Review
SPRING 2015
Mapping the Future: Explore strategic and curricular initiatives that look to the future; meet students and alumni whose work helps to shape that future. Plus: The Gathering, Homecoming Weekend, MKA Day, Book Fair and so much more!
Profiles in Giving
The Wheeler Family MKA is grateful to the Wheeler family for their involvement in our community and their support of Annual Giving. Such support ensures that the School’s tradition of excellence can continue for future generations. Please join them and pledge your support today at mka.org/giving.
Nancy and Reb Wheeler and their three daughters, Ella, Maren and Ava, are proud to have been part of the MKA community for the last four years. Ella is thriving in 4th grade at the Middle School, while twins Maren and Ava are loving 1st grade at the Primary School. Reb and Nancy have developed many great friendships with other MKA families and enjoy watching their children form great memories while receiving an education that goes “above and beyond in all aspects of school life.” Ella enjoyed the 4th grade overnight trip with her classmates that kicked off their entry to Middle School, and has now earned the right to bring her school laptop home. Her parents joke that they have never seen her so excited for homework! At the Primary School, writing celebrations are a particular family favorite and the twins shine when it is their turn to share what they have written – often featuring dad as the hero of their stories! Nancy and Reb see their children grow every day and are very proud of their accomplishments.
The Wheeler family has consistently supported MKA’s Annual Giving efforts because they feel it has an “incredible and immediate impact on the school community that our children adore.” They recognize that their Annual Giving dollars “enable MKA to make exceptional programming choices and reward the outstanding efforts of the faculty and staff.” Nancy is one of MKA’s busiest volunteers. She is an esteemed volunteer for the Annual Giving appeal, recognizing that participation is key to gauging MKA’s financial health, and noting that “our participation is an indication of how greatly we value our MKA experience as parents.” She also serves on the PAMKA Board of Officers as Community VP. “PAMKA is the engine that makes our school a great community,” says Nancy. Ella, Maren and Ava are active in other aspects of MKA life too. All three girls swim and are excited about trying lacrosse and softball this spring. They look forward to the day when they can play and compete on MKA’s athletic teams.
MKA Board of Trustees 2014-15 President: Michael V. Johnson Vice President: Evelyn M. Colbert Vice President: Tracy E. Higgins Treasurer: Jeffrey G. Szilagyi Secretary: Michael P. Friezo
Members: Joseph V. Amato Merrick G. Andlinger Kenneth W. Barrett James L. Bromley Daniel B. Carson ’83 Christina A. Cotton David A. Crichlow Carolyn N. Everson Clifford B. Finkle IV ’92 Karen T. Gulliver Kathleen M. Logan Steven C. Milke
Thomas W. Nammack Eric F.S. Pai ’79 Kenneth S. Rivlin Luke Sarsfield III ’91 Amy L. South Jaclyn V. Spedaliere ’00 Linda H. Sterling Jonathan M. Strain Chiming Tse Mei-Mei Tuan Elizabeth S. Weiswasser Lori W. Yanes
Honorary Trustees: Aubin Zabriskie Ames ’54 John E. Garippa Alice M. Hirsh Susan H. Ruddick Newton B. Schott, Jr. Advisory Trustees: Barry W. Ridings ’70 Robert L. Tortoriello David L. Turock
Table of Contents
Profiles in Giving Front & Back inside covers From the Headmaster Letter from the Headmaster .........................................2 MKA’s Headmaster Receives Fellowship.....................3 The Administrative Council .........................................4 Trustee News Letter from the President .............................................5 Future Forward Updates ..............................................6 The Board of Trustees ..................................................8
Around MKA: The Gathering ..............................................................9 Homecoming and Reunions .........................................10 Grandparents’ and Special Friends Day .......................12 Mapping the Future:.....................................................13 Future Directions ................................................14 Alumni Shape the Future ....................................18 Meeting Young Scientists ....................................24 Student News: The Headmaster is Pleased to Announce .....................29 Fall Athletics Round Up and Honors ...........................30 Faculty News: Faculty Shout-Outs.......................................................34 Anniversaries and Retirements ....................................35
Mission Statement Montclair Kimberley Academy is a Pre-K-12 coeducational day school with an exceptional college preparatory program unified by the concepts of our school motto: Knowledge, Vision, Integrity. An MKA education is defined by the following commitments: Knowledge • To cultivate a love of learning in each student • To develop independent and autonomous learners • To establish a foundation of academic excellence
Parent News: Enter the Kingdom of Books .......................................36 Captivating Conversations ...........................................37 Welcoming New Families ............................................38 Alumni News: Letter from the President .............................................39 MKA Day .....................................................................40 MKA On the Road in the North and South .................42 Alumni Games Day ......................................................44 The Networking Net Expands ......................................46 Class Notes ..........................................................48
Vision • To engage each student intellectually and personally with the world • To graduate students who will excel in college and in their lives beyond MKA Integrity • To strengthen each student’s intellect, character, and confidence
Assistant Editors: Debra Allen, Class Notes Secretary
• To promote each student’s full and active citizenship and leadership
Gretchen Berra, Associate Director of Alumni Relations and Communications
Photo Credits: Doug Allen Gretchen Berra Phil Cantor Photography James Demaria David Hollander Nick Kelsh Debbie Kozak Ingrid Ramos Nakamura ’92 Kim Saunders Keith Wiggs
• To secure a life-long sense of honor through academic, athletic, and artistic achievement
Lois Montorio, Director of Alumni Relations
Cover photography Nick Kelsh
Kim Saunders, Director of Communications and Marketing
Design: geministudio.com
• To recognize complexity and value empathy
With traditions dating back to 1887, MKA was formed by the merger of Montclair Academy, Brookside School, and The Kimberley School in 1974.
Review Editor: Debbie Kozak, Associate Director of Communications and Marketing
MKA complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.
From the Headmaster
Dear MKA Families, In 2010, The National Association of Independent Schools’ Commission on Accreditation issued a publication entitled A 21st Century Imperative, A Guide to Becoming a School of the Future. NAIS serves as a resource for member schools like MKA as well as providing research to inform and prompt our schools to action. The NAIS publication outlines seven “Essential Capacities for the 21st Century” for independent school graduates: Analytical and Creative Thinking and Problem Solving; Complex Communication – Oral and Written; Leadership and Teamwork; Digital and Quantitative Literacy; Global Perspective; Adaptability, Initiative and Risk-Taking and Integrity and Ethical Decision Making. In this issue of The Review you will find examples of these capacities in the daily work of our students, faculty and administrators, and in what guides MKA’s curricular initiatives and strategic planning efforts. And perhaps nowhere are they more powerfully exemplified than in the work of those alumni profiled in these pages. I am especially proud of the significant progress that MKA has made in developing the Global Perspective of our students for which NAIS assigns the following eight essential skills and abilities:
•
Develop open-mindedness, particularly regarding the values and traditions of others
•
Study and understand non-western history, politics, religion, and culture
•
Develop facility with one or more international languages
• Use technology to connect with people and events globally •
Develop social and intellectual skills to navigate effectively across cultures
•
Use 21st century skills to understand and address global issues
2
FROM THE HEADMASTER
•
Learn from, and work collaboratively with, individuals from diverse cultures, religions and lifestyles in a spirit of mutual respect and open dialogue
•
Leverage social and cultural differences to create new ideas and achieve success
A Guide to Becoming a School of the Future, copyright 2010, National Association of Independent Schools, pp. 11-12 MKA’s Global Experiences Program includes the 9th grade seminar in Global Studies and opportunities that are accessible to all Upper School students for domestic and international travel for service, cultural immersion, student exchange and travel for students in grades 9-12. It is a true point of institutional pride to note that over 25% of our Upper School students will travel on an MKA Global Experience this year. In the breadth and depth of MKA’s programs and in the values of the school community we have the resources to educate our students to make, not just take, their places in the world. We strive to provide and to help them find authentic and varied ways in which to live that part of the school’s mission “to engage intellectually and personally with the world.” The essential skills and abilities outlined above are evidence of the enduring value of MKA’s focus on character development as the prerequisite for leading lives of purpose and meaning, now and in the future. The capacity for Integrity and Ethical Decision Making hinders or liberates all of our other abilities, including intellect. Consider the foundation that the MKA Character Standards provide for developing the skills and abilities articulated by NAIS:
•
Respectful: We act with civility in our relations with others while still valuing ourselves. We are conscious of the world around us and recognize the worth of all we have and treat it accordingly.
•
Friendly: We demonstrate good will and compassion in our relationships with others. We understand that in order to have friends we must be friends and treat all with understanding, loyalty and respect.
From the Headmaster
•
•
•
Responsible: We fulfill obligations and complete tasks to the fullest of our ability, and we are accountable members of our community. We volunteer our assistance when called upon and budget our time, efforts and resources sensibly. Confident: We uphold a positive image of ourselves regardless of the way others perceive us. We recognize our potential and challenge ourselves to improve the talents and skills we possess. We are able to take pride in our work, while remaining humble and accepting of criticism. We express our opinions freely without fear of the judgment of others and always speak up when we see acts of injustice. Temperate: We balance all aspects of our lives. By devoting personal attention to academics and personal commitments, we maintain moderation. While welcoming relaxation, we exert self-control and strength of will when faced with temptation and challenge.
•
Fair: We cultivate an environment where all students may act and speak without the fear of prejudice, intolerance or judgment. We recognize and seek to understand the differences between individuals in the community. While recognizing these differences, we also value the inherent equality among all.
•
Informed: We rely not only on our own experiences to make decisions, but we also actively seek a more thorough understanding of the world. With our knowledge, we envision a more peaceful and empathetic society.
•
Honest: We understand the value and necessity of being true to ourselves, as well as others, and we are sincere in words and actions. We take pride in the authenticity of our own work and ideas, and we have the courage and integrity to take responsibility for all of our actions.
The past and the present are not always reliable mirrors for what is to come, and to an increasing degree, our alumni lead lives and develop careers around endeavors that did not exist when they were in high school. The character standards are the compass rose on the maps of our students’ lives as they equip themselves with the skills, knowledge and experiences to meet and shape the future. Warmest regards,
2015
FELLOWSHIP AWARD Headmaster Tom Nammack was awarded a fully funded fellowship to the Klingenstein Center for Independent School Leadership’s 2015 Heads of Schools program at Teachers College, Columbia University. This distinguished honor, established in 1991, is granted to just 20 heads of school annually. The award provides independent school leaders with an opportunity for focused professional enrichment, renewal and reflection. For two weeks in January, visiting heads from around the world gathered together at the Columbia University Campus for intensive study to examine educational issues and policies facing independent school educators. The Center attracts and selects educators who have demonstrated outstanding accomplishment or potential for excellence and equips them with the knowledge, skills and values necessary for informed and effective practice. Participants focused on philosophy, research, technology and governance. “I am still processing the experience, which was intense and phenomenal,” said Nammack. “The cohort of national and international heads was outstanding: they were drawn from several for-profit international schools in Ethiopia, Australia, Singapore, The Cayman Islands, from day schools like ours (Kingswood Oxford for example) and from smaller K-8 schools operating on shoestring budgets but doing great things. Much of our work was focused in three areas: research on teaching and learning, 21st Century schools, and a brilliantly taught seminar on the philosophy of education featuring the writings of Montaigne, Dewey and Jackson, among others.” Outside the classroom, the heads spent time visiting four very different New York schools and working on their own research projects. “I have not written a research paper in 20 years,” noted Nammack, “and the process and the resources have simply been revolutionized ... With remote access to all the libraries and search engines available at Columbia University, what’s available is staggering.”
Thomas W. Nammack Headmaster FROM THE HEADMASTER
3
From the Headmaster
Administrative Council: 2014 - 2015
Front row l-r: Assistant Head of School for Curriculum & Professional Development Karen Newman, Headmaster Thomas W. Nammack, Head of Primary School Campus Ginger Kriegel Back row l-r: Director of Athletics Todd Smith, Director of Educational Technology Dr. Reshan Richards, Assistant to the Headmaster Carol Ippisch, Assistant Headmaster/CFO Richard Sunshine, Head of Middle School Campus Dr. Randy Kleinman, Director of Technology William Stites, Director of Admissions & Financial Aid Alyson Waldman ’99, Director of Communications & Marketing Kim Saunders, Director of Development & External Affairs Geoff Branigan, Head of Upper School Campus Dr. David Flocco
Cheers to Debbie Kozak! After 18 years of service as Director of Communications and Marketing at MKA, Debbie Kozak has decided to move on to new adventures! Debbie and her husband Conrad are parents to two MKA alumni, Edmund ’05 and Guy ’09. Among her many accomplishments, Debbie has served as the dedicated liaison to PAMKA and has been the Editor of the Review Magazine since 2007. Debbie’s contributions extend far and wide across our campuses, making her an invaluable resource to all who have had the pleasure of working with her. It is with mixed emotions that we send her off into this next chapter of her life.
4
FROM THE HEADMASTER
From the Trustees
The Greening of MKA Next fall, MKA will open the Academic Center at the Upper School that combines renovation and new construction. MKA’s Academic Center will be one of the few LEED Certified educational facilities in our area and includes both a green roof and an outdoor rooftop classroom for growing and studying plants, monitoring and measuring temperature, precipitation, rates of evaporation and other natural phenomena. The rooftop classroom will be used for intra-curricular sustainability education for students from all three MKA campuses, and it will be a unique environment for teaching and learning with breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. The decision to proceed with the Green Roof and Rooftop Classroom as well as to pursue LEED Certification was heavily influenced by the educational opportunities afforded by such a facility. As we pondered the additional expense of adding these elements, we asked the faculty to study how they might be woven into the curriculum. They came back with exciting possibilities. Laura Zimmerman, an MKA science teacher who wrote her Master’s thesis on Green Roof Education, is leading the faculty in planning how MKA will use this resource in grades Pre-K-12. Dr. Tom Holt, Upper School Science Department Chair, recently noted that he is always looking for ways to tell the story of our exceptional science program. “This public classroom,” he said, “will be a window into science at MKA.” LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a certification process that causes the designer and builder to evaluate each and every element of the building for best-in-class, energy-efficient design. The design and building elements are viewed through a practical screen, and points are awarded for those elements chosen. The total of all points determines the level of LEED Certification. Despite some practical limitations on the renovation side of the project, we know we can meet the requirements for certification and hope to achieve LEED Silver designation.
The new facility will include plaques describing the design and material selections made by MKA in the LEED process, so that all of our Upper School students will understand the planning and choices made to support the concept of sustainability. We are delighted to add that the funding for this facility has been augmented by a grant received from the Hyde and Watson Foundation. MKA is in the application process with the E.E. Ford Foundation in the hope of securing its support as well. Both of these foundations have a history of generous and critical support for MKA initiatives in curriculum, science facilities and faculty development that spans over 40 years. I should hasten to add that the green elements of the Upper School Academic Center are just one of many benefits for our students to enjoy. The Center will transform the academic lives of the Upper School students by rearranging research, tech support and the learning lab in one central location. Students will also enjoy new study areas designed thoughtfully by our Library Committee who visited some of the best college and secondary school facilities in the country. My thanks go out to all of the generous donors that have made this facility possible. In addition, I would like to thank all of those who have worked so diligently in the planning phases. Finally, a special thank you to Richard Sunshine, MKA’s Assistant Headmaster and Chief Financial Officer, for his tireless oversight of the construction process. I wish you all a delightful and productive spring. Warm regards,
Michael V. Johnson President, Board of Trustees FROM THE TRUSTEES
5
From the Trustees
Following the conclusion of the MKA All-School Gathering, members of the MKA Board of Trustees, administration, faculty, students and donors to MKA’s Future Forward: The Campaign for MKA assembled outside the Upper School for a groundbreaking ceremony for a new $6.8 million Academic Center, slated to open in the fall of 2015.
Breaking Ground for the Academic Center
Under clear blue skies and in the midst of construction vehicles, Headmaster Thomas W. Nammack welcomed the guests, marveling at the view future students will have from the Green Roof of the new building. Campaign Libraries Co-Chair and trustee Kate Logan spoke of her excitement for the new space as a “container for the creative minds
The new Academic Center promises to be a transformational space that will incorporate a state-of-the-art library, technology center, learning lab, small group study areas and Green Roof Classroom and is designed to become the physical heart of the campus, exemplifying the school’s commitment to providing flexible physical spaces that enhance autonomous and empowered learning.
Breaking ground, from l-r: MKA Assistant Head and Chief Financial Officer Richard Sunshine, Headmaster Thomas Nammack, Campaign Libraries Co-Chairs Evie Colbert and Kate Logan, President of the MKA Board of Trustees Michael Johnson and Campaign Chair Eric Pai ’79.
6
FROM THE TRUSTEES
within to explore new ideas and become innovative thinkers” and Board President Michael Johnson thanked donors for their generosity and the Board for being the driving force behind “this gift of sustainability.”
From the Trustees
Re-Dedicating Muenster Field In front of a crowd of over 100 spectators representing every constituency of the MKA community past and present, Montclair Kimberley Academy’s official re-dedication of the renovated Muenster Field and the dedication of the Everett L. Glenn Spectator Terrace kicked off the school’s Homecoming weekend on October 25th.
legacy to an alumnus “who exemplified the spirit of good sportsmanship and fair play and was MKA’s number one fan and cheerleader.” In re-dedicating the field as a whole, President of the Board of Trustees Michael Johnson thanked those who had made the vision for a first-class facility come to reality, observing
The field upgrades, a component of MKA’s Future Forward Campaign, (designed to support programs, people and facilities to enhance teaching and learning on all three campuses) have created a facility that now serves as the premiere playing and practice facility for Middle and Upper School athletes in field hockey, soccer and lacrosse. The extensive renovations boast a tournament-quality turfed field, field house, additional parking and improved spectator areas. In addition, engraved pavers that line the way to the field house commemorate past teams, coaches and members of the community as well as offering messages of support from current alumni, families, friends and athletes. Says Athletic Director Todd Smith, “The Muenster Field renovation is a statement of pride, loyalty and dedication, not only to MKA Athletics but also to the MKA community as a whole.” The morning began with the moving dedication of the Everett L. Glenn Spectator Terrace, named in honor of Everett Glenn, MKA Class of 2011. In the presence of the Glenn family, Headmaster Thomas W. Nammack reflected that the purchase of the land for the original Muenster Field was made possible with a memorial gift in honor of Helmut Muenster, father of two MKA alumni and husband of former MKA trustee Ann Muenster. Similarly, today’s renovations originated with a gift in memory of“another exceptional person,” Everett Glenn. A gift that, in Nammack’s words, “set an example that this would not just be a field, but a place where MKA would choose to celebrate who we have been, who we are and who we will be. A place where we are our best selves … In recognition of the gifts in his (Everett’s) name, the shape and view of this terrace embraces the whole field and everyone on it.” Glenn’s former fencing coach Kerry Verrone noted the field is a fitting
that “Places like this are where character is built … where student-athletes learn the true value of teamwork … learn how to become champions and wear it with grace and learn to accept defeat with dignity and resolve.” Athletic Director Todd Smith was the final speaker prior to the ribbon cutting, noting that the facility, redolent with cherished memories, “gives coaches and athletes a place to call home for the sports they love.”
FROM THE TRUSTEES
7
From the Trustees
Back row l-r: Eric Pai ’79, James Bromley, Steven Milke, Cliff Finkle ’92, Dan Carson ’83, Linda Sterling, David Crichlow, | Amy South, Joe Amato, Jaclyn Spedaliere ’00, Jon Strain, Lori Yanes, Mei-Mei Tuan, Chiming Tse Front row l-r: Karen Gulliver, Mike Friezo, Evie Colbert (Vice-President), Michael Johnson (President), Tom Nammack (Headmaster), Kate Logan, Jeff Szilagyi, Christina Cotton Missing from photo: Trustees: Rick Andlinger, Ken Barrett, Carolyn Everson, Tracy Higgins (Vice-President), Ken Rivlin, Luke Sarsfield ’91, Elizabeth Weiswasser Honorary Trustees: Aubin Ames ’54, John Garippa, Alice Hirsh, Susan Ruddick, Newton B. Schott, Jr. Advisory Trustees: Barry Ridings ’70, Robert Tortoriello, David Turock
MKA’s Board of Trustees 2014 - 2015 Three former MKA Board Presidents and current Honorary Trustees Aubin Ames ’54 (1977-1980), Newton B. Schott Jr. (2000-2007) and Alice Hirsh (2007-2010) enjoyed lunch with former Headmaster Dr. Peter R. Greer in November.
8
FROM THE TRUSTEES
Around MKA
The Gathering From MKA’s first official Gathering selfie to student performances that brought the house down, this year’s All-School Gathering exemplified everything that makes the MKA community so special. Student talent was showcased by stellar performances from the Primary School Bellringers, the Middle School 7th and 8th Grade Chorale Ensemble (channeling Duke Ellington) and the combined Middle and Upper School Jazz Bands (covering the Temptations). The Upper School was represented by the Mastersingers (singing Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody,) the Choreography Workshop dancers, the Unaccompanied Minors (with a rousing rendition of Michael Jackson’s Wanna be Startin’ Something) and celebrated senior pianist Isaiah Thompson, a former finalist for the prestigious national YoungArts program and two-time recipient of the Outstanding Piano Soloist Award in the Jazz at Lincoln Center competition, who received a standing ovation for his extraordinary performance of Cole Porter’s Night and Day. MKA’s successful athletics program was celebrated in the hanging of new banners to celebrate last year’s team championships, as well as by rousing performances from the MKA Cheerleaders and Step Team.
appreciation for a school that “let’s you be independent but you’re never alone” while Crichlow (the instigator of the selfie) transfixed the audience with his tribute to MKA: “First and foremost, we’re a community … With every improvement and change underway, MKA realizes the full potential of each and every student. I love this school - I really do … it will forever be a part of me. So stop, look around and appreciate everything MKA has to offer … Celebrate what it means to be a Cougar.” The school’s renowned faculty was recognized in the presentation of two 30-year service awards to Primary School music teacher Jane Smith and Upper School science teacher Laurie Smith, and of a 40-year service gift to 1st Grade teacher Pat Parke. Alumni Council President Jaclyn Spedaliere ’00 also presented the Founders’ Cup for Teaching Excellence to Upper School Latin teacher Dr. John Jacobs. From the sea of MKA spirit clothing to the cheers for Kindergartners receiving MKA Cougars from members of the senior class, community spirit was high, and the morning concluded with the youngest member of the Class of 2027 helping Headmaster Nammack officially ring in the start of the 127th school year.
Academics were also celebrated, not only in the presentation of MKA sweaters to deserving students (also given for Fine & Performing Arts and Athletic achievements) but also in the content of speeches made by 8th Grade President Dylan Ladda ’19 and Upper School Student Government President David Crichlow ’15. Ladda spoke about his
AROUND MKA
9
Around MKA
Homecoming and... Homecoming and Reunion Weekend 2014 was an incredible success as a record-breaking number of alumni returned to campus and various locations around Montclair to celebrate their reunions. On Saturday, October 25th a crowd of over 100 spectators representing every constituency of the MKA community, past and present, attended the official re-dedication of the renovated Muenster Field, new field house and the Everett L. Glenn Spectator Terrace. Following the dedication, more than 200 reunion year alumni, family and friends arrived at
10
AROUND MKA
the Upper School for the Reunion Luncheon celebrating the ’4’s and ’9’s where Susan Schadler ’69 was officially recognized as the 2014 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. Having spoken to Upper School economics and statistics classes the day before, she reflected: “MKA is quite simply a cool school. A walk through the corridor speaks to the social, academic and extracurricular vibrancy of the school – for boys and girls. … The facilities almost sing with the possibilities for young people … to pursue. In the classroom, the academic envelope is clearly being pushed. Students – boys and girls – are being prepared for the complexities of a world that go far beyond anything we ever dreamed of in high school. So TKSers and Academy boys, let us rejoice and acknowledge our roles as stepping stones to this place. It must succeed and we must support it.” A highlight of every Reunion Luncheon is the presence of former faculty, and in attendance this year for the first time was beloved former coach Carmen Marnell.
Reunion Weekend 2014 The festivities continued into the evening as over 300 alumni attended reunion cocktail parties held at multiple locations throughout Montclair. Several popular local venues - Egan’s, Halcyon, Pig and Prince, Fitzgerald’s and the Montclair Golf Club - were packed with alumni celebrating their 5th through 65th reunions. The weekend ended with a special brunch to celebrate MKA’s legacy families. Parents and their children came to the Middle School to have their family portraits taken and look through old yearbooks featuring their family members. The children (and some adults too!) also enjoyed a caricaturist and a temporary tattoo artist!
AROUND MKA
11
Around MKA
ala
MKA ! Go to pringgala d bid!
EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT TO
We need your input. Do you know someone deserving of recognition? The Alumni Association is always accepting nominations for awards it oversees: The Distinguished Alumni Award, The Honorary Alumni of Distinction, Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame, and the Founders' Cup for Teaching Excellence. Visit mka.org/alumniawards for criteria, nomination forms and a list of past recipients. The nomination deadline for this year's Founders' Cup is April 30th. Questions? Contact Alumni Director Lois Montorio at lmontorio@mka.org
Grandparents’ and Special Friends Day Over 300 Grandparents and Special Friends traveled from over 26 different states to the MKA Primary School campus on November 21st for a truly remarkable morning. After being welcomed by Headmaster Tom Nammack and Head of the Primary School Ginger Kriegel, guests were treated to a wonderful, all-school concert directed by music teacher Jane Smith and then invited into the classrooms of their grandchildren or special friends to participate in fun projects and educational activities. It was a wonderful day filled with love and laughter and a perfect way for everyone to get in the spirit of the holiday season!
Join others in the MKA community for the Third Annual Headmaster’s Schamble on Thursday, June 11, 2015 at AROUND the Montclair12 Golf Club.
MKA
Visit mka.org/golf for details.
Follow MKA Athletics on Twitter mkaathletics and on Instagram.com.mkaathletics# to get live coverage as it happens!
T HE
MAPPING
FUTURE
The theme of this issue – “Mapping the Future” - is an ambiguous phrase: it can mean plotting, preparing, or anticipating; shaping or modeling; taking what is already known and projecting it into the unknown. From the new construction at the Upper School to future facility projects at the Primary School; from the next generation of strategic planning initiatives to honing the school’s mission statement; and from existing courses that prepare students for real world challenges to exciting new curricular offerings, MKA is constantly working to map the future. In this issue, we explore curricular initiatives that build a foundation for future explorations, meet students undertaking research that could have implications for the future, and get to know some alumni who are, quite literally, shaping our futures.
AROUND MKA
13
THE
MAPPING
FUTURE
clipboards and pencils and take notes as they visit the music room, their third grade buddies classrooms, the kitchen, and the rest of the campus. Later in the classroom they compile their notes and work in groups of four on 3ft by 6ft pieces of paper. The paper is so big they need to work on the floor. The children consider the staircases and the outside areas such as the parking lot and the playground.
Foundational Skills for Future Directions Mapping Reggio Style at the Primary School Caylie Marden, Pre-K Team Leader
Pre-K is using Reggio inspired project-based learning to explore curriculum topics in depth. Central to the Reggio Approach is the idea that children learn through interacting with their peers on group projects. As they problem solve and negotiate to combine their thoughts and ideas, the children construct their own learning and grow their ideas through discussions. A study can last a week, several weeks or even a month depending on the interests of the children. Often an idea is revisited in different forms as the study progresses and the ideas change and develop. In Pre-K, our study of maps begins with a question: What can you make a map of? “You can make a treasure map!” one child excitedly exclaims. “Yeah…maps show you where to go so you can find the treasure,” another child chimes in. This question leads to a discussion of why maps are important and what information they can convey. For writing workshop, the children draw detailed treasure maps and then tell elaborate stories about their maps. The idea of maps is revisited with a discussion of how the classroom can be portrayed on a map. The children take a walking tour of the room noticing the different areas and where the doors and windows are located. While the treasure maps were individual endeavors, the classroom maps are collaborative. Children are paired up and given a single piece of paper and a single pencil. They have to discuss their ideas and take turns drawing. Then the idea of maps expands to drawing the whole Primary School Campus. The children take a research tour armed with
14
AROUND MKA
A field trip to Alstede Farm in Chester inspires an entire grade map project. Students from both Pre-K A and Pre-K B reflect on the different areas of the farm and divide themselves into six different committees. The fields group works on painting the different vegetable fields while the haystack group thinks about how to convey the giant hay pyramid at the center of the farm. Other groups focus on the parking lot, the hayride route, the animals and the people who visit the farm. As all 26 children work collaboratively on the map over the period of a week, they not only portray the farm, but also incorporate language arts by writing labels for the important parts of the map to help others read it. This map study and the way that it can grow from a single question is one of the ways the Reggio Approach is being used in Pre-K. Mapping at the Middle School Jessica Bishop, Middle School Social Studies
Each year we begin 6th grade social studies with an examination of the “What’s Up, South?” map. The map is oriented with the Southern Hemisphere at the top, and it looks as though it is “upside down.” We ask the 6th grade students to make observations about the map, and we then discuss why someone would choose to create it. As part of the discussion, we ask the students if they believe the map is wrong. What traditionally ensues are very rich discussions about perspectives and the importance of understanding that just because
something is portrayed in a way that we are not used to seeing it, that doesn’t necessarily mean it is wrong. The students then bring in maps that they have found in order to compare, reflect and analyze based on the skills acquired with this exercise. This activity is meant to serve as a metaphor for many topics we’ll discuss in 6th grade. It also serves as a reminder that there is more than one way of understanding and perceiving something, and that we should consistently try to ask questions and have discussions in order to have a better understanding of the world around us.
operate with autonomy. This design, build, program and test cycle helps club members not only develop the skills needed to eventually field a team for the FIRST LEGO League competition, but also prepares them to take on increasingly complex challenges in the world of science and technology.
The Middle School Robotics Club: Up and Rolling … and Remotely Controlled! Amy Fossett, Middle School Science & Mike Alexander, Systems Technician
Last year, Amy Fossett and Mike Alexander started a LEGO® Robotics club at the Middle School, with an ultimate goal of making a First Lego League team, to participate in an annual competition sponsored by LEGO. The club sponsors began by teaching the basics of robotics and building some simple designs from LEGO. Using the Mindstorms EV3 kit, students were able to build various robots including an all-terrain vehicle and a slithering snake that shakes and strikes people. During the club’s second year, in a continuing effort to encourage students to pursue a career in science, technology and engineering, the sponsors have moved away from following a set list of instructions. Instead, the students’ challenge is to use their own creativity to collaboratively build a robot that meets predetermined objectives decided by the group. Students research basic robotic principles, share resources, work together to overcome hurdles and improve their designs through trial and error. Another new facet added this year is an introduction to programming. Since a robot cannot work without a brain, LEGO provides software that teaches students how to create a program to make the robot do what they want it to do. To develop this ability, students created a twisting course and then programmed their robot to navigate the path. Currently, the club is staging a competition between teams to see who can build the fastest machine. While there is a consistent emphasis on creativity, Mr. Alexander and Mrs. Fossett also make sure that the students understand the scientific principals that allow a robot to
Making the Modern City – Observing the Past to Inform the Future Paul Cunningham & Dr. Louise Maxwell, Upper School History Department
From the Upper School Campus, the New York City skyline is a defining and inspiring presence, one which certainly influences our students’ lives. But how much do our students truly know about its cultural and historical narrative and its complex and immense legacy? Two years ago, Dr. Maxwell wanted to propose an upper level elective on the history of the city, and Mr. Cunningham, a course on its literature. We were brought together to see if the ideas for these two classes could be blended to generate a more holistic, interdisciplinary look at the city that underpins so many aspects of our lives and our students’ lives here in Montclair. We designed the course to look at a span of 100 years from 1900 to 2000. We begin with the turn of the 20th century where students study the age of modernization and industrialization, and the problems which arose quite literally from building and populating the city, spatially, safely, and systematically. We then move into the 1920s and the Age of Prohibition, a divisive issue which asked the question of an individual’s freedom within a larger scheme of trying to maintain order. Our final unit of the first semester looks at WWII and its myriad effects, producing an economic boom but a disillusioned people, where racial inequality was becoming a tangible setback to ultimately confront.
AROUND MKA
15
Our second semester has begun by exploring the radical 1960s with racial disputes rising to prominence at the same time as a legitimate concern about whether or not officials could both manage and fund the city. Still to come in our year is an exploration of the economic boom of the 1980s, amidst violence and corruption. We finally round out the century with Guiliani’s cleanup and New York’s peak position in the world, knowing the devastation from September 11th is still to come and the city’s subsequent rebuilding ongoing. Along the way, students read the likes of Edith Wharton, Langston Hughes, Dorothy Parker, J.D. Salinger, Ralph Ellison, Allen Ginsberg, and Tom Wolfe, to name a few. Throughout the year, students will also explore themes such as the outsider’s place within the overwhelming city which attracts and frustrates; that New York state of mind that both liberates and confines thinking; and the vast poles of experience such as wealth and poverty, opportunity and despair which coexist so intensely within one city. And while students will hopefully get to know the larger story that was and is New York, they will also begin to create a personal attachment to the metropolis which has always existed right on our horizon at MKA. Mapping Upper School Construction in Sculpture 2 Alicia Cuccolo, Upper School Fine & Performing Arts
A recent exhibit on view at the opening of the new contemporary art museum in Paris, Fondation Louis Vuitton, featured the work of American photographer and graphic designer Taryn Simon. (A visit to this extraordinary structure, designed by architect Frank Gehry, is on the itinerary of the senior May Term trip to France and Spain). During the five-year construction of the museum, Simon was allowed to explore the excavation and construction site collecting some 400 artifacts. The objects included newspapers, notes, and drawings. She also researched the sourcing and use of various construction materials such as drywall, cement, copper, and aluminum.
This year I gave my Sculpture 2 students a visual challenge. With the Upper School undergoing an extensive redesign of its structure in the Academic Center, I asked them to design an artwork that tells the story of the construction over the course of the year. They would be living the memory of the site everyday. They would become archaeologists. I asked them to think about what specific architecture exists, the school’s past and present history and its future plans. They would choose how to respond using any medium including maps, charts, films, photos, videos, sounds, etc. I wasn’t sure what to expect from my proposal. The student’s initial response was a mix of curiosity and uncertainty. As they explored the demolition site of the old library they found inspiration, wonder and sadness in the bare spaces. As the construction progressed, they continued to refine their ideas and make creative connections. There have been unique and personally expressive themes in a variety of materials: a sculpture using cast off debris and construction materials, a focus of the various effects of the new drop off location and noises (photography & audio), the effects of the new structure on students, faculty and staff (audio interviews), the history of the old school buildings (paintings), the displays of various signage and construction barriers (photography), the lines and patterns reflected in all elements at the site (drawing/sculpture) and more.
We all see the world in different ways. How does the external world affect, activate, and influence our thinking and feeling? And how can we become more aware of the world we live in? This is what motivates artistic expression. Some of the lessons I am learning along with students are to be flexible, be surprised, take risks, share ideas, embrace unexpected directions and results and find inspiration in the everyday.
T HE
MAPPING 16
AROUND MKA
FUTURE
Computer Science Classes: What We Didn’t Have, What We Now Have, and Why We Have Them Jean Hooi Lee, Upper School Math and Computer Science
What classes can expand job opportunities, increase earning power and improve math and logic skills? Where do you get to learn how to make cool applications that can be applied to other fields, like medicine, business or engineering? And where can you gain a better understanding of the technology that is around you every day, from what is inside a computer, to how a website is made? In computer science classes! Right now, the USA needs a large number of computer science majors to fill jobs, and there are not enough graduates to fill them. By 2020, it is expected that there will be about 1,400,000 job openings in technology, and only 400,000 graduates to fill them [1]. Not all high schools provide computer science classes for students who may be interested in the field. Fortunately, that is not the case at MKA. In the past, the Upper School offered two computer science courses, alternating between Introduction to Java and AP Computer Science each year. Revisions were made this year to build up the computer science program, including a change to the introductory course, now taught in the Python programming language instead of Java, and the addition of a new course called Computer Science Fundamentals.
Python is a general-purpose, high-level programming language used for various applications that several colleges, including Cornell, have started using for intro classes. With this, our students now have the opportunity to learn Python and Java if they take Intro to Programming and go on to AP Computer Science. Python is an object-oriented programming language just like Java, so students still learn the same concepts. Simple programs in Python require less explanation than in Java, so learning key programming concepts is easier. Python is also used in industrial-strength programming (including at Google, Yahoo, NASA, and Disney), so students will be able to utilize this language should they pursue computer science in the future.
Due to the math prerequisite for the Intro to Programming course, it is only open to students in grades 10–12. To address the need for a freshman computer science class, the Computer Science Fundamentals class was formed. Computer science is about more than just learning programming languages, so this class explores other elements such as computer architecture and operating systems, artificial intelligence and robotics, cyber security, databases, gaming, graphics, web design and social and ethical issues. It is a course that exists hardly anywhere else in the country, so the MKA students who take it are already a step ahead of their peers in college! To increase awareness of these courses, the Middle and Upper School math departments have participated in the national Hour of Code event for the past two years. MKA uses the tutorials provided at www.csedweek.org to let students spend an hour coding during a math class. This has helped raise enrollment in computer science at the Upper School from 12 students in 2013 to 47 students in 2014! Computer science classes are not easy electives, yet many students are bravely taking them on as a sixth major. Sophomore Jared Levine expressed a sentiment echoed by several others: “It’s challenging and really hard to learn, but once you learn it, it’s cool and worth it. For Intro to Programming, junior Maya Gujral said, “I like the class,
and I never would have thought to learn Python without it.” while senior Chris Giersz notes, “This programming class helps me expand my knowledge in computer science, and in today’s world, that’s beneficial.” As a teacher, I can only be grateful to have students with such insight and dedication. They already understand that these courses lay the foundation for the problem solving and application skills that are useful for their modern, technological futures. [1] Statistics were given by the College Board, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and National Science Foundation. More information can be found at csedweek.org.
AROUND MKA
17
THE
MAPPING
Alumni Shaping Our Futures Robert Livesey ’65 - Architect
An award winning architect and teacher, Robert is Head of Architecture at the Knowlton School, Ohio State University. He has won numerous design awards including a Citation from Progressive Architecture for Maison Truc and the AIA Ohio 2010 Gold Medal Award; is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and of the American Academy in Rome, and has worked for I.M. Pei and Partners, and James Stirling Michael Wilford & Associates.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself? I grew up in Montclair, within walking distance of the then Montclair Academy (the Upper Mountain Avenue campus). I attended the Academy from 7th-12th grades. My older sister sister, Sharon Livesey ’63, went to Kimberley, and my younger sister went to Brookside. My father, Robert Livesey, was a member of the MA Class of ’37 and a trustee of the School for over 20 years. I received an AB in Architecture from Princeton and a Master of Architecture from Harvard. I then spent three years traveling in Europe, two of them as a fellow at the American Academy in Rome. Since leaving Montclair, I have lived in Rome, London, New York, Hopewell, NJ and Columbus, OH. I have two daughters and am a widower. In my professional life, I have always taught and practiced architecture. What originally sparked your interest in architecture? I wanted to be an architect before I could pronounce the word. I had several sets of Elgo’s American Plastic Bricks (a precursor to LEGO®) and would spend hours making houses and other structures. Adults seemed to admire my creations, so I thought, “hmm, I can do this.”
18
AROUND MKA
FUTURE
Are you still involved in a hands-on practice? If so, can you describe some of your projects? Because I primarily teach and administer, I usually practice as a design consultant to other firms. That means that I do the design for a project, and others do the more detailed construction documents for the buildings. I have designed projects from loft renovations to large laboratory buildings. Many firms focus on building types, but if I have any specialty it would be finding solutions for complex programs on difficult sites. What is it that you most enjoy about teaching architecture to students? The process of design is learned by trial and error, it takes practice. Students try many different approaches. I enjoy steering students in the “right” direction, helping them to make their designs more inclusive and intense. I encourage students to think of me as their Jiminy Cricket. Were there ways in which MKA prepared you for the life you now lead? The Academy prepared me to multitask. I was always very involved with extracurricular activities and sports in addition to my studies. I benefited from being at the Academy when the first phase of the Upper Mountain Avenue campus was designed by Eppel and Seamon. I was amazed by how well the new buildings dealt with an impossible site. In addition, I got to design the “Head Boy Plaque” around a display case. Having access to the case’s electrical box taught me that the smallest aspects of a project can have an impact. Who have been the biggest influences in your life and how? At MKA, I had some great teachers and coaches. Most memorably Mr. Connors, who taught geometry, and Ian Naismith, who coached soccer. From Connors, I learned about the relationship of elements. From Naismith I learned teamwork and leadership. I have had great architectural mentors, most notably Charles Gwathmey, the designer of many great buildings including the US consulate for the UN; and the English architect, James Stirling, also a world renown architect and Pritzker Prize winner. Gwathmey was a teacher of mine and became a lifelong friend who taught me to be rigorous in my design process. I worked for Stirling, and he gave me my first teaching job.
Do you have any advice for today’s students who might be thinking about a career in architecture? There are two myths about architecture. 1: you have to be good in math, and 2: you have to be able to draw. Both are useful skills, but neither is essential for the discipline. Architecture is about the organization of diverse elements. One needs to be intellectually curious and to be able to think across disciplines. In the end, one will be transforming all sorts of ideas into physical form. A good liberal arts education is the best preparation to study architecture. I would also encourage students to travel and look at the physical world as it has been made over time. What has been the accomplishment that has given you the most satisfaction? Making a school of architecture. I came to Ohio State as the chair of the Department of Architecture over 30 years ago. Since then, I have held various administrative (and non-admin) positions, all of which have been focused on making the best design school in the country. Not the least of my efforts was shepherding the design and construction of a new facility for the school that has won many national awards. In looking to the future, do you have an architectural “dream” for something that could change how people live? Most simply, we are a product of our genes and our environment. Much of what we consume is junk. Apple Inc. has shown us that quality design will sell. If we could use that formula to improve our physical environment, we would live in a much better world. I am also a fan of economy, not cheapness, but economy of gesture to economy of material that would allow us to use our resources better. That is the new sustainability.
Dr. Janet N. Scheel ’76
A renowned pediatric cardiologist specializing in heart transplants and heart failure, Janet directed the renowned Pediatric Heart Transplant program at Johns Hopkins Hospital and led their pediatric cardiology fellowship program before being invited to Washington to be Medical Director of the Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplant Program for the Children’s National Health System.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself? I am a pediatric cardiologist and now the Medical Director of The Heart Failure and Transplant Program at the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. I went to Georgetown University for both a B.S. in Biology and an M.D.. I did my Internship in Pediatrics at New York Medical Center/Cornell and then my pediatric residency and Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. I was recruited to lead this program just over a year ago. Prior to that, I directed the Pediatric Heart Transplant Program at Johns Hopkins. I have a son in medical school and a daughter who plans on getting an MD/MPH after spending this year in Uganda doing research on rheumatic heart disease. My two older siblings also attended MA/TKS/MKA: Robert Nagel MA ’73, Nancy Nagel Lee MKA ’75 - first graduating class after the merger. My parents still live in Wayne, NJ where they own Nagel’s Candy Barn – it’s very easy to make friends when your parents own the local candy store! What originally sparked your interest in this field? I fell in love with pediatrics in medical school - I had done some research at The National Cancer Institute, and I assumed I would become a pediatric oncologist. During my last year of residency, I got to work with the woman who first dilated a cardiac valve with a balloon - the rest is history - I was hooked on cardiology. Can you describe some of the current research/ breakthroughs in pediatric heart surgeries? My area of pediatric cardiology is focused on heart transplants and heart failure. One of the major changes that has occurred in my field is the development of artificial pumps that support the circulation while a patient is waiting for a heart. In the past these pumps could only be used for a short time and many patients did not get a heart transplant in time. We can now support infants and children much longer. Some of our older children can actually go home on these devices and even go to school while they wait for a heart transplant instead of spending months in the hospital. Someday these pumps may even be better than a transplanted heart, although we are certainly not there yet.
AROUND MKA
19
THE
MAPPING
What is it that you most enjoy about your work? Every day is different, and I am always meeting new people and learning constantly. As a doctor, I meet people from many different backgrounds, and I love learning about them and hopefully helping them. I cannot always help everyone, but I like to think I can make a hard journey easier for some. Were there ways in which MKA prepared you for the life you now lead? I had a biology teacher named Sally Bailey at The Kimberley School and then at MKA when it went coed. Ms. Bailey was so enthusiastic about science that it was infectious.
FUTURE
Patricia Chin-Sweeny ’99 Economic Developer Patricia has parlayed her interests in environmental and third world social issues and her aptitude for economics and finance to found a global management and investment company dedicated to supporting local business growth in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Who have been the biggest influences in your life and how? The biggest influences would have to be my parents who taught me that with hard work anything was possible. I was never at the top of the class at MKA, and I did not get into my first college choice (or second or third), but I was determined to go to medical school. My parents supported me all the way. Do you have any advice for today’s students who might be thinking about a career in medicine? I am actually a pediatric cardiologist and not a surgeon. We always say that the surgeon goes in and fixes things after the non-surgeons have figured out what needs to be done. So I would ask “Don’t you want to use your brain as well as your hands?” Just kidding. Surgeons are wonderful people. I think that the best advice I would give is to make the decision to go to medical school first and the decision on the area of medicine later. I changed my mind many times. There are so many areas to choose from. My best piece of advice is don’t be afraid to change your mind or change your course. There are many opportunities out there! What has been the accomplishment that has given you the most satisfaction? Every time I see a transplanted heart beat in a child’s chest for the first time, I still get a thrill. It is great to watch a child who has been critically ill start doing things they have not been able to do before - it is a feeling that never gets old! In looking to the future, do you have a research “dream” for something that could change children’s lives? The advancement of the pumps I mentioned above and the refinement of the total artificial heart for children is my research dream at this point. Transplanted hearts don’t last as long as we would like, and improving that is my other research dream.
20
AROUND MKA
Can you tell us a bit about yourself? I was an MKA lifer and grew up in West Orange, NJ. After MKA, I studied environmental science at Barnard College and Columbia University, then worked in investment banking before attending business school at NYU Stern, where I launched my own company, I-DEV International, in 2009. I-DEV is a management strategy and investment advisory firm for emerging markets businesses throughout Latin America, Asia and Africa. We help local companies to improve their strategy, develop and roll out new products, and attract investment needed to grow. We work to develop innovative financing solutions and strategies to support business growth and focus on building local businesses that can create long-term jobs so they can sustain through sales revenues and market demand rather than from grants and grant applications. We now have global offices and a staff from around the world. Three years ago, I moved to Nairobi, Kenya to launch I-DEV’s third office. I continue to grow our team and work with entrepreneurs and investors who are committed to alleviating poverty and improving livelihoods. I also serve on the East Africa Steering Committee for the Aspen Institute’s Network for Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE), the leading trade association for organizations focused on growing the private sector in emerging markets.
What originally sparked your interest in emerging markets? I realized my passion for emerging markets and impact investing in business school. I’ve always liked to travel and learn about new cultures and have been passionate about environmental conservation and improving lives. I met my business partner, Jason Spindler, at a networking and pitch event for the NYU Stern Business Plan Competition during my first year in business school, and something resonated with what he said in giving his pitch for the predecessor concept to I-DEV International. I joined him in developing I-DEV’s full business plan, honing the strategy and pitching it to various rounds of judges - and in my spare time, was flying to Mexico or Peru to consult our first clients! Can you describe what a typical day for you might involve? I really don’t have a typical day, and that’s part of the fun! Recently, I was in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania for a conference, then presented to a regional development organization on impact investing and building scalable small, medium-sized enterprises. This week, I met with the UN to discuss going into Somalia. They’ve asked us to train local business owners in Mogadishu on formalizing and strengthening their waste collection businesses. This will involve running through basic financials of the business with business owners, as well as developing policies and internal processes to deal with constant corruption and the security threat. We will also advise the Somalian government on developing public-private partnerships to attract foreign investment into liquid waste infrastructure. I’ve also been working with my team to roll out a new program in partnership with Middlebury College/Monterey Institute of International Studies that allows teams of MBA students to conduct initial screening of clean cookstove and eco-fuels businesses seeking investment from the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves. Otherwise, my days involve meeting with local development finance institutions to brainstorm or advise on investment strategy, meeting with companies seeking to raise capital and connecting them with potential investors, and leading my team of consultants to advise on market entry, growth or other business strategy. We’ve advised companies in a range of sectors, including honey, clean energy, fresh produce, coffee, tea, spices, sesame, affordable housing, trade financing, improved latrines, clean water - you name it! What is it that you most enjoy about the work? I get to travel to incredible places to advise on how to build better companies! In the last two years, I’ve been to Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Lesotho, South Africa, Ethiopia,
New York, D.C., San Francisco, Amsterdam and London for work. In each place, I learn something new and am challenged to figure out how to improve the status quo!
Were there ways in which MKA prepared you for the life you now lead? MKA was good at helping me to first recognize my values and question things. I really focused on my creative side at MKA, and I often think that the inner artist and creative thinker in me is what helps me to develop innovative solutions needed to solve the particularly complex challenges you find in emerging markets. The rules and systems you are used to in the U.S. just don’t apply. Who have been the biggest influences in your life and how? My parents, and my business partner. My parents have both been active community members and committed to changing the world, the government and their town for the better. My mother in particular has taught me the importance of giving back as well as the power of marketing and business to influence change. My father and my business partner - both lawyers - have taught me to question everything, and the importance of never compromising on values or your strategic vision. Do you have any advice for today’s students who might be thinking about a career in economic development, social enterprise, impact investing or entrepreneurship? Entrepreneurship is the most incredible professional experience you can have, and the hardest you could ever pursue! If you feel it’s in you, go for it, but expect to “bootstrap” for at least five years. Social enterprise and impact investing have become increasingly “trendy” in recent years, and they have great potential to change how traditional philanthropy or economic development can be done. Too many social enterprises fail and too many impact investors will never achieve their target return on investments because the necessary time and analysis has not been spent on developing and testing an appropriate business model. I suggest getting at least two years of formal finance or consulting training before pursuing a career in any of these fields. You will do yourself a great favor by boosting your credentials so you can argue for a better salary in sectors that tend to underpay, and you will bring desperately lacking professional and analytical skills to the sector! And network! The more people you speak to, the faster you’ll understand dynamics of the sector, jargon and potential opportunities.
AROUND MKA
21
THE
MAPPING
What has been the accomplishment that has given you the most satisfaction so far? Surviving and thriving as an entrepreneur for five years! And, building a brand associated with quality business consulting and support, recognized by leading development finance institutions, emerging markets investors and economic development organizations. The stronger our reputation, the more we can leverage capital toward truly impactful, private sector development solutions. In looking to the future, do you have a “dream” for something that could change how people live? Call me biased, but ... I-DEV International! We’ve changed millions of people’s lives and helped them out of poverty by strengthening the businesses that employ and provide valuable products and services to them. I also have a dream that impact investing will become a mainstream form of investment, and that people will realize that they can often do more by investing in the growth of local businesses than in a local NGO or community project. Will Watts ’05 – Engineer
An engineer and entrepreneur, Will was most recently recognized by winning the 2014 NYC Top Makers Award for the work of his BlackBox company that uses 3-D printing to reduce the costs and improve the design of carbon fiber products.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself? I graduated from Princeton in 2009 with a degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. In my junior year, a design project led to me founding a company with some friends, building bamboo and carbon fiber bicycles. That company, now called Boo Bicycles, has been manufacturing
22
AROUND MKA
FUTURE
high-end bamboo bicycles in Vietnam since 2009 with worldwide sales. Once the design and engineering work was completed, I moved on to work as an engineer in the construction industry, first in Washington D.C., then in New York, running projects like the renovation of the New York Grand Hyatt and the New York Palace Hotel. In 2011, I started a workshop in the South Bronx where a few co-workers, friends and I could work on our various car, motorcycle, engineering and art projects. Through this, I met my current business partner who was working on a startup of his own. In 2012, he sold his business and we started BlackBox, and I’ve now made the jump to pursuing this company full time.
What originally sparked your interest in engineering? I have always been a tinkerer and builder. K’nex was my toy of choice growing up, and I always had an interest in all things mobile. I bought my first car, a 1972 Datsun 240z that was not quite roadworthy, when I was 15 and needed to learn how to get it in passable shape by the time I had my license. I bought a welder and taught myself to weld, painted it, had the engine out twice, changed two transmissions, rewired it - and it was still a hunk of junk. But it was my hunk of junk because I had built it, and it confirmed that I wanted to pursue engineering. Somehow I convinced MKA to let my senior project be taking a motorcycle engine and using it to (over) power a go-kart. I used my newfound welding skills to modify it. Even my college essay was about my car... Can you explain (in layman’s terms!) what it is that BlackBox is working on - and why? We are using 3D printers to reduce the cost of and improve the design of carbon fiber products. Carbon fiber is one of the strongest, but most expensive manufacturing materials and the ultimate goal of BlackBox is to open up both low volume and low unit cost markets to this wonderful material. The process of designing, testing and manufacturing the molds and internal support structures required to produce usable products is a very time and cost intensive process. As a result, carbon fiber’s use has been limited to aerospace, and extremely high end products. By printing molds and support structures, we can not only dramatically reduce the cost and cycle time of this process, but also open up designs and geometries that were unachievable via traditional manufacturing methods. I’m now working with Lightning Motorcycles, a startup electric motorcycle company, to develop a carbon fiber swingarm for their motorcycle that would be lighter and stronger than the
aluminum one they currently use. We are printing a mold structure that will allow this to be made of carbon fiber at a fraction of the traditional cost and without a huge initial investment.
What is it that you most enjoy about leading astart-up company and what is it that most frustrates/challenges you? Working for myself again is wonderful. The hours may be longer, but I feel much more productive, and being able to bring my dog with me to work makes life much more pleasant! But there are never enough hours in the day. There is always something else I could be working on, or other associated distractions that can make it difficult to relax. Can you describe a “typical” day in your life at work? There isn’t much that’s typical. I usually handle emails from my apartment in the morning before driving to my shop. Lately, I’ve been working on upgrading my infrastructure. I built a freezer for material storage, designed and built a large computer-controlled oven for the curing of the carbon fiber, and am starting on building a larger 3D printer for larger molds. Soon I will start doing the actual carbon fiber work on the Lightning swingarm. Were there ways in which MKA prepared you for the life you now lead? MKA indulged my interests by allowing me to use my senior project for something non-traditional. That led me to my next project, the bamboo bicycles, which turned into a successful company. Beyond that, my science, physics and math education has served me particularly well. But being able to write and communicate effectively is just as important as technical prowess when starting a business, so I can’t discount my English and history education either. Who have been the biggest influences in your life and how? My parents have been huge influences on me and on how I approach life and work. My mom always pursued her passions in her free time, writing and illustrating while working a day job in publishing; she taught me about balancing personal responsibilities with what excites and drives you. My early engineering knowledge came from working with my dad on cars, and he was brave enough to indulge my interests when he could, letting me buy that Datsun and driving it up from Florida with me, only to realize halfway through the trip that it had no lights, and having a co-worker at the Ford plant help me with welding. I wouldn’t be who I am without them.
Do you have any advice for today’s students who might be thinking about a career in engineering? Get your hands dirty. It’s pretty easy to run through a modern engineering program without actually building anything. It’s important to learn how things come together and get made. With an engineering education, you can do many jobs and it’s telling that the majority of my graduating engineering class ended up in finance or business. There’s nothing wrong with that, but if you want to be an engineer, you should take advantage of the wonderful facilities most engineering programs have and build things. You’d be amazed what ideas can come from fooling around with a mill and a lathe. You gain the understanding that, with enough time and effort, you can build anything you want. What has been the accomplishment that has given you the most satisfaction (so far!)? Building the first bamboo bike. In class, a professor had shown a slide of various materials, broken out in terms of their strength to weight. I noticed that sitting right in the middle of the traditional bike materials was bamboo. I thought “it already comes in hollow tubes, I bet I can build a bicycle out of that.’” A few weeks later, I was riding around the engineering parking lot on one. Going from an idea to a tangible thing that serves a purpose and works the way it should is a wonderful feeling. Do you have a “dream” for a product or invention that could change the future? My new shop is made from two shipping containers. The fact that I can build a self-contained workshop in containers and move it on-site wherever it’s needed is appealing. A long-term dream is to take a container and make it into one large 3D printer and machining center, able to print objects as big or even bigger than the container itself. This could then be deployed to, say, a construction site, to print large concrete, metal or engineered plastic structures for a building. It could be sent to an oil rig to print tooling on demand. The applications are broad, but the core idea is containerized, deployable, additive manufacturing on site and on demand.
AROUND MKA
23
THE
MAPPING
FUTURE
Meeting Young Scientists Each year, a handful of Upper School students apply to conduct independent work on a mentor-assisted, two-year research project of their own choice, design and execution. Guided by faculty member Dr. Carrie Fyler, three juniors and three seniors are currently engaged in such research, with the seniors submitting their final papers to be considered in the competitive portion of the 2015 New Jersey Junior Science & Humanities Symposium at Rutgers University. http://soe.rutgers.edu/jshs
Pierce Cohen ’16 Hometown: Saddle River House: Bradley Grade came to MKA: 9th
Do you remember when/how your interest in science first began? I have always been interested in how things work, ever since I can remember. However, my interest in science really began in 7th grade when we first starting doing lab work. Can you tell us a bit about your research topic “Experimenting with invisibility by investigating recent literature on how you can create invisibility by using different lenses/angles” and how you came to select it? For my project, I am building a four lens cloaking system that basically cloaks a circular region near the circumference of the lenses. I have always been interested in Physics, but the idea for this project really emerged when I read a paper written by two researchers at the University of Rochester titled “Paraxial Ray Optics Cloaking”. My research is closely
24
AROUND MKA
related to the work done by these researchers, who first discovered this method of cloaking. This method stands in contrast to traditional, metamaterial based cloaking, which has been extremely expensive to research and faces a number of limitations.
What aspect of the research process do you most enjoy and what is the most challenging? Working in the lab and building prototypes are my favorite parts of research. Although, I think the most difficult part is the preliminary work such as calculations and schematics that must be completed before lab work can begin. What future applications/actions do you envisage that could result from your research? Since this system cloaks what I call a “doughnut region” around the center of lenses, I can envision several applications for this research. One possible application that has been mentioned is allowing a surgeon to operate on a small area without his/her vision being obstructed by his/her hands. Also, since this device is scalable and only limited by the size of optics that can be created, this research could theoretically be used to cloak objects and even buildings, so there are military applications as well. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not in the lab? My favorite activities outside of the lab are skiing, traveling and listening to music. I also enjoy the extracurricular activities I participate in at MKA, which include soccer, speech and debate, and for the first time this year, the Winter Musical. What are your dreams/plans for the future? I hope to continue doing research in college, and study the fields of science, engineering and computer science. Who would you most like to meet and why? Steve Jobs. He was one of the most influential entrepreneurs of all time and forever changed the way we interact with computers.
Audrey Lane ’16 Hometown: Saddle River House: Bradley Grade came to MKA: 9th
i
s
in the Science Research Honors Class Do you remember when/how your interest in science first began? I think I first became interested in science during middle school when we got a project to create our own moving device. I worked with my best friend to create what we thought was the coolest thing ever ... basically it was a hollow triangular prism attached to a string that hung across our classroom and it moved using balloons. I think that’s the first time I realized how much fun science could be.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not in the lab? I love doing theater and art and just hanging out with family and friends.
Can you tell us a bit about your research topic, “Investigating GMOs using molecular techniques” and how you came to select it? My research project involves GMOs. I am using PCR to extract and compare DNA from wild type, round-up ready, and store-bought soybeans to see if “non-GMO ” foods are completely non-GMO. What first made me interested in this project was my mom. Two of her closest friends were diagnosed with cancer, and she began researching causes of cancer. I began to think that GMOs were one of the biggest culprits so I decided that would be something really interesting to research especially if it meant I could help people be more informed going forward as to what they are putting in their bodies.
Who would you most like to meet and why? My great-grandma. I’ve heard so many stories about her and what an amazing, brave person she was, and I wish I could meet her in person and have her tell me about all her adventures and what it was like growing up back then.
What aspect of the research process do you most enjoy and what is the most challenging? I don’t know if there’s just one thing that I like the best. I just really enjoy every step of the investigation process and what I’m finding along the way. It makes me feel like a detective. Definitely the most challenging is the trial and error process. You have to be prepared for many failures before succeeding in the lab. So far, I have completed one run-through of the protocol and, unfortunately, it was unsuccessful; so I’ve had to restart. What future applications/ actions do you envisage that could result from your research? I think it really depends on what I find. If I find that grocery stores are not honest in labeling their food products, I hope that I would be able to help create a change.
What are your dreams/plans for the future? I think I just have to see where life takes me. I would really love to do something with acting and maybe teach theater to children with special needs someday, but I think that’s pretty far off.
Isaiah Kramer ’16 Hometown: Little Falls House: Walden Grade came to MKA: 9th
Do you remember when/how your interest in science first began? In fifth grade, I competed at the “Scientific Olympiad Competition” and won first place in bridge building architecture. Can you tell us a bit about your research topic “Using bioreactors to culture different species of algae in the MKA greenhouse with the intensions of using mass-produced algae as a biofuel to help make MKA a more sustainable environment” and how you came to select it? It began with my interest in sustainability. When tasked with choosing a research project, I began searching for projects in the environmental field. I stumbled upon some promising information on algae production and its potential to solve the global energy crisis and reverse environmental damage, and I became hooked.
AROUND MKA
25
What aspect of the research process do you most enjoy and what is the most challenging? My favorite part hasn’t even happened yet, but it will be creating a generator to convert the raw algae into biofuels or electricity. What future applications/actions do you envisage that could result from your research? My hope is to further the school’s mission of increasing sustainability. This initiative is joined with the green roof that will surface MKA’s new Academic Center What do you enjoy doing when you’re not in the lab? I enjoy hanging out with friends, going to the weight room, skiing/ snowboarding and doing Speech and Debate. What are your dreams/ plans for the future? My long-term goal is to implement the skills that I am accumulating at MKA into a career in sustainable engineering. Who would you most like to meet and why? Jesus of Nazareth. I am sure that he would have some insight on how to create an incredibly popular movement. I know that in this day and age, it is hard to force people into accepting new ideas but somehow he did it with over one billion people.
Nikita Israni ’15 Hometown: Montclair House: Walden Grade came to MKA: 4th
Do you remember when/how your interest in science first began? When I was eight years old, my parents bought me a DVD box set of The Magic School Bus TV show episodes for Christmas. Of all the DVDs, the one that interested me the most was titled Inside the Human Body. Journeying through Arnold’s digestive system, Ralphie’s bloodstream, and learning about
26
AROUND MKA
bones, joints and muscles from a robot all made science seem like a wild ride, and I was just itching to get on board.
Can you tell us a bit about your research topic, “Investigation of the effectiveness of yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, in decreasing inorganic fertilizer requirements for the plum purple radish Raphanus sativus” and how you came to select it? Selecting my topic proved to be quite arduous. After going through three different proposals, I centered my focus on exploring the applications of yeast. Since there is a lot of existing scientific information on yeast, I wanted to find a slightly novel application. Finding papers that attempted to use yeast to fertilize plants led me to wonder how much inorganic fertilizer could be replaced by yeast, without sacrificing growth or quality of vegetables. Based on my previous results, I am now extending that application to research whether yeast can improve the drought tolerance of radishes. What aspect of the research process do you most enjoy and what is the most challenging? The aspect I most enjoy is its collaborative atmosphere. My favorite thing about SRH is being surrounded by people who are just as passionate about research as I am. Though individual research has taught me how to be more proactive and independent, SRH has been my first real introduction to a scientific community. My stereotypical image of a scientist conducting laboratory tests in solitude has been replaced by the reality of a welcoming and enthusiastic community. The support that I receive from my peers and mentors is unparalleled. The most difficult part of the process for me was narrowing my interests at the beginning. I found it very difficult to center in on a research question that was both feasible and that I felt passionate about. So I just kept reading as much literature as possible, hoping something would catch my eye and pique my interest.
What future applications/ actions do you envisage that could result from your research? The overall aim of my research last year was to minimize the
use of chemical fertilizer in growing vegetables. I am hoping that the many negative environmental effects of chemical fertilizer can be combated by the use of a mixture of yeast and chemical fertilizer instead. In recent years, there has been much advancement in breeding plants to withstand stresses, like heat and drought and climate change. I hope that investigating the relationship between yeast and plant drought tolerance will contribute to the development of sustainable cropping practices to produce healthful and nutritious food for a growing world population.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not in the lab? Playing tennis, discovering new music and following the stock market and business news. What are your dreams/plans for the future? I definitely want to continue research in my undergraduate years and am very much interested in studying the urban environment. Though I am not sure where my studies will take me, I hope to delve into areas of research that will benefit developing countries through practical applications. Who would you most like to meet and why? John Forbes Nash. After watching the movie, A Beautiful Mind, I was truly inspired by work in mathematics. It turns out that one of his game theory concepts, Nash equilibrium, is especially applicable to ecology as it is the basis of the evolutionary stable strategy for populations. Meeting someone with such a mysterious combination of rarified brilliance and eccentricity would be amazing.
Megan Massey ’15 Hometown: Ho-Ho-Kus House: Monjo Grade came to MKA: 9th
Do you remember when/ how your interest in science first began? Science has always been my favorite subject in school and something that I have enjoyed in my free time. I remember in fourth grade, I asked for a microscope with pre-made slides for Christmas, and it was probably my favorite gift for years. When I came to MKA,
though, I really started to delve into the subject and for the first time saw science as something to pursue in the future.
Can you tell us a bit about your research topic, “Investigation of the Antibacterial Properties of the Essential Oil Component Thymol” and how you came to select it? Actually, I had a lot of trouble coming up with a research topic because there were so many topics I was interested in, and I was struggling in choosing a specific project. I have always been fascinated with natural remedies and was curious to see if they could be backed with scientific evidence. I did a Google search on natural medicines and found an article about essential oils, which I chose to study. Specifically, I researched the antibacterial efficiency of a terpene hydrocarbon called thymol found in the essential oil of thyme. Most of my project relied on using an agar diffusion test, which involves putting small quantities of thymol onto test discs and seeing how bacteria will react to them. I found that thymol was comparable to several mainstream medicinal antibiotics and could serve as a viable alternative. What aspect of the research process do you most enjoy and what is the most challenging? My favorite part of science research by far is collaborating and consulting with my peers and mentors. Our SRH class has become so close, and I love the fact that we talk to each other about everything we do, from how we arrange our final PowerPoints to ways we can improve our research methods. I also enjoy being able to discuss my project with my mentors, who are so knowledgeable and make the research process even more fascinating. As for the most challenging aspect of science research, I think that constructing an experimental method can be difficult yet exciting at the same time. When I was learning to culture bacteria, I had trouble finding the most efficient yet successful way to have the bacteria grow. Even though it was sometimes frustrating, I found that I learned how to deal with unexpected problems and not let them weigh me down. What future applications/actions do you envisage that could result from your research? I would love to see my research be applied to the medical world. I am taking my project in a new direction this year in hopes of finding more evidence towards the benefits of natural antibiotics, so instead of testing essential oils, I am researching teas. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not in the lab? I always tell my friends outside of MKA that the Upper School is my second home because I really spend most of my free time at school. I love getting involved with extracurricular
AROUND MKA
27
activities and am a peer leader, captain of the girls’ swim team and member of tech leadership. I also play the clarinet in the concert band and help to lead the Amnesty International Club. Outside of school, I work at a summer camp where I am a counselor for girls entering kindergarten.
What are your dreams/plans for the future? I really want to continue doing science research and hope to find opportunities in college to do so. I would like to see how my research could be expanded upon, and I would love to see how it could contribute to the new medical techniques, which I know are great concerns in the world today. Who would you most like to meet and why? My great grandmother. She was one of only a few women to graduate law school in the 1920s, and I find her motivation to be inspiring. She is frequently the topic of many of my family’s conversations, and from what I have heard, she seemed to be quite a character.
Nicole Ramola ’15 Hometown: Montville House: Bradley Grade came to MKA: 6th
Do you remember when/ how your interest in science first began? I started to realize that I had a knack for science around the middle of 6th grade, but my interest in it deepened after reading the Four Percent Universe, by Richard Panek. The book was a catalyst for the start of my asking questions about the earth and space. The time I finished the book lined up with the beginning of the 8th grade science project where I really learned to love the creative and hands on nature of lab work. Those two components during my 8th grade year opened my eyes to the intriguing parts of science. Can you tell us a bit about your research topic, “Investigation of the Detrimental Effects Imposed on Local Flora and Fauna by Commonly Used De-icers” and how you came to select it? I was reading a few articles online and learned that approximately 6.7 tons of road de-icing salt is added per square mile in New Jersey. Around 55% of that salt moves with surface runoff and permeates the soil. I thought,
28
AROUND MKA
“this salt must have some impact on the environment.” I began researching some more and formulated my research question. I created an experiment to see the effects of sodium chloride, calcium chloride, and ice melt (a mixture of the two salts) on daphnia (a freshwater crustacean) and Wisconsin Fast Plants. All of my results from the various tests showed that calcium chloride is more detrimental than sodium chloride. This year, I am trying to find a mixture of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sugar and molasses that is not environmentally harmful, not corrosive to cement or pavement and melts snow efficiently.
What aspect of the research process do you most enjoy and what is the most challenging? My favorite part of the research process is the analysis of the data. All the research, planning and experimenting is to gather data. Using that data to come to real conclusions is the whole point of the process. When all the data lines up and you come to a conclusion, it is the most rewarding feeling. The worst part is trying to decide what to focus the research on. I had to read a lot of papers and sometimes they seemed like a completely different language. Reading and gaining knowledge about the topic is necessary but tedious and not very exciting.
What future applications/actions do you envisage that could result from your research? After this year, I hope to create a road salt that is cost efficient, not harmful to the environment and not corrosive. Towns in New Jersey are using salts that kill roadside organisms. I hope to talk to the transportation department of local towns and tell them about the mixture I will create. My experiment can potentially make a huge difference in my local environment and maybe more. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not in the lab? I have played soccer for as long as I could remember. At MKA, I played varsity for all four years and I play club outside of school. In my free time, I like to write poetry and go for distance runs. What are your dreams/plans for the future? Next fall, I will be starting a five-year integrated business and engineering program at Lehigh University. I will be earning both an engineering and business degree. After that, I plan on attending graduate school for engineering. I do not know what I want to do as an adult. I just hope that I will make a large difference some day. Who would you most like to meet and why? Williams Carlos Williams. He is my favorite poet, and I idolize the simplicity of his work. I would love to talk to him about where his inspiration comes from and how he relays his feelings into words.
Student News
The Headmaster is Pleased to Announce… 2015
National Merit 2015 Scholarship National Merit SEMIFINALISTS Scholarship Miki Peiffer SEMIFINALISTS Ben Rapsas
2015
National Merit 2015 Scholarship 2015 National Merit COMMENDED STUDENTS National Merit Scholarship Scholarship
COMMENDED STUDENTS SEMIFINALISTS
Nikita Israni Trevor Jones 2015 Megan Massey Heather Milke National 2015 Carrigan Miller 2015 Achievement Michael Miller National Merit National Wyatt Noble OUTSTANDING PARTICIPANTS Scholarship Alexander Pai Achievement Payson Ruhl COMMENDEDPARTICIPANTS STUDENTS OUTSTANDING Benjamin Wallach Matthew Yacavone William Zaubler
2015
National Achievement OUTSTANDING PARTICIPANTS
Evin Henriquez-Groves
Additional Senior accolades to: Josh Cherry and Kevin Brown who became the 14th and 15th basketball players, respectively – male or female – in school history to eclipse the 1,000-point career mark. Karan Juvekar, whose paper on Uber and its business model, written while attending a summer program at The Wharton Business School, was published on the Mack Institute blog http://mackinstitute.wharton.upenn.edu/2014/uber/ Morgan Katona, who was selected to the 2014 National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) High School Academic Squad. In order to qualify for this honor, nominees must be a significant senior member/contributor of her high school Varsity team, and must have earned a cumulative, unweighted GPA of 3.5 out of 4.0. Isaiah Thompson, who received this remarkable tribute in JazzTimes.com “My jaw hit the floor many times during Mr. Thompson’s solos, and judging from the audible shouts, sighs, and exclamations from audience members near me, I am not alone in my growing fondness for this pianist. I can’t believe that someone so rooted is so young! Like a vibrant synaptic map, Mr. Thompson’s deep connections are now propelled forward and into dimensions still under construction. How does he keep the ear of the listener engaged while taking so many chances?! This is a very admirable approach and surpassed only by a finessed level of rhythmic execution.” Isaiah has also been accepted into the 2015 Grammy Jazz Camp in LA, one of the country’s most prestigious and competitive programs. Benjamin Wallach, who had original Latin poetry published in the online periodical VATES. The piece, entitled Marmor (“Marble”), is written in a quincouplet verse form and uses the image of a marble statue “to present a literary situation which muddies the waters of our crisp living/non-living binary--all in just five words.” Dan Yanes, who was honored as MKA’s Scholar Athlete at the Essex County Football Banquet. Will Zaubler, whose Junior History Thesis, “Don’t Dive in My Pool: Normalizing Segregated Swimming in Montclair, New Jersey”, was selected for publication in the spring 2015 issue of The Concord Review.
ST U D E N T N E WS
29
Student News
Fall 2014 Team and Student-Athlete Honors and Awards During the recently completed 2014 Fall Athletics season, the following MKA teams, coaches and athletes achieved honors:
Congratulations to Payson Ruhl, Captain of the Volleyball Team and recipient of the MKA Fall Captain’s Award that is given to a senior team captain who demonstrates leadership, a strong work ethic and is a role model for his or her team.
Field Hockey Interim Co-Head Coaches: Ahmed Elmagrahby, Gia Nappi (1st Year) Record: 17-6; Congratulations to the team 2014 NJISAA Prep B State Champions!
Amanda D’Alessandro ’16 MKA Coaches Award; 2nd Team All-Essex/ Union Conference
Isabella Mendez ’16 MKA Varsity Points Leader Award; 1st Team All-Prep B; 1st Team All-SEC; 1st Team All-Essex/ Union Conference; 2nd Team All Non-Public, Star Ledger; 1st Team All Non-Public, NJFHCA
Emma Pacifico ’16 Honorable Mention All-SEC
Caroline Taylor 16 1st Team All-Prep B; 1st Team All-SEC; 1st Team All-Essex/Union Conference; 2nd Team All Non-Public, Star Ledger; 1st Team All Non-Public, NJFHCA Annie Wallace ’17 MKA Most Improved Player Award
Football Head Coach: Anthony Rea (1st Year) Record: 6-4; Congratulations to the team 2014 MIFL Co-Champions!
Rachel Hegarty ’15 1st Team All-Prep B; 1st Team All-SEC; 1st Team All-Essex/Union Conference; Senior All-Star Game, NJFHCA; 1st Team All Non-Public, Star Ledger; 1st Team All Non-Public, NJFHCA
David Harbeck ’15
Morgan Katona ’15 Honorable Mention All-Prep B; 2nd Team All-SEC; 2nd Team All-Essex/Union Conference
MKA Most Improved Player Award; 1st Team Defense, Metropolitan Independent Football League
Gabrielle Notkin ’15
MKA Wiener Award; 1st Team Offense, Metropolitan Independent Football League
2nd Team All-Essex/Union Conference
Jazmin Shah-Dutta ’15 Honorable Mention All-Essex/Union Conference
30
ST U D E N T N E WS
Carrigan Miller ’15
Daniel Yanes ’15 MKA Coaches Award; 1st Team Defense, Metropolitan Independent Football League Ethan Fusco ’16 MKA Offensive Player of the Year Award; 1st Team Offense, Metropolitan Independent Football League
Student News
Joseph Strain ’16 1st Team Offense, Metropolitan Independent Football League Robert Strain ’16 MKA Defensive Player of the Year Award; 1st Team Defense, Metropolitan Independent Football League
Girls’ Cross Country Head Coach: Tom Fleming (16th Year); Essex County “Coach of the Year”, ECCA Record: 8-2; Congratulations to the team 2014 SEC Colonial Division Champions!
Brian Bond ’17 1st Team Defense, Metropolitan Independent Football League Boys’ Cross Country Head Coach: Tom Fleming (16th Year); Essex County “Coach of the Year”, ECCA Record: 5-6; Congratulations to Coach Fleming, nominated Essex County Coach of the Year and to the team - 2014 NJISAA Prep State Champions; 2014 NJSIAA Non-Public B State Champions!
Salem Belay ’16 1st Team All-Colonial Division, SEC
Emma Bruce ’16 1st Team All-Colonial Division, SEC Kathryn Correia ’16 MKA Most Valuable Runner Award; 1st Team All-Colonial Division, SEC
Drew Crichlow ’15 MKA Most Valuable Runner Award; 1st Team All-American Division, SEC; 3rd Team All Non-Public, Star Ledger Blake Lapin ’15
Anne Lemmer ’16 1st Team All-Colonial Division, SEC
Evelyn Wallace ’18 MKA Most Improved Runner Award; 2nd Team All-Colonial Division, SEC
2nd Team All-American Division, SEC
Benjamin Rapsas ’15 MKA Team Leadership Award
Billy Hughes ’16 Honorable Mention All-American Division, SEC Billy Massey ’17 Honorable Mention All-American Division, SEC
Follow MKA Athletics on Twitter mkaathletics and on Instagram.com.mkaathletics# to get live coverage as it happens!
Nicholas Wilson ’18 MKA Most Improved Runner Award ST U D E N T N E WS
31
Student News
Boys’ Soccer Head Coach: Rob Leather (1st Year) Record: 5-14-1
Girls’ Soccer Head Coach: Kieran Patrick (3rd Year) Record: 17-4-2; Congratulations to the team 2014 SEC Liberty Division Champions!
Ibrahim Abukwaik ’15 2nd Team All-American Division, SEC; 2nd Team All-Prep B; Honorable Mention All-Essex County, ECCA
Erin Duca ’15 1st Team All-Liberty Division, SEC; 2nd Team All-Prep B
Ross Musicant ’15 MKA Coaches Award; Honorable Mention All-Prep B
Nicole Romola ’15 MKA Varsity Players’ Player Award; 2nd Team All-Liberty Division, SEC; Honorable Mention All-Prep B
Daniel Nasti ’15 Honorable Mention All-American Division, SEC; 1st Team All-Prep B; Honorable Mention All-Essex County, ECCA
Wyatt Noble ’15 Honorable Mention All-American Division, SEC; Honorable Mention All-Prep B; Honorable Mention All-Essex County, ECCA John Baney ’17 MKA Players’ Player Award; 2nd Team AllAmerican Division, SEC; 2nd Team All-Prep B Nico Espinosa Dice ’18 MKA Rookie of the Year Award
Zoe Bieler ’16 Honorable Mention All-Prep B Hope Buchan ’16 Honorable Mention All-Liberty Division, SEC Sara Feraca ’16 2nd Team All-Liberty Division, SEC Samantha Pai ’16 1st Team All-Liberty Division, SEC; 1st Team All-Prep B
Olivia Vaughn ’16 MKA Varsity Points Leader Award; 1st Team All-Liberty Division, SEC; 1st Team All-Prep B; 1st Team All Non- Public, Star Ledger; SEC Girls Soccer “Player of the Year,” Star Ledger Madeleine Sirois ’17 MKA Varsity Coaches’ Player Award; 2nd Team All-Liberty Division, SEC
Kerry McGuire ’18 Honorable Mention All-Liberty Division, SEC Jessica Schildkraut ’18 2nd Team All-Liberty Division, SEC; 2nd Team All-Prep B 32
ST U D E N T N E WS
Student News
Girls’ Tennis Head Coach: Bill Wing (18th Year) Record: 15-6
Jessica Schmitz ’15 MKA Coaches Award; 1st Team All-American Division, SEC; 1st Team All-Prep B; 3rd Team All Non-Public, Star Ledger Kimani Freeman ’16 Honorable Mention All-American Division, SEC Kennedy Robinson ’16 MKA Most Improved Player Award; 1st Team All-American Division, SEC; 1st Team All-Prep B; SEC Volleyball “Player of the Year,” Star Ledger; 2nd Team All Non-Public, Star Ledger Samantha Dowd ’17 MKA Most Valuable Player Award; Honorable Mention All-American Division, SEC; 2nd Team All-Prep B
Lauren Charpentier ’15 MKA Most Valuable Player Award
Tyla Parker ’17 2nd Team All-American Division, SEC; 2nd Team All-Prep B; 2nd Team All Non-Public, Star Ledger
Caroline Friezo ’15 2nd Team Doubles All Non-Public, Star Ledger
Madison Rivlin ’15 MKA Coaches Award; Honorable Mention All-American Division, SEC Isabella Calandra ’16 2nd Team Doubles All Non-Public, Star Ledger Ava Turner ’17 MKA Most Valuable Player Award; Honorable Mention All-American Division, SEC
Volleyball Head Coach: Mike Tully (10th Year) Record: 22-6; Congratulations to the team 2014 NJISAA Prep B State Champions!
Korinne Durando ’15 MKA Valeria Reyes Award Maria Lambridis ’15 MKA Valeria Reyes Award
Payson Ruhl ‘15 MKA Fall Captain’s Prize Recipient; MKA Players’ Player Award
ST U D E N T N E WS
33
Faculty News
Faculty Shout Outs ... David Hessler Upper School history teacher, who traveled to Jianxi Province in southeast China to present a paper at the Third International Taoist Forum (sponsored in part by the Chinese Taoist Association) in Yingtan City in November. The title of his paper, “Teaching with Tao” showed how lessons from the ancient Chinese text, Tao Te Ching, could be used to help improve one’s teaching. Mr. Hessler served on a panel that included several prominent academics and Taoist priests from China, Australia, France, Canada, Malaysia and Singapore. Andrew Prince Upper School history teacher, who was one of 21 teachers from across the nation selected to participate in the Ninth Annual Federal Trials and Great Debates in United States History Summer Institute for Teachers in Washington, D.C, designed to enhance the knowledge and understanding of teachers of U.S. history, government, civics and law. Alden Basmajian Upper School math teacher, who added to his athletic accomplishments by finishing 23rd out of more than 2,000 competitors in the Ironman 70.3 Princeton race in September, and ran a personal best of 2.44 at the Chicago Marathon. Tony Cuneo Upper School art teacher, who had an article entitled “Thirteen Musings Around My Creative Process” in Cleaver magazine (www.cleavermagazine.com/thirteen-musingsaround-my-creative-process-by-anthony-cuneo/) and also had a new exhibition entitled “Paintings to match your couch!” at the Amos Eno Gallery in Brooklyn from October 30-November 23, 2014. Crystal Glynn Primary School Librarian, who was awarded a scholarship by the Yellowstone Institute Association to attend a four-day workshop in a remote location in Yellowstone National Park over the winter to study notebook journaling with a science/art slant. Dimitri Hadjipetkov Tri-campus Strings Director, whose latest album Beethoven and Schumann Violin Sonatas is available through iTunes and GooglePlay and also on Amazon, Spotify and Pandora radio.
34
FA C U LT Y N E W S
Ben Rich Upper School science teacher & Sustainability Coordinator who presented at the annual Alliance for NJ Environmental Education conference on January 23, 2015. This is the third time he has exhibited his electric motorcycle to fellow environmental educators, and this year, he also showed the movie Kick Gas, about the cross-country journey that he took with 10 others driving electric vehicles. Randall Svane Upper School Chorale Director, whose original composition (a new setting of the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis for a young choir) won first prize in a choral composition competition sponsored by Saint Thomas Church and Choir School in New York City. In addition, he was the featured composer at a November 2014 concert held at Ramapo College’s Berrie Center for Performing and Visual Arts. J.C. Svec Upper School Fine & Performing Arts teacher, who wrote and directed the 2014 Spring Movie Frankie, which has received six more awards: two 2014 Videographer Awards of Distinction for Video Production (Movie) and Creativity-Directing, two 2014 MarCom Awards: a Gold Award for Video Production and an Honorable Mention for Video Script, and two AVA Awards: a Gold for Editing/ Video and an Honorable Mention for Writing/Video Script.
Faculty News
and Congratulations to:
And to the following faculty and staff members who celebrated milestones this school year: Physical Plant member Franklin Brown, Business Office Assistant Lori Daskowitz, Accounts Receivable Manager Teri Butler and Assistant Head of School for Curriculum and Professional Development Karen Newman were recognized for 25 years of service at the Opening of School Faculty Meeting. At the All-School Gathering, Primary School music teacher Jane Smith and Upper School science teacher Laurie Smith were honored for 30 years of service and 1st Grade teacher Pat Parke was honored for 40 years of service.
Friday, November 21st saw the return of former MKA Headmaster Dr. Peter R. Greer to campus. Greer, who led the school from 1992-2005, was hosted by current Headmaster Tom Nammack at a special luncheon that included current and former administrators and trustees. Pictured is Peter Greer with MKA’s Primary School Head of Campus Ginger Kriegel.
Administrative Assistant Kathy Bahri celebrated her retirement from MKA in January. An employee at MKA for 29 years, Kathy was an indispensible support to Head of School for Curriculum & Professional Development Karen Newmanfor the past 15 years.
FA C U LT Y N E W S
35
Parent News
A Kingdom of Books at MKA This year’s PAMKA Scholastic Book Fair - Enter The Kingdom of Books – lived up to its name and provided a magical place where, for four remarkable days in November, schedules and classes were modified, campus spaces were transformed, literary royalty was hosted and a dedicated group of MKA parents put their lives on hold to ensure that students could enjoy total immersion in the world of books and reading. This year’s Book Fair brought a star-studded cast of children’s authors to MKA who shared personal insights into the writing and illustrating process and provided their rapt audiences with some unforgettable moments. Following the ever-popular Faculty Tea, Sunday’s celebrations drew a large crowd for feasting in the Dining Hall and a visit from author Judith Viorst, who enchanted her audience with true life stories about her youngest son, Alexander, the inspiration for her iconic Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day series. At the Primary School, Tom Lichtenheld, Caldecott Winner Brian Floca and Raúl Colón mesmerized their audiences with demonstrations of their artistry and story telling. Middle School was treated to a spellbinding presentation from Kenneth Oppel, inspirational words from Sharon Robinson and personal insights into the craft of writing by Lisa Fiedler; while Kwame Alexander (a subsequent Newbery Award winner) received standing ovations at both the Upper and Middle School for his unforgettable presentations on the power of words and poetry and the importance of risk-taking.
36
PA R E N T N E W S
Parent News
“That was awesome!” noted Alexander after signing every one of his books that were available at the Fair, “This was the best book event I have ever been to.” Huge thanks for that are due to Tri-Campus Chair Kris Bromley and her devoted committee of parent assistants (including veteran committee member, Claire Wilks, who “graduates” after 20 years of Book Fair volunteerism) and to the ongoing support of Scholastic Inc.’s Judy Newman MacGregor (a former MKA parent) and Carol Levine.
Captivating Conversations A winter calendar highlight for many parents is PAMKA’s annual Saturday morning of “Captivating Conversations” – parenting workshops that bring local experts to campus to discuss issues of interest to the entire parent community. Ably orchestrated by event chairs Kate Sonnenberg and Deborah Stehr, this year’s topics ranged from “Navigating Relationships in a Digital World” to “Rethinking the Brain”
and drew on some of MKA’s own resident experts. Upper School Head of Campus David Flocco discussed “Anxiety and Stress in Adolescents;” Upper and Middle School counselors Joan Weller and Daniella Kessler facilitated a book discussion on “Surviving Adolescence;” and parent of alumni Ann Rasmussen returned to MKA to lead her popular session on “Cultivating Grit in Our Children.”
PA R E N T N E W S
37
Parent News
MKA Welcomes New Families
The
SPRING Gala
w!
ng on
’5’s h!
All members of the MKA community are welcome! elcome! Go to g gala 501auctions.com/pamkaspringgala gister to attend and bid! to register
38
One hundred and ten new families were formally welcomed into the MKA community at two fall events. On August 26th, PAMKA hosted a reception at the Headmaster’s home for new parents and their host families (drawn from the RIGHT returning MKA YOUR TOcommunity), and on October 8th, MKA hosted a formal dinner to introduce families to the work of MKA’s Board of Trustees and Development Office.
EXERCISE
We need your input. Do you know someone deserving of recognition? The Alumni Association is always accepting nominations for awards it oversees: The Distinguished Alumni Award, The Honorary Alumni of Distinction, Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame, and the Founders' Cup for Teaching Excellence. Visit mka.org/alumniawards for criteria, nomination forms and a list of past recipients. The nomination deadline for this year's Founders' Cup is April 30th. Questions? Contact Alumni Director Lois Montorio at lmontorio@mka.org
PA R E N T N E W S
Save the Date for a Great Day of ...
Join others in the MKA community for the
Alumni News
Dear Fellow Alumni, Parents, Students, Faculty and Friends, The beginning of each year is filled with resolutions and new beginnings for all of us. I am proud to announce that I have a special “new beginning” this year - as a mother! My husband and I welcomed our first child, son Grayson, this past December. These last few months have been exciting, The amazing and, of course, tiring! It’s during these times that I really feel the sense of community from MKA in all of the well wishes and support offered to me by my fellow alumni.
year. All of our committees are dedicated and working hard towards positive goals that will affect change. Among the events we’ve been working on were the Winter Social, held at the trendy spot, Tao, in New York City on February 19th, and Career Day, held at the Upper School on March 4th, where we welcomed back a panel of established alumni.
EXERCISE
SPRING Gala
YOUR RIGHT TO
Looking forward, there will be an Alumni Reception held at The Capital Grille in Boston on April 9th, and then, as the school year ends, the annual Headmaster’s Golf Schamble at Montclair Golf WeJune need 11 your th input. Do you know Club on and the someone deserving of recognition? Klank Klassic and Games th The Alumni Association is always accepting Day on June 13 . And, of nominations for awards course, it’s never too soon it oversees: Award, to mark The yourDistinguished calendars Alumni for The2015 Honorary Homecoming – to Alumni be heldof Distinction, Athletic Hall on October 10th Alumni and celebrating the of Fame, and I’m the Founders' ‘0’s and ‘5’s – personally, looking Cup forward to a great turnout from those of for Teaching Excellence. th us marking our 15Visit reunion! mka.org/alumniawards for criteria,
I’m proud to announce that we’ve reached the $1 million mark towards MKA’s Annual Giving fundraising goal of Mark Your $1.45 million, with alumni Calendars Now! and MKA participation DAY playing a significant part in this success! All of your support is so appreciated! If you would like to contribute to Annual Giving, just go to mka.org/giving.
Homecoming and Reunion
2015
This past November, we held our
For The ’0’s And ’5’s and Hockey games, Alumni Basketball both successful is October 10th! and well attended, though
All members of the MKA nomination forms and a list of past community are welcome! Go to I look forward to reconnecting with you at recipients. The nomination deadline for the current students seem to show us alumni501auctions.com/pamkaspringgala that we’re not the one of our events this year. this year's Founders' Cup is April 30th. to register to attend and bid! athletes we once were! Questions? Contact Alumni Director Lois Best, As we have passed halfway mark of the school year, I would Montorio at lmontorio@mka.org like to take this opportunity to thank our Alumni Council for all the time and effort that they have put forward this Alumni Council President
Jaclyn Spedaliere
Save the Date for a Great Day of ...
G LF
Join others in the MKA community for the Third Annual Headmaster’s Schamble on Thursday, June 11, 2015 at the Montclair Golf Club.
Visit mka.org/golf for details.
A LU M N I N E WS
ATTENTION ALL Boston Area Alumni
Calling all ALUMNI
39
Alumni News
In a room filled with electric energy and excitement, MKA’s inaugural “MKA DAY: One Day for Alumni to Make a Difference” held on October 17th was an unparalleled success. The goal of 300 donors was met by 4:00 p.m., releasing a $20,000 challenge gift. An unexpected, second challenge of $10,000 helped secure an additional 150 donors! Over $200,000 was raised from generous alumni, including donations from many first-time alumni givers and many more who entered into the spirit of the event by increasing their pledges to Annual Giving. The concept of a one-day drive for alumni solicitations, supported by targeted text messages, mailings, videos, social media posts and real-time updates which sparked competitions between classes, was a first for the school, as was the concurrent phonathon manned by alumni, current and past parents, trustees, student volunteers and current and former faculty members. Overseen by the mammoth efforts of the Alumni and Development Office, the day was met with positive feedback from alumni who appreciated the ease of one-click, mobile giving. As more than one alumni said, “I’m so glad to see MKA taking advantage of today’s technology.” Another posted on his Facebook page that “I just gave to MKA DAY. It was so easy, I didn’t even have to put down my cigar.”
40
A LU M N I N E WS
Alumni News
Alumni Council Winter Social Bitterly cold temperatures did not diminish attendance at a Winter Social hosted by MKA’s Alumni Council Networking Chair, Bryan Becker ‘96, on Thursday, February 19th. The event was held at NYC’s amazing Tao Downtown where more than 65 alumni enjoyed a fun evening with great friends, food and drinks.
The
EXERCIS
The Heritage SPRING Gala Society "Montclair Academy and The Kimberley School brought us together and prepared us for success.Through our legacy gift, we feel we will be benefiting MKA students for generations to come."
YOUR RIGHT
Tom Galligan MA '73, President of Colby-Sawyer College and Susan Stokes Galligan TKS '74
Mark Your Calendars Now!
Homecoming and Reunion
2015
For The ’0’s And ’5’s is October 10th!
All members of the MKA community are welcome! Go to 501auctions.com/pamkaspringgala to register to attend and bid!
We need your input. Do yo someone deserving of reco The Alumni Association is alwa nominations for awards it o The Distinguished Alumni The Honorary Alumni of Di Alumni Athletic Hall of and the Founders' Cu for Teaching Excellen Visit mka.org/alumniawards f nomination forms and a lis recipients. The nomination d this year's Founders' Cup is A Questions? Contact Alumni D Montorio at lmontorio@m
Leave a lasting legacy. Learn more about the benefits of MKA's planned giving opportunities.
mka.org/plannedgiving Contact Geoffrey Branigan, Director of Development, at gbranigan@mka.org or 973-509-7940.
Save the Date for a Great Day of ...
G LF
Join others in the MKA community for the Third Annual Headmaster’s Schamble A L U M N I June N E W11, S 2015 41 on Thursday, at
the Montclair Golf Club.
Visit mka.org/golf for details.
Alumni News
MKA On the Road In the North - New York
The Annual Young Alumni Happy Hour was held on Wednesday, September 10, at The Tippler in NYC. Alumni from the classes of 2000-2010, joined by several faculty and some former faculty members and Headmaster Tom Nammack, celebrated into the wee hours.
42
A LU M N I N E WS
Alumni News
... And In the South - New Orleans While attending a conference in New Orleans in January, the MKA Alumni Relations team of Lois Montorio and Gretchen Berra, together with other MKA administrators, enjoyed a lovely evening at Emeril’s Delmonico Restaurant with local alumni Ginny and Kevin Wilkins ’83, Mary Ann and Don Baird ’80, Joan and Fred Sheldon ’70 and Matt Staples ’11. Also attending the dinner were alumna and current MKA development staff member Jenna Sakolsky ’03, Geoff Branigan, Director of Development, and MKA Trustee Kate Logan with her husband, Edmund Rung. Director of Development Geoff Branigan then traveled on to Boca Raton to meet up with Upper School Head of Campus David Flocco and join Kevin Quinn ’01, Adam Shapiro ’02, Ali Roberts Feldman ’01, Jon Garippa ’00 and host Anmol Bhandari ’98 at the Woodfield Country Club for a great evening of catching up.
And Boca Raton
A LU M N I N E WS
43
Alumni News
On the Ice and On the Court
The 2014 Annual Alumni Hockey Game held the night after Thanksgiving at Clary Anderson Arena seems to, as Varsity Coach Dustin Good says, “get better every year.” With over 45 players in attendance, the Alumni team, which consisted of players ranging from ’90 -’13 defeated the MKA current players 10-5. Despite the best efforts of MKA’s four freshman players, led by MKA Assistant Hockey Coach Brendan Pepe ’13, they couldn’t get it done against the power of Brian Purcell ’09 and the rest of the Alumni squad. The second Annual Al Rehus Alumni Basketball Game was a huge success and nail biter to say the least! The game ended 61-56 in triple overtime with even years beating the odd years. Max Herrmann ’12 led all scorers with 22
44
A LU M N I N E WS
points while Leon Shade ’98 hit a huge jump shot in the final overtime to put the even years ahead by three. Alums and current faculty/staff members/coaches Jess Bishop ’04, Leon Shade ’98, Alex Langbein ’03, Lisa Vuono ’06 and Renada Vuono ’08 all played in the game and Al Rehus’ family, in whose honor the game is played, were all present. MKA Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach Jess Bishop said, “To see so many alums come out in support of Al Rehus and his family means so much. The gym was Al’s home. I know we all deeply treasure the time we spent there with him and everything he did for us when we were students.” Both groups, along with their many fans, celebrated the games at Tierney’s with dinner and drinks afterwards!
Alumni News
A LU M N I N E WS
45
Alumni News
The Networking Net Expands In a continued effort to provide MKA alumni with networking opportunities, the MKA Alumni Association held an extremely successful networking event at the Millennium Hotel in New York on November 11, 2014. Whether they were looking for a job, a career change, to expand their network, grow their business, collaborate with others, connect with leaders in their fields or simply improve upon ideas and get inspired, alumni came together for the chance to speak with, and get direct access to “Alumni Ambassadors” from a plethora of fields including finance, marketing, PR, law, medicine and nonprofits.
Participants were able to speak with up to three ambassadors in small groups that met for 20 minutes at a time, providing the opportunity for in-depth networking in an intimate setting, and the evening concluded with a half hour of informal networking that gave everyone the opportunity to connect with one another. A huge thanks to MKA’s Alumni Ambassadors, including Dr. Naveen Ballem ’90 (Director of Bariatric Surgery), Michael Braun ’01 (Director of Brands ID-PR), Mitch Decter ’94 (Partner, Lampf, Lipkind, Prupis and Petigrow), Adam De Stefano ’94 (Senior Vice President, Wealth Management, Morgan Stanley), Lauren Hyman Kaplan ’93 (Consultant, Emotional Intelligence, Social and Emotional Learning, US Department of Justice, Office of Victims of Crime), Dennis Rodano ’87 (Project Manager, Diocese of Paterson), Luke Sarsfield v91 (Partner, Managing Director, Goldman Sachs and Co.), Lauren Selikoff ’88 (President, Andrew and Selikoff Partners), Ryan Schinman ’89 (CEO, Platinum Rye Entertainment), Sharif Siddiqui ’96 (Founder, Alpenglow Capital, LP), Peter Tiboris ’98 (CFP, MSF, MBA, Tiboris and Associates), Lee Vartan v96 (Partner, Holland & Knight) and Dr. Rosaline Whitworth ’85 (Board Certified Dermatologist).
In addition to providing this resource for alumni, invitations were also extended to current parents, giving them a chance to participate and utilize MKA’s vast community of alumni and to see firsthand the types of services provided for their children by the Alumni Office once they’ve graduated.
46
A LU M N I N E WS
Save the Date for a Great Day of ...
G LF
Join others in the MKA community for the Third Annual Headmaster’s Schamble
Mark Your on Thursday, June 11, 2015 at Calendars Now!the Montclair Golf Club.
Homecoming Alumni News Visit mka.org/golf for details. and Reunion
2015
ATTENTION ALL Boston Area Alumni
For The ’0’s And ’5’s is October 10th!
Calling all ALUMNI
All members of the MKA community are welcome! Go to 501auctions.com/pamkaspringgala to register to attend and bid!
Lacrosse, Baseball and Field Hockey Players! The Klank Klassic and Games Day Returns on Saturday, June 13th
Save the Date for a Great Day of ...
MKA on the Road comes to you on Thursday, April 9th Meet Headmaster Tom Nammack and old friends at The Capital Grille in Back Bay for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres! RSVP by April 1 to Debra Allen at dallen@mka.org or 973-509-2741
G LF ATTENTION ALL Boston Area Alumni
MKA on the Road comes to you on Thursday, April 9th Meet Headmaster Tom Nammack and old friends at The Capital Grille in Back Bay for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres! RSVP by April 1 to Debra Allen at dallen@mka.org or 973-509-2741
A LU M N I N E WS
47
Join o
Thir
Class Notes Editor’s Note The deadline for news for the FALL Review is June 1 and the deadline for the SPRING issue is January 1. News can be submitted at any time in response to the Alumni Office annual mailing, on the back of Annual Fund remittance envelopes, via mail or email to the Alumni Director (lmontorio@ mka.org) or your Class Secretary. We keep ongoing files for each class and welcome photographs in digital or hard copy. If your class does not have a class secretary listed, please consider volunteering for the position! It is a great way to re-establish contacts with old friends, does not require a great deal of time and is essential to the ongoing vitality of the school. Thank you. MA – Montclair Academy TKS – The Kimberley School MKA – Montclair Kimberley Academy
alumni, Sharon Livesey ’63 and Robert Livesey ’65, Mr. Livesey was a loyal and supportive member of his class. We extend heartfelt condolences to the entire Livesey family.
1940 75TH REUNION OCTOBER 10, 2015 TKS Mrs. Joan Bayne Williams 15 Piper Road, Apt. K310 Scarborough, ME 04074 Summer Phone Number at Belgrade Lakes (May-September) is 207-495-2617 MKA sends sincere condolences after learning the news of Nancy Taylor Craw’s passing on January 4. Belated condolences to the family of Harriet Palmer Pickens. MKA recently heard from her son who informed us of the death of his mom in December 2012.
MA The Alumni Office just heard of the death of John Hartwell Ames, who passed away on August 29, 2011.
1935
1941
TKS
TKS
Mrs. Josephine Fobes Carpenter Crane’s Mill, Apt. 1419 459 Passaic Avenue West Caldwell, NJ 07006
Mrs. Enid Griswold Hyde 5402 Duvall Drive Bethesda, MD 20816-1872 enidhyde@aol.com
MKA sends deepest condolences to the family of Mary Hoes Summerville who passed away in May 2014.
Greetings to our classmates and all others in the early 1940’s classes. Imagine! We five or six survivors of 1941 are all 90 or 91 and still going strong – or maybe occasionally a little less strong.
1937 MA MKA is sad to report the passing of former TKS trustee Robert E. Livesey on February 7, 2015 at the age of 95. A trustee for 22 years and the parent of two
48
CLASS NOTES
Recent Loss: Peggy Wright Dorland – March 30, 2014 in France. Our sympathies go to Peggy’s family. Peggy had lived in France most of the time where her daughters, Wendy and Diana, married to Frenchmen, live. Peggy had a charming apartment in a onetime stable
of the Chateau de Fontainbleau for a long time. Later, she moved to the village of Troissereux near Beauvais to a renovated farmhouse set by a rushing millstream on a property owned by a granddaughter. Enid Griswold Hyde has recently returned from a May 2014 trip to Germany. She attended an international congress of the World Federation of Friends of Museums in Berlin, representing the U.S. Federation. She visited every museum and many private collections in that vast rebuilt city at a breathless pace. She reports that she recovered some of her German and ate a lot of potatoes. In July, Enid traveled to Italy for a few weeks to attend her daughter and son-in-law’s Amalfi Coast Music and Arts Festival and sailed over to Capri and other delightful centers for a bit of light-hearted recreation. She recommends the Mediterranean diet for longevity. Wine and Limoncello permitted. No smoking ever (although we remember that in our long-ago youth, Camels were our best friends), and lots of exercise.
MA William “Bill” Hall, who unfortunately has some eye problems and very limited vision, has been living in a comfortable retirement community, the King Home in Evanston, IL., for a number of years. He finds lots of lively and interesting companionship there and has many activities. He sees members of his very large family (5 children, 11 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren) often, and in the summer, he gathers them all at Big Sand Lake in WI. Bill reads the daily newspaper and books of his choice on his reading machine, and takes gentle trips, such as a visit to the Indian Mounds in IL with Road Scholar or a cruise down the Mississippi. Being 91 is not so bad, he says, as he continues to have surprises and pleasures. MKA sends its deepest condolences to the family of Charles B. Sanders who passed away on July 3.
1942 TKS MKA sends sincere condolences to Frances Johnson Furlong whose sister, Florence Johnson Jacobson ’46, passed away December 9, 2014.
MA Mr. Richard L. Charlesworth 27 Whipple Farm Lane Falmouth, ME 04105 diknan@aol.com
much, Lucile. Because of my frail health, my husband and I sold our Honolulu apartment last summer. Now we are fulltime residents of San Francisco. Air travel has become more difficult all the time. Our apartment is in a large condo complex, three blocks from the AT&T Ball Park. I don’t go to games, but it’s fun to see all the excited spectators on the streets when the stadium is in “go.” I’m in charge of The Brannan Book Exchange. Residents leave books they no longer want, and anyone can take a book - or many - for the keeping. Paper books dropped off when e-books started, but now you wouldn’t know there was an e-book reader in the
It was with great sadness that MKA learned of the death of New Jersey Supreme Court Justice Robert “Bob” Clifford, Montclair Academy Class of 1942, on Saturday, November 29, 2014 at the age of 89. A loyal member of his class, Justice Clifford was the MKA Distinguished Alumni Award recipient in l998. Born in Passaic in 1924, Bob served in the Navy during World War II after graduating from MA, received a bachelor’s degree in English from Lehigh University in 1947 and a law degree from Duke University in 1950. He was appointed to the New Jersey Supreme Court in 1973, where he wrote several key opinions, including 1988’s State vs. Gerald, that narrowed the scope of the death penalty. Bob
Robert Clifford
1943 TKS Miss Lucile G. Mason 142 North Mountain Avenue Montclair, NJ 07042-2350 Class secretary Lucille Mason heard from Gloria Dodd who wrote: My lawyer grandson and his wife are expecting triplets, an instant family, and her first pregnancy! I’ll be an instant great-grandma of three! Thrilled doesn’t express the joy I feel. And from Sheila Feagley James, this note: Let us all give our longtime class secretary, Lucile Mason, a huge round of applause for her years of splendid work, keeping up with us. Thanks so
complex, we have so many books given to The Exchange. New books as well as old. The complex has an outdoor Jacuzzi, so I try to make use of it every day. Exercise in water is very comfortable. I’ve been doing T’ai Chi for over 20 years, and it certainly has helped my balance. So now, TKS Class of 1943, let’s hear from the rest of you. Carpe Diem.
1944 MA Mr. Winterford J. Ohland 39A Cambridge Court Lakewood, NJ 08701-6225
1945 70TH REUNION OCTOBER 10, 2015 TKS Mrs. Leigh Berrien Smith 847 Franklin Street Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 lbsmith15@yahoo.com Secretary Leigh Berrien Smith wrote: In November, I happily reached several classmates. Sally DuBois Moberg had moved from NJ to Ashville, NC
retired from the Supreme Court at age 70 (the mandatory age), having served for over 21 years - the third-longest tenure in the modern history of the court. He was most recently counsel to the Morristown law firm of McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter LLP. In a statement following his death, the Supreme Court noted: “His colleagues described him as a man of elegance and dignity, and one whose love of language was legendary in court lore and evidenced in the opinions he wrote.” MKA extends deepest sympathies to Bob’s wife, Ruth, three sons from a previous marriage - Jack, Robert and Michael - and multiple grandchildren.
with daughter Sarah and son-in-law last summer, finding it a very beautiful place to live. Their household includes William, a lab-greyhound mix rescue dog Sally enjoys, and finds respectful of her frailties. Sally’s the lucky great grandma of six little ones; her son Dube’s two sons are married; the newest of theirs was taken to see her, from VA; eldest grandson and his wife produced Posie in October, and I notified her. She left me a congratulatory phone message, much appreciated. Ann Feagley Wittels and Jerry had just had check-ups the day I called, apparently passed with flying colors; were told to keep doing what they liked doing, stay busy. Anne described one game she played recently after a long hiatus, Mahjong; it sounded complex to me, but she does Origami regularly that is lovely. Their son and his family live nearby, but
CLASS NOTES
49
daughter and hers are some distance away, in the vast state of CA; that I’ve finally seen, at least briefly. Jane Hagan Farno sounded chipper although recuperating from two cracked vertebrae she endured in October and early November. Now free of pain, she anticipated son Greg’s Thanksgiving visit from Baltimore, and from son Eric in January. Peter had come recently, and Clay’s residing nearby is helpful always. Jane has twin great grands, Alise and Conrad, in TX; Alise took sick just before their planned summer visit, but Conrad and his dad made it. Jane treasures visits with niece Meg who has a Naples condo, daughter of her late sister. I’m always delighted to catch up with Florence “Pete” Lamborn Peters when she’s on the Vineyard, and I succeeded towards summer’s end. She stays busy in Princeton, when not enjoying her island home. Dorothy “Mike” Van Winkle Morehouse seemed glad to chat about our colleagues and school days as well as family. She had Thanksgiving plans with son Tyler, father of two, and his wife Liza. Daughter Elizabeth lives nearby; of her two sons one graduates from West Point this year, the other is off to Villanova. Mike’s daughter, Susan, carries on the Van Winkle tradition of life with horses, but in VT. Recently Mike found herself contemplating the fact that we Kimberley ’45’s have now lived through one-third of the life, or existence of, our nation. I said I’d include that cogent observation. Sally Bausher Littlefield’s son Bill, who has the weekly sports radio program “Only a Game” in the Boston area, has published a book of sports-related poems, entitled Take Me Out To The Ball Game. An alumna who was given a copy found it delightful, and wanted us to know of it. Other Kimberley 45’s, do send me an email with your news, or I may track you down for the next issue.
MA Mr. William B. Grant 537 Milano Rd Kissimee, FL 34759-4052 grantwb@cfl.rr.com Richard Adams reports that his house in Lavallette was flooded during the Sandy hurricane. After battling with mold, he and his wife moved to an assisted living facility (The Harrogate in Lakewood, NJ)
50
CLASS NOTES
which they enjoy. However, he still misses sailing his cat boat on Barnegat Bay. Bill Grant reports that he and his wife, Mary Elizabeth, ticked off an item on his bucket list by renting an apartment in Paris for the summer of 2014. Bill was surprised, after not speaking French for over 50 years, that he was still pretty fluent in the language and was also surprised by how friendly Parisians were to seniors, offering them their seats on buses and the metro! Bill believes that he and Richard are now the only survivors from the MA Class of ’45 but is hopeful that he hears from someone advising that he is wrong on this.
MA Dr. Peter B. Lawrence 4802 Olympic Lane N #D Wilson, NC 27896-9148 MKA was saddened to hear news of the death of Edward Hayden O’Neill on January 27, 2015.
1947 TKS Mrs. Louise “Weezie” Rudd Hannegan 49 Canterbury Lane Lakeville, CT 06039 weezieh@sbcglobal.net
1946 TKS Mrs. Eleanor Helm Ketcham 4 White Oak Elon, NC 28244 ellieketcham@aol.com MKA sends deepest sympathy to the family of Sally Van der Wolk Miller who passed away February 22, 2014. MKA sends sincere condolences to Eleanor Helm Ketcham whose brother, John Rodes Helm ’48, passed away on November 29, 2014. Joan Denney Carlisle wrote from Cape Cod that she had received a note from Susan, a daughter of Florence Johnson Jacobson, that her mother had died in Naples, FL. In recent years, Florence had been dividing her time between Sanibel and NJ. She had raised six children in Verona, Caldwell and Spring Lake, and she had 12 grandchildren. Joan said that she had immediately bonded with Florence when, new to Montclair, she entered Kimberley our sophomore year. That Kimberley bond had endured, even as their lives were separated geographically. They kept in touch through the years. Florence was a fine person, and it was a good friendship, Joan said. Joan is currently enjoying the company of her son, Scott, who took early retirement, at 60, from Firestone Library in Princeton and is living with Joan on the Cape. Her eldest son, Scott, is an artist in Elliott, ME, currently working on two murals - one for a church, the other for a brewery. Another son lives near her on the Cape and another lives in Hartford, CT. I told her I envied her for having her sons nearby.
1948 MA Mr. John Henry Leonhard 51 Fromm Court Mahwah, NJ 07430-2957 nhandjhleonhard@aolcom MKA sends deepest sympathy to the family of John Rodes Helm who passed away on November 29, 2014. Secretary Hank Leonhard wrote: Vernon Royle Avera died October 9, 2014 at the home in Jacksonville, VT. He was a veteran of the Korean War in the United States Navy and served for four years. At his discharge, he was a storekeeper 1st class having served on many ships and circled the world several times in each direction. He moved to Jacksonville to be near his sister, Ande, and brother-in-law. It was there that he met and married Lucy, and they raised three sons. Vern and I were best friends from 8th grade on at MKA. We played baseball and basketball together for four years. He was an exceptional athlete with amazing peripheral vision. Also, Vern could hit a golf ball 300 yards back in the day when the club head on the driver wasn’t 10 times larger than ball! Profession wise he taught grammar school in northern Massachusetts until retirement. He and I kept in touch by phone and mail and were best men at each other’s weddings. I will miss him. He was 85 years old on May 8, 2014.
1949
1950 65TH REUNION OCTOBER 10, 2015
TKS TKS
Class agent: Mrs. Audrey Maass Lewis 4551 Gulf Shore Blvd. N, Apt. 804 Naples, FL 34103-4601 rdlew@aol.com
drove to New Mexico, an interesting drive on the old Santa Fe trail across Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Taos, NM. Lots of flat land, little towns, Family Dollars and grain elevators. We visited most of NM and ended up on an interesting 5 day Road Scholar excursion to Indian ruins and living pueblos in the western part of the state which was very dry. The sight of Lake Michigan as we drove into Chicago looked mighty good.
1952 TKS Mrs. Martha “Skipper” Moran 8011 Strauff Road Baltimore, MD 21204 martha.moran1@verizon.net Ruth Lieder (l) and June Costikyan Cronin returned to campus in October to celebrate their 65th Reunion!
Congratulations to Guy and Peggy Steuart who celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 26, 2014. A vacation with their entire family at Half Moon Montego Bay seemed the best way to mark this milestone!
MA MKA sends sincere condolences to Charles Johnson whose sister, Florence Johnson Jacobson ’46, passed away on December 9, 2014.
Congratulations to June Costikyan Cronin, who was recently honored as one of three 2014 New York Treasures for her work with Health Advocates for Older People. June has been an active member of the Health Advocates Board since 2011, continuing her family’s long tradition of serving the community. While living in Montclair and Chatham, NJ, she was active in the YMCA, the Community Chest, the American Red Cross and the League of Women Voters. Professionally, she continues to work at Restoration by COSTIKYAN in Long Island City, NY, specializing in the care of fine weavings from historic house museums, earning her The Laurel Award by the Preservation Society of Newport County.
1951 TKS Mrs. Gail Robertson Marentette 93 Glen Avenue, Llewellyn Park West Orange, NJ 07052 Gail Robertson Marentette heard from Joan Jacobus Miller who wrote: I was away in NC when you phoned. We had a house exchange with Tom/Beth’s neighbor: us using their beach house on Emerald Isle for a week and the neighbors using our apt. in July while we’re in ME. It worked out well (so far); the whole family dropped in during that week, the weather was good, the water still a bit chilly and nightly games of “murder” in the dark. Before that, as I told you, we
Skipper Moran phoned the alumni office with the following news: There was a memorial service for David Kerr ’52, husband of Gail Tomec Kerr with a reception at the Bay Head Yacht Club where David was Commodore in the early ’90’s. Many ’52ers were there to honor Dave and support Gail including Jane Redfield Forsberg, Fay Taft Fawcett, Ann Dwyer Milne plus yours truly and my husband, Clark, who was Dave’s roommate at Wharton. Dave’s friend, George Lucas ’52, gave a wonderful eulogy. Jane Redfield Forsberg and her husband, Bob, celebrated Jane’s BIG birthday by taking their kids and grandkids to The Sagamore Hotel on Lake George, NY. Jean Fairgrieve Granum is still living in Potomac, MD, and doing her beautiful watercolors. Clark and I went to Bradenton Beach, FL, in February. Our oldest granddaughter, Storey Wanglee, is a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania. Time flies.
MA Class agent: Mr. Charles Sage 435 Welch Avenue Ames, IA 50014-7302 csage@iastate.edu MKA sends their sincere condolences to the family of Richard Charles Cook II, who passed away June 10, 2014.
CLASS NOTES
51
impressive, I must say! Those who were at the Reunion for lunch were Pixie, Felicity “Fluffy” Fergusson Winner, Barbara Groo (found by Aubin and CY and lured to Reunion), June Hayward Foster, CY, Marian Miller Castell, Patsy, Anne, Victoria “Vicki” Wendt WestPeek, Aubin and Georgia. Then, later at dinner, we were joined by Tillie-Jo Beatty Emerson. Marian Miller Castell and June had driven down just for the day and had to head back to CT, so they missed a fun dinner at the Golf Club and more socializing.
Celebrating 60 years of friendship - Back row l-r: Marian Miller Castell, Georgia Carrington, Felicity Winner, Joan Pendergast, June Hayward Foster, Ann Webb, CY Treene Front row l-r: Barbara Groo, Victoria West-Peek, Pat Stabler, Aubin Ames.
Vicki had been brought by her son, Christian, who was a great addition, and we all realized what a super traveling companion he is for his mom. They are planning another trip soon, but Vicki is really having trouble getting around, although her spirits are great! Patsy is thriving out in the midwest with her horses and outdoor life! She did not share her husband this time, however, and was on her way to visit her kids in the New England area. Barbara Hobart Valbuena had planned to come to Reunion but was once again with some of her family. One daughter took her to NYC and then to Carmel, NY where she and her husband have a lovely home right on the lake. Her other daughter and her husband live near DC, so Barbara went there and then her brother is in Williamsburg so she had a visit there as well. Lots of traveling for which she is very grateful. Her cousin, Hobart van Duesen ’54, and his wife were also at Reunion and gave us a little more update on how she is doing.
Back for the 60th! Back row l-r: Gail and Jake Jacobus, Don Karp, Joel Wechsler, Barbara and George Kramer front row l-r: Margie Karp, Hobart and Nancy Van Deusen.
1953 MA MKA sends sincere condolences to the family of Ted Jorgensen who passed away November 22, 2014.
1954 TKS Ms. Georgia Carrington 38 Silver Spring Lane Ridgefield, CT 06877-5604
52
CLASS NOTES
Secretary Georgia Carrington writes: Reunion for ’54 was wonderful! Spearheaded for the Kimberley group by Aubin Zabriskie Ames and Cynthia “CY” Mann Treene, we were treated especially well! Cynthia and Bill opened their home to three “strays” (Anne Van Vleck Webb, Joan “Pixie” Cole Pendergast and myself) who slept comfortably and enjoyed quality time with the Treenes. On Saturday afternoon, Aubin showed us her new home and had some treats for us there. Sunday, the Treenes had their wonderful brunch for all of us before we headed on the roads home. Before the luncheon, we had a tour of the new Kimberley School by two graduates from the Middle School who were so excited to show us everything!! It is pretty
Jean Olmstead Witherington has been part of a singing group for a long time and had a short cruise with them to Sicily, which she thoroughly enjoyed! These past few years have been particularly difficult for many of our classmates who have lost dear husbands, and we all think of them and continue to keep them in our prayers. We are all slowing down a bit but many continue to vacation and travel as often as possible. May we all enjoy a healthy 2015!
MA Mr. Sheldon Buck 51 Cornell Road Wellesley, MA 02482-7408 sheldonbuck@me.com
1955 60TH REUNION OCTOBER 10, 2015
moved, please email me at cecilylyle@ gmail.com. We want your news. If you are reading this you’ll be reminded that, 60 years on, we still care about each other.
TKS
MA
Mrs. Cecily Wilson Lyle 433 Wright’s Neck Road Centerville, MD 21617 cecilyle@hughes.net
Mr. Lawrence Martin P.O. Box 1058 Lexington, VA 24450-1058 martinlexington@centurylink.net
Secretary Cecily Wilson Lyle writes: This space has been blank for the last few issues, although I’m sure that the lives of our Kimberley class of 1955 have been full of noteworthy events. I am lucky to be living within easy visiting distance of Diana Brown Seltzer and John who are in Chestertown, MD. Their adorable little house looking out over the Chester River is the perfect setting for their Eastern Shore life. Diny and I keep in touch with Susie Forstmann Kealy, Nancy Joyce Buckley and Barbara Ives Riegel. Barbie’s husband, Richard “Jerry” Riegel, died on August 11, 2013 due to complications associated with Alzheimer’s disease. She currently divides most of her time between FL and Fishers Island, although I did manage to have lunch with her a couple of months ago in her home in PA, close to Wilmington, DE.
Mr. Robert Brawer 131 East 66th Street, Apt. 10C New York, NY 10065-6129 rereadclassics@aol.com
Nancy and Bruce Buckley are still in Greensboro,VT. With their own hands, they have enlarged and transformed their farmhouse into a dream house. Nancy does spectacularly beautiful millwork in her shop, has done all the rewiring in the house, decorated room after room with paint, paper and her lovely collections, and still has managed to find the time to design and execute needlepoint covers for pillows and an entire sofa! (I won’t mention seeing the pile of gorgeous sweaters she must have knitted in her sleep.) Another classmate who excels in fiber arts is Terry Ash Rose who teaches and advises seniors in knitting and other skills at the Jewish Community Center in San Francisco. Terry has three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren and when she and I spoke it was a warm sunny afternoon in CA, while here in MD, fog and freezing rain were settling in. My daughter, Rebecca, who lives in Paris, has just spent three wonderful weeks with me. Her apartment building in the 11th arrondissement is also home to Nadine Frey ’74. The two of them have become friends, and I look forward to a little TKS get together on my next trip over. Class of ’55, if you have changed your telephone number, changed your email or if you have
Dick Moskowitz writes: I’ve just turned 76, still practicing holistic medicine two days a week, and loving it. I’ve written four books and a slew of articles, all in the area of alternative medicine, mainly classical homeopathy, my specialty for the past 40 years, and the philosophy of medicine in general. My latest book, More Doctoring: Selected Writings, Vol. 2, 19772014, was published this fall by Amazon. It is a miscellany of predominantly shorter pieces both old and new: essays, case reports, political statements, book and seminar reviews, obituaries, letters and interviews. My wife, Linda, is a psychoanalyst and shrinks my head regularly. We have two children, three grandchildren, a dog and a cat, and live and work in the Boston area. Bob Brawer writes: Over the past several years, I’ve been organizing adult book groups based on classic fiction. Currently, I’m in the midst of leading a well-attended, two-year long discussion of Proust’s In Search of Lost Time at the Century Association in New York.
1956 TKS Mrs. Carol Barnard Ottenberg 1420 41st Avenue, E Seattle, WA 98112-3804 ottenbergc@aol.com From Sue Crook Ferdinand: Working 30 hours a week for a company that handles short sales for attorneys is a good chance to use my 32 years of real estate experience without having to drive all over the place. The rest of the time, I’m still growing my face painting business. This year, I’ve been joined by my granddaughter (Molly Sue) who paints and does glitter tattoos when she’s not upside down at a gymnastics competition, my eldest grandson, Wyatt, who does air brush
(when I can lure him away from lacrosse), and my youngest grandson, Noah, who is learning balloons. Nini de Jurenev checks in: I was amused to note that all three of comedian Steven Colbert’s kids are currently or have been MKA students. I’ve been locked in mortal combat with AT&T for most of the year over efforts to put a cell tower at the edge of our neighborhood. The Historic Review Board wisely voted 5-0 to reject AT&T’s request for a setback waiver. Let’s hear it for the little guys! Lilla Emetaz McDonald writes: All fine here. We did get to the Oregon Coast a few times, also to the Bend area. We are selling our cabin three hours from here, near Lake Crescent. I go to the girls’ University of Oregon basketball games with my neighbor – fun to watch. Carol Van Brunt Rasic sends this news: Last May, Janko and I enjoyed a week in Venice, my favorite city after New York. We were joined by old friends, both American and Italian, and our hotel room had a view of the Grand Canal. What more could one ask? From Julia Schou Estes: On Oct. 21, our oldest granddaughter and her husband, who are currently living with us, adopted a precious newborn baby boy. Harry and I are now officially great grandparents and we couldn’t be happier. Linda Cole LeStage writes: Gail Zabriskie Wilson visited me in Marshfield last fall. We had lunch with Betsy Hasbrouck Cole, Henny Nelson Skeen and Carol Cooper Henry. Such a nice little reunion as most of us hadn’t seen each other in years.
MA Mr. Eric Jaeckel P.O. Box 20153 Boulder, CO 80308-3153 efjaeckel@hotmail.com Dr. Lawrence Nazarian 29 Surrey Place Penfield, NY 14526-1221 LFredN@aol.com
1957 TKS Mrs. Thelma “Tam” Miller Knight 3001 Linton Boulevard, No. 201C Delray Beach, FL 33445 tknight115@aol.com CLASS NOTES
53
MKA extends deepest condolences to Judy Slifkin Kaplan on the passing of her husband, George, on January 20, 2014. Secretary Tam Knight writes: Joan Bryant and I cruised around Nova Scotia and Canada in June. This was a part of the world I hadn’t seen, so it was most interesting! It was a nice change of weather for us from the hot summers of FL! MKA visited FL this past winter, and it so happened that the Boca visit was on my birthday! The MKA team made it very special by presenting me with gifts! I do thank them for their thoughtfulness! Another winter visit I had this past year was with my childhood friend, Meredyth Clark Graham ’56, and her husband, Tom. I hadn’t seen them for a while so this was real special! Unfortunately, I haven’t heard from anyone for a while so I have no other news to relate! Maybe the next edition? In the meantime, everyone enjoy your retirement life! Keep well and healthy!
1958 TKS Mrs. Diana Bethell Little 1-K Buckingham Rd. West Orange, NJ 07052-2703 littlecorp@verizon.net
MA Mr. Henry Agens 86 Eagle Rock Way Montclair, NJ 07042-1629 hymelee@earthlink.net Mr. David Stroming 82 Halsted Drive Manchester, NJ 08759 KStroming@aol.com From Hy Agens: As the Great One, Jackie Gleason, used to say: “And Away We Go!!” From the left coast, (right coast, if you’re viewing the globe from the North Pole!) Dr. Jim Zager writes: Still make teaching rounds pro bono at Children’s Hospital Orange County (CHOC) seeing infants, children and young adults with complex congenital heart disease. I am clinical Professor of Cardiology University of California at Irvine (UCI). Susan owns and manages commercial real estate property in NV, FL, IL, and GA. She is trying to wind down her business activities to have more time for travel, tennis, bridge and family. I go to intermediate French classes weekly at our local senior center, and we are planning a river trip 54
CLASS NOTES
More than 55 years of friendship! l-r: Hy Agens ’58 joins ’59er’s William “Bill” Marriott, Barry Meisel (standing) and Thomas “Ted” Cassidy. in France this coming July. I play tennis seven days a week and duplicate bridge with Susan every Tuesday evening. Susan and I are meeting Frank Sachs ’58 and Bernie Milstein ’59 in New Orleans next month with their wives, Rebecca and Phyllis. Both guys were in our wedding nearly 48 years ago. Jimmy and Susan live in Corona Del Mar, CA and lunched recently with our fellow Golden State classmate, Mike Gennet, and his wife Chris. I really should refer to Jimmy as Doctor James R. S. Zager rather than just “Jimmy,” but it’s hard to break the 60-year familiarity. However, the good doctor worked diligently to earn that title, so he therefore deserves my deference and respect. (I was thinking of calling him “Dr. Z,” but that sounded too much like a James Bond villain!) Like many of us, Mike Gennet just celebrated his 74th birthday. Two of his four children hosted a homemade meal for Michael and Chris, while three of their grandchildren looked on. The Gennets have been traveling as usual and spent a month in Europe last Fall, highlighted by a land tour of the Balkan countries and Northern Italy. They hope to be journeying back to Eastern Europe and the Riviera this September. They’ll see the Zagers for the Indian Wells Tennis Tournament in March. Last October, I joined my pal, Bill Marriott ’59, for his 55th MA Reunion at the MKA Upper School campus. He came to mine in 2013. We’ve been friends for 70 years, and he was in my wedding in 1963. Bill’s classmates, Barry Meisel ’59 and Thomas “Ted” Cassidy ’59 also attended. Great fun. From the Beaver State (I love that
name!), David Vaughn Black reports: “Life in Bend, Oregon, continues to be a ball. Golfing (only Obama plays more rounds than I do) and skiing are my main activities along with traveling to wonderful areas of the world. Last year, we visited Antarctica (like Alaska times ten) with stops in Argentina, Uruguay and the Falkland Islands. In October, we took a driving trip to Montana to see friends and spent days in both Glacier National and Yellowstone. Two spectacular places! In early February we took a five-week cruise beginning in Auckland, NZ and sailing around Australia, up to Bali and ending in Sydney. Easily added 25 pounds to an already too large waistline. Net, net – I’m a happy, healthy and very fortunate camper and send along best wishes to all my old MA cohorts.” (Hey, Dave! Just got back from a trip to Secaucus, New Jersey. Beat that!) Speaking of travel, Mike Chodorcoff writes about a great trip to the Dominican Republic a few months ago with Jean and four other couples (all relatives). He says: “I recommend it for those who like to laugh, relax, hang out at the pool or beach, read, drink and laugh some more.” Mike had six months of rehab after rotator cuff surgery. He adds: “I’m O.K. now, but I will never be able to throw a 100 mph fast ball again!” Before we wrap this up, here’s a trivia question about one of my favorite movie quotes. What actor said the following line in what film: “… And don’t be so gloomy…. After all, it’s not that awful – you know what the fellow said: In Italy for 30 years under the Borgias they had warfare, terror, murder, bloodshed – they produced Michelangelo, Leonardo da
Vinci and the Renaissance. In Switzerland they had brotherly love, 500 years of democracy and peace, and what did that produce? ... The cuckoo clock.” I love that. Answers next time. Until that time, keep punchin’. HRA, your decidedly humble correspondent.
1959 TKS Class secretary: Ms. Jarvis Reilly Nolan 15612 Via Marchena San Diego, CA 92128-4420 jarvisno@aol.com
that during our working lives, we never had a chance to live near any of our grandchildren. So after one of WI’s coldest winters, lots of volunteering, and many overnights with the twins, we are very happy to have made the move. In January, we are moving south, but only about 15 miles to be closer to our daughter’s family. So we are on the seventh home and sixth dog of our marriage, and using our management skills with two year-old twins! George Bleyle wrote: My wife, Jane, of 47 years passed away in Sept 2012. I sold the house, downsized and moved into a retirement community - still in Hudson, OH. She had a very rare form of blood cancer - and was gone barely six months
Class agent: Mrs. Suzanne Scannell Hardy 47 Bartlett Parkway Winthrop, MA 02152
1962 TKS Mrs. Barbara Bywater Creed 1769 Forest View Avenue Hillsborough, CA 94010 bbcreed@aol.com The Kimberley School Class of 1962 held a reunion at Marian Brown St. Onge’s home on Cape Cod in October 2014. Eleven classmates attended - see photo below.
1960 55TH REUNION OCTOBER 10, 2015 TKS Class agent: Mrs. Mary Anne Coursen Doty 21 Juniper Drive Queensbury, NY 12804 mjd62@roadrunner.com
MA Mr. George Bleyle 200 Laurel Lake Dr., Apt. E267 Hudson, OH 44236-2172 777bleyle@gmail.com Fenton Purcell writes: Susan and I enjoyed a wonderful thanksgiving with our three daughters, their spouses and our six grandchildren. I’m still running my engineering business and have added forensic engineering (NAFE) to my practice. We enjoyed seeing you and other classmates at our 50th reunion and look forward to the 55th. Just remembered having to paint the cyclone fence around the athletic field as punishment for not ratting on a couple of classmates who went partying in the city one night against the then MA policy, as I reflect back: solidarity, though painful, was worth it. I doubt that rule exists today. Peter Lima writes: So after retiring at the end of 2007, Patricia and I moved from Tampa to a Sun City just outside of Charlotte and became “halfbacks.” That’s the term for people from up North who lived in FL and moved halfway back to ameliorate the change in climate. Last October, after six years there, we moved to Port Washington, WI, just north of Milwaukee. It wasn’t insanity, but a chance to be with our youngest of 11 grandchildren (twins ages 2 years to the oldest at 23 years). The sane reason is
Front row l-r: Marby Agens Morgan, Barbara Bywater Creed, Tina Schultz Bilotti, Lynn Skinner-Klee; back row: Susie Marin Montaner, Holly Harrison Gathright, Minky Crane Morfit, Marian Brown St. Onge, Suzy Kremer Klein and Susie Wilson Brisach. Missing from photo: Barbara Black Gurnsey. after diagnosis. Her illness came as a complete shock to everyone as she had never been sick a day in her life. I don’t think she even had a filling in her teeth! However, I’ve put most of the pieces of my life back together. I’m a licensed diesel locomotive engineer on a local tourist railroad and I have a 45 ft. raised pilot-house trawler on Lake Erie and a U.S. Coast Guard 100-ton Masters license. After 38 years of flying in both the U.S. Navy and for United Airlines, I’ve found there is more to life than airplanes. If you’re ever in the greater Cleveland area, please don’t hesitate to call or to email: 777bleyle@gmail.com or phone no: 330-414-3047.
MA Mr. Doug Donald 10156 Rivers Trail Drive Orlando, FL 32817 D1Donald@aol.com
1963 TKS MKA extends sincere condolences to Sharon Livesey on the death of her father, Robert E. Livesey ’37, on February 7, 2015.
1961 TKS Mrs. Winifred Sage Wilson 13819 Vidal Place, NE Albuquerque, NM 87123-4729 CLASS NOTES
55
1964 TKS
MKA would like to send its deepest sympathy to Sally Poor Owen whose mother, Catherine Merwin, passed away on September 7 at the age of 97. She was the wife of Henry Poor, Headmaster at Montclair Academy for seven years. Louise Brundage Lynch writes: My husband and I are both retired; he was a high school librarian, and I managed a food pantry. Our three daughters are married and each has a child. We visit them frequently from our home in Lyme, CT.
Celebrating their 50th reunion over Homecoming Weekend l-r: Barbara Markussen, Ellen O’Neil and Judy Grace. MKA sends deepest condolences to Lynn Sanders Pizzirusso whose father, Charles B. Sanders ’41, passed away on July 3, 2014.
MA Mr. John Benigno johnbenigno@hotmail.com
Ellen Malcolm wrote: I retired from running EMILY’s List but still chair the board and am happy with our many successes. I’m currently working on a book about women and politics that we expect will come out in March 2016. And I just had a nice visit with my mother for Christmas. She lives in Vero Beach, FL, and lives next door to Ann Dixon Curtin ’39, Ellen Curtin’s mother. There’s a wonderful contingent of Montclairites in their retirement community, and it’s great fun to have dinner with such a lively group of 90+ year-old folks. Sally Poor Owen writes: Harry and I are still living in Breckenridge, CO, and
Back for their 50th reunion l-r: John Benigno, Jay Royce, Bob Eliezer and David Nevins.
1965 50TH REUNION OCTOBER 10, 2015 TKS Ms. Marilyn “Lyn” Schultz Blackwell 3779 Center Road East Montpelier, VT 05651-4103 lblack@ezcloud.com
56
CLASS NOTES
happily retired. We work as ambassadors on the mountain in the winter, giving out information and helping those in need. It’s a great way to get a free Epic Pass, which allows us to ski all of Vail’s resorts, especially Breckenridge, Keystone and Copper nearby, plus 10 days at Vail. Last year, I skied 31 days, the last on May 14! This year with the subzero temperatures, we’ve only been skiing our one workday a week. In summer, we belong to a hiking group and get great exercise plus seeing beautiful scenery. Our kids, Scott and Heather, live in West Denver, and we have
four grandchildren, the youngest arriving this February. I continue to sing in our church choir. We’re hoping to move from Breckenridge to Frisco nearby this spring or summer to be more accessible to things and to Denver. Hope to see everyone in Toronto this summer. Susan DeBevoise Wright wrote: Tucked on a shelf beside me is our yearbook, Kimberleaves 1965. Opening it, I see everyone’s handwriting scrawled cover-to-cover, notes that all begin and end the same way: “Dear Sue” and “Love ya,” with love most commonly spelled Luv, as if we were far too formal - or cool - simply to sign off with love. Were we under the influence of the Beatles? MKA sends deepest sympathy to Betsy Ridge Madsen whose mother, Margaret Ridge, passed away on January 2, 2015. MKA sends sincere condolences to Virginia Redpath whose mother, Deborah Bixby Redpath, passed away peacefully at the age of 92, on November 15, 2014.
MA Peter Stern writes: It is hard to believe that it is just shy of a half century since graduation. I continue to practice law in New York City with the ninety-lawyer firm of McLaughlin & Stern LLP, where I continue to specialize in litigation and art-related matters. While reducing my legal work, I have become ever more involved in theatre. I have now coproduced five Broadway shows: Peter and the Starcatcher (five Tony awards 2012); Pippin (four Tony Awards, including award for Best Musical Revival 2013) and Mothers and Sons (Tony nomination for Best Play 2014). Most recently running on Broadway are It’s Only a Play, starring Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick and The Visit, a new Kander & Ebb musical starring the legendary Chita Rivera. I am also a member of the Advisory Council of the Royal Shakespeare Company and supporter of Matilda the Musical on Broadway. Coming this fall is Bandstand, an entirely new musical, which will open the season at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, NJ with my partner, Tom Smedes, a theatrical producer and general manager. I try to spend as much time as possible in Miami Beach. MKA sends sincere condolences to the family of Anthony Mascia who passed away in October 2014. Congratulations to Stephen Edelstein on his new addition to the family - a granddaughter - her mom is Kate Edelstein Corcoran ’97.
MKA heard from Joseph Hare notifying us of the death of his twin brother, Gregory Hare ’65, who passed away in November 2014.
MKA sends their sincere condolences to Deborah Sanders Lewis whose father, Charles B. Sanders ’41, passed away on July 3, 2014.
MKA extends sincere condolences to Robert Livesey (see page 18 for more about Rob), on the death of his father, Robert E. Livesey ’37, on February 7, 2015.
MA Class agent: Mr. Craig Perry 3467 Pinestream Road Atlanta, GA 30327
2014 MKA Review, Susan thanks teachers Carol Grieves (Math), Barbara Thorsen (History), Ruth Hamilton (English), Betty Logan (Physical Education) and Evelyn Yamashita (French) for providing her with “academic self-confidence” and making her feel “smart and adventurous.” See page 10 for more about Susan.
1966 TKS MKA sends sincere sympathy to Joan Poor Clarke whose mother, Catherine Merwin, passed away on September 7 at the age of 97. She was the wife of Henry Poor, Headmaster at Montclair Academy for seven years. Vicki Fisher Patino writes: I am living in Raleigh, NC with my husband, Luis, and youngest daughter, Veronica, and love it here. Our oldest daughter, Cristina, is living in upstate NY with her family, and we have two wonderful grandsons. I continue with my art, write when I can, and design and sell jewelry. Richard Brightman sent us this photo of himself and his wife Aimee Ruzicka.
1968 TKS Ms. Avie Claire Kalker 5805 Birchbrook Drive, #202 Dallas, TX 65206 heraldicone@gmail.com
MA Geoff Gregg tartanone@triad.rr.com
Vicki Fisher Patino
MA Mr. D. Carter Fitzpatrick 70 Eastern Vista Sedona, AZ 86351-9085 fitzlaw@sedone.net
1969 TKS
Class agent: Mr. A. Craig Cameron 11 Bay Point Drive Ormond Beach, FL 32174-2203 ccameron@cameronhodges.co
1967 TKS
Ms. Christine Hannon 97 North Street Northhampton, MA 01060-3213 channon@smith.edu During the October 2014 Homecoming/ Reunion Weekend, Susan Schadler received the Distinguished Alumna Award for her notable career in economics, including 30 years at the International Monetary Fund. In an interview in the Fall
Susan Schadler, MKA’s 2014 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, poses with Headmaster Tom Nammack following her acceptance speech at the Reunion Luncheon. Anne Callaghan writes “I have just celebrated 30 years in the Foreign Service. Assignments in seven countries later (Mexico, Australia, Japan, Italy, Colombia, Iraq, and Canada), I am currently serving as the Diplomat in Residence at University of New Mexico. My daughter, Katie, is in Albuquerque, as well, working as the curatorial assistant for artist Judy Chicago. I went to the opening of her iconic The Dinner Party in 1979 when I was living in San Francisco. I will be retiring in a couple of years and still debating about where to settle! My best to all.” Anne stays in touch with Teresa Solmssen Shartar who lives in Atlanta, has raised four sons and is now enjoying grandchildren. Lynn Ehrhardt Gildea and Chip have three real estate offices and take time off to vacation at their condo in Jupiter, FL. They delight in their four wonderful grandchildren – four-year-old girls who live close by and nine year old twins in Bryn Mawr, PA.
Ms. Margot Escott 1818 Imperial Golf Course Blvd. Naples, FL 34110-1010 CLASS NOTES
57
Marilyn Cowing Dulin says: Life hectic here [Ocean City, MD] in summer and peaceful like a “no man’s land” in winter. Still working part-time as breakfast server at one of the big hotels here. Highlight of the summer was my sister and her husband coming in from Hawaii, he for the first time. They loved Assateague where the horses roam free! Then my younger son visited with my two grandchildren. I hadn’t seen the kids in years, so was very excited. P.S. I had many great teachers at Kimberley, but wish I could thank Mr. Coursen for instilling in me a lifelong love of music and our hockey coach Miss Logan for making me try harder!”
spaces with an emphasis on personal style, attainability, and, well, just a bit of reality.”
MA Mr. V. James Castiglia 3 Lark Lane Oak Ridge, NJ 07438-9171 vjc@vjamescastiglia.com Mr. Peter Webb Mile Slip Farm 48 Mason Road Brookline, NH 03033-2203 pwebb@winerbennett.com
1971
Deepest sympathy to Ellen Hare on the loss of her dear brother, Gregory Hare ’65. Susan Lowry has launched her own consulting business for non-profits and splits time between Philadelphia and Sedona. Last August, daughter Emma married Adam Small, and in October 2015, daughter Nora will marry fellow Smith graduate Liz Balcom. Chris Hannon writes: I continue to love retired life – and hope to keep traveling around the country and the world.
MA Dr. Edward A. Griggs Jr. 8 Yates Boulevard Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
TH
45 REUNION OCTOBER 10, 2015 TKS Ms. Leslie Bryan 844 East Morningside Drive, NE Atlanta, GA 30324-5223 Ms. Kim Kolbe 38 Kent Drive Roseland, NJ 07068-3707 MKA sends their sincere condolences to Helen Sanders Bryan whose father Charles B. Sanders ’41 passed away on July 3, 2014. Congratulations to Barbara Dixon, the founding editor of ELLE Decor magazine who received numerous accolades throughout its 25th Anniversary issue, including: “When it was just a twinkle in founding editor Barbara Dixon’s eye, ELLE Decor laid its foundations: striking
CLASS NOTES
Miss Philippa Bowles 39 Orts Road Hamburg, NJ 07419 wvbond60@gmail.com MKA sends sincere condolences to Sarah Ridge Cushing whose mother, Margaret Ridge, passed away on January 2, 2015. MKA extends its deepest condolences to Anne Whitehead on the death of her father, former Kimberley School trustee John Whitehead, who died on February 7, 2015 at the age of 92.
MA
1970
58
TKS
Mr. Anthony Vitale 10 North Wood Avenue, Apt. 601 Linden, NJ 07036 Tony.Vitale@TVOD.com First, on behalf of our class, and the school, we pass along our condolences to Rob Lipman who lost both of his parents this year (his father on April 28, and his mother on December 21). However, he also had joys since “my oldest niece got married, my other two nieces graduated (one at the top of her class at Georgetown Law School) - and my nephew also graduated from college.” Bob Benigno writes: Hello to all my classmates. The major event of 2014 for myself was the birth of my grandson, Jack. Jack, my daughter Catherine, and my sonin-law Rick live in Philly, so my wife and I get to see them often. Happy New Year. Jon Golding writes: No news for me, I’m still here at Stanford Hospital, and my wife is at the Stanford School of Medicine. All of our daughters are well. Regards to all of the “old boys.”
Bruce Pastorini writes: Good to hear from you. In November, my daughter, Tina Ryan and her husband, Jim, and my two grandchildren, Ella Rose and Jack, moved from Austin, TX to Hopedale, MA, where my wife Sue grew up. Sue’s dad and sister still live in Hopedale so it is a blessing. Sue and I are up for Christmas visiting. But this FL wimp is cold! Brrrr! Also, my interpreter from PRT Khost Afghanistan was issued a Special Immigration Visa and I am sponsoring him in Jacksonville and helping him, his wife and three year-old son build a life in America. On a community note, I am active in Jacksonville’s Chapter 88 Special Forces Association (Green Berets) and was elected Secretary for 2015 - 2016. Still working for US Navy Facilities Command at NS Mayport but retirement is in sight! And finally, I continue my work on the Committee for the Diaconate. The Episcopal Church provides opportunities for men and women to expand their spiritual lives by becoming Deacons. Many men and women of our age are “bi-vocational”– that is, continuing our “real lives” while also seeking ordination and working “out in the field” (generally hospitals, assisted living, youth programs, etc.). Please contact me if you are interested in additional information on pursuing this vocation. MKA sends its deepest condolences to David Hoffman whose mother, Ingeborg Schraft Hoffman, passed away on March 24, 2014. MKA sends its deepest condolences to Sigurd Johnsen whose mother, Jean V. Johnsen, passed away on December 23, 2014.
1972 TKS Ms. Barbara Flessas 140 Lorraine Avenue Upper Montclair, NJ 07043 barbara.flessas@gmail.com Ms. Deborah Peck, Esq. 128 Victoria Bay Court Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418-5764 deborahpeckesq@gmail.com Mrs. Linda Finney Williams 6 South Pasture Lane Box 1446 Nantucket, MA 02554 czarinalinda@comcast.net
Amy Mack writes: I moved to Washington State from New York City in 2009 and have never looked back! My “significant other” and I live on beautiful Vashon Island, which is a short ferry ride away from Tacoma and Seattle. I’m now the grandmother of three! Any Kimberley folk living in or visiting the Seattle area have an open invitation.
1973 TKS Ms. Susan Read 38 College Circle Staunton, VA 22401-2375
MA Mr. Gregory Lackey 138 Paupukkewis Trail Medford Lakes, NJ 08055-1310 gregory.lackey@usps.gov Mr. Thomas C. Galligan 504 Main Street P.O. Box 2156 New London, NH 03257-7818 tgalligan@colby-sawyer.edu MKA sends sincere condolences to Peter Redpath whose mother, Deborah Bixby Redpath, passed away peacefully at the age of 92, on November 15, 2014.
Front row, left to right: Jim Chudomel, Ken Gibson, Carmen Marnell, Diane Marnell, Ben Thompson ’74, Anthony Fleischmann ’74, Christian Varkala ’74 back row, left to right: Stewart Carr ’74, George Hrab, Earl Perretti ’74, Tom Brueckner ’72, Dean Paolucci ’73, Brian “C.G.” Thompson ’74, Martha Day ’74 TKS, Joseph Scirocco ’74, Derek Storm ’74, Andrew Tarnell ’74, Mark Baran ’74, John Blondel ’74, Dirk Buikema ’74, Henry Williams ’74, David Kwan ’74. The Kimberley School ladies of 1974 gathered for their 40th reunion at the home of Martha Bonsal Day, on Friday, October 24th. The next day, they joined classmates at the Reunion Luncheon to celebrate their 40th reunion with special guest, coach Carmen Marnell.
John Sanders (r. in photo below) met up for lunch with former MKA Headmaster, Dr. Peter Greer, in Washington D.C. in November. John remembers his MKA days and his teacher, George Hrab, very fondly.
MKA sends their belated condolences to the family of Garrett Boyle who passed away on October 16, 2010.
1975 1974 Ms. Erin Cuffe Crawford 121 Clarewill Ave Upper Montclair, NJ 07043
40TH REUNION OCTOBER 10, 2015 Mr. Paul Zukerberg 1790 Lanier Place NW Washington, DC 20009-2118 pzuk@speakeasy.net
Dr. Peter Greer and John Sanders
1976 Mrs. Laurie Hoonhout McFeeley 3014 Ringwood Meadow Sarasota, FL 34235 laurie.mcfeeley@gmail.com MKA sends its deepest sympathy to Hillary Hoffman Fandel on the passing of her mother, Inleborg Schraft Hoffman, on March 24, 2014. MKA sends sincere condolences to Rhys Jones on the passing of his father, Griffith Hugh Jones, on July 25, 2014. Back row - Martha Bonsal Day, Erin Cuffe Crawford, Lorraine Monchak (left after 11th grade), Bonnie McBratney Wallin, Susan Woods Day, Judy Nesbit (retired faculty, ’74 was her first homeroom); front row - Cathy Irwin Hipple, Blythe Hamer, Nancy Pokiotillow Citti, Leslie Aufzien
CLASS NOTES
59
MKA sends its deepest sympathy to David Johnsen whose mother, Jean V. Johnsen, passed away on December 23, 2014
1980 35TH REUNION OCTOBER 10, 2015
1977
Mary L. Cole, Esq. 1 Ferrous Court Chester, NJ 07930 mary_cole@wellsfargois.com
Mr. Andrew Pedersen 1 Washington Avenue Rumson, NJ 07760-2013 apedersen@thenation.com
Class agent: Mr. George Reimonn, Jr. 199 Winter Street Hopkinton, MA 01748 GeoReimonn@gmail.com
Mr. Robert Hubsmith 16 Warren Road Maplewood, NJ 07040-1814 robert.hubsmith@mountsinai.org MKA sends sincere condolences to class secretary Robert Hubsmith, whose father, Dr. Robert Hubsmith, passed away on December 18, 2014.
1981 Dr. Daniel Groisser with his new bride Etti Langman
1979
MKA sends its deepest condolences to Bruce Sanders whose father, Charles B. Sanders ’41, passed away on July 3, 2014. Dr. John Brink 1246 Beach Haven Rd. Atlanta, GA 30324-3842 drjack2020@aol.com Mrs. Shawn Mahieu Ortiz 2163 Gilbride Road Martinsville, NJ 08836-2235 csaortiz@optonline.net
MKA extends deepest sympathies to Paige Cottingham Streater on the death of her mother, Gwendolyn Cottingham, on February 6, 2015.
Thanks to Pat Cane Donahue who sent this photo of the Kimberley School’s May Day. She and other TKS first graders were part of the May Queen’s Court.
MKA sends sincere condolences to Gwendolyn Boevé-Jones whose father, Griffith Hugh Jones, passed away on July 15, 2014.
Mrs. Laura Itzkowitz (Laura Reisch) 37 Nottingham Road Manalapan, NJ 07726-1834 howardandlaura@optonline.net MKA sends deepest condolences to Edward Hubsmith whose father, Dr. Robert Hubsmith, passed away on December 18, 2014.
1982 Mr. Thomas Robbins 410 Liseter Road Newtown Square, PA 19073-3527 tomrobbins5@gmail.com
1983 Ms. Amy Felber Trapp 229 Cardinal Road Mill Valley, CA 94941-3618 amy@jhevents.com
1978 Ms. Pamela Zeug 60 W. 57th Street, #15F New York, NY 10019 pzeug@downinggroup.com Ms. Jane Lugaric Burkhard 299 Crown Road Kentfield, CA 94904-2711 janeburkhard@comcast.net Congratulations to Dr. Daniel Groisser on his marriage to Etti Langman on July 3, 2014.
Back for their 35th reunion, back row l-r: Bruce Eng, Shawn Ortiz, Ruth Perretti, Mark and Nancy Donatiello. Front row l-r: Daphne and Gardner Semet, Andy Rod, John Joseph. 60
CLASS NOTES
It was a great Homecoming turnout from the class of 1984 celebrating their 30th Reunion. Seated, left to right: Michelle Mucci, Diane Ridley-White, Bryn Fleming Mulligan, Maria Rabb’s son, Cathy Humphrey Bennett. Standing, left to right: Julio Dolorico, Meg Lugaric Shick, Liza Cohn Hillegers, Jason Bernstein, Chris Noble, Rich Cosgrove, Rob Iverson, Kirk Royster, Bruce Benson. Eva Gold Bovi, Matt Colagiuri, Maria Rabb, Jennifer Jones Ladda, Stephanie Simon, Laura Dancy Wilson, Sue Bacot-Davis and former faculty member Barbara Mamchur. Ms. Maureen Towers Natkin 5 Riverview Road Irvington, NY 10533 motowers@aol.com
1985 30TH REUNION OCTOBER 10, 2015
Mr. Walter J. Davis 66 Oakwood Drive New Providence, NJ 07974 davisteam@comcast.net Congratulations to Holly Felber, owner of Barbara Eclectic Boutique, on her store winning “Favorite Fashion Boutique” in Montclair Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards!
1984 Mrs. Jennifer Jones Ladda 110 Glen Rock Road Cedar Grove, NJ 07009 jjones@dmjadvisors.com
Mrs. Susan Ciccone O’Donnell 9 Andover Drive N. Caldwell, NJ 07006 snmodonnell@aol.com
Congratulations to P.J. Ciccone, the principal at Mendham Township Middle School, NJ. His school won a prestigious National Blue Ribbon Award, and Governor Chris Christie attended a program honoring the school on Wednesday, December 17, 2014.
1986 Ms. Sherry Ahkami P.O. Box 3187 Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067 shirin@sdspineinstitute.com Ms. Jennifer Remington-Knodel 44 Hamilton Drive East North Caldwell, NJ 07006-4629 jenremknodel@aol.com
Mr. William Stone 99 Larch Road East Greenwich, RI 02818-2205 bstone@outsidegc.com MKA extends deepest sympathies to Robert “Bob” Cottingham on the death of his mother, Gwendolyn Cottingham, on February 6, 2015.
Mrs. Lynne Y. Krest (Lynne G. Yellin) 6212 Lewisand Circle Raleigh, NC 27615
1987 Mr. Dennis Rodano 14 Wayland Drive Verona, NJ 07044-2331 rodanod@verizon.net
Middle school Principal P. J. Ciccone MKA sends sincere condolences to Bruce Redpath whose mother, Deborah Bixby Redpath, passed away peacefully at the age of 92, on November 15, 2014. The MKA community was sad to learn of the death of Elyse Decker Fenerty on January 7, who passed away after a long courageous battle with cancer. CLASS NOTES
61
Congratulations to Peter Tiboris and his wife, Christy Ely, on their January 2014 wedding. Their relationship was featured in The New York Times “Vows” column on January 17, 2014, and based on that story they were invited to visit The Today Show with Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford on Thursday, December 18th. Additional congratulations to Peter and Christy who are expecting their first child in June 2015.
Class agent: Mr. Alexander Holz 538 E. 85th Street, Apt. 2A New York, NY 10028 alexbhlz@gmail.com
Congratulations to Alumni Council President, Jaclyn Latzoni Spedaliere and husband Mark on their new bundle of joy, Grayson Carmine Spedaliere, born December 3, 2014, weighing 6lbs 15oz and measuring 20.25”.
Some of the men and dads of ’99 standing: Alex Holz and Tyler DiNapoli. Seated: Geoff Roehm and LeRoy Watkins
Welcome Grayson Carmine Spedaliere
2001
2000
Peter Tiboris and wife Christy Ely Many congratulations to Leon Shade and his wife (and fellow MKA Middle School faculty member) Guada Cabido on the birth of their daughter, Leah Shade, who arrived at 4:01 p.m. on New Year’s Eve!
Congratulations to Marcela Bequillard on her marriage to Christian Stanton, on September 26, 2014.
15TH REUNION OCTOBER 10, 2015 Mr. John Garippa 2741 NE 58th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 oceanhut@aol.com Mrs. Anna Labowsky Cook 5 Highview Court Wayne, NJ 07470-6271 anna_labowsky @yahoo.com Class agent: Mrs. Jaclyn Latzoni Spedaliere 60 E. Oak Street Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 jaclynspedaliere@gmail.com
Ms. Dana Pisacane dana.piscane@gmail.com Class agent: Ms. Lindsay Braverman 156 Guernsey Street, Apt. 3L Brooklyn, NY 11222 lbraverman1@gmail.com Congratulations to Lindsay Braverman and Daniel Forman on their marriage on August 31, 2014. Congratulations to Kathryn Auw ’01 and her husband, Varchas Prasad, on their marriage at Gotham Hall, NY, on October 4, 2014.
Congratulations to Bret Hirsh and wife Amanda on the birth of their son, Samuel Felix Hirsh, born on November 10 at 9:33 a.m. weighing 8 lbs 12 oz. Welcome Leah Shade
1999 Ms. Sandra Tritt 300 E. Seminary Mercersburg, PA 17236 sandratritt@gmail.com
Welcome Samuel Felix Hirsh 64
CLASS NOTES
Mrs. Kathryn Auw Prasad
Congratulations to Daniel Weller and wife Marissa on the birth of their son, Luke Richard Weller, born on June 12, 2014 and weighing in at 7 lbs 14 oz.
2002 Mrs. Melissa Fortunato Slomienski 40 Holton Lane Essex Fells, NJ 07021 fortunme@mac.com Ms. Emily Santangelo 27 Woods Road Little Falls, NJ 07424-2010 emilyannesantangelo@gmail.com
Amy Trainor wrote to the Alumni Office: Hey all! Things are going well here in Charlotte. I am currently Lead Copywriter at SnapAV, and I am also working toward my MFA in Creative Writing from Queens University (graduation January 2016). I am thrilled to mention that I will be marrying my best friend, John Ashby, on September 26, 2015. Things couldn’t be better! Congratulations and best wishes to Casey Breslow on her marriage to Jared Glugeth on August 23, 2014. Their marriage took place at the Mallard Island Yacht Club in Manahawkin, NJ.
Class agent: Mrs. Lauren Tortoriello Ertel lauren.tortoriello@gmail.com
2005 10TH REUNION OCTOBER 10, 2015
Melissa Fortunato Slomienski writes: Life has been busy as my husband and I welcomed our first child, William, into the world on February 27, 2014.
Morgan Fraser Mouchette writes: I married Eric Mouchette on July 19, 2014 in Harbour Island, Bahamas. We met while we were both attending Fordham Law School. We actually connected with Richard (Rick) Unis ’00 who, along with his wife, has a professional photography business.
Michael Villani writes: Hello everyone. I have been a police officer in the city of Newark for the New Jersey Institute of Technology for six years. I was just recently promoted last October to the rank of Sergeant where my primary responsibilities entail overseeing criminal investigations, internal affairs investigations and community policing efforts. I hope all my friends from the class of 2004 are doing well and trust you are prospering in whatever endeavors you have undertaken in your lives. Be well and stay safe. Congratulations to Noah Kessler who married Jodi Krakower in Montreal, Canada on August 23.
Class secretary Emily Santangelo graduated summa cum laude with a Masters in Business Administration in August and continues to work in her family business. She also teaches part-time in NYC.
Belle Koven writes: I got engaged in late September to Richard Walker and we’re planning a private ceremony in 2015. I currently work for HERE Maps, a division of Nokia, and manage all of our aerial and satellite data acquisition. Outside of work, I finished eight half marathons (PR of 1:44) and my first full marathon!
Class agent: Mr. Brendan McCaffrey 240 Lafayette Street, Apt. 1 New York, NY 10012 brendan.a.mccaffrey@gmail.com
Mr. Manav Lalwani 132 Blue Heron Drive Riverside Court, Secaucus, NJ 07094-2391 201-617-5312 manav.lalwani@gmail.com Casey Breslow and husband Jared Glugeth.
2004 Ms. Kate Santoro 333 River Street, Apt. 539 Hoboken, NJ 07030 Kate.santoro@gmail.com
Class agent: Mr. Edmund Kozak 184 Noll St., Apt. 4B Brooklyn, NY 11237 917-887-9853 e.g.kozak@gmail.com A huge congratulations to Will Watts whose company, BlackBox Manufacturing, won NYC’s Next Top Makers award! See page 22 for more about Will.
2003 Ms. Judith Ferreira 819 Clifton Avenue Newark, NJ 07104-3211 jferreir@pratt.edu Class agent: Mrs. Melanie Braverman Bieber 20 West 72nd Street, #302A New York, NY 10023 mel.braverman@gmail.com
Noah Kessler’s wedding was cause for a mini-reunion for the Class of 2004. Back row l-r: Scott Bordieri (college friend from ASU) Sam Sparks, David Endo, Zac Waksal, Hal Garrity, Brendan McCaffery, Will Boss and Alex Langbein ’03 Front row l-r: Donny Gaby, Noah Kessler, Mike Martone ’04x and Tommy Beach. CLASS NOTES
65
Members of the Class of ’89 gathered in full force for their Reunion Luncheon. Back row l-r: Mark Strobeck, Dave Austin, George Hrab, Geoff Krauss, Donna Zanjanian. Andy Goldberg, Ryan Schinman, Anya Buenger Barrett, Bram Ziegler, Nilie Pajoohi, Erin Koenen, Vince Nadal, John Blesso. Front row l-r: Pete DeCandia, Daisy Altamore Nishigaya, Lana Kang, Josh Raymond and former faculty member Judy Nesbit.
1988 Ms. Susan Bartlett Rankin One Barbaree Way Tiburon, CA 94920
1989 Mr. Louis Lessig 2009 Morris Drive Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 llessig@brownconnery.com Mr. Josh Raymond 33 Oak Place North Caldwell, NJ 07006 jraymond@trenklawfirm.com Ralph Amirata, Assistant Prosecutor for Essex County, is involved in two local high profile murder cases with connections to the MKA community. He is the Assistant Prosecutor in the Short Hills Mall murder of Tyler Johnson, son of Howard Johnson ’75, and he is also prosecuting the high profile murder case of Brendan Tevlin, a Seton Hall Prep graduate, in June of 2014. Brendan and the Tevlin family have many friends in the MKA community.
62
CLASS NOTES
Congratulations to Virginie Daguise, PhD, on her new position as the Division Director of the Cancer Prevention and Control Division of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. MKA sends deepest condolences to Anya Buenger Barrett whose father, Erich Buenger, passed away on January 12, 2015.
Class agent: Mr. Luke Sarsfield 105 Franklin Street, Apt. 4 New York, NY 10013 luke.sarsfield@gs.com Dara Marmon reports: While at an event someone approached me, asking “Did you go to MKA?” It was Candace Messinger Rabinowitz Class of 1994.
1990 25TH REUNION OCTOBER 10, 2015 Class secretary and agent: Ms. Meredith McGowan 383 Middlesex Road Darien, CT 06820-2518 mzengo@mac.com Ms. Lorelei Muenster Leia9sioux@aol.com
1991 Ms. Dara Marmon 330 E.39th, Apt. 21D New York, NY 10016 daramarmon@gmail.com
Dara Marmon ’91 and Candace Rabinowitz ’94 MKA sends sincere condolences to Stephanie Decker Grable whose sister, Elyse Decker Fenerty ’86, passed away on January 7, after fighting a long courageous battle with cancer.
1992
1995 20TH REUNION OCTOBER 10, 2015
Dr. Enrique Neblett 718 Ainsley Court Durham, NC 27713 enrique.neblett@gmail.com
Alex Joerger wrote that he has relocated to the San Francisco Bay area for a new job! Very hectic to move 3,000 miles with a four-year-old and one-year-old, but looking forward to new opportunity out west!
Ms. Tamar Safer 816 Chippewa Trail Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417 tsafer5400@aol.com Class agent: Ms. Anne Marie Verdiramo 302 Timberbrooke Drive Bedminster, NJ 07921 amverdiramo@gmail.com
1993 Mrs. Renee Ciccarella (Renee Monteyne) 43 Veranda Avenue Little Falls, NJ 07424 rmonteyne@yahoo.com Class agent: Mr. Damien Vena 385 Grand Street, #L906 New York, NY 10002 venad@yahoo.com
Steven DiPasquale helped serve up some Homecoming fun by bringing his food truck AMANDA BANANAS to the event. The truck was a huge hit and Steven generously donated a portion of his proceeds to the Upper School classes fundraising efforts.
MKA was deeply saddened to hear the news of Richard Chang who passed away on December 13, 2014. Our sincere condolences go out to his family.
1994 Class agent: Mr. Jason Awerdick jasonawerdick@gmail.com
Class agent: Mr. Lee Vartan 3 Swayze Lane Chester, NJ 07930 ldvartan@yahoo.com Congratulations to Lee Vartan who has joined the firm Holland and Knight as a partner in the New York office to enhance the White Collar Defense and Investigations Team. The Alumni Office recently heard from Raquel Booth: Having obtained my PhD and having taught college for the past eight years, I have opened my own tutoring and college advisement firm, Bergen Educational Consultants, in Fairlawn, NJ. I had long been tutoring and advising the children of family and friends with much success, including admissions to Ivies and seven year medical programs, so I decided to make a career of it! It would be great to reconnect with anyone in the NY/NJ area. My email is rb331columbia@gmail.com
1997 Congratulations to Kate Edelstein Corcoran on the birth of her new baby girl.
1998
1996 Ms. Tanya Barnes tbarnes@fas.harvard.edu Ms. Erica Hirsch 10 West 15th Street, #902 New York, NY 10011 ehirsch77@yahoo.com
Where did 20 years go? Back row l-r: Jamie Bedrin, A.J. Royce, Lisa Ramos-Hillegers, Summer Bardia, Jason Awerdick Front row l-r: Parul Harley, Laura Stanfill, Assistant Head of School for Curriculum & Professional Development Karen Newman, Anand Pathuri.
Class Agent: Ms. Gemma Giantomasi Diaco gemma.diaco@gmail.com Congratulations to Mike Halchek on his marriage to Jennifer Pepper on November 7, 2014, in Kiawah Island, SC.
Attending Mike’s wedding were Alyson Waldman ’99, Matt Waldman ’98, Pete Tiboris ’98, Mike Halchak ’98 (the groom) and Andrew Scura ’98. CLASS NOTES
63
Congratulations to Peter Tiboris and his wife, Christy Ely, on their January 2014 wedding. Their relationship was featured in The New York Times “Vows” column on January 17, 2014, and based on that story they were invited to visit The Today Show with Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford on Thursday, December 18th. Additional congratulations to Peter and Christy who are expecting their first child in June 2015.
Class agent: Mr. Alexander Holz 538 E. 85th Street, Apt. 2A New York, NY 10028 alexbhlz@gmail.com
Congratulations to Alumni Council President, Jaclyn Latzoni Spedaliere and husband Mark on their new bundle of j oy, Grayson Carmine Spedaliere, born December 3, 2014, weighing 6lbs 15oz and measuring 20.25”.
Some of the men and dads of ’99 standing: Alex Holz and Tyler DiNapoli. Seated: Geoff Roehm and LeRoy Watkins
Welcome Grayson Carmine Spedaliere
2001
2000
Peter Tiboris and wife Christy Ely Many congratulations to Leon Shade and his wife (and fellow MKA Middle School faculty member) Guada Cabido on the birth of their daughter, Leah Shade, who arrived at 4:01 p.m. on New Year’s Eve!
Congratulations to Marcela Bequillard on her marriage to Christian Stanton, on September 26, 2014.
15TH REUNION OCTOBER 10, 2015 Mr. John Garippa 2741 NE 58th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 oceanhut@aol.com Mrs. Anna Labowsky Cook 5 Highview Court Wayne, NJ 07470-6271 anna_labowsky @yahoo.com Class agent: Mrs. Jaclyn Latzoni Spedaliere 60 E. Oak Street Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 jaclynspedaliere@gmail.com
Ms. Dana Pisacane dana.piscane@gmail.com Class agent: Ms. Lindsay Braverman 156 Guernsey Street, Apt. 3L Brooklyn, NY 11222 lbraverman1@gmail.com Congratulations to Lindsay Braverman and Daniel Forman on their marriage on August 31, 2014. Congratulations to Kathryn Auw ’01 and her husband, Varchas Prasad, on their marriage at Gotham Hall, NY, on October 4, 2014.
Congratulations to Bret Hirsh and wife Amanda on the birth of their son, Samuel Felix Hirsh, born on November 10 at 9:33 a.m. weighing 8 lbs 12 oz. Welcome Leah Shade
1999 Ms. Sandra Tritt 300 E. Seminary Mercersburg, PA 17236 sandratritt@gmail.com
Welcome Samuel Felix Hirsh 64
CLASS NOTES
Mrs. Kathryn Auw Prasad
Congratulations to Daniel Weller and wife Marissa on the birth of their son, Luke Richard Weller, born on June 12, 2014 and weighing in at 7 lbs 14 oz.
2002 Mrs. Melissa Fortunato Slomienski 40 Holton Lane Essex Fells, NJ 07021 fortunme@mac.com Ms. Emily Santangelo 27 Woods Road Little Falls, NJ 07424-2010 emilyannesantangelo@gmail.com
Amy Trainor wrote to the Alumni Office: Hey all! Things are going well here in Charlotte. I am currently Lead Copywriter at SnapAV, and I am also working toward my MFA in Creative Writing from Queens University (graduation January 2016). I am thrilled to mention that I will be marrying my best friend, John Ashby, on September 26, 2015. Things couldn’t be better! Congratulations and best wishes to Casey Breslow on her marriage to Jared Glugeth on August 23, 2014. Their marriage took place at the Mallard Island Yacht Club in Manahawkin, NJ.
Class agent: Mrs. Lauren Tortoriello Ertel lauren.tortoriello@gmail.com
2005 10TH REUNION OCTOBER 10, 2015
Melissa Fortunato Slomienski writes: Life has been busy as my husband and I welcomed our first child, William, into the world on February 27, 2014.
Morgan Fraser Mouchette writes: I married Eric Mouchette on July 19, 2014 in Harbour Island, Bahamas. We met while we were both attending Fordham Law School. We actually connected with Richard (Rick) Unis ’00 who, along with his wife, has a professional photography business.
Michael Villani writes: Hello everyone. I have been a police officer in the city of Newark for the New Jersey Institute of Technology for six years. I was j ust recently promoted last October to the rank of Sergeant where my primary responsibilities entail overseeing criminal investigations, internal affairs investigations and community policing efforts. I hope all my friends from the class of 2004 are doing well and trust you are prospering in whatever endeavors you have undertaken in your lives. Be well and stay safe. Congratulations to Noah Kessler who married Jodi Krakower in Montreal, Canada on August 23.
Class secretary Emily Santangelo graduated summa cum laude with a Masters in Business Administration in August and continues to work in her family business. She also teaches part-time in NYC.
Belle Koven writes: I got engaged in late September to Richard Walker and we’re planning a private ceremony in 2015. I currently work for HERE Maps, a division of Nokia, and manage all of our aerial and satellite data acquisition. Outside of work, I finished eight half marathons (PR of 1:44) and my first full marathon!
Class agent: Mr. Brendan McCaffrey 240 Lafayette Street, Apt. 1 New York, NY 10012 brendan.a.mccaffrey@gmail.com
Mr. Manav Lalwani 132 Blue Heron Drive Riverside Court, Secaucus, NJ 07094-2391 201-617-5312 manav.lalwani@gmail.com Casey Breslow and husband Jared Glugeth.
2004 Ms. Kate Santoro 333 River Street, Apt. 539 Hoboken, NJ 07030 Kate.santoro@gmail.com
Class agent: Mr. Edmund Kozak 184 Noll St., Apt. 4B Brooklyn, NY 11237 917-887-9853 e.g.kozak@gmail.com A huge congratulations to Will Watts whose company, BlackBox Manufacturing, won NYC’s Next Top Makers award! See page 22 for more about Will.
2003 Ms. Judith Ferreira 819 Clifton Avenue Newark, NJ 07104-3211 jferreir@pratt.edu Class agent: Mrs. Melanie Braverman Bieber 20 West 72nd Street, #302A New York, NY 10023 mel.braverman@gmail.com
Noah Kessler’s wedding was cause for a mini-reunion for the Class of 2004. Back row l-r: Scott Bordieri (college friend from ASU) Sam Sparks, David Endo, Zac Waksal, Hal Garrity, Brendan McCaffery, Will Boss and Alex Langbein ’03 Front row l-r: Donny Gaby, Noah Kessler, Mike Martone ’04x and Tommy Beach. CLASS NOTES
65
2006 Ms. Natalie Azzoli 8 Spruce Street, Apt. 33D New York, NY 10038 nat6888@gmail.com Class agent: Ms. Angela McCaffrey 218 Bloomfield St, Apt. B Hoboken, NJ 07030 angelamccaffrey@gmail.com Congratulations to Angela McCaffrey and Caitlin DiRuggiero on their Corefire Studio, winning Favorite Gym/Workout Place in Montclair Magazine! Check it out at www.corefirepilates.com Alyssa Farrelly is currently working as Senior Project Manager at the Golden Bridge Foundation in Beijing, China. She studied abroad at Peking University for a semester in 2009 and has now lived and worked in Beijing for three and a half years. This past October she worked as a coach and organizer at a Leadership Training Summit held at Harvard University for Pengyou Leadership Fellows. While there, she met current MKA students Jordan Shildkraut ’16 and Jayson Thompson ’17 who were among the 40 students nationwide selected for the prestigious program which is open to any US high school, college or graduate students who have studied in China.
Some of MKA’s younger alums returned for their first Reunion Luncheon. Back row l-r: From the Class of 2009, Madeline Kahn, Carly Abramson, Katherine Phillips, Kristin Calandra and Danielle Donatiello. Front row l-r: From the Class of 2004, Crissy Megariotis, faculty member Jess Bishop and Rebecca Beyth. as a Montessori middle and high school teacher. While teaching at a small private school, I worked with a group of eight people to design Lowcountry Montessori (Charter) School and apply to the state for approval and funding. We’re the first Montessori charter school in the state and the only K-12 Montessori program. One and a half years later, we opened our doors. I’m now teaching and helping design the middle and high schools.
2007 Mr. Brian May 22 N. Bayard Lane Mahwah, NJ 07430 bmay88@gmail.com
Jordan Shildkraut ’16, Alyssa Farrelly and Jayson Thompson ’17. Sharon Williams writes: After graduating with a BS from Loyola University and a VMD from The University of Pennsylvania, I am now a Veterinary Medical Doctor! Karl Schlobohm writes: After MKA, I got my BA in English from Messiah College in PA, then went over to Wales to do my MA in Literature. I returned to the States to live in beautiful Beaufort, SC to train and work
66
CLASS NOTES
Class agent: Mr. Harry Raymond 19 E. 7th Street, Apt. 3 New York, NY 10003 raymond.harry@gmail.com Congratulations to Harry Raymond on the launch of his latest app called Swig – a virtual meeting place for drinkers of all tastes – that was recently ranked as one of the top 25 food/drink apps.
2008 Ms. Cara Placentra 125 Upper Mountain Avenue Montclair, NJ 07042 caraplacentra@mac.com
Class agent: Mr. Matthew Metzger 707 East Saddle River Road Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423 metzgemb@bc.edu
2009 Ms. Jane Stanton 240 South Mountain Avenue Montclair, NJ 07042 janestanton18@gmail.com Class agent: Mr. Brian Purcell 89 Davis Avenue Bloomfield, NJ 07003 prephockey98@aol.com
2010 5TH REUNION OCTOBER 10, 2015 Ms. Devon Barrett 109 Llewellyn Road Montclair, NJ 07042 dlbarret@princeton.edu Class agent: Mr. Matthew Palmisano 51 Grover Lane West Caldwell, NJ 07006 nbovals@att.net The Alumni Office heard from Emily Olshefski who wrote: I started at Montclair State in the fall (I graduated from Purdue with a BS in Speech,
Language, and Hearing Sciences and a BA in Linguistics) as a graduate student in the Applied Linguistics program with a focus on computational linguistics. I currently am working on research related to creating algorithms to detect semantic manipulation in text and am hoping to collaborate with the FBI in this endeavor.
2011 Mr. Seth Bynum sefaref22@gmail.com
Pictured l-r Jesse Schwimmer, Gina Guccione, Aaron Stagoff-Belfort, Nic Harris, David Reading and David Grillo.
Class agent: Ms. Carina Wong carinamwong@gmail.com
2012 Ms. Casey Musicant casey.musicant@gmail.com Class Agent: Mr. Ed Rosini erosini32@gmail.com Jordan Walters was the featured artist in the MKA Upper School Weiss Gallery in November and December. In an excerpt from his artist’s statement for the “Seen Around Town” exhibition, Jordan notes: “This body of work is primarily an observational investigation into the mundane and yet the bizarre. The title of the show ... suggests the colloquial nature of the images: they are snapshots of what is often viewed as everyday life, but they also suggest that such everyday existence will still feature unexplained oddities and moments of serenity, random and unexpected.” Jordan is currently pursuing a dual degree in architecture and photography at Columbia University.
Examples from Jordan’s photography exhibit.
Upper School students attending the Brown Model UN Conference
2013 Class agent: Ms. Elizabeth “Lizzie” Amato ljamato420@mac.com Class agent: Mr. Edward Bozik bozik@me.com Former Economics Honors students Aaron Stagoff-Belfort ’14, David Reading ’13, MH Johnson ’13, Yazata Bhote ’13, David Grillo ’12, Jesse Schwimmer ’10, Nic Harris ’14, Krishna Gall ’12 and Gina Guccione’14 volunteered their time to speak to two of Tom Carroll’s classes to offer their perspective on college course selection, major declaration, study habits, internships, interview tips, how to find balance between studying, sports and having a social life, and much more. The current students were thrilled to hear from their not too distant peers and had many questions, which led to a productive and honest conversation.
2014 Ms. Savannah Fusaro savannahfusaro@aol.com Class agent: Ms. Kassandra Fotiadis Kfotiadis3@verizon.net From November 7th - 9th, 18 MKA Upper School students attended the Brown Model UN Conference in Providence, RI and were treated to a personalized tour of the university conducted by Kassie Fotiadis ’14, a Brown freshman. Kassie discussed such issues as class selection, student life and how well MKA has prepared her for college. Congratulations to Ian Notkin, earning the titles of men’s Golfer and Rookie of the Year honors at the NECC Championships in October. Ian was the only player to compete in all nine rounds this past fall for Babson. Congratulations to Ryan Fennelly who, in his first game for the Rhodes College Lynx lax team, scored eight goals, was named to the Division III Honor Roll in Lax Magazine and was named Southern Athletic Association (SAA) Player of the Week. CLASS NOTES
67
Marriages 1978 1998 1998 2000 2001 2001 2002 2003 2004
Daniel Groisser and Etti Langman Michael Halchak and Jennifer Pepper Peter Tiboris and Christy Ely Marcela Bequillard and Christian Stanton Kathryn Auw and Varchas Prasad Lindsay Braverman and Daniel Forman Morgan Fraser and Eric Mouchette Casey Breslow and Jared Glugeth Noah Kessler and Jodi Krakower
July 3, 2014 November 7, 2014 January 16, 2014 September 26, 2014 October 4, 2014 August 31, 2014 July 19, 2014 August 23, 2014 August 23, 2014
Mary Hoes Summerville John Hartwell Ames Harriet Palmer Pickens Nancy Taylor Craw Charles B. Sanders Peggy Wright Dorland Robert Clifford Florence Johnson Jacobson Sally Van der Wolk Miller Edward Hayden O’Neill John Rodes Helm Vernon Royle Avera Richard Charles Cook II Ted Jorgensen Gregory Hare Anthony Mascia Garrett Boyle Elyse Decker Fenerty Richard Chang
May, 2014 August 29, 2011 December 12, 2012 January 4, 2013 July 3, 2014 March 30. 2014 November 29, 2014 December 9, 2014 February 22, 2014 January 27, 2015 November 29, 2014 October 9, 2014 June 10, 2014 November 22, 2014 November 8, 2014 October 2014 October 16, 2010 January 7, 2014 December 13, 2014
In Memoriam 1935 1940 1940 1940 1941 1941 1942 1946 1946 1946 1948 1948 1952 1953 1965 1965 1974 1986 1993
Faculty, Former Faculty, Staff and Trustees 1937
Joe Halm, Science Teacher and Ski Coach - 1980’s Robert E. Livesey, Trustee - 22 years, 1960’s and 1970’s John Whitehead, Trustee - 1968-1974
July 27, 2014 February 7, 2015 February 7, 2015
KEEP IN TOUCH
68
facebook.com/MontclairKimberley facebook.com/MKAAlumni
twitter.com/mkacademy twitter.com/mkaalumni twitter.com/MKAAthletics
instagram.com/mkaathletics # instagram.com/mkaarts
MKA’s amazing Mobile Alumni App – contact Gretchen Berra for more information
youtube.com/montclairkimberley
linkedin.com/groups?gid=2463908&trk
CLASS NOTES
Profiles in Giving
Dr. Diane Ridley-White ’84 Diane Ridley-White, MKA Class of 1984, exemplifies lifelong involvement with MKA as an alumna, an active member of the Alumni Council and a loyal and generous supporter of the Annual Giving campaign. The importance of Annual Giving is not lost on Diane, as she herself would not have been able to continue on from the Middle School to the Upper School without the assistance of financial aid. She credits former faculty member Tony Daur for informing her parents about available aid, and hopes, in turn, that her annual donation will help another deserving student.
MKA is grateful to Diane Ridley-White and to the many MA, TKS and MKA alumni whose generous support of Annual Giving ensures that the School’s tradition of excellence can continue for future generations. Please pledge your support today at mka.org/giving.
During her time at MKA, Diane participated in many extra-curricular activities including cheerleading, serving as the Cougar Mascot for two years, volleyball, the Organization of Black Students, the Winter Musicals (both on stage and behind the scenes), and plays with Michael Bergman. Her favorite activity, however, was as a member of Nixon Bicknell’s Mastersingers, and she credits Jewell Crenshaw ’83, a soloist for the group, with encouraging her to audition. After graduating cum laude from MKA, Diane attended Columbia University and Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons. She is now an anesthesiologist at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ. She always knew she wanted to be a doctor, and credits her education at MKA for preparing her for college and medical school, for encouraging her passion for learning and her drive to be a great student. Diane appreciates that the small class sizes and individualized attention she received at MKA made for an easier learning experience. Beyond the classroom, the MKA community has always held a very special place in Diane’s heart due to the support she and
her parents received when she was diagnosed and hospitalized with lupus in 8th grade. All the cards she received from classmates, the support of her teachers and the outreach of the entire community surprised her; she couldn’t believe that so many people took the time to show her they cared; she didn’t even think they liked her! She especially remembers fondly a card from Laura Dancy Wilson ’84. Diane has friends who have gone to other private schools but has observed that they don’t have the same sense of connectedness that she and her classmates have with each other and with MKA. She is happy to report that she has more friends from MKA than from college, and she still keeps in touch with some former faculty members including her kindergarten teacher Leigh Berrien Smith ’45. Her class maintains a Facebook page that contributed to many of them, including Diane, returning to campus last October for their 30th Reunion. Diane explained her lifelong connection to MKA in four simple words: “MKA is like home,” and we’re so fortunate to have her as a member of our alumni family.
Alumni Council 2014-15 President: Jaclyn Latzoni Spedaliere ’00 EVP: Jessica Simpson Cook ’99 Treasurer: Dennis Rodano ’87 Secretary: Amanda Englander ’04 Network VP: Klaudia Pyz ’98
Members: Bryan Becker ’96 Brittany Berckes ’06 Lindsay Braverman ’01 Casey Breslow ’03 Jonathan Bruno ’02 Jared Cook ’01 Rich Cosgrove ’84 Pamela D'Amato Davis ’89 Mark Fortunato ’02 Janine Garland ’82
Lauren Hyman Kaplan ’93 Andrew Kyrejko ’05 William Martini ’98 Diane Ridley-White ’84 Rich Stanton ’87 John Thomspson ’03 Lee Vartan ’96 J. Kent Walker ’80 Advisory: Dan Carson ’83
Administration: Tom Nammack, Headmaster Geoffrey Branigan, Director of Development & External Affairs Lois Montorio, Director of Alumni Relations Keith Wiggs, Associate Director of Development Gretchen Berra, Associate Director of Alumni Relations & Communications
Student Ambassadors: Lily Andres ’16 Kori Durando ’15 Grace Halvey ’16 Joe Sierotko ’15
Montclair Kimberley Academy 201 Valley Road, Montclair, NJ 07042 mka.org
Homecoming 2015: Saturday, October 10th 1940
1945
1950
1955
1960
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010