NYA SPRING 2009 CHRONICLE

NORTH YA RMO U T H

ACAD E MY

CHRONICLE SPRING 2009

VOL. 30, NO. 1

If you had the time and money to do anything you wanted,

How would YOU

make the world a Look for

alumni

answers in the bubbles.

N ORTH YARMOUTH

ACADEMY

CHRONICLE SPRING 2009

VOL. 30, NO. 1

NYA

Dear

CONTENTS Features GIVING BACK

3

INDEGO AFRICA

5

ALUMNI PROFILES IN PHILANTHROPY

8

RUSSELL HALL REOPENS

16

NYA COMMUNITY AWARENESS

24

COMMUNITY

On the surface it might seem to be the wrong time to base this issue of the Chronicle on a theme of “Giving Back” and philanthropy. After all, we all know that the economy has put greater pressure on the financial status of our families, and the

departments HEADMASTER’S LETTER

nation as a whole is gripped with uncertainty. But

2

perhaps, as we make decisions about how best

SPORTS

12

to protect our resources and guard what is most

EVENTS

14

precious to us, this is really the perfect time to

CLASS NOTES

20

reflect on our priorities.

Certainly, family and personal priorities are at the forefront of our

North Yarmouth Academy is an independent, college

planning. It is also important and necessary to protect those things in our

preparatory, coeducational day school serving students

lives that have made a difference in who we are today. As the economy

in grades six through twelve. The school offers a

has affected us individually, it also has had a significant impact on

structured program that sets clear standards and high

North Yarmouth Academy. Our duty is to maintain the full breadth and

expectations in an environment that emphasizes values

depth of this institution’s excellence and protect its mission. In order to

of mutual respect, trust and community. North Yarmouth Academy is dedicated to fostering integrity, character and intellect in young adults. The North Yarmouth Academy program encourages students to develop: PROBLEM-SOLVING

SKILLS

BASED

ON

IN

WRITING,

been touched by our school. It is precisely in this challenging economic time that we need our alumni, parents, grandparents and friends to make a commitment to give back so that we can go forward.

SOUND

ANALYTICAL AND CREATIVE THOUGHT SOPHISTICATION

do this we will need the help and support of every person whose life has

SPEAKING

I hope that in these pages you will see evidence that the good work and AND

growth that our students found here in the past are still the hallmarks of

ARTISTIC EXPRESSION

our school today. I encourage you to help us insure that they will remain

APPRECIATION FOR THE IMPORTANCE OF ATHLETIC

strong for the students who will come. Thank you for giving back.

ACTIVITY, TEAMWORK AND COOPERATION SELF-CONFIDENCE AND SELF-RESPECT THROUGH A

Sincerely,

BREADTH OF EXPERIENCES THAT EXTEND BEYOND THE CLASSROOM CONCERN FOR THE LARGER COMMUNITY AND AN APPRECIATION FOR THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT DESIRE TO CONTINUE THE PROCESS OF LIFE-LONG LEARNING

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Peter W. Mertz Headmaster

GIVING BACK

PAYING IT FORWARD

Concern for the larger community.

In the course of its history, NYA has been both the giver and the receiver of many significant gifts, sometimes in the form of checks and

appreciated stock and many

times in the form of selfless service and precious time. Alumni, parents, faculty and staff, grandparents, friends and most important, students, share their gifts of time, treasure and talent with the Academy and the greater global community. Through gifts to the annual fund and capital campaigns, many in the NYA community have supported changes and improvements to campus buildings and programs. Our students continually look for ways to expand their involvement in the community by adopting families to support during the holidays, raising money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation through homes

concerts and

child

and

dress

care

centers

down and

days, more

volunteering globally

at

through

local the

nursing

Kiva

Club

which provides small loans directly to individuals in third world countries for business development.

Parents give up countless hours to scoop ice cream during Clam Festival week, create magic every year at the annual auction, volunteer in study halls and classrooms, sell wreaths and poinsettias and Sally Foster gift wrap and most always step forward when the need is presented to preserve and enhance the rich traditions and academic experience at NYA. Our alumni have also continued to “pay it forward� in their lives after NYA, whether it be volunteering in their local communities or devoting themselves to non-profit work around the world. In these trying economic times, philanthropy is alive and well at North Yarmouth Academy.

If you had the time and money to do anything you wanted,

how would YOU make the world a

But what if the son of a Biology teacher from that school invited that kid into his home, to live with his family.

And that family treated that kid like their own son and their own brother.

And then what if the people from an amazing community gave that kid clothes because all of his clothes were lost, and gave that kid love because his family was so far away. And that kid could play on the basketball team, and that kid run cross country. And that kid could laugh at George Carlin records with “The Bud Man,” and go to dances, and kiss a pretty girl. And that kid could graduate from private school, attend college, get a good job with a good company.

I would give a city kid from a family with too many kids and too little money financial aid so he could attend private school. And then maybe that kid would move into a dorm at that private school.

And that kid would meet amazing friends. And then maybe there would be a fire in that dorm and that kid would Then that kid could send another lose all his meager possessions. young man to private school and that young man could go to college, and get a good job ...What could that city kid say but thank you NYA. Thank you Linc. Thank you Mr. and Mrs Graves.

Thank you Mr. Shepley. Thank you “Bud Man” Flaherty. Thanks for the time. Thanks for the money.

“ Tfor hanks the time.

Thanks for the money.”

– yours with sincere gratitude

Yours with sincere gratitude, Michael Faulstich Class of 1978

The Indego PROJECT Following NYA, Ben Stone ‘96 earned

a

Literature in

2000

degree

in

English

and

PhotogrAphy

from

Washington

University in St. Louis. He then worked as a manuscript editor for The Astro physical Journal at the University of Chicago Press. He attended law school at New York University, graduating in 2004 and spent four years focused on complex commercial litigation at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP in New York. Matt Mitro, a close friend from Washington University who lived in Africa as a child, left his job as a corporate lawyer in November 2006 to launch Indego Africa. Stone was involved from the beginning but raised his commitment in 2007 when he spearheaded Orrick’s pro bono efforts on behalf of Indego Africa. In 2008, after an inspiring trip to Rwanda, and with Orrick’s support, he moved to Indego Africa full-time as Senior Vice President & General Counsel.

Matt Mitro (front, in blue polo shirt) Ben Stone ‘96 (in white polo shirt) surrounded by Indego Africa clients in Rwanda.

© 2 0 0 9 N O R T H YA R M O U T H A C A D E M Y

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 5

Indego Africa is an innovative non-profit

“I was drawn to Indego Africa’s enterprise-

built upon the belief that women in Rwanda

based approach to defeating poverty.

can lift themselves out of poverty. Rwandan

Returning all profits to the women gives

artisans are first provided with access to the

them a real stake in their own development,

global marketplace, enabling them to sell

thus leading to greater self-confidence

their unique handicrafts for a fair wage.

and

initiative.

They

particularly

enjoy

hearing how people in the United States All profits (including donations and grants)

love their traditional baskets and vibrant

are applied to the Hand Up training programs,

wine coasters. By matching access to the

where the women not only gain the ability

global markets with training programs in

to manage their new income, but also

long-term skills, I think Indego Africa

develop long-term skills, such as computer

moves each partner community closer to

literacy, accounting, and English. In addition,

independent sustainability,” said Stone.

the Hand Up programs are administered

by Rwanda’s top university scholarship students who acquire otherwise unattainable experience working for a global business.

“ I would continue my mission to

women.”

– JAY REIGHLEY NYA PARENT

Rwanda is also an incredibly inspiring country.

Only 15 years after the terrible genocide of 1994, where almost 1 million people needlessly lost their lives, Rwanda is now the safest country in Africa. It has also instituted a plan called Vision 2020, with the goal of developing Rwanda into a middle-income country, including a computer for every child, by the year 2020. Just this year, Rwanda also became the first country in the world to elect a majority of women to their parliament (56%).

“ I’d open a clinic where people could get

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w w w. n y a . o r g

free counseling.”

–anonymous

“I

the

“It’s funny – I don’t think I realized it at the

determination of the women working

am

constantly

struck

by

time, but NYA prepared me so well for the

with Indego Africa. Before par tnering

rigors of college, law school and everything

with Indego Africa, more than 90% of the

else. It’s a place that leaves you with a sense

women earned less than $0.50 per day and

of confidence and equipped to go for what

supported an average family of five, many

makes you happy,” said Stone. What does

of whom are the orphans of others. Now

the future bring? He’d like to do as much

they make four times that much and are

as he can for Indego Africa, then “who

also learning valuable long-term skills. I’m

knows!”

really honored to be a part of it. One of my goals is to try to convey the promise and vibrancy of Rwanda through my photos of the women and children partnering with Indego Africa,” explained Stone.

Indego Africa handicrafts are on sale in over 18 retail stores across the U.S. (including the U.S. Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC and the Art Institute of Chicago) and on its webstore (http://shop.indegoafrica.org).

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alumni PROFILES

“ I’d try to

be a voice for those who cannot speak.”

branson ’65

john

John Branson knows he is a public servant. He is the historian at Lake Clark National Park and Preserve (LACL) in southwestern Alaska. John views his position as “a small cog in preserving the natural and cultural heritage” of our country.

After teaching high school social studies in Naknek, Alaska, commercial salmon fishing, assisting big game hunting guides and working as the caretaker on Governor Jay S. Hammond’s homestead, John changed careers in 1990. He has devoted his working life since then to the National Park Service (NPS).

When John was at NYA, they didn’t have a community service requirement. His love of the outdoors stemmed from growing up in rural Windham, five summers at Camp Timanous on

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CHRONICLE

SPRING 2009

Panther Pond and a trip with his father to Alaska in 1959. His dream of moving to Alaska came true after graduating from the Boston University School of Education in 1969.

All of his experiences in Alaska between 1969 and 1990, including his friendship with Native students and their families, learning about their cultures (Yup’ik, Alutiiq and Athabascan) and stories, all contributed to John being hired by the NPS. In his position, he has written or edited seven books on Bristol Bay area history and has helped to rehabilitate Richard Proenneke’s cabin at Twin Lakes, in LACL. John is an old friend of John Kauffmann, a former NYA Trustee, Yarmouth resident and NPS writer

w w w. n y a . o r g

– Brooke (Hurley) Tomeo class of ‘94

and planner who helped plan the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, and LACL. Branson is a role model for young people who wish to pursue a career in public service. He says there are a number of interesting career paths in the NPS, ecology, law enforcement, anthropology, archeology, biology, and interpretation, to name a few. Branson says his job is an “intellectually and physically challenging position where you are constantly giving back to the public.”

NYA BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2008-09 Linc Merrill ‘75, President Julie C. Moss, Vice President David J. Champoux, Vice President R.P. Field Rider, Treasurer Richard D. Abbondanza, Secretary

miriam webster dictionary PHI • LAN • THRO • PY

1: goodwill to fellowmen; especially: active effort to promote human welfare

allen ’88

elizabeth

“It’s beautiful to watch,” says Liz Allen ’88, speaking about the growth of the Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program. Liz’s job is to recruit, screen, train and place volunteers into service with the Auburn, Lewiston and Lisbon Police Departments and the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Department.

Liz explained that as the program has geared up, it has been wonderful to see the community respond. She has found that citizens are amazed to learn that law enforcement agencies would accept their help. Officers are, in turn, pleasantly surprised to find that community members are willing to donate their time to help support the work they do. Liz’s team of volunteers do everything from community outreach and wellness checks for senior citizens, to mentoring teens who are interested in going into law enforcement, to Citizen Patrol teams who perform vacant house checks and assist citizens who have locked their keys in their cars. Volunteers also help at the various agencies with administrative tasks such as filing, answering phones, and data entry. “VIPS volunteers support what our sworn officers and staff do on a day-to-day basis,” says Liz. “They help us maximize resources and allow officers and staff to concentrate on their primary duties.” The results are improved community relations, a strong police/community partnership, a better understanding of what police do, and hopefully, a measurable reduction in crime.

Liz works with the agencies she serves to come up with ideas on how to involve citizen volunteers. It is an ever-evolving program with limitless potential that builds strong partnerships within the community. Liz’s motto is “building safer and stronger communities through community volunteers.” Her philanthropic philosophy is that not everyone can give money, but everyone has time and valued resources (experience and knowledge) that they can lend to an organization. It all contributes to the greater good of the organization and the community served.

She credits her love of and commitment to volunteering to Mrs. MacArthur and the NYA Social Service Club. She practices what she preaches through her own philanthropic works – as a member of the Junior League of Portland, designing newsletters for her church, serving on area boards such as the United Valley American Red Cross, and serving at the committee level on the Elder Abuse Task Force of Androscoggin County and the Auburn Police Department Regional Explorer Post #333. “I’m proud to say that the people who live here care deeply about their families and their communities, and they can be a huge resource for local law enforcement,” says Liz. “VIPS allows citizens to contribute to their community in a very meaningful way.”

Her plans for the future include nurturing and growing the VIPS program and continuing to build her graphic design business.

Allen Bornheimer ‘60 John L. Carpenter Margaret Fast David Fenderson ‘81 MaryEllen FitzGerald Jay Flower ‘94 Diana C. Garcia Charles P. Gendron Margaret Griswold Laurie Hasty Michael T. Healy Cindy Maxsimic Betsy Mead Brian Noyes Lynn E. Noyes Charles A. “Drew” Oestreicher ‘89 Tracey L. Russell Priscilla B. Savage Theodore Sharp ‘60 David Warren Jean Wilkinson

HONORARY TRUSTEES Mary Anderson Stephen Anderson Mark Fasold Christopher Flower Margot Milliken C. David O’Brien Christopher Pierce Michael Savage Curtis Scribner John Staples Anita Stickney

Peter W. Mertz, Headmaster

DEVELOPMENT OFFICE STAFF Kate Putnam Chief Development Officer

Tara Johnson Assistant Director of Development Debora Hirshberg Noone Director of Alumni Relations Kristi Belesca Director of Community Development and Communications Jim Briggs Dee Post

PHOTOS

Brian Beard, CIP Photography Fred Field Ben Stone, Indego Africa NYA STAFF CHRONICLE

9

PROFILES vilburn ’54

kaye myers

she is helping to set up a volunteer training program for those who will go into local schools to educate students on the history of the area.

The committee will be developing educational materials, brochures, and trainings.

Where majestic old brick buildings, history, and philanthropy intersect, you will find Kaye Myers Vilburn ’54 working to bring the past into the present.

At NYA we promote the concept of social service through group class participation and individual volunteering by our students. In the early 50’s when Kaye was at NYA, they had no such program.

But she figured it out on her own. Kaye worked for UNUM (then Union Mutual) over a twenty year period. She and her Navy husband Bob spent many years living in different parts of the country.

Throughout her travels, Kaye volunteered for homeless shelters, battered women’s shelters, and the humane society in such places as Albuquerque, NM, British Columbia, California and Phoenix, AZ.

When she and Bob retired to Yarmouth to be near family, Kaye wanted to become involved in the community. She loved growing up in Yarmouth and personally knew William Hutchinson Rowe, author of many history books about the Yarmouth area. The Yarmouth Historical Society (YHS) seemed the perfect fit for Kaye’s philanthropic proclivity. Besides the rote routine of necessary office work such as filing, stuffing envelopes, and making volunteer calls, Kaye has been on the YHS board for the past five years, served as the Vice-Chair for two years, and is now embarking on a fun new project. As co-chair of the Education Committee,

For Kaye, the work is rewarding. She said, “by bringing the past into the present, we learn lessons from those who preceded us. Being involved is my way of helping today’s and future generations learn about the rich history of Yarmouth and ancient North Yarmouth.”

coombs ’00

monique levassuer If you live in Maine, you’ve heard the growing refrain of “eat lobster for the economy.” Lobster prices have hit rock bottom and lobstermen are bearing the economic brunt of it. Up close and personal with the situation, Monique Levasseur Coombs ’00, wife of lobsterman Herman Coombs ’94, came up with a brilliant idea. As a fundraiser, Monique is putting together a cookbook of lobster recipes called “Lobsters on the Fly.” All proceeds will go to the Maine Lobsterman’s Association to help Maine fishing families in need.

“Fishing is an expensive business,” explains Monique. “Each lobsterman owns his own boat and traps, has to pay for medical and property insurance, long-term disability, and has the day-today costs associated with running a business. With fuel and bait costs rising at astronomical rates, 10

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many are going out of business or having to supplement their income in other ways.”

Monique is using her skills in marketing and directing a small non-profit to put together an agency that will provide fishing and business resources for all New England fishermen.

“If we don’t take care of this generation of fishermen, we will no longer have this mainstay industry in Maine,” she said. Over the winter, she has worked to attract donors to support the project, collected recipes, and marketed the cookbook, which will be ready for production in late spring. Sally Kenway Anderson ’00 was recruited to provide photos for the new website, www.lobstersonthefly.com.

woopidoo! business glossary PHI • LAN • THRO • PY

Although Philanthropy can mean a general adoration for humankind, the term usually refers to the act of generosity associated with giving money, time, or effort to a charitable cause or institution under the intention of improving the well-being of humanity.

“I would

clean up

rivers

from pollution.”

NYA PARENT

Meredith Segal ’04 is no stranger to community service and political activism. When she was at NYA, she was awarded the Portland Rotary Youth Service Award in 2004. Her award from the Rotary represented “Service Above Self” and recognized Meredith’s middle and high school years of service to her community. Her senior speech was about her volunteer work with an autistic child.

segal ’04

meredith

Fast forward to fall 2004, Bowdoin College.

Merry continues her work with special needs children in the Bear Buddies program, studies neuroscience, psychology and education at Bowdoin preparing for non-profit work with special needs children, and heads up the campus voter registration drive and the get-out-the-vote efforts.

Right after President, then Senator-Elect, Barack Obama gave his speech at the National Democratic convention, Merry launched a Students for Obama facebook page. Soon after, she became the National Director of Students for Barack Obama, the official student wing of

Obama for America. She met and worked with students from all fifty states, an adventure that ended at Chicago’s Grant Park on election night and the inauguration in Washington, D.C. Merry credits her father for instilling in her the value of “Do Your Duty” which was reinforced at NYA by AP US History courses taught by Bill Hallett and Lynn Sullivan. She notes that participating in the NYA community service program “highlighted the breadth and depth of needs that exist in society.” Although working for political change is important, Merry said her most rewarding work is “hands-on with those in need.”

“Community service is more than a little addictive and has been the central component of my life since an early age,” she said. Her words of advice and encouragement include the recommendation that “people who give the pursuit a chance will find that the joys are tremendous and outweigh the challenges.”

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fall 08 SEASON SUMMARY

Boys Varsity Soccer Western Maine Conference All-Star: Henry Sterling ’10, Robbie Lentine ‘12 WMC All-Academic Team: Andrew Gendron ’09, Peter Hyndman ’09 The Forecaster NYA Athlete of the Fall: Henry Sterling ‘10 Girls Varsity Soccer Western Maine Conference All-Star: Bugsy Clemetson ’09, Alison Carpenter ’09, Courtney Dumont ’09 WMC All-Academic Team: Bugsy Clemetson ’09, Hillary Keach ’09, Cayla Marvil ’09, Abigail Moss ‘09 Maine Soccer Coaches Association – Western Maine Regional Class C AllStars: Courtney Dumont ’10, Alison Carpenter ’10, Lilly Wellenbach ‘11 Maine Soccer Coaches Association-Western Maine State Team: Courtney Dumont ‘10 Varsity Field Hockey Maine Field Hockey Coaches Association All-Star Team Class C: Lucy Gerrity ’09, Nicole Fuller ‘09 The Forecaster NYA Athlete of the Fall: Nicole Fuller ‘09 Western Maine All-Star:

First Team: Lucy Gerrity ’09, Nicole Fuller ‘09

Second Team: Lianna Hachborn ’10, Frances Leslie ‘11

Honorable Mention: Hayley Bright ‘10 Western Maine Conference Class “C” Champions Maine Class “C” State Champions Forecaster Girls Team Coach of the Year: Julia Littlefield

Golf Western Maine Conference All-Star: Kate Merrill ’09, Nick Luce ’10, Tim Millett ‘11 WMC All-Academic Team: Miles Isacke ‘09 Maine Sunday Telegram/Portland Press Herald All-Star: Tim Millett ‘11 Boys Cross Country Western Maine Conference All-Star: Joe Warren ‘09 WMC All-Academic Team: Victor Churchill ’09, Norwood Cohan-Smith ’09, Sam Gray ’09, Steven Lentine ’09, Chris Meixell ’09, Joe Warren ‘09 Girls Cross Country Western Maine Conference All-Star: Maggie Meixell ’12 WMC All-Academic Team: Eliza Gercke ’09, Alexis Kroot ’09, Beatrice Maidman ’09 Girls Volleyball WMC All-Academic Team: Haley Bennett ’09, Caroline Howes ’09, Kate Sharp ’09, Ashleigh Taylor ‘09 Maine Volleyball Coaches Association Academic All-State: Haley Bennett ’09, Caroline Howes ’09, Kate Sharp ’09, Ashleigh Taylor ‘09 Sailing USCGA: 4th of 20 Gleekman Trophy: 3rd of 20 Great Oakes Regatta: Qualified

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“ I would build golf courses with

free green fees!”

– Wim Hart Class of ‘68 C

winter 08-09 SEASON SUMMARY

Boys Varsity Basketball WMC Class “C” First Team: Andrew Gendron ‘09 WMC All-Academic Team: Andrew Gendron ‘09 Girls Varsity Basketball WMC Class “C” First Team: Kate Merrill ‘09 WMC All-Academic Team: Hillary Keach ‘09 Varsity Boys Swimming and Diving Southwesterns: 7th place team finish, 2nd place finish for 200 medley relay of Kaminow ‘11, Milam ‘10, Nichols ‘09, and Siepert ‘09, Ian Nichols ‘09 finish 1st in 50 freestyle and 100 breaststroke.

Southern Maine Swim League All-Star Team: Ian Nichols ‘09 South Southwestern’s Swimmer of the Meet: Ian Nichols ‘09 States: 9th place team finish, Ian Nichols ‘09 is the state champion in the 50 freestyle and state runner-up in the 100 breaststroke.

New England Qualifiers: Ian Nichols ‘09 Portland Press Herald’s Athlete of the Week: Ian Nichols ’09 (Feb. 5th) Maine Sunday Telegram All-State: Ian Nichols ‘09 WMC All-Academic Team: Ian Nichols ‘09

Varsity Girls Swimming and Diving Southwesterns: Southwesterns: 7th place team finish, 3rd place finish for 400 freestyle relay of Znamierowski ‘11, Reighley ‘10, Hansel ‘10, and Clegg ‘10, Rachel Clegg ‘10 finished 3rd in 100 breaststroke and 2nd in 200 freestyle, Sarah Kaminow ‘09 placed 1st in 1mtr Diving.

States: 8th place team finish, Rachel Clegg finished 3rd in 200 freestyle and 3rd in the 500 freestyle, Sarah Kaminow ‘09 is the state runner-up in 1mtr Diving Class B Diver of the Year: Sarah Kaminow ‘09 New England Diving Championships: Sarah Kaminow ’09 (3rd place) New England Qualifiers: Rachel Clegg ‘10

Boys Indoor Track WMC All-Star 1st Team: Henry Sterling ’10 in the 800m, 1 mile and 2 mile, Sam Fear ’09 in the high jump and shotput.

WMC Class B Championships: 5th place team finish, Sam Fear ‘09 finished 2nd in high jump and shotput, Robbie Lentine ‘12 finished 3rd in Jr. Boys 400m, Henry Sterling ‘10 finished 2nd in 800m and in the 2 mile.

State Class B Championship: : 4th place team finish (highest finish in school history), Henry Sterling ‘10 State Champion in 1mile and 2 mile, Sam Fear ‘09 State runner-up in shotput and high jump, 4x800 m relay of Coffin ‘12, S. Lentine ‘09, Warren ‘09, and Churchill ‘09 finished 6th.

Maine Sunday Telegram All-State: Henry Sterling ‘10 Forecaster NYA Winter Athlete of the Year: Henry Sterling ‘10 New England Qualifiers: Sam Fear ’09, Henry Sterling ‘10 National Championship Qualifiers: Sam Fear ’09, Henry Sterling ’10, Alex Coffin ‘12 WMC All-Academic Team: Victor Churchill ’09, Norwood Cohan-Smith ’09, Peter Hyndman ’09, Steven Lentine ’09, Joe Warren ‘09 Girls Indoor Track WMC All-Star 1st Team: Alison Carpenter ‘09 WMC Championships: 7th place team finish, Jr. Girls 4x200m relay of H. Twombly ‘12, Jordan ‘12, Lamoreau ‘11, and Gendron ‘11 finished 3rd.

State Class B Championship: 20th place team finish, 4x200m relay of Walton ‘09, Bewsey ‘09, Gibson ‘10, and Carpenter ‘09 finished 7th.

WMC All-Academic: Eliza Gercke ’09, Alexis Kroot ’09, Beatrice Maidman ‘09 Boys Varsity Ice Hockey NEPSAC DII Semifinalists Holt Conference All-Stars: Nick Luce ’10, Kyle Williams ‘09 NEPSAC DII All-Star Team: Nick Luce ’10, Kyle Williams ‘09 Boys Nordic Skiing WMC Championships: 9th place team finish in the 5k Skate and 5k Classic, Sam Gray ’09 finished 44th of 113.

States: Cam Regan ‘12 finished 28th in the 5k Skate and Sam Gray ‘09 finished 30th in the 5k Classic.

WMC All-Academic Team: Sam Gray ‘09 Girls Nordic Skiing WMC Championships: 9th place team finish overall States: Abbie McIvor ‘10 placed 13th in the 5k Skate and 15th in the 5k Classic.

Girls Varsity Hockey Forecaster NYA Winter Athlete of the Year: Courtney Dumont ‘10 NEPSAC DII All-Star Team: Courtney Dumont ’10, Ashley Salerno ‘10 NEPSAC DII Quarterfinalists CHRONICLE

13

Event 1/2 year reunion class

JoAnn Kimball ‘48, Eleanor Plummer Thompson ’48, Barbara D.W. Robinson ’48, Betty MacKinnon Street ’48 celebrated their 50th reunion at NYA in September

of 2008

Braving a tropical storm weekend, reunion classes ending in 3 and 8 met in the Priscilla Savage Middle School Community Room to reminisce over brunch. Headmaster Peter Mertz treated them to a slideshow highlighting NYA’s newest campus renovations to Russell Hall

“ Misoney not the answer

and told them about the campus master plan for future buildings and renovations. Later, Mertz led them on a special hard hat tour of Russell Hall. The day culminated with a cocktail party under a tent on NYA’s front lawn. All area alumni were invited to join in the Homecoming celebration.

to make the world a better place.”

– Helen G. Smith Maxell Class of ‘38

More

than

200

grandparents

attended

Grandparents’ Day on September 26, 2008.

They were treated to musical performances and senior speeches, and attended classes with their grandchildren, followed by lunch under a tent on the Curtis front lawn. Headmaster Peter Mertz and Board President Linc Merrill ’75 regaled the guests about the state of North Yarmouth Academy, concluding with the premier of a video about the campus plan for the future.

Grandparents’ day 14

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S P R I N G 2 0 0 9 w w w. n y a . o r g

Junior College kick-off

Above: Class of 2008 members, Michael LeBlanc, Henry Gleason, Spencer Lee, Cole Paiement, Duncan Briggs and Taylor Gorman enjoyed catching up in the newly re-opened Russell Hall.

Above right: Alex Champoux ’07 from Trinity College talks to the Class of 2010 about college life at the annual College Kick-off event.

Photo 1 on right: College panel Siobhan Anderson ’07, Allie Tocci ’08 and Nick Wellin ’05 Photo 2 on right: Hayley Bright ’10 and Hayley McKinnon ’10 with Zach Garcia ‘07

winter sports day

“ I would start a

soup kitchen

in my community – ANONYMOUS

Zach Garcia ’07, Banak Thiwat ’07, Katie Briggs ’05, Alex Briggs ’08

Colin Geiger ’07, James Spilsbury ’06, Than Wellin ’07, Sean Lynch ’06, Matt Curran ’04, Eric Gilbert ’97, Pat Newell ’98, Nick Wellin ’05, Brian Clark ’80, Dan Bartlett ’04, Dan Dearing ’06, Russ Simms ’06, Jay Flower ’94, Bruce Myers

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class

in session Russell Hall

Reopens

“Restoring

human connections makes a better world.”

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w w w. n y a . o r g

–nya parent

NYA began renovating Russell Hall in April 2008 and work was completed by the following December. Although the exterior is virtually unchanged, the interior was completely rebuilt.

On December 18th, Headmaster Peter Mertz and his wife Lisa, proudly welcomed honored guests, including current and former members of the NYA Board of Trustees and their spouses, supporters of the Next 200 Campaign and other friends of the school, to help celebrate the grand re-opening of Russell Hall on the North Yarmouth Academy campus.

Guests enjoyed a festive buffet dinner while they wandered throughout the building and saw first-hand how the renovation had been completed. Scott Simons Architects, working in conjunction with contractors from the Thaxter Company, did an exemplary job maintaining the historical elements of Russell Hall, which included preserving all eight brick chimneys and the associated fireplaces on each floor of the building. With its newly configured design, Russell Hall contains five modern classrooms for classical and modern languages, a state-of-the-art language/ computer lab and the Bowne Family Seminar Room which features a working gas fireplace.

“Russell Hall is one of two buildings on

Bridget Healy and former Trustee Anita Stickney caught up at the grand re-opening party.

Margaret Fenderson and Diane Donaldson enjoyed the new space.

campus with the most significant historic nature. It is as much a symbol of the Town of Yarmouth as it is of the Academy. It is an exciting day watching our students and faculty move into this new facility with all the technological advantages and academic enhancements. We are all simply thrilled with the new life for this campus treasure,” said Mertz.

After giving faculty and students a week or two to settle into their new classrooms, another celebration was held on February 4th for the greater NYA community. Mertz had promised Frank Knight ’25 the first honorary ride in the new Russell Hall elevator and he was delighted to carry through on his promise. Emerging on the third floor, Knight proclaimed it a “smooth ride!”

Happy to be in a great new classroom!

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date

save the

Steve Morris Golf Tournament

08.1.09

Toddy Brook Golf Course, North Yarmouth, Maine To register to play or to be a sponsor, contact Jim Briggs at jbriggs@nya.org or 207-846-9051 ext. 615.

in lights

See your company logo (or ice) at Travis Roy Arena!

Your display will be seen by over 10,000 people each season. Sponsorship dollars support

the capital needs of Travis Roy Arena and are tax deductible. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Kristi Belesca at 207-846-9051 ext. 400 or kbelesca@nya.org.

18

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SPRING 2009

w w w. n y a . o r g

Hockey Rink Sponsorship Opportunities Lighted Wall Boards, Wall Boards, Zamboni Displays and In-Ice Displays

celebrating our NYA Stars

A nd our 2 5 th Auction

NYA 2009 Spring Auction Starry starry Night saturday, May 2, 2009 5:00 p.m. Travis Roy Arena Join us for an evening under the stars at the 25th Anniversary of the NYA Auction!

Can’t attend or want an early start?

Visit our online Auction!

All auction items will be available for viewing and many will be available for bidding. Go to www.nya.org and click on the Auction link. Bidding begins on March 29 and runs through April 29.

Raffle tickets On Sale Now for the $10,000 raffle.

Tickets are $100 each, and only 300 will be sold. You do not need to be present to win. Split a ticket with friends and family members! Go to www.nya.org or call 207-846-2380 for more information.

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Francesca Marro January 29, 2009

Births Piper Lee Coggeshall, born on February 25, 2009 to Stacy Holdsworth Coggeshall ’88 and Bruce Coggeshall ’87 Francesca Marro, born on January, 29, 2009 to Annie and John Marro ’91 William Jacob Coyle on July 6, 2008 to Ryan and Johanna Coale Coyle ’97 John (Jack) Calvin Porter III on October 4, 2008 to John and Alysa Curtis Porter ’97

Engagements Zachary Scott Fermanis ‘99 to Andrea Elizabeth Moreau.

Wedding in June 2009.

Stephanie Brown ’01 to Will Noyes ’01 Zachary Kolkin ‘01 to Jocelyn Young Wedding planned for March 2010.

Marriages Liz LeBlanc ’99 to Samuel Riotte on September 27, 2008 Andrew Gildart ’96 to Caitlin Baker on October 25, 2008 Meredith “Dewey” Haley ’98 to Tom Reen, June 2008 Emily Clark ’00 to Liam O’Meara, July 19, 2008 Katie Crockett ’00 to Brian Stack on September 20, 2008 Abby Hamlin to David Sehnert September 16, 2006 Caroline Olmstead ’95 to Scott Wallach July 7, 2007 Jon Morton ’00 to Lauren Hirshon ’00 February 2, 2008 Ben Alexander ’92 to Carly Cope September 13, 2008 20

s s a l c s e t o

n

1944

Shirley Thurber Verrill: My son William

Verrill, retired in 2008 after serving as food service manager for the city of Portland Schools – 31 years. My daughter, Susan Walls, is a bookkeeper and payroll clerk for SAD – Cumberland, North Yarmouth.

1951

Shirley McInerney writes: November 29, 2008 my husband, Jim, and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary in Tennessee with all our family who came from Texas, Virginia, Florida, North Carolina and Massachusetts. It was a wonderful week of enjoying family members including our first great grandchild. We had 9 grandchildren, 2 spouses of grandchildren, our children and the baby. None of us had been to Pigeon Forge, TN before, but it was a central point for us to get together and a great vacation location.

1956

Colonel Dennis K. Hodsdon, Ret.

“Hit the big 70! Still working full time - why?

- still in good health - 10-minute drive to work at Fort Huachuca, AZ - some travel available - interesting work as IT account manager Bottom line: beats cleaning out the garage!”

1963

Monty Vogel writes: “Would like to hear from the classmates some time. We live by Sebago Lake in Standish. Active in my diving business, playing hockey several days a week, and building a cabin on an island off of West Bath.”

1965

John Branson writes: “I have developed

a 30 minute power point presentation entitled “Unsung Heroes of ANILCA [Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act]” – it gives a profile on 5 National Park service park planners who helped preserve about 50 million acres of new national park in Alaska in 1980 – one of the planners is NYA’s own John Kauffmann – a great man in American conservation history.”

1971

Martin Sujatta writes: “Greetings to everyone at NYA - especially class of 1971. I was an exchange student from Germany at NYA from 1970 to 1971 - it was wonderful (“... hot waffles, no waiting”) and a great start into my young adult life. Meanwhile I am a Biologist and Physician and am working in my own company since 2006 handling safety issues with medicinal products for the Pharmaceutical Industry. I live with my wife Petra and my children near Heidelberg, Germany. My son Benedikt was born in Heidelberg and my daughter Theresa in New Jersey, where I lived and worked from 1994 to 1998. I last visited NYA on a rainy weekend in August 2008, however only had very little time and unfortunately did not meet anyone from NYA. But I again noticed what a marvelous school it is.

I am still in touch with John Benjamin Johansen and his family and I would love to hear from my roommate Rick Burkhart and other NYA friends and classmates, who may still remember me (e-mail: martin.sujatta@spm2-safety.com). Best wishes, Martin.”

1977

Christopher Potter writes: “Hello, zee

old man here lol, for those who remember. Living up in Milford, NH now adays. Love NH, would love to hear from classmates in the area, hookup, shoot the breeze. I see a lot of new things happening at the old school, wow. Ahhhhh, old Russell Hall.”

1979

Mark McCarthy writes: “Paul Belliveau ‘83 and I played in the USA Hockey National Championship Tournament (over 40) in years 2006 and 2007. We had great times and a combined record of 3 - 3 - 3. Could use some reinforcements from NYA! mmccarthy@ arielpreferred.com”

1982

A note from Scott Holdsworth: “Living in Marco Island, FL. Graduated from Maine Maritime Academy, 1986. Presently, I am a Captain of a container ship “M/V Black Eagle”, running USA-South Africa. I recently earned my pilot’s license, flying a twin Piper Aztec. Looking toward a career change in 2013. Hello to anyone in the Class of 1982.”

IN MEMORIUM Hugh Robbins with girlfriend, Carrie.

We Remember These NYA Alumni Joseph B. Gaudet ‘37 2007

Chris Foster writes: I am still splitting my time between Chicago and CT and traveling the eastern half of the country as I now manage a consulting practice for SAP in the Business Intelligence sector. Need an excuse to get back to the Portland area. Where is Bill Alie?

1987

Bruce Coggeshall, Jr. writes: “My wife,

Stacy Holdsworth Coggeshall (‘88), and I are celebrating the birth of our daughter Piper Lee Coggeshall. Piper was born on February 25, 2009 at Baylor All Saints Medical Center in Fort Worth, TX. Stacy and I have resided in Fort Worth since 2007. Both mom and baby are doing well. We also have had the opportunity to spend time with fellow ‘87 classmate Marc Drapeau, MD who lives in nearby Tyler, TX and practices medicine as a Radiation Oncologist.”

1989

Marc Pitman published a book about

fundraising, Ask Without Fear: A Simple Guide to Connecting Donors with What Matters to Them Most. It was written up in the January 2009 issue of The Rotarian. Marc is a member of the Waterville, ME Rotary Club and is a professional non-profit fundraising coach (www. fundraisingcoach.com.)

Lewis Robinson published his first novel,

Water Dogs, by Random House. He had previously published a volume of short stories. He was interviewed on NPR in February 2009.

1992

Matt Noone writes: “Hi all, recently moved

back to Maine (again) and have started my own staffing firm in Portland (Single Source Staffing) focusing on accounting/finance and administrative placement. So far so good. Also about to become a dad, July 19... my girlfriend Karen and I are very excited! Keep in touch as I would love to catch up with folks, and keep me in mind on your next job search!”

1994

Allie Haley writes: “After two years in

Australia, my husband Tim and I backpacked around the world for six months before moving to Boston. My sister Dewey ’98 married Tom Reen in June, and they live on Cape Cod where they run a life coaching business called Life Actually

(www.lifeactually.org). My brother Colin ’02 graduated from Hamilton College and is living in Boston, doing government relations work for a PR company.”

Sam Coggeshall recently opened the New

Gloucester Village Store in partnership with his brother-in-law, Adam Coe. Both have experience in restaurants. Coe, a mason, built a wood-fired brick oven. The store, which is mostly take-out, does offer seating for 23 and a deck. They also provide a range of groceries and a selection of beer and wine. They are trying to emphasize locally grown foods and products.

1996

Ben Stone:

See lead story.

1997 Johanna Coale Coyle writes: “My

husband, Ryan, and I welcomed our first baby, William Jacob Coyle, on July 6, 2008. “Jake” is doing great, and we’re loving being parents despite being a bit tired!”

Alysa Curtis Porter: Alysa’s mom, Laurie

Curtis, former NYA Spanish teacher writes, “Jack was born October 4 and weighed nine pounds, seven ounces and 22 inches in length with a shock of black hair. Jack is a bruiser. Both mother and son are doing fine.”

1999

Ernest Mason ‘41 2007

Queenice Shannon Gaudet ‘37 July, 2008

Joann B. Thomas, former NYA Trustee August, 2008

Priscilla Small Cotes ’34 August 5, 2008

Jean Asher Staples ’53 August 21, 2008

Raymond MacLearn ’49 September 4, 2008

Kitty Young Woods ’38 September 16, 2008

William Pritchard ’68 September 22, 2008

George Carter ’36 September 28, 2008

Ann Whittemore Jakins ’46 November 1, 2008

Catherine (Kitty) Arsenault ’38 November 10, 2008

Virginia Gokey James ’32 November 13, 2008

Melvin “Danny” Reynolds ’54 November 16, 2008

Clayton Boylston Barter ’37 November 25, 2008

Eleanor Norton Stasinowsky ’44

Zachary Scott Fermanis is engaged

November 29, 2008

to Andrea Elizabeth Moreau. Zach is

Herbert G. Pray ’29

a graduate of the University of Southern Maine and is an IT analyst at Citicorp in Boston, MA. A June 2009 wedding is planned. From the Maine Sunday Telegram, October 5, 2008.

Wendell B. Lewis, Jr. ’59

Hugh Robbins: Hugh and his girlfriend Carrie

January 12, 2009

have lived and worked in Argentina for two years and arrived back in the states in February. They went on a 2-month self-designed trek of Argentina, Bolivia and Peru. Hugh reported “we adjusted to living in our tent, and saw some amazing sights including a penguin colony in Punta Tombo, sea lions and elephant seals in Puerto Piramides, and one amazing sunset over the ocean in Monte Hermoso.” Visit http://www.argengringos. blogspot.com for info on their trip.

Faith Ellen McCatherin ’44

December 13, 2008 January 7, 2009

Emily Hinds Peary ’41

January 28, 2009

Irene S. W. Thurston Austin ’84 January 31, 2009

Jonathan B. Wind ’71 March 4, 2009

Emily Peary Unknown

Mary Hinds Unknown

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s s a l c s e t o

n

2000

2001

married on July 19, 2008 in York, Maine to Liam O’Meara. Kate Crockett ‘00 was a bridesmaid, and Monique Coombs ‘00, Amy Stone ‘00, Lizzie Crockett ‘03, Brittany Hyde ‘00, and Lizzie Anson ‘00 were all there to help us celebrate.

My husband and I are now living and working in Annapolis, Maryland.”

promoted to Operations Manager at Earle W. Noyes & Sons Moving Specialists. The company was founded by Will’s great grandfather in 1928. According to a company press release, “In his new position as Operations Manager, Will takes responsibility for full service moving and storage services and selfstorage operations.”

Emily Clark O’Meara writes: “I was

Emily Clark O’Meara, bride, pictured with husband, Liam O’Meara and bridesmaids.

Will Noyes has been

Stephanie Brown graduated from Duquesne University in August with a Doctorate in physical therapy. “I took my Board exams in October and passed on the 1st time! I am now a licensed DPT. William Noyes proposed to me in August and we are now engaged, living in Cumberland, ME. I plan to work as a physical therapist in the hospital community in Portland.”

Zachary Kolkin writes: “I graduated

Capt. Charles Weaver: has been awarded

another Bronze Star for valor in the Afghanistan campaign. He hopes to be on his way home (finally) sometime in March for a well deserved leave!

Katie Crockett writes: “Brian Stack and

I were married on September 20th surrounded by our family and friends in Jefferson at Sleepy Hollow Llama Farm. Lizzie Crockett ‘03 was my maid of honor. Sarah Crockett ‘08, Amy Stone ‘00, and Emily Clark ‘00 were bridesmaids.

Jocelynn Coombs daughter of Monique ‘00 and Herman ’94 was our adorable flower girl. Also, Lizzie Anson ‘00 gave a reading during the ceremony. Brittany Hyde ‘00 and Ben Hutchinson ‘01 were also there to celebrate with us. Brian and I are now settling into our new house in Bethel and waiting for the snow to fly!”

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SPRING 2009

from NYU School of Law in May and am now working as an associate at Cleary Gottleib Stein & Hamilton, a law firm in New York City. This summer I also got engaged – my fiancé, Jocelyn Young, is a student at Columbia Business School.

Our wedding is planned for March 2010.”

2002 Lissa von Brecht writes: “Hi All, I just wanted to check in and let you guys know that I have moved out of the Boston area and to Chicago. I am currently working for the National Collegiate Scouting Association, helping high school student athletes get recruited to the colleges of their choice. I hope everyone is doing well and I will be in touch!”

2003

Sam Crocker writes that he “graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in May along with Julia Bachelder.” He graduated with a BA in International Studies and a minor in Spanish. He is currently working on a Masters in Public Policy and Administration at the London School of Economics and Political Science and plans to graduate in December 2009.

w w w. n y a . o r g

2004

Matt Curran writes that he is “working at

Maine Medical Center as an IT Project Manager.

Dec 16th was my 6th month anniversary. My big projects have been a telepsych and telestroke video conferencing solution for MMC and underserved hospitals in rural areas.”

2005

Laura Noyes and Syncro

Laura Noyes: Laura and her mount Syncro

have had a busy and successful year competing in Young Rider Competitions. Laura competed for the last year in the Young Rider or Prix St. George level, two levels below the Olympics. In June, at the National Championships for Young Riders in California, Laura placed 2nd. In August, she competed at the North American Junior/ Young Rider Championships in Colorado, a junior Olympic event. Laura’s team from New England took the team Silver Medal. Laura and Syncro also won the individual Gold Medal for Freestyle and the Fionna Baan Trophy for overall highest scoring rider in the competition. Additionally, she won the Style Award which goes to the rider with best comportment, sportsmanship, etc. Laura was nominated by the United States Equestrian Federation to represent the US at the Young Rider World Cup Finals in Frankfurt, Germany in December. In January, she traveled to Florida to receive the Lionel-Hermes Trophy as the Young Rider who exemplifies the USET Foundation’s ideals of sportsmanship and horsemanship. Laura is currently a junior at Ohio Wesleyan University and is majoring in Zoology.

Ashley Favreau: Ashley recently played the role of Mrs. Montgomery in Saint Michael’s College (Colchester, VT) main-stage fall theater production of “The Heiress.” Ashley, a senior, is a theater and English double major. (From Kennebec Journal, November 15, 2008)

James Connors writes: I’m halfway

through my senior year of college, and I am one of the lucky ones to have a great job lined up for next year. I’ll be working for Accenture Ltd as a Systems Integration Consulting Analyst in the Boston office.

Tim Nee: From the Lewiston

Sun Journal, January 7, 2009: Tim was named to the president’s list with a 4.0 grade average at Florida Atlantic University.

2006 Sean Lynch writes: “I’m a junior at Stonehill

College in Massachusetts. I’m enjoying my classes and friends at Stonehill and love being in close proximity to Boston!”

its first NEWMAC championship since 2004 and earned its 19th NCAA Tournament bid in program history.

2007

Siobhan Anderson (from Lincoln County

News, November 27, 2008). When the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference announced their 2008 Fall Academic All-Conference Teams, Siobhan received recognition for her achievement in academics (GPA between 3.5 and 4.0) and field hockey at Mount Holyoke College.

Banak Thiwat was profiled in the Saint

Joseph’s College Magazine Fall 2008. He talked about his journey to America from Sudan, his love of soccer, learning the English language, his high value for his educational opportunities here in the US, and about his work at Winona summer camp.

Taki Pilitsis: From the Brunswick Times

Record, January 7, 2009: As a member of the Babson varsity men’s soccer team, Taki has completed his third season. The team won

An update from Russ Simms’ mom:

“He’s playing Junior Hockey in Hudson, NH with the (Northern Mass) Cyclones and shares an apartment in Salem with 4 of his team mates.

Currently, he works at Olympia Sports in Salem and also refs hockey! He’ll move back to Maine when hockey season ends this Spring and in the Fall he’ll play his third and final season of junior hockey...and then will head off to college the following year.”

Sarah Drouin: Her parents let us know that Sarah “is a sophomore at Claremont McKenna College in Claremont, CA. She is an International Relations major and honor roll student, involved in model UN and working in CMC’s Athaneaum Program. She is looking forward to studying in Argentina in Spring ’09 and in Scotland in Fall ’09.”

2008

Lizzie Zuckerman is a freshman at Wentworth Institute of Technology with a major in Interior Design.

knight ’25

frank

Frank Knight turned 100 years old on October 18, 2008 and is NYA’s oldest alumnUS. Frank has spent

much of his life giving back to the Yarmouth community.

As the town arborist for over fifty years, he has given time and resources to maintaining the health of both Yarmouth and NYA trees.

If you Google “Herbie” and “Yarmouth, ME” you will see many articles about his care of Herbie, one of the largest Elms in New England. Frank has also given his time and resources by serving on NYA’s Board of Trustees and sponsoring programs

Above: NYA’s oldest alum, Frank Knight ’25 visiting Russell Hall.

Left: Linc Merrill ’75, current chair of the NYA Board of Trustees swapped stories with Frank at the Russell Hall re-opening celebration.

in Yarmouth.

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raising community AWA R E N E S S

NYA’S

kivaclub

In the spring of 2007, Peter Sillin, Chair of NYA’s History Department, read an article in The New York Times that described how through an organization called Kiva, individuals could loan money to struggling entrepreneurs in poor countries. Sillin was intrigued and sought to find a way to get NYA involved. He created the Kiva Club, which meets weekly and currently has twentyfour student members. They have made 150 investments to date.

Kiva is a non-profit organization that started in 2005. Through their website, Kiva makes connections between worthy borrowers and interested lenders like the students at NYA. As a history teacher, Sillin knew student participation in Kiva would reinforce NYA’s history curriculum in many ways. “It is always great for students to see a human face on such a huge and abstract problem as global poverty. Kiva also gives the kids a concrete way to channel their vaguely idealistic intentions about wanting to ‘make a difference.’

Secondly, Kiva provides a terrific opportunity to talk about the mechanics of capitalism. We can talk about questions like ‘What is capital?’ ‘How does lending work?’ ‘What factors influence supply and demand?’ ‘What are interest rates?’ Finally,

it is great fun to find these places on the map. We learn a lot about the culture and geography of the places where we make our investments because we feel like we ‘know a local’ there,” explained Sillin. “I like Kiva because it’s a way I can make a difference without an extravagant trip. It’s much more practical for someone in my position,” said Ashleigh Taylor (‘09).

The Kiva Club has a portfolio of over $3,500 that they raised through school fundraisers and by selling handmade items at the NYA craft fair.

Their investments are in places like Paraguay (fish sales), Tajikistan (shoe sales), Tanzania (charcoal sales), Cambodia (bakery, weaving) Ecuador (clothing store, bakery, general store, fruits and vegetables) and Samoa (fishing, seamstress), just to name a few. Their average size loan is $25. “The students decide as a group whom to support. They begin by region because they want to spread their loans globally, then they read the profiles together,” said Sillin. “I enjoy being in touch and helping individuals around the world. It’s a more personal experience than typical forms of humanitarianism or philanthropy,” said Hannah Bewsey (‘10).

How does it work? On the Kiva website, microfinance charities post qualifying entrepreneurs’ photos and loan information. (Microfinance charities give small loans that help underprivileged people who don’t qualify for traditional loans start or expand their small businesses. They distribute the funds loaned through Kiva to the loan recipients.)

Kiva participants then browse profiles and select a loan recipient. Users can loan money with a credit card. Kiva wires the money to the microfinance charity that disburses the funds to the entrepreneur.

Through the Kiva website, lenders can keep track of their entrepreneurs---how their businesses are doing, if their loan repayments are on schedule, etc. Once the loan is repaid, Kiva lenders can choose to withdraw their principal or re-loan it to another entrepreneur. Kiva’s overall repayment rate is an astonishing 98.5%.

When asked what the future holds for the Kiva Club, Sillin explains, “We want to continue to increase our portfolio and reinvest as the loans roll over. In time, we should have a very sizeable amount to loan and will have helped hundreds of people around the world.”

For more information on Kiva, visit their website at www.kiva.org.

Kiva Club members meet weekly to review their investments and research others.

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SPRING 2009

w w w. n y a . o r g

“ I’d raise awareness about endangered

species.”

– Brooke (Hurley) Tomeo class of ‘ )94

make-a-wish at NYA NYA’s Make-A-Wish Committee has raised over $30,000 since its inception ten years ago, granting six wishes for children in Maine with life-threatening medical conditions. NYA is currently raising funds to help the Make-AWish Foundation® of Maine grant a seventh NYA-sponsored wish. Marissa Markonish, Chair of the Modern and Classical Language Department and Co-Chair of the Make-A-Wish Committee said, “Every year the entire NYA community works together planning events to

benefit this very worthy cause. It means so much when the students have the opportunity to meet a wish family and see the difference that they can make in someone’s life. The passion and commitment of the students is inspiring.” This year, the committee will raise funds by selling carnations for Valentine’s Day, holding an annual choral concert, conducting a coin challenge, holding a local Walk for Wishes event, and having a bake sale.

NYA students perform at the 2008 Annual Choral Concert to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation

“ I try to smile and

say

hello

Join our

to everyone I meet.”

–Patty Bright NYA PARENT

GROUP!

NYA has an alumni Facebook page – North Yarmouth Academy Alumni! We are posting alumni events, campus events and news, and photos daily. From Facebook, search North Yarmouth Academy Alumni and click “Request to Join” or email Kristi Belseca, at kbelesca@nya.org for more information.

We hope to see you on our Facebook page soon!

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THE 2008-2009 ANNUAL FUND IS COMING TO A CLOSE! Please help us reach our goal of $305,000 by June 30th.

Your support of the NYA Annual Fund has an immediate and lasting impact on the lives of our students and is the most important gift to the school you can give.

To make a gift now, visit our website at www.nya.org.

COMPUTERS&TECHNOLOGY•CAMPUS IMPROVEMENTS •SPORTS EQUIPMENT/UNIFORMS LIBRARY BOOKS • FIELD TRIPS / COMMUNITY SERVICE • THEATER PERFORMANCES MUSIC PROGRAMS • ART SUPPLIES • ATHLETIC REFEREES • CURRICULAR ENHANCEMENTS CLASSROOM SUPPLIES • FACULTY / STAFF DEVELOPMENT • AND MUCH MUCH MORE

T •

BROUGHT TO NYA

BY YOU NOW, YOU CAN SEE THE MANY WAYS THAT THE ANNUAL FUND IMPACTS LIFE ALL AROUND NORTH YARMOUTH ACADEMY.

A ND