ACORN North Shore Country Day School • Summer 2010
90 Years and Going Strong!
S P O TL I G H T
Commencement 2010 Remarks from Eric, Kevin and Tom
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IN THIS ISSUE S U M M E R 2 010 The Acorn is published by the Marketing & Communications Department of North Shore Country Day School three times a year for alumni, parents, grandparents and friends. Its goal is to connect our school community, celebrate recent accomplishments and capture the essence of life and learning at North Shore.
Tom Doar III Head of School Tura Cottingham Director of Marketing & Communications, Editor tcottingham@nscds.org Art Jessen ’70 Webmaster & Photographer ajessen@nscds.org
D E PA R TM E NT S
Read Powel Communications Associate rpowel@nscds.org
R E F L E C TI O N S
TAKING ACTION
Tom Doar See more reflections by Tom Doar at nscds.wordpress.com
Haiti Fundraiser, etc.
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Molly Ingram McDowell ’80 Director of Development & Advancement mmcdowell@nscds.org Nancy Green Whiteman ’71 Director of Alumni Relations nwhiteman@nscds.org The Grillo Group Design www.grillogroup.com Reach us at: North Shore Country Day School 310 Green Bay Road Winnetka, Illinois 60093 847.446.0674 alumni@nscds.org or visit www.nscds.org/alumni On the front cover Middle School fi eld day signals the end of North Shore’s 90th year. On the back cover If you know anything about this historical picture please contact Director of Alumni Relations Nancy Green Whiteman’71, 847.881.8848.
O N CA M PU S
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H O M E CO M I N G
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D E V E L O PM E N T N E WS
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CL AS S N O TE S
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A L U M N I CO N N E C TI O N S
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U P CO M I N G E V E NT S
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The Acorn magazine is printed by Ace Graphics on Neenah Conservation with vegetable-based ink. This paper is manufactured with 100% postconsumer ďŹ ber using biogas energy. It is Ecologo and FSC certiďŹ ed, and processed chlorine-free. In doing so, this issue of the Acorn saved the equivalent of 33 trees, 15,141 gallons of water and 2,352 lbs. of air emissions compared to printing on virgin paper. Vegetable-Based Inks
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Reflection Recently, I ran across an article entitled The Power of Positive Relationships in Learning. In my role here, I feel fortunate to see the power of positive relationships on a daily basis. I see the trust and mutual respect that typify the connections between North Shore students and North Shore teachers, and the good feelings our students have for one another. There is a comfort and connection that seems embedded in the adult relationships on campus. All of these dynamics combine to form a framework for learning and growth. I have said it before and I’ll say it again— I believe it’s the people who make a difference in schools and it’s the relationships these people have with one another that fully leverage the power of a quality school. Are all of the student/teacher relationships terrific? Is there some unique magic found at 310 Green Bay Road? Of course not—North Shore students (and their teachers and parents) sometimes feel disconnected or misunderstood. Feeling a
bit off or uncertain is something everyone feels from time to time. What’s important is that all of us in the School community operate on the belief that relationships matter. That we maintain respect for each other. And that by doing so consistently and meaningfully, we make a difference. Students here make some pretty dramatic shifts during their years at North Shore. Every year I see students who I am concerned about. It might be concern related to academics, or it could be social or emotional issues. They may appear anxious or passive, distracted or too narrowly focused. As I watch these students evolve through their North Shore experience, with few exceptions, I observe very meaningful growth. I see them engaging in positive and productive ways as they mature to a better place. The element that influences this growth the most is their teachers and classmates who have cared, connected, encouraged and believed in them.
“What’s important is that all of us in the School community operate on the belief that relationships matter.”
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L E T TE R F R O M T H E H E A D O F SC H O O L TO M D OA R I I I
David Streight, the author of The Power of Positive Relationships in Learning is very supportive of quality instruction, curriculum, technology and teacher training. But he also believes in relationships. “When relationships are strong, academics are strong; when relationships are stronger (and when more people are included in them, and fewer are excluded) not only are academics stronger, but the rest of our lives are similarly enriched.” This issue of the Acorn speaks to North Shore relationships. In the remarks by Eric Van Wort ’10 at graduation, Lynsey WollinCasey making connections during her sabbatical, grandparents visiting their grandchildren on campus, Decade Reps reaching out to fellow classmates, and Alumni visiting with each other at local gatherings. Relationships are important.
Opposite // Tom Doar with Fisher Howe ’31 who entered North Shore’s first firstgrade class in 1919, and visited campus in May.
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Below // 1 Caroline Whitty ’15 and Chloe Zeller ’15 were members of the Middle School Science Olympiad team which placed fourth at the state
competition. 2 Jake Kann ’12 3 Mike McNitt ’04 and Ryan Randolph ’04 won Best Dressed at the Golf Outing in June. 4 The Malpede family at
Grandparents’ Day; Mike ’72, Brian ’00, Joni, John (who has attended all but fi ve of his son’s and grandsons’ athletic games) and Kevin ’10.
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Taking Action North Shore Recognized for Community Service Program The Council for Spiritual and Ethical Education has recognized North Shore Country Day School’s community service program for empowering its students. North Shore was the runner up to first place winner La Jolla Country Day School. According to the Council, “North Shore’s motto is ‘Live and Serve,’ and it is clear that this ethos is in practice at every grade level. To make each service-learning opportunity meaningful, students are given control over selecting and planning the projects, and learning about the issues at hand.” Drea Gallaga, community service coordinator and Upper School English teacher, describes the process: “In setting the year’s schedule, the students brainstorm potential organizations and projects, assign research tasks, report back to the group, vet the information, and agree on a roster of projects. Once they have finalized a list, they contact organizations, procure materials, negotiate assembly or advisory time if necessary, create publicity, and lead the other students.” In the culmination of their years of service learning at North Shore, each senior is required to complete a self-planned Senior Service Project. This project takes place during the final two weeks of the school year, and the students must devote at least 60 hours of service to a non-profit organization. Through this opportunity, students pursue an individual topic of interest, build a relationship with a local organization, and act as ambassadors for the School. This past May, 43 seniors completed service projects including working in Yellowstone National Park, rebuilding homes with the St. Bernard Project in New Orleans and helping Common Threads organize a cooking summer camp for underprivileged children.
According to the Council, “Well documented research shows that the more students are empowered to design, implement, and evaluate their community service initiatives, the more these students grow as ethically concerned citizens for tomorrow’s world.”
Doctor Volunteers/Students Fundraise for Haiti Dr. Jesse Butler, father of Elias ’13 and Kristina ’18, is a spinal surgeon. Following the earthquake in Haiti, he voluntarily traveled to a hospital in the Dominican Republic to perform operations on paralysis patients. Later he visited with students in the Upper School to share his experience. The students, inspired by his humanitarian efforts and his personal connection to North Shore, wanted to support Dr. Butler’s efforts by holding a fundraiser. To raise the funds, Hannah Gray ’11, designed a t-shirt as part of an Independent Study in mass produced social media, and along with student volunteers hand silk-screened the shirts and sold them. The project raised $1,900 which was donated to the hospital to support ongoing care of victims.
Opposite // 1 Hannah Gray ’11 with the t-shirt she designed and silkscreened for the Haiti fundraiser. 2 Physician Assistant Alicia Carlson, Dr. Jesse Butler and Dr. Carlos Rodriguez, a Dominican
orthopedic resident, perform surgery on a person injured in the Haiti earthquake. 3 Alexandra Morgan ’20 and Paul Prindiville-Porto ’20 sell sweets for the Barnswallow fundraiser.
Barnswallow Bake Sale THANK YOU...THANK YOU....to everyone that supported our bake sale for Barnswallow. It was one of our most successful bake sales—we were sold out by 10:45 a.m. We were able to raise over $700 for Barnswallow. We truly appreciate the support of everyone who came and brought big smiles to our little bakers! Thanks again, Noreen, Cristy and the 2nd Grade Class
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Spotlight
Commencement 2010
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Spotlight
Excerpts from the Upper School Commencement
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Senior Class Message Eric Van Wart Class of 2010
2 Above // 1 Class of 2010 Lifers Andrea Strauss, Kevin Malpede, Hayley Formolo, Marissa Hall, Jamie Elam, Julia Price and Will
Finlay. 2 Graduates Kravon Teamer, Luke Gensburg, Damen Fera, Jamie Elam, Alex Block, Mikey Gendell, Eric Van Wart, Jordan
Stein, Rob Voges and Trey Surpless. Opposite // 3 Danielle Farrell 4 Joni Dema and Stephanie Carrera 5 Kravon Teamer with his family.
6 Helen Turley, former North Shore teacher and grandmother of Katie Gentles ’10. 7 Lizzie Parker with her family.
“Every person on stage knows all of their classmates. Not just their names, but who they really are as people.” Eric Van Wart ’10 8 Acorn Summer 2010
“Without a question, one of the most unique aspects of North Shore is its small size. Every person on stage knows all of their classmates. Not just their names, but who they really are as people. There’s nowhere to hide in the crowd, because, quite frankly, our class isn’t even big enough to constitute a crowd. And that’s special to be able to really know everyone in your graduating class. It’s really impossible to leave this place without missing that sense of belonging, belonging in a place where everyone knows you and you know them… “But now, those four years we’ve had together have come to an end. North Shore has shaped us, our families have shaped us, and we’ve shaped each other into people who are ready to move on. So now, for the Class of 2010, the time is about to come for us to finally move on. Where are we all going? I don’t know, but let’s go find out.”
Commencement Address Kevin Randolph Upper School History Teacher
“I think there is a formula for our times, and all times, in terms of living our lives. A manner in which we make decisions and claim the moments that are uniquely our own. I believe that when we quiet ourselves and silence the noise of life we can hear what we are called to do and to be.
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“There is a sense that the people who make history do so through the sheer force of their own will. My study of history has led me to a different and inescapable conclusion. They don’t make history; history finds them. Each of the people we studied together in US History shared a common story. A story that we diagramed and discussed. Each of them was given a chance and a choice.
“They don’t make history; history finds them.”
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“They were called and answered back. They were challenged and responded. The outcome was not always positive, and frequently the path to success was circuitous, but they persevered. “I don’t know how many moments will come in your life. Many I suspect. Will you sense them? Will you act on them? Will you hesitate and wait, or will you be bold and courageous? “You have learned subject matter the last four years in high school, but I trust that you have also learned about yourself. And now, with that knowledge it is time to embark on the real journey. “My greatest wish, and that of my colleagues seated in the audience, is for you is to be happy and fulfi lled; to find a life that suits you and to live it with conviction and passion.”
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Spotlight
1 Above // 1 First row: Genevieve Nielsen, Sammy Gray, Julia Price. Second row: Andrea
Strauss, Sara Nydick, Kelsey Hagen, Lauren Olswanger. Third row: Damen Fera,
Farewell to Graduates Tom Doar Head of School
The North Shore motto, “Live and Serve” has pointed the way for North Shore graduates since 1919. It is a motto that surfaces each fall at reunions, as North Shore graduates return, reconnect and share news about their lives, their successes and their challenges. Those of us who have been connected to the School for a number of years feel not only fortunate to be a part of a school with such a motto, but we have seen evidence of this motto at work, and the difference it makes and the difference it positions our graduates to make. The evidence that the North Shore motto is real—and that it impacts all of us, particularly North Shore students—has
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Luke Gensburg, Alex Block. Top row: Trey Surpless, David Trott, Ivan Ramirez. 2 Ben Crane
Opposite // Front row: Liz Goslin, Danielle Farrell. Second row: Katie Gentles and Danni
been exemplified by this class and has been very clearly felt over the last four years, the years that this class has been in the Upper School. From Moshi to New Orleans, from Chicago to areas on the North Shore, our students have given, they have invested and they have made a difference. I was struck by one of the things Liz McCartney, this year’s Harold Hines Fellow, said during a question and answer session during her visit. She was asked what she was like in high school; whether her teachers would have predicted her to have this kind of impact. Would they have predicted her remarkable ability to give back, to lead and inspire others when they knew her as a 16- or-17-year old? Her answer was simple, “No, there was no way anyone could have predicted that this is the path my life would follow.” She went on to explain that in high school she was typical—somewhat low-key, interested in friends and in soccer. Academically, she was okay, but she wasn’t as focused or accomplished as many of her classmates. Liz saw her path then as what one might
Horton. Top row: Curtis Wulfson and Jordan Stein.
call a typical path—college, potentially a career and family, with her focus not necessarily on others, but on herself. In some respects I was surprised by Liz’s answer, in other respects I wasn’t surprised at all. For one of the things that has intrigued me as a teacher, and surely one of the things that intrigues my colleagues, is the faith we have in the students we have the privilege of working with, the faith we have in their potential to be normal and reasonable, but also the faith that we have that many will go on to do great things—great things for themselves and great things for others. Is there a Liz McCartney sitting before us—possibly two or three, or nine or ten? Who knows, these graduates, each and every one of them, has the potential to impact the world in very meaningful ways. And for the record, I want to say very clearly that I believe in them and will never bet against them. To view Commencement video clips, go to tinyurl.com/nscds-commencement-2010.
“Who knows, these graduates, each and every one of them, has the potential to impact the world in very meaningful ways. And for the record, I want to say very clearly that I believe in them and will never bet against them.� Tom Doar
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Spotlight
Class of 2010 College Choices 1 Celeste Black Johns Hopkins University 2 Alex Block Union College
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3 Stephanie Carrera Marquette University 4 Ben Crane Israeli Army 5 Geoff Curley University of Wisconsin-Madison 6 Joni Dema University of Illinois 7 Jamie Elam George Washington University 8 Danielle Farrell Boston University
20 Eleanor Herzberg DePaul University
34 Ivan Ramirez Wittenberg University
9 Damen Fera Hebron Academy
21 Danni Horton Duke University
35 Jordan Stein Claremont McKenna College
10 Will Finlay Tufts University
22 Lyndsey Koenig Kalamazoo College
36 Andrea Strauss St. Lawrence University
11 Hayley Formolo University of Southern California
23 Katrice Krumplys Simmons College
37 Trey Surpless DePauw University
24 Kevin Malpede Purdue University
38 Kravon Teamer Columbia College
12 Michael Gendell University of Missouri
25 Lilly Milla Kendall College
39 Alex Tomkins Vanderbilt University
13 Luke Gensburg Colgate University
26 Lauren Mulligan Kenyon College
40 David Trott Vanderbilt University
14 Katie Gentles Franklin and Marshall College
27 Becca Newmark Princeton University
41 Eric Van Wart Claremont McKenna College
28 Genevieve Nielsen Davidson College
42 Rob Voges Coe College
29 Cardineal Nyarko Ripon College
43 Curtis Wulfsohn Bradley University
15 Liz Goslin University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill 16 Diana Granger Wellesley College 17 Sammy Gray University of Michigan Honors College
30 Sara Nydick Rice University 31 Lauren Olswanger University of Michigan
18 Kelsey Hagen Vanderbilt University
32 Lizzy Parker Colorado College
19 Marissa Hall Rice University
33 Julia Price Rhodes College
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On Campus Summer programs combine fun, adventure and learning for generations.
North Shore’s Camp Celebrates 60 Years
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In the late 1940s, North Shore Country Day School offered the use of its 16-acre campus and facilities during the summer months to the McKinney Camp. Mac McCarty, North Shore teacher and coach, was also the camp director and suggested that the School should sponsor its own day camp. Over the decades the day camp grew with the introduction of transportation and daily swim lessons. In the late 1980s, attendance grew to more than 600 campers. The hallmarks of this program are daily swim lessons, lakefront boating, rock climbing and other camp instructional activities. With a focus on the group experience campers develop skills and build friendships throughout their stay at camp.
Below // 1 Outside the Middle School, Camp Director Mac McCarty on the right. 2 A camper arrives prepared for baseball. 3 Camp circa 1950s 4 Today’s summer campers enjoy mariner activities on Lake Michigan.
The ’90s saw significant growth in the School’s summer programs with an emphasis on offering new programs. In 1994, a Language Immersion Program was added. Children ages 4–10 could take French, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese or Spanish. The Expedition Camp was introduced in 1998 to teach middle schoolers boating, biking and outdoor living skills. Most recently, in 2007, a Little Explorers camp was added for 3-year-olds and is gaining in popularity. Now, 60 years later, North Shore’s summer programs are still going strong and attract families from Evanston to Glencoe and as far west as Waukegan Road in Glenview. The summer program’s strength continues to be the highly-qualified staff who challenge campers to grow as individuals while learning through adventures in a safe and fun setting.
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On Campus
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Percussionist Performs at Morning Ex This year’s Susan Marshall Memorial Concert on April 26 featured Molly Yeh, percussionist. Molly dazzled the entire school with her classical and contemporary music played on the xylophone, marimba, snare drum and timpani. Following the concert, she visited with students, answered their questions and shared her love of music. She is in her third year of undergraduate studies at The Juilliard School, and was a gold medalist in both the 2004 and 2006 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competitions. She has performed as a soloist with many ensembles including the South Bend Symphony, the New Juilliard Ensemble, the North Shore Concert Band, and the Knox-Galesburg Symphony, among others. She regularly performs with the Juilliard Orchestra, the New World Symphony, the AXIOM Ensemble, the Juilliard Historical Performance Ensemble, and has participated in summer orchestras throughout the country. The Susan Marshall Memorial Concerts are annual events held in memory of Susan Marshall ’76.
The Renovation Begins In June, North Shore began the renovation of its Upper School building which will transform it into a first-class academic environment that leverages the School’s engaging and effective teaching-andlearning methods. This is just one piece of the School’s strategic plan. In addition to further strengthening programs and support for faculty and students, the School’s strategic plan agenda encompasses a long-term campus Master Plan aimed at managing the School’s facilities. The existing building, constructed in 1922, will be completely updated and reconfigured incorporating flexible and modern room arrangements; classrooms that facilitate cross-curricular dialogues; community gathering spaces and study areas; faculty offices; technology enhancements; and an elevator for equal access. During the 2010–2011 school year, classes will be held in temporary classrooms located between the current Upper School and the Mac Gym. The facility encompasses classrooms, faculty offices, college counseling services, and conference rooms equal to the present high school building.
Photos // 1 Foundations are poured for the Upper School south addition. 2 The temporary Upper School on the Quad is home to the Upper School for the
2010–2011 school year. 3 A rendering of the new north addition main entrance. 4 Percussionist Molly Yeh. 5 Molly Yeh with Lower Schoolers.
2 Left // Shirley Cullen, Lower School science teacher, was named Winnetka’s Educator of the Year.
Above // Shirley retired from North Shore after 23 years.
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take a break and go visit the Lower School. Just walking into Shirley’s lab made me feel inspired and grateful.”
Lower School Science Teacher Shirley Cullen was honored as Winnetka’s Educator “Shirley Cullen is one of those rare individuals that heads of schools treasure because of the Year just a few months before her she so deeply values the experience of every retirement from North Shore. Perhaps the single child. I have known few teachers in best way to describe Shirley is to quote the my career who have been enthusiastic and many people from North Shore’s community who nominated her including parents, inspiring every single day.” Trustees and former heads of school. “At every great school there are only a few extraordinary teachers who touch children, “Shirley has an amazing ability to make families and colleagues in ways that last science fun and understandable. Through a lifetime. Shirley Cullen is one of those her always-positive personality, she makes extraordinary teachers. North Shore has students feel better about their education been blessed to count on her for the last and themselves.” 23 years.” “Shirley Cullen is one of the reasons we And finally, from her own profi le on the sent our children to North Shore. When School’s website: “I knew I wanted to be a we entered her science lab and saw all teacher from the time I was in the fourth the projects and experiments that she was grade. I knew I wanted learning to be working on with students, we were stunned.” serious and fun. In the 30-plus years I “Shirley is magical. While I was Head of have been a teacher, there has not been School, if I felt especially burdened by one day when I regretted my decision.” administrative duties, I quickly learned to
“Shirley Cullen is one of those extraordinary teachers. North Shore has been blessed to count on her for the last 23 years.”
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On Campus
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Photos // 1 Lynsey with one of her Wolof teachers, Oumoul. 2 Lynsey with her children in Paris. 3 The Senegal coast.
3 A Linguistic Mission On March 28, 2010, Upper School French Teacher Lynsey Wollin-Casey began her three-month Wavering Sabbatical by traveling to Senegal, West Africa and Europe, with a twofold linguistic mission. First, she wanted to live in francophone countries and use French on a daily basis for an extended time period. Second, she wanted to experience again what it is like to learn a language from the ground up, the frustrations and the joys. After almost 20 years of teaching French, Lynsey would study Wolof in Senegal.
March 31, 2010—“Here it is never seen as a “From Senegal I traveled to France, Belgium, waste of time to get caught in conversations.” Luxembourg and Switzerland, sharing an immersion experience with my husband, April 15, 2010—“There is a saying, ‘ku Shawn, and our two children, Phoebe ’20 muñ, muuñ’ and it means that those who and Colin, to whom I’ve been speaking have patience will eventually succeed French since their birth. After Shawn and smile. This goes hand in hand with left, the children and I lived in France for ‘Ndank, ndank mooy japp golo ci ñaay’ or fi ve weeks. step by step you catch the monkey in the jungle. In essence these sayings reflect survival values. Things certainly don’t always go the way you plan, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing as long as you keep working toward a solution. I’ve found that being flexible and patient has served me well so far.”
“My time in Europe with my family underlined the importance of being open, welcoming and willing to take risks. Friends of friends invited us to share meals, their homes and themselves. I hope to return all of that hospitality at some time down the road. In addition, I saw an old friend She felt these experiences would inform and her family who had hosted me in her April 19, 2010—“They are a committed how she teaches French going forward as home 28 years ago, and my children were group (the English Club at Lamine Gueye well as help her learn and use new things able to meet hers. Throughout our stay I High School) and can be found practicing in an experiential context. In Senegal, she was able to watch my children walk up to during breaks and after school most days… also wanted to create connections with others that they didn’t know, work to speak It’s wonderful to see that commitment and other teachers and established partnerthe language or communicate in some reminded me a bit of North Shore with ships to provide opportunities for North way and walk away with a new friend. that sense of family and working together.” Shore students to communicate cross How wonderful that is. culturally and perhaps even collaborate. “I’m not sure that I can put everything I “Finally, in both Senegal and Europe the gained into words, but it was all that I’d Lynsey began her journey in Dakar, the hoped and more. In addition to doing what importance of experiential education was capital of Senegal, where she stayed I set out to do in Senegal, I met wonderful, reinforced for me. In Senegal I was able to with her host family for a month. Lynsey hear, read and use Wolof, the language I interesting people from all over the world studied Wolof for five hours a day at the was studying, on a daily basis. In Europe, interested in sustainable development and Centre Baobab, which specializes in my children and I went searching for education. The conversations we had were intense language and cultural training butterfl ies with a field guide and binocuthought-provoking and I learned a lot courses that promote cross-cultural lars, visited a real chateau fort that had from them. I also found a way that I could understanding. been restored and saw 16th century potentially offer an opportunity for my Among her posts to a blog while in frescoes intact in another castle now used students to visit and experience some of Senegal were the following: as a contemporary art museum. Discoverwhat I did. I know for a fact that I will go ing history and nature in context is March 30, 2010—“I had three hours of back at some time. something I plan to continue to do now instruction and I’m finding it fascinating… that we’re back as well.” geek that I am.”
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Sustainability Immersion
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3 Auction Raises $320,000
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The Benefit Board held its 2010 auction party “A Night at the Shore” on February 27. Guests took a cue from the theme and donned summer apparel and beach attire anticipating warmer days to come. The evening began in the Conant Science Center atrium for cocktails and appetizers, and then progressed to the Diller Street Theater for the live auction. Finally, the 350 parents, former parents, trustees, alumni, faculty and friends, walked across the campus to the Mac Gym which had been transformed into a seaside getaway— complete with palm trees, sailboat and cabana—for dinner and silent auctions. The 29th annual fundraiser raised more than $320,000 for the School which will be used to establish a Supplemental Scholarship Fund, and Curriculum and Teaching Fund grants allowing faculty to conduct research projects and develop curriculum. Among the unique items available were VIP tickets to the 2010 Super Bowl, VIP tickets to the Black Eyed Peas concert, and a vacation in a beachfront La Paz, Mexico private home.
Photos // 1 Crea Taylor ’16, Morgan Mostrom and Kayla Robinson ’15 build a sustainable model home. 2 Chloe
Zeller ’15 and Safi a Vohra ’15 prepare for the Sustainability Fair. 3 Ellen Rockwell Galland ’63, Lee Block and Eliza Harrigan ’97
Middle School students spent one week in April focused on the issue of sustainability. The goal of the “Theme Week” was to have the students spend the majority of each day working in small, collaborative, cross-grade groups, to research, plan, design, build and ultimately present a model of a sustainable living space. The project was interdisciplinary, weaving together elements of Internet research, mathematical design and problem-solving, writing in both English and French/ Spanish, critical thinking and digital documentation of work through the use of a specially-designed Google site. To lay the groundwork, students spent the two weeks prior to Theme Week studying the science of sustainability in science classes. The students worked on labs and activities focused on energy consumption, renewable energy sources and energy conservation in the home. Each grade took a field trip to visit local buildings that incorporated a high level of green technology: the Revelle House in Evanston, the Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation Green Synagogue in Evanston and the Center for Green Technology in Chicago. After learning about these sites, the entire Middle School attended an interactive presentation by Ellen Rockwell Galland ’63, an architect specializing in sustainable design. Students were divided into 43 groups of one 6th, 7th and 8th grader and were assigned a specific location somewhere in the world. For their project, they had to consider the climate and geographic nature of the assigned area. To conclude the project, students presented their work to peers, the school community and parents at a Sustainability Fair. The Theme Week initiative was developed in response to the School’s Strategic Plan which is committed to educating students about global issues including sustainability.
4 Auction Co-chairs Traci Lumberg, Wendi Biemer and Betty Anne Duffy. 5 Mouse Doar, Tricia Vallenti, Carol Rasmus and Mamie
Case at the Auction. 6 Christopher and Jinshil Duquet with Christina and Robert Biggs at the Auction.
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On Campus Grandparents’ Day North Shore Country Day School celebrated its annual Grandparents’ Day on Friday, May 7, welcoming more than 130 grandparents and friends from more than 15 states to campus. During a brief presentation, Head of School Tom Doar provided an overview of the strengths of the School today. He was followed by current parent and architect Maura Crisham who discussed the School’s exciting plans to renovate the Upper School and how this new space will enhance the teaching and learning experience. Grandparents then enjoyed time with their grandchildren, visiting their classrooms and attending a student musical concert. North Shore is grateful to grandparents as they continue to be a vital and important part of the School community, providing support and guidance for our students.
Science Olympiad Places 4th in State After months of planning, preparation, building, studying, practicing and anticipation, North Shore’s Middle School Science Olympiad team placed 4th out of 42 teams in the State Tournament at the University of Illinois in Champaign/ Urbana. In 23 events, the team received 6 medals. It was the best finish in the School’s history.
Students Win at Chinese Speech Competition Mandarin students Ben Goren ’12, Harin Jang ’12, Wilson Taylor ’11 and Eric Anderson ’11 represented North Shore in the second Midwest Chinese Speech Contest on April 17. Ben and Wilson received bronze medals for level 1 and level 3; Harin received a silver medal for level 2 and Eric received a gold medal for level 4. Eric also won the scholarship to go to Taiwan to study Chinese for three months. Photos // 1 Kate Danaher ’22 with her grandparents Jeanne and William Danaher. 2 Sarah Beth Sommer ’22 with her grandma Sue Anne Watkins. 3 Carter Smirl ’22 with his grandparents
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Sharon Halsted, and Bill and Karen Smirl. 4 Brent Rolfes ’16 5 Wilson Taylor ’11, Harin Jang ’12, Mandarin teacher Di Li, Eric Anderson ’11 and Ben Goren ’12
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Photos // 1 Eighth grade graduates, front row: Juliet Miller, Stephanie Curley, Emi Croghan, Morgan Mostrom; second row: Mayree Nolan, Heather Mabie, Melissa Rizai; third row: Quinn Gray and Mike Kann; and fourth row: Matt Weiser, Carl Anderson, Jonathan Johnson and Sam Morrison. 2 First graders Charlie Loeb, Zinzi Steele, Zara Edwards, Ella Ristic and DJ Healy. 3 Emmett Bluhm ’20 interviews his father Andy (Brett Favre) at the Gathering of the Greats. 4 Meaghan Lanctot ’17, Firouz Niazi ’17 and Carter George ’17 at the Lower School closing. 5 Eighth grade graduates Stephanie Curley, Mayree Nolan, Jack Colley, Juliette Corboy and Heather Mabie.
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Athletics Scoreboard
On Campus
“This year was one of the most successful ever for North Shore, with many conference championships and teams advancing far into the state playoffs. These successes were no doubt due to the leadership and dedication of members of this class. In fact, that dedication has led to an unprecedented number of students going on to play college-level athletics, including one division-1 player.” —Eric Van Wart ’10, excerpt from his Senior Class Message at Commencement
In May, North Shore concluded the most successful 18 months in the School’s athletic history. Following are just a few of the students’ accomplishments: • With 14 varsity teams and 95% student participation, North Shore has the largest athletic department in the state of Illinois for a high school with an enrollment of under 200. • Out of 14 varsity teams, 17 conference, regional or sectional championships have been won since October of 2008. • 3 teams recognized in the top 10 in their sport in the state; golf finished 4th, boys’ track was 9th and in June won the 1500 meter race at the USA Junior Outdoor Track + Field Championship and varsity field hockey was 5th.
• 2 athletes recognized as the best in their sport in the state. Sammy Gray ’10 was named the 2010 Illinois Field Hockey Player of the Year, and in 2009, Peter Callahan ’09 was named the 2009 Outstanding Athlete of the Illinois State Track Meet and in June 2010 won the 1500 meter race at the USA Junior Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
Photos // 1 C. J. Charnas ’16 2 The baseball team 3 Ryan Nolan ’11 4 Sammy Gray ’10,
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2010 fi eld hockey player of the year. 5 Katie Koenig ’12 6 Ilhana Redzovic ’13 7 Will Finlay ’10
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On Campus
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Arts Photos // 1 Caroline Whitmore ’11 and Ben Shafer ’11 in The Mystery of Edwin Drood. 2 Meaghan Lanctot ’17 in the Lower School band. 3 Sam Akainyah ’12 and Ben Shafer ’11 dance as the chorus sings in the spring musical. 4 Melina Jaharis ’11 in The Mystery of Edwin
Drood. 5 Middle School spring play In a Grove cast 6 A mushroom still life taken by Stephanie Carrera ‘10. 7 Middle School self portraits sculpted out of clay. 8 Sebastian Biggs ’20 9 Quinnita Bellows ’11 10 Photo by Lilly Milla ’10 11 Claire Gupta ’16
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Development News Decade Reps 2010–2011 Alice Graff Childs ’37
Chris Charnas ’83, Chair
Photo 4
Photo 1
Alice Pirie Wirtz ’49
Dan Bloedorn ’87
Photo 2
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Hugh Bowles ’58
Peggy Smith Coffee ’90
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Photo 8
Bruce Jarchow ’66
Allison Kaplan ’03
Photo 5, left
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Jim Golden ’70 Photo 5, right
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Welcome Decade Reps!
Seniors Become Alumni
A new program—The Decade Representatives—has been launched to serve as the main link between Alumni Class Reps and the Development Office, facilitating a better connection between the Class Reps and their classmates. Thank you to the Decade Representatives for taking this leadership role in North Shore’s Class Representative Program.
In May, North Shore Seniors were welcomed into the Alumni Association with a special luncheon. Lirije Milla, Andrea Strauss and Will Finlay were introduced as the Class of 2010 class representatives, serving as liaisons between their classmates and the School in the coming years. As class reps they will encourage their classmates to stay in touch with each other and the School, come to alumni and school events, and support Annual Giving.
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7 Above // 9 Lirije Millar ’10 and Andrea Strauss ’10 10 Will Finlay ’10
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Alumni Connections 2010 Golf Outing The 11th North Shore Country Day School Golf Outing was held on June 15 at the Highland Park Golf Club. Despite a forecast for rain players successfully completed 18 holes of golf and only got a little wet. A fun awards dinner followed with Golf Chair Chris Charnas ’83 who thanked and acknowledged this year’s golf outing sponsors: Aon Corporation, Anthony E. Blumberg & Associates, LLC, The Bransfield Family, The Dehmlow Family, U.E.M. Traffic Control Services, Merit Homes, Unilever Foodsolutions, Turtle Wax, Inc., Jim and Tricia Valenti and Wirtz Beverage Illinois. The winning foursome included Art Jessen ’70, Chris Jessen ’00, Brian Jessen ’02 and Tom Concannon.
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Lunch in the Loop— What I Did On My Summer Vacation—April 28 The spring Lunch in the Loop program featured North Shore’s summer learning opportunities including campus-based programs, local and international travel and the Global Youth Leadership Experience for students. The speakers included Director of Operations Cindy Hooper, Upper School Mandarin Chinese Teacher Di Li and Global Youth Leadership Institute Coordinator Sarah Mills, who is also a Co-Director of College Counseling and a coach.
3 Spring Musical/Art Opening Alumni, faculty and staff were invited to the opening art exhibit reception of “Strata A Glimpse into South Chicago” featuring the work of Duk Ju, John Salhus and Gabriel Villa. In addition to enjoying art, friends and appetizers, the guests also talked with cast members from The Mystery of Edwin Drood spring musical before their evening performance.
4 Opposite // 1 Jamie Knupp ’83, Jeremy Goldberger ’83 and Bill Bach ’87. 2 The winning team: Tom Concannon, Brian Jessen ’02, Chris
Jessen ’00 and Art Jessen ’70. Above // 1 Tom Flickinger and Bill Bartholomay ’46 2 Upper School Mandarin Teacher
Di Li, Director of Summer Programs and Operations Cindy Hooper, and Director of College Counseling Sarah Mills. 3 Greg Uebele
and Gabrielle Weisberg 4 Kravon Teamer ’10, Eric Almquist ’85, Sarah Traisman ’11 and Meera Valliath ’11.
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Alumni Connections
1 2 3 Above // 1 North Shore alumni and friends traveled to Winter Park, FL. 2 Delray Beach
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attendees: Carlene Blunt ’57, Pat Blunt Koldyke ’54 and Fran Blunt Steinwedell ’51.
3 Members of the Class of 1968 George Dern, Sally Green Handley and Price Patton.
Art, Architecture and Gardens of Central Florida with Bill Hinchliff ’64 In March, North Shore alumni and friends traveled with Bill Hinchliff ’64 to Winter Park, Florida. The group enjoyed four days visiting and learning about Winter Park history, architecture, art museums and noteworthy gardens. The group also visited Rollins College and Florida Southern College, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
North Shore on the Road In March, North Shore headed south to visit with North Shore alumni and friends in Florida, hosting events in Winter Park, Delray Beach and Naples. These gatherings provide an opportunity to visit, connect and give an update on North Shore today.
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3 Photos // 1 Lynne Wavering Shotwell ’60, Chip Shotwell ’61, Alice Graff Childs ’37 and Tom Doar. 2 Melinda Ponder and Anne Hanford ’62 3 Naples attendees: Mike Wallace ’53,
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Dee Dee Ritch Starrett ’51 and Frank Klapperich. 4 Delray Beach attendees: Price Patton ’68, Lucy Sievers ’80, Torrey Everett ’56 and Audrey Bird ’51.
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Homecoming 2010
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Friday, October 1 2 p.m. Student Pep Rally 4:30 p.m. Soccer Game Field Hockey Game 5– 8 p.m. Art Opening Exhibit “Shared Visions: Collaborative Work of the Chicago Art Salon” John Almquist Gallery 6– 8 p.m. Complimentary Cocktail Party for Alumni, Parents of Alumni and Faculty Hall Library 7:30– 8:30 p.m. Student Homecoming Bonfire Athletic Fields
Hotel Accommodations Highland Park Courtyard Marriott 1505 Lake Cook Road, Highland Park 847.831.3338 reserved rate of $84 per night Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel 933 Skokie Boulevard, Northbrook 800.468.3571 reserved rate of $99 per night Sheraton Chicago Northbrook Hotel 1110 Willow Road, Northbrook 800.325.3535 reserved rate of $69/king or $89/double Contact Us All campus events are complimentary. Questions? Call Director of Alumni Relations Nancy Green Whiteman ’71, 847.881.8848.
9–11 p.m. Alumni (’98–’06) and Faculty Gathering Complimentary refreshments Tommy Nevin’s Irish Pub, Evanston
10 a.m. Campus Tours by North Shore students Volleyball Match Soccer Game Little Raiders Field Hockey Clinic, Grades 1–5
Faculty Presentation Conant Science Center—Refreshments 12:30 p.m. Alumnae vs. Varsity Field Hockey Game 1:30 p.m. Football Game Doc Anderson Field 7 p.m. Reunion Class Dinners (off campus)
Opposite // Photos from Homecoming 2009.
Class of 2000 Alexis Contreas Chris Jessen Class of 1995 Reunion Committee needed Class of 1990 Peggy Smith Coffee Ellen Kelly Class of 1985 Eric Almquist Kate O’Malley McCulloch
Class of 1965 John Darrow Bill Davis Margi Morse Delafi eld Bob Geraghty
Saturday, October 2
11 a.m.–12 p.m. Alumni & Parents of Alumni Program with Head of School Tom Doar and Board of Trustees “1919–2010 North Shore—Going Strong”
Class of 2005 Ashleigh Cross
Class of 1970 Jim Golden, Chair Ruth Burnell Nancy Golden Fahlstrom Mary Garvin Art Jessen Craig Johnson Suki Lipman
8 p.m. Informal Reunion Class Gatherings (off campus)
10:30 a.m. Francis R. Stanton Alumni Recognition Presentation to William “Biff” Steel ’60 Conant Science Center
Reunion Committees
Francis R. Stanton Alumni Recognition The Francis R. Stanton Alumni Recognition will be presented on Saturday, October 2, to William (Biff) Steel ’60 whose life work exemplifies the School’s motto “Live and Serve.” Biff is currently Adjunct Professor at the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research of the University of Ghana, teaching microfinance, and also consulting for the World Bank (where he worked from 1983–2005), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and others. He is also one of the founders and currently a Board member of the Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing (WIEGO) Network, which brings grassroots women’s organizations together with statisticians, researchers, policymakers and development professionals to highlight and address issues affecting informal women workers in developing countries.
Class of 1960 Jim Beck Bruce Everett Virginia Caspari Gerst Roger Griffi n Jean Wright Haider Jim Holland Harley Hutchins Victoria Jackson Pat Ostrom Kohnen Jill Trieschmann Nesbit Bob Strong Mitzie Fraker Wynkoop Class of 1955 Bert Getz Bob Jones Class of 1950 Audrey Gallery Class of 1945 Russ & Carol Larsson Stern Class of 1940 Sallie Van Arsdale John Wilson
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Alumni Connections Reflecting on our History While in the midst of packing and moving out of Dunlap Hall in preparation for its renovation, many historical photos of life at North Shore Country Day were discovered. These are just a few. Additional snapshots have been posted on our website at www.nscds.org /photomystery. If you know anything about these pictures, can identify the people in them or know the year they were taken, please contact Nancy Green Whiteman ’71, director of alumni relations, at nwhiteman@nscds.org, or call her at 847.881.8848. This information will be invaluable as the School begins to prepare for its 100 year anniversary in 2019.
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Class Notes 1930s Fisher Howe ’31 recently visited campus to tour the School and meet with Head of School Tom Doar and History Department Chair Kevin Randolph. Mr. Howe was in the very first, first grade at North Shore and was able to stop in to say hello to current North Shore first graders. Brendan Leonard ’02 interviewed and fi lmed Mr. Howe about his North Shore experiences and memories.
Jeannie Peters ’10, Fisher Howe ’31, Upper School Physics Teacher Steve Pichman, Cam Talty ’11, Max Fink ’11, Sam Barker ’10 and Dylan Ball ’11.
Alice Graff Childs ’37 continues to be very active with organizations including NSCDS where she is serving on the Alumni Board and as a Decade Representative. She will be traveling this summer to London and Vienna and will attend the English Speaking Union convention in September in Denver where she has been nominated for recognition by this organization. Maryphyllis Barber Hunter ’37 died peacefully June 9, 2010 at the age of 90. She grew up in Winnetka with her three brothers Harris Barber ’36, Langdon Barber ’40, and Bradford Barber ’47 and all attended North Shore. At Vassar she discovered a passion for journalism when she served on the college paper. After graduation in 1941, she worked for The Newburgh Evening News. As the paper’s only woman reporter, she was relegated to covering the society page. She traveled to every event on her motorcycle to save on gas during World War 11. She moved back to the Midwest to work on The Chicago Tribune. Shortly before she left she met a charming lawyer who was then an Army lieutenant. She married B. Sears Hunter in San Antonio, Texas, where he was stationed. After the war they settled in Blooming Grove, where they were both active members of their community, church and the Democratic Party. They both served on every committee of the Blooming
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Grove United Church of Christ. Being avid Democrats they were involved in voter registration drives, primaries and election campaigns every year. When her five children were young, Phyllis was involved with Scouting, Little League and The PTA. She was elected to the Board of Education of the Washingtonville School in the late 1950s and served through the 1960s. She earned a teaching certificate at SUNY New Paltz and worked as a substitute teacher. She was a teacher and director of the Jewish Community Center Nursery School in Newburgh and was a co-founding member of The Blooming Grove Day Care Center. She served on the board of the McQuade Foundation and was chairman of the Board of the Mental Health Association of Orange Co. She was proud of being in the 80+ Ski Club and was equally proficient in hiking, skating, horseback riding, tennis and golf. The Hunters spent many vacations camping and hiking in the Adirondacks, Rockies and Alps. In their later years they delivered Meals on Wheels, joined two book clubs and hiked in The English Lake District. After 65 happy years she was predeceased by her husband in February of 2009. She is survived by her children: Marian Hunter, Lisa and Benjamin Hunter, Wendy and Mark Stiles, Larry Hunter and Cathy Hunter, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
1940s Bob Wilcox ’40 died on March 5 in Evanston, IL. Bob was a prominent Chicago lawyer, social justice and environmental activist. After North Shore he attended Harvard College, where he graduated in the class of 1944, AB cum laude. After military service he attended the University of Michigan Law School for his Juris Doctor. During the War he served in the U.S. Navy and was awarded the Order of the Purple Heart. In 1941, he met Laura Janet Winston, an undergraduate at Vassar College and they married in 1944. The young couple prevailed through the challenges and vicissitudes of wartime and law school to produce, in 1948, the first of their five children, Robert B. Wilcox, Jr., followed by Steven, Katherine, David and Brian. He and Laura had a blissful marriage that lasted until she succumbed to cancer in 1995. In July 2006, Wilcox married a long-time and cherished family friend, Susanne Bush, much to the delight of his children, grandchildren and close friends. Wilcox committed himself to a wide range of voluntary civic engagements and causes over the years. In retirement Wilcox helped found two groups that continue to pursue issues of great importance to him including the founding chairman of the Environmental Law and Policy Center of the Midwest (Chicago) “protecting the Midwest’s environment and
natural heritage,” and served as chairman of its advisory committee until his death. He was a cofounder, director and officer of Protestants for the Common Good (PCG), from 1995 until his death. PCG educates and mobilizes people of faith to participate in political democracy for the sake of social justice and the beloved community. In recognition of “the life and work of this extraordinary public servant,” Protestants for the Common Good honored Bob Wilcox posthumously with the William Sloane Coffin Award for Peace and Justice on April 18. Cynthia Oudejans Harris ’40 died on January 9, 2010. Cynthia is survived by her devoted husband of 33 years, Leo Harris. Following North Shore, Cynthia graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Radcliffe College in 1945 and from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in 1963. Cynthia practiced psychiatry in Cleveland, joining the Gestalt Institute in 1964. She was a published author, a trustee on many boards and a member of the American Psychiatric Association and other professional associations. Cynthia received the Eleanor Roosevelt Humanitarian Award in 2000 for her significant accomplishments. She was an ardent feminist, a committed environmentalist and a philanthropist. Cynthia loved animals and enjoyed singing and hiking. Babette Bird Lent ’40 died after a short illness on September 9, 2009 in Florida. “Bobbie,” as she was known to family and friends, graduated from Wellesley College in 1944. She earned a graduate teaching certificate from Columbia University’s School of Education before marrying her husband, Richard, in 1948 and moving to New Paltz. Bobbie joined and was an active member of the Reformed Church. She volunteered for a wide range of educational and social causes, including the P.E.O. Sisterhood in Highland, NY, Planned Parenthood of the Mid-Hudson Valley, and the Hudson Valley Health Systems Agency. In addition, she was a life-long member of the Wellesley College Alumnae Association and the League of Women Voters. An enthusiastic sailor and member of the Dennis (MA) Yacht Club, she learned to sail with her husband and family in the 1950s, accompanying them on numerous cruises along the coast of New England and the Canadian Maritimes, down the Eastern seaboard to Bermuda and the Caribbean. She is survived by her husband of 61 years Richard W. Lent, sons Ryck and Christopher, and two granddaughters. Sam Earle ’42 is “still living on the farm; horses, turkeys, deer, raccoons, rabbits and birds. Mr. Wistern, dog, joined the family. Cy and I celebrated our 61st anniversary. We now have six grandkids and one great granddaughter. Really enjoying spring in the Carolway.” Rosanna Welsh Ewart ’44 wrote “Vascular diseases are an annoying situation, but I am
writing a book on Living among the United Nations. Great fun! Spoke with Joan Riley Boyle ’44, living in Charlotte, NC.”
1950s Hall Healy, Jr. ’59 has become the chair of the International Crane Society, an organization which helps to protect cranes around the world. They cover almost every continent in their efforts.
1960s Andronike Janus ’60 reports, “I am currently working as dean of alumni at Codman Academy, a charter public school in Dorchester, MA. Most graduates of this small high school (130) go on to college and my role is to support, advocate and visit these wonderful young adults who are mostly first generation college students.”
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Virginia Caspari Gerst ’60 currently is board chair of Court Theatre, a professional theater company at the University of Chicago, secretary of Chicago’s Green City Market, the city’s only organic/sustainable market, and a tour guide for the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Actors Bruce Jarchow ’66 and Alex Moffat ’00 visited campus with Alex’s comedy improvisation troupe to provide a fun-fi lled Morning Ex. North Shore students even had the opportunity to join the actors on stage.
June 13 to their daughter and son-in-law Margaret and Jonathan Kelley. Karen Spencer Kelly ’76 writes, “I continue to enjoy my ‘new’ job as chief counselor to the Treasurer of Pennsylvania. One just out of college and one just in so the door keeps revolving.” Dorothy Mackevich Marks ’78 is a fi lm producer and recently showed her fi lm of Janina; Weaving the Future through Art.
Bruce Jarchow ’66 and Alex Moffat ’00 with two members of Alex’s comedy improvisation troupe. Tappan Merrick ’66 reports, “I joined Woodbury Financial earlier this year.” Frederick P. Loomis ’68 writes, “I have been awarded a solo art show in New York City in October at White Columns, a 40-year-old, non-profit artistic institution dedicated to introducing “emerging artists” into the New York “art scene.” Jack Galbraith ’69 and his wife Vicki became grandparents when their granddaughter, Everleigh Barbara Adams, was born.
1970s Ned ’73 and Lynn Lillard Jessen ’74 have a grandchild, John “Edgar” Clay Kelley, born
Eleanor Smith Land ’78 died peacefully at her home in Ojai, CA, surrounded by loved ones on June 14, days after the joyous celebration of her 50th birthday. Eleanor and her family moved to Ojai in 2003 from Winnetka. Eleanor quickly adapted to the Ojai Valley, where her vibrant energy, generosity of spirit, and passion for service flourished. For the past six years she worked at Help of Ojai, where she directed the Caring Neighbors Program, work that included training hospice volunteers, leading support groups, and helping families manage end-of-life transitions. Born to parents Rosemarie Knuti and George Dresser Smith II ’38, Eleanor grew up in Winnetka and graduated from New Trier High School. She received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Vanderbilt University and later earned two master’s degrees from Rush University in Chicago. By the time she married at 26, she had already lost both of her parents and had stepped ably and lovingly into the role of helping to raise her younger siblings. After a few years of marriage, she retired from her work as a pediatric nurse practitioner to turn her full attention to raising her four children. She was extremely proud of their accomplishments, always taking an
active role in their schools, and she reveled in watching them mature to discover and pursue their talents. Long before Facebook came along, “friend” was a verb to Eleanor and she approached all her relationships with a fierce loyalty and intentionality that resulted in a roster of friends both long and deep. Her family, friends and community all gained from her knack for initiating and nurturing connections between people, for speaking from the heart, and for dependably showing up when it mattered most. Following her diagnosis with lung cancer in April 2008, Eleanor pursued life with unflagging optimism and gratitude, managing her disease with the same forceful sense of purpose she brought to all of her endeavors. Having spent so much of her life “paying it forward,” during her two-year journey with cancer she was the recipient of seemingly inexhaustible outpourings of love, care and support from members of the Ojai community and from the many friends she maintained back in the Chicago area and across the country. Through her treatments, she continued with the interests and activities she loved: travel, singing, cooking, entertaining, tennis, yoga, hiking, spinning and above all, time with her family and friends. Last fall, she completed her first triathlon and she continued to challenge herself with new experiences, to extend herself to others, and to make and execute her ambitious plans up until the very end. She leaves behind a void that is as unfathomable as her energy was boundless, as well as a legacy of good works and good times that will serve as perpetual joys to all who beheld her. Survivors include her husband of 23 years, Christopher, and children Alexandra, Douglas, Carson and Acorn Summer 2010 35
Beatrice. She is also survived by sisters Deborah Hatch, Peggy Smith Coffee ’90 and brothers George Smith ’81 and Thomas Smith ’89. A memorial service took place on June 19 at the Ojai Presbyterian Church. A service in Winnetka was held August 14. The family requests that memorials be directed to the following organizations: Chicago Commons (700 N. Sacramento Blvd., Suite 141, Chicago, IL 60612) or North Shore Country Day School.
1980s Sean Wilken ’86 was made one of “Her Majesty’s Counsel (that is Queen’s counsel or QC) in March of this year and currently splits his time between London and the Highlands of Scotland.” Liam Davis ’86 emailed “It has been a very busy and eventful few years for me. The life of an independent creative is forever in flux and we have to diversify all the time, so I’ve been doing lots of different stuff: TV/fi lm scoring, writing music for commercials, producing, mentoring, etc. I’m recording a solo album this year as well.” Jeff Swanson ’86 emailed, “I am working in the graduate program in International Management at Portland State University.” Heather Utzinger Michelotti ’87 writes, “Paul and I are still living in Denver with three kids—Dominic, Alexandra and Owen. I’m going on my third year of coaching field hockey at Cherry Creek High School and really am enjoying the sport from a new perspective.”
1990s Mary Brinkman Lusk ’91 and her husband Kevin Lusk announce the arrival of their baby boy, Andrew Alexander Lusk on June 7, 2010. The baby was 5 pounds, 13 ounces. Their other children are William Walter Lusk and Christopher Morgan Lusk. The newest addition to the family was born 19 years exactly from the date of Mary’s high school graduation, which was June 7, 1991. Liam Pingree ’97 and Haley Pingree are expecting their third child on July 12, 2010. Liam is currently a research scientist for Boeing Research and Technology in Seattle. Kate Hutchins Kletzien ’99 and her husband live in Door County, WI. Kate works part-time in a nursing home as a CNA. Her husband is a financial advisor. She hopes to participate in the alumnae field hockey game this homecoming.
2000s Jennifer Brown Hodges ’00 emailed, “I am very excited to see everyone again at reunion. I am living in Florida and work as the Lake County 4-H agent. James will be leaving the Air Force this August, and will decide a new
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career. I will definitely be playing in the alumnae field hockey game and hope we golden oldies can win the purple Buddha:).” Alex Moffat ’00 leaves this summer to perform Second City shows aboard a cruise ship in the Bahamas for four months. He is looking forward to it and teaching classes for Second City’s Youth and Teen Program. Bryan Fydryck ’00 will be getting married on October 3, 2010. Andrew S. Syfu ’01 “is still teaching history at Williston Northampton School in MA, head coach of boys’ varsity lacrosse, assistant coach of boys’ varsity soccer and head coach of boys’ JV ice hockey and loving it. Go North Shore!”
about 800 applicants. In Beijing, she will undertake one semester of intensive Chinese language immersion and another semester of regular classes. Her current aspiration is to work in the State Department as a public diplomacy officer.” Peter Callahan ’09 in June became the US Junior National Champion in 1500 meters. Peter ran in the 1500 meter final at the USA Track and Field Junior Outdoor Track & Field Championships at Drake Stadium in Des Moines, IA and won the race in 3:46.42. He qualified for the World Junior Championships in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada in July 2010.
Michel Moreau ’04 has started writing for the Northwestern University football site. Here is the first blog with more to come: www.nufootballfamily.com/blog/blog.php. Ann Davis ’04 emailed she is currently serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Inharrime, Mozambique. Her blog is aedavis-fromthehut.blogspot.com. It is not updated that frequently due to lack of internet service and electricity. Her hut has grass walls, some concrete, a tin roof, no water but electricity sometimes. Mary Rowley ’05 spent most of 2010 traveling around the world. She spent the summer in Paris, sharing an apartment with her sister Liz ’07 in the shadow of Sacre Coeur. Liz Rowley ’07 “spent January through August in Paris, first as a student, then working through the summer. Also in Paris from the Class of 2007 were Ayda Wondermun (Tufts ’11) and Andrea Bailuc (Haverford ’11).” Caroline Blehart ’08 was awarded a Barnard College Leadership Award for 2010. She was also made Editor-in-Chief of Echoes, the Barnard literary magazine. Daniel Lowinger ’08 had a letter to the editor published in The Economist. The article he was writing about was called Face Off. “My recent investment in protein powders and trips to the gym to improve my manliness was obviously a poor one, after reading that women in disease-free societies such as America tend to prefer men who look more effeminate. I now know that I need to spend more time working on being sensitive in order to fi nd a mate and last night I watched Billy Elliot the musical.” Amanda Osborn ’08 was recently named a David L. Boren Scholar in China next year. “Boren Scholarships provide up to $20,000 to U.S. undergraduate students to study abroad in areas of the world that are critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad, including Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin American and the Middle East.” The Boren is a nationally competitive scholarship that is funded by the National Security Education Program (NSEP). Applicants are required to identify how his or her study abroad program, study abroad goals and future career plan relate to U.S. national security. Recipients of the scholarship commit to a minimum of one year of service in the federal government within three years upon graduation. Each year, there are generally
Ann Davis ’04 Junyi Wang ’10 attended North Shore as the 2008–2009 ASSIST exchange student. He will attend Macalester College in the coming fall. “I miss all of my North Shore friends and teachers. I will come back to North Shore one day.”
Engagements Sarah Finlay ’05 to Ben Maddox.
Marriages Alexis Contreas ’00 to Matthew Vondran July 10, 2010 Brian Jessen ’02 to Ashley Schell July 17, 2010 Thomas Doar ’00 to Shaina Morphew July 24, 2010
Births Andrew Alexander Lusk June 7, 2010 Kevin and Mary Brinkman Lusk ’91
Faculty Amy Kenyon, library assistant, married Tom Koegel on July 10, 2010
Vinnie Vrotny, director of academic technology, presented at the International Society for Technology Education (ISTE) Annual International Conference in Denver in June, and at the Laptop Institute at Lausanne Collegiate School, Memphis in July. Recently, Vinnie attended TEDxNYED, an all-day conference examining the role of new media and technology in shaping the future of education, in New York.
In Memoriam Alexander H. Pope ’46 August 21, 2009
James Gigante August 13, 2009 Father of Lisa Gigante Damico ’82 Babette Bird Lent ’40 September 9, 2009
Upcoming Events
Alumni/Homecoming Weekend October 1–2 (complete schedule on page 31)
Art Opening “Shared Visions: Collaborative Work of the Chicago Art Salon” October 1, Almquist Art Gallery
Milwaukee Marvels: Museums, Markets & More with Bill Hinchliff ’64 October 13
Lunch in the Loop Union League Club, Chicago November 17
College-Age Alumni & Faculty Breakfast December 17
Young Alumni (’98–’06) & Faculty Gathering Tommy Nevin’s Irish Pub, Evanston December 17
Stay Connected Facebook (North Shore Country Day School)
Twitter (NSCDS) fl ickr (North Shore Country Day School’s Photostream)
Edward "Tim" K. Hardy ’51 November 28, 2009 Husband of Virginia Simmons Hardy ’52 Brother of Jack Hardy ’56, Margaret Hardy ’58 and Ruth Hardy Mortimer ’60 Brother-in-law of Dorothy Simmons Ehrhard ’55, Cynthia Oudejans Harris ’40 January 9, 2010 Robert B. Wilcox ’40 March 5, 2010 Father of Robert Wilcox ’66 and Steven Wilcox ’68 Brother of Ann Wilcox Jones ’43 and Lee Wilcox Kneerim ’44 Derek Tennant ’65 March 25, 2010 Logan S. La Chance ’50 March 31, 2010
Leonard Dettmers April 8, 2010 Father of Jane Dettmers Bakey ’83
William “Bim” P. Stanton ’64 April 22, 2010 Husband of Barbara Schilling Stanton ’63 Brother of Campbell Stanton ’66 and Francis Stanton ’73 William A. Stearns ’55 April 22, 2010 Jonathan C. Gatlin ’73 May 2, 2010
Louise B. Young May 8, 2010 Mother of Peyton Young ’62, Anne Young ’65 and Lisa Young Halley ’70 Mother-in-law of Stetson Ames ’65 Roy Attaway May 2010 Husband of Robyn Gill Attaway ’72 Jean Beaverson Pettibone June 6, 2010 Mother of Susan Pettibone Fraser ’69 and Laura Pettibone Wright ’73 Maryphyllis Barber Hunter ’37 June 9, 2010 Eleanor Smith Land ’78 June 14, 2010 Sister of George Smith ’81, Thomas Smith ’89 and Peggy Smith Coffee ’90
Former Faculty Jean Pettibone passed away quickly and peacefully on June 6, 2010. She was married to her husband Richard for 63 years and they had three children Pamela Pettibone, Susan Pettibone Fraser ’69 and Laura Pettibone Wright ’73 and have 4 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Jean will be remembered for her exuberance and intelligence, her everpresent smile and warm laugh, her great love of music and teaching, and her gift for helping others. Even as she became debilitated by Alzheimer’s disease, she strove to teach her care-givers how to play the piano. Jean was also an active tennis player and awardwinning flower arranger. Born and raised in Minneapolis, Jean graduated from Wellesley College (1947) with a B.A. in music theory (Phi Beta Kappa), and received her M.A. in mathematics from Northeastern Illinois University. She was extremely active in community affairs, serving on the boards and projects of the Winnetka Community Nursery School, Sunset Ridge School PTA, Music Center of the North Shore, Scholarship and Guidance Association, Chicago Wellesley Club, Evanston Junior League, two terms on the District 29 School Board, the Northfield Country Gardeners and 6 years on Northfield’s Architectural Commission. She participated in the Winnetka Fortnightly, for which her remarkable paper Serendipity was written. A dedicated teacher, she
Jean Pettibone
taught at North Shore for 18 years, beginning by teaching “new” math and then becoming Head of the Middle School. After retiring from teaching in 1980, she founded the Evanston branch of the Music Center of the North Shore (now the Music Institute of Chicago), to which she devoted the next 13 years. She again retired in 1993 leaving behind her a legacy of a fully functional community music program and a scholarship and instrument fund. In 2003, Jean was honored at the dedication of the Institute’s permanent home in Evanston which includes an acoustically brilliant performance space as well as teaching and practice rooms. This was the culmination of Jean’s vision for the Center. Acorn Summer 2010 37
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