The Banyan For Friends, Families, and Alumni of The Out-of-Door Academy
2010 - 2011
In this Issue • In and Out of the Classroom Success • Perspectives: The College Search • Commencement 2011 • Banyan Ball 2011 • Alumni Profiles
Thunder Stadium | Uihlein Campus Inaugural Season
The e-Banyan a monthly enewsletter for the out-of-door academy parents and friends
The Out-of-Door Academy launched The e-Banyan this year. The monthly e-newsletter designed to share The Out-of-Door story with parents and friends through words, pictures, and videos has been a great success. Readership of the e-newsletters is up to almost 70% and interactive engagement through click-through’s to the videos, picture slide shows, news stories, and more is high as well. The school will begin an alumni e-newsletter next year. The Out-of-Door Academy halls were full of excitement and enthusiasm during the 2010-2011 school year both on the Siesta Key and Uihlein Campus in Lakewood Ranch campuses. Here are a few of the stories that have been told in the e-Banyan. We encourage you to visit www.oda.edu/news to look through the archived e-newsletters and click through all of the links to get a glimpse of the Out-of-Door experience. We welcome picture and story submissions throughout the year as well. Please send them to oda-news@oda.edu. If you would like to be added to the monthly distribution list, please contact Shannon Drosky at sdrosky@oda.edu. Letters from the Heads
Out-of-Door Community Wide Events
Monthly letters from our division heads to keep our parents informed on the amazing things taking place in the classroom as well as upcoming projects and curriculum.
Special Events Special events each month are highlighted and linked to pictures and/or videos. Parents are able to download the pictures durectly from the slide shows online.
The Out-of-Door Academy is committed to the Sarasota community through school-wide and student driven community service projects. Students in the Upper School performed over 8,500 hours of community service last year alone. College Counseling As a college preparatory school, The Out-of-Door Academy focuses on college counseling every step of the way. Each month, the e-Banyan features a college counseling topic of interest to help parents stay informed and up-todate everything in the world of college counseling.
Awards and Honors Students, faculty, and the school celebrate awards and honors throughout the year in academics, the arts, and athletics. These achievements are featured in the e-Banyan each month. Remember to visit www.oda.edu/news for archived news.
In the News Link directly to the month’s academic, arts, and athletic news in the local news media.
Don’t miss the up-to-date news and events from your school. Sign up to receive the e-Banyan today by visiting www.oda.edu/news or use your Smart Phone and a QR Code Reader and use the code here.
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Contents Features 12 PERSPECTIVES As a college
IN THIS ISSUE 4 A Message from the Head of School 6 Faculty Professional Development 8 In & Out of the Classroom
24 Speaker Series 34 Annual Fund 40 Parent Association 44 Special Events: Banyan Ball The Gelbman Family Wellness Center Ribbon Cutting Grandfriends’ Day Thunder Golf Outing Arts Day 54 Alumni Class Notes Editor’s Note: The Banyan Magazine is designed for members of The Out-of-Door Academy family students, faculty, parents, grandparents and alumni - in an effort to share stories and celebrate our communities success stories. This magazine is published by the Advancement Office. If you have any comments or suggestions, please address them to: The Banyan Magazine, The Out-of-Door Academy, 444 Reid Street, Sarasota, Florida 34242 or call 941-554-3409. E-mail: oda-news@oda.edu Head of School: David Mahler Chief Advancement Officer: Dennis Chapman Director of Communications: Shannon Drosky Main Phone: 941.349.3223 Admissions: 941.554.3400 Siesta Key Campus, Grades Pre-K-6 | 444 Reid Street ~ Sarasota, FL 34242 Uihlein Campus at Lakewood Ranch, Grades 7-12 | 5950 Deer Drive ~ Sarasota, FL 34240 www.oda.edu
preparatory school, The Out-of-Door Academy prepares students for success in college and life. The college search and application process is an essential aspect in which all members of the community are involved. Hear five different perspectives on that process: College Guidance Counselors, College Admissions Officers, Students, Faculty, and Parents.
18 COMMENCEMENT 2011 The 6th and 8th grade classes celebrated their graduation from one division and transitions to the next, while the Class of 2011 celebrated their commencement and transition to college.
26 COVER The Out-of-Door Academy Thunder now have a place to call home. After years of traveling for practices, games, and special events, Thunder athletes and the entire community can call Thunder Stadium at the Uihlein Campus in Lakewood Ranch home.
32 MAKING A DIFFERENCE Middle School Teacher, Ken Sommers, journeys through Haiti.
42 DEFINING FUN Director of Student Activities, Tim Brewer, shares how Out-of-Door balances the social aspect of education.
50 ALUMNI PROFILES During their tenure at Out-of-Door, students excel in academics, the arts, and athletics as well as wellness. Learn how four alumni have brought that success to college.
The Out-of-Door Academy 3
A Message from the Head of School Over the past several years, The Out-of-Door Academy has grown in every imaginable way, including programs, facilities, student enrollment, student achievement and quality of the faculty and staff. Throughout these changes, Out-of-Door has remained steadfast in its commitment to the tenets of our mission statement and dedicated to academic excellence, intellectual and artistic creativity, competitive athletics, character education and community service. Great organizations, however, do not rest on the laurels of past accomplishments, but constantly seek and explore new opportunities to learn, improve, and grow. This ethos is what launched our strategic planning process for the future of Out-of-Door. The 2010-11 school year witnessed the dawn of a new era of progress and growth for The Out-of-Door Academy. While many of our peer independent schools across the nation and public school counterparts struggled with the challenges of declining enrollments and budget shortfalls, we embarked on a journey to make Out-of-Door a better and stronger school and to build upon our eighty-six year tradition of educational excellence in the Sarasota community. Following more than a year of surveys, research, focus groups and discussions that involved all of the constituencies that comprise the Out-of-Door family, a strategic plan and vision for the future of our school was adopted, and the work to make our school stronger began. The following strategic goals are shaping and focusing our efforts to guide Out-of-Door’s continued growth and development: • • • • •
Building a preeminent college preparatory program Pursuing 21st century relevance in our total educational experience Increasing the quantity, quality and diversity of our admissions pool Expanding our financial resources Positioning The Out-of-Door Academy as a valuable community asset
Sound execution of these initiatives will result in an even stronger Out-of-Door Academy. Evidence of our school’s progress towards these ends and sustained efforts to better fulfill our mission can be found throughout this edition of the Banyan. I hope, that as an integral member of the Out-of-Door family, you share in the many accomplishments of our students, our school community, and in our ongoing commitment to thoughtfully, and strategically, propel our school into the future.
David V. Mahler Head of School
Accreditation Review As many of you are aware, this past spring, we received a visit by a team of educators from across the state for our five-year accreditation review for the Florida Council of Independent Schools and the Florida Kindergarten Council. I am pleased to share an excerpt from the cover letter for this report that reflects the Visiting Committee’s findings and observations about our school: “The Out-of-Door Academy is an exceptional school fulfilling its mission daily. The numerous initiatives and physical improvements have enhanced a program already strong in academics, arts, athletics and character education. Both campuses reflect the unique spirit and culture of Out-of-Door which is embraced by students and faculty alike. As noted in the final report, ‘From the earliest learner to the seniors, the students at ODA are to be commended for the respect they show each other and to the adults on campus. Collectively and individually, they exhibit mature and responsible behaviors that are reflective of the school’s commitment to raising caring, connected and responsible citizens.”
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Board of Trustees 2011-2012 Chairperson Michael vonWaldner
Secretary John Cannon
Vice Chairperson Mitzie Henson
Treasurer Celeste D. Dockery-Chadwick
Tracee Bomberger Thomas Buffett John M. Cranor III Meghan "Mickey" Davis Rhonda Deems Thomas L. Dowdy Ron Gelbman Ann Grano
Tally Harris Bill Isaac Ann Kittle Julie Luhrsen Dave Mason Mary McCabe Peirce Ken Pendery Ken Sanborn
Emeritus Gerd Petrik Brendra Uihlein Ex-Officio David V. Mahler
New Trustees Tracee Murphy Bomberger, ASID Tracee earned her BS at John Carroll University and an additional Associates degree at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. She has worked in the Interior Design field for over 15 years and started her own company, Trade Mark Interiors in 2000. Tracee launched her business in western Pennsylvania and experienced phenomenal success working with high end homeowners as well as builders and developers. She later relocated to Florida, where she earned an NCIDQ certificate (National Center for Interior Design Qualifications) and a Florida business license. She is a professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers, the nation’s largest and most prestigious organization of residential & commercial design professionals. She stays current on cutting edge interior design trends by regularly visiting design centers nationwide.
Q What is the
Gavin & Harrison Legacy Society?
A.
In 1924, The Out-of-Door Academy’s founders, Fanneal Harrison and Catherine Gavin, sought to establish a uniquely progressive school committed to high academic standards and nourishing the minds, bodies, and spirits of children. More than 85 years later, Out-of-Door remains inspired by their vision. By joining the Gavin & Harrison Legacy Society, you are honoring our school’s founders and helping to sustain their vision for The Out ofDoor Academy today and in the
Tracee is married to Jeff Bomberger and they share the privilege of raising 3 beautiful children. Kevin ’11 will be attending Clemson University in the fall of 2011. Brenna is a rising junior at Out-of-Door and Adam is a toddler keeping everyone on their toes.
future. The society is composed of
Tracee has been very active over her adult life by volunteering regularly in the schools the children have attended. In addition, she is an active member of the Junior League of Sarasota where she has worked on numerous projects, including acting as Chair of the Done in a Day Committee over the 2009-2010 league year. During this time, she organized and ran 12 events over a 9 month period with 12 different non-profit organizations in our community. At Out-of-Door, Tracee has volunteered in various activities, including acting as Chair of the Senior Dinner in 2010, serving on the Executive Committee for Banyan Ball 2011, and now taking on a Co-Chair role for Banyan Ball 2012.
or other estate plans. Their gifts
donors who include The Out-of-Door Academy in their wills provide essential financial support for all aspects of the academy. Common types of gifts that qualify for membership include: » Bequests (gifts made through your
Dave Mason Dave Mason and his wife, Maureen, relocated to the Sarasota area in 2006, after they retired from Motorola, Inc. That same year, their daughters, Alyssa and Melanie (both 2013) enrolled at the Out-of-Door Academy in the sixth grade on Siesta Key. Dave graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in Mathematics and is a Certified Public Accountant. After four years at Arthur Andersen & Co., Dave joined Motorola in Finance. He progressed through a variety of positions and responsibilities leading to Corporate Vice President and Assistant Director of Finance in the Cellular business. He later led the North America Two-Way Radio Products and Services Division and the Global Supply Chain organization for the Commercial and Government business. He retired from Motorola after 29 years of service. In the Sarasota area, Dave joined the Gulf Coast Community Foundation in Venice as their Chief Financial Officer. He is responsible for the Foundation’s financial and investment activities as well as strategy development. Dave, Maureen, Alyssa and Melanie reside in Lakewood Ranch.
will or living trust). » Charitable gift annuities. » Gifts of retirement plan assets after your lifetime. » Charitable remainder trusts.
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF THE OUT-OFDOOR ACADEMY Dennis Chapman Chief Advancement Officer (941) 554-3403 dchapman@oda.edu www.oda.edu/legacysociety
Faculty Professional Development The Out-of-Door Academy fosters a learning environment not only for our students, but also for our faculty and staff. Professional development encompasses all types of facilitated learning opportunities, ranging from college degrees to formal coursework, conferences and informal learning opportunities situated in practice. Whether to foster an interest in lifelong learning, to maintain and improve professional competence, to enhance career progression, or to keep abreast of new technology and practice, faculty members take advantage of learning opportunities every day. Here are some examples from this past year:
BRITTANY HILLER , Fourth Grade teacher, is not only the co-author of one scholarly
article, published in a top, international journal in education: Children’s Literature in Education, she is the co-author of a second manuscript currently under revision for the Journal of Children’s Literature. She recently presented her work at The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee’s annual Children’s Literature Symposium and has been invited to present at the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) annual international convention in Chicago in November 2011. She holds a Masters degree in Reading from the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) and her professional writing centers on literacy studies and children’s literature. She serves as a mentor to several new Masters in Reading students at USFSM and was recently awarded The College of Education’s Outstanding Graduate Student of the year. Her recent scholarship has focused on children’s book awards and constructions of gender in children’s picturebooks. She published an article titled, ‘‘Is This a Boy or a Girl?: Rethinking Sex-Role Representation in Caldecott Medal-Winning Picturebooks, 1938–2011.” The article offers a critical investigation of how gender is represented in Caldecott Medal-winning literature from 1938 to 2011 by exploring the ways in which “femininity” and “masculinity,” biological sex, and gender are constructed in these texts.
JOANNE BARRETT , Instructional Technology & Middle School Science teacher, was recently published in The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE®) publication Learning & Leading with Technology September/October 2010 issue. ISTE is the premier membership association for educators and education leaders engaged in improving learning and teaching by advancing the effective use of technology in PK-12 and teacher education.
LAURA MURPHY , Director of Admission, was recently quoted in the Memberanda, a publication by SSATB (Secondary School Admission Test Board), as an expert on student retention. The article, “Getting to the Root of Student Attrition,” summarizes a discussion led by Laura Murphy along with two other colleagues from member schools at the FCIS convention.
The Out-of-Door Academy television commercial that aired on local stations from November - February received the Gold Award from the 26th Annual Educational Advertising Awards.
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As active members of the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS), a few members of our community were invited to present at the 2010 Annual FCIS Conference in November.
SHELLEY STONE , Wellness Coordinator, and David Mahler, Head of School, presented on the topic “Wellness in a School Community.” The workshop covered the process of developing a school-wide wellness program. Topics included developing a vision for a wellness program, laying the foundation, curriculum development and integration, and assessment. The session was very well attended and sparked a lot of interest.
DENNIS CHAPMAN , Chief Advancement Officer and David Mahler, Head of School presented with Rob DiMartino, Director of Business Development at Finalsite to discuss an overview of best practices to generate a true vision for a web site sustainability plan. The session, “Out-of-Door: Next Generation of Web Strategies: People, Partnerships, Vision,” used case study examples and examined how to get the best buy-in from your staff and stakeholders as you create a strategy for making the site you need with a focus on efficiency, speed, and data integrations to make your tech department shine. Dennis also presented best practices for using e-mail communication for colleagues at the Finalsite U website conference on “E-Notify Showcase” as well as presenting at the CASE Region III & IV conference in New Orleans on “Getting it all done in a small shop”.
DAVID MAHLER , Head of School led the Southern Association for Independent Schools (SAIS) Institute for Senior Administrators with colleague Keith Evans, Head of Collegiate School, Richmond, Virginia,. The Institute, held at Emory University in Atlanta, attracted independent school leaders from throughout the southeast. Members of the senior leadership team are increasingly asked to bridge the divide between task-oriented management and strategydriven leadership. Experienced and novice school leaders alike find
David Mahler is also the Secretary of
that sustainable success for their schools demands fresh perspective
the FCIS Board of Directors, and former
and new skills in order to be successful.
Director of the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS) New Teach-
The Institute curriculum is designed to stimulate reflection and discus-
ers’ Institute. In 2007 David was elected
sion and was concluded with the creation of an action plan focused on
to the Florida Council of Independent
expanding professional competencies - a particularly helpful step for
Schools Board of Directors. In 2008 he
those who might be considering a headship in their future.
was appointed Chair of the Accreditation Commission for all Florida Independent Schools and in 2010 he became Secretary for the FCIS Board.
The Out-of-Door Academy 7
In and Out of the Classroom All of Out-of-Door students succeed in many different and unique ways and The Out-of-Door Academy fosters these learning opportunities through a rigorous and nurturing educational environment. Here are a few of their stories.
Abby Harriman ’12 National Equestrian star Abby Harriman loved riding so much as a child, she decided to start showing at the local shows in 2004. Since then she has won many honors including ranking first in the Youth High Point Jumping in the United States this year. She is driven by a love for horses and riding. Her favorite event is Jumpers, because it is a fun and challenging way to test one’s skills. She describes her horse’s personality as very sweet and loves attention. Her horse has a very goofy attitude and loves yellow gatorade, pop-tarts, and peppermints. He loves to show!
“The experience of showing horses has taught me that in life you might not always win, but it is more important to enjoy what you are doing.”
Cassandra Ratzlaff ’14 Irish Dancing Phenom Cassandra Ratzlaff performed one of her Irish dances for her peers at an Ovations Assembly earlier this year. The unique and traditional dance combined with her determination and work ethic have brought her many honors. She balances school, family and friends with five practices a week along with her competitions and shows. She started performing in Pre-K when a teacher from Ireland introduced her to the dance. Now 11 years later, her goal is the National Competition. One interesting fact about the dance is the costumes and dresses. No two dresses are alike with dresses adorned with sequins and fabric. They are very heavy which adds another element to the dance and can cost up to $3,000.
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Published Journalists Katie Patrice ’17 Katie Patrice was selected as a 2011 Classroom Critic by The Sara-
This movie’s target audience is everyone because anyone can
sota Film Festival. Her review of The Lost Thing was published in
understand the messages. One
The Observer. Here is an excerpt from her review:
of the messages is not to get so wrapped up in your life that you
“One reason people lose things is because they don’t think or care
do not notice what is in front of you. I
about the things and take them for granted. Every time someone
love this film and think it is worth see-
forgets about something, memories start to fade until they’re gone
ing because it is very visual and full of
completely. The mini-movie called The Lost Thing, by Andrew
contrasts between dull, boring sites, to
Ruhemann and Shaun Tan and produced by Sophie Byrne, shows
bright, upbeat environments.”
what happens when the most important things in your life are lost or forgotten.
Madeline Chait ’12 Madeline Chait was selected by her teachers to represent Out-of-Door as the student journalist in the Bradenton Herald’s, Journalism Next Section. She has been in journalism class and on the student newspaper, The Bolt, for three years. Madeline is also junior editor of the yearbook staff, as well as, a three year member of the varsity cheerleading squad. She hopes to pursue journalism as a career in the future. Her article, Out-of-Door hosts Second Annual Relay for Life was published in the Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch Herald in March. Here is an excerpt from her article: “On April 26 on The Out-of-Door
wanted to raise money for the
organize the first Relay for Life in
Academy football field almost 200
American Cancer Society in honor
1986. Since then Relay for Life
students, parents and faculty will
of his patients. Klatt’s plan was
has become a huge, overnight
gather to support cancer aware-
to walk around Baker Stadium at
event where supporters camp
ness. In a walking event 23 teams
the University of Puget Sound.
out at their venue in tents. Now,
will walk, play, and celebrate
Throughout his 83 mile walk,
nearly 4 million people of all ages
life all in the name of a cure for
friends paid $25 for every 30
in over 5,000 communities across
cancer. Relay for Life started out
minutes they walked or ran with
the country take part in Relay.”
as one man’s goal to raise cancer
him. Nearly 300 people watched
awareness in his community. In
as Klatt made his way to $27,000.
May 1985, Dr. Gordon Klatt from
After the success of his personal
Tacoma, Washington decided he
Relay, Klatt sent a small team to
The Out-of-Door Academy 9
Honored “Shining Students” Congratulations to Meredith Vollmer, Brittany Wenger, Tim Olson, and Caitlin Camire who were voted by a panel of five independent judges to the Top Ten of Family Living Magazine’s Shining Students.
Brittany Wenger ’13
Tim Olson ’12 is a straight-A
In addition to main-
student who plays
taining a straight A
midfield on the
average on a course
Girls Varsity Soccer
load that consists of
team. She also
Advanced Place-
taught a computer
ment and Honors
to play soccer as
courses, Tim Olson
part of a project that explores the difference in learn-
is a member of the sailing team, a leading actor in
ing levels between a soccer neural network trained
Out-of-Door Theater productions, Vice President of
by playing games versus a neural network trained via
the National Honor Society, and President of the Tri-M
scenarios. Her goal was to identify the optimal way to
Music Honor Society. Music is Tim’s passion. He is
train neurons for real-life neural networks. After win-
an accomplished violinist, an enthusiastic member
ning Best in Show at the Sarasota County Science Fair,
of the chorus, and he is taking Advanced Placement
she was one of two finalists to represent Sarasota at
Music Theory as an independent study. His passion
the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in
and dedication to music has earned him the privilege of
California. Her project earned 3rd place in the national
regularly conducting the school’s string ensembles. His
Intel International competition.
work ethic is admirable as is his ability to bring both
Meredith Vollmer ’11 is a “triple-threat”
Caitlin Camire ’17
student. She is an
Her family and her school are
accomplished cel-
proud of Caitlin Camire for her
list, a member of the
exemplary attitude towards her
Girls Varsity Bas-
studies and her genuine love of
ketball team, and an
learning. She is what you would
A student. In a very
call an ideal student: dedicated
short time, she has elevated the role of Student Council
and meticulous, with an eye for
Treasurer to one that operates more like a CFO. She
detail, and in someone so young,
leads the Student Government’s management of conces-
a rare ability to express opinions that she is prepared to
sions at Out-of-Door football and volleyball games.
back up with evidence. She shines in all her academic
She has managed projects ranging from the design and
subjects and is an example of how to get the most out of
vendor negotiations for the new mascot costume to
education. All this, and she is a fine athlete and sports-
the organization of the end-of-year book buyback. A
woman, a friend to all and a superb example that charac-
consummate manager of time and deadlines, Meredith
ter is as important as intellect.
is able to do all of these tasks while also training for basketball season and maintaining an active schedule of music lessons and performances.
10 The Banyan
humor and integrity to all that he does.
www
Learn all the news!
www.oda.edu/news
Around Campus The Class of 2011 were honored at the annual Convocation Ceremony. The entire school community gathered in the Thunderdome to celebrate the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year and wish the Class of 2011 good luck for their senior year. The Senior and Kindergarten Buddies also had another opportunity to spend time together after the Senior Buddies Picnic at Siesta Key a week earlier. Musical performances took place throughout the year for peers as well as visiting families. Visit www.oda.edu/ music to watch videos from this past school year.
www.oda.edu/news Visit www.oda.edu/news and click on December 2010 eBanyan to watch the Lower School Veterans Day Assembly video.
www.oda.edu/music
www.oda.edu/communityservice Caroline Dailey ¹13, 3-peated as a state champion in overall girls singles and also won the all-around girls title this year in tennis. She won her first overall singles state title in 8th grade. She also qualified for and played in the recent professional tennis tournament at the Oaks Club.
Wellness Events Promote Education Through Experience • • • •
Travis Brown, aka Mr. MOJO, visited the Uihlein Campus at Lakewood Ranch to speak to Upper School students about bullying and cyber-bullying. PJ Brooks from First Step of Sarasota presented on prescription drug abuse. Addiction specialist, Roger Waitt visited Middle School students and families to discuss how to keep your middle school-aged student away from tobacco and alcohol. Middle and Upper School students witnessed an extraction from a wrecked car put on by the Sarasota County Fire department to demonstrate distracted driving. The county has to perform an average of two of these a day in real life.
ODA over the Decade
“ODA stands for the premier college preparatory program in Sarasota. Its counselors work with the students from day one of their high school careers to prepare them for the college process and raise their chances of acceptance. It is largely because of this that 100% of Out-of-Door graduates are accepted into a four-year college.” Passage of student newspaper article written by Catherine Cilek ’11 in The Bolt. www.oda.edu/news in the February 2010 e-Banyan
Full of community outreach programs throughout the year, the first semester at the Out-of-Door Academy culminated in a schoolwide effort that was recognized by the Mayor’s Office.
The Upper School production of Guys and Dolls takes home Asolo Rep’s highest Award! The Guilder Award is presented to an area high school for outstanding achievement, innovation, and progress in their theatre program.
Students had the opportunity to learn from many visiting artists this year. Here author, Sharon Robinson shares the story of her book, Jackie’s Gift, a holiday tale based on a true story about friendship and breaking barriers.
The Out-of-Door Academy 11
PERSPECTIVES
College Search and Application Process st u d e nts c o l l e g e c oun s e l o r
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|
pa r e nts
|
|
fac u lt y
college admissions officer
Director of College Counseling | Joe Runge The Out-of-Door Academy Never has there been more interest in college counseling and
The fact remains there are hundreds of great colleges and
college admissions. The degree of competitiveness in gaining
universities in the United States, and the vast majority will
admission to the top 100 Phi-Beta-Kappa colleges and uni-
deliver one a world-class undergraduate education indepen-
versities is inordinately (and historically) high. When I began
dent of their front-end selectivity. With the exception of the
my career in college admissions as an admissions counselor
15-20 most competitive schools in the United States (accep-
at Villanova University, there were, perhaps, 6 to 7 subjective
tance rate lower than 15% of applicants), selectivity has more
and objective variables to evaluate (GPA, SAT, essay, letters
to due with location, arts, athletics, and financial aid packag-
of recommendation, extracurricular activities, ethnicity, and
ing (at the undergraduate level) than it does with educational
special talents) and then render a decision. Back in the day,
excellence. At The Out-of-Door Academy, we attempt to
I applied to three schools, visited none, and picked one in
deconstruct and demystify what has become an unnecessarily
which I was fortunate to be admitted.
complicated application and selection process via a five-year developmental college counseling program. We begin in the middle school with an organized approach to curriculum,
“At The Out-of -Door Academy, we
education and counseling, through the high school years
attempt to deconstruct and demystify
strategy, and cultivating the “best fit” philosophy. One has to
what has become an unnecessarily
(peer engagement, opportunities to mature and lead) than
complicated application and selection process via a five-year developmental college counseling program.”
where our emphasis changes to school selection, application be more comfortable with what occurs outside the classroom what happens inside the classroom (again, most colleges in America will provide an excellent undergraduate education). In the end, the students at Out-of-Door acquit themselves very well in the college admissions process. The vast majority is offered at least one unsolicited academic scholarship each year (80%) and are admitted to 75-80% of the schools to which they apply, most often their first or second choice. They
It was pretty simple and I was happy. Today, there are 35-40
graduate as well rounded individuals from all-area athletes
variables to consider when evaluating an applicant, some
to AP scholars to Cum Laude Society members to artists that
very obvious (grade stratification/patterning and degree of
have matriculated to the best art schools in the United States.
rigor of coursework) and some very subtle (demography,
A true litmus test is how well the bottom 50% of a graduating
gender, major choice, core discipline mastery/sequencing, and
class does in college admissions. With 72% of this year’s bot-
strength of school). Couple this with the mania of US News
tom 50% of the graduating class receiving academic scholar-
and World Report’s annual college rankings (a poor gauge
ships, I’d say they’re doing o.k!
of quality, my admissions and college counseling colleagues would all agree) and the self-esteem issues that accompany the pressure to gain admission to a “name brand” college, and it is no wonder young adults limp into their post secondary education tenure feeling psychologically drained.
The Out-of-Door Academy 13
Associate Director of College Counseling Michael Salmon | The Out-of-Door Academy As the newest member of the college counseling office, it is my privilege to work with a vibrant group of independent and talented students, and to offer ongoing support while ensuring that my students become well versed in the nuances of the college application process. The counseling methods employed by our office are both idealistic and practical, and it is
“We understand that the college search and application process is a stressful experience,
this balance that allows our students to manage the demands of the college search adventure. Our goal is to help Out-of-
but we will be here every step of the way.”
Door students have college options that offer great fit.
College Admission Officers Rachel Cowan Jacobs Associate Director of Admissions and Coordinator of International Admissions
Monica C. Inzer Dean of Admission and Financial Aid Hamilton College
The college search experience can be a very exciting time and pro-
Fasten your seatbelt. The demographics and the economy have
cess for everyone. But don’t let it run (or ruin) your life! Instead,
made the admission picture more complex than ever. Admissions
focus on being a high school student and taking part fully in your
is kind of like coaching...you are only as good as your last year,
academic endeavors and extra-curricular ones. Yes, many colleges
and each year you get to do it all over again. The difference is
want you to place an emphasis on the academics over the extra-
that the rules, and even the stakes, are always changing in our
curricular, but you need both to be a well-rounded individual, as well
profession. I try to remember that much that is good about the
as an appealing applicant. If you concentrate on your job of being
process, however, has remained the same. At the end of the day,
a high school student, your natural talents and charms will emerge;
students want to find colleges that are a good fit for them both
admissions officers will notice them in your college applications.
academically and socially; parents want to help their children find
You don’t have to construct them; just let them develop organically
schools where they will grow in self-confidence, become more of
as you go about your high school career.
themselves, make the best friends of their lives, and gain skills to be independent and successful in a constantly changing world; and colleges want to match and bridge students with their futures.
14 The Banyan
Students Rachel Cannon, Amelia Cotter, Tim Dobosz, Spencer Feder, Austin Ferro, Ali Hepp, and Michael vonWaldner
Gathering together in the College Counseling Office, a second home to most seniors, these seven seniors shared some advice for other students and parents beginning this process and shared some of their own experiences. One lesson that came up again and again was time management. Working on applications over the summer and doing your essays during your junior year. Completing these tasks early and working with Mr. Runge and Mr. Salmon early created a less stressful environment for them during their senior year. Meeting with the college counselors as much as possible helped these students stay informed and up to date with deadlines.
“One nice thing about Out-of-Door is that
When asked how early they started having serious conversations about college and the process, they simultaneously responded Middle School - recalling the group meetings in 7th grade. A few had even met individually with Mr. Runge to discuss potential careers and the best steps to take.
we don’t have to do everything by ourselves, we have the college counselors to come talk to anytime and as many times and help us.”
When asked if their college lists changed throughout the course of high school, they all laughed and said yes - recalling their long extensive college lists that were sometimes not realistic. “One thing I regret is not getting involved enough in the colleges I was applying to – if I could do it again, I would look deeper. I am just starting to do it in January and I wish I did the tours, meet people there, etc earlier. It really does open up the college to you.”
“I would not go for the name brand school, but actually learn about the colleges because name is not everything.” “Do not focus on only the name schools but finding one that is the best fit for you – it will not only challenge you but you will also feel comfortable being there.” They advised students to go visit colleges, sit in and watch a class, meet the professors, visit friends who currently attend the college. These are all ways to help you make a really good list of colleges, because, “if you really love all of the schools on your list then you won’t be disappointed if you do not get into your top school.”
“I was so scared about some of the smaller schools on the list that I had never heard of but now I know they are
“The most important part of the process is to remember that for the first time in our lives we are really making a major decision about our futures and there are so many influences from other people, so it is important to remember that the most important goal is to be happy.” Advice to parents: “Let your child grow up – this is the first time we really had to make a choice about our future and if your parents are their every step of the way, they are not letting their child take ownership for it and it keeps them from being self-reliant. Parents should take a step back and, of course, be there in case anything happens, but they can and should trust the College Counseling Office and their child.
really good schools.”
The Out-of-Door Academy 15
Parents James & Jennifer Siciliano James, Jennifer and their son, Jake, went through a twoprong approach with their college application process academic and athletic. During Jake’s junior year at Out-ofDoor, he decided to pursue collegiate football. After a lot of hard work, dedication, and team work between their family, the college guidance department, and the coaching staff at Out-of-Door, Wesleyan accepted Jake early admissions and he will be attending Wesleyan and on the football roster beginning this Fall. Beginning his junior year, Jake began completing student perspectives on the colleges websites, attended Division I camps where Division II and III colleges sent recruiters, visited colleges, and did everything he could do to expose himself both academically and athletically to as many colleges and universities as possible. After all of the phone calls, camps, visits, emails and more, about five schools expressed interest in Jake. At that point, “Joe Runge helped us know their level of interest so we were not blind in this process. He called the coach and admissions officer on behalf of Jake as well.”
“It is truly a commitment for both the family and the student. Out-of-Door definitely helped in so many ways. Having the AP and Honors classes allowed him to showcase his academic and athletic strengths to give him the edge.”
View the video series from Joe Runge on various aspects of the college application process including what colleges look for in an applicant and financial aid tips. Visit our YouTube page at www.youtube.com/ outofdoor.
16 The Banyan
Faculty L’Tanya Evans, Andy Lemieux, and Jim Kennon “Having witnessed the college process from various vantage points, I know the only constant is that it is not a democratic process. As an associate director of admission at Bucknell University, our selection criteria varied depending on the needs of constituents. Bucknell is a small comprehensive university with traditional liberal arts and sciences, engineering, and business programs. It also has Division I athletics and gave talent grants (not scholarships) to need-based applicants. Each year there was a new trend, a new interest or new notion that seemed to color the admission landscape, much was unpredictable as most honest admission VP’s will admit to the pseudo-scientific nature of the process. As I moved to the other side of the desk and became director of college counseling, I found this unpredictability to be even more apparent. The key is to develop and maintain relationships so you can be a valid resource and advocate for your students. Finally, as a teacher and academic dean, working with the college counseling office to support our students my background comes in handy. It is a tough business and one that is controlled by the uncontrollable intangibles that rise up from one year to the next. That being said, however, it can boil down to numbers and be less personal, depending on the institution.”
Like anything else, researching, studying, and planning are the best friends a family going through this process can have—besides a committed college counseling program such as ours. -L’Tanya Evans “As a teacher of juniors and seniors, I am often asked to write between twenty and thirty college recommendations a year for students of The Out-of-Door Academy. While this is an enormous undertaking, it provides an opportunity to celebrate the multi-faceted talents and accomplishments of my students both in and out of the classroom, as well as, in our community and the larger Sarasota environs. I ask each student for a brag sheet detailing his or her endeavors, honors, jobs, teams, and service organizations so each recommendation speaks to the individual student’s achievements and unique talents. I make sure to portray specific academic strengths and honestly note the skills students are continuing to develop. After the recommendations are composed and sent, I repeatedly encourage students to keep a positive outlook and remind them each year is different and the puzzle of what colleges are seeking varies annually. It is an honor to be asked to write on behalf of each student over the summer and through the autumn, and a privilege to be able to celebrate their acceptances and successes every spring.”
As a parent of a graduate from an IB program and a teacher and parent at Out-of-Door, Jim Kennon has seen two sides of the college application process. In his opinion, the single biggest difference between an IB program and Out-of-Door is the college application process. The support and resources at Out-ofDoor provides students and families an outstanding service that does not exist at an IB program. From financial aid and scholarship guidance, to step-by-step and one-on-one college guidance beginning in Middle School, Out-of-Door students have a breadth of opportunities right at their fingertips. The faculty members also provide much needed support for the students at Out-of-Door especially in the case of college recommendation letters.
The Out-of-Door Academy 17
Celebrating Success Class of 2011
18 The Banyan
Commencement 2011
On June 4, 2011, 53 young adults took their final walk as Out-of-Door students and their first steps into the future. Their paths take them to 35 different colleges in 16 states, with over fifty percent going to 23 out-of-state colleges or universities and ninety-one percent of them receiving unsolicited merit or academic scholarships. A number of these seniors will participate in varsity athletics at the college level and in various areas of the arts, a reflection of Out-of-Door’s commitment of the development of the whole child. Whether the members of this special class have been here for one year or since Pre-Kindergarten, they are, in the words of faculty-selected speaker Campbell Meister, “a family.” While they have taken their final steps as a Out-of-Door students, they will always be part of the Out-of-Door family. This group that has accomplished so much has great promise in its journey as 21st century leaders at home and around the world.
The Out-of-Door Academy 19
Commencement 2011 “I remember my first day at Out-of-Door in the sixth grade. I remember being so shy and quiet that I probably did not even say my name correctly. To all the lifers I was probably Cameron Meester for the first day. When I first came here, I would have never been able to speak in a venue such as this or even in front of a few people. But because of my time here at Out-of-Door and the relationships I have created, I have been given the tools and gained the confidence, from what we have learned here, to speak in front of you today.” - Campbell Meister ’11, Faculty-Selected Speaker “Class of 2011, we are moving into a world that has no limits. It is ever-growing, ever-evolving. It doesn’t have time to stop. Make it stop. Make it stand still for one second. While you do that, take a moment. Think about who you are and where you came from. Think about the people who have touched you and supported you. Think about the millions of tears, laughs, fights, and smiles you have shared with them. Think about how no matter how busy you may become, or forgetful, or spiteful, they will always remain in your heart. The minute you begin forgetting everyone around you, is the minute you start to lose who you are.” - Tim Dobosz ’11, Student-Selected Speaker
SAT Scores
Congratulations to seniors, Rachel Cannon, Kevin Ramsay, Spencer Feder, and Caitlin Adamson who all scored a perfect 800 on a section of the SAT. Also, congratulations to the entire Class of 2011 for scoring an average of over 1200 on the combined mathematics and verbal sections of the SAT. This makes them the sixth consecutive class at the Out-of-Door Academy to surpass this benchmark, exceeding state and national SAT averages by over 200 points!
20 The Banyan
100% accepted to
four-year colleges/universities
91% received unsolicited
merit/academic scholarships
Class of 2011 American University of Paris Appalachian State University Bard College Boston College Boston University Brandeis University Bucknell University California Institute of the Arts Carleton College Catholic University Clemson University Colgate University Connecticut College Davidson College DePaul University Dickinson College Emory University Florida International University Florida State University
Fordham University George Washington University Georgetown University Georgia Institute of Technology James Madison University Lafayette College Lehigh University Loyola University Loyola Marymount University Macalester College Miami University Northeastern University Northwestern University New York University The Ohio State University Parson’s School of Design Parson’s School of Design (Paris) Providence College
Over $91,000
Average four-year scholarship per recipient
Over $4.5 million
in total scholarship dollars awarded College Acceptances Rhode Island School of Design Ringling College of Art & Design Rollins College Skidmore College Smith College Southern Methodist University Stetson University Syracuse University Trinity College Trinity University Tufts University Tulane University Union College University of Central Florida University of Colorado University of Denver University of Florida
University of Miami University of Michigan University of Richmond University of the South University of Vermont University of Virginia University of Washington University of West Florida University of Nevada Las Vegas University of Southern California University of Texas Vanderbilt University Villanova University Wake Forest University Washington University Webster University (Austria) Wesleyan University
The Out-of-Door Academy 21
Graduation 2011 Middle School Graduation, Class of 2015 “Coming from where we come, our paths are already a little bit more straight than others. This is because our school is a lot like the tree it was originally built around. The foundation is strong, a heavy trunk that reaches slowly upward. We start there, inching, growing toward the sun, just a little bit farther everyday we get up to walk. Year by year, we grow inches more until finally our branches fight from our trunks and begin to show. This is the first time we are not just students, this is where we start to branch out and realize who we are and what we love. And then, to remind us where we are from, we start Student Speaker, Emma Henson ‘15 to grow back downward. Tendrils fall from our branches and reconnect to the ground. This is the unique thing about banyans and The Out-of-Door Academy; we are grounded. You have two foundations from the time you begin to grow- you not only have your family but you have your school. This, in a way, is a base that no matter what happens, you can return to. No matter how your path floods, there is a wall to stop you at some point. So, being from where we are and coming from a strong base, we are safe and we cannot fail.”
“This is the unique thing about banyans and The Out-of-Door Academy [students]; we are grounded. I have a relationship with each of my teachers and know enough that I can trust them and that I owe them the world for giving me what they know.”
Class of 2015 prepares for their graduation ceremony
“So attending this school is hard, we have a path set out before us and challenges facing us with every new day and week and month. But I have learned to find comfort in the fact that everyday something new will be shown to me and that I know every kid in my grade’s middle name. The fact that I have a relationship with each of my teachers and know enough that I can trust them and that I owe them the world for giving me what they know. Sharing this gift of the world that I can’t help but hold close and gently against my heart.” “So I can say that we are a family, but we are also a group of teenagers who do not want anything more than the chance to grow up a little bit faster. I guess we have all learned to take comfort in the fact that we are close enough to help each other up when we trip and fall on those steep and lonely paths. And that, when doubt runs rampant, they are there to offer assurances that we are understood by at least a few others.”
Sportsmanship Award Morgan Woods
Community Service Award - Johnny Delgado
22 The Banyan
Academic Award Jacob Lothman
Mark Sulimirski and Dakotah Malisoff performed at the ceremony
Sportsmanship Award Jimmy Keubler
Faculty Cup Danielle Lombardo
Achievement Award Tre’ Gregory
Thunder Award: Myra Singh (not pictured)
Graduation 2011 Lower School Graduation, Class of 2017
Student speaker, Chloe Ruppert gave a speech called “One Big Family”.
“We have been a family through easy and hard, happiness and sadness, confusion and laughter. And it does not matter what has happened in the past, or what will happen in the future, we know that we will be here for one another. We are one big family. It does not matter if we look different from one another, act different from one another, or have different friends than one another, we will always be here for each other. We are one big family. If you ever have the chance to look up the word ‘family’, you will see that it is, of course, a noun, but the definition of family is a group consisting of parents and children living in a household. Well, I think our school is close to that. Out-of-Door is our household, our teachers are our parents, and our classmates are our brothers and sisters. We are one big family.
Every summer when we get out of school, and we go to different states, or even countries, it is bittersweet leaving. Everyone needs separation from people that we spend every day with, but after - let’s say 24 hours - I start to miss my family. I get homesick and I want to be with them. I miss ball tag at recess. I miss laughing so hard I cry at lunch. I miss getting advice from my friends in homeroom. I miss the big banyan tree outside. I miss everything about this place. And I think this shows the closeness between every student in our grade. We are one big family. I am glad that I go to Out-of-Door because at Out-of-Door the kids and the teachers give me confidence to be myself and try my hardest in whatever I do. And at Out-of-Door I trust my brothers and sisters and I feel like I can say anything to them, and I can trust that they will not gossip about it to other people. And I am thankful that my parents brought me from Canada to Out-ofDoor to give me the best experience of my life so far. And even though we are leaving the Siesta Key campus this year, all of us are ready to take the next step further - to move up to the upper campus together. As one big family.”
The graduating students sit in their seats Friday, June 3 during the 6th grade graduation at Siesta Key Chapel.
All the students in the Class of 2015 line up during the history of their Sixth Grade Class.
The girls of the Class of 2015 pose for a picture.
Awards:
Citizens of the Year: Joey Runge and Kiarra Womack
Academic Award: Caitlin Camire
Sportsmanship Award: McCabe Ballance and Tess Siciliano (not pictured)
Beloved teacher, Ken Melber, speaks to the graduating students. This was Mr. Melber’s final year at Out-of-Door and he will be returning to England to be with his family.
The Out-of-Door Academy 23
Matt Glowaski, 2010 Speaker Series
Matt Glowacki’s Walking is Over-rated! Teaching diversity and tolerance “Walking is Over-rated” is an educational and entertaining program, which the Out-of-Door Parent Association made available last fall for students, faculty, and parents, to address his message of the challenges he faced growing up a child with a disability. Matt Glowaski was born without legs and currently focuses his life in two primary areas: the world of business and community, as well as, competitive sports. While running two successful businesses, he also travels the country sharing his message of diversity and tolerance. Last fall, Matt spoke to Middle and Upper School students in the Petrik Thunderdome at the Uihlein Campus in Lakewood Ranch in the morning and to Lower School students and faculty at the Siesta Key campus in the afternoon. Parents were able to hear him speak and ask questions of their own during an evening program held in the Black Box Theatre at the Uihlein Campus. Competitive Paralympic sports were introduced and demonstrated with volunteers from the audience and, of course, Matt took spontaneous questions about many topics of interest. Parents shared that Matt was inspiring to listen to and thanked the school and the Parent Association for bringing him to Out-of-Door.
Matt Glowacki has designed wheelchairs for athletes around the world, owned a mobile disc jockey service, been a member of the United States Paralympic Sit-Volleyball Team, and brought his messages of diversity and disability to students all over the United States. Matt has accomplished all this despite being born without legs. Matt’s business savvy and experience have taught him that other people’s perception of his ability do not have to be his own. He makes a point of setting high expectations for himself and others in an effort to encourage greater success.
24 The Banyan
Fall 2011 Speaker Series
“Kids used to pass notes around in school. Now they’re putting it onto pages with 500 million users.” Parry Aftab
Parry Aftab Coming to Out-of-Door Tuesday, November 1, 2011 Parry Aftab is a sought-after public speaker and MCs many events. She is equally at home with young students as she is with corporate executives and members of the US Senate. Known for her sense of humor and vast knowledge about digital technology uses, she covers a diverse range of topics. Parry can address the "Core Values" of the Internet for the Internet Society while sharing a panel with Tim Berners-Lee (the inventor of HTML, which allowed the Web to be created) and Homeland Security cyber-terrorism needs in the same week. She can get into the nitty-gritty with teens on issues of sexting and cyberbullying and on the floor with pre-schoolers helping them use their DS game devices. She may be talking about COPPA (the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998) on one panel and addressing protecting your corporate brand online in a webinar the night before. She is a passionate speaker and receives high scores from those attending her events and presentations. Often driven to her events after knowing her only on the Today Show or Good Morning America, her audience members feel like they know the "real Parry" within the first hour. Parry is good in intimate groups, and even better before an audience of 2,000. Her presentations are always customized for the event, audience and need and are both moving and dynamic. While feeling entertained and never bored, people come away form her presentations and events with a better understanding of the issues. They walk away better empowered to handle digital challenges and issues.
Parry Aftab is one of the leading experts, worldwide, on cybercrime, internet privacy, and cyber-abuse issues.
Thanks to the help of the Parent Association, The Out-of-Door Academy community will be able to learn from Parry at both student assemblies as well as parent discussion groups. Mark your calendars for November 1 and look for more information coming soon.
The Out-of-Door Academy 25
Inaugural Game Under the Lights | Homecoming | Track & Field | Cross Country | Softball | Soccer Thunder Stadium | Uihlein Campus The Out-of-Door Academy varsity football team officially
standards. An eight lane track and attendant jumps and
opened Thunder Stadium on September 10 with a heart-
vaults encircle the field. The 645 seat grandstand provides
pounding Inaugural Game versus Cardinal Mooney. Over
spectators with a panoramic view of the play while being very
1,300 fans gathered for the first home game at Thunder
close to the action. The structure is complete with a scorer’s
Stadium and the first “white out”. The Thunder fans went
booth and storage below for athletic equipment. A concession
over the top for this special game - with Thunderstix for
and restroom building complete the development along with a
fans, drumline, and a helicopter landing on the field with
large scoreboard. This development provides the school with
team mascot, Thor and the game ball. Head of School, Mr.
its first football field and track for home games and meets.
David Mahler, thanked everyone who played a part in making
The project is rounded out with a relocated softball field
Thunder Stadium under the lights possible and kicked off the
which provides permanent dugouts, bullpens, batting cage and
season by receiving the game ball from Thor.
hitting station, and bleachers.
Thunder Stadium is part of the second phase of field
Thank you to the charter donors to the Capital Campaign,
development which provides for football, soccer, track,
“Preserving our Past, Expanding our Future”, and the donors
and softball. Thunder Stadium not only accommodates
to the stadium lights, for making this vision become a reality
football, but is also a soccer field that is sized to international
for Out-of-Door.
26 The Banyan
Above: Juliet Onufrak ’13 competes in hurdles at the district meet hosted by Out-of-Door.
The Soccer (left Boys Varsity; above Girls Varsity player Rachel Cannon ’11 headed towards goal) and Softball (below) programs have succeeded and flourished on the new fields.
The Thunder Varsity football team storm the field for the first time into Thunder Stadium and under the lights.
Ali Weiner ’12 in stride for her long jump.
Boys Varsity Soccer Team prepares for a big game in Thunder Stadium
Tom Young ’13 jumps pole vault.
The Out-of-Door Academy 27
Thunder Brings It Home
The official scoreboard can be seen from University Parkway inviting guests to Thunder Stadium. Pat Miller, Music Teacher and Pep Band Director, creates excitement in the stands along with the band members and Thor.
Upper School students cheer on the Thunder!
Faculty members and their families enjoyed spending out-of-classroom time with their students and their parents at Homecoming.
Thor spent time hanging out with students at the homecoming festivities. The White Family - Three generations at Homecoming.
Lower School and Upper School cheerleaders root the Thunder to victory at Homecoming.
28 The Banyan
Opens August 22 nd on the Uihlein Campus!
You can order at www.oda.edu/thorstore
w w w . o d a . e d u / t h The o rOut-of-Door s t o rAcademy 29 e
Thunder Brings It Home - Lighting the Fields
Mr. Mahler thanked Chris and Lisa Hill, pictured here with their son, Drew whose donation along with other generous donors brought light to Thunder Stadium.
With a grand entrance via helicopter, Thor brings the game ball to Mr. David Mahler, Head of School, to officially open Thunder Stadium.
As the Out-of-Door Thunder opened the Varsity Baseball District Tournament, the Dietrich Family (above) was honored at the District semifinal game for their contribution to Out-of-Door in providing the lights on the baseball field. Kathie and Chris Hayes (upper left) were also honored for their commitment to the campaign with the naming of the baseball bleachers in memory of past trustee, Mike Hayes. The team won the game to move on to the championship game where they earned the District title.
30 The Banyan
The Taylor Emmons Memorial Field Dedication
The Taylor W. Emmons Memorial Out-of-Door Field Dedication took place on Sunday, June 5 at the Uihlein Campus. Mr. David Mahler opened the ceremony by sharing his gratitude to the Out-of-Door community and announcing the scholarship fund that was created to provide opportunities for students and to provide a meaningful way to keep Taylor’s legacy and spirit alive. He announced the first scholarship recipient, Desmond Lindsay ’15. Mike and Katie Emmons shared their gratitude to the community and Mikey and Samantha threw out the first pitch of the baseball game.
Mikey, Sam, Mike, and Katie Emmons with their dog, Bella. Mikey throws the first pitch to start the game to his sister, Sam.
“We feel very blessed to be part of such an amazing community,” Katie Emmons said. “From day one Friends and former teammates of Taylor attending the dedication ceremony and played in the game.
Mike Emmons, Robin Lindsay, Katie Emmons, Desmond, Lindsay, first scholarship recipient, and David Mahler, Head of School.
Out-of-Door has embraced our family, as well as, all of the other families that attend, and became our new family. Once you become one of their families, you are their family for life. The fact that they are dedicating their baseball field in memory of Taylor is proof that
The stands were full and the field was full of friends, families, and the Out-of-Door community to support the Emmons Family and remember Taylor.
Kids of all ages, 4 through adult, played in the pick up game following the ceremony. Here, Mike Emmons pitches to Drew Hill.
the loss was just as great to them as it was to us. We are honored.”
The Out-of-Door Academy 31
“Little by little the bird builds its nest.�
- Haitian Proverb
How one Out-of-Door faculty member is making a difference in Haiti. Ken Sommers, Middle School Math Teacher Rising with the Haitian sun in a tent littered with mangos, Out-of-Door faculty member Ken Sommers had no idea where his summertime service trip would lead. At dawn, he made his way through sugarcane fields to a remote fishing village located at the epicenter of last January’s destructive earthquake. His concerns about safety and security immediately evaporated when he rounded the corner and was mobbed by 100 enthusiastic kids in bright green t-shirts unabashedly excited to tackle another day of action in a soccer-for-development pilot program. The smiles contrasted sharply with the abject poverty surrounding them. 32 The Banyan
That morning’s first interaction epitomized Ken’s experience during ten days in Haiti, “There is so much negativity in the press about the Haitian people and the post-earthquake conditions. The reality is that Haiti is accessible and you can make an impact. But more than anything, Haitians’ spirit and perseverance will impact you.” Ken’s journey to Haiti began six months earlier with The Out-of-Door Academy’s 48 Hours to Haiti Relief Program. The moving footage and anecdotes from the ODA-sponsored relief trip inspired Ken to learn more about opportunities to help in Haiti. “Since completing my Peace Corps service in 2001, I had been looking for a new long-term project. 48 Hours to Haiti raised awareness in my mind about the great need in Haiti. I felt like it was an opportunity to help where it is needed most in our own backyard.” After months of research and networking, Ken identified a small orphanage in Jacmel, a secondary city on the Carribean Sea 50 miles south of Port-au-Prince. Ken was determined to find a project that he could sustain and connect with for a long time – which is exactly what he has been able to do.
The orphanage houses roughly 80 children ages 1-28. Built in piecemeal fashion at the end of an unmarked dirt road, it is sparsely furnished and open to the elements in many spots. It easily intimidates outsiders. Enter the orphanage, however, and visitors are surrounded by warmth, love and appreciation. Ken spent his days entertaining toddlers with toys he donated, teaching English classes to older children and building a new facility to address the communities health needs. “Wading in the river to collect buckets of sand for cement to build the health facility was a great experience. Sweating and singing with the kids while building something tangible to help the community was amazing. It is remarkable how easily bonds can be formed across languages, cultures and socio-economic conditions.” Ken’s visit went beyond connecting with children. He was also there to verify that the funds donated by family and friends were spent efficiently. The answer pleased him so much that he will again raise money this year ahead of his next trip to Jacmel in July (information can be found at www.faithandloveinaction.org). The orphanage is run by Faith and Love in Action/Aid International. Originally, they had three facilities for infants, boys and girls. However, since the earthquake damaged their facilities, all three have been moved into a single facility, “Kids sleep in beds together, sometime 10 to a room, and underneath stairways. The food is bland, but they have three meals- a luxury. Their clothes are worn, but always clean- the people
carry on with great dignity despite their conditions.” It was not all work and no play at the orphanage with Ken - he taught them how to play Wiffle Ball. His team’s name? The Red Sox. Ken wanted to diversify his experiences and contacts in Haiti. Everywhere he went, he asked questions, made connections and learned about the needs of the people and country. One organization caught his eye, GOALS (Global Outreach and Love of Soccer). A sport-fordevelopment organization operating in Léogane, Haiti, GOALS uses children’s passion for soccer to affect community change- specifically environment, health and gender equity. Connecting with Ken’s passion for sports, teaching and kids, GOALS was a great match. Enter again those 100 kids in bright green shirts greeting Ken on that early morning. “When I saw those kids I was sold. I knew this would be a long-term commitment. How could you play soccer in sugar cane fields with bare foot kids who treated you like family and not decide to get involved?”
The GOALS summer camp program begins with a lesson on health, then the group is split into boys and girls and the games begin. Peeling their feet away from the mud with every step as they run down the mud track turned soccer field, the kids are alive with passion and excitement. This enthusiasm is brought to the beach as all the kids work together to clean up the local beaches. The connection between sports and positive community change is exactly what makes GOALS so special to Ken. The day ends with the distribution of health supplies and lunch, most of the kids one and only meal of the day, “Eating with the entire community.” During Ken’s return visit to Haiti this summer, he will visit new GOALS sites to monitor the organization’s expansion and check on fundraising investments. Ken’s time in Haiti was simultaneously heart-breaking and heartwarming. Asked if he made a difference, he says, “There is so much work to be done in Haiti that small contributions can at times seem irrelevant. When these thoughts creep into my mind, I remember the Haitian proverb that says, “Little by little a bird builds its nest.” Editor’s Note: This year at Convocation, the middle school donated $200 to GOALS in honor of the Class of 2011. Visit the Odathunder Youtube channel to watch the video created by our 8th graders.
The Out-of-Door Academy 33
2010 - 2011 Annual Fund
OVER $560,000 RAISED!
2010 – 20 11 Annual F und Family of Funds
Thank you to the many generous Annual Fund donors who helped The “ Why I Giv Out-of-Door Academy reach a RECORD-BREAKING ANNUAL FUND e” raising over $560,000 in 2010-2011. The Out-of-Door Academy’s Annual Fund strengthens and sustains the extraordinary program that defines an Out-of-Door education. Each year, the school relies on contributions to provide critical support to our operating budget above and beyond tuition. These gifts have an immediate and direct benefit to each student and faculty member, as well as to the quality and range of all school programs. The Annual Fund is the single most important way that you can give to the school. Every year the Annual Fund makes transformational Outof-Door moments possible for our students. Hundreds of loyal Out-of-Door parents, parents of alumni, grandparents, alumni, and friends contribute to the Annual Fund each year, helping meet the school’s ongoing need for flexible, unrestricted income to support our academic mission. As unrestricted gifts, these contributions are used by The Out-of-Door Academy on a daily basis where the needs and opportunities are greatest. Last year alone, our Annual Fund donors provided more than $560,000 in vital support that helped the school: · · · · · ·
Attract and maintain an excellent faculty in each division Provide our students with the most up-to-date technology Help maintain and improve the physical plant of our school Purchase books and software as well as renew subscriptions to scholarly journals to keep our libraries up-to-date with the information our students need to support their educational experience Strengthen our athletic and arts programs Keep the buses rolling, the lights in the classroom glowing, and meet many other essential needs that make the Out-of-Door experience possible.
Thank you for making this a successful campaign. Leadership Society
Mr. Steven R. Eichenbaum
Gelbman Family Foundation
The Dixon and Frazier Families Global
Mr. & Mrs. Mario Govic
Founder’s Circle
Financial Private Capital, LLC
Tally & Chris Harris
Mr. Derek Han & Ms. Elena de Lalla
Julie & Jeff Luhrsen
Ashley & Todd Kozel
Mary & David Peirce
Cindy & Randy Wilson
Mrs. Martha S. Robes
($20,000 or more) Rebecca & Ron Bizick Mr. & Mrs. Troy Eaden Dawn & Paul Holland
Out-of-Door Leaders ($15,000 - $19,999) Mr. & Mrs. Michael Maxey
1924 Club ($10,000 - $14,999)
Headmaster’s Council ($5,000 - $9,999) Mary Ann & Bill Becker Mr. Helio MC Beltrao Tracee & Jeff Bomberger
Steinwachs Family Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Uihlein III Cindy & Mike vonWaldner
Banyan Tree Society
The Chadwick Family
($2,500 - $4,999)
Greenhouse Fabrics
Suzanne & Adam Armbruster
Ariane & Bob Dart
Kitty & John Cranor
Mr. & Mrs. Scott DiMare
34 The Banyan
Mr. & Mrs. Charles R. Savidge
& the Lattner Family Foundation
The Bradbury Family Mr. & Mrs. Ned Davis
The Savidge Family
The Baird Family Bank of America
Ms. Kendall S. Barmonde Debra & Steve Beck Mr. & Mrs. John K. Cannon Drs. Rhonda & Daniel Deems Mr. & Mrs. Lloydman Martin DeFelice Sandy & G.W. “Bill” Dietrich Sandi & Billy Dietrich Mr. & Mrs. Peter Douglas Katie & Michael Emmons Mr. & Mrs. Stan Fulton Mr. & Mrs. Charles E. Githler III Dr. Lisa Grain & Mr. David Grain Mr. & Mrs. Gary Hansell The Harriman Family Dr. & Mrs. Kenneth D. Henson Mr. & Mrs. Christopher S. Hill Shelley & Wayne Ives Mr. & Mrs. Richard Karp Mr. & Mrs. John Kittle Mr. & Mrs. David Koffman Mr. & Mrs. Dax LaGasse Crystal & William Lahners The LaSalla Family Michelle & Tim Lea Mr. & Mrs. Gary MacLeod Mr. & Mrs. David V. Mahler Mr. & Mrs. David J. Mason Elizabeth & Jay McHargue Lynn & Tim Morris Mr. R. Charles Murray
Patron Society
Ms. Debbie Furman & Mr. Jim Young
Circle of Patrons
Ms. Sally L. Gambling
($1,000 - $2,499) Ms. Julia Allen Dr. & Mrs. Jorge Alvarez Anonymous (2) Mr. Steven R. Avery Dr. & Mrs. Robert Baer Mr. Ryan K. Ballance Mr. & Mrs. Mike Beasley Nellie L. Beville Jennifer & Kevin Boucher Dr. & Mrs. Richard H. Brown Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Buffett Laura & David Camire Mr. & Mrs. David Case Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Cassidy Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Chapman Mr. & Mrs. James Clark Dr. Tamara Densmore & Mr. Richard Nicolosi Mr. & Mrs. Bill DeRamo Rena & Neil Doniger Mr. & Mrs. Thomas L. Dowdy Mr. & Mrs. Michael Doyle Jackie & Tony Fenn Maria & Michael Finazzo Tracy & Ryan Fox
Mr. Kevin Gallagher Mr. & Mrs. Ernie B. Garcia Mr. & Mrs. Stephan F. Gardinier Jane & Jeff Giacinti Elizabeth & Joseph Giuliani Dr. & Mrs. Alvaro Gonzalez Joves Mr. & Mrs. Michael T. Gowan Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Grano, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Richard Hall Dr. & Mrs. Robert Hamburger Katie & Peter Hayes Dr. & Mrs. Gregory Hengel Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Hoffman Mr. & Mrs. Burl T. Horton Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Hugill The Humphrey Family Dr. Christine Isaac & Mr. William Isaac Ms. Nancy DeLong & Mr. David Jemison Kathy & David Jones Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Jones Mr. & Mrs. Lee Kimmell Christine and Jim Kuebler Shelley & Charlie Lafoe Mr. & Mrs. Ken Laird Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Latta Lori & Gary Lawson Ms. Valerie Leatherwood
Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Pendery Linda & Peter Ross Linda & Jerry Ruschau Mr. & Mrs. Burton Sack Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Schiro Dr. & Mrs. Florian Schuetz Marie & Robert Sellberg Anne O. Swain Dr. & Mrs. Luis Toro Ms. Karen Vale White Family Foundation Fund of Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice Karen & John Wilson
The Out-of-Door Academy 35
Tricia & John Getty Mr. & Mrs. Robert Graham Robert Jr. & Penny Gregory Katie & Rod Hollingsworth Tatiana & Brian Hudson The Israileff Family Mr. & Mrs. Edward Kapreilian Knox Family Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Brad Kramer Lena & Martin Lothman Mr. & Mrs. Tonie Lovin Cindy & Henry Lystad Brandon & Camillia Mankovich Mr. & Mrs. Mark McCann Mr. & Mrs. Richard Munroe Mr. & Mrs. Sean Murphy Mr. & Mrs. Fred Myers Dr. & Mrs. Morgan O’Donoghue Tiffany & Peter Liashek in memory of Margaret Kechler Sandra Loevner & the James P. Olson Family Mr. Samuel Logan & Mrs. Elizabeth Logan 1979 Evelyn & Michael Lombardo
Wells Fargo Educational Matching Gift Program
Mr. & Mrs. Dana Place Dr. & Mrs. Fabian A. Ramos
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Wells
Sarah & Matthew Robbins
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Wilcox
Mr. & Mrs. Fred Romano
Patricia Wilson, Chip Woods,
Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Romero
Morgan Woods
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin A. Rubin Ms. Rose Ruppert
Blue & White Associates
Mr. & Mrs. Celio Santos
James P. and Mary S. McArdle Charitable
($500 - $999)
Mr. James Schaeffer
Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation
Dr. Motaz & Donna Agabani
Ann & Stephen Marrier
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Inc. from the Betsy Mitchell Family Fund Cyndi & Don Paxton Mr. & Mrs. TJ Pearce Renee & Marc Preininger Mr. & Mrs. Donald T. Regan, Jr. Mr. Jeffrey Saltz & Ms. Kimberly Shaw Allison & Peter Scanlan Ann Marie Davis & J.B. Shaw III Barbara & Rick Shaw Ms. Elizabeth Steele Mr. & Mrs. Gerard K. Stone Mr. John W. Taylor Mr. & Mrs. Tom Tengerdy The Thompson Family Mr. & Mrs. James K. Vickery, Jr. Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Vilasi Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Wahl
36 The Banyan
Anonymous (2) Mr. & Mrs. Fran Becker Ms. Cheryl A. Blatt Mr. & Mrs. Peter Calamaras Mr. and Mrs. Jamie Carver Mr. Mark Cassis Mr. & Mrs. Mark Chait Katie & Eddie Cintron Jane Clayton MD Christy & Ron Comito Ms. Lee-Ann Corry Ann & Compton Cramer Bill & Tracy De Ramo Deanna & Craig DelFabro
Dr. Joel P. & Jackie Schrank Dr. Yong Shen & Dr. Rena Li Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Sommers Tani & Jim Sompolski Mr. & Mrs. Adam Sulimirski Jane & Mel Summersbee Nancy & James Trivisonno UBS Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Dick Vitale Ms. Terri Vitale & Dr. Christopher Sforzo Mr. & Mrs. James Whatmore Stacy & David White
Out-of-Door Supporters ($250 - $499)
Mr. & Mrs. Alexei A. Dovgopolyi
Anonymous (3)
Mr. Ron Drzewucki Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. David Balades
Jennifer & Brian Frey
Mr. Noel Beaulieu
Ms. Shelly Gallagher
Mr. & Mrs. David Black
Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Gardner
Ms. Elizabeth F. Brooksbank
Mr. & Mrs. John Busse
Karen & Todd Johnston
Mr. & Mrs. Rodney Woods
Mr. & Mrs. Andy Cappar
Krista & Brian Jones
Tracy & Robert Wyatt
Tina & Alex Ciaccio
Mr. & Mrs. John Kane-Hartnett
Drs. Richard & Phyllis Yonker
Kate & Brad Clatt
Maritza & Tibor Kerekes
Ms. Karen Dickerson
Mr. & Mrs. James J. LaClair
Friends of Out-of-Door
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Dobosz
Mr. Andrew J. Lemieux
($249 or less)
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Dooley
Mr. & Mrs. David Luria
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Dooley
Mr. & Mrs. John McKenzie
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas A. Dozier
Mary Lynn & Peter Messina
Ms. Grace W. Duffey
Mr. & Mrs. Eric Moody
Dorothy and Don Dumford
Mr. & Mrs. John Moran
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Durfee
Dr. & Mrs. Hakim Morsli
Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Eckhard
Lisa & Michael O’Connor
Gail & Hermes Eraclides
Mr. & Mrs. David L. Olson
Ms. L’Tanya C. Evans
Mrs. Jayne Dowd-Owen & Mr. Harry Owen
Val & Bob Falahee
Dr. & Mrs. Kenneth W. Pfahler
Mr. & Mrs. Steve Finnery
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Polidoro
Mr. & Mrs. Michael A. France
Alison & Joe Rini
Mr. James T. Friss
Mr. & Mrs. Eric Robinson
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Gaffney
Mr. & Mrs. Ira Rosenkrantz
GE Foundation
Mr. Ivan Ross 2009
Mr. & Mrs. John C. Greer
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Runge
Debra & John Gregory
Mr. & Mrs. Barron Schimberg
Ms. Jane H. Hancock
Kenneth Schweizer DDS
Mr. & Mrs. W. Gibson Harris II
Jennifer & James Siciliano
Shari & Bruce Hiller
Renee & Christopher Sleight
Mr. & Mrs. Virgil H. Hiller
The Tschudi Family
Jinx & Mark Horan
Patricia Valenti
Mrs. Marnie H. Howell
Ms. Deborah A. Waterman
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Ingram
Mr. & Mrs. David Whelan
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald C. Jansen, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas P. Whitten, Jr.
Ms. Denise Aberle Mr. & Mrs. Michael Albano Ms. Marion Anderson Anonymous (10) Stephanie & Michael Appleby Darlene & Byron Arbeit Sandy & Steve ‘60 Ayers Debbie & Sean Ball Mr. & Mrs. Russ Ball W.L. Che Barnette & Family Mr. & Mrs. John Barrett Mrs. Elaine B. Barron Dr. Robert & Irene Barylski Mr. Vito Bavaro Mr. John Bercaw Mr. & Mrs. Ted Berg Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Berghel Harmony & Matt Bertrand Mr. Keith Blades Joannie & Jeffrey Bloch Mr. Frank O. Brandt Mr. & Mrs. Nick Branica Mr. & Mrs. Tim Brewer Ms. Maureen Burns Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Burr Mr. Mark Caithness Ms. Paula Caithness Wendy & Larry Chamberlin Mr. & Mrs. Randal S. Cheney Dr. Katherine & Mr. Tony Clements Ann & Carl Cogan Ms. Rita Cohen Mrs. Carrie Collins 1999 Mr. & Mrs. Mark Conner Dr. & Mrs. Patrick J. Contino Cotter Farms Inc. Melanie & Scott Custer Mr. & Mrs. Ian Cutmore Debra Danehy Mr. & Mrs. Glenn P. Davis Linda & Paul Delaney
The Out-of-Door Academy 37
Sherry & Jim Delgado
Mr. Larry Jackel
Mr. & Mrs. G. Vicary Mahler
Starlette & Kent Denslow
Ms. Joanna Johnson
Mrs. Alyssa Mandel & Mr. Brian Gomien
Mr. Peter Dobosz 2004
Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Karlstrand
Lucie & Thomas Marino
Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Donnelly
Julie & Christopher Kean
Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Marra
Ms. Linda W. Dooley
Amy Elder & David Keane
Cathy & Nef Mascorro
Mr. & Mrs. Matt Dougherty
Ms. Carolyn Keber
The Massey Family
Laurie & Patrick Doyle
Mr. & Mrs. James L. Kennon
Mr. Sean McDonald
Mr. & Mrs. Jason Drosky
Ms. Sandy Kess
Mr. & Mrs. Donald McGayhey
Ms. Laura Drzewucki
Ms. Elizabeth M. Kieffer
Mrs. Angela Giorgianni Mejicanos and
Mr. & Mrs. Sam Eichenbaum
Mr. & Mrs. M. Scott Kirshe
Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey R. Elliott
Ms. Paula J. Kozak
Mr. & Mrs. Ken Melber
Ms. Tammie Eno
Pat & Robert Kreifels
Mr. & Mrs. Richard G. Merrill
Ann & Red Erda
Mr. and Mrs. Lance Landeche
Mr. Erik J. Milkovich 2005
Maria & Randy Errante
Mr. & Mrs. Ted C. Lang III
Mr. & Mrs. Patrick F. Miller
Ms. Nicole Fafalios
Ms. Lauren Langbert
Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Mullen
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Ferro
Mr. James Langbert
Mr. Jose Munoz
John E. Finch, MD
Kristin & Troy Larkin
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Munroe
Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence J. Fineberg
Jill & Eric Larson
Mr. Michael Newhams
Mr. Kevin Fitzgerald
Mary Lou & David Laws
Trish Nicholson
Lori & Barry Frank
Mr. Paul LeBras
Mary & Chris Nimptsch
Mr. Kevin M. Frey 2010
Mr. & Mrs. George Leicht
Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Noah
Ms. Deborah Frye
Mr. & Mrs. Steven R. Lenz
Ms. Karen O’Donnell
Mr. & Mrs. Lionel Galvan
Lilly Pulitzer
Beverly & Richard Oetting
Mrs. Elizabeth Gies & Mr. Craig Johnson
Ms. Robin Lindsay
Mr. & Mrs. David S. Olson
Camela & Robert Giraud
Mr. & Mrs. Gerald A. Linse
Miss Emily Olson 2008
Miss Kimberly Goldberg 2008
Ms. Cheryl Lorge
Miss Sarah Olson 2010
Susan & Robert Goldstein
Debra & Scott Losch
Mr. Daniel M. Oryschak
Ms. Yadira Gomez-Kirschner
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Lubas
David & Marcia Carlson Pack
Mr. & Mrs. William Grathwohl
Loretta F. and Gerald Luhman II
Ms. Jane P. Page
Mr. & Mrs. Tim Gruters Mr. & Mrs. Adam Gulacsy Zoe & Larry Hars Mr. & Mrs. David Hawkes Mrs. Kathie Hayes Dr. Walter Hepp Kerry Hepp Mr. & Mrs. Felix Herrin Mr. & Mrs. Brian Hersh Ms. Penny S. Hetrick Ms. Brittany Hiller Virginia & William Hitchcock Capt. & Mrs. Scott Horchover Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey C. Horr Mr. & Mrs. Peter C. Hosmer Mr. & Mrs. Roland E. Huene Mrs. Ellen Hui Ms. Renee Huntley & Mr. Philip Klotz
38 The Banyan
Mr. Julio Mejicanos
Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Patrice
Dr. Lisa Rosser & Dr. Rick Rosser
Ms. Robin Storm
Ms. Lisa Peirce
Mr. Jamie Rubens
Mr. Joe Suriol
Paula Peterson
Mr. Michael Salmon
Mr. Brett Timmons
The Petri Family
Ms. Rachel Schaeffer
Mrs. Ivonne Toledo-Gates &
Heidi & Paul Phillips
Annie & Wesley Scheufler
Sarah & Roy Phillips
Mr. Zane Shannon 2007
Mr. & Mrs. David Tyson
Mr. & Mrs. William J. Pitts
Christina & Will Schlotthauer
Mrs. Linda Urow
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Pivonka
Melissa & Bryan Shobe
Dr. Linda Vasilaki & Mr. Yuri Vasilaki
Dr. Nicole A. Poirier
Ms. Rosemary Shofe
Mr. & Mrs. David Verinder
Rita & John Poirier
Claudia & Bob Silverman
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Verrill
Mr. Scott Young & Mrs. Nicole Porrello
Mr. & Mrs. Donald Simon
Ms. Kay Wagner
Mr. Stephen Powers
Dr. Allison Small & Dr. Howard Small
Ms. Linda Wallin & Mr. Steve Schember
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Raggo
Jeanne & David Smith
Dr. & Mrs. Daniel Watts
Mr. Paul Ratzlaff
Mr. & Mrs. Leopoldo L. Sosa
Camilla & Jeff Wenger
Tara & Bill Raven
Mr. & Mrs. William D. Speaker
Mr. & Mrs. Roger Williams
Phyllis & Jerry Robinson
Daria & Joseph Spina
Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Young
Peggy & Bob Rometo
The Sroka Family
Ms. Christiane Zablit-Lorts
Avis & Ronald Romm
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Starkovs
As of 6/30/2011
Mr. & Mrs. Eric Rose
Mr. & Mrs. Patrick C. Steele
Mr. Kerry Gates
We have made every effort to include the name of every donor in this Annual Fund report, as well as spell each name correctly and list donors in the appropriate categories. If we have erred, please accept our sincere apologies and contact us so that we may correct our records and apologize personally. Please call the Advancement Office at (941) 554-3437 or email gifts@oda.edu.
2010-2011 Annual Fund Co-Chairs: Mickey and Ned Davis
Julie and Jeff Luhrsen
Linda and Jerry Ruschau
Grade Level Chairs: Sandi Dietrich Deb Ferro Steve Gardner
GRADE LEVEL PARTICIPATION GOAL
Mario Govic Ann Grano Cathy Hansell Chris Harris Tally Harris Penny Hetrick Chris Hill Michelle Kapreilian Susan Kimmell Valerie Leatherwood Robin Lindsay Alison O’Donoghue Renee Preininger Barbara Shaw Roberta Tengerdy Patty Wilson
The Out-of-Door Academy 39
www
Learn about all events!
www.oda.edu/parentportal
Parent Association The Parent Association continues to fulfill its mission to support, strengthen, and enhance the school community by organizing and sponsoring many community building events so far this school year. The Back to School Coffees held at the beginning of school welcomed parents back to campus. In September, the Parent Association brought Matt Glowacki to speak to the students and parents to address the topics of diversity and tolerance. Moving the annual Thunder Fun Day to November for the first time turned out for the best bringing hundreds of families to the Uihlein Campus and Petrik Thunderdome for a fun-filled afternoon complete with games, raffle prizes, bounce house, and first-ever Chili Cookoff. TFD 2011 was a resounding success, thanks to the continuing dedication of Chair Val Leatherwood and the support of our many corporate and family sponsors.
In December, the annual Holiday Luncheon enjoyed record-breaking attendance and fund-raising at the Oaks Country Club, thanks to chairs Jen Conner, Stephanie Morgan, and Michelle Lea. Our Lower & Upper School Strings and Upper School Band performed superbly, thanks to Dr. Lisa Rosser, Mrs. Nicole Porrello, and Dr. Linda Vasilaki. It was a festive and joyous time for the parent community! The Annual Lower School Movie Night was a success once again at Siesta Key, with over 165 people “camping out on the mulch” to watch the movie, Cars. Thanks to chairs Liz Bentley & Lesley France, it was a fun family evening! The year culminated with the annual Spring Luncheon at Laurel Oaks Country Club. Thank you to chairs, Daria Spina and Lesley France, for a beautiful Lily Pulitzer fashion show and successful luncheon.
nsors Thank you to the Thunder Fun Day Spo
David & Elizabeth Mahler volunteered at the Food Tent at TFD. Freeman Orthodontists Koffman Family Lea Family el A. France, P.A. Micha t vemen Lowe's Home Impro WhiteBerry Backgroundchecks.com Family r Crano Funtoysia River Landings Animal Clinic Rockwall2u.com ta Kozel Family Orthodontists of Lakewood Ranch & Saraso arker iamsP y-Will Morgan R. Bentle
Chris Hill, Karen Dickerson, and Tally Harris volunteer at the Thor Store Table at TFD.
Save the Date
11.19.11
November 19, 2011
40 The Banyan
The Invisible Children Club raising funds & awareness with their booth at TFD.
Sponsor, Sharon Petrik ’00 & Chair Val Leatherwood.
Lesley and Michael France work on the Chili Cook-Off Table at TFD.
Many parents won fabulous gifts in the Chinese Raffle at the Annual Holiday Luncheon.
The Lower School Strings performed as guests arrived to The Oaks.
Holiday Luncheon Committee (L-R): Debra Beck, Stacy White, Sarah Robbins, Katie Hollingsworth, Alison O’Donoghue, Veronique Gardinier, Melissa Hall, Patty Garcia, and Tracy DeRamo
Liz Bentley & Lesley France, Chairs of the Annual Movie Night pose with some of the night’s decorations. Lower School students have a great time with friends & family at Movie Night. As a parent body we accomplished the following community building activities: • Back To School Coffees at both campuses • Room/Advisee Parents • Thunder Fun Day • Holiday Luncheon • Holiday thank you letter and $25 Target gift card to ALL the teachers, administration, staff, bus drivers, and maintenance crew • Lower School Family Movie Night • Teacher Appreciation Luncheons and Gifts on both campuses • After Prom • Spring Luncheon • Banyan Day at the YMCA Water Park for Pre-K - 6th grade (on last day of school)
Please Welcome Your New Executive Board For School Year 2011/2012 (listed left to right) Marie Dowdy, MS VP; Pam Brown, US VP; Tammie Eno, MS VP; Stephanie Morgan, SK VP; David Mahler, Head of School; Daria Spina, Treasurer; Valerie Leatherwood, President; Michelle Lea, SK VP; and Stacey White, Secretary
“As we learned at the Banyan Ball this year “It Takes A Village” to sustain the strong school community that we have at our school and you as parents are an integral part of making Out-of-Door such a special environment for our children.” Noreen Polidoro, Outgoing Parent Association President
Many of you also helped by volunteering at the following school activities: • MS Pumpkin Carving • Book Swap on SK • 100 Days Dinner • Book Fair on SK • Spirit Day • 8th grade Dinner • Senior Dinner • Arts Day • Grandfriends Day The money that we raised as parents this year through some of these activities, most notably, Thunder Fun Day, exceeded $20,000 and will go back to the school in the form of the following end of year gifts from the Parent Association: • Benches for students at the Upper School • Funding for the organic gardens on both campuses • Funding for the Marine Science Program to purchase more tanks and specimens • Funding for WODA to upgrade equipment • Funding to launch the Thor Store (coming this fall to both campuses) • Funding for an all-school speaker program for the 2011/2012 school year • Funding for an all-school family fun event in spring 2012 • Donation to the Taylor Emmons Scholarship Fund
The Out-of-Door Academy 41
Fun (Fuhn) -noun
1. A source of enjoyment, amusement, or pleasure. Enjoyable, amusing, and pleasurable are not usually words that High School students would use to describe their days spent at school. It’s my job to change that...they call me The Director of Fun. Once invited into my world one must be careful. Dodge balls, grapes, basketballs, footballs, and marshmallows, yes marshmallows, are flying. Music is thumping while big wheels, students on mattresses, and roller coasters speed by. One must navigate all of these items and keep an eye out for ghosts, laser beams, and hypnotists. These are the “occupational hazards” associated with Student Activities. Now that you are here I can let you in on a little secret. These “hazards” are amazing and I have the greatest job in the world! A little more than five years ago David Mahler asked me to embark on this journey. The final destination is still unknown because the sky is the limit. The journey is ever evolving and I am sitting in the front row, hands in the air. “Tim, I’m creating a position called The Director of Student Activities. I want school to be fun, to raise the level of school spirit and pride and to create new traditions at The Out of-Door Academy. I think of it as the Director of Fun and I think you’re the guy for the job.” It took me sixty seconds to make up my mind! Where to start? The answer was easy. Fun, let’s make this place fun. Step one - Thunder Cup. The Thunder Cup is a year-long competition pitting class against class in a series of fun events. Points are awarded for each event and accumulated throughout the year. Each Spring we crown a Thunder Cup Champion. The senior class has won each of the first five years and the Class of 2011 continued the tradition again this year. Some events are large competitions like the annual dodgeball tournament. Students form teams within their grade levels and sign-up, create uniforms, and get mentally prepared for an extreme night of dodgeball in the Petrik Thunderdome. This particular event usually draws 10-12 teams, and a host of spectators. You do not have to play dodgeball to be a winner, music fills the gym, the concession stand is open, and “Raffle Queen” L’Tanya
42 The Banyan
010- S e n io rs
io n s 2 Do dge b a ll C h am p
Evans draws names from a bowl as lucky students win movies, treats, and gift cards. It is the fun and festive atmosphere that makes events like dodgeball, laser tag, bowling, O-Bowl and March Madness successful. Everyone is welcome to come, and anyone can leave a winner! Smaller competitions are held on random school days, usually at lunch, to break up the day. From a simple Connect Four tournament to the organized “Mystery Bag Relay” students never know what is coming next. Over the years finding creative ways to get students involved has been a challenge. Rewarding students for “taking a chance” in front of their classmates has become a staple. People love to win! From a candy bar to a gift card it really does not matter. It makes them feel appreciated and it encourages them and others to participate next time. I try to give everyone who participates something. They all earn points for their team but walking away with a free burrito from Moe’s never hurts. Teenagers love food! Step Two - Events. For those less competitive souls the Student Activities calendar contains events that do not have anything to do with Thunder Cup. Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens is a great event for thrill seekers. It combines the adrenaline rush of
H ome c om
i ng M at tr 2010- S e s s R ac e C h am p o ph omo s re s
roller coasters and the thrill of being scared in a haunted house, this event consistently fills two school buses each October. Other events such as Open Mic Night, Grad Bash, After-Prom, and special performers help to keep the weekends fun and active. Another non-competitive event is Thunderpalooza. This is our end of the year Talent Celebration, a new tradition. I co-sponsor this event with the Tri-M Music Society. It is an incredible night of fun that raises money for Manasota BUDS. It is a great way to end the school year. Students are invited to audition for the show and on a Saturday Night in late May the Thunderdome is transformed into a Celebration of Talent. No awards are given, no judging takes place, we simple celebrate the year, the talent, and each other. The event has grown in size and usually has about 20 acts and draws more than 300 attendees.
reads; “Enthusiasm is infectious, stimulating, and attractive to others. People will love you for it.� Coffee never hurts either. -Tim Brewer Director of Student Activities (Pictured left with Mr. Ken Sommers)
Step Three - Assemblies. Over the past two years I have also taken on the responsibility of creating an assembly program. This program now includes special interest speakers, entertainers, and our own students. Working with colleagues to bring in health specialist, charity organizations, motivation speakers, and entertainers helps to enrich our community. New this year is the Ovation series, which focuses internally on our own students and faculty and their talents and stories. From Traditional Irish Dance to an amazingly interesting math and statistical demonstration we have learned to appreciate the awesome people within our community. Many times there are great stories right under our noses. Five years later I reflect on successes and failures and I try to learn from both. The Out-of-Door community is amazing. One of the things I enjoy most about this position is the opportunity to work with many different people to put together these awesome events. I have had the privilege of working with the Parent Association on events like Thunder Fun Day, The Harlem Wizards, Turkey Bowl, Movie Night, Relay for Life, and AfterProm. I have worked with Student Council on Homecoming Week events like Pep Rallies and bonfires. I enjoy coordinating events with the Middle School to help foster an atmosphere of participation that will be seamless as they enter the Upper School. This position has allowed me to develop relationships with students, parents, and colleagues that I would not have previously. I am humbled by the support I receive from my colleagues who give of their time to help me run these events. No one person can make this thing work. I am often asked how I do it. My answer is easy, lots of help and always be enthusiastic. I keep a fortune cookie message at my desk. It
B Tu r k e y
owl
L ase
mi ng J H ome c o
Candy
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o us t
Ca ne R
e l ay
The Out-of-Door Academy 43
Peter & Tiffany Liashek
David and Elizabeth Mahler
Kitty and John Cranor
Robert & Ariane Dart and Julie & Michael Dooley
Cathy & Gary Hansell
Jeff & Jane Giacinti
Chairs, Mike & Cindy vonWalnder and Rhonda and Dan Deems
Stephen & Sharon Patrice and Stacey & Robert Edelman
Patty & Ernie Garcia
Wendy Petrik, Molly Klauber, and Blair Sprout Sue & Adam Armbruster
44 The Banyan
Chris & Ken Pfahler
Donna Koffman, Jennifer MacLeod, and Chris Martin
Bob Santoro and Roberta & Tom Tengerdy
Bonnie & Michael McKee
Joe & Noreen Polidoro and Stephany & Mark Dobosz
Save the Date
3.17.12 March 17, 2012 Chairs
Rhonda & Dan Deems Cindy & Mike vonWaldner The Banyan Ball - The Out-of-Door Academy’s annual gala - was held under a glamorous tent on the football field on the Uihlein Campus at Lakewood Ranch. Event chairs, Rhonda & Dan Deems and Cindy & Mike vonWaldner, along with over 400 guests came together to honor all former and current faculty while celebrating the entire Out-of-Door community with the theme “It Takes A Village.” The Silent Auction tent was full of unique and great items in each of the six categories: Campus Classics, Chair’s Choice, Vacation Homes, Class Gifts, Faculty Adventures, and the Wine Cellar. The Live Auction was also filled with excitement and amazing items including the exclusive Tahoe Get away trip, Head for the Day, and a Tropical Luau with the Mahlers. Over $356,000 was raised towards the school’s mission to provide an environment in which students
Executive Committee Sue Armbruster Ted Berg Tracee Bomberger Kitty Cranor Mark Dobosz Stephany Dobosz Kim Githler Sharon Petrik Terri Vitale
strive to achieve high academic goals and to build character through a balanced program of academics, the arts and athletics.
Grand Banyan Sponsors Serendipity - The Petrik Family
Gold Banyan Sponsors Bill and Christine Isaac PNC Wealth Management
Senior Banyan Sponsors
First Watch Restaurants and The Pendery Family Smith Barney - Ernie and Patty Garcia
Green Banyan Sponsors Anonymous (3) Scott and Natalie DiMare Troy and Carolyn Eaden
Mary and Dave Peirce Trade Mark Interiors, Inc. Tracee M. Bomberger, ASID
Celeste and Taber Chadwick Willis A. Smith Construction, Inc. Unique Air - Mike Montgomery
Young Banyan Sponsors Anonymous Adam and Sue Armbruster ArtisTree Landscape & Maintenance John and Kitty Cranor Doctors Express and Senior Helpers - The Ross Family
Kim Githler Mario and Ann Marie Govic David and Donna Koffman Tonya and Mike Maxey Stephen and Sharon Patrice
TPG TeleManagement - Chris and Lisa Hill University Ear, Nose and Throat Associates Dan and Rhonda Deems Mike and Cindy vonWaldner Zeno Office Solutions
Baby Banyan Sponsors Ron and Rebecca Bizick Brown and Brown Insurance Pam and Rick Brown Christopher, Smith, Leonard, Bristow & Stanell, P.A. James and Kim Cornetet The Dart Family
Steve and Jean Finnery FleischmanGarcia Architecture The Gelbman Family Foundation Richard and Tammy Karp Todd and Ashley Kozel The LaSalla Family
Oasis Outsourcing, Inc. Don and Cyndi Paxton Lindy Smith and Jack McKissock M.D. Travel Plans - Kenneth D. Henson, M.D.
The Out-of-Door Academy 45
Gelbman Family Wellness Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony The Out-of-Door community assembled together in
From Groundbreaking...
celebration of the opening of the Gelbman Family Wellness Center this past fall. The 2,500 square foot facility has state-of-the-art cardiovascular machines and strength and
Gelbman Family Wellness Center
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
conditioning equipment for our students. The Gelbman Family Wellness Center strengthens Out-of-Door’s commitment to wellness and has been in constant use from the students and faculty this school year. Thank you to the Gelbman Family for providing the resources for this tremendous facility.
to Completion!
(Top) Board of Trustees Chairman, John Cranor, welcomes guests to the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and thanks Ron Gelbman who made the Wellness Center a reality. (Right above) Ron Gelbman cuts the ribbon to ceremonially open the Gelbman Family Wellness Center. (Left) The Gelbman Family Wellness Center
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Save the Date
2.10.12
Grandfriends’ Day
February 10, 2012
Grandparents and special friends were invited to the Siesta Key Campus to help bring in the holiday season for Out-ofDoor’s Annual Grandfriends’ Day on December 17, 2010. Over 150 grandparents spent the morning with their grandchildren enjoying crafts and activities in the classrooms, art shows, and musical performances by the Lower School students. Grandfriends’ Day was a great event this year bringing families together before the holidays. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year. Christian McCarthy ’17, Tristan Bleau ’17, and McCabe Ballance ’17
Chelsea Lea ’20 and her grandparents
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Giorgianni and Sofia Mejicanos ’20
Mr. Louis Lahners and William Lahners ’21
Ms. Ione Giacinti & Tomas Giacinti ’20
Grandparents enjoyed giving and receiving hugs throughout the day!
Ty Laird ’21 posing with his grandfather.
Mr. and Mrs. Dick Vitale with their grandchildren, Connor ’21, Jake ’21 and Ava Krug ’24 and Sydney ’20 and Ryan Sforzo ’22
The Out-of-Door Academy 47
Save the Date
4.21.12 April 21, 2012
Thunder Golf Outing 2011 Thanks to the leadership of Committee Chair, Chris Hill and his team of volunteers, The Out-of-Door Thunder Golf Outing raised over $20,000 in support of the Thunder Athletics program on Saturday, May 7. Held on the Cypress Links Course at the Lakewood Ranch Country Club, this year’s Petrik Cup winners were Dennis Chapman, Noel Beaulieu, Ken Corn, and Mark Rummings.
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The Thunder Athletic Club (TAC) is a group of volunteer parents and friends who support Out-of-Door athletics, physical education, and faculty/staff wellness through volunteer and fundraising projects. Currently, The Out-of-Door Academy fields 33 Middle and Upper School teams in 13 sports. Thunder varsity teams have won an impressive 15 district and regional championships since the program’s inception in 1996, in addition to 51 district, 10 regional, and 8 state individual championships. The volunteer support of TAC has been instrumental in this success, and as participation increases so do financial and volunteer athletic needs. TAC raises
Thank you to our Thunder Golf Outing Sponsors
funds through the sale of annual memberships, season passes, and Thunder merchandise, as well as hosting the annual Thunder Golf Tournament.
Double Eagle
which the Petrik Family was the lead sponsor. Don’t miss your chance this year to add your name to the list of champions at next year’s Thunder Golf Outing. (1) Jim Onufrak, Tommy Onufrak, Johnnie Onufrak ’11, Jamie Onufrak ’10; (2) Chris Hill, Barb Shaw, Heidi Phillips, Rick Dupee; (3) Mark Rummings, Dennis Chapman, Ken Corn, Noel Beaulieu; (4) Jimmy Kuebler and Kip Radigan played with Billy Dietrich; (5) Fred Myers, Annie Kittle, John Kittle, Mike vonWaldner; (6) Reed Savidge, Tom Regan, John Regan, Don Regan; (7) John Humphrey, Teena Humphrey, Lisa Grain, Wendell Butler; (8) Chris Harris, Ned Davis, Mark McCann, Jerry Ruschau; (9) TJ Pearce, Sean Tynan, Davis Byerly, Todd Messenger; (10) Mike Newhams, Jamie Rubens, Mike Young, Sean Ball; (11) Tab Hunter, Robert Sellberg, Mike Albano, Charlie LaFoe; Not pictured: Vito Bavaro, Rob Moates, Bryan Richards, Garry Franco; Ryan Brown, Evan Brown, Jarett Yavitz, Colin Marvin; Neil Leeson, Will Geisdorf, Loren Flath, Bill Livelsy; David Mahler, John Cranor, Doug Morgan, MikeEmmons.
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Steve Eichenbaum Mike Emmons Chris Hill Jimmy Kuebler Tires Plus/Billy Dietrich Jim Onufrak Teena & John Humphrey
The Petrik Cup began as an annual sporting event fundraiser, for
Eagle
Tom Regan Combined Capital Corporation Thank you to the following people for donating a foursome to The Out-of-Door Academy faculty: Steve Eichenbaum Chris Hill Mike Emmons
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Arts Day 2011 Our all-school Arts Day held on Sunday, April 19, provided a beautiful opportunity to showcase students' visual artwork and musical talent from the year. Videos of the performances are available by visiting our youtube page at www.youtube.com/ outofdoor. From the performers and artists in grades Pre-K through 12 to the patrons and guests, inspiring artistic endeavors allowed students and guests to freely listen to fine music in between viewing art exhibits in the Petrik Thunderdome.
Save the Date
5.5.12 May 5, 2012
The Out-of-Door Academy 49
Alumni Profiles Vanessa Moody, Class of 2010 Vanessa Moody recently finished her freshmen year at Stanford University where she has already immersed herself in the academic arena. Where her most memorable class so far has been her course in women writers of fiction and fiction writing where she was one of two freshmen in a class of only eleven students. She also started taking computer programming, “and it is so COOL! There’s really no other word for it.” When asked what she likes about Stanford, she exclaims, “Where to start? There’s the phenomenal weather, the gorgeous campus, and San Francisco nearby. But it really comes down to the people—my roommate, my dormmates, the dorm staff, my classmates, the professors! There are so many people on campus, and yet I’ve found every one I meet to be very unique.” In addition to her academic pursuits, she began working in the Stanford athletic shop during football, volleyball, and basketball games as well as during guest speaker presentations. Some of the most interesting speakers she has seen so far have been George Clooney, the Dalai Lama, Tobias Wolff, Tim O’Brien, and James Franco. “I actually got to have lunch with Tim O’Brien!” She also is involved in theater at Stanford as well. She was in The Misanthrope, and wrote and co-directed a modern adaptation of The Wizard of Oz. She is also involved in some activist
“Out-of-Door definitely prepared me for college. Nothing compares to a college load of reading, but I rarely feel overwhelmed or stressed by my work here. It is very challenging, and I am always being pushed, but I know that I can handle it. I feel really comfortable approaching professors because I am so used to developing relationships with my teachers at Out-of-Door, and that has made a difference. And participating in so many extracurricular activities at Out-of-Door definitely laid the foundation for the time management I depend on here.”
groups on campus.
“Advice to Students: To put it in California terms, chill. Out-of-Door is a difficult school, and it is where you want to be. You will get the foundation you need to succeed at any college. Because of that, there is definitely a significant workload that the students take on, both in and out of school. And there is a lot of pressure in high school, because everyone has college on their mind. Remember to take the time to breathe. My workload now is heavier than it was at Out-of-Door, but I find myself even more relaxed. Trust that things will work out. Work hard, but do not wear out. Parents: Give lots of love to the teachers! They are taking really excellent care of your kids’ minds, bodies, and souls. When your son or daughter calls home from college and says they are having no problem in their high-level college math class (or something along those lines), Out-of-Door teachers are the reason why.” Alumni: If you have not already, visit campus the next time you’re home. I had a great time seeing friends and teachers I have missed! “
50 The Banyan
ACADEMICS
Alumni Profiles Maria Sulimirski, Class of 2009 Maria Sulimirski recently finished her sophomore year at Columbia University and is pursuing degrees in Music and Business Management. School pride inspired her to become a Crew Chief for Columbia’s New Student Orientation Program last summer, overseeing two hundred student orientation leaders selected to welcome the first-years. On the Intrepid with some Orientation Leaders during Columbia New Student Orientation Program, Summer 2010
In addition to the rigorous academic schedule and her artistic pursuits, the University employs her to provide meticulous class
notes for students with disabilities. Her interest in business has begun to take form through an internship in private wealth management with Bank of New York Mellon, membership in Columbia Women’s Business Society, and pursuit of a degree in Business Management. Her love of music has also led her to pursue a degree in Music. In addition to her weekly private vocal lesson with a Juilliard teacher (through Columbia), she is a member of the Carnegie Hall Student Council and performs with Columbia Classical Performers and Columbia Musical Theatre Society. After one performance
“Students who are preparing for the college experience can take heart that the good will and high hopes of our extraordinary Outof-Door family will go with them. I would encourage students of all years to know and value themselves first and foremost. We have a unique network of faculty, staff, parents, and students, and it is our responsibility to recognize what a real resource this is. By constantly striving to become the best possible versions of ourselves, we express our gratitude for the gift of this education. We are then free to embrace new and exciting opportunities, equipped with belief that we are treasured and limitless.”
as Philia in Sondheim’s “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” this past December, she was approached by a Columbia alumnus and well-known Broadway conductor who requested that she study with him, and she has been doing so ever since.
“There are many benefits to attending an independent college prep school, but I found it particularly empowering that my fellow students and I were encouraged to pursue our passions to the level of personal mastery. This advocacy from the Out-ofDoor community during such formative years has afforded me a self-confidence that has transcended high school, and the skills I cultivated then have manifested in new ways and with different types of organizations at the undergraduate level.”
THE ARTS
The Out-of-Door Academy 51
Alumni Profiles Spencer McKee, Class of 2010 When Spencer McKee tried out for the Outof-Door football team, playing Linebacker for a Division III football program at a nationally recognized liberal arts college was not in his sights. When he found out that Out-of-Door was going to have a football program, he had never played or watched football before, but “everyone was going to play so [he] thought [he] would try it.” Being out of shape and new to the sport was a challenge, but not too much of a challenge for Spencer. His first day of practice, he could barely make it through the cardio conditioning. Being exposed to a higher level of football and more experienced players at a summer football camp, he realized quickly how hard he would have to work to be able to compete.
In high school, you can be successful if you outwork everyone and have great determination and high goals, but in college everyone works just as hard as you do or harder and you really need to have a love for the game and be able to handle everything between school and practices and lifting and conditioning sessions. I feel like I did freshman year in high school just trying to be as physically prepared as possible to go out on the field and compete. I do not think of this as “college football”, it is still football and I am still doing the same things I have always done in terms of trying to make myself better to help the team the best way I can.
So that is exactly what he did. He spent the entire summer before his sophomore year preparing for the upcoming season and noticed an improvement, which only motivated him to work even harder. He ended up starting that year and the team made it to the playoffs as the district runner-up. He is now playing Linebacker at St. Norbert College.
“The reason that I and my teammates worked so hard was because of the coaching staff. Not so much that they were tough on us, but you just did not want to let them down, so we did whatever we could to be as physically prepared as possible and as successful as possible at whatever it was that we were doing.”
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WELLNESS
Alumni Profiles Sekou Bangoura, Class of 2009 Sekou Bangoura Jr. joined the University of Florida men’s tennis team in January 2010 after an outstanding tennis career at Outof-Door and beyond, highlighted by reaching the singles final at the 2009 USTA Boys’ 18s National Clay Court Championships and the doubles final at the 2009 USTA Boys’ 18s National Championships. During his freshman year at the University of Florida, Bangoura went 24-4 overall and led the Gators in dual singles wins with a 21-3 record, including 9-1 in SEC play. He ended the season with nine consecutive singles wins, including victories in 17 of his final 18 decisions. Following his freshman campaign, Bangoura picked up many honors. In addition to being chosen ITA Southeast Region Rookie of the Year, he was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team and the 2010 USTA Summer
His advice to young tennis players who want to play in college would be to make sure you consider all your options, and no matter what school you’re interested in, go and see the campus. Just by going to see the campus you can narrow down your list of schools. I think, most importantly, you should make contact with the coach. Coaches cannot make contact with you during your recruiting process, but you can make contact with them, so don’t hesitate to do so.
Collegiate Team, and he was chosen as one of six college players to represent the U.S. at the 2010 Master’U BNP Paribas, an international collegiate competition in France. Excerpts from “College Spotlight: Sekou Bangoura Jr., University of Florida, printed by United States Tennis Association - www.usta.com - February 24, 2011
“My dad has been a major influence on the court. He got me started in tennis and has been with me every step of the way supporting me. Arthur Ashe is definitely another major influence. If it wasn’t for him and his family, I would not be here today. As for people I enjoyed watching, I enjoyed watching Pete Sampras play because he always seemed to get the job done and because of his cool demeanor on the court.”
ATHLETICS
The Out-of-Door Academy 53
Save the Date
10.14.11 October 14, 2011 Homecoming
Reunions Class of 2000 Homecoming Reunion
The Out-of-Door Academy honored the Class of 2000 over Homecoming weekend. (Friday, October 22 and Saturday, October 23, 2010) The reunion began with all alumni gathering for the first ever Homecoming in Thunder Stadium. Jack McKissock, Bob Hillier, Sharlene Hillier, Lynn Fuhr, Lundy Smith, and Jim Fuhr
Carissa Liott, Carrie Collins ’99, and Sharon Petrik ’00
The celebration continued with a party at Libby’s Cafe + Bar which brought out the class of 2000 as well as many of their parents. A great time was had by all! Sharon Petrik, President of the Alumni Association, and a member of the Class of 2000 shared, “It was great to see so many of my classmates again!”
Lynn Fuhr, Jack McKissock, Lindy Smith, and Jim Fuhr
Carrie Collins ’99, Gyasi Taylor ’00, Sharon Petrik ’00, Jesse Marshall ’96, John Childers ’00, and Jenny Lytle ’00
Alumni Association Thanksgiving Party
Aaron Romm ‘04, Natalie Douglass, Elizabeth and David Mahler, Head of School
Kim Regan ’05, Hannah Bowers ‘06, John Eagen ‘06, and Chris Hayes ‘06
Betsy Bowers ‘01 and Blair Sprout ‘01.
On November 24, the evening before Thanksgiving, over 40 alumni gathered for our annual Alumni Association Thanksgiving Party. Many alumni had just arrived in Sarasota to spend Thanksgiving with their family. The event was graciously hosted by Sharon Petrik at Serendipity, who raffled off various prizes to the attendees throughout the night. A great time was had by all, and many continued the party on Siesta Key. Look for details soon about next year’s Thanksgiving Party to be held on Wednesday, November 23, 2011.
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Class Notes
1989 Siesta Key
1998
Rosena Hill
Brittany Hines (Callans)
Rosena attended Out-of-Door in Middle School and went onto earn her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music from Carnegie Mellon University.
As a concert soloist, Ms. Hill, has performed at Carnegie Hall with The New York Pops; Teatro di Massimo Symphony Orchestra in Palermo, Sicily; Memphis Symphony Orchestra , Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra, Florida Sunshine Pops, Long Island Philharmonic and Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra. On Broadway, Rosena has performed in Come Fly Away as a “Featured Vocalist”; the Color Purple as one of the Church Ladies; Monty Pythons Spamalot as the Lady of the Lake standby; Imaginary Friends with Swoosie Kurtz and Cherry Jones as Mrs. Stillman; Oklahoma 2002 revival as Ellen; Riverdance on Broadway as the Amanzi soloist; Marie Christine as Ophelia and Ragtime as Sarah’s Friend understudy. On the 1st National tour of Ragtime, Ms. Hill was the Sarah understudy. She has performed multiple roles Off- Broadway and regionally including Carmen and La Boheme with the Sarasota Opera. Rosena has performed internationally for three seasons with Queen Esther Marrow and the Harlem Gospel Singers & Band touring internationally as a featured soloist. If You Believe, Rosenas debut solo CD is sold at www.CDbaby.com/ rosenamhill and on ITunes. Rosena and her husband, Jason Jackson, Grammy award-winning trombonist with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra also lead Jack & Hill Music - a quintet that expands to a full Big Band that performs a wide variety of programs that focus on American music from around 1920-1960. www.JackandHillMusic.com
1997 Whitney Elam - 8th Grade Class of 1997
Whitney recently moved to Tampa from Barbourville, KY. She and her husband Brandon welcomed their daughter Isla Marie into the world last summer and are expecting a son in October 2011. She was excited to report that she worked a Spike Key volleyball camp with fellow Outof-Door Alumna, Megan Wallin in December of 2010.
Brittany is living in Sarasota with husband Josh and their three sons Will, Conor, and Brendan. Will is currently an Out-of-Door student in Ms. Linse’s class, Conor attends Shining Stars preschool and will be joined by his younger brother Brendan next year! Brittany began the nursing program at Keiser College this past January with an anticipated graduation of April 2012. She keeps in touch with several of her fellow Out-of-Door alumni and is excited to see them all getting married and beginning families of their own.
2000 Charlie Balliette
Last August, Charlie went to Afghanistan flying AH-1W Super Cobras in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit originally to support the flood relief in Pakistan and later supporting several operations in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. He is now living in Morehead City, North Carolina. He has remained busy since his return in the spring by flying 2 Cobras to New York for Fleet Week 2011 in May and preparing for upcoming training exercises in Avon Park, Florida and 29 Palms, California. He also spent 3 weeks in the Mediterranean on postdeployment leave. “Things could always change but it looks like I will have a full year at home before my next deployment. So I plan to do a lot of grilling out and watching college football this Fall. Go Bucks!” We would like to thank Charlie and all our alumni serving in the military for their service and dedication.
Amanda McEleavy Roach
Amanda gave birth to her fourth child Nicholas Joseph who was born on January 27 at 4:23 a.m. She has three other children, Cameron Scott 7, Olivia Jade 4, and Victoria Lynn, 2.
2001 Nicole Pitts Smith Nicole left at the end of October for California to train for her own female unit. She was specifically chosen for this over her other peers.
The Out-of-Door Academy 55
Class Notes She then left in January to Afghanistan. She will lead the ladies and her husband, the men. From an article published in the New York Times and The Herald Tribune - October 2, 2010.
Randall Morris
“She arrived in Afghanistan with 39 other female Marines from Camp Pendleton, Calif., as part of an unusual experiment of the U.S. military: sending full-time “female engagement teams” out with all-male infantry patrols in Helmand province to try to win over the rural Afghan women who are culturally off limits to outside men. As new faces in a U.S, counterinsurgency campaign, the female Marines, who volunteered for the job, were to meet with Pashtun women over tea in their homes, assess the need for aid, gather intelligence and help open schools and clinics. They have done that and more, and as their seven-month deployment in southern Afghanistan nears an end, their “tea as a weapon” mission has been judged a success. But these Marines, who have been closer to combat than most other women in the war, have also had to use real weapons in a tougher fight than many expected.”
Gianni Valenti
Gianni and his family reside in Sarasota and have been working to expand their familyowned businesses in Venice, FL. He was excited to announce that his son Rocco will be celebrating his first birthday this year! Gianni is always in close contact with his fellow ODA alumni.
Randall is currently a Senior Designer with Ogilvy+Mather’s 485 Brand Dept. in Chicago, IL. He was recently engaged and is to be married in October of 2011. He and his fiancée run their own LLC design consultancy - focusing on brand/identity for companies with ‘green sensibilities’.
2004 Wendy Petrik After Wendy completed her Bachelors degree at Rollins, she continued her education in Montreux, Switzerland and aquired a post-graduate degree in hotel management. She then moved to Dublin, Ireland where she worked as a wedding and corporate event planner for the Ritz-Carlton. Wendy is currently living in Jupiter, FL where is completing a Masters degree at Palm Beach Atlantic University and working as an interior decorator for Viking Sport Cruiser. We are also excited to announce that Wendy recently became engaged to her now fiancé, Tom Carroll! From Banyan Ball 2011 catalog
2005 Class of 2001 - 10 Year Reunion
Friday, October 14, 2011
2002 Stephen Farkas
Stephen is currently living in St. Petersburg, Florida and graduated from Stetson University College of Law in May 2010. He passed the Florida Bar this summer and is now practicing as a duly licensed attorney, in the field of personal injury, auto, motorcycle, and maritime accidents. He reports that he recently saw Jessica Savidge (also class of 2002) at a Hillsborough County Bar Association luncheon. When asked about his fondest Out-ofDoor memory, he commented, “my favorite ODA memory still remains dissecting a cat in Mike Newhams’ anatomy class!”
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Steven G. Jones
Steven graduated magna cum laude from Middlebury College where he majored in Economics and minored in Chinese. Steven was nominated for the Frederick C. Dirks award for outstanding achievement in economics and compiled and wrote the report “What Economics Students Think of the Economics Major” for Educating Economists. Steven, who spent his junior year studying abroad in China, is currently working as a college counselor and substitute teacher in Economics, Physics and English for Chinese students at the Chengdu Foreign Language School Advance Placement Center in Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Meagan Lannigan
Meagan resides in South Florida and is working as an Event Manager for Hilton. She is heavily involved with the Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Pompano Beach Chambers. She also happily reports that her sister Rachel, Class of 2004, is attending Physicians Assistant School.
Class Notes
2006 Danica Wuelfing
Mr. David Mahler, Head of School, recently receieved the following letter from Patrick D. Reynolds, Interim Dean of Faculty at Hamilton College: “I am writing to tell you about the academic acheivement of one of your graduates, now also a graduate of Hamilton College. Danica Wuelfing received her bachelor’s degree summa cum laude from Hamilton at the end of May. As you know, Hamilton’s academic program is rigorous and challenging, and graduating in the top of her class is testimony to Danica’s academic ability and hard work - as well as to the quality of college preparation at The Out-of-Door Academy. As an educator yourself, you know what a pleasure it is to teach students like Danica. They raise the level of achievement in their classes, motivate other students, and challenge and raise our expectations of ourselves. I think it is fair to say that Danica and Hamilton were a good fit, and we appreciate your role in bringing us together. Please share the news of Danica’s accomplishments with her former teachers. I hope they are heartened by her success at Hamilton.”
2008 Olivia Bowers
Olivia spent the fall semester of her junior year in Italy. She lived in Italy with a host family, and learned a lot of the Italian language, as well as art history. She enjoyed sampling wine, cheese, and different Italian foods. She says, “There is nothing like walking into a random restaurant and watching them make pasta from scratch.” She also went down to the Amalfi Coast, went cliff diving in Capri despite her fear of heights, ate foods she never thought she would eat, and swam in caves. Her favorite thing about studying in Florence was the fact that there was so much art and culture that surrounded her. She says, “I remember walking home one evening through the Piazza del Duomo, and a woman was standing behind the cathedral singing opera at sunset. It was not a planned event or anything, she just set down her shopping bag and started to sing like it was no big deal.” She loved Italy so much that she is thinking about taking a gap year the year before starting law school.
Kim Goldberg
2010 Steven Freund
Steven has accepted membership in The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS). He will be honored during an Induction Convocation this fall on the campus of Syracuse University. “NSCS” is more than just a symbol of academic achievement. Membership gives students access to a number of amazing benefits including career and networking resources, scholarships, travel, and service projects both on campus and in the community,” says Stephen E. Loflin, NSCS CEO and Founder. NSCS is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies and is the nation’s only interdisciplinary honors organization for first- and secondyear college students. Membership is by invitation only, based on grade point average and class standing. NSCS has more than 750,000 lifetime members and 270 chapters in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Jamie Onufrak
Jamie was a red shirt freshman on the football team this past year at The University of Alabama at Birmingham. Linked with UAB shortly after national signing day in February 2010. He helped lead Out of Door to Class 1B state semifinal appearance and was a two-way player as a junior in 2008. His last season as a tight end, he had 24 receptions for 320 yards with four touchdowns and was named Class 1B All-State by Lakeland Ledger. He also played basketball at Out-of-Door.
Anika Pack
Anika Pack was the recipient of the Dean’s Award for academic excellence during the 2010 Fall term at Colgate University, where she is a member of the Class of 2014. To be eligible for the Dean’s Award, a Colgate student must achieve a 3.30 or higher average while enrolled in four full time courses. Anika is concentrating in the study of Foreign Language and Geography at Colgate. Anika participates in Colgate University’s Outdoor Education Program and most recently found a new passion suspended from Colgate’s Rock wall. Anika participated in Colgate’s white water kayaking adventure and led a Spelunking team on an exploratory trip this past Fall. Anika is quickly developing as one of Colgate University’s student leaders.
2011 Ashley Rickards
Ashley recently guest starred on Outlaw on NBC. To see the trailer go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjAxBPU7BsU
Kim is entering her senior year at Ursinus College. She is a three year starter in Volleyball. She interned in the Advancement Office at Out-ofDoor this summer.
The Out-of-Door Academy 57
Alumni Back on Campus
CHRIS HAYES Class of 2006
Chris Hayes graduated from University of Miami where he played football as a walk-on in May 2010 with a Bachelor of Science. He joined the Out-ofDoor community last year working in the Athletics Office. He has a full plate helping the Athletic Direc-
tor run sporting events, organize the athletics website and calendar, and painting lines on the new Thunder Stadium - the not-so-glamorous side of the job. He also interacts with the student-athletes as a coach for the JV Football and JV Baseball teams. He is looking forward to coaching Varsity Football next year.
“IT IS GREAT TO BE BACK HOME” “I graduated from the University of Central Florida in May 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in History. Having attended Out-of-Door from the 1st grade through graduation in 2006, I was altogether elated with the opportunity to come back and teach beginning in the
KATIE DOBOSZ Class of 2006
Spring of 2011. Avidly involved in theatre during my time at Outof-Door and continuing my vocal performing through college, instructing Middle School Theatre Arts has been a dream! In addition to teaching, I had the privilege to assist in the directing of and head-up set construction on the spring musical, Guys and Dolls. And as my college experience allowed for me to hold a job in both an events management firm and fundraising for a non-profit, I have also spent time working in the Advancement Office. I look forward to what the next year will bring and could not be more grateful to community for welcoming me back to the Out-of-Door with open arms and caring hearts!”
JD CARTER Class of 2008
JD visited The Out-of-Door Academy to perform with his acapella group from Denison College, the Hilltoppers. JD recently finished his Junior at Denison and is majoring in Computer Science. When the Hilltoppers performed at Siesta Key, JD was able to visit with his Kindergarten Buddy, Dylan Davis who is now entering fourth grade. JD also interned this summer with the Technology Department at Out-of-Door.
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Then...
and Now.
The Out-of-Door Academy has been Sarasota’s leader in educational innovation and excellence for 85 years, preparing children for a lifetime of learning and placing our school in the nation’s top 1% of public & private schools. From nurturing PreKindergarten classrooms to rigorous senior courses, Out-of-Door inspires and challenges its students to think beyond textbooks and tests, to think critically and develop the skills to excel. Out-of-Door’s success is a direct result of the many individuals whom have created and maintained a culture of philanthropy as well as a spirit of volunteerism which is prevalent on both campuses. They are a big reason that The Out-of-Door Academy is one of the premier schools in the State of Florida as a result of their support. Our mission to provide an environment in which students strive to achieve high academic goals and to build character through a balanced program of academics, the arts and athletics, can only be accomplished by assistance from every member of the Out-ofDoor family: Trustees, Faculty/Staff, Parents, Grandparents, Alumni, Parents of Alumni, and Friends of Out-of-Door - all contributing. Please consider joining the many families who have already shown their support of The Out-of-Door Academy and all of our students by making a charitable donation today. Visit www.oda.edu/givetoday
www.oda.edu/givetoday
444 Reid Street | Sarasota, FL 34242
Let us know what you think. Connect with us on Facebook (OdaThunder), Twitter (OutofDoor) and YouTube (OdaThunder). Visit the Out-of-Door Mash-up Page to view all social media at www.oda.edu/mashup or use your Smart Phone and a QR Code Reader and use the code here.