Oldfields Magazine Spring 2011 by Oldfields School

Oldfields Spring/Summer 2011

The Theatre Issue

Oldfields M

Featured

Volume 30 Number 2 Spring/Summer 2011

Performing Arts at Oldfields 4

Graduation 18 At Oldfields 24 Alumnae Matters 28

Oldfields School Mission Statement Oldfields School is committed to the intellectual and moral development of young women. In a culture of kindness and mutual respect, we encourage each student to make the most of her academic and personal potential. We seek to guide each student to grow in character, confidence, and knowledge by encouraging her to embrace the values of personal honesty, intellectual curiosity, and social responsibility. Oldfields Magazine Staff Editor: Eliza Broaddus Design: Shoot the Moon, Inc. Photography: Janine K. Brennan P’11, Eliza Broaddus, John Dean, Julia Franklin, Bill Gray Contributors: Rachel Adams ’11, Janine K. Brennan P’11, Laurie Hurd, Joan Carter Jermakian ’81 P’15, Hawley Rogers, Sarah Valentine ’83 Alumnae and Development Office Staff Laurie Hurd, Director of Development Eliza Broaddus, Director of Communications Mark J. Brennan P’11, Director of Annual Fund Joan Carter Jermakian ’81 P’15, Director of Alumnae Affairs Janine K. Brennan P’11, Website Administrator Sheila Maleson, Development Assistant All letters and editorial comments should be directed to: Oldfields Magazine 1500 Glencoe Road Sparks Glencoe, MD 21152-9321 410.472.4800 OldfieldsCommunications@OldfieldsSchool.org _______________________________________________ © 2011 by Oldfields School. Oldfields Magazine is published twice a year by Oldfields School. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. Views expressed herein are those of the author exclusively. Oldfields is a private, nonprofit, educational corporation. Oldfields is an organization described in section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and all contributions to Oldfields are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Correspondence for Oldfields School should be addressed to: Oldfields School, 1500 Glencoe Road, Sparks Glencoe, MD 21152-9321.

Elise “Bunny” Wilmer Hilbert ’41, Edith “Edie” Hustvedt, and Kathryn “Kitty” Summerill Ward ’40

On the cover: Kaitlyn Watt ’11 portrays the Queen of Hearts in the winter production of Alice in Wonderland.

Editorial Inquiries: Article submissions and letters are welcome and should be sent to the editor, at Oldfields Magazine, 1500 Glencoe Road, Sparks Glencoe, MD 21152-9321. Submission guidelines are available upon request. Oldfields Magazine and Oldfields School are not responsible for loss, damage, or other injury to unsolicited manuscripts, photography, or artwork. Any letters sent to the magazine may be published in upcoming issues of Oldfields Magazine or other publications of Oldfields School. The editor reserves the right to edit published letters for length. Oldfields Magazine is a controlled circulation publication. Circulation questions and address changes should be sent to Oldfields Magazine Circulation, 1500 Glencoe Road, Sparks Glencoe, MD 21152-9321. Printed on recycled paper.

Oldfields Magazine

F e a t u r e

From the Head of School Dear Oldfields Friends and Family:

Head of School Taylor Smith

The David Niven Theatre has truly become the center of life at School. Not only is the theatre the home of the drama program and music and dance performances, it is also the site of regular assemblies which stretch the mind and stir the soul.

Spring / Summer 2011

I still remember my initial entry into Old House, over 40 years ago, as Judy and I interviewed for our first jobs after college. We were two hours late, ending up in Glen Cove, Maryland, an hour away from Oldfields, after getting lost in the Maryland horse country. The head of school at the time, George Nevens, aware that we were “country kids,” guided us through the back roads, staying away from the growing suburban sprawl. For months after moving to Oldfields in August, I still thought the closest town was Bel Air, 20 miles away. I vividly remember entering into George’s “uptown” office and meeting a few of the people who would prove to be some of the most important people in my professional life. George was the almost stereotypical old head of school, extending a powerful handshake and a hearty greeting, a case of cold soda when we moved in three months later, and a demeanor that made you feel like the most important person in the world. A second person with whom we interviewed was Hawley Rogers, the young assistant head of school, the person who became my life-long mentor and role model, the very heart and soul of the school I grew to love. The third administrator I met, Jim Richardson, was still in his 20s and in his massive great coat and Sherlock Holmes hat, provided me with the feeling that my Oldfields experience was not only going to be meaningful, but also adventurous and fun. Despite our tardy arrival, we were offered the job and a 4,000 dollar salary each. This is how my lifelong love affair with education and Oldfields began. There was something somewhat ethereal about that first visit. There was a reverence I immediately felt for Old House and the generations of students, teachers, and McCullochs who had preceded me. I am not necessarily a traditionalist, but the old buildings grabbed ahold of me and never let go. One room that particularly intrigued me was the theatre. In 1970, it was still very much of a “multi-purpose space.” However, Jim Richardson (my guide during those early months as I scrambled through the labyrinthine rooms of Old House and New House) had me convinced that it was truly the center of all that happened at School. Along with Jim’s arrival at Oldfields in 1969, came a very serious theater program. Jim was a masterful teacher and I still remember thinking, after observing his ability to capture the minds and hearts of his students, that “that was the kind of teacher I wanted to be.” However, I am getting a little ahead of myself. Oldfields was founded in 1867 and was often seen as a “trend-setter” among girls’ schools south of the Mason-Dixon Line. The physical plant grew as the School became ever more popular. A major addition was made in 1912. It was the first “real gym.” It was tacked on the end of New House and actually had hot and cold showers although electricity did not come until several years later in 1920. The gym was also the first gym in a girls boarding school south of the Mason-Dixon Line. Believe it or not, this gym is still one of the most important rooms at Oldfields, being the stage area of The David Niven Theatre. There is a great picture of this space in Mary McPherson’s history of the School, called A Feeling of Family. I can still remember when I first came to Oldfields in the 1970s and there were basketball hoops at either end of the backstage area. Today, it may be difficult to envi-

sion this space as a gym, but if you look hard you can still see the metal grating covering some of the windows to prevent damage from an errant ball or the “Romeo and Juliet” balcony in the backstage area. This balcony housed the “crowd” at interscholastic basketball games or intramural games between the Gentleness and Courtesy teams, the predecessors of the Greens and the Whites. The auditorium, added a few years later, which is now the seating area for the theatre, has also served many functions. At one time or another, its flat floor served as a dance studio, a room for gymnastics, seating for the ever-popular theatrical productions, and a location for those Saturday evening mixers with Hill, Episcopal, and Woodberry Forest. With the construction of the new dance studio in 1988, and with the support of the Niven family and the talented work of Jim Beck’s maintenance crew, the School seized the opportunity to convert the auditorium into permanent seating for a legitimate theatre. At the same time, prop storage rooms, dressing rooms, and costume storage were built backstage. Although throughout the 1970s and 1980s the theater program remained strong, primarily because of the leadership of Jim Richardson and Anne Fletcher, we knew that a whole world of opportunities would open up as a result of this renovation. As I was leaving Oldfields to be a head of a school in Pennsylvania in the summer of 1988, the beginning of construction of the rake and permanent seating in the auditorium were already transforming the space. When I returned 18 years later, I could not have been more pleased with the transformation that the theatre and, as a result, the School had gone through in the ensuing years. The David Niven Theatre had truly become the center of life at School. Not only is the theatre the home of the drama program and music and dance performances, it is also the site of regular assemblies which stretch the mind and stir the soul. However, perhaps the most important use of the theatre is as the home of Morning Meeting. Every day begins with advisory, followed by a school-wide gathering. The meeting is led by me, and by the president of the student body. The focus is where it should be – on the students. Every day is different. Once a week, a senior will present a senior presentation. Many of these pull at the heartstrings while others motivate you to go out and “make a difference,” but they all give me greater faith in the strength of the human spirit and remind me why I have been an educator for 40 years! Spirit announcements result in applause and the creativity with which students wish others a happy birthday or invite them to the Senior Room is astounding. Morning Meeting also makes one realize the kindness of our students. It seems that every morning one club or another is raising money or is volunteering for a worthy cause, from cancer research to Japanese relief to supporting the local food bank. Continued on p. 4

A view of the theatre in May 2011 before the summer renovations.

A view of the much more modest theatre in the 1980s.

Oldfields Magazine

OLDFIELDS SCHOOL BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2010-2011 Chair John W. Hawks Vice Chair Carlisle Van Meter Mayer ‘78, P’14 Treasurer Alfred Morrison Secretary Richard C. Darrell P’06 Head of School Taylor A. Smith

Above: Taylor Smith in the theatre during the 1988 renovation. Left: Students enjoying the theatre in the 80s.

It is not a surprise to me that our senior class has made the decision to direct their senior gift to the renovation of the theatre, which after 20 years is in need of new carpeting, seat replacement, and some new technology. As I write this, parent volunteers have already raised over 30,000 dollars towards the 50,000 dollar goal. Probably better than any of us, the students are aware that the theatre is truly the heart and soul of the School. Some additional fundraising will follow, giving friends and alumnae of the School the opportunity to name the new seats. I am so excited that the theme of this magazine focuses on the theatre as the spiritual and artistic center of the School. Over the years, no space has gone through more transformations nor had a greater impact on the life of the School and its students. Sincerely,

Taylor Smith

Where has your Oldfields Magazine been?

Sunny Adams P’91, ’93, ’03 Ilana Feldberg Adelman ‘88 Carol Atterbury ’74 M. Neil Brownawell, II P’14 Kenneth H. Buchanan P’07 David Carroll P’13 George R. Floyd P’82 Jane McColl Lockwood ‘86 Christine Appleby Martinelli ‘83 Thomas P. McDonough P’10 Stephen D. Newton Frank R. Palmer, IV P’12 Corbin D. Riemer Robert A. Rosenbaum P’10 J. Page Scully ‘95 Archibald A. Smith, III Lisa Wood Wright ’84 CHAIRS EMERITI Helen Frederick Gray ’51, P’83 Alan E. Kerry P’98 Edgar H. Lawton, Jr. P’85 Denise Alexandre Le Comte ’72, P’06 Scott Menzies P’03 Ralph S. O’Connor P’75 J. Calvin Rivers, Jr. P’88 William Scanlan, Jr. P’93 Jane Isdale Schaefer ’52, P’84 Michael Simpson P’85

Letter From the Editor Dear Readers, The Oldfields Magazine has been coming into your homes for years to keep you updated on alumnae matters, School happenings, and upcoming events. Although our core focus of sharing important Oldfields news with you will remain the same, we are giving our printed publications a “facelift.” While the Oldfields Magazine will continue to be published twice a year, our newsletter, The Lamp, will transition to four issues per year. In addition to our social media sites, The Lamp will be your go-to place for coverage of everyday School activities, events, and photographs. This newsletter will also include development and admissions news, as well as alumnae information. Since The Lamp will be covering the majority of our campus news, we will be taking a more thematic approach to the Oldfields Magazine. It is fitting that our first thematic issue focuses on The David Niven Theatre, as this space is truly “the heart of the School.” Take a moment to reflect back on some of the memories you’ve shared in this room. Did you first learn to dribble a basketball there back when the theatre was still a gym? Did you listen to an especially moving Senior Presentation? How about watching your daughter or your classmates take the stage for a theatrical production or make a hilarious Morning Meeting announcement? When we all put our heads together to contemplate the reasons that the Theatre is so important to our mission as a school, the list was endless. While the majority of this issue will focus on theatre at Oldfields, you will also find coverage of two of our major School events, Alumnae Weekend and Graduation. I hope that you will enjoy reading about some of our successful theatre stars, past and present, who have brought life to the Oldfields stage. Please enjoy a trip down memory lane and take a moment to consider contributing to the renovation of a space that has given so much to our community. While perusing this issue, please keep in mind that we have a fun new project called “Where has your Oldfields Magazine been?” We encourage you to send us your photos of you and this issue of the magazine. Did you read it on a vacation abroad? Look through it with your Oldfields roommate? Please send me your photos and you may be featured in the next issue of the magazine. We want to keep you in the loop as to what is going on at the School that we all love, but we also want to hear from you! Please don’t hesitate to send me your questions, comments, photographs, life updates, etc. I hope you enjoy this issue of the Oldfields Magazine. Sincerely,

Send us a picture of you and your Oldfields Magazine with a description of the location Please direct photos to: Eliza Broaddus, Editor Sparks Glencoe, MD 21152 BroaddusE@OldfieldsSchool.org

Spring / Summer 2011

When I met with Jamie Niven to discuss a gift to Oldfields to make possible the extensive renovation of the new theatre, he made a generous commitment and asked if the School would consider naming the theatre after his father, David Niven. “It is not a condition of the gift,” he said, “but my father would have loved so much the spirit of the place.” Little did either of us know that this very theatre would become the place where the spirit of Oldfields would be expressed most simply but most eloquently on a daily basis in Morning Meeting. This is why, for me, Morning Meeting became my favorite time of the day while at Oldfields. When Eliza Broaddus told me that the magazine was going to feature The David Niven Theatre as the heart of the school, I was delighted with her choice of words. For me, this is where the open-hearted, open-minded nature of the Oldfields community has been most clearly manifested. When I return to campus from time to time, I am reminded of how much the campus has changed, but it is in the theatre where I am most reminded of how much “The spirit of Oldfields in you and me” has remained the same. - Hawley Rogers Head of School Emeritus

and you may be featured in our next issue!

1500 Glencoe Road

Reflections on The David Niven Theatre

New Director of Boarding Admission Anneke Skidmore reads the winter edition of the Oldfields Magazine on Commons Lawn.

Eliza Broaddus Editor

Oldfields Magazine

A t

O l d f i e l d s

A t

O l d f i e l d s

Middle Schoolers Bring New Life to Theatre Program In the spring production of Annie, if not yet evident from performances at the beginning of the year, it was quite clear that the middle schoolers could hold their own onstage. The main role of Annie was played by Barbara Cisneros Zertuche ’15 and the slew of disgruntled, singing orphans were played exclusively by sixth and seventh graders. Raw talent aside, one of the main reasons that these girls can hold their own onstage is due in part to their Middle School Theatre class. The entirety of the sixth and seventh grades takes Middle School Theatre, an introductory theatre course with a splash of music. In the course, the students focus on observation, projection, and articulation. Performing Arts Chair Kate Briante, in her first year of offering the course, notes that the most challenging part of working with this age group is getting them to not visualize popular culture references to the material on which they’re working. Though the majority of the “orphans” cast in Annie grew up watching the musical and singing the songs, Briante wanted them to put their own spin on the popular show. Of the sixth and seventh graders, Briante notes, “They are not yet editing. They are still open, still malleable.” The girls bring a child-like quality to the stage and openly employ their imaginations. Briante opens each theatre class with a challenge – take ten minutes to create a skit centered on a given theme. Seventh graders and theatre aficionados Katie Walsh and Kimberly Kupres recently went above and beyond with their theme of “flowers” by creating a flower shop where several of their group mates personified the actual blooms being sold. They even made up an original song to complement their scene. “We all add in our ideas to create one big idea,” says Kimberly. Katie has been involved in theatre since first grade, but just recently made her debut performance on the Oldfields stage as Tweedledee and the gardener in Alice in Wonderland. When asked why she enjoys theatre class, Katie answers without hesitation. “It’s a good place to express myself,” she says. “At Oldfields, I got the feeling that everyone was like a big family that got along.” With this level of comfort, Katie feels comfortable opening up and letting her creative side take over. Classmate Kimberly did not have any formal acting experience before arriving at Oldfields, although she enjoyed the occasional opportunity to participate in theatrical events such as a “character parade” at her elementary school. The main reason she enjoys theatre class is because it gives her a creative outlet during the day to express herself and get her energy out. While Katie and Kimberly describe Mrs. Briante as “awesome,” it’s clear that the feeling is mutual. “They have brought so much joy to me,” says Briante, smiling. Above: Katie Walsh ’16 and Kimberly Kupres ’16 Left: Daddy Warbucks (Rachel Adams ’11) with Annie (Barbara Cisneros Zertuche ’15)

Spring / Summer 2011

Oldfields Magazine

A t

O l d f i e l d s

A t

O l d f i e l d s

Middle School Theater The entirety of the sixth and seventh grades takes Middle School Theatre, an introductory theatre course with a splash of music. In the course, the students focus on observation, projection, and articulation.

Barrett Pitcher ’15 as Alice Piper Hudspeth Blackburn ’15 and Barrett Pitcher ’15 perform an original scene during a fall Open House.

Creativity Abounds in Alice in Wonderland

The middle school Annie participants performed “Hard Knock Life” for Grandparents Day.

Sixth and seventh grade theatre students show off their handmade aprons – a project to go along with a unit on Heidi.

The middle schoolers work on their acting skills during a master class.

Spring / Summer 2011

The cast of Alice in Wonderland

On January 28, 29, and 30, the Oldfields stage came alive through colorful set pieces, intricate costumes, and the classic story of Alice in Wonderland. Familiar characters such as the Queen of Hearts, the White Rabbit, the Cheshire Cat, and Alice herself, were portrayed by Oldfields girls, representing a wide variety of ages and experience levels. While it was the first stage performance for many in the cast, Alice in Wonderland also marked the first Oldfields production to include the new middle school. “What better way to welcome the middle school girls than to present one of the most beloved stories ever written,” says Performing Arts Chair Kate Briante. “I knew I wanted to introduce the theatre program as accessible and welcoming to all of the new girls at Oldfields.”

One might say that performing Alice in Wonderland was meant to be. Briante says that there were three “signs” related to the production that she experienced in her personal life. The first occurred when she was walking through Central Park with a friend and stumbled across a bronze statue of the characters of Alice, the Mad Hatter, and the March Hare. Though Briante had previously lived in the City for ten years, she had never before noticed this piece of art. The second sign arose when she was passing the Fashion Institute of Technology and happened to see a red evening dress, composed mostly of playing cards, on display in the window. As seen on page 10, this dress would become the inspiration for the Queen of Hearts costume that Kaitlyn Watt ’11 wore in the School’s production. The final sign came about

Taylor Scott ’11 as the March Hare

when Briante was shopping at one of her favorite boutique stores and found a box of engraved coasters with Alice and the Mad Hatter’s tea party on them. As Briante likes to tell her students, “You never know where your inspiration is going to come from!” Under Briante’s talented direction, in conjunction with enthusiastic character portrayals and dedicated stage hands, Alice in Wonderland went off without a hitch. The audience thoroughly enjoyed joining Alice for her adventures in Wonderland and meeting the colorful cast of characters along the way.

Oldfields Magazine

f e a t u r e

Kate Briante

Recycling, Repurposing, & Rehearsing

f e a t u r e

If you were lucky enough to see any of the theatre productions on the Oldfields stage this year, you were likely taken aback by not only the talent and energy of the performers, but also the intricate sets and costumes that transported the audience into the worlds of rural Mississippi in The Miss Firecracker Contest, zany Wonderland in Alice in Wonderland, and 1930s New York City in Annie. Meet Performing Arts Chair Kate Briante, the woman behind the scenes who spent hours not only directing these productions, but also putting her repurposing talents to use to create the settings that created the tone for these three shows. Growing up in Knoxville, Tennessee, Briante got an early start on repurposing by watching her mother and her grandmother “make something out of nothing.” To her delight, Briante’s “Grandma Bee” created clothes for her Laura doll from Briante’s old school dresses. The joy in repurposing for Briante comes from giving something old and unwanted a new life and a second chance. As a girl, Briante learned how to make “God’s eyes” out of yarn and twigs gathered in the yard. She pressed leaves to create art and collected small pieces of scrap wood from her high school woodshop class to turn into a wooden collage, a gift that her mother still treasures. For one of the most important days of her life, her wedding day, Briante stayed true to her love of repurposing and wore a vintage dress that she found in New York City. She had it detailed with fabric

Kate Briante’s costume creation for Wonderland’s Queen of Hearts and the original dress from which she drew her inspiration (in photo).

Briante puts the finishing touches on senior Bridget Heneghan’s Duchess costume.

Spring / Summer 2011

from her mother’s own wedding dress and finished the look with her mother’s veil, made out of exquisite wax flowers and toile. Briante’s creative and artistic talents were truly able to shine during the winter production of Alice in Wonderland. When tackling the enormous project of creating Wonderland on the Oldfields stage, she also took on the task of creating the outrageous costumes worn by the performers. Though the added responsibility was great, Briante notes that “the creative side of my brain told me that I had to do it.” Briante kept many of the costumes a secret, releasing few publicity photos of the cast and choosing to leave the reveal of her hard work for opening night. A piece which Briante is particularly proud of is the dress that Kaitlyn Watt ’11 wore as the Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland (see cover). She was inspired by a similar dress that she had seen in a storefront while window shopping in New York City. Drawing from this garment, Briante created Watt’s dress, which featured vintage playing cards decorating the skirt and tiny buttons created from mirrors on the bodice. The Queen of Hearts’ dress and the costume that was worn by senior Bridget Heneghan’s character of the Duchess are still on display outside of the theatre. They are truly theatrical works of art and are a testament to Briante’s long hours of snipping, stitching, and gluing that pulled all of the looks together. Briante could not be in a better environment for putting her repurposing talents to work. A certified Maryland Green School, Oldfields remains committed to reducing its impact on the environment and educating its students through the ecOSchool program. As an Oldfields faculty member, Briante recognizes the importance of leading by example and teaching her theatre students to reduce, reuse, and recycle. While the School is undoubtedly lucky to have Briante, she likewise feels fortunate to be a part of the Oldfields commu-

Briante designed the costume worn by the Duchess (Bridget Heneghan ’11) in Alice in Wonderland.

Briante makes sure senior Sky Li’s costume is perfect.

Kate Briante poses with the cast of The Miss Firecracker Contest.

nity. When asked what her favorite part of her job is, Briante responds without hesitation: “I give the girls a platform, a stage, and the opportunity to perform in a safe environment where they feel comfortable taking theatrical risks. I love watching my students take hold of a specific character and make it their own. I have seen many girls over the years gain confidence not only in their performing skills but also in themselves.” We can’t wait to see what the next season of theatre productions will bring! Would you like to become a Patron of the Arts at Oldfields? If so, please contact Kate Briante: (443) 662-1109 BrianteK@OldfieldsSchool.org

Kate Briante lives in nearby Towson with her husband, Chris, (the arts department chair at St. Paul’s School) and their son, Bennett. She earned her B.A. from The University of Tennessee and her M.F.A. from Mason Gross School of the Arts in New Brunswick, New Jersey. While living in New York City, she appeared on television in Law and Order and One Life to Live. Briante’s film credits include Scent of a Woman, Age of Innocence, and Awakenings. Her extensive theatre credits include off-Broadway musical productions of Company, The Vagabond King, and ten seasons of regional “summer stock” theatre. Locally, she has performed at Toby’s Dinner Theatre, The Engineer’s Club and Rep Stage. Kate Briante can be contacted by email at BrianteK@OldfieldsSchool.org or by phone at (443) 662-1109.

Oldfields Magazine

F e a t u r e

Kaitlyn Watt ’11

Bringing a Range of Emotions to the Stage

Kaitlyn Watt, (from top) as the Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland, Carnelle in The Miss Firecracker Contest, and as herself.

Spring / Summer 2011

If you’ve met Kaitlyn Watt ’11, you might find it difficult to believe that she has ever been described as “shy.” This vivacious and outspoken young woman can often be found performing at an Oldfields Coffeehouse, making her peers laugh with her hilarious stories, or singing her heart out in a music recital. During orientation 2010, Kaitlyn even volunteered to entertain the community when there was a lull in activity by beginning to recite a monologue. One thing is clear – it’s never a mediocre day when Kaitlyn is involved. Kaitlyn came to Oldfields as a mid-year student in 2010. Since she has a selfdescribed tendency to be reserved at first, she wanted to get involved in an activity that would bring her out of her shell. Theatre seemed like the perfect option, especially since she had enjoyed acting in previous years. “I was really excited because I saw it as not only a way to do something I love, but also to join that community,” she says. Kaitlyn was originally drawn to theatre because it was an outlet for her to explore her emotions and channel her energy. “In the classroom when I was theatrical and dramatic,” she says, “I got into trouble. Onstage, everyone loved me.” The Oldfields community certainly has loved seeing Kaitlyn on the stage, right from her first role as Henry in The Fantasticks.

Kaitlyn’s career high came when she was cast as the lead role of Carnelle in the fall production of The Miss Firecracker Contest. “Carnelle is so much more complex than other characters I’d played. There was such a range of emotions,” she says. Kaitlyn was a natural for the role and certainly established herself as an actor to contend with on the Oldfields stage. In following with her trend of strong characters, Kaitlyn was cast as the Queen of Hearts for the winter production of Alice in Wonderland. The Queen was especially fun for her to play since she just got to be her wacky self. Kaitlyn finished her Oldfields theatre career by portraying the slick and underhanded Rooster, the brother of Miss Hannigan in Annie. “It’s nice to sometimes step outside of yourself,” she says of the role. Since Rooster was so opposite of her everyday personality, Kaitlyn had fun getting into a completely different state of mind to depict the character. Kaitlyn will attend Ithaca College next year where she hopes to take her love of theatre and performing into related areas of the entertainment business like film. “Theatre is something that comes naturally to me and I think that’s always something you should explore.” We can’t wait to see what outrageous character she will play next!

“When I think of Kaitlyn, I think of ‘Largeness of Heart.’ I don’t think people realize how deeply Kaitlyn feels things. Her emotions, combined with how quickly her mind works, are magic when you unleash her on the stage. She draws from images and memories that color each character she has created for the stage. I will always remember her best as Carnelle in The Miss Firecracker Contest. I think Beth Henley would have been very proud; I know I was!” – Performing Arts Chair Kate Briante

Kaitlyn as Rooster in Annie.

Oldfields Magazine

F e a t u r e

Amy Janney

Choreographing for Characters In conjunction with Athletic Director Alison Jaspers, Janney choreographs all of the numbers for the fall, winter, and spring dance recitals.

The After School Dance class practices a routine in the Dance Studio.

Spring / Summer 2011

A shot from “Hard Knock Life,” one of the Annie numbers that Janney choreographed.

If you have had the pleasure of attending an Oldfields dance recital in the past year or so, you were likely taken aback by the seamless choreography, the fluidity of the dancers’ movements, and the eclectic selection of musical accompaniment. These recent hallmarks of the Oldfields Dance Program are due largely in part to the instruction of Dance Teacher Amy Janney. Janney arrived at Oldfields in 2009 ready to tackle a new professional challenge. After working solely with the student dancers for two trimesters, she began to dabble in theatre-based choreography, with her first Oldfields show being the spring 2010 musical, The Fantasticks. The following spring, she took on another challenge with the familiar musical, Annie. For Annie, Janney choreographed numbers for “Hard Knock Life,” “Hooverville,” “Easy Street,” and “A New Deal for Christmas.” Since she was involved from the very beginning of the audition process, she was able to make decisions early on about the direction of the numbers being choreographed. Throughout the rehearsal process, Janney worked with the cast of Annie two days a week for two to three hour sessions. Janney describes her choreography of a scene or a musical number as “character driven”. “I try to become familiar with the script, the story that is being told, and Director Kate Briante’s intention for the musical,” she says. “Using this information, I look for inspiration from the girls and go from there.” While at Goucher College, Janney was able to take a dance history class, where she learned about the different steps associated with various time periods. She pulled from the knowledge gained during this course to bring authenticity to the stage for The Fantasticks and Annie.

Janney says that the most challenging aspect of bringing her expertise in choreography to the stage is working within the space that she is given and making sure that the movements she suggests match the personality of each respective character. Janney certainly paired her recent Annie choreography perfectly to the characters – the orphans’ rendition of “Hard Knock Life” showed their disdain for their situation, while the movements of the trio that performed “Easy Street” conveyed the sleazy and dishonorable intentions of their characters. Before arriving at Oldfields, Janney worked as a freelance choreographer for several area schools. Her routines were featured in productions such as A Chorus Line, Hello Dolly, Oklahoma!, and Little Shop of Horrors. After receiving her B.A. in Education, Janney became the codirector of The Ballet School of Glyndon and later moved to New York City where she wore a variety of hats for the famed dance studio, Steps on Broadway. Outside of the theatre, Janney is certainly leaving her mark on The Oldfields Dance Program. Along with athletic director and dance instructor Alison Jaspers, “I am always working to improve the dance program and recruit new talent,” says Janney. “My favorite part of working with Oldfields girls is watching them accomplish something they didn’t originally think they could do and seeing them all come together to form a cohesive unit.” Things are never boring for Janney since she takes on a new group of students each trimester. Though there are often returning dancers, it is always a different mix of girls. “It’s one of the biggest challenges, but also one of the biggest rewards,” she explains. Janney not only teaches After School Dance and Middle School Dance, but is also a member of the Middle School faculty and a dorm parent in Carroll. She looks forward to further developing her choreography and teaching skills at a conference this summer for dance teachers.

Oldfields Magazine

F e a t u r e

Pursuing Her Passions

Bridget Heneghan ’11

As shy Popeye with a lisp in The Miss Firecracker Contest, the extravagantly bizarre Duchess in Alice in Wonderland, and the terrifying Miss Hannigan in Annie, it’s fair to say that Bridget Heneghan ’11 has had her share of nontraditional roles this year. While taking on these characters would be a challenge to many, this is just how Bridget likes things. “Theatre allows you to get to be somebody you’re not,” she says. The roles Bridget has played during her senior year at Oldfields have certainly allowed her to do just that. Hailing from nearby Monkton, Bridget joined the Oldfields community in the fall of 2009 as a new junior. For her first two years of high school, she attended The John Carroll School in Bel Air where she participated as a company member in productions such as Grease, Bye Bye Birdie, Hello Dolly, and Oliver. Bridget was thrilled to join the tight-knit community at Oldfields where she was able to really shine in the smaller productions.

For her senior year, Bridget was given the opportunity of a lifetime when Performing Arts Chair Kate Briante cast her as the drunken and shrewd Miss Hannigan in Annie. “Miss Hannigan really was the role I wanted to have out of any role in the entire world,” explains Bridget. Now that Annie rehearsals are behind her and the three musical performances went off without a hitch, Bridget finds that she misses those long hours developing her dream character. “Every day I want to go back to practice,” she says. Bridget sites the relationships she’s developed with her fellow cast members as one of her favorite parts of performing in the productions at Oldfields. “Theatre is the one thing that I’m really comfortable with and good at,” she says. “When you know you have talent in a particular area, you just want to keep pushing yourself.” Bridget will attend Virginia Commonwealth University in the fall where she hopes to study communications and pursue her passion for dramatic theatre. We will certainly miss Bridget’s presence on the Oldfields stage next year!

“When I think of Bridget, I think of her brilliant comic timing, her natural grace, her creativity, and her commitment to each of the characters she has portrayed while at Oldfields. Just this year, she created an endearing woman with a lisp, showed genius with her hairstyle using a soda bottle, and portrayed a ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ personality with her delicious take on Miss Hannigan.” – Performing Arts Chair Kate Briante

Bridget Heneghan ’11 played the part of crude and drunken Miss Hannigan perfectly in Annie.

Spring / Summer 2011

Oldfields Magazine

Graduation

2011

A t

O l d f i e l d s

Oldfields Annual Awards Ceremony | June 10, 2011

Go White!

Go Green!

GREEN AND WHITE

ATHLETIC AWARDS

2009-2010 Team Captains and Spirits Green Captain: Amanda Geary ’11 Green Spirit: Christina Rock ’12 White Captain: Mikeala Semexant ’11 White Spirit: Yooryang Cheong ’12

Varsity Club Students who have played on three varsity sports in one year.

Aileen ’15

2010-2011 Team Captains and Spirit Green Captain: Christina Rock ’12 Green Spirit: Louise Chapman ’13 White Captain: Amira Lockhart ’12 White Spirit: Ashley Carroll ’13 Winners of Green and White Sports Competitions Volleyball - Green Basketball - White Results of Other Green and White Competitions Academics – Green Discipline – Green Thing-a-ma-bob – White Spirit – Green Community Service Clothing Drive – White Food Drive – Green House of Ruth Drive – White Rachel Adams ’11 embraces a loved one.

Spring / Summer 2011

Overall Winner of the Green and White Cup for 2010-2011 Green Team

Varsity Club underclass recipients: Anastasia Araviakis ’14 Caroline Billock ’12 Emily Brownawell ’14 Grace Camut ’12 Ashley Carroll ’13 Isabel “Izzy” Heaver ’13 Min Kyung “Erica” Kim ’12 Rukiya “Rikki” Mansuri ’13 Mary Emily Nichols ’13 Elisabeth “Liz” Palmer ’12 Elise Robbins ’13 Alexandra “Ali” Towne ’12 Varsity Club senior recipients: Donyae Arroyo Jenn Baker Kate Brennan Tiffani Caesar Hattie Carter Nini Liu Dana Muse Liz Santangelo

Riding Awards

Most Improved Rider Award Grace Camut ’12 Horsemanship-Sportsmanship Award Elisabeth “Liz” Palmer ’12 The Horsemaster Award Harriet “Hattie” Carter ’11 School Recognitions

Admission Liaison This award is given to those students who the Admission Office has nominated to work with them in the year ahead as outstanding representatives of Oldfields. Hailey Jerome ’13 & Martha Walton ’13 Cover Design for the 2011-2012 School Planner Muxia “Phoenix” Liu ’12 2011 May Court Crown Bearer: Eonjung “Angeline” Kim ’11 Flora: Katherine “Kate” Brennan ’11 Maid of Honor: Bridget Heneghan ’11 May Queen: Amanda Geary ’11

Oldfields Magazine

A t

O l d f i e l d s

A t

Class Agents for the Class of 2011 Caroline Parks Elizabeth “Liz” Santangelo. Katherine Williams

O l d f i e l d s

May Queen Amanda Geary ’11

2010-2011 Academic Integrity Board Senior Representative: Katherine “Kate” Brennan Underclass Representative: Parker Phelan 2010-2011 School Judiciary Board Senior Representatives: Harriet “Hattie” Carter Amanda Geary Underclass Representative: Elisabeth “Liz” Palmer Academic Awards

English Senior: Katherine “Kat” Frabotta ’11 Underclass: Parker Phelan ’12 Fine Arts Margaret Nevens Art Award Ruilin “Sky” Li ’11 Foreign Language Spanish: Elizabeth “Liz” Santangelo ’11 French: Adrianna Del Castillo ’11 Mathematics Calculus Award: Ruilin “Sky” Li ’11 and Zhening “Nini” Liu ’11 Pre-Calculus Award: Alexandra “Ali” Towne ’12 Performing Arts Theatre: Bridget Heneghan ’11 Vocal Music: Adriana Del Castillo ’11 Instrumental Music: Eonjung “Angeline” Kim ’11 Dance: Alexandra “Ali” Towne ’12 Science Chemistry: Zhening “Nini” Liu ’11 Physics: Bining “Charlene” Qiu ’12 Biology: Amy Li ’11

Spring / Summer 2011

Adriana Del Castillo ’11 and Virginia “Clark” Courtney ’11 Naasira Brown-El ’17, and Caroline “Carly” Weinstein ’15

Social Studies Senior: Amanda Geary ’11 Underclassman: Alyson Thompson ’12 and Parker Phelan ’12 Daughters of the American Revolution Award – Maryland Line Branch Alexandra “Ali” Towne ’12 Students Who Received First Honors For All Three Terms in 2010-2011 SiNa Lee ’13 Ruilin “Sky” Li ’11 Zhening “Nini” Liu ’11 Bining “Charlene” Qui ’12 Rizza Rivera ’14 Elise Robbins ’13 Alyson Thompson ’12 Alexandra “Ali” Towne ’12 Linh Tran ’12 Seniors Graduating with High Honors Seniors with a GPA of over 93% for their senior year. Ruilin “Sky” Li Zhening “Nini” Liu Erin May

Seniors Graduating with Honors Seniors with a GPA of over 90% for their senior year. Bridget Heneghan Eonjung “Angeline” Kim Liz Santangelo Seniors with a cumulative GPA of 90% or above for their entire career at Oldfields. Bridget Heneghan Eonjung “Angeline” Kim Amy Li Ruilin “Sky” Li Zhening “Nini” Liu Erin May The State of Maryland Merit Scholastic Award Given to two students in recognition of their excellence in scholastic achievement by earning a cumulative grade point average in the top 5% of their graduating class Eonjung “Angeline” Kim ’11 and Erin May ’11 Honors for Senior Project Caroline Parks Liz Santangelo

Head of School Taylor Smith embraces five-year senior Katherine “Kate” Brennan ’11.

Dr. Parnell Hagerman congratulates Kayleigh ’11. The girls present flowers to the May Court. The newest Oldfields alumnae, the class of 2011

Oldfields Magazine

A t

O l d f i e l d s

Second Honors Given to the student with the second highest GPA for her senior year in a challenging program of study. Ruilin “Sky” Li

O l d f i e l d s

Grace ’11 and Angeline ’11 pose for their own personal paparazzi after Banquet.

Taylor Smith Prize for First Honors Given to the student with the highest senior GPA in a challenging program of study. Zhening “Nini” Liu The Academic Excellence and Achievement Award Given to the senior who, enrolled in a challenging course of study at Oldfields for at least the past three years, has the highest cumulative GPA. Eonjung “Angeline” Kim FACULTY AWARDS

Nancy I. O’Connor ‘75 Excellence in Teaching Prize The Nancy I. O’Connor Award is given on the basis of a ballot solicited from alumnae classes of 2005 and 2008 in advance of this evening. Mary McQuinn Vinyard McColl Teaching Award This award is made possible by a generous endowment gift from Mr. and Mrs. Hugh McColl, parents of Jane Lockwood ’86, and it recognizes outstanding teaching. Christine Gilmore ALL SCHOOL AWARDS

The Gold Key Award For that girl whose outstanding support and cooperation working with the Admission Office has done the most to convey the Oldfields spirit to visiting families Louise Chapman ’13 Trustee Prizes Eighth Grade Trustee Prize Claire Jermakian ’15 and Piper Hudspeth Blackburn ’15

Spring / Summer 2011

Ashley Carroll ’13 and Head of School Taylor Smith

Marion H. “Chip” Allen Memorial Award To the student who best exemplifies past Board Chair Marion H. “Chip” Allen’s personal qualities of thoughtfulness and warmth through demonstrated concern for the overall well-being of the Oldfields community and the individuals who comprise it Lauren Zafrir ’11

English teacher and Director of College Counseling Liz Winter gave the Baccalaureate address.

Freshman Trustee Prize Rizza Rivera ’14 Sophomore Trustee Prize Hailey Jerome ’13 Junior Trustee Prize Grace Camut ’12 Senior Trustee Prize Bridget Heneghan ’11 Katherine Culbertson ’65 Award To the first year student making the greatest contribution to the School Alexandra “Ali” Towne ’12 Marian Culbertson ’63 Award To the underclass student making the most positive effort for its own sake Ashley Carroll ’13 Christine Heartfield Memorial Prize For outstanding interest and participation in athletics Elizabeth “Liz” Santangelo ’11 Nimick Athletic Award For all around athletic proficiency, good sportsmanship, and team spirit Katherine “Kate” Brennan ’11

The Head of School Award Given each year by the head of school to recognize an outstanding senior Adriana Del Castillo ’11 and Mikeala Semexant ’11

Joseph T. Brennan II Award To that girl who, by her own effort, has made the most significant progress during the current year Rukiya “Rikki” Mansuri ’13 Edith Liddell Twiss ’28 Memorial Prize To that student who has exhibited the highest standards of good citizenship Virginia “Clark” Courtney ’11 Leroy M. Polvogt Award To the girl who, by example and by deed, has been the most constructive influence on underclass girls Amy Li ’11

Tiffani Caesar ’11, Donyae Arroyo’11, Elise Robbins ’13, and Young Goodyear ’12

Kaitlyn Watt ’11 and Annie Kauffman ’11 at the Awards Ceremony The underclass girls line up with their wildflowers.

Lorna M. Kelly Award To the underclass girl who, in the opinion of the teaching faculty, possesses the greatest love of learning for its own sake Linh Tran ’12 Elizabeth Leeds Memorial Award To the senior girl who, in the opinion of the faculty, best exemplifies the spirit and ideals of the School, which are expressed in the Oldfields motto of Courage, Humility, and Largeness of Heart Katherine “Kate” Brennan ’11

Class of 2011

Helen E. Travers Award To that senior who, in the opinion of the faculty, has made the greatest overall contribution to the School Amanda Geary ’11 Oldfields Class of 2011 Oldfields Magazine

A t

O l d f i e l d s

A Sampling of Oldfields Productions Through the Years

Production of Annie Inspires Giving Back It is 1933 and 11-year-old Annie is in The Municipal Girls Orphanage, scrubbing the floor under the watchful eye of Miss Hannigan and dreaming of her birth parents. The Oldfields community was transported to this world on May 6, 7, and 8 through wonderful student performances and the detailed direction and design of Performing Arts Chair Kate Briante. Annie was truly a perfect choice of musical for Oldfields, as the production highlighted the strengths of the different ages that now comprise the study body at Oldfields. Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders played the roles of the lively and spunky orphans, while Annie herself was portrayed by eighth grader Barbara Cisneros Zertuche. Seasoned senior actors played the parts of Miss Hannigan, Oliver Warbucks, Grace Farrell, and Rooster. It was wonderful to see such an array of talent on the stage ranging from sixth graders to twelfth graders. Although the acting, costuming, and set were all spot on for the School’s version of Annie, there was an added element that made this production especially meaningful. Kate Briante, Playmakers (Oldfields’ student-run theatre troupe), and the cast decided that they would like to do something to help a little girl like Annie. Playmakers spearheaded a raffle, with the grand prize being a Little Orphan Annie doll that Briante donated. The winner of the doll, drawn during a spring morning meeting, was Emily Hoffer ’11. The proceeds raised from this fundraiser went to The New York Foundling, an orphanage in New York City, much like the one in which Annie might have grown up. “So many things are out of our control in the world we live in like the recent natural disaster in Japan or Hurricane Katrina in 2005,” says Briante. “I take comfort in sharing a musical like Annie because Annie is a metaphorical figure who stands for decency, courage, and optimism in the face of adversity. [She] is full of fun, laughter, grace, and adventure. She could have been an Oldfields girl!” The money that was raised by the School will go towards instilling a love and appreciation for the arts in the children who are raised at The New York Foundling. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this initiative – you are helping to make a difference in a child’s life, just like Daddy Warbucks makes a difference in Annie’s.

O l d f i e l d s

In chronological order:

Theatre Renovation Plans – How You Can Help It seems like only yesterday that, thanks to the generosity of the Niven family and others, Jim Beck and his talented maintenance crew were turning the School’s old gymnasium and multi-purpose room into a stellar theatre that quickly became the center of activity at Oldfields. Now, 23 years later, the theatre needs a facelift. We need to replace the seats and carpeting and upgrade the sound system. We would also like to purchase hanging microphones and wireless microphones for our performers to use during music recitals and theatre productions. Much to our delight, the parents of the Class of 2011 have adopted the renovation of the theatre as the focus for the Senior Gift to the School. More than half of the necessary money has already been raised to complete the renovation. Additional sources of funding are being explored. One in particular may interest you. Seats in the theatre are being sold for 500 dollars apiece. A plaque will be attached to the arm or back of the seat honoring whomever you wish. If you have any interest in “buying a seat,” please contact Laurie Hurd in The Development Office via email at HurdL@OldfieldsSchool.org or by phone at 443-662-1016.

Follies of American Pop Nine Girls Babies Having Babies The Odd Couple Ten Little Indians Black Comedy Steel Magnolias The Bald Soprano Sorry Wrong Number Damn Yankees Greater Tuna Little Me Anything Goes To Kill a Mockingbird St. Joan The Wiz 12 Angry Women Little Me The Diary of Anne Frank Arsenic and Old Lace Once Upon a Mattress Opera Comique Nunsense Once Upon a Mattress The Children’s Hour Crimes of the Heart Peter Pan The Katrina Project: Hell and High Water Girl Talk Flora and the Red Menace Limited Engagement Tong and Cheek Steel Magnolias The Anastasia Trials in the Court of Women An Evening of One Acts & The Starshine Cabaret A Voice of My Own Regarding Electra The Fantasticks The Women The Miss Firecracker Contest Alice in Wonderland Annie

Arsenic and Old Lace

The Diary of Anne Frank

Peter Pan The Children’s Hour

Nunsense

Did you appear in a show at Oldfields that is not listed above? If so, please let us know so that we may add you to our list. The Fantasticks

Spring / Summer 2011

Oldfields Magazine

A t

O l d f i e l d s

S e n ior

P rese n tatio n

Developing Confidence On and Off the Stage

Rachel as El Gallo in The Fantasticks

Rachel Adams ’11 It is April of 2010. I am walking among the audience with the spotlight on me, playing the fantastically mysterious character of El Gallo. I begin a song about love, explaining to the audience the plot about to unfold. In the musical, The Fantasticks, I am simultaneously the narrator and the villain. El Gallo is in charge of the progression of the story and it is up to me to control the outcome, to freeze a scene in order to update the audience or to add my personal thoughts. It’s up to me to determine the ending. I am perfectly confident in every step I take. Each word is chosen carefully – I know precisely what I want each character to do, and it is up to my discretion as to how I will bring that about.

Spring / Summer 2011

Although many do not enjoy performing in front of large audiences, this is something that I have always loved to do. At ten years old, I was part of the production of Puccini’s Madam Butterfly at the Lyric Opera House (with the Baltimore Opera Company), where I performed in front of over 2,500 people. Music has consistently been an important part of my life, and always will be. When there is an absence of music, I feel the need to fill the silence by humming, singing in the shower, singing at the dinner table, or in various other places (both appropriate and inappropriate). The oral surgeon actually told me the other day that while waking from my anesthesia, I was singing. I have no recollection of this, and it couldn’t have been much because my mouth was filled with gauze, but she said it was quite clear as to what I was subconsciously doing. After many years of performing, I have realized that it is not the act of being on stage, but what I do when I am there; on stage I can be anyone whom I desire. When performing, I operate with complete self-confidence regarding every aspect of my performance (except for when I thought I was going to be forced to play Daddy Warbucks in the spring production of Annie…bald). I know precisely what the consequences of my actions will be, what each character will do, and what the outcome will be in the end. I thoroughly enjoyed playing El Gallo because I felt completely confident and in control (who wouldn’t, sporting a billowing red and black cape, a feathered hat, three pounds of makeup, and kneehigh black boots?) Off-stage, however, I

find that I long to operate with the same confidence as El Gallo (minus the cape and feathered hat). Perhaps one of the reasons I enjoy the control I have on stage is because my life in the classroom hasn’t felt that way at all. In seventh grade, I began to feel as though my work in comparison with my peers’ was often judged as sub-par, which made me feel as though I lacked any ability or skills. No matter how much effort I put in, it seemed as though I was incapable, and unfortunately I began to believe that I had no control and could not do any better. As a result, I shut down. I stopped doing my homework, I stopped putting in the effort required, and I stopped participating in classes. My parents told me I could do it and that they knew my true potential, but my grades seemed to reflect otherwise. By the time my sophomore year ended, I was frustrated and felt misunderstood. I knew I needed a change, and that’s when I came to Oldfields. Oldfields was a whole different world. Extra help was often held in a teacher’s home instead of an office (and sometimes included drinking tea and making scones at 9:30 at night). The head of school knew all of the girls by name, and even once appeared dressed up as Miss Nan. I did not feel that I was solely defined by my academic abilities, but also by the way I could play soccer, sing, and constantly generate new ideas. At Oldfields, the only bar set was what I knew to be my true potential. Somehow, Oldfields saw what my mother and father had always been able to see. What’s more, the School felt like my second home from the moment that I arrived on campus (having dogs and babies around definitely helps!). In fact, the first day I walked into the dining

hall, I was shocked – everyone seemed to know my name and was saying “hi” to me already. I was almost scared off and worried that people were faking it, but in reality, they weren’t. The cliquiness I had experienced earlier on in my life just did not seem to exist. It took this change in environment and my interaction with supportive teachers for me to be able to admit my vulnerability to myself and to others. I became willing to actually seek out extra help, and realized that it was beneficial. I even accepted help from teachers outside of the academic day, which previously would have involved being (unwillingly) strapped to the top of a car and locked in an office. Yes, I finally figured out that there are things I don’t know and that it’s okay to admit confusion. I’ve now gained the academic confidence that lets me take the same kind of risks in the classroom that I’ve always been more willing to take on stage. With the support of the Oldfields community and my parents, I have learned that I can do anything I want to do in the world (with the exception of sky diving and getting a motorcycle license, says my mother). Part of what I like about being on stage is that the process is all about perfecting a production. This works for me, since I am a perfectionist by nature. The process of evolving into another character comes far more easily to me than it might to some others. The process of becoming myself, however, has been harder for me to learn. As El Gallo, I was entirely self-aware, confident, and wise beyond my years. However, even the God-like El Gallo, is taken aback by his story’s outcome. “The story is not ended,” he says, “and the play is never done, until we’ve all been burned a bit, and burnished by the sun” (The Fantasticks). Just as El Gallo comes to terms with the fact that you must be scalded and affected by your experiences before you can learn from them, I have realized that I am on my way, and that I am proud to be someone different.

O l d f i e l d s

Playmakers

Keeping the Oldfields Community Laughing Playmakers always accomplishes what they set out to do; leave their audience laughing. The School’s student-run theatre troupe has been providing a comedic outlet for the Oldfields community for years. Playmakers is headed by co-leaders and sisters, Parker Phelan ’12 and Liza Phelan ’13. Parker has been participating in small theatrical productions her entire life, so it was a natural move for her to join Playmakers when she arrived at Oldfields for her eighth grade year. Liza followed in her older sister’s footsteps after seeing Parker perform with the group. While Parker enjoys being in the spotlight, Liza took time last year to explore theatre behind the scenes, as a stage crew member for A Voice of my Own. In addition to her participation in Playmakers, Parker has acted in several School productions, taken various acting and directing classes, and performed a one-woman show for a final project. Playmakers isn’t solely dedicated to goofing around. The club also works hard to put on The Davids, the Oldfields version of The Oscars, each spring. Traditional awards are given including “Best Actress” and “Best Song,” while some more nontraditional awards are also presented, such as “Biggest Drama Queen On and Off Stage” or the “Typecasting Award.” Each year The Davids revolve around a different theme; some examples of past themes include a roaring twenties theme and a Saturday Night Live theme. Davids winners receive a gold Barbie doll, similar to the coveted award received at The Oscars. During the 2010-2011 school year, Playmakers performed a clever themed skit for Arts Week where members of the club acted as different genres of art, including “Paint,” “Photo,” “Dance,” and “Theatre.” The group also put on a hilarious skit for the Holiday Assembly with a remixed version of “Frosty the Snowman.” Playmakers hopes to continue to bring humor and laughter to the community. “It’s all just for girls who want to have fun,” says Parker. Anastasia Araviakis ’14 plays Frosty in a hilarious parody of “Frosty the Snowman” that Playmakers performed for the 2010 Holiday Assembly.

Pictured above: Sky Li ’11, the members of Playmakers created a “Deal or No Deal” theme for The Davids 2011, Barrett Pitcher ’15 (Alice) accepted the best costume award for Alice in Wonderland. Oldfields Magazine

A t

O l d f i e l d s

A t

The Dubious Dozen An Oldfields Tradition

Top: Members of the Dubious Dozen sing at Garden Party 2010 Left: Bridget Heneghan ’11 and Rachel Adams ’11, leaders of the Dubious Dozen

ust like Garden Party, Green and White Night, and Wendy Roger’s Chess Pie, The Dubious Dozen, affectionately dubbed “Dubious,” is a cherished Oldfields tradition. This a cappella singing group, typically composed of 12 members, has been entertaining the Oldfields community for years. The Dubious Dozen maintains a classic sound and features more traditional a

Spring / Summer 2011

cappella music in comparison with their sister group, Images. The group always learns the School alma mater and “Sheep on the Hill,” to be performed at Founder’s Day, Garden Party, and other important Oldfields events. This year, Dubious and Images took their talent beyond the Oldfields campus and performed holiday songs at Hunt Valley Towne Center, Valley View Farms, and Kingsdene Nursery. Although Dubious traditionally has one leader, last year’s head decided to entrust the leadership of the group to a

duo of Oldfields girls, Rachel Adams ’11 and Bridget Heneghan ’11. Both Rachel and Bridget joined the group when they arrived as new juniors in the fall of 2009 and were thrilled to become the coleaders for their senior year. “Bridget and I work so well together because both of us have a passion for singing,” explains Rachel. The two are quick to point out that although they were involved in various singing groups before coming to Oldfields, they had never been a part of a group that was student run. The reward of a well-received performance is that much sweeter when the girls know that all of the hard work and preparation was done on their own. “Rachel and Bridget always ask for our input and really take on a lot of responsibility,” notes senior member Kaitlyn Watt ’11. After holding tryouts for ninth through twelfth graders at the beginning of each school year, the leader or co-leaders of Dubious present the new members to the community through a special song. Every year is different. Last year, leader Lauren Heneghan ’10, sang a rendition of The Beatles’ “Hey Jude” and filled in the names of the new members. Each selected member comes to the stage to be recognized and receive a red rose. For co-leader Rachel, being selected for a leadership opportunity in Dubious was a dream come true. Her main passions are music and teaching, so the opportunity to instruct and work with an a cappella group was perfectly suited. “Dubious is a great place to get our music energy out,” says fellow co-leader Bridget. “It’s really rewarding going through the process and then seeing the final product.” All of the songs that Dubious performs are arranged by the group leaders, with input from fellow members. This year’s Dubious repertoire consisted of the traditional “House at Pooh Corner,” Tarzan’s “Trashin’ the Camp,” holiday classic “Carol of the Bells,” and Lee Ann Womack’s “I Hope You Dance.”

n 1993, a new a cappella group called Images arrived on the Oldfields scene to give the Dubious Dozen a run for their money. Images made their mark as an alternative group, exploring R&B and soul melodies, and even experimenting with beat boxing. Today, the group presents a new twist on popular, as well as classic, songs. A fully student-run group, the current co-leaders of Images are Adriana Del Castillo ’11 and Mikeala Semexant ’11. Both of these young women are naturalborn performers and have been sharing their beautiful voices with the community since they joined the Oldfields family. Adriana quickly established herself as a triple threat when she arrived on campus in 2008 as a new sophomore. She has been singing, acting, and dancing her whole life – she even began studying piano at the age of four! Adriana joined both Images and Dubious Dozen the year she arrived and has immensely enjoyed being able to sing with both groups. She was especially happy to be given the opportunity to be one of the leaders of Images for her senior year. Adriana loves the rush of adrenaline that she receives when she performs. “I feel like a different person whenever I’m onstage,” she explains. “I don’t do it for the applause, I just do it for the personal satisfaction that I receive.” Even when she has a bad day, going onstage and expressing herself through the performing arts turns everything around. Adriana always plans to be involved in the performing arts, but she also hopes to study

culture and foreign affairs. She will attend Catholic University in the fall. Just like Adriana, co-leader Mikeala Semexant ’11, was also born to perform. Impromptu performances of Mikeala’s soulful ballads are often requested by members of the Oldfields community. Mikeala even finds herself turning to song in order to express herself. When the community learned of the horrific 2010 earthquakes in Haiti, everyone felt immense pain and sorrow for those who were affected. However, this disaster hit especially close to home for Mikeala since she has Haitian family members. Mikeala showed her grace and fortitude when she sang a a cappella solo in Morning Meeting dedicated to the people of Haiti.

O l d f i e l d s

Mikeala also uses her beautiful voice in a more structured capacity, by performing with the group SPACE Club. She even brought the music group to Oldfields for what turned out to be a very popular May assembly. Mikeala will attend Drew University next year. This year’s Images repertoire included John Legend’s “Ordinary People,” Destiny’s Child’s “Girl,” “The Impossible Dream,” N’Sync’s “Gone,” “Images Whoa” (traditionally performed each year at Garden Party), and various holiday carols. Though Adriana and Mikeala are moving on to college next year, the new generation of Images members are sure to honor their legacy by continuing to bring beautiful, unique music to the Oldfields community.

Images

Images performs “Santa Clause is Coming to Town” at the 2010 Holiday Assembly.

Co-leaders of Images, Adriana Del Castillo ’11 and Mikeala Semexant ’11

Oldfields Magazine

A t

O l d f i e l d s

A t

O l d f i e l d s

Alumae Weekend Honoring Past Faculty and Staff April 15-17th 2011 Oldfields hosted Alumnae Weekend on April 15-17, 2011 to celebrate the reunion years ending in a “one” and a “six.” Despite the stormy, rainy weather, many alumnae returned “home” to celebrate in style. The School’s focus this year revolved around honoring past faculty and staff. It was wonderful to see so many former faculty and staff return to visit, catch up, and hang out with the community. On Friday morning, we began the day with Student Body President Amanda Geary ’11 dressed up as the spirit of Anna Austen McCulloch, the Oldfields founder. The School’s history and photos were shared as we celebrated Founder’s Day. The community then processed to Immanuel Church Cemetery to hear Reverend Kingsley Smith preside over the gravesite of the McCulloch family. A blessing and floral wreath were presented at the gravesite while the School alma mater and “The Sheep on the Hill” were performed by a cappella groups The Dubious Dozen and Images. A true feeling of family was felt by all.

Head of School Taylor Smith at Friday’s event

Spring / Summer 2011

Two special dedications took place over reunion weekend. The first was the dedication of the new Indoor Riding Arena, while the second was the naming of The Jan Scott Seminar Room, located in the George S. Nevens Library. Both events were well attended and meaningful. Our stormy Saturday created some challenges for the picnic and Reunion Celebration, but as usual, our alumnae are dedicated and showed up despite the weather. Many came out to The Alumnae Association meeting on Saturday. This was an opportunity for our alums to see the senior class receive the awards given out by The Alumnae Association and become inducted as future alumnae. Our Alumnae Association President and Trustee Carlisle Van Meter Mayer ’78 P’14 spoke to the girls about giving back to Oldfields. Her message was clear; we all have a responsibility to give back to the School that gave each of us so much. Carlisle generously promised to match every senior gift that was made. The donations from the seniors are already starting to roll in. Thank you, Class of 2011! Other weekend activities included the Class of 2001 opening their Ten Year Prediction Letters with Mr. Smith and Mr. Rogers at the Head’s House. The Class of 2001 even wrote a 20 Year Prediction Letter to be opened in 2021! That evening, the School held a dinner dance and auction. It was a great turn out of folks. Photos of all of these wonderful events can be seen online at www.oldfieldsalumnae.photoshelter.com.

The Class of 1971 at the Friday night event.

Pam Crowder Thompson ’85 P’12, Scott Earp, and Mallory Cook Earp ’86 Past faculty E. Jane Spencer, Joe Rozak, and Abir Muhaisen ’91

Laurel Mullen Carver ’95 and Betsy Isaacs

Victoria “Vicki” Meier Linnartz ’86 and her family

Our very own Sarah Valentine ’83 has taken the photos for Alumnae Weekend for the past two years. If you would like to purchase any photos from this Alumnae Weekend or last year’s Alumnae Weekend, please check out the galleries at Photoshelter. Next year, our Alumnae Weekend will be moved to April 27-29. We have already started planning our activities and contacting the reunion chairs for 2012. If you would like to volunteer, contribute, donate, or be involved in any way with Alumnae Weekend 2012, we would love to have you join our team! Please contact Joan Carter Jermakian ’81 P’15 in the Alumnae Office at JermakianJ@ OldfieldsSchool.org or directly at (443) 662-1018.

Kimberly Burgart Weir (past faculty member), Richard Schubart, Head of School Emeritus Hawley Rogers, and Lisa Wood Wright ’84 at the dedication of the Jan Scott Seminar Room.

Louise Smith ’76 and ?

Head of School Emeritus Hawley Rogers

- Joan Carter Jermakian ’81 P’15, Director of Alumnae Relations The Jan Scott Seminar Room

Elizabeth “Beth” McCulloch and Denise “Dede” Alexandre LeComte at Founder’s Day

Megan Mardiney ’82, Sarah Valentine ’83, and Lisa “Christy” Miller ’82

Oldfields Magazine

A l u m n a e

W e e k e n d

A l u m n a e

The Jody West Band entertained the community at Saturday’s dinner/dance. Margarita “Margie” Pardoe Rooke ’76 and Hilary Cooper ’76 won the money pillow for their class.

W e e k e n d

Past faculty members Anne Weeks, Kimberly Burgart Weir, and Teresa Genaro

Student Head of School Amanda Geary ’11

Alumnae Awards 2011 Reunion Chair Awards Hilary Cooper ’76 Margarita “Margie” Pardoe Rooke ‘76 The Oldfields Money Pillow

Head of School Taylor Smith

Awarded to the alumnae class with the highest percentage of participation in giving to The Oldfields Fund 2010. The Class of 1976 and the Class of 1986

Carlise Van Meter Mayer ’78 and Margarita “Margie” Pardoe Rooke ’76 were both recognized for their service to the School.

Hawley and Wendy Rogers were presented with the McCulloch Family Award at a dinner on Thursday evening. Above: Joe Hordubay, Dorothy “Dotty” Hordubay, and John Kane

The Jane Isdale Schaefer ’52 Trustee Prize Jane McColl Lockwood ‘86

Left: Relaxing and catching up in the library.

The Peggy Samson Harris ’36 Distinguished Service Award Pam Crowder Thompson ’85 P’12 The Alumnae Cup Carlisle Van Meter Mayer ’78 P’14

Head of School Taylor Smith at the Alumnae Association Induction with (from top to bottom) Taylor Scott ’11, Mikeala Semexant ’11, Lauren Engle ’11, and Jueun “Grace” Nam ’11

The McCulloch Family Award Head of School Emeritus Hawley Rogers and Wendy Rogers

Former faculty member Grace Mullen P’95

The class of 2001 opened their Ten Year Prediction letters at the Head’s house. The Oldfields community gathered to celebrate Founder’s Day on Friday afternoon.

Spring / Summer 2011

Oldfields Magazine

Alumnae Matters

C l a s s

Class Notes 1940

Elizabeth Williams Gookin – We are thankful to be in good health, involved with church and community, and running a large house and acreage. At the moment, our nephew and his wife and two tiny babies are staying with us while finishing their house. We plan to go on a cruise in France this fall. 1951

Patricia Wright Hume – I have enjoyed spending two months in Florida at my daughter’s home. I made trips to both coasts to visit friends away from snow. My son and I are rebuilding our summer cottage on Pleasant Lake in Deerfield, NH into a year-round home where we will move in this fall. 1954

Marie-Louise “Wawa” Graham Ingersoll – The enclosed picture was taken in Watch Hill, RI in February 2011. Florence “Fifi” Whitney Clark’s children had a 75th birthday party for her at the Ocean House. Alice Fisher Blood came from Portland, OR. I came from Philadelphia. What a perfect party!

Alice Fisher Blood ’54, Florence “Fifi” Whitney Clarke ’54, and Marie-Lavine “WaWa”Graham Ingersoll ’54.

Spring / Summer 2011

Daphne Preece Hellmuth ’55, Katharine “Kandi” duPont Sanger ’62, Gary “Teedee” Blue, and Natalie “Peggy” Riegel Weymouth ’61. 1959

1968

Grace Rogers – It’s always good to hear from anyone! I am now a three-time grandmother and busy volunteering at a local school. Mary “Arden” Evans Wood ’61 teaches art there and is much loved.

Maria “Mia” Grosjean – Wonderful news! I have just received a Fulbright Fellowship to continue my research in Moscow and teach at the Russian State University for the Humanities. Little did I know how my life would change when I began working with my mother, Emlen Davies, on her diaries, letters, and albums from the time she spent in Moscow in 1937 and 1938. The photo exhibit which many of you have seen has now been exhibited twice at the US Embassy in Moscow, as well as at the Russian State University for the Humanities in Moscow, the Brooklyn Federal Court House, and now at Hillwood Museum in Washington, D.C. In the letter that just came from Fulbright, they say: Developing international understanding requires a commitment on the part of the Fulbright grantees to establish open communication and long-term cooperative relationships... As a representative of your country in Russia, you will help fulfill the principal purpose of the Fulbright Program, which is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of the more than 150 countries that currently participate in the Fulbright Program.

Alston Osgood Wolf – I enjoyed a white Christmas in Asheville with my daughter and two grandsons. It started snowing at 8:00 a.m. and was still snowing at sunset – eight inches and three more the next day. We loved it! 1966

Roberta Fishburne Brownfield – I am now a grandmother to a two-year-old who has me under total control. I knew being a grandparent would be fun, but I had no idea what a wonderful gift it would be to have a little one in our life. I am still selling real estate and have managed to survive the last few years, but I am ready for an upturn in everyone’s market. I think of Oldfields often and have wonderful memories. Being at Oldfields was one of the greatest experiences I had growing up.

Tory Wood ’70 Gratitude is the sign of noble souls. That’s the lesson of Aesop’s fable, Androcles and the Lion, a play performed in the sixties at Oldfields. Androcles’ wife was portrayed by Tory Wood ’70, and Scarlett Leas Robertson ’70 (her freshman year roommate who remains one of her best friends), was cast as Androcles. While the simple proscenium stage the two friends used has been replaced by The David Niven Theatre, the moral Wood learned has long remained. After graduating from Oldfields School and successfully completing a strong theatre program at Rollins College, Wood tried her hand at small roles in regional theatre productions. Soon afterwards she headed to New York City, hoping for her big break. While she auditioned and worked in what she describes as “horrible off-off Broadway shows,” she quickly realized that she needed to support herself. “I didn’t want to do commercials,” she explains, “but an opportunity presented itself.” Solid acting skills are essential, but to succeed in the business an actor needs connections and luck. Wood was privileged to have both.

Through a casting director, Wood met the right agents and soon began working constantly, making commercials and more money than she had dreamed of, all the while taking acting classes on the side. Many alumnae will remember the Diet Coke commercial of the 1990s which features a shirtless window washer and Wood as the secretary. The commercial aired worldwide, and was even spoofed on the British version of the Saturday Night Live. “Acting in hundreds of commercials gave me a solid life,” Wood readily admits, “and I was fortunate that I was able to stay in New York City and raise my children.” “Change is inevitable,” Wood reflects, “and you have to morph, and to adjust with the times.” The internet and cable television have challenged the ability of unions to control the pay scale and, as a result, much of the acting work goes to non-professionals. The upshot is that many people are getting out of the entertainment business, due to a lack of any kind of sustainable financial support. Wood, however, has found “the fun, wonderful, creative world of voiceovers.” Her occupation now consists mainly of voice-overs for radio, television, and video games, which she finds extremely rewarding. “Film is very visual, but with voice-overs, nobody knows what you look like,” says Wood. “Instead of conforming to visual expectations, I’m able to create lots of different characters, which is why I came into the business originally.” One of the “high points” of her voiceover career (at least as far as her children were concerned) came when she performed the voice for the Sigourney Weaver character on the MTV show Celebrity Death Match. She laughs as she says, “I was the coolest mom at my son’s school that week.” She’s getting older, Wood admits, and there’s not quite

N e w s

the same amount of work as there used to be, but she’s not worried. As she figures out her next move, Wood remains the ever-positive actor. After all, professional actors never know about next year. Acting, she explains, is an amazing outlet of self expression, but the business of acting has little, if anything, to do with that. As a student, Wood believed that if she was the best actor, she would get the part. Now she knows better. It’s so much more complicated than that, she says. It’s really a matter of who you know, or excellent timing, or fate. She adds, “An acting job can never be taken for granted, especially when everyone is as hungry as you are and there are 200 people waiting to take your spot.” Acting humbles you every day. Yet she persists, she says, because “if the dream is in you, you need to follow it.” Recently, in fact, Wood used quite a few voices (ranging from the romantic lead to an aging Thai vendor to other assorted ages and types) for a recent reading of a wonderful film script, Siam, written by Mary “Cooper” Wright Marino ’70. It’s an intense life, incomprehensible to outsiders, but Wood has no regrets. “I’m very grateful that I have been able to have my family and my career.” And with that, she’s off to another audition. - Janine K. Brennan P’11, Website Administrator

Tory Wood ’70 with her family.

Oldfields Magazine

C l a s s

N e w s

Class of 2001 Class of 1976

Class of 1981

Mary “Missy” McNeely-Lynn – I am still living in Charlottesville, VA. I would love to become the class secretary again – I was when I graduated. However, my classmates have to promise to either call or write back! I am a dinosaur; no email. Contact me Abby, Gaybe, Kathy, Anne, Ellen, Pixie, Robin, etc., etc. How are you all? Cheers to all.

Development Office Welcomes Pam Crowder Thompson ’85 P’12

1971

Deborah “Debbie” Pool Wurzel – Dear Taylor, I had a wonderful time at my 40th reunion at Oldfields last month. The School looked absolutely beautiful in spite of the rain and we all appreciated the effort and attention to detail you all gave to our visit. Such a special occasion! I really feel the school is on to a bright future in your capable hands. Best wishes, Debbie 1982

Jelene “Joany” Dover Dressler – Hi Everyone! Well, 2010 proved to be a great year for me as I was married on November 14th to my new hubby, John Kane. My two boys, Bear (almost 18)

Class of 1986

Class of 1971 at their 40th Reunion.

and Parker (16) have grown up more quickly than this mother could have ever thought possible! Wow, they became young men overnight! Married life is treating me well since I married a man who shares in my passions! Traveling and geocaching! Both John and I are looking forward to returning to Oldfields next April for our 4th OS reunion in a row and to celebrate the Class of 1982’s 30th reunion! Oldfields, watch out, our class has some fun stuff planned for that weekend! Looking forward to seeing everyone there! Jelene

The Development Office would like to welcome Pam Crowder Thompson ’85 P’12 to the Alumnae Office! Pam is no stranger to Oldfields. She is not only an alumna and current parent, but she is presently coaching our middle school girls in one of her favorite sports, lacrosse. Pam will join Joan Carter Jermakian ’81 P’15 in the Alumnae Office part time. Pam’s main responsibility will be to work with and oversee the reunion classes. She will be calling and/or emailing our alumnae to make sure we are up to date on all of your news and current contact information. Pam will be available to answer any questions you may have about Oldfields. Pam can be reached at CrowderP@OldfieldsSchool.org.

Class of 1996

Class of 1991

Please join us in welcoming Pam!

Class of 2006

Spring / Summer 2011

Oldfields Magazine

C l a s s

Helen Piper Coxe ’86 “I don’t think people at Oldfields would have ‘pegged me’ to go into theatre and film,” laughs Helen Piper Coxe ’86, although others may disagree. “I’ve always loved singing and acting,” says Coxe, “and I knew at a very early age that I wanted to be on stage.” It was Oldfields’ loving environment, she believes, and the opportunity to be in a variety of plays, cabarets, and musical groups that gave Coxe the confidence to pursue her dreams. The Oldfields curriculum, including Greek plays in English, was Coxe’s first introduction into the greater world of theatre. While at school, Coxe was in countless plays, and particularly remembers Anne Fletcher, former dean of students, as being an instrumental force. “‘Fletch’ procured great material with mature themes that stretched our talents as actresses,” Coxe explains. The plays Fletcher chose were not commonly performed at the high school level at that time and included Godspell; A Couple of White Chicks Sitting Around Talking; and The Maids, a play by the French dramatist Jean Genet. Coxe not only learned good basics from Fletcher, but also recalls

C l a s s

N e w s

Spring / Summer 2011

being in plays with student directors, particularly classmate Claire Noe Koch ’86. One of Coxe’s fondest memories was that faculty and staff would often join the cast for the productions, allowing the students to work alongside adults. After graduating from college and interning at the New Jersey Shakespeare Festival, Coxe arrived in New York City with $400 in her pocket and a temporary job paying $5 an hour. A series of showcases allowed Coxe to quickly gain some experience. In those days, before the internet, word of mouth and trade papers were the primary sources of audition information. To further her craft, Coxe moved to London in 1992 to spend the summer performing and studying at the Royal National Theatre. Upon returning to New York City Coxe gained her Equity card, which allowed her to be paid as a professional actor. After a few years she entered the very competitive American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco, ultimately receiving her MFA in acting. After graduate school Coxe spent eight months as the understudy in As Bees Drown in Honey, by Douglas Carter Beane, a major off-Broadway hit. She was also in the cast of the Broadway Tony-award winning play Sideman.

When not in a nationally-recognized show, Coxe still continues to work. “The material is what motivates me,” Coxe says, “whether paid or not.” To that end, she has worked in a multitude of regional theatres, off-Broadway productions, ensemble projects, theatre festivals, television programs, and films. In the movie Julie & Julia, Coxe performed with the famous actress Meryl Streep. “She was lovely and so gracious to me,” Coxe said. “Seasoned actors don’t have a lot of ego.” While it may sound glamorous to outsiders, in fact Coxe said, there comes a point when actors start to think of their profession as a “blue-collar kind of job.” “I do the scene or play, then go home,” she laughs. While being an actor when you’re young is exciting, Coxe readily admits that, after twenty years, constantly having to go on “job interviews,” taking classes, and making money is stressful. As she once heard Olympia Dukakis say, “The reason you become an actor is different from the reason you stay an actor.” For Coxe, the adrenaline of being on stage and interacting with the audience is what keeps her motivated. While she has seen many friends leave the business because they were unable to find work, Coxe has developed some strategies for dealing with those difficult times. Most importantly, she says, “I have always had a ‘survival job’ such as voice-overs, and teaching inner-city students as a member of the Epic Theatre Ensemble.” Currently, Coxe is taking a course to become licensed as an emergency medical technician. Exercising, taking care of oneself, being with friends, and reading are helpful, as is remaining “geographically, politically, and artistically aware of what’s going on in the world.” “It’s important to keep ambition in perspective,” Coxe emphasizes, “and to always ask if what you are doing is making you happy.”

N e w s

You may have seen Helen in…

2009 Color of Truth Frau Konrad 2009 Julie & Julia Dorothy De Santillana 2009 30 Rock (TV series) Gay Man’s Fiancé Kidney Now! 2009 The Rebound Sweatsuit Lesbian 2008 The Housetaurant (short) Caroline 2008 Guiding Light (TV series) Madame Marie Episode #1.15422 2006-2007 Law & Order: Criminal Intent (TV series) Courtship (2007) … Dr. Monica Frye The Good (2006) … Claris Randolph 2006 SherryBaby Rest Stop Mother 2006 Slippery Slope Liz 2005 Backseat Honey 2004 Knots Greta’s Lawyer 2003 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (TV series) Rotten … Mrs. Hartford 2002 Law & Order (TV series) Equal Rights (2002) … Tara Johnson

Jelene “Joany” Dover Dressler ’82 with her family.

1988

Diana Fulford Lacasse – We are moving to Maine this summer where Jeremy is going to be the head of Kents Hill School. It’s so grand to hear about all the good things happening at OS. 1996

Casey Lewellyn Young – I married Bryan Young in 2005. We now have two sons, Granger (4) and Knox (18 months). 1997

Elliott Watts Niespodziani – I am happily married and living in Atlanta, GA. I am handling public relations for Adult Swim, the nighttime programming block on Cartoon Network. It’s been really fun working with show creators like Seth Green and talent from our live action shows. I hope everyone is doing well! Go Whites!

Three generations: Alexandra “Ali” Towne ’12, with her grandmother Wendy Rogers, and her mother Laura Rogers Towne ’82.

Correction: In our “Family Traditions” section of the Winter 2011 Oldfields Magazine where we listed our legacy students, we omitted Harriet “Hattie” Bocock Carter ’11 whose great aunt is Maria Carter Satterfield ’44 and whose great grandmother is Alice Blair Carter 1913.

2001 Third Watch (TV series) Honor (2001) … Homeless Mother

- Janine K. Brennan P’11, Website Administrator

Oldfields Magazine

The Largo Core Society Largo Core – largeness of heart – is the name given to the society established to recognize those with the vision to include Oldfields School in their estate planning. As a member of the Largo Core Society, you will have an important impact in shaping the values and traditions of generations to come and in ensuring a strong future for Oldfields as the School moves towards its 150th anniversary and beyond. Your legacy will be an investment in the future of young women and our world.

Kimberly Kupres ’16

Spring / Summer 2011

Mertze Anderson ’75 Anonymous (3) Katherine Trautlein ’81 Edith Clark Bouscaren ’71 Elizabeth Atkinson Bryan ’39 Jacquelin Thomas Carey ’64 Riley Chapin ’83 Pamela Prizer Chernick ’66 Samantha Coker ’90 Barbara Trotter Collins ’77 Pauline Combe-Clark ’73 Janna Conti ’81 Lara Burns Cunningham ’65 Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Darrell P’06 Margaret McKee Elwood ’75 Carol Hubbell Engebretson ’72 Elaine Foster ’51 Terrell Garrard ’62 Helen Frederick Gray ’51 Daphne Preece Hellmuth ’55 Laura Hoskins ’94 Kingsley FitzHugh Jack ’64 Cory Jones Jackson ’85, P’12,’13 Susan Hadden Lawrence ’65 Dede Alexandre Le Comte ’72, P’06 Jennifer Littleton ’84 Elizabeth Turner Love ’90 Carlisle Van Meter Mayer ’78, P’14 Scott Menzies, P’03 Dawn Danagher Peters ’78 Ronald Romanowicz, P’87, ’89 Susan West Ross ’64 Bunny Salisbury, P’90 Katharine duPont Sanger ’62

Maria Carter Satterfield ’44 Eloise Gilbert Savi ’42 William Scanlan, Jr., P’93 Jane Isdale Schaefer ’52, P’84 Sarah Buck Schmader ’82 Robin Gimbel Senior ’71 Carla Simmons, P’98 Cannon Simpson Stoffel ’76 Michael Simpson, P’85 Margaret Ulle ’78 Vanessa Weber ’73 Elizabeth Humrichouse Werth ’37 Natalie Riegel Weymouth ’61 Mariah Sibley Wolffe ’83 Lisa Wood Wright ’84 Katherine Wright ’90 We also offer our appreciation to the following donors, now deceased, who have provided a gift through their estate in perpetual support of Oldfields School: Martha Osborne Adams ’48 Marion H. Allen III, P’92, ’96 O. Frederick Bates, P’73 Susan Brandau ’30 Edward D. Cobb, P’76 Elise Eppes Cutchin ’24 Elizabeth M. Dickson ’49 Caroline Gouveneur Dillon ’45 Reynolds duPont, Sr., P’62, ’71 Stephen Fuller, P’60, ’62 Jane Goodale ’44 Margaret Samson Harris ’36

Elizabeth Lee Boothe Howell ’21 Katherine Young Keck ’19 Elizabeth Eierman Kennedy ’44 William T. Littleton, P’84 Suzanne W. McCarthy P’76 Duncan McCulloch III Kim York McNamara ’63, P’97 Janet Coit Meegan ’38 Gay Griscom Mehegan ’56 Terence Nolan, P’90 Jane Morton Norton ’26 Margaret Hamilton Riley ’11 Margaret Sutor Rood ’31 Armistead P. Rood Jan Scott Beverly Bissell Sullivan ’66 Regina Johnson Tomlinson, P’78, ’80, ’85 Helen “Miss Herky” E. Travers Lily Dulles Van Pelt ’26 Mary Mixsell Waldron ’28 Ann Hickok Warner ’54 J. Michael Welsh Gretchen V. Welsh Nancy “Twinkie” Crompton Wendell ’39 Cynthia Bullock Woodger ’49

Oldfields Magazine

Oldfields School

1500 Glencoe Road Sparks Glencoe, Maryland 21152-9321

Introducing…the 2011-2012 School Theme

“Honoring Traditions and Embracing Change” The 2009-2010 school year highlighted “Women Who Dare,” while 2010-2011 focused on “Finding Joy in the Journey.” This year, the School theme is “Honoring Traditions and Embracing Change.” Fittingly, the all-school read will be Mary McPherson’s A Feeling of Family, a history of Oldfields School. This theme will carry throughout the year and will be incorporated into many School activities including orientation, assemblies, and May Program. The Theme Committee is excited to present their ideas to the Oldfields campus come September. Stay tuned for more information

Spring / Summer 2011

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Baltimore, MD Permit #1