April 2011 Volume 3, Issue 3
The Lamp A Newsletter from Oldfields School
Special Interest Articles:
Spotlight on the Board of Trustees Alumnae Weekend 2011 Introducing: Oldfields Summer Programs
A Letter from the Head of School What makes an independent school successful? I have worked in private schools for over 40 years and I have seen some schools flourish while similar schools flounder. Why does one school achieve financial sustainability and, more importantly, provide a superb education tailored to the individual student, while others with even better resources seem to be like a boat without a rudder? The answer is ―people.‖ Probably the most important people are those who have the most direct impact on our students – the faculty and the staff. When I returned to Oldfields three years ago, I knew that the School would thrive, because there were six faculty members who so cherished what Oldfields stood for that they had taught here for over 20 years! They were intellectually committed to the mission of the School, but, more importantly, had Oldfields in their heart. In addition, they had provided leadership for a talented group of younger faculty. However, there is another group whose commitment is vital to the success of any school, and that is the Board of Trustees. It is crucial that the Board be aware of and support all that happens in their school, while also being very careful not to interfere in the day-to-day operations. The old adage is that they must have a ―nose in, butt out.‖ However, despite having a limited impact on what happens on any particular day or in any specific program, the overall guidance that they provide can make or break a school. Since I returned three years ago, I have been blessed by having two extraordinary board chairs, Scott Menzies and John Hawks. Scott‘s creativity and tenacity steered us through a period when financial conditions were difficult for all independent schools. Our challenges were vast, but his leadership made a ―mole hill out of a mountain.‖ John‘s leadership qualities are different, but just as crucial for the long-term health of the School. He has done a superb job of getting all the members of the Board involved to make this great school of ours even greater! However, in reality, every Board member is a leader and I could give you dozens of examples of how each Board member has contributed to Oldfields; however, there is one example that stands out in my mind that will reflect both the commitment and the effectiveness of our Board. In February 2010, Maryland had historic snow storms. There was one stretch of a week in which we had four feet of snow! Flat-roofed buildings all over Maryland were collapsing and although our indoor riding arena remained standing, it was damaged beyond repair. An indoor facility was crucial to the riding program and
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A Letter from the Head of School, cont. to future enrollment, but zoning issues and the expense of the new arena were daunting. Such a catastrophe could paralyze a Board. However, instead, it energized ours. Within days of the condemnation of the arena, an ad hoc committee of Board members and staff started meeting. One of our long-term goals had been to replace the old arena, so we considered this an ―opportunity.‖ John Hawks introduced us to Faith Nevins, a local architect and rider, who also happens to be his wife, and she helped lead us through the process and has helped make the new arena both utilitarian and beautiful. A second Board member, Jack Palmer, the vice president of a national construction firm, helped us work through the red tape with the county government and had his company serve as the general contractors, saving us thousands of dollars. A third member of the Board, Dicky Darrell, seasoned in working with insurance companies, helped us to get the best possible settlement. Yet a fourth board member, Carol Atterbury ‗74, worked to head up a campaign to raise money for the new arena. The new arena opened in October 2010, ahead of schedule. It is 20% larger, aesthetically gorgeous, and completely paid for! Without Board leadership, we would still be at square one. This is simply one example of how our Board has made a crucial difference at Oldfields. At a recent gathering, Hawley Rogers, long-term former head, said, ―The present Board of Trustees embodies the best aspects of past leadership with perhaps the strongest and most effective committee structure in the history of the School.‖ Rogers‘ comments make it clear that the influence of the current Board extends far beyond the walls of Oldfields. Our Board is a great blend of alumnae, current parents, past parents, and friends of the School. I have worked with Boards in three different schools, and this is certainly the best Board with which I have ever worked. Each person contributes a different, unique perspective that has allowed us to flourish.
New Board Leadership Along with our many talented returning members of the Board, the School gained new energy and insight by bringing on three new members this year: M. Neil Brownawell, II (Neil) is the father of Emily ‗14 and the brother-in-law of Louise Scheffenacker Prusak ‗82. The owner of Butler Apex Construction Company, Neil and his wife, Jean, live just down the road from Oldfields. Carlisle Van Meter Mayer ‘78 is not only a current parent (Charlotte ‗14) and a board member, she is also the president of the Alumnae Association. Carlisle was previously a trustee from 1995-1999 and then again from 2000-2004. She and her husband, Mark, have four children and live in Winchester, Kentucky. J. Page Scully (Page) is an Oldfields alumna from the Class of 1995. Page is a practicing attorney who lives in Washington, D.C. Attending Oldfields runs in the Scully family, as Page‘s sisters Robin Scully Baasen ‗93 and Eliza ―Liza‖ Scully Suarez ‗99 are also graduates.
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Please Join Us...
An Evening in Honor of Hawley and Wendy Rogers Featuring speaker Chris Crowley Co-author of the New York Times bestseller, Younger Next Year Thursday, April 14, 2011 For reservations and details, please call Barbara Latrobe at (443) 662-1003
There’s still time to be counted! Help us increase our participation rate and join those who have already contributed to The Oldfields Fund 2011! Please send contributions to the attention of the Development Office or give online at www.OldfieldsSchool.org. Thank you for your support!
How Does our Garden Grow?
With Your Support! Our Garden Wish List... PRODUCTS: - Organic Insecticide ("Safer") EQUIPMENT: - Vinyl Deer Fencing (seven feet high) - Mower (used or new!) - Soaker Hoses - Tool Shed for Tools (at least eight feet by eight feet) - Hand Gardening Tools - Gardening Gloves and Aprons
SEEDS and BULBS: - Organic Bulbs - Organic Seeds and Heirloom Seeds
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Alumnae Weekend 2011: Finding Joy in the Journey By Joan Carter Jermakian ‗91 P‘15, designed by four-year senior Director of Alumnae Relations Vonneice Canada. Vonneice is originally from Baltimore and found The Alumnae Weekend 2011 Oldfields through the Baltimore invitation has been designed by Educational Scholarship Trust one of our very own Oldfields girls! (BEST) program. She created the At Oldfields, we have such talent invitation while trying to keep it amongst our students and we are ―classy and timeless.‖ She wanted always looking for ways to share to focus on a few of the teachers their gifts with you. Visual Arts we know and love, while honoring Department Chair Dori Reigner, the School‘s theme of ―Finding Joy who teaches Digital Design, in the Journey.‖ Vonneice put Old suggested that the girls have a House in the background because friendly competition to create this she views this building as the ―face‖ year‘s Alumnae Weekend of Oldfields. Prospective students invitation. The students were and their families walk through Old provided with archival materials, House when they arrive on campus old photos, and yearbooks. and it is the main School building Incorporated into the invitations that connects us all as a were this year‘s theme of ―Finding community. Joy in the Journey‖ and the School colors of Green and White. The At Oldfields, Vonneice is a member variety of invitations that were of the Black Awareness Club, created was amazing – it was Steppers, Images, and serves as a difficult to choose only one! library proctor. We would like to thank Vonneice for creating such a This year‘s Alumnae Weekend clever invitation and wish her much invitation has been digitally
joy on her journey after she walks down Graduation Hill in June. Though currently undecided as to which college she will attend next year, Vonneice is eager to study graphic design and advertising.
Vonneice Canada ‗11
Alumnae Weekend Tip Be sure to book your reservation at The Marriott Hunt Valley Inn (800.228.9290) at a rate of $109 a night or Residence Inn by Marriott Hunt Valley (410.527.2333) at a rate of $119 (Studio King Suite) or $189 (two bedroom/two bath suite). Use promo code ―Oldfields‖ when making your reservation at either hotel.
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ALUMNAE MATTERS
Catching Up With….
Angelica Jackson Going Once, Going Twice… The Alumnae Auction is back! Join us on Saturday, April 16th for food, fun, and a chance to win some amazing auction items. Here‘s a preview of some of the items that will be auctioned off — get your paddles ready! San Francisco Bay Sailing Adventure — Board a private-chartered 41-foot sailing yacht and cruise the San Francisco Bay. (Captained and donated by Lisa Chapin '86) Woodhall Vineyard and Wine Cellars Package — A wine tasting and private barrel sampling for 12 people followed by casual fine dining at Patricia Della. Ski Cabin Getaway — One week in a lovely year-round cabin that sleeps up to 15 people. Located near Bear Valley Ski Resort and Lake Alpine. (Donated by Elizabeth Turner Love '90) Handmade Gifts by Jim Beck — Bring a piece of Oldfields home with handmade banks crafted from former Oldfields post office boxes. Handmade bowls will also be available. (Donated by Jim Beck) Although we have already received many fabulous auction items, we are still accepting donations! Please contact Director of Alumnae Relations Joan Carter Jermakian ‘81 P’15 for more information. Photo: Donations from Jim Beck
Courage, Humility, and Largeness of Heart – these are the three words that define the Oldfields culture. These three words also happen to describe one of Oldfields‘ recent alums, Angelica Jackson ‘09. Currently a student at the University of Virginia, Angelica returned to her high school alma mater to speak for the Martin Luther King, Jr. assembly in January. We got a chance to check in with Angelica to see what she‘s been up to. When addressing the students during the MLK assembly, Angelica focused on how King found pieces of joy in his journey and applied this to her own life by discussing the simple things that bring her happiness. ―I have to have inspiration,‖ says Angelica, who shared her passion for the performing arts and for helping people with the Oldfields community. Angelica‘s message connected well to this year‘s theme of ―Finding Joy in the Journey.‖ While attending Oldfields, Angelica was not only the student body president, but also the president of the Black Awareness Club (BAC). As the BAC president, Angelica worked with faculty member Christine Gilmore to plan the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. assembly and sponsor movie nights that were tied into the respective year‘s theme. She took her leadership positions very seriously and aimed to inspire her peers and give them reasons to stay positive throughout the school year. Angelica says Oldfields helped prepare her to attend UVa by exposing her to a diverse group of people with varied personalities. Notes Angelica, ―I didn‘t realize how much Oldfields was changing me until I left.‖ She pinpoints Oldfields‘ feeling of family as what sets the School apart from its peer institutions. This family-like atmosphere emphasizes what she calls an extremely strong support system, one that she still feels connected to as an alumna. Angelica is currently pursuing a double major of drama and global development studies at UVa. She performed in the school‘s production of Pippin and hosts open mic nights for the Black Expression, Awareness, and Thought Society. In the future, she hopes to open a non-profit for the arts that will emphasize empowerment and professionalism. ―There‘s so much confidence and self-awareness that you can learn from the performing arts,‖ she notes. We can‘t wait to hear about what Angelica will do next! Stay tuned for more alumnae updates from Oldfields!
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At the BArn… Amy Roden Appointed as New Director of Riding It has certainly been an exciting year for The Oldfields Riding Program. The students now have a state-of-the-art indoor arena in which to practice and this year the Oldfields Riding Team as well as all of our competing Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) individual riders placed well enough to qualify for zone finals. The most recent news is that the School has appointed Amy Roden as the director of riding for the 2011-2012 school year. Although she will certainly be missed in the classroom, Roden couldn‘t be more thrilled about the new position. Roden has a lengthy equestrian background, having spent her entire life with horses. She received her first pony, a feisty Welsh named Tory, when she was three years old. From that point on, she was hooked. She spent her youth in Pony Club in the Pacific Northwest, graduating with an H-A at 21 years old. While growing up, she enjoyed eventing, fox hunting, and jumpers. She successfully competed through the preliminary level in eventing in high school and returned to preliminary-level eventing after college. In college, she competed in first hunters, then jumpers, when she brought her horse to school with her. While competing in jumpers, Roden participated in shows at the Virginia Horse Center as well as in Upperville and Culpeper. Over the years, she has had the opportunity to receive instruction from many successful professionals, including James Wofford and Joe Fargis. Roden is well-versed in the Oldfields program, having spent the past seven years working with current director, Kate Worsham. The two arrived at Oldfields in 2004 and have both been instrumental in creating the winning program that Oldfields has today. Throughout her time at Oldfields, Roden has taken her students to many events throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia where they have been successful at both unrecognized events and at larger events such as Shawan Downs, Plantation Horse Trials, and the Fair Hill Horse Trials. Two of Roden‘s students also earned the prestigious title of National Champion at the IEA Nationals in 2006 and 2007, respectively. Roden looks forward to building Oldfields‘ eventing program and to establishing connections in the local fox hunting community. The School‘s show schedule will remain the same for our hunter and jumper riders, though we will include more local shows as well as ―A‖ shows in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Though the School‘s IEA zone has grown tremendously throughout the last two years, our students remain extremely competitive. We will continue to be competitive next year and in the years beyond. Our IEA team for the 2011-2012 school year is very promising. As the new director of riding, Roden will be supported by Associate Director of Riding Rachel Mering and Riding Coach Zoe Wybourne. The entire riding staff looks forward to continuing the tradition of excellence in the Oldfields program.
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Oldfields Summer Operation Oldfields Leadership Through Female Empowerment Everyone wants to be a leader. Learn how to be a GREAT one! Operation Oldfields is a one-week summer program dedicated to the development of female leaders. Campers will participate in leadership workshops and will also take part in interactive on and off campus activities including a ropes course and a fun-filled day at Hershey Park! Ages: 10-14 Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dates: July 5-9 Tuition: $350, Day (lunch included); $600, Boarding For more information, please contact Kendra Grinnage Phone: 410-472-4800 Email: GrinnageK@OldfieldsSchool.org
The Extra Mile Preseason Field Hockey Training and Conditioning The Extra Mile is a concentrated field hockey camp with a focus on building an athlete’s base agility, fitness, and field hockey skill sets through collegiate level instruction. Designed to reduce the risk of injury and groom athletes for their upcoming preseason, this camp offers a fun and educational way to prepare physically, nutritionally, Camp Director Caroline Blaum and mentally for the 2011 field hockey season. 2008 Graduate of The University of Iowa. Member of the 2008 Final Four team. Four-time team captain. First Team National All American at The University of Iowa from 2004-2008. Selected as a member of the U.S. Women's National Field Hockey team from 2008-2010. Assistant Field Hockey Coach at The University of Iowa from 2009-2010.
For more information, please contact Caroline Blaum Phone: 410-472-4800 Email: BlaumC@OldfieldsSchool.org
Ages: Rising high school freshmen-seniors Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dates: August 22-26 Tuition: $350, Day (lunch included); $425, Extended Day; $550, Boarding
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Upcoming Events 1 6 14 15 15-17
In-House Horse Show At-Home Night Dinner in Honor of Hawley and Wendy Rogers In-House Horse Show Alumnae Weekend
May
6 7 8 12 13 18-20 23
Spring Production: Annie at 7:00 p.m. Spring Production: Annie at 7:00 p.m. Spring Production: Annie at 2:00 p.m. Spirit Games Spring Dance Concert at 7:00 p.m. Term III Exams Begin May Program Begins
June
7 7, 8 8 9
PHONE: (410) 472-4800 FAX: (410) 472-3141 WEB: www.OldfieldsSchool.org E-MAIL: BroaddusE@OldfieldsSchool.org FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/pages / Glencoe-MD/OldfieldsSchool/32389833996 Editor: Eliza Broaddus
Spring Sports Awards at 7:00 p.m. May Sharing The Davids at 7:00 p.m. Garden Party 10% post consumer recycled fiber
OLDFIELDS SCHOOL 1500 Glencoe Road Sparks Glencoe, MD 21152
Oldfields School 1500 Glencoe Road Sparks Glencoe, MD 21152
April