Old Trail Magazine – Spring 2023

“Being on stage every night was when I felt most like myself. It was my guiding light. Making people laugh is the best feeling in the world.”

SPARKING INTELLECTUAL CURIOSITY

With innovative new programs, Old Trail’s Center for Global Understanding is raising ethical and curious citizens.

CEARA O’SULLIVAN ’06

MAGAZINE

Old Trail School

Spring 2023

Old Trail Magazine is published twice a year for alumni, families, faculty, staff and friends by the Old Trail School Marketing and Communications Office. Feedback and suggestions should be addressed to the editor via email at pwarner@oldtrail.org.

Head of School

Sarah Johnston

Associate Head of School

Joe Vogel

Editorial Team

Paul Warner, Editor

Joe Vogel, Associate Editor

Michelle Schaeffer, Alumni Editor

Jonathan Wanders, Contributing Writer

Design and Layout

Creosote Affects

Photography

Grant Gibson (Creosote Affects)

Kristen Fotta P’30, ’32 (Kristen Fotta Photography)

Mission

Old Trail School is a vibrant educational community focused on academic excellence. We develop intellectually curious, independent-thinking students who emerge with a passion for discovery, critical thinking and collaborative learning. Our graduates are well prepared to become responsible global citizens who achieve in high school, college and life.

ON THE COVER

Ceara O’Sullivan ’06

Ceara has been awarded the Peter G. Wilson Rising Star Award. She is a comedian, actor and new staff writer on NBC’s Saturday Night Live. Read the full story on page 32.

Just a short hike away, Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s Indigo Lake is an extended classroom for discovery, assessment and experimentation.

A WELCOME FROM Head of School, Sarah Johnston

Recently, I listened to a speech delivered by the women’s basketball coach at Duke University entitled, Handle Hard Better. In this talk to her players, Kara Lawson made clear that any meaningful pursuit in life will never be easy.

Schools, like teams, prepare young people for what is next. We prepare them to be able to handle what life presents them, especially things that are difficult or unexpected. After all, life doesn’t get easier when you leave school; rather, the opposite happens. So, our responsibility is to prepare students to handle hard better.

This message resonated with me as we introduced the school’s strategic plan in January. One of the top priorities is to “Raise global citizens ready to be nimble, empathetic and resilient in a complex world.” After all, when our students leave Old Trail School and become adults, the world in which they will launch will undoubtedly be more interdependent and complicated than the one that exists today. We understand this and embrace the challenge of preparing students to handle hard better by helping them develop the resiliency, creativity and critical thinking skills they will need for a meaningful path to adulthood and beyond.

Over the past three years, members of the Old Trail community, including school leadership, Board members, faculty and parents, have been working on a three-year strategic plan for the school. Despite the immense challenges brought on by the pandemic, our work has continued; oftentimes, behind the scenes. As such, many of the initiatives that surfaced during our discussions are already in motion, and some have already been achieved.

We are proud of our work thus far and look forward to continuing to deliver on the initiatives that will further establish Old Trail as a leader in the educational landscape and a premier destination for families across Northeast Ohio. In that vein, the following three priorities have been established in order to inspire continued growth:

1 2 3

Create a cohesive, consistent and distinctive Old Trail Experience. Students should follow an intentional pathway as they develop and progress through the grades in a clearly identifiable Old Trail School signature experience. In addition, we will continue to invest in teaching excellence and the development of a strong faculty culture.

Raise global citizens ready to be nimble, empathetic and resilient in a complex world.

From the development of an intentional curriculum to fostering cultural agility to programing focused on each child’s potential both academically and emotionally, we look to prepare each student to achieve their best selves.

Dedicate to a sustainable future for Old Trail School.

To grow both in programming and value, we must maintain financial stability through a well-managed and balanced budget and an eye towards long-term viability. With a focus on the growth of our Old Trail Endowment Fund, we will infuse operating dollars into each school year while simultaneously investing in the school’s future.

As Coach Lawson expressed, meaningful pursuits in life will never be easy. The growth and learning that will take place over these next several years will make us stronger and even more relevant as an institution. What we do at Old Trail defines meaningful pursuit and we are honored to share in the hard work with you.

All my best,

4

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Teaching and Learning

Raising Ethical and Curious Citizens

Experiencing Culture Through Cuisine

Solo Walks Introduced to Middle School Curriculum

Mapping Monarchs and the Miracle of Migration

Fifth Grade Embarks on Three-Day Excursion to Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center

18 24

Campus News

Trail Tales

Athletic Hallway Renovation Challenge Course

Pathways to Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center

Alumni News

Old Trail School Fund

Report of Giving Memorial and Honor Gifts

Ceara O’Sullivan ’06

Molly Vollman Makris ’95

Katie Kagler

Alumni Parents

Casey Bullock ’20

Save the Date

Sarah Johnston Head of School

“Knowledge acquired under compulsion holds no place on the mind.”

HOW DO WE MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY MOMENT?

THERE ARE 420 MINUTES IN AN AVERAGE SCHOOL DAY.

That’s 420 opportunities to not just passively learn something new, but to make deeper connections with what’s happening in the world around us. The way you use that time over the course of a student’s academic career makes a real impact, so we create powerful, intentional experiences that lead to more meaningful understanding. The goal of intersectional experiential learning is to transform a student into a more holistic and ethical global citizen with a broader set of skills, allowing them to discover for themselves what needs to be learned and why. Old Trail continues to use the latest research to form the best educational practices, and as you see examples, you can be sure we’re working to create core memories that will forever change the way our children approach school. Because learning should—and does—happen everywhere.

Raising Ethical and Curious Citizens

Providing children with an incredible foundation in core academic subjects has always been the essence of an Old Trail education. It is the springboard that enables our teachers to dive deeply into topics and challenge students in equally enriching and supportive ways.

But the true Old Trail experience extends further in its commitment to promoting an intellectual curiosity that gives students an appreciation of others and an understanding of complex global issues. Graduating globally competent students is part of our mission, and one

that enriches students, families and the entire Old Trail community as children develop a love of learning that shapes their lives well beyond graduation.

As an extension of this philosophy, OTS announced the creation of its Center for Global Understanding, directed by Associate Head of School Joe Vogel, shortly before the start of the pandemic. At its core, the goal of global education is to help students develop the knowledge, skills, critical thinking and empathetic orientation required to understand multiple perspectives and thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

While the work of the Center was slowed significantly as schools recalibrated to the constraints of the COVID virus, Old Trail’s progress continued and is now poised to fully recommit to this initiative with innovative programs across multiple divisions.

“Driven by a love for the complexity of the world and a desire to understand, I have explored nearly all corners of the globe and spent extensive time in places where few visit. I truly became a student for life during my interactions with people whose lives were in so many ways similar and dissimilar to my own. The desire to understand is incredibly powerful.”

Through these programs, Old Trail hopes to spark this same intellectual curiosity in each student while preparing them for the multifaceted global issues and challenges their generation will undoubtedly face.

“It is critically important for Old Trail to foster students who have social and cultural awareness,” Vogel said. “The emphasis on global citizenship is a continuation of our promise to nurture a strong sense of ethics, awareness and character in every child.”

“My time abroad at a young age fundamentally changed me and has remained an important part of my identity ever since,” Vogel said.

KINDERGARTEN GLOBAL EXPLORERS

At Old Trail, learning about other people and places is much more than a mere complement to traditional instruction. Rather, it’s fundamental to what it means to be an OTS student. This point of emphasis begins with our youngest students and remains critical until graduation.

The new Kindergarten Global Explorers program launched in the winter and allows young students to travel the world in their classrooms with their Middle School “apprentice teachers.” Through the mentorship of veteran educators— including Primary School Director Amanda Irwin, Kindergarten teachers Kara Kristoff and Kristen Fearson, Kindergarten Assistant Ashley Dennison and Librarian Kaethine Hartrich—Middle School students learn the art of teaching younger children about a particular culture, country or people.

EMBRACING SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Under the guidance of Social Studies Department Chair Claire McGowan and input from new Director of Teaching and Learning Jonathan Wanders, the traditional Intermediate School Craft Fair has been reimagined as “Social Entrepreneurship: Project 345”. The new name, which was chosen by a committee of Middle School students who helped share the program, reflected both the intent of the project and the engagement of children in Grades 3-5.

While being introduced to entrepreneurism, students will be challenged to develop a product—from creation to commercialization—and sell it to members of the OTS community. Proceeds raised will benefit an international non-governmental organization (NGO) committed to noteworthy work around the world. Through this project, students will develop a better understanding of self and others, learn about financial literacy and how NGOs operate, as well as dive into the language and rich culture of the country the NGO supports.

“Students learn best by doing,” McGowan said. “Social Entrepreneurship: Project 345 provides them a valuable experiential learning opportunity that deals with real world problems. Through the project, students will learn a variety of skill sets that contribute to an entrepreneurial mindset while demonstrating a real and meaningful commitment to help and engage with others around the world.”

Beginning in 2024, Old Trail’s global reach will grow significantly with a scheduled program abroad to Italy, where Middle School students will experience a rural and less-visited part of the country—Atri, Abruzzo. There, students will explore and gain an understanding of Italy’s national park system, study the endangered Marsican brown bear, spend meaningful time with local children and learn how to cook Abruzzo food. Other global programs are tentatively scheduled for Panama (2025), Asia (2026) and Europe (2027).

“Working with the kindergarten students has been fun for them and me. I appreciate the opportunity to teach them about all kinds of different people, cultures and places.”

LINDLEY SANDERS ’24

EXPANDING HORIZONS IN MIDDLE SCHOOL

For the past five years, Vogel has taught Global Explorers, a Middle School elective that allows students to gain an understanding and appreciation of diverse countries, cultures and international topics.

“The Global Explorers class further opened my perspective on vastly different cultures from nations across the globe,” said OTS graduate Stephen Kosco ’20, currently a junior at Western Reserve Academy. “Mr. Vogel’s class sparked a deeper interest in my desire to learn more about the widely diverse world that we live in. It was definitely a highlight of my middle school career at OTS. ”

Much can be learned in the classroom, but giving students an opportunity to spend meaningful time abroad can be profound for many. It’s the blending of traditional and innovative instruction with non-traditional experiences that can be most impactful to a young mind. This is the basis of Old Trail’s new sixth grade class trip to Toronto, Canada, one of the world’s most diverse and dynamic global cities, which will launch in May. As an added benefit of the trip, students will now matriculate from Old Trail with a U.S. Passport, ready to explore the world long after they graduate.

Beginning in March 2024, Old Trail’s global reach will grow significantly with a scheduled program abroad to Panama where Middle School students will be immersed in the natural world,

experience a diverse culture and language, and learn first-hand about the United Nations Sustainable Development goals. Other gloabl programs are tentatively planned for France (March 2025) and Japan (March 2026).

“The goal is to enhance the Old Trail experience, complement existing programs and help students develop a deeper understanding of oneself and the world,” Vogel said. “Since each program is unique, each will resonate differently with every student.”

HEAR, HERE SPEAKER SERIES

Supported by the OTS George T. Parry Speaker Fund, Old Trail’s Hear, Here speaker series is an important part of the school’s global initiatives, featuring scholars who seek to challenge and broaden our perspectives on contemporary issues, both globally and domestic, through intimate, moderated conversations.

OTS Abroad Programs

Former Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor of the Ohio Supreme Court was our inaugural speaker in 2019 and discussed the role of the courts and judicial reform. Last year, acclaimed scholar and writer Orville Schell spoke about the United State’s changing relationship with China and the rise of Xi Jinping in China. On February 8, 2023, it was our honor to welcome preeminent Middle East scholar and negotiator Aaaron David Miller to Old Trail. Hear, Here is a testament to the caliber of nationally recognized scholars visiting Old Trail to engage our larger community in meaningful conversation.

For more than 100 years, Old Trail has challenged and supported students to be seekers of knowledge and lifelong learners. Through the Center for Global Understanding and its programs, this mission continues.

Italy

To study the natural park system, native species, culture and food

Panama

Asia

To gain a better understanding of ancient and modern societies by exploring urban and rural areas

Tentative Plans for 2024–28 2024 2026 2028 2025 2027

To study the natural world, culture, language and UN Sustainable Development Goals

To explore the intersection of food and culture

Experiencing Culture Through Cuisine

At Old Trail, food is viewed as much more than merely a substance to feed the body. Rather, it’s a window into another culture—opening students to a world of new spices, geographic regions, people and experiences. Continuing a tradition established last year, two more cultural family recipes have been introduced to the monthly lunch rotation.

TERIMA KASIH

Thank you TEACHING AND LEARNING

SELAMAT MENCUBA!

Malay@Bahasa Malaysia: the official language of Malaysia

Today, we explore two dishes brought to us by our very own Old Trail families: Mee Goreng (Malaysianstyle noodles), a favorite of Shaashwatiyaa Balamurugan ’24 and her parents, Balamurugan Lae Chimanan and Thulasi Kamalanathan; and Tahchin (Persian rice dish), introduced by Milan Haghnazari ’29 and his parents, Sogoli and Behnam.

MEE GORENG Balamurugan

Family

Please share the significance of this dish to you, your family or your heritage.

As Malaysians, we grew up with siblings from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. All religious and cultural festivities are celebrated together. The unity in diversity is aptly represented in our cuisine. Although we have many ethnic groups in Malaysia, our food resembles the amalgamation of spices and ingredients that are unique to ethnic groups.

Mee Goreng is a perfect representation of the unity amongst Malaysians as this dish combines spices, sauces and ingredients from all the ethnic groups in Malaysia. We have the traditional Malay ingredients such as Cucur (the fried fritters), and “sambal” (spicy condiment made from dried red chilies); chives, bean sprouts, soy sauce (representation of the Chinese cuisine), and curry powder (blend of turmeric, chili, coriander, cumin, black pepper and fennel) and boiled potatoes that represents the Indian cuisine.

SCAN FOR THE RECIPES

The noodles are also put together by combining the myriad cooking methodologies of the various ethnic groups in Malaysia. Pounding (using the mortar and pestle), grinding (using the traditional grinding stone) and frying (using a wok over heated charcoal) are ways food is prepared in Malaysian households. This dish is special to all Malaysians.

Do you have any special memories associated with this dish?

This dish is a family favorite and a staple on the menu in almost 99% of eateries in Malaysia, including hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, hawker stalls, school canteens and homes. In fact, we even found ‘mee goreng’ on the menu at a hotel we stayed in South Korea.

Is there anything else you would like us to know about this dish/your culture?

Sharing our food is akin to sharing our memories and sharing an integral part of our existence with the world. Every dish that is prepared in our kitchen at home is blessed with prayers, pure thoughts and love in abundance.

CHICKEN TAHCHIN Haghnazari Family

Please share the significance of this dish to you, your family or your heritage.

Tahchin is a classic Persian rice dish loved by so many Iranians both inside Iran and the Persian diaspora. Tahchin translates to layer, primarily a mixture of rice, saffron, eggs, yogurt and your choice of meat. Saffron is a spice that originated from Iran and gives aroma, color and an herbaceous flavor to any dish. It is essential in Persian cuisine and the spice is often referred to as the red gold.

Do you have any special memories associated with this dish?

The smell of saffron in the air brings back so many good memories from my childhood in Iran. Many of us expatriates have found it important to carry on our traditions and culture away from our homeland. In my case, this means to include Persian food in our daily lives as much as I can. I’m grateful for the opportunity the School has given me to share a recipe. Hope everyone has enjoyed the dish made by the talented Chef at Old Trail School.

REFLECTION AND CONNECTION:

Solo Walks Introduced to Middle School Curriculum

“I felt peaceful and tranquil, and I saw two ladybugs and purple and yellow flowers.”

“I liked the way the sun felt on my back as I walked. It was calming.”

“I heard the birds and bugs, and I felt alone and calm.”

As the nation’s only independent school located in a national park, Old Trail not only has a beautiful setting to call home but, more importantly, is able to provide its students with daily access to distinctive learning experiences in the natural world.

In the fall, as part of an expanded outdoor education curriculum in the Middle School division, seventh and eighth grade students were asked to take solo walks through the white pines and the wildflower loop on campus to observe their surroundings.

“The teachers weren’t sure what to expect from the student reflections,” recalled Middle School Director Hallie Ritzman ’95. “Would these middle schoolers think the activity was silly? Would they be too young for this? Would they simply want to talk to their friends instead?”

Pleasantly, student reflections emphasized an impressive sense of

awareness, both of their surroundings and their wellbeing, as well as an increased personal appreciation of nature and wildlife.

Research supports that time spent in the natural world enhances higher-order thinking, restores attention, elevates critical-thinking skills and boosts creativity—all qualities that counteract the negative effects of technology and are shared by the 21st century’s most effective leaders.

“It was such a joy to hear students reflect about the ways in which our campus and our curriculum help them cultivate a sense of calm and tranquility during the school day,” Ritzman said.

The activity was one of several this year designed to incorporate more outdoor experiences into the Middle School curriculum. The initiative has been driven by science teachers Kathleen Marsicano and Margi Gilbert, and Director of Experiential & Nature-

Based Learning Erin McNamara. The trio presented their vision of what an expanded program could look like for Middle School students to Mrs. Ritzman at the start of the school year.

“Kathleen has worked for a number of years to create an outdoor education experience for her Grade 6 science students, and they begged her for more in subsequent years!” Ritzman added.

The result has been a win-win for students and teachers alike. Other activities have included hikes to Buckeye Trail to learn about trail blazes, nature journaling (including sketches and grounding techniques), trail etiquette and safety, weather preparation and orientation. The students gain all the advantages of being outside—engaging with and immersing their experiences within our incredible 62-acre campus within Cuyahoga Valley National Park—without sacrificing the critical learning opportunities throughout the school day.

“I saw bees inside flowers. I saw bugs eating a plant and felt transported during my walk.”

“I heard lots of birds and bees. It’s weird to be able to hear so many bees.”

Mapping Monarchs and the Miracle of Migration

Every autumn, millions of monarch butterflies migrate 3,000 miles from their breeding grounds in northeastern North America to spend the winter in the forests of southwestern Mexico. Each migration is by a new generation, so they cannot learn from others. Instead, they rely on their instincts.

To learn more about this curious pattern, Intermediate School students have been engaged in a year-long, multi-disciplinary citizen science project called Mapping Monarchs: Migration & Metaphor. Our thanks go to the GAR Foundation for supporting the project through the Educator Initiative Grant.

“As a science teacher, I often look to include hands-on lessons to help my students develop scientific skills and make meaningful connections to the world,” said Intermediate School science teacher Lynn Gregor. “This project accomplishes all this and more.”

The project’s roots can be traced back to last school year when Intermediate School students cleaned out six raised garden beds behind the school to plant milkweed and native plants to attract monarch butterflies to campus.

Then, in the fall, students went outdoors to find and document sightings of butterflies, caterpillars and eggs on a scientific website hosted by an organization called Journey North. One third grade class even had the opportunity to observe a butterfly hatching from a chrysalis in real-time before it was released into the wild.

To mimic the monarch’s migration pattern, students decorated paper symbolic monarch butterflies in art class, wrote letters in Spanish and mailed them to a school near the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Central Mexico. This sparked contextual conversations in Spanish class and reinforced the children’s geographic and cultural understanding of the migration.

Then, just before the Thanksgiving holiday, students blended all they had learned from their scientific studies with written expression in a cross-curricular

workshop led by David Hassler, the director of the Wick Poetry Center at Kent State University.

“Mapping Monarchs brings together two disciplines that are sometimes seen as opposites—poetry and science—and capitalizes on children’s natural curiosity and wonder,” Gregor said.

Through the collaboration with Wick, students’ poems will be featured on a website that engages their peers in Mexico and elsewhere to read, respond and share their own reflections. Additionally, Wick’s new Mobile Makerspace Bus will travel to OTS to engage students in creative expression in the spring.

Added Gregor: “Through this project, we are helping students build empathy, understanding and connection while engaging their creative self-expression, digital placemaking and real-world conservation efforts.”

Dear Monarch,

You are a beautiful fish in the ocean of the sky. Your wings are like abstract art in a walking museum. I wish I could spread my wings and fly like you. How do you fly when you know you will not make it to the end.

BY BROOKLYN GILBERT ’27

Dear Monarch,

You are fragile flowers in the garden of the sky. How did you become strong, determined and stunningly beautiful? Share your secrets with us, and burst from your chrysalis.

Your wings are delicate orange paper, yet you travel so far. How do you do it? How do you fly through the tranquil, blue abyss that is the sky, travel so far to rest?

When you sleep in the Oyamel trees, it seems as if they are on fire. Teach us this great feat, show us the way through life.

BY MARIELLE MCGRATH ’27

Fifth Grade Embarks on Three-Day Excursion to Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center

BY JONATHAN WANDERS, INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DIRECTOR, DIRECTOR OF TEACHING & LEARNING

When he retreated to the outskirts of New England society in a small cabin beside Walden Pond in 1845, Henry David Thoreau was doing so with a strong intention. Late in his Masterpiece, Walden; or Life in the Woods, in a chapter titled “Where I lived and What I lived for,” Thoreau clarifies that intention with what has become one of the more famous lines in all of nineteenth-century American literature: “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately.” The wisdom and the value of that sentiment—going to the woods to experience life deliberately— feels as important as it ever has for young people, and it inspires one of the signature experiences for fifth grade students at Old Trail.

Reintroduced this past September, a three day, two night excursion in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s Environmental Education Center (CVEEC) highlights the fall of our students’ fifth grade school year, and stands as a hallmark example of naturebased, experiential learning at Old Trail. The research to support how outdoor education benefits students is robust and well-established, and our fifth grade team capitalizes on this opportunity for our students to learn together outdoors by pairing curriculum units and skill development in courses at school with specialized content and learning experiences facilitated by CVNP Rangers and guides. While at CVEEC, our students explored ecosystems native to the Cuyahoga Valley, conducted water testing as citizen scientists, classified organisms found in our local waterways, and gained heightened awareness about how to be good stewards of our

shared natural resources. Each of these concrete experiences connects back to activities, skill-building and learning assessments embedded within the fifth grade curriculum. So as students build watershed models in science, learn principles of measurement in math, and practice observational and reflective writing in language arts, they do so with strong examples and context from working in the field of a national park. This profound connection is not lost on our students. Dorothy Mendelson ’25 reflected on how the trip affected her learning:

“I learned so much [...] When I went to science the next day, we were talking a lot about what we learned at CVEEC, and I could immediately remember the different plants we saw, the different maps we saw, and the pH and DO (dissolved oxygen) of the river when we tested the water. It was super easy to remember when we were taking the test, because you could just visualize what you saw when you were out in the environment.”

Dorothy’s observation demonstrates how true experiential learning goes beyond simply engaging in a “hands-on” event. The concrete act (i.e. processing water samples from the Cuyahoga River) initiates a chain of processes in which students reflect to gather perspective, think to draw conclusions and act to try out what they’ve learned.

Of course, another important outcome of the CVEEC trip is that it helps establish connections and relationships among our students and educators early in the school year. Finding a sense of place and voice is a crucial component in students’ social and emotional development, and sharing meals and bunking together for three days facilitates closer relationships for the class. Grade 5 teacher Mike McGrievy said, “I love that we visit CVEEC only a few weeks into the school year. It gives teachers and students an opportunity to get to know each other and sets the tone for the whole year. Culturally, it is one of the most important things we do during fifth grade.” Jensen Ehrler ‘26 loved that the class “gets to spend a sleepover with the whole grade” and that “it was nice to get to know some new students. [CVEEC] is when I became really good friends with Ben and London.”

With many adventures yet to come for the fifth grade, the students move forward with confidence, having returned from a deliberate and memorable walk in the woods.

New Storybook Trail Offers Unique Outdoor Experiences

Blending the beauty and adventure of the outdoors with the wonder of children’s literature, Old Trail celebrated the grand opening of Trail Tales, the school’s first on-campus storybook trail, on a snowy afternoon in November.

“The addition of our storybook trail creates another on-campus opportunity for children to grow as learners and further develop their passion for reading and their connection to the natural world,” said Primary School Director Amanda Irwin. “The cross-curricular connections and incorporation of student work truly allow Trail Tales to appeal to the wide range of developmental levels we serve at Old Trail while promoting literacy through a joyful and engaging experience.”

The exciting new campus feature represents the vision of Director of Experiential and Nature-Based Learning Erin McNamara, in partnership with Librarian Katherine Hartrich and Director of Facilities Joe Morris. The trail, which sits on the north end of campus, is a well-traveled connector to Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) that is easy for even the youngest OTS students to navigate. It is open year round to members in and outside of the Old Trail community.

The loop extends about one mile in length and features storyboards that allow hikers to enjoy literature in nature every 15 to 20 paces. Each station highlights the next

page of a particular story, along with a corresponding curricular highlight from our nature-based program and information about CVNP.

Our first featured story was The Squirrels Who Squabbled, written by Rachel Bright and illustrated by Jim Field. The interchangeable storyboards will be rotated quarterly to provide nature-goers a variety of fresh tales and interesting facts across the seasons.

In February, the boards were traded out to display the original work of our students. The tale is called The Apple Pie Problem, which

Athletic Hallway Renovation

features OTiS the Buffalo and Ira the Blue Heron. It is illustrated by Vanick Huselton ’24 and Alex Zhang ’24 and written collaboratively by Teresa McCombs’s seventh grade Langauge Arts class.

McNamara said the inspiration for Trail Tales came after taking children on a field trip to the local metro parks, where storyboards and art were featured. Funding for the project was made possible through a grant provided by the Lloyd D. Memorial Hunter Fund. To coincide with the start of spring and Earth Day in April, the next rotation of Trail Tales will focus on our planet.

Last summer, as a part of a continued investment into the Old Trail student experience, the hallway extending from the base of the staircase in Firestone Hall to the swimming pool underwent a complete overhaul. The newly designed Athletic Hallway aims to both celebrate the athletic achievements of OTS students today—with two large flat screen monitors displaying a continuous loop of contemporary sports photos and team schedules— while at the same time pay homage to our school’s storied history—with full-height, vinyl decals on the walls highlighting students and sports teams from decades past.

The feature wall includes Old Trail’s newly designed athletic logo and serves as a point of school pride as students and school community members pass on the way to class, the pool and the Harrington McLaughlin Athletic Center.

“This was a really exciting project for the students,” Mrs. McCombs said. “They were so invested in creating something the entire school could enjoy and appreciate. It was also an excellent lesson on writing to a particular audience.”

Challenging Our Bodies and Minds

With donor support, Old Trail introduced its renovated Challenge Course area in the fall. Situated in a mature wooded area near Howe Meadow in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the course consists of 10 obstacles designed to empower students physically and mentally. Faculty members were trained on both safe practices and ways to keep the activities stimulating and varied.

Since its opening, the course has been used by students of all ages to develop communication and leadership skills through a series of fun and unusual challenges— with each requiring children to work together as a team to accomplish goals. The hope is that, through these shared experiences, students will learn valuable information about themselves, as well as each other, while understanding the benefits and confronting the challenges of working with members of a team. To encourage students and school employees to spend more time outdoors and stay active, an allseason walking trail was also added to the perimeter of the course.

The new Challenge Course is not only an exciting and distinctive part of the Old Trail campus, but also serves as an additional resource for experiential learning and character development.

Second Grader Uses Artwork to Elevate Others

Primary School student Sachin Malhotra ’29 has been shining as both an aspiring young artist and entrepreneur in the area.

Over the summer, Sachin, who is the son of OTS alumnae Neema Patel ’99 and sibling to Sapna ’32 and Simren ’34, applied to be an exhibitor at Kids Maker Fest at the Akron Art Museum under his newly formed company, “Drawings by Sachin.” Upon his acceptance, the second grader joined 40 other local youth artists at the event in the fall where he sold more than 20 of his original drawings—each priced at $10. Of his proceeds, Sachin decided to use half to purchase art supplies requested by children on the Patient Wish List at Akron Children’s Hospital.

Sachin is eager to learn more about how he can grow his business, share his love of art with others, and give back to the community. We applaud him for using his gifts to inspire and lift up others and are excited to follow along closely as he continues to develop his skills and expand his business.

We were honored to host Rep. Bill Roemer of the 38th district of Ohio for a special visit on December 2, 2022. After a tour of campus, Rep. Roemer presented Old Trail with an official state resolution to recognize the school’s 100-year milestone as an educational leader in the region.

Pathways to Cuyahoga Valley National Park

To more intentionally connect the Old Trail campus to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, nearly five miles of trails have been constructed over the course of the last year, making outdoor exploration and education more accessible than ever. As a result, OTS students and faculty are now able to quickly and conveniently reach a network of more than 125 miles of trails in the national park.

The updated trail system takes students through mature hardwood forests, fields and hillsides, and to the edge of swamps, marshes and other interesting natural habitats. It also strategically leads students to particular points of interest in the park, such as the Beaver Marsh, Buckeye Trail, Indigo Lake and Howe Meadow; as well as on campus, such as the Challenge Course, learning farm, solar array, and Trail Tales. Consequently, students can more easily connect to the natural world and explore the Valley in unique and meaningful ways that complement and enhance instruction.

Since the opening of school, the trails have been utilized by faculty and students of diverse disciplines, including science, language arts, nature and physical education, and the impact has been far-reaching.

“When students cross a trail head, the expectations shift,” said Erin McNamara, director of experiential and nature-based learning. “When hiking, students are allowed to set their own pace and can investigate their own curiosities. They are more considerate to classmates who are more cautious and have learned and apply different etiquette, demonstrated by the way they interact with each other and the environment. On our trails, students reconnect with the sense of wonder that exists in the natural world and drives all of our curiosities to learn more.”

Added Ronald Teunissen van Manen, physical education teacher and athletic

director: “This has been such a gamechanger. During my Middle School hiking and orienteering classes, the new trails allow me to directly and safely access parts of CVNP that might have seemed out of reach previously.”

The realization of the new system represents the collective work of Joe Morris, Old Trail director of facilities, his staff, and select faculty and administrators, who helped choose the specific locations for connector trails. Once locations were identified, Mr. Morris and Robert Sambor Jr., the school’s maintenance technician, spent countless hours clearing, blazing and leveling dirt to form trails similar to those in the national park.

Dear Alumni,

As we reach the midway point of another school year at Old Trail—my fifth as a member of this remarkable community—I am reminded how quickly time passes. Images of our opening day and special community-building events such as Feast in the Field, the Halloween Hullabaloo and Fall Family Movie Night are still fresh in my mind, yet preparations have already begun for our Old Trail School Class of 2023 graduation ceremony.

It’s during these moments of reflection that I am especially grateful for the chance to meet and reconnect with all of you. This winter, I had the privilege of sharing wonderful Old Trail stories with many of our graduates—some who are still in high school (Sebastian Reyes ’21 and Maya Kinney ’22, to name a few)—as well as women who graduated from Old Trail as high school students (Ruth Ruston Hoffman ’58 and Diana Kenney Woodhouse ’68). Despite the different generations and experiences, two common themes quickly and unmistakably emerged through conversation: the enduring love our graduates have for Old Trail and its community, and the ways in which OTS has prepared our alumni for life. It truly is a testament to the school, and I never tire of hearing about and feeling those connections.

ALUMNI DAY

It was wonderful to see many of you return for our first Alumni Day at Old Trail on May 27, 2022. An especially touching moment occurred when I overheard a conversation between Marilyn (Meyers) Buckey ’64 and Elizabeth Byrd ’89. Marilyn was wearing a very special and beautiful gold necklace that she purchased many years ago at an Old Trail auction. When Elizabeth saw it, she remarked, “I helped make that!” Upon further inspection, Elizabeth found her initials on the piece! It was a wonderful example of how all our alumni are connected through their Old Trail experience.

Please save the date for our next Alumni Day, which will be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees will be honored at a special community assembly, enjoy student musical performances, take a tour of campus and visit classrooms, and have lunch with Sarah Johnston. If you would like more information or are interested in attending, please contact Development Assistant Michelle Schaeffer at mschaeffer@oldtrail.org or call 330.666.1118 ext. 306.

CUYAHOGA VALLEY 5K AND FUN RUN

On June 11, we will host our first 5K and fun run at Old Trail beginning at 9 a.m. The race is open to the general public and we would love for any alumni in the area to participate. The course will weave through campus and Cuyahoga Valley National Park, providing runners

a beautiful backdrop for competition, socialization and camaraderie. Registration information will be forthcoming. In the meantime, please save the date and plan to attend!

OTS FUND

I am grateful for the support so many of you have shown for the OTS Fund. The OTS Fund is our school’s top philanthropic priority fulfilled every year directly by our community of families, faculty, alumni and friends. If you have already given, thank you. If you have not, please consider making a gift.

I hope to connect with you on campus, via email or on the phone soon! On behalf of Sarah, and the entire Old Trail community, thanks for being an integral part of what makes Old Trail special.

Joe Vogel Associate Head of School

OVERALL

23% of all gifts came from alumni, alumni parents and grandparents

The OTS Fund has a profound impact on the school and the students in our care. Because of your generous support, together we raised more than $422,000 from 619 gifts last year.

$250

52% of all gifts were under $250

30 %

of donors gave more than they did last year

PARENTS

22% increase in parent donations

36 %

of parents increased their gift from 2020-2021

THE 1920 S SOCIETY

The 1920s Society recognizes individuals who have included Old Trail School in their estate planning. These gifts, past and future, support the school in profound and countless ways.

If you are interested in joining The 1920s Society or considering a gift to Old Trail School, we would love to discuss this with you or your financial advisor. Please contact Joe Vogel at jvogel@oldtrail.org or 330.666.1118 ext. 482.

INCREASE 15% in the number of gifts overall Alumni

Report of Giving

FOUNDER’S CIRCLE

$25,000+

Anonymous

Drew and Nancy Forhan

Rob and Katie Kagler

Paul and Teresa Pace

The Family of Jean and Ernest ’49 Preston

Reid and Susi* Wagstaff

OTIS & IRA

$15,000-$24,999

David Coury and Shelly Grisik

Ron and Lydia Harrington

GAR Foundation

TRAILBLAZER

$7,500-$14,999

Anonymous

Victor and Abby Alexander

Stephen Archer and Priya Maseelall

John and Jennifer Blickle

Tom ’92 and Courtney Eaton

Amy Freitag ’81

Christina Freitag Klemm ’77

Doug and Myriam Haslinger

Sandra Haslinger

Jeff and Sarah Johnston

Dale and Cindy Leppo

David and Holly Little

Thom and Lisa Mandel

Mickey and Angie Remen

Nancy (Schoonover) Rhinehart ’53

Michael Smith and Jill Penrose-Smith

GREEN & WHITE

$3,000-$7,499

Brad and Amy Bowers

Rob and Alyssa Briggs

John Cavanaugh

Sameep Dave and Fan Mo

Mark and Teresa Davey

Doug Ehrler and Tracy McLean Ehrler

FirstEnergy Foundation

Bob and Linnet Fritz

Alain and Cindy Harfouche

Joe and Sue Henninger

Mike and Olivia Hochschwender

Will Holland and Kathie Jackson Holland

Lloyd D. Hunter Memorial Fund

Colin and Suzanne Kinney

Susan (Bruggemeier) Kruder ’49

Corey and Meg Lee

Andy and Emily Little

Bill and Betsy Lockwood

Nathan and Joe Matuszewski

Tom Merryweather

Ed and Judy Newman

Stephen and Marianne Parkinson

Joanne and John Rohrer

Stuart Rosenberg and Mary Ball

Beth Sanders

Jeff and Jessica Scott

Stan and Debbie Sieniawski

Leland ’81 and Talis Smith

Brian Steere ’95

Allan and Brenda Sweet

Thank you for supporting Old Trail School. On the following pages, we recognize all donors to Old Trail for the 2021-22 year. If your name is incorrect or does not appear, please contact Michelle Schaeffer in the development office at mschaeffer@oldtrail.org or 330.666.1118 ext. 306. We are grateful for your support of Old Trail School.

HEAD OF SCHOOL’S CIRCLE

$1,500-$2,999

Peter and Margaret (Silver) ’68 Allen

Joe and Michelle Blanda

Johnny and Suzanne Buck

Tom and Karen Clark

Kevin and Laura Crucs

Grant Dettling and Katie Keith-Dettling ’95

Doug and Cathy Godshall

Steve and Carole Hasbrouck

Hudson Heating Company

Yoleetah and George Ilodi

Sonal Jain ’94 and Nuri Kim

Kris and Kim ’00 Kasparek

Walt Keith ’69

Damon and Amanda Keller

Mark and Andie Light

Aron Lin and Vicky Chen

James and Gail McCready

John and Sue McKenzie

Meaden & Moore

David and Karen Mintz

Aimen Mir ’88 and Ayesha Kazmi

Pat Murphy

Jan Parry

Annie Preston ’08

Haley Preston ’05

Tether Preston ’14

Ashley and Gaby Price

Joe and Karen Schen

Robb and Shelley Sutton

Geoff and Catherine Tanner

Joe Vogel

FRIEND OF OLD TRAIL

$500-$1,499

Acme Fresh Market Foundation

Tim Adkins and Ashley Coleman

Roy* and Karin Allen

Anwar Altaqi and Nadin Samaan

David and Donna Axson

Stephen and Janice Bacak

James ’91 and Tara Baird

Jim and Kim Barsella

John and Vicki (D’lanni) ’59 Bitner

Ed and Kelly Boehmer

Bill Brelo ’88

Brad and Leslie (Keith) ’70 Burnside

John and Bonnie Childs

John and Cynthia Debo

Judy (Siff) Dittman ’53

Chuck and Susie Dix

Lorraine Fair

Michelle Fair

Peter Farah and Jennifer Caldwell

Rob and Laura Ferguson

Jim and Meghan Gilbane

Ian and Sara Gradisar

Joe and Chris Granata

Andy and Erin Gray

Andy and Debbie Harding

Eric and Michelle Houser

Bradley Howard and Anca Stoicea

Than and Shail Jain

Jim and Ginny Johnston

Samuel and Julie Keller

Bill and Erin Landers

Neil Malhotra and Neema Patel ’99

Matt and Missy (McCready) ’86 McGinnes

Rui and Andrea Moreira

Robin Mouck

Sue Mouck

Ananth and Emily Murthy

Malay and Shachi Mody

Doug and Julie Neilsen

Meeta and Arman Nosrati

Bob and Pam Novak

Keith and Susan Novak

Brian and Megan Pizor

Loren and Becky (Koper) ’68 Pool

Nicole Salmon

Mike and Stephanie Schneider

Peter and Laurie Schueler

Bill and Laura Shaklee

Dick Siess

Steve Simpson and Lori Gemma

Aditya and Vibha Soni

Joe and Beth Spain

Jim and Karin Stifler

Hunter Strah ’17

John and Laura Stropki

Tyler and Amy Swegan

Paul and Sara Warner

Jerry Welty

Keith and Luann Williams

Peter* and Lois Wilson

Brandon and Tracy Worley

Amish and Jill Yajnik

BUFFALO

GIFTS UP TO $499

Hamid and Margaret Abdollahian

Geoff Addington and Melanie King

Wissam Alajaji and Eliane Malek

Kevin and Susan Alexander

Abigail Anacki ’10

Alexander Anacki ’06

Andrew Anacki ’05

Paul and Liz (Parry) ’81 Anacki

Karen Andrews

Dan and Amanda Apanasewicz

Thomas and Tracie Arnold

John and Amanda Ashworth

Mark and Sandra (Korman) ’63 Auburn

Anthony and Linda Aulino

Margot Avedisian ’72

Anup and Neena Bains

Jonathan and Abbey Baker

Alex Balli ’10

Don and Gale Barich

Steve and Rebecca Barnes

Hunter and Schay Barnhardt

Onker Basu and Sucharita Ghosh

Gina (DiPiero) Becker ’98

Karen Beckwith

John and Carolyn Bentley

Julie Berk ’05

Alison Bertin ’04

Bill and Jane Blewitt

Josh and Darla Booth

Karen Bowens

Ben Bowers ’11

Kal Bowers ’10

Natalie Bowers ’15

Chad and Natalie Bowling

Bronya Boykin

Bob and Lanette Bradley

Jack and Judy Brookhart

Carrie Brown

Dwayne and Celina Broyles

Marjorie Bruns

Halsey Buck ’20

Marilyn (Meyers) Buckey ’64

Robin Burns

Ellie Campbell-Gally

Walter and Nancy (Smith) ’58 Carlson

Norm and Carolyn Carr

David and Jennifer Chottiner

Bryant and Michelle Christian

Betty Cole ’49

James Cole ’77

Jean Colebank

John and Jennifer Conner

Cortney Cook

Marge Cook

John and Kim (Paradis) ’75 Coryat

Mike and Suzy (Elder) ’82 Cottrill

Rob Cowie and Michele Cimprich

Lisa Crankshaw

Elliot and Renee Crider

Lonnie and Sophie Curtis

Jessica Cvelbar

Stephen and Jessica Czekalinski

Natalie DeGraffenreid

Gary and Katarina Dempsey

Caroline Depew

Maxwell and Jennifer Deuble

Irwin and Lynne (Frost) ’61 Deutch

Jennifer DiPiero ’96

Paul and Phyllis DiPiero

Tom and Barb DiTirro

Paige Dix ’20

Phoebe Dix ’19

Lynne Dougherty

Ian and Carol Dresner

Ryan and Kelly Dressler

Mike Duff and Susan Black

Elizabeth (Kendig) Eastman ’55

Todd and Cindy Ederer

Richard and Alice (Witzeman) ’52 Edwards

Arthur Ehrler

Jensen Ehrler ’26

Pierce Ehrler ’22

Julian Farian ’22

Livia Farian ’24

Marko Farian

Charles and Mel McGlone Farone

Juliana Fatica ’28

Kristen Fearon

Karen Fiedler

Robert Fitch

Skip and Britt Flanagan

Ron Flauto and Angie Georgekopoulos

Tom and Kris Fotta

Connor Forde

Nathan Forde ’01

Sarah Forhan ’11

Tyler and Stephanie Forstner

Paul Frank ’43

Shefali Friesen ’95

Charlie Gabor ’20

Dave and Jodi Gabor

Lizzie Gabor ’21

Jay and Kim Gaebelein

Dottie Gaffney

Anthony Gattuso and Yun Bai

Todd and Margaret Gilbert

Randall and Kimberly (Pierce) ’65 Gillenwater

Peter and Marina Gordon

John and Raechel Grabenstetter

Lindsay Martin Gryskewich

Michele Gunther

Christopher and Elizabeth (Baird) ’95 Hamblin

Nathan and Courtney (Carr) ’83 Hamilton

Donald and Berenice (Smith) ’57 Hardy

Katherine Hartrich

Paul and Laura Hartsel

David Hassler and Lynn Gregor

John and Edie Heaps

Laurel Held

Darrell ’68 and Helen Hiatt

Phil and Robin Hoffert

Richard and Wendy Hoffman

Ruth (Ruston) Hoffman ’58

Joanna Hollister

Nick and Donna Homenko

Richard and Heather (Steele) ’52 Hopkins

Jeromy and Shana Horonetz

Ryan and Peggy Howard

Kuo Chih Hua and Amy Hsu

Ann Hubiak

Bob Hudson and Audrey DeLong

Sandy Humenny

Mike and Debi Huselton

Deborah Hyatt

James and Amanda Irwin

Chris Ives and Kristin Hay-Ives ’78

Jeff Johnson and Jen Haslinger ’82

Sharon Johnson

Clarke Jordan and Alex Brown ’70

Anita Joseph

Laura Joss

Brooke Joy

Chris and Beth Kaczmar

Emma Kaczmar ’13

George Kagler ’17

Dave and Abby Karam

Anne (Forhan) Keane ’06

Alan ’57 and Crickett Keener

Bob ’63 and Polly (Leonard) ’64 Keener

Jane Keller ’25

Lauren Keller ’23

Lauren Keller

Joe and Chrissy Kepley

Parag Khandelwal ’02

Rebecca Knight ’79

Ryan Kopko and Brooke Bonelli

Michael and Susan Koroly

Erik Korvne

Brad and Robyn Kosco

Jeffrey Kramer

Kara Kristoff

Brian and Kara Kudro

Richard Kurtz and Hilary Ayers-Kurtz

Balamurugan Lae Chimanan and Thulasi Kamalanathan

Nancy Larson

Thomas and Carrie Lehman

Steve and Kara LeVan

Erik and Jan Lindstrom

Julia Liston ’04

Dan Little and Deb Armstrong

Phil and Peggy (McDowell) ’66 Lloyd

Martha Loar

Allen ’65 and Donna Loomis

Alyssa Louie

John and Sally (O’Neal) ’72 Lucas

Scott and Brittany Lundy

Albert and Chrissy Macso

Donn and Anne Marciniak

Hova Maronian

Kathleen Marsicano

Piper Beckwith Martin ’02

Sybby (McEldowny) Martin ’52

Maxx and Jacquie Matheny

Ros Mather

Nathan and Teresa McCombs

Clare McGowan

Mike and Nancy McGrievy

Hannah McKenzie ’11

Shade and Amanda McMillen

THANK YOU TO OUR 2022 TRAIL TO TABLE HOSTS

Chuck and Susie Dix

Tom and Courtney Eaton

Jeff and Sarah Johnston

Colin and Suzanne Kinney

Corey and Meg Lee

Nathan and Joe Matuszewski

Salvester and Allison Papalardo

Laura Shaklee

Erin McNamara

Robert and Irene McNamara

Mary Meadows

Colleen Meidenbauer

Justin and Leanne Meiser

Ann Mell ’73

Francis and Monika Mencl

Les Meredith

Andy and Louise Miller

Paul Miller and Kathleen Burrell-Miller

Chrystal Minosky

Jeff Moore and Reka Barabas

Joe and Susan Moorhead

Tiffany Morikis

Joe and Leah Morris

Cheryl Munaretto

Robert and Joann Murtha

Kersh Naidu

Ilya Nath ’27

Yvonne Nath ’98

David Neawedde and Courtney Slusser

Shannon Nelson

Colleen Newman ’88

Susan Newman

Thomas Nguyen and Jodie Skillicorn

Brian and Mari Rose Niec

Leila Nosrati

Parisa Nosrati ’21

John and Kathy Novak

Mike and Hillary Oravec

Sarah (Mabry) O’Reilly ’58

Pat and Jodi Palumbo

Chris Pastor

Dave and Karen Patterson

Jon Pavloff

John Pintola and Jeff Eason

Ronald Pizor

Ryan and Liz Pjesky

Devon Poling and Jessica Zolton

George and Georgann Poulos

Adam and Amanda Pry

Marival Quesada

Delores Quinn

Doug and Julia Radefeld

David and Vicki Raynor

Justin and Gia Reed

Mandy Reynolds

Aaron and Rachel Rich

Peter Ripploh and Manuela Faber

Hallie (Godshall) ’95 Ritzman

Kimberly Robinson

David Rodriguez

Larkin Rogers

Sophia Rose ’14

Penny Rosenberg

Lloyd and Sandi Ross

Brandon and Laura Roth

Richard and Marcia Rubin

Dean Ruff

George Russell ’55

Susan Ryan ’49

Lewis Sage and Katharine Sheppard

John and Bernadette Salley

Rob Sambor Jr.

Adrian and Jen Sanchez

Kathy Sapienza

Michelle Schaeffer

Laurie Schrank

David and Margaret Scott

William and Cecily (Parke) ’52 Sesler

Bruce and Sandra Shackelford

David and Sally Shaffer

Seyed Sharifi and Farnaz Emrani

Anthony Shreffler ’00 and Cassie Hauserman

Matt Shreffler ’95

Victoria Shreffler ’00

David ’69 and Mollie Shulan

John ’72 and Stacy Shulan

Nolan Si ’20

Cristina Sicard

Abigail Siegfried

Jason ’85 and Carrie Silver

Patricia Silver ’72

Walt and Pat Silver

Travis Singer ’95

Raj and Jennifer Sinha

Andy ’91 and Samantha Slocum

Ben Smith

Dick and Gindy (Chenoweth) ’72 Smith

Eva Sabolek Smith

Jerome and Helen Smith

Stephanie Smith

Roger and Joanne Snavely

Chris Snyder

Tyler Snyder ’21

Christy Solis

Anika Soni ’22

Sarah Spradling

Terry and Dianne Squire

Frank and Barb Sterenberg

Jason Stevenson and Jackie Rohrer ’94

Kirk Stiffler and Saira Ismail

Brian and Nancy Stockwell

Christopher and Elizabeth Sullivan

John and Loma Swett

Doug and Heather Swift

Efrem and Lynn Swoope

Evyn Swoope ’19

Isaiah Swoope ’12

Emily Tenney

Ronald Teunissen Van Manen

Adam Thiel

Todd and Kimberly Tober

William ’ 76 and Natasha Tobin

Mark and Emily Trapp

Matt and Heather Trnka

Eray and Funda Tulay

Lee Turner ’55

Eric and Aashi Turney

Joseph and Hester Turpin

Alysa (Granata) Ulstad ’04

Michael Vanburen and Erin Dickinson

Luke Varner

Michael Vasu

Laine Vereecken

Audrey Vogel

Gabrielle Vojtech ’01

George and Barbara Von Mehren

Matthew Vrobel and Valerie Durkalski

Chip and Inga Walker

Shengyong Wang and Xiaowei Teng

Chester and Ru-Jen Warner

Anthony and Joanne Weigand

Chris and Christine Weigand

Lucinda Weiss ’67

Park and Melissa Welker

Jerry Whitmer

David and Mary (Robinson) ’58 Whittemore

Keira Williams ’02

Edward and Jo Ann Wilson

Ronald and Kay Winer

Sharon Winfrey

Scott Wolfe ’98

Christine Young

Katie Zuercher

Jim and Larissa Zunt

Memorial and Honor Gifts

IN MEMORY OF JOSEPH MICHAEL BLANDA ’10

Joe and Michelle Blanda

Audrey Vogel

IN HONOR OF ALEXANDER BOOTH ’27

Park and Melissa Welker

IN MEMORY OF JAMIE GIANCARLI BROWN ’79

Rebecca Knight ’79

IN HONOR OF TESSA DITIRRO ’07

Tom and Barb DiTirro

IN MEMORY OF CHRISTINE FREITAG ’52

Amy Freitag ’81

Christina Freitag Klemm ’77

The J.M. Kaplan Fund

IN MEMORY OF COLTON HUDSON ’07

Todd and Cindy Ederer

Bob Hudson and Audrey DeLong

IN HONOR OF CHRISTOPHER HYATT ’99

Deborah Hyatt

IN MEMORY OF MAMIE HYATT ’94

Deborah Hyatt

Jason Stevenson and Jackie Rohrer ’94

IN MEMORY OF MELISSA KAYE-CLARK

Jason Stevenson and Jackie Rohrer ’94

IN HONOR OF TERESA MCCOMBS

Hunter and Schay Barnhardt

IN MEMORY OF CATHERINE SILVER MCNAMARA ’70

Clarke Jordan and Alex Brown ’70

IN HONOR OF ANNIE SEIBERLING MELL ’73

Sandy Humenny

IN MEMORY OF AUNT LOIS (LOIS SEWELL PFLUEGER)

Ann Mell ’73

IN MEMORY OF ALICE MAE PROPST PIERCE

Randall and Kimberly (Pierce) ’65 Gillenwater

IN HONOR OF CONNOR ’21 AND DELANEY ’22 PITTINGER

Hova Maronian

IN MEMORY OF BARBARA HADDAD RYAN ’55

Lee Turner ’55

IN MEMORY OF MICHAEL SADDLETON

Jack and Judy Brookhar t

IN MEMORY OF JULIE SCHWEIER

Ian and Carol Dresner

IN HONOR OF RICHEY SMITH

Tom ’92 and Courtney Eaton

Jeff and Sarah Johnston

Joe Vogel

Lois Wilson

IN MEMORY OF SUSI WAGSTAFF

Bruce and Sandra Shackelford

Anthony and Linda Aulino

IN MEMORY OF PETER WILSON

Mark and Sandra (Korman) ’63 Auburn

Don and Gale Barich

Karen Bowens

Rob and Alyssa Briggs

Jack and Judy Brookhart

Marilyn (Meyers) Buckey ’64

Norm and Carolyn Carr

John and Bonnie Childs

Marge Cook

Lonnie, Sophie and Alexander Curtis

John and Cynthia Debo

Jennifer DiPiero ’96

Mike Duff and Susan Black

John and Edie Heaps

Joe and Sue Henninger

Phil and Robin Hoffert

Ruth (Ruston) Hoffman ’58

Ann Hubiak

The Keith & Dettling Families

Hova Maronian

Sybby (McEldowny) Martin ’52

Matt and Missy (McCready) ’86 McGinnes

Robert and Joann Murtha

Shannon Nelson

John and Kathy Novak

Pat and Jodi Palumbo

Jan Parry

Dave and Karen Patterson

Jon Pavloff

Loren and Becky (Koper) ’68 Pool

Chip ’75 and Laura Preston

Delores Quinn

David and Vicki Raynor

Jason ’85 and Carrie Silver

Walt and Pat Silver

Dick and Gindy (Chenoweth) ’72 Smith

Jerome and Helen Smith

Roger and Joanne Snavely

Terry and Dianne Squire

Joseph and Hester Turpin

Joe Vogel

Jerry Whitmer

Scott Wolfe ’98

Building Our Future

For over 100 years, Old Trail has stayed true to our commitment to educate and inspire the next generation of innovators and deep thinkers. The continuity of our mission and a stable, successful future can only be achieved with the help of our community.

When you give to the endowment, you’re making a strategic investment in the programs, philosophy and people that set Old Trail School apart—that secure our place as boundless innovators in experiential learning.

One of the best ways to support Old Trail is through our endowment.

Your gift will provide ongoing support for our students, faculty and innovative programs for years to come and help us achieve our three-year strategic plan, focusing on three key investment areas:

• Create a distinctive Old Trail experience.

• Raise global citizens ready for a complex world.

• Dedicate ourselves to a sustainable future.

These are the gifts that endure. There are several ways to make an endowment gift: plan a stretch gift, designate a bequest or name an endowed fund. To learn more, please email Associate Head of School Joe Vogel at jvogel@oldtrail.org or call 330.666.1118 ext. 482.

CEARA O’SULLIVAN ’06

Ceara O’Sullivan is a comedian, actor and new staff writer on NBC’s Saturday Night Live. In 2022-23, Ceara wrote and directed a short film for the third season of Powderkeg: Fuge, a director incubator program by Paul Feig’s production company, and directed the Improv Asylum mainstage review, “Air Conditional Love.” She was recently nominated for a 2023 Writers Guild of America (WGA) award for her on SNL and recognized by Just For Laughs as an emerging comedian by industry producers.

Ceara is also well known for sharing comedic skits and original characters on her TikTok account cearajane. She has more than 550,000 followers on the platform.

“It was an incredible feeling to be able to step away and start doing my passion full time.”

PETER G. WILSON RISING STAR AWARD

Tell us a little bit about your life since graduating from Old Trail. From Old Trail I went to Western Reserve Academy, then Boston College. I lived in Boston for a few years and was working at Harvard, working on my master’s degree in creative writing, and performing sketch comedy and improv during nights and weekends. I eventually moved to Los Angeles and studied at the Groundlings Theatre. I started posting old live bits that I had done in shows online and, as a result, had one really good meeting with somebody who wouldn’t have found me otherwise. That was all the validation I needed to keep at it.

Do you remember when making people laugh became important to you?

It wasn’t really one specific moment but a consistent feeling I had for a few years. I had a long stretch of time when I couldn’t anticipate where I was going to be in 5 or 10 years. I was working in healthcare, which wasn’t central to my passions, but I needed the job to pay rent. I felt really disjointed, and I was dealing with this imposter syndrome. But being on stage every night was when I felt most like myself. It was my guiding light. Making people laugh is the best feeling in the world.

How did it feel to walk away from that healthcare job?

Up until last year, I was working at the Institute of Neuroscience at UCLA. It was such a great job and I loved my coworkers, but I felt like I was pretending to work there because it wasn’t really who I was. It was an incredible feeling to be able to step away and start doing my passion full time.

How would you describe your style of comedy?

I’m a character comedian. I primarily write sketches and monologues, and I’m an improviser. My specific style is I really like hyperconfident women who are maybe sometimes a little bit deplorable, and there is a little bit of a Midwest sensibility in some of my characters that I write.

COVID was challenging for countless reasons. However, during this time, many people turned to comedy as an escape. Why do you think this is?

Comedy is most important during times when we are collectively struggling or having a challenge. It is inherently a connective art—it’s one person making an audience laugh, whether that’s a single person or a group of people. I think COVID was such a time of disconnect, comedy was a way to connect us. Whether it’s sending a funny video to a friend you haven’t seen in a while, it’s a way of saying I was thinking of you—I thought this would make you laugh.

How did your time at Old Trail School shape you?

I had an amazing time at Old Trail. Mr. Korvne was my homeroom teacher and he just fostered my love of writing so much. Writing can be so grueling and thankless, so when anyone takes the time to help you get better and tell you you’re on the right track—it’s the most meaningful thing. I got to do all the things that I still do today at Old Trail, writing and performing, and that’s when I fell in love with the performing arts.

The Peter G. Wilson Rising Star Award is presented to an Old Trail alumnus who is under 30. The recipient has shown professional and community leadership and exhibited an appreciation for Old Trail School. The Award is named in honor of Peter G. Wilson, former Old Trail Headmaster. Nominees must have attended Old Trail School, contributed to their community and/or to the betterment of others, earned the respect of Old Trail alumni and exhibit a continued loyalty to Old Trail School.

MOLLY VOLLMAN MAKRIS ’95

LINCOLN GRIES DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD

Molly

Vollman Makris

Ph.D. is a professor of Urban Studies at Guttman, a small innovative community college within the City University of New York. Molly began her career as a social studies teacher in a New York City public high school, later working for a nonprofit youth development organization before moving to academia. Molly’s first book Public Housing and School Choice in a Gentrified City: Youth Experiences of Uneven Opportunity won the American Educational Studies Association Critics’ Choice Book Award and the New Jersey Studies Academic Alliance Book Award in 2016. Her recent co-authored book, Gentrification Down the Shore, was published in 2020.

“In my writing, I hope to advocate for all children to have the kind of intellectually inspiring, creative school experiences I was so privileged to enjoy.”

Tell us a little bit about your life since graduating from Old Trail. How did Old Trail School impact you as a student and as an individual?

When I transferred to Old Trail halfway through my first-grade year, I was struggling to read and painfully shy. My teachers at Old Trail (like Mrs. Thompson, Palumbo, Newhouse, Williams and Hoffert and Mr. Heaps, Pintola and Yannerilla), the administrators (Mr. Duff), and the swimming and performing arts opportunities at Old Trail made me more self-confident and helped me to see myself as a scholar. The social studies teachers (Mrs. Brookhart, Standen, and Goodwin) ignited a deep love for learning, but most importantly, taught us critical thinking and unvarnished messy history. The teaching at Old Trail inspired inquiry and instilled a profound sense of social justice. In eighth grade I was part of a National History Day team that researched the Kent State shootings. This was a rigorous original research, writing and presentation experience that I truly believe prepared me for my Ph.D. dissertation and defense down the road!

I think about my experiences at Old Trail on an almost daily basis. In my work in the college classroom, with largely first-generation college students, I strive to provide experiential learning opportunities like those I experienced at Old Trail. In my writing, I hope to advocate for all children to have the kind of intellectually inspiring, creative school experiences I was so privileged to enjoy.

One area of your research focuses on urban education reform. How would you describe this work and why are you so drawn to it?

After I graduated from college at NYU, I became a high school teacher. While being inspired by my students, I was quickly exposed to the extreme inequities and segregation within the NYC public school system. During this time, there was a lot of reform being pushed into public schools—No Child Left Behind, the proliferation of charter schools and the growth of alternate route teacher education programs.

I became interested in these reform efforts and the entrenched segregation and resource inequities in the schools. This led me to pursue a master’s and Ph.D., during which I became drawn to how parents navigate school choice and the implications of these choices for educational equity, particularly in neighborhoods that were becoming more racially and socio-economically diverse through gentrification.

Cleveland and Akron have both experienced areas of gentrification, particularly parts of Cleveland. What complex issues arise when neighborhoods begin to be transformed?

As a researcher with an equity lens, my number one concern is displacement and the protection of the most vulnerable in a community when it begins to change. Without proactive policy, a community that experiences gentrification will lose longtime residents, local culture

and community, small businesses, affordability and political capital. I am particularly interested in what happens to youth and to the schools when a neighborhood changes. That being said, gentrification looks very different in the East Coast cities I have studied than it would in Northeast Ohio. Longtime residents in many urban areas across the country will tell you that there is a need for transformation and economic growth and development, improved safety and education and better amenities; they just know it shouldn’t take gentrification’s demographic shift for these kinds of improvements to occur. This is where, I argue, good public policy can make a difference.

The Lincoln Gries Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to an Old Trail alumnus who has made an important contribution or given extraordinary service to others in some field, as a professional or as a volunteer. It is named after Lincoln Gries, a former parent, board member and board chair who provided exemplary service to Old Trail School. Nominees must have attended OTS, contributed to their community and/or to the betterment of others, earned the respect of both Old Trail alumni and future Old Trail students, and shown a continued loyalty to Old Trail School.

KATIE KAGLER

Katie was born and raised in Hudson, Ohio. After graduating from Ithaca College in New York, she worked in marketing for The CBORD Group in Ithaca, and then as a marketing specialist for Diebold, Inc., first in Canton, Ohio and later in Farmington Hills, Michigan. She then went on to run and co-own several rental real estate holdings with her mother (Marnie Carabell ’57). Currently, she co-owns (with family) and sits on the Board of Belle Holdings, Inc., a multi-franchise restaurant group begun by Marnie in 1997. She volunteers around Hudson in various positions and is an avid gardener. Her home’s garden in Hudson was featured on the Hudson Garden Tour in 2007, and will be featured again in 2023. Katie and her husband Rob’s son, George ’17, is a sophomore at American University in Washington, D.C.

Katie, George ’17 and Rob at the Marnie Carabell Library Courtyard dedication ceremony in 2019.

You have chosen to serve Old Trail in so many ways. What does the school mean to you? (Please elaborate on your mom, her love of Old Trail, and why it was a special place to her.)

I can hardly begin to describe how much Old Trail means to me and to my family. My mom, Marnie Carabell, graduated in 1957, so she was able to attend all through high school at the time. She had so many fond memories of OTS and lifelong friendships that she developed there. My grandfather worked at Goodyear, so she would reminisce about her dad driving her to school from their home in Hudson every morning when the school was located in Akron. She loved that time with him. Even into her 70’s, she was still meeting a small group of Old Trail friends for lunch in the valley in the summer.

When our son, George ’17, was of school age she really encouraged us to look at Old Trail. She was amazed at the new location and transition of the school since she had graduated. I was skeptical, because we knew our public school system was rated very highly. When my husband, Rob, and I walked into the school for the initial tour, we were completely in awe of the warm and caring environment, the peaceful settings and the small classes. It only took that one visit to convince us that this was the right choice. When George came for his day visit he not only loved the school, but his “buddy” from that very first day became a lifelong friend. It made my mom so happy to have George at Old Trail. Sadly, my mom did not live to see him graduate, but she was so proud and happy that she had that in common with her grandson.

What impact did OTS have on George’s life?

Old Trail was such a wonderful learning environment for George. He flourished under a more challenging academic program versus what a public school is able to provide, and with teachers who were devoted to learning in a much smaller environment. George attended (and graduated from) Western Reserve Academy and the transition from OTS to WRA was seamless because he was used to a challenging curriculum, knew how to study, loved to learn, and hit the ground running from day one.

Why do you continue to support Old Trail in so many ways?

I am grateful for the education and experience that not only George had at Old Trail, but also my mom. I want to continue to be a part of making sure OTS is here for generations to come. I know my mom would be proud of our continued support, as she supported Old Trail during her life as well. In addition, the school’s commitment to excellence in teaching, curriculum, sports, coaching, music and other activities is unwavering. The beautiful location in the valley is so unique and truly magical for these students to see every day. OTS has taken advantage of this location to teach students about the outdoors, planting and keeping a garden, hiking, protecting these natural resources and so much more. This is so vitally important in the world in which we live today and an experience that certainly cannot be found just anywhere.

The Alumni Association Honorary Alumni award is presented to a person who has made an important contribution or given extraordinary service to Old Trail School. Nominees must have contributed significantly to the welfare of Old Trail (parent, trustee, volunteer or benefactor), deserved the respect of both Old Trail alumni and future Old Trail students and shown a continued loyalty to Old Trail School.

“It only took that one visit to convince us that this was the right choice. When George came for his day visit he not only loved the school, but his ‘buddy’ from that very first day became a lifelong friend.”

Tom Burkhardt ’84

Why did you decide to send your children to Old Trail?

Prior to starting Old Trail in fifth grade, I disliked school intensely. OTS provided me with the environment I needed to become an engaged student. I specifically recall Mr. Duff being able to convince me to put actual effort into learning. No school before or after Old Trail could offer the unique blend of challenging subjects and supportive teachers that I needed to excel. There was never a thought about my children attending any other school.

What was your favorite memory of Old Trail when you were a student?

I had many diverse experiences at Old Trail. From playing soccer for Mr. Darcy to the class trips, my time at OTS was impactful. One standout memory was the trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes. It was the longest time I had ever been away from my family. One evening, we left the cabins and went for a night hike. There was no light pollution, and the stars were so bright we did not need flashlights.

Marisa Lowry-Fatica ’98

What impact did Old Trail have on you as a student and person?

When I reflect on my educational endeavors as a whole, the projects, experiences and community at Old Trail are what left an everlasting imprint in my life. The deep connections that I formed with the teachers and faculty empowered me and instilled the confidence in me to achieve all of my lifelong academic goals. It is especially remarkable, seeing many of the familiar faces of educators that

are at the school, all these years later, and I still feel a strong connection with them today. The deep connections that I formed with my peers at Old Trail were everlasting and I am grateful that many of my Old Trail friends are part of my life to this day.

What was your favorite memory of Old Trail when you were a student?

When I walk through the halls of Old Trail School, I am flooded with a rush

of countless fond memories from my personal experiences as a student at the school from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Today, when I am on the campus, I cannot help but smile from the unforgettable experiences from my time at Old Trail and I feel overjoyed with excitement seeing the next generation of students walking through the halls.

To honor the legacy of multigenerational Old Trail families and the impact the school has had on them, we will be using this space to highlight alumni who have children currently enrolled at Old Trail. If you are interested in participating, please contact us at communications@oldtrail.org.

Congratulations to Old Trail graduate Casey Bullock ’20, whose St. Edward High School football team downed Springfield, 28-14, in the Ohio High School Athletic Association Division I state championship game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, on December 2, 2022.

A Champion FOR LIFE

As the Eagles’ starting quarterback, Casey accounted for a pair of touchdowns and rushed for more than 100 yards as St. Ed’s claimed its second consecutive state title and third in the last five years. The penultimate achievement capped off an incredible season for the Eagles, who finished with a record of 15-1 and were ranked No. 20 in the nation.

The definition of a well-rounded student-athlete, Casey carries a 4.52 GPA with all honors and AP classes, is the vice president of his class, and is a member of the National Honor Society. The high school junior is proud to say that his roots began many years ago as a preschooler at Old Trail School.

“Old Trail was a community and environment that pushed me to be the best version of myself,” Casey said. “I was always surrounded by hard workers, which motivated me to work even harder. Through athletics at Old Trail, I learned the importance of teamwork and selflessness. I also

learned that talent isn’t what drives a team to success; it’s the bond between the players that matters the most. I will never forget winning the basketball championship at OTS in eighth grade.”

In all, Casey attended Old Trail for 11 years, and for those who knew him, his success on and off the field comes as little surprise. Always a star athlete and exceptional scholar, Casey was presented the Headmaster’s Spirit Award upon graduation, a prestigious honor given annually to the student who best embodies Old Trail’s four core values of Respect, Responsibility, Goodness and Service.

“Old Trail set me up for success socially, academically and athletically,” he said. “I formed relationships there that will last forever. The Old Trail students and teachers are people I can trust and am thankful for. The school shaped me to be the person I am today, and I would not be where I am today without Old Trail.”

SAVE THE DATE

MAY 3-4 SPRING CAMPAIGN FOR OTS FUND

During this two-day campaign, see and hear firsthand the impact your donations have on our students and school through our social media channels and your inbox.

With your support, we can help current and future generations of Old Trail School children develop closer relationships with their teachers and peers and benefit from the deeper learning experiences that will take them farther in life. We can’t wait to see the amazing things our students will achieve with your help.

MAY 13 TRAIL TO TABLE

Old Trail is excited to announce the return of this special evening, providing families, faculty and friends the unique opportunity to choose from a number of simultaneous dinners hosted by members of the Old Trail community on a single night.

This year, nine Old Trail families have graciously offered their homes, each featuring a different culinary theme. Guests will once again have the opportunity to choose which dinner they prefer to attend. Each gathering will feature a fun-filled evening of great food, lively conversation and a chance to connect with members of our school community. All proceeds will benefit our beloved Old Trail School.

“Schools, like teams, prepare young people for what is next. We prepare them to be able to handle what life presents them, especially things that are difficult or unexpected.”

SARAH JOHNSTON HEAD OF SCHOOL