The Albany Academies magazine : fall 2021
A new center for early childhood education
Faculty Member Claire Valentine’s Kindergarten Classroom ready for reopening of school.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held on July 7 at The Albany Academy to celebrate a new pavilion to be built on the campus, a gift from the AA Class of 1970 in honor of its 50th reunion. Members of the class participated in the event, along with Head of School Chris Lauricella, Paul Bonacquisti, President of Bonacquisti Brothers Construction, and Trustee Peter Campito ’78. The Class of 1970 Pavilion will provide outdoor classroom space for students, a venue for events, and a place for summer campers. It will replace the tent currently used for these activities. Construction on the structure will begin this fall and the pavilion is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
How can I support the School’s enrollment efforts? If you are in the Capital Region, please know that positive “word of mouth” about the school is vital to our outreach efforts. We love it when you recommend the Academies to other families. Better yet, you can recommend prospective families to us, and we will follow up with them directly. To do this, contact our admissions director Nicholas Forcier at forciern@albanyacademies.org. We also appreciate your ongoing support with “likes,” “shares,” and affirming comments on social media. If you are outside of the Capital Region, we hope you will continue to consider supporting the school philanthropically through the annual fund or a major gift. Annual fund support fuels the continuous improvement of the School’s programs, which strengthens the School’s value proposition for prospective families. Major contributions often support our scholarship program, allowing donors to leave a legacy at the school that ensures the next generation of students can access the opportunities of an Albany Academies’ education. To learn more, contact Ann Wendth at awendth@albanyacademies.org.
The Albany Academies magazine fall 2021
Editor: Ann Wendth, Chief Advancement Officer Associate Editor: Nancy Palluti P’25
Contributers: Claire Bender, Nicholas Forcier
Photography: Nancy Palluti P’25, Stephanie McCauley P’21, ’24 of iSmile Studios, Carl Sanders Socolow, Lori Van Buren of the Times Union Design: Oberlander Group
Printing: Fort Orange Press A2, The Albany Academies Magazine, is published twice a year by the Institutional Advancement Office and sent to alumni/ae, parents, grandparents, donors, friends, and other educational institutions. Comments are welcome and should be addressed to the Chief Advancement Officer, The Albany Academies, 135 Academy Road, Albany NY, 12208 or email wendtha@albanyacademies.org. In every effort to reduce our footprint we eliminated duplicate addresses in our mailing list. For additional copies of the magazine contact the Office of Institutional Advancement.
ta l k i n g h e a d
It’s an exciting time to be leading The Albany Academies. As I write this, we are preparing to return to school after one of the most challenging years in our history. The Capital Region is emerging from the pandemic in fits and starts, driven by a high vaccination rate among eligible individuals. But the emergence of virus variants across the world also reminds us that we are not entirely done with COVID yet. We will continue to follow enhanced safety measures, including masking and social distancing, until the risks of infection become manageable without them. When this happens, we will return to more normal operations, having learned many valuable lessons that will serve us well. Perhaps the most profound of these is a deeper appreciation for how capable we are. Beginning in March 2020, our professional community continuously evolved its work to serve our students. Teachers taught remotely. They also taught in person, masked and distanced, while perpetually sanitizing their classrooms. They also combined these modes and moved between them at a moment’s notice, depending on the needs of the moment. Through all of this, they were supported by staff and administrators who regularly developed new procedures and policies to keep us all as safe as possible. Our students and their families also proved to be exceptionally resilient. They endured a great deal to get through this year, following ever-changing rules and negotiating continuous disruptions and ongoing uncertainty. They also had to sacrifice many of the milestones and traditions that make an Academies education special. Yet, despite this, they continued to vigorously pursue their learning and take every advantage of those opportunities we could provide. In short, COVID challenged our community in ways we never want to be challenged again, and I think we are better for it. Despite the obstacles we faced, we quickly realized how effective we are when we all work together toward a common goal. This sense of teamwork permeated everything we did to successfully deliver our mission at a high level, regardless of difficulty. If we could do this, we can do anything. This is certainly my mindset as we slowly return to normalcy and begin refocusing on the strategic plan goals adopted by the Board of Trustees in 2019. I look forward to seeing what we will accomplish when we can focus on the planned execution of strategic initiatives instead of reacting to forces beyond our control. This edition of A2 focuses on one of these initiatives: creating healthy, vibrant, and fully enrolled Lower and Middle School programs. This area of our operations is vitally important to our continued success. Enrollment management has also become increasingly complex as we negotiate the aftermath of the pandemic, as well as cultural changes, macroeconomic forces, and the evolving needs of prospective families. I hope you enjoy reading about our efforts to attract and retain more students over the next few years and are inspired to help us with those efforts.
CHRISTOPHER LAURICELLA, ED.M. P’20, ’22 HEAD OF SCHOOL
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a2 a r c h i v e s
l This championship plaque can be found in the trophy case in the Trustco Bank lobby of the Michael B. Picotte Field House. Dave Rider ’73, P’04, who retired this past year, coached the team to win a state championship.
features
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The opening of the new Early Childhood Center
22 14 Conversation with Adam Collett P’32 A Q&A with our new MS Director
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Mental Health during the Pandemic
The Arts
Hear from some experts on how to help young people cope
Arts chair, Rich Johnson P’35 shares his vision
contents 01 Talking Head 04 From the Board 05 Admissions 06 Scholarships 06 Diversity 12 A2 Fresh
events 14 Q&A with Adam Collett P’32 17 Social Media Highlights 18 Opening of the new Early Childhood Center 22 Mental Health during the Pandemic
24 Athletics
07 Commencement
26 The Arts
10 Senior Events
28 Faculty Spotlight: Dave Rider ’73, P’04
11 Closing Ceremonies
29 Class Notes 30 In Memoriam
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from the board Welcome New Board Members
president’s letter
NANCY CAREY CASSIDY P’13, ’15 BOARD OF TRUSTEES PRESIDENT
What a remarkable academic year we had at The Albany Academies! Despite the challenges presented to us on so many fronts, this community of students, parents, educators, professional staff, and alumni and alumnae came together to ensure we had a successful year. I offer my sincere appreciation to our families and our professional community for their willingness to step in and provide the extraordinary support our students needed to have as normal a year as possible during the pandemic. I am certain our recent graduates, especially, are grateful that we were able to continue most of our time-honored traditions, even if they had to be adjusted. Our Admissions team was busy this summer enrolling new students for this school year, as parents determine the best academic environment for their children. We are pleased to see that our current marketing efforts proved fruitful and generated a great deal of interest from parents who want a private school such as the Academies. Of special interest to many parents is the brand new space created as an Early Childhood Center to house our preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten programs. These programs will involve a play-based curriculum and a whole-child approach where students will learn to be collaborative and cooperative learners. Students will be taught literacy and numeracy skills that will provide them with a foundation for future success. Reach out if you would like to hear more! Again, please accept my thanks for the role each of you play in sustaining the wonderful community that exists here at The Albany Academies. I hope you enjoyed your summer and are recharged to head into the fall with renewed enthusiasm.
Thank you to Trustees Neil Murray ’62 , P’99, ’05, ’06 and Bill Belleville ’89 The Albany Academies Board of Trustees expressed their gratitude to Neil Murray ’62, P’99, ’05, ’06 and Bill Belleville ’89 for their many years of service and dedication as members of The Albany Academies Board of Trustees at a board meeting on June 16. During Neil’s time as a trustee, he provided numerous hours of pro bono legal advice, historical knowledge, and guidance to help lead the Academies during some challenging as well as very successful nine years. Neil, joined by his wife, Martha, is pictured here in his new Academy chair given to trustees at the end of their tenure on the board. Both Neil and Bill will join the Board of Visitors. Thank you, Neil and Bill!
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We are very pleased to announce the addition of three new members to our Board of Trustees—Nicole “Nikki” Borisenok ’08, Marcus “Marc” Cavanaugh ’68, and Elissa Smith P’23, ’25, ’26.
Marcus “Marc” Cavanaugh ’68 Marc retired in 2018 after a 35-year career in investment banking with a specialty in mergers and acquisitions for non-profit hospital systems. He began his career as a Vice President with Paine Webber in New York, later served as Managing Director of National City Corporation’s Health Care Finance Group and for the last 10 years of his career was Managing Partner of Cavanagh, Hoyt and Associates based in Cleveland, Ohio. He received an MBA from The Wharton School with a dual major in Finance and Health Care Policy. Marc lives in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts with his spouse Dr. Anna M. Dempsey, Professor of Art History at the University of Massachusetts, College of Visual and Performing Arts. They have two sons who were “lifers” at the Columbus Academy and two grandsons.
Nicole “Nikki” Borisenok ’08 Nikki spent four years working on the product development and innovation team at Victoria’s Secret, and then in 2018 traded the corporate world in New York City for life on her family’s thoroughbred breeding farm, Old Tavern Farm, in Saratoga Springs. She has since expanded the business with the addition of a boutique winery, Old Tavern Farm Winery, and continues to oversee and manage wine production, sales, and vineyard operations both locally in Saratoga and with vineyard partners in California and Washington. Well known for her entrepreneurship and philanthropy, Nikki has co-chaired the Travers Wine Tasting Event, a premier fundraiser held in Saratoga Springs that benefits LifePath, formerly Senior Services of Albany, for the past three years. She leads the committee in fulfilling the organization’s mission of keeping older neighbors and friends healthy and safe by providing effective programs and supporting them in staying connected to their communities.
admissions Nikki is also a member of the Saratoga Hospital Founda-tion Board of Trustees, serving the region by providing access to excellence in health care in a supportive and caring environment. She recently has taken on the lead role in the foundation’s video marketing initiative. A member of the Academy for Girls class of 2008, Nikki graduated from Ithaca College with a bachelor’s degree in international business and marketing. She played lacrosse as a student at both AAG and Ithaca College. She lives in Saratoga Springs with her husband.
Pictured is Tom Tuttle ’82 speaking with his scholarship recipients in June.
Elissa Smith P’23, ’25, ’26 Elissa oversees operations for SPEC Consulting, a multi-disciplined engineering and design firm specializing in petrochemicals, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and energy-related services for industrial clients. Elissa attended Quinnipiac University where she earned a bachelor’s degree. After spending nearly a decade in health care, Elissa welcomed the challenge of providing structure and growth to SPEC Consulting, a small firm, engineering solutions for large clients. She began there as an office manager in 2010. Since then, the company has doubled in size, serving clients throughout the U.S. and abroad. Elissa’s role expanded to include oversight of company financials, client contracts, marketing, and human resources. In January, 2021, she began a new role as Chief Administrative Officer and partner. A native of the Capital Region, Elissa is an active member of the community. Camp Chingachgook, a YMCA camp located in Lake George, N.Y., is one of her passions. She serves on the advisory council as an alumna, parent of current campers, and advocate for the Chingachgook mission to provide a summer camp experience for underprivileged youth. Elissa is also a member of the SPAC Action Council, a fundraising committee working in unison with the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in public relations and planning of fundraising activities. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Sage Estate Homeowners Association and is a member of the Marketing and Enrollment Committee for The Albany Academies. She and her husband, Justin ’96, have three children, Lorelai, Grant, and Evelyn. Lorelai ’23 and Evelyn ’26 are in their eighth year at Albany Academy for Girls and Grant started at The Albany Academy this fall. They live in Menands.
Private school education more important than ever. Pass it on. The last two years in independent school admissions have essentially been a microcosm of the world in which we’ve all existed in that period: characterized by uncertainty, lack of predictability, disruption of the normal flow, and requiring new solutions to new problems. School leaders who respond strategically and with an eye toward innovation and responsiveness will succeed, and those who expect to continue to see the same outcomes with the same recruitment strategies will not. A few years ago, the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) worked with a private company to develop a comprehensive understanding of who our customers are, and what problems they’re looking to hire us to solve. NAIS identified four “Jobs To Be Done,” the four primary challenges people look to independent schools to overcome. COVID-19 didn’t upend what we learned from that study, but it certainly forced us to look at those jobs in a different context. People who look to The Albany Academies to prepare their child for admission to elite colleges and universities will still do so, but now they also need us to help fill gaps in their child’s education created by distance learning. Our talented and expert academic team is ready
to take on that challenge. The harder part is conveying the value of independent school education to families who are looking at school, and their finances, differently. When there is no certainty that school will look how we expect it to, and when we realize that our income can disappear based on factors we have no control of, why should we invest in a private school education? The reality is that the value of a private school education has probably never been higher. During the pandemic, we’ve been more responsive to the needs of our families because we have resources (space, expertise, alumni support) that our public school counterparts simply don’t have. We need to utilize those same resources to convey the value of an Academies education. And alumni and alumnae support—along with our current and past families—is our most important resource in that endeavor. We hope that you’ll look for opportunities to tell prospective families about the impact that The Albany Academies had on you and your family. And if you’d ever like to make a direct referral, your friends in the Admissions Office would love to hear from you.
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scholarships
diversity
“…It was so incredible to put a face to the name of the woman who has made it possible for me to go to The Albany Academy and receive such a great education. I wanted to take the time to say thank you for sharing your story. The way in which you honor your mother with the love of education is something that will stick in my mind forever. Just as you mentioned that if I stay on track and become successful, I will have the opportunity to pay it forward. I promise to do everything I can to earn that opportunity and when it comes, I will pay it forward. Please know that you will always be a very special part of our family…”––
“…I really enjoyed meeting you and your mom via Zoom. It’s always nice to meet people in person and I guess Zoom has to do until we can get together again at the next Scholar Luncheon OR your graduation!! I was so touched by your letter. While I honored my mom in establishing the scholarship, you honor her memory in taking full advantage of what The Albany Academies have to offer which has also contributed to your next educational opportunity! My mom would be so amazed at what she has inspired...”
—Donor This past spring we organized zoom calls with donors and families to meet and learn more about each other.
—Scholarship Recipient
The Albany Academies Endowed Scholarship Program In the 2020-21 school year The Albany Academies proudly extended the financial support of our Endowed Scholarship Program to 69 students, many of whom may not have been able to attend the school without that assistance. Personal relationships between these students and their donors take root and blossom through twice-yearly letters and, in normal years, the annual Scholar Luncheon. With COVID restrictions in place this event was held virtually via Zoom in the spring of 2021. This change turned into a positive since a greater number of donors from across the country were able to participate without having to travel. The Endowed Scholarship Program at The Albany Academies is one tool that helps the school successfully “nurture an intentionally diverse, inclusive, Interested in creating an and equitable learning community.” Participation in this program endowed scholarship for by a cross-section of our student body is ensured by the various a student in need? eligibility requirements for our 53 named scholarships, which Contact Ann Wendth, include gender, home address, academic standing, participation Chief Advancement in particular sports teams or the arts, financial need, or length of Officer at 518-429-2385 time enrolled at the school. We are happy to share that an addior by email at wendtha@ tional four endowed scholarships have been established in fiscal albanyacademies.org year 2020-21 and will be awarded for the first time this fall. 6
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Alumni, Alumnae, Parent, and Student Affinity Groups Formed Alumni of Color, Alumnae of Color, Diverse Parents, and Students of Color affinity groups were formed here at The Albany Academies. These groups are intended to help us meet Goal #5 of our strategic plan to “nurture an intentionally diverse, inclusive, and equitable learning community that promotes academic excellence, enriches the school, and enhances the experience of every learner.” Chair of the alumnae group Jeannine Blanco ’89, chair of the alumni group Evril Clayton ’00, and chair of the parents group George Timmons P’23 are all continuing to work with their respective groups to determine how to best meet the needs of students and families and to develop stronger mentoring opportunities for students and alumni/ae. A gathering was held in August at the Leonard House to bring the groups together to meet each other and to share common goals and interests. If you would like to learn more about the affinity groups or how to get involved in the DEI Forum, please contact Chief Advancement Officer Ann Wendth at wendtha@albanyacademies.org or Chief Human Resources Officer David Lester at lesterd@albanyacademies.org.
Jeannine Blanco ’89 met with Head of School Chris Lauricella P’21, ’23 in Atlanta in August.
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events
Commencement June 14 & 15, 2021
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Albany Academy for Girls
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PHOTOS 1. Sara Phillips ’21 and Renee Pascoe ’21 enjoy a moment after the ceremony. 2. Suzanne Walsh ’87 delivers the keynote address. 3. Layla Abid ’21, Morgan Lindstead ’21, Mia Alonge ’21, and Sarah Mahoney ’21 enjoy a moment after the ceremony. 4. Julia Zacher ’21 receives her diploma. 5. Shriya Suresh ’21 celebrates with her parents.
This year’s Albany Academy for Girls commencement speaker, Suzanne Walsh ’87, stood before the Class of 2021 with bright insights, advice, and a sprinkling of humor to keep her audience interested and entertained. At the start of her remarks, Suzanne reflected on the reality of her year of quarantine as less than ideal: a bad sleep schedule, too much time spent at her desk, and attendance at far too many meetings. She reflected, “I didn’t spend a lot of time resting. I didn’t spend a lot of time taking care of myself,” which led her into the primary message of her speech: “Do not think you can make great decisions when you’re not rested, when you haven’t taken care of yourself.” Suzanne insisted that a sufficient amount of sleep and downtime allows individuals to make better creative connections and make those great decisions. She then focused on the importance of allowing for space and time to be creative and to daydream, “which some of you are doing right now.” The comment earned her a good deal of laughter. She pushed forward describing how Albany Academy for Girls “has burrowed itself into your soul” and how it personally has come back to “haunt” her in positive ways. The charismatic Suzanne spoke about how failure, such as failing French class the first semester of her freshman year at AAG, has taught her to be what she calls “anti-fragile,” essentially how to not only bounce back from low moments, but bounce back having learned something. Toward the end of her speech, Suzanne summarized her message very eloquently: “All of your moments at AAG will come back to inform your life, and your work. As you move forward, your subconscious and your soul will speak to you.” She left a sparkling imprint on the 2021 Albany Academy for Girls commencement, the cherry on top of a celebratory day.
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PHOTOS
The Albany Academy
1. Bryce Henkel ’21 helps Justin Haverly ’21 with his tie. 2. Graduates enjoy a moment after the ceremony. 3. Tom Tuttle ’84 delivers the keynote address. 4. Eli Thoma ’21 shakes Bob Bischoff’s hand. 5. Valedictorian Alex Shi Li ’21 celebrates with his parents. 6. Jay Manish Madan ’21 delivers his Salutatory speech.
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Tom Tuttle ’84, the 2021 commencement speaker for The Albany Academy, stood before the graduating class and shared a plethora of informative, personal stories dashed with a meaningful commonality throughout. Tom detailed the many ups and downs and varied jobs he has experienced, and told of surprising opportunities he encountered that left him wondering what he really wanted to do with his life, but in the best way possible. “You win by being in the game. Playing the game of life is the greatest and most fun game you can play,” he said, concluding that this time of transition in the graduates’ lives is an important one. He compared his decision making to that of Robert Frost’s famous The Road Not Taken poem in that when two roads diverged in the woods, he always took the path less traveled. Tom never wavered in the clarity of his messages, and earned some laughs from the crowd, drawing and keeping their attention with ease. The most notable takeaway from this speech can only properly be expressed through Tom’s own words: “You will be bombarded with advice over the next few years; you’ll be told to find your passion, do what you love, follow your heart… But most of you don’t have a passion and don’t know what your heart wants. Don’t worry. It is unlikely you will have found your passion when you graduate from college as well. Here’s the trick: view the journey as the passion. Grab every opportunity and give it your all.”
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events
senior events Finn DeRosier ’22, Morgan Ford ’22, Alina Broderick ’22 & Ursula Wolfe ’22.
Final Assembly AAG students process into Final Assembly on June 9.
Last Chapel
Christian ’21 and Justin Haverly ’21.
AA students enjoy a moment together during Last Chapel on June 9.
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closing ceremonies Kindergarten
Congratulations to our recent Lower & Middle school graduates!
AA Class of 2033
AAG Class of 2033
Lower School AA Class of 2029
AAG Class of 2029
Middle School AA Class of 2025
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AAG Grade 4 Play Mirror, Mirror The Fine Arts Department presented the streaming of the AAG 4th grade play “Mirror, Mirror” by Brian D. Taylor on March 10. The fourth grade girls enjoyed a cast party while awaiting the live streaming of the show!
toring program for this upcoming academic year. Chris and Ann also had the opportunity to meet with Mary Wren, a close friend of the Academies and donor of The Virginia O’Cain Wren Scholarship; Elon Johnson ’94, the 2020 Distinguished Alumna recipient and Senior Creative Executive of Production and Development at Tyler Perry Studios; Keenan Nix ’81 a prominent attorney and partner of the law firm Morgan and Morgan in the Atlanta region; and Mark Prichard ’65 (pictured here), to learn more about their experiences while a student at the Academies and how they can engage with the school. Mark is celebrating his reunion in October and plans to make a visit to campus for the events.
Spring Gathering Spring Gathering was a success as a virtual, live-streamed event. We shared a tribute video of Matt Bender ’49, P’78, ’80, ’82, GP’15, ’18, ’20; a toast to our senior parents; the winner of the $2,500 shopping spree at Frank Adams Jewelers; and amazing auction items.
Head of School visits Alumni & Alumna in Atlanta Head of School Chris Lauricella and Chief Advancement Officer Ann Wendth made a visit to Atlanta, Georgia this past summer to meet with alumni and alumnae and share the latest news about the Academies. It began with a visit with Jeannine Blanco ’89, a member of the Albany Academy for Girls Alumnae Association and chair of the Alumnae of Color Affinity Group. Jeannine has been instrumental in engaging our alumnae of color from across the country in conversation about their experiences. She has also connected the group with students to begin to discuss how to establish a men12
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Upper School Theatre and Filmmaking Spring Theatre Production The Upper School students presented the play “13 Ways To Screw Up Your College Interview.” It was available on demand for those interested.
Virtual alumni/ae speaker series kicked off on Jan. 14 We kicked off our virtual Alumni/ae Speaker Series with a great panel on January 14! Thank you to our four very accomplished alumni and alumnae for sharing their military experience with our Upper School students. Lieutenant Frank Blake ’96 (Army), Major Conor Stewart ’05 (Marine Corps), Commander Meghan Poukish-Bodnar ’99 (Navy), and Tara Somersall Parten ’06 (Army) all shared lessons they have learned, the importance of leadership and service, and transition to the private sector. Thank you to Joe Fitzgerald ’74 for moderating the panel discussion. It was a fantastic event for students, alumni, alumnae, and teachers. Pictured above is Commander Poukish-Bodner ’99 on board of the Navy ship she commands.
Winter Musical, The Theory of Relativity On March 5-8 the Fine Arts Department presented the streaming of the Winter Musical “The Theory of Relativity” by Neil Bartram and Brian Hill. The Upper School students worked hard on the performance and shared it through a streaming platform.
Kennedy Swedick ’24 ranked #1 in New York State Kennedy Swedick ’24 is a powerhouse when it comes to girls golf. A junior at Albany Academy for Girls and member of the Varsity AAG golf team, Kennedy is ranked #1 in NYS for girls junior golf, #42 in the nation within her age group, and is an individual medalist for Section II in NYS. Kennedy played in the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship this past summer and carded a 1-under-par 69 to qualify for match play at the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship in Chevy Chase, MD. Kennedy tied for 22nd after 36 holes of qualifying. The top 64 advanced to match play; she had a 36-hole score of 5-over 145. Starting on the 11th hole, Kennedy played bogey-free golf for 15 holes, carding three birdies along the way, until a bogey on the par-3 eighth. The following match, a 36-hole championship match, was televised live on the Golf Channel. Kennedy also played on a sponsor’s exemption in the Twin Bridges Championship, a Symetra Tour event held in July at Pine Haven Golf Course in Guilderland.
Tie Ceremony Head of School Chris Lauricella P’20, ’22 showed the fourth grade boys how to tie a tie as part of their Moving up to Middle School last spring. This is a long-standing tradition at The Albany Academy, and we were happy to have the opportunity to make it happen again last year.
Hilary King P’33, Upper School Director Alumni/ae speaker series focuses on medicine and research This session was focused on alumni and alumnae in medicine. Dr. Pamela Carroll ’81, Chief Business Officer at Silicon Therapeutics, moderated the discussion. Panelists included Dr. Robert Higgins ’77, President, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Executive VP at Mass General Brigham, and Dr. Seth Wander ’02, a medical oncologist at the Massachusetts General Cancer Center in Boston who has a clinical and translational research interest in breast cancer and cancer genomics. We also welcomed Dr. Meenakashi Gupta ’99, a practicing retina surgeon at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai in New York City (pictured here), and Dr. Alice Kim ’89, a staff cardiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and a member of the Brigham and Women’s Cardiovascular Associates of Care New England in Rhode Island. Alice is also the director of Advanced Valvular Heart Disease of Care New England, and codirector of Women’s Heart Health of Women and Infants in Rhode Island, as well as an instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School. Our students continue to have amazing opportunities presented by our alumni and alumnae to learn about the many fields they can pursue.
Hilary King P’33 speaks with students on the first day of school as they head out for athletic practices. Hilary has served as the Upper School Director at the Academies since 2020.
Outing at Old Tavern Farm Nicole “Nikki” Borisenok ’08 hosted a group of Academy alumni and alumnae at Old Tavern Farm in Saratoga Springs, a private thoroughbred breeding farm with a beautiful scenic background overlooking Saratoga Lake. The experience was an auction item donated by Nikki for the Spring Gathering event held in April. Pictured from left to right are: David Buran ’10, Mike Whalen ’16, Sydney Buran ’16, Nikki Borisenok ’08, Bailey Buran ’07, Kasey Buran ’08 and Chris Fron ’10.
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Q+A
Adam Collett P’32
A conversation with our new middle school director Adam Collett P’32
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Grades are numbers on a page that tell us only a fraction about the person who achieved them.
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Describe your vision of what a truly effective middle school would look like. Why did you choose to go into the education field? And what motivated you to become a middle school director?
I think everyone wants to feel that they have made a positive impact. Throughout my childhood I saw daily how my mother, who held teaching positions at a variety of schools, was able to make a difference in the lives of the children she worked with. When I was at school, I was a decent student, but honestly unmotivated. It was the personal involvement of great teachers in my life, particularly Mrs. Marsh, my advisor, and Dr. Palmer, my English teacher, that truly helped me to realize my potential and succeed. The impact that an adult figure can have on the development of a child is clear to all, and that was my driving goal behind going into education. I have had the benefit of working at many age levels in my teaching career. Each level has its benefits and challenges. My time at the Academies Middle School is one of the most rewarding times I have spent in the classroom. It is an all-in mentality, with engagement throughout the day. The energy at that age is incredible. As I looked to move into the next stage of my career, I am excited by the opportunity to take on this challenge and create a school environment that will truly support and challenge our students.
A truly effective middle school is one that supports, engages, and challenges its students. It educates the whole child and stimulates them in academics, the arts, and athletics. It provides the opportunity for students to grow and to find their passions, and it understands that every student is an individual. An effective middle school is one that students want to be at, feel safe and supported in, and feel that they are an active and valued member of the community. How would you describe your leadership style?
I am very hands on. That is not to say I micro-manage, more that I like to be involved at every level and for my team to know that I am genuinely interested in what they are doing, and I want to help if I can! Through many years of coaching, I have always worked on helping others develop their strengths and their passions. We must feel valued and supported if we are going to achieve. As a team we rise or fall, and it is my job to provide the platform for my faculty’s success. Develop a metaphor to describe your philosophy of teaching and learning.
Education is a journey—everyone’s journey will be different, and there are many paths, but if we keep the destination in view, we will reach our goal. The Albany Academies magazine
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What support systems do you think are missing in middle schools, both private and public?
I don’t know that systems are missing, necessarily, more that there is a much stronger push to understand and support mental health in students compared to when my generation was in school. This is an area that we can never stop developing and understanding; the more we know about our students, the more we realize that every child is different, every child needs different support, different challenges. We must teach the whole child. In your opinion, what is the most powerful indicator of a student’s success, socially and academically?
Motivation—If we no longer care, then we cannot be successful. Grades are numbers on a page that tell us only a fraction about the person who achieved them. A motivated individual who wants to achieve, wants to improve, wants to accomplish, wants to engage in school will ultimately find the success they seek, whatever that success looks like. I have observed this firsthand with my daughter who attends The Albany Academies. She has thrived at Albany Academy for Girls and is always encouraged by the faculty which motivates her to do more. How do you stay current with emerging trends in the field of education?
I never stop reading! Education, and educational theory, is an ever-evolving, ever-changing dynamic—just like the world we live in. This summer I had the opportunity to take part in some fascinating conferences with educators from around the nation and the globe. I am also very fortunate to be surrounded by expert and motivated teachers in all the subject areas, who constantly convey new approaches and ideas. Through NYSAIS, 16
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iddle school is a vital time in the M development of self-esteem as it is a time when students really start to notice and appreciate individuality in themselves and others. I am in touch with a network of Middle School division heads from schools across the Northeast. Hearing and reading about other practices, successful and otherwise, is invaluable. How do you build a positive school culture?
A hard question to answer. Really it is about maintaining two necessarily different cultures, while simultaneously drawing on our common goals and values so we can see how they align. If we start with a clear vision, our raison d’etre, we can see that what we hope to achieve is within our grasp. By working together towards that common goal, even if we approach it from a different direction, we will build our whole school culture. How do you define self-esteem and how do you help build and enhance that in middle school students?
Self-esteem is defined by a person’s feeling of value, specifically how they view themselves. It is often influenced by external forces; for example, the belief that others value them equally for their own sake. Middle school is a vital time in the development of self-esteem as it is a time when students really start to notice and appreciate individuality in themselves and others. This is when our advising program really comes to the fore. Through exploration and self-evaluation in a judgment free environment, students begin to understand themselves and value their differences
”
more. They can see the strengths that they do possess. They make new links to others, find different support that they may not previously have known was there. They learn that it is okay to be them. Middle school is awkward, how will you relate to the students to help bring out their strengths?
One of the most important things I learnt as a classroom teacher was that it is okay to make mistakes in front of students. No one can be perfect; we all make errors and embarrass ourselves sometimes. Believe me, I have many stories I could tell of cringeworthy moments from my childhood. At the time they were mortifying, but looking back now they are anecdotes that we all laugh over and that bring us closer together. But students are looking at us in those situations and how we react will influence their own behavior; by modeling ownership, reflection, perseverance, and empathy we will help our students. I think sometimes students find it hard to see teachers and administrators as human beings; it was commonplace to see the look of incredulity on a student’s face when I would run into them in the grocery store, as if to say, “What? You buy food?” I think that is what is so great about the Academies, our students get to see us in so many different roles: as advisor, teacher, coach, club mentor, and so on. It is my fervent wish that every student has at least one adult they want to turn to in those awkward moments for advice and support. Then they will know that they belong here, and they will flourish.
FALL
2021
Top Social Posts Follow us on social media! @thealbanyacademies @albanyacademies @thealbanyacademies
June 18, 2021 Coach Rider ’73, P’04, after 44 years at The Albany Academy, retires.
June 8, 2021 Senator Neil Breslin presented Swimming & Diving Team with a Proclamation both for the entire team and each athlete.
May 26, 2021 The Albany Academies held the NCAA signing ceremony for 13 students.
June 14, 2021 Congratulations to Albany Academy for Girls Class of 2021!
June 15, 2021 Congratulations to The Albany Academy Class of 2021!
May 13, 2021 Congratulations to three of our international students who celebrated a special graduation ceremony.
May 4, 2021 In support of Teacher Appreciation Day.
July 6, 2021 Congratulations, Sam Murphy ’21.
July 23, 2021 Congratulations, Grace Gravini ’21.
July 8, 2021 Congratulations, Claire Gerdeman ’21.
March 10, 2021 Virtual Information Session with faculty, students and Head of School.
June 6, 2021 AAG Final Assembly
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Exploration Communication Collaboration Building essential skills and habits at the new Early Childhood Center
We sat down recently to talk with Michelle Hughes, director of the Lower School, about her leadership of and vision for our new Early Childhood Center and the restarting of our preschool program. She shared her insights about the importance of laying a strong foundation for young students that will lead them to long-term success. The past 18 months have been difficult for young children. “The work of early childhood is learning how to be with, learn with, and play with others in the world. Children’s brains are programmed for this important work,” Michelle said. “However, in a state of isolation from each other, as many children were because of virtual classrooms, this important work can’t be done, and this can affect their social and cognitive development, as well as their state of mind. Our students were so fortunate to have been in person at the Academies last year!” Michelle shared that she feels very fortunate to be working with a highly talented group of teachers in the Lower School who help shape the foundation of The Albany Academies education. “Collaborating with and supporting these teachers in the goals they have, the inspirations they want to follow, and the work they do with our kids is extremely rewarding.” With her team, Michelle works to create an engaging environment for children, especially at the early childhood level. “We start with tasks that are age appropriate and meaningful, and lessons that build on each other in a logical way. The more the students are doing, enacting, communicating, and creating within those tasks, the more engaged they will be.” Michelle brings a whole-child teaching philosophy to her work at the Academies, looking at each child to learn what their strengths and interests are and where they are challenged, and then developing ways for them to learn effectively. The role of the teacher is to know the students in front of them, to check frequently for understanding, and then to determine what methods or modes will help a student who is not understanding, she said. Do they need a model? Do they need 18
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Caroline King ’33 was excited to get glimpse of the new early childhood classrooms.
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to show what they know through creative means? Do they need more time or a different space? “Our teachers come into the teaching space with so many tools. It is knowing who the student is, what their strengths are, and why they are struggling that allows us to offer the right tool,” Michelle explained. As director of the Lower School, Michelle makes frequent visits to the classrooms so the students come to know her and are used to seeing her everywhere. “Being available and visible allows me to have a hands-on sense of what everyone is up to, to assess the climate, and to be responsive,” Michelle said. Collaboration among students is a tool that she encourages in the classroom, both in formal and informal ways. Sometimes the students have chosen the same activity or topic and work together for the short term. Sometimes the teacher has grouped them based on skill level, interest, or who they think would work well with whom. “Collaboration encourages language development as students talk through their ideas, ask and answer questions, and share their individual strengths,” she said. “They can also challenge students to negotiate, problem solve, and find new ways of approaching old problems. Fortune 500 companies continue to point to the ability to work with others as a key strength they seek in their employees. It is an essential life skill!” Michelle has taught and been in leadership roles in diverse environments over the course of her career, which began in an early childhood classroom for three to five year olds. She then served as a public school fifth and sixth grade teacher in Red Hook, New York for 12 years. When the Common Core movement came about, she decided to pursue a career at an independent school and worked in a small pre-K through fifth grade school in the Hudson Valley. After 16 years, she became Head of School there and added an early childhood program and a middle school. Michelle joined The Albany Academies in 2018.
We are so excited to be restarting our preschool program in newly renovated space on the Albany Academy for Girls campus. In addition to the co-ed preschool program, single gender boys’ and girls’ pre-K, and K classrooms are also located in the designated Early Childhood Center at AAG. The newly renovated Early Childhood Center is purpose-built space with specific needs of the program in mind. The academic and play-based space has been built with distinct and age-appropriate centers such as woodworking, literacy, science, climbing, and a block area in mind. Each center is designed to prepare our youngest learners for the next level of education at the Academies. O ur dedicated faculty in Early Childhood at the Academies facilitate active learning, creativity, and inquiry through daily lessons and activities. They strike the delicate balance of knowing when to observe, encourage, guide, redirect, teach, question, and intervene throughout the day. They engage parents in their child’s learning and development in a variety of ways including daily feedback, regular conferences, and school events. In the Early Childhood Center girls and boys build positive attitudes toward school and learning as they engage in individual and large group activities. This prepares them well to move into Lower School and the larger school environment and to develop a strong sense of belonging to a large community. We encourage anyone interested to visit to the new Early Childhood Center. We’d love to introduce you to this new space.
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Mental Health during the Pandemic Some expert insight and advice on how to help young people cope in these challenging times
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One thing we have learned over the past year is that COVID has brought to the surface, or heightened for many of us, mental health issues, unfortunately. The CDC reports in a June 2020 survey that 31% of adult respondents reported symptoms of anxiety and depression, and 26% reported stress-related symptoms (all of these rates are nearly double compared to the pre-pandemic statistics). When it comes to how people have been handling these mental health struggles, Julie Morrison P’26, ’29, licensed psychologist and owner of her own practice here in Albany (HPA/LiveWell) and an Albany Academy parent, says that “People did the best they could to cope with this unusual stress” but that “many adults, adolescents, and children, used maladaptive coping skills to tolerate distress. Those maladaptive behaviors have led to the development of unhealthy behaviors that now require treatment.” What are we supposed to do then? It surely is easy to fall back into old unhealthy patterns when the symptoms of their mental illness start to rear their ugly heads, louder and more persistent than ever. But all hope isn’t lost; Julie says that “distraction [and] using creative ways of connecting with others” are great coping mechanisms. “But,” she states, “the biggest thing is finding routine and schedule. Everyone needs routine and activating behavior. Activating behavior helps fight depression and helps people feel like they have purpose.” Even small activating actions, like brushing your teeth, making a snack, going for a drive, or simply moving from your bed to the couch, are all accomplishments that can spur bigger ones despite the big heavy voices in your head telling you otherwise. Julie describes COVID, in terms of mental health, as being “the great equalizer” in how it destigmatized conversations around mental health struggles. The pandemic gave a more tangible grappling hook to attach to our fears, struggles, and anxieties to pull us into broader discussions about mental illness.
That leads into how do we work towards ending stigma around mental health and mental illnesses? Well, according to Julie, “Simply talking to people in your life about how you feel, checking in on them about how they are doing, sends the message that talking about coping and wellness is a normal thing. The more we share how we cope, the more we show that the NEED to cope is normal.” Essentially, the normalization of discussing your mental well-being is how we begin to end the cyclical nature of mental health stigma. Generally speaking, the pandemic has forced us into finding alternative ways to socialize and simultaneously proved human connections can be made beyond physical contact, yet how that one really cannot be replaced by the other. The Albany Academies are no different in how we handled the pandemic creatively. Mental health counselor Powell Cucchiella says, “The counselors looked to create more resources that could be utilized by teachers and advisors, rather than just us delivering that information. Zoom became a nice option to connect with people when we’re forced apart or couldn’t be in the school.”
“The biggest predictor of someone’s well-being is how connected and close they feel to the people around them.”
POWELL CUCCHIELLA
On The Albany Academies’ front, Powell says, “I did the best I could last year [by] trying to understand who could use mental health support. That made for quite a challenge. It is usually easy when children and teens are in school to see that they are not doing well and need support, but kids at home present differently and it was hard to really know how people were doing.” Powell implores that mental health care from an early age is “not just important, it’s critical.” And he finds it “unsettling... when social, emotional, and mental health is seen as a side note or luxury to education. These skills are critical to one’s sense of success in work and relationships all throughout life.” And he is correct, this view of mental health is unsettling and it only contributes to the stigma surrounding it. Some may view you as “weak” or not able to handle your own problems on your own if you attend therapy, but why should you have to face your problems alone? It’s not necessary and only enforces the idea that you’re less strong when you ask for help, when it is quite the opposite. It requires a lot of strength to admit you’re struggling, or simply need someone to talk to. But there are barriers beyond stigma that hinder people from seeking mental health access. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the pandemic “has not affected all Americans equally,” stating that “the most vulnerable among us are also feeling the mental health effects most intensely.” Those include minority communities, who are disproportionately affected by the issues caused by the pandemic such as loss of income, housing uncertainty, and food instability. In fact, though general suicide rates in America have remained relatively steady, reports from Maryland and Connecticut point to the fact that “early in the pandemic, the number of African Americans dying by suicide increased.” Being aware of that reality and the privilege some of us experience is essential to understanding how the system and the government do not work the same for all of us. Awareness and not ignoring these
ugly statistics is the first step. Systematically enforced inaccessibility is a huge barrier to seeking mental health help, and it is essential to talk about when discussing mental health care in America. Inaccessibility to mental health services and minority status are intrinsically intertwined and it is unwise to view them as separate.
JULIE MORRISON TITLE?
“Everyone needs routine and activating behavior. Activating behavior helps fight depression and helps people feel like they have purpose.”
JULIE MORRISON P’26, ’29
The Albany Academies, however, provide a place for all students to seek the help they need. And while it is important to be aware of the unsettling statistics, I think it is also important to remember there is hope; hope and awareness can coexist. We asked Julie and Powell what made their jobs in the mental health field rewarding to them, and both of their answers epitomize hope. Powell says, “Feeling like I am helpful to others is 100% why I love this career. To know that I could have the ability to impact someone’s life for the better is such a gift.” And with the same amount of optimism Julie adds, “I love watching people make change. Human resilience is incredible.” You are more resilient than you think and incredibly brave in your vulnerability. Don’t forget that. The Albany Academies magazine
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the A-Teams
2020-21 For teams and schedules go to: albanyacademies.org
AA Golf AA Varsity Golf Coach Jak Bestle celebrated his 250th consecutive win in a regular season spanning over 18 years. He was also named high school golf coach of the year by the Times Union in May. The recognition said, “The former Section 2 golf coordinator put together another strong team that would have been a Section 2 tournament contender had one been held this season.”
AA Swimming AA Varsity Swim team boys’ medley relay missed tying the New York State record by just seven-tenths of a second but did succeed in tying the Section 2 record. The report on WNYT NewsChannel 13 stated the team is one of the best relay teams in New York state history.
AAG Basketball The Times Union ran a great article on the success of our AAG Basketball Team and coaches enjoyed during the shortened last season. The article highlighted the team’s 58-36 victory over Voorheesville.
AAG Swimming and Diving Our AAG Varsity Swim team finished their Fall 2 season as Colonial Council League Champions!
AAG Golf AAG golf had another undefeated regular season in 2020. The team was recognized in multiple Times Union articles throughout the season and by two local television stations. Go Bears! 24
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AA Varsity Soccer Team Wins Colonial Council Championship The Albany Academy Varsity Soccer team finished its unbeaten season by winning the Colonial Council conference championship game over Ichabod Crane on April 30. The top-seeded Cadets were scoreless at the half but the team rallied and went on to win 5-1 in the final game for Head Coach Adam Collett P’32 who stepped down after last season.
and diving coaches. The Times Union staff also named Bryce as Athlete of the Year for Boys’ Swimming and the following students were named to the First Team All-Stars: Bryce Henkel ’21, Brayden Henkel ’23, Ian Young ’21, Silas Strich ’21, Ivan Young ’21, and Jack Slote ’21. The newspaper staff also selected Coach Young as Coach of the Year.
AA Hockey AA Swimming and Diving Team Garners Post-Season Honors The Academy Swimming and Diving Team received some well-deserved post-season honors. Bryce Henkel ’21 and Brayden Henkel ’23 were both named to the Times Union’s Section II Swimming and Diving All-Stars and Coach Scott Young was named Coach of the Year. These honors are bestowed based on votes cast by swimming
A former Academies student-athlete, Yale University senior Kevin O’Neil ’16, was named a finalist for ECAC Hockey’s 202021 Student-Athlete of the Year award. Kevin is a physics major who has been a regular on the ECAC all-academic team. Seniors Tommy McGuire and Timmy Carlson were named honorable mention at this year’s 2021 NHSHL Section II hockey awards.
Students playing Division I, II, III Division I Athletes Congratulations to five AA and AAG students who will be playing Division 1 athletics in the fall of 2021 at Yale (lacrosse), Boston College (swimming), Georgetown (crew), Duke (crew), and St. John’s University (lacrosse). The student-athletes participated in an official signing ceremony via Facebook live from the James E. Poole Athletic Facility on November 23.
Student-Athletes Recognized at Signing Event On Wednesday, May 26, we hosted a signing ceremony in the James E. Poole Athletic Facility for 12 student-athletes who have committed to attending Division I, II, and III colleges and universities and participating on athletic teams at their chosen college. Roberto Barron D3 BASEBALL Penn State University Harrisburg
Anthony Owens ’85
Timothy Carlson D3 GOLF New England College William Comparin D3 TRACK & FIELD St. Lawrence University Jackson Foley D3 SOCCER Stevenson Occidental College Justin Haverly D3 LACROSSE Salve Regina University Chris Huban D3 GOLF Bentley University Nicholas Lyons D1 GOLF Siena College William O’Brien D1 TENNIS Fairfield University Kieran O’Haire D1 BASKETBALL Providence College Esteban Ramirez D3 TRACK & FIELD St. Lawrence University Ivan Young D3 SWIMMING Saint Norbert College Julia Zacher D3 TRACK & FIELD Amherst College
Honoring Our Class of 2020 Hall of Fame Inductees
Emily Downie ’12
Congratulations to the Class of 2020 Hall of Fame inductees who were honored during a virtual ceremony on May 20, 2021. More than 390 individuals tuned in to celebrate these honorees who are among the most recent students and coaches carrying on the long history of excellence in athletics that The Albany Academies are known for. Albany Academy inductees included Anthony Owens ’85, Ned Duffy ’70, Jim Mills ’95, Robert Beaulieu ’85, Neil Bryant ’00, Coach Scott Young P’21, ’24, and the 1999-2000 Football Team. Albany Academy for Girls inductees were Coach Bonnie Morse-Gillham, Andrea Lodico ’00, Emily Downie ’12, and Kirstie Phelps-Harris ’01. At The Albany Academies winning isn’t everything, or the only thing, but athletics and physical education are important components of leadership and character development. The school is renowned for our athletic teams, the number of teams that students can select from, their success, and their fierce competitiveness on the field, court, or mat. We offer our heartiest congratulations to all of our recent Hall of Fame inductees! The Albany Academies magazine
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Sa Kler Moo ’22
Chloe Pascoe ’24
Anna Abid ’24
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Finn de Rosier ’22
The arts Annika Johnson ’23
“Best described by creator Adam Savage, it is giving students the opportunity to learn the idea of iteration: that the creative process is not one inspired step, but many steps, false-steps, reconsiderations, experimentations, sought advice, and even compromise, until something is created.”
Rich Johnson P’35, Fine Arts
Department Director
The Arts program at the Albany Academies boasts the talents of the students it guides, teaches, and supports with Rich Johnson as the Fine Arts Department Director. “The changes in the Fine Arts program have been intentional;” Rich explains that the recent changes to the Arts program have been for the better, “We are careful to make sure the essential skills and techniques are there and then work to create a program robust enough to meet our Academies students where they are to then offer the best way to find their voice and creativity in the visual and performing arts.” The need for students to have an outlet is not only essential to their overall academic success, but their general wellness; they deserve a space somewhat detached from the often insurmountable stress and newness of high school to express themselves. Rich reiterates this aforementioned point clearly: “Best described by creator Adam Savage, it is giving students the opportunity to learn the idea of iteration: that the creative process is not one inspired step, but many steps, false-steps, reconsiderations, experimentations, sought advice, and even compromise, until something is created. By doing all of this, you learn new skills which will help you refine the processes and skills you bring to your next creative project, and learn more about who we each are.” While Rich is a leader and the director, there is something to be said for what the students have taught him. After all, where would a good leader be without learning from, listening to, and being inspired by their constituents? Rich says that he has “Learned how truly amazing, talented, focused, and compassionate our
Academies students are. Their passion is palpable and their drive to excel, learn more and be better each day is inspiring.” And who can blame him when he’s seen students make films, individually choreograph a musical, and facilitate and assemble a series of visual art pieces that he says, “Would rival a professional show.” But how has the pandemic affected the way fine arts is being taught to students? What has changed? Well, Rich says that it has brought him back to basics, or “The bones of what I teach,” and forced him to “relook at everything and what is truly the basics of our performing and visual art” just like it has forced us all to reevaluate what is essential and important, and what is not. I think Rich explains best in his own words how creativity can come in all different shapes and forms, and how it doesn’t have to be intricately constructed art to be a meaningful and helpful aid to your contentedness: “The best way to remind students that being creative is limited only by their imagination; that being creative can be a TikTok video, a sketch on a napkin, an intentional photo taken on their phone, a quick dance in the morning before heading off to school, or singing in the car? The pandemic has changed us all. It showed us that we are all human and that connection and communication is something we all need.
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a
2
C A R E E R H O C K E Y S TAT S
18
portrait
Years as Head Coach
335 Wins
8
League Championships
8
Section II Championships
going out a winner
Dave Rider ’73, P’04 |
AF TER 44 DISTINGUISHED YEARS AS A PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER
AT THE ALBANY ACADEMY and dozens of years as a coach who had a tremendous impact on the students he worked with, Dave Rider ’73, P’04 retired at the end of the 2020 -2021 academic year. Coach Rider began teaching and coaching at The Albany Academy in the fall of 1977 and ultimately coached all levels of football, hockey, and baseball, in addition to his role as a teacher. He had great success, especially, in hockey, which he coached for 18 years, amassing an overall record of 335 wins, 113 losses, and 14 ties that included eight league championships and eight Section II championships. He coached the team to state championships in 1983, 1987, and 1991. He also served as Athletic Director from 1999 to 2005. During his tenure, he was instru28
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3
State Championships
physical education
mental in the creation of The Albany Academy Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, Coach Rider was inducted into the New York State High School Hockey Coaches Hall of Fame, as well as The Albany Academy Athletic Hall of Fame. He has also been honored with the Peter Rush Award by the New York State Amateur Hockey Association for his longterm dedication and commitment to the growth of youth hockey, and he received
Michael Uccellini ’84, P’15, ’17, ’18, Mary Beth O’Brien P’84, Scott Momrow ’90, P’19 at the annual Frank O’Brien III, ’84 Memorial Hockey Game.
the Bob O’Connor Award from USA Hockey, given to a New York District coaching education instructor for excellence in the coaching education program. Coach Rider also received the Albany Academy Excellence in Teaching Award in 2006 and 2019 and was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017. Few people have had as big an impact on the school’s athletic programs and its students as Dave Rider has. The AA community came together to celebrate him and his many years leading athletes to success at a farewell party in June. We offer our very best wishes to Coach Rider for much happiness in his retirement!
Fall 2021
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class notes 1950s
highly recommends Amtrak! Paul Walsh ’67
the majors. The first year William was in contact
and his best friend, Clyde Thomas, have been
with Coach Dorwaldt, the AA team traveled
Deborah Acton Tollefson ’59 reports that
shark fishing in Gulf of Maine for many years. The
to Baltimore for a week in the pre-season, and
the fall of 2020 brought a big change for her
friends take an annual Walsh-Thomas fishing trip
he arranged some games with the very top
when she sold her southern Arizona property
that includes their brothers, sons, and grandsons.
teams, but also one with St. Paul’s fledging lot.
and moved to Florida to be near her daughter,
They have fished from Panama to Alaska on the
According to William, that was a mistake. This
Laura. It was a tremendous undertaking to
West Coast and from the Panama to Maine on
was the year that the AA team went on to the
dismantle 60 years of accumulation in a
the East Coast and have also fished Northern
state championship and while Pete was trying
large house and outbuildings. Laura and her
Canada (Miminiska, Ontario, Canada). Before the
to be kind, the score was 29-1 and was called
husband, Britt, decided in June 2020 to build
pandemic hit, they made these annual trips for
early because of injury. William said he thought
a home in Bellacina by Casey Key in Nokomis
22 years straight before the Pandemic hit and
about reverting to the old submarine pitch in the
and that started Deborah thinking. By the end
they are now hoping to restart soon. On those
recent game, but out of regard for his well-being,
of September, she found a house to purchase
trips, the largest shark Paul and Clyde have ever
and others’, he stuck with a sort of overhand
about 3/4 miles away on the same street as
seen was a 24-plus-foot great white. Paul says,
pitch. He said, it had decent speed but he failed
her daughter’s house. In December they all
“We know how big it was because we were in
to remember that the height of the mound
moved in and stayed until mid-March when their
a 23-foot Grady. We were about five miles off
influences the trajectory and length of the pitch.
new home was completed. After 60 years of
when we saw two fins. We thought it was a mom
One bounce and through the catcher (never
Arizona’s hot and dry heat Deborah says she
whale with a pup. When we went over to explore,
happen to you, Rick!). “I thought you guys would
is getting accustomed to Florida’s hot and wet
we discovered that the two fins were the dorsal
appreciate this dangerous moment as I went to
heat, but she’s been told, “Just wait ‘til June!”
and tail fins of a huge great white. Actually, we
the mound after some 50+ years,” William said.
1960s
initially didn’t know if it was a great white or a basking shark. Clyde had the brilliant idea for me to drive the boat about 50 yards ahead and to
John B. Hintermaier ’60 shares what he
the side of the shark and then turn off the engine
calls his “temporary sorrow and everlasting
to see what the shark would do. I did what Clyde
joy” at the passing of his wife, Jane Mary Kissel
suggested. As the shark became even with us, he
Hintermaier, on September 11, 2020. The couple
turned sharply towards us, covering the 50 yards
Shared almost 30 years of marriage beginning
in just a couple of seconds. Clyde was yelling,
on December 15,1990. Jane Mary helped
“Turn on the engine!!!” But there was no time.
raise John’s three young sons who after the
As the shark was about to broadside the boat,
death of his first wife, Marilyn, in May 1987.
perhaps five feet from the side of the boat, he
Jane graduated from Seton High School in
dove underneath and surfaced on the other side
Cincinnati, Ohio and received her LPN from
of the boat in a span of a second or two. Clyde
Jackson Community College with honors in
and I concluded that it was no basking shark and
1996. She received her associate’s degree liberal
that this great white would have sunk the boat if
arts with honors from Washtenaw Community
he had rammed it.” The largest shark the friends
Mark Macomber ’67 shared these two
College and enrolled in the English literature
have ever caught was a 17-foot thresher, which
photos with us. The top photo shows his younger
honors program at Eastern Michigan University
took two and a half hours to bring alongside
son flying through a canyon in Nevada at 560
with advanced placement in the Master of
the boat. The largest shark they have landed
knots with the canyon wall behind him. He flew
Arts program. Prior to her marriage, Jane was
(brought into the cockpit of the boat) was a
100 combat missions in the desert and earned
employed by the University of Michigan’s School
near-record 13-foot blue shark. Paul sends this
five Air Medals. He is now teaching the F-15E
of Engineering and also worked as a paralegal
message to other alumni: “If anyone wants to
Strike Eagle. Mark’s older son is head of robotic
at the law firm of Foster, Meade, Ramsey and
go shark fishing on the Gulf of Maine, give me
surgery at Abbott Northwestern in Minneapolis.
Magill. She was the office manager for Chester
a holler!”
The bottom photo is the jet Mark recently checked out in, as he begins his 51st year in
Engineers and worked in the University of Michigan’s Graduate School Alumni Relations
William Durden ’67 was back on the mound
aviation. He says, “It goes without saying that
office. A memorial service will be held in the
recently after 50+ years. He shares that his first
they can teach an old dog new tricks.” Jeffrey
future when the extended family can gather
job was at the St. Paul’s Schools in Baltimore.
Levine ’67 reports that his new workbook,
to honor Jane. SMarilyn Propp ’65 says
Lacrosse was the only spring sport and the
“Consistent Profitable Growth Map,” has become
she and David Jones are very happy living in
school was a multi-time state champion; baseball
an Amazon Best Seller. The book helps business
Kenosha, Wisconsin where their house has two
was prohibited. William lobbied to change
owners exit their business rich and provides a
large studios and an etching press. Check out
that and became the school’s first coach. Fast
clear 5- to 19-year consistent profitable growth
their website at https://www.proppjonesstudio.
forward to a recent day when William threw
map. Jeff is proud to announce he has also been
com/. The couple recently took a sleeper room
out the first pitch to celebrate 40 successful
chosen to be part of the “13 Steps to Riches”
train to and from Indio, California (Coachella
years of baseball at the school, multiple state
book project. This the first collaborative book
Valley) to visit family for a month and Marilyn
championships, and some players going on to
project on Napoleon Hill’s steps to riches, a The Albany Academies magazine
fall 2021 29
national number one best seller on Amazon. In other news, Jeff shared his excitement that the audio visual room at the Warrensburg Library will be named in his honor. He will be attending
1980s
Suzanne Walsh ’87 was named the 19th president of Bennett College in Greensboro,
in memoriam
the dedication of the room in early October.
North Carolina. Bennett is one of two
Jeff is also happy to attend his 54th reunion
JLeslie Collins ’75 4/28/2020
historically Black colleges for women in the
in October and says he is very pleased with
U.S. Before taking on this role, Suzanne was
Marvin V. Cluett ’42
the accomplishments the school has achieved
a deputy director at the Bill & Melinda Gates
in recent years. “Great leadership with great
Foundation for about nine years.
results!”
1990s
1970s
Michel Murray ’99 was elected this year
7/27/2020 9/14/2020
Mrs. Jean Y. Farrisee ’49 Mr. Alfred C. Haven Jr. ’41
10/7/2020
Mr. George W. Hemstead III ’67
10/27/2020 11/6/2020
to the Board of Directors for the American
Dr. George P. Cockcroft ’50
in curriculum development and instructional
Swimming Coaches Association, an honor
technology and a certificate of online teaching
bestowed on American Swimming Coaches
Mrs. Ann Suderley Cross Rooney ’59
from the University at Albany. In March, while
who are tasked with guiding the sport,
enrolled in the program, Mark helped the School
11/8/2020
educating coaches, and leading the U.S.
of Education launch a support program for
towards competitive success at the national and
Dr. William T. Beaver ’50
K-12 teachers adjusting to remote learning. He
international levels. Michael’s family moved from
Mr. Frank J. Igoe ’54
is currently teaching a continuing education
Long Island to Rochester, N.Y. to run the family’s
course on online education to K-12 teachers
multi-site learn to swim and USA Swimming
Mr. Kenneth S. MacAffer, Jr. ’48
for the Academy for the Advancement of
Club business. This summer they hosted
11/26/2020
Teaching, Learning, and Schools (AATLAS),
many Albany Academy students and former
the professional development program of the
Dr. Peter H. Collins ’65
swimmers who trained during the Covid-19
university’s School of Education. He will also be
pandemic by utilizing the Finger Lakes region
teaching a finance course at Siena College in
and training in open water!
In May Mark Freed ’70 received an M.S.
the fall. Armen Garo ’73 reports that since
11/12/2020
11/23/2020
Mr. Charles D. Pitt ’51
11/27/2020
11/30/2020
Mr. Jonathan Cramer ’72
12/1/2020
the fall of 2019, he has been fortunate to work
Mrs. Diane Fallon Boylan ’62
on five projects. CODA (Child of Deaf Adults)
12/18/2020
won the four top awards at Sundance and was the subject of a bidding war between Apple, Amazon and Netflix, which Apple won with a record bid of $25 million. Its scheduled release was in August 2021 simultaneously in theaters
To submit a class note,
Dr. E. Wayne Wilkins, Jr. ’37
please visit the alumni/ae page
12/20/2020
at albanyacademies.org
Dr. Stephen Gunther ’59
as well as on Apple‘s TV platform. Early in 2020 I worked on 6:45, my third film in the horror
Mr. E. Channing Headley ’51
genre, which was awarded Best Picture at the
12/27/2020
Paris Independent Film Festival. It opened
Mr. Laurance J. Foley ’45
August 6, 2021 in Regal Cinemas across the US and Canada. I completed filming The Mick and The Trick in the fall of 2020, the release date for which at the time of this writing is unknown. In the spring of 2021, I worked on four episodes
12/26/2020
12/27/2020
Mrs. Jean James Weigle ’45
12/31/2020 Mrs. Elaine Wiswall Betts ’43
1/3/2021
of Season 9 of Showtime’s series, Dexter. I am
Mrs. Virginia Campbell King ’3
currently in the middle of production for a
1/21/2021
sci-fi film, title for which is still under wraps. All of these accomplishments are because of the
Mr. Paul M. Whitaker ’65
annual Declamations that I participated in on the
Mr. Thomas Hans ’76
Caird Chapel, stage along with the advice and
1/25/2021
1/25/2021
encouragement I received from faculty member
Mr. Christopher C. Liddle ’74
Frank Nash. Another faculty member, James
1/26/2021
Price, was instrumental in my development during my time at The Albany Academy. I am forever grateful for my experiences under the fish and pumpkin!
Mr. Charles B. Cameron, Jr. ’46
2/1/2021 Mrs. Mary McDonald Merriam ’49
2/15/2021 Mr. Glen E. Graper ’53 Mr. Paul Y. Curtin ’65
30
The Albany Academies magazine
fall 2021
2/19/2021 2/21/2021
Mrs. Joan Minahan Davis ’51
2/25/2021
Mr. George W. Harder ’43, P’71, ’74, ’76
3/6/2021 Mr. M. Edward Berthiaume, Jr. ’64
3/8/2021 Mr. Frederick G. Field, Jr. ’50, P’89, GP’02, GGP’23
3/12/2021 3/14/2021
Mrs. Susan Yager Cook ’42 Mr. Jasan M. Ward ’90 Mr. Paul J. Goetz ’54
3/16/2021
3/30/2021 3/31/2021
Mr. Daniel D. Brown ’70
Henry “Darby” Houston ’47
4/17/2021
Mr. Geoffrey G. Maclay ’41 Mr. David C. Martin ’61
4/9/2020
4/23/2021 5/4/2021
Hon. Richard G. Smith ’51 Mr. Howard A. Shapiro ’49
5/17/2021
Lt. Gen. Charles G. Cleveland, USAF (Ret.) ’44
5/22/2021
Mrs. Eva Jane McLauchlin Meader ’55
6/11/2021 Dr. David W. O’Keeffe ’48, P’79, ’82, ’87
6/15/2021
Mr. Andrew F. Rowell ’87
6/17/2021
Mr. Robert E. Frederick ’52
6/19/2021
Mr. Alton P. Mendleson, Jr. ’51, P’82
6/22/2021 Mrs. Elizabeth B. Tyson ’39
7/8/2021
Mr. Carl ’Pepper’ Whitbeck III ’96
7/29/2021 Mr. Ahmad A. Praileau ’20
8/3/2021
Mr. William B. Picotte ’67, P’01, ’04
8/6/2021 As of August 2021
Carl “Pepper” Whitbeck ’96
Ahmad Praileau ’20
While he was a student at The Albany Academy, Pepper excelled in both academics and athletics and was a three-sport varsity athlete playing soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. He was a member of the Cum Laude Society and served as president of the student council. After graduation, he went on to Williams College. He was a member of the Williams varsity lacrosse team and graduated cum laude in 2000. Pepper started his career at Lehman Brothers working in investment banking and then joined AXA Investment Managers, where he spent the next 20 years. Pepper is survived by his wife of 17 years, Gabriella, and their three children. He also has siblings who graduated from the Academies—Caitlin ’97, Corey ’01, and Casey ’05 and his wife, Alexandra Fingar Whitbeck ’06. Contributions in Pepper’s memory may be made to a Scholarship Fund being established in his memory at The Albany Academies at www.albanyacademies. org/thank-you-for-your-gift.
The Albany Academy Director of College Counseling Jak Bestle said it best, “Ahmad was a Renaissance Man, a can’t-miss kid, a ‘Mister Academy.’ In a nutshell, Ahmad was the complete package—scholar, athlete, artist, and leader.” Ahmad was accomplished beyond his years, with talents in the arts, athletics, and academics. He was a prefect for his house, a member of the Chinese Honor Society, president of the Art Club, and a co-caption of the track team. When he graduated in 2020, he held several school records in track and field and received many awards for artistic, academic, and community excellence. During his time at Williams College, Ahmad won all-NESCAC honors in the long jump and academic honors from the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. He passed away on August 3 and leaves his mother, Michele; his father, Yasin Sr.; and his siblings, Aminah ’17, Yasin, and Bashir ’23. Contributions can be made to a Memorial Fund being established at the Academies at www.albanyacademies.org/thank-you-foryour-gift. The purpose of the fund will be determined with the Praileau family’s input at a later date.
1978 - 2021
2002 - 2021
The Albany Academies magazine
fall 2021 31
TECHNOLOGY
BOOKS
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
LAB EQUIPMENT
THE ANNUAL FUND EQUALS OPPORTUNITIES TO DISCOVER Undesignated gifts to the Annual Fund are our best opportunity to keep students at The Albany Academies out of a box. These donations open doors and create opportunities to discover science, the arts, literature, history, technology…to discover their passions, every day. Without your support we could not have the Academic, Athletic, and Artistic Achievements of our students. If you have yet to make an Annual Fund donation, please make your first gift this year. If you have given in the past, thank you. Please renew your support this year. Together we can open doors and create opportunities for ALL Academies students.
www.albanyacademies.org
WAYS TO GIVE Give online today at albanyacademies.org/thank-you-for-your-gift. Use the giving envelope found in these pages to send a check. Mark your calendar to participate in one of our upcoming Giving Days. Call 518-429-2391 for further assistance.
UPCOMING GIVING DAYS Reunion Giving Days Sept 27 – Oct 2 Current Parent Giving Days October 18 - 22 Giving Tuesday 2021 November 30 Visit the website for more information.
Gifford Faculty Innovation Awards The Albany Academies have selected five faculty members to receive Gifford Faculty Innovation Awards for the 2021-2022 academic year. These awards fund the design of educational experiences that transcend the regular school curriculum. The following teachers have received awards of up to $10,000 to be used in support of their innovative proposals, made possible through a generous legacy gift from Robert L. Gifford, Class of 1940.
Robert L. Gifford ’40
The Albany Academies received a $3 million legacy gift from a former student. The bequest, one of the largest legacy gifts the schools have ever received, came from Robert L. Gifford, who died in 2018 at his home in Sarasota, Florida. Bob was born in Troy and graduated from The Albany Academy in 1940. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree at Harvard University and an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.
Bob Bischoff P’15, Mathematics Department Chair, Human Ecology teacher, and Environmental Club leader — proposes to repurpose the Bilinski Courtyard in the Borisenok Family Science Center to create a “living lab” in support of hands-on ecology projects such as beekeeping, aquaponics, solar power, and gardening.
Elizabeth DiNuzzo, English Department Chair — proposes to create a class set of young adult literature with themes that represent the diverse dimensions of identity formation. These books will be used in instructional units that allow students to explore their own identity and identities with which they are not familiar.
Tim Fitzmaurice P’34, Upper School English teacher — proposes to reimagine, research, design, and launch a student-led writing center with trained peer editors.
Meaghan See, First Grade teacher — proposes to develop an indoor play and sensory space for lower school students with a focus on gross and fine muscle development and sensory play and integration.
After completing his education, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served the country for 30 years, ending his Navy career as a captain. “Bob Gifford traveled the world throughout his career and during his retirement, visiting more than 40 countries, but he never forgot his roots here in
Bob’s gift is a
the Capital Region and all
wonderful example
he gained as an Albany
of how thoughtful
Academy student,” said
estate planning creates a lasting legacy in the institutions that shape
Christopher Lauricella, Head of School. “His love of this school and all it did to help him lead a successful and interesting life is evident in
our lives. If you are
his extremely generous gift
interested in leaving
to the school. Our current
a legacy at Albany Matthew Essery (left) P’25, Science Department Chair, John McNally (center) and Emer Taylor (right) P’25, ’31, science teachers — propose using school-based and regional water sampling to Academies, kindly provide students hands-on field experiences that prioritize data collection and analysis and the study contact Ann Wendth of long-term data sets. at wendtha@albany academies.org.
and future students will benefit greatly from his gift and we are extremely grateful.”
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Albany, NY Permit No. 300
135 academy road, albany, ny 12208 albanyacademies.org (518)429-2300 Board of Trustees
Nancy Carey Cassidy P’13, ’15, President James A. Sidford P ’19, Vice President Eileen M. Considine, Esq. P’08, Secretary Dr. Eric Lewis ’83, P’17, Treasurer Jennifer Amstutz P’19, ’21 Carl Becker, Esq. ’04, P’35 Nicole Borisenok ’08 Dr. Fran’Cee Brown-McClure P’27 Peter Campito ’78, P’15, ’17, ’20 Marcus Cavanagh ’68 Caron O’Brien Crummey ’77, P’04 Richard Flaherty P’15, ’21 Dr. Kyle R. Flik P’18, ’23, ’26 Michael Lasch P’20, ’22 Dr. Hyacinth Mason P’19 Dr. Stewart C. Myers ’58 Neerav Patel ’96 P’31 Elissa Smith P’23, ’25, ’26 Eileen Tucker Spiro ’05 Kaari Stannard P’20, ’23 Dr. Ferdinand Venditti, Jr. P’03, ’14, ’15 Nancy Cohen Wekselbaum ’69
Alumni Association
Nicholas Faso, Esq. ’02, President Mark Bonavita ’94, Vice President Kenneth C. Weafer Esq. ’95, Secretary Joseph DeRosa ’02, Treasurer Charles Anderson ’75 Nathan Bruschi ’06 Barnaby Bullard ’89 Todd Curley ’93 Timothy DiStefano ’10 Cdr. Joseph G. Fitzgerald, USN (Ret.) ’74 M. Jacob Miorin ’12 Michael Raymond ’06 Brendan Reuss ’94 Jonathan Sussman ’04 Dr. Anthony Tracey ’00, P’32
Upcoming Events Admission Open Houses Sunday, November 7, 2021 1:00 - 3:00 pm Saturday, January 22, 2022 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Speed Mentoring November 3, 2021
The road to college starts here.
Alumnae Association
Samantha Miorin ’10, President Josephine Tracey O’Connor ’94, Secretary Jennifer Walsh ’09, Treasurer Margaret Lamar King ’65 Carol Crummey McCardle, Esq. ’04, Past President Jeannine Blanco ’89 Kelley Walsh Triscari ’07 Immediate Past President Rosemary Daoud Walsh ’77, P’07, ’09, ’10, ’13 Taylor West ’14
Alumnae/Alumni Speaker Series October 25, 2021
ENROLLED AT CORNELL 2021 BEGAN AT ACADEMY GRADE 5
MISSION STATEMENT The Albany Academies coordinate single-sex and coeducational learning environments to develop diligent students of high character who become curious, critical thinkers.
ALEX L. ’21
ArtRageous February 3, 2022 Spring Gathering April 30, 2022
