Perkiomen Magazine 2021 by Perkiomen School

Perkiomen SUMMER 2021

MAGAZINE

FOR ALUMNI, STUDENTS, FAMILIES, FACULTY, AND FRIENDS

on the cover: Kendall Baker has served as Director of Athletics at Perkiomen School since 1976. The 2021-2022 academic year marks his 35th year coaching Perkiomen Baseball. On March 26, 2021 Coach Baker celebrated his 500th win, at home on Baker Field. this page: The arts department found creative ways to continue music instruction, despite the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Perkiomen

MAGAZINE SUMMER 2021

Mr. 500, Coach Ken Baker

3 5 8

Class of 2021 Athletic Commitments

Letter from Head of School

Head of School Mark A. Devey P ’21, P ’24

Editorial Staff Diana J. Gleeson P ’19, P ’23 Bernadette Kovaleski P ’28

A Summer of Change

From Dreamer to Difference Maker

Transformative By Design

The Evolution of Perkiomen Basketball

Contributors Jenna Antoniewicz Abigail Rose-Craver ’14 Diana Weir-Smith ’85, P ’19 Greg Welsh

Photography Tim Miller Steve Pestrock

Schultz Hall Memories

17 20 22 24

Music, Moments, Memories: Finnegan’s On The Green

In Memoriam Alumni Highlights

30 32

Alumnus Follows in his Family’s Philanthropic Footsteps

Bigger Than Basketball 2021 Commencement Schultz Hall Demolition

P E R K I O M E N M AG A Z I N E

S U M M E R 2021

Head of School Mark A. Devey, joins Philip Byriel ’21 and Honor Huff ’21 to kick off the countdown to graduation, followed by a series of celebratory events.

strong than e P E R K I O M E N M AG A Z I N E

Mark and Judy Devey pose for a post-Commencement selfie with their daughter, Ruby Peeler ’21. Dear Perkiomen Community, The 2020-2021 academic year was one of the most unique years I have experienced as an educator. While I reflect on our journey, I am filled with pride having experienced first-hand the resilience and determination of our students, faculty, staff, and our parents. I wholeheartedly acknowledge that we could not have persevered without the ongoing support of our families and alumni, and I am deeply grateful for the courage and patience our entire community showed while we made difficult choices, uncovered creative solutions, and found academic success and moments of joy despite the many changes. This is Solvitur Vivendo in action – our Perkiomen motto, which translates to “it is solved through living.” We prove time and again

ger ever that experience is the best teacher, and the challenges of life can only be met by digging in, taking part, and pushing through.

I shared at Commencement that the Class of 2021 impressed me

every day. They didn’t lose perspective when things didn’t go as planned. Instead, they persevered and demonstrated kindness.

in some Schultz Hall memories on page 24 and learn about an important family tribute on page 26.

They were patient with peers and family members on bad days.

We have made some significant shifts and changes in our Athletics

They were patient with technology challenges. They were grateful

Department, investing in the development of our student-athletes.

for picnic tables, corn hole, and a prom on the tennis courts, and

We have hired new coaching staff and are reaffirming our

enjoying creating a few new traditions. Their generosity of spirit is

commitment to raise the profile of our school and our students.

unmatched. My hope for them is that they will keep that kindness

Please read more about this exciting time, including a huge

and the Perkiomen spirit in their hearts as they take their next steps

milestone for Coach Ken Baker, starting on page 8. The collective

out into the world.

enthusiasm and buzz on campus reinforces that this is a great time

Back on campus, we will continue to aggressively take steps in the

to be a Panther – and a Panther fan!

Our Moment to Lead Campaign. As I write this, construction vehicles

Our curriculum also shifted this year, driven by the racially-motivated

are working to level the space for our campus green, adjacent to our

incidents of the summer of 2020 and the continued call for social

new student center, which will be built where Schultz Hall once was.

justice. Knowing that those topics were too significant to be left

We saw this year that our beautiful campus is an asset, and we took

out of a student’s education, the English and History departments

full advantage of it - doubling as a classroom, meeting space, and a

continued their work to update the curriculum, while our faculty

gathering place for meals and games. We will expand on that and

committed to a series of peer-led discussions, exploring different

create more outdoor spaces. As we look to the future, it is important

topics of inclusion and representation. Read more on page 4.

to honor our past and those who impacted us along the way. I invite you to share in some Schultz Hall memories on page 22 and learn

It’s been a remarkable year and we accomplished so much together.

about an important family tribute on page 28.

Thank you for the many ways in which you support the Perkiomen community. Our “Perk Pride” is stronger than ever, and I am grateful

Back on campus, we will continue to aggressively take steps in

for this community that I, and my family, call home.

the Our Moment to Lead Campaign. As I write this construction vehicles are working to level the space for our campus green, and

Sincerely,

prepare the foundation for our new student center, which will be

built where Schultz Hall once was. This year we saw our beautiful

campus as an asset, and we took full advantage of it – doubling as a classroom, meeting space, and a gathering place for meals and

Mark A. Devey P ’21, P ’24

games. As we look to the future, it is important to honor our past

and those who impacted us along the way. I invite you to share

Head of School

S U M M E R 2021

A Summer of Change

Brings Change to the Classroom

P E R K I O M E N M AG A Z I N E

Few need to be reminded of the consequence the summer of 2020 held. George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery are among the many names that will long be remembered, both for their tragic deaths and for the protests and conversations their stories sparked. During these months, while our nation wrestled with a raging pandemic, our country also saw the reality of racial inequity thrust into the public eye like never before. Systems of oppression and bias, which have long operated unseen by many, began to be revealed and recognized on a much larger scale.

strengthen Perkiomen’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. There

Amidst these developments, individuals, corporations and businesses

The call to action was particularly vigorous within the History and

alike were inclined to reflect on the roles they play in maintaining systems

English departments, two disciplines which naturally lend themselves

of racial imbalance and adapt their ways in order to better work toward

to the subject matter.

was a widespread understanding that these topics were simply too significant to be left out of a student’s education, particularly given the global nature of Perkiomen’s student body. “You want a place that is really educating your children,” Moser said. “Where they are being citizens of the world and responding to what is really happening. Any update to the curriculum is making sure that the conversations that are happening in the classroom are bigger than just the classroom. We only really learn things if we are making meaningful connections to our lives and to our world.”

a more just world. Perkiomen School was no exception. As a place of education, administrators and faculty recognized the importance of a

The

History

Department’s

refurbishment

was

spearheaded,

meaningful response by the school.

unsurprisingly, by the two Diversity Collaborative Coordinators, Jessica Walton, each of whom also serve as teachers within the subject area.

Jonathan Moser ’97, Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs,

The tandem had already begun the renovations the year prior, when they

was one of several members of the Perkiomen School community who

oversaw updates to both the 9th and 10th grade curriculums. Starting

attended a Black Lives Matter peaceful protest in Pennsburg over the

with the 2019-20 school year, all Perkiomen freshmen were no longer to

summer. The event was well attended and extremely inspiring for Moser

be enrolled in Ancient History, but instead in Human Geography, which

and many others.

included units on race, gender, ethnicity and religion. The structure of the 10th grade World History course had also been amended in order

“To see a small town come together, and contribute to an antiracist

to provide sophomore students with more time to study regions and

movement, in that moment I was really proud of my town and my

cultures outside of Europe and the Western world.

community,” Moser said. “I wanted to make sure to bring that energy and conversation to Perkiomen. What is our responsibility to students

So, while transformations in the History Department had already

and what is our responsibility to this country? What can we do in some

commenced, when this summer’s events transpired, both Trevor Smith

small way to move forward? Any effort to move forward starts with

and Walton were eager to capitalize on the momentum of the moment

education and listening and learning.”

for the 2020-21 school year. After reading the highly acclaimed young adult book, “Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You,” Trevor Smith

The school moved swiftly. Just days after George Floyd was killed,

decided to draw up a proposal to structure his middle school history

while in custody, by a white police officer in Minneapolis, Head of

course around the text.

School Mark A. Devey asked Diversity Collaborative Coordinators Jessica Walton and Trevor Smith to put together an event for the school

“I sent it to Jon [Moser], and within an hour or two I got a response back

community to discuss the situation and their own feelings. More than

that was like, ‘This sounds great, go.’”

60 people attended on Zoom, and the response was so overwhelmingly positive that it was decided these meetings would continue biweekly for

The class is designed to study a new topic from American History each

the rest of the summer. Attendance never dipped below 45. Students,

week, ranging anywhere from the Revolutionary War to the Civil Rights

faculty, parents, and alumni were among those continually coming

Movement. The early portions of the week are devoted to providing a

back for each session. There was an opportunity to learn about difficult

traditional outline of the subject, while, in the days that follow, students

topics, as well as the chance for individuals to share their own stories

are introduced to perspectives on the topic which typically go unheard.

and experiences. Those who were a part of these summer assemblies

The idea is for students to hear multiple stories and to think about how

found them to be impactful and valuable.

various events in our country’s history affected, and were shaped by, groups of people that typically get glossed over. Thus far it has been a

Alongside these forums for community discourse, there was an increasing desire to update the school’s curriculums in order to

resounding success. continued next page

S U M M E R 2021

A Summer of Change Brings Change to the Classroom continued from previous page

The selections center a wide range of characters and voices, which teachers believe is serving to engage, and speak to, more students. They are excited about the progress that has been made this past year

“I am constantly impressed by what our Middle Schoolers here are

alone, but recognize the need for their work to continue.

capable of doing, the questions they ask and the types of things they “It’s never going to be, ‘Check, we’re done,’” Tara Smith said. “We will

are capable of tackling,” Trevor Smith said.

keep trying to bring in more and more examples and keep working For her part, Walton has added current events into her Human Geography

on that balance between voices, between old and new, between

and World History courses, including discussing topics such as the

hard conversations and the examples of teenagers from all different

impact of COVID-19 on different racial and socioeconomic communities.

backgrounds just living life, however they live their life.”

“The history department in general, they get it,” Walton said. “All of

Perkiomen students are certainly raising the bar with their devotion to diversified studies, but the school’s

our history department teachers recognize the importance of highlighting a variety of narratives and making sure it’s not just a Eurocentric, white-washed curriculum that I think people are recognizing needs to change.” History teachers were not the only ones revamping their classrooms this year. The English Department also underwent significant updates, led in large part by first-year department head, Tara Smith.

“We are having a lot more fearless discussions,” Tara Smith said. “The conversations are a little bit more difficult and a little bit more authentic. We want the difficult conversations and then we also want to show diversity and inclusion in positive, lifeaffirming ways, too.”

commitment to growth in the realm of diversity and inclusion runs deeper than just what is being taught to students. It is about learning and progress for the entire Perkiomen community, which is why the decision was made to implement faculty and staff diversity discussions this year. The discussions, which are facilitated by the Diversity Collaborative, involve a member of the faculty or staff choosing a

“We knew coming into this year that students were going to be looking

piece of media, whether it be a book, movie, article, podcast, or television

for more from us,” Tara Smith said. “The kids were going to come in and

show, and leading an hour-long discussion on it with colleagues. By the end

say, ‘we need to see more voices centered, we need to see more stories

of the year, the hope is to have run approximately 25 sessions, with every

of what is going on in the world,’ so we tried to be ready for that.”

member of the faculty and staff being expected to attend at least three.

After being named department head over the summer, Tara Smith

“The idea is we offer as many things as we can offer, keep it relatively

immediately called a meeting with the entire English team. The group

low impact on the people doing it and let the faculty pick what they

dove right in, beginning to think about how they could address the

want to do,” Trevor Smith said.

summer’s events in their classrooms and deepen their commitment to diversity and inclusion, while also turning students into lovers of reading

So far, discussions have been held on topics such as the book, “Night”

and language. The result of their deliberations? Reconstructed syllabi

by Elie Wiesel, the autobiography “Long Walk to Freedom” by Nelson

injected with a stream of modern young adult literature.

Mandela and the film, “Fruitvale Station.” The workshops have provided an excellent opportunity for professional development and have served

While older, classic texts like “The Outsiders” and “The Crucible” remain

as a way for the school’s faculty and staff to connect with their peers in

in use, they are being joined, across grade levels, by more modern

a productive fashion.

stories. Some of the new titles introduced into Perkiomen classrooms this year include, “The Crossover”, “Dear Martin”, “Fresh Ink”, “Interior

“We should all be learning all the time,” said Moser. “We should never

Chinatown”, “Let Me Hear a Rhyme” and more. This mixed collection

stop being students. This is another way for us all to grow together and

explores an array of topics, some more arduous, such as police brutality

to be in conversation.”

and discrimination, and others more upbeat, like celebrating the joy brought through music or basketball.

With the entire Perkiomen community joined together, the march toward a more equitable, representative educational environment

“We are having a lot more fearless discussions,” Tara Smith said. “The

presses forward. It is a journey which involves difficult conversations

conversations are a little bit more difficult and a little bit more authentic.

and considerable effort, but as this year has shown us all, sometimes

We want the difficult conversations and then we also want to show

the urgency of the moment necessitates extra attention. On occasions

diversity and inclusion in positive, life-affirming ways, too.”

so imperative, Perkiomen does not back down.

P E R K I O M E N M AG A Z I N E

Franziska Raupp ’23 and Aureja Frolovaite ’22 send their wishes for the Lunar New Year into the night sky over campus.

S U M M E R 2021

Mr. 500 Coach Ken Baker, surrounded by senior players, celebrated

“I can assure you he spent very little time in those 20 months

his 500th career win on March 24, 2021. Baker finally had

thinking about his 500th win,” said Michael Romasco, who has

the opportunity to reach 500 wins after a wait of 671 days. In

served as an assistant coach under Baker for more than 20 years.

May 2019, Baker captured his 499th victory when Perkiomen

“However, he had been working on finding ways to apply the

defeated William Penn Charter School in the semifinals of

lessons we can learn in sports to living through a pandemic.”

the Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association (PAISAA) 2019 Baseball Tournament. It was anticipated that

“Ken Baker has created a culture of winning, but more

Baker would reach the milestone at the start of the 2020 season,

importantly, he instills in his players a deep understanding of

but the entirety of Perkiomen School’s spring sports schedule

doing things the right way,” said Head of School Mark A. Devey.

was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“He develops individuals of high character and discipline.”

Congratulations to Coach Ken Baker, Perkiomen’s own Mr. 500.

P E R K I O M E N M AG A Z I N E

Class of 2021 Athletic Commitments Congratulations to the members of the Class of 2021 who are committed to play athletics at the collegiate level. Lualis Alvarado, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown – Volleyball Cameron Brown, United States Coast Guard Academy – Basketball

Director of Basketball Operations Thomas Baudinet and Philip Byriel

Philip Byriel, Princeton University – Basketball David Cross, Babson College – Basketball Can Dalli, Randolph-Macon College – Basketball Mitchell Fischer, United States Naval Academy – Basketball Harrison Gavin, Hood College – Lacrosse Tony Holden, Ursinus College – Football/Baseball Honor Huff, Virginia Military Institute – Basketball Naomi Knight, Widener University – Basketball Zach Kratz, Clark University – Soccer Paola Mejias, Albright College – Volleyball Nolan Pedrick, Lebanon Valley College – Football Genaro Scavello, Drew University – Baseball Zachary Smith, Virginia Military Institute – Baseball Chardae Stone, Lebanon Valley College – Basketball Owen Taylor, University of Toronto – Baseball

Harrison Gavin and his parents, Edward and Antonia Gavin

Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach Ken Baker with Tony Holden

Albright College Head Volleyball Coach Alex Kennedy and Paola Mejias Chardae Stone and her parents, Charles and Jennifer Stone

S U M M E R 2021

From Dreamer to D Growing up in Ponce, Puerto Rico, Meléndez was always a competitor, not one to stay on the sidelines. She proved to be a tenacious libero on the court, willing to dive to the floor time

Perkiomen’s new head volleyball coach, Leiri Meléndez, never saw herself in this position.

and time again to keep her team in the point. There were dreams of playing collegiate volleyball, and even on the Puerto Rican National Team. The former objective was fulfilled, the latter, derailed by a crushing back injury. During her freshman season at Savannah State University, Meléndez sustained a disc injury in her back during a weight lifting session. She played through considerable pain that year, and into her sophomore season as well. Despite a multitude of alternative treatment efforts, surgery was required. The recovery process did not go as swiftly as doctors had hoped and, ultimately, Meléndez was forced to abandon her playing career, which was devastating at the time. “It was really difficult,” Meléndez said. “I worked a lot of years to realize my dreams and I wasn’t able to go back [to Savannah State] my junior year.” Instead, Meléndez returned to Puerto Rico, where she embarked on a new expedition. With her passion for volleyball still as strong as ever, Meléndez sought to stay involved with the sport. In the summer of 2019 she founded the organization, Cumpliendo Sueños,

meaning

“Achieving

Dreams,” to help give exposure and guidance to young volleyball players during the college recruiting process. Since its launch, Cumpliendo Sueños has helped more than 800 girls from countries such as the United States, Peru, and the Dominican Republic.

P E R K I O M E N M AG A Z I N E

Difference Maker “If that door [playing collegiate volleyball] was closed for me,

She progressed from

there’s lots of other girls that have the same goals,” Meléndez

coaching the youngest

said. “They don’t know how to get those opportunities.”

age groups to working with middle and high

While she was facilitating chances for others, new possibilities

school

came Meléndez’s own way as well. She enrolled at Universidad

South Elite Volleyball

Interamericana de Puerto Rico, where she graduated this spring

Academy, a club team

with a degree in Marketing. She also ventured into coaching for

she had played on

the first time.

herself growing up.

It was a challenging endeavor at first, as Meléndez came to

As Meléndez became

realize the distinct differences between playing volleyball and

teaching the game.

youth volleyball and

students

entwined

college

recruiting,

“When I was playing, I just had fun,” Meléndez said. “I didn’t

she met a number of

think about how to move my feet and all that stuff.”

different people in the industry, one of whom

Coach Leiri Meléndez

Before long, after spending some time seeking advice from other

was Perkiomen alum, Luis Frontera ’98. Frontera, who runs

coaches, Meléndez began to feel more confident in her abilities.

a college baseball recruitment service, was the one who first introduced Meléndez to Perkiomen Athletic Director Ken Baker in 2019. Since then, she has remained on the school’s radar as an impressive coaching candidate, and with the 2021-2022 school year approaching, the time was right to bring Meléndez on board. The 22-year-old Meléndez carries a vibrant, youthful energy and impressive volleyball acumen. She cites building a diverse team with a passionate group of girls as one of her primary goals as a coach. From her own aspirations as a child, to the work she has done for others at Cumpliendo Sueños, Meléndez has always emphasized aiming high. Now she will take her ambitious attitude to Perkiomen, where she hopes to be a real difference maker for her players in all facets of their lives. “Most important for me is to see the girls happy and be great women in whatever they do,” Meléndez said. “Every dream that they have, I will help them achieve it.”

S U M M E R 2021

Transformative by Design With eyes toward establishing nationally competitive boys’ and girls’ lacrosse teams, Perkiomen announced the hiring of its new Director of Lacrosse Operations, Michael Kruger, in March 2021. The 36-year-old has a strong background as both a player and coach, and will oversee the boys’ and girls’ programs beginning with the 2021-2022 school year. “Perkiomen is a forward-thinking and innovative school,” says Kruger, “people here are passionate about education and athletics, and I’m excited to join the community.” A lifelong lacrosse player, Kruger grew up in the Baltimore area, attending high school lacrosse powerhouse, Calvert Hall. He went on to play at Fairfield University, where he was the team’s starting goalie for four seasons. After finishing his playing career, Kruger coached collegiately at a variety of schools, with stops at Trinity College, Washington & Lee University, Shenandoah University and the University of Vermont. Eventually, Kruger made the shift to coaching at the high school level, an environment he felt was more conducive to forming meaningful relationships with players. He spent a short stint as the head coach at a public high school in California, before journeying to Kent School in Connecticut, where he has been for the past three years.

P E R K I O M E N M AG A Z I N E

Transformational coaching is how he describes his work. “Helping students develop into young people of passion, integrity, and high character, is what drives me as a person and professional,” says Kruger. While at Kent, Kruger demonstrated his ability to grow a program in just a short period of time. He inherited a team with seniors who hadn’t won a single league game, and turned them into a formidable force in the highly competitive Founders League. With strong recruitment experience, Kruger has sent players on to play collegiately at schools like University of Pennsylvania, Brown University, University of Vermont, and Army. “My goal is to build a national level program where kids are still achieving and participating in other areas,” Kruger said. “While I want my players to be focused on lacrosse during that season, there is still a great benefit to competing in another sport. We want kids who are interested in pushing themselves academically and from an extracurricular and social standpoint.” In order to carry out his ambitious goals, Kruger plans on building geographically-diverse rosters that draw student-athletes from many regions. He also aims to implement an off-season training program, one which places an emphasis on essential lacrosse qualities such as speed, explosion, and agility.

Kruger’s own vision is in alignment with that of Head of School, Mark A. Devey. The pair engaged in a number of conversations during the past year where their shared desire for top-tier athletic teams, and well-rounded student athletes, became clear. This mutual understanding is, in part, what attracted Kruger to Perkiomen. “I felt like I was going to work somewhere where you can build a program the way it should be built, not sacrificing certain things to have success,” Kruger said. “When I came to visit the school, I saw myself in the students in a way that I haven’t at other schools.” Kruger is eager to get to campus, where, in addition to his lacrosse duties, he will serve as Associate Athletic Director for 2021-2022. After a year working alongside Ken Baker, Kruger will then transition into the Athletic Director role in 2022-2023. “It’s incredibly challenging to take over a program from someone who has been there as long as Ken,” Kruger said. “I think that having the added benefit of working with him for a year is huge.” As an athletic administrator, Kruger intends to prioritize his support of Perkiomen’s coaches by offering professional development opportunities. He will approach the task as Perkiomen does all things, by inspiring both students and coaches to risk becoming their best. “Coach Kruger will be a great addition to the Perkiomen family,” says Baker. “His experience, knowledge, and love of the game of lacrosse will ignite a spark among our students and faculty. His values certainly align with ours and his combination of skill, dedication, and loyalty tell me that the future of Perkiomen athletics will be exciting.”

S U M M E R 2021

The Evolution of Perkiomen Basketball 14

P E R K I O M E N M AG A Z I N E

The scoreboard in Hollenbach Athletic Center displays 109-66. Perkiomen’s varsity boys’ basketball team dominated its opponent, but the gym is quiet. Just two teams, their coaches, an officiating crew, and one camera operator capturing the action for the spectators viewing the live stream.

The Facebook chat was active, though, complete with shout outs to particular players and typed out chants of “Go Perk!” That Perk pride remains active, no matter where the fans are, eager to watch the Panthers however they can during a season limited by the COVID-19 pandemic, a year in which the team went 11-0 against high school competition. The unstoppable excitement has become customary for Perkiomen in recent years as the team has quickly established itself amongst Pennsylvania’s elite, and even begun to garner some national relevance. It was just the kind of evolution that Head of School Mark A. Devey was hoping for when he arrived at Perkiomen back in 2015. Devey saw opportunities for the institution to grow in a variety of areas, one of which was athletics, and his personal experience as an athlete, coach and Head of School had shown him how beneficial a strong athletic program can be to a school. It was a domain in which he wanted to make a difference. “Perkiomen’s athletic program was challenged, mostly because of our size,” Devey said. “Being a small school, it’s very difficult to compete when you might have half or a third of the number of students from which to draw on to compete. In order to have an immediate impact, my strategy was to choose boys’ and girls’ sports teams that would allow us to make a shift to become more competitive as quickly as possible,” Devey said. Boys’ basketball was identified as one of several programs across boys’ and girls’ athletics which Perkiomen chose to focus on. The decision, in part, was made because of the smaller number of players the game necessitates in comparison to other sports. The basketball team had been successful before, producing a handful of Division I players highlighted by NBA talent, Sean Singletary. Yet, these triumphs had been scattered and notably inconsistent. In order to truly transform the program, several steps were required, the first of which was to get a fresh start and find a new coach to lead the operation. Enter Thomas Baudinet, pictured at left, a former professional with a strong background in player development and an unmistakable fervor for the game. Baudinet, who had spent the year prior honing his coaching skills as an assistant at the University of New Haven, was a former prep school student himself, having attended the Taft School in Watertown, Conn. He went on to play Division II basketball at Saint Anselm College before embarking on his professional career, both in the NBA’s developmental league and internationally. Returning to his prep school roots had always been on the radar for Baudinet.

“[Coaching in] college, you’re obviously at a higher level, which is great,

department since 1976, has seen this expansion in options first-hand.

but you don’t quite have the impact on the kids the way you do in high

Baker recounts how, just a few days after the basketball team defeated

school,” Baudinet said. “In high school you have an influence helping to

a top program from the Mid-Atlantic Prep League, the opposing

shape them as they grow and mature into young adults.”

school’s Athletic Director, who Baker had never received a call from in more than 40 years, contacted him to arrange for the schools to

Baudinet sent inquiries to several schools, and eventually met with

play baseball. Coupled with the newfound eyes of prep school AD’s,

Devey for the interview process prior to the 2016-17 school year. Each

the gazes of prospective student-athletes are also increasingly being

agreed the match was impeccable – a welding of two individuals eager

drawn to Perkiomen.

to bring high-level high school basketball to Perkiomen, while also maintaining a focus on developing holistic student-athletes.

“When people hear your name and they see your name, and then they see who you are competing against, it’s just making us a known

“Only a small part of this decision revolved around athletics,” Devey

presence in athletics and in the independent school world,” Devey said.

said. “All of this is woven into the balance of what we expect from our students. We want them to be great academicians, we want to grow

While more and more people have caught wind of Perkiomen and its

budding entrepreneurs, we want them to fully invest themselves in the

basketball team, there are still just a few with an intimate understanding

arts, and we want them to be engaged in sports. Giving a greater focus

of its inner workings. In addition to Baudinet and the players, the

to a couple of programs at our school is allowing us to develop and

Panthers assistants are among the privileged crew. First, there’s Assistant

strengthen our entire institution.”

Coaches John Williams ’13 along with Donte Gittens, the youthful duo who are on the job every day supporting recruiting efforts and providing

The vision was one thing, the execution another. Some seed money was

academic guidance to players as needed. Williams also plays full-time

invested in the form of financial aid and scholarships to bring in a few

roles as Associate Director of Admissions & Financial Aid and academic

high-achieving student-athletes. Overnight travel for competition was

advisor. Then there’s Dan Kellogg, a longtime volunteer assistant, and

permitted for the first time. The team joined a new league, filled with

a former collegiate player himself, who works primarily with the team’s

some of the top basketball prep schools on the east coast. Together,

forwards on skill development. Josh Klein is another volunteer coach

these changes, backed by the school’s administration, allowed for the

and Lovell Kosh serves the vital role of strength coach. Collectively,

program’s rapid growth.

this group supports Baudinet, allowing him to run such a high caliber program. As the head coach will tell you, one of his staff’s biggest roles

“You can’t have a good program at any school without the support of

is helping to identify, and recruit, “Perkiomen” players.

the institution,” Baudinet said. “[That support] has helped the program grow, and without [it] we would not be where we are today.”

“Our staff does a really good job of bringing guys in who, while they might not be four and five star recruits, they’re good players who, with

The “where” which Baudinet speaks of is certainly an impressive

work, are going to get a lot better in a year or two,” Baudinet said. “There

locale. The team has an overall record of 89-36 during Baudinet’s five

are four things we value: Is the kid coachable? Does the kid work hard?

years as head coach, including a 46-4 mark at home. The Panthers’

How quickly does he learn? And talent. When we find kids who fit that,

defensive intensity has helped to hold opponents below 40% from

we know they are a good fit for us.”

the field, and below 30% from three, in each of Baudinet’s first five seasons. During the same span, Perkiomen has twice reached the

Fit is of the utmost importance for Baudinet. His coaching philosophy

semifinals in the state tournament. The 2019-20 campaign was a

is built around attention to the fundamentals. He preaches energy

particularly special one, as Perkiomen appeared in the national

on the defensive end and designs his offense with an emphasis on

rankings for the first time in school history, peaking at a position of

cuts and screens. His players come from a variety of places. Some are

15th in the country. The team also captured its first ever win over a

local products. Some come from states across the U.S. Others still are

ranked opponent when it defeated No. 6, Northfield Mount Hermon,

international students. Each and every one of them are pushed hard every

by 15 points in December of 2019.

day, whether it be at practice or in the weight room. It isn’t easy, but for those with grit and a willingness to work, the benefits are substantial.

Such achievements don’t go unnoticed. Attention to both the basketball team and Perkiomen as a whole has surged over recent

“The program is probably the closest thing in high school basketball to

years. The advantages of the increased visibility are vast. One of

a college program,” said Cameron Brown ’21, a forward from Ellicott

the chief beneficiaries is the entire athletic program, as sports

City, MD. “When I came here, I didn’t know if I could handle playing in

other than basketball have seen their own scheduling possibilities

college. Now, I know I can.”

multiply. Perkiomen Athletic Director Ken Baker, who has ably led the

continued on next page

S U M M E R 2021

The Evolution of Perkiomen Basketball continued from previous page “Just the amount of hours and work every day,” said David Cross ’21, a postgraduate transfer from New Jersey who decided to attend Perkiomen to have an extra year to prepare for college. “At my old school we put in a lot, but it’s just such a difference from all the conditioning and all the team meals. You’re putting in four or five hours a day getting better.” What these student-athletes put in, they also get out. During Baudinet’s tenure, the program has continuously helped its players get to the next level. It is a piece of the job that the head coach takes great pride in, and one toward which he directs considerable attention. “John and Donte and I spend a lot of time reaching out to college coaches via email, text and phone call to try and establish relationships to help our guys get recruited,” Baudinet said. These efforts have proven fruitful, with 26 of Baudinet’s players having gone on to play collegiately thus far, including 18 at the scholarship level. Among the multitude of college institutions with former Panthers currently on their men’s basketball rosters are: Villanova University, Princeton University, Columbia University, University of New Hampshire and Boston University. Alumni of Baudinet’s program repeatedly look back on their time at Perkiomen as being pivotal in getting the college offers they wanted, as well as preparing them for success at their next destinations on and off the court as outstanding student-athletes. “I learned how to read the game a lot better from coach [Baudinet],” Chris Arcidiacono, a 2019 graduate now in his sophomore year at Villanova University, said. “Getting better every day turned into me getting the college offer I wanted at the end of the year.”

“I never had a coach that pushed and

cared

that

hard

about

development that intensely,” said

Keeshawn

Kellman,

a sophomore at Princeton who completed a postgraduate year at Perkiomen alongside

Arcidiacono

in 2019. “He emphasized improvement all the time. It helped me bridge the gap that I needed to be able to play at the college level.” “The first workout I ever did with Coach B was one of those workouts that made

pDonte Gittens, Head Coach Boys Varsity Basketball

you think, ‘Do I even want to play basketball anymore?’” joked Josh Odunowo, a 2020 Perkiomen graduate now at Columbia University. “As soon as I got into the car, I fell asleep the whole ride home.” As both current and former players can attest to, Baudinet and the Perkiomen basketball program have accomplished a great deal thus far. Yet, despite all that has been achieved, the coach and his team cast their gaze forward. Beginning next year, the program will undergo several growth-focused shifts. An additional boys’ team will be added, and Baudinet will become Perkiomen’s Director of Basketball Operations. In this role, Baudinet will serve as the Head Coach of what will be called the boys’ national team, while also overseeing the entirety boys’ and girls’ basketball programs from coaching to recruiting. Gittens, who has thrived during his time as an assistant under Baudinet, will now have the chance to take over as Head Coach of the boys’ varsity team. “I am excited to now have the ability to be more hands-on with our student-athletes on a daily basis,” says Baudinet. “Building on the foundation we have laid with our boys’ program over the past five years, we will expand our program and add a second boys’ team to allow even more student-athletes the ability to develop and improve in our program. We also hope to generate increased interest in our girls’ basketball program as a destination for female student-athletes.” The ascent of Perkiomen’s basketball program has been nothing but astronomical thus far. Further excitement and progression looms ahead, but while Baudinet and his Panthers may still be building, what they’ve constructed already has given the Perkiomen community plenty to celebrate.

t Chris Arcidiacono ’19 and Coach Baudinet

P E R K I O M E N M AG A Z I N E

Bigger Than Basketball As

School

Rookies of the Year, players named to First and Second Team All-

continues to strengthen

Perkiomen

MAC (Middle Atlantic Conference), and one Division III Hoops.com

its girls’ athletics program,

All-Atlantic Region player.

Kerrie

Kosakowski

has

been hired to take over as

With connections throughout the tri-state area, Kosakowski is

the head coach of the girls’

adept in player development and recruitment, embodying a culture

basketball team for the

of growth and positive change.

2021-2022 school year. “Recruiting is the key to any successful program,” says Kosakowski.

Coach Kerrie Kosakowski

“I am filled with anticipation

“Recruitment of student athletes with strong character and

at the possibilities that lay

commitment is the foundation of building a winning culture. I am

before the girls’ basketball

looking forward to the opportunity to build a program at Perkiomen.

program

It’s a great place to start something special.”

Perkiomen

School,” says Kosakowski. “Perkiomen is an institution

Kosakowski was a four-year letter winner on the women’s basketball

of rich tradition, history, and achievement. I firmly believe that

team at Ramapo College of New Jersey, serving as team captain

together we will build something special.”

during her junior and senior seasons. She finished her career with 468 points, 290 rebounds, 158 assists, 79 steals and seven blocks

Kosakowski comes to Perkiomen School from Williams College,

while making 102 appearances and 49 starts.

where she has been the Assistant Coach since September 2019. During Williams’ 2019-2020 season they advanced to the New

A native of Bayonne, New Jersey, Kosakowski earned a bachelor’s

England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) playoffs

degree in social science-sociology with a concentration in public

and received an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament, but

sociology from Ramapo in 2016. In addition to her coaching duties,

unfortunately their Sweet Sixteen appearance was cut short due

she will also teach history.

to COVID-19, but not before having one of the best post-seasons in program history, finishing 20-8.

“It’s bigger than basketball,” shares Kosakowski. “It is an opportunity to build relationships with these young women, play an important

Prior to Williams, Kosakowski was Assistant Coach at Widener

role in their lives, and watch them truly transform.”

University. In her three years at Widener, she coached three

S U M M E R 2021

P E R K I O M E N M AG A Z I N E

In October, Perkiomen’s Rock Band Snap February premiered an original song and music video, “Start Running.” Find it on YouTube.com/PerkiomenSchool.

S U M M E R 2021

2021 Comm Following a one-of-a-kind year, Commencement Day was equally unique for the Class of 2021. Degrees for 78 graduates were conferred, some joining the ceremony online, with most in person, gathering under a tent and chilly from the cold, but creating their own sunshine as the rain poured down all around them.

a capstone or research project combined with external experiences and specified coursework.

The scene was parallel to the words delivered by Valedictorian Ruby Peeler in her commencement address, where she implored her classmates to create their own light, rather than relying on someone else to find a spark and ignite something in them.

At Perkiomen School, Jackson was active in theater and music, wrestled, served as editor of the literary magazine, and was Student Body President. After Perkiomen, Jackson received a bachelor’s degree in American studies from Skidmore College, and went on to earn master’s degrees in liberal studies and philosophy and a doctorate in philosophy from The New School for Social Research in New York City.

“It is a skill to be able to see and to love all the light in this world, but there must be someone to make that light, too,” Peeler said. Peeler concluded her time at Perkiomen School with a weighted GPA of 4.53. Her distinguished academic record includes a total of 20 Honors and Advanced Placement courses – nine of which she completed in her two years at Perkiomen. As the recipient of a full scholarship for the U.S. Department of State’s National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) program, she will spend next year studying abroad in South Korea. “Go forth out into the world,” said Peeler. “Appreciate its beauty. And when things get tough, light a candle. Lead the way.” Three students graduated with Artificial Intelligence Distinction, 10 with Entrepreneurial Distinction, and six graduates received Medical Distinction, demonstrating a commitment to participation in Perkiomen School’s Institutes, resulting in a rigorous application of their liberal arts education. To earn distinction in the Institutes, students must complete

Perkiomen School welcomed alumnus Larry Jackson, Ph.D, Class of 1995 to serve as Commencement Speaker.

Currently, Jackson is a Dean and Lecturer at Columbia University, where he oversees and teaches in the Columbia College Core Curriculum, the oldest and most renowned general education program in the United States. Prior to Columbia, Larry held academic positions at The New School, New York University, and the City University of New York. Jackson’s writing has appeared in numerous academic journals and publications, and he lectures regularly on education and philosophy. While speaking to the graduates, Jackson referenced author James Baldwin’s 1963 address to New York City teachers following the assassination of Civil Rights leader Medgar Evers and the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, stating:

q Valedictorian Ruby Peeler q Larry Jackson, Ph.D. ’95 delivers the Commencement Address.

P E R K I O M E N M AG A Z I N E

q Salutatorian Ekaterina Galant

qMichael Gray and Graham Gross celebrate the presentation of the Class of 2021.

mmencement “The purpose of education…. is to create in people the ability to look at the world for themselves, to make their own decisions. Education is not just about acquiring knowledge, then. It is, above all, about learning how to be yourself. Here is the difficult irony, though. This ability to look at the world for yourself and to make your own decisions does not mean knowing all the answers, but rather, in Baldwin’s formulation, asking questions of the universe and — this is key — learning to live with those questions.” Jackson concluded: “The measure of your education will not be the answers that you can offer, but the questions that you will ask. The mark of your maturity will not be the certainty of what you know, but the confidence to admit your own ignorance. Only with such a spirit of inquiry will you be able to take up the task of addressing the pressing problems of today and creating a world that is more just, more equal, and more free.” Salutatorian Ekaterina Galant, who will head to Northeastern University to study computer science and business administration, reflected on the collaborative community at Perkiomen, where both faculty and students come together to help everyone succeed. Galant graduated Perkiomen with a 4.52 weighted GPA, having taken 10 Honors and Advanced Placement courses in her three years at Perkiomen, while earning distinction in the Artificial Intelligence Institute. The Class of 2021 takes their next steps having been accepted to 227 different colleges and universities in six countries, 33 states, and the District of Columbia. They will enroll in 62 unique institutes of higher education. “The resilience and determination of this class is truly remarkable,” said Head of School Mark A. Devey. “They have a generosity of spirit that is unmatched and a kindness in their hearts that will now be shared with the wider world.”

t Honor Huff and Travis Reese were awarded the Head of School’s Cups.

SENIOR ART INSTALLATION Each spring senior artists create an art installation as a gift for and in honor of their unique graduating class. This year’s installation was born from a year where individuals relied on technology to maintain connection - more than ever before. Photographs of the entire class adorn CDs strung onto a triptych accompanied by a playlist created by the senior class. It was important to the artists that something from this piece could be shared with everyone regardless of their physical location. To make that happen, this playlist will be shared with the graduating class. The artists, Madelyn Cummings, Serena Diliberto, Kaia Glacken, and Sara Oswald, write of their work: “Graduation is a significant milestone and before we move on to our next journey separately, it’s important to reflect on our years at Perkiomen. The reflection in the CDs, along with our pictures on the front, represent where we are and where we have been. May we always reflect on our time at Perkiomen with fond memories and remain loyal, tried, and true.”

t Sara Oswald, Kaia Glacken, Serena Diliberto, and Madelyn Cummings following the ribbon cutting of the Senior Art Installation.

u Chris Catania and Jaden James get a closer look at the art piece.

S U M M E R 2021

Gratitude, excitement, and anticipation are creating shock waves on Perkiomen’s campus with the official start of the construction for Phase I of the Our Moment to Lead Campaign. On March 24, Schultz Hall, home to hundreds of students over nearly six decades, witnessed a ceremonial goodbye.

innovation, and the ever-changing need for authentic, vibrant spaces to live, learn, and play. Located in the heart of campus, the site which previously housed Schultz Hall will become a 20,000 square-foot student center and campus hub. A location intended for multiple visits daily from students, faculty and visitors alike, for an array of purposes found in a plethora of

“Schultz Hall served a great purpose. Beneath the surface of an aging

programmatical spaces, as diverse as college counseling and e-gaming.

building were a lot of memories. We are tremendously appreciative of what it stood for during its time,” reflects Mark A. Devey, Head of School.

“It will serve you for the reason you’re going there, but you’ll also be drawn into other activities while passing through,” says Devey. “Boarding

Before demolition began, members of the Campaign Committee,

students will feel at home and day students won’t want to leave!”

faculty, staff, and students were present “to be connected one last time and show gratitude for Schultz Hall’s service to our community,” Mike

“If you are driving past campus this spring and summer, you can expect

Foux, Executive Vice-President for Finance & Business Development

to find an evolution of ongoing site improvements,” explains Mark

shares. Its removal is a symbolic nod to what is to come. It will be the

Emswiler of Emmaus Constructors, Inc. Walkways leading to the center

site of Perkiomen’s future: a space dedicated to community-building,

of campus will be reconfigured, new lighting will be installed, and the

The future of Perkiomen School: 22

P E R K I O M E N M AG A Z I N E

Schultz Hall Way For New

landscaping will be improved. A renovated entrance to campus will

Scott Schultz (no relation to the Schultz Hall namesake) lived in the dormitory

include a circular driveway allowing a safer, more fluid drop-off location

for three years when he was a student. His father owned their family

for day students and visitors. Whether you have a walking student or

business when it was the contractor for Schultz Hall, Ruhl Hall, Hollenbach

bird’s eye view, the campus will flow aesthetically with the eventual

Athletic Center, and what is now the Hollenbach Middle School building.

student center serving as the very heart of a residential community in motion. If you’re watching from home, keep an eye on Perkiomen’s

“Perkiomen has changed immensely over the years,” says Schultz. “It has

website for a camera capturing time-lapsed footage of the progress!

only gotten better! It was a wonderful place to grow up. The teachers

Prior to the demolition of Schultz Hall, many preparations were made

and the staff are like a surrogate family. When I was a student, it was like

to ensure safety in and around the demolition. Safety precautions will

being home.”

continue for the duration of the project, including when ground is broken for the new student center itself.

When ground is broken on this historic new student center, it will begin a fresh chapter for Perkiomen, while continuing that feeling of home for

Someone who knows a little something about nostalgia, legacy,

everyone on campus. It will also recognize the desire of students to move

and impacting the future of an institution is Scott Schultz ’83,

fluidly between studying and socializing, being creative and reflective,

Board of Trustee member, and co-owner and President of Emmaus

building relationships with one another and with faculty, and, of course,

Constructors whose grandfather, great aunt, niece, and children

acknowledging a desire that will undoubtedly unite many generations

attended Perkiomen.

of Perkiomen students to come: enjoying good food together.

PHASE I WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ENHANCEMENTS: • A student center with outdoor living spaces • A pickup/dropoff circle

• Enhanced performance spaces in Kehs Hall • A more robust annual fund

Demolition Makes w Student Center S U M M E R 2021

Schultz Hall

Memories I lived in Schultz Hall from fall 1974 through spring 1979. My friends and I were lucky during those years to have dorm parents who created a family atmosphere. Dean Paul Hausmann was tough but fair and could be very funny— I still remember the smell of the cherry tobacco that came down the hall when he smoked while on dorm duty. Carla “Ma” Hausmann cared about our personal and educational development. Like a mother, she’d hunt you down to make sure that you were being accountable for the homework. Jim Weeks was a character— one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met and

It was home.

really cared about the local community. I can still see him taking off

p Heidi Hausmann Ferreira ’88

when the local fire alarm sounds as he was a volunteer firefighter. I think one of the nice things about Schultz Hall was that it was small, and with the leadership of Deano and Mr. Weeks, we developed a very comfortable, friendly environment which was super important when it was your home away from home.

p George Edwards ’79

We lived in Schultz from 1990 to 2002. Over those 12 years, we experienced dorm duty with every grade level from seniors to eighth graders. Our youngest daughter, Megan, was in third grade when we arrived and remembers sitting on the concrete patio in the summertime, watching Huxley, the family dog, napping in his favorite spot while Toni worked in the garden. Memories of life and family at the time were very nice!

u Jonathan Lamb and Toni Scherrer P ’98, ’00 Faculty 1990-2010

P E R K I O M E N M AG A Z I N E

I remember Schultz Hall as being a very homey place. The Hausmann, Lamb, and Weeks

When I arrived at

families with their kids and pets

Perkiomen

added a lot to that atmosphere.

ninth-grade student,

p John Sakalouckas H ’02 Faculty 1972-2010

my roommate was Benny Cheng ’12. It was the first time I met an international student, and we

Our bull terrier Garm used to run away from the dorm when young. The

bonded

local police knew him and would offer him rides to their kennel. He

music. Our song

would run from me and my car, but ran

was

to hop in theirs. Then I’d get a message

Justin

to pick him up after classes. He made

he sang Justin’s

life interesting! Saks showed up one

parts and I rapped

night after 11 with a pizza, then hung

Ludacris’ lines. In

over

“Baby”

Bieber—

out in the dorm while we checked

return, he taught

everyone in. When we returned to

me “Tornado” by Jay Chou.

the apartment, the empty pizza box

All those memories flooded back when I interned

was on the floor and Garm was lying

in fall 2017 and was assigned to live in Schultz. It was

beside it, looking bloated.

my first ever adult apartment and I enjoyed building

u Jim and Anne Weeks Faculty 1973-1988

connections with the students who lived in the dorm.

p John Williams ’13 Faculty 2017-present

S U M M E R 2021

Music, Cam Chair of the Board of Trustees, Jim Finnegan P ’16,’18 shares a story about a popular Irish pub that opened in Hatboro, Pennsylvania in 1974. Think old-world eating establishment with the music of the Clancy Brothers playing in the background. It had a laidback speakeasy vibe with a casual, bright, and cheerful atmosphere where guests spontaneously erupted into song, champagne was served, and a gentle haze of smoke billowed out of the windows. It was a place one could always find camaraderie, love, and joy. It was the garage of Jim’s parents, Larry and Jerry Finnegan!

P E R K I O M E N M AG A Z I N E

maraderie, Memories:

Finnegan’s on the Green Jim’s earliest memories of his parents’ “pub” began with him as a

that have withstood generations. The year they turn 16, cousins

10-year-old. With so many cousins and distant relatives, there was

prepare themselves for a solo performance that must be sung a

always a birthday, a First Communion, or someone visiting from Ireland.

capella prior to officially joining the cousins’ annual gift exchange.

Each occasion was a time for family to come together. After being built

A Finnegan Family Gathering is filled with simple pleasures and

by his father, Uncle Jack, and Uncle Bub over a series of Sundays, its

momentous rites of passage, each deserving of celebration. Every

inaugural party even included an official ribbon cutting. The parties

occasion is filled with memories, including one of the most recent.

weren’t for rowdy high schoolers; they were for the aunts and uncles!

At their PopPop’s funeral last June, Seamus and Bill sat among their

“While we all had close friends our age growing up,” he recalls, “the focus was always family.” This pub, these parties, and the many

loved ones and listened to aunts and uncles share stories of the lasting impact their PopPop would leave on their lives.

traditions Jim recalls from his youth are what built a foundation of

Listening to these stories, Bill and Seamus fondly reflect on their

family and connection for him and his five brothers and sisters. They

dad’s siblings. Aunt Jeanie, a caring soul and close confidante

had role models for forming relationships with one another. Lessons

to their mom, Lynne. Uncle Bill – Bill’s namesake – perceptive

born in tradition from three generations have been passed down to

and smart with a shared love of basketball. Uncle Griff, a great

their own kids, and the strength of family has persisted.

communicator with the power of persuasion. Aunt Tricia, the “baby”

To Jim’s sons, Bill ’16 and Seamus ’18, holidays mean standing

continued on next page

shoulder-to-shoulder with cousins, aunts, uncles, and great aunts and uncles in a loud and vibrant house. They can’t recall these gatherings without immediately focusing on their grandparents.

Finnegan’s Pub in 1974 at the home of Larry and Jerry Finnegan.

“PopPop could take charge of a room,” recalls Bill. Just one word from the patriarch of the family could silence 50 or more people. Says Seamus, “PopPop is the one who helped instill the importance of family… He is also the one who snuck seafood to the family dog.” Energetic and fun, their MomMom is the life of the party. “She always has treats for the grandkids,” says Bill, “handing out candies from her pockets.” With 16 first grandchildren from her six kids, one can picture MomMom’s overflowing pockets and excitement at every family gathering. From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, everyone present feels the warmth and connection of family through rituals

S U M M E R 2021

Watercolor of proposed plan for Finnegan’s on the Green provided by Flansburgh Architects.

Finnegan’s on the Green continued from previous page of the family who would sometimes get “kicked” to the “teenage table” with her nieces and nephews during holidays. Perhaps not-

to honor both Laurence P.

so-secretly, she had the most fun when this happened! And their

Finnegan, Jr. and Laurence P.

Uncle Larry: Laurence P. Finnegan, III, the eldest.

Finnegan, III.

“My Uncle Larry was the nicest person you could ever meet,” shares Seamus.

Even before the passing of his

“Always with the biggest smile, he wanted to connect and learn about you.”

father and brother, Jim and his

Seamus recalls him walking around the party taking pictures, serving as the

family were eager to support the

family’s unofficial historian, and saying “hello” to every single person. Much

initiatives of the Our Moment

to the chagrin of his younger brother, Jim, this would eventually lead to the

to Lead Campaign since the

long process of saying “goodbye” at the end of the evening to every single

Board unanimously approved to

person, as well!

begin fundraising efforts in July 2019. When he and Lynne were

A genuinely caring and giving person, Larry is described as an old soul who

ready to commit to a campaign

played the saxophone and could immediately captivate an audience with

gift in the winter of 2020, they

his deep, melodic voice. It was a voice fitting for even the Pope himself

began brainstorming with Head

(Larry had an opportunity to perform with the Philadelphia Papal Choir

of School Mark A. Devey to

during Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia in 2015, one of the greatest

best align their interests with

honors of his life).

the campaign priorities and

“As the older son in my family,” says Bill, “I could relate to the special relationship I saw with my dad and Uncle Larry. It had a really big influence on me; they were very good role models. I try to base my relationship with my own brother around that.” Warm and inclusive, there was magic in conversation with Uncle Larry; he made you feel like the most important person in the room.

see how they might combine an

accompanying

opportunity

naming

honor

the

memory of Jim’s father and brother.

Reflecting on Larry’s

funeral service together, they realized music may be the key.

Last fall, when the Finnegans unexpectedly lost Uncle Larry

“A major theme that emerged

to cancer just six months after the death of Pop Pop, a cloud of

throughout the service was the

sorrow could have easily silenced the symphony of their respective

love of music Larry and their

legacies. Determined to flip their loss and grief into something

entire family shared,” says Devey.

positive, the Finnegans turned their sights to exploring ways

Jim Finnegan (right) and his brother, Larry.

“Being that music has a special place within the core of my family, Mark’s desire to have the music program expanded inside of Kehs Hall, converting Robbie’s into practice rooms and an ensemble choral area, was fitting. What really caught my attention, however, was his vision to have live music spilling out the back of Kehs into the campus green from a new open outdoor patio,” explains Jim. “I am thrilled that my family can contribute to this initiative,” he adds, “It is a wonderful opportunity to dedicate a venue that speaks to my family’s enjoyment for music, and simultaneously, will provide valuable performing experience for future Perkiomen students.” With the construction of this outdoor music venue, students and faculty can emulate Larry while sharing fellowship and music, woven seamlessly together. Picture a backdrop of an amphitheater with tables, chairs to lounge in, and an easily transformable performance space facing the

P E R K I O M E N M AG A Z I N E

student center, all overlooking an open green quad. This distinctive,

are bringing to life an inspired hardscape and landscape at Perkiomen

laid-back, speakeasy vibe with a casual, bright, and cheerful

School that will create opportunities and promote endless possibilities

atmosphere will be a place of camaraderie, love, and joy. Welcome to

for future students and their families.

Finnegan’s on the Green.

If you would like to join the Finnegans to support the construction

“It’s really about joy and bringing people together,” says Devey.”

of Finnegan’s on the Green, please use the enclosed envelope to

Finnegan’s on the Green will be a physical representation of the spirit,

make a donation. For questions regarding this space or other

love, and endless passion for people and music demonstrated by the

campus enhancements of Our Moment to Lead, A Campaign for

two patriarchs of the Finnegan Family. With Phase I underway and a

Perkiomen School, contact Director of Development Karl Welsh at

new student center on the near horizon, the Finnegans and other donors

215-541-5048 or kwelsh@perkiomen.org.

S U M M E R 2021

Tributes by Diana Weir-Smith ’85, P ’19

In Memoriam 30

Robert Lowenstein ’35

Hugh McMillen, Jr. ’50

Robert W. Chapin ’58

Samuel Frost ’38 Robert D. Hudkins ’40

William Talbert ’50 Charles H. Coe ’51

Eberhard W. Werner ’59 Daniel R. Seidel ’60

James V. McDowell, Jr. ’40 Daniel B. Brimmer ’41

Gerald B. Lieberman ’51 Francis J. Saweikis ’51

Harold M. Hersch, Esq. ’61 Robert T. Levine ’68

James C. Moore ’43 Isaac F. Huey, Jr. ’44

Jack H. Lieb ’54 Guy Lee, III ’55

Blair Coleman ’69 Mark Stebbins ’73

H. Eugene Deibert, Jr. ’48 Theodore Destan ’48

Robert P. Wascou ’55 John J. Chidester ’56

James S. Russell ’75 William Tesno ’76

James K. Gordon, Jr. ’48 Roy J. Moore, Jr. ’48

Dr. Robert K. Kramer ’56 Robert E. Lauver ’56

Michael James Kerr ’77 Leonard Hill, Jr. ’86

Robert A. Lebo ’49 Harold H. Overholtzer ’49 Arthur B. Lesher ’50

Henry D. Sahakian ’56 Victor Bongard ’57 Robert H. McFalls, Jr. ’57

Jason L. Kulp ’92 Daniel T. Fillippo ’07

P E R K I O M E N M AG A Z I N E

Wayne Edmund Engle Wayne Engle was a master educator for over 40 years at Perkiomen where he chaired the math department and never once missed a day of class. When he felt sick, he would lie down on the classroom floor and teach the entire day supine. Wayne’s teaching style was memorable. He encouraged students to work at their own pace, for which I am eternally grateful since math was not my thing, and I am the student that needed lots of help. I received a personal “show” on the topic where he incorporated pop culture references to help us less fortunate students get the concepts. Ringing in my ears was “chop, chop, hop on pop” and a vision of him standing on a chair in his classroom. Wayne was also a legendary coach of soccer, tennis, and basketball. His personal athletic prowess is fondly remembered by students. One year, students Berry Grant and Stew Ikeda of the class of 1964 challenged Wayne and then Director of Athletics Hal Cragin to a tennis match. The students won but the entire event showed his passion for the sport, his drive to win, and his sense of humor. Wayne is one of those teachers that alumni would inquire about and reach out to long after graduation. Wayne was more than coach and teacher; he was a husband to Nan and father to Ruth and Steve ’82. In the winter of 2020, I had the opportunity to visit with Wayne at his residence in Arizona. We sang the Perkiomen Alma Mater, and he remembered every word.

Paul Edward Hausmann Paul Hausmann was many things to many people: Dean of Students, math and physics teacher, a dorm parent, a coach, and eventually the Assistant to the Headmaster. To me he will always be “Deano”: pipe in hand, schnauzer at his heels, a one-liner ready to roll, with a close eye on the student he knew needed something else – that’s where his Master’s degree in counseling came into place. I have heard a thousand stories about Paul Hausmann in my years at Perkiomen and I have many of my own. The resounding theme is that Deano cared about the students while they were here and after they had grown and moved on to college and adulthood. Alumni turned to him to celebrate their accomplishments, and they reached out to him in when they needed his sage advice. He gave me lots of advice in my years as a student but the words “you are doing good things here, kid” stand out as meaning the most to me in my adult life. Paul and his beloved wife Carla Hausmann were the parents of not just their daughter Heidi Hausmann Ferreira ’88 but they were parental figures to hundreds of students and faculty. Everyone in town knew Paul through his work at his church or with the Goshenhoppen Folk Festival. Faculty from other schools knew and respected Paul for his firm and fair approach. Paul could be found in the outfield of Baker Field watching a game from his car, sitting in the bleachers of Hollenbach Athletic Center, strolling the sideline of a game, or applauding students in Kehs Hall. Even in his retirement he would come out to support the students and coaches at Perkiomen. In the spring of 2020, I had called Paul to check in and to thank him for a recent gift he had made to the school. We had a long chat about how our faculty were working virtually, and he relayed his admiration and respect for teachers and the students. This spring as I watched a new phase of Perkiomen begin with the demolition of Schultz Hall, I imagined him there, strolling though the crowd and telling his legendary stories.

Michael Steven Wampole Michael Wampole was Perkiomen’s longtime librarian, wrestling coach, and advisor to the debate team. Many students remember working on their research papers with Mike in the Carnegie Library long before computers, but when computers did arrive, he was a valuable resource to students and faculty on internet research. Mike was artistic and his works were proudly displayed on the top of the library stacks – his dragon and old man sculptures were standouts. He also loved Halloween and the Annual Halloween Parade – always having a top costume. Mike was responsible for bringing a piece of Americana to Perkiomen’s campus – the Annual Hobo Gathering. Mike and his wife Janet, who passed in 2014, raised their two daughters Sarah Crabtree ’92 and Rachael Hummel ’95 in the “yellow house” on Third Street.

S U M M E R 2021

Loyal, Tried & True:

Alumni Highlights X-PERIOD

Ethan Rhodes

In the spring of 2020, X-periods provided virtual experiences

and entrepreneur,

outside of the typical subject work. The new addition to the

shared his advice

schedule carried over to the 2020-21 academic year. Leading

for success: find

the programming are Associate Head of School Carol

a great team, a

Dougherty P ’11, ’13 and Director of Strategic Innovation

great mentor, and

’92, Owner BSD, restaurant owner

learn to figure it

Shaun Yorgey ’97, P ’27, ’28.

out for yourself. “I want to give my team the tools they need to be Each week via Zoom, Perkiomen students were able to

successful. That’s my job as an owner,” shared Rhodes.

connect with alumni and other professionals to learn about their educational and career paths, covering a variety of

Jon Throckmorton Varrichio ’96 is the Director of Business

fields and expertise. With a Q & A format, the conversations

Excellence in Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia. Jon advised students,

were casual, yet meaningful, and students benefited from

“Don’t be afraid to take chances and accept jobs outside your

authentic guidance and advice.

comfort zone.” Reflecting on his career he added, “My best decisions involved taking roles requiring me to travel and do things that were

Students often say, “When am I ever going to use this in

not comfortable but led to future success,” embodying our motto of

real life?”— the answer to that question is the beauty of

Risk Becoming Your Best.

X-periods. Ieva Vozbutaite-Beliauske ’98 “Having Perkiomen alumni tell the stories of what they do on

is the Chief Communications

a daily basis and connect the skills they learned at Perkiomen

Officer at the Ignitis Group.

to real life helps to connect the dots,” says Dougherty.

She graduated from Ursinus

“Alumni have shared that having a wide range of knowledge

College with a double major

and grit has made them successful. Balancing a chemistry

in international relations and

equation may not be part of their daily work, but seeing a

economics. “At Perkiomen I

problem like a tough chem equation and applying problem

learned to enjoy classes, to

solving skills is the essence of what they have learned at

enjoy learning,” Vozbutaite-

Perkiomen. Every X-period connects directly to Solvitur vivendo, our motto, ‘it is solved by living.’”

Beliauske said. Finding herself independent from her family in a foreign country expanded her horizons and taught her empathy. “It taught me a lot of valuable things,

Will Bryant ’89 has found that experience with athletics will

like what really matters – connections with each other.”

teach you values that you will implement in your life. “You

are going to fail,” he shared. “But what will that do for you?

Tarig Bakhiet ’02 is a Senior Business Development Manager at

You’ll overcome adversity. Bonding over a common goal is

Dyson MEA. Following his Perkiomen years, Bakhiet graduated

the greatest equalizer and unifier.” He advised students to

from the American University in Dubai and has worked at the

be themselves. “Be genuine, be authentic, be unique, be

Chalhoub Group, Tom Ford, and Kraft Foods. He has over 14

who you are,” said Bryant, “and have trust and confidence in

years of experience developing effective strategies across various

your own abilities.”

industries. Utilizing extensive knowledge of marketing and business

P E R K I O M E N M AG A Z I N E

This year Perkiomen turns from its traditional class notes format to highlight the alumni who have shared their life experiences, applications of Perkiomen lessons learned, personal and professional insights, and their generous spirits in a variety of ways this year. We say thank you!

strategies, he identifies and

to differentiate yourself and doing your homework, then putting it

resolves a range of business

into best practices that are relevant to who you are. “It’s okay to make

challenges, coordinating and

mistakes as long as you learn from them,” stated Bennett. “I learned

managing the marketing of

how to constantly pivot to what is relevant. When things start to not

products in accordance with

work, I think of how I can diversify my business.”

revenue

objectives.

“Follow

your passion,” Bakhiet shared. “If

Bianca Wilson Jackson ’06, a member of the Perkiomen School

you don’t have passion for what you are doing, you are not doing justice

Board of Trustees, is a business leader with experience in Quality

to yourself.” He advised students to continue to develop themselves,

Assurance and Compliance and Workforce Management and Business

encouraging them to read as much as possible and learn something new.

Operations. At Ashfield, part of UDG Healthcare, she initiated and

“Perkiomen means the world to me,” said Bakhiet. “I love that place.”

now leads the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work that has become integral at her company. Jackson shared: “Don’t be afraid to speak up.

Peter Sharkey, Jr. ’03, a member of the Perkiomen School Board of

When it comes to something that you feel strongly about, don’t be

Trustees, is a partner at S-Squared Surgical. As an entrepreneur, he

afraid. If there is something that is missing, see if it is something you

has learned to be observant, to put his phone away and pay attention

can develop. Don’t be afraid to take a stand. Be comfortable with who

to what is happening around him. “I’ve learned stop being a micro-

you are. Be authentically you.”

manager,” said Sharkey, “and let go and see the view at 20,000 feet Ryan Park ’07 is currently the Startup Manager at Google. A graduate

instead of trying to see everything up close.”

of the University of Pennsylvania, his career includes military service, Erica Silverglide ’05 is a gem sourcing and design development

playing for and coaching the Korea National Lacrosse Team, and

consultant with 11 years of buying, designing, sourcing, and design

various roles at Google. “Recognize that this is a marathon. Enjoy the

engineering experience. She has held positions at Greenwich St.

process,” Park advised students. “Don’t overlook the daily joy you have

Jewelers, David Yurman, and Judith Ripka. Silverglide shared this

at Perkiomen right now. Capture the signals you receive. When you are

advice with our students: “The path is not straight— it’s a rollercoaster.

in class, interact with the teachers. Hear the compliments and feedback

Hang on, hold on. Don’t be afraid to leave a job because you aren’t

they give you – those are amazing signals.” He continued, “Follow your

getting something out of it. Do something you enjoy and provides you

curiosity. There are so many options to choose from, which can distract

self-worth. Have fun. It’s life. It’s your life.”

you, so act on your curiosity. Think hard about what you like, what you didn’t like. Repeat the process. Act on it and it will evolve.”

Lauren Bennett ’06, a real estate agent in New York,

Miles Longstreth ’17, a 2020 Dickinson College graduate, is an

has achieved multiple record-

entrepreneur who generates significant revenue streams through

setting sales for clients in both

flipping goods and helping

favorable and unfavorable

others to do the same.

market conditions. She has

Longstreth

worked

extensively

encouraged

with

students to take the first step

both buyers and sellers of

and just get started, “Each

Long Island City real estate,

day I send 20 personalized

catering to their specific

emails to business people. I

requests. She stressed the

get the hardest thing out of

importance of finding ways

the way first each day.” When

S U M M E R 2021

asked ‘What advice would you give your Perkiomen self?’ Longstreth said, “Start reading immediately. Read, learn, and put the video games down. Start doing something online. Document your process. Start to learn to leverage social media and meet people. Find online communities to open up a whole new world of potential.”

PANEL DISCUSSIONS Arts Panel Head of School Mark A. Devey led this talented panel in a discussion

Sam Glavin ’18 is co-host of The Wolves of Broad Street Podcast. A loyal Philadelphia fan, Glavin and his fellow co-hosts cover all angles of Philadelphia sports. This fall, he will be a senior at Dickinson College and hopes to continue and expand his sports coverage. Glavin shared that purchasing a microphone was his biggest investment and using social media to promote his podcast cost nothing. Look for The Wolves of Broad Street on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter or listen on your favorite platform.

about the arts industry, what’s trending, how Perkiomen is leading in our programming, and how our arts program impacts our alumni. The Arts Panel discussion guests learned how the arts remains integral to Perkiomen and how they will be elevated through the Our Moment to Lead Campaign. Visual arts will be relocated into the new student center. While the new student center will add practice and live performance space, Kehs and Roberts Hall will be transformed into the central hub for the performing arts at Perkiomen. The new student center will also feature a TV studio for podcasting and broadcasting.

LIVE EVENTS!

Thanks to our alumni for sharing their talent and time with us:

Sensory Experience with Cutwater Spirits

Rich Korson ’88 – Partner/Executive Producer Radio Point, Executive Producer Comedy Central, Executive Producer Netflix

Earl Kight ’84, Founder and Head of Sales at Cutwater Spirits, introduced us to his Director of Quality and Innovation, Gwen Conley. She guided us through the flavor creation process of their

award-winning

canned

cocktails and distilled spirits. It

Carly N. Mayer ’04 – Metalist, jewelry designer, co-owner at Forge & Finish Drew Pedrick ’76 – Founding Partner MCTIGUE Design Firm/ Architect Bradley Hendershot – Watercolorist and former faculty member

was a fun evening that challenged us to consider surprising cocktail pairings with food, discover the applications of science in this industry, and realize how much fun one can have working together toward a shared entrepreneurial goal.

A La Minoot – A Perkiomen Virtual Cooking Spectacular The Bowen sisters, Jennie Cook ’77 and Rachel Bowen Dean ’88, filled our minds, hearts, bellies and made us laugh. Back in the day when Cook and Dean ran Double Dutch Dinette, they learned a lot about “a la minute,” a French kitchen phrase meaning “on the fly” or “at the last minute.” We can’t thank them enough for sharing how in our own kitchens, we can put this expression into practice. Check out Cook’s book: Who Wants Seconds?: Sociable Suppers for Vegans, Omnivores & Everyone in Between available on Amazon.

P E R K I O M E N M AG A Z I N E

Athletics Panel College and professional athletes as well as sports professionals joined forces with Mark A. Devey to discuss the future of Perkiomen Athletics. The evening focused on girls’ athletics, Perkiomen’s national and varsity basketball teams, as well as the newly enhanced lacrosse program. Perkiomen’s new turf and athletic field plan was also shared with the group. Nicole Allison ’92, Lacrosse at Wittenberg University and Director, Partnership Marketing at NHL Eric Fanning ’12, Basketball at Boston University Stephanie Falcone ’16, Lacrosse at Wagner University John “CJ” Williams ’13, Football at Susquehanna University, Assistant Director of Admissions & Financial Aid at Perkiomen School Kendall R. Baker P ’86, ’91, Director of Athletics at Perkiomen School

Alumni College Panel

has generously supported Perkiomen trips to the Museum over the years. Sugarman’s father was the sole family survivor of the Auschwitz concentration camp, and she has been an outspoken social justice advocate and storyteller of the Holocaust throughout her life.

The Institutes at Perkiomen Olivier Joseph ’13 joined the Middle School’s Intro to Institutes class in February to talk about his experiences in the medical In this year of firsts, our Alumni College Panel went virtual! Recent alums shared their experiences with virtual college, as athletes and as international students. David Antoniewicz, Director of College Counseling and Diana Weir-Smith ’85, P ’19 teamed up to host the panel. Here are our amazing young alumni who joined in: Natasha Khela ’20, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

field and to answer questions. Joseph is a second year student at University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Medicine and a former faculty member in Perkiomen’s Medical Institute. In the middle school, students have an opportunity to explore all three of our institutes to learn if further study of entrepreneurship, medicine, or artificial intelligence is right for them as they enter Upper School.

Edrick Padilla ’20, Ohio Wesleyan University Chris Pow ’19, Moravian College Polly Tolmachenko ’20, Virginia Tech University Jenny Zhang ’19, Vanderbilt University

Diversity Collaborative Discussion In observance of International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27, Perkiomen’s Diversity Collaborative hosted a faculty and staff discussion of Night by Elie Weisel, featuring alumni speakers Bob Novick ’57 and Debbi Dach Sugarman ’71 and led by Director of Admissions & Financial Aid Abby Parish Moser. Novick, among many others, worked alongside Wiesel in developing the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and

Have some news to share with Perkiomen? Send your Alumni Highlights to Diana Weir-Smith, Alumni Director: dweirsmith@perkiomen.org

S U M M E R 2021

Alumnus follows his family’s philanthropic footsteps,

gifting a life insurance policy. When Barry Solomon ’68 was a child, his grandmother once gave a flour salesman $1,000. “She didn’t tell me the story,” Barry shares. “He did.” In the 1950s, the flour salesman stopped by for a routine negotiation of price per pound at the Schwebel Baking Company, Barry’s family’s business in Youngstown, Ohio. Owner and operator of the company and a smart and shrewd businesswoman, his grandmother took the time and care to properly work out a fair price, negotiating over a couple of pennies for just as many hours. With a deal struck, the salesman turned to leave, but paused to ask if she would be interested in contributing to his college for Jewish cantors. Without hesitation, she opened her desk drawer, pulled out her checks, and wrote him one for $1,000 on the spot. Family lore like this inspires Barry to be a philanthropist himself. As far back as he remembers, the thread of selfless generosity is woven throughout his life. After attending Perkiomen for his junior and senior years, Barry went on to Kansas State University to study Bakery Science and Management. At the end of a full career at the Schwebel Baking Company, he retired as the Purchasing Manager in 2009. Returning to Perkiomen for his 50th class reunion in 2018, Barry recounts his feeling of being on campus again. “They kept the same charm and yet it was brand new. It was a nice thing to see.” Already grateful for the skillset he was afforded as a student in the 60s, Barry is in awe of the diversity of opportunities. “The programs I see going on [at Perkiomen] today are so sophisticated… there is no comparison. It’s like two different worlds! What the students do today is amazing compared to

P E R K I O M E N M AG A Z I N E

what we did. I hear a lot of people say, ‘The kids are lazy today.’ From my perspective, they just have more to do!” Following his grandmother’s example, Barry has been annually contributing to Perkiomen since 1985 (and at a Leadership Level since 1993)! As a major shareholder for his family’s company, he was offered a life insurance policy after he retired. Recently, he assigned this policy to Perkiomen, making the school the irrevocable owner and beneficiary, to support Our Moment to Lead, A Campaign for Perkiomen School. Barry takes a tax deduction now and makes an extraordinary gift. Because life insurance costs “pennies per dollar” of coverage, it is a popular way to make a sizable gift at a modest cost relatively. With a continued interest in giving back to his alma mater and the opportunity to leave a legacy within the new student center, Perkiomen was a natural choice to receive this investment! When asked why he continues to support Perkiomen each year: “I went to school there! I’m going to support my alma mater! That’s the only way I can answer that. It’s the truth.” To honor his career in the baking industry and acknowledge his generosity to the school, a plaque with Barry’s name will be displayed in the Teaching Kitchen, a space that will promote education, engagement, and community building amongst faculty, students, parents, and alumni. If you would like to make a gift of life insurance or consider a planned gift to Perkiomen School, contact Director of Development Karl Welsh at 215-541-5048 or kwelsh@perkiomen.org.

Students concluded their prom celebration with sparklers. This year’s prom – Garden Party themed – was held outdoors on campus at the Stauffer Family Tennis Courts, pictured on back cover.

Perkiomen School 200 Seminary Street Pennsburg, Pennsylvania 18073 USA ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

The Perkiomen community inspires students to risk becoming their best.

PERKIOMEN.ORG