Perkiomen School Magazine 2023

on the cover: Sofia Chwe ’23 and Karl Kessen ’23 performed as Belle and the Beast in the 2023 Winter Musical, Beauty and the Beast. The show had a record number of students participate. Read more about the theater program on page 6.

this page: Reeha Rammohan ’26 performs at the annual Wallace Reid Awards, recognizing excellence in the arts.

transformation

Head of School Mark A. Devey poses with Keeshawn Kellman ’19, Xaivian Lee ’22, and Philip Byriel ’21, members of the Princeton University Men’s Basketball Team who made it to the Sweet Sixteen round of the March Madness Tournament.

Dear Perkiomen Community,

One of the hallmarks of a Perkiomen School education is that it is transformational—it changes students’ lives.

An area that displays that transformation is the visual and performing arts. With paint, a blank wall becomes a panoramic mural, with a guitar in hand, a student becomes a rock star, and through lines of dialogue and song, a gentle human becomes a beast.

Through the arts, young people can explore their thoughts, ideas, and emotions in a safe and expressive way. This nurtures their imaginative thinking and helps them develop a unique perspective on the world. By creating a supportive environment and sharing their own love of the arts, our faculty help to cultivate this mindset in our students. The experiences at Perkiomen carry out beyond the stage or studio, to build our students’ curiosity, creativity, and confidence.

This year’s Perkiomen Magazine offers highlights of the many different ways the Perkiomen community, including our alumni, are impacting the world through their work in the arts.

This issue also has an update on our Entrepreneur Institute, the first of our four institutes, which now provides an opportunity for Dual Enrollment with University of Delaware. Read more on page 16.

Our current and former Panthers had a successful year in athletics, making history along the way - from a trio on an Ivy League squad playing in the Sweet Sixteen to league titles in local independent leagues, to state and national championship competition. Our student-athletes are competing at high levels and have the focus and drive to achieve success, whether they are building the program or hoisting a championship trophy. Review the highlights, starting on page 26.

The 2022-2023 school year was full of moments of joy, as we returned to many of our favorite Perkiomen traditions, including hosting Vespers and Morning Meeting in the Mesnier Chapel. The Class of 2023 took their seats of honor in the front rows, happy to share in these small moments, which, as they recollected during their beautiful Commencement ceremony, really are the big moments. Visit pages 24-25 for a look back at Commencement 2023.

It continues to be an honor to lead Perkiomen School, now and into our bright future ahead. Thank you for the many ways in which you support our community.

Sincerely,

Mark A. Devey P

Head of School

’21, ’24

Mark A. Devey P ’21, ’24 with members of the Class of 2023 who have committed to collegiate athletics.

Following Vespers, Mark A. Devey P ’21, ’24 and students gathered for the Head of School Holiday Open House in Carnegie Library.

Solvitur vivendo

On November 20, 2022, ChatGPT was made available to the public. By January 2023, just two months after launch, it was estimated to have reached 100 million monthly active users. That made it the fastest-growing consumer application in history, according to a study by UBS.

According to data from Sensor Tower, a market research company, it took TikTok about nine months to reach 100 million users, and it took Instagram 2 ½ years.

If you aren’t one of the 100 million monthly users, ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot that was created by OpenAI, an American artificial intelligence research laboratory. It uses artificial intelligence to generate text after a user enters a prompt, processing the natural human language.

This free tool can be used to write essays, summarize content, or write code, leading some school districts to block its use, because of the temptation to cheat. Another concern is its ability to spread misinformation. ChatGPT is just one device in the AI toolbox, so the natural question raised is: how will the growth of AI applications affect assignments, assessments, and originality in the classroom?

“It is my belief that students should embrace the opportunities presented by AI and utilize these resources judiciously,” says En-Tien Lin ’18, who is working toward his Master’s in Artificial Intelligence at UCLA. “Since the advent of accessible AI resources like ChatGPT, public feedback on their usage has been varied. Undeniably, AI has the potential to simplify people’s lives; however, as students, it is imperative that we hold ourselves accountable and avoid becoming overly reliant on it.”

Recently on Twitter, Ethan Mollick, an Associate Professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, stressed that there is too much focus on the abstract idea of artificial intelligence as a pure technology that manipulates its users. Mollick studies and teaches innovation and entrepreneurship, and also examines the effects of artificial intelligence on work and education.

“We need to hear more from early innovative users applying AI across industries and fields,” Mollick tweeted. “…Technologies are defined and shaped and given meaning by use. We get to make choices about that.”

Perkiomen School faculty members are making the choice to embrace artificial intelligence in the classroom and in their counseling of students, not as a replacement for original ideas and insights, but to enhance or even question the work being done, to allow the exchange of concepts and ideas to flow more freely, and to learn through doing.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INSTITUTE

It seems like a no-brainer that the Artificial Intelligence Institute would reference AI in its coursework, however, Director of the Artificial Intelligence Institute Allison Rodgers specifically looks at the AI as an editing tool – much like spell check or Grammarly.

“In my Mobile App Design class, we used ChatGPT as a tutor of sorts,” says Rodgers. “It’s good at writing code and can do a pretty good job of troubleshooting why something might or might not be working. For instance, for students that struggled to identify when they were missing a bracket or semi-colon in a coding class, it can help to identify missing punctuation. The way each student sets up their code will be a little bit different. ChatGPT was an effective second pair of eyes when students understood the logic of what they were attempting to do but had trouble with the syntax.”

OFFICE OF COLLEGE COUNSELING

Co-Director of College Counseling Keegan Ash, along with many of his peers across the industry, have been discussing the topic of AI tools and their effect on the college search and application process.

“AI and the college process has certainly been a hot topic in our world,” says Ash. “Colleges are trying to figure out how to handle it, and counselors are trying to figure out how to help students understand it. Among college admissions representatives and college counselors, we’re having conversations now that are similar to conversations that occurred years ago when spell check was invented or even during the rise of the internet. I personally love working with ChatGPT. I love it as a tool, but certainly not as a substitute for my own work.”

In a new blog series on the Perkiomen School website, It Depends, Ash takes the topic head-on, examining the advice ChatGPT gives and comparing it to the advice a seasoned college counseling professional would give.

“In It Depends, we use ChatGPT as a tool,” says Ash. “ChatGPT provides a structure, but the point of the series is to point out that it’s not a supplemental tool. It is a complementary tool. It provides incomplete information. If I just shared what ChatGPT said, there would be no way to share my character, my perspectives, or even

The Mobile App Design class uses ChatGPT to troubleshoot coding errors.

vivendo 2.0

my passion for college counseling and helping students. With new technology, we need to understand how to properly operate it. ChatGPT is here to stay. The calculator is here to stay. The internet is here to stay. As educators, it is our challenge to work with students on how to effectively utilize these tools.”

DESIGN INSTITUTE

Students in the Foundations of Design class took on the challenge of creating the school’s holiday card. They gathered information about the purpose and audience and set to work designing concepts. A variety of cards were presented for final review, and the potential cards were created using watercolors, graphic design, and MidJourney.

MidJourney is an independent research lab that produces a proprietary artificial intelligence program that creates images from textual descriptions. Cooper Gleeson ’23, Reese Gordon ’26, Aoxue Wang ’23, and Yunyang Wang ’23 collaborated on the design.

“The 2022 holiday card symbolizes the strengths of our Design Institute,” says Associate Head of School Carol Dougherty. “Our students see a variety of tools and resources to create and problemsolve. They are not limited by a fixed mindset. They are open and know that learning is not finite. Innovation and finding a new path are woven into their operational mindset.”

ENGLISH AND HISTORY DEPARTMENTS

Giancarlo Duffy, faculty member in the English and History departments, has found ChatGPT to be invaluable in supporting students while developing argumentative theses as they work in groups during writing workshops.

“When students construct an initial thesis statement, they can use ChatGPT to challenge their argument by posing counterarguments or seeking additional viewpoints,” says Duffy. “This immediate, indepth feedback encourages them to think critically about their thesis and refine it to be more cogent and persuasive.”

He has also been using AI as a tool for enhancing students’ argumentative writing skills in general. Students input their drafts into the system, and the AI generates suggestions for improvements or poses questions that encourage them to consider alternate perspectives or evidence. This allows the students to reflect on their work and make necessary revisions.

“A key part of using this technology constructively involves engaging in discussions about the feedback that the AI provides - not just taking it at face value,” says Duffy. “This type of scrutiny prevents the students from using this technology as a crutch. Rather, it encourages them to view the language model as another tool in their academic toolbox which also includes their own faculties, peer review, and the process of writing multiple drafts. The questioning, analysis, and context-building must come from the student.”

History and English Teacher Giancarlo Duffy uses AI as a tool for enhancing students’ argumentative writing skills.

LEARNING THROUGH DOING

By working with, rather than against, AI tools, collaborations between students and faculty can increase the standards of what is accomplished. The rise in prevalence of AI tools will also encourage teachers to focus more on the “why” of their assignments and assessments.

“We need to be able to clarify why we ask students to write,” says Rodgers. “For me, I want to see how students think. I know that the way our kids think is messy and beautiful and capable of stunning insight. I want them to have practice organizing their ideas in a coherent format. I want them to make decisions on what they should include and what is less relevant. Copying Wikipedia or Photomath or ChatGPT can give me a ‘right’ answer, but that doesn’t show at all that the student understands the topic at hand.”

Perkiomen students are no strangers to the iterative process. Having the opportunity to grow as learners with full understanding of the capability of AI tools, and the ways it can ethically be used to refine, revise, and reach the best outcome will prepare them to succeed both in school and in their next steps.

“Through this new approach,” says Duffy, “students walk away with the understanding that writing is a process that requires creativity, critical thinking, and careful planning. It’s not just about stringing words together, but about conveying thoughts, ideas, and arguments effectively. It involves stages of brainstorming, drafting, revising, editing, and often re-drafting, each step building on the last to construct a polished piece of work. AI is now just another helpful part of this process.”

Students in the Design Institute created Perkiomen School’s holiday card using MidJourney.

All the World’s STAGE

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, transitioning back to live performances – both musical and theatrical – was crucial. Re-engaging in the performing arts allowed students to rebuild their confidence, navigate uncertainties, and develop a sense of agency in their personal and academic lives. For those who already found their community in the theater, it was like coming home again, but for those who were new to the experience, it was an exciting opportunity to take a risk, make deeper connections, and uncover unexplored talents.

While the community was navigating regulations and making tough decisions with limited information on COVID-19, Head of School Mark A. Devey was determined for students to experience as close to a normal year as possible. Perkiomen operated with caution, but also knew with some creativity there were activities we could re-institute. One of those was theater – the show must go on! So, in the fall of 2021, Perkiomen’s first live production was Clue On Stage, which, due to still-present mitigation measures, was staged outdoors for the first time in school history. This milestone show was a hit and had a packed audience each night, gathering in seats adjacent to the Stauffer Family Tennis Courts, sipping hot chocolate, and reacting to the farce with laughter and guesses of whodunnit?

Theatre was back! And Perkiomen students, staff, and audiences were ready for more.

Anticipation built for the next production, which was Shrek the Musical, followed by the 2022-2023 theater season with Alice in Wonderland and the Winter Musical Beauty and the Beast. More than 50 students participated in Beauty and the Beast, many whom had never acted before or ever worked backstage. The talent pool was growing, and so was the caliber of performers and artists.

Ella Laski ’23 was a newcomer to the program, taking on choreography for Beauty and the Beast, sharing the duties with Sophia Marks ’25, who was also cast as Cogsworth.

“I decided to get involved with the theater program because I wanted to try something new for my senior year,” says Laski. “Theater seemed like so much fun and having been a dancer my whole life, I know how rewarding it is to put on a show. However, because of my dance company rehearsals I knew I couldn’t dedicate the time required to be in the cast, so I asked if they needed any help with choreography. I had never really shared my love for dance with the school community, so I was excited to work on the musical.”

Karl Kessen ’23 had no previous experience with acting, but through his performance as The Beast, a passion for the theater was ignited. Kessen says he will bring that passion with him when he returns home to Germany.

“When I got cast as the Beast, I was very nervous at first,” says Kessen. “I did not audition for that specific role and surely did not expect to get it. I quickly became excited though, as I wanted to take up the challenge and was ready to jump into the cold water. Soon, I grew into my role and began to really enjoy it. I felt a lot of compassion for the Beast’s tragedy, which was a huge help in impersonating him.”

Part of the draw to the theater program is the camaraderie and encouragement students can find within Kehs Hall. The team of faculty members leading the program including Gavin Flood, James Jones, Jeffrey Rodgers, and Charlotte Sacks, fosters growth by helping students step outside of their comfort zones, learn new skills, and nurture their talents.

u Karl Kessen ’23 in the role of the Beast in Beauty and the Beast

World’s a

u With more students interested in theater, there is more capability to perform a show with a large ensemble cast, like Beauty and the Beast.

“As a first-time theater participant, I felt really comfortable since I have experience with dance,” says Laski, “However, for someone new to the stage or the set shop, it can be overwhelming! The faculty advisors are super supportive and helpful, and the other students are welcoming and friendly. A lot of hard work goes into a show, but getting to share our talents with the community makes it all worth it. I wish I had gotten involved earlier.”

The rewards of being a member of a show’s cast and crew extend beyond the theater. The shared experiences, challenges, and joys found within this collaboration create a strong sense of belonging and connection. Being surrounded by peers working toward a common goal fosters friendship and understanding.

“A very special moment for me was when the cast and crew were gathering backstage moments before the first performance,” says Kessen. “You could feel the excitement but also the nervousness of everyone. While standing together, the sense of community helped me to relax.”

The theater continues to be a place to find connection and its reach is growing. Whether you are on the stage, behind the set, or sitting in the audience, there are both big and small moments to inspire and transform.

“There is a lot of artistic talent at Perkiomen and we’re so lucky to have faculty who create an environment where my peers and I can risk becoming our best without fear of judgement. They are so caring but also challenge us to grow and have agency in all that we do. As an actor, the theater is somewhere I feel safe and want to be. Last year was the first time I had ever auditioned for a musical role, and I felt really proud of myself for taking that leap. Since then, I have fallen in love with theater and I’m excited to continue my career on stage.”

Atticus Moes ’27 in the role of Lumière in Beauty and the Beast

t Members of the Class of 2023 who were part of the Beauty and the Beast cast and crew.

The fall production of Alice in Wonderland

starred Paige Iacobacci ’24 as Alice and Lucas Reinhart ’24 as the Cheshire Cat.

Incredible

Incredible Potential

In the spring of 2022, Perkiomen hosted the annual Middle School Fine Arts Festival, a time for members of the middle school community to be recognized for their talents and hard work in the visual and performing arts. In preparation for the event, which includes performances, a few students approached Director of Music Charlotte Sacks.

“The boys wanted to play a piece as a band for their performance, however most of the boys did not have experience with band instruments at that time,” Sacks says. “I was blown away by how hard they worked to not only learn their instruments but to put together an amazing piece.”

The idea of a Middle School Rock Band was formed. But in order to give these students more of an opportunity to practice and grow as musicians, it was decided to make the hobby into a full academic class.

“When I saw what the boys could do in such a short time of preparation, I knew that they had incredible potential,” Sacks says. “At that point, I talked with Mr. Moser, the Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs, and he agreed that a Middle School Rock Band class would be a wonderful way for the students to continue to learn more about collaboration at instrumentation, while also gaining the time to rehearse together weekly.”

The class meets as regularly as any other class at Perkiomen School giving these students a chance to truly develop their skills as well as build bonds as members of the band. Finn Moes ’27, a guitarist, has developed not only skills as a musician but also lasting friendships.

“Having rock band as a class is an amazing experience because there is a distinct collaboration between the musicians that can only be achieved with a very deep friendship,” says Moes. “The class was a perfect way to give us all a chance to grow and learn more about each other.”

The class focuses not only on playing current and classic rock music but also allows students a chance to flex their creative muscles. The hard work has culminated in three on-campus performances that were met with cheers and praise from their audiences.

“One of my favorite times during the class was when we were able to try writing an original song,” said Moes. “We were able to perform it during the third show, and I received a lot more good feedback than I expected!”

The Middle School Band, now known as New Magistrate, performed off-campus at the Perkasie PorchFest, a walkable music festival. The group performed as part of a rising star division, giving them a chance to share their accomplishments with even more people in the broader community.

The addition of a Middle School Rock Band class adds to a large line up of diverse and engaging options students can choose from during their time at Perkiomen School. The skills the students have been able to build will help them through their time here at Perkiomen and long into their journeys after they graduate.

“The amount that they have grown in only a year is astounding,” said Sacks.

Institutes Department

Chair and Director of the Medical Institute

Rock

This spring, Perkiomen School welcomed families and members of the community to celebrate the spring term and the accomplishments of our students. During four afternoons, families were encouraged to attend sporting and arts events, share a meal with their students, and get a sneak peek into campus life. One of the highlights was a classical music recital performed by John Derham ’23, Karl Kessen ’23, and faculty member Jeffery Rodgers, Ph. D.

Kessen, singing, and Derham, on piano, performed a traditional German love song, Bist Du Bei Mir. The song was claimed to be written by Johann Sebastian Bach as part of a collection of songs for his wife in 1725. However, it has since been theorized that it was written by Gottfried Henrich Stolzel as an aria in one of his operas. Bist du Bei Mir has beautiful legato lines and trills that emphasize the particular language being conveyed.

Next, Rodgers, on the cello, joined Derham for two movements of Sonata for Cello and Piano, Op. 19. This piece from composer Sergei Rachmaninoff contains five movements that were written in 1901, around the same time as the famous Second Piano Concerto. The Cello Sonata reflects, perhaps, the state of Rachmaninoff’s heart and mind. Having struggled after the catastrophic failure of his First Symphony in 1897, Rachmaninoff had fought his way back to mental and creative health. This technically challenging and classical sonata is a demanding piece especially for the piano.

“It has been an incredibly rewarding experience working with John on the Rachmaninoff Cello Sonata,” says Rodgers, best known as the Director of the Medical Institute. “I was thrilled we were able perform the 3rd and 4th movements at the Recital during Spring Family Celebration! I previously had briefly worked on only the 3rd movement, but I knew it to be a challenging yet beautiful and soulful piece.”

The pair spent months working to put this piece together.

Jeffrey Rodgers, Ph.D.

Rock Band to

“When I originally met John last year and performed Separate Ways by Journey with him and several other students, I knew his piano skill and dedication to rehearsal and performance were something special,” says Rodgers. “This fall, I approached John following one of our Rock Band concerts to see if he would be interested in working on this Sonata together, at the time thinking it would be just something small on the side ‘just for fun.’ It has indeed been a fun experience but has grown to be an aspect I look forward to as a highlight of my week, an

incredibly unique opportunity to work on and perform a collegeprofessional level repertoire.”

The pair hope to work together past graduation to create a full studio recording of the over 35-minute piece with all five movements. Perkiomen School prides itself on providing multiple opportunities for growth inside and out of the classroom and aims to support students even after they graduate.

Jeffrey Rodgers, Ph.D. and John Durham ’23, with assistance from Director of Music Charlotte Sacks

Process and Product: Art in the Classroom

When examining the visual arts program at Perkiomen, faculty member Katharine Kreig uses the phrase, Process and Product. One learns quickly that you cannot have one without the other, and the stunning products that hang in the gallery, only appear there because of the research, experimentation, and process that comes before.

Kreig is a contemporary artist who creates works of marine and rural landscape and narrative still life. She works primarily in oil paints, but she is also accomplished in the mediums of watercolor and charcoal. Her home studio is nearby in Montgomery County. Her experience and knowledge of the industry has brought a high level of professional preparation to Perkiomen’s visual art instruction.

AFTER-SCHOOL ART ACTIVITY

Students enrolled in After-School Art have choice in what projects they pursue, working on a range of projects from their AP art portfolios to their own ideas, but there is structure to the afternoon sessions. The first step is to work out the scope of the project on paper and then gather materials. If a student needs inspiration, Kreig has “The Menu,” a list of five to seven different projects and mediums from which to choose.

“They test out their idea,” says Kreig, “and then they go forward with it, working more intuitively.”

And if a student makes a mistake? It is an opportunity.

“What did you learn?” Kreig asks them. “Then, let’s try it again.”

Instituting group critiques into the After-School Art program has been very beneficial. Students learn that getting feedback is not a bad thing, it is just problem solving.

“When we critique within a group,” says Kreig, “we have a responsibility to each other to help find solutions to problems, to help each other build the strongest art possible. It is a good way to incubate and develop your ideas, be creative, and find new ways at coming at something.”

Projects this year have included circular weaving, digital art, acrylic painting, and textile design.

Megan Blumenstock-Daub ’25 tried several mediums and eventually settled on working further with a hobby she already had – outfit sketching. Eventually, she turned to sewing and transformed her sketches into a real outfit.

“It was a really good experience,” says Blumenstock-Daub. “I liked working in pencil and paper. I worked with clay and learned new techniques. It was also the first time I had worked with a sewing machine. Now, I am comfortable transforming other clothes – things I get from a thrift store or things I just don’t like anymore and want to alter.”

The students also worked on collaborative projects to further

u Megan Blumenstock-Daub ’25 with the textile pieces she created in After-School Art.

t In AP Drawing, Paige Iacobacci ’24 and Aoxue Wang ’23 participated in texture and material experiments in preparation for sketch work.

their knowledge, participating in color experiments and shadow mapping. One specific experiment was Color as Location. Groups used light and color to see how light “informs” a subject and its environment according to color location on the color wheel. If one has a red object lit by green light, what does one see?

These experiments are helping train the students’ eyes to see differently. “It is an intake of information that then comes out through the hand,” says Kreig. “It takes practice.”

ADVANCED PLACEMENT® COURSES

By taking courses in the AP® Art and Design Program, students develop the skills that artists and designers use while creating a portfolio of work that is submitted for an AP score. The available courses are AP 2-D Art & Design, AP 3-D Art & Design, and AP Drawing.

Students learn similar skills in all three courses, including investigating the materials, processes, and ideas that artists and designers use, communicating ideas about works of art and design, and practicing, experimenting, and revising as they create their own work.

“You are really taking the ‘test’ all year long,” says Kreig. “It is 15 pieces. There is research—you choose a topic, choose how you are doing to investigate it. You research inspiration artists and look at their methods. It is helpful to see how another artist approached the problem. You can take those solutions and apply them to your own idea.”

Once the student chooses their topic, the teacher steps back.

“I am just there as a guide,” says Kreig. “It is pretty fast-paced for the student and the sketches are almost as important as the final pieces.”

However, Paige Iacobacci ’24, who took AP Drawing this past year, felt Krieg’s role was invaluable.

“Ms. Kreig did all of the long-term scheduling for us, taught me what my year would look like, and made sure I was in a good position all year to be done in time. This meant I only had to focus on one deadline at a time. Sticking to her schedule put me at ease and I was able to maintain focus. She also provided creative ideas, answers to all of my questions, and helpful tips along the way.”

The College Board, the organization that oversees AP testing, mimics the college platform: show your sources, explain your choices and methods, and demonstrate how you used the principles of art and design.

“It’s a new process for students,” says Kreig,” but it is not always comfortable. Art is put into a scientific process.”

Iacobacci focused on a sustained investigation of monumental moments in life.

“I explored what moments are most important to us, why, and how we react to these events,” says Iacobacci. “I decided to explore this topic

because I wanted to experiment as much as possible. So, choosing a broader topic allowed me to create many different moods, emotions, and styles of art. I also love any form of storytelling, so I thought, why not tell someone’s life story through my portfolio? Every student in the class chose a different topic that they were passionate about, making our portfolios even more personal and rewarding.”

Iacobacci researched one or two artists in conjunction with each piece she created for her portfolio.

“Whether it was a specific piece I was taking inspiration from or their overall style, doing research helped me come up with new ideas and open up my mind more. Some artists that stood out to me though were Mary Cassatt, Edvard Munch, Edgar Degas, and Gustav Klimt. They all had very different styles but all inspired pieces in my portfolio.”

SKILL-BUILDING

Students in the arts courses and After-School Art were invited to share their work in a Winter Art Show, held in the Robert M. Schumo Gallery in Kehs Hall.

“The show gives them a goal,” says Kreig, “and a deadline to work toward. It reflects the real art world.”

During the week spent preparing the gallery for the show, four students volunteered to hang the pieces, providing another opportunity to learn something new – how to find the middle line, how to group pieces together, and more. And earlier in the winter, students learned how to cut and prepare mats.

“This is like a training ground to prepare students to participate in shows off-campus,” says Kreig. “It is important for them to learn to prepare the work.”

The gallery was open during the Winter Musical performances, and the space was filled with students and families who had come to see the play, but then had the opportunity to see what other Perkiomen artists had accomplished.

“It was really exciting to see people looking at my pieces,” says Blumenstock-Daub.

Krieg has more ideas of how to bring the gallery space to life –and to keep preparing Perkiomen students for their next steps: “It would be great to have even more of an overlap between the arts. Maybe host a figure drawing session of a musician who is playing in the gallery, or an actor in costume? This would prepare them for their experiences in art school or the summer program at Maine College of Art and Design.”

p Katy Kreig and Kelsey McMillin ’24 in the Robert M. Schumo Gallery.

t Reese Gordon ’26 and Sloane Adams ’26 work on a shadow mapping exercise in After-School Art. Drawings are made using shadows of a structure to create abstracted statements based on line, value, and positive/negative space.

Perkiomen Partners with University of Delaware for Dual Enrollment

In the fall of 2022, Perkiomen School announced a partnership with University of Delaware for a Dual Enrollment opportunity with Horn Entrepreneurship.

Perkiomen School is proud to join Horn’s EntreX Lab, allowing high school students to gain experience in an ever-changing entrepreneurship environment.

“In Perkiomen School’s ongoing effort to help individualize all education,” says Eric Frey, Director of the Entrepreneurship Institute at Perkiomen School, “Dual Enrollment provides additional choice to practice entrepreneurship at an increased rigor.”

Horn Entrepreneurship at University of Delaware provides students with a chance to grow their creativity and learn valuable skills in the world of innovation. EntreX Labs aims to bring that experience to high school students who are interested in pursuing a career in entrepreneurship. The five-module curriculum provides a foundation to the ideas and necessary background to find success in their future endeavors. The students who successfully complete the program will earn three transferrable credits and showcase their ability to handle college level coursework.

“Through the Dual Enrollment program, Perkiomen students will have the opportunity now to learn and practice skills that will last a lifetime,” says Head of School Mark A. Devey. “By taking charge of their trajectory and seizing this opportunity, our students are earning college credit while exploring their interests and expanding their network. Having visited the University of Delaware this spring,

I was thoroughly impressed with their ability to empower students through dynamic programs that expand on the foundation we are developing at Perkiomen.”

The Entrepreneur Institute at Perkiomen School was established in 2016 and allows students to make a liberal arts education relevant through rigorous application. The institute coursework is student-directed, application-based, and authentic giving students a chance to apply the knowledge that they have gained and culminate their experience in a capstone project. Currently 35 students are enrolled in Honors/Advanced Entrepreneurship and 20 are expected to fulfill requirements to receive the credits. Frey directs the program and adds his expertise and training. To prepare for the addition of the EntreX Lab, Frey participated in a week-long training session where he completed classes, exams, and meetings to properly lead the students.

In February, the Dual Enrollment class participated in the Inaugural Perkiomen Pitch Competition. The top two pitches moved on to the EntreX Lab’s Regional Venture Showcase that was hosted by the University of Delaware. Jake Boyln ’24, presented his business venture QTR5, an apparel company that uses NIL deals to market and create products for the public to purchase. The team of Kendall Gavin ’23 and Jeanie Ville ’23 presented their social venture Gardin365, an indoor tower garden that provides easier access to healthier food and is eco-friendly for the environment. Each of the students was encouraged by the judges’ glowing feedback.

Ma’lasha Ezell ’23 and Director of the Entrepreneur Institute Eric Frey at the Perk Pitch Competition.

Jake Boyln ’24, Jeanie Ville ’23, and Kendall Gavin ’23 presented their business and social ventures at the EntreX Lab Regional Venture Showcase.

Jamal Oshinowo ’23 reacts with surprise after winning the Entertainer of the Year Award at the annual Reid Awards.

Spotlight on Alumni Artists

Stephen Bluto ’81

Steve Bluto is the Senior Collections Manager of the Arms and Armor Department at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Bluto received a BFA in art history from Syracuse University and an MFA specializing in painting from New York Academy of Art. He began his career at The Met in the Security Department in 1998 before becoming the art technician for the Department of Islamic Art in 1999. He joined the Arms and Armor Department as the collection’s specialist in 2001, advancing to the collections manager in 2008.

As a collections manager, Bluto works alongside conservators and curators in the handling, storage, maintenance, installation, and mounting of objects within the museum’s permanent collections and long-term projects, as well as special events and exhibitions. He also serves as courier of museum pieces and has traveled internationally, accompanying objects through customs and assisting in exhibition installation.

Some notable pieces Bluto has handled are an armor of Henry II, a hunting gun of Margarita Teresa of Spain, and commissioned Napoleonic gifts to ambassadors and leaders of state. In the fall of 2019, he participated in the installation of The Last Knight: The Art, Armor, and Ambition of Maximilian I. Currently, much of the Arms and Armor exhibit features Western European and Japanese pieces, however the Department is working to refurbish its galleries to diversify their collection by incorporating pieces from a wider range of cultures in order to tell a broader story.

Working at the Met has also given him the opportunity to apply his art training directly. Recently, he completed photography and illustrations for a catalogue about the Greenwich Armory.

Art continues to define Bluto outside of the Met. He is an artist whose work depicts maritime scenes of New England and the Long Island Sound. He is a Signature Artist of the American Society of Marine Artists and has served as Vice President on the Board of Directors.

Works by Stephen Bluto ’81

The Chase, Oil on panel, 2022 (right); Stars and Stripes, Oil on panel, 2022 (bottom left); Self-portrait, mixed media, 2018 (bottom right)

Carly Mayer ’04

Carly (Herman) Mayer is co-founder and co-owner of Forge & Finish, a women-owned and operated modern metal jewelry brand.

Mayer graduated from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art with a BFA in metal and jewelry arts (2008). In 2015 she and longtime friends and design partners, Desiree Casimiro and Emily Kane, came together to launch Forge & Finish. In joining the creative forces and strengths of the three into one, they have found success in the design world.

Described as “slow fashion,” Forge & Finish’s designs are made to last and become heirloom pieces as part of the wearer’s story. Since 2015, the team has been featured in The Philadelphia Inquirer and fashion blogs as well as numerous indie and wedding magazines. Their pieces have made it to the big screen, having been worn by Aubrey Plaza and Queen Latifah in Black Bear (2020) and Hustle (2022), respectively, as well as an upcoming major motion picture not yet released to the public.

Mayer is also proud of the brand’s practices as she and her partners are intentional in maintaining a small carbon footprint and align themselves with vendors who practice fair wages and equitability, and support their local economy within the MidAtlantic Region.

Mayer says, “All of our materials are locally sourced. The chains and clasps are from mom-and-pop stores and factories based in Philadelphia and the surrounding region, and we purchase our raw materials from Philadelphia-area manufacturers. We also recycle scrap metals into wire and sheet metal.”

The Forge & Finish showroom is located at the PaperBox Studios in Olde Kensington, Philadelphia.

Nikki Ciocari ’16

Nikki Ciocari was one of the first students to graduate with Distinction in Perkiomen’s Entrepreneur Institute. During her senior year, she and a classmate developed an ecofriendly surf and skateboard company. Though she has moved on to other projects since then, Ciocari says, “In the Entrepreneur Institute, I learned about the power of a good pitch, which has carried me through college and proved useful as I begin my professional career. I still talk about my experiences in the Institute to this day!”

While she entered Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) with the intent to major in graphic design, she made a pivot early in her college career. After watching Chasing Coral, a documentary about the impact of the human footprint on coral reefs and marine ecosystems, she decided that she wanted to take an active approach to fighting pollution by creating ecofriendly products, thus transitioning to an industrial design major.

“Industrial designers are involved with tech, beauty, architecture, and sustainable development,” she explains, “as well as fashion, furniture, and interior design, plus so much more. I knew that this area of study would prepare me for anything I wanted to do in the future.”

Many designers can go their entire lives without receiving recognition, but Ciocari is grateful that SCAD challenges their students to apply for grants and awards in their respective fields.

In 2019, she lent her design skills in a consultant role for Code of Return, a Savannah-based compost service, and won a Bizpitch Entrepreneurial Competition award, similar to Perkiomen’s Pitch Competition, which aided them in obtaining a $10,000 grant to launch the construction of a new facility.

In 2022, Ciocari and her partner won a European Product Design Award (ePDA) and were named a Student Notable for the Core77 Awards for Vena 6, an autonomous coral reef monitoring system powered by offshore wind and solar energy.

That same year, she received an honorable mention in Design for Society and won another ePDA as lead designer for Agrio, an educational aeroponic smart farming system, that reaches communities facing food insecurity.

She graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design in 2022 with a BFA in product and industrial design. With this degree and her related experiences, Ciocari is ready for professional opportunities that speak to her ecological sensibilities and allow her to make a positive mark in design.

Nikki Ciocari ’16 received a European Product Design Award (ePDA) and was named a Student Notable for the Core77 Awards for her concept, Vena 6.

Carly Mayer ’04 is co-founder and co-owner of Forge & Finish, a culturallydiverse, women-owned and operated jewelry design brand.

Christmas

in July

According to legend, the idea of celebrating Christmas in July originated at a North Carolina summer camp in 1933. The Keystone Camp dedicated two days in July to the holiday, bringing in fake snow, a decorated tree, a gift exchange, and, of course, a visit from Santa Claus.

A 1940 movie titled Christmas in July popularized the concept. According to Louisville, Kentucky’s Courier-Journal, a Washington, D.C. church started a summer donation drive in 1942 to gather holiday gifts to send to missions around the world in time for Christmas. They called it Christmas in July. The U.S. Post Office started a similar drive during the World War II years to gather and mail gifts to overseas soldiers.

Eighty years later, Emma Hogan ’23 celebrated her own Christmas in July as she spent July 2022 creating a 70 foot-wide mural to serve as the backdrop for the annual holiday parties held at the Biddle Air National Guard Base in Horsham, Pa.

Hogan had visited Biddle as a young girl. She was close with her neighbor, Anna Richar, and would occasionally go to work with Richar at the base. As the Airman and Family Readiness Program Manager for the 111th Attack Wing, Richar coordinates family assistance, promotes family readiness, conducts child and youth programs, and enriches family communication skills through outreach and education.

The base serves 1,000 Air Guard families within the 111th Attack Wing, as well as local Army Reserve and Army National Guard families.

Emma Hogan ’23 and Anna Richar, Military and Family Readiness Program Manager for the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, 111th Fighter Wing.

Last summer, Richar asked Hogan if she would help her with a project to support the families. Each year, the base hosts a holiday party, complete with gifts and decorations, but Richar had hoped for a more permanent backdrop to be installed in the hangar. In the past, Hogan’s family had volunteered at these events, but this would be a larger commitment.

“I thought it would be fun so I said ‘yes,’” says Hogan.

It ended up being the largest piece Hogan had ever painted. At 70-foot wide and 10-feet tall, the mural took almost 70 hours to complete. Hogan dove right into the work.

“I just started painting,” says Hogan. “It was a lot of time and energy and a big task to complete, but once I got into it, it was a lot easier.”

Richar had watched Hogan develop her talent as she was growing up and knew she would take the project on with great focus and dedication. Hogan’s commitment to community service earned her The Helen M. and Willis R. Christman Community Service Award at the Upper School Awards Ceremony.

“I think she is so special,” says Richar. “For her to find the time to support the military with the pressures she had with school and applying to colleges, it is remarkable. She can really be an example for all young people.”

The Family Readiness Group welcomed more than 1,800 people to the base for the holiday event on December 4. The Hogan family volunteered at the party and Emma was recognized for her work.

Hogan transferred into Perkiomen School as a sophomore in 2020. She was looking for a change, seeking a school with a strong arts program and an academic challenge. The Advanced Placement Art classes were a big draw, and Hogan enrolled in AP Drawing

and AP 2D Art and Design, which have helped her learn to work independently and manage her time, while honing her talent and skills.

Not one to self-promote, Hogan quickly rose to make a great impact in the arts program as a true triple threat. Shortly after arriving at Perkiomen, Hogan hung her first solo show in the Schumo Gallery in Kehs Hall. And after this year’s Winter Art Exhibit, Head of School Mark A. Devey let Hogan know he would love to display a piece of her art in his office in Kriebel Hall.

Hogan also plays several instruments, including guitar in the school’s Rock Band – a skill she has taught herself. In her senior year, Hogan joined the stage crew for the Winter Musical, and painted the backdrops for Beauty and the Beast.

“It was definitely a challenge; I hadn’t painted anything for a theater set before, but I had a lot of fun working on it,” says Hogan. “It took a lot longer than expected, especially because I don’t typically paint buildings - I prefer portrait or landscape work. I didn’t have a winter activity that I was particularly excited about and thought that stage crew would be a good way to continue developing my artistic skills.”

With her years at Perkiomen complete, Hogan’s next steps include starting at Cornell University in the fall.

“I’m planning on majoring in fashion design and management,” says Hogan. “I’m hoping to find a good fashion marketing job or something else creative along those lines after college. I’m interested in visual arts and psychology as well as fashion, so I want to find a way to integrate all of those interests into a good career. I may go back [to the base] over the next few years to touch up or add to the mural as needed. I’ll be continuing my community service and volunteer work as much as I can, though!”

Emma painted the backdrop for the Winter Musical, Beauty and the Beast.

Emma Hogan ’23 completed a 70-foot-wide mural at the Biddle Air National Guard Base in Horsham, Pa.

2023 Commencement

Under a bright and sunny sky, the Perkiomen community gathered on the campus sward for the school’s 148th Commencement Exercises, May 27, 2023.

Eighty-five graduates were honored for their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments.

In her address, Valedictorian Ella Laski ’23, who will attend the University of Georgia, used the metaphor of a patchwork quilt to demonstrate the impact others have on students’ experiences, much like the role each fabric square plays in creating a beautiful, unique heirloom. “Always remember to be grateful for the people in your life,” shared Laski, “and contribute all that you can to the lives of others.”

Salutatorian Kathryn Nicholas ’23 referenced a similar metaphor, sharing that moments which appear to be insignificant at the time, are often the most meaningful, becoming the scenes that make up the movies of our lives. “You must appreciate things that may seem tiny and insignificant, as a movie is not only made of large, momentous events,” said Nicholas. “And when you look back, you will remember most fondly the things that, in the moment, may seem rather uneventful.”

The Commencement Address was given by Joseph Russella III ’04, who learned through building his insurance business, that the only way to grow, is to get uncomfortable. Everything is either growing or its dying, he shared, and being stationary is not an option. “We have the good fortune of being built by Perk,” said Russella, “so when life calls on us to abandon our comfort zone and grow, we don’t think twice – we answer the call.”

q Commencement Speaker Joseph Russella III ’04

q Valedictorian Ella Laski ’23 and Head of School Mark A. Devey P ’21, ’24

u Jason Gleeson P ’19, ’23 with Diana J. Gleeson P ’19, ’23 and Cooper Gleeson ’23, who both were featured speakers at Friday evening’s Baccalaureate service.

q The Class of 2023’s flag, designed by Baia Grdzelishvili ’23

q Salutatorian Kathryn Nicholas ’23

u Issac Pena ’23 receives a congratulatory hug.

Commencement

Head of School Mark A. Devey’s final words to the class were first spoken by Eleanor Roosevelt, “The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear, for a newer and richer experience.”

Congratulations to the Class of 2023, may they continue to seek a newer and richer experience, always staying loyal, tried, and true.

Oh, the Places You’ll Go

Each spring, students in the graduating class create an art installation as a gift to their classmates.

The Class of 2023 Senior Art Installation was inspired by Dr. Seuss’ Oh, the Places You’ll Go and reflected all the hard work each student had put into the past four years. Each arrow, individually designed by each graduate, represented how far each member of the class had come to get to where they are now, and the lives that they have paved for themselves after Perkiomen. The brightly colored flowers hanging throughout Schulz Plaza represented the bright futures of the seniors who are moving on to impact the world in other places.

Thank you and congratulations to Kendall Gavin ’23, Brigid Scanlon ’23, and Cooper Gleeson ’23 for bringing this concept to life!

q Uy Vu Nguyen ’23, Han Ngoc Bao Nguyen ’26 and family

Panther Basketball Program Makes

National Team Brings Home the PAISAA State Championship

On Sunday, February 26, the National Boys Basketball team claimed the PAISAA title in a 79-77 overtime victory over George School at St. Joseph’s University. The historic win marks the Panthers first State Championship in program history.

“It was an amazing experience to be able to be part of such a highly competitive championship game and come out on top,” says Director of Basketball Operations and National Team Head Coach Thomas Baudinet. “George had a tremendous season and played an outstanding game. I’m so happy for our players and their families, our coaches, and all of the students, faculty and staff who have supported us over the years to be able to bring a championship home to Perkiomen.”

In a closely-contested game, Bobby Rosenberger ’23 was the Panthers leading scorer, netting 20 points including the winning free throw with only a few seconds left on the clock.

“Being at the free throw line in the final seconds of the game was a crazy way to end the game,” said Rosenberger. “It was a storybook ending to a great season. I knew my coaches and teammates had my back and supported me, so at the free throw line I was focused. At that point it was all muscle memory, and I was not feeling nervous. After hitting the free throws, I was overcome with emotion and was ecstatic to finally win a state championship and be a crucial part in doing so.”

The National Team clinched a 79-77 OT victory to win the first State Championship in program history.

The Panthers fought through adversity as two of their elite seniors, Thomas Haugh and Preist Ryan, fouled out before the conclusion of the fourth quarter. Several other players stepped up to the challenge to send the game into overtime and secure the victory for the Panthers National team. Gabe Tanner ’25 played a pivotal role, scoring 19 points, and point guard DeMajh Salisberry ’24 scored 13 points to help lift the Panthers to victory. The Perkiomen Panthers avenged their loss to Westtown in last year’s final and brought the PAISAA trophy home to Pennsburg.

Coach Thomas Baudinet

Basketball Makes History

“This game meant a lot to me personally, as this is my fourth and final year here at Perkiomen School,” continued Rosenberger. “Winning this game meant a lot because it really shows how all the hard work pays off in the end and I was glad to be able to experience it with such great coaching staff, teammates, and supporters of the program.”

Girls Team Advanced to Second Round of PAISAA Tournament

With Kerrie Kosakowski at the helm, the Perkiomen School Girls Basketball program has grown and thrived during the last two years, achieving greater success than any other teams in the program’s history. In the 2023 winter season, the team was able to take the next step in cementing themselves as a team to contend in the highly competitive PAISAA, winning a first-round game.

“Going into our first PAISAA game, I knew it was going to be a challenge! Due to injuries, we were down girls who played major minutes, and this meant everyone needed to play their role plus more,” said Kosakowski. “We were able to maintain a lead but in the fourth quarter ANC cut it to single digits. We kept our composure and were able to make a tough defensive stop, leading us to our first PAISAA win in school history.”

Perkiomen School’s investment in time and resources in the girls’ basketball program demonstrates the school’s commitment to growing girls’ sports. Increasing opportunities for female athletes allows all students to reach their full potential.

“This is a special group, transitioning out of a less challenging league into a much more competitive schedule,” said Kosakowski. “They worked extremely hard all year, and now they will be a part of Perkiomen history!”

The Panthers starting five.

Coach Kerrie Kosakowski

2022-2023

Winter Track had a successful season with many individual stand out performances and personal records.

Softball finished the season undefeated in league play and won the PennJersey championship for the second year in a row. The Panthers won their league games by a combined score of 116-17, the team batted .473, and had 62 stolen bases.

Sports Recaps

The Boys and Girls Swim teams saw tremendous success in the pool this year. Gabby Jones ’24 and Jimena Mazon Grande ’25 broke multiple pool and team records throughout the season.

The Boys Lacrosse team played the most competitive schedule in program history this year, finishing with a 6-10 record. The team had wins over historically strong programs like Kiski, Westtown, Shady Side, and Shipley, and won a game in the Mid-Atlantic Prep Championships for the first time.

The girls track team finished second in the league championship meet. The 4x400 relay team (Ocean Mayer ’23, Pearl Bixler ’25, Laura Noriega ’24, India Cox ’23) finished first in the event, Jaiden Hoek ’23 placed first in the 300 hurdles, Natalie Drelling ’23 placed first in the 100 hurdles, and Laura Noriega ’24 placed first in the 400 and 800.

The boys team placed 4th overall. Khalem Walker ’24 broke the school record in the 400 with a time of 54.72 seconds, Paul Cosme ’24 broke the 5-minute mile mark with an impressive time of 4:59.7, and Alfredo Addesa ’24 finished first in the shot put.

The Golf team finished undefeated in the regular season and won the championship by 18 strokes, making them back-to-back champions.

The Girls Lacrosse team finished 2nd overall in the league regular season and advanced to the league championship for the third year in a row, finishing as league runner-up.

Baseball continued its run as one of the top teams in Pennsylvania, advancing to the PAISAA championship game and finishing in 2nd place. The season included wins over #1 ranked Springside Chestnut Hill (twice), Hun, Friends Central, Episcopal Academy, and Hill.

The girls soccer team finished first in the league during the regular season, earned three All-Star selections – more than any other team in the league – and advanced to the league championship and PAISAA Commonwealth Cup semifinals. Coach Fernandez was also selected by the league as the head coach for one of the All-Star teams.

The Girls Cross Country Team finished first overall in the league, with five runners finishing in the top 10, including the #1 and #2 overall runners, Ocean Mayer ’23 and Pearl Bixler ’25.

The Boys Team finished fifth overall, with Isaac Pena ’23 leading the way and finishing in the top 15. Several students from both teams set personal records and received medals in the event.

The Girls Tennis team won the league and individual and doubles championships. They swept the event 5-0 and finished as both regular season and tournament champions.

The boys soccer team won the PAISAA Commonwealth Cup bracket championship with a 3-2 win in penalty kicks. They finished third in the league during the regular season, advanced to the league championship game, and had two players selected for the league All-Star game.

The Volleyball team finished first in the Independent Volleyball League, winning the championship title. They advanced to the PAISAA tournament for the second year in a row.

Panther Football finished with a 7-2 overall record, including a non-league win over a New England prep program and a 5-1 league record for a share of first place. They advanced to the championship game and continued their streak of being in the championship game every year that the league has been in existence. They beat every team in the league and won a huge semifinal game on the road vs. Mercersburg.

In Coach Kosakowski’s second year, the Panthers had one of the best seasons in program history, finishing with their highest-ever PAISAA ranking (#6) and winning a PAISAA playoff game for the first time.

Boys Tennis won the Penn-Jersey Championship for the third year in a row by winning 4 of the 5 brackets in the championship match.

The Boys National team had a historic season, finishing with a record of 27-8 (most wins in program history) and winning the PAISAA state championship for the first time in program history. The team also won a game in the National Prep Championships for the first time. During their first year under new Head Coach John Caldera, the team finished with an 11-10 overall record which included wins over Friends Select and Pennington, and they won the Great Atlantic League championship for the first time.

Campaign On the road

In 2019, Perkiomen embarked on our most ambitious fundraising effort in the school’s history.

Four years have gone by quickly, and we are heartened by the success of the OMTL Campaign . With two years remaining in this six-year campaign, Perkiomen has already surpassed its original goal of $30M!

This early success provides an opportunity to be more ambitious – to have a greater impact on the community by growing the goal to $45M.

What will this additional $15M include?

Increased Building Costs (Phase I and II priorities)

This campaign is all about caring for what has been provided in the past, advancing the strategic priorities of the present, and securing a strong future.

I am proud to serve on the Campaign Committee as a member of the Athletic Council because the priorities of OMTL will ensure a long-lasting impact on the Perkiomen community. Every student will benefit from these new indoor and outdoor state-of-the-art facilities because they will inspire students and enrich their interactions and experiences with faculty, family, and each other.

- Mark Dellinger P ’23, ’25

Thanks to a caring, invested, and generous community, becoming its best possible self and asserting its

Campaign Update road to $30M $45M

2019-2023 Progress

• Raised $30M in Gifts, Pledges, and Bequests

• Complet ed Arrival Circle

• Demolished Schultz Hall

• Perk Fund and Endowment Growth, Campus Green

Improvements Underway

• New Student Center Construction Begins Fall 2023

• Athletic Complex Fundraising Amplified

community, Perkiomen is well on its way of place among the finest independent schools.

Alumni Spotlight:

Jane Lea is the founder and principal of Lea Architecture, a New York-based firm that specializes in residential, institutional, civic, and educational projects. With more than 20 years of experience among Marble Fairbanks, Architecture Research Office, and her own firm, Lea has been involved in the design and reconfiguration of diverse and innovative buildings, such as strategic visioning for the NYC Department of Education, private homes, art studios, and the Congregation Beit Simchat Torah, the world’s largest LGBTQ+ synagogue. This spring, she was featured in an interview piece in Madame Architect. Projects to which she has contributed have been featured in the New York Times and Dwell.

Speaking with Lea, one will notice that her approach to architecture is guided by three core themes: accessibility, flexibility, and collaboration. These principles have laid the foundation for her work and proved essential for creating spaces that are responsive to the needs and aspirations of the users and the communities they serve.

ACCESSIBILITY

In addition to her firm, Lea is cofounder of Design Advocates

provides low bono and pro bono design and urban planning services to underserved community organizations and small businesses. Since 2020, D/A’s volunteer staff has completed projects for clients such as the City Parks Foundation, East Harlem Family Enrichment Center, Brooklyn Free Space, and the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

Lea is also a design partner of The All Along Project, a catalogue of parks and monuments named in honor of women which represent only 1.9% of parks and monuments in New York City. While it was originally designed to focus on women, the project’s technology and design has evolved to provide a toolkit for anyone who wants to create a system of monuments recognizing any demographic in any location. In 2022, the project received an Arnold W. Brunner Grant for Architectural Research of $10,000 for their work exploring this topic.

During the academic year, she serves as an adjunct professor at Pratt Institute School of Architecture, passing her experience and expertise to new generations of architects. “When I was in school, the language surrounding architecture was very inaccessible,” says Lea, “and it felt that it was only for the very educated few, where in fact, the power of architecture lies within the ability to transform spaces that create change on the social and experiential level. When I teach, I take the time to explain concepts because those foundational moments can be daunting and off-putting. I think architecture should be for everyone.”

FLEXIBILITY

word about the Design Institute: Design plays a role in everything and connects all sorts of industries. It took me a while to discover a career path in architecture, but it’s great that high school students are exposed to outlooks, perspectives

Lea embraces challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. “It’s important to approach everything as a learning experience,” she says. “Everyone around you has a whole world of knowledge that you don’t, and you need to be open to learning from them. When I first started working, I thought I had to know everything. There’s a lot of power in knowing when to ask for help and rely on others.”

Not only is Lea adept at tackling challenges, she actively seeks them. Her team thrives on challenges and likes to be challenged by each project.

Lea also adapts to the constraints and possibilities of each project, whether it is a home renovation in the $1-2 M range

and experiences that will help them to enter creative fields and do so many other things. Jane Lea ’96

Spotlight:

or a large-scale public facility. With many of their projects based in New York, Lea and her team often must be creative in how they use space. While this can make design difficult, Lea says, “There’s a lot of fun in the fact that we have no space.”

When asked if the firm has any trademarks, Lea responds, “We take on a range of projects. Although our designs are typically clean and modern, we decided to redesign a Victorian train station because it would be cool. We like to do projects that will be fun for everyone involved.”

COLLABORATION

Lea Architecture is comprised of a team of five. In her hiring practices, Lea shares, “I like to keep my office full of people with a diverse range of education, experience, and backgrounds. It makes us a better practice to be able to think through matters from all different angles.”

In her work, Lea and her team get things done by asking questions such as Why is this a problem? How is this a problem? And how can we change it? Her solution is as simple as listening to clients and coming together to find a resolution. Lea remembers a project from her time at Architecture Research Office. She says, “We were struggling to make a stage ADA accessible due to space constraints. I said, ‘Let’s meet with her and ask what is important to her and how might she best solved.’”

Trust plays a major role in everything the firm does as Lea and her colleagues work alongside consultants, contractors, and clients.

“When developing projects, there can be a contentious way in which these players interact with one another, but I don’t like to work that way,” says Lea. “We are all experts within our fields,

and I rely on the entire team. I like to maintain a very open dialogue throughout the process. While we make sure that everyone is on the same page about our goals, if someone else has great idea, I’m happy to take it. I’ve found that this up-and-coming generation of architects values collaboration, and I think it’s great.”

By nurturing this culture of consensus and partnership, Lea and her team have built lasting relationships and friendships with clients and staff of past projects.

GROWTH AND TRANSFORMATION

Each of these qualities allows her to transform spaces in ways that surprise and delight her clients and those who use the spaces.

“When you see your ability to transform a space, it’s an incredible feeling,” says Lea. “I can walk into a job site, somewhere I’ve been or seen thousands of times and still have a great feeling.”

With five and a half years behind LEA Architecture, in the last year, Lea says that they have started to get the projects that they really want. They have also hired a public relations manager.

“It’s been fun to dream about how the firm will continue to grow.”

t The All Along Project has developed a system of markers that can be easily embedded within existing public spaces.

Reunion and Weekend

Reunion and Alumni Weekend 2023 was three days of friendships, celebrations, conversations, and reminiscing. Friday featured the 50th reunion dinner and welcome celebration while Saturday’s events were jam-packed with families, reflection, and a good old-fashioned party! Brunch on Sunday was a great finish to our spectacular weekend.

Will you be joining us for June 7-8-9, 2024? Join in the planning by contacting Diana Weir-Smith ’85, P’19 at alumni@perkiomen.org.

Jun Woong Jang ’03 came back for the first time in 20 years!

Anthony Darville ’93 and Ethan Rhodes ’92

and Alumni Weekend 2023

Tim Snyder ’82 and Duke Ruppert ’84

Chris Caswell ’70

Clark Kreger ’92 Lacrosse Classic

Reunion and Alumni

Aicha Ba ’13

Ashleigh Allen Gottschling ’03, Chris Gottschling ’99, and Adrienne Mattison Andersch ’03

Cheryl Price ’73

Mike Drelling ’78 P’ 23, and Wade Neiman ’78

The Class of 1973 celebrated their 50th reunion.

L to R: Dennis Pepper, Nate Wolf, Melissa Berky, Cheryl Price, Suzanne Matthews Eichler, Phil Kelly

Alumni Weekend 2023

Head of School Mark A. Devey and Robert Soudant ’58

Paws had a blast with the future Perkiomenites.

Jack Civitts ’63 and Fred Alhborn ’63

Class of 2003 and families

Keith Marchesani ’92 and Ethan Rhodes ’92

Class Notes

We have added a new highlight to Class Notes, featuring moments from Perk On the Road . This year, members of the Office of Alumni and Development, Administration, and faculty visited with alumni across the country to discuss support of Perkiomen School and the Our Moment To Lead Campaign.

1960s

u Eric Kolbe ’61 celebrated his 80th birthday with a big bash. Head of School Mark A. Devey, Director of Dining Services Alan Kern, and Alumni Director Diana Weir-Smith ’85 were part of the celebration.

q Alumni Director Diana WeirSmith ’85 visited with Bob Morgan ’64 and Buzz Baylis ’64 this fall in San Francisco.

q Mike Krajsa ’67 and Naial Casanovas Mack ’16 (pictured at left) joined Dr. Denise Ogden, of Penn State Leigh Valley (front) and Board of Trustee Member Luanne Stauffer and Jeff Stauffer of Stauffer Glove and Safety as judges for the Inaugural Perkiomen Pitch Competition, held in February.

p Jim Sherman ’67 hosted Head of School Mark A. Devey, Director of Development Karl Welsh and Chief Financial Officer Mike Foux at the Germantown Cricket Club where he and his wife, Carole, are members.

p We loved receiving this photo! Bruce Heather ’69 (right) visited with Chris Reshower ’69 in Galveston, Texas while he and his wife were touring the south from their home in Wisconsin. They had a great time reminiscing about the Class of 1969 and catching up while planning to attend their 55th reunion.

1980s

t Tim Snyder ’82 caught up with Director of Development Karl Welsh and Head of School Mark A. Devey in Richmond, Va. Ever been curious about attending Oktoberfest in Germany? Ask Tim, he’s an annual attendee.

u Cathy Baker ’83 enjoyed a visit with Head of School Mark A. Devey this year. Cathy’s son, Andres, just graduated from Dartmouth College, her alma mater.

t John Craft ’83 caught up with Alumni Director Diana Weir-Smith in San Diego. John has been living in Southern California for over 30 years and enjoys his work in construction management, the SoCal lifestyle and watching his son, Carson, play lacrosse. Carson will be playing lacrosse for the University of Arizona Wildcats in the fall of 2023.

u Head of School Mark A. Devey, Jim Sheedy ’83, and Bill Flick ’83 caught up at the Philadelphia Gathering.

q Rick Ridall ’84 is chairing Perkiomen’s Athletic Council. He is supporting the school through his leadership via the Our Moment To Lead Campaign which features new playing fields and a state-of-the-art turf complex. Rick recently visited with Mark Devey and Karl Welsh.

p Arthur Au ’84, Maria Iversen, Sung-Sik Yang ’84 and his wife, Jay Hong, attended the Philadelphia Gathering.

q Joyce Dait Thornton ’83 and Marianne Dait ’86 caught up with former Assistant Head of School for Student Life Kevin Manferdini.

t Earl ’84 and Katinka Kight ’85 hosted Alumni Director Diana Weir-Smith ’85 at Cutwater Spirits. Diana was especially thankful because they included her son, David Smith ’19, and his friends during an adventure to San Diego. All three of the Kight’s daughters graduated from college and graduate school this year.

1990s

u Tom Mariano ’90 was named the Assistant General Manager for the 2023 Men’s World Lacrosse Championship in San Diego, California. Currently, Tom is the Head Coach of Men’s Lacrosse at Pace University.

q Head of School Mark A. Devey and Associate Head of School Carol Dougherty visited Larry Jackson ’95 to discuss his involvement and role as a new board member. Larry is the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Core Curriculum, and Undergraduate Programs at Columbia University.

q Michael Lamb ’98 and his family joined us on campus in early September during Orientation. They visited with Pete and Carol Dougherty as well as other faculty members.

t During a stop in Omaha, Neb., David Berliner ’89 and Alumni Director Diana Weir-Smith ’85 caught up on all things Perkiomen and baseball.

2000s

t Perkiomen’s Director of Strength & Conditioning is Kyle Bixler ’00. During a Perkiomen basketball game he caught up with classmate and Board of Trustees Member Karlee Fain ’00.

p This trio is Bill Campbell ’86, Scott Ross ’86, and Scott Baker ’86. They represented their class on the baseball diamond during the fall Alumni Baseball game.

Alyssa Romasco ’06 is a Neonatal ICU physician assistant at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. She is a featured alum on the McDaniel College website.

2010s

p John Williams ’13, in his role as Associate Director of Admissions and Financial Aid, had a chance to catch up with classmates Juanky Sierra ’13 and Axel Rivera ’12 on an admissions trip to Puerto Rico. They are joined by Ken and Sue Baker, Leomary Sierra, volunteer Baseball Coach Carlos Rodriguez, and Juan Carlos Sierra.

t Akshay Kripalani ’14 met up with John Williams ’13 in Jamaica. John was visiting on vacation, and they had a blast.

q Alex Soriano ’15 and Naquan Holden ’15 are coaching a travel team called the EE&P Bandits. They met up with Learning Specialist and Assistant Baseball Coach Sam Glavin ’18 at a recent recruitment trip to New York City. Also meeting up with them was Manny Ariza ’20, David Smith ’19, and Josh Cruz ’17

u Director of Basketball Operations Thomas Baudinet had a campus visit from Atakan Sahinkaya ’17. Ata spent his 5th year of athletic eligibility playing for Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois. He graduated from Lewis University with a bachelor’s degree in international business and a master’s in business administration with concentrations in Finance and Business Analytics.

2020s

q Coco Fu ’20, Mei-ni Parnes ’21 and Alumni Director Diana Weir-Smith ’85 enjoyed lunch at UC Davis.

Class Notes continued from previous page

t Ryan Dunn ’22 had a fantastic year on the court for University of Virginia!

Head of School Mark A. Devey and Director of Development Karl Welsh stopped by to see a game during their travels.

GATHERINGS

Row 1, L to R: Amy Kay ’86, Diana Weir-Smith ’85, Mia Skuraton ’22, Vika Sokolova ’22, Marianne Liggett wife of Danny, David Cohen ’72

Row 2, L to R: Karl Welsh, Richard Waisfisz ’86, Jake Koretz ’22, Danny Liggett ’81, Paulius Zalys ’15 and fiancée Jillian Turkmany, and Lee Klosinski, husband of David Cohen

L to R: Coach Kendall Baker P’ 86, ’91, Scott Baker ’86, Ryan O’Donnell ’18, Tyson Butcher ’17, Josh Cruz ’17, Joseph De Los Santos ’13, Sam Glavin ’18, Manny Ariza ’20, Garrett Knowles ’21, Dane Tobin ’93, and Coach Mike Romasco P’ 05, ’06

Waikiki Beach was a great location for Diana Weir-Smith ’85 to take a personal vacation. She also managed to catch up with fellow vacationer Frank Stefano ’48, and locals, Dr. Peter Eum ’05 and Bobby Westervelt ’79.

u Brandon Legris ’22 and his teammates at Merrimack College won the NEC Conference Title!

p LA Area Gathering

p Always a strong showing of the purple and gold at the New York City Alumni Gathering!

p Alumni Baseball

p Hawaii

In Memoriam

John Smith ’50

Robert J. Muirhead ’52

Douglas D. Kemmerer ’55

Hillel S. Levinson, Esq. ’55

Dr. Conrad G. Maulfair ’55

Col. James D. Leslie ’59

Philip J. Knapp ’60

M. Berry Grant, Jr. ’64

Stephen M. Kleinberg ’66

Gary Brown ’69

Chris Jones ’69

John A. Heydt ’70

Andrew Wright ’77, P ‘10, ‘11

Lisa M. Tober ’87

Megan R. Williams ’02

Friends and Family

Ms. Carolyn M. Adams

Mrs. Marie Adams

Nan Dougherty

Kenneth Eck

Florence E. Heydt

William E. Seely

Day of Giving March 26, 2024

Unite our entire community in celebrating what it means to be Perkiomen, by supporting all things Perkiomen. Join us and help us dream bigger, reach higher, and achieve more.

Together, let’s further enrich the student experience. The Day of Giving ensures Carnival Day and a plethora of other programming highlights that underscore the value of being a Perkiomen School student.

Number of gifts?

Help us make Day of Giving 2024 the most memorable! Consider and plan your impact.

If you are a parent or an alumnus and feel the spirit to volunteer, let us know and you could rally and drive giving from your alumni classmates or your child’s current class.

Help us shape the story for Day of Giving 2024 - where are we going to make our mark, and what outcomes will unfold?

Challenges unlocked?

Dollars raised?

How many states and countries represented by our donors?

Most common gift amount?

What areas can benefit in 2024?

Twenty-five young alumni gave $25 + and unlocked Carnival Day 2023 when the entire Perkiomen community joined one another for a day of fun, an abundance of carnival food, and the thrill of giant inflatables.

Mia Frizzell ’26 and choir members stand in candlelight at the conclusion of the Carmel M. “Midge” and Chaplain George E. Thomas Vespers Service.

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