THE BRIDGE A PUBLICATION OF PHOENIX COUNTRY DAY SCHOOLSummer2022
Gay
Sam
Firestone Wray Chair for Leadership Roz Bolger Abero ’89 Assistant Head of School Katie Charles Director of Annual Giving & Stewardship
Andrew
Rodin Head of School
Cieplicki Director of Development Leslie Kornreich Feldman ’99 Director of Alumni Relations Chris Hall Director of Communications & Marketing Tina Pitts Advancement Coordinator Lydia Rodin Advancement Events Coordinator and The Bridge Editor Largo Photography, Mark Skalny Photography Feature Photography Other photography and articles: PCDS students, faculty, and staff The Bridge is published twice each calendar year—winter and summer. An Annual Report on Philanthropy is also sent each fall. We welcome your comments and suggestions. Please email The Bridge at All©2022communications@pcds.org.PhoenixCountryDaySchool.rightsreserved. This Page: Charli McCarter ’22, Sage Leto ’34, Yash Wadwekar ’22 Back Cover: LS performing at Arts Walk 2022. THE BRIDGE Phoenix Country Day School, Summer 2022
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2022 graduates gather on the Daley Bridge prior to Commencement. Annual Fund Tax Credit Save the Date: Alumni Events Message from the Alumni Director College Destinations and PCDS Lifers Alumni Events 2022 AlumniOutstandingoftheYear Athletic Hall of Fame Senior Dinner Golden Circle Alumni Scholarship Fund PCDS:Connect Class Notes In MargaretMemoriamJ.Madden
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PCDS MISSION PCDS prepares promising students to become responsible leaders and lifelong learners through an education that emphasizes intellectual engagement, independence, collaboration, creativity, and integrity.
ANNUAL FUND
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Look for the symbol to the left throughout this issue to identify PCDS Annual Fund dollars at work. Read more about the impact of philanthropy at PCDS on pages 34-35.
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All the latest news from PCDS Upper School (US), Middle School (MS), and Lower School (LS), plus alumni features and philanthropy highlights.
PCDS is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), which sets forth guidelines for independent school governing boards. To view the Principles of Good Practice, visit www.pcds.org/admissions/the-independent-school-difference.
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Inside this Issue:
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Contents
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2 Message from the Head of School Traditions, Unity, and the PCDS Class of 2022 Board of Trustees
ON THE COVER
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6 Maverick Speaker Series with Dr. Harvey J. Alter State of the School Breakfast Retirements Faculty News and Notes Spring Musical Student Art Music Awards One-Acts US Awards The Persevere Project Speech & Debate Louis Family Society for Planned Giving
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MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
Each August, we launch the school year with an internal celebration referred to as First Friday. Trustees, faculty, staff, and the full student body convene in the Najafi Gymnasium to commemorate the initiation of a new academic cycle. The program gets kicked off by a member of the Board of Trustees, and the keynote addresses come from the students—one from each division. The topic is typically “New Beginnings.”
At PCDS, we never shy away when the going gets tough. We stand up and battle against whatever threatens to hold us back. We persevere. And there’s no doubt that we find the greatest success when we all band together.
Due to lingering COVID-19 disruptions, the 2021-22 celebra tion was delayed until April, the first Friday after Spring Break. Delightfully, when the day finally arrived, the energy in the gym was the same as always: brimming with anticipation and excitement. But instead of our traditional theme, the speak ers each emphasized a more timely notion: Perseverance.
2 | PCDS THE BRIDGE
Each in our own way, we have been confronted over the last two-and-a-half years with challenges presented by the global pandemic. For some of us, the obstacles were obvious and extreme; for others, the struggle was more subtle but often no less damaging. Either way, we had a decision to make: let the experience take us down, or fight for what we hold most dear.
PCDS Community,
Andrew M. Rodin P’19, ’19, ’25 Head of School Gay Firestone Wray Chair for Leadership
From the outset, even way back in the spring of 2020, we expressed our certainty that not only would we successfully work ourselves through this difficult time, but we would emerge even stronger than before. As I looked out at the audience during our modified First Friday, I knew that our forecast was on point. I couldn’t be more proud to serve this intrepid community and look forward to many more First Friday celebrations together.
ne of the many things that makes the PCDS experience so special is our deep and meaningful connection with our past. For over 60 years, PCDS has been crafting an educational experience for its students that is unlike any in the Valley—or, really, any in the nation. Bedrock values of intellectual engagement and integrity have been embedded in our mission and philosophy for generations. And from that commitment come a number of time-tested traditions.
One of these great traditions dictates the manner in which we celebrate our outgoing graduates. Each June, as the sum mer heat has begun to descend upon us, our matriculating class lines up at sunset on the US side of the famous Daley Bridge and prepares to march across to Founders’ Lawn, where the ceremony will take place. Along this walk, though, is where the magic happens. After the Head of School, Board of Trustees, and members of the Golden Circle pave the way,
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Traditions, Unity, and the PCDS Class of 2022
As a famous football coach once said, ‘Talent sets the floor, character sets the ceiling.’ As you make the tran sition to college and the next stage of your life, I would urge you to pay attention to those important issues of character. Work ethic, trustworthiness, compassion to ward others, the ability to disagree and still be friends— these traits will elevate your talent to the next level. As you leave PCDS, this is the perfect moment to focus on the type of person you want to be and, as important, the types of people you want to surround yourself with. More than ever, our community and our country need talented people of good character and you, our PCDS graduates, can help ensure that that need is fulfilled.”
From Andy Rodin:
“
Commemorating the occasion and leading the ceremony were the President of the PCDS Board of Trustees, David Lewis, and our Head of School, Andy Rodin. Both spoke to the unheard of circumstances and intrepid character. And both looked to a bright future for the class of 71 seniors.
Left: Ujji Bathla ’22, Devin Bansal ’22, Tanti Felli ’22, Sabrina Bailey ’22
The PCDS Class of 2022 was forced to learn a lot about life during these last four years. It could be argued that, perhaps, it was more than high schoolers should have to endure at this stage in their lives. But they navigated it with such strength, endurance, character, and even humor —traits that will serve them well in future chal lenging situations. Most importantly, they learned to face the good times and the hard times together. And that unity helped to defy all odds.”
As the Class of 2022 threw their caps into the air to celebrate their accomplishment and recessed off into the night, it was hard not to feel good about what’s taking place at PCDS. Whether this was your first year with our community or you’ve spent a lifetime on and around Founders’ Lawn, you’ve been an essential part of something truly special. And, best of all, there’s still so much more to come. n
4 | PCDS THE BRIDGE
Jasmyn Loelke ’22
faculty and staff cross and line the bridge in order of tenure— from the most recent hires all the way to the likes of Cliff Carlson, Cindy Davis, Brian Ellingson, Bob Kosower, Eric Neufer, and Liz Olson, who have been pillars of our PCDS community for more than 30 years. They await the outgoing class, celebrating each as they pass with handshakes, hugs, and well wishes. After all, it is the relationships between the teachers and students that is the real special sauce at PCDS; these relationships, forged over as many as 14 years, will last a Thatlifetime.they
perform this ritual just as the sun is dipping below the horizon, throwing a brilliant purple light on Camelback Mountain in the background, is the pixie dust that reminds us that our gem of a school is so unique—and also helps us forget that it’s 107 degrees outside!
On the evening of Thursday, June 9, 2022, we celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2022. What made this year dif ferent was the awareness that we were all back together fully enjoying the rich traditions of our final ceremony for the first time since the arrival of the COVID-19 virus in March of 2020. For over two years, students and teachers alike were forced to make adjustments and accommoda tions in order to ensure the safety of our community. As our Class of 2022 seniors approached the stage to the beats of their own personal “walk-up” music, collected their diplomas, and shifted the tassels on their ceremonial caps, there was a palpable sense of joy—mixed with a signif icant dose of relief—felt throughout the crowd. In particular, there was a recognition of—and appreciation for—the undaunted spirit shown by these students as they weathered a storm beyond all of our wildest dreams.
From David Lewis:
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2021-2022
Tiffany Pondelik ’00 President, AssociationAlumni
Executive Vice President and Vice PresidentTrusteeship
Donna Johnson
David Lewis President
Ex officio: Andrew Rodin Head of School
Bennett Dorrance
Chris
Susan NicholasFrederickEllieJahmNanDonaldBertSamuelGarrityGarvinGetzR.LobackP.MillerNajafiB.NolanM.PakisJ.Sakellariadis GayGarthCharleneShoshanaShacknaiB.TancerWhitfillWiegerF.Wray
Vice PresidentAdvancement
Beverly Bradway
Vice PresidentStrategic Planning
Charles W. Shields
Nick Firestone ’84
’69 Jonah
Daniel J. Donahoe III
Top row, from left: Mercedes Liljegren, Chris Ashby, Head of School Andy Rodin, President David Lewis, Donna Johnson. Middle row: Gwen Gorlin, Riad Nizam, Charles W. Shields, Martin Felli, Taylor Burke, Tim Louis ’81. Bottom row: Kiran Singh, Margaux Rosen, Jordan Rose, Tracy Schwimmer, Tiffany Pondelik ’00. Not pictured: Darryl Berger, Tracy Brennan, Julie Sabeeh, Dan Silverman
BOARD OF TRUSTEES—SCHOOL YEAR
Gwen Gorlin President, Parents’ Association
Taylor Burke
KiranDanTracyJulieMargauxRiadTimMercedesMartinBrennanFelliLiljegrenLouis’81NizamRosenSabeehSchwimmerSilvermanSingh
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Jordan Rose Vice PresidentFacilities Planning Ashby Tracy
Advisory Trustees: Susan J. Bansak
Darryl Berger
Vice PresidentFinance
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Noble Dreams
A conversation featuring Harvey J. Alter, M.D., 2020 Nobel Prize Recipient in Medicine
Harvey J. Alter, M.D.
On February 16, 2022, PCDS welcomed Dr. Harvey J. Alter, the 2020 Nobel Prize Recipient in Medicine and Senior Scholar at the NIH Clinical Center’s Department of Transfusion Medicine.
Through the MAVERICK Speaker Series, PCDS is honored to host visionaries and trailblazers who, like Senator McCain (P ’03, ’04, ’07, G ’10), have blazed their own trails in the world.
Regarding winning the presti gious Prize, the audience loved Dr. Alter’s recounting of the phone call he received at 4:15 a.m. from Stockholm, informing him that he had won the Nobel Prize. To wrap up the evening, Dr. Alter recited a delightfully touching poem he wrote upon receiving the Prize titled, “I Never Had No Nobel Dreams” that concluded with “…though the leaves of my life age will soon rake up, I’m happy to be where I am because in life, there’s no make-up. From this Nobel dream, I’m afraid to wake up.” n
With humility and humor, Dr. Alter spoke about his decades of work at the National Institutes of Health and the process through which he made his Nobel Prize-winning discovery, saying, “I always worried I wouldn’t know what to do next. But what to do next just becomes obvious when you keep moving forward.” He also spoke about the value of collab oration, saying, “Nobody does research by themselves, you need good people around you, and I was lucky to be around a good team for a long time, sharing ideas, sharing resources.” Dr. Alter commented that life sometimes calls for a change in plans; as a young adult, he was on a path to be a clinical medical practitioner, but life circumstances changed his path to medical research— a change that ultimately had a significant impact on the med ical field. Other topics covered included the behavior of viruses, the role of mRNA vaccines, and his colleague, Dr. Anthony Fauci. When asked what issues he believes should be addressed more fully over the next several decades, he spoke passionately about combating viruses, cancer, and climate change.
Later that evening, in front of hundreds of PCDS McCaindeliveringnationalforDirectoralumni,family.MerkelAlteralumni,parents,members—includingcommunitystudents,grandparents,faculty,andspecialguests—Dr.waswelcomedbyClairerepresentingtheMcCainTheparentoftwoPCDSMrs.MerkelistheSenioroftheArizonaProgramstheMcCainInstituteforInter-LeadershipatASU.Beforegreetingsfromthefamily,shesaid,“Senator
McCain lived every day of his life to the fullest, and many times on the edge; the edge is where discoveries are made, in medicine and elsewhere.” Following Mrs. Merkel’s updates and congratulations from the McCain family, PCDS Head of School and Gay Firestone Wray Chair for Leadership Andrew M. Rodin launched a con versation with Dr. Alter, made even more engaging due to their special relationship; Mr. Rodin is Dr. Alter’s son-in-law.
Before the evening all-community event, Dr. Alter spent time sharing his career journey—and his won derful sense of humor—with the entire PCDS US. He spoke about the twists and turns of his career path, times he had to shift his perspective, the process through which he discovered the hepatitis C virus, and the role he played in eliminating transmission of the virus through blood transfusions.
“There is no elevator to success—you have to take the stairs…discovery is a step-by-step process.”
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Harvey J. Alter, M.D. is the grandfather of Quincy ’25, Jake ’19, and Ty ’19 Rodin. Dr. Alter is a Senior Scholar at the NIH Clinical Center’s Department of Transfusion Medicine and shares the 2020 Nobel Prize with Michael Houghton, PhD, University of Alberta, Canada; and Charles M. Rice, PhD, Rockefeller University, New York City.
Top: Lucas Oland ’22, Tanti Felli ’22, Sai Vadnerkar ’22, Paris Fransway ’22. Bottom row, from left: Xavier Gutierrez P ’26; Maidie Westlie G ’30, ’34; Board President David Lewis P ’14, ’16, ’20, ’23.
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Much of the focus of the breakfast was on the robust health of the School which, as mentioned, is especially striking given the great uncertainty of the past few years.
THIRD ANNUAL STATE OF THE BREAKFASTSCHOOLAPRIL13,2022SUMMER2021/22
US students also had a chance to speak about their own journeys at PCDS, through a Q&A led by Mr. Rodin. Each touched on what they believe makes PCDS so special. We are grateful to the generosity of so many past and present families, alumni, and friends who have all been profoundly helpful in the shaping of our School!
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Mr. Rodin provided a “dashboard” of the School’s health, including: A strong applicant pool with record yield and record retention from 8th to 9th; a strong culture of philanthropy as evidenced by our sizeable Annual Fund in both participation and dollars, alumni fundraising, tax credit, and our Louis Family Society for Planned Giving; operationally, we are functioning on a balanced budget with an endowment that has grown considerably over the last decade and of which our Founders would be proud; our School’s 60th birthday; our continued focus on implementing our Strategic Plan in spite of the potential that COVID had to derail it; and a focus on a tenet of the Strategic Plan—our next comprehensive campaign—that our community will be hearing more about in the coming months.
This past April, after a two-year hiatus due to COVID, we welcomed members of the Honorable Mae Sue Talley Society—comprised of donors whose lifetime giving is $25,000 and above—to the third annual State of the School breakfast. In its continued tradition, the event took place on Founders’ Lawn on our PCDS campus and featured an opening message from Board President David Lewis, an US student panel, and an address by Head of School Andy Rodin.
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“I’m proud to say that PCDS executed something that very few schools across the country man aged to do. With any crisis, you hope that there will be lessons learned that will allow you to emerge stronger than before, and we certainly found our entire community persevering; rising to each challenge, as we all navigated choppy and sometimes fraught waters,” stated Mr. Rodin.
It is not surprising that when asked what Jenny will miss most about PCDS, her response was, “Everyone I work with and the students.” She wants to leave students with this message, “Time goes by very quickly. Appreciate each day and what it brings to you while rec ognizing that change is good.”
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Jenny Treadway’s words of advice for educators
Jenny Treadway Retires After 26 Years
With a career in education spanning 42 years, Jenny Treadway has dedicated her life to creating a sense of belonging for students and teachers alike. In particular, during her 26 years at PCDS, Jenny has served our community in numerous roles, including but not limited to: MS Teacher, Assistant Head of US, US Dean of Students, Director of Technology, AFS Exchange Student Coordinator, Travel Coordinator, Cheerleading Coach, and most recently, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Jenny is most proud of the relationships she has built with students. Her dedication to advocating for what is best for students is apparent through her leadership in implement ing our School’s block schedule. Likewise, Jenny worked tirelessly in recent years to build and develop a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program which reaches across divisions, providing support in multiple ways to our entire PCDS com munity. Jenny has guided, mentored, and inspired many to stand up for what they believe is right, use their voice to create positive change, and to lean into difficult, yet important conversations. Creating an environment where our community members feel an even greater sense of belonging is at the forefront of Jenny’s legacy.
are, allowing students to question stereotypes, and working through difficult answers.
by Kelly Butler, Assistant Head of MS
As retirement was drawing near, Jenny was feeling nervous, with lots of tears of sadness and joy. “Nobody quite prepares you for retirement. They prepare you for school, for your career, but not for when you sense the later-inlife chapter is set to begin.” Jenny pledges to take her own words of advice and embrace each day and see change as an opportunity to learn and grow herself. With plans to travel, become an AFS volunteer, take master garden ing classes at The University of Arizona, and spend more time with family, Jenny’s love of learn ing and building relationships will continue to impact those around her and beyond. n
FACULTY NEWS AND NOTES
When asked how the PCDS community has changed since first starting, Jenny shared that the campus is almost un recognizable from the gravel driveways being paved, the bridges being added, and all of the new buildings. In regards to education, Jenny feels that the most significant change has been in the approach to teaching—with teachers moving away from strictly a lecture format to more of a mentor approach. Looking into the future, Jenny hopes that we can have more difficult conversations about respecting everyone for who they
Well-deserved Retirement
“Be yourself and embrace every day. The students are amazing, and they really want to learn. It is all about being in that forandopinions,respectingclassroom,theirlistening,beingtherethem.”
by Dr. Colin Reynolds, US History Teacher Mr. Guthrie coached me in both chess and debate—probably the two most impactful aspects of my childhood—and they helped to shape my academic career.” Jon Winer ’98
The PCDS History Department and the broader community wish Matt a healthy and happy retirement, filled with travel and continued intellectual engagement. n
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Given the state of the academic job market, Matt may be our last true autodidact at PCDS. He arrived here and began teaching without a college degree, earning one during his tenure. Yet Matt Guthrie is universally recognized as our History Department’s truest intellectual.
Matt Guthrie Retires After 25 Years
This past spring, PCDS History Department said goodbye to Matt Guthrie. For a quarter century, Matt has made himself a legend in teaching, mentoring, and campus involvement.
In 1997, Matt joined PCDS as a Speech & Debate coach, a position he held until 2013. In his earlier years, he held a series of odd jobs in addition to teaching. He sometimes collected lunch tickets. Though he’s now associated especially with moral philosophy and science fiction courses—two of his favorites—there was a time he taught statistics, and one year he even taught Latin to fifth graders. For several years, he was primarily a sophomore history teacher, during which time he invented a spring course in which students immersed themselves in and discussed Tony Judt’s epic tome Postwar: A History of Europe Since 1945. Matt has also routinely played chess with some of the most brilliant players on campus and elsewhere. Despite reports to the contrary, chess Grandmaster Garry Kasparov declined to play chess with Matt during his visit to campus, no doubt intimidated by Matt’s reputation.
History in the Making
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As History Department Chair, Matt is a hands-off leader, consistently encouraging teaching innovation through ped agogical independence. To quote some of Matt’s recent students, “His unique perspective on the world and his witty personality allow him to share insights in an exciting way that nobody else is capable of…His passion for making his stu dents prepared and active citizens of the world is evident… He understands that the teacher is also the student and loves nothing more than learning new things from us.”
It wasn’t just that Sue Mazzolini woke up early, and it wasn’t just that she seemed to have invented math herself. It was the
Sue Mazzolini and her class were seen as a rite of passage. Underclassmen only heard rumors about the class—most of which brought fear to their eyes. It wasn’t until they became juniors and seniors that they realized they’d actually been given a gift: a stand-out math teacher in the form of a life mentor.
way she cared for her students—and drove them to be their best selves inside and outside of math class—that caught the attention of our entire School community for generations. We’d even bet that students around the country had heard of Ms. Mazzolini and her enlightening knowledge and dedica tion to her students and her craft.
We made our way to the corner of the quad, where Ms. Mazzolini’s classroom stood. Ty, hoping she wouldn’t be at School yet, even still asleep at home like a normal teacher, peered tentatively into her window to see if she was present. He was so ready to say something to the extent of, “Sorry Jake! She’s not here yet! Looks like no calculus this morning!” Sure enough, her windows were bright, and she looked as if she’d been up for hours studying the ins and outs of the quadratic formula. We opened the door and she greeted us with her perpetually energetic smile, a somehow playful yet serious attitude, and two Expo markers that would likely be dull by the first bell from the math equations she’d coach us through on the white board.
Sue Mazzolini Retires After 18 Years
A Tribute: Math and Mentorship
by Jake Rodin ’19 and Ty Rodin ’19
Looking back on our years at PCDS, there are many teachers we remember, but without Sue Mazzolini, we wouldn’t be the people we are today. Thank you for everything, Ms. Mazz. n
Jake Rodin ’19
“I’ll forever hear Ms. Mazz’s voice in my problemalongguidinghead—mewhilesolvingbothincollegeandinlife.”
Through grade school, teachers used bells, chimes, whistles, or even flashed the classroom lights to get the attention and silence of loquacious students in their classroom. When Ms. Mazz speaks, the room goes silent. Students know that every word out of her mouth might be information valuable enough not only to award them high praise on the next exam, but also to guide them in life far beyond high school.
FACULTY NEWS AND NOTES
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It was 6:30 in the morning, and Jake and Ty Rodin were at School after an early morning workout. They made their way into the empty, still-dark quad, and Ty made a beeline straight for a bench, where Jake assumed he was going to lie down after a long morning. Jake was right—that was exactly Ty’s plan. “Ty,” Jake started, “don’t even think about it. We’re going to see Ms. Mazz.” Ty stopped, his face clearly in agony. “Calculus at 6:30 a.m.?”
MS and US Mandarin Teacher Casey Wong married Calvin Wong on Friday, May 21, 2022, at the Moon Valley Justice Court in Phoenix.
This year’s recipients were as follows:
Colin Reynolds, US History
Rex Allison Chair for Excellence in Teaching Presented in 2022 and is named annually.
The Dorrance Family Chair for Science Presented in 2022 and has a three-year term.
The Loback Family Chair for History Presented in 2022 and has a three-year term.
Cindy Davis, Second Grade Teacher Korzay-Tashman Faculty Award
Presented in 2022 and has a two-year term.
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS
PCDS FACULTY AND STAFF AWARDS
Celebrations
Loreta Aguirre, Administrative Assistant to the Head of MS Korzay-Tashman Staff Award Presented in 2021 and has a two-year term.
MS Spanish Teacher Hannah Fox ; her husband, Parker; and proud brother, Patrick, wel comed Charles Parker Fox into the world on June 12, 2022.
Maki Fullerton, MS Science
Awarded to a faculty member(s) who routinely displays a commitment to our School and to our students that extends far beyond the classroom. Whether out on the athletic fields, traveling to foreign countries, or quietly between classes, this outstanding faculty member is someone to whom students feel a deep connection, and someone they will fondly remem ber for the rest of their lives—a leader among leaders and an inspiration to others.
Awarded to a staff member who serves the PCDS community in an extraordinary fashion. An embodiment of core values such as integrity, loyalty, and hard work. This staff member works selflessly and tirelessly to ensure our School is the best it can be.
Each year PCDS recognizes its outstanding faculty and staff for their work within our community. One of the ways our School recognizes excellence is through endowed chair awards.
Director of Communications Chris Hall (soon to be Chris Martinez) wed Officer Wally Martinez on February 14, 2022. Ridge Hall ’23 and Maurine Fleming (MS and US Strings Teacher) provided the background music, Director of Technology Joe Boehle officiated, and Officer Wally Redfield and Director of Employee Services Suzi Pressley were among the few guests.
David Kaye, US English
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The Spence T. and Ann Olin Foundation Chair for English Presented in 2020 and has a three-year term.
Meily Riehle, US Spanish
Elizabella Perez was born on April 10, 2022, to Accounting Manager Anabel Perez and her husband, Carlos.
I played the role of Bill Austin, one of the three potential true fathers. Bill is a hard-nosed, rough and tough adventurer who had visited the Greek isle (on which Sophie gets mar ried) twenty-one years prior with Donna, Sophie’s mother. The two other potential fathers, Sam Carmichael (played by Lucas Oland ’22) and Harry Bright (played by Harrison Whitfill ’24) shared similar experiences with Donna in the past, which is the basis for the plot of the show.
Behind the stage right wall housed our live orchestra. Director Keith Burns made the decision to have our own PCDS musicians play the soundtrack live rather than settle for a pre-recorded soundtrack. This gave an especially sweet, melodic glow to the rather emotional songs like, “Thank You for the Music” and an authentic, raucous, party-like jive to the upbeat songs like “Waterloo,” which closed out every one of our shows accompanied by a standing ovation. Special thanks to Charlie Nassar ’22 on the drums, Reno Lock and Ridge Hall ’23 on guitar (Ridge happened to pick up the instrument on the fly!), Lali Breen, Tyler Tam ’23, and our band director/conductor Mr. Nathan Botts.
Elliott Ernster ’22, Annika Almquist ’22
STUDENT SECTION ANNUAL FUND
PCDS happened to be one of three high schools in Arizona to choose Mamma Mia! as their spring musical, alongside Chaparral and Saguaro High Schools. PCDS’s unique stage craft class built our production set from top to bottom, creating a semi-circular courtyard that served as the villa, the wedding venue, etc. The walls were painted to give the appearance of bougainvilleas. And, on either side of the upstage opening, there were swinging doors that could be visible or invisible to our audience, depending on the setting of each scene.
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Spring Musical: Mamma Mia!
We could not have costumed the largest official cast in the history of PCDS productions without the help of our “Drama Mamas”—our affectionate name for all our helpful moms out there. And, we could not have sung so heartily and healthily without the stellar coaching of our Vocal Director Ms. Kara Harris.
by Elliott Ernster ’22
This past spring, we performed three nights of the jukebox, romantic comedy musical, Mamma Mia! The production soundtrack is exclusively songs by the Swedish pop group ABBA, and the songs—with their diverse topics—are cleverly sequenced into a coherent story about 20-year-old Sophie, and her experiences, as she attempts to figure out which of three men is her true father.
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Cast members at the Gammage Awards: Siena Liljegren ’22, Nora Palermo ’24, Sai Vadnerkar ’22, Annika Almquist ’22, Harrison Whitfill ’24, Lucas Oland ’22, Elliott Ernster ’22, Director Keith Burns
As a whole, I consider Mamma Mia! to have been my per sonal favorite of the four musicals of which I’ve been a part. My final and parting thanks to everyone who attended the performances. We could not have made those evenings so magical without our engaged audiences. n
Without a doubt, we could not have acted at such a high level as to be nominated for ASU Gammage awards without the amazing experience and guidance from Mr. Keith Burns. Mr. Burns also deserves huge praise for having taught the stagecraft class and for taking on the lighting duties of the entire show with only minimal experience.
PCDS’s spring production of Mamma Mia! received the following ASU Gammage Award nominations: Nora Palermo ’24 for Best Supporting Actress and Stagecraft Class for Best Set
From left: Siena Liljegren ’22; Annika Almquist ’22, Jason Lin ’24; Lucas Oland ’22; Elliott Ernster ’22, Sai Vadnerkar ’22
A snapshot of our annual artful evening in May, which showcased PCDS art in its many forms, created across all three divisions of our School.
STUDENT ART ANNUAL FUND
Harrison Whitfill ’24
Scenes from Arts Walk 2022
16 | PCDS THE BRIDGE
Kailyn Lee ’26
Ridge Hall ‘23 auditioned and secured a highly competitive spot in Arizona Music Educators Association’s High School Regional Festival’s Orchestra. In February, he performed along with other top string players from high schools around the state.
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Arizona Music Awards
US MUSICIANS RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR TALENTS
Zac Daitch ‘24 and Elle Lazarski ‘22 advanced through final rounds of auditions to win coveted spots in Arizona’s All-State Jazz Band program. In January, both performed at the Mesa Arts Center along with other all-star high school musicians from Arizona.
Ridge Hall ’23
LS Choir
Featured on two nights in May during our annual Arts Walk event
Bijan Atri ’24, Lily Gentry ’25, Jason Lin ’24, Kirtana Roopan ’22
Halley Moran ’22, Sydney Cohen ’22
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Aaron Wang ’23, Richard Humphreys ’23
STUDENT SECTION ANNUAL FUND
One-Acts…Many Talents
Harper Alt ’24, Yash Wadwekar ’22, Kiahn Tehranchi ’22
Miranda Jarvis ’23, Halley Moran ’22
One-Acts were the culmination of creative work generated by the US directing class. In early January 2022, seven US students began as directors by brainstorming stories and characters. They further developed and collaborated on each script, held auditions, and cast each role from a pool of nearly 50 student actors, many of whom had never acted. The di rectors then rehearsed and adapted their plays through April (while collaborating with students in the US stagecraft class) in order to design and produce the stage, each set, lighting, props, costuming, and all sound components. The final OneAct performances were the direct result of the crafting and staging of our students’ purely original works that ranged from comedic satire, to metaphorical abstract, to profoundly thoughtful drama. n
English Award for Writing: Sai Vadnerkar ’22, Yash Wadwekar ’22
SUMMER 2021/22 | 19
Eagle Awards for Excellence in Athletics: Sabrina Mia Bailey ’22, Kiahn Tehranchi ’22
2022 US Awards
Strings Award: Ridge Halen Hall ’23
Victor D. Feeney Prize: Tanti Remilekun Felli ’22
Life Science Award: Elliot Tate Wessel ’22
Jazz Band Award: Giancarlo Galá, ’23
Presented at the US Awards Ceremony prior to graduation
Mathematics Award: Kirtana Roopan ’22
Latin Award: Abigail Caplan ’23
Physical Science Award: Elle Gray Lazarski ’22
Art Department Award: Charli McCarter ’22
W. David Martin History Award: Sabrina Mia Bailey ’22, Lauren Gamiel Eckstein ’22
Salo Baron Prize: Ujjal Singh Bathla ’22
Galen Brewster Leadership Prize: Sabrina Mia Bailey ’22
Mandarin Award: Tanti Remilekun Felli ’22
Media Arts Award: Keara Shannon Dean ’22, Aidan Goetzinger ’22
Robert Hendrickson Community Service Award: Remy Bernatavicius ’22
Athletic Prize: Ashton James Kroeger ’22
Bausch & Lomb Award: Ellie Jaffe ’23
Senior Prizes: Devin Jay Bansal ’22, Daniela A. Castro-Martinez ’22, Paris Ella Fransway ’22, Lucas Henry Oland ’22, Laurie Reyes ’22
English Award: Aidan Goetzinger ’22, Ella Grace Wilmink ’22
Emerging Linguist: Jade Loelke ’22, Jasmyn Loelke ’22
Margaret Madden Senior Speech Prize: Yash Wadwekar ’22
Theatre Arts Award: Annika E. Almquist ’22, Siena Liljegren ’22
Speed Gregory ’22, Emme Kate Hackett ’22
Faculty Prize: Kirtana Roopan ’22
Endeavor Award: Owen Lambert ’23, Charlize Szetzo ’22
French Award: Annabelle Winssinger ’23
Rensselaer Medal: Ryan Fujii ’23
Spanish Award: Avantika Aggarwal ’22
Most Outstanding Athlete Awards: Tanti Remilekun Felli ’22, Speed Gregory ’22, Lilly Robinson ’22
Vocal Award: Elliott Ernster ’22, Siena Liljegren ’22
As teenagers ourselves, we understand and can relate to other teens. We have seen tremen dous response and have daily interactions with those who rely on our platform to listen without judgment and provide a positive alternative to the pressures of social media. We expand our teen outreach daily. We have received hundreds of emails from teens all over the world who reach out to us to share their difficulties. Carter and I write back to each person to offer some support, guidance, and hope for the future. We also recently began writing and producing music dedicated to the challenges teens are facing in today’s world. We write, produce, and Carter performs our own original music. We see our path clearly, and our passion has never been stronger around expanding our outreach by helping bridge the gap for struggling teens who are unwilling to seek adult help.
Then on April 29, 2022, we were recognized at the notMYkid gala and received The Inspire Award for our continued advocacy for better mental health resources and for our work in keeping the lines of communication open with teens. Carter per formed his original song, “Collapse”, in front of an audience of over 500 established community members, advocates for mental health, and board members of the national notMYkid organization.
20 | PCDS THE BRIDGE STUDENT SECTION ANNUAL FUND
The Persevere Project
On February 15, 2022, we were featured guests on NBC’s The Kelly Clarkson Show, where we highlighted our advocacy efforts and The Persevere Project to a national audience. In addition to the honor of being featured guests, The Kelly Clarkson Show and NBC awarded The Persevere Project $5,000 toward our efforts. We were also honored personally on the show by Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, and on behalf of the State of Arizona, he presented us with The Distinguished Service Award of Excellence.
On December 27, 2021, we were featured (and appeared live) on ABC’s Good Morning America, where we were inter viewed regarding the work we are doing through our non profit. Knowing that the media exposure would enable our platform to reach millions of teens nationwide, we worked tirelessly with the producer to ensure the network had all the images and background information necessary for our segment to air.
A life-long athlete, I have learned the importance of mind set and the incredible feats human beings can accomplish when they have a strong belief system. We are dedicated to highlighting the science of mind over matter and the importance of the mind-body connection to teenagers around the world through our platform, with the hope that they realize what they are truly capable of in life. n
Many teenagers lack the ability or are unwilling to talk to an adult when they suffer from depression, substance abuse, or other challenges and instead isolate themselves. With the goal of addressing this national mental health crisis among teens, my brother Carter and I created a way to reach hundreds of thousands of teens who have nowhere to turn.”
Ashton Kroeger ’22
A mental health nonprofit developed by Kroeger brothers Ashton ’22 and Carter ’25 by Ashton Kroeger ’22
As featured guests on CBS’s The Doctors on May 16, 2022, Carter was asked to perform his new original song, “Superpowers,” which we had both written and produced. The song is a tribute to all the teens who have reached out to us through our platform who struggle with their mental health. The lyrics we wrote highlight the importance of not giving up on life no matter the circumstances. “Superpowers” is available on all platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music, under ‘Carter Ryan’.
“
With this project, it is our mission to create progress not only for ourselves but also for our broader community. Shaped by the obstacles my brother and I overcame in our childhood, we became passionate about reaching those who suffer in silence. Together, we created persevereproject.org 501(C)(3), an online platform for teens struggling with mental health issues. This teen-to-teen platform effectuates positive social awareness by encouraging healthy coping mechanisms and providing a direct communication button.
SUMMER 2021/22 | 21
Ashton Kroeger ’22 and Carter Kroeger ’25
Boys’ Soccer State Champions AIA 3A Conference State Champions and 3A Central Region Champions 22 | PCDS THE BRIDGE ATHLETICS Division Recognition: 2022 Arizona High School Sports Award, Soccer Player of the Year: Speed Gregory ’22 2021-22 All-USA TODAY HSSA Boys’ Soccer Team (one of 24 athletes nationally): Speed Gregory ’22 All-Conference Player of the Year: Speed Gregory ’22 All-Conference Defensive Player of the Year: Alex Sondergaard ’23 All-Conference First Team: Speed Gregory ’22, Alex Sondergaard ’23 All-Conference Second Team: Jonah Kaplan ’23, Banks Voss ’23 Back row, from left: Alex Sondergaard ’23, Evan Maffi ’23 (goalie), Banks Voss ’23, Jake Gregory ’25, Max McCavitt ’24, Coach Andy Rodin, Rodrigo Alvarado ’25, David Ocampo ’24 (goalie), Speed Gregory ’22. Front row: Jonah Kaplan ’23, Dylan Grossman ’25, Adam Burns ’23, Gabe Engilman ’25, Ely Brayboy ’22 ANNUAL FUND
Back row, from left: Connor Lloyds ’23, Esben Sorensen ’23, Ari Kreisberger ’25, Parker Milliken ’23 (goalie), Quinn Pruitt ’23, Aarush Atmakuri ’25, Jayce Huskey ’23, Jonas Rempe ’25, Edu Abero ’24. Front row: Devin Bansal ’22, Coach Doug Horlick, Enzo Acharya ’24, Ben Wellnitz ’25, Remy Burke ’25
All-Region First Team: Ely Brayboy ’22, Adam Burns ’23, Jake Gregory ’25, Speed Gregory ’22, Jonah Kaplan ’23, Alex Sondergaard ’23, Banks Voss ’23
All-Conference Honorable Mention: Ely Brayboy ’22, Adam Burns ’23, Jake Gregory ’25
Internal School Awards: PCDS All-Time Leading Goal Scorer with 135 Goals: Speed Gregory ’22 Coaches’ Awards: Devin Bansal ’22, Ely Brayboy ’22, Speed Gregory ’22 Eagle 4-Year Award Winners: Speed Gregory ’22
All-Region Honorable Mention: Parker Milliken ’23
All-Region Second Team: Jayce Huskey ’23, Ari Kreisberger ’25
All-Region Defensive Player of the Year: Alex Sondergaard ’23
All-Region Player of the Year: Speed Gregory ’22
3A Conference and 3A Central Region Coach of the Year: Coach Andy Rodin
SUMMER 2021/22 | 23
row, from left: Justin
Division Recognition: Division III Singles Runner-up: Milan Sewell ’23 Division III Doubles Runner-up: Julia Black ’23, Daniela Castro-Martinez ’22
ATCA
DIII First Team Singles All-State: Milan Sewell ’23
’22, Tyler Tam ’23, Andrew Marks ’23, Ashton Kroeger ’22, Sam Tepper ’22, Carter Kroeger ’25. Bottom
ATHLETICS 24 | PCDS THE BRIDGE
Sophie Valente ’25, Misha Ghafouri ’23, Daniela Castro-Martinez ’22, Elsa Jackson ’22, Lauren Russo ’25, Dasch Gorcyca ’25 ANNUAL FUND
The Honorable Castro-Martinez
Mention: Julia Black ’23, Daniela
Republic’s 2022 All-Arizona Team: Milan Sewell ’23
Tennis State Champions
Division III State Champions & Section VII Champions
Girls’
’22 All-Section Singles Player of the Year: Milan Sewell ’23
ATCA
Back Horlick row:
DIII Second Team Doubles All-State: Julia Black ’23, Daniela Castro-Martinez ’22
The
Republic’s 2022 All-Arizona Team:
SUMMER 2021/22 | 25
Division III Section VII Coach of the Year: Coach Jerry Keever
The Republic’s 2022 All-Arizona Team: Ashton Kroeger ’22 All-Section Singles Player of the Year: Ashton Kroeger ’22 All-Section Doubles Players of the Year: Jacques Sevrain ’24, Tyler Tam ’23
Back row, from left: Jacques Sevrain ’24, Julia Black ’23, Tanti Felli ’22, Bijan Atri ’24. Bottom row: Ayelet Jaffee ’24, Kirtana Roopan ’22, Dylan Grossman ’25, Coach Jerry Keever, Milan Sewell ’23, Taylor Black ’24
Internal School Awards: Coaches’ Awards: Ashton Kroeger ’22, Tyler Tam ’23, Jacques Sevrain ’24 Eagle 4-Year Award Winners: Justin Horlick ’22, Ashton Kroeger ’22, Sam Tepper ’22
ATCA DIII First Team Singles All-State: Ashton Kroeger ’22
Internal School Awards: Coaches’ Awards: Julia Black ’23, Daniela Castro-Martinez ’22, Milan Sewell ’23 Eagle 4-Year Award Winner: Elsa Jackson ’22
ATCA DIII First Team Doubles All-State: Tyler Tam ’23
Boys’ Division Recognition: Division III Doubles Runner-up: Jacques Sevrain ’24, Tyler Tam ’23
Division III Section VII Coach of the Year: Coach Jerry Keever
ATCA DIII Second Team Doubles All-State: Jacques Sevrain ’24
State Playoff Qualifier
Internal School Awards: Coaches’ Awards: Ella Brenes ’23, Jadynn Jones ’23, Nara Kaibara ’23
All-Region Offensive Player of the Year: Elle Mullard ’23
26 | PCDS THE BRIDGE ATHLETICS
Nara Kaibara ’23—Basketball
All-Region Offensive Player of the Year: Nara Kaibara ’23
Division Recognition:
Congratulations to our School, teams, and students for athletic honors and awards
All-Conference Honorable Mention: Kiahn Tehranchi ’22 All-Region Player of the Year: Tanti Felli ’22
Additional Athletic Awards
Division Recognition:
All-Region First Team: Tanti Felli ’22, Kiahn Tehranchi ’22
JV Boys’ Basketball Coaches’ Award: Deven Chhabra ’25
All-Region Honorable Mention: Abby Bockrath ’23, Emme Kate Hackett ’22
Eagle 4-Year Award Winners: Tanti Felli ’22, Matthew Santos ’22, Kiahn Tehranchi ’22, Sam Tepper ’22
BOYS’ VARSITY BASKETBALL—Winter
All-Region Second Team: Aila Kaibara ’25 All-Region Honorable Mention: Elle Brenes ’23, Rylie Lloyds ’25
The AIA has awarded PCDS the Don F. Stone Overall Excellence Award for our outstanding performance in athletics in the 2A Conference. This award is based on the success at high levels in region and state competitions. We attribute our success to teamwork, unmatched leadership in coaching, strong community support, participation of our student athletes, and the work ethic required to compete at the highest level possible.
All-Region First Team: Kimi Cahoon ’24, Jadynn Jones ’23, Nara Kaibara ’23
All-Region Second Team: Hailey DeMark ’22, Anna Sabol ’24, Charlotte Sevrain ’22
All-Region Second Team: Sammy Brodsky ’24, Blake Sosnowitz ’25
Division Recognition:
Internal School Awards: Coaches’ Awards: Sammy Brodsky ’24, Tanti Felli ’22, Kiahn Tehranchi ’22
ANNUAL FUND
All-Conference Offensive Player of the Year: Tanti Felli ’22
GIRLS’ VARSITY BASKETBALL—Winter
All-Conference Honorable Mention: Sammie McKee ’24, Elle Mullard ’23
All-Conference First Team: Tanti Felli ’22
All-Region Honorable Mention: Grant Brown ’23
Internal School Awards: Coaches’ Awards: Hailey DeMark ’22, Emme Kate Hackett ’22, Charlotte Sevrain ’22
Eagle 4-Year Award Winners: Katherine Cohen ’22, Hailey DeMark ’22, Emme Kate Hackett ’22, Charlotte Sevrain ’22
All-Conference Honorable Mention: Jadynn Jones ’23
THE 2021-22 DON F. STONE OVERALL EXCELLENCE AWARD
Tanti Felli ’22 is the 9th basket ball player in School history to amass over 1,000 career points.
GIRLS’ VARSITY SOCCER—Winter State Playoff Qualifier
All-Region First Team: Sammie McKee ’24, Elle Mullard ’23
Elle Mullard ’23—Soccer
State Playoff Qualifier
All-Conference Second Team: Nara Kaibara ’23
Eagle 4-Year Award Winner: Elliot Wessel ’22
Division Recognition:
State Runner-up Pole Vault: Elliot Wessel ’22
All-Region Second Team: Ben Lewis ’23, Jake Tucker ’25
7th Place at State
All-Region Offensive Player of the Year: Tim Moriarty ’23
All-Region Honorable Mention: Frank Kaplan ’24, Zane Lateef ’23, Logan Rose ’25
Internal School Awards: Coaches’ Awards: Adam Burns ’23, Ben Lewis ’23, Tim Moriarty ’23
7th Place Pole Vault: Jason Lin ’24
GIRLS’ TRACK & FIELD —Spring
State Champion 1600 meter: Kimi Cahoon ’24
All-Conference Second Team: Tim Moriarty ’23
SUMMER 2021/22 | 27
Internal School Awards: Coaches’ Awards: Sam Novak ’25, Elliot Wessel ’22
8th Place 3200 meter: Ella Brenes ’23
Coaches’ Awards: Ella Brenes ’23, Kimi Cahoon ’24, Jenna Powell ’24, Mikayla Yue ’24
BOYS’ BASEBALL—Spring
Runner-up 800 meter: Kimi Cahoon ’24
All-Conference Honorable Mention: Adam Burns ’23 AZBCA All-State Second Team: Tim Moriarty ’23, Cole Sorosky ’22
Internal School Awards:
BOYS’ TRACK & FIELD —Spring
State Playoff Qualifier
State Champion Kimi Cahoon ’24
3rd Place 4 x 800 meter: Ella Brenes ’23, Kimi Cahoon ’24, Jenna Powell ’24, Anna Sabol ’24
All-Region First Team: Adam Burns ’23, Tim Moriarty ’23, Cole Sorosky ’22
Tim Moriarty ’23—Baseball Coach Kai Ethridge—Baseball
State Champion 3200 meter: Kimi Cahoon ’24
3rd Place Pole Vault: Sam Novak ’25
Elliot Wessel ’22—Pole Vault
6th Place 200 meter: La Quay Jerkins ’24
Eagle 4-Year Award Winner: Cole Sorosky ’22
Region Coach of the Year: Coach Kai Ethridge
ATHLETICS ANNUAL FUND
Lilly Robinson, volleyball Lake Forest College
Third Place at State Tournament
All-Region Second Team: Gaby Galá ’23, Emma Sorensen ’23, Grace Whalen ’23
28 | PCDS THE BRIDGE
GIRLS’ SOFTBALL—Spring
Division Recognition: All-Conference First Team: Katie Hendrickson ’24 All-Conference Honorable Mention: Natalie Vu ’23 All-Region Player of the Year: Katie Hendrickson ’24 All-Region First Team: Sabrina Bailey ’22, Brianna Graham ’23, Katie Hendrickson ’24, Jadynn Jones ’23, Natalie Vu ’23, Sophia Yudell ’25
Six graduates from the Class of 2022 will continue playing their sport at the NCAA level
Emme Kate Hackett , soccer Mount Holyoke College
Internal School Awards: Coaches’ Awards: Sabrina Bailey ’22, Katie Hendrickson ’24, Natalie Vu ’23 Eagle 4-Year Award Winners: Sabrina Bailey ’22
GOLF—Spring
Siena Hayes, swimming Whitman College
Katie Hendrickson ’24—Softball
Tanti Felli, basketball Johns Hopkins University
Elliot Wessel, track & field Yale University
Internal School Awards: Coaches’ Awards: Devan Amin ’23, Jacob Sunenshine ’23, Annabelle Winssinger ’23 Eagle 4-Year Award Winner: Sammy Marks ’22
State Playoff Qualifier
2022 Eagle Athletes
Tyler Sessler, swimming Valparaiso University
Division III State Playoff Qualifier
All-Region Honorable Mention: Katie Eckerman ’23, Evelyn Serpa ’23
5/6 Boys’ White Basketball Coaches’ Awards: Zain Shah ’28, Lowve Stralman ’28
7/8 Girls’ Soccer Coaches’ Awards: Rachel Burns ’26, Erin Patterson ’26
5/6 Boys’ Gold Basketball Coaches’ Awards: Felix Lehmann ’28, Kingston Swisher ’28
7/8 Girls’ Basketball - Spring
6/7/8 Baseball Coaches’ Awards: Vinny Noble ’26, Brady Sheridan ’26
5/6 Girls’ Soccer Coaches’ Awards: Neriah Safir ’29, Dylan Tedesco ’29
5/6 Boys’ Soccer - Spring
5/6 Girls’ Soccer - Winter
5/6 Girls’ Gold Basketball Coaches’ Awards: Mira Baraff ’28, Ella Martin ’29
5-8 Boys’ Tennis - Winter
5/6 Boys’ Soccer Coaches’ Awards: Ronan Brown ’29, Sean Weinshel ’29
7/8 Girls’ Soccer - Winter
AthleticintheteamstoCongratulationsthefollowingforwinningchampionshipstheMountainValleyLeague:
AthleticMountainrunners-uptheirteamstoCongratulationsthefollowingforfinishingseasonsasintheValleyLeague:
5/6 Girls’ Blue Basketball Coaches’ Awards: Logan Sheridan ’28, Rainie Winegard ’28
Diving Coaches’ Awards: Skyler Berg-Brady ’26, Isa Galá ’27, Audrey Weinshel ’26
7/8 Boys’ Gold Basketball Coaches’ Awards: Sahil Aggarwal ’27, Reid Umar ’27
6/7/8 Boys’ Gold Basketball Coaches’ Awards: Tate Maney ’26, Reid Umar ’27
7/8 Boys’ Basketball - Winter
7/8 Boys’ Blue Basketball Coaches’ Awards: JD Jones ’26, Gavin Reddy ’27
Internal School Awards for Spring Sports:
6/7/8 Girls’ Gold Basketball Coaches’ Awards: Juliana Crisalli ’27, Jodie Jones ’27
7/8 Boys’ Soccer Coaches’ Awards: Blake Huskey ’27, Turner Ashby ’27
Internal School Awards for Winter Sports:
5-8 Girls’ Tennis - Winter
Girls’ Swimming Coaches’ Awards: Mia Coviello ’26, Abi Otalora ’26
5/6 Boys’ Basketball - Winter
6/7/8 Girls’ Blue Basketball Coaches’ Awards: Madison Gordon ’26, Erin Patterson ’26
5/6 Boys’ Blue Basketball Coaches’ Awards: Spencer Goldberg ’28, Jayden Robinson ’28
7/8 Boys’ Soccer - Spring
Girls’ Cross Country Coaches’ Award: Rachel Coviello ’26
5/6 Girls’ Basketball - Spring
Boys’ Swimming Coaches’ Awards: Felix Lehmann ’28, Braden Shuster ’27
7/8 Boys’ Blue Basketball Coaches’ Awards: Jadd Agha ’27, JD Jones ’26
Boys’ Tennis Coaches’ Awards: Alex Expo ’29, Ross Wheeler ’27
SUMMER 2021/22 | 29
6/7/8 Softball Coaches’ Awards: Rachel Burns ’26, Ellie Dahl ’27
Girls’ Tennis Coaches’ Awards: Kathryn Barakat ’26, Elsa Termansen ’26
MS Results Mountain Valley League
Misha Ghafouri ’23 (2-time qualifier)
Team: 4th Place Overall Congressional Debate & Extemporaneous Speaking Champion: McKinley Paltzik ’23 Dramatic Interpretation Champion: Sai Vadnerkar ’22 Duo Interpretation Runners-Up: Sai Vadnerkar ’22, Yash Wadwekar ’22
Harvard National Tournament
15th Overall Speaker in Junior Varsity Public Forum: Braeden Allen ’25
The top 3% of all Speech & Debate competitors in the country qualify for the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) National Tournament. This year, PCDS qualified nineDevanstudents:Amin ’23
National Champion in International Extemporaneous Speaking: McKinley Paltzik ’23
AIA Division I State Tournament
Ria Mehta ’24
5th Place Original Oratory Finalist: Devan Amin ’23
STUDENT SECTION ANNUAL FUND
Hugh Downs School of Human Communication Invitational at Arizona State University
3rd Place Original Oratory: Devan Amin ’23
2nd Place Dramatic Interpretation: Sai Vadnerkar ’22
Team: Speech School of Excellence
Sedona Korzay ’22
Program Oral Interpretation Runner-Up: Misha Ghafouri ’23
4th Place Duo Interpretation: Sai Vadnerkar ’22, Yash Wadwekar ’22
The National Speech & Debate Association National Tournament
Extemporaneous Speaking Champion: McKinley Paltzik ’23
Montgomery Bell Academy Extemporaneous Speaking Round Robin
Sammy Marks ’22
Top-30 Expository Speaking: Miranda Jarvis ’23, Jiya Mutyala ’25
US and MS team results for 2022
Top-20 in the Nation in Speech Events
5th Place Dramatic Interpretation: Sai Vadnerkar ’22 10th Place Dramatic Interpretation: Yash Wadwekar ’22
McKinley Paltzik ’23 (3-time qualifier)
Extemporaneous Speaking Champion: McKinley Paltzik ’23
Jiya Mutyala ’25
Speech & Debate Results
2nd Place Program Oral Interpretation: Misha Ghafouri ’23
Sai Vadnerkar ’22 (3-time qualifier)
Top-30 Program Oral Interpretation: Misha Ghafouri ’23
The tournament hosts over 1,000 schools and nearly 5,000 competitors. Each event starts with approximately 250 competitors, before breaking to the top-60, top-30, top-14, and finally the top-six. The top-six competitors in each event represent the top-0.05% of the entire Speech & Debate community. This year, PCDS had two students make the top-six, earned a school award for the seventh-straight year, and earned our first-ever national championship.
4th Place Program Oral Interpretation: Misha Ghafouri ’23 Dramatic Interpretation Semifinalist: Sai Vadnerkar ’22
Yash Wadwekar ’22 (PCDS’s first-ever 4-time qualifier)
Tournament of Champions at University of Kentucky
5th Place Informative Speaking Finalist: Jiya Mutyala ’25
30 | PCDS THE BRIDGE
3rd Place Original Oratory Finalist: Misha Ghafouri ’23
3rd Place Public Forum Debate Finalists: Sedona Korzay ’22, Sammy Marks ’22
Impromptu Speaking Runner-Up: McKinley Paltzik ’23
Top: Right: National Champions on stage, including McKinley Paltzik ’23 (far left). Right: National Champion McKinley Paltzik ’23. Below: Sai Vadnerkar ’22
31
MIDDLE SCHOOL RESULTS
2nd Place Dramatic Interpretation: Sai Vadnerkar ’22
5th Place Impromptu Speaking: Aaryan Wadwekar ’26
Scorpion Spectacular at Basis Peoria
Original Oratory Champion: Devan Amin ’23
2nd Place Duo Interpretation: Sai Vadnerkar ’22, Yash Wadwekar ’22
NSDA Middle School Nationals
2nd Place Extemporaneous Speaking: McKinley Paltzik ’23
NSDA Arizona District National Qualifier
32 | PCDS THE BRIDGE
Jackrabbit Jamboree at Mesa High School
Public Forum Debate Champions: Sedona Korzay ’22, Sammy Marks ’22
3rd Place Original Oratory: Anaiya Patel ’24
Program Oral Interpretation Champion: Misha Ghafouri ’23
3rd Place Dramatic Interpretation: Sai Vadnerkar ’22
2nd Place Dramatic Interpretation: Tara Ghafouri ’27
Team: 1st Place Small Entry Sweepstakes
Top-12 Dramatic Interpretation Semifinalist: Tara Ghafouri ’27
National Champion McKinley Paltzik ’23, Jiya Mutyala ’25, Coach Nick Klemp, Miranda Jarvis ’23, Michelle Hill, Sai Vadnerkar ’22, Yash Wadwekar ’22, Misha Ghafouri ’23, Devan Amin ’23, Assistant Coach Sophia Corridan ’19
Team: 3rd Place Overall in Speech Events
Southern States Middle School Speech & Debate Championship
3rd Place Informative Speaking: Aya El Masry ’26
3rd Place Informative Speaking: Jiya Mutyala ’25
STUDENT SECTION ANNUAL FUND
3rd Place Duo Interpretation: Bijan Atri ’24, Miranda Jarvis ’23
3rd Place Informative Speaking: Jiya Mutyala ’25
Program Oral Interpretation Champion: Misha Ghafouri ’23
Impromptu Speaking Champion: Aaryan Wadwekar ’26
Original Oratory Champion: Misha Ghafouri ’23
3rd Place Public Forum Debate: Sedona Korzay ’22, Sammy Marks ’22
SUMMER 2021/22 | 33
Louis Family Society
Donate assets subject to taxation and leave more to your family.
You are Invited to Leave a Legacy
The Louis Family Society for Planned Giving recognizes members of the extended PCDS community who have included the School in their estate plans.
GIFTS OF LIFE INSURANCE
GIFTS FROM A RETIREMENT PLAN
FOR PLANNED GIVING
Donate a valuable asset in exchange for powerful tax benefits.
LIFE-INCOME GIFTS
GIFTS OF REAL ESTATE
Make a significant gift to PCDS even without a large estate by naming PCDS as the beneficiary of your life insurance.
Make an outright gift from your donor-advised fund or name PCDS as the ultimate beneficiary of the remainder in the fund.
GIFTS FROM YOUR WILL OR TRUST
The most popular way to make a planned gift is with a simple bequest to PCDS. Through your will or other estate plans, you may name PCDS as the beneficiary of a portion of your estate or of particular assets in your estate.
There are a variety of tax-advantaged life-income gifts that you may wish to consider, including Charitable Remainder Trusts and Charitable Gift Annuities.
Please consult with your tax advisor or estate attorney about tax implications and which options are best for you. For more information or to let us know you have arranged for a planned gift, contact: Sam Cieplicki, sam.cieplicki@pcds.org or Roz Abero ’89, roz.abero@pcds.org, 602.955.8200
r
GIFTS FROM YOUR DONOR-ADVISED FUNDS
• Is a vote of confidence in PCDS?
Pledge your 2022-2023 Annual Fund support today at pcds.org/give. Deadline: June 30, 2023
• Helps to bridge the gap between tuition and the actual cost to run our School?
Look for the symbol to the left throughout this issue to identify PCDS Annual Fund dollars at work.
• Is tax-deductible?
Did You Know…
• Helps with our overall Annual Fund participation, which is a key factor in securing outside resources?
GIVING IS IMPORTANT TO OUR SCHOOL
• Can be gifted from anyone—parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of our School?
PCDS ANNUALFUND
Questions about supporting PCDS? Please contact Katie Charles, Director of Annual Giving & Stewardship at katie.charles@pcds.org or (602)955-8200 x2346.
34 | PCDS THE BRIDGE PHILANTHROPY
…that each school year, your support to the PCDS Annual Fund:
• Immediately supports teachers and students both inside and outside the classroom?
2021-22 ANNUAL FUND RESULTS A RECORD YEAR IN GIVING $1,124,619 Total Dollars Raised 2,189 Total Donations 75% Parent Participation 100% Board of Trustees & Alumni Board Participation 97% Faculty & Staff Participation Thank you to our generous community of parents, faculty, staff, alumni, grandparents, and friends.
You
Deadline:
1. contribute to PCDS through foundation, Schools Scholarship Foundation (AISSF), by April AISSF sends you a receipt. Hold on to it. or your accountant will use the receipt to claim your state credit. AISSF provides scholarships to PCDS students.
Arizona Independent
15. 2.
3. You
our
your contribution on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, and your dollars will be matched 100%, doubling the benefit for our PCDS students. Redirect your 2022 taxes today at AISSF.ORG
New this year…consider making
tax credit works:
April 15, 2023 for the 2022 tax year A win-win for Arizona students and taxpayers who help them.
SUMMER 2021/22 | 35 PCDS CREDITTAX Corporate Tax Credit opportunities also available. w w n n i 2021 TAX CREDIT RESULTS $748,128 Total Individual Dollars Raised 443 Total Individual Donors $2,706,500 Total Corporate Dollars Raised (during 2021) 39 Total Corporate Donors Thank you to those who redirected your taxes for the benefit of PCDS students! Questions about supporting PCDS? Please contact Katie Charles, Director of Annual Giving & Stewardship at katie.charles@pcds.org or (602)955-8200 x2346.
ON NOVEMBER 29, 2022: AISSF WILL MATCH YOUR GIFT
How the dollar-for-dollar
4.
36 | PCDS THE BRIDGE Save the Date For These Annual PCDS Alumni Events Blue & Gold Alumni Tent Friday, October 21, 2022 Alumni Holiday Party Friday, December 23, 2022 Alumni Spring Weekend and Reunions Friday, April 28-Saturday, April 29, 2023 Golden Circle Thursday, June 8, 2023 ALUMNI a sso ciat io n
SUMMER 2021/22 | 37
Stephanie Hackett ’91
As we wrap up the year-long celebration of our alma mater’s 60th birthday, I am so proud of all that we accomplished as an alumni community. Most notably, you came together to raise a record-breaking amount for the Alumni Scholarship Fund —over $200,000—which will change the lives of deserving students who otherwise would not have the opportunity to receive a PCDS education. Thank you for your generosity and for keeping PCDS on your philanthropic priority lists.
President Tiffany Pondelik ’00 Wade Hunter ’22
Not pictured: Gilbert Armenta ’00, Tim Daley ’89 Eric Fram ’09 Colby Harris ’95 Hannah Keogh ’10
As we move into our School’s 61st year, I conclude with heartfelt appreciation to our Alumni Board who assist me in all of our efforts to engage our alumni body. Your dedication to PCDS means so much, and I’m very grateful.
MESSAGE FROM THE ALUMNI DIRECTOR
Go LeslieEagles!Kornreich
Feldman `99 Director of Alumni Relations
Dear Eagle Alumni,
Revan Rottach ’97
I am also so thankful to all of you who are active members of our networking plat form, PCDS:Connect. This is a unique and important way to link our graduates— regardless of where they live—and, in particular, our youngest alumni benefit so greatly from the expertise and advice they receive from those who share their academic roots. I look forward to our continued use of this resource that allows us to easily connect with one another.
Vice President Elizabeth Oviedo ’04
From an events perspective, we continued to celebrate the in-person return of some of our most cherished alumni programs, including Alumni Spring Weekend, which boasted Outstanding Alumni of the Year celebrations, our Athletic Hall of Fame Induction , and class reunions Golden Circle 2022 was lovely and fun, as we welcomed the Class of 1972 into this illustrious group. The sentiment that I continued to hear at all of our in-person events was, “It’s just so good to see everyone.” It really, truly was…and I’m so excited to be back in full-swing with our in-person offerings in the upcoming year. Stay tuned for details on what we will be hosting in Phoenix and throughout the country.
Secretary Sarah Wolfswinkel ’00 Kate Pokorski ’13 Alice Gibbons ’05
Alumni Board, from left: Daniela Castro-Martinez ’22 Ali LeClair ’01
Devin Jay Bansal University of Pennsylvania
Elliott Ernster St. Olaf College
Annika E. Almquist University of Rochester
Sedona Emma Korzay George Washington University
Class of 2022 Lifers; Graduates
Class of 2022 Destinations
Ujjal Singh Bathla New York University
Sydney Bay Cohen Tufts University
Erin Elisabeth Florance Scripps College
Katherine Eleanor Cohen Spitzer College
Daniela A. Castro-Martinez Stanford University
Nancy Louise Genson ASU, Barrett, The Honors College
Elsa Margaret Jackson Chapman University
ASU, Barrett, The Honors College
Henry Kaplan Purdue University, Main Campus
Justin Horlick Boston University
Emme Kate Hackett Mount Holyoke College
Aidan Goetzinger School of the Art Institute of Chicago Alexandria Jade Goldstein Northeastern University
Elle Gray Lazarski Princeton University HackettKate’22
Wade Hunter Southern Methodist University
The who attended PCDS from pre-k or kindergarten through their senior year. Here are their very campus photos.
Paris Ella Fransway Northwestern University
Ella Rose Cabbil Loyola Marymount University
Ely Brayboy Brown University
Ashton James Kroeger Vanderbilt University
CONGRATULATIONS PCDS LIFERS 38 | PCDS THE BRIDGE BurkeBianca’22 DeanKeara’22 DrewitzMikayla’22 ErnsterElliott’22 GoldsteinAlex ’22 GregorySpeed’22 Emme
Siena Hayes Whitman College
Hailey DeMark Southern Methodist University
Josh Lamber Arizona State University
Speed Gregory Southern Methodist University
first
Aleah Hale
Avantika Aggarwal
Tanti Remilekun Felli Johns Hopkins University
Remington Bernatavicius Tufts University
Bianca Isabella Burke Southern Methodist University
The College of William and Mary
Sabrina Mia Bailey Georgetown University
John Gordon Dahl Lafayette College
The University of California, Los Angeles
Keara Shannon Dean
Lauren Gamiel Eckstein Pomona College
Mikayla Drewitz Texas A&M University
Connor Levitz
Héctor Alejandro Torres Fernandez GateWay Community College
Matthew Alexander Santos University of Wisconsin
Simon Ossias
Lauren Yeung Southern Methodist University
Abigail Caroline Meng Pepperdine University
Jasmyn Loelke Northeastern University
SUMMER 2021/22 | 39
Charli McCarter University of Miami
Yash Wadwekar Yale University
Ella Grace Wilmink University of Washington
Alexander Nistor Grinnell College
George Washington University
’22 KroegerAshton’22 LoelkeJade’22 LoelkeJasmyn’22 OssiasSimon’22 RobinsonLilly ’22 RoopanKirtana’22
Charlotte Sevrain Vanderbilt University
Siena Liljegren Arizona State University
Kiahn Tehranchi University of Washington
Samuel Coleston Thayer Tepper University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Bentley University
Charlie Nassar Colorado School of Mines
Lucas Henry Oland Yale University
JacksonElsa
Mieke Rempe
To be determined
Lilly Robinson Lake Forest College
Cloe Caroljane Short Cornish College of the Arts
Laurie Reyes Arizona State University
Kirtana Roopan Stony Brook University
Halley Moran
Cole Tyler Sorosky The University of Texas, Austin
Sven Riester ASU, Barrett, The Honors College
Alexander Townsend Northeastern University
Elliot Tate Wessel Yale University
Jade Loelke Northeastern University
Sophia Zarrillo Arizona State University
Tyler Sessler Valparaiso University
Cornell University
Samuel Harrison Marks Duke University
Charlize Szeto Barnard College
Sai Vadnerkar Barnard College
Zoe Sunenshine Tufts University
Chloe Lipitz University of Colorado, Boulder
Spring 2022 Alumni Events
3 4
• In February, we were honored to gather a highly esteemed panel of alumni for our Alumni in Tech Virtual Roundtable Once again, a huge thanks to our moderator and panelists—we all learned so much about your industries and are grateful for your insights and advice that you shared. Our panelists are pictured below.
1) Tech Roundtable Moderator Hannah Keogh Gates ’10, Steve Garrity ’00, Ted Blosser ’02, Alexa Binns ’03, Emily Schron ’13, Isabelle Brothers ’14; 2) Tiffany Westlie Pondelik ’00, Gilbert Armenta ’00, Courtney Berg ’00, and Sarah Nixon Wolfswinkel ’00 at the Alumni Spring Weekend Welcome Cocktail Reception; 3) Class of 1997: Laura Simchak Moore, Jeff Hirvela, Jerry Mischel, Jon Gimbel, Tope Owoyemi, Eric Shoemaker, Matt Ferris; 4) Class of 2002 kicking off their reunion weekend; 5) Class of 2002 at their 20-year reunion; 6) Class of 2007 at their 15-year reunion; 7) Deanna Shoemaker, Eric Shoemaker ’97, Courtney Berg ’00, Mishary Al-Sulaihim ’00, Sasha Ayad ’00 at Bridge-the-Gap; 8) Masada Siegel ’89 and Clarissa Simek Robinson ’88; 9) Ted Blosser ’02, Kate Vieh ’01, and Brian Yee ’02 at Bridge-the-Gap; 10) Zach Israel ’02, Laura Neller Lanigan ’02, Michaela Skloven ’02, and Nicole Jilly Wachell ’02 celebrating their 20th reunion; 11) Tim Rottach, Revan McKinnon Rottach ’97, Tracy Wanner Doyle ’97, and Matt Ferris ’97 enjoying the Class of 1997 25-year reunion; 11) Sarah Humphrey ’16
1 2
Through a combination of virtual and in-person events, we loved seeing so many of you in the spring. Here are some highlights:
To view full event photo galleries, please visit pcds.org/alumni/engage/photo-gallery
• In April, Alumni Spring Weekend boasted a full schedule of events, including the Outstanding Alumni of the Year Luncheon, a welcome cocktail reception, Athletic Hall of Fame Induction, alumni campus tours, and class reunions at the all-school Bridge-the-Gap celebration. After three long years, we were thrilled to finally host reunions in-person once again.
• In May, we featured Sarah Humphrey ’16 for a Book & Author event highlighting her debut book Pretty Young: Being Unapologetically Female in a Man’s World. Sarah’s book is timely and important—make sure to check it out.
57 8 9 10 11 126
Outstanding Alumni of the Year
Angaza, the company that our honorees co-founded, creates technology that enables businesses to streamline the sale of life-changing products to anyone, anywhere. The Angaza platform redefines how products like solar home systems and clean cookstoves are purchased. By enabling distributors to offer incremental payment plans to consumers without access to traditional banking, Angaza makes it possible for over two billion people around the world to affordably acquire transformative products and devices.
CLAIM TO FAME
In addition to their remarkable accomplishments both personally and professionally, Bryan and Lesley have been supportive and active members of the Phoenix Country Day School alumni community since they each graduated.
Bryan Silverthorn ’01 and Lesley Silverthorn Marincola ’04
ach year since 1990, the PCDS Alumni Association has named an Outstanding Alum or Alumni of the Year. These individuals have distinguished themselves in service to their communities, professional achievement, and com mitment to PCDS. During a special luncheon in their honor, the Alumni Association was proud to celebrate Dr. Bryan Silverthorn `01 and Ms. Lesley Silverthorn Marincola `04 as the 2022 Outstanding Alumni of the Year.
He serves as Angaza’s Chief Technology Officer. Lesley received a bachelor’s in product design from Stanford. She also earned a master’s in mechanical engineering from Stanford. She serves as Angaza’s CEO. Before co-founding Angaza, she worked as a product design engineer at AmazonLab 126 which designs and engineers devices like Fire tablets, Kindle e-readers, and Amazon Fire TV. Among her many accolades, she was named a Forbes 30 Under 30 Social Entrepreneur in 2013, was recognized by Businessweek as one of “America’s Best Young Entrepreneurs,” and on behalf of Angaza, she won the Skoll Award for Social Innovation in 2018. The Skoll Award is presented each year to a select group of social innovators whose work targets the root causes of societal problems that are ripe for transfor mational social change.
From left: Head of School Andy Rodin, Bryan Silverthorn ’01, Lesley Silverthorn Marincola ’04, Alumni Board President Tiffany Westlie Pondelik ’00, and President of the Board of Trustees David Lewis at the Outstanding Alumni of the Year Luncheon
E 42 | PCDS THE BRIDG E
Learn more about Angaza at angaza.com. n
Both Bryan and Lesley were Lifers at PCDS. Bryan received a bachelor’s in computer science from Cornell and a PhD in computer science from The University of Texas at Austin.
CLIFF SMITH `85
From left: Paul Yardley, Cliff Smith ’85, Christina Spetzler Chambers ’95, Courtney Berg ’00
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Christina Spetzler was a dominant athlete. In volleyball and basketball, her outstanding skills and leadership as captain steered both teams to success. In close games, coaches always wanted Christina to have the ball. Her athletic honors included: Most Valuable Player, Most Improved, All-Region, and All-State. Physical fitness remains a priority for Christina today. Climbing, swimming, skydiving, and triathlons, are all part of Christina’s life as an adult.
CHRISTINA SPETZLER CHAMBERS `95
• Exemplifies the values set forth in our Pursuing Victory with Honor program, which are trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship
COACH PAUL YARDLEY
PCDS Athletic Hall of Fame
Learn more about our 2022 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees:
• Has made a significant impact on the PCDS athletic program
Cliff Smith was an all-around outstanding athlete. He played four years of varsity basketball and baseball plus two years of varsity soccer. Because of his leadership qualities, Cliff was selected as captain for all of his re spective teams. Cliff’s ath letic honors were numerous: Most Valuable Player, Most Improved, Eagle Award for sportsmanship and character, and our athletic department’s Most Outstanding Athlete Award. He also received AllRegion and All-State honors in basketball and baseball. After serving for several years in the United States Navy, Cliff is now a general surgeon in Richmond, Virginia.
COURTNEY BERG `00
• Represents the highest values of our School and our athletic program: a person of character, leadership, and dedication
Courtney Berg will be re membered for her skills on the volleyball and basketball courts. Most notably, she was a key player on the Eagles’ 2000 Women’s State Basketball Championship Team. Courtney was an impact player for the Eagles. She was selected to the All-State Basketball Tournament Team while also receiving All-State honors in volleyball. An AllRegion player, Courtney also received Most Valuable and Most Improved awards for volleyball. Courtney always represented her teams with outstanding sportsmanship and made PCDS proud of her play and character.
Paul Yardley, a soccer product from Coventry, England, defi nitely made an impact on our School’s athletic program. As a coach, his varsity boys’ soccer teams from 1981-1985 put together five winning seasons with the 1983, 1984, and 1985 teams winning State Championships. His calm and patient demeanor led to his teams’ outstanding victories. For the past 30 years, Paul has had a successful career as an operations manager at the Mayo Clinic.
A Hall of Fame athlete:
• Has been recognized locally, regionally, statewide, and even in some cases, nationally
This year, we welcomed three individuals and one coach into our Hall of Fame
The Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding alumni athletes and coaches who excelled during their time at PCDS. The annual Athletic Hall of Fame Induction solidifies a sense of pride and tradition for our School and Eagle athletics community.
Sven Riester ’22, Tanti Felli ’22, Speed Gregory ’22, Héctor Torres ’22
44 | PCDS THE BRIDGE
Senior Dinner 2022
Aleah Hale ’22, Lilly Robinson ’22, Matthew Santos ’22
Ely Brayboy ’22, Cole Sorosky ’22, Sammy Marks ’22, Josh Lamber ’22, Sam Tepper ’22
Daniela Castro-Martinez ’22, Siena Hayes ’22, Sai Vadnerkar ’22, Emme Kate Hackett ’22, Avantika Aggarwal ’22, Devin Bansal ’22
Each year, the PCDS Alumni Association hosts a Senior Dinner, where the soon-to-be graduates are officially inducted into the Alumni Association. This year’s event featured a lovely meal, a rousing alumni trivia game, special alumni gifts, and it provided one final opportunity for our seniors to come together before the graduation ceremony. The Phoenix Country Day School Alumni Association is proud to welcome the 71 members of this year’s graduating class into the fold.
Erin Florance ’22, Bianca Burke ’22, Elsa Jackson ’22
Welcome Class of 2022
Cloe Short ’22, Katherine Cohen ’22
Inducting the Class of 1972
Wendy Lyons ’72, Catherine Ellinwood ’72
The PCDS Golden Circle is an honorary group of all classes who have celebrated their 50th reunions. Each June, the members of the Golden Circle wear gold robes and cross Daley Bridge, leading that year’s newest alumni to their graduation. During the ceremony, Golden Circle members receive special recognition and an open invitation to return each year to welcome new inductees and to march during commencement, reminding our current families and all others in attendance that PCDS enjoys a truly rich history.
Becky Thompson ’72 with her father Lute Thompson
Head of School Andy Rodin addresses the crowd.
From left: Libbie Gibson ’65, Catherine Ellinwood ’72, Wendy Lyons ’72, Dan Foote ’69, Elizabeth Babcock ’72, Gary Clay ’70, Bill Taber ’71, Annemarie Korp ’72, Jean Kilker ’65, Becky Thompson ’72
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Golden Circle 2022
In June, we were thrilled to induct the Class of 1972 into our PCDS Golden Circle. Graduates from the classes of 1965 through 1972 enjoyed a cocktail reception and State of the School address from Head of School Andy Rodin before coming back to campus to lead the procession of the Class of 2022 at US graduation.
Libbie Gibson ’65, Jean Kilker ’65
THANK YOU TO OUR ALUMNI WHO MADE THIS A RECORD-BREAKING YEAR FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP FUND GOALS Alumni Fundraising for Fiscal Year 2021-22: $196,100 in Honor of Our School’s Founding Year of 1961 160 Number of Individual Alumni Donors RESULTS Alumni Fundraising for Fiscal Year 2021-22: $202,380 Total DollarsAlumniRaised 163 Actual Alumni Donors 46 | PCDS THE BRIDGE WE DID IT! If you would like to make an early contribu tion to the 2022-23 fiscal year, please visit pcds.org/giveback—or scan the code to the right—to learn more. Thank you! Your gifts will make a powerful IMPACT on the lives of children who would otherwise not have the opportunity to receive a PCDS education. THANK YOU!
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In April, more than 20 members of the PCDS:Connect Alumni Networking program volunteered to conduct Zoom mock interviews and networking sessions with US students. Alumni from all over the country participated, and students were thrilled to have the opportunity to interact with graduates and hone their skills in the process. Not a member of PCDS:Connect yet? It’s a free opportunity to all PCDS alumni, and it only takes a minute to set up your profile. Register at: pcdsconnect.org
PCDS:Connect in Action
Like us on Facebook: PhoenixCountryDaySchoolAlumni Join PCDS:Connect The Network of PCDS Alumni • pcdsconnect.org • Offer career and academic advice • Connect with other PCDS alumni • Expand your network • Find and post jobs • Receive feedback • Get introduced For more information regarding our alumni programs, please contact Leslie Kornreich Feldman ’99, Director of Alumni Relations, at 602.955.8200 or alumni@pcds.org Follow us on Instagram: pcds_alumniHELPINGEAGLESEAGLES
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1999
Mark decided to apply to law school. Mark completed his first year of law school at the University of Chicago, then transferred to Yale Law School, where he graduated in 2010. Mark then clerked for two federal judges, and in 2012, joined the New York office of Susman Godfrey LLP, a boutique firm specializing in high-dollar-value civil cases. Mark joined the partner ship at Susman Godfrey in 2019, and now works on many different kinds of cases at the firm. Mark reports that his highest-profile current matter is representing Dominion Voting Systems in defamation litigation against Fox News and Newsmax con cerning the networks’ false statements about Dominion during the aftermath of the 2020 Presidential Election. Mark also serves on the board of directors of Recess, a Brooklyn-based art education nonprofit. In 2013, he married Emily Ross, the Associate Provost of the School of Visual Arts. Mark and Emily have a six-year-old daughter, Eleanor Hatch, who is currently wrapping up first grade in Brooklyn. Mark and his family split their time between their apartment in Greenpoint and their Hudson Valley house in Beacon, New York—where Mark now keeps his drum set. Mark is still pas sionate about music and plays drums/ guitar/bass and goes to see live shows whenever he can. He recently took up running and will be running the NYC Marathon for the second time later this year. Mark also (relatively) recently developed a keen interest in golf, which would have made a lot more sense in Arizona as opposed to NYC.
Here’s what some of our alumni have been up to…
On February 22, 2022, Augustine Gomez and Rachel Gomez welcomed their first child, A. Joaquin Gierucki Gomez. Both parents report they could not be more excited for this joyous new chapter in their lives.
Jessica Berch is a senior lecturer at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at ASU, where she has won Professor of the Year three out of the last six years. She has published numerous articles, three textbooks (one of which is forthcoming), and a treatise. She and Jason McClellan, her high school sweetheart turned husband, live in Phoenix with their rescue dog and cat. They spend their free time cooking delicious vegan food, traveling, and playing video games.
These alumni are registered members of the PCDS Alumni Networking Platform. Visit pcdsconnect.org for more information.
2000
After graduating from PCDS, Mark Hatch-Miller moved to Connecticut to attend Wesleyan University. At Wesleyan, Mark continued playing drums in rock and jazz groups (for a very short time, Mark was the original drummer for future Grammy nominees MGMT, of “Kids” fame), managed the college radio station, and majored in history. After college, Mark moved to Brooklyn, New York, and spent three years in publishing and media-related jobs, including as the producer of a political talk radio show hosted by comedians Janeane Garofalo and Sam Seder. While working on the show, We collect many Class Notes each year and cannot guarantee that all submissions will be printed. Class Notes are written in an individual’s own words.
M ichael Rector teaches piano and music theory at the University of Wisconsin in Green Bay. After a pan demic hiatus, he and his wife, Sylvia Hong, are enjoying playing two-piano concerts again. They have two sons: Solon, age seven; Atticus, age one.
Doran Arik Miller attended Georgetown University, earning a BA in American studies. After college, Doran spent two years on Capitol Hill working for Senator Jon Kyl. She then attended Brooklyn Law School, after which she clerked on the United States Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C., and then spent three years at the Institute for Justice where she litigated cutting-edge constitutional cases pri marily in the areas of property rights and economic liberty. Doran and her husband, Danny, met in Washington, D.C., where he grew up, and in 2014, they moved to Phoenix. Doran now owns her own public policy consulting firm, Miller Policy Consulting, and specializes in water, energy and natu ral resources. Doran and Danny have one child, Levi, who is a rising first grader at PCDS
Beau Roysden lives in North Central Phoenix with his wife, Jo, and their three kids, ages three to seven. Beau reports that he serves as the Solicitor General at the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, where he leads a group of attorneys that have a very diverse practice. A recent career highlight for Beau was arguing at the Supreme Court of the United States in December. Beau’s main interests outside of work are kid activities and spending time with his family. Beau really enjoyed seeing all of his class mates (virtually) at the 20 year reunion and hopes that the Class of 2000 is able to get together in-person soon.
Sarah Pachtman-Shetty lives in NYC where she practices maternal fetal medicine specializing in obstetrical critical care. In March 2022, she and her husband, Vik Shetty, welcomed their first child, Orion Michael, who is named after his grandfather, Michael Pachtman ’70. Sarah teaches first year medical students at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra University and is passionate about educating and empowering pregnant people and those who are trying to conceive via her Instagram page, @healthymamadoc.
Since graduating from Vanderbilt University in 2004, Elizabeth Perla Picciotta has lived in Washington, D.C. She initially worked in client relations for a consulting firm but soon discov ered her passion for psychology and attended graduate school at Loyola University Maryland. Liz is now a clinical psychologist who specializes in working with children and ado lescents. She and her husband, Paul, have two children: Vivien, age three; Paul Matthew III, age one. Stemming from her daughter’s special needs, Liz spends much of her free time re searching cortical visual impairment (CVI) and epilepsy, as well as advocat ing for neurodiverse children. She also enjoys spinning, entertaining, drinking wine, and house hunting on Zillow. If she can ever be of help to any past, present, or future Eagles, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Zach Israel became interested in food service and hospitality during his time at Ithaca College. While there, he ended up owning and operating a Cornell bar called Dinos. He moved directly to NYC after college and con tinued to work in the sports bar and nightclub world. “I opened up a string of sports bars, including Proof, Village Pourhouse (three locations), and Sidebar. I then opened and managed a nightclub called Hudson Terrace for a number of years. Over time, I sold my interests and moved on and opened up Blank Slate Coffee & Kitchen with my wife. We currently have two loca tions and a catering company running and thankfully doing well. We have a little boy and still live in the city.”
2002
Tiffany Westlie Pondelik has been enjoying wearing two hats: one as the President of the Alumni Board, and another as the mother of a rising PCDS first and fifth grader. Moving back to Phoenix has made her an avid tennis player, and she also volunteers her time as a board member for the Women’s Interclub Tennis Association. After performing for many years, she now lends her voice to the choir at Valley Presbyterian and volunteers with Childsplay Theater, assisting with planning their annual gala.
50 | PCDS THE BRIDGE Are you following the PCDS Alumni Instagram page? https://www.instagram.com/pcds_alumni/
2001
After graduating from George Washington University, Caroline McGee Ortiz lived in Guatemala and Nicaragua, where she spent five years working for local nonprofit organiza tions. In 2012, Caroline returned to the U.S. to attend law school and currently works for the Executive Office for Immigration Review as an attorney advisor. Caroline and her husband, Carlos, live in Phoenix with their two rambunctious boys, ages two and four.
2003
After graduating from PCDS, Emily Charlson attended Barrett, the Honors College at ASU and earned honors in biology. She then attend ed the seven-year Medical Scientist Training Program at the University of Pennsylvania, earning both a PhD in cellular and molecular biology as well as a medical degree. Ready to return to warmer weather, she moved to Newport Beach, CA, to pursue an
Valerie Garagiola works as a strategy director for a fashion tech company called Hespera that specializes in
2004
2005
Orlando Martinez writes, “I am an attorney in Albuquerque, NM, and am fairly sure that I am the most successful attorney to come out of the Class of 2002—second only to the Honorable Claudia M. Gonzalez Jimenez ’02 . I have my own law firm, which celebrated its seven year anni versary in May 2022. My wonderful wife, Emily, works at my firm and my kids—Atticus, age 10; and Zada, age eight—attend a Montessori charter school here in Albuquerque. When I’m not getting into trouble or getting people out of trouble, I spend my time hunting, fishing, camping, and moun tain biking with my family.”
Alexa Tibshraeny Leonard shared that she attended PCDS for MS and, “Will never forget the tremendous education I received and the incred ible friends that I made. In 2009, I graduated summa cum laude from The University of Arizona with a double major in business management and entrepreneurship from the Eller College of Management. Following undergrad, I attended Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. In 2020, after many years of practice, I decided to start my own firm out of West Los Angeles—Alexa Tibshraeny Law Corporation. I work exclusively in family law and enjoy it immensely.
Jordan Fisher writes, “I am finishing my internal medicine residency then heading to Michigan to complete a two-year fellowship in infec tious disease at Beaumont Hospital. I am married with two children and plan to return to the Valley after fel lowship to practice.”
After graduating from PCDS, Sabrina Delafield chose to put off college and instead worked as a professional ballet dancer. Most of her career has involved dancing with European companies. She was a soloist with companies in Norway, France, and Germany, where she made many international friends and had an “enjoyable” time. After two knee operations, she decided it was time to follow the more conventional route of a PCDS graduate. Last June, Sabrina graduated summa cum laude (Phi Beta Kappa) from Columbia University. She is currently on a Fulbright Scholarship, studying in England.
On a personal note, in April 2019, I married my husband, an executive producer of documentary content. In June 2021, we had our first child, our son Beck. We all live with our beloved Labrador, Louise, in Brentwood, Los Angeles. I would be thrilled to re connect with anyone from the PCDS community.”
liveselling e-commerce for fashion jewelry. She lives in Playa del Rey with her husband and two dogs.
In June of 2017, Randall Smalley II moved back to Phoenix with his wife, Ursula, and their two kids, Camilla and Randall III (R3). They have since added a son, Theodore, and a puppy to their family. Randall is an executive at CRUISE AMERICA where he runs all global marketing efforts and busi ness development. Camilla is now seven, Randall is five, and they attend All Saints. Randall reports that little Theo will be there before you know it. Their family loves to travel, Randall still plays tennis, loves golf, community outreach, and camping. He misses PCDS and gathered for the recent 20 year reunion with all those who grad uated in 2002.
ophthalmology residency with the University of California, Irvine, where she discovered oculoplastic surgery. Emily reports that she then joined Stanford University for an American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery fellowship. Upon completion of her oculoplastic surgical training, she moved to San Francisco and is now a partner at Pacific Eye Associates and is an attending oculoplastic surgeon at California Pacific Medical Center, where she teaches both residents and fellows. She also works on clinical trials, consults for early Bay Area companies, and serves as a mentor to working professionals at Stanford.
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As a board member, she is involved in awarding college scholarships and providing financial support for SAT/ ACT preparation courses to stu dents who are motivated to pursue higher education. To date, 5 Rivers Foundation has awarded over 100 scholarships and provided SAT/ACT preparation courses to over 173 stu dents nationwide.
We have PCDS Alumni gear for sale!
Kyle Whisler is currently a senior manager of Growth and Operations in a new Kidney Care and Home Health venture at CVS. He was recently married to Amanda and now lives in Denver, Colorado. In their free time, Kyle and Amanda love to be outdoors and are looking forward to an upcom ing honeymoon in Austria, Hungary, and Croatia.
Gaston Gibbons and Ryan Gibbons welcomed their son, Hunter William Gibbons. They recently took a trip back to Costa Rica where Alice and Ryan were married in 2018. Alice also joined the PCDS Alumni Board in 2021.
At the start of the pandemic, Joel Fineman moved from NYC to Seattle to take a job at Amazon. He works with partners such as CNN, Fox News, and NPR to distribute their content across Alexa and FireTV devices. Joel reports that he and his Italian grey hound, Martha Pawshington, love the PNW’s hikes and beer gardens.
2007
Danielle Weinberg Gribin earned her MBA in finance and marketing from ASU and is living in Los Angeles. She is VP of Finance at Endeavor (which IPO’d last year) working across their fashion segment globally, including New York Fashion Week and IMG Models. Danielle reports that most importantly, she and her husband, Jason, were thrilled to have welcomed their first child, Jean, into the world in September 2021.
Since her time at PCDS, Brianna Eller-Hughes reports that she has continued her pursuit of academic excellence by receiving a BA in both physics and history as well as a minor in art. After college, she continued her education at ASU and graduated in 2016, with a doctorate in material physics and a master’s in business administration. She then worked closely with the resources available at ASU to start and develop a nextgeneration, semiconductor company, Advent Diamond, which has raised more than one million dollars in gov ernment funding. In addition, she is married and is a mother to a fifteenyear-old son, and two little girls.
Stephanie Papp Correia lives in San Diego, CA, with her husband, Michael, and two-year-old son, Lucas. She reports that they are looking forward to becoming a family of four with their newest addition expected in July 2022. Stephanie currently works as a senior scientist at Turning Point Therapeutics, a clinical-stage precision oncology company in San Diego.
In 2020,September Alice
McGarrett Sutherland went to college, and later dental school, in Portland, Oregon. He received a DMD degree in 2018. The following year, he completed a year-long residency in hospital dentistry in Seattle and has been practicing dentistry in Portland ever since. He and his wife, Maggie, married in 2013. They have recently acquired two black cats, Kevin and Meatball. In his free time, McGarrett likes to cook, read, craft, and hike around Portland.
52 | PCDS THE BRIDGE
Email alumni@pcds.org to order hooded sweatshirts, tank tops, or hats!
2006
Neelu K. Khanuja, Esq. is the Founding Partner of Khanuja Law. Neelu reports that she zealously advocates for injured workers and/or aggressively defends employers, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators in all areas of California state workers’ compensation law. Neelu previously worked at the largest California workers’ compensation defense firm in the state and a local applicant’s attorney firm. Outside of the office, Neelu is a co-founder and currently a board member of a nonprofit organization, 5 Rivers Foundation.
2008
US students in Coding as Art I class had the opportunity to visit with PCDS alum Ben Shanken ’07, VP of Product at Discord. They discussed coding, entrepreneurship, Silicon Valley, the tech industry’s future, and the importance of learning computer science in high school. Ben’s advice to future computer science majors is, “Find a problem you really care about, then solve it. What do you want to do for the next ten years, and how will that help others? The world?” Thanks, Ben, for returning to PCDS and spending time with the next generation of coders!
Since earning his JD from the University of Michigan Law School in May 2020, Chris Opila has been clerking for the Honorable Gregory B. Wormuth at the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico in Las Cruces. After his clerkship ends, he plans to move to NYC to bring court challenges to U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services refugee resettlement adjudications as a Justice Catalyst Fellow at the International Refugee Assistance Project. He reports that he is excited to return to the refugee and humanitarian issues that initially brought him to law school but will miss the dry heat and the borderlands.
Lauren Motzkin graduated from Yale with an MBA in 2019, and then moved to Los Angeles where she currently works as a management consultant with Deloitte. She spent much of 2020 exploring LA’s hiking trails and feeling grateful for the year-round sunshine. 2021 brought a bit more variety, including a few months spent on the East Coast with her partner Kayvon’s family and a cross-country road trip. Lauren and Kayvon recently moved to the Silver Lake neighborhood and would love to reconnect with any other alumni in the area.
When Ross Bridgeman moved to Montana, he says he was “ready to accept a life as a saloon pianist, dodging the occasional flying bottle. However, Whitefish has had so much more to offer.” He engineers and produces music out of DB Studios, runs a successful 10-piece wedding band, teaches a dozen burgeoning pianists at the local music school, and performs throughout the year with Alpine Theatre Project. Every Halloween, Ross puts on tights for their live production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and he recently mastered “Bohemian Rhapsody” for a Queen tribute show. Every day, he’s grateful for his wife, Jill, and their new furry son, Scout.
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Jay Fielder reports that he and his wife, Vanessa, are enjoying the com pany of their first child, Cassidy, born in May 2021. Jay has continued his career at Pepsi and is now a contin uous improvement manager for the Arizona production facility, while Vanessa is a research manager with the County Supervisors Association of Arizona. Jay says that when not at work, they enjoy fostering a love for the outdoors within their daughter by exploring Arizona’s awesome natural environment.
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Morgan Shepard shares, “This spring, I made the big move from Arizona to downtown Chicago. I know most peo ple would make the opposite move, but I can’t wait to explore this new city. I am currently working at Rush University Medical Center as an RN in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and absolutely love it. If anyone is in Chicago, I would love to connect.”
Alexa Cohn (right) shares, “My boy friend and I relocated to Austin last year from Miami. I am working as Creative Director for a company I co-founded, called SortJoy. We make sustainable home organization prod ucts (featured in the photo behind my co-founder and I) that can be found at The Container Store, Lulu & Georgia, or on our website. I was lucky enough to cross paths with Katelyn Pascavis ’08 and Emily Gogolak ’08 recently.”
Rebecca Wax is a resident physician at Mount Sinai Hospital In NYC. She is about to start her final year of radiology residency and then will go on to fellowship at Cornell/New YorkPresbyterian Hospital for further specialization in abdominal imaging. Rebecca lives in Manhattan with her fiancé, Brooks, and their Bernese mountain dog, Truffles.
After being in school for 25 years, Stephanie Kost reports that she final ly decided she was smart enough and graduated from medical school last year. She currently lives in Scottsdale with her daughter, Maggie, who loves the outdoors.
Alex Diones is currently com pleting his PhD in Political Science at UCLA and is working as an editor at the journal Political Theory
Devika Soni delayed her wedding to her fiancé, Joe Kelly, due to COVID, and was wondering if they would ever get to celebrate with their family and friends. They have been together since their junior year at USC, so it has “been a long time coming”. They ended up having two different wedding celebrations—a vow exchange on a beach and a traditional Hindu wedding. They report that they had a wonderful time surrounded by the people they love, and they are really excited for what’s next in their lives. They plan to honeymoon in the French Riviera.
2010
Diana Schron graduated from the orthodontics residency program at UCSF and is currently practicing as an orthodontist in the San Francisco Bay Area. Recently, she and her hus band, Ted, welcomed their first child, Charles, into the world and are learning on the job as first-time parents.
2009
Michael Misner attended Barrett, The Honors College at ASU, where he majored in Supply Chain Management. He then went to work for Amazon (where he’s worked to this day) in several different roles starting as an area manager and operations manager in fulfillment centers and delivery stations across the Rocky Mountain states. Last summer, Michael moved to the Upper West Side of NYC with his fiancée. He currently works as a senior program manager in the NYC Amazon office responsible for Whole Foods Market delivery planning nationwide.
Christopher Jackson shares, “I start ed my medical residency in NYC at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. I am training in radiation oncology, the treatment of cancer with high-dose radiation. I am really liking it. My fiancée, Kat Hanlon, went to The University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix for med school. She is now a psychiatry resident in New York at Cornell. Outside of resi dency, Kat and I enjoy: spending time with our two cats (Reese and Curie) and our dog (Rivers), running, and exploring the city. We miss the Phoenix Mountain Preserve and the hiking options in Phoenix.”
David Linder shares, “Since graduating from PCDS, I completed both a BS and an MS at ASU in biological sciences and science of health care delivery, respectively. Immediately after, I worked for two years at an execu tive search firm based in Scottsdale, where I helped recruit and place senior leaders in a variety of healthcare organizations. From December of 2017 through December of 2022, I worked for Banner Health as a quality improvement specialist and program manager in the Insurance Division. I recently joined TGen in early 2022, as Program Manager to support research involving detection of tiny amounts of circulating cancer DNA in blood. Working to support world-class researchers at an organization like TGen has been very rewarding. I soon plan to wed my wonderful fiancée, Sydney Mamus.”
Keep up to date with alumni happenings on the Phoenix Country Day School Alumni Facebook page: www.facebook.com/PhoenixCountryDaySchoolAlumni
2011
Sarah Attaway is the owner of Sea to City Travels, a boutique travel consultancy specializing in crafting tailor-made itineraries anywhere her clients’ passports take them. She particularly loves planning honey moons and African safaris but will send clients all over the world. After two years of disruption, travel is back and her business is busier than ever. Sarah currently resides in Newport Beach, California, with her fiancé, Blake Bunte, and their new golden retriever, Jackson. In November, Sarah and Blake will be tying the knot in Charleston, South Carolina, where she went to college and where the remainder of her family currently lives.
Alex Kost continues to toil away in Big Tech in the Bay Area in CA. Sometimes, he says, he looks up at the sky from his computer and wonders if he’ll ever be able to explore the stars. “Probably not,” he whispers to himself as he looks back at the blue screen.
Alexandra Blandford reports that she lives in Phoenix and is a junior landscape architect, working on projects like Gilbert Regional Park, Norfolk Botanical Garden’s ‘Garden of Tomorrow,’ and the private residence of a certain Cardinals player. On New Year’s Eve 2021, Alex got engaged to the love of her life, Brian, while stay ing in a cozy cabin in the vineyards of Page Springs. They are planning their wedding and are soaking in all the excitement of this next chapter.
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2012
Danielle Lee just moved to the Golden State of California, where she will be starting her internship year as a foot and ankle surgery resident at St. Mary’s Medical Center in San Francisco. She also recently got engaged to her college boyfriend in Hawaii.
legal, she assisted with investigations and prosecutions involving public cor ruption. Currently, she is an associate in Norton Rose Fulbright’s Regulation, Investigations, Securities, and Compliance group in the New York office. Her practice focuses on regulatory and government investigations, white-collar defense, and compliance.
After getting his MBA at Northwestern University during the pan demic, JB Stockslager recently moved to Portland and is CEO of a private equity owned company, Alliance Services, that provides caregivers to intellectually and developmentally challenged individuals. He reports that he is beyond excited to be leading a company where growth and helping to provide care to people in need are aligned. In his free time, he is involved at his local church and spends time running a faith-based giving group with his business school classmates. He still makes his way back to Phoenix (from time to time to see his parents) and is often found in his home away from home of Dallas, TX. “If you are in one of these cities or, just want to chat, be sure to reach out,” says JB.
Matt Prusak graduated from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. After helping scale a COVID-19 diagnostics business during the pan demic, he is now focused on building out a large, privately-held Bitcoin mine powered by sustainable energy.
(Christopher) Taylor White has moved to Dallas, Texas, and is the in-house attorney for the Dallas Stars’ group of companies, where Rachael Lopez ’11 will soon be joining the legal depart ment. Taylor is also an entrepreneur and active investor. He still plays hockey, travels often to visit family and friends, and escapes to the lake in Northern Michigan each summer.
Kelly Lin graduated from Fordham University in 2015, and Fordham Law in 2021. Prior to law school, She was a paralegal at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, in its Public Integrity section. As a para-
Jacob Feder currently lives in Chicago, and is in his third year of a PhD program at UChicago. “My research
Jessica Cohen currently resides in Minneapolis, MN, where she com pleted a master’s degree in social work at the UMN and is now a Licensed Generalist Social Worker (LGSW). Professionally, she is a hospital social worker at a level 1 trauma center and safety net hospital in downtown Minneapolis, where she serves indi viduals with complex medical issues and psychosocial factors. Jessica also provides therapy to kids and teens at an outpatient clinic on a part-time basis. Outside of work, Jessica spends her time traveling, hiking, attending concerts, and studying for her LICSW exam. She is also excited to be cel ebrating the engagement of India Grasso ’13 this year.
Arielle Lee is in her final year at Georgetown University School of Medicine. She is preparing her ap plications for anesthesia residency programs.
I graduated from medical school in 2020, and am now a family medicine resident physician in Santa Rosa, CA. I also adopted my dog, Leo, two years ago, and he is such a good boy.”
56 | PCDS THE BRIDGE
Ben Mattinson graduated from MIT in 2016, with a BS in computer science and joined Google later that year to build software used to manage Google’s computational resources. After two years at Google, Ben redis covered his interest in robotics and picked up machine learning in order to work on software for autonomous vehicles. He ultimately accepted a position at an autonomous vehicle company, Zoox, which at the time was a startup spun out of Stanford’s auton omous vehicle research. Today, Ben continues to work on the Prediction team at Zoox, where he builds machine learning models to predict how other vehicles on the roads will behave. He still enjoys playing guitar and compos ing music in his spare time.
Tianna Sheih shared, “I went to Scripps College in Claremont, CA, where I majored in biology and minored in psychology. I was accepted into the early linkage program at The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences and for four years, lived in Washington, D.C.
In 2017, Leila Noghrehchi graduated from The University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in Middle Eastern and North African studies and then received her MD with distinctions in rural health, community service, and integrative medicine from The University of Arizona College of Medicine in May 2022. After nine years in Tucson, she will be moving to Salt Lake City to join the University of Utah Health Family Medicine Residency Program. She plans to pur sue her professional interests in rural health, tribal health, gender-affirming care, and public/community outreach.
Join hundreds of fellow alumni on the Alumni Scholarship Fund honor roll at pcds.org/giveback
Since graduating from Boston University in 2016, where she studied economics and business management, Rachel Underhill has focused on her career in fixed income trading across multiple firms, including Capital Group in Los Angeles, and Citigroup in NYC. Most recently, she joined BlackRock and is the VP, Head of iShares U.S. Fixed Income Primary Markets. Rachel currently lives in Sausalito, CA, with her fiancé, Blake. Rachel reports that she spends her free time outside in the sun whenever possible. She enjoys road cycling, road/trail running, hiking, and spending time with close friends.
2013 Philip Rody re cently finished his studies at The University of Arizona, graduating with a JD and certificate in Immigration Law & Policy from the James E. Rogers College of Law, along with a MA from the Center for Latin American Studies. He is working at the Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project, a nonprofit organization that provides free legal services to detained adults and children throughout Arizona. Philip became engaged to his fianceé, Olivia, in July 2021, and they plan to be married in Flagstaff.
Since graduating from the University of San Francisco in 2017 with a BA in International Studies, Claire Rose has remained in San Francisco initially working for two nonprofit organi zations before transitioning into the tech industry as a sales executive. Claire has worked for two FinTech startups that focus on reinventing consumer debt collection and assist ing consumers who are victims of predatory lending practices. Presently, Claire is a senior account executive at OpenComp, a software company that provides a compensation benchmark ing tool for pre-IPO companies to address pay equity, the gender-wage gap, and pay transparency. Claire en joys working for companies that are mission driven and disruptive, and she plans to remain with OpenComp for the foreseeable future, as pay transpar ency continues to be a growing issue in the remote workforce. In her free time, Claire enjoys all that the Bay Area has to offer, often spending time with friends outside at music shows or on the golf course. She is always happy to welcome new PCDS alumni that find their way to San Francisco.
Tyler Dial shared, “Hey PCDS! It’s been about 12-13 years since I got my start at the MS talent show, where I sang the John Mayer version of ‘Free Fallin’,’ and I’m so excited to give y’all a little update on where I’ve been and what I’ve been up to. After spending four years in college and playing music in Austin, I moved to Nashville to pursue a full-time singer/songwriter career. For the first few years, I worked side jobs on the weekends while writing songs during the week and recently completed my album, Electric West A few months ago, I started releasing songs from my upcoming project, ‘Way Back When,’ and announced my deals with Virgin Music, Make Wake Artist Management, William Morris Endeavor, and Top 5 Entertainment.
Incommunity!”2018,
2014
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I can’t wait for my friends in Arizona to hear what I’ve been working on because a lot of my inspiration came from where I grew up, and who I was back in the day. The ‘Way Back When’ EP will be out soon, and I’m so grate ful for the support from the PCDS
Margaret Loncki graduated from Claremont McKenna College with dual degrees in economics and organismal biology. She played varsity soccer and golf all four years at Claremont. In her senior year, she won the Division III golf National Championship both individually and as a team. After grad uation, Margaret began working for Certis Capital Management, a small multi-family office in Santa Barbara, California. Certis Capital specializes in alternative investments and aims to source strategies with returns that are not correlated to equity markets and that fit their core mandate of wealth
Brennen Lee graduated from UPenn with four majors (biochem istry, biophysics, biology, math) and a master’s in chemistry. He is currently living on the Upper West Side of NYC and is finishing up his second year of law school at Columbia University. Over the summer, he will be working at Cravath Swaine and Moore and hopes to check out the myriad of food experiences the city has to offer.
Henry Roden has been living in the Phoenix area the last two years (during the pandemic) but has recently moved back to New York, where he works for La Gorce Capital, a private equity firm focused on growth capital in the lowermiddle market. Current projects he has worked on have mostly been in the healthcare sector on the West Coast. Henry is focused on building out the firm’s presence in the Northeast, while working to expand the portfolio. Henry is beginning his MBA at NYU this fall, where he expects to specialize in finance and markets. He currently lives with his girlfriend, Catherine, and their rescue German shepherd, Quinn, who just turned ten.
preservation and income generation. As the Director of Operations, Margaret oversees all aspects of operations and provides support to Certis’ investment research and client service functions. In addition to her efforts at Certis, Margaret also manages multiple in vestment real estate properties in Santa Barbara.
Kaddie Stephens graduated cum laude from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism & Mass Communication at ASU. She worked in the private sector of financial services as a com munications manager for four and a half years, and she now works at Honeywell Aerospace. Kaddie still owns horses and competes on the national circuit and currently lives in Chandler with her boyfriend, Coby. Kaddie helps Coby run and operate his own carpet cleaning business, and they enjoy traveling and hitting the gym together in their free time.
is focused on using solid-state and molecular quantum spin sensors for biological applications like disease diagnostics and imaging. Even though it’s my third year, I feel like I’m just getting started…time flies when you’re having fun. I’m currently excited about a recent discovery that I’m hoping will eventually lead to my first paper. Outside of the lab, I’ve been trying to get up to the city more and am look ing forward to the summer and biking along the lake.”
In the spring of 2021, Alexa Lewis graduated from UCSD with an MS in bioengineering and moved to Atlanta that August. She is now working for LifeQ, a biotech startup that collects and interprets health and wellness data from smart watches and other wearable devices. She shared that it’s been fun to explore her new city, and she is looking forward to more outdoor adventures this summer.
Grace Gilberg has been living in London, UK, for almost three years now. After graduating from Wellesley College in 2019, she began working as an equity research analyst covering European retail companies. With no immediate plans to move back across the pond, she has been enjoying trav eling around Europe on weekends as lockdowns have eased.
Ellie Reynoso shares, “I am a proud mom of a son who is turning two in October. After living in San Diego with my husband for the past three years, I recently moved back to Phoenix, and it feels good to be here. Currently, I’m working for a dietitian specializing in kids’ nutrition, and it is so fulfilling to help and watch people make healthy, educated choices. I am also in pursuit of receiving a degree in interior design which will help me to start my own interior design firm (with the help of my sister-in-law, Jennie). For fun these days, I enjoy: Hiking, going on long distance runs, assisting in various cre ative projects, and reading nonfiction novels (whenever I get the chance).”
Jorge Manzanares graduated from St. Mary’s University in Austin, TX, in May 2019, with a BA in political science as well as a BA in interna tional relations. Upon graduation, he immediately pursued a master’s in science in student affairs at Illinois State University. After graduating from Illinois State, Jorge accepted his current job at The University of Arizona as a coordinator in the office of fraternity and sorority programs. After having been away from Arizona for six years, Jorge is happy to be back in his home state to begin his career and reconnect with family and friends.
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Did you graduate in 2013, 2008, 2003, 1998, 1993, 1988, 1983 or 1978? If so, we can’t wait to see you for your Reunion Weekend! Friday, April 28-Saturday, April 29, 2023 Save the date for Alumni Spring Weekend and Reunions.
Sarah Humphrey attended the University of San Diego and received degrees in both international business and communication studies. After graduating from college, Sarah went on to write her first book, Pretty Young, which was published in September 2021. She currently lives in NYC and is a copywriter for VaynerX.
Madeline Louis reports, “After gradu ating from PCDS, I left to study musical theater in NYC. While I loved the hustle and bustle of the city, I realized I wanted the “textbook” college ex perience that the concrete jungle just wasn’t giving me (okay, and maybe I didn’t totally foresee myself making it to Broadway, but I had fun!). I ended up transferring to Indiana University after my first semester, where I earned a degree in tourism, hospitality, and event management. I had planned to work as an event coordinator until I took a class focused on events/ service provider law, during my senior year at IU. My professor noticed my enthusiasm and encouraged me to think about going to law school—and I did! In May of 2022, I received my JD from the ASU Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, where I was also able to get back into singing and performing as part of the law school’s a cappella group, LawCappella. I plan to work in
2016
2015
the public sector as a criminal prose cutor, after I take the bar exam. I am engaged to be married in November of 2022, and will soon be moving up to Flagstaff with my fiancé, Tyler, and our two miniature Australian shepherds, Indy and Luca.”
Network with PCDS alumni around the globe at pcdsconnect.org
Matt Corsillo shared, “I graduated from Ringling College of Art and Design in 2021, with a bachelor’s in computer animation. Since then, I’ve moved to NYC to work as an animator for a studio called Hornet. We create 2D and 3D animated commercials for clients such as Facebook, Kroger, and McDonald’s. I really enjoy the fast-paced, creative environment and finding all these new experiences in the city.”
2017
their goals in the courses in which I assist. It’s a bit unclear whether the university considers my real job to be research or teaching, but I am enjoying both, and I am glad that for once a school is paying me rather than the other way around.”
Tehranchi attended California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, where she studied public health and minored in biology. While in college, Tisa was heavily involved in public health-related research, including her senior project which focused on menstrual hygiene management. Postgraduation, Tisa worked for Genentech (a biotechnology company in South San Francisco) as a root cause analysis intern and a project coordinator on the design and construction team. After her year-long internship completed, Tisa more recently began a new role as an environmental health and safety specialist at TGen, a local medical research institute.
Bryton still bleeds purple and gold and is still fired up about LSU’s National Championship win during the 2019 football season. Geaux Tigers!
fromAfteryears.”graduatingPCDS, Tisa
Max Johnson reports, “After graduat ing from PCDS, I attended UChicago and spent four great years there. I switched interests a few times, starting with chemistry, moving to economics, and finally settling on pure mathe matics. I graduated with a bachelor’s in math in 2021. At UChicago, I fell in love with what I did and decided to dedicate myself to becoming a profes sor. The next fall, I started my PhD at the University of California, San Diego. I will remain here for probably the next five years, as I learn mathematics under my mentors and start my own research projects. I hope to have finished and published a few papers by the time I graduate, alongside my thesis. I specialize in a highly-abstract field known as algebraic topology. Broadly speaking, I apply algebraic techniques to classify and understand complicated geometric objects. Part of my role at UCSD involves teaching. This year I have mostly taught cal culus, and I have enjoyed using my knowledge to help students achieve
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After graduating from PCDS, Calvin Hamilton moved to NYC to work for the CEO of VaynerMedia, Gary Vaynerchuk. Two years later, Calvin left VaynerMedia and founded a boutique ad agency called Engineer Influence, which he still runs today. In March of 2021, Engineer Influence launched its first subsidiary, createcontent.io, a content marketing platform for real estate agents, consultants, and small busi nesses. In his free time, Calvin enjoys traveling with friends and playing chess in Washington Square Park.
Alexander Reaves has been traveling around the world since graduating from PCDS. He graduated from YaleNUS College in Singapore in 2021, and is currently enrolled in a combined master’s and PhD program in aero space engineering at the University of Cambridge in the UK. His PhD research focuses on zero-carbon aviation and improving the range of electric airplanes.
In May 2021, Bryton Neck graduated summa cum laude from LSU with a BS in sports management. He is currently finishing his first year of a PhD pro gram in variousHebehaviormanagement-organizationalatWestVirginiaUniversity.hasalreadypublishedresearchinjournals,includingthe
Journal of Leadership and Management and Administrative Sciences. Professionally, Bryton reports that he aspires to be a professor at a top business school upon completion of his doctorate.
Alexa Portigal reports, “Within the past year, I graduated from Northeastern University (with a BA in a combined major of art history and cultural anthropology, and a minor in global fashion studies), moved to NYC for my first job, and recently was pro moted. I started as a gallery assistant at David Zwirner Gallery, an interna tional mega-gallery focusing on mainly modern and contemporary art. With my recent promotion, I will now be a sales assistant to one of our senior partners. I live a short walk from my sister, Sydney ’14, which is one of the best parts about living in the city. There are many PCDS alums in NYC which has been very fun, and I’m look ing forward to living and working here for at least the next few
Six members of the Class of 2022 have parents who are also alumni—the largest group of legacy Eagles ever in the same graduating class! From left are Jason Hackett ’88 , Emme Kate Hackett ’22 , Stephanie Vithoulkas Hackett ’91 , Lilly Robinson ’22 , Clarissa Simek Robinson ’88, Eric Jackson ’86 , Elsa Jackson ’22 , Sedona Korzay ’22 , Pinar Tashman ’90, Hailey DeMark ’22 , T.J. DeMark ’93 , Connor Levitz ’22 , and John Levitz ’79
Do you have news to share? We are always excited to hear from you. Send details about a graduation, a new job, a birth, engagement, marriage announcement, a recent trip, a new hobby, or a visit with another alumnus/a (and email accompanying photos) to alumni@pcds.org . We look forward to learning what you have been up to!
2022
During the Athletic Hall of Fame Induction, Speed Gregory ’22 had the opportunity to meet Chuck Bain ’86 . This year, Speed became our School’s new all-time leading scorer in Boys’ Varsity Soccer—with 135 goals—breaking Chuck’s previous record of 114 goals—which stood for 36 years! Here, they are pictured in front of Billy DuMone’s letterman jacket. Billy ’90 is now the School’s third all-time leading scorer with 111 goals.
60 | PCDS THE BRIDGE
Peg Madden left her legacy at PCDS through bringing more quality faculty to the School, improving the US facilities, enhancing standards through a stringent accreditation process, and implementing a curriculum to set us apart as a premier day school in the Southwest. She was a force to reckon with.” — Susan Bansak, Advisory Trustee
Mrs. Madden, we mourn your passing, and honor your legacy.
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PCDS mourns the passing of Margaret “Peg” Madden, who served as Head of School for PCDS from 1986-1995.
During Mrs. Madden’s tenure at PCDS, the School’s endowment doubled, enrollment in creased by 30%, new classroom buildings were built, the wash was developed into playing field space, and the Alumni Association was
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PCDS was just 25 years old upon Mrs. Madden’s arrival— often a critical turning point in a young school’s trajectory. Having come from schools that were 100+ years old, Mrs. Madden understood what needed to be done to take PCDS to the next level, and she had the Board of Trustees’ support in making difficult changes to offer a superior academic experience. Arriving at a time of transition for the School, she navi gated change with patience and strength; reflecting on her years at PCDS, Mrs. Madden said in 2016, “It wasn’t always easy being the academic ‘fixer’, and I had to make some un popular decisions, but I’m very pleased if it’s paid off. It sounds like the School is healthy and strong; hurrah to all of you!”
Peg was hired to ‘professionalize’ our School—to take it from its infancy, where it was just trying to stay afloat financially, to young adulthood, where we would be valued as a bona fide college prep experience. Though the task was monumental, she was unyielding in her efforts and her commitment. Today, we have Peg Madden to thank for our reputation as the top academic school in the state, and one of the best in the country.” — Andrew Rodin, Head of School
“ The ultimate professional, Peg always worked in the best interest of the School. She also had a keen sense of humor! I remember a Blue & Gold pep rally when she convinced me to dance with her in the middle of the gym, much to the delight of everyone but myself (that was the longest five minutes of my life!) Peg always had a good time, and we thank her for making our school a better place.” — Bob Kosower, Associate Athletic Director and faculty member since 1978
Bidding Farewell
Peg Madden had moxie! Serving as PCDS’s first and only female Head of School attests to the quality of her character, particularly with respect to our then-fledgling independent School in the desert southwest.” — Paul Schweikher, 40-year faculty member and college counselor
These words by Peg Madden during her time at PCDS perhaps best sum up her feelings about our School: “The voice of a teacher presenting a universal concept; the sound of a child’s laugh ter; a question thoughtfully posed by a student; an expression of compassion for someone’s hurt; an exclamation of sudden understanding; a greeting of friendship between students, between faculty, and between students and faculty; voices cheering on team members; voices raised in song—all these and more represent the sense of caring and dedication to learning to which PCDS is committed.”
established. In addition, Mrs. Madden’s legacy is felt through the Senior Speeches she implemented as a graduation require ment in 1990 (along with the eponymous US Senior Speech award bestowed annually upon a graduating senior).
“ A strong and decisive leader, Peg elevated science in the curriculum and made sure the faculty performed at the level expected of them.” — Shoshana Tancer, Advisory Trustee
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b
Margaret J. Madden in 1993
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PARENTS OF ALUMNI:
If this magazine is addressed to your son or daughter who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify the Alumni Office of his or her new mailing address at alumni@pcds.org. Thank you!
pcds.org
Phoenix Country Day School
3901 East Stanford Drive Paradise Valley, Arizona 85253
