The Bridge Magazine Summer 2017

THE BRIDGE A P U B L I C AT I O N O F P H O E N I X C O U N T R Y DAY S C H O O L

Summer 2017

THE BRIDGE Phoenix Country Day School, Summer 2017

Andrew Rodin Head of School Gay Firestone Wray Chair for Leadership Roz Bolger Abero ’89 Assistant Head of School for External Affairs Katie Charles Director of Annual Giving & Stewardship Leslie Kornreich Feldman ’99 Director of Alumni Relations C. Ryan Joyce Director of Advancement Tina Pitts Advancement Coordinator Lydia Rodin Advancement Events Coordinator and The Bridge Editor Largo Photography Feature Photography Other photography and articles: PCDS students, faculty, and staff

For more timely coverage, The Bridge will now be published twice each calendar year—winter and summer.

A separate Annual Report on Philanthropy will also be sent each fall.

We welcome your comments and suggestions. Please email The Bridge at communications@pcds.org. © 2017 Phoenix Country Day School.

All rights reserved.

This Page: Kindergarten end-of-year “Mud Mania”

Contents ON THE COVER

18

Four members of the Middle School team became National Champions on June 23 at the 2017 National Speech & Debate Tournament in Birmingham, AL. From left are George Nassar (Storytelling), Ethan Lambert (Prose Interpretation and Dramatic Interpretation), C. Ryan Joyce (Coach of the Year), Victoria Moreno (Duo Interpretation) and Alexander Ashman (Duo Interpretation). The 30 Middle School students also won the Overall School of Excellence Award for Speech & Debate. The Upper School team, comprised of 10 students, earned the Speech School of Excellence Award.

Left: At the high school level, William Porter ‘17 won 2nd Place in the United States in Extemporaneous Speaking. Read about more Speech & Debate awards on page 18.

Inside this Issue: 2

Message from the Head of School

20 Message from the

Alumni Board President

3

Special Tribute: Mae Sue Talley— PCDS Remembers Its Founder

21

6

Next Up: Shepard Welcome Center

23 Golden Circle

8

THRIVE Update

24 College Destinations

10 Retirements

Alumni Events

22 2017 Alumnus of the Year

26 Senior Speeches

13

Faculty News and Notes

28 2017 Eagle Athletes Soar

15

Faculty and Staff Awards

29 Athletic Hall of Fame

17 Philanthropy 18

Eagles by the Numbers

31

Class Notes

40 Save the Date: Alumni Events

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.

SUMMER 2017 | 1

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

A

t our graduation in June, we again welcomed back to campus the Phoenix Country Day School Golden Circle—those esteemed members of the Eagle family who graduated 50 or more years ago. The time I get to spend each year with these special alumni is an occasion to which I look forward with great anticipation. As we walk together around the grounds, talking about their most memorable experiences, the most common refrain from them is always, “I can’t believe how far this place has come.”

As gratifying as it is to hear that—since we’ve all invested a great deal of time, talent, and treasure over the decades—the reality is that we would never have had the opportunity to do so if not for the scores of visionaries, like them and their parents, who came before us. As the saying goes, “We are standing on the shoulders of giants.”

Maybe the most formidable of those giants was Mae Sue Talley, our original flag-bearer, who is featured in this issue of The Bridge, and who will forever be in our hearts. Thanks to Mae Sue and a determined band of our founding mothers and fathers, we are able to enjoy the extraordinary experience that is modern-day PCDS. On behalf of our current community of teachers and learners, I offer my most sincere appreciation.

Andrew M. Rodin P ’19, ’19, ’25 Head of School Gay Firestone Wray Chair for Leadership 2 | PCDS THE BRIDGE

SPECIAL TRIBUTE

PCDS Remembers Its Founder On March 9, 2017, PCDS mourned the loss of our School’s founder Mae Sue Talley, who passed away at the age of 93.

PCDS shares this great loss with Arizona’s civic and business communities, upon which Mae Sue had an unparalleled impact over her long life.

accomplishments, Mae Sue was inducted into the Arizona Women’s Hall of Fame in 2016.

At her memorial service, Mae Sue’s son, Steven Talley, reUpon her passing, Head of marked that the opening of School Andrew Rodin wrote to Phoenix Country Day School the PCDS community: “Over was a family affair and that the years, I’ve written often his parents’ founding of the about Mae Sue, as it was School taught him valuable her vision that served as the lessons. Steve said, “I’ve so basis for the creation of our often remembered one of the School—which was originally most valuable lessons that I called Talley Academy. It was learned at Country Day. Back her strength and determinain 1961, on the evening before tion that helped us stay afloat PCDS opened, my family went through the early years. Along to inspect the newly-built the way, Mae Sue served as a campus. We discovered that visionary Board member and a every room had been left full proud parent to Steven ‘69 and of construction debris and was Pat ’70. She was also the recovered in dust. My parents cipient of the PCDS Honorary found some brooms, and all of “ Mae Sue was so interested in the Alumnus/a of the Year award us worked into the night until school she started, she not only in 2014.” every building was cleaned put up the original financing but and a number of scorpions had Beyond PCDS, Mae Sue was followed through with making sure been dealt with. Thanks to my recognized for her significant mother and father, the first the staff and trustees carried along role in building the greater thing I learned at PCDS wasn’t Phoenix community. She was that same passion for success.”

English or math or history. I was the publisher and editor of Bert Getz, friend and fellow trustee, who helped set PCDS taught that when you start the state’s oldest newspaper, on path to excellence in the early days something, you finish it and do The Arizonan; owned and reit right. If it isn’t right, roll up stored the Arizona Biltmore your sleeves and make it right, no matter how humble the hotel; and had a long and distinguished career advocating work. My mother and father often taught that lesson by for women’s rights in military service with NASA and the Department of Defense. In recognition of her extraordinary example during their lives.” n

Mae Sue’s famous query will always be in the hearts of those who carry on her legacy: “Do you think it’s possible to build a school, a really good school?”

Thanks to Mae Sue, the dream became a reality.

SUMMER 2017 | 3

SPECIAL TRIBUTE

Trustee Reflections on Talley’s Dream Taylor Burke (P’22, ’23, ’25) President Thanks to an incredibly generous and talented school community, PCDS has become more than simply a “really good school.”

Today PCDS is considered an elite independent school that has helped nurture thousands of promising students to become lifelong learners and successful, accomplished leaders over its 50+ year history.

Tracy Brennan (P’18, ’19) Executive Vice President As a Trustee, it has been incredibly rewarding to see Phoenix Country Day School continue to build upon Mae Sue Talley’s original vision and become a beacon of academic excellence in the Southwest.

Charlene Whitfill (P’15, ’17, ’24) Vice President - Trusteeship More than 50 years of PCDS graduates are successfully making an impact in their communities all over the world, proving true that Mae Sue helped build a “really good school.” With each year, we continue to build on Mae Sue’s dream: educating the whole child and creating curious, thoughtful individuals who better the world around them.

Paulette Dodson (P’17) Vice President - Audit A “really good school” prides itself on inspiring not just academic excellence but, perhaps more importantly, “really good people” who have a sense of ownership and accountability for their community, and who provide solutions for the most pressing of society’s problems.

4 | PCDS THE BRIDGE

Michelle Hosmar (P’13, ’16) Vice President Facilities Planning There is a definite link between learning and the environment in which you learn. What sets PCDS apart from the rest is its focus on building exceptional facilities around an innovative curriculum that looks to the future.

Donna Johnson (P’17) Vice President - Advancement As a trustee and parent of a 14-year “lifer” at PCDS, it is gratifying to hear the graduates speak of their passion and intention to make a difference in the world. PCDS produces global citizens: a mark of a “really good school.”

David Lewis (P’14, ’16, ’20, ’23) Vice President Finance/Operations Looking upon our top-notch faculty, dedicated staff, consistently excellent student body, beautiful campus, spectacular facilities, and other resources that are available to support the activities and further the aspirations of each of these groups, I think Mae Sue Talley’s query has been answered with a resounding “yes.”

Charles W. Shields (P’23) Vice President Finance/Investments The realization of Mae Sue’s dream now reaches far beyond the borders of the School. PCDS will continue to shape generations of future leaders, thinkers, and innovators.

of Building a “Really Good School” Jordan Rose (P’27, ’25)

Mae Sue’s vision made her an original in the Valley. She and her husband embodied the true spirit of philanthropy, resulting in the incredible School we all know and enjoy today.

Mae Sue and her family can know PCDS has surpassed her goal of “really good.” When CEOs from all over the world who are being asked to relocate to the Valley await assurance that their child has been accepted to PCDS before accepting their job, you know Mae Sue’s legacy has gone from good to great!

Nick Firestone ’84 (P’15, ’20)

Margaux Rosen (P’24, ’26)

I think the measure of a “really good school” is how well it prepares you for the next level.

Year after year, PCDS alumni continue to demonstrate how truly magnificent this place is.

In 1961, Mae Sue Talley took a big risk in creating an independent school in the Valley. Now this great School that she envisioned allows students of all ages to take their own risks and learn from them.

Don Dady (P’16, ’18, ’20)

Tracy Schwimmer (P’07, ’09) Adam Goodman (P’18, ’21, ’24) Mae Sue’s vision has inspired us to push beyond “really good” to become one of the premier independent schools in the country.

Tim Louis ’81 (P’14, ’17, ’22) PCDS has not been afraid to face the challenge of change and innovation in order to stay current, relevant, and a “really good school.” I laugh because PCDS is so much better than a “really good school.”

We’ve built on Mae Sue’s legacy by surpassing the concept of being a “really good school.”

We’ve become a great school by focusing on creating an environment, community, faculty, and curriculum that all work together while nurturing and engaging our students to become lifelong learners.

Lou Werner ’87 (P’24, ’28) That “really good school” came to fruition thanks to the will, generosity, and commitment of two generations hence; our community continues to build on the shoulders of those before us.

SUMMER 2017 | 5

THRIVE UPDATE

NEXT UP:

Shepard Welcome Center First Impressions Lead to Lasting Legacies

Rendering of new Shepard Welcome Center—south side

In 2014, PCDS launched its most ambitious Capital Campaign in school history: THRIVE. Just three short years later—two years ahead of schedule—the School is breaking ground on the fourth and final project of the Campaign: the Shepard Welcome Center.

What is the Shepard Welcome Center?

The front office building—known for most of its life as the Administration Building—opened in 1979 and has housed the Head of School and other offices ever since. The “Admin Building” was built for a significantly smaller institution when PCDS was merely 18 years old. The building was renamed Shepard Hall early in the THRIVE Campaign in memory of former PCDS parent Barry Shepard, who passed away in 2012.

Barry was the husband of Alex Shepard and father of Morgan ‘10 and Cole ’14 Shepard.

Why a New Building?

As it stands, administrative offices are spread across our forty acres of property, and our advancement and alumni offices occupy trailers at the far west end of campus. An expanded administrative space has been a recognized need for decades, and this new facility will create updated administrative and alumni work spaces, helping to facilitate critical collaboration among admissions, advancement, and school leadership.

6 | PCDS THE BRIDGE

From the welcoming handshake at the start of the day to the alumni office planning a regional reunion, our administration works tirelessly to assure that PCDS is filled with the best teachers, students, and staff. This building is a reflection of the professionalism that the School takes seriously.

First Impressions A family’s first impression of PCDS should reflect the excellence of our programs and faculty. Beyond housing several administrative teams, the new Shepard Welcome Center will serve as an impressive “front door” to our exceptional campus, offering a facility that can make our community proud. In addition, an alumni mentorship suite will provide an alumnicentric hub that showcases PCDS’s decades of graduates.

Excellence will be apparent from the moment a new family arrives on campus or when an alumnus/a returns home, exemplifying the School’s efforts to keep pushing forward while embracing its remarkable history.

Teaching Lab One of the most exciting components of the Shepard Welcome Center is a one-of-a-kind classroom that puts on display our reason for existing: teachers and students. This innovative, state-of-the-art Teaching Lab will be visible from the lobby of the Welcome Center. As our community and visitors pass through the building, they will have the opportunity to catch— and even hear—a class in action, be it a Lower School math class, a Middle School technology class, or an Upper School seminar on race relations. Regardless of the subject matter, the Teaching Lab is meant to give teachers the opportunity to try something new to maximize student engagement. This philosophy reflects our growth mindset—the notion that we all grow through taking risks, building confidence, and striving to always improve.

At the Shepard Welcome Center groundbreaking ceremony in May 2017, Upper School English and Master Teacher Andrea Avery spoke on behalf of the faculty about what the Teaching Lab means to her. Dr. Avery, part of the original cohort of Master Teachers recognized for their innovative approach to classroom instruction, explained that positioning the Teaching Lab just off the lobby of the new building will showcase our first-rate teachers and students. “This space is a reflection of what we believe in at PCDS: experimentation, innovation, and collaboration.” Teachers are encouraged to try new techniques and approaches, both through new technology and absent any technology. “This space is not a performance space for the flawless execution of pitch-perfect lesson plans,” Dr. Avery points out. “It’s a learning studio, not a gallery or a concert hall. That means that a visitor might see or hear figurative spilled paint, stray marks, or wrong notes.

But like an art or music studio, it is in this space where we practice, refine, reflect, and deconstruct the work we do, and then we find ever more effective and innovative ways to do it.”

“ By creating a space where teachers and students can try new things, and by putting it up front where visitors can see and hear learning in progress, we encourage creative risk-taking in our pedagogy and thoughtful discussions among our community members about how we teach and learn.”

Dr. Andrea Avery, Upper School English and Master Teacher

Alumni Home The building will house our Alumni Relations program and will include a special conference room that features alumni history. In addition, PCDS history will be represented in a number of thoughtful ways throughout the building.

Timeframe Demolition of the existing Shepard Hall administrative building will happen this summer, with the new space planned to open in the spring of 2018! However, fundraising is not finished…naming opportunities remain available. Your contribution to the THRIVE Campaign ensures that our PCDS mission is fulfilled as we provide a second-to-none experience for students, families, and alumni.

What’s Next The Shepard Welcome Center is the final building project of the THRIVE Campaign, and provided that our goals are met, we plan to officially close the THRIVE Campaign at this year’s Blue & Gold celebration on October 20, where we look forward to sunsetting the School’s largest and most historic Campaign with our entire community. n

Rendering of new entrance to campus and Shepard Welcome Center—north side

SUMMER 2017 | 7

DADY AQUATIC & TENNIS CENTER $8.5M — OPENED AUGUST 2014

DON’T MISS OUT! F R I D AY, O C T O B E R 2 0 , 2 0 1 7

Features an Olympic-sized competition pool, a smaller teaching pool, and new tennis courts

T H E 5 0 T H A N N UA L B LU E & G O L D C E L E B R AT I O N AND THE OFFICIAL CLOSE O F T H E T H R I V E C A M PA I G N THRIVE is the School’s largest Capital Campaign to date. As always, Blue & Gold will have a dedicated space to host alumni and their families.

NAJAFI GYMNASIUM & GARVIN FAMILY WALK OF CHAMPIONS — $7M — OPENED OCTOBER 2015 Expanded gymnasium, new locker rooms, event space, and tribute wall to athletes

JANUARY 2014 LEADERSHIP PHASE

$0

$2M

OCTOBER 2014 PUBLIC LAUNCH AT BLUE & GOLD

$4M

$6M

$8M

$10M

COMPREHENSIVE THE LARGEST

8 | PCDS THE BRIDGE

$12

SHIN CENTER FOR ART, SCIENCE & INNOVATION $4M — OPENED AUGUST 2016

SHEPARD WELCOME CENTER $3.6M — COMING SPRING 2018

Updated science labs, maker spaces, and art rooms create a hub of innovation for Middle and Upper School students

Will provide a new front entrance to campus, teaching lab, and alumni mentoring suite

NAME YOUR LEGACY NA M I N G O P P O R T U N I T I E S I N C LU D E : CONFERENCE ROOMS

ENDOWMENT ONGOING The endowment ensures the School’s financial strength for years to come

OFFICE SUITES

T E N N I S C O U RT S

POOL LANES

SCHOLARSHIPS

SCOREB OARDS

FA C U LT Y C H A I R S

For a full list of naming opportunities visit pcds.org/THRIVE

MANY THANKS TO THOSE WHO HAVE HELPED US REACH ALMOST $23M IN PLEDGES AS OF JUNE 2017

2M

$14M

$16M

$18M

$20M

$22M

OCTOBER 2017 OFFICIAL CLOSE OF CAMPAIGN AT BLUE & GOLD

$24M

C A M PA I G N I N S C H O O L H ISTORY

SUMMER 2017 | 9

FACULTY NEWS AND NOTES

PCDS Bids Farewell to Almost a Century of Service Lance Coon (35 years), Mike Swingler (29 years), and Jackie Lee (29 years)

Lance Coon, Upper School English Teacher—35 Years

by Jenny Treadway, Upper School Dean of Students

T

hirty-five years ago Mr. Coon rode into town listening to “I Love Rock and Roll” by Joan Jett and reading The Color Purple by Alice Walker. He arrived at the PCDS Upper School escaping cold Ohio winters and looking for an opportunity to pass on his love for English and literature to high school students. This year he leaves us with fond memories and decades of students who, thanks to him, discovered a love for the knowledge he imparted.

Mr. Coon is smart and he really cares. He knows all of his students’ names even before they walk through his doorway.

And, if you need the name and corresponding graduating year of any of his past students, he can immediately tell you.

Anyone who has spent time with Mr. Coon has had the privilege of his wit, compassion, wisdom, and warmth.

Any student who has had the honor of sitting in his classroom or walking with him in the quad will recognize these favorite “Coonisms”: ooda-booda; hummina-hummina; let’s scurry to class, people; if you’re going to be late, at least arrive out of breath; no yawning; and quiz formation, please. We will all miss the sound of his bell calling us to hustle to class.

Mr. Coon has managed to convey his love for literature through a variety of classes. Some favorites included: 1984 and Other Nightmares (a dystopian literature class teamtaught with Paul Schweikher); Shakespeare performance class (team-taught with Keith Burns); Time Out (books with non-linear chronology); Russian Novels (because he always wanted to try teaching Tolstoy and Dostoevsky together); and a Hemingway, Faulkner, Fitzgerald elective (three of his favorite American authors).

Not only did he add so much to all of our students’ knowledge, he impacted and changed our School in so many ways. He served as an assistant basketball coach, directed three plays, acted in four student plays and six faculty plays, started the PCDS chapter of SEED (a national diversity and inclusivity organization), taught one of the first three AP classes ever offered at PCDS (as well as one of the last), and maintains connections with several hundred of his former students.

Our Renaissance man will be dearly missed. We all continue to look forward to his presence at our athletic games, accompanied by the love of his life, Judy Mitchell. In the meantime, you will find him in his favorite place, Greer, Arizona, reading Faulkner and Chaucer, as well as working on perfecting a nap.

On the wall of that cabin hangs Mr. Coon’s motto, written

by William Butler Yeats, in the poem “Innisfree”: “And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow.”

How appropriate?!

We will miss you, Lance Coon—thank you for all you have done for our entire PCDS community.

10 | PCDS THE BRIDGE

Mike Swingler, Upper School Science Teacher—29 Years

by Catherine Smith, former Upper School Science teacher

E

nergetic physics minds cannot be created or destroyed, but they can be transformed with the correct input of heat, work, and the inspiration of a truly extraordinary teacher.

Mike Swingler’s brilliance of mind, enthusiasm, and dedication did just that for more than a generation (and probably at least 10 raised to the third power) of physics students at PCDS. Mr. Swingler made physics real and meaningful for his students—they worked, hands-on, through the principles and processes in the labs using weights, tuning forks, lasers, telescopes, fire, and ice; they worked through problems with calculators in hand and Fred (that brave stick man) once again in mortal peril; and they competed and won the State Science Bowl Championship for many years under his able guidance.

Mr. Swingler put the cat in catapult, he measured the easy weight loss benefits of traveling to the center of the earth, and in his classroom, pigs really could fly!

We might remember Mr. Swingler best for his Einsteinesque looks and locks, or his crazy word problems, or perhaps his color-challenged vision of the world (he once drew a picture of Oliver Marsden ‘16 on the board with green hair and didn’t notice that anything was wrong*). However, we must not forget the years of service he put in as Coordinator for the junior class, calmly managing many a prom from behind * If you have not had the good fortune to know Oliver, he is a fiery red-head, or, in simpler terms, the proud owner of two MC1R genes.

the scenes, and of course being the mastermind behind the famous and incredibly profitable rummage sales the juniors used to put on in Burch Hall (sneezing all the while, as he was terribly allergic to the dust and mold that came along with the attic treasures donated to the sale…). As Science Department Chair, Mr. Swingler’s vision for the discipline helped the sciences grow by leaps and bounds, adding many new electives and lab courses such as Anatomy and Physiology and Environmental Science. He made sure that all PCDS students left the School with a well-rounded exposure to the field.

Mr. Swingler’s commitment to his students was legendary.

Often before the sun was up, he could be found already in his classroom, either setting up a fun demo or—most importantly—working with students, one-on-one or in small groups. Ever patient and kind, and with a true gift for explaining what often seemed like the unexplainable, Mr. Swingler opened the eyes of innumerable students to the world beyond what we can see and inspired a great many of them to pursue careers in STEM. I am afraid PCDS will have to brace itself for the reality of the Second Law of Thermodynamics for in Mr. Swingler’s absence, chaos and disorder will likely increase.

(continued on page 12)

SUMMER 2017 | 11

FACULTY NEWS AND NOTES

Jackie Lee, Middle School Assistant—29 Years

by Mort Dukehart, former Head of Middle School

A

consummate professional, Jackie Lee was far more than

an assistant in the six years I was fortunate enough to work with her as the Middle School Head. Ms. Lee knew the workings of the Middle School like the back of her hand.

Discrete, confidential, and technically excellent, she kept the Middle School (and its “old school” head) on top of the myriad details that only a school division comprised of 10-14 year olds and their parents can cause. She was the gatekeeper, a trusted confidant, and a superior planner. For me she was always making sure the Middle School and its Head were prepared

(not an easy task) for any actuality, and there were many.

Ms. Lee had my back in every instance, but we also had lots of fun together (just ask Liz Olson, Middle School Math teacher).

Whether we agreed or disagreed on issues, I always respected her thoughts and opinions.

Jackie Lee was all of these things that I have noted above. But in the final estimation, she is a person whom I value and respect deeply. Jackie Lee took her craft very seriously and devoted herself to her students and the entire PCDS community. n

The Middle School Citizenship Award was renamed in her honor. It is now called the Jackie Lee Citizenship Award and is given to one Middle School student in each grade per year.

“ Each and every day, you get us ready to go. You make sure we have what we need to serve the students. And along the way, you exude such respect, care, and compassion for everyone in the Middle School.

You make our Middle School such a special place.”

Ben Sullivan, Head of Middle School 12 | PCDS THE BRIDGE

FACULTY NEWS AND NOTES

PCDS’s Storyteller: Dr. Andrea Avery

by Alana Francis-Crow ‘17 When we reduce complex lives to simple, reductive narratives, we strip people of their humanity. When I was a sophomore, my English teacher, Dr. Andrea Avery, PCDS resident fashion icon and board game aficionado, showed my class a TED talk by Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie titled “The Danger of a Single Story.” Adichie taught us about the problem with portraying all African people as a homogeneous group of impoverished victims. That day, Dr. Avery reminded us of how full the world becomes when we dive into real stories and push past stereotypes.

This year, Dr. Avery released her debut memoir called Sonata: A Memoir of Pain and the Piano that explores the ways in which her rheumatoid arthritis affected her life, especially her dreams of being a classical pianist. In her book, Dr. Avery presents a story that is rich in complexity and authenticity, and that challenges our presumptions about arthritis and disability. It’s incredible that PCDS students get to have a real-life published author walking amongst them every day, especially one who is so committed to her students. In order to help her students “cultivate writing as a tool they can turn to throughout their lives,” Dr. Avery focused her Ph.D. dissertation on the relationship tenth-graders have with writing and what makes them identify as writers. Even if they do not all identify as such, Dr. Avery likes to quote her own high school English teacher who said, “The writer is the person who wrote today.” Dr. Avery’s advice to aspiring writers is to “put words on the page as often as you can—no matter how scary doing so might be.” I can’t wait to see what words she puts out into the world next.

“ Dr. Avery doesn’t just talk about the importance of telling real stories, she teaches by example.

This year, she released her debut memoir, Sonata.”

MASTER TEACHER PROGRAM In 2015, PCDS began the Master Teacher Program to complement the work of the Department Chairs.

The select Master Teachers help each faculty member to be as engaging and as effective in the classroom as possible through sharing and by supporting one another in the ever-evolving art of teaching.

Master Teachers spend as many as 10 additional hours each week observing the work of other teachers and having conversations with them about their connections with students.

The new Shepard Hall Teaching Lab will compliment this program. This special classroom will be occupied and available to all faculty, including the Master Teacher cohort, who will help in the design and implementation of this unique space.

The first group of Master Teachers, chosen in 2015, spent the majority of their first year creating, with the support of the entire PCDS faculty, the Portrait of a PCDS Classroom (similar to our Portraits of a Lower, Middle, and Upper School Graduate.) The 2015 Master Teacher group of Andrea Avery, US English; Liz Olson, MS Math; and Nichole Pope, LS Teacher will be joined this year by Lynetta Binger, US Science; Kelly Butler, MS History; and Hallie Mueller, US Art.

SUMMER 2017 | 13

FACULTY NEWS AND NOTES

Here’s What Happened Outside of the Classroom In November, Lower School Music teacher Dr. Carla CoseGiallella presented “Let’s Play Orff!” at the American Orff Schulwerk Music Conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Dr. Cose-Giallella taught other music educators from around the country how to utilize musical play for young children.

“Dr. G” is an early childhood specialist, active clinician, and she teaches the Orff Schulwerk courses at Arizona State University and Florida State University.

Lynetta Binger, US Science; Kelly Butler, MS History; and Hallie Mueller, US Art will join the existing three PCDS Master Teachers this fall and continue the advancement of education at PCDS.

From July 20-22 Upper School History instructor Dave Martin will be in Washington, D.C. participating in the National Seminar for High School Educators sponsored by the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation. This opportunity is being graciously underwritten by PCDS alumnus Zeb Portanova ‘97, and his mother, Linda Noyes.

On May 8, 2017, Upper School English teacher Dr. Andrea Avery received her Ed.D in Leadership and Innovation from the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University.

Top: Master Teachers Lynetta Binger, Kelly Butler and Hallie Mueller. Bottom, from left: “Let’s Play Orff!” with Dr. Cose-Giallella; Dave Martin teaching history to Upper School students; Dr. Avery at her graduation from ASU

14 | PCDS THE BRIDGE

PCDS Controller Stephanie McLachlan and substitute teacher Kathy Scott played in the Tenth Annual Margarita Tennis tournament in Anthem, AZ in March. Ms. Scott’s team placed second in their division, and Ms. McLachlan’s team was their division’s victor. “It was a great weekend of tennis and camaraderie,” said Ms. McLachlan.

Middle School Spanish teacher Hannah Willis is engaged to Parker Fox. Ms. Willis reports that her wedding will be taking place in Cleveland, OH during winter break 2017.

In May 2017, Middle School English teacher Chris Eriksen performed with the Phoenix Symphony. It was a show featuring the best of Rogers and Hammerstein.

PCDS FACULTY AND STAFF AWARDS 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.

This year’s recipients were as follows: Mike Swingler, US Science The Dorrance Family Chair for Science Award was presented in 2016 and has a three-year term.

Kelly Butler, MS History The Loback Family Chair for History Award was presented in 2016 and has a three-year term.

Julie Larrea, MS English The Spence T. and Ann Olin Foundation Chair for English Award presented in 2017 and has a three-year term.

Andy McKean, LS Technology Rex Allison Chair for Excellence in Teaching Award presented in 2017 and is named annually.

Pedro Ramos, Groundskeeper Korzay-Tashman Staff Award Presented in 2017 and has a two-year term.

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.

Julie Fine, Pam Gagner, Lynn Quartermaine and Jaime Sheridan, Kindergarten Korzay-Tashman Faculty Award Presented in 2016 and has a two-year term.

Top, from left: Stephanie McLachlan and Kathy Scott at the Tenth Annual Margarita Tennis tournament; Hannah Willis and her fiancé.

Bottom: Chris Eriksen (on left) performing with the Phoenix Symphony

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 remember for the rest of their lives—a leader among leaders and an inspiration to others.

SUMMER 2017 | 15

FACULTY NEWS AND NOTES On May 13, 2017, Lower School teacher Joanna Wisniewska graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Master’s degree in Bilingual and Multicultural Education with an emphasis in ESL. When Joanna was eight years old, her family immigrated to the United States from Poland. As a child who learned English as a second language, she initially struggled in school until she was instructed by teachers who really believed in her and helped her reach her full potential. It was this experience early on in her life that inspired Joanna to work with students and provide them with the same support and encouragement. As a teacher, Joanna strives to create a nurturing and supportive environment where all of her students can succeed. She believes that instruction needs to be differentiated, student driven, and hands-on, while also promoting critical thinking, and providing students opportunities to be immersed in the subject they are studying. Joanna plans to travel abroad this summer. She looks forward to immersing herself in a different culture and experiencing different perspectives on how English Language Learners master material best in other countries. She is also working on a children’s picture book about coming to America and overcoming obstacles that arise with starting over in a new country. Joanna is leaving the program at NAU better prepared to be a leader and advocate at PCDS. The skills she has acquired over the last two years will help her serve the entire PCDS community, especially her students.

FACULTY BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Olivia James Fine was born on December 10, 2016 to LS teacher Julie Fine and her husband, Russell.

Robert “Bobby” Lincoln Charles, Jr was born on December 13, 2016 to Director of Annual Giving and Stewardship Katie Charles; her husband, Bob; and sister Reagan, age 2.

Theodore (Teddy) James Lopez Lewis was born on February 3, 2017 to US teacher Nathan Lewis; his wife, Christina; and sister Maya, age 7.

Giana Elizabeth Eden was born on February 13, 2017 to LS teacher Sasha Eden and her husband, Tony.

Wolfgang Alexander Dawson was born February 23, 2017 to LS teacher Nichole Dawson and her husband, Jeremy.

Caroline Taylor Hathaway was born April 14, 2017 to US College Counselor Meg Hathaway and her husband, Mike.

16 | PCDS THE BRIDGE

We Did It!

Thank you to our incredible families, alumni, faculty, and staff for supporting PCDS during fiscal year July 2016-June 2017

Annual Fund

$793,699 1,888 77% 100%

Total Dollars Raised Total Donations Parent Participation Board of Trustees, Faculty & Staff, and Alumni Board Participation

THRIVE Campaign

$24,000,000

Goal for Campaign, Launched October of 2014

$22,726,217

Dollars Raised between October 2014 and June 2017

PCDS Tax Credit

$675,508 416 $1,897,334

Total Individual Dollars Raised Total Donations Total Corporate Dollars Raised during 2016

To learn more about PCDS philanthropy and the transformational impact of these donations, please visit www.pcds.org/support-pcds SUMMER 2017 | 17

RECAP

Eagle Accomplishments By the Numbers SPEECH & DEBATE

1

1

#1 Lincoln-Douglas Debater in the Country (US)

2nd place finisher at Nationals (US)

Coach of the Year (MS)

3rd Best Congressional Debater in the Country (US)

National Champions (MS)

Top 20 National rankings for both Upper and Middle School

#1 National rankings for the Middle School team

National Finalists between Upper and Middle School students

1

4 2

1

4

51

Below: Middle School championship team at the National Speech & Debate Tournament in Birmingham, AL this past June

18 | PCDS THE BRIDGE

MUSIC PROGRAM

THEATRE*

Jazz students earned over $1,000 in tips in New Orleans

Spring Musical Production of The Little Mermaid

3rd Place Bass Vocalist in the State

MS and US students participated

4th Place winner of the Phoenix Youth Concerto Competition

Individuals nominated for the ASU Gammage High School Musical Theatre Awards

20 1 1 1

Champion of Music Nova Concerta Competition

1

64 7 1

1

Winner for Best Lighting Design at ASU Gammage High School Musical Theatre Awards

2

ATHLETICS – INDIVIDUAL*

1

All-Regional Players of the Year

2

State Champion Runner-up

1

Top 25 State Finisher

Four-year member of the Western Regional Orchestra Two-year members of the Western Regional Orchestra One-year member of the Western Regional Orchestra Two-year members of the All-State Orchestra High Honors at the Solo & Ensemble Festival

2 1 1

6

All-Region Players First Team

5

All-Region Players Second Team

7

All-Region Honorable Mention ATHLETICS – TEAM*

1

State Playoff Semifinalist

3

State Playoff Quarterfinalists

3

State Playoff Qualifiers

7

Middle School Champions of the Mountain Valley Athletic League * These awards are January-June 2017 versus 2016-2017 School Year.

SUMMER 2017 | 19

MESSAGE FROM THE ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT Dear Fellow Eagles, The 2016-17 school year was another memorable one for PCDS alumni, with recording-breaking attendance at nearly all of our events. We also experienced our highest alumni participation to date in the PCDS Annual Fund, but we didn’t stop there. Below are a few of the highlights from the year: • The 2016 Annual Alumni Holiday Party (over 350 in attendance) • Los Angeles Alumni Gathering at the beautiful home of Christopher Walker ’65 with special guests Rhett Reese ’87 and Paul Wernick ’90, writers of the hit film Deadpool

ALUMNI BOARD 2016-2017 Augustine H. Gomez ‘99 President Carolina Lopez ‘82 Vice President Tiffany Westlie Pondelik ‘00 Secretary

• Inaugural San Francisco Alumni Gathering • Second Alumni Masters’ Lecture, featuring longtime Upper School English teacher Lance Coon • An Evening with Time Magazine Reporter Elizabeth Dias ‘04 • Alumni Spring Weekend 2017 featuring a welcome cocktail reception, Athletic Hall of Fame Induction, alumni campus tours, the beautiful Bridge-the-Gap Celebration, and special nods to our reunion classes • Stanley Casselman ‘81 was named Outstanding Alumnus of the Year

Greg Haus ‘79

• Largest Golden Circle celebration to date

Nicole Blaustein Spracale ‘87

• Nearly 100 alumni registered in the PCDS:Connect Mentorship Program

Clarissa Simek Robinson ‘88 Sarah Vieh Dworkin ‘98 Aylin Tashman Kim ‘99 Gilbert Armenta ‘00 Ali Hicks LeClair ‘01 Elizabeth Reahard Oviedo ‘04

What a year for the PCDS Alumni Association! On behalf of the Alumni Board, I would like to thank everyone who attended our events and participated in PCDS-related activities. We are thankful for your engagement and look forward to making more memories—well beyond our days in the “Quad”!

Sincerely,

Alex Ashby ‘05 Bryan McLaren ‘05 Ben McRae ‘07 Caitlin Wilenchik ‘08 Eric Fram ‘09 Sophia Boyer ‘10 Adam Sidi ‘14 Calvin Hamilton ‘17 Mina Rodriguez ‘17

Right: Alumni representing the 1970s and 1980s enjoying themselves at the 2016 Annual Alumni Holiday Party

20 | PCDS THE BRIDGE

Augustine H. Gomez ‘99

Eagles Flocking Together

Our recent alumni events have provided wonderful opportunities for our graduates to reunite

Rhett Reese ‘87, Kevin Wernick ‘87, Kristopher Stathakis ‘87, Lou Werner ‘87, and Paul Wernick ‘90 at the January Los Angeles Alumni Gathering hosted by Christopher Walker ‘65

Elizabeth Dias ‘04 speaking to alumni and parents about her career at Time Magazine

Peter Curzon ‘04, Aaron Packer ‘04, Lesley Marincola ‘04, Lance Coon, Ryan Schubert ‘04, and Mark Semegen ‘04 at the San Francisco Alumni Gathering

Christine Bonanno ‘87, Karen Brink ‘87, and Nicole Spracale ‘87 at their reunion during Bridge-the-Gap

Alumni Masters’ Lecture Series with Lance Coon

Tope Owoyemi ‘97 and Kate Ferris ‘99 at Bridge-the-Gap

SUMMER 2017 | 21

CLAIM TO

FAME

2017 Outstanding Alumnus of the Year:

Stanley Casselman ‘81

From left: 1981 PCDS yearbook photo; twelve Upper School Art students in a Master Class with the artist in April; Stanley in his studio

Phoenix Country Day School was proud to name Stanley Casselman ’81 as the 2017 Outstanding Alumnus of the Year.

Stanley, a graduate of Pitzer College who resides in New York City, is an acclaimed artist whose work has been featured in solo exhibitions from Vienna to Florida to California, and in group exhibitions throughout the United States, Canada, Asia, and Europe. Stanley’s work has been favorably reviewed by The New York Times, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and New York magazine, among other publications.

Stanley’s unique method includes squeegees and sharp metallic blades, which he uses to spread vivid paint colors vertically and horizontally at varying strengths. The PCDS art faculty selected 12 Upper School students to participate in a day-long “Master Class” this past April in which Stanley taught them his innovative technique.

In tandem with challenging academics and a strong athletics program, Phoenix Country Day School values the intellectual and creative growth that can be found within its robust arts programs. The arts at PCDS allows students to explore their creative sides and to grow in their own methods of selfexpression. We are proud that Stanley’s interest in art began within a Phoenix Country Day School ceramics class taught by Mr. Jim Cook, and we were delighted to honor him for his contributions to the art world and for his support of our students.

22 | PCDS THE BRIDGE

Stanley was formally honored during the Outstanding Alumnus of the Year Luncheon in conjunction with Alumni Spring Weekend, held the weekend of April 28-29, 2017.

The art piece donated by Stanley for the 2017 PCDS Bridgethe-Gap auction is pictured to the right of the students in the photo above.

Upon reflection of his time back on campus with our students, Stanley shared: “What an experience. I anticipated that it might be fun to return to PCDS to teach a group of students the ABCs of my practice, but it turned out to be a whole lot more.

After sharing a few of the basics, the students not only got it, but in each and every case they started to make it their own. My practice is about discovering what’s new, expanding the language of what’s possible through color, line, and form. I didn’t anticipate that I’d see results tantamount to reinventing what I’d pioneered, but across the board they produced beautiful and completely original works.

I had no idea of the joy I could feel watching and assisting another to discover and create. I can’t wait to do it again! Amazing kids. Amazing experience!”

Thank YOU, Stanley. We can’t wait to have you back next year to work with another group of fortunate students! n

Golden Circle 2017

Remembering Victor D. Feeney ‘67 and honoring Emma Sheridan ‘17 Each year, during the Upper School Awards Assembly, one member of the senior class is given an award in memory of a special alumnus. The Victor D. Feeney Award is bestowed upon a student who exudes well roundedness, a strong work ethic, and an affable demeanor.

Victor D. Feeney ’67 distinguished himself through his commitment to school life. After graduating from PCDS, Victor received his B.A. degree from Princeton and his JD degree from the University of Denver. Throughout his young life, Victor displayed a contagious enthusiasm for living and a true love for academics, sports, and his fellow man. Victor died in 1980 after a battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

This year’s Victor D. Feeney Awardee, Emma Sheridan ’17, had the opportunity to meet many of Victor’s classmates as they celebrated their Golden Circle induction during the evening of Upper School graduation. In honor of what would

have been Victor’s 50th high school reunion, Victor’s classmate Fritz Henze ‘67, who funds the annual Victor D. Feeney Award, reflected on his beloved classmate: “[Victor’s] early demise was tragic. Funding this student award in his memory was simply something I did for a good friend of all 19 of us in the class of 1967, as well as for his siblings and mother. Victor’s siblings—Ellen ‘69, Mary Gail ‘71 and John ‘75—all were at PCDS during our era and were our friends or acquaintances. My gift in his honor is meant to provide a small, yet enduring, remembrance. He was a wonderful guy.“ We were delighted to welcome back to campus eight members of the class of 1967, as well as two members of the class of 1965 for this year’s Golden Circle festivities. We look forward to honoring the class of 1968 in conjunction with their 50th reunion next year. n

Members of the Class of 1967 with 2017 Victor D. Feeney Award Winner Emma Sheridan ‘17. Back row, left to right: Fritz Henze, John Hazelton, Steve Warrenburg, Emma Sheridan, Robert Backer, Marc Brooks. Front row, left to right: Joan Hay, Les Muray, Suzanne Smith Williams

SUMMER 2017 | 23

COLLEGE DESTINATIONS 2017

Congratulations to the PCDS Class of 2017!

Sofia Ahmed Scripps College

Madison Alexis Cook The University of Arizona

Mason A. Fritz Earlham College

David Chukwuemeka Anaeme Washington University in St. Louis

Matthew Ryan Corsillo Ringling College of Art & Design

Lara Nicolette Gemar Emory University

Gillian Elizabeth Barfield Gonzaga University

D. Nicholas Currault III California Institute of Technology

Mahmeer Alam Halepota Arizona State University

Andri Bonadurer Boston University

Amelia K. D’Avanzo University of Utah

Calvin Reid Hamilton University of Redlands

Annalise Rose Bracher Duke University

Samuel David Damore Colorado College

Gerardo J. Hernandez University of Southern California

Caitlyn Porter Brown Arizona State University

Madison Carter Dever Southern Methodist University

Emma Catherine Herold Duke University

Wally Brown III Menlo College

Julius Burke Dodson Williams College

Greyson Hutchinson Occidental College

Jamie Lynn Campbell University of Southern California

Iris S. Druch The University of Arizona

Maxwell Morgan Johnson University of Chicago

Adam William Cherilla Arizona State University

David Farca Cruz Chapman University

Hanaa Sultana Khan ASU, Barrett, The Honors College

Aidan Timothy Clark Loyola Marymount College

Alana Alexandra Francis-Crow University of California, Los Angeles

Kevin Douglas Kirsch Emory University

24 | PCDS THE BRIDGE

Miles Christian Kohler Hofstra University

Simon Oliver Olschansky ASU, Barrett, The Honors College

Samuel Frank Svejda ASU, Barrett, The Honors College

Samuel Phillip Powles Lett University of Southern California

Aaron Robert Ossias University of California, San Diego

Hong Jun Justin Tee ASU, Barrett, The Honors College

Janae Ann Lewis ASU, Barrett, The Honors College

Ashcon Donavon Partovi University of British Columbia

Grant S. Logan ASU, Barrett, The Honors College

Evan Frazier Andrew Pittman Brown University

Tisa Tehranchi California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Daisey Martinez Alavez Arizona State University

William Reed Porter Tufts University

Shelby C. McDermott Tulane University

Alexa Avery Portigal Northeastern University

Nicholas Connor Meath Arizona State University

Alexander Reaves Yale-NUS College

Parker Jon Whitfill University of Chicago

Austin Eldon Sechler Merkel Texas Christian University

Mina Angel Rodriguez Howard University

Alex Willett Savannah College of Art & Design

Meyla Milian-Sanchez Texas Christian University

Emma Ann Sheridan Pomona College

Elizabeth Ross Williamson McGill University

Hannah Mae Miller Harvard University

Edison Vincent Siu Arizona State University

Howard Branch Williamson Arizona State University

Christopher Bryton Neck Louisiana State University

Amanda Catherine Slate University of Southern California

Jordon Joseph Wong ASU, Barrett, The Honors College

Armando Nido ASU, Barrett, The Honors College

Maximillian Viktor Svejda Humboldt-Universitat Berlin

Olivia M. Zimmerman Northwestern University

Spencer Lee Thompson Texas Christian University Spencer James Wand Butler University Madeleine Joers West Texas Christian University

PCDS LIFERS: CLASS OF 2017 These students attended Phoenix Country Day School from pre-k or kindergarten through their senior year. “ P CDS will never stop pushing its students to help others.

They have given us so much, in terms of both skills and opportunities, the least they can ask from us is that we pay it forward.”

Parker Whitfill ’17; University of Chicago ‘21

“Being a lifer at PCDS is about having a second family— one that loves, supports, and challenges you. I know without PCDS I could not have become the person I am today, and though I am physically leaving campus, I know I will always be a part of the community that helped raise me.”

Max Johnson ’17; University of Chicago ‘21

Back row, left to right: Aaron Ossias, Alexa Portigal, Adam Cherilla, David Farca. Kneeling: Nick Meath, Max Johnson, Parker Whitfill

SUMMER 2017 | 25

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Senior Speeches

A PCDS Tradition and a Look Back Through the Years of Impactful Topics Phoenix Country Day School has long valued the skill of public speaking. Since our inception, students have memories of preparing speeches that were read aloud to fellow classmates as a means of preparing them for future speaking opportunities that arise. In 1990, this longstanding tradition was formalized with the Senior Speech program, which made public speaking (in front of the Upper School student body and faculty) a graduation requirement. Beginning in 1996, at the conclusion of each year, the faculty votes for the most impactful speech, and that student is given the Margaret Madden Senior Speech Award, which comes with the opportunity to speak on behalf of one’s classmates at Upper School graduation. Named after former Head of School Margaret Madden, the Senior Speech Award winners have delivered addresses on a wide range of personal, philosophical, humorous, political, sociological, and timely topics.

“Being black is not what defines me; unfortunately, being black is how others will always define me.

The short seventeen years that I have lived are stretched into hundreds of long strenuous years full of oppression and misinterpretation. In this age of flowing information and interconnectedness—ignorance is no excuse for racism.”

Julius Dodson, 2017 Margaret Madden Senior Speech Award Winner

26 | PCDS THE BRIDGE

We are proud to recall the impressively varied topics of the Senior Speech Award Winners from the early 1990s to the present.* 2017

Julius Dodson

Black Excellence

2016

Oliver Marsden & Jason Greenfield

A joint speech/performance/improv about the depth of relationships

2015 Jorge Manzanares

The hurdles he faced due to his undocumented status. His speech was a bittersweet recollection of pursing the American Dream, valuing education, doing the right things, but still finding life to be full of obstacles

2014 Ashlynn Miller

Being at war with herself because of the media’s pushing of stereotypes, specifically of African Americans and women

2013

The long road to accepting himself as the child of a black mom and a white dad

Chris Puglisi

2012 Rachel Rummel

“Not Milk?” A speech that compelled listeners to learn more about what they are really eating and drinking

2011 Allison Puglisi

A speech recalling an unforgettable trip to Kigali, Rwanda with a history of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and her hopes for the global community

2010

“Those, We Don’t Speak Of”—bringing voice to taboos

Zachary McVay

2009 Jack Schwimmer &

Teodora Vidolova

Jack described how music gives him joy and compelled fellow students to participate in activities that they enjoy, and not in activities they or others “think they should”; Teodora spoke about the differences between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation

2008

The science, psychology, and cultural value of eyes

Deepa Rao

2007 Max Schwimmer

An ode to the saxophone—its imperfections give it a more human quality, allowing it to be a medium for great art

2006

“For the Germanity of it All”—a speech focusing on how she is proud to be German

Sandra Theis

2005 Danah Al-Sulaihim

& Danielle Skloven

Danah spoke about the difficulties of being Arab-American and finding her own identity; Danielle’s speech focused on how her spirituality was instilled in her through her grandfathers—one Jewish, one Episcopalian

2004

Elizabeth Reahard

“The Queen Bee and Me”—anatomy of middle school and high school female cliques

2003

Lauren Limbert

“On Balance, On Life”—her battle with clinical depression

2002

Claudia Gonzalez

Fear of failure and rising above expectations

2001 Meredith Garagiola

Just as we become individuals by our own qualities and experiences, so must we also recognize the importance of the communities to which we belong in shaping our identity

2000 Zachary Oakland

“Archetype of the Self”—From Zachary: “The powers that be, ourselves, our gods. These mandalas, these symbolic images, these figures will always be there, it is not for us to create them. For we do not create our own existence, we only choose what will become of it.”

1999

The dichotomy between science and religion

Michael Kahn

1998 Katie Potter

Katie spoke about her mom’s passing and how we, like the stars, never really die but live on in the lives of all those we touch

1997 Tope Owoyemi

Tope relayed the dissonance he experienced processing the differences between the neighborhood and elementary school in which he was raised compared to PCDS; he also focused on his relationship with his father and his extraordinary efforts raising him as a single parent on his return to the U.S. from Nigeria

1996 Joel Feinman

“On Sanity and Muppetology”—From Joel: “As we are confronted with a world inching ever-closer toward the dark abyss, we should not forget the light of goodness and truth still shining in the form of Muppetology.”

1994

“Coming of Age” and her coming to terms with an eating disorder

Shelly Edlund

1993 Betsy Brednich

Respect and how it is shown in our School and the world at the time, particularly with the 1992 election between Bill Clinton and George Bush, Sr. in full swing

1992 Helen Kopnina

“Moscow-Phoenix: Flight to Freedom” Helen reflected on her immigration from the Soviet Union (and not being able to speak English well) to be in the land of freedom

* Missing years are due to our inability to reach those award winners at the time that we went to print.

SUMMER 2017 | 27

ATHLETICS RECAP 2017

2017 Eagle Athletes Soar

Six graduates from the Class of 2017 will continue playing their sport at the NCAA level

Gillian Barfield, basketball, Gonzaga University | Evan Pittman, diving, Brown University Emma Sheridan, lacrosse, Pomona College | Sam Damore, swimming, Colorado College Lara Gemar, swimming, Emory University | Julius Dodson, squash, Williams College

28 | PCDS THE BRIDGE

MIDDLE SCHOOL YEAR IN PHOTOS

PCDS Athletic Hall of Fame As is tradition, Alumni Spring Weekend featured a rousing celebration of our newest inductees into the Athletic Hall of Fame

2017 Individual Inductees COURTNEY SMALLEY ’97 – Tennis

TARA WIEGER ’04 – Soccer

1995, 1996, 1997 Class 2A Women’s Singles State Champion

Women’s Soccer Most Valuable Player 2002-2004

Associate Athletic Director Bob Kosower introduced Courtney:

Arizona Republic 2004 Small School Player of the Year

“ During Courtney’s four years at PCDS she dominated the tennis scene, winning four Region Championships and three individual state titles. It’s no surprise that she was voted MVP all four years and led her team to two state championships.”

Courtney’s passion for tennis continued beyond PCDS; at Dartmouth, she was a four-year letter winner in singles and doubles, and after graduating, Courtney was named Coach of the Year at the University of Pennsylvania. She also started a very successful business called Penn Tennis Camps for Kids before pursing a career in medicine.

Courtney Smalley Sutter ‘97 with Athletic Director Shane Lewis and Associate Athletic Director Bob Kosower

29

First Team All-State 2002-2004 Referring to Tara as a “once in a lifetime player,” Coach Andy McKean read accolades from Tara’s teammates. One player summed Tara up in this way: “ As a leader, Tara’s calm and focused demeanor on the field set the tone for the team and carried us through every high pressure situation. As a teammate, you could trust that Tara would be in the right place at the right time on the field, and that she would be a source of laughter and friendship off the field. As an individual player, her athleticism and incredible instincts meant that she was always ten steps ahead of everyone else, making her one of those players who was not only fun to watch, but one that you were lucky to play with because she pushed you to be better.”

Tara Wieger ‘04 receiving her award from Associate Athletic Director Bob Kosower

SUMMER SUMMER 2017 2017 | 29

MIDDLE SCHOOL YEAR IN PHOTOS

PCDS Athletic Hall of Fame 2017 Team Inductees 1992 BOYS’ BASKETBALL TEAM 1A West Region Champions Coach Bob Hendrickson could not attend the ceremony, so former Assistant Coach Brian Ellingson, who is still at PCDS, introduced the team: “At the beginning of the season, you could sense that this team had the potential to be something special. They were talented, with a blend of experience and youth.

The excitement surrounding the team brought interest and fun to the PCDS community. The 1992 Region Champions went on to the State Basketball Tournament, and while we didn’t win, this team made an impact on our athletic program that will never be forgotten.”

Mike Abbate ’92 (Managing Staff)

Tony Koppula ’94 (Managing Staff)

Raj Abhyankar ‘93

Jeff Matura ‘92

Frazier Bain ‘93

Sean Nolan ’92 (Managing Staff)

Jim Bojalad ‘93 T.J. Demark ‘92 Brian Ellingson (Assistant Coach) Marc Grayson ‘93

Matt Phillips ’93 (Managing Staff) Matt Rankin ‘93 Jeremy Ringel ‘95

Ryan Hart ‘93

Zach Rubin ‘92

Bob Hendrickson (Head Coach)

Adam Spiegel ‘92 Mukesh Vidyasagar ‘93

Brian Hoblit ‘92

Matt Weinberg ‘93

Members of the 1992 Varsity Boys’ Basketball Team with Associate Athletic Director Bob Kosower and former Assistant Coach Brian Ellingson

30 | PCDS THE BRIDGE

2002-2004 GIRLS’ VARSITY SOCCER TEAMS 2002, 2003 State Finals Runner-Up 2004 State Semi-Finalists Coach Andy McKean remarked that when he arrived at PCDS in 1999, the first few years of building a formal girls’ soccer program weren’t easy: “ High school girls aren’t thinking about legacy, or building a program for generations to come, but this group had an innate desire to compete. Here we sit almost 20 years later, and I hope that the girls who played those three years understand that beyond the wins, their real accomplishment was building an incredibly successful program for girls of all talent levels to enjoy.”

Girls’ soccer still thrives today, thanks to the foundation laid by these inductees into the Hall of Fame: Shannen Fish ‘05 Alice Gaston ‘05 Cassie Sonntag ‘05 Ashley Humes ‘04 Tammy McGavock ‘04 Lesley Silverthorn ‘04 Tara Wieger ‘04 Rebecca Dalton ‘03 Laura Garrity ‘03 Veronique Millon ‘03 Lauren Perlow ‘03 Laura Biel ‘02 Marina Ivanova ‘02 Kat Tomalty ‘02 Elizabeth McGavock ‘06

Stephanie Papp ‘04 Rachel Etzkorn ‘04 Becky McLaren ‘03 Christi Sanghi ‘03 Katie Luciano ‘03 Annie Gould ‘07 Thais Moraes ‘07 Carly Brey ‘07 Dania Gold ‘07 Clare Burnham ‘07 Caitlin Lisa ‘06 Julie Bauer ‘06 Natasha Fazel ‘05 Ruchika Gupta ‘05 Andy McKean (Coach)

Members of the 2002-2004 Girls’ Varsity Soccer Teams with Associate Athletic Director Bob Kosower and Head Coach Andy McKean

Here’s what some of our other alumni have been up to…

1966 Jacquie Rosenbaum Solomon is a business owner. “I own laundromats, and I am an Independent Associate with Legal Shield.”

Paul Valach has two new furry family members—Abbie and Autumn. He also recently ran into Mark Phillips ‘75 in Starbucks—small world!

1983

1974 Nana Hinsley wrote, “Kudos to Facebook! I have connected with so many OLD (in every sense of the word) friends. I just love it. I can’t believe it’s been 42 years since I graduated PCDS and 54 years since I first set foot in Miss Flannery’s first grade class! So many memories! I keep in touch and see so many alums. There are too many to list here. Please look me up on Facebook under Nana Hinsley. I would love to connect!”

1977 Debra Lilly has transitioned from running her own environmental firm, GrassRoots Environmental, back into the wonders of full employment. She manages environmental projects for Horizon Water and Environment, based in Oakland, but is happily still working from home—which allows her to take granddaughter breaks rather than coffee breaks. So everything is good!

From Lara Sosnow: “Hey Phoenix Friends! I’m thrilled to announce that my husband, Dr. Hugh Giffords, and I have purchased our first veterinary clinic. Phoenix Dog/Cat/Bird Hospital located on 7th Ave & Osborn. We’d love to be your new veterinarians.”

Wendy Scurr Rodriguez lives in Mesa and has settled into a position as Senior Associate, Client Services at Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors in Scottsdale.

She has a son who holds a PhD in biochemistry and lives in Vero Beach, FL. Her daughter is a talented violinist and is a sophomore at Dobson High School.

Wendy writes, “I appreciate PCDS for the alumni events they host, so I have the opportunity to catch up with past classmates.”

Matt Rollings performed on The Late Show in February with Alison Krauss while promoting her amazing new album, Windy City. #countrymusic #lovemyjob #askmattrollings 1987 Catherine Baggott reports: “I have a cool job! I’m an organic salesperson for Earthbound Farm. If I had a hashtag it would be #organic.”

Lara Sosnow ‘87 speaking to a PCDS Summer Program class about her life as a veterinarian

1989 Roz Bolger Abero continues to love working at PCDS, where her son is now in Middle School. She loves the chance to connect with alumni at PCDS events and especially enjoyed getting to see so many PCDS alumni at the New York regional event last fall.

Members of the classes of 1965, 1966, 1967 and 1968: Please mark your calendars for June 7, 2018 for the next Golden Circle celebration.

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.

SUMMER 2017 | 31

1992

2000

Gary Edlund reports: ”After college I attended Portfolio Center in Atlanta where I learned to be an advertising art director. From there, I started my career in advertising in San Francisco, then moved to Chicago, and then LA, before moving back to Phoenix. I’m currently in the process of changing careers; I do the marketing for a high-end real estate company, and I’ve been taking many of their photos. Once I can take better architectural photos than everybody else, I plan to do that full time.”

“I’m an assistant professor of Brazilian Studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and I was recently awarded a Fulbright scholarship to be a visiting professor at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil in Spring 2018. I was also awarded a German government grant to conduct research in Berlin in the summer of 2017.

“Come visit,” shared Glen Goodman.

1997 Tope Owoyemi works as a compliance officer at Deutsche Bank. For the past 14 years, he has lived in New York.

1998 Elizabeth Benoit and her husband, Emilio Rodriguez-Izquierdo live in Phoenix, where she is a teacher at All Saints. They recently went on a fun vacation to Spain, and, closer to home, Elizabeth “ran into Tope Owoyemi ‘97 at Target!”

Kate Vieh reports that she had a great reunion in Park City, UT, with Class of 2000 alumni Courtney Berg, Anna Knoell, Hailey Harris, Sasha Pasulka, Alex Garson, and Tiffany Pondelik.

Sasha Pasulka ‘00, Tiffany Pondelik ‘00, Anna Knoell ‘00, Alex Garson ‘00, Courtney Berg ‘00, Kate Vieh ‘01 and friends fly fishing Dr. Glen Goodman ‘00 guest lecturing on U.S. Interventionism in Latin America in a PCDS 11th grade history class

2001 Zabita Singh married PJ Ghuman on December 23, 2016.

2004 Elizabeth Oviedo continues her work as Chief Strategy Officer for Symmetry Software and enjoys serving on the PCDS Alumni Association Board and volunteering with the Junior League of Phoenix. “My husband, Nick; son, Michael; and I continue to love life in sunny AZ!”

1999 Alumni Board members Augustine Gomez ‘99 and Ben McRae ‘07 hiked 14,505 feet to the summit of Mount Whitney—the highest summit in the contiguous United States.

2005 John Kester III is a Research Associate at The Sustainability Consortium, and this year he has been fortunate to spend time with fellow Class of 2005 alumni Alex Ashby, Kyle Whisler, Bryan McLaren, Prashanth Mahalingam, and Matt Kostrivas.

Did you graduate in 2008, 2003, 1998, 1993, 1988, 1983, 1978, or 1973?

Want to help plan your April 2018 reunion? If so, please email alumni@pcds.org to get started.

32 | PCDS THE BRIDGE

2007

Have you registered to be a mentee or a mentor with PCDS:Connect?

Log on to pcds.org/alumnimentorship to learn more.

David Krumwiede received his PhD in Nuclear Engineering from UC Berkeley.

He is pictured in his lab which is the actual bunker that houses the decommissioned nuclear reactor.

Ellie Abraham is engaged to Larry Charles and is part owner of Brush salon. They have two children, Mya, in first grade at PCDS, and Larry Jr., born in 2016.

Kathryn Lorentzen currently works in San Francisco for a global PR firm and loves it. She is taking Korean lessons and enjoys hanging out with classmate, Courtney McConell ‘06.

2006 Chloe Brandon Charlton is a veterinarian of exotic pets, and she and her husband just had their first baby. Rose Claire Charlton was born on February 22, 2017 and weighed 7 lbs 3 oz.

Chloe Charlton ‘06 with daughter, Rose

Mandy Baum wrote, “After nine years of being together as ‘Manted,’ Ted Wilson and I got married on September 17, 2016 at the Royal Palms Resort & Spa in Scottsdale. Jessie Baum ‘06 was my Maid of Honor and Catherine Urbanek ‘06 was one of my bridesmaids. Fowler Brown ‘06 was one of Ted’s groomsmen. Fowler met Ted freshman year at Pomona College where they instantly bonded and can be credited for bringing Ted and me together! Ted and I have been living in Salt Lake City, Utah where I am a Vice President at Goldman Sachs and Ted is a Research Associate at BioFire Diagnostics.”

Elizabeth Jeans graduated from Rush Medical College in May and matched for residency placement in Radiation Oncology. Her past research, research presentations, and published literature have focused on palliative radiotherapy for radio-resistant sarcoma and outcomes amongst patients treated with interdigitated chemoradiotherapy for large, high-grade soft tissue sarcomas, as well as outcomes/treatment strategies for sarcomatoid squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx.

Andru Roysden and Caitlin Doherty, his girlfriend of 6.5 years, bought a house together in Seattle. Andru is in his fifth year at Microsoft working as a Program Manager for Office Online.

He visits Phoenix at least once every summer to tube the Salt River with other members of the Class of 2007.

Andru Roysden ‘07 with girlfriend Caitlin

Ross Bridgeman has been working as an independent music producer and songwriter in Los Angeles. He most recently wrote, arranged, produced, and mixed for a live studio album from artist KellyeAnn Keough, to be released soon. Ross also continues to pursue the stage life—he plans to travel to Montana this summer to perform as Jerry Lee Lewis in the musical Million Dollar Quartet at Fort Peck Summer Theater.

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Laura and Philip Matos enjoy good beer, family, and friends. Laura works at Intel, and she was recently promoted from Process Engineer to Product Development Engineer. This summer, Philip will finish an undergraduate degree in Business Data Analytics, and he currently aspires to work in PR or advertising.

Clare Burnham is completing her final year in the full time MBA program at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. Clare spent her summer internship as a Senior Product Manager for Amazon in Seattle and will return there full time upon graduation this June. While at Georgetown, Clare served as the MBA Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital Club President, as well as a Board Member and Fellow of the DC InSITE Chapter, a national graduate fellowship that recruits students to work as pro bono consultants for start-ups. Clare also worked on two start-ups of her own during b-school (both inspired by her pet-child, Rose) and hopes to make her way back to her own venture one day.

Asher Landay reports, “The class of ‘07 LA gang has a new addition with Lizzie Thompson making the move out West! We promised her California sunshine, but so far it’s been nothing but torrential rain storms…Guess we will have to postpone the beach outing until the spring. I’m keeping busy at Keshet Studios which has three drama pilots going into production at ABC, CBS and NBC!” Caroline Perry is a third-year doctoral student in philosophy at the University of Michigan. She is writing a dissertation about how criminal defenses like duress, self-defense, and insanity ought to account for the exculpatory force of various rational impairments.

She intends to pursue a dual JD/PhD program in philosophy and law, a plan “perhaps reflecting her excessive enthusiasm for learning (thanks, PCDS!).”

Kylie Huckleberry wrote, “I’m currently finishing my PhD in Neuroscience at the University of Texas at Austin, and I’m very excited about all of the changes the rest of the year promises to bring. My goal is to obtain a postdoctoral research position by the fall/ winter, and I’ve been fortunate enough to have already had a few interviews.

Another big change is that I’m planning my wedding to Sean Trettel, whom I met in grad school. Luckily, I have PCDS friends like Sandy Weiss ‘07 and Megan Donovan ‘07 whose experiences I can tap. I’m sure my dog, Maggie, will find a way to ham it up for the festivities.”

Blake Lewkowitz recently moved back to Phoenix to work for the Phoenix Suns as the Senior Manager, Brand Strategy.

He handles all strategic touchpoints their fans have with the brand, ranging from merchandise operations to single game ticket strategies to long-term marketing campaigns. He shared, “I am excited to be back in my hometown and look forward to reconnecting with my fellow PCDS alumni.”

2008 Alexa Cohn writes, “After four years with Fox Restaurant Concepts in their Design and Development department, I moved to San Francisco last year. I am now working for Back of the House, Inc, another multi-concept restaurant group out of the Bay Area. As a part of their Design and Construction department, we are creating new concepts and expanding growth brands. Current projects are in Hayes Valley, The Castro, and Berkeley.”

In May, Laura Bodell married her college sweetheart, Zach Greenberg. She is also pursuing her Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Midwestern University.

Nicolas Farrier is living in Phoenix and working at Amazon as a business analyst.

Save the Date for the Annual Alumni Holiday Party!

Thursday, December 21, 2017. Visit www.pcds.org/alumni for more details.

34 | PCDS THE BRIDGE

Caroline Lynn graduated in May from Pepperdine University School of Law with both a Juris Doctorate and a Masters in Dispute Resolution. She shares, “I have been working as a Certified Law Clerk at the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office in Compton, California since August 2016.

I continue to compete as an avid equestrian on the international competition circuit approximately twenty-five weeks per year, as I did throughout my PCDS years, college, and now all of law school.

I spent the Fall Semester of 2015 attending classes at Pepperdine School of Law’s London Campus and represented the United States in international equestrian competitions throughout Europe. After graduation this May, I will take the California State Bar Examination in July and pursue my legal career.”

Caitlin Wilenchik works at a law firm in Philadelphia, awaiting her bar results after graduating from George Washington University Law School last August. She has recently retired as a Washington Redskins Cheerleader, but she still makes sure to dance in her spare time.

Sam Reeder came back to campus to share information with the Upper School Pre-Med Club about her experiences as a medical school interviewer, as well as her work as a medical school mentor for Kaplan. Sam recently moved back to Phoenix for an emergency medicine residency.

2009 Tommy Quindlen shares, ”After graduating from PCDS in 8th grade, my family moved to Connecticut where I attended St. Luke’s School in New Canaan. I graduated from there in 2009 and went on to Villanova University. I graduated from Villanova University’s School of Business in 2013 with a Finance major and an Economics and Real Estate minor. I took a job with GE, joining their Financial Management Program, and was fortunate enough to work in Connecticut, New York City & London. I now work with GE Power’s Mergers & Acquisitions team and live on the Upper East Side of New York City.

When not working, I enjoy traveling with my friends and family and golfing.

I recently took an unforgettable trip to Thailand with three of my closest friends. I hope to make it back to PCDS one day soon.”

Noah Segal wrote, “I live in the Washington D.C. area and am currently employed with Booz Allen Hamilton as a Defense Consultant. I am still a commissioned Field Artillery officer in the United States Army, currently serving in the National Guard.”

Nicole Lopez graduated from the University of Arizona College of Law in May 2016. She passed the bar exam and is the newest associate attorney at Asimou and Associates, PLG, an estate litigation law firm in Phoenix.

2010

Sam Reeder (fifth from left) with PCDS Pre-Med Club students

Ariel Gordon is currently living in Washington, D.C., where she is working in the U.S. Senate. She works on the domestic policy team for Senator Ted Cruz, where she helps craft his healthcare, education, and labor policy.

Christina Arregoces became engaged to Ben Roos on December 27, 2016 and is planning a Spring 2018 wedding.

Christina shared, “I am currently finishing up my third year of law school at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. I will be graduating in the spring and moving to California to practice family and domestic violence law.”

Christina Arregoces ‘10 with fiancé, Ben Roos

Josh McGrath writes, “I’m currently living in the heart of San Francisco working for a start-up that has recently broken the world record for satellites sent in a single payload. With the largest constellation of satellites in the world, we are able to image the entire surface of the planet in a single day.

When I’m not working hard in the lab, I split my time between mountain biking in the summer and skiing in the winter, managing to catch a few waves in between, and traveling when possible.

Most recently, I spent a month exploring the beauty that South Africa has to offer before reluctantly returning stateside. Getting accustomed to city life has taken some time, but living with my girlfriend of four years has made it easier to embrace the energy and excitement of day-to-day life in a new environment.”

SUMMER 2017 | 35

Geri Hormel writes, “As PCDS knows all too well from my numerous years of bringing live animals to school for show and tell (including my two pet goats), I’ve always loved animals. In 2013, I founded Almost There Foster Care, a large-scale foster home which takes in large-breed pregnant, stray dogs who would otherwise be at risk of euthanasia. We give them a comfortable, stress-free environment to have their babies, help to raise and properly socialize them, and then work to find them all loving homes. At any given time, we have about 25-35 dogs in our care. Please check us out on our Facebook, Instagram, and website: www. atfcaz.org. If you are looking for your next furry friend (or just want some puppy snuggles), email me at geri@ atfcaz.org! In addition to running my not-for-profit, I still try to travel as much as possible. So far this year, I plan on visiting Vietnam/Thailand and parts of France.”

There are a lot of new buildings on the PCDS campus! Want a tour?

Email alumni@pcds.org to make arrangements!

Chris Garagiola wrote, “After graduating from Trinity University with a B.A. in Communication and a Minor in Human Communication, I immediately accepted an internship with the Cincinnati Reds in their Media Relations Department. (That’s right, I drove from San Antonio to Phoenix to Cincinnati to spend a season with MLB’s oldest team). It was a long season that did not yield the on-the-field results we were hoping for, but it was a worthwhile and unique experience.”

This past September, Chris accepted a Broadcast Trainee position with the Reds AA affiliate in Pensacola, FL. His responsibilities include creating unique content for their website, managing their social media accounts, and serving as the secondary play-by-play radio broadcaster for the team.

Chris Jackson just finished his third year of medical school at Columbia University. He is taking a year off to pursue research on new treatment options for medulloblastoma.

2011 Katy Rector Stieg graduated from The Scottsdale School of Film and Theater with an Associates in Film Production. Over the past year, Katy had the opportunity to work on multiple films. Katy acted as Unit Production Manager for the short narrative, “Creations Daughter” which was accepted into The Cinematic Arts Film Festival in Los Angeles and won Best Film Short in the following competitions: The IndieFEST Film Awards, the Accolade Global Film Competition, and the Best Shorts Competition Awards.

Katy now aides local event planner, Robyn Lee, with annual projects for The James Beard Foundation, and The Arizona Women’s Board. She also married high school sweetheart, Matt Stieg, on January 2, 2017 in Park City, Utah. PCDS alumni, Piper Gustafson Youtzy ‘08 and Ashley Sylvester ‘11 stood by Katy’s side as bridesmaids.

Devika Soni shares, “I currently live in Los Angeles and have been out here since graduating from USC. I work in marketing for a retail company based out of Manhattan Beach. I’m really enjoying myself!”

Maude LaBelle is a Senior Program Coordinator at the American Lung Association in Arizona. She was delighted to welcome her brother-in-law, Ben Kryder, to the family this past year when he married her twin sister, Sophie ‘10.

36 | PCDS THE BRIDGE

Katy Rector ‘11 with bridesmaids including Piper Gustafson Youtzy ‘08 and Ashley Sylvester ‘11

“I graduated from the College of Charleston and am an event planner and designer for Fox Events, a company best-known for taking southern sophistication and infusing it with the wild spirit of nature,” writes Lindsay Merhege.

Ivaylo Bahtchevanov earned his Master’s in Computer Science at Stanford, with a focus on Artificial Intelligence.

He is currently working with a start-up in recruiting/A.I. before planning to return to Stanford Business School for a deferred admittance MBA. Rachael Lopez recently worked at the National Football Players Association (NFLPA) in the Marketing and Business Development department in Washington, D.C. She not only helped NFL players with their union endeavors, but she also facilitated the NFLPA Top 50 Player Sales press release, which was reported by the Wall Street Journal.

Currently, she resides in Phoenix and is applying to law school with a focus in sports and entertainment law.

Kylin Hamann is in her third year as a dental student at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. She has traveled, run the New York City Marathon, and become an aunt.

Ashley Barnhill applied to Physician Assistant school in the spring. She has been working as a medical scribe and volunteering with Hospice of the Valley to gain healthcare experience. In her spare time, Ashley helped coach the PCDS girls’ soccer team. She also recently traveled to Japan, Hong Kong, and Macau, and has trips planned to New York and South Korea.

2012 After graduating from Harvard in 2016 with a degree in history and science, Nicole Bassoff began working as a researcher for the Lancet Commission on Reframing Non-Communicable Diseases for the Poorest Billion, which was trying to improve the position of the non-communicable diseases of the global poor on the global health agenda. Nicole put that on hold when she was offered a Master’s Award from the Wellcome Trust at the University of Cambridge in the U.K. She is halfway through writing her dissertation on the ethics and politics of genomic science in the 21st century.

Lindsay Coda visited PCDS in March to catch up. She lives in Pittsburgh and is a set designer for film and TV. Lindsay worked on ABC’s Downward Dog which will premiere this summer, Amazon’s Last Flag Standing, and she is currently working on a Netflix series, Mind Hunter.

Ben Mattinson graduated from MIT and works as a software engineer for Google in San Francisco.

In May 2016, Leah Motzkin graduated from Yale University with a degree in American Studies, concentrating in artistic expression of immigrant groups in the United States. She wrote her thesis on Nogales, Arizona, and Sonora. After working on Secretary Clinton’s presidential campaign in Virginia, Leah settled in Washington, D.C. and works in federal consulting for Deloitte.

AJ Hess scored his 1000th career collegiate basketball point for South Dakota State University. The Jackrabbits also earned a spot in the 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball “March Madness” Tournament.

AJ Hess ‘12—the first PCDS athlete to play in March Madness

Interested in coordinating a PCDS alumni gathering in your city?

If so, contact alumni@pcds.org to receive more information.

SUMMER 2017 | 37

Frea Mehta graduated from Barrett, the Honors College at ASU with dual bachelor’s degrees in Chemical Engineering and Molecular Biotechnology.

She is a Fulbright scholar and will spend the next year conducting research in Maastricht, the Netherlands.

Her Fulbright project is in advancing lab-grown meat, a technology with implications in global food security and natural resource management.

In addition to laboratory research, Frea will explore the intersections of biotechnology, food production, and culture through a narrative photographic series depicting both conventional and novel agricultural methods.

When she returns from the Netherlands in 2018, Frea will begin a Ph.D. program in biomedical engineering at Tufts University.

Are you getting married locally and want the PCDS Eagle to show up?

Contact alumni@pcds.org so we can make it happen!

Garron Rodgers graduated from Chapman University with a BS degree in Business Administration, Marketing.

]2014 Morgan Schwartz earned the nation’s most prestigious undergraduate STEM scholarship. Morgan is one of just 240 college students in the United States to receive the Goldwater Scholarship, awarded annually to college sophomores and juniors planning to pursue research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics or engineering.

2013 John Fernandes graduated summa cum laude from the inaugural class of the Honors College at Grand Canyon University. He earned an Honors B.A. in Christian Studies, minor in Worship Arts, and an Honors B.S. in Psychology.

Jordan Cohen and his PCDS classmate Tyler Humphrey are busy applying to medical schools.

Arielle Lee graduated summa cum laude from UC Berkeley in May 2017, with a degree in Microbial Biology. She is taking two years off to work at Boston Children’s Hospital in a clinical research group under the Department of Anesthesiology and will be applying to medical school next year.

“After graduating from George Washington University, I will start working as a consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton in Washington, D.C.” writes Alex Hosmar.

38 | PCDS THE BRIDGE

Jackson Murphy wrote, “I graduated from Miami University with a degree in Engineering Management (Manufacturing Focus) and was commissioned as an Ensign in the US Navy. I got married at the end of May; my wife, Kate, and I are moving in mid-June to South Carolina where I will be attending Nuclear Power School and training to become a submarine officer.”

Lauren Hanneman is focused on completing her honors thesis at ASU Barrett, the Honors College.

In February, Margaret Loncki led the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps women’s golf team to victory in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletics Conference tournament. Margaret won the individual medal by 10 strokes.

Margaret Loncki (Photo by Joi Griffith)

2015 Anna Bodney is a sophomore Industrial Design student at ASU Barrett, the Honors College. She also has a successful online business designing and creating Arizona-themed items including vinyl stickers, enamel pins, and bags. Her products can be found on Etsy at AnnastlyAnna.

Jillian Gilburne, currently at Northwestern, was awarded the Robert M. Cumnock Scholarship by Northwestern’s School of Communication.

This scholarship is awarded to the top member of each class, and Jillian was selected as the top freshman this past year.

Paulina Moreno just completed her sophomore year at Pepperdine studying abroad in Shanghai, China.

Libby Williamson will be leaving for Montreal in July to work as an intern at the McGill MacDonald Campus Dairy Unit.

2016

Cole Dady ran in the Arizona Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in January. He finished 121 overall with a time of 3:20:27.

Sam Damore will be spending the summer backpacking in Europe with Andri Bonadurer ‘17 and Sam Svejda ‘17.

Will Porter will compete at Speech & Debate Nationals in June and then spend time working for a summer Speech & Debate camp.

Staley Lane has started an internship at the Language, Hearing, and Memory lab at ASU.

Oliver Marsden wrote, “PCDS fully prepared me to fly my freshman year at Tufts as an engineering student! I spread my wings and took flight as I began my first semester camping for a week in Maine, and now I’m ready to soar as the unofficial Jumbo mascot in my elephant costume!”

Nicholas Currault is planning to visit France and Italy this summer with his family before returning to teach robotics classes at the PCDS Summer Program.

Jason Greenfield “loves Amherst” and experienced his first snow day. Jason is in an improv troupe, plays ultimate Frisbee, and has applied to be a resident counselor. He also attended the inauguration in D.C. this past January.

2017 Hanaa Khan will be traveling to Dubai for vacation this summer and then on to India to continue her non-profit “Project Knee”.

Jordon Wong will be spending his summer pursuing his real estate license and traveling to Vietnam and China.

Meyla Milian is currently teaching cheer and dance at the PCDS Summer Program.

Alana Francis-Crow is spending her summer as a counselor at horseback riding camp.

Jamie Campbell is traveling to Europe for two weeks this summer.

Evan Pittman will be interning for U.S. Senator Jeff Flake’s office in Phoenix over the summer. Evan will also be training for Diving Nationals and Junior Olympics for Powerlifting.

Calvin Hamilton will be a full-time summer intern for the marketing and sustainability departments of Cheesecake Factory while working as an independent contractor for ScaleLab. Emma Herold is backpacking in Nicaragua this summer with her brother and later hiking the Grand Canyon with her dad.

Do you have news to share? We are always excited to hear from you. Use the enclosed postage-paid postcard to send details about a graduation, a new job, a birth, engagement or marriage announcement, a recent trip, a new hobby, or a visit with another alumnus/a. Email your photos to alumni@pcds.org. We look forward to learning what you have been up to!

SUMMER 2017 | 39

Save the Date

for these Fall 2017 PCDS Alumni Events Friday, October 20 — 50th Annual Blue & Gold Celebration Thursday, October 26 — Dallas Alumni Gathering Thursday, November 2 — New York City Alumni Gathering Thursday, December 21 — Annual Alumni Holiday Party

40 | PCDS THE BRIDGE

Stay Connected to PCDS! www.facebook.com/ phoenixcountryday

www.pcds.org

www.instagram.com/ phoenix_country_day_school www.twitter.com/ PCDS_Eagles

Alumni: “Friend” PCDS Alum on Facebook, and let us know where you are and what you’re doing!

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 Below: Recent graduates ’17: Tisa Tehranchi, Daisey Martinez, Sofia Ahmed, and Hanaa Khan

Phoenix Country Day School 3901 E. Stanford Dr., Paradise Valley, Arizona 85253

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Phoenix, AZ Permit No. 1213

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!

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