Pine Crest School | The Magazine 2012

The MagazinE P I N E

Summer 2012

C R E S T

S C H O O L

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Charting the course for a superior education in the 21st century.

For those who don’t already know her as teacher or administrator, meet Dr. Dana Markham, Pine Crest’s fifth forward-looking president.

The M agazine BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2012-2013

Chair

Michelle Cibene ‘84 Vice Chair

Edward Pozzuoli Rosa Feeney Jean Findeiss Daniel Goldberg, M.D. Jonathan Hage Eduardo Hauser Jeff Hollander Tim Ingham ‘83 David Kirschner Albert “Sonny” Kotite Armando Leighton Hiromi Printz Kevin Quinn Douglas Reynolds ‘75 Jeff Roberts Andrew Rosen Leslie Rozencwaig Dan Sheinberg Scott Silverman Ana Waldman Jordan Zimmerman Alumni Council

Gregory Beesch ‘85 Elizabeth Camp ‘94 Charles Cobb ‘93 James Craig ‘79 Lucy Friedt Dublin ‘72 Keith Flynn ‘79 Heather Geronemus ‘97 S. Crane Gladding ‘89 Sarah Regensdorf Greenbaum ‘97 Norma Martin Goonen ‘65 Paige Cole Hyatt ‘81 Jeffrey Keiser ‘73 Lara Osofsky Leader ‘93 Ashley Palmer Lindsay ‘99 Suzanne Hollowell McCawley ‘90 Miles Medrano ‘90 Sara Knapp Medrano ‘89 Peter Perri ‘93 Heidi Ferayorni Pettee ‘82 Scott Singer ‘94 Jennifer Brafman Staffen ‘84

Fr om t he pr e side n t It has been more than a year since our last magazine and I am so pleased that once again the stories of our School community will be passed from hand to hand and saved in scrapbooks for generations to come. Just like an old friend who has been away too long, we have much to share in our 2011-12 summer edition. This special issue is about new beginnings for Pine Crest School.

We are pleased to present the Magazine as we wrap up a history-making year.

This year marked an abundance of successes, celebrations, and achievements that showcase the true depth and breadth of our School community. From one page to the next, you will find images, excerpts, and articles that will take you down hallways, onto fields, and into classrooms where students and teachers are delving into discussion, breaking records, and simply contributing to Pine Crest’s commitment to everyday excellence.

It has been eight months since I began my presidency at Pine Crest, during which time we have appreciated the successful culmination of our recent reaccreditation with the Florida Council of Independent Schools. We have reaped the benefits of our hard work, manifested in recognition and unprecedented awards, and we have graduated 206 students who will matriculate at 80 colleges and universities throughout the country.

This issue of The Magazine tells stories of a thinking school. Pine Crest prepares our students for leadership, civic involvement, cultural sophistication, and overall successful careers in our 21st century world. I know you will enjoy learning more about our project-based learning and initiatives taking place across grade levels and divisions, as well as the extraordinary and entrepreneurial efforts of our alumni. As you read, you will continue to rediscover time and again the unique value that is synonymous with a Pine Crest education.

I like to think of this edition in terms of our story for the school year of 2011-12. Because our Pine Crest family has been so integral in our great success as a school this year, I feel that each and every one of us has taken part in producing this “welcome-back” edition of The Magazine.

We hope it once again will find a permanent place in your living rooms, offices, studies, and college dorms.

Thank you for sharing in the excitement of our new beginning!

Hope you have enjoyed your summer!

Dana Markham, Ed.D. President

T h e I n v e s t i t u r e of D r . D a n a M a r k h a m

Dr. Dana Markham installed as Pine Crest School’s Fifth President

Many turned out to witness the installation of Dr. Markham as the school’s fifth president.

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undreds of Pine Crest faculty and families attended the investiture on March 16 to witness history and wish the School’s fifth president, Dr. Markham, a successful career. The formal program included a message from former President Bill McMillan ’45, son of Pine Crest’s founder Mae McMillan, as well as messages from school administrators and student leaders on both campuses.

Mr. McMillan’s message was read by Dr. Markham’s son, James Conway ’04.

Student musical groups from both campuses performed selections during the ceremony.

Dr. Markham received the Medallion of Office from Board of Trustee Chair Michelle Cibene ’84, then addressed the community in her first official duty as president.

“When I first stepped on the Pine Crest campus to register my children, I never imagined that one day I would assume leadership of this extraordinary institution,” Dr. Markham said. “At that time, I just knew that I wanted my children to have an opportunity to experience the exceptional education for which Pine Crest is known.”

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Dr. Markham thanked the entire School community—students, families, staff, support staff, faculty, alumni, administration, and the Board of Trustees—for coming together as a community to make Pine Crest what it is and will become.

She invited the School community to continue to be mindful of an everchanging educational landscape.

“If our students are to become

outstanding citizens in this 21st century world,”she said, “it is the educator’s responsibility to foster independent thinking as never before.”

Following the investiture, guests congratulated Dr. Markham at a reception on Pine Crest’s new Upper School campus, with music provided by the Middle School Jazz Band from the Boca Raton campus.

Excerpts from Dr. Markham’s Investiture Speech

“ E ver y day you open yourself to new worlds and new ways of thinking.

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Thank you to the Board of Trustees for entrusting me with the stewardship of this phenomenal institution.

Thank you to our faculty, staff and support staff, and administrators whose enthusiasm and commitment to students have taught me so much over the years, and whose support of my leadership these past few months has allowed us to continue to move forward in a positive way.

Thank you to our parents for entrusting us with your children who make our school so special. And thank you to our students for your energy, and your thirst for knowledge. Every day you open yourselves to new worlds of ideas and new ways of thinking.

Today’s ceremony is not just about me. It’s about all of us. It’s about celebrating who we are and what we have accomplished. We are blessed with some of the finest faculty in the nation and I am confident we will ask the right questions of each other, explore the most promising ideas, and generate novel approaches to accomplish our goals. We must continue to re-imagine every detail of our school. As parents and educators, we need to think deeply and introspectively. We need to acknowledge all that we have done so well, but ask ourselves, “What do we need to do more effectively to prepare children for the challenges that will define their futures?”

I invite everyone to be a part of our vision. Over the years the support of our parents and alumni has allowed us to enjoy a vibrant and dynamic past, and with their support and partnership, we will proceed into a brilliant future. Pine Crest’s early visionaries – the McMillans, the Fishers and the Stacys, among others, all helped establish cornerstone facilities and programs that have allowed our School community to flourish. Their generosity and vision enabled us to move to our present campus in 1965, and expand to Boca Raton.

Generosity abounds throughout Pine Crest’s history. I am committed to growing our endowment. A healthy philanthropic program, in concert with a strong endowment, will ensure that we maintain the strength of academic and enrichment programs for which we are known. It will allow us to continue to attract stellar faculty and bring innovative programs and new technologies into our classrooms.

As we move forward, I ask that we never lose sight of who we are. Paramount are the values that have placed us among our nation’s top independent schools. They are values instilled by our founder Dr. Mae McMillan and preserved by my predecessors, who remain committed to Pine Crest today, Mr. Bill McMillan and Dr. Lourdes Cowgill. These values—a commitment to academic rigor, to inspiring students, and to recognizing that every student is unique—will propel us to greater heights in the independent school world.

We must embody what we teach our children—to constantly challenge assumptions and seek solutions through participation, collaboration, and innovation. The passion and dedication of our students and faculty will always define who we are—We are Pine Crest!

Thank you.

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Questions Answers...

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Q: How do you view the need for digital technology in the pre-primary grades?

With the growth of iPads in education, Pine Crest School has taken significant strides to integrate them into the curriculum. Our pre-primary grades have served as a testing ground this year, and they have become an important tool to complement our Lower School curriculum.

Q: What are your favorite places on the Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton campuses?

Any place on either campus where there are students! They remind me why we’re here.

Q: Why are Pine Crest’s Middle Schools’ curriculum shifting to more lab-based, collaborative course work?

As 21st century learners, our students will need to acquire more sophisticated academic skills and become familiar with complex learning models at a younger age because their generation demands more advanced concepts.

Q: When you speak to members of the School community, you often refer to Pine Crest as a Thinking School that must constantly shift and evolve to best serve 21st Century Learners.

What is a Thinking School?

In order to prepare our graduates to become leaders of the future, we give our students opportunities to learn conceptually, which often will go “beyond the book.” As a Thinking School, Pine Crest will create a framework for our students to learn a very different skill set from those of previous generations. Our faculty and administrators have demonstrated their commitment to this mission, and they are already developing and implementing the changes necessary to make it happen.

Q: What area within the Upper School academic building best demonstrates our growing capacity for adaptability and innovation in students’ learning environments?

Many Upper School spaces support collaboration and problem-solving skills. Students have formal instruction in the classrooms, then spill out into the hallways where they work out formulas, discuss definitions, talk out language sequences, and study with their friends.

I believe our students will invent new uses for these areas over time.

Q: Who is the most influential person or group affecting education on the national level, and why?

I believe the most important and influential group who will continue to affect the future is our classroom teachers. They build relationships each day, promote a desire to learn, and help students hone their 21st century skills that will be necessary in the near and far-off future.

Q: You occasionally have the opportunity to spend time with the leaders of other schools throughout the country.

What are these leaders saying about Pine Crest?

PC was recognized for its forward thinking approach to education during our recent reaccreditation visit. Our visitors from the Florida Council of Independent Schools praised Pine Crest for its “exemplary” programs. We are fortunate that we continue to set the standard for private schools in South Florida.

Q: Read any good books lately?

The Global Achievement Gap, by Tony Wagner, in which he discusses the skills today’s students need to succeed in this 21st century environment.

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Doctora Cowgill: Inspiration in the Spirit of Mae McMillan

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o many things have changed.

…Yet what strikes Pine Crest’s President Emerita Doctora Lourdes Martinez Cowgill is that throughout her 38-year career at the School so many things have stayed the same. Family support, dedicated faculty, and a thoughtful, communityconscious student body always have been synonymous with Pine Crest’s culture.

Doctora ends her tenure as a college counselor at Pine Crest this summer and says she looks forward to beginning a new chapter in her professional life: she will be a full-time college counselor for an agency serving private and public schools unable to provide adequate college counseling services for their students.

Doctora touched thousands of students. Her influence and status among academicians not only benefited the School as a whole but also individual students, who have gone on to become leaders, creators, and decision-makers in their fields. Many are now parents of PC students.

“When I think of Doctora, I think of her passion,” Carey McKearnan ’89 said. “I’m floored by her memory for details working with so many students through the years.

She never fails to pull out some anecdote I’d forgotten long ago.”

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Dra. Lourdes Cowgill (center) pictured with her mother and former Pine Crest Spanish teacher Señora Lourdes Martinez, left, and Pine Crest founder Dr. Mae McMillan.

Doctora has been a force in her own right: she was one of few Hispanic women executives in South Florida in the early 1990s. She began her Pine Crest career as a Spanish teacher in 1974 (she actually volunteered for years before then); she served as Foreign Language Department Chair and then became Assistant Principal of the Upper School. In 1986, she was the Academic Dean, and two years later was named Headmistress. She became President in 1995.

Doctora earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Latin from Barry College, Summa Cum Laude, and a master’s and Ph.D. in Spanish literature and philosophy from Bryn Mawr College. She received her master’s degree in educational administration from FAU. William J. McMillan, son of Pine Crest founder Mae McMillan, said Doctora has made a significant impact on the Pine Crest legacy.

“As President, Dra. Cowgill made major contributions for which she will be long remembered,” he said, “in modernizing the school’s physical plant and expanding its role as a college preparatory institution.”

Doctora’s influence has extended beyond Pine Crest’s campuses. She has served as Chairman of the Achievement Test Preparation Committee of the College Board.

Doctora Cowgill Over The Years...

Lourdes spends a moment with students during her Spanish class.

Lourdes with her family during her 1995 Investiture.

“ I know that every drop of energy Dra. Cowgill expended at Pine Crest was focused on carrying forward Mae McMillian’s vision. As a result, Pine Crest continues to provide the best college preparatory experience possible.

”

– BARNEY DANZANSKY ’86

Newly-appointed President Cowgill during her Investiture in 1995.

Alumni event with Wayne Huizenga.

Lourdes with the McMillans.

Lourdes with her parents at investiture.

Lourdes greets parents and alumni during a gathering on the Boca Raton campus.

Doctora has been a member of the Mellon Advanced Placement (AP) Selection Committee, an AP Workshop Consultant and a reader for the AP Examinations.

She has been a high-profile Board member of the National Association of Independent Schools and of the Florida Council of Independent Schools.

Locally, Dra. Cowgill served as a board member at North Ridge Hospital and Northern Trust Bank.

During her presidency, financial aid increased from less than $350,000 to $4.1 million annually.

Summer and extracurricular programs also grew significantly.

Hundreds of alumni from her tenure have gone on to achieve success in the professions, the arts, and athletics.

A few minutes with Doctora reveals her close connection with Pine Crest founder Dr. Mae McMillan. “I have always felt a special connection to her since my teens,” says Doctora. “She cared about me and followed my college career. It is one of the reasons why I always gave our students personal attention and cared about them, not just as a number or a schedule or a curriculum, but as individuals.

I have loved being with the students all these years and seeing how successful each one has become. I wish the same success and fulfillment for future generations at Pine Crest.”

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Washington Post Names Pine Crest Tops Among Private Schools Nationally The Washington Post has ranked Pine Crest among the top two private schools in the nation for college preparation in a listing they call “The High School Challenge.” Pine Crest is the only school in Florida that made this private school list, and was compiled on a stringent academic formula.

Ft. Lauderdale bell tower

Ranking was based on a formula dividing the number of college-level tests given at Pine Crest in 2011 by the number of graduates that year, among other criteria.

Interest in

In the national rankings, which included less than 2,000 public and private schools meeting the challenge’s basic criteria, Pine Crest ranked 9th in Florida. It was the only school from Broward County in the top ten.

“We all know that this prestigious recognition comes not by coincidence or mere formula, but as a result of the quality and expertise of our faculty and administration, the dedication of our families, and most importantly, the commitment to excellence

PC

It’s not unusual for the Admission Office to field inquiries from prospective families wanting their children to attend Pine Crest. What is unusual, though, are those calls from expectant mothers who want their children placed on a wait list before they are even born.

“I was taken aback the first time I received that request, but it’s getting more and more common,” says Admission Director Elena DelAlamo. Calls from parents of one and two-year olds are on the upswing, too.

So it’s no surprise to hear that applications this year are at or near an all-time high:

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shared by our student body,” Pine Crest President Dr. Dana Markham said.

“This is a reward every member of the Pine Crest community should share and celebrate. We are fortunate to have such an exemplary school with stellar programs and hard-working colleagues in each and every department.”

PC’s ranking is posted on the Washington Post website, at http://apps.washingtonpost. com/local/highschoolchallenge/ schools/2012/list/private

starts early some grades are full, with waiting lists.

Other grades aren’t far behind. One of the reasons, Mrs. DelAlamo believes, is the high re-enrollment rate across all grades.

Besides calls about as-yet unborn applicants, she says she is seeing more families apply who live as far away as Miami, Weston, Parkland, Aventura, Sunny Isles, and Plantation. “Parents tell me that they are very willing to commute in order to give their children a Pine Crest education.

That’s quite a vote of confidence!”

Why Sophie Should Transfer to Pine Crest: An E ssay by Hann ah B urn stein ’1 8 PC middle school student Hannah Burnstein wanted to convince parents of her good friend to enroll her at Pine Crest. She decided that since she had already spoken to her friend and her parents, the next best case would be made in writing. Here are excerpts from the letter she gave her friend’s parents:

Hannah, Pine Crest ‘s promoter par excellence

Sophie is an extraordinary child who now goes to Nova Middle School in Broward County, Florida.

She feels that she has exceeded the academic expectations set for her grade level there. However, at Pine Crest Preparatory School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, she believes she will live up to her full potential.

She will have the option to do extracurricular activities such as a string or jazz instrument, and also participate in an orchestra or band with this instrument.

Pine Crest also offers a wide variety of sports such as volleyball, soccer, and lacrosse when they are in season. Most importantly, she will receive one of the best education methods in the country. Sophie believes that this education is best for her, and she will meet new people, experience fun things, and learn material necessary to surviving in the everchanging world of business. She also vows to maintain a B or higher average in this new school if she should ever attend.

Her best friend, Hannah Burnstein, goes to Pine Crest. The school in her own words is: “life-changing. I learned things here that I feel like I would never learn at any other school.

This is a great opportunity for Sophie because I know she is really smart and she would do well at Pine Crest.”

Middle School is an important time in school for a child, often making or breaking their high school years, affecting their college and future job résumés. Therefore, Sophie should spend these important school years at a school she feels fits her learning standards.

Pine Crest is the ideal school to do so, and it has not disappointed anyone. It has a very high reputation in academics, 6th graders often learning at an early 7th grade level, and so on.

All in all, Pine Crest would be a great, ideal school for Sophie to go to because it would fulfill all of her expectations socially, academically, and mentally.

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Life in the new Upper School— from a student’s perspective “ We heard about plans for the new Upper School Building for two years. Now it’s here, and as great as everyone said it would be -maybe even better. My life as a Pine Crest Student has improved dramatically. Let me tell you why...

Rising senior Alex Meade ‘13, volunteered to share his views on his classes this past year in the new Upper School.

My day starts with Spanish class. Our conversations are much livelier this year.

We easily talk in small groups since we can reconfigure the new chair/desk units on wheels into groups at a moment’s notice.

As a result, we have several conversations taking place at the same time in this spacious room thanks to this great feature.

Static rows and columns of desks are now a thing of the past.

I say “Adios” to Spanish and am off to English, where our “Witch Trials” court case is about to begin. It is held in one of the new Case Method rooms, a perfect courtroom to better explore Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter. There are four of these rooms, used for a variety of classes. With four tiered rows and large desks seating up to 64 students, they are ideal for situations which would not work in a typical classroom environment. Today, the judge sits in a corner up front and listens intently while Hester Prynne testifies.

I stand by as one of the attorneys, while the jury takes notes in the tiered jury box. In the atmosphere of the Case Method room, it is easy to get caught up in the spirit of the trial.

Now it is lunchtime. I am short of time because I have some last minute homework to do. Last year I would have skipped lunch entirely because going to the cafeteria would leave little time for the schoolwork. This year, though, I can head to the new Student Union in the Upper School Building where a café offers a variety of foods including coffee, pastries, salads, and sandwiches.

Today, I munch on a pretzel dog and study at one of the tables in the Union. I see several classmates doing the same.

After 5th and 6th periods in Bio-Chem, just next door in the Huizenga Science Building,

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I look forward to a leisurely walk with my friends back to the social sciences wing of the Upper School Building, on the third floor.

Gone are the days of our mad dashes to the old ICI all the way across campus, often in the rain or blazing sun. I really appreciate the awnings and proximity that have eliminated the hassles of arriving at class, soaked, sweaty, and often times late.

I settle into my history class and wait to see if we will view a documentary, movie, or some other clips in HD from the cutting-edge projectors and DVD players linked into the smart board. All this technology really helps bring history alive. When the bell rings, I head downstairs to the math wing for my last class of the day. I reach the room in seconds—24, to be exact. I am amazed by how our teacher puts the room’s technology and design to full use. We arrange our desks into five stations so we can move about the room.

At one station, for example, we use the smart board to write down our calculations and save them to the digital document on our teacher’s computer, so she can post the notes onto Blackboard. Later we will be able to retrieve the notes and study from them online.

With my classes complete, I relax with some friends on the couches in hallways right outside the classrooms. These indoor spaces improve upon the narrow, outdoor hallways of years past. Here, we discuss problems and assignments and do homework on the white boards lining the walls.

We all agree that the forward-thinking designs in the new Upper School Building are helping us learn in many new and different ways that we continue to discover.

Social sciences hallway

Coffee Nook

Case Method Meade and Venne

Student Union

Student Lockers

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A NEW EDUCATIONAL LANDSCAPE...

Pine Crest School

prepares young minds to adapt, be

creative, take initiative,

look at problems from every direction,

and not accept the status quo.

Laptops. iPhones. iPads.

Today’s students conduct research with college professors, doctors, and astronauts via social media.

They tweet findings with their teachers.

They submit files, not typed papers.

Number 2 pencils are almost history, but not quite.

Hands-on projects replace rote memorization.

This is the way they learn. This is the classroom landscape our students will navigate – and create.

Today’s students THINK, not parrot.

Take a look at how students say “no” to the status quo as Pine Crest continues to chart a “new” academic course.

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Warren Buffett, Beware!

PC Students are nipping at your heels!

Marcia Chackan, 7th Grade Earth Science teacher, and her students on the Boca Raton campus, are enjoying their latest “tech book.”

Boca Science Students Create Solutions to Quakes “Quake It, Don’t Shake It” is one of the Virtual Labs from the Discovery Education website where students are asked to use their scientific inquiry process skills to investigate the effects of different environmental and structural factors on a building’s ability to withstand an earthquake. Not only does this encourage students to think about earthquakes and earthquake preparation, it also serves as a springboard for discussions about various aspects of civil engineering, seismic waves and earthquake magnitude.

Ms. Chackan says that “students are currently creating their own data charts, performing analyses and drawing conclusions, using a multi-media approach that includes digital content, interactive lessons, individual and team challenges and actual lab experiences.”

Another hands-on approach also involves spaghetti and marshmallow models which students use to demonstrate strength and resistance against the effects that an earthquake produces. Students are also exposed to real-time data of seismic activity from all over the world which brings this Virtual Lab right into the classroom.

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What does it take to be an entrepreneur?

What kind of decisions do I have to make?

If I start a business, what does that meanto my own finances?

Are there tradeoffs I’ll have to make?

These are some of the questions the Boca students found themselves asking during their day at JA Finance Park, a Junior Achievement program on the Broward College campus.

The students prepared for the day after weeks of study in their World Civilizations class. They went prepared, lists in hands, for each part of the day they were to experience: The Truth Revealed, The Big Search, The Budget Puzzle, and The Final Commitment.

Upon arrival students received an assigned identity: a life situation profile, which told them if they were married, education attained, how much money they made, and how many children they had. It was up to the kids to create a life for themselves within their assigned budgets.

Then they visited “vendors” to purchase housing, food, furniture, insurance, education, cars, and more.

Each of those businesses was well-represented: Publix, State Farm, and AutoNation were among the places where students could “shop.”

The 13 parents accompanying the class served as “consultants,” advising their “clients” on budgets while they helped them with their entrepreneurial projects.

The bottom line? Hands-on experiences for the students helped them learn the concepts and principles of entrepreneurship. Rather than simply reaching from a textbook and listening to a lecture from a teacher, the students were more engaged in their learning experience, thought about it in greater depth, and maintained a vested interest in the success of their “person.” Said one student,“This made so much more sense to me that if I’d just covered it in class.”

Is the next Mark Zuckerberg in our midst?

The Fort Lauderdale 5th grade students designed their own business— complete with business plans and marketing plans—this year. Designed to give students a unique way to exercise their creative and critical thinking skills and test their entrepreneurial bent. By applying their knowledge of business and finance to developing a business of their own, they were able to see the connection between what they have learned in school and the real world.

They began by investigating and choosing a business for themselves, then creating a business plan. They designed their company’s logo and made business cards. They created a print ad along with a company jingle. Finally, they created a presentation for “The Fifth Grade Business Expo,” in Egan Auditorium, which was attended with much anticipation by fellow students, parents, teachers, and administrators.

The student would-be moguls’ products ranged from gourmet dog treats to personalized athletic wear and everything in between.

Who says Legos are child’s play?

Robotics teach students how to build and program, but also teach how teamwork, problem-solving, creativity, and following directions can impact their studies—and their lives.

Fort Lauderdale students in grades 3 to 8 have had the opportunity to participate in an after school robotics program that not only teach them how to build and program, but also how team-work, problem-solving, creativity and following directions can impact their studies—and their lives.

Robotic program forces thinking “outside the box.”

During these two 12-week courses students work with the highly popular Lego NXT Mindstorm 2.0 robots and build projects ranging from baseball batters to puppies.

They follow complex directions to construct robots and bring their creations to life.

One of the students’ favorite projects is the baseball batter, where they learn how the different sensors attached to the robot’s brick (the brain of the robot) and changing variables can make the baseball batter react differently. The culminating activity for this “build” is a game of modified baseball, where students’ robots try to determine where the ball will be hit. After every simulation, students discuss what they learned and deconstruct the robots to get ready for the next build.

Bryan Miller, Director of Educational Technology, heads the program. As a veteran Lego NXT robotics advocate, he has worked with the University of Pennsylvania’s engineering program to develop a NXT robotics curriculum.

“I really like to see how students catch on to the process so quickly,” he said, “because of the very intuitive design by Lego. They are simple enough for students in 3rd grade, but have so much power and capability that colleges and universities are using them to perform very complex tasks.”

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P ine Crest is focused on developing 21st centur y critical thinkers, and chess has been at the forefront of that movement for decades. Our many awards prove our students are well on their way to 21st centur y success.

Little

farmers Boca Miss Wanland’s PK class did a lot of digging on the Boca Raton campus! Sage Dining Chef Don Janezic invited the students to pick potatoes in the Greenberg Greens Organic Garden, and once harvested, they were turned into chips and eaten at lunchtime!

“Checkmate” On The Boca Campus

“Checkmate!” It’s a popular sound after school and on some Saturdays, when the Chess Club meets and Lower School members of the Chess Club get together to practice their moves on each other.

Begun in the 90s as a way to introduce problem solving to young children, the Chess Club has grown more popular each year and is now a core component in the After School Enrichment Program. Today K-5 students compete based on abilities rather than grade level, and are encouraged to play with different partners each week.

At the end of each session they play in a tournament, which helps prepare them for larger tournaments held throughout the school year.

This year the school hosted The Pine Crest Grand Prix, a series of five chess tournaments that attract K-12 students from all over Palm Beach and Broward counties.

Competition has grown from some 30 players in the Fall to more than 120 this Spring. To date, the players from PC Boca have taken home 10 trophies. This year they received both First and Second Place awards, and the trophies are proudly on display in the Boca campus administration building.

“Chess is an outstanding, fun way for students to improve their cognitive skills,” explained Yamara Higgins, an early proponent of PC’s chess program. “Numerous studies have proven that kids obtain a higher reading level, math level and a greater learning ability overall as a result of playing chess. In particular, chess has been shown to improve a child’s visual memory, attention span, and spatial reason skills,” she added, “as well as their ability to predict and anticipate consequences.” Chess is also credited with helping students enhance their ability to use set criteria to drive decision making and evaluate alternatives.

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Project-Based Learning – “It’s Not All About Getting the Right Answer” Picture yourself a sixth-grader with an assignment to memorize 20 dates of the Ancient Greek Empire looming before you. Now picture yourself a newspaper writer and editor. You have before you an eyecatching newsletter entitled The Hermes Herald or The Greek Times.

You can choose to write articles on ideas that range from the Minoans to the Dark Ages. You can write a column about Alexander the Great.

Now that’s a sixth-grade lesson you will never forget. According to cognitive development experts, sixth graders struggle to boil down information. The sooner they learn to perfect the skill of summarizing and capturing the main points, the more capable note-takers and critical thinkers they will become, said social studies teacher Jana Blackwell Cissel ’81. Everything sixth-graders need to achieve these tools is wrapped in the steps of researching, writing, and designing a newspaper.

“It’s not as much about the research as it is learning how to pick out the most important information and present it. This is what college writing is all about now – students are writing more annotated research papers. They’re blogging, they’re tweeting. They have to get to the guts.”

Pine Crest interprets and carries out project-based learning exceptionally well in the maths and sciences as well as the Humanities, said retired Science Department Chair Dr. Barbara Grosz. Grosz, who has returned to design and facilitate curriculum in Science teacher Jon Sikora’s Middle School class on the Fort Lauderdale campus, said she especially enjoys working with the younger students.

Dr. Grosz’s presence spurred the 124-member seventh–grade class to enter for the first time, the NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools) National Virtual Science Fair competition in February 2012. Students from the Upper School Science Research Team selected 10 projects for competition. Of those, six Pine Crest students were among the 21 submissions from around the country and of that group, two Pine Crest girls placed fourth and fifth among the national contenders.

In a world of wikis and lightning-speed search engines, valuable classroom instruction requires students to figure out situations and carve out answers by working with their peers. Static learning is fading into the background as project-based learning takes center stage.

“We’re teaching students that they have to reason their way through mathematical problems and scientific hypotheses to truly understand it,” said Grosz. “It’s not all about getting the right answer.”

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Launch at half-past

Pi

It’s half past-Pi (more commonly known as 9:30) on launch day, the day when differential equations migrate from scribbles on a page to the wild blue yonder.

“This is when the rubber meets the road, and students test whether their differential equations will produce liftoff—or not,” explains Tom Perschbacher, Chairman of the Upper School Mathematics Department and Chief Launch Commander. “The students design their projectiles based on mathematical equations and assumptions. Some make it more than 300 feet in the air, while others . ..” In either case, he says, students are learning that math and its concepts are not merely computation or rote memorization of multiplication tables, equations, or derivatives.

Math classes at Pine Crest encourage students to see not only mathematical concepts but also potential applications in a different context, outside of a traditional textbook. “Math is about connections, which makes original thinking so critical to success,” Perschbacher adds.

“Students are encouraged to look for similarities, to group sequences, to assign classifications to each problem. We encourage them to be introspective in their own learning, so they can analyze and critique their thinking, correct themselves, and identify both accurate and faulty thought processes.”

Math is rarely a solo endeavor in Pine Crest’s Upper School. Instead, it is a group endeavor in the classrooms and hall study areas in the new Upper School building. Students work in dynamic teams to share ideas, test assumptions, and collectively solve problems. As a result, students stretch beyond their comfort levels and offer answers, even when they aren’t sure they are right. “Today’s students take risks. And, as a result, they grow. They build their confidence, so they are more than willing to venture into new areas.

That keeps all of us in this department on our toes.”

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M any of today’s seniors have taken rigorous college level math classes—including Multivariable Calculus—before they graduate.

We have moved community service into the ICI, which sends the message that we are educating the whole man.

Critical thinking beyond the

classroom

Higher order thinking and pedagogy? Yes. Traditional research and term papers? No.

ICI Broadens Its Portfolio Thousands of students have benefited from the Institute for Civic Involvement’s speakers’ forums, internships, and hands-on exposure to the political process since 1976. Over the past year the ICI has assumed an even more dynamic role beyond the political arena to educate students about the tenets and skills of leadership as they become global citizens of the 21st Century.

Today the ICI encourages students to explore all aspects of civic involvement in the community.

Social services, health care, education, jurisprudence—these are all areas in which Pine Crest students can take a leadership role to positively affect the communities in which they live.

In addition, the ICI fosters programs that educate students about leadership: how to become a leader, how to positively influence community leaders at every level, and how to explore community needs in which students now and as productive citizens of the future can make a difference.

To fulfill this expanded mission, the ICI hopes to develop more internships, externships, shadowships, and other opportunities to give students first-hand experiences within key sectors of the community. If parents, alumni or friends are interested in offering these types of opportunities to students, please contact Susan Ledbetter at 954.275.8900 or susan.ledbetter@pinecrest.edu.

Piaget, Skinner, Freud, Erikson, and Bandura don’t just come to life inside Kerri-Anne Alexanderson’s developmental psychology class: these gurus literally jump off the pages in her unusually decorated Upper School classroom.

A few days before a test in February, students presented games they had designed for use with young children. The assignment was a lesson within a lesson. Students not only learned the vocabulary words, but they also were critiqued on the likeability of their projects and their appeal to five and seven-year-olds.

Sophomore Rahul Benda said he can’t help but delve into the meanings behind terminology that defines the cognition of babies, children, and adults.“Anyone can give you the info and tell you what will be on the next test,” said Benda, who presented his Jeopardy game project to the class. “Mrs. Alexanderson gets you so interested in the class you are forced to learn.”

“Most of them will remember what they learned because they learned with the expectations that they would solve problems that affect everyday situations,” Alexanderson said. “All psychology is ‘pysch for life’ ”she added. “These lessons help us to understand our families, our careers. I remember the time when I ‘got it’ and figured out that my psychology classes were all relevant. I love to see my students’ faces when they ‘get it.’ ”Alexanderson participates in #psychat with other psychology teachers across the country. She also uses Twitter in her classroom. Follow her at @MsAsPsychClass.

These lessons help us to understand our families, our careers.

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Pine Crest’s New Athletic Director A quote in Keith Flynn’s office states, “If you’re not coaching it you’re just letting it happen.” The philosophy runs through Flynn’s decisionmaking process, and it is the driving force behind the changing face of Athletics at Pine Crest School as it complements other initiatives to become a 21st Century school.

That sums it up for Keith Flynn ’79, PC’s new Athletic Director. As AD, Flynn’s initiatives are studentfocused, supported by a solid administrative plan. This Fall four Assistant ADs will work with him to continuously assess and address the needs of student athletes, from academics to stress management, to strength training.

Building campus continuity Beginning next school year, students in all middle school sports on the Boca campus can attend at least four clinics and camp activities per sport, organized and presented

by Varsity coaches. In some cases, Middle School students will practice with Upper School athletes. An assistant AD from the Lauderdale Campus will be on the Boca campus every week, along with Flynn, to acquaint Boca students

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with expectations for their sport at the Upper School level.

“We want our students to stay on and play their sports at Pine Crest,” he explained. “We don’t want them to leave because they didn’t understand or weren’t comfortable with sports in the Upper School.”

Once regular clinics are set for students, there will be more opportunities to meet with the parents of middle school athletes.

Grooming from within While strength and conditioning training is not mandatory for all athletes, the Athletic Department will begin to highly recommend that all student athletes take those classes to boost potential and safeguard against injuries. Flynn said he is adding more structure to this program. “We’ve got to build our athletes from within and take care of the athletes we have,” said Flynn. “We have to protect them from injuries. Our students will reap the benefits.”

College counseling Flynn has taken steps to work crossdepartmentally, especially with the college counseling department,

to establish continuity between student athletes and college matriculation. Coaches will assist with timelines and guide student athletes through the college sports recruitment process.

Flynn said he looks forward to implementing programs that will offer a supportive network for student athletes and their parents.

“I want our students to have a positive experience with athletics, because sports complete their school experience,” he said. “The lessons they’re learning in the chemistry labs and from their history teachers are so important. But just as important are those lessons learned on the field, in the pool and in the gym that help them be successful in life.”

Flynn has strong and long ties to PC Athletics: he served as Head Football Coach and Chair of the PE Department from1988 to 2000, when he guided the football team to six district championships, five top-eight ratings in the state, and an undefeated regular season in 1992. A number of his players went on to play college football. He also served as Head Coach for Girls Varsity Basketball and Head Coach for JV Baseball. As a PC student, Flynn played football.

Athletic Highlights 2011-12

Cross country and track runner wins national honor Jacob Goldberg was selected national winner of the NFHS Spirit of Sport Award, presented annually to an athlete who embodies the true spirit of sport through athletic participation and community involvement, and who has overcome adversity or challenging circumstances. Jacob Goldberg is legally blind and has Tourette’s Syndrome, but in spite of these daily challenges, he has been a four-year member on the Cross Country and Track teams.

At 14, Jacob cofounded the “Together We See” foundation, which has raised over $60,000 to send legally blind or disabled children to a camp in northern Florida. Jacob is Harvard-bound and was honored at the National Federation of High School’s conference in Nashville, Tennessee in July.

Traveon Henry excels on the field and court A member of the varsity football team for four years and the varsity basketball team for five, Senior Traveon Henry’s athletic talents have earned him a football scholarship for division one Northwestern University. On the court, Traveon’s skill and leadership helped lead the basketball team to another State Championship—his third for the school.

Football The Panthers finished the season 3-6 and the JV was undefeated at 5-0. Harris Stolzenberg was named All-County (Miami Herald & Sun-Sentinel). Traveon Henry was name All-County (Miami Herald).

PC Football will be joining the Southeastern Football Conference next year.

Five football seniors were recruited to play collegiate football: Traveon Henry, Northwestern University; Michael Holz, Bates College; Evan Buhler, Hamilton College; Gabriel Gonzalez, Brown University; Dewayne Cameron, College of The Holy Cross.

Girls volleyball The Lady Panthers finished the season 13-14. Playing in the toughest district in the state, Pine Crest placed 4th in the district tournament. Carolina Berger and Genna Luciano were 3rd Team AllCounty (Miami Herald). Kyra Baum, Sydney Vreeland, Evita Conway, and Samantha Breakstone were AllCounty Honorable Mention (Miami Herald). Seniors Kyra Baum and Carolina Berger committed to play volleyball for Tufts University.

Swimming and diving Girls and boys swimming had another successful season, finishing the season 7-0 in dual meets. Both teams won the district championship and regional championships. The boys team

was state runner-up, while the girls team finished fourth in the state.

Carolyn Chaney earned the state champion diving title.

Jay Fitzgerald was chosen as Sun Sentinel Boys Coach of the Year.

Five swimmers were recruited to swim at the collegiate level: Gotti Eisenberger, University of Southern California; Austin Evenson, Georgetown University; Delaney Brock, Duke University; Ryan Walter, Johns Hopkins University; and Mallory McKeon, Columbia University.

Golf Senior Lily Morrison, one of the top golfers in the county, signed to play at Dartmouth College. The boys golf team finished with a 10-2 record.

This talented team advanced to regionals for the fourth year in a row.

Cheerleading The cheerleading team increases spirit school-wide for football and basketball, hosting Cub Club events that allowed parents and students to join in the Panther community.

The football cheerleaders sponsored events for “Think Pink” with Breast Cancer Awareness that raised money to the American Cancer Society.

Continued on following page

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From the preceding page.

Cross country The girls cross country team had an incredible year finishing 7th at the state meet. It was their highest finish at state since 1999 and only the 7th top 10 finish in school history.

The girls also placed two runners in the top 10 individually, out of 178 runners. Ella Wurth and Savanna Gornisiewicz led the way placing 8th and 10th respectively. Savanna Gornisiewicz also set a new school record in the 5k with a time of 18:46, and was selected 1st team All-County by the Sun-Sentinel and Miami Herald.

The boys cross country team won the district championship for the 3rd time in four years.

Basketball The Panthers won the 4A State Basketball Championship, finishing with a 24-7 record. It was a storybook season with buzzer beating shots to win games and double overtime thrillers. This was the 6th consecutive year Pine Crest basketball reached the final four in the state tournament, earning its third state title. Senior Miles Nolting has committed to play basketball at MIT. Freshman Samantha Johnson broke the school record for most points scored in a Lady Panthers’ single season. She scored 444 points in her 19 games.

Baseball The Panthers had their best season in years finishing with a 17-11 record and District Runner-Up. Shea Parikh has committed to play at Davidson College next year.

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Lacrosse The boys team won its first District Championship this season and finished with a 16-4 record. Hunter Barnett will be attending Rutgers University to play lacrosse. Michael Diener has committed early (Junior) to play lacrosse for Hofstra University. Harris Stolzenberg was selected All-American.

The girls lacrosse team finished with a 14-6 record. The Lady Panthers won their seventh consecutive district title, second consecutive regional championship, making the state semi-finals again this year.

Tennis The Panthers finished the season with an undefeated record of 100. The boys team won the district, regional, and state championships.

This is the first state title in school history. Roy Lederman repeated as state overall singles champion.

Blaine Willenborg has committed to play at the University of Penn at the Wharton School of Business. Carlos de Bracamonte has committed to play at Amherst College.

The Lady Panthers finished with a record of 8-0. They were led by CoCaptains Ines de Bracamonte and Kaely Malik.

Crew Five rowing athletes were recruited to row in college: Jack Jablonski and Ed Walker, Princeton University; Daniel Moon and Ali Finkelstein, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Dani Collier, University of Wisconsin. See page 22 for more information on the Crew program.

Track and field The girls and boys varsity teams had great seasons, with both teams winning the district championship and defeating the State Champions. Ella Wurth led the way for the girls at the State Championships winning three medals. She finished 5th in the 1600m, 6th in the 800m and led the 4x400m relay of Julia Moore, Natalie Lindo and Jordyn Elliott to a 5th place finish.

The middle school track teams had an incredible season with the girls winning their first ever State Championship! Taylor Logue was also the State Champion in the pole vault with a vault of 9-2�.

The boys also finished well at state with the 4x800m relay team of Yani Fabre, Noah Srour, Ron Knezevich and Ryan Welch finishing 6th overall!

Boys weightlifting This team features Andrew GomezRivera, who was ranked number one in USA Weightlifting for Olympic Style lifts. The team finished with an undefeated record of 10-0-1.

Middle school Middle school sports teams have had a great year of learning and success. The fall season was highlighted by the undefeated girls volleyball, that won the championship. The volleyball B team lost only two games.

In cross country, Taylor Phillips, 6th grade, and Ryan Welch, 8th grade, qualified to run in the middle school state championship. Taylor finished 53rd out of 131 girls and was one of the fastest 6th grade runners. Ryan Welch finished 7th out of 155 runners.

The 6th grade football team finished with an impressive 5-2 record. The 7th/8th grade team installed the varsity football team’s offensive scheme this year, which will help them prepare for their future in Pine Crest football.

The Boca Raton Middle School athletic teams had a combined win/loss record of 83-25 for a .768 winning percentage.

Of the seven sports that had a championship tournament or game, PC teams qualified in four of seven, and made it to the championship game in two.

Highlights The football team almost had an undefeated season, with a 7-1 record--the best record ever.

The volleyball team won the Suns Middle School 2nd Annual Volleyball Tournament.

The girls’ lacrosse team won the inaugural Gold Coast League Lacrosse Championship.

The boys’ basketball team capped an undefeated season, winning the Gold Coast League Basketball Championship

The boys soccer team finished the regular season undefeated.

They faced AD Henderson in the championship game, which went to Penalty Kicks, and Henderson came out on top. The girls soccer team also finished the regular season undefeated. They then won their third championship in as many years.

This talented group of players had an outstanding three years in middle school!

history while the boys team finished with an impressive 8-4 record. Girls and boys lacrosse had competitive seasons, finishing with 5-6 and 4-4 records respectively. The softball team showed great improvement over their season. The boys and girls tennis teams are enjoying a successful season with a 5-1 (boys) and 6-0 (girls) record.

Boys basketball competes at three levels in middle school. All teams finished with a winning record.

Girls basketball has two levels.

Both teams improved throughout the season through teamwork and hustle. Spring sports were led by the baseball team and track teams. Baseball won the Gold Coast League Championship this year. The girls track team won the first state championship in school 21

Crew’s Growing Trophy Collection Expands – Along with the Kelley Boathouse

What a year for PC crew! For the first time in team history the mens team was runner-up for the overall points trophy as the top scholastic team in the state. Then the team was invited—one of only six high schools from across the nation and the only one from Florida—to participate in the prestigious 26th Annual Opening Day Regatta in Seattle, Washington. Hosted by the Seattle Yacht Club, this event attracts more than 100,000 spectators and some 500 athletes. The Pine Crest Varsity 8 raced against five of the fastest teams from the West Coast and Canada. The team rowed out of the University of Washington’s Boathouse, a state-of-the-art facility.

Results from the Florida Sculling State Championships: • Sophomores Ryan Pristo and Chase Navellier won the State Championship in the Junior Double.

• Seniors Steven Krouse and Jack Jablonski received the Bronze Medal for 3rd place as the Varsity Lightweight Double.

• Seniors Dominic Annecca and Trevor Eisenberg placed sixth in the Varsity Double.

• Men’s Varsity 8, ranked 3rd in State, had a photo finish victory.

• Men’s Second 8, ranked 2nd in State, won the bronze medal.

• Men’s Third 8 - Ranked 2nd in State, won the bronze medal.

• Men’s Fourth 8 - Ranked 2nd in State.

• Men’s Lightweight finished second scholastically.

• Women’s Varsity 8 - Ranked 6th in State, finished 11th overall.

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G enerous donors have contributed $1.5 million to expand the current Kelley Boathouse to accommodate crew’s growing teams.

S

eeing the University of Washington’s impressive building only served to build excitement and enthusiasm for the PC’s own expanded Kelley boathouse, made possible by gifts totaling $1.5 million from generous donors who want to remain anonymous.

The larger facility, scheduled for completion in August 2013, will be home to the burgeoning crew program. Since its beginnings in 1994 it has grown to a high school program of 105 student athletes and, new this year, a middle school program already 67 students strong.

“The boathouse expansion will help create more opportunities for athletes to participate in this amazing sport,” said Steven Casey, PC’s Director of Rowing.“It is the ultimate team sport.”

“ I have rowed for Pine Crest all four years of high school and I have never been this excited about the progress of our program,” said senior rower Trevor Eisenberg.“With more room for our equipment and teams, our prospects look better than ever,” added junior coxswain Arianna Dicce. “ Besides, the boathouse will become not only a place to push yourself and perform better, but also it’ll be a place to de-stress and hang out with other members of our PC Crew family” says sophomore rower Carter Helschien.

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Championships Abound for Upper School Sport Teams

From Track and Field to Basketball, Rowing, Tennis, Weightlifting, and much more–Panthers set the records and remained the Piston’s point guard Brandon Knight ’10, addressed Pine Crest students at a Miami Heat game.

teams to beat. On the fields, courts, and in the waterways, Pine Crest’s student athletes owned titles, broke records, and charted new paths with unprecedented victories. Go Panthers!

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Middle School Sports Teams Post Undefeated Seasons

M

iddle school sports teams have had a great year of learning and success with an undefeated volleyball season, cross country championships, cheerleading, and more.

Cross country qualified to run in the middle school state championship, and 6th grade football finished with an impressive 5-2 record. The 7th/8th grade team installed the varsity football team’s offensive scheme this year which will help them prepare for their future in Pine Crest football.

Cheerleading in middle school supports middle school football for the 6th grade team as well as the 7th/8th grade team. For basketball, it supports the three middle school teams for 6th grade and the A & B teams. middle school cheerleaders help the varsity cheerleaders in their Cub Club events and support of the American Cancer Society in October.

Boys and girls soccer teams were the stories for the winter seasons, and both the boys and girls basketball teams improved throughout the season through teamwork and hustle.

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Upper School Students Making a Difference Outside the Classroom The value of a Pine Crest education is defined by the combination of traditional excellence and innovative approaches to learning that go “beyond the book.”

By the end of their senior years, students will have accumulated tens of thousands of community service hours in projects that range from aiding children in Third World countries to feeding thousands of South Floridians.

Pine Crest students’ efforts save the lives of animals, and raise awareness and funds to fight breast cancer. They delve into biomedical research, and continue to set the tone of leadership and responsibility for their younger peer groups.

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The Arts Flourish In Middle School For middle school students–this is where it begins… Student production were standing-room only.

Students produced stellar broadcasts, designed and created stunning visual art, and stormed the stage with brilliant performances. On the Boca Raton Campus, students performed “Guys ‘N Dolls.”

Guys ‘N Dolls, Boca Campus

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P ine Crest students embrace the ar ts with extraordinar y passion and poise. Many students have even used their talents to benefit and promote the causes of others.

We applaud all of our students for their achievements.

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The Arts give Students Another Way to Excel In so many ways, Pine Crest School’s arts program enhances and frames students’ everyday experiences, visions, and potential on and off campus.

From visual arts to television production, to chorus and ballet, our Middle School students define arts education simply, as education.

Charlie Brown, Fort Lauderdale Campus

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Lower School Students Explore Activities From Acting to Zoology...

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...And Everything in Between

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To The Class of 2012— Excerpts from Director of College Counseling Marcia Hunt’s comments to this year’s seniors and their families at the annual Senior Sendoff luncheon on May 23, the day before graduation.

Upper School Head Patrick Phillips

Y

our parents will remember that the year you were born, the cost of a gallon of gas was $1.09. Bill Clinton ran this country.

OJ Simpson fled the police in his white Ford Bronco in California. Netscape Navigator was released that year. Lisa Marie Presley married Michael Jackson.

The average life expectancy was 75.7 years. The Miami Heat Lost the NBA Eastern Conference in the First Round (3-0) versus the Chicago Bulls.

Things are different now. This year, the average life expectancy is almost 80 years.

Gas is close to $4.00 a gallon. Some think Bill Clinton’s wife now runs the country.

OJ has retired to Florida, then went to jail. Lisa Marie Presley is now on her fourth marriage. Facebook is a publicly run company. The Miami Heat won the NBA championship.

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And now you are about to graduate from Pine Crest tomorrow. This afternoon, I would like to share with you a few unique facts about the 206-member Class of 2012.

• Half of you were born outside of Florida.

• The earliest birthday in your class is January 4.

• The latest birthday is December 30.

• You speak 22 different languages.

• 19 of you are citizens of different countries.

• There are three sets of twins.

• The most popular majors in your class are biology, chemistry, business, economics, engineering, and computer science.

• There were 3,236 Naviance parent log-ins for your class; one of your parents logged in 353 times, accounting for 10% of the total.

• The most Naviance log-ins by a single student was 328.

• The least number of log-ins by a single student was 9.

• As a class you applied to a total of 257 colleges; the average number was 6.2 • Two of you applied to 30 or more colleges and five of you applied to only one.

• Your class received 1,296 admission decisions.

• 387 different teacher letters of recommendation were submitted for the Class of 2012.

• The number of students who had the same teacher write their letter of recommendation was 45.

That teacher was Marisa Ortega.

• The most popular date for your class to take the SAT was in March.

• The most popular state where you will attend college is Florida.

The next is Massachusetts, where 24 of you will be next year.

• Three of you will be attending my alma mater (Syracuse).

There are a lot of things that you may not know about this class:

Marcia Hunt

During her three decades as head of College Counseling, Marcia and her team have successfully managed to move more than 45,000 students out of Pine Crest and into many of the nation’s finest colleges and universities nationally and internationally.

Marcia is the past president of the National Association for College Counseling and the Southern Association for College Counseling, and the immediate past Chair of the Board of Trustees for the nationwide Association of College Counselors at Independent Schools (ACCIS).

She has participated in the selection processes for CocaCola Scholars, the George Soros Foundation Open Society Institute Scholarship, the Morehead-Cain Scholarship, and the United States Presidential Scholars Program. Marcia serves on university advisory boards, including those of Northwestern University, The University of Chicago, Miami of Ohio, and the University of Michigan, and presents regularly at national conferences. She is regularly quoted in the Washington Post, CNN, Huffington Post, Newsweek, and Smart Money.

During her tenure at Pine Crest she has visited more than 300 colleges and universities.

• Every Alex is called by his last name.

•O ne of you sells Avon products; another writes fanfiction.

•O ne classmate creates iPhone applications.

•A nother does technical support for Microsoft.

• T here is a person who plays the Ukulele.

• Two students know sign language.

•A classmate who holds a patent for a fire extinguisher location system.

• Multiple

students collect stamps, coins, spoons, little Buddha statues, pins, golf balls, porcelain boxes, glass animals, or thimbles.

•A mongst you are fly-fishers and spear-fishers.

•O ne of you biked from Charleston, South Carolina to San Diego, California.

• T here is a young man who knows how to weave using a traditional loom.

• One classmate enjoys designing and building wooden boats.

•G iven a blank map, one of you can name all 195 official countries of the world.

• I am told that one of you forgets to bring your book on many days to English class. You told your teacher that it is because you have the book memorized. One day she thought that she would call your bluff and asked you about a passage from Othello. You said “I have it memorized” and then you repeated the soliloquy word for word.

•O ne of the guys in this class is an acrobat!

• Someone else executes the color coordination of his turban and his outfits with near perfection.

• Another classmate wears a specifically colored shirt for every day of the week.

• Another is a young woman who has pursued her dream of climbing mountains and has scaled the peaks of five 14,000 footers.

• Another of you has been to 34 countries.

• We have guppy breeders, possum and baby bird rescuers, Nike Shoe collectors, and hurricane trackers.

• One of you charges your Grandma $5.00 a lesson to teach her how to play solitaire.

• Three of you play in the rock band “A Third Wheel.”

• One of you is the Austrian National Swimming Champ.

• Another created a computer programming language.

• One of you has written two books for a pediatric occupational therapist that have received national recognition.

• There is a pianist who entertains at Café de Paris.

• Two of you will row at Princeton.

The head coach is married to my daughter. You cannot get away from me.

• Your classmates include the founder of a support group for students with Crohn’s Disease.

• Another is an activist whose letters are published in the Palm Beach Post regarding correct food labeling.

• One of you worked at a cattle ranch in Venezuela.

• Another is the only girl in a family of four brothers.

• Sitting next to you may be a published wildlife photographer.

• Or someone who finds that any food is good as long as it has Buffalo sauce with it.

• There is a future female Navy Seal.

• One of you is a Ham Operator (call sign KK4APM).

• One of you actually has a typewriter and a 16 mm motion camera. He is now shopping for a record player.

• There is a future Social Chair at the University of Michigan.

• One of you has been a swimmer here since 7th Grade. You have covered 915,120 miles in our pool.

• We have the well-known DJ So Paid.

• Your class has memories of Crispito day and Nutella in our cafeteria as well as memories of tackle basketball and block the stairs.

• Two of you are opera singers.

• A classmate took an AP exam—in Music Theory—in 7th grade and received a 4!

• One of you is a boxer.

• Another does great character impersonations of Tina Fey and Sarah Palin.

• A powerful classmate was named South Florida’s Most Powerful Kid last spring.

• There is a staff reporter for The Miami Herald in the room.

• One of you was recognized for your philanthropic and charity work on stage by former President Bill Clinton.

We certainly will miss this spectacular group of students.

Parents, thank-you for sharing your children with Pine Crest School.

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Paying it Forward to Future Alumni... the Alumni Scholarship Fund (ASF)

T

he Alumni Scholarship Fund was established in the 1960s as a way for alumni to help future students experience a Pine Crest education. Over the years hundreds of students have received financial support from the Fund. The Fund, tax deductible, is restricted specifically to support academic scholarships—from today’s alumni to future alumni.

“In today’s economy it’s more important than ever for alumni to ‘pay it forward,’ to make it possible for students to attend Pine Crest who might otherwise not have the opportunity,” said Paige Cole Hyatt ’81,

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a member of the Alumni Advisory Council.

“The Council is hoping that alumni will support this fund as a way to ensure that a Pine Crest education is attainable for deserving students,” she added. “This Fund ensures that students for generations to come will have access to all the wonderful opportunities Pine Crest gave to all of us in the past.”

Alumni with any questions about the ASF should email Candace.Moore@pinecrest.edu or call her at 561-852-2805. To make a gift to the ASF online, please visit: www.pinecrest.edu/giveonline.

“ My sincerest thanks to those

“ Thanks to PC’s

who have contributed to the ASF over the years—your support transformed my dream into a reality.

generous gift of financial assistance via the Alumni Scholarship Fund (ASF), I was one of the lucky ones who was able to receive a world-class education.

– JEFF PELAGE ‘08 Pine Crest was a dream. When I received the opportunity to attend PC, I pushed myself, and in time I realized how invaluable the experience was to me.

I can honestly say PC changed my life!

My PC education paved the road to success for me, and I am so thankful that I will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Administration and Business.

”

– IAN HEST ’07

“ I hope all alumni will take a moment to reflect on their

days at Pine Crest, and support the Alumni Scholarship Fund so future students can continue to benefit from the amazing experience that is Pine Crest.

”

– KAREN QUINLAN ’79 As a reporter for ABC in Lincoln, NE, I would not be where I am today had it not been for the guidance of the wonderful PC faculty and staff who helped me reach my potential.

For that, I will be forever grateful.

I hope PC alumni will continue to generously support the ASF, and enable PC to continue offering the amazing gift of financial assistance to deserving students, so that they too can have the opportunity I was given—the opportunity to shine.

Without the generous support of the Alumni Scholarship Fund, and the sacrifices of my wonderful parents, I would not have had the amazing opportunity to attend Pine Crest School.

Thanks to Pine Crest’s outstanding academic preparation and top-ranked swim team, I was the first member of my family to attend college.

and clubs via PC plays a significant role in how I volunteer within my community today.

I cannot imagine what my life’s journey would have looked like, personally or professionally, had I not been blessed with the foundation, experiences, and people of Pine Crest. I feel very fortunate that many classmates, faculty, and staff have become lifelong friends.

I learned the importance of setting goals, teamwork, and selfdiscipline, all of which helped me to be successful in college, in the high-tech corporate world, and in everyday life.

My early exposure to service programs

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”

Living Safe, Living Large

Hannah Masimore ’05 It’s been a big year for Hannah Masimore ’05.

The website for her fledgling company Essential Safe Products (ESP) was up and running.

Not long after, the company products were included in gift bags for the Grammy Awards.

Weeks later, they were included in goodie bags for the Oscars. Time Magazine prominently listed the products right up there with a $15,000 elephant safari in Botswana and a $15,000 soiree for 100 friends, sponsored by Disaranno Italian liqueur. And then—she got married.

Companies work long and hard to be among the featured items in gift bags for these prestigious awards shows. The publicity potential is enormous. And stars caught carrying or using the products can help a product sail off the shelves, or inundate a website.

When she was notified that her pitch for inclusion had been accepted, Hannah said, “It made me feel like what I was doing with our company was really making a difference.

If someone saw what we were doing and believed in it so much to ask us to be a part of the (gift bags), I knew there must be others out there just as supportive. This was a once-in-alifetime opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”

Hannah and her mother founded the company to offer a one-stop website for non-toxic, eco-friendly, reusable products for food preparation, storage, and serving. All the products are free of BPA, Phthalates, PTFE, lead and other chemicals that can be harmful to humans. The company’s website offers

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products made of bamboo, glass, and stainless steel, including bakeware and cookware, water bottles and baby bottles, kitchen accessories and food storage products.

Besides spending much of her time running the website, Hannah talks far and wide about the dangers lurking in many basic kitchen items.

“We’re just trying to give people an option based on their own lifestyle and what they want and what they believe,” she recently told a reporter at her college alma mater, Wake Forest University. “Hopefully we have the product that they can incorporate into their lifestyle.”

In addition to selling products on the website, Hannah includes a “Learn” section where people can get more information on how to avoid certain types of chemicals in their daily lives; details on hazardous chemicals and their effects on our bodies; information about materials; and reasons why she has chosen the brands found on the site. The site also links to her blog, where she posts current information on the chemical industry, along with tips and tricks.

In the midst of all this early success, Hannah married her long-time beau, Ben Helsabeck in Palm Beach shortly after the Oscars.

ESP has taken off, particularly in consumeraware California and Chicago, with Florida not far behind. You can check out her wares at www.LiveESP.com and on Facebook and Twitter.

A Day in the Life of an American Doctor in Rwanda

Vince DeGennaro ’98 My day starts whenever I’m awakened by the sounds of rural Rwanda. Usually the sun is up, but sometimes farmers have already started tilling the land outside my room and the clank of the hoe against a stone wakes me up. I try to study some French or Kinyarwanda before the day starts because I won’t have another moment to myself until I’m back in bed that night.

I work for Partners in Health (PIH), a non-profit with a unique philosophy in developing country medicine.

Public health usually starts with the assumption of a finite amount of resources, then works its way back to the need from there. PIH believes in finding a way to meet the need for patients, then working back to resources.

I dine on stale bread and butter, or peanut butter if I’m lucky. I’m in the hospital by 7:30 in the morning and then the peace of the quiet Rwandan countryside fades away and the chaos begins. There are hopefully less than 40 patients in internal medicine wards. For a few days each month, we have more patients than beds, and the patients are forced to double up.

Often it’s with a patient with the same illness.

A large part of my job is teaching internal medicine to the generalist doctors in Rwanda. They are extremely talented physicians who can perform a Caesarian section, care for a newborn, and treat most ailments.

Their broad training prepares them to be the only doctor for miles in rural Africa. However, they do not have the depth of training that we American physicians have. I also work with them on how to do research for their patients, organize hospital-wide quality improvement initiatives, and improve communication with colleagues.

My mornings are spent seeing patients.

My Rwandan colleagues ask me to consult on difficult cases. Nurses ask me to approve expensive medical procedures and imaging tests that are done in the capital of Kigali. Then I have to order chemotherapy for our oncology patients and go over the plan with the nurses. We perform biopsies, follow up the biopsies, send patients for radiation, and maintain our chemotherapy stock in the pharmacy.

Sometimes there are groups of visiting Americans that we give tours and entertain because they help us with fundraising. Whenever an American gets sick, I get called to see them because I am often the only American doctor for two hours’ drive.

far outside of my comfort zone. But I work with my Rwandan colleagues to come up with a treatment plan and most of the children do get better and go home.

On days when I get out of work early enough, I play soccer with the local men’s team. Or I go for a run, accompanied by the children from the village, who keep up despite being barefoot. I spend the quiet nights reading, writing, working or studying, and then I climb under my mosquito net into bed for a few hours of rest.

I graduated from Pine Crest 13 years ago, but I still carry many of the lessons I learned there with me in the hospital in rural Rwanda. If anyone is interested in getting involved in the fight for global health, there are plenty of avenues. Please visit www.pih.org for more information on our work in Rwanda and Haiti.

Outside the hospital nurses are the primary care providers for patients.

I help write curriculum to train them as doctors. I provide ongoing clinical teaching and real-time feedback. The nurses at the rural clinics two hours from the district hospital have a high school education. The most interesting cases come into these clinics because they are so far from medical care that problems fester. The nurses perform admirably, given the resources they are working with. I spend about a third of my time in the pediatrics ward. I’ve worked in global health since 2002. I still am not at ease treating infants and neonates; these tiny patients push me 43

Alumni Legacy Breakfasts The first alumni celebration of each school year is the Legacy Breakfast.

Fort Lauderdale welcomed nine new Legacy families to the fold.

Boca Raton welcomed six new Legacy families.

More than 150 Fort Lauderdale and 50 Boca Raton alumni, spouses, and children enjoyed this very special tradition.

Amidst the smiles, photos, and catching up with friends and classmates, everyone enjoyed the wonderful breakfasts.

Legacy children were thrilled to leave the festivities with light-up PC pins, sparkly paw stickers, “I Love PCS” bracelets, and “Go Panthers” pom-poms!

Kate Schechter Feingold ’95 and Ethan Feingold ’25

Trevor Osceola ’14 and Melissa Osceola DeMayo ’95

Suzanne Hollowell McCawley ’90 and Evelyn McCawley ’24

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Boca Raton Campus Alumni Legacy Families

Candace Moore and Alisa Karten

Meredith Gertz DiCarolis ’86, Kylie DiCarolis ’17, Sean DiCarolis ’15, Rick Gertz ’88, Taylor Gertz ’24, and Delaney Gertz ’22

Rebecca Cohen ’14 and Michael Cohen’78

Crane Gladding ’89 and Alexandra Gladding ’23

Joey Walters ’95, Karen Walters, and Leah Walters ’24

Matthew Kronengold ’15, Amy Averbuch Kronengold ‘84, and Meagan Kronegold ’17

Dr. Edward Walker ’70 and Edward Walker ’12

Alumni Homecoming “Panther Pride” Tailgate Party The night kicked off with great “All-American” fun foods, a fun kickball game with Ruth Bresnahan, and our fabulous face-painter Melissa, who decorated many little faces with Panther paws and glitter!

Everyone beamed with Panther Pride as they headed to the football game with “Go Panthers” popcorn megaphones, pom-poms, flashing PC pins, and green glow bracelets!

It was a great night for Panthers of all ages!

Panther Pride cheer

Sara Knapp Medrano ’89 and Peter Perri ’93

John Harrington ’55, Estes Carns, Sandy Harrington, and Honorary Alumni Stanley Marks ’02

Caridad Wellington Perri ’93, and Doray Fried Briskman ’95

Joey Walters ’95, Dana Markham, Dave Smith

Facepainter Melissa and Anna Medrano ’23

Keith, Bella and Jennifer Brafman Staffen ’84

Ashlyn ’19, Marlene and Jim Cowgill ’88

Coach Jana Blackwell Cissel ’81 and the Lady Panthers Cheerleaders

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Alumni Events in New York and Fort Lauderdale The trendy New York Angus McIndoe Restaurant in October, and The Fort Lauderdale Mai Kai Restaurant in December, were the venues for memorable Alumni Gatherings.

Alumni, honorary alumni, and faculty mingled, laughed, and toasted the special occasions.

Adriana Harrison ’09, Dana Markham, and Cassandra Harrison ’05

Dana Markham, Jeff Roschman’79, and Karen Quinlan ’79

Kieran Wilson ’03, Lourdes Cowgill, and Vicki Campbell Staniar ’62

Phil Consuegra, and Evan Kelman ’11

Kevin Boothe ’01, and Rosalie Boothe

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James Lansdale, Lourdes Cowgill, Estes Carns, Vicky Wadman, Dale Wadman, and Jim Cowgill, Sr.

Alex Hochberger ’97, Heather Geronemus ’97, Mark Phillips, and Anne Fischer Hunt Phillips ’62, Peter Perri ’93, Paul Perri ’99, and Bette Hochberger

Pine Crest School Homecoming & Alumni Reunion Weekend 2012 Friday, October 19, 2012

Campus Tours Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Luncheon Upper School Homecoming Pep Rally Alumni Bell Tower Rededication Alumni homecoming tailgate party – Show your Panther pride!

Wear your green and white, or your favorite Panther gear!

Friends, food, refreshments, and fun for all ages!

Homecoming football game - PC vs John Carroll Catholic H.S.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2012 A L U M N I

R U N

O N

C A M P U S

Welcome Back to the Jungle Panthers Reunion Celebration Classes celebrating: 1962, 1967, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, and 2002 Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa INVITATIONS WILL BE IN THE MAIL BY AUGUST 17.

QUESTIONS? FEEL FREE TO CONTACT CANDACE MOORE, DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS AND SOCIAL MEDIA:

561.852.2805 OR CANDACE.MOORE@PINECREST.EDU. 47

Alumni Weddings Mr. and Mrs. Michael Margolies

Kathleen Whitledge ’96 married Michael Margolies on May 1, 2010 at the Boca Raton Resort and Club. PC alumna Tatiana Rojas Yohanan ’96 attended the wedding

Mr. and Mrs. William Graeff

Christine Fernandez ’04 married William Graeff on March 26, 2011 in Coral Gables, Florida

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Mr. and Mrs. John Wijtenburg

John Wijtenburg ’01 married Jessica Morhaim on November 11, 2012 at the Riverside Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Mr. and Mrs. Vladi Yurovsky

Heather Bernstein ’02 married Vladi Yurovsky on November 12, 2011 at the Grove Isle Hotel & Spa in Coconut Grove, Florida. Heather’s bridal party included, Maid of Honor Jennifer Maurer ’02, and bridesmaid Beth Hendler ’02. Also in attendance were Steven Seigel ’02, Riley Gelwicks ’02, Rick Ramirez ’02, Sam Pearlman ’02, Brian Dettman ’02, Derek Dettman ’02, Daniel Bottari ’02, and Bryan Hussey ’01.

Announcements Mr. and Mrs. Nicolas Cole

Mr. and Mrs. Vivek Patel

Vivek Patel ’04 married Shailee Patel during four days of wedding ceremonies, December 23 through 26, 2011—actual wedding day was December 25th. The pre-wedding festivities were held in both Parkland and April Lupo ’98 married Nicolas Cole on October 9, Orlando (Florida), and were followed by a beautiful 2010. The ceremony, held at Evangel Assembly, was wedding in Orlando, and a decadent reception in followed by the reception at Golden Eagle Country Club Parkland. PC alumni in attendance were sister of the in Tallahassee, Florida. The wedding party consisted of groom, Tulsie Patel ’07, and groomsmen Abraham 26—13 bridesmaids and 13 groomsmen—dear friends Dauhajre ’04 and Shawn Lee ’04. from all over the country.

Mr. and Mrs. Ben Helsabeck

Hannah Masimore ’05 married Ben Helsabeck on March 10, 2012 at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida. The bridal party included maids of honor Sarah Masimore ’07 and Ivana Masimore ’10, bridesmaids Jodi DeGrandchamp ’05, Kate Beckett ’05, and Sarah Arndt ’05, and groomsman Joshua Masimore. Also in attendance: Kristina Kessler ’05 and Billie Koperwas ’05, and Hannah’s younger brothers, Noah Masimore ’16 and Isaac Masimore ’18.

Mr. and Mrs. Adam Shapiro

Alissa Kantor ’03 married Adam Shapiro on February 25, 2012 at the Four Seasons in Palm Beach, Florida. The bridal party included Niki Kantor Rubin ’00, Oren Kantor ’06, and Gavi Kantor ’10. PC alumni also in attendance: Allison Kronick ’03, Talia Epstein ’03, Rachel Nathanson ’03, Lindy Porudominsky ’03, Andrea Levy ’03, Adam Bender ’00, Mikey Bender ’11, Katie Kerbis’10, Evan Rosen ’06, and Ira Rothstein’01.

Mr. and Mrs. Flavio de Andrade

Viviane Sabat ’03 married Flavio de Andrade on September 5, 2010 at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida. PC alumni Megan Green ’03, Christos Traikos ’04, Stephanie Traikos ’04, and Sasha Muzzarelli ’01 attended the wedding.

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Alumni Births

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Ian Tabatchnick ’92 and his wife Tiffany, welcomed their first child, Olive Gwendolyn Tabatchnick, on September 6, 2011. Ian is the front of house manager at the NYU Skirball Center, and Tiffany is the stage manager for Carolyn Dorfman Dance Company.

Scott Singer ’94 and his wife Bella, celebrated the arrival of their first child, Daniel Jacob Singer, on August 19, 2011.

Scott and Bella moved back to South Florida in 2011, after many years living in Manhattan. Scott started his own law practice focusing on commercial litigation and corporate transactions.

Sara Walters Smith ’96 and her husband Ryan, welcomed their first child, Mason David Smith, on November 19, 2011. Sara and Ryan could not be happier!

Ashley Palmer Lindsay ’99, her husband Matthew, and their son Charlie, welcomed son/brother, Case Matthew Lindsay, on January 19 2012.

Julie Marx ’99 and her husband Mike Silverstein, welcomed son, Jonah Basch Silverstein, on July 18, 2011.

Gaston Mendez III ’99, his wife Tarsy, and their daughter Jesera—born July 17, 2009—welcomed son/brother, Gaston Mendez IV, on January 6, 2012.

Nicole Kantor Rubin ’00 and her husband Cole, welcomed twins, Raya Sloane Rubin and Mason Gabriel Rubin, on March 13, 2011.

Kevin Boothe ’01 his wife Rosalie, and their son Dante, welcomed daughter/sister, Bria Nicole Boothe, on March 23, 2012.

Alicia Kay Fishman ’01 and her husband Scot, welcomed their son, Jake Hunter Fishman, on February 8, 2012.

Announcements

Kathleen Whitledge Margolies ’96, her husband Michael, and their daughter Mikayla Reese—born on September 30, 2008—welcomed son/brother, Oliver Michael Margolies, on December 22, 2011.

Alec Huff Schultz ’98 his wife, Meredith, and their sons Carter Randall—born December 10, 2007—and Preston Jay—born September 9, 2010—welcomed daughter/sister, Lila Gail Elise Schultz, on February 29, 2012. This year Carter will start Pre-K at Pine Crest as a third generation PC Legacy.

Ginny Hook Faircloth ’99 and her husband Jordan, welcomed son, Grayson Hollister Faircloth, on December 21, 2011.

Lisa Mills Goldin ’00 and her husband Doug, welcomed daughter, Grace Goldin, on November 22, 2011.

Katie O’Connell Nitowski ’00, her husband Karl, their twin daughters Bailey and Maci, welcomed son/brother, Jack Alexander Nitowski, on April 4, 2012.

Nicole Golden Odrobina’00 and her husband Michael, welcomed their first child, Thomas Michael Odrobina, on November 2, 2011.

Obituary Ellery Stephen Wright ’71 passed away suddenly on December 18, 2011. Wright attended the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, and Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biological sciences from UAF in 1984. He moved to Juneau in 1993, held several jobs in fishing and marine biology, and received the Commissioner’s Certificate for Exceptional Service.

Cody Rae Gruber Kedy ’03 and her husband Jesse, welcomed their daughter, Bella-Grace Kedy, on April 30, 2012.

Ellery Stephen Wright ‘71 with his sister Helen Wright Briggs

Wright was preceded in death by his parents, Ellery C. and Marion Wright. Stephen is survived by his twin sisters, Helen Wright Briggs of St. Augustine, Florida, and Gail Wright Greene of Jacksonville, Florida.

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The Boca Raton

Auction

P

ine Crest’s Boca Raton hosted its “House of Rock” at the Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach. The evening raised more than $300,000 to fund endowments for financial aid, technology, faculty conferences and workshops, building projects and more that directly benefit the school.

Joseph and Dana Markham, Hiromi and Rob Printz

The evening began with a silent auction and cocktail hour with parents purchasing items such as tickets to the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in NYC, a VIP Shopping Experience, signed sports memorabilia, and dining gift certificates.

Things started to really “rock” after dinner when items such as Experiencing A Game Day in the Life of a Florida Panther, a chance to Go On Location with CBS Sports and even to Party Like a Rock Star Beverly Hills Style! were auctioned off.

Jay and Karen Foreman

“We were absolutely thrilled with the generosity and creativity shown by our administration and faculty with their online spirit items,” said Cory MacNeille, Auction Co-Chair and President Elect. “This “giving” is truly a testament to their love and dedication to Pine Crest, and we are fortunate to be part of such an incredible community.”

Karen Bauman, PA President, added, “I am constantly impressed by the hardwork and dedication of the parent volunteers who work tirelessly to support our school and I would like to thank everyone who made this evening possible.”

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Suzanne Sandow, Anne Koch, Karen Bauman, and Cory MacNeille

The Fort Lauderdale

Auction T

he sophisticated W Hotel in Fort Lauderdale was the setting for more than 200 guests who “popped the cork” in support of Pine Crest at its auction fundraiser in March 2012.

The excitement began mid-March with competitive online auction bidding and culminated with an ultra-chic party extravaganza.

Live Auction items included an Africa Adventure Safari package, a cruise-and-dine experience aboard a 154’ luxury motor yacht, a Goodyear blimp ride aboard the “Spirit of Innovation,”an assortment of vacation hot spots, and a prime parking space on campus, among other engaging items. Sponsored by the Founder’s Council, the Lower School Mothers’ Club, and the Middle and Upper School Parents Association, the evening supports financial aid and general school endowments.

Adrienne Barry, Annual Fund Chair with husband Brendan Barry, and Erica Crissy ’88, Event Party Chair

Trustee Sonny and Nancy Kotite, Dana and Joseph Markham, Lucy Greiner

Alison and Mark Nolting, donors of the Africa Safari Package

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Pine Crest Day Camp Celebrates 54 Years of Summer Fun!

By KarenDunne Director of Pine Crest Day Camp

S

eeing the opportunity to serve the community and our school, Dr. Mae McMillan introduced one of the first summer day camps in Broward County. Sack races, fishing, sketching, swimming, horseback riding on campus, tennis, in-ground trampolines, baton twirling, and square dancing were featured activities. Parents bought camp t-shirts for $1.25.

During the 1980’s nearly 1,200 campers were enrolled—and the facility was bursting at its seams, even on this 49-acre campus. It was nearly impossible to feed so many children at a reasonable lunch time, so a picnic pavilion near the lake (where the current parking garage is) helped get hot dogs and hamburgers fresh off the grill to hungry

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campers. And when the picnic pavilion got too crowded…McDonald’s delivered!

Every nook and cranny of the campus was used for activities. Before the Munsey Gym, Middle School complex, and Egan Auditorium, the space squeeze was solved with off-campus entertainment. Excursions to Ocean World, Water Works, Pompano Bowl, Jungle Cruise, and the old Oakland Park Roller Rink gave campers fun experiences, and at the same time gave the campus some breathing room. Schedules often included jaunts to Ft. Lauderdale Beach for castle building, to Crystal Lake for sailing, to the airport to watch planes land, to the Markham Park Zoo, and even to the local bakery.

Sack races, fishing, sketching, swimming, horseback riding on campus, tennis, in-ground trampolines, baton twirling, and square dancing were featured activities.

Campers received a weekly Fun-o-Gram, a 10-page mimeographed newsletter recapping the last week’s activities and previewing the next. (Saving trees was not a consideration then!) College students drove camp buses on outings, with folding maps taped to their sun visors. Today buses have professional drivers who are guided from Boca Raton to North Miami by GPS and internal monitor screens.

The PCDC now shares the campus with a Tennis Camp, a Swim Camp, and a host of other programs, and enrolls nearly 900 children.

Many of the original activities are still favorites today: Arts and Crafts, Magic, Cheerleading, Football, and Cookie Crafts continue to be hits.

The lake is home to Hydro-bikes, Kayaks, and Paddle Boats. Campers now find Electric Guitars, zip lines through the fountains, Speed Stacking, Spy School, and sky-high water slides on their schedules. Still, the famous Morning Show kicks off each day. Girls challenge the boys in game shows, races, Auditorium Ball, and the ever-popular musical chairs.

Pine Crest Day Camp turns 54 this summer.

Over the years 100,000 youngsters have giggled their way through the halls, gyms, and sports fields of the Pine Crest Fort Lauderdale campus!

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Pine Crest Annual Fund Exceeds $1.4 million Goal Supported by Re-energized Campuses

“The carpool line was exciting this year as I watched the bright red Annual Fund thermometer rise week, after week, said Jennifer Snyder, Fort Lauderdale parent of Benjamin ’17 and Rachel ’20. “With the renewed energy surrounding Dr. Markham’s appointment to President of our School, spirits across both campuses seemed to rise in tandem with the vibrant thermometers displayed on both campuses.”

Adrienne Barry

Monica Goldstein

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“This is a new year for Pine Crest and the success of our fundraising, specifically our annual fund, is a testament to the positive feelings radiating across our campuses,” said Monica Goldstein. The Boca Raton Annual Fund Chair added that, “Our parents, along with our grandparents, alumni, faculty and community friends, have given more this year than ever before, and donors keep saying that “giving” supports the School they love.”

Laura Deane, Director of Annual Giving on the Fort Lauderdale campus was especially pleased with the overwhelming support among administration, faculty and staff this year. “I have been part of the Pine Crest community for 17 years, and I have never seen such an immediate

outpouring of support as I did this year. More than 95% of our administration, faculty and staff participated, and this clearly sends a message about how much they value Pine Crest and our new leadership.”

“Whether I speak with fellow parents, students, or alums, they all say the same thing—a Pine Crest education presents opportunity,” Fort Lauderdale Annual Fund Chair Adrienne Barry said. “Our faculty are among some of our nation’s best in their fields, and students have the opportunity to benefit from their teachings and mentoring.

A Pine Crest education offers opportunity when it comes to college and careers, as well as opening doors to experiences and resources a typical student would not have access to.”

The Magazine Staff: Editor

Laurie Stein-Stapleford ‘70* Managing Editor

Karla Dejean* CONTRIBUTORS

The greatest gift is not found in a store… but in the hearts of true friends.

- Anonymous

Gifts to the Annual Fund enable Pine Crest to attract the nation’s best students and nationally-recognized faculty and offer them the finest academic resources, innovative programs, and learning environment.

To make your tax-deductible gift, please use the enclosed envelope or visit our secure website: www.pinecrest.edu/giveonline.

YOU MAY ALSO CALL ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT (BOCA RATON) ALISA KARTEN 561-852-2804 OR DIRECTOR OF ANNUAL GIVING (FORT LAUDERDALE) LAURA DEANE 954-492-4192.

GIFTS RECEIVED BETWEEN NOW AND JUNE 15, 2013, WILL BE CREDITED TO THE CURRENT ANNUAL FUND YEAR.

Phil Consuegra* Laura Deane* Elena DelAlamo David Fisher* Shelley Huff-Schultz* Marcia Hunt Alisa Karten* Susan Ledbetter Alex Meade ‘13 Candace Moore* Neyda Otero Eileen Pliske Jane Salimbene* Vela Robin* Joyce Robinson* Carol Rose* Paul Swisher* Anita Tychsen* Scott Wing Photography:

Karla Dejean Paul R. Evenson Gina Pozzuoli Jane Salimbene Alana Steinberg Lisa Wheeler Thanks to many others who helped with this publication.

Published by Pine Crest School, 1501 NE 62nd Street Fort Lauderdale, Florida for alumni, families, and friends of the school’s Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton campuses.

Send comments and suggestions to laurie.stein@pinecrest.edu *Proofreaders

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