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OakTree Times Inside: Q
Learning on a Global Level
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Kim Phuc at Poly
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Panther Pods
Middle School Block EXPLORING INTERESTS BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
OakTree Times FALL | WINTER 2014
Feat ures : 10 Middle School Block
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Poly’s Block program allows Middle School students to explore interests outside the classroom.
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Global Online Academy links Poly students with teachers and students all over the world.
A P U B L I C A T I O N F O R T H E P O LY T E C H N I C S C H O O L C O M M U N I T Y
Departments: The Patio p.05
John Bracker installed ... Jordan Wallens ’90 shares his
OAK TREE TIMES EDITORIAL STAFF: Leslie Carmell, Director of Communications
story ... Kim Phuc speaks about forgiveness ... Tricia
Michelle Feynman, Communications Officer/ Photographer
Marrs celebrates 40 years at Poly.
Jennifer Godwin Minto, Photographer
CONTRIBUTORS:
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In the Classroom
Lizzie Bonamy, Amanda Edwards ’92, Greg Feldmeth, Katherine Goar, Blaine Ohigashi ’09, Thomas Sale, Alex Veitch ’15, Katie Ward
Panther Pods strengthen Lower School bonds.
ON THE COVER:
Sixth-graders put their hiking skills to the test in Eaton Canyon during Outdoor Education Block.
Panthers in the Zone baseball coach ... Hunter Worland ’15 recognized.
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Fall recap ... winter preview ... Wayne Ellis retires as
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facebook.com/poly twitter.com/polytechnic
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Poly Connections Poly events ... PolyConnect ... Class Notes ... In Memoriam ... plus alumni profiles: Erik Heger ’93, Rachel Bihary Myles ’85, and Janet Holt ’02.
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P.S. Poly first grade teacher Rusty Buchanan reveals a hidden talent.
twitter.com/polyalumni
Appreciating the spaces in between One morning early this fall while I was helping our students unload from their cars, I overheard a mom telling her son who was a bit late, “Don’t run, but walk with a purpose.” Priceless. As I watched him scurry away, I was struck by this great lesson for all of us who find ourselves bustling to get somewhere. The instinct to run is real. We rush to be on time without really thinking about why we are in such a hurry. We pass classmates, colleagues, and teachers with distracted nods and barely audible hellos. We miss the eye contact that truly connects us as we look ahead to gauge the distance still to go. During my first few weeks at Poly, I had to remind myself to “walk with a purpose” and not to run. It is easy to race from event to event, from meeting to meeting, without thinking about why I am here or how it all fits into the larger picture.
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It is seeing these connections where we witness the thrilling illustration of what makes Poly extraordinary.
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Middle School flag football, the “Fifth Quarter” open mic event, alumni receptions in Portland, Seattle, Chicago, and Downtown L.A., birthday ribbons for the Lower School students, and our back-to-school nights are not meant to exist in a vacuum. While they might be seen as an inventory of discrete events on an already bulging calendar, strung together they represent the glorious, occasionally messy, sometimes mundane, often inspiring process of teaching and learning. It is in seeing these connections that we witness the thrilling illustration of what makes Poly extraordinary. The spaces in between add texture, nuance, and personality. “Walking with a purpose” — now, there is a way to enjoy life!
John W. Bracker
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HEAD OF SCHOOL MESSAGE
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The
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Poly alumnus Jordan Wallens ’90 discusses his book and the brother he lost on 9/11
On the 13th anniversary of 9/11, Jordan Wallens ’90 returned to campus to talk with Grace Hamilton’s AP English classes on Literature of the Pilgrimage about his own pilgrimage as documented in his book “Gridtronic.” Wallens ’88 — whose brother and fellow Poly alumnus, Blake Wallens, perished in the World Trade Center on 9/11 — embarked on a 12-week, 12-city journey to explore the world of college football. His goal, however, was not simply to attend a game every week. “I wanted it to be about everything but the game,” Wallens shared with students, explaining that he wanted to learn about the culture, the traditions, and the people in each city.
Wallens explained that this pilgrimage was inspired by his brother, with whom he took an annual trip to a place they had never been, spending time together and embracing their fear of the unknown. In fact, they were scheduled to take a trip the week of 9/11. He described the “Gridtronic” tour as his “ultimate pilgrimage” and a way to work through the loss of Blake. Later during the Upper School morning meeting, Wallens shared a bit about his brother and told the students that Blake was their brother, too, with Poly as their connection. He encouraged students to embrace life and adventure as his brother did. Q
T H E PAT I O
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The
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John Bracker installed as Poly’s 10th head
School parents, trustees, student leaders, and faculty and staff gathered Oct. 19 in support and witness of John Bracker’s official installation as head of Polytechnic School. The afternoon ceremony in McWilliams Courtyard on the South Campus included introductory words by Alexander B. “Mike” Babcock ’48, who was Poly’s headmaster from 1980 through 1998, as well as a gift and good wishes from Debbie Reed, recently retired head. Rachel Countryman, John Bracker’s wife and also an experienced educator, introduced a key address by her mother, Joan Countryman, who shared insights from her own years of commitment to exceptional education as a leader of independent schools. Before officially installing Bracker, Board of Trustees President Dale Harvey offered words of gratitude for the quality and depth of the Poly community’s search for a new school head. Harvey said, “The news that John had accepted our offer to lead this school brought an eruption of cheers among the Board of Trustees. We could all feel that we got this choice right.”
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In Bracker’s own address to conclude the ceremony, he described the moment he realized what an extraordinary opportunity lay in front of him to join Poly’s endeavors. While admiring the heights reached in this school’s facilities and available technology, Bracker emphasized the true power that is generated through character and curiosity. True innovators, he posited, “stand up when others sit on their hands, they speak up when others mumble, they listen when others won’t, they see in others what they don’t see in themselves, and they see connections where others see a jumble of unrelated points.” Bracker told community members he admires Poly’s uplifting of new ideas and looks forward to collective discovery here in the future. Student artists and choral singers from every division level at Poly also offered their talents in celebration of the official start of Bracker’s administration. Q
The
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“The girl in the picture” shares her story
Read more about Phuc’s visit at www.polytechnic.org/webextras.
This past October, the Global Initiatives Program invited to campus an influential and world-famous woman whose message of forgiveness is a beacon of hope for those scarred by conflict and war. Kim Phuc, the “napalm girl,” helped turn the tide against the Vietnam War when she was caught by crossfire between Northern and Southern Vietnamese Armies in June of 1972; the photograph that exposed her suffering to the international stage won a Pulitzer Prize and galvanized thousands behind a revitalized anti-war effort. Phuc shared her story with the Polytechnic and Westridge communities. Nick Ut, the photographer who captured the moment, joined Phuc and spoke about how that moment impacted his life. Middle and Upper School students alike amazedly followed her path to forgiveness and were astonished by the depth of her faith in a peaceful, tolerant future. Phuc’s warmth and humor in the presence of such trauma was truly an inspiration for all who heard her speak, especially those unfamiliar with Vietnam and a complex war whose victims are often forgotten. Q
T H E PAT I O
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New faculty and staff join Poly Twenty-three new faculty and staff joined Poly this year, recently completing their first semester. These newest members of the Poly community brought with them a wide range of backgrounds and came from all over the country, including Colorado, New York, and Connecticut. The group includes individuals who have previously worked at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, The College Board, and The Huntington Library, as well as a Poly alumna and a triathlete. Q
Read more about new faculty and staff at www.polytechnic.org/webextras.
Celebrating Marrs’ four decades at Poly Hired by former Poly Headmaster Willis Stork in 1974 when she was right out of college, Lower School art teacher Tricia Marrs is Poly’s longest tenured faculty member. During the 41 years she has been teaching at Poly, Marrs has worked for seven heads of school, has witnessed new construction (including the Garland Fine Arts Center and the Poly pool), read the first issue of The Paw Print, celebrated the school’s centennial, and saw the launch and completion of Poly’s largest capital campaign and campus development project. Through it all, one thing hasn’t changed: She still drives the same car, her treasured 1970 blue Camaro SS, which has its original transmission. Marrs has taught art to hundreds of Lower School students during her years at Poly, first demonstrating to them the task at hand, then working with them to create the final project. Her students’ work can often be viewed in display cases, the hallways of administration buildings, and in the exhibits in the Poly Pet and Hobby Show. Q
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Read more about Marrs’ contributions to Poly and view images of her students’ work online at polytechnic.org/webextras.
In the
Classroom
Panther Pods encourage connections LIZZIE BONAMY, LOWER SCHOOL COORDINATOR OF SPECIAL PROJECTS AND KINDERGARTEN TEACHER
Kindergarten assistant teacher Sherlyn Burns assists her pod with a fun team-building activity.
Now in its second year at Poly, the Lower School Panther Pod program consists of cross-age small groups providing social-emotional learning opportunities aimed at strengthening the sense of community in the Lower School.
Leaders design and implement activities that encourage students to work together to achieve a common goal. Activities have included an engineering challenge with toothpicks and marshmallows, a painting activity where students “share the brush” to create one communal masterpiece, and a block-matching task during which one podmate provides verbal instructions to other blindfolded podmates. First-grader Sophia F. shares, “I like working together as a group.” An important component of each meeting is the built-in reflection time, which engages students in thinking about the learning experience in terms of challenges and success. The Panther Pod program has been an exciting opportunity to extend learning outside of the classroom. Older students have risen to the challenge of being responsible leaders in the Lower School community, while younger students enjoy the attention from the “big kids,” and faculty members are forming new connections with students and each other. However, the most exciting part is that we have just scratched the surface of this program, and we can’t wait to see how it grows. Q
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I like working together as a group. — SOPHIA, FIRST GRADE
Panther Pods are composed of one to two students per grade from kindergarten through fifth grade and one to two faculty or staff leaders. Each student remains in the same pod for the duration of his or her Lower School years. Each year, after the Pod’s fifth grade students are promoted, incoming kindergarten students are welcomed into the pod. “I like meeting people across grades,” third-grader Giuseppe D. says. The pods meet periodically on Friday afternoons over the course of the school year. Each meeting focuses on developing cooperation and teamwork within the pod.
Teacher Malorie Wiebe supervises the “Golden Eagles” pod as they work on a bridge-building activity using gumdrops and toothpicks.
IN THE CLASSROOM
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Middle School Block Katie Ward, Middle School history teacher and sixth grade coordinator
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Sixth grade program
Eighth-graders are able to choose a Block program. Some choose to assist Lower School teachers in their classrooms.
Exploring the Middle School campus during Block period, a visitor will notice a sense of excitement in the air as students step out of the traditional academic program to engage in a wide range of experiences, from outdoor education to robotics. A weekly extended class period, ranging from one-and-a-half to two hours, allows students to take a variety of unconventional courses offered by the members of the Middle School faculty. Implemented in 1993, the program was created to provide space in the Middle School schedule to offer learning opportunities that did not fit easily into a traditional rotation of 45- to 50-minute classes. Middle School Director Jenn Tolbert explains that “Block honors the principles of self-discovery and exploration in a non-graded forum.” The longer period provides the opportunity for students to try something new and allows them to go off campus to engage in educational experiences beyond the school walls, such as hiking and community outreach. Tolbert also points out that the program energizes the Middle School faculty by encouraging them to teach courses outside of their normal curriculum and allowing them to share experiences and subjects in which they have particular expertise or passion. In the words of humanities teaching fellow Akunna Uka, “Block period is one of the most special features of the Middle School. The students are being exposed to one of my interests, and, in return, they surprise me each week with their views of the world.” Seventh-grader Will R. comments, “I like seeing how interested teachers are about their respective Blocks.”
Because the sixth grade program seeks to expose students to as varied a curriculum as possible, some Block classes are split into two components. For instance, in Know Your News/Experiments in Color and Light, students are exposed to contemporary events, teaching them to be critical consumers of the media and encouraging them to investigate how they see the world through experiments with colored objects, filters, diffraction gratings, and radiometers. Science teacher Susan Bartow notes, “Many students report that they are thinking about things they have never thought about before.” In Outdoor Education Block, students practice setting up tents, engage in a scavenger hunt using compasses, shoot paintballs at targets using sling-shots, and hike in the San Gabriel Mountains. According to math teacher Roberto Alvarez, “There are always students who ask for directions so that their parents can take them on a hike.” In Debate/iCivics, students are introduced to the principles of argumentation and learn about the workings of the U.S. government through the iCivics computer game and program sponsored by former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. Learning entrepreneurial and computer skills in StartUp Block, sixth-graders create their own fictional businesses, ranging from babysitting to baking to bicycle repair.
Seventh grade program In seventh grade, the Block program encourages students to stretch their minds and bodies and to examine and engage in the world outside of Poly. Seventh-graders
Sixth-graders in Color and Light Block analyze the interaction of light waves and the motion of a radiometer. F E AT U R E
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may take Book Trailer Block, a cross-disciplinary course in which students combine their interest in literature, their powers of persuasion, and their creativity to produce short films promoting books of their choice. Yoga Block introduces students to the basic postures, breathing techniques, and meditation skills that increase their strength, flexibility, and mind and body awareness, “ BLOCK HONORS THE PRINCIPLES OF SELF-DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION IN A NON-GRADED FORUM. ” —Middle School Director Jenn Tolbert
while reducing stress. Dance teacher Danielle Pignieri notes, “They walk out of class refreshed and invigorated for the rest of their day.” Human Development provides seventh-graders an opportunity for introspection, allowing students “to take risks and feel comfortable sharing personal values and ideas with their peers,” explains Middle School Dean of Students Pat Gray. On the other hand, Bursting the Bubble, in which students watch and discuss documentaries and feature films about young people living very different lives than their own, and Community Service, which includes visits to McKinley School and Chancellor Place (an assisted-living community), take students out of the “Poly bubble” and increase their awareness of and involvement in the world.
Eighth grade program In eighth grade, a year characterized by more choices that allow students to pursue their passions, students choose two semester-long Block courses from a selection of offerings. Budding scientists have the opportunity to participate in the LA County Regional Science Olympiad competition, with events ranging from academic tests to the construction of models that are 12
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tested and judged at the competition. Science teacher Erin Brindley describes the struggles and victories experienced in preparation for Science Olympiad: “The students in this Block face challenges and risk failure many times over before succeeding with a well-built robot, bridge, glider, etc.” Music enthusiasts explore an American musical art form with Jazz Block. In addition to listening to and learning to appreciate historical and modern-day jazz artists, students create their own pieces using the computer program Garage Band. Students can choose to explore different cultures through film in the International Film Block. “Each film opens a door, provides a sense of common humanity, and at the same time supplies images of local landscape, family interactions, religion, and a tremendous amount of cultural information,” explains Spanish teacher Rosa Puma. Students also may opt to provide service to their school by working with Poly students in kindergarten though second grade, helping out in classrooms, reading to the children, and interacting with them on the playgrounds. Community outreach opportunities include working with children at the Mothers’ Club in Pasadena and La Casita Verde in Highland Park.
Community outreach component The two-hour Block period allows students to engage in meaningful community outreach activities within the school day. “As a school, we value community service,” Tolbert explains, “and in the Middle School, we support that commitment by giving it prime time in our schedule
Sixth grade students in the Outdoor Education Block learn to navigate using compasses.
A seventh-grader spends a Block rotation visiting and assisting elderly residents at Chancellor Place.
through Block.” Community outreach plays a prominent role in the Block program in all three grade levels. Sixth-graders study the issues of hunger and homelessness in Pasadena and the world, analyzing statistics and dispelling stereotypes about who is living on the streets. Community Outreach Coordinator Renée Larios relates that the students experience many “Aha!” moments in which they realize that many homeless people have college and post-graduate degrees but end up on the street because they cannot find work in their fields. Each sixth grade group designs a project, such as a food or toiletries drive, to help the hungry and homeless in Pasadena. Through the field trips made possible by the Block program, students often deliver the fruits of their endeavors in person. In seventh grade, students go off campus to McKinley School and to Chancellor Place. At McKinley, each Poly seventh-grader is assigned to a group of three students, with whom he or she reads stories and leads activities. Close relationships develop between the Poly students and the residents at Chancellor Place, where students help the elderly residents exercise, play games with them, and engage in other activities. Students are learning sign language so that they can speak to some of the deaf residents. Eighth grade students visit Mothers’ Club or La Casita Verde, or they help classroom teachers in Poly’s grades K-2. At both off-campus locations, students work in the child
centers while the parents, often single mothers, are taking classes to get job skills, looking for work, or working. Larios notes that community outreach opportunities like the ones offered in Middle School Block can change the course of students’ lives by getting them off campus and teaching them that they can make a difference in the world. Larios says, “Community service is the best-kept secret to happiness. Let’s try to spread that secret.” Tolbert recalls that when she first became the Middle School director, she asked the faculty if there was anything that should never change at Poly. At the top of the teachers’ list: the Block program. The Block program is an integral component of the Poly Middle School experience. It allows Poly students to break free of the traditional boundaries of curriculum and even of the school walls, investigating new subjects, having new experiences, and enjoying a well-deserved change of pace in the middle of the school week. Seventh-grader Addie L. describes her experience: “I think Block really opens people’s eyes to the things they would otherwise not be interested in. For example, I’m in Chancellor Place Block, and I would never have known how fun it is.” True to its philosophy, Poly encourages students to seek opportunities to learn beyond the classroom. The Middle School’s Block Program fulfills this mission in a challenging, enjoyable, and dynamic way. Q
Lower School students enjoy learning from their eighth-grade counterparts.
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LEARNING ON A GLOBAL LEVEL Greg Feldmeth, Assistant Head of School and Global Online Academy Site Director Senior Cheyne Minto discusses his Arabic coursework with his GOA instructor in Jordan.
When Poly joined the Global Online Academy (GOA) consortium in the summer of 2013, it provided a link between our Upper School students and teachers and students and teachers in independent schools all over the world. To date, 40 Poly students have taken courses ranging from Arabic to medical problem-solving to neuropsychology in an environment that encourages collaboration and creative uses of online learning. I have had the opportunity to both serve as the site director for Poly students participating in the program, as well as a teacher of a course, Genocide and Human Rights, with a classroom of students whom I will never meet in person. GOA courses provide a number of benefits to Poly students. They are able to connect and learn with students from all over the world. My class included students from 14
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the U.S., Jordan, China, South Africa, and Indonesia and spanned seven time zones. While this presents logistical challenges (imagine planning a Skype session when it’s 8 a.m. in Pasadena and 11 p.m. in China), it also builds in students an awareness and appreciation of other cultures and learning styles. As site director, I act as a dean for our GOA participants, helping them with any technical issues and serving as a
liaison with their teachers, who are from the 45 different schools comprising GOA. Each GOA course earns full Poly credit, appears on a student’s transcript, and is calculated as part of a student’s grade point average. Students complete evaluations three times during the semester-long courses, providing feedback to teachers who don’t have the typical faceto-face encounters with students in bricks-and-mortar classrooms. The GOA curriculum also allows Poly students to take courses and build skills that are not part of the Poly course of study. Poly doesn’t currently offer courses in Japanese or Game Theory, for example, but both proved enriching to Poly students. Senior Cheyne Minto shares, “I really wanted to study Arabic, and the course seemed like a unique way to do so.” In addition, GOA provides an extensive professional growth support network for its teachers. In the summer before teaching my first GOA class, I attended a weeklong training workshop in Seattle. In this intensive setting, we developed course materials and learned to use online tools, and I built connections with a group of wonderfully talented colleagues. Three times during each semester, GOA instructors meet with instructional support staff to discuss types of assignments and assessments and to offer suggestions as to how best take advantage of online resources. We also participate in virtual faculty meetings where, in addition to hearing announcements and viewing best practices, we work in small Skype cohorts to share ideas about improving instruction. This has been one of the most valuable aspects of the GOA experience. Now in addition to GOA alumni in schools around the world, I have a new set of colleagues with whom I can share ideas and consult. We recently surveyed Poly GOA students to get a sense of why they took GOA classes and how it was both similar and different from their Poly work. Since it was a sixth class for all of them, a strong work ethic, good time management skills, and a willingness to work independently proved essential. Senior Erica Goodwin, who took 9/11 in a Global Context, comments, “The hardest part of the course is … in a way, having to teach yourself. Even though my teacher is very active and tries to Skype with us individually once or twice a month, the assignments are mostly discussion posts
GOA COURSES TAKEN BY POLY STUDENTS: 9/11 in a Global Context Advanced Statistics and Data Science Arabic Comparative Religions Energy Game Theory Graphic Design International Macroeconomics Japanese Java Computer Programming Medical Problem-solving Multivariable Calculus Neuropsychology
in response to readings, and so I have to understand that material on my own rather than having it taught to me.” For some, this learning style challenged them to step up and effectively manage their responsibilities. Senior Matthew Soulanille, who took Multivariable Calculus, points out that while he enjoyed the flexibility of his GOA course: “This freedom can also be dangerous if I do not make sure to schedule my time well.” As a result, students learn more than just the subject matter — GOA offers them a taste of independent study and time management. Emily Tcheng, a senior taking two GOA classes, notes the value of having an international student body in her classes: “Learning and getting to know one another made a big difference in my enjoyment of the class. I also appreciated the variety of viewpoints that were provided by taking a class with students from the other schools.” Stephanie Liu ’14 enrolled in the Multivariable Calculus course as a senior and pointed out that she learned determination and focus as the assignments progressed. She also enjoyed the international mix of students. “While at Poly, we’re learning with people we know,” Liu says. “In this course, we were learning with people from all over the world.” Q
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IN THE ZONE
Photo courtesy of Susan Pinsky
WAYNE ELLIS STEPS DOWN FROM COACHING POLY BASEBALL After 27 remarkable seasons, Poly Varsity baseball coach Wayne Ellis recently retired from coaching baseball at Poly. Originally a basketball coach at Marshall Fundamental, Ellis came to Poly in 1987, when his brother, Chuck Ellis, who then was Poly’s athletic director, hired him to take over the baseball program. “Baseball was my first love and passion,” Ellis said when reflecting on his career. With Ellis at the helm, the baseball program has seen unprecedented success, winning the Prep League championship 25 out of Ellis’ 27 seasons and a state record 19 years in row.
The humble man that he is, Ellis doesn’t attribute the success to his coaching — instead, he describes his career as one of luck in having talented players year in and year out. “The kids who showed up for practice are the ones we’ve gone with, and it turned out that they played baseball the right way,” he explains. His impact on his players can be seen all the way to Major League Baseball. Poly alumnus and Toronto Blue Jay Rob Rasmussen ’07 shares, “A lot of quality baseball players and a lot of quality teams have come out of Poly during Coach Ellis’ tenure, and he
deserves much of the credit for that. His passion for the game allows him to make the game fun for his players and has truly helped to grow the love for the game at Poly during his time. I’m very happy and proud to say that I played for Wayne and that I was able to help continue the winning tradition that he started.” Coach Ellis finished his career with a record of 470-143-4 (77 win percentage), a 252-36 record at home, 25 Prep League titles, the 2011 CIF-SS Division 6 championship, and the 2011 CIF-SS Division 6 Coach of the Year. Q
HUNTER WORLAND ’15 RECEIVES CIF CHARACTER AWARD Senior Hunter Worland received the 2014 Dr. Jim Staunton Champions of Character Award in a ceremony held in September aboard the Queen Mary. The CIF-SS Ethics in Sports Committee created this award in 2003 to recognize athletes, coaches, administrators, officials, schools, and media members who successfully combine a fierce competitive nature with the Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, responsibility, respect, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Hunter is the first individual athlete from Poly to win the
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award; Poly received the award as a school in 2012. “Hunter is a leader,” shares Doug Jolly, who has coached him for four years of Varsity soccer. “He knows how to balance stepping back when he needs to with stepping up when the team needs him.” Those who attended with Hunter included his parents, Rene and Chris Worland; Head of School John Bracker and his wife, Rachel Countryman; Athletic Director Steve Beerman and his wife, Charlene; Assistant Head of School
Greg Feldmeth; Assistant Athletic Director for Programs Koko Archibong ’99 and his wife, Corrina; coach Doug Jolly; and Assistant Athletic Director for Logistics Thomas Sale. “Hunter really exemplifies this award,” says track and field coach Chris Schmoke. “He is honest, fair, loyal, and humble, while at the same time a fierce competitor. He is a very hard worker who tries his best and practices hard but still demonstrates the integrity and sportsmanship that we expect from our athletes.” Q
FALL RECAP
PANTHERS
During the fall season, Poly Athletics produced its 33rd CIF-SS championship team overall, three Prep League championship teams, and five Prep League MVPs.
IN THE ZONE
Cross country
Varsity football
Varsity girls volleyball
The Varsity cross country team was young and hungry in the early season, with numerous runners posting top times at their first two meets. The Panthers headed into their league meets with a lot of momentum and qualified for the CIF-SS finals. The team was highlighted by Richard Hathaway’s top-10 finish, which qualified him for the CIF state meet. Q
After an impressive first year under head coach Chris Schmoke, the Varsity football team followed up by finishing the regular season undefeated. The Panthers earned themselves the second overall seed in the Northwest Division and advanced to the semifinals of the playoffs for the first time since 2010. Q
The volleyball program has experienced a great deal of success in recent seasons, and the 2014 Varsity girls volleyball team followed in their steps. The Panthers started their season by winning the Poly Invitational and followed it by splitting their series with Chadwick and Mayfield to secure a share of the Prep League title. The girls won their first two playoff games over Paramount and South Pasadena to advance to the quarterfinals. Q
Varsity boys water polo
After returning to Poly Athletics two years ago, this year’s Varsity girls golf team built off of last year’s success by winning seven of their first nine matches, including four Prep League victories. Q
After graduating its most successful senior class last year, the Varsity boys water polo team made great strides by developing its young players. The Panthers faced top competition across multiple divisions and won four Prep League games, highlighted by impressive wins over Milken and La Salle. Q
Varsity fencing Poly’s fencing team continues to grow each year. Led by head coach Laura Holmgren, the 2014 Varsity fencing team found great success, with numerous fencers placing at their first tournament of the season. Q
Varsity girls golf
Varsity girls tennis The Varsity girls tennis team was one of the most exciting teams to watch during the fall season. The Panthers dominated the competition and went undefeated in Prep League play. The girls secured the fourth overall seed in the CIF-SS Division 3 playoffs and beat four other league champions on their way to winning their fifth CIF championship in program history. Q
Dance Team and Mascots All of the onfield success wouldn’t be possible without the support of the Dance Team and Mascots. Year in and year out, Coaches Cocumellli and Crass put together a dedicated group who work to unite the Poly community and to serve as the foundation of Poly spirit! Q
WINTER PREVIEW The 2014-15 winter Varsity teams have very promising seasons ahead of them. Last year, the Panthers brought home four Prep League Championships, and every Varsity team qualified for the playoffs. With returning talent and senior leadership, the winter teams are looking for another successful season this year.
Varsity boys basketball The Varsity boys basketball team will rely on the senior leadership of returning starters Jared Lim and Griffin Carter this season. The Panthers are coming off a 16-10 record last year and battled through a competitive Prep League. The boys will participate in two tournaments this season and will matchup with Capistrano Valley Christian in the 13th annual Small School Showcase. Q
Varsity girls basketball Last year, the Varsity girls basketball team saw one of its most successful seasons in Poly’s history, advancing to the CIF-SS Division 5AA Finals and the second round of the CIF-State playoffs. The Panthers return with the reigning CIF-SS Division 5AA Player
of the Year, senior Kiki Yang, along with a team of young talent. The girls will look to capture their seventh straight Prep League title under Head Coach Kim Weber. Q
Varsity boys soccer The Varsity boys soccer team is coming off a season that saw them capture the Prep League championship after battling through a very competitive league schedule. The Panthers returned with a solid core of experienced upperclassmen that helped lead them to two playoff victories and earned them a spot in the quarterfinals of CIF-SS. Q
Varsity girls soccer The Varsity girls soccer team is coming off of back-to-back 20+ win seasons and
two consecutive Prep League titles. The Panthers look to reload after graduating five college-bound players over the last two years and should have plenty of talent to do so. The girls will return to the North Orange County Classic tournament, which will pit them against Southern California’s best high school teams. Q
Varsity girls water polo The Varsity girls water polo team is coming off a 26-win season and their third straight Prep League championship. After advancing to the semifinals of the playoffs last year, the Panthers will be looking for more and are projected to be a top-ranked team in CIF-SS Division 6. They returned with five All-CIF players and are anchored by seniors Lindsey Kelleher and Allison Woo. Q PANTHERS IN THE ZONE
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Poly
Connections
Events
New board members (left to right): Jim Halferty ’92, Ashley Amato ’00, Kim Wycoff-Bickell ’93, Ezra Callahan ’99, Brittney Kaufman DeClerck ’98, Derek Phillips ’85, David Younger ’88, and junior student representative Laura Fraher ’16. Absent: Lori MacPherson ’85, Elisa Rodriguez ’01, and Logan Tiari ’05
Alumni Board gathers and welcomes new members More than 40 alumni returned to campus in August for the annual Alumni Appreciation Dinner, a celebratory event thanking alumni volunteers for their service to Poly and recognizing incoming and outgoing Alumni Board members. As guests were seated, Alumni Board President Larry Perkins ’95 introduced new Head of School John Bracker, who gave a warm welcome and heartfelt thank you to everyone in attendance for giving back to Poly and being leaders in the school community. After dinner, Nominating Committee Chair Alison Edwards Laster ’88 recognized returning Alumni Board members and led the voting in of new members. The program concluded with Larry thanking outgoing board members Aliya Haque Coher ’95, Anne Gillam ’77, Sandra Kulli ’64, and Earle Miller ’77 for their commitment to Poly over their five-year terms. Q
New energy in phonathons Poly alumni and current parents helped kick off the 2014-15 Annual Fund with great success during fall phonathons. Volunteers reached an exciting single-night record for fundraising on the first evening of calls! Poly’s new Director of Annual Giving Elizabeth Shdo enjoyed jumping into the effort during her first days on campus. “It’s inspiring to see alumni, parents, and staff who are so dedicated to building the Poly community,” Shdo says. “I am thrilled to support them in breaking more Annual Fund records!” Spring phonathons will offer more opportunities to reach out and strengthen Poly’s programs. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Molly Reed, advancement officer for annual giving and alumni relations, at mreed@polytechnic.org or 626-396-6334. Q
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Events PolyConnect joins alumni with students This fall Upper School students heard about two unique careers when Charles Koch ’75 and Cindy Lam ’02 visited campus for PolyConnect lunch talks. In October, Koch explained how his path led him from an economics and art history double major at UCLA to the film and television industry before he turned to advertising at the encouragement of his sister, Nancy Koch Chulay ’77. He spent many years in the agency business before joining the marketing and product-planning teams at Honda, where he has worked for almost 20 years and now manages new business development. Charles presented students the latest technology in the works for cell phone interfacing with the car dashboard, which led to lively discussion about security and liability. Charles encouraged students to hone their presentation skills, essential in any field. A month later, a group of musically inclined Poly high school students attended the second PolyConnect lunch of the year to hear Cindy Lam ‘02 discuss her career as a pianist. Cindy began by outlining the normal trajectory for a professional musician, contrasted by her own journey, which included setbacks from lacking professional instruction to injuring her arm in a car accident as a college freshman. After spending months feeling discouraged and doubting her future in music, “I got tired of feeling sorry for myself,” Cindy said. She buckled down and resumed practicing, earning her way into the USC Thornton School of Music. Grateful for the relationships she built in high school, Cindy reflected, “I feel like every good thing that has happened has been connected in some way to someone I know through Poly.” She offered advice, both musical and general, in response to students’ questions and assured them that there is no singular “right way” to pursue a career.
Grandparents and special friends brighten Poly’s campus
Each year faculty, staff, students, and parent volunteers enjoy welcoming grandparents and other special visitors for a morning at school. Just before Thanksgiving, Poly’s campus filled with the proud enthusiasm of hundreds of grandparents and friends who sat at desks and on rugs, joined in classroom assignments, heard performances, and shared stories of their own. The multi-generational exchange brought smiles and new appreciation for all ages. Q
To view more photos from the day, visit www.polytechnic.org/webextras.
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Philanthropy
Poly faculty and staff boost Annual Fund Poly is brimming with tradition. The Pet and Hobby Show, outdoor trips, and the spring musical are just a few prideful examples of the school’s spirit and community effort. Keeping exceptional student opportunities and achievements at the forefront of Poly’s legacy, faculty and staff have generously fostered their own tradition of philanthropy. Each year the Faculty and Staff Annual Fund Committee, comprising three faculty members from each division and one staff member, inspires colleagues to support Poly’s Annual Fund as a gesture of solidarity and pride in the school. “Our support sends a message that we care about our community and learning,” third grade teacher Marie Amaya says in her role as last year’s Lower School Annual Fund chair. “It shows that we value the resources available to us.” Over the years, the committee has tapped into their creativity to create slide shows, short films, and live
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musical numbers to encourage colleagues’ support — all highlighting the good humor and devotion teachers and staff bring to their work. The on-campus effort also reminds employees how much they benefit from each other. “Being a part of the committee allows me to work with colleagues from each division of Poly, and I get to give back to an initiative that affects me personally,” Assistant Athletic Director for Logistics Thomas Sale says. He also emphasizes that the level of giving by faculty and staff — about 81 percent of school employees participated in the most recent Annual Fund — reflects exceptional commitment to Poly’s mission. “Whatever the size of the gift, every donation from those working at Poly is a strong testament to our school philosophy of commitment and service to others.” Q
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Philanthropy
Cindi Yamoka and Melinda Cook gather with members of the Class of 2014 whom they taught in pre-kindergarten. Many supporters recognize Poly’s student body as its greatest asset.
Named scholarship funds: Vital impact of endowment giving The value of a diverse student body — in ethnicity, socio-economic background, and life experience — is an emphasis of Poly’s philosophy because it enriches every student’s path. Poly’s tradition of inclusion began in the school’s early decades and continues to inspire donor support for a robust tuition assistance program. Almost 40 named scholarship funds are part of the Poly endowment, some of them supporting multiple scholars each year. These gifts promote a unique bond between donor and recipient through a shared appreciation for exceptional educational opportunities. The George Henry Mayr Foundation has shown special leadership in scholarship support at Poly for decades. Through an endowed fund started at Poly in the 1980s and annual grants, the foundation supports “Mayr scholars,” promising Upper School students who might not otherwise be able to attend Poly. George Mayr, born in 1868 and lacking the family resources for the formal medical education he desired, became a self-made success in real estate and the pharmacy business before discovering a passion for helping young people attend school. Mayr brought his business acumen to Southern California from Chicago and established his scholarship foundation
in 1949. Since then, high school and college students throughout California have received financial aid totaling nearly $20 million from the Mayr Foundation. Today’s board of advisors for the Mayr Foundation includes past Poly parents Pat Haden and his sister-in-law, Casey Olson, who take particular interest in this school’s long-term accessibility. In 2004 and 2007, the foundation added two more named scholarships for Poly students — the Benjamin “Bud” F. Grier Scholarship, in memory of Olson’s father; and the Chuck Ellis Scholarship, in honor of Poly’s longtime athletic director upon his retirement. The Mayr advisors regularly visit Poly’s campus to get to know the uniquely talented students they help support. They especially enjoy hearing about the diverse and ambitious interests among scholars when they receive regular letters of gratitude. This fall, one scholar wrote to the foundation, “Thank you so much for all your contributions … I may not be the most academic student in the class, but I work hard and try to contribute by being involved at Poly socially, as a campus Ambassador, and playing Varsity sports.” The benefits of gifts to endowed scholarships do indeed spread throughout the community. 21 Q
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Class Notes Class Notes editorial policy: The editorial staff gives preference to those class notes that come from primary sources. We reserve the right to edit class notes (primarily because of space considerations; occasionally for clarity). We do not have the resources to fact-check class note entries; therefore, we cannot be liable for inaccurate or false information that may inadvertently find its way into a class note. We thank you for your understanding. To submit a class note, send an email to classnotes@polytechnic.org.
1939-1959
flying to Copenhagen. We had a wonderful adventure together. The travel bug remains in my veins. Q Cynthia Crawford Berne ’50 Members of the Class of 1950 held a mini-reunion in October in Ross, Calif., at the home of Susan Grandin Taylor ’50. Present were classmates Martha Doerr Toppin ’50, Sally Corey Karste ’50, Jean Patton Ashcraft ’50, Susan, and myself. In September, Tom and I visited our grandsons, Chris Ward ’12 at Bates College and Brian Ward ’14 at Connecticut College. Q Daniel Crotty ’51 I went from Poly to Thacher to Pomona College to the U.S. Navy with three years in WESPAC. Then I was in the CIA, and married my wife, Jane, in 1968. The Pacific Northwest welcomed us to Portland, and from there we moved in 1975 to Ventura. Q Marilyn Hubbard Newell ’51 Remembering our Class of 1951’s wonderful 60th reunion! Q
Marlowe Delphey Viney ’49 I continue to knit for veterans and foster children in our area. It keeps my hands busy and also gratifies the heart to contribute to those less fortunate. I enjoyed a visit with my grandson, Isaac Erbele, who is presently finishing up his fifth year of residency in E.N.T surgery at Bethesda-Walter Reed Medical Center. This past August, Bruce Henry, my “forever” friend, and I joined the West Point Class of ’55 Travel Club for a land tour of Finland. We then travelled by sea to cruise the coast of Norway before
Amanda Nyce McIntyre ’52 Just back from the green, serene country of Iceland — more water, geysers, waterfalls, springs, and lakes than they can use. All of Reykjavik is heated yearlong by their geothermal sources. Twenty-one hours of light a day make sleeping with a mask a priority. The native people have a unique spirit to abide with low-to-freezing temperatures most of the year. Yes, I would return, but only in summer! Q Jennith Gilbert Knox ’52 I am happy to be in the Napa Valley close to family and old friends — a slower pace with time to quilt and enjoy life. Q
Peter Young ’53 I want to inform the members of my class that my wife, Carol, passed away on July 19. She enjoyed meeting many of you at our reunions, and she grew to greatly admire the work Poly does in educating future citizens. Please know that I have the support of many friends looking out for me, so I am doing well and adapting to this new phase of my life. Q
Members of the Class of 1957 have pulled off a real coup! Seventeen members of the class gathered at Sally Grant Holland’s ’57 house for dinner in Thousand Oaks. Pictured left to right: Meg Gertmenian, Betsy Crockett ’57, Mary Test ’57, Sandra Hixon Sarnoff ’57, Mark Bramhall ’57, Don Gertmenian ’57, Wes Dooley ’57, David Williams ’57, Jan Williams, Herb “Topper” Gooch ’57, Jim Panos ’57, Jill Bennett Polsby ’57, Sally Grant Holland ’57, Marcia Finch Cannell ’57, and Stan Hales ’57. Stan Hales made a fun comment during the evening — that it was the 57th reunion year for the Class of ’57, but then he was always good at math. Q Jill Bennett Polsby ’57 is now the president of the CW Stockwell Co., a hand-printed wallpaper and fabric business that has been in operation since the early 1900s. Q
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ALUMNI PROFILE
Erik Heger ’93
Robert Immler ’62 This is a photo of my daughter, Sasha Immler, and me at Park City, Utah, in March. Q Priscilla Gillett Hoecker ’64 Our grandson, Jack, is attending kindergarten at Poly — fourth generation! Q Debra Taylor Smith ’64 The Class of ’64 reunion in May was wonderful. It was so good to see everyone. Great times and some good photos! Celebrating 50 years! Q Diana Beacom Mattoon ’65 After leaving California in the ’60s, my husband, David, and I have lived in New York, Connecticut, Texas, New Mexico, and, for the last 13 years, New Hampshire. We are blessed with two sons, daughtersin-law, and three glorious grandchildren. My work has centered on drug education and conservation. David’s passion for travel has taken us on many wonderful adventures. I am ever grateful for my Poly education. It was an excellent foundation that enhanced every corner of my life while encouraging social responsibility. The Class of ’65’s 50th reunion is this spring. Amazing! Q Steve Cohen ’67 Still serving in Congress. Still proud of Poly and have very fond memories of classmates and teachers. Q
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Though Poly friends might associate athletic performance with Erik Heger ’93, his love of the arts has carved a path for him as a New York– based performer on stage and screen (and subway platform!). Since his days on Poly’s Garland stage, Heger has appeared in numerous plays in regional theater and on and off Broadway, television shows, commercials, and in films. His lifelong love of the harp has also become a source of professional and creative success. His grandfather introduced him to the harp at age five, and Heger’s fascination turned to dedication. He is now a member of Music Under New York, he is the principal harpist for a new rock opera, and he has recorded three solo albums. In 2010, he opened for Roberta Flack, Lou Reed, and David Johansen at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. This diversity of outlets echoes Heger’s multi-sport life at Poly, where he was a leader in Varsity football, basketball, and baseball. “The discipline I developed as an athlete has informed nearly everything I have done as an actor and as a musician,” Heger says. “I used to sneak into Gamble Gym and shoot baskets until 2 or 3 a.m. By my senior year, I had become good friends with the security guards because I saw them every night.” Heger is currently starring as The Bogeyman in “Stalking the Bogeyman,” a widely acclaimed Off-Broadway play based on a true story featured on NPR’s “This American Life.” Q
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Rachael Bihary Myles ’85
For Rachael Bihary Myles ’85, the road that led to studying Chinese medicine and opening a healing arts school was a divergent revelation at an unexpected time. “My professional path had been rather circuitous, ranging from teaching high school, working in telecommunications, and managing the analyst relations department at a large high-tech Fortune 500 company.” Those fast-paced, caffeinedriven, and demanding work hours didn’t leave enough time for the family Myles loves or the work-life balance she craved. Something had to change. She left her analyst relations job and headed to Idaho with her husband, Bill, in search of a new opportunity and lifestyle. In her new community, Myles discovered The Wellspring School for Healing Arts, a comprehensive center for Amma therapy, Chinese medicine, and holistic nutrition. Curious, she began taking classes and quickly understood the benefits holistic and alternative medicine offered. “The complementary health care industry is a huge growth sector and invaluable to preventative health and well being for everyone,” Myles says. As the school looked to expand its offerings and locations, Myles jumped at an opportunity to become co-owner and director at the school’s new Portland location. “Being a part of something larger such as this healing arts school is a real honor. I can promote something I believe in, teach, and apply all of my business and managerial skills in the process. Maintaining a sense of curiosity, being open to challenges as well as changes, and tackling complex issues are all traits that I tie back to my time at Poly.” Outside of running The Wellspring School, Myles enjoys her time with family and coaching her daughter’s basketball team. Q
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Class Notes Bruce Nickerson ’68 My son, Jeffrey Nickerson ’01, graduated with an M.B.A. from Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business on June 8. Q Daniel Gibbs ’69 My wife, Lois, and I have been living in Portland, Ore., since 1986. I retired last year from active practice as a neurologist, but I still spend three to four weeks a year teaching neurology in Tanzania, and I volunteer at a local free clinic in the Portland area. Two of our three children live in Portland. My son, Adam, is in Multnomah County as deputy district attorney. My daughter Elizabeth teaches high school theater and English at Catlin Gabel School, and daughter Susannah is a doctoral student in public health at Johns Hopkins University. Adam’s son and our first grandchild, James William Gibbs, was born Oct. 7. Eric Haskell ’69 recently stayed with us while he was in Portland giving talks at the Portland Art Museum on “Gardening for Grandeur in 17th-Century France” and at the Portland Garden Club on “The Gardens of Brécy: A Lasting Landscape.” Q
1970-1979 Laurie Farber ’73 We are permanently settled in Baltimore. My three kids are well: One is tutoring in Boston, one is getting her M.F.A. at Rhode Island School of Design, and one is a sophomore voice major at Eastman. Q Nancy Koch Chulay ’77 My son, Schafer Chulay ’10, graduated from the University of Arizona in May and is working in Los Angeles at Deutsch Advertising in account management. My daughter, Kate Chulay ’13, transferred to USC in the fall and joined the Theta sorority there. She is a communications major and loves being a Trojan. In his spare time, my husband, Benjamin Chulay ’70, has enjoyed being the Poly announcer for Varsity sports, and I have been active on the Poly Alumni Board. Q
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Class Notes Phil Abrams (Frederick Henriques) ’77 stars in the upcoming feature film “The Men’s Group” alongside Timothy Bottoms and Stephen Tobolowsky. Q John Horn ’78 recently left the Los Angeles Times, where he served as a film writer for 11 years, to become the host for arts and entertainment at KPCC-FM. His new show, “The Frame,” is on every afternoon and available as a podcast on iTunes. Give it a listen! He works alongside producers Lauren Osen ’03 and Megan Larson ’91. Q
1980-1989 Jean Kutner ’82 became the inaugural chief medical officer at University of Colorado Hospital on July 1. Jean remains a professor of medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, continuing her clinical work, research, and teaching in palliative and general internal medicine. Q Holly Ladd ’83 I recently relocated to Nashville, Tenn., so my partner could follow her passion of songwriting in the heart of the music business. I am building a practice as a holistic health coach. I empower my mostly middle-aged clients with nutritional and lifestyle knowledge and support to live with optimal vitality and health. If you’re in Tennessee, look me up. I’d love to see you. Q
(second from left), Aisha Haque ’86 (third from left), and Victoria Bohr Einhorn ’87 (right), who flew to Sun Valley, Idaho, for a beautiful weekend in July to visit and honor the memory of Tifney’s mom, Joan Anawalt. Q John Pomeroy ’88 I work as a deputy district attorney for Los Angeles County, where I currently prosecute elder abuse cases. It is because of people like me that you get called to jury duty so often. I am also a member of the Board of Education for the Temple City Unified School District, where my daughters Kaiya, eighth grade, and Jacqueline, sixth grade, attend school. Last spring, I played a concert in Disney Hall with “the other L.A. Phil” ... The L.A. Lawyers Philharmonic. Q
1990-1999 Bill Watkins ’90 I’m chasing Mother Teresa, bless her heart, housing homeless families and teaching law to kids. Q
Kriste York ’91 One afternoon this summer, three Poly alumni joined me at Tumorfest, the yearly potluck I host in Corvallis, Ore. to celebrate community and resilience. Pictured from left to right: recent Corvallis transplant Bob Duffy ’94, Kriste York ’91, Willis Stork ’90, Jamie Hahn ’92. Q
Tifney Stewart ’86 (left) received a visit from Heather Bohr Unterseher ’85
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born on “El Cuatro de Mylo,” and his older brothers, Kalyxtomar and Tselayeon, couldn’t be more in love. Catch us in and around Pasadena for the foreseeable future, as Kalyx began Poly kindergarten in September. Q
Lindsay Feldmeth Westra ’95 Rick Westra and I were married on April 26, in Artesia. The ceremony was at Trinity Christian Reformed Church, where Rick is the pastor. Heather Feldmeth Larson ’90 was matron of honor and Rev. Dr. Nate Feldmeth officiated the ceremony. Guests included many Poly friends, including Gillian Andrews ’95, Robert Durff ’95, Ryan Holmes ’98, Catherine Blue Holmes ’95, Pia Luedtke Mason ’95, Casey RevkinMaugér ’95, and Janice Yeung ’95. Q Colleen Dixon Tompkins ’99 We are living in New York with our son, Brooks. Q
Ankarino Lara ’93 This past May, we celebrated the birth of our third son! Mylohyun Woo Lara was
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Class Notes 2000-2014
Catherine Karayan Wilbur ’04 joined the Montecito law firm Ambrecht & Associates as an associate. Previously, she clerked for the Honorable Kathleen Kerrigan at the United States Tax Court in Wash., D.C. Catherine earned her bachelor’s degree in classics at Washington University in St. Louis. She then went on to earn her J.D. from the USC Gould School of Law, where she was content editor of the “Southern California Interdisciplinary Law Journal” and had a fellowship at the USC Center for Law, History, and Culture. While there, she also founded the USC Art Law Society. Immediately following law school, Catherine completed her L.L.M., master of laws in taxation from NYU School of Law. She now is admitted to the California State Bar. Q
Scott Chacon ’05 and Tessa Legato were married Aug. 9, at All Saints Church in Pasadena. The reception was at the nearby home of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Legato. Seventeen Poly alumni were in attendance. The event included a surprise appearance by vocalist Steve Tyrell, who sang “The Way You Look Tonight” during the father-daughter dance. Scott and Tessa live in Santa Monica. Tessa works in public relations for the fashion house Salvatore Ferragamo, and Scott recently left investment banking to start his own software business. Pictured from left to right, starting with the top row: Logan Tiari ’05, Kevin Waite ’05, Wolf Klotz ’05, Greg Steinbrecher ’05, Alex Wyman ’05, Peter Wyman ’04, Greg Luna ’05, Pradip Chandrasoma ’05, Allison Horton ’05, Hayley Osen ’05, Shannon Ward ’05, Jennifer Chacon ’03, Alexandra Wiley ’05, Phil Bea ’05, Jennifer Regas Tiari ’07, Scott Chacon ’05, Tessa Chacon, Rob Ellis ’05. Q Francesco Dandekar ’05 received his medical degree from UC San Diego School of Medicine with honors in neurology, and he will be doing his psychiatry residency at Stanford University.
Kate Woods ’04 My husband, Forrest Perkins, and I welcomed our daughter, Lillian Fritsche Woods, on Sept. 29. She decided to come 10 days early, but at 8 lbs. 4 oz., she was clearly ready to greet the world! Momma and baby are home and doing well. Q
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Christiaan Strong ’05 is living in Zurich and attending business school in Lucerne, Switzerland. Q
Lindsey Dodge ’06 and Peter Scott Gudritz were married on July 5, at Misty Farm in Ann Arbor, Mich. Poly’s Director of Performing Arts Tina Cocumelli and Andrew McCarthy ’06 attended. Lindsey is a communications adviser for political, corporate, and entertainment clients at Luntz Global, a communications consultancy in New York. She graduated from the University of Michigan and received a master’s certification in publishing and media from the Columbia Publishing Course at Columbia University. Q Sean Dembowski ’09 is in graduate school at the University of Minnesota. Q
Alexandra Paul ’10 and Regina Zmuidzinas ’10 are enjoying postgraduation life in Wash., D.C. Alex works for the National Institutes of Health conducting research on HIV infection pathways, and Regina is working in consulting for Accenture. Regina graduated in May with a degree in mechanical engineering from Columbia University, and Alex graduated from Duke University with a degree in neuroscience. They welcome all of their Poly friends to come visit! Q
Poly
Class Notes Brett Laudeman ’14 matriculated to Clemson University, South Carolina, to study political science. During summer orientation, Brett earned a spot on Clemson’s club shotgun shooting team. As a freshman, Brett is also excited to earn a coveted spot on the travel team. Earlier in October, independent of collegiate team events, he traveled from Clemson to Las Vegas where he competed in the National Sporting Clays Association Western Regional Championship. As a first-time competitor, Brett performed well, taking home bronze and cash for Class C preliminary competition. Q
Connections
ALUMNI PROFILE
Janet Holt ’02
Former Faculty and Staff Richard Sisley I have retired from Loudoun County Public Schools in Virginia after serving for nine years as a mathematics instructor for the Louduon County Academy of Science. I was hired to design the mathematics program for the AOS as it opened in 2005. Academy students do mathematics using versions of the materials I wrote over a period of several years at Poly. I am very grateful to my many former students at Poly and to former Headmaster Mike Babcock, who gave me the opportunity to develop mathematics courses especially suited for highly capable students. My wife and I now live in North Carolina, where I will continue to be active in the mathematics education community by serving as a consultant for the National Math and Science Initiative, as well as schools experimenting with non-standard course materials. Q
For the latest in alumni news and events, visit www.polytechnic.org/alumni
Janet Holt ’02 has built her career in the Peace Corps around a sense of joy and fulfillment she first found as a Poly student. “My teachers empowered my belief that education can be transformational and fueled my passion to study education around the world,” Holt says. “I learned how good it feels to serve my community starting in Lower School.” This good feeling continued to inspire Holt as she worked at AIDS Project Los Angeles, with an NGO in Northern Tanzania coordinating HIV prevention campaigns, and most recently, for the Peace Corps headquarters in Washington, D.C. As public health program specialist, she supports the health-sector work of thousands of Peace Corps volunteers worldwide for water quality, sanitation, and hygiene. “I feel inspired every day by the accomplishments of our almost 8,000 volunteers,” Holt says, “especially after serving as a volunteer myself in Mozambique.” This global outlook and commitment to service runs in the family. Holt’s mother, Melinda Cook, has been on Poly’s staff almost 20 years and is now the Lower School service learning coordinator. Her husband, Lucas Arribas Layton, joined her in Mozambique for two years teaching at a rural secondary school and coordinating youth health projects. With their first child expected in March, they are looking forward to their next joint adventure! Q
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In Memoriam We extend our condolences to the families and friends of those listed below and hope this section assists those who wish to honor their Poly classmates and friends. Poly publishes obituaries as space allows when we receive notice that an alumnus/a or former faculty or staff member has died. If we have neglected to list someone, please send us biographical information, which we will print in a subsequent issue. Please note: Listings include those received through November 2014. James D. Fullerton ’32 July 14, 2014, Pasadena, California
James D. Watkins ’41 July 26, 2012, Alexandria, Virginia
PLEASE SEE TRIBUTE ON PAGE 29.
Admiral James D. Watkins was born in Alhambra on March 7, 1927, to Edward Francis and Louise Ward Watkins. After Poly, James attended UC Berkeley before entering the U.S. Naval Academy in 1945. Graduated and commissioned ensign, he subsequently advanced in rank to captain. His selection for the rank of rear admiral was approved by the president on April 27, 1971. James received his master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School and received further instruction at the Nuclear Power Training Unit in Schnectady, N.Y., and the Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory in Pittsburgh, Pa. James served as commanding officer of the USS Snook beginning in October 1964, and he led two cruises to the Western Pacific. He was a decorated naval officer, receiving the Legion of Merit and the Navy Commendation Medal, Bronze Star Medal, and Gold Star Medal for his professional and technical competence and sound leadership. After retiring from the Navy, James led a very active life. In 1987, he chaired President Reagan’s Commission on the HIV epidemic, known as “The Watkins Commission. On March 9, 1989, James was sworn in as secretary of energy by President George Bush. He remained in his position as energy secretary until 1993. James is survived by his brother, John Watkins ’40; wife, Janet; six children from his first marriage, Katherine Coopersmith, Laura Jo Kauffmann, Charles Watkins, Susan Watkins, James D. Watkins Jr., and Edward Watkins; nephew, Bill Watkins ’90; 11 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Rosamond Jean Smith Goodrich ’39 March 26, 2012, Santa Barbara, California Jean was born in Pasadena on Jan. 10, 1925, to Rosamond and Dana Smith. In 1947, she married Calvin Goodrich, and together they raised three children, Donald Goodrich ’68, Janet, and Carolyn. Jean served on multiple boards and volunteered for many service organizations. She and her family moved to Carpenteria in 1975, and she continued to volunteer in the Santa Barbara area. Jean is the sister of Dana Smith ’37, Lawson Smith ’39, and Gilbert Smith ’43, and aunt to Rosamond Smith Miller ’67, Pamela Smith McCall ’69, Shelly Smith ’71, and Scott Smith ’73. Betsy Hunter Geiger ’40 April 24, 2014, Montecito, California Betsy was the daughter of Dr. Paul Mallers Hunter and Elizabeth (Betty) Hixon Hunter ’17 of San Marino. Betsy grew up in the Pasadena area, where she resided most of her life. She lived her last eight years in Montecito. After attending Poly, Betsy attended UCLA and graduated with a degree in art history. Shortly after WWII, Betsy met and married Bill Geiger ’35, a recently-returned Royal Air Force Eagle Squadron fighter pilot. They were married for nearly 60 years. Betsy was a hard-working member of several nonprofit groups including the Pasadena Junior League, the Pasadena Art Alliance, the Rosemary 500 Guild, and the Pasadena Guild of Children’s Hospital. Betsy is loved and survived by her children, Dodd, Devon, and Debra; sisters, Polly Hunter Turpin ’42 and Barbara Hunter Foster ’47; sister-in-law, Pris Milliman; brother-in-law, John Frost ’38; and grandchildren.
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Rosemary Millar De Rienzo ’47 July 27, 2012, Wilsonville, Oregon Rosemary, “Rosie,” lived in Pasadena, San Marino, and Newport Beach before moving to Oregon in 1994. In addition to being a very loving mother and wife, she spent many philanthropic years giving back to her community. Rosie was president of the Pasadena Planned Parenthood, the Crown Guild of the Pasadena Crippled Childrens Society, and a member of the Pasadena Junior Philharmonic. After Poly, she attended Westridge School and Mills College. Rosie is survived by her loving children, Jennifer Marie Miller, Robert E. DeRienzo, and Peter King, and grandchildren. Peter S. Sabin ’47 July 5, 2011, Newberg, Oregon Peter was born on Dec. 8, 1932, in Pasadena. After attending Poly for first through ninth grades, he received a bachelor’s degree from Stanford University and a master’s degree from UC Berkeley. Peter established his own architecture practice in 1967, and served as president of the Santa Clara Valley chapter of the American Institute of Architects. He was also an instructor in architecture at West Valley College for 20 years. He enjoyed coaching and refereeing youth sports in Palo Alto and was a member of Rotary International. Peter is the brother of Dorothea Sabin Barnes ’40, Richard Sabin ’43, and John Sabin ’45, and uncle of Dr. Edwin Barnes III ’68. Peter M. Farrand ’50 August 17, 2014, Sao Paulo, Brazil Peter attended Poly for seventh through ninth grades before attending The Thacher School and Yale University. Peter lived in Sao Paulo, Brazil, for more than 50 years and also had a residence in Oregon. In Sao Paulo, he worked for Johnson & Higgins, a large international insurance brokerage firm. He later worked for Phillips Petroleum and then opened his own business, Nova Petrene, importing petrochemicals. He was an avid fly fisherman, a hobby he had from a very young age. He is survived by his brothers, Alex Farrand ’52
Poly and Andrew Farrand ’55; daughters, Lisa and Allison; two grandchildren; and wife, Teresinha. John D. Mellon ’58 May 23, 2014, Waikoloa, Hawaii John worked at Enloe Hospital in the neuro-trauma unit for many years. He served his country in the Vietnam War as a U.S. marine sargent. He earned the Purple Heart for injuries received in battle. John is survived by his ex-wife, Joann MellonSpannaus; his stepson, Stephen Sheldon; two step-granddaughters; three brothers, Knox Mellon, David Mellon, and Peter Mellon ’62; and two nephews. Rea Troll Rich ’63 July 16, 2014, Fresno, California Rea was born on Oct. 10, 1945, in Pasadena to Rea Luella Smith and Conrad Troll. She was the sister of Kimatha Troll Van Valkenburgh ’69 and stepsister of Conrad W. Troll ’41 and Jesse Troll ’46. After Poly, Rea attended Marymount High School and Pasadena City College, graduating with a nursing degree in 1969. While employed as an obstetrical nurse at USC Medical Center, she married Dr. William M. Rich in 1972. She had two children, and the family moved to Fresno in 1992. Rea always was involved in many community service roles, including Junior League member and zoo docent in both Los Angeles and Fresno. She was proud of her children and grandchildren, and she felt privileged as an obstetrical nurse to help women bring their children into the world.
Connections
John C. Wilson ’64 July 23, 2014, Pasadena, California
Bryan R. Bracken ’75 August 10, 2014, San Ramon, California
John was born on Aug. 4, 1946, to John Cree Wilson Jr. and Anne O’Melveny Wilson ’36 of Pasadena. He lived in California all his life and is survived by his three siblings, Stuart Wilson ’67, Theresa Wilson ’69 and Michael Wilson ’74.
Born in Kansas City, Bryan and his family moved to San Marino in 1966. After Poly, Bryan received his bachelor’s degree in geology from Colorado College, where he fell in love with geology before earning his master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 1982 and his doctorate degree from the University of Utah in 1987. When beginning his doctoral studies, Bryan met Judy, and they married in September 1983. Bryan was employed by Chevron after the completion of his schooling, starting in Hobbs, N.M, then Houston, and finally settling in San Ramon in 1991. Judy and Bryan raised three sons. A natural teacher, he introduced his sons to his love of nature and the mountains. An Eagle Scout himself, Bryan served as a leader of his sons’ scout troop for several years. At Poly, Bryan was a recognized scholar and athlete, in part for his participation as a senior on the 1974 undefeated Varsity football team. Bryan is survived by his wife of 31 years, Judy; sons, Cameron, Ryland, and Stewart; mother, Janice Bracken; and nieces and nephews.
Rosamond Smith Miller ’67 February 2013 Catherine Coffin Senungetuk ’71 December 18, 2010, Anchorage, Alaska Catherine was born May 21, 1953, in Los Angeles and grew up in Pasadena and Newport Beach. Her love of calligraphy and art started early, with the ocean being a common theme. She was inspired by her uncle, Frank Hamilton, among others. In 1974, she graduated from Lewis & Clark College with a bachelor’s degree in art. In 1975, she married Robert Doss Jr. and moved to Alaska, where she opened a graphic design business and continued to pursue her art. In 1996, Catherine graduated from the University of Alaska Anchorage with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She then integrated her art with nursing by creating the “Art Cart,” a rolling art studio at The Children’s Hospital at Providence, to allow children to express themselves creatively while dealing with illness. Her honors include the Helene Fuld Fellow, Sigma Theta Tau, and the National Collegiate Nursing Award. Catherine is survived by her husband, Joe; her stepchildren, William and Jenny; and her grandchildren and nephews. She is the sister of the late Chris Coffin ’71.
George Christopher Coffin ’76 September 3, 2014, Lake Forest, Illinois Chris resided in Pasadena and Newport Beach; Northport, N.Y.; Auckland, New Zealand; and Lake Forest, Ill. He was a beloved husband, father, and friend; respected entrepreneur; and prominent sailor. He is survived by wife, Donna, and sons, Will, Stephen, and Alex.
James D. Fullerton ’32 The Polytechnic School community lost a dear friend and singular supporter in the passing of James D. Fullerton ’32. Jim lived in Pasadena for most of his 97 years, where he attended Poly, was a school parent, served as a trustee, and contributed generously to the campus and its programs. Jim graduated from Culver Military Academy in Indiana before attending Stanford University as an undergraduate and later earning an MBA from Harvard Business School. He met his wife, Harriet, at Stanford, and the two were married for more than 70 years and had three children — daughters, Alexa ’64 and Victoria ’70, and son, Jimmy ’68, who gave his life in the Vietnam War. As an army veteran of WWII, Jim shared his experiences through his novel, “When We Had the Horses.” After living and writing stories in Mexico City for a period, the majority of Jim’s professional life was at The Capital Group, where he served as chairman and relished the challenges of investing. In many philanthropic endeavors focused on children, education, and health care, Jim showed unwavering optimism and integrity. His pride in Poly was especially evident in his colorful storytelling, devoted volunteerism, and generous gifts. Jim’s good cheer boosted Poly staff with each handwritten note — on personal letterhead designating himself “Lion Tamer & Piano Tuner” — which he signed off with a favorite phrase, “Onward and upward!” Q P O LY C O N N E C T I O N S
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P.S. Rusty Buchanan Rusty Buchanan joined Poly as a first grade teacher in September 2011. A graduate of the University of South Florida, Rusty moved to California from Miami, where he most recently taught first grade at Sunset Elementary School. Prior to that, Rusty also taught second and third grade. Q:
What led you to a career in education? Were there any special mentors or moments that guided you to where you are now? I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. I don’t remember wanting to be anything else. My first year teaching at Gorrie Elementary in Tampa, Fla., was overflowing with mentors. I learned so much from my colleagues at Gorrie. Each of them contributed to the educator I am today.
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What is most rewarding about your role at Poly? The most rewarding aspect of my role at Poly are the bonds I have with my students that only grow stronger as the students make their way through the Lower School and beyond. Once my student, always my student.
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What is your best advice for Lower Schoolers? To always tell the truth, even when it feels like the hardest thing to do.
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What is your favorite book? My favorite book is The Color Purple by Alice Walker. I find the story of Miss Celie to be one that goes beyond human strength and struggle. I found myself learning how to forgive and why to forgive. I’ve read this book more times than I can count. By the way, the movie and the book are very different. Read the book!
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What is a hidden talent of yours? If I were on Jeopardy and the category was “Who Sang It in the ’80s,” I would be the returning champion.
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