Spring 2012 Bulletin by Rippowam Cisqua School

Spring 2012 Non Profit Org US Postage PAID Permit No 6030 Bedford NY

Rippowam Cisqua School

Bulletin

P.O. Box 488, Bedford, New York 10506 Lower Campus: 914-244-1200 Upper Campus: 914-244-1250 www.rcsny.org

On Saturday, June 9th 2012, the RCS community will celebrate Richie Meyersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; extraordinary 45 years of teaching, coaching, and mentoring at RCS! The schedule for the day includes: 11:00am

Gather in the Upper Campus Courtyard

11:30am

Remarks from Richie's friends and colleagues, including former RCS Heads of School Dick Wade and Eileen Lambert

12:15

Barbecue lunch

Richie Meyers: Over the Years Also In This Issue:

Young Alumni Roundtable on College Admissions Homecoming 2011 Rippowam Cisqua School: Alumni Profiles

A few of the many reasons to support

The RCS Annual Fund

The Annual Fund is the Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most important ongoing fundraising activity. Mission Statement

The mission of Rippowam Cisqua School is to educate students to become independent thinkers, confident in their abilities and themselves. We are committed to a dynamic program of academics, the arts, and athletics, and support an engaged faculty to challenge students to discover and explore their talents to the fullest. Honesty, consideration, and respect for others are fundamental to Rippowam Cisqua. In an atmosphere that promotes intellectual curiosity and a lifelong love of learning, Rippowam Cisqua strives to instill in students a strong sense of connection to their community and to the larger world. We, as a school, recognize the common humanity of all people and teach understanding and respect for the differences among us.

Like most independent schools, tuition revenues at RCS do not cover the entire cost of running the School. Tuition provides approximately 82% of the annual operating budget with the Annual Fund supplying 7%. The School relies on this source of income in order to meet the essential needs of students and faculty. This year, the difference between tuition revenues and total operating expenses amounts to approximately $5,100 per child. Our Annual Fund goal this year is $1,200,000 and 100% community participation. Last year, we reached $1,220,000 and 90% participation â&#x20AC;&#x201D; remarkable results in a remarkable year â&#x20AC;&#x201D; thanks to an incredibly engaged parent volunteer organization. If you would like to make a gift, please take a moment to fill out the enclosed pledge envelope and send it back to us with your contribution. If you have questions about the Annual Fund, please contact Susie Danziger at 914-244-1292 or susie_danziger@rcsny.org

1 Rippowam Cisqua School

Bulletin Spring 2012

Rippowam Cisqua School Bulletin is published by the Advancement Office: Edlira Curis, Assistant Director of Annual Fund and Alumni Relations Manager Susie Danziger, Director of Annual Fund and Communications Aggy Duveen, Website Manager and Master Teaching Fund Coordinator Barbara Jarvis, Advancement Executive Assistant Debe Stellio, Advancement Operations Manager Bob Whelan, Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement

Table of

Contents

Send address changes to alumni@rcsny.org. Credits: Design: Peapod Design, New Canaan, CT Photography: Tim Coffey, Stamford, CT Editor: Susie Danziger

Board of Trustees Amanda Riegel, Chair Maria G. Fields, Vice Chair William D. McLanahan, Treasurer Alexandria S. Altman, Secretary Scott A. Barshay Steve Bean Ralph J. Bernstein Robert S. Boyd ’75 Kirtley Cameron Dr. Neil J. Capolongo John W. Chambers James A. Diamond Gregory J. Fleming James D. Kallman Elizabeth L. Kilgallon, DVM, dACVS Desta Lakew Philip S. Lawrence ’80 Anna Lee James B. Renwick ’63 Erika Aronson-Stern

5 Cover Story: Richie Meyers: Over the Years

10 College Roundtable

Ex Officio Matthew Nespole, Head of School Patricia Grunebaum, Parent Association Chair Deborah A. Hurrell, Chief Financial Officer Robert F. Whelan, Assistant Head for Institutional Advancement Christopher Wirth, RCS Alumni Association Board Director Chair

16 Community Service

Letter from the Lower Campus Division Head

Letter from the Upper Campus Division Head

Letter from the Head of School

20 22 24 26 28 30 32

RCS in Pictures Spring 2011-12

36 39 40 41 50 52

RCS Faces Off in D1 Lacrosse

Homecoming 2011 Collin McLoughlin ’03 Visits RCS Alumni Board Association Master Teaching Fund Back to Bedford: 60 Years Later! Rippowam Cisqua School A Look Back Distinguished Alumni Award Young Alumni Party Class Notes In Memoriam Alumni Connections

Letters from Division Heads

Letter from the

Lower Campus Division Head It’s hard to believe how quickly this year is going by. The transition from being a long time educator to the Head of the Lower Campus has been an exhilarating, exciting, and, at times, exhausting experience. Perhaps not unlike our students, I relish each morning when I walk into school wondering what I will discover that day. Working as a team, the faculty, staff, and I tackle a broad range of challenges each day: helping students, managing school events, meeting with parents, planning curriculum, and collaborating with each other. What truly keeps this “Energizer battery” going each day stems from a favorite quote of mine that simply states, “the human tendency to regard the little things as important has produced many great things.” Each day, I make it my goal to notice the little, positive things to keep it all in perspective and to make sure that every decision we make fulfills our mission of educating students to become confident, independent thinkers who love the process of learning. That focus on the small, positive things each day also brings me great joy and satisfaction and gives me the inner

drive to lead the Lower Campus in a compassionate manner. As I walk the hallways visiting classes, shaking hands, and talking to teachers, staff, parents, and students, I witness countless small, yet powerful, moments occurring each day.

in the morning, wishing her a good day, and the child glances back with a warm, loving smile. I have also noticed a parent arriving a few minutes early because she missed her daughter all morning and anxiously waits to embrace her.

As I write this, it’s easy to recall some of the most memorable moments that I have witnessed this year and how touched I have been by them. For example, seeing the face of a child engaged and sitting quietly during an assembly as he listens to a Chinese tale using puppets; observing a child during the Kindergarten Night Party take the hand of a classmate as she notices her fear of the dark; seeing an older brother walking his younger brother arm-in-arm to class; or observing a child choosing his “just right book” from a basket, feeling comfortable and proud of his choice. Perhaps my favorite, the feeling I get when a shy child reaches out for my hand to shake for the first time as our eyes glance at each other and we smile.

There are many other precious little moments such as a teacher speaking to a coworker with compassion as she shares the story of an illness in her family, or teachers speaking professionally in faculty meetings, attempting to reach resolution on an issue. It is so refreshing to hear the genuine laughter coming from the faculty room during lunch and I am so gratified when I see a teacher releasing her assistant to help another in class.

These magical moments extend beyond just students. They appear when a parent pays me a heartfelt compliment about his child’s grade level performance, or a kind look a mother gives her child as they happily leave the building for the day, or when a father hugs his daughter goodbye

As I think about my own reflections, I can’t help but wonder what would happen if each of us took the time to reflect on ourselves and our own experiences, taking the time to notice the positive moments, no matter how big or small. I think that every day, as we all continue to work together, enjoy one another, and embrace our truly amazing school community, we’ll each find the countless little things that truly make our lives great.

Letter from the

Upper Campus Division Head Vince Lombardi, the Hall of Fame coach of the Green Bay Packers football team, once said, “Coaches who can outline plays on a blackboard are a dime a dozen. The ones who win get inside their player and motivate.” I cannot think of anyone who epitomizes this quote more than Rich Meyers. The fields and courts have been his classroom, and this master teacher of forty-five years has been instilling a love of sports, competition, and of life itself, into the lives of thousands of RCS students for forty five years. Coach Meyers’ unique combination of passion, humor, loyalty, honesty, intensity, and compassion have enabled him to impart in students the confidence and determination to accomplish more than they ever thought possible in athletics. Without question, the life lessons he taught have continued to resonate long after our students’ sports careers have ended. Not only has Coach Meyers created a level of excellence in our athletic program, he has challenged generations of RCS students to live life to the fullest, to never quit, and to embrace life’s challenges head on, with an optimism that demands we give our all. Our School philosophy states, “The interaction between adults and children

is fundamental to Rippowam Cisqua School. Warmth, humor, and compassion characterize individual student-teacher relationships.” I have had the honor of working with Coach for fifteen years. In that time, I have watched him win the hearts of younger students who, at first, may have been taken aback by his intensity and his unrelenting desire to have each student give his or her best every day; his penchant for “high fashion,” and his impromptu stoppages of practice to tell a joke, a story, or to quote a historical figure. Coach Meyers is indeed a character with an incredible sense of humor. That has not changed. What has also remained consistent is his ability to challenge and support his players, and to show them how much he cares about them and their families. Any player who has taken the time to sit down with Coach knows exactly what I’m talking about. His ability to connect with each student at his or her level is simply amazing. As a result, those sixth or seventh graders who were unsure of how to engage with Coach Meyers grew into eighth or ninth graders who understood what he was all about, and they love him for it. When I have the opportunity to talk to alumni about their experience at RCS, they often remark that Coach taught them to

understand what it takes to win, and that they craved his leadership, honest feedback, loyalty, and, of course, the expert way in which he taught the fundamental techniques of the sports he coached. Many have said that he is the best coach they have ever had, and that he believed in them more than they believed in themselves. When I think about the legacy that Coach Meyers leaves behind, several thoughts come to mind. His commitment to our School, and his players, is second to none. He is without question a master teacher. He has helped develop hundreds of successful high school and college athletes. However, more than all of his accomplishments on the field, it is his unique ability to build relationships with his players that last for decades that sets him apart from others. Despite his own athletic success, Richie Meyers will be remembered for his ability to bring out the best in those he coached, as athletes and as individuals. It is often said that sports is a microcosm of life. At RCS, no one taught, and lived, the life lessons that are such an integral part of one’s involvement in sports more than Coach Meyers. Thank you Coach, for your tireless efforts to teach us what is most important in life.

Letter from the

Head of School

At the All School Reception in November of 2011 the RCS community came together to celebrate our exceptional faculty. Recently I took a few moments to reflect on that evening and read the personal profiles that members of the faculty wrote, as part of that evening, in response to: Why I Teach. Our faculty’s personal statements clearly demonstrate that the adults entrusted with leading our children on their educational journey are committed to fostering each child’s intellectual growth, nurturing each child’s curiosity and love of learning, and challenging them to be the best that they can be. In my own life there were several teachers who inspired me in just this same way, and led me to commit myself to a professional life dedicated to education. I still remember vividly Ms. Lenchmen’s gentle, yet unyielding, efforts to help me learn to read and write my letters in first grade. I remember the arm my fourth grade teacher Mrs. Brighton put around my shoulder to help me work through my tears when I simply couldn’t make sense of a math concept, and recognize that

mistakes and failure are a component of the learning process. I remember my tenth grade teacher, Dr. Horlick, saying “I am proud of you Matthew, well done.” when he returned my essay arguing the importance of the Supreme Court’s Plessy v. Ferguson decision in our country’s effort to live up to ideals it was built upon. Each in their own way challenged me to be a better thinker and a better person. I know when children move on from Rippowam Cisqua they do so with lasting memories of the teachers who have guided them. Each student, current and past, has his or her own version of Ms. Lenchmen, Mrs. Brighton, and Dr. Horlick – teachers who have touched their hearts and inspired their minds. In time, all Rippowam Cisqua graduates look back and see the value of the gifts they have received from their teachers and how their years here have helped them become adults who will make the world a better place. In this edition’s bulletin we take time to celebrate one of Rippowam Cisqua’s longest tenured faculty members: Richie Meyers. Coach Meyers’ classroom is the athletic field. For forty-five years Richie has coached appropriate technique to effectively block a linebacker, run a pick and roll, and lay down a sacrifice bunt.

His teams have enjoyed great success but, more importantly, he uses the athletic field to teach the importance of teamwork, respect and character. The lessons he has taught will serve his students for a lifetime. Richie and his fellow faculty members’ commitment to our students make our School Community a place of excellence. They are the catalysts in our efforts to fulfill our Mission to create confident, lifelong learners. I hope you enjoy our Spring Bulletin as it rekindles fond memories of Rippowam Cisqua. Warmly

Matthew Note: If you would like a copy of the “Why I Teach” booklet, please contact Susie Danziger in the Advancement Office at susie_danziger@rcsny.org

Richie Meyers: Over the Years In June of this year, Richie Meyers will retire after forty-five years as a teacher and coach at Rippowam Cisqua. Richie has played a role in shaping the lives of students through six decades, providing a consistent, vital thread from the psychedelic sixties into the second decade of the technology-driven twenty-first century.

“This career has been a dream – it has just been a blessing. If someone had told me as a teenager that I would have this kind of career, I never would have believed it.”

Richie Meyers: Over the Years continued…

While he waited for the results of his physical and his deployment orders, he looked for an interim job. A friend told him about the Bedford Rippowam School where they were looking for a part-time physical education teacher. Rippowam had just built a new gym and needed a teacher with expertise in athletics.

Coach Meyers with Barrett Goldstein ’12

“Always think you can! It’s mind over matter, you have to think things first and then make them a reality.” During Richie’s tenure, the School has undergone many changes: it has doubled in size from 250 students to over 500; it has been led by eight different Heads of School who have shepherded the institution through some dramatic times, including the merger of the traditional Bedford Rippowam School with the more progressive Cisqua School to become Rippowam Cisqua School; the consideration and subsequent tabling of the development of a high school; and the growth of a modestly sized alumni body to one that is now nearly 3000 strong who support the School in many ways. It has been an extraordinary run with much to celebrate and recognize. Before finding his way to Bedford and Rippowam in 1965, Richie Meyers was living in Colorado and coaching football at his alma mater, Western Colorado State in Yuma, Colorado. Yuma is a small

farm town where, at the time, 125 of the 200 boys went out for football, providing a reprieve from their routine of farm chores, school, and studying. In his selfeffacing way, Richie admits that these boys looked up to him and saw him as a role model. As much as he enjoyed it, he was fully expecting the position to be short-term and he was mentally prepared to enlist and head off to Vietnam in the not-too-distant future. In order to take a pre-service physical, Coach took a quick trip home to New Rochelle, New York, where he spent his formative years. His trip was spur of the moment and planned so quickly that he left the bulk of his belongings behind in Colorado, packing only a small duffle bag and his dog into his 1951 Chevy. Fortyfive years later, Richie still hasn’t found the time or inclination to go back and collect his belongings.

The Bedford Rippowam School was quite different in 1965 from the Rippowam Cisqua School of today. There was a traditional sense of formality that Richie had never encountered before. For example, when a teacher entered the classroom, students would all rise, and there was virtually no noise in the hallways when students moved from class to class. In addition, each of the boys wore a jacket and tie, items Richie didn’t even own in high school. Richie thought he would stick out like a sore thumb at this elite school. “I grew up on 164th Street in the Bronx,” Richie recalls, “Bedford was a different world to me. I had never lived in a house. When I started out at Rippowam, I lived in a cottage on the Clarke estate. After I’d been there a few weeks a couple of students came to see me. ‘Coach how can you live in such a small place?’ they asked. A couple of days later, some of my pals came up to see me from the Bronx. ‘Rich! How’d you land such a great place?’ they asked.” Richie didn’t think he would ever fit in or get the job, but Head of School Walter Wyeth thought differently and asked him to stay and help out for a month. As Richie integrated himself into the community, making friends with everyone he met, Headmaster Wyeth took a real liking to him. He recognized that Richie had a lot more to offer the School than just his athletic ability. Mr. Wyeth felt he had a ”New York sensibility” – a Bronx soulfulness that was quite foreign to the reserved nature of Bedford’s old guard, and could cross-fertilize with the existing “culture of love.” Without Richie’s knowledge, Mr. Wyeth wrote the Draft Board stating that Rippowam really needed Richie to stay in New York because he was irreplaceable. Richie

found this touching, but also troubling. In between the laughs and the stories there is a twinge of regret that Coach feels for not having fulfilled what he views as his duty to his country. In the early years, in addition to teaching at Rippowam, Richie took on the role of high school football coach in New Rochelle. He would leave Bedford at 2:00 p.m. each afternoon and head back to his hometown. This enabled him not only to teach, but also to keep a foothold in his true passion, coaching football. As Richie’s short stay turned from months to years to decades, he progressed up through the ranks, from teacher to coach to Athletic Director, where he found lifelong satisfaction and some of his greatest friends. Throughout this time, he never lost touch with his New Rochelle roots. Richie enjoyed the dual life of coaching in New Rochelle and teaching at Rippowam and felt that he was making a real contribution by doing both. He said that the drive each day was transformative for him, when he went from “salty” New Rochelle to the more refined surroundings of Bedford. Richie recognized the differences and deeply appreciated how lucky he was to experience both. It was during those early years that he met his wife, Eileen, (the aunt of the current RCS Division Head Bill Barrett) in New Rochelle. Eileen and Richie were from the same world, and Richie loved sharing his new life in Bedford with Eileen. Richie and Eileen enjoyed their life together but, unfortunately, it ended much too quickly. Their daughter Julie was born in 1972 and just ten years later, Eileen died of cancer. Eileen was sick for several years, which took a toll on the family. Sadly, Richie had lost his mother in a similar fashion ten years earlier. For Richie, it was difficult to cope with losing the two most important women in his life in this way. He had no control over the

Richie Meyers throughout the years...

AlumniMeyers: Richie ProfilesOver continued… the Years continued…

Richard Meyers Western Colorado Hall of Fame Induction Class of 2006 for Football and Wrestling Richard Meyers attended Western from 1962-64 and competed in football, wrestling and baseball. In football, Meyers played for legendary Western State coach Kay Dalton and, during those three years, helped lead Western to a 22-6 record, including back-to-back Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) Championships in 1963 and 1964. As a senior, Meyers was a linebacker and defensive captain for Western’s “Head Hunters,” as the defensive unit was known. Meyers spent two years on each of Western’s baseball and wrestling teams. In baseball, Meyers was a starting pitcher and also one of the top players for the Mountaineers. On the wrestling mat, Meyers was a member of the 1963 and 1964 NCAA National Championship squads.

situation, and it was something that could not be overcome with hard work, perseverance, or any of the other skills he taught, and learned, as a coach. Julie and her new son, William Richard (the name is no coincidence) who was born in 2011, continue to bring Richie great joy. After his wife’s passing, Richie became increasingly more involved with Rippowam Cisqua and the lives of the kids he coached. He had watched the conservative Bedford Rippowam School unite with the more progressive Cisqua School, and helped navigate the changes at the merged institution – after all, this type of juxtaposition mirrored Richie’s own life. While the atmosphere became increasingly less formal over the decades, the unwavering constant throughout was how wonderful and supportive the faculty was. Richie noted that no matter which decade one might examine, the faculty has always been comprised of “exceptional teachers who consistently went to great lengths for their students and for one another.” He fondly recalls Stan Feret, who taught at Rippowam from 1947 to 1977 and who is recognized by many as one of the greatest teachers in the School’s history; ex-naval officer coach Roy Bruninghaus, who taught math and coached baseball from 1948-1980; and Larry Tighe, a beloved teacher, who was involved with the School on every level until his death in 1994.

Rippowam became Richie’s home and he took pride in the School community and his kids. Rippowam was a very small school when he joined it and, in Richie’s view, “many of the larger schools liked to dump on Ripp.” In relatively short order, however, Richie turned that reputation around, much to the chagrin of other schools in the league. He would often measure success by the way Rippowam students performed when they went to high school and beyond, which far exceeded what anyone would have anticipated for this small country day school. Their ongoing success gave him, and continues to give him, the most joy. He credits the small, supportive environment with preparing these RCS alums to flourish at the next level. As he watched children grow up and teachers come and go, Richie increasingly became aware that he was the constant; and while there are graduates in their twenties, thirties, forties, and even fifties

Richie on the field with the varsity football team

who say that Richie had a profound impact on their lives, Richie points out that the students have had just as significant an impact on him as he has had on them. Richie is not only unusual in his skills and talent as a coach, but also in his ability to enjoy an exemplary degree of success over such a long period of time. His coaching secrets are both practical and sincere. He begins by helping young athletes learn to believe in themselves. His mantra is: “Always think you can! It’s mind over matter; you have to believe things are possible first, and then make them a reality.” He also believes coaching is his gift. Whether he is on the field, in the hallways of a school, whether in New Rochelle or in Bedford, he’s always coaching. He believes discipline is very important, particularly when coaching. Even the kids who sometimes thought he was too tough have come back to thank him for setting high expectations for them. He loves to see students who have taken his words of wisdom with them and put them to good use. Playing sports is not just about competing or winning to Richie. The kids under his care have learned life lessons about hard work, discipline, conditioning, but he has

“I always emphasize teamwork – everyone has a part in the game, even the kids sitting on the benches. I worked my boys very hard, but I am always very protective of them. I am always on their side.”

always emphasized having fun as well. “It is out on the field where the kids learn to talk to one another; where they learn to help the other guy. I always emphasize teamwork – everyone has a part in the game, even the kids sitting on the benches. I worked my boys very hard, but I am always very protective of them. I am always on their side.”

where they are, what they are doing, and how he helped shape their lives. Rippowam Cisqua has been fortunate to have Richie be an integral part of the School community for so many years. It is hard to imagine what the fields, the halls, the cafeteria, and the gym will be like

Richie has loved coaching at RCS and takes enormous pride in being part of the Rippowam Cisqua athletic program. “This career has been a dream.” Richie shared, “It has just been a blessing. If someone had told me as a teenager that I would have this kind of career, I never would have believed it.” While Richie’s single regret might have been not serving his country, one could easily argue that he has been fulfilling a role of service for 45 years through his work with the students of Rippowam. He has been a coach, teacher, mentor, and friend, who has helped guide young men and women into adulthood. Many of Coach’s past students still keep in touch with him. On average, he hears from at least one past player per week – and not just as a result of “bumping into” them in town, or just to say a quick “hi.” They write him long, caring emails sharing

Richie flanked by alumni and Upper Campus Division Head, Bill Barrett, at Homecoming 2011

without his daily physical presence, but it’s safe to say that his legacy will be part of the School’s fabric for years to come. Just as his former students continue to stay in touch, Richie reminds that he will always remain connected with RCS “because it will always be in his mind, in his heart, and in his soul.”

Young Alumni Roundtable

College Admissions

On December 21, 2011, just a few hours before the traditional Revelry celebration, the RCS community’s celebration of the winter solstice, the Upper Campus welcomed back a group of young alums for the first of, hopefully, many Young Alumni Roundtable discussions focused on the college exploratory process. It was a pleasure for the faculty and staff in the room to observe these “grown ups” gathered together and to have the opportunity to hear about their experiences. The group shared stories and lessons learned around the challenging, yet very exciting process of selecting a college. The panelists included: Anita Carroll ’07 (New York University), Alexandra Friedman ’08 (Connecticut College), David Lee ’08 (University of Colorado/ Boulder), Cara Rosenbaum ’05 (Brown University), Zander Rosenbluth ’08 (Trinity College), Andrew Toporoff ’07 (Georgetown University), Missy Walker ’07 (Tulane University), Hope Walker ’08 (Cornell University) and Amanda Weld ’07 (Union College), all of whom contributed to this one hour discussion and provided many helpful tips for the audience of younger Ripp alums. Upper Campus Head of School, Bill Barrett, moderated the conversation and sparked some interesting discussions among the students. The groups covered topics such as how to begin the college process, what to do and not to do, what’s the most important thing to remember, what they would do differently, and what the adjustment is like once you finally settle in.

College Roundtable Discussion continued…

“If I could tell you just one thing…”

The discussion began with each of the college students sharing a piece of advice on what high school students should be thinking about as they embark on the process. The alums’ advice included a lot of invaluable suggestions: Hope shared the advice to visit a number of schools that vary in composition, size, and emphasis, to get a sense of what kind of school a student might like, and then seek out more schools that fit that profile. Missy encouraged the group to visit schools while classes are in session, because it provides better insight into campus life and the composition of the student body. Zander cautioned the group to not form final opinions based on just one tour, because sometimes little things like bad weather or a particularly good tour guide can overly influence one’s experience. Amanda emphasized the importance of attending revisit days once acceptance news has arrived. She shared that it was when she went back to revisit Union that she realized it was the right fit

for her. Cara shared the importance of touring with an “official tour” guide, not just a friend who attends the school, because the tour guide can give you a broader perspective. Alexandra suggested to the group that if they are interested in a subject, club, or team, to meet or have lunch with a member of the program because it will provide insight into the school that wouldn’t otherwise be available. All nine alums strongly suggested the wise course of applying to many schools with a wide range of entrance difficulty levels, as admission outcomes are often varied and largely unpredictable.

Managing the stress As the conversation picked up, the college students could sense that some of the high school students were already experiencing some of the stress of the college process and they shared some positive words of wisdom on managing the emotional component. David offered that the process wasn’t as bad as he thought it would be and that it was easier than the boarding school application process. Cara shared that many of her classmates from

Back row: Cara Rosenbaum ’05, Zander Rosenbluth ’08, Hope Walker ’08, Missy Walker ’07, David Lee ’08; Front row: Anita Carroll ’07, Andrew Toporoff ’07, Alexandra Friedman ’08, Amanda Weld ’07

Fieldston had never been through an application process before because they had been attending the same school since kindergarten and the college process were much more difficult for them. Missy chimed in and said that the process always works out – even though that might be hard to believe now – and no one ever ends up without a single option. Amanda suggested not to stress out too much about SAT scores either. She said that she regretted how much time she spent studying for the SATs and working with tutors because nine out of ten schools to which she applied didn’t require SATs. Be sure to look to see what tests the schools of interest require to help keep it all in perspective.

Surprise!

Bill asked the college students to share what came as a surprise, and there were indeed many! Andrew shared that he was surprised when he received his acceptances to discover that the results were often different from school to school even though their admissions criteria was quite similar. He encouraged the students to apply to a few reach schools because one never knows what might happen. Zander suggested to be sure to have at least three or four schools that feel like a good fit. In addition, both Andrew and Alexandra mentioned they were surprised by the fact that, once they were away, they had a tendency to compare their lives as college students with the daily routine and structure they had experienced in high school. They both found that university life offered more “unstructured time,” and it required more effort on their part to find a perfect balance of structure and free time in a day and actually get their work done. “Don’t expect to fall in love with the school right away,” Missy concluded, reminding everyone that there will always be a period of transition for a freshman at university.

David Lee ’08 and Missy Walker ’07

Early Action, Rolling Admission, Early Decision, what does it mean?

The group beautifully explained the concepts, and the pros and cons, of Early Action, Early Decision, and Rolling Admissions, all of which may provide feedback before the standard response time of late March/early April and can provide “something in the back pocket” so students are more confident as they submit regular action applications. Here’s what they shared: Early Decision: Students may apply to one school ED or ED 2 (which some schools offer on a later timeline) and are required to submit their application in November/December and receive a response in December/January. ED is binding so, once accepted, a candidate MUST enroll. The students’ advice was

to only apply in cases where there is certainty about that school. They also pointed out, however, that the ED pool at some schools might be smaller so sometimes the odds of getting into a school are better through ED. Early Action: Students may apply to up to two schools EA. This process also requires the student to submit his or her application early and provides a response in December, but the difference is that an acceptance is not binding. Rolling Admission: Schools that offer rolling admissions will accept applications at any point during the process and will usually have a response back within 4-6 weeks. There aren’t any limits as to the number of applications that can be submitted through rolling admissions, and the results are not binding.

The Search vs. the Application

When asked which was more challenging, developing the list and staging the search vs. preparing the application, most shared that putting together the list was very difficult, but also essential. Cara shared that she was disenchanted because there didn’t seem to be a school that had everything she wanted. However, as she honed her list, the ideal qualities in a school became increasingly clear and the potential options began to make more sense. She also shared, interestingly, that sometimes the application can tell a candidate something about the school and help that school find its way on, or off, one’s final list. Zander shared that putting together the list was a challenge and the results were somewhat unexpected. The summer before his senior year, he visited 20-25 campuses, which

College Roundtable Discussion continued…

ultimately yielded 10-15 to which he was interested in applying but, as the process continued, not all of those schools ended up on his final list. The secret to drafting the essay and completing the applications seems to lie in beginning early (the summer before senior year is ideal for writing the essay) and treating the “college search” as an

additional academic subject. This was evident right down to Cara’s wise advice to add a column to one’s “planner” that includes weekly college assignments and Missy’s sage words to dedicate a few hours every week to those assignments so that they “don’t take over your life.” Hope, Missy’s younger sister, did not heed her sister’s advice to draft the essay over the summer and immediately regretted it.

Fall term of senior year is already laden with emotion – having the college essay hanging over one’s head is too much. “As you prepare for your SATs,” Cara continued, “I found it helpful to treat preparing for the test as just another class I had to study for, thus including it in my regular studying schedule.” When the discussion transitioned to a general discussion of how to enjoy senior year while going through the college search process, everyone had an opinion. Andrew reminded that “You aren’t alone – you and your classmates are all doing the same thing and can talk about it together; it’s actually a rite of passage. Plus it is exciting and a great opportunity to travel and see new places.” Andrew also pointed out that it helped that he had integrated the search process throughout his high school years, beginning the summer after his sophomore year, with a few college visits built into the family vacation.

If I had to do it all again…

Alumni moms, Mindy Friedman, Anna Lee, and Nina Freedman, look on

Zander Rosenbluth ’08 and Anita Carroll ’07 listen as Cara Rosenbaum ’05 shares her experiences

Although the college students seemed happy with their choices, there were definitely things that each of them would have done differently during the search process. For example, Alexandra would have expanded her search. In hindsight, she realized that she stayed “too close to home” and that, if she had to get on a plane to get to school, it would actually be okay. For those alums who were a plane flight away, they felt that there isn’t much difference between a one hour flight and a three hour flight. In retrospect, Cara emphatically said that she would have started earlier. “I put it off because I was afraid that I would be too stressed out, which wasn’t really true.” She felt that had she started even one month earlier (Presidents’ week instead of spring break), it would have made a difference.

The adjustment to college life

Zander offered that the major difference between high school and college is that there is far much more reading, and he has far less time to get his assignments done. Missy said the adjustment was difficult and that it’s important to be patient and allow time to adjust. She said the fact that she loved Deerfield so much made it harder because she was constantly comparing Tulane to Deerfield and Tulane didn’t always measure up. She actually applied to transfer in the middle of her freshman year but, by the time the acceptances came, which they did, she learned that she really loved Tulane. “If you are coming from an environment you really love, you will continually compare everything to your high school.” “Allow yourself to like your new school,” added Alexandra who still had strong feelings for Choate. Amanda chimed in with a very similar story. She said, “Don’t expect it to be easy and immediately click. I didn’t love Union initially, but now I can’t imagine myself anywhere else.” Several of the students pointed out that moving to a larger school can be hard – especially when coming from a small nurturing high school. David Lee, who went from Millbrook (student population of 200) to Boulder (20,000 students), said the hardest part was trying to recreate the faculty relationships, which had been so important to him at Ripp and Millbrook. “It may seem that there is no obvious teacher to go to but, if you look to teachers in smaller classes and TA’s in the larger classes, they really are there and want to help you.” Most of the college-aged alums felt that time management was one of the largest adjustments, in part, because they were going from a very structured environment to a place where students are much more in control of their time and also because there is just more on their plates. Hope offered that it’s important to learn how to say “no” which, in a city like New Orleans, can be really challenging. She said it was important for her to remember

that she wasn’t missing anything if she didn’t go out EVERY Friday and Saturday, and that she was going to college to learn. Cara added that, because students are afforded so much free time, it is easy to put off work. Cara said that she took an opposite approach and said “yes” to everything when she arrived because a busier schedule forced her to think about time management more seriously and getting her work done. Once the work got harder she realized she needed to weed out some of the activities and only participate in those that were meaningful to her.

On feeling prepared…

There was unanimous agreement among everyone around the table that they were well prepared for high school and college. Anita felt, particularly compared to her classmates, more than ready for the caliber of writing that was required both at Masters and NYU. Anita’s program in the Gallatin School of Individualized Study at NYU requires her to create her own schedule and curriculum, and her writing skills were particularly important.

On traveling abroad…

In further discussing college life, Cara spoke of her “year abroad” experience. “I always wanted to study abroad, I was nervous before leaving, but now I am the biggest advocate for it,” she said firmly. Travelling and navigating through the cultural differences certainly offers unique learning opportunities that Cara valued. They all recommended that if one is interested in a specific culture or language to check to see if the college in question has a program that complements that interest. Also check the travel abroad schedule with potential athletic schedules to make sure the prospect of participating in both programs is a possibility. Cara concluded the conversation noting that, as Ripp alums, they had actually already gone through a similar process of evaluating schools, filling out applications, and transitioning to a new environment in selecting their secondary schools. Through that experience, these alums

had made invaluable discoveries about themselves and the educational environment in which they would thrive, so the college application process found them so much more prepared. “You are already in a good place,” Cara comforted everyone in the room. As the discussion ended, the young alums currently attending high school walked away sharing a collective understanding that the process is one of growth and discovery, regardless of the ultimate choice or destination. The celebration continued at the home of Emma ’11 and Sophie Boyd ’12 (daughters of Robert ’75 and Katie) and, as per the RCS tradition, the night ended with the marvelous celebration of Revels. Many thanks to all of the alums for coming back to share their stories and celebrate with us.

For those RCS alums who are just beginning the college process, remember that there are RCS graduates at many colleges throughout the country. If you would like to meet with, or speak with, one on an upcoming visit, please contact the Alumni Office at alumni@rcsny.org for an introduction.

Community Service

Students from both campuses give back

Upper Campus students after making dinner for Neighbors Link

The mission of Rippowam Cisqua School reminds of the important role that community service plays in children’s lives…

“In an atmosphere that promotes intellectual curiosity and a lifelong love of learning, Rippowam Cisqua strives to instill in students a strong sense of connection to their community and to the larger world.”

Each year the School, in partnership with parents and faculty, builds service-learning opportunities into the curriculum and into the extra curricular program. 2011-12 has seen a heightened level of involvement as teachers, students, and parents have embraced community service and taken it to a higher level on both campuses.

Lower Campus cafeteria clean up

Upper Campus garden work

Lower Campus delivering tissue paper flowers

Lower Campus Activity

On the Lower Campus, the primary goal of the program is to offer ageappropriate community service experiences that will meaningfully engage these early learners and create a sense of purpose and satisfaction for them in helping others. From a curriculum standpoint, there have been grade-focused activities designed specifically to connect students with some of the themes of the School’s character education program, Character Counts. Activities include: •

• •

•

• •

Making tissue paper flowers, holiday cards, and birthday cards for elderly women at a local group home Planting bulbs to beautify the School playground Becoming “pen-pals” with patients at Blythedale Children’s Hospital in Valhalla Singing holiday songs at “My Second Home,” an elder care program in Mount Kisco Cleaning up the lunchroom floor between lunch seatings Singing holiday songs throughout the School

Complementing the curriculum-based efforts, the Parent Association Community Service Committee has engaged students in after-school community service activities. Each grade has been given the opportunity to spearhead one of four school-wide collections for the Community Center of Northern Westchester (CCNW) while

Fourth graders singing at “My Second Home”

incorporating learning at an after-school event to better understand how their work will help their neediest neighbors in the greater community. Fourth graders sorted and packed items collected during the annual fall clothing drive for the CCNW – more than 616 pounds of clothing was donated. • In December, the Senior PreKindergarteners and Second Graders sorted, packed, and delivered 66 pounds of new pajamas, robes, and slippers to the CCNW for its Share the Warmth clothing drive. They also made holiday ornaments for the CCNW to give out to their food pantry patrons. •

In February, students sorted, packed, and delivered food collected from the School community. In addition, the children decorated reusable grocery bags for the CCNW to give out to their food pantry patrons. • As we go to press, students are collecting school supplies for the children of CCNW. •

The kids who have participated in these events have learned the importance of reaching out, and that helping others feels good and can also be a lot of fun.

Community Service continued…

Upper Campus Contributions

As children move to the Upper Campus, community service plays a different role in their lives. Students begin to develop their own interests and passions and begin to engage in community service that complements those interests. Many will bring their ideas and projects of personal interest to school to heighten awareness with classmates through assemblies, fundraisers, and classroom activities. In addition, the Parent Association organizes activities on Friday afternoons throughout the year that align with the School’s mission and provide a welcome service for the local community. For those students who stay for their ninth grade year, service is fully integrated into the curriculum through activities, as well as their year-long portfolio projects. In the 2011-12 school year there have been record levels of volunteerism. A sampling of the activities include: In September, the ninth grade class, accompanied by five teachers, participated in two Habitat for Humanity projects. One involved hanging sheetrock in a home that would eventually be occupied by three generations of a single family, with a

Seventh graders at Ronald McDonal House

second project that found students building two-foot by four-foot rectangular planters that would later add splashes of color to the surrounding neighborhood. In November and December, students collected canned food and pajamas for the CCNW and Neighbors Link, Mt. Kisco. The School community collected more than 500 food items and a large assortment of pajamas, slippers and robes to help make the holidays a little more cheerful for the families who utilize the community center.

On four Fridays in January, February, and April, small groups of students spent the afternoons at the Ronald McDonald House in Valhalla, making dinner for the families who were in residence there. In addition to sharing their culinary creations, students also wrote letters to the residents to let them know that they were thinking of them during this difficult time. In February, the ninth grade participated in “Midnight Run.” Students were transported to Manhattan where they

The kids who have participated in these events have learned the importance of reaching out and that helping others feels good and can also be a lot of fun. In January, the Upper Campus was introduced to the small town of Shihalia, Kenya by teacher Vincent Kwarula. With Vincent’s support, the students have been raising funds to contribute to the renovation of the local school as well as the installation of a water pump in the town.

distributed sandwiches, clothing, and toiletries to the homeless. One week later, twenty-seven fifth through eighth grade students made dinner for sixty to be delivered to Neighbors Link in Mt. Kisco. The students painstakingly mixed, chopped, and cooked to help the newest members of the local community feel more at home.

Participants in Breast Cancer Walk

In March, twenty-one students spent a slightly chilly Friday working in the Rippowam Cisqua Garden. The kids spent the afternoon planting seedlings in indoor planters, including beets, radishes, lettuce, arugula, kale, and swiss chard; transplanting early plantings into the garden’s “stagecoaches” to accelerate their

growth; and giving the garden a good spring-cleaning. In April, Upper Campus students visited the SPCA in Briarcliff, where 28 students helped with spring cleaning, filled “kongs,” painted the driveway, and filled donation gift bags for the annual walk-a-thon.

The RCS community service program provides powerful opportunities for children at every level to engage in service learning that is appropriate for their age. Check back here next spring for an update on all of the School’s community service activities.

RCS Community Service on a National Level Sixth grader Matt Schwartz’s work with the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, home to the Lakota Sioux Tribe, has garnered national attention. Pine Ridge Reservation has a population of close to 40,000, and its needs are tremendous.

The Schwartz family at Pine Ridge Reservation

Matt visiting the Wounded Knee School

Pine Ridge resident, Robert Looks Twice, and Matt Schwartz

Unemployment is over 80%, the high school drop out rate is 70-80%, and substance abuse and suicide are at alarming high levels. Matt learned about the Reservation through an ABC News 20/20 segment this past fall, entitled “Children of the Plains,” and subsequently wrote a letter to Diane Sawyer asking how he could help. Within two days, he received a response back from the segment’s producer. Matt learned that the children of Pine Ridge read far below the national standard and he was inspired to help. Matt quickly and methodically began a campaign to raise money to donate to the Wounded Knee School on the Reservation for a new reading program and computers. He has maintained a special relationship with Diane Sawyer, her producers, and 20/20, and will be featured in a spring update on the Pine Ridge Reservation. RCS Upper Campus students were treated to a presentation by Matt in April, which ABC News’ 20/20 taped that is expected to air as part of the update. For more information on Matthew’s project, please visit www.muddyroadfoundation.org.

RCS in Pictures

Lower Campus Grandparents Day

2011-12 All School Picnic

Upper Campus Grandparents Day

Fun Run

Mariposa Auction

Revelry

2011

Homecoming

On Saturday, October 1, 2011, outlined against a blue-gray October sky, several hundred students, parents, alumni, and friends gathered together for Rippowam Cisqua School’s first homecoming. What started out as a drizzly day, turned into an afternoon of sunshine, football, food, fun, and even a victory for the RCS Varsity Football team!

season. The team looked fantastic and took to the field that fine Saturday and played with precision, toughness, and heart en route to a 28-6 win over St. Luke’s. The game’s highlights included two touchdowns by Connor Bamford of Bedford, one of which was a forty yard run, a flea-flicker pass to Mt. Kisco’s Mike Cerruti for a third touchdown, and a thirty yard touchdown run by Barrett Goldstein of Katonah. As the boys’ varsity football team dictated the tempo on the gridiron, kids of all ages took part in sack races, impromptu soccer games, and a spirited tug of war on the adjacent playing fields. The barbecue was going all afternoon, making certain that no one would leave hungry, and the weather played its part, defying what had been a certain forecast for rain, and opting instead to offer up perfect fall weather as a backdrop for the occasion.

The day was intended, in part, as an opportunity to get the RCS community together and, in part, to celebrate the final football season for Coach Richie Meyers, who was just starting his 45th

At the conclusion of the game, the crowd assembled for a testament to Coach Meyers who, at the outset of his final year of coaching, was honored by Taft Athletic

Director Dave Hinman (a former RCS coach and teacher), RCS Alumni Association Chair Christopher Wirth ’94, Joe McMenemon ’01, Alex Soros ’01, Upper Campus Head Bill Barrett, and Head of School Matthew Nespole. To a person, each speaker echoed a similar sentiment about the impact that Coach Meyers has had on the student athletes he has coached, namely, that the athletic arenas have served as the classroom for this master teacher to purvey essential life lessons that extend well beyond athletics. After being presented with the game ball, Coach Meyers appropriately closed out the event, sharing a sentiment of gratitude that he’s felt at having the privilege of playing a meaningful role in the lives of so many young people, and how touched he was that so many of his former athletes returned for the occasion.

Save the Date! Homecoming 2012 Saturday, September 29th We hope you can join us!

Highlights

Collin McLoughlin ’03 Visits RCS and shares his talents with the students

On Friday, November 18th, the Rippowam Cisqua Upper Campus Playhouse was alive with energy. On the heels of the first day of exams, fifth through ninth grade students were greeted with an end of the week assembly that was anything but typical. Collin McLoughlin, a Bedford native and an alumnus from the Rippowam Cisqua class of 2003, was waiting when the students arrived. Mr. McLoughlin, an accomplished singer/songwriter and burgeoning “YouTube” star, wowed the audience of nearly three hundred students and faculty with a short acoustic set. While the musical performance was a sterling one, equally significant was Mr. McLoughlin’s message, which was uncanny in its consistency with the core of the Rippowam Cisqua philosophy – be true to yourself, don’t be afraid to take risks, and follow your passion. After playing two songs (Chasing Dreams, a cut off his solo album, followed a version of the song Save the World Tonight, made popular by the group Swedish House Mafia), Collin shared his fascinating journey with the students. His musical career began back in 2001 at Rippowam Cisqua when he picked up a guitar, for the first time, in music teacher Bill Fornara’s class (Mr. Fornara, who watched Collin’s performance with

Collin McLoughlin ’03 performing in the Crosby Fiala Playhouse

pride, is still an RCS music teacher). As part of the program, all middle school students are required to learn the basics of guitar. For many, it sparks what may become a lifelong interest but, for others, it is simply part of the music and arts curriculum at the School. Collin shared that he didn’t love the guitar that first year, noting that early acoustic guitar staples didn’t resonate with him at the time. However, when he picked up the instrument again at the Wooster School, where he attended high school, a spark was, in fact, ignited. As Collin put it, he became obsessed. He found himself constantly

playing and writing songs, which he contends were not good, but in listening to this up-and-coming star, it’s hard to believe! After graduating from the Wooster School, Collin went on to Colgate University and then to NYU for graduate studies in Music Business. During his college years, Collin continued writing and recording songs for acoustic guitar. Following a successful tour to support his guitar-based music, he joined a hip-hop/R&B group in college. Collin was involved in all aspects of the business: writing and singing, co-producing songs,

and managing the group. Their initial demo tape was met with rave reviews by fans and critics alike, leading to a college tour across the east coast. During this phase, Collin realized he loved being up on a stage, connecting with a crowd, and that it was what he wanted to do. Last spring, Collin made the bold decision to put his graduate studies on hold and pursue his dream. He has performed with Wale, Fabolous, K’naan, Sam Adams, and Lupe Fiasco, all of which have served to open doors for him. In addition, he’s gone on to do a number of YouTube cover songs, one of which (Stereo Hearts) has realized over 1.2 million views!

Mr. McLoughlin’s message, which was uncanny in its consistency with the core of the Rippowam Cisqua philosophy, was be true to yourself, don’t be afraid to take risks, and follow your passion. After singing and sharing his background, Collin showed the video for a version of Gavin DeGraw’s Not Over You, that was released on YouTube on Monday, November 21, 2011. Since Collin’s appearance at RCS was on November 18th, these lucky kids were able to see the video before it was even released! As fun as it was to watch Collin perform, his rapport with the children during a Q&A session was equally lively, with questions that ranged from “What team were you on?” (for RCS alums, he was on the Red Team), “How long is the program at NYU and why did you leave?” (He knew that, to really make a go of it, he had to pursue his dream

Collin surrounded by 8th grade girls

Collin flanked by RCS teachers Bill Fornara, Tom Morrissey, Chris Perry, and Bill Barrett

full time), “Have you ever worked with Justin Bieber?” (unfortunately, no, although he would love to!), “What sports did you play?” (lacrosse and crew, and both team sports were instrumental in helping him develop the qualities of persistence and resilience that are essential to making it in such a tough business), and “Were you in the sixth grade musical?” (Yes, participation in the musical at RCS is a requirement for 6th grade students and his role as the lead in “Jungle Fantasy” was his first real exposure to being on stage). Before playing

his video, Collin shared with the kids how scary it was to take this risk and his realization that, if he didn’t, he would always wonder “What if?” He also reinforced for the students how important it is in school to be open-minded, try lots of different things, and then, when you identify a passion, pursue it … no matter what! To learn more about Collin, you can visit his website, collinmcloughlin.com, or search for him on YouTube where he is a regular presence!

Highlights

RCS Alumni

Association Board Alumni Update from Christopher J. Wirth ’94, Chairman of the RCS Alumni Association Board Dear fellow alums, During my two-year tenure as chair of the RCS Alumni Board, I have had the pleasure and privilege to work closely with a growing number of engaged alums. My goal, when I accepted the position, was to work in partnership with the School to increase communications to and among alumni, increase the number of alumni actively involved with the School, and help institute one to two annual events. I am proud of the progress we have made in a short period of time. During this academic year, we have focused our efforts on three major fronts as outlined below:

Class Representatives

To increase communication to and among alums, we have adopted an Alumni Class Representative model utilized by many high schools and colleges. Our “family of representatives” has grown to nearly thirty this year as we continue to reach out to our alumni body looking to engage new and active volunteers. I am grateful to those representatives who have agreed to take on this important position. I have been happy to discover that they have found it surprisingly fun, as well as a great opportunity to reconnect with classmates with whom they had previously lost touch. I would like to offer a special shout out to the alumni volunteers from the classes of 1961 and 1984 for their persistence and success in locating all their classmates! The results of everyone’s hard work is visible in the form of more frequent alumni news and class notes, successful reunions and events, and a more accurate and up to date alumni database. Congratulations to all on a job well done!

Events

In close collaboration with the School, this year we established a new tradition of an annual Fall Homecoming. It was held on a beautiful autumn day last October and had more than 350 alums, current students, parents, faculty, and staff in attendance. This event is a great opportunity for the alums and the entire RCS community to get together and reconnect with the School community. Mark your calendars for a trip back home for Homecoming 2012 on Saturday, September 29, 2012.

held on campus (see page 30 for a description of last fall’s 60th reunion with the class of 1951). If you are interested in connecting with a class or group of RCS alums, contact Edlira Curis in the Advancement Office at alumni@rcsny.org. She can help provide contact information for your RCS classmates.

Supporting RCS

The New York City Gathering of Alums continues to be a much-anticipated event but, in light of the addition of Homecoming and alumni events held on campus, the NYC Gathering of Alums will now be a biennial event. Watch your email for a Save the Date next spring in advance of a May 2013 get together.

As a community, we have shown great pride through our continued support of the RCS Annual Fund and the Master Teaching Fund. Our contributions to the School make a difference in the lives of current students and faculty. We should all be proud to give back to a community that has given so much to each of us over the years. I’m delighted to report that many of you have embraced our Annual Fund Red-Blue challenge and have renewed your team spirit this spring. Thank you! I hope you will all continue to support your team, each other, and the School this year and in the years to come.

As referenced above, there have also been a number of smaller class-specific events

Sincerely, Christopher J. Wirth

New Members Forrest Mas ’04 Forrest graduated from St. Lawrence University in May 2011 where he studied Economics and Mathematics. He currently lives in New York City and works for TS Capital as a Financial Analyst. Forrest’s parents, Cynthia ’71 and Paul Mas, reside in Bedford Village, across the street from the Upper Campus, so Forrest continues to make frequent trips back to Bedford and to Ripp! Forrest joined the RCS Alumni Board in September 2011.

Elsie Swank ’04 Upon graduating from Rippowam Cisqua School, Elsie attended the Westminster School in Simsbury, CT and then Hamilton College in Clinton, NY. She graduated from Hamilton with a major in Communications and a minor in Spanish. Elsie studied abroad both in London, England and in Madrid, Spain. She now works as a script/production coordinator at ABC’s Good Morning America. Elsie joined the RCS Alumni Board in September 2011.

Class Representative Gap Years

We are still looking for volunteers to help with the following years. If you are interested, please contact the Alumni Office at alumni@rcsny.org. Looking for Class Reps for the following classes: 50s

60s

70s

90s

00s

10s

1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959

1960 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969

1970 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979

1980 1981 1983 1986 1987 1988 1989

1990 1995 1996

2000 2002 2003 2008 2009

2010

RCS Alumni Board of Directors 2011-12 Christopher Wirth ’94, Chair Board of Trustees Ex-Officio Stephen Ohler ’66, Vice Chair Susannah Sard ’58, Secretary Richard Cahill ’92, Treasurer Meg Atkin ’76 Todd DeSimone ’93 Katie Prezzano Durfee ’82 Nancy Eaves ’92 Harry Grand ’93 Randy Wilson Hall ’94 Cynthia Mas ’71 Forrest Mas ’04 Bill Meyer ’84 Philip Ohler ’75 Elly Dwyer Rice ’94 Vanessa Seide ’93 Lisa Pagliaro Selz ’66 Elsie Swank ’04 Ex officio Matthew Nespole, Head of School Robert F. Whelan, Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement

Remember, Reconnect, and Return to RCS for Homecoming Weekend: September 29, 2012 All alums are invited back to enjoy Homecoming on Saturday, September 29th and to cheer on the RCS football team. The RCS Alumni Office is happy to help classes ending in 2 or 7 (e.g. class of 1962, 1967, 1972, etc.) that are interested in holding a reunion during Homecoming. Please contact alumni@rcsny.org or 914-244-1296 for ideas and help. We look forward to hearing from you!

Master Teaching

Fund Recipients

The Master Teaching Fund was established in 1991by RCS alumni in honor of the School’s retired master teachers. The goal of this endowed fund is to support the professional and personal development of today’s teachers. In the fall of 2011, the RCS Alumni Association awarded eight Master Teaching grants to RCS faculty, including the Nicholas Bluestone award. This award is given in honor of Nicholas Bluestone who was a member of the class of 1994. The purpose of this special designation is to serve as a perpetual remembrance of Nick’s love of RCS and his interest in the Arts. A major consideration in awarding this grant is that the applicant seeks funding support for a journey of discovery.

Recipient of the Nicholas Bluestone Award Mike Kober is a history teacher on the Upper Campus and has been with RCS for thirty years. He intends to purchase a digital camera and take some photography classes. All of this will be quite useful as he ventures off to visit five National Parks, which Teddy Roosevelt established during his presidency.

Evey Albert is an art teacher on the Upper Campus. She has been with RCS for fifteen years, and she will be using her grant to go on an African safari. She will travel to Tanzania and focus on the Serengeti, a visit to a local school, and a visit to a Masai home.

Chris Perry is both a science teacher and Spanish teacher on the Upper Campus. He just completed his twentieth year with RCS and he plans to travel to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Chris will also purchase a laptop computer which he plans to take with him on his trip for downloading photos and also to begin a blog about his travels.

Kimberly Fox is a computer teacher on the Lower Campus and she has just completed her tenth year at RCS. Kimberly’s love of music and singing helped her decide to use her grant to purchase guitar and piano lessons, vocal coaching, and a microphone, guitar, and amplifier.

Niki Karanasos is a Senior PreKindergarten teacher. She has been with RCS for ten years, and she will use her grant to travel to France. Visits to museums and Monet’s gardens are part of her trip itinerary.

To help support the Master Teaching Fund Endowment, please send your donations to: Advancement Office, Rippowam Cisqua School PO Box 488 Bedford, New York 10506

Karen Koeppl is a fifth

Amy Stern is a sixth

grade teacher who has been with RCS for twenty five years. Karen will be using her grant to fund a trip to the Virgin Islands to hike in the National Park, especially the Reef Bay Trail and nearby Petroglyphs.

grade teacher and she has just completed her fifth year. She will use her grant to spend a week in Martha’s Vineyard for the purpose of photographing and painting the beauty of the island.

Barbara Sweeney is a first grade teacher and has just completed twenty years at RCS. She will be using her grant to travel to Amsterdam, Paris, and Provence in order to follow in the footsteps of van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Seurat.

Please make checks payable to Rippowam Cisqua School and identify “MTF” as the fund designation in the memo line of your check. If you have additional questions, please contact Bob Whelan, Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement, at 914-244-1291 or bob_whelan@rcsny.org.

Back to Bedford:

60 years later!

Saturday, October 18th was a typical Bedford fall day with sunny skies, brisk air, and colorful leaves all around. It was not, however, a typical day on Rippowam Cisqua School’s Upper Campus where Head of School, Matthew Nespole, welcomed thirteen members of the class of 1951 back to Bedford for their sixtieth reunion. This was the first significant reunion for their class and, for many of them, this was the first time they had seen each other in sixty years. Classmates came from as near as Bedford and its surrounding areas, and as far as Vermont and Oregon. Revisiting the school and the then- and-now discussions “sparked a lot of reminiscing,” said Penny Brouder ’51 and a special “re-bonding with our class,” added Robert Laidlaw ’51. Ms. Brouder and Mr. Laidlaw were the two main organizers of the event. Susie Laughlin Above, from left to right: Gail Faithful, Denny Height, Karla Darlington, Win Taylor, Susie Laughlin, Rob Laidlaw, Peggy Law, Sandy Darlington, Tim Holbrook, Bill Husted, Penny Brouder, Nan Frost, Ellen McCance Parker, all class of 1951

“It was inspiring to meet with this special group of alums who thoroughly enjoyed ‘coming back home’ and walking the familiar hallways which hold so many memories and connections to their past” said Bob Whelan, Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement, after giving a tour to this distinguished group of alums. The entire group enjoyed sitting together in a circle in the modern RCS classrooms as they reflected fondly on all of their favorite teachers from sixty years ago. In addition to the many anecdotes and stories exchanged, as well as hugs given out, the reunion provided a unique opportunity to observe the long tradition of excellence, love of learning, and deep personal connections that are the hallmarks of a Rippowam Cisqua education.

Karla Darlington, Robert Laidlaw, walking to the Music House

Bill Husted, Nan Frost, Ellen McCance Parker

Penny Brouder and Gail Faithful looking at a class photo from 1961.

Sandy Darlington, Win Taylor

Tim Holbrook, Penny Brouder

Class of 1951 sitting in a newly renovated 6th grade classroom.

Rippowam Cisqua School

A Look Back

Over the past three years, through the pages of the Bulletin, we have had the opportunity to meet many wonderful, engaged alums of Rippowam Cisqua. We have also discovered that there are a number of families that have become linked because of their connection to RCS. They are either alums who became and stayed close after they graduated from RCS, or families who have joined together through marriage. We would like to introduce you to two such families; couples who met as a result of their Rippowam years. Hearing their stories offered us a glimpse back at what Rippowam was like 20, 50, even 70 years ago. We hope you enjoy this trip back in time.

The stories of these two families share similarities that are uncanny. Each features the union of two families with matriarchs who played a significant role in the regional history of this area. Both accounts involve fate, RCS, and, of all things, the beach. “It all began at RCS…” said Georgia Goodhue Reath ’94, as she told the story of how she and her husband first met. Little did they know that nine years later, after a long period of friendship and dating, the couple would marry and share RCS stories together happily ever after. Marilen Tilt ’57 met her husband, a former Cisqua student and the son of one of the founders of The Cisqua School, not long after she graduated from high school. We spoke with Georgia and Marilen – two RCS alumnae with strong connections to the School and similar Rippowam Cisqua romances despite the generational gap. Both women spoke highly of their Rippowam days and the role the School continues to play in their lives.

Above clockwise: Georgia Goodhue Reath ’94 RCS Yearbook Photo; Alexander (Roo) Reath ’93 RCS Yearbook Photo; Katama Guernsey ’92 RCS, Yearbook Photo; Peter Guernsey ’94 RCS Yearbook Photo; Roger Vincent ’59, Rod Tilt, Marilen Grosjean Tilt ’57 Alumni Day 1993; The 2011 Tilt Family Holiday Card photo; Marilen Grosjean Tilt ’57 Rippowam Yearbook Photo; Will Goodhue ’04, Jen Wells, Randy Goodhue ’64, Lyn Goodhue, Roo Reath ’93, Pip Reath, Sam Goodhue ’97, Georgia Goodhue Reath ’94

Grosjean/Tilt

Marilen Grosjean Tilt ’57 and her husband Rodman (Rod) Tilt attended The Rippowam School and The Cisqua School, respectively, have strong ties to the history of our School, and have both maintained an exceptionally close relationship with Rippowam Cisqua over the years. Marilen and Rod have three children of their own who are all RCS alums. In addition to being an alumna and a parent of alumni, Marilen also worked on the Cisqua (Lower) Campus for several years as a learning specialist, served as a member of the Board of Trustees following the merger of the two schools, and later worked closely with Roger Vincent ’59 in establishing the Alumni Association Board. Marilen was one of the first members of the Alumni Board. She and her husband have had a multifaceted relationship with the School, but let’s go back to where it all began. RCS When did you and Rod first meet? MGT We did not know each other

during our years at Rippowam and Cisqua. There was a generational gap between our families so our parents did not know each other either. My family lived in Bedford but, because my father was from Belgium, we spent most summers in Europe. My father believed that travel was an

important part of our education, and the Tilts were more rooted in Bedford and its environs. In fact, I remember one summer – the only summer my siblings and I convinced our parents to vacation locally so that we could have a summer of playing tennis and going to the beach – we rented the Tilt’s summer home in Fisher’s Island. My sister and I slept in Rod’s bedroom during that vacation, long before I actually met Rod. It was one of those interesting coincidences in life, which take on significant meaning when you look back in time. Fast forward a few years after my graduation from Rippowam to the summer I returned home upon graduating from high school. Persuaded by my mother and quite unwillingly, I went to a summer party, organized by one of her friends in town (the Boyd Family). Rod, who had just graduated from St. Lawrence, was at the party. That is where we met for the first time, but we were both headed off that coming fall and we did not see each other again for four years. It’s funny, I had known Rod’s sisters at Rippowam but never knew that they had an older brother. Rod had already started his professional career in Argentina and I went off to college in Boston. Upon graduating with a major in history, I had decided to become a teacher. During my second year in Boston, I had a surprise visit from Rod,

who charmed both my roommate and me that evening as he helped with the dishes after dinner! It was during that visit in 1965 that we renewed our relationship, began dating officially, and got married soon after in 1966. We lived in Argentina for the first two years of our marriage and returned to Bedford in 1968. Our first child, Emlen, was born soon after.

You and Rod had four children together and they all attended Rippowam Cisqua – what was it like raising your children in Bedford and being a parent at RCS? RCS

MGT My four children all graduated from Rippowam Cisqua and continue to remain very fond of the School and very connected to many of their RCS friends. Upon graduating from ninth grade, Emlen (class of ’84) attended Greenwich Academy and the University of Colorado. She currently lives in Colorado with her husband. My daughter Elizabeth (class of ’85) went to Pomfret School in Connecticut and to St. Lawrence. She and her husband have settled in Minneapolis. Mary (class of ’92) also went to Greenwich Academy and then to Vanderbilt University. She and her husband are moving soon to Charleston, South Carolina. My son, Roddy Jr. (class of ’99) went to Taft and Trinity College. He is currently in Business School at the University of Virginia and is very excited to have just secured an internship in New York for the summer. I am hopeful that perhaps Roddy will return to Bedford one day and we may have grandchildren attending RCS.

Your involvement with RCS has continued and evolved over the years – can you share with us some of your fondest memories as a student, parent, teacher, trustee, and alumni? RCS

Mary Tilt’s wedding, October 2011. From left to right: Rob Cabot, Emlen Tilt Cabot ’84, Olivia Weiner, Louis Weiner, Elizabeth Tilt Weiner ’85, Fred Weiner, Stephen Hammond, Mary Tilt Hammond ’82, Rod Tilt, Roddy Tilt ’99, Marilen Tilt ’57.

MGT As a student at Rippowam, my most special memories are of all the teachers and all my friends. My classmate, Alden Prouty, is one of my closest friends. My experience at Rippowam was a significant part of my growing up as a

A Look Back continued…

young girl in Bedford, which is why both Rod and I were eager for our kids to attend Rippowam Cisqua as well. As a parent, attending so many Rippowam Cisqua graduations has been an amazing experience and it has created some very special bonds in our family. I often credit RCS for focusing on the development of the whole child and that commitment is visible as I look at my own children today and the successes they have achieved. I also cherish my experience as a teacher at Rippowam Cisqua. Teaching came late in my career, but I loved every minute of it. At the age of 48, I decided to go back to school to get a degree in early childhood development and became a learning specialist. My first position at the School was as an assistant in Jim Jaffe’s classroom, which was a wonderful experience. I started teaching on the Lower Campus in the fall of 1991 and had the privilege to work as a learning specialist alongside many beloved teachers who are still with the school today, including Sandi Klein and Barbara Sweeney. My tenure as a Trustee began on the board of The Cisqua School in 1971 and, following the merger of Cisqua and Rippowam in 1972, I continued to serve on the board of Rippowam Cisqua until 1977. Through my involvement I found that in some ways, the School has changed over the years to stay current with the times and in many ways it has stayed the same – particularly in its dedication to the students and the amazing faculty.

Tell us a little about Rod’s connection to RCS? RCS

address their dissatisfaction with the quality of education available to their children. Because of the war, many public schools had closed and, for families in Mt. Kisco, there were no strong schools nearby for young children. (The Rippowam School was considered too far to travel at that time). These six women started The Cisqua School in the basement of St. Mark’s Church in Mt. Kisco. In 1946, Jean’s mother-in-law, Lady Gabriel, provided The Carlson Cottage to house the school. The school moved to its present location in 1956.* Throughout the early years, Mrs. Tilt served on the board of Trustees and took pride in establishing this small progressive school, which offered a broader view of education focusing on each and every child. My mother-in-law would remind us often of how Mrs. Sedgwick, the first Head of School, stood outside in all weather to greet the children as they came in – an act which spoke volumes about her philosophy of relating to all students as individuals. Later, in my experience as a parent and educator at RCS, I was delighted to find out that the same philosophy of individual attention, and even the act of greeting all children in the morning, is part of the Rippowam Cisqua tradition.

Goodhue/Reath

As the parent of three RCS alums, what advice would you give to the many generations of RCS alums?

Georgia can you share with us how you and Roo met and how your relationship started?

RCS

MGT I urge the young generations of RCS alums to not forget their first teachers who played such a meaningful role in this first chapter of their educational life – your Kindergarten teachers can make a world of difference!

MGT Rod’s mother, Jean Tilt, is a much-

celebrated figure in the history of The Cisqua School. She is one of the six women who founded the school back in 1942. These women came together to

* The architect who designed the Cisqua School building (current RCS Lower Campus building) is the father of RCS alum Nick Platt ’50, Mr. Geoffrey Platt.

Georgia Goodhue Reath ’94 is the daughter of RCS Alumnus Francis (Randy) Goodhue ’64 and the sister of Sam Goodhue ’97 and Will Goodhue ’04. Her husband Alexander (Roo) Reath ’93 and his brother Tim Reath ’89 and his cousins Peter Guernsey ’94 and Katama Guernsey Eastman ’92 all attended RCS in the 1980’s and 1990’s. We caught up on the Goodhue/Reath family during a recent conversation with Georgia, who currently lives in Boston, Massachusetts with her husband Roo and their three-year old son.

Georgia Goodhue Reath ’94, Pip Reath, Roo Reath ’93 RCS

GGR We will have to go back to the summer of 1993, just after I completed eighth grade at RCS. My family spent summer vacations in Marion, MA. Near the end of that summer, I had a surprise visit from my classmate Peter Guernsey and his cousin Roo. Roo was a year ahead of me and had just graduated from Ripp as a 9th grader. The prior summer, Peter had mentioned that he was going to stop by for a visit in Marion the following summer but when he arrived that year-old conversation was a distant memory. (My dad was not too happy with the surprise, nor was I as I was already having a wonderful summer!) It was

over the course of those few days, when the three of us stayed up all night talking about anything and everything that I became enamored with Roo. I was really surprised that I could not stop thinking about him. When the trip was over, Roo and Peter headed back home. I never thought I’d hear from Roo again, until … a few weeks later, just after we had arrived home, Roo called with an invitation to lunch and a game of tennis. I was surprised and thrilled.

How were you able to maintain your very new relationship after that summer? RCS

GGR We went on separate paths for a

while – Roo went to Taft and then to Hamilton College. I went to Deerfield and then to Middlebury. It was important to me to follow my own path and make the decisions I needed to make for me. So, for the next eight years we were always together, but living in separate places. This was before cell phones, so the expensive phone bills were an ongoing issue with my father! Upon graduating from college, though, I did make my choice based on where Roo was. We both settled in New York City and were married in 2004. While in New York, we frequently returned to Marion, where we really liked the more relaxed lifestyle. In 2008 we made the decision to move to Boston to be closer to the town where our romance first began. We now spend almost every weekend in Marion.

We have a busy life here, too. Roo works for the Boston office of Integro Group, an Insurance Company, and I teach yoga. Roo and I are also expecting our second baby in July. We are currently looking for a school for our son for next year and are hoping to find a school similar to Ripp up here. In fact, when we talked after the last school we visited we both said, “It feels like Ripp,” which was very reassuring!

Can you tell us a little bit more about your passion for yoga? When did you first discover yoga and what inspired you to open your own studio? RCS

GGR I started practicing yoga in college

and I was addicted from that day forward but I didn’t expect it to be my life’s passion. When I first moved to New York I worked as a paralegal and planned to eventually go to law school to follow in my grandmother’s footsteps. I was very attached to my grandmother, Mary Goodhue, and was inspired by her work as a state senator and as one of the first women in the US Assembly. I remember fondly that she was the featured speaker at my Rippowam ninth grade graduation. Unfortunately, she passed away in March of 2004 – the same week Roo and I were celebrating our engagement with a large family party. The celebration of our union turned into a celebration of my grandmother’s life – it was nice because all our friends and family members were already in town so we had a wonderful time.

Do you think about coming back to Bedford to raise your family in your hometown? RCS

GGR Roo and I often get nostalgic about Bedford and RCS, as all of our family history is rooted there but, for now, we are committed to staying in Boston. At times it is tough because our families are not in Boston but we are happy that we are creating our own family traditions and we see everyone over the summer when they come to visit.

As much as I admired my grandmother, I later realized I was not passionate about law and decided to explore my other interests and passions, yoga being one of them. I went back to school to receive a graduate degree in counseling and psychology from Columbia University. Soon after, we moved to Boston, and I started my own business, Blue Light Yoga. I now teach yoga as well as lead workshops and retreats nationally and internationally.

Roo Reath ’93, Henry Reath, Tim Reath Jr. ’89, Stuart Reath, Tim Reath III

Yours is is a multigenerational RCS family with a special connection to the School – many siblings, cousins, and in-laws are RCS alums. Any special memories that are mentioned at the Goodhue/Reath dinner table? RCS

GGR RCS has a special place in the

hearts and minds of my family for obvious reasons. First of all, it is incredible to have a common childhood experience with my father and my husband, which creates a special bond between us. My father often talks about the longstanding red/blue competition and his fond memories of Field Day, specifically the tug of war! He was always thrilled to relive the red/blue spirit when Sam, Willy and I were at RCS. We also all remember fondly many amazing teachers who strongly influenced us. Both Roo and I were very close to Ann Thacher, who was always amused by the fact that Roo and I got married. Missy Swan was also an inspiration for me personally. Ninth grade was a fantastic experience of bonding and maturing. There are so many wonderful things I have to say about RCS. Perhaps most telling is the fact that Roo and I continue to be surrounded by our RCS friends and many of them have become our closest friends over the years – Roo’s best friend is his classmate, Harry Grand. The two of them went to high school and college together and have remained close since fifth grade, the year Harry joined RCS. We both have young families and it is wonderful to watch as our children grow up together and become best little buddies as well.

RCS Faces Off in

D1 Women’s Lacrosse

Above: Left: Hannah Mirza ’06 Right: Sydney Mas ’07

On March 29, 2012, the University of California at Davis women’s lacrosse team faced off against the University of Vermont women’s lacrosse team in a tightly fought battle. The UVM Catamounts edged out the Davis Aggies, 16-13. Despite the 3,000 mile geographic divide the competitors had one thing in common: two Rippowam Cisqua alumni going head to head in a Division 1 competition. Sydney Mas, ’07, now a sophomore at UVM, and Hannah Mirza, ’06, a junior at UC Davis, are both star players on their respective teams, contributing to their schools both on and off the field.

Sydney Mas ’07

Sydney started playing lacrosse in her seventh grade year at Rippowam despite having focused much of her early athletic career on ice hockey. In fact, she had always thought that she’d play ice hockey in college, but upon graduation from RCS she began to really fall in love with lacrosse during her secondary school years at St George’s. Initially, she didn’t think she was good enough to play Division 1, but she soon started getting phone calls from D1 colleges and universities. She says, “While picking a college it was really important for me to consider if I got injured or for some reason was not able to play lacrosse, ‘would I still be happy at this school’?” Realizing this, she made sure that the reason she chose UVM was for a combination of the lacrosse program and everything else it had to offer. The success Sydney has enjoyed at UVM is an extension of her success at St. George’s, where she was a senior captain, team MVP, first team All American, and first team All League. Now a sophomore at UVM, Sydney reflects on her first year on the college team, when she won 2011 America East Rookie of the Year, 2011 America East All-Conference First Team, 2011 America East All-Rookie Team. Additionally, she set a new league record for the most goals in a single season by a freshman (55) and led the league in points (63). The number one difference between lacrosse at St. George’s and lacrosse at a D1 University is time. Sydney reports, “there is a lot more training and hours put into lacrosse at the D1 level than there is at the high school level. Before college, I never lifted weights. At UVM we have strength and conditioning three times a week on top of practice. Needless to say, I was sore my entire freshman year!” Despite all the hard work, what Sydney loves most about lacrosse is the team aspect, something she was first exposed to as a Rippowam athlete. Sydney loved playing sports at Rippowam because “it gave athletes of all levels a lot

of confidence and taught everyone great sportsmanship and how to play a sport as a team. I also like how, in the earlier years of Ripp, they had kids try each of the sports before deciding which one they wanted to play. I think it is really important for young athletes to play many different sports and to try different things. Growing up playing three different sports made me a far more dynamic athlete and has contributed to my success in college.”

Hannah always thought she wanted to play sports in college, but she wasn’t sure how to formulate a plan to make that happen. Because Miss Porter’s is one of the “smaller” schools, it often made it harder for players there to be recognized by local colleges. When Hannah’s senior year had come along and she hadn’t made much of an effort to contact coaches, her parents helped her get set up with a recruiter who made a sports resume for

“I think it is really important for young athletes to play many different sports and to try different things.” “What I love most about lacrosse is the team aspect, something I was first exposed to as a Rippowam athlete.” Sydney Mas ’07

Hannah Mirza ’06

In contrast to Sydney, Hannah Mirza didn’t start playing lacrosse until her sophomore year of high school, her first year at Miss Porter’s School. At Rippowam, Hannah had played soccer, basketball, and softball. Once she transitioned to MPS, she continued with soccer and basketball, but wasn’t very interested in pursuing softball so she made the switch to the lacrosse team, where she immediately found a home on the Varsity squad. Hannah saw a good deal of success on all of her sports teams at Miss Porter’s, where she was the most improved player on her lacrosse team sophomore year, followed by earning MVP her junior year in both lacrosse and basketball. She was captain of the lacrosse and soccer teams her senior year, and she was on the allstar team for all three sports junior and senior years.

her. The hardest decision for Hannah was “actually deciding which sport I wanted to play in college. Somehow I decided I wanted to play lacrosse because I hadn’t played for very long and thought that I could continue to improve my skills. I wasn’t quite ready to give it up yet because it was so new to me.” She ended up sending her sports profile, which contained stats, awards, and video, to about 25 Division 1 schools. One coach that was particularly interested was the University of California at Davis coach. Ultimately, she visited the campus late in her senior year, met with the coaches, and signed a letter of intent shortly after spring break. Hannah loves the Davis program. The team practices year round and has an unofficial fall season beginning in

grade!” Though ultimately UVM came out with a narrow win, Sydney reports it was a “close game. UC Davis made us work for it.” Sydney found it fun to play against someone she knew and reports, “It was awesome to see how good Hannah has become since we played together at Ripp. After a goal was scored we were both jogging back and I gave her a little nudge to say ‘hey’.

2006 Varsity Soccer Team, Hannah is in the front row 2nd from right and Sydney is in the center row 2nd from right.

October. The official season runs from February through May of each year. The athletes practice twenty hours a week almost all year round and get workouts to do over the summer. Not only did Hannah win the Rookie of the Year award her freshman year, but she also compiled the highest goals total by a freshman since 2006. She led the team with 25 draw controls. In her sophomore season, Hannah set a school record with 58 draw controls, and was ranked 10th nationally with 3.87 per game.

The Face-Off

Similar to Sydney, Hannah’s experience with Rippowam athletics influenced her future athletic endeavors. By the time she was in seventh grade, Hannah knew she wanted to play multiple sports in high school and college. “Coach Meyers and Mr. Morrissey planted that idea in my head early on. I also loved playing a different sport each season.” When UC Davis and UVM faced off at the end of March, both Hannah and Sydney knew they were going to face one another. Hannah found it exciting to play against Sydney and got to “guard her a

few times when we were on defense which was fun because she definitely has half a foot on me. I felt more competitive when I saw her on the other team and when we were watching film.” Similarly, Sydney had heard talk of Hannah prior to meeting on the lacrosse field. Before each game, her coaches dissect the other team, and they talk about their key players and how to stop them. “Hannah was one of the girls we talked about because she is such a crucial part of her team. I was taken aback when my coaches went through the UC Davis roster and mentioned Hannah as someone we needed to watch out for. I was so excited to find out that we were going to be playing each other since the last time I played sports with her was in seventh

Both the Davis and UVM women’s lacrosse teams are strong programs that are on the upswing, and both Hannah and Sydney are pleased to be assuming leadership roles on their respective squads. Both teams are vying for success in conference play, and both teams are looking for even more depth and development in upcoming seasons. Hannah, a double major in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and Sydney, a Business major and Global Studies minor, have certainly learned the importance of time management, discipline, communication, leadership, and commitment through their experiences with athletics. Both student athletes, just as they did during their tenure at Rippowam Cisqua, are making memorable impacts at their respective Universities, both on and off the field. Hannah reminds younger female athletes to never give up. She says, “When men’s athletics get more money or more recognition and publicity, I get very frustrated, but don’t ever let it make you stop playing because it definitely pays off in the end. I love my teammates and I love my school and I have an opportunity that not many people do because I have dedicated so much time to athletics in my life.”

“Coach Meyers and Mr. Morrissey planted the idea (to play multiple sports) in my head early on. I loved playing a different sport each season.” Hannah Mirza ’06

Distinguished Alumni Award Presented to Ambassador

Nicholas Platt ’50 On December 16th, 2011, on behalf of the Alumni Association, Chairman of the Alumni Board, Christopher J. Wirth ’94 presented Ambassador Nicholas Platt ’50 with the Distinguished Alumni Award for outstanding achievement and leadership in his profession and service to the community. Ambassador Platt returned to the classrooms on the Upper Campus to receive this award and spent the day with current students as well as a group of alumni, administration, faculty and staff. He started the day with a seminar with ninth graders and then followed up with the sixth grade, who had just completed a unit of study on ancient China. His time with students culminated in a full Upper Campus assembly, during which all current RCS students and faculty had an opportunity to meet and hear from Ambassador Platt about his past experiences. At the end of the assembly, a small group of alums, faculty and RCS trustees joined Mr. Platt for a luncheon in the library in celebration of his achievements and his award. Roger Vincent ’59, the founder of the Alumni Association Board and the first recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award, Christopher J. Wirth ’94, current Chairman of the Alumni Board, Marilen

Tilt ’57, Alden Prouty ’57, Cynthia Mas ’71, Nancy Dwyer Eaves ’92, Randy Hall ’94, and Niko Viglione ’02, Lower Campus faculty member, were some of the alums who joined the celebration.

On behalf of the entire Rippowam Cisqua Community we congratulate Mr. Platt on his successes and we are thankful for his continued dedication to Rippowam Cisqua.

Throughout the day, Ambassador Platt shared his passion for history and writing interweaving stories about his RCS experiences and teachers, in particular Laura Paddock, who introduced him to the value of good writing skills. He also highlighted the historical impact of the 1972 visit to China and, during the assembly, shared a brief movie with the students which included his personal impressions, memories and details on his role as part of the American delegation. He answered many questions, from both students and faculty/alums about the nature of the current US-China relationship as well as the economic and political challenges and advantages both countries face today. As part of his address to the students, Ambassador Platt emphasized the importance of discovering and pursuing one’s passion and talents. He pointed out that entering the Foreign Service and studying Chinese in the 1960s was not an easy or common choice; however, he remained guided by the RCS motto “Dare to be True,” and found that following a dream, and working hard toward realizing it, makes for a rewarding path, even if it’s not the easiest one.

Ambassador Nicholas Platt ’50, is a distinguished American diplomat with a long career in the Foreign Service. With a background in Chinese language and history, Ambassador Platt became an expert on China and in 1972 accompanied President Nixon on an historic trip to Beijing. He went on to serve as a three-time ambassador to Zambia, the Philippines, and Pakistan. Mr. Platt is also the author of the book The China Boys, which describes the preparations and the events that led to the resumption of relations between the United States and China and his role in the making of history – one of his favorite subjects as a student. A profile of his book can be found in the RCS Fall 2010 Bulletin. Ambassador Platt was a student at Rippowam in the late 1940s, attended St. Paul’s for high school, and holds degrees from Harvard and Johns Hopkins University. Mr. Platt’s most recent visit to Rippowam Cisqua was two years ago when he and his classmates celebrated their 60th Rippowam Cisqua Reunion.

Young Alumni

Party

Members of the class of 2011

Ben Spain ’10, Farrah Asaad ’10, Amber Kinui ’10, and Treat Hardy ’10 with Bob Whelan

Each year, our youngest alums (five years out and less), along with our current ninth graders, are invited to a gathering of fellow alums and teachers. This event has been graciously hosted for the past two years by current parents Katie and Robert Boyd ’75. It was also hosted in the past by past parents Shirley and George Bianco and Susie and Cabot Lodge. The gathering takes place on the evening of Revels to allow the alums to honor the tradition of celebrating the Winter Solstice with the rest of the RCS community.

Cara Rosenbaum ’05 with Missy Swan and Kathy Perry

The Perry Family including Ben ’05 and Eric ’08

Isabel Donohoe ’12, Jess Cordiano ’12, Julia Conway ’12

Xandra Coleman ’10, Anne Fraiman ’10, Eleanor Sednaoui ’10, Tora Hallstrom ’10

Alumni

Class Notes 51

Class Representatives Penny Brouder: pbrouder@optonline.net Robert Laidlaw: laidlawrs@yahoo.com Thank you to Robert and Penny and to the entire class of 1951 for a wonderful 60th reunion last October!

Ralph Freidin: This past spring I reconnected in our college alumni magazine with my classmate Rodney Gott ’57. We recited names of other classmates and sadly to say we did not know the story or whereabouts of any. My note is to tell what and where I have been in the past 55 years and hope some of my class will contact me. From Rippowam, I went to The Hill School and from there to Columbia College and from there to Washington University Medical School. In my third year, I married Miriam, who was a first year medical student. After graduating from med school, I spent two years in Washington, DC as a commissioned officer in the Public Health Department. From there, we moved to Boston to complete our medical training – mine in internal medicine and Miriam’s in psychiatry. We have been living in Boston since moving here in 1972.

After three years of post-graduate training, I started a career in academia but then joined a private practice in Lexington where I worked for thirty years, closing my clinical practice this past July. Since then I have devoted my time to advocating for the civil rights of the gay, lesbian, and transgender community as well as volunteering for free medical clinics for Americans without health insurance. We have a daughter who is married to a wonderful woman. Our daughter is finishing a doctoral degree in psychology and her partner is the head of the ‘wellness’ program at the Winsor School. They live in Cambridge. We have a son who is a professional photographer living in San Francisco. We live in Boston proper and spend most weekends in Truro. Would love to hear from any of those who recall Mr. Woods, Mr. Walsh, Mr. Bruno, Mrs. Donaughue, Ms Frankel, and others. I can be reached via email at: rmfreidin@comcast.net

Class Representative Susannah Sard: sardes@verizon.net

Robin Coryell: My mom was the kindergarten teacher at Rippowam. We lived in the big white building with the Ferets and the Bruninghauses. I was in fourth grade in 1953 and then we moved to Chappaqua. I moved to Colorado in 1964 and moved back here in 2001. Some of my classmates were: Elizabeth (Betsey) Wyeth ’60, Tracy Gross ’59, Susan Kemble West ’59, John Cartwright ’58, Seymour Preston ’58, Eric Jacoby, Walter Fowler ’59, Arthur Patterson ’58, Gardner (Gary) Emmons ’58, Clare Springs ’59, Elizabeth (Tibby) Clark ’60, Jane (Gina) Arents (she had a brother named Peter) and Bunky Bruninghaus ’58. I am sure there were many more. I have some wonderful photos of us playing and some class photos. I now live in North Salem and run a youth theater company in many Westchester towns. I would love to hear from any of the students who went to Ripp at this time. I have wonderful memories. Marjorie Gifford as the lovely music teacher, Amy Jones, the painter who taught us art...field days, all the wonderful faculty. All of it was special and magic and I would love to know what has become of you. I have a wonderful son who lives in Boston and am so happy directing theater. My email is rjcoryell@aol.com. If I have forgotten anyone, I’m sorry.....it was just a long time ago!

Roger Vincent: Tom Smidt ’59 and wife Vicki recently hosted Roger Vincent and his wife, Nancy at their home in Albuquerque, NM.

live in Boston. Their youngest daughter, Alexandra is working away at boarding school. Woody adds: “We continue to enjoy a great life, have several successful companies, and travel the world. Best wishes to all my classmates and a great 2012 to all!”

Pictured left to right: Roger Vincent, Vicki Smidt, Nancy Vincent, Tom Smidt

61/62 Reunion 19

Friday, May 18 & Saturday, May 19, 2012

Woody Brooks’s grandson, William Brooks

Class Representative Steve Ohler: sohler@aol.com

Anita Braganca Stockbridge: Please make note of our 50th (!) class reunion in Bedford Friday, May 18, 2012 (Field Day) with optional dinner at the Bedford Post Inn (formerly Nino’s restaurant), and Saturday May 19 with lunch and a tour of the school followed by dinner at Anita Bragança Stockbridge’s home. Those hopefully attending so far are Bernard (Ben) Smith, Margie Bailey, Anita Pagliaro, Debbie Choate, Jane Bishop, Sandy Putnam, Susan Branch, Alex Sanger, John Renwick, Rick Larsen, Ned Post, Jamie Robertson, Anita Bragança, Sally Adams, and Janet Brown. Hopefully there will many others. We are still trying to make contact with several lost classmates. Please email Alex Sanger at: ASanger@ippfwhr.org or Anita Bragança at: adebs291@gmail.com for more information. We hope to see everyone there!

John (Woody) Brooks writes that he now resides in Newport, Rhode Island and in NYC with his wife, Elizabeth. His son, John III and his wife Stacey are living in Maynard, MA. “They have brought us great joy with our first grandson, William – aged 1.5 years” writes Woody. Their oldest daughter, Candice, is happily married for several years to Victor and they currently

Class Representatives Alex Gordevitch: agla1956@gmail.com Cynthia Mas: cynthia.mas@renwicksothebysrealty.com Alexandra Gordevich: After reconnecting with so many good friends at our 40th class reunion last May, my son Xander and I flew to the Left Coast for a visit. I am not sure whether it was the near death kayaking adventure, the trading in of our car for bicycles, or the exquisite day we spent hiking around Mt. Rainier with Ben Hall ’71, Peter Halle ’71, his wife Amanda, and their good friend Patricia that sealed the deal, but we fell in love with Seattle and moved out here in December. We are settling in and just loving it. We have lots of space – so we welcome visitors!

Left to right: Benjamin Hall ’71, Alexandra Gordevitch ’71, and Peter Halle ’71 near Mt. Rainier, September 2011.

Rick Leonhardt: There is no doubt that our 40th reunion renewed many old, but deep, connections. While I wasn’t able to make the trip I feel like I was a part of that historic gathering. I took a training course in October aboard a 47 foot Nordhavn trawler up in the Seattle area. I invited Ben Hall ’71 and my graduate school geology professor, Kent Nielsen to join me. We all had a chance to take the helm, made several stops including Port Townsend, did some sightseeing, and got to sample both local music and local beer. There was a routine check by a coast guard boat, which pulled up alongside us complete with 50 caliber machine guns and all – the full military gear got our attention. A good time was had by all. The relationships we form in school–whether between classmates or between student and professor–are some of the most deep and enduring. I certainly appreciated the time I spent on the water enjoying two such relationships. Now with Ripp classmate Alex Gordevitch ’71 and her son, Xander, living in Seattle, I can easily imagine another trawler cruise next spring.

Kent Nielsen, Rick Leonhardt ’71, Ben Hall ’71

Jim Pierce: I have been in Texas for thirty years now. My adult life is best summed up by a bumper sticker I saw years ago: “I wasn’t born in Texas, but I got here as fast as I could.” This is not to say that I do not value my Rippowam education. I do. We grew up in an absolute horror show of an era. Our teachers were either weathered WWII veterans or young men figuring out ways to avoid the draft in Vietnam. We were a

living conundrum. But somehow we all persevered, and this past summer, many of us reconnected. Rippowam was, and remains, the common denominator. Suffice to say, my OLDEST friends are my Rippowam friends. And my lifelong BEST friend is a Rippowam friend. So somewhere, somehow, there is something that matters in those statements. And on the off chance there is an independent or Republican voter amongst the alumni base, please read my book, Opine Needles (http://www.opineneedles.com). Maybe, just maybe, the end result will be that Rippowam has more than one Republican alum! On the family front, my oldest daughter is at the CU Boulder, as are offspring for Mandy North ’71 and Tad Montross ’70. But kids being kids, they have yet to reach out to one another. My next will attend Plan II at UT Austin. That means nothing to Yankees, but in Texas, that is like going to Harvard or Stanford. It’s a liberal arts double major college within the university that accepts 400 kids a year. She works harder than I did. Then there is my son. He is in 9th grade, and he loves football and baseball. He hasn’t quite attained the soaring heights one can climb whilst reading Hemingway but, the apple never falls too far from the tree, so maybe there is hope yet. Then there is Bar, my youngest (11) and perhaps the poster child for fourth child syndrome... whatever that is. She is a pistol, and makes me sad when I realize that my children are quickly becoming a vision only in the rear view mirror. Liz Babbin Tucker sends a photo of Mrs. Crocker’s Kindergarten classmates 45 years later! Liz and Nick Tucker ’72 are married and Jane McKim ’71 visited them in California (and didn’t want to go home!!). You may contact Liz at: www.etuckerart.com (art), lizztucker.blogspot.com (thoughts… ideas…experiments), twitter.com/etuckerart (follow me).

Class Representative Meg Atkin: mrafiny@gmail.com

Liz Tucker ’71 and Nick Tucker ’72

Meg Atkin lives on Fishers Island and is a teacher at the very small public school there. She has been a teacher for twentyseven years and has loved working with the pre-K/K age group. “They keep me on my toes and keep me laughing every day,” says Meg.

Liz Tucker ’71 and Jane McKim ’71

Lisa Atkin lives in Brooklyn with Tony Kiser, his daughter Maisie, and their bulldog Max. Lisa is a partner in the advertising firm of Barron and Barron, where she has worked for many years. Lisa travels a great deal and coordinates photo shoots for ad campaigns. She has flair as a stylist and for making elephants and models feel at ease.

Class Representative: Philip Ohler: pohler@mac.com Audrey Jones Mosley writes: Still living in Warren Village, VT on the banks of the Mad River. This will be my 19th year doing wildlife rehabbing for migratory birds, and taking care of our own pets. Planning to do a tour around NE Canada on our bikes this summer. I am an independent caregiver for seniors in their homes and I do Hospice work as well. Jack and I are very well and the door is always open to any old friends who are passing by.

Anne Clark writes: It has been almost 35 years since I graduated from Rippowam Cisqua. In that time I went to boarding school in Virginia, a year of college in Ohio, moved to New Mexico, graduated from the University of New Mexico (UNM) with a BA in Economics, got married, graduated UNM with an MBA, started working for the State of New Mexico, had two children, became a mediator, became an artist, and became a mediation teacher. It was a long sentence, but a quick summing up of 35 years, 33 of which have been spent with my husband, Blair, in New Mexico. The school year of 2012-2013 will be the year of graduation in our family. Our daughter, Grace, will be graduating from UNM with her B.S. in nutrition and dietetics in May 2013; our son, Sawyer, will be graduating high school at the same time; and I will be graduating (a.k.a. retiring) from NM state government in early November 2012. The promise of these graduations is great: a young woman entering the career world for the first time, a boy entering college, and a working stiff moving from a five-days-a-week office environment to something yet to be defined. Blair will be the only one without a major status change, and I think he feels it will be challenge enough dealing with everyone else’s. Life is good! Here is a link to my artwork: http://www.discoveredartists.com/gallery/ AnnedeLainWClark

Wells Beck is the Managing Director at Barrett Assett Management in NYC. He commutes daily from Darien, CT to the city with Jenn Pryor Taylor ’84. He has three children who hopefully help him herd geese in the summer.

Debbie Atkin Haggerty lives in Milton, MA with her husband Bryan and their two daughters, Annabel and Maeve. Debbie runs her own Media advertising business, is a busy mom, and practices yoga. Cathie Atkin Kavanaugh lives in Stockbridge MA with her husband Leo and son Leo. Cathie is a natural cook who does catering and, in addition, she is the “tasting” chef for a grocery store called Guido’s in the Berkshires.

Left to right: Zack (7), Corinne (2) and Alex (5)

Dana Lamb writes: “I was married in Stowe in June to Holly Hannaway of Marblehead, MA. My wife gave birth to our first child Henry Hannaway Lamb on Oct 20, 2011.”

Josh Canning Rumor has been teaching in sunny St. Croix, playing his music, and traveling the globe far and wide. He is a hammock inspector in his free time, Rachel tells us. Susie Cascio Travers graduated from Connecticut College and has settled into Pound Ridge, NY with her daughter. She now works as the Vice President of Equity Research at Mutual of America Capital Management. Todd Catlin is happily selling antiques, gardening, and looking forward to our 30th reunion. He lives in the quiet hamlet of Washington, CT.

Left to right: Debbie Atkin Haggerty ’78, Cathie Atkin Kavanaugh ’78, Lisa Atkin ’74, Meg Atkin ’76

Dana Lamb ’81 and Holly Hannaway

Class Representatives: Bill Meyer: bill@meyer.net Rachel Cooke Mills: fptmills@msn.com

Atkin girls at RCS (left to right): Lisa Atkin ’74, Meg Atkin ’76 and front row left to right is Cathie Atkin Kavanaugh ’78 and Debbie Atkin Haggerty ’78.

Brad Hubbell writes: “we are having lots of fun as our family grows. Our children, Zack (7), Corinne (2), and Alex (5) are keeping us active and entertained. Our architecture practice is growing with new projects throughout Marin County, California. We’d love to hear news from the East and the rest of the class of ’80.”

Editor’s note: A special Thank You to Rachel Cooke Mills and Bill Meyer for submitting the following wonderful class notes on their classmates. Carl Andresen is reportedly living in Ridgefield, and working in finance. “I suppose he could also be a lion tamer…” writes Rachel! Lewis Barbieri welcomed his first child, a son, last May. He keeps himself busy the rest of his time being the Director of the Office of Research and Contract Analysis at the University of Arizona. He has been living in Tuscon for the last six years.

Rachel Cooke Mills writes: Besides spending a lot of free time lately combing Facebook, Linked In, and every other search site for classmates and laughing at how much we are still the same – just a bit “platinum” around the edges – I have been keeping myself out of trouble by channeling my Artist and Athlete persona being a Personal Trainer, Stain Glass and Mosaic teacher, afterschool art teacher, soccer coach, and Front Desk Guru for the Recreation and Community Education Department in Freeport, Maine. I am constantly training for the next race or triathlon. My son Colby (12) is attending a private day school just like Ripp and my daughter Hannah (9) has got that athlete and artist thing as well. The 30th reunion will be here before we know it – can’t wait to see everyone. Thanks to all the classmates who headed me in the right direction to track down some of our lost and missing classmates. Miss you all! Dorsey Foote is living in Baltimore, MD working for a non-profit in Outreach for the Baltimore Community Foundation.

Barbara Glatt Wisotsky graduated from Bucknell University. Rachel adds: “Barbara has let out her artsy side and has started her own business, Belles Lettres Calligraphy in Brookside, NJ.” Colin Gordon is a Media Planner at MPG in Chicago. Tom Grant is currently working in Baton Rouge, LA producing “Sons of Guns” for Discovery which, according to Tom, is “somewhat of a departure, going into Reality TV, before diving back into the starving artist world of documentaries.” Chris Grum has had an adventurous life – perhaps you’ve heard him. After working as an on air personality for CBS Radio and WZOU Radio in Boston, he is now living in Houston, TX and is President of Premier Custom Travel. Jimmy Harned is living in the NYC area, still has a great smile and works for Tonefarmer. Caroline Hazard graduated from Macalester College and now is living in Washington, DC. She spends her free time mountain biking and traveling the globe, but her real job is working as an environmental/energy consultant focusing on residential energy efficiency. Eddie Herrell is a Senior Software Engineer at Midway Games, a computer gaming company in Austin, TX. Who saw that coming, adds Rachel. Oliver Hodapp is Head of Project Management at Cegedim Relationships Management in Frankfurt, Germany. Cegedim is a computer software company. Sam Hotchkiss is enjoying a vibrant career as a guitarist in New Orleans with a band called Juice! He can be frequently heard at Circle Bar and Atchafalaya. Look him up – he hasn’t changed a bit. Andrew Kaeyer had an illustrious career playing lacrosse at Marietta College in Ohio, moved up to Boston, and is now

Senior Vice President/Principal at Hunneman Capital Group.

Reeve Nicholson is living the high life in Crested Butte, Colorado.

Josh Kernan is busy raising two boys in the San Francisco area and still finds time to be an investment strategist for his own company. He is Partner and Co-Founder of Simple Alternatives, LLC. He keeps in touch with Sara Loveman ’84 and quite a few other alums and was one of the lead trackers for the MIA in his class. Thanks Josh!

Geep Oliver is living the life of a happy father with two adorable children, a boy and a girl.

Walter Koetke: following a spectacular education at Carnegie Mellon University, Walter now lives in Montara, CA with his wife and two boys and is working for Model N, Inc., a software company focusing on revenue management for pharmaceutical and medical device companies. Rachel writes: “We always knew Walter would end up in the computer field didn’t we?”

Philip Pilla, the forever athlete is President of HiDefSpex out of New York specializing in shooting lenses and glasses for sport shooting.

Andy Kurian actually got a degree and uses it! Andy got his MBA from NYU and, after working for a few companies, decided to start his own business. He is Founder and Managing Partner of Spencer Hudson and lives in Weston, CT with his family. Ally Kurian Pastushan is living in New Canaan, CT with her three kids and working for Elizabeth Arden in Stamford, CT as a Global Program Manager. Sara Loveman Lowenstein is, reportedly, living out west in San Francisco and keeps up with Josh Kernan ’84. “But my best guess would be that she is working for the CIA and trying to stay on the down low,” adds Rachel. Bill Meyer writes: “Hello to class of ’84. I recently joined the Ripp Alumni Board and am having fun getting back in touch with everyone in the Ripp community. I have been living in Pound Ridge for fourteen years, married with two kids (ages thirteen and ten). I have been coaching my son Henry’s hockey and lax teams. I would love to catch up with everyone at a Ripp spring event or at our 30th in a few years… yikes!”

Chris Perera has launched himself into the world of TV/movies and is the Supervising Producer/Show Runner for a National Geographic Channel series on medical marijuana entitled “American Weed.”

Ted Pryor: Looking for a good meal? Drop in to the Michael Jordan Steakhouse in NYC and ask for the Executive Chef – Ted Pryor. He was recently featured on TV on EXTRA with Maria Menounos giving a few cooking tips. Jennifer Pryor Taylor: Besides sharing a commute from Darien, CT with Wells Beck every day, she is happily living with her husband, Chad, and daughter, Quinn. She works in NYC at American Express Publishing and gets to do all the fun stuff like traveling and tasting wine while selling advertising. Victoria Seaman: Wouldn’t you be busy chasing five kids? Well Tory is, but she still has time to get her teaching credentials finished and play lots of tennis with her husband. Jennifer Spofford Sanger is living the good life on Fishers Island, NY, working for Race Rock Garden Company, raising her family, and a house or two – really! Check out the pictures on FB! Geordie Wardman has gone south of the border and lives in Sayulita, Nayarit, Mexico with his two boys. Besides surfing, he runs an online business focusing on vacation and tour deals in Mexico and spends a good deal of time traveling the country. His next move is north of the border to Vancouver in the near future.

David Weinberg got his JD from University of PA and embraced the world of law. He is currently living in NYC and working as Assistant Dean of Career Services at Seton Hall University School of Law. Chace Wierdsma has returned from the motherland. After living in the UK for a few years, he is back in Katonah working for ACS International School and enjoying teaching his daughter to be a hockey player. Oliver Wolcott: “I am pretty sure Oliver is famous but living a quiet life in Haverford, PA with his two boys and, while not chasing the boys around, he has some free time to be Vice President of Business Development at Solairus Aviation.”

September. It was the job of a lifetime, the wedding was flawless, and I truly enjoyed working for both the Bush and Lauren families. I also made a small world Ripp connection while helping Danny and Sheryl Tishman (current RCS parents) with some of their Telluride events. Our two daughters, Breton who is turning 6, and Zoe turning 4, are living the good life with 40+ days of skiing this winter. We will be in NY this summer. My husband owns a grocery store in Millbrook and it’s a great reason to take a Colorado break and spend some time in NY.”

Dan Ryan: DRyan@heindrick.com Molly Pulsifer Casto and her husband Sean welcomed their first baby, a son, on November 6, 2011. His name is Jonah Patrick Casto. Molly, Sean, and Jonah live in Portland, ME.

Elizabeth (Libby) Pezzano Whitman: TheWhitmans@msn.com

Wendy Jacobs Hampton writes: “It’s been an exciting year for us out here in Telluride. My company, Soiree Telluride was hired as the wedding planner for Ralph and Ricky Lauren’s son David when he married Lauren Bush this past

Allie Feldman just had a baby in October 2011. Congratulations Allie! Allie and her husband, Christopher Black, are currently living in Fairfield, CT. Allie just took on the role of a class representative for the class of 1992 as well – get back in touch and email Allie at alliefeldman@yahoo.com.

Marisa Felt is living in San Francisco with her husband Thompson and 2 sons, Guy (8) and Albert (4). Thompson is working on a new software product called Copper, and Marisa is the Head of Middle School at Hamlin, a girls K-8 independent school. “We love our new home and community,” says Marisa. “Look us up if you are visiting!”

Allie Feldman: alliefeldman@yahoo.com Nancy Dwyer Eaves: nancy.dwyer@gmail.com

Class Representative

Class Representatives

Class Representative

Honor Prouty Brodie sends a warm shout out to all her Rippowam Cisqua friends: “Hi old friends. I’m living in NY with my husband John and our two children Nicholas and Alexandra. I’m the Creative Director at Tory Burch. Hope you are well and happy. Xo Honor”

Breton (6) and Zoe (4)

Harry Grand, and his wife Emily, recently celebrated their daughter’s first birthday.

Marah Rosenberg writes: “I am currently working at Girl Scouts of USA (national HQ). I’ve wanted for a long time to make the move to nonprofit, and I am now looking to network with other Alumna who are also in nonprofit. Find me on Linkedin!”

Larry Ikard: Larry and wife Destiny Ikard welcomed baby #2, Brian Witten Ikard, to the world on December 19, 2011. Daughter Ellie is now 2 yrs. 5 months. The four of them live in New Canaan, CT.

Class Representative Angela Cavallo Grand: angegrand@gmail.com

Harry and Emily Grand and their daughter Lily.

Class Representative Randy (Jane) Wilson Hall: janedhall@yahoo.com John (Woody) Abbott and Meredith with wedding party in Beaver Creek, CO., July 30, 2011.

Eleanor Jackson and H.Straat Tenney ’94 wed on July 16th 2011.

From left to right: Johnny Boynton ’94, William Abbott ’98, Woody (John Wood Abbott) groom, first young man to Woody’s right is Paul (Kayser) Dixon ’94, and the last young woman on right is Katherine (Kate) Abbott Wartels ’98, and Katherine Windecker “Winnie” Wartels in foreground. William’s fiance, Karen Kwong is next to him, Woody’s bride is Meredith Allen Abbott, and Kate’s husband, Edward Wartels is standing next to her with his arm around her.

Christian M. Macy is in the process of starting a business in Boulder, CO, which aims to change the world through entrepreneurialism and education. The business was recently featured in Boulder’s Daily Camera newspaper. (editor: more info at http://goo.gl/CQlvs) He and his wife, LuAnne E., are awaiting the birth of their second child in early April. Their first child, Nathaniel E., is the most rewarding challenge either of them have ever had the pleasure to experience. Christian can be reached via phone: 480.559.9296 Chris Wirth shares with us photos of his two children, Zachary and Emily, with their grandma, former JPK Teacher, Suzan Wirth. Since retiring from RCS, Suzan has been extremely busy as the proud grandmother of five grandchildren. Her husband Ken, also a former RCS parent and Board Member is keeping himself busy these days as the business manager for the original cast from the Broadway Hit Show – Jersey Boys. They tour as “The Midtown Men” and will do over 100 shows this year throughout the country.

Ken Wirth with the Midtown Men

Happy Menocal and her new husband, John Swansburg, had a beautiful wedding this past December in Charleston. Some of the Ripp alums in attendance were: Meredith (Dede) Dixon ’95, Liberty Howell ’95, Christina Warner ’95 and Jim Renwick ’63.

19 Suzan Wirth with granddaughter, Emily Wirth

Marissa Ayala (pictured below) graduated from the New School with a Master’s in Creative Writing in 2010 and is now currently a New York City Teaching Fellow and a Special Education teacher at a progressive public school. This spring, Marissa will graduate with a Master’s in Special Education from Hunter College and, in the summer, will travel and teach in India.

Susan Wirth with grandson, Zachary Wirth

Liberty Howell sends along a photo from her recent wedding with her husband, Joe Orlowski. Ripp alums in attendance were Eleanor Jackson ’95 and Margaret Jackson ’99, Straat Tenney ’94, Happy Menocal ’95 and Liberty’s sister Cecil Howell ’98. Congratulations Liberty!

Eliza Sommerville O’Neill writes: “Hi RCS. We are pleased to announce that Marilyn is a big sister. We welcomed a little boy named Cormac in early August. All are well, healthy, happy, and living in South Salem.”

48 48

Class Notes continued…

Class Representative Sam Goodhue: sgoodhue@jhnetwork.com

Class Representative Jake Grand: jwgrand@gmail.com

Class Representative Roddy Tilt: rktilt3@gmail.com On August 6th, 2011 Claudia (Charlie) Adamski married Jory Caulkins at St. Mary Roman Catholic Parish in Ridgefield, CT. The reception was held outdoors at the American Yacht Club in Rye, NY. Other Ripp alums in attendance included her three sisters: Maxi Adamski ’01, Teddie Adamski ’03, and Jojo Adamski ’07, her brother in-law Graham Caulkins ’02 as well as former classmates Kaitlin McMenemon ’99 and Emily Scaros ’99.

Claudia Adamski and Jory Caulkins

Adamski sisters: from left to right: Maxi (Theresa) ’01, Charlie (Claudia) ’99, Teddie (Dorothea) ’03, Jojo (Paulina) ’07

Robert Burchetta writes about his career change in November 2011 from an Associate at JPMorgan’s Private Bank to a Private Banker/Vice President of CreditSuisse’s Private Bank in Greenwich, CT. He recently took and passed his Series 66 (he has his Series 7, 6, 63 and 66) and was accepted as a member of the Union League Club of NYC on 37th Street and Park Avenue. He is on the event host committee of Project Renewal, a non profit organization that benefits the homeless of NYC by providing them with access to jobs and housing. He has been living on the Upper East Side of Manhattan for the past five years, and dating his high school sweetheart, Kate Morgenier, from Pound Ridge, for the past nine years...pressure’s on now! Jessica Goldstein Malzman writes the following about her recent wedding: “On September 24, 2011: I, Jessica Goldstein, married my college sweetheart, Ari Malzman (we met at Cornell University, Class of 2006) in Ithaca, NY. We were married in Sage Chapel on Cornell University campus and had our reception at John Joseph Inn & Elizabeth Restaurant in nearby Groton, NY. My sister, Vanessa Goldstein ’01 was my Maid of Honor and my brother, Parker Goldstein ’13 was a groomsman.” Also in attendance at my wedding were some fellow RCS alumni! I currently live in Manlius, New York with my husband and I work as an Executive Recruiter for Whitney Partners (my parents’ Executive Search firm in Manhattan) where I am a Vice President.

Goldstein family: including Jessica Goldstein ’99, Vanessa Goldstein ’01, and Parker Goldstein ’13

Photo includes members of RCS class of ’99 including Essie Cohen, Marissa Schaevitz, Olivia Miele, Robert Burchetta and Jessica Goldstein Malzman.

Class Representative Alexander Boies: boies.alexander@gmail.com Paige MacDonald Clark: macpaige@gmail.com Maxi Adamski: “I currently live in NYC, and will be graduating from Fordham Law School this May. In the fall, I will begin work at an international law firm in Manhattan.” Sarah Carnabuci: “I am living in NYC, and have been since I graduated from Middlebury. I work for the fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi, where I do public relations.” Jessica Fischer writes that she is currently in the midst of moving but she is in New York and works downtown for the United States Army Corps of Engineers. She has completed projects at West Point Military Academy and a pilot superfund upstate. Currently she is overseeing Maintenance dredging projects for federal navigation channels in New York and New Jersey. Vanessa Goldstein: “I live in LA and work for Hasbro, Inc as the story editor in their film division. Battleship is our first film coming out this May, then GI Joe 2 in June. It’s a big year so I hope my fellow

peers will go out to see the movies and support us!” Her older sister, Jessica Goldstein ’99, married her college sweetheart in upstate New York and Vanessa was her maid of honor! Parker Goldstein will be graduating from 8th grade at Ripp and, between the time Vanessa started in JPK and Parker’s graduation, they will have had a Goldstein family member consistently attending Rippowam for twenty two years! Who can beat that? Kate Jaffe: “I am currently working at St. Luke’s School in the West Village and am anticipating my Fall 2012 wedding at the New York Botanical Gardens!”

Class Representative: Louisa Farr: louisa.farr@gmail.com William Goodhue: william.goodhue@gmail.com Louisa Farr writes to tell us that she is completing her final semester at the University of Edinburgh, graduating with a degree in English Literature & Italian. She adds: “I’m looking forward to living in NYC after I graduate in June. I spent a week in January with Lucy Arnell ’04 in Florence and we had a great time!”

Liz Stillman: “I am currently living in NYC and I am a psychotherapist at Andrus Children’s Center. It is a mental health clinic in Yonkers in which I provide therapy to children, adults, and families. I also am doing school based therapy at a public school in that area.” Kate Verdickt: “I’m living in New York City and studying painting in the MFA program at the School of Visual Arts.” Jonie Watts: “I’m presently majoring in Broadcast Journalism at Brooklyn College and minoring in History. Once I finish my Bachelors I plan on applying to the J-school in Manhattan to pursue my Masters in Broadcast Journalism. I intend to specialize in international reporting. I presently work with the developmentally disabled at Leake and Watts as I pursue my studies.”

Class Representatives Eliza Ghriskey: erghrisk@g.cofc.edu Julie Bancroft: echols.bancroft@yahoo.com

Class Representatives Sydney Mas: sydneyb.mas@gmail.com Alison Bianco: asb027@bucknell.edu

Paige MacDonald (Clarke): “I live in NYC with my husband. I graduated from Columbia with my MA in Developmental Psychology and I now work for Indagare, a membership-based travel company.” Kathryn Sorte: “I just graduated from Columbia with my m.p.h. in health policy and management and am about to start work as a health IT consultant in the city.

accepted an offer to work for two years at the Law Firm Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton in New York City as a litigation paralegal. “I plan on doing this before applying to law school in the future,” writes Jon.

Class Representatives

Left to right: Nora Menken ’04, Forrest Mas ’04, Louisa Farr ’04, Ben Chehebar ’04.

Emma Boyd: blooto123@aol.com Susannah Davies: susannahstar11@aim.com Arianna Gelwicks: ajgelwicks@aol.com

Class Representative Paige Seaborn: paige.seaborn@gmail.com Peter Quinn writes: “I’m at UVM. My email address is (pgquinn@uvm.edu) and my phone number is 914-263-1136. Andrew Laird ’05, Porter Sperry ’05, and I are all in the same frat here. Also, I went to China for the summer on a business course (through UVM), and that ended up being a really cool experience. I also played on the golf team for a while.” Paige Seaborn will be graduating from Bucknell University. She just accepted the role of class rep for the class of 2005. Feel free to contact Paige with any RCS questions or alumni news. Jon Svenningsen will be graduating from Tufts University this year. He just

2011-12 Administration Matthew Nespole, Head of School Bill Barrett, Head of Upper Campus Michael Beesley, Director of Technology Betsy Carter, Director of Admissions, Lower Campus John Della Vecchia, Director of Buildings and Grounds Carol Gahagan, Head of Lower Campus Ashley R. Harrington, Director of Admissions, Upper Campus Deborah A. Hurrell, Chief Financial Officer Andrew Kuhn, Ph.D., School Psychologist Page Vincent ’79, Director of Secondary School Placement Robert F. Whelan, Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement

Highlights

Blair Fairchild Fuller ’40

Memoriam Caroline Kuhn Bloy ’39

Caroline Kuhn Bloy ’39 died April 30, 2012, of cancer, in Wayland, MA. Born Caroline Parker Kuhn in New York City, Mrs. Bloy grew up in New York City and Bedford, N.Y. in a family that included a long line of West Point graduates. Mrs. Bloy graduated from Rippowam Cisqua School, the Chapin School, and Bouvé Boston School at Tufts College with a degree in physical education. Mrs. Bloy married the Rev. Myron B. Bloy Jr., a national leader in college campus ministries. The couple and their three children lived for many years in Newton, where Mrs. Bloy worked as a real estate broker and also co-founded a food cooperative of more than a hundred families, operating out of her home's basement. For many friends and family members, the strongest memories of Mrs. Bloy revolve around Little Deer Isle, Maine, where she and the Rev. Bloy spent summers at the house they built in the 1960s. Mrs. Bloy retired in 1998 to Topsham, Maine, but she kept in touch with a wide circle of friends, who knew her as “Kuhnie,” from as far back as girlhood summers at Singing Eagle Lodge on Squam Lake, N.H. She was predeceased by her husband, her sister Margaret Rockefeller ’42, and her brother Richard Kuhn Jr. She leaves three

children Michael Bloy of Southborough, Peter Bloy of Newton, and Sarah Bloy of Brunswick, Maine and six grandchildren: Anna, Frederick, Caroline, Cameron, Owen, and Luther. “She loved the school!” wrote her daughter Sara, in a recent email to Rippowam Cisqua Alumni office.

Paul Haskell

Paul Haskell, former RCS parent, died on 11/16/11. Mr. Haskell is survived by his wife of 44 years, Burrill Watson Haskell, his son, P. Thomson Haskell III ’86 and daughter-in-law, Jill, of Dana Point, California; his son, E. Livingston B. Haskell ’87 and daughter-in-law, Katy, of Richmond, Virginia, and their children Henry Benson and Timothy MacFarlane. He is survived also by his sister, Elizabeth V. Mack, and her husband Charlie, of New Canaan, Connecticut.

Taylor Baldwin

Taylor Baldwin, former RCS student, died on Tuesday, October 11, 2011. Although he did not graduate from Rippowam Cisqua, Taylor maintained his connection with RCS and his classmates from the class of 1972, and attended one of our most recent alumni events in New York City, in May 2011.

Blair Fairchild Fuller ’40, died in Pataluma, California on July 23rd at the age of 84. Over two hundred people attended the private memorial service held for him in Petaluma. Mr. Blair was a distinguished professor, writer, and editor and a lifelong friend to many. Recently, the RCS Alumni Office received a letter from Ms. Arlene Hogan Fuller, the wife of the late Mr. Fuller, with a notice of his recent passing and the kindest words about Rippowam Cisqua. The letter read… “On July 23, 2011, my husband Blair Fairchild Fuller, passed away due to complications from lung cancer. He regaled me with many stories of happy days at your school. As you may know, he had a long and noted career as a creative writer and teacher, crediting RCS with his initial love of reading.” We are proud to be remembered by Mr. Fuller so fondly, and pleased to share a little about his life. Mr. Fuller graduated from Harvard in 1950 with an undergraduate degree in philosophy. He took time off during his years at Harvard to serve in the Navy in WWII. He began his professional career as an executive for Texaco in West Africa, an experience that inspired his early writing, which focused on the effects of colonialism. His career then took him to Paris where he worked as an editor for the Paris Review. After two years, he returned to New York and taught English at Barnard College. In the 1960s he moved to California and

taught at Stanford for nearly a decade in the distinguished Creative Writing department under Wallace Stegner. During this time, he co-founded the Squaw Valley Community of Writers and received two Fulbright Scholarships, one of which took him back to Africa to teach in the 70s. Over his long lifetime, Mr. Blair also served on the Board of The Paris Review, remaining close friends with journalist George Plimpton (one of the founders of The Paris Review), novelist Peter Matthiessen, and the 41st vice president of the United States, Nelson Aldrich Rockefeller, until his death. He remained a lifelong friend of the novelist Philip Roth, visiting with him whenever he traveled to NYC. Blair served as a trustee for ACT in SF, for the Squaw Valley Community of Writers, for the SF literary magazine Zzyva where he was board president and most recently on the Cinnabar Theater Board in Petaluma. Throughout his life he was interested and involved with both the fine and performing arts.

His literary works include two novels and many short stories, and he was a two-time winner of the prestigious O. Henry Prize for short fiction. Blair wrote a non-fiction book “Art in the Blood” which he selfpublished in the 90s. It chronicles the remarkable history of seven generations of artists in his family. His grandfather's paintings hang in the NY Metropolitan Museum of Art and the DeYoung Museum in SF among others. Mr. Fuller was born in Bedford to Jane Sage White Fuller and architect Charles Fairchild Fuller, and his stepfather was Harper and Row publisher Cass Canfield. He attended RCS along with his sisters Sage Fuller Cowles ’39 and Isabel (Jill) Fuller Fox ’46. His cousin Wendi Burden, along with his lifelong friend Sis (Louise Baldwin Chapin ’42) who also attended RCS, visited him a month before his death. His wife Arlene says that Blair had many RCS friendships that sustained him over his long lifetime. During Blair’s time at RCS, his family was also very involved with the School and

Blair Fairchild Fuller ’40; Photo credit: Lynn Schnitzer/dillonbeachphotography.com

his mother, Mrs. Cass Canfield was on the board of trustees in the 30s and 40s. “Dare To Be True,” a book on the history of Rippowam Cisqua, published for the 75th anniversary of the school, features a photo of Blair Fuller’s mother winning the “Mother’s Race” on Field Day (below) and a quote from her that captures Field Day pride and spirit at RCS:

“The greatest honor and glory that I ever enjoyed in the eyes of my children was at a Rippowam Field Day, when I won the Mother’s Race.” The photo at the left is of Blair Fuller working in his barn creating “sun signs” as he liked to call them. This particular sun sign was the last of a series of about two dozen that he created over a ten year period. This photograph was taken one month before he got ill. As evident in this photo, Mr. Fuller possessed a lot of happiness, energy and joie de vivre!

Jane Sage White Fuller

Highlights

Alumni

Connections RED – BLUE Challenge We want to extend a heartfelt appreciation to all alums who embraced the Red-Blue challenge this year. The team spirit, evident in your response and support of Rippowam Cisqua inspired a renewed Alumni connection – it took us all back to Field Day, the culmination of our years at RCS, when we took pride in our teams and took joy in our combined efforts. Stay tuned for this year’s winner to be announced on June 14th, at graduation. Either visit the RCS website at www.rcsny.org or check your email or Facebook page for a message from the School. Regardless of who wins this competition, it is clear that the combined efforts of the entire alumni body this year provided support to a much larger team – the entire RCS community we are all a part of. Thank you all on behalf of everyone at RCS! Go Red!

Go Blue!

Harry Grand ’93

Nancy Dwyer Eaves ’92

New Donor Challenge The new donor challenge will continue until June 30th, 2012. A generous alum has offered the School $25,000 if the School receives 50 gifts from first time alumni donors this year. We are close to realizing this challenge but you can still help. Any new gifts from alums during the month of June will be counted toward the School’s goal of 50. If you have never made a gift before, this is the perfect time to start! Go RCS!

Ways to Reconnect with RCS and Alumni Rippowam Cisqua School – Alumni Page and the online Alumni electronic directory (www.rcsny.org)

Did you hear about an alumni event coming up, but don’t have all the details? Did you miss a recent event and would like to read about it or even check out some photos? Make sure you visit the School’s website and check out the Alumni Pages for all the latest news and updates. Also email alumni@rcsny.org to give us your most current contact information. Rippowam Cisqua Alumni on Facebook – The Official RCS Alumni Group

Did you know you can find Rippowam Cisqua Alumni on Facebook and even catch up on latest news and postings from other alums or the School? Simply log on to Facebook and search for “The Official Rippowam Cisqua Alumni Group” and begin reconnecting with RCS alumni today. Rippowam Cisqua Alumni on LinkedIn

Whether you are looking to hire young talented professionals or thinking of a career change, be sure to join the RCS alums on LinkedIn to find out more about fellow RCS alums and their professional careers.

A few of the many reasons to support

The RCS Annual Fund

The Annual Fund is the Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most important ongoing fundraising activity. Mission Statement

Spring 2012 Non Profit Org US Postage PAID Permit No 6030 Bedford NY

Rippowam Cisqua School

Bulletin

P.O. Box 488, Bedford, New York 10506 Lower Campus: 914-244-1200 Upper Campus: 914-244-1250 www.rcsny.org

Gather in the Upper Campus Courtyard

11:30am

Remarks from Richie's friends and colleagues, including former RCS Heads of School Dick Wade and Eileen Lambert

12:15

Barbecue lunch

Richie Meyers: Over the Years Also In This Issue:

Young Alumni Roundtable on College Admissions Homecoming 2011 Rippowam Cisqua School: Alumni Profiles