Fall Play Paints Powerful Picture

Before there was the fictional Norma Rae Wilson or the actual Erin Brockovich, there was Grace Fryer. As demonstrated by Radium Girls, the Nonesuch Players’ fall drama production, Fryer deserves a place among those women who spoke truth to power and led successful efforts to hold corporate polluters accountable for their transgressions.

Set in the years just after World War I, Radium Girls tells the story of the young female factory workers who painted watch and clock dials with radium, the recently discovered glowin-the-dark element that was also touted as a miracle cure for an array of ailments. Far from being a cure-all, of course, the substance proved to be harmful and ultimately deadly. The workers fell sick as a result of their exposure, and Fryer led the fight for justice for her fellow “radium girls.”

At Rivers, Grace Fryer was movingly portrayed by Leila Saponaro ’24, with able support from a talented cast, many of whom took on multiple roles. Said producer Julia Auster-Hogan, “The most rewarding part of this show was seeing the characters come to life as the cast not only worked hard but got closer as friends. They grew more and more comfortable taking risks on stage and, with the help of director Juliet Bailey, supported each other in being bigger and bolder with their lines and blocking.”

Despite the seriousness of the subject matter, said Auster-Hogan, the cast and crew developed a positive esprit de corps “As odd as it sounds, it was a joy to watch them tell this heartbreaking story.”

Jazz Festival Features Students and Alums

Music is often in the air at Rivers, and one of the most anticipated yearly events is the fall jazz festival, which takes place in November. A full day of performances by Rivers School and Rivers School Conservatory ensembles, the festival gives young jazz musicians a chance to shine. This year’s festival also featured Joe Nedder ’18 (on the trombone, above), now working as a professional musician. He was joined by, among others, Michael Manasseh ’19 and Joel Manasseh ’20.

“The 2022 jazz festival was a success!” said jazz program director Philippe Crettien afterwards. “Kraft Dining Hall was transformed into a jazz club, with tables and refreshments served for all.”

Crettien continued, “The Honors Big Band performed the music of Joe Nedder, our commissioned composer for the festival, with Joe joining the trombone section of the band and also playing with his own band. It was a great day and evening of jazz for Rivers.”

Scan the QR code to view a gallery of jazz festival photos.

Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day: A Favorite Tradition Returns

On a Monday in early November, a special group of visitors came to Rivers to enjoy music, presentations, and a glimpse into Middle School classrooms. For the first time since before the Covid pandemic, the school was able to host an in-person Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day, a longtime tradition that brings generations together on campus.

“It’s a chance for grandparents and others to gain a little insight into how students spend their days here,” said Amy Dunne, director of parent engagement and special events. “Everyone really enjoys this event—the grandparents, the parent volunteers, and the students. We haven’t been able to hold the event in person for three years, so this time around, it felt extra-special.”

Grandparents were welcomed by Head of School Ned Parsons in Kraft Dining Hall and heard an introduction from Head of Middle School John Bower about the philosophy and approach to Middle School education at Rivers. Following that came musical performances by several ensembles, involving some 80 Middle School students and spanning a wide array of musical styles and genres, from classical to jazz to choral to musical theater.

Then it was on to class, though not before each grandparent enjoyed a photo op with their student. “What’s your favorite subject?” one grandfather asked

Friday Night Lights: A Tradition in the Making

Friday nights throughout the fall took on a new shine as Rivers launched its Friday Night Lights program, hosting evening athletic events that quickly became a popular destination for the entire community. It was all made possible by the generosity of a group of parents and board members who supported the effort to purchase lights that illuminate Baker and Davis fields.

Every fall sport had its moment in the spotlight during the season. Along with games under the lights, FNL evenings offered food, music, and an opportunity for community building and bonding. Scott and Jess Holmes P’23, ’25 led the effort to bring about the new program. “As we started to think about ‘returning to normal,’ we thought it was important to give Rivers students an opportunity to gather, socialize, and rebuild school spirit,” said Scott Holmes. “Thanks to the financial commitment of a small group of Rivers parents and board members, and a young student as they entered an eighthgrade humanities class. “I like them all,” replied the grandson—a response sure to warm the heart of any grandparent. After class, it was back to Kraft, where the day wrapped up after the generations shared lunch together. Both grandparents and grandkids seemed delighted to enjoy special time in one another’s company. “We saw a lot of smiling faces,” said Dunne. “It’s really a wonderful event.” the organizational efforts of the Rivers administrators, faculty, and staff, Friday Night Lights quickly became a reality. It was a great series of games in the fall, and we look forward to making this a Rivers tradition.”

MARY MERTSCH P’27, ’29