SACRAMENTO COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
No Matter Where We Are,
2019-20 ANNUAL REPORT & ALUMNI NEWS 2019-20 Annual Report
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What’s inside . . .
Head of School Lee Thomsen offers toppings at the hot chocolate party for 4th graders. Go to page 4 for a message from Mr. Thomsen and the board president.
The class of 2020 celebrates graduation at a drive-through celebration. See where the graduates are attending college on page 7.
This year’s Turkey Drive brought in 328 turkeys for the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. Read Rachelle Doyle’s message about community service and advancement on page 10.
The Cavalier Cup Challenge promotes family participation. This year, class winners for each division are 4th grade, 98%, 6th grade, 100%, and 9th grade, 73%. Turn to page 12 for a list of donors to all funds.
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Message from the Head of School Thank You to Our Volunteers Congratulations to the Class of 2020 Financial Report Country Day Impact Message from the Advancement Office Donors to All Funds Country Day Loyal
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Country Day Community in Pictures We Are Country Day Auction 2020 Grandparent Donors Donors to Endowment & Restricted Funds Best Wishes to our Retirees Hlavaty Impact Award Francie Tidey Award Alumni News
The cover art is a visual rendering of the significant words in the school’s Mission Statement. 2
2019-20 Annual Report
At our We are Country Day event, students shared heartfelt performances with our community. See page 18 for lists of donors to the virtual celebration.
Our Grands & Friends group meets monthly to plan activities to support students and teachers. On page 21, grandparents Joann Gray and Sheldon Harmatz share why they feel philanthrophy to Country Day is important.
Ms. Keys has retired and moved to Mexico. Go to page 24 to read more about this year’s retirees.
Duke professor Sarah Gaither ‘03 speaks to high school students about implicit bias and how the Country Day community can continue to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion. There’s more alumni news starting on page 27.
SACRAMENTO COUNTRY DAY School
Founded in 1964, Sacramento Country Day School is an independent, coeducational college preparatory school for students in grades PK–12 and admits students without regard to race, color, gender orientation, religion, or national or ethnic origin. It does not discriminate in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid programs, athletics programs, employment practices, or other school-administered programs. Country Day is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), and is accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The school is a member of the Cum Laude Society, International Thespian Society, the National Scholastic Press Association, the National Art Honor Society, and People of Color in Independent Schools. 2636 Latham Drive • Sacramento, CA 95864 • 916.481.8811 saccds.org 2019-20 Annual Report
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message From the Head of school & board president Dear Country Day Community, In 2019-20, more than any other year, we experienced unparalleled change and challenge. Back in September, we had no idea we would face a global pandemic and be called to quickly pivot to online learning in the spring. Yet, despite being apart physically for a large portion of the school year, our community came together to support each other in new and creative ways. With the prohibition of large events and a shelter-in-place order issued, we embraced a whole new remote learning experience together. Instead of gathering together physically in the quad or library, we shared morning meeting videos, YouTube Middle School Town Halls, and virtual book clubs. Our wonderful Parents’ Association hosted Zoom Happy Hours to connect parents and ensured that our year-end drivethrough celebrations carried the spirit of our community. We celebrated our 5th, 8th, and 12th grade students' accomplishments with lawn signs, gifts, and creative and heartfelt video graduations. This year, our community has truly demonstrated our mission to “Live Creatively” and our commitment to caring for one another. Our commitment to caring for one another was made even stronger in May as our students, parents, grandparents, alumni, friends, and faculty and staff came together for our virtual “We are Country Day” celebration and online auction. During the celebration, we shared well wishes, enjoyed musical performances, danced, played games, and simply enjoyed each other’s company. By supporting our online auction, our generous donors made possible new investments in our school that will ensure a bright future for diverse students from all over Sacramento. With the creation of our brand-new Country Day Community Fund, together we also provided muchneeded support for families in our community experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic. Every dollar raised for the Community Fund was put toward tuition assistance in 2020-21 so those families in need can continue to be part of our vibrant community. During our virtual celebration, we asked people to contribute a word that embodies what Country Day means to them. The words “home,” “joy,” “kindness,” “friends,” and “community” were at the top of the list. In a world where it can feel like nothing is certain, one thing remains constant...no matter where we are, we are Country Day! Warmly,
Lee Thomsen Head of School 4
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Roxanne Elliott Board President
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Thank you to our Volunteers BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Parents’ assn. board
annual fund
Roxanne Elliott President Jenna Magan Vice President Loren Kaye Treasurer Manish Aggarwal Secretary
Julie Milender Parrish President Stephen Chuchel Secretary Tim Milberger Member Lainie Josephson, Michelle Kessel-Harbart Immediate past Co-presidents and Parliamentarians
Class Ambassadors Kristina Reed, Pre-Kindergarten Kelli Plevyak, Kindergarten Douglas Wright,1st Beth Nelson ‘98, 2nd Mary Maguire, 3rd Elizabeth Monasa, 4th Ethan Jackson, 5th Julianna Burton, 6th Jillian Spears, 7th Laura King, 8th Liya Cornelius, 9th Simi Claire, 10th Kate MoheyEldin, 11th Amii Barnard-Bahn & Michael Bahn, 12th
Jeb Burton Norman Colb Billy Downing ’98 Steve Edwards Ben Gumpert Amy Johnson ’95 Kate Kaufman Melinda Levy Barbara MacAulay Ore Louay Owaidat Patrice Ratinoff Julie Sloat Emily Stephenson Francis Zhang Retiring Trustees 2019-20 Kate Kaufman Loren Kaye Patrice Ratinoff Honorary Trustees Baxter Geeting Herbert H. Matthews Nancy O’Neil James O’Neil
Event Chairs & Volunteer Support PA Board Community Service Orientation Day Lunch Grands’ & Friends’ Day Holiday Gift-Making Katherine Tsakopoulos Fall Family Festival Stephanie Castillo, Melissa Strong New Parent Welcome Liz Leavy Used Textbooks
Grands & Friends Barbara MacAulay Ore Chair
Arts Boosters Katherine Merksamer ’88 President
Sports Boosters Jeannie Choi-Boersma President
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2019-20 Annual Report
Ethan Jackson, Elizabeth Monasa Co-Chairs
Class parents
LOWER SCHOOL ROOM PARENTS Vicki Sihota, Coordinator Katie Freeman, Kim Barker, Pre-Kindergarten Jessica Loria, Megan Rich, Kindergarten Monica Donnelley, Katherine Tsakopoulos,1st Pepa Novell, Leslie Harmatz, 2nd Min Agudelo, 3rd Elizabeth Monasa, Tracy Best, 4th Kelly Jones-Clark, 5th MIDDLE SCHOOL ROOM PARENTS Ella Benoza, Coordinator Lesley Mahan, Katherine Laufman, 6th Ziggy Dzigas-Cressman, 7th Jinny Beaton-Lê, Michelle Jackson, 8th HIGH SCHOOL ROOM PARENTS Sandy Buchanan, Coordinator Sandee Chand, 9th Kristin Margolis,10th Open position, 11th Priya Krishnan, 12th Sandy Buchanan, Ancil Hoffman Picnic
Congratulations to the CLASS OF 2020
COLLEGE DESTINATIONS Larkin Barnard-Bahn, Scripps College Emma Boersma, Tufts University Emme Bogetich, University of California, Davis Kaitlyn Canepa, Southern Methodist University Jackson Crawford, University of Southern California Anna Frankel, Carleton College Aaron Graves, Gonzaga University Téa Huynh Van, California State University, Sacramento Max Kemnitz, Berklee College of Music Anu Krishnan, Pomona College Jason Li, Tsinghua University, China Jackson Margolis, University of California, Berkeley Mackenzie McLeod, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Yumi Moon, University of California, San Diego Savannah Rosenzweig, University of California, Santa Cruz
Héloïse Schep, Amherst College Garrett Shonkwiler, University of California, Santa Barbara David Situ, University of Pittsburgh Charles Thomas, University of the Pacific Bill Tsui, New York University Naomi Turnbull, University of California, Santa Cruz Jewel Turner, University of the Pacific Alyssa Valverde, Utah State University Becca Waterson, Brown University Michelle Whitney, Colorado State University Chris Wilson, University of California, Merced Maddie Woo, University of San Diego Shimin Zhang, University of California, Berkeley Ted Zhou, Loyola Marymount University 2019-20 Annual Report
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Financial report The allocation of our 2019-20 operating budget of $13,867,500 and the distribution of our annual fundraising dollars are reflected in the graphs below.
Contributions
Contributions
Annual Fund 2019-2020
$279,452
Auction - NET
$60,196
Boosters
Arts Boosters
Sports Boosters
$4,700 $7,470
COMMUNITY FUND
$1,500
Endowment 20%
Annual Fund Auction AnnualBoosters Fund 55%
Community Fund 3%
Community Fund
Endowment Gifts in Kind Restricted
Auction 12%
Scrip
$101,750
Revenue
Elliott Family Foundation Scholarship $100,000 Other
$250
Gifts in Kind Restricted - total
Country Day Scholars Libraries
Middle School Computer Lab Speaker Series Other
Scrip Program (Net)
Tuition & Fees 88% Other Programs 3%
$20,452
Contributions 5%
$1,318
Other Revenue 4%
$4,500
$12,500 $1,634 $1,555
Debt Service 2% Facilities 8%
Tuition Assistance 19%
Tuition & Fees
Other Programs 6%
Other Programs
$502,805
Contributions
EXPENSES Other Revenue
TOTAL gifts
$12,362
$500
Scrip 1%
Gifts in Kind 2.5%
$14,868
Endowment - total
Andrew Cochrane '97 Libraries
$ 12,170
Restricted 4%
Boosters 2.5%
fits
Salaries & Bene
Salaries & Benefits ram 58% Academic Prog
es
Support Servic
nce
Tuition Assista Facilities
Debt Service s
Other Program Academic Program Support Services 7%
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2019-20 Annual Report
COUNTRY DAY IMPACT
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message From the ADVANCEMENT OFFICE Dear Country Day Community, Each year, the Annual Report is our opportunity to look back on the year and reflect on how we made a positive impact at Country Day through charitable gifts and volunteering. I am so grateful to be part of a school that celebrates philanthropy and gives back to our community so generously. Our focus in the fall of last year was to highlight and reflect on the ways we care for each other and our community, yet we had no idea that the spring of 2020 would call on each of us to demonstrate our commitment so strongly.
On Pledges and Pastries morning in support of the Annual Fund, Director of Advancement Rachelle Doyle and Head of School Lee Thomsen hand out tasty treats to the morning drop-off line.
Last year, the High School Student Philanthropy Ambassadors, a new group formed to foster a culture of philanthropy among students, worked to encourage a spirit of giving among their peers. They designed a new thank-you card highlighting student art, helped develop our 2020 Cavalier Cup Challenge, and led student communications about the challenge by making announcements in their morning meetings. It has been a joy for me to listen to them strategize ways to incentivize giving within the community. When COVID-19 separated us from each other, Ambassadors came up with creative new ways to connect with the community by creating a video for our online auction, and leading an initiative to connect high school students to lower school students through personal postcards.
This inspiring approach to philanthropy comes from an education that focuses on the deep-seeded value of giving and being of service to others. The seeds of philanthropy are first planted in Lower School, when our students learn about our sister schools in Rwanda and how, even though we are miles apart, we can still make a friend and make a difference. Country Day middle school students volunteered for a number of local organizations and supported worthy causes by committing themselves to a December Day of service benefiting a number of charities and nonprofit organizations. Country Day’s culture of giving is rooted firmly in the mission of the school, “to engage a diverse community to think critically, live creatively, and act compassionately.” In the face of a global pandemic that will forever change our lives, our Board of Trustees, employees, students, and parents remain dedicated to our mission to inspire intellectual discovery even as we embark on uncharted remote learning territory. This massive shift would not have been possible without the many members of our community who donated time and resources to ensuring our success. As I reflect on my second year here, I am grateful for the generosity I have seen and I am thankful for the opportunity to lead it. Our community has shown that “No Matter Where We Are, #WeAreCountryDay.” While the 2021 school year will look like no other, I look forward to collaborating on new ways to rise to the unforeseen challenges that we may face, because I know that I am surrounded by generous, kind, and inspiring people.
With gratitude,
Rachelle Doyle Director of Advancement
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2019-20 Annual Report
The young black and white cow behind the poster (who will eventually provide much-needed milk), was purchased with playathon money, and the poster created at Country Day School is proudly displayed at one of the Rulindo Schools.
Middle school students rake and bag leaves for composting at the Bill Bean Jr. Community Garden, a haven of 31 separate garden plots, some of which are ADA accessible.
From the early beginnings of the garden over a decade ago, several rows of crops have been set aside for donating to the River City Food Bank.
Top fundraising awards are center stage at the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services award ceremony. (l to r) Assistant head of school, Tucker Foehl, Andrew Burr ‘25 holding his top fundraiser plaque, and Blake Young, President/CEO of the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.
Pre-kindergartners may be too young to sort clothing or clean animal kennels, but they joined the “habit of helping” team by recording good deeds among their classmates and posting heart messages in their classroom.
High school students take time from cleaning kennels to play with kittens at the Front Street Animal Shelter.
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2019-2020 Donors to all funds Thank you to the hundreds of donors who supported Country Day with their gifts to the Annual Fund, Auction Sponsors, Community Fund, Endowment, Gifts-in-Kind, Restricted Funds, and Sports and Arts Boosters. Auction Business Sponsors and Donors are listed separately starting on page 18. Leadership Circle Roxanne Elliott & Antonio Falcone < Harry C. & Deborah L. Elliott Family Foundation Founders Circle Anonymous Sandy Buchanan Marshall & Elizabeth Frankel ++ Danielle Frankel & Violet Kennedy '29 Dave & Kate Kaufman < Jay & Julie Parrish James & Christine Woo in honor of Sophia Woo '31 Visionaries Circle Manish Aggarwal & Jasmine Maan < Rohitesh & Sandra Chand < Dahmane Dahmani + Kristoffer Hall '91 & Dr. Rachel Maney Joann Gray & Sheldon Harmatz ++ Intel Foundation Cassie Gilson & Loren Kaye < Daniel & Christiana Kopf Louay & Maya Owaidat < Eric & Patrice Ratinoff < Julie & Kevin Sloat < + Katherine Tsakopoulos '86 & Socrates Stamatis + Peter Xie, UC Educations Erica Pham & Manuel Alvarez
Key Trustee/Former Trustee < Alumni Parent + Employee/Former Employee * Grandparent ++ Donor Categories Leadership Circle $25,000+ Founders Circle $10,000-$24,999 Visionaries Circle $5,000-$9,999 Patrons Circle $2,500-$4,999 Benefactors $1,000-$2,499 Scholars $500-$999 Friends $1-$499
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2019-20 Annual Report
Patrons Circle Luke Barker & Jenna Magan < Jeb & Julianna Burton < Thoa & Steve Christiansen Colb Family Charitable Fund < Carol & Owen Davies Alicia Perla & Benjamin DeBerry Steve & Cynthia Edwards < + Marisa Sharkey & Benjamin Gumpert < Ted Harris & Melissa Conner Qianyan Cheng & Jeff Howes Bruce Inman Louis Klieger & Patricia Sierra Abby Miller in honor of Anniston Miller '25 Saad & Elizabeth Monasa Barbara MacAulay Ore < * + ++ in memory of Pat & Francie Tidey in honor of Wendy Ross in honor of Frank Pignata Tarang & Prerana Patel Emily & Topher Stephenson < Aleka Kamila & Peja Stojakovic Thomas N. Tureen The Walter Family ++ Dr. & Mrs. Robert G. Webster ++ Jon Wilcox & Tanner Wilcox '25 Ramiro Zúñiga & Nicole Carbo Benefactors Michelle Alexander Pauline & Amit Banerjee Harmeet & Pritpall Bhullar Jeannie Choi-Boersma & Jonathan Boersma The Castro Family John Coleman, M.D. & Anna Nidecker, M.D. Anita & Aaron Cook Lisa Dzigas-Cressman & David Cressman Oksana Dumanska Employers Select Insurance Services Mae & Sergei Fesai David Frankel & Kimberly Buss Tom & Myrna Frankel ++ Laurel & Pete Gajate Reena & Mickey Heyer Jake Hoffart George & Debby Kaschner
Fred & Cathy Katz < + in memory of Andrew Cochrane ’97 Ben & Laura King Doreen & Richard Kopf ++ Rebecca & Terence Lau Erin Lehane Ningzi Sun & Simon Leung Melinda Levy < Wanning Liu '13 in honor of Jane Bauman Lesley & John Mahan Anita Seipp Marmaduke < + The Marquardt/Jenks Family Julie & Shawn McElmoyl The McLeod Family Thomas Melchione & Tanya Maagdenberg Roger Mendis & Caron Houston Stephanie & Craig Miyamoto Arlyn Marrero-Nasirov The Niello Company Northern California Collection Service, Inc. Jasmine Karalakulasingam & Amit Raheja Roland & Lisa Reese Patrick & Betty Ryan + Sue & Tim Ryan < * + The Schep-Smit Family Shasta Linen Supply Melissa & Lilah '22 Shorey Rod & Marcy Siegfried ++ Monica Doan & James Smith Amie & John Stevenson Julie Checkoway & Lee Thomsen * Mary Ellen & George Thomsen ++ Archana & Vinod Trivedi Nicole & Stan Van Vleck < + Dr. Rosemary Vando < + ++ Ying Han & Wenguang Wang Winnifred C. Ward '81 April Wilcox Alan Wong & Barbara Lym Jenny Ding & Jason Xu Xuehong Chen & Shukui Zhao The Zweig Family in honor of Ed Bolman in honor of Aleitha Burns in honor of Kurt Pearsall
Scholars Jasen & Amanda Ashdown * Kimberly & David Barker Paul Bauman & Jane Stroup Bauman * + Cliff & Debra Berg + The Black Family Katherine Merksamer '88 & Mark Bogetich < Wendy Brown in honor of Jane Bauman Melissa & Jeff Burnett Stephanie & Justin Castillo * Jennifer O'Brien & Sean Cooley Mally Pakzat & Hassan Dezham in honor of Ava Dezham '27 & Iman Dezham '26 Ravneet & Gurbir Dhaliwal Kapil & Pabina Dhawan Monica & Nathan Donnelley Rachelle Doyle * Nana Tufuoh & Chris Dwumfuoh Peter Fisher & Andrea Hedin + Devean George Berk & Kamile Guvelioglu The Harbart Family Leslie & Josh Harmatz Emmett Palmisano '31 Evelyn & Michael Heller Gui Ming Huang & Rongna Chen Steve Hussey & Ellen Litle Ethan & Michelle Jackson Lainie & Gregg Josephson Q & Wendy Karmue Heino & Nancy Kemnitz Greg & Ruth Kolber Philip & Linda Kuipers ++ Renée DeBose & Christopher Levermore in honor of Ava Levermore '26 & Leah Levermore '31 James & Kristina Lewis Nico Lindenau & Christina Perucci Anna & John Lindgren Tichia & Brent Lindsay Jeff & Nicole Look Drs. Janie Low & David Richwerger + The Luery Family + *
Corey MacMillan '92 Mary Maguire & Maureen Smith Navreet & Jaspreet Mann Michael & Mary Martinelli + Cathi & Rajiv Misquitta Peter E. Mitchell ++ in honor of Madora Mitchell ’31 The Montoya Family The Moon Family Julie & Jamie Nelson < + * Bill & Anne Petchauer * + Heather Pettinari Kelli & Dave Plevyak Sara Rahimian '94 & Chris Harrelson Miriam Porter & John Reynen in memory of John D. Reynen The Sanders Family William K. & Linda C. Schmidt + Dan & Lisa Shonkwiler John & Miriam Shorey Vicki Sihota Fenina Espinosa & Vishnu Singh Deja & Trevor Smith Zalman Stern Mark & Lauren Sucher Jonica Calkins & Vu Ta Kimberley Usrey Marty Usrey Emiliano Vera '32 David & Vicki Webster Amy Nelson Wells ‘98 & Brooke Wells * Ellen & Carlin Wiegner The Wiesner Family Teresa & Derek Woo Kira & Danny Zhu in honor of Leo Zhu '32 Friends Anonymous (2) Michelle & Stephen Acquisto Jennifer Adams * Taratip Adams * John & Valerie Adelsheim * Min & Juan Agudelo Sara Flores & Mirza Alikhan Melanie & Jason Allen '95 * Emily Allshouse * Reuben Antony & Susy Thomas Laura & Sam Applebaum '94 * Bob Asperger & Kathleen Lynch Innesa & Nikolay Azar Soheila & Sharam Azghadi Michael Bahn & Amii Barnard-Bahn
Lara Baine '96 Ajeeth Bains '27 Jaspreet & Harsimran Bains Dr. & Mrs. Kirby Baker ++ Jennifer & Mitchell Bale Chris, Peter & Hank '24 Beilenson Veronica Stratton & Michael Beneke Holly DeFazio & William Benford Kendall & Charles Bennett Karen Lial Benouar '02 & Najib Benouar '02 Jennifer & William Berry Scott & Tracy Best Christopher & Kimberly Biddle Brian Billings * Andrew & Suzy Birkeland Jennifer & Dane Bishop Jamil & Emily Bitar Nichole & Orin Bloch Jim & Jill Blodget + in memory of Frank Beyer Cameron Bohn * Edward & Deborah Bolman * The Boone Family Kelly & Carl Bornmann * The Bota Novell Family * LaTeeka & Christian Bradford * Tracy & Stephen Brady Mark & Priya Brink Kelley Brown * The Brown Family Autumn Burke & Isabella Burke-Bonney '32 Jeremy Burr & Tricia Ross < Melina & Steve Canani Dana & Pam Carlson Susan Carlson Kristen & Marte Castaños Christina & Anthony Cervantes Marisa Cheung Carrie & Edward Chickering Shao Jeang & Simon Chow Marisa Christie * Maya Juarez & Stephen Chuchel The Claire Family + Sahej Claire '18 Kelly & Kasey Clark Mike & Cheryll Cochrane + * in memory of Andrew Cochrane ’97 Eric, Amanda (Cochrane '00) & Lucy Scheidlinger in memory of Andrew Cochrane ’97 Estee & Dan Cohen Steve Cohen John & Audrey Coleman ++
Victoria & Christopher Conner * Anita Cook Joseph & Rosemary Cooley ++ Carrie Cooper Bentley '01 & Taylor Bentley Ray & Amina Cordano Mark & Liya Cornelius Alexis Covey '02 * Teri & Don Crabtree ++ in honor of Haylee Holman ’23 Karen & Jack Crawford '85 Ernest K. Crowder Andy & Elona Cunningham * + Lee Davies ++ in honor of Briana Davies '21 Richard Day * Charlie & Barb Demmon < + The Desai Family Louie Dias Nicole Diaz '24 Julie Didion * Ruanne Dozier in memory of Brad Dozier Louise & Gregory Eberhart Joe & Karen Engstrom in memory of Andrew Cochrane ’97 Joseph & Megan Eschleman Martina & Jaime Escobar Kim & Randy Farrens Patricia Fletcher ++ Kristina & Michael Fluetsch Sharron Flynn ++ in honor of Ferris Bennett '30 Angela Mirra & Tucker Foehl * Mark Foster + Stephanie & Michael Fox Wendy Frampton Holly & Cliff Holly * in memory of Barbara Lazar Hannah & Geoff Frank * Jennifer Freeland David, Stacey, & Joshua '19 Friedman + Brian Frishman * + Lorraine Furman ++ in honor of Finn Johnston '32 William & Alice Furry + Tom & Juliet Gede + Aggie Geminder * * Peter Gemmell The Genetos Family Anne Hartridge & Matthew George Sarah Gerber * Lisa Gerhardt Joan & Stuart Gherini +
Graham & Joyce Gilbertson ++ The Godinez Family The Goldkuhl Family Michael Gonzalez Dr. Gregory & Jeannine Graves + Angela & William Grey Stacey Tanenbaum & Mark Grijnsztein Aleitha Burns Grunst & A. Cade Grunst * Jasleen & Hardeep Gulati Aleyah Harmon '25 Deborah & Chuck Hansen in honor of Morgan Hansen '26 Marlee Harrell in memory of Andrew Cochrane ’97 Sherry & Brian Haus The Hayes Family + David Hechler * Sheila Hefty * Marilyn Heyck ++ Jason Hinojosa * Shelley Hinson * Caroline Nguyen & Alan Hirahara '86 Scott & Emily Hirsch Janet & Jerry Hoelscher ++ Jennifer & Adam Hofmann Wendy & Jay Holman * Peggy Wu & Victor Huang Ashley West & Josh Hughes The Iseman Family Patricia Jacobsen & Wayne Strumpfer * in honor of Sue Nellis in honor of Barbara MacAulay Ore Fred Jaravata * Erin Jacobs & Korn Jetton Gary Johns & John Schneider in memory of Andrew Cochrane ’97 Jeff & Deanna Johnston Shawn Joost Tess Kahn * Dheeraj Kamra & Rekha Pareek-Kamra Manpreet & Gurvinder Kandola Suganya Parthasarathy & Raju Kasturi Martin & Jana Katz + Louis & Christina Kaufman * + Karyn Macneil & Dror Kedem Hadley & James Keefe * Ralph & Cary Kelly + * Allen, Kathy & Adam '16 Ketchum + Felecia Keys * Ashlie Kirby *
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Donors to all funds Sara El Rifai & Vincent Klaib Dr. & Mrs. Herman L. Klieger ++ Jason Kreps * Vasanthi & Alok Krishna Priya & Subramaniam Krishnan Chris & Sarah Kuipers * The LaComb Family * + Rashida Lang * Mari-Lu & Derald Langwell * Joe & Glynis Lansdell ++ in honor of Haylee Holman ’23 Katherine & Matthew Laufman in honor of Tessa Laufman '26 The Lawson Family Jinny Beaton-Lê & Alan Lê Liz & Ben Leavy * Sarah & Mark Lee in honor of Hana Lee '21 Amanda Leidolph * The Lettini Family Michael Lewis '09 in honor of Patricia Fels Becky Lewis Thiess '00 & Dave Thiess Ling & Raymond Li Tian Li David Lieb '83 & Sally Solomon Barbara & Drew Liebert Matt Liedtke * Belinda Hon & Victor Lin The Lipper-Sagehorn Family Vance & Nana Little Amy & Brock Littlejohn Pam & Ryan Livesey * Jennifer Loomis Sue Lorens * Jessica & Rommel Loria * Sue Loustalot + in memory of Louis A. Loustalot, Jr. Annie Love ++ in honor of Kellie Whited Magellan Cares Foundation Jessica Mahoney Dr. Tara M. Neavins & Mr. Michael Maltese Danielle & Virgilio Manaois The Mancina Family < + Glenn Mangold * Mitzi Mapa-Contes * The Maranto Family Kristi & Josh Mathisen * + Sarah & Tuffer Mayeda The McClain Family Betsy Karrer & Tom Menzies ++ Kristine Mesplou + in memory of Andrew Cochrane ’97
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2019-20 Annual Report
Carrie Rohrbach Meyers * Christopher Millsback & Stephanie Osborn * Sharona & Bruce Mintzer Christy Poole & Benjamin Mitchell in honor of Madora Mitchell ’31 Jodi Hicks & Paul Mitchell in honor of Seneca Mitchell '28 Lindsay Mitchell Vayner * Katherine & Omar MoheyEldin Laura Steele Monahan & Brian Monahan * Joelle Morrow Alvaro Mosquera in honor of Marley Prine '30 Michelle Myers * Vaibhav & Priti Nadgauda Nancy Cronheim & Dave Nakano + Priya Balasubramanian & Nandakumar Natarajan Patricia & Robert Naylor * + Jenny Lu & Dalip Negi Sue Nellis & Mark Gorton * + Beth Nelson '98 & Nate Himes * Sally & Grove Nichols < + * Charlotte Nichols Whitehead '00 Inés Ochoa * Alice Okali Ann Marie & Philip Ore '87 Ruth & Hubert Pan Joy & Jason Kronemeyer * Ann Marie & Jason Park Sarah Parrish * Simonne & Michael Patrick Christine Patton Kurt Pearsall * Jamie & Brian Pedersen Kristi & Ray Peoro * The PEW Charitable Trusts Carol Phelps * Carl & Sarah Pirie Doris Pittell ++ Latonia Pitts * Michael & Alma Ponce Patricia Portillo & Alvaro Alvarado * + Sanjesh Prasad * Jacqueline Prine '02 in honor of Marley Prine '30 Scott & Cortney Pritzlaff J. Faye Dixon & Dan Ragland Ashok & Manisha Raheja ++ Bob Ratcliff * Tahiza Landeros-Reilly & Matthew Reilly Adie Renteria *
Patricia Reynolds * Alison Rielli '95 Davita Levin-Robinson & Seth Robinson Reina & Nitin Rohatgi Karla & Francisco Rojas Rudi Rose * Wendy Ross * in memory of Lisa & Alan Matthews Roy Rubin in honor of Ben Rubin '24 Mags & Linus Russell Amy & Matt Ryan '89 Maura Ryan Perotti '02 & Nick Perotti * Inderjit Rye Sukhdev Rye Phillip Saltzman '00 April Sanders * Denise Santos * Jenny Wu & Daniel Schank Denise, Burke & Brianna '12 Scruggs * + Shahin Shahbazi & Amal Abu-Rahma Anita Shankar in honor of Shiva Wolf '21 Kelby Simison Weaver '96 & Jeff Weaver Ruby Tsoi & Henry Siu Elena Rodriguez Bennett & Gary Smith * + Eiler Sommerhaug Jillian & Rah-Nohn Spears Annie Sterling * Jack Stermer ++ Pamella Stinnett-Littlejohn ++ Tony, Joan, & Ian '96 Stone + in memory of Andrew Cochrane ’97 Melissa & Scott Strong * Wayne Strumpfer Katie & Shane Sullivan Catherine & Ben Swann Cindy Swartz * Sarah & Dave Swartz The Swinmurn Family Rosalie & Stuart Thompson Jelena & Peter Tiemann Brittany Torretta * Meg & Jon Townend Mai & Jeff Townsend Judy Tracy + Alison & Aaron Turner The Turner Rodriguez Family in honor of Jewel Turner '20
Christy Vail * Dorothy & Nazario Valverde Brian Van Camp < + Moni Van Camp + in memory of Laurie Van Camp '81 in honor of Meg Van Camp '79 Jessica Vando '92 & Tim Milberger Dana & Matt Vargo * Richard Vargo ++ Valerie Velo * The Vergara Family + Mina & Michael Walter Katie & Jay Wang Alison Appel & Christopher Waterson Lonnie & Maya Webb Randi & Dan Weitzman Kendrick Wells in honor of Kali Wells '22 Carol & Steve Wessels * Lynne Marie Whately in honor of Benjamin Whately '32 John & Jane Wheaton < + Dan & Judy White * Doug & Kellie Whited * The Wigglesworth Family Emily & Dan Wilson Erica Wilson * Toni & Lanny Winberry ++ in honor of Ava Winberry '27 Arnie Wolf & Fern Tablin + Barrie March & Douglas Wright Joy Ho & Michael Wu Rachel Lin & Tim Xu in honor of Garman Xu '23 John Yu * Eric Zahn '89 Allison Zhang '19 Jane Tsai & Francis Zhang < + David & Nichole Zinn Ella Benoza & Stan Zipser
Country Day LOYAL Country Day Loyal salutes and gives gratitude for the members of our community whose ongoing support helps the school strengthen programs and explore new opportunities. This year we looked back at our gift records over several decades, and we are pleased to recognize these families who have made annual gifts for 10, 15, and 20+ years. One exceptional couple, Jane and John Wheaton, are on the list of 20+ years of giving, but they’ve been giving to Country Day longer than we have detailed records! When they enrolled their son Cal in kindergarten in 1975, John joined the board of trustees just as the school was beginning its second decade. Jane served on the parents' board, wrote the parents' board newsletter, volunteered in the original hot-dog-Tuesday lunch program, and served several years on the Auction committee, eventually co-chairing the Auction. Daughter Mele started at Country Day three years after brother Cal. Now, 44 years later, the Wheatons continue to support Country Day. They tell us that, “We continue giving to Country Day because we believe in the school's superior academics and overall mission. Our children received a superb education there, preparing them well for future academic work. The school's family atmosphere, parental involvement, spirit, community efforts, to mention just a few of the positives, all work to nurture a child to strive and thrive in the future. Our gifts are a ‘thank you’ for the education our children received.”
John & Jane Wheaton pictured with 1989-98 head of school Dan White at a 1993-94 school event.
THANK YOU FOR BEING COUNTRY DAY LOYAL!
Years of Consecutive Giving - 20+ Anita Seipp Marmaduke Laura Steele Monahan & Brian Monahan Sue Nellis & Mark Gorton Julie & Jamie Nelson Beth Nelson '98 & Nate Himes Sally & Grove Nichols Barbara MacAulay Ore Wendy Ross Patrick & Betty Ryan Elena Rodriguez Bennett & Gary Smith Amy Nelson Wells '98 & Brooke Wells Carol & Steve Wessels John & Jane Wheaton Years of Consecutive Giving - 15+ Dr. & Mrs. Kirby Baker Paul Bauman & Jane Stroup Bauman Edward & Deborah Bolman Marisa Christie Andy & Elona Cunningham Steve & Cynthia Edwards David Frankel & Kimberly Buss Brian Frishman Aggie Geminder Dr. Gregory & Jeannine Graves Robin & Chauncey Hayes Patricia Jacobsen & Wayne Strumpfer Martin & Jana Katz
Louis & Christina Kaufman Ralph & Cary Kelly Kathy & Allen Ketchum Jason Kreps Liz & Ben Leavy Sue Lorens Michelle Myers Sue & Tim Ryan Christy Vail Nicole & Stan Van Vleck Erica Wilson Years of Consecutive Giving - 10+ Jasen & Amanda Ashdown Luke Barker & Jenna Magan Katherine Merksamer '88 & Mark Bogetich Sandy Buchanan Jeremy Burr & Tricia Ross Rohitesh & Sandra Chand Mike & Cheryll Cochrane Richard Day Julie Didion Joseph & Megan Eschleman Hannah & Geoff Frank Wendy & Jay Holman Cassie Gilson & Loren Kaye Felecia Keys Dr. & Mrs. Herman L. Klieger
Louis Klieger & Patricia Sierra Chris & Sarah Kuipers Kathryn & Eric LaComb Pam & Ryan Livesey Sue Loustalot Kristi & Josh Mathisen Christopher Millsback & Stephanie Osborn Saad & Elizabeth Monasa Inés Ochoa Louay & Maya Owaidat Joy & Jason Kronemeyer Bill & Anne Petchauer Latonia Pitts Bob Ratcliff Eric & Patrice Ratinoff Rudi Rose Phillip Saltzman '00 Denise & Burke Scruggs Julie & Kevin Sloat Emily & Topher Stephenson Judy Tracy Dana & Matt Vargo Doug & Kellie Whited Arnie Wolf & Fern Tablin Ramiro Zúñiga & Nicole Carbo Jane Tsai & Francis Zhang Ella Benoza & Stan Zipser
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NO MATTER WHERE WE ARE,
“I know, I know!” Students raise their hands to answer Mrs. Perotti’s question during the Diving Into First Grade class.
Middle school students made signs for the Global Climate Strike led by Activist Greta Thunberg and created a massive chalk mural addressing the question “What do you want your Earth to look like in 50 years?”
Mrs. Bornmann’s sixth grade science students apply their understanding of motion and energy by engineering a paper roller coaster.
Working remotely has its benefits: There’s a colorful view out the window, and it allows time to hang out with the cat!
All16safely masked, middle school faculty welcome eighth grade students at their drive-through end-of-year closing ceremony. 2019-20 Annual Report
WE ARE COUNTRY DAY!
Cheering on the sports teams and rallying fans are the jobs of the students in the High School Fan Club.
Working from home, Ms. Burns prepares a chicken wing dissection for her seventh grade science students to help them understand how movement in the body works.
In the first of the Country Day Conversations, educator and bestselling author Jessica Lahey delivers a lively presentation on how to help children learn resilience and competence.
High school students were treated to a behind-the-scenes discussion on their trip to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland.
Kindergarten classes host a Medical Day with Lower School Science Specialist Kelly Bornmann to kick off their study of the human body. As part of the 2019-20 Annual Report 17 event, kindergarten parents and friends in the medical field were invited to share what they do for a living.
A Celebration of Community - May 16, 2020 Looking back at forty-plus years of Country Day annual auctions, guests have enjoyed bidding, dining, and dancing at various locations throughout Sacramento including the school gymnasium, a train station, chic hotels and clubs, and on campus under a delightfully decorated and well-lit tent. This year was different. Guests stayed safely at home and tuned in virtually for an evening of music, special performances and films, and online bidding for both silent and live items.
Friends, community, happy place, and joy are just a few of the words Auction guests offered when asked “What does Country Day mean to me?” following the online event.
We are thankful for the volunteers, staff, and supporters who met the challenge with flair and encouragement, and we appreciate our generous sponsors, business donors, and big-hearted parents for their sustained commitment to this annual event.
REVENUE
$ 20,250 Live Auction & Class Projects 15,060 Silent Auction & Fixed Price 24,010 Sponsorships 9,815 Teacher Appreciation & Donations
EXPENSES
TOTAL
Class Projects Credit Card Fees Postage & Printing Sales Tax Software Miscellaneous
$ 2,750 1,854 922 582 1,707 1,124 TOTAL
TOTAL FUNDS RAISED Auction Net Community Fund
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$ 69,135
TOTAL
2019-20 Annual Report
$ 8,939
$ 60,196 14,868 $ 75,064
Auction Chairs Maureen Smith & Pepa Novell introduce their Auction theme “Una Noche de Cine” at a fall parents meeting. The duo graciously stepped aside this year as we shifted to the virtual celebration, and we look forward to working together to produce Una Noche de Cine in 2021.
Business, COMMUNITY, and Parent Donors Aerospace Museum of California
Mono Mia Unique Gifts
Jasmine & Manish Aggarwal
National Automobile Museum
Erica Pham & Manny Alvarez
Norman Plotkin Hypnotherapy
American River Raft Rentals
OneSpeed
Arden Hills Athletic & Social Club
Barbara Ore
ArtBeast
Panera Bread
Atlantis Casino Resort Spa - Reno
Pavilion Car Care
Auction Committee
Pescatore Winery
Bay Area Discovery Museum
PIER 39
Beach Crab Photography, Mitzi Mapa-Contes
Pinkberry
Kimberly & Christopher Biddle
Plan b Restaurant
Birdies, Marisa Sharkey
Powerhouse Science Center
Boeger Winery
Scott and Cortney Pritzlaff
Ed Bolman
Quarry Park Adventures
Susan Boone
Tahiza & Matt Reilly
Broadway Sacramento
Rockball
Jeb & Julianna Burton
Rocknasium
Buzzardball
Sacramento History Alliance and Museum
Cabana Winery, Rene & Robert Smerling
Sacramento Kings
Casino Mine Ranch,
Sacramento Pipeworks
Mackenzie Sheridan Cecchi '02
Sacramento Theatre Company
Maya Juarez & Stephen Chuchel
Sacramento Youth Symphony
Classes of 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030, 2031,
Sacramento Zoo
2032, & 2033
Sactown Magazine
Donahue Schriber
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Rachelle Doyle
San Francisco Zoological Society
Drybar
Sky High Sports
El Macero Country Club
Julie & Kevin Sloat
Megan & Joseph Eschleman
Emily & Topher Stephenson
Explorit Science Center
Saintsbury Winery, Jane Stroup Bauman
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
Sugarlillies, Veronica Dixon
Funderland Amusement Park
Szymanowski Orthodontics
Ognian & Cindy Gavrilov
The Capital Athletic Club
Golfland SunSplash
The Dailey Method Arden Park
Hardeep & Jasleen Gulati
The Rink
Ben Gumpert
Lee Thomsen
Haggin Oaks
Tian Chao Herbs & Acupuncture
Leslie & Josh Harmatz
Jelena & Peter Tiemann
Helwig Winery
Tower Cafe
John's Incredible Pizza
Twiggs Floral Design Gallery
Kaufman & Davis Plastic Surgery
World of Wonders Science Museum
Kimpton Sir Francis Drake Hotel
Xtreme Craze
Moni Van Camp & Gregory Kondos
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
Marsha & Morgan Lawson
Allison Zhang ‘19
Nana & Vance Little
Nichole & David Zinn
Pat Mahony Masullo Pizza Cathi and Rajiv Misquitta
The Gonzalez Family April, Mike, Angela ‘26 & Jake ‘28
The Kate & Dave Kaufman Family The Walter Family
Sacramento River Cats
Children's Creativity Museum
Karyn MacNeil
thank you to our SPONSORS
Eric Ratinoff Law Corp, Eric and Patrice Ratinoff
The Country Day Board of Trustees Anonymous Employers Select Insurance Services Julie and Kevin Sloat The Niello Company Shasta Linen Supply Sandy Buchanan The Chand Family Jacob ‘23, Bella ‘25, Priya ‘25 Lainie Josephson & Michelle Kessel-Harbart 2019-20 Annual Report
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Auction donors and supporters Teacher Appreciation Gift Bags
COMMUNITY FUND
Gift bags were delivered to teachers following the We are Country Day celebration. Each bag contained nuts donated from The Naked Nut Growers, chocolates and other snacks, and a fine bottle of wine donated from parents Jeb and Julianna Burton. Thank you to all who sponsored the gift bags.
The Community Fund was established to help families experiencing unexpected economic hardship as a result of the pandemic. Donations to the Community Fund have provided tuition assistance to Country Day students in 2020-21.
John & Valerie Adelsheim Sara Flores & Mirza Alikhan Stephanie & Justin Castillo The Castro Family Steve Cohen Colb Family Charitable Fund Anita Cook Charlie & Barb Demmon Rachelle Doyle Oksana Dumanska Stephanie & Michael Fox Jennifer Freeland The Goldkuhl Family Stacey Tanenbaum & Mark Grijnsztein Kristoffer Hall ‘91 & Dr. Rachel Maney Leslie & Josh Harmatz Ted Harris & Melissa Conner Emmett Palmisano ‘31 Wendy & Jay Holman Gui Ming Huang & Rongna Chen Sarah & Bruce Inman Jeff & Deanna Johnston Lainie & Gregg Josephson Louis Klieger & Patricia Sierra Rebecca & Terence Lau Katherine & Matthew Laufman The Lawson Family
Renée DeBose & Christopher Levermore Melinda Levy Vance & Nana Little Pam & Ryan Livesey Jeff & Nicole Look Mary Maguire & Maureen Smith Lesley & John Mahan Barrie March Dr. Tara M. Neavins & Mr. Michael Maltese Sarah & Tuffer Mayeda Cathi & Rajiv Misquitta The Montoya Family Joelle Morrow Beth Nelson ‘98 & Nate Himes Julie & Jamie Nelson Tarang & Prerana Patel Bill & Anne Petchauer Carl & Sarah Pirie Jasmine Karalakulasingam & Amit Raheja The Schep-Smit Family Melissa & Lilah ‘22 Shorey Julie & Kevin Sloat Monica Doan & James Smith Katherine Tsakopoulos ‘86 & Socrates Stamatis Kathy & Jack Stermer Aleka Kamila & Peja Stojakovic Katie & Shane Sullivan Julie Checkoway & Lee Thomsen Alison & Aaron Turner Mina & Michael Walter Lonnie & Maya Webb Amy Nelson Wells ‘98 & Brooke Wells April Wilcox Emily & Dan Wilson James & Christine Woo Ramiro Zúñiga & Nicole Carbo
Donors Emily Allshouse Erica Pham & Manuel Alvarez Jeremy Burr & Tricia Ross Jeb & Julianna Burton Stephanie & Justin Castillo The Castro Family Carrie & Edward Chickering Maya Juarez & Stephen Chuchel Rachelle Doyle Oksana Dumanska Sharron Flynn David Frankel & Kimberly Buss Lorraine Furman Marisa Sharkey & Benjamin Gumpert Kristoffer Hall ‘91 & Dr. Rachel Maney Aleyah Harmon ‘25 Louis Klieger & Patricia Sierra Daniel & Christiana Kopf Joe & Glynis Lansdell Renée DeBose & Christopher Levermore Vance & Nana Little Sue Lorens Jessica & Rommel Loria Lesley & John Mahan Julie & Shawn McElmoyl
Roger Mendis & Caron Houston Jodi Hicks & Paul Mitchell Laura Steele Monahan & Brian Monahan The Montoya Family Jenny Lu & Dalip Negi Julie & Jamie Nelson Sally & Grove Nichols Northern California Collection Service, Inc. Bill & Anne Petchauer Doris Pittell Jasmine Karalakulasingam & Amit Raheja Karla & Francisco Rojas Vicki Sihota & Amar Gill Emily & Topher Stephenson Amie & John Stevenson Cindy Swartz The Swinmurn Family Julie Checkoway & Lee Thomsen Mary Ellen & George Thomsen Thomas N. Tureen Jessica Vando ‘92 & Tim Milberger Melinda Vargo Amy Nelson Wells ‘98 & Brooke Wells John Yu
It’s time for a virtual toast with the cocktail created for the auction by alumna Mackenzie Sheridan Cecchi ‘02 and her husband Brad Cecchi of Canon restaurant. 20
2019-20 Annual Report
GRANDPARENT HONOR ROLL WHY WE GIVE . . . GRANDPARENTS JOANN GRAY & SHELDON HARMATZ “We initially became aware of Country Day School when our son and daughter were looking for the best learning opportunities for our three grandchildren. We have always believed in education as a door to future success. As donors, we are thrilled to be able to help our grandchildren thrive.” Joann recalls that without the education she received in childhood and as a teen, it would not have been possible to accomplish her 40-year career in the software development industry in Silicon Valley. Sheldon's 40 years as an educator and environmentalist showed him the importance of wellrounded learning experiences, especially for young people. “The Country Day programs we sponsor include funding technology through initiatives, such as the computer lab development and computer teams as a sport, and the theater arts and events building. Hopefully, other grandparent donors will give as we have, and continue to sponsor the advancement of these programs. “We are extremely pleased with the staff and faculty at Country Day, as they continue helping students learn about themselves and the world in which we live. And, of course, we are excited about the many positive developments our grandchildren are achieving.”
Dr. & Mrs. Kirby Baker Nathaniel Leavy ‘21, Isabelle Leavy ‘17 John & Audrey Coleman Rory Coleman ‘27, Jack Coleman ‘29 Joseph & Rosemary Cooley Declan Cooley ‘26, Aiden Cooley ‘24 Teri & Don Crabtree Haylee Holman ‘23 Lee Davies Briana Davies ‘21 Sharron Flynn Ferris Bennett ‘30 Marshall & Elizabeth Frankel Violet Kennedy ‘29 Tom & Myrna Frankel Anna Frankel ‘20, Jacob Frankel ‘13 Lorraine Furman Finn Johnston ‘32 Graham & Joyce Gilbertson Trevor Kaufman ‘22, Grant Kaufman ‘26, Ava Kaufman ‘24 Beth Hankins Aleyah Harmon ‘25 Joann Gray & Sheldon Harmatz Brennan Harmatz ‘26, Ava Harmatz ‘28, Logan Harmatz ‘30 Marilyn Heyck Claire Gemmell ‘26 Janet & Jerry Hoelscher Tanner Wilcox ‘25 Fred & Cathy Katz Kitally Katz ‘31, Millona Kim ‘29 Dr. & Mrs. Herman L. Klieger Rachel Klieger ‘25, Andrew Klieger ‘24 Doreen & Richard Kopf Eden Kopf ‘29 Philip & Linda Kuipers Elsa Kuipers ‘31 Joe & Glynis Lansdell Haylee Holman ‘23
Annie Love Sean Whited ‘28, Jackson Whited ‘26 Betsy Karrer & Tom Menzies Rory Coleman ‘27, Jack Coleman ‘29 Suzette Barclay & Peter Mitchell Madora Mitchell ‘31 Julie & Jamie Nelson Parker Himes ‘30, Rowan Himes ‘33, Sophia Wells ‘28, Spencer Wells ‘32 Barbara MacAulay Ore Hannah Ore ‘27, Charlotte Ore ‘29 Doris Pittell Ellie Josephson ‘26 Ashok & Manisha Raheja Kian Raheja ‘29 Patrick & Betty Ryan Erik Lewis ‘01, Michael Lewis ‘03 Rod & Marcy Siegfried Casey Mahoney ‘28, Rorey Mahoney ‘28 Kathy & Jack Stermer Carly Townend ‘28 Pamella Stinnett-Littlejohn William Littlejohn ‘24, Kathryn Littlejohn ‘26 Mary Ellen & George Thomsen Sophia Thomsen ’23 Dr. Rosemary Vando Zachary Vando-Milberger ‘28, Nathaniel Vando-Milberger ‘32 Melinda Vargo RJ Vargo ‘23, Blaine Vargo ’27 Beth Walter Layla Walter ‘31 Dr. & Mrs. Robert G. Webster Elise Webster ‘28, Nick Webster ‘24, Tyler Webster ‘21 Toni & Lanny Winberry Ava Winberry ‘27
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donors to endowment Funds
“Frank Science Center in the Fall” - Photo by Aleyah Harmon ’25, Middle School Digital Photography class
andrew cochrane ‘97 libraries ENDOWMENT In memory of Andrew Cochrane
Mike & Cheryll Cochrane Eric, Amanda (Cochrane ‘00) & Lucy Scheidlinger Joe & Karen Engstrom William & Alice Furry Joan & Stuart Gherini Marlee Harrell Gary Johns & John Schneider Amy L. Johnson ’95 Fred & Cathy Katz Sue Loustalot in memory of Louis A. Loustalot, Jr. Kristine Mesplou Wendy Ross Tony, Joan, & Ian ‘96 Stone
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Daniel E. White Faculty Salaries for Lower School Wendy Ross Dan & Judy White
Elliott Family Foundation Endowed Scholarship Harry C. & Deborah L. Elliott Family Foundation Roxanne Elliott & Antonio Falcone
Lifers Scholarship Amy L. Johnson ’95
Stephen T. Repsher Scholarship Fund Wendy Ross
Barbara MacAulay Ore Faculty Development Amy L. Johnson ’95 Wendy Ross
donors to Restricted Funds Arts Boosters
Sports Boosters
Anonymous Jeannie Choi-Boersma & Jonathan Boersma Melissa & Jeff Burnett Rohitesh & Sandra Chand Mark & Liya Cornelius April Rauscher & Michael Gonzalez Dr. Gregory & Jeannine Graves Berk & Kamile Guvelioglu Kristoffer Hall '91 & Dr. Rachel Maney Patricia Jacobsen & Wayne Strumpfer Cassie Gilson & Loren Kaye Heino & Nancy Kemnitz Liz & Ben Leavy The Lipper-Sagehorn Family Roger Mendis & Caron Houston Saad & Elizabeth Monasa Carl & Sarah Pirie Inderjit Rye The Schep-Smit Family Melissa & Lilah '22 Shorey Emily & Topher Stephenson Amie & John Stevenson Wayne Strumpfer Archana & Vinod Trivedi Amy Nelson Wells '98 & Brooke Wells Teresa & Derek Woo Rachel Lin & Tim Xu Ramiro Zúñiga & Nicole Carbo
Anonymous Jennifer & Mitchell Bale Jeannie Choi-Boersma & Jonathan Boersma Jeremy Burr & Tricia Ross Rohitesh & Sandra Chand Estee & Dan Cohen Lisa Dzigas-Cressman & David Cressman Louie Dias Joseph & Megan Eschleman Patricia Fletcher David, Stacey, & Joshua '19 Friedman Dr. Gregory & Jeannine Graves Angela & William Grey Berk & Kamile Guvelioglu Kristoffer Hall '91 & Dr. Rachel Maney The Hayes Family Ashley West & Josh Hughes Patricia Jacobsen & Wayne Strumpfer Dave & Kate Kaufman Vasanthi & Alok Krishna The Lawson Family Liz & Ben Leavy Sarah & Mark Lee Ling & Raymond Li Tian Li Tichia & Brent Lindsay Kristi & Josh Mathisen Cathi & Rajiv Misquitta Joelle Morrow Louay & Maya Owaidat Christine & Tom Patton Roy Rubin John & Miriam Shorey Melissa & Lilah '22 Shorey Kimberly & Eiler Sommerhaug Emily & Topher Stephenson Amie & John Stevenson The Swinmurn Family The Turner Rodriguez Family Dana & Matt Vargo Alison Appel & Christopher Waterson Randi & Dan Weitzman Amy Nelson Wells '98 & Brooke Wells Emily & Dan Wilson Teresa & Derek Woo Joy Ho & Michael Wu
GENERAL RESTRICTED
GIFTS IN KIND Jeb & Julianna Burton Thoa & Steve Christiansen Ruanne Dozier Dave & Kate Kaufman Ben & Laura King The Schep-Smit Family Katherine Tsakopoulos '86 & Socrates Stamatis Brian Van Camp Nicole & Stan Van Vleck Ying Han & Wenguang Wang Ellen & Carlin Wiegner
Anonymous Country Day Conversations Speaker Series Tom & Juliet Gede Matthews Library Sheila Hefty Matthews Library Amy L. Johnson ‘95 Francie Tidey Award in honor of Wendy Ross Amy L. Johnson ‘95 Barbara Lazar MusIc Award Allen, Kathy & Adam ‘16 Ketchum Summer Camp Corey MacMillan ‘92 Scholars Program Louay & Maya Owaidat Middle School Computer Lab Wendy Ross Matthews Library in memory of Lisa & Alan Matthews Wendy Ross Francie Tidey Award Patrick & Betty Ryan Holiday Card The Schep-Smit Family Writer’s Night Winters Library Celebration Books Program
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BEST WISHES TO OUR RETIREES
CHRISTY VAIL, Head of Lower School Retiring after 15 years Christy came to Country Day after heading the elementary division at The Harker School in San Jose. She brought with her a long career dedicated to the education of young children, as well as her beautiful singing voice, which we were treated to on a number of occasions over the years. One of Christy’s earliest memories is singing in her crib when she was about four years old. And she’s been singing ever since – in church choirs, school concerts, friends’ weddings, and even at her own wedding, where she and her husband Mark sang a duet! “My favorite times singing at Country Day were the Winter Concerts and the Civil Rights Assembly,” Christy said, adding, “especially when I sang with the kids and with
the amazing Jay Johnson on the piano! I will definitely miss the beautiful, uplifting programs put on by Elena Bennett.” In the head of school’s remarks upon her retirement, Lee Thomsen said, “Christy is a passionate and articulate voice for the importance of a child-centered experience rich in the arts, physical education, and social-emotional learning.” He added, “Christy has been the driving force behind the division-wide adoption of the Responsive Classroom program as well as Dovetail Toolbox curriculum, which have both brought a coherence and consistency to the experience of children throughout the lower grades.” Christy and Mark recently moved from Sacramento to the hills of Lincoln where they plan to spend more time with their family.
BRIAN FRISHMAN, Middle & High School Theater Director Retiring after 15 years Standing at six feet, six inches, it’s not a surprise that Brian played basketball in high school and college, where he delivered impressive statistics against some of the best schools in the country. He had the NBA on his radar and toward the end of his junior year at San Diego State he was invited to the Lakers Camp. But the effects of dental surgery hampered his try-out during the first day of camp, and he was not invited back. Giving up his hopes for a professional basketball career, Brian began taking acting classes and soon was making a living as an actor in such films as Savage Streets (1984), 1941 (1979) and 240-Robert (1979). After a decade in the film business, Brian went back to college, earning a bachelor’s degree at Sonoma State and a master’s at UCLA. After teaching drama and directing in Los Angeles and Reno, he moved to Sacramento when he was hired as the school’s theater director. Brian is retiring to run his wellness practice based out of Grass Valley. He first became interested in wellness during his years as an actor in order to improve his mental, physical, and spiritual health; and his many injuries on the basketball court (as well as his height) caused him to look at different ways of maintaining his health, including ergonomic positions, spine strengthening, somatic posture exercises, and yoga. In his closing remarks this year, Head of School Lee Thomsen said, “Brian was truly an ‘actor's director,’ in his willingness to incorporate the suggestions of his students. Whether that meant adding a song to feature the talent of a class member, writing an additional scene to flesh out a smaller part, or guiding student-written productions, Brian always brought the best out of his students.”
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Denise earned her bachelor’s degree while in the Navy and upon retirement enrolled in and received her master’s degree from “Troops to Teachers,” a program in which the Navy partnered with local universities to help retiring sailors get an education degree and teaching credential.
DENISE SCRUGGS, Mathematics Teacher Retiring after 20 years Teaching was Denise’s second career after serving almost 20 years in the U.S. Navy, and her experience in the navy impacted her classroom approach. She told the Octagon, “I met and worked with so many different people and have been to so many different places, it makes me more patient, understanding and open to everyone’s backgrounds and cultures, especially because Country Day is very diverse.”
Her 20-year teaching career at Country Day began when she, her husband, and baby daughter, Brianna, moved to Sacramento and she was hired to teach math and science to fourth graders. After two years, she moved to the fifth grade, then sixth, and finally to the Middle School, always teaching the mathematics segment of the curriculum. “Math is either right or wrong,” says Denise, “which is why it has always been my favorite subject.” For the last eight years, Denise taught eighth grade, which was her favorite. “I was able to teach both algebra and geometry, which are my preferred classes, and I really love eighth graders; they are very special young people.” This year’s graduation class was a distinct one for Denise since she taught some of them in fifth grade and again in eighth grade and was delighted to congratulate them as high school graduates, just as she, too, was leaving the school.
FELECIA KEYS, Orchestra & Choir Director Retiring after 10 years Her name sounds like a melody so it’s fitting that Felecia Keys became a musician. Her music career began when she discovered the violin in sixth grade. Felecia told the Octagon, “I feel super blessed that I’ve been able to do music my whole life,” She plans to continue with music in her retirement city near Lake Chapala, Mexico. Felecia was introduced to the Lake Chapala area by friends and has spent vacations there in preparation for her move. In fact, she is already a member of the Lake Chapala Orchestra!
PAUL BAUMAN, Octagon Advisor Retiring after 2 years At the virtual retirement party at the end of the school year, Head of School Lee Thomsen said, “Paul Bauman brought a lengthy resume of newspaper experience, is himself a published author, and brought his unflappable personality and style to our student paper.” Lee added, “We are deeply grateful to him for setting up the paper for the next decades of success.” Before the call from the school, Paul had recently retired as desk chief in the sports department of The Sacramento Bee, where he had worked for the last 18 years, and was looking forward to working full time on his website NorCal Tennis Czar, a blog about professional, collegiate, and junior tennis. His 40-year career of professional newspaper experience has taken him to pro tennis tournaments around the world and stints as a sports writer in Texas and Nevada. Paul’s amateur journalism career started even earlier, when he was named editor-in-chief of the Rio Americano newspaper, and he continued writing at Stanford, where he was the co-sports editor of the Stanford Daily. Paul was part of the school community before he was hired. His children, Jeff ’06 and Claire ’09, are graduates, and his wife, Jane, is Country Day’s director of college counseling.
Hired as Country Day’s orchestra and choir director 10 years ago, Felecia was excited about taking on the role of teaching fifth grade orchestra in addition to Middle and High School orchestras. “I had high expectations for all three levels, and all groups had the same practice requirement of 60 minutes per week. Teaching fifth graders really brought me back to my early days of learning music, and I was careful to stay attuned to their learning style and musical background.” When she was not teaching at Country Day, Felecia regularly played with the Sacramento Chamber Orchestra. In Keys’ interview with the Octagon, she said that playing with the Chamber Orchestra “helped her to support and understand her students as they prepared for auditions, performances, and solos.” 2019-20 Annual Report
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HLAVATY impact AWARD FOR graduating SENIORS Hoddick family launch annual Award The Hlavaty Impact Award was created this spring by the Hoddick Family (Todd, Amy, and graduates Ryan '15, Troy '14, and Erin Reddy ‘15) to support graduating seniors who have shown exceptional character and resilience in overcoming challenges. The award is named after Todd Hoddick’s former Perris High School teacher, Mr. Hlavaty, who had a significant positive impact on his life, and is in tribute to Country Day administrators and faculty Brooke Wells, Glenn Mangold, and Sue Nellis for the powerful and inspirational education they extended to the Hoddick boys, Erin, and all students in the High School. Recipients of the annual award receive $5,000 and the opportunity for mentoring and coaching sessions with Todd Hoddick. Ryan and Troy look back with gratitude for the abundance of resources Country Day provided, despite not studying as hard as they now feel they could have. “I was a one-track mind focused on a dream of becoming a professional gamer. If I could do anything in high school differently, I would have given more respect and attention to my teachers at Country Day,” said Ryan. Troy adds, “In college I learned just how fortunate I was to have gone to SCDS. If my family getting involved means we can help someone else have an experience like ours, we are all for it.
Ryan, Todd, Amy & Troy Hoddick and Erin Reddy at a recent family gathering.
When asked about his fondest moments at Country Day, Ryan talked about his experience with Ms. Nellis and his struggles with AP U.S. history, receiving one poor grade after another. “Ms. Nellis worked hard to improve my confidence, even hosting off-campus study sessions on her own time with any student who opted in. Seeing the look of pride and encouragement on her face when she handed me a test on which I had earned a B+ . . . I’d be lying if I said I didn’t tear up.” Troy told of his mixed emotions when he got his first SAT score back. “I had done well on critical reading and writing, but performed poorly on the math section. It was my test anxiety challenge to overcome. Mr. Millsback worked with me on SAT problems and test-taking strategies. Because of Mr. Millsback’s help, I was able to overcome my anxiety and score significantly better than the last time. I attacked my anxiety head on as a challenge instead of avoiding it.” Erin was a good student, loved science, and tried to take every science class offered, but was often five minutes late to class and would sometimes get distracted. She appreciated that Mr. Mangold “never took it personally, instead he was happy to let me learn at my own pace, and would give me interesting things to work on independently.” And Ryan and Troy agree, “We achieved our goals with persistence, optimism, and the kindness and support of others. Now, our family is determined to return that kindness, support and hope to inspire others who remain steadfast and focused despite their challenges.”
Hlavaty Impact Award Recipients, 2020 In selecting this year’s recipients, the selection committee looked to evidence of each student’s persistence and integrity in overcoming challenges. When asked how they felt when they received the call, Chris said he was “thankful for the Hoddick family’s investment in my development as a person.” Naomi added, “It made me really glad I decided to stay all four years and grow from the high school experience. Big thank you to the donors, this means a lot to me.” Naomi Turnbull will attend the University of California at Santa Cruz.
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Chris Wilson will attend the University of California at Merced.
FRANCIE TIDEY AWARD The Francie Tidey Award for Excellence in Education, established in 2001 by the Alumni Association, has been presented at the High School graduation ceremony for the last 19 years. The award was created to honor Francie Tidey, longtime Head of High School, college counselor, and English teacher. The annual award recognizes a member of the faculty or administration who has made an outstanding contribution to the Country Day community during his or her tenure. This year the award selection process was challenging because of the pandemic, and has been moved to fall and winter 2020 with the presentation to occur at the Winter Alumni Reunion.
Recipients Lauren LaMay
2001
Jane Batarseh
2011
Patricia Fels
2002
Marcus Romani
2012
Daniel I. Neukom
2003
Robin Kren
2013
Frank Pignata
2004
Sue Ryan
2014
Barbara MacAulay Ore
2005
Michelle Myers
2015
Kay Schweizer
2006
Barbara Lazar
2016
Sheila Hefty
2007
Ron Bell
2017
Susan Gorton Nellis
2008
Evelyn Dale
2018
Barbara Fackenthall Tash
2009
Glenn Mangold
2019
Wendy Ross
2010
To be determined
2020
ALUMNI NEWS Caroline Louise McAlister ‘78 Profile published January 2020 Caroline McAlister is an author and parttime English teacher at Guilford College. Her daughters, now grown, reinvigorated what was a life-long love of books for Caroline. “I began writing children’s books after they were born. I just fell in love with the way words and pictures worked together while I was reading to them, and decided I would try my hand at writing my own.” Caroline admits “Of course, it turned out to be much more difficult than I expected.” Her first book, Holy Molé!, was published in 2006. More recently, Caroline completed her fourth book, Finding Narnia: The Story of C. S. Lewis and His Brother, published in November. The picture book biography follows the lives of the Lewis brothers and their rich imaginations that led to the creation of Narnia. Caroline and her husband, a professor of philosophy, live in Greensboro, NC. Occupation: Teacher and Children’s Writer City I call home: Greensboro, NC College: B.A. Comparative Literature, Yale University; Ph.D., English Literature, Emory University
One memory I have from Country Day: Gosh! So many! Mrs. Tidey telling us the story about the day JFK was killed and how they were in the auditorium waiting for him to speak. I also have fun memories of skipping math class to make sets for the play Our Town with Jack Bankowsky. I loved the field trip to Ferndale, which was just completely quirky. I loved painting all of the desks with Mrs. Schweizer. At how many schools would you get to mix your own paints in any way you liked and paint the furniture? I remember coming up with a strange fuchsia color. My favorite Country Day spot: The lawn in the quad during lunch. At Country Day, I learned: I still tell my students the story Mrs. Tidey told us about her first college paper, which was a kind of necklace of undigested quotes. You must always follow quotes with explanation and analysis. The last book I read: I am right now reading a Tana French crime novel set in Dublin because my daughter is living in Dublin for the year. My favorite Podcast: The Daily with Michael Barbaro and the New Yorker. A little known fact about me: I have a Labrador retriever named Edna St. Vincent Millay.
Former Spanish teacher Lucinda Ashby was consecrated as bishop of El Camino Real in January. The Diocese of El Camino Real has approximately 10,000 members in 42 congregations spanning five counties.
1981
Alumna and new Country Day Board of Trustees’ member Winnifred Ward and husband Dale Head received their Part 135 Air Carrier certification for MindWinder Aviation, located in Sparks, NV, this summer. They hope to begin aerial firefighting operations with the USFS very soon. The couple has purchased a home in Sparks, where they live with Winnie’s aunt and her caregiver, along with two cats and a dog.
1995
Erin Briley Henson resides in Redding, CA, and writes, “My husband and I have spent the last couple years rebuilding our property after the 2018 Carr Fire burned through our neighborhood. Rich and I celebrated our 20-year wedding anniversary in June. I love my sales position with Zyia Activewear and also raise a farm of Shetland/Miniature horses which we show across the US. Our oldest daughter, Cara, moved to college this month to study nursing at Arizona State University. Emily and Jax are in 8th and 3rd grade here in Redding. That’s about it!”
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alumni news Winnifred “Winnie” Ward ‘81 Profile published August 2020 Latham Drive looked very different when Winnifred (Winnie) Ward first set foot on campus in 1969, only five years after the school was founded. With far fewer buildings, approximately 130 students, and only a small number of neighboring houses, little blocked the view of the surrounding fields. Winnie graduated in 1981. The gym was built a year later, with the Matthews Library and administration building following shortly thereafter. After college at Brown University, Winnie worked as a loan officer for five years and enrolled in law school at UC Davis in 1990. She worked in real estate law in San Francisco before returning to practice in Sacramento. In 2014, Winnie and partners Tom Stewart and Gregg Josephson (a current Country Day parent) started their own firm specializing in commercial real estate, banking, and corporate law. Winnie joined the Country Day Board of Trustees in July, bringing with her valuable insight as an alumna and longtime member of our school community. Occupation: Attorney City I call home: Reno, NV College: Brown University, International Relations; UC Davis School of Law, Juris Doctorate
1996
Schuyler Ellers appeared on “Shark Tank” in May, pitching his clothing brand Lord von Schmitt - described as “a high fashion brand dedicated to taking crochet one step further than you ever imagined possible.” Jessica Niles DeHoff was forced out of her home in mainland China when COVID hit in February. She made a break for Taiwan hours before the borders closed, and managed to establish a new life on "the beautiful island" thanks to the astonishing warmth of the Taiwanese government and people. Hubby John joined her in August, but they're still waiting for their two elderly cats to escape Communist clutches. This year Jessica's poetry has appeared in THE POET magazine and in Stanford's annual literary review, and her paintings will be featured in an upcoming exhibition at Yale University. On the personal front, Jess was already studying and teaching yoga and meditation, but 2020's world explosion made it clear that we all need some help finding balance. She's currently enrolled in training to evolve her teaching to the next level.
1997
After 11 years working as a CFO, Richard Cook opened his own accounting firm, providing Fractional CFO services as well as Tax Planning, Tax Prep, and bookkeeping services. Actor Marion Kerr flew from LA to
NYC and quarantined for 14 days in order to film an industrial video at the end of July. Marion adds, “It was my first time working as an actor during COVID and it was very different, everyone wearing masks and/or face shields, socially distancing, mostly shot outdoors, etc., but I had a great time and it was wonderful to be working again, albeit in a strange, new way.” Tepring Piquado joined the Country Day Board of Trustees this summer and was promoted to senior policy researcher at RAND. Tepring volunteered with the Long Beach COVID-19 Emergency Response Team this year. She and husband John Magallanes recently bought their first house near Long Beach.
1998
Allison Rude made the move from Boston to Philadelphia, where she works as executive creative director with the creative agency 160over90.
1999
Meredith Brown was promoted to senior research associate with the department of modern and contemporary art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Katharine Clark completed an MBA at University of New Mexico in Public Policy and Leadership and Human Resources in 2019 and started her (continued on page 30)
One memory I have from Country Day: Mr. Pignata helping me learn how to blow my nose properly when I was about 7 years old. He would go on to be my math teacher and my high school advisor. At Country Day, I learned how to write (from Patty Fels and Francie Tidey) The last book I read: Becoming, by Michelle Obama My favorite Podcast: NPR A little-known fact about me: I’m actually a music and video producer with my husband, Dale Head, through our production company, MindWinder Productions.
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In Sacramento recently to visit family, Curtis Graham ‘97, with wife Nicole and daughters Collins and Campbell, masked up and spent some time with good friend and former development director, Wendy Ross. The Grahams live in Portland, OR, and Curtis works for Nike as Vice President, Global Sports Marketing.
Penelope “Poppy” Knapp, daughter of Allison Furry ‘97 and Eric Knapp ‘98, cools off this summer in the pool.
The Nichols women, Annie ‘98, Charlotte ‘00, and Allie ‘02, get together at Charlotte’s home in Arden Park to celebrate mom Sally’s birthday in May.
Bixby, daughter of Chloe Ellers ‘98 and husband Graham Bremner, was born on May 11, 2020, and named after the Bixby Creek Bridge in Big Sur, the site of their honeymoon.
Three generations pose on the beach at La Jolla Shores - Amanda Batarseh-Sultan ‘01, Amanda’s mom Jane Batarseh, and new baby girl, Yafa Sultan, born May 20, 2020, to Amanda and her husband Amir. Proud grandmother (and former Country Day high school Latin teacher) Jane is helping the couple care for their new baby in La Jolla, where Amanda is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Literature at UC San Diego.
Rebecca (Becky) Lewis ‘00 Thiess and husband Dave welcomed baby Calvin on January 29. Calvin joins big brother Everett. Becky works at The Pew Charitable Trust, researching and writing on the ways in which federal choices affect states.
Leah Rose Parker ‘98 and husband Tom celebrate Leah’s 40th birthday in Prague. Unfortunately, they had to cut their trip short due to the coronavirus and border closures. They landed home in Maryland right as the world shut down! 2019-20 Annual Report
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Name: Elizabeth Lake ‘92 Profile published November 2019 At Country Day, we encourage our students to be active participants in their community - to think, live, and act with care. This month, students are enthusiastically supporting the Sacramento Food Bank through our Run to Feed the Hungry team and the annual turkey drive. The idea of a “habit of helping” is not new at Country Day. Alumna and interior designer Elizabeth Lake cites a responsibility to give back as one of the main things she learned as a student. A Shriners Hospital volunteer for the past 13 years, Elizabeth also supports Country Day. She served as a reunion representative for our 50th Anniversary celebrations and, last year, used her design skills to decorate the tables at the school’s auction. We’re grateful that Elizabeth finds time in her busy schedule to stay involved with the school and we are looking forward to her help coordinating the alumni happy hours this year!
Occupation: Interior Designer City I call home: Sacramento, CA College: California State University, Sacramento One memory I have from Country Day: I absolutely loved the trips to Ashland. The plays were fantastic and we left an even more tightly knit group of friends. My favorite Country Day spot: Ms. Schweizer’s art room and the Medallion Room (it’s a toss-up). At Country Day, I learned: By far, the most important thing I learned was to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. It has made life so much easier! I also think Country Day helped instill self-confidence and a sense of responsibility to give back. The last book I read: The Unwinding of the Miracle, by Julie Yip-Williams A little-known fact about me: I am a 6th generation Sacramentan. My 3rd greatgrandfather came to California in 1839 and to Sacramento in 1841.
Taylor Graham, 98*, with (l to r) wife, Molly, and children Mac, baby girl Louie June, born September 4, 2020, and Penny. Taylor is senior VP of business operations and marketing for the Seattle Sounders FC.
own consulting business. In June, she won a 5-way Democratic primary race for Santa Fe County Clerk by 54% of the vote. She is unopposed in the general and will take office for a four-year-term on Jan 1, 2021. Says Katharine, “I’m looking forward to serving in these challenging times.” Lynsey Corbett lives in Carmichael with her boyfriend Robert. Lynsey works from home for Eventbrite as Research Operations Manager. She conducts surveys, interviews, and focus groups to see how people interact with the Eventbrite website and most recently has been working on researching the new phenomenon of the online/virtual event and how that has changed the live event space. Says Lynsey, “My biggest ‘quarantine project’ has probably been my vegetable garden, which has been overflowing lately - seriously, does anyone want some eggplant or zucchini?”
2000
Ajaipal Sekhon and wife Harjeet welcomed baby Arjin in August. Arjin joins big sister Sehej.
2002
First day of school photo for new PK student, Poppy Benouar, daughter of Class of 2002 members Karen Lial and Najib Benouar. Karen is an architect working on historic properties and Najib is a digital marketing manager for YDesign, an online retailer for designer furnishings.
Grant Lyon co-designed “Curmudgeon,” a board game where you build insults using keywords and battle other players to become the biggest curmudgeon. Check out his comedy album, “Scheduled Fun Time,” released in March. Though his heart will always be in Healdsburg, Tejpal Sekhon made the move to Petaluma this year and started a job as a mechanical engineer with Delta Separations.
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Amanda Cochrane Scheidlinger ‘00 Profile published September 2019
Occupation: Registered Architect, Director of Construction at San Diego State University City I call home: San Diego, CA College: Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo; Bachelor of Architecture
As a Country Day junior in studio art, Amanda Cochrane Scheidlinger received a class award for her architectural design made from foam board. Now, 20 years later, she is still earning accolades for her work, but the materials and scale have changed just a bit. Amanda worked as a licensed architect for more than 10 years, focusing on the creation of sustainable environments with projects for higher education, zoological clients, solar canopy installations, and military training and logistics. In 2015, she joined San Diego State University as a construction administrator and, this past year, was named as the director of construction. Amanda is responsible for the supervision and coordination of design and construction across the campus and is currently overseeing more than $400 million in projects (a budget slightly larger than allocated to her original work in studio art class). Amanda and her husband, Eric, live in San Diego with their children, Lucy (6) and Drew (3).
2002
In memoriam: Amelia “Emmy” Owens passed away unexpectedly on September 7, 2020. Emmy worked as an emergency room nurse and was a devoted mother to son Owen. The thoughts of the Country Day community are with the Owens family (Leon, Abigail ‘96, Lizzy ‘05, and Madeline ‘07) at this difficult time. Emmy is preceded in death by her brother, Jake ‘00, and mother, Lydia.
2003
Sarah Gaither, an assistant professor at Duke University, co-wrote a piece for NBC THINK senior editor Meredith BennettSmith ’06 in June. The article talked about the importance of discussing race with children. Lara Kincanon Lyko has been helping organizations adapt during this time, when community resources and support are urgently needed. This year, she launched online campaigns supporting Black maternal health in California, individuals and families affected by incarceration, and gastric cancer patients. Most recently, she
One memory I have from Country Day: Hauling a half ton of manure onto campus for our senior prank. (Is that REALLY the first memory that comes to mind?!) My favorite Country Day spot: Laying on the steps in the sun in the quad! Little did I know at the time that may have increased my skin cancer risk, but it sure seemed worth it! At Country Day, I learned: SO many things! Probably the biggest lesson I learned from the small class sizes was to know how important you are to any class size. In college, I had several classes with hundreds of students, but Country Day taught me to always seek help if I needed it, and to always participate. The last book I read: Does the California Building Code count? My Favorite Color: Channeling my six-year-old daughter: Purple Rainbow Sparkle. For Breakfast, I Had: Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chip Toast - my breakfast-of-choice since I was a kid. A little-known fact about me: I’ve wanted to be an architect since Ms. Relles’s 5th grade class where we got to design our own houses. That brought me through Ms. Schweizer’s architecture elective, and on to architecture school for college at Cal Poly. While my day-to-day career isn’t EXACTLY like that project, I do find some pleasure after a tough day knowing that I ended up doing what I always wanted to do. Some days are more difficult than others, but it’s a pretty fantastic career overall!
partnered with fellow alumna, Michelle Eytcheson Van Wagenen, to launch an online remote learning curriculum for children ages 2-5, www.earlychildhoodconnected. com. Additionally, Lara and husband, Jamie, are learning a lot about construction trucks from their 2.5 year old son, Cashel. Badier Velji made the move from California to Madison, Wisconsin, to join wife Kaila Tova, a PhD candidate at UW-Madison. Badier, who recently completed his MBA at UC Berkeley, works at EY Parthenon Strategy as a senior consultant.
2005
Kate Coulouras was named the principal of Cristo Rey High School in Sacramento. Previously, Kate taught Spanish at the school. Michael Cvetich left the island life behind, moving from Nantucket to Reno, Nevada, to teach middle school history at Sage River School. Michael coaches the middle school boys and varsity girls basketball teams, as well as serving on the school’s Athletic Leadership Committee and helping with the school’s strategic planning. Christelle Follette and husband Kuis live in Los Angeles, where Christelle is completing a three-year small animal surgical residency at VCA Animal Specialty Group.
Allie Nichols ‘02 is an avid cyclist and works for Osmo, a cycling nutrition company with headquarters in Sausalito.
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Isabel Siragusa ’07 Profile published May 2020 Isabel Siragusa spent many hours on stage in the Kitty Perkins MultiPurpose room during her time at Country Day. In her senior year, Isabel received a superior rating at the California State Thespian Festival, placing her in the top 5% of high school actors in the state. While she no longer features on the Country Day stage, Isabel still acts regularly in the Bay Area, where she lives and works as a communications manager for Cal Shakes. Occupation: Communications Manager at California Shakespeare Theater/Actor City I call home: Berkeley College: Yale University, Theater Studies; University of Cambridge, MBA One memory I have from Country Day: There are too many. Doing night patrol at Sutter's Fort, Ms. LaMay's English class, paste-up, performing on stage for the first time. I could go on and on... My favorite Country Day spot: The Cave and The Green Room behind the MP Room At Country Day, I learned how to write and think critically. Also, a love for learning!
2006
Ariana Bell graduated from UCLA with a PhD in social psychology in September 2019.
2007
Alexandra Bell Moreland and husband Trey welcomed their second son, Levi Moreland, on May 2. Alexandra is the Lead Clinical Therapist for the child and adolescent partial hospitalization program at Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center and a second-year PhD student in the program for Systems, Families & Couples (family studies) at Loma Linda University. Tiernan Cutler and husband Leonardo Santangelo welcomed baby Luca James on October 8. Says Tiernan, “Other than that, this year has been pretty low-key considering we weren’t allowed to leave our house here in Italy for three months except to go to the grocery store.” Ian Wheelis and wife Janice also welcomed a new addition with the birth of Warren in April. Ian graduated Ranger and Airborne school earlier this year and is stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington.
2008
Jared Gorton moved back to the Sacramento area and works as a financial services representative for Golden 1 Credit Union.
2009
This year, Seth Katz began contributing book reviews to Slant Magazine, and has also recently conducted author interviews for The Millions. Michael Lewis was studying at the Pardes Institute in Jerusalem until he returned to Sacramento at the outset of the pandemic. Says Michael, “I am now back in Los Angeles and working as the community organizing intern at Leo Baeck Temple in LA. As part of my internship, I am working with partners
of different faith groups across the LA area on the ‘Yes on Prop 15’ campaign to change property tax laws for commercial properties in the State of California.”
2011
Dylan Dahlquist works with nonprofits all over the world as a digital advertising consultant. “I primarily help non-profit organizations manage/optimize their Google Ads Grant accounts. Google gives nonprofits advertising accounts that have $10,000 a month in grant money, but often the organizations struggle to spend a fraction of that. I help them utilize their advertising so that they can spend the money they have been allocated as well as grow their organization!” Dylan adds that during the lockdown he’s been working on 3D modeling and artwork.
2012
Lydia Lu writes, “After graduating from the University of Rochester with a double major in mathematics and business, I attended Fordham University to obtain a master’s in global finance. Now I am working as a data analyst in the banking industry and currently live in Brooklyn with my cat!” Nick Samson got married in December and shares that he and new wife Tabatha “ended up moving to our new place right on the day the lockdown started in Washington. I started a new position at Microsoft in March, and have been working remotely for my entire tenure, which is definitely a bit surreal!”
2013
Corinne Locke is attending graduate school for genetic counseling at the University of South Carolina. Madeleine Wright started a new job as a product manager for Disney Streaming services in Los Angeles.
The last book I read: The Cat's Table by Michael Ondaatje My favorite Podcast: WTF with Marc Maron My Favorite Color: Purple For Breakfast, I had cereal with yogurt, peanut butter, and frozen raspberries. Please Choose One Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate Sand or Snow? Sand Sushi or Pizza? Pizza Dog or Cat? Cat PC or Mac? Mac A little-known fact about me: I'm in a low budget horror movie available on Amazon Prime.
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Masked man Michael Lewis ‘09 stops by the home of classmate Analise Rivero to wish her a happy birthday.
The negative impacts of the COVD-19 pandemic are many, but there are stories of community that provide inspiration in these difficult times. Jasmine Oh works as a pediatric pharmacist at Mount Sinai Hospital, and reached out to the school with this story. FROM CLASS OF 2011 MEMBER JASMINE OH “As you know, NYC was hit especially hard with COVID-19 - it was absolutely horrible during March and April. It was very busy and chaotic in the hospitals: we had so many deaths, we didn’t have enough PPEs, and all the healthcare workers, including myself, were overworked and extremely exhausted. However, I still saw hope during this difficult time. Friends from across the country, including people who I haven’t spoken to for a few years, reached out to me and wished me the best. They also offered me help to fight this battle. I was very heart-warmed by their kind offerings. Here’s one example -
Jasmine Oh (right) with one of her co-workers at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC.
Sasha Ragland, class of 2012, reached out to me to make sure I was doing okay in NYC as she knew I was working in the hospital. She also asked me ways for her to contribute to the hospital. After a few days, she donated lunch for all pharmacy staff at our hospital. Everyone in the department felt so appreciated and was thankful for this kind gesture. Sasha had been in NYC until she moved back to California for her graduate program at UCLA. She felt sad to see what was happening in NYC and wanted to help. And, I appreciated her more as I know she is a student and she still thought of others in need first and shared what she could.
Thanks to everyone, NYC is in much better shape now and we are on the road to recovery. I hope everyone is staying safe and hope to see everyone soon! Maybe a delayed 5-year reunion would be nice! “
2015
Lilian Gill graduated in June 2019 with a BA in chemistry and history from Lafayette College, and was commissioned into the Army in September as an active duty armor officer. Isabella Tochterman completed a double major in computer science and psychology at NYU. She is working as a software engineer for a sustainable energy-focused startup and living in New York City. Aishwarya Nadgauda is an investment banking analyst at Lazard. After a year in Tokyo, Claire Pinson returned to the United States to begin a clinical research position at McLean Hospital in Boston, focusing on mental health and eating disorder research. Erin Reddy graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic with a degree in mechanical engineering. “Now I am enrolled at USC to get a MS in Computer Science. I've also started fostering kittens and learning woodworking!” Melissa Vazquez graduated from Washington University - St. Louis with a degree in women, gender, and sexuality studies and a minor in sociology, completing a pre-med curriculum. She took the MCAT last summer before beginning work at the Center for Healthy Weight and Wellness in the psychiatry department at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. She was recently awarded a diversity in healthrelated research supplement grant from the National Institutes of Mental Health, which provides two years of funds to complete a project studying health disparities within mobile mental health intervention for depression, anxiety and eating disorders across several colleges in the U.S.
2016
Zoë Bowlus graduated Phi Beta Kappa from UC Santa Barbara with a major in communication and minors in professional editing and Asian American studies. She joined the bridge club and since then has spent a lot of time playing both socially and competitively. Elie Kuppermann received a degree in human biology from Stanford
Katheryn Contreras ‘12 and Timothy Montgomery were married September 2019 in a small ceremony on the beach at Folsom Lake.
Noah Johnson ‘05 writes, “My longtime partner Nicole Nakamaru and I ended up having to cancel our wedding plans and ‘quarantine eloped’ at the Sacramento County Clerk Recorder’s Office.” The couple spent a week in Tahoe to celebrate. Noah works as a health care financing and rates attorney with the State Department of Health Care Services, and Nicole is an OB/GYN at Kaiser Sacramento. Adds Noah, “We moved to Arden Park in March 2020 and promptly were instructed to shelter in place.”
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with a concentration in global maternal-child health. She moved to Manhattan at the end of August, originally to do a musical-theater training program. That program has been postponed, so in the meantime Elie will be a private pre-kindergarten teacher for a group of students whose pre-K was closed due to COVID-19. Zoe Dym graduated in May from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa with a BA in sociology and a minor in art. Zoe writes, “I graduated from the Honors Program and I wrote a thesis titled, ‘A Discourse Analysis on Radiation Supplementary Textbooks in Japan.’ I currently work for Hawaiʻi Public Radio (like Capitol Public Radio but for the state of Hawaiʻi) and an all-Japanese AM radio station. Serajh Esmail, who graduated from the University of California, Berkeley and received his BA with honors in molecular & cell biology with an emphasis in neurobiology, is working as a researcher at the Stanford University Brain Performance Center and plans to apply to grad school next year. After graduating UCSB with a B.S. in Behavioral Neuroscience with Distinction and Highest Honors, and two academic awards from the university, Aidan Galati is now based in Sacramento soon to be working in clinical research and health care before applying/matriculating to medical school in 2022. Manson Tung will graduate this December with a degree in Political Science from NYU Abu Dhabi and is spending his final semester of college in Washington, D.C., interning for the Minority Leader in the House of Representatives.
Anonymous (2) Jason Allen ‘95 Sam Applebaum ‘94 Lara Baine ‘96 Chris Beilenson ‘77 Najib Benouar ‘02 Sahej Claire ‘18 Amanda Cochrane Scheidlinger ‘00 Carrie Cooper Bentley ‘01 Alexis Covey ‘02 Jack Crawford ‘85 Kristoffer Hall ‘91 Alan Hirahara ‘86
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2017
Maryjane Garcia graduated from the University of California, Riverside, with a BA in political science and international relations. This summer, she worked as a research assistant for a project that helps connect Congressional representatives to their constituents, essentially expanding the relationship between government and technology. Maryjane is also working as a global development intern for the Los Angeles area nonprofit Children of War Foundation, which has partnered with the United Nations to complete the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. “I am trying to start an initiative that pushes for safer and better conditions for migrants detained at ICE detention center facilities as well as providing these people essential COVID-19 items such as face masks, soaps, and sanitizers once they are released from ICE custody.”
2018
Sonja Hansen is the managing editor of photo and video for the Stanford Daily. Jake Longoria, a student at New York University’s Stern Undergraduate School of Business, recently received funding for his startup apparel company NoBrakes Athletics.
recognizing student-athletes with a GPA of 3.4 or higher. Both students attend the Claremont Colleges - Nate Jakobs, who plays baseball at Pitzer, and Joe Zales, a swimmer at Harvey Mudd. Allison Zhang and four fellow Stanford students teamed up this spring to create Club Cardinal. A virtual Stanford campus, Club Cardinal was made to be a central social/ game/event platform so that even though students are physically distanced from each other, they can reconnect, attend campus events, and feel at home at Stanford once again. The project was covered by Stanford News, and there was even a short feature on “CBS This Morning.” Says Allison, “We've had over 3,000 users make an account since our launch on August 1, and we're working closely with Stanford admin to become an official platform for hosting student events for this year. There's also been quite a bit of interest from other universities to create a ‘Club ___’ for their school, which we are looking into as well.”
2019
Two members of the class of 2019 made the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) All Academic team,
alumni DONORS TO ALL FUNDS
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Amy L. Johnson ‘95 Michael Lewis ‘09 Becky Lewis Thiess ‘00 Karen Lial Benouar ‘02 David Lieb ‘83 Wanning Liu ‘13 Corey MacMillan ‘92 Peter Mancina ‘07 Richard Mancina ‘73 Sarah Mancina ‘11 Katherine Merksamer ‘88 Beth Nelson ‘98 Amy Nelson Wells ‘98 Charlotte Nichols Whitehead ‘00
Philip Ore ‘87 Jacqueline Prine ‘02 Sara Rahimian ‘94 Alison Rielli ‘95 Matt Ryan ‘89 Maura Ryan Perotti ‘02 Phillip Saltzman ‘00 Kelby Simison Weaver ‘96 Katherine Tsakopoulos ‘86 Jessica Vando ‘92 Winnifred C. Ward ‘81 Eric Zahn ‘89 Allison Zhang ‘19
This Annual Report, compiled by the Sacramento Country Day Advancement Office, highlights the previous year’s achievements, and acknowledges generous donors and volunteers for their support. This report reflects gifts received from July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020. Every effort is made to report donors correctly. If there are errors, please accept our apology and inform the Advancement Office. Thank you. Head of School: Lee Thomsen
Director of Advancement: Rachelle Doyle
Director of Marketing and Communications: Emily Allshouse
Director of the Annual Fund and Alumni Coordinator: Amy Nelson Wells ’98
Photography: Emily Allshouse, Elena Bennett, Gail Graham, Cade Gruntz, Aleyah Harmon ‘25, Katherine Merksamer, Melissa Strong, Country Day Alumni Design & Layout: Julie Nelson
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Looking Ahead . . .
Save the date for Auction 2021 Una Noche de Cine Saturday, March 13
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