the bulletin - Spring 2017

SPRING

2017

the bulletin

Stoneleigh-Burnham School

SPEAKING OUT

the bulletin S P R I N G 2017 Editors Hillary Hoffman, Director of Marketing & Communications Nicole Letourneau, Assistant Director of Communications Design Peter Chilton, peterchilton.com Editorial Board Kathleen Tuck Fontaine ’83, Assistant Director of Development & Alumnae Relations Susan Mattei, Director of Development & Alumnae Relations Sally Mixsell ’69, Head of School Toni Murray, Assistant Director of Communications Sam Torres ’08, Development & Alumnae Relations Associate Contributors Kathleen Tuck Fontaine ’83, Assistant Director of Development & Alumnae Relations Bill Ivey, Dean of the Middle School Nicole Letourneau, Assistant Director of Communications Sally Mixsell ’69, Head of School Gabrielle Rooks ’18 Photography Matthew Cavanaugh Bill Ivey Jane Kim ’20 Hank Mixsell John Nordell P ’17

Change of address?

Email kfontaine@sbschool.org or sbschool.org/alumnae/update-contact-info

Stoneleigh-Burnham School Board of Trustees Allison Porter ’89, Chair Lynn Schultz Kehoe ’77, Vice Chair Rich Hubbard P’00, ’02, ’05, Secretary Andres Galperin P’17, Treasurer Dr. John Barrengos Dr. Denise Bruner ’70 Anne Quantrell Dennen ’70 Jennifer Eremeeva P’15 Sharon Lewis Gaffey ’68S Barbara Mayo Llewellyn ’69 Dr. Mary Maloney ’69 Melissa McKallagat Shorey ’96, Alumnae Board President Charlotte Newton ’71 Kathy Seyffer Opdycke ’70 Laura B. Richards ’60S Dr. Cheryl Richardson P’18 Dorothy “Darcy” McCormick Tarbell ’70 Sally Leach Mixsell ’69, Ex-officio Nancy L. Diver ’53B, Emerita F. Michael Donohue, Jr. P’78, Emeritus Elinor Johnstone Ferdon ’54B, Emerita John McNear P’79, Emeritus Elizabeth T. Stout ’61B, Emerita

in this issue: 2

Letter from the Editor

3

Our Voices Rising: Teaching Girls to Speak Out

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SBS in Photos

5

Convention of Girls’ and Women’s Rights

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Declaration of Sentiments

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Debate & Public Speaking at SBS

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by Hillary Hoffman, Director of Marketing & Communications

by Sally Mixsell ’69, Head of School

by Bill Ivey, Middle School Dean

by Nicole Letourneau, Assistant Director of Communications

10 Class Notes 15 In Memoriam 16 How Did SBS Empower You and Prepare

You for the Future?

17 Coda

by Gabrielle (Bri) Rooks ’18

We’d like to know what you think! Do you have story ideas?

Send comments on the Bulletin and story ideas to communications@sbschool.org

Stoneleigh-Burnham School

574 Bernardston Road, Greenfield, MA 01301 413.774.2711 sbschool.org the bulletin is printed with vegetable based inks on 10% post-consumer recycled FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) certified paper.

ABOVE: Students in Bill Ivey’s Humanities 7 class who planned the Convention of Girls’ and Women’s Rights. Photo

by Matthew Cavanaugh

ON THE COVER: Seventh graders Elizabeth Musselman, Clara Baum, Ruth (Ruthie) Spencer, and Hillary Leeds (L-R) helped plan the Convention of Girls’ and Women’s Rights.

Photo by Matthew Cavanaugh.

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Photo by Matthew Cavanaugh

Letter from the Editor

Speaking Out “Each student is challenged to discover her best self and graduate with confidence to think independently and act ethically, secure in the knowledge that her voice will be heard.”

– from the Stoneleigh-Burnham School Mission Statement

Your voice is strong, and you are confident, and you inspire us.

We hear you share stories about your new life at college.

you say reminds us of something we said yesterday or a long time ago.

We hear you when you speak at Housemeeting, when you tell us about a community service opportunity, when you present about Black History Month, when you give us a sports update.

We hear you tell people Black Lives Matter, when you’re holding a sign on the Town Common.

Speak out now, speak out loud, and listen to the voices who join you. We are with you.

We hear you when you’re on stage – singing, debating, playing an instrument, performing Shakespeare.

We hear you tell us at Honor Roll Assembly why you value education, and why you chose to work with students.

We hear you when you may be quiet but your painting, your poetry, your dance, or your prose has told us what’s on your mind.

We hear you even when we may not speak your native language.

We hear you in class when you ask a question.

We hear you speak about your goals and achievements at Career Night.

We hear you talk about the mistakes you’ve made and what you’ve learned.

We hear you in the halls when you think we aren’t listening, and sometimes what

We’re here to learn – but we can also have fun!

Your gift today will make a difference. sbschool.org/donate

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Our Voices Rising: Teaching Girls to Speak Out

By Sally Mixsell ‘69, Head of School

Stoneleigh-Burnham’s Debate and Public Speaking Society, sophomore Rhetoric class, and the philosophy behind our IB Program serve as focal points in teaching our students to speak out. But, the tenets of those three pieces of a girl’s experience at Stoneleigh-Burnham permeate the whole school. Learning to hone an argument, speak with conviction, and honor others’ perspectives are ideas we start to talk about as early as seventh grade. In almost everything a student does here, she is encouraged to speak out, share her informed perspective, and assume that she will not be shut down by those around her.

This is exactly what we’re trying to teach here, and it’s hard to learn it, even harder to practice it. A Stoneleigh-Burnham student has as many as six years to learn to do this well. Watch out, world, for six-year SBS veterans; they are particularly powerful women with particularly powerful voices!

ing the confidence to speak up, even in male-dominated work environments; and that many of our alumnae have, in fact, reached managerial and leadership positions requiring them to act with confidence and conviction - which they learned to do here at Stoneleigh-Burnham.

For the past two years, I have been moderating small dinners, hosted by our alumnae.

The format is based on Thomas Jefferson’s parties, where no more than 12 people would discuss one topic. Our topic is the empowerment of girls and young women in today’s world. We are interested in learning what our alumnae experience as women in their fields so as to inform how we prepare our current students for their futures.

“Speaking out” means many things. Certainly the programs and courses we have in place are relevant to the topic, but there are other places where we see voices rising. For instance, we hosted a fundraiser for Girls Rising, a nonprofit formed by the all-female rock group Antigone Rising to “inspire young girls and LGBT youth to pursue non-traditional career paths and educate all kids that it’s okay to play, think, act and be different!” Antigone Rising, our Upper School rock bands, and a local girls’ group, Kalliope Jones, performed. I was so proud of our students as they stood on stage and belted out song after song, including one beautiful original piece in Chinese, inspired by the story of The Little Mermaid. Our student musicians and singers got to experience what being in a rock band really feels like when they joined Antigone Rising for their song “Game Changer.” Our girls, like the other two groups, spoke out through music to say, “We can do this, too!” “We have a voice we can use to inspire and change the world, too.” “We’re female, and we’re awesome.”

I asked a few of our students what they think speaking out means at StoneleighBurnham.

• Clara: I think we’re encouraged in classes to speak our minds, to have an opinion, and to not be afraid to share it. Then this transfers outside of classes.

• Nikki: We definitely are encouraged to speak up if we know something isn’t right.

• Clara: But we’re encouraged to speak up with respect.

• Isabel: We’re encouraged to use our voices to make positive change if we think we have an idea that will make the school better.

• Nikki: That’s because safe spaces are created, especially in classes, where we dare to speak our minds.

• Siyana: But that requires listening as much as speaking.

• Clara: Listening and speaking, they go hand in hand. You have to listen to what the other person is saying and be respectful of that perspective before you speak.

As alumnae recount moments of empowerment along the way, examples of gender balance in their work, and when they have embraced leadership, we learn a lot. At the end of these dinners, I always ask for the take-aways each guest will be leaving with. Invariably, we learn that experiencing and not fearing failure has been key to developing voice; we hear that attending an all-girls’ school has been key to find-

No matter our political bents, we are in a world where speaking out does feel more important than ever. Enjoy this issue exploring how Stoneleigh-Burnham has been and continues to be successful in raising young women to speak out with confidence, conviction, and respect for the world around them.

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Photo by Paul Franz

Photo by Matthew Cavanaugh

Photo by Hank Mixsell

Photo by Hank Mixsell

Photo by Hank Mixsell

Photo by Jane Kim TOP ROW OF PHOTOS, LEFT TO RIGHT: Dina Ding and Linda Yang at 100 Nights. The cast of Macbeth, the Theater Department’s Winter Play Production, with Director Julian Findlay.

Students prepare Candy Grams in the Student Lounge during the holiday season. Sophie Hathaway shows off her costume on Halloween. Members of the Class of 2017 take a selfie before dinner on 100 Nights.

LARGE PHOTO: The Community Service Club invited the school community to help create an “appreciation clothesline” on the terrace.

LEFT AND BELOW: Rachel Cho and and Molly Li perform for the 1869 Society and Leadership Council. Erin Leblanc and other dance students practice in the dance studio. Jax Morgan and Fiona Hodges practice in Rock Band class. SBS students attend a weekly Rally for Racial Justice on the Greenfield Town Common. Edith Wang at varsity basketball practice.

Photo by Matthew Cavanaugh

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Photo by Hank Mixsell

Photo by Matthew Cavanaugh

Photo by Hank Mixsell

Photo by Matthew Cavanaugh

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Photo by Matthew Cavanaugh

Convention of Girls’ and Women’s Rights

By Bill Ivey, Middle School Dean

“These are seventh graders?” By now, I’ve heard this comment so often I’ve almost come to expect it, but I continue to welcome and delight in it. Our society is frequently dismissive of middle schoolers, but those of us who spend time with them every day – and those of us who take the time to really listen to them – know well how wonderful they can be.

Back in December, I asked my Humanities 7 class to rewrite and update the original Declaration of Sentiments from the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention, the first convention for women’s rights organized by women. I gave the students the option of doing so on their own or inviting other schools to join us in the process. They decided to invite other schools, public and private, and also de-

cided, since we are a girls’ school, that the invitation would specifically be extended to middle school girls. Six schools accepted our invitation, agreeing to send 16 girls to join our own class of 16.

“While we referred to the day as a Convention, they wanted to break the mold.”

While we referred to the day as a Convention, they wanted to break the mold. They decided to open with a keynote speech, create a series of booths that would be presented in three rotations, hold small group conversations about girls’ and women’s issues, have an entertainment break, collect ideas to be synthesized into the draft document, and end the day with a reading of the draft document followed by discussion and revision. It took just over two weeks to plan, with the students forming a number of committees who brainstormed ideas, consulted with the rest of the class, developed checklists of what needed to be done, and in general did their best to organize the day as carefully as possible so our guests would leave feeling pride in our new Declaration of 5

Convention of Girls’ and Women’s Rights (continued)

Sentiments and having had fun and learned something.

The morning of January 8 dawned bright and cold, and when the first students showed up in the gym, they set right to

women’s rights on a timeline, and matching famous women to their accomplishments.

The discussions, each facilitated by a seventh grade volunteer, were thoughtful and productive, and the ideas left at the Declaration booth were insightful. A team of four

2:30 p.m. to hear the result.

Revision is never an easy process, and revision with a group of 32 can be especially tricky. But the student writing team did an amazing job of coming to agreement with the full group that they would vote on their

Photos by Bill Ivey

work setting up the first rotation of booths.

The table designated for food and snacks quickly filled up with the handiwork of students and their supportive parents, the girl in charge of providing background music hooked up her laptop and did a sound check, the girl giving the keynote speech asked me for last ideas for revision, and in general everything proceeded smoothly and we started right on time.

Our guests listened respectfully and thoughtfully to the keynote, and then fanned out for the first rotation of booths. Some of their choices included a quiz game, competing to place notable events in the history of 6

“They had taken a huge risk, given it their all, witnessed the power of their individual and collective will, and seen it all culminate in a powerful document.” students spent about an hour steadily and productively turning the core ideas into a coherent document, and we all gathered at

agreement with each individual grievance of the Declaration, and then go back and discuss the ones for which there was no obvious general consensus. In the process, the students clarified ideas, expanded and went deeper on certain points, and added new thoughts as they emerged. At the end, the writing team was asked to read the full document back and as they finished, I looked behind me to see a “Hey, that’s really pretty good!” face on one of our guests and the whole group started to applaud.

The next day, the students were exhausted, but also radiated a calm sense of accomplishment. They had taken a huge risk,

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Declaration of Sentiments given it their all, witnessed the power of their individual and collective will, and seen it all culminate in a powerful document and, perhaps equally important, a genuinely fun day. They will carry this experience forward as they go through school and they go through life. And I firmly believe they will succeed in helping our country become a more and more equitable place.

This Declaration of Sentiments, modeled on the original, was written by the Humanities 7 class along with the middle school girls from Bancroft School, Center School, Eaglebrook School, Four Rivers Charter Public School, Hampshire Regional School, and Hilltop Montessori School who attended their Convention on Women’s Rights on January 9, 2017.

When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary to re-evaluate women’s position in society, it is important to listen to all points of view, like those who oppose, those who object and those who agree. We hold these truths to be self evident; that all men and women are created equal; that they are guaranteed certain rights. Among these are life,

More recently, Ali Benjamin, author of the thing about jellyfish, came to visit my Humanities 7 class. I once collaborated with her on an article about middle schoolers, so I knew she was someone who was naturally on their side. The kids must have sensed that too, warming up to her almost immediately as they introduced themselves and talked about their favorite books, and engaging thoroughly and deeply with her for nearly an hour and three-quarters about her book, writing in general, and the many deeper themes touched on in the book about identity, friendship, grief, the human condition, and more. After the kids had thanked her and gone to lunch, she and I continued to talk about them, their ideas, and our own lives. “They give me hope,” she said at one point, and I responded (as I always do):

liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The history of man’s interactions between women has

“I know exactly how you feel.”

World Wide, (including parts of the US)

Bill Ivey is the Middle School Dean at Stoneleigh-Burnham School and helped found the school’s middle school program.

He teaches Humanities 7, as well as the Middle and Upper School Rock Bands.

made women feel inferior and unimportant. In the past few years, women’s situation has greatly improved but is not perfect. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world.

His work has always been worth more than hers.

He has judged women by their physical appearance.

He has often looked down upon her as less capable.

Media has often sent negative and inaccurate examples and stereotypes of her to the world.

The general public has viewed her sports as lesser; his sports are more widely regarded and compensated than hers.

Media has favored his sports over hers.

Stereotypes have been inflicted on all genders.

As a young girl, she was given an inaccurate portrayal of women.

In social or professional environments, he objectifies her.

Young girls are not exposed to positive views of women.

Powerful male figures have set the example of treating woman negatively.

Even in the civil rights movement, he would not give credit to her.

He denies her the simple liberties of choice, including but not limited to, travel, professions, body, reproductive rights, education, fashion.

He has prevented her from getting a good education.

Certain religious practices entitle him to certain benefits and rights, limiting her participation.

His opinion is more valued in society.

Professions that are traditionally masculine are valued more than professions traditionally feminine.

When traditionally masculine professions are performed by a man, they are more sought after and highly compensated than when performed by a woman.

We are prepared to put pressure on local, state, and federal officials in hopes of improving the equality of men and women and keeping the equality we have currently. We plan to share this document with all participants and all types of media. We would like the world to know that we will not stand for being treated lesser or inferior to any male.

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Debate

Rebecca Knapp ‘85 Rebecca Knapp ‘85 shared her experience as one of the first members of the Stoneleigh-Burnham Debate and Public Speaking Society, which was formed in 1981. She was a day student from Greenfield, MA and now lives in Hong Kong and Venice Beach, Los Angeles. The Bulletin caught up with her while she was traveling in Japan.

What are you doing in Japan?

I am spending the month snowboarding in Hokkaido, Japan (Japan’s northern island). I recently retired from work and am spending this year traveling and training in Triathlon. I qualified for the 2017 USA Triathlon Nationals and am hoping to earn a spot

on the USA World Cup team to compete in 2018.

Can you describe your experience in debate and public speaking at SBS? I was a member of SBS’s first debate team. We often faced off against other high school girls and they were very skilled debaters. When we finally

debated Deerfield (which was all boys at the time) I was relieved that I didn’t have to go up against another girl as I felt boys were much less intimidating debaters.

Somehow, I qualified to participate in an international competition in Toronto. Dr. Paul Bassett made debate such a fun, intellectual mind game that I did not realize I should be nervous for the competition.

I ended up winning 1st place in public speaking, reciting a piece from Anne Frank.

Who at SBS helped you with public speaking and in what ways?

Dr. Bassett introduced the concept of public speaking as the intersection of poise, charisma and logic. He emphasized the importance of providing evidence (or an anecdote) to encourage your audience to support your viewpoint, and then to wrap this all up in an emotional story

By the Numbers DEBATE & PUBLIC SPEAKING

1981

The year the Debate & Public Speaking Society was founded (by Head Coach Dr. Paul Bassett)

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Number of members of the Debate & Public Speaking Society in 2016-2017

34

Number of years that Dr. Paul Bassett has been Head Coach (since 1983)

The grade that students take the Rhetoric Course

16 8

45

33

9 Number of competitions per regular debate season

Percentage of the student body who are members of the Debate & Public Speaking Society

3

Number of speeches each student prepares for each competition

The number of students to date who have qualified for and/or competed in the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championship

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Hours Sophie Hathaway spent working on her Interpretive Reading this season

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World Debate Competitors 16TH OWL QUALIFIES FOR WORLDS to captivate and charm your listeners. Another teacher, Dr. Monjula Soloman, encouraged me to “think big” and to do the hard work of “reading, researching and reflecting” to gain confidence in crafting my own points of view. She never let me be trite or lazy when I submitted papers or engaged in political or academic discourse.

What do you value most about your SBS education?

I specifically attribute the all-girls environment with allowing me the space to build confidence and dream big. In today’s environment where

college campuses and town hall meetings have become battlegrounds for public and private citizens to express their opinions on the state of affairs, lessons learned from debate club have more meaning than ever.

For free exchange of ideas to have any meaning, they need to be based in logic and evidence, not emotion and hearsay. As a student of debate, I learned early on that destroying a foe’s position by thoughtfully picking apart his thesis is much more powerful (and painful) than shouting obscenities or throwing emotional tantrums.

Sophie Hathaway ’18

This year, Sophie Hathaway ’18 joined an elite group of students dating back to 1988. She is the 16th student to qualify as a world competitor in debate and public speaking. In April, she traveled to Sydney, Australia as part of the U.S. Team at the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championship. A day student from Greenfield, MA, who has attended SBS since 7th grade, Sophie credits Rhetoric teachers Dr. Paul Bassett and Cyndee Meese for seeing her potential as an 8th grader and motivating her to step out of her comfort zone.

“If someone wants to try public speaking or debate, I would encourage them to try something every day that makes them the slightest bit uncomfortable, whether it’s speaking out in class more often or just trying something new,” Sophie said.

Create a Lasting Legacy Through a Charitable Bequest “Many of our donors use their wills or living trusts to make their most generous gifts. Please remember Stoneleigh-Burnham when you create yours.”

– Susan Mattei, Director of Development and Alumnae Relations

Contact Susan at 413-774-2711 x247 for information about ways to give, or visit

STUDENTS WHO HAVE QUALIFIED FOR AND/OR COMPETED AT THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS Christine Claffey ’88

Obehi Utubor ’05

Julie Bastarache ’91

Emily Palmer ’06

Dionis Gauvin ’92

Bryna Cofrin-Shaw ’10

Stephanie McCusker ’94

Jane Logan ’14

Kelley Stiles ’95

Karen Mardini ’14

Alexandra Madden ’01

Claire Lane ’16

Bethany Hubbard ’02

Clara Swartzentruber ’16

Emma Nolan-Thomas ’04

Sophie Hathaway ‘18

sbschool.org/plannedgiving 9

Class Notes Class of ’58 MAB friends, Valerie Brenhouse Mace, Betsey Evans Paige, and Linda Nims Weaver (back row), along with Peggy Baxter Streeter and Lynn Dender Kelly (front row), enjoying the Yale Club in New York.

Florida this past winter, but it was not in the cards.

Hopefully next year. Becky volunteers at the Peabody Essex Museum on Fridays, getting her retail fix. On Mondays, she works at therapeutic riding farm helping special needs children ride. She finds her time spent with the children and horses very rewarding.

Chris Kovacs Durkin stays very busy with her daughters and grandchildren. She had a great getaway to Prince Edward Island with her friend, Richard, last summer. Betsy Robbins Strasser, Judy Winslow Robison and Maggie Larus Overstrom had lunch last winter in Jupiter, FL. They fell into conversation as if they had seen each other yesterday. Libby Apfel Sanderson plans

Submit class notes and photos to alumnae@sbschool.org or at sbschool.org/alumnae/classnote.

We want to hear the latest, as well as update your contact information. If you would like to request contact information for another alumnae, please call the Alumnae Relations Office at 413-774-2711 x317, or email alumnae@sbschool.org.

Class Notes after 1985 are now available online at sbschool.org/alumnae.

1956MAB

Gail Kalbach Bradshaw ’56 MAB shares: I have been enjoying living in the Quail Ridge Retirement Community in Bedford, OR and have been living a fun and eventful life. I have had the opportunity to travel the globe to such places as Wake Island and Australia. I remember my Burnham classmates and House Mothers fondly, especially Mrs. Emerson and Mrs. Peters. I would love to be in touch with my classmates, and I am looking forward to hearing news of them in this issue of the Bulletin.

1958MAB

Lynn Dender Kelly ’58 MAB writes: On February 8, 2017, five members of the Mary A. Burnham Class of 1958 met for lunch at the Yale Club in New York.

1961SPH

Julie Stephens Wyman ’61 SPH shares: 2016 was a busy year for us! After going back and forth between Sarasota and Naples, we decided to live full-time in Naples. We sold our house in Sarasota and since we will be living in Naples full-time, we bought a larger condo and moved into it in December. Luckily we’ve just sold our other Naples condo and will close May 1! We are slowly settling into condo living – I much prefer a house – and getting involved in our new community. We have been too busy moving, packing, unpacking, and

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furniture shopping to play tennis or work out but I hope to resume shortly. Julie would love to hear from anyone in the area, “Actually would love to hear from any of my former classmates!” Her email is: julie4cats@gmail.com.

1962MAB – 55th Reunion

Kathy Conathan Reardon ’62 MAB writes: I hope to get together with some of our East Coast classmates this Spring. My travels have been curtailed for the past couple of years with my husband Jack’s illness and surgeries. There seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel, so we hope to spend time in Duxbury, MA this summer. Quite a few of us keep up on Facebook. Libby Montague Mundy posts wonderful pictures of her fabulous travels. Jane Konheim Kasov shared, “My daughter-in-law is a cardiac nurse practitioner at Stamford Hospital.

About a week after Thanksgiving, I mentioned to her that I had heartburn whenever I went out for a walk.

She set me up for a stress test at the hospital right away, and I ended up staying half a week. Three cardiac stents! Now I can resume packing up the house for our imminent move to, by coincidence, Stamford!” Becky Ellis, Pat Wood Cochran and Sarah Caldwell Anderson got together for lunch celebrating Pat’s birthday in February; they had done the same for Sarah’s in January. They tried to find a time to visit Betsy Robbins Strasser in

Maggie Larus Overstrom, Judy Winslow Robeson, and Betsy Robbins Strasser, all MAB’62. on going to the Saturday night Reunion dinner in June and she hopes to see some classmates. She and Bev Burgess spent the afternoon at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Libby has finally retired and her current focus is on political action. She went to the Women’s March on Washington in January with her daughter. She reminded me she was named “Most Radical” at Burnham. Beverly Burgess is the N.E. Business Development Manager for Princess Cruises and Cunard. She reported that it is “tough to give up what you love doing.” Her two grandchildren are in college and the time has flown by. Mary Ellis Bowers is a busy grandmother of three, twin girls aged 16 and an 11-year-old grandson. The girls are into softball and driving, and her grandson is into everything. Sarah Caldwell Anderson also has twin granddaughters, who are 12. She loves watching them plus a super cute dog, Poppy, when her daughter travels. She has been gearing up with her husband of 50 years for a busy season of staging houses. Althea Prescott Cranston has been retired for three years, but is still teaching children skiing at Wildcat Mountain

the bulletin S P R I N G in Jackson N.H. The children range between kindergarten and second grade. In December, she made her fifth trip to Telluride, CO, where her sister, Paula Prescott Hart B’64, spends her winters as a ski instructor. Althea says she plans on going to Reunion this summer and that her daughter, Hannah, is living in NYC, making her way as a singer/ songwriter. Libby Montague Mundy B’62 and Pam Potter B’61 got together in AZ this winter.

1964SPH

Anne Morris-Stockton ’64 SPH shares: Here’s the news from Stoneleigh-Prospect Hill, Class of 1964! Virginia Budd Piper has two children and two wonderful grandchildren. She is also busy with a company that manufactures, sells, and installs a product that converts a bathtub into a walkin shower. She talks to Gail Edson Girouard often. Jane Braddock reports that she is alive, well, and still painting. She had a big show last year at Tinney Contemporary and a couple of smaller installations, including one at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Jane spent October in Morocco and loved it. If anyone is in the area please give her a call!

Lyn Wood is trying to get used to the emerging importance of the owl since we left the school. Mrs. E gave her one the last time she saw her in Vermont.

Hall Hunt is doing well and thoroughly enjoying her grandkids. She is still living in Massachusetts and says to stop by if in the neighborhood. Russ is her relatively new man and they are very happy, as you can see by the photo. Cynthia Wimmer has lived in DC for the past 21 years. Cyn has a PhD and uses this to consult in both the business and academic sectors. She also founded companies with her two sons. In 2014, Cyn retired and is now remodeling her eighth house. Recently, she bought a second home in Seattle. She tries to split her time between DC and Seattle so she can see all of her grandkids.

2017

in the U.S. She celebrated her 70th birthday in Lake Tahoe with friends from Asia, Africa, and the U.S. Kathy also continues her weekly bridge game and is a voracious reader. Linda Cudmore Morris has been very involved in the Navy League of the U.S. Denver Council as a board member. She invited Jeannie Porter Jennings as an attendee and invited Cheryl Marcelle Remple and her husband, David, to give a presentation about their 20 years working in the UAE with falcons. Linda has two grandchildren relatively close by in California and her son is not far away in Denver. Pamela Brewster

Linda Cudmore Morris ’64 SPH, Anne Morris-Stockton ’64 SPH, and Jeannie Porter Jennings ’64 SPH, in Colorado with cake, celebrating SBS friendship!

Pat Hall Hunt ’64 SPH with Russ.

Jane Braddock ’64 SPH and Lyn Wood ’64 SPH.

Jane Nichols Cartmill ’64 SPH and Sedona.

She has no real news other than that of her children.

Her daughter Melissa will be 50 in May and Chip will be 42 in September. Penny White Morrill is retired nearly three years now and busier than ever as she volunteers with five or six different groups.

She would love to see anyone from SBS, particularly from the Class of ’64. Penny is 30 miles north of Tampa, FL. Jean Porter Jennings is enjoying her seven grandchildren, ages 2 ½ to 17. They keep her young! She is busy as president of her 49-year-old family foundation whose mission supports at-risk, low-income children through education, the arts, and animals. Bravo Jeannie! Judy Lee is now a Deacon at The Episcopal Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Alabama. She reports that all is well. The last time we ran into each other was in Paris in 1967. Pat

Jane Nichols Cartmill retired in 2012 after 32 years as administrator of an Ophthalmology Group in California. She is still the President of San Diego Animal Advocates, an animal rights organization established in 1984. Jane has been a spokesperson for animal-related issues in San Diego County for many years. She lives with an Amazon parrot, two dogs, and two parakeets. Her website is www.animaladvocates. org. Susan Barta Hadley has just moved to Park City, UT and invites any classmates to be in touch if they visit the area. There is great skiing, sun, and fun.

Susan is very happy with her really handsome man and sees her grandkids all the time. Kathy Johnson Talmage is still living in Bangkok with her husband, Hunt. They travel internationally frequently since they have a pied-à-terre in Paris and grandchildren

Benson shared that the entire family gathered in Deerfield to celebrate their “big” birthdays. In addition, she also received tickets to Hamilton, with a night on the town in New York City. Pam continues to be tirelessly involved at SBS. Her daughter, Allison Porter ’89, has been chair of the Board of Trustees.

Pam says to remember SBS’s 150th anniversary and our 55th Reunion coming up! As she says, “It would be a great opportunity for Annie and I to have more of our classmates in attendance. We always have fun but only having the two of us there could be improved upon … just saying.” Jacquie Williams Dorrance and her husband, Bennett, still live in Paradise Valley, AZ. In 2018, they are celebrating 50 years of marriage! She saw Sue Barta Hadley last summer for a drink at her place in Park City.

Jacquie Williams Dorrance ’64 SPH and her family including seven grandkids!

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Class Notes

SUMMER

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Jacquie began to cut back from all the Board work with which she has been tirelessly involved.

She takes dancing classes and yoga to keep fit and busy. She and Bennett are involved in Conservancy causes. (Good girl, Jacquie!) In Kenya, they are funding an Elephant Sanctuary. Carol Grasso Brooks lives in Orono, ME with her husband of 47 years, Warren Brooks. Carol was first involved in advertising sales for both print and radio. She later joined a realty company in Bangor. Carol is, naturally, a member of the local Women’s Ski and Snowboard Club. In her downtime she golfs and paints. They have two sons and two grandbabies also living in New England. Carol cherishes some amazing memories of her Stoneleigh-Prospect Hill years! Margie Marrow Samberg has lived in California for the past 47 years. She has three children and five grandchildren with “one in the oven.” Margie married a photographer from NYC and is a retired deaf interpreter. Life is good. As for Anne Morris-Stockton, she adds: I have a busy life with monthly visits to my mom in Florida.

I am managing her care, expenses, and the general upkeep of her house and property. When I am here in New York I have dance, yoga, and exercise classes to keep me fit, along with social activities with my friends. Hard to keep up with it all!

1965SPH

Julia (Judy) H. Lee ’64 SPH writes: Actually this note is for the Class of 1965. Laurinda (Lori) Jones Lee ’65 SPH died on March 4, 2017. She was my “little sister” during our years at Stoneleigh-Prospect Hill.

1967SPH – 50th Reunion

Robin Fowler Rochette ’67 SPH says: My life is basically uneventful although very busy. I help take care of my 93-year-old mom, running her around to different appointments and exercises. Yes,

OWLS FOR LIFE

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exercises. I also still volunteer taking care of cats at a local shelter. I am planning another mission trip to Thailand in June. My husband and I are going to Disney World with our kids in May. Because of these trips, I won’t be able to make the reunion, but hope everyone has a great time.

Robin Fowler Rochette ’67 SPH shares her daughter’s wedding photo. Congratulations to Gianna and Wesley Chambers.

1978

Tina Livingston Ford ’78 shares: After retiring from the DC Police Department, I’m now a teaching assistant with DC Public Schools. With the addition of Micah and Mason Forbes, we now have 12 grands. Several classmates have been in contact via Facebook, and it has been awesome! Looking forward to Reunion 2018!

1992 – 25th Reunion

Courtney Bartlett Cardona ’92 shares: Hey ladies! My husband and I are living in the Atlanta, GA area with our 13-year-old daughter (she is so At its annual Career Night, the Student Alumnae Association hosted alumnae Sally Mixsell ’69, Head of Stoneleigh-Burnham School, Michelle Savage Brynda ’84, physical therapist assistant, Anne O’Connor ’88, director of security at The Williston Northampton School, Sharon Barbour Petrecca ’85 from Microsoft, and Jennifer Howley McDonald ’91, a cybersecurity marketing leader, to share their life and career experiences with students. Photo by Matthew Cavanaugh

the bulletin S P R I N G

Meet 8-month-old Mason, grandson of Tina Livingston Ford ’78.

year stay in Austin, TX where I’ve been running a successful cleaning business. I’ll be sad to leave everything and everyone behind, but my pups and I are so excited to start a new chapter in Pensacola!

Ashley Guertin Whitney ’92 shares: Our 25th Reunion is quickly approaching and I hope to see lots of classmates in June! Ethan, age 14, and Mackenzie, age 13, keep Todd and me quite busy with all of the their sports; golf, soccer, ski racing, lacrosse, baseball, and softball. We spend our winters coaching ski racing on the slopes of Burke Mountain in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont.

I even ran into Stephanie Swift Kroth ’93 at Burke a few years ago, in the bathroom of all places! I had the pleasure of having lunch with Tamar Cooke Luck ’90 this fall and also got to see Jenn Kostanski Davenport ’93 and Diane Arena while I was visiting Northfield Mount Hermon with Ethan. Last week I received a message through Facebook from Rico — yes, Rico — with a picture of Audrey from “Little Shop of Horrors.”

Apparently, he had just seen the show and thought of me when I played Audrey, the plant. Who remembers that? Hugs to all of my SBS Sisters!

2017

Stoneleigh-Burnham School Alumnae Board 2016-2017 Melissa McKallagat ’96, President Charlotte Lewis-Hankus ’72, Vice President Erica Marback ’05, Co-secretary Kate Strousse ’13, Co-secretary Joydae Albert ’01 Michelle Savage Brynda ’84 Heatherle Clingerman ’93 Jessica Gale ’11 Suze Stutzman Genereux ’85 Heather Hoover-Borromeo ’05 Tamar Cooke Luck ’90 Jessica Meese ’04 Toni Manning ’65 SPH Anne O’Connor ’88 Hannah Risser-Sperry ’05 June Coolidge Scott ’83 Marcy Segel ’06 Julie Singley ’04 Sam Torres ’08, Staff Liason/Ex Officio Kathleen Tuck Fontaine ’83, Development & Alumnae Relations Dept. Liaison/Ex Officio

LET’S CONNECT Tina Livingston Ford ’78 also shared this photo of her 3-year-old grandson, Micah.

Ashley Guertin Whitney ’92 with her son, Ethan, daughter, Mackenzie, and husband, Todd.

much like me — God help us!) and 10-year-old son.

This is my 19th year teaching high school Spanish and I love it! My husband is from the South of France so we spend a lot of time visiting family there. We also get to do quite a bit of world traveling because my husband works for Delta Airlines and they have great perks! Life is good, I can’t complain.

I am really looking forward to seeing everyone at reunion this coming June!

Emily (Leelee) Harrison ’92 says: Hello everyone! I am about to finish a wonderful four

Courtney Garrigan ’92 writes: Hi y’all! I’m so excited about coming up for Reunion this year!

Things are super busy here in Dallas. My boys are now 14 and 11. They are awesome kids and I desperately want them to stop growing. My shop is doing well and we are in our third year now. We are about to move into a beautiful new space. We are also opening a second shop with a different concept right next door. I’m totally exhausted but having fun. There is not much of a social life happening for this girl lately, any chance I have to get away from

Stoneleigh-Burnham is stronger when you are involved For information on upcoming events and alumnae news: sbschool.org/alumnae 13 13

Class Notes Matthew is 7, and Valerie is 4. We built our home on the farm I grew up on so the kids have lots of space to play. We also added a puppy to our family this past summer. When I am not taking care of my family I work at Dana Farber Cancer Center as a Registered Dietitian. I am looking forward to reconnecting with classmates in June!

as well as the lifelong relationships established, as being key pillars in this passion. Wishing everyone individual success, however success manifests for you!

2002 – 25th Reunion

Courtney Garrigan ’92 and her boys. the shop I try to spend napping! It’s so fun following the school and my fellow SBS girls on Facebook. See you all in June. xo Lisa Vincent Taylor ’92 shares: My husband Bob and I have three beautiful children. Nathan is 9,

Ashley Girard ’02 writes: Hi everyone! I am a somewhat recent Los Angeles/Silicon Beach transplant after living in Boston for 10 years and working at companies such as PUMA, RueLaLa, and Unreal Brands. I am a Northeastern University graduate in Communications/Macroeconomic Theory. Go Huskies! I am currently the Director of eCommerce, Merchandise and Operations at TechStyle which aims to reimagine the fashion business by creating the world’s most innovative and admired fashion company, formerly JustFab! I love seeing updates online but am always looking to meet up in network IRL, too, either in Los Angeles or at this year’s Reunion.

I am passionate about professional development and the empowerment of women in business. Having been honored by the National Association of Professional Women with “Outstanding Excellence and Dedication to Her Profession and the Achievement of Women” and by Brand Innovator’s, “Women to Watch in Marketing.” I am extremely reflective and appreciative of my time at Stoneleigh-Burnham,

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Goal: $1.5 million Features: 27 state-of-the art paddocks, large grass paddocks, parking area, and outdoor all-weather arena sbschool.org/equestriancenter 14

New Trailer and Vehicle Parking Area

New Paddock Area

Tess Drouin-Reed ’12.

2012 – 5th Reunion

Tess Drouin-Reed ’12 writes: Hey fellow owls!

It’s been a while but here’s a quick note from my last adventures. After being in Austria for the past two years riding for an Austrian show jumper, I recently moved to Germany to continue my riding experience with a world class Swiss rider. I ride at home and follow her to all the shows. I have traveled all over Europe. I am currently on the road again to Holland, living the life on the road! I miss my SBS family. Lots of love from a fellow owl!

In Memoriam

the bulletin S P R I N G

2017

Margaret “Shelley” Bindloss White ’49 SPH

1931-2016

Our community is mourning the loss of Margaret “Shelley” Bindloss White ’49 SPH, who passed peacefully in the comfort of her home in Stonington, CT on December 12, 2016. Shelley, a long-time supporter of SBS, served on the Board of Trustees 1987-1990. Her appreciation for and devotion to StoneleighBurnham are reflected through her generous gift of the Bindloss Reading Room, an addition to the Macalaster Library.

Dedicated in May 1989, the Bindloss Reading Room was named in honor of Shelley’s parents, who gave her and her sister (the late Joan Bindloss Humphreys ’46 MAB) the opportunity to be educated at Stoneleigh-Prospect Hill and Mary A. Burnham. This room remains a favorite among students and faculty.

Listed Left to Right, Top to Bottom: NAME

CLASS DECEASED

Barbara Curley LaFrance Margaret (Shelley) Bindloss White Patricia Russell Eastman Polly Peterson Ringdahl Cynthia Klemm Rogers Christine Rowe Lamb Laurinda Jones Lee Ellen Gilman Helen Tremaine Rollins Lord Stacy E. Bissell

’45 MAB ’49 SPH ’51 MAB ’56 MAB ’59 MAB ’64 MAB ’65 SPH ’68 MAB ’68 MAB ’89 SBS

9/28/2016 12/12/2016 1/15/2017 7/30/2016 11/19/2016 10/27/2016 3/4/2017 11/10/15 1/19/2017 1/2/2017

After graduating as a four-year senior from Stoneleigh-Prospect Hill, Shelley attended Colby Sawyer College and The Museum of Fine Arts School. In 1952, she married William Blunt (Bill) White of Mystic, CT. They were happily married for 64 years. Shelley was an active woman who enjoyed traveling, the outdoors, sailing, skiing, adventuring with Bill, and bird-watching with friends. She was an active volunteer with local organizations, including Calvary Church, the Westerly Center for the Arts, the Lyman Allyn Art Museum, and the Thames Science Center. She loved to cook, to entertain, and to take care of family and friends.

Whether at home or at sea, she always had special grace and showed great caring.

Together, Shelley and Bill made their life in Stonington. When Bill retired in 1986, they purchased an additional home in Florida where they had a full life for 18 years. Shelley leaves behind her husband, William Blunt (Bill) White, their two children, Blunt White, and his wife Nancy, and Kassy White, as well as five grandchildren.

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How Did SBS Empower You and Prepare You for the Future?

Francesca “Franny” Eremeeva ‘15 of Northampton, MA is a first-year student at Mount Holyoke College. During a gap year she traveled to East Africa and also studied at the American University of Rome.

Franny Eremeeva

learning, and most importantly, listening.

SBS is a gold mine of possibilities, and I encourage every girl to remain open to all those things.

a critical time, benefitted me greatly (saved me really) and now more than ever, prepare us fortunate women for larger roles in our changing world.

Fleuri Meek MacIntyre ’77, of Ridgefield,

Charlotte Minsky ‘16 of Greenfield, MA,

CT, has assisted cancer patients with Road

is a first-year student at MIT. She spends

to Recovery, served on PTA, assisted the

most of her time doing research in as-

New Hampshire Lakes Association and

tronomy, and is active in the LGBTQ+

the Norwalk River Association, worked

advocacy group and co-social chair of

for the Women’s Center of Greater Dan-

her living group.

bury, and spent 20 years in the travel industry.

My college years aren’t the ones I am most proud of. The tools I took from SBS took

Early last year, two Caltech astronomers published a paper theorizing the existence of a ninth planet in our solar system. Since then, a few astronomers around the world have Charlotte Minsky

SBS has a unique way of making students feel supported and safe, but also accountable. Performing at your personal best is a requirement, a value instilled in all aspects of the school. SBS has valuable role models in teachers, staff, and of course, our incredible head, Sally. Looking up to them helped me see the person I hoped to become, and with their guidance, I think I am continuing in the correct direction.

I am proud of my recent acceptance as an intern for an organization called Solve at MIT in Boston. And, the work I did during my gap year has truly shown me what I am made of. I traveled to a lot of new places where there were not only cultural barriers but also language barriers. I learned that I was a lot more adaptable than I previously thought, and that if I put my mind to it, I can truly accomplish anything.

The most valuable lesson I learned at SBS was to wake up every single morning and work. Whether it was to give 100% to my studies or run to the barn to ensure I had enough time to take care of my horse and prepare for a championship. There is a valuable work ethic instilled into SBS students, if you allow yourself to be open to growing,

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Flueri Meek MacIntyre

longer to appreciate. Friendships I made and still to this day cherish, as well as the family of teachers, mentors, thinkers, and learners I was surrounded by formed/forged/shaped me into the adult I am today.

I have a strong ethic in giving back, determination to seek challenges such as triathlons, biking, and tennis. I am summitting Mount Washington this summer (with fellow alumna Kate Schwartz). I am committed to staying healthy and active for the long term.

You get what you give. I am an advocate for women’s rights and volunteer when I can toward that end.

The education SBS provides young women is invaluable. The years spent there are at

Dara Raskin

been looking for observational evidence of its existence. I am one of those astronomers (or astronomy students), combing through radio astronomy surveys, using my programming experience to cross-match different catalogues and calculate physical characteristics of “Planet 9.” If I’m lucky, I will be able to publish my first scientific paper soon based on the work I have done so far.

I would not be as outspoken in my college classes as I am if not for SBS. I have answered questions in front of hundreds of students, and perhaps most remarkably, I haven’t been discouraged by being wrong. The fact that I am frequently one of only two or three female students who contribute in lectures

Coda

the bulletin S P R I N G

2017

The United States of America UNITES again speaks to the importance of what SBS has to offer for young women. I will never forget the ways that SBS teachers inspired me, supported me, and changed the way I think. I truly believe that SBS shapes its students more than most high schools, and that is why it remains a home and a family to those that pass through its doors long after they leave.

Dara Raskin ’01 of New York City, is part of the Human Resources Development Program at Bank of America. She currently works in Leadership Development for Merrill Lynch Wealth Management.

At SBS, I gained confidence, learned to use my voice and to ALWAYS have an opinion.

My intellectual curiosity was formed at SBS, as well as the foundation for critical thinking skills that now allow me to excel professionally. I also know that I just wouldn’t have the life I have today without SBS. I received financial aid to attend, and it opened my eyes to a world that I did not quite know was out there. I am so grateful to Stoneleigh-Burnham, and it makes me conscious of paying it forward as an alumna so that other young women can benefit in the same way I did.

I love to travel and experience new cultures.

This passion started at SBS because it was really the first time that I encountered so much diversity. My best friend from SBS is from Mumbai! I am proud that I have been to 30 countries and counting, and in December, I will check off my last continent (aside from Antarctica).

I am really excited because my 12-year-old niece is attending A Voice of Her Own camp at SBS this summer. I cannot overstate the impact that debate had on my high school experience, and on shaping me into the woman I am today. I cannot wait for my niece to have the experience of learning to craft an argument and confidently express herself in front of a group.

By Gabrielle (Bri) Rooks ‘18

For as long as I can remember, image has been everything. What people think about us seems to be the main focus for many. We tend to put ourselves in categories. Sometimes we start to label people before we know them.

Say you are walking down the street and you meet someone for the first time. The first thing you probably notice about them is what they look like and what their actions are implying. This automatically triggers us to put a label on them. It so common for us to look for differences that we tend to lose sight of what we have in common. When we see someone with a disability that keeps them in a wheelchair, we automatically start looking at them or treating them differently based on that one thing that “defines” them.

The only thing that makes you different from that person is the way you are choosing to look at them. In a community, there are categories that people fall under based on the definitions we have created. For example, there is the higher class, the middle class, and the lower class in a community. Looking at a specific community such as a school setting, you find categories for the jocks, the geeks, the popular, and so on. Who decides these categories, these labels, these stereotypes?

Who establishes the things that define each of us? Well the answer to all this is quite simple — WE DO! We put ourselves in these categories. We are the ones who give each other labels. We are the ones who stray away from what is not “the norm.”

The categories that have been created by others are the ones that help us to stand together.

On January 21, 2017 the Women’s March on Washington helped the people to put aside their differences and stand together to fight for the rights of all of us. On this special day, we weren’t focused on nationalities, different ethnic groups, different socioeconomic backgrounds. We were all finding ourselves together as part of the human race. We stood

together — each unique by race, religion, political beliefs, gender identification, even likes and dislikes.

Those are the people who stood together to show not only America, but the world, that human rights are worth fighting for. This was a remarkable day and a day that will be remembered in our history because it brought people together. On this day, we forgot about labels. We stood up for what we believe is right; we reached out to make The United States of America UNITE again.

For we are the people and we are the ones who decide what happens next. We fought for the chance to be equal and we did this all by being united.

Something I took away from the Women’s March on Washington and the sister Marches was that everyone has a story, which moved them to act. Going forward, I will seek to hear others’ stories, I will seek to break down the barriers that we build between each other, I will seek to unite.

Gabrielle (Bri) Rooks is involved in Blue Key, Outing Club, Photography Club, CoPresident of the Community Service Club, Vice President of the Student Alumnae Association, and plays basketball and volleyball. Bri also enjoys dance classes. She was an intern for Massachusetts Representative Paul Mark. This summer, Bri will represent SBS through an exchange program with Downe House School in Berkshire, England.

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Upcoming Campus Events June 2 - 4......................Reunion 2017 June 25 - Aug 5.............Summer Camp Programs July 29 - 30 ..................Summer Horse Trials September 4 .................Convocation; Classes Begin October 9 .....................Admissions Open House October 20 - 21..............Fall Family Weekend October 27.....................1869 Society Recognition Dinner

Leadership Council Meeting November 10.................Admissions Open House For more event information, and Reunion Registration, visit sbschool.org/alumnae

Seventh graders Clara Baum, Elizabeth Musselman, Hillary Leeds, and Ruth (Ruthie) Spencer. Photo by Matthew Cavanaugh