Harmonies of History
As part of February’s Impact Wednesday and in coordination with Black History Month, Middle and Upper School students were treated to an amazing performance by local singer, Thomasina Petrus, on February 14th. In her show, Thomasina focused on the likes of Billie Holiday, Bessie Smith, and Etta James, and the challenges these women faced as they made their way in the world of musical performance.
“Being able to perform, celebrate, and teach Jazz history to children using Billie Holiday and others I hope helps them use the ‘thing’ they love—whether it’s a person, an era, a thing, or an invention, etc.—as a way to connect that interest to the idea that we are all here to learn something that helps us help the world be a more understanding, adventurous, and loving place,” shared Thomasina.
Through the Arch MAGAZINE
PUBLISHED BY
SSM Communications
Shattuck-St. Mary’s School 1000 Shumway Avenue Faribault, MN 55021 | 507.333.1599
www.s-sm.org
EDITORIAL TEAM
Editors
Alyssa Christian
Megan Maschoff
Contributing Writers
Matt Cavellier
Alyssa Christian
Nick Cobbett ’85
Megan Maschoff
Laurel Simer ’07
DESIGN TEAM
Layout and Design
Alyssa Christian
Contributing Photographers
Matt Addington
Maggie Osterbauer Lee ’03
Megan Maschoff
Laurel Simer ’07
Johnnie Walker
SUPPORT TEAM
Kim Bakken
Fr. Henry Doyle
Maria Hanson
Maggie Osterbauer Lee ’03
OUR SCHOOL MISSION
We are a global learning community that honors tradition while embracing innovation. By cultivating creative, independent thinking, we foster the transformation of our students to become citizens of integrity for an ever-changing world.
Shattuck-St. Mary’s School community, with its strong commitment to protecting human rights and dignity, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national or ethnic origin in its admissions and scholarship programs, the administration of its educational, athletic, or other school programs, or its employment practices.
THE MAJOR TRAVELS TO THE BIG EASY
Six students from The Major Center of Excellence experienced history, culture, cuisine, and more on their spring trip to New Orleans.
BEYOND WORDS
SSM students gain meaningful skills and perspective through a partnership with the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf.
100 YEARS OF SSM HOCKEY
Highlights from the last 100 years of SSM hockey as we celebrate the program’s centenniel.
ON THE COVER:
Jordyn Petrie ’24 is all smiles as she interacts with the students in the afterschool program at the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf, where she is part of an ASL immersion class. Read more about this unique partnership between schools on page 13.
PHOTO: MATT ADDINGTONGreetings from Campus!
Recently, we hosted the Board of Trustees for their annual meeting. Over the course of the weekend, there were several discussions about what exactly is “the secret sauce” that makes Shattuck-St. Mary’s so special. While the experience at SSM is a composite of a variety of factors, including Hogwartian buildings and fortitudeforging winters, we all know that what makes SSM special is our people.
Since our inception over 165 years ago, the campuses of Shattuck, St. Mary’s, and St. James, have been home to thousands of educators and over ten thousand alumni. There are those whose names adorn our buildings and award boards, there are others whose idiosyncrasies are passed down in folklore, and there are still others
whose names have been lost to the passage of time. But it is impossible to have a school battle through adversity, link arms in triumphant moments, and come together in a collective spirit without each and every one of us driving the mission forward.
As we look to continue to honor tradition while embracing innovation, it is imperative we continue to celebrate our alumni and past employees, promote the exciting enterprises of our current students and faculty, and envision the school’s future. This issue of Through the Arch is the first of a three-part series on “Fostering Citizens of Integrity/Paying it Forward.” In the pages of this issue you will learn about the ways in which our current SSM students strengthen our community and the greater Faribault community. I challenge you to read through these pages and not be impressed with the caliber of our student body.
The second issue will focus on the enduring impact of our educators, and the third issue will focus on alums who pay it forward by giving back. Throughout each issue, you will read about individuals whose names may or may not ever be immortalized on our walls or through our annual awards but whose commitment to our School community, to the values and core beliefs espoused in our mission and vision statement, has remained steadfast.
As I mention in my frequent Instagram posts (shameless plug, please follow @ssmheadofschool) it is good to be one of us. Ours is a community dedicated to preparing students for college and beyond, for sure. It is also a community where individuals can make major contributions that have a long-lasting impact on the people in our sphere of influence and the place we call home.
So that’s it. It is simple really. The secret sauce is the people. All the people who have come through the Arch and all who are yet to come through. Because the wonderful thing about the Whitney Arch is you may depart through it after graduation, but you can always come back again. We welcome you to read the stories in this issue, share suggestions with our Communications Office for our next two issues, and come back through the Arch for a visit and a reminder of how special it is to have been a part of the SSM experience.
Matt Cavellier SSM Head of School2023-2024 OFFICERS, TRUSTEES, AND ADMINISTRATION
Officers
Matthew Cavellier Head of School
The Rt. Rev. Craig Loya Honorary Chair
Kristi Klungness ’84
Chair
Tamara Kloeckl Nelsen ’80 Vice Chair
Megan Trout ’04
Secretary-Treasurer
TrusTees
Lev Alcott ’65
Parker, Colorado
Nora Brown ’96
Washington, D.C.
H.J. "Jack" Dane ’75
Davenport, Iowa
David Duncombe ’79
Appleton, Wisconsin
Katy Gray
Cos Cob, Connecticut
Jonathan Hancock Fort Wayne, Indiana
Paul Jeremiassen ’62
Olney, Montana
Kristi Klungness ’84
Bloomfield, Michigan
Fred W. Krahmer ’88
Fairmont, Minnesota
The Rt. Rev. Craig Loya Chanhassen, Minnesota
Joel MacIntosh ’86 Wayzata, Minnesota
Tamara Kloeckl Nelsen ’80 Woodbury, Minnesota
Chris Silge ’81 West Palm Beach, Florida
Jonathan Smith ’96 West Hartford, Connecticut
Ruthie Sudderth ’02 Lansing, Michigan
Megan Trout ’04 Chicago, Illinois
Bruce R. Tuomala ’78 Roxbury, Connecticut
Ruth Schenck Wiegand ’97 Lakeville, Minnesota
ex OfficiO
Kim Bakken Office Manager
Katy Gray Parents' Association President
The Rt. Rev. Craig Loya X Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Minnesota
TrusTee emeriTi
Sharon Hoffman Avent ’64
Ed Carpenter ’60
Linda Stone Dasher ’56
Dan Gislason ’62
Abby Carlstrom Humphrey ’62
Fred C. Krahmer ’60
Hugh Wooldridge ’55
AdminisTrATiOn
John Blackmer
Director of Community Life & Campus Security
Tristen Brown
Director of Health Services
Courtney Cavellier
Associate Head of School & Middle School Director
Matthew Cavellier Head of School
Michele Cornish
Director of Athletics
Amy Horstman Cox ’94
Director of Auxiliary Programs
Sarah Flagstad
Director of Residential Life
Andrew Garlinski ’98
Director of Admissions
Robert Gutwein ’95
Director of Counseling
Maggie Osterbauer Lee ’03
Director of Institutional Advancement
Rev. Colin Maltbie School Chaplain
Megan Maschoff
Director of Communications
Mark Olson
Director of Technology
Daniel Ray
Academic Dean
Scott Ryberg
Chief Financial Officer
Patrick Schaefer
Director of the Upper School
Erin Sellner
Director of Human Resources
Stephanie Vagle
Director of Innovative Academics
Matt Wolfgram
ScholarShift and Special Projects
SCHOOL NEWS
Engineering COE Participates in NASA Competition
This year, members of the Shattuck-St. Mary’s Engineering Center of Excellence (COE) had the opportunity to put their skills to the test as they participated in the NASA HUNCH (High Schools United with NASA to Create Hardware) design competition, a challenge which tasks high school students with producing hardware training items for the International Space Station (ISS).
Throughout the school year, SSM students worked on three projects as part of the program—a multi-tool ID badge holder, a mobility arm on a robotic duster, and a lunar bamboo greenhouse. Students completed the Preliminary Design Review during the Fall trimester, which is a science fair-style poster presentation that outlines their ideas for what their prototype will be, how they will build it, and how they will test it. Students presented their posters to NASA mentors and Glenn Johnson, the head of the design and prototype competition. The students used the feedback they received on their initial ideas as they continued to build their design prototypes.
According to its website, the mission of the HUNCH program “is to empower and inspire students through a Project Based Learning program where high school students learn 21stcentury skills and have the opportunity to launch their careers through the participation in the design and fabrication of real-world valued products for NASA.” Over 200 schools across the country participate in a variety of challenges through the HUNCH program, aiming to improve the lives of the International Space Station crew.
Engineering COE Director Alex Jones discussed how SSM students are well-equipped for the challenge. “The expectations of our engineering projects are very similar and students even prepare several poster presentations highlighting their work, much akin to NASA HUNCH,” said Jones. “Our program provides students with a deep understanding on applying the engineering design process to any type of project. Students also have a leg up with various hard skills such as modeling and prototyping, 3D printing, laser cutting, and general fabrication.”
Engineering student Rose Nordaune Young ’24, who worked on two of the design projects, enjoyed having the opportunity to put her skills to use. “Last year I got some modeling experience with a model bridge that I made, so it has been fun to develop my modeling skills to make the lunar greenhouse. I’m also working on the design team to create a robotic arm that can pull itself along a handrail on the ISS. I have not had much experience with robotics so it has been challenging yet rewarding to be immersed in a new branch of engineering this year.”
Senior Copeland Abel echoed his classmate’s sentiments. “My favorite part [of the HUNCH project] is applying the engineering skills that Mr. Jones taught us into a real-world project that the world could potentially see.”
Although none of the SSM projects were selected to attend the national finals, the HUNCH competition was still very rewarding. Jones is optimistic that the experience gained this year will bode well for the group in the future. “Considering this was our first year, there was a lot of ‘learning the system’ involved. I think that next year will be more productive and we should have a much better chance at making it to the final judging.”
BioScience Students Gain Hands-on Experience Through Field Trips
Over the years, BioScience Center of Excellence Director Dr. Maren LaLiberty has used her connections in the medical field, along with Shattuck-St. Mary’s convenient proximity to reputable hospitals and medical programs, to provide valuable learning experiences for SSM students through field trips. This past winter, current BioScience students were awarded two unique opportunities for hands-on learning.
In December, the group visited the University of Minnesota’s Visible Heart Lab under the direction of renowned cardiovascular physiologist, Dr. Paul Iaizzo. As part of the medical school and the department of surgery, the VHL conducts critical preclinical research on cardiovascular medications and devices using large mammals. Students were able to observe doctors during their procedures and examine how scientists respond to protocol mistakes, equipment malfunctions, and even unexpected anatomic abnormalities in the animals.
In February, students spent the day at the M Simulation Center and the Experimental Surgical Services, also at the University of Minnesota. In the morning, the students practiced real-world situations at the simulation center in three different stations. The first had students assess a variety of ailments on a life-like mannequin such as allergic reactions and anaphylactic shock. They were also able to practice CPR and track the effectiveness of their skills with real-time data analysis.
Students had the opportunity to learn and practice laparoscopic surgery techniques through different training exercises at the second station. They were given a variety of tasks to complete while using the laparoscopic surgery tools, such as clasping and moving objects and cutting with the laparoscopic scissor tool. Some of the exercises are the same ones that surgical residents are tested on at the University of Minnesota Medical School.
The final station focused on treatment and care for major injuries. Specially designed mannequins can simulate the bleeding of catastrophic injuries. Students learned the proper technique of using a tourniquet and applying pressure to stop the bleeding. They also learned how to properly dress and care for wounds.
In the afternoon, the group spent time at the Experimental Surgical Services Center learning about the medical research process, specifically the pre-clinical phase, the importance of medical research, and the benefits and necessity of using animal models in medical research. Students also got to practice tying surgical knots and performing sutures.
“Being able to utilize these great resources and having these field trip opportunities has intrigued all of the BioScience students,” said BioScience Director Maren LaLiberty. “These experiences have potentially provided the impetus for several of our students and alums to pursue careers in bioethics, scientific research, and biomedical engineering.”
SCHOOL NEWS
Shattuck-St. Mary’s Forest City Partnership Comes to an End
In a significant development for Shattuck-St. Mary’s Forest City International School, the partnership with Country Garden Education Group (CGEG) is concluding after several years of collaboration. Since 2018, ShattuckSt. Mary’s Educational Services (SSMES) has worked alongside Country Garden in managing and operating Shattuck-St. Mary’s Forest City, a renowned pre-K through 12th-grade institution located in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
CGEG’s Chinese parent company is under intense financial scrutiny for its real estate business, and they have fallen far short of the goals for occupancy of the Forest City housing development, creating challenges for school enrollment.
CGEG has recently taken steps leading towards the termination of the Management and Operations Agreement between SSMES and themselves. As part of their future plans, CGEG intends to replace the SSM brand with the CATS brand, owned by Country Garden Education Group.
With the upcoming graduation of twelve seniors from Shattuck-St. Mary’s
The Major COE Takes Flight
Forest City, preparations are underway for the management transition effective June 30th, 2024. This marks the end of a chapter in the School’s history, but we are proud of the work the students, teachers, and administrators have done in representing SSM in Malaysia. As we bid farewell to this partnership, we look forward to embracing new opportunities and continuing to uphold the values that define Shattuck-St. Mary’s School.
The Major Center of Excellence is reaching new heights with the recent generous donation of a flight simulator to their classroom. This exciting new tool comes on the heels of two current Major students, James Ryu ’27 and James Hong ’25, who joined the program to learn more about aviation and work on getting their private pilot license, which they have started the process of.
“The more practice the kids get with an experienced instructor the better,” stated Craig Peck, Director of The Major Center of Excellence. “It is much more affordable for them to practice skills in the simulator that they can then use in the air. Both of these kids are very serious about making this a career, so I can’t think of a better way for them to get started.”
International Day Another Success
On February 14, students, faculty, and staff gathered for one of the most beloved annual traditions at Shattuck-St. Mary’s—International Day—which is dedicated to celebrating the diverse community that SSM offers and provides everyone a chance to learn about the different countries that our students and staff call home.
This year, delegates from 38 different countries decked themselves out in the colors of their nation and proudly waved their respective flags as they marched into Johnson Gymnasium while their national anthems played. Six of the seven continents were represented, proving that SSM’s reach truly spans the globe.
After the Parade of Nations, stations were set up throughout the Upper School for the international students to showcase their countries and give people a glimpse into their culture. Some stations featured crafts, others had games and trivia, while some played music and danced. The most popular activity for inquisitive minds was sampling traditional food and drink from the various countries.
Eva Sun, Dean of International Students, touched on the importance of the yearly tradition. “International Day gives our international students a platform to proudly showcase their heritage, fostering a sense of belonging and celebration of their culture. It also offers everyone at SSM the opportunity to engage, learn, and appreciate different cultures, promoting awareness of diversity and inclusion.”
SSM Students
Participate in Women’s Leadership Summit
In January, eight students and one staff member traveled to Hawaii for the Women’s Next Generation Leadership Summit. This is the fifth year that Shattuck-St. Mary’s has been able to send a group of senior girls to the summit thanks to the generous funding provided by Rex Bates ’70.
The summit brings together representatives from SSM, Annie Wright Schools, and Overlake School. It aims to help young women develop their leadership skills, connect with peers, and meet with female role models across a wide array of careers. Apart from their leadership workshops, students are immersed in the Hawaiian culture, taking hula classes, eating traditional Hawaiian food, exploring the local wildlife, and more.
The SSM student representatives were chosen through an application process in which they had to demonstrate how they stand out as leaders within the SSM community and reflect upon how they could grow as leaders. Seniors Cena Carlson, Liyah Menilek, Lulu Gray, Genny Klein, Sena Hasegawa, Mikayla Murray, Isabella Pitan, and Penelope Parrish along with Director of Residential Life, Sarah Flagstad, were chosen to participate.
Mathletes
Finish Third in State Tournament
In March, the ShattuckSt. Mary’s Mathletes team competed in the Minnesota High School Math League Tournament, where it took home third place.
The Sabres qualified for the state playoff after placing first out of 51 teams in Class A after five competitions during the regular season. The state tournament featured 10 sectional winners competing against each other, with SSM coming away with the third-place finish behind Parnassus Preparatory School and Breck School.
Elijiah Kim ’26 was the top performer for SSM as he finished 78th out of 2500 individual competitors across the state.
A Day in the Life: The Major Takes on The Big Easy
In March, students in The Major Center of Excellence, a program which allows students to further their studies in an area of a personal interest, headed off on their annual field trip to explore more of the United States. This year, the six students packed their bags and headed South to the historyrich city of New Orleans.
REAL WORLD EXPLORATION
Students in The Major are encouraged to engage in critical thinking and self-guided discovery, and one of the best ways they get to experience this outside of the classroom is through their annual field trip.
HIP, HIP, BEIGNET!
Upon arrival in New Orleans, one of the first orders of business was trying some of the local cuisine. From fried green tomatoes, po’ boys, and the crowd-favorite beignets, students enjoyed many of the southern food staples that the city had to offer.
Front row, left-right: Izabella Pitan ’24, chaperone Megan Maschoff, Ella Krahmer ’26 Back row left-right: Su Jang ’25, James Ryu ’27, James Hong ’25, chaperone Julie Good, Payten Brown ’27, Director of The Major COE Craig PeckON THE BAYOU
On their first full day in New Orleans, the group headed out of the city to the bayou to learn more about the marshy areas particular to the south. Through the boat tour, students were able to see up close and personal the unique vegetation of the area, and most anticipated, the gators that can be found lurking around.
“There is absolutely no substitute for travel. The world isn’t just an abstraction to read about in school; it is a reality to be experienced. The world becomes more real. You become a participant.”
− Craig Peck, Director of The Major Center of Excellence
HISTORY ALL AROUND
From Jackson Square to the World War II Museum, students were able to learn about a wide array of our nation’s history during their time in NOLA. “One of my favorite parts of the trip was the graveyard tour,” said senior Izabella Pitan. “I liked learning about the history, especially Marie Laveau (Louisiana Creole practitioner of Voodoo).”
BEYOND WORDS
The Heartwarming Partnership Between Shattuck-St. Mary’s and the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf
By Megan MaschoffOna Thursday afternoon in March, just a stone’s throw from the front steps of Saint Mary’s Hall, a group of third, fourth, and fifth grade students sit around a small table playing an enthusiastic game of UNO. Though the room is quiet, smiles are abundant as Genny Klein and Lola Reid, seniors at Shattuck-St. Mary’s, join in on the fun.
Since 2019, this scene at the neighboring Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf (MSAD) has become a common occurrence thanks to a partnership devised by Deb Kasper, Shattuck-St. Mary’s ASL teacher.
SSM American Sign Language teacher Deb Kasper shows the plaque dedicated to her father, John Matthews, hanging on the wall at MSAD. Her father, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 89, was very involved within the Deaf community, at local, state, and national levels. He was a founding member of the MSAD Alumni Association and helped establish its Hall of Fame, in which he was inducted into in 2013.
A SIGN
Deb, who was born and raised in Faribault, has a long history with MSAD, dating back to 1936 when her grandpa and aunt dropped off her deaf father on campus with just a trunk at the young age of 5.
“My grandpa delivered meat for Wilson Food Company with Shattuck and Minnesota School for the Deaf (now known as Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf) being two of his stops,” notes Deb. “When it came time for my dad to start school, my grandparents knew right where to enroll him, though my grandma was too devastated to go with when they dropped him off.”
Years later, Deb’s father would return back to teach at the academy with his wife, Paula (who was also deaf)
following. With both parents spending many hours at the academy helping fill different roles, it quickly became a familiar space for Deb and her sister.
“My sister and I grew up on campus. When my dad was coaching basketball, we were in the gym playing up on the stage with the MSAD students. He would also like to run and work out in the tunnels, so my sister and I would play with our Barbies in the tunnels while he did so.”
Deb never had any plans to follow in her parents’ teaching footsteps, however. She sought to become an accountant after high school until she quickly realized that accounting was not her strongest subject.
“In the summer of 1983, there was a State of Minnesota program for college students to work at MSAD and the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind, so I worked in the blind school library and the deaf school during summer school. After that I realized ‘oh, I kinda like working with deaf kids and I can easily communicate with them’.”
Soon after, a neighbor of Deb’s who had attended Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, gave her a flyer for the deaf education program at Augustana and she applied on a whim. After completing the program in 1987, Deb moved back to her hometown and began working in the school district as an itinerant teacher, working specifically with deaf and hard of hearing students. In 1994, she accepted the role as the American Sign Language teacher at Faribault High School (FHS).
SSM AT MSAD
Twenty-three years later, Deb decided to leave the public school system and join the Shattuck-St. Mary's community to continue her love of teaching American Sign Language, and to expand the ASL immersion program she had helped start with MSAD during her time at FHS.
The program, which is available for SSM students taking ASL IV or ASL V, is based on the concept of creating an experience that would allow hearing ASL students to further their skills in an environment that has 100% ASL communication access. Within the program, students can choose to enroll in an academic class at MSAD in which they are expected to complete the same course work as the MSAD students, or they can be an educational assistant in a class where they assist in small groups or one-on-one with students.
In 2019, Maggi Quigg ’19 became the first SSM student to participate in the program before it shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now in its third full year since the pandemic, six students can be found walking to the neighboring campus two to three times a week to work with the deaf students. One of these students is senior Jordyn Petrie ’24.
“I was super nervous at first,” admits Jordyn. “We had been around the deaf community before, but it was never going off on my own and being with a bunch of people I didn’t know. I was super scared to sign to them the first time without Ms. Kasper there or anyone who could fluently sign. But I got there and everyone was super welcoming.”
It was Jordyn’s classmate Lola Reid ’24, who encouraged Jordyn to take ASL. Lola is in her second year helping at MSAD, working with third, fourth, and fifth graders as a teacher's aide. As with Jordyn, Lola was also filled with nerves during her first few sessions, but she quickly grew to realize the rare opportunity she had been given.
“It is a really unique experience that you won’t get anywhere else. And once you get comfortable, it is a surreal experience to see,” says Lola. “Every single teacher at the deaf school is deaf, and they are so accepting of people who are hearing and want to learn sign language, and they really encourage it. So rather than being nervous and uncomfortable about ‘I’m the only one who is hearing’ or ‘I feel like I’m not great at ASL’, you really have to realize that they love any effort you put in and they are so glad that people are interested and wanting to learn their language and learn about their culture.”
The Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf campus is hard to miss for anyone visiting Shattuck-St. Mary's School, as it's just a stone's throw from SSM's entrance off of Shumway Avenue, directly in between the Shattuck and St. Mary's campuses, making it a convenient walk for students from both schools. Much like the SSM campus, the MSAD campus features beautiful architecture, with buildings that date back to the nineteenth century and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The culture specifically has been a highlight for Genny Klein ’24, who is in her first year of the program, as she has gotten to know the third and fourth graders through helping with science experiments and other classroom activities.
“The culture of this language is the best because I love to see how they interact with each other. It's more of a family type of culture compared to the other languages I have learned,” expresses Genny.
MSAD AT SSM
As the program has evolved, so has the learning and collaboration between campuses. In 2022, as part of their ScholarShift® project, Calvin Vauchon ’23 and Hunter Anderson ’23 worked with Deb Kasper and Auna Ortiz, MSAD Activities Coordinator, to develop a Learn to Skate program that allows students from MSAD to come to the SSM Sports Complex and skate with ASL students.
“The program arose from recognizing the need to provide [MSAD students] a supportive environment where beginners could learn the enjoyable activity of skating,” explains Auna. “However, the program not only teaches skating skills but also serves as a platform for deaf culture/social interaction and fun for the SSM students.”
Drake Murray ’24, who is a first-year ASL student, was able to participate in his first Learn to Skate session this past winter and quickly realized what a special event it was not only for his ASL classmates, but for the MSAD students as well.
“It really made me appreciate what we have been learning in [ASL] class as I was able to actually see what I had been learning and communicate with a group of people I would have never been able to before,” said Drake.
This year, MSAD students also had the opportunity to work with SSM ASL students in the weCreate® Center to make tree ornaments during the holiday season.
“One of my favorite moments from these activities is when [MSAD] students visited my office and expressed their gratitude…"Thank you, Auna! I had so
much fun ice skating, and those SSM ASL students are really cool and nice to us. We should hang out more often." It touched my heart to see my students thriving and happy,” shared Auna.
Deb expressed similar sentiments when reflecting on the events between campuses. “When I see our students interact with students from MSAD, it truly warms my heart and is the sole purpose of why I have been teaching ASL all these years. Inviting each other onto each other’s campus helps educate, dispel any preconceived ideas, and helps us become better acquainted with each other.”
EMPOWERING VOICES
While Jordyn, Lola, and Genny only have a few weeks left in the immersion program, their experience in this program has made a lasting impact. This is especially true for Lola, who plans to study deaf studies and deaf education at Boston University.
“Part of what really moved me to want to continue doing it and become fluent at it is my mom is a therapist and she talked to me about how she has clients coming to her all the time wanting therapists who can sign and know ASL and where we live in Nebraska, there is absolutely nobody,” notes Lola. “So it really puts into perspective this simple resource that should be available for all people isn’t available to this large group of people because there is a lack of people fluent in ASL.”
And it is success stories just like Lola’s that shows the impact and importance of this program, especially to Chelsea Paulson, a teacher at MSAD who has worked with past SSM students in the immersion program.
FOSTERING CITIZENS OF INTEGRITY
An important component of SSM's mission is our commitment to fostering citizens of integrity. In addition to offerings such as the ASL immersion program featured in this story, one of the ways that we help our students gain leadership skills and crosscultural understanding is through service learning and civic engagement. Throughout the year, students partake in unique volunteer activities that broaden their perspectives while allowing them to connect with fellow volunteers and members of the community. Service learning provides real-world, hands-on experiences that develop consciousness and critical thinking—leading our students on inward and outward journeys to become citizens of integrity fully prepared for their lives beyond the Arch.
Here are just a few highlights from this past year.
RUTH'S HOUSE FUNDRAISER
For the past two years, the SSM community has worked together to provide Ruth’s House, a local charity that gives support and transitional housing to women and children, with important household items like bedding, towels, pillows, and laundry baskets. These items are collected through generous donations from SSM families, faculty, and staff, and are assembled and delivered to Ruth's House right before winter break.
BIOSCIENCE COE VOLUNTEERS AT GLOBAL HEALTH MINISTRIES
In January, students in the BioScience Center of Excellence traveled to Fridley, Minnesota to volunteer at Global Health Ministries (GHM), a nonprofit established in 1987 that “specializes in capacity-building for Lutheran health systems in under-resourced countries, serving some of the most vulnerable people in the world.” While there, students learned more about the history and missions of GHM, as well as sorted and boxed medical supplies to be delivered across the globe.
MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS HELP AT TOYS FOR TOTS
“Everywhere you go, one out of five folks you meet will have some form of hearing loss. It’s a great thing to learn American Sign Language to quickly bridge the connection and make lives better for everyone,” Chelsea states.
As SSM students have continued to have great experiences in Deb’s ASL classes and in the various immersion activities, the need for more sections of ASL at SSM became greater. Deb didn’t need to look too far for help, however, as Amy Vogen, Middle School Administrative Assistant, was a former ASL student of hers who also grew up in a family with two deaf parents. Amy is currently teaching two sections of ASL I at the Middle School.
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to teach American Sign Language at SSM,” noted Amy. “ASL is a part of who I am, and being able to teach students the unique culture while watching
them develop a love for the language makes me feel closer to my late mother. These past two years I have been able to get my dad and siblings involved in the classroom too, which has continued to be the highlight of the school year for my ASL students.”
And while the memories of playing UNO with MSAD kids on a Thursday or skating with them one afternoon in J.P. Parisé Arena may be what the SSM students remember most, to Deb, the overall lesson is the biggest reward of it all.
“When the students interact with deaf people, they learn how to just be human…react, respond, and treat everyone with respect.”
For her ScholarShift Honors project, Maggie Scannell ‘24 wanted to explore the impact of volunteering with animals on mental health and well-being. To do so, she partnered with Rescue 55021, a local pet shelter in Faribault. Maggie, along with a few friends, spent time at the shelter this winter doing a variety of tasks to lend a helping hand, including the most enjoyable of all—playing with cute kittens! They also learned more about how non-profit organizations work and the importance of volunteering.
Following her sophomore year at Shattuck-St. Mary’s, current senior Yan Ma '24 (center) noticed that many of the children whose parents worked at her family’s candy-making shop in China had to attend rural schools, which were very underfunded. Yan immediately wanted to help and began working on a plan, which turned into her ScholarShift Honors project, "Sweet Bridge: Filling the Gap in Chinese Rural Education." To help improve the local schools, Yan sold the candy her family’s shop produces at the Middle and Upper Schools this winter, with all proceeds going to the cause.
Actors, Musicians, and Singers—Oh My!
Earlier this school year, several dozen of Shattuck-St. Mary’s performing arts students gathered for a large group photo to show the nearly 100 students currently enrolled in band, choir, orchestra, and dance classes.
“The performing arts at SSM are alive and well!” exclaimed Pete Schleif, Director of the Vocal Performance Program and Middle & Upper School choirs. “With class offerings in instrumental and vocal music, theater, and dance, students have tons of opportunities to express their artistic side both individually and as a group. Being involved in the performing arts allows students to become balanced, well-rounded humans who are curious, eager to try new things, and are often giving back to their community.”
ARTS NEWS
Pre-Conservatory COE Explores New Music Mediums
During this Spring Term, the Pre-Conservatory Center of Excellence has explored recording technologies and electronic music in a variety of different ways.
The COE recently acquired and have started using a new software package called Ableton Live and accompanying hardware, Ableton Push, that are the industry standard for electronic music—whether that be EDM, classic music, or behind-the-scenes creativity like music and audio production. Students had the unique opportunity to put the software to use in April when visiting Fesler-Lampert performer and local Minneapolis band, We are the Willows, did a short residency with the students in the days leading up to their show. The band shared a rough cut of their upcoming album, with students then having the opportunity to write and record their own creative takes on the band’s work. The band then worked with students to develop their musical ideas and record them, all in the possibility that their recordings might make the final cut of their album.
Lastly, students had the opportunity to visit Minnesota Public Radio live along with their recording studios thanks to current MPR producer and Pre-Conservatory alum Ines Guanchez ’14.
Pre-Conservatory students check out one of the live studios at MPR, where they got a special shoutout on air during the broadcast.
Vocal Performance Program Wins at NATS
The Shattuck-St. Mary’s Vocal Performance Center of Excellence had an unprecedented showing at the Minnesota National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) vocal competition on Nov. 3 and 4.
For the first time ever, SSM had two students crowned state champions as Lucas Xiang ’25 (left) and Adelina Mukhametzhanova ’26 (right) both won the Classical divisions. Additionally, Adelina took second place in the Musical Theater division. This marks the second year in a row that Adelina has won the competition and just the third time ever that an SSM student has won the state title.
The Minnesota NATS is an annual event that features one of the most competitive fields on the competition circuit and is organized and judged by some of the most prominent vocal teachers in the Midwest.
SSM Vocal Performance Program director Peter Schleif discussed the commitment it takes to win such an award. “These wins directly reflect the hard work put in by these students every day. The combination of outstanding instruction, a rigorous rehearsal schedule, and the grit needed to balance school, singing, extracurricular activities, and more are what really make these students exceptional. The VPP prides itself on developing vocal excellence and producing well-rounded student musicians, and I could not be more proud of them,” exclaimed Mr. Schleif.
SNAPSHOTS
VISITING CHOIRS
The Chapel of the Good Shepherd has been filled with beautiful music recently thanks to visits from local choirs. In February, Doane College of Nebraska and I Cantanti Chamber Choir of Northfield combined for a beautiful show with René Clausen, composer and guest director. The SSM Chamber Choir also got to join in on a few of the songs.
In the spring, Augustana University Choir and St. John’s University/College of St. Ben’s Chamber Choir also stopped by campus for concerts in the chapel.
In March, several SSM singers got to attend the Minnesota Opera to watch Zoie Reams ’10 sing in two separate roles in the Minnesota Opera premiere of Trouble in Tahiti & Service Provider by Leonard Bernstein.
WHEN REAL LIFE BEGINS: THE SERENDIPITY OF BUILDING A CAREER
On April 10th, Pre-Conservatory alums Ines Guanchez ’14 and Osip Nikiforov ’13 returned to campus to present a Deep Dive and Dessert session in the weCreate Center. The presentation, titled “When Real Life Begins: The Serendipity of Building a Career”, gave advice to students as they think about their future careers from the perspective of what they experienced since their SSM graduation. Ines is currently working at Minnesota Public Radio and Osip recently received his Doctor of Musical Arts from Rice University.
Magdiell Antequera ’15 was granted tenure with Naples Philharmonic in Florida.
Cate Carson ’20 won first place in the Strings III category of the 2024 Schubert Club Bruce P. Carlson Student Scholarship Competition, held in early March. This fall, she will head to The Juilliard School in NYC to pursue her master’s degree in violin performance.
Dina Dautova ’23, who is in her freshman year at New York University, has done a few public performances in NYC including a musical celebration of pianist Marguerite Long and a performance of Erik Satie’s “Vexations” that was covered by the New York Times.
Osip Nikiforov ’13 won second place in the Piano IV category of the 2023 Schubert Club Bruce P. Carlson Student Scholarship Competition. He also recently completed his doctorate at Rice University.
Hannah Ray ’21 recently won the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Competition, in which she then got to perform with the Bismarck Mandan Symphony.
Ana Sofia Dorante Schutte ’16 was featured on Minnesota Public Radio with Ines Guanchez ’14 for their “Portraits of Women in Music” series.
Brewer Williams ’22 scored third place at the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Northwestern Regional competition in March. With his win, he will now advance to NATS Nationals.
A Momentous Season For Sabre Hockey
For the second year in a row and just the third time ever, the Shattuck-St. Mary’s Hockey Center of Excellence captured four USA Hockey National Championships in a single season as four of the seven national-bound teams won their respective tournaments.
This year was particularly special as it marked the tenth national titles for both Tom Ward and Gordie Stafford. Additionally, for the first time in Shattuck-St. Mary’s history, a team coached by two women won a national championship with Ellie Williams ’11 and Melissa Boik behind the bench for the Girls U16 title.
“The 2023-2024 hockey season was filled with many special moments, a long list of accomplishments, and tremendous leadership from our senior class,” said SSM Director of Hockey Ben Umhoefer ’05, as he reflected on the year. “To finish the year with four more national championships is another unforgettable chapter in our program’s history. Eight national titles and three runner-up finishes in two years is unprecedented, and a testament to the strength of Shattuck-St. Mary’s School and our entire community.”
Read more about these four teams’ season-ending wins on page 31.
100 years of ssm hockey
1933
The founders of Shattuck hockey, the 1924 team. 1968
In February 1968 the first game was played in the Old Rink— affectionately known as "The Barn." In 2017, the rink was named John R. Sumner Arena in honor of the longtime SSM coach and educator.
The 1999 Boys Prep Hockey team claimed the school’s first ever national championship and catapulted SSM to the forefront of youth hockey programs.
The 1933 Shattuck hockey team was the first team to go undefeated, finishing 12-0 and claiming the Championship of the Northwest.
In the early 1990s, a new era of Shattuck hockey began with the focus on building a nationally-recognized program. These new "Pioneers" of Shattuck hockey helped shape the program into what it is today.
1999
1993 1995
Girls Hockey started at SSM during the 1995-1996 season and paved the way for future Olympians to follow.
In 2005, the Girls Prep team brought home the first-ever National Championship for the girls hockey program, helping to kickstart one of the most successful programs in girls hockey history.
2005 also marked the year that the "New Rink" opened, officially named J.P. Parisé Arena in 2018.
2005
This year marks a historic occasion for one of ShattuckSt. Mary’s original Centers of Excellence as the hockey program celebrates its centennial.
Truth be told, the first hockey game at Shattuck School actually took place in 1916, with the Shads winning a pair of exhibition matchups against the Faribault Independents. Despite this success, it was short-lived as it took eight years before the school could field another team. Hockey was officially inaugurated as a regular sport in 1924 and has been a popular extra-curricular activity ever since. During that first official year, six Shads suited up for the squad, led by Captain Lynn Moyer. The team competed on a flooded field off the southwest corner of the chapel.
The program faced hardship during the 1980s when enrollment was down, during which time the School partnered with Faribault Sr. High to field a co-op squad. However, with the arrival of Craig Norwich in the early 1990s, SSM hockey had a resurgence. The revived team—now fully composed of SSM students—no longer competed in the Minnesota High School League but instead competed in an independent schedule while attracting players from around North America. This new phase of SSM hockey was the catalyst that propelled the Center of Excellence into the nationally-recognized premier program it is today, helping hundreds of student-athletes achieve their college-, Olympic-, and professional-level hockey dreams.
In honor of its 100th year, we highlight some of the noteworthy moments in SSM Hockey history.
A 3v3 practice rink opened in 2012 and was named the Tom Ward Rink in 2017.
2012
SSM had a historic year in 2016, as for the first time ever, four teams won Tier 1 USA Hockey National Championships for their respective age groups.
2016
Collectively, and with the help of many others, these four coaches are the architects of a program with an unparalleled history, tradition, culture, and success. Individually, they each constructed an important pillar of the foundation that SSM hockey continues to build on today.
CRAIG NORWICH
Craig Norwich was the man for the job—the architect of Shattuck Hockey. As a player, he was a flamboyant, intuitive force of will and creativity. This translated perfectly into just the guile necessary to steer a fledgling hockey program, started by a storied and, at the time, troubled school in the right direction, eventually breaking away from the Minnesota State High School League, when he started the first Prep Team in 1992. He developed his players into an extension of himself—a somewhat brash, confident band of brothers who not only came together as a team, but remain together as life-long friends to this day, a testament to the power of his will and the impact of his character on those he took under his care.
J.P. PARISÉ
J.P. Parisé embodied every element necessary to guide Shattuck-St. Mary’s to greatness. He was, at his heart, the father of Jordan ’01 and Zach ’02, but became a “father” to the countless players and coaches who experienced a pat on the back from his burly hands or smiled along with his husky, infectious laugh. Intensely competitive, but determined to teach his players to ’be a good person,’ he viewed hockey as a tool to teach the lessons of life … overcoming adversity, resilience, teamwork, and, above all, do everything with hard work, passion, and pride in your family and your team. “La vie a ses bons moments” (Life has its good moments).
TOM WARD
He is Coach Ward, or “Coach.” His impact on players is immediate through the sheer power of his voice. Quickly, however, his ability to teach the game becomes clear. Technically yes, but mainly the nuances of “pond” intuitiveness which are in the heart of the best players. These players know that he is the mentor who can teach them in a way that everyone throughout the lineup can learn, with clarity, precision, and … yes … humor—his teams know how to laugh! They are precise, intense, and focused—playing and practicing with a love of the game that is an extension of that voice ... challenging them, encouraging them, lifting them to their highest potential.
GORDIE STAFFORD
Play to Win! These three words lay the foundation for Coach Stafford’s teams. While this directive certainly resulted in National Championships, the core of the message was about playing to get better, and, most importantly, to be the kind of person your teammates respect. Competition is the most sincere form of friendship, and challenging each other at every opportunity creates a culture of teamwork with passion and purpose, the essential elements of winning. Skates carving the ice, crisp passes, tape to tape, the cold arena air, pucks cracking off the boards and ringing off the post…Hockey!
SPORTS NEWS
SSM Hockey Adds Four More National Titles
The Shattuck-St. Mary’s hockey program saw an impressive end to the 2023-24 season. The Boys and Girls Prep teams repeated as champions in the Tier I 18U Boys and Tier I 19U Girls divisions, respectfully. The Boys U18 team continued its dominance at the High School National Championships taking home its third consecutive title and second in the prep division. Meanwhile, the Girls U16 team won the Tier I Girls 16U championship for the first time since 2016.
Following a thrilling come-from-behind overtime victory in the national semifinal, the Boys Prep team once again found itself in a hole as it trailed the Yale Jr. Bulldogs 1-0 after the first period. A timely goal by Kaeden Hawkins ’24 off an assist by Drew Waterfield ’24 halfway through the game evened the score, before Waterfield netted a goal of his own with 5:34 remaining in the second period to give the Sabres the lead. SSM outshot the Jr. Bulldogs 11-2 in the final frame to ensure the victory.
The Girls Prep team faced a familiar foe in its Girls U19 title game as it took on the top-seeded BK Selects, a team that handed SSM one of its five losses earlier in the season. The Sabres wasted little time getting on the board as Jordyn Petrie ’24 capitalized on a turnover and found the back of the net just eight seconds into the contest. BK responded with a goal with just under two minutes remaining in the first to send the teams into the locker room tied 1-1.
The Selects buried a rebound at 12:02 of the second to take a 2-1 lead, but sophomore Kylie Amelkovich ’26 scored the equalizer with 4:31 left in the period. Despite the teams trading chances in the third, neither was able to score the go-ahead, forcing overtime. Just 1:21 into the extra frame, Lauren Glaser ’24 redirected a shot by Ella Muralt ’24 that made its way into the net and sent the Sabres into a celebration. The win clinched back-to-back championships for the first time in six years.
The Boys U18 team avenged a loss to the Springfield Thunderbirds earlier in the tournament to successfully defend their High School Prep national title from one year ago. The Thunderbirds got things started with a tally at 9:42 of the opening frame, but SSM used one goal each period to put the game away. Marc-Alan Araujo ’26, Hank Garrett ’24, and Michael Kotora ’24 were the goal scorers for SSM while Lukas Bergman ’24 stopped 29 of 30 shots he faced.
Fresh off the high of an overtime victory in the semifinal, the Girls U16 team cruised to a 3-0 victory over the BK Selects to claim the championship. Jilian Klein ’26, the overtime hero from the day prior, put the Sabres on the board with a redirect off a shot by Lexie Lonask ’25 at 9:58 of the second period. Just 1:16 later, Nina Rossi ’25 buried a top shelf on the penalty kill to give the Sabres a two-goal cushion. Tess Martin ’26 iced the game with an empty-netter with just under a minute remaining.
SSM has now won a total of 36 national championships within the hockey program.
Vitoria Mitre Molinar Suits up for Panama
In February, Shattuck-St. Mary’s Girls Soccer Center of Excellence player Vitoria Mitre Molinar ’25 faced off against some of the future stars of women’s soccer as she represented Panama in the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) Women’s Under-17 Championship in Toluca, Mexico. This tournament serves as a qualifier for the FIFA Women’s Under-17 World Cup.
Concacaf is one of FIFA’s six continental confederations, servicing 41 member associations, from Canada in the north to Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana in the south.
Although Panama (1-2) did not advance out of pool play, Vitoria gained a wealth of experience on the international front as she played in all three games and started two of them. Stateside, Vitoria has helped the Sabres to a 28-9-1 record at the time of print.
Soccer Alum Wins NCAA Championship
Shattuck-St. Mary’s Boys Soccer Center of Excellence alum Robi Buzakovic ’22 helped lift St. Olaf College to the NCAA Division III Men’s Soccer National Championship this past fall.
St. Olaf defeated Washington College (MD) 3-1 in the national semifinal before earning a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory over perennial power Amherst College in the championship to capture the program’s first-ever national title.
Robi has been a difference-maker for the Oles since arriving on campus as a freshman. In his first year, he started all 22 games and finished fifth on the team with 15 points. For his efforts, he was named the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) Rookie of the Year as well as the MIAC Playoff Most Valuable Player after totaling three goals and an assist in the conference tournament.
In his second season, Robi played in 19 games. He kept up his clutch performances as he scored the lone goal in regulation and then buried the winning penalty kick to secure the second straight MIAC title for the Oles. Robi also netted the deciding goal in a 1-0 win over rival Carleton College in the second round of the NCAA Tournament just three weeks before St. Olaf’s title win.
Lilas Metro ’30 Wins
Sectional Championship
In November, Lilas Metro ’30, a member of the Shattuck-St. Mary’s Figure Skating Center of Excellence, won the Juvenile Girls event at the 2024 Midwestern Sectional Championships, held in Bloomington, MN.
The Midwest section is comprised of 21 states and Lilas beat out 23 skaters to earn the title. With her win, Lilas was invited to attend the HighPerformance National Development Camp in Columbus, Ohio in January. The camp identifies the top developing athletes in their discipline and puts them on the radar for becoming a future Team USA member.
Peter Biver, Co-Head Coach of the SSM Figure Skating COE, has high hopes for Lilas. “I believe Lilas has all the ingredients to become an elite high-level competitive skater, especially an intrinsic desire to succeed. She embodies a championship attitude and represents our Figure Skating COE with grace, character, and class far beyond her years, both on and off the ice.”
In January, Maggie Scannell ’24, Jordyn Petrie ’24, Haley Box ’26, Mary Derrenbacher ’27, along with assistant coaches Meredith Roth ’00 and Brianna Decker ’09 won gold with Team USA at the 2024 IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship in Zug, Switzerland. Julie Jebouskova ’26 took home silver as a member of Team Czechia.
Five current members of the Shattuck-St. Mary’s Hockey Center of Excellence represented their respective countries at the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon, South Korea in January. Mikey Berchild ’26, Zane Torre ’26, Parker Trottier ’26, and Xavier Wendt ’26 all suited up for Team USA, while Tynan Lawrence ’26 was named to the Canadian squad. The US beat Czechia 4-0 to capture the gold medal.
David Carle ’08 coached the United States to an IIHF World Junior Championship this past January in Gothenburg, Sweden. Three other former Sabres were on the squad including Isaac Howard, Ryan Chesley, and Zeev Buium.
SSM had several alumni win national championships at the NCAA level this spring. Kennedi BielenbergHowarth ’23 helped Wisconsin-River Falls win the Women’s Division III title. Delaney Fleming ’23, Hadley Hartmetz ’19, Makenna Webster ’20, Hannah Bilka ’19, and Kenzie Hauswirth ’19 helped Ohio State take home the Division I Women’s crown. David Carle ’08, Head Coach of the Denver Pioneers, led his squad to a record 10th Division I Men’s championship. Former Sabres McKade Webster ’19, Sam Harris ’21, Zeev Buium, Peter LaJoy ’20, Tristan Broz, and Shai Buium were all a part of the winning team.
Macklin Celebrini was named the winner of the 2024 Hobey Baker Memorial Award as the best men’s college hockey player in the country. Macklin, a freshman at Boston University, scored 32 goals and 32 assists in 38 games for the Terriers. He is the second former Sabre to win the award, joining Ryan Duncan ’04, who won the award in 2007.
ALUMNI GATHERINGS
All photo captions read left-right.
NOVEMBER: Chicago Alumni Get-Together
Alumni from the Windy City area gathered at the University Club of Chicago for a get-together, and attended a Chicago Blackhawks hockey game. Both events were hosted by Harbour Construction.
Left photo:
Front row: John Guastella ’96, Ruthie Sudderth ’02, Emily Petraglia ’04, Megan Trout ’04, Lynn Larson Pappadimas ’04, and Sarah Gross ’91
Back row: Peter Traber ’11, Will Stoner ’04, Ben Umhoefer ’05, Zach Harbour ’03, Fletcher Simer ’01, Ted Towey ’00, Maggie Osterbauer Lee ’03, Pat Harbour ’00, Danielle Ciarletta ’05, Jennifer Scully, Ryan Scully, Sean Dunlop ’16, Frank Lyons ’80, and Matt Cavellier
DECEMBER: Denver Alumni Brunch
Photo: Matt Cavellier, Maggie Osterbauer Lee ’03, Megan Trout ’04
There was a great turnout for the alumni gathering held at Jacques in Denver on December 2, as alumni and their families met for brunch along with Head of School Matt Cavellier, Director of Advancement Maggie Osterbauer Lee ’03, and Fr. Henry Doyle.
Left photo:
Anne Stark Cosgriff ’87, Bill Brewster ’85, Theo Lubke ’85
Right Photo: Bob MacKinnon ’73, Jack Webster ’90, Dana Webster, Abby Carlstrom Humphrey ’62, Shawn Wick, Amy Spicer Wick ’05, Chuck Pitte ’74, Bill Brewster ’85, Lev Alcott ’65, Father Henry Doyle, Theo Lubke ’85, Pat Hamilton, Tim Flaherty ’11, John Hamilton ’67, Jackson Shanley ’15, Sammy Dionigi, Cris Robinson Norin ’78, Maggie Osterbauer Lee ’03, Kat Porter Steck ’04, William Stevens, Brooke Ahbe ’14, Will Steck ’12, Janelle Matejcek ’14, Brian Caprarola, Cole Mackie ’18, Mary Kate Flaherty ’07, Jay Hanz ’02, Nicole Simonelli ’12, Lenny Kusina ’12, Anne Hanz (holding Jeffrey Thomas Hanz), and Maddy Marzario ’10
FEBRUARY: Arizona Alumni Golf Event
The Class of 1962 hosted their annual alumni golf event at the JW Marriot Scottsdale.
Front row: Patrick Needham ’71, Mara Needham, John Parrish ’60, Jackie Parrish, Jim Ramsland ’62, Linda Stone Dasher ’56, Matt Cavellier
Back row: Kathy Lund, Hugh Wooldridge ’55, Maggie Osterbauer Lee ’03, Perry Mead ’66, Ed Carpenter ’60, John Baer ’62, Dan Gislason ’62, Ed Landes ’62, Nick Stoneman
Right photo: Ed Carpenter ’60 and John Parrish ’60-The pair were roommates at Shattuck who hadn’t seen each other since!
Through this listing, the School recognizes those visionaries who value the education of
Mary’s by making deferred gifts.
holiday party
A large group gathered at The Inn at Shattuck-St. Mary’s in December for the annual Holiday Party. Alumni, faculty, staff, and their families enjoyed a rousing night of merriment and good cheer as they celebrated the holiday season.
At the party, alum and SSM trustee Joel MacIntosh '87 was awarded a ShattuckSt. Mary's diploma for his continued significant service to the School.
Left photo: Joel MacIntosh '87 and Matt Cavellier
Special music was shared in the holiday spirit during the party, with a sing-a-long led by Bill Brewster '85 and Nick Cobbett '85 (left photo), as well as a beautiful performance by Vocal Performance student Adelina Mukhametzhanova '26 (right photo).
Our students are pursuing their dreams because of YOU. There’s still time to help us reach our Annual Fund goal before our fiscal year ends on June 30, 2024.
Your gift of any size enhances the value of a Shattuck-St. Mary’s
In February, alumni, coaches, parents, and friends of SSM Hockey came out dressed to the nines to celebrate the Shattuck-St. Mary’s Hockey Gala. The third annual fundraiser event was themed “Preserving Our Rinks, The Place We Call Home,” and helped raise money for a new ice plant. The evening included an online silent auction and gourmet food stations. Thank you to all who attended!
CLASS NOTES
1947
Duane Rasmussen celebrated his 95th birthday in Minnesota over Thanksgiving weekend. He shared that he “froze watching the Gophers lose the Axe” at the University of Minnesota vs. University of Wisconsin football game.
1958
Mary Coffin Stephenson is now living in Dallas in a "Retirement Center." She writes that she misses Austin, Texas very much after having lived there 50+ years, but the "Big D" has its benefits too. She's wondering if there's any Shads or St. Mary's people in the area?
1960
Frances Boyer Gray and her husband, Dick, are happily retired and enjoying their mountains.
Marlin Hansen spent another winter on his 40-foot catamaran sailing in the Gulf of Mexico. No rent, fuel, or property tax bills!
Harry MacLean's latest book, Starkweather, was reviewed by The Washington Post. He shared his excitement, saying, "Most authors don't even dream of seeing their name next to Truman Capote and Norman Mailer." You can read the book review here: www. washingtonpost.com/books/2023/11/30/starkweather-harrymaclean-review-fugate/.
1965
Peter Wiggins is retired and living in Rochester, Minnesota and Surprise, Arizona with his wife, Ranae, and Havanese poodle, Rio. He shares, “I have never been able to get in touch with any of my teammates on our great soccer team of 1963 (or '64?). Steinar Gustafson '64 was our captain. As far as I know, we are the only Shattuck sports team ever to have beaten a college varsity team, though the soccer teams of recent years have been pretty good. If this reaches anybody's ear from that team, a fond greeting to all my excellent teammates!”
1967
Fred Hage says he is living the good life on Woman Lake in northern Minnesota with his wife, Karen, and three cats. Classmates are welcome!
1972
Marvin Barnes retired at the end of 2023 following a successful 32-year network consulting practice.
IN MEMORIAM - STEVE WENDFELDT '65
1965
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Steve Wendfeldt, a cherished member of the class of 1965, who peacefully departed on February 2, 2024, in La Jolla, California. Steve was a man whose appreciation for life's simple pleasures was matched only by his deep love for his family, his hobbies, and his diverse professional pursuits.
An avid enthusiast of golf, literature, leisurely drives, and above all, the joys of being a grandfather, Steve's life was a tapestry woven with the threads of warmth, passion, and unwavering dedication. His professional journey was as varied and dynamic as the man himself, beginning with his tenure as an ornithologist with the Federal Fish and Wildlife Service before transitioning into the role of a systems architect at IBM.
Yet, it was Steve's unwavering spirit of service and faith that truly defined him. In 1979, he embarked on a profound journey, answering a higher calling by joining the seminary in Berkeley, California. Ordained in 1982, he dedicated himself wholeheartedly to his ministry. His legacy shines brightly through his tireless efforts in nurturing congregations, fostering growth, and steering churches through transformative periods of change.
During his time at Shattuck, Steve was a member of the Crack Squad, S Club, and served as an acolyte. His enduring connection to the School was further cemented by his role on the Board of Trustees from 2010 to 2016. It was also at SSM that Steve's path intertwined with Linda, his beloved wife, whom he married in 2009, adding an extra layer of significance to their shared journey.
Steve leaves behind a legacy that will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Linda Wendfeldt '65, his devoted wife, his two daughters Heather Wendfeldt Wilson '88 and Holly Wendfeldt Locke '90, his three stepdaughters, and his twenty cherished grandchildren stand as a testament to the depth of his love and the richness of his life's tapestry. Though he may have departed this earthly realm, Steve's spirit will continue to resonate through the lives he touched and the memories he created, forever etched in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to call him friend, family, and mentor.
1973
Byron Easterling continues to work on his nonprofit, Karis Fund, which creates safe and secure housing for widows and single mothers. Recently, they launched "ReSonance: Pathway to Love's Refuge," a captivating event that embarks on a multi-sensory journey through the timeless verses of King Solomon's love poem. To learn more, visit www.karisfund.com.
1974
Steve Kaldahl says he is still trying to retire from the resort business. He's looking forward to his 50th Reunion in 2024.
John Thomas shares that his youngest daughter, Lauren, is engaged to be married on June 1, 2024 in Rehoboth Beach, Maryland.
1984
1982
Jill Bryant Gage reunited with Jeff Shelby '81 recently as they celebrated the wedding of Jeff's daughter. Jill looks forward to seeing many more of her SSM friends at her 45th reunion in 2027!
From L-R: Lisa Shelby , Jeff Shelby '81, Jill Bryant Gage '82, Jeff Gage
Andy Campbell got engaged in February and will be getting married this September. The wedding will be officiated by his father Thomas Campbell, former SSM Chaplain and religion teacher.
1985
In November, Nick Cobbett (left) and his wife, Kelly (second from left), spent an amazing week in Thailand visiting with classmate, friend, and fellow Squaddie, Srun Chutharatkul (second from right), his girlfriend, Ann (right), and his daughter, Jana (middle). Srun, Ann, and Jana were incredibly gracious hosts who also shared in the delayed celebration of Nick and Kelly's 30th wedding anniversary in September. Nick shared, “Together we toured Bangkok, and spent time on the beaches and islands of Krabi. Srun and Ann are a dynamic duo whose knowledge of history, culture, and food are only surpassed by their kindhearted friendship. We are working on convincing them to attend our 40th reunion in 2025!”
IN MEMORIAM
We honor and remember our alumni, faculty, staff, and SSM friends who have passed away.
Louise Randall Lindsey '43
January 15, 2023
John Bolz '45 May 30, 2023
Sarah Sell Hertting '46 February 14, 2023
H. Robert Herold II '48 August 15, 2023
Helen Smeed Hahne '49 May 19, 2021
Frances Kiker Ousley '49 January 21, 2023
Anne Green Stone '49 October 27, 2020
Sarah Henderson Jenkins '51 September 11, 2023
William Lanphere '52 October 20, 2023
John Latta '52 August 6, 2023
Ann Masters Williams '53 February 7, 2023
Kathryn Burkland Gilbertson '55 November 13, 2023
David Whitehead '55 January 10, 2024
F. Eugene House '56 November 10, 2023
Michael Reed '57 April 21, 2022
Jane Adams '58 January 9, 2023
Peter Feuille '61 September 7, 2016
J. Fred Robinson '61 September 11, 2022
Rev. Steve Wendfeldt '65 February 2, 2024
Kathryn Keator Lowe '69 November 16, 2023
William Martin '69 April 29, 2022
Virginia "Ginilu" Mackay Robinson '72 October 2, 2023
Cesar Gonzalez '75 December 28, 2023
Anne Larsen '80 October 26, 2023
Catherine Royse Kelly '85 October 12, 2021
Kent Henning (St. James) April 26, 2021
PAST FACULTY
Montague Ball January 17, 2024
Henry Cataldo Jr. November 14, 2023
Anthony "Tony" Holt January 1, 2024
BIRTHS
Congratulations on the new additions to your families!
Kathryn “Kate” White and Eugene Robert “Rob” White, III '97, twins, Evelyn “Evie” Mary White and Eugene “Gene” Robert White, IV, February 7, 2024
Kristine “Krissy” Langley '01 and Christopher “Chris” Anderson, a boy, Zachary Christopher Anderson, December 5, 2023
Krista Peterson Fisher '03 and Matthew Fisher, a boy, Jordan Taylor Fisher, January 19, 2024
Josie Fox and Devin Fox '05, a boy, Miller Hanson Fox, January 25, 2024
Sarah Murray '06 and Kolton Hayden, a boy, Nash Murray Hayden, November 17, 2023
Julie Pesta DiBenedetto '08 and Cory DiBenedetto, a boy, George Winston DiBenedetto, November 14, 2023
Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson '08 and Brent Davidson, a girl, Addalyn Lotysz (Lotus) Davidson, February 10, 2024
Monique Lamoureux-Morando '08 and Anthony Morando, a boy, Ralphy David Morando, July 22, 2023
Rebecca Ruegsegger Baker '09 and Mitchell Baker, a boy, Brooks Mitchell Baker, July 9, 2023
Emily Young Malley '09 and Joseph Malley, Sr., twin boys, Warren James Malley and Jacob William Malley, August 15, 2023
Mikinna Martin Morse '09 and Kyle Morse, a girl, Blake Michelle Morse, March 7, 2024
Kristina Nordstrom Miller '10 and Ky Miller, a girl, Wren Marie Miller, September 13, 2023
Karina Fredette '12 and Alexandre Denis, a boy, Mason Denis, February 7, 2024
Anna Draeger and Kevin Draeger '13, a boy, Silas Ezekiel Draeger, December 19, 2023
Beth Johnson Ralko '14 and Stephen Ralko, a boy, Nathan Ralko, August 1, 2023
Lyndsay Oden Anderson '14 and Colt Anderson, a girl, Lainey Mae Anderson, February 26, 2024
Brekken Fukushima Crawford '15 and J. Pierce Crawford '15, a boy, Brixton Masayuki Crawford, October 4, 2023
SSM FACULTY & STAFF
Rachel Markman and Alex Markman, a boy, Paxton Scott Markman, October 31, 2023
Mackenzie Olson and Ryan Olson, a girl, Aria Lou Olson, February 22, 2024
Sarah Trnka and Cullen Trnka, a girl, Brielle Harper Trnka, December 29, 2023
Lexi Wolfgram and Matt Wolfgram, a girl, Natalie Jane Wolfgram, January 20, 2024
1986
Ryan Bucknum is coaching youth hockey at Weber State, skiing, mountain biking, and fixing up his '66 Austin Healy.
1991
In December 2023, Sarah Gross completed a master's in Social Sector Leadership and Nonprofit Management at the University of Chicago, Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice.
2007
2003
McLean
Donnelly recently joined the faculty at the University of Minnesota. McLean is the first User Experience Design (UX Design) faculty at the University and will also serve as the Program Director for the newly established UX Design academic department.
Kimberly Gallagher is currently the USA Hockey Association Coach-in-Chief for the Michigan District, and a USA Hockey Coach Mentor involved in the Coaching Education Program.
2009
Natasha Hellen was united in marriage to Xiong Thao on September 28, 2023 at the Como Park Conservatory in St. Paul, Minnesota. Her brother, Sam Hellen '06 (pictured in bottom photo, top center), was in attendance from Pennsylvania. The reception was held at Baldamar restaurant in Roseville after the ceremony. The happy couple currently reside in South St. Paul.
2009
Spencer Janicki (right) shared, "Road trips are the best when you're off to a new city to visit your best friend. This past summer, I drove 12 hours from Winnipeg, Canada to Kansas City, Missouri to visit Crystal Burns (left) and her family. It was the absolute best time. She planned a whole itinerary that allowed me to experience what KC has to offer! It started off with surprise tickets to see the Kansas City Chiefs play (Go Taylor's Boyfriend), we explored town, took in a Royals baseball game, and indulged in authentic KC barbecue. Once again, I am always so thankful and grateful that Shattuck-St. Mary's brought Crystal and I together, and that we continue to plan trips so see each other once or twice a year!"
2011
Nick Blackmer married Junhong Ma (SSM-Bayi '16) at the Steele County Administrative Center in Owatonna, Minnesota on February 22, 2024. The pair met while Nick's dad, SSM Director of Community Life & Campus Security John Blackmer, was working at SSMBayi in 2015-2016. Junhong graduated from UBC-Vancouver in the spring of 2023, and the couple is currently living in Medford, Minnesota. This marks the first marriage between SSM alums from different campuses!
2013
Hollis Malkowski shares that he got engaged to Holly Frick on October 21, 2023.
2015 Caitlin Mostoway-Parker graduated from Trinity College Dublin with a Master of Philosophy in Classics in April 2023.
2016
After almost four years in the making, on December 1, 2023, Mark Prihodko released his new album Cerdanyenca across all streaming platforms. The hour-long album features the former Pre-Conservatory student on the cello, as well as pianist Viktoria Korolionok.
2018
Andrew Lane attended the University of Pennsylvania majoring in mechanical engineering, and graduated Cum Laude in 2022. He turned his senior engineering project into a business. Over the last year, he applied for and received a patent for his process of capping derelict and leaking natural gas wells, became an LLC and then a share-issuing corporation (Capwell Services), organized seed and stage-one investment capital, and has set up shop in MIT's commercial "incubator" facility (Greentown Labs—MIT's first such facility outside Massachusetts) in Houston, Texas.
2020
Bruce Li and Peter Xiong, along with Khai Do '21, returned to campus in February to say hello to former teachers and finally sign the Book of Remembrance after not being able to in 2020.
MARRIAGES
2016
Harper DeMay and Vincent de Mey got engaged in July 2022 and are currently living in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Congratulations and best wishes to the following!
Natasha Hellen '09 and Xiong Thao, September 28, 2023
Ashlee Oleinikow '15 and Mitchell Vail, November 17, 2023
Junhong Ma (SSM-Bayi '16) and Nicholas “Nick” Blackmer '11, February 22, 2024
FACULTY & STAFF
Adria Domine (past staff member) and Connor Donkers, January 27, 2024
2022
Brady Thomas is currently a sophomore at Macalester College and a member of their golf team. In the fall of 2023, he worked in the United States Senate as a Congressional Intern for U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar. He shared, “During this experience, I completed immigration casework; I advocated for the immigration petitions of Minnesota constituents by sending congressional inquiries to Consulate Generals at U.S. Embassies around the world. I also conducted economic research to evaluate federal grant eligibility for various cities and counties across Minnesota.” Brady will join General Mills this summer as a Financial Analyst Intern at their world headquarters in Minneapolis.
2023
Austin Guidone is currently studying voice and music education at the Frost School of Music. He attributes much of his success and confidence to what he learned while a student at SSM, where he was a member of the Boys Choir and the Vocal Performance Program.
faculty & Staff NOTES
Beloved English teacher Slade Schuster returned to campus in early February to drop off copies of his books along with a framed photo of the Arch accompanied by his poem, “The Roads of Earth.”
From L-R: Father Henry Doyle, Jan Gould-Martin '75, Slade Schuster A group of former SSM faculty and staff members reuninted on a trip to the North Shore of Lake Superior in October.why we volunteer
We are incredibly proud of the many SSM faculty and staff members who dedicate their time and energy to serving our community in a multitude of ways. They demonstrate a remarkable spirit of service, leading by example as citizens of integrity and embodying our School’s values of inclusivity, service, and community engagement. Below we highlight just a few of these volunteers, whose collective actions resonate far beyond the SSM campus.
“I always want to help our local kids enjoy their soccer experience. I love to see young children smiling and having fun during these events.”— Bob Moulin
Bob Moulin, Boys U15 Asst. Coach, organizes a summer soccer camp for the Faribault Soccer Club, and hosts Monday evening soccer in the dome for local players in the winter.
“I am grateful that my role at ShattuckSt. Mary’s allows and supports my passion to be involved beyond the Arch. I’m lucky to be able to volunteer with many organizations in the Faribault area.”— Amy Cox ‘94
One of the big reasons Amy Cox ‘94, Director of Auxiliary Programs, left a 20+ year career in the travel industry was so that she could become more involved and spend more time with the community she loves.One of her favorites volunteer activities is helping to serve hot community meals with the Community Cafe, a local non-profit she’s been involved with for four years.
“I deliver Meals on Wheels year-round, which I thoroughly enjoy doing. One of my favorite quotes is ‘What we do for others is more important than what we do for ourselves.’”— Fr. Henry Doyle
Fr. Henry Doyle serves the Faribault area in a myriad of ways, one of which is volunteering for the local Meals on Wheels program through Three Rivers Community Action, which he’s been doing since 2007.
“I am naturally drawn to community service and leadership on and off campus. We just wrapped up our third and final Red Cross blood drive for the school year. We have a strong positive reputation with the Red Cross, and consistently reach our blood drive goals with donations from SSM staff, students, and other Faribault-area residents. It is rewarding to know we are helping to save lives.”— Fr. Colin Maltbie
In addition to organizing SSM’s blood drives, Head Chaplain Fr. Colin Maltbie volunteers with the Faribault Housing and Redevelopment Association (HRA) and Three Rivers Community Action. He recently helped negotiate the sale of one of HRA’s housing facilities for elderly and disabled residents to Three Rivers, who have committed to significant building renovations and improvement of essential services for the residents. The HRA will use the sale proceeds elsewhere to continue their work to improve affordable housing resources in town.
— Pat Schaefer“I volunteer because I believe that I cannot flourish if my neighbor is not flourishing. I volunteer because one cannot have freedom of opportunity without economic freedom, and safe, reliable housing is the first step.”
— Dr. Benjamin Downs
Pre-Conservatory Director Dr. Benjamin Downs volunteers with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity by building homes, and occasionally helping in their retail stores, “ReStore.” He also lobbies legislators at the Minnesota State Capitol.
“I was looking for ways to get more involved in the Faribault community and River Bend Nature Center has always held a special place in my heart. My grandpa used to take my cousins and I there when we were little, and I’ve done the same with my own children. I want to do my part to ensure that River Bend remains a valuable resource for the entire community for future generations to enjoy!”
“My children grew up going to Riverbend’s summer camps, and we walk the trails with our dogs. It just made sense to give back to a local organization that gave so much to us.”
— Greg SimonsUpper School Director Pat Schaefer and Science Department Chair Greg Simons serve on the Board of Directors for the Riverbend Nature Center. They both felt compelled to give back to a local non-profit organization that holds a special place in their hearts.
“Having now lived in the Faribault community for eight years, it was important for me to find a way to give back to a place I have truly grown to love. When I was approached with the opportunity to be on the Rice County United Way’s Education Panel, it was a no-brainer. I’m excited to be a small part of bettering education in the local area.”
— Megan Maschoff
Director of Communications Megan Maschoff volunteers through her church and with Rice County Area United Way.
Send us your favorite SSM flashback photos for a chance to be featured in a future issue! Submit to: communications@s-sm.org.
In July, sisters Elizabeth Anderson (left) and Marianne Vinz (right) returned to campus and visited one of their childhood homes— Whipple Dormitory. The two called the space home as their father, Walter Engelhardt, taught German and Latin at Shattuck School from 1943-54. For fun, the sisters recreated a treasured photo from their childhood to conclude their visit.
SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL
Dr. Seuss and His Tales Brighten Newhall Auditorium
In a land of make-believe, where dreams took flight, the Shattuck-St. Mary’s stage burst into life! With a whirl and a sparkle, and joy in every scene, they brought Seuss to the forefront, a colorful dream! The theater echoed with giggles and delight, as Horton and the Whos shone oh so bright. From Whoville’s quaint streets to Nool’s lush domain, they danced and they sang, a magical reign. So gather ‘round, dear friends, let memories unfurl, for Seussical TM the musical wove its enchanting whirl. 1000