THE
SUMMIT Spring Magazine 2017-18
The Sound of Music At The Summit
THE SUMMIT The magazine of The Summit Country Day School Spring Magazine 2017-18 EDITOR Nancy Berlier ART DIRECTOR/DESIGNER Kathy (Hilsinger) Penote ’93 PHOTOGRAPHY Nancy Berlier, Jolene Barton, John Farhmeier, Leah Fightmaster, Bob Flischel, Karen Kinross, Jennifer Nichols, Rick Norton, Kathleen (Hilsinger) Penote ‘93, Nick Robbe, Mark Schnitter, Scott Springer, WCPO 9 On Your Side. CONTRIBUTORS Joseph Delamerced’ 18, Caroline Kubicki ’19, Kirstin Pesola McEachern Ph.D., Hannah Michels, Erica Miknius, Donna Orem, Nick Robbe, Kathy Schwartz, Amanda Wood. Special thanks: Sandy Champlin, Conky Greiwe, Jen McGrath, Nancy Snow. PRINTING Arnold Printing © 2018 The Summit Country Day School, Cincinnati, OH. The Summit magazine is published three times a year by the Communications Department of The Summit Country Day School, 2161 Grandin Road, Cincinnati, OH 45208. Please direct address changes or other correspondence to the above address.
Summit News Phone: (513) 871-4700 ext. 291 Email: communications@summitcds.org Alumni News Please submit news about new degrees, new jobs, marriages, births and other notable passages in your life. Go to www.summitcds.org/submityournews Summit Online View an archive of The Summit magazine online. www.summitcds.org/magazine The Summit Country Day School serves students from age 18 months through grade 12 in a coeducational setting. The Summit combines the academic excellence and one-on-one guidance of a top-tier independent school with the servant leadership and character-building environment that are hallmarks of a Catholic education.
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ON THE COVER: Junior Brigid Devine plays the harp in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel. Frequently requested to play at Masses and events, Brigid is one of many musically-talented students who are performing at The Summit as well as community venues. See story on page 12. Photo by Robert A. Flischel. ON THIS PAGE: The Summit’s Latin Club is a state champion again, thanks in large part to these 13 students who show off the first-place trophies they earned from various individual and team competitions. L to R, front row: Sam Parker, Parker Bricking, Irene Calderon, Andrew Murtaugh and Jimmy Fraley. Back row: Ryan Schnitter, Anna Catherine Sansalone, Kendall Richard, Kathryn Sullivan, Joseph Delamerced, Davis DeFoor, Jennifer Sullivan and Ryan Burns. See story on page 27. Photo by Nick Robbe.
Head of School Message
Change-Makers & Peace-Makers Our school mission statement concludes with the charge to develop leaders of character who improve the world they inherit. While the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur endorse the mission, they remind us that the primary purpose of the Catholic education we offer is to create disciples. As Christian educators, we are charged with developing our students into the Change-Makers and Peace-Makers Christ is calling them to be. If we do that, we can be assured they will indeed improve the world they inherit. How does The Summit produce Change-Makers? We start with the premise that our students must embrace change. At the age we are educating children, this isn’t hard to do. Children love change. Our challenge is to imbue this mindset in them so completely that they maintain this orientation to the world as they age and the resistance to change builds. Beyond that, there are several elements to the education we offer that result in Change-Makers marching out of the chapel on graduation day: Thinking Deeply – Children today live in a more superficial world than children did in times past. The paradox of technology is that the more available information becomes, the more people surf it. Our teachers challenge their students to dig down and master thinking across several domains: analytical thinking – taking ideas and problems apart to understand root causes; creative thinking – making unconventional connections to produce ideas and works that are original; practical thinking – developing plans that work in the real world; strategic
thinking – assembling elements that lead to long term, sustained success. Developing mastery of these thinking domains starts in Montessori with the cleverly designed manipulatives, proceeds through Lower and Middle School with foundational training in ways of thinking in the content disciplines, and culminates in the application of these thinking domains in the rigorous Upper School curriculum. Collaborative Experiences – In the modern world, we get things done through others. Our students learn how to get along with others and value the differences that come with that. This involves turning away from the screens in their lives and working with others, face-to-face. This is how social skills and cultural competencies are formed. Motivation and Drive – Belief in hard work is at the core of The Summit graduate. Exhorting and modeling a sense of urgency to get on with things happens every day in our classrooms. Children need to develop goals, get going on the path to achieve those goals and develop the stamina to keep going when obstacles emerge. Communication Skills – What is written and what is said is how we influence the course of affairs in the world. At each grade level, children are challenged with opportunities to improve and polish how they communicate. Leadership – Children need to learn the importance of having a vision of what can be accomplished, discerning the path to accomplish that vision and inspiring others to join them on the journey. The small size of our school facilitates development of this quality and provides opportunities to practice it. When we put all this together, the children have the knowledge, skills and experiences necessary to go forth and change their world. Senior Caroline Kubicki’s story on page 10 exemplifies the ChangeMaker role we expect our students and alums to assume. How does The Summit produce Peace-Makers? The elements of developing Change-Makers apply directly to developing Peace-Makers. However,
Contents there are additional aspects of the education we offer that form the peacemaking mentality in our students.
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Inner Peace – We can’t make peace with others unless we are at peace with ourselves. The Summit experience guides children to learn about themselves, recognize their strengths and weaknesses and accept themselves for whom God created them to be. They graduate being comfortable in their own skin. Empathy – The first step in making peace is putting oneself in the shoes of others. The Gospel stories of Jesus’s encounters with sinners illustrate His ability to see the world as they saw it and use that knowledge to encourage them to change their behavior. The empathy Brian Washington ’98 exhibits through his art reveals his role as a PeaceMaker. See his story on page 46. Conflict Resolution Skills – At each level in our school, the teachers and counselors instruct and model how to diffuse a tense situation and problem solve possible solutions. We want children to leave our school with a well-stocked toolbox of ways to resolve conflicts.
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Striving for the Common Good – In a world consumed with selfies and the drive for self-satisfaction, we teach that the world operates more harmoniously if we think and strive for what will best serve society as a whole. Courage – Peacemaking isn’t for the faint-ofheart. It takes courage to wade into the fray – to quit being a bystander and step forward as a leader. St. Julie had the courage to challenge the prevailing view of her time that women didn’t need to be educated. Teaching children her story inspires courage in them. Christ commissions all of us to be the ChangeMakers and the Peace-Makers in the world. Teaching children the knowledge and the skills to fill these roles and then giving them the experiences to practice these skills is the process we refer to as The Summit Way. Rich Wilson Head of School
Features A new leader training called SEED is facilitating conversation among our faculty and staff on issues of equity and diversity. Junior Caroline Kubicki’s eighth grade capstone project inspired her to take action on behalf of an Afghan refugee family. Her actions were life-changing. With an abundance of performance opportunities on campus giving them confidence in front of a crowd, The Summit’s musicians are appearing around the city as well. .
What a year eighth grader Irene Calderon is having. First, she wins coveted spots in band and orchestra competitions. Then, she becomes the top scorer on the Latin club’s state championship team. And now, she is headed for D.C. as Cincinnati’s spelling bee champ. Read about Irene, the Latin club’s state championship and other student newsmakers. In a Q&A with Head of School Rich Wilson, Donna Orem, president of the National Association of Independent Schools, talks about what makes schools like The Summit distinctive. The Summit’s twin senior athletes, Harrison and Henry Schertzinger, are leaders on and off the field. Along with other athletes like sophomore Sydni Black and senior Scott Kinross, they are good examples of how playing multiple sports pays dividends. Thanks to an increase in the endowment, The Summit was able to increase the number of scholarships given to next year’s incoming freshmen. Four of the 26 named endowed scholarships that were awarded are new. Brian Washington ’98 is an awardwinning civil rights attorney and artist whose work has been displayed at presidential libraries and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
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Newsmakers Faculty Newsmakers Athletic Newsmakers Fashion Show Thank-A-Donor Day Class Notes Summit Magazine 5
New Program SEEDs Faculty-Staff Conversations on Equity and Diversity Summit faculty and staff participating in the SEED program include, front row L to R: Linda Moeggenberg, Montessori lead teacher; Laura Haas, Upper School Coordinator of Leadership and Student Activities; Julia Almaguer, Lower School math specialist; and Samantha Setterlin, Middle School art teacher. Middle row, Penny Herr, Middle School religion teacher; Dr. Laura Samuels, Upper School Resources Program Coordinator; Cecelia Johnson, first grade teacher; Carolyn Varick, Middle School math teacher; Brendan McEachern, Middle School language arts teacher; and Dr. Kirstin McEachern, Curriculum and Instruction Director, Diversity & Inclusion Director. Top row: Elaine Pearl, Associate Director of Admission, Toddler-Kindergarten; Rob Schaaf, Middle School math and social studies teacher; Holly Northern, Technology Director; Marsha Wermes, Upper School administrative assistant; Alice Brannon ‘85, Upper School English teacher; Patti Kenney, retired literacy specialist; and 6 Heather Spring Cole, Magazine Middle2017-18 School science teacher.
By Kirstin Pesola McEachern, Ph.D. Conventional wisdom suggests we’re not supposed to talk about politics, religion or money in polite company, but once a month for the past year and a half, faculty and staff members have gathered to discuss those topics and more as part of the National SEED Project (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity), one of the nation’s largest peer-led professional development programs. Anti-racism activist Peggy McIntosh founded SEED 30 years ago with the goal of creating more equitable and inclusive classrooms, communities and workplaces, and the program has since spread to 42 states and 15 other countries. Trained facilitators lead participants through monthly, year-long SEED seminars in their own communities to make them more gender-fair, multiculturally equitable, socioeconomically aware and globally informed. Familiar with SEED’s work from articles I read in my doctoral studies, I knew their emphasis on “conversational communities” would work well at The Summit as we continue to seek ways to include diversity principles into our curriculum. In my role as Diversity & Inclusion Director, I applied to SEED’s New Leader training in the summer of 2016, and began Summit’s first cohort last school year with 10 members from all four divisions. Montessori teacher Linda Moeggenberg was part of the first cohort. “When I signed up for SEED,” she says, “I was really interested in being part of a group that encompassed people from all divisions of our school with the hopes of meeting new people. That goal was met and so much more. Being part of the SEED cohort was such a valuable and treasured experience.” SEED seminars start with the assumption that we are each the authorities on our own experience and can learn to facilitate effective conversation among our colleagues about issues of equity and diversity. Seminar facilitators do not lecture; instead, they lead their colleagues in experiential, interactive exercises and conversations often stimulated by films and readings. Because diversity work is an ongoing process, not a one-time training, SEED allows people to continue in the program beyond the initial year.
Participating in the program requires a significant commitment. Seminars take place after school, continue through dinner and end at 7 pm. Because establishing the group rapport is vital to the work, people must agree to attend each monthly meeting. Still, word of the program spread and this year’s cohort has 14 faculty and staff members. Two teachers Lower School Math Specialists Julia Almaguer and Upper School English teacher Alice Brannon ‘85 have been accepted into new leader training. “The first introduction to SEED was [last year] at a faculty in-service,” says Lower School teacher Ceil Johnson. “The content of the program sounded thoughtful. The time involved was a bit daunting, so I passed. When it was offered again
“You truly think about all the stereotypes you have buried within your thinking. You think about the story of others in addition to thinking of your personal story. As that metacognition develops, your empathy, your compassion for others and your humanity emerges. Your thinking informs your actions. You truly desire to apply that final phrase in The Summit mission and seek to“become leaders of character who value and improve the world they inherit and teach others to do the same.” – Patti Kenney, Retired Lower School literacy coach Summit Magazine 7
this year, I made the commitment and can truly say it has been a good decision.” A typical SEED seminar has five components: experiential activities, personal testimony, inclusive pedagogy, systemic thinking and curriculum as a “window and mirror.”
Upper School teacher Alice O’Dell Brannon ’85 explains, “While engaging its members in relevant provocative content, SEED applies a protocol of listening, waiting to speak and holding self and others accountable for our spoken words. Belonging to a group of professionals whose voices are mutually valued and respected is refreshing.”
Experiential Activities
Systemic Thinking
In every SEED seminar, people are actively doing something to tap into what SEED calls “the scholarship in the selves,” or people’s lived experiences and stories, as opposed to “the scholarship on the shelves” of academic references. For instance, when discussing religion and belief systems, participants created visual “Body Biographies” to convey their core values using symbols, drawings and passages from scripture.
Sharing our own stories and experiences is the first step in SEED’s process, but each seminar seeks to identify how those stories illuminate the systems of oppression, power and privilege. Such elucidation is helpful to see how a single act of discrimination or an offhand remark contributes to a larger structure of oppression.
“I am amazed at the complexity of Personal Testimony thought required, the amount I In personal testimony, am reflecting people share time in serial and how much testimony with the group, I think about A group of faculty and staff join Ryan Wynett, front row left, Learn in partners or in triads that the themes and Lab Specialist at the Open Your Mind: Understanding Implicit Bias Center at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. are constantly changing so discussions in the that group members can days and weeks both learn from a variety of stories and reflect on after class,” says Lower School Math Specialist Julia their own. In a session that focused on schools as Almaguer. systems of privilege and oppression, for example, faculty and staff each shared a positive school story Curriculum as “Window and Mirror” and a more damaging memory. In each SEED seminar, participants should be “You are not necessarily in a room full of people exposed to something that reflects their own that you know well, yet you are sharing some very experience (the mirror) and something that causes personal thoughts and experiences,” Mrs. Johnson them to look outside their experience to new says. “I think it makes you look at yourself, your learning (the window). values and your convictions.” “SEED gave me a much more worldly perspective Inclusive Pedagogy for a girl who has lived in the same place, went to school in the same district, college in the same We’ve all been in meetings where one voice state and has worked at the same place for over dominates the time and controls the narrative. 30 years,” says Linda. “I am much more aware and In SEED, activities include everyone to avoid the try to make a conscious effort to see a situation danger of a single story, and activities are often through another’s eyes before making any kind of timed to ensure everyone participates. judgment.” 8
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The goals of the program align perfectly with The Summit’s mission statement and our strategic plan initiative to focus on character-based leaders, as one cannot be a successful leader without crosscultural competencies. Retired Lower School literacy coach Patti Kenney, who participated in the program last year, says, “You truly think about all the stereotypes you have buried within your thinking. You think about the story of others in addition to thinking of your personal story. As that metacognition develops, your empathy, your compassion for others and your humanity emerges. Your thinking informs your actions. You truly desire to apply that final phrase in The Summit mission and seek to “become leaders of character who value and improve the world they inherit and teach others to do the same.” New to the school this year, Middle School art teacher Samantha Setterlin says, “SEED is a chance to meet together as a community to discuss issues that we are aware of, but don’t typically dedicate time to. Having dedicated time to reflect and unpack these issues together creates authentic experiences and better understandings.”
“SEED is a chance to meet together as a community to discuss issues that we are aware of, but don’t typically dedicate time to. Having dedicated time to reflect and unpack these issues together creates authentic experiences and better understandings.” – Samantha Setterlin , Middle School art teacher
Kirstin Pesola McEachern, Ph.D. is Curriculum and Instruction Director and Diversity & Inclusion Director at The Summit.
Members of the SEED group work thoughtfully on their “Body Biography,” a visual depiction of their Magazine 9 belief systems, values and Summit aspirations.
Zuhall Ayaar, center, and her sister, Husnia, right, pose for a family portrait at a North Carolina airport as they are reunited with their family in October when the family was granted refugee status.
Life-Changing Experience ‘Voices’ Research Writing Project Propels Student into Action By Caroline Kubicki ‘19 In eighth grade, I had the privilege of interviewing Zuhall Ayaar for the eighth grade capstone project, “Hear My Story; Be My Voice.” All I knew was that she was a student at the University of Cincinnati, and she was Afghan. As a 14-year-old girl, I was curious, excited and nervous to interview a stranger. Little did I know, the interview would change both of our lives. I met Zuhall at a cafe in Clifton. She sat down with a bright smile on her face and was clearly just as eager for the interview as I was. The story she shared with me, however, left us both in tears. I sat in awe as Zuhall, a woman whom I had met merely five minutes before, told me the story of her life.
After six years, the Ayaars returned to Afghanistan only to discover that their house and Aqa’s office had been burned down. This meant that all legal proof that the father had been a Kabul officer was destroyed. Not giving up, Zuhall’s parents continued to work hard so that all six of their children could have an education. They found new jobs, a new house and nearly had their lives back when the Taliban identified Zuhall’s father and began sending the family death threats.
A Skype image of the Ayaar family.
On October 28, 1992, Zuhall was born in Kabul, Afghanistan. Growing up, Zuhall was one of six children, all of whom were allowed freedom and education, thanks to their father, Aqa, an officer in Kabul who worked with the United States while the Taliban had control over Afghanistan. Because of this, 10 10 Spring Magazine 2017-18
the Taliban captured and tortured him. He escaped the Taliban and fled with his family to Pakistan, where they hid.
The Ayaars left Afghanistan again and sought refuge in Tajikistan. Zuhall, along with her twin sister, Husnia, had just turned 18 and qualified for a program which would send them to the United States for college. Aqa consented to the program, and Zuhall began her studies in Cincinnati, while Husnia studied in North Carolina.
The rest of the Ayaar family, Zuhall’s four brothers and sisters along with her parents, remained hidden in a refugee camp in Tajikistan, living in a one-room home, struggling to have enough food to sustain six people. And they lived in fear that when Zuhall graduated from college, she could be deported back to Afghanistan because her application for U.S. citizenship had fallen through the cracks. This is where Zuhall ended her story with me. Just like that, it ended.
tried to kidnap the children for deportation. Luckily, Zuhall’s youngest sister called the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, who quickly arrived and took the children to safety. Then, Zuhall’s parents were not allowed to cross over the border back into Tajikistan and could not be reunited with their children. It took months for Zuhall’s parents to cross the border.
After all of this, with the help of Congressman Chabot’s office, the Ayaar’s case made its way through the process That was it? I was confused. of being approved. Without I went into the interview this help, they might not assuming that Zuhall’s story have received refugee status. about injustice would have a In October 2017, I received happy ending. Her story did a call from Zuhall. She was not have an ending at all. crying and laughing. At last, This interview marked a new her parents and three of her Zuhall Ayaar celebrates her graduation from U.C. chapter in Zuhall’s life. This four siblings had been granted was the beginning of a new refugee status, and they story – a story of justice. would be flying into the United States in two weeks. However, Zuhall’s oldest brother had turned 21 which Immediately after the interview, I wanted to take meant he had to apply for refugee status separately. action. I thought there must be something I could do. It has not been granted yet, and we are still working I wrote a letter to Senator Rob Portman. His assistant, on it. Connie Laug, responded to me. My letter also went to U.S. Representative Steve Chabot’s office. Both When the rest of the family arrived in the U.S., it was Senator Portman and Rep. Chabot’s offices took the first time Zuhall and Husnia had seen their family action in the Ayaars’ cases. Within a matter of in eight years. weeks, Zuhall was contacted by the Department of Homeland Security for This journey has been an interview regarding life changing for all her citizenship. of the many people Around a year later, who became involved her citizenship was and chose to fight for granted. justice. It has been more than three years At the same time, since I first interviewed Zuhall’s family was Zuhall, and I can called for an interview finally say it appears with the U.S. Embassy that Zuhall’s story of in Kabul. At last, the injustice is coming to a Ayaars received their happy end. interview. Zuhall’s parents went to Kabul The Ayaar family aboard the plane that will take them to safety in the U.S. Caroline Kubicki is for the interview, now a junior. Her leaving their four children in the refugee camp. While story about Zuhall Ayaar’s plight for citizenship was they were away, five men broke into their house and published in Volume III of Hear My Story/Be My Voice. This year, the sixth volume in the capstone series will be published. 11
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d of Music At The Summit
Theresa Merrill, Director of Choral Music at The Summit, leads Camerata, alumni and the Canterberry Brass during a performance at Lessons and Carols in December.
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Abundant Performance Opportunities Give Students Confidence By Nancy Berlier Junior Brigid Devine faces a crowd of 350 people who have come to The Summit to enjoy an evening of music. Dressed in the black formal attire of Camerata, Brigid focuses on the 47 strings of her 1970s era Salvi Aurora harp. The vaulted arches of the 19th century Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel optimize the reverberation of the notes, wafting the sound of “Carol of the Bells” across a sea of familiar faces. Although Brigid is a vision of calm beside her sister Erin, a freshman, as they play a harp duet, Brigid has a paper towel unobtrusively in her lap in case her hands become moist from nerves. “It is easier to get beyond the nervousness at Summit because I know every single person here,” she says. Brigid has been in countless performances here since she started playing the harp in kindergarten. Her experience paid off this year when she became the harpist for the Cincinnati Symphony Youth Concert Orchestra. Those performance opportunities at The Summit make a huge difference in self-confidence, according to Antonia Tamer ’06, who as a soprano with the Boston Lyric Opera, is one of The Summit’s most successful music alumni. “The opportunity to perform on stage at such a young age was paramount in my development as an artist,” Antonia says. “There is no better way to overcome stage fright than to sing your heart out in front of your classmates and teachers. I am so thankful to my teachers, especially my music teacher Theresa Merrill, who encouraged me and who allowed me this opportunity. I truly believe these experiences were instrumental in finding the confidence to pursue a career in such a competitive field.” With 22 years of teaching experience before joining The Summit, Theresa Merrill has put her heart and soul into the school’s music program since she came here in 2002 as the Director of Choral Music. Gifted in piano and voice, Mrs. Merrill has performed at many venues around the city. “We’re lucky to be at a school and in a city that supports music and the arts,” she says.
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Musical theater
Like Brigid, junior Lilly Gieseke is a lifer. She remembers being in the Montessori Christmas Play, a Summit musical tradition that dates back more than 40 years, and playing a frog in the third grade play. She was in Mother’s Day performances, Lower School musicals, recitals and like every Middle School student was in band, chorus and general music. Lilly joined the seventh and eighth grade choruses. And she has been in nearly every stage production in her Middle and Upper school years, plus Upper School talent shows. She plays the violin, piano and ukulele. But her passion is for musical theater. Inspired by Lin-Manuel Miranda, composer of the Broadway musical “Hamilton,” which she saw on Broadway in New York City, she wrote her own musical including 14 original songs. “A Tale of Two Friends” made its debut in April at Knox Presbyterian Church. “You can tell you can kind of tell a story with one song, but it’s not the same as drawing the story out over all the songs and having all the songs being connected to the musical theme,” she says. “It’s really nice to connect it all.” The annual Upper School musical is the highpoint of musical performance at The Summit. Tom Peters, Director of Theater, collaborates with Mrs. Merrill to select plays that are well-matched to potential vocalists and offer opportunities for multi-age ensemble casts. “Musicals are where all the arts come together,” Mr. Peters says. “Music, theater, storytelling, acting, dance, painting, designing and architecture come together to create a cohesive whole.” This year, the hill was alive with the Sound of Music in March with roles for 28 characters. The lead role of Maria was brought to life by sophomore Maria Luiso. A member of Camerata and voice student at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, Maria has sung in many productions outside of The Summit, including a Pueri Cantores San Gabriel Valley tour of Italy, concerts with Vocum Veritas at Flintridge (California) Sacred Heart Academy and productions with various theater groups, including Acting Up in Mason. “What I love most about music and theater is the community that is formed through shows and
In this scene from “The Sound of Music,” the actors singing “The Lonely Goatherd” are, front row, L to R: Tyler Berry and Erin Johnson; second row, Gwen Hellmann, Maria Luiso and Savannah Eveslage; third row, T.J. McGrath, Alek Stanisic and Sophie Evans.
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choirs,” she says. “I also love how musical theater combines all aspects of art – music, acting, dancing and visual arts – to create something for other people.”
Music education
Like other lifers, senior Sydni Brooks remembers her early performances. She began singing at Masses in first grade and was one of two step-sisters when the Lower School presented “Cinderella.” Now, Summit sports fans know her for singing the national anthem a capella at many school sporting events. But her favorite musical memory is this year’s talent show. The last act of the night, she sang “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus, which is about achieving your goals and dreams despite the challenges in your way. As soon as she began singing, students took out their cell phones, turned on the flashlight apps and waved them back and forth as if they were in a concert. “It felt amazing to sing that song in front of all of my classmates and teachers that have shared this journey of my life with me, whether they were here with me since preschool or came along through the years. I think that was my best performance.”
Senior Sydni Brooks performs “The Climb” at the Upper School’s Talent Show in February.
Sydni has had a lot of support along the way. The Summit has dedicated music teachers for every grade level. Ai Li Brown teaches in the Montessori. Donna Dirksing Doran teaches in the Lower School. When students get to the Middle and Upper Schools, they are taught by Robert Browning, Director of Instrumental Music; Greg Williams, Middle School music teacher; Mrs. Merrill and Mr. Peters. Five teachers in the Piano and Violin Department offer private lessons during the school day.
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The earliest music education offered begins with infants in the IgKnight program led by Mrs. Doran. These classes are designed to stimulate the infant’s brain while building language, reasoning and social-emotional skills. Mrs. Doran and Mrs. Brown are trained in the Orff-Schulwerk philosophy of music education, an approach that involves a lot of movement to internalize rhythm and other musical concepts. “We use the Orff instruments that were created to be easy and accessible for the children to play and make music successfully,” says Mrs. Brown. “The key for the age group of the children that I teach is that it is play-based and very joyful so as to instill a love of music in the children. That is something the children take with them into the higher grades where Donna can build on that Spring Magazine 2017-18 foundation.”
Students in Montessori music teacher Ai Li Brown’s class play xylophones as she helps them internalize rhythm.
The Pep Band plays lively music for the crowd gathered for the homecoming football game in September.
In the Lower School, students also form choirs for their Masses, and few experiences at The Summit are sweeter than hearing first graders sing “This Little Light of Mine” in the chapel. “One advantage of music at The Summit that public schools don’t have is that we have the spiritual component,” Mr. Peters says. “Kids who wouldn’t perform in a musical or don’t have time for choir have an opportunity to perform in chapel services. There’s a great history of music in the church; some of the greatest pieces ever written were commissioned by the church.”
Music and brain research
Among the many benefits of a musical education is that music can sharpen the intellect. Studies show that engaging people in music helps them focus. “I’ve seen brain scans of what happens to people when they listen to music, and their brains light up all over,” Mr. Peters says. “When you sing, your whole body vibrates. You’re exercising your brain when you engage the muscles in your body. There’s a mathematical and intellectual component because your brain is calculating and memorizing the half notes, quarter notes, eighth notes, 16th notes, 32nd, 64th, 128th notes and all the skips between them. And the emotional pleasure that comes from music exercises the brain.”
Lower School music teacher Donna Dirksing Doran uses bubbles and sheer fabric to engage youngsters in an IgKnight music and movement class.
Ai Li Brown also points to brain research and music. “Numerous research articles suggest that music can make you smarter and that musicians’ brains are more active than non-musician brains,” says Ai Li. “There is also a lot of evidence to suggest that music education improves the academic performance of children, their IQ, their executive function skills and many other skills.” The National Association of Music Merchants Foundation maintains that learning to play an
Seventh grader Savannah Eveslage performs “Once in Royal David’s City” at Lessons and Carols.
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instrument improves mathematical learning and SAT scores. Consider these studies: • A 2016 study conducted at the University of Southern California’s Brain and Creativity Institute linked musical experiences in childhood to accelerated brain development, particularly in the areas of language acquisition and reading skills. • A 2014 study at Boston Children’s Hospital discovered a correlation between musical training and improved executive function in both children and adults. • Active participation in music changes the brain, and the kind of stimulation you get from playing an instrument reaps the most cognitive benefits, according to a 2014 study from Northwestern University.
Senior Jenna Eveslage performs in the Upper School Talent Show.
Sophomore Maria Luiso helped bring The Summit alive with the “Sound of Music” in the title role of Maria.
The kind of memorization that goes into learning to perform musical pieces can help students in academic classrooms. When Montessori Director Kathy Scott was a teacher, she wrote “The Bones Song” that had 3- to 6-year olds remembering scientific words with lyrics like “I’m going to hug, hug, hug my humorous.” In Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) biology, Karen Suder plays popular songs in which the lyrics have been rewritten, such as a take on “We are the Champions” by Freddie Mercury retitled “We are the Microbes.” Summit’s budding composer Lilly Gieseke began writing songs to remember historic details about the bubonic plague for a summer assignment in Upper School teacher Kelly Cronin’s AP European history class. “I had to remember some stuff, and I was holding a ukulele so I just kind of wrote a song,” she says. And, she still remembers the lyrics: “Baby how I love you. Whenever I am near you…my body temp goes up to 102 degrees.” First grade teacher Ceil Johnson uses songs in math to teach concepts like fractions, skip counting and place value. “Music can be a fun and engaging way to teach and help kids remember concepts in all curricular areas,” she says.
18 18 Spring Magazine 2017-18 Dressed in formal attire, Camerata performs at Lessons and Carols.
Mrs. Merrill points to the other benefits of music as well. Instrumental music performance enhances dexterity, coordination and physical endurance. Repetitive practice builds confidence as students master the music. “When you think of everything that goes into a performance, whether you are in a group or flying solo, it takes a lot of mental preparation as well as physical preparation,” says Mrs. Merrill.
Junior Hanchen “Jeffery” Huang, student in The Summit’s Piano and Violin Department, shows his talent in the chapel.
Robert Browning, Director of Instrumental Music, talks to James Johnson, Jude Gerhardt and David Schnitter during the warm-up before the fall Middle School band concert.
“Musical performers gain a discipline. In order to perform well, you’ve got to do your homework. We always say you cannot do in performance what you failed to do in rehearsal – not unlike the way coaches say you’re going to play the way you practiced.”
the reactions and sentiments of different audiences toward the music under different circumstances at different times in different places. These notes not only deliver an individual’s thoughts but also carry the memories of generations and the weight of history.”
Music appreciation
And of all the arts, music is the most primal.
Having said all this about music at The Summit, one more point needs to be made about simply appreciating music. “We touch our humanity through the arts,” says Mr. Peters. “A hundred years from now, people won’t remember who won the Super Bowl but they’ll still be discussing ‘Is Hamlet Mad?’ The arts survive. The arts are what define us through the millennia. We know who came before us through their expression in art.”
“Music is the art that reaches us the most, and the one we experience first,” Mr. Peters says. “It is a primal memory of our moms and our dads singing a lullaby to us. That’s our first artistic expression, and I think on a primal level, we still relate to that intimacy of being sung to sleep.”
Hanchen “Jeffery” Huang, an international student from China who studies piano with Irina Melnik, head of the Piano and Violin Department, says music is the universal language of humanity. “Music reveals to me the beauty and pure genius of human beings, from Mozart to Elton John,” Jeffery says. “Music is a universal language that conveys emotions and more importantly, humanity. Every time I place my fingers on the black and white keys, I ponder the composers’ thoughts and messages. As I spread my fingers across the octaves, I imagine
Greg Williams, Middle School music teacher, leads students 19 through a musical exercise in his classroom. Summit Magazine 19
Summit Musicians of Note
Among the many students and alumni who excel in choral or instrumental performance:
Vocalists
Senior Vivianne Skavlem sings with Bel Canto, the most advanced of the Cincinnati Children’s Choirs, and has performed with the Cincinnati Pops under John Morris Russell, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Kentucky Chamber Orchestra and in many University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music (CCM) productions. In addition to performing here in Lessons and Carols and Masses, she has performed five times on The Summit stage and for three years with the Groundlings, the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s youth outreach. Through the Children’s Choir, she has traveled to China, Arizona, Italy and Japan and performed for Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) and the American Choral Directors Association. She was a member of a World Choir Games group which won gold. Her biggest venues to note: literally on the Great Wall of China and in the Grand Canyon. Other members of the Cincinnati Children’s Choir include second grader Mila Matarazzo, fourth grader Natalie Kenter, fifth grader Lily Gentes, sixth grader Tarek Hasan and eighth grader Drew Cavallo. Freshman Sophia Stanisic is a member of the Cincinnati May Festival Youth Chorus. A Summit lifer, she began taking private voice lessons in the third grade, performing in festivals and music competitions. She sang with the Middle School chorus in grades seven, eight and nine and was a member of the Middle School Praise Team. She has performed in four Summit musicals and many events, the highlight of which was singing Ave Maria for May Crowning last year. Senior Jenna Eveslage was accepted into the selective A Cappella Academy at Mount St. Mary’s University in Los Angeles last summer and did a workshop with Pentatonics. Jenna has been involved in The Summit’s music community since sixth grade, participating in plays, Masses, Lessons and Carols, the Upper School talent show, chorus and Camerata. Senior Caroline Karbowski, a member of Camerata, cantor for Masses and a four-play veteran
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Kadyn Keeney
Allen Wang
of both Summit and Moeller High School stages, was in the Cincinnati Youth Choral Festival and Cincinnati Children’s Choir her freshman year. She toured France and Italy with the Sycamore Community Summer Singers and sang in St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City during Mass. A piano student for 13 years, she once played the piano backward upside down in an Upper School talent show. Sydni Brooks, also a lifer, has been singing at Masses since first grade and is now a member of Camerata. She might be best known here for singing the national anthem a capella at sporting events. Fifth grader Allen Wang is in the JourneyMen level of Cincinnati BoyChoir. The designation is in recognition of his singing ability, musical aptitude and general performance potential. His group performs six concerts and experiences a bus tour to a major U.S. city to collaborate with other choral groups. Fourth grader Kadyn Keeney, is in the Junior Musical Theatre program at CCM. He was cast in the role of Jack in the spring production of “Into the Woods” and competed with the troupe recently in Atlanta. He is studying piano, voice, tap, hip hop, parkour and holds a blue belt in Taekwondo.
Instrumentalists
Eighth grader Irene Calderon studies violin in The Summit’s Piano and Violin department and the flute with Robert Browning. This year, she played third flute for OMEA District 14 honor band and second flute in the OMEA orchestra.
Summit band members performed with the Southwest Ohio Catholic Honor Band. They include freshmen, Tommy DiPaola, clarinet, and Grant Gerhardt, trumpet; eighth graders Irene Calderon, flute; Jimmy Fraley, trumpet; and Alan Liu, percussion; seventh graders, Maria Bishop, flute; Shannon Dennemann, clarinet; Darnell Baldwin, trombone; and Sam Parker, trumpet; and sixth graders Mia Cavallo, flute; Jude Gerhardt, clarinet; and David Schnitter, clarinet. Fifth Grader Sophia Nery is studying piano and voice at CCM where she participates in biannual studio recitals, the annual CCM piano competition, several concerts and the Achievement Festival. Senior Davis DeFoor plays the piano and is part of a jazz combo at CCM. Freshman Jack Stewart has played guitar with Nicholas Tuttle’s Studio since age 9 and performs publicly with studio musicians.
Antonia Tamer ‘06, Emerging Artist with the Boston Lyric Opera.
Ninth grader Grant Gerhardt plays trumpet in the band and has studied piano since kindergarten at The Summit. He earned gold medals in third through fifth grades and a silver medal in sixth grade at the Ohio Music Teachers Auditions Festival at CCM. First grader Anna Min has been taking violin lessons in the Piano and Violin Department since she was age 5 and began taking piano this fall. She has performed in department concerts.
Alumni
Antonia Tamer ‘06 is an Emerging Artist with the Boston Lyric Opera for 2017-2018 season. Previously, her resume includes Portland Opera Resident Artist, 2016-2017 season; Caramoor (N.Y.) Bel Canto Apprentice Artist, summer 2016; Natchez Opera Festival, 2015; Chautauqua (N.Y.) Opera Young Artist, 2015 season; Opera San Jose, 2013 season. Gavin Tabone ‘92 is the music teacher at Barton Hills Elementary School in Texas and director of the Barton Hills Choir. His students have performed at the SXSW Music and Media Festival, at the festival for Austin City Limits and with Pink Floyd founder Roger Waters. Regina Merrill ’13, sang throughout her years at The Summit and Loyola University in Chicago in concert choir and chorus. With a new job in San Francisco, she will specialize in marketing the arts. She continues to take private voice lessons.
Gavin Tabone ‘92, music teacher at Barton Hills Elementary School in Texas, with his daughter, Abigail, after the “Bugz” musical at her school.
Jack Schroder ‘13 has sung a cappella at the Ohio State University for the last four years and competed in national competition for the International Championship of A Capellas, a competition made famous by “Pitch Perfect” – though he says “real life is a little different.” Katie Anne Headley ’17 was first violinist in the Butler University Symphony Orchestra her first semester of school. She often played violin at Mass, weddings and other campus events and was a member of the Northern Kentucky Youth Sinfonia during her high school years. Meg Mathile ‘13, who was in many Summit theatrical performances and studied opera as a high school student, sang in the Yale Glee Club for three years. 21 Summit Magazine 21
NEWSMAKERS Seniors Davis DeFoor and Lauren Lautermilch are candidates for the U.S. Presidential Scholars program. The program recognizes more than 4,500 of the country’s most distinguished high school seniors. Davis and Lauren were automatically selected because of perfect ACT scores. The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars ultimately will choose up to 161 finalists.
A poem by eighth grader Jack Crane has become part of the archives of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Inspired during the eighth grade class’ trip to Washington, D.C., Jack wrote about the bridges that are part of the museum’s permanent exhibition. He also received the President’s Volunteer Award from the iSpace Science Center in Sharonville for his community service work there. 22
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Six Upper School students received awards in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards competition. Senior Teddy Bohlke won a Gold Key, Silver Key and honorable mention for drawings and illustrations. Senior Maya Warren received a Gold Key and honorable mention in photography. Junior Gillian Fajack won a Silver Key and honorable mention in photography. Honorable mentions went to junior Evy Mattson for photography; junior Grace Carle for digital artwork; and sophomore Anna Claire Bristow in ceramics and glass.
Summit senior Caroline Karbowski and Turpin High School senior Haley Thurston, daughter of The Summit Middle School teacher Yngrid Thurston, were awarded a $1,000 prize for best venture pitch at TechOlympics 2018. Their project helps the visually impaired “see” the world through 3-D printing so they can touch items they ordinarily wouldn’t be able to distinguish. They also are putting together a website where 3-D designs can be requested.
Summit’s Mock Trial Blue Team won both of its trials at the district level and advanced to regional competition where senior Evan Baker won an outstanding attorney award and junior Caitlin Barnes won outstanding witness. At district, Summit’s Blue Team placed first overall in points and individual awards for blue and silver teams went to senior Ruku Pal and sophomores Pierce Kreider and William Fassler for outstanding attorney; senior Maya Warren, junior Lilly Gieseke and sophomore Karmah Khoury for outstanding witness. Pictured L to R, Evan, Aaron Bialon, Caitlin, Maya, Cat Alway, Pierce; Lilly and Ruku and attorney Rebecca Wright. Summit has advanced at least one team to regionals for 12 of the last 13 years.
Thirty members of the class of 2022 were inducted into the Round Table Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society. The inductees are: Abby Almaguer, T.J. Armstrong, David Becker, Tucker Berry, Parker Bricking, Khamia Brooks, Irene Calderon, Audrey Campbell, Drew Cavallo, Nicholas Ciaccio, Jimmy Fraley, Ashleigh Grooms, Cecilia Hasan, Sadie Joseph, Lily Lippert, Nicky Luttmer, Karley Michel, Andrew Murtaugh, Anjali Pema, Molly Ragland, Morgan Riley, Hudson Ritch, Anna Catherine Sansalone, Keenan Schomburger, Jack Sheehan, Jennifer Sullivan, Teddy Sumnar, Reagan Sutton, Luca Tosolini and Luis Valencia.
Student Newsmakers
The Summit welcomed 64 students into its chapter of the National Honor Society in March. The juniors inducted are: Catherine Alway, Noor Amir, Grace Anderson, Caitlin Barnes, Kristina Bauer, John Bergeron, Aaron Bialon, Benjamin and William Carcieri, Neng “Ben” Chai, Kiernan Cinque, Samantha Crew, Nicholas Dahling, Julia Dean, Meg DeNoma, Anna DeRoussel, Luke Desch, Brigid Devine, Anna Fahrmeier, Gillian Fajack, Alexis Fee, Eric Fisk, Lillian Gieseke, Mary Gilligan, Colby Gordon, Emily and Brandon Harris, Julia Rosa Helm, Hanchen “Jeffery” Huang, Evan Hunt, Grace Kaegi, Caroline Kubicki, Meilian Kurlas, Abigail LaMacchia, Molly Mambort, Maria Maples, Evelyn Mattson, Colleen McIlvenna, Maya Mehlman, Grace Millikin, Alonzo Motley, Christopher Murtaugh, Zoe Myers, Hudson Nuss, Amy Poffenberger, Kristalynn Proctor, Evan Purdie, Alexandra Ragland, Luke Ritter, Martha Seltman, Amelia Semler, Daniel Shisler, James Speed, Filippo Tosolini, Carli Vallota, Victoria Walton, Andrew Warren, Elijah Weaver, Yurui “Jerry” Wu, Tess Wyrick and Ava Yoon. The three seniors inducted are: Paige Griffiths, Stephanie Kiley and Mimi Stines. Works by seventh grader featured on the OAEA Savannah Eveslage, sixth website. Charlie’s writing grader David Schnitter will appear in “Artline,” and fourth grader Leo an OAEA publication. Lyons were displayed in Youth Art Month Exhibition Juniors Julia Dean and at the State Teacher’s Meilian Kurlas are Retirement Systems among a select number building. of area students chosen to participate in TAP MD for the next year, and junior Noor Amir is one of about 20 students selected for a new sister Artwork created by six program, TAP Healthcare Fourth grader Charlie Summit students were (TAP HC). Both help Ritch and third grader selected for statewide talented students “tap” Beatrice Nery are winners into their potential for exhibitions in Columbus this winter. Pieces by eighth in the 2018 Jerry Tollifson careers in medicine. The Art Criticism Open, graders Jade Hays (not girls will attend monthly sponsored by the OAEA. pictured) and Anjali Pema introductions to a variety Charlie won first place and of specialties and practice and first grader Djoser Beatrice took second place settings. The programs are Darby were included in in Division 2 for students the Ohio Art Education sponsored by the Health Association’s (OAEA) Young in third-fifth grades. The Collaborative. Some 21 People’s Art Exhibition at the essays were displayed at Summit students have the 2018 Youth Art Month been chosen by TAP MD Rhodes State Office Tower. Exhibition in Columbus and since it began in 2011.
The Middle School’s Destination Imagination team placed second in regional competition. Shannon Dennemann, Annie Fee, Carleigh Gottenbusch, Annette LaLonde, Colin Koran, Charlotte Thompson and Wali Khan demonstrated how they helped gather unwanted food and use it to make soup for the homeless population in Cincinnati. They made four gallons, enough to serve approximately 96 people. They also were part of rescuing food from being thrown away from the catering division at Great American Ball Park. They supplied that food to Soup Cycle, a bike that delivers nutritious soups to people in need. Artwork by juniors Gillian Fajack, Anna Fahrmeier, Grace Kaegi and Luke Ritter were featured in the Selections 2017 exhibition at Mount St. Joseph University’s Studio San Giuseppe. Gillian’s work was digital photography, Anna’s was mixed media and Grace and Luke had ceramics.
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Student Newsmakers
Faculty and Staff Newsmakers
An essay by eighth grader Jade Hays was on display at the Jan. 23 Violins of Hope concert at Music Hall. The Holocaust & Humanity Center presented the concert event, which featured eight Holocaust era violins played by some of Cincinnati’s finest musicians. Jade’s essay on hope, “Where a Flower Blooms, There Is Damaged Soil,” joined about 15 others from Tristate students on display and Jade also created a complementary work of art.
Nine Upper School students received special awards on for having the highest grade point averages in their grade levels during the first semester. Upper School Director John Thornburg started the mid-year awards program this year to recognize the high-achieving students, and their teachers, and to encourage all to keep up the good work. Awards went to freshmen Grant Gerhardt and Sophia Stanisic; sophomores Maliah Bricking, Ryan Burns and Pierce Kreider; juniors Yurui “Jerry” Wu and Julia Rosa Helm; and seniors Lauren Lautermilch and Shangqing “Albert” Cao. L to R, Assistant Upper School Director James Craig, Maliah Bricking, Ryan Burns, Pierce Spencer Kreider and Upper School Director John Thornburg.
Darnell Baldwin, Maria Bishop, Shannon Dennemann, Jimmy Fraley, Jude Gerhardt, Alan Liu, Sam Parker and David Schnitter represented The Summit in the Southwest Ohio Catholic Middle School Honor Band performance at Xavier University’s Gallagher Theater. Upper School musicians Tommy DiPaola and Grant Gerhardt played in the high school honor band. The orchestras are composed of the best student musicians from Catholic grade schools and high schools in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. 24
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Ai Li Brown, music teacher in the Montessori, became a U.S. citizen on Jan. 24 in a naturalization service in Louisville, Ky. A native of Malaysia, Ai Li came to the U.S. in 1994 on a scholarship to study piano performance and piano pedagogy at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. She met her husband, an Ohio native, there and the pair eventually settled in Covington. Ai Li received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music from Southern Methodist, specializing in Piano Performance and Pedagogy. She is a registered teacher for the Orff-Schulwerk early childhood music method.
Maria Hill, Director of Human Resources, was selected by Northern Kentucky
University’s Director of Executive Leadership and Organizational Change and other graduate-level faculty to facilitate Peter Block’s “6 Conversations of Change” at various institutes and organizations in Singapore this summer. During her international travel to Southeast Asia, she will visit various businesses to engage in conversations around civic engagement and organizational development in Vietnam and Malaysia.
Lisa Mays ‘05, Summit Latin teacher, was named the State Chair of Students for the Ohio Junior Classical League (OJCL), taking over a job that Latin teacher Larry Dean held for the last nine years. As state chair, she will manage the student officers and the member schools, keep sponsors updated about events and deadlines and oversee maintenance of the OJCL website. Ms. Mays was previously the Illinois State Chair before returning to Ohio. The two Latin teachers led The Summit’s Latin Club to a state championship this year.
Kirstin Pesola McEachern, Ph.D., Curriculum and Instruction Director, has been named Diversity & Inclusion Director, a position she held in the interim last year. She was recently cited in a Rasmussen College School of Education blog in an article called “The Importance of Teaching Tolerance: 9 Ways to Create an Inclusive Classroom.”
Maureen Ferrell, College Counseling Director, has been named to the University of South Carolina College Counselor Advisory Board, one of the first out-of-state counselors asked to serve. She was selected because of her experience, dedication and knowledge of the college application process. Her twoyear commitment began in March. Currently, she also serves on the advisory boards of Mercer University and High Point University. Previously, she served on the inaugural board of the University of Chicago and Hanover College as well as Southern Methodist University, Xavier University, The Ohio State University and Ohio University. Pictured left: Like many visitors at the Samford University campus in Birmingham, Ala., Maureen Ferrell poses for a photo with the Ralph Waldo Beeson statue. She has visited 23 college campuses this year.
Jim Bisenius, a child and adolescent therapist who founded the Bully-Proofing Youth program, urges Upper and Middle School students to be upstanders, not bystanders when it comes to dealing with bullies. In addition to presenting to students, Mr. Bisenius presented separately to faculty and parents. “A blessing of working at a school like The Summit is that we can be intentional about creating a positive and supportive school culture as well as address behaviors that contradict our mission head-on,” says Middle School Director Mike Johnson. “Jim’s presentations were informative and practical for all audiences.” Summit Magazine 25
Eighth grader Irene Calderon receives the championship trophy at the Southwest Ohio Scripps Regional Spelling Bee, hosted by WCPO.
What’s the Buzz?
Irene Calderon to Compete in National Spelling Bee By Joseph Delamerced ‘18 ESPN hosts professional games of basketball, hockey, football, bowling and so much more. This is the channel that hundreds of thousands of Americans watch to get the latest updates on sports, original commentary on current sports news and programs showing us what it means to work hard and have it pay off. I have been on ESPN. And so will eighth grader Irene Calderon for the same reason: the Scripps National Spelling Bee. It is odd knowing that only four years ago, I was in the same position. I can certainly testify that it is terrifying to go up on a stage and say letters into a microphone while three different cameras are trained on you, especially the one that literally moves in mid-air, tracking your every movement. But spelling words correctly is becoming more of an odd hobby for a niche group. Spell checkers have effectively eliminated the need or want for students to learn how to spell - and not just complex words like deloul (a French, Arabic-derived word for camel) or spleuchan (a Scottish Gaelic word for pouch). We dread spelling out words like vegetable, stationery or even Wednesday. We still confuse words like advice and advise, complement and compliment, and, perhaps one we see on Internet threads everywhere, to and too. 26
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It takes a special type of person to decide that this is something they want to try. In a world where every answer can be found in a second online and where hard work seems to be even a deterrent for some, there are still people who are willing to go the extra mile. There are people who are still willing to work hard to follow a special interest or passion and see where it takes them. Irene is no stranger to hard work. She played third flute in the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) District 14 honor band, played second flute in the OMEA orchestra, competed in the state geography bee and recently was the top scorer for The Summit Latin team at the Ohio Junior Classical League State Convention. People often ask me, “What’s it like to have Irene filling in your shoes?” I don’t think she’s following in anyone’s footsteps or following some precedent. I think she’s a driven, inspiring and hard-working young girl. For that alone, we should cheer her on. Senior Joseph Delamerced is a three-time city spelling champion. His brother Tino’14 and sister, Anna’12, both now studying medicine at Brown University, also went to the national bee.
The Summit’s Latin Club is No. 1 in the state again.
Latin Club Wins State Championship Again By Nancy Berlier
sophomores Ryan Burns and Kathryn Sullivan; seniors Davis DeFoor and Joseph Delamerced.
The Latin word for “top” has a familiar sound to it: Summa.
Other members of the state championship team included seventh graders Ryan Kenter, Wali Khan The summa is where The Summit’s Latin Club landed and Nicholas Stanis; eighth grader Abby Almaguer; once again at the Ohio Junior freshmen Matthew Casanas, Classical League Convention in Erin Devine, Adam Foley, Columbus. Evan Lakhia, Aidan Lawler and Ava Norton; sophomores This marked the eighth time in Lee Armitage, Isa Bishop, past 12 years that The Summit Maliah Bricking, Michelle has won the state championship Chen, Michael Hall, Elsa Khan, for overall points. This year, Connie Nelson, Isha Tamrakar the group also won first place and Matthew Warden; in academic per capita points, juniors Alex Almaguer, Julia winning 25 first-place awards Dean, Brigid Devine, Beckett in individual categories that Schiaparelli and James Speed; showcased their knowledge and seniors Patrick Casanas, of Latin language, culture and Hali Clark, Liv Hartman, Latin Club members walk into Flannery Gym where they history. One of the first-place Caroline Klette, Michael are celebrated for their state championship wins. trophies went to the novice-level Warden and Maya Warren. certamen team. Additionally, seniors Joseph Delamerced and Caroline First-place winners in various competitions included Klette completed their terms as league president and seventh graders Sam Parker and Ryan Schnitter; eighth first vice president, respectively. Junior Julia Dean ended graders Parker Bricking, Irene Calderon, Jimmy Fraley, her tenure as parliamentarian and was elected second Andrew Murtaugh, Kendall Richard, Anna Catherine vice president. Sansalone and Jennifer Sullivan; freshman Zach Davis; Summit Magazine 27
The Independent School Advantage 28
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NAIS President Donna Orem: We Need to Look to the Future In this Q&A, Head of School Rich Wilson poses questions about why parents choose independent schools and Donna Orem, president of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) answers them.
Q: When parents are considering sending their children to an independent school, what are the top reasons they choose independent schools?
A:
Each independent school is unique, which enables families to choose the type of education environment that works best for each child and for the family as a whole. Many families who choose independent schools are looking for a caring community that will help their child grow up to be a good person who contributes to the wider world. They also want a school that will challenge their child intellectually, helping them excel academically and succeed in college and career. Many also want a school that is safe, where children can grow and become their best selves. The distinct philosophies and caring teachers at independent schools help them meet families’ needs.
Q: Like many independent schools, The Summit focuses on educating the whole child. Our mission statement calls for us to develop each child spiritually, academically, physically, socially and artistically. Why is this important?
A: As parents, we all strive to meet our
children’s needs as best we can. Choosing a school that focuses on the whole child means you can feel confident that your child’s development will be viewed holistically and nurtured by experts. Also, as we look to the future, we know that social, emotional and creative skills – those skills that are uniquely human – will be in high demand as we enter the second machine age, in which emerging technologies (like Artificial Intelligence) will be more present in our day-to-day lives.
Q: Independent
schools are known for developing wellrounded students for success in life, yet colleges seem Donna Orem, president of to focus on specific the National Association of Independent Schools roles they want a prospective student to fill based on their needs that year. How should independent schools reconcile those two perspectives?
A: Most schools with selective admissions are
trying to create a community of students who will challenge one another and expose each other to diverse perspectives. The college may be trying to fill a specific need in a given year (a tuba player for the marching band, say), but overall, they are looking for active and engaged learners who will thrive in that particular community. Independent schools excel because they instill a love of learning and offer students many opportunities to grow their skills. While individual skills are often particularly sought after, the intellectual curiosity and communitymindedness that independent schools foster are universally valued. These skills are the ones that will most benefit students no matter what path they take in life.
Q: How do you view the tradeoff independent
schools are trying to balance between preparing students to do well on standardized tests (ACT/SAT/ AP) but also have strong character and polished social skills?
A: Independent schools typically help students
develop character while developing their academic muscles. Independent schools develop unique curricula and experiences for students that enable teachers to address numerous areas at once. It is in this seamless integration of diverse types of work and experiences that independent schools really distinguish themselves.
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Q: Some say that independent schools have
become too expensive – that middle class students can no longer afford them. What do independent schools need to do to still stay ahead of the curve educationally but still be reasonably priced?
A: High-quality education can be expensive,
but most independent schools offer financial aid so that they are accessible to students from a wide range of backgrounds. Having a student body that’s diverse in many different ways confers benefits to all students.
Q: Ohio is one of the most governmentally
intrusive states into private education. As the national leader of independent schools, does that concern you? What’s the best way to combat that?
A: Independent schools have the freedom to
determine their own mission statements and then design the programs that will best serve students. They are accountable to boards, parents and the agencies that accredit them. This freedom and accountability provides phenomenal opportunities to innovate and better serve the unique needs of students. For many within the independent school community, federal or state-mandated tests are seen as burdensome and counterproductive to learning. Families are often concerned that public schools spend too much time on tests rather than active learning. School leaders might worry that the desire to do well on the test could pressure teachers to alter their curriculum or approaches, perhaps covering more material, but offering less depth. NAIS works to protect the independence of independent schools so they can continue to serve students and families well. We also partner with state and regional associations of independent schools to work with local and state governments to preserve that independence. We lose some of those battles, but will continue to make the case. For individual schools, I think
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continuing to educate students who do well at the next level of education and who are successful in their chosen career paths is the best response. We hope that gathering and sharing data on our student outcomes will help to influence policy makers at all levels of government in the future.
Q: NAIS has encouraged private schools to
innovate. What areas of independent school education do you think need to be improved and why is that important?
A: Independent schools are constantly evolving
and improving. The world around us is changing so rapidly, it’s vitally important that independent schools consider how best to prepare students for the future. Many of our member schools have been around for 50, 100 or even 300 years, but no school looks the same as it did the day it was founded. Successful schools value their history and all of the people who came before them, but also look to the future. Learning is in their DNA and they are curious about what comes next. For example, in the last decade there have been many advances in our understanding of the brain and how children learn. I see many schools innovating around their teaching and learning models to reflect that new learning. There is also much experimentation today around personalized learning. Schools will continually need to push that frontier to ensure that we can reach the goal of every child succeeding.
Q: Some independent schools are non-sectarian and some are religious. As an educator, what role should an independent school play in the spiritual development of its students?
A: Spiritual life is very important to many
families. Independent schools allow them to choose the community that suits them best. I myself went to Catholic school for K-12 and for my undergraduate education. It was foundational in so many ways. The most important role for any school though is to determine its unique mission and to ensure that its policies and programs align to that mission.
What Makes Independent Schools Special? Independence in the truest sense of the word. Independent schools are governed by a board of trustees, not a public school board. They are primarily supported by tuition payments, charitable contributions and endowment revenue. • Independent school teachers have the freedom to create educational experiences that meet each child’s needs, without state mandates on curriculum, textbooks and testing. Mission-driven education. Whether coeducational or single-sex, day school or boarding school, each independent school is driven by its own unique philosophy, values and approach to teaching. • The diversity among independent schools allows you to find a school that is a great fit for your student. High academic standards. Independent schools nurture intellectual curiosity, stimulate personal growth, encourage critical thinking and promote a lifelong love of learning. • More students in independent schools enroll in advanced courses than in public, parochial and other private schools. Small classes allow for individual attention. Low student-teacher ratios encourage close connections between instructors and students. • In 2015-2016, the median ratio in NAIS schools was 8.6 students to each teacher. Excellent teachers. Independent school instructors usually teach in their areas of expertise. They strive to develop a full understanding of each student’s learning style, interests and motivation
• Graduates of independent schools have a greater likelihood of completing a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree. Education for the whole child. In addition to academics, independent schools also nurture students’ personal and social growth and civic conscience. • Outside the classroom, students participate in school-sponsored athletic competitions, artistic pursuits and leadership experiences. Inclusiveness. Independent schools foster diverse and vibrant student communities that welcome and respect every family. • In 2015-2016, students of color were 26 percent of independent school enrollment, while 3.2 percent of students were from other countries. A community of parents who actively participate in their children’s education. Independent schools promote regular communication among students, parents and teachers to ensure everyone is working toward the same goals. • As a parent, you can actively engage in your student’s education, because the staff and teachers want and value your participation.
Reprinted with the permission of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). The Summit is the only Catholic school in Cincinnati which is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States. This article from the NAIS explains what separates independent schools from other types of schools. Summit Magazine 31
Summit Sports Summit Seniors Garner National Attention United Soccer Coaches named seniors Ravin Alexander and Harrison Schertzinger to the girls’ and boys’ AllAmerican teams. Separately, Summit senior goalkeeper Mimi Stines played in the fifth-annual High School AllAmerican Game Dec. 2. She was the only Cincinnatian selected for the game and one of five in Ohio. Ravin and Harrison were among six student-athletes in the Tristate to receive the All-American honor. A forward, Ravin was named Miami Valley Conference, all-Southwest Ohio, Division III Southwest Ohio and Division III Ohio Player of the Year. A defender, Harrison was named MVC, all-Southwest Ohio, Division III Southwest Ohio Player of the Year and Division III Player of the Year. Mimi was MVC first-team, allSouthwest Ohio and all-Ohio first team (for the second time). L to R: Ravin Alexander, Mimi Stines and Harrison Schertzinger
L to R: Diego Vallota, Nick Mishu, Ravin Alexander, Mimi Stines, Michael Warden, Xavier Johnson, Lily Melink, Eva Nicholson and Will Doran.
Several Summit Student-Athletes sign to play at next level At The Summit’s National Signing Day and Collegiate Recognition Ceremony Feb. 8, four state champion soccer players and two football standouts signed letters of intent to play for Division I teams in 2018-19. Three more students were recognized for making commitments to play on Division III teams. Signing were Ravin Alexander, University of Louisville; Mimi Stines, University of Dayton; Nick Mishu and Diego Vallota, Wright State. Xavier Johnson, is a preferred walk-on at The Ohio State University for football while teammate Michael Warden, is a 3232 Spring Magazine 2017-18
Sophomore Swims In Canton’s Waters Again
Sophia Zaring
For a lot of high school swimmers in Ohio, slicing through the water in C.T. Branin Natatorium is the ultimate goal. But reaching that level and swimming against the best the state has to offer often eludes many a swimmer. That hasn’t been the case for sophomore Sophia Zaring, who made a return trip to Canton for the state championship meet in February. Sophia qualified for the meet in the 200 Individual Medley and the 500 freestyle. In her freshman season, Sophia swam the freestyle portion of the 200-meter medley relay, the 200-meter individual medley and the 400-meter freestyle relay.
preferred walk-on for Vanderbilt football. Committing to DIII schools were Lily Melink, another state soccer champ who committed to Gettysburg College; Eva Nicholson, who will play field hockey at Depauw University; and Will Doran, who will play lacrosse at Ohio Northern University. “Many of our students are still weighing their options for college,” said Athletic Director Greg Dennis. “I expect we will see more kids committing to college teams as they firm up their plans.” By Nick Robbe 33 Summit Magazine
Schertzingers: The Summit Made Us Who We Are
Seniors Henry, left, and Harrison Schertzinger 34
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By Nick Robbe Students, clad in school spirit and teeming with excitement, streamed into Flannery Gymnasium. Montessori toddlers holding pompoms arrived in a decorated cart. Lower School students carried signs with big letters that spelled “Summit.”Middle and Upper School students were crammed into the bleachers. The whole school was ready to be whipped into a frenzy in support of seniors Harrison and Henry Schertzinger being selected Cincinnati Penn Station Athletes of the Month. Near the end of the event, Harrison asked for the microphone from Joe Danneman, FOX19 Sports Anchor and the event’s master of ceremonies. The boisterous cheering section calmed just enough to listen to his directions for the next cheer. It’s a type of charisma and leadership seldom seen among high school students. You can ask anyone who knows them, and they will say it’s just who the twins are. They’re leaders. “Harrison knows he can grab the microphone because he’s a leader,” Henry says. “People like to hear from him and they respect his voice. In those moments, the school is looking for something to happen, and we want to be the ones to make it happen.” Throughout their time at The Summit, Henry and Harrison have made plenty happen through Student Senate, philanthropy club, starting their own business and their various athletic exploits. Their athletic success might be the best place to start as both Harrison and Henry view their time as high-performing, three-sport athletes as invaluable. In the fall, Harrison and Henry have made soccer their game. The start of the twins’ career is bookended by two very successful points in the program’s history. Entering Henry and Harrison’s freshmen season, the team won two consecutive state titles and was eyeing a third. Much to the team’s chagrin, Grandview Heights bounced the Silver Knights from the tournament in the state semifinal. The team entered the season with a similar scenario this year. As part of a culture change,
Henry and Harrison say the team took nothing for granted. In the state semifinal, the team secured a thrilling comeback win against Grandview Heights. From there, the Silver Knights went on to secure another state title. “At our pep rallies, we called it a storybook,” Harrison says. “The season went better than you could write it. We beat the team that knocked us out our freshmen year in the same place. My senior year soccer season is probably the top moment of my career.” During their time at The Summit, Henry and Harrison wanted to win five state championship rings: one apiece in basketball and lacrosse to accompany the three they have from the 2015, 2016 and 2017 soccer seasons. In 2016 and 2017, the twins and The Summit were among the final eight teams vying for a basketball state championship but that ring eluded them when Roger Bacon defeated the Silver Knights both times in the regional final. Henry and Harrison opted to run indoor track for their final winter season making this lacrosse season their last shot at lingering state championship rings. Lacrosse is where Henry and Harrison really shine. Having signed to play lacrosse at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, they thought this season could be really fun to watch. Unfortunately, an anterior cruciate ligament tear derailed Harrison’s final season as a Silver Knight. Henry suffered the same injury toward the end of his junior season and returned in time for the state soccer playoffs. It could still be a great year for the team, it just has to regroup. “Our team is special this year,” Henry says. If athletics have given the twins everything, then working on Student Senate, as members of the philanthropy club, to raise awareness for new weight room equipment or with their business, Heart x Hustle Fitness, are chances to give back to The Summit community. “This place built who Henry and I are,” Harrison says. “It’s been the place that’s believed in us every step of the way.” Summit Magazine 35
Making the Case for MultiSport Athletes
Sophomore Sydni Black loves field hockey but she has been on the basketball, indoor track and lacrosse teams in other seasons.Â
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Well-Rounded Players Have More Skills By Nick Robbe The cacophonous clangor of an early-morning alarm, 4:30 a.m. to be exact, alerts seniors Henry and Harrison Schertzinger that a new day has arrived. That stirring sound also means it’s time to get a workout session in before the school day begins. Without question, the brothers can serve as models for the “physical” portion of The Summit’s five pillars. However, the twins aren’t the only students participating in multiple sports. Of the 398 students enrolled in the Upper School, 203 are involved in more than one sport. To break it down even further, 103 participate in three sports. “We definitely push for them to start earlier in Middle School and be involved in multiple sports,” Athletic Director Greg Dennis says. “It’s important they go from one sport to another because of the size of our school. It also makes them better athletes.” Mr. Dennis’ sentiments definitely fall on one side of a hot topic in high school athletics nationwide: whether to specialize in one sport or mix it up with multiple sports. Advocates of sports specialization maintain that focus on one sport during youth and high school years offers athletes a better chance at making the cut for college teams. This is a position often supported by club teams and parents who have high expectations that their children will play on college teams, according to a survey of college athletes conducted by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). On the other side of the debate, multisport athletes: • Have longer term success, fewer injuries and a higher chance of being active adults than their one-sport peers. • Are less likely to sustain “overuse” injuries from repeating the same motion. Playing other sports allows time for them to heal,
develop different muscle groups and stay fit. • Are less likely to burn out from the hours of drills, practices and competitions spent by those who begin specializing in youth teams and in high school. • Gain extra skills – hand-eye coordination, balance, endurance, explosion, communication and athletic agility – that make them more valuable in their primary sport. The NCAA survey also found that many college athletes had regrets about specializing too early: “Many NCAA athletes think youth in their sport play in too many contests and a number of them (especially men) wish they had spent more time sampling other sports when they were young.” Henry, Harrison, sophomore Sydni Black and senior Scott Kinross are among the advocates of multisport play. “Honestly, I would never tell anyone to specialize in one sport,” Henry says. “As far as lacrosse goes, I know I’m 100 percent a lacrosse player from now on, but leading up to college, it’s about being the best athlete on the field. College coaches are looking for that because they will polish your skills to make you a college athlete.” Sydni agrees. “I know a lot of people, who run all year, deal with injuries because they are not working different muscles and using all they have to offer,” Sydni says. “Using all the different muscles has helped me avoid injury. I feel like I’ve gotten in better shape. It has made me a better athlete.” Playing multiple sports at the youth level allowed Sydni an easy transition into juggling multiple sports at the high school level. The biggest difference between grade levels for her has been the competition and speed with which the games are played. However, she relishes the challenge and likes playing at the faster pace. That hunger to rise to the level of her competition served Sydni well when she stepped
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Senior Scott Kinross swims in winter season but he’s been to state with the boys’ cross country team in the fall and runs track in the spring.
onto the field hockey field. In her second season, she was selected first-team all-city. Sydni took to the court for basketball as a freshman before opting to run indoor track during the winter season this year. In the spring, Sydni makes lacrosse her game. In her first season, she made first-team all-Miami Valley Conference. Entering her sophomore campaign, she was one of the area’s players to watch. Part of Sydni’s success can be attributed to the interconnected nature of the sports she plays. Playing basketball has helped her with footwork, a skill that transitions well to lacrosse. Playing 38
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field hockey helps with her speed. However, the most obvious parallel is the stick work associated with both field hockey and lacrosse. Scott Kinross is another year-round athlete. He went to state this fall with the boys’ cross country team, the sixth time in eight seasons that the boys have qualified to go to state. He also runs indoor track and swims in the winter and is on the boys’ track team in the spring. Scott, who will graduate with 14 varsity letters, will attend the United States Air Force Academy. “The biggest advantage playing multiple sports has given me is with my time management,”
Scott says. “I know I have to plan out my weeks ahead of time in case there is a big meet or big project coming up that I can work on ahead of time.” This year’s college recruitment season offers more support for multi-sport athletes. Of the 10 seniors who signed with Division I schools in November and February, seven are multisport athletes, including the Schertzingers who committed to play lacrosse at Division I University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “I owe all my success to it (playing three sports),” Harrison says. “Our parents were big on it, North Carolina loved it. That was one of the reasons they wanted to take a chance on us. They knew if we were playing three sports at the level we did, then as soon as they get their hands on
us and we’re focusing only on lacrosse, our potential would be that much higher.” Now that Sydni’s college recruiting process is beginning in earnest, it’s possible she could land at a Division I school. Because of recent rule changes, she isn’t allowed to commit until next year. “I’ve been talking to top Division I schools and that’s about as far as it can go,” Sydni says. “They can tell me their level of interest but can’t make any offers.” The sophomore, even with all The Summit asks of its students, plans on remaining a three-sport athlete. Given that her success at this stage of her high school career is already generating interest from college recruiters, it’s likely coaches at the next level will want her to maintain the status quo.
Committed to play lacrosse at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill this fall, Henry, left, and Harrison Schertzinger play lacrosse as their main sport but they also are members of the state champion 39 Summit Magazine boys’ soccer team and run indoor track to stay in shape off season.
L to R, Essa Britt, Leo Santamarina, Landon Mohr and Mila Brusch are the first-time recipients of four newly endowed scholarships.
New Scholarships Help Set Record for Class of 2022 By Nancy Berlier Academic accomplishment, leadership, perseverance, positivity and compassion are a few of the attributes The Summit hopes to see in eighth graders applying for admission. This year, four incoming freshmen are the recipients of new scholarships because they exemplify the values of the school. Essa Britt knows the value of perseverance and positivity from 10 years of studying ballet and modern dance with the Cincinnati Ballet. An eighth grader at Mercy Montessori, she has performed in “The Nutcracker,” “Romeo and Juliet” and “Swan Lake.” She and three other girls won a state writing award for National History Day and advanced to the finals in Washington D.C. She also volunteers 40
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at Stepping Stones and Mercy Neighborhood Ministries. “When others get discouraged by a big test or something hard, I will smile and encourage them not to give up,” she says. Landon Mohr has given up only four goals in the last two seasons as goalkeeper for an elite soccer team. He is confident of his soccer skills, but The Summit’s no-cut athletics policy attracted him because he wants to play other sports as well. A quiet eighth grader at Immaculate Heart of Mary, Landon doesn’t want to be invisible in the classroom. He noticed during his Shadow Day that students get individual attention from teachers. “There were teachers meeting with small groups of students and there were classes offered I could only dream about…I just felt comfortable.”
Mila Brusch tries to find humor in every situation. She loves a good hug and makes conscious choices to emulate positive characteristics. An honor student at Ohio Connections Academy, she is a competitive gymnast and plays the piano. She volunteers in the nursery at Vineyard Church and with Special Olympics at Cincinnati Gymnastics Academy. Her favorite subject is math. She wants the academic challenge that The Summit offers. “I think the challenging academics will prepare me for college, and the teachers and peers will help me excel in my leadership skills,” she says. Leo Santamarina is the kind of caring and compassionate person who reaches out to the new kid in school, offers a hand up to an opponent who has fallen on the field and puts an elderly woman’s groceries in her car. An honor student and student council member at St. Columban, he received the top rating on his project at the state science fair. Leo loves that The Summit’s chapel is in the center of the school. “I put a lot of energy into sports, yes, but while playing I look to God…I try to figure out and follow the path God chose for me. That may be sports or something completely different, but I am still figuring out my life and God is with me.” This year, Essa, Landon, Mila and Leo are the first to receive four new endowed scholarships – the Castellini Scholarship, Cheryl and Roger Dean Family Fund, Susan S. Castleberry Scholarship and Williams Family Scholarship. Thanks to the generosity of The Summit’s benefactors, a record number of scholarships were awarded for the 2018-19 school year. In March, The Summit awarded 53 merit scholarships and 26 endowed scholarships to 68 members of the class of 2022. From 19 different middle, junior high and parochial schools in the area, the students have demonstrated attributes that fit The Summit’s values. “The Summit has a national reputation as a leader among independent schools for attracting high-ability students and educating leaders of character,” says Kelley Schiess, Assistant Head of School for Enrollment Management and Special Projects. “Thanks to the many generous benefactors in our community who have increased
“The growth of our endowment reflects a deep commitment among our benefactors to fortify The Summit and continue our 127-year legacy,” – Jim Jackson, Chief Philanthropy Executive
our endowment, we were able to increase the number of scholarships offered this year by 52% over last year.” Philanthropic gifts to the school’s recent Aiming Higher campaign increased The Summit’s endowment by $2.8 million and created 24 new endowed scholarships. Additional scholarships are continuing to reach the level of funding needed to award them. “The growth of our endowment reflects a deep commitment among our benefactors to fortify The Summit and continue our 127-year legacy,” says Jim Jackson, Chief Philanthropy Executive. “Our donors passionately believe in our mission to educate the whole child so that our graduates are not only intellectually strong but also are character-enriched, faithful, empathetic, ethical and resilient so they can make positive changes in the world they inherit.” Summit Magazine 41
Students receiving endowed scholarships this spring included, L to R: front row: Zoey Collier-Gooden, Aubrey Jones, Lulu Murphy, Siena Cutforth, Lavinia Ward, Mila Brusch and Abby Moore. Second row: Kelley Schiess, Assistant Head of School for Enrollment Management and Special Projects, Aniya Woodard, Bridget Baker, Essa Britt, Samara Bill, Savannah Brizendine, Cate Pilon and Head of School Rich Wilson. Third row: Emilie Warren, Nicholas Ciaccio, Leo Santamarina, Sam Zawaly, Landon Mohr and Ashleigh Grooms. Back row: Carter Bibler, John Paul Tew, Matt Shuler, John Penote and Parker Bricking. Not pictured: Khamia Brooks and Mimi Johnson.
Scholarships awarded in March were: Charles and MayBelle Barrett and John and
Patricia and Joseph H. Clasgens II SBS ’37
Marian Leibold Scholarship
Scholarship
Aubrey Jones, St. Gabriel
Lulu Murphy, St. Ursula
Marc Bohlke Memorial Scholarship
Ruth (Jung) Conway ’46 Memorial
Scholarship Fund
Samara Bill, St. Gabriel
Siena Cutforth, homeschool
Castellini Scholarship
Mila Brusch, Ohio Connections Academy
Cheryl and Roger Dean Family Fund
Susan S. Castleberry Scholarship
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Essa Britt, Mercy Montessori
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Landon Mohr, Immaculate Heart of Mary
Marc Gerard Fragge ’83 Memorial Scholarship
Perin/Tyler Scholarship Fund
Carter Bibler, St. Margaret of York
Parker Bricking, The Summit’s Harold C.
Schott Middle School
Nicholas Ciaccio The Summit’s Harold C.
Matt Shuler, St. Margaret of York
Virginia Pohl Family Scholarship Cate Pilon, St. Columban
Schott Middle School The Marge and Charles J. Schott Scholarship
Joan and James J. Gardner Family Fund
Khamia Brooks, The Summit’s Harold C.
Ashleigh Grooms, The Summit’s Harold C. Schott Middle School
Schott Middle School Arthur and Irma Theobald Scholarship
Griffin Family Scholarship
Zoey Collier-Gooden, Corryville Catholic
Mimi Johnson, St. Mary
Aniya Woodard, Bethany School
Sam Zawaly, Mariemont Middle School
Robert T. Hertzel ’81 Memorial Scholarship
Abby Moore, Guardian Angels
Williams Family Scholarship
Leo Santamarina, St. Columban
Frank X. Homan Scholarship
John Paul Tew, St. Margaret of York
Scholarships help younger students too Since the scholarship season last spring, four
Margo S. Homan Scholarship
additional scholarships have been awarded for
the first time. These scholarships help families of
Bridget Baker, Immaculate Heart of Mary
younger children get The Summit advantage: J. Patrick Kelly Scholarship
Savannah Brizendine, St. Gertrude
The Chavez Family Scholarship
D.J. Mitchell, kindergarten
Carolyn and John R. LaBar Family Scholarship
John Penote, The Summit’s Harold C. Schott
Middle School
Farmer Family Scholarship Fund
Alex Bishop, kindergarten
Emilie Warren, St. Mary Patricia (Tyler) Perin Scholarship
Patricia (Tyler) Perin Scholarship
Eliana Hafner, kindergarten
Lavinia Ward, Corryville Catholic Zeilstra Family Fund
Tuula Hicks, kindergarten
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The Summit Parents Association (SPA) hosted a “Knight in Paris Fashion Show” March 1 at Kenwood Country Club. Partnering for the first time with the Knight Vision Auction, the SPA netted about $35,000 for tuition assistance through admission, a raffle and live auction. Chaired by Kathryn (Stahl) Harsh ‘84, Lisa McSwain and Deb Schaefer, the show was also a community-building event attended by current moms, past moms, alumni and faculty. Guests purchased raffle tickets for an opportunity to win designer French handbags and a watch donated by Richter and Phillips. A French-themed dinner buffet was followed by a fashion show featuring models who were current faculty members, alumnae, Summit moms and former Summit moms. Kathryn Harsh and Heather Britt from Dancefix organized the music and choreography. Fashions were from Ossie, owned by Meredith (Schiff) Borchers ’02; Active Outfit, owned by Alex George ’03; Alligator Purse, managed by Julie McLaughlin ’88 and owned by Summit mom and board member Jen Ragland and mom Amy Stagnaro; as well as from Soho and Dillard’s. Some of the flowers and décor were selected by Summit parent Marti (Heard) Thompson. During intermission Tricia (Castellini) Headley GMS ’87 led a live auction for a trip to the Sanctuary, a diamond bracelet from Peek of Chic and a day with Marvin Lewis. Clockwise from top, L to R: fashion show chairs Lisa McSwain, Deb Schaefer and Kathryn (Stahl) Harsh ’84 snap a memory in Karen Kinross’s photo booth; Carolyn Karageorges is all smiles as a model; Upper School English teacher Marina Jemail ’12 and her mother, Antonella, walk the runway together; security guard Mike Walker guards the auction items for auction chair Tricia (Castellini) Headley GMS ’87; Human Resources Director Maria Hill lights up the show in red. 44
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New Student Philanthropy Club Hosts ‘Thank a Donor Day’
The Paladin Knights, a student philanthropy club which was formed this year, come together to thank The Summit’s donors.
By Nancy Berlier Large banners have been displayed prominently on each side of the St. Cecilia Hall stage this year, a reminder to all those who enter of the words from Luke 12:48. “To whom much is given, much will be required.”
“This group of students has taken on a very important initiative, leading the implementation of building a Culture of Philanthropy among the students here at The Summit,” says Amanda Wood, Alumni Engagement and Gifts Officer. “They are showing their peers how philanthropy has impacted The Summit and why it is important to give back.”
The Paladin Knights, a student Their first major endeavor was philanthropy club which to host Thank-A-Donor Day in was formed this year, have February in St. Cecilia Hall to taken the words to heart. “I acknowledge the generosity of believe it is very important for The Summit’s donors in a special students to embrace the idea and personal way while building Freshmen Graham Nicholson, left, and Josiah Campbell of philanthropy,” says Senior an awareness among students sign thank you cards for donors. Victoria Wilhelmy, president of the impact donors have had of the group. “Giving back to on their educational experience. the places that impact us and shape us is important. At the event, students visited three stations – a Through everything I have learned in this club, I can Signature Wall, Thank You Card Table and Photo definitely say that the donors have had an impact Area – where they shared their gratitude for Summit’s on every single day I have spent being part of The donors. Summit community.” “From this event we collected many amazing cards, In addition to Victoria, the club is led by junior Patrick and I think the students have gained perspective,” Bissmeyer, vice president; sophomore Maliah Bricking Victoria says. and freshman Cecilia Wilhelmy and has about 20 student volunteers. Summit Magazine 45
Brian Washington ’98 in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel.
Brian Washington ’98 Blends Law & Art Careers
Brian’s artwork entitled “We Walk The Difficult Road” is part of The Continual Struggle collection.
By Nick Robbe Brian Washington ’98 went into his dark studio, with a single light ablaze, and got to work with monochromatic charcoal as his medium. But before Brian’s ideas could flow from his mind through his hands and onto canvas, it took some soul searching. That made his route to being an acclaimed artist circuitous. Brian has been a renaissance man since the days when he walked through The Summit’s doors as a freshman. He filled his time as a member of the honor council and the American Youth Foundation as well as being a scholar and class president. Brian also served up highlights on the hardwood in the Miami Valley Conference as a basketball player. “I had a tremendous time as a student at The Summit,” Brian says. “All the academic and extracurricular opportunities left me wellprepared for the years after graduation. The Summit set the stage for all of it.” His time on Grandin Road was the beginning of a burgeoning art career. As a 17-year old junior,
during one of his art classes, Brian made up his mind he was going to complete a project no matter how long it took. Seven months later, the result was staggering: An ink drawing entitled A Hurting Nation. It was his commentary on society at that time. It was apparent Brian had skills most high school artists don’t possess. His artwork attracted significant attention, including the Ohio Congressional Art Award. Jim Kennedy ’99, fellow alumnus of The Summit, owns the piece now. Even with those credits to his name, Brian still put off this pursuit of a career in art. “It was a neglected talent,” Brian says. “Art was one of my interests, it just wasn’t the chief one at that point. I went to Duke University to study public policy because I thought that was what was in store for me.” Brian continued to display much of the excellence he showed during his time at The Summit by making the Dean’s List. But before swinging his tassel from right to left, Brian opted to meet with Merrill Shatzman, a professor of Art, Art History and Visual Studies. Summit Magazine 47
Brian gives a presentation to students in Kyte Theater during Black History Month.
Brian’s artwork has been featured in many publications across the country, including this USA Today story.
That conversation led to the development of The Continual Struggle, the collection for which Brian is known. He said it created a controversy in his mind. In 2003, while Brian was enrolled in law school at the University of Southern California, his complete, 11-piece first edition of The Continual Struggle became a hot commodity. Purchased by the Smithsonian Institution, it was placed in the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center’s permanent collection. It was a difficult decision, infusing art into his chosen career path. However, the light that was long flickering inside became too bright for Brian to hold off any longer. Seeing a parallel between the two fields, Brian began to work as an attorney and an artist, illuminating issues of this country’s past and present. “I did not want to not do this,” Brian says. “People looked at me like I was crazy. But I just thought ‘you made the choice, now you have to show up and perform.’ ” Perform he did. In 2010, he was given the Humanitarian Award by American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California for his work on a case challenging a government policy that detained groups of lawful permanent residents and other immigrants for a prolonged period of time without a constitutionally adequate bond hearing. 48
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Then, Brian added 23 more pieces in a second edition that was released in 2016. It was part of a four-month exhibition at the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library and Museum. His work is also displayed at the Clinton Presidential Offices in New York. And so it was just as Brian began to gain national notoriety, an auto-immune condition declared its presence. Doctors prescribed immunosuppressants to combat the ailment, which often causes patients to get sick from something routine. In Brian’s case, he developed severe pneumonia. He was in and out of the hospital for months. After fighting the infection four times, he has gone for some time without a flare-up since. The condition took its toll, however. After being bedridden for seven months, Brian’s muscles were left severely atrophied. Back with his parents in Cincinnati, he has slowly been recovering from the experience and has made the transition from lying in a stretcher to walking with a cane. The setback has done nothing to deter Brian’s ardent passion. He is set on undertaking a massive project that will take the next decade to complete. “It will be one massive thing the world hasn’t seen,” Brian says. “It will be historic storytelling through art.”
A piece from The Continual Struggle collection called “They Were Very Poor, But Loved.”
A piece from Brian’s collection entitled “The Price of Progress.”
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This piece from The Continual Struggle is entitled “What These Weathered Eyes Have Seen.”
Cultivators” by Brian Washington. 50 “The Spring Magazine 2017-18
Class Notes 70s
Scott Silberstein BMS ’78, (center, top row) co-founder and executive producer of HMS Media in Chicago, celebrated in December when his company was honored with three Emmy Awards for “Chicago Voices,” featuring opera star Renee Fleming, Tony Award winner Jessie Mueller, “Empire” TV series stars Terrance Howard and Jussie Smollet, Grammy winners Kurt Elling and Michelle Williams and blues star Shemekia Copeland, all performing at Lyric Opera of Chicago. HMS Media turned 30 in January. Also turning 30 in 2018 is the Tony Awardwinning Lookingglass Theatre Company where Scott is an artistic associate. In March, HMS Media’s newest PBS special “Get Happy: Angela Ingersoll Sings Judy Garland” made its broadcast debut in Chicago before being aired across the US.
80s
Nick Gates ’84, has expanded his orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery and sports medicine practice to the Christ Hospital in Cincinnati following years of work in Northern Kentucky.
Hartley (Carmichael) Feld ’88 is graduating with a Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky College of Nursing this month. She will become a professor at UK’s College of Nursing starting in the fall. Julie Back ’87 was named No. 1 real estate agent in Cincinnati for the third year in a row at the Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors Circle of Excellence awards in January. In the fall, she was named No. 1 agent in Ohio by the Ohio Association of Realtors and has been the No. 1 agent at Sibcy Cline for the past six years. Julie works with Pam (Dixon) Sibcy ’66, wife of Sibcy Cline president and CEO Robert Sibcy and their daughter Robin (Sibcy) Sheakley GMS ’87, vice president at the firm. Pictured L to R: Robert Sibcy, Julie Back ’87, Pam (Dixon) Sibcy ’66, Robin (Sibcy) Sheakley GMS ’87. Rob Dziech ’88 was named to the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers for 2017. The Top 100 is an invitation-only organization composed of trial lawyers from all over America. Selection is based on peer nominations combined with stringent third-party research of attorneys who demonstrate superior qualifications of leadership, reputation, influence, stature and public profile.
90s
The class of 1992 held their class reunion at Kaze in Over-the-Rhine on Sept. 22. Pictured L to R: Brian Bolan ’92, Lauren (Baumann) Hagin ’92, Kakie (Reynolds) McMillan’92, Sherry Garg ’92, Gail (Gottenbusch) Knight ’92 and Liz (Lippert) Wilson ’92.
00s Dan Reynolds ’02 completed his Ph.D. at Vanderbilt University last summer and became an assistant professor of literacy education at John Carroll University near Cleveland in August. He and his wife Laura are Summit Magazine 51
Class Notes expecting their fourth child in September. Margaret Fuchs ’03 will complete her cardiology fellowship at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., on June 30 and begin her final fellowship in adult congenital heart disease on July 1, finishing in 2020.
Jimmy Champlin ’05, a legal aid attorney who is serving survivors of domestic abuse in Chicago, was recently featured in a video highlighting his transformational work and the values he holds in order to fight for those women every day. Search online for “#GrottoStories, Jimmy Champlin” to find the video.
10s
Maria Temming ’12, an intern at Science News in Washington D.C., was published in Science News in a report on the recent void found in the great pyramid of Giza. Maria graduated from Elon with degrees in physics and English and received her master’s in science writing from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She interned at Sky and Telescope magazine, was an American Association for the Advancement of Science Mass Media Fellow at Scientific American magazine, contributed to 52
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Elon’s technology blog and has written for the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. Find her recent articles at www. sciencenews.org.
Christian Lipa ’13 will work as a manufacturing engineer at GE Aviation in Wilmington, N.C. after graduation from the University of Cincinnati this spring with a mechanical engineering degree. He has co-oped for GE Aviation for three semesters in the U.S. and two semesters with GE Global Research in Munich, Germany. Christian was voted UC College of Engineering and Applied Science Engineer of the month in October and was nominated for the Herman Schneider Medal. He was a UC CEAS Alumni Award recipient this year. He says he was inspired to become an engineer by his grandfather, an electrical engineer at GE Aviation for more than 20 years, and credits Summit Upper School physics and English teachers, Amy Girkin who peaked his interest in engineering and Mary Vetter who helped him become a better writer.
Gabriela Nine ’13 is in the master’s program of biology at UC and is a junior research associate at the Benoit Insect Physiology Lab. Her thesis research is a study of cold tolerance in soft ticks. By measuring tick survival rates in freezing temperatures, scientists hope to gain more information on how to prevent human-tick interactions so that tickborne relapsing fever can be eradicated. Jack Schroder ’13 is in his last semester at The Ohio State University. Upon graduation, he will begin work with a Cincinnati startup called Spatial.ai.
Tino Delamerced ’14, president of the Brown University Chess Club, recently won the Inter-Ivy League Chess Championship. When Tino was at The Summit, he was a four-time overall individual state champion in the Ohio Junior Classical League, of which he also served as president, and twotime city scholastic chess champion. At The Summit, he was an AP National Scholar and National Merit finalist. Pictured: The Brown University Chess Team. Tino is the third in from the left.
Isabelle Saldaña ’13, whose face is on the screen, connected her students in India with our Summit sixth graders via Skype in March. Isabelle graduated from Elon and received a Fulbright-Nehru grant that has her teaching English in a public school in Malakpet, India.
Class Notes Matt de Jesus ’14 will graduate from Carnegie Mellon University this spring and move to New York City to become a financial analyst for Morgan Stanley. Matt played varsity soccer at Carnegie and was a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee.
Meredith Schertzinger ’14 is a contributing writer to Women in Sports: Breaking Barriers, Facing Obstacles, a twovolume collection that describes the current state of women in sports, the barriers we have surpassed and those that remain, before gender equity is reached. Her chapter discusses the controversial decision to host the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup on artificial turf and the inequality in women’s professional soccer. Meredith had been a soccer player at the University of Alabama at Birmingham until two knee surgeries forced her to stop. Rachel Wallace ’15 was chosen as a 2018 recipient of Wittenberg University’s Jeffrey Y. Mao Award which recognizes junior political science majors for outstanding scholarship, service to the community
and the promise of significant contributions to society.
IN MEMORY
Tullus Dean ’17 is attending Xavier University and was elected to his second year on the Ohio Senior Classical League State Board.
Elaine Bourgraf, mother of Brian Bourgraf BMS ’79, Elroy E. Bourgraf Jr. BMS ’80, Joseph Bourgraf (attd.), Oct. 30, 2017.
Nicole Weyer ’17 received an undergraduate research fellowship for this summer at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center to research in the gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition division. Jennifer Whitehead ’17 is attending New York University and recently completed her tenure on the Ohio State Board of the Senior Classical League, comprised of college students dedicated to the promotion of Latin at secondary schools.
WEDDINGS
Richard LeBlond (attd.), brother of Mary Leighton ’36, Patricia Clasgens (attd.), Harold LeBlond (attd.), Nov. 26, 2017. Caryl Crew, mother of Samson Crew BMS ’82, mother in law of Jill (Verdin) Crew ’85, grandmother of Caroline Crew ’15 and Samantha Crew ’19, Nov. 2, 2017. Richard Kiley, father of Daniel Kiley ’90, Paul Kiley ’93, Andrew Kiley ’94, Mary (Kiley) Thompson ’98, grandfather of Colin Kiley ’10, Madeline Kiley ’14, Stephanie Kiley ’18, Jude Kiley (attd.), Nov. 5, 2017. Mary Ann Bertsch, grandmother of Grace Bertsch ’07, Frank Bertsch ’09, Anna Bertsch ’14, Nov. 10, 2017. Alma Stanko, grandmother of Brian Schmelzle ’03, Nov. 11, 2017. John Meyers, grandfather of Estelle Neyer ’30, Nov. 15, 2017.
Hannah Krone ’11 and Sharad Khullar, Feb. 3, 2018, shown with Tracy Law, Ph.D., Upper School teacher and officiant.
Patricia (Heekin) Briggs GMS ’51, mother of Andrew Briggs ’84 and Montessori teacher Elizabeth (Briggs) Gosiger, grandmother of Samuel
Gosiger ’18, Nov. 18, 2017. Tom Neyer, grandfather of Estelle Neyer ’30, Nov. 26, 2017. Herman Eckstein, grandfather of Tess Eckstein ’09, Dec. 29, 2017. Bruce Petrie, grandfather of Sarah Petrie ’99, Daniel Petrie ’03 and Alec Petrie ’15, Dec. 6, 2017. Nancy (Ryan) Baehner ‘52, sister of Sara (Ryan) Gaede ‘58, Dec. 9, 2107. Kathleen (Rabe) Kirchmier ‘57, Dec. 12, 2017. Vera (Maier) Gustafson, grandmother of Andrew Koch ’96 and Joshua Koch ’00, Dec. 13, 2017. William Steiger, grandfather of Lee Wilger SMS ’12, Adrienne Wilger (attd.), Cole Wilger (attd.), Dec. 22, 2017. Armando Cortez, father of Jordan Cortez ’97, Dec. 23, 2017. Jeanne Melink, grandmother of Jack Melink ’20 and Lily Melink ’18, Dec. 27, 2017. Amelia Feuss ’71, December 28, 2017. Mary (Kunkel) Crumrine, grandmother of Ryan Taylor ’02 and Rachel Taylor (attd.), Dec. 29, 2017.
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Class Notes James Gibbons III, father of Gregory Gibbons ’84, Dec. 29, 2017. Richard Spencer, husband of Upper School Religion Teacher Nora Spencer, Dec. 29, 2017. Maureen (Harrington) Ruppert ’55, Jan. 5, 2018. Donald Eyer, grandfather of Logan Eyer ’11 and Sutton Eyer ’18, Jan. 5, 2018. William Earls SBS ’59, father of William Earls SMS ’05 and Emily Earls ’07, Jan. 6, 2018. Claire (Gieske) Kunkel, grandmother of Joseph Kunkel ’13 and Grace Kunkel ’16, Jan. 6, 2018. Mary (Kelly) Koeing, mother of Kelly (Koeing) Windoltz ’82, mother-inlaw of Mark Windholtz BMS ’78 and grandmother of Monica Windholtz ’14, Jan. 19, 2018. Edward Shreve, grandfather of Josh Shreve ’03 and Rachel Shreve ’11, Jan. 20, 2018. Walter McBride, Sr., father of Walter McBride, Jr., ’82, grandfather of
Kristen McBride (attd.), Miles McBride (attd.) and Walter McBride (attd.), Jan. 21, 2018.
Richard Lambers, grandfather of Nicholas Sutkamp ’18, Jan. 28, 2018.
Elizabeth (Budde) Easley, mother of William Easley SBS ’71, March 12, 2018.
Richard Ecabert, husband of Gail (Stayton) Ecabert ’74, Jan. 25, 2018.
Martha (Ficker) Olding, grandmother of Joseph Olding ’00 and Andrew Olding ’10, Jan. 31, 2018.
Richard Sayre, husband of Patricia (Suttle) Sayre ’56, March 12, 2018.
Shirley Schoonover, grandmother of Allyson Smith ’07, Jan. 25, 2018.
James Brown, father of Courtney Brown ’99, Feb. 1, 2018.
Jack Mayo, father of Middle School Math Teacher Laura Priede and grandfather of Alex Priede ‘10, Jan. 27, 2018.
Joan (Smith) Bath ’58, twin sister of Elaine (Smith) Fischer ’58, Feb. 2, 2018.
Agustin Taveras, Sr., father of Board of Trustee member Cenona Taveras, grandfather of Joaquin Beatty ’24 and Javier Beatty ’27, Jan. 27, 2018. Catherine Gabelman, grandmother Kevin Gabelman ’05, Meagan Gabelman ’08 and Ryan Gabelman ’11, Jan. 28, 2018. Patricia (Ryan) Gerbus ’53, sister of Sara (Ryan) Gaede ‘58, grandmother of Gabrielle Gerbus (attd.) and Samuel Gerbus (attd.), Jan. 27, 2018.
John Murphy, Jr., grandfather of Dane Barker ’19, Feb. 3, 2018. Nancy McQueen, grandmother of Nick Clark ’09, Feb. 18, 2018. Joseph Sullivan, husband of Sarah (Schulte) Sullivan ’62 and brotherin-law of Mary Clark (Schulte) Rechtiene ’58, March 2, 2018. Albert Heister SBS ’48, brother of Robert Heister SBS ’52 and Mary Barbara (Heister) Plage ’53, March 4, 2018. Ben Browning, father of Director of Instrumental Music Bob Browning, March 6, 2018.
Bruce Niemeyer, former principal of the Upper School, March 10. 2018. Mr. Neimeyer was in charge of the Upper School when it became co-ed in 1973. Along with the late coach and teacher Farrell Ackley, he played a role in selecting the silver and blue colors and Silver Knight mascot of the school. Joshua Pudlish, grandfather of Patrick Newton ’02 and great grandfather of Rory Newton ’32, March 18, 2018. Edward Maag, father of Megan (Maag) Kline ’98, Edward Maag ’02, Cindy (Maag) Bowen ’04 and grandfather of Edward (Will) Maag ’32, March 21, 2018. Dr. Maag had been in charge of the dental section of the Walter Reed Army Hospital Forest Glen Annex while he was in the service.
Alumni News
UKnight on Social Media Join our Summit Country Day Alumni group on Facebook and Summit Country Day Alumni & Friends group on LinkedIn. 54
Spring Magazine 2017-18
Please submit news about new degrees, new jobs, marriages, births and other notable passages in your life. Go to www.summitcds. org/submityournews or contact Amanda Wood, Alumni Engagement and Gifts Officer, at wood_a@summitcds.org or call 513-871-4700 ext. 240.
Save The Date
A Challenge: Help Make the Extraordinary Happen I am so proud of our Summit alumni network, which is becoming more
May 27, 2018 Upper School Graduation Chapel • 2 p.m. Sept. 14, 2018 Homecoming Alumni Hospitality Suite • 5-7 p.m. Alumni and their families, parents of alumni, current and retired faculty are invited to enjoy a spirited atmosphere with great food before heading to the football game. Football Game Williams Field • 7 p.m. Nov. 13, 2018 Legacy Photo • Chapel • 8:15 a.m. Current students who have parents or grandparents who are Summit alumni are invited to join us in the Chapel for a commemorative photo. April 26-28, 2019 Alumni Reunion Weekend Reunions for classes ending in 4s and 9s. Contact your class representatives to inquire about your details. April 27, 2019 Alumni social event • 5-7 p.m. Alumni, current and retired faculty are invited to attend a social event back on campus. More details about the event will be provided in the fall. April 28, 2019 Alumni Mass • Chapel • Noon April 28, 2019 Campus Day Art Show 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. All are welcome to attend the Campus Day art show featuring artwork from Summit students displayed throughout Flannery Gym and the Lower School Atrium.
engaged with our community every day. Thank you for caring about this institution and for wanting to help us continue to advance our mission. It is clear that our students go on to become Change-Makers and PeaceMakers in the world. But, how do they get there? Their ideas, character traits, passions and disciplines are developed, fostered and emboldened during their time at The Summit. I’m sure you would agree that is because our encouraging and talented faculty, coaches and staff are fully committed to the success of each child entering and exiting their care. Did you know that every year, gifts to The Summit’s Annual Fund for Excellence provide critical support for current funding needs that help us provide this top-tier education? These gifts help launch our faculty’s innovative teaching methods by providing the necessary resources for them and their classrooms. These gifts also provide financial support for students in need of tuition assistance and help fund memorable Summit experiences like field trips and Days of Grace and Wisdom. I’d like to offer a challenge to our alumni and ask that if you have yet to make your gift to The Summit’s Annual Fund this year, to please do so by June 30. Your gift makes you a vital part of the extraordinary outcomes that students and faculty are bound to achieve. Thank you in advance. In Summit Spirit,
Amanda Wood Alumni Engagement and Gifts Officer
Summit Magazine 55
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We put the fun in summer! The Summit Country Day School invites you to join students from all over the tri-state area. Programming for ages 3 through high school.
www.summitcds.org/summer