THE
SUMMIT Spring 2013-14
The New Legacy Family
THE SUMMIT The magazine of The Summit Country Day School SPRING 2013-14 EDITOR Nancy Berlier ART DIRECTOR/DESIGNER Kathy (Hilsinger) Penote ’93 ALUMNI EDITOR Susan Maxwell PHOTOGRAPHY Robert A. Flischel, Jolene Barton, Darren Weigl, Nancy Berlier, Leah Fightmaster, Jeremy Kramer, Gabe Weiss, Abby Semler ’14, Beth Crowl, Impact Action Sports Photography, Worldwalk Productions, Phyllis Schueler, Lauren Guip CONTRIBUTORS Lisa Murtha, Mike Dyer, Kathy Schwartz, Leah Fightmaster, Donna Paulin, Peter Corser’14. Monica Windholtz’14, Sandy Champlin, Emily Jolly, Nancy Snow PRINTING Arnold Printing © 2014 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 E-mail: communications@summitcds.org Alumni News Phone: (513) 871-4700 ext. 245 E-mail: SummitAlumni@summitcds.org Magazine Online View an archive of The Summit magazine online. www.summitcds.org/Magazine
The Summit Country Day School serves students from age two through grade twelve 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: The Saba Family represents the new Legacy Family, young alumni who are bringing another and Georges ’14. Photo by Robert A. Flischel. See story on page 24.
ON THIS PAGE: Selection of the spring musical, “Man of La Mancha,” was a deliberate choic L to R: senior Carolyn Eyre, junior Sarah Scoville, freshman Dane Franke, junior Nick Romane senior Radek Lord, junior Nathan Whitsett, junior Alex Winzenread, freshman Jenny Zhang, Lucy Schroder. Not shown: junior Maverick Thurston. Photo by Jolene Barton. See story on p
r generation of children into The Summit. Surrounding mother Gina (Baluyot) Saba ’84 are Monica ’16, Margeaux ’21 , father Peter ’83, Bella ’19
ce of new drama coach Tom Peters because the “Impossible Dream” theme parallels Summit’s “Aim High” motto. Cast members included, standing, elli, junior Thomas Coughlin, sophomore Haley Bosse, sophomore Jackson Xiong, junior Natalie Pearl, junior Gavin Majeski, senior Marie Cossins, , sophomore Elisa Stanis and freshman Skyla Lee. Sitting: freshman Carter Fee Kneeling: junior Brenna Biggs, senior Nicholas Inglin and sophomore page 8.
Head of School Message
The Summit Learner One of the school’s tasks is to graduate life-long learners. I’ve been thinking a lot about the profile
by those virtues. • The Summit Learner takes appropriate risks,
of The Summit Learner. Why do the students we
overcomes obstacles and keeps moving toward
graduate go out into the world and become so
her goals.
successful? I think The Summit Learner is epitomized by four characteristics:
• Most importantly, The Summit Learner is reflective. He learns from his own experience as well as the experience of others.
Leader of Character • The Summit Learner takes initiative. She doesn’t wait for others to step up. She follows through
Problem Solver • The Summit Learner is a thorough and
and maintains a high level of motivation to
versatile problem solver. She is highly adept at
succeed. Our slogan, Aim High, typifies how The
analytical thinking. She studies issues closely
Summit Learner lives her life.
and pays attention to the details. She can break
• Our graduates are curious about the world. They
complex issues into component parts. She
want to know how things work. They constantly
can draw conclusions based on her thorough
ask why and then dig to discover.
understanding.
• The Summit Learner recognizes what’s most important and can form a vision of what can
• Practical thinking is a hallmark of The Summit Learner. There are many dreamers in this world
happen. He sets goals that
with big ideas. The Summit Learner not only
are SMART – specific,
thinks big, but can fashion practical plans to
measurable, actionable,
make the dream a reality. How is this idea going
realistic and timely – and
to work? Does this really make sense?
then develops a plan to make those goals a reality. •
• The Summit Learner thinks creatively. The essence of creativity is seeing patterns others
Summit Learners
don’t see and making connections others don’t
not only model
make. His ideas transcend the expected to reveal
the character
the unexpected.
traits they have studied during their time
Effective Collaborator • The Summit Learner listens to others. He seeks
here, but they
first to understand and then be understood. He
encourage
recognizes that diverse points of view lead to the
others to live
strongest conclusions and results.
Contents • The Summit Learner is able to maintain productive relationships with others, even under difficult circumstances. She can disagree without being disagreeable. • When working with others, The Summit Learner seeks to enable others to do their best work. • The Summit Learners’ social skills are polished so that their emotional intelligence is equal to their intellectual intelligence. Persuasive Communicator • The Summit Learner is comfortable and engaging when presenting in front of a group. He reads his audience and adjusts his presentation accordingly. • The Summit Learner is an accomplished writer, who expresses herself clearly, concisely and profoundly. She uses proper grammar and pays attention to detail. • The Summit Learner knows how to use technology to best communicate his ideas. Teaching our students how to learn is one of the greatest gifts we can offer them. In college and in their lives beyond, people are attracted to Summit graduates because they are impressed with the range of skills they possess. They are recognized as leaders others want to follow. They use their skills to help others. That’s The Summit Way.
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Features Summit’s top chefs are alumnae sisters who received training at world-class culinary schools.
Award-winning drama coach Tom Peters has built spectacular stages to present three ensemble productions this year. He tells us 10 ways drama can enrich any student’s life. The Lower School’s signature Conceptual Math program exceeds national standards. With plenty of materials, technology and support staff, teachers follow a deliberate progression of teaching math from concrete, to pictorial, to abstract thinking. Seniors and student newspaper editors Peter Corser and Monica Windholtz offer some “Insight” of their own into ways to get involved on campus. A new era of legacy families has emerged in the 21st Century. Young alumni are bringing another generation of children to the school that they have never stopped loving. Check out our at-a-glance guide to Summer Explorations to find day camps, summer courses and art and athletic experiences to keep students’ minds engaged during summer break. Thanks to support from parents, Baseball Coach Triffon Callos gives his players an action-packed spring training experience in Orlando that builds camaraderie and skills. Dorothy “Bunny” (Wood) Whitaker, a former student, has endowed the Thomas E. Wood Sr. and Thomas E. Wood Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund. Bart van der Zee ’09 has co-founded a commercial version of the school activity he loved to organize – the Arts Forum talent show. He is now owner/operator of Voodoo Factory Studio, a multimedia production house in Cincinnati’s West End.
Departments Rich Wilson Head of School
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News Montessori Photo Gallery Newsmakers Athletics Winter Sports Roundup
46 48 49 50 54
Endowed scholarships Aspire Family Plan Winter Event Photos Alumni Parents of Alumni Survey Summit Magazine 5
MaLissa (Walter) Geers ’76 and Josie (Walter) Funk ’80 work with their Food Services crew on a lunch menu that includes Herb-Crusted Salmon; Feta, Spinach and Tomato Flatbread Pizza; Chicken Salad Croissants and Fresh Fruit.
Top Chefs
Alumnae Sisters Infuse Summit Fare with Gourmet Flair By Leah Fightmaster For MaLissa (Walter) Geers ’76 and Josie (Walter) Funk ’80, cooking at their alma mater is a family affair. Influenced by their mother, Mary Agnes Walter, The Summit’s top chefs both attended international culinary schools. Mrs. Geers received a degree in dietetics from the University of Cincinnati and went to Le Cordon Bleu in London, England. Mrs. Funk received a dietetics degree from Miami University and then graduated from Ecole de Cuisine La Varenne in Paris, France.
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Their mother shared her love of The Summit with them and their six siblings, who all went to school here. Many of them have sent their own children to The Summit and their extended family includes many aunts, uncles and cousins within The Summit community. Thirty-four years ago, the former Head of School Edward C. Tyrrell asked Mrs. Geers to bring fresh ideas for food to the school. Soon after, Mrs. Funk joined her to share the job. With recipes influenced by their mother’s home cooking, dietary expertise and culinary training,
Mrs. Geers and Mrs. Funk continue to innovate in order to keep up with what is popular with kids now. But there’s no deep-fat frying here. The Summit’s cafeterias include gourmet entrees with an emphasis on both taste and nutrition. Cooking for nearly 1,200 students, faculty and staff every day is a far cry from what they learned in culinary school. When the school serves homemade chicken noodle soup, for example, the kitchen makes 21 gallons of it at once. It takes time to tweak recipes to make them work for dozens of people, says Mrs. Funk. “There are certain things you can multiply, but other recipes you have to adjust accordingly,” she says. “But it’s fun. I like trying to cook new things, especially popular items for students.” What may be popular to one set of students, however, isn’t always a hit with others. Mrs. Geers says students in the Lower School have very different palates than the older students. She feels it’s important to serve healthy foods that the students will like, so the menus for each cafeteria vary. Predictably, pizza is a popular lunch item in both lunchrooms, but Mrs. Funk says students of all ages love the salad bar as well. “We’re putting a lot of effort into our vegetables,” Mrs. Geers says. “Every 15 to 20 minutes, we’re making more vegetables so they’re fresh and not deteriorating. Kids go through them fast.” Healthier versions of tacos, chicken, paninis and pastas fare well and some Summit students and staffers look forward to “Sushi Day.”
good stuff like Parmesan cheese, herbs and olive oil.” Mrs. Funk puts the zucchini lasagna at the top of her list. Culinary arts allow for creativity and experimentation, the chefs say, but their favorite aspects of the job are the people and the atmosphere. The sisters consider themselves to be true lifers because they not only went to school here but came back for their careers. They like working together because they think alike, and with more relatives as students, they’re surrounded by family. “We pretty much live, eat and breathe Summit,” Mrs. Geers says.
Haute Cuisine Sample entrees from our top chefs: • Grilled Veggie and Melted Brie Wrap • Chicken, Bacon and Avocado Sushi with
Wasabi and Soy Sauce
• Croque Monsieur Sandwich • Chicken with Couscous and Orange • Spinach Orzo Salad Gastronomic Grads A few Summit alumni who have made a career in the culinary arts: • Mary Jo (Randolph) Cleveland ’69 - Catering
A new refrigerator also promotes variety because the kitchen can keep foods – such as homemade salads, yogurt and pudding cups – colder to offer students more options in the lunch line.
• David Falk ’94 – Sotto, BOCA and nada
And what do the top chefs like the most? Mrs. Geers’ favorite is the orzo, spinach and mushroom salad. “I crave it,” Mrs. Geers says. “It has all the
• Jen List ’12 – Just Ask Jen Catering
• Sean Daly ’98 – Formerly Hugo’s and National
Exemplar; now Sugar Creek Packing Co.
• Renee Schuler ’91 – eat well celebrations and feasts Summit Magazine 7 • Gem Ray ’93 – Scottsdale Nights in Arizona
Top Ten Ways Drama Enriches a Summit Education
Tom Peters, Summit’s new Drama Coach
By Nancy Berlier Tom Peters, Summit’s new drama coach, is an award-winning theater educator with 25 years of experience as a teacher. In his first year, he surprised Summit audiences with stunning sets for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “The Diary of Anne Frank” and “Man of La Mancha.” Here, he enumerates 10 ways drama can enrich the life of a student. Teamwork. Theater teaches the importance of teamwork in a unique way. Everyone has to work together, from the smallest role to the largest role, from the backstage crew, to the ticket takers and ushers. With theater, you become a team, but your goal is not to beat somebody else. Your goal is to become better today than you were yesterday. It is all about everybody lifting everybody else up — all at once.
Problem-solving. Theater is all about taking something that is not there and putting something there. The tech crew has to figure out how to fill the stage. The actors have to figure out how to bring the words to life.
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Language Arts. When you learn dialogue, you learn new vocabulary and syntax. You learn words have multiple meanings, and you can change the meaning in the way you say them.
Life Lessons. You learn life’s lessons vicariously. Students are in a lab situation where they do not have to put themselves in any real danger to understand how the world works. For example, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is about all the ins and outs of trying to maintain a relationship, but these students haven’t been in an adult relationship yet.
History. Theater broadens your sense of the world. In “The Diary of Anne Frank,” we learn about the sense of Jewish identity and try to understand the historical ramifications of the Holocaust.
As Puck in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” fifth grader Erin Devine gives her final benediction to the audience. Summit Magazine 9
Self-Confidence. Students have to be out there on their own facing down a crowd. There is a self-confidence that comes from mastering the music, lines and movements. There is a synergy that comes from getting to use so many parts of the brain.
Coping with the unexpected. On the stage, you have to deal with the unexpected in a moment’s notice and not stop what you are doing. The show must go on.
Self-Awareness. Even though you are speaking someone else’s words, you are filtering them through your own experience, and you are able to express part of yourself through that character. Seventh grader Beckett Schiaparelli plays Pyramus in Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” a character who believes that his love has been killed by a lion.
In a scene from the Middle School production of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” fairies are leading Bottom, who has been transformed into a donkey, up to the treetop bower of Titania, 9 queen of the fairies. L to R: Fifth grader Gabrielle Burns as Cobweb, fifth grader Ava Norton as Peasblossom, sixth grader Elsa Khan as Mustardseed, seventh grader Beckett Schiaparelli as Bottom, sixth grader Rebecca Smith as Titania, and sixth grader Libby DeFoor as Moth. 10 10
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In the Upper School production of “The Diary of Anne Frank,” the 10-member cast and set crew transformed the Kyte Theater stage into a multi-level setting for the various rooms in the Holocaust attic hide-away. All actors were on stage continuously, challenging them to remain in character even when they were not active in a scene. Pictured, top level, L to R: senior Carolyn Eyre, junior Tori Woodruff and junior Gavin Majeski. Lower level: Sophomore Jackson Xiong, sophomore Lucy Schroder, freshman Liam Lindy, junior Alex Winzenread and sophomore Elisa Stanis.
Work Ethic. Putting on a play is a lot of work. It takes as much work outside of rehearsal as in rehearsal. It’s not something that just happens. You have to create it. Theater helps students learn how to schedule their time, pace themselves, figure out what it takes to get a job done and follow through. Stress Management. I’ve known people who freeze when they get under the lights because they don’t know how to deal with the stress. There are physiological responses to fear. Your heart rate goes up. Your breathing gets shallow. So I teach breathing exercises to control it. And the students learn this transcends the stage. Controlled breathing works if you’re trying to make a free throw or you’re taking a very hard exam. Once you control your breathing, you can control your stress level.
Senior Nicholas Inglin sings the title role in the Upper School’s presentation of the musical, 11 10 “Man of La Mancha.”Summit Magazine
Summit’s Youngest Scholars Enjoy Historic Year of Learning The Summit Country Day School’s Montessori Program has celebrated its 50th anniversary all year. This pictorial shares a few of the “Hallmark” moments that have made this year so memorable.
Irene Vlaskamp hugs her toddlers, Liam and Theo Cornwall, at the Montessori 50th Anniversary Family Picnic.
In one of many outings, students explore Gorman Heritage Farm to learn about the habitats and properties of farm animals, as well gaining an understanding of gardening and food sources. In the foreground, L to R: William and Cecilia Ragland, Will Fox and 12 Spring 2013-14 Addie Wilson.
Libby Holmes puts on a mask for Corn Festival, an annual event that concludes an in-depth study of Native Americans in the Advanced Enrichment Program.
In the Toddler Room, Paityn McIntyre uses Montessori materials to work on reading and writing.
Top Left: The Blessing of the Crib is an annual event, and one of several opportunities for students to engage in theatrics. Costumed students who re-enacted the nativity story include, L to R: Harper Albrecht, Will Jordan, Meghana Curran, Liam Brady, Leo Lyons, Sam Stagnaro, Shareef Zawaideh, John Schueler, Sabian Swan and Cecilia Ragland. Top Right: Toddler Aidan Carpenter enjoys the cushiony surface of the Lower School rooftop playground. Middle Left: Academics begin at age 2 at The Summit, where toddlers are introduced to reading and writing in a materials-rich environment. Here, Sarah Whitworth sits in a comfy chair - just her size - to enjoy a pictorial book. Middle Right: Lexi Eastman, left, and Lucy Hayes, right, enjoy a visit to the zoo. Bottom Right: Alana Freeman and Avery Northern compare adult-sized femurs to their own legs in a visit to Upper School Biology Teacher Karen Suder’s laboratory for a lesson about bones.
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L to R: Fourth graders Luca Tosolini, John Penote and Audrey Campbell test the strength of a bridge design by dropping pennies into a cup in a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) exercise during Math Lab.
Conceptual Math Program Gives Students Solid Foundation By Nancy Berlier Fourth graders this year tried to fix the Brent Spence Bridge. Admittedly, they didn’t have the $2.6 billion that it will take to replace the aging Ohio River superstructure. They had a budget of $10 and a supply of materials that included pieces of paper, plastic straws and one-inch pieces of tape. Using blocks of wood and the materials provided, students followed the engineering process to design and construct the strongest, most stable bridge they could within the limited budget and time given to them by math teacher Stephen Imwalle. Once completed, students tested their bridge’s stability by rolling a toy car across. They also dropped pennies into plastic cups that were placed strategically in the middle of their structures until the weight caused the bridges to fail. 14
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This Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) experience in Math Lab gave students a real-life context in which they could apply some of the math skills they have accumulated. They experimented with geometry in designing a support structure to hold up their bridge. They measured bridge components, calculated building costs, determined how much weight would cause their bridge to fail and averaged the strength scores of their bridges. They plotted their data on tables and analyzed why some designs work while others failed. “Engineers have to check that their bridge design has good support so that cars can safely go across them,” said Luca Tosolini, who worked with classmates Matthew Sutton and Jack Crane on a team that engineered three-dimensional columnar bridge supports by rolling and taping flat pieces of paper. “You can roll paper into a cylinder to make a stronger support. We tested it by putting a card
on top of it and putting pennies on the card to see how strong it would be. If you design something, you want to keep improving it, and you don’t want to spend too much money on one thing because you might not have enough money to finish it.” Those are, perhaps, words of wisdom that the Brent Spence Bridge designers could take to heart. By the time Luca and his peers exit the fourth grade, they will have had many opportunities to communicate and reason mathematically. They will have developed problem-solving skills and confidence in their abilities so they are ready for the rigorous Middle School curriculum where they will enter the sequential math courses that will continue through high school. This year, the Lower School Math Department reviewed and re-articulated the teaching methods used in the signature Conceptual Math program. The focus of the math program is to make sure children understand the conceptual framework for math as they progress. This math curriculum exceeds national standards for each grade level
by drawing upon research-based pedagogy, years of successful experience from specially trained faculty and globally recognized best practices. Teachers are not limited to using a single textbook or a textbook series. Materials-rich classrooms are equipped with many hands-on manipulatives. Promethean SmartBoards turn every classroom into a 21st Century learning laboratory. “Some math programs are extremely scripted,” says Math Specialist Julia Almaguer. “You teach this exact lesson on the 31st day of school using these exact manipulatives. We’re not like that. We have a curriculum with deliberate academic goals layered into each lesson plan for every unit in first through fourth grades. Because our strength is the ability to personalize instruction to meet each student’s needs, teachers can decide which textbooks, manipulative tools and online resources are most effective. Educational assistants and two math specialists add manpower to the classroom so teachers can drill down to individual math skills that need to be mastered and have
First grade teacher Ceil Johnson works on the floor with a “hundreds board.” Using math vocabulary, she gives clues about a number. As each child realizes which number she means, the students write the number on the paddle while the other students continue to puzzle it out. The exercise teaches both math and social skills while the students have fun. 15 L to R: Mirabella Bosse, Annette LaLonde, teacher Ceil Johnson, Allen Wang, Mason Butler and Madeline Schaefer. Summit Magazine
different groups working on different skills at the same time.�
teachers to personalize and differentiate instruction to meet each student’s needs.
Key aspects of Conceptual Math are:
Mathematical Writing: Teachers use writing assignments to help students organize, clarify and reflect on their own understanding of mathematical concepts.
Best Practices: Lesson plans follow a deliberate progression of teaching math from concrete, to pictorial, to abstract thinking. Research indicates students score higher on standardized tests when taught within this framework. Enduring Understanding: Every unit of the curriculum asks essential questions that lead to an enduring understanding. These are the big conceptual takeaways that students will remember years from now. Algebraic Thinking: Lesson plans deliberately include algebraic thinking in an age-appropriate way. Categorization, ordering, patterning, equality and symbols lay the foundation for Algebra. Frequent Assessments: Frequent testing of students before and after units of study allows
Math Lab: Fourth graders study economics, conduct a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math experiment and compete in a stock market game which allow them to use math skills in a reallife context. Skilled Faculty: Educational assistants, a specially trained math specialist and assistant math coach allow teachers to spend more time with students in small groups for focused instruction on elements of a lesson plan or guide children into advanced practice. Read more about Conceptual Math at www. summitcds.org/lowerschool/Signature-Programs.
Second grader Barrett Wade explains to his parents, Brian and Adaire, how to determine how many cakes 16 Spring 2013-14 he could buy with a given amount of money during Family Math Night at the Lower School.
Student Q&A
Q&A: An Insight into the Upper School’s Extracurricular World Seniors Peter Corser and Monica Windholtz are the editors-in-chief of The Summit’s student-run newspaper, Insight. Peter is also an Upper School Senator. Monica is one of the editors-in-chief of Summit’s quarterly literary magazine, Ellipsis. The seniors sat down to discuss the different ways to get involved in the Upper School community. Monica: So Pete, I’ve had a lot of fun working with you on Insight for the last two years. What’s been the highlight of your experience writing for and editing the paper? Pete: Monica, I’d like to thank you for all the great times. I greatly enjoyed working with you and having the experience of reading the students’ works. It’s really been awesome getting to know the writers better and helping them to expand their horizons as they wrote for Insight. My writing has greatly improved, and it has helped me to develop leadership skills as well. Monica: It really has helped us to grow as people and grow closer to the literary community of the entire school. Speaking of your leadership at Summit, I was wondering how leading as an editor is different from your time on the student Senate? Pete: They have both been two very different experiences. Working on Insight involves working with you, of course, but Senate events are really a group effort. There’s a lot of collaboration and input from various senators to make the best activity possible. Everyone brings something to the team. It’s very organizational, while our work with Insight involves more application of our artistic skills to format the paper in a good layout for all to enjoy. The Senate is a lot more public and in front of the student body, while our editing work is very behind the scenes. Pete: I’m interested in knowing how you got involved so much in The Summit community. It must be hard to balance everything you’re involved in. How do you manage it all? Monica: It really was just a coincidence. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Friends suggested that I try out activities or clubs they were into, and so that’s how I got into things. I’ve really loved being involved Peter Corser
though. It’s certainly not something I regret. I really enjoy working with Key Club. This year we’re fundraising for the Karen Wellington Foundation, and that’s gone really well. Shantytown was probably one of the best experiences of high school. And then, of course, Insight and Ellipsis are both very close to my heart. It isn’t easy to balance all of my activities in the short amount of hours in each day. Yet, I have managed to find time for everything I love to do and still keep up an intense schedule. My number one piece of advice is to plan, plan, plan so that you can know what you’re doing with all your time and still get a healthy amount of sleep. Pete: Speaking of both of these publications, could you explain the differences to me? Monica: Insight focuses more on events and opinions. Ellipsis is a bit harder to explain because there’s so much involved with it. We accept artwork, photos and drawings, and then also writing, poetry, prose, lyrics, short stories and non-fiction pieces. While Insight allows us to apply our artistic minds with the layout, Ellipsis is truly and totally about the appreciation of creative ideas and minds. Pete: I have really enjoyed my time on the Senate and really recommend that anyone interested in community organization give it a try. Who would you recommend your various activities to? Monica: Anyone interested in learning about the troubles of people living below the poverty line should consider participating in Shantytown. One of the best ways to reach out to the community is through Key Club, and then Tender Mercies is also very good for this because they provide meals for those living at the Tender Mercies facility downtown once a month. There are so many awesome ways to get involved in our school, and the activities and clubs available don’t just apply to certain groups of people. I suggest trying them all out so that you can find just the right niche for your personality.
Monica Windholtz Summit Magazine 17
NEWSMAKERS National Merit Scholar finalists Six seniors were named finalists in the annual National Merit Scholarship Program competition and will continue in the competition for National Merit scholarships. Summit’s finalists are Michael Connerton, Tino Delamerced, Liz Eadie, Carter Hall, Emily Haussler and Kelly McBride. Altogether, 17 students received some form of National Merit recognition.
Nyla Sauter
Scholastic Art Awards Senior Nyla Sauter was awarded a Silver Medal in the national Scholastic Art and Writing Award competition. Her portfolio was one of 16 regional portfolio winners from the Greater Cincinnati area, which were sent to New York City to compete with others from around the country. Sixteen Middle School and Upper School students received awards for their submissions to the regional Scholastic art competition. Among them, Gold Key Awards went to eighth grader Charlie Ferguson in mixed media and sophomore Jodie Hutchins in drawing. Silver Awards went to Junior Morgan Cavanaugh and freshman Laura Klug in drawing, eighth grader Hali Clark in architecture, sophomore Clare Mathile in photography and eighth grader Emma Nies in printmaking. 18 Spring 2013-14
Joseph Delamerced and WCPO’s Tanya O’Rourke
Spelling Bee Eighth grader Joseph Delamerced won the WCPO 9 On Your Side Regional Spelling Bee for the third time after taking on 67 other spellers from across the area. He will represent Cincinnati in the Scripps National Spelling Bee May 25-31 in Washington, D.C. Joseph also won the city’s spelling bee in 2011 and 2013 – following in the footsteps of his siblings, Tino ’14 and Anna ’12.
Emily Walton and Kelly Cronin
Concord Review Junior Emily Walton’s 42-page Honors World History paper was accepted for publication in the Spring 2014 edition of The Concord Review, making her the fifth Summit and seventh Cincinnati student to be published in the quarterly. Emily’s paper analyzes evidence presented at the trial of Mary, Queen of Scots to illustrate the close relationship between politics and religion in 16th Century Europe. Emily wrote the paper her sophomore year in History Teacher Kelly Cronin’s Honors Modern World History class.
Student Newsmakers
L to R: Jack Sheehan and Nicholas Ciaccio
National Ceramic Art Show Fourth graders Jack Sheehan and Nicholas Ciaccio were recognized by the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts, and their art works were displayed at the National K-12 Ceramic Exhibition in Milwaukee. Nicholas was one of 10 students from around the country who won the Curator Book Award, and he also won an honorable mention. Jack was one of 27 students given the Artistic Merit award.
Jenny Zhang
L to R: Derrya Mathis , Hali Clark and Bri Heverin Power of the Pen Eighth graders Hali Clark and Bri Heverin, as well as seventh grader Derrya Mathis, qualified for the state Power of the Pen Tournament. Among 250 writers from 40 schools in regional competition, Hali placed sixth, Bri placed ninth and Derrya placed 15th in their respective levels.
Math Olympiad Sophomore Jenny Zhang finished in the top 5 percent of students in a divisional competition sponsored by the Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics, a score that qualified her to participate in the Ohio Mathematics Invitational Olympiad in Columbus. Jenny received a 29 out of 40 in the district competition, ranking her 55th out of the 1,200 students who competed. The average score was 13.
Clockwise from front: Alaina Fisher, Kyleigh Sandker, Molly Ragland, Jade Hays and Allison Burns.
Cara Kirkpatrick
Elisa Stanis
Regional Writing Awards Sophomore Elisa Stanis won first place in the Personal Essay category of the 18th Annual College of Mount St. Joseph Writing Contest. Sophomore Cara Kirkpatrick received honorable mentions in both the Fiction and Poetry categories. Only first place and two honorable mentions in each of the three categories were recognized.
Art Criticism Summit students swept the Division I awards and took first place in Division II of this year’s statewide Jerry Tollifson Art Criticism Open, sponsored by the Ohio Art Education Association. In Division I for grades 1-3, third grader Alaina Fisher won first place, third grader Kyleigh Sandker tied for second and third grader Allison Burns won third. In Division II for grades 4-6, fourth graders Jade Hays and Molly Ragland tied for first. Their essays were displayed during the 2014 Youth Art Month Exhibition in Columbus.
Summit Magazine 19
Grant Gerhardt L to R: Terry Coates, Liam Lindy, Sabrina Jemail, Lily Lu, Alex Stewart, Annie Dadosky, Taylor Jones, Thomas Quan, Philip McHugh, Anne Klette, Julie Hein.
Mock Trial Juniors Philip McHugh, Thomas Quan and sophomore Sabrina Jemail took top statewide awards at the 31st Annual High School Mock Trial Competition on March 6-8 at the Franklin County Courthouse and the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus. This was the third consecutive year that a Summit Mock Trial team has gone to the state competition. Philip and Sabrina won Outstanding Attorney Awards, while Thomas won an Outstanding Witness Award. The Summit Silver team made it to the state level while another Summit team advanced to the regional competition. Summit teams have advanced past districts for 11 of the 13 years Summit has been competing.
Piano Gold Medal Fifth grader Grant Gerhardt received a gold medal for his piano performance in the Auditions Festival of the Ohio Music Teachers Association at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.
State Latin Convention The Summit’s Latin team placed second in the 2014 Ohio Junior Classical League Convention this year. Scores from the 30 students attending contributed to the 1,461 points that achieved that overall high ranking among the 29 schools participating from around the state. Eighth grader Joseph Delamerced placed second out of 624 students, senior Tino Delamerced placed third and senior Kelly McBride placed fourth. Ninth grader Tullus Dean was elected parliamentarian of the state organization.
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Student Newsmakers
TAP MD One fourth of the new students accepted into the 2014 TAP MD program – eight out of 33 – are Summit juniors. L to R: Aaron Chow, Nora Lakes, Thomas Quan, Juliana Overbey, Nathan Whitsett, Olivia Eveslage, Stewart Spanbauer and Emily Walton will meet monthly to visit Tristate hospitals and clinics, shadow physicians, witness a live surgery, observe emergency and medical trauma physicians in action, attend a medical school lecture, participate in hospital rounds and view primary care physician care. The program is sponsored by the Greater Cincinnati Health Council.
Front Row, L to R: Louise Zhou, Ellie Schwietering, Hannah Pilon, Amalia Nichifor, Duke Tobin. Back row: Jenny Zhang, Grady Stuckman, Charlotte Luo, Natalie Pearl, Noelle Weber, Emily Walton, Elizabeth Harsh, Sarah Scoville, Kassidy Michel, Matt LaMacchia.
Model APEC Summit’s delegation in the Model Asia-Pacific Conference won the most Best Delegate Awards at the event for the seventh consecutive year. Juniors Sarah Scoville, Ellie Schwietering and sophomore Charlotte Luo won best delegate in Social Affairs. Freshmen Matt LaMacchia and Duke Tobin won best delegate in Security Affairs.
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Faculty Newsmakers Upper School Chemistry teacher Ed Escudero was the keynote speaker at the High School Day at the American Chemical Society National Meeting and Exposition in March in Dallas, Texas. He Ed Escudero presented on the growing trend in Material Sciences with high school chemistry instruction. He will conduct his annual Materials Science camp for Tristate teachers at The Summit and teach Materials Science for teachers at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas this summer. Upper School English teacher Phyllis Lipovsky received her M.A. in English from Xavier University. Phyllis Lipovsky
Upper School Biology teacher Karen Suder resumed her role as a textbook reviewer for Cengage Learning’s Forensic Science textbook series in order to incorporate the virtual labs she authored in 2011.
Philip Seher
School Chaplain Philip Seher received the Distinguished Service Award from St. Joseph School.
Where in the world are you?
We would like to report on the global connectedness of our students and alumni. Students/Parents: As you travel this summer, please send us snapshots of your students in Summit spirit wear standing in landmark locations around the globe. Alumni/Alumni Parents: If you are studying or working abroad, please send us a note letting us know what our alumni are doing.
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Submit your news notes and photos here: www.summitcds.org/communications/Submit-your-news.cfm
Upper School Biology teacher Kat Roedig pulls down her surgical mask to talk to her students at Beacon Orthopedics. Her Anatomy and Physiology class participated in shoulder and knee surgeries with cadaver limbs.
Upper School Physics and Environmental Science teacher Marty Wells was part of a group of teachers who conducted an experiment on the effect of altitude on cosmic ray flux in the Smoky Mountains. Summit Magazine 23
The New Legacy Family Young 21st Century Alumni Bring Their Children Home to The Summit
Dr. Patrice (Callery) McCarter (att.) with her children, Jasmine ’26, left, and Aliviah ’27. 24 Spring 2013-14
By Lisa Murtha With a long and storied history dating back to 1890, The Summit has proudly educated generations of well-known Cincinnati families. Now, a new era of legacy families has emerged in the 21st Century. Young alumni are bringing another generation of children into The Summit – a school that these young parents have never stopped loving. We interviewed a few of these legacy parents about why they think The Summit is right for their children, some of their favorite Summit memories and what this community means to each of them.
“how bright and sunny” it was. As Alumni Board president, Kirstin is “pleasantly surprised by the number of Alumni parents I have seen around the school.” She’ll likely see more in the years to come; this past August, the couple welcomed baby Christopher to the Klein family as well.
The fact that Jill (Verdin) Crew, ’85 and her husband Sam BMS ’82 live in a top-rated public school district never interfered with the couple’s plans to send their kids to Summit; both Caroline, a junior, and Samantha, a seventh grader, have attended since they were three years old. “The Catholic background, The Summit’s small classroom Montessori has and grade sizes, always held a demanding yet special place in the approachable heart of Alumni teachers, wide Board President selection of high Kirstin (Fullen) school classes Klein ’95. Not only available and did she attend the the ability to program herself, participate in any but she came back and all sports to the Montessori have made it a to conduct her good fit for our “Senior Search” family,” says project. Now, this Jill, a real estate Summit “lifer” has manager for the come full circle Verdin Company as a Montessori and a Summit parent. This past fall lifer. Although she and husband she notes that Keith enrolled the school has their 3-year-old changed in son, James, in many ways – the Alumni Board President Kirstin (Fullen) Klein ’95 with son James ’28 the three-day Middle School is and future Summit student, Christopher. toddler program. now co-ed, the Kirstin and Keith football field is lighted and homecoming is more researched a number of schools before settling on of a family event – it has stayed the same in many Summit. In the end, though, “Summit had the best important ways, too. “My daughter, Caroline, and program and environment for James,” she says. “It I both had Mrs. Richey in the 4th grade,” says is state-of-the-art and beautiful. The libraries and Jill. “Caroline would come home and say: ‘Mrs. common areas are great, and I like that they have Richey called me by your name again, Mom.’ It added more teachers to each class.” is comforting to know that some of the teachers that I had were still teaching at The Summit. (She) Kirstin was also pleased to see how much natural even had one of my classmates, Alice (O’Dell) light the new building includes, as one of her own Brannon ‘85, for Freshman English. The Summit fond memories of the old Montessori building was just feels like home.” Summit Magazine 25
Dr. Patrice (Callery) McCarter (att.), and her two siblings – William R. Callery III (att.) and Kimberly (Callery) Shumate ‘85, the first female African American valedictorian at The Summit – all attended The Summit. So, when it came time for Patrice, a licensed mental health professional, and her husband William to look at schools for their own two children, she says, “to me there were no other options. From the time I was pregnant with my first child, thinking about her educational pursuits, I knew she would attend The Summit.”
Feeling “recognized and important as an individual” are two favorite takeaways of Dr. Grace (Baluyot) Kerr ’82 from her time as a Summit student. “I look back and think how significant that was as an adolescent to feel that sense of self-worth,” says Grace, a practicing orthodontist. She and husband Tim have already graduated one child – Nina ’12 – from The Summit, and have a son, Robert, in eighth grade.
“The Catholic background, small classroom and grade sizes, demanding yet approachable teachers, wide selection of high school classes available, and the ability to participate in any and all sports have made it a good fit for our family.”
Patrice was eager to give Jasmine, age 5, and Aliviah, age 4, the same “exceptional quality of education and cultural exposure experiences” that she had experienced at The Summit herself. She knew that there was nowhere else Jasmine and Aliviah could get “social development, spiritual development, cultural development and the best education the city of Cincinnati has to offer.” Now that both girls are enrolled in the Montessori Program, “I stay involved and connected with The Summit and my children’s education by volunteering at the Spirit Shop (last year) and (this year) as a Parent Ambassador,” says Patrice. “I also try to attend every field trip and performance my girls are involved in.”
As much as Grace has enjoyed watching her kids travel the familiar halls of Summit, she also fondly recalls many of her own favorite memories there, including white uniforms on distribution days and the senior lounge (complete with a furry mustard-colored-couch obtained from Goodwill for just $25). Grace says: “Summit is a cherished and important part of me. It has instilled in me a love of Christ, my family, long friendships and deep roots. If it did that for me, how could I have ever chosen to send my children anywhere else?”
– Jill (Verdin) Crew, ’85
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Grace applauds the school for teaching strong study and time-management habits, which have served Nina well at Wake Forest University. Most importantly, though, “Summit has the capability to serve well different personalities of students,” says Grace, as she notes the success of both her daughter and son, who have very different personalities.
That “sea of white uniforms” in St. Cecilia’s on distribution days so fondly recalled by Grace is also is one of the most vivid Summit memories of her sister, Gina (Baluyot) Saba ’84. Gina and her husband Peter Saba ’83 enrolled all four of their children – senior Georges, sophomore Monica, seventh grader Bella and fifth grader Margeaux – to The Summit, starting them in the Montessori. Although Gina is quick to note that The Summit was academically challenging during her own career as a student, she says that she is “blown away” by the changes she sees in the school today. “It’s bigger for sure,” she says, noting that Upper School grade sizes have doubled since her time there, “but the opportunities the students get far exceeded our expectations.” Georges has been involved in everything from Student Senate to
broadcasting sports games and even the Improv Club, Gina says. “He is just growing in leaps and bounds. Summit really encourages growth.” Like so many alums, Gina appreciates seeing familiar faces around campus from her own days as a Summit student; when she attended, the English department was, as it is today, “out of this world incredible … Every time I see Carole Fultz (now retired),” she adds, “I thank her because I feel like she gave me such a great foundation for writing.” “One of the things that defined the Boys Middle School when I was there was House Teams,” says Louis Valencia BMS ’78, a Blue Ash-based attorney. The teams, which spanned across the Middle School grade-levels, competed in various sporting events throughout the school year, accumulating (Continued on page 30)
Louis Valencia BMS ’78 with daughter Alejandra ’17, son Luis ’22 and wife Gloria.
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One Big Legacy Moment Every year, we gather current legacy students for a commemorative photo and invite their alumni parents and grandparents to join them if they are available. Our history includes many other two-, three- and four-generation families, but this photograph captures the idea: The Summit legacy is big. Our current legacy students include: Montessori Barbara H. Heekin, Ellen S. Love, Aliviah S. McCarter, Cecilia E. Ragland, John W. Schueler, Jenna R. Smyth, Samantha Stagnaro, Tate Yarnell, Marian E. Castellini, Jillian W. Chavez, Paige Kropp, Jasmine S. McCarter, Charles F. Ritch, Adeline G. Wilson, Huck A. Bortz, Dillon S. Fox, Alexander Johnson, William R. Thompson, Shareef Zawaideh, Madeleine B. Wade, William A. Ragland, John H. Reynolds, Abigayle Penote, Holly Stagnaro, Christian M. Francis, James M. Griffith, William J. Klein, Elyse M. Arling, Dylan F. Gonyo, James K. Heekin, Riley C. Stagnaro, Lilly E. Yarnell, John Castellini, Finley G. Chavez, Caroline W. Reynolds, Asher Clauder, Alexandra V. Stagnaro.
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Lower School Andrew P. Cavallo, Oren S. Jenkins, Sarah S. Joseph, Lily F. Lippert, James E. Stahl, Matthew Sutton, Gregory T. LaLonde, John W. Penote, Margaret K. Ragland, Andrew H. Ritch, Luis E. Valencia, Michael J. Butler, Adeline I. Ransick, Sophia R. Schueler, Katherine Stagnaro, Lucas Schneider, Cecilia Chavez, Barrett A. Wade, Benjamin J. Penote, Kathryn G. Kelly, Joshua Clauder, Grant Desch, Mia Cavallo, Sarah
Spring 2013-14
E. Headley, Ronald G. Joseph, Susanna M. Stahl, John F. Ragland, EsmÊ N. Gonyo, Finn Kropp, James M. Reynolds, Anna G. Sanders, Mason L. Butler, Brady Johnson, Holland F. Lippert, Annette H. LaLonde, Wayne A. Lippert, Michael Stagnaro. Middle School Mateo Emilio K. Fernandez, Robert Kerr, Estelle R. March, Caitlin O’Donnell, Mary M. Towell, Emma O. Nies, Margaret Harsh, Eric C. Kroencke, Luke J. Desch, Alexandra O. Ragland, Robert P. Wilson, Samantha V. Crew, Isabella B. Saba, Martha A. Seltman, Jacob B. Schneider, Victoria C. Walton, Robert H. Headley, John C. LaBar, Catherine G. LaLonde, Elizabeth R. Ragland, Sarah M. Sutton, Benjamin Schmerge, John C. Schmerge, Mary Anne J. Drew, Elizabeth V. Dziech, Margaret O. Harsh, August E. Ransick, Elizabeth T. Ritch, Maggie Stagnaro, Oscar T. March, Sydney L. Ragland, Charles A. Wilson, Mary M. Saba. Upper School Sebastian G. Bohlke, John E. Castleberry, Cecilia Dowling, Mary Frances Harsh, Olivia P. Klosterman, Christopher Lee, Katherine F. Ryan, P. Georges B. Saba, Alexandra N. Schmerge, Paul S. Seltman, Monica M. Windholtz, Kyle J. Fisk, Caroline V. Crew, Anna C. Erickson, Nicolas R. Montag, Kevin Kroencke, Kathryn M. Nies, Jay R. McKeever, Emily K. Walton, Nathan Whitsett, Noelle C. Weber, William J. Dowling, Elizabeth Harsh, Lillian Kroencke, Sydney C. Beckmeyer, August Schweitzer, Allison L. Kinross, Luc O. Moser, Monica R. Saba, Lucy F. Schroder, Margaret L. Fisk, Kathryn M. Byrne, Elena Montag, Madelyn M. LaBar, Henry R. Seltman, Helena J. March, Madeline E. Becker, Katherine Cummings, Elisabeth Gottenbusch, Katherine Anne Headley, Connor McMurry, Jacob L. Pauly, Kyle Z. Schneider, Hope A. Thomson, Alejandra E. Valencia, Caroline Schmerge, Ryan S. Schneider, Caroline E. Walton.
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first time with Alejandra; he also remembers Alejandra’s subsequent Montessori “interview” with some trepidation: “I have never been more nervous in my life than when my daughter was being interviewed for the Montessori. The bar exam was nothing!” Now, 10 years later, Louis says that the school’s unique combination of faith and challenging academic instruction continue to be a great fit for his family and make it stand apart from the other private school options in Cincinnati. “Summit has always felt like home to me,” he says. “This feeling of home is both comforting and accepting.”
Dr. Grace (Baluyot) Kerr ’82 and son Robert ’18.
points as they went along. In the spring, they all competed in Field Day (still celebrated on campus today) and a Middle School team champion was named. “You would get to know the other grades by being on the same team and by rooting for your guys,” says Louis. “That competition really fueled the Boys Middle School.” Louis also remembers taking boxing lessons at The Summit with the likes of Sugar Ray Leonard and Aaron Pryor. “Our coach, Mr. Holmes, was friends with the then-coach of the U.S. Olympic Boxing Team,” he explains. Boxing and House Teams have since fallen by the wayside, but Louis’ own children, freshman Alejandra and fourth grader Luis III, now retrace their father’s footsteps daily throughout the halls of The Summit. Louis fondly recalls the day he and his wife’s extended family (vacationing here from Colombia, South America) visited the Montessori for the 30 Spring 2013-14
Victor Walton ’83, an attorney, also remembers boxing lessons in the Boys Middle School (he actually boxed against Louis Valencia once) and says that the atmosphere “was a very enthusiastic, exciting place to be” during his and Louis’ tenure. In Victor’s opinion, though, “the strength of the school is really the individual faculty members and the dramatic impact they can have upon any child or student.” He fondly remembers head of the Boys Middle School George Ecker, – “he ran a great boys school” – and religion teacher Sister Mary Olds – “she was funny and very practical, and great for boys.” But the faculty member who truly changed Victor’s life was the late Farrell Ackley. “I loved history and worshipped Farrell,” says Victor, who credits the former Upper School history teacher with introducing him to Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, where Victor eventually attended college. “I would have never ended up there,” says Victor, “if it weren’t for Farrell Ackley.” Now the father of junior Emily, freshman Caroline and seventh grader Victoria – who all started in the Montessori – Victor says that the strength of
the school even today remains the faculty. “The small class size affords the teacher the opportunity to get to know the student,” he notes, citing Upper School Spanish teacher, Summit alum and student advisor Monica (Haas) Desch ’90 as an example. “What I’ve seen in her advisement is nothing short of amazing,” he notes. “Her concern for the students spreads, and she teaches them to show concern for others.” He is equally impressed with Middle School Language Arts teacher Annie Vertuca and Upper School History teacher Kelly Cronin. “Emily was ambivalent about history before she took Honors Modern World History with Ms. Cronin. By the end of the first quarter she loved the class; she spent the better part of a semester arguing with me that Mary Queen of Scots was innocent. “As a parent you are only as happy as your least happy child,” muses Victor. “At The Summit, you feel like you have people working with you. For me, the money we spend on education – I have never questioned our investment.”
“As a parent you are only as happy as your least happy child. At The Summit, you feel like you have people working with you. For me, the money we spend on education – I have never questioned our investment.” — Victor Walton ‘83
Dr. Lynne Wagoner and Victor Walton ’83 with daughters Emily ’15, Caroline ’17 and Victoria ’19. Summit Magazine 31 31
2014 Summit Summer Exploration Montessori • Day Camp • Classes and Camps
IT ns SM MUE RMExM ploratio
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Declan McGrath 32 Spring 2013-14 32
The Summit Country Day School IT ns SM MUE RMExM ploratio
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2014 Summer Program Opportunities We offer an exciting summer experience with three distinct summer programs on our Hyde Park campus. Our programs provide a wide range of opportunities and experiences to broaden learning and sharpen skills while being fun at the same time.
Montessori (ages 3-6) is designed to allow children to continue their academic progress of the school year into the summer for a year-round Montessori education. Montessori sessions are available to current Summit families. We can also accept a limited number of children who attend other Montessori programs and are looking to extend their Montessori education into the summer months (pre-acceptance interview required). Day Camp (ages 3-8) features weekly themed camp sessions with an educational foundation serving children 3 to 8 years old. Each week has a different topic which is designed to explore academic content with a fun, hands-on approach. Half-day and all-day sessions are available. Classes and Camps (ages 3 - 18) includes a variety of educational, enrichment and sports classes for all age groups. For more information, go to www.summitcds.org or contact Kathy Scott, Summer Program Coordinator, at 871-4700, ext. 413.
ACADEMIC CLASSES
DAY CAMP
3-4 5 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th Yrs. Yrs. Gr. Gr. Gr. Gr. Gr. Gr. Gr. Gr. Week 1: Spa-La-La and Just Want to Build (June 9-13) Week 2: Space Adventure - Lost in Space (June 16-20) Week 3: Try your hand at ‘Puppetry’ (June 23-27) Week 4: Real Life Superheroes (June 30-July 3) Week 5: Fairy Tale and Folk Tale Exploration (July 7-11) Week 6: Kids in the Kitchen (July 14-18) Week 7: All Mixed Up (July 21-25) Week 8: Fun and Games - The Physics of Sports (July 28-Aug.1) Week 9: All About our ‘Wet’ Friends (Aug. 4-8)
9th 10th 11th 12th Gr. Gr. Gr. Gr.
Monte s not sh sori is own o n chart b offere ut is d daily .
CSI Science and Writing Camp (June 9-13) Introductory Video Game Creation (June 9-13) Kodu Video Game Creation (June 9-13) Chess Camp (June 9-13) Latin Language (June 9-13, June 16-20, June 23-27, June 30-July 2 and June 9-July 2) Upper School Health (June 9-July 2) CP U.S. Government (June 16-July 3) Launch into STEM (June 16-20) What’s Cookin’ in the Science Lab (June 9-13) Geocaching: Creating and Exploring (June 16-20 and June 23-27) SAT/PSAT Preparation (June 16-20) Better Baby Sitters Class (June 17 and June 19) Kidz Home Alone (June 23 and 25) Math Games (June 23-27) Spanish Language Camp (July 7-11 and July 14-18) Empowering Girls with Confidence Workshop (July 8 and 9) Algebraic Expressions and Equations (July 28-August 1) High School Placement Test Prep Course (July 28, 30, Aug. 1, 4, 6 and 8) High School Placement Test Prep Course II (Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov. 1 and 8) Typing for Middle School (August 4-7) Reading for Success (August 4-8) Review of Algebra I Fundamentals (July 30-31, Aug. 1, 4-8)
(Must be preparing to take Algebra II)
ARTISTIC
Kids Dance Camp! Cinderella (June 9-13 ) Kids Dance Camp! Tinker Bell and Friends (June 16-20) Kids Dance Camp! Snow White (June 23-27) Traveling Through the Art Zone (June 9-13) Pottery Wheel 101 (June 11 and 18)
ATHLETICS
Study Smarter Not Harder! (Aug. 4, 5 and 6)
Summit Football Camp (June 23-26) Little Dribblers Basketball Camp (June 9-12 and June 16-19) Boys Lacrosse Camp (June 30-July 3) Summer School Physical Education (June 5, 6, 7 (incl. Sat.) & 9-14 (incl.Sat.) Boys & Girls Soccer Camp (July 28-Aug. 1) The Soccer Players Academy (July 28-Aug. 1) Cheerleading Camp (August 6-8)
Register and see details and updates at www.summitcds.org 33 Summit Magazine 33 For more information, please contact Kathy Scott, Summer Program Coordinator, at 871-4700, ext. 413.
Training Traditions Give Baseball Team Advantage
Baseball team members take their pre-game stretches at The Summit Athletic Complex. 34
Spring 2013-14
By Mike Dyer Summit junior Mark Peterson understands how significant it is to play baseball on the main field of the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex near Orlando. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity really,” he says. As a parent, Molly Compton loves watching her son, senior pitcher/center fielder Doug Compton, on a field where the Atlanta Braves work out during spring training. “To watch the team in a different setting against different state teams is really special,” she says. Summit baseball coach Triffon Callos and his players would have spring break no other way each year. By playing four games at the Orlandoarea complex every year since 2006, the Silver Knights have found a second home of sorts before their remaining 27-game regular season schedule. “That’s just an absolutely phenomenal trip for the players,” says Coach Callos, who is in his seventh year as Summit head baseball coach and his 10th overall with the program. “Very few high schools are able to do that.”
Head Coach Triffon Callos, in his seventh year as Summit Head Baseball Coach, has an advantage during pre-season training on Summit’s field because of the high-performance artificial turf on the infield. Fewer rain-outs due to poor field conditions means more practice time.
In fact, The Summit is unique in that this spring break baseball trip builds a special camaraderie among teammates – from freshmen experiencing the trip for the first time to the seniors. “We are really lucky to do this with all the help from the parents and coaches to organize it,” Mark says. Typical opponents during that week range from powerhouse teams from New York, Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia or Texas. Three of the four opponents are typically against large-size schools or what would be classified as Division I level in Ohio. Summit is a smaller Division III program. This spring, the team faced New York’s Spencerport and Gates Chili high schools; Wisconsin’s Lacrosse Central and Waterford Union. Coach Callos, who will be 32 in April, was the Cincinnati area’s youngest head baseball coach at age 24 when he took over the program. His impact on the program speaks for itself. With five graduates playing baseball in college, the Silver Knight leader, who has a 104-62 coaching record, is proud of the players and coaches. With 38 of the 62 losses coming against Division I or II teams, it is no wonder why Summit is regarded as one of the top programs in the state.
Junior Mark Peterson winds up to throw strikes at Summit’s home field. Summit Magazine
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Mark Peterson, shown here during spring training at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex near Orlando, values the experience of the annual pre-season training in Florida.
In fact, Coach Callos was one of five finalists for the MSA Sports 2013 Greater Cincinnati High School Baseball Coach of the Year and was presented Aug. 3 before a game at Great American Ball Park.
of the 2013 postseason. He remembers the Silver Knights were in a tight ballgame and needed to get a run across the plate against an opponent during spring break.
Coach Callos does not shy away from having The Summit compete against the best each spring – whether in the Sunshine State or the Buckeye State. All Summit players travel to the Orlando area. There are two varsity games at the main stadium and two games on one of the 12 side fields. The junior varsity is also able to play two games.
A similar situation occurred several weeks later against Madeira when Summit rallied to score runs and defeated the Mustangs 5-4 in the district semifinal May 23. In 2013, The Summit finished 21-11 overall; the Silver Knights won nine consecutive games leading up to the postseason. Summit was a Division III regional semifinalist in 2013.
“Coach always tries to play the biggest schools,” says Mark Perterson, whose brother Mike Peterson ’07 also greatly enjoyed the trip during his time as a student at The Summit.
Coach Callos, who earned his 100th victory as Summit head coach last season, says that peaking at the right moment heading into the postseason is the obvious point. The Florida trip not only helps with skill building early in the season, but establishes a unique bond among the players, coaching staff and families.
Mark, a third baseman and utility player, said the Orlando trip came in handy during the critical times
“The parents definitely support this trip, and it really is 36
Spring 2013-14
unique that Summit can do this for the boys,” Molly Compton said. “…I can’t say enough about Triffon and the other coaches. Their dedication to the program and especially to the boys is unbelievable.” The team leaves the Cincinnati area Monday morning (this year that was on April 14) and players and families meet up in Orlando that afternoon. Coach Callos likes to mix the freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors together for lodging during the week as part of team bonding. “(The players) are able to get together and I think that makes a big difference,” says Donny Nagel, an assistant coach from 20052013. The week is also an opportunity for players-only meetings and allowing captains to exhibit their leadership roles. Doug Compton was able to truly learn about his teammates starting with his freshman year. “The juniors and seniors on the team immediately took Doug under their wings and treated him like a little brother,” says his mom. “He truly made friends that he will have for the rest of his life.” Monday and Tuesday in Orlando are game days and sometimes those are under the lights. On Wednesday, the players receive a day off, and many take advantage of an amusement park pass. “The kids get to bond and enjoy it,” Coach Callos says. “That is neat to see as a coach... I want a day for the kids to spend together. They’ve got to have fun. They will look back at this for the memories.” There are also team meals with families and players which is part of The Summit baseball tradition. “This is really nice,” Molly Compton says. “It’s a chance for families (especially new families) to get to know each other before the baseball season at home is in full gear.” The team plays Thursday. Friday is a travel day as the families travel back to Cincinnati with a lifetime of memories. “It’s something as long as I am at Summit I will make a reality,” Coach Callos said. “People plan on it. It is a selling point (for the program).” Mike Dyer covers high school sports for The Cincinnati Enquirer.
Craig James prepares to run the bases at the same Disney complex where the Atlanta Braves work out during spring training.
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Catcher Eric Terry anticipates the pitch in a pre-season game.
Summit breaks from a pre-game huddle before taking the field to start a game. 38
38 Spring 2013-14
Eric Terry has the attention of teammates Brooks Taylor and Brennan Byrne.
Senior pitcher Doug Compton concentrates on his target.
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Summit Sports Winter Season Roundup By Donna Paulin Summit fans have been treated to another record-breaking season. This time, two divers and a swimmer made it to state competition, while other school athletic teams scored one district championship, one Miami Valley Conference (MVC) and district Player of the Year, one all-Ohio first team member, six MVC first team members, the MVC Dick Snyder Sportsmanship Award and the Frank Montgomery/James Wright Coaching Excellence Award.
Diving & Swimming Senior Allison Brophy and Junior Stewart Spanbauer competed at the state diving meet in Canton. Allison finished second and Stewart fourth. Sophomore Maddie Amend finished in 15th place at state in the 500 freestyle. Six new school records for swimming and diving were set this season. Allison scored 428.70 and Stewart Spanbauer scored 450.95 in diving.
Junior Stewart Spanbauer competes in one of the dives which earned him fourth place in the Ohio High School Athletic Association Diving meet.
Maddie Amend also set the new record in the 500 freestyle and freshman Hannah Fassler in the 100 butterfly. The 200 medley relay and 200 freestyle relay records were set by the team of sophomore Allison Kinross, Hannah Fassler, junior Juliana Overbey and Maddie Amend. MVC Athletic Directors awarded first-year coach Susan Maxwell the Frank Montgomery/ James Wright Coaching Excellence Award. The swimming and diving program boasted 14 swimmers and four divers. Spring 2013-14
Senior Allison Brophy dives in the state meet and finishes in second place.
Athletics
Sophomore Maddie Amend swims the 500 freestyle at OHSAA state swimming meet.
Boys’ Basketball
Senior Antonio Woods drives down the court. Named District and Conference Player of the Year, he scored his 1,000th career point in January.
The boys’ basketball team delivered thrills with their fourth consecutive District Championship, ending the season 22-6. The regional final had the Summit Knights facing Roger Bacon, who Summit defeated two years ago. The game went down to the wire with Summit losing a heartbreaking 49-46. Despite the loss, the season had many highlights, including senior Antonio Woods, a four-year starter, scoring his 1000th point in Flannery Gym. Antonio was named Player of the Year for the MVC and Southwest District as well as All-Ohio first team. Also named to the MVC first team was Evan Davis. Second team honors went to seniors Joey Kreyenhagen and JC Kraml. TJ Walker and Nathan Melson were named MVC honorable mention.
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L to R: Deja Malone, Mary Frances Harsh, Alex Bissantz, Sara Bissantz, Abby Semler, Krystal Gao and Monica Windholtz. Not pictured: Sophie Ortiz.
Cheerleading Summit cheerleaders, who led the spirit for the boys’ basketball team throughout the regional tournament, were coached by Sheila Woods and Kristi Fletcher. Senior Abby Semler was named MVC first team.
Girls’ Basketball The girls’ basketball team, coached by Assistant Athletic Director Beth Simmons, won their first
two playoff games, advancing to the sectional final, ending the season 14-10. Sophomore Gabbi Gehner was named MVC and Southwest district first team. Junior Malauna Campbell was selected for MVC second team and district second team. Junior Kiley Barnard received district second team and MVC honorable mention. Senior Addie Englehart received honorable mention honors and was given the MVC Dick Snyder Award, which recognizes “character, integrity and sportsmanship – on and off the field or court.”
Historic Moments in Summit Athletics
CHAMPIONSHIP BANNER: The 2013 Division III State Soccer Championship poster was unveiled in Flannery Gym. Team members present for the unveiling included, standing L to R: Assistant Soccer Coach Dan Cosgrove, Assistant Soccer Coach and Upper School Director Dr. Terry Malone, junior Rupert Domville, sophomore Brendan Jones, junior Austin Smythe, sophomore Charlie Maciejewski, senior Christian Hay, sophomore Rielly Dowling, senior Matt Eustace, freshmen Nate Logan, Ethan Hay and Cam Belle and Spring 2013-14 senior Matt Meister. Seated are seniors Ben Schloss and Matt DeJesus.
ALL AMERICANS: Seniors Christian Hay and Bryce Hueber, selected as All-Americans by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, attend the awards ceremony in Philadelphia to receive their awards.
Sophomore Davionne Laney qualified for the district wrestling tournament.
Senior Nia Warren and freshman Lillian Chow represented Summit as the school’s first District qualifiers.
Wrestling The wrestling team started a new era under the leadership of Head Coach Jim Covert. At the MVC meet, three wrestlers took first place in their respective weight category: Junior Jesse Campbell, sophomore Davionne Laney, and freshman Josh Campbell. Davionne advanced to the District Wrestling meet in Troy, where he won his first two matches, just missing an entry at state.
Bowling Led by Coach Ed Escudero, the seven-year-old bowling team made its first district appearance with senior Nia Warren and freshman Lillian Chow offering respectable competition. The MVC was able to sponsor a boys’ league this year, hosting a tournament at the end of the season in which Summit finished in second place.
Indoor Track The extreme cold and icy weather forced the indoor track team to spend most of their time running the halls and stairs. They participated in three indoor meets and are ready for competition in the outdoor season.
NATIONAL SIGNING DAY: Eleven seniors signed letters of intent with National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I universities and a 12th with a Division II college in a historic National Signing Day for the school. L to R: Daniel Bruns, Marist University, football; Michael Barwick Jr., Indiana University, football; Alex Vance, University of Dayton, football; Antonio Woods, University of Pennsylvania, basketball; Meredith Schertzinger, University of Alabama at Birmingham, soccer; Mia Schreibeis, Winthrop University, soccer; Bryce Hueber, Wright State University, soccer; Addie Englehart, Wright State University, soccer; Ellie and Sophie Adams, St. Louis University, cross country/track; Rebecca Stromberg, Belmont Abbey Summit Magazine 43 College, lacrosse; and Christian Hay, University of Cincinnati, soccer.
Thomas E. Wood Sr. and Thomas E. Wood Jr. Memorial Scholarship
Dorothy “Bunny” (Wood) Whitaker
By Nancy Berlier From his offices in Carew Tower in 1961, Thomas E. Wood Sr. oversaw one of the largest insurance agencies in the Midwest. He also owned Alpha Realty Co., a 1,500-acre cattle farm, a thoroughbred stud farm and a milling company, among other interests. He was a director of the First National Bank of Cincinnati, Chairman of the Board of the Cincinnati Royals professional basketball team and the Cincinnati Turf Club and president of the Cincinnati Gardens. In April 1961, as he was boarding an airplane to leave Philadelphia after meeting with national basketball officials, he suffered a massive heart attack. His sudden death at age 63 had such an impact on the Queen City that The Cincinnati Enquirer ran his obituary on page 1 and a second story inside exploring how his death would affect the city’s basketball team. Thomas E. Wood Jr. shared his father’s intense interest in sports and, in particular, horse racing. He had an encyclopedic mind for horse racing statistics and became the principal owner of the Ocala 44 Spring 2013-14
Stud Thoroughbred Stallion Farm in Florida after his father’s death and also operated Tumblewood Stables. His sudden death of a heart attack at age 45 in 1979 in his Anderson Township home left an indelible impact. This year, Dorothy “Bunny” (Wood) Whitaker endowed the Thomas E. Wood Sr. and Thomas E. Wood Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund at The Summit in honor of her father and brother. The scholarship will be awarded to ambitious and hard-working students who meet academic requirements and desire to attend The Summit. “I think that The Summit is a great school because it instills values in children,” says Mrs. Whitaker. “I’d just like to give someone a chance to go to The Summit that might not otherwise have had it.” The Wood family legacy at The Summit dates back to Thomas E. Wood Sr. who at one time was chairman of The Summit Boys School Board of Trustees and was a close personal friend of Henry F. Werner, head of the Boys School. Mr. Wood began a three-generation legacy at The Summit. He sent both his children to The Summit, although they finished at Graham-Eckes Palm Beach Academy
in Florida, where the family maintained a second home. Mrs. Whitaker graduated from the eighth grade in 1944 and sent her daughter, Elizabeth (Wood) Price, here for preschool. Thomas E. Wood Jr., graduated from The Summit Boys School in 1948. His son, Anthony, graduated from the Middle School in 1974 and both of his daughters, Cassandra (Wood) Holland and Deirdre (Wood) Black, attended. Anthony’s son Thomas E. Wood II is a 2010 graduate. “Daddy was very interested in the school,” says Mrs. Whitaker, who has a view of The Summit Middle School from the front windows of the Hyde Park home her father gave her as a wedding present. “I went there and my brother went there. We were always part of the school.”
Sylvia (Wood) Strike, the widow of the late Thomas E. Wood Jr. said her family moved from Florida to Cincinnati in 1961 so her husband could tend to the estate of his father. “Tom had no interest in the insurance business, but he was passionate about sports and especially about horse racing,” she said. He eventually sold the Florida stud farm and focused on his racing stable with horses running at leading race tracks in the U.S. and Europe. One horse, Ishkoodah, ran in the 1964 Kentucky Derby. He also financed an extensive record collection, a musical dramatization of the life of Christ called the ‘Journey to Bethany,’ which featured the Copenhagen National Symphony Orchestra. “He loved to talk horses or racing or sports,” she said. “He Thomas E. Wood Sr. loved to talk about the Reds. He had very defined interests.”
The senior Mr. Wood played a leadership role in a bustling era “With the addition of the Wood in Cincinnati history. John Perin, a scholarship, The Summit has more leading authority on the history of than 30 named founder funds,” the Cincinnati Gardens, recounts says Jim Jackson, Director of Mr. Wood’s extraordinary years Development. “The Wood family at the Gardens. Mr. Woods was dates back three generations principal owner of the Royals in our history, but this gift will the year the legendary Oscar help students for years to come Robertson was drafted. He receive the advantage of a Summit was President of the Cincinnati education,” he says. “We are Mohawks, a professional hockey blessed so many families are giving team that disbanded in 1957. The back to The Summit because this Royals, the Mohawks, University helps our Admission Department of Cincinnati, Xavier University and to recruit many of the brightest countless opponents played at the students in the city and helps us Thomas E. Wood Jr. Gardens as did many high school maintain socio-economic diversity teams. Professional wrestling, on campus. amateur boxing, ice shows and circuses used the facility. It was the city’s premier entertainment “The Wood scholarship, in particular, touches venue. In Mr. Wood’s tenure, he oversaw operations our hearts because it comes from a neighbor and when Lawrence Welk, Esther Williams, Gene Autry, former student whose father played a leadership Roy Rogers, Billy Graham and Buddy Holly appeared role in our own school as well as the city. Thomas E. there. A retired World War I Marine, he served Wood Sr. sent his children here and they sent their as national commandant of the Marine Corps children here. The Wood family legacy will help us League and was a member of numerous clubs and continue to fulfill our mission to educate people of organizations in Cincinnati and Miami Beach. character who value and improve the world they inherit.”
Summit Magazine 45
Two New Scholarships Are Among 22 Awarded By Nancy Berlier Two newly endowed scholarships were awarded for the first time in March as a freshman class of Summit scholars was welcomed to the Upper School. The Robert T. Hertzel ’81 Memorial Scholarship honors the memory of Rob Hertzel, a 1981 graduate whose insights and faith inspired countless readers of an online blog he wrote while battling cancer. He also inspired the 2012 boys’ basketball state championship team on which his son, Holden ’12, played. His daughter, Caroline, is a senior. His son, Robby, graduated in 2010. His scholarship will go to students who inspire those Above: This year’s recipients of named founder scholarships are, L to R, front row: Jaden Woodard, Sutton Eyer, Rukmini Pal, Ravin Alexander, Mackenzie Robinson, Elizabeth Bunte and Caulan Wallace. Middle row: Joseph Delamerced, Hali Clark, Alea Harris, Sydni Brooks and Alexa Santamarina. Back row: Diego Vallota, Catherine Marx, Niah Woods and Henry and Harrison Schertzinger. Not shown: Xavier Johnson, Solomon Cummings, Brennan Gick and Margaret Pilon. 46 Spring 2013-14
around them through their words and deeds, embrace lifelong learning and demonstrate a commitment to serving others. The Charles and MayBelle Barrett and John L. and Marian Leibold Scholarship pays tribute to a fourgeneration founding Summit family which dates back to May (Ryan) Barrett, a member of the class of 1896. The scholarship was created through the combined funds of two couples. One was the late Dr. Charles M. Barrett, who graduated from Summit’s eighth grade in 1926 and for whom the Barrett Cancer Center at the University of Cincinnati is named, and his late wife MayBelle (Finn) Barrett. The other fund was created by their daughter, Marian (Barrett) Leibold and her husband Dr. John L. Leibold, a Cincinnati radiologist. The Leibolds sent all four of their children to The Summit, and Mrs. Leibold is a former trustee and former Summit Parents Association president.
“Thanks to the generosity of families like the Hertzels, Leibolds and Barretts, we have more than 30 Named Founder Scholarship Funds,” says Development Director Jim Jackson. “These scholarships help us continue to produce exceptional scholars and leaders of character by rewarding bright and talented students whose passions match the five pillars of our mission statement. Summit has one of the largest incoming freshman classes in history, and I’m quite certain these new Summit scholars will enrich the lives of all our students.”
Marc Gerard Fragge ‘83 Memorial Scholarship: Henry and Harrison Schertzinger, Summit, and Catherine Marx, St. Mary School. Anonymous Scholarship: Margaret Pilon, St. Columban School. Richard F. Williams SBS ‘58 Scholarship: Diego Vallota, Walnut Hills Junior High School. Carolyn and John R. LaBar Family Scholarship: Joseph Delamerced, Summit, and Sutton Eyer, Immaculate Heart of Mary School.
Scholarships awarded at a March 19 ceremony and reception included:
Marc Bohlke Scholarship Fund: Hali Clark, Summit.
Kim and Scott David Family Fund: Alea Harris, Summit.
Ruth Jung Conway ‘46 Memorial Scholarship: Elizabeth Bunte, Bethany School.
Arthur and Irma Theobald Scholarship: Mackenzie Robinson, Corryville Catholic Elementary School; Niah Woods, Horizon Science Academy; and Jaden Woodard, Bethany School.
Robert T. Hertzel ‘81 Memorial Scholarship: Jaden Woodard, Bethany School.
Charles and MayBelle Barrett and John and Marian Leibold Scholarship: Caulan Wallace, Bethany School. FISC Foundation Scholarship: Xavier Johnson and Solomon Cummings, Summit. A.J. Cohen ‘97 Memorial Scholarship Fund: Brennan Gick, St. Ignatius Loyola School.
The Marge and Charles J. Schott Scholarship: Ravin Alexander, Summit. Joan and James Gardner Family Scholarship: Sydni Brooks, Summit. Mary Foss Brinkmeyer ‘67 Scholarship: Rukmini Pal, Bethany School, and Alexa Santamarina, St. Columban School. To contribute to a Named Founder Scholarship Fund, contact Jim Jackson, Development Director, at (513) 871-4700 ext. 242.
Jaden Woodard and Caulan Wallace. 47 Summit Magazine 47
Trustees Launch Affordability Initiative with Aspire Family Plan
The Aspire Family Plan, launched this year by The Summit’s Board of Trustees, has already led to the enrollment of more than a dozen students who would not have been able to afford tuition next year. The initiative is designed to attract middle income families in Kindergarten through grade eight beginning in the 2014-15 school year. It gives special consideration to those with multiple children and alumni families. “As a Catholic, independent school with a Notre Dame tradition, we want to stay true to the goals of our founding Sisters to make a Summit education available to a broad spectrum of mission-appropriate families,” says Rich Wilson, Head of School. The Aspire Family Plan provides partial tuition assistance for middle income families who may not qualify for need-based financial aid but would struggle to finance private school. “Our commitment to financial aid has led to an increase in socioeconomic diversity at The Summit, but we also see signs of financial stress on middle income families and those with multiple children who cannot access existing assistance programs,” says Kelley Schiess, Director of Admission. “We want a Summit education to be affordable for talented students from all financial backgrounds. As we continue to maximize our financial aid dollars in a way that is equitable and sustainable, we want to make sure we are assembling the best possible academic community for our families.”
48 Spring 2013-14
One family offered a testimonial. “We are relocating our family to the area and have had our children enrolled in an independent school. We chose The Summit for its commitment to the intellectual and character development for our children. The Aspire Family Plan opportunity is making it possible for us to continue our commitment to an independent school education for our children.” The Aspire Family Plan is guided by a combination of available space in each grade level, the financial challenge of our families and the budget of the school. Current and prospective families who feel need-based financial aid is out of their reach but have a concern about financing an independent school education in Kindergarten through grade eight may apply for the Aspire Family Plan. To assist in objectively reviewing a family for consideration, the Parent’s Financial Statement (PFS) must be submitted online through the National Association of Independent Schools at sss.nais.org/ parents. Families must demonstrate that they will be making difficult choices and sacrifices in order to maximize their contribution toward tuition. Not all families who apply will qualify, while budget and capacity limitation may prevent awards to some deserving families. For more information, read more at www. summitcds.org/admission/Aspire-Family-Plan or contact Kelley Schiess at schiess_k@summitcds.org or 871-4700, ext. 207.
Winter Games Event
March 15, 2014 Tom and Deb Schaefer.
Patty and Wade Bush.
The Summit Parents Association hosted a winter social event called, “Let The Summit Games Begin” at the Indian Hill Winter Club. During the Olympic-themed evening, parents tried curling on the ice rink and took their photos in front of green screen backdrops where they appeared to be riding in a bobsled or making their own Olympic appearance. A live auction benefited the Chapel Restoration Fund.
Members of the Winter Games Event Committee included, L to R: Karen Bosse, Kim LaBar, Chair Beth Shaw, Robin Ayer and Becky Hogya.
Ann and Sam Johnston and Holly (Friesz) Seltman ‘86 and Stuart Seltman ‘86.
Montessori teachers Karen Koch and Julie Ventura.
L to R: Barnard and Michele Baker, Tara and David Woods, Meg Grulee ‘92 and Charlie Cavallo.
L to R: William and Mary Rieke, Noreen Sullivan and Mike Guarasci. Summit Magazine 51
Bart van der Zee ’09 ZEE Love of the Arts Leads Alum to Creative Career By Kathy Schwartz Bart van der Zee ’09 loved organizing Arts Forum talent shows while at The Summit. Last year, he co-founded a commercial version of the school activity, as owner/operator of Voodoo Factory Studio, a multimedia production house located in a former warehouse in Cincinnati’s West End. With brother Spencer ’05, friend and bandmate Bill Bain ’09, and Bill’s girlfriend, Bart pooled their musical, video, voiceover and related talents to provide marketing services to businesses and nonprofits. Clients have included the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Cincinnati’s Yoga Alive studios and 50 Spring 2013-14
“frameshop,” a custom framery in Cincinnati and Lexington, Ky. Voodoo’s quick success in building a portfolio paid off for Bart. At the beginning of this year, he started a full-time position as a videographer/ media specialist with RDI Inc., a market research provider headquartered in Cincinnati. He’s able to work offsite in a downtown studio that gets his creative juices flowing, with an open space, natural light and a city view. Bart, a drummer who has played for audiences since fourth grade, jokes about the long percussion solos he introduced to Summit’s Arts
Forum. “We tried to make it a little more cool” with art and singers accompanied by acoustic guitars, and a little less like a recital with classical violinists and pianists, he says. He praises The Summit’s faculty for backing his interests, including his participation in the annual Battle of the High School Bands competition at Bogart’s in Corryville. “If you’re good at something, they’re nurturing about that kind of stuff,” he says. “Teachers would come to band challenges and support us.” He placed second once and won in 2004, gaining money for The Summit. Upper School coaches were drawn to Bart’s 6-foot height and tried to recruit him for basketball, but music was his thing. He especially liked Theresa Merrill’s classes in music theory and appreciation. “She realized I wasn’t a complete loss,” he kids, referring to his lack of superior athletic or academic prowess. After graduation, Bart earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Electronic Media at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music. He touts the program as a great resource that teaches both audio and video recording and web production, among other skills. With the management, entrepreneurial and networking experience he’d already gained through running Arts Forum, playing in bands, teaching drum lessons and doing commercial session work, Bart was ready to strike out on his own last spring with Voodoo. At that time, “I wanted to not work for someone,” he says. Yet, there was the pressure of having people work for him. There’s more security knowing that RDI will find business. Bart concedes that Voodoo will fade to black because of his new job and each member’s separate pursuits. But in less than a year he was reassured that Cincinnati is a creative place to be. Working in music, marketing, photography and audio-video production doesn’t require relocating to one of the coasts. “I will have to travel for RDI’s call centers,” he says. But that’s OK. “As long as I can come home in a couple of days.”
Alumni Composites Thanks to the generosity of many alumni, we have been able to reframe and hang many of the class composites in the Upper School dining areas where everyone can proudly view our heritage. We’re well on our way to completing this project. Please consider reframing your own class composite, one that includes a member of your family as a gift, or organizing your class to make the contributions that are necessary for reframing. Each one will be reframed with archival glass and archival matting for $250. The following is a list of those composites which have not yet been refurbished. 1926-1927, 1936-1937, 1938-1939, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1954, 1955, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1981, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2000. Help us preserve and display these historical photographs. Please contact: Susan Maxwell, Alumni Relations Associate (513) 871-4700, ext. 245 or SummitAlumni@summitcds.org.
Summit Archive Project Volunteers are starting to sort through and catalog many years of archival treasures in order to have displays made for our 125th anniversary in 2015. Please remember The Summit’s archive project when culling your treasures – newspapers, programs, awards, photos, Rostrums, report cards. We are happy to have anything from your days at The Summit. Contact Conky Greiwe at greiwe_c@ summitcds.org or (513) 871-4700 x239. Summit Magazine 51
Class Notes
80s Charles M. Dillard BMS ’85 and Kimberly Susan Popil ‘90 were married in Garden City, SC in the fall of 2013. Warren G. Harding V
90s David Thies ’90 was the director and one of the supervising producers on the sixth and final season of Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory,” a reality series on MTV. David moved to Los Angeles in 2005 to work as a cinematographer, producer and/or director.
Jessica (Feghali) Harding ’01 and her husband Warren Harding IV welcomed their son, Warren G. Harding V, on Dec. 22, 2013. The family lives in Chicago, IL.
Nick Corser ’08 graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2012. He is now attending Emory Law School and the Goizueta School of Business at Emory University in Atlanta, GA, pursuing Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration degrees. He is also currently serving as the Articles Editor on the Emory Law Journal.
10s
a division of the Ohio Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. Over 51 colleges have the opportunity to submit an application for one of their students. Kelly, a senior at Ohio Wesleyan University, is an early childhood education major with a concentration in special education and English. She plans to pursue an advanced degree in special education after she receives her undergraduate degree in May.
Jack Gustafson ’11 Mallory Botsford ’07
00s Joe Brinkmeyer III ’01 and his wife Dana welcomed their second child, Bradley Nowell, on Christmas Eve, 2013. Bradley joins big sister Deirdre.
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Mallory Botsford ’07 is engaged to Nick Bridle of Wheaton, IL. The two plan to marry in June of 2014 in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel. Mallory works for Butler Armsden Architects in San Francisco and Nick is a software engineer at Google. Jane Abbottsmith ’08 has completed her Master of Philosophy at the University of Cambridge in England and is now studying ethics at Yale Divinity School.
Nate Gustafson ’10 Nate Gustafson ’10 is playing his senior season of lacrosse for the Army Black Knights of the Patriot League. Nate graduates from The United States Military Academy at West Point this spring with a degree in systems engineering. Kelly Maier ’10 has been named the “Ohio Student Teacher of the Year” by the Ohio Association of Teacher Educators,
Jack Gustafson ’11 is a junior at University of St. Thomas (MN) where he is playing baseball for the Tommies. He plans to major in international business. Alex Nourse ’11 has been selected by the Alliance for Global Education to study at the Beijing Language and Culture University. He’ll be a part of the Popular Culture and Social Change Program for the 2014 summer semester. Alex currently serves on Student Senate at Marietta College, is the Director of
Education, Diversity and Unity on Pioneer Activities Council and holds the Vice President position for the Epsilon Upsilon Chapter of Delta Tau Delta at Marietta.
Ryan Erickson ’12 was elected chapter president of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity at Denison University.
Albert A. Feltrup, brother of Peggy Becker Jackson ’49 and Norma King ’52, Dec. 10, 2013.
WEDDINGS In the Immaculate Heart
Al Fultz, husband of former Upper School Faculty Member Carole Fultz, Jan. 14, 2014.
of Mary Chapel Jane Franz ’99 and Andrew Finn, Nov. 9, 2013 Sarah Haas ’05 and David Habel, Dec. 21, 2013 Colin Cotton ’11
Colin Cotton ’11 became an All-American in November 2013 by finishing 22nd in the national championships for cross country. He is currently running for Williams College in Massachusetts. With his individual finish, he helped lead his team to a fifth place team finish. Hannah Krone ’11 is swim team captain at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Liz Arnold ’12 a sophomore goalkeeper at Emory University was named the final University Athletic Association’s Defensive Athlete of the Week for Women’s Soccer for the 2013 campaign. Liz recorded a careerhigh seven saves during the eighth-ranked Eagles match against fourthranked Wheaton College (Ill.) in the round of 16 of the NCAA Division III Women’s Soccer Championships. This was the first career Athlete of the Week honor for Arnold.
Tasha Buttelwerth and Eddie Maag ’02, March 8, 2014
IN MEMORY ALUMNI Harry Gilligan Jr. ’38, father of Ann (Gilligan) Snider ’70, Dec. 12, 2013. Philip Fitzpatrick SBS ’50, brother of Gerri (Fitzpatrick) Stoffregen ’62, Jan. 19, 2014. Lois (Rohde) Heister ’56, Nov. 16, 2013. Thomas Gall SBS ’60, brother of Eric P. Gall SBS ’54, Oct. 26, 2013.
FRIENDS Marian Abele, mother of School Nurse Kate Wenzel, Dec. 3, 2013. Conrad “Connie” Dierking, father of Jane (Dierking) Makstell ’77 and father-inlaw of Lloyd Makstell ’77, Dec. 29, 2013. George Raymond Drew, father of John (Midi Amann ’81) Drew BMS ’72, Feb. 21, 2014.
Richard Fry M.D., father of Daniel Fry ’00, Nov. 25, 2013. Keith Gilkeson, husband of Lower School Director Helen Clark, and stepfather of Karen (Clark) Blake ’90 and Stephen Clark ’94, Feb. 14, 2014. Audrey Gutmann, mother of Nancy (Gutmann) O’Connor ‘76, March 24, 2014. John LaBar, father of Sue (LaBar) Rohde ’74, Mike LaBar BMS ’73, Meg Frede ’77, John LaBar BMS ’76, Dan LaBar BMS ’77 and brother of Mary Louise (LaBar) Thul ’51, March 14, 2013. James Lipovsky, brother of Upper School Faculty member Phyllis Lipovsky, Dec. 4, 2013. Richard Loreaux, father of Jireh Loreaux ’06 and Hosanna Loreaux (att.), Dec. 2, 2013. James McMurry, father of Kaitlin McMurry ’09 and sister of Kyndle McMurry ’82, Jan. 11, 2014. Jason Neff, brother of Upper School Faculty member Kim Ashcraft, March 16, 2014. Khamis Saba M.D., father of Maria (Glenn ’80) Markesbery ’79, Alex Saba M.D. BMS ’76, Peter (Gina
Baluyot ’84) Saba ’83 and Paul Saba ’86, Dec. 19, 2013. Elizabeth Ann Scharon, mother of Tracy (Charles Blum SBS ’63) Blum ’77, Dec. 2, 2014. Hal Shoemaker, husband of Alane (Schloemer) Shoemaker ’68, father of Carrie Shoemaker ’96 and Robert Shoemaker ’00, Dec. 16, 2013. Barbara Smith, mother of Upper School Faculty member Kurtis Smith, March 21, 2014. Paul Spaccarelli M.D., father-in-law of Mark Zaring ’89, Jan. 24, 2014. Roberta Jean Talbot and Andrea Hoch, respectively the mother and sister of Lower School Faculty member Pat Seta, Oct. 11 and Sept. 3, 2013. Toni Wells, mother of Brian Wells ’99 and Caroline (Wells) Stanton ’02, Feb. 26, 2014.
Submit Your News To submit alumni news, call Alumni Relations Associate Susan Maxwell at 513.871.4700 ext. 245 or email her at SummitAlumni@summitcds.org.
To make it more convenient to submit news at any time of day when it is most convenient for you, we’ve created a “Submit Your News” form on our News web page. Go to www.summitcds.org/ communications/ submit-your-news.cfm. Summit Magazine 53
Parents of Alumni Endorse The Summit In November 2013, we surveyed parents of alumni who graduated from 2009 through 2012 to gauge the perception of how well we deliver value and stay true to our mission in developing morals and character, providing an excellent school environment and fostering critical thinking in program areas. Ninety-four percent of Summit parents indicated they were likely to recommend The Summit, a significantly higher number than the 88 percent of parents of alumni at other independent schools nationwide who represented the benchmark. We asked parents to name those attributes of the school they considered to be our strengths. Overwhelmingly, the most-common attribute was the faculty and staff who were described as “well educated,” “devoted,” “caring,” “wonderful,” “committed,” “superb” and “passionate” people who get to know children personally and care about them. Strong academics and small class sizes – the second and third most-cited attributes -- were frequently associated with “great faculty” and creating an excellent learning environment where children receive individual attention. Rounding out the 10 most named strengths were the athletics department’s inclusive, no-cut policy; the Character Education Program; a focus on religion or spirituality; close community; the college counseling department; diversity among students and culture of inclusion and an emphasis on developing the whole child through the five pillars of our mission statement. When asked if they would recommend The Summit, 94 percent agreed or strongly agreed. In no category did parents rate The Summit significantly lower than benchmark.
How Parents of Alumni Perceive The Summit
Top 10 Strengths
Percentages represent parents who agreed or strongly agreed.
Summit Significantly Different OVERALL Good value for tuition dollars 84% Understood & Endorsed School’s Mission 84 Continue to Send Other Children to the School 85 Relative to Local Competition 89 Likelihood to Recommend Summit 94
1. Great teachers, coaches Other Independent Schools
77% 77 78 81 88
and staff
2. Rigorous academics 3. Class size 4. No-cut athletics policy 5. Personalized Education 6. Religion/spirituality 7. College Counseling
MORAL AND CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT Developed Strong Moral Character Traits Developed Leadership Qualities Exhibited Commitment to Diversity SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT Displayed Caring, Respect & Trust Understood Child’s Individual Needs Strong Role Models Among Faculty Beneficial Interactions with School Leaders Used Technology Effectively to Teach
88 89 84
8. Character Education Program 9. Community 10. Diversity
89 80 96 88 93
CRITICAL THINKING Developed Critical Thinking Skills 94 Instilled Curiosity/Passion for Learning 87 Provided Advanced Academic Opportunities 97 English/Language Arts 97 History/Social Studies 95 Science 94 Religious Studies 88 Courses in Art, Music, Drama 87 World Languages 81 Mathematics 79 EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Community Service Clubs/Student Organizations Athletic Program 54 Spring 2013-14
86 81 73
95 86 89
85 76 86 84 85
What Parents Say
89 81 84 89 76 88 80 87 78 81
• Small class size with a majority of the teachers who really care about the success of their students.
82 69 74
Below are some of the anonymous open-ended comments we received from parents of alumni about the strengths of The Summit, what they would say to someone who is considering attending The Summit and best memories:
• Faculty and staff truly have the best interest of the students. They want them to succeed and flourish. • Small class size allows teachers to really get to know your child. • Summit’s ability to push and expand talented, motivated students is excellent.
Save The Date JUNE 1, 2014 McKenzie-Sargent Distinguished Alumni Reception Alumni Parlor, 12:30 p.m. Class of 2014 Graduation Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel, 2 p.m. SEPT. 26-28, 2014* Homecoming and Reunion Weekend All alumni are invited and welcome to attend the events on campus. Class years ending in “4” and “9” are encouraged to plan their individual reunion gatherings for Saturday, Sept. 27. If you are interested in helping organize your Class Year Reunion, please e-mail Susan Maxwell, at SummitAlumni@summitcds.org FRIDAY, SEPT. 26 All School Reunion Cocktail Party, 6 p.m SATURDAY, SEPT. 27 Alumni Awards Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. SUNDAY, SEPT. 28 All Community Mass, T.B.D. *Please note the date for homecoming has changed from a previous report.
Dear Alumni/ae, Throughout this edition of The Summit magazine, you have read about legacy. At an independent school like The Summit, the word legacy usually refers to students who are children of alumni. Our cover story told you about alumni who are giving their children the advantage of a Summit education just as their parents gave it to them. But legacy has other meanings as well. A legacy can be what one generation passes on to the next. We told you about MaLissa (Walter) Geers ’76 and Josie (Walter) Funk ’80, two alumnae sisters who were inspired by their mother’s love of cooking, received world-class culinary training and put their talent and skill to work as Summit’s top chefs. Legacy can also be a bequeath. We told you about the generosity of Dorothy (Wood) Whitaker, a neighbor and former student, who endowed a new scholarship to honor her father and brother. We showed you 22 incoming freshmen who were awarded named founder scholarships this year. We told you how our new Aspire Family Plan can make The Summit more affordable for alumni families. Legacy also refers to how someone is remembered. We’ve updated you on accomplishments and passages in the lives of many alumni. We also offered evidence that The Summit is memorable to alumni in the survey reported on the previous page. Ninety four percent of the parents of young alumni remember us kindly enough to recommend The Summit to others. Every person who has walked the halls of The Summit – faculty, staff and students alike – is called by our mission to leave a legacy. We are challenged to develop our God-given talents to become people of character. We are asked to value the world and make it a better place. Ultimately, The Summit’s legacy is you. For many of you, it is time to decide what your legacy is. We invite you to leave a legacy here, to give back to the school that gave you your start. Of course, we’d like you to give your children the advantage of a Summit education like the parents in our “Legacy Family” story. We’d like you to put your talents to work here in a career like Summit’s top chefs or as a volunteer or advisor. We’d like you to create a long-remembered legacy that helps new students get the advantage of a Summit education as Bunny Whitaker has done. We’d like to you share stories about your successes with us in order to inspire current students and network with other alumni. The question is: How do you want to be remembered? Best Regards,
Susan Maxwell Alumni Relations & Special Events Associate (513) 871-4700 ext. 245 SummitAlumni@summitcds.org
Summit Magazine 55
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IaTtions MM plor
2014 Summit Summer Exploration
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Puppet camp is a themed week in our Day Camp schedule. See complete list on page 30 or view online at www.summitcds.org.
Ashleigh Barrere
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