Sycamore School Magazine / Summer 2018 by Sycamore School

SUMMER 2018

SYCAMORE FIVE SYCAMORE ALUMNI STORIES // 2018 GRADUATION SPEECHES // TEACHER + STAFF PHILANTHROPY

VOLUME 12.1 FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL

RETIREMENT + FAREWELL BREAKFAST EVENT

TRIVIA NIGHT

TEACHER + STAFF PHILANTHROPY

VOLUNTEERING FOR THE NEIGHBORHOOD

SYCAMORE ALUMNI SECTION

KEVIN KARIMI

ASHLEY GANGE

BILL + SAM RISTOW

KEVIN LEHTINIITTY

JAY MATURI

COLLEGE CHOICES

SYCAMORE 2018 GRAD SPEECHES

EVELYN TABOR

HENLEY LYNCH

MARY KATE TANSELLE

HIGH SCHOOL CHOICES

BOYS BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS

NEWS + NOTES

CAMPAIGN DONORS

ON THE COVER: Morgan Stickney will be an 8th grade student this upcoming school year, and has been at Sycamore since Preschool. In addition to her schoolwork, Morgan is highly active outside the classroom. Morgan has played for three years on the Sycamore volleyball team, and recently completed her second season of club volleyball with the Academy Volleyball Club. She is also an accomplished seven-year Taekwondo student with a rank of Brown Belt with Black Stripe, winning first place in sparring at the Midwest Regional. An avid reader and writer, Morgan is a volunteer for the Carmel Clay Public Library, and an active member of their

A GROUP SELFIE MOMENT FROM THE 2ND ANNUAL SYCAMORE OLYMPICS.

Teen Library Council. Morgan and her parents, Jason and Kristin, reside in Fishers.

S YC A M O R E S C H O O L . O R G 02

HEAD OF SCHOOL DIANE BORGMANN

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

DEAR SYCAMORE FRIENDS, This year has been an exciting and productive one for Sycamore! We completed

HEAD OF EARLY CHILDHOOD

our ISACS Self-Study Report, a major

JENNIFER WILLIAMS

September 23-26, an ISACS Visiting Team

accomplishment toward our re-accreditation. will be at Sycamore to observe what we’re

HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL GLENNA LYKENS

HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL JAMIE MACDOUGALL

doing, interview our employees and others, and produce a Visiting Team Report, a report that will mirror our Self-Study Report and lead to our re-accreditation. In addition to our ISACS work, we have planned for the second annual national conference for educators from independent schools with missions to serve gifted kids. Our inaugural conference last June was

DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS

very successful; this year the dates of the

DR. SUSAN KARPICKE

worked on program development and more

conference are August 2 and 3. We have innovative uses of our new spaces. Under

DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT HOLLY LEE

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PATRICK JUDAY

hired an exemplary group of new faculty to propel us forward. Our alumni constantly tell us of the influence of Sycamore’s stellar faculty. In this edition, you will read about some older alumni who

BEN PECAR PRESIDENT

independent school. To that end, we have

the direction of Patrick Cauley, we have worked on a Strategic Technology Plan that will direct our technology efforts the next few years. We have had a full agenda! This spring we saw some long-time faculty retire: Deb Reidy, Jeannie Shull, Joan Rau, and Becky Horton. Those four represent many years and immeasurable impact

SYCAMORE SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

on hundreds of kids. Sycamore’s greatest

COURTNEY PRYOR

who are intelligent and creative and who

PRESIDENT

are willing to challenge our thinking and

returned to Sycamore to share their stories, and you’ll also have the pleasure of reading the graduation speeches delivered by three of our newest alumni. I’m always impressed, not only by the academic prowess and articulateness of our alumni, but also by their caring and generous attitudes. I’m proud to see our core character values of respect, moral courage, empathy, and relationships still radiating from our alumni. As Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” This fall Sycamore will begin its 34th year. The school and all its supporters have accomplished so much in the first 33 years, and there’s only excitement about what is to come. Sycamore’s mission has never wavered, and in that is our strength. After all, this is too good not to be better! Thanks for your interest in and support of Sycamore! I’m honored to work with amazing colleagues, parents, students, and trustees. Thanks for accompanying us on this journey. Onward and upward! Best regards,

strength is people! We invest in educators

push boundaries of what is possible in an

Diane Borgmann Head of School

JOAN RAU

BECKY HORTON

RETIREMENT + FAREWELL BREAKFAST EVENT HELD FOR DEPARTING TEACHERS As the curtain came down on the 2017-18

workshop with the students and in planting

teaching partners. “For seventeen years my

school year, a number of Sycamore teachers

the seeds of creative writing into the thoughts

co-teacher in third grade was Sheila Hyatt.

also closed out their teaching careers at

of her students. “Whenever I talk to former

Sheila is actually the person who started the

Sycamore, while others are moving on to

students, and even in the end-of-year notes

Poetry Tea before I came to Sycamore, and

positions of leadership and opportunity.

that I get from current parents and students,

many of the other traditions in third grade

the thing that is mentioned most is poetry,”

were started as a collaboration between the

A breakfast event was held in the Bhatia Lab

she says. “Third grade has become known

two of us. I’ve also enjoyed working for many

just before the end of the school year for the

and remembered for the focus on poetry, and

years with Joan Rau and Joanna Jockish,

teachers leaving Sycamore. Whether they

I couldn’t be more pleased about that. The

long-time third grade assistants.”

were here for 20 years or only one, each has

Poetry Tea, where students memorize and

contributed to making the school a great place

recite poems they have chosen, is always a

Reidy says she will devote more time to

for our students, and they will be missed.

highlight of the school year. The students are

writing. Over the last few year, she has

also very fortunate to work with Rebecca Kai

developed a relationship with Highlights

Longtime third grade teacher, Deb Reidy,

Dotlich when she visits third grade each year to

Magazine, and they have purchased and

has headed into retirement after 24 years at

lead a two-day poetry writing workshop.”

published a few of her children’s poems.

Sycamore, to spend more time with her family.

Without the demands of teaching, she says

As part of her teaching, she was instrumental

Reidy attributes part of the joy she has

in bringing writers and poets to Sycamore to

experienced working at Sycamore to her

she plans to focus much more on writing.

DEB REIDY 3RD GRADE TEACHER RETIRING

JEANNIE SHULL PREK TEACHER RETIRING

ERIN HELLMAN 3RD GRADE TEACHER MOVING TO COLORADO

DEB REIDY (LEFT) WITH THE PERMANENT INDIANA STUDENT ARTWORK HER CLASSES CREATED FOR THE OUTDOOR SCIENCE LAB.

MATHEW PHILIPOSE 5TH/6TH GRADE SCIENCE TEACHER RETURNING TO INDIA

JOAN RAU 3RD GRADE ASSISTANT

Pre-K teacher Jeannie Schull also exits after

being with her.” Horton will miss the people

a long run at Sycamore. She remembers

of Sycamore. “I always had fun being in the

when she started at the school. “In Pre-K,

staff lounge to get coffee or to have lunch.

BECKY HORTON

I overcame fears along with the children.

There was usually someone to chat with that

2ND GRADE ASSISTANT

I allowed a tarantula to walk across my hands,

I didn’t see regularly.”

RETIRING

RETIRING (Returning in 2018 to fill a maternity leave)

and I petted a snake. The children were

BRITTANY MOFFATT

thrilled when they found bones in owl pellets,

Joan Rau is retiring after two teaching stints

created drops of blood, opened a brain model,

at Sycamore, spanning 18 years, beginning

‘visited’ different habitats, launched balloons,

in first grade and then moving to third grade.

and learned about the world we are a part of.”

“People talk about what a family atmosphere

ANDY MATTICE

there is at Sycamore, and that is so true,”

MS ASSISTANT

Shull says she will also remember how much

Rau says. “I loved having all the siblings in

ACCEPTED A LEAD

fun she had. “Working at Sycamore, you can

a family and watching them grow and thrive

be guaranteed a laugh every day, and you

over the years. I’m thankful for all the close

RAENOSA HUDNELL

will learn something new or be reminded of

friendships I’ve made with coworkers over

MS ASSISTANT

something old,” she says.

the years as well.”

ACCEPTED A LEAD

Becky Horton has been an assistant here

Rau may say it best when she talks about

since 2000-2001, when she started as an

teaching at Sycamore and what it has meant.

PREK ASSISTANT,

assistant to Amy Lambert. The teacher that

“There is such a great support system in

EMBRACING ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY

influenced me the most was Doris Fulwider,”

place, and I will miss being a part of that.

she says. “Her love of teaching math is so

I’ve always felt privileged to be part of the

awesome. I wish I’d been taught math the

Sycamore family. As I’m retiring, I can’t

way she does. She makes it so interesting

believe how the time has flown by.” n

4TH GRADE ASSISTANT STAYING AT HOME WITH CHILDREN

TEACHING POSITION

JOYCE SZOLEK

and fun. How could you not love math after

WINNERS OF THE 2018 SYCAMORE TRIVIA NIGHT

TRIVIA NIGHT A HUGE SUCCESS Thanks to everyone who made the 2018 Trivia Night a huge success. Nearly 300 parents, teachers, and staff made the Saturday night event a fun night of food, drink, and trivia. The evening’s contributions were over $100,000, in addition to more than $30,000 raised for financial aid to help deserving, gifted students attend Sycamore. Thanks to everyone who bid in the silent auction and for being a part of the Sycamore family. A huge thank you to Courtney Pryor and Wendy Reymer for planning and hosting the Trivia Night and Silent Auction. n

TEACHERS + STAFF CONTRIBUTE TO PHILANTHROPIC CAUSES BY WEARING DENIM When Julie Szolek-Van Valkenburg (or

been a local food serving organization

“I believe in the two-pronged approach to

Julie SVV, as she is known at Sycamore)

that has been selected, and the American

giving that involves both financial giving

joined the school three years ago as

Cancer Society has been selected each

and the giving of time through volunteer

the Human Resources Coordinator,

year as well,” she says. “Indy Reads has

service,” she says. “Our Head of School

she inherited a year-long fundraiser

been a popular choice. And I have noticed

(Diane Borgmann) was very enthusiastic

called the Clayton Denim Days project,

an increase in contributions when the

and supportive when I approached her

named in honor of retired Head of

faculty and staff were asked in a survey

last year about adding a volunteer service

Early Childhood, Francine Clayton. It

to vote on which organizations that they

opportunity for our faculty and staff. Last

is Sycamore’s faculty and staff trimester

would like to contribute to.”

year, it was a one day event of volunteer

voluntary charitable contribution

service on a Saturday at Gleaners Food

program. Each trimester during the school

Teachers understand that there isn’t a

Bank. This year, we were able to offer

year, money is raised and donated to

stated contribution amount, and Julie

three days of volunteer service with two

various organizations, with the faculty and

says she lets all faculty and staff know up

different organizations.” (See related story)

staff contributing money one day each

front that contributing is voluntary, and it

month so that they can wear jeans.

is up to each faculty and staff member to

She says the feedback she gets about the

decide what works best for them and their

volunteering is what you might expect

family finances.

from a school like Sycamore. “I remember

In 2017, Sycamore sent a check to the American Cancer Society for $762, to

someone sharing with me how rewarding

Gleaners Food Bank for $870, and to Indy

“I have had contributions from $3 all

the day was, and how they believed that

Reads for $776.

the way up to $200. One of my favorite

giving money helps organizations do

stories is the time one teacher brought in

the good work that needs to be done in

“Each year I survey our faculty and staff

an envelope full of money that she and

communities, and doing volunteer service

on which organizations they would like

her husband had found on a walk,” Julie

puts a face on poverty as you interact with

to contribute to in the community,” Julie

remembers. “They tried to find out whose

those whom you are serving.” n

says. “The three organizations getting the

it was, and when they didn’t have any luck

most votes are then selected for the year,

with that, they decided to contribute it to

one organization for each trimester of the

our selected organization for that trimester.”

academic year.” Szolek-Van Valkenburg says she likes She says there are organizations that are

seeing the Sycamore faculty and staff

annual favorites, plus new ones that are

have an opportunity to contribute to

chosen. “For the three years that I have

organizations that are making a difference

coordinated this effort, there has always

in our community.

VOLUNTEERING FOR THE NEIGHBORHOOD, INDIANAPOLIS Each year, Sycamore School looks for volunteer opportunities that can potentially impact residents in the neighborhoods around the school and are available to Sycamore staff. One of the volunteer opportunities this school year was to contribute time at the Crooked Creek Food Pantry, a pantry that benefits the local neighborhood, and also at Circle City Relief, an organization that serves in the School 60 parking lot at 34th and Meridian from 12:30 to 2pm every Sunday. Sycamore School’s Head of Early Childhood, Jennifer Williams, remembers that she would to take her Kindergarten students to Crooked Creek when she was a teacher at Sycamore, and Kindergarten classes continue that tradition with Sycamore teachers, Ruth Moll and Marissa Argus. This year, Williams and other adults from the Sycamore staff volunteered their time at the pantry.

“The Saturday morning that I volunteered

In addition to an annual Sycamore food

has stored in the back. After the pantry

with other Sycamore staff was the first time

drive during Spirit Week in the fall,

opened, our teachers and staff assisted

I had actually worked at the pantry when

Sycamore teachers worked with Crooked

customers with selecting their items.

customers were shopping,” Williams says.

Creek this year to teach students about

“When our Kindergarten class visits, the

volunteerism. The teachers and staff

Williams says she originally found out

pantry director opens the pantry on an ‘off ’

also gave of their own time to help the

about the Crooked Creek Food Pantry

day just for our students. That Saturday, it

organization with distribution of food to

through her church, St. Luke’s United

was the day after a fairly large snowstorm,

customers of the pantry. Williams said

Methodist Church. “They are one of

and several of the regular volunteers were

they had two main jobs during their time

the partners in the pantry organization.

not able to fill their shifts. The Sycamore

at the pantry. Before the pantry opened

I was also looking for an alternative

volunteers were much needed.”

and during down times that morning, they

project for our Kindergarten Pilgrim

stocked the shelves from items the pantry

unit,” Williams says. “That was when we

DIANE BORGMANN

RACHEL ILNICKI

PATRICK JUDAY (LEFT) WITH BILL SZOLEK-VAN VALKENBURGH

landed on the idea of the Kindergarten

fruit or vegetable items, one bread item,

than 6,000 items in 2017), Kindergarten

students serving and helping their

one meat item, and one milk item. The

students gathered a collection of books to

neighbors just as the Wampanoag people

volunteer guides them through and tracks

donate to the pantry. Williams knows this

helped the Pilgrims. We had the students

the number of each type of item chosen.”

type of philanthropy is an important piece

organize a school-wide food drive, collect

of what we can do at Sycamore.

and sort the donated items, take a field

Williams says she likes that the pantry

trip to the pantry, and stock the shelves

serves people from the neighborhoods

“It reminds us to look outside of

themselves. The trip was a success and has

surrounding Sycamore. Families from

ourselves,” she says. “Whether it is in big

continued for three years now. I believe our

Pike and Washington Townships are

or small ways, we all can find opportunities

Kindergarten children are the youngest to

eligible to visit the pantry once per month.

to help people around us. Sometimes we

visit and actually work there.”

She also says Crooked Creek does a

get so focused on our own lives that we

good job of giving the customers dignity,

forget to connect with others. Holding

The pantry is organized like a small

respect, and choice when visiting. I think

the door for a mom with a stroller, giving

grocery store, and customers use shopping

it’s great that families have some choice

a kind word to the store clerk, picking

carts and a checklist to guide them

within the shopping guidelines. The

up trash around your neighborhood, and

through the selection process. “The

pantry also receives fresh produce from

spending a morning at the food pantry are

number of items in each category varies

community gardens whenever possible.”

all ways to make those connections.” n

depending on the number of people in their family,” Williams says. “For example,

In addition to the annual Sycamore all-

they might be able to choose three canned

school food drive (which collected more

COMING HOME: ALUMNI SHARE STORIES AT SYCAMORE Four Sycamore School alumni from different parts of the country returned to their alma mater this year to share their life lessons and tips for success during a TED Talks-style symposium for parents and alumni. They shared their career journeys and talked of how Sycamore played a large part in their education and success. We talked to each of the grads before their presentations, gaining insight into their careers, goals, and the hard work it took to get where they are today. n

LAWYER KARIMI RETURNS TO SYCAMORE When Kevin Karimi (’99) returned to

spelling and vocabulary from this school have

Sycamore School last fall to be a part of the

been immensely important to me. You can’t

TalonTED Talks that featured four alumni of

go back and do that again. Things are given

Sycamore, he came armed with a presentation

to you, probably against your will, at a young

called “Conversations With My Middle

age that you’re thankful for later.”

School Self.” Karimi, who served as a Marion County Deputy Prosecutor before starting his

As a lawyer, Karimi is realistic about the

own law practice (Gemma and Karimi), was

pieces of his education that slipped into place.

the after-school activities because it was such

admittedly, a student who excelled in places

“Sycamore School pushed Spanish

a relaxed environment.” While the school day

in which he enjoyed the subject and could

to me and my older brother. It was part of the

gave Karimi his circle of friends, it was the late

struggle to find inspiration in the places that

curriculum from Mrs. Hollander and other

afternoon options after the classroom teaching

held less academic interest to him.

great teachers. I had no idea how important

was complete, that he relished. “The kids you’d

what we did here in Spanish class would be.

hang out with were ones you don’t usually

Oddly, it was some of the situations where

It was a foundational building block to my

hang out with during the day. There’s an

Kevin may have rebelled against the teaching

language skills. It’s so important today to know

immersion of different people that you get to

that had the most profound impact on his

Spanish, especially in my field.” Karimi ended

know,” he says. “Sycamore School is not a very

adult life. “Sycamore had a large focus on

up majoring in Spanish in college, and still

large school. There are 40 kids in each grade,

vocabulary, and it was so big when I was in

speaks fluently today, as does his older brother.

and you tend to stick to your friends. Everyone

middle school,” he says. “We had something

knows everyone, but you have four or five

called Word Within a Word, and just I

He says he also benefitted from the less

friends or maybe another little circle of friends.

hated it. It was the toughest, most strenuous

traditional academic opportunities that were

But when you go to after-school activities, you

pressure and stress inducing time in 7th and

available to him at Sycamore. “I loved the

meet new people and by the end everyone

8th grade.” The pain of the game came in

after-school activities - I really did,” he says.

knows everyone in a different way and for

the gain later. “The words that I learned in

“Drama Club was so important to me. I loved

different reasons. I enjoyed that a lot.” n

SYCAMORE ALUMNI ASHLEY GANGE TAKES ON CHALLENGES, HELPS BUILD WOMEN’S CENTER IN RWANDA Diversity and design. Resourcefulness

Ashley’s years at Sycamore School, and how

leading to opportunities. For Ashley

experiences at school created opportunities

Gange (’99), these words and beliefs keep

to challenge and grow her own ideas.

then headed to New York to continue school at Columbia University. Even as she was going through her college and graduate studies, she was still using lessons learned in art at Sycamore as an anchor to the new things that she was experiencing. “Eileen Prince was a huge influence,” Gange says of the Sycamore’s founding art teacher, who is still teaching and just completed her 33rd year at Sycamore in 2018. “What I still really value about her as a person, an artist,

bubbling to the surface, as she continues to find new paths to take.

While in California, Gange finished college,

“Sycamore was very much about

A graduate of both California College of

community. It wasn’t

the Arts and Columbia University, Gange

a community based

has worked across multiple fields within

on anything other than

architecture, interior design, animation,

academic excellence

public art, and sculpture. The diversity

and acceptance of

of these experiences informs her approach

people that were from

to design, which is her passion.

all walks of life,” she says. “I think that was

One of her recent architectural works was

nowhere else in Indiana

being involved in the design and construction

- a really special thing.”

and a teacher is that she believes in rigor in the arts,” Gange says. “She’s not someone who will tell you all art is good whether you actually put effort into it or not. She believes in true craftsmanship and rigorous understanding of concepts. I think that those things and art history are things

of Women’s Opportunity Centers in Rwanda and Kosovo, a 4-tier educational campus in

After Sycamore, Ashley went to Michigan

rural Rwanda (pledged as a Commitment

to Interlochen Arts Academy, a boarding

to Action at the Clinton Global Initiative),

high school for the arts. It was soon after she

and project management for commercial

graduated from high school, still keeping

and retail spaces - from design through

the lessons of Sycamore close, that she knew

construction with Sharon Davis Design,

instinctively that she needed to keep moving

an award-winning socially-minded design

and continue finding new artistic challenges.

firm in New York City.

“I was really only applying to art schools that was the trajectory,” she says.” I had

As noted in her online bio, Ashley is devoted to

already majored in visual arts for three and

what she calls resource preservation and careful

a half years at Interlochen, so at that point I

consumerism, and is committed to community

decided to go to California College of the Arts,

development through design. From where

a very old school out in California in the Bay

did the ideas spring? We can go back to

Area. I was really excited to get to a coast.”

that you don’t find at a lot of public schools, especially now having my daughter starting in public schools in New York. I can see that’s a very special skill set that Mrs. Prince brings to Sycamore.” While focused on the aspect of art, sculpture, that most interested her at Sycamore, Gange now sees the path that led from those early passions to where she is today. “Sculpture was the thing that I decided I was infatuated with and really the only thing I wanted to pursue when I was at Sycamore. I went to college for sculpture, and by the time

I finished my degree as an undergraduate,

learn entrepreneurship farming practices

Gange says. “But this one did. The thing

I had opportunities to intern at General

and craft making, as well as seek counseling.”

that I am most proud of about this project

Motors doing concept car modeling before

is that, as a team, we worked largely from

working for public artists in California.

What made the project difficult was distance

New York but really challenged ourselves

I loved it. It really became something that

and the country’s recent history. Women in

to integrate, as best we could, into the

was natural and kind of easy for me.”

Rwanda are continuing the rebuilding of their

community and into the shoes of people

country in the aftermath of a devastating

who were going to be using this center.”

// What wasn’t easy for Gange was a

1994 genocide. Women have provided the

project that she became a part of in Rwanda,

groundswell of energy, coming from rural

The center offers classroom space where

aiding that country’s women.

villages, all the way to the national parliament,

women can learn new business skills and

where women now hold two-thirds of the seats.

where cooperative support networks and

“I was given the opportunity to work on

other groups can meet regularly. “We

a project in rural Rwanda for a Women’s

“It was a scary process to get involved

decided that doing it with the help of the

Opportunity Center (WOC),” she says.

with, because projects like this take years

community would probably be the only way

“This would be a place where women could

and usually don’t ever come to fruition,”

to succeed,” Gange says. “Never having set

SYCAMORE ALUMNI foot in Africa, let alone Rwanda, we worked

private donors, the groundbreaking WOC

for over two years from New York and from

opened in Kayonza, located one hour from

other offices with consultants all around the

Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali. “After two

world and also worked really closely with

years of working in a project team based

our local partners in Rwanda to formulate

in a small studio in New York, I had the

a way that we could create a successful

opportunity to go to Rwanda for the first

outcome for this project.”

time and see what we had helped create.”

The innovative and environmentally

// The diversity of education, skills,

sustainable design is built on a five-acre

and projects that Gange has been involved

campus. From the entrance along a well-

in over the past 20 years, according to Ashley,

traveled road, market stalls are accessible

is a reflection of her time at Sycamore.

to the public. On the grounds of the WOC,

“A lot of other gifted programs do really

facilities include a kitchen and restaurant,

make it scary for a kid to try something

guest lodging, a large celebration space,

that they might not already excel at,”

and organic vegetable and fruit gardens.

she says, citing music as an example of how she worked at something that wasn’t

For all of the beauty of the completed

necessarily a passion, but became a building

building, its completion involved a lot

block for future endeavors. I played violin

of sweat and muscle. “We actually found

and euphonium at Sycamore, and I loved

an opportunity in the lack of building

them. Now, I don’t think my neighbors at

materials,” she says. “We could set up

my apartment would be so keen on me

things like brick-making cooperatives

playing a large horn that I hadn’t picked

for the women who were already going

up in a decade or two,” she laughs. “But I

to be the beneficiaries of this building;

think those were things that really created

they would actually be producing the

pathways in my brain for thinking and

bricks that we would use to build the site,

learning for the rest of my life.” It was

making bricks one by one, by hand.”

at Sycamore that she remembers being encouraged to try many things, and not

Inspired by traditional Rwandan

necessarily to be defined as the science kid

meeting spaces, classrooms are shaped

or the art kid. Instead, she was encouraged

as circular pavilions and are at the center

to actually believe in herself and her ability

of the WOC. Behind the WOC, there is a

to cross platforms and disciplines.

large commercial demonstration farm in a fertile valley. At the center, women learn

“I think Sycamore really fosters an

things like bread-making, coffee agribusiness,

environment where learning is a lifelong

culinary arts, food processing, and tailoring.

practice,” she says. “You don’t expect to

“SYCAMORE WAS VERY MUCH ABOUT COMMUNITY... AND ACCEPTANCE OF PEOPLE THAT WERE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE.”

just think of school as something separate With architectural expertise from

from work or practice which is separate

award-winning architect firm, Sharon

from life. That’s something that I still

Davis Design, and initial investments from

carry with me.” n

SYCAMORE GRADS HIKE APPALACHIAN TRAIL When the Appalachian Trail beckoned,

He thinks his Sycamore background

Bill Ristow answered. In the end, after

certainly played a part in his ability

more than 2,000 miles and a summer of

to overcome adversities, both on the

hiking, the Sycamore alum discovered

trail and as he has grown into his adult

something important – that taking the

life. “Intelligence doesn’t really count

time for himself really mattered.

for anything without hard work and dedication,” he says. “I think developing

Ristow, talking about how he chose to hike

good habits, especially good study habits,

on the historic trail, says, “At the time, I was

is really key. Get it done in a structured

just kind of trying to figure out what kind

way rather than saying, ‘I’m sorry, I got

of job, out of a series of unappealing jobs,

this. I’ll finish this in ten minutes.’ I think

I wanted to do. I thought to myself, ‘Wait

it’s one that I have worked to develop

a minute. I’ve been working a little bit, but

since I left Sycamore but wish I had

I’m not by any means tied to this job. I have

started working to develop much earlier.”

time. What if I went for a month or two months or the whole thing?’”

// A 2016 Haverford College graduate who

(LEFT)

& SAM RISTOW

summer-long excursion along the trail, Bill walked with his brother for part of the trip

majored in History, Bill had plenty of time to

and connected with new trail friends on the

Bill would join his younger brother, Sam,

think and meet new friends as he traversed

rest of the route. “Sam and I were together

who had already planned to hike the trail,

the trail that spans fourteen states, along

until mid-April, but he was really doing his

taking a semester off from college to do

the crests and valleys of the Appalachian

own hike,” Bill says. “He started around

it. Both brothers were Boy Scouts, so they

Mountain Range. While more than 3 million

March 1. To be clear, the Appalachian Trail

weren’t afraid of tackling something as

people visit the trail every year, just over

hike was his idea initially.”

outdoorsy and difficult as hiking a trail.

3,000 people attempt to “thru-hike” the

“It’s something that I always kind of

entire footpath in a single year.

// People from across the globe are drawn to the trail for a variety of reasons, such

wanted to do with one of my friends,” Bill says. “It’s something I’d heard of

Completed in 1937, the Appalachian

as reconnecting with nature, escaping the

through Boy Scouts years ago. I always

National Scenic Trail is a unit of the

stress of city life, meeting new people,

loved backpacking. Then my brother was

National Park System and is the longest

deepening old friendships, or experiencing

going to do it, and I hadn’t really thought

hiking-only footpath in the world. The

a simpler life. “I ended up deciding that

of doing it at this point in my life.” With

trail goes from Springer Mountain,

it was probably the best time in my life to

a sibling already committed, Bill decided

Georgia to Katahdin, Maine.

do a trip this long, and I’m very glad that I did,” Bill says. “I think probably it is the

to go, and is glad he did. From March 28

BILL

to September 30, 2017, he was a part of a

“Walking the trail was something so far

best thing I’ve ever done. I would hike alone

community of hikers who spent their days

outside of anything I’ve really done before

most days, but I would meet up with friends

walking the trail.

or since,” Ristow says. “I’ve been hiking with

almost every night and camp together. I’m

the Boy Scouts, but nothing like this.” On his

still in touch with most of them.”

SYCAMORE ALUMNI DID YOU KNOW ? // The Appalachian Trail is usually thru-hiked south to north (Georgia to Maine) rather than vice versa. Hikers typically begin in March or April and finish in late summer or early to late fall of that year.

// A thru-hike generally requires five to seven months, although some have done it in three months, and several trail runners have completed the trail in less time.

As he reflects on the trip, he also reflects on

cross country, can teach kids a lot about

lessons learned at Sycamore. “The lesson

sort of the direct correlation between hard

I took from Sycamore for high school and

work and success. You are literally only as

college is just really liking coming to school

good as your training, and you have to take

is important, even though I wasn’t always

a very personal investment in your training

a fan of the homework and was not always

and racing.”

as appreciative of the teachers as I should have been.”

Bill, who is spending the summer in Vancouver, British Columbia before

“I realized that the kids I met at Sycamore

heading back to school to get a Master’s

are as bright and as engaged as literally

Degree in Social Studies at Teachers

anybody my age I’ve met since then,”

College, Columbia University, realizes

Ristow says about his peers at Sycamore.

now how lucky he was to have been

“I think people don’t realize just how nice

at Sycamore. ”It really was a fun

it is to be around people who are as excited

environment to learn in, and that made

about learning as you are. If there’s one

me like coming to school. Tremont was

thing I could say to every Sycamore student

fun and going to the Florida Keys and

out there it’s, ‘Yes, you’re smart and you

snorkeling was really cool. Those were

should be thankful for that and you should

things I wouldn’t have done on my own. It

work with that.’ I ran cross country at

was very cool to get the opportunity to do

Haverford and think sports, and especially

it through Sycamore.” n

// Part of hiker subculture includes making colorful entries in logbooks at trail shelters, signed using pseudonyms called “trail names.” The Appalachian Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, and the Pacific Crest Trail form what is known as the Triple Crown of long-distance hiking in the United States. On October 26, 2017, Dale “Grey Beard” Sanders became the oldest person to hike the entire Appalachian Trail at age 82.

// In some parts of the trail in Maine, even the strongest hikers may only average one mile per hour with places where hikers must hold on to tree limbs and roots to climb or descend, which is especially hazardous in wet weather. n

FORMER SYCAMORE STUDENT ENTREPRENEUR SHARES HIS PATH “TENACITY IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT TRAITS TO POSSESS. KEEP FIGHTING FOR WHAT YOU THINK IS RIGHT.”

Kevin Lehtiniitty (’08) found he had a knack for

As Lehtiniitty worked his way through college

entrepreneurship at a young age, and he hasn’t

at the University of Illinois, he continued to

stopped in his pursuit of business success.

glean information and insight about business from professors and other business people,

“When I left Sycamore, I took a lot of the

even as he ran his own company on the side.

things that I had learned, and I actually

He learned that it isn’t always the brightest -

started a software company. That company

though that certainly helps - person who finds

was called TINITT, and that’s what I did

success. “It’s going to sound like a cliché, but

through Brebeuf and through college.” As the

tenacity would be one of the most important

founder & CEO of TINITT, Kevin created

traits to possess, learning to keep going and

iPhone applications that saw more than one

keep fighting for what you think is right,” he

million downloads from the App Store. He

says. “When you walk into a meeting and

also designed business strategies for medium-

everybody is three times older than you are,

sized businesses. “One of my mentors told

you’ve got a tendency not to get taken very

me that there are two things that really matter

seriously.” In his late teens, and now early 20’s,

to someone: their physical health and their

tenacity, when it comes to being heard, is a trait

financial health. I’ve always wanted to really

that Kevin values. “There’s something to be

make an impact, and I thought that maybe if

said for learning how to get your point across

the physical health wasn’t my area, financial

and learning how to be heard when people

health could be interesting.” He is a young but

(want to) dismiss you because of your age.”

seasoned product manager and entrepreneur

with almost a decade of experience in creating

Rarely does a conversation with a Sycamore

web and mobile ventures. He’s been honored

alum not lead back to trying to understand

by being selected as a Thiel 20 Under 20

exactly what it is that Sycamore did for them,

Community Member and was honored in the

and how the years at Sycamore helped as they

Technology and Management International

headed to high school, college, and beyond.

Business Plan Competition in 2015. He’s

“I think Sycamore, quite honestly, was one

also earned Special Award for Outstanding

of the hardest academic programs I’ve been

Leadership and Innovation. Currently, Kevin

through,” he says. “I went from Sycamore to

is the Director of Product Management at

Brebeuf, which is obviously a very challenging

Prime Trust in Las Vegas.

school, to Illinois, an engineering school with a

SYCAMORE ALUMNI very challenging workload. Sycamore was, at the time, tougher and more strenuous than the workload at the other two. When you’re a kid and you’re doing homework, you absolutely hate it. But looking back, there are times we’ll all spend 18 to 20 hours in the office because a product has to launch and a lot of that work ethic I think for me, started at Sycamore. There weren’t really any points for effort, if that makes sense. I think it was very much like real life.” Lehtiniitty, who moved into the entrepreneurship part of his life quickly once he hit college, was a science guy at Sycamore. He reflects on a subject that showed him how science was to become a guidepost for many of the challenges that came after for him. “The problem-solving aspect is central to not only what I do, but any job really. After school, I was a big part of Science Olympiad. That was always my favorite thing and I credit Sycamore and Mr. Schuth with a lot,” he says. “Maybe you have to create some contraption. Maybe it is an airplane, or a bridge or it’s a college savings trust application. The skill set is the same - you’ve got challenges and you’ve got to create something to solve those challenges. Science Olympiad is really what started me down that path of some more of the critical thinking elements.” He still remembers those science lessons today. “If I go to my bosses and I say, ‘Well, I tried really hard.’ that’s not what matters to them,” he continues. “I think Sycamore was the same way. There were a lot of resources for help that you could get if you needed it. But you couldn’t come in the next day with a half- empty assignment and say, ‘Well, I tried really hard, but I just got kind of tired.’ That wasn’t an option. So now at the office, I’ve got that same drive that was instilled at Sycamore. You’ve got to get it done, and you’ve got to get it done right.” n

SYCAMORE ALUMNUS HEADS TO STANFORD; PLANS ON USING ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE BACKGROUND FOR PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE Jay Maturi’s (’14) passions have led him to the

school years were invaluable to his success in high

on environmental studies. “I’m particularly

unlikely connection between medicine and

school. “Sycamore does a good job of fostering

interested in Stanford’s extensive environmental

environmental science. As he heads to Stanford

both peer-peer and peer-faculty interactions and

science and biology curriculum. I think the

University in the fall of 2018, he wants to

prepared me well for University High School’s

classes and opportunities will be a great match

continue learning how we can be healthier

philosophy of collaborative learning.” In 2017,

for my career interests. And it doesn’t hurt that

through understanding how environment

Maturi returned to Sycamore to work with

it’s always sunny there.”

affects our day-to-day lives.

4th graders on a project to recycle electronic

Maturi, who graduated from University High

components, and the results were, according to

When he looks back at classes and teachers at

Maturi, well beyond his expectations.

Sycamore, he sees things that resonate with

School this spring, has already built an impressive

him and foster his desire to learn. “Sycamore

resume. He’s a National Merit Finalist, and is

“One of my favorite activities during high school

provided such an exciting learning environment,

only one of 40 students (joining fellow Sycamore

has been my electronic waste initiative,” he says.

with so many hands-on experiences,” he

grad Maya Mishra from Park Tudor) on the

“I completed my first e-waste drive as part of

says. “Mummifying chickens, launching

Indiana Academic All-Star list; he is an Eagle

my Eagle Scout project, and I wanted to expand

marble catapults, egg drops - these projects,

Scout; he participated in Quiz Bowl, debate,

upon that through an education initiative. I

and competitions like Science Olympiad,

and soccer; he has traveled to learn about

developed an e-waste curriculum that is being

MATHCounts, and National History Day -

different cultures. “High school has really been

implemented in various schools across the state.

prepared me well for high school and set up a

an amazing experience,” Maturi says. “Because

Sycamore gave me an opportunity to teach

habit of lifelong learning. One of the teachers

it’s small, University High School has given me

4th graders about e-waste, and as part of that

whose efforts allowed me to succeed in high

an opportunity to form a tight-knit community

teaching unit, we launched a successful Sycamore

school was Mr. Tormoehlen,” he says. “He

with my peers and strong relationships with

drive that collected more than 5,000 pounds of

dedicates hundreds of hours, before and after

my teachers. It’s also allowed me to experience

electronics for proper disposal.” He has taken that

school, to run math practices and competitions

a wide variety of activities. The school has a

initiative to additional schools to have an even

for his students. Mr. T helped me approach

January term that has provided in-depth learning

greater reach for his recycling project.

mathematics creatively and confidently. The

experiences in topics such as Race in America, the Cuban Revolution, and Hong Kong culture.”

skills I developed in middle school have helped Jay’s next adventure is out West, to start classes

me through high school math, and I know they

at Stanford University. Maturi targeted Stanford

will continue to serve me through college and

Leaving Sycamore four years ago, Maturi found

because of the curriculum that matches

my career,” he says. “I think Sycamore School

that the pieces put in place during his middle

his career interests and allows him to focus

provides a real leg up for high school.” n

SYCAMORE ALUMNI TWO SYCAMORE ALUMNI NAMED TO INDIANA ACADEMIC ALL-STARS The 2018 Indiana Academic AllStars were recognized April 27 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in downtown Indianapolis. Of the 40 who earned the honor, two are Sycamore graduates. Jay Maturi, of University High School, and Maya Mishra, from Park Tudor, were honored at the event, earning awards that are given annually by the Indiana Association of School Principals. There were originally 275 nominees, in five regions of the state. Both Mishra and Maturi are also National Merit Finalists. Mishra is a Presidential Scholar candidate, the Student Council President, and will attend Princeton to study Medicine. Maturi is an Academic All-State soccer player, has extensive (electronic recycling, soup kitchen, hospitals) volunteer coordination and experience, and will study Preventive Medicine at Stanford University. n

SYCAMORE ALUMNI COLLEGE CHOICES CLASS OF 2014 DAVID BISHOP

ALEX JOHNSON

JACK PAGANELLI

INDIANA UNIVERSITY

HOPE COLLEGE

KENYON COLLEGE

ALEX BRINKMAN

JEREMY KLOTZ

SCOTT PIRKLE

MARIAN UNIVERSITY

CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY

MIAMI (OH) UNIVERSITY

MAXTON COPELAND

JAY MATURI

MICHELLE SHEN

(GAP YEAR) NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY

STANFORD UNIVERSITY

MIT

ALEXANDER DALL

ALEX MCGRATH

AUDREY SIMS

UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI

BUTLER UNIVERSITY

ST. ANDREW’S UNIVERSITY

ALLISON EARNHARDT

GORDON MCNULTY

ALEXANDER SMITH

PURDUE UNIVERSITY

INDIANA UNIVERSITY

WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

MAMIE GARARD

ISAAC MENG

JORDAN SMITH

SAN JOSE STATE

PURDUE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF WILLIAM & MARY

ALLISON GERECKE

MACKENZIE MILLARD

CORY STEELE

CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY

EARLHAM COLLEGE

DEPAUW UNIVERSITY

ELISE GRANLUND BALL STATE UNIVERSITY

GABI HANAHAN UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME

GRAHAM HELFT UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

SARAH HENDERSON TRINITY UNIVERSITY

Maya Mishra PRINCETON UNIVERSITY

JONATHAN MOORE PURDUE UNIVERSITY

SERAE NEIDIGH PURDUE UNIVERSITY

JENNIFER OBERTHUR BETHANY COLLEGE

RENI OSUNTOKUN CORNELL UNIVERSITY

RACHAEL TAN PURDUE UNIVERSITY

ADAM TAYLOR INDIANA UNIVERSITY

DESTINY WHITE PURDUE UNIVERSITY

CLAY WRIGHT VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY

SYCAMORE CLASS OF 2018 // At the 2018 Sycamore School commencement, three 8th Grade graduates, Mary Kate Tanselle, Henley Lynch, and Evelyn Tabor, were chosen to give a speech to parents, teachers, and friends in the audience. Here are excerpts from each of their speeches.

EVELYN TABOR

my classmates. Sycamore

Finally, I have a few

has taught me to be

requests. To the current

respectful and kind, yet

Sycamore students; take

to also be proud of my

advantage of opportunities

accomplishments and

you have here, they will

In language arts class, we were asked to write

have just the right amount

prepare you for your future

about growing up. I wrote that “Growing

of competitiveness. I

in ways you can’t imagine

up shapes your future. What you do as a

have developed strong

yet. And don’t hesitate to

child will impact you for the rest of your

senses of leadership and

ask any former students for

life.” Maybe it’s sentimental because I was

independence that have

advice. We would all love

just over a month away from graduating at

carried me through middle

to give you our tips on how

the time, but I wrote this with Sycamore in

school, and will continue to

to best take advantage of

mind, because Sycamore is where I grew up,

do so into the future.

your time here.

and this building is my home, and the people But most importantly in my mind, Sycamore has

To the teachers, keep doing what you’re doing.

given me the gift of confidence. The confidence

The education you have given me is the greatest

Incredible opportunities are the things that

to stand up here today and speak to you all.

tool I have, and I hope that more kids will get to

make it hard to leave Sycamore after nine years.

Confidence in my knowledge and ability to

experience what I have over the past years.

It’s a mix of the little things, like seeing your

learn. And confidence in my accomplishments

friends waiting for you in the hall before band,

as a student, an athlete, a friend, and a member

To all members of the Sycamore community,

every single morning. And the bigger things,

of the Sycamore community.

this has been the most incredible place to

sitting behind me are my family.

grow up and learn; please work to ensure

like getting the chance to travel the country, that These things didn’t come on their own though.

that it stays that way, so that one day, one

Whether it’s been from a friend, a teacher, a

of the members of the Class of 2018 might

This school has left its mark on me in more

coach, an advisor, or someone who is all of those

send their student here.

ways than I know. There are the visible ways,

things, so many people have made my Sycamore

like the how I worked my way from simple

experience what it is today. I can’t thank my

Lastly, to my classmates, you are my family and

addition and subtraction, to long division, and

teachers enough. You have all inspired in me

words cannot express how much I will miss you

then to complex algebraic formulas. Or how I

a true love of learning, one of the best things

all next year. But I want you all to keep working

went from the “Handwriting Without Tears”

a person can have. What you have taught me

hard at everything you do, and stay in touch,

books, to writing essays in English and Spanish.

extends beyond what I learned in class, and the

because when one of you changes the world,

But then there are the things that lie below the

guidance and mentorship you have provided me

which I’m confident will happen, I want to

surface, the skills that maybe aren’t immediately

with over the years is invaluable, something I will

know, so I can say that I, too, was a member of

noticeable, but are present in myself, and all of

be forever grateful for.

the Sycamore Class of 2018. n

have shown me how truly special Sycamore is.

SYCAMORE CLASS OF 2018 “THE INDIVIDUALITY OF EVERY PERSON HERE SHINES THROUGH THE MUDDY WATERS OF THIS WORLD.”

and one hundred percent numb to stress from overwork. AP classes will be fine. Every child flies beyond the boxes we may have been put into. In fourth grade, I sat in the corner of my classroom reading Harry Potter, my former school’s solution for what they hoped I would be challenged by. The next year, I sat at a desk in the front row of Mrs. Simpson’s room, gleefully discussing the Red Pyramid with other kids like me. It is kind of scary, going into the future with all new experiences to enjoy and new people with which to share thoughts on our assigned reading. We’ll miss our favorite teachers, favorite subjects, maybe not every test we’ve taken here, but the part of class that make it so uniquely Sycamore. This year, we’ve spent our time studying subjects we want to study, creating the

HENLEY LYNCH

artworks we want to create, living the lives we want to live. When anyone is allowed to do that, they bloom. We’ve been taught not just how to conjugate Spanish words or how to find x, but also

Today, we leave. Some have been attending Sycamore for their entire lives. Me, I joined midway through fourth grade. There had been so many questions from me to my parents: “How is this one different? Why can’t I just skip a grade?” But they’d said, “This school was made for you.” And it was.

how to be decent, kind human beings. Podcast creator Justin McElroy once said, “I know way deep down in my bones that there is a record only you can play. Figure out what that record is, play it, and they have no choice but to listen. It may not be perfect, it may not even be good, but you’ve GOT to play it, because

Sycamore is made for all of us, as the

you’re the only one that can.”

individuality of every person here shines through the muddy waters of this world. A Sycamore child is intelligent, self-aware,

Thank you and may high school be a magical experience for everyone. n

MARY KATE TANSELLE

In Lower School things got more serious

Every folder contains achievements and

as the teachers layered on apps that

memories of students who are gifted in

built upon those basic functions. And by

that area. Claire is breaking Sycamore

4th grade, we were being prepared for

track and field records. Emma is earning

Middle School. With assignments like

her amazing Caroline D. Bradley high

In the summer of 2007 two important

Ecology Fair, our project applications

school scholarship. Weber and Aisha are

events took place. The first was the start

were heightened. Of course, it wasn’t

there making us laugh uncontrollably

of the educational journey of the students

always serious in 4th grade. I remember

through their jokes and funny moments.

graduating from Sycamore this year.

Ms. Hillman’s 50th birthday when Ms.

And I’d like to think I’m there too, as a

The second, the First-Generation iPhone

Fischl had all of the students -help her

thoughtful leader, student, and friend. We

was launched by Apple.

hang signs all around the room that said,

are all there, contributing to the Sycamore

“Caution! 50 year-old having a senior

Class of 2018.

Little did we know at the time we would

moment.” on them. Ms. Hillman walked

grow up alongside the iPhone. As it

in that morning and just busted out

Now, open up the photo app where

adapted to the modern times, improved

laughing. We kept those signs up for about

you will see more folders. They are

its software, made mistakes, and learned

a week after her birthday had passed,

labeled love, learn, and laugh. Love

from them, so did we. As the iPhone

just to mess with her.

and Learn are a compilation of hundreds of photos and memories. Laugh is made

added new elements to its home screen, we added classmates and friends to

But 4th grade had to come to an end,

up of thousands of moments like Gabe’s

our home, Sycamore. As the iPhone

and that could only mean one thing.

Bar Mitzvah, capture the flag, and

compiled data and improved its memory

Middle School. Here, the developers took

school dances.

functions, so did we. As the iPhone broke

over and fine-tuned our software so that

records and surpassed the competition,

we would be able to do incredible things

Open up Messages. To our class, there

so did we. But how?

in the future. We can now compete with

are years of group texting filled with

the best technology out there - through

birthday wishes, heartfelt messages,

Now, I would like for you all to imagine

events like the spelling and geography

and plenty of inside jokes and laughing

a scenario. We are all smartphones.

bees, Math competitions and Destination

emojis. Yes, there are some messages

Our parents knew that; that’s why we

Imagination. With History Day, I don’t

that created drama too, which perhaps

all ended up at Sycamore. We came

think I have ever learned so much from

also created some grey hairs for Ms.

with the hardware, but we needed

one single project not just about my

MacDougall. But those dramatic

programmers to help us develop our

topic, but about how to write a paper,

moments were just as important as any

internal software. Enter: Sycamore

MLA citations, and how to deal with the

others, helping us learn and grow.

School and its wonderful developers, our

pressure of competition. For me, History

teachers. In Early Childhood classes, our

Day was a highlight of 6th grade. On the

Now, this all seems wonderful, just like

teachers installed the basics. Everything

other hand, being attacked by sand fleas at

our class, right? Like every iPhone,

from learning how to share at snack time,

Sea Camp was not.

there are some rules. A User Agreement, for the Class of 2018. If we want to

which perhaps even today we sometimes struggle with, and playing the cup game

Now, in this world where we are all smart

continue to use this technology, if we

with Senora Hollander, learning all of our

phones, you will see many different

want to continue to grow and thrive as

colors in Spanish.

folders. They’re labeled musicians,

students and people, we must agree to

artists, athletes, comedians, and leaders.

comply with these requirements.

00 23

SYCAMORE CLASS OF 2018

MARY KATE TANSELLE

// We agree to honor the foundation

and memories made at Sycamore, and stay connected with our classmates and the school.

// We agree to continue to pursue

excellence to help us reach our full potential.

// We agree to be fearless in the

pursuit of our dreams, no matter what obstacles may stand in our way.

teaching, guidance, and support over these past 11 years. And a special thank you to Mrs. Prince, my wonderful advisor and someone I’ve been able to rely on to always push me toward that next audition. To the class of 2018: we made it. The battery on our phone is almost gone, but ready to be recharged for the next stage of

// We agree to be a part of

and give

back to our community.

our lives. Maybe we’re too competitive at times, or maybe we make jokes when we’re not supposed to, but I want you to know

After 11 years, I have seen a lot of

that I am thankful for each and every one

changes at Sycamore, and I can see that

of you, for all of the laughs and memories

all of those changes happened for a

you’ve given me, for accepting me for

reason. To all of the developers here at

exactly who I am, and for pushing me to be

Sycamore, thank you for the wonderful

the best version of myself that I can be. n

HIGH SCHOOL CHOICES CLASS OF 2018 AANCHAL AGARWAL

VISHNU IYER

RIA NARAYANAN

CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL

UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL

ELI BEHELER

TOMMY KAPLAN

LUKE NARGANG

UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL

NORTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

RHEA BHATIA

NAEMAN KHATIB

EMELINE PAPP

CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL

NORTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

CASSIE BLAUFUSS

ABBY KO

MAX PFEFFER

CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL

NORTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

LAUREN CALDWELL

AISHA KOKAN

ANNA SANBORN

CATHEDRAL HIGH SCHOOL

UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL

BREBEUF PREPARATORY HIGH SCHOOL

ELLIE CHILDRESS

IRENE LIANG

MAGGIE SEIFERT

CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL

CATHERINE CONDER

ELLA LONGORIA

DYLAN SHELTON

CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL

UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL

CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL

NATALIE FIUR

JILL LONGORIA

JEREMY SMART

ZIONSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

BREBEUF PREPARATORY HIGH SCHOOL

UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL

JOSH FRANCE

SYDNEY LONGORIA

MIGUEL SPALDING PRICE

ORANGE HIGH SCHOOL, OHIO

COVENANT CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL

BREBEUF PREPARATORY HIGH SCHOOL

JESSICA GODFREY

HENLEY LYNCH

EVELYN TABOR

CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL

NORTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

CULVER ACADEMIES

ALYSSA GRABHORN

GABE MERVIS

MARY KATE TANSELLE

NORTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL

PARK TUDOR SCHOOL

ANDREW HAGGSTROM

CLAIRE MOELLER

LOICK TRAMPONT

CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL

BREBEUF PREPARATORY HIGH SCHOOL

EMMA HERMACINSKI

MARIS MORGAN

OLIVIA WILLIAMSON

CHOATE ROSEMARY HALL

NORTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

PARK TUDOR SCHOOL

COOPER HOVDA

WEBER MORSE

KAROLENA ZHOU

UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL

NORTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN HIGH SCHOOL

00 25

HISTORIC RUN FOR 5/6 BOYS BASKETBALL LEADS TO CHAMPIONSHIP During the season, Sycamore School

games late in the season is was that our

5th/6th grade boys basketball coach,

players had confidence in themselves

Ryan Cox, wanted to make the players

and in each other,” Cox says. “We never

learn to depend on each other. It paid off,

got rattled.”

as the Sycamore’s 5th/6th grade boys’ basketball team earned the school’s first-

Building a team chemistry became an

ever boys’ basketball league title, winning

important piece to help the players

the Indianapolis Independent School

improve throughout the season and

League 2017-18 championship, beating

help them overcome some struggles.

the top seeded Orchard Owls in the finals.

“We have a no-cut policy at Sycamore,

A loud crowd of more than 200 traveled

so our team had very experienced

to St. Richard’s to watch as Sycamore led

players teaming up with some players

nearly the entire game and hit key free

that had never played organized

throws in the final minutes to secure a

basketball in their life. Through a lot

thrilling 38-35 victory.

of practice competitions, we created a

If you won that day, you got to wear

team atmosphere. I would make them

the bandana. If you hit five free throws

With Cox, who is also Sycamore’s Athletic

play with no dribbling allowed or only

in the game, you got the bandana. In the

Director and 4th grade teacher, the

one dribble. They had to learn to move

tournament, we hardly missed our

Eagles relied on a stingy defense and

without the ball, learn to set picks, and

free throws. In the championship

terrific late-game efforts all year, and

cut to the basket. They learned how to

game, we were 12 of 15 from the line.

again turned to those strategies to win the

play the game with each other. They knew

Free throws win championships.”

final game. “We won our three games in

each other’s strengths and weaknesses.”

the tournament by a combined 9 points,”

Cox says there were many things that had

Cox said, noting the three-point win in

Sycamore struggled early in the season

to come together to make the season a

the title game, plus Sycamore defeating

with their free throw shooting, so Cox

magical one. He believes effort was one

The Oaks 46-42 and Greenwood

borrowed an idea from a college football

important attribute of their success.

Christian 38-36 in the tourney on the way

team to engage and motivate the team

“What I try to teach is effort,” Cox says.

to the finals. In the win over Greenwood

members. “We started the season shooting

“Some coaches say you can’t teach effort.

in the semifinal, Sycamore had to come

very poorly, so I came up with a plan

I believe that you can practice effort through

from behind with two minutes to go to

similar to Miami Hurricanes football

competitions. Our practices consisted

win and move into the championship

team’s ‘Turnover Chain,’” he says.

of daily fundamentals and then a lot of

game for only the third time in school

“I found a Sycamore bandana, and we

competitions, like rebounding drills, pressure

history. “The key to winning those close

used it during practice competitions.

free throws, and loose ball competitions.”

Looking back at the early part of the

next thing we know, we’d picked up our

administration for allowing us to have

schedule, before they started to get better

defensive pressure and had something like

an athletic program. It shows that we

and were headed down the unlikely road

a 30-4 run and just dominated the rest

not only have excellent students, but also

to eventually winning a league title,

of the game. Their coach came up to me

some very smart basketball players.”

the team had to navigate rough spots

after the game and said our guys might be

during the season. Cox remembers the

the best team in the league.”

moment that he knew the team might be

And it seems the coach enjoyed the players. “This team was a group of just

special. “One of my favorite moments

Cox says people behind the scenes

really good kids,” Cox says. “They were

of the season was against Kingsway in

were important to making the year

unselfish on the court and really meshed

the third game of the season. We had

a memorable and historic one for

together very well. They were very

won our first game of the year and then

Sycamore. “Without the help and

coachable and always gave great effort.

lost to Orchard by 12 in our second

commitment of the parents, we couldn’t

In more than 15 years of coaching, this

game. Kingsway usually has a pretty

have had this successful season. A big

is the only team that I can remember

talented team, and they ended up having

thank you to them for transporting our

that had players who came up to me after

a good season. It started out somewhat

students all over Central Indiana for

practice and thanked me for coaching.” n

close, with Kingsway leading 8-6. The

about four months. And thanks to our

SYCAMORE NEWS + NOTES VEX ROBOTICS TEAMS COMPETE AT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS The Sycamore 6th and 7th grade VEX robotics teams finished their season by competing in the VEX World Robotics Championships on April 29 -May 1 in Louisville, Kentucky. The 6th grade team finished in 80th place, while the 7th grade team finished 95th place in the event, which included 396 teams. Both groups set their season high scores in their Alliance and Teamwork runs that included working with teams from China, Finland, the United Kingdom, and 14 different states within the United States. Easily beating expectations, the 6th grade team finished 30th while the 7th grade team finished in 58th in the Alliance and Teamwork sections. All three of Sycamore’s VEX IQ robotics teams, earlier in the spring, competed with more than 300 teams in the Indiana State Robotics Championships at Lucas Oil Stadium. The 6th grade team scored a season high in both driving

BORGMANN INDUCTED INTO

SYMPHONIC BAND

HEADMASTERS ASSOCIATION

TOURS ST. LOUIS

programming score was a close second

Sycamore School’s Diane Borgmann was

The Sycamore Symphonic Band made a

overall. The 7th grade team finished 13th

inducted into the Country Day Schools

trip to St. Louis in April, visiting the St.

overall in the Skills Challenge and narrowly

Headmasters’ Association in Chicago in June.

Louis Basilica, participating in a clinic

missed the finals in Alliance by one point.

CDHSA is a professional association of 100

given by the bassoonists from the St. Louis

The 5th grade team had a season-high

independent school heads from around the

Symphony Orchestra, and learning about

driving skills score. n

country. Membership is by invitation only. n

ragtime music at Scott Joplin’s house. n

and programming, finishing third in the state in the Skills Challenge. The team’s

EARTH DAY AT SYCAMORE

TWINS FROM SYCAMORE WITH EVA KOR

SYCAMORE 6TH GRADER

STUDENTS VOTE

GIRL SCOUT TROOPS COLLECT

EARNS GREEK MYTHOLOGY

7TH GRADERS TRAVEL FOR

SLEEPWEAR FOR SHELTER

SILVER MEDAL

AUDIENCE WITH EVA KOR

Sycamore 6th grade student, Nigel Cronin,

Sycamore 7th graders made their annual visit to

Girl Scout troops, in conjunction with this

who has a strong interest in ancient mythology

see Holocaust and Josef Mengele survivor, Eva

year’s World Thinking Day theme of Impact,

and classical literature, received a Silver

Kora, and hear her share her inspiring story. Mrs.

collected and donated nearly 300 pairs of new

Medal on the National Greek Mythology

Kor, full of energy and spunk, spoke to our the

pajamas, socks, and underwear for children

Exam administered this spring. Nigel obtained

students for more than 90 minutes. Afterwards,

and adults to a local homeless shelter. n

a perfect score on the Greek Mythology

students had a chance to take pictures with her

test, a perfect score on the theme “Ancient

and ask questions. The CANDLES Museum in

STUDENT PODCASTS

Beginnings,” and he missed a perfect score

Terre Haute is now one of the three museums

MAKE DEBUT

by one question on the Homer’s Odyssey

in the country that is in the initial stage of

test. Typically, fewer than 15% of the more

preserving Holocaust survivors’ stories by

than 10,000 3rd-12th grade students around

creating holograms of the survivors. While there,

the world who take the National Mythology

students were able to ask a virtual Mrs. Kor a

Exam qualify for Gold or Silver medals. n

variety of questions, and through the software developed by New Dimensions in Technology,

4TH GRADE CELEBRATES

listened to her funny and often poignant answers.

EARTH DAY

To create the program, Kor was taped answering

The 4th grade held an Earth Day Festival for EC and LS students on April 20. Students created, planned, and developed their own Earth Day booths and welcomed parents and students to come and learn from the Sycamore ecology experts! n

over 1500 questions, sometimes giving multiple answers to the same question. For example, the first-time students asked her favorite food, they learned that as a child, she enjoyed eating foods found on her farm, yet the second time they asked, they learned she now enjoys Chicken

Kindergarten through 8th grade Sycamore

Sycamore kicked off the “Eagle’s Nest” student podcasts on iTunes this spring, with two students interviewing each other about a particular book. It is a podcasting format created by middle school teachers, Beth Koehler and Beth Simpson. The first episode featured Brooklynn Sequeira and Jaclyn Copeland talking about Katherine Rundell’s book “Rooftoppers.” The second podcast released was a review of “The Red Pyramid” from Heidi Momodu and Kavi Shankar. You can find all the podcasts on iTunes, by searching for Sycamore School. n

McNuggets at McDonalds. n

THE SYCAMORE DESTINATION IMAGINATION TEAM

TOMMY KAPLAN & EMMA HERMACINSKI

DESTINATION IMAGINATION

KAPLAN, HERMACINSKI

SYCAMORE 3RD GRADERS

TEAM EARNS TRIP

COMPLETE MINI-MARATHON

DONATE BOX TOP MONEY

TO GLOBAL FINALS

Two Sycamore School 8th graders, Tommy

TO THREE CHARITIES

The Sycamore Intelligence Squad, a 5th

Kaplan and Emma Hermacinski, ran the One

Sycamore 3rd grade students nominated

grade Destination Imagination team, earned a

America Mini Marathon in Indianapolis in

organizations to be the recipients of their

spot at Global Finals in Knoxville, Tennessee

May and finished in under two hours. Emma

Box Top money. The class donated to

in May with a strong performance in the

ran the 13.1 mile race in a time of 1 hour 59

FARE (food allergy research), ASPCA,

state competition. At the Globals, they joined

minutes, while Tommy ran a personal best of 1

and Riley Children’s Hospital. Each

17,000 other students from 19 countries to

hour and 44 minutes. It was Tommy’s second

organization received $250. n

compete, and placed 25th of 57 teams in

Mini Marathon and Emma’s fourth. n

their division of the “Maze Craze” challenge.

THREE NAMED SYMPHONY IN

According to the coaches, the top half is a

ACADEMIC OLYMPIC

huge honor for a first-year team. The DI

TEAM CAPTURES

competition combines STEM and the arts.

CATHEDRAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Each team has a storytelling component combined with a science/technology piece. Sycamore was also chosen to represent Indiana in the Parade of Nations at Opening Ceremonies. At the state competition, the team (Emily Hackwelder, Nate Liang, Avi Maun, Alex Munn, Insia Zaidi, Lukas Fiur) placed second in the middle level Maze Craze technical challenge. Kathy Hackwelder and Jill Fiur were the team managers for the Sycamore DI teams. n

COLOR WINNERS Megan France, a 6th grader, was chosen as a Finalist at this year’s Symphony in

The Sycamore Academic Olympic team

Color Competition. Nate Liang (grade

won the Academic Olympics at Cathedral

5) and Sophie Liang (grade 4), each

High School for the 4th consecutive year

received Honorable Mention. All three

in 2017-18, clinching the title with a 56-40

works were exhibited at the State Museum

win over St. Simon. Congratulations to

from April 2 to May 4. It is estimated

team members Henley Lynch, Vishnu Iyer,

that over 11,000 students across the state

Emma Hermacinski, Jeremy Smart, Max

participated in the art contest, which is

Pfeffer, Miguel Spalding-Price, and coach,

sponsored by the Indianapolis Symphony

Tony Young. n

Orchestra Association. n

TOM RIDGELY

SYCAMORE CHESS TEAM

SYCAMORE ALUM NAMED

CHESS TEAM EARNS

SYCAMORE REPRESENTED IN

HEAD OF ST. LOUIS

2ND PLACE AT REGIONAL

INDIANA JR. ALL-STATE BAND

Sycamore competed at the Scholastic Chess

Sycamore students were members of the

Tom Ridgely (’93) has been named the new

of Indiana Team Regional and the 3rd grade

Indiana Jr. All-State Band in Fort Wayne for

Executive Producer of the Shakespeare Festival

and under team was composed of first grader,

rehearsals and a performance at the IMEA

in St. Louis. After graduating from Indiana

Madison Brown; second grader, Aditya Bhatia;

(Indiana Music Educators Association)

University, Ridgely and a friend headed for New

and third graders, Benjamin Murray and John

Convention in 2018. Eighth graders Luke

York to start their own theater. Now the director

Coutant, and earned second place. n

Nargang (bari saxophone) and Eli Beheler

SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

(euphonium) joined a group conducted by Dr.

is taking on a bigger challenge. Ridgely, who moved to St. Louis in May with his wife, Jennifer

THREE STUDENTS CHOSEN

Mark Spede, director of bands at Clemson

Thompson, to take on the position, was chosen

TO FILM FOR DESTINATION

University. A total of 350 students state-wide

after a nine-month national search. He succeeds

IMAGINATION

in grades 7-9 auditioned for the ensemble. n

Rick Dildine, who left to become artistic director at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. “The festival board members are excited that we have found in Tom Ridgely a leader who will provide the artistic vision, entrepreneurial talent, organizational management skills and inspired drive toward innovation essential to Shakespeare Festival St. Louis’ continued growth,” Penny Pennington, board chair for the festival, told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “Tom’s expertise will ensure the festival continues to be a key contributor to the arts in our region.” n

Congrats to Sycamore students Savannah Reymer, Kaia Starnino, and Cate Freudenberg, who were chosen by the national Destination

SCIENCE BOWL TEAM FINISHES 2ND AT REGIONAL

Imagination organization to be a part of

Sycamore’s Science Bowl team finished

explaining to the rest of the country the

2nd in the regional competition in February,

new challenges in the DI team challenge

losing by one question in the finals. They were

competition. The winners had to qualify by

4-1 in the round robin portion of the event.

reading a script, recording it, and then putting

The squad lost their first match in the head-

their audition on YouTube. The students

to-head double elimination portion, forcing

flew to New Jersey to film for the new scripts.

them to advance through the losers bracket.

Destination Imagination works with educators

They swept through that competition, earning

to develop seven new academic challenges

a spot in the final before narrowly losing to

in the fields of STEM, the arts, social

Carmel Creekside Middle School. n

entrepreneurship, and early learning. n

SYCAMORE 1ST GRADER COMPETES IN NATIONAL ELEMENTARY CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP Sycamore first grade student, Madison Brown, represented Indiana in the 2018 National Elementary Chess Championships

MADISON BROWN

WESLEY WONG

in Nashville, Tennessee. This three-day tournament brought more than 2,000 of the top scholastic chess players and 650 teams from all over the nation. Madison competed in the K-1 Championship and ranked in

WESLEY WONG WINS

MATH TEAM COMPETES

the top 100 at the end of 7 matches. With a

CONCERTO COMPETITION

AT PHILLIPS EXETER ACADEMY

USCF rating of 698, Madison is now ranked #43 in the US by the United States Chess

Sycamore 4th grader, Wesley Wong, won the New World Philharmonic Concerto

Sycamore’s Middle School math team

Competition this spring. An accomplished

competed at the Phillips Exeter Academy in

violinist, he also performed, accompanied by

New Hampshire in the annual Exeter Math

the orchestra, at the Hilbert Circle Theatre

Club Competition. The EMCC included

For the second year in a row, a student from

on May 6. In addition, he regularly performs

many of the top math teams from the New

Sycamore has been selected as one of the

a stunning rendition of the Star Spangled

England area, but it also included teams

five winners nationwide in the SBO (School

Banner at various sporting events, including

like Sycamore that travel from across the

Band Orchestra) Magazine essay contest.

Sycamore home basketball games this year

country, and multiple international teams

Sycamore fourth grader, Riti Tandra, was

and a Purdue University baseball game this

that travel from as far away as China. n

awarded a $1,000 cash scholarship for her

spring in West Lafayette. n

Federation for Top 100 Girls 7 and under. n

TANDRA WINS WRITING AWARD

winning essay in the grade 4-8 category. n

THOMPSON WINS SEIFERT NAMED PRESENTER

ABBY CHENG EARNS

AT CENTRAL INDIANA

DISTRICT SPELLING TITLE:

BUSINESS HALL OF FAME

SECOND IN REGIONAL

Sophie Seifert, a Sycamore 3rd grader, was

GEOGRAPHY BEE Congratulations to Charlotte Thompson for winning the school’s 2018 Geography Bee. Evan Guenthner finished 2nd.

Sycamore 6th grader, Abby Cheng, won

the youngest out of the ten chosen by Junior

both the Sycamore Spelling Bee and the

Achievement Biztown to present at the Central

North District Spelling Bee (for schools in

Indiana Business Hall of Fame Gala in April.

5TH GRADE: ALEX LIPKOVICH, LUKAS FIUR

Washington, Lawrence, Pike, and Wayne

JA Biztown selects 10 kids each year from the

6TH GRADE: MARIE COUTANT, KADEN XU

Townships, plus Speedway Schools, as well as

10,000 students who participate in the Biztown

any schools in Center Township that are not

program to be involved in the black-tie event.

THOMPSON, CHARLOTTE THOMPSON

in the IPS system). She advanced to Regionals

Sophie had the privilege of introducing one

8TH GRADE: EMMA HERMACINSKI,

where she finished in second place. n

of the laureates being inducted into the hall of

DYLAN SHELTON n

fame. Sycamore teachers, Doris Fulwider and Erin Hellman, also attended the event. n

IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR FINALISTS:

7TH GRADE: EVAN GUENTHNER, JULIA

ISMMA STATE WINNERS

MATHCOUNTS FINISHES

GRANLUND RECEIVES

SYCAMORE MUSICIANS WIN

5TH AT STATE COMPETITION

BAND AWARD

GOLD, SILVER AT ISSMA STATE

The Sycamore MATHCOUNTS team

Sycamore School’s Band Director, Candi

took home 5th place out of more than

Granlund, received the New World Youth

Seven Sycamore School band students

40 teams at the State MATHCOUNTS

Orchestras Music Educator Award in May.

participated in the ISSMA State Solo and

competition at Rose Hulman. Individually,

She was nominated by Sycamore grad

Ensemble festival at North Central High School.

Sycamore was led by Olivia Williamson.

Madalyn Sailors, who wrote an essay describing

Congratulations to all the medal winners, and to

Olivia was also the top scoring female at

how Granlund has influenced her life with

Eli Beheler who qualified for the State event but

the contest. This marks the eighth time

music. New World Youth Orchestra, an

was unable to perform due to an injury.

in the past 10 years that Sycamore has

organization based in Indianapolis, gives the

had the top female competitor at the state

award annually, to honor those who “develop

MATHCOUNTS competition. In addition

the musical talent and nurture the personal

JESSICA GODFREY

to Williamson, team members included

growth of young people in Indianapolis and

ALTO SAXOPHONE SOLO | GOLD MEDAL:

Jeremy Smart, Steven Sun, Miguel Spalding-

central Indiana through the rehearsal and

JESSIE GODFREY

Price, and Grace Yang. Smart and Sun

performance of orchestral masterworks, both

BARI SAXOPHONE SOLO | GOLD MEDAL:

also finished among the top 24 competitors

traditional and contemporary.” n

and qualified for the Countdown Round. Sycamore was the only team that had all 10 of its students qualify for the state

SOLO AND ENSEMBLE

GOLD MEDAL: RHEA BHATIA, ELLIE CHILDRESS, ELLA LONGORIA,

LUKE NARGANG FLUTE SOLO | SILVER MEDAL: RHEA BHATIA CLARINET TRIO | SILVER MEDALS: AVA CABELLON, ELLIE CHILDRESS, ELLA LONGORIA n

competition. The other students competing for Sycamore were Karolena Zhou, Vishnu Iyer, Tanay Acharya, Akshay Guttikonda, and Nelson You. n

SYCAMORE CAMPAIGN DONORS CAPITAL CAMPAIGN EXCEEDS GOAL WITH FINAL TOTAL OF NEARLY $7 MILLION

At the conclusion of a three-year capital campaign, Sycamore School raised nearly $5 million (IN ADDITION TO THE $2 MILLION THAT THE SCHOOL CONTRIBUTED)

through the generosity of :

Chris and Wendy Harlow

Bob Fischer

Shyam Kishan and Sharmila Roy-Chowdhury Joe and Susan Loftus

VISIONARY: $250,000+

Mike and Glenna Lykens

Scott A. Jones Foundation

Rob and Cory Martinson

Sandy and Cindy Lange

Dipen and Sumi Maun

Michael and Julie Mervis

Terrence and Monique McWilliams Pete and Betsy Morse

SYCAMORE CIRCLE: $100,000+

Mihir and Chandu Patel

Sumeet and Sumeeta Bhatia

Gary Thompson and Leigh Harris

Bob and Helen Brody

Curt Warren and Sara Naderi

Scott and Shannon Guenthner Tom and Linda Kaplan

PARTNER: $10,000+

Josh and Lynn Mervis

Anonymous

The National Bank of Indianapolis

Manish Chheda and Seema Dedhiya

Herbert Simon Family Foundation

Mark and Denise Cudworth

Mike and Patty Rosiello

Michael Eaton and Dohee Kim Alex and Trish Godfrey

PHILANTHROPIST: $75,000+

John and Jen Hur

Dan and Jeanette Robertson

Charles and Nadine Kahi

Andy and Melissa Smith

Nyle Kardatzke John and Susan Karpicke

671 GENEROUS DONORS

CHANGEMAKER: $50,000+

Syed and Mariam Khan

7 CURRENT STUDENTS

Jeff Hagerman

Eric and Holly Lee

84 ALUMNI

The Hagerman Group

Chris and Seema Mernitz

22 CORPORATIONS AND FOUNDATIONS

Ben Pecar and Leslie Thompson

Mike and Laura Murphy

216 CURRENT FAMILIES

Dick and Jamie Schulte

Daniel and Christine Mytelka

Tom and Emily Wilson

Mark Salzinger and Ruth Belin

100% OF THE FACULTY AND STAFF 100% OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

FINAL TOTALS:

$2 million invested by Sycamore

David and Julie Sheffield LEADER: $25,000+

Brian Tabor and Dawn Brooks

Don and Carla Bennett

Jack and Laurie Tanselle

Bill and Lisa Boncosky

AJ and Tammy Wilkerson

Bob and Diane Borgmann

Adeel Zaidi and Areeba Kara

Martin Bott and Angelia Barnes Mary C. Brown

MENTOR: $5,000+

Dan and Julie Ciaccia

Anonymous

Toby and Jennifer Cole

Nayan Acharya and Lily Pai-Acharya

Dan and Laura Conder

Eleanor Bookwalter

THE HAGERMAN FAMILY COMMONS

Paul Helft and Melissa Cavaghan

Bryan and Ginny Burney

THE BHATIA FAMILY TECHNOLOGY LAB

Sunil Gollapudi and Sylvia Ertel

Michael and Traci Caldwell

THE GUENTHNER FAMILY LOBBY

Jeff and Sharon Hearn

Scott and Annette Childress

Saad and Sarah Khairi

Standiford H. Cox

Bill and Becky Klenk

Colin and Kristy Fraizer

THE INNOVATION LAB

Harold and Jessica Lee

Marc and Lori Ann Gerdisch

QUEST ROOM

Clem and Kellie McDonald

Steve and Jane Hartsock

Bob and Sheila Moorthy

Marcus and Jennifer Hendry

Greg Merrell and Melissa Kacena

Bill and Suzanne Jannetta

Troy Payner and Cara Peggs

Patrick and Krenta Juday

Jack and Alyssa Wei

Jamie MacDougall and Heather Givans

Scott and Sharon Weigand

Justin and Julie Moeller

$4,851,950 contributed WHAT WE ADDED/BUILT:

THE SCOTT A. JONES FAMILY BOARD ROOM

THREE NEW BATHROOMS AND 2 REMODELED BATHROOMS THREE SMALL GROUP SPACES REDESIGNED OFFICE SPACE A $1 MILLION DOLLAR FINANCIAL AID ENDOWMENT

LEGACY: $500,000+

M.R. Metzger Family Foundation BENEFACTOR: $15,000+

Kannan and Lekshmi Natarajan

Shan Cheng and Alison Klenk

Roland Pangan and Catherine Hagerman Pangan

Bruce and Francine Clayton

Patrick and Taeran Park

Ben and Kate Copeland

Woody and Beth Peyton

Dave and Ann Frick

Howard and Deborah Pollack-Milgate

Jeff and Aileen Puno

Danny Hargrove and Jennifer Thompson

Kal Bassyouny and Nora Eldin

Jeremy and Wendy Reymer

Chuck Henderson and Camille Nicodemus

Terry Baumer and Pat Gabig

Matt and Tammi Scozzaro

Lori Henderson

Kelli Beil

Justin and Madeleine Smith

Paul Henderson

Steve and Pam Benz

Fred and Helen Stehman

Leslie Katz

Bob and Mila Bishop

Bernie and Erin Wang

Nathan Keith

William Blaisdell

Aaron and Jean Wright

Kathy Harris

Kurt and Janet Blank

Louis Janeira and Jane Crawford

Sam and Shannon Bloomquist

SUPPORTER: $2,500+

Kraig Kinchen and Tina Harris

Christina Bodurow

Carlton Bale and Nicole Harter

Lei Liu and Jianxiang Zhang

Bill and Joyce Boncosky

Tracy and Kristen Chandler

Randy and Cindy Loser

Beverly Branson

Brian and Julie Cunningham

Joe Mahenthiran and Rathi Mahendran

Clay and Catherine Bravard

Larry and Carol Fletcher

Mickey and Janie Maurer

Michael and Kathy Breen

Pawel and Lou Fludzinski

Brian and Cecelia McDonnell

Terry Breen

Karsten Fryburg and Christina Kim

Edward and Patricia McGruder

Alex Brethauer

Brad and Stephanie Grabow

David and Amy McGuire

Laura Briggs

Tim and Erica Harrison

John and Susan McNett

Jim and Anna Briscoe

Troy Hege and Claire Fiddian-Green

Linda Mihm

Doug Brooks and Mary Lee Gambone

Rob and Christy Hall

Jim and Judith Mills

Nathan and Nicole Brown

Lisa Haynes

Dan and Molly Milton

Tom and Kathy Brubaker

Ed Hellman and Laura Reuter

Sanjay Mishra and Seema Verma

Garrett Brustein and Lindsay Hearn Brustein

Tim and Cami Hovda

Situ and Alpa Mistry

Patricia Burchell

Michael and Whitney Hutchings

George and Courtney Mohler

Ann Burgess

Greg and Megan Maurer

Bob and Denise Murphy

Eileen Burtzlaff

Lou and Kathleen Metzman

Scott and Denise Murray

Patrick Byrne and Jessica DeCook

Matt and Christine Moore

Shankar Narayanan and Brinda Murty

Mike and Marianne Cardwell

Shekar and Divya Narayanan

Doug and Kristie Neumeister

Paul and Judy Carlson

Rabbi Bruce Pfeffer and Amy Beth Kressel

Rob and Amy Nichols

Forrest and Cory Carpenter

Irwin and Eileen Prince

Don and Carolyn Palmer

Susan Cecil

Mike and Jess Rehmel

Ruth Pryor (Dunn)

Joe and Marty Chandler

Franklin Sequeira and Deeya Brooks

Nick Rosiello

Linda Chartrau

Bill and Karen Shirrell

Gianvito Salerno and Christina Santangelo-Salerno

Frank and Jean Cheng

Dennis and Jane Smith

Tom and Julia Schroeder

Peter and Doris Cheng

John and Marcy Taylor

Kevin and Notch Sigua

John and Mary Ann Childress

Trent and Laura Tormoehlen

Joe and Karen Smith

Tom and Sheryl Ciulla

Timur Yurtseven

Ally and Najwa Somani

Danny and Bridget Clark

Neal Steinbart and Kay Pashos

Dean Clodfelter and Monica Huffman

CONTRIBUTOR: $1,000+

Mark and Elizabeth Stetzer

Michael and Kathleen Conway

Anonymous

Dawn Brooks and Brian Tabor

John and Maria Cote’

Mark and Meg Alberts

Gary and Kim Warren

John and Betsy Coutant

Mike and Suzanne Baach

Taylor Whitaker

Kevin and Lisa Crawford

Jon and Sonal Bazeley

Wintermeyer Family

Phyllis Crawford

Tom and Jenny Berger

Wade and Michelle Wrightson

Jay and Judith Cudworth

Ben Borgmann

Liang Zeng Yan and Wendy Yang

Patrick and Jane Cunningham

Eugene and Mimi Ceppa

Rob and Susan Dean

Kyle and Meredith Cleaver

FRIEND: UP TO $999

Mary Kay Dent

Aaron A. Cohen-Gadol and Isabelle Saparzadeh

Anonymous

Russ and Karen Desserich

David and Carrie Coutant

Jim Allen

Deann Devenney

Sean Deng and Sheila Duan

John and Fran Amer

Debashish and Soma Dey

John and Nancy Farrar

Timothy and Mary Anderson

Mary Doherty

Larry and Lynn France

Birol and Sebahat Aydin

David Dunn

Frenzel Family Charitable Lead Trust

Matthew and Christie Baines

Dianne DuPre

Jim and Linda Gange

Gan and Raji Bala

Lawrence and Marlene Eastman

Parag and Sangeeta Garhyan

Robert and Christine Baldwin

Ted and Anneliese Ebersole

Deepak and Sangeeta Guttikonda

Dave and Sharon Baldwin

Ed and Jane Edson

Scott and Kathy Hackwelder

Brian and Vanessa Barth

Matt Effland

Neal F. Eggeson and Molly Martin

Larry and Julie Hobbs

Brent and Cathy McIntosh

Wayne and Wendy Elkin

Gene and Kathy Hollander

Kevin McKelvey and Lakshmi Hansanadka

Ed and Kathy Elliott

Michelle Hong

Mac and Cappy McMurtray

John and Joyce Ertel

Y.S. and Clara Hong

Caroline Meador

Shamshudin Esmail

Jerry and Sherrie House

Dustin Mergott and Julia Clay

Veronica Evans

Al and Janet Hribar

RB and Judy Mernitz

Bob and Joan Everitt

Betty Huck

Ed and Lorie Mihelich

Dave Farnum and Shelley Etnier

John and Maeleen Hurley

Mary Mihm

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Fayer

Tom and Joyce Hurley

Mirowski Family Foundation

Jim and Cindy Freudenberg

Michael and Barbara Hutchings

Sherwin and Mary Mizell

Keith and Carolann Fulk

Steve and Sheila Hyatt

Arvind and Asha Modak

Ms. Fulton

Mircea and Simona Ivan

Javad Momayez and Ling Xuei

Ms. Gabbert

Roberta Jaggers

Bill and Ann Moreau

Nitesh Gadeela and Niha Samala

John and Emily Jervis

Travis and April Morgan

Pete and Christine Gall

George and Barbara Jones

Kathryn Morse

Farida and Arturo Gallanosa

Tom and Madonna Jones

Pete and Penny Morse

Steve and Lynda Gehlhausen

Rex and Carol Joseph

Bryce Mosey and Thom Keith

Mark and Cindy George

Rajani Joshi

Patrick Murray and Suzette Solomon

Girl Scout Troop 896

Pranathi Jothirajah

Charley Myers

Barry and Jan Glazer

David and Annette Kandel

Mr. and Mrs. Neal

Jeff and Vicky Gossett

Joe and Joy Kaplan

Larry Neuman and Julie Sommers Neuman

Robert and Diane Grabhorn

David Kendall

Hani Nimr and Jo Ellen Thomas

Robert and Ellen Grant

Paul and Regina Ketterer

John Ottensmann and Jan Neuenschwander

Tom and Jo Dee Grau

Sakib Khalid and Kiran Naqvi

James and Carolyn Noland

Austin and Chris Greene

Chin Lee and Natasha Kim

Joanna Oberthur

Joseph and Greta Grider

Ernest and Barbara Kinchen

Roger and Robin Outcalt

Gerry and Susan Griffin

Jeff and Cheryl Kingsbury

Jared and Samantha Outcalt

Jill Grossman

Dan and Katrina Kirkendall

Ronnie and Shirley Owen

Gunar and Elly Grubaums

Mike and Abby Klemsz

Carol Paik

Yi Gu and Min Xiao

Arthur Ko and Son Byeon

Pamela Pangan-Varble

Jack and Ernestine Guenthner

Jack and Betty Krebs

Joseph and Sue Papp

Monica Guthrie

Victoria Kreyden

Tom and Kim Papp

Bill and Kathie Hackwelder

John Krull and Jenny Labalme

Jim and Lynda Parziale

Liz Hagerman

Chet Kubit

Rich and Terri Pascarelli

David and Barbara Hagerman

Michael Kulpa and Susan Deidrich

Avi and Neelu Patil

John and Janis Haggstrom

Ron and Pat Laciak

Jeff and Debra Peek

Lola Hahn

Sheriee Ladd

Jerry and Helen Pesavento

William Hall

Peter and Margaret Larsen

Chris and Lara Pesavento

Erik and Kim Hansen

Joelle Larsen

Sylvia Pfeffer

Carl and Carol Hansen

Mary Lavagnino

Neil and Deborah Pickett

Gary and Kathleen Hart

Bob and Lynn Laystrom

Ryan and Diane Piper

Greg and Marilyn Harter

Jerry and Tina Lehr

Yasemin Pirkle

Norm and Rinda Harvey

Roger and Joanne Lenke

Tom and Teri Podgorski

Tucker and Mary Hawkins

Gerald and Mabel Leonard

Ted and Sara Pollack

Joe and Ellen Hawkins

Suthat Liangpunsakul and Attaya Suvannasankha

Ronald and Frances Porter

Lee and Marianna Hege

Ilya and Olga Lipkovich

Steve and Hazelle Prater

Roberta Henderson

Dwight and Lisa Lueck

Philip and Courtney Pryor

Alan and Maxine Henderson

Raja Mahidhara and Geetha Rao

Pedda Pullaiah and Suseela Sannuti

Raymond and Natalie Henson

Carol Mannon

Valerie Purvin

Kevin Heraly and Morgan Howard

Yale and Carol Martin

Randy and Kimberly Rapchak

Tim and Susie Howard

Sorin and Daniela Matei

Krishan Recinto

Jim and Eva Hermacinski

Howard and Susie Maxwell

Mr. and Mrs. Richardson

Simon and Kim Hillier

June McCarty-Clair

Phil and Dianne Ridings

Michael Hillsman

Mike and Helen McCune

Larry and Amanda Risk

Craig and Lynea Hinchman

Clem and Barbara McDonald

Mark and Becky Ristow

Gregg and Jit Hinchman

James and Elena McGrath

Jerry and Sarah Roland

Ms. Susan Rudavsky

Joe and JoAnne Whelan

Alexander McGrath

Stephanie Sabatier

Jeff Whorley

Chandler McGruder

Sashi Sagi and Santi Gottumukkala

Elizabeth Wiese

Jasmine McWilliams

Jeff and Betsy Sajdak

Tom and Freddie Williams

Kendrick Mernitz

Robert C. Sanborn

Ruel and Cynthia Williamson

Sophie Mernitz

Bob and Elaine Sandy

Michelle Woodall

Zoe Mervis

D’Anna Saul

John and Corinne Worzalla

Nicolas Milender

Robert and Ruth Saunders

Nathan and Heather Wyatt

Jack Milton

Mark and Kathy Schloer

Nelson Xu and Jean Chen

Rachel Moore

Alan and Jennifer Schwartz

Larry Zhou and Jenny Xie

Priya Moorthy Marina Morgan

Peter Schwartz and Shari Rudavsky Sanford and Dee Schwartz

STUDENT DONORS

Max Mukhin

Kristen Senetar

Cooper Grabow

Arya Narayanan

Jim and Sandra Senetar

Christopher Harlow

Richard Nargang

Indira Seri

Elizabeth Harlow

Catherine Neuman

Mack and Satomi Shelton

Lauren Janeira

Anya Neumeister

Wei and Vickie Shen

Kaveri Shankar

Colin Oberthur

Susan Shuber

Sidharth Shankar

Jennifer Oberthur Jonathan Papp

Mr. and Mrs. Shultz Don and Barbara Skibbe

ALUMNI DONORS

Kathryn Papp

Alex and Christine Smith

Anonymous

Sahvan Patel

Patricia Smith

Iman Athar

Ethan Piper

Mark and Jennifer Sniderman

Sevien Aubuchon

Sophie Pollack-Milgate

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Sniderman

Ben Borgmann

Quincy Pyatt

Jong Soon Song

Matt and Ruth Borgmann

Adhi Ramkumar

John and Amanda St. Clair

Max Bott

Priyanka Ranga

Bob and Susie Stephens

Jack Branigan

Joshua Rue

Shirley Strach

Alex Brethauer

Sarah Robertson

Barry and Mary Sumner

Aaron T. Chai

Nick Rosiello

Jim and Tracy Swearingen

Joseph Chandler

Madalyn Sailors

Robert and Catherine Tabor

Varun Chheda

Grant Sajdak

Bill and Janet Taylor

Brett Clements

Emily Schwartz

David and Stella Talkington

Lydia Copeland

Anusha Sinha

Pamela Thomas

Faith C. Dee

Arunabh Sinha

Paul and Carlyn Thompson

Emily Gelfman

Connor Smith

Amy Y. Tian

Alex Gu

Justin Smith and Madeleine Briscoe Smith

Bill and Mary Tierney

Agrayan Gupta

Joey Smith

Carol Toft

Soumya Gupta

Donovan Snulligan

Joe and Robin Tormoehlen

Tim and Erica Harrison

Becky Strapulos

Jon Toumey and Alison Jester

Nicole Hay

Thomas Tanselle

Glenn and Margy Tuckman

Daniel and Erin Hellman

Jayanth Tatikonda

Gregory and Melinda Utken

Cameron Hillsman

Lawrence Trowbridge

Paul and Marjo Valliere

Jackie Hur

Jay Wetzel

Mr. and Mrs. S. Rao Valluri

Brendan Hurley

Andrew Wu

Eric and Tia Van Kirk

Nick Jeffery

Michelle Yin

Adrian and Sally Van Osch

Kian Karimi

James Yin

Eugene Mukhin and Maria Varchenko

Faizan Khatib

Timur Yurtseven

Michal and Edyta Vieth

Justin Kinchen

Praveen and Karen Vohra

Annie Klemsz

MATCHING GIFT COMPANIES

Raj and Shireesha Vuppalanchi

Lillian Klemsz

Baxter International Foundation

Karen Wang

Grace Lee

Duke Energy

Bill and Susan Warren

Brian Liu

Duke Realty Corporation

Angela Watkins

Julia Mann

Eli Lilly and Company

Jeff and Kathy Watson

Joel Martin

Ernst & Young

Ms. Patricia Weiss

Isak McCune

First Indiana Bank

Jessica Welch

Emily McDonnell

JP Morgan Chase

John Deere

Ryan and Jennifer Cox

LeRoy and Janette Richins

John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Scott and Mary Davis

David and Jane Schuth

Ortho Indy and IOH Foundation

Jane DiMarzio

Jeannie Shull

Raytheon Company

Mark and B.J. Drewes

Jeff and Roxann Silvius

Radiologic Specialists of Indiana

Scott and Sissy Engle

Micah and Lily Simpson

Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation, Inc.

David and Liz Fink

Ross and Beth Simpson

Larry and Carol Fletcher

Nick and Tiffany Stahl

MEMORIAL AND HONOR GIFTS HAVE BEEN

Paula French

Bill and Deb Stewart

GIVEN IN HONOR OF THE FOLLOWING PERSONS:

Steve and Doris Fulwider

Joyce Szolek

Nayan Acharya

Jim and Linda Gange

Bill and Julie Szolek-Van Valkenburgh

Tom Baker

John and Laura George

Trent and Laura Tormoehlen

Grace Bidelman

Jenna Graham

Tom and Maria Truesdale

Diane Borgmann

Tom and Jo Dee Grau

Taylor Whitaker

Francine Clayton

Tim and Erica Harrison

Kit and Jennifer Williams

Gene Eib

Kehaulani Haydon and Robin Denman

Steve Wolf and Pam Westermann

Ethel French

Lori Henderson

Aaron and Jean Wright

Jo Dee Grau

Marcus and Jennifer Hendry

Philip and Mary Jo Wright

Becki Heusel

Jay and Cara Hermacinski

Jeff and Lori Yesh

Shameel Khairi

Kim and Becki Heusel

Tony and Shae Young

Russel Kowlowitz

Toni Hillman

Michael and Amy Miltenberger

Carl Roman Kulawinski

Thomas and Mia Hindman

Steven and Ruth Moll

Delores “Lita” Pardo Lage

Randy and Becky Horton

Bob and Denise Murphy

Colleen Lahr

Ben and Rachel Ilnicki

Rob and Amy Nichols

Kai Lawrence

Travis and Susan Jensen

Mary O’Malley

Holly Lee

Joanna Jockish

Michelle and Jaxon Oldham

Jamie MacDougall

Patrick and Krenta Juday

Tom and Kim Papp

Camille Mervis

John and Susan Karpicke

Naomi Patterson

Jason Oldham

Tim Kasper

Doug and Lynn Pels

Morna Patrick

Leslie Katz

Irwin and Eileen Prince

Lily Patricia Shively

Nathan Keith

Jeffery and Kim Pursch

Ted Smith

Jeramy and Catherine Kirkendall

Amy Ramage

Mary Jo Wright

Karl and Beth Koehler

John and Joan Rau

Mark and Colleen Lahr

Tim and Deb Reidy

FACULTY AND STAFF DONORS

Eric and Holly Lee

LeRoy and Janette Richins

100% PARTICIPATION

Cliff and Linda Lewis

David and Jane Schuth

100% participation

Courtney Lickliter

Jeannie Shull

Anonymous

Mike and Glenna Lykens

Jeff and Roxann Silvius

Darren and Shelli Andrews

Jamie MacDougall and Heather Givens

Micah and Lily Simpson

Tiffany Applegate

Jim McCarter

Ross and Beth Simpson

Ted and Marissa Argus

Doug and Cindy McKay

Nick and Tiffany Stahl

Brent and Katie Baker

Linda Mihm

Bill and Deb Stewart

Allen and Tracy Benningfield

Jim and Judith Mills

Bill and Julie Szolek-Van Valkenburgh

John and Allison Bentel

Michael and Amy Miltenberger

Trent and Laura Tormoehlen

Tom and Jenny Berger

Steven and Ruth Moll

Tom and Maria Truesdale

Debbie Bonhomme

Bob and Denise Murphy

Taylor Whitaker

Bob and Diane Borgmann

Rob and Amy Nichols

Kit and Jennifer Williams

Daniel and Erin Hellman

Mary O’Malley

Steve Wolf and Pam Westermann

Kevin and Melissa Branigan

Michelle and Jaxon Oldham

Aaron and Jean Wright

Kathy Demeter

Tom and Kim Papp

Philip and Mary Jo Wright

Noah Brubaker and Lauren Ditchley

Naomi Patterson

Jeff and Lori Yesh

Brad and Laura Brueckmann

Doug and Lynn Pels

Tony and Shae Young

Melissa Burke

Irwin and Eileen Prince

Dusty Burwell

Jeffery and Kim Pursch

Ric and Karen Chandler

Amy Ramage

Shawn and Julie Clawson

John and Joan Rau

Bruce and Francine Clayton

Tim and Deb Reidy

ank home again®

EAST CARMEL

Hazel Dell and 131st

DOWNTOWN

CARMEL

107 North Pennsylvania Street

East Carmel Drive Near Keystone Ave.

NORTHWEST

GEIST/FISHERS

Ditch Road and 84th Street

Olio Road at 116th Street

THE ONEAMERICA TOWER

WEST CARMEL/ZIONSVILLE

MERIDIAN-KESSLER

WESTFIELD/CARMEL

106th and North Michigan Road

One American Square

49th and Pennsylvania Street

East 146th Street at Cool Creek Commons

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

WESTCLAY®

Towne Road near 131st Street

320 North Meridian Street

GREENWOOD

CASTLETON

West Smith Valley Road and SR 135

Bash Road and East 82nd Street

www.nbofi.com

Member FDIC

1750 West 64th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED www.sycamoreschool.org 317.202.2500

SYCAMORE

Sycamore School Magazine / Summer 2018

Articles inside

MARY KATE TANSELLE

CAMPAIGN DONORS

NEWS + NOTES

CHAMPIONS

HENLEY LYNCH

EVELYN TABOR

JAY MATURI

KEVIN LEHTINIITTY

THE NEIGHBORHOOD

ASHLEY GANGE

KEVIN KARIMI

FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL

BILL + SAM RISTOW

TRIVIA NIGHT

BREAKFAST EVENT

PHILANTHROPY