Parents’ Post A Newsletter for Parents and Friends of The Thacher School
Late Winter 2001
Dear Parents, Grandparents, and Friends:
Standing behind Bo Eison: Jessie Liu, Emery Mitchem, Alex Lurie, Carina Fisher, Wendi Parker-Dial, Grace Bueti, Stephanie Hubbard, Yasmine Arastu, Justin Torres, and Monique Gaskins.
TO HONOR…
…Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in January, several students joined Wendi Parker-Dial … to present to the assembled crowd in the Centennial Amphitheatre aspects of Dr. King’s life and to read excerpts from some of his sermons, letters, and speeches. Bo Eison concluded the Assembly moment with this: Today we have come together to celebrate and express our appreciation for a man who unselfishly devoted his life not only to the struggle for civil rights, but, more importantly, to [the principles] of love and equity. Instead of hating those who so ruthlessly discriminated against him, he approached them with love and led a life of example, encouraging others to do the same. This remarkable man challenged a nation, our nation, to elevate its character and moral standards, urging it to look inward, observe its morals and conduct, and to make the changes necessary to rid itself of racial stereotypes and discrimination. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was not a black supremacist; rather, he was a man who strove for a nation in which all races could live in harmony. As we—as a nation and as individuals— continue to strive for excellence in our ethics and morals, I ask today that we look past stereotypes and petty differences to accept one another for “the content of [our] character.”
To qualities of honor, fairness, kindness and truth, about which we sing in “The Banquet Song” and which we hold as important, I would add reliability and perseverance, for they put the four others into action, and having real character requires such action. David B. Johnston, Chair of the History Department, in his TOAD talk earlier this year
QUARTET News from the College Board arrived this month, naming four seniors—Mary Ann Bronson, Emmett Hopkins, Brian Kelly, and Kevin Schmidt—as finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Competition. These four have met all requirements, including submitting their GPA and course roster, teacher recommendations, and essays, and will now await news of the actual scholarships. “This is a terrific—and well-earned—distinction for these four students,” says Maria Morales-Kent, Director of College Counseling.
At my desk, not too far from the heart of the campus, I hear a winter Sunday afternoon’s unique counterpoint: the throbbing music to which unseen Dance Ensemble members step and spin, twirl and fly, music punctuated by cracking shots of guns from the trap range and sporadic roars from the gym where a pick-up game thunders back and forth on the hardwood. And under it all, the unheard but present basso continuo of mind-music: reading, writing, thinking. Because, after all, tomorrow’s Monday.
RUNNING WITH A REASON many Thacher students and faculty ran in Ojai’s SSoannual American Heart Association Heart and Sole Run that Thacher walked (well, jogged) off with the School Participation Award. Alice Meyer, with lots of help from Phoebe Barkan (down with the flu or she, too, would have run), rounded up the troops and got ’em moving. In the end, Stephanie Hubbard took second in her age and gender division in the 5K, while in the 10K, Will Barkan, Will Johnson, and Lee Shurtleff took first, second, and third respectively in the men’s 14-18 division, and Erica Reynolds and Carina Fisher snagged second and third in the women’s 14-18 division. Emily Etchells (Spanish, Horse Department) won third in her division of the 10K. Other runners: Julie Manson (Casa Advisor, Admissions), Tara Desjardins, Cara Bonewitz, and Elizabeth Bowman (Director of the Library).
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A COAST OF A DIFFERENT COLOR Junior Laura Neville is Jback among us now, having spent the fall amid blazing maples, towering pines, and granite boulders on the chilly Atlantic shore, as a member of Maine Coast Semester. MCS offers high school juniors from select schools (Thacher was a founding member) the opportunity to study an intense curriculum of AP and honors-level courses, while exploring the natural world through work on The Farm (where they grow their own food and tend animals), and by taking to the woods and the water in routine and extensive excursions (including a two-night solo experience). Downeast for the spring is Betsy Bradford.
Being on the Maine Coast Semester program allowed me to meet people and live in an environment very different from Thacher. Because of how closely I was able to live with the land— taking field trips, digging three varieties of potatoes, picking beans, thinning carrots, picking apples, and pressing cider— my appreciation and consciousness of the natural world grew immensely. One of my favorite parts of Chewonki was the work program: almost every afternoon I had the opportunity to harvest food, maintain boats, rebuild cabins, and much, much more. I was completely immersed physically and emotionally in everything I did, and I found great satisfaction in seeing the results of work I did myself. Laura Neville
OUR PROLIFIC CABBAGE PATCH arrivals to the RRecent growing faculty child gang: William Taggert Curwen, at 8 lb., 7 oz., born on the cusp of the new year (12-3100) to Alison (Study Skills), Austin (History, Horse Department), and sister Darcy; and, at an ounce shy of 8 lbs., Evan Howse Perry, on 2-3-01, to Molly (Spanish), Derick (English), and Jordan. And, as Mr. Shagam reminded Mr. Mulligan at Assembly on February 5, this sort of bundle prompts a holiday. The students’ response? Whoops and hollerings welcoming both the day off from classes and the new littl’uns.
OFF… As part of the ongoing off-campus cultural forays, students and A faculty have witnessed both the classic—Mozart’s Le Nozze de Figaro at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in LA, the “Made in California” exhibit at the LA County Museum of Art—and the contemporary— Disney’s spectacular stage version of The Lion King. Other trips out the gates this winter, embracing a alternate definitions of culture: a trip to Equine Affaire, a horse-and-rider industry convention featuring clinicians and trainers par excellence; an all-school ice-skating party; a beach trip in fluky (but entirely welcome!) 80-degree February weather; a trip to Santa Barbara and the Banff Mountain Film Festival; even a Monster Truck Rally at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, attended by the entire senior class.
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…AND ON eyes and ears happy this semester were a small slew of enKKeeping tertaining guests. • “Simple Pleasures”—a.k.a Ames Anderson CdeP ’70 and Mary Anne Randl—brought a dozen stringed instruments and their voices to a concert featuring original music and oldies-but-goodies: folk classics that got everyone’s toes tapping. • Guitarist Chris Proctor redefined the term “virtuosity” when he played in Lamb Auditorium in early January, offering his own compositions and renditions of others’ in a blues-folk-popular mix that defied description but not appreciation. • As part of the Chinese Club’s Lunar New Year dinner and celebration, several members of LA’s Oriental LeatherSilhouette and Marionette Artists group treated us all to traditional puppet theater (“The Crane and the Turtle” and “Two Friends”) and classical instrumental pieces, the latter performed on erhu, zheng, and pipa—instruments with nearly 3000-year histories. Following the performance, students and faculty kids had the chance to try their own hands at the magic. • Sponsored by Community Service, the Tribal Club, and Plant and Planet, humanitarian Dr. Lou Netzer visited Thacher to speak about his work and life in the Bolivian rain forest and the organization he works with, Direct Relief International.
EXPERTS FROM OUR PARENTAL RANKS parents have been momentary adjunct faculty members this SSeveral winter, much to the delight and edification of those in the circles they’ve joined: Lisa Caldwell (Clarissa ’01, Caitlin CdeP ’99), a Marriage, Family, and Child Counselor whose professional focus has been in the area of eating disorders, addressed several groups, large and small, on the topic of Body Image and Culture.
offered a workshop on Cowboy Arts Weekend in traditional Navajo blanket weaving. Geochemist and entrepeneur Mark Logsdon (Grace ’01, Emily CdeP ’99) gave two lectures in the AP Environmental Science class on surface mining and reclamation. Phil Lane (Deloria Many Grey Horses Lane ’01), founder of the Four Worlds International Institute and recipient last year of the Swiss Foundation for Freedom and Human Rights International Award (an honor won in the past by the Dalai Lama and Dr. Boutros Ghali, former Secretary General of the UN) spent three days on campus in the company of various groups of history and literature students, talking about indigenous peoples in the new millennium and their critical role in “modeling an alternative path in the coming world order.” Long-time rancher Walt Fisher (Carina ’01, Kayte CdeP ’97) talked to Economics students about the economics and politics of farming and ranching in California. And though he’s not quite a Thacher parent, former California Congressman Pete McCloskey more than qualifies as family: he is uncle to Alden Blair ’01. Mr. McCloskey has made Thacher his home this semester as a visiting scholar; he’s teaching a 9-week seminar to seniors on Constitutional Law. As a former District Attorney, founding partner at one of Silicon Valley’s largest law firms, former professor at Stanford and the University of Santa Clara, and author of five books on the subject, Mr. McCloskey is just the right skipper for this boat. Helen Hooper McCloskey, Pete’s wife, also worked with students on campus, primarily in Mr. Shagam’s classes, bringing her knowledge of US-Arab affairs and ranching (and into the eclectic mix, herbs, as well) to those in the circle of her talks.
CALLING ALL GRANDPARENTS!
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We’ve got our fingers and toes crossed that many of you grandfolks will be able to join us for Grandparents Days, scheduled for Tuesday, April 17, and Wednesday, April 18. Events—campus tours, performances by the dance ensemble and chamber singers, Gymkhana and athletic events, meals in our splendid dining room, a reception at the Head of School’s home, and classroom visits—begin at 2:00 p.m. on the 17th and continue until the early afternoon on the 18th.
Rabbi Brian Lurie (father of Alexander ’02), who has served as a shuttle diplomat for several years, spoke to the whole School on what is presently taking place in the Middle East, and met with Polititical Philosophy and Economics classes.
From last year’s visit, a grandparent writes, “We enjoyed Grandparents’ Days and the whole experience from the performance of the Dance Ensemble to the Varsity Girls’ Lacrosse game. Our visit with our granddaughter to her classrooms made us so proud that she attends Thacher. The knowledge and values she is gaining are such rare rewards.”
Barbro Huth, in addition to volunteering weekly in the Library (her Master’s degree is in Children’s Literature, and she is multi-lingual),
Watch for your invitation in the mail soon. We look forward to seeing you in April!
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WINTER SPORTS Varsity Girls’ Soccer Coach: Fred Coleman Captains: Emily Dachs and Anthea Tjuanakis This was a mature, senior-dominated team (count: 11 of ’em) that played in rain, sleet, and occasionally near gale-force winds, to prevail as co-Condor League champions. Going into the CIF playoffs (in the first game of which they bested the only team to beat them in
season play) this squad had allowed only three goals, thanks to the solid defense provided by Bessie Hatch (winner of Most Improved Player), Sarah Tapscott, Caitlin Mulholland, Heather Ferguson, Erin Johnson, Claire Cichy, and Anthea Tjuanakis—and artful and aggressive goaltending by Emily Dachs (voted Most Inspirational at season’s end). Offensive play was of the powerhouse variety, too, with Liz Sanseau (Most Valuable Player), Brooke Toeller, Lauren Cerre, and Laurel Back providing their skill and aplomb at the forward end of the field. In the second-round CIF game against Flintridge Prep (one of the Southern CIF Section’s two top teams), Thacher was down a goal at the half, but came on to dominate the third quarter and even the score at 1-1. In the last few minutes of the game, though, Flintridge managed one more goal. No dishonor for the Lady Toads, who’d played some very beautiful-to-watch soccer right to the end. JV Girls’ Soccer Coaches: Mary Everett CdeP ’94 Captains: Meredith Flannery and Andrea Black This team was undefeated and unscored upon (with the exception of a game against the higher division Nordhoff). Helping to secure their season record of 7-1 (even against two varsity teams) was leading scorer Kelly Percival with 8 goals—a freshman who, prior to attending Thacher, had played only defense. “Our captains were wonderful: thoroughly responsible and inspirational,” says Ms. Everett. “They could count on great support from the other seniors
Jenn Bowie and Hannah Carney (winner of the Most Improved award).” Highly effective defense was cheerfully provided by Melissa Vickery and Melanie Morris—“solid rocks,” according to their coach. Charlotte Lord was the wall in the goal, backed up by goalie subs Hilary White and Evan Dawson. Third Girls’ Soccer Coach: Diana Garcia CdeP ’95 Captains: Emma White, Grace Logsdon, and Kerry Connolly Illness, injury, and stormy weather hammered a triple whammy on the Thirds this winter, and, in combination with their game roster’s being comprised of only JV teams (no other third teams in the League), made for a less-than-spectacular first scoreboard. But on the second—the important one that records sportsmanship and spirit—this squad was undefeated. “Enthusiasm—from captains to stretch leader Claire Faggioli on through the ranks—was never lacking with this crew,” said Ms. Garcia. “These girls improved tremendously, and now have a solid base for next year’s team.” The highlight game was at Midland where, even with just one substitute, the girls kept the game even, losing only in a penalty kick late in the second half. “Though we’ll miss our seniors [all three captains plus Smitha Reddy], “ concludes Coach Diana, “there’s a lot of talent waiting to blossom.” Varsity Girl’s Basketball Coach: Rae Ann Sines Captains: Annie Wheatley and Laura Neville With four freshmen on the team and no seniors, the word was “rebuild”—and that’s exactly what this squad did. Whitney Livermore and Steffi Rauner dominated the paint in both high and low posts, while guards Annie Wheatley, Nikke Alex, Jenn Rocco, and Mercedes Farrell were increasingly able to secure the perimeter. Forward Laura Neville and shooting guard Mercedes led the team in 3pointers, while Whitney won leading season scorer honors and Steffi led at the free throw line. The speedy Bianca Kissel was responsible for several key block steals in the match against Oaks Christian. Even if they all stop growing now, this’ll be a team to watch in years to come. Sports continued page 6
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symphony
by Jim Sligh
horse. you are a taut, whipcord being laid in snapping fleshy ribbons over a wired framework of tendon and bone strung in tension through the crescendo’d rolling chords of your gait motionless within motion sounding out like a half-heard symphony somewhere outside this world humming past ears alert and jacking through their oiled motions
you are docile, large warm and soft overlain by the silken mahongony of your hair and your gold coined mane; tamed, compliant tethered force collared against a post with independence hovering somewhere outside like a winged song
you are a soul and peering into its milky liquid windows shining pearly black I begin to hear life’s scream echoing distantly somewhere outside this universe dancing away like water through fingers; its hymn seems to sound faintly, far off, like a piece of half-forgotten music beautiful beyond the realm we inhabit few of us ever hear its song; even fewer join the chorus. distantly, it echoes in your eyes
Oriental Brushstroke painting by Andrew De Young
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JV Girls’ Basketball
Freshman Boys’ Lacrosse
Coach: David Harris
Coach: Greg Courter
Captains: Esther Guzman and Stephanie Hubbard
Captains: Ned Lincoln and Robert Neville
“We had a strong turnout (eleven players), and collectively they played with a great deal of heart, hustle, and humor,” reports Mr. Harris. Despite a disappointing season record, a good half of the games were close, and the three months witnessed the group’s tuning in to principles of teamwork, energy, and sportsmanship. CoCaptain and starting forward Hubbard proved skillful at free throws, whilst (as Mr. Harris would say) Jackie Au, starting guard, earned praise for her speed and tenacity, as did Julia Erdman, for her eagerness to try 3-pointers. Sabrina Lee, starting point guard was throughout the season “fast and skillful.” Alison Flynn often dominated as the starting center, while Hanna Chang provided excellent defense. Guards Nhu Y Dang and Vivi Hernandez were both fast on their feet, and Emily Nathan, though relatively new to the game, provided great hustle.
“Because the team invested great effort in practice and in games, the guys experienced terrific growth and improvement over the course of the season,” Mr. Courter says. The highlight came in the squad’s overtime win over Midland when James Dibblee connected on a long, hard shot from the restraining line. MVP honors went to Ward Sorrick and Lee Shurtleff; Chris Goldman won Most Improved.
Varsity Boys’ Lacrosse Coaches: Jack Crawford, Bo Manson
Varsity Boys’ Basketball
Captains: Chris Brown and Tyler Manson
Coach: Brian Driscoll and Ted Holden
The big boys had a strong season this winter, winding up with a 10-2 record as second in the Condor League. “Though it was ultimately a defeat, our come-from-behind, triple-overtime loss to Cate contained some of the team’s finest play this year: Down 4 to 1 at the half, the boys returned to the field and out-scored the opposition by an equal 4 to 1 margin to tie the game with two minutes remaining,” says Mr. Manson. The game proved a classic nail-biter, with shots hitting the pipes and the goalie repeatedly—but not the net’s inner V. A powerhouse defense—Chris Brown, Matt Brewer, Emery Mitchem, and Matt Spille backing up T.J. Langer, “arguably the best goalie in the League”—and a sophisticated attack (Tyler Manson, Matt Cohen, Leigh Salem, Bobby Kellogg) combined with some strong face-off work by Cyrus Menendez-Bader, Tyler Caldwell, and Bo Eison to create a force to reckon with. Others at midfield were Charlie Munzig, Jaime Everett, and Nick Horton, and additional seniors offering support and enduring enthusiasm and effort: Lee Wittlinger, Wes Myers, Kevin Cahill, and David Babbott.
Captains: Michael Back and Jay Thornes
JV Boys’ Lacrosse Coaches: Tom Scarborough and Terry Twichell Captains: Andrew Poole and Erik Fiske Like many other athletic teams this winter, the JV lax-men suffered injuries and illness in this virulently flu-rampant season. Nonetheless, “these guys gave 100% on the field, every practice and every game,” according to Coach Twich, and grew in competitiveness and skill with every passing week, even facing two varsity teams on their playing schedule (OVS and Laguna Blanca). Most Improved on the squad was John Babbott; Most Valuable, Andrew Poole.
For the second consecutive year, these court-iers earned the Condor League Title—with the roster of seniors (in addition to the captains: Blake Caldwell, Eric Butts,
and Canyon Cody) having beaten Cate 7 of 8 times in their tenure on the court. Captains Thornes and Back led the offense; Eric Butts was leading scorer in the CIF first-round play-off victory. Leading rebounders were Andrew Ma and Graham Douds; Brenton Sullivan proved the top 3-point threat. “The key to the boys’ success was their balanced strength, as different players took top-point honors in nearly every game,” reports Mr. Driscoll. “With seven seniors graduating (big shoes to fill), we look for Chris Willoughby, Jimmy Madigan, and Owili Eison—as well as Douds, Sullivan, and Ma—to step into key roles next year.” JV Boys’ Basketball Coach: Derick Perry Captains: Emmett Hopkins, Chris Bonewitz, and Mike Disner With the three senior captains, as well as Simon Xi and Max Greene providing what their coach called “truly excellent senior leader-
Late Winter 2001 :: 7
ship,” this team enjoyed the spirited participation of boys from all four classes. “The team showed its competitive mettle in a last-second victory over St. Bonaventure,” said Mr. Perry. “We also appreciate the juggling of horse commitments and basketball demands that freshmen Taylor Medina and Max Kuhl managed.” Apparently, the St. B coach confided that he’d “never seen a team play with such heart and enthusiasm.” We fans in the bleachers would have to agree. Outdoor Program Coach: Jamie Dial Launching their season with a week of restoring overgrown grails to a more ridable and hikeable state, this group worked on B Camper skills: trail clearing, orienteering, stove operation and repair, tent maintenance, and winter camping. The nine students—Alden Blair, Carina Fisher, Arielle Flam, Mike Hammer, Julien Rhodes, Bea Staley, Carrie Blayney, Eita Hatayama, and Laura Slattery— put their skills to work on four backcountry trips: hiking the Chorro Grande trail to Pine Mountain, where they bouldered; snow camping and telemark skiing at Mr. Pinos; an adventure to Golden Trout Camp that shifted direction when the snows proved too deep to gain access to the School’s cabins. Also on their activities docket: Ultimate Frisbee, Disc Golf, Soccer, rock climbing, trail running to Twin Peaks and the Pines, weight training—“and a disappointing loss to the JV basketball team.”
We did everything under the sun, moon, and some fairly menacing storm clouds. Alden Blair on the Winter Outdoor Program
A BROAD EDUCATION Thacher’s long TThroughout association with School Year Abro ad, our To ads have packed off to Rennes, France, and Barcelona or Zaragoza, Spain—and more recently, Beijing, China—to spend a year living with a foreign host family, exploring the country (and sometimes much of the continent) and taking a typical roster of academic courses, half of which are taught in the native tongue. Each “school” is comprised of only 60 adventuresome students, selected from public, parochial, and independent schools from across the country. In France last year were Erica Reynolds and Clarissa Caldwell; this year Youna Kim, Brooke Halsey, and Heidi Cole (pictured here on a trip to Mont St. Michel) are in Rennes. Peter Frykman spent last year in Spain, where Maggie Tillman and Chelsea Bauch are presently living and studying. (Although no Thacher students opted for SYA Beijing this academic year, Mike Disner was a student in that branch of the program in 99-00.) And SYA is launching a fourth school site in Viterbo, Italy, in the fall of 2001.
No question: SYA is simply the best way to learn a language, and [junior year is] the perfect time to do it. Most people don’t get an opportunity like this until college, but the things I learned are helpful to me every day. After my SYA experience, I feel like I can be confident of myself in almost any Peter Frykman situation.
SYA really opened my eyes to the fundamental differences between American and French politics while forcing me to reexamine America’s values and position in the world. Did I really believe in the death penalty? How did I feel about the right to carry arms? Why does capitalism work better than socialism? One little girl at the French Middle School where I taught American Civilization even asked me why we shoot each other at school and why every American believes in the death penalty. Throughout the year, my perspectives on every single obvious, innate value—from the American Dream of working hard and seizing opportunity, to trying to break out of traditional gender roles, to freedom of speech and the press—underwent extreme scrutiny as my views were challenged and questioned. I’m so thankful to my year abroad for opening my mind to everything else that’s out there, and for defining what it actually means to be Erica Reynolds American.
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Round ’em Up and Move ’em Out! R
Late Winter 2001 :: 9
For one three-day weekend every winter, students and faculty close their books, shut down their computers, leave beakers in the sink soaking in order to experience…well, the focus varies from year to year. This February, The Arts and Horse Departments linked elbows, swung around a few times, and came up with “Our Western Heritage”—a sort of “Cowboy Days,” offering a multitude of workshops: silversmithing, leatherworking, blanket weaving, Southwestern photography, equine drawing in pencil, ink or pastel, leather braiding, line and partner
dancing, song writing, ranch roping, equine medicine, melodrama and silent films, iron torch art, fry bread cooking, hidden and forbidden trail blazing, harness driving, trick roping, dressage, Dutch Oven baking, western stunts, and cowboy poetry. Heck, the two departments even let the faculty dogs have their day, with a session in sheep herding! (Note: Black labs are too busy making friends with the woolly critters to herd them with quite the necessary authority. Sorry, Hester Johnston.) If the days were chock-a-block full, the evenings matched ‘em: a concert by singer-
songwriter Tom Russell and acoustic guitar player Andrew Hardin, a gallery opening featuring the art of the workshop artists/leaders, a talk on the western cowboy and ranch hand by Jim Brooks, who’s worked in film and as a self-described “drifting cowboy” on ranches from Montana to Mexico; and a dance featuring western swing band The Lucky Stars. And we thank our lucky stars that we’ve got imaginative, can-do folks like Cam Schryver, Wendi Parker-Dial, and Greg Haggard (along with a host of lieutenants) on our faculty to cook up so wonderful a weekend.
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ghost
by Jessica Cornwell
An open field, Stars all around, A whinny, a neigh, a nicker. She trudges silent on the ground, A dream is all she sees and feels: A stall-bred dream Where a stall-bred kneels. In creeps the sun, A bloated dawn, And once again A night is gone. Awake she stands With lingered youthBut …as the sun lights on her shoulder Mind forgets that now she’s older, And dreams come dancing inAll glassIn the sweetly scented grass. Metal gone, bars departed, Neighbors drift away; Stiff knees and battered thigh Fly up into an ocean sky. Wild horse she is again Riding right-foot in the wind. Crooked knee and neck arched low, She prances deep within the glow. All the cancer gone for now, In the depth beneath the cloud. And as she dances in her shroud One thousand ghost horse gather round. Freedom strong and power new, Great strength beneath once ashen shoe. A butterfly on massive wings. Rapid hoof step, Stringent gong, Pound up the steps in rampant joy Converging at the gates of Troy.
Worlds awake and worlds not there, Merging through one single hair. Hot horse breath, A heartfelt kick, Master there without his whip. Fear is wild, as is soul, Riding ghost horse in the sun Disintegrate in golden breeze, Laughing at the splendid ease That All ascended, All as one That Nothing really has begun. Truth has come with mingled grace As they drift out into space. Promise made and promise kept All repaid without a debt; They search all paths, So sure and proud, For that earthy, beaten ground: Where stall-bred dreams, All good and true, Are commonplace beneath the moon. Oriental Brushstroke painting by Tara Desjardins
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SHORT TAKES Rewarded publicly at Assembly by Director of the Horse Program Cam Schryver for all her “beyond the call” work at the stables was Amanda Grumman. The token of the Horse Department’s appreciation: a hand-cast sterling silver belt buckle, inlaid with turquoise, created by Shakta Bearstep, a silversmith whose work is revered and cherished by all who know of it. Amanda gets to sport the buckle until it is next awarded.e Senior and actor Jonathan Tucker’s most recent film “The Deep End” opened to much acclaim at this winter’s Sundance Film Festival. Called “reverse noir” by The New York Times, “a crime melodrama that is finally about compassion instead of passion,” the film has been snagged by Fox and will apRiding in snow was a little crazy because Top Dog [her pear in theaters this summer.e Many freshman riders have now horse] liked to bushwack on been over the Ridge (a very different thing from over the hill, icy rocks! I learned to trust mind you) on horse camping my horse…even when we trips, and several in snow. The went over extremely narrow juxtaposition of “ breaking through a foot of snow and looktrails. It was a great time. ing down at waves breaking on Rebeccah Gore-Judd on the beach,” was memorable, to say Ridge-riding in winter weather the least, smiles Cam Schryver, one of several faculty who led groups this winter.e Kerry Connolly spent a week in Washington, DC, earlier this year as a participant in “Law and the Constitution,” sponsored by the National Youth Leadership Forum. Off the beaten path of Congressional hallways, though, Kerry and a friend bumped into Attorney General Janet Reno in a local pharmacy. “We talked about getting involved in government, about the importance of voting; she also gave us tips on how to break into politics.”e Closer to Thacher, Tara Desjardins, Erica Reynolds, and Laurel Back (pictured here putting together sanitary/toilet packets) vanned it down to LA with our Community Service director Molly Perry to attend a Community Service Conference on homelessness in Los Angeles. There, they heard from a police officer, a City Council member, and shelter founders on the legalities and politics of the issue, and listened to the voice homelessness itself—a panel of speakers who helped put some misconcepChanging people’s tions to rest.e Spearheading attitudes and prejudices is the effor t to raise money for UNICEF through the creation and the first step in helping marketing of a Thacher calendar the homeless. You’re never were Maddie McQuillan, Zoë Towns, and Jane Kwett. When the too young and it’s never last nickel was counted, they’d coltoo late to get involved. lected $1363.14 for the cause—and Tara Desjardins h a d m a d e a q u i te won d e r f u l archival piece in the doing. e
A first in Thacher history? Like elves in mucking boots, Grace Bueti, Catherine Whittinghill, Lauren Fiske, and Kasi McLenaghan roused themselves in the earliest of the still-dark morning hours, donned warm clothing and headlamps, and cleaned all of their classmates’ corrals one chilly weekday this winter—out of kindness and that irrepressible sense of smut-fun. And like good Thacher students, they checked with the TOAD (Teacher On Active Duty) to get permission to be out of the dormitory before 6 a.m.!e Fleet-of-foot Will Barkan broke the old Pergola-toTwin-Peaks record when he persevered from point A to point B in 34 minutes, 43 seconds. Pictured here, Will runs near the Forest Cooke Lawn, Twin Peaks rising in the background.
MAKING A LIFE Directed by Marcia Edwards and Chris Mazzola, this year’s Human Relationships & Sexuality program by its conclusion will have reached from September through May and will have touched every student in the School. All-community lectures, smaller-group talks, discussion groups by separate genders and mixed, in the auditorium, dorm common rooms, and faculty homes—many venues and many configurations will have with a multitude of topics organized around themes for the four classes: Leading a Healthy Life (9th graders); Healthy Choices (10th); Respect for Difference and Ethical Choices (11th); and Leadership and the Road Ahead (12th). Topics include coping with change, asking for help and finding resources, friendships and romantic relationships, stress management, healthy choices, self-image and media influence, eating disorders, drugs (through the Miles-to-Go program), mood management, depression, gender roles and gender differences, sexual decision-making, sexual orientation, and the transition to college life. Pictured here, one junior HR&S group in discussion in the Parker-Dials’ living room.
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s r Masquer e h c a h T e Th t presen
S M R A N I S E BAB ard Rodgers Music by Rich nz Har t re Lo Lyrics by er Oppenheim ge or Ge Book by Book by al in ig Or e Based on th Rodgers and Richard Lorenz Har t
Directed by BSEN JAKE JACO ctor Musical Dire G A r H GARD he GREGORY Choreograp Y R E VICK GALLIA K. ector Technical Dir MIDT KEVIN SCH 001 3 and 24, 2 r School February 2 he Thache T , m u ri o it Lamb Aud gement with y Special Arran by ed uc eatre Librar od Pr merstein Th am H d rk an s Yo rk , New The Rodger Ave., New Yo 598 Madison
Late Winter 2001 :: 13
In their annual gift to the Thacher and extended community, the Thacher Masquers—the School’s society of thespians—breathed new life into Babes in Arms, CAST OF C HARACTE
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S (In Order of Press Agent Appearance) Terry Thomps on Matt O’Me Gus Field ara Julia Erdm Apprentices an John Babb Lily Mitche ott Will Barka m , Erica Rey n, Moniqu nolds, e Gaskins, Clare Hols Charmiane Valentine W te in , Lauren Fi Liu, hite ske, Ian St Susie Ward rachan Peter Fryk Seymour Flem man in Jackie Fisk Bunny Byron g e Emery Mit Lee Calhoun chem Es ther Guzm Jennifer Owen an Emmett Ho Phyllis Owen pkins Logan Clark Steve Edwar ds Meredith W alke Michael Dis r ner ORCH
ESTRA Gregory H aggard, co Ed Guthma nductor, pian n, bass; Stev o Mary Ann e Matzkin , percussion; Bronson, flu te; Max Gre ene, trombo ne
Technical Dir ector Stage Manag er Light Board Operator Sound Running Crew Follow-Spot Costumes Make-Up Light Design Set Design Set Painting Additional Te
chnical help
TECHNICAL
CREW
Kevin Schm idt Rob Dickso n Mike Ham mer Chris Gran t Stephanie Hubbard, Hana Chan g, Hugh Go rdon Matt Spille Ms. Harde nbergh Shayla Coo ke, Sarah Tapscott K Kevin Schm evin Schmidt idt, R.J. Mu rray Hana Chan Stephanie g, Hubbard, R .J. Murr Sandy Jense n, Robert T ay orres
a mid-1930s musical that’s had many a revival since it took its first steps on Broadway. The show tells the story of a group of bright-eyed teenage singers and dancers working as stage hands and extras for a summer stock theater on Cape Cod. Secretly, they’re rehearsing their own original review in their off-hours. Elements of concealed identity, thwarted love, and subversion stir the plot, interrupted occasionally for several memorable production numbers— “My Funny Valentine,” “The Lady is a Tramp,” “Johnny One-Note,” and “Imagine.” In Thacher’s version, the energetic and dedicated ensemble made theater-magic, stilling the sound of rain outside and drawing us into the warmth of their spell.
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:: Parents’Post
THE SPIRIT OF INDEPENDENTS…
…continues to imbue the after… noons of several students who applied for and were granted the chance to pursue individual passions during the sports period of the day. This winter, projects ranged from tap dance (Zoë Towns) and ballet (Claire Milligan, Joy Bergeron) to intensive tennis (Andrew DeYoung, Tim Stenovec, and Troy Pollet), from swimming (Amy Vanderloop, Lily Mitchem), running (Will Barkan, Rob Dick-
Like the fairy tale, Gretel [my monologue] is the story of being lost—of losing what had once seemed permanent. But the loss here isn’t nearly as simple as getting lost in the forest. And it certainly isn’t as simple as being found. In fact, Gretel is not at all about finding a home or an answer or happiness or even resolution. It is simply the story of still searching. Meredith Walker son), climbing (Addie Hearst) to photography (Jane Kwett), computer (Brian Keane), flute (Mary Ann Bronsen, pictured here with her accompanying cellist and classmate, Hannah Carney), flight computer design and building (Ian Whittinghill), technical theater (Kevin
BEE MINE Glitter-and-glue G was the name of the game on the Saturday before Valentine’s Day, when Saturday Night Open Housers got elbow deep in construction paper and doilies as they made valentines for family and friends—an annual OH tradition, right up there with pumpkin carving, holiday ornament making and Ukranian Egg decorating. Thanks to JoAnne Wilson (Matty ’01) for gathering red and pink envelopes for this most recent event—and to Alice Meyer (Casa Advisor, TTTC) for her inspiration and help on the others.
I’m currently in the final stages of building the rocket for my computer (meant to actuate fins to keep a rocket from rotating while it ascends) to fly in. I hope to be able to launch here at the school in a few weeks. While working on this project, I was able to expand my knowledge of electronics and microcomputer technology. I also learned some mechanical engineering and time management skills. Building this rocket and computer also enabled me to apply some of the [principles] I’ve learned in physics and math classes. Ian Whittinghill Schmidt), classical jazz and blues duets for saxophone and trumpet (Ted and Russell Grether), monologue writing and performance (Meredith Walker), and developing a personal poetic voice (Katie Harmon). Having a set time to
Being given the freedom and responsibility to work independently on one of my many passions is fulfilling. At a place where time becomes such a rare and valuable commodity, my afternoons spent writing were always my most treasured moments. Katie Harmon
work in the afternoon allowed me to achieve an otherwise impossible goal. And having the school’s technical resources readily available was invaluable. Above all I learned to learn from myself. Brian Keane
GRATITUDE to all of you out there who, in Robert Frost’s words, provide, TThanks provide for Thacher students and support other programs in so many ways: making room at the inn for kids to sleep and eat when they’re on trips far afield (Sandy & Justin Faggioli and Cecilia & Jim Herbert) or when they run in, leaving muddy shoes at the door, after a soccer practice (Laurie Dachs) or descend after a game (Ayesha & Mohammed Shaikh); donating a water dispenser to the Hill dorms (Elaine Elliot); giving even more books to the Library (Lisa Caldwell and Marti Hammer); hosting admission gatherings (Mary Jane & Bill Kelly and the Herberts); buying students ice cream after they’ve run to town (Margo Blair).
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SCHOOL THE THACHER ION PARENTS ASSOCIAT
March 2001
eady into spring Dear Parents, two ago, we are alr or ek r, we a n ga be st is weekend is, by fa this school year ju e well underway. Th and families. It’s an ar a an kh m While it seems as if Gy g Bi s that plans for of fun for all parent term—which means her riders and loads dly community in all respects, and we ac Th r fo ar ye e th the highlight of e spirit and frien Thacher’s wholesom May 4 to 6 for all the activities. event that typifies of d served the weeken very relaxed, hope that you’ve re u will find it to be a yo , re fo be d en ek we t other parents and nded a Gymkhana th teachers, and mee wi k” sit vi n, re ild If you have not atte ch “games on horsebac end time with your uurse, the traditional st co r of he is, ac Th ity casual setting to sp w tiv ne ac e n progress th ers. The mai al ht en ug om da en d ph an n ns te so of their of the we all get an eyeful nce. on Saturday, where their riding skills—and their confide n is the famth wi e ad m dents have e Parents Associatio raiser to th r fo ht lig gh hi e end. Th t fund round out the week a. Not only is the auction a significan mmunity. The Many other events an co r kh he m ac Gy Th ng e wi tir the en ion follo ful social event for ily dinner and auct er eclectic contrind of wo ion a ct it t au bu , ely es liv iti d an tiv , ac ns ol tio ho ra sc co assist in festive de eet country music, d an casual barbecue, sw gs of the year—an in en ev st be e th of e s on nt r re fo any pa butions make delighted that so m auction ’re We ! ed iss m be event not to gifts for the eered to contribute You will be conhave already volunt s. ee itt m various com and to participate on eas for gifts or helping may, in the y id -chairs, Kathy tacted again, but an is year’s Auction co th to ed ct re di be her grads or curmeanwhile, ce. With eight Thac la al W n ily ar M d Back an many years of een them, they have tw be ts en ud st nt re a bit from the fun of e and have not tired outstanding Thacher experienc they are planning an Gymkhana. We know evening for all. y(s) on April is Grandparents’ Da . Grandparon so g in m co t en Another ev r Ridgeway this year by Jennife e with the young 17 and 18, chaired tim d en sp portunity to many inents have a great op marvel a bit at their to d an ily m fa eir lendor of the members of th out in the spring sp d ye pla , ts len ta d terests an lped Thacher Ojai. who have greatly he s nt re pa y an m e th various SAT and to sincerely thank lley by proctoring at ted by parents Va ai Oj e th ut Last, we would like ho ug sis udents from thro Toumanoff, ably as th, School as well as st is chaired by Nina ee lfinger, Barbro Hu itt ffe m He m y co ts e Be Th , s. er m ion at Ha . in a ce nn am la al ex Do , W AT e on PS Gibs and Bruc ne Elliott, Ami Jo cco, Marsha Spille, . rs Ro to y ra rr Je ist in n, m Amy Bransky, Elai do ad gs achers and n, Mark Lo te so r an he M ac lie Th Ju to e, lp an he Helen Ke en a great commitment have be Their support and mkhana! seeing you all at Gy Looking forward to ether, Co-Presidents Betsy and John Gr
) 646-4377 • FAX
• (805 IA 93023-9001 JAI, CALIFORN O • D OA R 5025 THACHER
(805) 640-1033
Returning home from a quick trip across campus in the R early evening of the day your children returned from the last holiday break, I couldn’t help but glance skyward. In that moment just after sunset—the gloaming, I guess you’d say—there appeared two jet vapor trails, one from the southeast, the other from the northwest—luminescent, ephemeral—on the verge of merging in what seemed to my eye to be the flat vertical plane of the sky. It was a visual reminder for me of the often intrepid travelers your children are in coming to Thacher, whether from Hong Kong or the other end of the Valley. How they—their silver-sided passions and shiny talents—converge here, how they create and trail their own glow! Cheers and onward to spring.
Production Credits
Production and Design Tim Ditch Design J. Bert Mahoney
CH E A R H
Photography Emily Etchells, Jamie Dial, Woody Halsey (Phoebe ’02, Brooke CdeP ’00, Bronwen CdeP ’98), Julie Manson (Kylie ’03, Tyler ’01, Jeffrey CdeP ’97), Wendi Parker-Dial, Joy Sawyer-Mulligan
The Thacher Chamber Singers perform at an Assembly under a classic winter sky.
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The Thacher School Parents’ Post
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Editor Joy Sawyer-Mulligan
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Permit Number 17 Ojai, CA 93023
5025 Thacher Road Ojai, CA 93023-9001 Address Service Requested
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