Thacher Magazine: Spring 2017

The Magazine of The Thacher School • Spring 2017

THACHER

Why We Ride The Gift of the Horse and What It Means to Us

CONTENTS 12

12 • Armchair Wandering

Avery Hellman CdeP 2011 makes plans for a horseback journey to seek purpose, make music, and celebrate a river.

14 • “There’s Something About the Outside of a Horse...”

It’s not always easy to put into words, but it is in plain evidence in the Thacher Horse Program and our impact on the lives of our students.

14

14 FRONT COVER You can lead a horse to water... Green Team captain Paiton Gleeson ‘18 gives her friend Ms. Teddy a shower and a sip at the end of a dusty day at the Gymkhana Field. Photo: Elli Papayanopoulos

ON & OFF CAMPUS

ALUMNI & COMMUNITY NEWS

01 • View From Olympus

32 • Gatherings

Cam Schryver leaves the Horse Program stronger than he found it, and we are grateful.

A recap of Alumni Day and Grandparents Days.

03 • Readers Respond

34 • Class Notes, etc.

A grown fac brat shares a hair-raising recollection about Mr. Shagam.

Alumni news, milestones, and news from faculty, staff, and friends.

04 • The Pergola

42 • In Memoriam

An assemblage of noteworthy School and community intelligence.

45 • The Best We Can Do Something about Leandra Cooper CdeP 2009 is good for retired racehorses.

VIEW FROM OLYMPUS…

Capable Hands

A Reflection Upon the End of the Schryver Era at Thacher

Don Porter CdeP 1962 told his daughter Bonnie’s gradu-

ating class (CdeP 1998), that the one thing he always recalled clearly were Jess Kahle’s distinctive hands: large, muscled, calloused, sun burnished. Not ironically, one of the first things I noticed when I met Cam Schryver were his hands. It was the same: hands devoted to lifting hay bales, shoeing horses, driving machinery, and stroking gently the quivering coats of uncertain colts and green saddle horses; hands that endured scorching suns and ice-hardened mornings; hands that worked in careful orchestration with a subtle mind and watchful eyes; the hands of a real deal cowboy and horse master. Little did I know at the time that these horse master’s hands were but one distinctive expression of a man who is also a refined and subtle thinker, an astute judge of character, a powerful role model, and an authentic clear-headed leader of boys and girls and men and women. Twenty-five years later, it is now time to say goodbye to this iconic leader, to his devoted and endlessly hardworking wife, Lori, and to their adorable daughter Cora. The end of an era, Cam is the second-longest-serving director of the Horse Program in the School’s history—eclipsed only by Margaret Hunt, who took over in 1908 and stepped out in 1946. In any case and by all measures, the Horse Program has never been stronger.

Some of this strength can be seen in numbers: The Thacher remuda currently boasts 123 horses, three mules, and ten burros. We employ nine faculty in the afternoon program and four full-time staff each day helping to run the operation. There are 61 freshmen riding and 25–30 upperclassmen or so each sports season.

Some of it can be seen in records: Over fifteen gymkhana records have been broken during Cam’s tenure.

Some in the growth and improvement of facilities: new footing on the Gymkhana Field, a new English Arena, a rebuilt cow arena with corrals, a round pen, and roping chutes. The horse corrals, once hemmed in by wire, are now all pipe corrals with shed roof covers. The new Kahle Arena boasts an adjacent round pen, an excellent sound system, a teaching platform, and covered stands; and the well-equipped Livermore Pack Station rivals any pack station in the Sierra for its stock of gear. And we can hardly forget (thanks to the outstanding generosity of legendary Johnny Myers CdeP 1929), the new Huyler-Myers Friendship Barns.

All of this is good, of course, but tangential to the main point that Cam’s leadership and horse instruction have brought the program to new heights.

Cam, a national extreme cowboy champion, brought the extreme cowboy races to Thacher and integrated them into the point systems for gymkhana—an exciting new and extremely popular competition for the students. And, of course, who can forget that Evan Jackson CdeP 2017 won the Extreme Cowboy Youth Division World Championship earlier this year?

Importantly, and perhaps of greatest significance, is that Cam and his team of teachers and instructors built their instructional methods from the time-tested Monte Foreman horsemanship instruction (everheralded by Jack Huyler and Bruce Oxley CdeP 1954) to the Advanced Basic Handle espoused by Monte’s protege, Pat Wyse. Pat has traveled to Thacher from Montana each fall in recent years to train our teachers, staff, and aspiring upperclassmen riders. Our team then coaches all of our riders in the “handle,” which demystifies and codifies the essentials of horsemanship.

Photos: David Kepner CdeP 2007; Elijah Hurwitz.

CONTINUED TO PAGE 2 >

The Thacher School 1

UP FRONT… Through Time on the Back of a Horse WE TALK A LOT about the Horse Program as if it is a constant—a common experience uniting Thacher students through the generations.

But the fact is that the program has changed a lot over time. In the early days we rode as a means of basic transportation, with relatively little thought given to instruction. When David G. Lavender CdeP 1951 arrived as a freshman, Mrs. Hunt headed the riding program. “She basically just handed a boy a halter and said, ‘Go get that horse,’” recalled Lavender. For those unfamiliar with horses, he adds, “it was, in retrospect, probably dangerous as hell.” Today, on the other hand, every new student must ride. And they follow a program designed to extract maximum benefit from the horse experience while ensuring the safety of student and horse alike. This year, for the first time, the School added the expectation that students wear helmets. Things change.

But something stays the same. Cam Schryver put his finger on it in early June at a faculty gathering where he and Lori had a chance to share some parting words: “I always thought I could infect certain people with that feeling of what it is like to be on a horse’s back, run-

ning across the face of the earth, and how elemental, how ageless that is. How you go back to the start of time and, I think, you can go to the end of time on the back of a horse. I always thought I could almost do that just by riding up to a kid in the afternoon, looking him in the eye, saying, ‘let’s go a little faster, let’s go a little harder,’ or just by turning back and going the other way.”

As we addressed the theme of horses in this issue, time and time again we came across evidence of those who had been infected by that elemental and ageless connection to the horse. It takes sound horses, a talented and committed riding faculty, and students who are willing to give it a shot. Over the years, we’ve had a lot of each pass through our gates. I hope you enjoy reading some of their stories in this issue.

— Christopher J. Land, Editor For a detailed look at the current Horse Program, see our Deep Dive entitled It’s Not (Just) About the Horse at www.thacher.org/magazine/spring2017.

VIEW FROM OLYMPUS… > CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The success of Cam’s instructional philosophy and practical coaching with legions of Thacher riders is evident to knowledgeable observers: Witness riders whose horses respond to them easily and well; horses who show willingness and “try”; horses that stop on command after a headlong sprint; that do not run off across the field or charge up the hills following events; that do not throw their heads in the air and swirl their tails in distress; that carve tight turns on poles and jump over cavalettis and barrels, and trustingly yet carefully carry their partners across mysterious rumpled tarps and muddy pits. These are horses and riders that have developed what horseman legend Tom Dorrance called “true unity”— trust, cooperation, teamwork, and try between horse and rider. These are gentle and respectful relationships, truly indicative of the best kind of mutual understanding and respect that can be achieved between humans and animals. To see the developing love, respect, and care that the Thacher riders show their horses over the course of the year is evidence, indeed, of the efficacy of Cam’s leadership.

But Cam’s service to Thacher goes well beyond great horsemanship coaching and instruction. He demonstrates from one day to the next important qualities to Thacher, qualities that have earned him the respect of his students, faculty, and parents; qualities that are central to who we are as a School. Integrity, honesty, authenticity, determination, keen insight, independent thinking, hard work, toughness, gentle humor, resilience in the face of injury, and love of the natural world: This is who Cam Schryver is, and these are characteristics we hope to encourage in our students.

No appreciation of Cam’s contributions to Thacher is complete without also recognizing Lori, who can match anyone for hard work, determination, dedication, and good humor. Lori is not only a fine instructor of 2 SPRING 2017

horsemanship, she is also a someone that most of us need at one point or another in our lives: a boss who insists that a job be done right the first time, who has unremitting standards, and who holds you to your word and to your work. Lori helps students learn to work hard and well and be proud of what they have accomplished. She is an important voice in an era otherwise characterized by privilege and entitlement.

The Thacher School Horse Program is, at the end of the day, that which truly distinguishes The Thacher School. Without it, we would still, I hope, be a very strong boarding school—but we would not be the same. We would not have students rising early in the morning for the important work of caring for these magnificent and noble sentient beings. We would not experience the grace and freedom of time with our horses on trail, in races, with friends. We would not be inhaling the richness of saddle leather and horse and feeling the power, strength, and agility of these hoofed companions. We would not be in relationship with the animals who become mirrors to our strengths and weaknesses, who help us learn how to find our better selves, who teach us that it is not physical strength, or powers of argumentation (or manipulation) that win the day. We would not have our noble friends to carry us into the mountains and forests and help us see our world in new and exciting ways. We simply would not be Thacher. Not a Thacher we recognize, that stands out, that works so hard to build character.

I know you all join me in thanking Cam and Lori for protecting and developing the Thacher Horse Program, for making the Horse Program stronger than ever, and for serving as pillars of Thacher strengths and values.

READERS RESPOND…

THACHER

The Magazine of The Thacher School Volume 11, Issue 1 Spring 2017 EDITOR Christopher J. Land ASSISTANT EDITOR Natalie Selzer CdeP 2008 CLASS NOTES EDITOR Aaron Boydston ARCHIVIST Bonnie LaForge DESIGN Charles Hess, design director Lisa Lewis, designer PHOTOGRAPHY David Kepner CdeP 2007, Christopher Land, Elli Papayanopoulos, Dana Vancisin HEAD OF SCHOOL Michael K. Mulligan DIRECTOR OF ENROLLMENT AND PLANNING William P. McMahon

Mr. Shagam Catches Some Static I really enjoyed the articles you wrote on Mr. Shagam. It made me laugh and cry alternately.

I remember students and my dad back in the mid ’60s talking about how the science department (which was what he was in) had some kind of electrically charged, metal globe to illustrate some physics process. The students liked to sit in front of it and put their hands on it, which would make their hair stand straight up. This was the beginning of the time of long hair, but early enough that mostly really edgy people had it, and Thacher students still had hair measuring at an inch or two at the most. Certainly the Thacher faculty did not sport long hair either.

It was suspected that Mr. Shagam had something going on atop his head; some kind of combover, or weird toupee, but it was unclear exactly what was going on up there. To the great delight, shock, and surprise of the students (and this incident quickly spread throughout the School) Mr. Shagam sat down at the ball, which sent his comb-over a literal number of feet into the air.

Turned out he had a comb-over that would put Donald Trump to shame. Mystery solved; who’d a thunk: Mr. Shagam, a closet “hippie...”

Thanks as ever for an enjoyable magazine, Rick Bisaccia Thacher Fac Brat Emeritus Ed. Note: We couldn’t locate a photo of the incident Rick describes, but here is a shot from the same period, in which the School’s Van de Graff generator is still being put to good use.

DIRECTOR OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Jeffery D. Berndt

Thacher is published twice a year by The Thacher School, and is sent free of charge to alumni, parents, and friends of the School. Every effort is made to ensure that contents are accurate and complete. If there is an omission or an error, please accept our apologies and notify us at the address below.

Copyright © 2017 The Thacher School Third class postage is paid at the Oxnard Post Office.

POSTMASTER: Please send form 3579 to the following address.

Editor, Thacher Magazine 5025 Thacher Road Ojai, CA 93023 thacher.org thachermagazine@thacher.org 805-640-3201 x264 How to Submit Class Notes Online: blogs.thacher.org/classnotes E-mail: alumni@thacher.org Fax: 805-646-1956

Thacher is printed by Ventura Printing using an environmentally friendly waterless printing process, soy-based inks, and recycled paper.

The Thacher School 3

THE PERGOLA‌ OH WHAT A BEAUTIFUL PLAY This winter, The Thacher Masquers brought the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic Oklahoma! to the Milligan Center stage, wowing with big, immersive sets; fantastic costumes; and, most of all, impressive acting, singing, and dancing. We suspect, too, that the actors’ past experience mucking stalls, racing barrels, and riding dusty backcountry trails may have lent some authenticity to their portrayal of the cowboys and farm folk of Claremore, Oklahoma.

TOAD MUSIC FEST

For the seventh straight year, Toad Music Fest brought the extended Thacher community together for a great night of musical performances. Twenty-five different acts by students, faculty, staff, family, and friends graced the stage, including a Thacher-ized rendition of a Beach Boys classic by the Howling Sespes (otherwise known as our hard-working trustees).

4 SPRING 2017

THE WEEKEND THAT ALMOST WASN’T THOUGH A PARTICULARLY WILY stomach bug here at Casa de Piedra threatened to put a damper on Big Gymkhana Family Weekend, the community rallied in time for the big event and welcomed family, friends, and alumni from near and far (with elbow bumps rather than hugs and handshakes) for another very memorable weekend.

The community also paid tribute to Cam, Lori, and the whole Schryver clan, as it was their last Big Gykmkhana.

(See Michael Mulligan’s reflection on the Schryvers’ many contributions to Thacher on page 1). Director of the Dining Hall Richard Maxwell and team kept everyone fed throughout the weekend, impressing as always with great meals for a very big crowd. Performing and visual arts were on display, the Parents Auction (a major production requiring the hard work and contributions of many staff and volunteers) was a hit, and the riders of the Orange, Green, and Blue teams went all out on barrels, poles, silver dollar, and the rest of the gymkhana races. And since we know you’re wondering: Orange came away victorious with 13,581 points, Green came in second with 10,640 points, and Blue landed in third with 10,001 points.

TIME FLIES: MICHAEL AND JOY PLAN THEIR EXIT IN FEBRUARY, Michael Mulligan and Joy Sawyer-Mulligan PARENTS WHO RESPONDED announced their plans to “graduate” with the Class of 2018.

“YES” WHEN ASKED IF After four decades of teaching, most of themWOULD at CasaRECOMMEND de PieTHEY THACHER TO The A FRIEND dra, they are looking forward to exploring new paths.

RELATIVE.** board of trustees lost no time in convening aOR succession committee and retaining the services of a search firm. That firm, Educational Directions, has initiated a comprehensive national search with the aim of carrying out a smooth transition in leadership in time for the start of the 2018–19 school year. As Board Chair Cabot Brown wrote in his letter to the community, “For now, expect Michael and Joy to continue the important work they have undertaken for so many years of making Thacher the best school it can be. The best they can do is not yet done. We are eternally thankful to them both.” Find out more about the search at www.thacher.org/ headofschoolsearch.

The Thacher School 5

THE PERGOLA‌

OUTSIDE OUTLOOKS

ISHMAEL BEAH, human rights activist and New York Times bestselling author of A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier and Radiance of Tomorrow, visited us for a few days this spring to deliver an inspiring lecture and hold discussions with students in the Contemporary Ethical Issues senior elective and other courses.

COLUM McCANN, the award-winning author of Let the Great World Spin, TransAtlantic, Thirteen Ways of Looking, and other celebrated novels and short story collections, presented a lecture on storytelling and writing. He emphasized the importance of cultivating hope and optimism, and in seeing the best in those around you.

Noted political scientist, international relations scholar, and author JOSEPH NYE (grandfather of Else Nye ’20) delivered an engaging lecture on the state of American politics and our prospects for the future as a global power, in addition to answering many thought-provoking questions from students.

PEGGY ORENSTEIN, renowned author of Girls & Sex: Navigating the Complicated New Landscape, prompted interesting dialogue and reflection in the community during the couple of days she spent on campus talking to faculty and students about the modern teenage realities of sexuality, consent, pleasure, and relationships.

KIM TURNER CdeP 1998 returned to Thacher to deliver the 10th annual Judge William H. Orrick Lecture. Drawing from her experience as a senior staff attorney with the Gender Equity & LGBT Rights Program, she delivered an inspiring and passionate talk on the importance of gender equality in athletics.

Among the many other campus visitors were IAN STRACHAN CdeP 2004, who shared his experiences as a naturalist, adventurer, and photographer. ELIZA GREGORY CdeP 1999 and RYAN MEYER CdeP 1998 (above with daughter Ainsley) occupied the Anacapa Cottage while they each taught an xBlock elective.

UNPLUG, UNWIND, RECHARGE AWAY GAMES. ENGLISH PAPERS. Chemistry exams. Grading. Formal dinner. Play rehearsal.

We sometimes find that our busy schedules have kept us from stopping to smell the Matilija poppies. Winter Camping Weekend, which was initiated by former School Chair Joe Bell CdeP

6 SPRING 2017

2012, is meant to be a midyear antidote to all that busyness. This year, surfing, horse camping, skiing and snowboarding, golfing, and on-campus workshops with world-class adventurer and climber Mark Synnott were all on the docket for this break from the usual schedule.

Colum McCann photo: Cassandra Madeline

VISITING SCHOLARS, ARTISTS, AND EXPERTS SPARK NEW IDEAS AND INSPIRATION.

16% 13% APPLICATIONS

U.S. APPLICATIONS

35 31 STATES

COUNTRIES

BUCKING THE TREND THIS YEAR’S ADMISSION CYCLE concluded, as always, with the recruitment of a fantastic new cohort of Toads that will join the community next fall. Other successes were logged, as well. Overall applications to Thacher were up 16 percent this year and came from 31 countries and 35 different states. And at a time when U.S. applications to all North American boarding schools have been in decline for over a decade, we bucked the trend and saw our domestic applications rise 13 percent from last year!

CdeP 2017 STUDENT..................... COLLEGE

STUDENT................... COLLEGE

Zion Mekhi Ishmael Alcindor Jasmin Aboitiz Arculli Ibrahim Abdel Fattah Bakhiet Fiona Siobhan Bean

Ryan Lawrence Jackson Sara Bradstreet Jacobsen Steven Malcolm Jump Karl James Kelly Elizabeth Holekamp Kern Jiwoo Kim Liam Reed Kirkpatrick Luke Leasure Bridget Evergreen Levy Serafina Maria Nieves

Penelope Alice Brittingham Natasha Lauryn Brown Tiffany Jane Butler Ronan Patrick Byrne Mikayla Breanne Carrier Karla Itzel Ceja Almontes

Akirabha Chanuntranont Gun Hee Choi Audrey Paige Cussen Maximilian Tyler Damon

Sydney Elizabeth de Polo Alden Redfield DelVecchio

SESPE SELFIE Thanks to some good rain this year, Thacher campers were able to enjoy a swim with their horses during spring Extra-Day Trips.

Cara Marie Dienst Isabelle Ballard Doubleday Faith Nicole Earley Andrew Boston Philip Eaton Finn Cullen Ehringer Annie Elsie Everett Robert Tom Farrelly Emma Rose Freedman

Sophia Fung Taylor Holston Gaines

Edel Dupre Galgon Brendan Thomas Glenn Amanda Itzel Ibanez Evan James Jackson

Laurence Shugahara Jackson

Occidental College Tufts University Harvey Mudd College The University of Montana, Missoula - Honors Stanford University Scripps College McGill University Whitman College Scripps College California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo Waseda University New York University Scripps College Rhode Island School of Design University of Portland University of California, Davis Georgetown University Cornell University Cornell University Colorado College Emerson College Whitman College Tulane University Olin College of Engineering Barnard College University of Southern California Dartmouth College Carleton College Yale University The University of Montana, Missoula - Honors Middlebury College

Colorado College Vassar College Dartmouth College Occidental College Yale University Vanderbilt University Dartmouth College Colorado College Oregon State University University of California,

Santa Cruz Skidmore College Anthony Aristides Nikitopoulos Rose Ellen O’Neal Tufts University Claremont McKenna Eric Anthony Oregel

College Massachusetts Institute Natalie Osuna

of Technology Williams College Isabel Ann Harding Ouweleen Boston University Ava Rae Penner Yale University Jordan Cunningham Perry Kenyon College Reese Clayton Proctor Samuel Weston Bowdoin College Blanchard Richardson Jacques William Robles California Lutheran

University Williams College Clare Brigitte Best Rogowski University of California, Byung Wook Roh San Diego

Colorado College Peter Flynn Schmidt Pomona College Erin Olivia Slichter Pitzer College Elizabeth Swindells Harvey Mudd College Shinnosuke Taniya McGill University Cameron Stow Twichell Santa Clara University Alexandra Elizabeth Varon Beloit College Nolan Christopher Vyhnal Chapman University Pierre Philippe Weil Yale University Maya Marina Wilcox University of South Asher Buffett Duvall Wood

Carolina - Honors Vassar College Lydia Susanne Wood-Hull

The Thacher School 7

THE PERGOLA…

SCOREBOARDS Boys’ Varsity Soccer Under the leadership of senior captains Homa Bakhiet, Ryan Jackson, and Andrew Eaton, this year’s squad closed the season with a very solid 8-4 league record and 12-6-1 season record. This motivated, excited team started things off strong with a 2-1 win against crosstown rival Nordhoff High School in the first game of the season. They continued their ongoing development of a quicker, passing-oriented style of soccer that set them apart from other teams. Oscar Luna ’18 continued to be an important goal-scorer for the team; his strong technical skills saw him score some of the best goals in the league this winter. Chris Robinson ’18, who came to Thacher never having played soccer, has made huge strides and became the main goalie this season.

He and Griffin O’Neill ’18 also did a great job sharing the position and pushing each other to improve their skills.

Despite a midseason slump, the team rallied back from the brink and ultimately qualified for postseason play. They beat Redlands Adventist 17-2 during a wild card game, beat Mammoth Lakes High School on the road 3-1, and ultimately fell to Whitney School 1-0. At the end of this strong season, Ryan Jackson and Andrew Eaton were named to the First All-League Team; Homa Bakhiet was named to the Second Team; and Oscar Luna, Joe Hardwicke ’18, and Michael Ratsimbazafy ’18 received honorable mentions in the league. Finally, captain Ryan Jackson was named to the All-CIF Southern Section Team.

Girls’ Varsity Soccer Led by captains Sarah Finch ’18, Zanna Gulick-Stutz ’18, and Lexie Silverman ’18, this scrappy team came away with a 7-6-1 league record and a 9-7-1 season record. Despite a number of injuries that slowed the team down throughout the season, they played hard and turned things around 8 SPRING 2017

during a critical home game against Bishop Diego, which, with just three weeks left in the season, secured them a spot in the playoffs. Arguably their best showing of the season, the players battled as a cohesive team and successfully executed a quick passing game, firing on all cylinders throughout the contest. They ultimately finished the season fourth in the Frontier League and won a challenging wild card game against Garey High School on the road 2-1 during overtime before falling to De Toledo High School 2-1 in the first round match. Sarah Finch and Zanna Gulick-Stutz were named to First Team All-League; Béa Pierrepont ’18 and Libby Hatton ’18 were named to Second Team AllLeague; and Olivia de Polo ’18, Reina Nadeau ’18, and Lulu Patterson ’19 received honorable mention.

Girls’ Varsity Basketball Senior captains Natasha Brown, Tiffany Butler, Jordan Perry, and Elizabeth Swindells expertly led their team through a particularly strong season for the Thacher girls’ varsity basketball program. With hard work and focus they closed with an impressive 10-4 league record and 14-7 season record.

They were also undefeated at home, notching a perfect 9-0 record on the hard court of the Voit Gym. Among the season highlights were their two solid wins against rival Cate, with scores of 40-30 and 37-25. The undeniable peak came during a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat home game against Grace Brethren, a team that came in with a 21-1 record and ultimately went deep into postseason play. The Toads pulled off a one-point win during a tense overtime, thanks to a buzzer-beating 3-pointer by Jordan Perry that sent them into overtime and a free throw by Elizabeth Swindells with .3 seconds left in a tie game to seal the 60-59 win for the Toads. During postseason play the team won their first game 40-33 against Wildwood and ultimately lost in their

second game against Bellarmine-Jefferson. Jordan was named to First Team All-League, Elizabeth Swindells was named to Second Team All-League, and Jessica Donohue was given honorable mention in the league.

Boys’ Varsity Basketball This fantastic, cohesive season for the boys’ varsity basketball program was made possible by the standout leadership of senior captains Pierre Weil, Laurence Jackson, and Sam Richardson and all-around play by everyone on the team.

Closing with an 8-2 league record and 13-6 season record, the team took home the Frontier League title and advanced to the second round of the CIF playoffs. During the regular season, the team was unbeatable during a program record nine-game winning streak and pulled off some very convincing home wins against Providence, Foothill, and Cate.

Say the coaches: “The team prided itself on ‘togetherness’ and being a ‘family,’ and the boys have much to be proud of, as this was a truly special season.”

PHOTOS THIS SPREAD (clockwise): Members of the boys’ varsity soccer team celebrate. Béa Pierrepont was one of seven girls’ soccer players to receive league recognition. Voit Gymnasium celebrates a dramatic one-point victory by the girls’ basketball team over Grace Brethren. Captain Laurence Jackson ‘17 takes it to the hoop vs. Malibu.

NUMERACY

The year is 1739. Three married couples, all savvy horsemen and horsewomen, go to market and each buys some horses. Each buys as many horses as he or she pays in shillings for one horse. Each husband spends altogether 3 more guineas than his wife. The women are Elouise, Katyana, and Celeste; the men are Harold, Chauncey, and Philip. Harold buys 23 more horses than Katya, while Chauncey buys 11 more horses than Elouise. What is the name of each man’s wife?

Send your responses to thachermagazine@thacher.org.

RESULTS FROM THE FALL 2017 PUZZLE Winner Gordon B. Chamberlain CdeP 1956 writes, “in the ‘Crosswalk Commute’ puzzle from the Fall 2016 issue, the chapel is located in Block A toward the east end of Market Street, and the professor lives to the south of it in Block D, either on the south side of Market or the east side of Elm. That is the only location that furnishes him with an odd number of crosswalks, the last of which he must employ to leave his home for the chapel; and that fact determines the chapel’s location to his north.”

The Thacher School 9

THE PERGOLA… BLURB & SQUIB BOOKS The birth of Venice during the war-torn seventh century is the central focus of Venetians: The First Doge, a historical fiction novel by Lodovico Pizzati CdeP 1991 that follows the epic journeys of two brothers who go on to found the captivating city.

Sarah Lavender Smith CdeP 1986 has taken her years (and many miles) of trail running experience and produced the ultimate companion for newbie and veteran runners alike. The Trail Runner’s Companion: A Step-by-Step Guide to Trail Running and Racing, from 5Ks to Ultras is an inspirational, practical, and goal-oriented guide full of great storytelling.

EXHIBITION The PDX Contemporary Gallery in Portland, Oregon, recently mounted the exhibit Resonance, which featured new works by Johannes Girardoni CdeP 1985. The exhibit included the installation of 12 cast resin disks, one for each of the 12 fundamental spectral colors. Resonant Lens, a digital component, complemented the installation with a downloadable app that sonified the color and light of each disk, getting at the heart of how we use technology to interface with the world more every day.

RECOGNITION Randolph C. Head CdeP 1974, professor of history at the University of California, Riverside, has won the 2017 Max Gellinger Foundation Prize for a body of research on Swiss history. The prize is awarded to work that “encourages cultural relations between Switzerland and the Anglo-Saxon language region.” His research focuses on political and institutional culture in Switzerland and Europe around 1600 and he has published a number of books, including Jenatsch’s Axe and co-authoring Cambridge Concise History of Switzerland.

MUSIC Renowned composer James Newton Howard CdeP 1969 will take his music on the road later this year for his “3 Decades of Music for Hollywood” tour. He’ll conduct a symphony orchestra and choir comprising over 100 performers through suites of recent, as well as classic, film hits and tell stories from his decades of experience working on some of the most successful movies ever made.

10 spring 2017

Above: Three of the candy-colored minimalist sculptures from Johannes Girardoni’s Resonance exhibition.

FROM THE ARCHIVES 125… 100… 50… 25… 10... YEARS AGO AT THACHER

TWIN PEEKS

A Backward Glance Through the Pages of CdeP Publications

125 years 1891 “The horses were teachers as well as servants. One of Sherman’s favorite sayings was that ‘boys learn more from their horses than from their teachers.’ … Like all good teachers, the horses were good friends. Besides loyalty and affection they inspired admiration....” (As described in Sherman Thacher and His School, page 88) 100 years 1916 “As rivalry makes the world go round, we are fortunate in having two clubs which, in the process of vying with each other, maintain the School’s high standards of camping and horsemanship. Though they pretend to exalt varying ideals, they have actually about the same purpose. Mr. Twichell and his famous organization of the Pack and Saddle have kept moderately busy on the trails… they again won the gymkhana prize. The Bit and Spur stands for good horsemanship and, in standing for it, admirably maintains it.” (El Archivero, 1917) 75 years 1941 “Beginning in September, 1941, the School will modify the requirement that every boy own a horse; two boys will be permitted to share one. … We still believe, however, that our horses are not mere time-consuming luxuries … and feel that the ownership and care of a horse adds so much to the life of each boy that it is worth the expense. There is the work and responsibility involved in its care and the attachment a boy usually feels for his horse, not to mention the activities of riding, gymkhana, and camping, which have become woven into the very fabric of our daily life.” (The Thacher School 1941-1942 informational booklet) 50 years 1966 “Although there are now more horses than ever (130) the horse used to play a far more extensive role in school life. Starting with the proverbial Henry Farnham, Thacher boys have always had horses…. Around the turn of the century it was customary for one student each day to ride to Ojai to get the mail, and until recently nearly the whole school rode to Ojai on Sunday for church.” (Thacher’s Heritage by Kim Chase, The Thacher Notes, March 17, 1967) 25 years 1991 “Horse Department director Cam Schryver came to Thacher last spring to work with Bruce Oxley in the final months before Bruce retired. Cam has a wealth of experience as a horseman and cowboy, and a gift for working with young people. Educated at California Polytechnic University, Cam has spent more than 20 years on Western ranches, most recently as a cowboy boss for a cattle operation in Santa Maria.” (The Thacher News, Fall 1991)

TALL IN THE SADDLE: There may be no more iconic Thacher photo than the one above, recorded in the Thacher Archives as “a bunch of old boys, 1915.” So we couldn’t resist recruiting a gang of spring riders to pose for an homage to that original. Regrettably, wooly chaps seem to have gone out of fashion.

10 years 2006 “There are many ways to teach and as many kinds of teachers, facts that are never more evident than every fall at Thacher, when the “back” in “back-to-school” is likely to be that of your horse. Whether being introduced to horses for the first time or building upon a foundation of skill, Thacher students find themselves learning in unexpected ways from the School’s herd, Thacher’s unofficial adjunct faculty since its founding.” (Online Headline News, Oct 23, 2006) The Thacher School 11

ARMCHAIR WANDERING…

Songs from a River In pursuit of self discovery and purpose at the confluenceof music and horses.

ALL

of the stories and work that have defined me as a person since leaving Thacher seem somehow inevitable—as if each thing led to the other in unforgiving order, skipping no steps. From the time I stepped beyond the school, to the present, where I am soon leaving for the largest horseback and artistic project I’ve ever undertaken, I endured a breakdown of my entire sense of self, and saw the beginning of a road towards creating a life closer to my sincere limitations and curiosities. I find myself now feeling this is all I was capable of becoming.

I began my life beyond Thacher with the NOLS Patagonia semester course, an immersive program that allowed me to pursue the field I most excelled at—environmental science. We climbed glaciers up to remote mountain peaks and paddled kayaks around numberless islands, but in spite of these remarkable experiences I seldom felt I was in the right setting. I was unable connect with the other students from an honest place.

What I most enjoyed was visiting a ranch with wood-stove bread, and getting back to basecamp to play a friend’s guitar. I could sense that the farm and the music were that which I connected with most, but I didn’t take these impressions seriously, or have an outlet to align them with my identity.

When I returned to San Francisco, I arrived to witness the last few days of my grandfather’s life in a Parnassus Heights FALL 2012 1200SPRING 2017

By Avery Hellman CdeP 2011

hospital. The month after he passed, we celebrated his memorial with a concert on Ocean Beach, where I played music with his band, “The Wronglers.” Stepping into the rehearsal room, I felt a sense of completeness in listening to that music that I’m not sure I ever felt before. In spite of being certain of this feeling, I still couldn’t trust myself to commit fully to what compelled me most.

The next fall I entered UC Berkeley to study environmental science. During that time, I devoted my inner life most intensely to music while outwardly I resigned to the structure within the school, not assured of any alternative. I fell more and more quickly into what I sensed was depression—but I couldn’t trust myself to believe in it. I became often unable to get out of bed, and focused an intense loathing in on myself, feeling unable to reach beyond my own despondency. At the most intense points of that time, I had frequent thoughts of not wanting to live anymore.

As I entered school for the fall of 2014, I found myself broken down to the lowest rung of self worth. I knew that somehow this wasn’t all I was capable of. I left school, moved to New Mexico, and began to regain hope.

This time, I was able to pursue dreams no one had thought of for me.

There was so much I had to build back up in myself. I began with writing and performing my own music under the name Ismay, hoping to find a sense of validation that was of my own making. While booking, promoting, and

performing at shows was often painful in many ways, my drive to create and share my music ascended. I gradually allowed myself to be defined by the music I was creating rather than by working to fulfill the perceived expectations of others. Yet simply working as a singer, songwriter, and guitarist in the conventional fashion still failed to convey something fundamental. I was missing a deep connection and commitment to the environment, a commitment that parallels and intertwines with my own human story.

I began to understand the importance of connecting my artistic expression, personal life, and relationship to the environment. I looked for symbols. There in the language and images of American Folk and Roots music were two that I couldn’t get my mind off of—horses and rivers. They held an unspoken presence in so much of the art that inspired me, showing that our natural world and its stories have always held a strong presence in our cultural imagination.

There was one river in particular that I learned about in a book, Cultivating Food Justice—the Klamath River. Since I was 16, the idea of doing a long horseback journey had lived in the back of my mind, and the story of the Klamath River captivated me. So I began to search for a route, from the headwaters in Southern Oregon to the California Coast.

Over two years I traveled from my home in Petaluma, six hours north along Interstate 5 up to the Klamath, driving backroads,

floating on its waters, trying to gain a sense of what the river was and how I could ride along it. I found a way, 300 miles east to west, downriver. In that time I also found two young mustangs and two mules to do that trip with me, and a friend to help on the trail. I prepared by doing smaller trips: one visiting ghost towns in Eastern Nevada, and another taking a bluegrass band, The Brothers Comatose, on horseback through the foothills of the Sierra. Thacher helped me prepare for such a complex undertaking, and several people from the school lent a hand as well—Katherine Halsey, René Duykaerts, and Robin Walter.

I find myself just one month before the May 24 starting date of this project, which I’ve named Songs of the Klamath. Riding for a month along the Klamath River, I will create a short video documentary, write songs, produce field recordings, and compose a presentation that engages the interface between the human and natural world, lending my artistic voice to the mission of environmentalism. At its completion, Songs of the Klamath will be a multi-media project that explores the connections between humans, nature, environmental justice, songwriting, and creativity.

Avery performs as Ismay; on horsback with The Brothers Comatose; Odessa the mustang, the Klamath meets the Pacific.

Find out more about Avery’s journey and the music of Ismay here: www.songsoftheklamath.com www.ismaymusic.com

The Thacher School 13

“There’s something about the outside of a horse….”

It’s fair to say that few couples in academia have done more to understand and explain one NATURE OF THE THACHER HORSE PROGRAM and the gifts it ofTHE the world’s most complex and troubled places.

Both Al andcan Pollytest grewthe up hearing about and language. As the program’s longbestows limitsstories of reason Africa and they first met in the Congo – Al time director Cam Schryver says was elsewhere in this issue, “I don’t think that something of a latter-day Phillip Marlow and all of the lessons, the things you learn, can exactly get expressed or quantiPolly a budding researcher. In fact, anyone who fied... there are partsthethat go out tothe the limit of my ability with language.” despairs of jump-starting continent into modern – a perennialabout a horse” can be hard to put into It’s notinternational just Cam.economy That “something source of anxiety to the World Bank– oughtthe to Horse Program brings about transwords. In part, it may be because spend an afternoon.

formations that are in themselves inexplicable, almost alchemical. We hope that the stories, reflections, and photos on the following pages provide valuable insights into the impact of this program and its important role at Thacher. However, in the end, you might just have to saddle up and hit the trail yourself to fully appreciate what is so good about horses. In the meantime, we hope you’ll agree that it sure is something.

Primary photography by Elli Papayanopoulos

14 spring 2017

PHOTO/ILLUSTRATION CREDIT HERE

It’s fair to say that few couples in academia have done more to understand and explain one of the world’s most complex and troubled places.

Both Al and Polly grew up hearing stories about Africa and they first met in the Congo – Al was something of a latter-day Phillip Marlow and Polly a budding researcher. In fact, anyone who despairs of jump-starting the continent into the modern international economy – a perennial source of anxiety to the World Bank– ought to spend an afternoon.

The Thacher School 01

Riding With Purpose Why the Horse Remains Central to the Thacher Experience.

“You cannot understand the Horse Program through mere intellectualization.

To understand what this does, you’ve got to be with a horse, on a horse, and among horses and horse people.”

—Michael K. Mulligan TO MANY, Thacher is “that school with horses.” This should surprise nobody; the Horse Program is arguably our most distinctive tradition, bound tightly to our history and values. But what is sometimes hard for outsiders to understand is why we persist in such an expensive, risky, and time-intensive program, one other schools don’t seem to have a need for.

The short answer is that horses are good for young people. Deeply good.

Which is why each new Thacher student, 90 percent of whom have never ridden much before, is assigned a horse. We require that they feed and care for this horse. We teach them how to work with it and ride it. It isn’t always easy. Horses need food and water every day, which can mean rising before the sun, and dragging yourself up to the barns on cold, damp mornings. It means using a shovel and a rake and a wheelbarrow. The horse will not thank you. In fact, horses can be stubborn and scary; some bite and kick. And we expect all this of teenagers in the context of a rigorous academic program where they are living away from home, probably for the first time. Put this way, it all starts to sound a little crazy, this school with the horses.

But there is deep logic to it. The horse brings practical work connected to real consequences; this creature depends upon on us. There are risks (and what adolescent does not crave risk?) that can deliver high-energy 16 spring 2017

excitement and thrills as well as sudden encounters with the ground. Lessons like these get your attention and last a lifetime. Our Horse Program teaches partnership and strengthens community; students will bond with their horses, their peers, and with the adults and upperclassmen who teach and mentor them. Our arenas, fields, and trails afford a heightened connection to nature, an alternative way of seeing the world and being in it. In an increasingly digital world, this unapologetically analog activity connects the rider not only to this other being, but to natural rhythms and centuries of human culture dependent on horses.

Few disciplines provide young people with a better framework for developing and coordinating their mental, emotional, and physical capacities, or for helping them turn their attentions from self to others.

Hanging in the Horse Program’s office at the barns is a large sign entitled “The Mental Preparation of the Rider.” Drawn from Erik Herbermann’s guidebook to horsemanship, Dressage Formula, this wisdom, which enlivens much of what our students are taught, emphasizes the importance of working in partnership with the horse, of honoring and respecting the horse, and pursuing self-awareness and self-improvement in the process.

The task of the rider is to be the leader of the partnership, to have clarity of purpose, and the discipline to work within the capabilities of human

GROUNDWORK: Much of the important work of riding is conducted out of the saddle, with both feet firmly on the ground.

A Much Greater Thing Parents reflect on the Horse Program

by Jim and Susan Jackson, parents of Evan ’17 and Ryan ’17

and horse. What parent does not wish for their child to learn leadership, partnership, discipline, and an awareness of limits?

But these explanations miss the full-gallop fun and deep satisfaction that also motivate and reward the effort. They don’t convey the exultant look on the face of the young rider who, though a novice a few months ago, has just plucked a silver dollar off the ground at a gallop. They don’t articulate the intense emotions on the faces of freshmen bidding their horses goodbye at year’s end. To get that, you’ll want to read what our students and their parents say in these pages about their experiences.

And if you still want to know why we ride, why we still ride despite all of the reasons we might not, read the alumni stories that follow. For ultimately, the most powerful testament to the efficacy of the Thacher Horse Program comes from those who describe the fundamental ways it shaped their characters, their careers, and their relationships. As one alumnus writes in this issue, his horse gave him “an enormous amount of the very best things that this life can provide: courage, loyalty, friendship, kindness, patience, and self-reliance.”

When a high school can offer that, something powerful is at work.

IN HIS BOOK OF ESSAYS entitled, Some Horses, Western writer Thomas McGuane writes, “Those who love horses are impelled by an ever-receding vision, some enchanted transformation through which the horse and the rider become a third, much greater thing.”

Watching our son, Evan, and his horse Too Funn, experience this transformation has been the thrill of a lifetime.

Before he arrived at Thacher, Evan had barely been around horses, much less ridden one. But over the course of his freshman and sophomore years, Evan used advice from his mentors in Thacher’s Horse Program to grow as both a rider and as a person. He learned when to be assertive and when to be patient, when to lead and when to follow, and how to establish a rhythm with his horse that created that “much greater thing.” On horseback, Evan learned the dance that goes on for all of us, every day, in all walks of life.

Our son also learned that while failure and disappointment are difficult to accept, in the long run they are touchstones on the way to success if they are used as learning opportunities instead of an end result. And finally, Evan discovered happiness in unexpected places, in relationships with his fellow riders, in Extreme Cowboy competitions in California and Texas, and in mornings and afternoons spent in the saddle. In the end, Thacher’s Horse Program is an adventure that will forever be a part of our son and our family.

The Thacher School 17

“It Has to Be a Little Risky to Be Good”

Cam Schryver gives an exit interview with Michael Mulligan and Sophia Fung ’17

WITH THE NEWS that Cam Schryver would soon be riding off to new adventures, we thought the time was right to have him sit down with Michael Mulligan so we could ask the two of them about the Horse Program as they prepare to entrust it to the care of others. So, a couple of days after Cam’s 25th and final Big Gymkhana, he sat down with Michael for a conversation moderated by Sophia Fung, a Thacher senior and gymkhana captain. What follows is a condensed version of that conversation. You can find more at thacher.org/magazine/spring2017.

Sophia: Let’s start with you, Mr. Schryver.

What was your previous experience with horses or teaching people how to ride before you came to Thacher?

Cam: I had a lot of previous experience with horses. I broke horses for a living. I cowboyed for a living, handled lots of horses. I had very little teaching experience. I would teach one person—coach one person at a time every now and then. So I didn’t have experience teaching big groups. I had no experience teaching groups of 14-year-old human beings who had never ridden before.

Cam: That was a great trip. I can explain that. I’m not a big planner, and I always feel like I can do everything—I can just adjust, adapt, and improvise. And so I do a little bit of planning. But I just think, “Well, what if a few things go wrong and we don’t have some stuff?

It’ll be kind of a challenge.” Anyhow, I managed to forget all the meat, and all the chocolate. Those are two things that would cause a mutiny on a trip. But luckily, we had a ton of cheese and a ton of tortillas, so we got by.

Sophia: So you had cheese tortillas for six days?

and decided he didn’t want go up anymore, up these steep stairs. He pivoted on his back legs over the chasm, over the long dropping chasm in my estimation. Then started plunging down the rock trail on his knees. And so I’m looking at water and rocks down to my left and a wall to my right. Jack Huyler is shouting, “Mike, jump, jump! Jump off the horse, jump!” I realized if I jumped, I was going to jump to a broken leg. And I didn’t have the time to think that through, but I just stayed on the horse as he tumbled to his knees. Then I jumped off at the last moment. Do you remember that?

Cam: I do, very clearly. It was scary.

Cam: Yeah, I think something like that. But you get by. And of course, that teaches you.

Michael: And I landed on a rock. I’m just, like, There’s a philosophy on some horse trips of “Let’s just go out, and let’s pack more food than “I’m glad that’s over.” And Mr. Huyler said to me, Michael: No, but Thacher was a dream come “That is the second-worst accident I’ve ever seen. we need.” And my idea is we’re traveling; let’s true for me because I used to fantasize a lot And the first one killed a man.” travel light. We can eat big next week. We’re about having a horse. And so when I got here, I Americans, right? So we ride a little further, started off with the freshmen right off the bat, Cam: Yeah, it was a scary moment. That story eat a little less, that’s good for us. To me if and really enjoyed that. And then in October, reminds me of one of the important things everybody gets a little hungry, that’s good [then-director of the Horse Program] Bruce experience for them, too. Not that I plan it that in this Horse Program that is a little hard to Oxley said, “Mike, I’m going to a horse sale. Do preserve. I would say there’s a Teddy Roosevelt you want to come?” And I said “yes” and bought way, but I don’t care about it that much. angle on the Horse Program, if you will. It a horse. That was a little bit of a shock for Joy has to be a little risky to be good; it can’t be Michael: So the story I wish to tell is Mr. as I came back with a horse. I’ve owned them completely safe. When it comes to trail rides, Schryver’s first year here, and Mr. Huyler ever since then, and this has been fantastic. over the years, Mr. Mulligan has often come by wanted to make sure we knew some of the and volunteered to lead a group of freshman on trails that were not being used as much, so we Sophia: Mr. Schryver, what were the biggest trail rides. I know how those rides go. There’s went up towards the Matilija Peak, and the challenges you faced? something about leadership. There’s something Joaquin Murrieta camp up in that area. And about excitement. There’s something about Jack said, “You know, we haven’t been here in Cam: Teaching a whole lot of people how to taking a little risk that sort of galvanizes many years. And we need to explore this, and ride in what amounts to a fairly short period people and gets them to step up a little bit. we need to get Thacher kids on this trail.” The of time in a day is hard. It often does not really Usually—almost all the time—things turn trail was a little rugged, and we were stepallow you to work through a student’s horse out pretty good as far as this level of endeavor ping over rocks, and limbs, as it hadn’t been problem or a horse challenge—there’s not goes. It is important to have that be part of used. And then we went up a fairly steep rock quite enough time. So the challenge was how the program. And if you can’t go out and speed staircase with a waterfall and stream rushto get on with those things, make some progalong the trail where you’re not supposed to be, ing down to our right. It’s a pretty significant ress, and then build on it the next day. well, that would be a sad thing. drop-off. And the horse that I was on, for whatever reason—poor horsemanship on my Sophia: I heard rumors of a time you went on a Michael: Let’s get that on the record. part at that time or whatever—he just bucked trip and forgot the food.

Sophia: Mr. Mulligan, did you ride much before Thacher?

18 spring 2017

Cam: You learn to ride a lot on the these trails.

They’re super important. Occasionally, you might have to ride a little bit faster, a little bit more vigorously than the Horse Program tells you you can. And when you’re doing that, you will learn a lot, guaranteed.

Sophia: How would you characterize your view of horsemanship, and has it changed at all over the years?

Cam: I don’t think my view of horsemanship has changed very much, but I think my ability to impart my thoughts on that have improved. Basically, to me, horsemanship is a partnership. I’m trying to get along and meld with this animal the best I can. I have to be the leader, but I can’t be the dictator.

You have to have leadership abilities. You have to have strength of conviction. You also have to have guile. You have to know when to push and when to release, when to cajole, and when to demand. And all those things come into play with those horses. So it’s not a mechanical thing for me. I’m trying to, by physical language, over time, and through consistent behavior, develop a way to talk to the horse’s mind and get them to understand

the program and kind of relax and be happy.

That’s when they’re efficient. They’re just like us. If they’re relaxed, they can use their coordination. We are at our athletic best when we’re relaxed, and so are they. So the trick in horsemanship is to get your horse to do high level stuff while keeping him relaxed.

So, I try to teach balance, timing, and feel.

And every now and then, one of my students will just get it all of a sudden. Maybe after struggling for months or maybe even a couple years, they get that feel. And they love it, and then they go back because once you start to feel that, you go back to it all the time. That’s when the rider quits using the reins anywhere near as much as they used to, stops pulling on their horse. And things just kind of start to flow with the horse. And it often happens just in an afternoon. Sometimes it happens in the sequence of a minute. The time is right. Finally the explanation is right. The horseman is right.

Everything’s right and they can feel it. That’s the true deal you’re looking for right there.

That’s what I’m trying to teach, and that’s the game. And I can’t wait to experiment more when I have a little more time.

Sophia: How has the student role in the Horse

Program changed and evolved? This is the answer that I’m looking forward to.

Cam: Well, I think it’s evolved in a really good way. We’ve always had a certain level of student leadership in the Horse Program.

But I think what galvanized things is really the emphasis on student leadership that took place a few years ago when the School created more student leadership positions and put more students in those positions. And it has developed into what I think is a really powerful thing where we rely on you guys quite a bit. The expert help we get from the juniors and seniors is what really makes it all work. So I think our upperclass leadership is in good shape and just needs to be continued.

Sophia: It’s really beneficial for the student. I can say that from personal experience. It really helped me as a person just being able to teach and help the Horse Department.

Cam: I am so impressed by how much you students have internalized the program and how well you deliver those lessons to the freshmen.

Sophia: And the freshmen who are learning The Thacher School 19

how to ride know that they have a lot of support. They can go to lots of different people.

Cam: You’re a great bridge for us. There might be stresses or things I don’t quite understand, which you guys have often explained to me.

The upperclass leadership makes for a crucial liaison there.

Michael: At Thacher, there’s a lot at stake with the instruction and with the examples that the upperclassmen set. So it’s actually a perfect way for kids to not only learn what to do, but also how to look at their role models and have a sense of respect and ultimately love for them. A lot of schools have sort of a hazing atmosphere between upperclassmen and underclassmen. At Thacher, when we do it right, we don’t have that. We have a sense of a really strong leadership where you, your peers, are teaching important practical as well as philosophical lessons to these kids. It’s a distinguishing characteristic of the School.

Sophia: I have to say that being a gymkhana captain made me want to be a freshman prefect.

Cam: For the Horse Program, that is the best of all possible worlds. You know I found a book in front of the Middle School lying on the ground. I was walking to breakfast, I think. I picked it up, and it said something like Underground Guide to Private Boarding High School. I opened it up to The Thacher School, and it says “For some reason, the student body seems to 20 spring 2017

think the faculty is on their side, and they get along really well.”

I didn’t read the rest of it, but I assume most of the rest of the schools are not exactly in that same situation. That sentence described something we do have here; it is a precious thing that has to be guarded, and built, and nurtured every year. It doesn’t stay; you have to create it. Mike Mulligan’s been a big part of keeping that—creating it, keeping it going, fostering it.

I think that’s largely why the School works.

Sophia: Mr. Schryver, looking back at your role with the Horse Program, what are you most proud of?

Cam: I’m proud of teaching so many kids to ride. And that almost everybody who has gone through the program has appreciated the horse, at least a little bit. Some come to love them and really understand what they’re about. I’m proud of creating that. For whatever reason, that’s always been a big part of my life.

It’s really important to me.

Michael: The other day, as the freshmen were out cleaning their saddles, I was overhearing conversations from a number of kids talking about how much it meant to them to say goodbye to their horse at the end of the year, boys and girls. It just struck me how authentic and real that was and how meaningful that relationship had become for them, even kids who were not ostensibly smitten with the Horse Program. There’s a relationship that

takes place that actually, I think, transfers and transforms these kids into different worlds, and I think they’re better people because of it.

As hard as it’s gonna be for Mr. Schryver to hear this, I think one of the greatest gifts that he and Mrs. Schryver brought to this program has been sort of a level of authenticity, and sincerity, and example of hard work, and no flash.

Just serious, good relationships, and a respectful relationship with the animals and the kids. I think that that’s a powerful example that lasts a lifetime and will stand them in good stead in ways they don’t even know.

Sophia: I agree with all of that. What hopes do you have for the Horse Program, Mr. Schryver, as it moves into the next era of its history?

Cam: Well, number one, that it stays in existence for as long as the School is around.

Because there are intrinsic yet intangible lessons here. I don’t think that all of the lessons, the things you learn, can exactly get expressed or quantified. Some of them can, but there are parts that go out to the limit of my ability with language. Just the whole thing: getting out in the wilderness on a horse, or getting out in the country on a horse, traveling on a horse, sleeping under the stars with your horses tied up nearby. Those are experiences that not everyone gets to have and we are one of the only schools that offers them. Of course, I always hope that the horsemanship will remain and prevail.

Michael: I want to jump in on that because it

“There’s a value to all these kids coming out and currying their horses together, and shoveling manure together, helping each other saddle, and riding together. The support they end up giving each other, all these elements, build a sense of perspective on the world that you don’t get from anything else.” seems to me that, with Cam leaving this year, with my departure the year after, we hope that the next school head can either learn or will know coming in what the significance of this program is. There is no school in the nation that does a program like this the way we do it now. And I hope that no one—no board, no head—is so shortsighted as to not understand that this experience of kids with horses, with teachers, in the wilderness, shifts how we all look at the world, how the kids look at the world, how they experience the school. And if you take the Horse Program away from Thacher, you’ve just got another School. And I think we would lose something. And there’s another thing that we lose, too, which is that Mr. Schryver, Mr. Swan, and members of the Horse Program—the full-time staff—bring a critical perspective that is different from that of the academic. One of the parents wrote to me to say they worry about the departure of the Schryvers and Thacher becoming “an ideological monoculture.” I think that is spot on because our students need to see the world from a perspective beyond that of just the ivory tower of academia. There’s a value to all these kids coming out and currying their horses together, and shoveling manure together, helping each other saddle, and riding together. The support they end up giving each other, all these elements, build a sense of perspective on the world that you don’t get from anything else.

And this is the other thing I wanted to say to future people at Thacher, which is that you

cannot understand the Horse Program through mere intellectualization. To understand what this does, you’ve got to be with a horse, on a horse, and among horses and horse people. You can talk about it till you’re blue in the face, but if you’re not out there doing it, you don’t get it.

back—wake up with horses, go to sleep with horses—and the horse is what enables them to live, whether they’re herders or hunters, or whatever they are. There are still a few that exist, they’ve existed in history. We’re still doing it, and it’s important.

Sophia: What advice do you have for your successors?

Michael: Mr. Huyler and Mr. Kahle actually did face a period where forces were trying to shut down the Horse Program. It did not have any wings with the alumni, fortunately. But I don’t think it’s ever going to be fair for the Horse Program director to have to be the sole protector of the Horse Program. It’s got to be the head of the school, the trustees have to be committed to this and follow through with it, and make sure that the Horse Program director has all the support he or she needs.

I want to follow that by thanking, on behalf of all of us, Cam and Lori and the Schryver clan for really a signal contribution to The Thacher School.

Cam: When I came here, both Jack Huyler and Jesse Kahle told me individually in complete seriousness that I was the protector of the Horse Program. They warned me that during the transition, there will be people that with all good intentions, will make a run at changing things. When Jesse Kahle said that, I felt like saying, “Yes, sir. I’ll be protecting it.” I don’t think I even really knew what it was at that time.

There’s always a little tension. That’s just the way of things. There’s a lot of economics involved, and it’s a very expensive program.

And occasionally people come around, and they wanna change it—in my mind diminish it. The intentions are good, and often the arguments are logical. And as I have tried to say, and I think Mr. Mulligan has done a better job of saying, there are some illogical parts to this program that really make it work. It needs to be protected for the anachronism that it is. This doesn’t go on all over the world, yet it puts you in touch with people from the ancient world, to cultures and people that live on the broad back of Mother Earth on horse-

Cam: And just to make sure this is a love fest, Michael’s always been a huge supporter of the Horse Program and has helped me numerous times in making decisions and just letting me know that we’re supported both financially and philosophically. Mike, I thank you very much for that. That’s been steadfast.

The Thacher School 21

Off to the Races: Big Gymkhana 2017 A rainy start to the day brought good footing and fast times to this year's competition. It was often impossible to tell the seasoned riders from those who had met their first horse a mere nine months before.

22 spring 2017

Rose O'Neal '17 (left) gives Lucky some love. Nolan Vyhnal '17 (this page) draws upon his inner Lancelot on a thundering ring-spearing run. After a year of hard work (insets), freshmen Tommy Britttingham and Vincent Langan make it look easy.

Photo on facing page by David Kepner CdeP 2007; photos this page Christopher Land.

The Thacher School 01

The Alchemy of Horses: Thacher Alumni Share the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. By Christopher Land

M

shape, which eventually “rose up off the trail and kept creeping up the ANY THACHER HORSE STORIES begin like the one told mountain.” J.R. claims the experience taught him the importance of

by Ted Rhodes CdeP 1965: “My first day at Thacher found me, a city boy from Pasadena, standing out in the barnyard carrying a flashlight; what he doesn’t mention is the more substantial lesson he learned about his own capabilities. and manure of The Thacher School meeting Jesse Kahle For Nick Cunningham MD, DrPH CdeP 1946, who had never been from the Horse Program and a saddled roan horse they randomly had on a horse before, his horse, Pow Wow, was one continuous learning picked for me.” Quite a few horse stories end like this one, too: “As soon as I climbed awkwardly into the saddle, the horse reared up, snapping his tie- experience: “A cow pony in a previous life, Pow Wow had a ‘hard’ mouth, but when it got through to him that I really wanted to stop, he just sat down straps. His head thrust straight back into mine, smacking me out of down with such conviction that I flew over the bow and landed in the the saddle and onto the ground like a mail pouch dropped from a passing dust (on the way to the ‘Pop Stand’). Guess he thought there was a steer train.” Later in his Thacher career, after many hours in the saddle on the on the other end of a rope around the pommel?” One day, he and Pow Gymkhana Field and Thacher trails (some bearing his uncles’ names), Ted Wow came to a spot on a steep shale slope where the trail had washed would would come to appreciate Mr. Thacher’s credo about the outside of a out: “There was no room to dismount on the upside and no place to stand horse, but on his first day as a freshman he found himself rudely thrown on the down side. I was stymied, but not Pow Wow; he reared up and to the ground where he sat “stunned, teary-eyed, and anxious about being able to weather four years at this same school my older brother, our father, executed an 180-degree turn before I had a clue...smart horse.” and his three brothers all had graduated from.”

THE GOOD Following a similar trajectory was Tony Dann CdeP 1957, who grew The alchemy of turning blood, sweat, and tears into golden memories up in Los Angeles “surrounded by concrete and asphalt,” had never been includes its share of the good, the bad, and the ugly. For Stephen Huyler on a horse “until Jesse Kahle got me in the stable arena.” Though Tony CdeP 1969 one of these golden moments was a routine he and his horse, was nervous and scared at the time, he “cannot say enough about what a Ranger, shared at the end of each riding day during his junior year. “I fine man [Jesse] was and what a great job he did with running the Horse would unsaddle my sweaty horse and take off his bridle,” writes Stephen.

Program and working with students.”

Ranger “would kick up his heels in delight as he ran down the hill to the What, then, is the alchemy that allows young riders to climb into the sandpit where he would roll energetically by himself.” Meanwhile, Stesaddle under dark clouds of dread and eventually ride off into a golden phen would go get him some flakes of hay and return to the corral “just sunset? A lot of it comes down to lessons learned. John Taylor CdeP in time for him to gleefully run back in.”

1964 arrived to find that Jack Huyler and Jesse Kahle had assigned him Barry H. Smith CdeP 1961 and Boots developed a strong bond of Spice, the “nasty, mean-spirited, temperamental mare” that his father their own. “I am not quite certain who taught whom,” writes Barry, but had ridden when he taught at Thacher years before. It was from Spice “what I do know is that Boots, my quarter horse friend and companion that John learned “which end bites and which end kicks.” for four years at Thacher, gave me an enormous amount of the very best One Friday, J.R. Valenzuela CdeP 1997 answered his PTS obligathings that this life can provide: courage, loyalty, friendship, kindness, tion to escort a group of freshmen and their supplies up to the Pines for patience, and self-reliance.... All of this came with the privilege and pleatheir first overnight horse camping trip. Between a tardy freshman and sure of knowing that Boots would take me anywhere from church in Ojai a recalcitrant mule, J.R. found himself returning to campus in the dark: on a Sunday to the Sespe and beyond over the Topa Topa Ridge and back.”

“No moon, patchy clouds, just the tiniest bit of starlight to make out the The “good” is a trusty steed who makes you feel like a hero in your strange black shape walking up the hillside, then parking itself in the middle of the trail about 15 feet in front of me.” With his horse and mule own Western. Martha Gregory CdeP 2006 remembers camping with Cam Schryver her senior spring. Awaking one morning to realize their nervously pulling back, J.R. did his best to shoo off the menacing black 24 spring 2017

three supply mules and half of their horses were missing, Martha “hopped on the closest horse bareback and raced up the hill after the escapees. I got to live out cowgirl fantasy—being given a real task to save our trip—and test my knowledge and ability.” Twenty minutes up the trail, she found the mules leading the horses across the Sespe. Just then, Cam arrived and together they herded the livestock back to camp.

THE BAD Not every adventure ends well, and quite often there is some bruising of ego and body along the way. Brisha Howe CdeP 2013 remembers coming down a ridge behind the Gymkhana Field with her freshman riding group when she noticed her saddle had slid to the shoulders of her horse, Babe. “I asked Mr. Duykaerts for permission to get off and tighten my cinch,” she writes. “But before I had time to get out of the saddle, Babe lowered her head to graze, sending me toppling off over her head, saddle and all.”

Reuben Haller CdeP 1974 loved having a horse at Thacher and can still smell the sage and dust of the trail, but as an “inexperienced city boy,” his most vivid memories are of “dumb mistakes” that led to equestrian disasters: “As a freshman I was tasked with gathering pots and pans from the camping shed and bringing them to the stables to pack for a camping trip.” Rather than carry the load himself, Reuben decided to enlist the help of his equine friend, Hugo. “I somehow managed to mount the horse with an armful of aluminum, and off we went, walking down the hill toward the stables.” Hugo was not pleased with the clanging that soon resulted. “Ears thrown back, his whole body tensed up at the noise, which only made the pots bang together more. And it was off to the races!” Hugo bolted toward the stables on a certain collision course with a tie rail before skittering to a halt only inches from impact.

“Red-faced and embarrassed,” Reuben recalls, “I walked back up the road, collecting the pots and pans.”

Ken Jacobs CdeP 1968 doesn’t remember a single horse; he remembers several. Ken rode Paul freshman year, until Paul stepped into a gopher hole and Ken hit the ground hard enough to put him in a cast for six weeks. As Ken recovered, Jesse Kahle knocked on his door with the news that Paul had died as a result of the fall. Ken named his next horse Paula.

Come fall, Jesse was back with his hat off. Paula had been kicked and broke her leg; they had to put her down. This was before Thacher supplied the horses: “My Dad was a little upset that he was getting his third bill to buy a horse.” Jesse brought a new mount, which proceeded to trip over its own feet and fall on the test ride. “I dusted myself off and said ‘no way!’,” writes Ken. “Jesse shook his head and said ‘meet your new horse!’” Ken named him Rufus. By senior year Ken was on Florence, a horse he inher-

ited from classmate Karl Merz, Jr. Florence was a great gymkhana horse: “All I had to do was hold on tight, and lean at the right times.” Much to the relief of Ken’s father, “Florence didn’t die, and I was sad to take her to the summer pasture before leaving for college.”

When it comes to switching horses in mid-year, few can compete with Bob Kahn CdeP 1983. Bob rode five horses his freshman year alone. First was Smokey, who, a couple of weeks into the fall, bucked Bob completely over his head. “Being an extremely homesick, runt of a kid,” Bob writes, “this experience was not edifying for me.” Next came Joker, who quickly lived up to his name by bolting across the Gymkhana Field only to stop directly in front of a group of riders and Mr. Huyler. “I remember Jack Huyler stopping whatever conversation he was engaged in, looking at Joker and me, pausing, telling me to stop crying, and then getting back to his conversation.” After a short and uneventful horse camping trip astride Stetson, Bob was assigned Princess, “a docile mare,” who was such a confidence booster that Bob asked for another go at Smokey. Instead, he was assigned “small but mighty” Drummer, with whom he enjoyed a successful Big Gymkhana.

Sid Liebes CdeP 1948 vividly recalls the day when he, Harry Allen, and another classmate were descending a steep trail, when suddenly, Harry’s horse slipped off the trail. Harry dismounted in time, but the horse became caught up in a trailside barbed-wire fence, a wire looped tightly around its foreleg fetlock. As Sid describes it, “Harry, in a flash, yanked out and snapped open a pocket knife, and commenced furiously to saw away at the wire. Within seconds the wire, amazingly, snapped!”

Before long they were back on the trail and heading back to the barns.

Sid writes, “Harry, one of the brightest of our classmates, demonstrated smarts beyond books, unflinching character in crisis, and an instinct to tackle the seemingly impossible when there appeared no other recourse.”

THE UGLY The beauty of the Horse Program is the many object lessons it offers, some of them even academic, such as the Veterinary Medicine classes students have taken over the years. But it isn’t always pretty. Martha Gregory also remembers taking Vet Med when Chuck Warren was teaching it. One of the older horses had expired in Carpenter’s Orchard—possibly assisted by a mountain lion. Never one to bypass a teachable moment, Chuck decided that reassembling the skeleton would afford a powerful anatomical lesson. After tracking down a recipe for separating soft tissue from bone, he set his students to work. Martha then “spent many evenings, with explicit permission from Chuck to be up at the pack station during Study Hall for this absurdist cooking experiment, boiling the bits and pieces off all these bones in a giant ancient metal bucket that was way too large for the camp stove we were told to use.” At the end of each boil, Martha and her classmates would transport a “vat of boiling lard” out into the darkness and dispose of it far enough away from the barns so it wouldn’t attract predators.

It doesn’t get much uglier than the story Sarah Brown-Campello CdeP 2008 shares, which takes place amidst the drenching rains that came with her first year at Thacher. Flooded barns meant a lot of extra work mucking and draining the stalls. One particular afternoon, Sarah and some classmates were an hour into this messy work when Holden Miller accidentally splattered Tim Brown with muck. When Tim reciprocated, Holden dodged, and Sarah was caught in the crossfire. “Trying to get my justice, I returned the favor, but Tim ducked.... leaving me only a split second to process the fact that the manure was heading towards Ms. Hardenbergh, who had just entered the stall to check in on us.” The story ends with work crews all around, even for Bruno Ferrari, who was an innocent bystander.

The Thacher School 25

Some horse stories are neither good, bad, nor ugly, but just plain mischievous. Phoebe Collins, an Emma Willard exchange student who was at Thacher in the spring of 1974, describes a daring mounted raid on Upper School launched with some classmates. Tania Al-Awar Parker CdeP 1999 remembers sneaking horses out at night for full moon rides.

After a bobcat followed them one night, they began recruiting Sam Swan CdeP 1997 to accompany them “by throwing rocks at his window (praying Mike wouldn’t hear us).”

WHAT ENDURES In addition to stories great and grisly, the Horse Program yields other benefits, some of them fairly obvious: horsemanship skills, great memories, friendships with classmates formed on the trail and often under trying circumstances. Even Ken Jacobs, whose horses kept dying, eventually saw some good come of it. “At Dartmouth, one of my quarters of physical education was horseback riding. Nailed it! And no horses died.” For many, including John Winsell Davies CdeP 1982, the impact is more far reaching: “the Horse Program is the single most important, distinguishing factor of the School—bar none…. the Horse Program changed and shaped my future life.”

What Arnie Moore CdeP 1963 gleaned from the Horse Program “was the great personal satisfaction to be achieved through hard work.”

The hardest work, he recalls, was working as part of a three-man team to transfer hay bales from the truck to the hay barn. “Each of us with our hooks, one on the truck, one on the floor of the barn, and one at the top of the stack, we would throw those bales from one station to the next….

At the end of the job our bare chests would be glistening with sweat, which acted as a glue to affix the hay particles all over our bodies. Our reward from Jesse Kahle was a cold bottle of soda pop.”

Kent Brown CdeP 1987 sums it up this way: “The Horse Program makes Thacher Thacher because it builds real confidence. Mastering beast and hills cannot be faked or avoided.” To illustrate the point he tells of an ill-fated mission to deliver supplies in the Sespe that he took with classmates Tom Huntley and Michael Mahan and a train of mules.

On their way back to Patton’s Cabin, after the group had endured six days of rain, sleet, and snow, Chilly the mule refused to swim across the river one more time. As they tried to coax her, she suddenly “launched into the river with a mighty jump,” taking Kent and two other mules “straight into the Sespe at full flood while it was snowing.” They wasted no time getting to Patton’s, starting a fire, and climbing into their sleeping bags to warm up… only to be swarmed by ticks. “We looked at each other in horror, and then suddenly burst into uncontrollable laughter.”

One could take a few lessons away from an experience like that, but 26 spring 2017

Kent’s takeaway was this: “Tom, Mike, and I had mastered hill and beast, and Thacher ‘confidence’ is one of my treasured gifts.”

The Horse Program taught Tony Dann CdeP 1957 “to exercise better personal responsibility and discipline characteristics.” For Bob Kahn, the freshman who went through all those horses, there was something deeper developing as he struggled to manage the likes of Smokey and Joker; in the process he learned to better manage himself. “I wish I could remember the moment when I decided to ask for Smokey back. It seems to me that whatever went through my mind at that precise instant encapsulates what the Thacher Horse Program is all about. I guess it moved me one step closer to being a man.”

THE ALCHEMISTS Many of the most powerful Horse Program memories are not just about horses; they are also about people. Hailey Everett CdeP 2012 treasures the memory of working with Richard Winters in his colt training program, which would culminate in a demonstration before parents during a family weekend. When she found out she would be working with the Schryvers’ very own filly, “suddenly the pressure was on!” Weeks of groundwork set the stage for saddling, and eventually Hailey found herself in the saddle. “I’ll never forget the time when we were getting close to parents weekend, and Mr. Winters took me on a trail ride with my still quite wild filly. We ended up in his backyard with Mrs. Winters bringing us some cold lemonade to enjoy. Only at Thacher would this be how I spent my high school afternoons!”

Eliza Gregory CdeP 1999 recalls riding alone along the Phelps trail near the barns when her horse got the better of her and deposited her in the chaparral before making a beeline back to the barns. “I ran after it clumsily,” she writes, “and caught up just enough to see it hustle into the barns, clearly riderless, and stop immediately in front of Mr. Schryver.

My heart sank. I saw him look around for the rider and see me emerge from the scrub. But he just smiled at me as I struggled over towards him and I don’t think he said anything at all. He didn’t make a big deal about it. He just kept going on about his business and I finally got close enough to gather up my reins and get back on.”

Jesse Kahle is the hero of much horse program lore. Typical of the Jesse genre is the one Dan Abbot CdeP 1959 tells of his father’s Arabian mare, Rasi, who suffered a panic attack soon after arriving on campus and “cut her chest up pretty badly on the rolled wire of her corral.

Always to the rescue, Jesse Kahle nursed her back to health with no physical damage.”

Lodovico Pizzati CdeP 1991 has a distinct memory of a horsepacking trip to the Sespe with Jack Huyler in 1991. One highlight of that

trip was when Jack taught him to swim his horse, Candyman. “As soon as the water was too deep and I could feel the horse sinking, I slid back and grabbed Candyman’s tail….It was an unforgettable experience...”

It should come as no surprise that, one way or another, many graduates of the Horse Program end up with horses in their lives. In 1965, David Laylin CdeP 1955 found himself in the safari business in Iran and in need of horses and saddles for clients. He started with the Western saddles he knew but ended up with McClellans, which were a better fit for the smaller horses of the region. “My personal horse was a Kord-Dareshuri cross stallion,” writes David. “He was pretty ‘hot.’ But what a ride!”

Ted Rhodes CdeP 1965 didn’t fully appreciate his “transformation at Thacher from greenhorn city slicker to accomplished horseman” until the spring of his freshman year at Dartmouth, when he was asked to led summer pack trips for 14-year-olds at Silver Pines Camp. This lead to “three challenging but fun-filled summers running their horse program featuring mini-gymkhanas, trail rides, and overnight pack trips with dozens of young boys as green at riding as I once had been.”

Remember Nick Cunningham who learned to ride on Pow Wow? Ten years later, after an internship at the L.A. County Hospital, he joined the Indian Health Service where he was responsible for the Hualapai Tribe, some Yavapai, a few Mescalero Apache, and all the Havasupai people in the bottom of the Grand Canyon: “There was no road, so every two weeks I took my horse and rode down to hold clinic.”

Few alumni have taken the lessons of the Horse Program farther afield than Lincoln Hollister CdeP 1956. He first put his horsemanship skills to good use one summer in college while working as a field assistant for a graduate student doing a geology thesis in the Peruvian Andes. He tells of coaxing ponies along moonlit trails between mountain villages by walking out in front and singing songs from the Thacher songbook. The next summer he landed a job (he knew how to throw two pack hitches) with the U.S. Geological Survey as a field assistant on a project in the Colorado Rockies. “While on the job,” he writes, “a horse needed to be re-shoed. I did that, and my bosses were very pleased.

Thank you, Jesse Kahle!” Next, as a graduate student doing field work in the southern Coast Mountains of British Columbia, he used pack animals to get supplies in and rocks out of otherwise inaccessible areas.

In the ’80s came geological expeditions in the Himalayas of Bhutan, where he used ponies and, at higher elevations, yaks. “Jesse Kahle was one of the three or so most influential teachers I had at Thacher. Jesse’s calmness and patience and wisdom in helping us to learn to manage in unpredictable situations has served me well, even where horses were not involved.”

Many others report the enduring influence of the Horse Program on their lives. Dan Abbot found it to be “one of the more unique and enriching experiences” of his life and has since enjoyed owning and riding horses. Today, John Taylor CdeP 1965 owns two horses: “We ride both and drive a mini-Conestoga with one of them.” Tony Dann writes that, the “Horse Program altered the course of my recreational life in that I had a latent horse gene which Jesse and the Horse Program allowed to develop and blossom.” As empty nesters, he and his wife acquired some horses for camping and trail rides, which evolved into endurance racing.

David Pinkham CdeP 1961 reports that he and his team of Belgian mules “have crossed Death Valley, driven the Bidwell Road from Chico to Silver City, Idaho; plowed, disced, harrowed, and drilled countless fields; pulled various carriages and wagons through parades all over California.” Having served as David’s “therapists,” they now reside with a youth program that teaches kids at risk using many of the same principles as the Thacher Horse Program: “Principles such as respect for manual labor, partnership with an animal to achieve a goal, responsibility that comes with owning and caring for mules, and the sensitivity it takes to convince a 3,000 pound pair of animals to do delicate work. In the end, I want these kids to feel as I do and as Thacher taught me—feeding animals is a privilege, not a chore. Life is enhanced by an intimate relationship with mules and Nature.”

No two Thacher grads experience the Horse Program in the same way. And, in some cases, they don’t experience it at all. Yet even then, lessons can be learned. Having had his fill of horses and donkeys as a child, Willard Wyman CdeP 1978, was not thrilled with the prospect of riding when his father became headmaster and he became a student here. Despite Jack Huyler’s cajoling, Will steered clear of the barns, preferring sports instead. “In retrospect, this is something I now actually regret,” writes Will, “having watched my three children benefit greatly from the Horse Program.” Nevertheless, he always looks forward “to hitting the trail, tying the diamond hitch, and packing donkeys up in the Golden Trout Wilderness and High Sierra!”

Perhaps these stories bring us a little closer to expressing the alchemy of horses, that “something” that is good for us inside and out.

Ted Rhodes does as well as anyone at summing it up: “Certainly it was about caring for a being other than oneself, but, more importantly, it was about taking on a challenge, no matter how daunting, and giving that challenge the best shot one can. For at least some of us less accomplished at horses when we arrived at Thacher, it was about going for it, never giving up, and overcoming adversity. Expecting the unexpected.

And it was about believing in oneself and building self-confidence. It was also about knowing and trusting others, whether it be a horse named Pharaoh or Lorenzo or a wise ol’ now-legendary horse wizard cowboy named Jesse Kahle.”

This kind of learning is different from the facts some students are asked to memorize for a final, here one day, gone the next. The lessons of horses are transformative, enduring, and life-enhancing. As Ted concludes: “Today, I no longer own a horse, but I still have a pair of cowboy boots, my spurs, an old lariat, and a strong sense of self-confidence, all intact thanks to Jesse Kahle, Sherman Day Thacher, and a Thacher Horse Program that has continued to thrive, more recently, under the steady guidance of Cam Schryver and, now, Richard Winters.”

May it long continue.

Ed note: This is only a sampling of the stories we collected. Due to space limitations, we had to edit heavily. You can find all the submissions in their entirety at www.thacher.org/magazine/spring2017.

The Thacher School 27

Doc Finch takes an X-ray of an injured horse while her Vet Met class looks on. Afterwards, the class will review the images and discuss prognosis and care.

CdeP to DVM Connecting the dots between Thacher’s Horse Program and a veterinary career. By Natalie Selzer CdeP 2008 Emily Murphey CdeP 1988 was an upperclassman at Thacher when something went wrong with the herd. An outbreak of strangles had hit hard; Bruce Oxley, then-director of the Horse Program, took her and a small group of other riders aside and showed them how to treat the infection and prevent it from spreading.

Then, he put the entire treatment plan in their hands. Today, Emily is a veterinarian focusing on small animals at a large practice in North Texas. This path—one that began with early mornings at Thacher’s barns and led to a career spent caring for animals, large and small—is not an uncommon one for graduates of Casa de Piedra to choose.

Amanda Hartnack CdeP 1998 followed a trail that led through the High Sierra. While leading horse and mule pack trips—something she says she never would have done if it wasn’t for Thacher—she realized vet med could be right for her. After studying English in college, Amanda went on to veterinary school and a three-year residency in food animal surgery. Today she’s an assistant professor in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at Texas A&M University. “I took away a few things from the Horse Program,” she says.

“First is the work ethic that it instilled in me….

The practical skills with animals I also was able to apply throughout my career.”

For Joanne Hughes CdeP 1989, veterinarian was a second career; she’d considered the path as an undergrad but ended up doublemajoring in economics and psychology. The veterinary path continued to call and today she works as a mobile surgeon, performing advanced orthopedic and soft-tissue surger28 spring 2017

ies for veterinary clinics around Southern California. “I was heavily involved in the Horse Program,” she says. “Providing the day-in and day-out care for a horse for four years definitely provides you with an unusual skill set compared with other 18-year-olds.

Most important was understanding the role of patience and body language when dealing with nervous or frightened animals, which carries over to small animal practice.”

For Hailey Everett CdeP 2012, Thacher’s horse faculty made a lasting impact. She just finished her first year of veterinary school at Purdue University. “My junior year at Thacher I took Dr. Finch’s vet med biology elective. I still have the textbook on my bookshelf at school, as a reminder of my gateway to this field.” “Everything I learned in the Horse Program has followed me,” she added. “The Schryvers, Mr. Winters, Ms. Mahoney, Mr. Swan, Dr. Finch, and so many more taught me not only the hard working traits every student gains, but also a new depth of horse knowledge.”

Kit Miller CdeP 1980 is an equine veterinarian, specializing in the care of sport horses, including hunters, jumpers, and dressage horses. And his Thacher roots run deep. “I was a faculty brat, so I grew up riding and taking care of my own ponies and horses on campus,” he noted. “I also worked several summers … at a dude ranch in Jackson Hole thanks to a Thacher connection, Jack Huyler. In addition, I took a year off from college and worked in a research lab at the Harvard School of Public Health that was run by Dr. Casey Hayes CdeP 1957, a veterinarian.”

Scott MacGregor CdeP 1967 says his inter-

est in veterinary work really took hold while he was an undergrad studying natural sciences. In veterinary school he found himself tracking towards equine medicine, which eventually led to six years practicing at Littleton Large Animal Clinic. Today, he works at Feedlot Health, an international consulting group that does livestock health management, research, data analysis, training, and education.

The circuitous route Ed Haynes CdeP 1972 took to his current work with dogs, cats, “a smattering of pocket pets, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and, once, a tarantula” included a detour through the neighborhoods of Oakland. After he dropped out of engineering school, he spent six years as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service in Oakland, where the first person on his route was a zoo keeper who worked with the apes at the Oakland Zoo. They became friends and Ed was later introduced to some of the zoo veterinarians. In Ed’s words, “Those guys always had interesting stories to tell.” A few years after completing veterinary school, he went on to buy Ukiah Veterinary Hospital in 1994.

An experience, a mentor, a passion, a class—the origins differ but the relationships (both human and animal), the hard work, and the practical learning all come up again and again as the things that prepared Thacher alums not only for a veterinary career, but also to handle the twists and turns along the way.

Of the wisdom gained through her time in the Horse Program, Emily Murphey said: “I learned how to pack a horse safely through tough terrain, how to manage injuries and broken equipment, and, most importantly, what to do when the best laid plans went south.”

Thacher Horse Program Basics COUNTING HORSES

123

29

HORSES

YOUNGEST HORSES

AGE OF UNO, AQUELINA AND ICHABOD OLDEST HORSE

3, 10

(HAS BEEN RETIRED FOR

MULES, BURROS

MANY YEARS)

THEY’LL TURN 1 IN JUNE AND WILL BOTH BE SOLD THIS SUMMER.

$5,000

8 YEARS

AVERAGE COST OF A THACHER HORSE

TYPICAL TENURE OF A HORSE AT THACHER

3,200

FEED: 20 LBS PER DAY

HORSESHOES REPLACED IN A TYPICAL YEAR

919,800 LBS PER YEAR FOR THE WHOLE HERD

5-10

375

GALLONS OF WATER A HORSE CONSUMES IN A DAY

TOTAL HOURS A FRESHMAN WILL SPEND RIDING, GROOMING, FEEDING, AND MUCKING

DIRECTORS SINCE 1948 Jesse Kahle (1948–1972) Hal Johnson (1972–1976) Bruce Oxley CdeP 1954 (1976–1978) Walter Foster CdeP 1973 (1978–1982) Steven Jones (1982–1984) Bruce Oxley CdeP 1954 (1984–1991) Cam Schryver (1992–2017) Richard Winters (2017– )

OFF TO THE RACES Gymkhana races have changed over time. F. Sherman Barreda CdeP 1911 writes about the shirt and button race, in which “the contestant would ride to the end of the track and meet a lady friend who would sew a button on a shirt; then he would put the shirt on and button the button; and if the button held, he would jump on his horse and go back.” There was also the egg race, which involved carrying an egg on a spoon. Fencing (contestants try to knock a feather off of an opponent’s hat) and jousting (which involved trying to knock your opponent off of his horse with a padded stick). In the years around the world wars, gymkhanas would often include cavalry drills.

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PHOTO/ILLUSTRATION CREDIT HERE

Liz Mahoney CdeP 1988- Teaches art and directs the Equestrian Team

The Thacher School 01

00 spring 2017

The Thacher School 01

PHOTO/ILLUSTRATION CREDIT HERE

GATHERINGS… Winter Alumni Day Undeterred by rain, alumni return to Casa de Piedra WINTER ALUMNI DAY gave Thacher alumni and their families an opportunity to kick off 2017 with a bang. In this case some of the bang came from thunder as long-awaited winter weather met us with showers in the morning, turning into partly cloudy skies by 11 a.m. A little rain couldn’t keep Thacher trapshooters (more bang) and riders away, though, with trapshooting opening up as soon as the rain let up and our first ride starting in the mist.

During breaks in the rain, alumni, faculty, and friends enjoyed conversation, ping-pong, pool, and foosball competition in the Commons, and a fireside chat and coffee in the Thacher Room.

Thacher’s annual alumni soccer match resulted in a boys’ varsity victory over alumni 2-1, with intense slips and slides in the fresh mud. In another spirited contest, a hardy pack of alumni outlasted the Thacher boys’ varsity basketball team. The game was a back-and-forth affair until the alumni cemented a win at the end with a couple of clutch baskets.

Both teams played with the passion of a rivalry game, but in the end, it was hugs all around for each player in the Toad family.

Back at the Twin Peaks Trap Range, students and alumni joined together for some light competition led by range masters Steve Kanaly (father of Quinn CdeP 1996 and Evan CdeP 1999) and Chris Van Son

A soccer fan follows the action on the New Field from horseback. The alumni team lost a muddy match with the boys’ varsity team.

Meanwhile, the alumni cagers prevailed over the boys’ varsity basketball team.

32 spring 2016

(father of Sarah CdeP 2015 and Toto CdeP 2016). At 24/25 Michael Finch CdeP 2016 came close to beating out Brooks Walker ’19 who came in at 25/25, after several weeks of shooting 24s. When they’d had enough of the rain, alumni and their families came indoors for rockclimbing and yoga.

Dinner at the head of school’s home allowed our seniors and alumni to relax for the rest of the evening and watch the next storm (and lightning) come in. It was a perfect way to end a drizzly day by gathering for dinner with Michael and Joy and enjoying freshly baked cookies. Following cozy chat and banter about scores and wins throughout the day, the evening ended with an incredible dessert bar and many laughs.

Gratitude for the day goes out to the Bon Appétit crew, the Gun Club, the (tireless) Buildings and Grounds Department, Joy and Michael Mulligan, the Alumni and Development Office, the Horse Department and their legion of student helpers, our esteemed yoga and rock-climbing teachers, the varsity soccer and basketball teams and their coaches, and everyone who joined the festivities.

Put next year’s date, January 6, on your calendar and come back to Casa de Piedra... and with a bit of luck we’ll have sun!

Grandparents Days Grandparents flock to campus to get a taste of Thacher life CLOSE TO 150 GRANDPARENTS arrived on campus for Grandparents Days on April 4 and 5. Delighted students met their grandparents on the Pergola at registration before heading off to different activities—Formal Dinner, a fine art show, a performing arts sampler, academic classes, Assembly, and gymkhana practice. On Wednesday, grandparents were generously treated to a delicious lunch at the home of Esther and Tom Wachtell (grandparents of Ashley CdeP 2013, Alexis CdeP 2015 and Lauren ’19) where they heard from Grandparents Chair Don Reed (father of Carolyn CdeP 1986, Allison CdeP 1989, and grandfather of Liam Kirkpatrick ’17 and Colin Kirkpatrick ’19). There was also time for a quiet meal away from campus and a head of school address in the Milligan Center, where grandparents could ask questions and learn more about the School.

Sincere thanks go to Grandparents Days Chairs Heidi Girardoni (mother of Julia CdeP 2014 and Helena ’18) and Erin Roberts (mother of Devon ’19) and the many parents who volunteered to shuttle grandparents, take photos, and help grandparents enjoy their time on campus in a myriad of ways.

Ojai welcomed grandparents with mild temperatures and orange blossoms in bloom. From the looks of it, all in attendance had a great visit.

A few of the grandparents were so wowed by their time at Thacher they offered the following comments: “Visiting Thacher with grandchildren provides a unique opportunity to share the wonders of the education that is available there. We experience the friendship of the community and the dedication of the faculty to the opening of new knowledge for their students.

When horses are involved, there are seemingly limitless opportunities for unimagined adventures and accomplishment. It renews our interest in the possibility of a future of ongoing discovery for the children and for us as we get to experience our growth together. In summary, we can see how the values of the school are practiced every day…Honor, Fairness, Kindness, Truth…a priceless foundation for life.”

—

“As a Thacher grandparent, but not an alum, Grandparents Days have given me an opportunity to experience the campus first hand, both for myself, and from the viewpoint of my Thacher grandkids. Personally meeting their classmates, the other grandparents, and the faculty and staff gives me a whole new level of appreciation and confidence that they are experiencing, and I am supporting, an endeavor of the first caliber.”

—

“It is truly fun to come to Grandparents Days and have a taste of what Thacher life is like—the smell of the orange groves and beauty of the surroundings, the cheerful optimism of both students and staff, and the academic rigor which is providing such a good education to my grandkids. I wouldn’t miss it for the world!”

Grandparents (top) enjoyed getting a glimpse at the Thacher Archives. Jackie Thacher ’20 (middle) one of two great-great-grandchilderen of Sherman Day Thacher in the freshman class, escorts her grandparents, Caroline and John Thacher CdeP 1957. Assembly (bottom) is always a bright spot of the visit.

The Thacher School 33

CLASS NOTES…

* 1946

1948

*1952

INDICATES REUNION YEAR

^

CORRESPONDING PHOTO ABOVE

NICHOLAS CUNNINGHAM says, “Unlike most of my classmates, I have but two grandchildren. But they pack a lot of talent. My grandson, Adrian, got admitted to American University on his writing, advocating, and basketball skills.

His sister, Ruby, attends The Bronx High School of Science, was just in a soccer tournament in Las Vegas, and is about to play viola in a prize-winning performance of Mozart’s Oboe Quartet. Pride is sinful so I’m guilty! Greetings to my extant classmates—with any of whom I’d love to hoist a beer when they next pass through NYC!” Sam Wright reports, “The tradition of the ‘San Francisco Do Nothing Except Have Christmas Lunch Club’ (SFDNEHCLC) continued this last December—courtesy again of ELLIOT HAYNE at the Pacific Union Club. In attendance: MARK HAYNE ’86, ISOBEL HAYNE ’14, CECILIA HAYNE ’07, CABOT BROWN ’79, GEORGE MONTGOMERY ’51, KIRK KIRKHAM ’50, JIM ACQUISTAPACE ’61, PETER DUNNE ’48, DONALD GREGORY ’46, SANDY WALKER ’48, and ERIC DOHRMANN ’49. Sadly, this last year, the class of ’48 lost two members: BILL BUCKLIN and ED WELCH. We are looking forward to celebrating our 70th(!) reunion June 2018 as well as bidding a heartfelt farewell to the MULLIGANS who, as Michael says ‘will graduate with class of 2018.’ Ave atque vale!”

STEWART RING shares, “As the president of the Mokuleia Community Association on Oahu’s North Shore, I continue to be a community activist dedicated to preserving and protecting, and—where possible—improving the quality of life for existing residents. And that means fighting the developers who seek to bring in resorts. The good news is that I’ve been successful so far, but the challenges do not stop.”

JOHN VAN NORTWICK writes, “Of interest: Today, got an e-mail from JAMES EVERETT ’02. He is a career marine flying CH-53E helicopters. Fifty years ago, I was doing the same—a career marine flying helicopters.

Small world, I guess.”

34 SPRING 2017

1953

1955

*1962

LEE FOLLETT reports, “Thanks to PETE VOEVODSKY, our class learned of JIM GRIFFITH’S latest honor. The University of Arizona’s College of Social & Behavioral Sciences has named the Jim Griffith Chair in Public Folklore. Previously Jim received an award from the National Endowment and he also founded the annual Tucson Meet Yourself Festival. Tallying early commitments to the 65th class reunion in June 2018: 10 attending plus 2 maybe, from a remaining class of 14.”

^

ALEX FARRAND shares, “Recently, at the Orme School’s annual ‘Vaquero Ride’—near the Verde Rim in Arizona—singing and playing the guitar around the campfire was the highlight. This included, as always, a number of Jack Huyler’s timeless songs. Susan and I harvest our peach and plum trees for jam, and we keep our brains churning, interviewing people and transcribing oral histories for the Orme School archives. We also continue to find Thacher materials from the Farrand family. Anyone interested in a 1929 wool letterman’s sweater—with only a few holes?”

^

ROGER IGNON and Jackie have just completed a new house in Redondo Beach, Calif. “With a stunning view of the Pacific, it is a spectacular example of au courant modern design and reflects landscape architect Jackie’s practiced and superb command of the vernacular. I’m trying, with limited success, to retire from Edge Systems—the technologically advanced skincare company I founded in 1985.”

ED LEWIS has no plans to retire. He is “having too much fun guiding his commercial property management company, Keegan and Coppin, to new heights. With 100 buildings housing 800 tenants, it is the largest such company in the north San Francisco Bay area.” His and Margaret’s daughter, Hope, is farming 700 acres in Gothenburg, Neb., with her husband. They are employing AG Leader Technology instruments (GPS systems guiding computer-controlled equipment) that allowing precise tilling in total darkness.

DAVE MARSTEN reports, “Big news here is we had to pull out our old zinfandel vineyard as the drought had blighted the grapes… so we are replanting… and this time we will try a Bordeaux blend (cabernet sauvignon with some other blends). So it will be a long, expensive haul to bring this up to fruition—at least three years from this spring. Would that I live long enough to see the results.” “His classmates eagerly await the fruits of his, and wife Cathy’s, labors,” notes DON PORTER.

Photos (L to R): Susan and Alex Farrand ’55; Roger Ignon ’62 and wife, Jackie; Michael Mulligan presented with Kim Chase’s ’68 drawing of the 1895 Edward Thacher dining hall. L-R: Jeff Berndt, Kim Chase ’68, Michael Mulligan, Dan McGilvray ’68, Trav Newton ’68, Ed Bennett; John Savage ’70 and Sally aboard the Colorado Cowboy; Tarbert Farm in Scotland where Don Dennis ’74 lives; Bob Schmidt ’74 and Tricia are traveling a lot in retirement.

MILESTONES

*1962 1963

1965

1968

MARRIAGES & ENGAGEMENTS

PETE WHITNEY shares, “My son, Joel Whitney, has received wide acclaim for his new book Finks: How the CIA Tricked the World’s Best Writers. A fascinating read, it skillfully provides a dark footnote to the Cold War era and the co-opted literary lions of the time (and perhaps, as well, a prescient doppelganger).”

JOHN MILLIGAN ’69 is thrilled to announce that he and Rob Gravis were married on December 18, 2016, in Fort Lauderdale. (photo 1) 1

NICHOLAS THACHER and Sally moved into their house in Santa Barbara after Nick’s retirement “from stomping out ignorance in the New England educational field and after becoming legal California residents for the first time since 1976. The ‘grand plan’ is to spend winter and spring in California and summer and fall in the Berkshires. Classmates who donate generously to the Next Peak Campaign are welcome to visit on either coast.”

RUTH HUYLER GLASS shares, “Following in the footsteps of many of you, I have announced my retirement from Lake Tahoe School—and what will be 46 years in independent schools—for June 2018. Coinciding with Michael and Joy, as it turns out. The plan is to spend most of each year here in Incline Village, Nev.—with visits to the Rocking H, Cape Cod (granddaughter Johanna Ruth turned 2 in January), and various restful and interesting points elsewhere. Door will be open wherever we are.”

ELIZABETH H. BRADFORD ’02 is engaged to John D. Peretti.

LAUREL PETERSON ’02 married Benjamin Johnson on October 15, 2016, near their home in New Haven and surrounded by family and friends. (photo 2) 2

3 4

CHARLES EVANS reports, “Rushing to get four teasers, four docs, and one feature in Norway and Copenhagen for Marché du Film of the Cannes Film Festival. I am a producer and distributor at the Marché du Film chaque annee and VIP at the American pavilion so I can bring 59 guests. See you in Cannes. As always, having toooo much fun!”

KEN JACOBS shares, “We hope to make a multimedia presentation during Reunion 2018, and hope that you can dig up old photos and videos we can borrow. We’ll give this to Thacher, for archives. We also want to give a class gift, but haven’t picked anything yet. I’m hoping for a David Twichell bust or plaque, but let’s see what else might work, too.”

ELLA CARNEY ’04 married John Stueve in Ella’s hometown, Jackson Hole, Wyo., on August 6, 2016. “We were lucky enough to have several Toads brave the high elevation to join in the celebration.” Photo credit: David J Swift. (photo 4)

5

6

Read and submit class notes online at blogs.thacher.org/classnotes

KYLIE MANSON ’03 married Matt Gettleman on August 27, 2016, in Boulder, Colo. Thacher graduates at the wedding (L to R): KATIE KUHL, BESSIE HATCH, BRONWEN HALSEY MURCH ’98, PHOEBE HALSEY, TYLER MANSON ’01, bride Kylie, LAUREN CERRE ’01, MADI MANSON ’09, and JEFFREY MANSON ’98. (photo 3)

JENNY MORRILL ’06 married Erik Koland on September 17, 2016. The numerous alums present included brother ERIC ’98—who officated; two other siblings, APOLLONIA ’91 and ROB ’89; and bridesmaids ALYSSA TENNANT ’06, SOPHIA OUYANG ’06, and AUBREY WYNN ’06. (photo 5) DANIEL VEGA ’06 married Lauren Ponti in Mexican wine country—Valle de Guadalupe—on March 17, 2017. The ceremony was led by AUBREY WYNN ’06 and included groomsman MORGAN BROWN ’06 and maid of honor ALYSSA TENNANT ’06. ANDREW FAIR ’06 and LUCY HERR ’06 were also in attendance. (photo 6) The Thacher School 31

CLASS NOTES…

1968

1970 1973

1974

^

TRAV NEWTON reports, “Class of ’68 representatives DYKE MESSLER, DAN McGILVRAY, KIM CHASE, and I met with Thacher leadership on February 27. We discussed the class of 1968’s 50th Reunion in 2018, and possible gift ideas to present to our classmates. Of particular interest was how ’68 could help plan to sustainably rehabilitate and repurpose the current dining room once a new larger facility located near the upper tennis courts is completed. The current dining room is made of first growth redwood. It is the last remaining structure of the original complex of buildings designed and built in 1895 by Edward Thacher, older brother of Sherman Day, which included the Rough House, the original Middle School, SDT home, and Greek Cross.”

1976 1976

^

JOHN SAVAGE and Sally are cruising the “great loop” in 2017—U.S. East Coast, Hudson River, Great Lakes, Mississippi, and back to Florida—aboard the Colorado Cowboy, a 37-foot motor trawler.

ROBERT BEREND writes, “Living in Beverly Hills, working as a real estate investor, and going on lots of music cruises for fun. I’ve got a PhD in human sexuality, and have lectured around the world on that for the last 20 years (www.askthesexologist.com). Retired lawyer, former socially responsible investment advisor, and stockbroker.”

*1977

^

DON DENNIS says, “I was only at Thacher one year: autumn of 1971 through 1972. But very pleased a recent alumna, Wallace Kalkin ’14, stopped by last month to see the wee island in Scotland where my wife and I live. We are making ice cream, and bottling the best milk you’ll find anywhere— from Emma’s herd at the north end of Gigha (facebook.com/ WeeIsleDairy).”

RANDY HEAD reports, “I learned that I’ve been awarded the Max Geilinger Prize in Zurich, Switzerland. The prize is given every two to three years for work that ‘encourages cultural relations between Switzerland and the Anglo-Saxon language region.’ The prize ceremony will take place in November 2017, in Zurich.” Go to blogs.thacher.org/classnotes for more info.

^

BOB SCHMIDT updates, “I decided to retire last year, after a 30-year career with Union Pacific Railroad. Tricia and I still live in Omaha, but we are now spending much of our time traveling: six weeks in Ecuador and 11 weeks driving around the U.S. and Canada last year, followed by a 10-week trip to Southeast Asia already this year. Life is good!”

36 SPRING 2017

1975

^

NOAH RIFKIN notes, “I attended an NFL football game—almost as rare as the sighting of a condor in the wild of Sespe!”

DON OSBORNE reports, “I’m running the capstone course for Concordia University Irvine’s MBA program this summer.

If you are in Orange County and want a student team to do some business consulting, please hit me up. Anyone have a business project you’d like research done on?”

REILLY POLLARD says, “I plan to retire from UC Santa Barbara after 35 years in telecommunications management there. I’ll be joining my wife, Jan, who retired as a social worker for Santa Barbara County after 35 years. I plan to play more golf and tennis, learn more Spanish, play more music, cook more food, see more friends, and work a lot less.

We are grateful to have worked for systems that allow us to retire in comfort and at an early age! Hopefully we will now be able to see more of our East Coast classmates.”

TIM BOWMAN says, “Not too much to report other than spending time with cousin NICK HARVEY ’79 who is feeling better and better after beating a long illness. I have letters regarding Marvin Shagam. My grandfather, JACK ’22, funded the Forest Cooke Teaching Chair for him. Enjoy!” See blogs.thacher.org/classnotes for the letters.

ANDREW HOLMAN writes, “Had a great visit with FARAMARZ RABII and MARK PETSCHEK in Boston and am looking forward to the reunion. I am bringing our autonomic nervous system (ANS) EKG-based prototype originally used to measure stress state for NFL, Olympic, and elite pro soccer players. Its more important applications are in autoimmune disease and cancer prevention and recovery. Now, if I can just begin to understand half of what Mark and Faramarz taught me about Bitcoin mining…”

1979 1983

PETER GILLIES updates, “My latest book, The Pig Who Wished to be a Horse ...and Other Tales, is set to be published in April.”

^

BRIAN MARGULEAS updates, “After 14 years residing in Hawaii, my wife and I are moving to Chicago this June! Never lived in cold weather before, this should be interesting…”

Photos (L to R): Noah Rifkin ’75 watching an NFL game; Lisa and Brian Marguleas ’83; J.P. Manoux ’87 and Jen Crittenden ’87 on the set of VEEP; Naomi, daughter of Ben Krokower ’93; Justin Stephens ’94 and his family on their first entire-family ski trip.

MILESTONES

*1987

DAVID CLINE is returning home to Southern California after 30 years! “I’ll be a tenured associate professor of history and helping to lead a new ‘area of excellence’ initiative in the digital humanities at San Diego State University starting fall 2017. My second book, From Reconciliation to Revolution, which explores religion in the civil rights movement, is now out with UNC Press.”

^

JEN CRITTENDEN notes, “One of the best things about my job on VEEP is getting to see Congressman Clark (aka J.P. MANOUX) on a regular basis.”

1990 1991

1993

1994

1996

MARRIAGES & ENGAGEMENTS

NICK HUBBARD ’07 married Philana Kiely in Durango, Colo., on August 26, 2016, and the couple is currently living in Albuquerque, N.M. (photo 7)

7

BIRTHS SPRING 2017

JOSHUA JADE writes, “I’m running a contemporary art gallery, actually making some music again, and occasionally indulging in other artistic shenanigans—all the while desperately trying to keep up with my relentlessly amazing 10-year-old daughter. Be sure to say ‘hi’ if you’re in the [Boston] area.”

^

^

JUSTIN STEPHENS writes, “Running full steam into another year! After five, three, and one years of ski lessons for Parker, Preston, and Beckett—respectively—we had our first day of family skiing with five participants. Seana and I share a love of skiing, so doing so with our three kids was awesome and rewarding!”

LESLEY W. SUN ’07 is engaged to Thaddeus Ng. SONDRA R. OXLEY ’09 is engaged to Denys Haro.

WIN BURLESON reports, “This fall, the NYU team that I lead received a major instrument grant from the NSF to build a Holodeck! Stop by to check it out when you’re in town. holodeck.nyu.edu.”

BEN KROKOWER shares, “My wife, Lesley, and I are having a blast raising two nutty kids—daughter Naomi (1) and son Elijah (4, in July). After a successful decade running my own business, I joined up with Strategies 360, a government affairs/strategic communications firm. My whole team came with me, and we’re having fun doing lots of online advocacy and political technology consulting for causes and clients around the country. It’s been a whirlwind since December 2015: new baby, new house, and new job. Things are starting to settle down and everybody’s finally getting some good nights of sleep.”

CONTINUED

JOHN WINSELL DAVIES ’82 and Elizaveta welcomed baby Winsell in Singapore on March 15, 2017.

“Truly my cup runneth over. Mother Elizaveta, sister Barbara Louise (2), and I are jubilant.” (photo 8)

8

STEVE LEWIS ’85 and Jessica Vandehoven are proud to announce the adoption of their wiggly son, Owen Lewis. (photo 9) DJ SIGBAND ’95 and Page welcomed Andersen Josephine Sigband on November 28, 2016. “She already enjoys watching Liverpool games with Papa and wants to become a Toad one day.” (photo 10)

9

ASHLEY THAYER-FEAVER ’96 is now mother of a beautiful baby girl, Hildegaard Pearl Feaver, born on January 6, 2017.

MAX LEEDS ’02 and Ashley welcomed daughter Emily Isabella Leeds, born November 19, 2016.

“Both are happy and healthy—and Ashley is now back at work for tax season, which isn’t easy!”

AURIGA BORK MARTIN shares, “I have eight months now with Martinborough's newly established art gallery, creative workshops, live music, and fine goods boutique VentanaCreativeCollective.co.nz. With a team of seven now, we are only going from strength to strength.”

10

CAITLIN WYMAN MALONE ’06 and Michael welcomed into the world Scarlett Moon Malone on November 3, 2016.

The Thacher School 33

CLASS NOTES…

1996 1998

MANDY SONENSHINE WYNN has become a restaurateur!

She and her husband have taken over the ownership of wellknown Brooklyn establishment Bklyn Larder.

^

ALIX BLAIR’S documentary film Farmer/Veteran will premiere on PBS’s Independent Lens in May 2017. “Over several years, I documented a veteran and his wife as they began a farm in North Carolina. This film explores mental health in veterans and the legacy of trauma from war. We’re having a one-night-only, local Bay Area screening in Oakland in May, at the New Parkway Theater.” For more info, see blogs. thacher.org/classnotes.

ROSE MINIER writes, “In the last few months, I have taken up work as the accountant for a nonprofit that works on creating more affordable housing, while supporting existing projects. I’m still in Seattle, protesting and resisting all of the nonsense, and continuing to run my labor-of-love nonprofit GeekGirlCon. When I get any free time, I spend it curled up with a book or a video game (and my pet rabbits)—because some habits never change.”

2000

^

*2002 *2007

38 SPRING 2017

2009

BRADFORD JORDAN updates, “After a number of years as a teacher, improviser, leadership development consultant, and storyteller, I have taken on a new role leading the global learning team at Twitter. That means I am in San Francisco pret-ty frequently. Reach out!”

ANNIE NYBORG BRUNETTI visited Thacher over the holidays with her daughter, Milly. “Still the most magical place in the world.”

2001

2008

2010

MICHAEL DISNER reports, “We are wrapping up our last few months in Buenos Aires before we head to our next assignment this fall in Bangkok, Thailand. In just a few short weeks, we’ll be welcoming baby girl number one into the family. With four big brothers to help out, I’ll be able to sleep a little easier at night.”

LAUREL PETERSON married Benjamin Johnson in 2016 and writes, “I am finishing my PhD in art history at Yale, and Ben is an English teacher at the Hopkins School—Sherman Day Thacher’s alma mater!”

LANLAN JIN writes, “Dear friends, greetings from Heidelberg, Germany! Life has a way to carry us in unexpected directions—where have your adventures taken you? Now I’m studying anthropology at the University of Heidelberg. Let me know if you are in Europe and would like to meet up!

With love.”

2011

MEREDITH DWORKIN, DOUGLAS LAND, and NATALIE SELZER reconnected, in summer 2016, in the old Thacher way: a weekend camping trip. “This time with a car full of snacks parked nearby and something other than water in our Sierra cups,” Natalie recounts. “Our outdoor excursion in San Simeon, Calif., brought back fond Thacher memories and offered a great chance to catch up, laugh hard, and eat well.

But there were challenges, too. Most prominent among the weekend’s obstacles was encountering a bull on a coastal trail. Note to readers: Despite Douglas’s proclamation that ‘cows are friendly’ and my insistence that the animal’s agitated head rubbing on the ground was ‘because it was itchy’—Meredith’s healthy skepticism was the right attitude.

Had we heeded her warnings, we might not have been charged by a bull, nor have had to jump over the trail’s edge, nor been forced to cling to a cliffside that—it later become apparent—was covered in some pretty tenacious poison oak.

We’re looking forward to our next excursion!”

^

^

WILS DAWSON reports, “2017 has started with a lot of Thacher and travel. I was in London on business and met up with JOSH JACKSON and CHRIS ROWE and just missed DREW CONNICK. Followed that up with a week in Mexico with WILL SHENTON and CONNOR CHURCH. Soon, I’m heading to San Diego and seeing KENDRA CARTER and SEAN WYATT while there. In May, I’ll be going to NYC to see JOE TOBIN and others. I have nothing planned yet for the second half of the year, but we’ll see how it shakes out!”

LAUREN BOSCHE writes, “I am moving to Tallahassee, Fla., for a job offer—having never set foot in the state! As a hazard mitigation/resiliency planner with Arcadis, I will be engaged in flooding mitigation locally and nationally, and in a project in the Everglades with the Army Corps of Engineers. As Florida is—in many ways—the front lines of climate change in the U.S., I imagine I will have a considerable amount to learn. And if you ever find yourself in northern Florida, swing on by and I will give you a tour of the best swimming sinkholes!”

KYLE GRIFFITH announces, “I was just accepted to the Quinlan School of Business at Loyola University for my MBA.”

Photos (L to R): Alix Blair ’98 filming on the Sutton’s farm in North Carolina; Annie Nyborg Brunetti ’00 and daughter Milly at Thacher; Douglas Land ’08 (behind the camera), Meredith Dworkin ’08, Natalie Selzer ’08, and a not-so-friendly bull in San Simeon, Calif.; Connor Church ’09, Will Shenton ’09, and Wils Dawson ’09 in Mexico; Jack Richardson ’15 in the Maine state championships

MILESTONES

2011 2013 2014

2015

TAWNI STOOP shares, “I will be attending Penn State University beginning in August of 2017 as part of their child clinical psychology PhD program. If you’re ever passing through the middle of Pennsylvania, feel free to get in touch!”

BIRTHS C O N T I N U E D

11

BRISHA HOWE updates, “I am finishing my senior year at Creighton and graduating with a major in computer science, informatics and a minor in biology. In June, I will be starting at TD Ameritrade as part of their emerging talent program in Omaha, Neb.” MINAH CHOI says, “Hey Thacher Family! I’m spending my next semester at Pomona’s study abroad program in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In my time in college I have gotten really interested in equestrian history museums and outdoor survival gatherings. If anyone has any leads regarding these interests please let me know!”

LARISSA BARAM started at Barnard College last fall after spending a gap year studying and working in comedy. Along with numerous classes, Wally performed stand-up comedy at open mics in Los Angeles, at large festivals, and on a tour of the West Coast.

12

13

^

• Shoot using your camera’s best photo setting.

• Files should be 200k or larger.

• Save photos as JPEG files.

• Identify every person in the photo, state time

14

We can accept good old-fashioned prints as well.

Unfortunately, we cannot accept photocopies or images from magazines or newspapers.

TWO WAYS TO SUBMIT PHOTOS:

2. Mail prints or digital discs to: The Thacher School Alumni Office 5025 Thacher Road, Ojai, CA 93023

CELESTE THOMAS TRAVIS ’00 and Jon are happy to announce the arrival of Naomi Caroline Travis, born October 29, 2016. “She is absolutely adored by her big sister, Thea; we like her a lot too.” (photo 14) WES MYERS ’01 announces, “Jocelyn and I had our first child (mostly Jocelyn) in September 2016: Elodie Wescott Myers. We are directly overhead Thacher in this picture and on our way to more adventures.” (photo 15)

and place, and suggest a caption.

1. Email digital files as attachments to alumni@thacher.org.

LACEY GORDON CARUSO ’00 and Oliver Caruso are thrilled to announce the birth of their daughter, Vivian Sage Caruso, on January 31, 2017. “We took a three-month road trip across the U.S. with an Airstream trailer just before she was born and so we’re especially happy to be planted at home enjoying this newborn time.” (photo 12) MARLEY ORR REILLY ’00 and husband, Gabe, welcomed their daughter, Leia Elizabeth Reilly, to the world on June 27, 2016. “Leia has taken our breath away and is more incredible than we could have ever imagined.” (photo 13)

JACK RICHARDSON, running for Bowdoin College, finished fourth in the Maine state championships in the 800m and proceeded to go to the NESCAC championships in February.

HOW TO SUBMIT DIGITAL PHOTOS:

ELLA GOODBROD MOENCH ’00 is enjoying Talus Romero Moench.

“This little guy joined us March 22, 2017, and we are enjoying his mellowness and sweetness. Big brother Rowan is incredibly caring and we are looking forward to family adventures in the mountains this summer.” (photo 11)

15 16

AMANDA GRUMMANGOLDSMITH ’02 and her wife, Marissa, welcomed Ben on November 11, 2016, in Los Angeles.

“We couldn’t be more in love with our beautiful baby son.” (photo 16) The Thacher School 35

FACULTY, STAFF & FRIENDS…

DEPARTURES Cam Schryver, who has served as director of the Horse Program since 1992, will turn over the reins to Richard Winters in the fall. He, Lori, and Cora Mae will be moving up to Antelope, Oregon, to manage a family ranch there. “It’s like when you are getting on a colt and you don’t know what it’s going to do,” said Cam during the Big Gymkhana awards ceremony. “I used to work for a guy who would say ‘take a deep seat and a far away look.’ As we’re looking to Oregon, we’re taking a deep seat and a far away look.” You can read more about the contributions the Schryvers have made to Thacher over the last two-and-a-half decades in View From Olympus (page 1). Thacher is fortunate to be welcoming back Richard Winters to take over for Cam. Richard, a world-famous clinician and prizewinning trainer of horses and their riders, served as “artist-in-residence” in Thacher’s Horse Program 40 SPRING 2017

from 2004 to 2014. He and his wife, Cheryl, are looking forward to returning to Thacher where he will continue the Horse Program’s essential role within the Thacher experience.

Logan Brown, who has taught English for the past three years, is headed to the Kent Denver School in Colorado (the rival to her high school). She’ll teach English, coach field hockey, advise, and help out with the school newspaper. She writes that she will miss Thacher dearly: “I am so grateful for this place, the relationships I have formed with wonderful colleagues, and all of the incredible students with whom I have had the privilege of working.

Though I will certainly miss teaching such bright students, what I will miss most of all is how kind they are to one another. I truly loved my three years in Ojai (especially orange blossom season) and I feel so lucky that working at Thacher allowed me to travel all over the state on trips to Joshua Tree, Yosemite, Sequoia, Point Reyes, Golden Trout, and Tahoe. I am hopeful that many Toads will keep in touch with me. My personal email is loganbrown9@gmail.com. Please reach out if you are headed to Colorado.”

Donald Okpalugo, who arrived as a Thacher Fellow in 2013 and has taught in the history department, will be moving to Harlem to teach history and political philosophy at the Dalton School on New York’s Upper East Side. He also plans to pursue graduate work at Columbia University.

Robin Walter CdeP 2008, who returned to campus to help out in the language department while Aaron Snyder was on sabbatical, is headed to Missoula, Montana, to pursue an MFA in creative writing while continuing to work parttime in education. Her two horses and pup Banjo will accompany her to colder climes. “I will dearly miss the Thacher community, and come February feel certain I will be ready for a visit to sunny Ojai.”

FACULTY, STAFF & FRIENDS…

Photos (Clockwise L to R): Cam and Lori Schryver were given a rousing “three cheers” at the conclusion of Big Gymkhana. The Snyders in front of El Pilar in Zaragoza, Spain.

Members of the Thacher faculty participated in a day of professional development led by the Bard College Institute of Writing and Thinking. Caroline Bastian is happy to be here.

SABBATICALS Aaron and Theana Snyder are wrapping up their school year abroad. Theana sent this sabbatical update from Zaragoza, Spain: “SYA is almost over—the students leave to go back to the U.S. soon. Our children (who function completely fine in Spanish all day at school) are in school until the end of June. We were able to do a fun road trip to the north of Spain in January and will be traveling to Granada and Sevilla at the beginning of June. We are looking forward to visits from some Thacher friends (the Haggards and later Whitney and Logan) in June and then we will begin preparing for our return to the states. We arrive in mid-July in Boston and will make our way to California the first of August. We have had a fabulous year and have enjoyed our time away. But, we are excited to return to our home, the fabulous community and the school that we love. This time away has helped us gain some perspective and to see what a special place Thacher is.” Next up for a year of recharging batteries are Blossom and Brian Pidduck (both CdeP 1992), who will take a sabbatical during the 2017–18 school year. They, along with their twins, Addie and Daisy, plan to divide their time between New York City, Colorado, and other locales yet-to-be-revealed.

TRANSITIONS After seven years as dorm head of Lower School, Alice Meyer will be turning that assignment over to Tommy Hattori. Alice will team up with Jeff Hooper to ensure that the School’s academic engine runs smoothly while Blossom is on sabbatical. Bob St. George’s years as an Outward Bound leader will come in handy as he fills in as director of the Outdoor Program in Brian Pidduck’s absence. Bo Manson is reducing his teaching schedule: He’ll continue to teach woodshop and coach rock climbing, but is stepping out of the English classroom as he and Julie move to a house in Ojai. Having lived on campus since 1988, they look forward to discovering a new balance. Tim Sullivan will migrate from the Admission Office to the English Department.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT In March, 14 members of the faculty participated in a day-long workshop conducted on campus by the Bard College Institute of Writing and Thinking.

The objective of the day was to help teachers develop and refine their understanding of writing practice as a means of advancing their teaching and deepening student learning. Participants included Logan Brown, Jason Carney, Sarah DelVecchio, Eliza Gregory, Katherine Halsey, Jake Jacobsen, Whitney Livermore, Joy Sawyer-Mulligan, William Okin, Donald Okpalugo, Blossom Pidduck, Cam Spaulding, Bob St. George, and Robin Walter.

A NEW TOAD On February 3, 2017, Kim Bastian, who works in the Admission Office, admitted Caroline Harris Bastian (8 pounds 4 ounces, 20.5 inches) into the world. According to her mother, Caroline is thrilled to be joining this community and cannot wait to meet everyone.

PAST FACULTY Congratulations are in order for Teddy Reeves, former faculty and EE Ford Scholar, who has been named the religious specialist at the new Smithsonian African American Museum.

The Thacher School 41

IN MEMORIAM… Club at the time of his death.

Thacher was an important, never forgotten part of his life. Son James remembers, “I grew up with Dad’s chaps, vest, and cot stored in my closet.

When his classmate, Brooke Sawyer, was dying, Dad called and said, ‘What am I going to do now?’ That’s quite a testament to a Thacher friendship.”

Stephen is survived by his sister, Kathleen Wall; children James, Stephen, Theresa, and Louise; and many grandchildren.

ERIC HOFFMAN CdeP 1941 ▲ Eric Hoffman passed away December 27, 2016. Born in Portland, Eric learned horseback riding on the beach. At Thacher, he raced his Palomino mare, Fifi, was a proud Oregonian, and was reported as “…habitually the strong silent type… His quiet imperturbability and calmness have gained him much respect.” Eric’s Stanford University studies were interrupted by World War II and near-fatal shrapnel injuries awarded him the Purple Heart. Back home, Hoffman focused on life and construction to overcome war’s scars; he finished his engineering degree and joined his father at Hoffman Construction. Like his father, Eric hired quality people and saw market trends. With recruited building expert Cecil Drinkward, he introduced a company stock ownership plan that spurred the company’s remarkable growth. Hoffman Construction helped transform Portland’s skyline—building many notable landmarks like Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and the Oregon Convention Center.

Eric generously served on numerous nonprofit boards; helped the Oregon Health & Science University acquire instrumental federal funding; and presided over several clubs. He was a gentleman with a dry sense of humor, keen intellect, an excellent memory and curiosity, and a quiet, contemplative nature; he never sought the spotlight. Eric enjoyed reading, golf, tennis, bird hunting, fly-fishing, and loved dogs.

Ronnie—his wife of 34 years—held his hand as he died. He is also survived by children Joan Hoffman, Susan Hoffman, Sally Hoffman Miller, Eric Hoffman; step-children Geraldine Pope Bidwell, Sam Pope, Guy Pope, Fred Pope; eight grandchildren; ten step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and by former wife, Jean—the mother of his four children.

WILLIAM S. COONLEY CdeP 1944 ▲ William Stuart Coonley (far right above) was born in 1925 in Chicago, Illinois, and passed away on August 12, 2016, in Stockton, California, with family by his side. Bill moved to Honolulu in 1934 with his parents Johnny and Kitty Coonley and attended Punahou School. At Thacher, Bill was a respected leader and known to be outstandingly polite; he graduated a year early. After Kenyon College in Ohio, the majority of Bill’s retail clothing career was spent at M. McInerny, Ltd. in Honolulu. He spent 66 wonderful years with his wife, Camille, and was the very best father to Cathy Kimball and Nancy Tuitama. He was Bapa to Avery, Lindsey, Tiare, and Willie. Bill’s ashes were scattered in Hawaii.

STEPHEN TITUS CdeP 1942

WILLIAM COOPER SHAW CdeP 1946

Stephen Titus died October 19, 2016, of complications caused by a bicycle accident. His children were never able to get him off his bike and he died doing something he loved.

Stephen was born in Los Angeles and raised in Hancock Park, where he also raised his family. After Thacher, he specialized in anti-submarine warfare as a naval officer, and then graduated from Pomona College and Stanford Business School. As an investment counselor, he merged his firm Koenig, Hawkins & Titus into Scudder Steven & Clark in the late ’60s and helped his friend Joan Payden with Payden & Rygel until his bicycle accident at 92.

Stephen was a lifelong yachtsman. He started sailing Snowbirds at age 12 and, when he could no longer dash around a sailboat, he was still keen to take out his launch in Newport Harbor. Like his father, he was an avid bird shooter.

Stephen loved many Southern California clubs including The California Club and was very active at Los Angeles Country Club and Newport Harbor Yacht

William Cooper Shaw passed away peacefully in September of 2014, in Texas, at the home of his daughter. Shaw was a native of San Francisco and a member of an old California family. He resided in Fairfax for over 50 years. Born in 1928 to William L. Shaw and Gertrude VanDyke Bangs—long-time residents of the city—he was raised with his sister Katharine and attended the Grant Elementary School. At Thacher, Bill displayed prowess

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IN MEMORIAM… in athletics and loved riding and camping with his mare, Honey. He then enrolled at University of California and completed his studies in political science in 1950. While at Cal, he participated in track and field, and was a member of the Chi Phi Fraternity. He worked as an executive, in the Bay Area, for Roos/Atkins and Hastings Retail Clothing for many years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Elizabeth, in 2012. He is survived by son William J. Shaw; daughter Elizabeth Shaw Sparks; sister Katharine Shaw Wallace Thompson and her four daughters; and his four grandchildren whom he delighted in. He was a proud descendent of the nation’s founders through the Jamestown Colony, the Mayflower Descendants, and the California Pioneers.

WILLIAM R. BERGLUND CdeP 1949 Third-generation Napa Valley native William Ross “Bill” Berglund died peacefully on November 24, 2016, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.

With Swedish and California pioneer heritage, Bill grew up on a farm located on what is now downtown Napa. His years at Thacher were active with basketball, managing camp supplies, prefecting, and student council, and he graduated with a passion for camping and horseback riding. Bill received his BA from Stanford University and MBA from Wharton School and immediately began working in the family tractor business in 1955. He became president a year later when his father died.

In 1988, he turned his focus to real estate, vineyards, and investing projects. He was a proud, active member of Young Presidents’ Organization and World Presidents’ Organization and enjoyed camaraderie at the Bohemian Club. In later years, Bill considered his real job to be “helping people.”

Bill loved gardening; camping; taking his kids on trains, backpacking, whitewater rafting, and sailing; fly-fishing with Greg; genealogy with Lesley; and the community of Pope Valley, where the family vineyards are located. A self-proclaimed “go getter with no quit gear,” he self-published a book at 83 years old. With specific intention, Bill spent his last few years back on a farm—at the family’s Napa ranch.

Bill is survived by daughter Lesley Page Berglund; son Gregory Ross Berglund CdeP 1985; his daughterin-law and two granddaughters; and sister Lesley Elaine Berglund Fritz and three nephews. Bill was preceded in death by daughter Gretta Elaine Berglund CdeP 1983 and his former wife, Barbara Lamoreaux Berglund.

A. MERRILL BROWN III CdeP 1949 Arthur Merrill Brown III died peacefully at his home in Oceanside, California, on November 27, 2016,

following a brief illness. A fifth-generation San Franciscan, Merrill is survived by sons Michael, Court, and Carter; five grandchildren; and a niece and nephew.

Born to June Clement Brown and Arthur Merrill Brown Jr. of San Francisco, Merrill’s father was a director of the San Francisco Opera Association, a long-time member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, and a director of the Golden Gate Bridge. Merrill’s sister, Shirley, was the first person to cross the Golden Gate Bridge in 1937.

At Thacher, Merrill was distinguished by his athleticism in soccer, tennis, and track, and by his conscientious studiousness. After UC Berkeley, Merrill served for three years as a Navy lieutenant in the Korean War and served as navigator on a destroyer in the North Pacific.

Following his military retirement, Merrill led an active life of family, business, and sporting. He was a member of the Cal Berkeley Ski Team; played competitive tennis most of his life; enjoyed music, along with his entire family; and played the trumpet in the Cal Band and long into his adult life. He is a former member of the Bohemian Club and the California Tennis Club.

NORMAN BRUCE WILLIAMSON CdeP 1950 Norman Bruce “Tad” Williamson died peacefully October 31, 2016. His wife of 57 years, Victoria “Cici,” was by his side.

Born in 1932, Tad’s great-grandfather owned the Los Angeles Times—he attended Polytechnic School and lived where part of Poly now is. At Thacher, his love for the outdoors and horses was fostered. He attended Williams College and University of Arizona’s mining school, worked for Herbert Hoover Jr.’s United Geophysical Corporation, and then served in the U.S. Army in France. Later, while attending Claremont McKenna College, he met Cici—and then attended Stanford University. Professionally, Tad started at Loomis Sales, then managed FMC Corporation’s pension fund, and then moved to Chicago with FMC. Many wonderful years were lived in Lake Forest, Illinois. Returning to California in 1982, Tad helped form Pacific Financial Research and the Clipper Fund, and he retired in 1989.

Tad served 18 years as a Thacher Trustee, and also served the Pasadena Symphony, the Huntington Library and Gardens, and the Hoover Institution. He golfed, played tennis, sailed, and enjoyed outdoor family vacations of skiing, surfing, fly fishing, hiking, and horseback riding. He also loved music and played the piano, guitar, and banjo.

A true gentleman, Tad was kind, loving, gracious, intelligent, and he loved his family and a good crossword puzzle. Tad is survived by wife Cici; son Fred CdeP 1979; son Chandler CdeP 1981; daughter Emily Hancock CdeP 1983; son Jonathan; 10 grandchildren including Charles Hancock CdeP 2010, Sarah Hancock CdeP 2012, and Eleanor Hancock CdeP 2013; brother Warren “Spud”; brother-inlaw Bob Dulin; and nieces and nephews.

The Thacher School 39 43

IN MEMORIAM… MICHAEL B. MILLER CdeP 1955 Michael passed away on March 13, 2015, at 76 years old. Michael is survived by his former wife, and best friend, Diane Wolf; stepdaughter Amie Bereson; daughter Kim Tedescucci; brother Harry Miller; and a grandson. Mike served in the United States Marine Corps and was an investment manager.

WILLIAM W. HORVITZ CdeP 1965 Having made this world a sweeter place, William Horvitz died on January 15, 2017, of pancreatic cancer.

Born 1947 in New York, Bill attended Thacher, where he was extremely involved but best remembered for his exemplary prefecting of Upper School. After Colorado College and moving to the Haight, he studied music at Ali Akbar College of Music, and with pianist Art Lande. Later, he graduated summa cum laude from NYU in comparative religion.

In Manhattan, Horvitz developed as an avant-jazz guitarist and composer; he collaborated with numerous artists, led a quartet, and was in a new wave band. In 1988, Bill’s first wife, Patti Trimble, had their son, Asa. Returning to California, Bill collaborated with many Bay Area musicians and formed the Bill Horvitz Band. In 2005, Bill married painter and composer Robin Eschner. They performed and recorded original music together as Tone Bent and in an ensemble. Bill composed The Long Walk in memory of his late brother Philip, along with other works and artist team-ups.

Bill felt his most meaningful contribution was in his teaching; he believed in music as religion. He loved and was inspired by his students. His other passions included Giants baseball, hiking, boogie boarding, and all-night jam sessions. A loving husband and father; a gifted, dedicated musician, composer, and teacher; a devoted friend; Bill held true to his music with integrity and heart. Missing him like mad: wife Robin Eschner; son Asa Horvitz; brother Wayne Horvitz; stepdaughter Heather Camp; three grandchildren; and the Eschner family.

SARA R. SCHNEIDER CdeP 2004 Sara Roxanne Schneider died on March 2, 2017.

Sara’s first word after “mama” was “horse.” Born with a passion, she began riding at age 3 and breathed all things horse: She pretended to be one, and drew, wrote, and read about them. At Thacher, Sara nurtured her love of horses and her photographic talents.

Adding a degree from Brooks Institute of Photography, Sara became a talented equine photographer with an unquestioned knack for capturing the intimacy and beauty of the horse and human relationship.

A friend remembered: “It is impossible for me to recall my childhood in 40 FALL 44 SPRING 2016 2017

Ojai without glimpses of Sara, she ricochets through everything: her beauty, her smile, her naughtiness, her tenacity, her magic, her incredible sense of humor, her unbridled spirit and passion. She lit up my imagination with her fierce intelligence—she taught me about the power of opinions and drive and wit, she showed an endless capacity for adventure. She shared her love of horses with me, and her love of art. She burned brighter than anyone and she made me laugh.”

“Sadly,” writes her mother, Amy Schneider, “Sara’s last few years were riddled with the diseases of mental illness and addiction. Although three years does not make a life, in today’s world where mental illness is a stigma and addiction is an epidemic, it’s important to be honest. For if we can’t all reach out with compassion, where will we be?” Sara is survived by her mother. Her father, Harold Schneider, preceded her in death in 1994.

PAUL CONNOLLY CdeP 2009 Paul Atwater Connolly was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on his grandfather Bruce Atwater’s 60th birthday. Paul died on February 19, 2017, in a car accident in Dawson Creek, British Columbia.

Paul attended Blake School from pre-kindergarten until ninth grade and graduated from Thacher. During these years, Paul was a loyal and loved son, a brother and friend, an avid reader, a Lego master, a PlayStation fan, and—using his 6 feet, 6 inches—a good athlete. He was a fierce soccer goalkeeper and could hit the golf ball farther than most. Paul’s humor and charm sometimes disarmed the teachers who were not always satisfied with his schoolwork. Paul went to Trinity College in Connecticut and University of St. Thomas in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and decided that college was not the path for him. He spent a fall in Morocco working in an orphanage for handicapped children and in Oman learning Arabic. “Paul was seeking his next chapter, hampered by mental illness,” writes his family. “He never found it and we will always wish he had.”

Paul is survived by his mother and stepfather, Betsy and Jule Hannaford; sisters Nellie Thornton and Mary Connolly CdeP 2007; his father and step-mother, Michael and Peggy Connolly; his grandparents; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

ELIZABETH McDOUGALL Thacher’s good friend, Elizabeth McDougall, 92, passed away peacefully in the presence of her family, on December 6, 2016, in Victoria, British Columbia. A memorial service was held at Thacher’s Outdoor Chapel as that view of Ojai was one of her favorite vistas; it was a fitting place to remember her. Elizabeth was predeceased by her beloved husband, Donald, and is survived by her sons, Ian and Gregor, and a granddaughter. She still has many fond friends in Ojai, Santa Barbara, and Victoria. Elizabeth was devoted to Thacher and lived on campus with Donald, and their family, for 26 years; she served as school nurse for much of that time. She always bonded easily with Thacher students and was a mentor and lifelong friend to many. She remained in close touch with faculty, staff, and alumni ever since.

THE BEST WE CAN DO… LEANDRA COOPER CdeP 2009 Rehabilitating retired racehorses for useful lives after the track.

…

WHAT DO YOU DO? I am a full-time horse trainer. After I graduated from Skidmore College and earned a master’s at the University of Iceland in environmental and natural resource management, I landed a great job as a solar analyst at a fantastic company. It was what I believed to be exactly what I wanted, and yet the barn still called to me. After nine months, I jumped full-time into a barn manager position and started to lay down the plans for my own business. I am the founder and head trainer of Saratoga Sporthorses now, and I am the New York facility manager and trainer for the largest national nonprofit ex-racehorse adoption organization, New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program (http://www.horseadoption.com/).

PHOTOS: TRACEY BUYCE HORSE PHOTOGRAPHY

TELL US MORE ABOUT NEW VOCATIONS When racehorses stop racing—often due to injury or age—they generally have only known the life of a racehorse. Outside of racing, most have little to offer their owners and are largely unwanted due to expenses and the unwillingness of most people to take a horse right off the track, so many end up at slaughter. New Vocations serves as an outlet to help these horses transition to new lives and then finds suitable homes for them. Since our founding in 1992, we’ve helped rehabilitate more than 6,000 thoroughbred and standardbred horses from 40 different race tracks and placed them with families all over the country. My specific role is to provide transitional training and manage the adoption process for the 80-plus horses we take in each year from racetracks in the Northeast. I feel like the foster mom for every horse who comes through my facility as I work with them through the hardest transition of their lives. I am the youngest trainer with New Vocations, and a good deal of my preparation for this work comes down to the personal development I experienced in the Thacher Horse Program. Working with such a variety of horses under the guidance of such a capable staff, and soaking up all that the Horse Program had to offer enabled me to flourish as a horseman. Every horse has a unique personality and abilities, and I am passionate about working with each individual to develop a useful skill set for their prospective new careers.

dreams, but I constantly reflect back to my time in the Horse Program, and I can feel that flame burn strong inside me still. Even today, simple things, like Cam saying that the best thing that we can do is stay out of the horses’ way (move with them and not against them), or Mr. Winters’ “make the right thing easy and the wrong thing hard,” are phrases that I reiterate routinely in my own training practices.

DO YOU TRACE YOUR INTEREST IN HORSES TO THACHER? If we go way back, my first word was “horsey,” so I can thank some deep innate equine attachment for the original spark, but Cam Schryver and Richard Winters both played major roles in fostering the bonfire that is my passion for horses and horse training. When I came to Thacher, my riding background consisted entirely of traditional English hunt-seat riding. I wasn’t sure how I could take to the Western disciplines, but my love of horses and riding made me eager to learn. Cam has been a role model and an inspiration to me since the very first time I saw him ride in his introduction at the horse orientation in the beginning of my freshman year. It was hard to see where the horse ended and the man began: They were seamless.

In my time at Thacher, the Horse Program broadened my perspective on everything to do with horses. As I learned to embrace the Western discipline and gain knowledge of horse camping practices (on top of English riding), I learned how much more there was to know. It has taken a lot of work and courage to go against the safe status quo and chase down my

FAVORITE THACHER HORSE MEMORY? I will never forget the day that Cam let me sit on Sticks, one of his winning steeds, while he was working with another horse. That feel— the quick responsiveness with no resistance whatsoever, the lightness under saddle, and the willingness on Sticks’ part—is what I strive for with every horse I ride. It is impossible for me to truly capture how much Cam Schryver (and the Schryver family!) inspired me and drove me to follow my heart; it’s truly made me who I am today.

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He doesn’t court the spotlight, but it’s easy to find Mike Swan working quietly and relentlessly behind the scenes to keep everything at the barns working smoothly. Here he fits a horse with a new shoe.

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