Echoes
The Magazine for Alumnae, Students, Families and Friends of The Baldwin School
SUMMER 2021
COMMENCEMENT REUNION & ALUMNAE AWARDS
CONTENTS | SUMMER 2021 FEATURES
16 22 COMMENCEMENT 2021 See highlights from Baldwin’s 133rd Commencement ceremony, which was held on campus on the field behind the Athletic Center.
DEPARTMENTS 1 UPFRONT
REUNION CELEBRATIONS We were excited to welcome the Classes of Red “Back to Baldwin” virtually this spring.
Editor: Lisa A. Algeo
Design: Veronica Utz and Melissa Sweeney
4 HONOR ROLL
Photo Credits: Abby Anthony, Jay Gorodetzer Photography, Ivory Tree Portaits, Melissa Kelly, Legacy Photography and Molly Schlachter
5 ALUMNA SPOTLIGHT
All photographs are identified left to right unless otherwise noted.
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8 ACADEMICS
We welcome letters and emails regarding the contents of the magazine and/or issues pertaining to the school. The editor retains the right to edit at her discretion.
PROGRAM
10 ARTS
12 ATHLETICS
Please send correspondence to: Lisa A. Algeo, Editor, Echoes The Baldwin School 701 Montgomery Ave. Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 lalgeo@baldwinschool.org
14 HOW THE PANDEMIC WILL For general alumnae requests or information, please contact the Office of Advancement and Alumnae Engagement: SHAPE BALDWIN’S FUTURE
24 ALUMNAE AWARDS
26 WHY I GIVE
27 CLASS NOTES
@baldwinschool @baldwinalumnae @marisaporges
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baldwinschool.smugmug.com
Laura Armstrong, Chief Development Officer laura.armstrong@baldwinschool.org or (610) 525-2700 x286
@the.baldwin.school @thebaldwinschoolathletics @marisaporges
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@baldwinschool @marisaporges
The Baldwin School The Baldwin School Alumnae
UPFRONT W
hile the 2020-21 school year was like no other, I’m proud to say that Baldwin led the way. Through a year of challenges, our community came together to support our students, faculty, staff and families — ensuring that we provided our Bears the best possible education while nurturing their personal passions and cultivating their sense of sisterhood, even amidst a worldwide pandemic.
From the start of the COVID-19 crisis, Baldwin committed to safeguarding the health of the community, first and foremost, and to the delivery of the Baldwin program in the most complete way possible. To fulfill these aims and support our community throughout, we applied an “only at Baldwin” level of creativity, flexibility and highly collaborative problem solving to everything that we did. Learn more about how the pandemic shaped Baldwin's present and future on pages 14-15. While we could not come together on campus for our Classes of Red reunion, we were excited to gather alumnae from across the generations for a number of Back-to-Baldwin virtual events this spring. Highlights included a Mindfulness Lunch and Learn with Pax Tandon ’96, the chance to join fellow alums for a night of fun and trivia, and a Paint and Sip class with Lower School Art Teacher, Andre Teixeira. In addition, there was a moving ceremony to honor our 2021 Alumnae Award winners Farah Jasmine Griffin ’81, Binney Connell Wietlisbach ’81, and Anjelika Paranjpe Temple ’01. It was wonderful to have so many of alumnae join us for these special moments and for reunion class gatherings, too. It was my 25th year reunion as well, and the Class of 1996 had a fantastic time catching up on Zoom! Read more about the reunion events and amazing 2021 Alumnae Award winners on pages 22-25. As we approached the spring, I was thrilled that we could celebrate Baldwin’s Class of 2021 with a poignant in-person ceremony held under a tent on campus. This Class of Red, finishing their high school careers in the midst of a global pandemic, proved they are a lively and accomplished group. In addition to their daily moments of pride in and out of class, these 63 amazing young women earned 248 acceptances from 149 colleges and universities throughout the country, and were collectively offered more than $1.8 million in merit-based scholarships. What’s more, they brought a unique blend of fun and kindness to our Schoolhouse. Although Commencement marks the start of a new chapter for our Seniors, we know these resilient Baldwin Bears are prepared to make significant and lasting contributions wherever they head next. As Ava Olson ’21 shared during her Commencement speech, “If there’s anything our [Baldwin] years have taught us, it’s that failures are just successes waiting to happen.” With the start of the 2021-22 school year upon us, I am hopeful that the fall will bring a more normal Baldwin experience for all of our Bears. It will still require resilience and flexibility from every member of our Baldwin community, and I appreciate your continued commitment to Baldwin’s mission and our students throughout. Your support ensures that we can provide our Bears the best education and most Baldwin experience possible. Marisa Porges ’96, PhD Head of School facebook.com/marisaporges Instagram: @MarisaPorges Twitter: @MarisaPorges SUMMER 2021 ECHOES
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UPFRONT ALEX WAKE ’05 RUN AND WALK GOES VIRTUAL
At a time when we needed it most, the Baldwin community went outside and recharged with the Alex Wake ’05 Run and Walk. This year’s event was completed anywhere and anytime participants chose between April 24 through May 1. Students, parents, alumnae, faculty and staff got outside during Spirit Week and enjoyed the beautiful weather while celebrating Alex’s life. Proceeds support the scholarship fund created in Alex’s name. All participants received a new finisher medal and were entered for a chance to win some great gift cards.
MasterSeries@TheBaldwinSchool Each year, the Baldwin community comes together to support our largest parent-driven fundraiser, the Community Auction and Dinner. This festive and highly anticipated event is crucial to the School’s fundraising efforts. This year, the community came together with a virtual four-event series to raise much needed funds and connect with one another. Attendees enjoyed Cocktails & Conversations with bestselling author Jennifer Weiner (P ’21); a History Show & Tell hosted by Karen Pearlman Raab and Nathan Raab (P ’30), principals at The Raab Collection and preeminent American dealers in rare documents and artifacts; a Wine Tasting hosted by Brian Freedman (P ’29), a wine, spirits, travel and food writer, restaurant and beverage consultant and wine educator; and In the Kitchen, where they joined Chef Tyler Akin of Le Cavalier at the Green Room in Hotel DuPont for a virtual LEFT: Lauren and Andrew Yorks (P ‘25, ‘26) enjoyed the History Show & Tell; RIGHT: Author cooking demonstration. Jennifer Weiner (P ‘21) discussed her book Big Summer during Cocktails & Conversations.
Alumnae Induction Luncheon
On June 9, 63 members of the Class of 2021 were welcomed into the alumnae community with a special luncheon on the back porch of the Residence. The newest members of the Class of Red each received a special gift from the Class of 1971, a copy of the book The Hill We Climb by poet Amanda Gorman. The idea of celebrating their own enduring class bond and sharing it with the most recent graduating class was formed during a Class of 1971 Zoom gathering this spring. The idea was put into action as members personalized each book and created bookplates with a warm congratulatory message. Ricki Weisberg ’98, President of the Alumnae Association Executive Board, offered a few remarks, and the event concluded with the annual bell ringing.
A senior displays the inscribed bookplate.
RING DAY
This spring Baldwin celebrated Ring Dinner and Ring Day with the Class of 2023. With a socially distanced ceremony held outside on Middle Field, the sophomores received their rings. They also decorated the Schoolhouse in a “Gold Mine” theme.
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Rhea Jain ’21, Olivia Stratton ’21 and Elina Emami ’21 enjoyed their lunch and their new copy of The Hill We Climb.
Skyler Knox ’21 rings the bell.
MARCHING-IN CELEBRATION
The Class of 2022, Class of Blue, received their blazers and showed them off during their Marching-In Ceremony, which also included members of the Class of 2021. During the ceremony, they debuted their senior song and received advice and pins from their senior sisters.
Avika Pande ‘22, Ava Jolie Sill ‘21 and Kristi Kesslick ‘22 celebrate at the Marching-In Ceremony.
UPFRONT
Middle School Service Day
In May, the Middle School assisted the local community with acts of service. Coordinator of Civic Engagement Ida Malloy created several off-site and on-campus activities for the students, who participated in writing letters to senior citizens, decorating onesies for infants, making dog treats for animal shelters, creating murals and inspirational art, sewing face masks and beautifying Bryn Mawr and the Harriton House. The students and the community partnerships benefited from this experience.
UPPER SCHOOL CELEBRATES BUILDING BRIDGES This spring, Upper School students celebrated Building Bridges Day, which is a student-led event that includes workshops, speakers and activities that address issues of diversity and identity. Led by Hana Ahanger ’21 and Sophia Tavangar ’21, the theme of the day was “My Activism.”
New Alumnae Volunteer Leadership
On July 1, the Alumnae Association Executive Board (AAEB) and National Board of Advisors (NBA) welcomed new leadership. Alicia Roebuck ’05, AAEB President, and Laura Small ’04, NBA Chair, will continue to strengthen the alumnae network and support the priorities of the School. The Laura Small ’04 AAEB and NBA plan networking Alicia Roebuck ’05 and regional events, help connect alumnae with current students and provide opportunities for alumnae to connect with each other and the School. If you would like more information on how to get involved or ideas for programming, please contact the Alumnae Office at alumnae@baldwinschool.org.
Hana Ahanger ’21
Sophia Tavangar ’21
The opening speaker, A’Dorian Murray-Thomas, founder of SHE Wins and community activist, set the stage with her dynamic presentation. She shared that activism is the “inability to leave something alone,” and she encouraged each student to find her passion and act.
CLASS OF 2024 CELEBRATES BANNER DAY
Baldwin officially welcomed the 9th Grade, the Class of 2024, Class of Purple, into the Upper School. Although their event was a bit delayed this year, the students made up for it with their space-themed banner that will be on display for their remaining time in the Upper School. In lieu of presenting the banner to Head of School Dr. Marisa Porges '96 in the Assembly Room, Grade 9 walked their banner down the driveway from the Residence to the North Door. Upper School students, faculty and staff lined both sides of the driveway and cheered the Class of 2024 as they went by.
A’Dorian Murray-Thomas
Students spent the rest of the day in meaningful, cross-grade discussions, workshops and other activities on diversity and equity.
SUMMER 2021 ECHOES
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HONOR ROLL UPPER SCHOOL CLASS DAY 2021 On June 8, Baldwin recognized Upper School students at Class Day in celebration of their high academic achievements and demonstration of Baldwin’s ideals in their everyday lives. The highest honor, The Baldwin Award – Asia Blocker ’21 given to a senior who has distinguished herself in pursuit of excellence in academics, the arts, leadership, service and sensitivity to others – went to Asia Blocker ’21. OTHER AWARDS INCLUDE:
The Baldwin Class of 2003 Award
The Caroline Simon Award
Grade 8 Moving Up Ceremony Kylie Liggett ’25 and Daria Scharf ’25 received the Ruth Fiesel ’38 Award in recognition of their contributions to the life of the Middle School. Described by her teachers as being extremely kind, Kylie focuses on ways to help local and global communities, especially through an environmentally Daria Scharf ’25 and Kylie Liggett ’25 received the Ruth Fiesel ’38 Award.
friendly perspective. Whether it is planning for
Service Day or helping a peer with a project or presentation, she listens deeply when others come to her, and works to find common ground and good in others. When asked to describe Daria, her teachers used words like thoughtful, compassionate and confident. Daria speaks honestly and bravely as she engages in her learning, in and outside of the classroom. She is an exceptional leader and scholar, who always brings her best self to class. She cares deeply about animals and social justice issues and has fun dancing and
Megan Cooper ’21
Alice Zehner ’21
The Baldwin Class of 2002 Award
The Phi Beta Kappa Award
singing to her favorite KPOP songs.
Grade 5 Moving Up Ceremony Fatinah Muhammad ’28 received the Baiba Vasys Core Values Award. When it
Isabelle Kauffman ’21
Zhihan (Bella) Xia ’21
The Baldwin Class of 1998 Award
The Coughanowr Linguistics Award
comes to learning, respect, responsibility, compassion and honesty, Fatinah consistently demonstrates these values. She is the first to notice when someone needs help and offers assistance. She is forever curious,
Maddy Brown’21
Arianna Channer ’21
The Rachel Shao Sun Award
The Eva Macklis Award
engaged in her learning, Lower School Director Quenby Frimet presents the Baiba Vasys Core Values Award to Fatinah Muhammad ’28.
and she contributes to class discussion in meaningful and insightful ways, asking
thoughtful questions that make clear her desire to grow her knowledge. Year after year, Fatinah has been described as a kind-hearted and compassionate friend who is enthusiastic about school and eager to learn. She is a quiet leader, one who does not bring attention to herself but instead leads by example serving as
Sophia Tavangar ’21 4
Taylor Levinson ’21
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a role model for her classmates and younger students.
ALUMNASPOTLIGHT One of the hallmarks of a Baldwin girl is leadership; comfort in being at the helm and self-assurance about her place at the head of the table. Most Baldwin students develop this sense over the course of their time at 701 Montgomery, but for 2021 Baldwin commencement speaker Dr. Florencia (Renni) Greer Polite ’93, her sense of obligation to lead was present from her first day at Baldwin as a high school freshman. “There were not many Black students at Baldwin at the time,” she recalls. “I determined that I was going to be a conduit to the Black community. I wanted to challenge any preconceived notions they may have had and give them only positive impressions of Black people.” While this was a tremendous amount of pressure to put on her 13-year-old shoulders, it ultimately led to a rich and successful four years at Baldwin. While maintaining a rigorous class schedule, she also served as the President of the Black Student Union and Vice President of the Student Senate. She also won the Yale Book Award and was voted most likely to be moral and to encourage others.
“” “At Baldwin I found my voice,” she said. “I learned the power and impact of that voice and that what you do and say matters beyond the immediate moment. I have carried that lesson with me. It has inspired some of the most pivotal points in my life and my career.”
One of those moments came in the summer of 2020, when Dr. Polite was asked to speak at a Penn Medicine kneel for George Floyd. Dr. Polite had attended medical school at the University of Pennsylvania before practicing in New Orleans for several years and had only recently returned to Penn Medicine as an Associate Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology and Chief of the Division of General Obstetrics and Gynecology. The audience she addressed included the leaders of the entire Penn Medicine health system. Dr. Polite recognized that this would raise her profile in a way she hadn’t sought out, but she felt compelled to speak. “If I’m going to be part of some sort of protest or movement, then I want to be the one verbalizing what is being protested, I don’t want anyone else speaking for me,” she explained. In her address, she was frank in expressing her outrage and clear in expressing her expectation for real and meaningful change.
Called to Lead
through their own decision to receive the shot. The effort was capped off with an anti-racism town hall, moderated by Dr. Polite, which was attended by more than 700 employees. In the wake of the push there was an initial closing of the gap between employees of color and white employees who chose to get vaccinated. Fortunately for today’s Baldwin girls, Dr. Polite’s desire to give back extends beyond her place of work. Upon her return to the area, Dr. Polite reached out to Baldwin to give back with her time and expertise. She has since visited Baldwin numerous times to speak with Upper School students about important issues within her area of expertise such as sexually transmitted diseases, contraceptive options, consent and sexual assault. “That is what I love about what I do,” she explained. “I want to take care of, inform and empower young women so they feel like they have control over these situations.”
2021 Commencement Speaker DR. FLORENCIA GREER POLITE ’93 While she didn’t seek out the spotlight, Dr. Polite once again heeded the call to lead earlier this year when the COVID-19 vaccine became available. Due to a mistrust of the medical establishment born of the history of racism in healthcare, Dr. Polite knew there was great reluctance around the COVID-19 vaccine among the Black community. She herself felt a degree of hesitancy to get the shot when it became available, but she set that aside. “I had to be a leader,” she recalls. “It was one of those moments where you either stand up or wish later that you had. I knew I had to lead the charge for the Black and Brown employees of Penn Medicine so I signed up to get the vaccine the first day it was available.”
When she took the stage at commencement, Dr. Polite carried forth that message of empowerment and encouraged the Class of 2021 to use their voices as she has, but also to be aware of the privilege they have known. “I am not ashamed of my privilege and I’m not asking you to be ashamed of yours,” she told the graduates. “What I am asking you to do is look around the metaphorical table and take notice of who is represented and who is being left out. Whose voices are being heard and whose voices are being left out.” Dr. Polite encouraged this next generation to address the systemic and institutional privileges that lead to disparities. “You have the power to break down barriers and create real equity,” she told them.
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She didn’t just stop there. Knowing the barriers between Black and Brown employees and the vaccine were significant, Dr. Polite realized it would take more than leading by example to make a difference — she needed to take action. Along with a colleague at Penn Medicine she helped develop Operation CAVEAT (COVID Acceptance Vaccine Education and Adoption Taskforce). As Black leaders at Penn Medicine, they were in a unique position to provide education and raise awareness among staff members of color. The program utilized photos of Black and Brown Penn doctors receiving their vaccine shots paired with CDC stats and frequently asked questions on handouts and screensavers that were made available to staff throughout the hospital. Conversation and Q&A opportunities came when Black and Brown doctors joined the staff group’s regular “huddles” to answer questions about the vaccine and talk
“I know the power of my voice and how to use it – and that comes from Baldwin,” said Dr. Polite. “I want these young women to know that they have the same power. The lessons they’ve learned at Baldwin can have a tremendous ripple effect when they are put into practice.” As she told the Class of 2021 at the conclusion of her address, “You are Baldwin graduates, you are poised to break the glass ceilings ... the world is waiting for you.” SUMMER 2021 ECHOES
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Interdisciplinary Incubator and Interdisciplinary Institute
Baldwin’s Interdisciplinary Incubator (i2) and Interdisciplinary Institute (I2) program is based on research indicating that students engaging in interdisciplinary learning have higher academic outcomes, enhanced critical thinking skills and better retention of what they’ve learned. We know that our students want to see the purpose behind their learning and are most engaged when they can work together on finding solutions and can connect their learning to their interests and passions.
LOWER SCHOOL Interdisciplinary Incubator
Park Zoo, who shared information
that used graphic design elements
about animal environments and
to represent the data about their
This year, the Lower School i2
adaptations. Students then did
chosen National Park. These posters
delivered learning experiences that
independent research on the animals
became the foundation for shared
brought together two or more
they selected for study. In the
learning and group discussion.
content areas, allowing students
DREAM Lab, they used Lego Wedo
to deepen their knowledge, while
2.0 to explore animal habitats and
developing essential skills including
the adaptations that allow them to
collaboration, communication and
survive. And finally, they considered
problem solving. The Lower School
where further adaptations could
i2 experience helped students to
lead, by imagining new animals they
more readily seek out and explore
might see in the future.
connections between and among
GRADE 3 - The Ecosystems of Our National Parks
Women” represented and shaped
disciplines and, in turn, see their learning as an organic, dynamic and
Third graders virtually traveled
student selected a Radical Woman
exciting endeavor.
across the country to consider the
from Pennsylvania who has made
questions: Why do National Parks
a lasting contribution in some way.
matter? And what ecosystems
Students used in-depth reading and
exist in our National Parks? Pulling
research to design artifact boxes
together essential skills related to
filled with items carefully selected
GRADE 1 - Animal Adaptations
research, writing, science and the
to represent each Rad Woman.
First graders explored animal
DREAM Lab, each student studied
A Museum Showcase culminated
adaptations through learning that
the features, animals and plants
this learning experience, with each
integrated reading, research and
of a specific park. In the DREAM
student presenting a creative
science. The learning began with a
Lab, students worked in pairs to
demonstration of a skill connected to
visit from the experts at Elmwood
design an informational poster
the life of a Rad Woman.
Here are just a few examples of the i2 work that happened during the 202021 school year:
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Grade 4 - Rad Women Museum Showcase Fourth graders used skills in areas including research, writing, social studies, art and music to answer the questions: What makes a Woman Radical? And how have “Rad the state of Pennsylvania? Each
MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOL Interdisciplinary Institute
into the I2 program. This multi-day learning
the Space Race. Math and science learning were integrated as students explored the theory behind human and object motion and then developed their engineering and design skills by designing and launching their own rockets.
experience allowed students to explore topics
The Art of Failure
at the intersection of disciplines with creativity
and art exhibits to plays and published writing.
This course was about the other F-word: Failure. In this integration of literature and art, students engaged in readings, discussions, creative games and exercises to explore multimodal art-making. They then generated real-world products to tell their own personal stories of “failure through the senses,” using both visual and literary tools. The emphasis was not on the technical crafting of a “perfect” finished product, but instead focused on process, creation and meaning-making.
Our year of interdisciplinary learning culminated
Maps, Math, Democracy
In the Middle and Upper Schools, regular classes were set aside from June 1 – 4 to dive
and real-world problem solving. Students also had the opportunity to see and hear how concepts and skills are applied beyond Baldwin’s gates, by connecting with outside experts who gave the students a view into their real-world work. Driven by students’ passions, each I2 seminar invited students to demonstrate their learning and understanding in different ways, from social media campaigns
with an All-School celebration, where faculty, staff and students donned their i2+I2 t-shirts and applied their collaboration and problemsolving know-how to navigate a virtual Baldwin world in an Escape Room game. The entire community then gathered on Zoom for a video review that allowed students, faculty and staff to see and appreciate all the exploration and excitement that unfolded over the course of the year, from building rockets, investigating animal homes, creating maps,
Does your vote count? It depends on where you live. You may have been “packed,” “cracked” or “split” without even knowing it. In this math and history session, students explored topics related to gerrymandering, including congressional apportionment, redistricting and partisan politics. Using mapping software, they applied mathematical models and analyzed demographics to create their own 2021 Pennsylvania Congressional maps, which were entered in a state-wide political map contest for high school students.
visiting National Parks, mixing potions, eating
Potions and Poisons
croissants and more. Winnie and some of our
Modern science or ancient alchemy? William Shakespeare incorporates love potions, sleeping potions and poisons as significant plot points in several of his plays. Students used basic chemistry to either prove the potency of these poisons or alter the play using their knowledge of modern medicines and toxicology. They worked with an apothecary to create a tincture and performed labs to test the toxicity of modern pollutants. They also trained with an actor and then rewrote, designed and performed a modern adaptation of a Shakespearean play to dramatize the scientific effects that poisons and potions have on the human body.
Seniors closed out the celebration in signature Baldwin style - with a dance party and a polar bear “high five.” Here are just a few examples of the I2 course descriptions for Middle and Upper School students.
The Art of Geometry This session investigated the role that math plays in various genres of art — origami, straightedge and compass designs, linear perspective, tessellations and the golden spiral. Students created their own designs using Desmos, an interactive software tool that uses math equations to design sketches and graphics.
Blast Off With Rockets This session took students back in time to consider the development of rockets and to examine the barriers women overcame to join
PHOTO TO LEFT: Capri Dilks ’29 explores the “Rad Women” research. PHOTOS TO RIGHT FROM THE TOP: An Elmwood Park Zoo specialist shared information about animal environments and adaptations. | Charlotte Schofield ’30 identifies a National Park on the classroom map. | MS DREAM Lab Coordinator Addison Lilholt oversees Rachel Mirin ’25 as she uses a table saw during the session. | Sedona Cohen ’26 enjoying I2 with her sister Eve ’27. | Dueling “queens” from Makenna Walko’s ’23 soccer-themed chess board sculpture. | Upper School students work on a large Pennsylvania Congressional map. | Olivia Stephan ’24, Julie Brose ’23 and Megan Adelman ’23 create a potion. SUMMER 2021 ECHOES
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ACADEMICS BALDWIN HOSTS HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR PETER GOROG
Grade 4 and 5 Celebrate National Poetry Month To celebrate National Poetry Month in April, author and poet Ellen Hagan spoke virtually with Baldwin’s 4th and 5th graders. She began the assembly with some interactive warm-ups to get the students’ bodies and minds ready, and she shared some poems from her new book Reckless, Glorious, Girl, followed by a Q & A. Ms. Hagan also encouraged the students to write their own poetry and several of them bravely and boldly shared their very inspirational “I Come From” poems with the entire assembly.
Ellen Hagan
In April, Baldwin hosted Holocaust survivor Peter Gorog for a special virtual assembly for Middle and Upper School students. Mr. Gorog is a volunteer at the Unitzes Holocaust Museum and devotes time to sharing his first-hand recollection of Holocaust events. The students were engaged and asked thoughtful questions about his experience, current life and hopes for the future. If you are interested in viewing the presentation, visit https://bit.ly/3ijB2eC.
Kacey Kendrick ’29 shares her poem “I Am Made of Me.”
I Am Made of Me I am made of games and plays, with some complaints. I like joking, silly poking and no smoking. I like to go to the beach, I sometimes teach and dislike peach To eat, maybe not leak and be sleek. Fries, maybe not pies, I am sly Most of all I love, all above and the dove. I respect, maybe peck, sometimes a wreck. I want a pet, don’t have a net, but I let. I am made of me, that’s what I see and I let that be.
History Students Collaborate with The Royal School in the U.K.
Baldwin students in the U.S. Politics senior elective course taught by History Teacher Dr. Athan Biss collaborated with British politics students at The Royal School. The exchange was formed around a common “big” question that all students could tackle: “How democratic is the American/British political system?” Each student had to identify one problem within their country’s political system and propose their own reform. The exchange program will continue between the schools in 2021-22 and may expand to other subjects as well. In addition, Dr. Biss and Harriet Pagnamenta, the Head of History at ASTRONOMY STUDENTS STUDY EXTRATERRESTRIAL LIFE The Royal School, Science Teacher Dr. Jeff Goldader’s junior and senior astronomy elective focused presented “Politics on the possibility of the existence and consequences of the discovery of intelligent Across the Pond: extraterrestrial life. Many teachers collaborated with the astronomy class. History Cultural Exchange Department Chair Dr. Matthew Bunn used the conflict between the Aztec empire and in the Age of Cortez as an example of what happens when civilizations with very different levels COVID” at the of technology encounter each other. Art teacher Kenny Delio showed how to use art National Coalition to communicate without words. English teacher Dr. Sherry Forste-Grupp discussed how to “share your story” with other of Girls’ Schools cultures using episodes from “Star Trek: The Next Generation” to prompt discussion of stories that transcend cultures. 2021 conference Languages Department Chair Josiane Mariette talked about common features of human languages and Upper School in June. Director Christie Reed, who was a long-time biology teacher at Baldwin, visited to talk about early life on Earth.
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ACADEMICS Kindergarten Studies Dinosaurs Kindergarten students were deeply immersed in their interdisciplinary study of dinosaurs earlier this year. Starting from a place of wondering how the geography and climate of the earth impacted dinosaurs, how dinosaurs’ bodies protected (or didn’t protect) them and how dinosaurs became extinct, the girls jumped into conducting research Olivia Buglia ’33 created a dinosaur Amelia Wright ’33 and Lyla Burnett ’33 on dinosaurs and their lives. Students from recyclable materials. show off their paleontology gear. became experts on specific dinosaurs and created reference pages for a class book. In Science class, students explored fossils and the field of paleontology, took a virtual field trip to the Academy of Natural Sciences and had a Zoom visit with a female paleontologist and natural history conservator, Dr. Mariana Di Giacomo from the Yale Peabody Museum.
GRADE 7 STUDIES FISH DISSECTION
Seniors Experience Externships In May, Baldwin’s Class of 2021 embarked on their senior externships — a time for Kristen June ’21 Tessa Pearlstein ’21 Ava Jolie Sill ’21 Rhea Jain ’21 Ashling O’Dwyer ’21 Yasmin Yaghi ’21 each senior to explore an area of interest outside of school and learn about an organization’s day-to-day operations or to participate in an extended service opportunity. At the end of the three weeks, each senior made a presentation about what they learned personally as well as professionally about the subject of their externship. Some highlights included Kristen June ’21 and Tessa Pearlstein ’21 working on a farm, learning how injured horses are rehabilitated and how retired horses still play an important role supporting other horses on the farm; Ava Jolie Sill ’21 working with Carepoint Medical Solutions, which is a small business that specializes in pneumatic compression pumps to help patients who suffer from lymphedema and lymphatic disorders; and Rhea Jain ’21, Ashling O’Dwyer ’21 and Yasmin Yaghi ’21 working at the Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, learning about animals in the different exhibits and then communicating basic facts about each animal to the zoo’s visitors. They also learned about the role of zoos in the conservation of endangered species.
After learning about body systems during the second semester, it was especially fun for Grade 7 students to dissect fish. They discovered the heart, gills and different organs in the digestive system. The students loved exploring from head to tail, carefully extracting the lens to expanding the dorsal fin and seeing the spinal cord.
GRADE 8 STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN NCGS CONFERENCE
Three Grade 8 students, Lulu Goldenberg ’25, Sana Goyal ’25 and Grace Harvey ’25, participated in the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools’ Empowering Female Voices Civic Ambassadors Program. In February, these students attended virtual sessions with other eighth graders from around the world where they deliberated about current topics including racial injustice, education equity, environmental justice, etc. In addition, the students worked in small groups to examine case studies on pathways for change and Lulu Goldenberg ’25 Sana Goyal ’25 Grace Harvey ’25 how to bring civil engagement in their school communities. “I really enjoyed the deliberation,” said Lulu Goldenberg. “We talked about our opinions and worked together to come up with solutions. I also liked the root cause analysis, where we came up with ‘symptoms’ and ‘roots’ for what we were talking about in the deliberation.” Sana Goyal explained that it helped them realize the bigger root causes instead of just focusing on the effects of various problems. “In my specific groups, we discussed women who inspired us,” said Grace Harvey. “We also picked a topic of interest and discussed it with an advisor and other girls. I chose environmental justice because it is something I am passionate about. We learned about many different issues and things happening in our world today.” SUMMER 2021 ECHOES
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ARTS GRADE 6 STUDIES ART OF BOOK MAKING
Hamilton Star Meets with Middle School Musical Cast Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez
conducted a workshop for the cast of the Middle School musical James and the Giant Peach. Mandy has performed the roles of Elphaba (Wicked), Nina (In the Heights) and Angelica (Hamilton). She has been a part of Hamilton since 2016. During the workshop Mandy Sophie Smith ’27, Charlee Enslin ’27, Jennah Sarhan ’27 and Nava Khojasteh ’27 show off their handmade books.
Baldwin’s 6th grade art students learned about the art of book making. Throughout the period of several weeks, students learned a variety of bookbinding techniques, which culminated in each student creating their own personalized handmade book.
shared her own personal story, from singing along with Broadway recordings with her grandmother to
Mandy Gonzalez
starring in a string of Broadway hits. She also shared valuable insight into her process of developing a character, working through the rehearsal phase and finally the performance itself. Mandy told fun stories about her friendship with Lin-Manuel Miranda and her experience in working with him as he developed the hit musical In the Heights. A highlight of the workshop was Mandy leading
LUCY BONIN ’21 PRESENTS SENIOR SHOWCASE For her Senior Showcase and a culmination of her year-long course, Lucy Bonin ’21 presented the play titled The Wolves by Sarah DeLappes. The Wolves is a Pulitzer Prize-winning play about an all-girls soccer team and their journey to nationals. Lucy spent one-on-one class time with Drama teacher Scott Warfel learning how to direct and plan the show. The play was entirely student led and run, with 13 students in the cast and seven students as members of the crew.
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the Middle School cast through her warm-up that she does before every performance of Hamilton.
2021 Senior Art Showcase The Upper School Art faculty honored eight senior students who made the visual arts studios a meaningful part of their studies at Baldwin. Representing the sculpture, jewelry and drawing/painting studios are Asia Blocker, Megan Cooper, Elina Emami, Ava Gessl, Izzy Lee, Esther Moola, Ava Olson and Olivia Stratton.
Asia Blocker ’21
Megan Cooper ’21
Elina Emami ’21
Ava Gessl ’21
Izzy Lee ’21
Esther Moola ’21
Ava Olson ’21
Olivia Stratton ’21
ARTS Middle School Musical Features James and the Giant Peach This year’s production of the Middle School Musical, James and the Giant Peach, moved from the stage to the screen. After three months of rehearsals and filming, the story of James and his new-found friends premiered on Baldwin’s Cast members Caroline Didizian ’27, Sabrina Cohen ’26, YouTube channel. Daphne Yorks ’26, Piper Skoglund ’26, Nina HeverinThe sets, costumes, Alvarado ’26, Sheyenne Abraham ’26, Lyla Mason animation and associated Rosenblum ’26 and Jennah Smith ’27 presented a digital version of this year’s Middle School play. production features were designed and created by the Grade 8 Interdisciplinary Design classes, taught by Jason Potten and Addison Lilholt. Art teacher Jessica Konopka guided the paint mixing for the showcase set piece, a giant 4x8 foot book. The production was directed by Drama teacher Scott Warfel, with Music teacher Nick Harmantzis serving as technical director and editor. This was certainly a community effort by the Middle School.
Upper School Spring Concert The Upper School Music department released the 2021 Spring Concert virtually, which can be found on Baldwin’s YouTube channel. The music groups included Upper School Chorus, The Upper School Orchestra performed a “Matador’s Tale” B-Flats, Eliza-B-thans, by Mark Lortz. Belles, Bronze, Upper School Orchestra and Jazz Band. After the directors created practice tracks and conducting videos, the students rehearsed on campus and over Zoom to learn the Spring Concert repertoire. Each student then used their laptop and cellphone at home to record their part individually, while following along with the conducting video. The faculty then synced all of the audio tracks from each student, one by one, and then synced the final audio file with each video of the students’ performances, until all the sound and visuals were linked together digitally in a virtual ensemble format. The Spring Concert video highlights all the hard work the students and faculty put into making music this year, overcoming incredible challenges and harnessing technology.
LOWER SCHOOL EXPLORES VARIOUS ART FORMS Baldwin’s Kindergarten students completed a two-month long study of artists - starting with cave art, moving through the Renaissance and Impressionist periods and ending with modern and contemporary Kindergarten students artists. They hosted a virtual art shared their artwork with parents during a show for their parents. virtual show.
Grade 1 students learned about composition in visual arts, learning to identify different components and structures in landscape and portrait Grade 1 created portrait and landscape compositions. compositions. They created their own still-life paintings. Grade 2 students executed a wide range of two- and three-dimensional tasks, providing an opportunity for resourcefulness and imagination. The students learned how to adapt Grade 2 explored positive/ and be inventive with negative collaging. their solutions as they completed positive/negative collaging. Grade 3 students studied how sound is produced and learned about all the instruments of the orchestra. Using recyclable materials, they made their own instruments.
Torri Hill ’30 made an instrument from recyclables.
Grade 4 explored the diverse world of art in culture, society and tradition, creating an Grade 4 created an art art element booklet, element booklet. while Grade 5 worked on concept art. They created moonscape paintings and shared their artwork with each other over Zoom. SUMMER 2021 ECHOES
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ATHLETICS ANAJAH BROWN ’21 EARNS CLASS 4A 1ST TEAM ALL-STATE HONORS
14 Student-Athletes Commit to Colleges
Baldwin Athletics celebrated a school-record 14 senior student-athletes who will continue their athletic career at the college level representing nine different sports. Row 1 (Front): Samantha Eill (New York University, Rowing); Grace Kirwan (George Washington University, Rowing); Aleezah Burhan (Tufts University, Squash); Presley Daggett (Franklin & Marshall College, Tennis); Ava Olson (Wesleyan University, Rowing); Row 2: Theresa Kay (Williams College, Squash); Alice Zehner (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Field Hockey); Megan Cooper (Army, Diving); Stephanie Hulme (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Rowing); Skyler Knox (Cornell University, Gymnastics); Row 3: Grace Lavin (University of Pennsylvania, Squash); Anajah Brown (Siena College, Basketball); Tessa Pearlstein (Haverford College, Softball); Taylor Levinson (Harvey Mudd College, Soccer).
Three Sets of Sisters Lead Baldwin Softball Program Varsity basketball player Anajah Brown ‘21 earned Class 4A 1st Team All-State honors. This is the first time in Baldwin history that a player earned 1st Team All-State for basketball. Anajah, the winner of this year’s White Blazer award, will continue her basketball career at NCAA I program Siena College. She earned nine varsity letters (four in volleyball and five in basketball) during her time at Baldwin. She scored more than 1,000 career points and is the school’s all-time leader in rebounds and blocked shots in basketball. Anajah was the 2020 Pat West Award winner for dedication and sportsmanship, and she was the 2020 and 2021 basketball MVP. 12
The Baldwin School softball team, which captured its first Inter-Ac tournament title in program history this spring, is a tight-knit sisterhood. Three sets of sisters— Blake ’22 and Charly ’25 Landow, Tessa ’21 and Joelle ’24 Pearlstein and Allie ’24 and Kaya ’22 Weiser— have been a key part of the Polar Bears’ success this spring.
The Landow sisters, the Weiser sisters and the Pearlstein sisters played an integral part in Baldwin softball’s success.
Rowers Shine at City Championships, Stotesbury Regatta Ainsley Steele ’22 won 1st place in the JV single and the JV double team of Megan Magee ’22 and Amy Erskine ’22 captured a third-place medal at the Philadelphia Scholastic Rowing Association City Championships held May 2 on the Schuylkill River. Ainsley also finished in 6th place overall in the Varsity single at the Stotesbury Regatta on May 15 and qualified for the Scholastic Rowing Association of America National Championships.
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Ainsley Steele ’22, Megan Magee ’22 and Amy Erskine ’22 celebrate at the City Championships.
ATHLETICS 2021 Athletics Association Awards show interest in teams other than the one on which she is playing. This award is voted on by students who have played on a team in the Upper School.
SPECIAL AWARDS
Anajah Brown ’21
Anajah Brown ’21 was awarded The White Blazer, which is given to a student who has played on at least two varsity sports in her senior year and who represents the best qualities of sportsmanship: the ability to win and lose gracefully, act with integrity, take criticism willingly and be a loyal teammate in winning and losing and, after the game
Pat West Award: Blake Landow ’22 and Clara Page ’22 Margot Cunningham Sports Commitment Award: Jasmine Bell ’21 and Maddy Brown ’21 Most Valuable Manager Award: Isabelle Kauffman ’21 Alice Comly Award: Maddy Brown ’21 and Presley Daggett ’21 Lois Harlos Award: Tessa Pearlstein ’21 and Alice Zehner ’21 Tina Roak Award: Rani Bleznak ’21 Ruth Davidon ’82 Elite Athlete Award: Megan Cooper ’21 and Anya Mostek ’22
MVP AWARDS The Nancy Park ’66 Basketball Award: Anajah Brown ’21
The Baldwin School Dance Award: Skylar Zachian ’21 The Baldwin School Diving Award: Megan Cooper ’21 The Lyn Hopkins ’63 Swimming Award: Anya Mostek ’22 The Baldwin School Indoor Track Award: Clara Page ’22 The Baldwin School Squash Award: Theresa Kay ’21 and Grace Lavin ’21 The Baldwin School Crew Award: Ainsley Steele ’22 The Baldwin School Golf Award: Megan Adelman ’23 The Margaret Johnston Lacrosse Award: Clara Page ’22 The Natalie Georges ’03 and Erica Miller ’03 Softball Award: Tessa Pearlstein ’21 The Jennifer Dietrich ’17 Track and Field Award: Ana Naylor ’23 *No Fall Sports MVP Awards were selected; no official season due to COVID-19.
STUDENTS COMPETE FOR INTER-AC LEAGUE GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP
Megan Adelman ’23 with her Inter-Ac Golf Championships runner-up plaque.
Megan Adelman ’23 was runner-up at the Inter-Ac League Golf Championships on May 12 at French Creek Golf Club. Megan shot a nine-hole 36, only two strokes behind the league champion. Teammate Ananda Leahy ’24 also finished in the League top 15 with a score of 51.
Five Bears Garner Spring All-Inter-Ac League Honors
TAYLOR LEVINSON ’21 RECEIVES INTER-AC LEAGUE ATHLETIC DIRECTORS’ AWARD
Congratulations
The Girls’ Inter-Ac League Athletic Directors’ Award was presented to Taylor Levinson ’21. Given by the League in honor of past Athletic Directors, Taylor Levinson ’21 the award is presented annually to a senior girl who has been a multi-sport varsity athlete and has exemplified the following characteristics: dedication to their team and school, outstanding representative of the Inter-Ac League, sportsmanship and leadership. Each Inter-Ac school nominates one senior girl. Taylor earned 10 varsity letters and was a leader for the soccer, basketball and lacrosse programs. She will continue her academic and soccer career at Harvey Mudd College in California. She was an All-Main Line performer in both soccer and basketball and was named to the Pennsylvania Schoolgirls Lacrosse Association All-Academic Team. She was a captain for the soccer team and earned Main Line Athlete of the Week honors. She also received the Alice Comly Award in 2020 for wholehearted engagement and participation in Athletics.
to Baldwin’s five studentathletes who were recognized with All-Inter-Ac League Honors this spring: Megan
Megan Adelman ’23
Blake Landow ’22
Clara Page ’22
Adelman ’23 (Golf 1st Team), Blake Landow ’22 (Softball 1st Team), Clara Page ’22 (Lacrosse 2nd Team), Joelle Pearlstein ’24 (Softball 1st Team) and Tessa Pearlstein ’21 (Softball 2nd Team).
Joelle Pearlstein ’24 Tessa Pearlstein ’21
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HOW THE PANDEMIC WILL SHAPE BALDWIN’S FUTURE
At the outset of the COVID19 crisis, Baldwin committed to safeguarding the health of the community, first and foremost, and to the delivery of the Baldwin program in the most complete way possible, for all of our students. To fulfill these aims and support our community throughout, we adopted a standard of creativity, flexibility and highly collaborative problem solving in all aspects of what we do. These dispositions became essential tools as we faced the tremendous challenges of opening school in an environment of continually shifting public health recommendations and ongoing global debates about nearly every element of the crisis and response. They also shaped our response plans in ways that will have a lasting impact, beyond the pandemic. Our creative, flexible and teamoriented approach was instrumental in bringing Baldwin through the 14
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2020-21 school year with distinction. We opened our doors to all students in August 2020. We operated school continuously without any days of lost learning due to the pandemic. We had no cases of on-campus COVID transmission. We also provided all
Librarians Emily Woodward and Shelly Lucia helped to launch Book Dash during the 2020-21 school year - a library concierge delivery service.
of our students the best educational experience and most fun year possible, including the celebration of Baldwin’s favorite traditions. As we look back and look ahead, it is evident that our approach led to a number of solutions and outcomes that were truly additive and that will shape Baldwin far into the future. When faced with the challenge of social distancing and resultant need for additional space to support every aspect of school life, we insisted on blue sky thinking to look critically at any and all possible ways to deploy Baldwin’s resources, in terms of both our people and our campus
spaces. Creative space planning that began due to COVID ultimately resulted in a profound broadening of our concept of “the classroom.” Temporary reassignments of indoor spaces included reimagining the Dining Room as a Middle School DREAM Lab, transforming the Assembly Room into a new Kindergarten classroom space and reconfiguring the Admissions suite as an additional Wellness Center. New ways of thinking about space also inspired our Library’s Baldwin Book Dash program, which ensured that our girls always had access to all of our library books via a creative remote delivery system and resulted in fantastic circulation rates throughout the year. While most of the modified spaces around campus will return to their prior uses, one significant space adjustment will become permanent. This past year, relocating Baldwin’s Middle School to the Residence allowed us to fully experience the benefits of a dedicated Middle School space with more classrooms and meeting spaces designed specifically for the needs of our Middle School students. We are excited to turn this pandemicmotivated adaptation into a longterm win for our students, faculty and program. During Summer 2021, we undertook considerable
outdoors in the winter meant flexible solutions for heating our porches and select other areas on campus, and a move to insulated tablets in place of our normal laptops.
This past summer, construction was underway to transform the Residence second floor into spacious classrooms and collaborative spaces designed specifically for the Middle School program.
construction work to transform the former hotel rooms of the Residence second floor into spacious classrooms and collaborative spaces designed with our Middle School program in mind, with digital displays, whiteboards and all of the other tools needed for our Middle School students. We are thrilled to see our historic Residence spaces updated in this new way for our students, teachers and program. The pandemic-related need for additional space coupled with research that demonstrated the increased safety of outdoor interactions also led us to realize the full potential of Baldwin’s vast fields, lawns, porches and patios. In planning for outdoor teaching, we intentionally focused on the nearterm challenge and solution, in order to build plans that were flexible and responsive to the changing needs of our teachers and students throughout the year. Thus, Baldwin’s outdoor teaching strategy rolled out in phases — initial plans were suited to fall weather in the local area, followed by a second phase to design for outdoor teaching in the winter and the additional challenge that cold temperatures presented for our students, faculty and technology. Fall teaching outdoors became possible with special Baldwin camping chairs, moveable tents that were easy to deploy as needed, voice amplification devices and internet hotspots. Planning for teaching
The year’s use of outdoor learning uncovered tangible, lasting benefits. Faculty found new opportunities to add movement into the learning, to invite students to engage with nature and to increase exciting elements of their lessons with the additional sensory inputs available while outside. Students and teachers both enjoyed the mental health benefits of additional time outdoors throughout every day and week. In order to continue to capitalize on the benefits of outdoor teaching in coming years, our temporary outdoor classrooms are being transformed into permanent spaces for each division for the 2021-22 school year, with the addition of outdoor WIFI access points and furniture designed specifically for outdoor learning. We are excited to see how this new element of our program provides long-term benefits for all members of the Baldwin community. Another resource essential to the continuity of teaching and learning throughout the pandemic was found in the creative new ways faculty, staff and students used academic technology. To connect teachers and learners across classrooms and to enable remote students to join classes on campus, we deployed a range of new hardware and software solutions in each grade and in every course. Beginning in June 2020, we tested different webcams, microphones and speakers to maximize student engagement whether girls were learning in person or from home. We explored online platforms that would enable virtual science labs, and we curated shelves of digital library books and other learning materials. In August 2020, when teachers returned to
campus to prepare for the reopening of school, they spent over a week working together with colleagues to run sound checks, test digital whiteboards and play out countless classroom scenarios on Zoom. This marked the start of a year-long experiment for our faculty, with months of hands-on professional learning that made us experts in how to use digital tools to enhance teaching, learning and student engagement. This work likewise influenced Baldwin’s plans for the future. Not only will we see select software and curricular adaptations remain moving forward, but the creativity and future-focused ideas that shaped our teaching during a pandemic also helped refine the design of Baldwin’s new Innovation Center. Throughout the 2020-21 school year, faculty focus groups from all divisions shared their vision for the type of teaching they would do in this new space and the digital tools that would make it a truly engaging and exciting place for our students to learn and explore. The digital fluency and curiosity that grew in our faculty during this period will set the stage for innovative interdisciplinary teaching and learning in our new space. The results will no doubt be high impact when Baldwin’s Innovation Center opens in early 2022.
Students and teachers enjoyed the mental health benefits of additional time outdoors throughout the school year. SUMMER 2021 ECHOES
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1 2 0 f 2 o s s a l The C
Presenting the Class of 2021
Class of 2021 Matriculation List
Hana Anees Ahanger
Theresa Fabiani Kay
Lily Rosemary Altman
Grace Anne Kirwan
Jasmine Marina Olivia Bell
Skyler Paulette Clark Knox
Colgate University
Rani Olivia Bleznak
Grace Lavin
College of Charleston
Asia Semone Blocker
Isabelle Lee
Cornell University
Lucy Jane Bonin
Taylor Nicole Levinson
Drexel University (2)
Anajah Saree Brown
Iris Ruisi Li
Elon University
Madison McKayla Brown
Yanfei Li
Emory University
Esther Cinderella Moola
George Washington University
Darby Reese Mullaney
Georgetown University (2)
Maya Ray Murray
Haverford College
Ashling Susanne O’Dwyer
Johns Hopkins University
Ava Fu Hui Fen Olson
MIT (2)
Liah Frances Osborne
Muhlenberg College
Tessa Gavrielle Pearlstein
Newcastle University
Emilia Lucia Salgado
Princeton University
Layla Manijeh Siahatgar
Siena College
Ava Jolie Sill
Temple University (3)
Lexington Davis Smith
Tufts University
Ming-yan Maggie Song
UCLA
Berlyn Katrina Squillaro
University of California Berkeley (2)
Aleezah Burhan Christina Marie Cappola Ellie Capuano Arianna O’neilia Channer Megan Ann Cooper Presley Hope Daggett Anna Claire Danowitz Abigail May Dubinski Samantha Rose Eill Elina Ava Emami Maya Katharine Esty Emma Yevgenia Gantard Isabel Elena Garcia Ava Kristin Gessl Natecia Akilah Greenidge Yunxi Melody Gui
Bates College Boston University Case Western Reserve University
Connecticut College
Duke University
Olivia Mary Stratton Sophia Ruha Tavangar
Isabelle Sanae Ashton Hagino
Diane Tian
Melissa Hans
Zhihan Xia
Stephanie Katherine Hulme
Bethany Yuxiao Xu
Rhea Jain
Yasmin Marie Yaghi
Kristen Brianna June
Skylar Marissa Zachian
Sarah Elise Kait
Alice Margaret Zehner
Rucha Kamat
Annie C Zheng
Isabelle Michaela Kauffman
Jessica Zhu
Franklin & Marshall College (2)
Harvey Mudd College
Lafayette College
New York University (3)
Rhode Island School of Design
Trinity College
United States Military Academy University of Chicago University of Florida University of Miami (2) University of North Carolina Chapel Hill University of Pennsylvania (6) University of Pittsburgh University of Rhode Island University of Southern California University of Toronto University of Vermont (2) University of Virginia Vassar College Villanova University Wesleyan University Williams College (2) SUMMER 2021 ECHOES
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MEMBERS OF THE 14-YEAR CLUB: Ava Olson, Sarah Elise Kait, Skylar Zachian, Aleezah Burhan, Rani Bleznak, Taylor Levinson, Tessa Pearlstein and Isabel Garcia.
MEMBERS OF THE 13-YEAR CLUB: Ava Jolie Sill, Grace Kirwan, Darby Mullaney, Stephanie Hulme and Theresa Kay.
THE SENIORS CELEBRATING THEIR LEGACY TO BALDWIN:
Row 1 (Front): Isabelle Hagino (Sister Melia Hagino ’18); Skylar Zachian (Sister Rachel Zachian ’15); Theresa Kay (Mother Alyssa Kay ’87, Sister Christa Kay ’23 and Aunt Christa Fabiani ’79); Sophia Tavangar (Cousin Nahal Tavangar ’04); Elina Emami (Sister Armina Emami ’20, Cousins Laila Ahmadinejad ’97, Tara Ahmadinejad ’03 and Tina Ahmadinejad ’02); Abigail Dubinski (Sister Hannah Dubinski ’18); Kristen June (Sister Sarah June ’10); Row 2: Christina Cappola (Sisters Katherine Cappola ’19 and Alexandra Cappola ’24); Sarah Elise Kait (Sister Julia Kait ’19); Lexington Smith (Sister Haley Smith ’18); Rani Bleznak (Sister Simi Bleznak ’19); Taylor Levinson (Cousins Kathleen McMahon ’22 and Tara McMahon ’18); Tessa Pearlstein (Sister Joelle Pearlstein ’24 and Cousin Lily Simon ’07); and Isabelle Kauffman (Mother Stacy Katchman ’83). 18
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EXCERPT FROM THE COMMENCEMENT SPEECH OF AVA OLSON ’21 “As I sat at my kitchen counter reminiscing about … memories from the Class of 2021, a specific quote by Samuel Beckett came to mind: ‘Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.’ The … moments of ‘failure’ have honestly been moments of true character; our grade has always been rowdy, bold and unafraid of causing a little bit of trouble. … Yet, although we’ve experienced significant failures, we’ve also experienced great successes.
“”
I challenge us to redefine the word ‘success.’ As we start thinking more seriously about our futures, I hope that we can remember our positive
... MOMENTS OF ‘FAILURE’ HAVE HONESTLY BEEN MOMENTS OF TRUE CHARACTER ...
approach to unfortunate situations. I hope we can use our experiences — the good, the bad and the ugly — to remind ourselves that one day, we will look back on our ‘failures’ and see them as mere memories, not mistakes. I hope that we can prioritize our well-being — take a day off, breathe deeply, appreciate our lives — because we no longer act out of the fear of failing. Because, in reality, failure shouldn’t be feared. If there’s anything our [Baldwin] years have taught us, it’s that failures are just successes waiting to happen.”
HEAD OF SCHOOL DR. MARISA PORGES ’96
addresses the Class of 2021.
CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES PATRICIA WEISER (P ’22, ’24) spoke to the graduating class with words of wisdom.
DR. CRYSTAL LUCKY ’82,
DR. FLORENCIA GREER POLITE ’93,
Associate Professor of English at Villanova University, provided the invocation for the ceremony.
Associate Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology and Chief of the Division of General Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Pennsylvania Health System, delivered the keynote address.
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Highlights from Commencement
Hana Ahanger, Melissa Hans, Sophia Tavangar and Lily Altman celebrate together. Rhea Jain and Olivia Stratton.
Isabel Garcia, Presley Daggett, Maya Murray and Rani Bleznak take a selfie before the ceremony.
Natecia Greenidge processes into the graduation ceremony.
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Helen Li and Annie Zheng enjoy the Residence as the backdrop for photos.
The Class of 2021 celebrated their graduation on the field behind the Athletic Center.
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Emma Gantard and Esther Moola get ready for the ceremony.
Berlyn Squillaro and Arianna Channer pose before the festivities got underway.
Anajah Brown accepts her diploma from Head of School Dr. Marisa Porges ’96.
The senior members of the B-Flats, directed by Music teacher Lee Hagon-Kerr, sang “For Good” during the graduation ceremony.
Highlights from Commencement
Taylor Levinson and Skylar Knox celebrate during the recessional.
Isabelle Hagino and Lexington Smith pose after the ceremony. Caricatures of the Class of 2021 were on display during the ceremony, and individual jars of cookies were available for guests to enjoy.
Madison Brown rings the gong after graduation, signaling the end of her time at Baldwin.
Darby Mullaney, Asia Blocker and Stephanie Hulme celebrate after the ceremony.
Class of
Fast Facts
50
%
The Class of 2021 had 63 students who received 248 acceptances at 149 unique institutions
OF CLASS
offered admission to most highly selective schools (admit rate < 15%)
Schools include: Cornell, Duke, Georgetown, Harvey Mudd, Johns Hopkins, MIT, Princeton, Swarthmore, UCLA, Univ. of Penn, Vanderbilt, Williams, among others
More than
% of the class were
RECRUITED NCAA ATHLETES
75
of students were offered admission to their first-choice school
%
1406
Average SAT score (185 points above the national average)
7
Seniors were recognized as finalists by the NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
1.8M+
$
in merit scholarships received
21
THE CLASS % OF ATTENDED
BALDWIN SINCE KINDERGARTEN
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We were excited to welcome the Classes of Red “Back to Baldwin” virtually this spring. More than 200 alumnae registered for Reunion 2021. This year featured a variety of virtual events for alumnae to reconnect with classmates and Baldwin.
Mindfulness Workshop
Pax Tandon ’96
Pax Tandon ’96, author of Mindfulness Matters, kicked off Reunion Week with a Lunch and Learn Mindfulness Workshop. She discussed the importance of mindfulness and how to incorporate it into everyday life. Alumnae were invited to begin their own mindfulness journey and center their week in community with fellow alumnae.
Virtual Paint and Sip Alumnae gathered virtually with Lower School Art teacher Andre Teixeira. Andre led the group in an easy-to-follow tutorial on painting a cherry blossom branch with flowers in moonlight. Gina Wright ‘96 and daughter Katarzyna show off their art work.
DEI Lunch and Learn Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Stephanie Allen reviewed the DEI work underway at Baldwin, including the expansion of faculty and staff professional development, enhancement of student programs and curricula, deepening of parent engagement and the development of alumnae programming. 22
Stephanie Allen
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Interdisciplinary Learning at Baldwin Alumnae learned more about Baldwin’s Interdisciplinary Institute (I2) for Middle and Upper School and Interdisciplinary Incubator (i2) for Lower School. Science Department Chair and Coordinator of Strategic Vision Planning, Maggie Epstein (P ’26, ’31), spoke Daria Scharf ‘25, Allie Page-White ‘26 and Audrey Taylor ‘25 to attendees studied the history of rockets and space exploration with math, science and technology during their I2 course. about Baldwin’s strategic vision that emphasizes interdisciplinary studies and inspires the students through hands-on projects applied to realworld problems (see pages 6-7 for more details). Building on last year’s i2 process, Lower School teachers branched out into new content areas and collaborative partnerships during the 2020 – 21 school year. These projects brought together two or more content areas, allowing students to deepen their knowledge, while developing essential skills including collaboration, communication and problem-solving skills. In the Middle and Upper Schools, regular classes were set aside from June 1 – 4 to dive into I2 sessions. This multi-day learning experience was designed around exploration of topics at the intersection of disciplines and leverages student choice, creativity and real-world problem solving. Students also had the opportunity to see and hear how concepts and skills are applied beyond Baldwin’s gates, by connecting with outside experts and alumnae who brought the students into the worlds of their real-world work. For example, Trish Hall ’68, former Op-Ed Editor for The New York Times, discussed with students the role of the newspaper op-ed in advocacy.
State of the School and Senior Student Panel
Dr. Marisa Porges ’96
Asia Blocker ‘21
Head of School Dr. Marisa Porges ’96 hosted a State of the School and Student Panel. Dr. Porges provided a snapshot of learning on campus over this past year and the amazing, creative work of the faculty and staff to make this unprecedented year a success. She also shared updates about the DEI initiatives underway, the interdisciplinary learning and the exciting news about capital projects starting on campus. She was then joined by seniors Asia Blocker ’21 and Rani Bleznak ’21, who shared their experiences and lessons learned throughout their time at Baldwin.
Rani Bleznak ‘21
Alumnae Award Recognition Baldwin recognized its three alumnae award winners for 2021. For more on these incredible women please see pages 24-25. Binney Connell Wietlisbach ’81
Lower School Assembly with Author Christine Platt Alumnae joined Grades 3 - 5 as they listened to author Christine Platt talk about storytelling and social change. Ms. Platt is the author of several books, including the series Ana & Andrew and Sheroes. Ms. Platt serves as an Ambassador for Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Christine Platt Writers and Illustrators. She shared the significance of storytelling and the importance of “mirror and window” books. Students and alumnae learned that books can reflect one’s culture and identity like a mirror as well as act as a window, by providing a view into someone else’s experience, culture and identity.
Alumnae Trivia Night Reunion concluded with a rousing evening of fun and trivia. Alumnae tested their knowledge and won prizes! The Class of 2011 had a strong showing with Tina Salvitti ’11 and Richelle Gewertz ’11 in the top spots. All of our winners received a prize pack of Baldwin apparel. Some of the questions included: 1. What is the Upper School Theatrical Club called?
Tina Salvitti ’11 poses in her Baldwin swag!
2. What year did Winnie become the official Baldwin mascot? 3. What new center opened at Baldwin in 1996? 4. Who became the Head of School in 1980? 5. What year did the school’s name change from Miss Baldwin’s School to The Baldwin School? Farah Jasmine Griffin ’ 81
Answers: 1. Maskers; 2. 1983; 3. Early Childhood Center 4. Blair Stambaugh; 5. 1906
Anjelika Paranjpe Temple ’01
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AlumnaeAwards
FARAH JASMINE GRIFFIN ’81
Award for Lifetime Achievement The Award for Lifetime Achievement was established in 1991. It is given to an alumna who has either demonstrated a lifelong dedication and commitment to helping empower those who have struggled with challenges and societal barriers or who has had a significant impact on an institution or community. Dr. Farah Jasmine Griffin ’81 is a celebrated academic who has literally written the book on the African American experience through the lens of art and music. She is the author or editor of eight books including Who Set You Flowin?: The African American Migration Narrative (Oxford, 1995), If You Can’t Be Free, Be a Mystery: In Search of Billie Holiday (Free Press, 2001) and Harlem Nocturne: Women Artists and Progressive Politics During World War II (Basic Books, 2013). Farah received her B.A. from Harvard and her Ph.D. in American Studies from Yale and is now Chair of the African American and African Diaspora Studies Department at Columbia University, where she also serves as the William B. Ransford Professor of English and Comparative Literature. In addition to academic writing on the arts, Farah has contributed through collaboration on various endeavors, most recently as a consulting producer on the A+E Studios and ITV Studios America forthcoming adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, which will explore the African American community and vibrant music scene of the 1920s in New York City. Past credits include working with composer and pianist Geri Allen and director and actor S. Epatha Merkerson on two theatrical projects: “Geri Allen and Friends Celebrate the Great Jazz Women of the Apollo,” with Lizz Wright, Dianne Reeves, Teri Lyne Carrington and others, which 24
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premiered on the main stage of the Apollo Theater in May 2013 and “A Conversation with Mary Lou” featuring vocalist Carmen Lundy, which premiered at Harlem Stage in March 2014 and was performed at The John F. Kennedy Center in May 2016. Her forthcoming book, Read Until You Understand: The Profound Wisdom of Black Life and Literature will be published by W.W. Norton in September 2021. Farah is an active community volunteer focused on issues of education, poverty and gender equity especially as they impact women and children. She currently sits on the board of The Brotherhood/Sister Sol, an organization that provides comprehensive, holistic and long-term support services to youth in Central Harlem. In April 2021 Farah was awarded a prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship in the General Nonfiction category. No stranger to accolades, Farah also received the Baldwin Distinguished Young Alumna Award in 1996 and is a 125th Circle of Achievement winner. She has also given back to Baldwin as a founding member of the National Board of Advisors (NBA) and through her willingness to return to campus to speak to current students.
BINNEY CONNELL WIETLISBACH ’81
The Alumnae Award The Alumnae Award was established in 1967 to honor Rosamond Cross on her 25th anniversary as Head of School. It is given annually to an alumna who has distinguished herself in her field of endeavor and whose life reflects a dedication to the principles of The Baldwin School.
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Binney Connell Wietlisbach ’81 has worked in the financial services industry since 1985. Binney, who is known as “Missy” to her classmates, is the President of The Haverford Trust Company and has been with that wealth management firm since 1992. She is a member of Haverford Trust’s Executive Committee, a voting member of the Investment Selection Committee and a member of their Board of Directors. Working her way up from an entry-level position in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Binney has been a dedicated champion of financial literacy for women. In 2008, she helped establish the Haverford Speaker Series for Women, a platform for women to learn, network and share ideas related to finances, investing and more, which has reached more than 3,500 women since its inception and continues to grow. In addition to taking a more active role in their personal financial lives, Binney has served as a mentor and advocate for young women launching careers in the financial industry, through speaking engagements and media interviews. The Baldwin alumna and Penn State graduate has been recognized as one of Barron’s “Top 100 Female Financial Advisors” in the country and a Barron’s “Top 1,200 Financial Advisor.” Binney deploys her skills and talents to support the children of the greater Philadelphia area as a Director at The Caroline Alexander Buck Foundation, which provides educational opportunities and support for children from the greater Philadelphia area from preschool through high school, and as a Director of the Mindfulness Through Movement in-school nonprofit yoga program. On a more macro level, Binney strives to improve the quality of life in the Philadelphia region as a Trustee of The Connelly Foundation, which provides grants to charitable organizations in the areas of education, human services, culture and civic life. The Baldwin community has been a beneficiary of her expertise as well, as Binney has served as a member of the NBA, the Finance Committee and has volunteered her time to speak with several student groups.
ANJELIKA PARANJPE TEMPLE ’01
The Distinguished Young Alumna Award The Distinguished Young Alumna Award was established in 1991. It is given to an alumna who has graduated within the last 25 years and has made significant contributions in her profession, avocation or volunteer services. Anjelika Paranjpe Temple ’01 received her B.A. at Middlebury College and was subsequently awarded three post-graduate fellowships in fine arts. She spent one year as an artist-in-residence at the Vermont Studio Center followed by 10 months traveling abroad to work on a series of commissioned works. She then moved to New York and worked in the creative department of Lowe/ Deutsch, then went on to work at art-meets-tech startup 20x200. Anjelika is Co-founder and former Chief Creative Officer of Brit + Co, a media company whose mission is to encourage women to unlock their creativity, find their unique path and take action in every aspect of their lives. In the fall of 2020, Anjelika and her Brit + Co cofounder launched Selfmade, a 10-week virtual startup school for women business founders. Anjelika stepped back from Brit + Co in December 2020 and is serving as an advisor to women-owned startups and is a contributing writer to Represent Collaborative, a storytelling collaborative that covers issues of racial and social justice. Anjelika has appeared as a guest judge on the HBOMax crafting competition show Craftopia and is also a sought-after public speaker, encouraging young women to discover and further their own creativity. Anjelika was an active and engaged student during her time at Baldwin and served as Class Secretary. SUMMER 2021 ECHOES
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Why I Give
The Legacy of Jane Krumrine ’55 The memory of Jane Krumrine ’55 will live on at Baldwin in the memories her classmates hold dear and through the lasting impact of her philanthropic work, business mentorship and personal relationships. Born to a charmed life, Jane never took her circumstances for granted and made a point to give back by providing both her time and resources to various organizations. In addition to supporting many charities throughout the Philadelphia area, Jane was active as a Baldwin alumna in a wide variety of volunteer positions and by serving on Baldwin’s Board of Trustees. Evidence of her generosity can be found throughout campus, but perhaps the most recognizable sign is the Head of School residence, Krumrine House. Blair Stambaugh, Head of School at the time the house was dedicated in 1987, recalled the commitment Jane showed to Baldwin throughout her life. For Blair, Jane’s support of the Head of School residence was more than just a donation to Baldwin, it provided a beloved home for her boys for more than two decades. Blair remembers how much her children admired Jane for her charisma and confidence. “She never married or had children of her own, but she was an integral part of so many families,” Blair reflected. “Jane treasured nothing more than having a house full of people she loved and admired, so the physical representation of her Baldwin legacy through Krumrine House could not be more fitting.” While the loss of Jane Krumrine on April 17, 2020 was profoundly felt throughout the Baldwin community, the School was 26
Jane Krumrine with her 1955 classmates during the 2015 reunion: ROW 1 (FRONT): Margaret Dewey Hicks, Lucinda Longley Slate, Barbara Rucker Seaton; ROW 2: Barbara Caulton Sterne, Jane Krumrine, May Geggis Holgren, Rachel Bok Goldman.
immensely grateful to learn that Jane had honored her connection to Baldwin with an estate gift. Dr. Marisa Porges ’96, current Head of School at Baldwin reflected, “As a fellow alumna, I know I echo the feelings of her classmates and friends in saying Jane truly embodied everything we know and love about Baldwin and the unique
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bond created through our enduring sisterhood. We will be forever grateful for her commitment, service and generosity to the School and our students.” Jane had always been a dedicated philanthropic supporter of Baldwin through her annual gifts, but her estate gift goes even further. Her
generosity now creates a substantial new fund in the School’s endowment that will permanently care for and maintain Krumrine House and also provides additional funding for financial aid. Given her financial savvy, Jane understood how meaningful and important planned giving is to the School. An estate gift often allows a donor to make a larger contribution than they would have been able to during their lifetime and keeps their memory alive for future generations through the ongoing benefits of their legacy gift. It has helped Jane’s lifetime of philanthropy carry on for years to come. “I will always remember Jane’s warmth, spirit for life and passion for supporting others and making her community better,” recalls Dr. Porges. “She represented the best of Baldwin and will be deeply missed.”
Supporting the Future of Baldwin
Baldwin is so much more than a school – it is a second home for our students. Being there for one another is such an important part of the Baldwin sisterhood, which is why we are so proud to have been able to offer safe, in-person learning this past year. The flexibility of our students, faculty and staff, coupled with their creativity and determination to overcome any obstacle, contributed to a fulfilling and successful academic year. This year, we raised $2,044,700 through the Baldwin Fund. Thank you to our entire community – Board of Trustees, alumnae, parents, grandparents, faculty, staff and friends – for your generous support. The impact of your investment is immediate and helps our students to develop the confidence and skills to become their best selves. Together, we are nurturing the next generation of innovative, resilient leaders who will fearlessly meet the opportunities of tomorrow.
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There’s Always Something Happening on Baldwin’s Social Media! Don’t miss a minute of the action! New this year, Baldwin Athletics is now using Instagram as its chosen platform to celebrate our Polar Bear student-athletes. Find all of Baldwin’s happenings at the handles listed below.
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@baldwinschool @baldwinalumnae @marisaporges
baldwinschool.smugmug.com
@the.baldwin.school @thebaldwinschoolathletics @marisaporges
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@baldwinschool @marisaporges
The Baldwin School The Baldwin School Alumnae
