THE BR WNSTONE Alumni Newsletter 2020
CLASS OF 2020 RISING TO THE
OCCASION
In this issue: Meet Carson Smith, the 9th Head of School
Young Alumni Connect With Student Athletes The Jayne Geiger Fund Alum Notes
Truly Great N-8
Meet Our New Head Carson T. Smith, officially became the ninth Head of School at The Rumson Country Day School on July 6. He’s also husband to Amy Howell, and dad to Kathryn (8th grade), Huntting (5th Grade), and Margaret (1st Grade), who will be Gators this fall. Here’s how Mr. Smith is settling into the RCDS community so far. Leadership Approach. I’m somebody who likes to get to know every student in the school, and not just by name. I enjoy what I do obviously, and truly believe I have the best job in the world, because I have the privilege to come to school with enthusiastic students every day. I’m somebody who is going to be present every single day. I’ll be in classrooms. I’ll be at games. I’ll be at plays and concerts. This is more than a job. It’s a way of life and living on campus and engaging with the community is really how my family and I have chosen to live.
“ I have the best job in the world because I have the privilege to come to school with enthusiastic students every day.” Becoming an educator. After I graduated from college, I had planned on working for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the FBI. But I had a friend who taught at a little school in New Hampshire that I visited. I started to remember my own boarding school days. I fell in love with the idea of being a teacher and applied for every job under the sun until I got a chance to teach at Waterville Valley Academy. Best advice he’s ever received. When I was a young teacher, trying to get my foot in the door, I got a great piece of advice from a family friend who taught at Phillips Exeter Academy. He told me about his first teaching job, at his very first faculty meeting, he sat next to a former teacher who looked at him and said, ‘Just sit in the back and keep your mouth shut.’ I took it to mean, you are new. One of the most valuable things you can do is just take it all in, get to know folks, and understand and respect the traditions and practices of the place you’re going.
unapologetically traditional place. I think the two schools share some similarities in that this boarding school had an honor code that reminds me of The Four Pillars at RCDS. Having a clear set of values that adults and students understand, appreciate and practice, is very appealing to me. Schools that embrace who they are — and don’t try to be all things to all people — that appeals to me as well.
LITTLE KNOWN FACT:
ABOUT MR. SMITH
I’m a big skateboarder. People don’t guess that. I putt around, don’t do tricks anymore. I had a skateboarding club at Thayer. We used our collaborative design lab to make skateboards that the students would paint, decorate and all that good stuff. I’m excited about the wood shop here.
Taking the Head of School during a pandemic. COVID-19 is one more unexpected event that we will all deal with. Everyone is pulling on the same rope. The Board of Trustees, faculty, staff and administration have all been incredibly supportive. Professionally it’s been great, and personally, everyone has been incredibly welcoming. People have reached out to me, and more importantly, to my kids. It’s a big move for them and everyone has been terrific.
Priorities for the coming year. First and foremost, I’d like to get back to normal as much as we can. I obviously don’t have complete control over that. But to the extent that we can get back to good old fashioned regular school, I’ll be happy to do that. Second Priority? Getting to know everyone here at RCDS. That includes students, faculty, administration, staff, parents and board members. I want to get to know people on a personal level, but also professionally, understand what they value about RCDS and what can be improved. I’ve asked everyone who comes in my door, ‘What are one or two things the School could do better?’ To learn more about RCDS’ new Head of School, read “A Conversation With Carson Smith,” online at rcds.org/meet-the-head
What makes RCDS unique? One thing I like about RCDS is its appreciation and adherence to tradition. Earlier in my career I taught at Cardigan Mountain School, which was an
Ms. Geiger Honored with Gator Giving With a grateful heart and gator spirit, the RCDS community said goodbye to Head of School Jayne Geiger in a three-part video series recognizing her dedication and service to the school. The video series sparked participation in an endowment campaign in Ms. Geiger’s honor. The RCDS endowment provides a critical source of income that supports tuition assistance, faculty and staff development, programmatic and capital priorities of the school. If you would like to make a gift in honor of Ms. Geiger or watch the video series visit rcds.org/geiger
Astronomer Who Travels the World
ALUM NOTES Submit Class News to rcds.org/submitnews Kendall “KC” Pickett ’74 is married to John O. Pickett III and are both with Brown, Harris, Stevens Real Estate in Palm Beach. Laurie Cohen Joseph ’86 lives in Ridgewood, NJ and runs Joseph College Counseling.
The passion, talent and curiosity of Michael Gordon, Ph.D. ’03 has taken him from the top of a mountain in the Chilean desert, to Mauna Kea in Hawaii, and even the South Pole in Antarctica. An observational astronomer, Dr. Gordon now flies around the world on SOFIA (The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy) a joint project of NASA and the German Aerospace Center to construct and maintain an airborne telescope observatory. “We run the most unique telescope in the world, reserved purely for astronomy research and education,” explained Dr. Gordon, who works onboard SOFIA as an instrument scientist helping guest researchers figure out ways to fulfill their experiments. It’s a post-doctoral position he’s held with the SOFIA Science Center, based at the NASA Ames Research Center in California, since earning a doctorate in astronomy and astrophysics from the University of Minnesota in 2018. A “lifer” who attended the school with his twin sister, Robyn, Dr. Gordon appreciates the ethos and skills RCDS instilled from an early age. He remembers trips to Six Flags with legendary science teacher Jeffrey Garside to understand the physics of roller coasters. “This was the kind of hands-on learning that inspired me to go into the sciences.” After RCDS, Dr. Gordon attended The Lawrenceville School and Princeton University where he earned a degree in astrophysics. He worked at the Harvard & Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, and spent three months at the Amundsen South Pole Station in Antarctica which he called, “the hardest work I ever had to do in my life.” Dr. Gordon offered this advice to current Gators, “It’s really important for students, as early as possible, to learn how to do their own research. Learning how to answer open ended questions in an educational setting, makes it less intimidating when you in an real-world setting.”
Lauren Garcia ’02 works for a media planning and buying agency that focuses on financial clients in the UK. Prior to this, she worked at Apple, Bloomberg and some startups — including a gluten free bakery!
Sarah A. Stewart ’87 lives in Washington, DC and works for the Inter-American Foundation, a small government agency. She manages grants in Honduras, and travels frequently to the region. She uses her Spanish every day — a language she started learning in 6th grade at RCDS with Mrs. Denny.
Kristin Bonello ’03 graduated from the medical residency at Duke University in July 2019. She is now a pediatric cardiology fellow at Boston Children’s Hospital. Following the three year fellowship, Dr. Bonello plans to further subspecialize in advanced imaging techniques.
Clayton Orrigo ’97 is Co-Founder of The Hudson Advisory Team in New York City. He and his partner lead a team of agents, providing strategic real estate advice and marketing solutions based on a data driven and high-touch service approach.
Katie O’Mealia ’03 works as Senior Director of Analytics in New York City for Bleacher Report, a website that focuses on sport and sports culture.
Matt Haddad ’97 relocated back to Rumson with his wife, Sarah, and daughter, Maddie. Maddie will enroll in the RCDS Nursery program for September. He is now a partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher in New York.
Christine O’Mealia ’04 manages Provider Contract Negotiations for UnitedHealthcare in New York.
Stacylyn Doore ’99 lives in Dorchester, MA. She and her husband welcomed their second daughter in June. She is an attorney working for Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP. Jamie O’Mealia II ’99 has been a diplomat with the U.S. Foreign Service for 11 years. He is currently posted in Argentina where he helped get U.S. citizens home safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Matthew Reynolds ’05 is living locally and involved with a film production company. Kristen Sikora ’06 attended the University of Pittsburgh for her undergraduate degree, and will receive a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Massachusetts. Joakim Ryan ’07 plays in the NHL for the LA Kings.
GATOR L❤ VE Brittany Chevalier McIntyre ’00 and Clarke McIntyre ’02 welcomed daughter Swede McIntyre in October 2019. Brittany is the Executive Editor of Luxe Interiors + Design Magazine, where she heads up the New York City office and oversees three Front of Book sections of the publication. Clarke received his master’s in Real Estate Development in 2018, is Vice President of Operations for Kokes Properties, a commercial real estate company in New Jersey. “I love RCDS,” said Brittany. “RCDS laid a great foundation for me — it taught me responsibility and everything about the core curriculum you need to be successful.” The McIntyres also support the Annual Fund at RCDS, “Because our values align with the school’s mission. We feel strongly about education.”
Your Support Fosters Traditions & Grandparents Day!
Evan Soltas ’07 finished his second year at M.I.T. where he is pursuing a Ph.D. He completed an undergraduate degree from Princeton University and a master’s as a Rhodes Scholar from Oxford University.
Colton Feldman ’13 will be a senior at Villanova University and is studying for the MCAT.
Jackson McCarthy ’15 will be a sophomore at William & Mary where he is playing football.
Drew Feldman ’13 will be a senior at Wake Forest University and is planning to be a veterinarian.
Willie Brooks ’08 graduated from Colgate University and is presently living in Buffalo, NY.
Georgia Greene ’13 will be a senior at Boston College majoring in International Studies and Philosophy.
Andrew Rusis ’15 will attend Boston College in the fall, and compete on the men’s alpine ski team. This summer he is working for a nonprofit, World Ocean School, living and working on Roseway, an early 20th Century tall ship. The organization’s mission is to deliver an authentic method of experiential education at sea that empowers students of diverse backgrounds to reach their full potential as responsible, productive and engaged community members.
Tor Miller ’08 is an indie-pop singer. He is in the process of creating a new music video and going back on tour to promote his music. His debut album, American English, was released in September 2016. Brennan Feldman ’09 is a fourthyear dental student at NYU and plans to be an orthodontist. Allison Sikora ’09 graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in criminal justice and is now working as a project manager for a digital marketing agency. “I never would have gotten where I am without RCDS. I attribute much of my success to the core values and work ethic that school taught me at such a young age.” Teny Sahakian ’09 is a Producer/ Reporter for Fox News Digital, where she pitches stories, conducts and tapes interviews, produces video packages and writes accompanying articles for Foxnews.com. Connor Soltas ’09 is living in San Francisco and working as a designer at Uber. Connor Cruz ’12 graduated from Villanova University in May and has accepted a job at Barclay’s in New York City. Robbie Garavente ’12 was the men’s lacrosse captain at Lafayette College and named a finalist for the Unsung Hero Award, which recognizes the accomplishments of collegiate lacrosse players who demonstrate dedication, integrity, humility, hard work, community service, leadership, kindness, and sportsmanship. Matthew Hubler ’12 was drafted to the Premier Lacrosse League, PLL, by the Whipsnakes Lacrosse Club. He recently graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a degree in economics. Taylor Cruz ’13 will be a senior at Elon University.
Alexis Redish ’13 is majoring in political science with a concentration in American government at Clark University. Rosie Sweetwood ’13 attends Dickinson College and would like to be a teacher. “RCDS had a profound impact on me. I learned how to be an upstanding human. I am now the head of the conduct board at my school.” Dean Congiusta ’14 will be in his third year at Fairfield University as a Finance and Accounting major.
Michael Bilancione ’16 will attend the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University Bloomington. Gannon Carroll ’16 is planning to attend Vanderbilt University’s School of Engineering where he will also play on their club ice hockey team. Katherine Cook ’16 will attend Tulane University in the fall. Zach deMello ’16 will attend Georgetown University in the fall where he’ll be rowing division 1.
Alex Rusis ’14 will be a junior at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He was recently certified as a wildlife firefighter and is now in Alaska fighting one of the largest wildfires of the season with the Northstar Fire Crew. Will Soltas ’14 will be a junior studying Computer Science at the University of Michigan. Trey Croddick ’15 signed to play ice hockey at Dartmouth College where he will begin in the fall. Olivia Cruz ’15 will be a sophomore at Villanova University. Jack Devlin ’15 will attend Wesleyan University in the fall where he will play lacrosse. Matthew Kaye ’15 graduated from The Hun School of Princeton in 2019 where he played varsity lacrosse. Currently, Matthew is a rising sophomore at Nazareth College majoring in Business Management. He is a midfielder on the men’s lacrosse team.
Malachy Joseph Devine ’16 will attend Georgetown University in the fall.
Jack Spagnuola ’16 received the Rita Boyle Memorial Scholarship from the Rumson Garden Club. The award is annually provided by Mr. Robert Boyle who is also a past parent of RCDS. Jack plans to attend Villanova University in the fall where he will study biology and how the environment affects humans on a medical and social level. Rodney Patrick Wotton ’16 will attend Stevens Institute of Technology. Matthew Marrone Wrigley ’16 will attend Wake Forest University. Sarah Kaye ’18 continues to dance competitively in many different genres of dance. Her studio is Dance Mixx Studio in Tinton Falls. She will be a junior at Trinity Hall High School. Lily Rusis ’19 will be a sophomore at Miss Porter’s School this fall. She is also a member of the Porter’s crew team and alpine ski team.
Rumson-Fair Haven High School Superintendent’s Award
Elizabeth G. Huesman ’16 will attend The University of Chicago in the fall. Sam Mannino ’16 will be a freshman at Washington and Lee University in the fall where he will play lacrosse. Lulu Lyle ’16 will attend Washington and Lee University this fall. Chris Maida ’16 graduated from the RBR Computer Science Academy with honors and will be doing a GAP year internship with the American Chapter of the Entrepreneurial Organization. He has been recruited as a football player at Salve Regina University. He will study business and will begin his college career in September 2021. Ginger Mullins ’16 will attend the University of Virginia where she will study architecture. Elizabeth Orr ’16 will attend the University of Pennsylvania where she will run track.
Kate Cook ’16, Noelle LeLand ’16, Lulu Lyle ’16, and Margeaux McDonagh ’16 received the 2020 RFH Superintendent’s Award. The award is given for consistent and unwavering commitment to academic success while demonstrating leadership and citizenship throughout the four years at RFH.
YOUR SUPPORT
MATTERS
donate at rcds.org/donate
New Memories League Championships!
Special Deliveries for Graduating Gators!
Virtual Arts Festival!
CLASS OF 2020 RISING TO THE OCCASION
The resilient class of 2020 honored with outdoor commencement.
After overcoming the challenges of completing their final year at RCDS during a global pandemic, a rainy evening certainly did not prevent the Class of 2020 from being honored with a moving outdoor graduation ceremony on Wednesday, July 8. “2020 was a whirlwind,” said eighth grade commencement speaker Lydia Olivieri. “It brought many obstacles we could have
never predicted. But today, we stand here having overcome it all. We are strong and together we leave our brownstone church on the corner, more united than we have ever been before.” The Class of 2020 embraced an extraordinary situation that made their path to graduation more challenging than ever, emphasizing their already impressive accomplishments, and earning
them praise when they finally got the chance to experience a sendoff they deserved. COVID-19 impacted meaningful moments long held sacred to eighth graders ranging from the simple concept of hugging beloved teachers goodbye to more distinctive traditions like bonding as a class on the annual Boston trip. RCDS successfully reimagined many of the hallmark experiences for its students, but their sacrifices did not go unnoticed. The support of RCDS’s tight knit community and steadfast focus on the school’s four pillars – Kind, Honest, Responsible, Respectful – gave this year’s graduates, our next generation of leaders, the opportunity to exemplify their strength and embodiment of these qualities. These characteristic are the reason RCDS graduates stand out in the community, thrive at some of the most selective high schools and colleges in the country, and can be attributed to how they successfully overcame an event that will be written about in history books. The Class of 2020 has left a legacy at RCDS that will forever impact the school community and has certainly inspired a hopeful and bright future.
Young Alumni Connect with Student Athletes While sports were put on hold this spring, Coach Campy teamed up with alumni to share tips with current RCDS athletes for setting goals, staying in shape, and keeping a positive attitude during the stay at home order. Andrew Kaye ’13, Jack Devlin ’15, Matthew Kaye ’15, Maddie Orr ’15, Tommy Tsimbinos ’15, Drew Frankel ’16, Colleen Kelly ’16, Lily Orr ’16, Luke Devlin ’17, Lily Froehlich ’18, Sarah Kaye ’18, and Lucas Kostulias ’18 demonstrated drills and fitness routines via video to encourage the players at their alma mater. Each alum – many of which have set new records, earned championship titles, and were named captain of their team – used the foundation laid by RCDS’s no-cut sports program to launch their athletic careers.
35 Bellevue Avenue Rumson, NJ 07760
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A Selection of College Matriculations for Class of 2015 and 2016 Boston College Brown University Bucknell University Clemson University Colgate University Cornell University Dartmouth College Denison University Dickinson College Drexel University Duke University Emory University Fordham University Franklin and Marshall College Georgetown University Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Indiana University Bloomington Ithaca College Lafayette College Loyola University Maryland Massachusetts Institute of Technology Middlebury College Monmouth University Nazareth College New York University Northeastern University Penn State University Princeton University Purdue University Rutgers University – New Brunswick Salve Regina University
Stevens Institute of Technology Syracuse University The Citadel The Savannah College of Art and Design Tufts University Tulane University The University of Chicago University of Notre Dame University of Pennsylvania University of Richmond University of Virginia Vanderbilt University Villanova University Wake Forest University Washington and Lee University William & Mary
Plan to Give! As a member of our RCDS community, we want you to know that your encouragement and support has been an immense source of strength as we navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The RCDS Annual Fund has never been more essential or necessary. This year, the first 30 alumni to support Annual Giving will receive a coveted RCDS planner - a symbol of the truly great education made possible by your support and a token of our appreciation.
Visit rcds.org/donate to support Annual Giving today!
Virtual Alumni Events
Searching for ways to connect with your classmates? Visit rcds.org/zoomalumni to request a virtual alumni gathering for your class hosted by RCDS via our Zoom account. School accounts allow for unlimited time and up to 100 guests!