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FE ATURES
A CLOSER LOOK
2015-2016 ANNUAL REPORT
Anna Taft’s Tandana Foundation Brings People Together
Wellington Celebrates 35 Years of Innovative Education
Thomas Family Gift Honors Father’s Memory
Dear Friends, Since our founding 35 years ago, Wellington has valued the innately inquisitive mind of children while also building their confidence for finding solutions to complex problems. The key to creating a learning environment conducive to deep thinking and questioning involves, I believe, encouraging teachers to do the same. Just as students like senior Cassie Robbins follow a natural curiosity for science with independent research at top universities or a desire to help others through international service trips, Wellington teachers continually bring new insight to the classroom that is timely
among students as many made their first foray into the world of politics. Aristotle said, “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” This is the bedrock of a Wellington education. Our students are prepared to investigate, to observe mindfully and listen, and to move outside of their intellectual comfort zone so they may one day contribute to the conversation that will frame our future. Now, more than three decades after Wellington first opened, Jaguars can be found all over the world making an
Our students are prepared to investigate, to observe mindfully and listen, and to move outside of their intellectual comfort zone so that they may one day contribute to the conversation that will frame our future. ROBERT BRISK
and relevant. Last summer, with a polarizing presidential election year looming, Middle School Language Arts Teacher Greg Davis boldly designed a curriculum centered on strengthening civil discourse as well as empathy and respect
impact in their chosen professions, from the arts and sciences to public service and government. Again and again, Wellington alumni speak of the invaluable influence our school has had
on their lives long after graduation. Alumna Anna Taft ‘97 recently had an important milestone of her own when the nonprofit organization she founded, Tandana, celebrated its 10th anniversary. Her desire and determination to provide authentic intercultural experiences for people from different parts of the world was greatly influenced by her time at Wellington. She shares in this magazine how the teachers and students at our school fostered her intellect and helped shape her worldview from which she has dedicated her life’s work. Aristotle also said “educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” For the days ahead of us,
with rapidly changing national and global events, I can think of no greater assurance that our students can meet any challenge ahead. Their hearts and minds equally nourished and inspired to accomplish what once may have seemed impossible, much like founding an innovative co-educational independent school in Central Ohio in 1982, Wellington graduates will endure and thrive. Warm regards,
Robert D. Brisk P ’13 ’15 Head of School
is published by The Wellington School for all members of its community. Please send any comments to Yvonne Johnson at communications@wellington.org.
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Yvonne Johnson P ’25 ’27 Yvonne Johnson P ’25 ’27, JJ Bain ‘06, Laura Cooke ’90 P ’21 ’21 ’24 ’27, Patty Hans P ‘17 ‘20, Bill Mitchin, Gabrielle Ragusa ‘13, Holden Richards, Cassie Robbins ‘17, Lindsey Smith P ‘26, Brandon Sullivan, Anna Taft ‘97 C OP Y E DI T OR S : Laura Cooke ’90 P ’21 ’21 ’24 ’27, Melanie Eggleton, Caroline Haskett P ’19 ’20 ’22, Jeff Terwin, Erin Noviski, Sally Stratton, Jill Webb P HO T O C R E DI T S : Rob Luikart, Chris Cooke P ‘21 ‘21 ‘24 ‘27, Laura Cooke ’90 P ’21 ’21 ’24 ’27, Caroline Haskett P ’19 ’20 ’22, Bill Mitchin, Holden Richards, Monique Sierzputowski P ’17 ’18 ’19, Anna Taft ‘97, Mimi Taylor P ‘16 ‘18, TEDxColumbus, Jen Tonapi P ‘24, Julia Ware P ‘22 ‘25 DE SIGN: Bluewave Creative E DI T OR :
C ON T R I BU T OR S :
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Wellington was established to be a safe place for people to begin or continue the process of lifelong learning. KENNETH ACKERMAN, FOUNDER
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Wellington Celebrates 35 Years of Innovative Education ON T H E C OV E R :
Anna Taft ‘97 spins cotton with Marie Tembine in Kansongho, Mali.
FEATURES
A CLOSER LOOK
Faculty and Staff News 11
ATHLETICS
ALUMNI
Boys Varsity Soccer: Reaching New Heights
Annual Alumni Breakfast 38
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Gardening and Growing Together 24
Anna Taft’s Tandana Foundation Brings People Together
Emma Ruck Makes Wellington Soccer History 34
A Bright Future for Middle School Golf
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Wonder and Will Take Cassie Robbins Far
Making Time for Quiet
Award Winners
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Learning Civility in an Election Year 20
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Alumni News 49
Research-Guided Learning Cultivates a Community of Scientists
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Class Reunions
2015-2016 ANNUAL REPORT
Thomas Family Gift Honors Father’s Memory 54
2015-2016 Donors 55
Make History with Wellington 68 THE WELLINGTON SCHOOL
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Anna Taft’s Tandana Foundation Brings People Together In 2016, Wellington alumna Anna Taft ’97 celebrated an important milestone for the Tandana Foundation, an organization she founded more than a decade ago to provide intercultural volunteer experiences supporting community initiatives in highland Ecuador and Mali’s Dogon Country. It has been 10 years since Tandana received its official nonprofit status in 2006. With a mission to facilitate travel opportunities that go well beyond ordinary tourism, the organization fosters engaging and rewarding experiences in indigenous cultures that form friendships and leave a positive lasting impact on the local community. In her own words, Taft describes her extraordinary journey of self-discovery as she set out to change the world. While I was at Wellington, my friends and I talked a lot about different cultures and languages, relativism, universalism, truth, and ethics. During the winter break of my junior year, my parents took me on a safari to Kenya, which gave me an opportunity to interact with people whose cultures and economic resources were very different from my own. That experience brought the philosophical discussions my Wellington friends and I had to a close, personal level, and made me reflect on them even more deeply. I felt very uncomfortable in the relationship to local people that I had as a tourist in Kenya, and I realized that I needed to spend more time in a place very PICTURED Opposite: Taft in Kansongho, different from Mali. Ohio so that I Left: Taft with husband John could work out a Tsukayama (left) and parents relationship that Hope and Bob Taft P ‘97. felt better.
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During my senior year, I recruited a bunch of fellow Wellington students to go on a spring break trip to help build houses in Tijuana. It was during that trip that I decided to teach English in Ecuador, immersing myself in a different culture, and hopefully learning how to build a respectful relationship with people whose background was very different from my own. My first experience in Ecuador was very rewarding in several ways. I was humbled by the way that I was welcomed into a host family and a community. I had not expected to be loved and accepted so quickly, and I was very grateful to my host family, fellow teachers, and students. It was exciting to have a role that was “Wellington provided a important to the community wonderful community where I lived, where it in which I could find my mattered if I showed up to voice, explore, and engage teach every day. It was also rewarding to see myself with ethical questions. growing and doing new My teachers and friends things I had not realized I nourished my intellectual could. curiosity, pushing me to think I began to think more deeply about the world of starting my own and what makes people both organization when I was teaching for The similar and different.” Traveling School (TTS). ANNA TAFT ‘97 That was when I first had the opportunity to bring together my TTS students from the US with my friends in Ecuador and see them interacting in positive ways. I decided that I wanted to create more of those kinds of opportunities - for people from different backgrounds to get to know each other, make friends, learn from each other, and work together in ways that make all of them feel honored by the experience. To do that, using my connections and relationships in Ecuador, I would need to start a new organization. My parents [Bob and Hope Taft] definitely set a wonderful example of service to others that inspired me and made me think that I both could and should do something that would benefit other people. My dad was in the Peace Corps in Tanzania, so I grew up hearing stories about that and found them so interesting that I studied Swahili on my own while I was in middle school at Wellington. My mom founded and worked with many nonprofits, giving me the idea that it was quite possible to do something like that, and a valuable way to devote one’s self. They have always supported me in my journey, never pushing me in a particular direction, but allowing me to discover my own callings and pursue them. The close-knit Wellington community allowed me to form lasting connections with fellow students, faculty, and administrators. Fellow alumna Jennifer Schlosser ‘97 was involved in the initial brainstorming about creating the organization and was part of the original board. When Tandana became a non-profit organization and we needed a larger board, I asked [former] Head of School Rick O’Hara, teacher
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Catherine Dison P ‘21, and alumnae Jill Rogers Spiker ‘96 and Elizabeth Weinstein ‘97 to join. Alumni parent Ash Varma P ‘97 has always been a very loyal supporter, and we recently asked him to join the board, too. [At the Tandana Foundation] we have stayed true to our values, always growing only as and when it made sense, rather than following a predetermined plan. We have evolved organically, responding to the realities we encounter in the communities we work with and learning from each experience. I love understanding how different cultural logics work and how different people see the world we live in. I enjoy making friends with diverse community members. Seeing people with very limited resources pursuing their dreams in creative ways inspires me to want to contribute to the process. I plan to continue to guide Tandana but shift my role a bit so that I have more time to devote to articulating and expressing our unique philosophy. I would like to affect the larger discourse around development and hopefully shift it more towards a sensible and respectful approach. I plan to teach workshops, write, and make videos. Wellington provided a wonderful community in which I could find my voice, explore, and engage with ethical questions. My teachers and friends nourished my intellectual curiosity, pushing me to think more deeply about the world and what makes people both similar and different. The intellectual and social community at Wellington prepared me to keep learning and growing and to act in the world based on my carefully-considered beliefs.
Taft currently lives with her husband John in Mancos, Colorado, when they are not travelling for Tandana.
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The Tandana Foundation’s volunteer programs provide visitors to Ecuador or Mali the unique opportunity to be guests rather than tourists, to form intercultural friendships, to participate in rich indigenous culture, and to make a difference in the lives of new friends. Its scholarships allow rural Ecuadorian students to continue their secondary and higher education and require reciprocal service to their communities. Its community initiatives support villagers in Mali and Ecuador as they work toward their dreams. The goal is to create and nurture real and responsible relationships among people of different cultures. Giving and receiving are inherent parts of those relationships and contributing to community initiatives is a great way to make friends. Participants come to learn and share. 2004 - Tandana Foundation founded 2006 - Receives nonprofit status. First community project was helping to paint a community center in Agualongo, Ecuador. 2007 - Supported its first community project in Mali, creating a school garden in the village of Kori-Maounde. 2008 - Assisted with restoring a well in the village of Kansongho. This was an important project because it solidified Tandana’s relationship with residents of the village, which now serves as Tandana’s center of operations in Mali.
4 PICTURED 1: Taft with Abuelita in Ecuador. 2: Taft with a student on her first trip to Ecuador. 3: The Tandana Board. 4: Taft checking on a patient during a Health Care Volunteer Vacation. 5: At a tree nursery in Ecuador.
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Since then, Tandana has slowly expanded its relationships in neighboring communities in both countries. It now works in the majority of the communities of Quichinche parish, Ecuador as well as a few communities outside of the parish. In Mali, Tandana has partnered with approximately 10 villages in Wadouba Township, and several outside the Township, in addition to women in 30 communities who are served by Tandana’s literacy program. For more information, visit tandanafoundation.org
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Wonder and Will Take Cassie Robbins Far For Cassie Robbins ’17, giving up was never an option.
Tasked with hauling wheelbarrows filled with rocks and water up the side of a mountain in Ecuador to hand mix cement, she considered the circumstances challenging but not impossible. She was there to help and nothing would prevent her from doing just that. As a volunteer for the Tandana Foundation, Robbins had travelled to South America for a service project. She worked alongside members of the Otavalo community to plant trees and create a barbed wire fence around a local weather station. She also assisted in laying the foundation for a reading gazebo for a school in Quichinche. With only the bare materials and her own hands to mix them together, Robbins made something lasting and truly impactful for the village children. It was the trip of a lifetime and one many years in the making. Her mother,
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longtime Wellington English teacher Chris Robbins P ‘17 ‘22, first introduced her daughter to the organization through former student and Tandana Foundation founder Anna Taft ‘97. “I was fascinated by their mission,” Cassie Robbins said. “Since first learning about it in 4th grade, I knew I wanted to go some day.” While making plans to volunteer when she was old enough, Robbins also asked family and friends for donations in lieu of birthday and Christmas gifts each year to be able to send a child in Ecuador to school. This selfless act was born of her deep appreciation for attending a school like Wellington since kindergarten. “Education has always been really important in my life. I feel very grateful for having gone to Wellington and wanted to help other children have access to school.” When she received a call last summer from Tandana in need of a last minute replacement on a trip to Ecuador, Robbins didn’t hesitate. Living in a simple hostel high up in the mountains and unfamiliar with Spanish, there were many obstacles to overcome in spite of her best intentions to help the members of the community. Learning to communicate through language and cultural barriers to contribute to the village in a meaningful way made the
trip unforgettable for both Robbins and the Ecuadorians. “Having had a picture in my mind for so long of what I thought Ecuador would look like,” Robbins shared, “I was in for a huge surprise when I got there. The mountains were beautiful, the sky was clear, and the grass was greener than I’d ever seen. The landscape wasn’t even the best part. Even though I didn’t know one word of Spanish when I got there, I was able to communicate with the people, learn their stories and laugh with them. When we weren’t working, we were learning to cook, dancing the salsa, making bracelets, hiking to Taxopamba Falls, or just walking around the city. There were so many strange sights, different customs,
and unfamiliar faces, but we were welcomed with open arms and smiles. Meeting so many friendly people was the best part of this trip. I am so glad I was able to finally visit Ecuador, and I hope I can go back again with Tandana some time soon.” Robbins’ commitment to world travel had long been apparent to French teacher Maria Baker P ‘00 ‘08. “Cassie has done her service trip to Ecuador and is pursuing a leadership role next year. I admire that she is comfortable among adults, loves her mum and her family, has a strong work ethic, is totally reliable, and is basically a downright nice young woman.” A thoughtful and measured person by nature, Robbins possesses a level of maturity
and poise one would expect from someone much older. Perhaps that’s why she relishes her time in extra-curricular activities that allow her to work hard but also flex other areas of mental muscle. She works parttime at Jets Pizza where she enjoys the teamwork and quick dexterity required of filling hundreds of orders every hour. Relying on others and being counted on herself also drives Robbins’ ambition to compete as an athlete. She has been on the soccer, swim, and softball teams at Wellington since middle school. As pitcher for the softball team, she embraces the mental side of the game just as much as the physical and the strong connection she shares with catcher Bret Hairston ‘17 to constantly analyze and strategize. Robbins considers herself fortunate to have had the opportunity at Wellington to play three sports for so many years even though she doesn’t consider athletics to be one of her greater strengths. Where she does feel right at home, though, is the science lab. Her already curious nature was further strengthened by a Wellington teacher who inspired Robbins to pursue a career in science. By designing an ISR (Independent Scientific Research) project around her innate passion for the field, Robbins has worked with Dr. Thomas Magliery at The Ohio State University Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry to develop and understand molecules that could be used for cancer diagnostics and therapy. Wellington research coordinator Dr. Brandon Sullivan, who advises Robbins, has a professional connection to her work. “Cassie is working with a molecule I helped design while a researcher at OSU. It only binds to cancer cells, not healthy cells. She is trying to accomplish two things. One is to determine how to tune the molecule so it has preferred serum lifetimes in the body (before being excreted), and, secondly, determine how changing those properties affects other characteristics of PICTURED the molecule.” Above: Robbins in the Wellington Research A critical Institute Lab. component of her Left: Robbins in Ecuador. research involved
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DETERMINING THE SHAPE AND SIZE OF A CANCERBINDING ANTIBODY Robbins visiting The Cleveland Clinic and Case Western University in October to use a highly specialized, and very rare, piece of equipment, the Multi Angle Light Scattering, or MALS, to determine molar mass. The interaction she had with experts in a professional research environment was inspiring and solidified her desire to pursue a Ph.D. in a science field. Confident in the skills she has acquired from her Wellington education, Robbins feels highlycapable of facing any obstacle or challenge on the long academic road ahead of her. “Wellington has taught me the strength of working in groups and not just memorizing facts for a test. Many of my assignments have been groupbased or written as opposed to just a test. That approach to teaching has really benefitted me as a writer. It’s an important skill to have. I can write a lab report or a lengthy research paper and not stress out. I know I can do it. Another great thing Wellington taught me was to question everything. I feel very comfortable and safe debating with teachers.” For fun, Robbins doesn’t stray far from a laboratory environment. She enjoys cooking and baking with her dad and embraces the potential for experimentation because, at heart, she is a person of science and seeker of knowledge. “Rarely have I come across a student who is as much a science geek as me,” Upper School Chemistry Teacher
Aaron Frim P ‘19 said. “On numerous occasions, Cassie would just stop on her way out of the classroom to share some scientific news that she found fascinating. In the ISR program, she has taken that interest and begun, what I believe, will be a successful deep dive into scientific exploration. Cassie’s unabashed sense of wonder, her strength of will, and her dogged persistence in her pursuit of understanding are all going to take her far.” With her ability to persevere through difficult challenges and determination to make a difference in the lives of others around the world, undoubtedly, Robbins will go every bit as far as her teachers, friends, and family believe. “It is inspiring to work with Cassie as she pursues her academic and scientific passions,” Dr. Sullivan said. “Her studies may impact how pharmaceutical companies design and develop future therapies. The most exciting aspect is not what she is currently accomplishing, but where her skills and mindset will lead her in five, ten, and twenty years.”
PICTURED Top: Robbins in Ecuador. Above: Robbins at bat.
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Cassie Robbins, similar to other Wellington upper school students, came to the Independent Science Research program exceptionally prepared, having taken Advanced Biology and Advanced Chemistry as well as a broad-range of science electives. Her driven nature led the senior to a collaborative project with the Dr. Thomas Magliery Laboratory at the Ohio State University where researchers had created a fragment of the antibody 3E8 called 3E8.Cys. This antibody fragment targets and attaches to Sialyl-Tn, which is found in adenocarcinomas. The use of 3E8.Cys can potentially be used in radioimmunoguided imaging and surgery, which could potentially eliminate the problem of not removing the entire cancerous tumor from a patient. Although 3E8.Cys can be a valuable tool to help detect adenocarcinomas, the fragment is very small and passes through the body too quickly to effective in imaging or surgery. By attaching polyethylene glycol chains (PEGs) to 3E8.Cys, the antibody fragment can increase in size, therefore giving it the ability to remain in the body for longer periods of time. Robbins’ project involves determining the shape and size of the PEGylated 3E8.Cys antibody. Currently there are two theories as to its shape: (1) the antibody fragment and the PEG are next to each other in a dumbbell shape or (2) the PEG is wrapped around 3E8.Cys to create a larger sphere. These two models have dramatically different volumes and surface areas. Determining which theory prevails, will allow researchers to understand how shape, size, and lifetime in the body are correlated. These studies may improve the effectiveness of 3E8.Cys and a myriad of future pharmaceuticals. A passionate student who admires the fundamentals of science, Robbins will continue to push its future. To learn more about the ISR program and the Wellington Research Institute, please see page 26.
WELLINGTON CELEBRATES 35 YEARS OF INNOVATIVE EDUCATION The Wellington School first opened its doors in September of 1982 with 132 students in grades K-6. It was a historic day in independent education in Columbus. Prior to Wellington, there were no co-ed independent schools in Central Ohio. Local businessman Ken Ackerman, believing that public schools were also failing to meet the needs of students, thought there needed to be a better way to educate all children. He invited friend and fellow entrepreneur Jeff Wilkins P ‘90 ‘94 to join the conversation and before long a group of likeminded individuals, including Jack Ruscilli, Bob Holland P ‘91, Dave Swaddling P ‘89 ‘91, George Minot, Harry Gard, Dave Thomas, and Len Immke, were determined to change the face of independent education. “In the beginning, to get this school off the ground,” Jeff Wilkins said, “it took entrepreneurs and risk-takers, and people willing to bet their treasure. I’m just thrilled to have been a part of it in the beginning,
PICTURED Right: Wellington’s earliest students. Below: Oliver Edwards ‘25, Olivia Kallas ‘25, Catherine Cartmell ‘25.
and I’m just amazed at where it is today.” From the beginning, Wellington’s founders were committed to creating a diverse school community that provided all students the opportunity to excel in academics, athletics, and the arts. They believed that by exploring all facets of a well-rounded education, students would ultimately be prepared to live fulfilling lives. After 35 years of innovative education, the entire Wellington community has much to celebrate as the school continues to grow and thrive beyond the founders’ greatest expectations. “I think Wellington has gone farther than we ever dreamed,” Ken Ackerman said.
“In the beginning, to get this school off the ground, it took entrepreneurs and risk-takers, and people willing to bet their treasure.” JEFF WILKINS P ‘90 ‘94
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A CLOSER LOOK
LETTERS OF GRATITUDE FROM LOWER SCHOOL For Founders Day, 3rd grader Lauren Smeltzer wanted to do something extra special. Grateful for the opportunities and experiences she has had as a student, Lauren wanted to personally thank the people who had the vision and fortitude to create The Wellington School. When she approached her parents with an idea of her own, they were eager to help. “We try very hard to teach Lauren to appreciate people who came before her and persevered in courageous ideas,” mom Dr. Lisa Smeltzer P ‘26 said. “We hope that she will recognize that one idea, hard work, and strength can change lives for many to come after her.” The Smeltzers shared Lauren’s request with Head of Lower School Jill Webb. Teachers engaged their classes in discussions centered on what they most appreciated about attending Wellington. From enjoying the playground to feeling safe to learn, lower schoolers wrote letters to founders expressing gratitude for a school that offered something for everyone, including friendship and encouragement from a community cheering them on to succeed. Bob Holland P ‘91 chose to respond with his own letters in return, expressing a deeply felt sense of appreciation for the thoughtfulness behind the children’s kind words. The mutual admiration shared between the generations is just one reason why Wellington remains such a special place to all who have been a part of its history.
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FACULTY AND STAFF NEWS
A CLOSER LOOK
Robert Brisk P ’13 ’15
John Kruzan and Jeff Terwin
Head of School Robert Brisk P ‘13 ‘15 presented at TEDxColumbus in November. TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to ideas worth spreading and TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. The theme for 2016: TEDxColumbus was Risk and Brisk shared his experience in developing a method for measuring student engagement, or love of learning, so that schools can create more dynamic educational experiences for all children. “Students are the experts on whether they are challenged and love it,” he said. “They are our partners, and we need to listen carefully.” Look for his talk on wellington.org
Director of Technology John Kruzan and Assistant Head of School Jeff Terwin were featured in the fall issue of the National Association of Independent Schools Magazine for their pioneering work developing PeerView, a web-based app that facilitates real-time feedback to teachers. Based on the article and a presentation by Kruzan and Terwin at the ISACS annual conference, a great deal of interest in the app has been generated from several other schools and business developers from around the world, including Puerto Rico and France.
Steve Crawford Associate Director of College Counseling Steve Crawford chaired the annual conference for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) this year.
Greg Davis Middle School Language Arts Teacher Greg Davis was featured in The Huffington Post article “If We Want a Civil America, Teachers Must Lead the Way” for his work promoting civil discourse with Wellington students. He also spoke at the Cleveland “Kickoff for Kindness” event in November.
Rob Luikart Digital Media Specialist Rob Luikart, racing for the Columbus bike shop Paradise Garage, won the 2016 State Champion jersey in two cycling disciplines. He earned the title of Criterium Champion and Cyclocross Mens 24-30 Champion.
Holden Richards Alumni Relations & Affinity Officer Holden Richards was awarded a fellowship from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education to attend the CASE District V Conference and the Institute for New Professionals in Chicago.
NANCY KRAMER FREES THE TAMPONS
In September, Newsweek featured an article about the movement in U.S. schools and colleges to offer free tampons and pads in restrooms. Former Wellington Board Chair Nancy Kramer P ’07 ’09 ’11 was mentioned for founding the ground-breaking Free the Tampons movement. “A decade ago, The Wellington School in Columbus, Ohio, began offering free tampons and pads in school bathrooms when marketing expert Nancy Kramer, a school parent and founder of the Free the Tampons movement, proposed the idea. They continue to offer free menstrual products today.”
A Better Way Wellington is excited to announce the unveiling of A Better Way, telling the story of who we are, what we do, and why. The video and ads were created to highlight how our school proposes a better way to educate students and prepare them to take their place in the world. Visit betterway.wellington.org THE WELLINGTON SCHOOL
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A CLOSER LOOK
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WELLINGTON THOUGHT LEADERSHIP AT ANNUAL CONFERENCE At the annual conference for the Independent Schools of the Central State (ISACS) in November, a number of Wellington faculty shared their vast knowledge and expertise on education with other teachers. Head of Lower School Jill Webb, as director of professional development for all 235 ISACS schools, was responsible for content at the annual conference with close to 2,000 in attendance, including many members of the
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Wellington Board of Trustees. Webb’s role included identifying international speakers as well as forward-thinking presenters from ISACS schools. Assistant Head of School Jeff Terwin and Director of Technology John Kruzan: PeerView: Harnessing the Power of Peer Feedback Director of Technology John Kruzan: Measuring & Understanding Student Engagement
Director of Marketing and Communications Laura Cooke ‘90 P‘21 ‘21 ‘24 ‘27: Positive Education & Your School
Rachel Althof P ‘29 ‘31 and Aaron Frim P ‘19: Beyond The Breakfast Club: Discipline & School Culture
Shelly Bowling P ‘19, Mary Beth Parker, Debra Parkes P ‘26 ‘28, Gina Spicer P ‘24 ‘26, Becky Fuller P ‘08 ‘11 ‘16, and Dorene Henschen: Extending Learning Beyond the Classroom Walls
Me-Chelle Burkhalter P ‘22: Building Relevancy in Middle School Math
PICTURED 1: Jill Webb presents at ISACS conference. 2: Jeff Terwin and John Kruzan. 3: Rachel Althof P ‘29 ‘31 and Aaron Frim P ‘19.
WELLINGTON WELCOMES NEW FACULTY AND STAFF The Wellington School was pleased to welcome 14 new members to our faculty and staff this fall. John Brown is an upper school humanities teacher and research coordinator. Originally from Richmond, Virginia, he holds a bachelor’s from George Washington University and a master’s from The Ohio State University. Brown has taught for seven years and was also a graduate teaching assistant for several years. His most memorable moment as an educator thus far involved teaching his 8th grade social studies class about the Vikings by using Led Zeppelin lyrics. Brown hopes to cultivate Wellington students’ intellectual curiosity while giving them the necessary tools to help them along their journey. He considers Telluride, Colorado to be his favorite place in the world and enjoys golf, baseball, and trivia in his spare time.
Andy Cameron teaches middle school Spanish. A native of Westerville, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish/International Studies from The Ohio State University and a Masters of Education from Long Island University. Andy has previously worked as an ESL and bilingual special education teacher at the Pan American International High School in New York City. Prior to becoming a full time teacher, he was a Spanish interpreter for the Columbus City Attorney’s Office and has volunteered for more than a decade teaching English to refugees from around the world. With a passion for the Spanish language and its culture, Andy travels frequently and has a fondness for Toledo, Spain. He also enjoys cooking, reading, and hiking.
Lori Carter is a learning specialist for grades 7-12. Also a native of Westerville, she has both a B.S. in Specific Learning Disabilities and an M.A. in Children’s Literature from The Ohio State University. With more than two decades of teaching experience, Lori is particularly delighted to have taught the children of former students. She strives for all of her students to be happy, do well, and give back. Cooking and running are just a couple of Lori’s favorite pastimes.
Gardens to Schools program director and led efforts to develop school garden programs serving thousands of students. With a bachelor’s from James Madison University, cum laude, in Cultural Anthropology and a master’s in environment-based learning from Mary Baldwin College, Joya has developed and served as the lead teacher for garden curriculum implementation in Alabama. In her spare time, she enjoys art, horseback riding, and backpacking/hiking. Joya is originally from Charlottesville, Virginia so her favorite place in the world lies in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Free Union, Virginia.
Barbara Ellis provides academic support in upper school. After living in Cleveland and Los Angeles as a child, she moved to San Francisco, which she considers her hometown. Barbara holds a B.A. in Humanities, with a minor in Creative Writing, and has been a teacher for 15 years. She has worked as a private academic tutor/mentor and recently taught 7th and 8th grade language arts. Reading Steinbeck with her 8th grade students was a particularly inspiring moment for her as a teacher as she always hopes to instill confidence in students. An avid surfer, Barbara considers Hanalei Bay, Kauai her favorite travel destination.
Sandy Foreman is a lower school learning guide with 30 years teaching experience, including most recently six years as a dedicated lower school substitute teacher at Wellington. A graduate of The Ohio State University, Sandy earned a varsity letter as the first female to don the Brutus Buckeye mascot costume. While born and raised in Columbus in the Clintonville community, she loves being around water and engaging in all activities water-related, from skiing and kayaking to swimming laps. She also enjoys tennis and spending time with her family. Sandy wants students to feel safe and happy at school and excited about learning. She finds great joy in seeing students work hard and improve or acquire new skills.
Joya Elmore is director of environmental education and gardens in lower school. She has also joined the kindergarten team to offer support as a learning guide. Joya recently moved from Tuscaloosa, Alabama where she was the THE WELLINGTON SCHOOL
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A CLOSER LOOK
Christie Johnson is a lower school dean of studies and reading extension teacher. She grew up in West Chester, Pennsylvania and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Multicultural Education from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania and a master’s in curriculum and instruction from Ohio Dominican University. She also recently completed summer study at The Center for Gifted Education at The College of William and Mary. Christie’s educational experience includes teaching as well as school administration. She is eager to expose reading extension students to a variety of literature that not only meets their academic needs but also inspires them to read more. She likes spending time with family, exploring the zoo, running, kayaking, traveling, visiting national parks, refinishing furniture, going to garage sales, and visiting Fort De Soto Park in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Craig Kent P ’27 ’29 is a lower school learning guide. A Columbus native, Craig has a bachelor’s in marketing from The Ohio State University and is currently enriching his educational training at Capital University. After many years as a director in supply chain strategy and finance, he decided to return to his original passion for education. Craig has been an active lower school parent volunteer and enjoys watching students have fun as they develop a love of learning. In his spare time, Craig is passionate about his sons, Wellington students Henry ’27 and Julian ’29, and ultra-marathons (50 and 100 mile runs). He considers his favorite places in the world to be London, Amsterdam, and Hong Kong.
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Simon Leadston teaches middle school science. His hometown is Melbourne, Australia where he was a podiatrist before deciding to change careers and become a teacher. He holds a Bachelor of Podiatry from La Trobe University in Australia and a Masters of Teaching from The University of Melbourne. After marrying a Columbus native, Simon moved to Central Ohio. He is thrilled to explore the wonders of science with Wellington students as well as practical applications. Simon enjoys watching NBA basketball, playing Australian Rules Football for the Columbus Jackaroos, staying physically active, and visiting San Francisco.
Prior to his recent move to Columbus, Kevin was a secondary school special educator at a private school, teaching English in Louisiana, and was a special education teacher and soccer coach in Vermont. He finds it immensely rewarding knowing that he has contributed to positive change in students’ lives. In Vermont, Kevin presented at two large conferences about his experience using a combination of cooperating technologies to give the gift of effective and precise communication for a person who is nonverbal. In his spare time, Kevin has a myriad of interests, including reading, writing, New England history, and classical music. The dirt roads in Lebanon as well as Diamond Cove, in Annisquam, Massachusetts are particularly special places to him.
Keith Leonard is an upper school English teacher. A native of Edgartown, Massachusetts, Keith has a B.A. from Westfield State University and an M.F.A. from Indiana University. Before coming to Wellington, he was a visiting lecturer in creative writing at Indiana University where he enjoyed introducing alternative methods to writing traditional research essays to his students, including producing successful podcasts. Keith looks forward to showing students the influence of language in our daily lives and helping them explore creative and critical approaches to difficult problems. He loves spending time with his son, playing basketball, running, and gardening.
Laura Ross P ’19 ’22 is a lower school learning guide. She considers both Cleveland and Salt Lake City to be her hometowns. Laura holds a B.F.A. from Miami University and, following a successful career in project management, marketing, and graphic design, she became an honors graduate of Otterbein University with an M.A. in teaching with a specialization in intervention. Seeing the positive impact she can have on young lives inspires her as a teacher, and she wants her students to gain confidence in their abilities, try new things, love what they are learning, and grow as people. Laura has two sons at Wellington, Andrew ’19 and Liam ’22, and has been a longtime parent volunteer. She enjoys gardening, running, reading history books, and painting when she can find the time. While Laura loves to travel and explore new cities, she considers her favorite places in the world to be where her favorite people live… Ohio, Utah, Wisconsin, and Colorado.
Kevin Myers is a lower school learning guide. He is originally from Lebanon, Connecticut and holds a B.A. from Keene State College and an M.Ed. with a major in special education from The University of Vermont.
Nami Stager P ’30 is the lower school science specialist. Originally from Bhavanagar, India, Nami and her family have moved to Columbus from Lexington, Kentucky where Nami started the first STEM Lab in a county of 36 elementary schools. She taught science and STEM-related curriculum in kindergarten through grade 5 and has developed and led Science Nights, STEM Days while also growing relationships with professionals in STEM careers. In 2010, Nami was recognized as a Milken Family Foundation National Educator and was a grant recipient for excellence in teaching. Nami graduated cum laude from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, and earned a master’s degree in instructional leadership. Having taught for 10 years, Nami recently attended the high school graduation ceremonies for students in her first class who spoke movingly about the impact she had on their lives. In her spare time, Nami enjoys reading, writing, music, food, and travelling to the Whitsunday Islands in Australia. She is also the proud parent of new Wellington student Kiran ’30.
EILEEN GARD REMEMBERED Wellington mourns the loss of dear friend Eileen Bowton Gard. As the wife of school founder Harry Gard, Eileen was deeply committed to transforming education in our community. Born in 1918 in Trivoli, Illinois, her life was filled with strength, humor, and a loving nature. She was devoted to her family and enjoyed nothing more than being surrounded by loved ones. With two grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren at Wellington, she never missed a Grandparents Day event. Eileen Gard touched countless lives in our community and will be dearly missed.
Artie Taylor P ’23 is an athletic assistant. He is also Wellington’s youth sports coordinator and head boys varsity basketball coach. Artie hails from Indianapolis and has a bachelor’s from John Carroll University and a master’s from Defiance College. He has 18 years coaching experience with 14 years at the college level. He shared a remarkable moment in Wellington athletic history last year when he coached the boys basketball team to the state final four. His main goal as an educator is establishing a culture where students embrace hard work, support others, and develop a strong belief system that they can achieve everything they are willing to work hard for. Artie was raised by a natural chef and in a restaurant environment, so he enjoys cooking. He also loves attending live sporting events and is happiest when he is spending time with family and friends.
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A CLOSER LOOK
Well Said At Wellington This fall, Wellington launched a new blog called Well Said. Intended as a platform for members of our school community to discuss innovative education, thought leadership, and parenting, Well Said will foster further conversation on important topics related to the well-being and future success of our children. Contributors have included Head of School Robert Brisk P ‘13 ‘15, Assistant Head of School and Head of Upper School Jeff Terwin, Head of Middle School Erin Noviski, Head of Lower School Jill Webb, Director of Technology John
Kruzan, Assistant Head of Upper School Rachel Althof P ‘29 ‘31 as well as other faculty members and Wellington founder Kenneth Ackerman. Topics have ranged from measuring and increasing student engagement to creative collaboration and civil discourse (more on page 20). Be sure to visit wellington.org/blog to subscribe and receive the latest Well Said thoughts on the future of education. PICTURED Will Miller ‘21 and Middle School Language Arts Teacher Marianne Crowley.
Enrichment Series Inspires and Empowers
Norman Shub
The enrichment series provides free events for members of the Wellington community and their family and friends to participate in important conversations related to innovative education and parenting in an increasingly complicated modern world. Thought-provoking and inspiring, these events are intended to empower parents, teachers, and students 16
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with critical knowledge and experience from renowned experts in their field. This fall, audiences heard from thought leader and author Tony Wagner about developing a future generation of innovators as well as former CEO and author Doug Smith on transitioning to the second half of life. Parents also learned how to avoid power struggles with their teenagers from author, teacher, and psychotherapist Norman Shub and how to succeed in the college search process from Wellington Director of College Counseling Stuart Oremus P ‘00 and a diverse panel of college admission representatives. In November, Wellington faculty members Curt Hansen P ‘12 ‘15, Patty Hans P ‘17 ‘20, and Greg Davis discussed fostering student voice in children of all ages. We invite you to join us for future events in our enrichment series. For more information, please visit wellington.org/enrichment. RSVP to events@wellington.org.
UPCOMING EVENTS
February 9 - Responsible Use of Technology 6:30-8 p.m. April 13 - Operation Street Smart: Adult Drug Education 6:30- 9 p.m. April 19 - Transition to College 6:30 - 8 p.m.
COLETTE GRANGER REMEMBERED The Wellington community was deeply saddened by the loss of former middle school science teacher Colette Granger. A devoted wife of 17 years to husband Sedric B. Granger, Sr. and beloved mother to children Sedric, Jr. and Olivia Grace, Granger was also a dedicated and inspiring educator who touched countless lives in her many roles. She brought great joy to the classroom as her tremendous love for science was foremost in everything she did. Granger was the first to introduce the concept of self-directed research in middle school and the SIRP (Science Independent Research Project) remains an important component of Wellington’s curriculum. The following are remembrances from her Wellington family: I will remember Colette’s passion for independent research. Anytime you talked to her, there was a rapturous quality to the way she described self-directed learning. She brought that inexhaustible level of excitement to her students. – ROBERT BRISK P ‘13 ‘15, HEAD OF SCHOOL
With grace and humor Colette was dedicated, genuine, faithful, and passionate. She took pride in guiding her students to achieve higher levels of academic success and to think deeper as scientists and scholars. – BERC BACKHURST, MIDDLE SCHOOL SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER
Colette was a great role model for young women and was particularly good at
motivating them and helping them find what it was that made each of them special. – CURT HANSEN P ‘12 ‘15, UPPER SCHOOL HISTORY
Colette was memorable for really getting the kids excited about chemistry. She was lively, animated, and loving. – JULIE LOVETT,
TEACHER
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF OPTIONS
Collette, by her sheer enthusiasm for any subject at hand, drew me in to want to learn more, to explore, to understand. – LYNNE
She was a fantastic, dedicated educator, as well as being a warm, caring person. – DORENE HENSCHEN, LOWER SCHOOL MATH
WILLIS STEGER P ‘04 ‘09, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
EXTENSION TEACHER
OF ADMISSIONS
She was truly an awesome woman with so many great qualities and a big heart to match her big smile. – YOLANDA JOHNSON, LOWER
Colette was a wonderful co-worker conscientious, hard-working, full of ideas, and kept the students to high standards. – CHERYL ALLEN, MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH
SCHOOL TEACHER
TEACHER
Colette had the ability to listen with genuine sincerity and speak with grace and refreshing candor. She cared deeply about everyone she met and made it easy to reciprocate her affection. – GINA SPICER P ‘24 ‘26, LOWER
Everything Colette did was with passion and drive. From teaching and learning, to cheering for Ohio State, to being a fantastic mom, she truly gave everything her all. She was also a mentor to me when I became a new mom. I see in the people her children have become what a wonderful mom she was and she created such a solid and loving foundation for Sedric Jr. and Olivia. Colette will not be forgotten. - DANIELLE GIBBS P ‘31,
SCHOOL ART TEACHER
LOWER SCHOOL COUNSELOR
“ Everything Colette did was with passion and drive.” —Danielle Gibbs P ‘31, lower school counselor
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PICTURED: 1: Lower School Learning Guide Carrie Williams welcomes students back to school. 2: Jaedyn Gaines ’19 and Jay Briggs ’19 at Founders Day. 3: Dylan Parkinson ‘29 enjoys the Lower School Pancake Breakfast. 4: Senior buddies spend time with their lower school friends.
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5: Eighth graders at Rogers Center in Toronto. 6: Avery Thielman ’23 and Lilly Thompson ’23 dissect a sheep heart in science class.
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7: Maika Danford ‘20, Ellie Weinberg ‘20, Katherine Olson ‘20, and Megan Leino ‘20 chat with upper school teacher John Brown. 8: Megan Gross ‘17 and Jordan Holland ‘17 at the Community Sing. 9: Abbott Arthur ‘27, Arlo Arthur ‘29.
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10: Georgia Edwards ’22, Amer Abdelbaki ’22, Olivia Vegas ’22, and Alexis Burkhalter ’22 lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. 11: Nia Gill ‘17, Naomi Livits ‘27. 12: Second grade play “Iggy Peck Architect.” 13: Thaya Lawshea ‘26, Vivienne Bond ‘25, and Diego Bazan ‘25 at the Thanksgiving Assembly. 14: Noah Jones-Beyene ’20, Grant Wheeler ’20, Kate True ’19, Band Director James Becker P ’27, Matt Strasser ’17. 15: Junior class in Philadelphia.
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FE ATURE
Learning Civility in an Election Year The 2016 presidential election proved to be perhaps the most contentious and divisive in modern history. Certainly it has been a challenge for parents and educators alike to use this important component of a free and democratic society as a teachable moment for children first learning about the political process our country was founded on. For Middle School Language Arts Teacher Greg Davis, the unseemly antics of adults behaving badly on a national stage with a global audience PICTURED watching agape Left: Lauren Okoye ’22 and Abigail Burkhardt ’22. was no reason to shy away from Right: Madeline Paull ’22, his role in the Greg Davis, Ayana Cooper-Stevens ’22. classroom. “As educators, it is our responsibility to prepare students for the world that lies ahead of them – the world in which one day they will take charge,” Davis said. “Topics such as politics and religion, therefore, should be standard fare in middle and upper school classrooms. In these spaces, students should have opportunities to come to terms with the diversity of thought in the world and articulate their own beliefs and opinions; they should speak freely and listen attentively in order to form opinions about the profound issues they will face as they enter the adult world.”
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“As educators, it is our responsibility to prepare students for the world that lies ahead of them – the world in which one day they will take charge.” GREG DAVIS, MIDDLE SCHOOL LANGUAGE ARTS TEACHER
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Ted Celeste, Ginny Barney, and Zack Space at Wellington to discuss civility.
To help students better understand the importance of respect, empathy, and civility when interacting with others, Davis designed an entire day in which middle schoolers attended workshops focused on strengthening their ability to listen thoughtfully. While the purpose of the day was remembering the importance of civility and respect in the political arena, the lessons learned were helpful to students in their conversations with classmates and others. Middle schoolers were told there would be times in which they disagreed with other people. In fact, they would be participating in activities designed to encourage debate. However, it was absolutely crucial that they listened carefully and always spoke in with civility and respect. The first activity of the day involved students working in pairs to build Lego structures. Partners sat back-to-back while one person built and then gave instructions to the other, while still not facing, on how to construct an exact replica. With nearly a hundred middle schoolers talking in one room at the same time, students had to struggle to be heard above the noise. Extreme focus was required to be understood through the chaos. Afterward, students reflected on why some partners were more successful than others at replicating their structures. You need to really listen to understand, was a common refrain. Middle and Upper School Counselor Craig 22
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Jones spent time with the group discussing empathy, respect, and civility. Students were encouraged to share their own examples of expressing one of the key skills in effective listening. Jones provided video clips for middle schoolers to identify both civil and uncivil methods of communication. Students were quick to point out that not allowing others to talk, showing a lack of respect, and not listening were all ineffective forms of interaction. As one 7th grader pointed out, “Talking is only effective if both sides are listening.” Davis explained that many times civility has to do with how we deal with differences. “It is pretty easy to get along well with people when we agree about everything- look the same, dress the same, think the same, and everything,” he said. “In school and life, though, there are a lot of situations where we have the opportunity to work with people who differ from us in a variety of ways. The way we handle these opportunities, from day-to-day and moment-to-moment, is very important. It gives us a chance to improve our work environment, our school environment, our world – or to make it worse.” Using a pine cone as a tangible object to convey an abstract thought, each student compared their similarities and then pointed out differences. Jones said the pine cones were symbolic of how we treat other people. He then led students through a discussion
about the pine cone’s strength resting in its core; the part that ties all of the arms together, the part from which everything extends. Much like every pine cone has a core, it is true that every school, every team, and even every nation has a core; a core made up of shared values. It is also true, students learned, that cold water can cause a pine cone to close up to protect its core. Similarly, people will close themselves off from sharing if they feel their core is endangered. Davis introduced students to the ValuesIn-Action Foundation or Purple America, an organization that has worked to identify the values that bind our country together across differences in race, religion, and economic background. Interviewing 1,000 individuals, researchers discovered many likenesses in what Americans valued. They found there were 12 principles that Americans held most sacred, including: freedom, family, equality, protecting self and country, opportunity, faith, and success. Discord and misunderstanding often stem from two people or groups ranking their priorities in a different order. Middle schoolers were given an envelope with all 12 of the values on separate slips of paper and then asked to select five they felt were most important to them personally. After students arranged their top five values from top to bottom, they compared their lists and shared examples of the values demonstrated in their own lives and why they were important. The
conversations provided a way for students to see that people approach sensitive conversations from various points-of-view, which can naturally lead to conflict. “Some of the toughest discussions that happen in the world of politics happen between people who disagree about what value should be placed in the first spot,” Davis said. “The incivility that we can see – not just in politics, but elsewhere – sometimes has to do with people who disagree on these basic, fundamental core values. If we are in a discussion that is heated between people that have strongly different opinions, we can remember in our minds that the other person may be arguing from a different core value.” Later, during a consensus building activity, students practiced discussing some of the issues people often feel strongly about while keeping in mind the principles of civility, respect, and empathy. They took turns as both speakers and listeners, presenting their best arguments in a logical and wellsupported fashion then later listening with an open mind. If a student who originally disagreed with a statement began to see that statement in a different light, the group could reach a consensus. Afterwards, everyone shared their individual experiences trying to reach consensus on particular issues. They discussed which arguments were most persuasive and what was most frustrating or surprising. After concentrating on the art of the conversation for the first half of the day, the afternoon focused on rhetoric, or how a speaker uses language to reach an audience. Middle schoolers were given examples of effective rhetoric and techniques to help them engage any listener. Using the popular app Pokemon Go to fully resonate with his own audience of adolescents, Davis encouraged students to discuss a proposed local law that would restrict the use of the game, for the safety of residents, within city limits. Separated into two groups, or caucuses, students argued both for and against the proposed law and tried to convince members from the opposing side to join them using their best persuasive rhetorical technique in the form of short
speeches and advertisements in a civil tone. The day ended with a panel discussion with members from the political arena. Former City Manager for Upper Arlington Ginny Barney, former U.S. Representative Zack Space, and Director of State Programs for the National Institute for Civil Discourse Ted Celeste spoke with students about the importance of civility in our daily lives. Barney said that for most people when things get personal, they lose perspective. Courage, she told students, was key in asking people about their opinions. “Civility takes courage,” she said. “To ask an inquiring question - that’s real courage.” Space was complimentary of Wellington’s efforts to tackle difficult concepts like civil discourse because it encompassed far-reaching skills intrinsic
to working in a global economy. He said that one day the lessons they had learned at Wellington would carry forward when some of them would hold public office. Celeste, having worked with an organization to create standards of conduct in political debates, lamented the fact that too many people today were not taking the time to really talk to others with different points of view. He stressed the importance of reaching across the aisle for government to work most effectively. The resounding message from the panel was one of hope for the future. As Wellington students learn to listen thoughtfully to each other through the noise of negativity so often permeating our world, they will lead us all to find a better way.
STUDENTS ANSWER FOR THE GOOD OF ALL I will be empathetic by helping someone up when they fall, or if they are being bullied. Amer Abdelbaki ‘22 I will be my very best self by being nice to everyone and to help them feel special. I want everyone to be happy to be who they are. Sara Velasco ‘22 I will be more civil by standing up for people who are stuck in a position where someone else is disagreeing with them in a hurtful or offensive way. Blais Blackburn ‘22
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A CLOSER LOOK
Gardening and Growing Together Some of the most valuable learning opportunities for young children come from playing in the dirt.
Elmore to cultivate and harvest a variety of vegetables, exposing them to real-world learning while also building a healthier community and increasing their access to healthy, sustainably-grown food. Middle schoolers will use their math and science skills to design, construct, and plant an outdoor garden in collaboration with lower schoolers. Students as young as three-years-old can: • Dissect carrots to learn about taproots
By simply planting a garden, they can acquire skills in science, math, art, and language while also discovering a vital connection to their food source that will impact their health and wellness for a lifetime. A 2015 Cornell University study published in “Acta Paediatrica” showed that if children grow vegetables, they are more likely to eat them. Citing several factors in preventing childhood obesity, the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that “schools play a particularly critical role by establishing a safe and supportive environment with policies and practices that support healthy behaviors. Schools also provide opportunities for students to learn about and practice healthy eating and physical activity behaviors.” The Wellington Gardening and Nutrition Initiative involves students of all ages working together under the guidance of Director of Environmental Education and Gardens Joya
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• Learn to multiply fractions when following recipes to prepare delicious dishes from the produce they grow
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• Learn about food miles, food seasonality, and the energy required to bring the produce to our grocery stores • Measure, document, and record plant growth • Write haikus about what they observe • Go on math-based scavenger hunts Students began the school year planting strawberries donated by parent Allison McHenry P ’26 ’28 ’30 and by October were harvesting their first crops. They performed taste tests on red and green leaf lettuce, bok choy, and mustard green leaves without dressing or any seasoning. It was “a beautiful thing,” Elmore said. “As a society, we are far removed from our food source. We rely on getting our food at grocery stores and it can
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GARDENS GROW MORE THAN PLANTS A natural curiosity allows for deeper understandings of several subject areas when gardening, particularly when most children are more than happy to get their hands dirty in the process. SCIENCE Conversations about the life cycle of a plant and environmental impact on growth. What happens if it gets too cold, rains too much or not enough? Which seeds grow faster? MATH Measuring the garden space, counting seeds, spacing the seeds or plants, or comparing the sizes of seeds. take a long time for any produce to reach those shelves, so how fresh is it really? If we can begin to give students the opportunity to grow food, then we are giving them the chance to try the freshest, most locally sourced produce possible. Freshness really makes a difference when trying new foods.” Elmore fondly remembered her own time in the garden as a child with her mom, helping to plant, water, weed, and harvest. Together they grew most of the produce the family ate at home. Elmore would encourage other families to do the same. “Everyone can learn to grow food,” she said, “and yes, I have killed my fair share of plants, too.
It’s important to start small, take it one step at a time, and pick one or two things you would like to grow for that season.” As stewards of their Wellington family garden, students are developing responsibilities and ownership of the food they grow as well as greater self-confidence as they see and eat the fruits and vegetables of their labor.
PICTURED 1: Ezra Carlson ‘31, Kaidin Moore ‘31, Joya Elmore. 2: Lavinia Eldridge ‘29, Shiloh Kaser ‘29, Lauren Ley ‘29, Clara Ginther ‘29, Jude Rupp ‘29.
ART Children can draw pictures of plants or a series of illustrations of the vegetable or fruit from a seed as it grows to a full plant. They can also create their own row markers by drawing a picture of the plant on a piece of paper or cardstock, then covering it with clear contact paper. LANGUAGE & READING Many libraries have books about gardening that parents can read with their children. Look at seed catalogs and let children help choose what to plant. As it gets closer to harvest time, help them look for recipes that might use items they have grown.
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A CLOSER LOOK
Research-Guided Learning Cultivates a Community of Scientists by Dr. Brandon Sullivan Upper School STEM Teacher and Research Collaborator
Independent Science Research (ISR) involves upper school students developing and implementing a capstone project in consultation with faculty in the science department. The expectation in the program is for each participant to be a part of experimental design, data collection, and data analysis as well as find an outside research expert in the field of study to work alongside. Not all ISR students need to leave campus for intensive scientific study. The Wellington Research Institute (WRI) includes a state-of-the art laboratory on campus with diagnostic testing equipment on par with most college labs. Our classrooms accommodate rotating teachers, eight class periods, and hundreds of students each week. As a result, these traditional spaces are poor resources for research projects and enrichment opportunities. Two years ago, a modern space was envisioned where students and faculty could conduct authentic research and develop novel opportunities to drive and inspire student learning. Today, thanks to the generosity of Scott and Kerstin Humphrys P ‘20 ‘22
and a Benedict Foundation grant, our school has added The Wellington Research Institute to its educational repertoire. Equipped with digital microscopes, aquariums to study environmental impacts such as ocean acidification, and a full suite of instrumentation to perform molecular cloning, the laboratory gives students the resources they need to engage in college-level research. These capabilities have led to several collaborative projects with The Ohio State University – all of which are led by students. One goal of the WRI is to build upon the success of our Independent Science Research (ISR). Today Wellington students develop projects with college professors and research mentors. In the past, students would visit laboratories to observe and conduct experiments and return to Wellington to repeat studies, develop additional experiments, and share captivating results with their teachers and peers. The Wellington Research Institute provides a means for students to cultivate a community of scientists – students who think critically, experiment, take risks, and enjoy learning.
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JACOB DACH ‘17 – Works with the Center of Automotive Research at The Ohio State University on the Buckeye Bullet, a hybrid race car designed to break records for top speed. In September, Dach was invited to join the team at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah to test the car and break a world record. EMMA HANS ‘17 – Under the guidance of Professor Virginia Rich P ‘29 ‘30 at the Ohio State University, Hans is studying the microbes that live in the permafrost of Sweden as compared to the microbes that live in our native environment in the Olentangy Riverbed. Hans has done cell culture work in the WRI as well as OSU.
3 PICTURED 1: Allison Sprochi ‘18 works on modifying therapeutic antibodies. 2: Jacob Dach ‘17 with the Buckeye Bullet race team at the Bonneville Salt Flats. 3: The Wellington Research Instititute Laboratory.
STEM teacher and research collaborator, in the development of a course that teaches molecular biology, cloning, and recombinant DNA technology. Menta and Siddiqui learned cloning and molecular biology techniques which reinforced basic biology and chemistry. They also optimized reactions and designed the experimental protocols for future students in the course. NEELU PALETI ‘17 – Working with the John Tansey Lab at Otterbein University, Paleti is studying the protein-protein interactions and their role in lipid (fat) metabolism and storage. Her work has implications to several diseases including obesity and diabetes.
ANDREW HARABURDA ‘19 – Just beginning his research as a sophomore, Haraburda is working with Wellington biology teacher Bryan Brautigam to develop better techniques to study biological phenomena in the classroom at Wellington. The project matches his interest in engineering, problemsolving, solution design, and manufacturing.
SPENCER POVOSKI ‘17 – Povoski is working with Dr. Parwani at The Ohio State University in Digital Pathology to optimize the systems to create high resolution images of tissue that would typically be mounted on slides and viewed under a microscope. These images could then be uploaded to the cloud and studied anywhere.
JASMINE HARABURDA ‘17 – For two years, Haraburda has worked with Dr. Singh at the Ohio State University Department of Genetics. She has studied the transcription factors using molecular cloning and library techniques.
RAMI RAJJOUB ‘18 – Working with cardiovascular scientist Dr. Peter Mohler at The Ohio State University OSU, Rajjoub’s research involved genetics and cardiovascular disease.
MAITHRI KORA ‘18 – Kora studies the synthesis and characterization of biofuels with the Carrigan Hayes Lab at Otterbein University.
CASSIE ROBBINS ‘17 – Robbins is working with Dr. Thomas Magliery of The Ohio State University Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry to develop and understand molecules that may be used for cancer diagnostics and therapy. For more about Robbins’ research, see page 8.
ELLORA MAJUMDER ‘17 – Having worked with the Beatty Lab at the Ohio State University last year studying transgenic zebrafish, Majumder is building an apparatus to rapidly change the environmental temperature of the fish, in order to turn on a specific subset of genes for the lab to study. Majumder works with Anthony Brown P ‘21, professor of Neuroscience at OSU. MEGHANA MENTA ‘18 AND ARHAM SIDDIQUI ‘17 – Both Menta and Siddiqui assist Dr. Brandon Sullivan, upper school
ALLISON SPROCHI ‘18 – Sprochi is working with Dr. Sullivan in the WRI laboratory on a project to modify therapeutic antibodies to better control their serum lifetimes while not affecting the function of the molecule. Sprochi engaged in molecular cloning and recombinant DNA technologies (this project is related to Cassie Robbins’ research at OSU).
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A CLOSER LOOK
Making Time for Quiet by Patty Hans P ‘17 ‘20 Lower School French Teacher
Do you sometimes feel as though the only words that carry any strength are those that are loud; that the thoughts behind those words are less important than their decibels and flash? I’m quite sure that I’m not alone when thinking that my fellow humans, in our Snapchat, Twitter world, need to slow down and think before speaking. This led me to read Susan Cain’s “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking.” The impact of the book, coupled with hearing Cain speak at last year’s ISACS conference in Saint Paul, moved me to wonder if we, at Wellington, might be able to do more to nurture contemplation and to hear our introverts as well as our extroverts. With this in mind, and the support of a Wellington Student Engagement Grant, I set off last summer to the Quiet Institute, founded by Susan Cain, at the first gathering of educators as part of the budding “Quiet Schools Network.” We all want our children to speak up and be heard. Is there even a place for introverts in today’s society? I would challenge that now, more than ever, we need to guide our students to be deep thinkers as well as gregarious speakers. There are many misconceptions surrounding the term introverted. Over the past few decades being called an introvert has become almost pejorative. It is time that we realize that being introverted is not the same as being shy, which is defined as having a fear of social judgement, nor is it the same as being anti-social. Introversion and extroversion are simply points on a continuum of temperament. On one end are those who reenergize by socializing and on the other are those who need solitary, quiet activities. In their extremes, some people process out loud and seem to need to talk all the time while 28
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some need absolute quiet. Of course, no one is strictly introvert or extrovert. We all know humans are complex, and that our personalities result from a variety of influences. Temperament, however, has neurobiological foundations and our temperament forms the basis for that personality we each develop. A variety of studies are cited in Cain’s book, and the research indicates that introverts seem “geared to inspect” and extroverts “geared to respond,” and that if extroverts are not taught to slow down and listen then they will respond more impulsively, often less wisely. As educators we need to be deliberate about helping the more extroverted student listen and think, so that their future actions are smarter actions. We also need to be more deliberate about providing time, space, and skills to the more introverted students so their important, thoughtful ideas are heard. The current research around introverts and extroverts validates much of what we do at Wellington, but it also directs us to be more thoughtful about approaching the various temperaments of our students. When I shared information from the Quiet Institute with my colleagues they eagerly joined me in working more consciously to assure we are providing an atmosphere
which allows a wide variety of temperaments to thrive. We are a unified front in wanting to cultivate deep thinkers as well as gregarious speakers. Walking through our lower school classrooms today, you may find individual students quieting their minds in a Cozy Corner or with a Calming Caddy. You may see entire classes or individuals participating in Mindfulness activities as they reenergize and/or prepare to listen more fully. Some classes take a few minutes to go to their Zen Zone during which they focus upon breathing, perform midline crossing stretches, and write in gratitude journals. Susan Cain stresses the importance of a restorative niche which help our more extroverted students focus and our more introverted students reenergize. Faculty are also working in the middle and upper schools to provide balance in the classroom. You may notice teachers giving more think/write time before having students respond verbally to deep questions, to including the use of brainwriting rather than brainstorming so when ideas are shared we hear from more than just the extroverts. You will see quiet work rooms and reading rooms in the upper school. The seed is planted and more evidence of the Quiet Revolution will be visible as time progresses. It will be exciting to see how all of our students, introverts and extroverts alike, transform as we continue to grow and stretch ourselves as a school community. To find out more about the Quiet Revolution: • Take the Introvert/Extrovert Assessment developed through a partnership between Quiet Revolution and University of Pennsylvania’s Scott Barry Kaufman at guidedtrack.com/programs (Wellington Password: 125197) • ·Read “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking” by Susan Cain • Watch Susan Cain’s TED Talk “The Power of Introverts” at ted.com/talks • Visit the Quiet Revolution website at quietrev.com
GUEST SPEAKERS AND TOPICS Guest Speakers Address Complexities of College Selection A challenge for any high school student facing the daunting task of selecting a college is staying on track in their search with all they are already juggling. Academics, athletics, arts, and other extracurricular interests compete for the time and attention of a typical adolescent. A major advantage for Wellington students is the College Counseling Program. Designed to alleviate fears or anxiety related to choosing a college or university, the program helps students and families confidently navigate through the sometimes unfamiliar world of campus visits, applications, financial aid, acceptances, and selection. In particular, one strength of College Counseling at Wellington is the Guest Speaker Series. By inviting college representatives and professional experts from across the country to meet with our students and answer questions, upper schoolers gain insight and are exposed to topics they may not have previously considered. “The Guest Speaker Series addresses many of the complex issues facing the college selection process,” Associate Director of College Counseling Steve Crawford said. “The intent is to bring in outside experts to offer counsel and advice on a variety of topics. Students may not
have some of these topics on their radar, yet simply hearing the title may cause them to pause and think.” A sample of recent session titles includes: Is a perfect admissions application even possible? How applications are evaluated. (University of Chicago) It’s a pleasure to meet you: the value of the in-person interview in the admissions process (University of Denver) Financing College and Financial Aid (Denison University) Living Abroad: it’s more than just camp (The Experience in International Living) Some students are very astute and do their research beforehand. Others are not quite as far along in the process. The speakers help both types of students by either answering questions or putting questions on their radar. Concerns that students may have about the college search process are addressed by those in the know. Will my application be accepted at school X? What scholarships are available? Can my family afford school X? Where should I go to major in X? The most common advice given to students sounds simple enough but can be easily forgotten in moments of stress. “Be authentic,” Crawford said. “Don’t try to portray yourself as the student you think you should be…just be you.”
Admissions Committee Reviews
DENISON UNIVERSITY
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
StrengthsQuest/ StrengthsFinder UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO ADMISSIONS
How Applications Are Evaluated UNIVERSITY OF DENVER
The Value of the In-Person Interview during the Admissions Process DUKE UNIVERSITY
College and Scholarship Processes in the United States BROWN UNIVERSITY
Tips for Alumni Interviews BATES COLLEGE, THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY, AND COLUMBUS COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN
Panel discussion on college attributes, financial aid, and campus safety
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A CLOSER LOOK
VILLANOUS VEGETATION INVADES “LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS” With a record-breaking number of cast and crew, as well as puppets, the upper school musical production of “Little Shop of Horrors” was perhaps the most audacious production in school theatre history. A deliciously good time, the Broadway and Hollywood cult classic set to an unforgettable score by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken tells the story of a meek flower shop assistant discovering a new breed of plant that craves more than just water and sunlight. Truly out of this universe, the plant demands more and more food until Seymour, at last, becomes a heroic figure destined to save the world. “The kids had so much fun with the show and that was exciting,” Theatre Director David Glover said. “There were genuine moments that made the audience laugh and cry. Moments like that in live theatre are electric.”
PICTURED 1: Andrew Davis ’19 and Ben Sierzputowski ’19. 2: Christina Armeni ’18 and Andrew Davis ’19. 3: Christina Armeni ’18, Sydney Wurapa ’18, Miranda Johnson ’17, Camille Simpson ’19, Lexi Horan ’20, Claire O’Shaughnessy ’20. 4: Lexi Horan ’20, Sydney Wurapa ’18, Andrew Davis ’19, Miranda Johnson ’17, Camille Simpson ’19.
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5: Lexi Horan ’20, Claire O’Shaughnessy ’20, Miranda Johnson ’17, Sydney Wurapa ’18, Camille Simpson ’19. 6: Chase Leino ’17 and Kahlil Jallaq ’17 as Audrey II, and Christina Armeni ’18. 7: Andrew Davis ’19 and Ben Sierzputowski ’19. 8: Cast of Little Shop of Horrors.
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ATHLETICS
Boys Varsity Soccer: Reaching New Heights
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Three years ago, Wellington alumnus JJ Bain ‘06 took over as varsity head coach of the boys soccer program, and the team has continued to grow in strength and numbers since. Under Bain’s leadership the program has a 34-14-8 overall record and won the first Division III District Championship in the school’s history this year. Bain, who played collegiate soccer at Cornell University has elevated the level of soccer during his time as head coach through developing his senior leaders, sharing his love and passion for the game, and demanding excellence from his players. The desire and determination of previous graduating classes helped pave the way for today’s success. Wellington alumni Mohsen Abdali ’15, Elliot Fite ’15, and several players from the Class of 2016 including Bakari Brown, Sterling Adiansingh, Alex Tannous, and Roth Dehlendorf, provided a platform for achievement and helped to change the culture of the Wellington boys soccer program by adopting a newfound mentality. It appeared the team did not reach their potential in 2015 and the players were determined to raise the bar in 2016. This year’s team immediately began working on their game by committing themselves to offseason training. A large portion of the team trained regularly with Sports Performance Coach Coach Zach Thompson to maximize their athletic potential and minimize their risk of injury. During a winter team meeting where expectations and goals were being set for the offseason, Brad Biehl ’18 said to the group that he “had a vision of one team with one ego.” “As preseason arrived, it was clear that the team had three extremely talented core senior players, who cared deeply about the success of the team and were committed to being great leaders. Connor Weber ’17, Ben Starker ’17, and Teddy Knowles ’17 were named captains and they set the tone for the season. Everything they did or said was out of love and admiration for each other. Their leadership inspired the entire team,” said Bain. As the season progressed, additional players began to demonstrate a similar attitude and leadership style. Brad Biehl ‘18, Scott Locker ’18, Katz Kadlic ’19,
and J.R. O’Toole ’19 all evolved as young leaders among the team. These key players were quickly supported by freshmen Eli Dulle and Freddie Lin, who made an immediate impact this year. “With the drive and will to succeed in the senior class, the development of rising juniors and sophomores, and the abilities of several young freshmen, this group of players was able to do something no other Wellington boys soccer team had accomplished,” Bain recalled. Having played the most difficult regular season schedule in the program’s history, Bain reminisces on the season as a journey, recalling many moments in which their grit was tested and they were required to persevere. The game of soccer requires an appreciation for the process of improvement and constant evaluation of performance. Bain shared, “In the final two regular season games, it felt as if something within the players was changing. Their moment was approaching and they were ready to face any opponent. As we faced top-ranked teams Dayton Christian (#2 in the State) and Bishop Watterson (#2 in the District) we proved we were prepared to compete. This was some of the best soccer we had played all season.” Despite a disappointing #6 seed (of 22 teams) heading into the tournament the boys were not discouraged. Frustration grew into excitement as they realized an opportunity for redemption against Fairbanks, who had ended their season just last year, was on the brink. Bain took an uncanny approach in
choosing to play #2 seeded Marion Pleasant in the first round of the tournament. He felt an upset was likely and his intuition was right. The team walked away with a 4-1 victory! This set the platform for a highlyanticipated rematch with Columbus Academy, who the Jags had tied 1-1 earlier in the season. Late in the game, Knowles notched a goal, advancing his team to the District Finals. This victory solidified the opportunity to play Fairbanks once again. “Despite the physical nature of the game, we were able to control play and win a disciplined, hardfought championship game by a margin of 1-0. It was validation for the seniors, and proof to the underclassmen that hard work does pay off. The beauty of single elimination tournaments is that the margins are so small, and the stakes are so high,” Bain said. As the team progressed to the Regional Semi-Final game against Grandview Heights they found themselves tested at the half as they trailed the Bobcats 2-0. Bain recalled Kadlic sharing “we knew we were going to have to face adversity, now let’s overcome.” This was a proud moment for the 3rd year head coach. The game ended in a thrilling 2-2 tie in regulation with goals by Knowles and Weber. In sudden death overtime Grandview reigned victorious after an almost immediate goal. “While this season may have come to an end 23 seconds into overtime of the regional semifinal,” Bain said, “the memories and legacy of this one team with one ego will never be forgotten.”
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ATHLETICS
EMMA RUCK MAKES 1
SOCCER HISTORY Scoring and winning are what senior Emma Ruck loves most about playing soccer. Both are familiar experiences for this stand-out athlete. Having played since the age of four, she has experienced dramatic victories as well as tough defeats without ever losing her love of the game. Her tenacious goal-scoring ability has certainly fueled her passion along the way. As co-captain of the Wellington varsity girls soccer team, with seniors Taylor Adams and Maddy McClinchie, Ruck is a natural leader who likes working together as a team and bonding with the other players on and off the field. “It’s great to have a close-knit group of friends on the team,” she said. “I like being with them in school and then at practice. We’ve become a cohesive unit, playing well together and also spending time with each other socially at sleepovers and team meals.” Ruck has been a four year starter and letter winner for the Jags as a forward and is the first player in Wellington soccer history to earn First Team All-State Honors. She notched 17 goals and 11 assists on the season and has 61 career goals and 30 assists. Her competitive drive and love of scoring have made Ruck 34
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invaluable to the Jags. Wellington Athletic Director Lindsey Smith P ‘26 coached the team through a season requiring resiliency and perseverance. “Despite losing several close games, the Jags became one of the toughest DIII teams in Central Ohio,” she said. “Recognized for being highly-organized, demonstrating a relentless work-ethic, and the leadership displayed by a handful of highly skilled players, by season’s end, the team earned a spot on the Central District Coaches Poll as the 6th ranked team in the area.” In addition, they touted two First Team All District Players in Emma Ruck and Jakaysha Williams and one Third Team All District Player in Maddy McClinchie. Seniors Ruck and McClinchie were joined by Taylor Adams in an opportunity to play in the Senior All Star Game. Smith herself was voted Coach of the Year. Ruck appreciated Smith’s calm but focused coaching style and attributes much of the team’s success to that approach. Wellington’s encouraging environment to always try your best and never give up have also been an important influence on Ruck both academically
and athletically. She particularly enjoys her English and writing classes because she likes expressing herself. Ruck is excited to play her final season of club soccer this spring but is already nostalgic about her experience as a player for the Wellington team. The feeling is mutual. “Emma’s commitment to the betterment of our soccer program will be valued for many years to come,” Smith said. PICTURED Above: Emma Ruck ‘17 with teammate Jakaysha Williams ‘18. Below: Emma Ruck with her First Team All-State plaque.
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A Bright Future for Middle School Golf The 2016 middle school golf season proved to be both challenging and rewarding. The challenge was replacing a number of golfers who had played the previous season. The reward was watching a young team with very little tournament experience grow and develop their skills as the season progressed. The season started in mid-August with five golfers, Maadhav Muralidharan ‘22, Paari Kaviyarasu ‘22, Zach Ware ‘22, Tyrell DeBose ‘23, and Eric Albers ‘23. Of the five, only Maadhav and Paari had previous playing experience while the others were relative newcomers. However, lack of experience was no deterrent to this group who practiced daily in the August heat preparing for the season. By the time school started the team was bolstered by the addition of two 8th graders, Carsten Judge, a very experienced player who had just transferred to Wellington from Indiana, and Paige Bennett, who had played on previous teams. Early matches were very tightly contested with one stroke often being the difference between victory and defeat. The combination of Judge, Muralidharan, and Kaviyarasu guaranteed the team was always in the match, and it would typically come down to the fourth score to determine the match outcome.
According to Coach Bill Mitchin, “We knew going into every match that our core players would deliver solid scores and it would be up to our new players to carry us over the top. As the new players gained more experience we began to win more matches.” After starting the season with one win against six defeats, the practice began to pay dividends as the team went on to win four of their final five matches finishing the season with a record of five wins and seven defeats. The highlight of the year came in the final match of the season facing a Worthington Christian team that had defeated Wellington by 43 strokes the first match of the season. As night began to fall on the course, the final group of players were forced to finish their round in the dark. “We literally had parents and friends holding flashlights and cell phones on the final green so the players could finish their round,” Mitchin recalled. In the end Wellington secured a 5-stroke victory to avenge the early season defeat. The team’s final match was a testament to the perseverance of the players with everyone having improved and contributed to its success. The final victory was their reward for all the effort they put into the season. For the season Muralidharan and Judge were the most consistent players averaging 39.6 and 41.1 strokes per round, respectively. Muralidharan finished 3rd overall out of 84 players in the middle school championship at Pine Hill Golf Club. “The true measure of the team’s growth and performance is every member contributed scores to a team victory,” Mitchin said. “With Maadhav, Paari, Zach, Tyrell, and Eric back next season our future is very bright.”
PICTURED Below: Maadhav Muralidharan ’22 makes par putt to finish 3rd overall at Panther Invitational Championship. Right: Zach Ware ’22, Carsten Judge ’21, Eric Albers ’23, Coach Bill Mitchin, Paari Kaviyarasu ’22, Paige Bennett ’21, Maadhav Muralidharan ’22.
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AWARD WINNERS 1
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WELLINGTON SCHOOL PRIDE
We celebrated many athletes this fall. Pictured here are just a few of our award winners. 1: GIRLS VARSITY SOCCER Maddy McClinchie ‘17 - Third Team All District, Golden Shield Award Winner 2: GIRLS MIDDLE SCHOOL TENNIS Alexis Burkhalter ‘22 - Coaches Award Winner
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3: GIRLS MIDDLE SCHOOL SOCCER Macy Croft ‘22 - Coaches Award Winner 4: BOYS MIDDLE SCHOOL GOLF Zachary Ware ‘22 - Coaches Award Winner
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5: BOYS VARSITY SOCCER Connor Weber ‘17 - Second Team All State, First Team All District, District Champion, Team MVP 6: GIRLS VARSITY TENNIS Isabella Vegas ‘19 - District Qualifier, R.O.A.R. Award Winner 7: BOYS VARSITY SOCCER Teddy Knowles ‘17 - First Team All District, Coaches Award Winner, Team Captain, District Champion 8: BOYS MIDDLE SCHOOL SOCCER Christion Files ‘21 - Team Captain, Coaches Award Winner
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9: BOYS JUNIOR VARSITY SOCCER Ben Sierzputowski ‘19 - JV Jag Award Winner
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10: GIRLS MIDDLE SCHOOL SOCCER Caroline Cooke ‘21, Team Captain, Coaches Award Winner 11: BOYS VARSITY GOLF Jack Doody ‘19 - First Team All District, R.O.A.R. Award Winner, Sectional Champion 12: GIRLS JUNIOR VARSITY TENNIS Maithri Kora ‘18 - JV Jag Award Winner
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13: GIRLS VARSITY SOCCER Jakaysha Williams ‘18 - First Team All District, R.O.A.R. Award Winner
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ALUMNI
ANNUAL ALUMNI BREAKFAST Celebrating Brain and Brawn
The smell of French toast, fresh baked muffins, and bacon filled the air as alumni, friends, and family gathered together at the Heritage Golf Club to celebrate the Wellington community. As alumni put nametags across their chest, it seemed as if all of their adult responsibilities and obligations suddenly disappeared. Memories of Wellington rushed to mind as they flipped through their yearbooks, pointing out their senior pages, candids, class photos, and questionable hairstyle choices. After hugs from Chris Robbins P ‘17 ‘22, jokes from Sara Brdar P ‘02 ‘03, and high-fives from Dominic Davis P ‘14 ‘19, everyone in the room felt as if they were back in high school again. Head of School Robert Brisk P ’13 ’15 personally thanked alumni from 1989 to 2010, their friends and family, as well as current and past faculty and staff for waking up early on their Saturday morning to attend the special occasion. With Wellington celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, Brisk said it was an honor to have the opportunity to recognize alumni as a whole as well as for their notable individual achievements. The breakfast also reunited the Classes of 1996 and 2001 and the accomplishments of three alumni in particular: Colleen Durfee ’10, Kara Concheck ’10, and Dr. Richard O’Shaughnessy, Jr. ’92.
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Since 1997, Wellington’s Athletic Hall of Fame has recognized and inducted 40 alumni and coaches, three of whom were in attendance: Rebecca Spears Hinze ’96 P ‘28, Adam Stewart ’99 P ‘30, and J.J. Bain ’06. Athletic Director Lindsey Smith P ’26 gave brief introductions, then Stewart shared his perspective as a coach on why Colleen Durfee ’10 and Kara Concheck ’10 were ideal inductees for the Athletic Hall of Fame. Durfee’s character and persistence were memorable to Stewart. He said her strengths included “what was going on in her head and in her heart. It is what allowed her to risk failure in order to try and achieve success.” Stewart explained Concheck was never afraid to ask questions about how she could improve as an athlete. “She was willing to try and fail… because she believed in herself.” Stewart felt Durfee and Concheck, with their similar but unique characteristics, elevated their teams to the next level. Whether they were on the basketball court or on the lacrosse field, other schools feared when they played together. Due to the efforts of former Wellington teacher Susan Bonvallet and the Alumni Parent Advisor Counsel (APAC), Wellington was able to give its second Distinguished Alumni Award to Dr. Richard O’Shaughnessy, Jr. ’92 while having the first recipient, Cynthia Dungey ’89, hand him his award. Teacher and Director of Technology John Kruzan gave his remarks on the type of student Richard was in high school and how he knew that O’Shaughnessy’s curiosity would lead him to where he was today as a scientist. Kruzan believed there was a reason why Wellington’s class of 1992 voted Richard as their class brain – he simply would not take “we do not know” for an answer and, in turn, would figure it out himself. During his acceptance PICTURED speech, O’Shaughnessy 1: Colleen Durfee ‘10. shared his gratitude for 2: Rebecca Spears the Wellington teachers Hinze ‘96 P ‘28, John who pushed him to try Paull ‘00, Erin Roe ‘96. new things, including 3: Kara Concheck ‘10. athletics. Without them, especially Kruzan he 4: Robert Brisk P ’13 ‘15, Colleen Durfee ‘10, said, O’Shaughnessy did Kara Concheck ‘10, not think he would have Dr. Richard achieved what he has O’Shaughnessy, Jr. ‘92. today.
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ALUMNI
Thanksgiving Flag Football
PICTURED 1: Craig Jones, Chris Robbins P ‘17 ‘22, Liz Craig ‘06, Sarah Snyder ‘06. 2: Flag Football fun. 3: Old School team (1996-2013). 4: New School team (2014-2016). 5: Alumni OSU Tailgate party.
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Whether running on the field or watching an old friend with Wellington faculty from the sidelines, over 60 people, including alumni, teachers, and family members, came out to Roberts Field on Thanksgiving weekend to enjoy our annual flag football game. Alumni were greeted by Blue Key Ambassadors, who showed them their senior yearbooks and offered their families various Wellington goodies. The Blue Key students also ensured that no one went hungry by cooking hotdogs and sausages on the grill, passing out snacks, and making fresh hot chocolate. Before the flag football game began, graduates from 1996 to 2016 reconnected, introduced themselves, and shared their Wellington experiences with each other. Alumni then split themselves into New School (2014-2016) and Old School (1996-2013) teams and put on their flags. Old School has traditionally led in this rivalry series with four wins, but New School won for their first time last year and were looking to begin a winning streak. The game began with Old School receiving the kick-off. For two hours the teams battled admirably, exchanging touchdown after touchdown and only stopping for a half-time hot chocolate break. In the end, New School fell to Old School by just two touchdowns. Even though they didn’t win, the New School alumni said that they will definitely be back next year to reclaim their title. The following day, alumni continued the football spirit as they tailgated for the OSU vs. Michigan game. Thank you to Brook Kohn ’08 and his family for organizing and hosting! Make sure to mark your calendar for next year’s game and tailgate. All are welcome!
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Teachers Reconnect with Alumni When you were in high school, you probably dreaded the idea of seeing one of your teachers in public. Now, as alumni, you secretly hope to see your favorite teacher outside of their classroom to reminisce about Wellington and to hear stories that they couldn’t tell you while you were a student. From Columbus to New York, a handful of Wellington’s best educators were able to do just that with alumni spanning from ’91 to ’14. This year, reunions were a popular avenue among teachers to gather with their former students. For example, Rose Marie Mierzejewski attended the class of 1991’s reunion and was amazed how much Spanish her students remembered from 25 years ago. A few weeks later, over Alumni Weekend, Aaron Frim P ‘19, Sara Brdar P ‘02 ‘03, Chris Robbins P ‘17 ‘22, John Kruzan, Craig Jones, and Dominic Davis P ‘14 ‘19 all attended the alumni breakfast and a few of them even attended the class of 1996’s after-party later that evening.
Robbins, while chaperoning current Wellington students in their annual Philly and New York field trips, was able to reach out to local alumni during her time there. In Philly, Sanjay Unni ’95, and Ben Smith ’14 met up with her and other Wellington students at Lucky Strike Bowling Alley. Robbins enjoyed catching up with Ben and getting additional updates about classmate Michael Doran ‘14 (he and Ben are still close friends). Robbins and Sanjay had not seen each other in many years, so it was particularly delightful to hear about Sanjay’s recent marriage, his experience as a father, and his travels around the world. They also talked about how Wellington had changed over the years, including: the new building wing, number of students in the upper school, change to trimester courses, and the move away from the AP curriculum. While in New York, Robbins reconnected with Zach Wright ’08 as well as Em Hammett ‘14, Ellis Edwards ‘11, and Anna Viragh ‘11.
Em met the group after their trip on the Staten Island Ferry; Ellis and Anna joined the group for dinner at Ping’s Chinese Restaurant. Zach was another alumnus that Chris had not seen in a long time. Though they did not have a lot of time together (and Times Square was very loud!), Chris was able to learn that Zach has been with Production Glue since graduating from college; they also reminisced about their trip to Scotland during the summer of 2008 with the theatre department.
PICTURED Above: James Becker P ‘27, Lisa Springer, Zach Wright ‘08, Chris Robbins P ‘17 ‘22, Bill Miller P ‘15 ‘17 ‘21. Left: Ben Smith ‘14, Chris Robbins P ‘17 ‘22.
WANT TO CONNECT WITH YOUR FAVORITE TEACHERS WHEN THEY ARE IN TOWN?
Please send your updates and information. Faculty would love to hear about all of the wonderful things you are doing, places you are traveling, and big events happening in your life. Email alumni@wellington.org.
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Alumni Give Back at Wellington SENIOR YEAR ADVICE
Alumni spanning from ’06 to ’15 returned to Wellington for a breakfast Q&A with current seniors during the first week of the school year. Members of the Class of 2016 had the opportunity to ask questions about how to make the most of their final year at Wellington as well as how to pick the right college and transition to campus life. Thank you to Kim Roseler ’12, Aashika Katapadi ’15, Sophia Knowles ’12, Tanner Zaas ’11, Courtney Wayman ’12, Hamilton Green ’14, Morgan Peterson ’12. Annie Miller ’13, and JJ Bain ’06 for sharing their time and insight with Wellington students. COLLEGE COUNSELING
Chris Noble ’10 and Becky Shin ’11 visited Wellington to share their personal experiences selecting a college and how they made the most of those four years. They told students to look at their college years as an opportunity to try lots of new things and explore unchartered waters as they discover new passions or life goals. Shin stressed the importance of attending classes during school visits to get a better understanding of what the college is like. Though the college search and decision-making process could be stressful, Noble told students, “Enjoy your college years. Put the work in, but be sure to take some time for yourself.” PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Tracy Wholf ’99 shared her work on the National Geographic Channel’s “Years of
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Living Dangerously” with upper school students in October. Wholf was a producer on the series and travelled the world with celebrities like Arnold Scharwzenegger and Sigourney Weaver to investigate the direct impact of climate change. MICRO MINI RECEPTION
Head of School Robert Brisk P ‘13 ‘15 held his annual small reception in honor of Wellington seniors’ big year ahead. Seniors gathered in the head’s office for tiny-sized refreshments and even smaller speeches (the five-word limit is strictly enforced). Traditionally an alumnus or alumna is invited back to participate and share words of wisdom. This year’s representative was Rebecca Spears Hinze ’96. The following is a compilation of the short, but no less impactful, advice: “World peace, love, and Snapchat.” – Rebecca Spears Hinze ’96 P ‘28 “Avoid college essays about Harambe.” – Jeff Terwin “Let’s have a great year.” – Aaron Frim P ‘19 “Learn. Love. Care. Have fun.” – Chris Robbins P ‘17 ‘22 “Perhaps someday to be remembered.*” Robert Brisk P ‘13 ‘15
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LEADERS IN BUSINESS
Laura Wilkins Cooke ’90 P ‘21 ‘21 ‘23 ‘27 teaches a trimester class which allows current students to explore and network with top professionals. Once a week, the students invite, introduce, and lead discussions with a professional of their choice. Alumni, alumni parents, and current parents were asked to share their personal stories with students as well as answer questions about their career. Wellington alumni, Bryan Stewart ’95 P ‘27 ‘30 and Ryan Gill ’98, spoke about their respective jobs at Superior Electric and Chesrown Chevrolet Buick GMC. Alumni parents Ted Adams P ‘16 ‘17 ‘24, Nancy Kramer P ‘07 ‘09 ‘11, and David Leino P ‘14 ‘17 ‘20 were also invited into the classroom to speak about their careers.
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PICTURED 1: Hamilton Green ‘14. 2: Kim Roseler ‘12. 3: Bryan Stewart ‘95 P ‘27 ‘30. 4: Tracy Wholf ‘99. 5: Chris Noble ‘10, Becky Shin ‘11. 6: Rebecca Spears Hinze ‘96 P ‘28. 7: Morgan Peterson ‘12.
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ALUMNI BASKETBALL GAME
Shortly before basketball season began, five recent alumni stepped back into Borror Gym to play with the current team. Varsity Boys Basketball Coach Artie Taylor P ’23 gathered the team together and introduced Chris Noble ’10, Zach Layne-Wolfe ’11, Tarren Taylor ’12, Jahi Dial ’13, and Tyler Sharp ’13 before the games began. Together they played a best of three games to 11 where the alumni ended up winning the series 2-1. After the games everyone enjoyed pizza while alumni answered questions from current students, ranging from playing basketball at the collegiate level to what their current careers were. Be on the lookout for the Save the Date for next year’s alumni game!
Connecting Ohio Farms With Local Communities by Gabrielle Ragusa ‘13
As a Land, Farming, and Community major, part of my curriculum each semester includes a practicum or experiential learning opportunity with a business or organization of my choice. Each year the practicum increases in hours and as a senior I am spending upwards of 450 hours a semester dedicated to working with a company called Ohio Valley Food Connection. I began working with this startup in May of 2015, and helped build the company until December 2015. Beginning in August of this year, I returned to OVFC as an intern with a growing division of the company we call Ohio Valley Food for Households. The purpose of OVFC is to connect nearly 65 farmers from all over the greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky areas, to chefs in the region committed to incorporating local, seasonal food into their menus. Though there are many ways to support Cincinnati’s 44
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local food system, we see the benefit of what we’re doing when hungry Cincinnatians of all ages can sit down at their favorite restaurant and fill their bodies with food that was harvested just for them, 24 hours previously. Chefs are learning how to work with seasonal produce rather than purchasing their ingredients from miles away, which enhances local economies and cuts down on the carbon emissions that are intrinsic in industrial agricultural methods. It feels great to be able to teach our chefs and their customers about what’s growing right around the corner, right now, while simultaneously building relationships with local farmers. Popular restaurants that I regularly deliver to include The Rookwood, Salazar, Mita’s, Off the Vine Juicery, Pleasantry, Orchids at Palm Court and many more. It is great to be doing work that has an impact! As a result of an interview during my 2015 school year, I was called back for an interview with the board of the Montgomery Farmer’s Market and assumed the role of manager of that market in April of this year. The last weekend of October concluded my first market
season as manager, in which I met countless memorable, genuine people who made me feel so welcome in this local food niche that continues to grow. My performance in this position and the connections I made through it led to an additional offer in late August, to jump in as manager of the Hyde Park Farmer’s Market. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work both markets again when their season rolls back around in May of 2017, and even more excited to now have two completely different perspectives on how a market can be run. As I anticipate graduating from Xavier University this coming June, I hope to use my experience at the markets and with Ohio Valley to create a foundation for sharing of information among the markets in the area and fill in some of the gaps that might prevent a family from transitioning to local food. From getting EBT systems up and functional to putting together presentations to increase support from Ohio’s Farmers Market Management Network, I have plenty of work ahead of me.
The Other End of the Leash: Fostering a Dog in Training by Alexandria Armeni ’13
4 Paws for Ability is a nonprofit organization that places trained service dogs with children with disabilities and military veterans. The Ohio State University is part of the 4 Paws University program, where OSU students foster service dogs in training. The 3-7 month old puppies stay in the campus program for a semester and learn how to behave properly in public. As an OSU foster, I take my service puppy, Artemis, with me everywhere- to classes, restaurants, stores, etc. This is my first semester with the club and it’s been an amazing experience. It was an adjustment for both Artemis and me, but I like to think that every struggle or roadblock we’ve had is something that his future child or veteran won’t have to handle. It has also been an amazing opportunity to connect with different communities and even with Wellington! By bringing Artemis back to Wellington, I have
had the opportunity to speak and educate current students about service dogs and 4 Paws for Ability. Wellington Aftercare Director Julie Lovett was amazed at the tremendous response to the service dogs. “Students who had been previously afraid of dogs were not only petting them but doing high-fives with them as well,” she said. “Different age groups will rotate through every Friday to meet the dogs, feed them snacks and practice tricks with them. It is a nice ending to our afterschool week. We love having them here.” For more information about 4 Paws for Ability and how you can help out visit 4pawsforability.org. PICTURED Above: Alexandria Armeni ‘13 (far right) with 4 Paws for Ability at Wellington. Right: Ainsley Merl ’31, Gabriel Kendall ’30, Grace Ferguson ’30
STAY CONNECTED WITH WELLINGTON. Update your contact information today by emailing alumni@wellington.org or visiting wellington.org/update. T H E JAG THE WELLINGTON SCHOOL
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Class of ‘91 Third Time’s a Charm by Dan Voss ‘91
It all started with a long-distance call asking what was up with our 25th high school reunion. I said I didn’t know, but I’d call the school and find out. That call was a wonderful mistake as I was immediately volunteered as the coordinator, which wasn’t part of the plan. Starting in March 2016, though, Sophia Baidya Mohr, Lauren Aland Morr, Justin Holland, and I began the interesting and exciting task of tracking down, contacting, and planning the third graduating class’s 25th year reunion. Out of 34 former Jaguars, twelve alumni and their families from ’91 gathered together on August 20 to celebrate both the past and the present. Originally, twenty of the “Third Times a Charm” class were scheduled to make it. Amjad was delayed because of his work with the US government. Rob Richards made it to Columbus but had ailing grandparents who needed him that Saturday. Ashley Koff, Amy Strouse Spielman, Donna Bee Frame, Nick Horizny and Fred Goldman all had last minute events come up, which were out of their control. Finally, some, a very few, actually,
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were unresponsive. We all promise to try harder for our next event. Regardless, classmates traveled from near and far (Justin Holland traveled all the way back from London!) for Wellington’s third ever 25th reunion. One by one, classmates stepped into the school (some for the first time since the new edition) and embraced friends that they hadn’t seen in years. Music from the 80s and 90s played in the background as the class laughed, reminisced, and caught up with each other. Yearbooks were laid across the tables beside other pictures and articles from our time at the school, which incited friends questioning each other’s fashion choices, hair styles and who actually gave Miley Cyrus the “tongue out” idea from way back in the day. We all want to say a BIG THANKS to current juniors, Bob and John Faller. Together, they gave the class a tour around the school, making sure to spend time showing off the new wings of Wellington. Head of School Robert Brisk also stopped by to say hello and to answer any questions that the class had
regarding the changes in the school. Once the alumni’s children tired out after playing on the playground and everyone’s bellies were full from City Barbeque, the class of ’91 was able to get in a quick nap before having an adult’s only celebration at Gallo’s Tap Room to top off their reunion. Thank you to all who made it! An even bigger thank you goes to Sophia, Lauren, and Justin for helping plan and coordinate the reunion! We said it several times, “We should do this again!” Hopefully, in a few short years, we can get together for a 30th. Finally, I want to say thank you to Wellington for letting us have the event on school grounds. The last time we were at the school by ourselves was our school prank…so, again, thanks! It really was, for some of our class, the first time we’d been at 3650 Reed Rd since our graduation. Meeting Robert Brisk, previously only a name in letters and magazines, was a treat. His appearance at our event and the wonderful words he had for us rounded out an incredible afternoon. Also, in that Wellington thank you, a special footnote goes to Holden Richards, alumni relations and affinity officer. His help before, during, and after the event was above and beyond. Well done! Lots of love and admiration to a wonderful class of Jaguars, Class of 1991! Be safe, be happy, and be more available for 2021.
PICTURED Above: Ted Durbin, Kelli Wasserstrom Gellis, Ian Foley, Matt Bender, Ajit Chaudhari, Sophia Baidya Mohr, Justin Holland, Dan Voss, Lauren Aland Morr, Anneliese Bohm Adkinson, Justin Collamore, Dan Buchsieb, Allison Webb Collamore.
CLASS OF 1996: SHARED MEMORIES by Rebecca Spears Hinze ’96 P ‘28 & Bob Dolciato ’96
The Class of 1996 held their 20th year high school reunion in September during Alumni Weekend. The weekend kicked off with a family gathering during the Founder’s Day celebration taking in both men’s and women’s soccer games while many alumni children (some being current Jags!) enjoyed bounce houses and the playground. The festivities continued on Saturday morning where alumni attended the Alumni Hall of Fame Induction. Attendees were able to witness the Athletic Hall of Fame induction for Colleen Durfee ’10 and Kara Concheck ‘10 as well as Richard O’Shaughnessy, Jr. ‘92 receive the distinguished alumni award. Later that evening our class gathered for a private dinner at Hubbard Grille, reminiscing about days at Wellington and catching up on life after graduation. We were honored to have current Wellington faculty members Chris Robbins and Aaron Frim join us for dinner. A highlight of the evening was when each teacher shared their favorite memories of our class while at Wellington. Dr. Erin Dunnigan Boe won the award for traveling the farthest – flying in from her home in Dallas, TX. Local alumni included George Faerber, Bob and Bice Dolciato, Dave Wallingford, Dr. Kristin Garton Leigh, Nick Van Gundy, Erin Cornett Griffing, Rod Hawkins, Nathan Smith, Rebecca Spears Hinze, and Jill Rogers Spiker. Speeches were given about the best moments during our Wellington years, and awards given to winners of a trivia game. No one could remember our commencement speaker, but many shared a common favorite memory - our junior year trip to Boston. On Sunday morning several alumni families gathered for a last goodbye at La Chaletaine over breakfast and shared farewells. The Class of ’96 is thankful to the school, and notably Holden Richards, for helping organize the fun-filled weekend.
CLASS OF 2001: FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP, AND FUN by Sarah Potter ’01 The class of 2001 held its 15-year class reunion in late September over two days of laughter, family, and friendship. Friday evening, an adult event was held at Nicola, the perfect spot for each of us to cherish the past and celebrate the new and exciting happenings in our lives. We even had a visit from Chris Robbins for a grand finale! Saturday was family day out at Darby Dan Farm with classmates traveling near and far to be a part of this special day. We had an outstanding crowd of parents, teachers, significant others, and children. The day was full of football, music, food, games and, of course, happiness. Mandy Trejo Carter (Taylor) surprised all of us with amazing picture collages and beautiful hand painted “W” class of 2001 wine glasses. Without a doubt the weekend was filled with a unique kind of bliss; a connection that only Wellington could provide and memories for a lifetime. THE WELLINGTON SCHOOL
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CLASS OF 2006: BONDS AND FRIENDSHIP CONTINUE by JJ Bain ‘06 Thirteen members of the class of 2006 reunited in Grandview on the Friday after Thanksgiving to enjoy drinks at Zauber’s Brewing Company and food catered by the Explorer’s Club. Classmates came from as far as California, Miami, and New York to reconnect with old friends. While it is clear much time had passed, the familiarity and friendship among the class had not been lost. After several hours of catching up, the evening was made better with a surprise visit from teacher Chris Robbins P ‘17 ‘22. Finally the night was capped off by some animated storytelling from Sunil Iyer. It was a great time to celebrate and appreciate the bonds and friendships formed through our Wellington experience.
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REASONS
YOU SHOULD UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION
RECONNECT WITH FRIENDS.
NET WORK WITH OTHER ALUMNI.
ADVANCE YOUR CAREER. PICTURED Left: Class of 2006 reunited for a weekend of fun. Below: Class of 2011 connect.
CLASS OF 2011: GOT GAME Members of the Class of 2011, from Washington to New York, reconnected at 16 Bit Bar and Arcade in Columbus over Thanksgiving weekend to celebrate their Wellington experience and family. Food and drinks were enjoyed, stories exchanged, and video games played throughout the night as these alumni picked up exactly where they left off when they graduated five years ago. A wonderful time was had by all.
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AT TEND ALUMNI EVENTS.
LEARN ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE BACK.
We want to hear from you. To submit and update, visit wellington.org/ update
THE CLASS OF
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Alumni News THE CLASS OF
1991
Lauren Aland Morr lives in New Albany and is the VP of Omnichannel Operations at Abercrombie & Fitch. She has been keeping busy with her twins through swimming, diving, and playing lacrosse with Amy Richards Burgess ’93.
Nick ’91 and Tommy Gallo ’93 recently opened up another Tap Room. Their new location joins the flourishing Powell dining scene, at a site north of the buzzing epicenter at Liberty Street and Powell Road. THE CLASS OF
1992
Ryan Krasik celebrated his 15th wedding anniversary with wife, Alicia Krasik, in Germany this year.
Michelle Liebert Spears will graduate as a Family Nurse Practitioner in February 2017. She has also moved out of working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Children’s Hospital and accepted a full time nursing instructor position at Fortis College in Westerville. Michelle continues to work as an adjunct instructor at Columbus State Community College. Her oldest son (with Vinnie Chhabra ‘89), Michael Chhabra, will graduate from OSU’s Fisher College of Business in early 2017. Her middle son (also with Vincent Chhabra ‘89), Matthew Chhabra, is back in Ohio and attending Columbus State Community College. Her daughter Anne continues to enjoy being at Hastings Middle School and will be in high school next year. THE CLASS OF
1993
Ben Krakowka is the county attorney responsible for prosecuting both misdemeanor and felony crime within AnacondaDeer Lodge County in Montana. He was elected to serve another term in the fall of 2016.
Steve Reaser and wife Melissa welcomed a new baby girl, Casey Elizabeth Reaser, at 7lbs 9oz and 21 inches. THE CLASS OF
1994
THE CLASS OF
1997
Andy Farber manages the Bids & Contacts Department for Bound Tree Medical, and emergency medical supplies distributor. He is married to his lovely wife, Brooke, and they have 3 boys: David (1st grade), Steven (prekindergarten) and Fredrick (7 Months). THE CLASS OF
Stephanie Sellers Phillips welcomed a baby daughter, Diana James Phillips, on May 28 at 6:15 a.m. at 7 lbs 3 oz. Stephanie says, “We are all doing great!” Mike Walker coordinated The Cyber Grand Challenge at DARPA in Las Vegas in August, where DARPA went full “Tron” with its Grand Battle of the Hack Bots.
1999
Amy Johnston Estes is now working as an Ophthalmologist in Augusta, GA. She most recently presented at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons about outcomes related to the use of topical non-steroidal versus steroid anti-inflammatories following cataract surgery.
Jack Chuang is the owner of House of Japan in Polaris and Dublin. He recently appeared on Daytime Columbus where he showed how he manages to create such a unique dining experience. THE WELLINGTON SCHOOL
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Marissa Geier, Maria (Bain) Ferraro, Tracy Wholf, Jenalee Newland, Adam Stewart, and Isaac Dole met up over Thanksgiving weekend at Gallo’s Tap Room.
Clarke also serves as the Head Coach for the U13 Mississippi Lacrosse Association. His wife, Julia Rowe Wise, recently accepted a position as a Communications Specialist for Entergy Nuclear. They purchased their first home in February 2015 in Madison, Mississippi and are active members of the Madison United Methodist Church. THE CLASS OF
2008
THE CLASS OF
2000
Andres ’00 and Alejandro Marquez-Lara ’03 were overjoyed to have brother, Francisco, finally released after 121 days of illegal detention in Venezuela.
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John Allen recently graduated from OSU with a degree in Jazz Studies/ Performance-Double Bass. Last year he performed at Dick’s Den where he led the June program as a bassist. Currently, John plays at Brothers Drake Meadery. Alexa Anderson is an account executive at a marketing agency called Epsilon in Columbus for their JP Morgan Chase account. Her account services the marketing efforts for the Midwest/east coast areas.
THE CLASS OF
Ellis Edwards is still enjoying life in New York City as she completes the final year of her Masters in Art History and Archaeology at the NYU Institute of Fine Arts, with a focus on Modern and Contemporary Art. This past summer, she received university funding to travel to the South of France, Italy, and Switzerland to visit small-town Picasso museums as part of her thesis research. When she is not in class, Ellis is an intern at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where she assists the chief curator of the Robert Lehman Collection with research for an upcoming Henri Matisse exhibition at the Stadel Museum in Frankfurt.
2010
Clarke Wise recently accepted a position with the Mississippi Association of REALTORS® as their Governmental Affairs Director. In this role, he serves as the association’s lobbyist, monitors all legislative and regulatory activity that impacts the business of real estate, promotes grassroots political advocacy, and acts as the staff liaison to the association’s Legislative & Regulatory Affairs, MARPAC Trustees, and Grassroots Political Advocacy Task Force.
2011
Tyler Furste married Callie Gruman at their alma mater, Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio on September 24, 2016. John McCorkle ’08 was in attendance to support fellow “Lifer” after meeting 22 years ago in Pre-K.
THE CLASS OF
2006
THE CLASS OF
Jacob Becker graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 2014 with a B.A. in Politics and Government, and a minor in History. After school he managed an Ohio State House campaign in 2014 and now is working as a legal assistant at a Columbus law firm. Jacob has recently been admitted to OSU’s Moritz College of Law class of 2017 with a full-tuition Eminent Scholarship. Nicole Darragh is finishing her DPT at Regis University and is also the class secretary. Colleen Durfee began her graduate school education in the fall of 2016 at UNC Chapel Hill for City and Regional Planning.
Jessie Fuller is currently pursuing her DPT at The Ohio State University.
Abbe Kaplan graduated from Denison University with a degree in French. Last year she went to Lyon, France to teach English in a high school as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant. This year she is going to be in Orange, France to teach for another year while she looks into other possibilities to extend her stay, including a master’s program in Geneva for translation. Grace Korandovich lives in San Diego after attending college at San Diego State College where she played lacrosse. Dara Love has recently moved to LA and is working at Deloitte in their Audit practice. She finished taking all her CPA tests and working towards obtaining the hours needed to be CPA certified. Becky Shin returned from her Fulbright work in South Korea and is now in Ohio running her family’s nonprofit organization, 58 Partners. THE CLASS OF
2012
Jordyn Esprit began medical school at Northeast Ohio Medical University in Rootstown, Ohio, in the fall of 2016.
CJ Hansen graduated from and works as a research scientist at Northwestern. He also writes code for an instrument that is used on a NASA flying telescope for their SOFIA project. The infrared telescope is mounted inside a 747.
Abigail Kulewicz graduated from Connecticut College in May 2016 and is living in Boston, where she is working as a coordinator for the Prospect Research Team at Massachusetts General Hospital. Morgan Peterson moved to New York and started a job at Edelman as a Junior Copywriter for their Samsung account.
THE CLASS OF
2013
Alexandria Armeni is in the OSU honors program pursuing a B.S. in Zoology and minor in French and Human-Animal Interactions. She is also a member of the preveterinarian club and Four Paws for Ability, an organization that trains and provides service dogs to children with disabilities. THE CLASS OF
2014
Brea Porter received the Jane Addams Award at OSU’s Civic Engagement Banquet for her work with children in the Columbus community. Over the summer, Brea completed her capstone research internship with the Moms2B program. Currently, she serves as a recruitment ambassador for Teach for America and recently won a national grant that will go towards guiding more African American males into the education field. She is slated to simultaneously begin her Masters of Arts in Education as well as teach elementary school in Indiana beginning August 2017. Paige Price works for Northern Trust as a financial analyst in Chicago. Courtney Wayman graduated from Denison in 2016 with a B.S. in Biology and took the Dental Admissions Test to apply for dental school in September. She plans to apply to Teach for America and potentially other masters programs.
and New York Cares. She is also a member of the Swing Dance Team and Poetry Club. Jaime Grinch graduated from Georgia Southern University with a Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies degree with honors on May 9, 2015. Jaime’s honors research project was “Personal Perceptions of Privacy and Security,” which was completed over the course of three semesters, culminating in a thesis and symposium presentation.
Caroline McGuire is a sophomore at UC Berkeley, where she is a varsity football/basketball cheerleader. This past summer her squad went to Australia to cheer for the football team.
Gabrielle Smith is at Cornell University where she worked to obtain signatures from 10% of the undergraduate student body in support of free tampons in all bathrooms on campus. Amelia Palmer is currently in her junior year at NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized study. Her self-made major focuses on the creative, technical, and business aspects of sound for both the Music and Film Industries. She has worked for NYU’s Kanbar Institute of Film and Television as a repair shop technician. In addition, she has held a variety of internship positions to augment her classroom learning. She has interned at the Archive of Contemporary Music. She spent her Spring Semester 2016 studying at NYU Prague, in the Czech Republic, where she intensified her focus on music studies as well as interned at Studio Faust Records and at NYU Praguecast, as an audio engineer. Amelia is currently an Intern at Razor & Tie’s Music Publishing Department and is also a Marketing Intern at (Le) Poisson Rouge. She has volunteered at MoMA PS1, Glow Media, WNYU,
THE CLASS OF
2015
Christie Currie is in the honors program at Miami University enrolled in the Farmer School of Business, co-majoring in Marketing and Fashion. She has an internship with Express for the summer of 2017. She is also an Alpha Phi and part of Miami’s Fashion Club. Casey Hansen is currently a sophomore at Vanderbilt University. She has made the dean’s list, is majoring in psychology and minoring in Japanese, and is currently LOVING her History of Rock and Roll class. Zach Kauffman was recognized by Senator Jim Hughes for his outstanding achievement on Wellington’s baseball team with a special mention to the 2015 All-Metro Baseball team by “The Columbus Dispatch.”
Justin Perdue attends Guilford College in Greensboro, NC and is a member of the varsity golf team. During his freshman year of college, he was named to the 2015-2016 Academic All-ODAC Team, twice named to Guilford College’s Student-Athlete Honor Roll, First-Team All ODAC (top 5 players in conference), had four top-8 finishes in tournaments (including a second and a third place finish), and in July 2016 Justin finished T-9 at the Ohio Amateur at Findlay Country Club.
Josh Roseler is in his second year at the United States Air Force Academy where he is an Electrical Engineering major as well as a student instructor pilot. THE WELLINGTON SCHOOL
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Sydney Snow is enjoying her sophomore year at Agnes Scott College. She is VicePresident of her class and she is an Agnes Scott College “Scottie” cheerleader. Sydney is busy volunteering for various activities at Agnes Scott. She is also serving as a mentor at Decatur High School through the Strong Sisters program – a mentoring group that focuses on empowering “at promise” young women. The focus is on creating a sisterhood that promotes positivity throughout high school.
Class of 2016 College Drop Off
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THE CLASS OF
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Princeton Ball was a finalist in the 2016 Columbus dispatch scholar athlete awards by Senator Jim Hughes. Jack Chester is rooming with former Wellington student Nick Doerschlag at UC Berkeley. Katie Kennard made her professional dance debut at the Ohio Theatre with BalletMet in George Balanchine’s “Serenade.” Zoe Kiourtsis was a finalist in the 2016 Columbus dispatch scholar athlete awards.
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2 PICTURED 1: Regan Price with her parents Dana and Bob at drop off for her freshman year at Loyola Chicago. 2: Lucie Kirk at Washington University.
Will Taylor was accepted into Northeastern University’s program “N.U.in” where students spend their first semester abroad. He is spending his time in London.
3: Zoe Kiourtsis with her mom, Mary Jo, at Ohio University. 4: Chandler James in his dorm room at the University of Cincinnati.
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2015-2016 Annual Report Dear Friends, Through your generosity towards Wellington, you are creating the kind of community in which you want your children to be raised. What you give to Wellington, you give to your children and to the next generation of Jaguars. Proof of that lies in the impact your investments made on our school during the 2015-2016 school year. You provided us with additional opportunities to measure and further student engagement, and our work was recognized on a national level for changing the educational
landscape. Through targeted investments you furnished five classrooms with flexible furniture, built the new Wellington Research Institute, enhanced our band room, and dramatically improved our Robotics Loft. The Oscar Thomas, Jr. Events Entrance was created to honor excellence in our athletes. We feel humbled by the trust you place in us to nurture, inspire, and challenge your children. We feel grateful for the time and treasure that you invest in us, and we feel inspired about the
future that we are building together. With gratitude,
Laurie Beth Sweeney Director of Development
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Thomas Family Gift Honors Father’s Memory Wellington felt like family for Chip and Erin Thomas P ‘21 ‘28 from the first time they visited with then 4-year-old son Heath ‘21. From the warm, inviting prekindergarten teachers to the students eager to make new friends, Heath felt so at ease and thoroughly welcomed, he didn’t want to leave. Erin can still remember vividly an older student coming to the classroom, beaming with pride, to show her former teacher a piece of artwork. “It was really moving to see how much the faculty and students genuinely cared about each other,” she said. The moment was memorable for her because it was so different from the family’s experience looking at other schools. Their deep appreciation for the close, caring community at Wellington prompted the Thomases to extend a gracious invitation for lower school classes to visit their family farm in Westerville for a day in the great outdoors enjoying fishing, boating, hayrides, and roasting 54
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marshmallows. It was during those fun field trips that Chip’s father, Oscar Thomas, witnessed firsthand the benefits of a Wellington education. “As the kids left to go home, every single one thanked Dad for the fun dady” Chip said. “They also wrote us really thoughtful thank you letters afterward. Manners were important to Dad, so he was really impressed with Wellington students after that.” A captain of The Ohio State University swim team in the 1940’s and a swim coach at Ohio University, Oscar Thomas was a lifelong athlete who believed very strongly that playing sports complemented academic achievement. He found Wellington’s inclusive athletic philosophy particularly appealing because he thought every child should have a chance to be on a team. “He felt that sports were a character builder for kids and helped them grow into wellrounded adults,” Chip said. “There are a lot of life lessons to be learned from playing sports.”
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When Oscar Thomas passed away in 2012, family members wanted to recognize his commitment to athletics and education and honor his positive influence on the lives of so many others through swimming, coaching, and mentorship. Chip and his sister Patty ThomasFletcher decided a large gift made in the name of their beloved father to Wellington would be the best possible way to remember him. The family met with Director of Development Laurie Beth Sweeney and Athletic Director Lindsey Smith P ‘26 to discuss how they could make a meaningful contribution to Wellington. “Truly an athlete and a scholar,” Patty said of her father, “he would have appreciated donating money to benefit his beloved swimming, athletics in general, and education overall.” The Oscar Thomas, Jr. Events Entrance was designed to recognize Wellington athletes past and present. A swimming and diving record board as well as an interactive touchscreen history of all Wellington sports and an Athletic Hall of Fame wall highlight the vast accomplishments of our student
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athletes for more than three decades. After the ribbon cutting of the renovated space, Patty expressed her gratitude for the many “wonderful staff, coaches, and teachers of The Wellington School. They have been so kind and keep in touch to let us know that my dad’s gift is appreciated and that his memory lives on.” Erin considers the family’s gift an investment in the future. “Students come out of Wellington with a broader understanding of the world. This school does a great job teaching understanding and respect. They graduate with the knowledge that they can change the world.” For Chip, the gift to Wellington was an extension of his father’s devotion to family. “Wellington is the embodiment of what he was.” For more information about giving opportunities at Wellington, contact development@wellington.org. PICTURED 1: Patty Thomas-Fletcher and Chip Thomas P ’21 ’28 cut the ribbon for the opening of The Oscar Thomas, Jr. Events Entrance. 2: Family members travelled from across the country to attend the ceremony. 3: Oscar Thomas, Jr. at the farm with grandson Luke Thomas ’21. 4: Fishing with Wellington students was a favorite pastime of Oscar Thomas, Jr.
Thank you to our supporters for investing in our future leaders. Here we recognize supporters who have invested in The Wellington School between July 1, 2015 and June 30, 2016. We strive to provide accurate information in this report. If you notice errors or omissions, please contact development@wellington.org.
The Wellington Annual Fund Leadership Society FOUNDERS SOCIETY ($10,000+) Anonymous Lawrence and Linda Abbott Jim and Michelle Croft Henry and Melinda Gleissner Scott and Kerstin Humphrys Christopher and Stephanie Hyer Brian Kelleher and Barbara Rae Christopher Celeste and Nancy Kramer Lawrence and Rachael Lynn Ted and Carol Manley Rick and Sara Mershad Dale and Phyllis Perdue John and Elizabeth Sokol Bryan ’95 and Jenny Stewart Robert and Marlo Tannous Craig and Mimi Taylor The Columbus Foundation LEADERSHIP SOCIETY ($1800+) Alumni Leadership begins at $1000+ Anonymous Zoheir and Hana Abdelbaki Richard and Tonda Adiansingh Theodore Allen and Emily Patterson Doug and Laura Anderson Ralph and Ann Anderson Dale and Darla Ball Steve and Theresa Belford Brian and Teresa Biernat Friedrich and Jean-Clare Bohm Robert Brisk and Monica Mahoney Kenneth and Kelli Browning
Michael Burkhardt and Marlene O’Neil John and Judy Chester Jim and Michelle Croft Elliott and Sangeeta Crouser Laurence and Kandi Dach Olamide and Omolara Dairo Jerry and Jill Dannemiller Michael and Phaedra Edwards Robert and Cathy Gale Henry and Melinda Gleissner Christopher and Shari Graham David and Mindy Gross Lawrence and Elizabeth Gross Charles and Kristie Hale Charles Hall and Xiuqiong Wang John Hamrick and Elizabeth Wolfe Hamrick Peter and Renee Hawkins Alex and Millie Hay Mark and Helen Hogan James Homsy and Shella Farooki John and Sally Hughes Scott and Kerstin Humphrys John and Kim Kadlic Brian Kelleher and Barbara Rae Elizabeth Kennedy Keith Klingler and Maura Stevenson Nancy Kramer and Christopher Celeste John and Maryline Kulewicz Chasity and Jack Kuttrus Mingzhi Li and Xianzhi Guo Lawrence and Rachael Lynn
Ted and Carol Manley The William Manley Family Steve ’92 and Melissa Paull John Marshall and Angela Plummer Venkateswara and Himabindu Menta Geoff and Amber Merl Joseph Moyer and Julie Weekley Brian and Lori Murphy Patrick Nana-Sinkam and Kristin Trost Perry and Ann Marie Oman Robert Ouellette Michael Para and Caroline Whitacre Dale and Phyllis Perdue Quinn and Leah Porner Matthew and Cynthia Ray John and Kristin Rosan Todd and Susan Ruck John and Lori Seitz Pradheep and Kirti Shanker Sam Shihab and Cheryl Brikho John and Elizabeth Sokol Bryan ’95 and Jenny Stewart Greg Stewart Suzanne Stewart Jason and Erin Stoner Thomas and Melissa Strasser Ryan and Laurie Beth Sweeney Bob and Marlo Tannous Craig and Mimi Taylor Andrew Thomas and Lisa Doran Oscar and Erin Thomas Stephen and Alyson Thompson
Barbara Trueman James and Mireille Tussing David Vandermeulen and Mary Dell Guruprasad Vasudeva and Rashmi Nemade Pablo and Jennifer Vegas Marci Wasserstrom ’94 Douglas and Bonnie Webb Robert and Kelly Wheeler Adam Winter Jason Wooldridge and Alison Liebert Wooldridge ’93 Myrna Yashon Gary and Ann Young Doug and Laura Zallanta
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The Wellington Annual Fund Parent Participation CLASS OF 2030:
73%
Orlay Alonso and Emily Alonso-Taub Catherine Cavezza Venkat Gopalan and Lien Lai Guanghui Lan and Yaping Wu Matthew and Kathreen McGinnis Andrew and Karen Minton Quinn and Leah Porner Matthew and Meara Scantland Peter and Michelle Scantland Bryan ‘95 and Jennifer Stewart Adam ‘99 and Anne Stewart The Trubilowicz Family
CLASS OF 2029:
72%
Christopher and Rachel Althof Brad and Laura Beach David and Kathryn Beck Brahim and Heather Djafi Andy ’97 and Brooke Farber Luke and Janelle Fedlam James Flowers and Yufen Wu Morris and Heather Goldberg Lawrence and Elizabeth Gross Pete ’96 and Jennifer Kaser Craig Kent and Erin Crotty Michael and Paula Ley Geoff and Amber Merl John and Kavitha Norton Jan Ober and Monika Kaniecka-Ober Matthew Palmer and Kelly Gallina Christopher and Falan Parkinson Regina and Jeurell Smith Jocelyne and Brandon Walker Brian Weaver and Jeanna Keinath Weaver ’94
CLASS OF 2028:
63%
Ben Anderson and Sara Saldoff Aaron and Kerry Ard David and Ramona Barber Jose and Sara Bazan Tucker ’98 and Emma Bohm Andy ’97 and Brooke Farber Henrique Geigel and Maria Goldman-Geigel ’94 Keyonna Harper 56
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Eugene and Katie Kirkpatrick Chasity and Jack Kuttrus Seth and Armilee Levin Jacqueline Mahan Garey and Tracey Noritz Nicole Overstreet Matthew and Mary Beth Parker The Parkes Family Pradheep and Kirti Shanker David and Janet Swarthout Ronald and Christine Thielman Oscar and Erin Thomas Ben & Jen Thompson Joseph and Carrie Williams
CLASS OF 2027:
75%
Matthew and Ann Arthur David and Kathryn Beck James and Agnes Becker Timothy and Diane Bond Dennis and Katrina Bong Gregory and Maria Cellino Jack and Jessica Chaney Christopher Cooke and Laura Wilkins Cooke ’90 Daniel and Andrea Costanza Bob Dolciato ’96 and Bice Garcia Dolciato ’96 Morris and Heather Goldberg Christopher and Shari Graham Lawrence and Elizabeth Gross Patrick Horan and Erica Helms Yvonne Johnson Pete ’96 and Jennifer Kaser Craig Kent and Erin Crotty John Kirsner and Lisa Han Ergun and Defne Kocak Patrick and Sharon McConnell Brian Murphy and Lahari Mangaraj Perry and Ann Marie Oman Lisette and Roland Pagniano Preston and Kelly Pickett John and Kristin Rosan Daniel and Laura Schrader Hashem and Tanya Shkoukani Rakesh and Alpana Singh Bryan ’95 and Jenny Stewart Jason and Erin Stoner Jon Thomas and Gina Jacobs Thomas Stephen and Alyson Thompson The Trubilowicz Family
Brian Weaver and Jeanna Keinath Weaver ’94 Bryan and Amy Whitson
CLASS OF 2026:
83%
Ibrahim Askira and Kyauta Fompun-Askira Gary and Deirdre Barton Robert and Elizabeth Bernard Karol and Jacquelyne Cios Brahim and Heather Djafi Jeff and Lisa Edwards Geoffrey Gay Danielle Guffrey Charles Hall and Xiuqiong Wang John Hamrick and Elizabeth Wolfe Hamrick John and Lisa Howard Ryan and Brenda Khoury John Kirsner and Lisa Han Brian Koethe and Laura Hall-Koethe Mark and Jennifer Moseley Joseph Moyer and Julie Weekley Frederick and Wanjiku Musindi The Parkes Family Wade and Sarah Schwartz Phillip and Lisa Smeltzer Web and Lindsey Smith Shane and Gina Spicer Andrew Thomas and Lisa Doran Ben and Jen Thompson Guruprasad Vasudeva and Rashmi Nemade Pablo and Jennifer Vegas Jason Wooldridge and Alison Liebert Wooldridge ’93
CLASS OF 2025:
73%
Jason and Ann Adams Jose and Sara Bazan Stephen and Jennifer Biehn Timothy and Diane Bond Dennis and Katrina Bong Ike and Monique Brady Joseph and Jennifer Chenelle Andrew Cruse and Dorothée Imbert Michael and Phaedra Edwards John and Lisa Howard Yvonne Johnson Jason and Amy Judd Jeffrey and Stacy Kallas Scott and Patricia Kellicker
John Kwak and Linda Ryu Lin Li and Charles Lowrey Jacqueline Mahan Maurice and Dana Moulton Matthew and Cynthia Ray John and Kristin Rosan Andrew Rozmiarek and Lael Weyenberg Sam Shihab and Cheryl Brikho Jeff and Cathi Sniderman Jason and Erin Stoner Jason and Julia Ware Robert and Kelly Wheeler Johannes and Dea Wuerdig
Patrick Nana-Sinkam and Kristin Trost Garey and Tracey Noritz Todd and Jill Penegor Kara Peterson and Gloria Hampton Terry Sanders and Kristen Sydney Sam Shihab and Cheryl Brikho Artie and Christine Taylor Ronald and Christine Thielman Ben and Jen Thompson Stephen and Alyson Thompson Al Velez and Grace Zhang Adam Winter Jessica Winter
CLASS OF 2024:
CLASS OF 2022:
Richard and Tonda Adiansingh Theodore Allen and Emily Patterson Michael Bailey Steve and Theresa Belford Nicholas Breyfogle and Jillian Gustin Mark and Christine Conselyea Christopher Cooke and Laura Wilkins Cooke ’90 Richard and Jane Czekajewski Steven and Ronda Dittrick Bob Dolciato ’96 and Bice Garcia Dolciato ’96 Robert Erlanger and Tina Kinnen Charles and Kristie Hale John Hamrick and Elizabeth Wolfe Hamrick Chad and Debbie Jester Elizabeth Kennedy Shawn Kennedy Ergun and Defne Kocak Monica Quezada Lott Nathalie Maitre Randy and Susan Malloy Ted and Carol Manley Bob Marincic and Ellen Shackelford Patrick and Sharon McConnell Daphne Meimaridis Thomas and Tara Paider Raffaele Pisacane and Kristina Szasz Pradheep and Kirti Shanker Shane and Gina Spicer Jon Thomas and Gina Jacobs Thomas Vijay and Jennifer Tonapi Jason Wooldridge and Alison Liebert Wooldridge ’93
Zoheir and Hana Abdelbaki William and Beth Anderson Ibrahim Askira and Kyauta Fompun-Askira Steve and Theresa Belford Mollie Blackburn and Melinda Rhoades Timothy and Diane Bond William and Peggy Boyd Kenneth and Kelli Browning Me-Chelle Burkhalter Michael Burkhardt and Marlene O’Neil Dana Calloway Harmeet Chawla Karol and Jacquelyne Cios Jim and Michelle Croft Jerry and Jill Dannemiller Bob Dolciato ’96 and Bice Garcia Dolciato ’96 Michael and Phaedra Edwards Stephen Evans and Stephanie Brown Jason and Sarah Goudie Nicara Harper Jeff and Caroline Haskett John and Lynn Hatheway Scott and Kerstin Humphrys Kurtis Posey and April Jones-Posey William Okoye and Deidra Kellogg-Okoye Elizabeth Kennedy Shawn Kennedy Monica Quezada Lott Nathalie Maitre Bob Marincic and Ellen Shackelford John Marshall and Angela Plummer Joe McGlynn Zhanna Mikulik Stephen and Shavonda Neal Jan Ober and Monika Kaniecka-Ober Steve ’92 and Melissa Paull Raffaele Pisacane and Kristina Szasz Matthew and Cynthia Ray Christine Robbins John and Lori Seitz Michael and Angela Shock Rakesh and Alpana Singh
70%
CLASS OF 2023:
53%
Brian and Elizabeth Belcher Joseph and Jennifer Chenelle Vidu and Ami Garg Keith Klingler and Maura Stevenson John Krygier and Patricia O’Toole Jack and Chasity Kuttrus Jay and Wendy Johnson Matthew Mingione and Sara Sukalich
75%
Todd and Sharla Starker Jason and Erin Stoner Eric and Eden Sulzer Ben and Jen Thompson Guruprasad Vasudeva and Rashmi Nemade Pablo and Jennifer Vegas Murali Venugopalan and Hema Sampath Tanya Walker Jason and Julia Ware Robert and Kelly Wheeler Tyler and Kathy Wooddell Ed and Ally Wycuff
CLASS OF 2021:
60%
Jason and Ann Adams Doug and Laura Anderson Anonymous Heidi Ballard Steve and Theresa Belford Stephen Bennett and Sandra LaFontaine Brian and Teresa Biernat Nicholas Breyfogle and Jillian Gustin Anthony Brown and Susan Oppenheimer Christopher Cooke and Laura Wilkins Cooke ’90 Richard and Jane Czekajewski Tejuan and Crystal Files Vinhcam Giang and Judy Do Lloyd and Lora Godfrey John and Kim Kadlic Scott and Patricia Kellicker Mingzhi Li and Xianzhi Guo Gabriel Lopez and Carol Galligher Ted and Carol Manley Bill and Abby Miller Michael Perez and Linda Romano-Perez Nelson and Anne Reid Reza Reyazi and Elaine Hostetler Scott Richter and Bridget McKeon Abraham Roth and Lisa Downing David and Elizabeth Sabol Keith and Rachel Sanders Wade and Sarah Schwartz Oscar and Erin Thomas Douglas and Bonnie Webb David and Meng Welliver Wolfgang Windl
CLASS OF 2020:
73%
Zoheir and Hana Abdelbaki Richard and Tonda Adiansingh Doug and Laura Anderson Adesiji and Solihat Atekoja Dale and Darla Ball Timothy and Diane Bond Michael Burkhardt and Marlene O’Neil Matt and Karen Butler THE WELLINGTON SCHOOL
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John and Judy Chester Marco and Celina Corridore Jim and Michelle Croft Bruce and Yumi Danford Deborah Fraime Henry and Melinda Gleissner Iain and Jennifer Grant Alan and Patricia Hans Jeff and Caroline Haskett Lawrence Hill and Janice Glowski Jason Hill and Ashley Clifton-Hill Scott and Kerstin Humphrys Kurtis Posey and April Jones-Posey Mingzhi Li and Xianzhi Guo John Marshall and Angela Plummer Trista O’Brien Matthew O’Brien John and Kelly Olmstead Andrew and Susan Olson Richard O’Shaughnessy and Sarah Artman Matthew and Cynthia Ray Nelson and Anne Reid George and Alison Rooney James and Jan Schumer Jerome and Susan Scott John and Elizabeth Sokol Heidi Thacker Mike and Karen Tocci Ramarao and Rekha Venkatesh David Weinberg and Lisa Florman Robert and Kelly Wheeler Adam Winter Jessica Winter Tyler and Kathy Wooddell Kenneth and Heather Woods
CLASS OF 2019:
48%
Douglas and Kimberly Anderson Steve and Theresa Belford Josh and Shelly Bowling Jay and Yolanda Briggs John Carter and Adrienne Shinn Elliott and Sangeeta Crouser James and Angela Dorenbusch Michael and Phaedra Edwards J. Aaron and Jennifer Frim Ronald Gajoch and Michelle Trueman Gajoch Paul Giorgianni and Julia White Edward Haraburda and Pauline Wijaya-Haraburda Jeff and Caroline Haskett Alex and Millie Hay
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John and Kim Kadlic Kevin and Lori Kannally Steve and Cindy Locker Lawrence and Rachael Lynn Mark and Valerie Nandor John Krygier and Patricia O’Toole Robert Ouellette Jim and Kristi Perry Antonio and Monique Phillips Robert and Karla Porter Kent and Diane Rambo Scott Richter and Bridget McKeon Theodore Scott and Teresa McWain-Scott John and Lori Seitz Paula Cullen Michael and Angela Shock Daniel and Monique Sierzputowski James and Janet Sorrels David and Sonya Thesing James and Mireille Tussing David Vandermeulen and Mary Dell Pablo and Jennifer Vegas Mark and Paulene Wilson Doug and Laura Zallanta
CLASS OF 2018:
50%
Zoheir and Hana Abdelbaki Joseph Armeni and Amy Salerno James and Annette Beatty Brian and Teresa Biernat John and Judy Chester Olamide and Omolara Dairo Jeff and Lisa Edwards Carl Faller and Mary Finnegan Peter and Renee Hawkins Mark and Helen Hogan Robert and Laurie Jacques Brian Kelleher and Barbara Rae Brian Koethe and Laura Hall-Koethe Steve and Cindy Locker Venkateswara and Himabindu Menta Mineharu and Jennifer Nakayama Stephen and Kelly Povoski Michael and Angela Shock Daniel and Monique Sierzputowski Craig and Mimi Taylor Timothy Teller and Grace Ryu Fei-Ran Tian and Shanghong Dong Jim and Kerri White Robert Wing Raymond and Karin Wurapa Gary and Ann Young Steve and Carol Zimmerman
CLASS OF 2017:
50%
Anonymous Sharma and Madhavi Appala Timothy and Kristie Barbour Natalie Zimmerman Dan and Niki Callanan Nick and Christol Cook Jim and Michelle Croft Laurence and Kandi Dach Matthew and Teresa Edic David and Mindy Gross Keith and Connie Hall Alan and Patricia Hans Edward Haraburda and Pauline Wijaya-Haraburda James Harder John Paul Haynes Gregory Jusdanis and Julian Anderson Sebastian and Janette Knowles Indranil and Purba Majumder Mike and Elizabeth McClinchie Bill and Abby Miller Arnold and Loretta Palmer Mark and Beverly Pinkston Adam and Brenda Porter Jim and Sheila Rieser Christine Robbins Terry and Karen Rohrbach Todd and Susan Ruck Karen Koster John and Lori Seitz Daniel and Monique Sierzputowski Todd and Sharla Starker Thomas and Melissa Strasser Mike and Karen Tocci Thomas and Carolyn Weber Kenneth and Heather Woods
CLASS OF 2016:
47%
Richard and Tonda Adiansingh Donald and Tracy Ashby Adesiji and Solihat Atekoja Dale and Darla Ball Arnold Brubaker Carol Brubaker Matt and Karen Butler Robert and Crystal Causey John and Judy Chester Emily Coleman Olamide and Omolara Dairo Michael and Luda Dehlendorf
Wayne and Rebecca Fuller Sheila Gilliam John and Sally Hughes Fred Hunker and Linda Spohn Michael and Nicole Hyzdu Kyle and David Karachuk Dean and Mary Jo Kiourtsis Alex and Christine Kirk William Muir and Alicia Bertone Antonio and Monique Phillips Mark and Kristine Rodgers Linda Sabatino Ralf Schmitz Robert and Marlo Tannous Craig and Mimi Taylor Andrew Thomas and Lisa Doran Marie Wiggins Robert Wing
The Wellington Annual Fund Grandparents & Special Friends The Wellington School would not be what it is today without the love and support of the extended families in our community. Annual Fund gifts from Grandparents and Special Friends help to make our school exceptional.
Anonymous Bill and Diny Albers Ralph and Ann Anderson Tom and Carolyn Barton Necip and Ayse Berme Ken Biehn William Bierly Charles and Peggy Billerbeck Friedrich and Jean-Clare Bohm Mary Beth Borcherding George and Sharon Bott Jack and Dixie Boyles R. Dale and Reggie Brown Peter and Derry Bunting Charles and Arlene Carr Ken and Harriet Coeling Dan and Kathy Damiano Edward and Sylvia Davis
Constance Dehlendorf Anthony and Susan Dolciato John and Sharron Eisenhauer Dolph and Dorothy Faller Robert and Cathy Gale Marjorie Garek Vinhcam Giang and Judy Do Frank and Alice Graveley Jim and Linda Haskett George and Joan Hawkins Paul and Marianne Kadlic Mary Kennedy Clark and Cathy Kent George and Susan Kentris Jane Knowles Tom and Caroline Knutsen Edwin and Carol Koethe Tom and Barbara Kortte
The Wellington Annual Fund Alumni Leadership Society Gifts of $1,000+
Robert and Bonnie Kreitler Pamela Liebert Robert and Susan Liebert The William Manley Family Allen and Judy Marshall Tim Marshall Richard and Geri Mauger Jack McGinnis Stewart and Theresa McHarg Robert and Betty Oppenheimer Gary Pacernick and Peggy Weller Robert and Toni Phelps Marco Quezada and Luz Munoz de Quezada Glen and Cindy Ray Merrillyn Rees Dave Reid Jane Rife
John and Carol Robinson Arthur Sagone Larry and Diane Scott Mary Seitz James and Christie Shells Barbara Starker Richard and Sheila Stevenson Greg Stewart Don and Dawn Stout Tom and Jackie Toothman Deborah Toth Barbara Trueman Louis and Carol Unverferth Robert and Wendy Weinberg Bernardine Willard Robert and Jacqueline Witty Chuck and Carol Yarletts
Endowment Gifts Larry and Linda Abbott Bryan ’95 and Jenny Stewart Carol Schwebel Sara Schwebel ’94 David ’90 and Yikun Schwebel Zhang Schwebel
Steve ’92 and Melissa Paull Bryan ’95 and Jenny Stewart Marci Wasserstrom ’94 Jason Wooldridge and Alison Liebert Wooldridge ’93
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The Wellington Annual Fund Alumni Participation Alumni contributions to the Wellington Annual Fund are instrumental in pushing Wellington forward while remembering where we started.
CLASS OF 1989 James Leitwein and Cara Forester Jonathan Koff and Camille Brown Koff Elin Seren
CLASS OF 1997 Andy and Brooke Farber Idin Pirasteh
CLASS OF 1990 Christopher Cooke and Laura Wilkins Cooke Larry and Rebekah Forlenza Erik Willers
CLASS OF 1999 Amy Johnston Estes Adam and Anne Stewart
CLASS OF 1991 Terree Stevenson CLASS OF 1992 Steve and Melissa Paull Nahad Sadr-Azodi Konstantinos Kambouroglou and Dorothea Yessios
CLASS OF 2000 Dan Muzyka
CLASS OF 1993 Jason and Alison Liebert Wooldridge CLASS OF 1994 Henrique Geigel and Maria Goldman-Geigel Sarah Wagner Marci Wasserstrom Brian Weaver and Jeanna Keinath Weaver CLASS OF 1995 Bryan and Jenny Stewart Missy Tidwell CLASS OF 1996 Bryce Griffing and Erin Cornett Pete and Jennifer Kaser Bob and Bice Garcia Dolciato
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CLASS OF 1998 Tucker and Emma Bohm Kyle and Bo Trethewey
CLASS OF 2001 Sarah Potter Molly Teter Webb CLASS OF 2002 Chrissy Holladay CLASS OF 2003 John and Jessica Brown Ohsner CLASS OF 2004 Seth Potter Danny Strasser Laura Wolfe CLASS OF 2006 J. J. Bain Clarke and Julia Wise CLASS OF 2007 Tom Fenner
CLASS OF 2008 Maria Hessenauer CLASS OF 2011 David Nassau CLASS OF 2012 Abigail Kulewicz CLASS OF 2013 Tyler Michaels CLASS OF 2015 Elliott Fite Justin Perdue
The Wellington Annual Fund Alumni Parents Anonymous (3) Larry and Linda Abbott Doug and Laura Anderson Joseph Armeni and Amy Salerno Donald and Tracy Ashby Stephen and Maria Baker James and Annette Beatty Victoria Bellows Friedrich and Jean-Clare Bohm Sara Brdar Robert Brisk and Monica Mahoney Jeffrey and Amy Brown Dale and Reggie Brown Matt and Karen Butler Michael Cadwell and Jane Murphy James and Patricia Caldwell Robert and Crystal Causey Sally Collamore Nick and Christol Cook James and Sandra Cornett Elliott and Sangeeta Crouser Anthony and Susan Dolciato
Jeff and Lisa Edwards Sue Ellen Eickelberg Carl Faller and Mary Finnegan Henry and Harriet Fayne John Ficek and Lisa Yashon Wayne and Rebecca Fuller Wesley and Ann Furste Margarita Glenn David and Mindy Gross Curtis and Janet Hansen Kathryn Harris Mark and Helen Hogan James and Mary Hutchison Gregory Jusdanis and Julian Anderson Matthew and Jaime Kletzly Sebastian and Janette Knowles Christopher Celeste and Nancy Kramer John and Maryline Kulewicz Robert and Kathryn Lane Alyson Leeman Pamela Liebert Robert and Susan Liebert
Lawrence and Rachael Lynn Richard and Judy Martin Terry Zaas and Robin McAllister-Zaas Stewart and Theresa McHarg Bill and Abby Miller Mark and Valerie Nandor Neil and Nanette Neidhardt Richard and Jane O’Hara John and Christine Olsen Earl and Stuart Oremus Richard O’Shaughnessy and Sarah Artman Arnold and Loretta Palmer Michael Para and Caroline Whitacre Dale and Phyllis Perdue Antonio and Monique Phillips Adam and Brenda Porter Mary Potter Daniel and Katherine Rupp Ralf Schmitz Karen Koster Richard and Diane Sloan
James and Janet Sorrels Lynne Steger Greg Stewart Suzanne Stewart David and Patricia Swaddling Robert and Marlo Tannous Timothy Teller and Grace Ryu Andrew Thomas and Lisa Doran Fei-Ran Tian and Shanghong Dong Donald and Leigh Tobin Virginia Trethewey Rodney and Donna Wasserstrom David and Meng Welliver Steven and Lynn Whitman Marie Wiggins Christopher and Peggy Williamson Stephen Winslow Doug and Laura Zallanta
2015-2016 Board of Trustees CHAIR
Nancy Kramer Founder and Chairman, Resource Ammirati SECRETARY
Bryan Stewart President, The Superior Group VICE CHAIR
Ted K. Manley Principal, Manley Deas Kochalski LLC TREASURER
James Croft Chairman & CEO, Red Capital Markets, LLC Larry Abbott President, Abbott Management Group
Darla Kay Ball SVP & Controller, Rockbridge Brian Biernat, MD Physician President, Center for Dermatology Michael Burkhardt IT Architect, Nationwide Judy Chester Freelance Writer, Helman Chester Company Dionne Custer Edwards Educator, School Programs, Wexner Center for the Arts Andy Farber Buyer/Manager –, Wendy’s Quality Supply Chain Co-op
Sally A. Hughes Tondalaya Adiansingh President/CEO, Caster Connection Realtor, Faulkner Realty Group Doug Anderson Corporate HR, Worthington Industries
John Kadlic President, Resource Ammirati
Purba Majumder Owner and President, Cybervation Founder, CoolTechGirls.org John S. Marshall Attorney, Marshal and Morrow, LLC Robert J. Tannous Managing Partner, Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur, LLP Andrew M. Thomas, MD MBA Chief Medical Officer, Senior Associate Vice President, Health Sciences, Wexner Medical Center Benjamin H. Thompson Owner, Primary Aim LLC Kristin M. Trost Community/School Volunteer Caroline C. Whitacre, PhD Vice President for Research, The Ohio State University THE WELLINGTON SCHOOL
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The Wellington Annual Fund Faculty & Staff Gifts Anonymous (2) Geoff and Cheryl Allen Christopher and Rachel Althof Faith Aubrey Berc and Erica Backhurst J. J. Bain ’06 Stephen and Maria Baker James and Agnes Becker Victoria Bellows Jaime Bennati Peggy Berger Robert and Elizabeth Bernard Josh and Shelly Bowling Bryan and Megan Brautigam Sara Brdar Robert Brisk and Monica Mahoney Shelley Brown Me-Chelle Burkhalter Matt and Karen Butler Kelsey Carpenter Christen (BeBee) Newson Mark and Christine Conkle Lucas and Kara Conley Christopher Cooke and Laura Wilkins Cooke ’90 Sean Corey Bryce Griffing and Erin Cornett ’96 Marianne Crowley Greg Davis Thomas DeLauder Kevin and Kimberlee Dunn Andrew Eberly Robert and Melanie Eggleton Brian Carlson and Erica Foster J. Aaron and Jennifer Frim Wayne and Rebecca Fuller Cristen Geary Brandon and Danielle Gibbs Ryann Gilton David Glover Phil Gross Alan and Patricia Hans Curtis and Janet Hansen Alan and Sara Harris Jeff and Caroline Haskett Dorene Henschen David and Ann Herrick David and Jill Hicks Nadine Hinton 62
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Yolanda Johnson Yvonne Johnson Sean and Michelle Joseph Larry and Jennifer Jupp Pete ’96 and Jennifer Kaser Scott and Patricia Kellicker Brian and Becky Kinnaman Matthew and Jaime Kletzly Keith Klingler and Maura Stevenson John and Maryline Kulewicz James and Jennifer Landon Kenan and Joanna Le Parc Jeffrey and M. Michelle Lewis Katherine Lin Stephen and Carol Linville Steve and Cindy Locker Joe and Julie Lovett Tom and Sloan Magliery John and Helen McConaghy John Guy and Muriel Meray Gregory and Kelly Mexicott Rose Marie Mierzejewski Bill and Abby Miller Erin Miller Kenneth and Kimberly Nally Mark and Valerie Nandor Shan Thompson and Michelle Neely Trent and JoAnne Neely Erin Noviski David and Sharon Nye Earl and Stuart Oremus Victoria Pang Matthew and Mary Beth Parker Parkes Family Laurie L. Parsons Jeff and Lisa Pickett Adam and Brenda Porter Mary Potter Philipp and Laura Richter Justin and Michele Ritzman Christine Robbins Mark and Kristine Rodgers Cynthia Roosmann Matthew and Sharon Sheridan Michael and Angela Shock Nicholas and Abbey Slee Justine Smith Web and Lindsey Smith
M. Shane and Gina Spicer Andrew and Lauren Spitzer Lisa Springer Todd and Sharla Starker Lynne Steger Adam ’99 and Anne Jesionek Stewart Brian Trenton and Stephanie Stover Trenton James and Sally Stratton Brandon Sullivan Ryan and Laurie Beth Sweeney Emily Szabo Artie and Christine Taylor Jeffrey and Mia Terwin Zachariah Thompson The Trubilowicz Family Andrew and Lissa Wade Thomas and Jill Webb Joseph and Carrie Williams Stephen Winslow David and Kathleen Yant P. Jayne Young Kelly Zavotka
2015-2016 Development Committee Bob Tannous, Chair Ted Manley, Major Gifts Kerstin Humphrys, Annual Fund John Marshall, Annual Fund Laura Hall-Koethe, The Premiere Co-Chair Defne Kocak, The Premiere Co-Chair
The Wellington Annual Fund Foundations & Corporations Abbott Laboratories Fund Aladdin Food Management Services, LLC AmazonSmile Foundation Cardinal Health Central Ohio Concessions LLC DBA Kona Ice Little Buckeye Cybervation, Inc. DBJ’S Commercial Flooring, Inc Dominion Homes - Borror Family Foundation Dupler Office Dwight Grimm Insurance, LLC Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Giant Eagle Market District Good Hands Supported Living Haslett Heating & Cooling, Inc. Henry C. Gleissner Trust John B. and Dareth Gerlach Foundation John Gerlach & Company LLP
The Wellington Annual Fund Friends of Wellington Anonymous Family Douglas Aschenbach Elizabeth Brisk Susan Dutton Spencer Rieser ‘17 Senior Parents for Class of 2015 Thomas Szykowny Myrna Yashon
Kelko Holdings LLC Key Bank L Brands Foundation Lands’ End, Inc. Make A Difference Foundation, Inc. Muirfield Energy Neoavatara Foundation Network for Good Nordson Corporation PFP Columbus II LLC Prodigy Student Travel, Inc. River’s Edge Pediatrics Roetzel & Andress Roger Michaels and Barbara Michaels Family Fund Inc. Ruscilli Construction Co., Inc. Senior Parents for Class of 2015 Speak Our Language, LLC
Target Tekmiss The Benedict Foundation The Chester Family Foundation The Columbus Foundation The Martin Trust The Peter Douglas Butning Revocable Trust The RIG III Family Foundation The Robert and Bonnie Kreitler Charitable Fund The Superior Group UBS Financial Services United Way of Central Ohio Willis Wolfe Associates, Inc.
Restricted Gifts Restricted gifts fund specific programs and learning opportunities.
The Benedict Foundation Linda Brincks Central Ohio Concessions LLC DBA Kona Ice Little Buckeye John and Judy Chester Dominion Homes - Borror Family Foundation Dwight Grimm Insurance, LLC Susan Flemming Patricia Thomas Fletcher and Fred Fletcher Hank and Melinda Gleissner Alice Marie and Jeffrey Kershaw Jackson and Caroline Kershaw Brian Thomas and Katie Kirkpatrick Jasper and Ellery Kirkpatrick
Jessie Laux Ted and Carol Manley Linda Sabatino Daniel and Monique Sierzputowski Speak Our Language, LLC Target Tekmiss Alice Dodge Thomas Oscar and Erin Thomas Patrick Nana-Sinkam and Kristin Trost Adam Winter Kenneth and Heather Woods
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The Premiere Sponsorships JAGUAR SPONSOR ($5000+) The Superior Group Taku Kopp and the Thompson Families BLUE AND WHITE SPONSOR ($2000+) Aladdin Food Management Services, LLC Dupler Office David and Mindy Gross Key Bank Nancy Kramer and Christopher Celeste Muirfield Energy Roetzel & Andress Pablo and Jennifer Vegas FRIEND SPONSOR ($500+) Doug and Laura Anderson Steve and Theresa Belford William Muir and Alicia Bertone James Bisenius Robert Brisk and Monica Mahoney Michael Burkhardt and Marlene O’Neil John and Judy Chester
The Columbus Foundation Jim and Michelle Croft Elliott and Sangeeta Crouser G & J Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. Brian Koethe and Laura Hall-Koethe Haslett Heating & Cooling, Inc. Alex and Millie Hay Ryan and Brenda Khoury Ryan and Brenda Khoury Ergun and Defne Kocak Randy and Susan Malloy Thomas and Tara Paider Prodigy Student Travel, Inc. River’s Edge Pediatrics Robert and Marlo Tannous Willis CONTRIBUTORS Larry and Linda Abbott Steve and Theresa Belford Mark and Helen Hogan Robert and Marlo Tannous
The Legacy Society Anonymous Larry and Linda Abbott Doug and Laura Anderson Doug Aschenbach Bohm Family Foundation John and Cynthia Chester Christopher and Laura ‘90 Cooke Jim and Michelle Croft David and Mindy Gross Thomas R. Gross Family Foundation John and Kim Kadlic Sebastian and Janette Knowles Nancy Kramer Ted and Carol Manley
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Ed and Karen Moore Dale and Phyllis Perdue William and Joyce Roberts Bryan ‘95 and Jenny Stewart Marlo and Robert Tannous Andy Thomas and Lisa Doran Virginia Trethewey Charlotte R. Schmidlapp Fund, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee Geoff and Lisa Webster Wolfe Associates, Inc. Lyda and Darryl Zick
Athletic Boosters Anonymous Steve and Theresa Belford George and Sharon Bott Dan and Kathy Damiano Robert and Bicentennial Dolciato Carl Faller and Mary Finnegan James Harder Scott and Kerstin Humphrys John and Kim Kadlic Kevin and Lori Kannally Tim Marshall Mike and Elizabeth McClinchie Zhanna Mikulik Mark and Beverly Pinkston Todd and Susan Ruck John and Lori Seitz Daniel and Monique Sierzputowski Bob and Marlo Tannous Craig and Mimi Taylor Artie and Christine Taylor Oscar and Erin Thomas Clarke and Julia Wise Doug and Laura Zallanta
Founders Society Steve and Teresa Belford Jim and Michelle Croft Henry and Melinda Gleissner Scott and Kerstin Humphrys Brian Kelleher and Barbara Rae Dr. Larry and Rachael Lynn Christopher Celeste and Nancy Kramer Ted and Carol Manley John and Elizabeth Sokol Bryan ’95 and Jenny Stewart Robert and Marlo Tannous Craig and Mimi Taylor Pablo and Jennifer Vegas
In Honor Of William Bierly
Jim and Linda Haskett
IN HONOR OF SOPHIE, ROSEMARY, & PARKER HASKETT
Dorene Henschen
IN HONOR OF MY STUDENTS
IN HONOR OF KIKI BOHM
Peter and Derry Bunting
IN HONOR OF GINNYLU AND DAISY HOWARD
Peter and Derry Bunting
Chrissy Holladay ’02
IN HONOR OF ORLENE SHIMBERG AND SUSAN BONVALLET
Kurtis Posey and April Jones-Posey
IN HONOR OF NOAH AND HANNAH
IN HONOR OF THE HOWARD FAMILY
Adam Stewart ’99 and Anne Jesionek Stewart
Todd and Jill Penegor
IN HONOR OF KATHY YANT
IN MEMORY OF LINDA ANN GERHARDT-RICHARDS
Terry Sanders and Kristen Sydney
Stephen and Kelly Povoski
IN HONOR OF KYLER SYDNEY SANDERS
Fei-Ran Tian and Shanghong Dong IN HONOR OF GRACE TIAN AND PETER TIAN
Donald and Leigh Tobin IN HONOR OF ALEX TOBIN
IN MEMORY OF FRANK AND ANNE POVOSKI
Arthur Sagone
IN MEMORY OF JUDITH SAGONE
Theodore Scott and Teresa McWainScott IN MEMORY OF COURTNEY J. ROY
Jason and Amy Judd Jack and Jessica Chaney
IN HONOR OF SIGAL JUDD
Tom and Jackie Toothman
IN HONOR OF THE DISON’S
IN HONOR OF BOB & SUSIE LIEBERT
Mary Kennedy Karol and Jacquelyne Cios
IN HONOR OF MS. POTTER
James and Sandra Cornett
IN HONOR OF ERIN CORNETT
Laurence and Kandi Dach
IN HONOR OF THE UPPER SCHOOL STAFF
Dan and Kathy Damiano
IN HONOR OF KATZ AND REAGAN
IN HONOR OF WILL AND KATIE HUMPHRYS
IN HONOR OF THE AMAZING TEACHERS!
George and Susan Kentris
IN HONOR OF QUINN COLEMAN AND ABBOTT ARTHUR
Jane Knowles
IN HONOR OF TEDDY & SOPHIA KNOWLES
Guanghui Lan and Yaping Wu IN HONOR OF MICHAEL LAN
Constance Dehlendorf
IN HONOR OF ROTH DEHLENDORF
Richard and Judy Martin
IN HONOR OF JENNIFER MARTIN
Deborah Toth
IN HONOR OF ABIGAIL AND ELLA NORITZ
Wolfgang Windl
Barbara Trueman
Jessica Winter
IN HONOR OF OWEN GAJOCH
Clarke and Julia Wise
Michael Para and Caroline Whitacre
Natalie Zimmerman
IN HONOR OF ALEX PARA
IN HONOR OF JULIE WILKINS
IN HONOR OF RYAN O’NEIL
In Memory Of Matthew and Ann Arthur
IN MEMORY OF MARVIN ZIMMERMAN
Greg Stewart Suzanne Stewart
IN MEMORY OF ALEX FAYNE
Jim and Sheila Rieser Spencer Rieser ‘17 Marco Quezada and Luz Munoz de Quezada Monica Quezada Lott
IN MEMORY OF EDDY LOTT P’22 ‘24
Jane Rife
IN HONOR OF NATHANIEL HAY
IN MEMORY OF RANDY WISE
Chuck and Carol Yarletts
Richard and Jane O’Hara
IN HONOR OF JANET BILLMAN
IN MEMORY OF MARY ELIZABETH SICKING
IN HONOR OF WELLINGTON TEACHERS & STAFF
IN MEMORY OF RODNEY ARTHUR
Andrew Thomas and Lisa Doran
IN MEMORY OF DANKA CESNJEVAR
David and Meng Welliver
Anthony and Susan Dolciato
IN HONOR OF ADRIANA, MARISSA, AND MICHAEL DOLCIATO
IN MEMORY OF THOMAS B SEITZ, M.D.
Craig Kent and Erin Crotty
Edward and Sylvia Davis
IN HONOR OF ZACHARY SAGONE
Mary Seitz
Ken Biehn
IN MEMORY OF JULIE BIEHN
Sue Ellen Eickelberg
IN HONOR OF JANEEN EICKELBERG DANIEL
John and Sharron Eisenhauer
IN HONOR OF KATIE RICHARDSON
Lloyd and Lora Godfrey
IN HONOR OF THE 7TH GRADE CLASS
Robert and Cathy Gale
IN HONOR OF ALEXIS AND HANNAH KENNEDY
Good Hands Supported Living
IN MEMORY OF MR & MRS SAAD DJAFI
John and Carol Robinson
IN HONOR OF EVAN AND ERIC ALBERS
Ben Anderson and Sara Saldoff
John and Sally Hughes
IN MEMORY OF WILLIAM SHIFFLER AND NORMA SIEVEKING
IN HONOR OF LILY ANDERSON
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Gifts In Kind A Gal Named Cida Lou A Smile by Dr. Devese Airstream Akada Hair Salon Akai Hana Alexanders Jewelers The Andersons, Inc. Arena District Athletic Club Argo & Lehne Ashley Koff, R.D. ATA Black Belt Academy - Powell Barcelona Restaurant & Bar Beth Akerman Bikram Hot Yoga Bloomtastic Florist Bob Evans #323 Brian and Teresa Biernat Brian Phillips and Stephanie Sellers Phillips ’94 Bryan ’95 and Jenny Stewart Camp Cody Camp Wekeela for Boys & Girls CAPA CASTO Central Ohio Paintball Inc./SplatterPark LTD. The Cheesecake Factory Chipotle Cincinnati Reds City Barbeque Clara Miller Columbus Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Inc. Columbus Crew Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurants COSI Costco Wholesale Covelli Enterprises Crabtree & Evelyn The Daisy Basket Dewey’s Pizza Dick’s Sporting Goods Donatos Pizza Dr. Joseph Hutta Dublin Cleaners Dublin Dance Centre & Gymnastics Easton Town Center Edward Warren Jewelers
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FALL 2016
Elite Island Resorts Caribbean Engage Hd Fitness Erica Foster Carlson Erik Akerman Firestone Complete Auto Care First Watch Fleet Feet Sports Fresh Crafts Gallery Funny Bone Comedy Club and Restaurant Galaxy Games & Golf Henry Gottschlich Graeter’s Ice Cream Greg Kontras and Paula Brooks Grow Yoga Guruprasad Vasudeva and Rashmi Nemade Gwendolyn Z Photography Hunter and Lords Ivivva Jaime Bennati Jeffrey and Julia Wilkins Jim and Kristi Perry John and Sally Hughes K Studio K2 Organizing, LLC Kenan and Joanna Le Parc Kenneth’s Hair Salons and Day Spas Kings Island La Chatelaine Lazer Kraze Columbus Lennonhead’s salon & spa Locker Soccer Magic Mountain - Polaris Location Marjorie Garek Master Tran’s Martial Arts Academy Math Plus Academy Melt Milestone 229 Monarch Health Moo Moo Express Car Wash Muirfield Energy Noodles & Company Ohio Facial Plastics Orange Leaf Orlay Alonso and Emily Alonso-Taub Papa Johns
Parkes Family Piada Italian Street Food Pies and Pints Professional Imagery, LLC Re:Work Furnishings Refectory Restaurant and Bistro ReVision Advanced Laser Eye Center Royal Shakespeare Company Salon Lofts Sears Hardware Shadowbox Live Sherwin Williams Short North Bagel Deli Signature Dermatology Sports Ohio Stanley Steemer Starbucks Stile Salon and Spa Swan Cleaners Sweet Carrot Synergi Salon Ten Thousand Things Third and Hollywood Trader Joe’s Tranquility Day Spa Trio Orthodontics Tutor Doctor of Central Ohio USA Seibukan Martial Arts Training Center Wade and Sarah Schwartz Walt Disney World, Co. Wendy’s Gymnastics & Fitness for Children Wexner Center for the Arts Worthington Parks & Recreation Department WP Glimcher Yellowbird Foodshed Yoga on High Young Chefs Academy
Financial Reports
Operating Cash Flow (in thousands)
A contribution to The Wellington School is a sound investment and has a profound and lasting impact. With the experience and knowledge of the business office staff, every dollar is maximized and the school’s financial position remains strong and stable.
2015-16
REVENUE
REVENUE Tuition and Fees $13,294 Annual Fund $455 State Funds $769 Other $1,073 $15,591 EXPENSES Salaries and Benefits $9,259 $2,336 Financial Aid Instructional $1,263 Plant and Facilities $797 Administrative $741 Capital Expenditures $412 Other $340 $15,148 Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2015
ASSETS Cash $4,680 Contributions Receivable $203 Tuition Receivables and Prepaids $186 Long-Term Investments $2,423 Property and Equipment $19,956 $27,448
2015-2016
l Tuition & Fees
l Annual Fund
l State Funds l Other*
EXPENSES 2015-2016
l Salaries & Benefits l Financial Aid l Instructional l Plant & Facilities l Administrative l Capital Expenditures l Other
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Payables and Accruals $1,131 Unearned Tuition and Fees $5,437 Debt $5,625 Net Assets: Unrestricted $13,821 Restricted $1,434 $27,448 *Other sources of income include investment and interest income, Options programs, camps and trips, skiing, aftercare, school store, youth basketball, drama productions, and other small miscellaneous.
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MAKE HISTORY WITH WELLINGTON The 35th Anniversary Gala will celebrate the extraordinary growth and continued success of innovative independent education at The Wellington School. Please join us for this special evening filled with wonderful memories and learn about the exciting future of our great school. All members of the Wellington community are invited to attend this once in a lifetime event filled with friends, food, and fun to benefit and support the faculty dedicated to enriching the lives of past and future generations of Jaguars.
The evening will include dinner and dancing at the exclusive Ivory Room in Downtown Columbus, a silent auction leading up to the event, and a live auction that night, as well as opportunities to fund a need. All funds raised will go directly to faculty compensation, student engagement grants, and professional development. Don’t miss this exceptional occasion as we all make history while honoring the history of The Wellington School.
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FALL 2016
THE WELLINGTON SCHOOL
35th Anniversary Gala PRESENTED BY MICHELLE AND JIM CROFT
SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 2017 7 - 11 P.M. | THE IVORY ROOM | COLUMBUS, OHIO
Duke Sponsors TED AND CAROL MANLEY BRYAN AND JENNY STEWART
Jaguar Sponsors BEN AND JENNIFER THOMPSON
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NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID COLUMBUS, OH PERMIT #5786
3650 Reed Road Columbus, OH 43220 614.457.7883 www.wellington.org
The Wellington School is an independent, coeducational, preschool through grade 12, college preparatory day school dedicated to preparing citizens who achieve, lead, and find fulfillment in a global community.
Grandparents and Special Friends Day
12 May
7:30–11:30 a.m.