SMALL SCHOOL BIG OUTDOORS
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FOR ALUMNAE/I AND FRIENDS OF THE WHITE MOUNTAIN SCHOOL
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www.whitemountain.org
Echoes Spring/Summer 2006
Contents
Morning Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 At 7:40am Morning Meeting starts as students at the White Mountain School listen to annoucements in the Great Hall, followed by Morning Reading. Ranging from reflection to fodder - Morning Reading offers a thoughtful time for the students before heading to a day of classes.
Championing Independent Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Introducing Dennis H. Grubbs as Interim Head of School for the 2006-2007 school year.
WILSKI Succeeds at Mission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Exploring the accomplishments of the Wilderness Skill Program as it helps the connection between academics, outdoor learning, and the education of the whole person.
WMS Theater
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Sam Brown, of the Performing Arts Department, highlights spring’s theater performances.
2006-2007 School Calendar & 33rd Annual Cultural Events Series . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Timberframing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Reflections of a student built, hand-crafted, timberframe shed.
Graduation 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Empty Bowls
Editor Rachel Tardelli Director of Communications rachelt@whitemountain.org Dennis H. Grubbs Interim Head of School dennis@whitemountain.org
Class Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Identify your classmates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Help us find out who these mystery classmates are.
On My Coming and Going . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Kathy Bryan Alumnae/i Assistant kathy.bryan@whitemountain.org
Leaving after seven years as White Mountain School’s Head of School, Alan Popp reflects on his love of nature.
Episcopal Church. This simple yet symbolic event included your choice of a handmade ceramic bowl and a dinner of soup,
Send notice of address changes to the WMS Alumnae/i Office.
A Journey Through the Spirit of Ireland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
bread, and dessert freshly prepared by local eateries while learning about hunger issues affecting our local and global
Email: alumni@whitemountain.org
communities. After dinner, guests took their empty bowls home as literal reminders of someone else’s hunger in the world.
Phone: (603) 444-2928
More than $835.00 was raised for OXFAM, while another $835.00 was raised for The Bethlehem Food Bank.
Mail: White Mountain School 371 West Farm Road Bethlehem, NH 03574
On March 11, 2006, hoping to emphasize the urgency of hunger in the world, the White Mountain School’s Art Department and National Honor Society hosted an annual Empty Bowl Banquet at the Parish Center at All Saint’s
What a success!
C Echoes is published two times each year and printed on recycled paper.
Sophia Evans reflection on her passion of photography during her Independent Study in Photography.
Above: To prepare for prom, Sam Brown (Performing Arts Department) and Andy White (former Director of Technology) teach the fine art of the “hustle” to WMS students. On the Cover: Jan ‘07 looks out at a beautiful waterfall while on an Outdoor Learning Expedition (OLE) to Arizona, March 2006. Photo credit: Andy White. Back cover: OLE 1957 Style. Students at Saint Mary’s-of-the-Mountains jump into an old truck as they head out on their Fall Expedition in 1957.
Reading
Morning Read on May 26, 2006
By Lauren Reber Human Values Department
In the middle of our poetry unit, my sophomores and I
twenty minutes of rest between pancakes and first block.
read a William Carlos Williams poem. I’m sure you’ll
For me, it’s a bit more sacred than that.
recognize it; it’s called The Red Wheelbarrow. Here’s a little refresher.
My morning routine involves five young women whom I care greatly about. They each have their own way of responding to my usual inquiry. Even if it’s small talk, we
glazed with rain
check in with one another. I know they’re there. They
water
know I’m looking out. We slip in a last word before the hands start going up and announcements have begun. Sports, last minute reminders, lost items, big events,
Some colleagues of mine might deem this a poem of irony – one that laughs at the over analytical scholar who paints metaphors into every line and believes each piece of literature holds a hidden lesson. If this is true, maybe I’m investing this poem with far more meaning than Williams intended. Still, I like holding onto that image. And so I do. Perhaps I want to believe that something profound
After all, checking in is far more than checking someone off on the great attendance list. So often we exchange that all too common phrase, “How are you,” and never really take the time to ask the question with some authenticity. Checking in is just that: an honest give to someone first thing in the morning. How are you?
enjoyed for breakfast. And others still, certain company.
chickens.”
one another.
spot – back against the pillar, no questions asked. For
upon
beside the white
announcements, and taking a moment to listen and then learn from
inquiry into how someone is feeling, doing, getting by. What a gift to
others, it’s a posture: one resembling the pancake just
barrow
regularly – just for the sake of checking in, asking if there are any
We all have our rituals upon arriving. For some it’s a
“So much depends
a red wheel
friend’s ratty plaid couch. What I mean is, find a place to gather –
even discipline. Yet, I love the announcements. They remind me of all that goes on around me while I’m buzzing around room 2. I am given a glimpse into the lives of students I don’t teach, colleagues who spend their days on other floors, communities within ours I have yet to tap. Announcements are, in their own right, a checking in.
Then onto the announcements. Much of the information will no longer be relevant to your lives – you won’t care about junior English class meeting in the student lounge, for example. And yet, there are other daily announcements you might want to remember: a summary of a New York Times article that helps to keep you informed of the events in the Middle East. The success of a friend: he’s recently received an incredible scholarship, or a chance to interview for a great job. Or perhaps the harder stuff: his mother is sick. Ask for the announcements. Lastly, take a moment to just listen to one another. I think of all that I have learned listening during the last five to ten minutes of morning meeting and I’m astounded. I’ve learned about bravery as Julie attempted to learn to juggle yet again. I’ve learned how to laugh as Sam and Andy taught us to disco dance. I learned about taking a risk as Alex Foss has performed his music, or how to better recycle, thanks to Torrey and a gang of sustainability folks. I have learned about the
does depend on that wheelbarrow sitting in the rain.
And then that moment – that bit of silence as one of my
tenderness of friendship, thanks to the bond between a raccoon and a
Somehow it feels sane to think about a forgotten item
colleagues stands up and approaches the front of the hall.
porcupine. I have remembered how incredible the soil is, thanks to
sitting out in the yard as we run around chasing after
The anticipation is as good as what’s to come. I wonder
Jill’s image of the wildflowers growing in an abandoned mansion
pink slips, lost homework, LAP reports and lesson plans.
what nugget I’ll take with me that day. And yet, regardless
somewhere in Detroit. I’ve appreciated the magic of mathematics as
of its substance, this moment alone is invaluable: a chance
Dan solved all of our tax problems. I’ve learned about sharing one’s
to see a person I respect share their wisdom – share
soul as I listened to Jen G’s tales, and been reminded of why I love
something he believes in and to have an entire group sit in
heading into the wilderness, thanks to none other than Mr. Vermeal.
As I was lying in bed the other night, I asked myself what our wheelbarrow was. I mean, what is the wheelbarrow of the White Mountain School upon which “so much depends.” I thought of the three rugs sitting before me. So much depends upon
quiet and listen to that conviction. It’s quite remarkable. And all too rare. Many of our recent mornings have been dedicated to
(I thought)
the dispelling of advice. (We teacher folks like to get wise
three multi-colored
and sentimental this time of year.) Perhaps I’m selfish, but
carpets
I too wanted the chance to send off this class of seniors with an immense thank you for touching our lives as well
covered with lazy
as with a simple thought or two. So here’s my lesson for
bodies
you graduates:
gathering in the
Find three multi colored carpets in your next home.
morning. Yes, that seemed to fit. After all, there is something about
Frankly, it doesn’t matter whether those carpets become a
morning meeting that I cherish. One may call it the
back yard, or a front porch, a particular coffee house or a
SMALL SCHOOL . BIG OUTDOORS. page 4
It’s incredible what occurs when we take a moment to listen to the people in our lives. They have amazing lessons to teach – or, perhaps simple reminders of truths we once held and have since forgotten. I guess we can all learn something from this WMS ritual – a little something about friendship. So here’s my corny message for you seniors. Wherever you head, find your three carpets – a meeting place – and gather there. Check in with one another – with yourselves. Mind the announcements. Sit back and listen every now and then, and remember to share a bit of your own wisdom. Think of the wheelbarrow. So much depends upon it. Have a good day.
SMALL SCHOOL . BIG OUTDOORS. page 5
Championing Independent Education
National Honor Society
adds fourteen new members
by John Brown White Mountain School Trustee
Student Council
2006-2007
A lifelong educator, committed to making a difference and a man passionate about excellence, Dennis H. Grubbs becomes the Interim Head of White Mountain School. Many years ago, while serving as the Director of Admissions at The Gunnery in
Lucas Moskun President Class of 2007
Washington, Connecticut, Dennis H. Grubbs recalls a visit with the head of a small New England boarding school. He arrived only to discover that the entire school, including the head, had gone bowling. He later learned that during assembly that morning, someone had suggested a mid-winter change of pace, and the head had asked for suggestions. A faculty member, possibly joking, mentioned bowling and the head immediately said, "Yes!" "Yes" has been for me since very powerful" says Grubbs, known to family and friends as Denny. "I've never taken a school bowling, but I believe I have always greeted ideas with enthusiasm. Dignifying the thought and thinker. Creating the spirit of constructiveness - and integrity of mission - that make good schools work." Making good schools work better has been a lifelong avocation and even passion for Grubbs, who brings to White Mountain School more than forty years of experience as an independent boarding and day school teacher, headmaster and trustee. Known for his support of comprehensive excellence, Grubbs has become known in recent years throughout New England for helping schools shape their identities, especially by providing interim leadership. Since retiring as the Headmaster of The Williston Northampton School in Easthampton, Massachusetts, after fifteen years as that school's Head, Denny has served as interim head of Stoneridge Children's Montessori School in Beverly, Massachusetts, Ruxton
This May, the WMS chapter of the National Honor Society welcomed 14 new inductees. NHS recognize students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character. The current NHS members, Brienne Black ’06, Bupe Mazimba ’07, Daniel Lee ’07, Ziggy Martin ’06, Alex Foss ’06, and Elsa Camuamba ’06, welcomed the following 2006 inductees: Austin Walker ’08* Dan Finklestein ’07* Jake Dexter ’07* Adam Chodoff ’07* Sarah Lopez ’06*
Chelsea Heath ’08* Grace Ochieng ’08* Emma White ’07* Nikki Virnelli ’07* Marenka Thompson-Odlum ’07* Rufy Kennedy ’07* Eileen Clancy ’06* Sarah Morrison ’06* Sam Angeloni ’06*
*indicates 2006 inductee.
“
I feel that being president is not
something to be taken lightly or as a joke. As I was talking to Amaar (WMS Student Body President 2005-2006) about the job, he told me that it could be easy but nothing would get done. It is only as hard as you make it, and the harder you make it, the more change will happen. I am willing to work my hardest to keep the good things in our communitity stable but for everyone’s well being.
Country School in Baltimore, Maryland and Winchester Thurston School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. "Denny is a wonderful educator and has got all the right stuff to lead White Mountain School during this period of transition," says Stephen G. DiCicco, a Trustee of White Mountain School and someone not unfamiliar with accomplished independent school educators as an educational consultant himself. "Denny Grubbs is a man of deep experience, one with passion and insight into the ethos of independent school education. Add to that a fine sense of humor, impeccable values and a strong family man and you have Denny Grubbs," said DeCicco. Grubbs is particularly proud of his ability to make significant improvements to a school even while serving as interim head. "I cannot seem to shake my need to be part of a meaningful educational process, of service to students and significance for them. I look forward to being a part of White Mountain School and part of the ongoing wondrous, purposeful, and good humored environment all quality schools share. " Anne Hutchins, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Stoneridge Children's Montessori School, recalls Grubbs as a stabilizing force who was not afraid to help that school move forward with a great many issues during his stay as interim head. "Denny did a masterful job of preparing the way for the permanent head of school," says Hutchins. Another Trustee, Anne-Seymour Ellis, recalls that "Denny also worked development wonders, more than doubling the school's annual fund donations in his interim year at Stoneridge." Grubbs is a graduate of Princeton University and has a Masters Degree in Education from Trinity College. In addition to his lifelong career as an independent school educator and administrator, Grubbs has served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Tenacre Country Day School since 1999. Grubbs will serve as Interim Head during the 2006-2007 school year replacing Alan Popp, who has elected to return to private educational consulting. The Board of Trustees has retained an outside consulting firm to undertake a national search for Grubbs’ permanent replacement as Head of White Mountain School.
SMALL SCHOOL . BIG OUTDOORS. page 6
”
at the same time make progressive change
TIM BREEN & JULIE YATES APPOINTED DEAN OF STUDIES We are very excited to announce that Tim Breen and Julie Yates have been appointed Dean of Studies. Tim and Julie (husband and wife) will share the Dean’s job beginning this fall. The two have been a part of the WMS community for five years, with Julie serving as Dean of Students for the past four years and Tim as interim Dean of Studies during the spring 2006 academic term.
Austin Walker Judge Class of 2008
Tim and Julie will share the responsibilities of chief academic officer for the school, with Tim providing primary support to upperclassmen, humanities and art teachers, and the learning assistance program, while Julie will provide primary support to underclassmen, math, science, and language teachers, the sustainability department, and the advisor program.
Sedona Chinn Secretary Class of 2009
Tim received his Ph.D. in Education from The University of Michigan and undergraduate degrees in English and Physics from Bucknell University. Julie holds a M.S. in Science Education from Michigan and a Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences from Smith College. Both have significant experience at other private schools, most recently at St. Paul’s School in Concord. WMS is fortunate to have the combined energy, commitment, talent, and experience of two people like Tim and Julie wrapped into one job! Please join us in wishing them well.
Nina Bartsch Social Chair Class of 2007 SMALL SCHOOL . BIG OUTDOORS. page 7
Life
Residential
By Josh Lawton Residential Life Coordinator & Solar Dorm Head
We are getting very excited for the upcoming school year and want to thank Ginger Beattie for all of her hard work with the Residential Curriculum during the 05-06 school year. We will continue many of the great activities Ginger helped bring to the students and will be trying some new and exciting things through
Escalante, Utah ~ Nevers, France ~ Jonestown, Mississippi Dominican Republic ~ Baltimore, MD ~ Arizona Managua, Nicaragua ~ Jackson Hole, WY ~ Barcelona, Spain By Jane Zanger Director of College Advising Coordinator for Off-Campus Experiences Over the past several years, students and faculty from the White Mountain School have ventured to
the ‘06-’07 school year.
these and other destinations in search of wilderness,
During the second half of this past school year, we continued our
opportunities that extend our learning community
bi-monthly advisor meetings. These meetings focus on stress
beyond the North Country. As we become more
management and communication skills. The paper crane activity
and more committed to offering these types of
was a hit! Our school was filled with colorful cranes and laughter.
experiences to our students, it made sense to bring
Our annual Stress Relief Day filled with games and other fun
together a small group of faculty to plan the
things like nap time, joyful reading, and bowling was created as a
schedule of trips, develop and maintain clear
way to help combat the stress associated with the looming
protocols and procedures for leading an extended
midterms. The day seemed a great success. And our Power of
off-campus experience, and support new and
Words activity illuminated the complexities of communicating
continuing leaders of these trips. Having passed
about stereotypes, differences, and diversity. Students and faculty
the National Honor Society advisory on to Amy
engaged in some meaningful discussions about the topic.
Lawton at the end of 2005-2006, Jane Zanger will
These bi-monthly advisor meetings will continue into the 06’-07’
assume the role of Coordinator for Off-Campus
school year as we carry on with the themes of Community, Respect, Stress Management, and Communication. A few new themes that highlight certain aspects of living away from home and preparing for the next step will also be added to the these
community service, and language immersion
Experiences next year.
Jane looks forward to
working with Community Service Director Mary Lockhart, Wilski Director Mark Vermeal, and veteran trip leader Matthew Toms to ensure that
meetings.
these powerful and often life-changing experiences
One of the greatest aspects of the Residential Curriculum at WMS
Mountain School program.
is its role in creating and supporting student leaders. Dorm
burgeon and continue to enhance the White
Proctors are the heartbeat of our community and we are excited for our new Proctors to bring their ideas and energy into another great year. Our new Proctors will be returning to school a few days early for Proctor training. New for the 06’-07’ school year, Solar Dorm will be getting its first Proctor. Dorm tutors were also a great success this past year. We will be looking for new dorm tutors in September and have begun to explore the possibility of content specific study groups to be held in the dorms by dorm tutors with the support of their faculty. The 06’-07’ school year is looking to be an exciting one for White Mountain School!
SMALL SCHOOL . BIG OUTDOORS. page 8
SMALL SCHOOL . BIG OUTDOORS. page 9
WILSKI S UCCEEDS AT M ISSION
By Ben Mirkin LAP & WILSKI
The White Mountain School is first and foremost a college preparatory institution. One aspect of our school that separates us from other schools is our Wilderness Skills Program (WILSKI). The outdoors is a significant part of our school’s identity and contributes greatly to meeting our mission. “It is the mission of The White Mountain School to prepare young people for rigorous college studies, and for life beyond formal academics, by helping them learn who they are, how they contribute to their communities, and how they can become responsible citizens of a changing planet.” Some people may still ask, “How do rock climbing and other outdoor activities contribute to the mission of The White Mountain School?” To that, we have many answers. Time spent with a small group in the outdoors creates a microcosm of society. This can help individuals learn who they are and how they can be their best self. One who contributes to the greater good of the group sees and feels their contributions on many levels. The actions of one affect all, both positively and negatively. The outdoors delivers
Theater
WMS
full length play in the spring term. However, with enthusiasm and motivation by students, there were new developments in the theater department. In January, the Introduction to Theater class performed 3 One-Act plays. The hilariousness of these plays had audience members laughing with delight as a penguin in an Antarctica Wasteland gave relationship advice in Rich Orloff's "Off the Map" and a group of workers did "Last Minute Adjustments" in preparation for a baby's birth into an unknown world. Accompanying the Introduction to Theater classes One Acts was Ben Meisel’s ’06 independent project “A Minor Incident.” Ben wrote, cast, and then directed his very thought provoking One Act play, exploring the life of two brothers, one dealing with the other’s death, and the other trying to escape the waiting room leading to heaven. Ben, recipient of this year’s Art Prize, plans on following his theater passions next year at Hartwick College in upstate New York. On the weekend of May 26th, the spring’s Performance Theater class presented “The Laramie
and contributing member of this changing planet. These lessons help to build a strong and positive community.
Project” in Bethlehem’s Colonial Theater. Although the WMS theater program has focused on
contribute to a healthy life beyond formal academics. These sports are activities that people can, and hopefully will, enjoy forever. We teach our students the skills to participate in these wonderful activities in a safe and enjoyable manner.
comedy the last couple of years, this play was more serious, telling the story of the small town Laramie, Wyoming after the brutal beating and murder of Matthew Shepard in the fall of 1998. Moises Kaufman’s beautifully written play follows a different theatrical approach, consisting of a compilation of actual interviews with the people of Laramie Wyoming. Students within the cast emailed various people they were portraying, receiving responses with helpful words of advice.
Outdoor activities such as these can be a great relief of stress and aid in physical
Each of the 10 actors portrayed 5 – 9 different characters was on stage most of the play, and
and mental fitness.
orchestrated all set changes; the play was an actor driven play. This was a very powerful play,
Having well educated outdoor enthusiasts contributes to helping our environment by creating outdoor users who care; stewards of the outdoors. Our WILSKI Program creates stewards of the environment and thus helps conserve and protect these wonderful areas we recreate in. While The White Mountain School never loses its focus on rigorous college studies, we see the value of life’s lessons learned in the outdoor environment. The
Performing Arts Department
WMS theater continued the traditions of the past, presenting an evening of One Act plays and a
natural consequences for actions and gives our students a clearer understanding of what it means to be a responsible
Biking, paddling, backcountry skiing, hiking and fitness, and rock climbing all
By Sam Brown
affecting not only those involved, but audience members as well. The purpose of theater here at WMS is not only to educate students about the process of performance, but to help provoke discussions and thoughts about issues that arise from within the pages of a script. The theater program will be expanding next year, providing more opportunities for students to get involved. The two Introduction to Theater classes, during the fall ‘06, will be combining forces and performing a selection of One Act Plays the weekend of January 19th, 2007. See you there!
connection between academics, outdoor learning, and the education of the whole person are seamless. The WILSKI Program truly helps WMS to meet its mission.
SMALL SCHOOL . BIG OUTDOORS. page 10
SMALL SCHOOL . BIG OUTDOORS. page 11
Timber framing
Calendar
2006-2007
Aug 27: Registration Day
Aug 30 - Sept 1: Orientation Trips
By Heidi Choate
Sept 1: Book Signing
LAP and Farm & Forest
Sept 1-3: Community Weekend Sept 21: CES - Grupo Fantasia Sept 26-29: Outdoor Learning Expedition #1 Oct 6-7: Term I Family Weekend Oct 7-11: Fall Break Oct 13-14: Trustee Meeting Oct 13-15: Alumni Weekend & Fred Steele Dedication Nov 9: CES - Won-Ldy Paye Nov 16: Fall Sports Awards Dinner Nov 18-27: Thanksgiving Break Nov 27: Faculty In-Service
33rd Annual
Cultural Events Series Grupo Fantasia - Music and Culture of the Caribbean (September 21) Formed in 1993, Grupo Fantasia offers a multi-cultural introduction to the percussion sounds of the Caribbean and Latin America. Lead by Angel Wanger, musical director and master percussionist, much of Grupo Fantasia’s music is performed on original handmade indigenous instruments.
Won-Ldy Paye - Liberian Arts in Motion (November 9)
Dec 15: Holiday Celebration
Award winning author and renowned Liberian artist and performer, Won-Ldy Paye brings traditional Liberian stories to life with his attention-grabbing oneman show. Won-Ldy Paye will entertain and capture the attention of the audience by playing Liberian instruments such as the Kola, Balafon, and Snakpa, and by telling stories in the Liberian tradition passed down to him from his grandmother.
Dec 16-Jan 7: Winter Break Jan 7: Faculty In-Service Jan 12-14: Winter Festival Jan 20: Trustee Meeting Jan 25: CES - Ramon de Los Reyes
Ramon de Los Reyes - Spanish Dance Theater (January 25)
Feb 2-3: Trustee Meeting
As New England’s only fully professional Spanish Dance company, founder Ramon de los Reyes has taken Flamenco and the artistry he possesses around the hemisphere to wildly enthusiastic audiences. Born and raised in Madrid, Ramon started dancing at seven with the gypsies. He has a control unequaled in classical Spanish dance. As an active choreographer for the last twenty years, Ramon has received numerous awards including fellowships in choreography from the National Endowment for the Arts. The fire and passion expressed in flamenco dancing provides an unforgettable experience.
Feb 12-14: Outdoor Learning Expedition #2 Feb 15-18: February Break Mar 1: CES - International Night* Mar 16-17: Term II Family Weekend Mar 17-Apr 1: Spring Break Apr 1: Faculty In-Service
White Mountain School International Night (March 1) *
Apr 10: CES - Paul Taylor
A night of student exibitions with an international flare. In the past, we have enjoyed student prepared treats from Africa, Asia, and Europe as well as African dancing and international fashion shows which display the traditional customs of countries represented within the WMS student body, faculty and staff. (*Sorry, not opened to the public. )
May 6-8: Outdoor Learning Expedition #3 May 11: Community Service Day May 11-12: Trustee Meeting May 17: Prom
Paul Taylor - Music and Stories of Australia (April 10)
May 18: Field Day
Performing artist and educator, Paul “Walking Stick” Taylor, will join WMS for an evening of story, song and playing of the traditional Australian instrument, the didjeridoo. Taylor helps bring Aboriginal and European Australia to life as he engages the audience’s participation with dance, song, and storytelling. Come enjoy stories such as “Waltzing Matilda” as they come to life!
May 24: Sports Awards & National Honor Society Induction June 1: Pass the Book, Baccalaureate June 2: Graduation SMALL SCHOOL . BIG OUTDOORS. page 12
So now that the timberframe garden shed is finally up, I took a few moments to reflect on the journey of getting here…. We started building the timberframe 3 seasons ago with a group of five. It was White Mountain’s first Farm & Forest Group and they took on the responsibility of building our mallets, our toolboxes, and our sawhorses. I can still see Emma White ‘07 the first time we showed her how to use a hatchet, Emma Daughton ‘07 making her first crooked saw cut, and Bucciarelli ‘07...just sitting on the tractor in the background taunting me. Each season we progressed, learning new skills, fine tuning old ones. We timberframed everyday. Our very first group decided that we would only use hand tools, no power tools. This, after all, was the “traditional” way to build a timberframe. As hard as it was to watch someone new saw through a 7 x 7 “ beam, the skills we all learned along the way were invaluable. In the late Fall 05, when the days were cold, the warm lower garage was a welcome site. The thought of the alternative, freezing our hands in the garden, was in the backs of our minds. On the sunny days we’d bust open the doors and crank Lucas Moskun’s (‘07) “interesting” CD mixes he’d made especially for us. This season came and we thought we were ready to raise the structure. We brought all the beams into the field and spread them out for one final check. “Is that mortise supposed to be that shallow?” “I don’t think it’s supposed to be on that side, is it?” “Don’t we need 8 braces, not 6?” These folks had a couple of skills to learn quickly to remedy some of our “oversights.” They did this with so much ease, it’s hard to believe they were beginners.
Spencer ‘09 was the master of the bit n’ brace, Matt ‘06 the pro at chiseling, Pete ‘06 was always the best choice for a difficult saw cut and Christina ‘08, of course, was great at it all. Everyone took part, folks on the roof yelling out measurements to those below who would measure, cut and anticipate the next task. Since the eventful weekend of the raising in which so many of you turned out, some for an hour, others for 20 hours, I’ve watched these folks put up walls, frame out windows, scratch their heads as they try to add fractions, and put on a roof with the agility and comfort that could only come from a season of climbing with Mark, Jen, Pavel, Ben, Jaime, Kate, Hiapo and Larry. The season is ending and they have all worked so hard to better our community. We just wanted to say “Thank You”.
SMALL SCHOOL . BIG OUTDOORS. page 13
119th Commencement
2006 Commencement Awards
June 3, 2006
The Head’s Award Grace Ochieng ‘08 The Faculty Award Sarah Blaisdell Morrison ‘06 The Bishop’s Prize Nikki Virnelli ‘07 The Lt. Michael S. Pierce ‘82 Award Andrew Edward McKean ‘06 The Courage Prize Bupe Mazimba ‘07 The Samuel Robinson II Community Service Award Emma White ‘07
The Class of
2006
Seated Left - Right : Brienne Lee Black, Sarah Blaisdell Morrison, Eva Marie Fuschillo, Sophia Helene Evans, Brittany O’Brien Sherburn, Lee Richmond Choubane, Eileen Ruth Clancy, Kendra Victoria Lowe, Sarah Shepard Lopez, Elsa Natalia Camuamba, Chelsey Brianne Dator, Zekeria Nicole Martin, Mary Elizabeth Virnelli, Hannah Jeanne Stampleman, and Yana Vicki Ostrovsky. Standing Left - Right: Nathan Devost Semiao, Kyle Roger Hedman, Samuel Joseph Angeloni, Matthew Douglas Fitts, Benjamin William Meisel, Zachary James Orme, Peter Wesley Elkins, Avran David Forman-Rubinsky, Robert Michael Kempton, Jr., Amarr Lesgar-Ernest Clarke, Alexander Sturtavent Foss, Braden Victor Smith, Andrew Victor Horn Elmaleh, Benjamin Christopher Partlow, Samuel Patrick Griffin, Max Benedict Reim, Andrew Edward McKean, and Aaron Daniel Bowen-Ziecheck.
The Mountaineering Award Austin Walker ‘08
2006 Scholars
The Valpey Prize for History Bupe Mazimba ‘07
Houghton-Duane Scholar Austin Walker '08
Deborah McIlwaine/Brantwood Scholar Christina Blank '08
The Robin MacQuire Pearson ‘92 Award Elsa Natalia Hilario Camuamba ‘06
Paula K. Valar Scholar Jake Dexter '07
Mary Holbrook-Russell Scholar Chelsea Heath '08
The Richard J. Hayes Prize for Mathematics Adam Phillip Chodoff ‘07
Ann Jane Connor Scholar Grace Ochieng '08
Dorothy Ellingwood McLane Scholar Bupe Mazimba '07
The Caroline O. McMillan ‘47 Music Award Peter Wesley Elkins ‘06 The Frederic L. Steele Prize for Science Jung Hyun Daniel Lee ‘07 The Alice C. Humphrey Prize for Spanish Eileen Ruth Clancy ‘06 The Religion and Humanities Prize Samuel Patrick Griffin ‘06 The Ethel W. Devin Prize for English Samuel Patrick Griffin ‘06 The Goodrich Prize for French Maximilian Koeser ‘07 The Departmental Prize in Art Benjamin William Meisel II ‘06 The Jack Cook Sustainability Prize Sarah Blaisdell Morrison ‘06
SMALL SCHOOL . BIG OUTDOORS. page 14
Lewis Feldstein, president of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, gave a wonderfully upbeat and energizing commencement speech to the class of 2006. “Challenge the known and look for the unknown,” he urged. “Don’t make the mistake of staying only with the comfortable. Push for change.” He told the class “You’re going to do well. The question is whether you will also do good. Do both.”
Congratulations, Graduates!
SMALL SCHOOL . BIG OUTDOORS. page 15
Weekend October 2006
Alumnae/i
F r i d a y , O c t o b e r 1 3 th
Registration ~ See who’s coming, sign up for activities, and find out what’s happening in the area. Campus Tours All School Welcome Barbecue
S a t u r d a y , O c t o b e r 1 4 th Breakfast Buffet Alumnae/i Activities - Hiking, Climbing, Paddling, Foliage tours, and more!
Neale Howard (faculty), Helen Rotch (Fergurson), & Carol Russell (Sherer) 1939/40
Jill Henderson ‘56 and Nancy Nicolson ‘57
Campus Tours Fred Steele Science Center Dedication - 5pm Alumnae/i Dinner, Memorial Service and Awards
S u n d a y , O c t o b e r 1 5 th Breakfast Buffet and Farewell
Alumae/i Weekend is during Fall Foliage this year. Don’t forget to make your lodging reservations today!
Patty Whitney ‘66
Promise Partner and Breeda Edwards at Prom in 1999
Sue Oakes ‘58, Georgia Doolittle ‘56, Kristina Engstrom ‘56 and Peggy DuBois ‘56
Freshman Class - 1970
Check out www.whitemountain.org/echoing for updated details about Alumnae/i Weekend Events SMALL SCHOOL . BIG OUTDOORS. page 16
Help us identify your classmates...
1971 - WMS Skiers
1984-85. Mystery Ski Tuner.
1940s Mystery Study Maven.
1940s Going swimming at the pond. Please help us identify these WMS and Saint Mary’s Alumae/i by emailing alumni@whitemountain.org SMALL SCHOOL . BIG OUTDOORS. page 27
On My Coming and Going M
By Alan Popp
Head of School 1999-2006 y story begins and ends in the country.
We were young then, still in our twenties, when Cindy and I moved to the country. The house was an antique cape with a tiny barn attached. It sat on eight acres—some was fenced pasture, the rest woods. The lawn sloped gently to the south,
Children and the country go well together. We mucked stalls and tended the garden. We built a tiny stone fireplace and
minutes in the season’s first game. I watched an incredible transformation take place on the field that day, as the son we
spring, sap buckets hung from them all.
twenty five minute drive into the city when our first son
precious day of all to me is in early spring when there have been just enough warm days that the air suddenly changes and, finally, I can smell the earth, it’s scent no longer trapped by the frost. I love the smell of the earth. I like to work the
signed on, encouraged by the promise of “everybody plays.”
newborn kittens to us.
country do not. Piano and country don’t either. It was a
Although I love the outdoors any time of year, the most
team needed all the boys it could muster. Reluctantly, our son
Everyone did play. Our son played fifty-eight out of sixty
road in front. A rope swing hung from one of them. In the
the screened porch. It was good to be in the country.
and ninth grades. The Sunapee school was small so the soccer
eyes. We sat on the grass and marveled as our cat carried her
Yes, kids and country go together quite well. Soccer and
weather, when the work was done, Cindy and I would sit on
home and moved there as the two boys were entering seventh
boiled sap in the warm sun while we rubbed smoke from our
ending where our garden began. Ancient maples lined the
On the weekends, I would work outdoors all day. In warm
Our Sunapee condo became our salvation. We sold our city
had once known began to return. His head was up and his shoulders square; his eyes were focused. He was not only playing, he was healing. The year was 1989.
joined a youth soccer league. It was still twenty five minutes
Nine years later. By then that son had graduated from college
when our second son began piano lessons; then he took up
and gone on to a career as a civil engineer. Cindy and I were
soccer. The boys were too far apart in age to be on the same
proud of the young man he had become and of what he had
teams. We caved in. We moved to the city.
overcome, thanks to a small school. I was at White Mountain
We adapted well to our city home. We were surrounded by trees and had just enough lawn and shrubbery to tend that I could enjoy weekends outdoors. It wasn’t the country, but for me it was as good as the city gets.
to interview as a consultant, hearing for the first time about a small school with a three-part ecology of self, community and Earth. White Mountain School spoke to my own core values, even before I learned “everybody plays.” I immediately recognized that this place would have been a great place for
It is now seven years later. Over those years I’ve watched many teens find success here. Time and again I’ve witnessed transformations like the one I first saw in our son those many years ago. The school has changed, too. It is a more vibrant place—healthier financially, better facilities, more students and more diversity.
earth with my bare hands. I like to work in the woods,
For a while, things were fine. We found a private elementary
the son who had once again thrived because he found himself
scuffling through the layers of leaves, listening to the quiet.
school with enthusiastic teachers, an environmental ethic and
in a small school. My profound personal connection to White
a great outdoor program. (It would be a long time before we
Mountain’s mission informed and energized my work as a
saw a school like that again.) We purchased a condo in
consultant for nearly two years.
another dream be postponed. So, we purchased a home in the
On the home front, we had sold our condo and built a home
We thought of it as our future retirement home. That
My favorite places are the garden and the woods. I think it’s genetic, because my maternal grandfather was a nurseryman. By
minutes from Mt. Sunapee ski area. Life was good. Then things began to go wrong.
in Sunapee while the boys were in still in high school. Our two and one-half acres provided us with plenty of outdoor chores.
a dream come true. Coming here meant, of course, that country five years ago—a cape on thirty-five wooded acres. changed the week before Thanksgiving, 2005. It was a Saturday. As usual, I had been working in the woods.
the time I was ten I was
We enrolled our first son in a private middle school for
Once our sons were out of college and on to their careers, the
mowing lawns and
seventh grade. He was bright, precocious, quick with math
lawn and the views began to lose their luster. I yearned for a
tending neighbors’ flower
and science, and a voracious reader. That school was perfect
return to the country life we had left more than fifteen years
beds. I needed the
for him. So we thought.
earlier. We began planning for that return.
Our son loved sports and played his heart out, but that wasn’t
Our home was for sale, a prospective buyer was actively
good enough for his new school: It only wanted to win. When
interested and our return to the country seemed imminent.
soccer season came he mostly sat on the bench. Then came
Then Ruth Cook called. “I think you would like doing this,”
lacrosse season—more winning meant more sitting. Our son
she said. “You like having lots of balls in the air.” That was
didn’t understand. He knew it was only seventh grade. He
true.
follow the dream that we had set aside almost seven years ago.
It was even truer that I was immediately moved by the
By the time you read this, Cindy and will have finally
money. I needed more to be outdoors, close to the earth. Even then, I liked the feel of the earth in Last fall at a Morning Reading, Alan led the community in planting nearly 2000 acorns on campus acorns that were harvested from this giant oak at his Gilmanton tree farm. "Think of the power you hold in your hands with each acorn," he stated, in what clearly was designed to be a metaphorical experience, not simply a tree planting.
Sunapee, NH. It had lakefront access and was only ten
The opportunity to help White Mountain School succeed was
my hands. Yes, that old cape in the
became dispirited. He lost his confidence, then his
country was a good place
precociousness, then his self-esteem. My appeals to his coaches
to be. We expanded the
and the headmaster fell on deaf ears. The call to win seemed
garden. We pruned the
to be the only voice they heard.
apple trees. I savored the first peach our young tree produced. Then we had children.
opportunity to do more than I could ever do as a consultant to help White Mountain School succeed. It was an
It was a perfect fall day—warmer than usual for November. I stopped to rest on the stump of an oak, taking in the smells and sounds of the woods, the sun warming me, and a gentle breeze brushing my face. Suddenly, an incredible peacefulness washed over me. No, it washed through me. The message was clear: The time had come to leave the school I love and move to the country, to
returned to life in the country. Almost any day I’m not at my office, you’ll find me in the woods, listening to the quiet, or in
opportunity to help preserve White Mountain for future
the garden, the earth in my hands.
Eighth grade was worse. Our son’s eyes became downcast and
generations of teens that, like our son years before, loved the
his shoulders drooped. No one at school seemed to care.
outdoors and needed a small school where everybody cares
Alan now resides in Gilmanton, NH, with an intervention and
There were more appeals by me; they fell on more deaf ears.
and everybody plays. So, instead of moving to the country,
Our son had changed so much we could hardly believe it was
Cindy and I were moving to campus.
education consulting office in Boston. His email address is alan@northstaroptions.com.
the same child. SMALL SCHOOL . BIG OUTDOORS. page 28
SMALL SCHOOL . BIG OUTDOORS. page 29
A Journey Through the Spirit of Ireland by Sophia Helene Evans Class of 2006 When I take my photos I try to capture the spirit and the emotions that I experience as I observe a scene. I take into consideration the light and the shadows being cast, the composition, and the beauty of the scene upon which I gaze. I am privilaged to live in an area where you can find breath taking images around each corner, if only one took the time to look close enough. I was introduced to photography during my first photo course at the White Mountain School in 2004. We began our class with pinhole photography and then moved quickly to 35mm. During this first semster I found a passion for capturing images and seeing a different perspective on everyday scenes. In April of 2005, during my second semester of photography, I traveled to Kenmare, Ireland. I shot dozens of rolls of film. There was so much spirit to be found and so many landscapes that I had never seen before. When I returned, I spent hours in the darkroom developing the film. Seeing the images appear before my eyes, as I developed the rolls and enlarged the photos, is one of the best feelings about photography. You are able to jump back into that moment, revisit the experience, and feela the emotion. I felt as though I had never left when I saw my photos come to life. Even today, when I look back on my final prints, I am able to put myself back in the moment and experience once more, my journey through the spirit of Ireland.
2005 - 2006 Winners
Dark Blue! Congratulations to the Dark Blue Team for winning this year’s competition.
Sophia Evans displayed her photography as part of her Independent Study during the second half of her senior year at White Mountain School. SMALL SCHOOL . BIG OUTDOORS. page 30
Load up your fondest memories and get going to White Mountain School, October 13th -15th! Alumnae/i Weekend is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with the past, rekindle friendships, and explore the White Mountain School of today. Be there for the dedication of the Fred Steele Science Center, our first new building on our campus in twenty years, and help us honor one of our own as we dedicate a science room to Lee Zanger, the head of
Weekend the Science Department.
Alumnae/i
October
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