The Compass
A Magazine for the Windward School Community Spring 2010
The Compass THE COMPASS Spring 2010 Head of School John J. Russell, Ed.D. Director of Institutional Advancement Barbara Drayer Editor Cecilia Donohoe Director of Communications Editorial Staff Christie Borden Director of Alumni Relations and Special Events Meighan Corbett Director of the Annual Fund Evelyn Poy Database Manager Georgette Calamari Executive Assistant Contributing Writers Javier Piggee Coordinator of Diversity/ Assistant Director of Outplacement Marilyn Hunt Director of Athletics, Physical Education and Health Photography Erik Bennett Scott Machover Al Pereira Design Frank Palazzolo Design for Business Printing Panoramic Group The Compass is produced by the Office of Institutional Advancement and is distributed free of charge to the Windward community. Send name and address changes to: Institutional Advancement Office Windward School 13 Windward Avenue White Plains, NY 10605 e-mail: advancement@windwardny.org Note: At Windward, a student’s class year is the same as his or her high school graduation year.
Calendar Highlights Tuesday, June 1, 2010 1st and 2nd Grade Concert 9:00 am 13 Windward Avenue Thursday, June 3, 2010 3rd Grade Concert 9:00 am 13 Windward Avenue Friday, June 4, 2010 4th Grade Concert 9:00 am 13 Windward Avenue Friday, June 4, 2010 Alumni Day (all Alumni) 2:00 pm Red Oak Lane campus Wednesday, June 9, 2010 WPA Closing Luncheon 11:30 am Shenorock Shore Club Friday, June 11, 2010 Lower and Middle School Field Day Wednesday, June 16, 2010 4th Grade Moving Up 9:00 am 13 Windward Avenue Wednesday, June 16, 2010 8th and 9th Grade Graduation and Recognition of Departing 5th, 6th, and 7th Graders 7:30 pm Red Oak Lane campus
A Magazine for the Windward School Community Spring 2010
Features 2
Letter from the Head of School
3
Letter from the Board President
4 A Woman in Motion: Marilyn Hunt, Director of Athletics, Physical Education and Health 6 4
Lisa Gold ’03: A Mission to Teach
8 Patrick Ewing, Jr., ’02: Beyond Hoop Dreams 10 Windward’s Program: Shaping the Future by Broadening the Lens Campus News
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12
NYSAIS 10-Year Evaluation
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Illustrator Susan Roth Visits the Lower School
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Cheryl Harness Spends the Day at the Middle School
13 Middle Schoolers Reimagine Prohibition in “Hershey Street Blues”
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Grandparents’ and Special Persons’ Day
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Go Vikings! Athletics Review
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Platinum Circle Benefit Alumni
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Alumni Attend Platinum Circle Benefit
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Alumni Cocktail Party
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Alumni Basketball Day
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Alumni Notes
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From the Archives
The Compass Spring 2010
From the Head of School
Dear Friends, On April 24 over 500 members of the Windward School community gathered at Cipriani in Manhattan to celebrate the 27 members of a very exclusive club, the Platinum Circle. In order to be inducted into this distinguished group, you must have dedicated at least20 years of service to Windward School. Amazingly, members of the Platinum Circle collectively have dedicated 685 years of their professional lives to Windward. They have helped countless students who struggled in other settings to meet with success and achieve their full potential. They have made an extraordinary difference in the lives of many. The members of the Platinum Circle embody our mission and epitomize our motto: “Charting the Course for Success.” Every member of the Windward community is indebted to them for their courageous, pioneering work in developing the premier educational program for students with language-based learning disabilities. I know personally how they have guided gently, whispered softly and cheered loudly as Windward continued its quest to provide an outstanding educational program built upon rock-solid research. Windward’s history is a long one. Founded by Isabel Greenbaum Stone in 1926, the school has evolved from a fairly typical day school to a specialized school that is truly unique in its staunch adherence to its research-based curriculum and its multisensory instructional methodology. This evolution could not have occurred without the great intellect and the equally great heart of the Platinum Circle members. With their charm and dignity, they overcame significant challenges facing the School, and if that didn’t work they overwhelmed those challenges with their intellect and fierce defense of the principles of direct, systematic language instruction. The members of the Platinum Circle deserve our profound gratitude for their unwavering dedication to Windward’s mission. We celebrate their remarkable accomplishments and look forward to their continuing contributions to Windward’s legacy. Sincerely,
John J. Russell, Ed.D. Head of School
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From the Board President
Dear Windward Community, As this school year draws to a close, I am proud and pleased at how active and engaged we have all been in furthering the goals of our wonderful School. I have very much enjoyed the opportunities I’ve had to meet and speak with so many of you at different events throughout the school year. Thanks are due to so many people for their work making this year’s Benefit such a wonderful evening. High attendance and spirited bidding spoke volumes about your admiration for the remarkable people who make such a difference in the lives of our children every day. One of the highlights of the evening was the screening of a brief but moving film by Trustee Michael Salzer, featuring testimonials from Windward alumni. In their own words, these former students made it clear that Windward has had a tremendous positive impact on their lives. After the film was shown, I think it’s apt to say that “there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.” I hope more of you will have an opportunity to see this marvelous film. I believe that the Board of Trustees best honors the legacy of the Platinum Circle and of our alumni by finding ways to make Windward’s program available to even more children. Trustees have worked hard this year on the strategic planning necessary to make our program available to the children who need it. I am grateful to all of them for their dedication to our mission. As always, the Windward families who continue to give so generously to our Annual Fund have my deep gratitude. Your donations support the programs that make Windward so effective in helping students, both now and in the future. All our work is made easier by the inspired leadership provided by Dr. Jay Russell. He supports and encourages all of us to do our best, while giving his best every day. Wishing you all a busy and happy summer,
Devon Fredericks President, Board of Trustees
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Faculty Profile
A Woman In Motion: Marilyn Hunt, Director of Athletics, Physical Education and Health
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isitors to Marilyn Hunt’s office will find it tucked away next to the Middle School gymnasium. Even with the door closed, the sounds of children shouting and balls bouncing—the familiar sounds of P.E. class—can be heard. What office space could be more fitting for the Director of Athletics, Physical Education and Health who has been at the core of Windward’s physical education and sports programs since her arrival 27 years ago, in 1983? That year, Ms. Hunt had just graduated from Kings College in Briarcliff Manor, NY with a bachelor’s degree in physical education. A threesport athlete (basketball, field hockey and softball), Ms. Hunt had grown up in an athletic household and was eager to begin her career as a physical education
Ms. Hunt with Christopher Eberhard and fellow P.E. teachers John Vermette, Patricia Farano, and Bruno Volpacchio - Field Day, Spring 2009.
teacher. “I sent out tons of applications and got two interviews!” she recalls. One of those interviews was at Windward, where she was hired as a part-time physical education instructor. It proved to be, as they say, a “win-win” for Ms. Hunt and Windward. 4
The Compass Spring 2010
At that time, Windward had 125 students in kindergarten through twelfth grade, located in the “old” portion of the current Lower School building. “The school had a family-like atmosphere,” Ms. Hunt says. However, the limited facilities—all physical education classes were run out of the multi-purpose room—presented challenges for the P.E. faculty, which was comprised of Ms. Hunt and fellow teacher Larry Crosby. “We had to be very creative,” she says. Due to the wide age range of students, the two P.E. teachers worked to ensure that there were a variety of age-appropriate activities. By her second year with the school, Ms. Hunt was hired full-time. In 1988, Dr. Judith C. Hochman was appointed Head of School. Ms. Hunt says, “Dr. Hochman had a vision for Windward. That’s when the school began to flourish, and I grew along with the school.” In 1993, when the Lower School building was expanded, the physical education department benefited from additional facilities, including a gymnasium and non-regulation playing field. That same year Dr. Hochman asked Ms. Hunt to become Director of Physical Education and Athletics. During this period, Ms. Hunt fostered Windward’s fledgling athletics program by giving students the opportunity to play soccer and softball. Once again, resourcefulness was required. “The program started to grow but we didn’t have enough space, so we rented playing fields from the White Plains Parks and Recreation department,” she says. “In fact, to this day we still use a White Plains field for some soccer practices.” In 2001 the addition of the Red Oak Middle School building, with its full-size gymnasium and regulation playing fields, was, to Ms. Hunt and her staff, “a Godsend!” Ms. Hunt explains that Windward’s
physical education program is integrated with the school philosophy and teaching methods. The physical education teachers use a multisensory approach along with direct instruction, which is consistent with the classroom teaching. “I have the pleasure of working with seven excellent P.E. teachers between both schools. We give the students many opportunities to achieve success, and the parents and administration are very supportive. I’ve had parents say that their child never felt comfortable playing sports until they came here. One of my goals is to keep the kids excited about physical activity and involved so that they continue those good habits at home and when they leave Windward.” Christopher Eberhard, Assistant Head of Middle School, has worked with Ms. Hunt since coming to Windward as a
just-for-fun events, like Field Day and the Pep Rally. “Those are really amazing events, and Marilyn runs them all,” Mr. Eberhard notes. At Windward all students have an opportunity to join a team, which helps them to feel part of the School community. “Kids of all ability levels are on the same team,” Ms. Hunt says. “Everybody gets a chance to play and the kids help each other. Almost all of the coaches are Windward teachers and they do an amazing job working with our student athletes. They all care about the students and make sure they enjoy the season. At many of the schools our teams visit, we hear compliments about our players’ sportsmanship and determination. I’m proud of the way they represent Windward.” When she’s not supervising
The physical education teachers use a multisensory approach along with direct instruction, which is consistent with the classroom teaching. math and science teacher in 1996. “After all these years she’s still passionate about all aspects of her work, especially the students’ safety,” he comments. “The kids love her, but she’s stern when she has to be.” Mr. Eberhard regularly coaches teams and reports, “Marilyn is incredibly organized. She sets everything up for the coaches so that we don’t waste time finding facilities and supplies; this lets us focus on the kids.” He goes on, “She is effective because she cares about both kids and athletics and understands the relationship between the two.” These days, thanks to Ms. Hunt’s leadership, Windward’s athletics program is thriving. In addition to traditional physical education sports, students also participate in activities like power walking, yoga, Dance Dance Revolution and badminton, as well as using fitness equipment. Students at the Middle School can participate in a wide range of interscholastic sports like cross country, lacrosse, basketball, softball and soccer through the Fairchester League, as well as intramural sports. Instructional sports like fencing and tennis are also offered. At the Lower School, students may participate in an after school sports program that ties in with physical education classes. Onethird of Windward students participate in sports each season. There are also
the myriad athletics activities at Windward, Ms. Hunt enjoys biking, golf, snowboarding and softball. She has taken bicycle tours of Ireland, England and Italy—and has even bumped into Windward students while on her travels. “I was on a ferry to the Aran Islands off the coast of Ireland and a boy came up to me and said, ‘Hi Ms. Hunt!’” she recalls. Encounters like that make her smile because, in the end, she says, “It’s all about the kids.” n
Ms. Hunt encourages Middle School students to raise the roof at the 2009 pep rally.
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Alumni Profile
Lisa Gold ’03:
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ometimes Mom and Dad really do know best. It was 1999, and Lisa Gold’s parents had informed her that she wouldn’t be starting ninth grade at her local high school on Long Island, but instead would be attending a school for children with learning disabilities. She wasn’t happy. “All my friends were going to high school together; I didn’t want to go to Windward,” she admits. “But I had been diagnosed with dyslexia and was spending hours studying with tutors every day in order to keep up my grades.” Lisa’s dyslexia diagnosis spurred her parents to
Today, the girl who was reading on the fourth grade level when she entered Windward now teaches third through sixth grade children with autism... while pursuing a doctorate of philosophy from Columbia University. seek out an educational consultant, who recommended Windward. Despite Lisa’s reservations, her parents were convinced it was the place for her. Today, the girl who was reading on the fourth grade level when she entered Windward now teaches third through sixth grade children with autism at Hillcrest, a BOCES school located in Rockland, NY, while pursuing a doctorate 6
The Compass Spring 2010
Lisa and Mr. Imbrogno at the Windward Platinum Circle Benefit on April 24
of philosophy from Columbia University. Her teaching vocation, Lisa says, is due in large part to her experiences at Windward. On her first day at the school, “I was so nervous. But there were several other kids who were also entering high school, which made it easier,” Lisa recalls. “It was a huge change to come from a public school where I was in class with 30 students.” As she settled in to her new school, Lisa realized that she didn’t need tutors anymore. Mrs. Gleit and Mrs. Abrahamson were especially helpful in teaching her study skills and decoding strategies, she says. “When we received our first interim grades, I saw that I had done well. I knew then that I could get A’s if I worked really hard. From that point on I pushed myself and even took Regents exams that weren’t required for admission to college.” After graduating from Windward in 2003, Lisa attended Hobart and William Smith Colleges, where she continued to aim high, majoring in psychology with a minor in education. She spent several semesters as a classroom assistant, plus a semester as a student teacher. She
A Mission to Teach
also studied abroad in New Zealand, where she spent a semester as a student teacher. “Despite the shared language, the education system is very different there,” she comments. “Children start school on their sixth birthday. I learned a lot about New Zealand’s history by teaching social studies!” After college Lisa went on to earn a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis from Teachers College, which she completed in 2009. These days, in addition to teaching at Hillcrest, she is working on her doctorate. “I really want to look at children’s social behaviors, so I may focus my dissertation on verbal behavior in a generalized setting. The nice part of my job is that I can conduct research while I’m working. Through data, we can draw conclusions about why students are or aren’t learning.” Though deeply interested in research, working directly with children remains Lisa’s first passion. She explains, “I assess each student’s academic and self-manage-
ment skills, then write the student’s individualized instructional program.” She lights up when she talks about her students and relates, “I have one student who didn’t speak at all at the beginning of the year but he talks all the time now!” Lisa says that without Windward, “I wouldn’t have chosen the career I did. My parents still talk about how much Windward helped me.” In fact, Lisa returned to Windward in June 2007 to speak at graduation, and also worked as an assistant teacher at Windward’s summer school in July and August of 2007. “Lisa was terrific,” says Assistant Head of Middle School Christopher Eberhard. “We would have loved it if she could stay on at Windward but she had prior commitments.” “I love my work; the kids are great,” Lisa says. “It’s so amazing to see their progress—most of them have come so far.” That sounds like something one of her Windward teachers might say about Lisa herself. n The Compass Spring 2010 7
Alumni Profile
Patrick Ewing, Jr.,
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New York Knicks vs New Jersey Nets on October 24, 2008. Patrick slams home a second dunk in the fourth quarter. (Photo by Howard Earl Simmons/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images)
Patrick on his graduation from Windward, June 1999.
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n a Friday night in October 2008, the crowd in Madison Square Garden was chanting the name of a Windward alumnus as he took the court for the New York Knicks. The name “Pat-rick Ew-ing! Pat-rick Ewing!” had rung throughout the Garden many times before, but this time the crowd was cheering for Patrick Ewing, Jr., Windward Class of ’02. The New York Times reported, “Ewing played only 25 minutes in the preseason, but he finished with a flourish—two dunks, a 3-pointer and a blocked shot in the final quarter of Friday’s 111-110 loss to the Nets. Ewing’s late burst helped the Knicks nearly overcome a double-digit deficit, and inspired fans to revive a chant that had not been heard for years.” It was a golden moment in the basketball career of a young man who plays his own game. Sportswriters have praised him as “a superior athlete and a good opencourt player with sharp instincts,” but despite his famous name, basketball was not Patrick’s main focus when he was growing up—education was. “My dad never pressured me to play basketball; both my mother and father stressed education over sports,” he says. However, good grades didn’t come easily to Patrick, and in seventh grade he enrolled at Windward. “That year was the first time I did well in school,” he recalled on a recent visit to Windward. “I liked the teachers; they helped me focus more and gain structure. I’d never seen an outline before I came here. My parents had high expectations—I only played basketball at Windward when I made the honor roll.” Patrick left Windward at the end of ninth grade and went on to attend high school in Georgia and Washington, D.C. It wasn’t until his sophomore year in high school that he began playing serious basketball. “I had always wanted to play but had only participated in youth and recreational leagues until that point,”
’02—Beyond Hoop Dreams he says. His talent was noticed, and Ewing was recruited to Indiana University, where he played for two years before transferring to his father’s alma mater, Georgetown. In a 2007 interview with the Times, Ewing said he was hesitant to switch to Georgetown at first because of his father’s legacy. “I didn’t want to put that on myself,” he said. But the Hoyas head coach John Thompson III, whose father had coached Ewing’s, told him, “You’re your own person and your own player.” Ewing went on to make his own mark at Georgetown. His senior year, he become the recipient of the inaugural Big East Sixth Man of the Year Award. He averaged 6.1 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game and set a career-high with 16 points, along with a career-high of seven free throws vs. Seton Hall. “Coach Thompson taught me to think the game through. I studied game tapes and learned the game better,” he says. At Georgetown Ewing was successful not only on the court, but also in the classroom. He majored in English—and continued to use the outlines he learned at Windward. He says, “One of my favorite classes was medieval British literature. Before I came to Windward no one would have thought that one day I would graduate from Georgetown.” Following his preseason outing with the Knicks, in December 2008 Ewing was sent to the NBA official farm system, the D-League, where he played for the Reno Bighorns. In thirty games with the Bighorns, Ewing averaged 16.8 points, 8.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. Then in March 2009 he suffered an MCL (medial collateral ligament) sprain that required knee surgery and temporarily suspended his basketball career. A year later, with rehab behind him, Patrick is back on the court, practicing every day. He doesn’t dwell on the negative; instead, he’s looking to the future and weighing
At Georgetown Ewing was successful not only on the court, but also in the classroom. He majored in English— and continued to use the outlines he learned at Windward. his options for a return to basketball. Possibilities include playing for the Jamaican National Team (Ewing, Sr. was born in Kingston, Jamaica), the NBA Summer League, or the Orlando Pro Summer League. Whatever comes next for Patrick, Windward will be watching—and cheering him on. n Patrick, playing for Georgetown, dribbles the ball against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the NCAA Men’s East Regional Semifinal at Continental Airlines Arena on March 23, 2007 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/ Getty Images)
Patrick (height 6´8˝) catches up with Middle School Head Daphne Daddino (just grazing 5´1˝) during a visit to Windward, spring 2010.
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Windward’s Program
Shaping the Future by By Javier Piggee, M.Ed. Coordinator of Diversity
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he ability to embrace our many differences and use them to strengthen the ties that bind us flows from our mission. At Windward, students have the opportunity to experience academic and social success “within an intentionally diverse and inclusive setting.� Within the context of our language-based curriculum, students are encouraged to broaden the lens through which they view the world and develop a heightened sense of social awareness. This growth allows them to meaningfully interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, further supporting
In an effort to further reflect the demographics of our greater locale, we are aggressively working to identify students from underrepresented communities who could benefit from the Windward program. 10
The Compass Spring 2010
their successful transition into the mainstream. The diversity program strives to support this growth in our students and community. Supporting the wealth of diverse content within our curriculum, Diversity Week has been a cornerstone in our efforts to engage students in conversations and activities that discuss diversity related topics. This week-long focus helps students understand that diversity is present through all aspects of society and contributes greatly to the richness of our world. In the middle school, classes examine the diverse aspects of the curriculum through a variety of guided discussions and activities. Lessons encourage students to critically evaluate events and concepts from multiple perspectives in an effort to increase the students social awareness. New this year to the Lower School, Diversity Week provided students the opportunity to increase their comfort level discussing similarities and differences. Featuring a read aloud of the Norah Dooley picture book Everybody Cooks Rice, teachers engaged
Broadening the Lens
Teachers serve students during the “Rice from Around the World” celebration on March 5th. The event was the culminating activity for Lower School Diversity Week, during which each class read Everybody Cooks Rice by Norah Dooley.
students in classroom activities focused on the book’s central theme. Concluding with our “Rice from Around the World” snack, Diversity Week at the Lower School helped students understand that although we may seem different, our many similarities bind us as a community. In the future, events and programs such as these will serve to increase student awareness and sensitivity to the diverse aspects of the world around them. In addition to our curricular initiatives, students in our middle school who have demonstrated a desire to further explore topics related to diversity have participated in our Diversity Club. This extracurricular club helps students become more conscious of our differing backgrounds and various experiences. Through discussions and activities students explore, and expand their knowledge of, the many facets of diversity. Researching and preparing presentations for schoolwide community meetings on topics such as music and art across cultures, participants have had the opportunity
to share their newfound knowledge and understanding within the greater community. As we encourage our students to develop a heightened social awareness and sense of social justice, we, as an institution, continue our work in those areas. In an effort to further reflect the demographics of our greater locale, we are actively working to identify students from underrepresented communities who could benefit from the Windward program. Through partnerships and outreach efforts with a variety of community based organizations, we strive to support their efforts by providing access to such resources as the Windward Teacher Training Institute and the Summer School. At Windward our philosophy is simple: we believe that all children can succeed academically and socially. Continuing to support our students and community by broadening the lens through which we view the world will ensure that we help as many children as possible succeed well into the future. n The Compass Spring 2010 11
Campus News
NYSAIS 10-Year Evaluation Windward is accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools. A key element of the accreditation process is a self-evaluation which takes place over a ten year cycle. Windward is currently in the midst of this self-examination. The self-evaluation process requires careful analysis of all aspects of the school including school culture; community and staff; program; governance; and administration. Faculty, staff, parents and alumni serve on the committees that examine each of these areas. In order to ensure congruence between the goals of the school and its actual practices, parents were asked to complete a survey. All of this input is critical to the self-evaluation process and will be included in the written self-study that the School is preparing. When this has been completed, Windward will be visited by a committee of independent school peers who will, during a four-day stay, review the materials that the School has prepared, including an analysis and summary of the parent responses to the survey. The School looks forward to the completion of this intensive, self-reflective process and is confident that the evaluation will validate our shared belief that Windward is achieving its mission. Equally important, the self-study will provide valuable insights that will provide guidance in establishing future goals for the School.
Illustrator Susan Roth Visits the Lower School On March 18, Lower School students were treated to a visit by children’s book illustrator Susan Roth. Ms. Roth, who uses collage to create her lively and colorful illustrations, told the students about her friend Julia’s visit to the village depicted by Greg Mortensen in his book Three Cups of Tea and how this led to her work on the children’s version of the book, Listen to the Wind. She also demonstrated her collage technique and answered questions from the inquisitive audience members. Students had prepared for her visit by creating their own collages in art class. Many thanks to the WPA for underwriting Mrs. Roth’s visit and for providing each student with a hard cover copy of Listen to the Wind.
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Cheryl Harness Spends the Day at the Middle School On March 24, children’s author and illustrator Cheryl Harness spent the day at the Middle School. During her humorous and instructive presentations to each grade, she discussed her education and career path—including her start as an illustrator in “greeting card land.” She described her lifelong interest in historical books like The Little House on the Prairie series and also described the process of researching, writing and illustrating her many books, which include Young Teddy Roosevelt, Ghosts of the White House, Abe Lincoln Goes to Washington, and They’re Off! The Story of the Pony Express. “I’m not good at drawing cars, but I’m very good at drawing horses!” she told the students. Ms. Harness confided that when she gives her editor the first draft of a book, “I’m hoping she’ll say it’s perfect!” She then explained that she revises her work just as students revise their writing. She advised students to read their written work out loud. “Find active verbs and use adverbs sparingly,” she said. During her presentations, Ms. Harness drew portraits of historical figures like George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Susan B. Anthony. “I always start with the eyes!” she said. Many thanks to the WPA for sponsoring this enjoyable and educational visit.
Middle Schoolers Reimagine Prohibition in Hershey Street Blues Anyone watching the Middle School play would be forgiven for thinking they’d been transported back in time to the Roaring Twenties. Set during a “chocolate prohibition,” the story followed the escapades of a madcap cast of characters who socialize, sing and scheme at Tubby’s chocolate speakeasy. Featuring wisecracking characters with names like Thelma Toblerone and Mayor Hooverdam, a police force to rival the Keystone Cops, and a plethora of romantic entanglements, Hershey Street Blues had all the ingredients necessary for a classic comedy. Audiences—forgive the pun—ate it up! In keeping with tradition, the play was written entirely by Windward students, who also served as the jazz band and crew. The Compass Spring 2010 13
Campus News
Grandparents’ and Special Persons’ Day
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The Compass Spring 2010
...a one-ofa-kind day at the Lower School!
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tudents in the Lower School enjoyed the company of some very special visitors on Thursday, April 29 and Friday, April 30. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, godparents, neighbors and friends were greeted by Dr. Russell, Dr. Solar, and Mrs. Foltman, and learned about Windward’s unique program from Mrs. Sweeney. The children treated their visitors to a musical performance, then escorted them to their classrooms for “quality time!”
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Go Vikings! 16
The Compass Spring 2010
Athletics Review by Marilyn Hunt, Director of Athletics, Physical Education and Health
WINTER SPORTS Review Basketball Basketball season began the second week of November and ended in February. All of the basketball teams worked hard to improve their skills throughout the season. This year Windward was represented in the Fairchester League by five Viking teams. Due to the large number of participants, the eighth and ninth graders were split into two teams. The squads did an excellent job during practices and games. Both the eighth/ninth grade team, coached by Mr. Eberhard and Ms. Hunt, and the eighth grade team, coached by Mr. Piggee and Mr. Dalessandro, had many exciting games and played well throughout the entire season. The season ended with the traditional game against the Windward teachers. Coached by Mr. Manganiello and Mr. Volpacchio, the seventh grade boys’ basketball team took on many tough teams in the Fairchester League and improved tremendously throughout the season. Many of the games were very close, and the boys always showed their spirit by playing hard to the end. There were 16 enthusiastic participants on the sixth grade boys’ team, coached by Ms. Farano and Mr. Schreiber. It was rewarding to see how much the team had improved over the season. Ms. Zambrano and Mr. Zolotas coached the seventh/eighth grade girls’ basketball team this season and were extremely proud of their squad’s efforts. All 17 girls contributed throughout the season and were part of the awesome season record of 7-1.
7th/8th grade girls’ softball team
Cheerleading The Cheerleaders did a phenomenal job this year supporting our teams. Ms. Greto and Ms. Marino worked with this enthusiastic group of 14 girls on routines and a halftime dance. The cheerleaders were a great help in leading our teams to victory. Intramural/Instructional sports Intramural basketball, which consisted of 32 fifth/sixth grade boys and girls, finished with an exciting playoff tournament. All the players showed improvement throughout the season and, most importantly, had fun. Students also participated in instructional tennis at the Hardscrabble Tennis courts through February. They received excellent instruction from the tennis professional at the club and enjoyed playing against each other each week.
Winter Sports Awards The winter Sports Awards night was held on Wednesday, February 24 in the Red Oak Gymnasium. The players were honored with participation awards and listened to encouraging words from their coaches. The following students received special awards: 8th/9th Grade Boys’ Basketball Most Valuable Player PATRICK BATHON DAVON JOHNSON Most Improved Player JAKE PIEKARSKI 8th Grade Boys’ Basketball Most Valuable Player ASHY SAFDEYE Coaches’ Award SAMUEL COUSIN Most Improved Player AXEL GETZ 7th Grade Boys’ Basketball Most Valuable Player DANIEL NEESON Most Improved Player DANIEL DiFONZO Best Defensive Player JACK MATHER 6th Grade Boys’ Basketball Most Valuable Player ZACH LEV Sportsmanship Award MATTHEW NIXON Coaches’ Award EVAN LAZARUS Girls’ Basketball Viking Award OLIVIA GREEN Captains’ Award COURTNEY RYAN Coaches’ Award LAUREN BRITT Cheerleading Viking Award Coaches’ Award Spirit Award
MANSELL AMBROSE JANINE ROBERTS SKYLAR HANDLER
SPRING SPORTS REVIEW Windward Athletics began the spring season the first week of March. The teams competed against very strong opponents in the Fairchester League. Lacrosse Division A, coached by Mr. Manganiello and Mr. Allison, started the season with a tough game against Brunswick School. The Vikings have worked hard as a team and all 20 student athletes are contributing to the team effort. The lacrosse Division B squad, coached by Ms. Farano and Mr. Schreiber, won their first game of the season against King with a score of 5-3. The team has a combination of experienced and non-experienced players who are working together to improve their game. In cross country, 26 runners traveled with Coaches Volpacchio and Zambrano to a meet in New Canaan, CT, where they ran against seven teams in the Fairchester division. The runners have been practicing hard and have enjoyed the meets. Seventh/eighth grade girls’ softball, coached by Ms. Hunt and Mr. Eberhard, started the season against Greenwich Academy. The team has many new players and the coaches have already witnessed improvement in the team’s skills. The fifth/ sixth grade girls’ softball team, now in their second year of play, opened against Resurrection School. They are coached by Mr. Eberhard and Mr. Zolotas. In other sports news, intramural fencing, coached by former Olympian Achiko Lortkipanidze, is in full swing. The 26 fencers have been learning this exciting sport and competing against each other on Wednesdays and Fridays. The fencers hope to show their skill at an upcoming community meeting.
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Windward School
2010 Benefit
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ver 500 Windward parents, alumni, faculty, administrators and friends were in attendance at Windward School’s biennial Benefit on Saturday, April 24 at Cipriani 42nd Street. The Benefit was held in honor of Windward’s Platinum Circle--27 dedicated individuals who have worked at the school 20 years or more. In keeping with the school logo, several large glittering stars were suspended overhead in the entranceway, while two magnificent Giving Trees lit with stars flanked the stage. During the cocktail hour, guests made donations in support of seven school categories: Arts; Athletics; Endowment; Lower School; Middle School; Windward Teacher Training Institute; and Technology. Each donor received a star pin and donors of $1,000 or more hung a star on one of the Giving Trees. During dinner, Head of School Dr. John J. Russell and Board President Devon S. Fredericks praised the Platinum Circle members for their unstinting advocacy for Windward’s students. All Platinum Circle members were invited to the stage while a slide show depicting them in action at the school over the years played on a screen overhead. Representing the Platinum Circle, former Head of School Dr. Judith C. Hochman then spoke, describing her affection the school and for her colleagues, as well as her confidence in Windward’s current leadership under Dr. Russell. A short film featuring moving testimonials from Windward alumni was presented prior to a live auction conducted by Sotheby’s auctioneer and former Windward parent David Norman. Auction prizes included a golf foursome and lunch with Oscar winner Michael Douglas; a week-long stay at the Ritz-Carlton Club in Jupiter, FL; reservations for the famed Harlem restaurant Rao’s; an evening of food and cocktails with the Barefoot Contessa; and a Fashion Week extravaganza, to name a few. Bidding was lively all evening, most especially over a bass guitar autographed by Sting, who generously donated a second guitar on the spot to give the most eager bidders another opportunity to win the coveted item. The evening was an unqualified success and raised over $335,000 in support of Windward!
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Honoring Windward School’s
Platinum Circle Platinum Circle Members
Kathleen Abrahamson Sam Baldelli Adele Barracca Janine Bartnett Ronnie Berish Phyllis Bertin Alice Cohen Larry Crosby Sylvia Epstein Beth Foltman Elaine Gaines Marjorie Gleit Judith Hochman Marilyn Hunt
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Phil Imbrogno Ellie Klem Barbara Landau Carol Leahy Joan Metsch Lisa Michell Sheila Okin Judith Sosland Margaret Stanback Maureen Sweeney Marilyn Tralongo John Vermette Betsy Weiner
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Dr. John J. Russell, Head of School, with Benefit Co-Chairs Corina Balbontin, Holly Heston Rochell and Ellen Shapiro
Windward School
2010 Benefit
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Windward Board President Devon Fredericks with her husband, Eli Zabar
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Windward School
2010 Benefit
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Alumni Events
Alumni Attend Platinum Circle Benefit
Alumni Parent Martin Cashin, Amanda and Mac Cashin ’96
Christina ’04 and Mary Gullo
Davin ’93 and Sheri Ann Pokoik
Ramona Mark ’05 and Sam Murkofsky ’05
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Lenny ’87 and Margaret Harrington
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Marilyn Hunt and Alexander Horn ’04
Marty and Holly Aron ’99 Okner
Ted Moy ’87 and Davin Pokoik ’93 Lisa Gold ’03 and Ali Blaser ’03
Alumni Cocktail Party On Thursday, March 4 Windward trustee and alumni parent Leslyn Rigoni hosted an alumni gathering at her home in New York City. Alumni aged 21 and over enjoyed catching up with favorite teachers and sharing their professional experiences.
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Elan Estein’91 and Moran Ovadia
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Alumni Events
Alumni Basketball Day Many alumni returned to Windward for Alumni Basketball Day at the Red Oak Campus on January 19. After refreshments with faculty, the former students then gathered in the gym to support Windward’s basketball team in a game against Harvey School. Final score 35-49 Windward.
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Alumni Notes Note: At Windward, a student’s class year is the same as his or her high school graduation year.
Windward is attempting to go paperless for all invitations. To add your name to Windward’s invitation list, please send your e-mail address to Christie Borden at cborden@windwardny.org.
1988 Andrea Dinerstein-Koenig ’88 Andrea is married with one son who turned four in January. The couple is expecting their second child. 1992 Richard Gordon ’92 Richard is married with two children. 2000 Rachel Fehr ’00 Rachel earned a bachelor’s degree from Clark University and earned a master’s degree from Sarah Lawrence last May. 2001 Stephanie Emr ’01 Stephanie is currently an educator and curriculum developer at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. 2002 David Honick ’02 David is working in Milan, Italy for E-Capital Partners, a boutique investment banking firm. He analyzes companies’ corporate governance and social responsibility. 2004 Brett Buchferer ’04 Brett graduated from the University of Arizona in Tucson in December with a major in economics and a minor in business. He passed two insurance certifications and is now working for Charles Schwab and studying to pass the Series 7 examination. 28
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Julian Garrett-Cooper ’04 Julian is a second year graduate student at C.W. Post, Long Island University. Alexander Horn ’04 Alex graduated from Hartwick College in May 2008 with a major in English and minor in art history. He is currently an associate at CPEX Real Estate, an investment advisory/commercial brokerage firm in Brooklyn. Benjamin Yudkovitz ’04 Ben is graduating this year from Marymount Manhattan in Communication Arts after completing a two-year program at SUNY Onondaga in hospitality and food services. He has held an internship at the restaurant Chanterelle for two summers and school holidays. He also interned as an event planner and at a music management company. While he loves the restaurant business and hopes to eventually open his own restaurant, he is also very interested in the media law part of music management, such as contract negotiation. Lori Zimmerman ’04 Lori is graduating this year from Mitchell College in New London, CT, where she is the president of the early childhood club which, last year hosted a Cat in the Hat reading event for the community that attracted 1000 people. She has been accepted for graduate school at Lesley University in Boston beginning next summer.
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2005 Jarrett Bauer ’05 Jarrett graduated from Villanova University with a major in finance in 2009. He now works at McBee Associates, a healthcare consulting firm. Ramona Mark ’05 Ramona is moving to Los Angeles, CA after Memorial Day. She does not have a job yet but is going on an adventure. 2006 James D’Amato ’06 James is in his senior year at Allegheny College in Meadville, PA. He is studying political science with aspirations to be a stand up comedian. He studied at Second City in Chicago this summer. He has started a parkour and improv troupe at school. Alexander Dettmer ’06 Alexander is now in the fourth year of a co-op program at Drexel University where he is a member of TKE fraternity. Alexander is a marketing and entrepreneurship major. Samantha Kapelman ’06 Samantha is currently a senior at Union College. Edward Robinson ’06 Edward graduated from The George Washington University this May with a master’s degree in computer engineering. He has secured a job at Lockheed Martin after working there for the past two summers. 2007 Rachel Ballen ’07 Rachel is a junior at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH. She is doing her clinicals at Rainbow Babies and Childrens Hospital, part of University Hospitals. She continues her work each summer in Rwanda at an orphanage. Next fall Rachel will spend the semester at the University of Hong Kong.
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George Bouton III ’07 George attends Bentley University in Waltham, MA, where he plays on the lacrosse team. Last fall he studied abroad in Barcelona. Will Cohn ’07 Will is currently a junior at Tufts University in Medford, MA. 2008 Patrick Houst ’08 Patrick remains good friends with Brooke Stager ’08. He is also in contact with Amanda Rubiano ’08. Patrick is currently at SUNY Maritime College in the Bronx. Last summer he visited the Azores, Gibraltar, Spain, Belfast, Ireland and Iceland. He enjoyed his travels! Scott Oltman ’08 Scott is now a sophomore at Mount St. Mary’s University in Maryland. He is studying business and plays rugby. Sophie Stokes ’08 Sophie is attending Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL. Adam Weiner ’08 Adam is currently a sophomore at Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA. 2009 Zachary Baskin ’09 Zachary is presently a freshman at Berklee College of Music. Matthew Dolan ’09 Matt was valedictorian of the Hackley School Class of 2009. He received the Stanley Pennock Stay in touch with Windward! Visit us Prize in science and online at the Class of 1921 www.windwardny.org Scholastic Trophy and become a fan on at graduation. Facebook. At Hackley, he led the Princeton and Harvard Model Congress delegations, participated in debate, was on two varsity sports teams, and played in the band. He is now a freshman at Princeton University. Alice Friedman ’09 Alice is a freshman in the honors program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
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Brian Schwartz ’09 Brian is currently a freshman at Dickinson College. Michael Stewart ’09 Michael entered Brown University in the fall of 2009. Catherine Stokes ’09 Catherine is completing her freshman year at Bennington College in Vermont. Brooks Walker ’09 Brooks was accepted early decision to Yale University. 2010 Madeline Bohrer ’10 Madeline was accepted to the Art School at Boston University, early decision for fall 2010. She is interested in a studio art major, and has been studying painting, drawing, and glass blowing. She took AP Studio Art and regular physics and chemistry while at Scarsdale. Elliot Greenham ’10 Elliot will graduate from The Harvey School this year where he took AP courses in English, biology, chemistry and calculus. At Harvey, he was consistently on the Headmaster’s List and received the school’s coveted Science Award. Elliot will attend Hamilton College this fall. Sophie Salzman ’10 Sophie will be attending Colgate University in the fall. Jennifer Sonenberg ’10 Jenny is a senior at Elisabeth Irwin/Little Red School House in Manhattan. She enjoys photography and art. Christopher Waye ’10 Christopher was accepted early action to Curry College in Boston, MA. 2011 Julia Harris ’11 Julia is a junior at School of the Holy Child in Rye, NY. She was co-captain of the JV soccer team with two other Windward alumnae this fall, is on the step team and plays softball in the spring. Last year, Julia won two academic 30
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commendations including superior achievement in chemistry and improvement in world history II. Julia has been a teacher’s aide for three years at St. Patrick’s Religious Education classes, working with two developmentally disabled children. She created a video to use as a fundraising tool to raise money for the National Walk for Epilepsy in 2009 and, together with her family, raised $7,000 for the event. Hannah Laytner ’11 Hannah is in 11th grade at the Abraham Joshua Heschel School. Lindsey Squillante ’11 Lindsay is on the Honor Roll at the Ursuline School in New Rochelle. Amanda Tarangioli ’11 Amanda is currently a junior at Bronxville High School. Alexander Wolfert ’11 Alexander is attending Thornton Donovan and is continuing his Tae Kwon Do studies. He also passed his driver’s test. Steven Wolfert ’11 Steven is attending Iona Prep where he is active in theater and forensics. He recently passed his driver’s test. 2012 Carter Anatole ’12 Carter is a sophomore at The King School in Stamford, CT. He played on the JV basketball team and was voted MVP for King varsity tennis last spring. He also received FAA honorable mention, All League and high honor roll. Jeffrey Fitzsimmons ’12 Jeffrey played junior varsity soccer at Salisbury. Austin Kallman ’12 Austin is a 10th grader at Greenwich High School, where he is taking honors engineering, honors English, and honors history. Andrew Mollerus ’12 Andrew has had a marvelous experience and is making top grades in many honors classes at Rye Country Day School. He was a member of the fencing and the sailing teams, and he also sails competitively year round. Visit Windward on Facebook and become a fan!
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Zachary Raden ’12 Zachary has completed his first very successful trimester at The Marvelwood School, in Kent, CT. Zachary has applied the strategies learned during his three years at Windward, much to his success, at the new school. In the fall he ran cross country and was the most improved player. This winter he played basketball. 2013 Nicholas Campisano ’13 Nick Campisano is completing his freshman year as a boarding student at Trinity Pawling School in Pawling, NY. Nick played soccer in the fall term and snowboarded in the winter term. Anthony Faustini ’13 Anthony is currently a freshman at Rye Country Day School. Bernard Mojuye ’13 Bernard is a freshman at Cushing Academy. During the fall, he played wide receiver on the junior varsity football team. This winter he made the varsity basketball team. Austin Ohayon ’13 Austin is currently attending the Storm King School in Cornwall, NY. He is enjoying the academic success that he is experiencing at the school as well as the athletic, artistic and social activities the school has to offer. He especially loves working in the theatre. Ariel Schanzer ’13 Ari is currently in 9th grade at New Rochelle High School. He also played on the Freshman basketball team, the New Rochelle Huguenots. Alyssa Spencer ’13 Alyssa is doing very well as a freshman at Oakwood Friends School in Poughkeepsie, NY, where she is a boarding student. Alyssa played on Oakwood’s junior varsity volleyball team, and played two parts in the fall drama production of Bertolt Brecht’s “The Good Person of Szechwan.” For the second trimester, Alyssa was in the cast of Oakwood’s production of “Nine.” She is also singing in the school’s chorus.
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Anthony Williams ’13 Anthony is completing 9th grade at Harrison High School. He enjoys working on the tech crew and running the sound board at school. 2014 Luke Tercek ’14 Luke is now in the 8th grade at Maret School in Washington, DC. He enjoys sports, especially tennis, where he is a high-ranked USTA player. 2015 Caroline Squillante ’15 Caroline is on the honor roll at Ursuline School in New Rochelle, NY. 2016 Jonah Dubin ’16 Jonah is doing wonderfully as a 6th grader at Ridgefield Academy. Naomi Lofchie ’16 Naomi is in the 6th grade at Village Community School and dances many hours per week as part of the pre-professional program at Steps on Broadway in New York City. Landon Miller ’16 Landon is a 6th grader at Hommocks School and is very happy. 2017 Colton Saunders ’17 Colton is in the 5th grade at The King School; he has made lots of friends, and loves all sports especially lacrosse. He has read Hatchet by Gary Paulson, the Rangers Apprentice series by John Flanagan, and the Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz. Colton created a PowerPoint presentation about an explorer which his teacher named the best in the class. He taught himself PowerPoint, creating the slides, editing his own work, doing his research and creating art and using photos to illustrate his report. He will be attending summer sleep away camp and doing a writer’s workshop at King.
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From The Archives
Who? When? Where? We’d love to know more about this photo. If you recognize yourself in this photo or can identify a classmate, let us know! Call or e-mail Christie Borden at (914) 949-6968, ext. 2270 or cborden@windwardny.org.
Davin Pokoik ’93 spotted some familiar faces in the archival photo featured in the last issue of The Compass. “I recognize myself and a few other members of the Class of ’93,” he wrote in an e-mail to the Alumni Office, and identified the students in the photo as: Top row: James Deckinger, Ian Lichtenstein, Christopher Higgins, Peter Novell and Casey Masbach. Bottom row: John Nardo, Jonathan Hochberg and Davin Pokoik. Thanks Davin!
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Philanthropy at Windward
Estate Planning?
Consider the 1926 Society Planned giving is a terrific way to acknowledge the contribution that Windward School has made to the life of your child or grandchild. Planned gifts include bequests, gifts of life insurance, gifts of real estate and other deferred giving arrangements. The 1926 Society, created by the Windward’s Board of Trustees, recognizes those members of our community who have created a legacy for Windward’s future. If you would like more information on planned giving options, please call Meighan Corbett, Director of the Annual Fund and Planned Giving Officer at 914949-6968, ext. 2207, or e-mail her at mcorbett@windwardny.org.
It’s not too late to give to this year’s Annual Fund. Your gift supports faculty salaries, financial aid, academic programs and library resources. This year’s effort closes on June 30th; your participation is so important to our faculty, staff and students. You can send a check by mail, give appreciated stock or go online to www.windwardny.org today to make a gift using MasterCard, Visa or American Express. You will be glad you did!
Windward School 5 Windward Avenue White Plains, NY 10605
Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID White Plains, NY Permit No. 16
Address Service Requested
Save the Date
for Windward’s Inaugural Golf Outing Monday, September 27, 2010 The Stanwich Club Greenwich, CT
Golf Committee Co-Chair Mitchell Dorf Co-Chair Mitchell Katz
Leslie Breck Thomas Flanagan Jeffrey Goldenberg Tim Jones Thomas Kuhn
Scott Lazarus Lewis Leone Stephen Limpe Stephen Nicholas Ronald Ongaro
Jimmy Roberts Tapley Sheresky Andrea Stewart Lou Switzer