The Gryphon: The Cambridge School of Weston Magazine, Spring 2007 Issue by The Cambridge School of Weston (CSW)

THE CAMBRIDGE SCHOOL OF WESTON MAGAZINE

Spring2007

theGryphon

Jane Moulding Head of School Editor Greg Moody Director of Communications Jan Miner Director of Development Contributing Writer Jill Burrows Copy Editor Naomi Mayer Photo Editor Jeff Farbman Designer Kristin Reid

T H E

C A M B R I D G E

S C H O O L

O F

W E S T O N

M A G A Z I N E

The Cambridge School of Weston is a coeducational college preparatory school for grades 9-12 and post graduate. Inquiries for academic year admission should be directed to Trish Saunders, director of admissions, at 781-642-8650.

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The Gryphon magazine welcomes class notes and photographs by alumni, parents and friends. Please e-mail submissions to alum@csw.org or send to:

Features

Alumni Affairs The Cambridge School of Weston Georgian Road Weston, MA 02493 Phone: 781-398-8344

The

Outside the Walls of CSW

Spring 2007

Alorie Parkhill: Changing Lives

Reunion

Alumni: Dancing Four Decades

Website: www.csw.org

Departments Cover by Jeff Farbman

Save the Date:

Garthwaite Center Dedication October 20, 2007

The Head’s Message

News & Notes

Class Notes/In Memoriam

Announcements

You’ve Changed, So Have We!

Above: Julia Cheng ’10 arranges her sheet music during the Jazz Ensemble concert.

Jane Moulding:

Dare To Be Wise In late January, I became a full-time student again, participating in a two-week fellowship at the Klingenstein Center at Columbia University. I was exhilarated by the joy of learning, the unabashed fun, the cracking open of the books, the engagement in spirited debate and those quiet Saturdays in a corner of the library researching and writing. How fortunate I felt to dare, once again, to be a student. I pursued three main areas of study: moral leadership, current issues on education, and enhancing teacher professional development. The area of moral leadership, especially inspired my thinking. In his essay “On Educating Children,” sixteenth-century French essayist, Michel de Montaigne asserts a number of ways to ensure a child will grow up to be well-educated in the broadest sense. “Dare to be wise” Montaigne writes, “sepere aude.” The words “dare” and “wise” took on a new significance during those two weeks. To dare is to be courageous, to try new things, to test and to take that leap forward into the unknown; to be wise is to have more than knowledge or intellectual talents, it is to develop a feeling for the world around, to build judgment, and commit to the ongoing struggle to learn. Isn’t this daring at the core of The Cambridge School of Weston? My time at Teachers’ College led me to consider some other CSW values.

new s & notes

Tuesdays @ CSW CSW launched a new section of the website titled “Tuesdays @ CSW.” This new area bills itself as an insider’s guide to life at the school. Please enjoy the following example, and visit often as it is updated every Tuesday. www.csw.org/news/Tuesdays Welcome on Board

• Optimism: the sense that each student and adult, has the human potential to succeed is a conviction we bring to all our interactions. In reading Montaigne and John Dewey, I understood more about the ways in which optimism and hope can be developed further into an understanding of the systems and principles that might ensure the journey we are all on as learners can be a rigorous, explicit one.

Jane Moulding’s student ID

• Desire to understand and make meaning: self-motivation, and how to access that drive within yourself, or as a teacher how to help students find it, has always been part of my educational philosophy. Montaigne describes the perfect tutor-student relationship, as the flow of ideas moving easily between student and teacher. CSW teachers work tirelessly to consider how best to engage all kinds of students, and they equally care that students understand how to learn. Education is not about learning subjects and cramming knowledge into the students’ minds; it is about human development, deeper understanding and making meaning for one’s moral journey. The consciousness of learning, the intentionality and the awareness are important to the CSW community. • Conflict and Empathy: Dewey lays out the idea of conflict as an integral and vital part of our growth and learning. At CSW, we discuss the conflict between the individual and the community constantly; we want to understand the conflict of wills and desires in this struggle. Dewey asks us to engage deeply, learn from each other, use empathy to understand, and collaboratively, arrive at a deeper meaning that informs our future actions.

Todd Bartel assists Emily Gui ’08

N ew Gallery Manager Na m e d

As a clear illustration of CSW’s progressive core, the school is one of two independent schools in the nation to have students represented on its Board of Trustees with full voting rights. Alana Zola ’09 (speaking) was one of seven students running for this year’s peer-elected representatives — one boarding student and one day student.

The school named art teacher, Todd Bartel, as the Art Gallery Manager. In this new role, Bartel coordinates three exhibits each year in the secure gallery of the new Garthwaite Center and helps plan shows for other display areas around campus. Bartel brings nearly 20 years of curatorial experience to his new role. This spring, he began to curate the first exhibition of contemporary art for the secure gallery. “Sublime Climate,” scheduled to open during the third mod, will explore the subject of global climate change. A committee works with him to organize the exhibit and related events. Bartel continues to teach in the Art Department while handling this additional role with the school.

Integrated Studies Take Flight When the Garthwaite Center for Science and Art opens this fall, the focus will be on the integration of the two disciplines. While integrated study opportunities should increase, Liz Nee, science teacher, and Karl Fisher, art teacher, have taught a class for a couple of years that illustrates the power of learning across the disciplines — “The Study of Flight.” The class offered in Mod 5, explores the science, art, history and literature of flight. Each student produces a final project to study an aspect of flight. These projects range from poetry and photos to models and hot-air balloons. This year, one of the students built a 10foot rocket and mixed his own fuel. When the launch day arrived at the close of the mod, a majority of the student body walked down to the lower fields to witness the event. A couple of days later, images of the launch and examples of the other projects went on display in the End-of-Mod Art Show.

One of the tenants of progressive education is for us to get out and learn from the world around us. I used my time away to learn and re-learn. It strengthened my resolve and focused my thoughts on CSW’s growth. Metaphorically, I joined our students back in the classroom. Interestingly, but not surprisingly, in the span of three months surrounding my fellowship, our teachers led groups of students to travel and learn in the world’s classroom – taking them to Italy, Central America, New Orleans and our nation’s capital. As in my case, their experiences enriched their education, broadened their minds and opened their hearts. The return to daily life at school, after a stimulating learning experience, is anything but mundane. Side-by-side, with our students, we teachers grow. The professional and personal renewal that comes with knowledge leads us to “dare to be wise,” dare to know, know deeply, and dare to know nothing at all.

Jane Moulding, Head of School Adam Sachs ’08 prepares for launch 2

Gryphon Spring 2007

Photo: Patrick Singleton

The Heritage Theatre Company presented “A Raisin in the Sun” during Mod 4. Blen Girum ’09, Meron Hailekiros ’08, Yelena Jeune ’07, Kareema Thomas ’08, Devinny Eke ’07 and Manny Haile ’08 (above) planned, directed and produced the play in the Moir Theatre. The company, conceived by the students, performs one play each year to honor black heritage.

Carra Cheslin ’07, Ben Gold ’09 and Sophie Weisskoff ’10

W einstein Highlighted in New Book A chapter in “A Composer's Insight: Thoughts, Analysis and Commentary on Contemporary Masterpieces for Wind Band” highlights Michael Weinstein, chair Music Department. The third in a five-volume series on major contemporary composers, the book features rare, ‘behind-the-notes’ perspectives acquired from personal interviews with 11 contemporary composers. Weinstein was pleased to be included with the other composers, including John Corigliano “The Red Violin” and Bernard Rands, professor emeritus, Harvard University. “It’s an honor to be represented in such good company,” Weinstein said, “Of course it’s great exposure, too.”

Gryphon Spring 2007

Students participating in the American Math Competition

Mathematics Adds Up to AMC Success

Photo: Patrick Singleton

Nearly 40 people participated in this year’s spring production of the award-winning satire, “Urinetown, the Musical.” Directed by Robin Wood, theatre teacher, the musical pokes fun at government, bureaucracy, corporate mismanagement and musicals. “Urinetown,” written by Greg Kotis and Mark Hollman, tells the story of a city with a water shortage caused by a 20-year drought. This shortage leads to a ban on public toilets, forcing citizens to use amenities owned by a single company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity's most basic needs. Finally, a hero decides to lead a revolution against the tyranny of those who own the toilets.

theatre

U rinetown, the Musical

This year, nearly 40 students at CSW participated in the American Math Competition (AMC) with 38 percent earning national recognition, four students earning individual honors and the school being commended for its overall performance for the fourth straight year; however, Evelina Galper, mathematics teacher, does not encourage participation in AMC for personal or all-school successes. “I want them to see how powerful math is and how well they’ve been prepared to do the problems. It also shows them just how much fun math can be,” said Galper. Jacob Potter ’07 and Logan Weiss ’07 were invited to participate in the second round of the competition, which determines the National Math Team. Rada Rudyak ’09 and Jin Mo Ku ’09 also were recognized individually.

The Science Olympiad team reacts to winning another medal

Students Excel at State Science Oly mpiad

Seven students form the jury of peers

CSW Theatre Department Performs Execution of Justice The Theatre Department presented “Execution of Justice,” a play by Emily Mann, October 26-28. Directed by Robin Wood, theatre chair, the play is a docudrama based on events that took place nearly three decades ago in San Francisco. More than 30 students participated in the production, which explored the widening gap between traditional values and the modern ideals of the day. In 1978, former City Supervisor Dan White entered City Hall through an open basement window and proceeded to assassinate Harvey Milk, the first openly gay politician ever elected to high office, and Mayor George Moscone, a progressive politician who supported gay rights. White was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to seven years in prison. The script is drawn from the real transcripts of the trial and documentary evidence. Mann hoped the audience would assume the role of the impartial jury as they watched the play unfold.

Signs reminded students to use ceramics

Ceramic vs. Paper In an effort to raise awareness around campus and to improve the habits of the community in general, the CSW Environmental Club issued a challenge to the school to reduce the number of paper plates, plastic forks and disposable cups used by nearly 50 percent over Mod 6. Although, the members of the club are only tracking for one mod, they hope students, faculty and staff will develop habits to help preserve the Earth.

Early morning on March 17, despite snow, slush and rain, a team of nine students boarded a bus with Liz Nee, science teacher, and headed off to compete in the 2007 Massachusetts State Science Olympiad at Framingham State College. CSW was one of 37 schools from across Massachusetts to compete in the Level C Science Olympiad. The 21 events in the competition ranged from chemistry and physics, to engineering and robotics – with a little Frisbee and golf thrown in for good measure. Despite fielding a smaller team than most of the other schools at the event, CSW made an excellent showing placing first in Mystery Engineering, second in Circuit Lab and fifth in the Pentathlon. “Considering the time and money other schools invest in this, it was amazing that we won something last year [second place in Write It/Do It],” said Nee. “But to win in three events, that is awesome.” The team included Katherine Siegel ’09, Jacob Potter ’07, Adam Wolfe ’07, Adam Sachs ’09, Jae Il You ’08, Shanshan Wang ’08, Ji Hyun (Amber) Han ’09, Christiana von Hippel ’09 and Jin Mo Ku ’09. Gryphon Spring 2007

“Sound Rhythm” by Jed Rothfeld ’07

Student Movies Screened

Art Teacher Show s Internationally

This year, as in years past, students screened their work at the Cloud Foundations Film Festival. Deanna Saunders ’07, Jed Rothfeld ’07 and Minami Otake ’09 presented their movies in the third annual series held March 31 (repeated May 19). Selected by the Teen Curatorial Program, the short films by teenage directors from across the country include fiction, documentary, experimental and animated works, ranging from autobiographical to comic. The Cloud Foundation’s purpose is to give young people an opportunity to share opinions on art, film, performance and design, and to create exhibitions to express their vision and reshape the way that people experience art. CSW students produced their films in classes taught by Anne Rearick and Alison Safford, both art teachers. To watch a film produced by Saunders, visit www.csw.org/page/news.

This spring, Anne Rearick, art teacher, exhibited her photography in a group show in Luxembourg. The exhibit, “De L’Europe” includes winners of the Mosaique prize, an annual award for photographers with European subjects. Rearick’s photos depict life in rural Scotland, Italy, France and Spain. The exhibition runs until August 23, 2007 at the Centre Nationale de LAudiovisuel in Dudelange, Luxembourg. In recent years, Rearick’s art has been featured in several shows and books. “La Terre” and “Est-que ainsi que les Hommes Vivent?” feature her prints from South Africa, Kazakhstan and France. Additional publications were printed in conjunction with exhibitions in Paris and Holland.

“Skin” by Deanna Saunders ’07

“Motions” by Minami Otake ’09

Two photos taken from Anne Rearick’s recent shows

Scholastic Art Aw ards When the Boston Globe announced the winners of the 2007 Scholastic Art Awards, CSW, once again, had a very strong showing with 14 students earning recognition.Three students, Kanae Hamatsuka ’09, Minami Otake ’09 and Jed Rothfeld ’07, won top individual prizes, the Gold Key. These winners will compete in New York City in May for the national Gold and Silver awards. In addition to the individual awards, seniors across the state were encouraged to submit eight works in the portfolio competition. Out of 603 entries in the state, only 157 were chosen to join the Gold key winners at the national competition. Rebecca Loeb ’06 was one of four portfolio artists in Massachusetts to win the $1,000 Scholarship Art Award. In addition, Holly Rhame ’07 and Joseph Miller-Gamble ’07 each received national Portfolio Silver Awards. Only 143 silver awards were presented nationally.

photography CSW

Award-winning art by (clockwise from right) Rebecca Loeb ’06, Joseph Miller-Gamble ’07 and Holly Rhame ’07

awards

Well Represented at Library Conference

The April conference of the New England Association of Independent School Librarians (NEAISL) took place at Middlesex Academy and featured four CSW presenters in two of its sessions and one student curator. Gayle Pershouse, director of library services, noted that this was the first time in the organization’s history, that students have been invited to participate in a NEAISL conference as bona fide presenters. In a workshop coordinated by Pershouse, Todd Bartel and Alison Safford, both art faculty, led a discussion on “The Library as a Zone for Creative Interaction.” The workshop explored how libraries foster creative inquiry. Bartel and Safford provided specific examples of creative projects initiated by artists and students in a library setting. To illustrate how school libraries can foster creativity in students, Dan Oran ’07 installed an exhibit of his photography at the conference.

A second panel organized by Pershouse, “Hooked on Social Networking” featured Moon Il Jung ’07 and Daniel Tugendhat ’07 with students from Middlesex Academy discussing Internet usage disorders. Dr. Maressa Hecht Orzack, who specializes in the treatment of addictive disorders, led the discussion. All three students presented work resulting from their Capstone Projects.

Gayle Pershouse

Gryphon Spring 2007

Model UN Participation More than Doubles

Diversity Day 2006: The Muslim World

Started last year by Miwa Oseki Robbins ’07, CSW’s Model UN group of four attended the Concord Academy Model United Nations Conference and had great success. In just one calendar year, the group of students participating in the event grew to ten and with the expanded delegation came even more recognition. The students represented several different countries, including Indonesia, Bolivia, Brazil and Columbia, but it was their inclusion on the different committees that exhibited the respect the group garnered. Sponsored by Ben Ibbetson, Spanish teacher, and Sophia Boyer, history teacher, the participants included: Oseki Robbins, Adam Wolfe ’07, Dustin Franco ’09, Anders Rasmussen ’10, Young Jun Yoon ’09, Eli Plenk’08, Eddie Wyrwicz ’08, Harlan Leiberman-Berg ’08 and Joseph Stubbs ’09.

The annual Diversity Day in December was a full-day program celebrating "The Muslim World." Kemal Argon, an Islamic scholar from the Hartford Seminary, delivered a keynote address that initiated a lot of campus discussion. Argon addressed the basic tenets of the Islamic faith, focusing on the Five Pillars of its practice and incorporated a general history of the religion. Interwoven throughout his informative lecture were details of the Sufi mysticism that has intrigued students of Islam for centuries. Following his speech and in keeping with CSW's broad spectrum of academic offerings, students, faculty and staff attended two 75-minute workshops created and taught by members of the community and friends of the school. Some of the 22 different workshops included: “Challenges of Growing Up Muslim in America;” “Borat: Horrendous, Hilarious, or Both?;” “The Somali Migration to Maine: The Real Story;” “Islamic Mysticism;” and “Sufism: Religion of the Heart.” Lending an authentic flavor to the day's activities, Dining Services created a special menu of Middle Eastern food for the community and their guests to enjoy.

CSW’s Model UN delegation at Concord Academy Students perform skits during Law Day

Law Day 2007: Affirmative Action The Monica Cooper Memorial Quilting Project As part of the Monica Cooper Memorial Quilting Project, several students pitched in to make more than 40 warm quilts for distribution to women’s and children’s shelters in the Waltham area – Olivia’s Place, Hestia’s House and Sandra’s Lodge. Kaihla Olivar, French and Spanish teacher, coordinated the annual project through the Community Service Committee. Now in its ninth year, the idea was conceived by Mary Vyn ’99 in “Ethics Meets Activism,” a course taught by Joyce Krensky, community service coordinator. This year Aryn Murphy ’07 was the student organizer and lead quilt maker. The Monica Cooper Memorial Quilting Project is named in memory of the mother of Caroline Cooper ’01 and Robert Cooper ’04. Kaihla Olivar and Amber Han ’09

Shakespeare Ensemble Performs Macbeth This spring, the Shakespeare Ensemble marked its fifth year with a production of “Macbeth.” One of the most celebrated of Shakespeare’s plays, “Macbeth” tells a story of greed, power and corruption. Under the direction of Tom Evans, art teacher, and Brian Hamilton, history teacher, this year’s ensemble included approximately 40 students, who each contributed nearly 100 hours to the production. “Shakespeare is still relevant today, and producing his plays gives students a unique opportunity to empower themselves as both Shakespearean actors and scholars,” wrote Evans. In addition, he acknowledges that much of what makes the ensemble such a compelling and popular activity on campus takes place before the show is performed — the sense of community that develops while engaged in the creative process.

Gryphon Spring 2007

The community gathered for a 30-minute performance of traditional Turkish music

Diversity Assessment Leads to Recommendations

Judith Tauriac

Students tackle Macbeth

shakespeare 8

This spring, Law Day focused on affirmative action. The full-day event, held Thursday, April 12, included keynote remarks from Lisa Daniel-Burgo, chief counsel, for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in Providence, R.I., and Darnell L. Williams, president and CEO of The Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts. To start the day, students presented short, dramatic sketches outlining four, high-profile affirmative action legal cases. Following the skits, Adam Wolfe ’07 presented the history of affirmative action and the initiative’s landmark cases. The school then separated into small groups to discuss the presentations. Before lunch, the community reassembled in the Kluchman Theatre to listen to the keynote addresses. The day concluded with students, faculty and guests acting as admissions counselors for colleges and universities. Using varying admissions criteria, the “counselors” reviewed mock applications with the goal of selecting “students” to be admitted to their fictitious colleges. Law Day was established in 1975 by Shirley and Roger Feldman in memory of their son, Michael Feldman ’67. Each year the event explores various viewpoints on important legal issues of the day, and creates opportunities for student discussion and debate. Students are pivotal in choosing the focus of the day, researching and preparing materials, and educating the CSW community about the chosen issues.

This fall, CSW began the process of its Cultural Diversity Assessment (CDA) under the direction of Eric Polite II, director of diversity at the Gordon School in R.I., and the Diversity Action Group (DAG), led by Judith Tauriac, assistant director of admissions. After developing the assessment tools and protocols, surveys were distributed to the entire CSW community. The committee collected and interpreted data from 283 students, 107 parents, 47 faculty members and 40 staff respondents. Polite and DAG created a list of recommendations for the community to help address diversity at the school in the areas of student, faculty and staff recruitment; the quality of the residential life experience for students; administrative leadership in areas of equity and social justice; curriculum and classroom programs; and student life and leadership development. Gryphon Spring 2007

Outside the Walls

of CSW

According to John Dewey, an education should not be isolated from the “real world” – outside the walls of the school. Instead, it should be closely aligned with the values and skills of the world. This year, students took trips to Quebec, New Orleans, Italy, Costa Rica and Panama, the mid-Atlantic, Scotland, and across Boston and New England. Each of these trips had a variety of goals, sponsors and durations, but they shared a common purpose – experiential learning. Taking the classroom outside of the walls of the school is at the heart of progressive education and is an integral part of a CSW education.

Italy

Observing a different culture firsthand proved to be a powerful experience for Alana Zola ’09, Siasconset, Mass. Zola reveals her wonderment of the cultural landscape that surrounded her for the seven-day trip during spring vacation to several cities in Italy with Sara Honig, chair of the foreign language department, Ben Ibbetson, Spanish teacher, and nearly a dozen other students.

Jesse McGleughlin ’10, Cambridge, Mass., shares her observations of a community trying to rebuild and recover following Hurricane Katrina. McGleughlin and 19 other students volunteered part of their winter vacation for a week-long Habitat for Humanity trip to New Orleans led by Jane Berkowitz, English teacher.

The bi-annual science and language immersion trip to Central America took students to Costa Rica and Panama for Mod 5. Britney Wilson ’08, Hillside, N.J., details her month-long journey to the tropics with approximately 20 other students, two science teachers, Steve Scrimshaw and Karen Bruker; Juan Sanchez, Spanish teacher; and Amber Espar ’97.

Kareema Thomas ’08, Willingboro, N.J., reports on a long weekend traveling the

mid-Atlantic to visit four colleges and universities with the United Students of Color and Brian Walker and Mo Nunez, both English teachers. The group visited four colleges and universities, including two that are historically black, and took time to consider life after CSW.

Gryphon Spring 2007

Photos contributed by Sara Honig

The Italy Trip By Alana Zola ’09 I’ve always been interested in learning Italian. For some time before attending CSW, I had tried to study the language with tutors and independent programs, but it was difficult to fit in around schoolwork and other commitments. While it wasn’t working out in the present, I still had the idea that I would make it to Italy, either in high school, or even spend a semester there in college. When I found out CSW offered a trip to Italy, I knew I had to go. The Italy trip offered by CSW seemed like an amazing chance to do something I’d been thinking about for so long. Preparations for the trip started in September. By the time spring break came around, everyone was excited to finally be going. Unlike the other major trips at CSW (such as the Costa Rica trip or the France trip), the one to Italy is not based around language skills; it attracts a nice variety of students all looking to experience a different culture.

The experience of getting off the plane and seeing signs and advertisements in Italian is something I’ll never forget. At that point I realized I really had made it to Italy and even though I had barely slept on our seven-hour, redeye from Boston, I was wide awake and ready to explore the country. In ten days, our group traveled from Venice to Florence to Rome, making stops at places like Assisi and Verona. Every one of these places had something unique that sticks out in my memory. In Rome, I remember having tiramisu gelato near the Trevi Fountain and seeing the Sistine Chapel. In Verona, my friends and I ate outside at a little restaurant with live musicians and the most delicious pizza I’ve ever tasted. In Venice, I remember the amazing glass-blowing demonstration we saw followed by an attempt to speak to the salesperson in Italian. Each time I found something new in a different place, my frame of reference broadened and opened up to all these new possibilities. While there was no place in Italy I didn’t like, my favorite place, by far, was Florence – it had that perfect combination of old and new. It was a functioning city, yet everything I saw felt Gryphon Spring 2007

New Orleans Photos contributed by Cordelia Welch ’09

so old and carried with it the history, beauty and architecture for which Italy is so well known. No city in America has that same combination. While Boston’s oldest buildings might date back hundreds of years, Italy’s oldest buildings date back thousands. During our stay in Florence, we took a trip to the famous Uffizi Gallery. It was one of those places where you could spend forever walking around and looking at the art. When I first walked into the gallery it was overwhelming. I had no idea where to look first. There were paintings and statues everywhere (not to mention the gorgeous ceilings of the main hallway and the window views of Florence). It was amazing to see these pieces of art that, until then, I’d only seen in books. One of the things I liked best was simply walking around the city of Florence, really experiencing what Italy is like. I can’t adequately describe how beautiful it is. The buildings are all painted in different colors and have shutters and window boxes full of plants. Seeing the place and everyone there made me never want to leave. I loved hearing people speak Italian, smelling food from outdoor restaurants and being able to sit and take all of it in. I think it was one of those experiences you can only have when far away from home, somewhere with a different culture and a different language. This part of my trip could never be overrated, and in fact, I think it will be what will stay with me forever. Traveling to another country with such a different culture changed my outlook and perspective. Now I can’t wait to travel to more countries across the world and see even more cultures and lifestyles that are so different from my own. No matter what, I’ll try to find a way back to Florence and Italy, which shouldn’t be a problem since at the very end of the trip we all threw coins into the Trevi Fountain, ensuring that we’ll return someday.

Gryphon Spring 2007

The New Orleans By Jesse McGleughlin ’10 Preparing to go to New Orleans over winter break with a group of 19 other students to lend a hand in the reconstruction of the city in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, I had many questions: What would the city be like? Could we be helpful? Would people want us there? Could we make a difference in only five days? One morning we walked through east New Orleans before beginning our work with Habitat for Humanity building houses. We saw water lines still on houses, doors completely open, houses slightly slumped over and windows missing. We walked on and no one except for us, other rebuilders and a few cars were there. It was vacant, uninhabitable, lonely and silent. I felt deeply affected seeing this with my own eyes. I had heard about the wreckage, the lack of rebuilding the government did, and yet lately it had been out of the news and there was a certain hope that the silence meant there was no longer need—some progress had been made. The truth, however, is that no one is in these houses, no one can be in these houses. The real silence was in the streets of this neighborhood. I wanted people to be there, but there was no place for them to be. This silence was terrifying to me. Some of us worked on siding a house. The work was hard, and extremely precise. We spent our time measuring where the boards belonged and nailing them in. It was slow work. Nails fell out, went in crooked, and were, sometimes, put in the wrong place. Boards were not always straight. Sometimes they were too close together or sometimes too far apart. We stood on ladders, working together to hold up the boards while others nailed in the sides.

Slowly, I became efficient, and the nails sank in smoothly. Stepping down after working, it was so exciting and fulfilling to see what we had done, to see a wall completed. This was so different than just sending money. This is what it takes to rebuild – the slow, steady attention to detail and the resources for the New Orleans community and our larger community to heal. It was life changing to be part of this. I will always remember talking to the people who live in New Orleans. I wasn’t sure how they would respond to our presence. I did not know if they would be happy we had come or feel as though we were imposing on them with our big group and our own needs. People were so hospitable and thankful, warm and welcoming. In one shop, the clerk expressed how touched she was to see a group of students giving up their breaks to pitch in and help. She thought people had already forgotten. One day we worked at a zoo removing debris. Anthony, a man who worked there, talked to us about how the storm wiped out everything. He had three pieces of property ruined by the storm. He talked about how blessed we were in Boston and that we should be thankful for everything. He was honest in speaking with us, wanting to tell his story. I was struck by Anthony’s deep faith after he had lost so much. He focused on how lucky he was that his tenants were returning – he found the silver lining. During our conversation, he said that New Orleans will never be the same, but remained positive and proud. We spent our nights in the touristy, loud, brightly lit French Quarter. It was such a contrast to the desolate, silent, destroyed neighborhoods we worked in during the day. The food was amazing, and it was so exciting to see the culture. At night, after we had discussions about what we saw that day, we would

play cards or watch TV together while talking and hanging out. Although I don’t think about my experience every day, I know how lucky I am. It raised my awareness about things like this and how quickly we can forget. On the airplane coming home, I was filled with as many questions as when I left. I thought about the houses we had helped to build. The signs of life and hope were a stark contrast to the lack of rebuilding, the lack of action initially taken by the government. Building these houses made me hopeful, but also sad. Even after these houses were built, what would it be like to move in? What would it be like to move into a vacant neighborhood, to look out the window and see no people, no movement and no life? And, yet, someone has to be the first to move in, the first to restart a life so others will move in next to them.

Gryphon Spring 2007

College Trip

Costa Rica Photos contributed by Steve Scrimshaw

The Costa Rica and Panama Trip By Britney Wilson ’08 Steve Scrimshaw, Amber Espar and Juan Sanchez took a group of students to Panama and Costa Rica for the Spanish and Science Immersion Course during Mod 5. I was one of the lucky participants of this remarkable, life-changing experience. We arrived in San Jose, Costa Rica on February 13. All the students were pleased with the refreshing tropical climate. We were all a little nervous, but we knew we were in for a great trip. As we drove to Atenas we peppered Juan with plenty of questions as Atenas is the small town he had grown up in, and it was the town we would call home for the next two weeks. Atenas was a peaceful close-knit town. Most of our home-stay families knew each other, and in some cases, the families were related. The home stay was a great experience. We built close bonds and created friendships, all in Spanish. “It was awkward and uncomfortable and totally new,” said Emily Feigenberg ’07, of Medford, Mass. “I was so scared when I first met my host mother, but I cried when I left. The thought of never seeing her again hurts, because even in a foreign language, her family became something like my own, and I have never experienced that before.” We attended ATESA Spanish Academy from MondaySaturday from 9 a.m.-noon. In the afternoon, we took part in various group activities such as cooking lessons, dance classes and soccer games. At ATESA, we were divided into small groups of two to four students. We received daily homework in addition to our journals we wrote throughout the mod. At the end of the two weeks, the groups performed ten-minute skits in Spanish on a topic of their

Gryphon Spring 2007

choice. Each skit was filled with the uniqueness and quality found in everything a CSW student does. On February 26, we traveled to the island of Bocas del Toro, Panama. We were delighted to arrive at our destination – the Institute for Tropical Ecology and Conservation (ITEC). The location of ITEC gave us access to different forms of nature and it was located on a pleasant beach. We could walk a few yards to the left and find a mangrove forest or walk a few yards to the right and find a primary forest. Peter Lahanas, Ph.D., was our guide. He knew the environment well and was able to answer the majority of our questions. During our two-week stay at ITEC, we went on many excursions and learned a great deal about the wildlife on the island. A few of our many excursions included a trip to a local reef for snorkeling, a walk to Starfish Beach and a stroll through a cave filled with vampire bats. We were expected to keep a science journal about these daily adventures. At the end of the two weeks at ITEC, we had to complete both group field projects and individual projects. We separated into four groups: one group focused on the poison dart frogs. It collected data of the number of frogs found in a confined area in the forest. Another group was the leaf-cutter ant group. This group traveled at night to a local ant mound and observed the work techniques of the ants. The other two groups included one collecting data of the star fish at a neighboring beach and one searching and classifying fish found in local waters. We spent the last few weeks in Panama presenting and sharing our independent projects to the groups. These projects gave us an opportunity to work on a topic or aspect of the trip that interested us. For example, Chesapeake First ’07 studied the indigenous

language of Panama -- she even taught us a few words. Another example was Eli Plank ’08 and Cai Phillips-Jones ’07, who went into town and talked to local realtors about the deforestation of Panama and the effects of tourism on the country. Early on March 9, we left ITEC to begin our next adventure in a cloud forest located in the Chiriqui Province. It took a boat ride to the mainland and then a five-hour bus ride to get there. For our two nights in the cloud forest, we split into two groups. Both cabins had a beautiful view of the cloud forest. We were at an altitude of about 8,000 feet and the climate was much cooler than what we had experienced when we were at the lower altitudes. When I stepped onto the balcony I was welcomed by the softly singing hummingbirds and the soaring green trees and plants – a very tranquil setting. On Sunday, we completed our most challenging task. We hiked from Boquete to Cerra Punta, a hike that took approximately five hours to complete. During this hike we focused on the differences in the forest that came with the change in elevation. When we started the hike we were at an elevation of about 8,000 feet. The higher we went, the more complicated it was to breathe and the cooler the air. As we hiked towards a lower altitude we noticed a change in the plants. There were more defense mechanisms, like thorns and poisonous juices, found in plants at lower elevations. Although we walked downhill for the most part, it took a lot of energy and vigor to complete this hike. After doing this, we felt so relieved and accomplished. For our last night we stayed at a hotel in Cerra Punta. The group spent that evening at a restaurant, sharing our thoughts and laughs over an appetizing dinner. This year’s Spanish and Science Immersion Course was miraculous. It was a great eye-opening experience. We all agreed

we could not have asked for a better trip or a better group of people to share this experience. “It was one of the most frightening, wonderful, educational, and rewarding experiences of my entire life, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat,” said Catrina Pirrotta ’07, of Manchester-by-theSea, Mass.

The College Trip By Kareema Thomas ’08 On the night of February 7, thirteen students from the United Students of Color (USC) along with Moises Nunez and Brian Walker, boarded a 15-passenger CSW van for an informal trip to visit two, historically black colleges and two additional wellknown colleges in D.C. and Virginia. While it took us a long time to raise money for the trip, when we left campus that night knowing we had raised almost $3,000, it gave us a feeling of excitement. We arrived at the Holiday Inn in Md. at 6 a.m. the following day, exhausted but excited to experience something that CSW students had not done since 1997. Howard University was the first college we visited. It was, by far, the most social, active and community-like of the schools visited on the trip. The tour we went on with a student ambassador was unique and authentic, and we were excited to ask questions about the college – what was it like to attend a historically black college, campus living, sororities and fraternities? Howard, for most of us, seemed really vibrant with a lot of positive energy. Hampton University was next. When we finally arrived after three hours of driving to southeast Virginia, we were shocked by the amount of social interaction going on – almost none.

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Photos contributed by Kareema Thomas ’08 and Britney Wilson ’08

Antoine, who was an alumnus and an admissions’ recruiter talked to the group about Hampton, after showing an informal movie that looked as if it were made in 1988. We went on a condensed tour led by Antoine and another alumnus/recruiter, Omar. The campus was beautiful and overlooked the Hampton Roads waterfront. Academic life seemed to be a strict focus, but the social life seemed very limited. Both Georgetown University and George Washington University (GWU) were self-guided tours, and not historically black colleges. GWU, was spread out in Washington. All the facilities looked very upscale and the campus itself reminded me of Harvard Square. Some of the people in the group came with knowledge about GWU already and really enjoyed the school, while others initially did not know about the school and were not interested even after the tour. Georgetown University is surrounded by historical monuments, friendly people, new facilities, beautiful dorms and its own town. Georgetown stood out compared to the other schools. “Oohs” and “ahhs” rumbled from the group as we walked through its campus, observing the existing facilities and those under construction. Though we only had information from Mo and Brian about the school, it was the one we voted overall “best school.” Along with the contrast of schools came the contrast of feelings that served a role in our daily routine. For example, Brian would tell us how proud he was of us one day and the next day he would have to remind us to be more respectful. Not only were we able to tour these historical colleges, but we learned more about ourselves, about college life, about how we feel regarding CSW life and the transitions we will have to make.

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The issue of starting over and going from one place to another was a reality we did not have to face until we actually went to visit these places together, and it became real when we saw these colleges and how different life would be from CSW. Our long bus rides included conversations around these issues, but also they included freestyle contests and giggling to tunes blasted from the iTrip that Mo “magically” found. Hotel life included scary movies where the boys were screaming louder than the girls; swimming in a heated pool; eating subs and French fries one night and 9-inch steaks from Outback Steakhouse on another; having late nights, pillow fights and early mornings; learning; talking; taking tons of pictures; laughing; snoring; and even shedding some tears. In D.C., the group was stuck in traffic for two hours and that feeling of moving forward slowly with setbacks here and there mirrored the journey USC went through to go on this college tour, but Mo’s enthusiasm and Brian’s ability to drive the group everywhere, while having a few stomach “issues,” all made this trip an unforgettable one. Yelena Jeune ’07, president of USC, said after returning back to Boston, “I’m a senior now and serving as president has been an experience I would not have traded for anything. I have never been on a college tour ever, and being able to be a part of a group that made the trip possible, is a great feeling. In times when people doubted us, and even times when we doubted ourselves, we wanted to give up. But with the help of Brain and Mo who continued to push us along and to take our doubts and fears out of our heads, made us get to where we are now. Mission accomplished.”

Alorie Parkhill: Changing Lives In recognition of 44 years of dedicated service and inspired teaching at the school, CSW honored Alorie Parkhill on March 11, at a gala event at the Weston Golf Club. More than 200 people from across the country came to honor her. Guests included family; friends; and former and current colleagues, trustees and students. The evening, which included several touching tributes and amusing anecdotes, closed with the presentation of an elaborate, handcrafted bowl carved from a centuries-old sycamore by one of Parkhill’s former students, John Talbot ’70. “This bowl is a symbol of growth and beauty, a fitting tribute to Alorie. In the tradition of the skilled individual who crafted this bowl, you have helped countless young women and men develop into the shape of themselves,” said Jane Moulding, head of school. “Thank you for all that you have given to our school.” Since arriving at CSW in 1963, Parkhill has served as both an English and a theater teacher, dorm parent, academic dean and assistant head of school. For decades, she managed every aspect of the school’s academic programs. In addition, she has made incalculable contributions to several important arenas, including college counseling, curriculum reform and teacher mentoring. “Alorie has a wonderful sense of deep justice and fair play, which, over the years, she has used to advantage in mentoring other teachers,” said George Cohan, former head of school, who came in from Florida for the evening. “Faculty are the heart

and spirit of CSW, and Alorie has an affinity for successfully cultivating other teachers.” To honor her commitment to the school, the Alorie Parkhill Endowed Fund for Teacher Mentoring and Training was created to help perpetuate CSW’s legacy of outstanding teachers. The fund will provide for faculty salary increases to help attract and retain outstanding teachers. During the event, John Thompson, CSW trustee and chair of the Development Committee, announced the school had raised more than $153,000 toward the new fund. “Honoring Alorie at a time that coincides with the launch of our capital campaign is one way we can celebrate and promote CSW’s history of dynamic learning, its role as a leader of progressive education, and success in changing the lives of its graduates,” said Thompson. Mirroring the individual and community spirit of CSW, attendees showed their appreciation in a variety of ways for all Parkhill contributed to their lives. Among other tributes, Robin Wood, theatre teacher, led the attendees in a performance of a song Alorie wrote for the school’s centennial; Andrew Murdoch ’08 built statues of Odin, the Norse god, and Inanna, the Sumerian goddess, to flank the podium; and Laura Dixon ’07 sang a traditional Irish folk song and a spiritual.

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CSW REUNION

Trumbull Smith greets returning alumni

Jonathan Whitman ’67 and Arthur Berndt ’68

Suzanne Rivera ’87 and David Kluchman ’82 present the Reunion gift to Jane Moulding

Connie White ’54

Morning yoga class with Martha Gray

Matt Spuck leads alumni on a tour of the Garthwaite Center construction site

Arnold Simmel ’43 and Duscha Weisskopf ’42

Polly Howells ’62 greets Nick Kaufman ’62 and Nancy Tarlin Flescher ’62

Seth Jacobs ’82 with Robin Wood

Alumni participate in drawing workshop

David Kluchman ’82 and Anki Wolf ’67 (below) Student discussion panel

Despite overcast skies, light rain and below average temperatures, CSW welcomed more than 210 people for the annual spring Reunion, May 18-19. The weekend began Friday with the first Patience Lauriat Society luncheon and a small dinner gathering at Sue Poverman’s house for her classmates from the class of ’47. On Saturday, alumni, their families and former faculty and trustees took advantage of an array of activities, from a bird walk with Michael Pappone, chair of the board, and a talk about progressive education with Alorie Parkhill to yoga led by Martha Gray and drawing taught by Todd Bartel. That night, the Reunion dinner was held in Cheek Dining Hall. In addition to the camaraderie and stories shared at the tables, Rob Moir ’72, trustee, presented the Distinguished Alumni Honor to Dan Potash ’72 for his innovative work in engineering.

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1942 65th

1947 60th

1982 25th

1977 30th

1957 50th

1972 35th

1987 20th

Dancing 2000s

1990s

1967 40th

For more Reunion images visit: www.csw.org/alumni

Distinguished Alumni Award

(above) Dan Potash ’72

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The Distinguished Alumni Honor is given at Reunion to an individual, or individuals, for their achievement, involvement, loyalty, integrity, support, curiosity and generosity of spirit. Daniel Potash ’72 was this year’s recipient of the honor. For the past 20 years, Potash has introduced power projects and renewable energy sources, while working to build the social and physical infrastructures of countries worldwide. “Dan’s pioneering work, distinguished teaching career, and visionary leadership, have been instrumental in improving the lives of countless individuals on a global scale, and we are very proud to award him the 2007 Distinguished Alumni Honor,” said Rob Moir ’72, who announced the award at Reunion dinner. Potash, who recently returned from Afghanistan, was unable to attend Reunion to receive his award in person. Instead, during CSW’s alumni regional events in California, Jane Moulding, head of school, will personally present him with the award. Potash, who holds a B.S. in industrial engineering and an M.B.A. in finance and marketing, both from Columbia University, lives in San Anselmo, Calif., with his wife Phoebe Low ’73.

Four Decades This spring’s annual dance concert, “Gravity and Grace,” marked Martha Gray’s 39th year teaching dance at CSW. The concert featured students choreographing and performing a variety of modern dances. Gray choreographed a touching piece that featured the dancers’ mothers on stage with their daughters. The students who participated in this year’s show, worked hard for several mods in preparation for the two

Gryphon Spring 2007

evening performances. The Kluchman Theatre was packed both nights – another tribute to the strength of the Dance Department. As Gray enters her 40th year at CSW, thousands of students have attended the school and hundreds of students have taken a class with her. The Gryphon talked to three alumni who pursued careers in dance after CSW: Christopher Huggins ’81, Claire LeMessurier ’72 and Rebecca R. Levy ’97.

REBECCA R

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LEVY

’97

“Now that I’m a high school dance teacher, I realize that Martha Gray’s dance program not only had a major influence on my life, but on my life choices as well.”

Rebecca R. Levy ’97 dances with the Lineage Dance Company, a national touring company based in the Los Angeles area; and with her own contemporary dance company, B.E. Productions, which she co-founded in 2004. She also teaches full-time in local public and charter schools. With so much on her plate, Levy is thoroughly grounded in being both a professional dancer, and a dance teacher. “Dance is a profound art form because it really involves every single cell in your body. To express yourself effectively, you must be 100 percent committed physically, emotionally and spiritually.” Finding that work was more interesting when they danced collaboratively, Levy and her co-artistic partner, Eryn Schon, formed their own company. They collaborate closely with other dancers, musicians, artists, costumers and prop makers – “whoever can help expand the boundaries of the art.” “[One] thing I love about dance is that you never do, or see, the same performance twice. Every time you’re on stage, it’s a different show,” said Levy, whose resume of projects is more diverse than each individual performance. As proof, she can point to her impressive roster of previous dancing credits with Boston Dance Collective, Jazz Spectrum Dance Company (Costa Mesa, Calif.) and Benita Bike's DanceArt Company (Sunland, Calif.); choreography for “Threads, a Collage of Danceworks” (Port Townsend, Wash.); “The Cousins Project” (Boston); and “BEAUTY” (South Pasadena, Calif.). In addition, Levy choreographed the 2001 Music City Bowl halftime; and, in Los Angeles “West Side Story,” “Once Upon a 22

Mattress,” “Hansel and Gretel,” “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “School House Rock,” “The Wiz” and “Dear Edwina.” She began teaching dance as a way to support herself, but the experience has left her committed to being both a full-time dancer and teacher. “Teaching has helped me become a better professional dancer,” she said. Her teaching style has been influenced by Martha Gray, who instilled in her students the notion that being a dancer and a choreographer are synonymous. In class, she tries to replicate Gray’s use of choreography. The students respond and Levy is always impressed with their creativity. “Now that I’m a high school dance teacher, I realize that Martha Gray’s dance program not only had a major influence on my life, but on my life choices as well. I’m very fortunate to have been in such a warm and inviting place,” said Levy, who also credits Rhona Carlton-Foss with teaching the only math class where she ever had success. Following graduation from CSW, Levy earned a B.F.A. from the Cornish College of the Arts, a West Coast conservatory she compares to the Boston Conservatory. “The way that it happened was interesting. I was feeling somewhat disheartened about the whole college thing and I went to the CSW library where I found a brochure on Cornish that just happened to be out on a table. The rest is history.” In the not-so-distant-future, Rebecca hopes to further expand

her opportunities to dance and choreograph professionally. For right now she takes the opportunities as they come. As an artist, she feels it is important to try not to plan the future too much, because different opportunities lead to different experiences and lessons learned. “As a dancer, you sometimes have to just go with it,” said Levy, as she provided the following advice for students interested in working in the world of dance: “It is possible to lead a very fulfilling life as a working artist. Although society likes to tell you that you need a back-up plan, that isn’t necessarily the case.”

Claire LeMessurier ’72 and her team of therapists, use movement therapy to help foster greater emotional, cognitive, social, spiritual and physical health in their patients. Their work emanates from the premise that the mind and body are interconnected in profound ways. One of her favorite therapies is to have patients choreograph a dance that expresses what’s going on in their lives emotionally, and then perform the dance for their peers. “The therapy allows our patients to get in touch with the deep inner parts of themselves, from a physical level,” she said. “We often see healing in a very short period of time.” LeMessurier, who graduated from Antioch University New Gryphon Spring 2007

England with a master’s degree in dance movement therapy and a minor in counseling psychology, is currently in her ninth year of teaching at her alma mater in addition to her full-time job as coordinator of early childhood mental health services. LeMessurier enrolled at CSW as a freshman and developed a broad appreciation for the different course offerings from pondering where the world was headed, both politically and environmentally, in Roland Gibson’s social studies classes to dance with Martha Gray. “There were all kinds of creative modalities through which we were able to fully express ourselves. For me, dance was the most important medium. What was most innovative about the school’s dance program—and still is by most school standards— was the weekly choreography exercises that Martha required of her students in her composition classes,” said LeMessurier, who studied at the London School for Contemporary Dance following CSW and before attending Bennington College. “Today, as a dance movement therapist, choreography is central to what I do.” Some of her most rewarding experiences as a therapist are her movement therapy classes with preschool children who are often initially considered to be at high risk. “Today, I’m working in an area of Vermont where there is lots of poverty and a growing incidence of substance and child abuse. Many of the children and adults I work with have been traumatized.”

The patients connect using a circle configuration and the children use their own dance movements to express how they feel. The group then provides feedback to LeMessurier. “The children have wonderful energy when they are given the opportunity to be creative and expressive. They have such a strong, inner wisdom.” LeMessurier is also having success with adults. Recently, she began working with an adult patient experiencing severe depression. She was forewarned not to expect very much progress, but to her surprise, dancing allowed the patient to quickly open up and the patient left that initial session looking different and feeling empowered. The progress may not always happen so dramatically, but dance therapy does help patients get in better touch with their bodies and feelings. “In creating a dance about their feelings of depression, the patient can experience that state of mind from a very different perspective. As a result, patients often learn to love and care for themselves, and are better able to connect with others in the group,” said LeMessurier. “Dance is a creative force that allows us to tap parts of ourselves that can be difficult to tap any other way.”

CHRISTOPHER HUGGINS

’81

“I was sitting in the Admissions Office considering a possible course schedule, and I remember looking at a dance class in the course book and thinking, ‘I want to do that.’”

Christopher Huggins ’81 could not be busier. With his

“The children have wonderful energy when they are given the opportunity to be creative and expressive. They have such a strong, inner wisdom.”

CLAIRE LEMESSURIER

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’72

combined regimen of dancing, teaching and choreographing, he travels the world year round in an attempt to touch and transform other people’s lives through dance. Huggins just completed—to rave reviews—the choreography for the Gus Giordano Dance Center in Chicago, and is currently working on closing gala numbers for the Virginia School of the Arts in Lynchburg, Va., and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York. He is the choreographer-in-residence at the Duke Ellington High School for the Arts in Washington, D.C., and the Philadanco Dance Company in Philadelphia. “I feel most free to fully express myself and have my body speak for me when performing onstage,” he indicated. With all the hard work and attention to detail professional dance demands, Huggins continually finds evidence that what he does is important and compelling. Not just to prepare and perform, but to teach. “Over the years, students have written letters or told me directly how much I’ve changed their lives. That’s always very moving, because when you’re teaching, you don’t necessarily know the extent to which you are affecting someone’s life,” said Huggins, who enjoys teaching students of all ages. This summer, Huggins will teach a jazz class at the Ailey School while choreographing for Alvin Ailey II, the junior dance company. Although his home base remains in New York, Huggins will teach dance for six different dance companies throughout Europe and in Japan.

Although Huggins has loved to dance as far back as he can remember, the Dorchester, Mass., native, indicates his first opportunity to engage in dance lessons was during his freshman year at CSW. “I was sitting in the Admissions Office considering a possible course schedule, and I remember looking at a dance class in the course book and thinking, ‘I want to do that.’” Martha Gray’s dance class quickly became his favorite of the day. Huggins thought she was both a remarkable teacher, and person. He fondly recalls her sharing information and exposing students to other artists, choreographers and teachers, but it was really her energy, capacity for hard work, and passion for dance that truly inspired him. “[CSW was] a small, very family-oriented community. Our teachers were very committed to their students and their growth, very caring and nurturing,” said Huggins. After graduating from CSW, Huggins initially enrolled at State University of New York at Purchase, but transferred into the dance program at The Julliard School. While still a student, he was asked to join the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Despite the frantic pace, Huggins continues to encourage others as he introduces them to the joys of dance. He cautions, however, not to go into dance unless they have a strong passion for it. “If you do, then there is truly nothing more rewarding.”

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1950s

class notes

Toni Putnam ’53 and Ira Carmen ’53, “are both busy

with our work!”

Unfortunately, Bruce Hutton ’67 will miss Reunion. He is playing with his band at a festival in Chincoteague, Va. John Rosenthal ’69 writes

1960s

We Want to Hear From You! Everyone is invited to submit news to the alumni office. This issue of the Gryphon includes class notes received through March 2007. Please send your news (including photos) before Sept. 1, 2007, to appear in the fall 2007 issue. Notes may also be sent to alum@csw.org.

1940s Margaret (Maggie) Colt Domini ’44 writes, “good

health is a blessing. Three kids and four grandchildren add to it. I travel quite a lot, love St. Augustine and go to New England for the summer.” Brenton Groves ’48 e-mails,

“I have had a busy year trying to sell “aerostats” to the Australian Federal Government for coastal surveillance as a director of a consulting firm, Docklands Science Park Pty Ltd in Melbourne. In 2005, I visited North Korea as a tourist and took lots of photographs. It is not a popular tourist destination as they only let in about 200 tourists during the entire year. It is completely different from anything you read in the newspapers. The North Koreans are proud of their country. Nobody is starving and their educational system for gifted students beats anything in the Western world. The standard of living is rural

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New Jersey in 1943, (where I was living before I entered The Cambridge School) but they don’t know they are oppressed by not having automobiles, computers or the Internet. I have published a booklet of photographs in a PDF file that I can send to anyone who sends me their e-mail address. Send your requests to grovesbr@optusnet.com.au. Cynthia (Cyn) Morton Hollingsworth ’48 tells us,

“I had a lovely phone call from Carrie Lewis ’47—and I have been happily in touch by e-mail with Joan Tutin Weiss ’48—and also, Abby Wise Simons and Don Born ’47 and his wife, Mary. The latter pair is coming in November to Boston where they will spend the winter. I am looking forward to seeing them!

Arthur Krim ’61 visited in Los Angeles with classmate Marc Haefele ’61. They not only “talked tango” but also discussed Arthur’s book on Route 66 for which he received a rave review in the Wall Street Journal. Sabra Lee ’62: “I’m an

educational program evaluator and work at the Program Evaluation and Research Group at Lesley University.” Becky Dennison Sakellariou ’62 The spring 2006 the

Gryphon reported that Becky had published a new book of poetry called, “The Importance of Bone”. The book has since won a prestigious award from The Blue Light Press in San Francisco. Deborah Kay Goldman ’65

enjoys full-time living in Key West. She recently won juried admission to ‘Studios Key West.’ Where she hopes to do some modest earth works and document some.” James Simmons ’65 upon

inquiry from CSW for his help in recruiting candidates for Alumni Director writes, “Its been a long time since I worked for UCONN! Since then, I’ve worked for Clemson University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Loyola Marymount University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. I am currently home in Atlanta and doing volunteer work.”

that, “his oldest son, Andrew, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and is now “off the payroll” Scott is a junior at Cornell University and Ellena is in seventh grade.

1970s Devorah Rosenberg ’71

writes, “Hey, boys and girls— anyone out there still a radical? Fondly remembering the strike of 1970 in my dotage. Greenfield, a bed of aging hippie action and the best contradancing on the East Coast. Light and laughter.” Robin (Keyo) Russell ’71

says “I have one wonderful daughter who will graduate from college this spring and I’m the director of children’s services for Cottage Health System!” Robert (Bob) Vickers ’71

says, “I’m still performing as ‘The Fabulous Bud E. Luv’ and also appearing weekly in San Francisco at Bruno’s in the Mission District under the Bobby Vickers banner and his Lil’ Big Band, a nine-piece band with G horns.” Oliver Griffith ’72 is leaving his position as economic counselor at the US Embassy in Guatemala and is quitting the Foreign Service altogether. I’m moving to Paris on January 2, where I’ll be the Director of the American Chamber of Commerce. As when I was in Paris from 1998-2002, I would welcome visits from old friends at CSW. A month ago Derek Ryan ’72 came to Guatemala

and we went surfing in El Salvador. I also saw Peter Bull ’72, Claire LeMessurier ’72 and Zach Smith ’72, in the summer of 2005. They are all doing well. My permanent e-mail address is: olivergriffith@gmail.com.” Ellen Ecker Ogden ’72: “I am a food and garden writer (www.ellenogden.com), and just published my third cookbook titled “The Vermont Cheese Book,” about my journey to visit 33 Vermont artisan and farmstead cheesemakers. My two children are in college at UVM, which gives me time to travel and teach cooking classes.” Christopher (Chris) Lovell ’73 recently joined PAREXEL

International working with pharmaceutical and biotech firms to deliver late-phase clinical trial services (PACE). “PAREXEL is the parent company of Perceptive Informatics where I spent 3 1/2 years before joining Accenture last year. The late-phase area is a growing part of PAREXEL’s business and an exciting place to work. It is a very good feeling to be back among friends, and to have both the knowledge and opportunity to help.” Jonathan Roberts ’73

suggests we check out the Hubble telescope website, for “fascinating” science/art renderings and photographs “suitable for framing.” Lawrence (Stroker) Rogovin ’73: “Still making an honest

living as a woodworker, playing music with The Boston Folk Band Session Americana and volunteering with the Appalachian Mountain Club and my town, Arlington. Keep in touch all you ’73ers.”

Jana Smith Kaplan ’74 writes: “Frederick Glauner ’77

reached me by telephone after finding his lost address book. It is always wonderful to talk and visit with him and his family. His brother, Schusch (Carl) graduated from CSW in ’74. I stay in touch with the Musinsky’s: Bonnie is still living at the edge of what was (and I hope still is) CSW’s open playing fields; Catherine ’82 is in Cambridge; and Nina ’73 is in NYC. I remain close to Barbara Hildt, who was a dorm parent in Trapelo. You may not know, but I came to CSW on a scholarship as an emancipated minor from the foster care system. I was living alone in a tiny apartment at 16 and working full-time while attending night school for a GED. An older co-worker saw an ad for CSW in the New York Times education section and told me if I made the arrangements for an interview, he would drive me from Gloucester to the appointment. Barbara Hildt, the other counselor at the non-profit I was working for joined our little excursion to Weston. It turned out they were looking for dorm parents in the coed dorm, and when I was accepted and moved into Trapelo dorm, Barbara and David Hildt came along as dorm parents. Their first child, Natalie, was born there. Barbara went on to become a State Representative from Amesbury, Mass. Brendon Griswold was the first person I remember speaking with at CSW and am forever indebted to him for advocating on my behalf from that day forward. I needed a home, a family, and an education, and for the time I spent at CSW, I felt like I was offered all three.”

Naomi Pless ’74 reports,

“After spending 13 years as a practicing family physician, and faculty member at the University of Rochester, I have spent the last four years as an at-home mom with my four-year-old son. My 19-yearold daughter is a college freshman at the Maryland Institute College of Art.” Irene LeMessurier Jenks ’75

has been living high in the beautiful hills of N.H. Monadnock region for 25 years. “My husband, Al and I run Windblown Cross Country Ski Area. We have two sons, ages 16 and 20. Life is extremely good.” David Durlach ’76 is the

founder and director of TechnoFrolics. He spoke at MIT on November 14. TechnoFrolics is a high-tech design studio that develops computer-controlled kinetic artworks, educational exhibits and commercial attractions. Founded in 1988, TechnoFrolics aims to combine technology and emotion, science and art to result in any number of exciting and enriching applications. TechnoFrolics has had exhibits throughout the U.S., Canada and Japan in many contexts including art galleries, trade shows, science museums, interior design shows and

conferences on socially responsible uses of technology. Many works have been presented on “Good Morning America,” National Public Radio and have won numerous awards. Over the years the high-tech design studio has expanded its services to provide a wide range of consulting, lecturing, design, fabrication and documentation services that draw on the diverse talents of its staff, studio facilities and a longestablished network of consultants and contractors. For more info: www.technofrolics.com. Jonathan Edelman ’76

stopped by campus over the holidays to visit and see the “new” Mugar Center for the Performing Arts. He was impressed with the building because it provided wonderful space for theatre, dance and music to not only study their individual disciplines, but perform together as well— very different from his days at the school in the mid-70s. He is transitioning from a long career in California in film, to a Ph.D. program at Stanford University. He was accompanied by his wife and father. Stefany Cooperman Mitlak ’76 reports, “Bruce (Mitlak)

has been with Eli & Lilly, Inc. for 11 years and currently is a

William Rising ’79

Gryphon Spring 2007

Medical Fellow covering Forteo, Evista and other things. I was an attorney with Simon Property Group but, since 2001, I have been an athome mom and weekly volunteer with Second Helpings, which feeds 3,000 homeless persons a day in 20 different locations in Indy. We have two daughters, 14-year-old, Liz, and 11-year-old, Emily.” Priscilla Alpaugh Cotter ’77

was a Fowler Public Library guest speaker in November. The public had the chance to visit with Priscilla and check out her most recent work— the illustrations in “Three Stories by Farmer Ray,” which was featured during the “Authors and Illustrator’s Night.” She was also lauded for her many volunteer activities to help her community. “Three Stories by Farmer Ray” was written by Ray Adamson, manager of Codman Farms, and was co-illustrated by Charolette Trim. Both Cotter and Trim competed to win the right to illustrate the boon in a contest supported by the Lincoln Cultural Council. All proceeds from the sale of the boon will be used to finance Ray and Priscilla’s new company, Big Turkey Press, which will publish new books written by Ray and completely illustrated in color by Priscilla. For more information, visit www.priscillaalpaugh.com. Daniel Mazur ’77: Dan

stopped by CSW in November. He is back in Boston after 20 years in Los Angeles. He has recently shifted his career path from journalism, to cartooning. Dan is looking forward to attending his 30th reunion in May 2007.

Gryphon Spring 2007

Jennifer (Jenny) Rose ’77:

“This past year has been one of extreme highs and lows for me. In January, my second book, “Hometown for an Hour,” was published. In February, my partner Cecile and I were legally married after 14 years of unwedded bliss. In April, Cecile died of kidney cancer, with which she’d been diagnosed in 2002. It has been difficult since Cecile’s death, but I am incredibly fortunate in having much love and support from friends and family, which has confirmed for me the saying that “joy shared is doubled and sorrow shared is halved. (jenr@tiac.net)” Martin Cox ’78 writes, “I took

a job with Microsoft and moved the whole family out to the Pacific Northwest, now living in east side Seattle, Wash.” Alexandra (Allie) Hadden Hanna ’78 sends, “Hi from

me, to all, especially to classes ’76 -’80. Many fond and fun

memories of CSW. Great times in The Barn and Trapelo. All is well in Cleveland. My children, John, 16, and David, 11, are a source of joy.”

10-April 14, 2007. It was his first West Coast exhibition included 18 paintings spanning 15 years of meticulous and creative work. An intense student of human behavior and keen observer of the mysterious beauty of animals, Wade incorporates perceptual responses with personal interpretations to create illuminating and revealing metaphors. Dashka Slater ’81:

“My new picture book, “Firefighters in the Dark,” hits the stores! It’s a dreamy ode to firefighters and the big, brave, spectacular feats they accomplish every day, and every night all the world over. Some reviews, ‘Slater captures a young child’s view of the world,’ says Kirkus Reviews, which also described the book as ‘beautiful, lyrical, and mythic.’ And School Library Journal calls the book ‘a perfect choice for bedtime reading.’ I will be doing readings all over northern California. To learn more about me or my books, visit www.dashkaslater.com. And make sure to ask your local bookseller to stock copies of “Firefighters in the Dark!”

1980s

Ramin Tamaddon ’81: “I

Lelia (Tigger) Elliston ’80

continue to practice entertainment law in Southern California. While I missed our 25th class reunion, I hope to make it to the next reunion with my wife, daughter, Isabelle, 4, and son, Alexander, 2. Recently talked to Pirooz Alasti ’82 who is back in the Boston area, and have been in e-mail contact with Tony McCormick ’81,

has a new job at Mass Audubon. “I am the regional director for Greater Boston and the North Shore. Six months ago, after ten years, I also finished my Ph.D. in conservation biology, more specifically, population genetics and demography of Sabatia kennedyana, an endangered coastal plain pondshore plant.” Wade Schuman ’80 presented an exhibition, “Wade Schuman: Sins and Visions,” from March

Alex Brown ’82, Jim King ’82 and Harper Della-Piana ’81,

among other CSW alumni. Would love to hear from you, raytamaddon@yahoo.com.”

Alexander Brown ’82 shares, “I am a middle-aged dad with two kids (Oliver, 4 and Sasha, 6), a potbelly and small bald spot living in a Chicago suburb with my wife of ten years, Mary Leopold, a psychotherapist. We live in a colonial house with a white picket fence and nice lawn that I mow weekly. I drive a minivan. I have been asked to join both the Rotary Club and Kiwanis. I work as an administrator in the same town where we live. Who is John Galt?” Stefanie Dimeo ’82: I am

living in Cambridge and I am a medical interpreter in Italian and Spanish. I work for CCSorg.com. Henry Harvey ’82: “I have recently graduated with a master’s degree from NYU’s Interactive Telecommunications Program (think half art, half technology). My thesis had to do with combining improvisational theater and interactive video into a new performance medium. I’m currently looking for a position, ideally in producing video for the Web or interactive media. My wife, Madeline, is an elementary school teacher and we have a daughter, Emma, who’s nearly three, very bright and very strong-willed. We live in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, a predominantly Polish section near fashionable Williamsburg. I’m in touch with Ben Rosenberg ’83 who’s pursuing an M.F.A. and continuing his wildly successful art career.”

Gryphon about the successes and fascinating lives of the students whom I remember well from those days. Some of the students about whom we worried the most (you know who you are!) are now leading some of the most interesting and creative lives imaginable.” He lauds, “Writing From Experience” with Holly Hickler and Alorie Parkhill, and a course on the history and literature of the Vietnam War with Steve Cohen, remain experiences that define my idea of how teaching should work. The sensitive blend of self-government and clear values in student life that I had the privilege of participating in at CSW remains a model that I often invoke in conversations about policy with my own Dean of Students. I understand what Seth Jacobs ’82 (now an award-winning history professor at Boston College) said in the spring 2006 Gryphon— ‘CSW was the transforming experience that changed my life’—and many, many CSW alums have said that. What is perhaps less often said is what a transforming effect CSW has had on those of us who taught there and then went on to other educational ventures. My experience there not only shaped me as a teacher, but it also provided me with an

educational model that, of course, cannot be duplicated, but that is having a very specific and strong effect on the programs with which I now work.” Laurie Kriesel-Roth ’82: “I

was married to Christa Kriesel on July 29 of this year. The ceremony took place on the beach near Provincetown in the late afternoon. Both of our families were there and we all missed my mom who died in January of 2004. One of Christa’s nieces was the flower girl and our son was the ring-bearer. We were married by Christa’s father and uncle, both of whom are Lutheran ministers. We spent a blissful week being legally married in the state of Mass., and returned home to Colorado where our legal status to one another does not exist. Be that as it may, life is VERY good!” Serge Marek ’82: “I just wanted to let you know that I will be attending this year’s reunion (class of 1982). My son Cade and I will be traveling from our home in Hawaii to New York on May 10, and will be taking the train to Boston for the alumni weekend (hoping to once again win the coveted furthest traveled award).

Lisa Waxman ’83 “I have finally settled into my new home in Baton Rouge, La. after the tumult that was, (and still truly is) Hurricane Katrina. I miss New Orleans, but am grateful to have been relatively unscathed by the destruction last year. I am currently the clinical director for a large not-for-profit, addiction rehab facility in Baton Rouge. I love my work and am humbled to have a purpose in life. Family life is good as well. I am still married and have four rottweilers to care for everyday. Hope this note finds everyone who reads it, happy and healthy.” Michael (Mike) Clawson ’85

tells us of his research addressing Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), also known as mad cow disease. “I have been working for the USDA, Agricultural Research Service in Clay Center, Nebraska since 2002. An article of mine was published in the ARS publication Agricultural Research (January 2007) and can be downloaded from the USDA, ARS website and reproduced without copyright restriction.” Amos Glick ’85: “Vegas baby!

That’s where I am. I am now a clown in the water spectacle/circus Le Reve at

the Wynn casino. If any old friends are passing through, get in touch and I’ll get you a good deal on the tix!” Scott Haas ’86 and his

daughters, Tessa and Briana, paid a visit to Robin Wood’s home over Thanksgiving. Andras Jones ’86 tells us,

“Yes, you read that right. NPR’s news program “All Things Considered” will be running a feature on my pop divination radio show, “Radio8Ball.” Robert Siegel conducted the interview and it was a lot of fun. I think it will make good radio. “All Things Considered” found out about our little show thanks to Jim’s Big Ego. Jim’s Big Ego is a really smart Boston band who were guests on “Radio8Ball” last year. They loved the idea, decided to create a live stage production based upon it, and invited me to come to New England to be a part of the show. The show is called “The Ego and The Oracle,” www.theegoandtheoracle.com. If you can’t make it to “The Ego and The Oracle” you can always check out “Radio8Ball” every Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. (PST) at www.kaosradio.org, unless you live in Olympia and then you can listen to it on the radio at 89.3 FM.”

Left: Lisa Waxman ’83 Right: Amos Glick ’85

Dave Haney writes, “I was an English teacher and the Dean of Students at CSW in the early 1980s and I am always heartened by reading in the

Gryphon Spring 2007

Jocelyn Kasow ’86 says, “our

first child, Dmitri, was born on 5/20/06. (His birth actually kept me from attending my class’s 20th reunion!)” Tracy Katz ’86: “My daughter, Jordan Elizabeth, was born December 20, 2003. I never imagined being a parent would be as wonderful as it is. She is really a fantastic little person, and I am humbled and honored to be her mommy. I have been working at HSPH for almost five years, and am privileged enough to be able to have lunch with Alex (Tilo) Shimada-Brand ’85 at least once or twice a week. My daughter is equally lucky to have him as her godfather. Can you believe it’s been 20 years since graduation? It hardly seems possible. I would love to hear from any former classmates. Hope all is well with you all.” Niho Kozuru ’86 had a show

at the Arden Gallery that was reviewed in The Boston Globe (9/14/06). There was a big picture in the paper itself but if you didn’t see it you’ll have to settle for the article online, “A Clever Pairing.” Christina (Tina) D’Elia ’87

writes, “it is my divine pleasure and honor to announce that I have recently had the amazing

Left: Hector Hernandez ’92

opportunity of acting in the beautiful and poignant film, “The Pursuit of Happyness,” starring Will Smith, Jaden Christopher Syre Smith, and Thandie Newton. Directed by Gabrielle Muccino and produced by Will Smith. Released in December of 2006 by Columbia Pictures/Relativity Media/Sony Pictures Entertainment. I strongly recommend all of you to invite your friends and families to experience this heartwarming triumph of the spirit in theaters near you. In addition, you will be able to enjoy “The Pursuit of Happyness” in the upcoming months by either renting it or by purchasing the DVD for your own personal collection. Thank you for all the love, respect, and ongoing support. Michael Alper ’88 is an

attorney specializing in civil litigation in Denver, Colo. Michael was recently named a partner in the law firm of Wheeler Trigg Kennedy LLP, a 42-attorney litigation firm based in Denver. Michael’s law practice focuses on the defense of large companies in class actions and other highexposure, consumer-initated litigation. Michael graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of California at Berkeley in 1995, and in 1998

he received his juris doctor (law) degree from Stanford University Law School. After practicing law in San Francisco from 1998 to 2002, Michael and his family moved to Denver, where he joined Wheeler Trigg Kennedy. Michael is married to Rashmi Goel, who is a law professor at the University of Denver. Michael and Rashmi met at Stanford. They have two children, Aaron, 5, and Aviram, 2. Michael’s e-mail address is michaeldalper@yahoo.com. Michael would love to hear from classmates and faculty from CSW. Eric Hanson ’88 shares the

good news with us that his son, Lukas Elijah, was born on October 25, 2006.

dave@davehertz.com and website www.davehertz.com, which I am hoping will serve to promote myself and my music in a highly professional manner to an extremely competitive industry.” Eric W. Mbacke White ’89:

“I am the proud father of two fantastic little boys, mothered by the best bride, Kara Parker. They are Micah Emanuel and Eli William. Other updates since I last checked in: I have graduated from college (at long last), May 2005 from Metropolitan State University, Saint Paul, Minn., with a bachelor of arts in international business. I work as a research analyst for an independent institutional investment consulting firm.

John McLaughlin ’88 came to

the fall ’06 theater production, “Execution of Justice,” on October 27 and spoke with Robin Wood. Dave Hertz ’89 writes,

“Greetings from Clearwater, Florida! This e-mail is to inform you that I’ve once again changed my e-mail/website address and to request that you update your address book accordingly. As a fulltime accountant and part-time freelance drummer, the recent purchase of my domain name with accompanying e-mail

Wendy Rands ’90: “Hi there! Just wanted to check in and say hey. Since 2001, I’ve been living in suburbia (Westwood, Mass.), with my husband, Patrick. We have two girls (Victoria, 5 1/2, and Isabelle, 2 1/2) and two shih tzus, Ozzy and Bridget. The girls keep me busy, but I also work full-time in Waltham, working and helping the sales department. Not much else, really. If anyone would like to e-mail me, I can be reached at wrands@napc.com. I would love to hear what everyone’s been up to!” Zachary (Zach) Buell ’91

a regular performer with Blue Man Group in Chicago, is now touring with Blue Man Productions’ “How to Be A Megastar 2.0.” Zack plays the role of a Blue Man.

1990s Elizabeth (Liz) McMahon ’90:

Dravida (Davi) Bock ’92

“I’m the theater manager at the St. Lawrence Arts & Community Center. Portland, Maine is a beautiful place to live.”

spoke at the annual Parents’ Weekend assembly on October 27, 2006. Davi shared his experiences as a CSW student, alumni and professional. He captivated the crowd with incredible photos taken with electron microscopes. Davi is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in neuroscience at Harvard University.

Nathaniel (Nat) Pihl '90 is

now a lighting designer for Cirque de Soleil in Las Vegas at the Bellagio. He continued his passion for lights that he had at CSW. He and his wife Rachel just had a baby, Kailin Marshall Pihl.

Abigail Fenton ’92: “As a

participant in many wilderness trips with CSW, I am writing to inform you of my upcoming adventures with National Geographic polar explorer, Will Steger. This February, I will join Will and two other team members from the U.S. on a 1400-mile, four-month dogsled expedition across Baffin Island in the Canadian Arctic. The expedition will partner with three Inuit hunters and travel with four dog teams over traditional hunting paths, up frozen rivers, through steep-sided fjords, over glaciers and ice caps, and across the sea ice to reach some of the most remote Inuit villages of the world. We will use cutting edge technology to post video images, sounds and text to www.globalwarming101.com, and communicate with online participants around the world. Students and teachers will integrate the educational curriculum components developed by the team into their coursework, and will participate in the expedition through research and forum discussion. During the week-long visits to each Inuit village, the team will listen to and document the Inuit’s experience with climate change. These collected images, sounds and stories will illustrate the dramatic,

climate-related changes happening in the Arctic: starving polar bears, retreating pack ice, melting glaciers, disrupted hunting and traveling, and the unraveling of a traditional way of life. I have attached a document outlining the education component of the expedition in more detail and hope you will pass it along to any teachers at CSW that might be interested. We are hoping to reach educators around the country from a wide variety of disciplines. All of our resources and curriculum are available for download free of cost. We are currently posting text and images from our training camp in northern Minnesota on the globalwarming101.com website. Though I have been leading extended dog sledding trips for Outward Bound for the past six years, this trip definitely surpasses anything I have done in both challenge and duration. I can’t help but think of my first winter camping trips in the White Mountains of New Hampshire with The Cambridge School. Four days seemed like an eternity! Despite the cold and physical challenge, I remember feeling distinctly alive and present. Those early experiences have stayed with me over the years and played a significant hand in the work I do now. It would be an

honor to inspire students at CSW today through the Baffin Expedition, just as CSW inspired me so many years ago. Thank you for your support and help in spreading the word.” Hector Hernandez ’92: “I

was given a new position as I.T. manager for operations at Edwards Lifesciences in the Dominican Republic, a world leading manufacturer of pressure monitoring, intensive care equipment and heart valves. I now live in Santo Domingo. My e-mail is hlhr@hotmail.com. My wife, Sandra, and I are now expecting our first baby. I cannot wait to teach him Miyama Ryu Ju Jutsu!” Sarah Pihl Segal ’92 e-mails,

“I had my first baby, Isabel Natalie Segal, and have been working as a TV reporter for NBC.” Jennifer Thorne ’92: “I

recently moved back to Massachusetts. After graduating with a master’s degree from Columbia Journalism School in 2004, I headed to northern Wisconsin to start my reporting career. I worked at a local NBC affiliate for a couple of years as a weekend anchor and reporter. After braving the snow, negative degree temperatures and the Green

Left: Sophie Goldsmith ’09 passes out poppers to the parents and guests at the annual Parent Association Auction on April 28. One hundred and seventy-nine people attended the event, which raised $35,000 dollars.

Right: Serena Forrest Meinhold ’93 Right: Michael Pappone P’02, chair of the Board of Trustees, talks with Jonathan Guest ’69 at the Past Trustee Dinner.

Gryphon Spring 2007

Bay Packers, I wanted to head back to the East Coast. I’m now working as an anchor and reporter at a CBS affiliate in Springfield. I’m very excited to be back in the area around family, friends and CSW!”

Libby McLinn Prang ’93 is back in NYC shooting for a music magazine and doing product photography.

headed. We’re both enjoying a more relaxed pace than last year with everything that happened in New Orleans.”

Benjamin Perriello ’94

Will Fertman ’96 e-mails us

sends his new e-mail— bperrie1@jhu.edu.

Serena Forrest-Meinhold ’93:

Jesse Lawton ’95 is currently

“Hey, out there. My husband Curt and I have moved on down to Greensboro, N.C. We’ve been here a year and a half and can’t say that we miss Mass. too much. I mean, when Dick Gordon left Boston he came to Raleigh. So, there you have it. Anyhow, if you want to get in touch or just see what I’ve been ranting about lately, you can head to my blog capella75.blogspot.com.”

living in Eugene, Oregon where he just received a master’s in education. He is hoping to become a secondary language arts teacher.

to let us know that since September, he’s been living in Beijing and spent a month in Red Gate Gallery’s residency program. He stayed on for the year, studying Mandarin and working on his writing career. He would love to hear from other CSW alumni living in Beijing.

Laurel Kirtz ’93 is now the

proud owner of a large house at 92 Moreland Street, located near Dudley Square, and though stressed-out because of it, she is also happy as pie. Outside of that, Laurel produces a monthly event at Jacques Cabaret; there she can be found baton twirling. In the daytime, she has a behindthe-counter job at Lionette’s, an all natural meat market, where she provides South Enders with slabs of happy cow, pork jowl and fancy cheese.

Simha (Simi) Ravven ’95

writes, “I got married to Tim Morris, of Newton, Mass., last September! We were both living in New Orleans at the time and made a spontaneous decision to go ahead and get married while the city was under evacuation orders and we were driving through Mississippi. I am a student at Tulane University School of Medicine, he was studying history, also at Tulane. For this academic year, we have made our way up the Mississippi to Iowa City, Iowa where I am spending the year as a Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellow at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. My work is focused on the epidemiology of aging. Tim is looking towards law school for next year and will know in a few months where he’s

Left: Amy Buglass ’02 Right: Miriam Crowley ’97, Dhira Rauch ’98, David Galli ’98, Dave Spritzler ’97, Alan Rosenblith ’97

Gryphon Spring 2007

Alissa Wilson ’96 says, “I’m

still working on a project on practical idealism for Tufts University. In November, I returned from a pre-election observation mission in Nigeria where officials were trying to re-register 70 million people and I’ll be going back for the elections in March. I’m also dancing and trying to do some choreography for a performance in June.” Andrew (Andy) Duback ’97

stopped by the alumni office on November 6. Andy toured the campus, visited with former faculty and talked about his work as a photographer in Burlington, Vt. He is a staff photographer with the Burlington Free Press.

Nicholas (Nick) Loss-Eaton ’97, son of Robert Loss ’69,

worked for Habitat for Humanity in Alabama after graduating fromVassar. He is currently working at Shore Fire Media, a public relations firm for entertainment in New York. Hannah Clark ’98 is currently

writing for Forbes.com. She can be reached at heclark@gmail.com. Geoffrey Foster ’98 writes

that he was recently featured on KFOG 104.5 FM in San Francisco as an emerging local artist. After co-hosting “The Purple Friday Show,” an “olde tyme” variety show at the legendary Purple Onion in the North Beach district of San Francisco, Kiyoshi is now performing music Wednesday nights at Giordano Bros. where guests performances have included a wide range of musicians including Tea Leaf Green, Justine Bennett, Four Year Bender and the ALO (Animal Liberation Orchestra). Kiyoshi also finds time to keep a daytime labor job which he calls “fantastic” and “super.” Visit www.myspace.com/kiyoshifoster. David (Boutros) Galli ’98:

gave us his blog site: urbanhonking.com/we.

Dhira Rauch ’98 notes, “I

reside in San Francisco and still do odd experimental theater involving art and advocacy. I even have a master’s in its creative inquiry. Many well wishes.” Georgi Vogel Rosen ’98: “I

graduated from Smith College in January 2005, and I am now working at a Democratic political polling firm in Boston. I am planning a trip to the Philippines with my boyfriend this summer. I would love to hear from old friends from CSW.” Darcy Brennan ’99 is studying

printmaking, drawing and painting at the School of The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, where she will receive a post baccalaureate certificate. She frequently sees Marieke Rosenbaum ’99 who is working her veternarian degree from Tufts University. She also is in contact with Brita Olsen ’99 and Elise Metzger ’99. Alyssa (Lys) Galeros ’99:

“I was just getting (sadly) sentimental about CSW after I read Les Mastenbrook had died. As for me, I’m living in the North End with my handsome boyfriend and working as a project manager at a company called the Ariel Group. Ariel specializes in executive leadership training using theater techniques and is somehow both bohemian and corporate at the same time (which I kind of like).” Dylan Parker ’99 writes,

“I think about CSW quite often. I moved to New York in March of last year after accepting a new position within the publishing company I started working for in Philadelphia. In my current

position, I assist the editorsin-chief and guest editors on about 75 scientific journals. Things have been very busy and exciting for me, but I am ultimately looking for something where I can be writing more than I am at the moment. It’s certainly been a very good year though, and it feels great to be able to check one item off the list of dreams. I’m quite happy to finally be in this city that always keeps moving, whether I’m ready or not! I’ve also been taking some writing classes at NYU’s night school. Trying to keep busy as usual. All the very best!” Kathleen (Kate) Schramm ’99

“When I got to Mass Art I realized how lucky we were to have the atmosphere that we did (although Mass Art did not have terrible facilities, I remember CSW’s as being way better)! For about three years I have been working at the Boston Sailing Center as the office manager. I am also back in school at UMass Boston with the intention of getting my Massachusetts teacher’s certificate, and generally having fun and keeping busy.”

2000s Tova Scherr ’00 “Now it’s another year, so I am in another country. I am living in London, doing a master’s degree at King’s College in environment, politics and globalization. I came in September, and it is just a one-year program. Very intense, but it’s interesting. I am still interested in Middle East water, something I got interested in sophomore year at Smith through a class with a Hampshire professor. This summer, I plan to go

back to the region to do research for my dissertation. Spent my last two years working/studying/traveling in Israel, Jordan and Palestine.” Michael Dove ’01 is teaching at a high school in Slovakia. Tobias (Toby) Loss-Eaton ’01, son of Robert S. Loss ’69,

graduated Brandeis University in 2005 and has been admitted to Harvard Law School. He will be starting in September 2007. Scott Fovel ’02 sings and Aaron Fleishman ’03

manages ChillSet, a two-piece acoustic set with a wide variety of songs—everything from George Benson to the Red Hot Chili Peppers. You can log onto www.chillsetmusic.com, to learn more about ChillSet. Amy Buglass ’02: “I’m

graduating from Ithaca College with a B.S. in photo and a minor in anthropology. While that was a great experience, I actually spent most of my four years working at our two radio stations and I’ve accepted a job at a top 40 radio station, WJHT Hot103 in State College, Pennsylvania. I’ll be working as the morning co-host during the week and have a few weekend shifts as well on two stations. I’m very excited, and can’t wait to start my new life!” Jonathan Chase-Deban ’03 is

in his fourth year at Fitchburg State College with a double major, computer science and video. This summer he interned at MTV in New York City.

Scott Fovel ’02. ChillSet recently performed for CSW at the launch of the school’s Changing Lives: The Campaign for CSW held at the DeCordova Museum. “ChillSet just had a very successful show at Harpers Ferry. I am also spearheading a charity concert event to raise money for Crohn’s Disease and we will be headlining the concert.” Allegra (Al) Hanson ’03:

“Landscaping in metro Boston, planning on college in Philadelphia. Checking out the world through a sociological lense. Enjoying a simple life.” Margot Hurley ’03: “I will

never forget the supportive, inclusive and loving community I was so lucky to be welcomed into in Trapelo.” Jake Winer ’03 jokes, “since the last time you saw me I have grown to be over 12 feet tall and my blood now consists entirely of minestrone soup. I am currently on track to finish college and am currently sobbing uncontrollably trying to put together a crew, cast and finance my first feature film (which I wrote and am going to direct and star in) which starts shooting in January. Support independent cinema! Send me money!” Sofia Berinstein ’04 came to campus to donate a piece of art. Her sister, Gabriela ’07 was meeting her for lunch. She is a junior at Cooper Union. She enjoyed checking in with faculty in the art department.

Aaron Fleishman ’03:

graduated from Hartwick College and now manages the band ChillSet, which features

Gryphon Spring 2007

Patience Lauriat Society Luncheon In 1989, Patience Lauriat ’46, made a generous gift to The Cambridge School of Weston, indicating she had also provided for the school in her will. In her honor, the Board of Trustees established the Patience Lauriat Society to recognize other individuals who provide for the school in their estate plans. On May 18, during the first Patience Lauriat Society luncheon, held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Boston, Martha Gray, faculty member and past trustee; Day McDowell, former trustee and parent of Robert ’87; Joanie Rivera, faculty member, trustee and parent of Suzanne ’87, Francesca ’88 and Jorge ’90; John Thompson, trustee and parent of Andrew ’05 and Nina ’07; and Connie White ’54, former trustee, were formally inducted into the society. Anne Lauriat, Patience Lauriat’s niece, in speaking to the assembled guests, said, “Patience was a problemsolver, whose great intellect was fostered at The Cambridge School. She loved the warm fellowship she found at CSW, and treasured every moment of her time at the school. In making her bequest to the school she sought to make the unique educational opportunities she found at the school available for other talented young people.”

Jane Moulding watches as Day McDowell welcomes Martha Gray into

the society.

Krishna Chavda ’04: “I’m

in Florence, Italy, for spring semester 2007 taking art classes and learning Italian at Studio Art Centers International. It’s a great time, meeting fabulous people, and it’s a nice change from college life at Drew.” Lauren Eisenberg ’04: “I am

currently a junior at New York University, studying communications. I have been working for jewelry designer, Rachel Leigh, New York, and interning at Harrison and Shriftman Public Relations. Recently, I also worked at fashion week and controlled the red carpet, celebrities and the press. I hope everything is well at CSW!” Alison Maurer ’04 is spending

this school year abroad in Germany and is studying modern art history. Keeler Ranvig ’04: Harriette Ranvig wrote, “Keeler spent one year in Norway studying at a Norwegian folk high school. Then he moved on to Budapest, Hungary and started at the Fine Arts University of Budapest as a guest student. This summer, after three rigorous entrance exams, out of a pool of 500 applicants, Keeler was one of 32 students accepted into the painting department for a five-year M.F.A. program. I visited him this summer and he seems to manage quite well in Hungarian.” Doribel Tercero-Parker ’04

Charter members of the Patience Lauriat Society join Anne Lauriat. (l-r) Connie White ’54, Day McDowell P’87; Martha Gray, dance teacher; Joanie Rivera, director of international programs; Lauriat; and John Thompson P’05 and P’07.

is working for an NGO in France that works with prostitutes who have HIV/AIDS. She and her sister, Massiel Tercero-Parker ’05

who will be working in Spain next year, are “really taking advantage of the fact that

Gryphon Spring 2007

CSW prepared us to embark on big/complex/rewarding experiences/adventures.” Ayla Barreau ’05 is starring

in the new film The Busker, that opened in December. Busker is a European term for a street musician. Shot in Lowell during the winter of 2002-03, the script was a semifinalist in the Nicholl Fellowship screenwriting competition through the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, the nation’s most prestigious competition for aspiring screenwriters. The Busker is a provocative coming-of-age drama. After the tragic death of his father, Seamus, a young busker, falls for a free-spirited AfricanAmerican girl. Their developing relationship is threatened by the racial tension that surrounds them and an opportunity presented to Seamus by an unlikely stranger. Barreau, who plays Ruby, is furthering her acting career in Hollywood, where she is a student at the Australian Institute of Dramatic Arts. She is a featured cheerleader in the new NBC show “Heroes.” Gurushabd (Grush) Khalsa ’05 is glad to hear CSW is

working to save the trees on the new science building site. “I had a chance to stop by before I left for Stanford and saw the huge hole in the ground that was the bio building. Both Adele and Steve told me that the tree was an American Elm and that is how I learned about it but either way it is still one of the largest and oldest trees in the area. Those are relatively young woods that we cut into and were probably farmland a century or two ago. The elm would also look nice in front of the new building, instead

of a clear cut area and I wholeheartedly support the efforts to save the tree. I can’t wait to see the finished building. I don’t know when it will be done, but I will keep coming back to visit. Stanford is a great place. It is a lot larger than I was used to at CSW, but the change is good for me. There are many things to learn here and it is always fun to talk to people who spent years taking AP classes so they could come here and thinking how great it was that I had the opportunity to take small unique classes in high school without worrying about grades and test scores the whole time. Stanford does have some of CSW’s spirit, if you look in the right places. I live in a vegetarian co-op, themed around social change. We had a mildly successful protest last year when the President tried to come to campus (we blocked him from his destination so he changed plans and went somewhere else). We even had the Dalai Lama visit last year. And, of course, I am still playing Frisbee. I played on the B team last year and am trying out this fall for the A team that has won several national championships and is in the running again this year. My sister, Sarang ’09, keeps me updated on CSW.” She is really enjoying it as well. She has really grown since she has arrived at CSW and I am grateful to CSW for the experience it has given us both.” Suan Ee (Kimberley) Ong ’05

“How is the construction of the new science building coming along? I’ve heard that it’s going to be huge! That must be a really exciting development for the school, I wish I could be there to see

it. I’m midway through my second year at Melbourne University, Australia, and I’m enjoying myself immensely. Academics are tough but I’m working my way through them, and it helps that Melbourne is such a lovely city to reside in. It reminds me a lot of Boston— quite a few red brick buildings and the city area perpetually bustling with students. Please write and let me know how you are all doing! ksuan87@gmail.com”

IN MEMORIAM Roderick MacLeish ’44, the

now a second year student at Grinnell College, where I am majoring in music and, possibly, gender and women’s studies. Despite the heavy workload, I am really enjoying my time at Grinnell. I am currently a leader for the Stonewall Coalition, the queer advocacy group on campus, and a member of an advisory board for Grinnell’s Admissions Department. Next year, I am hoping to go to Stockholm University in Sweden for a semester abroad. I hope that everything is going well at CSW. I definitely miss everyone.”

journalist, filmmaker and author, died at his home in Washington, D.C. on July 3, 2006. As a newspaperman, he covered the world, from the Sinai War between Egypt and Israel, to the wars in the Belgian Congo and Vietnam. He was the news director for WBZ Radio in Boston in the early 1950s before moving to London, where he established a foreign news department for Westinghouse Broadcasting Company. Later, he was a commentator and news analyst for National Public Radio. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, MacLeish traveled the country writing social and political commentaries. An avid supporter of the arts, MacLeish was the broadcast voice for the Philadelphia Orchestra and narrated art gallery exhibits. He also wrote several works of fiction. MacLeish’s documentary on the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, Russia, was nominated for an Emmy Award. MacLeish leaves a son, Roderick, Jr., a daughter, Sumner, and three grandchildren.

Ryan Faer ’06 is currently

Carol Reasoner Steele ’47

tied for top goal scorer on the varsity men’s soccer team at Colby Sawyer College where he started this fall.

passed away.

Jacob Sagrans ’05: “I am

Zachary Miller ’06 posts, “Eric Ginsburg ’06 is currently

the DJ of a radio program at Guilford College, during which he plays the Music of Utterly Fantastic.”

College, graduating in 1936. In 1941, Gregory traveled to Black Mountain College in Ashville, N.C. where she had a fellowship to study with the influential art teacher, Josef Albers. While there, she became an apprentice teacher, subsequently taking charge of the school’s woodworking shop. Later, she was a manager and designer at a shop in Woodstock, Vt., making cabinetry and custom furniture as well as working on construction and remodeling projects. A walnut and pine sideboard she crafted was included in a 2003 exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. In 1953, she returned to Massachusetts to set up businesses in Lexington and Lincoln. In addition to teaching at CSW, Gregory taught grateful students at Belmont Day School, Concord Academy, and Shady Hill School. Molly Koch Nudell ’64 has

died of cancer. She was at CSW for her senior year only, during which time she boarded in Trapelo. After CSW, she went to Reed College. Her husband, David Nudell, and her daughter, Zoe, live in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Our condolences to:

Mary (Molly) Gregory the

acclaimed woodworker—who created everything from furniture and houses to an altar and vestibule at Concord Academy—and architect who taught sculpture, drawing and woodworking at The Cambridge School, died on November 21, 2006. A memorial service in her honor was held at the Friends Meeting House in Cambridge in April of this year. Gregory began teaching at CSW after attending Bennington

David Eyges ’68 whose father, Leonard Eyges, passed away last year. Stephen Harvey ’83 whose father, Byron Harvey, recently

died. Jeff Farbman '93, CSW science teacher and web producer, whose father passed away in December.

Gryphon Spring 2007

announcements

SAVE THE DATE!

Dedication: the Garthwaite Center for Science and Art Join us October 20, 2007 on campus for the official opening celebration of the Garthwaite Center for Science and Art. After a year of construction and several years of planning and preparation, the new building will be ready for its official dedication. The event will feature a keynote address delivered by a leading environmentalist and art displayed will be in the galleries to reflect the interdisciplinary focus of the building.

Check it Out

Visit our website frequently for up-to-date news and event information at CSW.

Where are you @?

Please keep the Alumni Affairs office up-to-date with changes to your contact information. While you are at it, tell us what you are doing these days, and we will print it in the next issue of the Gryphon. Forward updates to alum@csw.org or visit alumni.csw.org.

You’ve Changed, So Have We! Looking back on his four years at CSW, Nick Druar ’05 can point to several seminal experiences he believes have been formative in making him who he is today. During a trip to the West African country of Ghana, his junior year, Nick

Volunteers Needed

Alumni volunteers are needed to help with Reunion planning and fundraising, other alumni-related regional events and local activities. If you are interested in reconnecting with classmates by writing letters or sending emails to gather current contact information, hosting local or regional events, or helping out in various other capacities, please contact Terri Houston at thouston@csw.org.

visited the slave castles on the Cape Coast, the Kakum National Park Rainforest and a Kente weaving village. “The immersion in African history, culture and ecology, made me realize that the world will only be a good place once we learn to accept each other and work out our differences,” said Nick. Nick also loved the marine biology, photography and environmental sculpture classes he took at CSW. “My teachers encouraged me to take an artistic view of things and stimulated my creativity,” said Nick. “But most of all, CSW taught me to be a problem-solver and to advocate for the things I believe in.” At the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where Nick is a sophomore, he is working to earn a bachelor of science in neuroscience. When he first arrived on the UMass campus, Nick felt lost attending a class with 500 students. In an effort to get more involved and find the small community he enjoyed at CSW, he decided to participate in the UMass Talented and Gifted

2006-2007 Board of Trustees

Mentoring Program (TAG), which gives him the opportunity to live, dine and Anna Brody ’07

Polly Howells ’62

Martha Craven Nussbaum P’91

Sally L. Brotman ’63, P’94, P’98

Jane Jampolis ’55

Thomas Riley P’08

Michael Pappone P’02, Chair of the Board

Amy Cody P’04, P’06

Jennifer Jones-Clark P’05

Joanie Rivera P’87, P’88, P’90

John Butman P’02, Vice Chair

Diane Garthwaite P’99

Daas Khalsa ’07

Andrew Ross P’05, P’08

Richard V. Foster P’96, P‘98, Secretary

Dan Ginsburg P’06, P’08

Jean Kilbourne P’05

Betsey St. Onge P’06, P’09

Rob Moir ’72, P’00, Assistant Secretary

Daryl Hellman P’07

Gloria Legvold

John Thompson P’05, P’07

Walter Abrams ’65, Treasurer

Carolyn Hewitt P’99, P’03

Day McDowell P’87

Eric von Hippel ’59, P’09

Anki Wolf ’67, Assistant Treasurer

Sara Honig P’09

Jane Moulding

Gryphon Spring 2007

study in close association with a more intimate number of his fellow students. “CSW had been a small community that allowed us to really come together in important ways,” said Nick. Although he’s a new donor to his alma mater, just enough time has lapsed for Nick to have gained some perspective on the extraordinary value of his CSW experience, and the importance of giving back. “I want to make sure that ten years from now, students will still have an opportunity to benefit from a CSW education.”

The Cambridge School of Weston Georgian Road Weston, Massachusetts 02493

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According to Coach Brian Hamilton,

this year’s Cross Country team enjoyed a successful season, aided by the efforts of members like Alex Leopold ’08.

GRYPHON SPORTS ARE GOOD SPORTS As another indication of the school’s well-rounded students, participation in the athletic program for the fall of 2006 included approximately 40 percent of the student body. The total number of students on fall sports teams increased 18 percent to 130 students. This growth has led to increasingly competitive teams in all sports. Some hightlights from the 2006-2007 fall/winter seasons include: • Boys’ Varsity Soccer placed third in the Mass Bay Independent League (MBIL) with Sam Egilman ’07, Cai Phillips-Jones ’07 and Moon Il Jung ’07 bringing home league honors. • Boys’ Junior Varsity Soccer finished with a record of 10-3-3. • Girls’ Varsity Soccer had three teammates named Independent Girls Conference (IGC) all stars: Katie Gui ’07, Katherine Siegal ’09 and Chloe Renshaw ’09. • One season after winning zero games, the Girls’ Junior Varsity Soccer team went 7-3-3. • Two members of the Girls’ Varsity Basketball were named IGC all stars: Yelena Jeune ’07 and Frances Domond ’07. In addition, Domond was named as a New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Class C/D East All Star. • Boys’ Junior Varsity Basketball finished the season 12-3. • After finishing in second place in the MBIL, the Boys’ Varsity Basketball team was chosen to play in the NEPSAC tournament. For the first time in CSW history, the team won its quarterfinal match. The team was led by several seniors, including Chad Green, Chike Nwankwo and Brad Tramontozzi, who were named league all stars.

Brad Tramontozzi ’07

was named MVP of the MBIL. For his career, he had more than 1,100 points and 600 rebounds – a rare feat in high school athletics and a first at CSW.

The Field Hockey team continued to put a competitive team on the field despite having only two substitute players.