Academy World Spring 2019

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Wilbraham & Monson Academy 423 Main Street Wilbraham, MA 01095-1715 www.wma.us tel: 413.596.6811

The Magazine of Wilbraham & Monson Academy The Global School ®

ACADEMYWORLD

Monson Academy Class of 1969

Wilbraham & Monson Class of 1994

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also in this issue:

June 7–8

www.wma.us/reunion

Faces of WMA In Memoriam: Phil Cardone Athenæum

by brian p. easler Head of School

perspectives

‘Lake Sometimes’: Ever-present pond may never be again

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still remember the day clearly, more than 18 years ago, when my first Vizsla, Dacks, learned how to swim in a pond on campus.

Dacks bounded out of Smith Hall ahead of me for our morning walk and puppy training, and then he froze, with the sun rising over the mountain, at the sight of a massive pond where the softball field was supposed to be.

By the end of that day, Dacks knew how to swim, and about six freshman boys had escaped from study hall in their shorts to take a frigid nighttime dip in the pond before it seeped away.

This has been a long-standing occurrence at WMA, often inspiring students to break out the school’s canoes and great blue herons to land in search of fish. One year, I even used the

Read the Head of School’s page at www.wma.us/hos

pond to teach the students in my Hemingway elective how to roll cast with a fly rod. We have come to accept “Lake Sometimes” as a part of our campus lives, and many of you have fond and fanciful memories of its appearance (sometimes even encouraged by student interference with a mattress or two at the culvert under Broad Walk).

In recent years, the ponding of campus has increased in its magnitude and its frequency, often happening a dozen times in a calendar year and often forming the, once rare, double pond of the softball field and the practice field behind Smith Hall at the same time. We have wondered for decades what caused this annual flooding, and lately we have wondered why it has seemed to have gotten worse.

Most have assumed that the groundwater table was close enough to the surface that it would naturally flood the area once the Rubicon overflowed and the ground was saturated.

That is, until now. Thanks to the engineering plans for the new Athenæum and the necessary test pits and drainage studies, we now know the actual cause.

All of the Academy’s land was once used for farming. Through decades of the tilling, fertilizing, and harvesting and tilling cycle, a dense layer of beautiful agricultural clay loam was developed. Once the land stopped being farmed and that layer of clay loam began being run on daily by thousands of students and driven on by tractors and trucks, it became increasingly compacted. Add to this process the deposit of sediment on the surface layer from the occasional Rubicon floods, filling in the tiny gaps if you will, and what we have ended up with is, essentially, a virtually impermeable pond liner in the center of campus.

When the Rubicon overflows now, often, the water is trapped on top of this compacted clayloam pond liner until it can slowly leak out of the few holes still in it. When it is full of water, tiny bubbles rise from the center of the submerged softball field much like an actual pond liner when it has a hole.

What we now know, thanks to the engineering

test pits, is that below the two feet of compacted clay loam, the center of campus is nothing but loose, coarse and easy-draining sand . . . and that the water table, even in high-water conditions, is 5½ feet below the surface.

Before we knew the cause, we had considered all sorts of possible solutions that would allow us to fulfill the Campus Master Plan and construct new buildings in the center of campus, in the flood zone. We thought about dredging the Rubicon, fortifying its banks, dumping thousands of cubic yards of fill to raise the ground level or repairing and rebuilding the Lower Res dam to control the flow of stormwater. Any of these options would have been environmentally problematic and extremely costly.

Now we know that the only necessary action to facilitate the completion of our campus plans is to, literally and figuratively, punch a few big holes in the pond liner which we intend to do. We will no longer need to consider altering the fragile ecosystem of the Rubicon. Our engineers have designed into the plans for the Athenæum drainage system the necessary additional subsurface groundwater infiltration basins to handle this task both effectively and aesthetically.

Although completing these plans will end the perennial tradition of the campus “Softball Pond,” it will simultaneously signal the beginning of an era of progress toward a WMA campus that we know will serve our community well and long into the future.

GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY FOR NEW ENGLAND CHAMPIONS

The Academy’s first New England Boys’ Basketball championship is commemorated with a banner hanging in Greenhalgh Gymnasium.

Respectfully,

Can it be that 50 years have passed since Wilbraham Academy’s 1968–69 Boys’ Basketball team won its first New England Championship?

Pictured are: (front row) Kevin Rhodes ’71w, Steve Stratos ’69w, Ford Dabney ’69w, Dennis Marshall ’69w, David Castleman ’69w and Roger Wallace ’69w; and (back row) Norman Landerman ’70w, Benjamin Wilson ’69w, Richard Meehan ’69w, Brian Marsden ’69w, Garry St. Jean ’69w, Stephen McDowell ’69w, Neil Harrington ’69w and Coach Michael Shepperd.

contents

Editor

design

Teddy Ryan

Stoltze Design

Associate Editors

Printing

Russ Held Chris Tinnesz Bill Wells

Hadley Printing

Advisory Board

Mark Aimone Brian Easler Don Kelly Molly McGill Janet Moran Contributing Writers

John Boozang Brian Easler Russ Held Don Kelly Molly McGill Kellie Molander Janet Moran Teddy Ryan Sarah Wakelin Bill Wells Photography

Paul Bloomfield Jean-Pierre Catellier ’20 Aidan Held ’21 Russ Held Noah Kantor ’19 Wonsick “Robert” Oh ’19 Teddy Ryan Bill Wells Various contributing photographers

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Board of TrusteeS

Scott B. Jacobs ’75, Chair James E. LaCrosse ’50W, Vice Chair Mark R. Shenkman ’61M, Vice Chair David A. Reeves, Treasurer Krista Hanson, Secretary Raymond J. Anton ’61M Christopher C. Antonacci ’06 Bonnie Faulkner Ryan ’82 Caitlin S. Flynn ’06 K. Ivan F. Gothner Linda B. Griffin Judith A. Knapp Barry M. Maloney ’85 Timothy J. Marini Andrew P. Mele Craig A. Rubin ’63W

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TrusteeS Emeriti

Eric W. Anderson Michael J. Flynn Richard S. Fuld ’64W Peter C. Lincoln ’55W Donald J. Stuart ’73 LIFE TRUSTEE

William E. James ’64W

Alumni, we’d like to hear from you! Send your current contact information and news to alumni@wma.us.

Academy World is published in the spring and fall for alumni, parents and friends of the Academy. Please direct comments and letters to: Wilbraham & Monson Academy Marketing & Communications Office 423 Main Street Wilbraham, MA 01095-1715 marketing@wma.us Our Mission

Wilbraham & Monson Academy is a transformational experience where students become challenge-seeking citizens and leaders of an evolving world.

SUPPORTING WMA 2

Athenæum Floor Plan

WMA Spotlight 31 36 37 40

Sue Wood Barbara Moran Sandi Scott Faculty Fun Facts

WMA Alumni 28 Paul Sullivan ’91 30 Mahsa Khanbabai ’89 38 Don Nicholson ’79

Departments 4 10 16 20 44 48

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News from the Hill Titans Victorious Athletics Season Recaps Fine & Performing Arts Alumni Events Class Notes

In Memoriam 32 Phil Cardone 35 We Remember

archives 56 Smith Hall: 60 Years as a Dormitory

Wilbraham & Monson Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, gender identity, and any other categories protected by federal, state or local law.

get social with us! @wilbrahammonsonacademy @WMAalumni @wilbrahammonson wilbrahammonsonacad @wilbraham_monson

on the cover In celebration of our “Milestones” issue, a tiled mosaic of Senior Stones from across campus highlights our long-standing tradition and our motto of “Live Clean. Speak True. Work Hard.

Play Fair.” (Creatively produced by WMA’s Art Director Chris Tinnesz).

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supporting WMA

by brian p. easler Head of School

‘Culture of Community’ Ready for Transformation Through Athenæum Project

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e are about to radically transform the culture of community on our campus.

The strength of our community has always been central to the Wilbraham & Monson Academy experience. This kind of healthy environment can only be created and nurtured through constant attention to our institutional standards and to our communal and reciprocal expectations for community values and citizenship.

This is timeless and will not change.

What will change, and will have begun by the time this magazine is published, is the physical space on our campus to facilitate such a remarkable community of students and adults.

The Athenæum, as you have read in previous stories, is the initial phase and the key to unlocking the potential of the full Campus Master Plan. It will serve our community as a new and intentionally-designed, college-style library space, in conjunction with the existing library space; but its true impact on our community will be much more meaningful than that simple functional definition.

The following offers details of the project’s structural layout:

b The Reading Room, which will be the largest internal space in the building, will be decidedly social in nature . . . at least in library terms. This room will be filled with soft seating and casual academic furniture to encourage the active intellectual engagement of students and adults on campus. We see this room being respectful yet interactive, conversational and full of healthy discourse. Aside from the north-facing 28-foot windows looking out onto the campus, the walls will be covered with high book stacks in keeping with a setting intended for academic inquiry and curiosity. Low book stacks will be included in the center of the room to facilitate room and building-wide supervision, and the ability for students to simply plug their laptops in and stand to work for a few minutes if they do not feel like sitting. All of the furniture in this room, including the low book stacks, will be modular and able to be relocated into an adjacent room. This will allow the occasional use of the Reading Room as a space for lectures, special presentations and even small musical performances, all with the backdrop of the daytime view to the Hill and visible at night to the entire campus center.

a The new Athenæum (in blue) will be connected to the existing Gill Memorial Library, both visually and functionally, by means of an impressive and expansive stone patio (in gray) that will connect the new and the old together on a solid foundation. Based on the extremely positive response to the renovation and expansion of the Rich Hall portico and patio, we expect the Athenæum patio — with its shaded northern orientation, central and slightly elevated position and stunning views of campus — to be a very popular spot for bringing academic and social pursuits into the fresh air and adding to the sense of connectedness in the middle of campus.

c The Quiet Room, which will be secluded by glass windows, doors and walls from the rest of the building but still visible to the library staff, will be a decidedly quiet and serious space for students to do work, mostly independently. This room will also enjoy a grand view of the campus, but directed more at the academic buildings of the Hill and without as much social patio space.

The design of this room is intended to limit distractions to productivity while still providing a stunning and central space for students to work. Likewise, the furniture in this room will be more serious in nature, consisting mostly of traditional library tables and chairs.

A view of planned architecture that would connect the exterior of Gill Memorial Library and Alumni Memorial Chapel with the Athenæum.

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d The largest of several small-group study rooms, this room will accommodate 12–14 people and will be able to be reserved with library staff for

Athenæum Floor Plan: The Athenæum will connect to the existing Gill Memorial Library and Alumni Memorial Chapel. (Image courtesy of project designer Flansburgh Architects).

occasional academic classes that may be studying in the library or for student study groups, student leadership groups or faculty departmental or crosscurricular meetings, etc. e The two smaller group study rooms, which will also be able to be reserved with library staff by students or faculty, will accommodate 4–6 people comfortably to provide space similar to the large group study room on a smaller scale.

All of these rooms will have glass walls and/or doors to limit distractions while maintaining supervision. f The library staff will have a spacious work and storage room through which they will be able to organize their library management efforts and support student projects, etc. The room and its fixtures will be designed with the input of our wonderful librarians to ensure that it is as efficient and effective to their efforts as possible.

g The circulation desk is strategically positioned close to the entrance to the Athenæum for greeting students and faculty on their way in and out, and also with sight lines which will provide them visible feedback about students in any of the various spaces who may require their assistance. The fixtures in this location will also be designed with direct input from our librarians. h Although the patio will connect the two buildings at their foundation, the entrance foyer will connect indoor space to indoor space — the new Athenæum with the current Gill Memorial Library — with lots of glass for natural light and floor space for book bags and such. Immediate access to the Gill Memorial Library space will be accomplished by retrofitting the window on the south side of the existing fireplace into a door.

between the large and small study rooms, and a mechanical and janitorial room located adjacent to the entrance foyer.

Because the following phase of the Campus Master Plan includes additional new building space to the south, and attached (to the Athenæum), the south-facing wall of the Athenæum will be constructed with methods and materials which will complete the building appropriately while also accommodating continued construction when the time is right.

The timeline for this impressive campus addition is for students to begin using it when they return from Spring Vacation in 2020, and we, as a community, could not be more excited.

In addition to these program spaces, the plans include two single-use bathrooms, located

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departments: NEWS FROM THE HILL

News from the Hill

WMA’s French National Honor Society inducts 8 Led by the efforts of Wilbraham & Monson Academy World Languages Department faculty member Fabienne Dubois, eight students were inducted into the French National Honor Society Nov. 29 during a ceremony at Morrow House.

Abigail Lacey ’19, Julia Puppolo ’20, Emily Fafard ’20, Xiaojing “Emily” Du ’20, Jeremy Dubois ’21, Nolan Lorenzana ’20, Ten Kalule ’21 and Karin Yamaoka ’21 received official certificates and pins as members of Société Honoraire de Français.

The society, which began at WMA last year, is based on a student’s scholarship (in all subjects), service and citizenship.

“It’s encouraging to students, and it’s another accolade for them for college as well. (It’s a good opportunity) to recognize their hard work,” said Madame Dubois. “You have to be really motivated because not only are you dedicated to great grades, but you have to be involved. This is for students who are curious about Francophone culture, who want to master the language. You have to do more than the normal student.”

French National Honor Society inductees were (left to right): front row, Xiaojing “Emily” Du ’20, Ten Kalule ’21, Karin Yamaoka ’21, Abigail Lacey ’19; back row, Ms. Fabienne Dubois, Julia Puppolo ’20, Emily Fafard ’20, Jeremy Dubois ’21 and Nolan Lorenzana ’20.

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departments: NEWS FROM THE HILL

3 students to attend National Student Leadership Conference workshops

Kyle Dube ’20 earns prestigious Eagle Scout Award Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Kyle Dube ’20 has earned dozens of merit badges during his time in the Boy Scouts of America.

Kyle, however, earned his biggest Scout honor far, far away from the United States.

Kyle received his Eagle Scout badge after completing a service trip to his father’s homeland of Zimbabwe, where he made structural improvements and provided food for a school in Mbizi during winter break in 2017.

“I got inspiration from my brother,” explained Kyle, who has earned 36 merit badges. “He did a soccer project in Zimbabwe.

He got people to donate supplies and taught kids how to play soccer. Mine was similar but it was more of a constructionbased project. I went to a school.

We built picnic tables and planted fruit trees and regular trees. They’ve grown and the school has benefitted.”

Wilbraham & Monson Academy students display leadership skills every day on campus.

This summer, three WMA students will join students from throughout the world to hone their respective leadership abilities.

Moonsu “Jackson” Kang ’20, Theresa Kervick ’20 and Nick Thorn-Guillaro ’20 were selected to attend the 2019 National Student Leadership Conference, which is held during the summer at various sites throughout the country, as well as a few internationally.

The program, which began in 1989, offers 28 career and leadership programs, where students develop public speaking, conflict resolution, group dynamic and negotiation skills.

The three WMA students were selected by NSLC to attend the following workshops: • J ackson – Acting Intensive at Yale University • Theresa – Biotechnology at American University • Nick – Business and Entrepreneurship at Fordham University

Nick Thorn-Guillaro ’20 (left), Theresa Kervick ’20 (center) and Moonsu “Jackson” Kang ’20 were selected to attend 2019 National Student Leadership Conference program events.

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Grade 6 students present development projects to local ‘mayor’ There is no mayor for the Town of Wilbraham.

In early February, however, for a few hours, Wilbraham Assistant Town Engineer Tonya Basch served in that role, albeit fictitiously.

Serving as the mayor for “Boomtown, USA,” Ms. Basch heard group project presentations by Grade 6 students at Wilbraham & Monson Academy regarding new development in the seaside town of 14,000 residents.

Prior to the proposals, Ms. Basch was given the town reports from various departments: Engineering, Town Council, Geology and Ecology. Each report presented multiple challenges for the students.

“I thought they were terrific,” Ms. Basch said. “They seemed excited. They were open to answering questions, they weren’t intimidated and they were passionate about their project. The topics they talked about were tangible to what we’re dealing with. It was a pleasure to deal with a topic they will see in their lives; it wasn’t something they will never see. I like that kind of learning.”

Middle School Science Department faculty member Jamie Gouin said there were many challenges in the project, as the participants were faced with “coming up with a building design that would overcome some obstacles, such as erosion, deposition, wildlife and traffic. This project is all student-run and project-based learning. They created the Google Slides, prototype models and presentations.” ▲

Grade 6 students with WMA Middle School Director Stuart Whitcomb (back left), faculty member Jamie Gouin (back center) and ‘Mayor of Boomtown, USA’ Tonya Basch (back right).

WMA Middle School students come ‘face-to-face’ with well-known scientist While scientist Hakeem Oluseyi found his inspiration in nature and science shows as a teenager, a number of Wilbraham & Monson Academy Middle School students were unquestionably inspired by one of the most well-known scientists in the world.

Middle School Science Department faculty member Jamie Gouin hosted a Skype interview with Mr. Oluseyi and all Middle School students Jan. 24. After a brief introduction, the Skype (video conference) session was mainly a Q&A, with Mr. Oluseyi repeatedly responding, “These are great questions.”

“The reason why I reached out to him was I knew he would be someone that the kids all knew, someone the students could relate to, but

also because he has this amazing background where he came from. He had humble beginnings, so to be able to go do what he did is fantastic,” Mr. Gouin said.

“I hope this inspires some of our students, especially my eighth graders, who are getting ready to go into their freshman years; they’re going to start choosing fields, and maybe a few of them will go into science and now they have something to pull off of.”

Most teenagers know Mr. Oluseyi from one of his three TV shows on the Science Channel.

A leader in his field, as a college student at Stanford University he was largely responsible for the Multi-Spectral Solar Telescope Array “which pioneered normal incidence extreme ultraviolet and soft X-ray imaging of the Sun’s transition region and corona,” according to Wikipedia.

Mr. Oluseyi has made a number of scientific contributions in the study of space, particularly his research regarding transmission of mass and

energy through the sun’s atmosphere. He works at NASA Headquarters in the District of Columbia as a Space Sciences Education Manager. He previously taught physics and space sciences at Florida Institute of Technology.

“He’s an amazing guy and an amazing scientist,” Director of the Middle School Stuart Whitcomb said. “He was extremely personable, which made it exciting for our students because suddenly they’re looking at science in a very different way. They’re able to identify with him; he had his son Prince sitting on his lap the entire time working on his sippy cup. He demystifies science and makes it accessible, and it’s a lot of what we are trying to do as a school.”

WMA Middle School students participated in a Skype interview with wellknown scientist Hakeem Oluseyi in January.

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departments: NEWS FROM THE HILL

Liam Etti ’20 uniting nations near and far

Liam Etti ’20

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Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Liam Etti ’20 has roots in Cameroon.

An opportunity too good to be true took Liam a little farther eastward in Africa as he was stationed in Nairobi, Kenya, for seven weeks last summer, working as a contractor for various agencies of the United Nations.

And, when a U.N. official requested Liam to craft a delicate document, the WMA student called upon his Model United Nations experience at the Academy.

During his stay, Liam worked for the High Commission for Refugees, International Organization for Migration, Habitat Human Settlements Programme and World Food Program. He also visited a refugee camp in Dadaab, which is the second-largest refugee camp in the world, and taught a class for refugees who were being resettled in Australia.

“It was a different thing every day,” Liam explained.

“I worked in a press office for the World Food Program. While I was there they had to evacuate an office in South Sudan, and I made the call for the planes to get the people. I proofread the press release that was classified at the time and went out to the office in Rome. I helped write it. I had to write the release in English. I had the highest grasp of English in the office. I was

AC ADEMY WORLD SPRING 2019

also thrown a human trafficking report and told to make sure it didn’t have any errors before it got turned in.”

In January, Liam used his true United Nations experience to stand out among more than 3,000 high school students from roughly 50 countries in Boston at the 2019 Harvard Model United Nations, winning one of the few awards granted at the four-day event.

And, Liam not only earned an award, but he received an email from a director within 24 hours of the conclusion of the conference praising him on his diplomatic ability.

Liam, who said he put in roughly 100 hours of preparation for this year’s Model U.N., received one of the few Outstanding Delegate Awards following his efforts as he represented CongoBrazzaville on the special committee for the Renegotiation of the Formation of the Organization African Unity in 1962.

“It’s validation for all the hard work,” Liam said. “Everyone from the program puts in so much work. To win an award is an example of the effort we put into these. Model U.N. is such a big part of this school’s message. It’s great to be a part of it.”

WMA Model U.N. faculty leader Gary Cook said what helps Liam distinguish himself from other delegates is his willingness to entirely thrust himself into the role.

“He uses a little bit of his mannerisms, and uses his voice inflection,” Mr. Cook continued. “He brings the role-playing to a unique level. I walked in Friday night during a simulation and he was dressed in his African garb. He had the entire committee standing around him while he was discussing and debating something, and that was Liam. He brings out a persona that stands out in the environment.”

Mr. Wells publishes debut novel Director of Student Promotion Bill Wells spends a chunk of his time at Wilbraham & Monson Academy writing about the Academy’s students and faculty.

Recently, outside of work, Mr. Wells found another topic of writing interest.

Mr. Wells published his debut novel, “Run for Rwanda,” last fall. The 75,000-word historical fiction piece revolves around two time periods: the Rwandan Genocide in 1994, and the 2004 Olympic Games. “Run for Rwanda” is available in eBook and paperback on Amazon.

“I wrote ‘Run for Rwanda’ as a screenplay during March Break,” Mr. Wells said. “I wrote

48,000 words in 10 days. Not knowing any better, it was way too long to be turned into a movie so I had nothing, which was deflating because I liked the story. But I eventually decided to add to the story and turn the screenplay into a book.”

Mr. Wells’ interest in Rwanda began while promoting a case study regarding the Rwandan Genocide at WMA in 2013.

“I tried to adopt a child from Rwanda a few years ago,” he explained. “It didn’t work out.

However, it set off a spark in me. I’ve had this story kicking around in me ever since. I finally decided to sit down and write it.”

Norah Omar ’21 shines in Poetry Out Loud contest Roses are red, Violets are blue; Norah was impressive, Reciting a poem or two.

Norah Omar ’21 won Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s annual Poetry Out Loud contest in February, topping a field of more than 50 competitors.

The victory advanced Norah to one of the state’s regional competitions, where she competed in March against students from other schools in the Greater Springfield area.

Emalee Watson ’21 and Ten Kalule ’21 placed second and third, while Shixing “Cherry” Wang ’21 won the category for international students.

Norah recited “Difference” by Stephen Vincent Benet, and “Dead Butterfly” by Ellen Bass. The Academy’s English Department judged the event.

“I didn’t go in with (the mindset of winning),” Norah said. “This was something new for me: reciting poetry. I did enjoy it. It’s interesting; the poems were written in different time periods (than now) but they still evoke the same emotional response today that I’m sure they did back then with their readers.”

Sally Geoghegan ’24 wins school Geography Bee It’s rather fitting that Sally Geoghegan ’24 won a National Geographic Geography Bee, isn’t it?

Thrust by her ambitions to learn more about the world, and greatly helped by the support of one of her teachers, Sally won the school-level Wilbraham & Monson Academy Middle School Geography Bee Jan. 28.

John Crocker ’25 placed second in the Middle School, and Angelina Gulluni ’24 was third.

Sally completed the state qualifier exam in early February, but did not advance to the state competition for students in Grades 6–8. She is also

part of a group of students who participate in a dual Geography/Model United Nations program after school at the Middle School.

“I was not expecting it,” Sally admitted.

“I was so happy. I think I did have a big advantage because I was in the after school activity.”

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departments

departments: Titans Victorious

Titans Victorious

Fre Soons ’19 sets single season, goal-scoring record

John Adams ’20 reaches milestone during upset victory John Adams ’20 just wanted to win a basketball game Feb. 20.

He got a lot more.

John recorded the 1,000th point of his career, and the Wilbraham & Monson Academy Boys’ Basketball team shocked top-ranked MacDuffie School 84–74 in a Class AA game at WMA. After scoring three baskets, John swished a free throw with a little more than two minutes to go in the first half, giving him 1,000 for his high school career.

John, a 6-foot-8 forward, has been offered scholarships by Bryant University and University of Hartford. He has been in contact with 40 other college coaches, and he’ll spend the summer playing in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League.

“Coming to Wilbraham & Monson, I didn’t even think about getting close to 1,000 points,” John said. “I’ve just been trying to take my game to the next level. It feels amazing. I’m really honored and humbled.”

John Adams ’20 (center, with ball) shares a happy moment with teammates and his parents after scoring his 1,000th career point during a game in February.

It didn’t take long for Frederique “Fre” Soons ’19 to make an impression on the Wilbraham & Monson Academy Field Hockey program.

It didn’t take much longer for her to leave a lasting impression either.

After being named a captain in her first week of practice at WMA, Fre set the program record for goals in a season, finding the back of the cage 17 times in 15 games for the Titans.

“I scored almost every game, but didn’t expect to get the school record,” said Fre, a postgraduate from the Netherlands. “It feels amazing.”

Fre was amazing from start to finish in the 2018 season, including three goals Nov. 10 on Senior Day in what was her final game in a WMA uniform.

“Fre’s abilities are far beyond her years,” praised Coach Barbara Roy. “Her skills help her create opportunities to score and help her team advance up the field, including weaving in and out of the defense to get it into the circle.

She was quick and fluid in all aspects of the game. She adapts to whatever is thrown her way.”

Fre will attend and play for Wagner College on a full athletic scholarship next season.

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departments: Titans Victorious

Decorated swimmer Ania Axas ’19 leaves legacy

Hard work pays off in pool for Xin ‘Julie’ Xiong ’20 Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Xin “Julie” Xiong ’20 made the most out of her fall exemption for swimming.

In the Titans’ first home meet of the season, Julie set a pool record in the 200 individual medley with a time of 2 minutes, 14.66 seconds, in a meet against Worcester Academy Dec. 5.

Julie said being pushed by a swimmer from Worcester propelled her to the school mark.

“I’m terrible at backstroke,” she explained.

“At the meet I realized an opponent was coming on. Then I thought, ‘I’m going to do this.’ This was a chance at a home meet, so I wanted to try my best. I didn’t want to regret what I did. I tried my best. I was surprised by my result because I swam a 2:16 in a previous meet so I did better than I thought.”

“Julie continues to come along,” WMA Coach Dan Moran added. “She worked hard all fall and that work paid off. She continues to get faster and faster and we couldn’t be happier.”

Julie originally set the 200 IM school mark a year ago, her first season with the Titans, with a 2:15.02.

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Talent + hard work = success.

Ania Axas ’19 had plenty of all three.

Ania will graduate in May as the most decorated swimmer in Wilbraham & Monson Academy history. Her four-year run included six WMA pool records, eight school records and seven New England titles.

“I couldn’t be more grateful for the amazing support I’ve received while swimming for WMA,” said Ania, whose WMA swimming career finished March 2 at the New England Division III championship meet. “I’m so thankful to all of the coaches I’ve had at the Academy, especially Coach (Dan) Moran, for seeing my talent and always believing in me.

“I’m thrilled to have accomplished so much and to have watched my teammates succeed as well. They are some of my biggest fans and I will miss them immensely. This past season was the best season we’ve had in my time at WMA, and there was absolutely no better way to finish my high school swimming career.”

Coach Moran has had his share of strong swimmers at the Academy, so it carries weight when he offers high praise.

“Ania worked every day on details to improve,” Coach Moran said. “She took drills seriously and asked questions. She trained long and pushed her body further than any athlete I have ever worked with.”

ania’s legacy: WMA pool records: 200 freestyle, 200 individual medley, 50 freestyle, 100 butterfly, 100 freestyle, 500 freestyle WMA school records: 200 freestyle, 200 individual medley, 100 butterfly, 100 freestyle, 500 freestyle, 200 medley relay, 200 freestyle relay, 400 freestyle relay New England titles: freshman year 200 individual medley sophomore year 200 individual medley junior year 200 individual medley, 100 butterfly senior year 100 butterfly, 200 freestyle relay, 400 freestyle relay

Ania Axas ’19, who holds multiple school records, is all smiles during a Senior Day celebration with teammates.

Girls’ Skiing: We are the (Class C) champions of New England The Wilbraham & Monson Academy Girls’ Ski team picked a heck of a time to have clearly its best day of the season.

Three WMA skiers placed in the top 10 in both events as the Titans claimed the New England Alpine Skiing Class C Championship at Shawnee Peak Ski Resort in Bridgton, Maine, Feb. 27.

Under first-year Coach Greg Morin, Beti Stevens ’20, Katie Cronin ’20 and AnnaLise Torras ’19 medaled (top 10) in the giant slalom and slalom. Their combined score (along with Asha Puri ’20) gave WMA 48 points, easily topping the field of eight teams by 14 points. It’s the first New England title for the ski program since 2005.

“It was pretty amazing,” Coach Morin said. “The girls had no idea what they had done. I knew Katie was close to top 10 but did not know she was in it. When they announced the giant slalom results and we had three in the top 10, I knew that would put us on the podium. When they announced Katie for 10th in slalom I knew we won but did not let on. As they were announcing the second place team, I turned to the girls and said ‘get ready.’ They all looked at me with a confused look. When they called WMA as the first place team the girls exploded.”

(Left to right) Beti Stevens ‘20, Asha Puri ‘20, Katie Cronin ‘20 and Anna-Lise Torras ‘19.

Gene Kang ’20 excels at Junior Olympic Archery Development level Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Gene Kang ’20 spent last summer competing with and against the best archers in the country, participating in eight events and winning five first-place trophies during an 11-week span.

The highlight for Gene was being named to the 2018 Regional Dream Team for the East squad after attending a camp in Michigan for six days. He also lined up against the best of the best at the 2018 National Target Championships in North Carolina in July, where he placed 33rd in the Cadet Division (ages 15–17) at the Junior Olympic Archery Development event.

At the national outdoor championship, “All of the archers there, they’re the best,” Gene described. “These are the guys who practice 10 hours a day and always grind. They’re trying to make it to the Olympics so it’s great to compete against people like that who work so hard.”

Adam Kugelmass ’19 makes good on All-New England status There was no way Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Adam Kugelmass ’19 was going to come up a little short in the biggest cross country race of the season two years in a row.

After missing out on the top 20 — and All-New England status — at the 2017 New England Prep School Track Association Division III Cross Country meet, Adam passed a group of runners late to place 17th overall at the region’s championship

race last November at the Canterbury School in Connecticut.

“I was in 23rd or so and then I kicked it in with about a quarter mile to go,” Adam recalled. “I passed five people. I stayed strong to the finish. I was pretty sure I made the top 20 but not positive. Right after the race my coach said I probably made it. I felt accomplished. I worked for what I got.”

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departments: Titans Victorious

Girls’ Basketball continues high level of success

A.J. Washington ’19 makes quick work of 1,000th point milestone

It could have been a little bit of a down year for the Wilbraham & Monson Academy Girls’ Basketball team.

It wasn’t.

Despite graduating the best player (Kayla Mokwuah ’18) in program history, the Titans finished 14–6 after their regular season finale victory over Suffield Academy on Senior Night, and earned the fourth seed in the New England Prep School Class C Tournament.

“After the Suffield game, where we were amazing, I told the girls they should step back and applaud themselves,” Coach Durelle Brown explained. “When you have goals, sometimes in the midst of trying to reach your goal, you forget to enjoy the journey. For this team to take over

A.J. Washington ’19 reached a milestone in a game at Deerfield Academy Feb. 13 in the same fashion as she plays for the Wilbraham & Monson Academy Girls’ Basketball team — fast.

Needing six points to reach 1,000 for her career, A.J. hit the magic number less than four minutes into the game, making her the fourth girls’ player in WMA history to achieve the feat.

A.J. took a long outlet pass from Cara Murphy ’22 and scored on a layup at the 12:29 mark of the first half.

“I had a layup and then a 3-pointer, so I knew I was going to get it soon,” A.J. explained. “So then when I had the fastbreak layup, I was thinking if I missed it I wasn’t going to have my 1,000th, but I made it. It was a great feeling. I was screaming and jumping, and then everyone came and congratulated me. It was great.”

“In typical A.J. fashion, it was very quick,” Coach Durelle Brown remarked. “This milestone for her and her family and our program and our school, it means a ton.

I don’t mean to make this her battle cry, but she’s ‘The Little Engine That Could.’”

and fill the shoes of the leaders we lost in Alex (Garrison ’18) and Kayla (Mokwuah ’18), it wasn’t a given that we were going to be good. They’ve achieved everything they received this year.”

WMA rallied late to beat #5 Ethel Walker in a quarterfinal at home before losing at top-seeded Proctor Academy in a semifinal.

Alana Perkins ’19, with ball in front row, poses with her teammates and coaches after scoring her 1,000th career point in January.

Alana Perkins ’19 surpasses 1,000-career point milestone How did the best 3-point shooter in the history of the Wilbraham & Monson Academy Girls’ Basketball program record her 1,000th career point?

Naturally, on a 3-pointer.

Alana Perkins ’19 sank a 3-pointer from the right wing late in the first half in a memorable 57–28 victory over Williston Northampton School Jan. 25, to reach the 1,000-point mark for her career.

Alana, who will attend Division I Bryant University next season, needed seven points entering the game to

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reach the milestone. At the time, she became the third player in program history to score 1,000 career points.

“It felt great,” Alana beamed. “Everyone was happy for me and supported me. It was cool everyone was excited. It was a happy moment, and my mom got to see it because of the live stream.”

“It happened so naturally,” Coach Durelle Brown added. “I was proud she didn’t force it. She took her time and made sure she played the right way, and it was fitting it came on a 3-pointer.”

A.J. Washington ’19, front row with ball, celebrated her 1,000-career point milestone with teammates during a Feb. 13 game at Deerfield Academy.

Girls’ Volleyball honors the late Dr. Gorski in annual charity match Dr. Kathleen Gorski, who passed away June 19, 2018, after a battle with cancer, had a profound impact at Wilbraham & Monson Academy.

Motivated, passionate, intelligent and helpful — she was a remarkable teacher, Science Department Chair and presence on campus during her time at the Academy.

The WMA Girls’ Volleyball team honored “Dr. G” Oct. 26, when the Titans hosted Ludlow High School in an annual charity match. All proceeds from the event went toward cancer research.

“We decided to do this a few weeks into the season when we were talking about the game,” captain Brandyn Vitek ’19 said. “Since it was our turn to pick who we were going to dedicate the charity game to, we decided to dedicate the game to Dr. Gorski. Instead of donating to someone we didn’t know, we wanted to make our event more close to the community so we decided to dedicate this game to Dr. Gorski.

“Dr. Gorski was a huge contributor to our community. She’s dearly missed and we were all saddened by her death during the summer.”

Riflery on the mark again during another historic season seasons,” Coach Passy explained.

Under third-year Coach Bill Passy, the Wilbraham & Monson Academy “We lost six seniors to graduation and three more who just didn’t Riflery team enjoyed another return from last year. Included in historic season. those was Dan Wesson ’18, one of The Titans finished the regular the best shooters in program history. season undefeated for the third year To lose 75 percent of your roster in a row, including two victories and still have the success we had this over archrival Suffield Academy. season is remarkable, and extremely WMA claimed the Quinnipiac satisfying to us as a program. Our Division banner. expectations are higher now than The Academy also three-peated as the Prep Gallery Match champion. they used to be three years ago.”

At the season finale, WMA placed second in a five-team field Left to right: (front row) Erika Convery ’19, Nick Spellman ’19; (middle row) Cooper at the Connecticut High School Schechterle ’22, Sara Labbe ’19, Jake Girhiny Shoot-Off at Blue Trail Range in ’22, Jinyu “Melody” Zhan ’22, Ryan Cordeiro Wallingford, Connecticut. Ryan ’21; (top row) Coach Bill Passy, Gordon Hertel Cordeiro ’21 missed the school ’19, Alexander Otte ’20, Erik Coelho ’19, Junyi record by one point, shooting a “Brian” Lu ’21, Eungi “David” Youn ’20, Minh Nhat “Matt” Nguyen ’19, Coach Brian 197 (out of 200).

Lautenschleger “The team’s success this season was, in some regards, better than our previous two championship

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departments: Titans Victorious

Fall Sports Highlights: 2018 1

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football

Varsity season record: 1–7 Captains: Matt Banbury ’19, Will Crocker ’20 Highlights: The Titans found the win column with a 22–6 win over Tilton School; against Albany Academy, the Titans scored 16 points in the final eight seconds of the half to rally from a 20–0 deficit, and later took the lead before falling 27–24. Banbury was named to the All-New England Class B team.

boys’ soccer

Varsity season record: 1–14–1 Captains: Jun Sung “Jason” Lee ’19, Corbyn Kelley ’19 Highlights: The team, which included 10 members of the Class of 2019, was led by team MVP Niko Baltazar ’21 and Coaches Award winner Lee; Baltazar was also named as WMA’s Male Athlete of the Month for November 2018.

boys’ cross country

Varsity season record: 7–2 Captains: Adam Kugelmass ’19, John Kennedy ’19, Basem Hernandez ’19 Highlights: Finished sixth out of 22 schools at the Canterbury Invitational, where Giovanni Biondo ’21 was sixth out of 154 runners; placed 11th of 27 schools at the New England Championships; Kugelmass, with a PR of 17:27, finished 17th out of 168 there to qualify for the all-star race.

girls’ cross country

Varsity season record: 0–9 Captains: Heidi Wu ’19, Katie Johnson ’20 Highlights: Steady improvement, with group of mostly new runners; Johnson finished ninth and Jenna Makkiya ’21 placed 11th at a race against Hamden Hall; small roster prohibited Titans from registering full team score at all but one meet.

field hockey

Varsity season record: 3–11–1 Captains: Frederique “Fre” Soons ’19, Isabella Gomes ’20, Grace Dineen ’21 Highlights: Soons set the program’s single-season scoring record with 17 goals, including her second hat trick during a Senior Day win over Marianapolis; Soons and Charlotte Derose ’21 played in the Western New England All-Star Game.

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girls’ soccer

Varsity season record: 5–4–7 Captains: Maria Baltazar ’19, Maia Hutcheson-Jones ’19 Highlights: Victories over Class A Westminster and Class B rivals Williston and Berkshire, and ties against Class A Deerfield and Northfield Mt. Hermon were hard-fought results; defense allowed one goal or less in 13 games, including a 1–0 loss against league champion Miss Porter’s; Morgan Wesson ’21 and Theresa Kervick ’20 were WWNEPSSA All-League selections.

girls’ volleyball

Varsity season record: 4–12 Captains: Rhaymi Porter ’21, Claire Casey ’20, Gorana Puzovic ’19, Brandyn Vitek ’19 Highlights: Top wins included a five-setter against Cushing and a four-set triumph over Cheshire; Vitek, Porter and Casey competed in the league all-star game; team honors included Natsumi Suzuki ’20 (MVP) and Vitek (Coaches Award).

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water polo

Varsity season record: 3–8 Captains: Nick Spellman ’19, Kyle Yamagishi-Rodstein ’20 Highlights: Played well against its toughest opponents; Titans fell short after rallying from a 9–6 deficit against Hopkins, and had a game-tying shot blocked at the end of a one-goal loss to Loomis; John Adams ’20 scored 36 goals to lead the Titans.

1 Adam Kugelmass ’19 2 Katie Johnson ’20 3 Fre Soons ’19 and Isabella Gomes ’20 4 Morgan Wesson ’21 5 Matt Banbury ’19 6 Water Polo in action. 7 Niko Baltazar ’21 8 Girls’ Volleyball captains

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departments: Titans Victorious

Winter Sports Highlights: 2018–2019 1

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boys’ basketball

Varsity season record: 12–15 Captains: John Adams ’20, Daniel Klosk ’19, John Packard ’19, Idan Tretout ’19 Highlights: Posted victories over the No. 1 and No. 3 teams in AA action; went 8–8 in league play, and won final four games but missed playoffs on tiebreaker; John Adams ’20 scored his 1,000th career point in upset win over top-ranked MacDuffie; Tretout ’19 signed National Letter of Intent with Harvard.

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girls’ basketball

Varsity season record: 15–7 Captains: Alana Perkins ’19, A.J. Washington ’19, Leilani Bennett ’19, Ingrid Salvador ’19, Brandyn Vitek ’19 Highlights: Reached semifinal round in fourth consecutive NEPSAC Class C Tournament appearance; won rivalry games against Williston and Suffield for the third straight year; Perkins, the NEPSAC Class C Player of the Year, and Washington were both named to the First Team and each eclipsed the 1,000-career point milestone; won second straight KingswoodOxford School Invitational Tournament (KIT).

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coed riflery

Varsity season record: 8–1 Captains: Erika Convery ’19, Nicholas Spellman ’19 Highlights: Won third straight Prep Gallery Match title; undefeated in regular season for third consecutive year; won Quinnipiac Division; also won the NRA 4 Position Sectional (Scholastic Division Champions); finished second at Connecticut High School Shoot-Off.

coed skiing

Captains: Nick Morin ’21, Anna-Lise Torras ’19 Highlights: Girls won the New England Class C Championship, behind top finishes by Torras, Katie Cronin ’20, Beti Stevens ’20 and Asha Puri ’20; Morin finished fourth at New Englands in the boys’ slalom and giant slalom races.

boys’ swimming

Varsity season record: 4–3 Captains: Ka Chun “Mike” Li ’19, Egor Tokarskiy ’20, J.J. Wilson ’19 Highlights: Placed fifth at the New England Division III Championships; Wilson finished second in the 50 and 100 freestyles, and he led the 200 free relay team (Yuhan “Alex” Zha ’22, Ian Brook ’21 and Tokarskiy) to a runner-up finish.

girls’ swimming

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Varsity season record: 5–3 Captains: Ania Axas ’19, Xin “Julie” Xiong ’20 Highlights: Finished second as a team at the New England Division III Championship meet; Axas won the NE title in the 100 butterfly and helped the Titans set school-record times on the winning 200 free (Emily Tarbell ’21, Kristina DiPietro ’24 and Xiong) and 400 free (Norah Omar ’21, DiPietro and Xiong) relay teams; Xiong won the 500 free; Axas finished career with eight school records and seven New England titles.

wrestling

Varsity season record: 9–6 Captains: Adam Kugelmass ’19, Kizuki Koyasu ’20, Will Crocker ’20 Highlights: Koyasu placed second (113 pounds) at the Class A Championships, while Griffan Wolusky ’21 (152) and Tristan Lynch ’20 (182) placed fourth; those three and John Kendall ’19 (195) qualified for the New England Championships; Koyasu and Crocker (160) were weight class winners at the Snow Brawl Tournament.

6 1 John Packard ’19 2 A light moment for the Girls’ Basketball team. 3 Ian Brook ’21 4 Ania Axas ’19 5 Beti Stevens ’20, Asha Puri ’20, Anna-Lise Torras ’19 and Katie Cronin ’20 6 Erika Convery ’19, Ryan Cordeiro ’21 and Nick Spellman ’19 7 Winter Track team photo time! 8 John Kendall ’19

winter track

Varsity season record: 1–4 Captains: Maria Baltazar ’19, Kyle Dube ’20, John Kennedy ’19 Highlights: The boys’ and girls’ teams swept a meet at Governor’s Academy, beating out Governor’s and Hyde.

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departments: fine & performing arts

Fine & Performing Arts

Mariel Picknelly ’20

Mariel Picknelly ’20 succeeding in ‘Unknown’ territory

Ayslin Dziedzic ’25 organizes benefit concert for a loved one For the second time in three years, Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Ayslin Dziedzic ’25 organized a benefit concert for a loved one.

Ayslin hosted the Fedor Family Concert in honor of Christy Fedor, a family friend who has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Inflammation Breast Cancer.

The event was held Oct. 14 at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Westfield.

Ayslin and approximately 30 of her friends from the Dan Kane & Friends singing group volunteered for the concert, where they performed 16 songs.

“I wanted to do this because I know she’s been suffering from cancer so I wanted to bring joy to her for a few hours of the day,” Ayslin said. “After the

show I talked to her and she said she was happy and proud of me so I think it went well. I hope she enjoyed it and felt happy.”

“She was the lead emcee and performer, and helped get performers from act-to-act and song-tosong,” added faculty member Drew Shea ’08, who attended the performance. “She just absolutely sang her lungs out. It was awesome to be there for it.

I’m proud of her and that someone at 11 years old in our community is stepping into a larger community and making an impact.” ▲

Ayslin Dziedzic ’25 organized a benefit concert for a loved one . . . for the second time in three years.

In a sense, Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Mariel Picknelly ’20 stepped into the unknown during Winter Vacation.

Using her stage name of Mariel Darling, Mariel released her latest single “Unknown” on Jan. 3. The song was inspired from a situation in a previous relationship.

The pop/indie song is available on all streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play and Amazon Music. The video, which was shot in Brooklyn, New York, garnered more than 250,000 views on YouTube during the first two months.

“I made it about the unknown of my future, relationships aside — the unknown of my music career, what I’m doing school-wise, what’s going to happen in my future,” Mariel said. “I’m ready to go to the unknown, and I’m going to face it with confidence and be fierce, and I’m going to do what my fate is.”

Mariel’s previous single “No Mirrors” had more than 113,000 views on YouTube during the first six months since its Aug. 2018 release.

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departments: fine & performing arts

Mrs. Dziura, Jack Woodbury ’19 and Kate Hoag ’19 contribute to local radio play series Susan Dziura of the Fine & Performing Arts Department occasionally steps outside of Wilbraham & Monson Academy to be involved with theater productions.

When she found herself suddenly in need of two talented high school students to perform in a radio play she was directing, she knew just who to contact.

WMA’s Jack Woodbury ’19 and Kate Hoag ’19, who have taken to the stage at Founders Theatre many times during their years at WMA, were cast in Mrs. Dziura’s “Life in the (413),” a satirical series of five radio plays held Oct. 7 at the Academy of Music in Northampton.

The opportunity allowed Jack and Kate to work with Sam Rush, the Artistic Director of New Century Theatre.

Lily Mathison ’24 following passion of songwriting Despite her young age, Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Lily Mathison ’24 has written approximately 30 songs.

Lily took her latest song to another level, producing and completing “Dancing On My Own” before performing it at the WMA Talent Show Jan. 18.

Lily started her latest project late last fall, and with the help of her dad, Jeremy Mathison, a faculty member in WMA’s Fine & Performing Arts Department, she possessed a final product before winter break.

“I got into dancing about six years ago,” explained Lily. “I wanted to tell the world I’m independent, so dancing on my own.

“I’ve performed other original songs that I haven’t worked on a ton, but that was my first single. It was a little more nerve-wracking because I wanted people to like it, but I think I got positive feedback.”

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“They had a folly table on stage, which is a table on stage with microphones and props to make sound cues for the radio, which was funny to see in use,” Jack said. “It was a lot of fun. A lot people came out to watch and I’m glad I got called in.”

“I’ve never been in a radio play before,” Kate echoed. “It was cool and exciting. I was definitely nervous because I had never had an experience like that. It was cool working with professional actors because that’s always an exciting experience.

The other shows were great and I had a really good time.”

Susan Dziura (second from left), Kate Hoag ’19 (second from right) and Jack Woodbury ’19 (right) contributed to the radio play series “Life in the (413).”

WMA students pass auditions, qualify for Western Districts

Mrs. Dziura returns to stage in local theater Fine & Performing Arts faculty member Susan Dziura has directed a play at Wilbraham & Monson Academy for the last 12 years.

After a five-year hiatus, Mrs. Dziura felt the time was right to have the stage lights, for a change, pointed at her instead of her students.

Mrs. Dziura played a key role in “The War and Walt Whipple” by writer and director Dan Eaton, a World War II-themed play that ran at the Majestic Theater in West Springfield, Massachusetts. The sixweek, two-hour show began Nov. 1 and concluded Dec. 9.

“It’s a lot of time, but it’s so good,” Mrs. Dziura beamed. “It’s an opportunity to get off campus and work with actors from New York, so a high-caliber group of truly lovely people. It’s not a musical.

The last main stage show I did was called ‘Next to Normal.’ It was big, big singing for me. It was great; it was the biggest thing I’ve ever done, but it was super-intense physically and emotionally. With this, I learn my lines, I get to be with these people, I put makeup on and I do my hair, and do this nice play, and the audience loves it. It’s been really rewarding.”

WMA faculty member Susan Dziura, background, returned to the stage last fall.

(Photo credit Kait Rankins)

Moonsu “Jackson” Kang ’20 and Michelle Itkin ’22 have proven to be talented musicians at Wilbraham & Monson Academy.

Jackson and Michelle are talented musicians outside of WMA as well, as both passed their auditions and were selected to participate at the Massachusetts Music Educators Association’s Western District.

Jackson was chosen as one of the tenors for the chorus ensemble of Senior Western District, which held its performance Jan. 12 at the University of Massachusetts.

This was the third year in a row Jackson earned a spot at the event, which drew the top musicians from Western Massachusetts.

Michelle’s abilities as a violinist were impressive enough to land her a spot on Junior Western District, with that show held March 16 at UMass. She individually performed a prepared piece, scales and a sightreading portion. She has been playing violin since second grade.

WMA Student Art Contest 2019

Michelle Itkin ’22

Artwork of top finishers: Winner Wonsick “Robert” Oh ’19 (center), runner-up Shixing “Cherry” Wang ’21 (left) and Ian Brook ’21 (third place).

Moonsu “Jackson” Kang ’20

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departments: campus events

Opening of School 2018 2

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4 1 Head of School Brian Easler welcomes students, parents and faculty to the official opening of the 215 th year of the Academy. 2 Alyssa Gaderon ’19 serves as the student speaker at Convocation.

3 Maia Hutcheson-Jones ’19 and Leilani Bennett ’19 enjoy their newly-minted senior status!

4 Zane Abal-Sadeq ’19 and Samuel Zabolotnij ’19 are all smiles at Convocation. 5 Head of School Brian Easler assists Fitzwilliam Campbell ’25 in signing the Matriculation book. 6 Head of School Brian Easler directs Korenna Weiss ’22 where to sign the Matriculation book. 7 Deven Austin ’22 with his parents. 8 Payton Sharon ’20 and Jeremiah Patterson-Yancey ’22 compete during Orientation.

Moonsu “Jackson” Kang ’20 (left) and Katie Johnson ’20 look on from the background.

9 Orientation leaders Rusudan “Ruska” Mumladze ’19 and Erika Convery ’19 pause during Orientation for a photo. 10 Students working together during Orientation 2018.

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Matriculation Address

by SHACOR PRIVOTT ’14 Faculty Intern

Welcome Everyone!

My name is ShaCor Privott and I am WMA Class of 2014.

Not too long ago, I was sitting where you are today . . . with my legs shaking from being nervous.

I came here from Middletown, Connecticut, not knowing what to expect, as some of you probably feel today.

I can remember one Sunday morning eating brunch at the dining hall with my friends.

I noticed it began to snow, but before I could tell anyone they were sprinting for the door. Slightly concerned, but mostly confused, I followed them.

I would find them outside dancing and playing in the snow. Only then had it occurred to me that, since they were from the Caribbean, they had never experienced snow.

Most people from New England, like myself, can do without the winter months. But seeing their joy for something as simple as snow taught me to cherish every experience.

I challenge you all to cherish every experience, whether that be school dances, weekend detention in the dining hall or learning to tie your tie for the first time — as I did when I was a student here — or even seeing snow for the 100th time.

Let every moment become a part of who you are.

And do me this favor and collect as many experiences as possible, because WMA is truly an amazing place. A place where I feel at home and I know you will too.

Good luck and I look forward to meeting you all.

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departments: campus events

Family Weekend 2018 1

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4 1 Alex Ravelli ’18 and Austin Fabbo ’15 2 Rabia “Ceren” Erkek ’22, Chuc An “Ann” Tran ’21, Julia Puppolo ’20 3 Jenna DuPlooy ’18 4 Gorana Puzovic ’19 5 Faculty members David Belsky, Maureen Kelly Chesky ’02 and current parents Michele and Pepe Torras 6 Mosaic Harmony singers (front row, left to right) Yawen “Zoey” Guan ’20, Maia Hutcheson-Jones ’19 and Cecily Etti ’21; and (back row) Brian Ruballos ’20, Moonsu “Jackson” Kang ’20 and Jack Woodbury ’19 7 Asha Puri ’20 8 Gokul Sivakumar ’19 9 Jill Gillis, WMA Archivist Janet Moran and Brendan Gillis ’87 10 Egor Tokarskiy ’20 11 Giovanni Biondo ’21 12 Kyle Dube ’20 13 CEGS Department faculty member Gary Cook and alumni parent Peter Moran 14 Current and alumni parents Maria and Edmond Etti 15 Julia Puppolo ’20, Emily Fafard ’20 and Kasey Reed ’20 16 Current parents Liz and Joe Salvador, with John and Regina Zebrowski

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Alumni in Action: Paul Sullivan ’91

By RUSS HELD Director of Electronic Communications

Paul Sullivan ’91: ‘It all started with the opportunity WMA gave me’ His resume includes a six-year run as reporter, editor and columnist with the Financial Times. The driving force behind his professional success is the same advice he said he’d share with any student at WMA. “It might be easy to get overwhelmed, but you have to try to know what you’re going to do in X number of years,” Mr. Sullivan said. “You need to have some idea, and then be laser focused. I took everything very seriously and it all builds on itself from ninth grade to 10th grade . . . with some luck, too. And prepare yourself. If there’s something out there that you might like or want to do, be ready for it.”

Mr. Sullivan, 45, was more than ready, as a 13-year-old middle-schooler looking for something better.

“My parents divorced when I was 10, and I was really struggling in (a local public) middle school,” Mr. Sullivan said.

“The Academy gave me a chance, and it took a chance on me. And I knew that if I screwed up there, I was going back to where I was before. I had no real friends where I came from; middle school had not gone well for me. I was motivated a little bit by fear. Plan B was not a great Plan B; this was my (only) chance. And I’ve always been grateful.”

Mr. Sullivan recalls borrowing a blue blazer to interview and making an instant connection with then-Headmaster Mike Casey. But even then, Mr. Sullivan said he knew that, “No. 1, I still had to get in; No. 2, it was the financial aid, that was only way I could do it. aul Sullivan ’91 knew it the moment he set foot on “My parents had zero money . . . if I wasn’t on a full scholarship, the Wilbraham & Monson Academy campus.

I was maybe paying $1,000 to go there then. It was not And his heart, mind and soul never left. something that was affordable for my family.”

“I still can’t overstate how much the Academy has meant Mr. Sullivan likened his experience at the Academy to the to me,” Mr. Sullivan said, some 30 years later. “What might Dead Poets Society movie (1989), “ . . . how ever was I so lucky not have been (in my life), had I not been there . . . to be part of that?

“It was the foundation for me, and I was hyper aware then “I just threw myself into everything I did there. If I had three of what WMA could do for me. There’s no way I was ever going through Trinity (College) and the University of Chicago, hours of studying to do, I put in 3½. I was able to try new things, try new sports, the opportunities . . . ” if my parents had to pay the way. It all started with the Mr. Sullivan recalls such teachers as Don Nicholson ’79 opportunity WMA gave me.”

(History), Deborah Finley (Science), Ms. (Dunreith) Kelly Seizing seemingly every opportunity since has taken Mr. (English) and Hugh Harrell, also his advisor.

Sullivan up the ladder of his journalism profession to his “The best thing about him (Mr. Harrell), was the real big teal current spot writing a weekly, “Wealth Matters” column for Riviera or Monte Carlo he drove,” Mr. Sullivan said. “He had the New York Times. He has also written two books — a classic (license) plate that read ‘N1 BOD,’ No. 1 body. He was “Clutch: Why Some People Excel Under Pressure and Others a big guy, 6-foot something and when he’d step out of that car, Don’t” and “The Thin Green Line: The Money Secrets of you couldn’t not do a double-take. He just had a presence.” the Super Wealthy.”

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Mr. Sullivan said Water Polo was probably his best sport, competing for Coach Steve Gray ’70W and serving as team captain during his senior year. He also competed on the swim team for Coach Nicholson.

“And playing on the golf team was wonderful, playing at Country Club of Wilbraham and (the former) Hampden Country Club. Hey, any chance for free golf . . . and Jim Lagomarsino was the coach,” Mr. Sullivan said.

Mr. Sullivan said his start in athletics at WMA was a bit rocky, but he knew “you had to pick things to play.”

“My freshman year, I played soccer and I was just awful.

I played 3rds Basketball and I was awful there. Don Kelly was the coach and I scored two points the entire season.

“And there was lacrosse. I thought, ‘Great, I’ll put on a helmet and play it.’ But I didn’t like it when people hit me.

So that just didn’t go well.”

The Academy also opened doors for Mr. Sullivan to join Atlas, WMA’s school newspaper, during his senior year.

“But I don’t remember any specific story that I wrote,” Mr. Sullivan said. “It was a little disorganized and we didn’t meet more than a few times that year. I don’t think there were too many journalists in that group.”

With exception of at least one.

That taste of journalism later helped Mr. Sullivan take interest in the Trinity Tripod, the school newspaper at Trinity College that had produced the likes of Peter T. Kilborn and Pulitzer Prize winners George F. Will, Jim Murray and William K. Marimov.

Mr. Sullivan was a bit Yearbook photo of Paul Sullivan ’91 of everything at the Tripod, climbing the ranks of news editor, arts editor and managing editor to senior editor.

Mr. Sullivan graduated with highest honors from Trinity, earning “the 12th spot of the 12 students who received that (recognition)” from a class of 500 students, and a transcript that led to more opportunity.

He went on to pursue his masters at Chicago, through a fellowship.

“I had talked with my advisor at Trinity about my aptitude for history and pursuing that,” Mr. Sullivan said. “The fellowship was paying my way to go (to Chicago), so I figured history was it. But after three or four days (of classes), I knew

I did not want to be a history professor somewhere.”

Once in the real world, Mr. Sullivan found himself sharing a one-bedroom apartment in New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood with former WMA student Andy Roebuck ’91 (non-grad).

“I was very good friends with three guys — Tino Ricci ’91, Mike DeNucci ’91 and Andy. We haven’t stopped giving him a hard time since then, but Andy ‘defected’ to Suffield Academy his junior year,” Mr. Sullivan said.

Mr. Sullivan said that despite having “zero contacts,” he eventually landed an internship with the New York Times.

“I was writing about stuff I knew nothing about, but they told me not to worry . . . to just ask questions,” Mr. Sullivan said.

“I was 22 and it was the perfect first job. I could pay rent, eat.

But I was quickly unhappy. I knew there had to be something better, so I worked as hard as I could to get a better job.

“At the New York Times, the first thing I wrote about was commercial mortgage backend securities. I didn’t know a thing about them. But as a kid, I remember wondering, ‘When am I going to need things I learned in algebra or calculus?’

But I took them seriously and it all helped.”

Mr. Sullivan lives near New York City, in the Fairfield County area of Connecticut, with his wife of 11 years, Laura, and three daughters — Virginia, 9, Phoebe, 6, and Astrid, 1.

He returns to WMA as often as he can, has also attended offcampus alumni events and has traveled to campus to be a guest speaker to WMA students in Alumni Memorial Chapel.

“My aunt lives around the corner from WMA, so I usually come back around Easter,” Mr. Sullivan said. “And I come back to check on my Senior Stone.”

And just as Mr. Sullivan’s Senior Stone remains on campus, so too do his heart, mind and soul.

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By sarah wakelin Director of Annual Giving

Alumni in Action: Mahsa Khanbabai, Esq. ’89

Q&A with Mahsa Khanbabai, Esq. ’89 Name: Mahsa Khanbabai, Esq. WMA Class: 1989

an activity that I didn’t think I would be good at helped teach me to take on challenges throughout my career.

Hometown: Ware, Massachusetts Occupation: Immigration Attorney College education and degrees: B.A., Political Science, Union College; J.D., Albany Law School Languages spoken: English, Persian, Turkish

With her boutique law practice — Khanbabai Immigration Law, located in Easton, Massachusetts — Ms. Khanbabai assists businesses, hospitals, families and individuals in navigating the vast and oft-confusing world of immigration law. Born in Iran and raised in Western Massachusetts, Ms. Khanbabai’s personal experience with the difficulties of the immigration process lend an indispensable degree of empathy to her work. In her 30 years since graduating from WMA, Ms. Khanbabai has been a consistent supporter of the Academy, giving generously of her time, talent and treasure. She served on the Board of Trustees from 2002–2011, and in 2009 received the Service to the Academy Award for her leadership volunteer efforts. As a fellow Board Member aptly noted in the award nomination, “Mahsa is a true champion of WMA.”

Which faculty members did you rely on during your time at WMA?

Don Nicholson ’79, Robin Farrington and Mr. Laurence Zabar ’71W, a lecturer who taught a class about the law and legal writing. Don was a kind and supportive teacher, Robin was the one who wouldn’t let anyone settle for less than they could achieve, and Mr. Zabar encouraged my inquisitiveness and encouraged me to consider being a lawyer.

Being an attorney requires an ability to be thoughtful and understand all sides of an issue, a certain level of tenacity and stubbornness, and the willingness

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to take on challenges. These teachers each played an important role in nurturing these qualities.

How did WMA help prepare you for your career? WMA emphasized the

importance of being a well-rounded individual and the need to prepare.

The school sought to bring out each student’s capabilities, to nurture and develop them, but to also help each student go beyond their comfort zone to try something new.

For example, I was terrible at sports before I went to WMA, but we were required to engage in an activity each trimester. I saw that with practice I could do things that I had never thought I would be able to do. Having to actually do

Did you always want to be an attorney, and what advice would you give a WMA student who is interested in a similar career? I had thought about

being an attorney, but wasn’t certain it was the right career for me. It seemed like a lot of work and I didn’t know if I had it in me. It took me some time to realize that it was the perfect fit for me, along with encouragement from my father! I would advise anyone thinking about being an attorney to intern in at least one or two law offices. Also, find someone that you can relate to who will spend some time talking about their career; what do they love about it, what did it take to get there, what would they have done differently looking back? Most importantly know yourself! What are you passionate about? Try to picture yourself in 10 years; can you see yourself waking up in the morning and looking forward to going to work?

Describe the biggest changes you’ve seen in immigration law during your career. The current administration

has significantly tried to change the law by changing policy, which is much easier than effecting a statutory or regulatory change. The policy changes have created a much more limited and narrow interpretation of what the law says. It has become more difficult to meet the standard for most visas and officers are given much less discretion to forgive little mistakes.

Do you have a favorite “type” of client (businesses, universities, individuals, others)? I really enjoy working

with community health centers and community hospitals. The U.S. has a shortage of health care professionals, especially doctors and dentists, and certain parts of the country have an extremely difficult time recruiting these professionals.

Rural areas, inner cities and health care providers serving low-income populations have the most difficult time finding physicians, so they often rely on international medical graduates to fill the gap. These doctors are among the best and brightest and undertake work visas to provide medical care to these communities, and it is such a pleasure to help both the international doctor and the community hospital with their visa applications.

Why is your career in immigration law so rewarding? I love bringing

families together and helping people work in jobs that they are good at!

My most enjoyable moments are when I make a positive difference in a person’s life by helping them get their green card or become a U.S. citizen. America is such an amazing country because we have people from all around the world who each make a contribution to our society.

I have the opportunity to see their contributions first hand, like the doctor providing medical care to elderly patients in a small community hospital, the scientist studying a cure to Duchenne (Muscular Dystrophy) disease, the farm workers picking fruit or taking care of horses, and the hotel workers on the Cape.

Each person brings the rich and diverse culture of where they come from, and I learn something from every one of them.

By RUSS HELD Director of Electronic Communications

departments: Staff farewell

‘Director of First Impressions’ Leaving Lasting Impression Most days, the Rich Hall reception office feels as busy as New York City, where Mrs. Wood once spent time working as a taxi cab driver.

“Her inspirational ‘Thought for the Day’ jar, Christmas cards and cocoa, a hidden bowl of chocolates for a late day pick-me-up . . . she makes the reception office the hub of fellowship and helpfulness each and every day,’’ Registrar Barbara Conlon said. “She manages her varied tasks with seamless ease and no complaints — even when buried by boxes of student belongings awaiting shipment!”

Linda Pietras (2003–2009), Colleen Rogers (2001–2003) and Mary Ellen Jamroz (1982–2000).

Mrs. Wood was excited to join her husband, Kevin, in retirement, looking forward to “spending more time with the loves of my life, continuing to learn new things and feeding my soul.

Rich Hall Receptionists in recent years

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or much of the last decade, Sue Wood has been the face, eyes, ears, shoulders (and often brain) of Wilbraham & Monson Academy.

And now feet.

Upon her retirement in March, she left some big shoes to fill.

Mrs. Wood spent the last eightplus years as a Receptionist in Rich Hall, holding the unofficial and fitting title of “Director of First Impressions.”

A job that Mrs. Wood said requires one to “be organized, detail-oriented, positive, kind, have common sense, love being interrupted” ran the gamut of responsibility. A moment after greeting a guest with a smile, she might send her (seemingly)

Tracey Healy: 2019–?

Sue Wood: 2010–2019 Loretta Fograshy: 2009–2010 Linda Pietras: 2003–2009 Colleen Rogers: 2001–2003 Mary Ellen Jamroz: 1982–2000

hourly lost-and-found emails to students, answer a phone call from halfway around the world or engage in a conversation that only the combined personalities of a psychologist, coffee shop waitress, barista and golf pro could handle.

“You can always count on Sue to be a smiling and positive presence in the reception office and a sympathetic listener. Most of us have asked her to ‘solve’ a problem, and somehow she does it — without a complaint!”

Business Manager Janet Murphy said. “Our ‘Director of First Impressions’ will be missed by the entire WMA community.”

All told, the native of Chicopee, Massachusetts, spent 20 years at WMA serving as an administrative assistant in the Deans Office for two years and as a library assistant for nine.

From her office overlooking Rich Hall Lobby at the end of the hightraffic Deans Office hallway, Mrs. Wood followed in the footsteps of the likes of Loretta Fograshy (2009–2010),

“I’ve been married to the love of my life for 38 years (and he still makes me laugh)! I have two smart, beautiful daughters I am super proud of. I have two granddaughters who teach me something about life every time I am with them.”

It’s fitting Mrs. Wood uses “welcoming” to describe WMA in one word, as she has returned the kindness 100-fold. And when she says that “everybody” will be what she’ll miss most about WMA, it only makes sense that everybody will miss her.

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departments: class notes

in memoriam: PHIL CARDONE

Coach Cardone: ‘A life well spent’ Eulogy given by Head of School Brian Easler at Mr. Phil Cardone’s funeral service on Jan. 5, 2019 When I first met Phil Cardone, I somehow instinctively knew that I should call him coach . . . and so I did, every time I saw him for the last 20 years. I never played for him, but I wish I did. I called him coach as a sign of deep respect, especially fitting for the man he was and the life he spent doing just that . . . coaching, in the classroom, on the fields and the mats, at faculty meetings, in student disciplinary meetings, during walks across campus, or, in recent years, when I would stop at one of the campus gardens where Coach would be happily toiling, covered with sweat and dirt, and would inevitably impart some little but significant piece of feedback . . . often only with the look of approval or hesitation in his eyes.

After he stopped formally coaching teams at WMA, which continued long after his official teaching retirement, Coach Cardone continued his work at WMA, continuing to share his passion for gardening on campus. Not only did Coach Cardone love gardening, but he also loved WMA; and that perfect match was evident, campus-wide, with the glorious flowers and fruits of his labor as testament to his lifelong commitment to his school and his students and his history here. In a way . . . he had always been gardening.

During those later years when I would notice students walking by him and not recognizing him for who he was at our school and what he meant to us . . . I would address them at All-School Meeting and say, ‘How many of you have seen the serious, hardworking bald-headed gentleman

they were for me, are far too shallow to truly define the depth of impact he had on those around him for decades.

In that spirit and in honor of the hundreds of others who share these feelings, I will now read some sentiments from them. These voices are just a small part of the chorus that sings praise for Phil Cardone and the legacy that he leaves behind in their many lives and at WMA.”

Don Nicholson ’79: Coach, History teacher, administrator and dorm parent since 1983:

who tends to our gardens?’ A handful of students would typically raise their hands, and then I would continue with, ‘Let me tell you a few things “Phil was not teaching here when I was a student about that man and the impact he had here at as he had left to work in business. When I came WMA.’ I would then tell the students, briefly, back to teach in 1983, I worked with Phil as who Coach Cardone was and what his tenure at a member of the History Department up to his WMA had been. I would tell them that if they retirement. As he coached football, wrestling and wished to treat him with respect, they should say, lacrosse, I obviously experienced steady contact when walking by, ‘Hi Coach.’ After that annual with him. I would say the 1980s were probably talk, I would then occasionally see a group of Phil’s most influential time on me as I was a students, usually athletes, huddled around Coach young coach and teacher. He was the model for us Cardone next to a campus garden, him leaning of working hard, living clean and playing fair. toward them with arms crossed on a garden tool He definitely influenced me in the classroom and and them with rapt attention to whatever he on the field, and certainly influenced my was saying . . . and whatever it was . . . I’m sure it development. We coached together when I had was exactly what they needed to hear. the Varsity Lacrosse team and he was always so I feel privileged to have known Coach Cardone, respectful of what I was trying to do as a coach, and I will forever be thankful for the time I was while also holding the line on how the boys able to share with him. But, my experiences and carried themselves on and off the field. connections to Coach, despite how meaningful His famous credo, ‘Do what you’re supposed to do when you’re supposed to do it’ always stayed in my head. So simple, yet so strong a message for our young athletes. I still quote him today.

Phil was tough, but not crazy tough. The boys knew where the line was with Phil and they made sure they stayed on the right side of it.

They knew he was fair. Phil did not have an ego and this allowed him to have such balance working with both kids and fellow coaches. He wanted nothing for himself, just for others.

When I met members of the 1966 undefeated Monson Academy Football team, I was struck by how they spoke about Phil. They were saying the same things our Phil Cardone, left, athletes would say about with fellow WMA him 35 years later. Tough, faculty members Don but fair.

Demanding, yet Nicholson ’79 and Gary Cook (back). supportive. He truly lived

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departments: class notes

in memoriam: PHIL CARDONE

and taking down the American flag. As Phil recalled, he was one of the faculty members who met the students at the flagpole and informed them that while the faculty respected their right to assemble and voice their concerns . . . the flag was not coming down that day . . . so go back to classes . . . and they did.

We taught side by side for 15 years, in Fisk basement in rooms 209 and 210. It’s safe to say that Phil and I were very different, in age, experience, views of politics and history, my longer hair and mustache, and Phil, well, always short hair and clean shaven . . . until completely shaven.

I would stand outside his door sometimes mesmerized by what he knew about American history — details of the lives of Jefferson, Washington and Hamilton . . . before Hamilton became a Broadway star. The depth of his knowledge and his command as he instructed . . . well, I would just stand there out of sight and listen . . . and learn.

Although we coached different sports, Phil football, wrestling and lacrosse and me soccer, basketball, baseball, we talked often about our respective coaching, our players, how to help them, let them grow from success and setbacks.

Phil held students and players accountable. He had a no-nonsense approach but a helping hand and a big heart at the same time. He knew that people make mistakes and teams lose games, but he also knew that appropriate response to mistakes and failure is what young people really need as they mature.

When we were in deep conversation and Phil wanted to respectfully make a point, he would look at me and begin by saying ‘Now Coach . . . ’ When I saw Phil this fall at a football game, my greeting was, ‘Coach, it’s great to see you.’ I can think of no better title for a man who gave so much to so many.

Goodbye, Coach Cardone — teacher, mentor, colleague and friend.”

the words he spoke. There Erik Hall ’93: Played football, was nothing fake about wrestling and lacrosse for Coach this man.

Cardone In the 1980s, we used to take the Varsity Lacrosse “He was like a father to me when I needed one team to Florida during spring most. He rescued me from despair and taught me break. This was in Deerfield discipline, commitment and integrity. He was Beach, right above Ft. Lauderdale. Phil was uncompromising and conservative. He expected the person who always held things steady on these your best and would not tolerate excuses. But trips and made sure the boys stayed in line. behind his tough exterior was endless kindness I remember early one morning before practice and compassion. He was one of a kind and I’m a driving back along Route 1 to the hotel, with a better man for having known him. Rest in peace, couple of other young coaches and coffees. We Coach. And thank you.” started to see some of our kids running down the sidewalk going away from our hotel. We laughed Gary Cook: Coach, History teacher and knew that Mr. Cardone had sent them on and dorm parent since 1979 a punishment run for some offense. I know that those boys did not like the fact that they were “Phil returned to the Academy in 1980, a year after running, but in the end they respected Phil for I began, and he was a mentor to me as a young knowing the path and showing them the difference teacher in the prep school world. between right and wrong.

Early on in my time, our department chair left Phil could have a fierce look on his face and a and I was interested in the position but asked Phil sternness in his voice during the heat of athletic if he desired it. He gave me a look of surprise and competition, but there was nothing like the smile distaste and said, ‘Nah, why would I want those he could also quickly dole out and the kind words headaches? I don’t need them. You’re just starting Bobby Veit ’65M which could flow from him so easily. Teacher, your career, you should do it’ . . . so I did, with his coach, mentor, role model, friend: the embodiment supportive mentoring.

“Rest in Peace, Sarge! While at Monson Academy, of our principles and traditions as a school. What Phil once told me a great story of his time at you ran a real tough lacrosse practice and you a legacy to so many.”

Monson Academy — late 1960s Vietnam War, were a very straightforward dorm master. Thank and the word on campus was that the students you for helping me build character and thank were going to rally against the war by assembling you for letting us watch the Beatles in your living Phil Cardone, right, with wife Val and grandson Jackson Healy ’23 during WMA Middle School Grandparent & VIP Day in Oct. 2018.

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room when they were on the Ed Sullivan show!

What a treat.”

Tom Eccleston, Former WMA Faculty member 1994–1996 “We were colleagues during my time there, but we developed a close friendship as I lived above him on campus. I was drawn to him because he reminded me of my father. He was a man of conviction, strong moral values and grace. I consider him one of my few professional mentors during my early career. He will be missed.”

As you can tell . . . Coach Cardone’s influence has reached far and wide, much farther than just one person could ever truly describe.

So, in closing, I will share two final brief perspectives from longtime members of our tight-knit WMA community.

Don Kelly, our Faculty Marshal and longestserving full-time member of the teaching faculty, describes Phil as “a very humble guy who did not talk about himself very much. He was a man who was always true to his convictions and he was an old-fashioned gentleman in the best sense.”

And Barbara Moran, who just completed 45 years of service and worked at one time as the office assistant with Coach Cardone in the Deans Office. She says “Phil behaved himself . . . most of the time . . . ” For me, from my own mentoring and friendship with Phil Cardone, combined with these other perspectives and hundreds more like them, unspoken here but no less powerful, I am left believing that this life . . . the life of Philip Cardone . . . was a life well spent.

We’ll miss you, Coach.

We Remember Mr. Peter M. Armstrong ’53W

Mr. Harold E. North ’49M

Mr. Scott R. Dixon ’88

Mr. Robert O. Palmer ’77

Mr. Thomas A. Dolan ’50W

Mr. Brian R. Quesnel ’85

Mr. Thornton S. Farnsworth Jr. ’51W

Mr. Camille F. Sarrouf ’51W Former Trustee

Mr. Floyd F. Foster Jr. ’42W Dr. James H. Freeman ’49W Mr. William J. Goodrich Jr. ’69W Mr. E. Morris Hayn Jr. ’49W Mr. Kent L. Karosen ’84 Former Trustee

Mr. Edmund J. Strauss ’59M Mr. Daniel F. Sullivan ’54W Mr. Edward A. Sundburg Jr. ’56M Mr. Charles J. Szostkiewicz ’50M Mr. Andrew K. Townend ’50M

Mr. Gerard Sicco B. Van Boetzelaer ’54W

Mrs. Carol R. Driscoll Alumni Parent

Mr. Douglas C. Warka ’63M

Mrs. Karen Majocka Alumni Parent

Mr. Scott S. Wilson ’69W

Mrs. Pamela Meadows Alumni Spouse

Mrs. Grace Barnagian Alumni Grandparent

Mr. William Metzger Sr. Alumni Parent

Mr. Phillip J. Cardone Former Faculty

Ms. Sheila Potte Former Faculty

Mrs. Marian Y. DeMayo Former Staff

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By DON KELLY | Faculty Marshal, World Languages

WMA Spotlight: CURRENT STAFF

Barbara Moran continues to leave mark on WMA community Deans Office, Ms. Moran was the “face of the WMA.” She was the person that a student would go to with a question or a problem.

She was the one who assured the nervous student summoned to the Deans Office that everything would be fine. She was the one who reassured the concerned parent that the deans would somehow help their child, and she was the one who gave kind words to young faculty trying to balance all the duties of boarding school teachers. Ms. Moran • The Deans Office was truly did all this with a smile on her face a smooth, well-oiled machine and in the friendliest manner. Many that moved along quite people would stop at Ms. Moran’s efficiently and would continue half door in the Deans Office just to to do so despite me.

• Ms. Moran was really the dean, talk to her. How lucky WMA was to have Ms. Moran as its ambassador not me! of good will.

Fortunately for WMA, To describe the WMA Deans Ms. Moran has never completely Office as a smooth, well-oiled machine is a complete understatement. left the Academy. Although she did retire from full-time employment When I think back about all Ms. Moran had to do in a time before in 1998, Ms. Moran agreed to come to campus every Tuesday and to computers and word processors, I realize that her job was Herculean. work in the Office of Advancement.

Working with an electric typewriter, The Academy is fortunate to still have this carbon paper and a mimeograph great machine, she managed all the person. correspondence and record keeping of the Deans Office. Before email was invented, six times each A yearbook photo of Barbara Moran shows the smile and “face of WMA.’’ academic year she organized all the grade reports and teacher comments for the entire student body and made sure they were mailed out in a timely fashion. She did all this and, at the same time, helped all the people, who came to the half door of the Deans Office or called on the phone, in a very cordial manner.

But beyond her gift of hard work and organization, was an attribute that was more important than any other. For during her tenure in the myself, “This is great! She is very supportive.” Then Ms. Moran stepped back and told me in no uncertain terms just how the Deans Office functioned and that despite me, the new kid on the block, it would continue to function in the same smooth manner.

Ms. Moran began to share with me the “ground rules of operations in the Deans Office,” and at the end I understood two important things:

Longtime WMA associates Don Kelly and Barbara Moran

I

that Ms. Moran’s ability to converse n an age when people often with students or faculty who were change jobs every two or three waiting to speak to a dean often put years, it is quite remarkable them at ease for their meeting. for an individual to devote nearly a I did get the job that day, but half century of employment to perhaps not entirely due to my the same institution. I use the verb interviewing skills. For, I found out “devote” because Barbara Moran’s years later from Ms. Moran herself, 45-year tenure at Wilbraham & that I had passed her inspection Monson Academy has been a service during our deskside conversation of devotion to the Academy and and that she recommended to its community of students, faculty, Mr. LaBelle that I be hired. Fortystaff, alumni and parents. plus years later, I would like to say, I first met Barbara in June 1976.

Fresh out of graduate school, I came “Thank you, Barbara!”

In 1987, Interim Head of School to WMA for a job interview just Fred Watts appointed Phil Cardone after school had ended. Arriving in as Dean of Students and me as Rich Hall, I was directed down the great hallway to the Deans Office, Academic Dean. I arrived for my first day on the job as dean, greeted and there was Ms. Moran sitting Ms. Moran and went to my desk behind her desk doing some of the to begin some paperwork. But as end of school year paperwork. with any new job, doubts started She invited me to have a seat by her to creep into my mind as to whether desk while I awaited my interview or not I was up for these new duties. with Bill LaBelle, the Dean of the A few minutes later Ms. Moran Academy. We chatted amiably for marched into my office with a small a while until Mr. LaBelle was ready cardboard box containing pencils, for me, and, having talked with Ms. Moran, I went into the interview pens, legal pads, paper clips and a stapler. She said I would probably feeling at home and relaxed at need these things, and I thought to WMA. Later on, I would realize

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WMA Spotlight: CURRENT STAFF

By JOHN BOOZANG Director of College Counseling

Sandi Scott: ‘Everything will work out just fine’

Sandi Scott, College Counseling Office Manager

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t the upper right corner of her busy but orderly desk, easily reachable from a well-worn yet welcoming chair, lies a flowery box of Kleenex, a pumpaction hand sanitizer, an opaque ceramic bowl of hard candy and granola bars, and an assortment of colorful stress balls emblazoned with college logos. Each item on its own serves its designed purpose: to blow a nose or wipe a tear; to clean hands; to satisfy a stomach growl or sweet tooth; and to alleviate stress.

Collectively, they function as a gentle reminder of their owner’s unwavering support and concern, and the palpable ethos she has championed in her work for the past 20 years: Everything will work out just fine.

Meet Sandi Scott.

For nearly two decades, Ms. Scott has been at the center of Wilbraham & Monson’s College Counseling Office. As College Counseling Office Manager, she works tirelessly to ensure that students remain focused and on task with each aspect of their college search and application process. To date, upward of 1,500 students representing more than 45 countries and 35 states — and each

with different interests, needs, questions and insecurities — have relied on Ms. Scott to ensure that, at the very least, their college applications were submitted in a timely and complete manner.

Ms. Scott’s role for most, however, far exceeded the perfunctory.

“I’ve been amazed and overjoyed by the meaningful and often lifelong relationships with kids that have blossomed from our initial meetings,’’ Ms. Scott said. “The transformation is sometimes incredible and always rewarding.

with Ms. Scott. Older alumni, many of whom graduated 15 or 20 years ago and some that live on the other side of the country or even overseas, keep in close contact because of Ms. Scott’s influence when they were students and the lifelong friendships that have been maintained throughout the years.

One of the many examples of Ms. Scott’s impact on the lives of her students is Angel Ortiz ’01, an exceptional football player and postgraduate from Medford, Massachusetts. As an inner city

that I was worthy and capable. She did the same thing for so many of us. Over time, Ms. Scott became somewhat of a maternal figure, someone we could confide in and ask for advice. She was able to really listen, to reserve judgment and to just let us unload what may have been weighing on us at any given time. Ms. Scott, more than any other, made WMA a comfortable home for us.’’

It comes as no surprise that Angel would later ask if Ms. Scott would hand him his diploma at

“Ms. Scott is definitely one of the greatest gifts I got from graduating WMA. It’s funny enough to feel as if I have a daughter-mother bond with her. If any big event happens in my life, I’d want to tell her first.”

—Ayano “Alan” Konakamura ’10

I’ve been lucky enough to be a kind of big sister to some, a friend and confidant to others, and perhaps even a second mom at times. So often, I feel like they are my kids, and I’m always heartbroken and proud at graduation — proud of how much they’ve grown and accomplished, yet afraid that they’ll never come back.” But they do.

I have had the privilege of working alongside Ms. Scott since 2007 and marvel at the flow of alumni in and out of her office, especially young alums home from college during winter break or at the end of the school year. An adjoining door separates our offices and I often chuckle at the familiar peals of laughter and excitement that fill the hall as our students share their college experiences and WMA memories

kid who excelled in sports, Angel admits that academics were never a top priority in high school, and he shared that he was a little overwhelmed when he arrived.

“I was a public school kid my whole life and suddenly I was surrounded by what I thought were really smart and rich, prep school kids. I initially questioned whether I could measure up, or even fit in, until Ms. Scott took me under her wing. I saw her every single morning on my way to breakfast.

She always reassured me and would say things like, ‘Listen Angel, you’re here for a reason and you can do it. You will do it! And, for the record, you deserve to be here — if not, the Admission Office wouldn’t have offered you admission!’

“Sandi was my confidence booster who helped me to believe

graduation, a tradition typically reserved for faculty parents.

Mike Thompson, who served as Ms. Scott’s first boss and Director of College Counseling from 1997– 2007, admitted Sandi is “a great team player, a caring and dedicated assistant and a wonderful, thoughtful colleague and friend to all.”

Throughout her tenure, Ms. Scott has been the reliable and trusted engine of our College Counseling Office, an exceptional colleague and loyal friend, and someone who reminds us of what’s important — and that everything will work out just fine.

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By BILL WELLS | Director of Student Promotion

WMA Spotlight: CURRENT STAFF

Don Nicholson ’79: WMA . . . ‘It’s who I am, and this is my school’

Don Nicholson ’79 and wife Karen

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ith the movement of someone half his age, Don Nicholson ’79 walks throughout the Wilbraham & Monson Academy campus smoothly, yet always with a purpose. Sometimes with a coffee mug in hand, and always sporting a perfectly knotted tie, Mr. Nicholson moves from one building to another comfortable in his own skin, his love and commitment for WMA obvious.

That love and commitment for the Academy began a long time ago. Surrounded by trusted faculty members as a student, Mr. Nicholson soon realized he had discovered an unexpected comfort level at the Academy. And like any healthy relationship, that love has grown stronger and stronger over the years.

Don Nicholson ’79 with son Kyle ’03 (left) and daughter Nicole ’03.

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Mr. Nicholson praised and credited former Headmaster Mike Casey for not only helping him think of school and himself in a different manner, but for putting him on a positive and productive path — a path that began in a much different time period than today.

“I really think why I love the Academy is Mike Casey; he’s at the core of it,” said Mr. Nicholson, who enrolled at WMA as a postgraduate from nearby Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1978, participating in Boys’ Soccer, Swimming and Boys’ Lacrosse.

“If it had not been for him, I don’t know what direction I would have gone. I certainly would not have been here.”

“Coach Nic is very special to me.

He introduced me to WMA and helped me become a better person.

Without Coach Nic I don’t know where I would be today, and I mean that.”

— S tacy DaCruz Sosa ’06, Assistant Director of Admission; former Girls’ Soccer player

For Mr. Nicholson, “here” is home. Since 1983, longer than roughly half of the current faculty has been alive, Mr. Nicholson has been employed at WMA, faithfully serving as a faculty member, History Department Chair, Director of Alumni and Development, and his current role as Athletic Director. He didn’t even consider teaching as a potential profession until he took an English class with Mr. Casey, who he found to be a masterful teacher.

Outside of the classroom and office space, he has been equally as versatile and valuable. Yes, he’s been the WMA Girls’ Soccer coach since 1995, his all-time record of 257–92–37 cementing him as one of the winningest coaches in any sport in school history. His girls’ soccer teams have won two New England titles and placed second four times.

However, few people know he served as head coach for the Swimming and Boys’ Lacrosse programs, including coaching three varsity sports in the same school year. Before taking over the girls’ program, he was Mr. Gary Cook’s assistant for Boys’ Varsity Soccer for a dozen seasons, and he coached the 1989 Boys’ Swimming team to a Western New England title.

Mr. Nicholson lived in Rich Hall and Wallace Blake for 20 years — 20!!! — before moving out of the dorm, albeit to a house located in the center of campus.

“Once I came here and started teaching and coaching, and living in Rich Hall, I always felt that this was my home,” said Mr. Nicholson, whose children, Nicole and Kyle, graduated from the Academy in 2003. His wife, Karen, has supported him from Day One, even coaching Don Nicholson ’79 during his days as a student.

“One thing students and colleagues don’t know is Don was a phenomenal history teacher. I was chair of the History Department when Don was teaching AP European and World History. He has a great knowledge of history and love of history; he was a one-time chair of the History Department.

Kids were mesmerized about Don’s knowledge of European history. He loved to talk about the Monarchs and the Scots. People today don’t know that’s part of who Don was.”

LaBrecque and Brian Easler,” Mr. Nicholson explained. “I know they all love the school. I felt they were all different, but I respected them all and I worked hard for them and was loyal to them. I’ll put up a fight for things when I feel it’s important, but at the core of it is the leader who loves and cares about the school, and I attach myself to that.”

Undoubtedly, he has. No one can rightfully question Mr. Nicholson’s devotion to the Academy.

He values the school’s traditions, respects each and every member of the WMA alumni family, and tries to steer the current students onto a healthy path — the path he was put on by Mr. Casey so many years ago.

“The Academy became my life,” he said. “For the students, I want to see the product 5–10 years from now, and hear them say they love what the school did for them. That’s one of my ultimate great feelings — when I hear them say WMA set them on the right path. People change and time goes by, but at my core, that’s what’s the most important thing to me. The school did it for me, and the school has done it for generations after me.”

Mr. Nicholson has three grandchildren and is nearing 60 years old, which may be a surprise to

some people based on how fluidly he moves throughout campus, including on the soccer field, where he still regularly practices with the girls. Thirty-five years, especially in a school setting, is a long time.

The deadlines, meetings, practices, daily grind and dealing with teenagers still finding their way can all be taxing. His name is deservedly synonymous with the school; he has every right to say farewell to Wilbraham & Monson Academy.

“Every once in a while someone will ask me (about retirement),” he admitted. “I’m good. There are always changes, but I couldn’t do this at another school. What drives me is that WMA is in me. I can’t go to another school. I can’t leave this place. Some people move around. That’s normal. To stay at one job for 35 years is not normal. But to me, it’s very normal because it’s who I am, and this is my school.”

Coach Nicholson speaks with his team during one of his 386 games on the sidelines with the Girls’ Soccer team.

— G ary Cook, History Department faculty; former Boys’ Varsity Soccer Coach

soccer with him over the years. “My parents lived three miles up the road, but when I moved out, this became my home. I always felt comfortable here, and in the boarding school. It’s always been home to me. My foundation in Springfield was important, and still is, but this place has always been comfortable.”

Since being hired in 1983 by Mr. Casey, which occurred before he graduated college, Mr. Nicholson’s goal as an employee at WMA has been clear and precise — to follow the lead of the Head of School, and always do what’s best for Wilbraham & Monson Academy.

“I’ve worked for five Headmasters — Mike Casey, Fred Watts, Richard Malley, Rodney

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departments: Faculty Fun Facts

Titan Faculty: Outside the Classroom 1

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1 David Allen Faculty, Middle School History Mr. Allen spent Christmas in Gilmanton, New Hampshire, where Grace Metalious wrote “Peyton Place,” which was based on that town. The murder that was part of that famous book actually happened there. Also, America’s first known serial killer, Herman Webster Mudgett, was born in Gilmanton and claimed his first two victims in the town. Mr. Allen said, “I don’t always plan holidays around murder sites, but everybody needs a hobby.”

2 Fabienne Dubois Faculty, World Languages Madame Dubois welcomed Frenchspeaking Togolese writer and performer Brice Kapel to WMA in November during National French Week for a school concert and workshop for French students.

3 Brian Easler Head of School Mr. Easler mapped out and constructed a single-track, running and mountain biking trail that connects the Lower-toUpper Reservoir Trail to the Sunset Rock Trail network on top of the ridge behind campus. Mr. Easler was also surprised with his own 50th birthday celebration in February.

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4 Jim Irzyk Faculty, CEGS Varsity Baseball Coach Coach Irzyk attended the Mohegan Sun Baseball Coaches Convention in January, where he partook in 15, onehour sessions on various topics.

5 John Lombard Faculty, Mathematics Mr. Lombard and son Luke ’22 went to the Snow Farm Craft School in Williamsburg, Massachusetts, during the summer and worked on several welding projects. Mr. Lombard said, “I love that part of my brain that gets tapped into when I start creating things. Even the mere attempt at trying to make something is an act that I believe makes us much more human.”

6 Mathematics Department Members of the Wilbraham & Monson Academy Math Department attended the regional conference for the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics in Hartford, Connecticut, in October. The NCTM is the largest organization in the world in regards to mathematics education.

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7 Luke Pelletier Faculty, Middle School Science To prepare for the new Exploring Computer Science course at WMA, Mr. Pelletier participated in a weeklong Massachusetts Exploring Computer Science Partnership at Framingham State University during the summer of 2018.

8 Bill Rosenbeck Faculty, English Mr. Rosenbeck completed Meditation Teacher Training through The Boston Buddha in hopes of adding it to the WMA curriculum next school year.

9 Clark Seibold Faculty, Fine & Performing Arts Mr. Seibold performed on drums at the Iron Horse Music Hall in Northampton for the opening act, Juke Joint Jazz, and the headliner, The James Argiro Quintet, in June.

11 Elizabeth Squindo Dean of Students Ms. Squindo graduated from Columbia University’s Klingenstein Program in May.

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12 Jeff Vartabedian Faculty, Middle School & Health Mr. Vartabedian attended “Innovative, New Activities for Strengthening Your Physical Education Program,” a one-day physical education conference in December.

13 Erika Whipple Assistant Director of Athletics Athletic Trainer After attending a Kinesio Tape Conference in the summer, Ms. Whipple went to a sports psychology conference at Boston Children’s Hospital in the fall.

10 Drew Shea ’08 Faculty, World Languages Boys’ Varsity Soccer Coach Coach Shea completed a weeklong coaches’ clinic hosted by United Soccer Coaches during the summer, where he earned his national-level coaching license.

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departments: Faculty Fun Facts

If These Walls Could Talk A snapshot of Mr. Easler’s office serves as a scrapbook of his interests and love for Wilbraham & Monson Academy.

wonderful class discussions about what motivates people’s behavior . . . especially when they have power over the consequences.

6 Photos: Pictures with my

advisees and former students.

7 Nalgene water bottle: Need to

stay hydrated.

1 Memorabilia: From my Army

days, photos with my team and such.

2 My other half: A photo with my

lovely wife, Dr. Stephanie Easler.

3 Atlas: Always watching over me.

4 Picture of John Wayne: Signed, “Good Luck, John Wayne” — a gift from the late Gary Beauchamp ’78.

He sent it to me when I was named the Head of School.

5 Power & Ethics course: The

section of books and such dedicated to the senior elective course I teach at WMA. “Lord of the Flies” and “Heart of Darkness”. . . two typical freshman year novels — one high school and one college — where the protagonists are struggling to make sense of living with a lack of societal consequences. It makes for

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8 Amazon artifacts: Artifacts

from Academy-led Amazon trips I’ve taken — macaw headdresses, bonefish-tooth scrapers, jaguar claw necklace, feather warrior arm bands, jaguar tooth necklace, various war clubs and assorted other primitive textiles and jewelry.

9 Chain of Office: The WMA

Chain of Office, designating the Head of School when worn with academic regalia at Convocation, Prize Day and Commencement.

10 Photos: A selfie with young

alumni and a team photo of the 2016–2017 undefeated Riflery team.

11 Gifts: Various gifts from

alumni friends.

12 Yearbooks: A yearbook for

every year since I arrived at WMA in 1998.

by brian p. easler Head of School

departments: alumni events

Young Alumni Gathering 1

January 9, 2019 Recent alumni and friends joined some of their favorite staff and faculty in Gill Memorial Library in January to catch up on WMA and share what’s new in their lives.

1 Left to right: Fine & Performing Arts Department faculty member Marvina Lowry-Brook, Lauren Foley ’17, Lauren Poole ’17, Mariam Abramian ’17, Lili Brook ’16, Nichole Czuber ’16, Maya Preibisz-Kamat ’17 and Christina Felchner ’16.

2 Left to right: Alex Ravelli ’18, Dylan Derose ’18 and Nick Gourley ’18. 3 Left to right: Allie Collins-Anderson ’16, Carly Venditti ’16 and Erin Demers ’16. 4 Cameron Curland ’17 catches up with Director of College Counseling John Boozang. 5 Ally Stoll ’15 and Alina Shirley ’15.

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WMA Giving Day 1

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November 13, 2018 WMA held our first, community-wide Giving Day on Nov. 13, 2018. It was a WMAmazing success! by the numbers: 24 hours 140 donors Alumni accounted for 39 percent of all donors More than $22,000 raised for the Atlas Fund

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4 Students and alumni stopped by a photo booth in Rich Hall to grab popcorn and say “Thank you’’ to our donors.

1 Director of Advancement Mark Aimone (left) with Todd Masnicki ’89 2 Lorenzo Lugo-DeJesus ’20 (left), Ashley Ambrosino ’20 and Ayinde Turner ’20 3 Liam Shea-Gallagher ’24, Owen Swanson ’24 and Kayden Chhoun ’24 4 Gabby Zebrowksi ’22, Brian Ruballos ’20, Jeremiah Patterson-Yancey ’22 and Genna Miccoli ’22 5 Cooper Schechterle ’22 6 Abigail Lacey ’19

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Staff and faculty got in on the action as well, both as donors (making up 32 percent of the total) and to help spread the excitement of the day on social media.

7 Gino Gasparrini (left) and Ms. Whipple took each other on in a creative drag race. 8 Mr. Whitcomb, left, and Mr. Swanson played a (mostly) friendly game of Rock ’Em Sock ’Em Robots. 9 Ms. Hutcheson and Mr. Kelly took a turn serving lunch in the dining hall.

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Departments: alumni events

Asia Receptions 1

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October 2018 Head of School Brian Easler and Director of Advancement Mark Aimone toured Asia last October, visiting alumni, families and prospective students in five countries.

1 The two kicked off the trip in Tokyo, where they were welcomed by a group of Japanese alumni. 2 Enjoying dinner with alumni in Tokyo, Japan. Left to right: (back row) Mr. Easler, Mr. Aimone, Takaaki Kagami ’14, Hiro Koshima ’06, Masamune Konakamura ’05, Kento Fukasaku ’05, Ted Kitahara ’88; (front row) Reina Hirooka ’07, Megumi Aoki ’12, Michiharu Honda ’81 and Yuji Watanabe ’07. 3 In Taipei, Taiwan with members of the Pan-Asian Reunion Committee.

Left to right: Jayren Tu ’08, Mindy Chang ’05, Mr. Easler, Wilson Kao ’06 and Mr. Aimone. 4 Dinner in Taipei with WMA parents and alumni. 5 In Seoul, South Korea, Mr. Easler and Mr. Aimone met with WMA parents and alumni. 6 Dining in Beijing, China, Mr. Aimone with Claire Bi ’11, Mr. Easler, Orange Weng ’09 and Bobby Zhang ’11. 7 Mr. Easler and Mr. Aimone were met upon arrival in Bangkok, Thailand, by Geng Sakapan Eamegdool ’72, President of the Thai Alumni Association. 8 Khun Surangchaya Chirathivat (third from right), an alumni parent and consistent WMA supporter, hosted lunch to welcome Mr. Easler and Mr. Aimone to Bangkok.

They were joined by former Thai Alumni Association President Korn Dabbaransi ’64w (second from left), Korn’s son Kritapone Dabbaransi ’93 (far right), and Geng Sakapan Eamegdool ’72. In lower photo, the group enjoys a conversation about WMA blazers brought as a gift

by Mr. Easler and Mr. Aimone. 9 Taking in a Muay Thai match in Bangkok. Left to right: (front row) Joy Saranya Lertsumikul ’04, Aeh Usvisessivakul ’97, Pooh Prapatpong Weeramon ’89, Kong Kamolsut Dabbaransi ’95, Tai Paradon Nitaya ’93; (middle row) Mr. Aimone, Jang Chalermpong Cheosakul ’69, Fah Kamthorn Sheepchaiisara ’81; and (back row) Geng Sakapan Eamegdool ’72 and Mr. Easler. 10 Enjoying local Thai food at Likhit Kai Yang before a Muay Thai match in Bangkok.

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Dear WMA Alumni and Friends, I am excited to announce that planning and preparations for the first WMA Pan-Asian Reunion are underway.

Our Asian alumni, families and friends are an integral and impactful part of the WMA community, and have been for more than 150 years. Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s rich history of supporting international students began with Asia in 1847, when Monson Academy became the first school in the United States to enroll Chinese students. Japanese students followed in 1866 and our Asian alumni body has continued to grow and expand in the decades since. I can think of no better way to celebrate this history, and the achievements of our alumni, than with a WMA Reunion held in Asia.

The WMA Pan-Asian Reunion is being planned by a talented and dedicated contingent of alumni volunteers from across Asia. It will offer an opportunity for alumni of all ages and interests to network with fellow professionals and celebrate shared experiences. Our host city for this inaugural event, Bangkok, Thailand, is a fitting location as it shares more than 100 years of connection with WMA and includes almost 200 alumni. In addition to plenty of chances to explore the vibrancy and beauty of Bangkok, the Reunion program will include activities designed to bring WMA to Bangkok. Throughout the weekend there will be formal and informal opportunities to network with fellow alumni from across the decades and around the world.

Mark your calendars now and plan to join us in celebration on June 18–21, 2020, in Bangkok. More details, including program, travel information and pricing, will be coming soon.

Respectfully,

Brian P. Easler Head of School

www.wma.us/panasian2020

departments: class notes

Class Notes 1951 Wilbraham After 59 years in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, and 40 years teaching math at Mercersburg Academy, David Tyson and wife Henrietta have moved to a nice house in a continuing care community in nearby Chambersburg. David writes that he has lots of great memories of Wilbraham and the Class of ’51.

1952 Wilbraham Nathaniel Bond and wife Beth live in Maine. Nat writes, “My daughters recently had a stair lift installed in our house . . . hoping to delay our moving in with them?”

1956 Wilbraham 1 An exhibition of Mario Volpe’s art ran Aug. 16–Sept. 15 at Reflector Contemporary Art Gallery in Bern, Switzerland. Mr. Volpe passed away in 2013, after living and working in Bern for more than 40 years.

1962 Monson Clay Bassett and wife Joanne moved to Westport, Connecticut, after 49 years in West Simsbury. Clay is still working full time in the energy field.

His parents, now married 75 years, are still living independently at 94 and 98 years old. Clay and Joanne, who have been married 54 years, now enjoy nine grandchildren, ranging in age from 12–24. They regularly attend their grandchildren’s crew meets, sailing regattas, soccer games and tennis matches. Clay and Joanne are still playing tennis and golf, and Clay competes nationally in platform tennis. Clay writes that he’s still

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in touch with Bob Harlan ’62M, although he owes him a phone call.

1964 Wilbraham 2 William E. “Wilber” James and wife Janet had lunch in Florida with Head of School Brian Easler and his wife, Dr. Stephanie Easler, Director of Advancement Mark Aimone, and friends of the Academy Pres and Helen Blake.

1966 Monson 3 Michael Szklarz and his companion Fatima Lima completed The Caminho da Fe (The Way of Faith) in Brazil. The Caminho begins in Aguas da Prata and ends at The Cathedral of Our Lady of Aparecida (Patroness of Brazil), and was started in 2003 to provide a Caminho in South America. Michael writes, “Relatively short in comparison to European Caminos at 318 km, this Caminho challenged hikers with its steep mountains, heat and limited infrastructure, often resulting in day hikes of up to 32 km with gear.

However, the rewards of breathtaking scenery, peregrino camaraderie, good weather and accomplishment were treasured moments.”

1969 Wilbraham 4 Scott Wilson visited WMA in August for the first time in more than a decade. He took a tour, found his senior stone and even brought along a clock from Fisk Hall that he has kept safe for almost 50 years! Scott returned to campus for Family Weekend & Homecoming in October, and toured the riflery range with Coach Passy.

WMA is sad to share that Scott passed away due to complications during

surgery in late January. His family shared that they were consoled by the pleasure Scott took in reconnecting with WMA and his classmates in recent months.

Edward Dunn retired from Kent School in 2018 after 34 years teaching there and 43 total years in education.

He gave the Prize Day Speech and was recently inducted into the Kent Athletic Hall of Fame as a coach. WMA wishes Ed a very happy retirement!

1972 5 Geng Sakapan Eamegdool, president of the WMA Thai Alumni Association, had two separate visits from alumni in February. He met with Mike Dellorusso Jr. ’72 (left) and wife Jeeranan (right) and also with Ziwei Wang ’11. Both plan to return to Thailand in June 2020 for the first WMA Pan-Asian Reunion. He writes, “WMA is a global school not only in mission, but also in our students and alumni.”

1973 6 Former faculty member Joe Mazeika celebrated the wedding of his son Patrick Mazeika to Jordann Dierickx on Jan. 5, 2019, in Jacksonville, Florida.

1981 7 Michiharu Honda and Kamtorn Sheepchaiisara reunited on Jan. 3 in Ho Chi Minh City, thanks in large part to Facebook. Michiharu writes: “On that day he happened to be going on a business trip from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City, but on coming to know via Facebook that I, too, was in the same town, this reunion turned into reality.

We spoke for hours about our old days

at school. In Japan, we have a saying that if something good occurs during the first three days of the New Year, then the coming year, too, will undoubtedly turn out to be good.

During the first three days of the New Year, something good did indeed happen to me, and that is the fact that I was able to meet once more with an old friend. Hence, I am convinced that for me, the year 2019 too, will turn out to be good.”

1982 8 Daniel Bready toured the WMA campus in October with his father while visiting the area from Florida.

1983 9 Brett Zalkan graduated from Shoreline Community College in Washington with an associate degree in nursing in December 2018.

Brett left his career in technical communication in April 2014 and had to take numerous science prerequisites just to get into nursing school. Altogether, he has spent 14 years in higher education. Brett writes: “I expect there is at least one more degree in my future, because my ambition is to become a nurse practitioner. And as always, I credit the academic discipline I acquired at WMA for my success in this achievement.” Brett is looking for a new job and preparing for the national licensing exam. Pictured in the photo: his daughter Sofia and his wife, Megan (right).

1984 Ronald Alley Jr. checked in with WMA with milestone news of his career

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departments: class notes

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track. He recently completed 20 years of police service with the Melrose Police Department in Melrose, Massachusetts. The 20-year mark is important for retirement concerns in municipal service. Ron started with a group of five other police officers for Melrose, and as of today only two remain. Upon reflection, he mentioned ups and downs and the trials and tribulations of police service. Although retirement remains in the future, he continues with assignments as patrol officer, field training officer, motorcycle officer and firearms instructor. Ron has credited the WMA Riflery team for inspiring his marksmanship pursuits.

In 2001, Ron was awarded the U.S. Army Distinguished Pistol Shot Badge for preeminence with the service pistol. Ron still assists his dad, Ron Sr. ’57W, as best he can because even against Russ Cook’s ’57W advice, he continues to work daily in the family insurance business in Melrose. We can only assume that Ron Sr.’s staff members don’t have to worry about parking tickets! WMA remains in both Alleys’ thoughts.

1985 10 At a soccer match between Penn State and URI, Jeff Cook, head coach for the Nittany Lions, connected with Chae Brangman ’14, currently a senior at the University of Rhode Island.

Also spotted at the match were David LaBelle ’85 and his father Bill LaBelle, a former WMA faculty member. URI won the match 1–0.

1987 11 In September 2018, Michael Rutstein’s company STRIKEFORCE celebrated 10 years at a fabulous outdoor Italian restaurant in New York, facing the Hudson River and Statue of

Liberty. Michael writes: “We brought together the core group of people who have been such an important part of our success and have joined us on our journey around the world, launching life-changing therapies. STRIKEFORCE is the first dedicated “open source” healthcare agency with a network of more than 500 people representing a range of communications disciplines.

The award-winning agency has worked with more than 26 blue chip clients in the last decade and has launched four of the top 20 drugs in the world.”

Jason started his first year at WMA as a sixth grader! Colleen, her husband, Jay, and Jason are pictured getting ready for the 2018 Matriculation and Convocation ceremonies.

1998 13 Min-Kyung Marzi “Margie” Kim visited the WMA campus with her two boys during an East Coast school tour that included stops at Harvard and Yale. Margie has lived in Houston, Texas, with her family for the past four years.

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Attorney Mahsa Khanbabai secured a rare travel ban waiver for her client, an Iranian national. Her client sought to come to the U.S. to donate bone marrow to his brother, a U.S. citizen suffering from cancer. Despite being a 100-percent match, her client was unable to enter the United States as an Iranian national subject to the latest version of the travel ban. Mahsa advocated with the United States State Department and U.S. Embassy for an immediate decision on his waiver application, arguing that a U.S. citizen’s declining medical health clearly met the conditions to be granted a waiver. After significant pressure, including international media attention, a visa was issued, the blood marrow donation took place and the U.S. citizen is recovering extremely well. Mahsa’s practice is limited to U.S. Immigration and Nationality Law. Her boutique practice, Khanbabai Immigration Law, assists business and corporate clients, universities and individuals with immigration related matters. See a full Q&A with Mahsa on page 30.

14 Ramon Garcia and wife Kim welcomed a baby boy to their family.

Reign Austin Garcia was born Dec. 6, 2018, and joins big brother Ramon.

15 Lindsey Leduc and Christopher Miano were engaged in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, in August 2018.

2001 16 Andrew Nepomuceno and wife Emma welcomed a daughter to their family. Beatrice Sabrina Nepomuceno was born on Oct. 2, 2018.

17 Shelbia Djelassi Spence and Dwayne Spence welcomed a baby girl into their family. Karesa Shelbia

Spence was born Oct. 25, 2018, and joins big brother Kaiis.

2004 18 In December 2018, Colin Cook completed his Master of Education degree from Springfield College in Educational Studies and Special Education. Colin teaches special education at Chestnut Academy in Springfield, Massachusetts, and coaches the school’s boys’ basketball team.

19 Melissa (Wile) Simon and husband Jonah welcomed a baby boy. Malcolm Jay Simon was born Nov. 4, 2018.

20 James Thompson and wife Katie welcomed a baby girl into their family.

Isabel Lenore Thompson was born Oct. 20, 2018.

21 Xavierra Webb-Spann visited WMA from Washington D.C. She’s pictured here with her mom, Jackie.

2005 22 Jessica Bramucci (left) and Anna Owen Hart ’06 stopped by campus with their daughters in December 2018.

The two visited with former classmate Stacy (DaCruz) Sosa ’06 (now working in our Admission Office), Director of

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departments: class notes

College Counseling John Boozang (not pictured) and Coach Don Nicholson ’79, who may have inspired two future Titan soccer players!

23 Sean Carr married Ericka Tedesco on Oct. 6, 2018, at Fiddle Lake Farm in Thompson, Pennsylvania. WMA was well represented at the wedding (from left to right): Ericka Tedesco Carr, Sean Carr, Dan Staples ’04, Dan Carr ’04, Kathryne Scyocurka ’02, Jon Webb ’04, Chris Beck ’04 and Brian Carr ’10.

24 Trevor and Alex McEwen welcomed a baby boy into their family. Connor James McEwen arrived on June 26, 2018.

2006 25 Chris Antonacci hosted a Labor Day gathering in Saratoga Springs, New York. Left to right: Chris, Colin Cook ’04, Ben Premo ’05, Rob Balicki ’04, James Boyd ’04 and Nick Clement ’05.

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26 Brian Race married Cassandra McBride on July 28, 2018, on the beach in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

The couple reside in Boston. Brian is teaching early childhood music at Kingsley Montessori School.

2007 27 Nicholas Giokas married Bethany Kravitz on Aug. 4, 2018, in Quechee, Vermont. Several WMA alumni attended the wedding, including Nicholas’ sister Andrea (Giokas) Jacobs ’00 (third from left), Brian Laurita ’07 (fourth from left), Andrew Collins ’07 (sixth from left), and Nicholas’ brother Jonathan Giokas ’95 (fifth from right). Pictured dancing are Nicholas and his mother, Fine & Performing Arts Department and Middle School faculty member Virginia Giokas.

28 Ali Mapplethorpe and Greg Balicki

were engaged to be married on the WMA campus in November 2018. The two were visiting their Senior Stones when Greg popped the question.

29 Alex Tuohey released his new EP Half-Grown (as Alex2e) on Nov. 30 and held a release show Dec. 1 at Gateway City Arts in Holyoke. Alex spent last year touring with acts like Tyler Hilton, O-Town, Shawn James, Aaron Carter, Claran Lavery and American Idol finalist Clark Beckham. Alex has a busy touring schedule lined up for 2019, which can be found at Alex2e.com.

2008 Brigi Palatino was named the Women’s Varsity Soccer Head Coach at Curry College in Milton, Massachusetts. She was also selected by the United Soccer Coaches into its 30 Under 30 Program.

The program received nearly 400 applications and ultimately selected 15 women and 15 men as members of the 2018–19 induction class. Brigi writes of WMA coach Don Nicholson ’79, “Coach Nic (Don Nicholson ’79) clearly had a powerful and positive impact in my life!”

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33 Amelia Gilliam and AJ Arroyo ’10 welcomed a baby girl. Dahlia Anne Arroyo was born Nov. 27, 2018.

34 Clemens Grave writes: “After two years of chasing my vision of building a better solution to learn the value of a dollar as a kid or teen, my team and I launched Finnest to the public. We are the first Visa Debit card in the U.S. fully focused on financial education and allowed to be used by kids as young as 8 years old. We have recently moved the company from Brown’s campus in Providence to Boston. My next free day will be spent visiting WMA again, where my USA stint started back in 2006 and a place with which I connect so many unforgettable memories.”

Best of luck to Clemens and Finnest!

30 Erin Simons married Ryan Riggan at Lake O’ The Woods Plantation in Warrenton, North Carolina, on Nov. 4, 2018. The couple reside in Warrenton.

35 Alessandra Mele was featured in a “Tell New England” story about The Homegrown Studio, her company which offers creative marketing services to small businesses and farms.

Alessandra started the company as a side project in 2015 and has steadily grown her clientele in the years since.

This past September, she committed full time to her business and is enjoying calling herself “boss.”

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31 Bridget Callahan and Larysa Fradet ’10 stopped by WMA while in the area for various wedding planning tasks. The two were married at Bridget’s family home in West Brookfield, Massachusetts, in September 2018.

36 Wakasa Ito, Dennis Conway ’08 and Badee “New” Thienthong ’09 had a mini-WMA reunion on the slopes at Yuzawa Kogen in Niigata, Japan.

Wakasa and Dennis now teach together at the KEC English School in Nagoya, Japan, and the two are pictured.

The two are pictured here with their kinder class.

32 Russell Dinkins visited WMA with his mom and sister (not pictured) in October. Russell is still competing in track & field as an athlete with New

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York Athletic Club. He competed at the USATF Indoor Championships in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

37 Zainab Sulaiman welcomed a baby boy, Eriifeoluwa Arole, on Sept. 28, 2018.

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departments: class notes

38 A mini-WMA reunion took place in California when Hannah Tanguay, Amanda Pierce and Casey Berg ’11 got together to celebrate Amanda’s graduation from the Springfield College PA Program. The three are pictured in May at Malibu Wine Safaris.

39 Hannah Tanguay married Sean Dunphy on Sept. 8, 2018, in Woodbury, Connecticut. Several of Hannah’s WMA friends were present at the wedding (in bottom photo), including (left to right) Sarah Tanguay ’11, Hannah, Meg Cole ’10 and Amanda Pierce ’10. The couple reside in Farmington, Connecticut.

2011 40 Current WMA faculty member Sommer Mahoney’s Model UN career has come full circle, as she led WMA students back to the annual Harvard Model UN Conference in January, where she was once a head delegate herself. Mahoney stands with Celina Rivernider ’19 (center) and Erika Convery ’19.

2012 41 Mike Mendes, Ben Marcus, Steve Marcus ’10, Elijah Barrows, Adolph Kawuba ’13 and Robinson Vilmont met up with Boys’ Basketball Coach Mike Mannix while they were in the Springfield area.

42 Mary Vincunas stopped by the campus with her mom, Cindy, while visiting from Orlando, Florida, for a long weekend. Along with her sisters, Emily ’08 and Sara ’10, Mary works for a digital marketing firm based in Boston called Smart e-Strategy, which was founded by Emily’s fiancé, Rory.

2015 43 Drew Mele was awarded the “Heart & Soul Award” by the National

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Small College Rugby Organization (NSCRO) in November. The award capped off a great season for Drew and the Ithaca College Rugby team, which finished 12th nationally and third in the Northeast.

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2016 44 Morayma Linarez and Colin O’Brien had lunch with Molly McGill, Director of Alumni Relations, in Washington, D.C., in February.

Morayma and Colin are both in their junior year studying International Relations at American University and George Washington University, respectively.

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45 Carly Venditti, who spent a college semester abroad in Peru, spoke to two of Mr. Kane’s Spanish classes in January about her experiences.

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2017 46 Anthony Romano, Ashley Bradway ’18 and Emily Dromgold ran into each other at the Village Store while visiting campus during their school break. The three took photos of their Senior Stones and reunited with former teachers.

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red door

If you’re on campus, we’d be very excited to see you.

We encourage all Alumni to stop by our office in the Shenkman House at 451 Main Street. We’ll take your picture on our front steps, in front of our Red Door, and you might find your photo in the next issue of Academy World.

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by Janet Moran Director of Archives

history

From the Archives

Smith Hall celebrates 60 years as a dormitory Smith Memorial Gymnasium, in an undated photo.

Built-in beds were featured parts of the new dormitory in 1959.

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n 1959, under the tutelage of Headmaster W. Gray Mattern, the Board of Trustees at Wilbraham Academy voted to adopt an ambitious school development plan.

The plan included an enrollment increase to 275 boys (from roughly 225), along with remodeling Smith Memorial Gymnasium to serve as a dormitory for boys and faculty.

A major portion of the project was a complete remodeling of Smith Memorial Gymnasium, which began in the spring of 1959. Smith Gymnasium, built in 1896 as the Academy’s first gymnasium, was a campus landmark. It was the first in the country to be built to the specifications of the inventor of basketball, James Naismith, and it also housed an elevated wooden track.

In the gym’s heyday, it also housed a barbershop and the school “Spa” in the basement. The building was named after Horace Smith, one of the Academy’s many benefactors and a Trustee from 1863–1880. Known as “Old Gym,” Smith Memorial Gymnasium will always remain symbolic of the hard-fought competitions of generations of students.

In order to repurpose Smith into a dorm, the designers began by dividing the playing court into two levels, and redesigned the existing classroom space. The goal was to provide accommodations for 44 boys (as Wilbraham was still an allboys school), four faculty families and a sizable common space

AC ADEMY WORLD SPRING 2019

area. It was also planned that the new Smith Hall Dormitory would house only members of the senior class. The student rooms measured 18-by-22 feet, with built-in beds and desks.

Across campus, the conversion of Smith coincided with the following: • The northern wing in Rich Hall (now College Counseling offices) was reconverted into student rooms and two faculty apartments.

• A new dining facility (Lak Dining Hall) broke ground.

• The relocation of the Spa, a bookstore and student lounge areas were built on the lower floor of the new dining hall (current Campus Center area).

• The central staircase in Rich Hall was removed and a fireproof stairwell was constructed.

• An additional plan was formulated to develop the Greenhalgh (athletic) building further, with the construction of a swimming pool.

Smith Hall stands today as a coed dorm with underclassmen boys on the first floor, upperclassmen girls on the second and housing for four faculty dorm parents.

Smith Hall, today

“I moved into Smith Hall in September 1959 after living in Rich Hall the previous year.

Smith had just been converted into dorms and we thought it was very nice. My roommate Robert ‘Bob’ Duchacek ’60W and I became a bit notorious for never opening our windows. Eventually nobody else would come into the room; it was stuffy but we liked it that way. I especially recall being able to hear music through the walls from the next room to ours. The boys in there played the theme from a ‘Summer Place’ constantly. It drove me batty but I never said anything; pick your battles, you know.”

— Lew Birmingham ’60W, one of the first students to live in Smith

“Living in Smith Hall in 1964 as a senior was the equivalent to ‘Animal House’ without the liquor or girls. (Faculty member) Arthur J. Kelley Jr., Master of English and Dramatics instructor, was the dorm parent along with his dog Juno. We greatly respected Mr. Kelley who, despite his old school manners and impeccably tailored appearance, could display his anger and frustration if we went too far. I can still hear him in a slightly raised voice say, ‘GENTLEMEN, GENTLEMEN, GENTLEMEN, go to your rooms, the fun is over!’”

Today, Smith Hall is a coed dormitory.

— W illiam “Wilber” E. James ’64W, former Smith boarder

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departments: WMA on social media

WMA on Social Media @wilbrahammonsonacademy @WMAalumni @wilbrahammonson @wilbraham_monson

Wilbraham & Monson Academy offers a variety of social media channels to help alumni and the entire community stay connected with the great things happening on campus.

Whether you live up the street or halfway around the world, today’s technology can help you stay in touch with past and present students and anything else you miss about WMA. Reminisce, enjoy, engage, follow . . . it’s at your fingertips!

Here is a snapshot of social media posts we’ve shared with the world during recent months:

wma.us/students/feeds

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SUPPORT

Why I support WMA . . .

Joe Mazeika ’73 (left), Kelley McCormick ’84 and Gary Cook (right) on campus in 2013.

I have been asked to write a quick note about my experiences as a student and alumnus of Wilbraham & Monson Academy. I do not believe I am capable of such. A ‘quick note’ could never sum up all that the Academy has done to make me the person I am today. I walked through the doors of Rich Hall in September 1981. From that moment, the Academy has had a meaningful impact on my life. At the Academy, I was challenged by professors and coaches to drive for success in all facets of Academy life. I had successes, I made mistakes, I stumbled and

fell; and the Academy was there to set expectations, experience and adventure the Academy has to offer. to guide me through adversity, to support and I continue to support the Academy because encourage me to continue to grow. My classmates the Academy provided me an opportunity. and teammates at the Academy were also a vital An opportunity to develop as a person, an aspect of my education and developing maturity. opportunity to do more than I thought I I still cherish the friendships I made during my was capable of, an opportunity to make a time at the Academy. Tommy O., Bobby, Jimmy, difference. By supporting the Academy, I seek Roseann, Marie, Tinas, Meghan, Liz M., Brett to give others that same opportunity.” and Marilyn, Dean, Rich R., Robby Mc, Jay F. . . . the list goes on and on!

— ​ Kelley McCormick ’84, Upon graduating from the Academy, I went father of Ryan McCormick ’21 on to various highly successful academic endeavors from undergraduate study to law school. The academic rigor and bedrock foundational skill sets developed at the Academy made all of this possible. Yet this educational experience would have been meaningless if not supported by a strong ethical and moral structure that the Academy provides. I made the decision to go into law enforcement because of values instilled in me during my time at the Academy.

The need to give back to the community, the obligation to serve others, and the passion to make a difference are core values of the Academy that are reinforced through every Ryan McCormick ’21 (left) and Kelley McCormick ’84.

wma.us/support-wma

by brian p. easler Head of School

perspectives

‘Lake Sometimes’: Ever-present pond may never be again

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still remember the day clearly, more than 18 years ago, when my first Vizsla, Dacks, learned how to swim in a pond on campus.

Dacks bounded out of Smith Hall ahead of me for our morning walk and puppy training, and then he froze, with the sun rising over the mountain, at the sight of a massive pond where the softball field was supposed to be.

By the end of that day, Dacks knew how to swim, and about six freshman boys had escaped from study hall in their shorts to take a frigid nighttime dip in the pond before it seeped away.

This has been a long-standing occurrence at WMA, often inspiring students to break out the school’s canoes and great blue herons to land in search of fish. One year, I even used the

Read the Head of School’s page at www.wma.us/hos

pond to teach the students in my Hemingway elective how to roll cast with a fly rod. We have come to accept “Lake Sometimes” as a part of our campus lives, and many of you have fond and fanciful memories of its appearance (sometimes even encouraged by student interference with a mattress or two at the culvert under Broad Walk).

In recent years, the ponding of campus has increased in its magnitude and its frequency, often happening a dozen times in a calendar year and often forming the, once rare, double pond of the softball field and the practice field behind Smith Hall at the same time. We have wondered for decades what caused this annual flooding, and lately we have wondered why it has seemed to have gotten worse.

Most have assumed that the groundwater table was close enough to the surface that it would naturally flood the area once the Rubicon overflowed and the ground was saturated.

That is, until now. Thanks to the engineering plans for the new Athenæum and the necessary test pits and drainage studies, we now know the actual cause.

All of the Academy’s land was once used for farming. Through decades of the tilling, fertilizing, and harvesting and tilling cycle, a dense layer of beautiful agricultural clay loam was developed. Once the land stopped being farmed and that layer of clay loam began being run on daily by thousands of students and driven on by tractors and trucks, it became increasingly compacted. Add to this process the deposit of sediment on the surface layer from the occasional Rubicon floods, filling in the tiny gaps if you will, and what we have ended up with is, essentially, a virtually impermeable pond liner in the center of campus.

When the Rubicon overflows now, often, the water is trapped on top of this compacted clayloam pond liner until it can slowly leak out of the few holes still in it. When it is full of water, tiny bubbles rise from the center of the submerged softball field much like an actual pond liner when it has a hole.

What we now know, thanks to the engineering

test pits, is that below the two feet of compacted clay loam, the center of campus is nothing but loose, coarse and easy-draining sand . . . and that the water table, even in high-water conditions, is 5½ feet below the surface.

Before we knew the cause, we had considered all sorts of possible solutions that would allow us to fulfill the Campus Master Plan and construct new buildings in the center of campus, in the flood zone. We thought about dredging the Rubicon, fortifying its banks, dumping thousands of cubic yards of fill to raise the ground level or repairing and rebuilding the Lower Res dam to control the flow of stormwater. Any of these options would have been environmentally problematic and extremely costly.

Now we know that the only necessary action to facilitate the completion of our campus plans is to, literally and figuratively, punch a few big holes in the pond liner which we intend to do. We will no longer need to consider altering the fragile ecosystem of the Rubicon. Our engineers have designed into the plans for the Athenæum drainage system the necessary additional subsurface groundwater infiltration basins to handle this task both effectively and aesthetically.

Although completing these plans will end the perennial tradition of the campus “Softball Pond,” it will simultaneously signal the beginning of an era of progress toward a WMA campus that we know will serve our community well and long into the future.

GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY FOR NEW ENGLAND CHAMPIONS

The Academy’s first New England Boys’ Basketball championship is commemorated with a banner hanging in Greenhalgh Gymnasium.

Respectfully,

Can it be that 50 years have passed since Wilbraham Academy’s 1968–69 Boys’ Basketball team won its first New England Championship?

Pictured are: (front row) Kevin Rhodes ’71w, Steve Stratos ’69w, Ford Dabney ’69w, Dennis Marshall ’69w, David Castleman ’69w and Roger Wallace ’69w; and (back row) Norman Landerman ’70w, Benjamin Wilson ’69w, Richard Meehan ’69w, Brian Marsden ’69w, Garry St. Jean ’69w, Stephen McDowell ’69w, Neil Harrington ’69w and Coach Michael Shepperd.

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The Magazine of Wilbraham & Monson Academy The Global School ®

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Monson Academy Class of 1969

Wilbraham & Monson Class of 1994

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also in this issue:

June 7–8

www.wma.us/reunion

Faces of WMA In Memoriam: Phil Cardone Athenæum