Thistletalk Spring 2015 by Winchester Thurston School

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LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD Winchester Thurston School

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Spring 2015

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2014-2015

Douglas A. Campbell President Terrance A. Hayes Vice President Douglas H. Ostrow Vice President Deesha Philyaw Vice President Dusty Elias Kirk Treasurer Kathleen L. Metinko ’91 Assistant Treasurer Jennifer Gonzalez McComb ’89 Secretary

Winchester Thurston School

ADVISORY BOARD 2014-2015

Heather Arnet CEO, Women and Girls Foundation of Southwest Pennsylvania Carol R. Brown Founding President and CEO, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Esther L. Bush President and CEO, Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh Andrew Butcher CEO and Co-Founder, gtech Ronald Cole-Turner H. Parker Sharp Chair of Theology and Ethics, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Patrick Dowd Executive Director, Allies for Children Nathaniel Doyno ’01 Principal at Doyno Consulting, LLC John Fetterman Mayor of Braddock Lee B. Foster Former President and CEO, Chairman of the Board, L.B. Foster Company

Elsa Limbach Assistant Secretary

Judith Hallinen Assistant Vice Provost for Educational Outreach; Executive Director, Leonard Gelfand Center for Outreach and Service Learning, Carnegie Mellon University

Gary J. Niels Head of School

Tori Haring-Smith President, Washington and Jefferson College Melanie Harrington CEO, Vibrant Pittsburgh

Deborah L. Acklin ’80 Kerry Bron ’84 Kathleen W. Buechel Manny Cahouet-Rotondi Simin Yazdgerdi Curtis Ilana Diamond Cindy Akers Gerber Robert I. Glimcher Rosanne Isay Harrison ’56, Emeritus Neal H. Holmes Elizabeth S. Hurtt ’74, Emeritus Vincent O. Johnson Janet Harrison Kuzmishin ’87 Carole Oswald Markus ’57, Emeritus David L. Porges Henry Posner III, Emeritus Martin E. Powell Kelly Hanna Riley ’91 Paul Rosenblatt Susan Santa-Cruz ’60 Sharon Semenza Philip T. Sweeney Jane Arensberg Thompson ’57, Emeritus

M A G A Z I N E

Volume 42 • Number 1 Spring 2015 Thistletalk is published by Winchester Thurston School for alumnae/i, parents, students, and friends of the school. Letters and suggestions are welcome.

Editorial Team

Nancy-Rose Netchi, Director of Marketing and Communications Lee Moses A’98, Director of Digital Communications

Alumnae/i Editor

Linsey McDaniel A’96, Director of Alumnae/i Relations

Contributors

Kathleen Bishop Michelle Wion Chitty Jason Cohn Dave DeNoma Maura Farrell Kristen Maser Michaels ’01 Renee Rosensteel Jane Schilling

Printing

Broudy Printing

School Mission

Gerald Holder US Steel Dean of Engineering and Professor, Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh

Winchester Thurston School actively engages each student in a challenging and inspiring learning process that develops the mind, motivates the passion to achieve, and cultivates the character to serve.

Lynn Johnson ’71 Internationally Renowned Photojournalist

Core Values

John T.S. Keeler Dean and Professor, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs Gaea Leinhardt Professor Emerita and Senior Scientist at LRDC, University of Pittsburgh Tom Murphy Senior Resident Fellow, Urban Land Institute, Washington, D.C., former Mayor of Pittsburgh Aradhna Oliphant President and CEO, Leadership Pittsburgh Inc. Jim Roddey Chairman, Allegheny County Republican Committee, Former Chief Executive, Allegheny County Alan J. Russell Highmark Distinguished Career Professor, Carnegie Mellon University Audrey Russo President and CEO, Pittsburgh Technology Council Lisa Millspaugh Schroeder President and CEO, Parks & People Foundation, Baltimore, MD Steven Sokol President and CEO, World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh Tom Sokolowski Arts Innovator Janera Solomon Executive Director, Kelly-Strayhorn Theater Jane Werner Executive Director, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh

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Winchester Thurston School

Thistletalk Spring 2015

We activate our Mission by creating a learning envir onment that pr omotes and instills appreciation for these five Core Values: Critical Thinking, Integrity, Empathy, Community, and Diversity.

Winchester Thurston School 555 Morewood Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213 412-578-7500 www.winchesterthurston.org Thistletalk content represents opinions, ideas, and perspectives of the authors that are not necessarily those of the Trustees or Administration of Winchester Thurston School. The editors reserve the right to accept, reject, or edit any content submitted for publication in Thistletalk. Winchester Thurston School is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools. Winchester Thurston School is accredited by the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools. Winchester Thurston School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, or disability in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, financial aid programs, and athletics or other schooladministered programs. Copyright © 2015 Winchester Thurston School. All Rights Reserved.

VOL. 42 • NO.1

inside

Spring 2015

“... the Board unanimously reversed their decision and chose instead to build a new Upper School. It was probably the most important thing to happen during my tenure.” —Gary Niels

WT’s Pioneering Spirit FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Gary J. Niels

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wt smart

wt community

wt sports

Alumnae/i News

Class Notes

About the cover Lower School students Nico Clavijo and Amelia Porges celebrate this year’s WT Lifers – including Head of School Gary Niels. Niels began his tenure when the Class of 2015 was in Kindergarten, earning the title “WT Lifer” himself. In this issue he talks with us about his accomplishments and his vision for the future. 2015 WT Lifers: Front row: Gary Niels, Jared Steinberg, Teddy Boyd, Alexa Lehman, Emma Lee; Center row: Summer Devlin; Back row: Adam Cohen, Justin Hare, Max Pollack, Brendon Maloney, Katie Hazen, and Alexa Zytnick

Features

Q&A with Gary J. Niels, Head of School

Illuminating Lives, Launching Careers WT’s Performing Arts Program

THISTLETALK GOES DIGITAL Get more news, photos, and fun at winchesterthurston.org/digitalthistle

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J .

N i e l s

from the head of school

G a r y

A life of learning Because WT belongs to the Malone School Family Foundation network, each summer I have the opportunity to travel to Stanford University, gather with the other Malone School heads, and delve into discussions about educational trends, challenges, and opportunities. A highlight of this rich experience is meeting with Stanford administrators and professors from various academic fields. In one such session we met with the Director of Admission. In recent years Stanford has become one of the most competitive universities, with an undergraduate acceptance rate of just 5.1% last year. The Director shared information about the university’s admission processes, noting how many valedictorians and candidates with perfect SAT scores are rejected. A fellow head asked in frustration, “Well who do you admit?” The Director’s answer was music to my ears: “We look for interesting people!” College admission today is not the same college admission most adults experienced. The Common Application makes it easy for students to apply to hordes of colleges with just a few mouse clicks. And students certainly avail themselves of this convenience. This isn’t the only reason for the dramatically more competitive landscape. Colleges and universities today are also flooded with international applicants. The American university system is the envy of the world. So our American students are not only competing with larger numbers of students from U.S. high schools, but also a larger number of bright, talented, and motivated international students. Finally, colleges are interested in a multi-talented, geographically, racially, and socioeconomically diverse student population. Applicants are not privy to the particular focuses of each university’s talent search, which makes admission to the various colleges more difficult to predict even when a student seems to fall within the university’s stated range of grades and scores.

Thistletalk Spring 2015

One of the reasons that parents choose WT is our college admission record. Especially in recent years, our placement of students in “elite colleges,” and our record of student acceptance to their first choice colleges, is impressive. In our recent Parent Satisfaction Survey, parents state that WT’s college admission record was a significant factor in choosing to enroll their children at WT. There is good evidence to suggest that graduation from WT places students at an advantage in the college admission process. However, admission to an elite college is not the promise of a WT education. I believe college admission, even to the most competitive colleges, is a shortsighted motive in choosing a WT education. The promise of a WT education is the academic, intellectual, and social preparedness for college AND FOR LIFE. WT’s mission is alive, descriptive, and aspirational: “Winchester Thurston School actively engages each student in a challenging and inspiring learning process that develops the mind, motivates the passion to achieve, and cultivates the character to serve.”

What is an “interesting person?” WT’s mission embodies the answer to that question. Engaging and inspiring students in a learning process motivates a zest for life. It builds the cherished quality of curiosity into a lifelong disposition. It places the focus on the journey of learning—which can be difficult, but also deeply satisfying. It opens students’ minds and hearts to explore and examine complex problems and to search for novel, workable, comprehensive solutions. It is the antithesis of “easy answerism” that is so prevalent in superficial “Top Ten” lists or “Five Easy Steps To…” WT also offers a full panorama of electives, clubs, activities, and volunteer opportunities in which students lead, explore, and serve under the guidance of our teachers, and for a distinct reason: It is our hope and expectation that every graduate of WT will not only leave the pillared portals with a keen mind for thinking and broad curricular exposure to knowledge, but will also have fallen in love with some topic or endeavor that might even one day turn into a life vocation. What is an “interesting person?” WT’s mission embodies the answer to that question. And that is why Stanford’s search for “interesting people” was music to my ears. I have no intention of rewriting WT’s mission, which I believe so vividly describes our school, but if I were to translate it I would say, WT’s mission is to cultivate interesting people for life. In my opinion this is a mission that is much deeper than college admission.

When Gary J. Niels became Head of Winchester Thurston School in July 2002, WT had just celebrated its 115th year. The Class of 2015 was on the cusp of Kindergarten, and the school—in its 12th year of coeducation—was bursting at the seams. To his new position, Niels brought vast experience in independent school education as a teacher, coach, chaplain, dean, and director at such schools as the Hawken School, Woodberry Forest School, and Saint Andrews School, where, in 1991, the annual Excellence in Teaching Award was renamed The Gary J. Niels Excellence in Teaching Award. Niels earned his B.A. from the University of Maryland, a M.T.S. from the Regent College, University of British Columbia, and a M.A. from Columbia University Teachers College, where he was awarded the prestigious Klingenstein Fellowship.

Q&A with Gary J. Niels, HEAD OF SCHOOL

Today, with a distinguished career of more than 30 years in independent school education, and as one of WT’s longesttenured Heads, Niels reflects on his time here, on his vision, and on some of his proudest accomplishments.

contribute to important educational conversations, the academic leadership of the school comes from the department chairs and the Division Directors — our Academic Committee. It’s that sense of team that I think we’ve pushed out Q: You arrived at Winchester into the school, and I think Thurston in 2002. that the notion—which I Congratulations! In WT talk about a lot—of being years, that makes you a Lifer. an entrepreneurial school What brought you here? is very important. There’s Niels reads with Pre-K students, fall 2011 A: At one point, in my early a sense of ownership from tenure I heard somebody say, the faculty. The quality of ‘Well, he’s being brought in to build a new Upper School, and the experience for them, and the sense of buy-in that exists then he’ll leave.’ I remember thinking that was funny, because on a very widespread basis, is palpable. I didn’t come here to build a new Upper School. I came here because it was an opportunity to be a Head of School at a Q: City as Our Campussm is something that has really school that was interesting to me in a city that was very ap- blossomed since you became Head of School. pealing. Now looking back, I’ve been at WT, and in Pittsburgh, A: In my first year at WT, we were really thinking about the longer than I’ve been anywhere in my entire life. qualities that were unique about WT, and were curious about Q: WT has made significant changes and strides in how we could perpetuate those qualities. I was looking at a multiple areas during your administration. Is there one strategic plan that had been published a few years before my achievement that is especially meaningful for you? arrival, and buried in this plan was the concept of utilizing the A: One of the things that I feel pleased about is the sense of city as our campus. It was almost a cathartic moment. I said, team that we have between our faculty and administration. ‘Wow, what’s unique about this school is not only its educaFor example, a couple of years ago we made a deliberate tional emphasis on process and active student engagement, change in the academic decision-making at the school. We but its location…’ and all of a sudden I said, ‘Our location is concluded that too many decisions and initiatives were com- the greatest asset of our City Campus!’ And we started putting it together. I went to the Edward ing from Division Directors and me—“the administration.” We E. Ford Foundation, and (then-Executive Director) Bob Halbelieved that we needed to deliberately involve our teachers lett liked the idea. He flew out here and met with me. I took in educational decisions. We engaged our department chairs, who are full-time teachers, in the academic decision-making. him on a 20-minute drive around Shadyside and Oakland They are our educational leaders. They are “in the trenches” and showed him our proximity to remarkable educational with our students every day. Now, although I may initiate or resources, and I’ll never forget his enthusiasm. The Founda-

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Q&A WITH GARY J. NIELS, HEAD OF SCHOOL

tion gave us $50,000 and that generated a matching gift from an alum almost immediately. Having that money sent a message that the school was serious about this idea. Q: Let’s talk about another hallmark of your tenure. The Talent Initiative is a comprehensive school-wide effort that you designed and implemented to hire, retain, develop, and reward a uniformly talented and dynamic faculty. A: Several years ago, along with other independent schools, we Niels (third from left) with WT and PUES administrators in China, fall 2014 realized that we needed to address issues of teacher evaluations, professional development, and whether to adopt a performance pay approach to faculty compensation. We retained the services of a nationally known consultant who helped us review our compensation and evaluation systems. We did a two-year study led by two faculty members, Amanda Greenwald, now Dean of Faculty, and Kristen Klein, now Upper School Director. We spent a lot of time Niels (back row, center) with WT community thinking about what motivates members at the groundbreaking of the The Upper School Building teachers to improve: is it money? Campus Center at the North Hills Campus opened in September 2006 in November 2004 If we went to a system where we would be ranking teachers’ perforSo we asked, in what context would teachers talk about mance, would that actually motivate faculty to improve? For me, it was a growing realization that what really motivated areas that they needed to improve? Those were the converteachers to improve was their own interest in the topics that sations that they would have with peers. So we took away formal evaluations and assigned teachers to collaborative they were teaching. Then we started thinking about evaluation systems. I work teams, or Critical Friends Groups, where they share had been an Upper School Director at two different schools. problems and successes, visit each other’s classes, and proI wrote countless teacher evaluations, and looking back on vide feedback to one another. And, we appointed Amanda that, I really did not feel that those evaluations impacted Greenwald as Dean of Faculty. We were also able to enhance teacher improvement. We started thinking about how to our professional development budget so that it is now 1% of set up a system for people to really improve, and I thought, revenue – ensuring that every faculty member has resources evaluations are almost contrary to that because to improve, to pursue significant professional development opportuniyou have to be able to say, ‘This is an area of weakness for me. ties, including international study, national conferences, How can I improve this?’ But if you’re being evaluated, are you and online learning. We named this entire system “The going to say those kinds of things? No! If you’re being evalu- Talent Initiative.” ated, you’re going to focus on the things you’re doing well.

Thistletalk Spring 2015

Q&A WITH GARY J. NIELS, HEAD OF SCHOOL

Q: You’ve impacted every sector of WT. How do you define your vision for the school?

its enrollment was that suddenly our sports teams became more competitive, the quality of our extracurricular activities grew, and the social experience of our Upper School students improved. And within a few years, the demand for the Upper School went through the roof.

A: I would say that one of the reasons I came here was that everything I read about WT, and everything I heard during the interview process, was centered on the mission of process learnQ: So that was during ing and engaged students. My your first year as Head? vision was to perpetuate that at the school. A: That was my first year. It A member of the faculty was my first month! It was said to me in a very casual so obvious to me that this way, ‘You have managed to was the biggest challenge improve the school without the school was facing. We changing the culture of the went from retaining about school.’ I always remember half of our eighth graders that. I hadn’t thought of our to ninth grade to retaining evolution as a school that nearly 90% now. way, but it meant a lot to Q: You assumed me. I do think that the culleadership of a school ture when I arrived was very with a remarkable open with a strong studentfoundation, and put centered mentality, and I like your own stamp on the to think that we’ve enhanced school while preserving that. important elements of its There was a lot of good foundation. teaching going on at WT A: When we inter view when I arrived here, but it teachers, I actually say, was all cramped into this one ‘ This is a school where building on the City Campus. you can come and have Some of the facilities were an impact.’ This is not a Niels (R) with Roy Dorrance and his daughter Abby Dorrance ’00 tired, the endowment was school where you come as a at the 2014 Athletics Hall of Fame ceremony, where Emily small, and there were so new teacher or administraDorrance ’93, Roy’s daughter and Abby’s sister, was inducted many limitations. When I as one of the first Hall-of-Famers. tor or Head of School and think about the Upper School someone would say to you when I came here: it was bur[adopts patronizing tone] ied in the back of this Main Building. Here’s a school that is a ‘Look, when you’ve been around for a few years then we’ll hear college preparatory school, and the Upper School was buried, what you have to say.’ You can come to this place and have an almost invisible. impact; that’s part of the culture of the school. So two weeks into the job I sat down with the Board Chair Barb Holmes, Gaylen Westfall, Sally Allan, and others; these and I said, ‘Marty (Martin Powell), the school is making a big are the veterans of the school, the old guard who’ve been here mistake in building a new Lower School.’ Because at that time, for 30-plus years. They maintain an openness of the culture at the plan was to build a new Lower School. I said, ‘What the the school and set the tone. school needs is a new Upper School building to enroll a larger Upper School student body.’ And I’ll never forget what Marty Q: The world has changed so much since you came to WT. said to me. He said, ‘Gary, this is your school now, and whatever How do 21st century complexities and challenges affect your role as Head of School? your vision is, you just need to convince the Board of that.’ I met with almost every trustee and explained why I be- A: Our professional development funds enable us to be exposed lieved that the school needed a new Upper School, and at the to national trends and to hear prolific speakers and presenters. first Board meeting, the Board unanimously reversed their These opportunities continuously inform us. For example, a few decision and chose instead to build a new Upper School. It years ago I started to feel that we really needed to accelerate was probably the most important thing to happen during my our utilization of technology as a learning instrument for our tenure. Because what happened when the Upper School grew students. This sense of our need to accelerate was perpetuated

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Q&A WITH GARY J. NIELS, HEAD OF SCHOOL

experienced has come from teamwork and the collaborative spirit in our community. I’d like to think that my tenure here really helped to catapult the school to a whole new level of academic excellence and financial security. But there is plenty more work to be done before anyone thinks about my legacy. Q: In addition to your focus on the present and the future, do you feel a sense of responsibility to the past, to honor and preserve the legacy and foundation laid by Misses Mitchell and Thurston? A: When I first came here I was challenged by a very distinguished alum who is very dedicated to the school, to study the history of the school. I took this challenge very seriously, and I spent a lot of time during the first couple of years reading and studying as much as I could about WT’s history. The more I read and learned about Miss Mitchell and Miss Thurston, the more I was in awe of them. I think a lot about the pioneering spirit that these women had, and how radical it was for them to start all-girls schools in Pittsburgh at that time. They obviously weren’t afraid to try new things and that pioneering spirit still exists very much at the school today. Q: You’re also a WT parent. What’s that like for you?

Niels visits with WT alums and friends in Boston in the fall of 2014.

by my attendance at the Online Education Symposium for Independent Schools. So, we set out to search for an outstanding Director of eLearning and after a national search with numerous interesting candidates we learned that the best candidate existed in our WT community. Dr. Anne Fay is the mother of two WT students. Dr. Fay has only been here nine months but you can already feel the impact. She’s not about technology, technology, technology. She is about, ‘How can you be more effective in your classrooms? How can we engage students more effectively? And, are there ways in which technology can help that?’ It’s about creating a better learning environment, and we found the ideal person for that vision. But these notions of City as Our Campus, The Talent Initiative, the Technology Initiative, even our Diversity efforts—all these things come from us being out there, and pushing ourselves out there, and learning in the national environment.

A: Obviously, it provides a different perspective to my role. Sometimes heads choose to send their children to other schools because they don’t want to burden their children. But so far it has really worked for Elizabeth and me and it’s nice to be part of the same community. Brawley has an increasing awareness that his dad is the Head, but I think for the most part it has been fine. He is a really good kid, so I don’t think it will be difficult. Q: Does he call you Daddy or Mr. Niels? A: (chuckling) He calls me Daddy!

Q: When the next anniversary edition of Thistletalk is written, how do you hope the Niels era will be regarded? A: I’ve never thought about that, I really haven’t. At a recent Board meeting, a trustee said to me, ‘Gary, you’ve presided over the school during the golden era of Winchester Thurston School.’ To hear somebody who I respect say something like that is humbling and makes me feel good. The success we’ve

Thistletalk Spring 2015

Niels with son Brawley cheering on the WT Bears, fall 2014

Select Accomplishments from Gary’s Tenure

During his 13-year tenure as Winchester Thurston’s Head of School, Gary Niels has implemented dynamic, even groundbreaking, change throughout WT. But what many people may not realize is that Niels works constantly, and closely, with the Board of Trustees. He credits the Board in large part with what he has been able to achieve. “Probably the most important reason why WT has had a really positive trajectory has been the Board and Head relationship at the school,” says Niels. “People don’t realize the importance of that. From day one when I said, ‘We need a new Upper School, not a new Lower School’ all the way to ‘I need a Dean of Faculty and I need a professional development fund’ to ‘We need to renovate our playgrounds, and we need to renovate our athletic space,’ the Board has always gotten behind those things. The most generous constituency of the school has always been our Board of Trustees—and not only their support for the ideas that we’ve proposed to them, but also their willingness to get behind them with their financial backing. That has really enabled most of this to happen.” Does Niels think WT’s Board is unique or atypical in this way? “I do,” Niels states, categorically. “The Board here works very hard. They are a very active Board, and my working relationship with them has been a very important part of my tenure at the school.”

n The Talent Initiative (hire, retain, develop, and reward a uniformly talented and dynamic faculty) n Emergence of City as Our Campus n New Upper School Building n Development of Garland Field n Record enrollment/growth of enrollment n Transformation of playgrounds at both campuses n Renovation of the Athletics Wing and Athletics Hall of Fame n Imminent renovation of Falk Auditorium n Curricular advances including the formation of the Computer Science Department n Sister School partnership with Peking University Elementary School

n The first, and one of only five schools among the 1,400 members of the National Association of Independent Schools to have received both the Edward E. Ford Foundation Leadership Grant for educational innovation and a Malone Scholarship Endowment by the Malone Family Foundation. n Creation of new faculty/staff positions: Dean of Faculty, Director of eLearning, Director of City as Our Campus, Director of Human Resources n Completion of the Master Plan for the North Hills Campus n Completion of two capital campaigns: first for $15 million; current campaign is on track to raise $20 million by June 30, 2015 n Growth of the endowment from $6.7 million to $12.8 million

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Illuminating Lives, Launching Careers WT’s Performing Arts Program

Of the brilliant array of performances threading like jewels throughout WT’s rich performing arts history, some of the most remarkable possess backstories rivaling any dramatic script: a young girl new to America, trying to find her place and make friends, bravely auditions for the Winter Play. A drama student—so staunchly silent that classmates read his lines for him—discovers a flair for physical comedy and becomes the ‘mascot’ of the Upper School Musical. An eighth grader struggles for self-control in the classroom, and finds it onstage singing with the chorus. These stories, and others like them, are what the Performing Arts at WT have always been about: life-changing moments that light the flame of selfconfidence, elevate appreciation for the arts—and

Thistletalk Spring 2015

even launch careers. “WT sparked for me a lifelong passion for the performing arts,” proclaims professional actor Lara Miller ’04, a veteran of WT musicals, One Act Plays, the Chorus, Dance Show, and Jazz Band. “From the time Mr. Sadowski cast me in Teens in Tinseltown in sixth grade, I have spent almost every day trying to find my way back to the stage. I couldn’t imagine a more encouraging or nurturing environment as a budding artist, from the encouragement of Barb Holmes, Dan Sadowski, and Jill Machen to all of my other teachers who came to support us in the audience. The foundation I received at WT launched my training as an artist.” “The school has always, in my tenure, believed in

the arts,” affirms Dan Sadowski, who began teaching at WT nearly 25 years ago and is now Middle School Director and Performing Arts Department Chair. “The school values the arts because they see the value in this type of thinking, the teamwork that comes with it, and how it impacts social and academic development, and life. That’s why we require students to take dance and music in Lower School, and drama in Middle School. Our hope is that everyone is going to find some connection to the arts.”

plans and examining their decisions with PPT’s designer. Most recently, students in this year’s The Laramie Project worked closely with Leigh Fondakowski, the play’s head writer, who conducted a workshop at WT, consulted via Skype, and even attended performances and led an audience discussion afterward. “How often do you ever get to work with a playwright?” exclaims Holmes. “I would have killed for some of these experiences!”

Facing page: Musical Showcase 2002. This page (L – R): The Pirates of Penzance 2004, Hello, Dolly! 2013, The Laramie Project 2015

A Program is Born The performing arts have indeed long been important to WT, but it wasn’t until Barbara Holmes entered the picture in 1975 that the program began to grow in earnest. “When I came, there was no (Performing Arts) department—there was just an arts department,” Holmes remembers. “I used to teach all of the drama, both in Middle and Upper School. We could only be so big in scope because we only had so much time and one person. For my first musical, Little Mary Sunshine, I was the music director, choreographer, and director. I built scenery with the students, and I did costumes, lighting, and sound...” Today, the robust curriculum—including vocals, dance, theater, and music—regularly turns out students who are recognized for their work, from the fiercely competitive Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) to the prestigious Gene Kelly Awards, including a WT record of seven nominations and four wins for Urinetown in 2007. Equally thrilling, thanks to City as Our Campus, students are regularly immersed in extraordinary opportunities. Student musicians jam with seasoned professionals from the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild. The cast and crew of Avenue Q learned to design, make, and manipulate puppets in a workshop led by Emmy-winning master puppeteer Jim Martin, a veteran of Sesame Street. In conjunction with the Pittsburgh Public Theater, student thespians study Shakespearean acting; student stage managers can shadow PPT stage managers; and Technical Theater II students have amplified their design studies by creating designs and floor

Incandescent Moments Of all the experiences that manifest through the performing arts, the most incandescent are those moments that shape students’ character, welcome them into a community, instill self-confidence, inspire courage, and teach life skills that last long after their final farewell to Falk Auditorium. “One thing stands out from my experience with WT performing arts: the encouragement to try,” shares Jason Shavers ’00, a professional actor as well as a teacher at the Pittsburgh CLO Academy of Musical Theater. “When I auditioned for my first musical, I was a mess. Off-key, shy, confused. But when the callback list went up, there was my name. Mrs. Holmes saw something in me and just knew I could do more. If Ms. Shaw and Mrs. Walker had their ways, Invitation to the Dance would’ve been seven hours long because they wanted us all to do solos.” “There were two essential lessons I learned from the performing arts at WT: the ability to collaborate and the necessities and merits of self-motivation,” asserts Maxx Stofman ’11, who played in the Middle School percussion ensemble and, in Upper School, was first chair in the guitar ensemble and lead for the rhythm section in jazz band. Now double-majoring in Music Business/Management and Music Production and Engineering at the Berklee College of Music, Stofman—also an artist manager and producer—applies those lessons daily. “As a person, I believe that these external and internal realizations, respectively, are the quintessence of a successful individual in any field. Taking it upon yourself to be pre-

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ILLUMINATING LIVES, LAUNCHING CAREERS pared and to excel in any situation is one of the most powerful development skills any individual can possess.” “This is a specific way of working collaboratively that students can’t get in other classes,” notes Sadowski. “Stu-

Umbrella Circus, he has studied and performed around the world. “WT gave me a wonderful foundation. The teachers really encouraged me to be me, and I teach the same thing at Coastal Carolina University.”

Top row (L – R): The Laramie Project 2015, Maya Muenzer ’12 in the Dance Show, The Miracle Worker 2009. Bottom row (L – R): Annie Get Your Gun 2004, Mrs. Holmes in 2009, North Hills Campus Chamber Ensemble 2014. Below: Seussical The Musical 2013.

dents can be on stage, or they can work on scenery, lights, or sound—so many aspects go into teamwork. Every successful performance relies on so much more than the performers.” This is a fundamental lesson, Sadowski notes, and nowhere else do students internalize the message better than while pulling together on a meaty production like the Middle School Musical. “Everyone is aware that Middle School is socially an up and down time. You have 40 students on that stage, and they all have very different relationships to one another, but suddenly they’re in a different place where all of this goes away. They’re learning through this musical—whether it’s Oliver, Dear Edwina, The Little Mermaid, or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory—a life skill they will always value: that your personal feelings about someone don’t matter when you’re all working toward the same goal.” “Theater has helped me understand history and psychology, and has been a place where I could imagine worlds where the rules are different,” acknowledges Ben Sota ’99, whose WT credits include musical theater, jazz band, guitar ensemble, chorus, and photography. Sota is currently an Assistant Professor of Physical Theater at Coastal Carolina University. And, as the Founding Artistic Director of Zany

Thistletalk Spring 2015

“At WT, we talk a lot about educating the whole person, and not just academically, but to be a good person,” reflects Holmes. “Through the arts, you connect to your soul and you connect to your heart.”

WT’S PERFORMING ARTS PROGRAM

Falk Auditorium Renovation Crowns Celebrate WT Campaign “As a dancer and arts educator, I can’t imagine life without the performing arts,” declares Elsa Limbach, WT trustee and parent. “In all of its complexity, drama, and beauty, artistic expression is truly one of the pinnacles of human endeavor—an extraordinary way to explore, express, and communicate. For our students, the arts are an invaluable learning experience, providing pathways to wisdom and maturity by actively doing.” Now, thanks to WT’s $20 million Celebrate WT capital campaign, Falk Auditorium— the heart of a WT student’s performing arts experience—will undergo a spectacular transformation to enhance and amplify the arts for performers, crew, and audiences alike. The renovation begins in June and features: a permanent, elevated technical booth and platforms upgraded acoustics, including sound equipment enabling communication between the front and back of house sound-absorbing carpet sound-absorbing curtains with legs to allow more options for stage entrances permanent theatrical lighting new seats casework installation and a freshlypainted lobby renovated dressing rooms energy-efficiency measures that include insulation, LED lighting, and automatic controls on HVAC The curtain on the $1.4 million project is scheduled to rise in September.

“ The renovated facilities will give us greater artistic choice,” says performing arts teacher Barbara Holmes. “Designated theatrical lighting, including a light bar that drops to floor level, will ensure hands-on experiences for students. We’ll have more dedicated areas for work and materials, which will simplify the process and enhance creativity and productivity. Overall, there will be much more flexibility in what we can do.” “I am excited about all of it, but first and foremost, I am excited about the significant upgrade in theatrical technology,” notes Limbach. “I have an enormous appreciation for the magic Elsa Limbach, Board Member, mother of stagecraft, and with this renovation, to WT junior Karolina, and “den mother” to her nephews from Bulgaria, the opportunities for stage wizardry Nikolay ’08 and Angel ’10, chairs the at WT will be greatly enhanced. Our Buildings and Grounds Committee performing arts faculty and students have done wonders with so little, but I can’t wait to see what they will surprise us with next year.”

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wt smart MULTIFACETED PROJECTS EXHILARATE, INSPIRE LOWER SCHOOL FICTION WRITERS A peasant fights a necromancer and his zombies for the hand of a princess. A king and his evil brother grapple for the fate of their frozen kingdom. Two fairies confront a king to save their mother. A young knight battles the evils of the Enchanted Forest to prove himself and earn the respect of his peers. These and other original tales came to life in City and North Hills Campus classrooms this year through dynamic fiction writing units blending traditional curricula with 21st century technology — and engaging students in a whole new way. “Adding the tech piece gets those reluctant writers more involved right from the start,” remarks Brock Perkins, North Hills Campus fifth grade teacher. Pe r k i n s ’ s t u d e n t s r e a d a n d analyzed medieval tales, then wrote their own and turned them into iMovies that debuted at the culminating Medieval Festival. Fourth graders in Jeremy Mangan’s City Campus classroom transformed stories into video games using Scratch, a visual programming language developed by the MIT Media Lab. In each instance, the rigors of the writing process served as backbone: brainstorming, drafting, editing, peer editing, and publishing, all driven by the Writer’s Workshop. “ T h i n k i n g o f t he stor y s c en e by scene encourages students to carefully attend to each scene and the transitions b e tw e e n t hem. (Te chnolog y also) added a bit of ‘magic’ to their tales: their words came to life,” Perkins notes. “And they got to experience what it feels like to have an audience view and respond to their work.” “Once the students began creating a visual/interactive display of their writing, they wanted to go back to their

Fifth graders from the North Hills Campus at WT, Bennett Ferguson, Hailey Flaherty, and Sophie Hoglund-McGuirk, share their iMovies

original story and add clearer and more meaningful descriptive language to show their vision,” observes Mangan. “For example, one student noted, ‘I’ve always envisioned that my character walke d different ly than the other characters in my story, but I didn’t know how to describe it until I created the movement on Scratch.’ I noticed that while creating these video games the students are inadvertently forced to focus on the rising action and climax of

City Campus fourth graders Tommy Gordon and Marysia Brown work on their video games

Thistletalk Spring 2015

their story—editing out parts of their story that did not fit into the plot line that they were developing.” By incorporating digital technology into the teaching of a foundational academic skill, students learn first-hand that writing and thought development are key 21st century skills, and they gain experience using their writing as an application. At the same time, they absorb tech integration skills a n d i m p o r t a nt c o m p u t e r s c i e n c e terminology such as algorithm, conditional, variable, and loops. Last but not least, students learn that writing can be rewarding—even exhilarating. “I have seen this project bring out joy in students who do not typically enjoy the writing process in the traditional sense,” Mangan beams. “They are challenged, engaged, and excited to do more each and every day!” THISTLETALK GOES DIGITAL View the students’ iMovies and video games at winchesterthurston.org/digitalthistle

UPPER SCHOOL COMPUTER SCIENCE OFFERINGS MULTIPLY The debut of three new i n t r o d u c t o r y —a n d i n n o v a t i v e — computer science courses is fueling a surge of students enrolled in the Upper School Computer Science Program, reports David Nassar, Department Chair. “Last year there were 45 total students in computer science. This year there are 90. That’s twice as many students—a 100% increase.” Computer science skills are applicable to all disciplines and, thanks to the expanded curriculum, students are now eagerly exploring the arts and humanities—as well as math and science—while fully, simultaneously, engaged in computer science. “Student projects have included m a k i n g a r t-generat i n g prog ra m s that model works of Mondrian and Wright in Computer Science for Art a nd Mu sic , de ve lopi n g prog ra m s capable of ra ndom ly generating grammatically correct sentences in Computer Science for Humanities, a nd c r e at i n g d y n a m ic pr e d at or/ prey models in Computer Science for Math and Science,” says Nassar. The heart of computer science is problem solving, Nassar explains, and

Sophomore Yiwei Lu uses pulse sensor

the trio of new electives revolves around that principle. For example, students in Computer Science for Math and Science investigated biofeedback to learn how computer science is applied in medicine. By writing programs that use a sensor to measure pulse rates and that allow users to visualize resulting data, users were encouraged to maintain a slow and steady heart rate. “With wearable technology used for health t ra ck i n g b e c o mi n g m o re pervasive each day, I wanted to challenge the students

to determine how they could utilize health information from a user in a n i n t e re s t i n g way t o e n c o u ra g e people to learn more about how their hear t rate is affe c te d by physical actions and stresses on the body. “When students are capable of making a computer perform these tasks, they are fully immersed in the problem solving pro c ess,” Na ssar continues. “Moreover, they are learning how computer science is relevant to a wide variety of other disciplines and deepening their understanding of these other disciplines in the process.”

Senior Landin Delaney problem solves with Mr. Nassar

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wt smart EIGHTH GRADE RESEARCH EXPO INTEGRATES RESEARCH SKILLS, CREATIVITY “Im a g i n e 2 4 h o u r s w i t h o u t electricity,” intoned eighth grader Justin Seth, as he dimmed the lights and directed the audience’s attention to his video depicting a world disrupted by electromagnetic pulse and deprived of modern necessities like computers, refrigerators, water pumps, and telephones. The present ation wa s just one of 44 research-dr iven, inquir y-ba se d, interdisciplinary projects showcased i n Fe b r u a r y d u r i n g t h e E i g h t h Grade Research Expo, a capstone Middle School project that teaches critical research skills through deep exploration and creative presentation of a student’s chosen topic. “Fo r o u r e i g ht h g rad e r s , this stepping stone is absolutely important,” declares Kira Senedak, Middle School social studies teacher. “It’s all part of a plan for readiness by the time they move through an entire WT education. Many times I’ve had an Upper School student say to me, ‘We had to give a 20-minute presentation yesterday in class, and I don’t know if I could have done it if we hadn’t had this preparation in Middle School.’” Delving into myriad areas including the arts and sciences, healthcare and the environment, and cultural and societal issues, students begin by selecting topics as diverse as the NFL concussion crisis to the benefits of breakfast. Next, they immerse themselves in

Thistletalk Spring 2015

Megan Sullivan presenting her project, Brain Cancer: Has the Gray Ribbon Affected You?

research for several weeks during social studies and language arts classes, where they learn the process of the argument-driven paper; the concepts of citation and evidence; and how to formulate a strong thesis, navigate library databases, identify s o u rc e s , a s s e s s bi a s , a n d m o re . The result: each student authors a s i x- p a g e , t h e s i s - b a s e d p a p e r

Daniella Shear and her project, Synagogue Architecture in the Post-War Period

adhering to MLA (Modern Language Association) standards; produces a visual representation of the topic; presents to an audience of peers, parents, and teachers; and defends his or her findings through a culminating question-and-answer session. Along the way, students are also encouraged to consult with experts

on WT’s campus and beyond, and to evaluate the most effective means of communication. “ We t a l k a l o t a b o u t w h i c h medium is the best way to present o n e’s t o p i c : w h e re d o y o u h av e exp er tise, and what work s with that topic?” explains Middle School language arts teacher Kathr yn Gaertner who, along with Senedak, oversees the Research Expo. “One student created a consumer-oriented website for his presentation on hybrid automobiles.” Other approaches included a prototype of a device created to assist the elderly with medication management; clay models demonstrating laser surgery for vision correction; and a 3D-printed model of the brain outfitted with flashing lights that illustrate music’s effect on the brain, fashioned in part through consultation with Computer Science Department Chair David Nassar. And one student, notes Gaertner, used no technology at all. “She studied angels, and she made a painting of some of the Biblical and pop culture representations of angels and how they are different. That suited her topic and her talents.” “ T h e c o n c e p t o f g i vi n g a n d receiving information is going to be a part of our students’ lives in whatever professions they choose,” asserts Senedak. “Building this foundational skill set now will serve them well in the future.”

On the verge:

Celebrating Achievement $20MILLION $19MILLION

We are almost there! Celebrate WT: Campaign for a Smart Future concludes on June 30. To be part of this history-making achievement, visit www.celebratewt. org or call Maura Farrell, Associate Head for External Affairs, at 412-578-3731.

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Learn more about WTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bold plan for a smart future: visit celebratewt.org

as of 4/27/2015

www.winchesterthurston.org

A Legacy for WT, A Legacy for Pittsburgh

Cindy Cyert Steffes ’69 Establishes Scholarship A conversation with Lucinda “Cindy” Cyert Steffes ’69, proud alum, supporter of education, champion for Pittsburgh In the spring of 2014, Cindy Cyert Steffes ’69 decided to make a transformational gift to the Celebrate WT campaign, endowing a scholarship in memory of her parents, Dr. Richard and Mrs. Margaret Cyert. Dr. Cyert, who was President of Carnegie Mellon University from 1972-1990, also served on WT’s Board of Trustees from 1972-1979. He passed away in 1998; Mrs. Cyert passed away on April 9, 2014. We spoke with Mrs. Steffes about her WT experience and her decision to establish the Cyert Family Scholarship. What do you remember most fondly about your years at WT? I loved history with Mrs. Brownlee and chemistry with Mr. Metcalf and, of course, the drama club! Mrs. Brownlee had the greatest influence. She went to Wellesley and was a very strong advocate (still is) of single sex education. We remain friends today. I have wonderful memories of my time at WT and realize that it had a major influence on my development as a person. Besides receiving a great education, I was given the opportunity to mature in a creative and caring environment that promoted the values and skills I would need to succeed for the rest of my life. My years at WT were instrumental in helping me to develop into a self-confident, successful woman.

Cindy Cyert Steffes ’69

My passion for the theater began at WT when I performed strong female character roles such as Amelia Earhart and the Trojan Women. This passion flourished at WT and in the rich culture of Pittsburgh. My love for theater and the arts is an integral part of who I am. It is “my soul.”

My parents spent most of their adult lives in Pittsburgh, working in education, and they both dedicated their lives to increasing the quality and impact of educational institutions in the Pittsburgh community. In addition to contributing to their institutions, they were both committed to helping others gain access to education. And they believed in giving back to Pittsburgh, both being very engaged in many civic activities. My father spent his entire career at Carnegie Mellon University. He was instrumental in the University becoming Dr. Richard (L) and Mrs. Margaret Cyert (C), and Cindy Cyert Steffes ’69 (R)

Thistletalk Spring 2015

You have said that education and Pittsburgh were important to your parents. How did their passions inform your decision to create a scholarship?

known as a leader in areas like computer science and dramatic arts. My mother studied early childhood education and was able to develop programs that continue today at the Margaret Cyert Early Childhood Center. My family was enmeshed in Pittsburgh and its incredible educational institutions, including WT. Providing a scholarship to a WT student honors my family’s appreciation for Pittsburgh and its great educational opportunities. My parents always stressed the importance of a good education. My gift is to honor my parents, and, in their memory, provide that education for someone who otherwise might not have the opportunity from which I benefited. Why is financial aid important to you? I believe an independent school education allows a student to flourish in a positive environment, smaller classes, diverse activities—and with teachers who get to know who you are, and care about your future. I was nurtured and encouraged to discover myself in ways that I believe would not have occurred in other schools. I was very fortunate that my parents had the ability to provide me with a great education. But many ambitious and deserving students are not able to experience such a positive growth and learning opportunity, for lack of financial resources. Financial aid makes it possible for deserving students to share the benefits of a great education and have a better chance at success throughout their lives. It gives me a great sense of pride to honor them by giving others the same opportunity that I was given.

2014-2015 Malone Scholars In 1997, communications and media executive, investor, and philanthropist Dr. John C. Malone established the Malone Family Foundation. His vision: to provide quality education for bright, academically motivated young people with financial need. The result was the Foundation’s Malone Scholars Program, which provides need-based financial aid at 50 independent schools around the nation; each school was awarded a $2 million endowment grant in recognition of its exceptional programs for gifted and talented students, and its commitment to socioeconomic diversity through financial aid. In 2007, the Foundation selected Winchester Thurston as one of only four schools to participate in the Malone Scholars program. Since then, 12 students in grades 7-12 have been honored as Malone Scholars at WT. In addition, WT is part of an elite network of Malone Schools participating in the Malone Schools Online Network, which provides unparalleled educational opportunities for all of our Upper School students. Please visit www.winchesterthurston.org/malone to learn more about our past and present Malone Scholars and the Malone Scholars Online Network.

“I am grateful for the chance to be able to attend WT, which I know is a unique privilege. Without the support of the Malone Scholarship, I would not have this wonderful experience at a school that has given me so much and allowed me to become the person I am. I will continue to work hard, and give back to my community.” — Emily Pollock ’18

What would you say to other WT alumnae/i about giving back to WT? Why is it important? What struck me [when I visited WT in May 2014] was how the students were excited to be there and that the teachers cared about the success and future of the students. I was pleased to see that the facilities are in great shape and new developments and upgrades, like the theater renovation, will make it better than ever. The educational experience that WT provides is a treasure. This quality of education can only be sustained if the many who have benefited continue to support it. Giving back to WT has touched my heart and keeps me connected with who I am and where I came from.

WT’s 2014-2015 Malone Scholars (L-R): Emily Pollock ’18, Remy Erkel ’16, Hanna Sante ’18, Katherine Ashwood ’15, and Sabrina Evoy ’17.

www.winchesterthurston.org

Celebrate Legacies: The Miss Mitchell Society

Kathleen Metinko ’91, Keeping the Opportunity Alive When she looks back on all of her educational experiences, Kathleen Metinko ’91 credits her four years at WT as the most significant. “I really feel it was the stepping stone and the start. WT had the most significant impact on my learning...We were not ‘taught at,’ but rather we were taught how to think, how to learn, how to question.”

“WT is an important part of who I am; I wouldn’t necessarily be where I am today if the school hadn’t taken a chance on me and provided me with amazing opportunities. Now I’m in a position to make sure others have the same opportunities I did.”

Metinko began her WT career as a freshman after attending public school. Her parents felt strongly that she should have a high school experience that would truly challenge her, and that would open up more opportunities for her in college and beyond. “There were less costly options than WT,” she recalls, “but I really, really wanted to go to WT. When I visited, I loved the fact that there was such breadth of opportunity, from Japanese and Russian history to the dance program. It was a ’college-esque’ environment, where I could explore what I really wanted to learn.” A scholarship enabled Metinko to enroll. She notes that the fact that she was on financial aid never set her apart socially. “WT felt like a welcoming environment right from the first day,” she says.

Kathleen Metinko ’91 with her daughter, Alexandra, and husband, Jan Kniffen

Academically, she found the challenge she and her parents had been looking for. “All through elementary and middle school, I had been in the gifted program, and I had never gotten a B in my life! Now I had to learn how to write papers and to manage a much higher volume of work.” The rigor prepared her well for college, law school, and her demanding career as a Partner in Special Acquisition Services at Deloitte in New York City. Despite having moved away from Pittsburgh, Metinko stays actively involved at WT. After serving on the Young Alumnae/i Leadership Council, she joined the Board of Trustees in 2010. Attending Board meetings gets her to Pittsburgh regularly, which is great for her parents and her daughter, Alexandra. But Metinko’s desire to stay involved at WT connects back to her own experience, and the opportunity she has now to provide for future students whose stories are similar to her own.

Thistletalk Spring 2015

Moreover, she feels proud that WT has remained an academically rigorous school that “is on an amazing trajectory. I want to make sure it keeps going, and keeps providing great opportunities for young people in Pittsburgh.” Metinko has made WT a philanthropic priority, supporting the WT Fund at a leadership level each year, supporting the Celebrate WT campaign with a major gift, and making a provision for WT in her will, joining the Miss Mitchell Society. “Here in New York, there are lots of private schools with large endowments, and I see how these resources allow them to thrive,” she says. “Schools like WT are really important; the world would be much worse off without them. WT needs to stay strong, and to do so, it needs to continue increasing its endowment.” As part of her role on the Board, Metinko meets with fellow alums about giving to WT. Her message to them: “As an alum, think about what WT meant to you, how impactful it was to who you are. WT is a community. A gift, no matter the size, can have an impact on someone else.”

In 2002 Winchester Thurston created the Miss Mitchell Society to thank and recognize the many generous donors whose bequests and planned gifts continue to expand the vision of Dr. Mary A. Graham Mitchell, Head of School from 1902 through 1947. The central tenet that governed every one of Miss Mitchell’s written and unwritten rules, “Think also of the comfort and the rights of others,” continues to reverberate in the hearts and minds of alumnae/i and serve as the ethical compass for today’s students. Miss Mitchell Society gifts can take the form of bequests, trusts, life insurance policies, charitable gift annuities, or other estate planning vehicles. Membership requires no particular giving or bequest amount. If you have made a provision for WT in your estate plans, we would love to welcome you as a member of the Miss Mitchell Society. For more information, or to let us know of your intentions, please contact Michelle Wion Chitty, Director of Advancement Services and Stewardship, at 412-578-3748.

Miss Mitchell Society Members WT salutes the generosity and support of this very special group of alumnae/i and friends. Following are the current members of our community who have remembered WT in their estate planning. Suzanne LeClere Barley ’52

Louise Baldridge Lytle ’51

Loretta Lobes Benec ’88

Carole Oswald Markus ’57

Barbara Abney Bolger ’52

Gretchen Larson Maslanka ’83

Marion Montgomery Colbourne ’52

Marga Matheny ’64

Sheen Sehgal ’89

Pat Maykuth ’69

Judith Rohrer Davis ’57

Beverlee Simboli McFadden ’55

Molly Cannon Stevenson ’72

Anna-Stina Ericson ’44

J. Sherman McLaughlin, Honorary Alumnus ’93

Robert I. Glimcher

Henry Posner III Kathy Zillweger Putnam ’71 Susan Criep Santa-Cruz ’60 Jennifer M. Scanlon

Allyson Baird Sveda ’84

Rosanne Isay Harrison ’56

Kathleen L. Metinko ’91

Ruth Weimer Tillar ’41

Frances P. Minno

Gaylen Westfall

Eugene S. Kerber

Bee Jee Epstine Morrison ’56

Carol Spear Williams ’57

Elsa Limbach

Please visit www.winchesterthurston.org/giving and click “Planned Giving: Miss Mitchell Society” for the complete list.

www.winchesterthurston.org

Celebrate Legacies:

Thoughts on Giving As Celebrate WT: Campaign for a Smart Future approaches its Big Finish, we asked some generous WT parents to share their perspective on giving to WT.

WT Is our Community Investing in our children’s education is the main reason WT is a philanthropic priority for our family, but it goes well beyond the purely academic. When searching for a school in what has become our adopted hometown, we were also hoping to find a community that would stand in for the family we lack in Pittsburgh. We found that community in WT’s caring and nurturing environment. Supporting the school that supports all of us makes donating a very easy decision. Cyrus and Kim Daboo, parents of Oliver, Class of 2023, and Eleanor, Class of 2025

Stepping up for Falk Auditorium There are more and more worthwhile options for our charitable giving every year. When our daughter started in Middle School, we did not immediately understand why we should put WT on that list. But after our son enrolled, too, it became clear that supporting the school beyond tuition is the right thing to do for many reasons. As an educator myself, I love, respect, and appreciate WT’s approach to educating our kids. Teachers are accessible and administrators are responsive, which is great for us; and the small class sizes allow for much deeper and meaningful teacher-student relationships, which so many students need. Our kids have always loved performing in the theater, and WT’s productions are so outstanding that when we heard about the renovation of Falk Auditorium, we agreed it was our time to step up. Ward Allebach and Lisa Steagall, parents of Daisy A’17 and Jacob, Class of 2020

Exceptional Engagement at the North Hills Campus Why have we made WT a philanthropic priority? Rarely do you find an institution that has such a commitment to children, respect for parental involvement, and openness to feedback. Educating kids is WT’s priority, and the school goes out of its way to respond to and nurture each child’s potential, whether developmental, intellectual, or social. The energy and engagement of the North Hills Campus teachers is beyond anything we’ve ever seen, and we’ve looked at a lot of schools. We greatly appreciate being part of an open, respectful community where all voices are heard, and all children are valued as individuals. Rob Frazzini and Anne Zacharias, parents of Lia, Class of 2024, and Niko, Class of 2026

Thistletalk Spring 2015

Funding Purposeful Play WT has been a great experience for Griffin, and as a parent I am proud to be a part of the WT community. I was inspired to support the Outdoor Classrooms and Play Spaces because I believe strongly in the power of outdoor play to enhance learning for children of all ages. I am truly happy with the success of the campaign and I am pleased to support such a worthwhile project. Carole King, mother of Griffin King, Class of 2019

For Thoughtfulness, Creativity, Passion, and Energy Watching our daughter grow up and develop into a thoughtful, creative human being at Winchester Thurston is of course the main reason we feel compelled to give to WT. The school has created an atmosphere of learning in which our daughter has thrived. This is not only because of the strong academic curriculum but also because of the nurturing environment. We are giving in particular to the auditorium project because we believe the arts—the theater, dance, and music programs—at WT are an important part of what sets the school apart from other such institutions and which allow it to develop such creative kids with passion and energy for whatever they choose to do. Clifford Chen and Robin Ziegler, parents of Lucy Chen, Class of 2017

Forging New Pathways Mutual regard and service are guiding tenets in our faith and personal beliefs. We believe education builds a solid core of wealth that can never be taken away and that grows when it is shared. In so many ways, the school aligns with these principles, making WT the clear choice for our children. The small class size allows teachers to holistically focus on each child’s style of learning, recognizing and honoring their individual strengths, challenges, and passions. The City as Our Campus program connects Sophia and Rohan with the larger Pittsburgh community and challenges them to think with sensitivity. With a feeling of abundance, we continue to choose WT through our giving, guided by the belief that our gifts will create new pathways for the students of today and tomorrow. Holly and Harbinder Khera, parents of Sophia, Class of 2024, and Rohan, Class of 2026

Investing in Impact We chose to support the Celebrate WT campaign for a variety of reasons. First, we were deeply moved when we heard firsthand the impact WT’s financial aid has on the lives of its student recipients, and are convinced that socioeconomic diversity benefits the entire WT community. Also, while we are thrilled with the education and experiences our children receive at WT, we recognize its facilities require updating and maintenance. Our children will benefit greatly from such investments, as will generations to come. Marshall and Karen Balk, (at left) parents of Talia, Class of 2024, Jonathan, Class of 2026, and Zachary, Class of 2026, with WT faculty member Courtney DeMarco with her husband, Dan (C), and WT faculty member Courtney Zemsky (R)

www.winchesterthurston.org

Leave your legacy:

Buy a seat, buy a locker Join us as the WT community works to accomplish its biggest endeavor in school history, our campaign to raise $20 million. With a fresh new take on WT’s Athletics Wing and much-needed improvements to the Falk Auditorium, you can make your mark for generations to come. Buy a seat in the soon-to-be fabulous Falk Auditorium Celebrate your favorite thespian. Commemorate your favorite performance. Remember a loved one. Leave your legacy on a new seat in WT’s Falk Auditorium.

Buy a locker in the already fabulous Athletics Wing Remember a loved one. Celebrate your favorite student-athlete, teammate, or season. Leave your legacy on a new locker in WT’s Athletics Wing.

To purchase a seat or locker, visit www.celebratewt.org/legacy, or call Emily Mente at 412-578-7523.

Thistletalk Spring 2015

wt community BENEFIT 2015:

PURE IMAGINATION More than 350 WT community members gathered at the world’s largest invention factory, Inventionland, for a lively evening at the Parents Association’s Benefit, “Pure Imagination.”

Michael Jackson and Kelly Cain-Jackson

Gary Niels and Elizabeth Patterson

The Benefit committee, led by Gretchen Busquets, planned an event that stretched beyond your wildest imagination! Delicious food, and a signature “Fizzy Lifting” cocktail, kept spirits high throughout the evening as KDKA radio news anchor Paul Rasmussen led the live auction. Highlights of the evening were a Sphero experience with Anne Fay, Director of eLearning, and David Nassar, Computer Science Department Chair, and a 3D printer demonstration with Graig Marx, Science Department Chair. The evening raised more than $100,000 for WT and provided a lifetime of great memories!

Don Smith and Nicole Ansani-Jankowski

Graig Marx with Stacey and Ari Pressman

Christine and Andrew Stone

John Kuzmishin

Doug and Ashley Harper with Susan Allison and Patrick Koeppl

Miguel and Gretchen Busquets

Henry Posner III and Anne Molloy with Kathryn Gaertner (center)

Emily Mente

Lara Miller ’04 and Michele Farrell

David Binion and Leslye Herrmann

Paul Rosenblatt and Petra Fallaux with Greg and Julie Forsythe

Jennie Choo, Noreen Tompkins, and Anita Nischal

North Hills Campus Faculty

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wt sports WT BEARS CONTINUE MOMENTUM WITH WINNING WINTER SEASON Following an epic, record-breaking fall sports season, WT’s winter sports teams kept up the momentum, bringing home winning seasons and participating in exciting contests around the city. “Overall it was a great season for the Bears,” said Athletics Director and Upper School Boys Basketball Assistant Coach Kevin Miller. “The fall season was a tough act to follow, but our athletes took on the challenge and competed at the highest levels. The victories that our teams are bringing home are really exciting, and we’re riding the momentum this spring.”

VARSITY BOYS BASKETBALL FINISHES STRONG IN SECTION The Upper School boys basketball team had another strong season, finishing 11-8 and tying for third in WPIAL Class A Section 4. The team made the playoffs for the second time in school history. “This team has really embraced each other and has been fully committed to working together to improve their game,” said Miller. “They worked out together during the off season, and their dedication truly paid off on the court all season long.” The Bears had some big wins, sweeping opponent Serra Catholic for the first time ever, and beating Leechburg twice. The team was led by top scorers junior Tyler Coleman, who averaged 18 points a game, and senior Max Calhoun, a four-year starter who averaged 15 points a game. The team will sorely miss its eight graduating seniors next year, but Miller has high hopes for the squad. “Our seniors have really gelled and set an example for the younger guys,” said Miller. “We plan to be as competitive as ever next year.”

MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL FIELDS FOUR TEAMS For the first time, WT’s Middle School girls and boys basketball teams included fifth grade players! This addition allowed the Bears to field two teams each for the boys and the girls: fifth and sixth graders (B team) and seventh and eighth graders (A team). The teams all had great seasons that culminated in strong showings at the St. Edmund’s Academy Tournament where the girls A team came in third, and the boys A team came in fourth. Max Calhoun, Class of 2015

SWIMMER REACHES STATES Representing WT, sophomore EJ Eppinger competed at the State Swimming Championships in the 200 individual medley (IM) and the 500 Free, coming in 17th and 10th respectively. Both times were personal bests for Eppinger, who qualified for states following strong swims at the WPIAL Championships in the same categories.

Thistletalk Spring 2015

VARSITY GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM EARNS PLAYOFF SPOT The Upper School girls basketball team had another winning season this winter, making the WPIAL playoffs for the fourth consecutive year, and finishing with a record of 10-8. The team started the season incredibly strong at 7-2, before losing a key starter, freshman Ayanna Townsend to an injury that took her out for five games. Though the loss was hard on the team, the remaining members of the squad pulled together to finish the season strong. “Our team handled the pressure of the season very well considering the obstacles it faced,” said coach Nika Williams. “The girls really stepped up to the challenge and got some great playing experience that will serve them well next season.” Outstanding players included Townsend who, before being injured, was averaging 16.1 points, 14 rebounds, and five blocks per game; and junior Sophie Burkholder who averaged 16 points per game. Williams, who has coached WT basketball for 12 years, is proud of her team and is already looking forward to next season. “The girls had strong showings against great teams all season long, and they’ve become a very tight knit group,” she said. “Their skills are fundamentally sound and they played their hearts out every single game, and that’s really all a coach can ask for.”

FENCING TEAMS MAKE PLAYOFFS Following an undefeated regular season, the boys fencing team competed in the playoffs to defend their league title from last year. In the semi-final round they lost to Bethel Park. The girls team also qualified for the playoffs following a strong regular season, finishing 3 - 2. The girls lost in the semi-finals to Pine Richland. Fencing has continued Freshmen Yanming Cui and Emily Pollock at playoff match to gain in popularity at WT under the instruction of long-time Head Coach Iana Dakova and the team is now more than 20 athletes strong.

SENIOR ROWER COMMITS TO UCLA After an incredible four-year rowing career with the Bears, senior Katie Ashwood signed a letter of intent to row at UCLA next fall. Congrats to Katie!

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wt alumnae/i news

HOME FROM COLLEGE LUNCH The Home from College Lunch in January gave young alums a chance to enjoy the company of familiar faces and to catch up with their favorite faculty and friends. Graduates from the Classes of 2011 - 2014 congregated at WT during their winter break before heading back to 29 different colleges and universities across the county, and to studies abroad. (L-R) Jack Harper ’14 and Mrs. Patrice Alexander Alaquiva ’06

(L-R) Carly Heywood ‘14, Kaila Yallum ‘13, and Jesse Lieberfeld ‘13

Senior James Counihan (L) and Michael Booker ‘12 (R)

PERFORMING ARTS RECEPTION WT alums are stepping up to support the Falk Auditorium renovations in two separate alumnae/i challenges. Young alums (1999-2014) responded to a $10,000 challenge by WT parents Clifford Chen and Robin Ziegler by launching a crowdfunding campaign. And, alums from the classes before 1998 are working to match a $20,000 challenge from WT trustee Kerry Bron ’84. Both groups celebrated their success to date and rallied for additional support at the pre-show reception for the Upper School Musical, Anyone Can Whistle.

Ronee Penoi ‘03 (C) and Lara Miller ‘04 (R) catch up with Mr. John Maione (L), performing arts teacher

KAT BOVBJERG ’11

Kat Bovbjerg ’11 (R) with members of her University of Chicago a capella group following their performance in the Upper School.

Thistletalk Spring 2015

wowed Upper School students with a performance by her University of Chicago a capella group, Men in Drag. The all-female, studentrun group performed original arrangements of contemporary hits, and led students and faculty in a beat boxing demonstration. With self-stated “passion and swag,” Men in Drag, as the name implies, challenges gender conventions. The group boasts a number of national awards, several albums, and has singles available on iTunes.

ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK WRITER LAUREN MORELLI ’01 RETURNS TO WT

(L-R) Kristen Maser Michaels ’01, Lauren Morelli ’01, Ashley Lemmon Gottwald ’01, and Samira Wiley

“It smells exactly the same!” Lauren Morelli ’01 exclaimed when she walked through the doors of WT for the first time since graduating 14 years ago. Morelli, a writer and producer of the highly acclaimed Netflix Original Series Orange is the New Black, visited WT this March to speak with Upper School students about her life and work on the hit show. She fielded questions from Upper School Dean of Students Matt Bachner and a captive student audience— offering insights into her own writing process and the process of creating a tv show—discussing everything from how she handles writer’s block and character development to what daily life is like in the writers’ room and on set. Morelli encouraged the students to follow their passions, telling them that she had often felt pressured to write a certain way, but it was her “weird” script that got her the meeting with Orange’s creator Jenji Kohan, and ultimately, staffed on Orange. Junior Wells Taylor was thrilled to have the opportunity to attend the session. “It was really amazing to have the chance to see a woman who graduated from my school that has gone on to work on a show that has had such

an influence on pop culture and on important social issues,” said Taylor. Joining Morelli during her visit was her girlfriend, actress Samira Wiley, who plays Poussey on the show. After her discussion, Morelli and Wiley were treated to a tour of the school that culminated in an emotional visit to the dance studio, a place where Morelli spent hours upon hours during her time at WT. Reflecting on her visit,

Sophomore Lilah Hilliard snaps a selfie with Lauren

Morelli said, “I have so many great memories from my time at Winchester, but it was even more fun to discover that the school still feels the same as when I attended. The students were funny, smart, and engaged. The teachers welcomed me back like I was family. I wanted to throw my backpack

on the floor and go join Dr. Naragon’s class all over again.” The day after her visit to WT, Morelli spoke to a packed ballroom, filled with more than 500 women at the Women and Girls Foundation’s Crossroads Conference, telling the personal story of her “crossroads” experiences that saw her navigate several life-altering events from changing careers and relocating across the country to marriage, divorce, and a very public coming out. At the end of her poignant story, Morelli left the enthralled listeners, including a table of WT faculty and students, with a few pieces of advice that she has learned through her own experiences: “1. Take risks. Life won’t give you guarantees, it won’t promise that the thing you’re giving up will be worth the thing you’re gaining, but take the leap. 2. Own your story. Wear it with pride and joy. Own it for your kids, your parents, your friends and most importantly, own it for yourself.” “I arrived at Winchester Thurston for my seventh grade year broken and scared, but nursing a tiny pilot light of hope that maybe this would be better. And you know, it wasn’t just better. It was breathtakingly wonderful. I can’t say enough for the education I received there. I was encouraged to be an individual. My own unique talents were celebrated. And most of all, I met lifelong friends. I can promise that I’m not being hyperbolic when I say that Winchester saved my very fragile life.” — Lauren Morelli ’01 from Crossroads Conference Talk

THISTLETALK GOES DIGITAL Get the full story of Lauren’s visit to WT at winchesterthurston.org/digitalthistle

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class notes 1941 Ruth Weimer Tillar spent her 91st birthday this past November with childhood friend and classmate Patricia “Pat” Williams Gilchrist when the pair addressed the Emporia Rotary Club in Emporia, Virginia. Patricia gave a talk on her memoir, It’s Midnight in Berlin, a book recounting her remarkable experiences as a civilian college graduate who volunteered with the U.S. Army in war torn Germany during the 1940s. Pat is active with her large family of children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Ruth, also an active nonagenarian, recently attended her 74th Homecoming parade at the College of William and Mary.

Patricia Williams Gilchrist ’41 (L) holding her memoir, It’s Midnight in Berlin and Ruth Weimer Tiller ’41 (R)

1955: 60th Reunion Year Mary Minor Evans writes, “As I look forward to my 60th reunion I realize that the foundation I received at Winchester Thurston has

Mary Minor Evans ’55 at her retirement from her presidency of the Duluth Woman’s Club provided me with many abilities. During the last four years I have served as the President of the University for Seniors which offers 40 eightweek classes, three times a year on the University of Maryland campus. Education and social connections make for great living. During that time I also served as Vice President for two years and President for two years of the Duluth Woman’s Club.”

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Elisabeth “Betsy” Riddle Ruderfer writes, “We are excited to be moving back to Pittsburgh this year, maybe by the end of the summer. Our house here in Washington, D.C. is on the market and we are desperately trying to downsize after all these years here. Our dear old house will be 100 years old in 2017 and it is quite a wrench to leave it, but the time has come to be in a one-floor apartment. We look forward to coming back to the Oakland area and hope to see old friends there soon.”

Nann Hegmann Cooke is loving retirement! She spends her time gardening, volunteering, reading, and attending the theatre.

Thistletalk Spring 2015

were in Sea Island for Molly Dorrance’s ’01 November wedding, which was a great family reunion.”

Bebe Dorrance Marchal ’60 (C) with Linsey McDaniel A’96, Director of Alumnae/i Relations (L), and Michelle Wion Chitty, Director of Advancement Services and Stewardship (R). Mary Jane “Pie” Harter Smith is excited to celebrate her 55th reunion this year. She keeps in touch with Karen Harmeier Berner from time to time, and recently got back in touch with Olivia Tadeo who was her roommate.

Pie Harter Smith ’60

1960: 55th Reunion Year

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Bebe Dorrance Marchal continues to be happy and busy with her Carlisle business and with traveling as often as possible to visit children and grandchildren in Michigan and Rhode Island. She writes, “We

Margaret “Meg” Gezon Meltz and her husband, Richard, closed their business Centaur Cycles & Scooters after 33 years. They’re having fun sailing, riding motorcycles, playing with kitties, reading, walking, and talking to friends on Facebook.

19 6 8 Margie Balter recently attended the 2015 Grammy Awards. Margie is currently collaborating with the winner of the Best New Age album, Music Producer, Ricky Kej. She and Kej are working on new arrangements of solo piano pieces blended with traditional Indian instruments.

Margie Balter ’68 at the 2015 Grammy Awards 1974 Following a career as an executive in the nonprofit world, Susan Whitacre recently transitioned into real estate and is now a Realtor with Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty. Susan follows her grandmother, mother, and brother in the real estate business, and many of her cousins and extended family are developers. Active in her community, Susan enjoys helping neighborhoods maintain their historic charm. Over the years, Susan has reconnected with a number of WT friends. She shared, “I stay in touch with Molly Powers who also lives in Houston. She has a wonderful fine art framing business and does installations all over the country. Two Christmases ago my daughter, Madeline Werner, and I met up with fun-loving sisters Leslie Braun Basilone ’77 and Lisa Braun Corna ’73 for

class notes a great dinner at a trendy restaurant in Wilkinsburg. During the same visit, the ever-smiling and indomitable Margery “Margie” McKinley navigated the treacherous roads to enjoy a fireside glass of wine and tapas with us at the Mansions on Fifth— a fabulous bed and breakfast just around the corner from ’dear old WT’ (and coowned by alumna Jennifer Brady Pendleton ’95)! Margie is an accomplished photographer and has amassed an incredible collection of images. Attending Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year awards dinner last year, I was thrilled to recognize a WT graduate take the stage! June Ressler ’73, founder and CEO of Cenergy International Services, was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year in recognition for her extraordinary success and visionary leadership in Logistics and Industrial Services.”

19 8 2 Erika Rapport Kolod writes, “I retired in 2004 and spend my time volunteering, exercising, traveling, visiting my kids, fly fishing, and hiking in the Rockies. My husband, Glenn, is an exercise fanatic. He snowboards and loves to compete in Spartan races. My oldest child, Brittny, got married in May 2014 and is a teacher in the Castle Rock school system in Colorado. She also coaches the cheer team and leads the DECA club. My middle child, Lauren, graduated from the Air Force Academy in 2013 and recently finished pilot training. She will be stationed in Fairchild, Washington. My youngest, JB, is in his fourth year at the University of Virginia and is an All American diver medaling in the ACCs and the NCAAs. This past winter he finished sixth in the Winter Senior National Diving competition and earned a spot at the Olympic Trials.”

1985: 30th Reunion Year

Susan Whitacre ’74 Stacy Jannis Tamerlani produced and directed several videos about climate change and sea level rise for the National Academy of Sciences. Stacy also produced an animated video that is designed to teach young people the concept of resilience as part of an upcoming exhibit for the Koshland Science Museum in Washington, D.C.

Bobbie Woods Rhoads recently appeared on ABC’s Emmy award winning show Shark Tank with her product line, FUNBITES. FUNBITES ensures that picky eaters will try new things and eat healthier. With an easyto-use curved cutter and matching popper top, any kids’ food can easily be cut into fun shapes, making mealtime less stressful and more fun. Rhoads came up with the idea for her own children, and knew that other families would find FUNBITES valuable as well. Rhoads walked away with

Bobbie Woods Rhoads ’85 on ABC’s hit show Shark Tank a deal from Lori Greiner, “Queen of QVC,” but not before considering an offer from fashion and branding expert Daymond John, and turning away a potential counter-offer from Mark Cuban, fellow Pittsburgher and owner of the Dallas Mavericks.

Their work was presented at the HTMlles biennial festival in Montreal, and the Cinema Politica at the Concordia University of Montreal.

19 91 Esther Long Ratajeski and her husband, Kent Ratajeski, welcomed their third child, Timothy Reid, on July 23, 2014. The Ratajeskis live in Lexington, Kentucky, where Kent teaches geology at the University of Kentucky.

19 9 6 Alisha Wormsley travelled to Montreal this past winter as part of an artist residency with Studio XX. She spent two months preparing to present collaborative work with art partner, opera singer, sound and performance artist, Lisa Harris. Their interdisciplinary collaborations center on retelling human creationisms and folktales, playing with concepts of time. Wormsley and Harris tend to highlight femininity, social disorder, class, and African diaspora.

Work by Alisha Wormsley ’96 exhibited at the HTMlles festival 1999 Ben Sota whose return to Pittsburgh was touted in Pittsburgh Magazine as the “Best Homecoming” of 2014, teamed up with Jil Stifel ’96 to create WaywardLand, an abstract work which combines circus, dance, and physical theater. In February, WaywardLand was presented to a sold out crowd at the New Hazlett Theater as part of their Community Supported Art performance series. Sota is

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also currently in residency at the Mattress Factory through June.

Ben Sota ’99 (top) and Jil Stifel ’96 (bottom) 2 0 01 Alexander “Alec” Karakatsanis has been making strides in changing the landscape of the U.S. justice system and serving those most in need since starting a non-profit legal advocacy firm, Equal Justice Under Law. The practice won a settlement barring the City of Montgomery, Alabama from jailing its

Thistletalk Spring 2015

poorest people for their inability to pay city debts and fines, and recently filed two landmark class action lawsuits seeking to end the rise of modern debtors’ prisons in Ferguson and Jennings, Missouri. Alec founded Equal Justice Under Law to address “the systemic issues that create unjustifiable inequalities.” Alec describes being compelled “to identify things that have become utterly normalized in our legal system that we think are outrageous and should not be accepted.” Before launching the non-profit in 2014, Karakatsanis, worked as an assistant federal public defender in Alabama, and litigated criminal and civil cases with the Washington, D.C. Public Defender Service.

Alec Karakatsanis ’01 (L) and his legal partner Phil Telfeyan (R)

Don Michael Mendoza is continuing to bring a cabaretstyle collision of musical theater and spoken word to Washington, D.C. audiences. The Washington Post recently wrote, “There really isn’t comparable cabaret in town.”

Emily Cordes ’05 2006 On October 4, 2014 Patrice Alexander Alaquiva married Emmai Alaquiva at Mount Ararat Baptist Church. The couple met in 2010 when Alexander collaborated with Hip-Hop on L.O.C.K. for an elective she taught at WT, “Memes, Music, and Language.” Their three-part celebration paid homage to Paris, France where Emmai proposed underneath the Eiffel Tower. The dynamic wedding party included alums Alyse Alexander ’07 (Maid of Honor), Courtney Clark, Suzanne Bernard, Ashleigh Parker, Nefertiti Umeh ’08, Jimyse Brown ’10, and Michael Curry ’12. The couple honeymooned in Florence, Italy.

Co-founders of the cabaret La-To-Do, Don Michael Mendoza ’06 (R) and Regie Cabico (L) 2008 After graduating with an Industrial Design degree in 2012, Kris Pepper started Farm Truck (farmtruckphilly. com), a food truck and catering company in Philadelphia. It has since grown into one of the toprated food truck catering services in the city. This company has helped to fund his other interests, including Cog|Design (cogdesign.us), a launch pad for design projects and creative ideas in Philadelphia.

2005: 10th Reunion Year Emily Cordes finished an incredible run of “Look Alive, Starshine” in the Midwinter Madness Short Play Festival in February. She writes that it was a pleasure playing tormented poet Lea and bringing her journey through love, fear, rage, and catharsis to life onstage.

Kris Pepper ’08 (R) with his longtime girlfriend, Rachael Patrice Alexander Alaquiva ’06 (L) and Emmai Alaquiva (R)

2 013 2 0 11 Blake Uretsky, a senior in Cornell University’s fashion design program, earned one of four $30,000 Geoffrey Beene national scholarships from the YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund. Uretsky’s design accommodates the changing physique of pregnant women, while allowing them to monitor their vital signs through aesthetically pleasing

Randon Bopp directed The Unforgotten Hero, a feature documentary (theunforgottenhero.webs. com) that premiered at Point Park University in April, and a music video for a professional country band called “The Stickers.” He is working on a short film and coaching lacrosse for the “Dub T” Bears. Lucine “Lucy” Gabriel declared a Chemistry major at MIT. She continues to enjoy hosting on the campus radio station, and the cold New England weather. Chelsea Humphries is currently a sophomore at Penn State University studying Employment Relations and Labor Studies.

Blake Uretsky ’11 receiving the prestigious Geoffrey Beene award wearable technology.

2 012 Antonia “Nia” D’Emilio is studying history, religion, and politics in Northern Ireland. Noah Lafferty writes, “School is going well. I’m on the staff for University of Illinois’ student-run hackathon, Hack Illinois, as well as our Computer Science conference, Reflections | Projections.” Sam Russell writes, “This semester went incredibly well for me. I started my Sociology minor and interviewed a veteran of World War II for the Library of Congress. He was very interesting and had a lot of stories to tell.”

Andrew Linzer is wiling away the prime of his life taking liberal arts classes at Yale. Langston MacDiarmid is having a good year building lots of things that occasionally work. Olivia Price writes, “I declared a math major!”

2014 Jasper Acer is studying biology with a Spanish minor at Penn State University where he is also playing club lacrosse and very involved in Penn State’s THON which helps to fight childhood cancer. Tonya Armes is attending Case Western Reserve University. She spends a lot of her time working as an assistant in a bacteria and tissue research lab. In her free time she enjoys experiencing Cleveland and

going downtown where there are lots of theaters, stadiums, and restaurants. Colin Crowley is having a great time in Philadelphia taking several different classes at Swarthmore College and continuing to fence. He sees Nathan Siegel ’11 and Ben Grandis ’11 around campus. Colin looks forward to being back in Pittsburgh this summer. Kayla Goldstein writes, “I had an amazing first semester studying abroad in Italy. I never thought that I would spend my first semester of college abroad, but I am so glad that I made that difficult choice. WT has definitely prepared me very well for the challenges I have faced thus far, and I cannot wait to continue my international studies at Syracuse University.” Carly Heywood spent time this semester organizing and participating in #BlackLivesMatter protests and interning for the fashion, art, and lifestyle brand Pop’A fricana. She worked for Pop’A fricana during New York Fashion Week in February. Charlie Orr writes, “I spent four months travelling through Europe, Nepal, and India meeting new people, speaking new languages, and challenging my values. I taught English at a Buddhist monastery, worked on a reformation commune, and met people from 34 foreign countries. I am eager and excited to bring these experiences to Brandeis University this coming semester!”

Cecily Milligan writes, “I am published! I won second place in the student category of the American Photographic Artists’ Awards.” The book is now available.

Winning photo by Cecily Milligan ’14 Kyle Salmon Droppa is a member of the presidential honors program at New York University. He attended a one-week Florence trip with the program in January to do research on architecture and the piazza. Jake Sonnenklar writes, “I’m training for a marathon at school. Coach Frey would be proud!”

We want to hear your news! Send notes and photos to: Linsey McDaniel A’96 Winchester Thurston School 555 Morewood Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213 or mcdaniell@ winchesterthurston.org.

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As part of the second grade visual arts curriculum, WT students study inspirational art by examining a plaque from the Kingdom of Benin which gives great honor to the Kingdom’s warrior chief who is powerful, respectful, and worthy of emulation. Students then create their own plaques to honor a person in their life. Second grader Amina Josephs created this plaque for Cheryl Gaal.

Thistletalk Spring 2015

IN MEMORIAM:

Cheryl Gaal Earlier this year, we lost a valued member of our community. Cheryl Gaal, transitional classroom teacher for more than 18 years, passed away suddenly on January 21. Her joyful spirit pervaded our community and is deeply missed. Following are the remarks that Head of School, Gary Niels, delivered at her memorial service. Winchester Thurston School is blessed with many talented, inquisitive, and bright students. But even some of our brightest students once in a while experience some challenges in their learning trajectory. I imagine that each of us in this room can remember a time in school when we sensed or maybe even abruptly realized that we were not learning something as well as our classmates. This may have been deeply troubling, sometimes even causing us to question ourselves. “Am I as good as the others?” “What’s wrong with me?” Of course we didn’t understand that we all have different types of brains with a myriad of strengths and weakness and that everyone hits bumps in their learning trajectories. For many here, you may have anxiously endured these hours, days, weeks, even years. Well ... Not at Winchester Thurston. Because of Cheryl Gaal! Cheryl was magical. Her room emanated joy and she bestowed that joy on her students. Her face was filled with kindness and understanding and her demeanor was comprised of hope. Cheryl embodied a “You can do it!” attitude. At WT the testimonies of students who were encouraged, guided, and sent back on their way by Cheryl almost always include stories of success and excellence – often including acceptance to some of the most prestigious colleges and universities in our country.

IN MEMORIAM The following members of the WT community will be missed by their classmates, friends, students, and colleagues. We offer sincere condolences to their families.

But it’s not the students alone who experienced Cheryl’s transformational potion. Do you know that parents are often more fretful than their children when these challenging moments in school arise? Moms and dads become anxious and worried. Until they would meet Cheryl Gaal! The testimonies of parents who witnessed Cheryl’s transformational powers are endless. Honestly I do not think our daughter would be where she is without you. You have really helped her over some hurdles with kindness, firmness, and love. You have also been supportive to her nervous Mom and made yourself available in so many ways. This is one of countless comments like it. Cheryl will not only be remembered for what she did for children and their parents. Cheryl will also be remembered for who she was as a human being and as a colleague and friend. Just as the fragrance of her classroom was joy, Cheryl sprinkled that fragrance throughout our school. She always wanted to know how you were. She wanted to know about your weekend, your vacation, your wife, and your children. And she loved to report on what her husband, Gary, was up to or what her daughter, Sara, was doing. Cheryl enhanced our sense of community and family. She spread her positive cheer and we will miss that… tremendously. Gary and Sara, as well as Cheryl’s other close relatives: we lost a colleague and the pain is deep. We cannot imagine the pain that you are experiencing in losing this buoyant spirit who utterly filled your lives every day for decades. I know I speak for our entire community when I say that we wish in some way that we could help carry this loss for you.

Jeanne-Anna “Jan” Ayres Widgery ’37, former English teacher

Sanford “Sally” Stallworth Kay Bradbeer A’52

Gladys Goldberg Gold ’38

Starla Williams ’82

Anne Dalzell Bacon ’43

Tracy Litman Churchel ’86

Marjorie “Maggie” Hahn Pearl ’43

Daisa Moon A’86

Marilyn Muse Wilson ‘44 Jean Straub Poe ‘45 Gloria Palmer Fuller ’48 Jane Yahres Eskey ‘50

Ellen Krause Johnson ’79

Cheryl H. Gaal, Transitional Classroom teacher Dr. Ross H. Musgrave, former trustee Alice Steinmark Rightor, former English teacher

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STAY CONNECTED Friend us on Facebook: facebook.com/wtalums and join the Performing Arts Alumnae/i Group to hear about performances from New York to Dublin, reconnect with your former cast and crew, and share your news and memories. linkedin.com/in/ winchesterthurston winchesterthurston.org/ mywt. Find a friend, share Class Notes, and update your contact information.

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Save the Date October 9-10,

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Reconnect, rejoice, remember, and return to WT for Reunion 2015. All alumnae/i and guests are invited to catch up at the luncheon, cocktail party, games on the field, and more.

Celebrate your WT memories by sending us your “then and now” photos, and watch Facebook for some throwback moments. To find out about or help plan special gatherings for class years ending in ‘0 and ‘5, contact Linsey McDaniel A’96 at mcdaniell@ winchesterthurston.org or 412-578-7511. Visit winchesterthurston.org/reunion for details.

ALUMNAE/I DIRECTORY PROJECT

A thousand “thank yous” to the more than 950 alums who responded to our call for directory updates! We tripled the number of job titles available in our directory, meaning we can help you network even more.

Thistletalk Spring 2015

WT ON THE ROAD

Want to host an alumnae/i gathering in your region? Suggest your city for a WT on the Road event. Contact Linsey McDaniel A’96 at mcdaniell@winchesterthurston.org.