Oldfields
SUMMER 2012
magazine
Honoring Traditions and Embracing Change
Oldfields magazine
Oldfields Magazine Staff Eliza Broaddus Editor Megan Mardiney ’82 Creative Director The Mardiney Group, Inc. Photography: Janine K. Brennan P ’11, Eliza Broaddus, John Dean, Bill Gray Contributors: Karen Miller, Hawley Rogers, Diane Hill, Anneke Skidmore, Joan Carter Jermakian ’81 P’15, Amy Roden Phillips, Ansley Smithwick, Mark Brennan P’11 Alumnae & Development Office Staff Laurie Hurd Director of Development Eliza Broaddus Director of Communications Mark J. Brennan P ’11 Senior Development Officer Joan Carter Jermakian ’81 P ’15 Director of Alumnae Affairs Janine K. Brennan P ’11 Website Administrator Sheila Maleson Development Assistant
Dancing around the May Pole in 1960 On the Cover: Color Photo: The 2012 May Court Black and White Photo: Walking down Graduation Hill in the 1950s.
Oldfields School admits students of any race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. © 2012 by Oldfields School. Oldfields Magazine is published twice a year by Oldfields School. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. Views expressed herein are those of the author exclusively. Oldfields is a private, nonprofit, educational corporation. Oldfields is an organization described in section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and all contributions to Oldfields are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Correspondence for Oldfields School should be addressed to: Oldfields School, 1500 Glencoe Road, Sparks Glencoe, MD 21152-9321. Editorial Inquiries: Article submissions and letters are welcome and should be sent to the editor at Oldfields Magazine, 1500 Glencoe Road, Sparks Glencoe, MD 21152-9321 or via email to communications@ OldfieldsSchool.org. Submission guidelines are available upon request. Oldfields Magazine and Oldfields School are not responsible for loss, damage, or other injury to unsolicited manuscripts, photography, or artwork. Any letters sent to the magazine may be published in upcoming issues of Oldfields Magazine or other publications of Oldfields School. The editor reserves the right to edit published letters for length. Oldfields Magazine is a controlled circulation publication. Circulation questions and address changes should be sent to Oldfields Magazine Circulation, 1500 Glencoe Road, Sparks Glencoe, MD 21152-9321. Printed on recycled paper.
OldfieldsSchool.org
CORRECTION On page 30 of the Winter 2012 Oldfields Magazine, it should read Lynne Robertson Andrews ’85 instead of Lynne Robertson Adams ’85.
Honoring Traditions and Embracing Change
SUMMER 2012 table of contents
10
16
21
24
honoring traditions
embracing change
alumnae
on campus
3 From the Head of School
14 Oldfields School Welcomes Diversity
20 Alumnae Weekend 2012
24 Awards Ceremony 2012
32 Class Notes
15 Student Reflection: Jordan Spivak ’13
34 Alumna Profile: Maria “Mia” Grosjean ’68
28 Learning that Moves Outside the Classroom and Into the Barn
6 An Interview with Hawley Rogers
15 Student Response: Zifa Fashanu ’14
38 Alumna Profile: Emily Acle ’09
8 Recollections and Remembrances
16 The Globalization of the Oldfields Community
40 Turning Points
10 Student Spotlight: Alexandra “Ali” Towne ’12
18 A New Board Tradition
4 Honoring Traditions and Embracing Change: The 2011-2012 School Theme
13 The Class of 1947: A Tradition of Giving
40 Bequests: Elizabeth Lee Boothe Howell ’21
31 Our Common Threads: The 2012-2013 School Theme
end notes 30 A Big Win for Twill Do 41 The Largo Core Society
up front
1
Old House
Aunt Patty with students
May Day
2
Oldfields magazine | summer 2012
1914 May Queen
A letter from
taylor smith Head of School Dear Friends: Tradition and Change – at Oldfields, these are two sides of the same coin. During the current year, our theme has been Honoring Traditions and Embracing Change. Throughout the year we have focused on our history and the traditions that have made it so rich and meaningful. During the summer, the students and faculty read A Feeling of Family, a history written by Mary McPherson. When the students returned, they did a scavenger hunt in which the questions centered on key people or locations in Oldfields history. In addition, throughout the year, the School has gathered recollections and remembrances from alumnae, faculty, and friends of the School. During Alumnae Weekend, four current students, dressed in uniforms from our archives, performed monologues based on these remembrances. On an almost daily basis, our lives at Oldfields are enriched by traditions, many of which are decades old. As important as traditions are, change is crucial if the School is going to maintain its strength and credibility. That little one-room schoolhouse on the hill has changed a great deal since the first day scholars entered its doors in 1867. This is not a recent development. The McCullochs were innovators. Philosophically, they were way ahead of their times, and the early introduction of chemistry and a commitment to physical exercise with the building of the gym in the early 1900s are examples of the fact that they were not simply content with the status quo. Just take a look around campus and you will see the work of succeeding heads of school, especially George Nevens and Hawley Rogers, as they recreated a modern school from its traditional roots. I have always said that you can have a great school in a shack and a horrible school in a mansion – it’s the people who count! However, a powerful mission, superb teachers, and great facilities are an unbeatable combination. So, where do we go from here? During the 2009-2010 school year, the Oldfields community went through a year-long self-study in order to retain our accreditation, required by the Association of Independent Maryland Schools and the Middle States Association. We learned a great deal about ourselves and we were rewarded by an excellent report from the committee, based on their visit in November of 2011. As part of the follow-up from the report, every school is required to prepare long-term goals that they will pursue in the next five years. Our goals are listed below: • Maintain financial stability by adhering to a Five-Year Financial Plan that is updated yearly • Create a new Strategic Plan • Develop a self-evaluation process for the Board of Trustees • Create a Technology Plan
• Develop a succession and evaluation plan for future heads of school • Strive to have diversity in the Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff, and maintain diversity in the student body by creating and adhering to a Diversity Statement
Along with this, we have also created a timetable to achieve each goal as well as an indication of who is responsible for each goal. As you can see, the School is not standing still. Oldfields went through a difficult time five years ago. I am pleased to tell you that our health is now robust. Despite trying economic times, we will be full in 2012-2013 with a balanced budget and a growing endowment. We survived and are now thriving because of our commitment to the traditional values and mission of the School. However, following in the footsteps of 145 years of innovators, we must also plan for and institute the change that will continue to allow that little school on the hill to thrive. Sincerely,
Taylor Smith Head of School up front
3
The 2011-2012 Oldfields Theme
honoring tr aditions and embracing change by karen miller, director of academic support services
What
are
your
favorite
recollections
of
Oldfields?
and in what year was the first OS diploma granted?,” “Who
Undoubtedly at least one of our many time-honored traditions
painted the clock in Miss Nan’s and what are the names of the
is on your list…Green and White Night, the Sugar Plum Fairy,
two dogs in that painting?” This activity enabled the new girls
Garden Party, or At Home Nights? Our theme for the year,
to familiarize themselves with the campus and provided the
“Honoring Traditions and Embracing Change,” provided the
opportunity for everyone to learn and review some Oldfields
venue for reflecting on our rich traditions and for accepting
history.
inevitable change. Once the theme was decided upon, the
Later in the fall, Dean of Student Life Libby Pace orchestrated
choice for the all-school summer
an assembly based on the television
reading book was an obvious one:
show Family Feud. The two teams
A Feeling of Family by former
were, of course, the Greens and
faculty member Mary McPherson.
the Whites and they responded to
Reading this book gave us an in-
questions about the School’s history.
depth look at the School’s history, a
Mr. Smith served as our own Richard
better understanding of our venerated
Dawson and read such prompts as:
traditions, and a real appreciation for
“Name former heads of Oldfields,”
the many changes that have occurred
“What places on campus are named
since Anna Austen McCulloch opened
for Oldfields women?,” and “Name
the doors of Oldfields School in 1867.
clothing items that students were
While
the
community
read
required to have in 1923.” Miss
the
Harrison’s creatively-lighted Family
detailed history of Oldfields over
Feud board complete with the theme
the summer, the Oldfields Theme
music added to the spirited event! In
Committee (a group of faculty and
case you were wondering, the Greens
students) worked on its first activity,
won the contest.
an Oldfields scavenger hunt. We wrote and collected questions that allowed
Katie Walsh, class of ’16
One day at Morning Meeting we were treated to a fashion show of long-gone
students to put their old and new knowledge of OS to the test. The committee most gratefully
Oldfields uniforms. Thanks to a donation from Alice Hinman
acknowledges Hawley Rogers and Dotty Hordubay for their
’42 and the modeling talents of Mrs. Latrobe’s advisees, we got
invaluable contributions. On orientation day, 15 groups of
to see what current Oldfields students might look like were
students scurried about campus, vying to be the first team
they still subject to the uniform code of that era. Clearly, the
to return to The David Niven Theatre with the most correct
students embraced the fact that the dress code rules have changed
responses. Each team was comprised of both old and new girls
since 1942!
and was armed with a camera and A Feeling of Family in order
During the winter, the Parent Association sponsored a contest
to respond to 30 queries. For example: “Take a photo of your
to design a T-shirt representing the School theme. Alyson
group in front of the newest building on campus,” “To whom
Thompson ’12 and Julia Abbott ’14 submitted the winning
4
Oldfields magazine | summer 2012
Signing the School theme banner
We have, of course, embraced change during the year. We welcomed over 60 new students along with new faculty and staff members to start the 2011-2012 school year. The additions of Mandarin I to the world languages offerings, winter indoor track and sailing to our sports program, and organizations such as Culinary Club, Young Republicans, and No Excuses Fitness Club to our co-curricular options were all welcome changes. In addition, thanks to a generous grant from International Humanties, Inc., Oldfields and our local community enjoyed a free evening concert series this year. A new tradition in the making, perhaps? When I first came to Oldfields in 1977 we had Prayers; now we have Morning Meeting. Back then we met at The Cement; now we meet at Crosswalks. At Home Night dinners are no longer random groupings of students but rather are always with one’s advisory group. We used to sing the “Alma Mater;” now we sing “The Sheep on the Hill” as the School song. What began in 1978 as Foreign Language Appreciation Day is now Global
entry, and the entire community was treated to a shirt with
Awareness Day. While all of these traditions have morphed to
their colorful and creative design.
varying degrees, the essence of each remains the same. So much
Although not sponsored by the Theme Committee, two spring
has remained unchanged – we still have fun searching for the
events dovetailed perfectly with “Honoring Traditions and
Thing-a-ma-bob, Dubious still sings at Garden Party where
Embracing Change.” Global Awareness Day is a wonderful
strawberries are still served, and girls still wear white dresses as
opportunity to learn about the cultures and traditions of various
they walk barefoot down Graduation Hill. Change has brought
regions of the United States as well as those of other countries.
about new traditions in the last three decades – senior speeches,
From sampling New Orleans cuisine to writing our names in
Founder’s Day celebration, and Meatless Mondays are but a
Chinese and so much more, everyone learned something new
few. Of this I am certain – traditions will live on, change will
from our student teachers.
happen, and a feeling of family will long remain the essence
Mrs. Gilmore’s Statistics class engaged in a theme-related
of Oldfields.
activity this spring as well. They used the notion of random sorts to locate alumnae from each decade and then discover as much as they could about them. Each group presented a slide show on their research and it was quite a treat for some of the “old” teachers to see the results. One group also prepared a survey for alumnae about their memories of Oldfields traditions and any changes they saw during their time as a student. This activity helped them learn how to construct good surveys and how to analyze the results, all the while keeping in line with our theme. As the year drew to a close and we celebrated Founder’s Day and Alumnae Weekend, the entire community watched the first Oldfields video, aptly named A Feeling of Family, which dates from the 1960s. Seeing how much of the School has remained constant as well as how much has changed sparked lots of thoughtful reflections and some amusing conversations.
The winning T-shirt design
up front
5
Honoring Traditions at Oldfields
an interview with former head of school hawley rogers by eliza broaddus, director of communications
Q
What role do traditions serve at Oldfields today?
A
For one thing they help to provide a continuity of experience that knits together generations
Q
What about the fun traditions?
A
So many come to mind. The “Thing-a-ma-bob” as part of the Green and White competition
of Oldfields girls. About the same time each year we have a
is one. At one time it was tradition that, in addition to Miss
community experience that is similar to that which Oldfields
Herky, the head of School would hide it. Miss Herky tried that
students had four, ten, 40, or 140 years ago. Traditions also help us to focus on the values of the School that have been constant over time. Each year at opening school meeting with the old girls, I
a few times with me but gave up in disgust as I was such a bad hider. Later on the “Thing-a-ma-bob” was hidden so well that after a few months they had to make another one. I wouldn’t be surprised to find that there are still
used to draw their attention to the
a few out there!
fact that the School is in a sense recreated each September because at
Another example of a fun tradition
least a third of the community is new.
is the creativity with which free days
One role of big sisters, an important
are announced. Once in the 70s,
tradition, is to articulate and to model
Head of School George Nevens and
the philosophy of the School to new
the School president dropped leaflets
members of the community. Tradition
from an airplane announcing the
is paramount in a mission-driven
free day. We held “Prayers” outside
school like Oldfields. Many traditions
Rodney and when the leaflets were
of the School are important because they reflect the historic values of the
dropped, almost all of them were
institution. Some are just plain fun.
blown up on Chicken Hill. As I
Q
recall, we had to tell everyone what
Can you give me an
the leaflets said. Another time, Wendy
example of the former?
Rogers baked 200 fortune cookies
A
Take the last part of the School
that were distributed simultaneously
motto, Largo Core, Largeness
of Heart. I recall Susan Straley ’82
at family-style dinner. The free day
discussing the warmth with which she was greeted when she
announcements were inside the cookies.
first visited Oldfields. She noted that everyone was so friendly
In the 60s and 70s it was believed that on Halloween the portrait
and said “hello,” even though they did not know her. In her
of Miss Nan changed into the face of George Nevens. Steve
words, she was “even a little bit suspicious” because she had never encountered anything like that before. How we greeted people and how we interacted with each other, that warmth of
Hustvedt, a master painter and the chair of the Art Department, painted an exact copy of the original portrait changing the face
atmosphere, became a tradition. In its own way, this tradition
of Miss Nan into that of George Nevens. Right up into the 90s
shows that we value and respect everyone who comes onto
students would visit Miss Nan’s Library to see if the portrait
campus just as we value each other.
had changed.
6
Oldfields magazine | summer 2012
Q
Can you give an example of traditions that came into being during your time at Oldfields?
A
Q
What is your favorite tradition?
A
I would have to say class dinners in general and particularly the senior dinner. During our years
At Home Night and 100 Nights come to mind. I believe that most lasting and valuable traditions aren’t
at Oldfields, we had each class to dinner at our house and my
established consciously – I think tradition grows naturally out
wife, Wendy, cooked some of her 625 career chess pies. George
of the history and values of the school. For example, Senior
and Marg Nevens designed a great head’s house with two
Presentations have become an important practice and tradition at Oldfields. They came into being in 1989 as a result of my reading about a similar program at another school. I thought that this program would provide an opportunity for public
living rooms, one presumably for School entertainment and one upstairs for family. When the girls came to dinner, they always stayed upstairs, sometimes over 50 of them. Most of us ate sitting on the floor. We were all family. I would add to my favorites list what I call the legend or tradition of Miss
speaking and serve several other purposes in the education
Herky. At schools people become part of tradition. Former
of each senior. The faculty agreed. The program achieved
employee, Jan Scott, once described Herky as the “incarnation
many of its original purposes, but it took its own direction,
of the School spirit.” Over several decades, Miss Herky held
quite different from the program after which it was modeled.
us to a high standard of behavior, insisting on effort, civility,
It became uniquely Oldfields. Faculty, students, and visitors
and sportsmanship. What she wanted from each student and,
were profoundly moved by those presentations that very often
indeed from each faculty member, was for us to be the best
consisted, and consist today, of expressions of gratitude to those at home and at Oldfields who helped them to develop in unique ways and to reach personal goals that they had never thought possible.
person, the best athlete, the best artist, the best student that we could be. This is, after all, the bedrock of the Oldfields philosophy.
Q
Were there new traditions created after you left Oldfields?
Q
How has the role of tradition at Oldfields changed over time?
A
A
My favorite in this category is Founder’s Day, which I believe happened in Kathie Jameson’s tenure. What a
I am not sure that it has. Tradition remains very important
wonderful way to celebrate our past!
here. Many of the apparently bygone traditions are alive
Thanksgiving dinner has changed in a positive way. Juniors
in different forms. We no longer have Gentleness and Courtesy
used to wait on tables and enact a skit. The junior class advisor,
teams, but we have Green and White. We have no May Day,
which distinction I owned while assistant headmaster, no
but there is a May Court on graduation day. The graduation
longer has to dress up like a turkey. I understand that now
ceremony is very similar to that of a century ago and remains very much in tune with the School’s philosophy. It is informal
each junior speaks about something for which she is grateful. Nice idea.
and contains a certain intimacy and feeling of family. The focus
I also like the idea of establishing a theme for each school year.
of the day is on each girl, with the seniors having primacy as
This happened during Taylor Smith’s time.
they observe this rite of passage, devoid of pomp. The faculty
Q
is without robes denoting their academic rank. Few schools would opt for the Oldfields graduation. Oldfields would opt for nothing else. Many parents have told me that they have never seen a more beautiful ceremony.
Q
You mention rites of passage. What others are there?
A
What does this year’s School theme (Honoring Traditions and Embracing Change) mean to you?
A
I think it’s a wonderful theme and so appropriate to Oldfields because our traditions, which are rooted
in our strong values, allow us to change and adapt without losing sight of our mission. Traditions give us the freedom to be comfortable with change. In describing poetry writing,
I think of Old Girl/New Girl Picnic, Green and
Robert Frost used the equestrian metaphor of having “freedom
White Night, 100 Nights, senior rings, being
when you are easy in your harness.” That for me sums up the
asked into the Senior Room, Banquet, and Garden Party.
relationship between tradition and change. honoring traditions
7
Honoring Traditions
recollections and remembr ances by eliza broaddus, director of communications As seen in the first annual Recollections and Remembrances
and her friends told me about the wonderful times they had at
performances, Oldfields girls of past and present have much in
Oldfields,” says Julia. “It made me realize how much Oldfields
common. From their mischievous antics to their unwavering
has changed but has also stayed the same.”
love of the School, an Oldfields girl from the 1800s is not so
Piper ’15 enjoyed playing Skee because the Recollections and
different from the Oldfields girl of today.
Remembrances performance joined two of her passions. Says
Oldfields’ Recollections and Remembrances project was
Piper, “I love history and theatre, so when I was asked to be a
created to preserve the history and stories of the School for
part of the project I was very excited because I would be able to
years to come. Oldfields sought out memories from alumnae,
combine my love for both.” Although the two Oldfields girls
former faculty, and friends of the School that will eventually be
attended the School some 60 years apart, Piper found it easy
compiled into a book. This project was spearheaded by Head
to connect to her character. “I connected with my character
of School Taylor Smith, who has been associated with Oldfields
through her love for Oldfields,” says Piper. “I love Oldfields –
for over 40 years, having arrived at the School fresh from
it has become my second home, and it was great to read that it
college. Says Taylor, “Reflecting my college background, I was
was a home to girls back in the 1940s too.”
fascinated immediately with the history of ‘the old house on the hill’ and the school that it spawned. When the community decided that we would focus our yearly theme on the School’s history, I knew that we needed to do something to preserve our story.” Thus, the Recollections and Remembrances project was born. For two special performances at Alumnae Weekend, four monologues from the Recollections and Remembrances project were selected to be read by Oldfields girls. The featured students were Julia Barry ’16, Piper Hudspeth Blackburn ’15, Alexandra “Ali” Towne ’12, and Parker Phelan ’12. The featured monologues included writings from Hattie Winchester Jones, Helen “Skee” Janeway Gilbreath ’40, Miranda “Tosh” Mackintosh Freer ’44, and former Director of Music Chesley Kahmann Parsons. The performers each wore either period clothing or an old School uniform from the Oldfields archives. Julia Barry ’16 was surprised to learn that the dress she was wearing had been donated to the School by alumna Patricia “Patty” Vanderwarker ’62 who was in the audience. Says Julia, “My favorite part of being in the Recollections and Remembrances had to be when I figured out that the dress I was wearing belonged to an alumna who graduated in the 60s and was there that night.” Julia was able to speak with Patty after the performance and hear all about her experience at Oldfields. “I loved hearing all the stories she 8
Oldfields magazine | summer 2012
Parker ‘12 played Hattie Winchester Jones in the Recollections and Remembrances
Dubious Dozen and Images performed the Alma Mater to begin the program
Julia ’16, Piper ’15, Parker ’12, and Ali ’12 closed the performance with the singing of “The Sheep on the Hill”
honoring traditions
9
Student Spotlight
senior presentation by alexandra “ali” towne ’12
“I wish that I had met Ms. Herky.” This statement opened my response to the all too familiar common application prompt, “Indicate a person who has had significant influence on you and describe that influence.” In many ways, this was a bold
expected only the best that the individual could offer. I would be lying if I said that I have always possessed this virtuous way of thought. Until relatively recently, I would push myself, and unfortunately, a few unlucky others to near
choice. As my statement suggests, I never had the privilege
meltdowns as I strove for the world’s definition of excellence.
of meeting Ms. Herky. But, I am confident that through her
Although I did eventually reach many of these goals, it was
legacy and example, I have been greatly affected, and it is my
not without cost. I developed a great deal of anxiety over my
hope that many of you will, or already do, feel the same.
grades in school and stressed myself over the quality of my
Ms. Herky began her work at Oldfields in 1942. Her formal
performance in many other areas. Had I known then what I
roles changed several times, but they included dean of students,
have been taught now, I am quite sure that my younger years
athletic director, and coach. She was fun, vivacious, quirky,
would have played out in a more joyful and fufilling manner.
quick with a joke, intelligent, and always supportive. These
As far as kindness is concerned, I think that learning to be
qualities made her a favorite of many of the girls here. However,
kind is a lifelong process. However, by following Ms. Herky’s
Ms. Herky was also a stickler for individual
example, I have gotten on the fast track, so to speak.
excellence and kindness. She expected that each
Ms. Herky, and people like her, taught me by example
girl give 100% both on and off the field and
how to show kindness towards others regardless of the
would not tolerate any cattiness or rudeness.
situation. I certainly will not flatter myself by saying
She did not expect perfection. She simply
that I am in possession of constant kindness. I, like
expected your best. And your best presented
everyone else, slip-up from time to time. But, with Ms.
with enthusiasm, humility, and joy.
Herky’s example as a road map, I am able to get back
This part of her mantra, so to speak, has undoubtedly had the biggest impact on how I
on track. But how is it that I know all this about a woman whom
have chosen to evaluate and live my life. Let me start first with
I have never met? Well, that is one of the peculiar, and, in my
the individual excellence. I have, for as long as I can remember,
opinion, amazing, things about Oldfields. A mark or a legacy
wanted to do well at, well, everything. Call me a perfectionist,
left by someone like Ms. Herky can continue on and on because
but I believe that most everyone feels this way. There is not a
of the great sense of tradition here at Oldfields. Ms. Herky was
single person that I know who would not like to be a straight
able to affect my life because Oldfields allowed her legacy to
“A” student or who would not love to be on the US Olympic
live on. That’s what Oldfields can do; it can multiply a person’s
team for their chosen sport. We are all taught, from the time that
impact. Because of this tradition of tradition, so to speak, Ms.
we are very young, that achieving these goals means that we
Herky was not only able to alter the lives of the hundreds of
have achieved individual excellence. However, I think that Ms.
girls that came here during her years on the faculty, but also
Herky would disagree that perfection is the goal. Although she
the life of every person who has been told about her, or has
was, by some standards, relentless in pushing the girls towards
shopped at Herky’s, or has run into her legacy in any number
excellence, she expected no more than their best. She did not
of ways. This is how Ms. Herky affected me, and why, although
discriminate on the basis of talent, nor did she expect each girl
I wish that I had met her, I really don’t need to.
to reach the same level of proficiency in a given discipline. She
I would like some company in really trying to embody what
10
Oldfields magazine | summer 2012
Helen “Herky” Travers honoring traditions
11
Ms. Herky was all about: individual excellence, kindness, and
in 70 years she would be the topic of a senior presentation or
legacies. I urge the members of this community to come together
that she would have the school store named after her? No! She
and really pursue excellence. This doesn’t mean that every student
became a part of Oldfields’ tradition and legacies without even
has to get straight “A”s or that every team has to win every game.
knowing it and you are doing the same. We are part of Oldfields
What it does mean, however, is that, ideally, we would all expect
and because of that, it is our responsibility to contribute as much
the best of ourselves. This is an opportunity to push ourselves
as we possibly can, and care for our school. These legacies will
towards our potential and give our all to reach our best. Thomas
never die if we work to maintain what those before us worked so
Edison once said, “If we all did the things we are capable of
hard to put in place.
doing, we would literally astound ourselves.” I, and I would like
I hope that by hearing the story of Ms. Herky, you have been
to think Ms. Herky, would agree with Mr. Edison, and I am ready to be astounded by the work that this community will put in to achieving excellence.
inspired. Whether you have chosen to “turn over a new leaf” or simply continue your push for excellence, I hope that Ms. Herky’s legacy has given you the strength to follow through
Next comes kindness. As I said earlier, Ms. Herky was a stickler
with your plans for personal excellence. I hope that you love, or
for kindness and politeness. I think that our Oldfields community
will come to love Oldfields as much as I do, and as much as Ms.
does pretty well on this front, so I won’t spend long talking about
Herky obviously did. I hope that you will be able to learn from
it. I will continue myself and would simply urge you to maintain
her example of perseverance and kindness. As my grandfather,
what this school does so well; being accepting of others and
Mr. Hawley Rogers, expressed at the 1982 Alumnae Luncheon,
always kind to those around us.
“Herky is continuity. She exemplifies the best of what we all value,
Finally, and in many ways, most importantly, I would like us all
the best of what has made Oldfields strong today. She exemplifies
to recognize the legacy of which we are all a part. I know that it
the kindness, loyalty, fairness, duty, hard work, integrity, and
may seem like all of the legacies and traditions are already formed
love which we all hold so important.”
and set in stone. However, the great thing about legacies, and
My name is Ali Towne and I am on a quest to live up to Ms.
Oldfields’ legacies specifically, is that they are ongoing. Do you
Herky’s excellent example. I am honored to be your student body
think that Ms. Herky thought when she came to Oldfields that
president, I am a proud Oldfields girl, and I am a two-year senior.
A Tradition of Giving
the class of 1947 by eliza broaddus, director of communications Why give to the Annual Fund? Members from the Class of 1947, who are consistently one of the classes with the highest giving percentage, have a few reasons to share with you.
Mary “Jill” Saunders Ashmead
“ [Oldfields] is a great school and we were all lucky to be there. It helps Oldfields when others give because foundations are more likely to donate to the School if they see a high participation rate.” Titine “Tina” Gibert Farwell
“ A wonderful school and the best thing that ever happened to me.” Joan “Hebe” Stuart-Wortley Bishop
“ Oldfields gave so much to me. I think if you have received something from a school or an organization, you need to give back, and the [Annual Fund] is our way of giving.” Margarete “Gray” Gardiner Halton
“ Even a small amount makes a difference, so I see no excuse for anyone not to give.”
Bertrand Snead London
“ [The Annual Fund] keeps the School going and is a memory of the experience we had together.”
honoring traditions
13
Embracing Change
oldfields school welcomes diversity by diane hill, school counselor
On October 31st, 2011, the Oldfields Affiliate Chapter
This workshop consists of a series of incremental, experiential
of the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI) led a
activities that help participants to celebrate their similarities
“Welcoming Diversity” workshop for the entire student body.
and differences, identify misinformation they have learned
The Oldfields NCBI Team is comprised of four students who
about other groups, identify and heal from internalized
have been certified after attending the NCBI Leadership For
oppression, and claim pride in their group identities. They
Diversity Five-Day Institute, as well as three faculty members
also learn the personal impact of discrimination through the
who are also certified NCBI trainers. NCBI International
telling of individual stories and gain empowerment by learning
is a nonprofit leadership training organization based in
concrete skills for effectively intervening when confronted with
Washington, D.C. Since 1984, NCBI has been working to
prejudicial jokes, remarks, or slurs. Through the workshop,
eliminate prejudice and intergroup conflict in communities
students gained a deeper respect for each person’s unique
throughout the world. In a community as diverse as Oldfields,
background and experiences. Oldfields students learned hands-
it is important to give students a safe and supportive place
on practical skills for building cultural competency, welcoming
to talk about their differences and similarities, as well as the
diversity, and increasing unity and inclusion in our community.
assumptions people make about each other that are often based
Above: School Counselor Diane Hill, Melanie Wright ’14,
on stereotypes, misinformation, and/or lack of exposure to
Rikki Mansuri ’13, Librarian Maria Vaporis, Jordan Spivak ’13,
people who are different.
and Angelica Jackson ’09 at NCBI
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Oldfields magazine | summer 2012
In March of 2012, every student and
Embracing Change
faculty member watched the film, Miss Representation. This documentary
Student Reflection
highlights instances where women are negatively portrayed in the media. Following the film, each class broke out into a discussion group to talk about what they had learned.
by Jordan Spivak ’13
The following is a student response to the film. As a returning member of NCBI, I had the opportunity to attend training during the summer of 2011. Oldfields sent four girls to the NCBI training; Christina Rock ’12 and I were veterans to the program while Melanie Wright ’14 and Rukiya “Rikki” Mansuri ’13 attended the workshop for the first time. We participated in a week-long leadership workshop with the intentions of bringing back and sharing these principles with our community. When we returned to campus in the fall, we made it our priority to organize a workshop of our own. On October 31st, our Oldfields NCBI
team
led
our
first
workshop with the help of our faculty leaders Ms. Hill, Ms. Gilmore, and Mrs. Vaporis. The purpose of the workshop was to bring controversial issues to the table, mainly concerning acceptance of diversity and conflict resolution. This year, the number of new students to Oldfields was higher than in years past. It is important to us as a leadership team to make every girl feel welcome and to learn the NCBI principles together. We want every girl to gain something positive from the workshop experience. The response from our peers was extremely constructive. The Oldfields NCBI team is now part of the
student response to miss representation by Zifa Fashanu ’14 The first time I saw the documentary, Miss Representation, was at the Baltimore Girls School Leadership Coalition (BGSLC) retreat. When I heard we were going to watch a documentary, the first thing I thought was that it was going to be some movie with Morgan Freeman’s monotone voice in the background. When the movie started, I was surprised because instead of Morgan Freeman, Jennifer Siebel Newsom is talking. She is pregnant and wondering how she is going to bring her daughter into the present world where media is so widespread. The film highlights every aspect of media and points out how women are often negatively portrayed. I have to say, the most surprising scene was when they showed that even Disney movies portray women in a negative or a sexualized fashion. Another eye-opening part of the movie is when they show the different clothing and perfume advertisements. The women in these ads are supposed to be selling clothes, so why are they in birdcages or are barely wearing any clothing? After seeing this documentary twice, it has greatly changed my mind about all of the advertisements that I see in the media. Now, every time I see something, I take a step back and ask if it is portraying women in a positive way. This movie really changed my life and I think that everyone should watch it.
Baltimore, District of Columbia chapter. We attend monthly meetings to practice becoming better NCBI leaders, and brainstorm new ways to spread the NCBI principles. This summer, Oldfields will send two more girls to be trained and we will be planning another successful workshop for this coming fall.
EMBRACING CHANGE
15
Embracing Change
the globalization of the oldfields community by anneke skidmore, director of boarding admissions
The leaders of the BAC Oldfields School’s 145 years in Maryland have brought
to be a challenge for the School, as its history as a boarding
students and teachers of every ethnicity, culture, and religion to
school in the country lent itself to the education of a fairly
the Sparks area. The School has been educating generations of
specific clientele. The first minority student to graduate from Oldfields School was Ms. Theda
students from the local community as well as students from all over the world. The success of Oldfields is not only in the educating of its girls in the classroom, but also educating the students about the world outside of
“Tradition ist die Weitergabe
Hythe ’70 of Baltimore City. Ms.
des Feuers und nicht die
was the beginning of the School’s
Anbetung der Asche.”
Hythe’s graduation from Oldfields commitment
to
multicultural
education, sparking a long-standing
“Tradition is the handing
relationship
50 years, Oldfields has supported
down of the flame and not
young ladies.
students from every type of ethnicity
the worshipping of ashes”.
The diversification of campus did
- Gustav Mahler
it stop with students from the Mid-
The Tammis Day Academic Center. At any given time during the last
and socio-economic background. In the late 1960s, Mr. George Sandford Nevens, Jr. made every effort to
that
has
provided
opportunities to hundreds of talented
not stop in Baltimore City; nor did Atlantic. Soon Oldfields found that
extend Oldfields’ feeling of family to members that had not
it too had a niche for international families seeking a small,
traditionally been a part of the community. Integration proved
safe, and family-like environment for their daughters. Families
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Oldfields magazine | summer 2012
Oldfields girls after their skit on Asian New Year have come from far and wide, including the Middle East, East Asia, Europe, Africa, and South and Central America. The internationalization of Oldfields has provided the community with countless opportunities to share about cultures, religions, and experiences in the states as well as abroad and our girls have made the most of it. When one walks around campus today, they are not seeing a student from Frederick, Maryland spending time with a student from Nigeria, instead they are seeing two roommates who have come together at Oldfields and who are members of the same family.
Eighth graders Natalia, Isabel, and Grace
EMBRACING CHANGE
17
Embracing Change
a new board tr adition by laurie hurd, director of development
The idea of term trustees surfaced at an Oldfields Board of
Page’s board experience revealed to her why the School is able
Trustees meeting three years ago. Members were discussing
to maintain its unique educational approach:
how to get more young women involved in the School’s governance process. Trustee Arch Smith is headmaster of Trinity Pawling School in Pawling, NY, and he shared how his school addressed the same issue. Arch, who is married to Gay Richardson Smith ’68, explained that his school was trying to find ways to infuse the board with a younger voice. The difficulty is finding graduates who are in a position to serve. Most young graduates are just starting their careers; they are less settled and their finances tend to be limited, which makes it difficult for them to commit to several years of service. The solution focused specifically on the 20 to mid-30 year olds to serve as a term trustee for a non-renewable two-year term. The Trinity Pawling program has been going for 12 years and has been a great success. The young members provide wonderful enthusiasm and Arch sees it as a training ground for them to become board members in the future when their careers have stabilized. The Oldfields Board adopted the Trinity Pawling model, and in 2010, Page Scully ’95 was the first term trustee selected to serve. Page completed her two-year term at the April 2012 meeting and she found the experience incredibly gratifying:
Taylor [Smith] and Hawley [Rogers] asked if I would be willing to participate on the Board, and I jumped at the chance to help out. I didn’t know what term trustee meant at the time, but Oldfields did so much for me, I was excited and felt honored to be given the opportunity to serve the School in whatever capacity the Board was asking.
As a student, I assumed that Oldfields was this amazing place by fortuitous happenstance. Now I know that the Oldfields atmosphere of support and acceptance, which simultaneously nurtures and challenges the students, is the result of deliberate and hard work by every person involved with the School. Every member of the faculty, the staff, and the Board cares deeply and understands exactly how beneficial and transforming that environment can be, and they work tirelessly to create and maintain it. Before joining the Board I had no idea how much strategic effort goes into making Oldfields what it is. The Board, as well as the School, benefit from the youthful perspective of the term trustee. As Page notes, “The Board contributes wisdom and resources, and while our age and experience might limit us in some ways, our voice is still valuable and J. Page Scully ’95
necessary.” Younger alumnae have served on the
board at different times in the School’s history. The concept of term trustee is now an official practice and establishes a new tradition at Oldfields. Page was recognized at the April board meeting with a gift to honor the completion of her term.
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Oldfields magazine | summer 2012
“It’s an amazing opportunity andit’s enjoyable, fulfilling work. It’s a chance to be part of preserving the Oldfields tradition for generations to come, and in the process, it’s a lot of fun to reconnect with the school and be involved.” J. Page Scully '95 Page sets a fine example for the “termers” following her. Paige Rabalais ’01 is completing her first year and writes,
Oldfields opened the door to my future in so many ways: leadership, confidence, and belonging to a community. As a trustee, I want to do everything I can to ensure other girls can dream larger and reach farther in their lives as a result of their experience at Oldfields. Paige Rabalais ’01
Emma Cecil Malik ’97 was recently appointed as the incoming term trustee to replace Page Scully. Emma attended her first board meeting in April which coincided with her 15th reunion. Emma says:
I love Oldfields. Spending time recently at Alumnae Weekend with both my former classmates – many of whom remain among my closest friends – and the OS faculty members with whom I’ve kept in touch over the years, I was reminded what a positive and abiding impact the School has Emma Cecil Malik ’97 on my life. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the Oldfields community in what promises to be a rewarding new capacity as trustee. Seeing firsthand at the April meeting how passionate each and every trustee is about his or her work on the Board was both reassuring and inspiring, and has made me all the more excited about rolling up my sleeves and joining the effort in October. The term trustee role is a new tradition that has gotten off to a strong start thanks to three dedicated Oldfields alumnae. We look forward to continuing to integrate their perspective into future Board of Trustees’ meetings.
EMBRACING CHANGE
19
20
Oldfields magazine | summer 2012
April 27-29, 2012
alumnae weekend by joan carter jermakian ’81 p’15 Oldfields hosted Alumnae Weekend on April 27th-29th, celebrating the Reunion years ending in a “two” or a “seven.” We had about 200 guests return throughout the entire weekend. Alumnae flew in from as far away as England, Japan, Bali, and Kabul. It is wonderful to see so many graduates return for a visit. On Friday morning we began our Alumnae Weekend by honoring our founder, Anna Austen McCulloch. The School’s history and photos were shared as we celebrated Founder’s Day. The students and faculty also watched a film that was made in the 1960s called A Feeling of Family. We wanted the girls to see that Oldfields hasn’t changed that much in philosophy or mission. The community then processed to Immanuel Church Cemetery to hear Reverend Kingsley Smith preside over the gravesite of the McCulloch family. A blessing and floral wreath were presented at the gravesite while two school songs were sung by the School’s vocal groups, Dubious Dozen and Images. Anna Austen McCulloch would be pleased that we have honored traditions and embraced change. An Alumnae Association Induction Luncheon took place in the Garden Room to honor our Senior Class and welcome them into the Alumnae Association. The senior girls received their induction pins and roses from the Alumnae Association. A few of the seniors were given awards for their achievements this year. We also honored Sheila Wiley Harrell ’90 with The Jane Isdale Schaefer ’52 Trustee Prize for her dedication and service to Oldfields. On Friday night, the Smiths hosted the Oldfields Happy Hour. Alumnae dined on fabulous hors d’oeuvres created by Flik Independent School Dining under the supervision of Head Chef Eric Miller. The School play, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, had its opening night and several of our guests enjoyed the spring musical. Saturday began with our annual Golden Alumnae Breakfast which honors the Reunion years from the 50th to 80th classes. The alumnae enjoyed an omelet station while catching up with their pals from years past. The Class of 1962 was in great attendance for their 50th Reunion. This was largely due to the efforts of
Patricia “Patty” Reese Vanderwarker ‘62 and Katharine “Kandi” duPont Sanger ’62 who rallied their classmates to return. The yearly Candlelight Memorial Service to honor the deceased of the past year was held at Immanuel Church. As a congregation, we sang “The Sheep on the Hill” and the “Alma Mater.” A flood of memories return whenever we sing these songs together. Reverend Kingsley Smith reminded us that this particular tradition at Oldfields is unique; we will always be honored as an Oldfields alumna after our passing. A candle will be lit and our name will be remembered for all to hear and see. The cooler weather drove us indoors to the gym for our country picnic, but we had a lovely time eating yummy fried chicken, potato salad, and cornbread while catching up with one another. The Class of 2002 opened their Ten-Year Prediction Letters at the Head’s House. The Class of 2002 even wrote a 20-year letter to be opened in 2022! Some of their class traveled from Japan just to open their letters! The Maryland Hunt Cup took place in Glyndon, Maryland just up the road. Alumnae enjoyed watching Lucy A. Goelet’s horse Twill Do win! Lucy is a past parent and past Trustee of Oldfields. Saturday evening we had our reunion celebration in the McCulloch Commons Dining Hall and Garden Room. The rooms were transformed by Jeffrey Fox of Fox Ventures to look like an upscale lounge complete with Lucite tables, white leather furniture, white flowers, and green and white twinkling lights. Attendees enjoyed bidding on the silent and live auction items while enjoying delicious food also prepared by Flik Independent School Dining. The mashed potato bar was the highlight of the evening! A big KUDOS to all who came to support Alumnae Weekend 2012. Next year our Alumnae Weekend is April 26th-28th. We have already started planning our activities and contacting Reunion Chairs for 2013. If you would like to volunteer, contribute, donate, or be involved in any way with Alumnae Weekend 2013, we would love to have you join our team! Please contact Joan in the Alumnae Office at JermakianJ@OldfieldsSchool.org or directly at 443.662.1018.
Founders Day, 2012 alumnae
21
Alumnae enjoyed reuniting with their classmates at Saturday’s event
The Class of 1962 won the money pillow
Lisa Wood Wright ’84 and Barbara Latrobe
Joan Carter Jermakian ’81 P’15, Parnell Hagerman, and Katharine “Kandi” DuPont Sanger ‘62
Young Goodyear ’12 and Adriana Del Castillo ‘11
22
Oldfields magazine | summer 2012
alumnae weekend awards 2012 Reunion Chair Awards Patricia Reese Vanderwarker ’62 Katherine duPont Sanger ’62 Jenna Baker ’02 The Oldfields Money Pillow Awarded to the alumnae class with the highest percentage of participation in giving to the Annual Fund 2012 The Class of 1962
Asifa Hassam ’84, Lucinda “Cinda” Longstreth ’64, and Christy Miller ‘82
The Jane Isdale Schaefer ’52 Trustee Prize Sheila Wiley Harrell ’90 The Alumnae Cup Debbie Hill ’71 Poetry and Prose Awards Alyson Thompson ’12 Minkyung “Erica” Kim ’12 The Witherbee Sportsmanship Award Lei “Lily” Pui ’12 The Marjorie Martinet Art Award Xiaochun “Chun” Wang ’12 Linh Tran ’12
These alumnae had a ball reuniting with one another
The McCulloch Family Award Sandra “Sandy” Gamber
Head of School Emeritus Hawley Rogers reunited with Oldfields alumnae alumnae
23
Graduation
oldfields School Annual Awards ceremony – June 8, 2012 by eliza broaddus, director of communications
green and white
2011-2012 Team Captains and Spirits Green Captain: Christina Rock ’12 Green Spirit: Louise Chapman ’13 White Captain: Amira Lockhart ’12 White Spirit: Ashley Carroll ’13 2012-2013 Team Captains and Spirits Green Captain: Louise Chapman ’13 Green Spirit: Charlotte Mayer ’14 White Captain: Jordan Spivak ’13 White Spirit: Addie Heck ’14 Winners of Green and White Sports Competitions Volleyball – Green Basketball – White Results of Other Green and White Competitions Academics – Green Discipline – Green Thing-a-ma-bob – Green Spirit – Green Community Service Competitions – White Overall Winner of the Green and White Cup for 2011-2012 Green Team
athletic awards
Varsity Club Students who have played on three varsity sports in one year. Varsity Club underclass recipients: Anastasia Araviakis ’14 Samantha “Sam” Arthur ’15 Caroline Carney ’15 Ashley Carroll ’13 Lillian “Lilly” Carroll ’14 Louise Chapman ’13 Elizabeth “Liz” Matsiyevskiy ’14 Charlotte Mayer ’14 Brittany “Bibi” McGill ’15 Daniella Merikanskas ’13 Brittany Souder ’14 Varsity Club senior recipients: Caroline Billock ’12 Grace Camut ’12 Julianne “Julie” Fedele ’12 Francesca McGinnis ’12 Elisabeth “Liz” Palmer ’12 Savannah Reed ’12 Alexandra “Ali” Towne ’12 24
Oldfields magazine | summer 2012
riding awards
Most Improved Rider Award Mary Emily Nichols ’13 Horsemanship-Sportsmanship Award Vana Jovic ’15 The Horsemaster Award Cameron “Cam” Brooks-Miller ’15
school recognitions
Admission Liaison This award is given to those students who the Admission Office has nominated to work with them in the year ahead as outstanding representatives of Oldfields. Louise Chapman ’13 and Charlotte Mayer ’14 Cover Design for the 2012-2013 School Planner Jiaying “Angela” Shi ’13 2012 May Court Crown Bearer: Grace Camut ’12 and Parker Phelan ’12 Flora: Linh Tran ’12 Maid of Honor: Alyson Thompson ’12 May Queen: Alexandra “Ali” Towne ’12 Class Agents for the Class of 2011 Alexandra “Ali” Towne ’12 and Young Louise Goodyear ’12 2011-2012 Academic Integrity Board Senior Representative: Parker Phelan ’12 Underclass Representative: Jiaping “Winny” Shen ’13 2011-2012 School Judiciary Board Senior Representative: Elisabeth “Liz” Palmer ’12 Underclass Representatives: Ashley Carroll ’13, Liza Phelan ’13, and Martha Walton ’13
academic awards English Senior: Parker Phelan ’12 Underclassman: Emily Thaler ’13 Fine Arts Margaret Nevens Art Award Muxia “Phoenix” Liu ’12 Foreign Language Spanish: Rachel Clein ’12 French: Minkyung “Erica” Kim ’12 Mandarin I: Minkyung “Erica” Kim ’12
Mathematics Calculus Award: Alyson Thompson ’12 and Bining “Charlene” Qui ’12 Pre-Calculus Award: Rachel Clein ’12 Performing Arts Theatre: Muxia “Phoenix” Liu ’12 and Parker Phelan ’12 Music: Alexandra “Ali” Towne ’12 Dance: Sophia “Sophy” Burling ’13
The Green Team sings to the White Team
Science Chemistry: Bining “Charlene” Qui ’12 and SiNa Lee ’13 Physics: Ka Lam “Novia” Ngai ’13 Biology: Alexandra “Ali” Towne ’12 History Senior: Parker Phelan ’12 Underclassman: Jordan Spivak ’13 and Emily Thaler ’13 Daughters of the American Revolution Award Jiaying “Angela” Shi ’13 Students Who Received First Honors for All Three Terms in 2011-2012 Claire Jermakian ’15 SiNa Lee ’13 Ka Lam “Novia” Ngai ’13 Parker Phelan ’12 Rizza Rivera ’14 Alyson Thompson ’12 Seniors Graduating with High Honors Seniors with a GPA of over 93% for their senior year. Muxia “Phoenix” Liu ’12 Parker Phelan ’12 Alyson Thompson ’12 Alexandra “Ali” Towne ’12 Seniors Graduating with Honors Seniors with a GPA of over 90% for their senior year.
Maribeth Littlefield and Emily Thaler ’13
Rachel Clein ’12 Lingyu “Becca” Du ’12 Francesca McGinnis ’12 Elisabeth “Liz” Palmer ’12 Bining “Charlene” Qui ’12 Linh Tran ’12 Xiachun “Chun” Wang ’12 Seniors with a cumulative GPA of 90% or above for their entire career at Oldfields
Juniors Dani, Mary, Emma, and Sophy
Rachel Clein ’12 Lingyu “Becca” Du ’12 Minkyung “Erica” Kim ’12 Muxia “Phoenix” Liu ’12 Francesca McGinnis ’12 Parker Phelan ’12 Bining “Charlene” Qui ’12 Alyson Thompson ’12 Alexandra “Ali” Towne ’12 Linh Tran ’12 Xiachun “Chun” Wang ’12 graduation
25
The State of Maryland Merit Scholastic Award Given to a student in recognition of her excellence in scholastic achievement by earning a cumulative GPA in the top 5% of their graduating class. Alyson Thompson ’12 Second Honors Given to the students with the second highest GPA for their senior year in a challenging program of study. Parker Phelan ’12 and Alexandra “Ali” Towne ’12 Taylor Smith Prize for First Honors Given to the student with the highest senior GPA in a challenging program of study. Alyson Thompson ’12
faculty awards Nancy I. O’Connor ’75 Excellence in Teaching Prize The Nancy I. O’Connor Award is given on a basis of a ballot solicited from alumnae classes of 2005 and 2008 in advance of this evening.
Marian Culbertson ’63 Award To the underclass student making the most positive effort for its own sake. Claire Jermakian ’15 Mary K. McPherson Award To the underclass girl with the highest academic average in a challenging program. SiNa Lee ’13 Christine Heartfield Memorial Prize For outstanding interest and participation in athletics. Alexandra “Ali” Towne ’12 Nimick Athletic Award For all around athletic proficiency, good sportsmanship, and team spirit. Louise Chapman ’13 Joseph T. Brennan, II Award To that girl who, by her own effort, has made the most significant progress during the current year. Jordan Spivak ’13
Julia Franklin
Edith Liddell Twiss ’28 Memorial Prize To that student who has exhibited the highest standards of good citizenship. Alyson Thompson ’12
McColl Teaching Award This award is made possible by a generous endowment gift from Mr. and Mrs. High McColl, parents of Jane Lockwood ’86, and it recognizes outstanding teaching.
Leroy M. Polvogt Award To the girl who, by example and by deed, has been the most constructive influence on underclass girls. Parker Phelan ’12
Maribeth Littlefield
Marion H. “Chip” Allen Memorial Award To the student who best exemplifies past Board Chair Marion H. “Chip” Allen’s personal qualities of thoughtfulness and warmth through demonstrated concern for the overall well-being of the Oldfields community and the individuals who comprise it.
all-school awards The Gold Key Award For that girl whose outstanding support and cooperation working with the Admission Office has done the most to convey the Oldfields spirit to visiting families. Charlotte Mayer ’14 Trustee Prizes Eighth Grade Trustee Prize Kimberly Kupres ’16 Freshman Trustee Prize Pamela Icyeza ’15 Sophomore Trustee Prize Zifa Fashanu ’14 Junior Trustee Prize Mary Catherine Henderson ’13 Senior Trustee Prize Linh Tran Katherine Culbertson ’65 Award To the first-year student making the greatest contribution to the School. Vana Jovic ’15 26
Oldfields magazine | summer 2012
Ashley Carroll ’13 The Head of School Award Given each year by the head of school to recognize an outstanding senior. Elisabeth “Liz” Palmer ’12 Lorna M. Kelly Award To the underclass girl who, in the opinion of the teaching faculty, possesses the greatest love of learning for its own sake. SiNa Lee ’13 Elizabeth Leeds Memorial Award To the senior girl who, in the opinion of the faculty, best exemplifies the spirit and ideals of the School, which are expressed in the Oldfields motto of Courage, Humility, and Largeness of Heart. Muxia “Phoenix” Liu ’12 Helen E. Travers Award To that senior who, in the opinion of the faculty, has made the greatest overall contribution to the School. Alexandra “Ali” Towne ’12
The Class of 2012
Three legacy seniors with their Oldfields alumnae mothers.
Kaylaa ’12 receives her diploma
Catherine ’13 and Louise ’13 present their flowers to the May Court
graduation
27
Education
learning that moves outside the classroom and into the barn by amy roden phillips, director of riding
What a great year this has been at the Oldfields barn! We have
staff and faculty teach the girls through hands-on learning
lived the School theme this year of “Honoring Traditions
about a variety of important everyday horse-related things.
and Embracing Change� through many parts of our riding
One student may be learning about what we feed our horses
program. Initially, we embraced change from the start with
while another is checking stalls to make sure all the horses have
new positions, new staff, and new horses. Then we began
enough hay and water.
honoring traditions by reconnecting
This connection of the barn staff
with the local community and
to our students has fostered a
Oldfields alumnae. These community
true community feeling at the
connections have been a vital part of
barn. I know many girls feel most
our growing program this year and
comfortable at the barn and it is
will be for years to come.
important that it always be not
Oldfields is a place of learning, not
only a nurturing place, but a place
only academically, but in all aspects
of growth as well. There is no safer
of life. We are more passionate
place than a community and we have
than ever about further educating
been striving to create and maintain
our riders to be well-rounded
this feeling throughout all activities
horsewomen. We have taught them
and daily life here at the barn.
more horse-handling skills, refined
Our barn community has been
their grooming techniques, and
greatly enhanced by the local horse
instructed them on the importance
community. As we build our barn
of properly conditioning our horses.
community at Oldfields, we have
Many of the girls learned how to
reached out to the local horse
wrap legs this year and were an
community in Maryland in order
active part of the daily horse care
to further develop and enhance our
because of our engaged barn faculty
program. The community members
and staff.
Quite the Catch with his new nameplate
have accepted us with open arms.
The barn staff has been an integral
There are not many places in this
part
country where so many horse
of
the
process
this
year
because they are all educated horsewomen who love to teach
activities take place in such a concentrated area. Oldfields is
the students. It is a delight to walk into our barn courtyard
just miles from three recognized foxhunting packs, a stone’s
during the busiest time of the afternoon and watch the barn
throw from local shows and events, and around the corner
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Oldfields magazine | summer 2012
from some of the best steeplechase barns in the world. Many
In the midst of these activities, we have also physically enhanced
riding students have left the School through the years without
the barn to match the community feel and coziness that the girls
realizing what existed in our backyard. We are hoping that we
enjoy. We have added flower baskets and pots throughout the
can change this through field trips, speakers, and events.
courtyard, at the windows, and along the arenas. Last month
Just this spring, we have hosted five clinics, visited two racing
we planted crepe myrtles in the courtyard to provide beauty
stables, and ridden as a group through the Green Spring Valley
and shade and brought out the old stall plates that now hang
under the leadership of the 2nd flight GSVH Master. We have also revitalized the cross country space and trails with the help of neighbors, held evening readings for local equestrian authors and talks with local jockeys, and continued to attend horse shows and events nearly every weekend. We have been busy,
above each stall. During the last week of classes, we hosted a community snack for the entire school so that everybody will feel welcomed at the barn. Please come by to visit anytime. We would love to see you!
but have enjoyed every minute of it!
on campus
29
a big win for twill do by eliza broaddus, director of communications Former Trustee Lucy Goelet P’08 has been involved with
James Stierhoff is the jockey for Twill Do who rode him to
horses her entire life – she even grew up riding donkeys side
victory in the Maryland Hunt Cup in 2010 and 2012. James
saddle. Her summers were spent attending Pony Club at the
graduated from Towson University and now works for Brown
Wetherby Race Course where her grandmother was the camp
Advisory. Lucy chose James as her jockey because of the way
commissioner. It’s no surprise that Lucy came
he rides and handles horses. They have had the
to own several of her own horses. One of
opportunity to ride together over the past few
these horses is Twill Do, the winner of the 2012 Maryland Hunt Cup. Twill Do was three-years old and not fully broken when Lucy first met him. The introduction was all thanks to Billy Meister, who liked the way Twill Do was put together and recommended him to Lucy. “I have always had a soft spot for Twill Do as he is my first horse,” she says. “I have watched him grow and mature.” Since Twill Do was
years. Twill Do is a competitive timber horse that jumps superbly. After his big win at the Maryland Hunt Cup, he is taking some time off to relax and recharge. In the fall, he will begin fox hunting again and will go to hunter trials. The New Year will bring more training for Twill Do, though Lucy plans to take one day at a time. Says Lucy, “[Twill Do] has a kind eye and has shown he is
young and not going to be racing for a while,
made of true grit and determination and for that I
Lucy owned another horse, Sky and Sea, with
am truly grateful.”
Frank Bonsal. She enjoyed watching Sky and Sea compete in racing events. Lucy also had a horse named Why Not Baby. “They have all been very different horses with different temperaments and abilities” she says.
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Oldfields magazine | summer 2012
Above: Lucy Goelet P’08 Below: James Stierhoff rides Twill Do Photos by Douglas Lees
Introducing Next Year’s Theme
our common threads by ansley smithwick, academic dean
This year’s theme of “Honoring Traditions and Embracing Change” is a natural segue into next year’s theme, “Our Common Threads.” With the 2012-2013 theme, we intentionally extend our focus from the traditions we all share in common as members of the Oldfields family to the greater picture of what we have in common as human beings living, learning, and growing together. As we discover what we share in common,
Miller, Monique Neal, and Ansley Smithwick. At the meetings that we have had this spring, committee members have brainstormed many interesting and exciting ideas for how to integrate the theme into extra-curricular activities next year. The book we have chosen to read as a school community to “kick off” the theme is Remarkable Creatures
we will demonstrate ways of showing respect and gratitude for
by Tracy Chevalier. This historical fiction novel about two
the “common threads” that create the fabric of our community.
women in 19th century England who share a passion for fossil
The student members of the Theme Committee are Piper Hudspeth-Blackburn ’15, Emily “Emmy” Dallam ’15, Zifa
hunting was described by Ruth Padel in The Guardian as, “A stunning story, compassionately reimagined….Chevalier
Fashanu ’14, Vana Jovic ’15, Julia Kassman ’13, Rukiya “Rikki”
turns a warming spotlight on a friendship cemented by shared
Mansuri ’13, Meghan “Meg” Olcott ’13, and Jiaping “Winny”
obsession and mutual respect.” The community looks forward
Shen ’13. The faculty members involved are Cortney and Jillian
to discovering and appreciating our common threads in the
Bledsoe, Trish Cox, Helen Fitz, Parnell Hagerman, Karen
2012-2013 school year. on campus
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Alumnae News
class notes 1934
drawing the human form,
Joyce Plumb Smith – I am doing fine living in a retirement village. I have three living children, eight grandchildren, and 13 great grands.
muscles, bones, and all. This
1938 - 75th reunion
son and daughter-in-law who
Diana Sturgis Schoonover – I celebrated my 91st birthday on February 17th! Are there any 1938 grads still around?! My daughter lives nearby and we see each other often. Lucky me!
1940 Elizabeth “Wetty” Williams Gookin – We are fine, still enjoying life on our country place and very thankful for it. I’m expecting my first great granddaughter on February 18th.
1946 Marion “Polly” Cole Clancey – I’m still enjoying the good life here in Florida with my
Margaret Caroling Rowe Anderson w. father (great granddaughter of Elizabeth Williams Gookin ’40)
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all leads to being the best photographer. She wants to go into commercial photography. I have a fifth grandchild, a boy named “Karma” from my live in Hawaii. You can find out what Karma means in the Hawaiian dictionary! Jane Isdale Schaefer – I had Kitty Ward’s 90th birthday party; Kitty Ward ’40, Alison Jeanes ’03, Doreen Brown-Passaniti, and Ann Davis husband of 59 years, Dick, and our beautiful yellow lab, Hank, now ten. My grandsons are both working in career jobs in Boston. Where has the time gone?
1947 Joan “Hebe” Stuart-Wortley Bishop – My biggest news is that I am now a great grandmother. One granddaughter had a baby girl, Isabella, in April and another granddaughter had a baby boy, Joey, Jr. They are so cute. I never thought I’d see great grandchildren – it must have been the good life at Oldfields that did it.
back on January 15th and Egypt exploded on the 25th. At this point I am planning a trip to France and Italy in April/May. Maybe I’ll make it back for my (God forbid!) 65th next spring in 2013. I don’t know who’s left in my class, but my best to all. I still remember three great years!
1951 Patricia “Pat” Wright Hume – My son and I have rebuilt our summer cottage into a year-round home. I have just spent a lovely Christmas and part of the winter visiting my daughter and son-in-law in Florida. Very pleasant.
1948 - 65th reunion
1952
Anne Haight Dutka – Last December 26th, 2010 my kids, son-in-law, a friend, and I started for Egypt and Jordan. After spending the night on the floor at JFK (blizzard!), we finally left and had a wonderful trip. We got
Miriam “Mimi” Griffith Jones – My granddaughter, Mandy (Amanda Jones ’09), is at The University of Arizona as a junior and an art major. This year her concentration is photography; for the last two years she had to learn
Oldfields magazine | summer 2012
been planning to return to Oldfields for my 60th reunion but find I am unable to get down. I will be thinking of you all and hope you have a perfect weekend. I enjoyed visiting with Laurie Hurd here in Florida. Wishing you all the best.
1953 - 60th reunion Jeanne Colket Connell – I’m still in the saddle, but some days are a bit tough. My horses get smaller. Great pony at 14’1 – easy on, easy off.
1954 Christine “Chris” Smith Rocca – We are very lucky people. Our children have moved to the west coast (one in San Diego, one in Napa, and one in Seattle) with their families. We now have a small house with space for guests in Coronado, San Diego, where we are for a few months in the summer and winter. If you are going to be close by, my cell is 301-401-4221. Love to all.
class notes fun our class had at the 50th reunion. So many thanks to Ducie (Helen Morris Minich ’60)! I am finally retired completely. We all have big birthdays this year – WOW. John and I are well as are our children and five lively grandsons. Life is good. Love to my old pals! Hazle Woodriff Edens ’55 visits OS on March 6, 2012 Carol Wallace Baker – I moved back to Nebraska to be near my children and grandchildren. I’m adjusting to the cold and snow.
1959 Elfrida “Frida” Barrow Moore – As always, I’m sending my love and every good wish to the Class of 1959! Alston Osgood Wolf – My two children planned a fun 70th party for me, a boat cruise for many people in October on a lake near Charlotte, NC. A reminder of all the trips we took with The Delta Queen Steamboat Company. A great day – over all too quickly!
1960 Nancy Gwinn Huggins – I am still thinking of the great
1963 - 50th reunion Elizabeth “Libby” Park Frazier – All’s well with us. The years seem to speed by. We now have three grandchildren, Felicity (three), Harper (two), and Pepper, III (four months). They certainly keep their parents on their toes. Pepper and I are still splitting our time between Boca Grande, FL and Nantucket, where I get to see OS alumnae. We are neighbors of Patricia “Patty” Weymouth Hobbs ’53 in Boca Grande. Wishing everyone a happy, prosperous, and healthy New Year.
1964 Lucinda “Cinda” Train Longstreth – Last August Beverley “Bev” Wilson Parry-Robinson and her new husband, Dave, came and joined us at our summer house in the Adirondacks. We got together with Wendy
The Class of 1962 Honors Traditions and Embraces Change by starting a new tradition - inscribing their 50th Reunion on the wall
Fruland Hopper and Art Hopper at the Hoppers’ house for a yummy and fun dinner. Bev and Dave live in Nevis (West Indies) for nine months and the states for three. Bev says she’ll be back to join all of us for our 50th in two years. I was very lucky to have what turned out to be a big, successful art show here in D.C. last fall. The show was held over for seven weeks and I sold five paintings before the opening and eleven during the show. Soon my work and others will be put on the gallery’s new beautiful website – exciting times! Our daughter, Libby, is living in Bethesda, Maryland and is taking swimming lessons, working out at the gym, and looking for a job. She loves her independence. I went back to Oldfields for my 48th – love going back and I learned a lot. The School has asked me to be a part of The Alumnae Association. So many people were there. The Class of 1972 had a huge turnout for their 40th. The Class of 1962 had 14 people return for their 50th. It was great seeing them and I was moved when I saw how supportive they were of Evelyn “Evie” Jamison Johnson ’62. She suffers from heart problems
and has Parkinson’s, but was able to get back for part of her reunion. I remember when she was May Queen and some of the qualities she showed then were very evident upon her return. Joan Carter Jermakian ’81 P’15 is the director of alumnae affairs and she did an unbelievable job organizing the entire weekend. Beirne Donaldson – I’ve had a hard time getting over the deaths of my parents. It felt like I was swimming in very thick syrup. I’m better this spring and look forward to being busy this summer.
1968 - 45th reunion Alyce Kilpatrick Van Wagner – I am looking forward to our 45th class reunion.
1969 Melinda Wilson Fuller – I’m still enjoying life in upstate New York. I’m working at The Waldorf School and my vet’s office at Baufield. I have two beautiful grandsons, Will and Teddy, in the Boston area with my older son and wife. My younger son and wife are now living in the Alleghany Mountains of Virginia.
Peggy Peters ’69 and family
alumnae
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Alumna Profile
maria “mia” grosjean ’68 Uncovering Treasures in Moscow by eliza broaddus, director of communications
Mia Grosjean’s mother, Emlen Knight Davies, took one year
entries, letters, and memories and has been on display at The
off from Vassar College and accompanied her father, the
Federal Courthouse in Brooklyn, NY; Hillwood Museum in
second US Ambassador to the Soviet Union, Joseph Davies,
Washington, D.C.; The American Embassy in Russia; Spaso
and her stepmother, Marjorie Post, to Moscow in 1937 and
House in Moscow; The Historical Museum at the Peter and
1938. While there, Emlen kept an extensive diary and wrote
Paul Fortress in St Petersburg, Russia; and is now at The
uncensored letters home that were sent through the diplomatic
Foreign Literature Library in Moscow.
pouch. She also compiled a scrapbook and made what would
This project led Mia to receive a Fulbright Research/Teaching
turn out to be important photo albums. Emlen photographed everyday life in Moscow and when she could, snapped images
Fellowship. She is focused on documenting diplomatic life in Moscow in the 1930s and has retraced her mother’s footsteps
of the Kremlin, which was illegal to photograph back then.
in Moscow. Next year, she will follow her grandfather’s and
Mia did not want these photographs or the stories behind them
mother’s footsteps on their trips outside of Moscow to the
to fade away and thus took up the tedious process of digitally
Soviet Union’s then industrializing regions. Mia wants to
restoring them and enlarging them from tiny two by three inch
uncover the subjects and places in her mother’s photos and to
photos to images that are now easily accessible.
see the sights that moved her.
Mia began the restoration process in 2001, the same year that
Aside from the research aspect of the Fulbright Fellowship,
her mother shared her diary, letters, and recollections from
another part of Mia’s grant is to work at the Russian
Moscow with her. In 2008, Mia was asked by President Bush’s
American Academic Center at the Russian State University
Ambassador to the Russian Federation, William Burns, to
for the Humanities in Moscow. With her students, Mia has
produce an exhibition of 60 images from her mother’s albums
documented another 60 images from her mother’s 1937/1938
to honor the 75th anniversary of Spaso House as the residence
albums. She also leads two English language classes a week for
of the American ambassador in Moscow. Spaso House was
students who are becoming English Language Translators. One
also the building where Mia’s mother lived for over a year. The
class is a conversation class and discusses important aspects of
exhibit combined Emlen’s restored photographs with her diary
the news of the day gathered from National Public Radio, BBC
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Oldfields magazine | summer 2012
World Service, and various online newspapers such as The New York Times, The Moscow Times, and Moscow News. Aside from the work she is doing tracing her mother’s footsteps and researching diplomatic life in Moscow archives, Mia says that meeting and working with her students at the University has greatly inspired her. Her mother’s love of the Russian people and culture has most definitely been passed down to Mia! By restoring and documenting her mother’s photographs, Mia is preserving an important piece of the past. Photographs from Stalinist Russia are hard to come by, but thanks to Emlen Knight Davies, her images, her diary, and the dedication of her daughter, they are now available as a piece of Russian/ American diplomatic history.
Top: Mia with three of her students at her new photo installation in Moscow - Provided by the US Embassy Bottom: Emlen Davies, her father, and stepmother arriving at the train station in Moscow in January 1937 - Copyright Mia Grosjean 2008 Left: Moscow Park of Culture and Rest, Moscow 1937 (later known as “Gorky Park”) - Copyright Mia Grosjean from Emlen Knight Davies’ Personal Photo Album, 1937 alumnae
35
class notes
Laura Triest Wood ’72 and her daughter, Natalie
1971 Susan Gillette – Margaret “Grace” Richards Coit and I had fun at Taylor and Judy Smith’s son’s vineyard. The wine was yummy and it was nice to meet Brian Smith. Debbie Hill – I have returned to Oldfields to hopefully give back a little of what I was given as a student more than 40 years ago. When I heard that the School might not weather a financial storm, I found myself thinking about my own educational experiences at Oldfields and its community stood out as not only academically sound but also truly formative and nurturing. As a social worker, working as a private
psychotherapist, the need for an environment that supports the child is crucial. Oldfields gave me that. I had no girls to send to Oldfields but I would like to be sure that the School continues into the future. I am also a direct lineal descendant of Anna McCulloch, so I think she might have channeled a bit of courage and largeness of heart. I was thrilled to be asked to serve. What is going on now at the School in every aspect is more than I hoped I would find.
Hi! The Asher family is fine. Peter, our oldest, is now a homeowner outside of Philadelphia and loves not having to live in an apartment (although I think he probably misses having a “super” to call when things go wrong!). Christopher lives in an apartment overlooking the bay in San Francisco (beautiful). Bob still works for Travelers and I am happy, healthy, but maybe not as wise (Sudoku helps!) Hope to make it to our 40th.
Seashols Starks – It was fantastic seeing classmates and teachers at our 40th reunion!
Lulu Laubenstein Good – My son, Anderson, is a freshman at St. Lawrence Univ. and is playing on their squash team. Bill and I hope to catch some matches when they head south. Hope to see lots of ’72 class members back for our 40th reunion
1972 Natalie “Nats” Morgan Macy – Hello All! I’m looking forward to our 40th in the spring. I’m still teaching elementary school and traveling whenever possible. My daughter lives and works in Boston and is working on her MBA at night. My son and daughter-in-law are living and working here in Philly. Life is good but I can’t believe how fast the years have flown since 1972! Christy Hough Asher –
George and Patsy Williamson, Anne Sebba, Joe and Dotty Hordubay at the ESUUS Lecture and Luncheon on That Woman 36
Oldfields magazine | summer 2012
1981 Joan Carter Jermakian – I continue to adore my job as the director of alumnae here at Oldfields! A dream job indeed and it is my pleasure to work for you all! My daughter Rosie is a junior at Virginia Tech. Rosie has been traveling all over Europe while studying at
The University of Aalborg in Denmark. Claire ’15 is thriving at Oldfields and is a first honors student and loves being on the softball team. It was wonderful to see all my pals at Alumnae Weekend 2012. I’m already counting down the days to Alumnae Weekend 2013 – April 26th28th! Come visit me on campus; I have a guest room that is always ready for you!
1982 Sigrid “Siggie” Kimbrough Lame – I still teach as an adjunct math/statistics professor around Atlanta. I’m also starting a math tutoring business close to my home. Right now, it’s just me in an executive office. It is fun. My son thinks he is supposed to do his homework there. Check out my web site: www.MyMathTutor.pro.
1985 Laurie Hickey May – Hi everybody. I haven’t gone far since 1985 (that doesn’t sound good). After graduating from college and living in California for two years, I moved back to Maryland and ended up working as a middle
Margaret Richards Coit ’71 and Susan Gillette ’71 at Brian Smith’s Vineyard
class notes
Robert Weldon Cross, born February 11, 2012 to Matthew and Ann Allen Cross ’92 school counselor at Friends School of Baltimore. I have two daughters, Ella (11) and Ava (7), both attending Sparks Elementary. We are healthy, happy and well, which is all we could ask for. A quick shout out to Sims! Love to all. Hope to make it in April to the reunion.
1992 Ann Allen Cross – We are pleased to announce we have been blessed by a beautiful baby boy. Robert Weldon Cross was born on February 11, 2012 at 11:11 in the morning. He weighed nine pounds and was 19 inches long. Yasmine Khouri – I live in Canton in Baltimore and I work for The Johns Hopkins University Marketing Department. I am very active in the Women’s Journey Program. Jill Smith – I work for AstraZeneca as a pharmaceutical marketing representative. On December 4, 2010, I got married to Martyn Donald and I recently gave birth to a daughter, Paige
Emily Donald.
1993 - 20th reunion Laura Powell – All is well here. I’m still living in Ardmore. I ran marathon number six in October in Atlantic City.
1997 Sarah Coven – I have taken up falconry, complete with my own red tail hawk, mews, and dog who is trained to flush out prey. Does anyone know the numerological significance of 36? Emma Cecil Malik – I was married November 5, 2011. My husband, Bilal, was born and raised here in Atlanta, but his parents immigrated from Pakistan in the late 1960s. On the Sunday following our wedding, as is customary in their culture, his parents hosted a “Valima” or postwedding reception for the purpose of introducing their son’s wife to the community. We got to get decked out in the full regalia, which was so much fun (I felt like a little girl playing dress up!), and then make a grand entrance.
Susalee Norris Sasser ’69 and Dotty Hordubay in South Beach, Miami
All the guests lined up and threw baskets and baskets of rose petals on us as we made our way into the ballroom. It was great fun! I just this week finalized my travel arrangements for Alumnae Weekend and am getting excited about that. Hard to believe another five years has passed since our ten-year reunion!
1998 - 15th reunion Carolyn Dealey Campbell – Trevor and I welcomed our baby boy into the world at 5:46 a.m. on January 4, 2012! He was seven pounds, three ounces and 20.5 inches long. His name is Christian Bannerman Glenewinkel;
Sarah Norman ’05 and Christina “Leonie” Schmitz-Sieg ’05 dropped by campus for a visit
Banner for short. My sister, Amy, is marrying Adam Barklage on April 14th, 2012 here in Dallas. They were engaged last February. 2012 is a big year for our family! We are very blessed! Also, Anna “Anni” Canseco Drinkwine just got married to Tyler Drinkwine on January 21, 2012 here in Dallas. We lived together for three years at Oldfields and have remained close friends ever since (even closer now that we are living in the same city again!). She was a beautiful, beautiful bride! Anna “Anni” Canseco Drinkwine married Tyler Drinkwine on January 21, 2012 in Dallas, TX.
Christian Bannerman Glenewinkel - son of Carolyn Dealey Campbell ’98
alumnae
37
Alumna Profile
emily acle ’09 A Passion for Fashion by eliza broaddus, director of communications Emily Acle ’09 has the fashion world
Emily is in her junior year at LIM College as a visual
at her fingertips. As a LIM College
merchandising major and hopes to pursue a career as a creative
student living in New York City, she
director or layout artist. She has had the opportunity to intern
is surrounded by the fashion industry
at several major companies including Anthropologie, BWR
24/7.
a
Public Relations, The New York Post, and Jennifer Miller
prestigious scholarship and internship
Emily
recently
received
Jewelry. This summer, Emily will intern with Allure Magazine
that she hopes will advance her fashion
in the photography production department. Her duties will
career to the next level.
mainly involve assisting with model castings and photo shoots.
Emily was awarded a scholarship through The YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF). The YMA FSF is a national nonprofit
association
Emily enrolled at Oldfields after she received an admission packet from her neighbor.
consisting
“Attending
of influential members of the fashion to
community
promoting
was honestly one of the
dedicated
education
biggest blessings I have ever
of
received,” she says. Emily
the fashion arts and business by
granting
scholarships
was very involved during her
to
time at the School, especially
talented students and facilitating internships,
mentorships,
in her favorite tradition,
and
Green and White. As the
career programs. LIM College
2009 White Team Captain,
is one of only 34 educational
Emily loved playing Spirit
institutions chosen to participate
Games and searching for the
in the YMA FSF competition. In August, Emily was chosen along with a handful of other LIM students to submit her ideas
Oldfields
Thing-a-ma-bob. Although Emily Acle with her parents at the Sigma Beta Delta
Glencoe and Manhattan are
induction ceremony in April 2012
two very different places,
to launch an online business with a primary focus on apparel, accessories, or home. Emily was then chosen as one of four finalists and was required to write a research paper detailing what type of business would be launched and how it would be a success. Once the reports were submitted in November, Emily eagerly awaited the results. Not only was Emily chosen as a finalist, but she was also the recipient of a $5,000 scholarship. “I was elated to see all of my hard work for the
Emily says her experience at Oldfields helped to prepare her for college life in New York City. “If it were not for the experiences and opportunities Oldfields gave me, I cannot imagine what my transition would have been like,” she says. “Through the nurturing and support I got at Oldfields, I was ready to grow into the young woman I am today, with the capability to conquer anything I set my mind to.”
past three months finally pay off,” she says. In the coming
One thing is certain; Emily has a bright future ahead of her.
months, Emily will further develop her ideas and compete for
We look forward to hearing about the final results of the
a $10,000 and possibly a $30,000 scholarship amongst the other
scholarship contest and supporting Emily throughout all of
chosen candidates.
her future endeavors.
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Oldfields magazine | summer 2012
class notes
Amanda Reinhardt’s son, Brandon, riding The Duke at the Elkridge-Harford Point to Point Race
2000 Claire Gershon – I’ll graduate from nursing school in January, 2012 and then continue to a Nurse Practitioner degree.
2009 Emily Acle was one of three students at LIM College to receive a YMA FSF Scholarship presented on January 10, 2012. In addition to the scholarship funds, Emily will receive an internship placement where she will be matched with an executive mentor.
2010 Kaitlyn Watt – Gave a wonderful performance playing the role of Eve in the production of Children of Eden at St. Francis Episcopal church in Great Falls, Virginia. Rector Penny Bridges wrote,”Kaitlyn’s stage presence and dramatic gifts were a huge part of the show.” Marguerite Copeland – Note from Rhonda Copeland Lyle, mother of Marguerite Copeland. Marguerite is doing well at Wheaton College. She is currently in South Africa
Director of Riding Amy Roden Phillips and Faith Nevins, wife of Board Chair John Hawks
with her college on a threeweek community service project. She will be going to Turkey through her school for the summer to teach young children English. She loves to travel and wants to see the world! Oldfields prepared her well for college and opened so many opportunities for her because of her time at Oldfields! Thank you all so much! Elizabeth “Liz” Wolfe – I’m studying Health Promotion at Lynchburg College and loving it! I miss my Oldfields family.
Academic Dean Ansley Smithwick, Alexandra Houstoun Craige ‘84, and Head of School Taylor Smith
Past Faculty and Staff Patricia “Patty” Lasko – I really enjoyed visiting Oldfields again after such a long time. I taught riding (and a few art classes) at the School from 1969-1972. I still have my Rarebit yearbooks somewhere. I was only 21 when I came to work at Oldfields and just had my 64th birthday this year. My life at Oldfields was so meaningful. I loved seeing the old stables and the shiny new indoor arena and all the buildings I remember so well.
The Hordubays in Florida New Year’s Day with the Della Fera and McKenzie Families alumnae
39
turning points Bequests
a gift for a friend, a legacy for oldfields by Mark Brennan, Senior Development Officer When making her estate plans, Simon - son of Rev. Megan Stewart-Sicking
Georgia Smith - Class of 2029, granddaughter of Taylor and Judy Smith
Elizabeth Lee Boothe Howell ’21 had two primary goals; to provide support for her friend, Linda
births
Davis, during her remaining
Born January 4, 2012, a son, Christian Bannerman Glenewinkel, to Trevor and Carolyn Dealey Campbell
years and to make a significant
Born February 11, 2011, a son, Robert Weldon Cross, to Matthew and Ann Allen Cross ’92.
Howell, an Alexandria, Virginia
gift to her beloved Oldfields. native, spent four years at Oldfields. “Boothie” was president of the Athletic Association, president of
marriages
the Dramatic Club, and captain of the White Team in
Anna “Anni” Canseco Drinkwine ’98 married Tyler Drinkwine on January 21, 2012
1920-1921.
Sarah Norman Travers ’05 married Mark Travers on May 26, 2012.
1974, she had been a widow for 25 years, her husband
in memoriam
When Elizabeth made her last will and testament in Beaudic having died in 1949. Elizabeth chose to establish a Charitable Remainder Trust in order to benefit Ms. Davis
Margaret R. Benjamin (Former Faculty/Staff) September 21, 2011
and Oldfields. Linda Davis received the income of this
Gloria Bledsoe (Former Faculty/Staff) May 30, 2012
distribution of the trust assets to Oldfields has resulted in
Marguerite Browne ’37 December 10, 2010 Anne Conklin ’47 February 4, 2012 Margaret Peabody Cotten ’75 April 29, 2012 Cornelia Elizabeth Hoagland ’45 April 18, 2012 Georgia Moore ’36 April 15, 2010 Gay Gibson Pinder ’39 March 14, 2012 Valrie Winship (Past Faculty/Staff) July 21, 2011 Alice Woodbury ’47 April 10, 2010
40
Oldfields magazine | summer 2012
trust until she died in January of 2012. The subsequent one of the largest bequests that the School has received.
Oldfields Legacy
the Largo Core Society Largo Core – Largeness of Heart – is the name given to the society established to recognize those with the vision to include Oldfields School in their estate planning. As a member of the Largo Core Society, you will have an important impact in shaping the values and traditions of generations to come and in ensuring a strong future for Oldfields as the School moves towards its 150th anniversary and beyond. Your legacy will be an investment in the future of young women and our world. Mertze Anderson ’75
Ronald Romanowicz, P’87, ’89
Elizabeth M. Dickson ’49
Anonymous (3)
Susan West Ross ’64
Caroline Gouveneur Dillon ’45
Katherine Trautlein ’81
Bunny Salisbury, P’90
Reynolds duPont, Sr., P’62, ’71
Edith Clark Bouscaren ’71
Katharine duPont Sanger ’62
Stephen Fuller, P’60, ’62
Elizabeth Atkinson Bryan ’39
Maria Carter Satterfield ’44
Sandra Clarholm Gibson ’58
Jacquelin Thomas Carey ’64
Eloise Gilbert Savi ’42
Jane Goodale ’44
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Carroll
William Scanlan, Jr., P’93
Margaret Samson Harris ’36
Jane Isdale Schaefer ’52, P’84
Elizabeth Lee Boothe Howell ’21
Riley Chapin ’83
Sarah Buck Schmader ’82
Katherine Young Keck ’19
Pamela Prizer Chernick ’66
Robin Gimbel Senior ’71
Elizabeth Eierman Kennedy ’44
Samantha Coker ’90
Carla Simmons, P’98
William T. Littleton, P’84
Barbara Trotter Collins ’77
Cannon Simpson Stoffel ’76
Suzanne W. McCarthy P’76
Pauline Combe-Clark ’73
Michael Simpson, P’85
Duncan McCulloch III
Janna Conti ’81
Margaret Ulle ’78
Kim York McNamara ’63, P’97
Lara Burns Cunningham ’65
Vanessa Weber ’73
Janet Coit Meegan ’38
Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Darrell P’06
Elizabeth Humrichouse Werth ’37
Gay Griscom Mehegan ’56
Margaret McKee Elwood ’75
Natalie Riegel Weymouth ’61
Terence Nolan, P’90
Carol Hubbell Engebretson ’72
Mariah Sibley Wolffe ’83
Jane Morton Norton ’26
Elaine Foster ’51
Lisa Wood Wright ’84
Margaret Hamilton Riley ’11
Terrell Garrard ’62
Katherine Wright ’90
Carter P’81, GP’15
Armistead P. Rood
Helen Frederick Gray ’51 Daphne Preece Hellmuth ’55 Laura Hoskins ’94 Kingsley FitzHugh Jack ’64 Cory Jones Jackson ’85, P’12,’13 Susan Hadden Lawrence ’65
Margaret Sutor Rood ’31
We also offer our appreciation to the following donors, now deceased, who have provided a gift through their estate in perpetual support of Oldfields School:
Jan Scott Beverly Bissell Sullivan ’66 Regina Johnson Tomlinson, P’78, ’80, ’85 Helen “Miss Herky” E. Travers Lily Dulles Van Pelt ’26
Dede Alexandre Le Comte ’72, P’06
Martha Osborne Adams ’48
Mary Mixsell Waldron ’28
Jennifer Littleton ’84
Marion H. Allen III, P’92, ’96
Ann Hickok Warner ’54
Elizabeth Turner Love ’90
O. Frederick Bates, P’73
J. Michael Welsh
Carlisle Van Meter Mayer ’78, P’14
Susan Brandau ’30
Gretchen V. Welsh
Scott Menzies, P’03
Edward D. Cobb, P’76
Nancy “Twinkie” Crompton Wendell ’39
Dawn Danagher Peters ’78
Elise Eppes Cutchin ’24
Cynthia Bullock Woodger ’49
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