The Benjamin School Buccaneer magazine 2008

the

BUCCANEER

2008

FALL/WINTER • VOLUME VI

The magazine of

FEATURED: Go Bucs! Go Green! | Welcome Interim Head of School

Lower/Middle School Campus Upper School Campus

11000 Ellison Wilson Road

4875 Grandiflora Road

North Palm Beach, Florida 33408

Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33418

561.626.3747

561.472.5998

www.thebenjaminschool.org erin forrest ’10

THE BENJAMIN SCHOOL STAFF OF James B. Young THE BUCCANEER Interim Head of School Editor Kathy Aiello, Ed. D. Director of Publications

Contributors Gloria Boyd, Carol Bruno, Kinch Cato, Mattie Higgins Hayes ’94, Donna Minard, Laraine Montgomery, Jessy Fulford Padon ’01, Andriana Zachariades

Contributing Photographers Moya Studios Douglas Murray, FPL Chris Oakes Michael Price Photography

Photo Submissions Kathy Aiello, Chris Oakes, Kristen Ruest, Monica Sweeney, Rhonda Thomas

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In This Issue B u c B a n t e r Tu r n s G r e e n TBS TO LAUNCH e-NEWSLETTER

Even though it has been more than 15 years since Jeri Cole, now the administrative assistant to the head of school, published the first school newsletter, the Buc Banter still stands as today’s news resource for what’s happening at Benjamin.

To keep the Benjamin community in the know with the latest information on campus, the Buc Banter is taking on a new and enhanced format. The inaugural issue of Buc Banter Online is scheduled to be launched soon.

Twice-a-month throughout the school year, the environmentally friendly e-Newsletter will be delivered to your e-mail address as well as posted on the school’s Web site. Read up-todate articles featuring TBS news and events, check out the latest calendar listings, and explore links of special interest – like video and newspaper clips and postings of what’s coming up at Benjamin. Discovery is just a click away!

During the transition from print to an online publication, this fall/winter issue of our Buccaneer magazine includes much of the exciting news familiar to readers of the Buc Banter newsletter. Enjoy perusing the academic, athletic, fine arts, and community service achievements of our TBS students and faculty. Meet the new members of the Benjamin family, catch up on our alumni, and discover additional news and events happening within the school community.

With the introduction of a new spring/summer magazine edition, the upcoming Buccaneer will again feature an in-depth look at some of our students, faculty, and alumni. Look for the latest semiannual issue as we profile the heart of TBS.

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From the Head of School

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The Buc Starts Here Campus First in State to Implement FPL Renewable Energy Programs Strategic Plan Moves Forward TBS Welcomes Interim Head of School

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Welcome to Benjamin!

New Faculty and Staff, Students, and Trustees

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How We’re Learning University Admission Officers Present Workshops to College-Bound Seniors “Put a Cap on Drugs Day” Kicks Off Red Ribbon Week Family Matters Author Speaks to Parents TBS Hosts French Exchange Students Native American Exhibit Paints a Portrait of Florida’s Earliest Indian Tribes High-Interest Novel Reinforces Anti-Bullying Message International Consultant on Brain Research Addresses Faculty Eighth Graders Explore Washington, D.C.

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What’s Going on at Benjamin?

Head Coach Honored for “30 Years of Excellence” Middle School Teacher Named “Woman with Wings and Wisdom” Retired Bucs Coach Praised for 33-Year Volleyball Coaching Career “Get to Know Benjamin Night” Introduces Guests to TBS College Fair Brings 160 College and University Admission Reps to Campus Upper School Announces Class of 2008 Pathfinder Nominees Seniors Earn National Merit Distinctions National Honor Society Inducts New Members Middle School Students Capture Science Fair Awards Fine Arts Performances Entertain TBS and Community Audiences United We Stand for America’s Veterans Fall Carnival – A Family Affair School Co-founder Leads Halloween Parade

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Giving and Getting Involved Benjamin Parents’ Association BASH Highlights The Benjamin Fund Update

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…And Giving Back TBS Toy Drive Brightens the Holidays for Area Youth Denim Day Supports Breast Cancer Research Book Drive Brings More than 5,000 Books for Local School Thanksgiving Food Collection Surpasses Goals Middle School Advisory Groups Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF Poetry/Improv Night Supports Alzheimer’s Association Middle School Students Pair Up for Buddy Walk Cookout Advances Educational Opportunity for Students in Kenya

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Bucs Sports Highlights

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Alumni Highlights

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Ways to Give

Happy reading…and keep clicking!

Kathy Aiello, Ed. D. Director of Publications

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Campus First in Florida to Adopt On Call and Sunshine Energy Programs A certificate of award for the school’s environmental commitment and participation in Florida Power and Light’s renewable energy programs is presented to Interim Head of School Jim Young (right) by Sunshine Energy Program Manager David Bates.

2008

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From the Head of School Dear Benjamin Community, I have to admit, I find Benjamin a somewhat busier school than I remember when I left nine years ago. Here are a couple of important items I want to bring to your attention: Head of School Search Update

Pre-kindergarteners share their latest classroom assignment with Interim Head of School Jim Young and his administrative assistant Jeri Cole.

After talking with nine different search consulting firms, the Benjamin Head of School Search Committee, co-chaired by Trustees David Lambert and Jack Purcell, selected Educators Collaborative. Two experienced consultants spent two days at Benjamin talking with faculty, parents, trustees, and students to gather information for an extensive school profile which was sent to interested candidates. The consultants received 21 applications, and after meeting with the search committee in December, the field was narrowed to five, with an additional five possible backup candidates. Early in January, each of the top five candidates interviewed for an hour-and-a-half with the search committee. The finalists will soon spend two days at Benjamin with their spouses, and will have numerous meetings with administration and faculty, the three advisory search committees, and the search committee. The final steps include examining references and visiting the candidates’ schools. It is the hope of the search committee that a final decision can be made this spring.

FPL On Call and Sunshine Energy Programs The Benjamin community can take pride in the fact that it is doing its part to preserve the environment, and was recently recognized as the first school in the state of Florida to participate in FPL’s On Call and Sunshine Energy programs.

By cycling off power on the Kehl Campus during peak usage times, we are not only conserving energy, but using the cost savings in exchange for blocks of renewable energy credits to help create new, clean energy projects throughout the state. FPL representatives celebrated the school’s efforts to “go green” at a special middle school assembly held in December. In January, FPL honored the school’s environmental commitment at a Northern Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce luncheon jointly hosted by TBS and FPL. A video highlighting our school’s involvement in the energy programs is currently featured on our Web site and FPL’s as well.

As you can see, the new year is already a busy time at Benjamin. We look forward to another exciting and productive semester!

Sincerely,

Jim Young Interim Head of School

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Go Bucs! from Go Green!

Lessons a Florida Legacy

by Kathleen H. Aiello, Ed. D.

Benjamin First in State to Implement Renewable Energy Programs It seemed like magic for the entire middle school as the vivid, plastic tumblers students raised into the sky transformed their yellow color to an impressive shade of green. The unique demonstration highlighting the power of solar energy and other renewable energy sources kicked off on the Kehl Campus athletic field with a rousing chant of “Go Bucs! Go Green!” and a celebratory announcement by Florida Power and Light.

With plastic tumblers bearing the message “Preserving the environment is in your hands,” sixth graders Courtney Doran, Austin Matese, and Alexa LaBarbiera join environmental science teacher Gabriele St. Martin to celebrate The Benjamin School “going green.”

“As the first school in the state of Florida to participate in the FPL On Call and Sunshine Energy programs, The Benjamin School is helping to preserve the environment and promote a bright energy future,” announced Sunshine Energy Program Manager David Bates, as he presented Interim Head of School Jim Young with a commemorative plaque honoring the school’s environmental commitment to “go green” at the December 6 assembly. “It’s a tribute to your school that you are recycling, composting, and studying in an environmentally conscious curriculum,” added Mr. Bates. “These FPL energy programs enhance your greening efforts and

“We have accepted the responsibility of making students environmentally aware...”

Looking on as Middle School Science Department Chair Kristen Ruest describes how Florida Power and Light’s On Call boxes conserve power on the Kehl Campus and help build energy for the future, are Interim Head of School Jim Young, Director of Facilities Jeff Harris, and middle school students Alec Li, Rachel Rosen, and Mia Weingart.

renewable energy

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recycle “As the first school in the state of Florida to participate in the FPL On Call and Sunshine Energy programs, The Benjamin School is helping to preserve the environment and promote a bright energy future.”

will help develop renewable energy sources within our state.”

As a participant in the FPL On Call program, electrical power is cycled off during peak usage times on the Kehl Campus, and the savings from the electric bill are being exchanged for blocks of renewable energy credits in the Sunshine Energy program.

“After FPL installed the On Call boxes on our air-conditioning units, at no cost to the school, we saved $6,244 and purchased 53 blocks of Sunshine Energy credits,” explained Director of Facilities Jeff Harris.

“Approximately 16 to 20 percent of the kilowatt hours the campus now uses comes from Sunshine Energy,” said Amy Brunjes, FPL senior communications strategist. The program supports the development of renewable energy resources throughout the state, and also creates projects to help offset CO2 emissions and the dependency of fossil fuels.

“We have accepted the responsibility of making students environmentally aware because they are and will continue to be citizens of our planet,” said Mr. Young.

“The gains we raised through the On Call program enable us to invest in the Sunshine Energy program and provide a valuable lesson in stewardship for our students.”

Mr. Young brought that message to the business community at the January 10 Northern Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce luncheon meeting jointly sponsored by FPL and TBS. Guests viewed a video showcasing FPL’s renewable energy activities, including a segment featuring Benjamin’s participation in the On Call and Sunshine Energy programs.

Once again, FPL presented Mr. Young with an award for TBS “going green” and congratulated the school for leading Florida as the first in the state to adopt both renewable energy programs.

A collection of vegetable and fruit scraps following middle school lunchtime is accumulated for the compost bin to create ready-to-use fertilizer that is sprinkled on low-water use plant gardens located on the Kehl Campus.

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Strategic Plan Moves Forward Since the publication this fall of Benjamin’s new, five-year strategic plan, about 20 administrators and board members have been working as a task force to monitor implementation progress. Task force co-chairs, Vice President of the Board Tom Frankel and Academic Dean Ken Didsbury, have met twice with this group to create plans for overseeing the work done, and for reporting to the Board of Trustees the actions that have been taken.

Explaining the work of the task force, Tom Frankel said, “The Board is committed to seeing that the goals outlined in the plan are achieved, and so this monitoring and reporting process is very important to Ken Didsbury making sure that we move ahead. We have created teams of two board members and one or two administrators to supervise each of the five goals. The administrators on these task force teams will meet regularly with the staff members assigned to specific action steps to provide support and direction. At each of the monthly board meetings, the task force board

“The Board is committed to seeing that the goals outlined in the plan are achieved...”

members will report to the trustees and give them the opportunity to raise questions in their oversight role. The task force itself will meet on a quarterly basis.”

Supervising the program goal are the Head of the Upper School Jay Selvig and board members John Appleby and Linda Reichel. Assistant Head of School Robyn Quaid and board members Linda Jacobs and Tucker Johnson have responsibility for the faculty goal. The diversity goal is overseen by the Head of the Middle School Chuck Hagy, Diversity Coordinator Maurice Dolberry, and trustees Miriam Acosta-Castriz and Llwyd Ecclestone. Director of Publications Kathy Aiello, Director of Admission Mary Lou Primm, and trustees Ken Kahn and Ken Kennerly are responsible for the communications goal. Lastly, the Chief Financial Officer Tom Burke, Director of Development Kinch Cato, and board members Joe O’Connor and Brian Waxman supervise the finance and philanthropy goal.

Talking about future plans, Frankel said, “In order to make the creation of this plan a community effort, we invited and received ideas from a large number of teachers, staff, parents, alumni, and board members. If it is to continue to be a community effort, we need to be sure we widely share information about its progress. Consequently, the task force will continue to provide information regularly in our publications about the status of each of these goals.”

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welcome The Benjamin Community

by Kathleen H. Aiello, Ed. D.

Welcomes Interim Head of School While on his way to a victory lunch after a round of golf with friends, the former TBS substitute mathematics teacher and previous head of the upper school stopped in for a casual visit at the Upper School Campus and was greeted with the question, “Why don’t you come back to Benjamin?” The chance fall encounter sparked enough curiosity to lure Jim Young from retirement and to the decision to lead TBS as the interim head of school.

“It’s not for every school that I would give up my golf outings,” quipped Mr. Young, “but there is something very special about the character of The Benjamin School that has brought me back to campus. I am thrilled to be here this year while we search for a permanent head of school.”

The 2007-2008 interim head brings extensive administrative experience in his new role, including positions as head of school at Ransom Everglades in Coconut Grove, the Hawken School in Cleveland, and the Community School of Naples. The Dartmouth College graduate who earned his master’s degree from Wesleyan University, also served as an assistant head at Detroit Country Day School and the Hammonasset School in Connecticut.

For the veteran administrator whose TBS tenure extends from 1993 to 1998, “It’s always been the collegial and relaxed atmosphere at Benjamin that makes our school unique,” said Mr. Young. “I’m especially enjoying working with our students and faculty.” Since he came aboard in August, Mr. Young’s enthusiastic participation in the total school community is unmistakably apparent as he extends a warm handshake to students at morning drop-off, dodges shots in the dunk tank at the fall carnival, or delivers a pregame pep talk to the varsity football team. Clearly, the interim head is comfortable in his new position and eagerly carrying that comfort throughout the school.

“It’s always been the collegial and relaxed atmosphere at Benjamin that makes our school unique.”

Anthony Mollo (second from left), district sales manager for Cheney Brothers, receives a “thank you” from Interim Head of School Jim Young and TBS parents Rozz Paxson and Karen Sendler.

Lower school students welcome Interim Head of School Jim Young to campus during their weekly morning assembly.

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Welcome New Faculty Upper School

Middle School

Lower School

Lei Cohen (Mandarin Chinese teacher) is a graduate of Shanghai Teacher’s University in Shanghai, China, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English education.

She formerly taught in China at Shenzhen University and Yunnan Finance and Trade University.

Derek Harse (Mathematics teacher) earned his bachelor’s degree in middle school mathematics from Florida State University. He taught previously at Independence Middle School in Jupiter.

TEACHERS

Neil Culhane (Dean of College Counseling) joins TBS from Connecticut where he was director of college counseling in the Newtown School District. He began his career as a teacher and subsequently became a school and college counselor, a principal, and director of college counseling. He earned two master’s degrees from Southern Connecticut State University.

Amy Douglas (English teacher) earned her Bachelor of Science degree in secondary English from Indiana University. She taught previously at All Saints Catholic School in Jupiter and Howell L. Watkins Middle School in Palm Beach Gardens.

Nidhi Pardue (AP Economics teacher) is a former substitute teacher at TBS, and also an adjunct instructor at Palm Beach Community College. She earned her master’s degree from Duke University.

David Hedrick (Dance teacher) comes to TBS with an extensive performance career in classical ballet and modern dance. He was awarded a scholarship to The Joffrey Ballet School, and was a scholarship student at The Julliard School where he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance.

Phyllis Racker (Middle School assistant), a familiar substitute teacher on both campuses, has joined the middle school faculty this year as a full-time teaching assistant. She is a graduate of Oswego State University (NY) where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in education.

Tiffany Richman (English teacher), a 2002 graduate of The Benjamin School, went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature from Florida Atlantic University. She is pursuing a master’s degree at Florida Atlantic University.

Kristen Ackerman (1st grade) earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University.

She recently relocated from Atlanta where she taught kindergarten and third grade. Her field experience includes working in the Palm Beach County School District and at The Kings Academy.

Jessica Eriksen (1st grade) formerly taught elementary school in south Miami and Dunworthy, Georgia.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education at St. Leo University (FL).

Teresa Overholt (2nd grade) graduated from the University of Akron with a Bachelor of Science degree in early childhood education.

Before moving to South Florida, she was an elementary teacher in Georgia.

Amy Peters (3rd grade) is a graduate of Teachers College at Columbia University where she earned her master’s degree.

A former third grade associate teacher in New York, Amy has extensive experience in language training.

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welcome TEACHING ASSISTANTS

Kristen Sheehan (3rd grade) has been teaching in Palm Beach County for the past decade and comes to TBS from All Saints Catholic School in Jupiter.

She earned her master’s degree from Florida International University.

Michelle Todd (Pre-K, K, and 1st grade art) joins TBS from Massachusetts where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Framingham State College. Her years of experience include teaching art at the elementary school level.

Wendy Mendelsohn ’87 (2nd grade) Bachelor of Science – Denison University (OH)

Marjorie Baker (3rd grade) Bachelor of Arts – Lesley University (MA)

Katherine Buettin (2nd grade) Bachelor of Science – Ohio State University

Connie Capanegra (Pre-K) Master of Business Administration; Bachelor of Arts – Lindenwood University (MO)

Jeaneen Garcia (2nd grade) Bachelor of Arts – University of Florida

Sage Jiggins (Pre-K) Bachelor of Science – Lasell College (MA)

Cheryl Johnson (3rd grade) Bachelor of Arts – Hollins College (VA)

Susan Keller (4th and 5th grades) Bachelor of Arts – Florida Atlantic University

Heather Lane (Kindergarten) Master of Arts – Columbia University (NY)

Susan Niedzialek (Kindergarten) Master of Science in education – University of Connecticut

Sarah Sheets ’03 (1st grade) Bachelor of Science in psychology – Florida Atlantic University

Jessica Titus (5th grade) Bachelor of Arts in English – University of Central Florida

Martie Zimmet (5th grade) Master of Arts – Palm Beach Atlantic University

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welcome

Welcome New Staff...and More Anna Cheeseman, formerly a lower school teaching assistant, is now the Receptionist/ Registrar at the Upper School.

Laraine Montgomery has returned to TBS as the Development Office assistant.

Susan Brady, the new Admission Assistant, was previously employed at Riverside Leasing as the assistant to the vice president.

Matt Morrow, formerly a middle school teaching assistant, has joined the Technology Department as a technology support specialist on the Kehl Campus.

Kathy Hamel, former Admission Office Assistant, has returned to TBS and is providing clerical support to Human Resources and the Business Office.

Jessy Padon, a class of 2001 TBS graduate, is directing the alumni program as the new Director of Alumni Relations, and is also assisting the Development Office with the Benjamin Fund and BASH. Jessy earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Florida, and comes to Benjamin from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society where she managed the Team In Training program.

Christine Ledwith, the new member of the nursing team in the lower school clinic, was an intensive care nurse in Pennsylvania where she earned her nursing degree. She has also worked as a substitute teacher at TBS. Donna Minard is the former Director of Development at Lighthouse Center for the Arts and the American Red Cross.

She joined TBS this year as the Director of Annual Giving and is also assisting the Development Office with special events.

Ryan Smith, the former Assistant Dean of Students at the Upper School Campus, has assumed the position of Dean of Students following the fall announcement of the retirement of Dick Taylor.

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welcome Welcome New Students!

Pre-Kindergarten Veronica Baker Amber Bastin Erik Bernhardt Dalton Burkett Lukas Burnett Madeline Caruso Anthony Cavallo Emma Chirila Rory Doran Samantha Ende Grace Flatscher Raquel Fleites Katie Fletcher Sydney Fox Molly Fried Garison Gelman Nicholas Graziotto Lexi Greene Bradley Groffman Chloe Habib Jacob Handler Madeline Hart Sydney Haselkorn Alexandra Kahn Jackson LaBonte Bianca Lanni Nicole Leibovich Vincent Marotta Zachary Martin Joshua McAlees Nicholas Murphy Sebastian Nachilly Gary “G.T.” Nicklaus Parth Patel Colton Pfleegor Preston Pfleegor Angelina Quinn Nicolas Ramirez

Gabriella Ramsey Julia Reiss Justin Roberts Sean Rooney Jackson Sawyer Samay Saxena John Michael Schumacher Dalyk Sears Hope Sears Chase Shapiro McGowan Smith John Sweeney Avery Tapper Jack Von Riesemann Grey Waxman Katherine Waxman Julia Weinberg Marshall Wesel Jordan Wheaton Casey Zecca Christopher Zimmett Skyler Zur

Kindergarten Anna Alfieri Nicholas Amato Vincent Amato Arielle Axelrod Jason Blum Briella Cavallo Cameron Clarke Kathryn Dennison Gary Fletcher Ryan Fletcher James Hemmes Jade Huber Chloe Jezerinac Katherine Justice Nicolas Lama

Thomas McCloskey Jakob Mendelsohn Jazmine Palos Chloe Reynolds Thomas Rooney Caroline Small

1st Grade Morgan Hack Caroline Lane Ainsley Malamala LaTyya McIntyre Griffin Miller Isabella Ramirez Kelly Sheehan Kaylon Smith

2nd Grade Jacqueline Fletcher Samantha Fried Crosby Gaeta Lily Jezerinac Roberto Lama Valerie Loveday Mary Katherine Marasco Keidron Smith Samantha Tapper Cameron Verni William Wesel

3rd Grade Timothy Alvarez Madeline Jezerinac Arianna LaBarbiera Gianna LoGiudice John “Patrick” Marasco Marcel Reese Plauche Erin Samuels Kyrie Westerlund Grace Young

4th Grade Teylor Bean Thomas Fletcher Daniel Grinspun Daniel Hutton Peyton Janssen Cole Lorberbaum Erin Lyles Chase Oliver Dawson Pettit Shayna Pradetto Nicholas Zappa

5th Grade Maria Dattolo Samantha Freedman Tiffany Gordon Dylan Malamala Annamaria Sabatello Kristy Sadocha Brittney Searson Gillian Verni Jensen Westerlund

6th Grade Jimena Banos Morgan Burkett Jenna Gardner Nicole Huhn-Ramirez Rebecca Kah Alexa LaBarbiera Gabriel Lama Gabriella LoGiudice Christopher Lorenzo Danielle Moore Arden Pettit Ashley Sadocha Melanie Scheer Jordan Sciolino Shane Searson Continued on page 12.

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Welcome New Staff...and More

Continued from page 11.

Welcome New Students!

Hannah Baker Sara Forrest Megan McCraney Malena Ohl Hattie Reedy

Abby Livesay Veronica Manotas Cullen Meehan Robert Micchelli Kate Moran Matthew Murray Nastasia Ohl Kelly Okun Maximilian Olivier Sean Palmieri Lindsay Reddington Sean Rengasawmy Victoria Sawyer Jane Schwed Philip Staiman Kristian True Nicole Villablanca Daniel VonLehmden Eliza Williams Francesca Zappa Adey Zegeye

9th Grade

10th Grade

Taylor Aguirre Andrea Banos Alexandra Bernstein Julia Bernstein Lindy Bradford Abigail Coffman Laura Cole Morgan Cox Rachel DeGabrielle Nicole DeLange Davina Dresbach Jared Fishman Henry Jamison R. Zachery Kemp Zachary Krumholz

Elizabeth Connaughton Erin Forrest Cole Johnston Andrew Levin William Lorentzen Sabrina Mills Catherine Peck-Phillips Taylor Smith

Alexandra Sexton Alexandra Zapata Michael Zappa

7th Grade William Conran Connor Esrick Michael Fishman Connor Lyles Carolina Manotas Mason Meany Kelly Moran Ryan Rengasawmy Maximillian Seiss Taylor Verni

8th Grade

11th Grade Rachel Barber Edward Basso Shannon Lyles Beruch Zegeye

Meet the New Trustees Kenneth Kahn is the president/owner of LRP Publications in Palm Beach Gardens, a broad-based legal and professional publisher specializing in education administration and human resource publications, Web sites, videos, and conferences. He is a graduate of Harvard Law School and earned his undergraduate degree from Cornell University. Mr. Kahn serves in numerous leadership capacities throughout the community as a member of the Business Development Board, Economic Council of Palm Beach County, North Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce, City of Palm Beach Gardens Economic Advisory Board, and the Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County. He currently serves as the TBS trustee development committee vice-chairman and is a member of the strategic plan and finance committees. Mr. Kahn and his wife, Jana, reside in Palm Beach Gardens with their daughters, Tegan, a second grader, and pre-kindergartener, Alexandra.

Linda Reichel, a former Adopt-a-Family board member, is also an active volunteer at Benjamin, having served as president of the Benjamin Parents’ Association (2004), and as a member of both the Parent Advisory Board and the Benjamin Honorary Council. Mrs. Reichel was instrumental in coordinating the annual TBS Founders’ Day event, and was the driving force behind the “United We Stand” school-wide fundraiser to benefit victims of the September 11th tragedy. She has also co-chaired the BASH Gala (2003) and BASH Fashion Show (2001). Currently, Mrs. Reichel serves on the trustee strategic plan and finance committees. She and her husband, Bill, also serve as chairs of the Benjamin Fund. The couple resides in Palm Beach Gardens with their children, Grant, a freshman, and sixth grader, Morgan.

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The Benjamin School B o a r d o f Tr u s t e e s

Front row (left to right): Linda G. Reichel, Marianne P. Gold, Susan B. Sachs (Secretary), Miriam Acosta-Castriz, and Lynda L. Jacobs.

Second row (left to right): E. Llwyd Ecclestone III ’80, John R. Purcell, Joseph J. Zaluski, and James Young (ex-officio).

Third row (left to right): Brian K. Waxman ’86, John W. Appleby, David G. Lambert, and Harold S. Reed.

Back row (left to right): Gregory (Skip) Gozzo, Joseph W. O’Connor (Treasurer), Kenneth F. Kahn, S. Tucker S. Johnson, Daniel W. Stanton (President), J. Gary Burkhead, Lewis Hay III, Kenneth R. Kennerly, and Thomas C. Frankel (Vice-President); (not pictured – Rory A. Brown).

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How We’re Learning University Admission Officers Present Workshops to College-Bound Seniors COLLEGE APPLICATION ESSAY WRITING TIPS

Mr. Paul Bonitto, Associate Director of Admission for the undergraduate admission office at Boston College, detailed guidelines for composing the personal essay in college applications at an upper school classroom workshop hosted for seniors September 6 by the College Counseling Office. Mr. Bonitto offered suggestions for general essay topics, highlighted writing do’s and don’ts, and also fielded questions from the senior class. “Write with your head, in your own hand, and from the heart,” he said.

AN INSIGHT INTO THE UNIVERSITY SELECTION PROCESS

Members of the senior class and their parents had the opportunity to pose questions to college admission officers at the annual 12th Grade College Night held September 19 in the Barker Performing Arts Center.

Dr. Zena Evans, Assistant Provost and Director of Admissions for the University of Florida, and Mr. Denny Paredes, Associate Director of Admissions for Tufts University, were on hand to field questions about college admissions and share an overview of the application process at their respective universities. The admission officers also discussed the criteria colleges examine in their selection of candidates. TBS Dean of College Counseling Neil Culhane and Assistant Dean of College Counseling Kristen Learner moderated the evening’s program. “We are fortunate to have the caliber of expertise from these admission professionals here on our campus,” said Mr. Culhane.

“Put a Cap on Drugs Day” Kicks Off Red Ribbon Week Themed apparel days, poster and banner displays, and decorative red ribbons launched Red Ribbon Week’s national drug awareness campaign celebration at both campuses the week of October 23, including middle school students donning hats on “Put a Cap on Drugs Day” and sporting their favorite sunglasses on “Shade Out Drugs Day.” Students in all three divisions were also encouraged to enjoy a dinner at home with family on “Eat Dinner with Your Family Night.” The week concluded with students and teachers engaging in classroom discussions and a special assembly presentation by the Palm Beach County Substance Abuse Coalition. “Red Ribbon Week presents the opportunity to reinforce the belief that no use of illegal drugs and no illegal use of legal drugs shall prevail in our schools, neighborhoods, or communities,” explained Middle School Counselor Danielle Benvenuto.

Family Matters Author Speaks to Parents Dr. Rob Evans, a clinical and organizational psychologist, former teacher, and child and family therapist, provided insights from his latest book, Family Matters: How Schools Can Cope with the Crisis in Childrearing, during repeat presentations hosted for TBS parents in the Barker Performing Arts Center September 5 and 6 by the Benjamin Parents’ Association. A special workshop was also presented for TBS faculty and staff. Family Matters was the summer reading book for the Benjamin community and examines the enormous changes occurring among children and parents, and the dilemma these changes pose for schools.

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Native American Exhibit Paints a Portrait of Florida’s E a r l i e s t I n d i a n Tr i b e s TBS Hosts French Exchange Students Students and teachers welcomed international exchange students and their faculty chaperones to campus, with brimming gift bags and an informal luncheon reception on October 18, to kick off a three-week linguistic and cultural French exchange program.

The 24 guest students shadowed their TBS student hosts in middle and upper school classrooms throughout their day on campus. The visiting middle school students attend Collegè André Corbet in Samoens, a small town in the French Alps, and resided with Benjamin host families and faculty members during their three-week home-stay in the United States.

“The French students were thrilled with the warm welcome they received from Benjamin and were quite impressed with our facilities, course offerings, and technology,” said Marci York, French exchange coordinator and chair of the middle school foreign language department.

“Having the French students live with our families during their visit made the exchange a totally immersed experience of cultures and language.”

High-Interest Novel Reinforces Anti-Bullying Message

When Darrell Mercer moves to a new school in the middle of the school year, he quickly becomes a target for the freshman class bully in the book, The Bully. Middle school students have been reading Paul Langan’s novel in their advisee groups and discussing the issues that surround bullying, as well as exploring methods that can be used to prevent it. “We introduced the book this year with the hopes of it being a positive learning experience,” explained Director of Student Services Susan Poncy.

“The book also encourages reading because the subplots and characters are ones middle school students can relate to,” added Danielle Benevento.

A glimpse into the everyday lives of Florida’s Native Americans residing within the state as long as 13,000 years ago, came to life November 19 through a collection of renderings exhibited on the Kehl Campus by artist Theodore Morris. The artist, author, and historian whose portraits presently hang in museums, and corporate and private collections throughout North America, Ireland, England, and Australia, detailed a chronology of the state’s earliest Indian tribes for lower and middle school classes previewing the collection in the Barker Performing Arts Center. The guest artist, whose work has been featured in the Florida Anthropological Society’s PBS video The Search for Florida’s Lost People, also described his oil painting techniques during question and answer sessions moderated by Head Librarian Susan Duncan.

Continued on page 16.

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How We’re Learning

Continued from page 15.

International Consultant on Brain Research Addresses Faculty “How The Brain Learns: Translating Research into Classroom Practice” was the workshop topic faculty and administrators explored with Dr. David Sousa on faculty professional development day. The author of How the Brain Learns and numerous other books and leading journal articles on the brain and learning, relayed methods for improving learning based on the latest findings from neurological research. The international educational consultant is a former school superintendent, science teacher, and president of the National Staff Development Council. Dr. Sousa’s writings suggest practical and effective strategies educators can use to improve learning in the classroom based on the latest findings from brain research.

E i g h t h G r a d e r s E x p l o r e W a s h i n g t o n , D.C .

The eighth grade class (pictured at the White House) extended their classroom study of American history during November’s educational field excursion to Washington, D.C. The class of 2012 and their faculty chaperones toured several national monuments, museums, governmental buildings, and other historic sites during their four-day trip to the nation’s capital.

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connor barry ’09

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What’s Going on at Benjamin?

Hats Off to TBS Faculty and Staff Head Coach Honored for “30 Years of Excellence” Head Varsity Football Coach and TBS Athletic Director Ron Ream was proclaimed an exceptional coach, dynamic role model, dedicated teacher, and devoted family man at a special “30 Years of Excellence” luncheon celebration held in his honor in the Kehl Campus gymnasium.

More than 300 former players and students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, community dignitaries, and members of the Bucs varsity football team joined in the afternoon celebration, with several guests offering testimonials to Mr. Ream’s 30 years of coaching excellence and service to the school, including North Palm Beach Mayor Ed Eissey who pronounced October 6, 2007, “Ron Ream Day.” TBS alumni servicemen stationed in Iraq, Rob Flournoy ’85 and Brad Flournoy ’91, also relayed their messages of appreciation to Coach Ream through a broadcast video clip.

To conclude the honorary festivities, Mr. Don Smith, whose committee of former parents and alumni coordinated the surprise affair, presented Coach Ream and his wife, Linda, with a gift certificate for a summer cruise to Alaska.

Retired Bucs Coach Praised f o r 3 3 -Ye a r Vo l l e y b a l l Coaching Career After 33 years of coaching Bucs varsity volleyball, Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame Inductee Delores Colton announced her retirement from the sport in August 2007. More than 100 former players, parents of former players, and TBS students and faculty were on hand to honor Coach Colton in an on-court ceremony held at the upper school gymnasium prior to the October varsity volleyball match against Palm Beach Gardens High School.

During Coach Colton’s tenure, the girls’ varsity volleyball team was consistently ranked among the top smallschool teams in the county. TBS compiled a record of 411-254, captured 15 district titles, eight regional championships, and advanced twice to the state semifinals. Coach Colton, who also coached the boys’ and girls’ soccer teams, will continue to coach the Bucs varsity tennis teams, with Gary Slade taking over as the varsity volleyball coach.

M i d d l e S c h o o l Te a c h e r N a m e d “ W o m a n w i t h W i n g s a n d W i s d o m ” Middle school science teacher Maureen Araujo (pictured fifth from left), currently in her 18th year at TBS of her 27-year teaching career, was named one of the 2007 “Women with Wings and Wisdom” honorees at the annual awards luncheon and fashion show sponsored December 7 by WXEL’s Garnet Society Northern Palm Beach Committee.

Mrs. Araujo, along with Channel 5 News Anchor Chandra Bill, and Darlene Kostrub, Executive Director of the Palm Beach County Literacy Coalition, accepted their honorary awards on the runway at Mirasol Country Club. “These extraordinary women are being recognized today for their courage and determination, and the differences they are making here in our community,” said Garnet Society President Debra Tornaben.

Mrs. Araujo, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2006, has since become an activist in the fight against the disease through her involvement as a spokesperson for Couture for Cancer, a Benjamin team leader for Race for the Cure, and a mentor for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.

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Campus Programs Welcome the Community to Benjamin “Get to Know Benjamin Night” Introduces Guests to TBS Upper school student panelists led an informational question and answer session for the nearly 100 visiting parents and students who came to learn more about The Benjamin School at the third annual “Get to Know Benjamin Night.” The event was hosted in the Barker Performing Arts Center October 16 by the Diversity Committee and the Admission Office.

“The evening gives us an opportunity to introduce families to our school and relay our commitment to recruitment and retention of students from diverse backgrounds and to multiculturalism,” explained TBS Director of Diversity Maurice Dolberry. “Our students helped to create an increased interest about enrollment in our school by sharing their experiences at TBS,” added Director of Admission Mary Lou Primm.

Upper school panelists (left to right): Chase Milner, Jakel Osborne, Frank Cunningham, Quinard Jackson, Shohan Shetty, Jarrett Saunders, Sarah Lazow, Kendall Cunningham, and Christina Campbell.

TBS parent Sharon Campbell, a member of the Diversity Committee, and Interim Head of School Jim Young also welcomed guests who were greeted with refreshments at the lower school tent area as they previewed table displays of TBS academic, fine arts, athletic, and admission literature.

C o l l e g e F a i r B r i n g s 16 0 C o l l e g e a n d U n i v e r s i t y Admission Reps to Campus With more than 160 college and university representatives from across the country on hand at the 2007 College Fair, hundreds of prospective college-bound students and their parents packed the Healey Athletic Complex gymnasium.

TBS families, as well as guests from the community, previewed table displays of program and admission materials provided by the visiting admission representatives.

The representatives also fielded questions and distributed literature about their respective schools at the annual College Fair hosted by the College Counseling Office October 17 on the Upper School Campus.

Continued on page 20.

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What’s Going on at Benjamin?

Continued from page 19.

Academic Accolades Upper School Announces Class of 2008 Pathfinder Nominees The Pathfinder High School Scholarship Awards sponsored by The Palm Beach Post are presented annually to Palm Beach and Martin counties’ high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in select academic, vocational, and athletic categories.

The scholarship winners will be announced in May at an awards ceremony at the Kravis Center.

Pictured here are Benjamin’s 14 Pathfinder nominees selected by the upper school faculty.

Academic Excellence Pooja Shankar

Art Kathleen Friedlander

Communications Community Lauren French Involvement Ryan Williams

Computer Science Kyle Dean

Drama Paul Sabayrac

Foreign Language Kimberly Ricketts

History/ Political Science Johannah Birney

Literature Emma Young

Mathematics Dennis Zdonov

Music/Vocal Christina Campbell

Science Shohan Shetty

Sports Zachary Poznak

Music/ Instrumental Robert Clark

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Seniors Earn National Merit Distinctions Paige Kirstein and Dennis Zdonov have been named “National Merit Semifinalists” by The College Board for outstanding results achieved on their Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) taken during the fall of their junior year, a distinction earned by fewer than 1 percent of seniors nationwide. The seniors are now eligible to fulfill requirements to become “finalists.” National winners will be announced in the spring and will share $33 million in scholarship funds.

Middle School Students Capture Science Fair Awards Congratulations to the following eighth graders whose science fair projects were judged ribbon winners at the 2007 Palm Beach County Science and Engineering Fair held in December at the South Florida Fair and Exposition Center: Alec Li (1st Place – Physics); John Hardin (2nd Place – Medicine & Health); Ben Appleby (2nd Place – Physics); Robbie Dattolo (4th Place – Botany); Malena Ohl (4th Place – Botany); Spencer Zeiger (4th Place – Chemistry); Rachael Rosen (4th Place – Environmental); Victoria Cribb (4th Place – Medicine & Health); and Christian Sendler (4th Place – Physics).

Seniors Christina Campbell and Shohan Shetty scored in the top 5 percent of PSAT test-takers nationwide and have been named “Commended Students” by The College Board. Christina has also been named a “semifinalist” in the National Achievement Scholarship Program that recognizes outstanding Black American students based on their outstanding test scores. Christina has recently advanced to “finalist” standing along with 1,600 test-takers nationwide who will receive notification of scholarship awards later this spring.

National Honor Society Inducts New Members National Honor Society members welcomed 11 new candidates into the TBS chapter at the fall candlelight induction ceremony held November 4 in the Barker Performing Arts Center.

Congratulations to the following upper school students for their demonstrated excellence in scholarship, character, leadership, and service and induction into the National Honor Society: seniors Johannah Birney, Max Christiansen, Lauren French, and Luke Tobis, and juniors John Harrison, Elliot Larkin, Ali McCraney, Hilary Miller, Allison Rothschild, Randy Sabella, and Andrew Spinnenweber.

Continued on page 22.

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What’s Going on at Benjamin?

Continued from page 21.

Fine Arts Performances Entertain TBS and Community Audiences Winter Music Festival

Kindergarten & Middle School Band Holiday Program December ‘Round the World Musical Director: Carolyn Montini Instrumental Director: Bruce Huber

Middle and Upper School Bands & Choruses, Master Choir Music Directors: Chris Douglas, Bruce Huber, Carolyn Montini, Chris Murray, Andrew Winters Pianists: Carolyn Montini, Gay Dedo November 27 – Eissey Theatre

Upper School Drama Club Production Backdoor Café Upper School Student & Faculty Performers Directors: Henry Hamilton, Bruce Huber, Lynn Feyk, Perry Feyk October 19 & December 14 Upper School Band Room

Our Miss Brooks by Christopher Sergel Director: Henry Hamilton October 25-27 – Barker Performing Arts Center Cast Members: (alphabetical) Brittany Bigelow, Laura Baker-Finch, Vicki Castriz, Drew Doherty, Catherine Drettmann, Lauren French, Nicole Grabel, Paige Gurba, Alex Hinson, Elliott Larkin, Shannon Lyles, Brandon Parker, Catherine Peck-Phillips, Steven Perlberg, Michael Robo, Paul Sabayrac, Will Sabayrac, Randy Sabella, Shohan Shetty, Kerry Stern, Cory Weinberg, Emma Young Crew: (alphabetical) Johannah Birney, Caroline Bowman, Rob Clark, Tim Drevins, Mr. Perry Feyk, Brad Krar, Mary Katherine McCloskey, Sabrina Mills, Meredith Primm

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Palm Beach Pops Celebrate the Holidays

Junior League Holiday Luncheon Guest Performers: Upper School Drama Club & Dance Ensemble Director: Sara Salivar December 8 – Four Seasons Resort

6th Grade Performing Arts Wheel

Guest Vocalists: Master Choir Directors: Carolyn Montini, Andrew Winters December 20 – Eissey Theatre

5th Grade Chorus & 6th Grade Band Concert Music Directors: Bruce Huber, Chris Murray, Andrew Winters December 13 – Barker Performing Arts Center

Pre-K Fall Festival Directors: David Hedrick, Bruce Huber, Nancy McAllister, Chris Murray, Lorrie Pande, Andrew Winters October 17 & December 19 – Barker Performing Arts Center

Music Director: Joanie Garrettson November 20 – Barker Performing Arts Center

Continued on page 24.

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What’s Going on at Benjamin?

Continued from page 23.

TBS Celebrates Annual Events Fall Carnival – A Family Affair The 2007 Fall Carnival hosted by the Middle School Art Department featured a host of entertainment for TBS families: face painting by members of the National Art Honor Society, fortunetelling, raffle drawings for piñata and toy treasure chest lucky ticket holders, and a variety of game booths stocked with toy prizes for all participants. Ticket sale proceeds from the annual fall carnival are used to purchase visual and performing arts supplies.

United We Stand for America’s Veterans

School Co-founder Leads Halloween Parade

Students and faculty honored America’s veterans on Monday, November 12 with a patriotic observance held beneath the flagpole on the Kehl Campus athletic field. Middle school presenters delivered poetry readings and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance and singing the National Anthem. Fifth graders also delivered a vocal performance at the annual Veteran’s Day ceremony. “We are here to honor our veterans for the sacrifices they went through to make America stronger and safer,” explained Middle School Social Studies Department Chair Marshall Mullnix, coordinator of the annual ceremony. “We encourage everyone to thank a veteran.”

Interim Head of School Jim Young joined students, faculty, parents, and guests in welcoming Honorary Parade Marshall and school co-founder Mrs. Nancy Benjamin, who led kindergarteners through fifth graders in the annual parade march at the 2007 Halloween Parade. Musical accompaniment was provided by the combined middle and upper school bands, and middle school chorus members. Class of 2007 14-Year Club members also returned to the campus to join the celebration. The seniors, who have attended TBS since pre-kindergarten, dressed in costume and marched with lower school students and faculty throughout the parade.

Pre-kindergarteners Colton Pfleegor, Jordan Wheaton, Dalyk Sears, and Chloe Habib.

Kindergarteners Chloe Reynolds, Bella Cavallo, and Dylan Lugosi.

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Logan cline ’12

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Giving and Getting Involved Message from the Benjamin Parents’ Association Dear Fellow Parents, As parents of The Benjamin School, you are members of an active parent organization that provides support for school programs and our children. It is the purpose of the BPA to introduce meaningful ideas and programs to the school, such as driver’s education and the sports liaison.

The BPA will soon re-establish open forum meetings to further enhance communication, foster an exchange of ideas, and bring awareness of school issues and fun events to the parent community. We are currently developing a comprehensive, school-wide volunteer program to inform you of all volunteer opportunities available at the school. It is only through the time and talents of all of our parents that we create a second-to-none environment for our children.

Please check the BPA Web page on the school’s Web site (click on parent groups) for news and upcoming events. Learn more about us and how to get involved. We invite you to contact the BPA via e-mail at BPA@thebenjaminschool.org. We have wonderful parents at The Benjamin School whose ideas and questions are always welcome.

Sincerely, Lizet A. Guildford, President Benjamin Parents’ Association Benjamin Parents’ Association officers (left to right): Karen Sendler (Vice-President), Brian LaBovick (Treasurer), and Lizet Guildford (President); (not pictured – Julia Dattolo, Secretary).

Benjamin Parents’ Association 2007-2008 Lizet Guildford, President Karen Sendler, Vice-President Julia Dattolo, Secretary Brian LaBovick, Treasurer Mike Berkenblit Randi Bitove Kathy Black Tricia Ecclestone

Jeff Harris Nancy Krar Susan Mayes Rozz Paxson Sarah Peckham Allyson Pimentel Carol Sherman Dr. Amy Taylor, Administration Representative

2008

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Mark You C alendar for Grandest Friends’ Day! Thursday, March 6 (Pre-K, K, 4th & 5th grades) Friday, March 7 (1st, 2nd & 3rd grades) 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The Benjamin School extends a warm welcome to our grandparents and special guests with an invitation to enjoy a morning on the Kehl Campus with your special student. A light breakfast will also be served on Grandest Friends’ Day (formerly Grandparents’/Special Friends’ Day).

Please e-mail the names and addresses of those you would like to include on this special day to Development Office Assistant Laraine Montgomery lmontgomery@thebenjaminschool.org or call the Development Office at 561-472-3468.

Class of 2008 Welcomes Grandparents to Campus

Members of the class of 2008 and their grandparents enjoyed lunching together beneath the outdoor pavilion on the Upper School Campus at the third annual Senior Class Grandparents’ Day hosted December 12 by the Development Office. Luncheon guests were also treated to a special performance by the TBS dance team during the afternoon celebration.

Grandparents Picnic Table C ampaign Update Last spring, Benjamin Fund Grandparent Chairs Charles and Susan Barker announced a grandparents’ initiative to help underwrite the cost of much needed new picnic tables for the Kehl Campus. At that time, Mr. Barker stated, “What a wonderful gift we as grandparents can give to all of the students at Benjamin, a gift they and our grandchild will use every day throughout the school year and for many years to come.” To date, over $7,000 has been given for that purpose, allowing the school to purchase 10 new tables. The new tables are now in place and are being put to good use on both campuses.

Twenty additional tables are still needed.

They will not only be highly utilized, but also be permanent, environment- friendly replacements for our aging remaining tables.

Once again, we are asking our grandparents to support this effort to help purchase the additional 20 tables. Please send your gift to the Development Office (please note that the gift is for picnic tables) or make your gift online at www.thebenjaminschool.org.

Thank you!

• Sponsor one or more picnic tables at $700.

• Co-sponsor a table at $350.

• Give a gift of any amount.

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING GRANDPARENTS WHO MADE GIFTS FOR OUR NEW PICNIC TABLES:

Charles and Susan Barker Lexie Barker ‘16 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Cassa Therese M. Cassa ‘20 Mr. Robert M. Clarity Dylan C. Seelman ‘09 Madeline C. Seelman ‘13 Ms. Regina Doll Casey C. Doll ‘08 Ms. Bettie Dominguez Alexa J. Becker ‘18 Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Emilson Mr. Zachary H. Emilson ‘06 Kristen B. Emilson ‘08 Ms. Shirlie Frick Shelbi T. Smolak ‘13 Mr. and Mrs. Joe Gaudet, Sr. Joseph E. Gaudet IV ‘09 Gabrielle A. Gaudet ‘12 Ms. Natalie B. Gaudet ‘18 Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Glazer Kendall A. Glazer ‘09

Mrs. Harriet H. Habib-Puca Christopher J. Habib ‘17 Mr. and Mrs. James Johnson Emma E. Johnson ‘20 Frederick C. Johnson ‘17 Mr. and Mrs. Mickey Neal Kameron M. Sipowski ‘12 Kylee G. Sipowski ‘14 Shayne N. Sipowski ‘17 Mrs. Natalie Pelunis Mia R. Razavi ‘20 Max A. Razavi ‘18 Helen E. and Edward D. Stone, Jr. Courtney M. Reynolds ‘12 Ms. Nicole Stroh Pierre A. Stroh ‘19 Mr. and Mrs. Allan Tiburzi Micheal D. Yancey ‘20 Mr. and Mrs. Dick Turner Ashley B. Turner ‘19

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Benjamin BASH

2008 BASH Gala Chairs Mary Stanton and Margi Vorder Bruegge.

S ave the Date – April 11, 200 8

2008 BASH Gala Takes You to Monte Carlo!

The 2008 BASH Gala promises to be a night to remember! On Friday, April 11, guests will enjoy the black-tie elegance of The Breakers Palm Beach, all of the excitement of spectacular live and silent auction items, plus the thrill of casino “gambling,” complete with blackjack, roulette, poker, craps, and wheel of fortune – all to benefit The Benjamin School! Co-chairs Mary Stanton and Margi Vorder Bruegge have chosen the theme “A Night in Monte Carlo” for this year’s Gala. Marianne and Harvey Gold will serve as Honorary Chairs for this very special evening.

BASH 2008 HONORARY GALA CHAIRS

Marianne and Harvey Gold GALA CO-CHAIRS

Mary Stanton and Margi Vorder Bruegge GALA SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIRS

Advertising Kim Odom Silent Auction and Grade Baskets Jeanne Coudert Live Auction/Sponsorships/Underwriting Mary Stanton and Margi Vorder Bruegge Decorations Diane Trimper and Janice Foriere Invitations Kim Celedinas The silent auction will have a streamline look this year, with fewer items and a focus on unique, high-end items and services. The silent auction will also feature themed “baskets” from each grade. Each family will be encouraged to contribute an item to the grade basket.

Unique sponsorship and advertising opportunities are available for the BASH Gala, and auction items are always welcome. This year, the BASH program book will be distributed to all Benjamin families one week before the Gala, and will include all advertisements, sponsors, and auction gifts received by the print deadline of February 22. For more information, please contact Donna Minard in the Development Office at 561-472-3483 or go to www.benjaminbash.org.

Reservations Robin Gross Acknowledgements Nancy Benjamin Program Book Nan O’Leary and Kristen Gaeta Finance/Tech Support Miriam Acosta-Castriz Tuition Raffle Susan Strasser Volunteers/Setup Melanie Barre and Lisa Glogower

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BASH Variety Show a CineMagic Performance!

An electrifying musical extravaganza featuring the enchantment of the silver screen, enthralled Eissey Theatre audiences as student, faculty, parent, and alumni performers rocked the house with CineMagic at the 2008 BASH Variety Show produced by Artistic Director Sara Salivar and Variety Show Co-chairs Molly Apple and Sandi Weinberg.

Performances by Benjamin’s singers, dancers, instrumentalists, and dramatists brought the sights and sounds of Hollywood’s finest films to the Eissey Theatre stage at the January 12 production.

Matinee and evening audiences were

treated to captivating musical performances by members of the middle and upper school dance teams, upper school chorus and drama club, student/faculty/parent vocal and instrumental groups, and the lower and middle school cast of Annie.

A guest appearance by school co-founder Mrs. Nancy Benjamin, and a dynamic vocal medley of Disney hits performed by alumnus Allison Berry ’98, also entertained CineMagic audiences who enjoyed previewing the collection of division-wide student artwork exhibited in the theatre lobby. For guests of the 12th annual BASH Variety Show, the

magical world of cinema came to life, thanks to the talented cast of TBS performing artists.

BASH Special Projects Exciting Campus Events!

Kids’ Korner Holiday Bazaar An extraordinary selection of holiday gift items were on display for lower school shoppers in December at the annual Kids’ Korner Holiday Bazaar, chaired by Maryanne Lutz (left) and Dana Johnson (right). Parent volunteers assisted shoppers throughout the week with holiday purchases for their family members to help make the highly successful shopping spree an enjoyable campus event.

2008

BASH Pizza and Sub Lunches

Lower school pizza and middle school subs are a favorite lunchtime treat on the Kehl Campus, thanks to a dedicated team of parent volunteers who coordinate and serve students the special lunches on designated days throughout the year. Pictured at the lower school picnic tables are BASH pizza volunteers.

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The Benjamin Fund What is the Benjamin Fund?

Like most independent schools, The Benjamin School does not charge in tuition what it actually costs to educate your child. The Benjamin Fund is our way of ensuring that we meet our expenses and provide your children with an excellent education. The Benjamin Fund is an annual drive to bridge the gap between operating expenses and tuition. Your gifts to the Benjamin Fund are critical to your child’s education, and are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

$950,000

$736,614

2007-2008 BENJAMIN FUND

(as of January 7, 2008)

On the Road to Success, Every Gift Counts!

2007-2008 Benjamin Fund Leadership OVERALL CHAIRS

Bill and Linda Reichel PARENT GRADE CHAIRS

Pre-K K 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Parent volunteer Robin Gross at the Benjamin Fund phonathon.

October 17 marked the kick-off of a series of three phonathons, when more than 35 volunteers called upon fellow parents to support our 2007-2008 Benjamin Fund goal of $950,000. At the same time, trustees, faculty, and staff were also being asked to support this effort. As of January 7, our tally of gifts and pledges from all sources stands at $736,614.

We are sincerely grateful to our Benjamin Fund Leadership, along with our phonathon volunteers for their time, effort, and generosity.

5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th

Raymond and Tarry Graziotto Will and Weezie Roberson Michael and Lesly Maxwell Kevin and Terri Justice Ken and Robin Gross Sean and Kelly Domnick; Brian and Esther LaBovick Jim and Kathy Batts Brian and Esther LaBovick; Victor and Jeanne Coudert Bill and Jeana Schlechter Robert and Leslie Flaherty Richard and Robin Bernstein Katherine Waldron Ian and Jennie Baker-Finch Marlene and John Canzio

TRUSTEES

Dan Stanton FACULTY & STAFF

Liza DeBartolo Ro Sammis Jimmy Clark Ryan Smith PARENTS OF ALUMNI

Molly Apple

To Make a Gift to The Benjamin School If you would like to make an annual gift, or a gift to the capital building project or the endowment, please contact the Development Office by phone at 561-472-3452.

PHONATHON VOLUNTEERS

Kim Ackerman, David Best, Bob Charney, Martha Colee, John Fowlds, Damiann Hendel, Susan Murray, Nan O’Leary

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It’s a Challenge!

A “challenge” gift is one that can be gained if parent participation in the Benjamin Fund is made. It could be a gift that is matched dollar-for-dollar or one that is available if the grade or campus reaches a level of participation. This year, that’s 65 percent, which is an achievable but ambitious goal. Last year, 51 percent of parents gave at some level. Participation is a measure that independent schools use to gauge the philanthropic culture of the school and its ability to move forward with important plans to benefit students.

Each year, the Benjamin Fund raises about 10 percent of the operational budget of the school that is necessary to “bridge the gap” between what tuition costs and what it actually takes in resources to deliver the outstanding education that each student enjoys. About $1,100 per student is needed!

If you have contributed already, many thanks! If not, can we “challenge” you to do your part?

WE THANK THE FOLLOWING FAMILIES WHO HAVE MADE CHALLENGE PLEDGES THIS YEAR:

Linda and Bill Reichel – for overall campus participation to reach 65 percent or more Tom and Mari Frankel – for 7th grade parents to reach 65 percent participation or more Sean and Kelly Domnick/Brian and Esther LaBovick – dollar-for-dollar challenges for grades 4 and 6 Jim and Kathy Batts/Hal and Kate Reed – dollar-for-dollar challenges for the 5th grade Brian and Alice Waxman/Ken and Jana Kahn – dollar-fordollar challenges for grade 2 and Pre-K

kelly moran ’13

When parents are asked why they volunteer to help solicit parents for the Benjamin Fund, they typically say, “It’s fun!” Catching up with friends and then letting them know their dollars could be matched is even better. It all makes for pleasant and compelling conversation when those annual fall contacts are made, and this year has been no different.

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2007-2008 Benefactors As of January 7, 2008

The Leadership Society The Leadership Society extends recognition and appreciation to benefactors who are especially generous in philanthropic giving to The Benjamin School. Membership in this prestigious group is acquired by making a gift of $2,500 or more annually to The Benjamin Fund, a capital building project, or the school’s endowment. The school is pleased to recognize the following benefactors who have made gifts to the school during this fiscal year as of January 7, 2008.

Capital Endowment ($10,000-$14,999)

The Baker-Finch Family Harold and Kate Reed Family Foundation Harvey and Marianne Gold ($5,000-$9,999)

Mr. and Mrs. William W. Schlechter

Capital Building ($100,000+)

The Healey Family ($50,000-$99,999)

The Reiter Family Dr. and Mrs. Charles S. Theofilos and Family ($25,000-$49,999)

Mr. and Mrs. Morgan V. Lefferdink ($15,000-$24,999)

Mr. and Mrs. John M. Curry Mr. Donald M. Soffer ($10,000-$14,999)

Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Manuel Andrade Dr. and Mrs. Robert J. Anderson II ($5,000-$9,999)

Mr. and Mrs. Curtis R. Burkhead Dr. and Mrs. Barry S. Horowitz Mr. and Mrs. Brian K. Waxman ’86 ($2,500-$4,999)

Dr. and Mrs. Mark Michels Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Sendler

2007-2008

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2007-2008 Benefactors

As of January 7, 2008

The Leadership Society (continued) Benjamin Fund Founders’ Circle ($15,000+)

Anonymous The Baker-Finch Family Charles and Susan Barker Dr. Jack and Denise Cassell Mr. Christopher Cline Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Denenberg Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth F. Kahn Mr. and Mrs. Andrew C. Kaneb Mr. and Mrs. Paul D. Kazilionis Alan S. Lorberbaum Family Foundation Mrs. Robert Myers and Chelly and Ben Myers National City Private Client Group Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. O’Connor Mr. and Mrs. Daniel W. Stanton Mr. and Mrs. Brian K. Waxman ‘86 Benjamin Leaders ($10,000-$14,999)

Mr. and Mrs. William Araskog Mr. and Mrs. James L. Batts Mr. and Mrs. J. Gary Burkhead Mr. and Mrs. John S. Canzio Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Hay III Mr. and Mrs. S. Tucker S. Johnson Mr. and Mrs. David A. Levy Mr. and Mrs. Jack W. Nicklaus The Reiter Family J & L Taylor Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Carl M. Vorder Bruegge 1960 Society ($5,000-$9,999)

Anonymous Mrs. Miriam Acosta-Castriz Mr. and Mrs. Joseph R. Atterbury Mitch and Paula Davidson Mr. and Mrs. Sam Forrest Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Gozzo The Graziotto Family Dr. and Mrs. James H. Guildford

Mr. and Mrs. William N. Handler Mr. and Mrs. Ed L. Katz (Sherie Rigg ’83) Mr. David Lambert David Loppert and Margaret Brooks Mr. and Mrs. George G. Matthews, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Mercadante Moya Photography Mr. and Mrs. Mark C. Perlberg Mr. and Mrs. Jack Purcell Mr. and Mrs. Harold S. Reed Mr. and Mrs. William Reichel Mr. and Mrs. James T. Ritenour Mr. James L. Robo and Mrs. Meredith B. Trim Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Viola ‘82 Wachovia Wealth Management Blue & Orange Society ($2,500-$4,999 )

Mr. and Mrs. John F. Abrams Mr. and Mrs. Richard E. Bastin Ms. Patti J. Blank Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bracci Mr. and Mrs. Ray Celedinas Mr. and Mrs. John T. Christiansen Mr. and Mrs. Michael T. Corey Mr. and Mrs. Robert De Gabrielle Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A. Devore Mr. and Mrs. Sean C. Domnick Mr. and Mrs. E. Llwyd Ecclestone III ‘80 Mr. and Mrs. Stephen D. Farr Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ferruggia Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Flah Mr. and Mrs. Sam Forrest Mr. and Mrs. Thomas C. Frankel Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Gross Mr. and Mrs. George A. Habib Mr. Edward H. Hamm, Jr. ‘95 Mr. and Mrs. Brett Handler Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Hay III Mr. and Mrs. Henry D. Jamison IV Mr. and Mrs. Kevin M. Justice

The Kennerly Family Mr. and Mrs. Brian F. LaBovick Mr. and Mrs. Brian D. Lenehan Bobbie Lindsay and Doug Buck Ms. Dana Long Mr. and Mrs. Per Lorentzen Mr. Vincent G. Marotta, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Michael O. Maxwell, Sr. Mr. John G. Milner Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Moran Mr. and Mrs. Alan Oliver Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. O’Neill, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Salvatore S. Paone Mr. and Mrs. Gerald C. Parker Mr. Robert C. Pew II The Private Bank at The Bank of America Mr. and Mrs. James C. Remez Mr. and Mrs. Bruce D. Robbins Mr. and Mrs. William Roberson Ms. Margery Roberts Mr. and Mrs. Jules M. Romfh, Jr. Mrs. Emily N. Romfh Mr. and Mrs. James P. Rooney Mr. Pat Rooney, Sr. and The Rooney Family Dr. Neal Rothschild and Dr. Marijo Rothschild Mr. Peter D. Sandquist Mr. and Mrs. William W. Schlechter Mr. and Mrs. Rainer P. Schinabeck Mr. and Mrs. Richard S. Sears Mr. and Mrs. William M. Selman Mr. and Mrs. Eric E. Silagy Mr. Donald M. Soffer Mr. Andrew Terhune (NPBPS ’68) and Ms. Janice McMillen Mr. Herb Tryon Mr. and Mrs. Hal R. Valeche Venue Advertising, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. John F. Weir Ms. Janice Worth Mr. and Mrs. James B. Young

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2007-2008 Benefactors

As of January 7, 2008

Benjamin Fund Associates Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Andrew R. Amicon Dr. and Mrs. David Abis Mr. and Mrs. David P. Ackerman Dr. Gary N. Ackerman and Dr. Jessica M. Cohn Ms. Kristin Ackerman Joy and Jim Adle Mr. Eugene J. Aiello and Dr. Kathleen H. Aiello Ms. Jayne B. Albert Mr. and Mrs. Peter J. Alevizos Mr. and Mrs. Shahzad Ali Dr. and Mrs. Ahmed A. Alikhan Mr. Steve Anderson Mr. and Mrs. Robert Andrews Mr. and Mrs. John W. Appleby, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Araujo Mr. and Mrs. Andre Arbuzow Stanley and Bobby Arky Mr. and Mrs. Steve Arline (Lisa Kerste – NPBPS ’68) Mr. and Mrs. Alan I. Armour Mr. and Mrs. George E. Arpa Ms. Dina Artale Mrs. Virginia Ashley and Mr. Mel Holtrop Rita and John Ashton Erika and Marty Atkins Mrs. Linda M. August Dr. and Mrs. Harold Bafitis Mr. and Mrs. Dave Bailey Mr. and Mrs. Curtis D. Bain

Mr. and Mrs. Karl Baker Mr. and Mrs. Nelson J. Baker Ms. Suzanne Ball Ms. Elise M. Barber The Honorable and Mrs. Thomas H. Barkdull Mr. and Mrs. Spaulding Bartlett Mr. and Mrs. Jack Batts Mr. and Mrs. F. William Basil Mr. and Mrs. Bruno Baumgartner Mr. and Mrs. Robert V. Bayless Dr. and Mrs. Gerald C. Baynham Mr. and Mrs. Kelvin A. Bean Mr. Simon Behan Ms. Veronica D. Bell Ms. Danielle M. Benvenuto Mr. and Mrs. Mark E. Berg Mr. and Mrs. David V. Berger Ms. Stacy Berman Mr. and Mrs. Alan Bessette Mr. and Mrs. David M. Best Mrs. Susan Bickel Mr. Dale R. Bicknell and Ms. Karnella J. Najdziuk Mark and Lynda Bideau Mr. and Mrs. Alex M. Bigelow Mr. and Mrs. Richard B. Black Ms. Gloria Boyd Dr. and Mrs. Gabriel E. Breuer Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Brock Dr. Rachel I. Brody Ms. Nathalie Brouillac Carol and Glenn Bruno Ms. Katherine Buettin Dr. and Mrs. Robert D. Burke Mr. Thomas Burke Mr. and Mrs. John D. Burman Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey S. Burnett Mr. and Mrs. Paul Buxe

Mrs. Mary E. Cameron Mr. and Mrs. William C. Campbell Miss Stacy Carroll Mr. and Mrs. John Caruso Mr. and Mrs. Eric R. Casasus Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Cassa Ms. Ivette Casiano Mr. and Mrs. Ronald A. Cass Audra and Kinch Cato Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Cavallo Mr. and Mrs. David S. Chapin (NPBPS ‘68) Mr. and Mrs. Paul Chaple Mr. and Mrs. Edward R. Chaplin Mr. and Mrs. Riordan Cheatham Ms. Anna Cheeseman Mr. and Mrs. James P. Chesnes Mr. and Mrs. James T. Chivers Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Chren Mr. and Mrs. David W. Clark Mr. and Mrs. James J. Clark ‘95 Mr. and Mrs. Peyton M. Cole Mr. and Mrs. Donn R. Colee, Jr.

Nikita Bansal ’10

Ms. Lei Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. Collins II Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Connaughton Mr. Richard Conti Mr. and Mrs. Stephen D. Cook ‘84 The Honorable Daniel J. Cotter and Mrs. Pamela S. Luhrs Mr. and Mrs. Victor R. Coudert Mr. and Mrs. Scott Cousins Ms. E. Laura Creech and Mr. and Mrs. Pete Creech Mrs. Janet Creese Mr. and Mrs. Richard Creese Ms. Kimberly K. Cuillo Mr. and Mrs. Neil Culhane Mr. James Cummings Mr. F. Malcolm Cunningham, Jr. Ms. Megan Cunningham Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Currey Mark H. Dahlmeier and Kimberly Dahlmeier Ms. Sherri Danyali

giving and getting involved | the buccaneer 2008

2007-2008 Benefactors

As of January 7, 2008

Dr. and Mrs. Robert A. Dattolo Dr. and Mrs. Jack S. Daubert Mr. and Mrs. Bruce B. Davis Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Davis (NPBPS ’72) Mr. and Mrs. Orrett G. Davis, Sr. Ms. Liza DeBartolo Ms. Joanne Demaras Ms. Kathleen C. Devine Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Didio Mr. and Mrs. Kendall P. Didsbury Mrs. Mary A. Ditaranto Mr. and Mrs. Carl J. Domino Mr. and Mrs. George Donaldson, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Donato Mr. and Mrs. Adam S. Doner Ms. Colleen Donnelly Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Doolittle Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Douglas Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Ecclestone III ‘80 Mr. and Mrs. Edward Downey Ms. Susan Doyle Dr. and Mrs. Jesse H. Eisenman Mr. and Mrs. Eric J. Ende Mr. and Mrs. Raymond F. Faloona Mr. and Mrs. Stephen D. Farr Mr. and Mrs. Donald V. Farriss Mr. C. William Ferris Lynne and Perry Feyk Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Fields Mr. and Mrs. Bertram R. Firestone Dr. and Mrs. Eric S. Fishman Mr. and Mrs. Robert Flaherty Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Ford Mr. and Mrs. Americo Foriere Mr. and Mrs. Tucker Frederickson

Ms. Sharon K. French Mr. and Mrs. Steven E. Fried Mr. and Mrs. Cary Friedlander Mr. and Mrs. Neil J. Gaeta ‘87 Ms. Carmen M. Garcia Mr. and Mrs. Eric D. Gardner Mr. and Mrs. Timothy P. Garrettson Mr. David Gatewood Mr. and Mrs. Gary Gelman Mr. and Mrs. Joseph E. Gaudet III Mr. and Mrs. James F. Geiger Mr. and Mrs. Stavros G. Georgeadis Mr. and Mrs. Ralph B. Germano Mr. and Mrs. C. R. Gibb Mrs. Rene N. Gibson Ms. Stefanie Gibson Mr. and Mrs. David Gillert Ms. Karen L. Gilmore Ms. Alexis Gleason Dr. and Mrs. Mitchell G. Glogower Ms. A. J. Gold ‘07 Mr. and Mrs. Harvey P. Gold Mr. and Mrs. Glenn E. Goldstein Dr. and Mrs. Donald W. Goodwin Mr. and Mrs. David Gordon Mark and Siobhan Gross The Honorable and Mrs. Robert M. Gross Dr. and Mrs. Bruce M. Grossman Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Guido Mr. and Mrs. Harry Guildford Ms. Gretchen V. Guschke ‘01 Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart, P.A. Mr. and Mrs. Charles D. Hagy, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Christian J. Hainsworth

lisa benfante ’08

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Mr. and Mrs. Stephen R. Hamel Ms. Kristen S. Hamel ‘97 Mr. Henry Hamilton Mr. and Mrs. Kirk F. Hansen Ms. Serena K. Hanslip Mr. and Mrs. John L. Harbeck III Dr. and Mrs. Michael C. Hardin Mr. and Mrs. Jeff A. Harris Mr. Reginald Harris Mr. Jason S. Haselkorn Mr. and Mrs. Neil J. Hayes Mr. and Mrs. Robert Held Mr. and Mrs. Arnold F. Higginbotham Mrs. Patricia Higginbotham Dr. Jeffrey S. Hillmann and Dr. Elise C. Hillmann Mr. and Mrs. John J. Hoecker Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hogan Mr. and Mrs. David E. Holland Mrs. Regenia Holmes Mr. Bruce S. Honig Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Hopkins Mrs. Sherral Hornaday Dr. and Mrs. Barry S. Horowitz Mr. Bruce Huber Mr. and Mrs. Gregory P. Huber Mr. and Mrs. Mike Hughes Mr. Kevin M. Hutchings

Mrs. Tina M. Hutchings Mr. and Mrs. Norman Ingram Lawrence and Christina James Mr. and Mrs. Benno Janssen III Ms. Franci F. Jefferson Ms. Sage Jiggins Mr. and Mrs. Lambert D. Johnson Ms. Terry D. Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Jason P. Judge Jupiter Stadium, LTD. Mrs. Marcia Kaplan Dr. Rizwan A. Karatela and Dr. Shabtab F. Karatela Ms. Megan Kascak Mr. and Mrs. Francis X. Kearns III Susan and Gregory Keller Mr. Cal B. Kemp and Ms. Donna L. Clayton Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Kirkman Dr. and Mrs. Robert L. Kirstein Mr. and Mrs. Ralph D. Kittrell Dr. and Mrs. Robert Kleinfeld Elizabeth H. Barnes and George M. Knapp Ms. Karyn Knecht Dr. and Mrs. Kim E. Koger Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Kretz Mr. and Mrs. Peter Krieger Dr. Steven Krumholz and Dr. Dana R. Krumholz

2007-2008

Continued on page 36.

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As of January 7, 2008

Benjamin Fund Associates Mr. Joseph LaBarbiera Mr. and Mrs. William M. Labzda Mr. R. Marcus Lane, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Lappin Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Larsen Mr. and Mrs. Steven Layton Ms. Erica Lazarus Ms. Kristen Learner Mr. and Mrs. George Ledwith Mr. and Mrs. Morgan V. Lefferdink Mr. and Mrs. Steve Leibovich Mr. and Mrs. Timothy G. Leonard Ms. Debra A. Levine Dr. John C. Li and Dr. Celeste J. Li Mr. Harold Livingston Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Logan Mr. and Mrs. Greg Lokitus Dr. and Mrs. Gonzalo Loveday Mr. and Mrs. Lance Ludwig Mr. and Mrs. Sanh Ly Dr. and Mrs. Craig Lyles Mr. Francis Lynch and Ms. Diane Karlik Lynch Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Magnetico Mr. and Mrs. Liam P. Maher Mr. Thomas Maher Mr. and Mrs. Mike Maiselson Mr. and Mrs. John P. Marasco Mrs. Jayne C. Marino Ms. Donna Mauro Mr. Robert McAleer Mr. and Mrs. Joshua F. McAlees Ms. Nancy McAllister Mr. and Mrs. Timothy McCarthy Mr. and Mrs. Michael M. McClung

Continued from page 35.

Mr. and Mrs. James D. McCluskey Mr. and Mrs. Brian McDonough Ms. Carol McGrath Ms. Margaret Meehan Mr. and Mrs. Joshua I. Mendelsohn (Wendy Ecclestone ’87) Ms. Lea Mercantini Ms. Cynthia D. Mesker Dr. and Mrs. Mark Michels Donna and James Minard Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Miller Mr. and Mrs. David N. Mills Ms. Krista Monahan Ms. Laraine Montgomery Mr. and Mrs. Robert Montini Ms. Carol Moore Mr. and Mrs. Dean J. Moroz Mr. Matt Morrow Mr. and Mrs. Charles T. Mountain Mr. Marshall Mullnix Mrs. Barbara Murphy Dr. and Mrs. Mark R. Murphy Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Murphy Mr. and Mrs. James D. Murray, Jr. Mr. Stuart R. Russell and Ms. Kathleen R. Murray Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Murray Mr. and Mrs. Timothy D. Murray Mr. and Mrs. James L. Myers, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Monty R. Myler Mr. and Mrs. Keith J. Nachilly Mr. and Mrs. Nathan E. Nason (NPBPS ’73) Mr. and Mrs. David B. Nestler Mr. and Mrs. Greg Newman

drew brennan ’20

2007-2008 Benefactors

Mr. and Mrs. Peter B. Nissen Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Nordland Mrs. Marie Norris Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Nugent Mr. Christopher Oakes Mrs. Julie O’Brien Mr. and Mrs. George E. Ohl Mr. and Mrs. R. Michael O’Donnell Mr. and Mrs. William T. O’Leary IV (Nancy Nicklaus ’83) Mr. and Mrs. Charles T. Oliver Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Onorato Ms. Gloria I. Osborne Ms. Teresa Overholt Mr. and Mrs. Jay L. Owen, Jr. ‘90 Mr. and Mrs. Mark Packer Mr. and Mrs. Brent Padon (Jessy Fulford ’01) Mr. and Mrs. Timothy J. Page

Ms. Jessica C. Palos and Mr. Jim Ryba Ms. Nidhi Pardue Mr. Dave Parks Mr. and Mrs. Nilesh R. Patel Ms. Nicole C. Paulino Mr. and Mrs. Edward L. Payne Mr. Bradford Pazant Mr. and Mrs. Brian D. Peaper Mr. Gilbert Pemberton Ms. Elizabeth Pena Dr. and Mrs. Edward J. Penza Mr. and Mrs. Clifton W. Perry Ms. Amy Peters Mr. and Mrs. Michael R. Peters, Jr. Mr. Lee M. Peterson Mr. and Mrs. David A. Pettit Mr. and Mrs. David Pfleegor Mr. Steven B. Phillips Mr. and Mrs. Jason Pierman ’96 (Amanda Warner ’97)

2007-2008

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2007-2008 Benefactors

Dr. Antoinette Pignataro Mr. and Mrs. Armando Pimentel, Jr. Ms. Jill Prazenica Mrs. Deborah A. Prior Mrs. Robyn K. Quaid Mr. and Mrs. William M. Quigley Mr. and Mrs. Bruce W. Quinn Ms. Sheri Quinn Dr. Suresh Raja and Dr. Nisha Bhardwaj Mr. and Mrs. Sam Raia ‘93 Mr. and Mrs. Mark D. Razavi Linda and Ron Ream Mrs. Ami Reece ‘86 Mr. and Mrs. Daniel F. Reedy Mrs. Lorey Reese Mr. and Mrs. Douglas P. Regan Ms. Angela Ricci Ms. Tiffany L. Richman ‘02 Mr. Jay Rideout Mrs. Georgeann B. Ridgway Mr. and Mrs. Edward E. Rieck III Ms. Diana Rios Mr. and Mrs. Marc Roberts Ms. Lindsey Robertson Mr. and Mrs. Joseph D. Roche Dr. and Mrs. Evan G. Rosen Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ross Mr. and Mrs. Michael O. Rossin Mrs. Lydia A. Roxborough Ms. Daniela Rozanes Mr. and Mrs. P. Ruben Mr. and Mrs. Todd M. Ruedisili Rev. and Mrs. Stephen H. Ruegg Mr. and Mrs. James Russo Mr. and Mrs. Paul T. Sabatello Mr. and Mrs. Peter Sachs Dr. and Mrs. Gary Salivar Ms. Rosanne Sammis

As of January 7, 2008

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Sampson Dr. Frederick Sancilio Mr. Timothy A. Sanders and Ms. Gail Karson Dr. and Mrs. Vinay Saxena Dr. and Mrs. William Schacter Mr. and Mrs. Scott O. Scheer Mr. Rob Schenk Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell D. Schepps Mr. Gregory Schneider Mr. and Mrs. Francis J. Sciolino Dr. and Mrs. Russ M. Seger Mrs. Maureen C. Selfridge Mr. and Mrs. John N. Selvig Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Sheehan Dr. and Mrs. Morris Shlamowitz Mr. and Mrs. Neil Shulas Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Shuman (In Memory of Jodi Shuman) Dr. and Mrs. Alan R. Shuster Mr. and Mrs. Alan Siegel Mrs. Barbara Simard Mr. and Mrs. John R. Siragusa Dr. and Mrs. Andrew B. Slavin Mr. and Mrs. Durward B. Smith II Mr. and Mrs. Ryan T. Smith ‘93 Mr. and Mrs. William A. Smith II Mr. and Mrs. Fred Soechting Mr. and Mrs. John C. Solomon II Mr. and Mrs. Mark Sorensen Ms. Adrienne Sparger Mrs. Anita Spassoff Ms. Kathleen Speh Dr. and Mrs. David H. Spielberg Mr. and Mrs. Tom Spino Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Sprechman Mr. Richard W. Springer Ms. Gabriele St. Martin

Mr. and Mrs. Cary B. Stamp Mr. Robert E. Stancil Mr. and Mrs. Lee Strasser John and Lisa Stauffer Mr. and Mrs. Daryl L. Stewart Mr. and Mrs. Bradley B. Stunkel Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Sukhu Mr. and Mrs. Scott I. Suskauer Mr. and Mrs. William S. Swain Mr. and Mrs. John Sweeney Ms. Monica Sweeney Dr. and Mrs. Baqir M. Syed Mr. Franklin R. Taylor and Dr. Amy Taylor Ms. Marisol Tejera Mede Mr. and Mrs. James Thanhauser Mr. John F. Thomas Mr. and Mrs. Michael E. Thomas Miss Christine A. Thurston ‘97 Ms. Jessica L. Titus Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Todd Dr. Jaime Toro Ms. Laurie Townsend Mr. Cody C. Travaglini ‘04 Miss Jaime L. Travaglini ‘00 Mr. Mark C. Travaglini ‘97 Mr. and Mrs. John S. Trimper Mr. Thomas M. Turner Mrs. Linda Twitchell Ms. Deane Ugalde Mr. and Mrs. Michael H. Velinsky Venue Advertising, Inc. Dr. Setty P. Viralam and Dr. Prabhavalti Viralam Mr. and Mrs. James D. Von Riesemann Mr. Gerald J. Waldron Ms. Katherine M. Waldron Mr. and Mrs. Craig S. Wandoff

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Waxman Mrs. Debra A. Weeks Dr. Brion S. Weinberg and Dr. Charmain K. Weinberg Mr. and Mrs. Mark L. Weinstein Mr. and Mrs. Barry R. Weiss Mr. and Mrs. Eric Wettermann Mr. and Mrs. Sunthararasan Williams Christopher J. Winfree, M.D. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew E. Winters Mr. Dane M. Wiren ‘87 Phyllis and Dan Wissner Dr. and Mrs. Ronald Woods Mrs. Marci L. York Mr. and Mrs. Kyle E. Young Andriana and Nicholas Zachariades Mr. Joseph Zaluski Ms. Olga V. Zdonova Ms. Sara Zeoli Ms. Graciela Zuniga Ari and Niki Zur

ava schwartz ’17

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...And Giving Back TBS Toy Drive Brightens the Holidays for Area Youth It was a joyful holiday for many local children, thanks to the hundreds of toys contributed from all three divisions during December’s school-wide toy drive, as well as the special holiday parties TBS students hosted for area organizations.

The lower school toy collection coordinated by the division’s student council filled a bus with 820 toys for students of Pioneer Park Beacon Center in Belle Glade. Middle school student council members delivered their division’s busload of toys to New Pines Child Development Center located in West Palm Beach. They also hosted a party on-site for the New Pines students.

Upper school students also shared their holiday spirit with children in the community. The sophomore class traveled to West Palm Beach bringing holiday cheer and plenty of gifts for students in the Head Start program, while the senior class hosted a party on the Upper School Campus for 60 4- and 5-year-olds from the Hispanic Human Resources Council. The half-day celebration included holiday music, refreshments, games, and a visit from Santa with his sackful of toys contributed by the class of 2008 for each of the preschoolers.

Denim Day Proceeds Fund Breast Cancer Reseach

Book Drive Brings More than 5,000 Books for Local School

Students, faculty, and staff joined millions across the country and dressed down on Lee National Denim Day, as well as contributed $2 in individual donations to lend support to the national fundraising campaign that helps support early detection and treatment research for breast cancer. Monies raised from the October 5 Denim Day were contributed to the Women’s Cancer Research Fund of the Entertainment Industry Foundation. The nonprofit organization is a major supporter of breast cancer research, treatment, and advocacy services for the disease.

The library shelves at Pleasant City Elementary have been filled with at least 5,000 new and gently used books, thanks to Mrs. Maggie Ross’ advisory group’s BookEnds book drive. The seventh graders, led

by Austin Rosenthal, coordinated the collection for the Benjamin community who responded with book donations for the elementary school located in West Palm Beach.

The middle school students also stacked and sorted the collection, and delivered the books in January to the school’s library.

...And Giving Back | the buccaneer 2008

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Thanksgiving Food Collection Surpasses Goals The Benjamin community exceeded expectations in November’s school-wide food collection with more than 4,000 pounds of canned goods and nonperishable food items contributed in the annual Thanksgiving Food Drive.

With a final weigh-in of 2,227 pounds of food, lower school students, faculty, and staff more than doubled last year’s contribution. Middle school students and faculty helped boost the Kehl Campus collection with 910 pounds of food contributed during their two-week drive led by the seventh grade class. The campus donations were delivered to St. George’s Center, a social service agency located in Riviera Beach that provides various resources to community residents, including daily meals prepared in the center’s soup kitchen.

Upper school students and faculty celebrated their campus’ successful collection of more than 1,000 pounds of food with a parade of overflowing grocery carts circling the gymnasium during their November 16 division assembly. The contributions were delivered to Food for Families organizers for distribution to area organizations.

Middle School Advisory Groups Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF

Poetry/Improv Night Supports Alzheimer’s Association

Sixth graders in Mrs. Kirkman’s and Mrs. Garcia’s advisory groups joined forces on Halloween and trekked through the middle school and their home neighborhoods with UNICEF’s trick-or-treat coin boxes to collect contributions for the international organization. The middle school students also sold T-shirts, lemonade, and baked goods to support their community service project that raised more than $4,500 for UNICEF. The nonprofit organization supports child survival, protection, and development worldwide through education, advocacy, and fundraising.

Upper school students and faculty stepped up to the microphone and read their favorite poems, as well as their own, and also joined in the popular improv game, Whose Line Is It Anyway? at the poetry club’s Poetry/Improv Night hosted November 8 in the upper school band room. According to senior Emma Young, poetry club president, the evening was dedicated to supporting the Alzheimer’s Association. Currently, more than five million Americans suffer from the progressive and fatal brain disease that destroys brain cells, resulting in severe problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. The funds contributed by Poetry/Improv Night guests and performers were donated to the national organization that provides treatment, research, and support services to Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers.

Continued on page 40.

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...And Giving Back

Continued from page 39.

Middle School Students Pair Up for Buddy Walk

Lending their support at the Gold Coast Down Syndrome Buddy Walk are seventh grader Dean Sandquist, eighth graders Hunter Toro, Jamie Corey, and Alana Dresner, and faculty members Brad Pazant and Nancy McAllister. The two middle school advisory groups joined more than 1,000 community participants for the annual walk and fundraising event held October 21 at John Prince Park in Lake Worth.

The nonprofit organization, located in Boca Raton, helps to provide education about Down syndrome and support services for children and adults with the genetic disorder.

Annual Cookout Advances Educational Opportunity for Students in Kenya Benjamin School and community supporters of Kijana Educational Empowerment Initiative (KEEI) enjoyed African food, dancing and drumming, and a display of authentic Kenyan handicrafts at the 2007 Cookout for Kenya hosted December 2 at Ocean Cay Park in Jupiter.

Guests of the fifth annual event also enjoyed a luncheon cookout prepared by TBS parent Valerie Schuster and her volunteer team of upper school students, faculty, and parents. Proceeds from the sale of the Kenyan art, sandals, jewelry, silent auction items, raffle tickets, and sponsorships help to further the efforts of KEEI. “The mission of KEEI is to promote and cultivate youth empowerment through educational development, cross-cultural dialogue, and sustainable and environmentally friendly economic growth among rural Kenyan school communities and American school communities,” explained Jim Cummings, upper school social studies teacher and president of the nonprofit organization.

The Benjamin School maintains an active, cross-cultural experience with students in Kenya through letter writing and video exchanges, and has also helped to support school improvements in Kenya’s rural western community. Representatives from the Ebusiloli School visited Benjamin in 2006 and shared personal accounts of Kenyan life in TBS classrooms.

Currently, former TBS faculty member Cara Scarola is residing in Kenya and dedicating her talents and resources there.

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ryan silvester ’14

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Varsity Spotlight – Fall Sports B o y s ’ Va r s i t y G o l f Te a m F i n i s h e s 5 t h i n F l o r i d a

Regional championship team (photo above, left to right): Clancy Waugh, Rand Araskog, Taylor Szyndlar, Connor Barry, Coach Chris Healy, Head Coach Toby Harbeck, Alex Rosen, Brant Peaper, Morgan Lefferdink, Sean Boner, and Andrew Callahan.

G i r l s ’ C r o s s C o u n t r y Te a m Goes All the Way to State Left to right (back row): Carmel Cowie, Leah Dirkse, Meredith Anderson, Lyndsay Daubert, Hali Sammis, and Head Coach Bob Hohnadel; (third row): Coach Carol McGrath, Maddy Cohen, Rachel Reiter, Katherine Stanton, Crystal Rosatti, Jen Nestler, Cade Young, and Carley Zahringer; (second row): Maggie Jamison, Morgan Cox, Rachel Barber, Ashley Whitt, Abby Livesay, Mary Katherine McCloskey, Lindsay Reddington, and Katie Schepps; (front row): Annie Loppert, Sarah Phillips, Ana Garcia, Nataly Lambert, Rachel Harris, and Chloe Bieber.

Individual State Qualifiers

All-State Football

Tyler Schuster Zach Poznak First Team – Defense Second Team – Outback Steakhouse Defense All-Star

Matt de Groot Swimming

Mike Edwards Swimming

Chris Mandli Swimming

Kate Schwed Swimming

Roy Warren Swimming

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spotlight Palm Beach Post Names 17 to All-Area Teams F i r s t Te a m A l l - A r e a Connor Barry Golf Junior Connor Barry shot 76-73 to finish tied for 10th in the state Class 1A meet. He also finished in eighth place at the region 7-1A meet.

Cloe Mimun Volleyball Senior Cloe Mimun finished the regular season with 204 kills and 174 digs, leading the Bucs to the second round of the play-offs.

Zach Poznak Football – Defense A two-year starter at cornerback, senior Zach Poznak registered 85 tackles and had eight interceptions, returning two for touchdowns.

He also played fullback the second half of the season and scored three touchdowns for the Bucs.

S e c o n d Te a m A l l - A r e a

Andrew Ackerman Football – Defense

Katie Lotman Volleyball

Brant Peaper Golf

Taylor Szyndlar Golf

Honorable Mention

Meredith Anderson Cross Country

Cory Chaplin Football

Elizabeth Cooney Volleyball

Joe Gaudet Football

Conner Kempe Football

Nick O’Leary Football

Codi Mimun Volleyball

Tyler Schuster Football

Kate Schwed Swimming

Sarah Vorder Bruegge Golf

Continued on page 44.

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Varsity Spotlight – Fall Sports

Continued from page 43.

Upper School Fall Sports Awards BOWLING – BOYS

MVP MIP Coaches’ Award

VARSITY GOLF – BOYS

Alex Jackman Ryan Lynch Kyle Dean, Jeffrey Loppert

BOWLING – GIRLS

MVP MIP Coaches’ Award

Paige Kirstein Becksey Schinabeck Caroline Bowman

VARSITY CHEERLEADING

MVP MIP

Kristi Bentz, Loren Gutentag Francesca Zappa

CROSS COUNTRY – BOYS

MVP MIP Coaches’ Award

Middle School Fall Sports Awards

Coleman Romfh, Andrew Spinnenweber Patrick Murray Kyle Crossen, Chris Scoma

CROSS COUNTRY – GIRLS

MVP

MVP

Connor Barry, Taylor Szyndlar MIP Brant Peaper Coaches’ Award Rand Araskog

6th GRADE CHEERLEADING

VARSITY GOLF – GIRLS

7th/8th GRADE CHEERLEADING

MVP

MIP Coaches’ Award

Sarah Vorder Bruegge

JV GOLF – BOYS

MVP MIP Coaches’ Award

6th GRADE FOOTBALL TRI-COUNTY LEAGUE CHAMPIONS (8-0)

VARSITY SWIMMING – BOYS

Defensive MVP

MVP Roy Warren MIP Henry Jamison Coaches’ Award Kameron Sipowski

Offensive MVP

MIP Coaches’ Award

MVP Kate Schwed MIP Alex Hinson Coaches’ Award Brittany Musaffi

7th/8th GRADE FOOTBALL

MVP

Katie Lotman, Cloe Mimun MIP Elizabeth Cooney, Christie Nicklaus Coaches’ Award Kristen Emilson

MIP

VARSITY FOOTBALL

JV VOLLEYBALL (1)

MVP Coaches’ Award

Coaches’ Award JV FOOTBALL

MVP MIP Coaches’ Award

Josh Weinstein Jake Rosow Connor Davidson

Bennett Sousa, Blake Stewart James Theofilos, Jack Wilson Jerry O’Connor, Nick Quinn McKenna Johnston, Nick Wetterman

VARSITY SWIMMING – GIRLS

VARSITY VOLLEYBALL

Nick O’Leary Zach Poznak Kyle Gilmore, Dylan Nugent Conner Kempe, Tyler Schuster

Megan McCraney Jamie Corey, Belle Shea

MVP Sam Paone MIP Sterling Lambert Coaches’ Award Brad Krar

Lindsay Daubert, Carley Zahringer Most Outstanding Meredith Anderson MIP Katie Schepps Coaches’ Award Hali Sammis, Cade Young MVP – Offense MVP – Defense MIP

Danielle Moore Jax Smith Morgan Reichel

MVP

MVP

Raquel Bicknell, Erin Forrest MIP Nano Anderson, Ashley Raymond Coaches’ Award Kelsey Meany, Rebecca Toback JV VOLLEYBALL (2)

MIP

Nicole Villablanca, Jen Wallshein Coaches’ Award Abbey Coffman, Sophie Jervis, Brooke Johnson

Coaches’ Award Most Inspirational

Nicholas Theofilos, Spencer Zeiger Chris O’Leary, William Selfridge John Hardin, Tim Lynch Chris O’Leary

MS SOFTBALL

Sarah Forrest Sally Frankel, Arden Pettit

MS TENNIS

Coaches’ Award

Jesse Fenner, Kody Ruedisili, Ben Slavin, Shelbi Smolak

6th GRADE VOLLEYBALL

MVP MIP Coaches’ Award

Hannah LaBovick, Alex Zapata Ashley Cullifer, Jenna Li Alexandra Craissati, Kylee Sipowski

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elizabeth costa ’09

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Alumni Highlights Class Reunions and Holiday Events Reconnect Alumni Class of 19 82 Celebrates 25-Year Reunion Alumni from the class of 1982 assembled October 5 at Duffy’s Sports Grill in North Palm Beach to celebrate their 25-year reunion. A special thank you to Scott Brown and Mike Hewitt for helping to organize the reunion social!

(Left to right): Scott Brown, Bruce Bachtel, Mike Hewitt, Mike Viola, Cynthia Thomas Barry, Bruce Catanzaro, Lisa Ecclestone Erdmann, Kevin Umphrey, Cynthia Williams Core, Glen Criser, George Weston, Mike Leibowitz, Greg Hughes, and Eric Arkin.

TBS Grads Reunite at All-Alumni Holiday Party More than 200 alumni packed Rooney’s in Abacoa the evening of December 22 to celebrate with their former TBS classmates at the 2007 All-Alumni Holiday Party hosted by the Alumni Office. The event is held each year in December and reunites TBS graduates from all class years during the holiday season.

Upcoming Reunions Plans are under way for the following class reunions coming in the fall of 2008: Class of ’83 – 25-Year Reunion Class of ’87 – 20-Year Reunion Class of ’88 – 20-Year Reunion

Catherine Shaw Edwards ’98 and Christian Searcy ’98.

Class of ’97 – 10-Year Reunion Class of ’98 – 10-Year Reunion Class of ’03 – 5-Year Reunion We are still in need of reunion committee volunteers. If you would like to help, please contact Director of Alumni Relations Jessy Padon at jpadon@thebenjaminschool.org or 561-472-3487.

Ivy Ingram Larson ’94 and Andy Larson ’91.

(Left to right): Jamie Boykin ’04, Susan Dickson ’05, Matt Boykin ’99, Matt Corey ’04, and J.B. Corey ’07.

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Young Alumni Luncheon Welcomes Classes of 2006 and 2007

Class of 2002 Hosts 5-Year Reunion Members of the class of 2002 kicked off the holidays on December 22 with a 5-year reunion celebration at Panama Hattie’s Rum Bar in North Palm Beach. The reunion festivities coordinated

by Class Agent Jordie (Left to right): Jordan August, Brian Poncy continued Patterson, and Pallavi Shankaraiah. throughout the evening for the ’02 graduates at the All-Alumni Holiday Party celebrated at Rooney’s in Abacoa.

A special Young Alumni Luncheon celebration hosted December 20 by the Alumni Office on the Upper School Campus greeted the school’s newest alumni. Class of ’06 and ’07 alumni enjoyed dining beneath the outdoor pavilion with their former TBS classmates, teachers, and administrators at the third annual event.

(Left to right): Neil Goldsmith, Dan Stanton, Jason Milner, Nick Provenzo, and Kirsten Schooley.

Former Bucs Football Players Match Up in NC AA Competition Carnegie Mellon Tartans Robert Gimson ’04 (left) and Barrett Matevia ’06 (right) paired up in their September 1 match against the University of Rochester where former Bucs teammate Andrew Knight ’06 (center) is a member of the Yellowjackets’ squad.

Andrew and the Yellowjackets traveled to Schenectady, N.Y., for a September 22 match against Union College, whose roster includes former Bucs player Kevin Devine ’06 (right).

(Left side, front to back): Michelle Kirkman, Jana Samanich, and Alexandra Brady; (right side, front to back): Mary Kearns, Danielle Glogower, Jenna Smith, and Kate Velinsky.

University of Miami Performer Visits TBS Classes University of Miami senior Alix Paige Hyman ’04, who performed the lead role (Dot) in the university’s production of the Broadway musical Sunday in the Park with George, returned to the campus on September 21 and shared her experiences as a musical theater major in the UM conservatory with upper school dance and drama students. Alix also treated students to a sampling of British, Irish, and classical American vocal accents she has performed in various roles while at UM. “If you want to seriously pursue performing arts in college, be sure to learn as much as you can now in all areas – dance, voice, acting, instrumental, and even visual,” said the class of 2004 Benjamin graduate who played the lead in Cabaret her senior year at TBS, as well as performed several other vocal, dance, and musical theater roles.

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the buccaneer 2008 | alumni highlights

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Alumni Highlights

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Class Notes 1984

Beth Buntrock Vassale is pictured with her daughter, Sofia.

Jeff Howard is pictured here with his sons, Davis (3) and John (5).

1993

Will Lawler is pictured with his sister Helen Lawler ‘96.

1985

Michele Miller Masters is pictured at the beach in Cabo, Mexico, with her husband Andrew.

1988

David Szmukler and his wife, Marianna, are pictured vacationing in Morocco.

1991

Brad Flournoy is pictured with his wife, Darylynn, and their two sons.

2001

Katelyn Beebe Johnson is completing her Master of Science degree in nursing and plans to graduate in May. She and her husband, Joe, reside in Maryland and are pictured here at the White House.

Jessy Fulford Padon is pictured on her October 20, 2007, wedding day with her bridesmaids and fellow Benjamin grads Kimberly O’Rourke, Erin Fulford Gonzalez, Paige Maltby Bollenbacher, and Lizzie Patipa.

1998

Amanda Morey Garner, her husband, Jason, and their son, Ben, are pictured enjoying “A Day with Thomas the Train.”

Kara Miller Hebert is pictured with her husband, George, their son, Trip, and the family dog, Jack.

1995

Sarah Jaffe Renner and her husband, James, welcomed daughter, Kendall, on August 30.

Carolyn Sonville is pictured with her son.

Melissa Straub Janney is pictured with her husband, Brice, and their children Caroline, Jack, and Charlotte.

1997

2002

Pictured are Camden and Reef Carroll, children of Erin McRoberts Carroll.

1999

Vince Lardieri exhibited his work (pictured left) in November at The Meyerhoefer Gallery in Lake Worth.

1996

Jason Pierman and Amanda Warner Pierman ‘97 are pictured with their children, Ella and RJ.

Robert Collins Greer V completed his master’s degree in biomedical science and is in his first year of medical school at The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

2000

Megan McLaughlin, Cara Catalfumo, Kinga Krisko, Stacey Williamson, and Aarti Asnani are pictured at last summer’s Charlotte Greek Festival.

Christian Greer is completing his master’s degree in religious studies at the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

Christian graduated from Boston University in 2006 with a degree in religion and theology, and spent the last year teaching English in Tokyo, Japan.

2004

Ashton Kunkle (left), pictured with a fellow contestant, was crowned Miss Mideast on December 2 and will compete in the Miss Indiana pageant in June 2008.

Online You can make your gift today by going to www.thebenjaminschool.org.

Click on the “Give Online” button.

Cash The largest number of gifts and pledge payments made to the school are in the form of cash via written checks.

Credit Cards The school accepts gifts charged to VISA, MasterCard, or American Express.

Ways to Give to The Benjamin School

Appreciated Securities Appreciated securities can easily be given to the school either through a direct wire transfer or by mailing the stock certificate directly to The Benjamin School. There are distinct tax advantages in contributing stock that has appreciated and has been owned for more than one year. Before making a gift of stock, call 561-472-3452.

Matching Gifts Many corporations match employee’s gifts. The Development Office can provide a list of those corporations matching gifts. Matching gifts sometimes double, even triple, an individual’s gift and will be credited to the benefactor.

Planned Gifts There are a number of forms of beneficial charitable giving that provide opportunities to increase one’s spendable income, reduce estate taxes, reduce capital gains taxes, and conserve assets. Wills and bequests, life insurance, and trusts are ways to give. For more information, please call 561-472-3452.

Gifts Made in Honor or Memory The school accepts gifts made in honor of a faculty member or individual.

Memorial gifts are also accepted.

the

BUCCANEER

2008

hilary miller ’09

FALL/WINTER • VOLUME VI

matthew godown ’09

anthony cavallo ’21

katie murray ’14

carley zahringer ’08

11000 Ellison Wilson Road North Palm Beach, Florida 33408-3108

The Benjamin School admits students of any race, color, 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, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.