The Benjamin School Buccaneer magazine 2010

THE

BUCCANEER

2010

VOLUME VIII

The magazine of

FEATURED: Mandarin Chinese Comes Alive in Lower School

Lecture Series Highlights Leadership | The Heart of Middle School English

THE BENJAMIN SCHOOL BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Front row (left to right): Daniel W. Stanton (President), Laurie Scott Kazilionis, Gregory (Skip) Gozzo, Head of School Robert S. Goldberg (ex officio), Sheila Waugh, Thomas C. Frankel (Vice-President)

Second row (left to right): Lynda L. Jacobs, Rory A. Brown, Miriam Acosta-Castriz, Linda G. Reichel (Secretary), Lizet Guildford, Mitch Davidson

Third row (left to right): Joseph W. O’Connor (Treasurer) John W. Appleby, Joseph J. Zaluski, Brian K. Waxman ’86

Back row (left to right): David G. Lambert, S. Tucker S. Johnson, Ray Graziotto, Harold S. Reed, Kenneth R. Kennerly, Kenneth F. Kahn (not pictured) Charles Barker

2009-2010

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Lower/Middle School Campus Upper School Campus

11000 Ellison Wilson Road

4875 Grandiflora Road

North Palm Beach, Florida 33408

Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33418

www.thebenjaminschool.org

In This Issue

THE BENJAMIN SCHOOL Robert S. Goldberg Head of School STAFF OF THE BUCCANEER Editor Kathy Aiello, Ed. D. Director of Publications

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From the Head of School

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Campus Features 3-Year-Olds Discover Magical Worlds of Wonder Mandarin Chinese Comes to Life in Early Childhood Program Inaugural Ceremony Commemorates America’s Veterans Upper School Lecture Series Highlights Leadership The Heart of Middle School English Lower School Nurtures Vegetable Garden Dream Lives On at Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Breakfast Benjamin Olympics Marks 20-Year Anniversary

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Faculty Spotlight Endowment Award Honors Distinguished Teachers

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Thank You Benjamin Parents’ Association

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Academic Accolades Three Seniors Take Top Honors at Pathfinder’s Awards Ceremony National Honor Society Welcomes New Members Class of 2009 College and University Matriculation

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Giving and Getting Involved The Benjamin Founders’ Society The Annual Fund BASH Highlights

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Service to Community The Benjamin School Lends a Hand for Hearts and Hope Denim Days Bring Relief to Haiti Painting Their Hearts Out for Area Homeowners Trike-a-thon Pedals Support for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

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Bucs Sports Highlights

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Alumni Focus Interviews with Alumni: Rebecca Szmukler Seelig ’93, Brad Flournoy ’91, Derek Miller ’00, Linnie Supall ’03 Welcome Newest Alumni Alumni Class Notes

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In Loving Memory

Contributors: Advancement Office Staff John Haynie Director of Advancement Kathy Aiello, Gloria Boyd, Donna Minard, Jessy Fulford Padon ’01, Rhonda Thomas, Andriana Zachariades Contributing Photographers Neil Hayes Moya Studios Michael Price Photography Photo Submissions Kathy Aiello, Jessy Fulford Padon ’01, Rhonda Thomas

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561.626.3747

561.472.5998

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From the Head of School Dear Benjamin School Parents, As I sit at my office desk in Mr. Benjamin’s former classroom, I gaze out the large window overlooking the center playing field on the Lower/Middle School Campus. Today, the second Monday since our return from spring break, puts us in the final weeks of school year 2009-2010. My spirits were elevated last week when the view from my window again came alive with youngsters from 3 to 14 years old, running, playing and participating in a myriad of athletic games. It offers me comfort that this school year is not yet over. For an adult who has dedicated his professional career to children, the successes of a school year far outshine the sun peeking over the summer horizon. Still to come are final college admissions, Advanced Placement exams, prom, athletic and academic award ceremonies, graduation — many of the areas in which our Upper School shines brightly.

Robert S. Goldberg

My spirits were elevated last week when the view from my window again came alive with youngsters from 3 to 14 years old, running, playing and participating in a myriad

Most of you have longer experience at The Benjamin School than I do. However, still only in my second year, I continue to be awed by the academic, athletic and artistic competitiveness of this school.

I would feel remiss in not bringing some of the many highlights of this past academic year to the forefront.

Our seventh- and eighth-grade football season remained undefeated.

The sixth-grade program went all the way to the championship competition before losing its only game. Middle School girls’ volleyball finished

of athletic games.

champions

the conference as runners-up. Girls’ basketball finished third in conference play, while the “B Team” went undefeated. Boys’ sixth-grade basketball had a 12-1 season, with the seventhgrade program ending its season with a winning record. Eighth-grade boys’ basketball had a 13-1 regular season and ended up PTPSA Conference champions. Girls’ soccer finished the season with 8 wins, 2 losses and 1 tie.

On the Upper School athletic front, district titles were won in boys’ basketball, boys’ golf, boys’ lacrosse, and girls’ golf and volleyball. Girls’ soccer ended the season as the district runners-up.

As many of you will remember, our boys’ golf program took the state title this year. I was present this past Friday for the boys’ lacrosse district win

over Gardens, and I am ecstatic to report our regional quarterfinal win this past Saturday. Of course, all spring sports are now under way, and, winning seasons are being reported by the coaches in the Middle and Upper Schools.

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Where triumph at TBS is easy to find in all of the ways our students compete with their peers in other schools, athletics can offer the numerical definitiveness that brings the fine coaching and skill development at Benjamin into view.

Our Upper School student newspaper, the Pharcyde, was rated among the best high school newspapers in the nation, honored with the Gold Medalist Award from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. In particular, we

received “All-Columbian Honors” for coverage of the news and for writing and editing. In the past five years, the writers of the Pharcyde have earned 27 awards in The Palm Beach Post High School Journalism Awards Program.

Sixteen of our students were just recognized by the Florida Scholastic Press Association for their Pharcyde articles. Our paper took “Top Honors,” and the awards included 11 “All Florida,” nine “Excellents” and five “Honorable Mentions.” First-grade teacher Jen McDonough co-authored a book released this school year on teaching writing in the lower grades. TBS student work is represented, and our school is cited several times. Jen and her co-author, Georgia Heard, a TBS mom, traveled to the National Council of Teachers of English in Philadelphia where the book was officially launched and showcased.

Several Upper School students have been awarded the prestigious Scholastic Art Award, with some pieces identified for national competition. Each of 13 Middle School students who performed at the Florida Bandmasters Association Solo and Ensemble Festival received a “Superior” rating, the highest possible evaluation. Nine Upper School groups (from solo to quintet) participated in this same competition. Each of the groups was awarded one of the top 2 ratings, either “Superior” or “Excellent.” Thirty-five Middle School band students were chosen to participate at a special, statewide performance event at Universal Studios. Our cheerleaders and dance troop (the Dazzlers) travel to compete successfully against other schools and bring strong recognition to The Benjamin School.

Continued on page 4.

Thirty-five Middle School band students were chosen to participate at a special, statewide performance event at Universal Studios.

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From the Head of School

Continued from page 3.

than I have ever known previously. This is a testament to superior classroom instruction delivered by true experts in their field. Our college admission picture this year is extremely impressive, with highly selective colleges and universities looking very favorably upon Benjamin’s Class of 2010.

We very proudly boast Upper School student participation in Congrès (the French language competition), Conferencia (the Spanish language competition), a Mandarin Chinese language competition, Junior Statesmen of America (JSA), Harvard Model Congress (HMC), and Yale Model UN (YMUN). Classroom instruction is uniquely strong at Benjamin, with faculty who demonstrate a level of dedication to their students and subject matter that is not often found. In a long tenure as a teacher and administrator in fine independent schools, I have found scores in Advanced Placement exams at Benjamin to be higher, on average,

Our curricular sequence now includes 3-year-olds for the first time in the history of the school.

Although competitive prowess is a clear marker of success, I am equally enthusiastic over the expanded opportunities recently created for our students to excel.

Media coverage in The Palm Beach Post and local neighborhood papers has been extremely complimentary about these TBS initiatives. Our curricular sequence now includes 3-year-olds for the first time in the history of the school.

The little ones in this W.O.W. (Worlds of Wonder) year are learning Mandarin Chinese and Spanish, in addition to gaining initial exposure to a host of age-appropriate early

childhood experiences. The Learning Lab opened this school year to accommodate students in the Lower and Middle divisions who may be identified as in need of some acceleration or support in a given subject area. Our new A.C.E. (After-Care Enrichment) offerings provide academic, athletic, musical and other instruction for Lower School students after the traditional day is over. S.O.A.R. (Summer of Academic Readiness) has met with tremendous success as a new summer program option for students to transition more successfully to the next grade level in all three divisions of the school.

With elective courses, organizations and clubs continuing to proliferate throughout the grade levels, opportunities for leadership forever multiply. As a school that has dedicated itself to preparing our students for their lives in the 21st century, we are intentionally enhancing those skills that embrace cooperation, collaboration, team building, project-based learning, problem solving and interpersonal refinement.

enthusiasm

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Being good citizens who are kind and careful with one another is paramount in the curricular priorities we set forth.

Our 21st century view of the schoolhouse now includes the option for a15-year sequence in the study of a single world language, with a focus on spoken and written communication.

Students in the Lower and Middle divisions are being schooled in the value of agricultural sustainability by planning, building, planting and harvesting large vegetable gardens. Good decision making in terms of healthy personal choices is underscored within the curriculum.

As an example, each advisory group in the Middle School has been held responsible for creating and filming a 30- to 60-second video/ commercial to educate other students about tobacco, alcohol and drug abuse. All students have exposure to first-rate programming provided by the school designed to inhibit the societal tendencies to make harmful choices in these areas.

Our character education program is very dear to the adults in your children’s lives at school.

Community service, for example, is more robust at Benjamin than at any other school I have known. Being good citizens who are kind and careful with one another is paramount in the curricular priorities we set forth. With technology celebrated as a major driver in the instructional paradigm of this school, cyber safety and appropriate use have taken a position of core importance. Opportunities for leadership abound and are defined and encouraged at every grade level. The Upper School is in its second year of hosting the Leadership Speakers Series, where individuals with unique stories of accomplishment present their personal philosophies to a gymnasium filled with the ninth through 12th-grade classes.

These presentations have been met with awe and respect by our Upper School students.

The Middle School has developed a Career Day program, where students “dress for success,” hear from highly regarded and successful members of our local community, and “interview” for positions, in the school’s effort to provide simulated circumstances that will soon confront these younger adolescents in their real lives.

students. My colleagues and I, along with members of the board of trustees, are here to assure you that every effort has been and will continue to be made to promote a world-class preparation in academics, arts, athletics and the values necessary for an enriching adulthood, not for our own present, but for our students’ future. As we approach our 50th anniversary year starting August 2010, a letter of this comprehensive nature and length is provided as a proclamation of our commitment on behalf of your children.

We are currently in the third year of a five-year strategic plan, a road map for The Benjamin School toward a 21st century education for our

Robert S. Goldberg Head of School

If you have reached these concluding remarks, you have chosen to make yourself “available” to learn about the value you have bestowed upon your sons and daughters with the gift of a Benjamin School education. I implore you to encourage other TBS parents to take the time necessary to attain a level of awareness regarding this “gift of gifts” you have awarded your children. It is critical that we all join hands in partnership as we prepare these fortunate students for what lies ahead. Thank you for your faith in us to challenge young people to be the very best they can be.

Sincerely,

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3-Year-Olds Discover Magical

by Kathleen H. Aiello, Ed. D.

R O

F O S LD

W The exciting and newly established Worlds of Wonder (W.O.W.) early childhood program welcomed the inaugural class of 3-year-olds when campus doors opened on the first day of school.

The Benjamin School embarked upon its 49th year on August 18 with 32 new students in the school’s youngest grade level. Two full classes of 16 students each have been traveling through an exhilarating world of academic discovery on the Lower/Middle School Campus.

The young Buccaneers are expanding their creativity, imagination, and social skills with the introduction of music, art, dance, drama, and imaginary play. The program is also helping students to advance their emerging communication skills with pre-writing and reading readiness activities, and the favored story time hour. The inquisitive preschoolers are exploring science and nature hands-on, and delving into mathematics using a multisensory approach.

With world language lessons taught by native speakers, the young students are engaging in Mandarin Chinese and the Spanish language.

“Learning activities in the W.O.W. program were designed by our faculty to promote a positive self-image, creativity, imagination, and developmentally appropriate social skills,” explained Head of Lower School Robyn Quaid. “Enrichment activities further fascinate, delight, and

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discovery

WON

W.O.W .

DE R

inspire young minds, creating for our students an excitement for learning and the world around them.”

It has been a year to celebrate dreams, with the Lower School underscoring a year of wonderment as its 2009-2010 partnering initiative with the Worlds of Wonder program. “When children wonder about what they encounter and explore in life, things seemingly incidental, become magical,” said Mrs. Quaid.

For Benjamin’s new 3-year-olds who have carved their mark on campus, it has been a captivating year, filled with the amazement of dreams, daring, and doing – and the magnificent enchantment of a wondrous world.

The magazine of

“Oh, the places we’ll go!”

— Dr. Seuss

“When children wonder about what they encounter and explore in life, things seemingly incidental, become magical.”

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Mandarin Chinese Comes to Life in many of whom took Spanish and French since their Benjamin beginnings, also added Mandarin to their studies this year in a newly established early-morning enrichment class led

by Mrs. Zhang.

“Mandarin Chinese is a force in the western world, and is one of those ‘critical’ languages,” said Head of School Robert Goldberg. “By the time these students who are now taking Mandarin Chinese graduate from The Benjamin School, they will have taken 15 years of Chinese, plus either Spanish or French. They will be able to speak, read, and write the language, and will be able to work with people of diverse cultures.”

For 3- and 4-year-olds, classes with Mandarin Chinese teacher Peili Zhang are fun and fastpaced, with music and visual aids to help Benjamin’s youngest students learn the new world language offering in the lower school early childhood program.

“Mandarin Chinese is a force in the western world, and is one of those ‘critical’ languages.”

For the past three years, classes in Mandarin Chinese have been offered in the Upper School. Now, PK3, prekindergarten children, and second-graders are learning Chinese, in addition to French and Spanish. An ambitious classroom of students in the Middle School,

For preschool students, the emphasis is on speaking Mandarin Chinese. Second-graders not only learn to speak the language, but to read it as well. “We use placards with the Chinese symbols as visual reminders of the words the children sing for their class,” explained Mrs. Zhang. “Younger students don’t question why Chinese looks different than the

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Early Childhood Program

by Kathleen H. Aiello, Ed. D.

“Students are celebrating multiculturalism and learning to extend the friendship in their hearts to everyone throughout our vast world.”

culture English alphabet. The Chinese alphabet to them is just pictures and that is how I teach it. For instance, two strokes on the Chinese symbol for ‘father’ looks like a mustache, so I use that to help students remember what the word means.”

To showcase their knowledge and excitement for their new world language, the lower school Mandarin students brought the spirit of the 2010 Chinese New Year to a festive roar at a special lower school lineup assembly. The February 12 holiday program celebrating the Year of the Tiger featured a traditional lion dance parade, colorful costumes, Happy New Year rhymes, and entertaining vocal performances, all presented in Chinese.

“Students are celebrating multiculturalism and learning to extend the friendship in their hearts

to everyone throughout our vast world,” said Mrs. Zhang, a native of China, who came to the United States in 1989 as an exchange student after learning English in her country. Mrs. Zhang earned her undergraduate degree from Whitman College in Washington state. She has since earned three additional master’s degrees, in English as a second language, in business, and in linguistics. After working in the business world for six years, she joined the faculty at Suncoast High School and established the school’s Mandarin Chinese program before coming to TBS this year.

“Fortunately, The Benjamin School had the vision to introduce Mandarin Chinese to students at such a young age,” said Mrs. Zhang. “Language is vital, and when students begin to learn it at an early age, it is so natural, and becomes part of their lives.

world language

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“We are indebted to all servicemen and women for their steadfast commitment to protect the ideals and freedoms that make our country strong...”

Inaugural Ceremony Commemorates America’s Veterans

by Kathleen H. Aiello, Ed. D.

The distinguished veterans represented a culmination of those who served in World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, as well as those who served during peace time, in addition to those presently serving our country.

Neil Culhane, co-dean of college counseling and advisor to the host Red Cross Club, welcomed guests on behalf of Florida Governor Charlie Crist, who conveyed his well wishes in a letter to the audience. “We are indebted to all servicemen and women for their steadfast commitment to protect the ideals and freedoms that make our country strong...I join with those gathered in recognition of veterans of our Armed Forces...”

Dwyer High School Jr. ROTC Color Guard Cadets, under the command of Master Sergeant Kevin McKeever, marched in precision as they presented the American and state flags for the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Upper school chorus and band members, directed by Dr. Alexander Nagy, led the audience in singing the National Anthem, followed by the cadets performing the military rifle drill.

The patriotic ambiance of dignity, gratitude, and inspiration overflowed within the Healey Athletic Complex at the inaugural Upper School Campus Veterans Day ceremony. TBS students, faculty, and staff assembled November 11 to honor 35 American veterans seated front court in the campus gymnasium. The military honorees who served in various branches of the U.S. Armed Forces included relatives of upper school students, area residents, and members of Benjamin’s own upper school faculty and staff, including Steve Hamel, Dave Parks, Frank Taylor, Randy Rhodes, and the late Dan Wissner.

A heartfelt address delivered by Army Lieutenant Colonel Robert Bozic further captured the dignity and reverence of the afternoon ceremony.

The accomplished 1985 TBS alumnus is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point where he is currently stationed and serving as assistant professor in the department of chemistry. For over 20 years, Bozic has continuously served on active duty in the Army Corps of Engineers. His numerous deployments include assignments with Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Joint Endeavor, Operation Desert Shield, and Operation Desert Storm, to name a few.

For his heroic efforts and dedicated service, the Army has awarded Bozic with numerous commendations, including the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Multinational Force and Observer Medal, and many more.

freedom

campus features | the buccaneer 2010

patriotism Lower and middle school students and faculty also offered tribute to America’s veterans with the campus’ 2009 Veterans Day ceremony hosted in the Lower/Middle School gymnasium. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, and a powerful solo performance of God Bless America delivered by fifth-grade vocalist Rebecca Suskauer, the audience welcomed three honored veterans with a rousing standing ovation – TBS staff members and distinguished veterans Dave Parks and Brian Panczak, and Benjamin parent Todd Ruedisili.

“It’s an honor to be here at my former school with our veterans,” said Bozic, as he stood at attention to salute fellow members of the Armed Forces.

“I thank you veterans for your courage, for your sacrifice, and for standing up when America needed you. I also want the school to know how much I appreciated receiving your kind notes and letters from my family, classmates, and others at Benjamin while serving overseas. Thank you for the honor today and for your continued support.”

In solemn procession, the cadets marched center court and paid homage to America’s war dead with the ritualistic military flag-folding ceremony, narrated by Red Cross Club Vice-President Nikita Bansal.

The somber tone of Taps, performed by freshmen trumpeters Randall Doane and Natasha Zachariades, echoed throughout the gymnasium to retire the colors and conclude the campus’ first annual Veterans Day ceremony.

“It was a wonderful and significant afternoon at the Upper School Campus,” said Mr. Culhane, as the audience filed out with the band playing John Philip Sousa’s classic The Washington Post march.

For certain, it was an inspirational tribute, warming the hearts of both young and old – one boasting unwavering patriotism, earnest gratitude, and steadfast American pride.

“I thank you veterans for your courage, for your sacrifice, and for standing up when America needed you.”

The morning commemoration included select poetry readings by eighth-grade presenters Courtney Doran and Casey Pearce, and the sounding of Taps by trumpeters Kyle Ruedisili, Edward Rieck, and Jack Wilson, conducted by Middle School Band Director Bruce Huber.

“It is an important day for all Americans to remember those who have given so much to allow us the freedom we all share,” said Middle School Social Studies Department Chair Marshall Mullnix, coordinator of the annual ceremony. “Take a moment to thank our own honored guests with us today. Take the time to thank a veteran.”

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Upper School Lecture Series Highlights Leadership

by Kathleen H. Aiello, Ed. D.

The Leadership Lecture Series, established on the Upper School Campus, encourages bright young people in the process of learning to stretch to their highest levels of potential by firsthand, face-to-face exposure to some of society’s great achievers.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees Daniel Stanton brought the innovative concept to Head of School Robert Goldberg last year to help infuse The Benjamin School’s rigorous college preparatory curriculum with that element of distinctiveness that often defines its offerings.

“Since its inception, the Leadership Lecture Series has introduced the upper school student body to five prominent achievers,” said co-Dean of College Counseling Kristen Learner, who works with Mr. Stanton and a student committee to facilitate the speaker visits held in the Healey Athletic Complex gymnasium.

Mr. Jack Nicklaus opened the Leadership Lecture Series as the inaugural guest speaker.

“In addition to being the greatest golfer to have ever played the game to date, he has been extremely involved in our local community and with The Benjamin School since its formative days,” said Mr. Goldberg. “We are honored that Mr. Nicklaus was the first presenter in this exciting program.”

Board of Trustees Chairman Daniel Stanton and TBS Trustee Emeritus Jack Nicklaus

Mr. Robert Wright, the president and CEO of NBC for more than 20 years, served as the second speaker in the series.

“Mr. Wright is recognized as one of the strongest leaders in both broadcast and cable television Robert Wright, founder of during that period,” Autism Speaks said Mr. Goldberg.

“In the last several years, Bob and his wife, Suzanne, founded and developed Autism Speaks. The nonprofit organization has raised tens of millions of dollars to increase research on autism and broaden public awareness. We are grateful Bob Wright joined us to share his insights with our students.”

Three additional speakers in the ongoing lecture series have addressed ninth through 12thgraders this year, including Mr. Miles Nadal. Mr. Nadal is an international entrepreneur and philanthropist, and chairman and CEO of MDC Partners, a worldwide marketing and communications network.

Mr. Nadal is recognized for his significant contributions to the

Miles Nadal, CEO of MDC Partners

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leadership “We will continue to bring representative leaders in fields of business, finance, politics, education, science, medicine, athletics, the arts, and other areas of interest to our students through this special program.”

Reena Foundation, an organization committed to integrating people with developmental handicaps into the mainstream of society.

During separate Leadership Lecture Series presentations in February, students were introduced to Mr. Paul Callahan and Ms. Alison Levine, who shared their own extraordinary achievements and contributions despite their physical adversities.

Mr. Callahan, who is a quadriplegic, is a former Wall Street investment advisor who serves as CEO of Shake-A-Leg Foundation. The nonprofit organization is a national leader in therapeutic sailing programs allowing children, adolescents,

Paul Callahan, CEO of Shake-A-Leg Foundation

Leadership Lecture Series committee members welcome golf legend Jack Nicklaus to campus. Front row (left to right): Meredith Primm, Katherine Stanton, and Jakel Osborne; back row (left to right): Josh Weinstein, Mr. Nicklaus, Dan Gross, and Rishi Loungani.

and adults of varying abilities to dramatically improve their lives. Mr. Callahan, whose disabled Sonar sailing team was ranked No. 1 in the USA for 2009, is currently working with a team of naval architects and engineers to adapt the first-ever, 12-metre America’s Cup boat to be handled by crew members with physical disabilities.

Ms. Levine, recognized as one of the most experienced female mountaineers in the country, despite having been born with a life-threatening heart condition, led the first American Women’s Everest Expedition

Alison Levine, founder of Climb High Foundation

as the team captain. She dedicates herself to improving the lives of jobless women in Africa through the Climb High Foundation.

Ms. Levine founded the organization to help train women to work as trekking guides in their local mountains.

If the exceptional lineup of presenters thus far is any indication, the Leadership Lecture Series is off to an extraordinary beginning. “We will continue to bring representative leaders in the fields of business, finance, politics, education, science, medicine, athletics, the arts, and other areas of interest to our students through this special program,” said Mr. Goldberg.

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The Heart of Middle School English

by Kathleen H. Aiello, Ed. D.

There’s a budding romance in middle school English classes with the union of reading and writing at the heart of the alluring affair. Sixth-, seventh-, and eighthgraders are nurturing an affection for literature and its partnering writing craft, with an engaging curriculum of innovative learning strategies.

“Our students are exploring the art of communication with initiatives designed to empower their self-expression,” said Ms. Kathleen Devine, chair of the middle school English department. Lunchtime and evening potluck book clubs, classroom libraries, annotated note taking with SMART Boards, laptop software for writing assessment, murals gracing walls with grammar and literary quotations, and classroom occasions for independent reading, are many of the imaginative activities students are eagerly undertaking.

As they progress through the division’s English program, students delve into a challenging study of vocabulary and grammar, the writing process, and an appreciation of close reading with in-depth analysis of fine literary works – novels, short stories, essays, poetry, myths, plays, folktales, and more.

“Critical essay writing emphasizing the perfection of craft and grammatical expression encourages independent and creative analysis of the literature,” said Ms. Devine.

“The teacher’s continual feedback encourages students to be articulate grammarians and writers,” added faculty member Dr. Tina James, who teaches the eighth-grade English Enrichment course and directs the division’s annual Poetry and Prose Night celebration.

For middle school English students captivated with reading and writing, a charming bond is emerging. Like the heart of a tantalizing romance, the two shall be as one.

“Talent alone cannot make a writer.

There must be a man behind the book.”

— Henry David Thoreau

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Lower School Nurtures Vegetable Garden

by Kathleen H. Aiello, Ed. D.

The plants gracing the land circling the flagpole on the Lower/Middle School Campus are blooming with an abundance of fresh vegetables in the newly planted vegetable garden.

“Students from every grade in the Lower School have been actively involved planting and cultivating the vegetable garden that we planted this year,” said faculty member Susan Bickel, who has been leading the division project. “Parent volunteers have also been instrumental in assisting us with land preparation and many aspects of the garden.”

Students are discovering how to care for the many vegetables they planted from seedlings, including lettuce, tomatoes, beans, potatoes, corn, peppers, eggplant, cauliflower, radishes, broccoli, and more.

“They are investigating growth stages of the plants and learning cultivation methods to help their crops stay healthy and productive,” explained Mrs. Bickel. Weeding and watering are also part of the duties of maintaining a healthy garden. “During their observations, students have been journaling, taking notes, sketching, and measuring the growth of their plants,” said Mrs. Bickel. “Photographs are taken of the plots on a regular basis to help provide a visual chronology of plant development and growth.”

Even during the winter cold snap, students discovered the importance of plant care, including irrigation and temperature control. “Fourth- and fifthgrade classes came out and covered the plants with plastic tarps to protect the vegetables from freezing,” said Mrs. Bickel. “Fortunately, the garden is healthy and new growth is thriving.”

The hands-on ecological science project is also teaching students about nutrition, conservation, and the importance of sustaining the environment as they take on the responsibility of caring for their plants and observing the success of their labors.

“Gardening is a wonderful way to teach kids about respecting the physical world around them, while instilling a lifelong love of nature,” added Mrs. Bickel. “We are proud of the work our students are doing right here on campus to help build a greener planet.”

“Students from every grade in the Lower School have been actively involved planting and cultivating the vegetable garden that we planted this year.”

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“To fulfill Dr. King’s dream, we must roll up our sleeves and make our words match our deeds.”

Dream Lives On at Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Breakfast

by Kathleen H. Aiello, Ed. D.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream transformed into reality when a bus boycott in Montgomery, Ala., revealed to America how peaceful protest could bring about social change. The historic event in 1955 sparked the nation into action and thrust Dr. King to the forefront of the civil rights movement.

To commemorate his message of leadership, education, and social justice, the Office of Multicultural Affairs kicked off the campus’ first annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Breakfast in the Lower/Middle School Campus gymnasium – to help keep the dream alive.

“This was our way to inform the community at-large about our school’s diversity efforts and emphasize the imperative to live out Dr. King’s legacy today in our homes, communities, and schools,” explained Director of Multicultural Affairs Brad Pazant.

“This event represents the school putting a firm foot forward in its commitment to diversity,” said Head of School Robert Goldberg. “It’s time we come together in the name of diversity and multiculturalism.”

The January 29 inaugural celebration breakfast featured keynote speaker, Ric Blackwell, news anchor and reporter for CBS affiliate WPEC, channel 12, who addressed the morning audience of representative students, faculty, and administrators, in addition to community guests.

“Dr. King’s vision of racial equality and an end to discrimination had a tremendous impact on me personally,” said Mr. Blackwell. “He taught all of us the importance of community involvement, global awareness, and public service. To fulfill Dr. King’s dream, we must roll up our sleeves and make our words match our deeds.”

Program presenters (left to right): Ric Blackwell, Anthony Robinson, Hannah LaBovick, Brad Pazant, Breezy Leassear, and Frank Cunningham.

Guests also learned the personal impact of Dr. King’s words and deeds from impassioned presentations by speakers Anthony Robinson, North Palm Beach Executive Director of the American Cancer Society, junior R.A.C.E. (Respecting All Cultures Equally) Club President Frank Cunningham, and Student Council Presidents Hannah LaBovick (Middle School) and Nano Anderson (Upper School).

Additionally, the audience was treated to a featured video presentation of TBS students reciting Dr. King’s renowned “I Have a Dream” speech, as well as a video showcasing the Worlds of Wonder students singing a special tribute for the opening event.

Perhaps it was the universal sentiment of Dr. King’s final words from his “I Have a Dream” speech reverberating throughout the gymnasium at the conclusion of the morning tribute that roused the audience to its feet. As fifth-grader Breezy Leassear eloquently boomed the famous words of Dr. King – “Free at least!

Free at last! Thank God almighty, we are free at last!” – the audience parted, knowing with unmistakable certainty, “the dream lives on!”

campus features | the buccaneer 2010

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Olympic founders Peter Graham and Steve Hamel

Benjamin Olympics Marks 20-Year Anniversary

by Kathleen H. Aiello, Ed. D.

The parade of countries circling the athletic field accompanied by the marching sounds of the middle school band signaled the start of the 20th annual Olympic celebration on the Lower/Middle School Campus.

Honored guests, retired Head of School and former Lower School Head Peter Graham and Assistant Athletic Director Steve Hamel, who brought the games to the Lower School two decades ago, joined Head of Lower School Robyn Quaid, student torchbearers, and senior members of the 14-Year Club for the 20th anniversary opening ceremonies.

“It’s wonderful to be back,” said Mr. Graham, who now lives in Ocala, Fla., and New Hampshire since his 2004 retirement.

“This campus is beautiful and has really grown, and the Upper School Campus is great. There are a lot of great memories here, including the Olympics.”

What began in 1990 as an educational endeavor to learn more about the world in which we live, has grown into an event that takes on the true characteristics of the Olympic spirit, exemplifying the strength of friendship, solidarity, and fair play. Each classroom in grades one through five adopts a country and explores its customs and culture in detail. The Benjamin Olympic Day is the culmination of a monthlong multicultural study, and a day in which each class represents its country, yielding an athletic event spirited with competition among nations.

“I would practice about six weeks with the kids to prepare them for their field events,” said Mr. Hamel, who began the lower school physical education program and incorporated the Olympics into the plan. “We had a lot of relay-type events and we’d practice those as a team and as a class. Students knew how to do all of their events and looked forward to the friendly competition.”

With the ceremonial lighting of the Olympic flame the morning of February 5, and the announcement of “Let the games begin,” The Benjamin School celebrated another longstanding tradition and a crowning moment of the lower school year, as the pair of Olympic “founding fathers” proudly looked on.

the buccaneer 2010 | Faculty spotlight

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Faculty Spotlight Peter and Jody Graham Endowment Award Honors Distinguished Teachers Hats off to faculty members Cheryl McCluskey, Gabriele St. Martin, and Sue Ball – the 2009 recipients of the Peter and Jody Graham Distinguished Teaching Chair Endowment Award presented by Head of School Robert Goldberg and division heads Jay Selvig (Upper School), Charles Hagy (Middle School), and Robyn Quaid (Lower School) at the August 13 back-to-school faculty and staff meeting on the Upper School Campus.

The Peter and Jody Graham Distinguished Teaching Chair Endowment Award recognizes and rewards demonstrated excellence in teaching and related duties, including dedication, hard work, length of service, loyalty to the school, and extracurricular contributions.

Cheryl McCluskey, now in her 10th year at TBS, earned her Master of Education degree from Nova Southeastern University and her bachelor’s degree from James Madison University. Mrs. McCluskey teaches lower school physical education and chairs the division’s physical education department. She also coaches lower and middle school lacrosse and directs the annual Olympics.

Gabriele St. Martin, chair of the middle school science department, earned her master’s degree in gifted education from Northeastern Illinois University, where she also earned her bachelor’s degree in education.

Mrs. St. Martin teaches sixth-grade science and has been a middle school faculty member for five years. She serves on the school’s sustainability committee whose initiatives have been instrumental in TBS receiving the Green School of Quality Award.

Sue Ball, a 22-year teacher who earned her bachelor’s degree in physical education and health from Montclair University, joined the TBS faculty five years ago in the upper school physical education department. Ms. Ball teaches health and physical education and coaches girls’ middle school volleyball and basketball.

The Peter and Jody Graham Distinguished Teaching Chair Endowment Award was established in 2005 by Mrs. Robert Myers and the Myers family in honor of former Head of School Peter Graham, along with his wife, Jody Graham, the former director of admission.

Bank of America Distinguished Service Endowment Award Honors Jeri Cole Jeri Cole, the administrative assistant to the head of school, has served in numerous capacities throughout her 22-year career at The Benjamin School, and was also honored at the back-toschool gathering with the Bank of America Distinguished Service Endowment Award.

Her many contributions as a support staff member are recognized as vital to the school.

Mrs. Cole is the spouse of middle school science teacher, Ken Cole, who is retiring in June after 50 years of teaching. The couple, who are parents of TBS alumni Joe ’88 and Cheryl ’96, have been affiliated with the school for 40 years.

The Bank of America Distinguished Service Endowment Award recognizes and rewards a member(s) of the Benjamin faculty and/or staff whose contributions demonstrate distinguished service to the school. Other qualities of merit for the award include dedication, hard work, length of service, loyalty to the school, and extracurricular contributions. The endowment award was established in 2005 by Bank of America.

Thank You | the buccaneer 2010

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Thank You...Benjamin Parents’ Association!

A special thank you to the Benjamin Parents’ Association for enhancing communications, understanding, and support among the school’s administration, faculty, board of trustees, parents, and the student body. The BPA strives to improve the quality of campus life by providing programs and activities that encourage participation and unity within the school community and enrich the academics, arts, and athletics of the school.

200 9-2010 Benjamin Parents’ Association Operating Board President, Sara Peckham President-Elect, Lisa Schor Vice-President/Communications Coordinator, Amy Devore Secretary, Maryanne Lutz Treasurer, Jack Weir Past President, ex officio, Karen Sendler Student Services Representatives, Susan Poncy, Dr. Amy Taylor Volunteer Coordinator, Jeanne Coudert Lower School Grade Liaison Coordinator, Tarry Graziotto Middle School Grade Liaison Coordinator, Meredith Logan Upper School Grade Liaison Coordinator, Dr. Thomas Matese Sports Liaison, Tami Kempe New Family Ambassador Chair, Lynn Shapiro Community Events Coordinators, Robin Martin, Maria McCraney Hospitality Committee Chair, Margi Vorder Bruegge Members at Large, Chris Handler, Lyn Michels, Joe Roche

The BPA strives to improve the quality of campus life by providing programs and activities that encourage participation and unity within the school community...

thank you

the buccaneer 2010 | academic Accolades

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Academic Accolades Three Seniors Take Top Honors at Pathfinder’s Awards Ceremony

CLASS OF 2010 PATHFINDER NOMINEES

Emily Fisher Academic Excellence

The Palm Beach Post named Class of 2010 members, Cory Weinberg (Communications), Jake Rosow (Business), and John Thomas (Music/Instrumental), this year’s winners in its 2010 Pathfinder High School Scholarship Awards program held May 12 at the Kravis Center. The awards are presented annually to Palm Beach and Martin counties’ high school seniors who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in select academic, arts, vocational, and athletic categories. Each of the first place winners received a $3,000 scholarship at the awards presentation.

Molly Zeiger Art

Jake Rosow Business

Cory Weinberg Communications

Taylor Celedinas Community Involvement

Minh Ly Computer Science

Alexandra Hinson Drama

Brooke Johnson Foreign Language

Max Kaye Forensics/Speech

Kelsey Meaney History/Political Science

Josh Weinstein Literature

pathfinders Max Horowitz Mathematics

John Thomas Michael Robo Music/Instrumental Science

Nano Anderson Sports

academic accolades | the buccaneer 2010

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honor society National Honor Society Welcomes New Members Congratulations to the 40 new candidates welcomed into The Benjamin School Chapter of the National Honor Society.

The 2009-2010 fall and spring candlelight induction ceremonies were held in the Barker Performing Arts Center. Each of the inductees was elected into the National Honor Society by the Faculty Council and satisfied the criteria for membership by demonstrating excellence in scholarship, character, leadership, and service.

This year’s inductees include seniors Catherine Peck-Phillips, Patrick Murray, and Jared Strasser; juniors Raquel Bicknell, Lindy Bradford, Jamie Burke, Christine Casey, Cara Cecchini, Abbey Coffman, Lexi Coudert, Frank Cunningham, Bryan Doane, Ryan Farriss, Jared Fishman, Kelly Friedlander, Zachary Krumholz, Olivia Loving, Maren McRoberts, Matt Murray, Christie Nicklaus, Katie Petterson, Lindsay Reddington, Crystal Rosatti, Erica Schwed, Jane Schwed, Nicole Villablanca, Jenn Wallshein, and Haley Weiss; and sophomores Savannah Barkdull, Erika Castriz, Taylor Cogsil, Mallory Cotter, Katherine Davis, Sara Forrest, Cameron Kaplan, Annie Loppert, Austin Pepper, Ben Slavin, Hunter Toro, and Mariana Zindel.

the buccaneer 2010 | academic accolades

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Class of 2009 College and University Andrew Ackerman . . . . . . . . Middlebury College Robert Alexander . . . . . . . . . University of Central Florida Alan Armour . . . . . . . . . . . . University of St. Andrews, Scotland Erika Bain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . College of Charleston Laura Baker-Finch . . . . . . . . New York University Samrit Bansal . . . . . . . . . . . . Florida Gulf Coast University Rachel Barber . . . . . . . . . . . Emmanuel College Connor Barry . . . . . . . . . . . . Florida State University Edward Basso. . . . . . . . . . . . Rice University Robert Berger . . . . . . . . . . . University of Notre Dame William Black . . . . . . . . . . . . University of Alabama Hayden Blank . . . . . . . . . . . . University of Maryland Calli Bradford . . . . . . . . . . . . University of Alabama David Brock . . . . . . . . . . . . . University of Alabama Alexandra Browne . . . . . . . Pepperdine University Samuel Bubis . . . . . . . . . . . . University of Alabama Andrew Callahan . . . . . . . . Wake Forest University Heather Chilvers . . . . . . . . . University of Florida Maddy Cohen . . . . . . . . . . . Columbia University Sydney Collins . . . . . . . . . . . Texas Christian University Elizabeth Cooney . . . . . . . . University of Notre Dame Carmel Cowie. . . . . . . . . . . . Denison University Kendall Cunningham . . . . . Boston College Lyndsay Daubert . . . . . . . . . Boston College Matthew DeGroot . . . . . . . . Oxford College of Emory University Joseph Dirkse . . . . . . . . . . . Loyola University Chicago Elizabeth Doane . . . . . . . . . University of Notre Dame Drew Doherty . . . . . . . . . . . The Ohio State University Michael Edwards . . . . . . . . . University of Mississippi Hallie Eisenberg . . . . . . . . . Michigan State University Marissa Englander . . . . . . . University of Pennsylvania Jacqueline Espy . . . . . . . . . . New York University Griffin Farriss . . . . . . . . . . . . University of Southern California Carlos Fernandez . . . . . . . . The Citadel Michael Firestone . . . . . . . . Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Kelly Ford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . College of Charleston Matthew Gale . . . . . . . . . . . Boston University Gabriela Garcia . . . . . . . . . . University of Central Florida Joseph Gaudet . . . . . . . . . . University of Alabama Harrison Gimbel. . . . . . . . . . University of Alabama Kendall Glazer . . . . . . . . . . . Tulane University Brittani Glogower. . . . . . . . . Florida Atlantic University

Matthew Godown . . . . . . . . . Gettysburg College Andrew Goldenberg . . . . . . University of Mississippi Daniel Gross. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Union College Loren Gutentag . . . . . . . . . . . Nova Southeastern University John Harrison . . . . . . . . . . . . . University of Florida John Hoecker . . . . . . . . . . . . University of Central Florida Stephen Homan. . . . . . . . . . . Susquehanna University Kirby Kempe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rice University Arielle Klein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marist University Jennifer Kochman . . . . . . . . . Syracuse University Bradley Krar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . University of Florida Elliot Larkin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . University of Florida Rishi Loungani . . . . . . . . . . . . University of Central Florida Shannon Lyles . . . . . . . . . . . . Florida State University Kimberly Lynch . . . . . . . . . . . Florida State University Jason Malone . . . . . . . . . . . . Sarah Lawrence College Christopher Mandli . . . . . . . . St. Louis University Hamilton Matevia. . . . . . . . . . Indiana University Alexis Matte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Florida State University Alessandra McCraney . . . . . . University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Kelly McCloskey . . . . . . . . . . . Southern Methodist University Emilio Melgen . . . . . . . . . . . . Barry University Haley Merritt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . University of Florida Sara Merson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . University of Florida Amanda Meyer . . . . . . . . . . University of Florida Benjamin Meyer . . . . . . . . . University of Michigan Hilary Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . University of Pennsylvania Nicolas Moroz . . . . . . . . . . . . Florida Gulf Coast University William O’Leary . . . . . . . . . . . University of Mississippi Ardian Paloka . . . . . . . . . . . . . Palm Beach Community College Brant Peaper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Indiana University Dakota Penza . . . . . . . . . . . . . University of Alabama Steven Perlberg . . . . . . . . . . Washington University in St. Louis Eric Petterson . . . . . . . . . . . . University of Central Florida Kelly Ritenour . . . . . . . . . . . . . University of Alabama Jeffrey Robinson. . . . . . . . . . . Southern Methodist University Coleman Romfh. . . . . . . . . . . University of Miami Alexander Rosen . . . . . . . . . . Halmstad University, Sweden Allison Rothschild . . . . . . . . . Washington University in St. Louis Randall Sabella. . . . . . . . . . . . Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Maximiliane Schinabeck . . . . College of Charleston Tyler Selman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Florida State University

academic accolades | the buccaneer 2010

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Matriculation

(As of May 29, 2009)

Dylan Sloane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Florida Atlantic University Michael Speh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loyola University Chicago John Spinnenweber . . . . . . . . . . . University of Florida Kerry Stern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . University of Florida Erika Strasser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vanderbilt University Andrew Swain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New College of Florida Taylor Szyndlar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jacksonville University

Rebecca Toback. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . University of Michigan Emilee Trotta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loyola University New Orleans Colin Weiss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boston University Ashley Whitt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Florida State University Benjamin Young . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boston University Santiago Zindel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Middlebury College

the buccaneer 2010 | Giving and Getting Involved

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Giving and Getting Involved The Benjamin Founders’ Society The Benjamin Founders’ Society honors the extraordinary support of generous benefactors to The Benjamin School for their exceptional philanthropy over a lifetime of giving.

The Society is the highest honor bestowed by the school to its benefactors who share the goal of providing excellence in education with an exceptional cumulative contribution of at

least $500,000. The cumulative contributions are recognized in accordance with the gift acceptance policy of The Benjamin School.

Lifetime Gifts totaling $500,000 and above As of April 9, 2010

$1,000,000 and above Charles and Susan Barker The Healey Family Mr. and Mrs. Harold S. Reed

$500,000-$999,999 Mr. Henry Fong Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Jacobs Mr. and Mrs. S. Tucker S. Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Peltz John and Stephanie Pew The Reiter Family John Rosatti and Family Barbara and John Thomas

2009-2010

Giving and Getting Involved | the buccaneer 2010

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The Leadership Society (Gifts totaling $2,500 and above)

Partners’ Club

TBS Sustainers

($100,000-$249,999)

($10,000-$14,999)

Anonymous (2) Charles and Susan Barker The Healey Family Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth F. Kahn The Stanton Family

Blue & Orange Society

Mr. and Mrs. James L. Batts Mr. and Mrs. Gary Cecchini Marisa and Vincent Crescenzi The Kochman/Newman Family James and Marianne Lowrey Mr. and Mrs. Frank D. Newman Mr. and Mrs. Jack W. Nicklaus Mr. and Mrs. Harold S. Reed The Steinger Family The John J. Taylor Family

($25,000-$49,999)

TBS Benefactors

1960 Society ($50,000-$99,999)

Lydian Bank & Trust

Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Ray Celedinas Mrs. Celeste W. Cheatham O’Neil Paul and Laurie Kazilionis and Family The Kennerly Family Mr. David G. Lambert Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Mercadante Joe and Sandy O’Connor Sheila and Seth Waugh Mr. and Mrs. Dirk E. Ziff

Buccaneer Society ($15,000-$24,999)

Anonymous (2) The Graziotto Family Alan S. Lorberbaum Family Foundation – Dawn A. Wickberg and Mark C. Lorberbaum Mrs. Robert Myers, Chelly and Ben Myers Mr. and Mrs. Morris Propp II Mr. Pat Rooney, Sr. and The Rooney Family Mr. Donald M. Soffer Dr. and Mrs. Charles S. Theofilos and Family Mr. and Mrs. Brian K. Waxman ’86

($5,000-$9,999)

Anonymous (3) David and Kim Ackerman Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Allenby Mr. and Mrs. John W. Appleby, Jr. The George F. Baker Trust Mr. and Mrs. J. Gary Burkhead Chartis Insurance Mitch and Paula Davidson Sam and Cheryl Forrest The Frankel Family – Admiral’s Cove Realty Pam and Skip Gozzo Dr. and Mrs. James H. Guildford Ambassador Al and Dawn Hoffman Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Jacobs Mr. and Mrs. Ed L. Katz (Sherie Rigg ’83) The Kroll Family Mr. and Mrs. David A. Levy The Long Family Mr. and Mrs. Earle I. Mack Mr. and Mrs. William R. Maglio Mr. and Mrs. Mark A. Maisto Robin and Bob Martin The Miller Family Moya Photography Northern Trust Bank Mr. and Mrs. James C. Remez

As of April 9, 2010

James Robo and Meredith Trim Mr. and Mrs. Edmund B. Ross, Jr. The Schar Family Mrs. Maureen C. Selfridge Mr. and Mrs. Eric E. Silagy Mr. and Mrs. Larry Silverstein Joel R. Stevens II Mr. Jeffrey A. Sullivan and Ms. Susan P. Singer Dr. and Mrs. Baqir M. Syed Mr. and Mrs. Sal Tiano Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Viola ’82 Mr. Jeffrey H. Webster and Dr. Marion A. Webster Mrs. Serena S. Wilson

TBS Supporters ($2,500-$4,999)

F. John and Lynda Abrams Mrs. Miriam Acosta-Castriz Mr. and Mrs. Joseph R. Atterbury Mr. and Mrs. Amir Becher Mr. and Mrs. Anthony J. Bolland Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bracci Braman Motorcars – Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Cerone Mrs. Maria Cabral Mr. and Mrs. Doug Callahan Sean and Diana Casey Mr. and Mrs. Ronald A. Cass Mrs. Lois Catanzaro Mr. John T. Christiansen and Dr. Susan J. Christiansen Mr. John T. Collins and Mrs. Amy Safar-Collins Mr. and Mrs. Joseph R. Doan Mr. and Mrs. Sean C. Domnick Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Dresner Doug and Mari Dubiel Robert and Marcy Ferruggia Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey D. Fisher Mr. and Mrs. David E. Fite Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Flah Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Goldberg

Diane Gray and Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Gray Mr. and Mrs. Sean J. Greene Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart, P.A. Mr. Edward H. Hamm, Jr. ’95 Mr. and Mrs. Robert K. Hendel Mrs. Karen Holland Mr. and Mrs. Henry D. Jamison IV Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Keating Mr. and Mrs. Brian F. LaBovick Mr. and Mrs. Brian Lenehan Donna and Robert Lloyd-George The Lorentzen Family Mr. Vincent G. Marotta, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Mark Michels Dr. and Mrs. Mark Murphy Mr. and Mrs. Salvatore S. Paone Mr. and Mrs. Larry Parmet Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey Peckham Mr. Robert C. Pew II Mr. and Mrs. Bruce T. Prolow Bruce and Susan Quinn Dr. and Mrs. Louis J. Raso Daniel and Missy Reedy Mr. and Mrs. Gerald F. Richman Byron C. Russell Peter D. Sandquist Dr. and Mrs. Steven Saslow Field of Dreams Turf Management – The Schenk Family Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. Schultz Mr. and Mrs. Neil H. Seidman Service Experts – Mr. and Mrs. Bill Selman Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Sendler Mr. Andrew Terhune (NPBPS ’68) and Ms. Janice McMillen Mr. and Mrs. Christopher M. Tighe Dr. Edit Tolnai Mr. and Mrs. Leo A. Vecellio, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Eric D. Weinberger Mr. and Mrs. Habib Wicks Mr. and Mrs. Hunter S. Wilson Noreen Zanft

The Leadership Society extends recognition and appreciation to benefactors who are especially generous in their philanthropic giving to The Benjamin School. The gift threshold for the Society is $2,500 and represents the sum total of an individual’s gifts to the Annual Fund, BASH, capital and/or endowment in a given fiscal year.

the buccaneer 2010 | Giving and Getting Involved

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The Annual Fund What is the Annual Fund?

As virtually every independent school does, The Benjamin School depends on philanthropic support to keep tuition competitive and to provide the kind of excellence in education that each Benjamin student receives. Tuition alone does not cover the full cost of your child’s education. Benjamin must raise $1.6 million in philanthropic support each year to subsidize the difference between what tuition covers and what it costs to provide the operational resources to support everything from teachers’ salaries to student programming.

Whether you are a parent, parent of alumni, grandparent, or alumnus, the Annual Fund is the best way for you to help us to advance our mission and give a meaningful gift that expresses the value you place on your connection with the Benjamin community.

From there, we hope that you will also join us for our many “friend-raisers” and give generously to other campus needs as you are able. Each gift makes a difference in the life of the school.

Your gift to the Annual Fund is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Tarry and Raymond Graziotto

200 9-2010 Annual Fund Leadership PARENT CHAIRS

FACULTY CHAIRS

PHONATHON VOLUNTEERS

Raymond and Tarry Graziotto

Ro Sammis – Lower School Jimmy Clark – Middle School Nidhi Pardue and Ryan Smith – Upper School

Mary Casa Leslie Cook Sean Domnick Joe and Gloria Gaudet Peter and Gerry Graziotto Damiann Hendel Susan Kaplan Rachel Lorentzen Karen Sendler Mary Stanton

PARENT GRADE CHAIRS

Pre-K3 Pre-K Kindergarten 1st Grade 2nd Grade 3rd Grade 4th Grade 5th Grade 6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade 9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade

Rob and Elaine Bennett Chris and Laura Tighe Michael and Janet Steinger Raymond and Tarry Graziotto Eric and Laura Silagy Lesly Maxwell Mike and Sheri Viola Ken and Robin Gross Brian and Esther LaBovick Edward and Julie Downey Peter and Nancy Alevizos Brett and Chris Handler Jeffrey and Denise Dresner Mitch and Paula Davidson Tim and Susan Murray

ALUMNI CHAIRS

Pat Kelly ’94 Ryan Smith ’93 PARENT OF ALUMNI CHAIR

Molly Apple GRANDPARENT CHAIRS

Charles and Susan Barker

support

Giving and Getting Involved | the buccaneer 2010

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leadership

Michael Klein ’11

Annual Fund Pledges and Gifts Received As of April 9, 2010

$50,000-$99,999

The Stanton Family $25,000-$49,999

Anonymous Paul and Laurie Kazilionis and Family Sheila and Seth Waugh $15,000-$24,999

Charles and Susan Barker The Graziotto Family Alan S. Lorberbaum Family Foundation – Dawn A. Wickberg and Mark C. Lorberbaum Mrs. Robert Myers, Chelly and Ben Myers Joe and Sandy O’Connor Mr. and Mrs. Brian K. Waxman ’86 Mr. and Mrs. Dirk E. Ziff $10,000-$14,999

Mr. and Mrs. James L. Batts Mr. and Mrs. Gary Cecchini Marisa and Vincent Crescenzi Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth F. Kahn

James and Marianne Lowrey Mr. and Mrs. Frank D. Newman Mr. and Mrs. Harold S. Reed The Steinger Family $5,000-$9,999

Anonymous (3) David and Kim Ackerman Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Allenby Mr. and Mrs. John W. Appleby, Jr. The George F. Baker Trust Mr. and Mrs. J. Gary Burkhead Mr. and Mrs. Ray Celedinas Mitch and Paula Davidson Sam and Cheryl Forrest The Frankel Family – Admiral’s Cove Realty Pam and Skip Gozzo Dr. and Mrs. James H. Guildford Ambassador Al and Dawn Hoffman Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Jacobs Mr. and Mrs. Ed L. Katz (Sherie Rigg ’83) The Kroll Family Mr. David G. Lambert

The Long Family Mr. and Mrs. Earle I. Mack Mr. and Mrs. William R. Maglio Mr. and Mrs. Mark A. Maisto The Miller Family Moya Photography Mr. and Mrs. Morris Propp II Mr. and Mrs. James C. Remez James Robo and Meredith Trim Mr. and Mrs. Edmund B. Ross, Jr. Mrs. Maureen C. Selfridge Mr. and Mrs. Eric E. Silagy Mr. and Mrs. Larry Silverstein Mr. Jeffrey A. Sullivan and Ms. Susan P. Singer Mr. and Mrs. Sal Tiano Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Viola ’82 Mr. Jeffrey H. Webster and Dr. Marion A. Webster Mrs. Serena S. Wilson $2,500-$4,999

F. John and Lynda Abrams Mrs. Miriam Acosta-Castriz Mr. and Mrs. Joseph R. Atterbury Mr. and Mrs. Amir Becher Mr. and Mrs. Anthony J. Bolland Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bracci Mrs. Maria Cabral Mr. and Mrs. Doug Callahan benjamin blooming bench

Sean and Diana Casey Mr. and Mrs. Ronald A. Cass Mrs. Lois Catanzaro Mr. John T. Christiansen and Dr. Susan J. Christiansen Mr. John T. Collins and Mrs. Amy Safar-Collins Mr. and Mrs. Joseph R. Doan Mr. and Mrs. Sean C. Domnick Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Dresner Doug and Mari Dubiel Robert and Marcy Ferruggia Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey D. Fisher Mr. and Mrs. David E. Fite Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Flah Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Goldberg Diane Gray and Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Gray Mr. and Mrs. Sean J. Greene Mr. Edward H. Hamm, Jr. ’95 Mr. and Mrs. Robert K. Hendel Mrs. Karen Holland Mr. and Mrs. Henry D. Jamison IV Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Keating Mr. and Mrs. Brian F. LaBovick Mr. and Mrs. Brian Lenehan Mr. and Mrs. David A. Levy Donna and Robert Lloyd-George The Lorentzen Family Mr. Vincent G. Marotta, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Mark Murphy Mr. and Mrs. Salvatore S. Paone Mr. and Mrs. Larry Parmet Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey Peckham Mr. Robert C. Pew II Mr. and Mrs. Bruce T. Prolow Bruce and Susan Quinn Dr. and Mrs. Louis J. Raso

Continued on page 28.

the buccaneer 2010 | Giving and Getting Involved

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2009-2010 Annual Fund Brady Quinn ’23

Continued from page 27.

Daniel and Missy Reedy Mr. and Mrs. Gerald F. Richman Mr. Pat Rooney, Sr. and The Rooney Family Byron C. Russell Peter D. Sandquist Dr. and Mrs. Steven Saslow Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. Schultz Mr. and Mrs. Neil H. Seidman Service Experts – Mr. and Mrs. Bill Selman Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Sendler Mr. Donald M. Soffer Joel R. Stevens II Mr. Andrew Terhune (NPBPS ’68) and Ms. Janice McMillen Mr. and Mrs. Christopher M. Tighe Dr. Edit Tolnai Mr. and Mrs. Eric D. Weinberger Mr. and Mrs. Habib Wicks Noreen Zanft $1,000-$2,499

Anonymous (4) Mr. and Mrs. Peter J. Alevizos Mr. and Mrs. Vincent J. Amato Dr. and Mrs. Robert J. Anderson Mr. and Mrs. Roy N. Apple Mrs. Fae E. Appleby Mr. and Mrs. William R. Araskog Mr. and Mrs. Jack Batts

Haley Weiss ’11

Dr. Michael H. Berkenblit and Dr. Lisa Degen Mr. and Mrs. Peter M. Bernhardt Mr. and Mrs. Richard S. Bernstein Mr. and Mrs. Edward S. Campanella Mr. and Mrs. John Caruso Libby and Frank Cavaliero, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. David R. Charles Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Ciprianni Mr. and Mrs. Peyton M. Cole Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Connaughton Dr. and Mrs. Kishore Dass The DeLeo Family Mr. and Mrs. Rocco DiFilippo Randy and Rebecca Doane Mr. and Mrs. Jorge A. Dominicis Ms. Andrea Donten Mr. and Mrs. Edward Downey Lisa and Peter Erdmann ’82 The Fitzgerald-Swan Family Mr. and Mrs. John F. Frensdorf Charlie and Teresa Friedlander Dr. Ronald Gaeta Mr. and Mrs. Joe Gaudet, Sr. Dr. and Mrs. Robert C. Gordon Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth J. Gross Mr. and Mrs. Steven K. Hagar Mr. and Mrs. William N. Handler Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Hay III Mr. and Mrs. Neil J. Hayes Mr. and Mrs. John Haynie Dr. and Mrs. James G. Henderson Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Honig Mr. and Mrs. Jason P. Judge Mr. and Mrs. Kermit Justice The Kennerly Family Mr. and Mrs. Mark F. Kessenich III Mr. and Mrs. Joseph LaBarbiera Mr. Mark W. Ledger Tim and Patti Leonard Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Levin

Mr. Jeffrey A. Lichterman Dr. and Mrs. Gonzalo Loveday Mr. and Mrs. James F. MacGregor Ms. Cynthia D. Mesker Dr. and Mrs. Mark Michels Mr. and Mrs. Keith J. Nachilly Mr. and Mrs. Ole Nissen Mr. and Mrs. Peter B. Nissen Mr. and Mrs. Matthew S. Nugent Mr. and Mrs. Dermot C. O’Brien Mr. and Mrs. Gregory J. O’Hare The Peck Law Firm John and Stephanie Pew Dr. Antoinette Pignataro Mr. and Mrs. Andrew D. Quinn Dr. Suresh Raja and Dr. Nisha Bhardwaj Ted and Pam Rauch Mr. and Mrs. William Reichel Dr. Peter A. Rubin and Mrs. Larisa C. Kelley The Ruedisili Family Saks Fifth Avenue Mrs. Cher Sawyer Field of Dreams Turf Management – The Schenk Family Dr. and Mrs. Steven Shapiro Dr. and Mrs. Ram Shetty Mr. and Mrs. Joshua A. Simon

Mr. and Mrs. John R. Siragusa, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Christopher R. Small Mr. and Mrs. Sean S. Smith John and Lisa Stauffer Mr. and Mrs. Matthew S. Stohlman Mr. and Mrs. Gregory C. Torretta Mr. and Mrs. Paul M. Walczak (Patti Doran ’89) Mr. and Mrs. Barry R. Weiss Mr. and Mrs. Hunter S. Wilson Mr. and Mrs. Ari Zur $500-$999

Mr. and Mrs. Richard S. Adler, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. David D. Austin Steven Barre Mr. and Mrs. William M. Barry Ms. Kelly L. Bashaw Mr. and Mrs. Mark E. Berg Dale Bicknell and Karnella Najdziuk Mr. and Mrs. Frank Bilotta Mr. and Mrs. William Blotnick Dan and Marianne Brennan Dr. and Mrs. Robert D. Burke Dr. Tom and Madonna Coffman Dr. and Mrs. Thomas B. Cogsil ’79 Mr. and Mrs. Bart Collins Mr. and Mrs. Emanuel J. Cotronakis Mr. and Mrs. Marty Cvetas

2009-2010

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29

2009-2010 Annual Fund

Dr. and Mrs. Robert A. Dattolo Mr. and Mrs. Jack W. Denholtz Jeff and Amy Devore Mr. and Mrs. Carl J. Domino Bobby and Cindy Doolittle Mr. Timothy M. Doran Mr. and Mrs. Colin T. Downey Mr. Gary M. Dunkel Mr. and Mrs. Eric J. Ende Mr. and Mrs. Raymond F. Faloona Mr. and Mrs. Donald V. Farriss Dr. and Mrs. Scott Fayne The Feldman Family Katherine and Stefan Flatscher Mr. and Mrs. Americo Foriere Jill and Steve Fried Mr. and Mrs. Matt Friedlander Mr. and Mrs. Timothy P. Garrettson Mr. and Mrs. Ralph B. Germano Mr. and Mrs. Philip A. Godown Mr. and Mrs. Glenn E. Goldstein Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Guido Mr. and Mrs. Craig Hack Mr. and Mrs. Brett Handler Mr. and Mrs. Dan Handler The Hershman Family Jeanine and David Holland Dr. and Mrs. Barry S. Horowitz Mr. and Mrs. Edwin F. Jahn Mrs. Marcia Kaplan Dr. and Mrs. Richard W. Kaplan Christopher and Jean Kretz Drs. Steven and Dana R. Krumholz Mr. and Mrs. Chad LaBonte Mrs. Jill L. Leinbach Mr. and Mrs. David M. Thomas Mr. and Mrs. Gregory W. Marino Mrs. Lesly H. Maxwell Mr. and Mrs. James B. Meany Dr. David and Risa Milbauer Dr. and Mrs. Jyoti Mohanty Mr. and Mrs. Timothy D. Murray

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew H. Myers Mr. and Mrs. Nathan E. Nason (NPBPS ’73) Mr. and Mrs. Steven C. Nicklaus ’81 Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Norton Mr. and Mrs. Michael S. Okun Mr. and Mrs. William O’Leary IV (Nancy Nicklaus ’83) Mr. Warren S. Parker Mrs. Susan D. Parker Robinson Mr. and Mrs. Mark C. Perlberg Mr. and Mrs. David Pfleegor Mrs. Robyn K. Quaid Kim and Brian Quinn Dr. Christopher D. Ramsey and Dr. Karina F. Leal Linda and Ron Ream Mr. and Mrs. James T. Ritenour Mr. and Mrs. William B. Roberson Mr. and Mrs. Patrick J. Rooney, Jr. W. Paul and Deena Ruben The Sabatello Family Mr. and Mrs. William J. Sabayrac Dr. and Mrs. Russ M. Seger Mr. and Mrs. Marc Smith Mr. and Mrs. Cary B. Stamp Mr. and Mrs. John C. Stamp

Ms. Nicole Stroh Mr. and Mrs. Rick O. Torres Mr. Christopher S. Vecellio ’95 Venue Marketing Group Mr. Philip Verdonck Mr. and Mrs. Carl M. Vorder Bruegge, Jr. Mr. Adam K. Weinstein and Dr. Kittie C. Valentine Mr. Alexander Weiss Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A. Weiss Mr. and Mrs. Jason D. Weisser Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wesselman Mr. Michael Williams and Dr. Linda Williams Dr. and Mrs. Paul Winner Joseph and Sally Zaluski Dr. and Mrs. Michael J. Zappa $250-$499

Anonymous (2) Mr. Eugene and Dr. Kathleen H. Aiello Mr. and Mrs. Edward D. Alvarez Richard and Molly Apple Dr. and Mrs. Harold Bafitis Hon. and Mrs. Thomas H. Barkdull III Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Barre Mrs. Sharon Bastin Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Bennett Doug Buck and Bobbie Lindsay Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Cassa Mr. and Mrs. James P. Chesnes Ms. Karen A. Childers Dr. and Mrs. Razvan Chirila Mr. and Mrs. James T. Chivers Mr. Glenn E. Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Rick Colbert Ms. Joanne Demaras Mr. David S. Donten Mr. and Mrs. Robert Flaherty Mr. and Mrs. Jack J. Fletcher

Dr. and Mrs. Lee A. Fox Dr. Douglas Freedman and Dr. Sharon Hass-Freedman Mrs. Whitney L. Gaeta Mr. and Mrs. Steven Goldberg Peter and Gerry Graziotto Mr. and Mrs. Ross D. Groffman Mr. and Mrs. Charles D. Hagy, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Michael C. Hardin The Haselkorn Family Dr. Susan M. Haselkorn The Healey Family Mr. and Mrs. Arnold F. Higginbotham Eric and Krista Hopkins Mr. and Mrs. John Hundley Mr. and Mrs. Robert Z. Jacobs Ms. Franci F. Jefferson Drs. Rizwan and Shabtab Karatela Ms. Sandra Kaupe Mr. and Mrs. Ralph D. Kittrell Dr. and Mrs. Robert Kleinfeld Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Koenig Mr. and Mrs. Adam Langino Mr. and Mrs. Alan Levy Mr. and Mrs. Neal I. Lichtblau David and Lisa Liporace Mrs. Patti Maiselson Mr. and Mrs. Siupeli Malamala Mr. and Mrs. John P. Marasco Mr. and Mrs. Reginald R. Maton, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Matthew T. McRoberts Midnight Sun Tours, Inc. David and Allison Miller Mr. and Mrs. David B. Nestler Mr. and Mrs. Jack W. Nicklaus Mr. and Mrs. J. W. O’Neill, Jr. Mr. Anthony Owen ’93 Mr. and Mrs. Jay L. Owen, Jr. ’90 Mr. and Mrs. Devon W. Paxson Doug and Jody Pearce Mr. and Mrs. Michael R. Peters, Jr.

Continued on page 30.

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2009-2010 Annual Fund

Continued from page 29.

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher J. York Kyle and Marianne Young Vannette (J.M.M.) Youyoute Dr. and Mrs. Nicholas Zachariades $249 and under

Mr. and Mrs. Jon Rapaport Mr. and Mrs. Andrew S. Reitman Ms. Rosanne Sammis The F. Sawyer Family Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Scarmazzo Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell D. Schepps Drs. Francis and Stacie Sciolino Mr. and Mrs. John N. Selvig Dr. and Mrs. Evan R. Shapiro Mr. Stanley A. Shuman (In Memory of Jodi Shuman) Mr. and Mrs. Marc A. Spungin Ivy and Everett Stone Jon and Susan Teaford Ms. Alisa M. Vincent Mr. and Mrs. Mark L. Weinstein Jack and Diana Weir Christopher J. Winfree, M.D.

Anonymous (5) Mr. and Mrs. Carlos A. Abbonizio Mr. and Mrs. Justin Ackerman Jim and Joy Adle Mr. Steve Anderson Ben Apple ’05 Maddy Apple ’07 Mr. and Mrs. Andre Arbuzow Mr. and Mrs. Steve Arline (Lisa Kerste – NPBPS ’68) Ms. Kristine Armstrong Mrs. Virginia Ashley and Mr. Mel Holtrop Mrs. Erika E. Atkins Mrs. Linda M. August Kathleen and Dave Bailey Mrs. Ashley D. Baker Mr. Nelson J. Baker Mrs. Mary Baruch Mr. and Mrs. F. William Basil Dr. David and Dr. Laura Basile Mr. Brian Bastin Mr. and Mrs. Bruno Baumgartner Mr. and Mrs. Robert V. Bayless Ms. Megan Beck Ms. Danielle M. Benvenuto Ms. Rachel A. Bergner ’04 Ms. Stacy Berman Mr. and Mrs. Alan Bessette Mrs. Susan Bickel Ms. Sarah E. Black Mr. John A. Borris Ms. Jamie E. Boykin ’04 Ms. Krista Bozzo Dr. Rachel I. Brody

Mrs. Sunny Brownrout Ms. Katherine Buettin Mr. Thomas J. Burke Mrs. Tammy L. Burkett Mrs. Mary E. Cameron Ms. Claire Canese Ms. Constanza Capanegra Ms. Stacy Carroll Ms. Ivette Casiano Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Cavallo Mr. and Mrs. David S. Chapin (NPBPS ’68) Mr. and Mrs. Paul Chaple Ed and Treva Chaplin Mr. Riordan Cheatham Mr. and Mrs. Alan J. Ciklin Mr. and Mrs. James J. Clark ’95 Ms. Lei Cohen Jeri and Kennneth Cole Donn and Martha Colee Mr. Richard Conti Hon. Daniel J. Cotter and Mrs. Pamela S. Luhrs Mr. and Mrs. Victor R. Coudert Ms. Jeanine L. Craner ’99 Mr. David P. Craven Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Danyali Mr. and Mrs. Jack J. Davidson Mr. and Mrs. Orrett G. Davis, Sr. Mr. David W. Deith Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Destefano Ms. Kathleen C. Devine Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Didio Ken and Ellen Didsbury Ms. Lisa J. DiLeo Mrs. Mary A. Ditaranto Mr. and Mrs. Orlando Dominguez Mr. and Mrs. George Donaldson, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Donato Ms. Susan Doyle Mr. Benjamin Seth Dresner ’06

Ms. Susan Duncan Dr. and Mrs. Jesse H. Eisenman Miss Jessica Eriksen Lynne and Perry Feyk Fine Family Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Fitz Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Ford Mrs. Pamela Ford Mr. and Mrs. Barris W. Foster Sheree and Cary Friedlander Mr. and Mrs. Abe Fromson (Cherie Tarek ’94) Mr. and Mrs. Henry Garberg Ms. Carmen M. Garcia Ms. Jeaneen Garcia Dr. and Mrs. Silvio A. Garcia Mr. and Mrs. Eric D. Gardner Ms. Amanda M. Garnett Ms. Caren Gatto Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Gaudet Mr. and Mrs. Stavros G. Georgeadis Mr. and Mrs. John A. Giaimo Mrs. Rene N. Gibson Mr. and Mrs. David Gillert Dr. and Mrs. Mitchell G. Glogower Mr. and Mrs. Paul A. Gola Mr. and Mrs. Michael Gorman Ms. Kristina M. Gostic ’99 Mr. and Mrs. Garrett J. Graue Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Greenspan Mr. and Mrs. Richard Grinspun Mr. and Mrs. Mark C. Gross The Honorable and Mrs. Robert M. Gross Mr. and Mrs. Harry Guildford Mr. Jorge E. Arpa and Mrs. Montserrat Guiu Mr. and Mrs. George A. Habib Kathleen and Steve Hamel Mr. Henry Hamilton Mr. and Mrs. Kirk F. Hansen

2009-2010

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2009-2010 Annual Fund

Mr. and Mrs. John L. Harbeck III Mr. Benjamin H. Harris ’99 Mr. Reginald Harris Mr. and Mrs. Brad Harris Mr. Derek Harse Mr. and Mrs. Michael Hayes (Mattie Higgins ’94) Mrs. Anita B. Heinrich Mr. and Mrs. Roger C. Held Mrs. Susan Hemmes Mr. and Mrs. Thornton M. Henry Mrs. Patricia Higginbotham Drs. Jeffrey S. and Elise C. Hillmann Mr. and Mrs. Brian Hoffner Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hogan Mrs. Regenia Holmes Mr. Bruce S. Honig Mrs. Sherral Hornaday Ms. Haley Hoskins Mr. Bruce Huber Mr. and Mrs. Mike Hughes Mrs. Jody Bear Husser Ms. Tina Hutchings Mr. and Mrs. Noel Jacome Ms. Katrien M. Jaffe Lawrence and Cristina James Mr. and Mrs. Ronald M. Jezerinac, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Lambert Johnson

Dana Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Paul D. Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Rike Johnson Ms. Terry D. Johnson Lisa Kaplan Mr. Howard I. Kaslow Ms. Frances Kaye Mr. and Mrs. Francis X. Kearns III Susan and Gregory Keller Ms. Erin N. Kennedy Mr. and Mrs. James D. McCluskey Ms. Stephanie Klein Jeanine and Stuart Klein Mr. and Mrs. George J. Kline, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Carl M. Knudsen Melissa Kostrewa Mr. Glenn R. Kramer Mr. and Mrs. Bradley G. Krar Peter and Marla Krieger Mr. Henry A. Kuehne II Mr. and Mrs. William M. Labzda Mrs. Roberta Landman-Drimmer Ms. Heather Lane Mr. Vittorio J. Lanni The Lappin Family Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Larsen Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth A. Larson ’91 (Ivy Ingram ’94) Ms. Erica Lazarus

Casey Pearce ’14

Ms. Janet Leader Kristen Learner Mr. and Mrs. George Ledwith Satu and Steven Leibovich Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. Leibowitz ’82 Mr. and Mrs. Sam Levine Mr. and Mrs. Rulon W. Litchfield Mr. and Mrs. Greg Lokitus Ms. Marissa M. Lysaght ’99 Mr. and Mrs. Jack E. Malone Mr. Joseph Marino Ms. Amy A. Martin Craig and Caron Martin (Caron Wissner ’93) Dr. and Mrs. James C. Mayberry Ms. Nancy McAllister Mr. John R. McCracken ’99 Brian and Jennifer McDonough Ms. Carol McGrath Mr. and Mrs. Jon C. McGregor Mr. Jamie McVicar Ms. Margaret Meehan Mrs. Susan Metzler-Kirkman Mrs. Silvia Micchelli Dan and Dale Millner Mr. and Mrs. David N. Mills Mr. and Mrs. Clement C. Mimun Jim and Donna Minard Mrs. Kelley Mollo Ms. Krista Monahan Varis and Charlina Monroe Mr. and Mrs. Robert Montini Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Motto, Jr. Mr. Marshall Mullnix Mrs. Barbara Murphy Mrs. Maureen Murphy Phillip and Elizabeth Murphy Teresa and Buzz Murphy J. Christine and James D. Murray Ms. Anne G. Myers ’04 Mr. Steven J. Myers Dr. and Mrs. Alexander J. Nagy

Mrs. Elena Nardi-Lancaster Mr. Michael G. Navaroli ’99 Maureen and Greg Newman Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Nordland Ms. Desdeny Olexa OneCause Mr. and Mrs. Brent Padon (Jessy Fulford ’01) Mr. and Mrs. Timothy M. Parker Mr. and Mrs. Nilesh R. Patel Ms. Nicole C. Paulino Mr. Francis X. Pavlov Jennifer and Edward Payne Ms. Elizabeth Pena Mr. and Mrs. Jorge L. Perez Mr. Steven M. Perlberg ’09 Barbara and Michael Perry Lee and Jordan Peterson Mr. and Mrs. Jason Pierman ’96 (Amanda Warner ’97) Mr. and Mrs. Daryn Pingleton Mr. and Mrs. George Poncy, Jr. Ms. Jill Prazenica Dr. and Mrs. Richard J. Price Mrs. Deborah A. Prior Mr. and Mrs. William M. Quigley Mr. Samuel A. Raia ’93 Dr. and Mrs. Jorge Ramirez Continued on page 32.

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2009-2010 Annual Fund

Continued from page 31.

Mr. Donald Ramsbottom Mrs. Ami Giurato Reece ’86 Ms. Lindsey Robertson Mr. Andre R. Robinson and Mrs. Judith E. Thomas Mr. Edward Roman Mr. and Mrs. Jules M. Romfh, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. James P. Rooney Ms. Janine M. Rose Dr. and Mrs. Alan Rosen Ms. Marion Rosencrans Mr. and Mrs. Stephen A. Rosenthal Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ross Mr. and Mrs. Michael Rossin Mrs. Susan A. Rubiano Rev. and Mrs. Stephen H. Ruegg Mr. and Mrs. James Russo Mr. and Mrs. Peter Sachs Dr. and Mrs. Gary Salivar Mr. and Mrs. Charles Sampson Mr. Timothy A. Sanders and Ms. Gail Karson Jane Schaas Mr. Charles W. Schooley IV Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Schwed Ms. Melissa Scott Mr. and Mrs. Stephen J. Seefeld Mr. and Mrs. Anton Seiss

Mrs. Siobhan Shea Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Sheehan Mr. and Mrs. Neil Shulas Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Silagy Mr. and Mrs. Dennis A. Silvester Mr. and Mrs. David Simard Mr. and Mrs. Todd A. Sipowski, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Skluzacek Mrs. Nancy Small Mr. and Mrs. Patrick A. Smellie Mr. and Mrs. Ryan T. Smith ’93 Mr. and Mrs. John J. Sousa Ms. Adrienne Sparger Mrs. Anita F. Spassoff Mr. Melvin Spencer Dr. and Mrs. David H. Spielberg Mr. and Mrs. Tom Spino Ms. Janice L. Spivey Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Sprechman Ms. Gabriele St. Martin Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan S. Staiman Mr. Daniel W. Stanton II ’07 Mr. and Mrs. Daryl L. Stewart Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Sukhu Mr. and Mrs. Paul G. Summers Mr. and Mrs. Scott I. Suskauer Ms. Monica Sweeney Ms. Renee Szeliga

Target Corporation Mr. Franklin R. Taylor and Dr. Amy Taylor Ms. Marisol Tejera Mede Dr. and Mrs. Charles S. Theofilos and Family Mr. and Mrs. John M. Thomas Ms. Jill L. Tiburzio Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Todd Ms. Tammy M. Toro Mr. and Mrs. Jay A. Townsend The Travaglini Family Mr. and Mrs. Richard Turner Linda Twitchell Ms. Deane Ugalde Mr. and Mrs. Michael H. Velinsky Kathy and Jaime Villablanca Mr. Jeffrey Vinski Patti and Bill Wallshein Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Waxman Mr. and Mrs. Peter Waxman ’89 Roy and Sandra Weinberg Dr. and Mrs. Paul R. Weinstein Mr. and Mrs. Charles T. Weiss Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Westerlund Mr. and Mrs. Eric Wettermann ’83 Ms. Christine M. Wheaton Mr. and Mrs. Dick Whiting Mr. and Mrs. Michael G. Wilson, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew E. Winters Phyllis Wissner Mr. and Mrs. Christopher G. Wren Mr. Zhenhua Xiao and Mrs. Peili Zhang Ms. Wendy C. Yancey Mrs. Marci L. York Mr. and Mrs. Christopher E. Zecca Ms. Graciela Zuniga

BASH Pledges and Gifts Received As of April 9, 2010

$50,000-$99,999

Lydian Bank & Trust $25,000-$49,999

Mr. and Mrs. Ray Celedinas $15,000-$24,999

Anonymous Charles and Susan Barker Sheila and Seth Waugh The Stanton Family $10,000-$14,999

Anonymous Paul and Laurie Kazilionis and Family Mr. David G. Lambert Mr. and Mrs. Jack W. Nicklaus Joe and Sandy O’Connor Mr. and Mrs. Dirk E. Ziff $5,000-$9,999

Anonymous (2) Chartis Insurance Robin and Bob Martin Northern Trust Bank $2,500-$4,999

Braman Motorcars The Frankel Family – Admiral’s Cove Realty Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth F. Kahn Field of Dreams Turf Management – The Schenk Family Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart, P.A. Mr. and Mrs. Leo A. Vecellio, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Hunter S. Wilson – Genspring Family Offices

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2009-2010 Annual Fund George Donaldson ’14

Capital Gifts New Pledges and Gifts Received As of April 9, 2010

$100,000-$249,999

Charles and Susan Barker The Healey Family Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth F. Kahn $25,000-$49,999

Mrs. Celeste W. Cheatham O’Neil The Kennerly Family Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Mercadante $15,000-$24,999

$1,000-$2,499

$250-$499

Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Connaughton Mr. and Mrs. Ed L. Katz (Sherie Rigg ’83) Mr. Kevin McGann Mr. and Mrs. William O’Leary IV (Nancy Nicklaus ’83) Daniel and Missy Reedy Mr. and Mrs. Richard Rendina Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Schumacher Mr. and Mrs. Larry Silverstein Tory Burch LLC Mr. and Mrs. John S. Trimper Mr. Christopher Vecellio ’95 Mr. Michael A. Vecellio ’96 Noreen Zanft

Mrs. Miriam Acosta-Castriz Richard and Molly Apple Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Davis (NPBPS ’72) Donna and Robert Lloyd-George

$500-$999

Dr. and Mrs. Robert L. Bentz II Mr. and Mrs. Alex M. Bigelow Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Viola ’82

$249 and under

Mr. and Mrs. James Brooks Mr. and Mrs. Richard T. Davis Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Flah Mr. and Mrs. Timothy W. Gaskill Mr. and Mrs. Eric P. Hinson Mr. and Mrs. Liam P. Maher Drs. Andrew S. and Karen L. Moffitt Mr. and Mrs. Steven C. Nicklaus ’81 The Sabatello Family Mr. Richard W. Slawson Mr. and Mrs. Christopher T. Sorenson Ivy and Everett Stone The Suskauer Law Firm, P.A. Mr. and Mrs. Gregory C. Torretta Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Wolofsky

Mr. Pat Rooney, Sr. and The Rooney Family Mr. Donald M. Soffer Dr. and Mrs. Charles S. Theofilos and Family

$1,000-$2,499

Mr. and Mrs. John W. Appleby, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Ray Celedinas Donn and Martha Colee Mr. and Mrs. Americo Foriere Mr. and Mrs. Timothy P. Garrettson Mr. and Mrs. Henry D. Jamison IV Mr. and Mrs. James B. Meany Mr. and Mrs. Matthew S. Nugent Daniel and Missy Reedy James Robo and Meredith Trim Mr. and Mrs. Gregory C. Torretta $500-$999

Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Connaughton Dr. and Mrs. Barry S. Horowitz Mr. and Mrs. Daryn Pingleton Mr. and Mrs. James P. Rooney $250-$499

The Kochman/Newman Family

Dr. and Mrs. Scott Fayne Mr. and Mrs. Timothy D. Murray

$5,000-$9,999

$249 and under

$10,000-$14,999

Mr. and Mrs. Morris Propp II Dr. and Mrs. Baqir M. Syed $2,500-$4,999

Dr. and Mrs. Mark Michels

Mr. and Mrs. Brett Handler Mr. and Mrs. Michael Rossin Ms. Jill B. Slawson Mr. and Mrs. Arturo M. Zindel-Mundet

Endowment New Pledges and Gifts Received As of April 9, 2010

$10,000-$14,999

Mr. David G. Lambert Mr. and Mrs. Morris Propp II The John J. Taylor Family $5,000-$9,999

The Stanton Family

2009-2010

Kelly Kohlmeyer ’11

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2009-2010 BASH Events 2010 BASH Gala Goes South Beach!

The Benjamin School’s biggest fundraiser of the year celebrated 26 years of success with a South Beach Style theme. The 2010 BASH Gala, chaired by Betsy and James Meany, along with co-chairs Kim and Ray Celedinas, was held on May 1 at the Kravis Center. Board of Trustees Chairman Dan Stanton and his wife, Mary, were this year’s honorary chairs. The annual event helps to enhance and maintain the school’s educational programs.

2 010 B A S H G a l a C o m m i t t e e L e a d e r s h i p HONORARY CHAIRS

FINANCE

Mary and Dan Stanton

Miriam Acosta-Castriz

CHAIRS

RESERVATIONS

Betsy and James Meany

Jeanne Coudert

CO-CHAIRS

SETUP & DECORATIONS

Kim and Ray Celedinas ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Theresa Friedlander ADVERTISING

Elisa Comorat and Nadine Fite CLASS PROJECTS

Angela Amato and Alice Waxman COMMUNITY SPIRIT PAGES

Suzanne Benz and Martha Colee SILENT AUCTION

Kelly Domnick and Ann Weed SPONSORSHIPS

Ray Celedinas, Sean Domnick, and James Meany VOLUNTEERS

Lisa Glogower

Lizet Guildford and Karen Sendler BASH SPECIAL PROJECTS CHAIRS KIDS’ KORNER

Dana Johnson and Maryanne Lutz BASH PIZZA & SUBS

Amy Clarke, Jill Fried, and Eugenia Mercadante

h c a e B South Style!

Honorary Chairs Mary and Dan Stanton

2010 Chairs Betsy and James Meany; Kim and Ray Celedinas

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Exhilarating performances featuring remarkable Broadway shows performed

by TBS singers, dancers, instrumentalists, and dramatists transformed the Eissey Theatre...

BASH Variety Show Transforms Benjamin to Broadway The 150-plus member cast of students, faculty, parents, alumni, and friends of Benjamin electrified TBS audiences with a dazzling New York-style performance produced by Artistic Director Sara Salivar and co-chairs Sherie Katz and Sandi Weinberg at the 2010 BASH Variety Show.

Exhilarating performances featuring remarkable Broadway shows performed by TBS singers, dancers, instrumentalists, and dramatists transformed the Eissey Theatre From Benjamin to Broadway on January 16 at the annual production.

Audiences were treated to stellar performances by members of the middle and upper school dance teams, upper school chorus, band, and drama club, PFP, student/faculty/ parent vocal, dance, and instrumental groups, and the lower and middle school cast of The King and I. Renowned guest performers, soprano Demetra George and opera tenor John Matz ’96, in addition to dancer Donny Farina, guitarist/vocalist Andrew Moffitt, and soloist Marissa Lysaught, mesmerized audiences with their breathtaking performances. Alumni vocalists Chase Milner ’08 and Jeanine Craner ’99 also delivered captivating performances.

Thanks go to co-hosts Nicole Grabel ’11 and Cory Weinberg ’10 and the talented Variety Show cast of TBS performing artists for magnificently transforming Benjamin to Broadway!

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Service to Community The Benjamin School Lends a Hand for Hearts and Hope A mountain of teddy bears, cartons of art supplies, and support for a fundraising event by students at The Benjamin School are helping to raise the spirits of children and families seeking services from Hearts and Hope, Inc. The nonprofit organization located in West Palm Beach devotes compassionate support to children and families who have lost a parent, sibling, or loved one.

The school-wide drive in March resulted in a donation of 649 teddy bears for the children of Hearts and Hope. “The bears were contributed by students from all grade levels and will be used as part of the healing process,” said faculty member Amanda Pierman who helped to spearhead the collection on the Upper School Campus.

Middle school students also demonstrated their support to Hearts and Hope in February by donating supplies like modeling clay, markers, gift cards, and paper products for arts and crafts projects. “Art activities are used to help guide children through their time of grief,” said Middle School Counselor Danielle Benvenuto.

The Designer Showcase held at Downtown at the Gardens in March and April to benefit Hearts and Hope also obtained support from The Benjamin School. Middle school performing arts students entertained Downtown shoppers with jazz band and dance performances to help showcase the fundraising event. “An extensive exhibit of middle school artwork created by our visual arts students was also featured in the entrance walkway to the Designer Showcase,” said Middle School Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair Nancy McAllister.

Hearts and Hope offers a safe place for children and families to share and experience loving support while moving through the grieving and healing process. Through its school-wide community service project, The Benjamin School has been doing its part to lend a helping hand.

Denim Days Bring Relief to Haiti The school community joined hands with others across the globe to provide relief for the residents of Haiti devastated by the catastrophic 2010 earthquake that imploded Florida’s neighboring country. Haiti Relief Denim Day kicked off in January on both campuses to help provide assistance to Haiti’s ravaged communities.

The nonprofit organization, founded by Benjamin parents Dr. and Mrs. Robert Anderson, provides medical services and educational supplies to the residents of Haiti. The Andersons, who are parents to three Benjamin grads and four current TBS students in grades 12, 10, 8, and 7, are providing medical services to Haiti’s injured and ill.

Lower and middle school students demonstrated their support of Haiti Relief Denim Day by wearing jeans and Benjamin red and blue polo shirts, representative of the colors of the Haitian flag. Students and the school community also contributed $25,600 in cash donations earmarked for Hands Together of the Palm Beaches.

“Your support allowed Hands Together to immediately respond to the disaster with food and water, medical personnel, and supplies to Haiti’s hospitals,” reported Mrs. Anderson. “We are continuing our ongoing clean water projects, health education, and health care services designed to empower the people of Haiti in the rebuilding process.”

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Painting Their Hearts Out for Area Homeowners Four homes in northern Palm Beach County are gleaming fresh coats of paint, thanks to the The Benjamin School Chapter of the National Honor Society and its fall semester group community service project. On designated Saturdays in October and November, the 35-member work crew, joined by community volunteers from the Paint Your Heart Out organization, rolled up their sleeves, wielded brushes, and painted the exterior of four homes located in Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, and Riviera Beach.

“The Paint Your Heart Out nonprofit group helps low income seniors and the disabled or gravely ill who can no longer do such a task,” explained NHS faculty advisor Anita Spassoff. “The NHS work effort has given these individuals a fresh and attractive face to their homes to help them feel better about themselves and their living quarters.”

Tr i k e - a - t h o n Pe d a l s S u p p o r t f o r C y s t i c F i b r o s i s Fo u n d a t i o n The 3-year-old classes took action to help children with cystic fibrosis at the inaugural Worlds of Wonder (W.O.W.) Trike-a-thon hosted November 18 on the Lower/Middle School Campus basketball court.

The class of 2024 pledged their support to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation as they navigated their tricycles around the Trike-a-thon track, accompanied by cheers of encouragement from parents, classmates, and faculty. The cyclists also boosted their personal contributions for their grade-level community service project with donated pocket change students earned from household chores.

To prepare for the event, Trike-a-thon participants rehearsed their pedaling skills with practice laps around the track, while learning to ride safely. A classroom presentation by the North Palm Beach Police Department introduced students to rules of the road and cycling safety tips. Students also heard from Mrs. Karen Gray, special events coordinator from the CF Foundation, during a special guest speaker visit.

“The students were ready and eager to ride to help make a difference to others in the community after hearing about the lives of children with cystic fibrosis,” said W.O.W. faculty member Sherri Danyali.

making a difference

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Bucs Sports Highlights Bucs Competitive Cheering Squad Springs Into Action with New Varsity Sport After a few months of vigorous preparation and training, the Bucs’ first-year competitive cheering squad set their sights high and headed to the 2010 FHSAA state championships on February 5, to compete in the annual state tournament at the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee, Fla. The 22-member squad, who perfected their routines with demanding practice sessions and an intense weekend camp, joined hundreds of competitive cheerleaders throughout Florida and competed with 36 teams in the large varsity tumbling division. “We had an excellent showing, especially with this being our first year,” said Coach Tiffany Langino.

Competitive cheerleading is gaining momentum as an emerging sport, both in colleges and high schools throughout the nation, including Florida. “The athleticism required for high-intensity stunts and tumbling has elevated competitive cheerleading into a respected and sanctioned sport,” said Assistant Coach Jessy Padon. “To prepare for their athletic routines, the squad works on strength, flexibility, and precision, as well as rhythm, cheers, and dance.”

“We are excited about bringing this new varsity sport to Benjamin athletics and expanding opportunities for the squad to compete,” said Coach Langino.

From the dedication exhibited by this year’s squad, and the enthusiasm of their coaches, who are both graduates of Benjamin and former Buccaneer varsity cheerleaders, competitive cheerleading at TBS is destined to take a giant leap! Go Bucs!

Competitive Cheerleading Squad Jasmine Adams, Ariel Adams, Ali Bartone, Lexi Cass, Corinne Davidson, Sally Frankel, Hannah Gross, Carolina Haddad, Isabelle Haddad, Sophie Healey, Rachel Kaslow, Megan McCraney, Ashley Miller, Hillary Mollo, Sami Pepper, Adrienne Propp, Sammi Schlechter, Brittney Searson, Lindsey Slavin, Halie Stone, Brenna Tiano, and Katie Trimper.

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champs

Tr a c k

Te n n i s

High-Jump State Champion Nano Anderson Bob Hohnadel, Head Coach

Individual Doubles State Champions Max Kaye and Zach Krumholz Delores Colton, Head Coach

State Champions!

FHSAA Class 1A Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse Riordan Cheatham, Head Coach

Philip Benz Justin Boufford Charlie Collins

Robert Dattolo Matt Ferris Jay Ford

Scott Fricker Nick Gardner Kyle Gilmore

Robert Jacobs Colby Kempe Nick Krar

Robert Mendoza Charlie Nicklaus Dylan Nugent

Ryan O’Hare Scott Slawson Taylor Smith

B o y s ’ V a r s i t y G o l f – Toby Harbeck, Head Coach

Maxime Blandin Alec Ceravolo

Matt Ceravolo Ryan Jahn

Jalen Ledger Peter Mathison

Boomer Rinker Clancy Waugh

Josh Stauffer Josh Weinstein Evan Wesselman

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Alumni Focus

Bucs Sports Highlights

Continued from page 37.

Alumni Council Leader Strengthens Relationships The Benjamin School Alumni Council

Rebecca Szmukler Seelig ’93 Alumni Council President Since the inception of the Benjamin School Alumni Council, Rebecca Szmukler Seelig has been actively involved in fostering relationships with the school’s alumni, which is no surprise to anyone who knows her. While at Benjamin, Rebecca served on the Student Council from seventh grade through her senior year, when she served as student body president. As she completes her second year as president of the Alumni Council, Rebecca recently sat down with Jessy Padon, Benjamin’s director of alumni relations, to share information about herself and reflect on how alumni relations are progressing.

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ALUMNI COUNCIL?

The Benjamin School gave so much to me for 15 years of my life (yes, I had to take kindergarten twice) that being part of the Alumni Council is a way of giving back, saying thank you, and encouraging others to become involved. It also gives me the opportunity to voice my opinion and concerns about issues currently affecting the school.

WHAT ONE PROJECT THAT THE ALUMNI COUNCIL HAS WORKED ON THAT HAS MADE YOU PARTICULARLY PROUD?

I am very proud that we have started recognizing our alumni and presenting a Distinguished Alumni Award. Watching Andy Larson ‘91 receive the inaugural award last year made me honored to be part of an association that has so many members that have accomplishments that put me in awe. This year, we are recognizing Major Brad Flournoy ‘91 who is currently serving in the U.S. Marines and has completed four tours of duty – one in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and three in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

I also enjoy all the charity work we have done and how we tie in our alumni. For the past two years, we have supported the Cystic Fibrosis Walk in honor of Ben Derito ‘92 and Brett Weinstein ‘96. The fact that we can keep honoring classmates is another reason I enjoy being part of the Alumni Council.

WHERE DO YOU SEE THE ALUMNI COUNCIL IN FIVE YEARS?

I envision the Alumni Council growing to incorporate more representation from the early years (1979-1987), and more long-distance participation. We are connecting with more alumni using today’s technologies. Just because an alumnus does not live in Palm Beach County, doesn’t mean he or she can’t serve on the council. Since I began serving on the council, it has grown and I want to see it progress even more.

Rebecca Seelig with her son, Ben.

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF SINCE GRADUATING FROM BENJAMIN.

After Benjamin, I earned a bachelor’s degree in advertising from the University of Florida, then a master’s in sports management from Ohio University. I worked for the Florida Marlins for a year, then took a job in the communications department at The PGA of America, right back here in Palm Beach Gardens. After almost 10 years with The PGA, I left to start my own PR company – Palm Beach Public Relations (PBPR). So far, PBPR has been going well, garnering national clients IMG and the LPGA, and local clients like the Northern Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce and PGA Commons. And sprinkled in between, I managed to get married to Lee Seelig in 2005, and gave birth to two beautiful children. Ben is turning 3 in October and Molly will be 1 in January. I feel I have been fortunate and have really taken advantage of every opportunity life has presented to me.

“...being part of the Alumni Council is a way of giving back, saying thank you, and encouraging others to become involved.”

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Alumni Council Honors United States Marine

Brad Flournoy in Iraq with his brother, Rob (TBS ’85), an Army master sergeant.

Major Brad Flournoy ’91 2 010 D i s t i n g u i s h e d A l u m n i Aw a r d R e c i p i e n t This year, The Benjamin School Alumni Council named alumnus Brad Flournoy its Distinguish Alumni Award recipient – an honor only his fellow classmate, Dr. Andy Larson ‘91 shares. Brad, who played football while at The Benjamin School, is a major in the Marines serving as a Marine Corps pilot, flying both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. After graduating from TBS, Brad attended the University of Florida and is currently working on his master’s degree from the U.S. Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College in Montgomery, Ala. He plans to work for the U.S. Special Operations Command in the near future.

Brad took a break from his demanding schedule to answer the following questions for The Buccaneer: HOW MANY TOURS OF DUTY HAVE YOU COMPLETED AND TO WHERE?

I have completed four tours that totaled seven months each. One of the tours was in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and the other three were in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?

Being a coach and a dad for my kids, as well as figuring out what I’m going to do when I can no longer fly tactical aircraft.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT?

My greatest title is “Dad,” and that is my greatest accomplishment. I’ll tell you when my kids achieve their dreams.

HOW WELL DID BENJAMIN PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR LIFE EXPERIENCES TODAY?

It certainly helped me achieve my own dreams. Academically, it was critical. I do not think I ever would have been properly prepared for today’s challenges if I had remained in the public school system.

Physically, Coach Ream and Coach Connors pushed me to my physical limits and they prepared me for future “gut checks” in the Marines.

Mentally and socially, it was paramount. As a middle class kid, I never would have been exposed to social and academic elites. As a result, I’m not intimidated or in awe of either. More importantly, it made me thankful. My attendance at Benjamin was the result of philanthropy shown by charismatic and successful people close to Mr. Benjamin. Without their financial support and insight, I probably would be flipping hamburgers.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY FROM BENJAMIN?

The people, my classmates, my teachers, my coaches, and my family.

I am very thankful and fortunate to have been a part of TBS.

“My attendance at Benjamin was the result of philanthropy shown by charismatic and successful people close to Mr. Benjamin.”

dedication

Continued on page 42.

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Alumni Focus

success

Continued from page 41.

Alumnus Hits the Road with His New Band Sleigh Bells

Derek Miller ’00 Musician, Songwriter, Producer After Derek Miller graduated from The Benjamin School, he briefly attended Florida State University, but just like music legend Jim Morrison, his love for music pulled him away from FSU and into an exciting career in the music industry. Derek became a songwriter-producer and was part of the hardcore Florida band Poison The Well. After moving to New York, Derek started a new band with Alexis Krauss called Sleigh Bells.

Sleigh Bells received a lot of acclaim after its 2009 appearance at the College Music Journal’s Music Marathon. CMJ Music Marathon is an annual music and film festival in New York City that showcases new and emerging talent. Currently, Derek is on the go with Sleigh Bells, writing and producing the band’s first record. He recently updated The Benjamin School on his creative pursuits by responding to the following questions:

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO IN THE FUTURE?

WHO WAS YOUR FAVORITE TEACHER AT BENJAMIN AND WHY?

More production work, more touring, and maybe starting a family at some point.

I’m going to go with my English teachers as a whole, especially Mary Ditaranto, who was especially focused and really cared about us. The English department in general was really strong. Being in a creative field can be confusing if you cannot explain what it is you are trying to do, especially to the people who fund your projects. It’s hard to get what you want if you do not know how to ask for it!

The Benjamin School gave me that edge.

HOW DID THE BENJAMIN SCHOOL EXPERIENCE PREPARE YOU FOR WHAT YOU ARE DOING TODAY?

It gave me the ability to fully articulate ideas that are otherwise abstract and difficult to describe.

Not having a college degree, my high school diploma is my highest academic accolade, so I lean on it heavily and am thankful for it.

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO SINCE YOUR GRADUATION FROM TBS?

I made four LPs, toured nationally and internationally, and produced records.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT TO DATE?

Writing and producing my group Sleigh Bells’ first LP is one of my greatest accomplishments, in addition to doing production work for one of my favorite pop stars, M.I.A.

“Right now, it is hard to imagine anything stopping them [Sleigh Bells on international tour in England, France, and Spain]…”

— The New Yorker

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Pageantry and Television News Reporting Bring Purpose to Alumna

Linnie Supall ’03 Miss Palm Beach County U S A 2010 Television News Reporter Alumna Linnie Supall, who won the 2010 title of Miss Palm Beach County USA, is living her dream in front of the camera as a television reporter for the local ABC and FOX affiliates in Macon, Ga. The coveted Miss Palm Beach County title earned the 2003 Benjamin graduate a spot in the Miss Florida USA pageant. Though she did not win, Linnie was crowned Miss Congeniality and learned much about herself and the pageant world. She plans to return for another try at the crown, and one day move into an anchor role in television news. Linnie answered a few questions about her evolving career for this issue of The Buccaneer.

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING SINCE GRADUATING FROM BENJAMIN?

I attained a degree in communications from the University of Miami, and then moved back to Palm Beach County to work for TV station WPBF as a producer. While in Palm Beach County, I reconnected with The Benjamin School by serving on the Alumni Council and

helped plan alumni events. I was also involved with alumni associations for the University of Miami and Zeta Tau Alpha.

WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HAVE NOW AS A TELEVISION NEWS REPORTER?

As long as I am raising awareness about critical issues within a community, then I know that I am doing my job well; and also, being a role model to children – to inspire them to set their standards high and reach for their dreams.

WHAT DID YOU DO TO PREPARE FOR THE MISS PALM BEACH COUNTY PAGEANT?

I worked out a lot – exercise is key, because you have to be in shape. Then I went over a lot of different questions. They seem like easy questions, but you don’t want to botch it up.

Finally, you have to make sure you have the proper attire.

WHAT KNOWLEDGE HAVE YOU GAINED FROM YOUR PAGEANT EXPERIENCE?

It is a competitive sport and there can be only one winner, but throughout the process, you make lots of friends and you try to have a warm spirit and hope that others do, too.

My platform was centered on the core strengthening of kids, in terms of their core of humanity – self-esteem and self-confidence – the real things that make a person strong.

HOW HAS THE BENJAMIN SCHOOL PREPARED YOU FOR WHAT YOU ARE DOING TODAY?

The Benjamin School has played a big role in preparing me for my career path in television news. Throughout the years, I was able to perfect my craft as a writer, which I now exercise on a daily basis.

“As long as I am raising awareness about critical issues within a community, then I know that I am doing my job well...”

inspiration

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Welcome Newest Alumni Alumni Focus

Nancy Anderson

Nikita Bansal

Kristina Bentz

Garrett Bruno

Stephanie Cappiello

Jacqueline Cassell

Taylor Celedinas

Michael Colee

Elizabeth Connaughton

Benjamin Dexter

Matthew Eisenman

Ross Fayne

Mackenzie Feldman

Matthew Ferris

Emily Fisher

Kayla Foriere

Erin Forrest

Scott Fricker

Andrea Geiger

Kyle Gilmore

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Class of 2010

Jonathon Good

Nicole Grabel

Paige Gurba

Evan Handler

John Heinrich

Alexandra Hinson

Jeffrey Honig

Maxwell Horowitz

Alex Jackman

Margaret Jamison

Sophie Jervis

Brooke Johnson

Cole Johnston

Maximillian Kaye

Nikola Kristopane

Olivia Kursteiner

Sterling Lambert

Andrew Levin

Per Lorentzen

Minhkieu Ly Continued on page 46.

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Class of 2010

Continued from page 45.

Ryan Lynch

Avinash Mamgain

Morgan Matese

Mary Katherine McCloskey

Connor McRoberts

Kelsey Meany

Sabrina Mills

Codi Mimun

Amber Moens

Hillary Mollo

Colin Murphy

Patrick Murray

Michael Nestler

Michael Noga

Dylan Nugent

Jakel Osborne

Alexander Paez

Samuel Paone

Catherine Peck-Phillips

Dylan Pew

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Class of 2010

Matthew Pingleton

Meredith Primm

Summer Reedy

Carly Reiss

David Ricketts

Jason Robbins

Michael Robo

Joseph Rooney

Patrick Rooney

Angela Rosatti

Jake Rosow

Gregory Rossin

Adriana Rubiano

Hali Sammis

Kate Schwed

Alexandra Slawson

Taylor Smith

Bradley Springer

Katherine Stanton

Halie Stone Continued on page 48.

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Class of 2010

Continued from page 47.

Jared Strasser

Brian Taylor

Christina Taylor

John Thomas

Lauren Torretta

Katherine Trimper

Sarah Vorder Bruegge

Cory Weinberg

Joshua Weinstein

Hunter Weston

Molly Zeiger

Ryan Zeisloft

class of 2010

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Alumni Class Notes The Benjamin School Alumni Events 2009-2010 MARCH 28, 2009 – CLASSES OF 1987, 1988, AND 1989 20-YEAR REUNION

OCTOBER 14, 2009 – ALL-ALUMNI KIJANA EVENT

Chicago, Illinois

PGA National Resort & Spa Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

MAY 21, 2009 – CLASS OF 2009 ALUMNI LUNCHEON/DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARD PRESENTATION

OCTOBER 24, 2009 – CLASS OF 1999 10-YEAR REUNION

E.R. Bradley’s Saloon West Palm Beach, Florida

Lower/Middle School Gym North Palm Beach, Florida

Continued on page 50.

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Alumni Class Notes

Continued from page 49.

DECEMBER 19, 2009 – ALL-ALUMNI ODDS VS. EVENS BASKETBALL GAME

MARCH 11, 2010 – ALL-ALUMNI SPRING HAPPY HOUR

Rooney’s Public House Jupiter, Florida

Panama Hatties North Palm Beach, Florida

CLASS OF 1987

Chris Rooney, his wife, Janine, and their son, Finn (almost 2), recently moved back to the area and reside in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

CLASS OF 1992

CLASS OF 1994

CLASS OF 1996

Dan Allen just opened “19th” – a new entertainment spot located in downtown Washington, D.C. To learn more, visit www.EnjoyYourRound.com.

Danielle Mates, pictured here commuting on a Black Hawk, is a special agent for the Department of State assigned to the security team at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. She will be moving to Charleston, S.C., when her assignment is complete.

Jeanmarie Burigo Connor is a general pediatrician in Austin, Texas, and enjoys working with residents and medical students from the University of Texas.

She and her husband, Mike, and their 2-year-old son, Chase, plan to move back to Palm Beach County next year when Mike completes his fellowship in oculoplastic surgery.

Catherine Broadhead is moving to Chicago to begin a doctorate program at the Adler School of Professional Psychology. She recently spent a month in New Zealand and Easter in Aspen, Colo., with fellow ‘92 grads Ty Costa and Mike Vola (pictured).

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Jessica Schmidt Trach and her husband, BJ, welcomed daughter, Marlo Ada, in December 2009. The couple resides in Boston where Jess continues to create jewelry for her own product line, J.Rae Jewels (jraejewels.com).

Angie Phillips Parent is working in real estate sales with Fenton Lang Bruner and Associates, the exclusive affiliate of Christies Great Estates of Martin County.

CLASS OF 1997

Mariah Ripma Knefely and her husband, Dale, married March 20, 2010. The newlyweds enjoyed a honeymoon in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

Adrian Silversmith and his wife, Casey, are expecting their first child in late July. The couple lives in Fredericksburg, Va. Adrian is the exhibit sales manager for a promotions company at the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center.

CLASS OF 1998

Kate Wittman Guzy gave birth to her daughter, Amber Ann Guzy, on May 16, 2009.

CLASS OF 1999

Troy Devine moved to Venice, Italy, in April to be the onboard marketing and revenue manager for the Royal Caribbean cruise ship, Splendor of the Seas.

CLASS OF 2000

Mariah is the manager of contracts and business management at WSI, where she has been employed for eight years. The couple lives in Tequesta, Fla.

Chris Johncke resides in Lake Park, Fla., where he recently started a new business. “iFixYouri” is a professional iPhone/iPod repair company specializing in small, personal electronics. For more information, visit www.ifixyouri.com.

CLASS OF 2001

Paige Maltby Bollenbacher, who earned her master’s degree, lives in Delray Beach, Fla., with her husband, Donald, and their two dogs, Galena and Mica. Paige is a hydrogeologist for the South Florida Water Management District.

Catherine Chasen Donoghue married her college sweetheart, JP, on May 17, 2008.

The couple welcomed daughter, Ava Chase, on September 16, 2009.

Lizzie Patipa is completing her second year of law school at the University of Miami. She will be interning at the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office this summer and competing in a moot court competition.

Daniel Sexton, who met Kathryn Pawlik at American University, was married on November 7, 2009, at a beachfront sunset ceremony in Marco Island, Fla. The couple resides in Juno Beach, Fla., where Danny is an energy commodities analyst for Nextera

Energy Resources. Kathryn is a marketing coordinator for the Ritz-Carlton Destination Club.

CLASS OF 2002

Victoria Chappell married David Harvey III on April 4, 2009, in a chapel in Normandy, France.

David is a member of the U.S. Air Force and is stationed in Japan, where the couple will reside until May 2012.

Tiffany Richman Langino and her husband, Adam, married in November 2008. Tiffany teaches middle school English literature and global issues at TBS and coaches the Bucs’ varsity cheerleaders.

Brian Patterson resides in West Palm Beach, Fla., and is a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley-Smith Barney, where he joined his father and grandfather on their team of advisors.

life after benjamin...

Kyle Taylor and his bride, Katie, were married at the Atlanta National Golf Club on November 14, 2009.

Continued on page 52.

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Alumni Class Notes

Continued from page 51.

In Loving CLASS OF 2004

Mercedes Anderson graduated in 2008 from Duke with a degree in public policy, and worked for a year in Washington D.C., for Booz Allen Hamilton. She has returned to South Florida to pursue a career in commercial real estate. Mercedes currently works for Strategic Retail Advisors in Jupiter, Fla., and also serves on the TBS Alumni Council.

She is pictured below with her siblings (top row: Monica ’15; middle row: Morgan ’06 and Meredith ’12; bottom row: Mercedes ‘04, Ray ‘14, and Nano ’10).

Anne Myers is residing in the Bahamas and will serve as president of the Rotaract Club of East Nassau for the 2010-2011 year. She currently serves as the club’s secretary.

CLASS OF 2005

Aarthi Arunachalam graduated from Washington University in May. She lives in St. Louis where she works in an afterschool program at the Wilson School.

Lindsey Petrone Sylcox and her husband, Rob, married on January 24, 2009.

The couple resides in Jupiter, Fla., where Lindsey works as secretary for The Expositors Seminary.

Rachel Bergner recently received her master’s degree in elementary education from Florida Atlantic University. She is currently teaching middle school dance and math at Benjamin.

Anthony Ciero has been living in Japan as an English teacher since August 2009. He recently visited China during spring break and enjoyed a taste of traditional donkey meat.

alumni

Beloved Faculty Members

Sarah Davis graduated in April 2010 from the University of Florida with a bachelor of fine arts degree in painting. Her work was recently showcased at the Palm Beach State College Gallery.

CLASS OF 2006

Mallory McRoberts Chason graduated from Florida State University in August 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Mallory and her husband, Nick, married in September. The couple resides in Tallahassee, Fla., where Mallory works as an insurance representative for the Chason family business.

Memory of

Alex Taylor, a senior at Georgetown University, became an “All-American Sailor” in June 2009 at the Collegiate Sailing National Championships in San Francisco.

Alex led Georgetown to the winning 2008 National Championship title and was team captain in 2009-10.

She will conclude her college sailing career in June at the National Championships in Wisconsin.

MAUREEN ARAUJO

DAN WISSNER

CLASS OF 2007

AJ Gold, a student and cheerleader at the University of Pennsylvania, performed at the World Series on November 6, 2009.

MARY GREENMAN

50 years The Benjamin School 50th Anniversary Celebration!

In 1960, school co-founders Marshall and Nancy Benjamin realized a lifelong dream and opened the doors of North Palm Beach Private School. Now, 50 years later, The Benjamin School will celebrate its “Golden Anniversary” with an exciting year of events and activities, slated to commence in the fall of 2010.

2010

2011

August 24

50th Anniversary Flag Raising Ceremony

January 15

October 1

Inaugural Alumni Hall of Fame Induction – Home Football Game

BASH Variety Show – Celebration of the Decades

February 3

Benjamin Olympics

October 2

50th Anniversary Celebration Kickoff

April 2

BASH Gala

October 15

Homecoming Football Game

November 11 Veterans Day Celebration Honoring Alumni in the Armed Forces TBD

50th Anniversary Golf Tournament

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.

THE

BUCCANEER

2010

VOLUME VIII