HARVEY magazine | summer 2012
katonah
Harvey goes
Global
Philip Baldwin ’62
4
Board of Trustees Eileen Walker, Chair Philip Bowers ’70 Capital Campaign Chair Daniel K. Chapman ’73 President, Alumni Association Thomas E. Dodd Barry W. Fenstermacher President & Secretary Charles A. Krasne, Treasurer
Raymond G. Kuntz Jeffrey Lasdon Maury A. Leone Vice Chair Christopher Linneman Thomas J. McCrossan Jane Petty Maria Roach William B. Roberts ’51
Wallace Schwartz Elizabeth Sorenson William Sorenson Karen Walant President, Parents’ Association Samar Zuaiter Frank A. Weil ’44, Honorary Alice DeSomma, Emerita
Features 4 Wanderlust 10 Lessons from Japan
14
departments 2 Letter from the Editor 3 Message from the Headmaster 14 Cavalier Clippings
28
28 Sports Roundup 32 Student Insight 34 Faculty Focus
40
38 Parent View
Alumni Executive Council Daniel K. Chapman ’73 President, Alumni Association Wylie Smith Blake ’88 Diana Bondy ’05 Thomas E. Dodd Harvey teacher 1965–75 Philip A. Eifert ’73 Alexander P. McKown ’57 Ward Meehan ’98
Seth Morton ’57 Zach Rosenthal ’06 Brian Ryerson ’05 Geoffrey R. Wiener ’32, Emeritus Sally Breckenridge, Director of Alumni Relations
40 Variety Is the Spice of Harvey's 2012 Benefit
44 Alumni News
45
34 Q&A with Faculty/Staff 36 The Independent Middle School Model 37 Harvey Hopes to Host International Students in 2013
45 52 54 70
Alumni Reunion 2012 Recent Events Class Notes In Memoriam
Harvey Magazine harveymagazine@harveyschool.org
Letter from the Editor:
Chris Del Campo Editor-in-Chief
2 Harvey Magazine Summer 2012
Headmaster Barry Fenstermacher Director of Development Laura Prichard Editor-in-Chief Chris Del Campo Alumni Editor Sally Breckenridge Feature Writer Julia Halewicz Contributors Vincent Alexander, Carole Bonicelli, Mark Brandon, Michelle Christie, Tim Cornell, Michael Drude, Marcie Hajem, Tim Halewicz, Chris Kelly, Rosana Lindoro, Alex Lindquist, Dianne Mahony, Denise Smith, Tim Stark, John Wahlers Chief Photographer Gabe Palacio Photography Contributing Photographers Lesley Boltz, Mitchell Bowman ’12, John Brooks, Suzy Brown, John DePalma, Laura Prichard, Jeanne Puchir Designer Good Design LLC Printing Printech, Stamford, CT
Cover image: Michael D Brown /Shutterstock.com
We hope you were pleased with the first edition of the new Harvey Magazine last January. The many emails we received from our various constituencies indicate that readers enjoyed the inaugural issue. While the overarching theme of the publication is “Harvey then and now,” we plan to have a specific focus or theme for each issue. In the winter issue, we celebrated the then and now with main features on the rich history of the school and the extraordinary twenty-five year tenure of our Headmaster Barry Fenstermacher. In this, our summer issue, we chose to explore “Harvey and beyond” by examining how the experiences of Harvey here in Katonah have extended beyond our campus, beyond the USA, and into the farther reaches of the globe. We catch up with former students and faculty living abroad, those who shared their lives with us while they were here on campus and who have since forged new lives far beyond Harvey’s borders in places such as Mexico, Europe, and Asia. And in keeping with our theme of “Harvey then and now,” we share with our readers what our current students and staff are doing to enrich their lives, and the lives of others, in excursions to such far-off places as Spain, Japan, and China. You will also read about how our student body and their faculty advisors reached across the globe to host four Japanese teens whose lives were upended by the March 2011 tsunami. You will learn about the extraordinary courage of these four girls who stood before a packed audience of Harvey students and staff to tell their sorrowful tales of loss and survival. We are dedicating this issue to our four new friends who taught us all about what true gratitude is and about the power of our human spirit to remain resilient in the aftermath of something so terribly devastating. Our next issue, the “Commencement Issue,” will focus on celebrating our June graduates and acknowledging the Middle and Upper School students who earned the end of school year academic awards. It will reach you by the end of August. In the meantime, we encourage you to write to tell us what you like about our magazine, to give us some feedback on the articles within, or to offer suggestions for features or future focuses. We would like to publish your comments in a “Letters to the Editor” column. Please send them to: Harvey Magazine, The Harvey School, 260 Jay Street, Katonah, NY, 10536, or email us at: harveymagazine@harveyschool.org.
The Harvey School 260 Jay Street Katonah, NY 10536 Tel: (914) 232-3161 harveyschool.org
welcome
message from the headmaster
The Mission Is the Message
our belief that children should be given the chance to build on what they do well
In what seems like a million years ago, Marshall McLuhan wrote that “the medium is the message.” This certainly seems to be true when one looks at the power of technology and its role in our lives today. At Harvey, our mission statement is the message. All we do, our unique identity, our day-to-day activity is guided by our mission. Simply put, we endeavor to give our students the confidence to try new things and to succeed. The driving force of our mission is not in the actual words but in our belief that children should be given the chance to build on what they do well. Building on strength, after all, is what most of us do every day. We try, while working together, to reduce the impact of what we don’t do well. After all, even if we don’t like something, or if we can’t do it well (one of mine is horseback riding), there are occasions when we must show basic competence. This year has been a year we can all remember with pride. There is so much achievement that I could go on for paragraphs. I would choose, however, the visit of our four students from Japan as the true highlight. From our students and their families who acted as hosts, to our faculty who welcomed these children as our own, we built on the entire school’s collective strength of service. It is an admirable and achievable goal to create generous, thoughtful students. All of us at Harvey can be proud of what we achieve every day and particularly proud of strength through service.
Barry W. Fenstermacher Headmaster
The Harvey School 3
Photos: Philip Baldwin ’62
4 Harvey Magazine Summer 2012
For some Harvey alumni, life abroad is an irresistible temptation
Wanderlust By Julia Halewicz
If they’re creating art in a Paris studio (yes, life can be that glamorous), or trying to figure out how to say grout in Spanish, Harvey alumni living abroad feel like they’re in on a little secret. Life abroad is an adventure that adds a depth of experience to the everyday and an almost spiritual appreciation of the bigger things. Following their passions— and sometimes love—three Harvey alumni and a former teacher find community in a world without borders.
Philip Baldwin ’62 Paris, France
Philip Baldwin thought he was going to Sweden for a six-month glassmaking apprenticeship. The night before his departure, a friend looked at him and said, “You’re not coming back, are you?” Baldwin replied, “Don’t be ridiculous.” More than 30 years later, Baldwin is still living abroad, now in Paris with a thriving art glass-making career with his partner, Monica Guggisberg. Baldwin didn’t always know he wanted to live abroad or be an artist. He pursued adventures in the wilderness, first through Outward Bound and Earthwatch, and earned a bachelor’s degree from American University in history and
political science. He also explored a teaching degree at the University of Colorado. But he wanted something different from life, and he got it. After spending his first two years abroad in Sweden, he spent the next 20 years in Switzerland before moving to Paris. Today, Baldwin, whose mother, Rose Baldwin, taught at Harvey for more than two decades and whose three older brothers attended the school, creates art glass in his Paris studio with Guggisberg. (See www.baldwinguggisberg.com.) “So I finally found a métier that captured my imagination fully, and allowed
me to integrate mind, body and spirit in a fulfilling way,” said Baldwin. Harvey contributed to that unexpected path. In college, he said he came up with “a scheme” to run summer tours in Europe for high school students, a venture which he shared with Harvey classmate Carey Rodd ’62. “These trips instilled in me a deep appreciation for Europe, which I have always retained.” No matter where in the world he is, Baldwin knows he’ll always find friendship in a neighborhood coffee shop or at a newspaper kiosk.
The Harvey School 5
Bob Brinkerhoff ’70 Gruyere, Switzerland Love lured Bob Brinkerhoff ’70 to Switzerland in 1986. His Swiss wife really liked the United States, but for a combination of factors, they decided to raise their three children in Switzerland. If it took his wife to get him to commit, Brinkerhoff always considered living abroad. After a summer trip to Europe following his freshman year at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he studied zoology, he was hooked. Brinkerhoff also took a year off to study and work in
Switzerland and France. The natural beauty drew him to the country. What he loves most about Switzerland is “the nature around me and the diversity of being in the center of Europe, which allows one to change cultures, languages and landscapes so quickly,” he told Harvey Magazine. When Brinkerhoff is not working as an employee of a small German trading company that sells raw materials, like natural vegetable oils, to the natural cosmetics, nutraceutical and specialty
food markets, he’s playing outdoor sports, reading a good book or lying in the sun. For Brinkerhoff, living abroad has been easy. “The fact that I started boarding [at Harvey] at 10 years of age certainly gained me a certain independence and opened my horizons much more than if I had remained at home going to the local school,” he said. The most important lesson he learned during those formative years was “not to be afraid to do what you think is right.”
no matter how adept you are at speaking a foreign language or navigating local customs, everyone experiences at least one cringe-worthy moment when things just get…
Lost in Translation “My in-laws (in Geneva) asked me at which beach had I gone swimming in the lake. I told them ‘Prudance Plage,’ which puzzled them, as they had no idea where that was, but then my brother-in-law started laughing hysterically. He pointed out that the sign ‘Prudance Plage’ was not the name of the beach, but a warning to drivers to slow down, meaning ‘attention, careful— beach.’ They never let me forget that one!” —Bob Brinkerhoff ’70
“Once, upon the eve of a departure, a Chinese friend asked in English, ‘Is the flight to America long?’ and I answered in Chinese, ‘Yes, my flight is a big flight.’ What I didn’t know was that ‘big flight’ in Chinese translates into a sexual reference.” —Luke Miller ’91 6 Harvey Magazine Summer 2012
“After looking for a place to live in Oaxaca, we bought a house that needed an incredible amount of work. At 66, I was not about to spend 10 years married to a plumber. We were on overdrive to get the place done. At times, there were twenty workmen in and outside the house, each group with a different radio station. I am not talking NPR here. I thought my head would explode. … Penny and I both speak good Spanish, but when you need words for cement block, grout, rebar, mulch, it becomes very stressful.” —Victor Whitehurst
photos: bob brinkerhoff ’70
Luke Miller ’91 Dongguang, China
Miller spends approximately 8 to 10 months a year in Dongguang, China, a city of 9 million people designed to be a manufacturing hub and about an hour from Hong Kong. In six years, two different jobs have brought him to the same city, the most recent as the manager of product development and quality assurance for a point-ofpurchase display and retail fixture company. He lives in an apartment in the factory dormitory and spends time with another Harvey alum Matt Klein ’92 who lives nearby. Aside from those early language lessons, Harvey helped prepare Miller for the experience of being immersed in a different culture. Being exposed to exchange students and studying Latin, Greek, and Asian history and culture all proved valuable. “Things like the speech contest have helped me approach others. I have been told on many occasions that I am not a
typical American. I take this as a compliment, and I see it as a reflection of how I was raised and educated. Harvey gave me basic discipline, a general appreciation for the world, and the basic tools to live within it. Things that I often think are common knowledge are not, and I learned a lot of this in high school.” Overall, the experience is, by his own account, helping Miller grow. “It is helping me continue to grow as a person, become more worldly, more educated, more interesting, and it’s one giant adventure. It helps one become tolerant and respectful. I have to constantly remember that I am a guest in their country.” The Harvey School 7
photos: luke miller ’91
When Luke Miller first moved to China as a project manager, he only knew two phrases in Chinese—“thank you” and “may I please have chopsticks”—both of which he learned in Harvey’s Asian Studies class. The transition was anything but easy. “I thought I loved Chinese food,” said Miller. “I ate it every week in Westchester as a kid. I thought I wouldn’t have a problem. Oh, was I incorrect. Chinese food in China is completely different from Chinese food here—bones in everything, foreign spices, foreign oils, and items that we wouldn’t classify as food. I wasn’t fond at first. Now I love good Chinese food so much that I don’t even want to touch Chinese food in the USA unless it’s in one of our various Chinatowns.” Other difficult transitions he mentioned are the pollution, crowdedness, horrible drivers, and to us, the lack of personal space and bad manners (it’s ok to spit out unchewable food onto the tablecloth).
photos: victor whitehurst
Share your story 8 Harvey Magazine Summer 2012
we would love to hear your “Beyond Harvey� Experiences! Send us your stories. See Class Notes (starting on page 54) for more about alumni going global. Contact us at alumni@harveyschool.org with your stories or ideas.
former Harvey teacher
Victor Whitehurst
San Augustine, Etla (30 minutes from Oaxaca, Mexico) During the summer of 2010, Victor Whitehurst and his wife, Penny, packed up their belongings and left Brooklyn, N.Y., for their new home in San Augustine, Etla, in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. From New York’s pavement to Mexico’s lush semi-tropical valley surrounded by the Sierra Madre mountains, the couple is enjoying the little things in life, like picking limes from their lime tree, exploring villages in the mountains, and drinking the famously strong Oaxaca coffee while people-watching. “While Oaxaca is one of the poorest states financially, it is one of the richest states in the arts. Penny and I were
particularly drawn to the folk art scene,” Whitehurst told Harvey Magazine. The couple met in Spain and always knew that they wanted to live in a Latin country. “We had a vacation in Mexico several years ago and were smitten,” they said of their choice of country. They looked at more than eight towns before finding their new home. “We knew in that first hour that we were home.” Whitehurst enjoys his leisure time by filling it with pottery class, lectures at the English library and visits from friends. Over the spring break, the Whitehursts enjoyed showing off their new home and country to Harvey teacher Kathy Cushman and her
husband. During the visit, they experienced a strong earthquake centered nearby, but had no damage or injuries. “Here,” Whitehurst said, “it is a mindset, a way of living. The Mexican people are so diverse. The culture is ancient and rich. People make eye contact on the street and greet you. The landscape is breathtaking, whether it is mountains or the lush valleys like ours. The weather! Days are dry and warm and you sleep with a blanket at night. We have no heat and no air conditioning. We don’t even have a fan.” Perhaps nothing beats “sitting on the terrace as the sun goes down over the mountains, sipping a very dry martini.”
our alumni abroad offer sound advice to today’s students
Word to the Wise “Read the essay, ‘Self Reliance’ by Ralph Waldo Emerson. There are amazing opportunities beyond our borders that will make you more informed of world cultures, policy, and economics. … If you want to be a better American, go out there and see the world. You will appreciate what we have, become frustrated with what we don’t, and perhaps try to make a change to make things better. And yes there is still time for family, relationships, and love.” —Luke Miller ’91 “Enjoy, appreciate, and make good use of your opportunities, school, family, and friends. Expand your borders and broaden your horizons!” —Bob Brinkerhoff ’70
“Life is a three-legged stool: work, geography, and relationship. Get one of them right, and you might be able to make the other two follow, provided your commitment to one is deep enough. Take your pick. Get two of ’em, and you’re halfway to heaven. Get all three, and it’s time for champagne.”
“Travel is a powerful education. It opens your mind to new people and new ideas. If you have a chance to do a year abroad, go for it! It is an excellent way to see if living abroad is for you.” —Victor Whitehurst
—Philip Baldwin ’62 The Harvey School 9
lessons from japan
By Julia Halewicz
Four Japanese exchange students bring light to the wisdom gained from their country’s tragedy
10 Harvey Magazine Summer 2012
ore than a year after Japan was devastated by the worst earthquake in its history and the resulting tsunami claimed almost 20,000 lives, we continue to try to understand the tragedy. A country once symbolic of humankind’s greatest achievements—a culture so influential it redefined pop culture and design; an auto industry that imagined and created the world’s first popular hybrid vehicle; and perhaps most poignantly, an early adopter of nuclear energy to keep pace with the nation’s rapid growth—was rendered helpless against nature. The events of March 11, 2011, were only the beginning of Japan’s challenge, with families today still displaced and towns still to be rebuilt. Recent reports on Tokyo Electric Power’s crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant claiming possible radioactive leaks into the ocean and more potential meltdowns portray a technology beyond human control and a public wary of its government. Such devastation—both immediate and long-term—made theoretical musings reality and forced lessons on the world. In the Northeast United States, the Fukushima disaster— the world’s worst since Chernobyl—sparked debate over the safety of Entergy Nuclear’s Indian Point Energy Center located in Buchanan, N.Y. At Harvey, supporting the faraway victims of the tsunami grew into a weeklong exchange program that brought four young women from the most affected region in Japan to the Katonah campus and into the school’s family. Harvey had set a precedent for helping those in need when it galvanized support for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, the Haitian earthquake, and the 2004 tsunami. Japanese teacher Tim Cornell expected the same response after the tsunami and kicked off fund-raising with a schoolwide presentation after the events. More than $3,000 was raised.
Cornell’s reaction was also personally motivated. He spent eight years teaching English in Japan before coming to Harvey, and his wife, Junko, with whom he has two daughters— Hanna, 12, a Harvey sixth-grader, and Mia, 9—is Japanese. Headmaster Barry Fenstermacher offered Cornell an idea after the presentation. “I wanted Harvey to show these children that they were not forgotten, and perhaps we could provide them with a respite from the daily reminders of the tsunami by inviting them to Harvey,” Fenstermacher said. Cornell worked with the nonprofit Hope For Tomorrow, which called for applications from two high schools in the devastated region. Seventeen students applied and four were chosen. He also received grant money from Hitachi America, based in Tarrytown, N.Y. Hitachi’s gift of $6,000 paid for the traveling expenses for the four girls. On March 24, 2012, Chiaki Limi, Hazuki Kumagai, Kana Fukao, and Yukako Shimizu arrived. Four families hosted the girls: the Coopers, Lamberts, Magliaris, and Silks. Cornell calls the exchange program “Kizuna,” meaning “the bonds between people.” The young women brought with them the horrors of the tragedy. Limi continues to live in temporary housing on the site of what was her junior high school. Kumagai lost her home and school. Shimizu’s father lost his livelihood. Fukao lost her mother.
1
2
3
4
1. Stacy (mom) and Samantha Cooper with Hazuki Kumagai 2. Chiaki Limi with Fiona Magliari and Amie Crabtree (mom) 3. Emily Silk, Yukako Shimizu,and Felice Silk (mom) The Harvey School 11 4. Karina Lambert, Kana Fukao, and Patty Lambert (mom)
Patty Lambert wanted to participate in the program and hosted Kana to show the young woman that people beyond Japan’s borders care about the country and its people. Lambert has two children attending Harvey, Karina, a junior, and Keith, a freshman, and one younger daughter, Kelly. By Lambert’s account, Kana’s adjustment was easy. Keith made her laugh, and Kelly took every opportunity to brush her hair, paint her nails, and play the piano with her. Kana Fukao was just another Lambert child during her stay. “Kana was an extremely positive and resilient young lady. She taught my family and me important lessons about overcoming challenges, even those seemingly unbearable ones that she faced. Despite her gentle manner and kind,
soft speech, Kana was able to evoke a powerful presence,” Lambert said. The thrill of the exchange program was balanced by the tragic circumstances under which the girls came. On their last day on campus, Kana and her fellow exchange students shared their personal tales with the school at an assembly in the Lasdon Theater. The presentation was somber, with a Hitachi representative there to express his support of the girls and, in turn, Japan. The Harvey community sat in silence, faced with the aftermath of the natural disaster. Kana Fukao was a ninth grader when the events of March 2011 occurred, and she recalled her teacher telling everyone to take higher ground. Her coastal town washed away and she said, “His advice saved our lives.”
lunch with the headmaster Wraps, Fries, and a side order of laughter
Those of us fortunate enough to have attended the PowerPoint assembly our four visitors from Japan presented on their last day at Harvey left the Lasdon Theater profoundly moved by what we saw and heard. We felt compassion for the suffering we saw in the images and in the frightening tales of Japan’s 3/11, but we also marveled at the uncommon courage each teenage tsunami survivor displayed in telling her story of fear and loss. And just a short time later, after all the tears and all the consoling embraces that followed the presentation, the few of us who joined our four Japanese visitors for lunch with Headmaster Barry Fenstermacher saw firsthand the resiliency of these remarkable young women from Japan. We saw upfront and close how much resolve our visitors and their
12 Harvey Magazine Summer 2012
countrymen have in refusing to surrender to pain and loss. Over lunch, we saw their strength in the warmth of their smiles and the heartiness of their laughter. It was a giggle-fest, and a gift to those of us still wracked by sorrow for what we had witnessed only a short while before. As the visitors and their host sisters dove into their sandwich wraps and munched on their fries, Headmaster Fenstermacher was prompted to ask what our new Japanese friends liked best about American food. Fiona Magliari’s “sister,” Chiaki Limi, said with a big smile, “Everything’s delicious!” Emily Silk’s sister, Yukako Shimizu, chimed in with “Hamburgers!” Kana Fukao nodded in agreement but said she could do without the onions. When asked what they would miss most about America, almost in unison, the
four girls replied, “New York cheesecake!” Everyone laughed and a plan was announced to visit a bakery in White Plains that specializes in cheesecake. When asked what the strangest thing about American life is, once again the four looked at each other, broke into laughter and said that they could not get used to faucets in America. The girls kept giggling as they described their initial struggles with American faucets which operate in the opposite direction from those in Japan. “We could not make the water come out because we turned the faucets the wrong way in America,” one of the girls said as the others nodded in agreement. The plumbing is not the only thing different. “Harvey students have so much freedom in school,” said Hazuki. “And teachers in Harvey let students lead discussions,” she added. The four
Faculty, staff, and students held back tears as she described, without crying, losing her mother. “After we went to the safe place in the elementary school, I met my sisters, father, and grandmother. But my mother was not there. I thought my mother would come soon. We searched for her. We didn’t find her. She died of 43 years old,” said Kana. “The tsunami took many things from us—people’s lives, nature, our town, and everything. It has changed our lives. I lost many things. I even couldn’t believe this fact. I couldn’t understand. But I should accept the fact.” The Japanese believe that suffering does not mean unhappiness, and that it must be handled with dignity and grace, explained Cornell, and Kana was the embodiment of that
agreed that in Japan their teachers lead the classroom and call on their students for answers. Japanese students also wear uniforms to school. The girls said they like their uniforms but wish the skirt could be a little shorter, a comment that elicited chuckles from the adults around the table. The girls were also surprised that 16- and 17-year-olds could drive to school whereas students in Japan must be 18. When the girls described their school day beginning with a 6 am bus ride and ending with a 7 pm return, Fiona Magliari said, “That’s just like my day!” The difference is the school year. It starts in April and ends the following March. The girls noted that they get two weeks off before each school year starts
culture. He hopes that after spending time with the tsunami survivors Harvey students appreciate the value of gratitude and understand the importance of resiliency in responding to setbacks that will come in their own lives. “Harvey students got to know these girls and saw that they were happy and normal students. That is why, when they found out how deeply the tragedy had affected their lives, I think it was quite an eye-opener.” A year ago nature devastated humanity with a break in the earth and a swell from the sea—the achievements of mankind crumbling in its wake. Thanks to the 6,000-mile journey the four young women took, the Harvey community today celebrates the resilience of the human spirit as the world helps rebuild a nation.
and six weeks off from classes in the summer but must complete homework assignments. The Harvey host students tried to stifle a groan at hearing of the summer homework requirements. Throughout the four days, the Japanese students shadowed their host sisters, attending classes and participating in activities. When the headmaster asked them to name their favorite class, Chiaki Limi said it was Mrs. Hajem’s biology class on DNA because each student was assigned to be a certain species of bird. Yukako Shimizu said math with Mr. Kelly was fun because “the interaction was great.” Kana Fukao said American history with Mr. Morse was “very interesting.” Hazuki Kumagai
was last to identify her favorite class. When she said “Japanese language,” Mr. Cornell sparked a lot of laughter with his comment that he paid Hazuki to mention his class. When the last of the laughter subsided, it dawned on everyone that the students were late for their next class, and dutifully the eight students, the four hosts and their Japanese “sisters,” got up from the table, thanked the Headmaster, said good-bye to all, and filed out to make their way to their classes. Remarkably, normalcy returned on a day that will be forever etched in our memory as one of the most extraordinary days any of us has experienced at Harvey.
The Harvey School 13
cavalierclippings news from the harvey campus & community
The Russians Are Coming! The Russians Are Coming! The Russian bees, that is. Actually, they have arrived on campus, and thanks to Technology Director John Wahlers, Harvey’s official keeper of the bees, they are thriving in the hive located behind the Shea House, a site chosen for its distance from the school population and its proximity to a water source. Sparked by seeing a beekeeping presentation last fall at HarveySpeaks and encouraged by Parents’ Association President Karen Walant who found a donor, Mr. Wahlers pursued the idea of maintaining a hive on campus in addition to the one he has at his home. “It fit in nicely with my doing one at home because,” Mr. Wahlers said, “all the literature I’ve read suggests having more than one hive for comparison purposes. It’s easy to see problems when one hive deviates from the other. I spent the winter ordering equipment and bees and reading everything I could get my hands on.” Mr. Wahlers said Russian bees were the species chosen, not only because
14 Harvey Magazine Summer 2012
they are gentler, but because they handle Northeast winters well, resist parasites and diseases, and produce a great deal of honey. While the hive is not expected to produce much for harvest this year, Mr. Wahlers sees the day when the cafeteria will be serving honey. “An established hive in a normal year can produce anywhere from 40–100 pounds of honey,” Mr. Wahlers said. Other plans include establishing a beekeeping club and incorporating the hive as part of the biology curriculum. Once a week throughout the summer, Mr. Wahlers will continue to put on his veil, open the hive, smoke the bees, and lift off the top cover. Once inside he conducts an inspection which involves taking each frame out, looking for the queen, and checking to make sure there are new eggs, larva, pupae, honey, and pollen. The bees use the pollen and
honey they collect to feed the new bees. Mr. Wahlers has not been stung yet. Bees have crawled on his clothes and his bare hands, but he describes the bees as “gentle and very curious.” He said they will not sting unless they are threatened by some overt action. Mr. Wahlers said raising awareness of the plight of bees, reducing people’s fear, and inspiring faculty members and students to get involved with the hives, and maybe starting their own, “would be an amazing achievement.” Recalling Harvey’s beginning as a school built from a farm when students cared for horses, cows, chickens, and other farm animals, Mr. Wahlers said, “Keeping bees would serve as a connection to our roots as an institution.”
Harvey’s New Athletic Center Nearing Completion Harvey’s new 20,000-square-foot athletic center is inching closer to completion. A major milestone was passed in April when construction crews poured the main concrete floor, a crucial step requiring careful coordination among several different trades. Business Manager Michael Drude said the pour went well. After a two-week curing period, many of the trades were finally able to begin their craft.
A flurry of activity followed the curing of the concrete floor. Crews built office walls, installed ductwork for the HVAC system, painted the walls, and installed many of the electrical components. Mr. Drude reports that the builders are optimistic that they will attain their late August completion date. The center will feature twin basketball courts, training and fitness facilities, lockers, and office space for
the athletics staff. The school hopes the construction progress will allow for a ribbon cutting ceremony to take place sometime in mid to late fall.
Poetry Contest Recalls Memory of Michael Lopes It was another day of grand tradition at The Harvey School as twenty finalists in the annual Michael Lopes Poetry Recitation Contest delivered their poems before the entire student body, faculty, and staff in the Lasdon Theater. The Master of Ceremonies, Middle School Head Brendan Byrne, began the celebration by reading “Poem in Spring,” a poem written by his former mentor and English chair, the late Michael Lopes. In paying tribute to the man after whom the contest is named, Mr. Byrne
said, “If Michael Lopes were alive today, he would be pleased to know that The Harvey School still values the sound of language and the power of the human voice.” In explaining the importance of such an event, Mr. Byrne said, “We encourage our students to take ownership over the words of Robert Frost or e.e. cummings or Langston Hughes or Billy Collins or Maya Angelou or Pablo Neruda or William Blake.” After a lengthy deliberation, the judges decided that the winner of the
trophy for first place in the Middle School competition was eighth-grader Jake Harkins, who performed “Halley’s Comet” by Stanley Kunitz, America’s Poet Laureate in 2000–01. The judges chose freshman Jeremy Bacon as the Upper School winner with his rendition of “Suburbia” by Phil Kaye, a contemporary artist whose works are of a style called, “Spoken Word Poetry.” In closing remarks, Mr. Byrne congratulated all of the finalists for their outstanding achievement.
(back row, l to r): Julia Peraglia, Erica Cheyne, Charlotte Wittmann, Ricky Hicks, Olivia Bady (US honorable mention), Jeremy Bacon (US trophy winner), Nikki Pugliese (US honorable mention), Nick Maluf, Natalia St. Lawrence, Sophia Nahon, Will Walant (front row, l to r): Lily Alexander, Emily Walsh, Jared Peraglia, Jake Lewis (MS honorable mention), Jake Harkins (MS trophy winner), Zach Gault, Jacinth Francis, Hana Cornell, Kiersten Wittmann
The Harvey School 15
Lingua Latina vivit!
By Tim Stark, Chair of the Classics and Modern Language departments When Latin is entered into a discussion of options for modern day language study, too often we hear disparaging remarks such as “Latin is a dead language,” or “It was buried with the fall of Rome.” But Latin is very much alive today at Harvey. This statement is certainly true for the three of us who teach Latin, Cris Alexander, Stephanie Metz, and me. Our students cover grades 6 through 12. Latin has been a staple of the Harvey curriculum since its founding in 1916. Former Latin teachers have made such a deep impression on Harvey that they have had three buildings on the Katonah campus named after them: O’Malley Dormitory, Shea House (administration), and McMahon House (faculty residence). Today, all Middle School students learn Latin, and Upper School students can elect to study Latin in order to fulfill their foreign language requirement. The three of us who teach Latin today are well aware of its history at Harvey and of our responsibility to build on this long-established tradition.
Test your CIQ (Classics IQ)
Interpret the Latin passage (2 pts) and identify the literary work (3 pts) in which it is found (answers on next page): 1. “Et tu, Brute?” 2. “Solamen miseris socios habuisse doloris” 3. “Omnia vincit amor” 4. “In pace requiescat” 16 Harvey Magazine Summer 2012
Why Latin? One distinct advantage of learning Latin is that it illuminates one’s understanding of English. Many students are fascinated to learn how much Latin lives in contemporary English. Latin students discover that more than half of English words are derived from Latin, directly or indirectly, and learning the derivation of individual words becomes a lifelong interest of many students. Many legal and scientific terms come directly from Latin. In study after study, it has been shown that knowing Latin is an invaluable tool in helping students to excel on standardized tests which emphasize mastery of English vocabulary. “Latin has helped me in my English class and with my SATs,” said one of our Latin students, junior Catherine Trewhella. Her classmate, Megan Connolly, a freshman, recommends that others take Latin. She said Latin improves her vocabulary recognition skills. “If you don’t know a word in English,” she said, “you can break it down to its root and apply the Latin meaning to help you figure it out.” Another student, freshman John Cunningham, said, “Latin has broadened my vocabulary tremendously.” In addition, learning about Latin sentence structure helps students understand more fully the structure of English. The same grammatical and syntactical terminology and the same figures of speech and rhetorical devices that one uses in Latin can also be applied to English literature, both prose and poetry. Learning to read challenging English literature and learning to write more
effectively are immeasurably easier when one has a strong foundation in Latin. Latin also exposes students to ancient culture and history. Topics ranging from ancient forms of government to the celebration of holidays and mythological tales all enable students to deepen their understanding of both history and literature. Latin also provides an excellent foundation for any student who eventually wants to learn a Romance language such as Spanish, Italian, or French. Since these languages were originally dialects of Latin, which, over time, developed into distinct languages, the correspondences between Latin and Romance languages are sometimes striking. Not to be ignored is the fact that there is a vast body of Latin literature, including lyric poetry (Catullus, Horace), epic poetry (Virgil), and history (Livy, Tacitus), that students can access directly when they know Latin. Not every student may want to take on the challenge of reading actual Roman authors, but those who do find it satisfying and rewarding. We have also found over the years that some students who might otherwise struggle learning a foreign language meet with success when they give Latin a try. One reason for this is that our teaching emphasizes translating the written word. Students do not need to possess a multiplicity of skills, such as having a great ear for comprehending the spoken language or having facility in expressing themselves orally, in order to progress in their study
of Latin: they only need to develop good analysis and translation skills. Yet another factor is that when you learn a rule in Latin, you do not also have to learn a host of exceptions to the rule. Exceptions are few and far between, and many students find this regularity and predictability a great aid in making progress. No one can say definitively why Latin has fallen from the curriculum in many
schools, but it is reassuring to note that in recent years some areas of the country have experienced resurgence in Latin. One reason for the decline may be school budgets that are tied to total student enrollment. Perceptions that Latin is old-fashioned, difficult, and stodgy may be another, and adding new courses sometimes requires cutting others. In fact, chasing the latest educational
fad can be far more compelling to many decision-makers and often creates more buzz—for the short run. Also, when the budget ax falls, it often falls on the fine arts, performing arts, and foreign languages, which are still regarded in many circles as extras, nonessential, or optional. It is our good fortune to have school leaders who recognize the value and worth of classical languages.
Answers: 1. “And you, Brutus?” are the words spoken by Caesar when he turns to see his best friend, Marcus Brutus joining in the assassination, stabbing the Roman emperor during the murder scene of Shakespeare’s play, Julius Caesar. 2. Loosely translated, “Misery loves company,” from Marlowe’s Dr. Faustus, is spoken by the devil Mephistopheles when Faustus asks him why Lucifer wants to steal souls to hell. 3. “Love conquers all” is inscribed on the brooch of the Prioress in the “General Prologue” of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, thus revealing that her thoughts are more secular than religious. 4. “May he rest in peace,” the last line of Poe’s story, “The Cask of Amontillado,” is spoken sarcastically by the murderer Montresor who wishes his victim and “friend,” Fortunato, an eternal rest Scoring: If you scored at least 6–8 points, you earn a cum laude; 9–12 points, magna cum laude: 13–20 points, summa cum laude.
Holocaust Survivor Shares Her Story with Harvey Students The Human Rights Club helped personalize the lessons of the Holocaust when they invited Lola Margulies, one of the region’s few remaining survivors, to speak before students and faculty in February. Margulies stunned her audience with details about being an 11-year-old confined in a ghetto and living with the fear of being deported to a death camp when Germany invaded her hometown of Skalat, Poland, after declaring war on Russia in 1941. Margulies described “waiting for death,” living in a state of starvation, and losing all hope of survival, yet somehow never giving up the struggle to stay alive. For club member Bryn Seltzer, the experiences struck a chord. Seltzer’s paternal great-grandparents, who moved to the US in 1933, sent money to their
Jewish family and friends in Poland to help them emigrate to safety in the US. “When I was little, many of my grandmother’s cousins and friends told me they would not be alive if GreatGrandma Sophie, after whom I’m named, hadn’t saved them,” said Seltzer, a member of this year’s graduating class. Commenting on the decision by the Human Rights Club to invite Margulies to Harvey, Seltzer felt hearing a survivor’s story would help
students understand the magnitude of the Holocaust. Margulies speaks at schools on behalf of the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center (HHREC), an interfaith, not-for-profit organization serving Westchester, Fairfield, and Putnam counties. “She told our students never to let human rights violations of any kind go unchallenged,” said Harvey history teacher and club adviser Amy Gignesi. It was a lesson Harvey won’t soon forget.
The Harvey School 17
Our Students Explore Beyond Harvey’s Borders Two groups of Harvey students traveled abroad in June, one for 10 days in Spain and the other for 13 days in Japan. The trips are not all about sightseeing. Spanish teacher Rosana Lindoro said the community service component involved Harvey students spending three days helping to beautify the local community and teaching English too. “Educational travel builds the foundation that will allow our students to succeed in a global society,” she explained. “Many times a travel experience is the spark that ‘turns on’ an unmotivated student.” The students in Tim Cornell’s Japanese classes are going to the Far East for the first time in two years. Last year’s trip to Japan was canceled in the aftermath of the March earthquake and subsequent
tsunami. While Harvey’s students will not be going to Tohoku, the area where the four Japanese students who visited Harvey lived, Mr. Cornell said they plan to greet their friends through Skype. Mr. Cornell said he expects the trip will teach his students “more about the Japanese people and their wonderful culture with home stays and going to places that foreign tourists rarely go. I want the students to
experience a connection to Japan through person-to-person interaction, to become part of a Japanese family if only for a few days and learn that, despite our cultural differences, people are fundamentally the same all over the world.” The experiences abroad of our Spanish and Japanese students will give them a glimpse of the world beyond Harvey’s borders (see article on p. 10).
Harvey Celebrates Founders’ Day The Harvey School celebrated Founders’ Day February 27 with the ritual of having the youngest boy and youngest girl cut the cake and enjoy the first two slices. During his morning meeting, Headmaster Barry Fenstermacher stepped out of tradition a little bit when he invited all past cakecutters to gather around this year’s cake. In keeping with the school tradition, the Headmaster called Nicholas Gibson and Katya Harris to carve out the first
18 Harvey Magazine Summer 2012
slices of cake. Nicholas said he was nervous about getting up in front of the assembly, but when he saw everyone from the past gather near the cake, he said he felt better. “I’m glad I was the one,” said Nicholas. “It’s a good tradition for the school,” he added. His sixth-grade classmate, Katya, said she was not nervous at all. “I felt special.” She said she looks forward to the day when she will be a Harvey senior, sitting
on the stage behind the Headmaster and recalling the day she was selected to cut the cake on Founders’ Day.
Harvey’s Math Lab: Addressing the Individual Needs of Its Students Having taken a cue from Clayton Christensen’s, Disrupting Class: Innovation Will Change the Way the World Learns, Mr. Kelly maintains a classroom environment today in his Math Lab course that shifts his role from “the sage on the stage” to “the guide on the side.” Offered to students in grades 9–12, Math Lab serves those enrolled in a variety of math courses across grades and levels. Students in introductory algebra, algebra 1, geometry, algebra 2, precalculus, calculus, and financial math are enrolled in Math Lab. “It’s a place where students can fully master the math concepts they are learning before moving on to the next concept,” said Kelly. “In fact, the three geometry students are all in different chapters because they are learning at their own pace!” Kelly, a teacher at Harvey for 19 years, states that using a computer for learning serves the program well because “it is a tool that is second nature to today’s students.” Through the computer, Apex Learning, Harvey’s online curriculum provider, can provide manipulatives and self-assessments that each student has a chance to use individually. “In a conventional classroom setting,” Kelly said, “this would take up an inordinate amount of class time and may put students ‘on the spot’ before their peers.” The classroom environment of the Math Lab, where students at different
levels work in close proximity, “promotes natural and spontaneous collaborative learning,” Kelly said. “Often, when I’m helping one student, I will look over and see students helping each other.” Kelly feels the Math Lab addresses the needs of all types of learners: the quick learners who become bored in a class that moves too slowly for them and those who struggle to keep pace and “lose self-esteem quickly, falling helplessly and futilely behind.” It can even capture and accommodate those moments of “academic peaks and valleys” that students go through, ensuring the right delivery pace at the moment. For the students who take longer in general to master the math skills, the Lab allows them to repeat assignments until they complete them successfully. “The level of success can be set by the student, the parents, and the teacher together,” Kelly said. Math Lab students Jabea Kisob and Harrison Ross find the course very helpful. “In my algebra class, when I didn’t get something, I fell behind when the teacher moved on,” Jabea said. Harrison Ross said “I feel more comfortable learning a lesson that I can watch multiple times, but still ask Mr. Kelly for help if I
need to,” Harrison said. “And the Math Lab boosts my confidence,” he added. Kelly sees his function as a secondary resource for the students, answering questions and offering additional explanations as required. And what about the times when a student is not staying on task? Kelly says he takes on another function. “At times, I play the role of motivator, encouraging the students to stay focused, and to set and meet their goals,” Kelly said. “It is also great practice for college, where their learning will be much more independent, and their success will rely on their personal motivation and perseverance.” Rather than call such a program “vital,” Kelly says he would prefer to give it “the moniker of ‘unique and important alternative to the typical classroom setting’.” The Harvey School 19
Letters to Alumni Keep Harvey Middle School Nep/Poc Tradition Alive This year, in an effort to connect the current students to those from Harvey’s past, 37 eighth graders wrote letters to Harvey alumni from the classes of 1962, 1967, and 1972, asking questions about life at Harvey in the 1960s and 70s. Each student picked the alum’s name out of a basket containing only those in their club (either Neperan or Pocantico). Their English teachers, Ms. Lindquist and Middle School Head Brendan Byrne, coordinated the project. “Our students enjoy the Nep/Poc tradition,” said Ms. Lindquist. “They had an opportunity to see some of the old books from each club, and they each have a club T-shirt, which they wear to some events.” Students wrote about Harvey life today, about their classes and activities they enjoy, and they spoke of the Neperan and Pocantico traditions of today. Students were thrilled to receive replies to their letters. “It was interesting because he (the alumnus) talked about stuff that
I didn’t even know about, like an initiation into the Neperans,” said Ava Gurman. “He said it was spooky, so I want to write him again and ask him about that.” Of course, Ava and the other 8th-grade girls were surprised to learn that there was a time when Harvey was an all-boys school. Adam Penino, another student who received a response, said, “What was interesting was that back then the school didn’t have as many buildings as we do now.” Adam said the alumnus wrote about how strict the teachers, or Masters, were in handing out demerits, which sometimes resulted in a boarding student not being permitted to go home for a weekend if his demerits totaled 20 in one week. “I think Harvey is a better place today, because back then the teachers seemed mean,” said Adam. The students used the responses to their letters as part of class discussions and used Venn diagrams to compare and contrast the old Harvey and the new Harvey. Mr. Byrne noted, “It’s a
Kiana Anderson, Ava Gurman, Ms. Lindquist, Jamie Kelly, and Emily Walsh
20 Harvey Magazine Summer 2012
topic that really sparks something in the students because it’s a history and a tradition in which they are actively participating. The letters referenced teachers like John McMahon, and they can now walk past the McMahon cottage on campus.” Many of the letters also reminded current students of the richness of the Nep/Poc tradition. Matthew Neporent said, “Our teachers have talked about this tradition, and we have banners in the main hallway of the Middle School, but to hear alums remember the competitions that took place helped me realize how important it was back then.” Ms. Lindquist said the Middle School plans to continue the letter-exchange initiative with the 8th-grade classes next year and into the future. Responding to the students’ letters were Chip Edmonston ’62, Kit Wise ’62, Tim Klemmer ’67, David Williams ’67, Neal Colley ’72, and Alden Mauck ’72 (see opposite page for excerpts from the letters).
Ava Gurman and Josh Markowitz
“T he Neperans and Pocanticos were a very big deal. T here were lots of competitions between the teams, and everyone knew who was who. T he most fun we had was playing capture the flag. T he whole school, about 135 boys, 4th through 8th grades, played in the field and woods to the right of the driveway as you come up the hill to the school. We did this once or twice a year instead of regular sports. T here were also field days, again maybe once or twice year, when Neperans and Pocanticos would compete in things like foot races and the long jump. It’s probably a false memory, but I’m sure the Neperans always won.” “T he academics were very competitive, and everyone knew just how “smart” or “dumb” everyone else was because every Friday afternoon after sports, everyone’s grades would be posted on yellow cards on the back wall of the study hall. T hese cards showed your grades for each class for the week, and your cumulative average. You could go up and down the row and see everyone else’s grades. It was pretty brutal if you weren’t a top student. I’m sure they don’t do anything like that now.”—Kit Wise ’62 ce You have it easy, my friend. Sin ? ool sch to get I did how o, “S d it y bus radius (I think we misse we lived just outside the Harve first year, I walked through the by 1/10th of a mile), that entire rded the White Plains to a, boa woods to downtown Chappaqu ah, sat in the Katonah diner and ton Ka to bus the e rod , bus ah Katon . The k me up and take me to school waited for Ballard’s taxi to pic cast t me and an illustrious all-star bus ride was something else, jus s Pretty unnerving. I wa the ng. rni mo ry eve 5 6:1 at ” ple peo of “buswas about 30-40 years. I think I by bus the on son per st nge you Tim Klemmer ’67 one of the few sober ones too.”—
building at Harvey was “The main administration was like a southern called Sylvan Hall. It lumns in the front. co mansion with big, white school decided not to the d an e fir a There was I things I think of when rebuild it. One of the ll. Ha n beautiful Sylva think about Harvey is thecause my uncle had gone be “I was a Pocantico s a Pocantico. It was to the school, and he wa o teams battling each tw a lot of fun having the sorts of activities. ny ma in other all year tem of demerits. If “Also, there was a sys or something that a g, you did something wron uld give you demerits. wo he e, lik n’t did Master rth two or four wo re we ses fen of Most 20 in one week, you t go demerits, and if you home on the week end. weren’t allowed to go lk off’ by doing a lap You used to have to ‘wa where I think the k, around a kind of trac vid Williams ’67 Da y.— da to is hockey rink
“Can yo u im agin e g a work horse at today’s Ha rvey? W ellha, vin th ere draft horse at th e Ha wthorn wa s an old gray used for va rio us ch ores. On e Camp us wh o wa s of my 3rd-grade ye ar, we looe day, in th e spring or 4th flo or win do w of ou r ke d out of th e 3rd sa w th e gray froli cking withlit tle cla ssro om an d ha d escape d th eir pa stu re ansom e oth er horse s wh o wo ods an d over th e hill to visd com e th ro ug h th e an d playe d co wb oy, as he tri it. A tro op er arrived th eir owner. For som e re ason ed to la sso th em for in th e ro om, an d we were m , th ere wa s no teach er wa tching th e e xcitem ent th ataking so much noise sent som eone up to fin d ou th e He adm as ter an d tak e us to task. Th e otht wh at wa s going on even better th an a Snow Da er m emory, an event on e cold afterno on wh en we y, happ en ed la te hall. Th e cu sto dian staggere were all in stu dy anno un ce d th at th e boiler d into th e ro om an d Much e xcitem ent! W ell it wa s going to blo w up! did, an d we ha d an impromptu vaca tion for ab ou wa s fi xe d.”—Chip Edmons ton t a we ek while it ’62
The Harvey School 21
Middle School Science Class Project: All Systems Go! The 8th-grade students in Mrs. Hajem’s science class were involved in a unique opportunity this spring to discover the nature of the teaching profession while learning about the systems of the human body. Rather than presenting the material from a teacher-centered approach, Mrs. Hajem thought employing a student-centered technique would make for an interesting and more enriching experience. She told her students they were going to teach each other about the body systems and that she, the teacher, would serve as their co-teacher and guide. The project also incorporated lessons on the process of how to go about getting a job. Once the students filled out an application, they had to come to school dressed as a professional to participate in a job interview in which they explained why they would be the best co-teacher for a particular body system. Of course, all of them were “hired,” but they were not necessarily assigned the body system for which they applied. The students had to do research, work with Mrs. Hajem to plan PowerPoint presentations, and prepare worksheets to give their classmates for homework.
22 Harvey Magazine Summer 2012
Matthew Neporent and Emily Sirota were co-teachers of the cardiovascular system. Matthew said co-teaching with Mrs. Hajem was a good experience. “I had to learn the content in a different way because I had to know it for class to be able to present to my classmates. Usually I just learn the information the day or two before a test. It also made me think about my future and the possibility of being a teacher.” Emily said, “I remember playing pretend teacher as a child, and this made that experience come to life.” She said she turned to her uncle to help her with the preparations for her lessons. “My uncle is a cardiologist, and I was able to learn from him the parts of the system and that helped me in teaching the content.” The lesson on the heart involved a dissection of a sheep’s heart. “It was amazing to see what an actual heart looked like and how what I learned was right there in front of me.” Jake Harkins said co-teaching the skeletal system was “super fun and a good learning experience. If you are just learning to take a test, you memorize the information, and then it leaves your brain.
When teaching, you are held to a higher standard than the students are.” In addition to Matt, Emily, and Jake, the other co-teachers were Lily Alexander and Jasmine Brouwer (nervous system), Kelsey Childs (muscular), Julia DeNegris (urinary), Ava Goodman (immune), and Alec Roslin (digestive). Mrs. Hajem said letting her students teach allowed them to see how much preparation goes into learning important material, and she believes the project served their long-term memory. “It reminds me of a handout that I was given in one of my graduate classes. It said that ‘Children remember 10% of what they read, 20% of what they hear, 30% of what they see, 70% of what they discuss with others, 80% of what they experience, and 95% of what they teach.’ I think these co-teachers will definitely remember their experience and what they taught, and so will I.” And, if one of her students someday has a class of his or her own, perhaps Mrs. Hajem and her science class project will have provided the call to the teaching profession or the inspiration for a career in the medical field.
The 2012 One-Act Plays: Author! Author! Each year English Department Chair Dianne Mahony offers students a unique opportunity to write and direct their own one-act plays for performances in the Lasdon Theater. This spring, the original works of seniors Nicholas Maluf and Constance Brimelow debuted in the Walker Center for the Arts.
Standardized
What I Want
There is nothing more exhilarating in life than slipping into an audience and watching a performance of a play you’ve meticulously crafted and directed from a wayward vision months and months ago. In that moment, as you blend into the other unsuspecting witnesses to a story, you are given a clear sight of the transformation that has occurred; from idea to script to rehearsal to show. This has been a transformation where I was at the root of it all. Directing my own play has given me the opportunity to find something I really enjoy and in which I thrive—without this experience and my playwriting class, I would have never found this path which I intend to pursue in college and possibly beyond. Writing and directing have tested my ability as a storyteller and allowed me grow as well—both in forging a script from an idea and then manipulating it to create a living-breathing thing. This opportunity has been a gift that Harvey has given me, and I couldn’t imagine any of this without Mrs. Mahony’s influence and guidance. Told through interior monologues of five teenagers, Standardized depicts the crumbling of self to teens who take the SATs. I’d like to thank my cast, Kayte Crum, Annalise Cepero, Patrick Taylor, Charlotte Wittmann, Chinasa Nwokocha, and Brendan Kneitz. I love all my actors. I learned a lot from them—what works and what doesn’t in the transformation of characters to real kids.
Although I’ve been acting in the “One-Act Plays” for three years, I have to say that directing is a whole different monster. It is thrilling. It is challenging, and it’s more than a little scary. As a director, especially one directing his own work, you know everything reflects on you, and with that in mind, it is very easy to become scared of the performances. But in the end, it’s definitely worth it. To watch it succeed was easily one of the most rewarding things I have done, and the experience is definitely, absolutely, amazing. Despite the entire nerve-wracking experience, the end result filled me with great excitement and happiness. I’d like to thank the actors and crew for all they did to help: Patrick Taylor, Samantha Rettie, Jabea Kisob, Brendan Kneitz, and Rory Knox, my production stage manager, Olivia Bady, my rehearsal stage manager, Shavanna Clarke, and my running crew, Natalia St. Lawrence, Olivia Bady, Vanessa Mackiewicz, and Patrick Taylor.
by Constance Brimelow
by Nicholas Maluf
The Harvey School 23
Harvey’s Art Students Impressed with Chinese Photography Exhibit at KMA Serious high school art students in the Katonah-Cross River area count themselves lucky to attend school so close to the Katonah Museum of Art. Students from John Jay High School in Cross River and The Harvey School, just down the road, will often visit the museum to view its many exhibits. Harvey seniors Mitch Bowman, Mike Morra, and Ryan Cook took great pleasure in exploring the Chinese photography exhibit at KMA with their advanced digital photography classmates Brandon Hickey and Mike DeNigris and teacher, Ms. Rinnhofer. Commenting on the photos that depict modern life in the People’s Republic of China, Mitch said, “The exhibit was astonishing.” He shared his impressions: “One collection of photos shows a girl facing away from the camera standing in the same spot. In the
first photo, the girl stands in an open lot filled with grass; then each photo shows the rapid rise of the construction of multiple apartment complexes. The girl does not seem to change in any way, but the background and the cityscape change dramatically. Many of the photos in the exhibit portray the consequences of the dramatic growth that China has experienced the past decade that often go unnoticed by the outside world.” Mike Morra said, “I was blown away by the vibrant colors and the compositions of the photographs. What really stayed with me from the museum visit was that the photographers showed how the development of modern technology at a rapid pace is leaving tradition behind.” Ryan said he found one series of photos “particularly powerful.” The series involved nine separate pictures
of a young man’s face from the same angle and with no change in expression. The man in the photo had hired two calligraphers to write the names and stories of his ancestors in black ink, each character layering the next. In the first photo, we see only a few different symbols; the black ink contrasts with the paleness of his skin in a unique way, resembling fresh tattoos. By the last photo, his face is completely black and dripping with layer upon layer of ink with only the whites of his eyes untouched. Ryan said, “The photographer documented this experience in a way I have not seen before.” He said he was “very happy that his school provided this opportunity.” Earlier in the spring, the KMA featured the art of Harvey students, providing the Upper School students an opportunity to share their work with members of the local
Harvey and KMA: Thinking Through Art The Harvey School’s English Department teamed up with the Katonah Museum of Art to engage in a writing project called “Thinking Through Art.” Inspired by the exhibit at KMA, “Rising Dragon: Contemporary Chinese Photography,” 9th and 10th graders produced original poems based on a photograph of their choice. Following in this ancient tradition of Ekphrastic poetry, Pamela Hart, writer-in-residence at the Katonah Museum of Art, collaborated with English teachers Tim Halewicz, 24 Harvey Magazine Summer 2012
Maggie Hooton, Alexandra Lindquist, Dianne Mahony, Rod Owens, Jeffrey Seymour, and Beth Visintainer. The first step in the process involved Ms. Hart visiting each of the 9th and 10th grade classes to introduce “Ekphrasis” and prepare the students with exhibition images and themes. English teachers then used Ms. Hart’s opening lesson as a springboard for classroom activities, studying and discussing ekphrastic poems as models. During the student museum visits, KMA guides led docent tours
community. Harvey’s Fine Arts Chair Carole Bonicelli appreciates what the Katonah Museum of Art offers Harvey’s students. “The KMA has provided our gifted senior artists with a platform that is unsurpassed as a venue for displaying their art,” Mrs. Bonicelli said. Harvey and the museum have enjoyed a 25-year partnership in showcasing her students’ work. She said, “We have always been impressed with the professionalism of the staff at KMA.” Mrs. Bonicelli said the relationship with the museum has provided Harvey’s art students not only a chance to publicly display their work, but also to learn how to curate a show as well as how to hang art work. One of the student artists whose works were exhibited was Cameron Chase, who plans to major in art at the University of Hartford in Connecticut in the fall.
followed by a writing workshop in the gallery. Ms. Hart used Yao Lu’s New Landscape, Part IV–I, Angling on Low Island (2009) on chromogenic print as a focus piece to model the process of studying a photograph and creating a word palette. Students then chose a photograph to focus on and use their newly acquired poetry writing skills to begin drafting their own poems. After the museum visit, Ms. Hart followed up with two revision sessions for each class. These workshops focused on poetry moves:
1
3
2
4 5
1. Senior Dan Schonning • 2. Mrs. Bonicelli guides senior Harper Linneman • 3. Junior Ben Walant "Self-Portrait" • 4. Senior Cameron Chase, "Self-Portrait" • 5. Freshman Mary Nichols • 6. Junior Gabrielle Paulac 6
literary devices, line breaks, and powerful openings. Mr. Halewicz said, “Students should be proud of their work, and the lessons from the process of thinking through art, and writing an ekphrastic poem will translate into any type of writing and studying.” Their works will be collected in an anthology that Ms. Hart is producing with the help of Mr. Seymour. Many of the poems should also find their way into The Avatar, Harvey’s literary magazine. The Harvey School 25
Drama, Music, Song, and Dance Light Up Lasdon Theater The Performing Arts Department enjoyed the labor and rewards of another successful season. The plays, musicals, and concerts showcased some of the greatest student talent at The Harvey School. To capacity crowds of faculty, staff, parents, and alumni, the Lasdon Theater in the Walker Center for the Arts hosted a rich season of music, drama, comedy, and song. The winter term concluded with two theatrical efforts. In early February, Middle School theater teacher, Mr. Gregio directed Red, Red Shoes, a theatrical adaptation of the Hans Christian Anderson story, The Red Shoes. Gregio inspired his students to take on this challenging piece that offered a variety
26 Harvey Magazine Summer 2012
of roles incorporating movement and depth of character. Next came the Upper School’s rendition of the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, Oklahoma! This historic work of the American stage was hailed by many as the best musical performed on the stage of the Lasdon Theater. Production director and Performing Arts chairman, Vinny Alexander, credits his staff with the success of the show. “Mrs. Gambino, who choreographed Oklahoma!, and Mrs. Cushman, who directed the music, captured the beauty and the essence of the original Agnes de Mille production. I am so grateful for their talents and efforts,” said Alexander. “It was an outstanding show.”
Mrs. Cushman continued the display of talent into April with her spring concert, featuring selections from George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess and from the British musical Oliver. Harvey’s choral program includes a Middle School Chorus, an Upper School Chorus, and Chamber Singers, a select group of vocalists who perform more challenging arrangements and even a cappella pieces. Concluding the program, graduating seniors performed a piece in “Senior Moments,” a chance for each of them to have a moment in the spotlight. This section of the concert lent itself to a mixture of emotions. There was a celebration of accomplishment coupled with sad goodbyes.
The next Spring musical performance was the Instrumental Concert, featuring string and brass groups from the Upper and Middle schools. Mr. Tyson, in his first year at Harvey, created the first true instrumental program that featured a variety of instruments, styles, and musical genres. The audience was thrilled with the department’s new approach to music education. The year concluded by honoring the great American composer and Broadway performer, George M. Cohan. The Middle School presented the musical George M. Led by a team of talented teachers—director, Mr. Gregio, choreographer, Mrs. Gambino, and musical director, Mr. Tyson, this uplifting production was an overwhelming display of Middle School heart and talent. With its rousing musical numbers and its celebration of ingenuity, creativity, and the American spirit, George M. was a fitting performance to close out a successful year at the Walker Center for the Arts.
The Harvey School 27
sports
roundup
winter & Spring 2011–12 seasons
« Most Valuable Player | t Most Improved Player | l Sportsmanship Award | n Coaches Award
Harvey’s Winter Sports
The athletes who played sports during the winter term were honored by their coaches once the season finished in Winter Sports Awards hosted by the coaches. These are summarized below.
Upper School Each of the varsity teams, boys and girls basketball and hockey made it to the playoffs in their respective leagues. Boys Basketball Harvey’s boys basketball team (12–11 overall and 4–4 in the league) advanced to the semifinal round of the Housatonic Valley Athletic League playoffs before losing to
28 Harvey Magazine Summer 2012
second-seed South Kent, the eventual winner of the HVAL Championship. Senior Aaron McBurnie was named an HVAL All-Star. The following were awarded: « Aaron McBurnie, t Ricky Hicks, l Christian Artuso, n Jason Ecker, co-captain. The JV boys actually concluded their season by playing in the Soundview Prep Friendship Tournament final on the day of their evening awards dinner. Harvey finished second in the tournament when the Cavaliers lost 78–23 to the New York School for the Deaf. The following were awarded: « Andrew Schwartz, « Austin Forman, t Josh Gantt, l Harrison Solomon, n Jake Berkson, (Defensive Player of the Year) Sam Mackiewicz.
Girls Basketball The girls varsity basketball team (12–7 overall, 3–2 in the league) also advanced to the semifinals of the HVAL playoffs on the strength of a strong team effort and the play of two league all-stars, junior guard Chinasa (Cece) Nwokocha and junior center Gabi Paulhac. The following were awarded: « (Offense) Rane Prieto, « (Defense) Chinasa Nwokocha, n Nicole Pugliese. The girl’s junior varsity coaches, Tim Stark and Karen Bacigalupi, saluted several players: « Alexis Palmer, t Vanessa Mackiewicz, t Shelley-Ann Pitterson, l Arianna Pilla, n Samantha Aloi. Hockey The varsity hockey team, which finished 13–12–1 overall and 3–2 in the Fairchester Athletic Association, had significant contributions from many players this season. Senior Brandon Hickey was selected as All-League Defenseman while senior Ricky Schulman, the first player to reach 100 career goals in Harvey’s history, was also selected as AllLeague. Sophomore Forward Robbie Van Raamsdonk was awarded an FAA All-League Honorable Mention. The following were awarded: « (Offense) Richard Schulman, « (Defense) Brandon Hickey, t Noah Vock, n Robert Van Raamsdonk, (Corsano Cup honoree) Brett Marks. The JV hockey team finished with an overall record of 4–5. Coaches Rob Griffin and Kyle Delaney recognized the following players: « Marcus Plummer, t William Schubert, n Joseph Sorrentino
Middle School Harvey encourages its Middle School students to participate in athletics whether they have experience in a sport or wish to try it for the first time. Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders on the Middle School’s hockey team and four basketball squads were recognized by their coaches as each team was introduced to the parents, faculty, and athletes who attended the awards ceremony. Patrick Kennedy (MS Athletic Director and coach of the 8th grade basketball’s Maroon Team), Michael Rubenfeld and David Ketner (White Team #1), Head Brendan Byrne and Stephanie Metz (girls basketball team), Douglas Plaskett and Kyle Delaney (hockey team). The coaches of each team also announced the names of the following players who received team awards: Maroon Squad (8th Grade Boys Basketball) « Jordan Weintraub, l Dylan Cox, n Joshua Markowitz, t Lamar Dell White Squad—Team 1 (6th and 7th Boys Basketball) « Oliver Bacon, n Curtis Grellier, l Connor Phillips White Squad—Team 2 (6th and 7th Boys Basketball) « Luke Murphy, n Zachary Leff, l Hunter Hoffman Girls Basketball « Tessa Knorr, t Lily Alexander, l Emily Sirota Hockey « Theodore Rattner, n Adam Penino, n Matthew Neporent
The Harvey School 29
Harvey’s Spring Sports Two HVAL Championships The spring sports season ended on several high notes as both the boys lacrosse and tennis teams won championships. The lacrosse team, with a 16–1 HVAL record, earned its second consecutive league crown and was invited to play in the New England small schools tournament for the first time in nearly ten years. The tennis team went 11–0 in capturing the HVAL title. Interestingly, both Harvey victories came at the expense of South Kent, CT. As customary, at the conclusion of the spring season, the coaches of Upper School and Middle School teams held their sports awards dinners and selected the players on each team that made outstanding contributions.
team to beat Harvey this season. The Cavaliers finished the season at 16–2. Recognizing there were outstanding contributions from so many players this year on their way to an HVAL title, the coaches decided to award each senior a trophy. There were several Western New England Prep School Lacrosse Association (WNEPSLA) honors: (D2/D3 All American) Brandon Hickey, (D2/D3 Academic AllAmerican nominee) Brett Marks, (Coach of the Year) Jason Hill, (Assistant Coach of the Year) Michael Barefield, and (WNEPSLA All-Star Team) Mitchell Bowman, Ricky Schulman, Brandon Hickey, Brett Marks, and James Underwood. Also at the lacrosse dinner, the coaches announced their JV team awards: « (Offense) Keith Lambert, « (Defense) Andrew Bowers, t Rob Van Raamsdonk, n Thomas Smith.
Boys Lacrosse Harvey’s hopes of playing for a New England small school championship were smothered, literally, when the goalie for St. Luke’s stopped a potential game-tying goal from Mitch Bowman with just three seconds left. The Crusaders’ netkeeper sprawled himself out and tucked the ball underneath him as time ran out, preserving a 5–4 victory for St. Luke’s, the only
Tennis—a Perfect Championship Harvey’s tennis team had a spectacular season, going undefeated at 11–0, and winning the HVAL championship against South Kent. Head Coach Marty Bernstein and his assistant, Karen Bacigalupi, recognized several players: (Best Player) Brent Feldman, « David Shabshis, (Most Consistent) Bryan Krosser, t Dylan Rosenthal.
Upper School
Kevin Rosenthal
30 Harvey Magazine Summer 2012
Girls Lacrosse Goes to League Playoffs The girls varsity lacrosse team (4–11) advanced to the semifinal round of the HVALs but lost to Master’s, CT. Coaches Brooke Black and Jeff Seymour recognized the following players: « Audrey Rowe, n Lillian Brouwer, t Samantha Aloi. Baseball Makes League Playoffs Harvey’s varsity baseball team (4–9) lost a heartbreaker in the quarterfinal game of the HVAL playoffs. It was a back and forth game that lasted over three hours with Harvey losing 14–12 to Master’s, CT. Coaches Tim Halewicz, Mike Rubenfeld, and Rob Griffin named their award winners: « Mikyhle Stein, (Silver Slugger Award) Jason Ecker, (Gold Glove Award) William Schubert, n Jesse Zubren, « Jackson Roberts. Softball Grooms a Young Team The varsity softball team did not make the playoffs this season, but coaches Amie Phillips and Lesley Boltz saw some of the younger players earn valuable playing time to help make 2013 look brighter. At their awards gathering, the coaches recognized the following players: « (and WNEPSSA All-Star) Kimberly Bernstein, (Golden Glove Award) Kelly Barker, « (Offense) Martha Slivka, n Andersen Greenwood, l Erica Cheyne, t Emily Pollack. The coaches also recognized several Middle School athletes who played on the JV team: « (Offense) Jasmine Brouwer, « (Defense) Hannah Paul, l Hana Cornell, t Emily Sirota.
Rugby Plays a Tough Schedule Harvey’s varsity “A” rugby team finished at 2–8 while the “B” team finished at 2–4–1. Coaches Phil Lazzaro, Mark Brandon, Howard McManus, and Tom Feighery recognized the players who earned their names on the Harvey Rugby Plaque. Those from Harvey were: (Discipline) Cameron Chase, Christian Artuso, and Kieran O’Connor, ( Jazz) Sharif Koonce, (Alumni Award) Daniel Schonning. Four players were selected Metropolitan NY All-Stars: Koonce, Sam Seham, Zachary Buckwald, and Andre Britton-Tannenbaum.
Middle School The coaches of the spring sports program announced their team awards in May. Baseball coaches Sam Schursky and Tim Cornell coached both the Maroon and White teams. Maroon Team (7th and 8th) « Elijah Walker, l Ryan Park, t Anzel Vasquez White Team (6th and 7th) « Matt Drude, l Jordan Weintraub, t Jared Finkel Lacrosse Coaches Kyle Delaney and Pat Kennedy named their award winners: « (Offense) Henry Rosenberg, « (Defense) Ryan Sturm, l John Sullivan, n Michael DePass, t Jack Lanza.
The Harvey School 31
student
insight
student’s view from harvey
Trip to Tibet By Mitch Bowman ’12
A major step in my pursuit for meaning in life came from traveling to Tibet and my brief but meaningful stint with Buddhism. I, like countless teenagers, claim to have had a life-altering experience as a result of a summer program. In my defense, I didn’t take a teen tour to Cancún to spend a few days working with children, and come home claiming I did my part to fight poverty. I was in Tibet for an educational experience in a program. Contrary to the stigma people often associate with summer trips, I feel my journey was immersive, mystical, and powerful. There is something about the region that makes it special. Known as the “nation” with the highest average altitude and called “the roof of the world,” Tibet is recognized by many as the holiest place on earth, and some feel that there is no other place on earth where so many people show such devotion to their tradition. When I arrived in Tibet, I was nervous but curious. Home was far away. All I had was an open mind and a full backpack. Soon I realized that the world I knew and the words I spoke were of little use, so I began to change my ways. The trip was extremely rugged at times; there was a stretch of 11 days without a shower and rides on trains packed so far beyond capacity that people lay underneath the seats. I tried to wash off Tibet in the shower, but it became a part of me that couldn’t be removed. I felt the pain of the Tibetan people when I watched a monk break 32 Harvey Magazine Summer 2012
down into tears over stories of tragedy from the riots in 2008. I witnessed awe-inspiring beauty of the towering, snow-capped mountains, vast plains as far as the eye could see in all directions, and a magical night sky, clear enough to see the Milky Way. On one night alone, not one or two but thirty-eight shooting stars were visible. I was incredibly moved by everything I saw and felt, so I began to take a “when in Rome …” attitude towards Buddhism. My interest grew rapidly, and over that summer I read a book a week on Buddhism. I learned so much about the history and philosophy that I got to the point where I felt empathy and a sense of solemn consecration when I entered the monasteries. It helped that many of these places rank on the list of the top ten holiest Buddhist sites. One instance when I can say I experienced a mystical moment occurred as I visited the Yerpa caves, some of the earliest meditation caves and the site where the Tibetan Buddhist deity, Guru Rinpoche, is said to have achieved nirvana. When my group and I arrived at the entrance to the caves, we were confronted with two gigantic vertical ladders, which we had to climb in order to enter the caves. Once in, and equipped with a head light and ropes attached to our bodies, we had to position ourselves on our bellies or our sides to pull ourselves up higher into the mountain through narrow corridors, passing walls of crystals, stalagmites and stalactites. This is not a tourist
destination. It’s a religious site. There were no safety warnings or people charging admission to get in. It seemed very sketchy and felt unsafe. Passing many narrow alleyways and corridors, we arrived at the center of the cave, a small chamber with an altar dedicated to Guru Rinpoche. We took a brief moment to meditate as the Rinpoche did. It was truly a powerful moment. Once outside the caves, we encountered a sky burial site, where my group engaged in a short contemplation about the fragility of life and the unavoidability of death. Coming out of a long tunnel somehow consecrated the event. I began to recall images of the entire trip revealing the unique paths we had taken on our journey together, inhabiting the same space but each touching a different part of the experience. The memories from my experience traveling abroad are endless, and the impact the trip had on me will be a lasting influence upon my life.
”When I arrived in Tibet, I was nervous but curious. Home was far away. All I had was an open mind and a full backpack. Soon I realized that the world I knew and the words I spoke were of little use, so I began to change my ways.“ The Harvey School 33
faculty
focus
thoughts about harvey from our faculty
Q&A with Faculty/Staff The Harvey faculty draws from all corners of the world and if you’ve ever taken British literature or art at the school, you’ve come across two women who crossed the pond and made Harvey their home. Maggie Hooton, a 12-year veteran English teacher and 9th and 10th grade Academic Dean, is from Stockport in northern England, not far from Manchester (Manchester United was her soccer team). And Angelika Rinnhofer, who has taught digital photo at Harvey for six years, is a native of Nuremberg, Germany, where she lived as an adult. Harvey Magazine spoke with these faculty members and learned why they came to the US and what traditions they’ve kept to remind them of home. When did you decide to move to the US? Why?
Mrs. Hooton: We came because my husband—a native of Connecticut— got a job in that state. Eventually we moved to Redding, Conn., not far from where Mr. Wyland lives, although I did not know him at the time. That’s where my daughter and son grew up, and after they went off to college, we relocated to the mid-Hudson Valley because we found a house that we loved in beautiful countryside, and it was within commuting distance (just!) of my new job at Harvey. Ms. Rinnhofer: I met my husband in Berlin, but he was from New York. We moved to New York, and then got married. My husband had just gotten his Ph.D. and then had three 34 Harvey Magazine Summer 2012
different postdoctoral positions. I moved with him to LA, New York, and Denver and then I came to Beacon, NY. What was the biggest surprise about living in a different country?
MH: I have been here so long (since 1981) that America has few surprises for me anymore, except when I listen to some of the political debate in this country. It is difficult for the English to relate to the sort of issues that Americans consider important. AR: I realized I could understand when people spoke Yiddish.
When did you first feel like the US, and Harvey, were home?
MH: When we bought our house in Bethel, Conn., and our daughter began attending the Montessori School in Redding. I felt that Harvey was home after my first year here. It took a while to adjust to how things worked here but I immediately felt at home with my colleagues and the students. AR: I don’t really feel like home anywhere, but I went back to Germany for a month after my divorce and was there for 9/11. When I saw the TV reports of the 9/11 attacks, I felt that I had to return to the US and booked one of the first flights into the US once airports opened.
Angelika Rinnhofer
What do you love about living and teaching in the US?
MH: I love the countryside and the ability to travel to amazing places without leaving the country. I also love the openness of people here, and students at Harvey are among the best—friendly, thoughtful, and generous with their time and their enthusiasm. That’s what makes them so much fun to teach. AR: At Harvey, you are allowed to teach according to your specialty. You don’t have to fit into a mold. You can add your ideas to the curriculum and the subject you teach. It’s very independent. A difference between here and Germany is that people have to work harder here. It’s much more cutthroat. And women are more emancipated because they are part of the professional world. In what ways does your international background inform what you teach?
MH: My honors class is a British Literature class so my background allows me to teach all the classics that I love. My background also allows me to understand the historical and social
Maggie Hooton
background to the literature we study and to be able to convey some of that to my students. AR: My MFA program, which was in Berlin, gave me a broader view of photography and the many aspects of it. What do you miss most about where you are from?
MH: I think the sense of community —the local pub is a great gathering place, and neighbors tend to pop in for innumerable cups of tea all the time. Here you have to be asked! And I have to import my own tea so I am not dependent on American imitation tea. AR: Family. How do you stay connected with your culture?
can get my hands on. I am particularly fond of English murder mysteries by people like Elizabeth George and Ruth Rendell. Apart from the murder and mayhem, they keep me in touch with the quirky and eccentric characters you often find in England. AR: My parents and family are still in Germany; I go back once or twice a year. I read German authors, often in German. I try to make gingerbread, which is a Nuremberg specialty. The first commercial gingerbread bakery opened in Nuremberg in 1390. I replaced the ingredients from my mother’s gingerbread recipe with ingredients native to America. So hazelnuts and almonds were replaced by walnuts and pecans, and cinnamon was replaced with allspice. I like the result.
MH: I spend as much time in England as I can each year. I have a house in a beautiful part of the country, in Northumberland, which is also known as England’s last wilderness. I also subscribe to the local newspaper, the Hexham Courant, each week online so I can keep up with the minutiae of English village life. And, of course, I read as many novels from England as I The Harvey School 35
Middle School Perspective By Brendan Byrne, Middle School Head
The Independent Middle School Model: Addressing Student Needs in All Aspects of Growth An independent school education is something most people do not even consider until it comes time for college or perhaps high school. After all, it costs considerably more than public education, and when weighing the options, parents consider academics as the primary focus. However, if we carefully consider the development of children into adolescence and beyond, few would argue that the most challenging stage happens during the middle school years, when physical, emotional, and social changes are all happening simultaneously, creating a powder keg of insecurity for nearly every child. Therefore, it would actually make sense to focus on middle school as the time when it is most critical for a student to be in a supportive environment where he or she can develop more confidence, both academically and socially. The Harvey Middle School, featuring small class sizes, a nurturing advisory program, a strong sense of community, and unique extracurricular programs, provides a dynamic experience that can launch Middle School students into successful high school careers and beyond. When students emerge from elementary school, they usually come from schools where they interact with one or two primary teachers for the entire day. These students then transition into middle school, where they move from class to class every forty minutes. In public school settings, guidance counselors are burdened with the 36 Harvey Magazine Summer 2012
monumental task of monitoring the social and academic progress of hundreds of students. Our Middle School features an ongoing advisory program in which a teacher serves as an advisor to a small group of students. This advisor is able to quickly become familiar with the student, his or her background and interests, and becomes the primary point person for communication between the school and the parents. Over three years of Middle School, this relationship can be instrumental in helping children navigate their way through challenging times. Perhaps the most attractive aspect of a Harvey Middle School education is the small class size, which allows the teacher to become fully aware of the strengths and weaknesses of each student. Teachers are able to effectively differentiate lessons and activities, which ultimately encourages students to become more active and interested participants in class. Students take core classes such as history, math, English, Latin, and science, but are also expected to take advantage of offerings in art, theater, and music. Additionally, our Middle School strongly encourages students to participate on athletic teams. While public schools are forced to hold tryouts, even at the Middle School level due to large numbers, Harvey’s Middle School will include students on teams regardless of their ability. Exposing all students to both the arts and athletics encourages
them to discover talents and interests they may not have otherwise explored. How is our Middle School able to provide a balanced and fulfilling academic and extracurricular experience each day? A primary reason is that the day begins at around 8 o’clock and stretches until nearly 5 o’clock. Academic, extracurricular, and social opportunities are built into each and every day. In a day and age when homework often takes hours to do in the evenings, the Middle School is able to provide significant study hall time and opportunities to connect with teachers for extra help. After the academic day concludes, students participate in extracurricular programs, and often attend each other’s games, performances, and recitals. Additional happenings, such as school trips and dances, provide students with more opportunities to connect. With all students spending more time on campus and attending events together, a great sense of community develops, and kids feel that they are part of something special. For Middle School students, this goes a long way in terms of self-esteem and confidence. So, how does a family know if their child would benefit from an independent school education? Perhaps my own experience can lend some insight. As someone who grew up attending public school from my elementary years through undergraduate studies, I have often contemplated how my own
educational experience would have been different. In particular, I look back on my middle school years as an unspectacular experience. It was a challenging time in my life, when I undoubtedly would have truly benefited from an influential teacher or coach who attempted to bring out the best in me.
I was permitted to quietly exist in the back of most classrooms without participating, where neither my strengths nor weaknesses were identified. The teachers at the Harvey Middle School would have surely encouraged me to contribute to the school’s literary journal, expect that I play on the
basketball team despite my size, and require me to meet my math teacher for extra help after school. Fortunately, it is the unspectacular experience that I had as a middle schooler many years ago that inspires me as the Head of Middle School to attempt to bring out the best in the students I work with every day.
Upper School Perspective By Robert Cook, Upper School Head
Harvey Hopes to Host
International Students in 2013 In his book The World Is Flat, Thomas Friedman of the New York Times says that the economic and political barriers that separate nations and peoples are being eroded, and that Asian countries, primarily India and China, are becoming increasingly larger players on the world’s stage. Goods and services are traveling the world with remarkable frequency and speed. In 2005, for example, an estimated 400,000 American IRS returns were prepared in India. And 80% of Wal-Mart’s suppliers are in China. Friedman suggests that we are rapidly moving toward a global economy fueled by innovation and driven on the Internet. As the world continues to “flatten,” to use Friedman’s metaphor, it will become increasingly necessary that heretofore different, separated cultures come to understand one another. This isn’t lost on the world’s politicians. The Chinese government has mandated the study of
English in all Chinese schools beginning in what we would call kindergarten. The number of Mandarin programs in the US is increasing exponentially. In this general context, Harvey’s discussions about international students began in 2010, and we decided in the late spring of 2011 to go through the process of obtaining our government’s approval to recruit and enroll students from other countries. We chose to begin with Chinese students for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is that we are able to partner with a first-rate and ethical organization to help us as we venture out into unknown territory. We filed our petition with the Department of Homeland Security last summer, believing, after talking to other schools and consultants, that the process would take six or seven months at the outside. Unfortunately, it’s been about 10 months, and we’re still waiting.
We are now being told that the average time for obtaining approval is around a year. We fully expect that we will be granted the authority to issue student visas, but it has been frustrating to wait and then wait more and to realize that our program will be delayed for a year until September of 2013. Still, it is clear that we will be an international school within a very short time. I would like to thank all you who volunteered to be host families in response to the request that Karen Walant, President of our Parents’ Association, and I sent out earlier this year. We appreciate your willingness to support our program, and we’ll certainly ask again! Having students from other cultures in our community will be a rewarding and enlightening experience for everyone. I’m really looking forward to it.
The Harvey School 37
parentview
perspective from the parents’ association
A Year of Great Variety
By Karen Walant, Ph.D., President, Parents' Association It’s been a wonderful year! When I rewind the year, and start at the beginning, I am just astounded by how many exciting and fun opportunities for connection we have had. First was Spirit Weekend, and all the fun we had cheering our fall sports teams while petting puppies from the East Coast Assistance Dogs Program, soon followed by the 25th anniversary party for our Headmaster. We then headed into the diverse and fascinating HarveySpeaks 2011, where our community swelled to over 325 parents, teachers, and students, all trying new things and learning more about curiosity and its importance to creating happiness. At least two introductory courses from that night have lasted longer than just that one evening—Harvey now has its very own beehive, with caretaking by John Wahlers our technology specialist, and students and teachers have a zumba fitness class every Friday morning before school. The 38 Harvey Magazine Summer 2012
year ended with a delicious Holiday Luncheon filled with scrumptious food for our faculty and staff, and leftovers heading off to the Holiday Choral Concert reception and the dormitory for late-night snacks. The winter and spring terms increased the Parents’ Association focus on the Benefit, whose theme was Variety, and, as you can see from the pictures, we had loads of fun with our Headmaster interviewing Dr. Ruth Westheimer and surprise guest Chevy Chase. Paul Shaffer provided not only brilliant music, but was the perfect interviewer for “Harvey the Hittite,” who came to the Benefit dressed in his golden turban. We are so blessed to have a Headmaster who just naturally has such humor and wit—add that to Paul’s enormous talent, and—voila, instant success! (Read Bonnie McGee’s detailed article, on page 40 for more information on the evening.) Our Parent Committee chairs were astounding—as were all of our
volunteers, who devoted so much time, energy, and professionalism, which assured that the night would be a success. It truly takes the best efforts of the entire community to have a successful Benefit, and I thank the entire Harvey community—for those who donated items, those who gave their time, those who bought items, and those who came, and laughed, and cheered us all on. I believe that the Harvey community is a WIKI (the Hawaiian word for quickly, the Wikipedia definition of wiki) COMMUNITY, meaning a community in which we all collaborate together, with the quick result that everything we do is “a perpetual collective work” of many people. This year, the percentage of volunteers at Harvey grew to almost half of the current families, which speaks to how quickly word has spread that it is FUN and rewarding to be involved in the community where your children attend school! We welcome your involvement for next year—please email me at
When I rewind the year, and start at the beginning, I am just astounded by how many exciting and fun opportunities for connection we have had.
Benefit Co-Chairs Karen Walant, Pam Slater, Cathy Shaffer
kwalant@harveyschool.org, call me at (203) 431-4664, or fill out the volunteer form on the Moodle page on the Parents’ Association site if you’d like to be part of our WIKI Parents’ Association. We are filling positions for the 2012–2013 school year now, so please consider joining us. While we already have many ways for you to connect with the school, if there’s something you’d like to offer, and don’t see it already on our list, please call me and we’ll discuss it together. Have a wonderful summer—may it be filled with relaxation, happiness, sunshine, and family!
Want an icebreaker to meet other Harvey Parents? Ready to have a year of fun and laughs? Want to release oxytocin and dopamine, and feel great? The Harvey Parents' Association is happy to have your volunteer spirit. Offer what you are comfortable doing, whether it be stuffing envelopes, being a class parent, helping to plan HarveySpeaks or the Annual Benefit, or creating a new way for parent connections. 2012–2013 PA volunteer information and registration are now just a click away. All you need to do is to complete the Volunteer Registration Form posted on the Harvey website, under Connecting/Volunteer Opportunities, and email your completed form to kwalant@ harveyschool.org, as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please email or call Karen at (203) 431-4664. There are many opportunities available—some require significant commitments; some only take just a few evening hours during a sports season.
The Harvey School 39
Variety Is the Spice of
Harvey’s 2012 Benefit featuring performers Paul Shaffer, Dr. Ruth, and Chevy Chase By Bonnie McGee
40 Harvey Magazine Summer 2012
I
magine “Carnac” with his exotic turban and uncanny psychic ability. No, it’s not Johnny Carson, but our own fearless Headmaster, Barry Fenstermacher. With his very special musical co-host for the evening, Paul Shaffer, at his side, Barry reached for the first envelope: “Answer, a thousand clowns…Question, who designed the Harvey Moodle site?” Not your ordinary benefit opening, but then again, this is Harvey! On April 27, The Harvey School proved beyond all doubt that Harvey is VARIETY with an extraordinary evening of comedy, music, magic, and celebrity guests. The brain-child of Benefit Co-Chairs, Karen Walant (PA President), Cathy Shaffer, and Pam Slater,“The Harvey Variety Show” brought together more than 300 parents, staff, and alumni. They entered the Walker Center for the Arts to witness the Lasdon Theater’s transformation to an upscale dinner theater, where they were treated to one “spicy” surprise after another. Cocktail hour featured the Katonah Studio Jazz Band, including Harvey parent Robert Kessler, a Grammyaward winning composer, producer, and pianist. The band’s homage to classic jazz masters encouraged dancing in the aisles, while foodies savored Chef Lee’s delectable hors d’oeuvres of grilled shrimp, goat cheese endives, and sushi, paired with our evening’s signature drink, the Harvey Wallbanger. Many attendees stayed busy in the gallery for this year’s return to silent auction bidding on 25 items, ranging
from vacation homes in Cape Cod and the Hamptons, to Donna Vock’s exquisite fine jewelry, and tickets for prime seats to the Giants, Mets, and Yankees. In addition, guests participated in the raffle of an elegant strand of opera-length cultured pearls purchased expressly for the event. This year’s Giving Tree enticed many participants to contribute items for our soon-to-be-completed gym, helping realize the dreams of many of Harvey’s aspiring and accomplished athletes. Paul Shaffer and wife Cathy, parents of one Harvey alumnus as well as a current 7th grader, once again brought to the benefit a talented team of performers for an unforgettable evening of entertainment. Paul, David Letterman’s acclaimed musical director and sidekick for over 30 years, launched the main event, assuming the post of musical director. Stepping up to the keyboard, he accompanied and conducted our featured band of the evening, The Greyhounds, a five-piece rock band based in Poughkeepsie. Our first celebrity guest of the evening was the audacious Dr. Ruth Westheimer, who took her seat on our “talk show” set for an engaging interview with Barry. Petite in stature, she was larger-than-life with boundless energy and comic storytelling. This one-time military sniper and grenade thrower weighed in on questions from the audience. Her take on the bestselling Fifty Shades of Grey, priceless: “Basically, I’m a square. I am still for sex within marriage and in the context of
The Harvey School 41
love.” She graciously signed dozens of books both prior to and throughout the evening. Dr. Ruth’s one note of caution, her bestsellers are “not for the kids.” Just as Dr. Ruth’s segment was about to come to a close, a surprise celebrity guest suddenly appeared on stage, none other than Chevy Chase. The audience sent out an audible gasp, clearly thrilled at the sight of this famed Saturday Night Live favorite, currently starring in “Community” on NBC. His improv skills perfectly intact, Chevy charmed the audience with his banter. After a brief interlude featuring video “commercials” from Harvey students, famed magician Peter Samelson brought his tricks and illusions to astound the crowd. Harvey’s own Laura Prichard and friend Fred Stark assisted in the act, with a disappearing ring that reappeared in a locked box. Peter wowed everyone with his card and rope tricks, and signed off with an illusion created by fragments of paper swirling around him, as he insinuated himself into a virtual snow globe. Barry then took the stage with gavel in hand for the benefit’s exciting live auction. This year’s items included a “Top Chef ” dinner for 10 from Harvey’s own Lee Robinson; a chance to rock out with “The Boss,” Bruce Springsteen, live at Giants Stadium; a sunset cruise around Long Island Sound; a private tour of the famed Walker Library at the home of Harvey Board Chair Eileen and her husband Jay; an Arthur Avenue luncheon and tour with actor and Harvey parent Chazz Palminteri; a 4-night stay in the exquisite wine country of Santenay, France; a backstage tour and VIP seats to The Late Show with David Letterman, and a table for eight at NYC’s famed Neapolitan restaurant Rao’s. 42 Harvey Magazine Summer 2012
The closing act was the hilarious comedienne Sherry Davey, a single mom, professional comedian and writer, who has performed on Comedy Central, NBC’s Today Show, and Nick at Nite. Sherry was born in the United States but raised in England, and while her family went back and forth, her parents always made sure “she saw American dentists regularly.” She had the audience in hysterics, regaling them with stories of raising teen girls in a parent-unfriendly, techno world. With an enthusiastic crowd ready to keep the evening going, the Greyhounds took to the stage to give participants an impromptu opportunity for one last dance. By all accounts, it was a great way to end an amazing evening. Karen Walant attributed the success of the benefit to the many talented and dedicated PA volunteers, working side by side with Harvey staff. She said, “Co-chairs Cathy Shaffer and Pam Slater created a night that will live long in our memories as a true standout for entertainment and fundraising.” Reflecting on the success of the event, Barry Fenstermacher said, “Our Benefit has found a wonderful, if not magical, format. After our parents generously support Harvey through a variety of ways to contribute, our organizers then give everyone a sparkling evening of entertainment in return. I’m not sure who said ‘Variety is the Spice of Life,’ but I think they were onto something. Variety? We have it all at Harvey and not just for our show. We have it every day through the great accomplishments of our wonderful children, faculty, and staff. We have a variety of people but a single-mindedness of purpose: to make and keep Harvey the best it can be.”
The Harvey School 43
alumniNews Alumni stories and updates
Letter From Our Alumni President Dear Harvey Alumni, After a very mild winter and an early spring, it’s hard to believe the school year is over. Harvey’s new athletic center is taking shape nicely and is scheduled to open later in the fall. We appreciate alumni support for this wonderful new facility, which is so vital to the school. (It’s not too late to contribute!) This edition of Harvey Magazine has an international theme, “Beyond Harvey’s borders.” There’s an article about four Japanese high school students, survivors of the Tohoku earthquake. These four girls, with the help of a grant from Hitachi Corporation, visited Harvey for a week in order to experience life in the US and to share their message of hope. They were assisted by their Harvey homestay families and by Tim Cornell, Harvey’s Japanese teacher, who helped coordinate their visit. Continuing the overseas theme, in our spotlight section, we have an article featuring three alumni who live and work abroad, and one former teacher who has retired to Mexico. We also have coverage of our April 14 reunion including a tribute to the Carter years, a student panel on life at Harvey, and our Hall of Fame awards. We had a nice turnout, with classes ranging from the 1940s to the 2000s. I encourage Harvey alumni to reconnect with the school in whatever way you can. Harvey is a compassionate institution of learning that still goes the extra mile for its students. We encourage alumni involvement and look forward to welcoming you on campus sometime soon! Best regards,
Dan Chapman ’73 Alumni Association President 44 Harvey Magazine Summer 2012
The alumni reunion this year celebrated those classes ending in ‘2’ and ‘7.’ Volunteers from some of those classes worked throughout the year to connect with classmates, learn what they’ve been doing recently, and encourage attendance. Special recognition was given to those reunion agents during the program: Dennis Dilmaghani ’62, David Williams ’67, Andrew Hascoe ’82, Jes Muse ’92, Tiffany Franqui and Joanna Schiff ’02, and Franny Visintainer ’07. Unable to attend was Laurance Baschkin ’77. Special attention was given this year to the class of 1962, celebrating its 50th-year reunion and to Norbert Lachmann ’47, celebrating his 65th-year reunion. Each attendee received a pewter medallion in their honor. Also honored was the class of 1982, as the first graduating senior class. Special display boards were on view for each of these classes to highlight some of the events during their years at Harvey. The program was preceded by musical entertainment from two Harvey seniors, Tim Ehlberg and Julian Rissetto, accompanied by Harvey music teacher Kathy Cushman. Headmaster Fenstermacher offered remarks, and Dan Chapman recognized alumni
traveling the farthest (CJ Heitner ’02 and Jes Muse ’92 from California). Dan then described Harvey’s undertaking in hosting four students from the tsunami-ravaged area of Japan for a week-long stay at Harvey. He praised Harvey’s involvement in the global community, beyond its own local borders. A surprise presentation was made by Robert Hard ’66 to the Headmaster in recognition of his leadership. The next part of the program was described as the “ramp up to the centennial.” First, a slide show on the Carter years was given by Alumni Director Sally Breckenridge. This was followed by remarks from current Harvey teacher Tim Stark and alumnus Marc Sahr ’82 on the evolution of Harvey from Middle School to Middle and Upper School in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The Harvey Hall of Fame Awards followed (see page 50), then a panel given by current Harvey students
Marc Sahr ’82
Charlotte Arbogast and Nikki Pugliese (seniors), Jack Chirico, Karina Lambert, and Jesse Silbert (juniors) and led by Franny Visintainer ’07, Admissions Office assistant. Tours to the hard-hat area near the new Athletic Center were led by Business Manager, Mike Drude, and Michelle Christie described the Harvey virtual classroom, otherwise known as Harvey’s online learning program. The afternoon ended with a reception for faculty and alumni. Sophomore Mike Goodkind was on hand to record short video interviews with the alumni, which will be posted on the school website.
Alumni reunion 2012
The Harvey School 45
alumni recognition
joanna schiff ’02
david williams ’67
dennis dilmaghani ’62
tiffany franqui ’02
Franny visintainer ’07
Jes Muse ’92
Andrew hascoe ’82
Norbert Lachmann ’47
Panel & Tours
46 Harvey Magazine Summer 2012
attendees The Harvey School 47
ramping up to Harvey’s Centennial—
celebrating the Carter Years A short slide show on the Carter years was given by Alumni Director Sally Breckenridge. She emphasized that founders Dr. Herbert Carter, a New York City pediatrician, and wife Mabel Carter were both instrumental in the school’s direction and success. Dr. Carter provided leadership from 1916 until his death in 1927, but Mabel continued her advice, direction, and support until her death in 1957. She also had a “cottage” at Harvey, where she lived for many years. For some of
them, she also raised two of the Carter grandchildren, Joan and Peter. It was the Carters’ love of the arts—music, fine arts, and theater, which established the traditions we continue today. The Carters’ eldest son, Herbert Jr., graduated from Harvey in 1919, went on to Princeton (1923) and then to Oxford, before returning to teach English at Harvey in 1925, and then to take over as Headmaster the following year. When he died in 1938, he left behind a respected, pre-prep school with rigorous
academic standards, a blueprint for the Harvey of today, with an emphasis on academics individualized/made understandable for everyone, a broad spectrum of the arts, and athletics as a requirement for the health of the body and spirit. Display boards showed photos from the original farm and grounds, those buildings constructed specifically for the school, and sports teams and theater/ musical presentations during the 1920s and 1930s.
class of 1982
48 Harvey Magazine Summer 2012
50th class year
reception
The Harvey School 49
hall of fame awards This year’s Hall of Fame awards were received by CJ Heitner ’02, Germane Williams ’00, Nanette Baratta ’82—all for athletics—and Darren Rigger ’87 as an Outstanding Alumnus. Each award recipient was introduced by a person with special meaning for him/her: CJ’s coach Tim Stark, Headmaster Fenstermacher for Germane, Jan Jacobi’s written introduction read by Dan Chapman ’73 for Nan, and former Harvey teacher Peggy Stephens for Darren. There were high spirits and laughs all around as the accolades were received and responded to in kind by the recipients themselves.
CJ Heitner ’02
Germane Williams ’00
by Tim Stark
by Headmaster Fenstermacher
“It is an indisputable fact that some athletes are blessed with skills and aptitudes that other athletes can only dream about. CJ was one of those gifted athletes at Harvey: he picked up essential skills effortlessly, and he possessed a competitive spirit that drove him to excel. Even when he was in Middle School, CJ was an outstanding runner on the varsity cross country team and later was more than capable of holding his own when he was pressed into service for the varsity tennis team “I knew CJ best as a basketball and lacrosse star. One of his most valuable traits, at least from this coach’s perspective, was his versatility. In hoops, he could play any position … His mid-range jump shot was superb … His body control was also exceptional. … CJ was equally talented in lacrosse and was an intimidating presence in his own right…”
The Headmaster noted that he had never coached Germane, but had regularly seen him play, including at the Kildonan Classic games, where Germane was awarded MVP for the tournament in 2000 and on the All-Tournament Team for three years. He remembered many weekends spent at the tournament with Germane’s mother, while they waited for the tournament games to begin. The Headmaster recounted Germane’s four years of basketball at Harvey and then four more at the “best school around,” on the Drew University varsity team. Germane recognized his sister, Kerrie, Harvey class of 1991, as being his most important role model, but also identified a number of other important people.
50 Harvey Magazine Summer Summer2012 2012
Nanette Baratta ’82 by Jan Jacobi “In her senior year, I had the privilege of teaching her AP English. We read challenging texts, and Nan wrote numerous critical papers for me. As an 18-year-old, she immersed herself in the lives of the characters about whom we read. She understood them—their triumphs, their failures, their dreams, and ultimately their humanity. We met in the morning in a tiny classroom in what is now the Middle School. Each day we began with Nan’s observations because she had read her assignment faithfully. I could always depend on her to get our discussions started and to carry them if they started to drag. “My favorite teacher taught me that ‘great literature can help you through a life crisis,’ and that is the message I tried to impart to the five Harvey seniors who met with me each day. I have no doubt that the student who understood this most deeply was my star student, Nan Baratta. In June, when the year ended, she was more than ready to attend Kenyon College, which is a school with a rich literary tradition of its own.”
Darren Rigger ’87 by Peggy Stephens “ … Darren has a genuine, love-life smile. That love could be seen when he was playing football, wrestling or lacrosse … acting with Mr. McBee and helping to co-write a Harvey Cabaret night with Chris Minnick … with the Model United Nations team, competing at Georgetown University, where Darren ultimately matriculated and graduated … in his being President of the Varsity Club … as he guided The Harvey School as co-president of Student Council and leading his classmates in the graduation processional. “Darren is passionate. Whatever the cause, Darren was and is hardworking, thoughtful, caring and involved. In high school, he believed there was room on the right of the political spectrum. He believed you can still rock in America. … He works passionately for social causes including the American Cancer Society, the Relay for Life and a local food pantry in his local community. “Darren is a self reliant. … He was a different kind of student. I found Darren capable, smart, able to solve problems and motivated … but also a bit lazy. Despite the prediction in his yearbook 25 years ago about his 15th reunion, which said, “Darren Rigger couldn’t make it—he was doing the dishes,” he has proven himself reliable and extraordinarily capable.” Peggy also commented about Darren’s superlative entry in the 1987 yearbook, which listed him as “Biggest Sue Ramos Worshipper.” Sue was on hand with her husband to add more fun to Darren’s day.
The Harvey School 51
recentevents Grads & Seniors Recent grads returned to Harvey to address the senior class and answer questions about the transition to lifeafter-Harvey. This is an event occurring each year that provides invaluable information to the soon-to-be graduates.
Samantha Salloway ’11, Will Carroll ’11 and Dan Shonning ’12
Matt Spatafore ’11 and Sarah Weller ’11
Jason Keller ’11 and Samantha Salloway ’11
Franny Visintainer ’07 and Anna Walant ’10
Alumni Hockey The annual alumni hockey scrimmage was held in January, after being snowed out last year.
Greg Presseau ’98 and Jake Gershon ’97
52 Harvey Magazine Summer 2012
Jamie Mendelsohn ’01
Justin Edelstein ’08
Malik Garvin ’11
John Scavelli ’06
Sean O'Brien ’09
Alumni Seen Around Campus
Will We See You On Campus? Come visit! Touch base with your former teachers. Check out new Athletic Center opening! Keep abreast of activities on Harvey’s alumni website: alumni.harvey.org
The Harvey School 53
classnotes 32
Class Agent: Geoffrey R. Wiener, (914) 834-0175, marggeof@aol.com
Serge Gagarin and Steve Galpin ’35 met Alumni Office staff members Sally Breckenridge and Effie Afentoulides at the Pequot Yacht Club, where both are members. Serge recounted coming to the U.S. when he was around five years old, speaking no English and being put into a public school in New York City, where
Steve Galpin ’35 and Serge Gagarin ’32
54 Harvey Magazine Summer 2012
only English was spoken. He said he studied the transom above the door to see if he could figure a way to open it and get out (as the door was locked). He attended Harvey for a year or two as a boarder, then went on to Rippowam when his parents moved from NYC to Bedford. He remembered Keenan Wynn ’31 performing for the boys and was able to identify Geoffrey Wiener in a football picture. He still speaks fluent French and Russian and could talk to Effie in Greek. He remembered playing football at Harvey, being tackled with the breath knocked out of him, and awakening lying flat on his back with his mother’s face right above him. He felt he was disgraced. He and his wife lived in Fairfield, CT, where she was an antiques dealer. He worked for Sikorsky developing the design for helicopter rotator blades. He said it was exciting to be at the forefront of technology. It is reported that Serge is a great skier, who until a few years ago, still entered senior races in New Mexico.
33
John S. Sutphen, Jr.: “I only remember two boys. Keenan Wynn ’31 and the baseball pitcher Lee Stetson ’31. I was the catcher. Eighty years ago, I was on the football team. We were very good as I remember. I went to Berkshire School and was captain of the hockey team one year and the baseball team the next year. Harvey School must have helped!”
35
Steve Galpin meets regularly with his friend Serge Gagarin ’32 (see note above). When the two of them lunched with staff from the Harvey Alumni Office, he reviewed old athletic photos, Ramblers and class lists from the 1930s. Steve no longer sails but has a motorized boat, which was in the water just outside the club. Steve recounted the following story: As a Fifth Former, he lived on the 2nd floor of Mr. Moore’s house along with four other
Steve Galpin ’35
boys. Mr. Moore was the math teacher. The Moores had a young son who loved his toy truck. There was an incident in which Steve was accused of calling the son names, which Galpin never had done, but he was removed from the Moore’s house. Galpin appealed to Headmaster Carter, explaining his side of events. Headmaster Carter reversed the decision, and Galpin returned to the Moore house. Galpin remarked that he has always remembered that he felt Headmaster Carter was approachable and fair in his decisions. Galpin is involved in many local community projects, and his photo was in the local paper as he waited outside the Probate Court for a decision on a request to restore the headstone of Capt. Samuel Smedley, a Fairfield County patriot from the Revolutionary War era, that now lies in pieces on the grounds at the Old Burying Ground. The petition was approved.
36
David B. Bronson: “In my senior year (1936), six of us lived on the third floor in the Carter house. We must have made a great deal of noise or something, because in the spring term, we were ejected and sent to live under Mr. Kouwenhoven’s supervision in the more Spartan corridors of the main building. I do not remember our offenses, and I’m sure that my understanding of them was vestigial, but there were no further penalties, and good feelings persisted. Pete Rhoades, Bill Rawleigh, and I were in one room, but I don’t remember who the other three were—may their criminal
1935 Fifth Form
record remain unknown. Mr. Carter and his family were great, Mr. K. was great, and the school was great. Thanks to all!”
42
Alton P. Hall, Jr.: “I still remember walking the circle where we walked for an hour for misdemeanors. I also remember Mr. O’Malley, our Latin teacher, and Miss Watts, the infirmary nurse.” William G. Saunders: William was an English boy at Harvey during the war. His mother was Mrs. Douglas Mill Saunders. Does anyone have information on his whereabouts? The Alumni Office has lost track of him.
Ambassador John Loeb, Jr. ’44
Master William Blake
looking for Reunion agents The following classes have no one to help contact classmates and think about their class reunion in 2013: 1938, 1943, 1948, 1953, 1958,1963, 1968, 1983, 1993, 1998. If you are willing to help, please contact the alumni@harveyschool.org.
44
47
45
Frederick B. Hard, Jr.: Mr. Hard recognized a photo of Harvey Master William Blake in a recent mailing . “Mr. Blake was the athletic director when I was at Harvey from 1943–47. One day, after practice, we were all walking back to the gym to shower. Mr. Blake tripped on something and, without a pause, did a complete forward flip and landed on his feet! We figured he was Superman in disguise.” Mr. Hard said he enjoyed kayaking, playing bluegrass on the banjo, singing, playing bridge, travel and much more— “too many things to list.”
Ambassador John L. Loeb, Jr. and Ms. Sharon Handler, a beautiful international lawyer, were married on January 12, 2012, in the chapel of Temple Emanu-El in New York City.
Robert M. Maxtone-Graham: Robert lives in England and responded positively to having access to the Harvey Magazine online. “Please notify me by email of any articles which you think may be of interest to me, aged eighty. Thanks, and best wishes to all at Harvey.”
John French III: Harvey freshman Ariana Weaver spoke with Mr. French during a student phonathon. He reported that he played on the Harvey hockey team, and had just returned from a month in Europe.
The Harvey School 55
Howard L. Baldwin ’56
(l to r): John Erbeck (flashing peace sign), Bill Spalding's face, Alexis Mannis, Bill Bingham, Jim Hanrahan; (back): Kevin Sweeney, Al or Dick Willard; (back right): Carl Wild. All class of 1960 except for Spalding, class of 1961.
50
Class Agent: John G. Davis, (843) 720-1231, johnd2000@aol.com
51
Class Agent: Michael Adair, (860) 535-9099, madair412@aol.com
56
Class Agent: John W. Crawford, (540) 247-8810, sumner@ntelos.net
Howard L. Baldwin (from the Connecticut Whale website): “A businessman, film producer and entrepreneur, Howard Baldwin’s name has been nearly synonymous with
56 Harvey Magazine Summer 2012
hockey in Hartford for almost 40 years. At age 28, Baldwin became founder and partner of the World Hockey Association’s New England Whalers, then playing in Boston, MA. Baldwin’s Whalers won the WHA’s championship, the AVCO World Cup, in 1973, proving the young team a success. Baldwin then guided the Whalers to Hartford in 1974, where they would go on to play the majority of the next 23 years. In 1979, Baldwin, then president of the WHA for two years, helped to merge four clubs into the National Hockey League, with the Winnipeg Jets, Edmonton Oilers, Quebec Nordiques and the newly-rechristened Hartford Whalers. Howard Baldwin remained as the managing general partner of the Hartford Whalers until 1988. “After leaving Hartford, Baldwin played a role in establishing the San Jose Sharks NHL expansion team in 1990 and purchased the Pittsburgh Penguins as part of a group in 1991. While in Pittsburgh, Baldwin and the Penguins captured a Stanley Cup title. Baldwin went on to become a fifty-percent partner with the Russian government of the elite CCCP Red Army hockey team in Moscow and helped to create two franchises in the American Hockey League. Most recently, Howard Baldwin founded Whalers Sports and Entertainment, a full-service marketing group that took over all non-hockey operations for the former Hartford Wolf Pack during the 2010–11 season. Baldwin oversaw the rebranding of the Hartford Wolf Pack, which became the Connecticut Whale in November 2010. “In addition to his wealth of hockey experience, Baldwin has also led an illustrious career in film, producing films such as Sudden Death, Gideon and the Russell Crowe hockey drama Mystery, Alaska with his wife Karen and partner Richard Cohen. Additionally, Baldwin served as president of Crusader Entertainment, where he produced films such as Ray, which received Academy Awards for Best Actor ( Jamie Foxx) and Best Sound;
Sahara, Swimming Upstream, Danny Deckchair, Sound of Thunder, and The Game of Their Lives.” Presently, Howard and his wife, Karen, who works with him on all major projects, reside in West Hartford, CT. Baldwin has three children and seven grandchildren.
57
Class Agent: Alex P. McKown, (718) 392-1373, alexander.mckown@gmail.com
Seth W. Morton II: “In December, I moved from Chase Home Lending to New York Life, as a life insurance agent. I am licensed in New York and Connecticut to sell life insurance, annuities, disability insurance and long term care insurance. It is a great opportunity with the number one life insurer in the US.”
60
Class Agent: Richard O. Willard, (207) 596-7968, twittler@msn.com
William R. Parsons sent in a photo he took with his Brownie Hawkeye camera in 1958– 59 in the dorm across the hall from Neville Davis’ office/apartment (see photo left). He said he is in “good health, retired, and has two children. [I] saw Loudie Wainwright ’61 perform in the NAPA last year. He had no comments about Harvey! I recall him harmonizing with Ned Sheldon ’62.”
61
Richard G. Yates, Jr.: “Make sure they build a water fountain near the [tennis] courts. Sometimes, they forget to do this. I hope some of my classmates open up their wallets!” After signing the letters going out to his classmates, he commented, “I now know what they mean when they talk about writer’s cramp.”
fifty years after harvey
The Class of 1962: (front row): Bill Chapin, Phillip Baldwin, Kit Wise, Pedro Torres, Bob Johnson, Chris Dailey, John Reid, Miguel Neumann, Warren Shaw, Dennis Dilmaghani; (2nd row): Edward “Shelly” Sheldon, Tim Sylvester, Jimmy Congdon, Bill Kaupe, John McKeon, Paul Almirall, Bob Hite, Frank Barstow, Alex Reti, Tony Madigan, Tom Seving, Tom Chapin, (3rd row): Dick Thomas, Lee Armbruster, Garry Trudeau, David Delafield, Alvaro Gutierrez, Carey Rodd, Mike Bell; (4th row): Steve Bacon, Earl McEvoy, Warren Townshend, Jonathan Downer, Peter Ebel
62 50th Reunion Dennis A. Dilmaghani worked tirelessly for the past year to connect with the class of 1962 for the celebration of the 50th-year class reunion. Some of the responses are given below. R. Lee Armbruster (note to Dilmaghani): “Fifty years is a long time, but I still retain an eclectic list of memories of boarding at Harvey that range from Bill, the old white horse that pulled the garbage wagon, to Mr. Shea’s imperious instruction of all things Latin, to Nurse Lyons penchant for giving enemas, seemingly regardless of the nature of your ailment, as well as a myriad other recollections. Most of these memories are pleasant (however not those associated with Nurse Lyons), but the overriding one is of my parents being informed by Mr. Smith that I would never
have a career that required higher education as a condition precedent to entry. Along with that diagnosis, I was compelled by Mr. Smith to repeat a year of study. “Fortunately, after I left Harvey, my deficiencies apparently went into remission, and I was able to skip my junior year of high school and graduate with my correct age group. Subsequently, I graduated from college and then law school and then embarked on a legal and business career which culminated in my running a publicly-traded company. My career allowed me to retire 17 years ago with sufficient resources to reside in various locales, including Hawaii, for a time, and to travel overseas. My current primary residence is here on Casey Key, FL, but we also maintain a home in Las Vegas and have a farm in Kentucky. “As to what success I have enjoyed, I have to concede that my Harvey experience played its part, but not one I am inclined to celebrate, regardless of the passage of time or the indisputable quality of the education I received. For
those who remember me, please extend my regards, as it is always nice to be remembered.” Philip W. Baldwin (note to Dilmaghani): “I agree with you that Harvey is transformed. It has come a long way. It was truly 19th century when we were there, and I neither enjoyed it nor had a particularly happy time, and yet like you and probably all of us, of course there are fond memories as well, and I salute them. My own trajectory has been unorthodox, and refreshingly satisfying, for which I am deeply grateful. The only human being I have lifelong contact with from those years is Carey Rodd. His family and mine go a long way back, and we have all remained friends across the decades. Indeed, I just saw Carey and his wife, Beth, last fall for a weekend at my mother’s. The latter is now 94, and happily still trucking! “I noticed in the magazine just arrived that John Reid and Tony Madigan seem to have disappeared. It would be fascinating
The Harvey School 57
fifty years after harvey (continued)
William Chapin ’62 at Harvey
Photograph by Dennis Dilmaghani ’62
to know what became of Tony Madigan. He was an original and unusual character. I believe we called him ‘Little Rock,’ although I don’t remember why! “I wonder what it is that draws most of us to these things. Simple curiosity, nostalgia… a kind of inarticulate longing for things lost…? It is an obscure phenomenon really. Some are repelled, but most of us are confronted with a perverse ambivalence, frequently tilting to either side of the vertical zero mark on the gauge. In fact, I myself was really from the class of ’61, having spent four years there, and then ignominiously made to repeat the 7th grade. But it was a good move, and that last year was actually the closest I came to enjoying Harvey. No doubt it was helped by not being at the bottom of the class every week on those infernal yellow report cards. Can you imagine!” Thomas S. Chapin (note to Dilmaghani): “I live in Reno, NV, and will not be able to make the reunion. However, I am interested in Harvey as it is part of my life. I don’t believe that I remember any bullying or such when I was there, though I was fairly miserable about being away from home. As I recollect, the dorms were very sterile and resembled cell blocks. The bathrooms had no doors, which I disliked intensely.
58 Harvey Magazine Summer 2012
“My strongest memory was Mr. Shea, who epitomized the crotchety, evil teacher, much like Snape in Hogwarts. His Latin class was pure torture. I also remember that all our grades were posted weekly. I did not object too much, but there was nowhere to hide for under-achievers. The library was wonderful and very cozy. We had a few story hours with the Dean, which were quite nice. He read something with a lot of dense slang, Huck Finn? I can’t remember. I loved the sports. It was my first introduction to them since coming from England, which is much more casual about that sort of thing. The fall colors were delightful. “One day I was forced into the annual play. I had not volunteered, and they were well into rehearsal when the English teacher grabbed me and forced me to play Mephistopheles. I don’t think you can do that nowadays. Well, every cloud has a silver lining, and after the show, at dinner, an excited younger student came to my table and told me there was a movie scout who wanted to see me. Yeah, I was not born yesterday! So I ignored the invite. Later that day, I was collared by the scout, and my life changed when I got the part for Jack in Lord of the Flies. “Also, my attitude about Harvey changed, no longer feeling shy and probably becoming quite horrible. Who knows. Eventually, I went on to Pomfret, Rutgers, and have a master’s in geology from the University of Texas, Austin. Go Longhorns! I also have a partial doctorate from the University of Nevada. I work in mining exploration and am an expert in field mapping. So I’ll be working, probably to the grave, as I have young children. So that is my news.” William R. Chapin: “I graduated (ooops, received a certificate!) in the class of 1962 and haven’t been on campus for a long, long time. I’m impressed with your reinvigorated alumni program. I recently received a photocopy of the ’62 Rambler—nice idea.” Alumni Director Sally Breckenridge met Bill and his friends and provided a tour of the campus when he visited last winter.
Dennis Dilmaghani: "My wife, Margot, and I have enjoyed married life for almost 40 years and have three sons Daniel, Matthew and David. I operate two businesses: a family business of 90+ years, Carpets by Dilmaghani, in Scarsdale and Brewster, NY, specializes in import/distribution of fine oriental and area rugs; and a small commercial real estate business with holdings in New York and Connecticut. Wearing two hats provides a genuine challenge at times. I often think the academic discipline demanded by our Harvey education helped remarkably along the way and certainly more than I ever realized in those early years!” "I devote much of my spare time to my lifelong avocation of photography as both a photographer and a collector of photography. I’ve had the good fortune to know several famous photographers, starting in the 1970s with Ansel Adams, and to participate in their workshops and programs. I've worked mostly in black and white fine photography using a large format view camera, and have recently enjoyed working with color now that high quality digital photography and printing has advanced to a fine art status.” Charles E. “Chip” Edmonston (excerpts and summaries below are from the letter Chip wrote in replying to 8th-grade student Ava Gurman): “Masters were all ‘Mister’ and ‘Sir,’ and we couldn’t walk on the grass in front of the Main Building. Mr. Stafford was English and a bachelor who set the tone for the school, and I lived in fear of him. Another, Mr. Shea, also a bachelor, was nearly as formal and strict, but as I grew older, he became more human to me. He taught Latin; he was a dedicated teacher who cared for his students in his way. I never was a good Latin student, but what I learned from him helped enrich my knowledge of English. Mrs. Rose Baldwin, the school librarian, was another favorite and influential teacher. She helped teach me to read and then fed my insatiable thirst for books, a thirst which continues to this day and which led me to become a bookseller. I worked in bookstores for much of my professional life.
“Another teacher I liked was Mr. Lyons, who taught shop and was coach of the rifle team. Thanks to him I still enjoy woodworking and even do a little shooting. I had Mr. Howe, who was Assistant Headmaster, as an English teacher toward the end of my time at Harvey, but I lived with him and his wife on campus for a week a few years before when my parents went away for a vacation. I remember him as a tall, rotund and very kind man out of the classroom. The last teacher I have fond memories of was Richard (Dick) Moore, a rather quiet and kindly gentleman. He too taught me Latin “I was a Pocantico. My cousin, who was in my class and came to Harvey a few years after I did, was a Neperan like his father. As you might imagine, this created some family rivalry! “ Charles F. Hargrett, Jr. (note to Dilmaghani): “Thanks for including me as a member of Harvey ’62. I wish that I could attend the 50th (!) reunion, but cannot, as I’m scheduled to play in San Diego on April 14th. I AM interested in hearing about how it goes though, and would love to see photos if at all possible. Although I only attended Harvey for the First and Second Forms (Fall 1957 to S pring 1959), it’s funny how many memories come back. “At age eight, anticipating ‘walking the beams blindfolded’ above the old gym floor as my initiation as a Pocantico...making my first public appearance playing music in the First Form talent show, as ‘the wandering minstrel’ playing a banjouke...someone dropping an fbomb (or similar) in gym class, and the coach lining everyone up...
Fifth Form Dance
repeatedly putting myself on the ‘walk list’ to avoid the possibility of having to run back from off-campus hockey. “I could go on and on, but I’m a terrible typist. All things considered, I’m grateful for my experiences at Harvey. Please give my best to everyone at the reunion.” Earl E. McEvoy: “I am a commercial fruit and vegetable grower now and never leave the farm. Thanks for all your efforts.” Carey R. Rodd (by Dilmaghani): Carey Rodd has been a loyal “Harveyite” over the years. He came to our reunion (45th) several years ago and he and Beth attended this year. I know the [Baldwin-Rodd] family connection is close; no doubt that helps keep him in touch with Harvey.” Timothy A. Sylvester (note to Dilmaghani): “Yes, I do return East occasionally, one of our sons lives and is employed with JPMorgan in the City. In fact, he and I visited Harvey about a year ago. No one was around, our loss. I attended Harvey for two years at the Hawthorne campus, that too was also a lovely location. Harvey did wonders for me. I seemed to struggle in the public school system and remember Harvey as a very competitive and worthy institution. Leverett Smith was my Headmaster and John Shea my Latin teacher. John tolerated very little nonsense. I assume he passed years ago, do you know when? He was a remarkable teacher and quality person. Garry Trudeau (Pulitzer Prize Doonesbury creator) was in my class and sat behind me in my Fifth Form, 8th grade year. At my request, he drew a birthday
card cartoon sequence for my dad’s birthday, and that is a treasure. “When I graduated, I spent the four succeeding years at Avon Old Farms School in Connecticut. As a skier and such, I matriculated to Univ. of Denver and graduated in 1970 (Kent State year) with a B.A. in history. During my college years, I opted to spend a lot of my free time as a volunteer ski patrolman at Breckenridge rather than join a fraternity; they drank incessantly. “Following graduation, I found it difficult to gain employment and ended up as a Professional Ski Patrolman at Aspen Mountain. I really enjoyed my ‘singlehood status’ there. It was while I was in Aspen that I came to work (during the off-ski season) as a deputy sheriff for the local Sheriff ’s Office. “Following that four years of winter employment, I made the move to a larger, more sophisticated law enforcement agency (800 employees) in the metro Denver area. That move happened in 1977. I’m still here at Jeffco Sheriff ’s Office in Golden. I also returned to graduate school here in Denver and earned an M.P.A. in 1978 from Univ. of Colorado. I was promoted to sergeant in 1988 and then to lieutenant in 1999. I currently oversee Professional Standards Section (Internal Affairs, Accreditation & Staff Inspection). I was one of the investigators who responded to the Columbine School shootings (our agency was the primary LE agency there). “I met my wife in 1980, and we married a year later. We are still married, with three children—a son in finance, a son a military pilot, and a daughter an RN with multiple
1962 basketball
The Harvey School 59
fifty years after harvey (continued)
1961 football
degrees working here in Denver. I hope to retire soon, but... I also volunteer at the Denver Zoo and find that an easy place to unwind away from work. My wife will be graduating in three months with an M.A. in counseling and will likely start a part-time psychotherapy practice; she is currently a Victim Advocate here at the Sheriff ’s Office. Please feel free to use any snippets, our lives remain very busy!” Garry Trudeau (Many classmates have inquired about Garry Trudeau. He has not sent in any personal updates, but we found the following. Our apologies to Garry if there are inaccuracies. From http://doonesbury.slate. com/strip/cast/bio): “Garry Trudeau was born in New York City in 1948, and was raised in Saranac Lake, NY. He attended Yale University, where he received his B.A. and an M.F.A. in graphic design. “Doonesbury was launched in 1970, and now appears in nearly 1400 daily and Sunday newspaper clients in the U.S. and abroad. His work has been collected in 60 hardcover, trade paperback and mass-market editions, which have cumulatively sold over 7 million copies worldwide. In 1975, Trudeau became the first comic strip artist ever to be awarded a Pulitzer Prize for editorial cartooning. He was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 1989, 2004 and 2005. “Working with John and Faith Hubley, Trudeau wrote and co-directed the animated film, A Doonesbury Special, for NBC-TV in 1977. The film was nominated for an Academy Award and received the Special Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival. “Collaborating with composer Elizabeth Swados in 1983, Trudeau wrote the book and lyrics for the Broadway musical,
60 Harvey Magazine Summer 2012
1960s Early Clean Up Crew
Doonesbury, for which he was nominated for two Drama Desk Awards. A cast album of the show, recorded for MCA, received a Grammy nomination. “Trudeau again collaborated with Swados in 1984, this time on Rap Master Ronnie, a satirical revue about the Reagan administration that opened off-Broadway at the Village Gate. Over the next four years the show was continually updated for numerous productions around the country. A filmed version of Rap Master Ronnie, featuring Jim Morris, the Smothers Brothers, and Carol Kane was broadcast on Cinemax in 1988. “In 1988, Trudeau wrote and coproduced, along with director Robert Altman, HBO’s critically acclaimed Tanner ’88, a satiric look at that year’s presidential election campaign. The show won several awards both in the U.S. and abroad, including the gold medal for Best Television Series at the Cannes Television Festival, and Best Imported Program from the British Broadcasting Press Guild. Tanner ’88 also earned an Emmy—as well as four ACE award nominations. In 2004, he reunited with Altman to write and coproduce a sequel series, Tanner on Tanner, for the Sundance Channel. In February 2000, Trudeau, working with Dotcomix, launched Duke2000, a presidential campaign and website featuring a real-time 3-D streaming-animation character. Nearly 30 campaign videos were created for the site, and Ambassador Duke was interviewed live by satellite on Larry King Live, Today, Charlie Rose and 60 other local TV news programs. “Trudeau has contributed articles to publications such as Harper’s, Rolling Stone, The New Republic, The New Yorker, New York, and The Washington Post. For five years he was an occasional columnist for The New
York Times op-ed page, and was later a contributing essayist for Time magazine. He has received honorary degrees from Yale, Colgate, Williams, Duke and 25 other universities and colleges, and has been inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. “In recognition of his work in behalf of wounded warriors, Trudeau has been presented with the Commander’s Award for Public Service by the Department of Army, the Commander’s Award from Disabled American Veterans, the President’s Award for Excellence in the Arts from Vietnam Veterans of America, the Distinguished Public Service Award from the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and a special citation from the Vet Centers. “Trudeau lives in New York City with his wife, Jane Pauley. They have three grown children.” Kit Wise (by Dilmaghani): “Kit lives on the Cape, rows daily and competes regularly. He’s been to the Masters Nationals three times now, bringing back medals each time. Not bad!” (In his letter to 8th-grade student, Kiana Anderson, Kit wrote): “One of my favorite stories about Harvey involves Garry Trudeau. I’m sure that everyone knows that Garry, the Doonesbury cartoonist, is a Harvey alumnus. He was in my class. Every year, the Fifth Form put on a one-act play. Since we were all boys, the female parts had to be played by boys. In our class play, which I vaguely remember as something about firemen, I played the hero and Garry played my girlfriend. At the climax of the play, I had to kiss him in a romantic embrace—it was very, very embarrassing for 13-year-old boys, and I guess we kind of faked it!”
63
Gordon M. Coburn: Harvey’s Alumni Director tried to catch up with Gordy in Santa Barbara over spring break. Their schedules didn’t mesh, but Gordy reported that he is teaching at Santa Barbara City College. John A. Luke, Jr.’s children include Lindsay, 23; Elizabeth, 20; and John, 18.
64
Jose I. Macia (from Hank Johnson ’63): “I’m sure he [Macia]was in my graduating class, Harvey ’63, as well as Canterbury ’67. I also remember some time away from Harvey when his father was killed in the Bay of Pigs; that may have altered his graduation? His sister has recently been on Miami TV, trying to find other veterans who may have been with their father when he died. He may have gone to 8th grade at home to be with his family.”
67
Class Agent: David R. Robertson, (201) 253-0240, robertson987@aol.com
Timothy J. Klemmer (Tim replied to 8thgrader, Ricky Brown, who wrote him a letter in English class): “Day one at Harvey, I was thrust into Latin with Mr. McMahon. Everybody knew everyone else, because they were all returning. I was the new 7thgrader. The conversation was all about last year and summer vacation. At the end of class, Mr. McMahon told us to translate the 10 sentences at the end of lesson 1. Truthfully, I had no idea what was going on, my head was spinning. I had never taken a foreign language before and this was a challenge. That night, translating the 10 sentences took hours (because I had no clue what I was doing). A simple sentence like ‘I am loving’ became, in my fashion, ‘ego sum amant’ (or whatever) rather than the correct, and simpler, ‘amo.’ Conjugate a verb? What was that all about?
“So on day two of my Harvey experience, still a complete ‘unknown,’ Mr. McMahon got up and very theatrically (as was his wont) announced to the school ‘anyone needing help in Latin can come see me after lunch during free period. And, Klemmer needs help. A great deal of help.’ That was my introduction to Harvey. Needless to say, though, I persevered and am glad I did. (I do have to add that I finished the year at the top of the class in Latin. “Harvey can and should take credit for providing me some of the best teachers I ever had the pleasure of learning from. There was Mr. McMahon, of course, a stalwart for years at Harvey. He made learning fun. And Mr. Perrine, my first history teacher. I still consider him one of the greatest teachers I ever had, and I had a great number of teachers over the years. But he was the first great teacher and so will always hold a special place for me. I always had a hankering for history, but Mr. Perrine turned a hankering into an insatiable curiosity that has driven me ever since. And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention John Shea, my 8th-grade Latin teacher. He was exceptional and exceptionally good to me. He was critical to my getting into Portsmouth Abbey, which was one of the best things that ever happened to me. Just to really date these stories, Mr. Shea gave me a graduation present of a Polaroid camera! I never forgot that little piece of kindness. “As a Neperan, in those days, we were shown the water tower and told that part of the initiation rite was having to jump off the water tower or get pushed off, whichever came first. A frightening thought to the uninitiated. During the initiation, we were blindfolded and eventually ‘pushed off the tower.’ Do they still do that? I kinda doubt it. If not, too bad, it was a heart thumper. I won’t say any more about exactly what did transpire (State Secret, but rest assured, I’m alive and well, and the emotional scars have healed nicely. Just kidding!).”
Harvey Alumni Executive Council Anyone who wishes to participate in four annual meetings to help plan alumni activities, please contact Dan Chapman ’73 or the Alumni Office (dkchapman@earthlink.net or alumni@harveyschool.org). David M. Williams: “I currently live in New York City and teach ESL to international students and adult immigration.” (In a letter to 8th-grade student Kayla Mattocks, he wrote): “The school was quite formal and strict. The teachers were called masters and whenever you spoke to them, you had to call them ‘sir.’ ‘Yes, sir.’ and ‘no, sir’ were two phrases you could hear all day long. Also, there was a system of demerits. If you did something wrong, or something that a Master didn’t like, he would give you demerits. Most offenses were worth two or four demerits, and if you got 20 in one week, you weren’t allowed to go home on the weekend. You used to have to ‘walk off ’ by doing a lap around a kind of track, where I think the hockey rink is today. I usually didn’t get any demerits, but one week, I got 14 and almost didn’t get to go home (I lived in Bronxville, NY).”
68
Class Agent: Alexander Edwards-Bourdrez, (631) 327-3301, alexeb2@gmail.com
Henry D. Minot IV: “I still recall the place as the setting for some of the happiest moments of my life, many of the most useful experiences, and exalted teachers like Rosie Baldwin, John McMahon, and Fred Stone...to name just a few. The year to come bodes well, I think, for all of us.”
70
Peter R. Ehrlich, Jr. wrote that he has been living in Miami, FL, for the past 20 years.
The Harvey School 61
Steve Masiello ’96 Returns to Harvey Steve Masiello returned to offer the student body advice about how best to “play in the game of life.” Speaking at the weekly Headmaster’s Meeting, the 1996 Harvey graduate and this year’s celebrated men’s basketball coach of Manhattan College in Riverdale, advised the students to surround themselves with “people who are better” than they are. Masiello, named in April as the All-Metropolitan Writers Association Co-Coach of the Year for turning around the Manhattan College Men’s Basketball program, encouraged the students to welcome feedback from teachers and coaches. “Whether you have come up short in any way, or you felt you did well, work to do better the next time,” said Coach Masiello. He told the students they need to be humble enough to ask for feedback. Masiello, who was an all-star player for Harvey, collected over 1,000 career points in two years and led the Cavaliers to a prep school league championship, said he was humbled when he went to the University of Kentucky to play basketball and “was beaten up badly on the court by players that were better and hungrier” than he was. He said playing against NBA-bound players made him work harder to get better at his game. Masiello said facing the tough competition left him only two options, quit or work to get better. “There was no way I was going to quit doing what I loved to do,” he said. He said he has learned an important lesson in life that he shared with young people: “No one really cares about what you know until they know how much you care.” He urged the young people of what he called “the Google generation” to explore knowledge and fully invest themselves in the pursuit of their education. “Chase greatness,” he said. “Don’t be satisfied with just being good.” Masiello told the audience that he considers Harvey special. “I found myself at Harvey and I think of Harvey as family.”
72
Cornelius “Neal” Colley (In a letter to 8th-grader Mike DePass, Neal wrote): “I played varsity hockey, lacrosse, and JV soccer when I was at Harvey. Outside of school, I played polo during the spring and summer and fox hunted two times a week during the fall and winter. I also showjumped hunters on the local show circuit and loved to ride. Growing up on a farm, I also spent endless hours wandering the woods with my dog looking for partridge, woodcock, and deer. I still participate in a senior league of hockey and play polo and fox hunt and spend a vacation or two every year traveling to places to fly-fish, shoot birds, or stalk big game. I have three children, all of whom love to share a day in the field or on a horse with me, which is the best thing a father can ask for.” Alden Mauck (Alden responded to a letter from 8th-grader Emily Walsh): “I am an 62 Harvey Magazine Summer 2012
English teacher in the Boston area, but I started teaching at Harvey! I was there for two years; some of the older teachers may remember me from those days.”
73
Class Agent: Philip A. Eifert, (914) 232-6489, peifert@yahoo.com
Carl A. Rubenstein: “I visited Boulder, CO, and had dinner with Dave Cleveland last summer. We hadn’t seen each other in 38 years, but had no trouble recognizing each other from across the room. So there is still the possibility that we aren’t that old yet.” Carl listed his wife as Deborah and a daughter, Rachel, 23.
77
Class Agent: Laurance E. Baschkin, (914) 764-3220, offtobali@aol.com
78
Class Agent: Patrick O. Peterkin, (203) 655-9917, patrickpeterkin63@gmail.com
Patrick O. Peterkin’s son, William, 15, is attending Hilton Head Prep and playing varsity soccer and basketball.
82
Nanette C. Baratta: “The most influential teacher I had at Harvey was Jan Jacobi. He was my advisor, and I have been in touch with him. He and Christine Grebey were extremely supportive and provided amazing guidance. I believe they were both instrumental in my acceptance to Kenyon College. John Burbank was also an important influence. “I would never have thought about attending Harvey if it weren’t for my brother, Frank Baratta ’84. He was boarding there, and when they decided to go coed, it was an opportunity for him to become a day student. My brother was and has remained a very special, supportive person in my life. He helped make my introduction to Harvey a very positive, welcoming experience. “I received the English Award at graduation, played soccer, basketball and ran cross country. I did not continue playing team sports after Harvey. I am athletic. I lived in Washington state for ten years, and there I got into backpacking and climbing. I ski, do yoga and basically try to stay fit. I majored in English at Kenyon College. Over the past 30 years, I have traveled extensively throughout the world. I had a design and decorative painting business and have worked in other states painting. I have done house renovations in different places I’ve lived. I have not stayed in touch with my classmates at Harvey sadly, although Facebook has provided a means to reach out and say hi. “All the girls with whom I played sports were a small, determined group. If one of us didn’t show up we wouldn’t be a team!”
Craig L. Morris, Jr.: Dan Chapman ’73 had a very nice chat with Craig and reported that Craig lives in Salt Lake City, is the athletic director of the Waterford School there and also head coach of the University of Utah Men’s Lax team!
90
Robert M. O’Neil (note to Andrew Hascoe): “Actually, I took my wife to Harvey on our honeymoon, and we had a nice chat with John McMahon. Not too long ago, I had email chats with Marc Sahr and Peter Maxstone-Graham. I live in Indiana, have been married for 18 years, and have two boys. My wife is a nurse. I worked for several years with developmentally disabled gentleman, and have also done radio, singing and some acting gigs. I am still a giant, just fatter and older. Maybe I’ll be ready by the 35th reunion.”
Class Agent: Jarrod I. Brown, jbrown21@aol.com
83
Class Agents: Melinda Frey Arkin, (914) 241-2134; Joshua Rosenthal, (970) 385-4723, weplay@frontier.net
Class Agent: Peter E. Hall, (518) 369-1991, pevh1@msn.com
93
Philip M. Nimphius: “If you have any students or alumni interested in law enforcement or the military, I’ll be glad to speak with them in person or via email.” Sgt. Phil Nimphius, Intelligence NCO, NY Army National Guard 104th MP BN AKO: philip.nimphius@us.army.mil AKO-S: philip.nimphius@us.army.smil.mil.
94
Class Agent: Russell C. Stamm, (781) 329-3004, rcstamm@rcstammco.com
84
Class Agent: Herbert L. Sloan, (203) 438-0051, hjs1988@yahoo.com
Alexander S. Carmichael: “My wife, Jolie, and I just welcomed our third son Nicholas, on February 21. He joins Erik, age 4, and Christian, age 3. I am now a solo practicing attorney living and working in Morris County, NJ.”
85
95
Class Agent: Thomas A. Jaffe, (925) 200-4391, thomas.jaffe@sbcglobal.net
86
Class Agent: Lisa M. Rogers Cantrell, (813) 672-3642, lmc246@tampabay.rr.com
88
Class Agents: Wylie Smith Blake, (203) 526-4089, wyliesmithblake@yahoo.com; Charles A. Collin, (718) 431-0829, collin_charles@hotmail.com
Class Agents: Lara W. Casano, (347) 539-7301, lcasano38@aol.com; Alice M. Pinheiro-Fontana, (914) 263-9834, alicefontana@optonline.net
Ziya S. Tumgoren (from Rebecca Langer’s mom): “Sedar is living in Washington, DC, and working for National Geographic.”
96
Class Agents: Kevin P. Harrigan, (412) 853-9392, kh1843@gmail.com; David Stark and Jeanette Brandt Stark, (336) 771-5303, jmarib@aol.com
Carrie L. Levitt (from Rebecca Langer’s mom): “Carrie is married, lives in Stamford, CT, and involved in all kinds of charities.” Stephen J. Masiello, Jr.: Headmaster Fenstermacher, Tim Stark, Laura Prichard and Chris DelCampo went to
Harvey Online Community alumni.harveyschool.org
Register and get immediate access for: Entering your class notes, finding your classmates, reading latest alumni news. Harvey has information on many, many alumni (students, former faculty and staff, former trustees, Carter family...) but each has to register for his/her information to be available to other classmates and in order to view that of other registered alumni. (The data can only be made available with your approval.)
Raphael Miranda: “Back in 1991 (I think), Sara Abid and I were on the TV game show Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego through Harvey. I was wondering if you would have a copy of this tape. I remember it was shown at Morning Meeting so there was a tape at one time. We are both looking for it.” (The Alumni Office has not been able to locate that video. Does anyone have a suggestion?) Raphael Miranda ’95
The Harvey School 63
a Manhattan-Marist basketball game in February. They met the Manhattan College president and visited with Manhattan student Alain Rwabukamba ’08. Afterwards, they met with Steve for photos.
01
97
02
Class Agent: C. Blayre Farkas, (561) 929-1802, blayre_farkas@yahoo.com Headmaster Fenstermacher, Steve Masiello ’96, Tim Stark
98
Class Agent: Max D. Weinstein, (917) 515-8531, maxdanielweinstein@gmail.com
Headmaster Fenstermacher, Manhattan College president Brennan O'Donnell, Ph.D., Alain Rwabukamba ’08
Baby Brayden, son of Diana Weisholz Cooke ’01
Some of the young alumni gathered in White Plains to reconnect in early June. Left to right) AJ Heitner ’03, Matt Gugel ’03, Jackie Walker ’03, Joanna Schiff ’02, Tiffany Franqui ’02, Andy Stark ’03.
64 Harvey Magazine Summer 2012
Max C. Ross is currently an M.S.W. graduate student at the NYU Silver School of Social Work. He has worked at the Cross River Psychological Service as a clinical and teacher assistant, at CVS/ Caremark as a registerd pharmacy technician, a VNS managed care commercial accounts processor, a MHN/health net intake specialist/trainer, and a mental health worker at Four Winds Hospital. He received a B.A. in psychology in 2002 from Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, PA. Max D. Weinstein: “I received a Certificate from NYU in Arts Administration, have started my own company, and am now working as a social media trainer and consultant for individuals and small businesses. I provide private lessons at an affordable hourly rate. You will walk away feeling more confident on how to use Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and more for your personal and business needs. Each session is individualized and focused on your needs and interests so no time is ever wasted.”
99
Class Agent: Amy Albert Morello, (845) 621-2120, papillia@hotmail.com
Brayden Robert was born on Feb. 6, 2012, to Diana Weisholz Cooke and husband Andrew.
Class Agent: Tiffany E. Franqui, (845) 612-9858, travelsize84@gmail.com
Jack Fasciana (from Tiffany Franqui): Jack just had surgery to replace his implant because the batteries were low after five years. He’ll be adjusting to the new implant and sitting for the next few months. In spite of this, Jack attended the alumni reunion in April and was evident all around campus. Jack Marash (from Tiffany Franqui): Jack is a casting producer. He finds the crazy people you see on reality shows, mainly ABC’S Wipeout. Alexander Milano: “I am living in Prosper, TX, outside of Dallas. I bought a home in August 2009 and worked as an assistant food and beverage manager for Omni Hotels and Resorts for three years. I met my wife, Kim, four years ago, and we were married in August 2011, when I gained two wonderful stepsons in the process. After our honeymoon, I made the move to work for Ally Financial for more ‘normal’ hours, so I can spend more time with my family. My wife and I also have a family photography business. We love traveling and are going to Italy in June.”
03
Class Agents: Britt Davis, (203) 722-6129, brittski85@aol.com; Melissa Offenberg, (914) 772-0209, moffenbe@gmail.com; Evan Walker, (203) 650-5281, timewalker94@yahoo.com; Jaclyn M. Walker, (914) 319-1699, JaclynMarisaWalker@gmail.com
04
Class Agent: Andrew I. Pape, (914) 428-5475, andru324@gmail.com
William J. McMorris III: “Hi all, The Economist picked up my investigation into the TSA. Score one for the bucket list. You can find the write-up at www.economist.com/blogs/gulliver/ 2011/12/pilot-screening.” “ The article was titled, ‘Pilot Screening Weaknesses in America’s Training of Foreign Pilots,’ Dec. 7, 2011, and opened with: ‘A NEW REPORT from Watchdog.org’s Bill McMorris alleges that ManTech International Corporation, a Virginia-based government contracting giant, failed to properly enforce America’s screening programme for foreign-born pilots-in-training over a period of several months in 2010.’”
05
Class Agents: Diana L. Bondy, (203) 834-0764, bondydiana08@gmail.com; Sara R. Fleisher, (914) 584-7048, sara.fleisher@gmail.com; Laura E. Heumann, (914) 234-2093, lheums@gmail.com; Brian T. Ryerson, (914) 329-6863, ryersonb@gmail.com
Lauren Fitting and Mike Barefield were married on June 1 in a state park in Waterford, CT. The wedding party included many Harvey alumni: Sky Sabin ’06, Brian Ryerson, Ben Fitting, Stephanie Barefield ’07, Hanna McKean, Laura Halder, and Emily Prager. The couple left on a honeymoon to Spain and will move to Bronxville. Lauren Fitting ’05 and Mike Barefield ’05 married in June.
Nicholas Duncan ’04: An Update from Uganda
“There have been a lot of fun things happening in Uganda. I have worked at a boys camp, traveled, and am about to plant about 3,000 trees throughout Uganda. “Since December, first: I worked for a week at Camp Build, a boys camp that three Peace Corps volunteers started to empower boys in Uganda to understand what they can accomplish. I was there running the sports department and was in charge of maintaining the blog. “I also have been traveling again. I went to Morocco with my sister and her beau,
George. We haggled in every single city and were able to see an amazing country that has so much colonial and religious history, great food (six courses might be a little too much), and it is beautiful. Thankfully, my sister can speak French. We were able to visit the newest leather factory in Fez (the joke is the factory has been around since the 14th century), go to the Atlas Mountains, and watch belly dancers. “My latest project is tree planting in my district. I acquired 3,000 trees for free because the rafting company in Jinja is trying to plant a tree for every person who rafted the Nile River last year. I just asked if I could have some to plant in my district, and they have been more than helpful. We plan to plant about 1,000 of these trees around schools, 1,000 along the highways/road sides of Iganga, and another 1,000 for two forestry’s that I will be creating. We have four different trees: Mvule, Sedrilla, Teminalla Browni, and Mahogany. Iganga is the dirtiest district. I have been working
with the district council on changes regarding rubbish management, pit latrine creation, and more of an understanding of why sanitation is so important. “Most volunteers are preparing for the next phase of our lives. I believe my service will end sometime in August/September, and then I plan to travel a little. Needless to say, the experience has been rewarding, and I look forward to some more adventures within the next four to five months.”
The Harvey School 65
Calling all Authors & Artists! Let us know if you have a new publication, gallery opening, theater production, etc. We want to add a section here in the magazine and we’ll post an announcement or description. Send your announcements to alumni@harveyschool.org
Edward J. Kelley IV: “I recently moved to Manhattan after being accepted into the M.A. program in graphic communications in technology at NYU. After some time in journalism, my experience co-incorporating a stalled, unrelated start-up shifted my creative drive into new gears that wore in quite comfortably. I’m hoping my studies, focused largely on emerging trends in media, will help jump-start a new career in branding and product development. Great seeing you and everyone else at the Princeton Club back in the fall. After all these years disconnected, it was a great potentially-awkward yet very fun time, and I hope to attend more in the future.” Lindsey J. Walker was selected by the Anacostia School District as their Teacher of the Year and participated in the awards program in Washington, DC, in April. Lindsey is a special education teacher at Anacostia, in a public high school that is managed by a charter school company.
Lindsey J. Walker ’05
06
Class Agents: Greg Jurschak, gjurschak@gmail.com; Teresa Neri, (914) 400-8646, teresa.neri@law.nyls.edu; Allison Shuchat, (914) 384-4134, ashuchat@live.com
Laura High ’06 with Performing Arts Chair Vinny Alexander
Young Alumni Group Brian Ryerson ’05 (ryersonb@gmail.com), Zach Rosenthal ’06 (zacheryrosenthal.gmail.com) and Diana Bondy ’05 (bondydiana08@ gmail.com) have joined the Alumni Executive Steering Council. They welcome input from the young alumni on events of interest. 66 Harvey Magazine Summer 2012
Thomas J. Devlin (from his mom): “Tommy graduated in 2010 from UVM with a degree in environmental science and a minor in green building. He is now attending NYU for a master’s degree in sustainability.” Laura High has performed at Carolines on Broadway and Comic Strip Live, recently performed the role of Kate in Taming of the Shrew for the Oxford Shakespeare Company in New York, and continues to audition for plays and shows. She enjoys making people laugh and finds being a comic very empowering. Laura came to Harvey and spoke to theater classes about her acting and comedy career.
Joshua P. Sorell (from his mom): “Josh received his M.A. degree in history from SUNY-Albany in December 2011.”
07
Class Agents: Brandon Brooks, (203) 524-5800, brandon@brooks123.com; Doniella McKoy, (914) 960-9375, donimckoy@yahoo.com
Jackson P. Adolph (from his father): “We just wanted to let you know how Jackson has been doing. After working for over a year on a grant from the Department of Energy on Algae as an Alternative Fuel, he gave an extremely well-received presentation (long applause) at a large Research Conference in Virginia. His enthusiasm and interest in biology/genetics/biotech started with his classes with Jason Hill. They were his favorites, and the inspiration Jason provided to him (and I’m sure others) will not be forgotten by us or him. One small seed can certainly blossom! “ Alex Veit (from rugby coach Mark Brandon): “At a Harvey rugby game against Fairfield Prep, Harvey rugger alum Alex Veit was on hand to see the end of the game and say a few words to the team. Alex is graduating from Fairfield University and will be moving to Costa Rica to work in the family coffee business, learning the production side of things.”
08
Class Agents: Gretel Coleman, (203) 523-2498, sgccoleman@aol.com; Dylan Hackley, (914) 482-5318, dhack@me.com; Lauren Judisky, (914) 582-1828, nyycrazii235@aol.com; Scott Oltman, (904) 424-6610, scottydoesnt_no@hotmail.com
Roshan Asrani is studying bioengineering at Cornell and hopes to attend medical school next year.
Gretel Coleman: “I have been accepted to Bankstreet’s Graduate Program—for a dual certification in regular and special education for ages birth through second grade.” Margot L. Connolly was involved last summer in a playwriting program and was fortunate enough to have professional actors read her play. She continues to study at Bennington College. Yulia Josiger (from Gretel Coleman): Yulia is attending The College of St. Rose, where she is studying both early childhood education as well as special education. Miranda R. Larsen participated in the Study Abroad program at Spain’s University of Granada in the fall of 2011. She was accepted into the Tulane Jewish Leader program in the spring of 2012, has volunteered as a social/ volunteer organizations counselor coordinator, a standardized test prep and reading comprehension teacher, and at St. Anna’s Arts for Kids Program—Outreach Tulane. Catherine V. McCarthy (from Gretel Coleman): Catie is living in St. Louis and attending school where she is still active in the arts. Robert W. Reeder (from Gretel Coleman): Robbie will graduate from Gettysburg College in the spring and hopes to have a job soon after graduation. David H. Rome (from Gretel Coleman): David will graduate from Syracuse University in the spring and hopes to have a job in real estate next year. Joshua D. Suna (from Gretel Coleman): Josh will graduate from Bentley in the spring and will be working at a financial real estate firm after graduation. Nina E. Wise (from Gretel Coleman): Nina is living in Richmond, VA, where she is attending VCU and studying criminal justice and sociology.
09
Class Agents: Andrew Jamieson, andrew.jamieson@gmail.com; Erika Osborne, ozzygirl684@hotmail.com; Peter Sorenson, psorenson68@ gmail.com; Megan Taylor, mktaylor18@aol.com Benjamin J. Boyd: “Current students (and any alumni) can reach out to me at any point: bboyd@bu.edu.” Ben works for Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Private Wealth Management Group, Boston, MA. If any of the current students are interested in a career in finance or real estate, or about college life, have them contact me and I can answer any of their questions.” Maddy Haller begins her senior year at Duke University and hopes it ends with an NCAA women's soccer title after the Blue Devils came so close to one last year when they suffered a heart-breaking 1–0 loss to #1 ranked Stanford team in the championship game. She writes, “I am so thankful for all the support I and this team have received this season. It was so nice to have people everywhere who
believed in this team’s potential, even in the very beginning. With any luck, our fans will continue to follow our progress into the next season. Thanks once again for everything.” Megan K. Taylor reported on the following classmates’ activities: Chrissy Casbarro finished her junior year at Catholic University working on her major in accounting. Last summer, she and her family moved to Newnan, GA. She is excited to take on a new city, but she will definitely miss everyone here! Justin Bernstein is still attending Boston University, where he is working towards a double degree in Spanish and economics. He had an internship with Sony Pictures Television International Sales and Distribution in Miami last summer, having spent the previous summer in LA working for their International Theatrical Sales. Laura Glass-Johnston lived in New York City last summer. She attends Pitzer College working towards a degree in linguistics. Last fall she studied abroad in Quito, Ecuador. Lucas McKean is finishing up his junior year at Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Volunteers Needed Class Agents • Find new class agents for each year or group of years or reunion agents to help contact classmates before a reunion. • Follow up, identify problems in contacting classmates or in getting updates for the alumni publications. Young Alumni Determine what attracts and interests the young alumni and coordinate with class agents for planning these activities Regional Gatherings Help plan selected regional gatherings or host one in your area.
Alumni Guest Speakers Come to Harvey to speak to a class about a particular subject. Career Networking/Mentoring Help Harvey students and alumni learn about your field of expertise or your school. Alumni Fundraising Participate in a phonathon for the alumni. If you are willing to help with any of the above activities, or have ideas of other ways alumni may participate with the School, please contact Dan Chapman (dkchapman@earthlink.net) or Sally Breckenridge (alumni@harveyschool.org). The Harvey School 67
Social Networks For those alumni using the social networking websites, take a look at Facebook and LinkedIn. Both have Harvey Alumni groups which you can join. These provide another way to find lost classmates and reconnect with them on the school. Harvey is not responsible for the content on either of these sites.
Maddy Haller ’09 (courtesy of Duke University)
for emergency management. He has also been working as an EMT and a firefighter in Croton Falls, NY. Megan Taylor attends New York University and is working towards a degree in educational theater. This summer, she is working at Summer Stage at The Harvey School as an assistant.
10
Class Agents: Jenna Spiwack, jennowat@aim.com; Anna Walant, awalant@gmail.com; Jake Warshaw, jwarshaw@gmail.com
Alyssa Trombitas (from her mother): “Alyssa is working this summer as a set carpenter for Muhlenberg's Summer Music Theatre. Their first summer production— Hairspray—opens June 15. “She was voted onto the Muhlenberg Theatre Association 2012–13 Board of Directors in the position of master carpenter and selected to become a member of the prestigious Artist Collective, which explores the outer boundaries of experimental theater. This past semester she directed a play for the Muhlenberg Black Box Festival and had a play she wrote selected for a faculty-directed staged reading. She continues to sing with the Muhlenberg Choir and to regularly perform in dance concerts and other performance events. She has changed the first of her two majors from dance to theater with a concentration in directing. (This past year, Muhlenberg College was named by
Send Us Your Current Email Address! Help us keep our database accurate. The best way to reach our alumni is through email. Send your updated information (and a quick note) to alumni@harveyschool.org.
68 Harvey Magazine Summer 2012
the Princeton Review as the country's best college for theatre.) “Alyssa has also changed her second major from biology/premed to public health and sustainability. She has discovered a passion for health policy advocacy, especially in the area of the impact of environmental factors on public health. She will be studying public health at the University of Maastricht in the Netherlands during the first semester of her junior year. Once she returns, she will serve as research assistant to a professor who is studying and researching sustainable theater. “And finally, Alyssa continues to manage to find time for community service. She was co-coordinator of the school's annual 24-hour Marathon Theatre, with all proceeds donated to bringing arts education to at-risk youth in Allentown. She is also a member of Muhlenberg's Lutheran Student Movement, which puts strong emphasis on community involvement. She is one highly active, engaged college student!”
11
Class Agents: Victoria Shaffer, (914) 400-6446, victoria6839@gmail.com; Adam Slater, (914) 874-7436, adamjslater@aol.com; Nicolette St. Lawrence, (914) 707-0414, n.stlawrence@yahoo.com; KC Testwuide, (914) 953-9006, ktestwuide@gmail.com
Rachel L. Dimowitz stopped at Harvey to see teachers, especially Ms. Rinhoffer. Jason H. Keller came back to talk to the senior class in January and attended the Evarts Rink party celebrating the rink renovations and Bruce Osborne’s 35 years of service. KC Testwuide is following his love of rugby and playing for Boston College. He was mentioned for his efforts in the Best of the East championship series in April, in which BC took home the championship.
12
Class Agents: Brandon Hickey, (845) 270-8670, bhickey93@aol.com; Brett Marks, (914) 815-1686, brettski70294@yahoo.com; Maya Sank, (203) 803-5850, marksank@sbcglobal.net; Daniel Schonning, (203) 788-6811, danny.schonning@yahoo.com; Mickey Stein, mick909@mac.com; Natalia St. Lawrence, (914) 707-0406, nataliastlawrence@hotmail.com
Faculty Notes Joan Carter Chevalier is the granddaughter of Harvey founders, Dr. Herbert and Mabel Carter. She sent a chapter of her memoir which described her time living at Harvey with her younger brother, Peter, under the care of her grandmother from 1928 through 1935 or so. It adds a lot of detail about Mabel Carter, her family, and Harvey that is an invaluable addition to our historical records. Joan lives in Maryland and continues to provide insight into the early years of the school. Hugh M. Curtler, Jr., Harvey 1959–60: “I note in the brochure you sent around, titled ‘Campaign News’ a photo of a gym that was supposed to be there in 1959. There was no gym! I coached basketball from 1959–1960,
the year Harvey moved to Katonah, and we had to practice in a small gym at a neighboring school and play all our games away. When I left there wasn’t even any ground broken for a gym, though I would hope there were plans for one! Thanks.” We researched the date of the gym’s construction and found that it was built in the summer of 1961. Many thanks to Mr. Curtler for pointing this out. MacLear Jacoby, Jr., Harvey 1953–55: “I’m still connected with The Landon School in Bethesda, MD. I’ll complete year #56 in June. I’m not teaching (retired in 1996), but I’m still helping out in the athletic office and coaching a little tennis (from the sidelines!). Harvey remains a bright spot in my career!” Frank M. Perrine, Harvey 1960–67: Frank called to compliment us on the Harvey Magazine. He said he had spoken with former Harvey Headmaster E. Bradley Richardson, who also was enthusiastic about it, and that he was meeting alumnus Dary Dunham ’56 for lunch soon. Victor Whitehurst, Harvey 1999–2010 “To Harvey students, I would have to say the future happens in a nanosecond. I sometimes wonder how I got here so fast. Sixteen seems like yesterday. I regret time wasted more than anything. I prize time spent in my twenties traveling.”
Milestones Weddings 1944 Ambassador Loeb to Sharon Handler on January 12, 2012 1992 Jeffrey J. Feldman to Yana Rik on February 18, 2012 2002 Alex Milano to Kim in August 2011 2005 Mike Barefield to Lauren Fitting on June 1, 2012 Births 1994 Nicholas Carmichael to Jolie and Alexander S. Carmichael on February 21, 2012 2001 Brayden Robert Cooke to Andrew and Diana Weisholz Cooke on February 6, 2012
tell us what's new with you! To submit Class Notes: Send note and/or image to alumni@harveyschool.org Send us your photos to accompany your note. Below are some tips: • Set your camera to best setting • Photo size 4 x 6, in 300 dpi • Save files as .jpg or .tiff • Identify people in picture • Attach file to email Victor Whitehurst with Harvey teacher Kathy Cushman (left) and wife Penny (right) beside their new pool
Send your short Milestone info (Weddings, Engagements, Births, see above). Please include full name and dates.
The Harvey School 69
inmemoriam Hugh S. Barker ’32 2009
George F. Butterworth III ’32 Jan. 13, 2012 “It is with great sadness that I am writing to inform you of the passing of George F Butterworth III. He spoke of his years at your school with great fondness. I thank you for your help in recording his passing in The Harvey School records. Sincerely, Mrs. Janet P. Butterworth “
William C. Lowe ’33 2004
Prentice K. Smith ’33 2008
Rufus C. Stillman ’35 Oct. 1, 2009 Rufus Cole Stillman was born in New York City on Feb. 28, 1921, to Edgar and Katherine Stillman (née Chase). He graduated from Taft School, attended Yale, leaving to join Patton’s 3rd Army Tank Corps in Europe, but not before marrying Leslie Caesar on Nov. 23, 1942, a marriage that enriched theirs and many other lives until Leslie’s death on Jan. 11, 2006. In his words: “The War, the Great War, the Good War, we would like to think, straightened out a few misconceptions about the reason for being. A marvelous marriage and three children did the rest.” Having lost a leg below the knee as the 3rd Army drove toward Berlin (his living with his stump providing the details for Philip Roth’s chapter of that name in The Plot Against America), he returned home, eventually settling in Litchfield, CT, where, after a stint as editor of the Litchfield Enquirer, he joined what was then the Torin Manufacturing Co., rising from the plant floor to vice president of labor relations to president and chief executive officer and 70 Harvey Magazine Summer 2012
ultimately chairman of the board. Again in Rufus’ words: “Once upon a time an editor asked me what I did, ‘I’m a manufacturer.’ He said, ‘But what do you really do?’ What I really did was fall in love with modern architecture, to build or to influence the building of houses, schools, factories, libraries, offices, in three states and five countries. And with it developed an interest in, no, a passion for, painting and sculpture.” Many of those who were fortunate to experience that passion, architects, painters, sculptors, became friends, two of the closest being Marcel Breuer and Alexander Calder. Rufus had a gift for friendship and, with Leslie, for hospitality. His close friends included many in the local community, and he served the community as a selectman and member of many boards, contributing to the library, schools, hospital, historical society, and as president of the Junior Republic. His generosity of spirit, his deeply loving nature, are remembered by his three children, Katherine, Gar (with his wife, Dara Stillman), and Timmie Roman (and her husband, Michael), his two grandchildren, Luke Roman and Una D’Elia, and his three great-granddaughters. —Waterbury Republican-American (CT), Oct. 22, 2009
William B. Rawleigh ’36 2009
Edwin A. Ramsdell Esq. ’37 Oct. 19, 2011 Edwin Alan Ramsdell, 89, of Mantoloking, died at Ocean Medical Center, Brick. He was born in New York City on Sept. 3, 1922. He lived in White Plains, NY, New York City, and Scarsdale, NY. He summered in Bay Head and Mantoloking, NJ, before moving to Mantoloking permanently in 1992. Mr. Ramsdell graduated from St. Paul’s School in Concord, NH, and Yale Univ. and also attended the Univ. of Pennsylvania law school.
In the midst of his college years, during World War II, he served in the U. S. Army Air Corps. He was assigned to the 340th Fighter Squadron of Fifth Air Force in the Southwest Pacific and flew cover for both atomic bomb missions. Promoted to 1st lieutenant in 1945, he ultimately flew 140 combat missions over New Guinea, the Philippines, and Okinawa. He was awarded the Air Medal with an oak leaf cluster, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with a bronze star, and the Southwest Pacific Ribbon with eight battle stars. After leaving the service and completing his education, Mr. Ramsdell worked for the Monrovia Port Management Company, of Liberia, from 1948 to 1954; as security analyst for Citibank and General Electric; a partner with Adams and Peck; executive vice president of institutional sales at Carreau, Smith, Inc.; and executive vice president of Smith Affiliated Capital Corp. Ed served as a life member of the Sons of the Revolution. He was a member of the Bay Head Yacht Club, the Yale Club of New York, the Vero Beach Yacht Club, and formerly a member of the Scarsdale Golf Club. He belonged to the Society of Security Analysts. An avid sailor in his youth, Ed won the Barnegat Bay Championship in sneakboxes. He also sailed in the E Sloops. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Lucy Lewis Ramsdell; his daughters Catherine (Tracy) Wolstencroft and Elizabeth R. Matte; six grandchildren; his brother, John (Barbara) A. Ramsdell, M.D.; and two nephews and nieces. —The Ocean Star (NJ), Nov. 18, 2011
Theodore G. Montague, Jr. ’39 Nov. 28, 2010
Nathaniel Ober ’39 July 13, 2011
James H. Stone ’39 2008
John L. Carroll ’40
1998
stories, I feel, is not so much to be 100% right—that is important in a medical diagnosis—but to encourage the reader to consider worthwhile new ideas and look at old works from new angles, of his own if he wishes.”
Lee M. Stritzinger ’40
Michael A. Dix USAF ’41
2007
Oliver C. Scholle ’40
2006
Archibald C. Coolidge, Jr. ’41 Nov. 28, 2011 Archibald Cary Coolidge, Jr. was born in Oxford, England, June 9, 1928; son of Archibald Cary Coolidge and Susan Thistle Coolidge. He married Lillian Dobbel Merrill (deceased 2010) in 1951. They had seven children: Lillian Merrill Coolidge, Emily White Coolidge, Sarah Revere (Coolidge) Catherall, Archibald III, Anne Edwards (Coolidge) Masse, John Jennings Coolidge (deceased) and Alexander Reynolds Coolidge, and eight grandchildren. After leaving Harvey, he attended Phillips Academy, 1941–45, joined the U.S. Marine Corps, 1945–46, taught at Harvey, 1946–47, earned an A.B. at Harvard College, 1951, magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, an M.A. at Brown University, 1954, and a Ph.D. from Brown University, 1956. He then became an English professor at the University of Iowa, 1956–2001. Mr. Coolidge was the author of: Charles Dickens as Serial Novelist, 1967; Beyond the Fatal Flaw: A Study of the Neglected Forms of Greek Drama, 1980; A Theory of Story, 1989; English Law and American Problems, 1995; Political Metaphors, 2000; and Hollywood Looks at Women, 2001. Professor Coolidge was one of a family of four children. His father was a teacher with long vacations. So the family was together a lot. He once wrote, “My parents loved to tell stories, and an uncle wrote historical novels. I grew up fond of reading and, like everybody else, crazy about the movies. It is perhaps natural that a mind full of books and theories pushed me toward the academic life, and that after I became a professor my research centered on the question of how stories are formed. The important thing in discussing
Samuel S. Neale ’42 2008
Omar Shapli ’44 2010
John W. Chanbers ’46 Nov. 26, 2011
Robert F. Woolworth ’46 April 9, 2011
Peter H. Honegger ’48 2008
James P. Kelland ’49 2007
Joseph R. Ott ’55 Feb. 8, 2012 Mr. Joseph “J.R.” Ott, age 71 of Lawrenceburg, TN, passed on Feb. 8, 2012, peacefully at his residence. J.R. was born in Chicago, IL, and was the son of the late Joseph Temple and Grace Reed Ott. He was a 1964 graduate from the Univ. of Tennessee, where he earned a B.S. in education. For 31 years, he enjoyed a career in sales and marketing, returned to teaching in 1997 in the state of Texas, and then retired in 2007. Following his move to Tennessee in 2010, he began substitute teaching in Lawrenceburg at the E.O. Coffman Middle School and continued through 2012. He was a member of the Texas State Guard while living in Texas. Though raised in an Episcopalian Church, J.R. most recently shared his faith through his attendance at the New Prospect Baptist Church in Lawrenceburg. In addition to his wife, Barbara, he left two sons: Christopher Ott of Austin, TX, and William Ott of Goodlettsville, TN, a brother, Dick, of Knoxville, TN, and three granddaughters. —Heritage Funeral Home, Columbia, TN
Paul E. Burrows ’56 May 6, 2011
Michael G. Morris ’59 2010
Rutherford R. Romaine ’61 Jan. 21, 2012 Rutherford Robbins (“Robb”) Romaine, who lived with his wife in Belvedere while battling the last stages of glioblastoma multiforme, a form of brain cancer, died Jan. 21. He was 63. For the past few months, the Romaines lived in the guest cottage of Belvedere friends and received hospice care there. Mr. Romaine was born in New York City to Dr. Hunter Huideköper Romaine and Jacqueline Amelia Lane. He was raised in Ardsley Park, NY, and spent summers in West Falmouth on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. He graduated from The Harvey School in Katonah, NY; St. Andrew’s School in Delaware and Philips Exeter Academy. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree at Yale University, where he was a member of the Society of Orpheus and Bacchus and of Skull & Bones. After college, he went to work in public broadcasting in Canada. He settled in Connecticut. A pioneering businessman in the managed futures industry, he founded The RXR Group, Excalibur Advisors and Round Table Ventures. He served as vice chairman of the Managed Funds Association, formerly Managed Futures Association. He was a member of the advisory board of the Chicago Board of Trade. A founding partner in French Friend Films, which created and produced television, movie and radio advertising, he was best known for what became a famous Goobers and Raisinets jingle. Mr. Romaine met his wife, Carol, when the two of them landed roles in a Greenwich community theater production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore. They went on to actively participate in and support theater and music groups while raising their four children in Greenwich, CT. He was active in his community in many other ways as well, coaching his children’s sports teams and The Harvey School 71
helping at church. A lifelong athlete, he was a state tennis champion in high school and also excelled in golf. He was a member of St. Paul’s Church in Riverside, CT; Innis Arden Golf Club, Old Greenwich, CT; and The Yale Club of New York City. “Robb truly lived what he believed to be the goal of life, to leave the world a better place than one found it,” said his wife. Besides his wife, Carol Grey Romaine, he leaves behind their four children, William R. Romaine, Riverside, CT, Kristina R. Romaine, Los Angeles, Heidi KristofferXethalis, New York City, and Edward Bassett Bretschager, Jr. New York City; two siblings Lawrence Romaine of Naugatuck, CT, and Craecroft Akerson Murphy of Stamford, CT; and eight nephews and nieces. —The Ark (CT), Feb. 15, 2012
Timothy R. Congdon ’67 2008
Gordon C. Gilroy ’69 2006
John C. Bonanni ’71 2007
Alexander T. Baldwin III ’72 Oct. 1, 2011
Carl P. Scheck ’76 2010
Thomas A. Rubin ’79 2009
Virginia Farwell Szymanski ’87 April 19, 2010 Virginia Szymanski, 42, of Parker, CO, affectionately known as “GiGi,” passed away April 19, 2010. Born in Stamford, CT, she completed two years of college, earned her R.N., and was then employed in the medical field for a number of years. She was an active member of Southeast Christian Church of Parker, where she was passionately involved in mission work. She was an avid horse rider and enjoyed scrapbooking, but her true joy 72 Harvey Magazine Summer 2012
was found in caring for her family, whom she loved so dearly. She was the loving mother of two children, Rachael and Daniel, who survive her; she is also survived by her former husband, David Szymanski; and two older brothers, Seth and Ralph.
Irene A. Anderson (Harvey faculty/staff 1956–1993) May 25, 2011 In 2005, Miss Anderson was awarded a Distinguished Service Award by the Harvey Alumni Association. Frank Perrine offered the following remarks: “She was shy beyond words, but quickly became a great complement to the office and was the one who took care of all the boys’ needs, especially boarders, and exuded warmth, caring, and a great touch of home. Everyone loved her. She was a snappy dresser, always well coiffed and she was TOTALLY committed to the School and its life and betterment. That was really the key—she loved her work and was a great presence. I loved to go in and say hello to her, she always made me feel better, with a wonderful smile, genuine interest and always anxious to help make things work better. They don’t come along like that much anymore." Miss Anderson was interviewed in 2005, and made the following reminiscences: She remembered the fun she had over the years with her co-workers, Jane Beckman (13 years at Harvey) and Kay DeVinney (31 years at Harvey). When the School moved from Hawthorne to Katonah, Miss Anderson had a car and drove, but others on staff did not. Leverett Smith asked Miss Anderson if she would pick up Grace and Kay each day, and so for many years she was the designated driver for the three of them. She displayed one ink drawing of Hickory Hill, the home of the Weil’s and the original main building at Katonah. There was also a drawing of the fountains which the Walter Hitesman’s had built, near the main building. The picture was painted by Harvey teacher Richard Coe.
She remembered her first project when she started in 1956—it consisted of cleaning out the closets of the school office with Terry Smith ’52. She fondly remembered Palen Conway ’74, who she said was a “train nut.” Irene’s father had worked on the railroad, and when he died, Irene gave the buttons from his shirt to Palen. Irene worked in the business office, as the school secretary and then the secretary for Headmaster Harry Dawe. She was responsible for calling parents to tell them their child had to stay late (if they had Walk List) or were being held late. Irene was last at Harvey when she attended a celebration for Walter Johnson and his 25 years on the board of directors.
Brendan C. Griswold (Harvey faculty/staff 1942–1946) 2010 The Rev. Griswold taught geography and history from 1942–46. He attended prep school at Haverford, got rheumatic fever and was sent to a warmer, drier climate—California, where he attended Pomona College, then returned to his home in NYC. His wife’s father was commissioner of education in New Jersey, and he thought Brendan should be a teacher. Harvey was one of the offers Brendan received. He lived in an apartment above the dining hall at Hawthorne and ate meals with the boys. His wife died of cancer after 30 years. He met his second wife through Harvey teacher Jack Humason (who went to Lawrenceville after Harvey). When Mr. Griswold left Harvey, he went to Indian Mountain School for four years, then decided to go into the ministry. Once he was ordained in Connecticut, he worked in Buffalo at St. Paul’s Cathedral for 20 years. He retired in 1982 but stayed in Buffalo until 1994, when the couple moved to Florida. He has a daughter who is a doctor in Buffalo (for 10 years). He remembered John Kerr, the lead in South Pacific, who came to their house for dinner when he was in San Antonio. He also remembered that Tommy Dorsey taught him to ski at Harvey, showing him how to go over a jump without falling down.
leadership challenge
begins!
As our Athletic Center construction progresses and our longawaited dream is becoming a reality, we now enter the home stretch of the campaign. The Harvey School Board of Trustees has initiated a “Leadership Challenge” to ensure the campaign’s successful completion. The challenge is made possible through the generous financial contributions of several trustee families and key donors by matching every dollar received. This announcement was made by Capital Campaign Chair Philip Bowers ’70, father of freshman Andrew, at Harvey’s annual spring benefit to a crowd of over 300 people. To date, we have raised almost $3.2 million towards our goal of $7 million, which includes $1 million for the endowment. Thank you to those who have already contributed to the campaign since it began in 2007, but it is our hope that you will support this effort again in this donor-match period, where your gift will go twice as far! We look forward to the day our campaign slogan of “Let the games begin” can be heard in our new gym when the new Athletic Center opens this fall. Until then, please continue to watch the construction progress on our Athletic Center Camera. Go to: www.harveyschool.org > Select Quicklinks > Athletic Center Camera which will open a live view of the construction site. Thank you to all of our supporters and volunteers who have made this important project a reality!
Capital Campaign Phase Two: Naming Opportunities We value the generosity of our Harvey families and offer the following Naming Opportunities for consideration. Please contact the Alumni and Development Office at (914) 232-3161, ext. 145, if you are interested in any of these opportunities. All naming requests will be individually reviewed and approved by The Harvey School’s Board of Trustees. Athletic Center $2,000,000 Fitness Room $500,000 2 Basketball Courts $250,000 each Lobby $125,000 (funded by the 2012 Senior Class) Tennis Courts (6) $100,000 each
Nonprofit Org U.S. Postage PAID
260 Jay Street • Katonah, NY 10536
White Plains ny Permit NO 3607
Address Service Requested
Healthcare
music
social media
sports medicine
Share your Expertise
physicians assistant
film making
web developer
Help a Harvey student learn about your field. While Harvey’s students are sponges for knowledge, they may lack information about many possible fields of study. You can help by sharing your expertise with them. Please contact us if you’d be willing to field questions from students for an hour at Harvey, or through email or phone calls. Contact us at: alumni@harveyschool.org or (914) 232-3161, ext. 123