BLSA Bulletin Spring 2018

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BOSTON LATIN SCHOOL ASSOCIATION SPRING 2018

BULLETIN


credits Editor Dan Page Design Michele Page Design Communication Photography Kathleen Bateman ’93 Gus Freedman Ellen Harasimowicz Dan Page Chestnut Hill Studios Erin Ash Sullivan Allana Taranto ’95

about the cover Inspiring creative artists at BLS. Story on page 11.


Voices of BLS “I went to Spain with the CIEE program the summer of 9th grade as part of the first group of Global Navigator Scholars. It was one of the best summers of my life. Words can’t express how grateful I am to BLS. I cannot imagine my life without this school.” — Annie Miall ‘18 Attending Harvard; State Fencing Champion; Debate Captain

“I love the atmosphere here and I love how my teachers push me to do my best. I have met so many wonderful people here in the past four years, and they have had a great influence on my learning and my success. BLS gives you a lot of work, but it is also a place where you can be yourself and find wonderful opportunities with the help of teachers, friends, and alumni.” — Bettina Noel ‘18 Attending UMass Amherst Honors Program; Silver Award, National French Exam; Intern, Brigham and Women’s Hospital “At BLS, I have learned violin, taken AP courses and exams that prepare me for college, and traveled to China, thanks to the Clough Center for Global Understanding. I will never forget my time here. My thanks to everyone who has made all these things possible in a public school.” — Jean Azar-Tanguay ‘19 Crew; Societas (foreign language honor society); National Honor Society “BLS fosters a learning environment that pushes growth beyond the limits of many other educational institutions. I am indebted to my teachers, mentors, and peers. They inspire and challenge me every single day.” — Derek Shen ‘19 President, Model UN; Nationally Ranked Tennis Player “What sets BLS apart from other schools is an unrelenting commitment to excellence. It’s exciting to go to school with such intelligent and ambitious friends. I may not be able to remember all of my Latin declensions, but the lessons that I’ve learned here will be with me for the rest of my life.” — Aidan Kilgannon ‘18 Attending UMass Lowell; Wrestling Captain; Varsity Football

“As I am about to graduate, I realize how valuable my BLS experience is. Thanks to generous alumni, I’ve been able to row on the Charles with my amazing team, perform with the best music program in the state, and participate in Model UN. I am very appreciative of all the opportunities BLS has provided. The lessons learned here will be with me forever.” — Lily Kelly ‘18 Attending Boston University; Varsity Crew Captain; Intern, Boston Bar Association

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Connections :::::::::::::::::::::::: Rachel Skerritt ’95 Finding Her Way Home

“This has been a home-coming for me,” says Headmaster Rachel Skerritt. “My six years as a student, my time here as an English teacher, and my years with the Boston Public Schools system — they all came together to present me with another wonderful challenge in a school that I love and that has been a foundational part of my life.” As the 28th headmaster of Boston Latin School, she continues to build on an inspiring career, calling BLS “an institution that has shaped me as a learner and as a leader.” Great educational leaders wear many hats. The best are inspiring teachers, thoughtful managers, problem-solvers, decision-makers, diplomats, psychologists, mind readers, cheerleaders, and whatever else is called for by the challenges and opportunities that each new day offers — of which there are more than a few each day. To spend a day with Rachel Skerritt is to observe a masterful display of these talents — ones she honed as a determined and focused student at Boston Latin. It is 6:55 a.m. Students are beginning to arrive, their backpacks bursting with books and folders of the previous night’s homework. They congregate in the dining hall where some will study and others will catch up with friends until it is time to go to homeroom and the real


::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: school day begins. Outside, a parade of buses begins to drop off students in front of 78 Avenue Louis Pasteur. Some children rush in from Palace Road and packed trolley cars; others are dropped off by parents. As on most days, the headmaster welcomes arriving students with a friendly word of greeting and tacit encouragement as a day of hard work begins. It is but the first of many such personal interactions that will take place throughout the day — in the hallways, the classrooms, the dining

KELLY GUSHUE ’95 “I remember Rachel from our writing class. Quite simply, she was the best writer. We studied together and it became clear that when Rachel turned her mind to a project — no matter how difficult — she would excel. She worked and made it look effortless. “I was impressed with how well rounded she was. Not only was she academically gifted, but she also sang in several choirs and was active in many school activities. She cared about her classmates and she connected with everyone. Whatever she did, you wanted to cheer her on, because you knew she would share her success. I know she will bring all those same qualities to BLS as headmaster.”

hall — wherever student activity is taking place. It is the beginning of another dynamic day in this community of 2,450 young scholars. At 7:45 a.m. the bell rings. Six minutes of homeroom is just enough time to take attendance and hear the Daily Bulletin read aloud, informing students about events, meetings, competitions, and extracurricular activities. When the second bell rings at precisely 7:51 a.m., the halls come to life as students hurry to R1.

On this particular day, the headmaster is part of the bustling crowd. She takes a seat at the back of environmental science teacher Timothy Gay’s class and listens intently as the lesson unfolds. The students represent nations from around the world in a simulation of the Paris Climate Agreement and work collaboratively to reduce emissions through compromise and negotiation. After the lesson, Skerritt shares with Mr. Gay and his student teacher that she appreciates not only the rich content of the lesson, but


::::::::::::::::::: be intimidating, and the program aims to make the adjustment manageable, allowing new students to hit their stride in the classroom and the community quickly. The program is a unique vantage point from which to view the concerns of the school’s new students. Potential problems often can be avoided by giving students an opportunity to voice

CORNELIA A. KELLEY H ’44 “I knew Rachel first as a student and later as a teacher at BLS. I remember her as a superb student, a leader, and a serious woman with a wonderful sense of fun. She has always understood what is expected of a Boston Latin School scholar. “As a former headmaster, I know many of the difficulties Rachel will face. I know she will rise to meet all challenges — just as she has always done. “It has been an honor for me to watch her grow and return to alma mater. She gets the concept of legacy. She deeply understands what is required in working with academically talented students while supporting them at a critical stage in their growth.”

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Boston Latin School Association

also the core competencies of social responsibility and global awareness that were being fostered. As a former teacher herself, the headmaster’s expectations for teaching quality are high. She considers faculty professional development and feedback a fundamentally important duty. Developing great classroom leaders and finding the best teachers for this exceptional student population are critical to perpetuating the traditions of rigor and academic achievement that have always distinguished alma mater. For Headmaster Skerritt, time in the classroom is time well spent. Next stop: the Peer Mentoring Program. New this year, the program matches 500 sixies and entering class IV students with class I and II students in a friendly big brother/big sister-style environment. The transition to this school can

concerns in a safe and supportive structure. Because the interactions are with other students, the environment allows them to benefit from peers who have had similar experiences and have learned to thrive academically as well as socially at the school. For Headmaster Skerritt, attending this meeting allows her to hear student issues firsthand. She in turn can use this information to guide teachers and administrators in developing a better understanding of what they can do to ensure positive and appropriate responses to student concerns while maintaining an


F E AT U R E

::::: WILLIAM

SCHAWBEL ’57

“Starting in the early ’90s, I established a summer program to acquaint qualified BLS students with college opportunities outside the Boston area. Rachel took part in the program and spent a summer at my college alma mater, the University of Pennsylvania. “She loved the school and chose to do her undergraduate work there, earning her degree in three years and completing a master’s degree in her fourth year. She is an exceptional high achiever. “I have had the good fortune to follow her career over the years and see so many others discover what a truly remarkable person she is. I am proud to call Rachel a close and inspiring friend.”

environment of high expectation and student achievement. Lunch duty provides yet another valuable opportunity to engage with students. “I think it’s important for a leader to have a visible presence throughout the school day,” Skerritt explains. “We learn by listening and talking with students. We want them to trust us and know we have their best interests at heart. We need to know what’s happening both inside and outside the classroom. The only way to do that is to be part of the dynamic. Being proximal is how we stay close enough to the students to really give them what they need in order to succeed here.” The afternoon meeting with the operations team takes place around the conference table in the headmaster’s office. There is an open and informal feeling about the meeting as members of the administrative staff take on a wide range of school issues. The communication is easy and friendly, even when alternative points of view are being discussed. There are three leadership teams at BLS, each with

a different range of responsibilities. Their weekly meetings ensure that vital information is shared, important concerns are voiced in a timely way, and everyone is on the same page. There is a visible trust and sense of respect in the room; it comes across in the way people listen, ask questions and share constructive criticism. The end of the school day nears. The headmaster and colleagues meet with representatives of a company that works with athletic programs to promote teamwork by fostering leadership and respect for students’ differences. Listening intently, asking questions, and challenging parts of the presentation, the team concludes that the ideas warrant further consideration. “With such a large portion of our student body participating on about 60 teams, we have to recognize the opportunity for learning and personal development that athletics provides,” Skerritt remarks. The school bell rings at 2:15 p.m., but the day is not over. The

headmaster has phone calls to return, documents to review, and an in-box teeming with 134 emails that require responses. That will all have to wait until after today’s faculty talent show, where she is performing in three acts. “The hours are long and the pace can be tiring,” Skerritt admits. “But being a part of the BLS community is also incredibly energizing. Students need to know that our care for them and for this school is deep. That’s a huge part of what makes this education special and makes it all worthwhile.” photos by Allana Taranto ’95


The Campaign: An Update

T

Prima Perpetua he Prima Perpetua Campaign was formally launched in the fall of

2014 with the goal of strengthening all aspects of the school and

putting in place the resources required for student and faculty

success in the 21st century. Building on the school’s leadership in

the classical liberal arts, five central fundraising priorities emerged around

which the campaign has flourished:

•Developing Student Leaders

•Strengthening the Liberal Arts

•Broadening STEM Opportunities

•Supporting a Robust Athletics Program •Building Global Awareness

Though much has been accomplished, much remains to be done. Your gift — joined

with thousands of others — has the power to make a tremendous difference in the

lives of BLS students. Through the following stories, you’ll learn some of the ways

benefactors large and small have changed the trajectory of students’ lives. 6

Boston Latin School Association


PR I M A PER PET UA: AN UP DAT E

DEVELOPING STUDENT LEADERS Our tradition of developing leaders has been well established since the 17th century. That tradition continues today. Thomas O’Reilly ’75 is president of Pine Manor College. “BLS gave me the critical thinking skills that served me well,” he says. “When the Deitch Leadership Institute (DLI) asked me to sponsor summer fellows, I welcomed the opportunity. What a great experience! They were hard-working and well organized — true Latin School students.” DLI, created through the philanthropy of Joseph Deitch ’68, founder and chairman of Commonwealth Financial, is one of many successes of the Prima Perpetua Campaign. Through the DLI, students foster their leadership potential in school and in the community. Similar programs include the Topol ’41 Peace and Non-Violence Fellowship, Ward ’41 Fellowship, the Babbitt ’87 Fellowship and the Seevak ’46 Human Rights and Social Justice Fellowship. Approximately 40 students benefit from these programs each year.

Adrian Madaro ’07, one of the youngest legislators in the Commonwealth, says, “I owe my career to BLS and a Ward Fellowship. I’m grateful I’ve been able to give back by sponsoring fellows myself.” New opportunities for leadership programs have been made possible by the generosity of our community. More than $4 million in campaign gifts strengthen an education that prepares students for 21st century leadership.

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STRENGTHENING THE LIBERAL ARTS A bastion of the liberal arts since its founding, Latin School hews closely to its roots today. The liberal arts are central to the school and on a stronger foundation than ever thanks to the Prima Perpetua Campaign. “My BLS education gave me the basis and confidence to succeed in business,” comments Joseph Raffaele ’62. “I loved the classics. History and languages gave me a perspective on life and how people solved problems. I learned many great life lessons and wanted to give back by building upon the classical liberal arts that have so inspired me.” Among other areas, the Raffaele Fund underwrites the Junior Classical League, the Debate Team, Model UN, and provides discretionary resources for the teaching of history and languages. Toluwalope Moses ’18, who will attend Harvard this fall, says, “I am thankful for people like Mr. Raffaele who value a school that creates a love of learning and provides

BROADENING STEM OPPORTUNITIES

John Sheehan ’93 has a vested interest in science opportunities for girls. A Distinguished Engineer with Microsoft, he has a daughter whose interests tend toward STEM. “I am aware of the need to level the field in this area,” he states, “and I wanted to support BLS.” His gift to Prima Perpetua funds FeminSTEM, an after-school club for young women dedicated to science.

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Boston Latin School Association

resources to pursue education.” Roger Cawdette ’18 (pictured left), also Harvard-bound, agrees. “I’ve been able to attend many orchestral festivals, including at the national level,” he says. “With the encouragement of our teachers and the backing of generous alumni, my classmates and I are positioned to achieve great things, and we hope one day to do our part for more BLS students in the future.” Prima Perpetua has raised more than $5 million to create new opportunities in the liberal and performing arts, including the Raffaele Fund for the Liberal Arts. As a result, more students are benefiting from the time-tested foundation of Latin School’s contemporary classical curriculum.

“Many of them plan to pursue medical careers,” says Kathleen Bateman ’93, program director for science. “Mr. Sheehan’s gift provides access to experiments in chemistry and biology.” Carol Donovan Juel ’91 took a unique path to her STEM-related career. “I loved Greek and Latin at BLS and majored in classics at Holy Cross. I also loved math and found that the intersection of language and math is coding. Computer skills and problem-solving abilities allowed me to rise to the position of chief information officer. I supported Prima Perpetua because I know the value of computer literacy.” Sheehan’s and Juel’s gifts are part of more than $4.5 million in campaign commitments that have been achieved to enhance the school’s technology environment and create opportunities in the study of math and science.


PR I M A PER PET UA: AN UP DAT E

SUPPORTING A ROBUST ATHLETICS PROGRAM Edward Sheehy ’78 has strong positive memories of playing hockey at BLS. “At various levels, I played all six years here,” he recalls, “and it has been a large influence on my life. Student athletes learn many valuable lessons and learn them quickly, because they have to! Time management, teamwork (while winning and losing), the ability to compete and work hard for something you care about deeply — all these and much more were part of my BLS experience. And I wanted to do what I could to help today’s student athletes have

access to the life-changing opportunities that were available to me.” Sheehy’s generous Prima Perpetua support includes a $100,000 challenge to his 40th reunion classmates to honor the memory of their deceased friend, James Connolly ’78. Their gifts to the Connolly Fund for Athletics will memorialize a friend, a Latin School leader, and a fine student athlete. Athletics are an essential part of a classical liberal arts education. Prima Perpetua builds on this worthy tradition. Our students compete and win at high levels, while developing habits for life-long health and fitness. Through Prima Perpetua, more than $4 million has been contributed or pledged to advance the campaign toward its $7 million goal to power the Wolfpack to victory.

BUILDING GLOBAL AWARENESS

Global awareness is among the eight core competencies — essential skills that students need for college and career success — that weave through the school’s contemporary classical curriculum. “I support Prima Perpetua in large part because I have a firsthand appreciation of the critical importance of global awareness in the 21st century,” says Robert Fallon ’65. “I spent 31 years in Asia as an international banker and I wish the Clough Center for Global Understanding and the CIEE Global Navigator Program had been in place when I was at BLS. Programs like these enable study abroad, mastery of other languages, and immersion in different cultures that foster greater self-awareness.” As a Prima Perpetua benefactor, Fallon helps narrow the financial gap that students and families may face when making a decision to travel abroad for study. “It is our responsibility as alumni to encourage international experiences for today’s students,” he notes. “By making study abroad accessible to BLS students, we allow them to develop skills to succeed in a globally connected and multicultural world.”

Students love these travel-related programs and call them “transformative.” They speak in glowing terms of the people they have met, the experiences they have had, and the many ways in which foreign travel has broadened their perspectives. With more than $6 million raised toward its initial $5 million goal in this area, the Prima Perpetua Campaign has exceeded expectations in connecting BLS to the broader global community.

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Brevia

BLS AT A GLANCE

Inspiring. Informed. Engaged. In touch. Impressive. What else can you say about BLS students, staff, coaches, and volunteers? Here are a few details of note.

Ambassador Samantha Power Shares Wisdom With rapt attention, more than 100 students in Judi Freeman’s Facing History and Ourselves course absorbed

Honoring a BLS Icon

the stories and wisdom of the Obama

Headmaster Emeritus Michael G.

administration’s United States

Contompasis ’57 took his first

Ambassador to the United Nations,

trepidacious steps into the

Samantha Power, when she visited BLS

school’s hallowed Assembly Hall

in December. As one student put it, “her

in 1951. Enveloped by the history

visit was a great reminder of how privileged we are to be BLS students. I was

around him, he could scarcely

truly honored to be in her presence.” Power fielded questions for over an hour

imagine that more than six

and left her audience inspired and eager to take on the great challenges of

decades later he would achieve

international relations.

Latin School immortality and see

Wolfpack Hockey Builds School Pride

his own name placed on the lower frieze. Such was the

The Boys‘ Varsity Hockey Team skated to a 10-7-3 season, saving the best for last. Seeded 13 going into the division tournament, the Wolfpack pulled a stunning upset over last year’s champions, Lowell Catholic. Captain Nicholas O’Connell ’18 scored game-winning goals twice on the way to the last game. A heart-breaking 2-1 loss to Stoneham ended the quest, one game shy of a trip to the state finals — but what a great run! Congratulations on a great season and a hard-fought Division 2 tournament. surprise honor bestowed on him in November at the Association’s annual Celebration of Latin School dinner. In an evening of festivity and cheer, no smile shone more brightly than the one shared only on the most special of occasions. Mr. C, you’re one of a kind!

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Boston Latin School Association


BR EV IA—BLS AT A GLAN C E

Jazz Band Takes First Place in National Competition The BLS Big Band under the direction of Paul Pitts ’73, P’05,’12 swept first place in the 10th Annual Charles Mingus High School Festival and Competition. “Only the very best big bands and combos from all over the nation are chosen,” Pitts comments. “This was our fifth time in the last 10 years to have been chosen, and our second time to win.” Outstanding Soloist awards went to Perrin Price ‘19 on vocals and Leo Codiga ’20 on

Certamen Team Takes Gold The Junior Classical League soared to gold at Princeton’s national tournament in February in thoroughly dominating fashion. Nestoras Apodiakos ’18 earned MVP honors. These fast-paced competitions are built around classics-themed questions ranging from recondite matters of Latin grammar and vocabulary to Greek and Roman history, and

Renowned Artist Inspires Self-Portraits Art students recently completed a class project calling for self-reflection, creativity, and connection to a well-known, contemporary artist. Students created self-portraits in the style of Kehinde Wiley, an artist best known for his portrait of

tenor saxophone. Outstanding

President Obama. Students

Section Player awards went to

studied Wiley’s methods, then

Anthony Beudreau ’18 on bass

followed that process to create

trombone and Hazel Royer ‘19

their own insightful self-portraits. Wiley, an African-American

on string bass. Price and Codiga had the opportunity to showcase

artist, combines representational

their virtuosity with the Mingus

art and vivid background

Big Band at The Jazz Standard,

imagery that speak to qualities

one of New York’s premier

typically not revealed in

jazz venues.

conventional portraiture. Students learned how a successful artist applies his skill and creativity, then incorporated those classical mythology. The team’s ability to perform at this high level is a tribute to hard work and diligence, characteristic

techniques into their own works of art — some of which appear

on the cover of this Bulletin. The results speak for themselves.

hallmarks of Latin School scholars and teachers. Earlier in the season, the team earned equally strong results at the Harvard Certamen. Nationals now await

the team. Bona Fortuna!

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Alfa Demmellash ’99: Visionary Social Entrepreneur

A

lfa Demmellash ’99 co-founded Rising Tide Capital in 2004. The company’s mission is to empower underserved urban entrepreneurs and help them start and grow successful businesses. It is a visionary economic model for creating organizations that thrive financially while addressing a wide range of critical social issues. “My experiences in life have made me want to learn enough about government that my company can make government work better and more equitably for everyone.”

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Boston Latin School Association

“I arrived in the United States at age 12 with a keen interest in poverty alleviation, social justice, and conflict resolution.”

“I was born in Ethiopia,” Demmellash recounts. “My family was forced to leave because of a brutal and corrupt dictatorship, so I arrived in the United States at age 12 with a keen interest in poverty alleviation, social justice, and conflict resolution. I had the good fortune to have these interests nurtured at BLS and later at Harvard. I have come to see that poverty plays a crucial role in fueling conflicts. That is why I started Rising Tide Capital to focus on economic empowerment as a strategy to build and govern peaceful societies.” Demmellash entered BLS in Class IV. She was quickly thrust into Latin and French studies, even as she worked to perfect her English. “It was wonderful and rigorous,” she says. She credits her “near death” experience with declamation as a signifigant point in her education. “I had everything memorized,” she recalls,“but when I opened my mouth to speak, I was frozen.” Undaunted, she worked hard to overcome her fears and eventually found her voice as an avid student and participant in declamation competitions. Her determination showed up again at Harvard when she led a group of students to Rwanda. “I applied for all kinds of grants,” she says, “but it would not have worked if it weren’t for a pivotal contribution by my Harvard professor, who personally believed in the project.” On average, a new Rising Tide business opens every seven days. As these businesses grow, they support local economies and serve as role models for young people in their communities. For her entrepreneurial vision and success in bettering the lives of so many in disadvantaged communities, her fellow alumni have named Demmellash Outstanding Recent Graduate.


Zebrafish: A Window on Human Genetics

What do zebrafish have to do with human cancer? What do zebrafish have to do with the way biology is taught at BLS? Surprisingly, the answer to both questions is “quite a lot.”

Zebrafish are providing scientists with innovative methods for studying how cancers grow and respond to therapies in living organisms. BLS students are learning about these

techniques through experiments and observations under the tutelage of researchers engaged in leading-edge scientific investigation.

For a week in April, all BLS Biology I students worked with a team of prominent local researchers who introduced them to some intricacies of this work. With sponsorship from Children’s Hospital, students learned to breed zebrafish, monitor the embryonic development, and

apply principles of Mendelian genetics in the search for clues that could one day have an impact on controlling some forms of cancer in humans. Dr. Alicia McConnell, who led the teaching team with assistance from alumnus Kevin Chan, explains why zebrafish are so well suited to these studies. “Zebrafish reproduce prolifically,” she says. “So we have access to a constant supply of specimens for testing anti-cancer

drugs. Their skin is translucent, and that allows us to observe tumors in experimental treatments. And, because zebrafish share many genes with humans, they can develop most of the types of tumors that afflict humans.” Thomas Arevalo ’21 called the experience a different and fun way of learning. “We weren’t just taking notes,” he explains. “We were making observations, recording data, and doing analysis.” Alex Young ’21 was impressed with how rapidly embryos developed. “You could see the changes day to day and identify the different stages. Seeing it happen made everything much more real.” “This week of science immersion was a useful and intriguing learning experience,” says Kathleen Bateman ’93, program director for science. “It is inspirational to see students doing real science in a real-world setting, under the direction of noted researchers sharing their knowledge and expertise. We are fortunate to have a supportive community that allows us to introduce students to scientific processes in new and meaningful ways.”

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BLS COMMUNITY Optima Conlegia Latinam Scholam Spectant What’s the reward at the end of a four- or six-year Boston Latin School journey? A ticket to four years of

college study, often at one of the country’s most selective institutions. This year, BLS students earned admission to 254 colleges. While

77% will pursue studies within New England, two students will head abroad and others will fan out to 13 states. Students have earned acceptance at all members of the Ivy League. Thirty-nine students have earned the prestigious full-tuition Menino Scholarship to Boston University. Topping both the admission offer (216) and college of matriculation list again this year is the University of Massachusetts Amherst. In total, BLS students have earned more than $25 million in grant or scholarship awards.

L

Congratulations, Class of 2018!

Carpe Librum

ooking for a good read for your summer beach vacation? Why not consider one of the titles below, recent works published by BLS alumni authors? From novels to self-help to memoir to non-fiction, there’s an option no matter your preference. Unsurprisingly, they’ve all received excellent critical reviews. You won’t be disappointed if you carpe librum! CAVEMAN BODIES IN A CORPORATE JUNGLE by John Barrett ’78

In terms of evolution, humanity hasn't changed much over the past hundred thousand years. For readers who take their health and career seriously, this book examines the relationship between our caveman brains and our stress-filled modern workplace.

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Boston Latin School Association

WARNINGS: FINDING CASSANDRAS TO STOP CATASTROPHES by Richard A. Clarke ’68

Clarke, a recognized authority in national security matters, takes a critical look at potential threats from such fields as artificial intelligence, bio-hacking, mutating viruses, and more. He boldly examines which predicted disasters pose the greatest threats. ELEVATE by Joseph Deitch ’68

A celebration of life and the potential that exists for all of us, this book provides answers and insights as it links awareness and action, in an eye-opening read that launches readers on a journey of self-discovery.


BLS C OM MUN IT Y

AP exams administered

Prima

Perpetua

2,431

Campaign

leadership

Boston Latin’s rank as a feeder school to Harvard University

215,000+

donors

137

1

Numeris

half-pints of milk consumed annually in the dining hall

1,631

college acceptances offered to the class of 2018

40,000

community service hours performed by BLS seniors

603 in memo-

reunion attendees (classes 1948-1998)

18

consecutive

years the BLS

ALL WE CAN DO IS WAIT by Richard Lawson ’01

students studying science at the AP level

221

1,018

4

seniors

awarded

221,539

prestigious

steps taken by teacher Catherine Foley ’05 during 2018 Facing History Trip to Eastern Europe

Foundation

scholarships

43,451

state finals

31

Posse

airmiles traveled by Mr. Contompasis across the country for the Prima Perpetua Campaign

qualified for

languages spoken in our students’ homes

Debut author and Vanity Fair film critic Richard Lawson guides readers through a life-changing night as a group of teens are forced to face the realities of their pasts and the prospects of very different futures.

balls and pucks used by our athletes

385

Big Band has

GREEN by Sam Graham-Felsen ’99 A coming-of-age novel about race, privilege, and the struggle to rise in America. A critic praises this work as “infectiously funny about the highs and lows of adolescence. A wildly original take on the American dream.”

athletes who participated in tournament play

followers of @blsheadmaster on Instagram

1,484

CONFESSIONS OF A GLOBAL NEGOTIATOR by Nick Psyhogeos ’85 A long-time senior executive at Microsoft, Psyhogeos shares a distillation of 25 years of frontline experience in neutralizing difficult opponents and winning over others. THE PARKING LOT ATTENDANT by Nafkote Tamirat ’04

A coming-of-age story about a girl who falls under the spell of a charismatic hustler in Boston’s tightly knit Ethiopian community. The novel explores themes of national identity and what it means to be an immigrant in America today.

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BLS COMMUNITY

Campaign Progress

The six-year run of the Prima Perpetua Campaign comes to a close on June 30, 2018. In the as yet to be determined final tally, the campaign’s $50 million goal will have been met through gifts that have been received, others that are pledged through 2023, and unrealized bequest intentions. The full impact of Prima Perpetua won’t be felt for several more years until all gifts materialize, but great advances in the teaching, learning, and extra-curricular environment are already under way. Mark your calendar to join us on Saturday, November 17 for a grand celebration of Latin School and the unprecedented success of the Prima Perpetua Campaign. Whether your participation has been through a regular annual fund gift or through a more substantial commitment, the festivities will unite you with others who share your gratitude for Latin School and who believe in the promise of Boston’s talented youth.

$500,000

Unrestricted Endowment Fund

Robert J. Sanborn ’76

$150,000

Scholarship and Science Fund

Estate of J. Worth Estes

$100,000

Annual Fund

Richard A. Clarke ’68

$100,000

Connolly ‘78 Fund for Athletics

Edward M. Sheehy ’78

$75,000

Fund for Drama

Burton G. Malkiel ’49

$50,000

Annual Fund and Science Fund

Vincent E. Letteri ’95

$50,000

Annual Fund

Suzanne L. Dwyer ’83, P’16, ’19

in memoriam Isadore N. Rosenberg ’36 Richard L. Myerson ’38 Baret V. Ajemian ’39 Leonard M. Goldberg ’39 Benjamin J. Kaplan ’39 George M. Barr ’40 Richard L. Rovit ’41 Robert H. Leavens ’43 Sanford D. Weinert ’43 Burton Zuckernik ’43 Marvin F. Axelrod ’44 Paul Karass ’44 William F. Lucey ’44 Earl H. Rovit ’44 Herbert Goodman ’45 Ernest D. Svensson ’45

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Robert J. Crowley ’46 William H. Trayes ’46 John A. Nelson ’48 David J. Calicchio ’49 Lawrence J. Sholler ’49 Arthur M. Cohen ’50 Marvin W. Kushner ’51 Frederick J. McCoy ’52 Charles P. Sarelis ’52 Thomas J. Foley ’53 Philip J. Gulesian Jr. ’53 Herbert T. Monroe ’53 Donald L. Senese ’53 James M. Nee ’54 Arthur J. Collias ’55 Harry Kushnir ’55

Boston Latin School Association

Ira M. Yerkes ’55 Paul L. Dratch ’56 Richard B. Mallio ’57 B. Barton Blanchard ’58 Willmore F. Holbrow Jr. ’58 Robert L. Lichter ’58 Gerard F. Gillis ’59 Thomas H. Bilodeau Jr. ’60 Philip W. Wong-Cross ’60 Joseph F. Sheehan ’61 John R. Killgoar Jr. ’62 Joseph A. Yalmokas Jr. ’62 Barry M. Portnoy ’63 Mark K. Tavel ’63 Robert A. Daley ’64 John J. Powers Jr. ’64

Jens A. Ortendahl Jr. ’66 Peter G. Roduta ’66 George N. Heos Jr. ’68 William M. Stenson ’69 Dean R. Witten ’69 Dante J. Dincecco ’70 Dennis M. St. John ’71 Douglas J. Antoniazzi ’73 George C. Gulinello ’77 Christopher McDonough ’77 Stephen F. Fahey ’82 Stephen P. Hart ’82 Lisa A. Birrittieri ’84 Alamrew Gaines ’92 Tiffany N. Obi ’16


Lead Donors to Prima Perpetua e Campaign for Boston Latin School $5,000,000+

$100,000+

Charles I. Clough Jr. ’60

$2,500,000+

Joseph S. Deitch ’68 David P. Kelleher ’65 Michael A. Leven ’55 William Schawbel ’57

$1,000,000+

Stephen Corman ’54 Robert F. Misiewicz ’54 Barry F. Newman ’48 Joseph A. Raffaele ’62 Sumner M. Redstone ’40 Estate of Sidney Roberts ’35 Paul D. Spreiregen ’49 Sidney D. Wolk ’53

$500,000+

Estate of Eugene Carey ’39 Paul N. Fruitt ’49 William F. Griffin ’60 Stuart M. Kaplan ’51 & Barbara J. Meislin Leo Karas ’46 Prime, Buchholz & Associates, Inc. Robert J. Sanborn ’76 Richard B. Slifka ’57

$250,000+

Ralph R. Bravoco ’61 Robert L. Caporale ’58 Robert E. Fallon ’65 Keefe Family Foundation Anita L. Keefe W’39 Harry V. Keefe III Kathleen Raffel Estate of Edward L. Logan ’43 Peter M.P. Norris ’50 Catherine M. Rioles & Michael M. Rioles P’09, ’14 Elinor A. Seevak W’46 Edward M. Sheehy ’78 Andrew J. Viterbi ’52

Marta Bergamaschi & Alessandro Rollo P’17, ’19, ’21, ’23 Lorraine D. Bressler W’55 Ralph A. Buonopane ’56 Richard A. Clarke ’68 Council on International Educational Exchange Arthur J. Collias ’55 Michael G. Contompasis ’57 Gerald F. Devlin ’78 Mark Ehrman & Chee Kwong P’20, ’21 Estate of J. Worth Estes Malcolm J. Flynn Lewis P. Gack ’62 Estate of Albert Gerte ’37 James B. Glavin ’53 Jim & Ashton Goodfield P’19, ’21 Carol Donovan Juel ’91 & Eric Juel Sean D. Keohane ’85 Mitchell E. Kertzman ’66 Vassiliki C. Lascarides-Manley ’54 Charles L. Longfield ’74 Burton G. Malkiel ’49 William F. McCarron ’79 Michael R. Papetti ’79 Ivan A. Ramirez ’91 Barbara A. Roche W’46 Thomas F. Ryan ’59 John M. Sheehan ’93 Sidney Topol ’41 Eric K. Wepsic ’88

$50,000+

Anonymous (2) Robert E. Alan ’87 George T. Albrecht ’64 Daniel D. Antonelli P’18 Jennifer C. Borden ’86 Gregory J. Botsivales ’77 Stephen Buckley Jr. ’67 Stephen M. Campbell ’92 Cecilia Chan ’81 Stanley E. Charm ’44 Timothy E. Codrington ’91 James P. Connolly ’59 Jane C. Gorham Connolly & James M. Connolly P’21, ’22 Maureen S. Connolly W’78

Francis C. Cooke ’86 Suzanne L. Dwyer ’83, P’15, ’19 David B. Elsbree ’65 Eamon T. Fennessy ’49 John I. Fitzgerald ’65 Francis J. Flynn ’79 Rebecca A. Galeota ’92 Julianne Donley Gilpin ’80 Arnold J. Gordon ’55 Stephen A. Greyser ’52 Douglas P. Hines ’86 Philip P. Jameson ’73 Anastasia Karasoulos-Vekiarides & Lazarus J. Vekiarides ’86, P’19, ’22 Cornelia A. Kelley H’44 Michelle A. Knight ’94 Tunney F. Lee ’49 Vincent E. Letteri ’95 David A. Litwack ’64 Robert R. Luise ’60 F.W. McCarthy ’69 Thomas W. McCarthy ’68 Pamela S. McKinney & Thomas F. Byrne P’14 Mark C. Michalowski ’77 Helaine A. Miller W’48 Arlene A. Morris ’88 Ruth E. Morris ’83 & Peter G. Kelly ’83 Estate of Daniel J. Murphy ’73 Jeremiah P. Murphy ’69 Ruth Nemzoff Arthur D. Norton ’58 Joseph A. Page ’51 Richard G. Pond ’77 Estate of Paul H. Quinn Estate of Irving Rabb ’30 Daniel J. Rea Jr. ’66 & Jeanne M. O’Keefe GLS ’71 Stanley J. Salett ’55 Richard A. Savrann ’52 Harold W. Seifer ’44 Mitchell J. Sikora ’62 Lynne Mooney Teta ’86 & Anthony M. Teta P’18, ’19 John T. Walsh ’46 John P. White ’64 Thomas M. Whitney ’63 Leonard M. Wilson ’50 Johnny Wu ’90 Ronald M. Zimmerman ’58

Reflects cash and commitments through March 31, 2018


Non-Profit Org. US Postage

PAID

27 School Street Suite 300 Boston, MA 02108

Boston, MA Permit No. 56615

www.blsa.org www.primaperpetua.org

We Welcome Your Support


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