Class of 2012 Graduation Campus News Spotlight on Giving 2012 Legacy Day
Summer 2012
The Alma Matters is published up to two times per year for alumni, parents and friends. Volume 22 Number 1
The Norwich Free Academy 305 Broadway • Norwich, CT 06360 Tel: (860) 887-2505 • Fax: (860) 889-4363 Editor: Linda Clang Ververis ’78 Copy Editor: Kathleen McCarthy Contributing Writers: Katie Ali, Kathleen McCarthy Photographers: Brian Ambrose Photography, NFA Staff, Contributed Design: Lavender Design Printer: AM Lithography Corporation The Norwich Free Academy Board of Trustees David Whitehead ’78, Chairman Theodore Phillips ’74, Vice Chairman Thomas Griffin ’70, Secretary Lee-Ann Gomes ’82, Treasurer Jeremy Booty ’74 Glenn Carberry ’72 Richard DesRoches Keith Fontaine ’78 Thomas Hammond ’75 Sarette Briggs Williams ’78 Alumni Association Board of Directors Gale Eccleston Ennis ’78, President Thomas Neilan ’85, Vice President Stacy Koehler ’97, Secretary/Treasurer Anna Stankewich Alfiero ’58 Marie Landry Bontempo ’55 Gregory Brown ’01 Olive Buddington ’43 Leslie Lane Christie ’82 Timothy Cummings ’66 Nancy Delorge Farnsworth ’69 Concetta Colonna Franchetti ’78 Ethel Moshier Handley ’60 Eileen Kavanaugh Kalla ’81 Mary Barnett Messerschmidt ’63 The Norwich Free Academy does not discriminate in its educational programs, services or employment on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin, color, handicapping condition, age, marital status or sexual orientation. This is in accordance with Title VI, Title VII, Title IX and other civil rights or discrimination issues; Sector 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991.
THE SLATER MEMORIAL MUSEUM
Table of Contents Page
4
A Message from David Klein, Head of School
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5
Upcoming Events & Activities
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6
A Message from the Alumni Association
Pages
7-9
Alumni News
Page
10
Spotlight on Giving – Harry Swatsburg ’36
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Class of 1962 Gives Back
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12-13
2012 Legacy Day Reception Pays Tribute Class Agents Reaching Milestones of Service
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14-15
2012 Legacy Day – The Awards
Pages
16-17
Class of 2012 – Looking Forward
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18-19
Class of 2012 Graduation
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20-21
Class of 1962 – Looking Back & 50th Reunion
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22-26
Campus News
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27
Student Spotlight – Patrick Kudej
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28
Faculty & Staff News
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29
Faculty Spotlight – Neal Curland
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30-33
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33
In Memorium
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34
Deceased
Back Cover
Class Notes
Wildcat Connection
Visit our website at www.nfaschool.org
SUMMER 2012
NICHOLAS SCALISE AND THE CONNECTICUT EXPERIENCE On View June 25 - August 12, 2012 Opening Reception: July 12 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM. This event is free and open to the public. All are welcome. In a career spanning over 50 years, Meriden artist Nicholas Scalise (1932 - 2009) profoundly captured and conveyed the humanity of his subjects. Scalise came in contact with Connecticut artists working in a broad range of media and styles and from academe to advertising.
MUSEUM HOURS Tuesday – Friday: 9 am – 4 pm Saturday & Sunday: 1 pm – 4 pm Closed Monday & Holidays
ADMISSION Adults: $3.00 Seniors & Students: $2.00 Friends of Slater Museum and Children under 12 are free
GENERAL MUSEUM INFORMATION (860) 887-2506
A message from the Head of School Dear Friends: Greetings from The Academy. I am pleased to report that the 154th Commencement Ceremony of The Norwich Free Academy for the Class of 2012 was truly exceptional. The decorum of the graduating class throughout the ceremony was impressive and indicative of the great respect and appreciation that NFA students have for their school—you would have been very proud of them. Attorney Stanley Lucas (Class of ’62) delivered an inspirational address to the graduates on behalf of his classmates, many of whom attended and participated in the ceremony. It was a magical day. The 2011-2012 academic year was very successful and marked forward progress on many fronts, not the least of which was the completion of the Atrium project. The space now serves as a magnificent focal point on campus and was used regularly throughout the year for important school and community gatherings, special student performances, and academic instruction. Most importantly, it united four of our buildings to provide campus accessibility for everyone. In May 2012, the Board of Trustees embarked on a strategic planning renewal process to ensure that The Academy remains true to its mission and core values, is positioned properly for future success, and is poised to respond fluidly and nimbly to any challenges that may lie ahead. The four areas of organizational focus and strategic intent are: Academic Success, Institutional Stewardship, Team Strength, and Community Interaction. Specific action plans will be developed by the administration over the summer and into the early fall to support these strategic pillars to ensure continued success and organizational focus. We plan to present this plan to the NFA Corporators at their annual meeting this fall. Finally, The Academy has expanded its academic offerings to include a transitional program to be implemented during the 2012-2013 school year at our Sachem Street facility. It will replace the former Thames River Academy (previously known as the Norwich High School). We are very excited about this opportunity to provide the City of Norwich and our partner districts with a transitional education program for students. As always, the students will be the direct beneficiaries of this new initiative because NFA specializes in providing unique opportunities for students and prepares them for fulfilling and purpose-driven lives. In closing, thank you on behalf of the NFA Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and students for your continued loyalty and support of The Academy. Have a wonderful summer, and we look forward to seeing you on campus in the future. Regards,
David J. Klein Head of School 4
Upcoming Events & Activities July 12 - Jubilee Reunion for the Classes of 1923 – 1952 will be held at the Holiday Inn ~ Norwich July 14 – Class of 1982 Reunion – Mohegan Sun Country Club at Pautipaug ~ Baltic July 28 – Class of 1992 Reunion – The Marina at American Wharf ~ Norwich August 5 – Class of 1957 Reunion – River Ridge Golf Course ~ Griswold August 25 – Red & White Reunion for the Classes of 1953 – 1961 will be at the Port N Starboard ~ New London August 29 – Opening Day for 9th Grade August 30 – First Day for 10th – 12th Grade September 20 – Open House/Parent Night October 6 – Class of 1972 Reunion – Mohegan Sun Country Club at Pautipaug ~ Baltic October 20 – Join us for Homecoming – Pre-game tailgating begins at 11:30. Contact the Alumni Office for a reserved tailgate parking pass, 860-425-5542. October 20 – Class of 1977 Reunion – Moose Lodge ~ Bozrah
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A message from the Alumni Association Winter in Eastern Connecticut was a “no show” this year but the flowering cherry trees on NFA’s campus sure weren’t! I don’t think I’ve ever seen the grounds of NFA more picturesque than they were in April. The landscape in front of the Cranston building recently changed as well. A donation of a fountain from Russell Green, Class of 1955, was installed in the front of the building and is a beautiful addition to the campus. How proud we are as alumni to want to give back to the Academy in such a generous way. Speaking of generous alumni, the Alumni Association welcomed three new board members at our annual meeting in November. Joining us are Leslie Lane Christie ’82, Anna Stankewich Alfiero ’58, and Marie Landry Bontempo '55. The Board of Directors spends numerous volunteer hours discussing, planning and bringing forth various events and programs for our alumni body to enjoy. We are all extremely devoted to our priceless pearl! One of our most anticipated events this year was Legacy Day. At this year’s evening event, held locally at the Holiday Inn, we were honored to recognize the recipients of the Alumni Association’s George Ripley Student Humanitarian Award, the Distinguished Service Award, and the inaugural Alumni Achievement Award. The Alumni Association created these awards to acknowledge the service, commitment and dedication of alumni and current students of NFA. This year there were six exceptional students nominated by faculty and staff to receive the student award, each one of them exemplifying the significance of this honor. The Ripley Award is presented annually to an NFA Senior who has demonstrated personal character through leadership, altruism, volunteer service and giving to the school community. Senior Amanda Gregg was selected the winner after being nominated by her teacher and guidance counselor. Amanda was described as, “a quiet leader, an unassuming role model and a humble humanitarian” and we couldn’t have agreed more! The Alumni Association’s Distinguished Service Award was presented to Dr. Michael and Attorney Theodore Phillips, father and son graduating from the academy in 1940 and 1974, respectfully. Established in 2000, this award is presented to an alumnus/alumna who has shown dedication and loyalty through continued interest in and support of the Norwich Free Academy or the Norwich Free Academy Alumni Association. Dr. John Tauro, a member of the class of 1975, was the recipient of the first NFA Alumni Achievement Award. Established this year, this award was created to recognize alumni who have brought honor, recognition and distinction to the Norwich Free Academy through exemplary achievement within their community, profession, society or chosen field. Dr. Tauro was praised by fellow physician and volunteer, Dr. Phil Doyle, for his purposeful work in Haiti. The Alumni Association couldn’t be more proud to have someone like Dr. Tauro as one of its members. He has brought honor to the Norwich Free Academy for selflessly giving of himself to the neediest people of Haiti. Every day graduates of the Norwich Free Academy are doing remarkable things with their lives. If you would like to formally nominate one of your fellow NFA alums for next year’s award, please contact Linda at Alumni House for nomination information. The names of all three recipients have been added to perpetual plaques hanging in Levanto Alumni House on display for all to see. We joyfully watched the Class of 2012 graduate on June 15th and we welcomed back to campus the Class of 1962 to celebrate their 50th year reunion. The Alumni Association is always looking for volunteers to help with events and is currently compiling a list of potential alumni board member candidates. Please contact Linda at Alumni House for more information on how you can become involved. Wishing you a wonderful summer and if you’re on Facebook, search for me!
Gale Eccleston Ennis ‘78 President, Alumni Association Board of Directors
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Alumni News
Veterans Awarded High School Diplomas After 60 Years “On behalf of the NFA board of trustees, alumni, administration, faculty, staff and our current students, I congratulate you on this impressive personal accomplishment, and we all salute your success. We are all proud to share in this special moment with you.”
– David J. Klein – Superintendent/Head of School
Ronald Roberts and his friend Harold Esterbrook were seniors at Norwich Free Academy in January 1952 when they enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War conflict. They left behind their family and friends and the opportunity to take part in their high school graduation ceremony and receive their diplomas with their classmates on June 10, 1952. In a ceremony in the Sidney Frank Center on the NFA campus on March 13, 2012, Ron received his long-awaited high school diploma from Superintendent/ Head of School David J. Klein. Harold, who now resides in Washington State, was unable to attend the ceremony, and received his diploma in the mail several days prior to the event. Both men have always felt there was something missing from their personal history and receiving their NFA high school diploma filled that void for both of these veterans. After his tour of duty ended in 1956, Harold earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Puget Sound. He taught U.S. history at the elementary and secondary levels. He earned a master’s degree in administration from Pacific University and became principal of a large elementary school servicing nearby military bases and the families of Boeing employees. “The NFA diploma was the missing piece,” Harold wrote of the degrees hanging on the wall of his office. Ron distinguished himself in military service and earned a soldiers medal for bravery going beyond the call of duty for assisting at a devastating plane crash site while serving in the 1605th Air Police Squadron. He also served in the 665th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron and as assistant provost sergeant in the 665th Air Police Squadron. In 1956, he was discharged with the rank of Airman 1st Class and he and his wife, Norma, raised a family of five in the town of Bozrah. One of their daughters, Cheryl Bower and Ron’s grandson, NFA upper Matthew Bower, were in attendance and watched proudly as Ron was awarded his high school diploma from David Klein. Ron has been a very active member of the Rivers-Janowicz American Legion Post 138 in Bozrah for 44 years and served as post commander for 15 years. He worked as a press apprentice and printer until he finally decided to follow his heart and became a chef. He has worked at restaurants in Florida and Connecticut. When asked how it feels to be a veteran, Ron summed it up in one word-- proud. Between his service in the Air Force and his service in the American Legion, he has spent 48 years dedicated to patriotism--more than half of his life. And he also commented “I am very proud to be part of NFA.” 7
Being on the basketball court playing guard is what Kastine Evans has done for most of her young life. This NFA Class of 2010 scholar/athlete helped land her University of Kentucky women’s basketball team into the NCAA basketball tournament this year. Despite not being on the court as often as she was accustomed when she played for the Class LL state championship NFA Wildcat team, on or off the court she has given her UK Wildcat team 110%.
Photo by: Hartford Courant
Photo by: UK Athletics.com
Kastine Evans – the Glue for UK Women’s Basketball
An energetic, positive contributor on the team, she has gained the respect of upperclassmen and the UK Wildcats do consider her the “glue” of their team. This reference is one freely used by both her teammates and by her coaches. "She's the ultimate glue player," Kentucky Coach Matthew Mitchell said of Kastine, who does a little bit of everything for UK averaging 6.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.4 assists. "Whether she's playing the perimeter or as an undersized post player, she makes good things happen."
Although the UK Wildcats lost to the UConn Huskies in the Elite Eight game, the second-seeded Wildcats (28-7) had a great year, winning their first regular season SEC championship since 1982 and tying the school record for victories in a season.
Florida Alumni Reunite on both Coasts Floridians were given the opportunity to reunite with former classmates on both the East and West coasts this year. Benvenuto’s Restaurant in Boynton Beach was the East Coast venue for the February 7 reunion. Nearly 100 alumni and friends from Norwich enjoyed the annual luncheon. The event also included a special raffle and auction which netted $695 that was earmarked for the Reid Fund to benefit students in need of gym uniforms, graphic equipment, arts supplies as well the summer school programs. Chairperson Kitty Thibault Miller is grateful to her committee of reunion volunteers – Mildred Goldstein, Marion Hankin, Sue Sullivan, Barry Goldstein, Tom LaFreniere, and Shirley Tomac. Photos of the event are available to view at www.nfa-boyntonbeach.blogspot.com. The 2013 East Coast Reunion, a special early Sweetheart Valentine’s Day luncheon, has been scheduled for Tuesday, February 12th at Benvenutos Restaurant. You can email Kitty Thibault Miller at kitmik1@aol.com or call 561-963-6557, if you are interested in helping to plan this upcoming reunion. The West Coast Reunion was held on February 13 at the Pelican Pointe Golf and Country Club in Venice. Reunion co-chairs, Bob & Nancy Parzych planned the event with the help of committee volunteers Darryl Godreau, Marie O’Shea, Betty Rogan, Tony and Betty Longo, Sophia Vandal and Ann Arsenault. After a warm welcome from Nancy guests were asked to go back to their high school days and participate in an NFA Trivia contest, hosted by Darryl Godreau. A Walk Down Memory Lane, lead by Bob Parzych followed the contest and the guests enjoyed a raffle and auction, directed by Ray Benoit. Nancy and the Alumni Office received many messages from guests who thoroughly enjoyed the event and are looking forward to the next one. Make sure to mark your calendar for the 2013 West Coast reunion, scheduled for Monday, March 18 at the Pelican Pointe Country Club. If you are interested in helping with the reunion planning, please email Nancy Parzych at naparzych@gmail.com. 8
NFA Bids Farewell to Gates For any alum who has passed through the hallowed halls of the Academy, the name Mr. Ed Gates is a familiar one. Even if you were one of those students who were lucky enough not to deal with him directly, you were aware of who he was.
After 43 years of
Mr. Gates will retire this June after spending 43 years in the Campus Safety Department as an officer. One of his greatest memories and quite possibly his most famous moment in his long-running career, no pun intended, came during the seventies. Anyone who attended NFA in the 70’s will recall a fad that hit many school campuses including the Academy’s own campus. Back in 1973 a trio of streakers wearing only white, high-top converse sneakers and black ski masks ran across the football field. Before they could make it to the other end zone Mr. Gates, who happened to run track as an NFA student, chased them down. They were fast, but he was faster!
school year — an
working full time and now part time, Mr. Gates will be retiring at the end of the
emotional end to a relationship that has been most fulfilling for him.
His mode of transportation has changed a bit over the last 40 years. You can now find him driving the Campus Safety golf cart patrolling the campus – yes looking for those who may try cutting a class – and providing transportation for those who need his services. After 43 years of working full time and now part time, Mr. Gates will be retiring at the end of the school year — an emotional end to a relationship that has been most fulfilling for him. “NFA is my whole life,” the 82-year-old said. “It always will be.” Ed Gates was born and raised in Norwich and graduated from NFA in 1948, the same year he won the State pole vault championship. After graduation, he joined the Air Force and served his country for 22 years. When he arrived back in the city, he visited his alma mater and interviewed for a job. “It was the first place he applied, and the only place he’s worked since,” Greg Gates ’77, Ed’s son who is also a campus safety officer, said. “It’s going to be very emotional when he walks away.” “Eddy has always done whatever needs to be done to help NFA and its students,” Al Fecteau, campus safety director, said. “He will really be missed.” To honor their father, Mr. Gates’ children purchased a granite bench, prominently located in the front of the Atrium, as a tribute to his decades of dedication to the Academy and its students. Best Wishes Mr. Gates! You have worked so hard and given so much to the Academy, we will always remember you.
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Spotlight on Giving
“It takes vision and courage to establish a legacy,”
“Give. You
states the man behind the new Reception Area at the Slater Memorial Museum. What Harry Swatsburg neglects to mention is the passion and hard work that accompanied his vision and courage. The Reception Area, dedicated in loving memory to Selma Silverman Swatsburg, opened its doors for the first time in November of last year. However, the story began almost three quarters of a century earlier.
owe it, not only for yourself and for what you received, but to the children of generations to come.” – Harry Swatsburg
The year was 1943. Returning to Norwich on furlough from his position in the medic corps of the Army Air Force, Harry Swatsburg, Class of 1936, married his neighbor and high school sweetheart Selma Silverman, Class of 1934. Together they built a life, a successful business, and remained connected and devoted to their alma mater – The Norwich Free Academy. After graduating from NFA, Harry went to work, saving money hoping to attend college. After he was awarded a National Youth Administration Scholarship, he attended Baylor University where he juggled premed studies with working to make ends meet. When his military service was complete, Harry went on to study at the University of Connecticut’s School of Pharmacy where he graduated in 1950. During his time at UConn, Selma worked to support the couple at the State Department of Health as a nutritionist after serving an internship with The American Dietetic Association and emerging as a fully-registered dietician. In 1951, the couple opened Uncas Pharmacy, which they ran until selling their business and retiring in 1978. The Swatsburgs credited NFA for the education, motivation and persistence which allowed them to build a successful life together. After retirement, Harry returned to NFA as a volunteer Class Agent and the couple were members of Friends of Slater Museum. They were recognized in 2005 for their commitment to NFA by being awarded the Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award. Beyond their time, though, they made significant contributions to the Academy. They donated funds to establish the Harry and Selma Silverman Swatsburg Garden at the Latham Science and Technology Center. Additionally, they established an endowed scholarship by making a provision in their wills to support NFA.
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When Selma passed away in October 2010, just days after the couple celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary, Harry decided to remember her in a lasting, special way by making the donation to the recent Linking a Legacy Campaign to name the new reception area of the Slater Museum in memory of Selma. “Give. You owe it, not only for yourself and for what you received, but to the children of generations to come,” Harry said. “If students don’t have the springboard of good education, they’re lost. We have the greatest school here in Norwich – NFA. To forsake it, and its present and future students would be a dreadful thing.”
Class of 1962 Gives Back It is among the many traditions at the Norwich Free Academy for classes celebrating their 50th Reunion – members of the class join together and give back to the Academy by designating a gift to a specific program or area of campus. This year, the Class of 1962 donated over $17,000 to benefit the After-School Reading Program, an extra-curricular initiative geared toward those students who struggle with reading comprehension. Through this literacy program, participants gain important reading strategies and memory skills that have shown improvements in both schoolwork and test scores. A plaque commemorating the gift will be mounted on the 50th Reunion Gift Gallery wall in the Latham Science & Information Center next fall. A special thanks to the members of the class who have given $1,000 or more: Kathleen Reilly Coleman, Ronald E. Howard, Jerry and Joyce Kerensky, Stanley Lucas, Mr. and Mrs. A. Michael Slosberg, and Nancy Schwartz Winkler. Thank you Class of ’62!
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2012 Legacy Day Reception Pays Tribute The Norwich Free Academy Foundation and Alumni Association enjoyed recognizing outstanding alumni, students and teachers at the Holiday Inn Norwich on May 7, 2012 during the second annual Legacy Day Reception. The reception celebrated the accomplishments and dedicated service of many members of the NFA community. The 11th Annual Distinguished Service Award was presented by Alumni Board President, Gale Eccleston Ennis ’78, to local attorney Ted Phillips ’74 and his father, a retired dentist, Michael Phillips ’40. Jackie Levanto Sullivan ’70, former NFA administrator, conveyed heartfelt gratitude to both Attorney & Dr. Phillips for their long-time volunteerism and commitment to the Academy. Dr. John Tauro ’75 was named the inaugural recipient of the NFA Alumni Achievement Award. This award recognizes alumni who have brought honor, recognition and distinction to the Academy through exemplary achievement within their community, profession, society or chosen field of endeavor. Dr. Tauro has been a vital and dedicated member of a team of volunteers who travel to Haiti on a regular basis to offer their time and expertise. His selflessness and life-sustaining contribution make him an admirable recipient of this award. This year, six nominees of the George Ripley Student Humanitarian Award – including Jared Ensling, Tonay Gooday-Ervin, Anna Kudej, Na Li, Barbara Richard and Amanda Gregg – were recognized and presented with a special gift from the Alumni Association. The Student Humanitarian Award recognizes an NFA senior who makes a positive impact on student life at NFA through exemplary leadership, altruism and volunteer service. This year’s award recipient, Amanda Gregg, was recognized for her quiet leadership, commitment and dedication to the Academy. Amanda was presented with a monetary gift and a gift in was made in her name to the charity she chose, St. Vincent DePaul Place. Head of School, David Klein, acknowledged faculty who were recognized during the Academy’s 2011 Honor Thy Teacher program. Honor Thy Teacher provides alumni, parents, friends and other members of the community the unique opportunity to honor an NFA teacher through a gift to the NFA Foundation. In addition to celebrating NFA’s inspirational educators, donations to the Honor Thy Teacher program support the Academy’s Annual Fund. The NFA Foundation recognized the continued loyal service of Class Agents, who serve as ambassadors to promote the mission of the Academy, reaching a milestone of service. 12
Class Agents Reaching Milestones of Service
20 YEARS: Irene Sadernsky Figarsky ’45 Erin Connell Martinelli ’64 Charla Friedman McDermott ‘78
15 YEARS: Sara Ryan Allard ’57 Susan Handleman Zetoff ’62 Alberta Babbitt Gallagher ’67 Jack Babbitt ’70 Elizabeth Congdon Baldwin ’71 Cynthia Schimidt Crocicchia ’71 Maria Fells Lavin ’80
10 YEARS: John Fells ’40 Kathleen Mulcahy Kingsley ’44 Marie Demuth Twomey ’56 Carolyn Downes Kraemer ’64 Auguste Lotring Haskell ’72 Gina Philbrick Dickenson ’83 Thomas Neilan ’85 Monica Morabito Smith ‘91 Stacey Kohler ’97
5 YEARS: Susan Smith Blinderman ‘85
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2012 Legacy Day – Awards The NFA Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award Established by the Alumni Association in 2001, the Distinguished Service Award is presented annually to a dedicated and loyal alumnus, or group of alumni, who demonstrated ongoing interest in and support of The Norwich Free Academy or The Norwich Free Academy Alumni Association. This year’s Distinguished Service Award recipients join a legacy of notable alumni who have tirelessly served the Academy in countless, often inconspicuous, ways. From serving as Board Presidents to greeting fellow alumni at events; from planning reunions and corresponding with classmates to refurbishing the Levanto Alumni House, from stuffing and labeling envelopes to working with students in and out of the classroom: recipients of the Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award are role models for fellow alumni to emulate. The Alumni Association was pleased to present the 2011-12 Distinguished Service Award to Dr. Michael Phillips and his son, Attorney Ted Phillips.
The NFA Alumni Achievement Award Established by the Alumni Association in 2011, The NFA Alumni Achievement Award will be presented annually to recognize alumni who have brought honor, recognition and distinction to The Norwich Free Academy, through exemplary achievement within their community, profession, society or chosen field of endeavor. In this, its inaugural year, the Alumni Service Award has been conferred to a distinguished alumnus whose accomplishments are a testament to the knowledge, passion and dedication he brings to his work and his commitment to service. The Alumni Association was honored to name Dr. John Tauro, NFA Class of 1975, as the first recipient of this prestigious new award. Affiliated with the William W. Backus Hospital, John received his undergraduate degree from Colorado State University and attended medical school at the University of New England, College of Osteopathic Medicine. John completed his residency in internal medicine and neurology at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He then finished a fellowship in neurophysiology at the Medical College of Wisconsin. John is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and is associated with the Haitian Health Foundation, the American Academy of Neurology Board of Directors, the New England Osteopathic Association and the Connecticut State Medical Society.
George Ripley Student Humanitarian Award Named in honor of the NFA Alumni Association’s first President, the George Ripley Student Humanitarian Award was established in 2008 to recognize a current senior who displays the qualities and characteristics that most closely embody the spirit and mission of the NFA Alumni Association. The Award acknowledges the full measure of an individual’s work – not just scholarly achievement – and recognizes a student whose efforts on behalf of others define an unparalleled quality of integrity and core values. Each year, members of NFA’s faculty and staff nominate students for the Ripley Award based on their demonstration of personal character through leadership, altruism, volunteerism, and service to the campus community; students whose work has had a positive impact on student life, who participate in school activities and excel as leaders among their peers. A committee of the Alumni Association then elects one student from this select group of nominees as the Award recipient. The Alumni Association was pleased to present the 2011-12 award to Miss Amanda Gregg. 14
2012 Legacy Day – Nominees George Ripley Student Humanitarian Award Nominees
Amanda Gregg
Anna Kudej
Nominators: Kathryn Beit, Christina Burdzy-Herrick
Nominator: Henry Laudone Activities include: President Student Advisory Board – Senior year, President Varsity N Club – Senior year, Varsity Sports – swimming & diving team, basketball team, track & field team, Special Olympics Volunteer, National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society
Activities include: Unified Sports, Project Outreach, Classroom Volunteer, Peer Tutor in the ILS Program, Adaptive PE Gym leader, knitting for the homeless & Bully Busters, Reading Buddies, Honor Roll, Unified Rookie of the Year, Three Rivers Community College Norwich Youth and Family Services Teen Leadership Program
“Amanda is a humanitarian and leader in the truest sense. She epitomizes what this award represents and what is good about this great school. She has truly enriched my life and the lives of other people she has come into contact with here at NFA.”
“Anna has a fine sense of humor and is an individual who will speak her mind when she feels strongly about an issue. She has made quite an impact during her years at the Norwich Free Academy.”
Na Li
Jared Ensling Nominators: Margaret Daley, Jodie Vara, Cheray Fitzgerald Activities include, Executive Producer NFA live morning announcements, Project Outreach Coordinator, Student Producer for the NFA Live Graduation Program, NFA Wildcat/Redman School Mascot at basket-ball/football games and community events, NFA Tour Guide and currently works for Hall Radio Group (WCYT-WICH radio station) as a radio engineer, commercial creator, promo creator, audio editor
“Jared leads by example, being kind, prompt and a hard worker never saying ‘No’ when others are looking for a volunteer to help out.”
Nominators: Bryant Sheldon, Anne Marie Larkin Activities include: Students Against Destructive Decisions, National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Project Outreach Coordinator, Big Brothers/ Big Sisters, Peer tutoring
“Na always puts her best effort forth and accepts challenges, never quitting despite the difficulty of those challenges. Na is a highly motivated, well-rounded young lady who has a passion for learning. She is active in academics, activities and in the community.”
Barbara Richard Nominator: Lorraine Dooley
Tonay Gooday-Ervin Nominators: Karen Cook, Karen Diaz Activities include: Amnesty International President, Member of Youth Peace, NFAID organizer, American Friends of Kenya organizer, National Greek Exam Merit Honors
“Tonay has the power and focus to bring others to take action to better our community and world.”
Activities include: Project Outreach coordinator, Science National Honor Society, Nexxus Program volunteer, Peer tutoring, Pathways Program
“Barbara is an intelligent, compassionate and sincere student and a great role model for others. She is certainly one of the most talented, sincere, and compassionate students I have known in my years of teaching.” 15
Class of 2012: Graduation is a time filled with excitement and reflection. Students spend a great deal of time looking forward and perhaps a little time reflecting on the experiences that have led them to this point. The Class of 2012 is as dynamic, energetic and diverse as NFA itself. As you can see throughout this issue of Alma Matters, the students of NFA do more than excel in the classroom – they make their impact on fellow students, the NFA community and beyond. Throughout the course of the 2011-2012 school year, students have earned recognition for their artistic abilities, their academic dedication, their athletic prowess and their exceptional service and dedication to their peers and community. Three Seniors, whose numerous accomplishments can be found throughout the pages of this magazine, credit NFA with providing opportunities to succeed and preparing them for a world beyond the Academy. The stories of Anna Kudej, Emma Fontaine and Robert Martin are representative of the students that comprise NFA. Their stories are dynamic and exceptional, but -- at NFA – their stories aren’t that unusual. Students at NFA tend to find their place and excel in whatever it is they decide to throw themselves into. “NFA has not only given me an amazing education, but it has also prepared me for real world experience” states NFA Senior, Anna Kudej. Anna’s time at NFA has included a place on the Swim, Basketball and Track teams. She is currently the Student Advisory Board President and President of the Varsity N Club. In the fall, Anna will find a new home at the University of California Berkeley. She believes that her time at NFA has uniquely prepared her for this new chapter in her life. Both of Anna’s parents graduated from NFA and her brother will follow in her footsteps next year. Knowing all that NFA had to offer, Anna states that her parents knew that NFA would give both her and her brother “the best education and opportunities to succeed.” One of the George Ripley Student Humanitarian Award nominees for this year, Anna has certainly made her time at NFA a success. 16
Looking Forward According to Senior Emma Fontaine, being a Wildcat means “you work hard to better yourself and to better your school.” As President of the Debate Team and a member of the Student Advisory Board, Crew Club, Student Art Association and National Honor Society – she would certainly know what it takes to be a Wildcat. As the daughter of NFA alumni, Emma grew up knowing that she would be a Wildcat someday. Since her arrival at NFA, Emma has worked hard to live up to her own expectations of what it means to be a Wildcat. A very talented designer, Emma has created numerous videos and designs currently being used across this campus. She’s earned many honors this year including a Gold Key from the Connecticut Regional Scholastic Art Awards Program. Her latest accomplishment, a campus map, should be appearing on our website this summer. NFA has benefited from Emma’s designs in a variety of ways that will last well beyond the time she spent here. Emma will be headed to the University of Delaware to study Visual Communications Design in the fall. For Robert Martin, his experience at NFA is about challenging himself to continue to grow and strive to reach his full potential. His choice to attend NFA was influenced by his belief in the diversity of this campus and the opportunity afforded by the variety of courses offered. Deeply involved in his community, Robert is President of the Connecticut State Missionary Baptist Convention, a Youth Leader at Shiloh Baptist Church and a primary teacher for Vacation Bible School. At NFA, he is a member of the Young Voters Society and has been on both the Track and Cross Country teams. Robert is one of a select few to receive this year’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship. Robert’s future plans will lead him to Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia this fall to major in English and minor in Political Science. When thinking back on his time at NFA, Robert reflects “my experience at NFA was a great one because I had the chance to meet so many different people and to challenge myself.”
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Class of 1962: Looking Back Over 50 years, the lives of the members of the Class of 1962 took many different paths, and had many different experiences. The bond each member of the class shared, though is the time they spent together at the Norwich Free Academy. On June 15-16, members of the Class of 1962 returned to campus to revisit their pasts, share memories and update one another on their lives since they graduated.
Many events shaped this class and their years at NFA. Let’s go back to when it all started – back to 1958-59. When they first arrived at NFA, they were not yet a class in spirit, but were bound together by age and greenness. The enrollment that year was 2,435 students – a record at that time. Theirs was the first class to enjoy the new addition to the Bradlaw Building, which was built, in part, to accommodate the record number of students on campus. This was the first year that a Homecoming football queen was selected and Joanne D’Aquila Horne will forever hold that inaugural title. This was also the year the Class of 1962 freshman basketball team had a successful undefeated season. The Lower-Middler year of 1959-60 was also full of firsts for this class. The first language laboratory was equipped and ready for the new school year in Room 15 and the Varsity N Club, which had been inactive for several years, was reactivated under the guidance of Mr. Rene Ledoux. The Wildcat baseball team brought home the Capital District Conference (CDC) title and the State championship.
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In 1960-61, when they became Upper-Middlers, the Academy participated in the first domestic exchange program and students from William Penn High School from York, PA visited the Academy for one week, following a group of NFA students who had earlier visited their campus. The JV basketball team enjoyed an undefeated season and the Varsity team had a great season as well, becoming the first NFA basketball team to reach the semi-finals in the State tournament.
Finally…after 3 long years of work and fun their Senior year had arrived, and with that the addition of an exchange student from Norway. Karina (Ninna) Garm spent the school year at the Academy through the American Field Service organization. This class was the first to experience a longer 6-period school day and Allis House, the administration building, was opened this year and included the guidance and main offices as well as the much discussed IBM computer! The first “Beat New London Week” with daily rally activities was introduced and the spirit that this class initiated 50 years ago continues every November prior to the ‘Cats and Whaler Thanksgiving Day game. The football team brought home the CDC title and the Cross-Country team won the New England championship -- the first New England title to be given to any varsity team at the Academy. Reunions are the one activity that only Norwich Free Academy can offer to its alumni. When alumni want to celebrate the anniversary of their graduation they come home to the Academy. The very busy weekend provided time to re-connect with friends (even Ninna Garm returned from Norway), to make new ones and to recall their youthful days. The kickoff for the reunion weekend began on Friday morning when several classmates gathered at the Norwich Golf Course to play a round of golf and then quickly made their way to the Academy campus where they were the guests of honor at a Pre-commencement Reception held in the Navick Garden. The garden reception was followed by the highly anticipated walk onto the field by nearly 100 members of the class, who were the guests of honor at the Class of 2012 commencement celebration. Members of the Class of 1962 were introduced by the Superintendent/Head of School, David Klein, among a thunderous round of applause by the current graduates, family and friends. Class of 1962 representative, Attorney Stanley Maxim Lucas, brought greetings to the graduating class and handed diplomas to the officers of the Class of 2012. A bond forms between the reunion and graduating class, making this day a most special one for two classes separated by five decades. The class returned to the Academy campus on Saturday morning for an informative campus tour where they were able to view many of the changes that have occurred on campus during the last 50 years. The tour was followed by a delicious breakfast, sponsored by the NFA Alumni Association. The finale of the weekend was an evening of dining and dancing at the Mystic Marriott. This reunion weekend was a very special time for the Class of 1962 -- an experience that could not be duplicated. These classmates will recall this weekend and their “Priceless Pearl” for many years to come.
Campus News
Students Bring Home Art Awards NFA art students received numerous awards from a variety of sources this year including the Connecticut Regional Scholastic Art Awards Program, the National Scholastic Art Awards, the “Young at Art” Annual Show at the Mystic Arts Center, Donate Life Connecticut’s 2012 Annual Poster Art Contest and the General Federation of CT Woman's Clubs art competition. NFA is proud to recognize all the students who participated and were honored by these organizations. The 2012 Connecticut Regional Scholastic Art Awards Program is the largest juried student art exhibition in the state. Entries came from over 130 schools and topped 1,500 works. NFA students received the following honors this year… GOLD KEY Nicole Lorinsky - Best in Design Arabella Aldrich - Best in Printmaking Jillian Johnson - Best in Drawing Kennedy Marshall - Drawing Emma Fontaine - Mixed Media Cathleen Brown - Art Portfolio Kathryn Rablen - Art Portfolio Danielle Giroux - Art Portfolio Deborah Mendoza – Photography & Painting SILVER KEYS Danielle Giroux - Print Making Khadejeh Al-Rijleh - Printmaking Alexander Lara - Printmaking Alyssa Coffey - Drawing Emily Roe - Painting & Mixed Media Evan Bilda – Sculpture HONORABLE MENTIONS Clay Sands - Sculpture William McIntosh - Sculpture Hannah Mattos - Ceramics & Glass Deborah Mendoza - Mixed Media
The National Scholastic Art Awards recognized senior Nicole Lorinsky for her pewter candlestick in the design category. Her design will be on exhibit at the The National Scholastic Art Awards Exhibition at The Parsons School of Design in New York City from June 1 to June 16. Nicole will receive her award in a ceremony at Carnegie Hall in New York on June 1. Nicole will be attending The College of the Holy Cross next year.
The “Young at Art” Annual Show at the Mystic Arts Center displayed the work of two NFA art students this year. Karlie Gaston received 1st Place in the 3D category, and Nicholas Trahan received 2nd Place in the same category.
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The General Federation of CT Woman's Clubs held an art competition for high school seniors at Goodwin College in East Hartford. NFA senior art students received a total of twelve awards for their work. FIRST PLACE Deborah Mendoza - Color Photography Jeannette St. Amour - Print
SECOND PLACE Catie Brown - Pastel Painting Jillian Johnson - Watercolor Painting Alexander Lara – Print Kathryn Rablen - Oil painting
THIRD PLACE Alyssa Coffey - Pastel Painting Christopher Delucia - Color Photography Emma Fontaine - Mixed Media Painting Nicole Lorinsky – Sculpture Deborah Mendoza – Graphic Kathryn Rablen – Drawing
Donate Life Connecticut’s 2012 Annual Poster Art Contest recognized NFA senior, Elizabeth French, with an Honorable Mention for her design. The contest is designed to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation.
Congratulations to all the students and their art teachers!
Osgood Fountain Finds a New Home As you may have noticed, the lawn in front of the Cranston Building looks a little different these days. Thanks to the generosity of NFA alum Russell Green ’55, the Osgood Fountain has found a new home at the Norwich Free Academy. Dr. Charles Osgood, original owner of the fountain, was also a founder and loyal proponent of the Academy. Mr. Green’s generous gift adds to the incredible history and legacy that can be found on our campus.
Girls State Track Champs Congratulations to the Wildcat Girls Track Team who won the Class LL State Championship. This is the third Class LL State Championship the girls have won in five years.
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Boys & Girls State American Legion Boys State and American Legion Auxiliary Girls State are the nation’s premier programs for eleventh graders to understand government, develop leadership skills, and grow in maturity, character, and confidence. Participants conduct election campaigns, assume office, and learn to legislate. All areas of active citizenship become the basis for an exciting summer experience that creates friendship and community among students from across the state. The following NFA uppers represented the Academy in June’s program at Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic: Boys State Representatives are Dakota Ekenrode, Justin Morin, and William McIntosh with Gavin Li as alternate. Girls State Representatives are Catalina Calachan, Loriann Dozier and Daniela Moreno, with Samantha Devito as alternate.
European Break Social studies teachers Kelley Creighton and Geri Donahue and twelve NFA students spent spring break in France and England. The group spent four days in Paris visiting the Louvre, Montmartre, Fragnonard Parfumeur, the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs Elysees, the Eiffel Tower the Musee d'Orsay, and the Palace of Versailles. They had their own pod on the London Eye, and spent two days in London, England exploring the Tower of London, Covent Garden, and the British Museum.
Mathematical Wizards Congratulations to the NFA Math Team students for their hard work and qualification to participate this year in the State Invitational Meet at the E.O. Smith High School in Storrs, CT. NFA is one of eight schools in its league that will compete at the state level. NFA’s Math Team includes high performing students in Calculus, Physics, Computer Science, and Statistics. Math Team Advisors are Nosa Imasuen and Timothy Chiaverini with assistance by their Mathematics Department colleagues Joanne Ladd, Connie Mitchell and Peggy Weaver.
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Photo credit: Leoness Leon – NFA ’12
Celtic Club Performs The NFA Celtic Club presented “Among Friends,” a St. Patrick’s Day Concert, March 10, 2010 in Slater Auditorium. Many alumni and community members joined the Celtic Club for a delightful night of Celtic music as they performed traditional and original pieces as well as introduced their newest CD entitled “Among Friends”. Copies of the CD are available for purchase in the Slater Memorial Museum gift shop.
Science Fair Recognition Congratulations to Upper, Remington Carle and Senior, Ian Dakers who were both recognized at the annual CT State Science Fair. Remington for his project entitled Utilizing a Robotic Turning Mechanism to Focus on the Sun in Order to Maximize the Efficiency of a Parabolic Trough Water Heating System; and Ian for his project entitled The Role of Electro-Chemical Double Layer Capacitors in Energy Storage. Remington also took his project to the International Sustainable World Energy, Engineering and Environment Project Olympiad (I-SWEEEP) competition in Houston, TX where more than 500 students from 68 countries and 44 states competed in early May and he was awarded a gold medal.
Accounting Scholarship Congratulations to senior Kai Zeng! Kai was selected as one of only thirteen recipients of the statewide Educational Trust Fund of the Connecticut Society of CPA's High School Accounting Scholarships. Kai was nominated by business teacher Penny Walczyk for his outstanding work in accounting, work ethic and desire to use his degree in accounting to give back to his community. Kai will receive his scholarship at a ceremony at the Aqua Turf Club on June 5.
Connecticut Governor Visits Campus Governor Daniel P. Malloy visited the campus to participate in a “Conversation with Governor Daniel P. Malloy” on January 5, 2012 – the one-year anniversary of his inauguration. The event created by Ray Hackett, editorial editor at The Bulletin had the Governor take the stage in front of a live audience to have a conversation about his past year in office. The event was free and open to the public, including NFA students and staff. Students from Laura Binder’s Intro to Politics class waited in the Atrium to greet and present Governor Malloy with a gift before he took the stage.
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Metropolitan Bound World language teachers Pamela Fisher, Sonya Cyr and Michael Williston took forty-five French students to the Cloisters Museum, a medieval museum that is part of Manhattan’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Located just on the north side of the George Washington Bridge, The Cloisters is built in part with pieces of abandoned monasteries from France and Spain. Students lunched at a French bakery near Little Italy and then traveled to the site of the World Trade Center to view the reflection and remembrance pools and the on-going construction. The group took the Staten Island Ferry and saw the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from the water. The trip supports the department’s mission to expose students to culture as well as language and to offer students first hand opportunities to travel and learn.
Chemistry Olympics Competition Fourteen NFA students attended the Chemistry Olympics on March 15 at UConn in Storrs. Henry Chen and Chaohua Wu will advance to the next round of the competition, a significant accomplishment, as only 29 of about 300 chemistry scholars qualified to do so based upon scores from the initial test. Students who succeed in this round will take the National Chemistry Exam. In addition to Henry and Chaohua, NFA competitors were senior Nicholas Oulette; uppers Katherine Beasley, Jeremy Brine, Brittany Molkenthin, Daniela Moreno, Joseph Paparelli, Grace Perkins, Edwin Portugal, John Rollinson, Erin Schaeffer and Kirsten Wesolek; and lower Evin O’Shea. Congratulations to all.
Girls Basketball Champions Congratulations to our ECC Championship Girls Varsity Basketball Team. The NFA Lady Wildcats had an impressive win over the Waterford Lancers to capture the ECC Crown. Our NFA team demonstrated great heart, desire and a true commitment to each other and the “team concept.” Bravo to our coaching staff and players on that impressive win and a very successful season - nicely done!
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Recipients NFA Seniors Robert Martin, Jr. and Jacqueline Cardoza have both been selected to receive the prestigious Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship this year. Both students received a $20,000 scholarship. Since 1969 when the scholarship fund awarded $100 to its recipients, 113 high school students have been recognized. The scholarship awards students in New London County and “allows many students to pursue a dream on their own terms” states Herb Ross of New London, the first recipient of the scholarship in 1969.
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Student Spotlight
Patrick Kudej - NFA Student Videographer Patrick strives to reach the paramount of the film industry and has directed, edited and produced everything from music videos to PSA’s.
What do you get when you have an ambitious sixteen-year-old filmmaker and a group of NFA students who want to spread the word about the harmful derogatory term “retarded”? An incredible video, Norwich Free Academy R-Word Campaign, which went viral within days of being posted on YouTube. Patrick’s five-minute, 41-second video features interviews with special education students, mainstream students, faculty and family members to show the real impact this hurtful word can have. At the same time, it shows some of the amazing relationships that have been forged in the hallways and classrooms on campus. The R-Word video has recently been selected as a top 20 finalist in the Adobe Youth Voices Aspire Awards. This international competition will be judged by an international panel and the results for first and second place will be announced on June 18, 2012. (too late for publication in this edition) Patrick strives to reach the paramount of the film industry and has directed, edited and produced everything from music videos to PSAs. He recently pulled in top honors for his video production to promote safe driving. The video, Keys to Our Community, is a 25-second spot that depicts how teens should make the right choice for safety when behind the wheel. The video won best video in the 2011-2012 Teen Safe Driving Video Contest: From the Driver’s Seat to the Director’s Chair, sponsored by the CT Department of Motor Vehicles and corporate prize sponsor, The Travelers. It won approval from Governor Dannel P. Malloy, Travelers Company executives, state commissioners and other safety advocates who rated the video best among entries in the annual contest for teen safe driving. Patrick and two friends, Austin Lee and Frankie Lee who helped him with the spot, all won Kindle Fires and a great gift bag. He was also recently recognized by the Alumni Association Board of Directors, at their March 2012 meeting, and is a member of the Board’s Wildcat Pride, a select group of students who are deserving of special recognition for the great things they do on the NFA campus. His next project is a short film he not only produced, but he also wrote and edited, and will be part of a film festival in East Lyme this summer. Patrick plans on majoring in film at college, and it does looks like this young man has found his true calling.
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Faculty & Staff News
Science teacher Cary Barry gave birth to a daughter, Emma Theresa, on March 5, 2012. Congratulations to Jim Landherr, Director of Research & Strategic Partnerships, and his wife Valerie on becoming first time grandparents. Their new granddaughter, Laurel Landherr, was born on April 18th to their son and daughter-in-law. Art teacher Jennifer Carlstrom is the proud mama to, Ryder Avery Carlstrom, who decided to enter the world a bit early on April 28, 2012. This is just another example of what an amazing and caring community we have at the Norwich Free Academy. I wanted to take the time to acknowledge this incredible act of both kindness and generosity. Imagine my surprise this morning when I walked into my office to see a new backpack on wheels waiting for one of our students. Many of you, I'm sure, have seen this student dragging his last, one wheel missing, backpack across campus (it hurts to watch). The student was touched and very surprised. If this anonymous donor would like to make themselves known to me, I'm certain the student would like opportunity to thank you. However, if you prefer to remain anonymous, I certainly respect that. Joe Tella ~ NFA Guidance Counselor
Farewell to Faculty & Staff Members Congratulations on your well deserved retirement and we wish you happiness in the years ahead. Vincent Cirillo - Health Edward Gates – Campus Safety James Landherr - Research & Strategic Partnerships Deborah Lepine - English Elizabeth Tylawsky – World Language
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Congratulations go out to Mathematics Department Head, Zato Kadambaya, who was honored with the 2011 Excellence in Education Award by the Norwich NAACP. A reception was held at Central Connecticut State University on March 27 in recognition of Zato’s impressive and enviable achievement in education. Congratulations to Henry Laudone for being selected as a state finalist (1 of 5) for the CAS Exemplary High School Teacher of the Year. The purpose of the award is to give public recognition in Connecticut and nationally to a CAS member high school educator. Candidates are evaluated upon the following criteria: demonstrates excellence in education; demonstrates involvement with students, staff, and parents in and out of the classroom; demonstrates leadership within the profession. Henry has been invited to submit a round two application package and continue with the interview process. Science teacher Abigail Miles Piacenza ’98 and her husband Tom ’00 welcomed their son Joshua on March 5, 2012.
Faculty Spotlight
NFA Basketball Coach Honored “I’ve won the award, but it’s an award for all the great young student athletes I’ve worked with, great assistant coaches and the trusting parents.” – Neal Curland
Boys Basketball Coach Neal Curland received two highly prestigious awards in the field of high school athletics. Neal was recognized by the Connecticut High School Coaches Association as the Basketball Coach of the Year at a recognition dinner on May 10, 2012. This award is a once-in-acareer honor and is a career achievement award, not based on a single season. Recipients must have longevity, consistent success and be selected by a CHSCA committee. “There are so many great boys basketball coaches in the state with longevity and success that it took me 27 years to get it!” Neal joked during a recent interview. Neal is grateful that he has been able to coach this long at two great schools. He coached at Windham High School before joining the NFA faculty and coaching staff in 1997. “I’ve won the award, but it’s an award for all the great young student athletes I’ve worked with, great assistant coaches and the trusting parents,” he said. “Without that formula or those pieces, you don’t get awards like that.” Neal is proud of the work he and his staff have done over the years and has tried to adjust to the talent to get the most out of them. One of the secrets to the team’s success may be that he works tirelessly to create a family atmosphere where team is paramount. Having two undefeated seasons (92 WHS, ’07 NFA) were both very special to him and playing in the LL semi-finals (’00, ’01 NFA) and finals (’01 NFA) were great accomplishments as well has having reached his 400th career win in January 2010. Neal was also recently recognized by the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference in March, prior to the start of the basketball state championship weekend at the Mohegan Sun, with a Coaches Merit Award that honors individuals who have greatly contributed to high school basketball and who have established a distinguished record of supporting CIAC athletics as a coach. Neal has been working with the CIAC and the coaches’ committee for more than 20 years, has been the chair of the boys’ basketball committee for the last six years and has overseen some significant changes in the program. Neal doesn’t anticipate any huge changes next year and feels the basic tournament structure works well, but the committee is always looking to make it better. Neal just completed his 27th season as a varsity coach and continues to enjoy his relationships with his players, teaching life lessons, competing and helping them learn how to play team basketball and be better people.
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Class Notes
What have classmates and friends been up to? What have you been up to? Let us know!
We know that most alumni members turn right to the Class Notes section to see the latest news on former classmates, so please let us know if something important has happened to you: a job change, a marriage or new baby, a degree, a transfer – anything that involves NFA alumni is of interest to us! You can email your news to alumni@nfaschool.org or mail it to NFA~Levanto Alumni House~ 305 Broadway~Norwich CT 06360, or check out Wildcat Connection online. 1950 Several members of the class watched the New Year arrive at classmate Sis O’Neil’s Acorn Acres Campground. This New Year’s Eve Reunion has become an annual event that several classmates attend year after year!
1953 Bob Haiman continues to pursue his interest in history, amateur archeology and anthropology. From November 2010 – October 2011 he was a member of an expedition to “Trace the Routes of Exploration, Trade and Conquest of the Phoenicians, the Greeks, the Romans and the Carthaginians across the Mediterranean Sea for 4000 Years.” The expedition ship made stops and visited ancient sites in Greece, Sicily, Sardinia, Malta, Albania, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco. Richard Johnson of Yardley, PA writes that he and his wife will miss Helene ZimmerLowe who moved to Chicago with her husband, Mark.
1943 Judge Joseph Goldberg writes that it’s hard to believe that it’s been 68 years since he graduated from NFA. He is still sitting as an active judge from May to October and is most appreciative of the fine education he received at NFA. 1948 Don “Ozzie” and Catherine “Kitty” Shaver Leone recently reached their 80th birthdays and have been happily together since their 2nd year in high school. They are looking forward to celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary in 2012. They have been involved with every NFA high school reunion and continue to serve on the Jubilee Reunion committee. 1949 Richard Isper has been enjoying life since retiring from the U.S. military and U.S. government service. He would enjoy hearing from his old friends, especially Harold Horden, Cleon George and Dan Leone.
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(Back row) Ruth Davis Blakney, Bob Chabot, Jean Rogers Jatkowski, Clara Mikna Browning, Sis O’Neil. (Seated) Maureen Moore Caron, Don Woodmansee, Babe Ververis, Bob Smiegel. (not pictured: Francis Mitchell)
1952 William Gourd was recently thinking about NFA, and his thoughts focused on Mrs. Bernice Church Hull ‘26, who was his Spanish teacher 1950-1952. Although he was reasonably certain that she had passed (d 12-6-1994), he was aware that he is still using, fairly frequently, the Spanish that he learned in her classroom. It was particularly useful for him during the five years in the 1960s when he and his wife, Janet, lived in El Paso, Texas. Es muy buena, la lengua. Muchas gracias a la Senora Hull. (And he says his pronunciation is exquisite.) Elizabeth Kocol received the Polonia Distinguished Service Award on October 16, 2011 at the Polish National Home in Hartford, CT.
1955 Jonathan Shattuck and his wife, Penny, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Venice, Italy. Jonathan has also been enjoying periodic reunions with Sam Goldberg, Will Johnson, Dick Zuerner and Ronnie Botnick, who sent champagne to Venice for their anniversary. 1956 Barbara Wener completed a master’s degree in Gerontology in May 2012 at Saint Joseph’s College in West Hartford, CT. 1958 Chuck Burdick, from Duck, North Carolina, was reelected to a second 2-year term to the Duck Town Council and reappointed as council representative to the Duck Planning Board. Chuck writes that this is keeping him active and involved. Sandra Turano Harrod and her husband Tom, who reside in San Antonio, Texas, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on January 20, 2012. They were married on January 20, 1962 at St. Mary’s Church in Norwich and have two children, Laura and Melinda, and four grandchildren, Myles, Lindsey, Madison, and Reese. In July 2012, Sandra and Tom, along with their children and grandchildren, will celebrate with a Mediterranean cruise.
Theresa Turano Reardon ’62, Sandra’s sister who served as maid of honor, will also be joining them on the cruise.
1959 Bob Auwood retired from a career in investment banking in 1990. Following retirement he lived on and cruised his sailboat from Canada, throughout the US East Coast, Bermuda, The Bahamas, the Caribbean Sea to Central and South America. In 2010 he moved ashore and now divides his time between homes in Palm City, Florida and Gaspereaux, Prince Edward Island, Canada. 1960 Sue Allen and Del ’58 Larkham attended the Florida reunion in Venice and would like to thank Nancy Buckley Parzych ’66 for the marvelous job she did organizing the event. They really enjoyed attending and the Class of 1960 was well represented. Sue even reconnected with an old friend Dorene Rioux Hewitt ’60 from Northport, FL who she had not seen in many years. 1963 Phil Gebow writes, Warm Sunshine – Ocean Breezes – Golf – Softball – Tiki bars – Kayaks – Sleeping In – Fishing in the Keys – Kids & Grandkids visiting – did he mention Tiki bars? – Retirement is everything he wanted and much more!! 1965 Richard Brewer was recently elected Chairman, Board of Trustees of The American Institute for Economic Research, in Great Barrington, MA. Edward Lavalle, City Manager of Newport, Rhode Island for the last 6 years, is now City Manager of Venice, Florida. Ed, a police administrator for nearly four decades before becoming city manager of Newport in 2005, was unanimously voted into office by the Venice City Council. Ed has a master’s degree in public administration from the University of New Haven and has been married to his wife Mary for 40 years and has three adult sons.
1966 Three former classmates, (l-r) Sharon Mainville Senuta, Rosalyn Carlson Lachapelle and June Carew met in January 2012 at The Rain Forest Café, in Orlando FL for their own mini reunion. Sharon and June reside in Florida and Rosalyn flew down from CT for the visit. June and Rosalyn grew up together in Ledyard and shared the same homeroom through their 4 years at NFA. They had not seen each other since graduation and enjoyed every moment of their get-together!
Susan Lavoie McElaney co-authored a book that was recently (March 1, 2012) published. Susan writes, “A few years ago a local woman contacted me and asked me to write her story. Since I had never published anything before, it was a rather scary prospect, but something within told me to do it.” STOLEN HALO is the tender story of Trish Dinsmoor's life of abuse, abandonment, survival and hope as seen through the eyes of a child and then the woman who had to cope with the aftermath. It can be purchased on-line at w w w. b a r n e s & n o b l e . c o m , www.amazon.com, www.authorhouse.com or where ever books are sold. Susan welcomes feedback on her book and can be contacted at mcelaney48@att.net.
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sanitary engineer, who is currently working in Vietnam. Ross is a civil engineer and works for the Federal Government in New Hampshire. They are the children of Robert ’42 and Florence Peterson ’48 Huntington and grandchildren of Doris Drake, Class of 1913. Robert and Ross also have a brother Richard ’71 and sister Susan ’74 and Robert’s daughter Sarah, graduated in 2000.
1972 William Wilson participated in a medical mission to Hôpital Sacré Coeur in Milot, Haiti in January 2012. He performed lifesaving heart surgery as part of the International Children’s Heart Fund. James “JC” Sherrin and his wife Lorraine are an exceptional couple with a desire to love and give homes to children. Over the years, they have fostered close to 45 children and adopted nine of them. Currently, their bustling household includes four foster kids, three who have been cleared for adoption and will become the newest Sherrin family members sometime late this summer, along with the nine children they have adopted throughout the years. The family resides in Glendale, Arizona and you can check JC’s family out on YOUTUBE.COM Search: Meet the Sherrin’s.
1977 Lori-Ellen Clang Wesolowski was promoted to Senior Vice President for Chelsea Groton Bank in Norwich, CT. Lori-Ellen is part of the senior management team of the bank and has direct responsibility for managing the bank’s 14 branch locations as the Director of Retail Banking. In addition, Lori-Ellen heads the Business Banking and Security departments within the bank. LoriEllen is a graduate of Boston University, the Connecticut School of Finance and Management and the National School of Banking. She lives in Lebanon, CT with her husband Jim and sons, Alex and Adam. Craig Benson is the dad of an 11 month-old son, Daniel Craig Benson, who was born June 28, 2011. Craig was recently promoted to Director of Data Services for the Vermont Agency of Human Services.
Brothers, Robert A. (l) & Ross Huntington (r) recently went mountain climbing in Nepal for their 60th birthdays. Robert is a
1979 Richard Curtis resides in Carrolton, TX and is employed as Chief Meteorologist for Southwest Airlines.
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1979 continued Paul Kalinowski ’11 and Alysha Kalinowski ’13, show their school spirit in this 2011 family Christmas card. Their father Mark ’79 and mother, Dianne, sent these to family and friends this past year, proud of the tradition and education they have received at NFA. Mark is a retired Norwich Police Officer and currently a Funeral Director at Church and Allen Funeral Home in Norwich. Dianne graduated from East Lyme HS and owns her own private detective agency. Paul received the Dickenman Award when he was Captain of the ECC Champion Fencing Team and is currently attending Three Rivers Community College pursuing a career in law enforcement. Alysha achieved her letter in Cheerleading in her upper year and was nominated as All-American in her lower year. Her plans include pursuing a career as a forensic psychologist after college.
NFA. They met and fell in love in their Accounting class in 1988 and just celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. They enjoyed visiting CT in 2010 and joined the class of 1990 for their 20th high school reunion celebration in Groton CT.
1990 Ed Gleason and his wife, Sandra, reside in Virginia Beach, VA. Prior to his current position as a police officer in VA he served in the Navy for 4 years. They hope to come home this summer with their 8-year old daughter, Chloe, for a visit with family and friends. 1991 Ann Stiggle Salina along with her husband Chris and 13 year-old son, Danté, have relocated to Cary, North Carolina. Ann was recently named the Director of Admissions and Recruitment at Duke University School of Nursing in Durham, NC. She has heard that there are other NFA alums on the Duke campus and she would love to connect. You can email her at Ann.Salina@Duke.edu.
1981 Suzanne Gladue Silva is presently attending Three Rivers Community College and majoring in human services case management. She is a pet sitter and big animal lover like she always was when she attended NFA. 1989 Ronald Ducharme, Jr. and Shannon Aitken Ducharme ’90 currently live in Sperry, OK and have 4 children; Carisa 24, Dominus 12, Tyler 11 and Nathan 8. They are proud to say that they were high school sweethearts at
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2003 Tonya Robbins Daniels and Michael Daniels, Jr. were married on August 6, 2011 after a 10-year courtship. The couple recently built a home in Preston, CT.
2005 Chelsea Coombs recently became engaged to Craig Meeks. She received her bachelor’s degree in communication from Eastern CT State University and is employed by Clear Channel Communications in Hartford as a production assistant. The couple will be married on September 29, 2012 in Norwich.
1992 Peter Cronin is working at the U.S. Agency for International Development as a Foreign Service officer in the education sector, living in South Africa. Peter writes, “It's a great life!” 1997 Christie Fratoni Frechette was inducted into the Alpha Chi National Honor Society and also selected as a Who's Who Among American Colleges and Universities student. To be inducted in Alpha Chi, a student must be in the top 10% of their class. Christie, along with working as a full-time announcer on WCTY in Norwich, is a part-time student at Mitchell College in New London. She will graduate in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in radio performance and technology.
2007 Lydia Devotion Bowers received her bachelor’s degree from Mount Holyoke College in May 2012. She majored in american studies and graduated cum laude. Lydia also recently received a Student Leader Award during the Celebration of Student Achievement ceremony.
2010 Jenn Escobido, a sophomore at Ithaca College in New York, was named the Empire 8 Player of the Year. Jenn, a forward on Ithaca’s basketball team, is the first sophomore to win the award in nine years, and the third player from Ithaca to be named the conference’s top player. Jenn averaged 11.6 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, while shooting 56.3 percent from the field. She recorded seven double-doubles this season. She was also recognized by the WBCA Division III Coaches as an AllAmerican Team Honorable Mention. As an Academy student she was coached by Bill Scarlata and helped the Wildcats to state championships her junior and senior year. Jenn also lettered in volleyball while at NFA. She is majoring in physical therapy, and is the daughter of Christine Wood ‘86 and Mark Escobido.
(l-r) Austin Ring ’58, Teddy Montgomery ’61, and Peter Ring ’61 met at Groton Long Point, CT in August 2011 for their annual get-together.
In Memoriam Matilda “Tillie” Pysyk, Class of 1933, passed away February 11, 2012. Tillie will fondly be remembered as the persistent little lady who encouraged former Alumni Director, Erin Connell Martinelli ‘64, to host an annual reunion for those who had graduated 60 or more years ago. Due to her persistence the Jubilee Reunion was borne and has been held annually since 1994.
NFA Trustee, NFA Foundation Board Member, NFA Corporator and Parent, Gail Piotrkowski, passed away on March 4, 2012. Gail was a woman who contributed greatly to her community through her volunteerism; selflessly giving of her time and talent to many charitable endeavors. Gail was extremely involved with the nonprofit Friends of Kilambe (Nicaragua), using her business expertise to host fundraising auctions to raise money to build a medical clinic in the impoverished Nicaraguan village. She and her husband, Sammy, owned Petrowsky Auctioneers Inc. Besides her husband Gail is also survived by her children; Nicole’01, Susan’06, Stephen ’11.
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Deceased The following is a list of NFA graduates who are known to have passed away between December 1, 2011 and May 31, 2012. We express our deepest sympathy to their families and classmates. They will be missed. 1931 Charles Helmboldt*
1942 Kathleen Chester McNickle*
1953 George Goepfert
1933 Irma Ziegler Pollack Matilda Pysyk
1943 Vincent Ciliano Edward Chartier
1934 Clara Miller Mitchell Loretta Fregault Rourke
1944 William Chase* William Gromko George Lee
1954 Shirley Hill Cushing Priscilla Mahoney Higgins Joseph J. Petrone Jo Ann Donahue Shirer
1935 Natalie Cronin Raff* Sabina Maximowicz Vessels Hazel LaRochelle Zazzaro 1936 Helen Mizov Coggeshall Ruth Gill Dupont* Joan Niles Kampfe Henry Keroack Helen Cook McQuiston * 1937 Matthew Aleskiewicz Mary Grygorcewicz Biziewski Ralph D'Elia Arthur Grodotzke Eileen Rathbun Twomey 1938 Dorothy Clark Johnson Helen Niewiearowski Martin Wilfred Toczko 1939 Bernard Arenberg* Arthur Dawley 1940 Esther Robinson Buckley Jeannette Lafreniere Caron Florence Lewis Coleman Bernice Ethier Hantman Edward Lavallee Irene Mulholland Theodore W Pawlowski*
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1941 Constantino Chinigo Ethel Vergason Cranford Conrad de Fiebre Rivie Raucher Margolis Shirley Green Page Clifford Wilson
1945 Emelda Caron Arpin Frank Demicco 1946 Barbara White Murphy William Neilan Theresa Cubanski Pszyk Ronald Roth 1947 Thomas Angelo Mildred Kaminske Bernier Edward Butova Richard Clang Bernice Poreda Crouch Joseph Gulioso* Horatio Gregory Lucille Rogers Kukucka Ruth Robish Rosiene 1948 Herbert Coman Dorothy Devine Eccleston Elaine Menders Thoma 1949 Beatrice Dumais Angelaszek Mary Bellows Nye* 1950 Raymond Genereux Valerie Michonski Gigliotti Alexander Grabowski Kenneth Longley
1955 William Blinderman Arthur Hansen JoAnn Ellis Nickerson Marie Barber Piela 1956 Charles Brockway Barbara Ladd Calvin Sandra Chey Koslowski 1957 Henrietta “Penny� Marciniak Hargreaves* 1958 Judith Amato Dupont Howard Fensley James Guinan Henry Lebejko 1959 James Shea Lucien Mrowka 1960 Donald Lee Carol McCarthy Levesque Jeremy Neuger 1961 George Kapilotis Sue Meier Moriarty Kenneth Sylvia
1965 Joan Stankiewicz Dignoti Donna Homski Franco Joseph Pysyk Michael Ruell 1966 Judith Connor Kapilotis 1967 Dennis Hart 1968 Bruce Sadosky 1970 Joseph Vitagliano 1972 Durk Arsenault Naomi Lawton Madore 1973 Jeffrey Ault Roslyn Evans Meurs* Gary Smigiel 1976 Kevin Comrack 1998 Erika Cirioni 2002 Jessica Michaud 2003 Jaclyn Wirth 2007 Vincent Pierce 2010 Misty Strickland
1962 Louise Alberti Rajtar
1951 Ann Dunion Spillane Marie Papineau Davis
1963 Joan Dandeneau Duro David Morin Margaret McKirahan Noon
1952 Elaine Chabot Gorman
1964 Cynthia Maynard Payne
*Deceased prior to December 1, 2011
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PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES... PREPARING LIVES
Calling all NFA Alumni: Let's Stay Connected The NFA Alumni Association welcomes information about events taking place in the lives of fellow graduates. If you have information and/or a photo you would like us to include in the magazine, please contact us: on the web…. www.nfaschool.org/wildcatconnection via email… alumni@nfaschool.org or through the mail… NFA Alumni Association 305 Broadway - Norwich CT 06360