THE
SUMMIT
Winter/Spring 2014 - 15
The East Wing Addition Building Our Campus, Strengthening Our Excellence, Ensuring Our Future
THE SUMMIT The magazine of The Summit Country Day School Winter/Spring 2014-15 EDITOR Nancy Berlier ALUMNI EDITOR Janine Boeing ART DIRECTOR/DESIGNER Kathy (Hilsinger) Penote ’93 PHOTOGRAPHY Robert A. Flischel, Jolene Barton, Nancy Berlier, Leah Fightmaster, Noelle Weber, Mirja Zeilstra, Mike Walker, Doris Walker, Lisa McSwain, Jeff Whitehead, Impact Action Sports Photography, Deogracias Lerma,Tine Hofmann/Courtesy of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
CONTRIBUTORS Leah Fightmaster, Janine Boeing, Lisa Nicholson, Donna Paulin, Kathy Schwartz, Jon Beres, Michele Duda, Sandy Champlin, Emily Jolly, Nancy Snow. PRINTING Arnold Printing ©
2014 The Summit Country Day School, Cincinnati, OH. The Summit magazine is published three times a year by the Communications Department of The Summit Country Day School, 2161 Grandin Road, Cincinnati, OH 45208. Please direct address changes or other correspondence to the above address.
Summit News Phone: (513) 871-4700 ext. 291 E-mail: communications@summitcds.org Alumni News Phone: (513) 871-4700 ext. 240 E-mail: boeing_j@summitcds.org Summit Online View an archive of The Summit magazine online. www.summitcds.org/communications/Magazine.cfm
The Summit Country Day School serves students from age two through grade twelve in a coeducational setting. The Summit combines the academic excellence and one-on-one guidance of a top-tier independent school with the servant leadership and character building environment that are hallmarks of a Catholic education.
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ON THIS PAGE: Junior Maddie Amend smiles for a photo with two girls in Orange Walk, Belize, who are showing their artwork of a church and their faith. Maddie was among 35 students and 16 adults who participated in a mission trip to Belize in June. Photo by Noelle Weber. See story on page 32.
ON THE COVER: A five-story addition to the east wing of the Main Building will look identical to the previous construction. Part of The Summit’s Aiming Higher comprehensive campaign, the $8.6 million capital improvement plan includes additional classrooms and library space in the east wing, renovation of the Upper School science laboratories, a covered walkway between the Main and Lower School buildings and renovation of a Middle School Science lab and the Middle School administrative offices. Architectural rendering provided by SHP Leading Design. See story on page 6.
Head of School Message
AIMING HIGHER Becoming the pre-eminent independent school in Cincinnati was the vision the Board of Trustees put forward for the school in the fall of 2011. From that vision, they mapped out a strategic plan which called for the school to work in four areas: strengthening the academic program, improving the school’s character and leadership programs, making the education we offer more personalized/individualized for each student and enhancing the school’s business model. Since that time, the faculty and staff have made strong progress on the initiatives outlined in the plan: • In 2012-13 we rolled out the more intentional Character Education Program whereby the 13 most essential character traits were owned by the 13 grades in the school, which are held responsible for ensuring the traits are woven into the curriculum throughout the year. • In 2012-13 we rolled out the goal-setting program whereby students in grades 1-12 decide with their parents which two to three goals they plan to pursue for the year – one of which must be academic. The school then works with the child to develop the plan to achieve the goals and then follows up with the student during the year to ensure progress. • In 2013-14 we initiated the Social Skills Program. The long-term objective is to graduate students whose emotional intelligence is as developed as their intellectual intelligence. Again, skills are assigned by grade and some 70 lesson plans were developed to ensure that Summit students are more polished than their peers in other schools. • In 201314 we announced the Aspire Program,
designed to attract and retain more middle class families who feel they can’t quite afford a top tier independent school education. This year we have 29 students from 18 families who wouldn’t be at the school if it wasn’t for this program. The board wants to ensure the socio-economic diversity of the student body. • In 2013-14 we inaugurated the Science Research Institute, designed to give our best and most motivated science students the opportunity to engage in authentic research in a professional laboratory. Student and parent response was overwhelming. Last summer we had 16 students involved in this program. Ten more juniors are in the program this year. Not many students are going to show up in college admissions offices having done such high level research while still in high school. These programs were developed and funded within the budget of the school. However, there were other projects on the strategic plan that required an infusion of funds beyond tuition. Therefore, the Board approved conducting a feasibility study in November 2013 to gauge the interest and willingness of various key stakeholders in supporting a comprehensive campaign. The report from that study determined that it is feasible to enter into a comprehensive campaign that expands the annual fund, secures capital for building improvements and grows the endowment. One benchmark for proceeding with a capital campaign is to have 70 percent of the donors indicate a willingness to give. Our feasibility study showed that 97 percent of our largest donors were onboard with the campaign. Many capital campaigns are blessed with receipt of a transformational gift. In our feasibility study, no one identified themself as providing a transformational gift. Consequently, for our campaign to be successful, everyone would need to give sacrificially for us to achieve our goal. Based on all this information, the Board approved in January 2014 to proceed with the campaign. Leadership in such an endeavor is critical to success. Consequently, choosing co-chairs of the campaign who live the school’s mission and are recognized in our community as key leaders was an important next
Contents step. To our delight, the four families we approached all agreed enthusiastically: • Mike and Annie Bergeron. Mike served six years on the board including three years as Chairman. Annie is a super-active mom who helps whenever she is asked and led the highly successful Fall Festival event last fall. • Peggy and Gary Johns. Though they no longer have children at the school (one is in college and two are young working adults), they believe in the mission so strongly they agreed to co-chair this effort. Their dedication to the school is well known. Gary served on the Board for six years. Both he and Peggy were co-chairs of the last capital campaign, Dreambuilding, ten years ago. • Tim and Peg Mathile. Tim served on the Board for six years and Peg joined the Board last year. Both served as co-chairs of the Dreambuilding Campaign. Over the last seven years, they have funded the full cost of students and teachers to attend the People of Color Conference, sponsored by the National Association of Independent Schools. The Mathile family has been one of the school’s most generous benefactors with their time, talent and treasure. • Nick and Joelle Ragland. Nick served six years on the Board, two years as Chairman. He currently heads up the Leaders of Character Society which is growing strongly. Joelle joined the Board this year. The Raglands are long-time believers and supporters of the school. Nick’s parents, Marty and Nick Sr., were co-chairs of the Dreambuilding Campaign. With these leaders on board, we moved into the silent phase of the campaign over the summer and fall, when we solicited the Board as well as our largest donors. The response has been gratifying. The excitement around this program is building. In this issue of the magazine we outline the changes we hope to complete during the summer. We still have more money we need to raise, but we are off to a good start. We are optimistic that those we will approach in the coming months will give as sacrificially as those who have already invested. That’s The Summit Way.
Rich Wilson Head of School
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Features The most visible outcome of The Summit’s new Aiming Higher campaign will be the construction of a five-floor addition to the east wing which will add more space for classrooms and the library. Helen (DeCourcy) Williams ’38, the matriarch of a four-generation Summit family, was given the inaugural Ne Ultra Award this year. The generosity of donors like Mrs. Williams, J.B. Buse BMS ’75 and Thomas C. Theobald SBS ’50 are helping to ensure the future of the school. Four couples who live the school’s mission through continuous support, volunteerism and leadership are co-chairing the Aiming Higher campaign. Jaden Woodard had an unexpected delay to the beginning of his freshman year when someone gave him an incredible gift – a new heart. A group of 35 students and 16 adults participated in a mission trip to Orange Walk, Belize, for eight days in June. Every other year, Summit students have the opportunity to take Honors Marine Science Seminar in Hawaii. A new biography about Sr. Rose Ann Fleming SNDdeN ’50, an advocate for athletes at Xavier University, includes stories about her life as a student at The Summit and as superintendent of the school. Catherine Steiner-Adair, Ed.D., a clinical instructor in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, leaves us with a few take-aways from her keynote address at the seventh annual Early Childhood Education Symposium. Three alumni athletic standouts and a sevensport coach were inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame during Homecoming Weekend and four graduates were awarded for their career and service achievements.
Departments
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Leaders of Character Society Photo Gallery Student and Faculty Newsmakers Fall Athletic Roundup Alumni Class Notes Collegiate Sports Roll Call
Summit Magazine 5
Aiming Higher into a New Era Building Our Campus
Strengthening Our Excellence Ensuring Our Future 6 6 Winter 2014 - 2015
By Nancy Berlier The Summit’s comprehensive campaign is well on its way thanks to significant early support from leadership donors. The Aiming Higher campaign has three priorities: Building Our Campus: The $8.6 million capital improvement plan includes: 1. Construction of a five-story east wing addition on the Main Building which will provide a large library reading room, more classroom space, space for the Business Office on the first floor and a first class art studio; and a covered walkway between the main building and the Lower School;
Strengthening Our Excellence: Increasing membership in the Leaders of Character Society, the pace-setting group of the Annual Fund for Excellence, will strengthen the excellence of the school by providing a dependable revenue stream of $1 million annual level of giving. The Annual Fund provides the extras that tuition doesn’t cover. As the giving level ramps up, $4.6 million is expected to be raised in the next five years.
2. Creation of state-of-the-art science laboratories on the first and second floors of the west wing of the main building; and
Ensuring Our Future: An increase in the endowment will help ensure the future of the school thanks to donors who endow faculty chairs, professional development and scholarships. Now more than 30 endowed founder funds help attract many of the brightest students in the city and increase socio-economic diversity on campus. The endowment also serves as protection against economic down times.
3. Renovation of a science laboratory, administrative offices and health clinic in the Middle School.
In the next few pages, we explain the building improvements scheduled for this summer, show how the generosity of a early supporters has made
The architectural renderings are representational of the new space. Some details may change and furniture has not yet been finalized. Architectural drawings by SHP Leading Design.
Students in the new library Reading Room can work alone, study in small groups, work with school-provided computers or bring in their own laptops. Every seating area will have electrical outlets so laptops can be plugged in. Lighting mirrors the aesthetic of the older section of the building.
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BUILDING OUR CAMPUS
a difference already and hear why campaign leaders are challenging everyone to Aim Higher.
using standard construction methods of today,” says Mr. Thomas.
Building Our Campus
Pre-fabricating the exterior walls will save time too because that work can be done offsite while school is still in session. “The plan is to have it from scratch to under roof in four to five weeks,” says Rich Wilson, Head of School.
The day after school ends for the summer on May 22, work will begin on an ambitious series of carefully timed construction projects so all of them can be completed in thirteen-and-a-half weeks. School starts Sept. 1. “Our approach to rebuilding the east wing from the start has been to honor and respect the traditions of The Summit as reflected in the architecture of the Upper School,” says Richard S. Thomas, Vice President of SHP Leading Design and lead architect on the project. “The original architecture is grand, stately and dominant relative to its surroundings, and yet very approachable. We wanted the architecture of the new construction to continue to reflect those traits, and to recall what was there previously.” From the outside, the exterior of the east wing addition will look identical to the previous construction, but HGC Construction will use an innovative process which involves pre-fabricating 96 panels, trucking them to the school, raising them with a crane and securing them to the walls. “Advanced precast concrete-forming technologies allow us to virtually replicate the original architecture in a way that would be almost impossible to achieve
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Inside the walls of the new addition, the ground floor will remain a shell. If more funds become available, the shell will be converted into a new larger space for Extended Day. A covered walkway on the ground floor level between the Main Building and Lower School will make it more convenient to move food from the kitchen to the Lower School cafeteria and keep people dry during inclement weather. The Business Office and fourth floor meeting room will move into the first floor of the addition, centralizing all of the administrative offices on the first floor. The Williams Library on the second floor will be expanded with a larger reading room. “Since the collapse, the seating we have for students in the library is below standards set by the American Library Association,” says Upper School Librarian Marianne Cramer. “We need to be able to seat a certain percentage of the student body in the library, and we just don’t have the room. Now, when I’m teaching a class in the Reference Room about bibliographies or databases, I have to ask
Arches along the wall of the new Reading Room on the right will mirror the existing arches in the 1890 stacks area on the left. The circulation desk will move from the Reference Room in the back to the entrance of the library.
everyone who is there to study or conduct research to leave. That is the only spot we have to teach to a group. “We need spaces for different kinds of learners and this addition gives that back. People who like to study alone in quiet The collegiate laboratory design of the updated chemistry labs will maximize the laboratory nooks can be isolated. work space for students. An open walkway in the center allows faculty to clearly see what students are doing and eases adaptation of instrumentation and data collection equipment. Students who want Every lab will have gas, water and electric as well as a handicapped accessible work space. to study together can sit in easy chairs or at a window seat where they can talk. Students central to The Summit’s signature Writing Program. working in small groups can sit at a table. And This will make it easier for them to collaborate.” all these places will have electrical outlets where students can plug in laptops with wireless access to The fourth floor will house an art room that is nearly the Internet.” twice the size of the existing art room and include two walls of windows. A handicapped-accessible The new Reading Room across the hall from the darkroom will accommodate 12 enlargers with stacks will include the librarian’s office. Now Mrs. developing sinks in the middle of the room. The Cramer works out of a small office that had been ceramics room will move across the hall. Designers part of the Upper School administrative office are also planning ample space for storage of supplies suite. Incoming books and materials waiting to be and works in progress. processed are stacked on every surface, and she has no line of sight into the library. The expansion “The art room is going to have two areas to it – one will also include a workroom where she has space that will accommodate the drawing benches for to process materials. The room will house the observational drawing, still life and model work. school’s extensive collection of films and circulating There will also be tables for students who desire laptops. The films – used by religion, social studies, a larger working space,” says Upper School Art science and other teachers campus wide – are now Teacher Mark Wiesner. “The room will have the Mac crammed into a dimly-lit Upper School closet. In computer cart plus a new Epson inkjet large format the new room, slanted shelves will allow teachers printer.” A spray booth will allow students to use to more easily browse for media that meets their sprays with proper and safe ventilation. academic needs. The circulation desk will move from the Reference Room to the exit. “Our fine arts program is thriving,” Mr. Wilson says. “In recent years, our graduates have been admitted The third floor of the addition will house English into the best art schools in the country, producing classrooms. “The Upper School population has attention-grabbing portfolios in less than optimal about 40 more students than it had in 2004, so conditions. Imagine what they will be able to achieve teachers everywhere are feeling cramped,” says Mr. with the advantage of these new conditions.” Wilson. “The new classrooms we are building will be larger and give us back the lost space. Because New cabinets and bulletin boards in the hallway will our strategic focus on science has led us to develop allow the art to be better displayed. laboratories large enough to accommodate a firstclass program, we’ve taken some of the existing “At The Summit, the arts have always been strongly English classrooms for that space. We are moving supported, and this new suite of studio spaces is the entire English Department into the east wing indicative of that continuing support,” Mr. Wiesner so those teachers can be near each other and also says. “Our challenge is our prayer each morning – ‘… near the Social Studies teachers – all of whom are make us each personally aware of how special our time here at The Summit truly is’…”
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BUILDING OUR CAMPUS Biology laboratories will feature innovative tables which can be adjusted for stand-up or sit-down labs. Each table will have outlets for gas, water and electricity. The design permits students to effectively, safely and efficiently participate in all aspects of instruction from inquiry-based laboratories to group discussions to seminars. Additional laboratory prep areas are also associated with each area of study to ease collaboration between faculty and students.
“Beyond the practical aspects of all the additions and changes we are making, there is an emotional aspect,” says Mr. Wilson. “We call this ‘repairing the scar.’ The physical scar where that building stood is a constant reminder of what once was here, but the emotional scar is worse. A lot of families who were part of the school at the time of the collapse have never gotten over it. Neither have some of the faculty and staff. The school is going to look so much better when this is done. As a community, we’re going to have closure, and there’s an emotional satisfaction to that.” While the addition to the east wing of the building is taking place, workers in the west wing will be improving the science laboratories. “In our existing Upper School science laboratories, we have people teaching a subject where they really don’t have sufficient room,” says Mr. Wilson. “The science labs on the first floor will be updated and three new labs constructed on the second floor. All the new labs will be 21st century equipped. Newer furniture will be flexible to meet instructional needs. For example, biology tables will move up and down depending on whether students are in a seating 10 8 Winter 2014 - 2015
lab or a standing lab. And of course, all the lab stations will have gas, water and electric.” Karen Suder, Biology Teacher and Science Curriculum Coordinator, says The Summit has continued to buy up-to-date equipment such as research-grade Nikon Eclipse E200-LED microscopes, but students and faculty outgrew the existing science classrooms a long time ago. “It is essential to update our laboratories to accommodate the advanced equipment and activities our students are performing on a daily basis,” she says. “The new, modern laboratory facilities will mirror The Summit’s innovative, hands-on, inquiry-based curriculum. Space will be available for more creative, in-depth, advanced research projects that were not possible in the outof-date laboratories. Overall, the new laboratory facilities will provide the faculty with the space and resources to continue demonstrating the relevance of science in the student’s life, regardless of the student’s destined career choice, and to awaken and reinforce the student’s sense of curiosity about the world.” The Science Research Institute (see related story on page 14) is now headquartered in a Science Department closet and uses meeting rooms
and borrowed classroom space for instruction. The Institute’s new multi-functional space will be shared with students who take independent study science research courses. “Generally we have six to eight students a year who want to take on an independent study,” says Mr. Wilson. “The independent study lab doesn’t exist in most high schools. To have a lab that is dedicated to our best science students doing research during the year, who are able to go in there during their free bells and keep an experiment going, is a real opportunity to stretch the students.” The hallways of the first and second floors of the west wing will be restored to be closer to how they originally looked. A concave, dropped ceiling that now covers the top of the 1890 transoms above the doors will be squared off above to reveal these architecturally distinctive features. The first floor science wing carpeting will be replaced with wooden floors. Science lab floors will be covered with a practical rubber material that looks like tile. The Middle School renovation involves the front of the school which was built in the 1960s. The ground floor science room, which houses the Middle School’s signature Science, Technology, Engineering and Math program, will be updated with flexible laboratory tables and the same kinds of updates that the Upper School laboratories are getting.
The 1960s era Middle School’s ground floor science laboratory, which headquarters the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math program, will be upgraded and flexible seating will allow the room and to be reconfigured to accommodate construction of STEM projects like model roller coasters, small group collaborations or large group instruction.
The health clinic and administrative offices will be reconfigured so that the Middle School Administrative Assistant can see and monitor sick children in the clinic when the nurse is called away to one of the other buildings. The wall between the existing conference room and director’s office will be removed to create the two-bed clinic. A large window will give the Administrative Assistant a view of the room. The existing nurse’s office and meeting room will be reconfigured for the director’s office with enough space to have group meetings with the administrative team. One of the two bathrooms in that space will be removed to make room for a small conference room for tutors or meetings. There is also a building preservation portion of the campaign. Last summer, the area around the foundation of the west wing of the main building was dug out so the basement could be waterproofed. A drainage issue that has emerged around the 1960 portion of the Middle School will also be addressed. “We have first-class facilities but to keep them that way, we have to do the required maintenance to ensure the facilities last another 125 years,” says Mr. Wilson.
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BUILDING OUR CAMPUS
The East Wing Addition Ground Floor In the short term, the ground level floor will remain a shell. Should additional funds become available, plans call for a new, larger space for the Extended Day classroom which will have large windows to provide natural light, age-appropriate furniture, materials and a restroom. The existing Extended Day room will be converted to a Muscle Room, providing indoor space for small children to be active. A covered walkway will connect the Main Building and the Lower School, making it more convenient to move food from the kitchen to the Lower School cafeteria and to keep people dry during inclement weather.
First Floor The Business Office and a conference room will be relocated from the fourth floor to the east wing addition. The move centralizes the administrative offices on the first floor and provides more classroom space on the fourth floor.
Second Floor
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Williams Library on the second floor will be expanded with a large Reading Room, a workroom that will house the film library and circulating laptops as well as an office for the librarian. Not shown but happening concurrently, three existing classrooms on the second floor of the west wing will be converted to science laboratories, four classrooms will be used by World Language teachers and one will become a language lab. The English Department will move to the third floor.
Third Floor
The English Department will occupy two classrooms in the new addition and three adjacent classrooms in existing space. Social Studies teachers will occupy the other existing third floor classrooms, making it easier for students and teachers in the two departments to collaborate on research and writing projects.
Fourth Floor
The new Art Room will be nearly twice the size of the existing art room and include two walls of windows. A modern darkroom will be handicapped-accessible. The Ceramics Room will be across the hall and Kiln Room will be adjacent. A religion classroom and retreat center will occupy space vacated by the Business Office. Summit Magazine 13
BUILDING OUR CAMPUS
Science Research Institute By Dr. Jessica Sakash Replogle Ph.D., Science Research Institute Head Unique in Cincinnati, the Science Research Institute is a college preparatory program designed for students who plan to seek degrees and careers in the sciences. Planned capital improvements will house the Institute in state-of-the-art science laboratories. Here, Dr. Jessica Sakash Replogle Ph.D., Head of the Institute, reports on the progress of this new flagship program. In its first year, the Science Research Institute has made excellent progress. During the spring of 2014, a group of 16 students started the program by enrolling in the first course in the set of sequential courses for the program. These students participated in a combined course of Science Research 1 and Science Research 2. In Science Research 1: Introduction to Scientific Thinking, students were introduced to defining what is science and what is not science, an overview of the philosophy of science and primary science literature – how to search for it, read it and write about it.
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As part of Science Research 2: Research Design and Methods, students were guided through the process of finding a research mentor in the Greater Cincinnati area. Students were shown how to search for what scientists are researching using various institute websites. Students were encouraged to contact scientists whose research projects were of interest and to request a research internship position in their laboratory. Once a scientist agreed to mentor the student, then the student collected primary literature on the mentor’s research projects and wrote a research proposal on their upcoming summer research project.
were welcoming and generously gave their time to explain their laboratory’s research focus and tour their laboratories. The students had wonderful experiences during which they learned various laboratory techniques specific to their field of science, met with various scientists who worked in the laboratories and participated in laboratory meetings such as group meetings, journal clubs and departmental seminars. Summit students also experienced projects that did not go as planned. These experiences led students to think critically and problem-solve under “real life” conditions.
Students working in the Science Research Institute laboratory can perform independent research projects in all areas of science. Island benches enable individual students room to leave their experiments, equipment and solutions in place. A biosafety cabinet provides a sterile environment for biological specimens while chemical fume hoods protect students from chemicals. A meeting table will provide space for seminar-style courses.
In the fall of 2014, I continued to work with the 16 original students in a course called Science Research 4: Scientific Communications. During this course we focused on communicating the students’ research projects in the three main scientific communication methods: a research paper written in a journal article format, a poster presentation such as those presented at a scientific meeting and an oral presentation. Students honed their scientific communication skills by actively preparing and revising their documents and peer-reviewing their classmates’ documents. Additionally, these documents prepare the students to apply to any of the local, national and international science competitions or submit their papers to a high school science journal. The Science Research Institute Colloquium on Jan. 14 was the culmination of the program, allowing the students to share their projects with The Summit community and their research mentors through oral and poster presentations.
The Science Research Institute students contacted scientists at the University of Cincinnati, UC College of Medicine, Xavier University, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Research Center, Northern Kentucky University, Cincinnati Nature Center, Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute and Miami University. All the students were able to find scientists at these various institutions who were willing to be mentors during the following summer. Four students decided to pursue independent projects under the guidance of Summit faculty, while the other twelve chose to perform research under the guidance of a mentor in an outside academic lab. Over the summer, I visited the students engaged in these scientific research projects. The mentors
In the fall of 2014-15, ten new students enrolled in the Science Research Institute. They took Science Research 1 and are now looking for mentors in science research. An advisory committee under the leadership of G. James Sammarco, M.D. was formed to assist the Science Institute Head in making connections in the local scientific community. The Science Advisory Committee has met twice and has been very helpful in identifying potential mentors in the community. It is extremely important that the students choose projects that they are interested in studying and in which they feel invested. This leads to a great diversity in the type of projects that the students are involved in, and the Science Advisory Committee has the depth that will enable us to make connections for all our students. Summit Magazine 15
BUILDING OUR CAMPUS
“I learned a lot more than I expected I would about my helper T cells. I have been able to explore my academic interest outside of school, and I have not only learned about my research, but also about working in a professional setting.” Juliana Overbey’s performed research in the laboratory Dr. Harinder Singh, Department of Immunobiology at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Research Center. Her experience investigated the generation and transcriptional regulation of Memory TH2 cells. Juliana has submitted her research paper to the Siemens Competition.
“I have grown into a person who can confidently perform molecular biology laboratory techniques, who feels comfortable discussing scientific matters with a professor and graduate students, and who feels like I belong there. I am not worried about the future, because I now have the confidence that I will grow into those roles. I might not be there yet, but I know for sure that one day, I will.” Jenny Zhang interned for four weeks in the laboratory of Dr. Ronald DeBry, Department of Biology at the University of Cincinnati. Jenny’s project investigated the phylogenetic relationship of flies related to genus Ravinia utilizing DNA sequence data.
“The physics class delves greatly into fundamental physics, not astrophysics. Therefore my project is perfectly in line for what my career holds for me as an astrophysics researcher.” Nathan Whitsett, shown with The Summit’s telescope, participated in an astrophysics project under the guidance of Dr. Michael Castelez at the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute located in Asheville, NC. Nathan’s project involved calculating light curves from the variations in MIRA type variable stars.
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“I believe that one of the most important aspects of the relationship I had with my mentor was his willingness to help and his desire to ensure that I enjoyed my time at the lab. Some of my favorite parts of my experience were the relationships that I formed with grads and undergrads working in the lab. They helped me with the procedures and made my experience far more enjoyable. I’ve learned new lab techniques involving water filtration and data collection that could help me in aquatic science studies in college and possibly beyond.” Josh Harris performed research in the laboratory of Dr. Michael Vanni, Department of Biology at Miami University. Josh’s project focused on analyzing sediments in Acton Lake and its watersheds as part of the longterm research project investigating the response of a reservoir ecosystem to declining subsidies of nutrients and detritus.
Sixteen students presented the results of their summer research experiences Thursday, Jan. 14 at the Science Research Institute Colloquium on the campus of at The Summit Country Day School. The institute is a unique college preparatory program designed for students who plan to seek degrees and careers in the sciences. Left: Head of School Rich Wilson talks to senior Juliana Overbey about her poster presentation “Genetic and Biological Properties of Memory TH2 Cells” at the Colloquium. In addition to the posters, students presented PowerPoints and gave short talks about their research to a crowd that included their professional mentors and The Summit community. Right: Dr. Jessica Sakash Replogle Ph.D., Head of the Institute, talks to senior Samantha Hunt. Samantha presented her research on “The Comparative Study of the General Oral Health, Knowledge, Attitude and Practices between Orange Walk, Belize, and Cincinnati, Ohio.”
Mentors Needed:
The Science Research Institute seeks mentors in research laboratories at area hospitals, universities, government, industries and other research facilities. Potential mentors should contact: Jessica Sakash Replogle, Ph.D., at replogle_j@summitcds.org. Summit Magazine
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ENSURING OUR FUTURE In Memoriam Helen (DeCourcy) Williams ’38: Ne Ultra Award Helen (DeCourcy) Williams ’38, the matriarch of a four-generation Summit family, died at home Jan. 17 at the age of 93. Because of the indelible impact she has made on the school, Helen was named the inaugural recipient of the Ne Ultra Award this year. Ne Ultra, a Latin term which means “none higher,” will be given annually to individuals in the life of the school who have made extraordinary contributions to The Summit’s progress. When considering who should receive this first award, Head of School Rich Wilson says there was none higher on the list than Helen Williams. “While we challenge our students to improve the world they inherit, Helen Williams was the model of how servant leadership looks,” says Mr. Wilson. “Helen and her husband, the late William J. Williams, have left an enduring legacy
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on The Summit community as well as Greater Cincinnati.” Helen embraced the charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur as she came of age under their tutelage at The Summit. She married William in 1941. He also was educated by the Sisters, having graduated from The Summit’s eighth grade in 1929 in an era before the Upper School served boys. The former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Western & Southern, he was an owner of the Cincinnati Reds during the World Championship days of the Big Red Machine and a founding owner of the Cincinnati Bengals. Helen served as a member of The Summit’s Board of Trustees from 1993 to 1996 and served on the boards of Mercy Hospital Foundation, St. Margaret Hall, the National Conference of Christians and
to a donation from his brother Lt. Col. James R. Williams. “Helen Williams has contributed to the greater good of Cincinnati through philanthropy, business, volunteerism, humanitarian efforts and public service,” says Mr. Wilson. “Four generations of children at The Summit have been greatly enhanced by her leadership. Her stewardship and generosity have helped us to maintain consistently high standards of excellence, expand our facilities, enrich our classrooms and ensure that we can continue to attract the highest level of talent to our faculty.”
Jews, Wilberforce University and Beechwood Home for Incurables. She also served on the advisory board at Mt. St. Joseph College and Christ Child Day Nursery. Additionally, she taught religion to students of Washington Park Elementary School in Over-the-Rhine for 25 years in a release-time program. Her extensive community service earned her the honor of Enquirer Woman of the Year in 1987. She also was awarded the Franciscan Award for Outstanding Service, a National Volunteer Service Citation and was also honored by the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. In 1988, both Helen and Bill received The Summit’s McKenzie-Sargent Award for their achievements in career, community volunteer leadership and service to The Summit. They received the Scholar of Life Awards in 2000. Her husband received the Great Living Cincinnatian Award in 1995. They sent five of their six children to The Summit. All 10 of their grandchildren either graduated from The Summit or attended the school and even today, five of their great-grandchildren are current students. Over the years, the couple and their children have played vital roles in stewardship of The Summit. Three of them served as trustees and three were recipients of the McKenzie-Sargent Award. Williams Library in the Upper School is named after the family and they have established two named-founder scholarships -- the Richard F. Williams SBS ‘58 Memorial Scholarship and the William J. Williams ‘29 Memorial Scholarship – which so far have helped six students receive the advantage of a Summit education. Williams Field is named for William J. Williams’ father, Charles F. Williams, thanks
Helen was preceded in death by her husband and two children, Richard Williams SBS ’58 and Carol (Williams) Jodar ’64. She is survived by two daughters, two sons, 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. All but one of her surviving children, Mary Clauder, attended or graduated from The Summit.
The Williams Family Legacy at The Summit William J. Williams ’29 Helen (DeCourcy) Williams ’38 Joe Williams SBS ’57 Richard Williams SBS ’58 Carol (Williams) Jodar ’64 Sharon (Williams) Frisbie ’69 Tom Williams SBS ’71 Carolyn Clauder Woodyear ’88 Helen “Holly” Clauder Saia ’90 April Clauder MS ’90 Francie Frisbie Salzano ’03 Jennifer Williams SMS ’04 Michaela Frisbie ’05 Thomas Luke Williams ’11 Elizabeth Williams ’13 August Schweitzer ’16 Joshua Clauder ’24 Patrick Williams ’27 Asher Clauder ‘28 Walker Williams ‘29 Katie Williams Cooling (att.) Dick Williams (att.) Summit Magazine 19 17
ENSURING OUR FUTURE
The Homan Memorial Courtyard By Nancy Berlier J.B. Buse BMS ’75 has great memories of his days at The Summit. He has a particular fondness for former teacher and coach Dick Holmes and recalls the glory days of former Head of School Ed Tyrrell. But his best memories are of being part of a community where lifelong friendships develop. To this day, J.B. remains close friends with Walter “Chip” Homan SBS ’66. When Chip’s dad, Frank X. Homan, died last year at the age of 85, J.B. decided to pay tribute to him at The Summit by funding a community gathering spot for students. The Homan Memorial Courtyard was officially dedicated on Nov. 8. Already, the brick walkway and low serpentine stone wall has become a community meeting place where students can talk as they wait for rides home. “I have great memories of The Summit. I have friends from here – people that I continue to see,” J.B. says. “I hope future generations who come out of The Summit will continue to be a big part of our community. I just wanted to give a little back.” Both the Homans and the Buses are multigenerational Summit legacy families whose connections go far beyond the friendship of J.B. Buse and Chip Homan. The late Mr. Homan was a well-known businessman and real estate investor in Cincinnati. As a philanthropist, his generosity led to the establishment of the Homan Foundation in 1969, which he created with his wife of 56 years, Margo (Schott) Homan.
20 18 Winter 2014 - 2015
J.B. Buse BMS ’75, left and Walter “Chip” Homan SBS ’66 stand in the Homan Memorial Courtyard.
At The Summit, the Homans established the Frank X. Homan and Margo S. Homan Scholarships. Mr. and Mrs. Homan sent all six of their children to The Summit. In addition to Chip, they included Frank X. Homan Jr. SBS ’64, Margi (Homan) Masters ’71, Sophia (Homan) Male ’77, Holly Homan-Witte ’81 and Christine A. Homan ’84. Of their 14 grandchildren, 10 attended The Summit – Charles Male SMS ‘03, Jonathan Masters ’02, Kelly (Homan) Masters ’03, Robert Bench SMS ’04, Josephine Male SMS ’06, Kathleen (Homan) O’Brien ’99, Matilda Ziegler SMS ’12, Maxwell Ziegler (att.), Walter Homan ’02 and Samuel Male SMS ’05. J. Barrett Buse Sr. SBS ’45 and the late Anne (Blum) Buse ’55 also sent all of their children to The Summit. In addition to J.B., they included Brian Buse ’84, Anne (Buse) Bathhalter ’87 and Beth (Buse) Carroll ’77. Of their grandchildren, The Summit legacy continued with Sam Buse SMS ’09, James Buse SMS ’03, the late Robert “Andrew” Buse SMS ’04; Chad Carroll (att) and Daniel Carroll (att). Many other members of the extended Buse family also attended The Summit. “The Summit is about community,” says Head of School Rich Wilson. “We teach what the Sisters taught from the beginning – that human beings are meant to live in community. As Christ said, ‘For where two or three are gathered together unto my name, there am I in the midst of them.’ Summit is a place of connections and the courtyard symbolizes those connections. It also expresses the ties that bind the Homans with the Buses, and these families in turn with the greater Summit family.”
Building the Foundation By Nancy Berlier and Jon Beres Thomas C. Theobald SBS ’50 grew up in Bond Hill and attended The Summit through eighth grade, thanks to parents who had a deep appreciation for education. He continued his education at St. Xavier High School, Holy Cross College, the University of Vienna and Harvard Business School before embarking on a remarkable career in banking and finance. In his 27-year career with CitiBank of New York, he traveled around the globe as head of the international banking division – meeting the queen of England and the king of Saudi Arabia among other notables. He has also served on the boards of some of the world’s largest corporations and non-profits. But time and time again, Tom has come home to The Summit to give thanks to his parents, Arthur and Irma Theobald, for sending him and his brother, Jerry BMS ’45 to The Summit.
INTRO
“As I look back at my experience at The Summit, the realization came to me much later in life just how important the school was in both my personal and career development,” says Tom. “The insistence on quality work later gave me confidence in my own efforts. The school’s constant emphasis on respecting other people also planted a permanent reminder to treat everyone with Midwestern friendliness and regard. Both factors were very important in my career around the world.” The 1999 McKenzie-Sargent Distinguished Alumni recipient, Tom has been Chairman of The Summit’s Foundation Board of Trustees since 2009, a group which has fiduciary oversight of how the school’s endowment funds are invested. He personally helped that fund grow, when he established the Arthur and Irma Theobald Scholarship in 1996. This named founder scholarship fund reached $1 million in 2010, and he has added another $1 million to the endowment in the Aiming Higher campaign. Since its inception, the scholarship has given 12 African American students the advantage of a Summit education, including Jaden Woodard, whose story is told on page 28. “Creating the scholarship in my parents’ names was the way I could thank them for all of the sacrifices they both made in order for my brother
and me to get through private school. They would have been thrilled to help other kids benefit from the same personal development that their sons received. For most of us, it was a life-transforming experience that came out of the academics, sports program and overall atmosphere of The Summit. “I hope others will figure out faster than I did what a huge impact The Summit made on their lives and support the continuing success of the school. Over a thousand kids are just now benefiting from what The Summit uniquely offers, and we all bear a personal responsibility to future generations to keep this institution thriving.”
Summit Magazine 21 19
STRENGTHENING OUR EXCELLENCE
Campaign Leadership
The co-chairs of the Aiming Higher campaign are four couples who live the school’s mission through continuous support, volunteerism and leadership.
“The Summit has had a huge impact on us over the years. First of all, The Summit is our neighbor. Secondly, The Summit is where we have met wonderful people with whom we have formed lasting friendships. Thirdly, our daughters have thrived at The Summit, thus making us a very happy family. Our family has had a history with the school that dates back over 70 years. This history includes a wedding, countless relatives attending various levels of education here and, now, both of our daughters attending the school. A school is only as good as its community and faculty. Summit is fortunate that both are outstanding. There is a sense of belonging and inclusiveness that dominates our life in a very positive way. The faculty at Summit is simply the best. Teachers are knowledgeable, approachable and, most importantly, passionate about educating our kids. The school’s mission of educating the whole child results in well-rounded children who are more prepared to make a positive impact on our society. We have seen our children grow in a variety of ways, more than intellectually, and that is very important to us.” – Nick ‘83 and Joelle Ragland Parents of Alex ’19 and Sydney ‘21
“The Summit has always been an important part of our family’s life. Our three children continue to reap the benefits of a combined 36 impactful years at The Summit, which prepared them for their varied future endeavors, including transitions into college and even into their professional and personal lives. The outstanding administration, teachers, coaches and fellow students helped shape our children into better citizens who understand, respect and value their community. The numerous plays, concerts, masses, sporting events and volunteer opportunities enhanced our children’s foundations and continue to guide them in their daily lives, well after graduation. We are proud to continue our relationship with Summit Country Day. Our parents believed that a strong education and a thriving school community were the keys to a successful life. Our continued support of The Summit serves as a ‘thank you’ to our parents for the wonderful education we received. It is also a means of expressing our gratitude to The Summit community for all they did to help our children thrive and grow. Our goal is to help The Summit provide young people, for generations, with the opportunities to make a better world for all of us.” 22 Winter 2014 - 2015 20
– Gary and Peggy Johns Parents of Kyle SMS ’04, Blaire ’09, and Maddy ‘12
“The Summit has had a tremendous impact on our children in providing one of the best educational opportunities in the city of Cincinnati. Our children have been nurtured, encouraged, challenged. and inspired through their education. There are several outstanding traits that set Summit apart from other institutions, but for us, it is specifically the commitment to educating leaders of character and the school’s mission. We truly see the advantage in how our children are given the opportunity not only to be challenged academically, but also encouraged to develop in many other ways that will serve them throughout their lives. We feel such gratitude for the existence of The Summit and all of the stewards who have kept the school moving forward. Because of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, our excellent faculty and staff and all of the members of our community giving of their time, talent and treasure over the years, our children are able to benefit from a Summit education. It is exciting to be a part of this almost 125-year-old institution and to be working toward a foundation that will enable The Summit to be available for future generations for another 125 years and beyond.”
INTRO
– Tim and Peg Mathile Parents of Meg ’13 and Clare ‘16
“We joined the Summit community in 2006 when we moved to Cincinnati. It took one tour with the admission staff to know that Summit was where our kids should be educated. We learned about the ideas of a highquality education across the five pillars, a personalized approach embodied by the faculty and the strong focus on character education. The Summit has delivered in a big way for our family, and we feel grateful to have the opportunity for our kids to attend the school. Our kids feel the same way. The Summit has a big vision and has taken the mission seriously, as it relates back to its thoughtful leadership through the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. We are thankful that the vision is thriving today thanks to our quality faculty and professional administrators. We have both benefited tremendously throughout our lives given the educational opportunities we have received. We hold education in the highest possible regard and this idea has made our decision to get involved on a greater level very easy. We are excited about the new capital campaign that will be getting underway. It will be the driving force for improved programming and to further strengthen the school’s finances.” – Mike and Annie Bergeron Parents of Jack ’19, Kate ’21 and Nick ’24
21 Summit Magazine 23
STRENGTHENING OUR EXCELLENCE
2014-15 Board of Trustees
Members of the 2014-15 Board of Trustees are, L to R, Row 1: Melanie Chavez, Susan Castellini, Kathryn (Stahl) Harsh ‘84, Peg Mathile and Kate Nelson. Row 2: Cenona Taveras, Joelle Ragland, Julie Bristow and Nadine (Makstell) Whitsett ’74. Row 3: Stuart Seltman ‘86, Chair; Ron Joseph BMS ‘81, Lama Khoury, Allison (Hiltz) Kropp ‘93, David Wiser and Bob Conway. Row 4: Tim Michel, Karl Gieseke, Rev. John Civille, Joe Brinkmeyer, and Andy Ritch. Not photographed: Suzanne Tosolini and Mirja Zeilstra.
Members of The Summit’s Board of Trustees bring a broad range of expertise from leadership roles in private sector business, property, financial and energy management as well as education, non-profit and philanthropy. Generally serving one or two three-year terms, their stewardship ensures the school is fulfilling its mission through oversight of the Buildings and Grounds, Business Affairs, Development, Diversity & Inclusion and Marketing & Enrollment committees.
Why New Members Answered the Call to Serve
24Winter 2014 - 2015 22
“My family and I have been committed in a variety of ways to strengthen the school for the long term, and we believe in the value of a strong education as it directly relates to a child’s development in life. Areas that are especially appealing to me at The Summit are the unique programs that now place an emphasis on the science and math curriculums. The internships through the new Science Research Institute, for example, offer a fast track to the real world. This will allow our children at The Summit to be able to grow into successful individuals that will have a lasting impact on our society.” – Susan Castellini Mother of Beth (Castellini) Fesperman GMS ’81, Robert S. Castellini BMS ’82, Phil Castellini ’88, and Tricia (Castellini) Headley GMS ’87
“My family will collectively have children attending The Summit for the next 11 to 14 years, so I am excited to be a new board member at The Summit, as it will allow me to have a complete understanding of the inner-workings of the school’s academic environment. As a parent, The Summit has had a positive impact on our family. The Summit really encourages the entire family to get involved and to be a part of the child’s learning environment. The Montessori program is second to none in the area. The degree to which the program fosters independence, early vocabulary understanding and fine motor skills is truly astounding.” – Melanie Chavez Mother of Jackson ’24, Jefferson ’27 and Natalie ’28 “I am excited about working with my fellow trustees in continuing their successes as leaders of The Summit community. To continue to move forward in raising the standards of excellence that Summit has always strived to achieve, it is vital, now more than ever, as an academic institution to put forth as much effort as we can to continue to inspire, encourage and motivate the minds of our children. This is important so that they are prepared for what lies ahead of them. I am excited, too, about The Summit’s new direction of global learning and education, not only directed toward its students, but also toward its faculty.” – Lama Khoury Mother of Fouad ’13, Omar ‘15 and Karmah ‘20 “I am humbled by the opportunity to serve as a current board member and to help carry out the vision of the Sisters. The main objective of a board member is to make sure that the institutional mission of the founding Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur is continually protected and carried out on a daily basis. I think The Summit is about to enter a really exciting time with the Aiming Higher campaign. With great change on the horizon, it will make an impact on so many children in such a positive way.” – Joelle Ragland Mother of Alex ’19 and Sydney ‘21
“The Board of Trustees is a group of individuals for whom I have a great deal of admiration and respect. When I was asked to consider stepping forward to help the school and to continue the legacy of their work, the decision was clear. I’m most excited about helping the school think through and deliver upon its Aiming Higher campaign. The focus on upgrading and modernizing the school’s physical infrastructure and strengthening its core academic programs is a tremendously important initiative. It will help ensure the academic competitiveness of our students for years to come.” – Andrew Ritch Father of Lily ’21, Hudson ’22 and Charlie ’26
“I hope to be able to give back to The Summit community, show my children how to be responsible individuals and bring an international perspective to the board. I am interested in being an integral part of shaping and securing The Summit’s future in order to make it the best place to educate the mind, body and spirit of our children so they become leaders of character. Having found The Summit is the biggest blessing my family and I could have asked for when coming to Cincinnati. The Summit is the village it takes to raise our children, and we could not have found a better one!” – Mirja Zeilstra Mother of Justin ’18, Sophia ’20 and Natasha ’22 Summit Magazine 25 23
STRENGTHENING OUR EXCELLENCE
Leaders of Character Society Reception The Cincinnati skyline was the backdrop for a Sept. 4 reception for members of the Leaders of Character Society. Feted at Devou Park’s Drees Pavilion, the event recognized those who gave more than $1,000 to the Annual Fund for Excellence, Love Your School auction, endowment or capital campaign.
L to R: Mike Holmes, Becki Holmes, Eileen Stanisic and Slobodan Stanisic.
Sean Dwyer and Tara Hardin.
Kathy Kelly and Gracey Weisbrod.
P. Stuart Seltman, Victoria Delamerced and Amador Delamerced.
Brett Coldiron and Lana Long.
L to R: Tonya Warren, Victoria Delamerced, Kelley 26 Winter 2014 Schiess, - 2015 Kathryn Harsh and Jane Schmerge.
Fuad Hajjar and Amal Sarah.
Development Staff Jim Jackson Director of Development Responsibile for all Advancement, Development and Philanthropic Programs. (513) 871-4700 x242 jackson_j@summitcds.org
Levels of Giving The Annual Fund for Excellence is the primary way in which supporters of The Summit make gifts every year. Your gift to the Aiming Higher campaign may qualify you to become a member of the Leaders of Character Society, a group of supporters whose leadership, generosity and trust in the school and its mission set the pace and tone for philanthropic giving. Leaders of Character Society Giving Circles St. Julie’s Circle 1890 Circle Julia & Louise Circle Grandin Circle Trustee’s Circle Head of School’s Circle Director’s Circle Five Pillars Circle Silver Knight Circle (under age 35)
$50,000 + $25,000 - $49,999 $20,000 - $24,999 $15,000 - $19,999 $10,000 - $14,999 $5,000 - $9,999 $2,500 - $4,999 $1,000 - $2,499 $500 -$999
Angel Donors The Angel Donor Program is designed to assist in the education of a student who has great potential but is in need of financial assistance. For an investment of $2,500 or greater with a minimum commitment of four years, you serve as an angel to a student striving to be the best. An investment of $5,000 provides 25 percent assistance; $10,000 is 50 percent; $15,000 equals 75 percent and a full tuition would require a gift commitment of $20,000 a year. Your gift to the Angel Donor Program for tuition assistance through the Annual Fund for Excellence places you in the “Leaders of Character Society.”
Michele Duda Assistant Director of Development Planning, execution and growth of a comprehensive annual giving program. Coordinates The Leaders of Character Society. (513) 871-4700 x243 duda_m@summitcds.org
Jon Beres Senior Development Officer Responsible for growing the financial support of assigned portfolio comprised of existing benefactors and identified special and planned giving prospects. Coordinates The Summit Heritage Society. (513) 871-4700 x241 beres_j@summitcds.org
Janine Boeing Alumni Engagement and Gifts Officer Responsibile for the development and implementation strategies to ensure a successful comprehensive Alumni Engagement (involved) and giving (invested) Program. (513) 871-4700 x240 boeing_j@summitcds.org
Mary Alice LaPille Advancement Services Sr. Manager Support of fundraising initiatives with a primary focus on Alumni and Donor Records, Database Management, Advancement Reporting, Prospect Research and Management, Data Integrity and Data Security, and Gift processing and stewardship. (513) 871-4700 x237 lapille_m@summitcds.org
Sandy Champlin Advancement Services Manager Internal and external development activities with primary focus on Campaign, Endowment Funds, Major/Special Gifts program, gift processing, stewardship, database management and special events. (513) 871-4700 x244 champlin_s@summitcds.org Summit Magazine 27
Faith, hope and pixie dust: Freshman Jaden Woodard’s ‘Magical’ Road to Recovery
28 Winter 2014 - 2015 26
By Jaden Woodard As told to Tanya Leach I was born with a hole in my heart. Before my parents even took me home from the hospital, they knew it was only a matter of time before doctors would need to mend me. I had two heart surgeries by the time I was 2. Those were just a temporary fix. By the time I was 11, my heart started to fail. That’s when we moved to Cincinnati, and I learned I would be put on “The List.” The heart transplant list. Being put on that list is a little like being cast in a starring role in a Disney movie and expecting a happy ending. Even though I was a little worried about doctors cutting open my chest, I thought the transplant would be like pixie dust. I might gain super powers. I might even become “normal.” Turns out, the waiting is the hardest part. At 14, you think everything is going to be immediate. My transformation took time. There was no magic dust that made the bad stuff fall away. My medical journey stood still just as I hurried to get to the good part. I guess life is like that.
Jaden lends his support to the girls’ volleyball team at their Pink Game to raise awareness for breast cancer. Front row, L to R: Kassidy Michel, Maggie Fisk, Maddie Rohrig, Jaden, Jordan Jones and Soyanne Mosbacher. Back row: Rachel Johnson, Liv Hartman, Reagan Griffiths, Jacki Noe, CC Donavan, Lucia Grandison, Denisha Herring and JoRia Cook.
A true gift They say life happens when you’re making other plans. I remember being at a Reds game this summer when I started feeling bad. Then on July 14, the day after the World Cup ended, I was put in the hospital. Almost a month later, I was still there. My family was planning a surprise party for my mom and trying to talk my hospital care team into giving me permission to leave the unit to attend. The day before the party, my doctor came in and asked my mom if she’d like an early birthday present. The doctor had an even bigger surprise: I was getting a heart. Once my mom understood what he was saying, she screamed with joy. She said maybe this was the thing that would make me whole. Maybe this would be the fix I needed. It didn’t really hit me completely at the moment that I was getting someone else’s heart. It’s still sinking in that someone would give me that kind of gift. I had mixed emotions about having a heart transplant. I was
The Children’s Hospital Medical Center staff place a heart-shaped piece of tape to keep his oxygen tube in place shortly after his heart transplant surgery. Summit Magazine 29
excited at the prospect of having more energy. But I was nervous about having such a serious surgery. I tried to be brave. Life or death Before my transplant, sometimes I would ask my dad, a pastor, and my mom, the daughter of a pastor, “Do you think I’m going to die?” Those were late-night or car-ride conversations with my parents. They’d say they didn’t know. Or that any of us could die at any second. Or that there were no guarantees that this surgery would save my life. Even after surgery, I wondered if I was really doing well. I wanted people to tell me the truth. And I wanted to be OK.
A sports fan, Jaden shows his Summit spirit by flashing the victory sign with football players CJ Suggs and Tyler Hannah when they visit him at the hospital.
We prayed a lot.
faith to recover and wait for my energy to come back.
It made me feel better to know so many other people were praying for me, too. We placed pins on a map of all the places in the world where people were praying for me. The night of the surgery, we had friends praying as far away as China. It was already the next morning there. It gave me hope that I’d make it through to the next day, too.
I spent 50 days in the hospital. That’s enough time to appreciate all the things I used to take for granted. I also had some rewards, like 350 visitors. I might have set a hospital record in that category. People would walk in my room and say, “I’ve never met you, but here’s a meal, and we want you to know that we’re praying for you.”
Welcome distractions
It was overwhelming. It meant the world to me just as a distraction. I learned to love distractions.
One of my doctors used to talk to me about the investment and the reward phases that come along with getting a transplant. It took faith for me to believe that all of my waiting might pay off. It took even more
The Summit family brought me plenty of them: • Senior football players came to show me game film and talk about their plays. • Former football Varsity Head Coach Mike Brown and the entire football team signed a jersey for me. • Members of the Student Senate came by to bring me spiritwear. • One student gave me a bracelet with a key representing strength. I haven’t taken it off. • Some of my teachers, school leaders and members of my advisement came to visit. • The family that gave me the Hertzel Scholarship – Cindy Hertzel – visited me regularly. • I’m also the recipient of the Tom Theobold Scholarship, and when I first went in the hospital, Tom Theobold emailed me from England where he was traveling.
L to 2014 R: classmates 30 Winter - 2015 Emma Nies, Avery Walter and Maggie
Harsh spend some time with Jaden in his hospital room.
• My English and Social Studies teachers Skyped me into their classes when I was recovering at home. •
Everybody who knows I’m a sports fan has come around, like boys’ basketball Head Coach Pat Cosgrove, who brought me an Antonio Woods ’14 jersey and put my name on the back.
• Swimmers, soccer and volleyball players all came and signed balls and cards for me. • I’m sure I’m leaving people out. But you have to understand I was a little woozy during my recovery! Feeling like family It’s kind of weird to have everybody at school know my name when I’m only a freshman who hasn’t even been on campus most of the year. But that’s also been a good thing. You’ve made me feel like family. And you’ve helped me from falling behind. I hope you know how grateful I am.
Vivianne Skavlem takes a turn working as Jaden’s lab partner via Skype in Spanish class while he was recovering at home. Jaden’s teachers also “Skyped” him into English, Religion and Advisement and visited him at home.
When you come that close to death, it kind of puts things into perspective to say what’s important. It makes time with family and friends feel special. It makes just walking to class feel good. It makes a laugh that much better. It makes me look forward to little things, like having lunch in the cafeteria and talking to my friends. Someday, I’ll probably gain a deeper appreciation of what living with someone else’s heart has done for me.
(Above) Using a notebook at home, Jaden is able to access homework assignments and interact with teachers through The Summit’s highly personalized and individuated online portal.
Right now, it feels a little magical. Something close to pixie dust. Jaden collaborated with Tanya Leach, a writer and video producer at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, on his story. To hear more of Jaden’s story, watch the video at www.cincinnatichildrens.org/jaden-woodard.
Football Varsity Head Coach Mike Brown and the entire football team gave Jaden a signed jersey.
Summit Magazine 31 Junior Davi Laney brings Jaden to a pep rally via a laptop.
Fifth Grader Natasha Zeilstra reads to a preschool group.
Service Learning Takes Summit Students to Belize By Megan McGrath The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur traveled around the world to create schools for children where God’s teachings and those handed down from their foundress, St. Julie Billiart, were the core of the curriculum. Today, that charism lives on at The Summit where service learning goes hand-inhand with character development.
For eight days in June, 35 students and 16 adults participated in a mission trip to Orange Walk, Belize. Middle and Upper School students volunteered their time to help villagers with vacation bible school and build needed structures. Students built a cinder block restroom for Orange Walk’s local priest, Fr. Jon. They put a new roof on the home of a local woman and were able to assist in getting her medical assistance. Senior Caroline Crew made an immediate connection with a young girl named Zurry, who drew her pictures and wrote her notes. Caroline says tremendous friendships with both children and adults made the most lasting impression on her. “Every morning that Summit students visited, they were welcomed by happy smiles and hugging arms,” says Mirja Zeilstra, a parent chaperone.
32 Winter 2014 - 2015
Senior Brooks Taylor gives a lesson on how to make friendship bracelets during Vacation Bible School.
This trip was a way for students to reach out and strengthen their Christian character values, says
Summit parent Lisa McSwain, a trip organizer. Students were immersed in a culture that does not have the same standard of living as the United States, says Fr. Phil Seher, Summit Chaplain and one of the chaperones. “The students recognized the absence of luxuries and lack of utilities, yet saw people so happy,” he says. Senior Katie Byrne says that although they didn’t have much, the residents of Orange Walk were grateful and generous. “I never understood what it was like to be in a third world country, and I became aware that I have so many blessings and opportunities here that they don’t have,” she says. “They were so welcoming and nice to us, and they didn’t know who we were. They were happy to be able to spend time with us. I will never forget all of the smiles and waves from the children at school when we got off the bus, or the cheering and laughter I heard when we were playing soccer in the field. I would go back in a heartbeat.”
Freshmen Q Lyle and Justin Zeilstra put a new roof on the home of a villager.
While Summit students helped the town of Orange Walk, Fr. Seher says it wasn’t a one-sided benefit. The more profound effect was what the Belize community did for The Summit community – adults as well as students. “The trip to Belize for the entire Summit community was a God-given experience,” says Doris Walker, Summit staff member and a chaperone. “The people touched our lives just as we touched theirs.” Another mission trip is scheduled June 2-8, this time to Eleuthera, Bahamas. Contact Fr. Phil Seher at 513-871-4700 ext. 224 or seher_p@summitcds. org for more information.
Lisa McSwain coaches as her ninth grade son, Michael (green penny) assists in a soccer clinic.
Father Phil Seher, Summit’s Chaplain, gets a hug.
Raimond Zeilstra helps his ninth grade son Justin and junior Connor Lyle build an indoor restroom at the priest’s house. Summit Magazine 33 33
Honors Seminar Makes Big Splash on Students in Hawaii Summit students collect marine life from the beaches on the big island of Hawaii during Honors Marine Science Seminar.
By Leah Fightmaster Some say the best lessons are the ones where a student jumps right in and gets their hands a little dirty. For a marine science class of Summit students, “jumping right in” means the clear ocean waters of Hawaii and “getting their hands dirty” entails digging in salt water tide pools. Twenty Summit students in the Honors Marine Science Seminar spent two weeks in July with about 30 other students on the island of Hawaii, participating in hands-on lessons in marine biology. The course is offered every other year,
with the next trip scheduled for 2016. It focuses on the ocean ecosystem and its inhabitants, using lectures, field trips, projects and inquirybased laboratories to explore the marine world, including the study of physical oceanography and a survey of marine organisms found in the ocean surrounding the Hawaiian islands. Many of the topics students discussed in the class included types of marine organisms with a special focus on dangerous species, the ecologies of tide pools and coral reefs, marine birds and mammals, classifications and the anatomy and physiology of fish and geology of the Hawaiian islands. After exploring those main topics, students applied the lessons learned in class to outdoor laboratories where they were able to investigate up close and personal, instead of a simulation within the classroom. Afterward, students are expected to complete a laboratory report and take a final exam based on the course. Students are able to observe animals in their natural habitat by snorkeling and studying marine life in tide pools which brings the classroom’s lessons to life for students, Biology teacher Kat Roedig says. “Having this course for marine
Students investigate Hawaiian tide pools to get a closer look at the organisms that call those waters 34 Winter 34 2014 - 2015 home.
While students spend much of their time in outdoor laboratories, they also learn about Hawaiian customs by going on field trips and taking lessons with locals.
science was great because of the hands-on lab activities,” she says. “There are no beaches near Cincinnati where students can see first-hand what they were learning about in class.” Summit junior Maddie Amend said one of the highlights of her trip was snorkeling after sunset to see plankton and manta rays. In addition to studying about the marine life in waters around them, Summit students were exposed to the island’s rich history, culture, food and traditions. “It was a truly awesome experience unlike any other,” Maddie says. “It was a great trip filled with exciting adventures, stunning sights and new relationships.” Outside of the tide pools in Hawaii, students also learned about the surrounding culture and how it is affected by the marine ecology. Field trips to Polynesian landmarks exposed students to a culture they likely knew very little about previously. Heiaus, a place of temples invoking peace, war, health or profitable farming and fishing, taught students what the Polynesians valued.
Students snorkel in the Pacific Ocean around the island, where they identify marine life that they study in the classroom.
Lessons in lei making and hula dancing engaged students in learning traditions that comprise a rich tradition for Hawaiians. Students were captivated by the myths and legends of gods and goddesses brought from other Pacific Island cultures. Outside of the science realm, students gained a well-rounded experience. Jodie Hutchins, a junior who went on the trip to Hawaii last summer, says that she and her classmates were able to experience marine life in a way that would have been impossible within a classroom in Cincinnati. “The trip was incredible. We were able to swim with marine wildlife including manta rays, needle fish, eels, sea turtles and several kinds of tropical fish,” she says. “We encountered marine biology with a proximity unequaled by the normal classroom setting.”
Students use a grid to identify the living and nonliving factors that affect organisms and understand what adaptations are necessary to survive as part of the ecology of Hapuna Beach on the big island of Hawaii.
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NEWSMAKERS CISV Seventh grader Ali Sacco hosted a CISV International delegate from Trento, Italy for two weeks during the summer through the CISV’s Interchange Program, introducing her into American life, and then traveled to Trento to experience Italian life. Senior Natalie Pearl spent three weeks in Toronto, Canada at the CISV Seminar Camp with 30 other students from around the world to study conflict resolution and diversity with regard to worldwide issues. This was Natalie’s fourth international CISV participation.
AP Scholars The College Board has awarded National Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar distinction to Tino Delamerced ‘14 a freshman at Brown University in the school’s dual admission program in liberal medical education; Carter Hall ‘14, a freshman at the University of Chicago who is planning to double major in physics and the classics; Emily Haussler ‘14, now at Washington University in St. Louis with plans to major in both genetics and dance; and Taylor Jones ‘14, a freshman at Princeton University pursuing a business degree. Altogether,
Back row, L to R: Nicholas Stanis and Jack Crane. Middle row, left to right: Sophie Anderson, Caroline Burns and Ryka Woodruff. Front row, left to right: Annie Fee and Carson Dwyer.
International Children’s Art Exhibition Seven students won awards for their submissions to the International Children’s Art Exhibition, sponsored by Pentel. Fourth grader Nicky Stanis is one of 244 children worldwide to receive a gold award, which he won as a third grader last year. Fifth grader Jack Crane received a silver award for his fourth grade submission. Fourth grader Caroline Burns and second graders Carson Dwyer and Ryka Woodruff won bronze awards. Fourth grader Sophie Anderson received a Pentel Award for her third grade piece, the equivalent of an honorable mention, as did third grader Annie Fee, who won as a second grader. The Summit also hosted the exhibition for the second consecutive year as one of the stops on the exhibit’s international tour.
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National Merit Seniors Thomas Quan (left), Anne Klette (right) and Juliana Overbey (front) have been named semifinalists in the annual National Merit
Tino
Carter
Emily
Taylor
68 Summit students earned AP Scholar recognitions from the College Board. They included 27 students who received AP Scholar with Distinction, 13 who received AP Scholar with Honor and 25 who were named AP Scholars. Scholarship Program. They rank in the top 1 percent nationwide of about 1.4 million students who took the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test as juniors last year, and they are among the highestscoring entrants in Ohio. In addition, 15 seniors were named commended. As a whole, 20 percent of The Summit’s class of 2015 has received some kind of National Merit recognition.
Newsmakers National Latin Convention Seventeen Summit students attended the National Junior Classical League Convention in July. Tino Delamerced ’14 earned two renewable scholarships to recognize his knowledge of Latin and his dedication to the league. Eighth grader Julia Dean placed in the top five for half of the academic tests she took and placed first in three. She ranked seventh overall. Sophomore Tullus Dean and junior Dustin Argo, who both hold officer positions within the Ohio Junior Classical League, helped organize and lead the other 117 Ohio delegates to the convention. Several other Summit students placed high on tests during the convention.
NEWSMAKERS FACULTY/STAFF chemistry, physics, math and technology teachers from around the city.
Kat Roedig traveled to India during the summer break to study species, deities and communities as part of her graduate program at Miami University. Her class was the first in the program to make the trip, and learned how communities practice conservation in India and work to preserve the species that live there.
Back row, L to R: senior Natalie Pearl, eighth grader Derrya Mathis, senior Alex Stewart, sixth grader Eric Meeks and senior Morgan Cavanaugh. Front row: fourth grader Drew Hagerman, first grader Samantha Stagnaro, second grader Carlo Quintero and third grader Hugo Veldtman.
Hyde Park Square Art Show Summit students won 15 of the 35 awards given at the Hyde Park Square Art Show. First place winners included first grader Samantha Stagnaro, second grader Carlo Quintero, fourth grader Drew Hagerman, sixth grader Eric Meeks, eighth grader Derrya Mathis and senior Natalie Pearl. Senior Morgan Cavanaugh won second place and received a framed copy of the art show poster because her 2013 work was chosen for the official 2014 art show poster. Senior Alex Stewart won third place, and third grader Hugo Veldtman took second place in his division. Freshman Courtney Chamberlin, junior Jodie Hutchins, freshman Hali Clark, eighth grader Julia Dean, seventh grader Lilly Schaefer and sixth grader Auggie Ransick received honorable mentions. Respect Life Club The Summit’s Respect Life Club won second place for the video it submitted to a contest hosted by Good Samaritan Tri-Health Hospital for its 30th Cincinnati Right to Life Pro-Life Saver 5K Run/Walk. The club received a $75 prize for the award.
Ed Escudero taught numerous Materials Science camps across the country over the summer. His ASM Materials Science Camp at The Summit took place the third week of July. The camp, designed to serve as a training ground for teachers to become familiar with materials science and engineering concepts and projects to introduce into their own classrooms, was attended by several high school science,
Amy Girkin is teaching a Physics by Inquiry course at the University of Cincinnati for middle and high school science teachers. Penny Herr and her husband Mike enjoyed a trip to Naples, Fla. courtesy of the Karen Wellington Foundation for Living with Breast Cancer. Penny started this school year cancerfree. Sixth Grade Language Arts Teacher Laura Adkins visited Namur, France – the birthplace of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur – during the summer and shared with the faculty a treasure trove of photos and resource information about the founding Sisters of The Summit. Communications Director Nancy Berlier is serving this year as chair of the Archdiocese Communications Committee, an advisory group for the Catholic Telegraph.
Summit Magazine 37
New Book Chronicles Life of Sr. Rose Ann Fleming ’50 By Leah Fightmaster Before Sr. Rose Ann Fleming SNDdeN ’50 became a trusted advocate for athletes at Xavier University, she was a lifer at The Summit who returned to be a teacher and superintendent of the school – the equivalent of what is now Head of School. In her new book, Out of Habit: My Life as Xavier University’s Unlikely Point Guard, she recalls her early years, going to school with her twin brother, Tom, and first communion during her second standard – what second grade was called in those days. Sweet memories of childhood are tempered by the sadness of her mother’s death at the end of her sixth standard. Today’s students may be surprised to read that grief led Sr. Rose Ann to become a bit of a handful. She got into trouble for talking in class, made a forbidden exploration of the convent area and led a student revolt to the roof. Ultimately, the kindness of one of the Sisters made her feel accepted and a new friendship changed her attitude about studying. She enjoyed learning and playing volleyball, basketball and field hockey. She was elected class president her senior year. After she graduated from Mount St. Joseph University in 1954, she made a tour of Europe with an aunt and then entered the convent at The Summit. Sr. Rose Ann was “missioned” to teach at The Summit in 1960 – Upper School English and Latin. She was appointed superintendent in 1965. During her tenure, a separate building for the Montessori school was constructed, the Upper School was opened to boys, Williams Field was transformed for football and the Sisters moved off campus to their convent in Reading. 38 Winter 2014 - 2015
Sr. Rose Ann left The Summit in 1975 to become President of Trinity College. In 1982, she returned to Cincinnati and started Xavier University’s academic advising program. Now she is Special Council to the President and Faculty Athletics Representatives. Out of Habit (Orange Frazer Press $29.95), written with former Cincinnati Enquirer columnist and NPR commentator Laura Pulfer, is available at the Xavier University Bookstore. Bobblehead illustration courtesy of Xavier University.
Early Childhood Education Symposium
Take-aways from The Big Disconnect By Lisa Nicholson Catherine Steiner-Adair, Ed.D., a clinical instructor in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, delivered the keynote address at the seventh Annual Early Childhood Education Symposium on Oct. 25 to a record crowd of more than 300 attendees. Following are some of my take-aways from her speech and book, “The Big Disconnect: Protecting Childhood and Family Relationships in the Digital Age.”
and right hemisphere that deepen with experience. They create a “neural map” of our interdependent selves. When these neurons fire, the separation between you and others dissolves, creating empathy. Empathy is a key marker of success in school, relationships and careers. Family interactions are the training ground for learning empathy, because they shape a child’s brain in a way that technology cannot. Conversations in the car, around the dinner table, during bath-time and bedtime are opportunities for parents to teach right from wrong. Empathy is learned from family dynamics such as arguments, sibling rivalry and learning to apologize.
Children See Parents as MIA Children today see a much different picture of family life than their parents did. They see their parents frantically keeping up with emails and texts on Parents Need to Be Present phones and computers. Dr. It takes over 25 years for Adair cited a study that showed the full development of the when children were asked to brain’s prefrontal cortex. Often draw a family portrait, they referred to as our “executive drew parents using a device. As function,” this is where we link parents, we appear to not be consequences to behavior. This fully present in the moment and is where impulse control and our Catherine Steiner-Adair, Ed.D. available to our children. This mental judgment are housed. absence is causing a generation Children do not have a fully matured brain, so a joke to be raised lacking the skills necessary for empathy, from a bully or a person online may be harmful. This conversation, patience and the ability to read human is not a matter of trusting the child but a question emotions and social cues. of whether the child is prepared to view what they stumble upon when they use technology. Parents Neurological Effects of Technology need to demonstrate a healthy personal relationship Young children are receiving messages at a rapid pace with technology. while our culture continually normalizes violence, crass sexuality, lying and cheating. The brain processes To avoid “the big disconnect,” Dr. Steiner-Adair digital interactions differently than human interactions. recommends parents be intentional with technology. While reading, reflection and conversation develop We should use it to serve us or others, rather than strong neural pathways, media messages that come be controlled by it. We should unplug and talk to in too fast and too early in a child’s development those around us, increasing our human interactions. undermine the learning of core values. They actually When children see us taking these actions, they can’t thin neural pathways. help but model this behavior. Empathy is neurological and learned Empathy is both a neurological and learned behavior. The brain lays neural pathways in both the left
Lisa Nicholson is the mother of three Summit students, Eva ‘18, Graham ‘21 and Camille ‘23.
Summit Magazine 39
Honor In Action
Summit Sports Fall Season Roundup By Donna Paulin The Summit Athletic Department celebrated another successful fall season boasting a second place finish at state, two final four state teams, a state playoff team, four district and three regional championships. One coach was named MVC Coach of the Year. Cross Country: The boys’ cross country team finished second at the Division III state championship at National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio. Seniors Mason Moore and John Murdock received All-State honors, finishing fourth and sixth respectively. Girls’ and boys’ cross country teams were Miami Valley Conference (MVC) and district champions, and the boys captured the regional championship. Mason was MVC and District Runner of the Year, finishing first at regionals. He was awarded the MVC Dick Snyder Sportsmanship Award. John was second at regionals. Mason and John won MVC first team honors, as did seniors Alexis Hogya, Sammy Hunt and Grady Stuckman, juniors Madelyn LaBar and Will Mackey and sophomores Meghan O’Brien, Tullus Dean and Matt LaMacchia. Head Coach Kurtis Smith was named Miami Valley Conference Coach of the Year for the sixth year in a row. Soccer: Summit boys’ and girls’ soccer teams had another amazing run. Both teams advanced to the state final four. The girls’ run was ended by Hamilton Badin which became the two-time state champion. Senior Emily Wiser was named to the All-State second team. Emily also received MVC and Southwest District 40 Winter 2014 - 2015
The second-place state Boys’ Cross Country team stands on the podium. L to R: Coach Kurtis Smith, Scott Kinross, Grady Stuckman, Will Mackey, Mason Moore, John Murdock, Tullus Dean, Matt LaMacchia, alternate Thomas Coughlin and Bryce Hueber Assistant Coach Jerry Hilton. Not pictured: Assistant Coach Kim Horning.
Members of the Regional Champion Boys’ Soccer team are, L to R, front row: Titus Atwater and Charlie Maciejewski. Second row: Ball boys Kieran Dowling and Mac Walter, Jacob Beardslee, Diego Vallota, Nick Mishu, Brendan Ochs, Rielly Dowling, Harrison Schertzinger, Chuck Steines and Sam Smallwood. Third row: Assistant Coach B.J. Smallwood, Hayes Snyder, Nick Carcieri, Alex Hertlein, Garrett Steele, David Cook, Austin Smythe, Dan Kukanza, Josh Campbell, Phil McHugh, Cameron Belle, Henry Schertzinger, Assistant Coach Craig Chmiel and Head Coach Scott Sievering. Back row: Ryan Johnson, Erik Sigman, Rupert Domville and Assistant Coach Zac VanFrank.
Mason Moore
first team honors, as did juniors Morgan Evans and Addy Smythe. The girls’ team received the Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association Team Academic Award for the 14th year in a row. Top ranked Grandview Heights ended the boy’s run in the state semifinal. Senior Austin Smythe and junior Charlie Maciejewski were named first team in the MVC and Southwest District. Austin was also named to the All-State second team. The girls’ soccer team is coached by Michael Fee. The boys’ coach is Scott Sievering.
Regional Girl’s Soccer Champions are, First row, L to R: Maggie Harsh, Cynthia Rieke, Allison Kinross, Gracie Kunkel, Ravin Alexander, Jess DeJesus, Abby Anderson, Khakie Nies and Lily Melink. Second row: Brenna Biggs, Sydney Beckmeyer, Caroline Walton, Morgan Cavanaugh, Elise Becker, Caroline Crew, Maddie Brault, Elena Montag, Emily Wiser, Morgan Evans, Cecily Nelson and Addy Smythe. Third row: Assistant Coach Lindsey Tyberg, Assistant Coach Keith Harring, Rachel Stines, Janel Bond, Mimi Stines, Lauren Hendrix and Head Coach Mike Fee.
Football: Embracing a bid to the state playoffs for the fifth year in a row, the football squad ended their season 6-4 against the No. 1 seed, Tri-County North of Lewisburg. MVC first team honors went to seniors CJ Suggs, Brooks Taylor and Tyler Hannah, as well as junior Davionne Laney. The team was coached by Mike Brown. Golf: Just missing a spot at state, the boys’ golf team finished third in the MVC, second place in the sectional tournament and third at district. MVC first team honors went to senior Alec Petrie. Tim Jedding, Upper School Social Studies teacher, is head coach. Upper School Mathematics teacher Cathy Flesch led the eight-member girls’ golf team which finished their first season with a 6-8 record.
Tennis: The girls’ tennis team finished second in the MVC under the leadership of second year Head Coach Kate Rippe. Doubles team Sara Bissantz and Haley Bosse, both juniors, were District Doubles Team of the Year and received MVC first team honors. Their post-season competition advanced them to the district tournament, playing at the Lindner Center in Mason. Freshman Kathryn Adam also received MVC first team as a singles player. Volleyball: The volleyball team finished their season with a 14-10 record, playing to the third round of playoffs. Senior JoRia Cook was named MVC first team and senior Jacki Noe was named All-City second team. The team is coached by Kat Roedig, Upper School Biology teacher. Field Hockey: Competing against Division I schools in the Southwest Ohio Field Hockey League, Summit tallied two wins this year. Taking first team league honors was junior Katie Byrne. The team was coached by Elli McSwain ’09 and Christy Cashen ’12. The Silver Knights take the field at the Homecoming Game.
Summit Magazine 41
42 Winter 2014 - 2015 42
Father Marc Soellner ’99 returned to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel to say the Homecoming Mass.
2014 Alumni Awards By Kathy Schwartz Spiritual-Christian Service Award: Father Marc Soellner ’99 This year’s Homecoming Mass truly was a homecoming for Father Marc Soellner ’99, who said the Mass in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel one day after he accepted this year’s Spiritual-Christian Service Award. The Milford native was ordained a priest in 2012 and is now the associate priest at Our Lady of the Visitation in Green Township. Fr. Marc felt God’s calling to the priesthood while in fourth grade, but his focus during his teens was playing football and baseball. “The Summit is about teaching you to strive to be the best person you can be, but I don’t know how much I understood it at the time,” he reflects. “I understood it as much as a high school student can.” Fr. Marc entered the University of Cincinnati with the intention of becoming a history teacher. In his junior year at UC, he landed in the hospital with heart problems. He says he deeply felt God’s presence because he was willing to be open to it. “I asked, ‘God, what do you want me to be in my life?’ We just have to be open to where God wants us to be. That goes for everyone – Catholic, Christian, Buddhist, Muslim.” Answering the call to do God’s will, he says, requires help from friends, family and the school community. The Summit, he says, teaches how to study efficiently. “The writing aspect (at The Summit) was phenomenal,” he remembers. “While other schools were teaching nouns and verbs, we were writing papers.” Being back in his hometown brings joys such as saying Mass in The Summit’s chapel during Homecoming Weekend and officiating at the wedding of a college friend. When he does have free time, Fr. Marc likes skydiving. While enjoying the feeling of freedom, he also likes seeing the beauty of God’s greatness from high above.
Young Alumni Award: Dr. Craig Erickson ’95 Dr. Craig Erickson ’95 is the recipient of this year’s Young Alumni Award which honors significant professional accomplishments of a graduate from the past 20 years. Since 2012, he’s been Dr. Craig Erickson ’95 a member of the psychiatry department at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center where he teaches and directs research about autism spectrum disorders and developmental disabilities. He received his bachelor’s degree from DePauw University and his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati. He completed his residency and fellowship through Indiana University (IU) and obtained a master’s in clinical research from IU as well. He and wife Melissa, a family doctor, live in Wyoming with their two children. Knowing since junior high that he wanted to become a physician, his focus turned to autism while a school community service requirement during his freshman year; he volunteered at Stepping Stones. He became familiar with Stepping Stones clients who were sitting beside him on the bus, became more involved in the center and ran its day camp in his summers before medical school. Some people in his clinical studies now were his day campers in the early 1990s. Craig credits English teachers Carole Fultz, now retired, and Pat Kelly with honing his ability to write and think critically. The overall curriculum and Advanced Placement classes prepped him for a smooth transition to college and med school, he says. Now, he is a leading expert in Fragile X Syndrome. The genetic disorder, which is more common in males, causes a range of intellectual disabilities plus physical characteristics such as
Summit Magazine 43
an elongated face. He co-leads a faculty lab at Cincinnati Children’s that integrates research about FXS, autism spectrum disorders and the genetic disorder Angelman Syndrome. His research looks at how to target drug treatments to patients, because one solution doesn’t work for all. Meritorious Service Award: Liz (Glassmeyer) Spahr ’70 “The older I get, the 13 years I was at Summit become a smaller portion of my life, yet The Summit permeates my life,” says Liz (Glassmeyer) Spahr ’70. For her continued dedication to her K-12 alma mater, she has received the Liz (Glassmeyer) Spahr ’70 Meritorious Service Award. Liz served on the Alumni Board from the middle of the last decade to early this decade, and has been involved in everything from fundraising, to organizing class reunions to working on the school auction. “I’m not a chief,” she says. “I’m a warrior.” Liz credits her daughter Mary ’09 and sister Mary ‘71 for inspiring her continued involvement at The Summit. She served as a room parent and volleyball assistant during her daughter’s school days. After her sister died at age 26 in a car accident, Liz stayed close with Mary’s friends. “My friendships were my support,” Liz says. “The Summit has been my foundation. It’s not like there’s a beginning and an end.” As a semi-retired nurse and master gardener, Liz understands the importance of nurturing. She maintains six acres at the home she shares with her husband, Greg, in Forest Hills. “It’s an organic thing to get people to realize what a treasure Summit is and bring them back to campus,” Liz says. She marvels over how the school has grown while still maintaining the mission of its founders, the
Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. “ I can breathe in the past.” Even when she comes back to walk past new buildings, Liz says “every time I come here, I feel I’m going back to my roots. All this time has passed, but it hasn’t.” Artistic Achievement Award: Gavin Tabone ’92 Gavin Tabone ’92, recipient of the Artistic Achievement Award, gives retired Summit instructor Bruce Bowdon credit for inspiring his career choice. “I fell in love with the tunes he wrote and the Mass songs we sang,” Gavin says. The musical partnership continued postgraduation with Gavin returning to The Summit to direct Mr. Bowdon’s “Godspell” and perform in his 2011 “Adventures in Parenting.” Gavin is the music teacher and choir director at Barton Hills Elementary in Austin, Texas. Before that, he taught at the city’s Palm Elementary School where he founded the choir. Twice he’s been named teacher of the year. This extraordinary teacher leads an extraordinary choir. In 2006, his singers were featured on the Today Show with Lyle Lovett. They have also performed at the South by Southwest and Austin City Limits music festivals. The students perform with an adult band and have released 10 CDs, but fans can catch live gigs too. Austin’s mayor even proclaimed April 13, 2014, Barton Hills Choir Day. Gavin performs in his own funk-soul band, the Gavin Tabone Quartet, at an Austin club twice a month. The Vanderbilt University graduate plays keyboards. He also writes some of the rock songs for his choir students. “We have a broad range,” he says, including Broadway tunes, swing standards, the Beatles and the Flaming Lips. Submit a nomination for next year’s Alumni Awards, at www.summitcds.org/ alumni. Gavin Tabone ’92
44 Winter 2014 - 2015
L to R: Yohana Hill ’89, Bridget (McConnell) McCall ’98, seven-sport coach Laura Haas and Todd Kinross ’87.
Athletic Hall of Fame: Standouts from the ’80s, ‘90s recognized By Kathy Schwartz Three stars from teams of the 1980s and ’90s and one seven-sport coach were inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame during Homecoming Sept. 26-28. Yohana Hill ’89 was a standout football player at The Summit. He was a three-year starter on The Summit’s varsity football and baseball teams, serving as captain of both squads his senior year. He won Miami Valley Conference all-conference honors in both sports during his junior and senior years. He also played basketball. He received a football scholarship to Urbana University, then transferred to Bluffton University, where a knee injury ended his career. He received a degree in recreation management at Bluffton University and a master’s in sports leadership from Duquesne. He has remained involved in sports, working with athletes from grade school all the way to the NFL.
Now a resident of Lewis Center in central Ohio, he is Vice President of Foundation Management for Prolanthropy in Florence, Ky. The organization provides support for pro athletes’ charities. He helped found Buckeye Sports Tutor, which offers sports instruction for ages 6-18. He serves on the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Central Ohio Summer Camps Ministry advisory board. He is the former Athletic Director for Tree of Life Christian Schools in Columbus, where he taught physical education. The father of three continues to mentor fifth-grade boys at Tree of Life and take high schoolers through a program he started called Student Athlete Leadership Training. “Even though I have been out of the Cincinnati area, I have continued to cheer on the Silver Knights from a distance,” he says. “My time at Summit was life-changing. I am and always will be a Silver Knight.” Bridget (McConnell) McCall ’98 attended The Summit for only her junior and senior years, yet Summit Magazine 45
she built an admirable list of achievements in field hockey, track and field and basketball. She was field hockey MVP and an OSHAA all-Ohio player both years. In her junior year, she won the leading scorer award. She received OHSAA’s Field Hockey Association Scholar Athlete Award while team captain in her senior year. Bridget was Rookie of the Year in 1997 with the varsity track and field team and Most Improved Player the next year when she was district champion in the 300-meter hurdles. She received the captain’s award while playing varsity basketball. She went on to be an NCAA All-Star and second team All-American while on a field hockey scholarship at Georgetown University. Bridget lives with her husband in Washington, D.C., where she is Chief of Staff for commercial and specialty finance with Capital One. She’s in her first season as assistant field hockey coach at Washington’s Woodrow Wilson High School. Todd Kinross ’87 helped establish the swim team during his freshman year with assistance from Robert Juenke, the longtime coach of several Summit sports, and starred on the soccer and track teams. He was captain of the swim team for four years, and captain of soccer and track during his senior year. A member of the first Summit soccer team to advance in the playoffs, he also went to districts in both the half-mile and the pole vault. As a swimmer, he was a district qualifier and state alternate in the 200-meter individual medley. After high school, Todd received an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy where he was a member of the parachute jumping team. Graduating with a computer science degree, he cross-commissioned to the Navy and served six years, including five months in the Middle East as a navigator on the USS Mount Vernon. He ended his military career with a Marine Corps Special Operations company. Todd and his wife Karen returned to the Cincinnati area in 1997. Now Todd is watching daughter Allison, a junior, and son Scott, a freshman, in Summit swimming, soccer and cross country. He and Karen also have two younger
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children at St. Margaret of York in Loveland. A business analyst with the transportation company TQL, Todd stays active with sports and fitness. He is an umpire coordinator, coach and volunteer at Countryside YMCA. Laura Haas returned to The Summit in 1991 after teaching physical education and health and coaching here from 1983-85. She led seven sports as head or assistant coach: volleyball (1983-84), girls’ basketball (1983-85 and 199199), track and field (1983-85 and 2010-13), girls soccer (1984-85), field hockey (1991-2004), softball (1992-2008) and cross country (201013). Her record includes numerous league championships, six sectional championships, two district runner-up titles, one regional championship and trips to state contests in cross country and track and field. She coached six allOhio athletes in field hockey and three in softball. She earned nine Coach of the Year honors. She received the Southwest District Coaches Award for Sportsmanship, Ethics and Integrity twice, the MVC’s Frank Montgomery Award for excellence in coaching softball and an OHSAA award for exemplary contribution and service to athletics. Playing field hockey, basketball and softball at DePauw University, she earned her bachelor’s degree. Her master’s in education is from the University of Cincinnati. Stepping down from coaching to spend more time with her family – husband Jim Breyer and sister Joanna Haas ’85 – she teaches Health and Leadership and is Coordinator of Student Activities. “I have had the pleasure of coaching many remarkable student-athletes and treasure the endless memories,” Ms. Haas says. “Over the years I have enjoyed working with talented and knowledgeable coaching staffs. I feel blessed that I have become a better coach and a better person because of these fine athletes and coaches. The Summit has provided a strong environment of Christian integrity and athletic competiveness for all who seek an athletic opportunity, and I am proud to be a part of the experience.” Submit a nomination for next year’s Athletic Hall of Fame Awards at www.summitcds.org/ alumni.
2014 SUMMIT HOMECOMING WEEKEND
The class of 1984 snaps a keepsake at the “Selfie Station” during the annual Alumni Reception on Homecoming Weekend.
A face-painted young student smiles as the Silver Knight performs a dance for her at the SPA Fall Festival.
LaBar Family Honored at Mass The Alumni Association honored the extended LaBar family at the All Community Mass on Homecoming Weekend. In awarding the Honorary Family plaque, Head of School Rich Wilson credited the LaBar Family with “passionate energies” and “sacrificial support.” “The LaBars have demonstrated integrity and unselfish service, making significant contributions over many years,” he said. “They have contributed their time, talent and treasure to innumerable efforts at The Summit. Dan LaBar BMS ’77 and his wife Kim, parents of Madelyn ’16 and John ’20, are active in The Summit today. Their large legacy family includes more than a dozen Summit students and graduates, starting with seven children of the late Rees and Jean LaBar. The Carolyn and John R. LaBar Family Scholarship established in 2004 has helped four students receive the advantage of a Summit education. Members of the family who attended the Mass are, bottom row, L to R: John LaBar ‘20, Kim LaBar, Dan LaBar BMS ’77, Madelyn LaBar ‘16, Bailey Smith, Kate LaBar Smith (att), Ryan Smith. Top Row: David Hall, Ann (LaBar) Hall (att), Kim LaBar, Mike LaBar BMS ‘73, Meg (LaBar) Frede ‘77, Sue (LaBar) Rohde ‘74 and Steve Rohde.
Members of the Upper School Homecoming court are presented during halftime of the Homecoming football game. L to R: Seniors Esther Gault and Cole Bush, juniors Sara Bissantz and Jack Meyer, seniors Anna Erickson and Max McGrath, sophomores Caroline Schmerge and Matt LaMacchia and freshmen Ravin Alexander and Quinton Lyle. Summit Magazine 47
Class Notes
50s
John “Jack” Sheblessy SBS ’51 and his wife, Renate, are celebrating the 100th anniversary of their family’s continuous occupation of their Clifton home. Jack’s grandfather, an architect, built the house in 1914 and the home has been passed on from generation to generation.
60s
Conky Greiwe ’61, Assistant to the Chaplain and SPA Coordinator, Mary (Foss) Brinkmeyer ’69, Emily Jolly, Assistant to the Head of School and Summit Chaplain Phil Seher traveled to Germany and Paris in late June and July, 2014. While in Germany they stayed in Berchtesgaden
Class of 1963 celebrated their 50th reunion – with 22 of the 26 members of the class in attendance. Gathering on the front steps, as they did during their graduation, are L to R, Front Row: Sheila (Woliver) Young, Fran (Verkamp) Dillon, Cathy Devanney, Mardi (Zumbiel) Annis, Cheryl (Gourley) Lewis, Mary Ann (Nebel) Chappelear and Barb Siemon. Second Row: Joanie (Rust) Conner, Julie (Alteneau) Fealey, Monica (Moran) Spinnenweber, Karen (Dieterman) Calico and Sandy (Cousineau) Schaffner. Third Row: Mary Lee (Bryant) Bretz, Sarah (Diehl) Fernandez, Jo (Kling) Trippe, Nancy (Trautmann) Paddock, Elaine (Foley) Sicking and Connie (DeCourcy) Cussen. Fourth Row: Elaine (Murray) Gunn, Vicky (Pundsack) Reynolds, Jo (Schott) Butler and Kathy (Joseph) Tobin. 48 Winter 2014 - 2015
in the German Bavarian Alps near the border of Austria. They visited Oberammergau in southern Germany, famous for its Passion Play production performed every ten years. While there, a new hand-carved Baby Jesus was purchased for The Summit’s crèche. The sights of Munich, Augsburg, Salzburg and Rothenberg were stops on the way to their grand finale in Paris where they stayed on Ile Saint-Louis. Josephine “Jo” Kling ’63 shares that her company, Landry and Kling Events at Sea, was approached by the Rio 2016 Olympic Organizing Committee to contract for the use of cruise ships as supplemental housing for corporate sponsors and various Olympic delegations during the games. Natalie (Verkamp) Schoeny ’65 notes that the 50th reunion for the Class of ’65 is being planned. Activities are being set for the weekend of June 12-14, 2015. For more information, contact Natalie at nvschoeny@ comey.com or (513) 5201540.
70s Eileen (Steinle) Alexander ’76, a Ph.D.
Eileen (Steinle) Alexander ’76
candidate in the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Department of Environmental Health, was awarded a 2014 Research Council Graduate Student Fellowship to complete her doctorate in genomic epidemiology. After completing her doctorate, she will teach at the university level while conducting research in public health and epigenetics. Eileen holds a BSN, MS Biology and a Master’s Degree in biology and ecological toxicology. Peter Dorsey ’78 is a Senior Actuarial Consultant with Towers Watson; a leading global professional services company that helps organizations improve performance through effective people, risk and financial management. After Summit, he received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Chicago and two master’s degrees from Ohio State. He and Heidi live in Avon, Ohio, with their children, Jennifer and Jonathan.
Class Notes
80s 00s Steve Schueler BMS ’80, Chief Commercial Officer for Maersk Line in Denmark, reports that his company recently launched the largest ship in the world. In fact, they are building 20 of them. They reduce CO2 by 40 percent and hold over 18,000 containers. The ship, which is longer than the Eiffel Tower is tall, was featured in a Discovery documentary “Building the World’s Largest Ship.” These ships are used to ship the U.S. Food Aid program globally. Kristin (Steding) Tatman ’84 recently started a new career and a new business; Kristin Tatman Coaching officially launched in March 2014 to help families and business people manage attention deficit disorder. Kristin is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Spiritual Psychology at the University of Santa Monica.
Trenita (Brookshire) Childers ’01
Trenita (Brookshire) Childers ’01 was awarded a Fulbright U.S. Student Grant to conduct her dissertation research in the Dominican Republic during the 2014-2015 academic year. She is a Ph.D. student in the sociology program at Duke University and will be studying how perceived discrimination, ethnic identity and documentation status impact mental health for Haitian immigrants living in the Dominican Republic. Her husband Darryl and two children, Miles and Micah, will be joining her on this adventure.
Class of 1984 celebrated their 30th reunion on Homecoming weekend. Pictured front row L to R: Gina (Baluyot) Saba, Heather Zur, Kristin (Steding) Tatman, Kate Haffner; Back row L to R: Steve Headley, Christine Homan, Terry Miesle, Bill McJoynt and Mike Ward.
in May, 2014. He lives in Chicago where he passed the Illinois Bar exam and is finishing a legal internship at the Chicago Public Defenders Department in the homicide division. His mother, Valerie Newell, serves on The Summit’s Foundation Board.
Essa (Anderle) Torch ’02
Essa (Anderle) Torch ’02 is the owner of the Cincinnati event planning company, Essa Torch Events. She combines modern design aesthetic with over eight years of marketing agency experience. Essa resides in Mt. Lookout with her husband, Kevin.
Valerie Newell and Andrew Smith ’03 Andrew Smith ’03 graduated Magna Cum Laude and Law Review from the University of Cincinnati Law School
Parker Smith ’05 is a field engineer with Enerfab and travels across the country working in the Tank Division. He married Haley Fritz in September 2013 and they reside in Anderson Township. Kyndal Michel ‘07 is living in Boston, MA. In July, she started a new position as a Financial Analyst with Summit Partners, an investment firm. Outside the office, she is active in the Junior League of Boston and enjoys running. This past September she qualified for the Boston Marathon which she will run in 2015. Cathryn Bishop ’08 graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the Webb Institute, a
L to R: Summit alums Jimmy Champlin ’05, John Peterson ’05, Lisa (Mays) Peterson ’05 and Chris Champlin ’09 got together on Notre Dame’s campus in September to watch the football team take on Michigan.
Summit Magazine 49
Class Notes four-year, fully accredited engineering college that has specialized in naval architecture and marine engineering for the last 125 years. She is currently working as a naval architect for Bollinger Shipyards. Chloe Goodhart ’08 has landed a job as a Brand Assistant in the Young Readers division of Penguin Random House in New York. David Hoffman ’09 completed initial pilot training in the U.S. Air Force in October. He has been assigned as an Instructor Pilot for the T-1 Jayhawk based at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio, Texas. David is a 2009 Virginia Tech graduate with a degree from Pamplin School of Business, as well the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets.
10s
Christian Bruns ’10 graduated Magna Cum Laude in Electrical Engineering from the University of Tulsa in May. He has been awarded a fellowship at the Ohio State University and has begun pursuing his Ph.D.
50 Winter 2014 - 2015
Gabriella Chandra ’10 graduated from Case Western Reserve University in May. After being elected class president of the Department of Biomedical Engineering for her four years, Gaby had the honor of speaking at commencement.
Nathan Gustafson ’10 is a proud graduate of The United States Military Academy. Nate graduated in May and is a Second Lieutenant with the Army. Elizabeth Hoffman ’10 graduated Cum Laude from Virginia Tech where she double majored in Mathematics and Economics. She is pursuing her Master’s in Education at Virginia Tech and expects to graduate in May 2015. Elizabeth plans to teach mathematics in grades 6-12. Corinne Nelson ’10 graduated from Case Western Reserve University in May with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Corinne recently moved to Chicago and is employed as a Process Engineer for Solvay, a chemical manufacturing company. She is in a rotational
leadership program that allows her to test out different engineering positions throughout the company before taking a full-time position at the end of the program.
William Judd ’10 graduated from the University of Cincinnati with degrees in Biochemistry and Biology. He is employed by Q-Labs as a biochemist while working on his Masters in Business and certificate in Hospital Administration at the University of Cincinnati.
Alex Priede ’10 and Jackie Nord
Alex Priede ’10 graduated from The University of Notre Dame with a degree in Management Entrepreneurship. He is working at Valco Melton, a Cincinnati-based, global supplier of adhesive application equipment. Alex became engaged in May to Jackie Nord, a fellow ND grad and the two will be married in 2015.
Colin Cotton ’11 took second place in November’s National College Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III national championship race, ending his cross country career for Williams College. He was named All-American for DIII Track and Field placing fifth in the 5K race at the NCAA Division III Track and Field Championships at Ohio Wesleyan University this past spring. He was also recognized for AllAcademic Honors by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. In September, the association named him NCAA Division III National Men’s Athlete of the Week for his performance at the Saratoga Invitational in New York. Alex Nourse ‘11 studied abroad in China this summer at the Beijing Culture and Language University and has created a blog at the request of The Alliance for Global Education. You can read all about his adventures in his blog: aredheadinbeijing. wordpress.com. Peter Hoffman ’12 was a summer intern at Fox News in New York City, where he joined the “Making Money” panel in July to debate whether or not summer interns should be paid.
Class Notes He is a junior at Ball State University majoring in telecommunications and journalism, with a minor in political science. Peter is the color commentator announcer for the Cardinals women’s basketball team, hosts the weekly talk show “Infield Chatter” on WCRD, and contributes to the Newslink television station. Marina Jemail ’12 made the University of Dayton’s Dean’s List for achieving a minimum 3.5 GPA for the 2014 spring semester. Marina is majoring in Adolescence to Young Adult Education. Benjamin Emery ’12 made the University of Dayton’s Dean’s List for achieving a minimum 3.5 GPA for the spring semester. Ben is majoring in business. Maria Temming ’12 interned for Sky and Telescope magazine over the summer. Two of her articles were published in the October edition. Ty Wahlbrink ’12 has been named the new Associate Director of the INTERalliance of Greater Cincinnati in May 2014. The company is a local non-profit consortium of Fortune 100 businesses, tech startups, universities and high schools. Ty will manage all operations and programs and reports to the Board of Directors composed of the CIOs of the region’s largest corporations.
BIRTHS
Courtnee Garr ’91 and her husband Doug Frimming welcomed Rowan Jose Frimming on March 25, 2014. Rowan joins siblings Rian, Logan, Skylar and Zachary.
Lauren (Brinkmeyer) Goebel ’96, her husband Wes and big sister Elise welcomed Patrick Joseph Goebel II to the family on May 21, 2014. Patrick is the grandson of former Assistant Head of School Mary Brinkmeyer ’67 and Joseph Brinkmeyer, currently on the Board of Trustees. The family is doing well and living in Chicago, Ill.
Andrew Davis ’02 and his wife Erin welcomed their first child, daughter Piper Rose, on May 23, 2014. The family resides in Denver, Colo.
WEDDINGS In the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel Marcie Stayton ’01 and Christopher Kraus, April 5, 2014
Allie Newkirk and Patrick Bayer ’07, July 25, 2014 (above) Mallory Botsford ’07 and Nick Bridle, June 14, 2014 (above) Michelle Pembaur (att.) and Michael Pater, July 12, 2014
Caitlin Gardner SMS ’00 and Brendan Cannon, July 26, 2014 Brittany Zimmerman and Michael Bruns ’08, Aug. 8, 2014
Lisa Mays ’05 and John Peterson ’05, May 24, 2014 Theresa (Uckotter) Bailey ’01 and her husband Bill welcomed daughter Josephine Margaret on April 28, 2014. Josephine is the granddaughter of Summit faculty Ken and Diane Uckotter. Mom, dad and baby are doing well and reside in Bermuda.
Olga “Gigi” Duarte ’02 and R.S. “Chip” Heidt SMS ’98, Aug. 30, 2014 Elizabeth Thurner (att.) and Erich Boomgarden, Sept. 6, 2014
Ellen Martin ’04 and Mark Stern, Sept. 27, 2014 Elizabeth Blum and Christopher Vollmer SMS ’98, Oct. 4, 2014
Hayley Littlejohn SMS ’00 and Jared Howe, Sept. 20, 2014 Summit Magazine 51
Class Notes Weddings Elsewhere
(Heekin) Backmeyer ’41, and Martha (Heekin) Bunker ’44, Aug. 18, 2014.
FRIENDS
Mary Margaret “Alex” Doyle and Spencer Lunt van der Zee ’05, were married at St. Francis de Sales, June 21, 2014. The wedding party included fellow alumni: Andrew Campbell ’98; Evan Meyer ’05, Stephen Campbell ’05; Ryan Maloney ’05; Bart van der Zee ’09; Zach Herche ’05 and Brett Schnirring ’05. Hillary Kramer ’98 and David Lynch, Dallas, Texas, August 24, 2013. (left)
IN MEMORY ALUMNI Elizabeth (Cronin) Connelly ’47, May 10, 2014. Cynthia (Wrocklage) Bauer ’49, sister of Lynne Wrocklage ‘ 62, October 11, 2014. Phil Fitzpatrick SBS ’50, brother of Gerri (Fitzpatrick) Stoffregen ’62, Jan. 19, 2014.
Anthony “Jack” Condon, husband of Linda (Decker) Condon ’58, July 16, 2014. Carlotta “Lottie” Crane, mother of Tracey (Crane) Duda ’71, Colleen Crane ’72, Grettchen (Crane) McGoff ’75. Vincent Dimasi, husband of Holly (Glaser) Dimasi ’73, June 23, 2014.
Mary Ann (Brockhaus) Orlik ’49, sister of Jane (Brockhaus) Scallan ’54, March 31, 2014. Nancy (Stone) Black ’57, mother of Ralph Kohnen (att.), Allen Kohnen (att.) and Nan (Kohnen) Cahall ’82, July 7, 2014. John Kohnen SBS ’59, brother of Ann Marrocco ’57, Clare Cahill ’60, and Debbie Lynch ’67, March 30, 2014.
Helen (Cloud) Harrington ’48, sister of Agnes (Cloud) Morse ’53, April 10, 2014.
Kathryn (Fisk) Derrick ’66, daughter of Peggy (Hollmeyer) Fisk ’42 and sister of Barbara (Fisk) Hatch ’69, Sept. 16, 2014.
J. King McMurry ’73, father of Kaitlin McMurry ’09, brother to Kyndle McMurry ’82, Kyle McMurry BMS ’75, and Ken McMurry BMS ’81, Jan. 8, 2014.
Mary Frances Fitzgerald (att.), mother of Karyn (Fitzgerald) Tepe ’69, Laurie (Fitzgerald) Althaus ’72, Sam (Mary Frances II) Fitzgerald ’74, sister of Nancy
52 Winter 2014 - 2015
Kevin Clark, brother of Technology Specialist Alex Clark, April 19, 2014.
Edward Dohrmann, husband of Renie (Leonard) Dohrmann ‘64, June 29, 2014. George Drew, father of John Drew BMS ’72 and Dr. William Drew SBS ’70, Feb. 21, 2014. Daniel Funk, father of Lower School faculty Ellen Funk, April 23, 2014.
Thomas Hefele, husband of Betty (Koch) Hefele ’47 and father of Laurie Hefele ’70, May 12, 2014. Betty Kaiser, former Business Office clerk, Sept. 25, 2014. Luke Leonard, brother of Harry Dornheggen SBS ’57, David Dornheggen SBS ’62 and Tim Leonard BMS ‘74, June 11, 2013. Bridget Lindsay, daughter of Conky Greiwe ’61, Assistant to the Chaplain, Aug. 20, 2014. Dorothy Polon, mother of Barry Polon SBS ’60 and Bruce Polon SBS ’65, May 8, 2014. Lawrence “Fred” Ratterman, Jr., brother of Margy (Ratterman) Calloway ’67, Jan. 18, 2014. Marian Remke, mother of Bill Remke SBS ’71 and Jim Remke ’82, March 31, 2014. Joseph Rippe Sr., father of Tennis Coach Kate Rippe, July 30, 2014.
Joan Haas, mother of Upper School Faculty Laura Haas and Joanna Haas ’85, Aug. 6, 2014.
Matthew Rohde, brother of Michael Rohde ’07, June 9, 2014.
Dennis Harrington, brother of Maureen (Harrington) Ruppert ’55, Oct. 7, 2014.
Suzanne Rosebraugh, mother of Sarah (Rosebraugh) Brown ’92, May 2, 2014.
Matthew Heekin, brother of Steve Heekin ’70, Karen (Heekin) Cassady ’72, and Tony Heekin ’75, May 19, 2014.
J. Patrick Ryan, father of J. Michael Ryan ’86 and J. Matthew Ryan ’91, March 31, 2014. Dene Alfred Shiels, brother of Mary (Shiels)
Class Notes Albanese ’71, Laura (Shiels) Palazzolo ’75, Aimee (Shiels) Pauly ’76 and Robert Shiels BMS ’78, May 22, 2014. Merilee Turner, mother of Benjamin Turner ’19, May 7, 2014. Irwin “Irv” Vollman, father of Kimberly (Vollman) Wagner ’83, July 16, 2014. Peter Wilton, husband of Jane (Weber) Wilton ’50 and father of Karen (Wilton) Crane ’73, Oct. 10, 2014. Thomas Winstel, brother of Joan (Winstel) Weidenbruch ’60, April 29, 2014. George “Skip” Yarnell, husband of Paula (Bien) Yarnell ’65, and father of Tyler Yarnell ’97 and Tate Yarnell ’01, May 2, 2014.
Summit Archive Project Volunteers are starting to sort through and catalog many years of archival treasures in order to have displays made for our 125th anniversary in 2015. Please remember The Summit’s archive project when culling your treasures – newspapers, programs, awards, photos, Rostrums, report cards. We are happy to have anything from your days at The Summit. Contact Conky Greiwe at greiwe_c@summitcds.org or (513) 871-4700 x239.
Collegiate All-Stars These alumni are on college teams this year. Baseball Doug Compton ’14, DePauw University Tommy Crowl ‘13, Marietta College Jack Gustafson ’11, St. Thomas University Michael Jaeger ‘13, Thomas More College Jack Meininger ‘13, Mount St. Joseph University Gabe Scott ’12, George Washington University
Alex Vance ’14, University of Dayton Armand Walker ’13, Morehead State University Lacrosse Evan Albertson ‘11, College of Wooster Lizzie Russert ‘11, College of the Holy Cross David Smith ‘13, Transylvania University Rebecca Stromberg ’14, Belmont Abbey College
Basketball Soccer Amauria Campbell ‘13, Ohio Northern University Kevin Johnson ’13, University of Cincinnati Antonio Woods ’14, University of Pennsylvania Cheerleading Andrea Bacho ’11, Denison University Cross Country & Track Ellie Adams ’14, St. Louis University Sophie Adams ’14, St. Louis University Colin Cotton ’11, Williams College Warren Hill ’13, Hampton University Dale Lakes ’13, West Point Academy Charlie Michel ‘12, Ashland University Diving Allison Brophy ’14, Clemson University Football Michael Barwick ’14, Indiana University Daniel Bruns ’14, Marist University La Don Laney ’12, Kentucky Wesleyan University
Liz Arnold ’11, Emory University Isaiah Chapman ‘14, Cincinnati State Matt De Jesus ’14, Carnegie Mellon University Eddie de St. Aubin ‘12, Franciscan University Ben Emery ‘13, University of Dayton Addie Englehart ’14, Wright State University Ryan Hall ‘13, Thomas More College Christian Hay ’14, University of Cincinnati Caelan Hueber ’13, Adelphi University Bryce Hueber ’14, Wright State University Joey Kunkel ’13, University of Louisville Brandon Lorentz ‘13, Thomas More College Ayanna Parker ’13, University of Kentucky Jake Rawlings ’13, DePaul University Meredith Schertzinger ’14, University of Alabama – Birmingham Mia Schreibeis ’14, Winthrop University Volleyball Dana Thomas ’14, Oberlin College
Summit Magazine 53
Legacy Families Parents and grandparents were invited to join their students for this annual legacy gathering. Current legacy students include: Montessori Elyse and Lily Arling; Huck Bortz; Deirdre Brinkmeyer; J.J. and Millie Castellini; Finley and Gabby Chavez; Asher Clauder; Rowan Cosgrove; Maddy Dobbs; Dillon Fox; Lily Fraser; Dylan Gonyo; James Griffith; Jake and Bebe Heekin; Alex Johnson; James Klein; Aliviah McCarter; Hadley and Nolan O’Brien; Abigayle Penote; Jack and Will Potter; Chloe and William Ragland; Caroline and Jack Reynolds; Charlotte Rudolph; Jenna Smyth; Alex and Riley Stagnaro; Natalie Tabone; Madeleine Wade; Natalya Wangler; Patrick and Walker Williams; Addie Grace Wilson; and Lilly Yarnell. Lower School Haley Baker; Mason and Trey Butler; Mia Cavallo; C.C. and Jillian Chavez; Joshua Clauder; Katie Conway; Conlan and Devlan Daniel; Grant Desch; Christian Francis; EsmÊ Gonyo; Trey Joseph; Gracey Kelly; Finn and Paige Kropp; Annette LaLonde; Holland and Trey Lippert; Ellen Love; Jasmine McCarter; Benny Penote; Cecilia and John Ragland; Addie Ransick; Mercer Reynolds; Charlie Ritch; Grace Sanders; Luke Schneider; Kate, Michael and Sam Stagnaro; Susie Stahl; and Shareef Zawaideh. Middle School Drew Cavallo; Sammi Crew; Keelan Daniel; Luke Desch; Mary Anne Drew; Elizabeth Dziech; Tara Franke; Hughie Headley; Oren Jenkins; Sadie Joseph; John LaBar; Grace and Greg LaLonde; Lily Lippert; Oscar March; John Penote; Alexandra, Liza, Molly and Sydney Ragland; Auggie Ransick; Hudson and Lily Ritch; Bella and Margeaux Saba; Benjamin and Jack Schmerge; Jacob Schneider; Martha Seltman; Maggie Stagnaro; James Stahl; Matthew and Sarah Sutton; Luis Valencia; Victoria Walton; Charlie and Paul Wilson. Upper School Elise Becker; Sydney Beckmeyer; Teddy Bohlke; Katie and Meghan Byrne; Courtney Chamberlin; Caroline Crew; Katherine Cummings; Kerri Daniel; Rielly Dowling; Anna Erickson; Maggie Fisk; Dane Franke; Elisabeth Gottenbusch; Elizabeth and Maggie Harsh; Katie Anne Headley; Robert Kerr; Allison and Scott Kinross; Eric, Kevin and Lilly Kroencke; Madelyn LaBar; Helena March; Jackson and Jamie McKeever; Nick Latham; Connor McMurry; Elena and Nick Montag; Luc Moser; Emma and Khakie Nies; Jacob Pauly; Max Rowitz; Monica Saba; Lucy Schroder; Caroline Schmerge; Kyle and Ryan Schneider; August Schweitzer; Hank Seltman; Hope Thomson; Mary Towell; Ale Valencia; Diego Vallota; Avery Walter; Caroline and Emily Walton; Noelle Weber; and Nathan Whitsett. 54 Winter 2014 - 2015
Save The Date APRIL 21, 2015 Senior Mass Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel, 1 p.m. MAY 8, 2015 Fleur-De-Lis Mass and Luncheon (Celebrating alumni who have graduated 40+ years ago) Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel & St. Cecilia, 11 a.m. MAY 17, 2015 Mass honoring Fr. Phil Seher’s 50 years in the priesthood Chapel, Noon. MAY 24, 2015 Class of 2015 Graduation Chapel, 2 p.m. OCTOBER 2, 2015 Homecoming & Reunion Weekend All alumni are invited and welcome to attend the events on campus. Class years ending in “0” and “5” are encouraged to plan individual reunion gatherings on Saturday, October 3.
If you are interested in helping organize your Class Year Reunion, please e-mail Janine Boeing, at boeing_j@summitcds.org or call 513-871-4700, ext. 240
A Few Last Words to Alumni, I am excited to introduce myself as the new Alumni Engagement and Gifts Officer at The Summit. I am thrilled to be part of The Summit family and am looking forward to working with you to strengthen the bond between The Summit and our alumni. The big news in this issue of the magazine is the plan to build a five-story addition to the east wing through our Aiming Higher comprehensive fundraising campaign. We also tell a heart-warming story about Hertzel and Theobold scholar Jaden Woodard – a freshman who is all heart. And we celebrate the accomplishments of alumni: • Our Hall of Fame inductees included three accomplished athletes and a long-time, seven-sport coach. • We awarded four alumni for career accomplishments and service. • We surveyed where our young alumni are playing collegiate athletics. • Our Alumni Class Notes section is two pages bigger than it usually is, so thanks to the alumni and alumni parents for sending us updates. Here are a couple new things you don’t see in this magazine: •
New on our website is a mini-site dedicated to testimonials from alumni that answer the question: “What’s So Great About The Summit?” Read and listen to them for yourself at www.summitcds.org/what-alumni-say. (Call me if you want to add your voice to this chorus.)
•
New for your smart phone is an Alumni App that helps you“UKnight ” with each other. Discover alumni living in your area; search the directory by name, class year or industry; search by location and see the results on a map; and connect with The Summit’s social media channels. Read more about it at www.summitcds.org/alumniapp.
As we approach our 125th anniversary year, you can be proud of your alma mater. The Summit is Aiming Higher than ever before to ensure that future generations have the same foundation of college preparatory academics and character development that you had. Please consider contributing to our Aiming Higher campaign to help keep The Summit strong for another 125 years.
Janine Boeing Alumni Engagement and Gifts Officer
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