Tatnall Today Spring/Summer 2017 by The Tatnall School

TODAY

M AGA Z INE

The Experience of a

Lifetime

Spring/Summer 2017

After more than a decade at The Tatnall School, our graduating lifers are preparing to move on to the next steps of their educational journeys.

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Picture Perfect

Tatnall Treasures

Tatnallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Preschool Picassos Paint Self-Portraits

From historical documents and black-and-white photographs to athletic gear and Tatnall family heirlooms, items from the Tatnall archives have stood the test of time.

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Spring/Summer 2017

Table of Contents

FEATURES

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Disciplined, Focused and Bright The trifecta Tatnall student sprints to success. Page 19

At the Corner of Graduation and Your Future Tatnall’s college counseling process helps students find their path.

The Experience of a Lifetime Talk about the full Tatnall experience — ‘Lifers’ thrive on the complete Preschool-to-12 foundation.

Tatnall Traditions Tatnall traditions connect generations of graduates, but they also prove that what Mrs. Tatnall said is true — “Tatnall is not just a school. It’s a way of life.”

Edible Experiments What’s cookin’? Tatnall’s chemistry students combine science and cooking in a unique, hands-on elective.

A Taste of Broadway

A Give and Take

Dramaturg Tessa LaNeve ’01 gets her start at Tatnall.

Waggl co-founder and CEO Michael Papay ’94 helps Tatnall discover alumni stories.

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Around Campus Foreword

As I reflect on my year at The Tatnall School, I am more impressed by the Tatnall spirit and mission than ever. Having been a part of the Tatnall Family for the last several months, I have witnessed the school’s remarkable students, faculty and

M AGAZINE

TODAY

A MESSAGE FROM TIM

The Tatnall School 1501 Barley Mill Road | Wilmington, DE 19807 (302) 998-2292 | www.tatnall.org Tatnall Today is published twice a year by Tipton Communications. Copyright by The Tatnall School. Alumni and faculty articles encouraged.

EDITOR

staff in action, and I have been welcomed

Nicole Fullerton, Tipton Communications, (302) 454-7901

into a rich and engaged school community.

DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT

Most notably, I have seen the motto that

Page Pepper McConnel, (302) 892-4333, pagemcconnel@tatnall.org

struck me when I began my term as Interim

DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS

Head — Omnia in Caritate or “All Things in Love” — brought to life each day in

Anita Marcial, (302) 892-4337, anitamarcial@tatnall.org

Tatnall’s classrooms and on the school’s playing fields and performance stages.

PHOTOGRAPHY Jim Graham ’77 and Tatnall Staff

During the second half of the school year, Tatnall made tremendous progress on several initiatives. We began work on a new sports tower and we broke ground on a new turf field for the girls field hockey and lacrosse programs (see page 24). At the same time, we watched as the Tatnall Class of 2017 prepared for the next stages of their educational journeys (see page 12), and we enjoyed another incredible Showcase performance (see page 26). As Tatnall continues to authentically live its mission and prepare students for the world beyond, I am confident the school will continue to be one of the most distinctive college-preparatory schools in America. Christopher R. Tompkins joins an innovative and energetic community, and I am confident he will continue Tatnall’s forward-leaning momentum. It has been a privilege to serve as the Interim Head of The Tatnall School and to forge relationships in this extraordinary community. As I prepare to move on to a new adventure, I am confident that I will not soon forget Tatnall’s culture, ethos and commitment to its students.

Timothy M. Burns, Ph.D. Interim Head of School

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2016–2017 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

2016-2017 ADMINISTRATION

Interim Head of School, Timothy M. Burns, Ph.D. | Head of Upper School, Timothy J. Quinn | Head of Middle School, Rebecca Rollinson | Head of Lower School, Deanna L. Bocchetti | Head of Preschool, Aimee C. Neff Business Manager, Paula L. Hager | Director of Athletics, Patrick L. Jones | Director of Enrollment and Financial Aid, Sarah Dalton Quinn | Director of Operations, Gilbert E. Roberts, Jr.

2016-2017 ALUMNI COUNCIL

The Tatnall School admits students of any race, color, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin and ancestry to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate in the administration of its educational and admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

Around Campus

STEM Students Impress Siemens Engineers

Tinker, Imagine, Create: Innovation Day 2017 From lacrosse equipment made from sticks to homemade dog treats and LEGO cars, Tatnall saw no shortage of creativity during Innovation Day — a day dedicated to passionate, self-directed learning. Throughout the day, students in all of our divisions let their imaginations run wild as they participated in hands-on, project-based learning activities designed to give them an experience of autonomy, mastery and purpose.

During the Siemens Corporation’s 2017 STEM challenge, Justin Leary ’17, Chase Reid ’18, Ethan Smith ’18 and Ansel Tessier ’18 faced 20 teams of engineers in a challenge that tasked participants with creating a device capable of transporting water through a series of tubes, wheels and funnels. Impressively, the boys — who were also the only high school students in attendance — created the device that transported more water from top to bottom than any other competing team!

So You Want to Be a Rock Star: Lower School Students Arrange Author Visit Have you ever wanted to be a rock star? Tatnall’s fourth-grade students have, and they made their dream a reality by arranging a visit from Audrey Vernick, the author behind several books including, “So You Want to Be a Rock Star” and “Unlike Other Monsters.” In order to raise the funds necessary for the visit, the students put their entrepreneurial and managerial skills to the test as they opened the Tatnall Tasty Treats Shop. In April, the students’ hard work paid off, and they were able to bring Vernick to campus after raising nearly $1,500 through sales from the Tasty Treats Shop and a raffle for a chance to have lunch with Vernick.

Spring/Summer 2017 :: Tatnall Today ::

Around Campus

Coffee with Talent and Tatnall In January, Tatnall students and faculty members showcased their talents during The Tatnall School Coffee House. Held at the restored Queen Theater, Tatnall’s artists performed on the Queen’s downstairs stage, which has been graced by thousands of professional musicians, including John Legend and Cyndi Lauper. The show featured performances from nearly 30 students, as well as the Women’s Choir accompanied by music teacher Rowena Gutana, The Tatnall Singers and the Treble Choir. Our performers wowed the crowd with Broadway solo performances, as well as covers of songs by Billy Joel and Coldplay, classical, pop and folk songs and original compositions. Philly rock veteran John Faye ’84 also joined in and performed songs from his new solo album, “Meddling Kid,” which won the WSTW Hometown Heroes Homey Award for 2015 Album of the Year.

A Slam Dunk: Hornet Hoops In February, more than 50 Lower and Middle School students took part in Hornet Hoops, a one-day basketball program hosted on the Tatnall campus. Throughout the action-packed day, participating students had the incredible opportunity to run drills and play games with members of their favorite basketball team — the Tatnall Hornets. Organized by Tatnall’s Black & Gold Club, parent volunteers and members of the varsity boys and girls basketball teams, the event gave current and prospective students in grades four through eight an inside look at Tatnall’s athletic program. In March, a similar program called The Hornet Clinic gave Tatnall’s Lower and Middle School students a chance to experience varsity sports — this time with the help of Tatnall’s boys lacrosse team!

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Presenting their Passions: Tatnall’s Independent Scholars Presentations In April, Tatnall’s Independent Scholars shared their projects during a celebratory presentation for students, faculty and alumni. Established to honor Tatnall’s belief in the importance of providing students with opportunities to pursue independent work as a “means to nurture curiosity and to encourage students to grow in curiosity and self-esteem,” the program gives students the autonomy to direct their own learning. Our scholars did a fabulous job and presented extremely diverse topics ranging from Architecture and Urban Development in Wilmington to the Harmful Effects of Plastics on the Human Body to the Fusion of Culture in Chinese and American Fashion.

Not pictured: Caroline Foley, Isaiah Jones and Sam Ragland.

Hornets Go Higher Ed Throughout the school year, Tatnall recognizes and celebrates the many student-athletes who have committed to continue their athletic careers during college. On National Signing Day, four Tatnall seniors signed their National Letters of Intent: Oliver Campbell ’17 (baseball, Dartmouth College); Caroline Foley ’17 (track and field, United States Naval Academy); Karl Holler ’17 (football, West Point); Savannah Pankow ’17 (track and field, United States Naval Academy). The following students will also compete at the college level: • Alex Browning ’17 (lacrosse, McDaniel College) • Cameron Easton ’17 (football, Southern Connecticut State University) • Melissa Jernakoff ’17 (field hockey, Wheaton College) • Isaiah Jones ’17 (football, Muhlenberg College) • Terry Li ’17 (swimming, St. Lawrence University) • Dan Murphy ’17 (baseball, Susquehanna University) • Sam Ragland ’17 (football, Ursinus College) • Sulaiman Saunders ’17 (track and field, Misericordia University)

Penn Relays: Tatnall Girls Win! In addition to several impressive performances at the Penn Relays, the relay team of Keelin Hays ’19 (1:01.67), Savannah Pankow ’17 (59.05), Lauren Anshen ’19 (1:03.15) and Kayla Woods ’18 (56.79) won the Northern Delaware section of the 4x400 meter relay a full nine seconds ahead of the second-place team. The girls received a prestigious Penn Relays trophy that will hang proudly at Tatnall. The time ran by the four girls during the race is the fastest time run by a Tatnall team at the Penn Relays in the last 14 years! The girls track and field team also won the 2017 State Championship!

Award-Winning Artists and Authors In addition to the many arts awards received this year, Tatnall’s students brought home more Gold Key and individual awards than any other private school in Delaware during the 2017 Scholastic Art Awards, the nation’s most prestigious art competition for creative teens. This year, our Middle School students also had a record-breaking year, finishing in the top five for most Keys awarded at the seventh and eighth grade levels! After national adjudication, three of the regional Gold Key winners — Ashley Balick ’18, Ella Catterton ’18 and Martha Holler ’21 — received national medals. Impressively, Martha is the first Tatnall Middle School student to ever receive a national award! During the Delaware Scholastic Writing contest, our students also impressed the judges. Tatnall was presented with a total of 26 awards — the second highest of any school in the state — and Caroline James ’18 and Mia Wilson ’17 were presented with Gold Keys at the regional level.

Spring/Summer 2017 :: Tatnall Today ::

Around Campus

Movinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; On Up Whether they are moving on to the Lower, Middle or Upper School, our students were recognized for their accomplishments during special celebratory ceremonies.

Field Day 2017 Our Lower and Middle School Swords and Shields left it all on the field during the 2017 Field Day competitions. Ultimately, the Shields were victorious in both divisions, but all of our students demonstrated sportsmanship, teamwork and Tatnall pride!

Preschool Fun Run On your mark, get set, go! Our Preschool students and parents laced up their running shoes for the annual Fun Run!

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Family Fun Night Food trucks, fireworks, music and FUN! The entire community had a blast during the second annual Family Fun Night.

Hornet Helpers Through time, talent or treasure, Tatnall’s dedicated supporters enrich our students’ experience and support the mission of The Tatnall School. Interested in becoming more involved? Please consider sharing your skills and ideas through one of the opportunities listed below.

Parents:

Alumni:

Encourage Giving This year, and every year, Tatnall asks parents to support The Fund for Tatnall. Help Tatnall reach its annual fundraising goal by contacting other parents and asking them to join in supporting the school. To help, call the Advancement Office at (302) 892-4386.

Spread the Word Word-of-mouth is our strongest marketing tool, so please encourage your friends and family members who are not already part of the Tatnall community to schedule a visit. To learn more about how you can help drive admissions, call the Admissions Office at (302) 892-4285.

Encourage Alumni Giving As you reflect on your time at Tatnall, what stands out the most? As a Tatnall graduate, you play an important role in carrying on our school’s legacy. In addition to supporting The Fund for Tatnall, please encourage your classmates to give and help carry on Tatnall’s tradition of excellence. To get started, call the Advancement Office at (302) 892-4386.

Host a Reception Do you enjoy entertaining? If so, please consider becoming an event host for the Tatnall alumni community. Each year, Tatnall’s Alumni Office hosts events throughout the country, and we are always looking for alumni who can offer a venue. If interested, please call the Alumni Office at (302) 892-4337.

Join a Parent Volunteer Group

Update your Contact Information

Whether it’s through the Black & Gold Club or the Home & School Association, there are several opportunities for parents to get involved. Tatnall’s events and programs depend on volunteer support, and all proceeds benefit Tatnall’s students. To get involved, call the Advancement Office at (302) 892-4335.

Keep up with Tatnall! If you’re interested in learning more about alumni news and events, please be sure Tatnall has your most up-todate contact information. If you need to make an update, please call our Alumni Office at (302) 892-4337.

Photograph an Event If you regularly attend Tatnall events and take photographs, please consider sharing the images with the Communications Office for use in publications or on the website. Call the Communications Office at (302) 892-4338 to get started.

To learn more on how to get involved, contact Page McConnel at (302) 892-4333 or pagemcconnel@tatnall.org.

Spring/Summer 2017 :: Tatnall Today ::

In the Classroom

“It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.” — Picasso

Picture Perfect Tatnall’s Preschool Picassos Paint Self-Portraits “It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.”

Zachary Deadwyler ’29 Represents Tatnall During Youth Art Month Exhibit In March, Preschool artist Zachary Deadwyler ’29 represented the State of Delaware during the Youth Art Month museum exhibition in New York City. Administered by the Council for Art Education (CFAE), Youth Art Month emphasizes the value of art education for all children. “Zachary is a phenomenal athlete, and yet he can come into the art room and produce something really amazing,” says Preschool art teacher Alison Morgenstern. Tessa Colasante ’25, Beatrice Lintner ’17 and Alexander Williams ’22 also represented the State of Delaware during the exhibit.

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Sharing a quote from famous artist Pablo Picasso, Preschool art teacher Alison Morgenstern proudly showed off her students’ completed self-portraits. “As we get older, we try to create art so perfectly, but there is something so beautiful and carefree about a child’s art,” she explains. Under Morgenstern’s guidance, Tatnall’s prekindergarten and kindergarten students were introduced to their first lesson in selfportraiture. The students explored basic art elements, learned new vocabulary, observed face structure and proportion and referred to some of the most famous paintings in history before recreating their own unique features using paint and crayon. “After the project ended and we had free draw, I noticed the students would sit down and draw themselves. They looked closely at the proportions on their faces and they understood how the individual pieces fit together,” says Morgenstern. While the students walked away with an understanding of painting and portraiture,

Morgenstern was most impressed by another lesson the students learned — one that will serve them well beyond the walls of the art room. When it came time for the students to paint their unique hair, skin and eye colors, the students realized that rather than using standard bottled colors of paint, they could instead mix colors to create the perfect shade. “One of my students has wonderful bright red hair that is completely different than the other 54 kids I teach,” Morgenstern explains. “So, I said, let’s mix it up. We grabbed some orange paint and some brown paint, and soon we had the perfect color for Finnegan.” Drawing inspiration from the children’s book “Elmer the Patchwork Elephant,” each of the students “mixed up” their unique shades to create accurate self-portraits. “I wouldn’t have initially associated Elmer with the portraiture project, but I realized there was a lesson that had to be taught,” Morgenstern explains. “The students learned to own and be proud of who they are. No matter what color your hair, eyes or skin may be, we’re all unique and special.”

“There were times when the students really wanted to let their imaginations run wild,” says first-grade teacher Renee Greene. “But we just kept reminding them, ‘You have to keep it real.’ ”

Keeping It Real This spring, in celebration of the end of a Writer’s Workshop unit focused on realistic fiction — a genre consisting of stories that could have actually happened to people or animals in a believable setting — Tatnall’s Lower School students created original box sets with one goal in mind: to keep it real. “In order to write a successful, realistic fiction story, the students had to develop a main character, determine a story location and create a problem and solution for that character,” says firstgrade teacher Renee Greene. “We explained that each student’s character was going to have a lot of problems, resulting in several books for each box set,” adds first-grade teacher Ramona Dowling. For many students, developing a character’s problems and eventual solutions was the highlight of the project. “My character Lester gets into all sorts of trouble,” explains Michael Fineman ’28. “While the students had to follow the ‘rules’ associated with realistic fiction, it was still a very open-ended project,” says Dowling. “As teachers, we were able to sit back and watch each student develop unique and interesting problems and solutions.” Adding to the creative aspect of the project, each student also had the opportunity to colorfully illustrate their box set as well as the pages of their stories. “I liked making my box and sketching,” says Olivia Elton ’28. “But you also have to make your words sound and look right,” she adds.

In addition to the box sets, the students created short commercials. You can view the commercials by scanning the QR codes above. If you don’t have a QR reader, visit www.the-qrcode-generator.com. The project was a favorite for the first graders, who eagerly looked forward to Writer’s Workshop when they could continue writing and illustrating. “As a teacher, it is such a thrill to see the excitement on the students’ faces as they bring the concepts they’ve learned to life,” says Dowling. Adds Greene, “The students’ enthusiasm for writing has been so clear throughout the entire year. Our students love to write.”

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In the Classroom

Tatnall’s Traveling Trailblazers In March, while most Tatnall students were enjoying spring break, Chaily Derecskey ’21 and Nailah Kellman ’21 were gearing up for their first day of school.

10 - year - old Guatemalan student Ana during her visit to Tatnall. “Our visitors created an interest for travel to Guatemala — one that didn’t exist before.”

Once in Guatemala, Chaily and Nailah each had her own very unique experience. While they both lived in Guatemala City, Chaily stayed with the Bonilla Valdez family and attended the Montessori school. Trip Highlights Nailah essentially experienced two cultures during her stay with the Riechsams – a ■■ Chaily – “I really liked going German family – and attended The German to school. I made so many School. The girls also each visited Tikal (a friends, and everyone was site of Mayan ruins), the colonial city of so nice — we’ve kept in Antigua and a coffee plantation. touch through Instagram and “Aside from increased confidence in WhatsApp.” their Spanish-speaking abilities, traveling ■■ Nailah – “Guatemalan food is to Guatemala really enabled the girls to delicious. The food and the make new friends and become world coffee are amazing — if you’re travelers,” explains Hughes, who also not a coffee drinker and you took part in the exchange as a faculty visit Guatemala, you’re about to chaperone. “You’re absolutely more open become one.” to experiences like this when you’re younger. I think we all lived and learned ■■ Señora Hughes – “The entire a lot of new things.” trip was so eye-opening for the Upon their return, Chaily and Nailah students. This relationship has prepared an engaging presentation for the introduced so many new and entire Middle School. “I think if we didn’t positive things into the Tatnall do it first, the other students may have felt community, and I hope the too shy to try it,” says Nailah. partnership continues for years to come.” “I would recommend this experience to

“I was extremely nervous going to school because I wasn’t sure how the students would react to me,” recalls Nailah. “But when I walked in, I was immediately surrounded by smiling faces.” The experience was one of several “firsts” for the girls, who also happen to be the first Middle School students to participate in a home stay through Faces & Our Cultures, a Guatemalan exchange program that promotes bilateral cultural enrichment. After welcoming several Guatemalan students into the Tatnall community in the fall, Chaily and Nailah, along with a group of Upper School students, completed the exchange in the spring with a 10-day visit to Guatemala. “I love traveling, but I didn’t want to be a tourist anymore,” explains Nailah. “I wanted to really experience the culture and see what people do in a different country.” Adds Chaily, “I got to interact with the Guatemalan students who visited Tatnall, so I was excited to immerse myself in something new.”

According to Middle School Spanish teacher Ann Hughes, Tatnall’s partnership with Faces & Our Cultures opened a whole new world of opportunity for Tatnall’s world language students. “The students from Guatemala were truly ambassadors for their culture,” says Hughes, who hosted 10 :: Tatnall Today :: Spring/Summer 2017

everyone,” adds Chaily. “You almost can’t put it into words — now I really have a feel for what that culture is like.”

Tatnall Treasures From historical documents and black-and-white photographs to athletic gear and Tatnall family heirlooms, items from the Tatnall archives have stood the test of time. Dating back to The Misses Hebb’s School — the school where Mrs. Tatnall began her formal teaching career — to Mrs. Tatnall’s School for Girls and now The Tatnall School of today, these treasures help tell the story of Tatnall’s history and tradition. They also showcase the school’s ever-changing growth and forward-moving momentum.

Tatnall students have been showing off their school pride for years! In the 1960s, students were often spotted in black and gold athletic jackets.

In 1984, Tatnall’s field hockey team brought home the school’s first-ever field hockey state championship when Kim McGinnis ’85 scored the winning overtime goal.

In decades past, the names of students recognized as “outstanding tennis players” were engraved on The Tatnall School Tennis Award trophy.

Each year, a boy and girl in the senior class are chosen by vote of their classmates to receive the prestigious Wood Spoon award. The spoons awarded to Joan Kavanagh Marshall ’48 and Lucille Sala Meharg ’50 are still displayed at Tatnall.

In 1926, The Misses Hebb’s School only had a six-player girls basketball team — a far cry from the 2016 roster!

During the 1931-32 school year, pupils at Mrs. Tatnall’s School for Girls received a grade for courtesy, cooperation, promptness, neatness and perseverance in their report cards.

In 1940, on the 10th anniversary year of The Tatnall School, the yearbook editorial staff unveiled Tatnall’s first-ever yearbook. The students dedicated the book to Mrs. Tatnall.

According to the 1938-39 student handbook, Upper School classes only lasted from 8:40 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.!

Donning Tatnall daisies, all 46 students enrolled at Mrs. Tatnall’s School for Girls sat down for a school photo in 1938.

The bodice of Mrs. Tatnall’s wedding dress remains carefully preserved in the Tatnall archives. Mrs. Tatnall married Henry Lea Tatnall, Jr., in 1897

In 1955, girls in Mrs. Frank Squire’s English class received a very special note from British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. In thanks for the birthday greetings the students sent, Churchill wrote, “I am so much obliged to you for your very kind token of good will on my birthday.”

In 1963, Tatnall’s Showcase company wowed the crowd with a performance of “Life with Father.”

In 2006, Jawan Carter ’06 scored 31 points, and D. J. Boney ’07 added 19 to lead Tatnall to a 73-71 double-overtime victory over Caravel Academy in the Delaware High School Boys Basketball Tournament. This was the first boys basketball state championship for the school.

At the Corner of Graduation and Your Future Tatnall’s College Counseling Process Helps Students Find Their Path

“

It’s the smile and satisfaction the students exhibit, knowing they have determined the next step in their educational career. — Leigh Morgan ’91

“We put the student in the driver’s seat and fully recognize that everyone in the family — and the college counselor — is in the car at the same time,” says Leigh Morgan ’91, Director of College Counseling. “The student is driving — but we’re here to help.” High school students can change direction frequently during their four years as they grapple with decisions about the life that lies ahead. But whether they aspire to become doctors, athletes or CEOs, Tatnall’s college counseling team guides each student to the future he or she desires. Beginning in ninth grade, Tatnall students begin to think critically about themselves, their interests and what motivates them. The conversation about college starts early — an extremely important aspect of the Tatnall college counseling process. Morgan and Meb Carroll, counselor, recognize that the earlier the discussion begins, the more comfortable and confident students become in planning their futures. As the college application process evolves, so does Tatnall’s personalized approach.

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”

Tatnall looks at each student as an individual — from the student who has already set his or her mind on a specific school to the student who is completely undecided. “If they come in and know exactly what they want, we ask them to test their assumptions, visit schools and explore programs outside their specifications,” says Morgan. “For an undecided student, it’s almost the same, but in reverse — we ask them to visit schools of all sizes with wide ranges of programs and career paths, and come back to discuss specifically what they liked and didn’t like about each.” Morgan and Carroll agree that the key is to ensure each student has truly explored all of his or her opportunities before committing. In the end, Tatnall’s college counseling process prepares students for the next chapter of their lives — not just an exciting major, a scenic location or an energetic campus vibe. “I know I’ve done my job when students commit to colleges and universities with a passion to truly become who they want to be,” Morgan says.

Navigating Through Endless Opportunities

Tatnall’s Annual College Counseling Events Senior College Night Junior College Nights (three yearly) Financial Aid Night

“I didn’t have a ‘dream school.’ Every time I visited a new campus, I could see myself going there.”

College Funding Workshop Freshman/Sophomore College Night Ten-Session College Program Series for Juniors Senior Essay Workshops

Inside Tatnall’s 10-Session College Series Session 1: Get to Know Yourself For Robb Dehney ’17, big schools — all schools for that matter — were on his list. From taking West Coast tours of colleges and universities to contemplating majors, his options seemed endless. “Mrs. Morgan really helped me take a step back and weigh the pros and cons of each college,” says Robb. “I think it’s because she treats each student with a personal approach that I felt so comfortable having these types of conversations about my future.” And throughout the college searching and application process, Robb felt prepared and confident. Tatnall brought 115 colleges and universities to campus this year, in an effort to connect students with diverse programs and opportunities. Robb reflected on a particular moment when a college admissions professional asked the question, “What do you think college admissions teams consider the most important factor on an application?” Students rated SAT scores, GPAs and grades as the highest. They were surprised when the admissions team ranked aspects such as extracurriculars, essays and recommendations high as well. “We all took a breath when we realized universities were looking for real kids — it’s the person that you are and what you bring to the campus.” From freshmen/sophomore college night to senior essay workshops, Tatnall students are given endless opportunities to prepare for anything they might encounter on the road to college — even a bump in the road. Robb, waitlisted by a respected university he wanted to attend, was still confident about his application due to his experiences at Tatnall. “The strongest part of my application was the diversity of my extracurricular activities and participation in both arts and sports — I had a lot of experiences and perspectives to bring with me.”

Session 2: SAT/ACT Preparation Session 3: Naviance and the College Search Session 4: The College Visit Session 5: SAT/ACT Preparation Session 6: SAT/ACT Preparation Session 7: Teacher Recommendations and the College Essay Session 8: Essay Writing Workshops Session 9: Common Application Workshops Session 10: Final Student/Parent College Night

Robb will attend the University of Virginia in the fall, where he plans to double-major in media studies and psychology, with a goal of transferring into the business school. He also has his eyes set on law school after obtaining his bachelor’s degree. Spring/Summer 2017 :: Tatnall Today :: 13

Around Campus Class of 2017 Tatnall’s

Brian Anshen

Robert Dehney, Jr.

Andrew Farquhar

Melissa Jernakoff

Widener University

University of Virginia

Hofstra University

Wheaton College

Cole Bottorff

Charles Derecskey

Caroline Foley

Isaiah Jones

Elon University

DePaul University, Honors Program

United States Naval Academy

Muhlenberg College

Cameron Easton

Aslan Gerards

Jon “Brad” Keen

Ithaca College

Texas Christian University

Malcolm Godshall

Ainsley Victoria Clark Knox

Caitlyn Brooks Drexel University

Charlotte Brown University of Delaware

Alex Browning McDaniel College

Oliver Campbell Dartmouth College

Nicolas Cutrona University of Delaware

Dianna DeClemente University of Delaware

Southern Connecticut State University

Amanda Ebner Towson University

Benjamin Ebner

Ursinus College

Grant Hartman Lafayette College

Swarthmore College

Camryn Lane Columbia University

Northeastern University

Karl Holler

Isabel Edstrom

United States Military Academy

Kasey Leach

Tucker Hunter

Justin Leary

St. John’s College, Santa Fe

Jordan Edwards Coastal Carolina University

Sean Esmond Villanova University

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West Chester University

Robert Jeffers University of Delaware

University of Pittsburgh

University of Delaware

Austin Leshock Berklee College of Music

Sara Li

Devon May

Abdul Ogembe

Molly Soja

University of Miami

The New School Parsons School of Design

Stevenson University

Boston College

Margaret “Pepper” McCulloch

Savannah Pankow

Charlotte Talbot

United States Naval Academy

Gap Year

Samuel Ragland

Quinn Teklits

Ursinus College

Syracuse University

Alex Richmond

Nina Urbat

University of Delaware

Gettysburg College

Alexander Sarlis

Mia Wilson

Gap Year

College of William and Mary

Sulaiman Saunders

Louis Zammarchi

Misericordia University

Georgetown University

Lillia Schmidt

Benjamin Zong

Trinity College

University of Delaware

Tianqi “Terry” Li St. Lawrence University

Beatrice Lintner Barnard College: Columbia University

Miao Liu Boston University

Gregory Maccari Virginia Tech University

Matthew Maloy University of Pittsburgh

Katherine Mariner University of Delaware

Taylor Martin Gap Year

Randolph-Macon College

Elyse Messick Boston College

Lindsey Moyer Franklin & Marshall College

Daniel Murphy Susquehanna University

Shannon Neff Boston University

Charles “Jack” Nestor University of Maryland

John “Jack” Sheehy Emory University

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The Experience of a

Lifetime Talk about the full Tatnall experience —

‘Lifers’ thrive on the complete Preschool-to-12 foundation.

hen it comes to a Tatnall education, you can’t have too much of a good thing — and Tatnall’s “lifers” are living proof. In Tatnall speak, lifers are those students who attend Tatnall from Preschool straight through to high school graduation, an experience that benefits students and families throughout their Tatnall years and beyond. Research shows that happy students are successful students, and also that a high-quality early education impacts kids’ later success both in and out of school. Lifers and their families are finding these benefits and more as they experience everything Tatnall has to offer. Having upwards of 15 years to spend educating each student who attends Tatnall “for life” also makes for a more cohesive learning experience. Tatnall’s teachers collaborate across all grade levels to create continuity for students as they progress along their educational path. Lifers are able to benefit from this continuous experience — literally, right from the start. “Our Preschool sets the foundation for the rest of the curriculum and instills values that will help students succeed in school and in life,” says Aimee Neff, Preschool Head. “The most important thing any Preschool can do for its students

16 :: Tatnall Today :: Spring/Summer 2017

is to nurture a love of learning that stays with them. What is unique about the Tatnall Preschool is that we welcome students and families early on to form home and school connections with the Tatnall curriculum, culture and focus on educating the whole child.” Supported by this strong early education foundation, the academic “building blocks” come into place as students progress through the rich and rigorous curriculum of the Lower School and Middle School. According to Deanna Bocchetti, Lower School Head, “The elementary years play a formative role in students’ lifelong learning. We concentrate on giving all students safe and supported opportunities to be curious and take risks, a focus that began in the Preschool and will continue into the Upper School. Make no mistake, we work with every student to achieve his or her full potential, but there is value for lifers in having begun that process from day one.” While lifer status might not be right for every Tatnall student, those who choose Tatnall “for life” find a uniquely nurturing, rewarding experience — an environment that is familiar, yet pushes students to continue to grow and develop beyond their comfort zone. It is a real school “family” that knows, loves and supports them in all they do.

“The special thing about attending a Preschool through 12th grade school is

Lifers from the Tatnall Class of 2017

that you aren’t enrolling your child in four different schools. When you choose to

Dianna DeClemente

Greg Maccari

send your child to Tatnall, you can feel

Robert Dehney

Matt Maloy

confident that you are choosing a school

Charles Derecskey

Katie Mariner

Sean Esmond

Taylor Martin

Andrew Farquhar

Alex Richmond

Malcolm Godshall

Jack Sheehy

Melissa Jernakoff

Molly Soja

Camryn Lane

Quinn Teklits

that has spent a lot of time making sure the transitions between Preschool and Lower School, Lower School and Middle School and Middle School and Upper School are seamless.” Deanna Bocchetti Head of Lower School

Fresh on the heels of her graduation from

Tatnall, lifer Molly Soja ’17 reflects on her time at The Tatnall School

What is your favorite Tatnall memory? “My favorite Tatnall memory is traveling throughout Italy on the choral tour with my family, friends and teachers, learning about a new country through its history, food and people.”

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned during your time at Tatnall?

How has attending Tatnall from Preschool through Grade 12 positively benefited your educational experience? “The personal connections with my teachers throughout the past 13 years have helped me grow immensely. I have always been able to go to any of my teachers with questions, concerns or just a tough situation.”

“The biggest lesson I have learned has been balance. Tatnall challenged me to maintain a balance between academics, athletics and arts. I feel as though I have learned how to enjoy my involvement in everything I do.” Spring/Summer 2017 :: Tatnall Today :: 17

Several of Tatnall’s current parents also hold lifer status:

Julie Milner Campanelli ’91, parent of Delaney ’22, Gabriel ’28, Giovanni ’21 and Julian ’24 Zach Chipman ’94, parent of Beckett ’27 and Devon ’24

Mark Chubb ‘95, parent of Hunter ’23 and Sophia ’26

Marianne Moore Viceconte ’90, parent of Claire ’26

John Sensing ’96, parent of Lizzy ’28

A Q&A with Lifer and Parent Mark Chubb ’95 What is your favorite Tatnall memory? “There are so many great memories from Tatnall, so I’m not sure that I can limit it to a single one. One of my favorites was the annual Field Day tug-of-war in Middle School. At the time, it seemed like the outcome of the day always hung in the balance. Runners up include the rocket launch, kickball and the Eephus pitch, the Williamsburg overnight trip, backpacking the Appalachian Trail, the 8th-grade play — the list goes on and on. The great thing is that most of these traditions are still intact.”

Why do you think the Tatnall lifer experience is beneficial? “The familiarity and continuity of the environment. Over that long period of time you build an incredible bond with the school and it becomes part of who you are and a sort of home away from home.”

Why did you select Tatnall for your children? “We looked at all of the schools and I think it just felt right to both me and my wife. The school provides the right balance of academics and nurturing, and the legacy aspect is special to me.”

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Disciplined, Focused and Bright

The Trifecta Tatnall Student Sprints to Success

“A lot of my character has been developed through running: discipline, goal management, planning and confidence,” says Brendan.

But he’s learned even more through ooking for Brendan Balthis ’19? At school, you might find

Coach Castagno. “He is a role model to me. He helps instill

him leading a meeting of the Young Republicans Club, which he helped to form. He could be at a local church, where he volunteers to feed the less-fortunate on many weekends. Perhaps, he is at home, researching some business and economics articles on the computer, investing his interest in a potential future college major. But mostly, if you are looking for Brendan, you’ll find him lacing up his sneakers.

Tatnall not only supports his love for running, Brendan says, but it provides him with the resources and culture to truly be a well-rounded student.

“My dad really got me interested in running. He used to take me to the track as a kid all the time. I hated it at first, but he saw my potential,” Brendan reminisces. “By the time I hit the seventh grade, I loved it. I still love that idea that you can’t hide your fitness, you really have to keep working at it to improve.”

“Tatnall allows me to be flexible and to grow as a person. They provide opportunities in art, athletics and academics. You can really pursue your own passion here. They provide you with what you find joyful in life and give you the resources you need to succeed,” Brendan says.

That same attitude launched Brendan to be the youngest participant in the New Balance Grand Prix High School Mile in Boston, Massachusetts, this past winter. A “surreal” experience for the sophomore, who though he didn’t place as high as he would have liked, was competing against the top runners in the country.

Even more than providing resources and opportunities within the school walls, Brendan mentions one other aspect that separates Tatnall from the others: the coach that pushes him to be his best.

This past cross-country season, Brendan was Tatnall’s number-one runner and led his team to a Delaware State Cross Country team Championship. His coach, Patrick Castagno, sees how determined and hardworking Brendan is and is excited for how his future will shape up in the upcoming years. “His pursuit of excellence in running is fueled by a tremendous will to win,” explains Castagno. “We really are so fortunate to have him at Tatnall, and I’m excited for the next two years with him.”

good values in me every day.”

“A lot of my character has been developed through running: discipline, goal management, planning and confidence,” says Brendan. But he’s learned even more through Coach Castagno. “He is a role model to me. He helps instill good values in me every day.” The feeling of admiration is not a one-way street in the case of this pair. “Brendan has an unbelievable code of discipline that his teachers and coaches recognize as being unique among his peers,” Castagno says. “His work ethic over the past two years has resulted in tremendous academic success, as he is considered one of the finest students at The Tatnall School.” Spring/Summer 2017 :: Tatnall Today :: 19

“And on through every passing year, fond memories will draw us here.”

rapping a yellow and white ribbon around the Maypole. Eating strawberry ice cream after Commencement. Screaming during the All School Holiday Sing. Ask any Hornet about their favorite Tatnall memories, and you will likely hear about one of these timehonored traditions. And, while these beloved traditions have connected generations of Tatnall graduates, they also prove that what Mrs. Tatnall said is true — “Tatnall is not just a school. It’s a way of life.” “I remember my husband saying, ‘I hate standing in front of people and speaking, and here they are, at such a young age, just doing it,’” says Mary Lu Pamm ’78. “I told him that’s just part of it… that’s part of the Tatnall experience.”

“I have two sisters — one who is 20 years older than me,” says Becky King Rogers ’79, president of the Tatnall Alumni Council. “The May Day celebration that my family watched in 1959 was the same as the celebration that I participated in years later,” she explains. “Because May Day was so ingrained in Tatnall’s school life, it became a tradition for my family as well.”

Tatnall Traditions

Pamm smiles as she recalls her two sons, Chris ’06 and Robbie ’08, leading the Lower School division during Opening Exercises. “I remember standing up there and doing it myself, and having to choose the quote, the song and readings,” she says. “I think those types of experiences explain why my children are the way they are and why I am the way I am. You gain the confidence to stand up and speak.” A daily tradition, the Lower School Opening Exercises give each child in the Lower School a chance to lead their classmates in song and prayer. This opportunity introduces young students to public speaking, establishing a supportive environment that reinforces Tatnall’s values of respect, participation and shared tradition. Taking part in similar traditions — Famous Persons Day, the Middle School Bird Project, the 8th Grade Speech — becomes second nature for students as they progress through the school.

20 :: Tatnall Today :: Spring 2017

While divisional traditions are certainly a highlight for many students and alumni, the entire community looks forward to Tatnall’s annual all-school traditions. With their spirit of connectivity and celebration, Founder’s Day and May Day have become important milestones for Tatnall students.

For Rogers, the institutional cohesion established during all-school events is a standout memory. “Tatnall’s traditions gather everyone together so that even when you’ve moved up to a new division, you have a chance to reconnect with your nursery and elementary school teachers. It’s a very family-oriented experience, similar to a family reunion.”

The vitality inspired during these traditional events creates a lasting connection that binds generations of students to the school. Tatnall’s traditions celebrate the school’s rich history, shape who Tatnall students are today and influence the type of people our students are likely to become. “For me, these traditions all go back to the vision of the school,” says Pamm. “When I think of ‘All Things in Love,’ I am reminded of the Tatnall traditions that foster an incredible sense of community and influence the confident young people who will lead our communities in the future.”

Fun Facts 37 members of the Tatnall Class of 2018 received either the daisy or black onyx ring during the 2016 Ring Day Ceremony.

The tradition lives on. On May 12, 2017, the entire community came together during Tatnall’s 70th May Day celebration.

The entire school impressed the crowd with a performance of Bill Withers and Skip Scarborough’s “Lovely Day” during the 2016 Founder’s Day celebration.

Interim Head Tim Burns, Ph.D., introduced Tatnall students and faculty to the “Hornet Beat,” a handclapping, shoe-stomping tune, during the All School Opening Exercises held at the start of the 2016-2017 school year.

Why strawberry ice cream? During World War II, Tatnall students sold stamps and held annual card parties to benefit the War Loan Drive. Because of the scarcity of tea and sugar, ice cream, particularly strawberry ice cream — Mrs. Tatnall’s favorite — became the featured food at Tatnall parties.

Spring/Summer 2017 :: Tatnall Today :: 21

Edible Experiments

The Chemistry of Food

Throughout the term, juniors and seniors enrolled in the Have you ever wondered how to make cheese? class learn about the practical applications of How about jelly or root beer? Walk through chemistry using the context of food and the halls of the Upper School on any given molecular gastronomy, the branch of food day, and you’re likely to find students science that explores the physical and taking on the role of chef as they mix chemical changes that food undergoes as and measure ingredients to make it is being cooked. Through numerous these food items. These activities edible experiments, the students aren’t a part of a cooking elective, explore topics such as carbonation, however, and the students the Maillard reaction and are focusing on one special If you are blindfolded and you hold fermentation, and they research “ingredient” that brings each your nose while eating a banana jelly and apply chemistry and recipe to life: chemistry. bean and a licorice jelly bean, they will biochemistry principles to adapt “Whether you realize it or not, taste exactly the same. This is true existing recipes. you are a chemist every time

Did You Know?

because smell, texture and “Essentially, this class takes the you cook,” says Upper School appearance are what allow chemistry the students have learned science teacher Sharon Kreamer, about via theory, equations and problemwho introduced “The Chemistry us to identify food. solving and gives them a practical of Food and Taste,” a seminar-style application,” Kreamer explains. elective, in 2015. “I’ve always had two big interests — chemistry and cooking. As Kreamer’s students agree. “Cooking is a I thought about different recipes, I realized super-fun and helpful activity, and Mrs. Kreamer does a the experimental procedures used in chemistry labs and great job of making it easy for everyone to learn and have activities are very similar to those used in cooking. Plus, the a great time in the class,” says Trey Jones ’18. Adds Isabel class is a great illustration of chemistry, because everybody Edstrom ’17, “The class was just so fascinating, and Mrs. loves to eat!” Kreamer made it an awesome experience. Had I not been in

22 :: Tatnall Today :: Spring/Summer 2017

Kreamer Named Delaware American Chemical Society High School Chemistry Teacher of the Year

the class, I think I would have viewed molecular gastronomy as something really amazing, but also something that was too complicated or difficult. Mrs. Kreamer took a daunting task and made it accessible to everyone.” Before the term ends, the students must complete an exhibition of a mastery project that requires them to plan and oversee a lab, teach the class, and assign and grade homework. “It’s really nice to see the students master the subject and share their unique recipes with their classmates. I’ve seen everything from pizza and home fries to pickles and salad dressings,” Kreamer says. Mostly, Kreamer hopes that the hands-on combination of cooking and chemistry will encourage her students to be lifelong learners and experimenters. “In the class, the students aren’t passively receiving the information. Instead, they’re actually innovating by applying and adapting the material and becoming active participants. A chemical equation from a textbook is nothing until you see it come to life as you make your own soda.”

Earlier this school year, Sharon Kreamer was named the Delaware American Chemical Society (ACS) High School Teacher of the Year. Kreamer was awarded this impressive distinction for her unwavering dedication to her students, colleagues and professional development. “I am excited and humbled,” says Kreamer. “It is a weighty responsibility and certainly a great honor. I am so pleased to be in the company of so many inspiring and excellent science educators.” Since arriving at Tatnall in 2011, Kreamer has inspired countless students through her passion for teaching. “I want my students to develop a healthy curiosity and, dare I say, even a passion about the connection between chemistry and the world around them,” she says. “Two of my main goals are to inspire students to become lifelong learners of science and to help them see how what they are learning in the classroom connects with the world they live in.” Kreamer teaches Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, Advanced Chemistry (organic and biochemistry), Forensic Science, Molecular Gastronomy, The Chemistry of Food and Taste, and Molecular Biology. She has also served as head of the Tatnall Science Department since 2013. Spring/Summer 2017 :: Tatnall Today :: 23

Tatnall Transformations

Tatnall Takes on Turf From the 1984 State Championship field hockey team to the undefeated 2017 Middle School lacrosse team, Tatnall’s girls field hockey and lacrosse programs have always been a force on campus and in the community. To celebrate and recognize these incredible programs, The Tatnall School broke ground on Tatnall’s newest facilities upgrade — a best-in-class turf field for the girls field hockey and lacrosse programs — in June 2017. The project is just one of several upcoming projects that support Strategic Priority #3 — Inspirational and Extraordinary Campus. Additionally, the new field will help take Tatnall’s athletic program to the next level of competitive play; and it will help prepare our talented and committed athletes for the next stages of their athletic careers at colleges and universities.

Middle School Girls Lacrosse Team Achieves Undefeated Season! With notable blends of speed, strength, experience and energy, the Middle School girls lacrosse team finished the 2017 season with a record of 10-0-1. The opening game against Tower Hill (the one tie for the season) highlighted the depth of talent and level of determination held by the 19 seventh-and-eighth grade players on the team. From the first game, the team vowed to fight hard to secure wins in all remaining games — and they did just that.

Tatnall Today

Spring/Summer 2017

Tatnall will install the AstroTurf® Golden Series DT32 system— a deliberate and sophisticated turf structure. The system uses no rubber, yields cooler surface temperatures, requires no water and can withstand heavy use. The system is created via a “green” process and is California Proposition 65 compliant.

___________________________ In lieu of rubber and sand filler, AstroTurf developed an alternative infill called ZeoFill. The product is composed of zeolites — a group of organic minerals — that form over thousands of years through crystallization. ZeoFill’s unique, threedimensional honeycomb framework allows the product to absorb moisture while also filtering toxins like ammonia, heavy metals and volatile organic compounds.

The Golden Series has achieved Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) 2 Star protocol results — the highest rating!

All Division I National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) tournaments will take place on AstroTurf for the next four years.

___________________________

Although field hockey was traditionally played on natural grass turf, AstroTurf became the gold standard for the game following the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Since then, artificial turf has been mandatory for major competitions.

The transformation will take place this summer, so the fields will be ready for play during the fall 2017 season.

Weymouth Field Sports Tower The turf field isn’t the only Tatnall Transformation taking place! In April, the long-standing sports tower on Weymouth Field was disassembled to make room for a new and improved tower that will feature an updated look. Funded by anonymous donors and designed by Buck Simpers Architect + Associates, Inc., the new tower will feature a stone exterior that will complement Tatnall’s pastoral setting. In addition to the tower, a new walkway, upgraded bleachers and beautified landscaping will enhance the campus aesthetic and improve visitors’ experience.

Spring/Summer 2017

Tatnall Today

Keeping the Magic of Showcase Alive For virtually every student and alumnus who has attended Tatnall over the past 44 years, there’s one word that instantly conjures up thoughts of such diverse concepts as carpentry and leadership, collaboration and set design, creativity and stage management.

The Word is “Showcase.” Showcase is the cornerstone of the Upper School theater program that has seemed in many ways magical to those who have participated in, or even just observed, both its process and its end product over the past four-plus decades. Since 1974, when Dr. Bruce Chipman arrived at Tatnall as teacher and coach, Showcase, a full credit-bearing course in Tatnall’s Upper School academic program, has provided intensive instruction in all aspects of theatrical performance and production, from acting and technical design, to construction and makeup.

A Year-Long Commitment Students audition and/or interview for their area of interest, whether that’s acting in a lead role, constructing Showcase’s professional-quality sets or publicizing the performance. Then, the approximately 25 students who are selected for Showcase spend nearly an entire school year fulfilling their assigned role, while also learning about every other aspect of producing and performing a play. Students gain hands-on experience with everything from acting and script-blocking to operating the power tools and electrical wiring required to construct sets from scratch.

26 :: Tatnall Today :: Spring/Summer 2017

Even more important than the technical skills gained are the learning, growth and development that take place through Showcase every year, says Dr. Chipman, Upper School theater program coordinator and head of English, who has directed Showcase for 44 years. “Showcase isn’t just about putting on a play — it’s about creating an ephemeral collaborative community of very different ‘types’ pushing toward some sort of team goal that only we can define as the process unfolds.” For Brittany Leoni ’12, her experience as a member of the closeknit Showcase community encouraged her to pursue an acting career in Hollywood after graduating from New York University. “There is nothing quite like the Showcase community,” she says. “Showcase participants were my ‘people’ and they pushed me to express myself in a really authentic and genuine way as we worked to dive deep and discover what makes us human.”

Students Benefit from 134 Years of Combined Faculty Experience “The students never fail to surprise and delight us and our audiences with what they’re able to accomplish on their own with a little guidance from our staff,” adds Dr. Chipman. That staff, which includes wife Robin Laskey Chipman, who oversees hair and makeup, and technical director Rick Neidig, brings an

Showcase 2017

‘The Women of Lockerbie’ In February 2017, Tatnall’s Showcase students presented “The Women of Lockerbie.” A poetic drama about the triumph of love over hate, the play tells the story of a mother from New Jersey who roams the hills of Lockerbie, Scotland, looking for the remains of her son, which were lost in the 1988 crash of Pan Am 103. In preparation for the production, Showcase students participated in two special events designed to enrich the performance. First, Mhairi Craig, a native of Lockerbie, visited the Laird Performing Arts Center and held an accent session with the Showcase actors. Additionally, Deborah Brevoort, the award-winning playwright of “The Women of Lockerbie,” spoke with our students about the play and the ways in which they brought the play’s events to life through scenic design, lighting and acting.

impressive 134 cumulative years of Tatnall theater to the task of guiding Showcase, while empowering students to take a high degree of ownership throughout the entire process. “Looking back 20-plus years after graduation, I think my biggest takeaway is the importance of high expectations and accountability,” explains John Sensing ’96. “Dr. Chipman demanded excellence, and he demanded that all members of the cast and crew be accountable to each other. The major reason Showcase has been so successful for so long is probably because of those expectations — I’ve found that if you demand a high level of performance from yourself or others, you usually get it.” Showcase students commit about 160 hours during the winter trimester (as compared to 38 hours for a typical Upper School term course) to learning, creating and rehearsing the production not only during class time, but also after school and on weekends. Their commitment is supported by Tatnall’s community of parents, who drive their students, volunteer and handle costume creation, as well as alumni, who serve on staff or volunteer their time and expertise.

Building Lifetime Skills Many Showcase alumni go on to have successful theater careers — and even those who don’t report that the skills they gained in Showcase have helped them succeed in work and in

life. “Showcase has always been a community of learners and problemsolvers,” reflects Dr. Chipman. “To this day, I hear from doctors and lawyers who say that Showcase helped them develop essential skills like collaboration and thinking on their feet as well as confidence in self-presentation.” John, an attorney at Potter Anderson & Corroon LLP, still relies on the lessons he learned through Showcase more than 20 years after graduating. “I’m a lawyer and, like a lot of lawyers, a large part of my job is performing — whether it is arguing before a judge, examining a witness, seeking to persuade opposing counsel or discussing with a client the best way to handle a dispute,” he explains. “I learned through Showcase that I liked performing, and many of the acting techniques I learned in Showcase — even things as small as pacing how quickly I talk and modulating my voice — have been invaluable.” In the coming year, Showcase will continue to work its magic, as the 2017-18 Showcase group practices everything from collaboration to construction in order to bring the farcical comedy “Flaming Idiots” to life on stage in February.

Spring/Summer 2017 :: Tatnall Today :: 27

Alumni Connections

Tatnall Gets a Taste of Broadway to Manhattan to continue her education at Barnard College, where she earned a bachelor of arts degree in English with a concentration in Dramatic Literature. While she was at Barnard, Tessa began directing and producing productions off-Broadway. At the same time, she says, she realized there was a field that matched her interest — dramaturgy. That provided the impetus to pursue an MFA in Dramaturgy and Script Development at Columbia University.

Who knew that a dramaturg could get her career start at Tatnall? But for Tessa LaNeve ’01, it was her time at Tatnall that led her to a career in dramaturgy, which she describes as a combination of script development and storytelling science. “It was there that I discovered theater as a stage manager for the spring musical, and then I worked on every subsequent production until I graduated,” she said. “I was involved in 10 or 11 productions.” By the time Tessa graduated, the theater bug had really taken hold. She moved

28 :: Tatnall Today :: Spring/Summer 2017

Over a 16-year span in New York City, Tessa was involved with the development of at least 75 new plays. She worked on and off-Broadway and regionally as a freelance dramaturg with award-winning artists, including Terrence McNally, Horton Foote, and Tina Howe, as well as many emerging playwrights. In 2007, she created the Einhorn School of Performing Arts (ESPA), which offers multidisciplinary classes for playwrights, actors, and directors. “We began with 37 students and four faculty members. When I left in 2016, there were 3,000 students and over 100 faculty members. That’s my baby; it is all grown up now,” she says. Now Tessa is back in Delaware. After working for years in the Big Apple, she

says, “I felt my brain atrophied a bit, and I wanted adventure. I started my own freelance business working with playwrights and television writers around the country, and it is exhilarating.” She is currently “working with artists who I hand-select rather than those on the docket from the company. It is just the writer and I trying to tell the best stories possible.” Tessa also came back to Tatnall last fall and worked on Showcase. She called Dr. Chipman and asked, “What can I do to help? I found myself in the classroom a few weeks later.” As an assistant director, Tessa contributed to character development, design and the vision of the production. She also arranged for the playwright Deborah Brevoort to speak with the students about her play, “The Women of Lockerbie.” Tessa credits Tatnall for her career. “Between Rosemary Crawford and Bruce Chipman, I learned how to write, learned how to analyze a text, learned why good stories are good and why some stories fail. Because of them and the courses I took, I am where I am today.”

The Alumni Experience

A Give and Take “It was one of those beautiful Wilmington sunny days,” recalls Michael Papay ’94. He was in a literature course taught by the late Mrs. Crawford and learning about Walt Whitman. “I asked if we could go outside into the garden and learn, and we did! I asked if we could get a six-foot ladder for her to sit on, and the maintenance department did!

Waggl was founded as a Fort Hill Company and remained under the Fort Hill umbrella for about 18 months before it was launched as an independent entity on May 1, 2014. “We opened in Sausalito, California, right across the Golden Gate Bridge.” Michael credits Tatnall with helping to provide the skills he uses in his day-to-day life. “One has the opportunity to develop leadership skills,” he says. Michael was captain of the soccer and lacrosse teams. The soccer team went to the semifinals, and the lacrosse team won back-to-back championships during his junior and senior years.

“Certainly, this was a pretty memorable learning experience,” he gushes. “Experiences like this make learning fun.” Today, Michael is CEO and co-founder of Waggl, a technology start-up that aims to be the most human way for organizations to crowdsource feedback and deliver actionable insights. “The connections I got at Tatnall enabled me throughout my career,” he says. Upon graduating from Tatnall, he attended Babson College in Massachusetts to learn how to become an entrepreneur. He received a bachelor of science degree in Business Finance & Entrepreneurship. After graduation, he spent a couple years in the finance and acquisitions department of a healthcare company before joining forces with Cal Wick, father of his Tatnall and Babson classmate, Warren Wick ’94. Together, they began The Fort Hill Company in Wilmington, which provides web-based learning-activation solutions. “That’s where I gained experience building a technology company,” Michael says. “Cal was an outstanding mentor.”

————

“Tatnall offers incredible connections,

“You also learn to take a little bit of risk and learn that not everything is by the book,” he adds. “Tatnall offers incredible connections, which, at the end of the day, is one of the most basic of human needs. I met close friends who I still have; I had the opportunity to work with Cal Wick.”

Michael is proud of the fact that Tatnall served as a beta tester for Waggl. Tatnall sent a Waggl to all alumni asking them to share a story or experience that they’d had at Tatnall, one that makes it an amazing place. As a benefit (it is an option built into the system), everyone could see and vote on everyone else’s responses. “There was a great story that bubbled up to the top of the list from a lady in her ———— 80s,” he says. “In her response, she recalled her experience sitting with her classmates and Mrs. Tatnall and watching General Douglas MacArthur relinquish control of the Pacific fleet during World War II.”

which, at the

end of the day,

is one of the most basic of human needs.”

Michael stayed with Fort Hill for 12 years. “I helped start it and build the technology,” he explained. After some years, he opened a sales office in San Francisco and, in time, became president and CEO.

It is kind of a give and take, Michael says. “The school helped me to get this thing started, and I had the chance to help them discover amazing alumni stories.” Spring/Summer 2017 :: Tatnall Today :: 29

Alumni Connections

Candy with a Conscience In the fall of 2016, the anonymous letter below, along with several large bags of candy, came to the Alumni Office by way of the Head of School Office. Since then, the letter — and the candy — have been shared with the members of the Tatnall Class of 2017 in hopes that they too will remember to seek what is “true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of good report” at Tatnall and beyond.

my ories of arm mem ents, w d u y t n S a ll m tna have Dear Ta isy Girls.” go and s of “Da g time a e n s r I s lo la a c ll a last particula ed Tatn , but in e of the n re rs. o e M h s I attend t s a s there dmistre y years a rs m e a H t e u y r o u b n o of riably seve ries a was inva because elling sto e e t h m s h r t ; o g f lly n le best rsona s out o on at of us pe spire the h stand in e ic n o h o t w I could g ry d e e e n o want he Bible: out ev tell you ared ab e from t hing, she c t rs y wish to e d n v n a a a n d he knew more tha ys quote Myers. S r kind, and she alwa , d n ly b a m hatsoeve n e s ke s onest, w rning A h o soft-spo M , re ly t a e A v s lo . re hing of us things a soever t in each tsoever e, what a if there ru h t d w n , re a a re , virtue are pu things y s r n g e a v in e h e o t b s es Bible there tsoever “. . . what King Jam port; if , st, wha re :8 ju 4 d s o re o n a g ilippia things s are of t, just, gs.” —— Ph ver thing e, hones ese thin h ru t t er “ n o , whatsoe s k in to anoth e word raise, th brings me out thos b h a ic be any p t h h w g e, thou ut my lif rs, I’ve througho Mrs. Mye ” f o rt o e p s r. u re tte s Beca of good or this le ter sport ely and reason f ayed af e t s h d t o pure, lov re h o d b n w a as nt memory ly stude ning, I w indelible s the on One eve a . and ate w 0 I it :3 , 5 d e e il up unt in, open th grad t in e o. n m y d in k n s a ic wa I ate tw n’t p led c When I er could al night, d a sea h n in u t f o o f m d I n y a . m rs d because the thir king locke udents’ ed chec ther. On o rt n a a t s e other st t d a m I an ro a f t h d ig o ears as next n ake fo nt 27 y e p one. The udents t s t I S ’d y e ? e s it h is , t ecau reported a story, I know b g ught or e time. much of a h t c t y to shru o ll a n re a w e ’s w g ks It in c s a rv d e ki kp s e c lf n th nd ba it,” a se and whe lockers a one does trator, ry is e in v E m “ d a ), n school curately ad take say (ac eny. omeone h s rc t la r. a e invariably t h h t c ot a ed t is in f r grandm announc off wha t for he er if rs. Myers h g M o , a t ly b e re m dy com t Asse hat we n t a a s y c ie a e d d h n ca n t one ad take s locker, Anyway, on who h m a girl’ rs ro e f p s e ie h d can that t med. ears. I rs asked an 50 y too asha h s t a , Mrs. Mye w re o —I m for just, pure I did not honest, nscience o nd , c office. e a y ru e t m ic roubled coward what is t k y s e m a e h s h s t g hrou lway ll inciden worse, t ing to a This sma len, but yers’ urg o M t . s rs d M a . I h betrayed d report that it’s d of goo n a ly e ng—I get v ro lo w . to me. t d a lie h ght t I had y deep in ri a r w e v s e it silence, uld ed urn how I co can’t t has work truth. I wondered one that e ll of h e a is v t o I’ it t it rs m t y to ad o I sa S For yea rong, bu e . t w s la d t n n o e o a nific ars ago not t of am at it’s many ye me kind not a sig h o s e t s o d ke h e t a id m to hold to dec rdice Finally, I standard t I want nd cowa l u a u b the r if k, io t v u c a a a h k b returning my be h a be m c r I’ o u s f , n the cloc g y u in f rr o ur rovid it’s deeply s ing in yo rs for p because you: I’m it’s melt Mrs. Mye nd also ile o a h t w , l o t u , t n f d e e n n t a ha onem and gra ake one resent t y of at Please t in the p ll. o. By wa ll t a e w o lf t e e s v t y a m beh e bu ot to on tter to : it’s be candies—n is had. h t u o r y e b mem wishing rs a e y mouth, re 0 e next 5 spend th

Mark Your Calendars

29th Annual Golf Classic

Another “Hole in One” Success In early June, Tatnall’s 28th Annual Golf Classic raised a record-breaking $55,700 in support of financial aid and other student programs. The highly successful event included dozens of local company sponsors, countless volunteers and 110 golfers — the highest number of golfers to date — who came together to benefit Tatnall’s students.

The 29th Annual Golf Classic will take place on Thursday, May 31, 2018. Sponsorship opportunities and open slots for individual players are available for the four-person, scramble-format outing. Alumni, parents and friends are invited to enjoy a day out on the links! For more information or to reserve your spot, please call the Alumni Office at (302) 892-4337.

Sponsored by The Tatnall School Alumni Association and hosted at Hartefeld National Golf Club, the annual golf outing provides alumni, parents and friends of the school the opportunity to hit the links in support of Tatnall. Several alumni and constituents were awarded prizes during the Annual Golf Classic: 1st Place Low Net went to Brian Carney ’97, Matt Carney ’00, Tom Uebler ’99 and John Burke 2nd Place Low Net was won by Louis Capano ’94, Zac Busby ’95, Joe Fragomele and Jamie Jenney 2nd Place Low Gross was captured by Trippe Wayman ’95, Joey Fragomele ’09, Jon Wolfe ’94 and Will Applegate ’95 The Longest Drive for men went to Tatnall parent Alex Rohr; and the Longest Drive for women went to current parent and 4th grade teacher Casey Chipman

Become a Member When you become a member of the Founder’s Society, you join parents, alumni, parents of alumni, faculty and staff, and friends who support Tatnall’s efforts to make a direct impact on students and help champion Tatnall’s rich tradition. Membership and participation in the society demonstrates an advanced level of commitment to The Tatnall School. Founder’s Society members’ names are included in the Annual Giving Report and on a plaque in the Beekley Lobby, and they are invited to attend the Founder’s Society cocktail reception, hosted by the Head of School and the Chair of the Board of Trustees. To join the Founder’s Society, please call the Advancement Office at (302) 892-4335. Thank you to all of our current Founder’s Society members for your generosity!

Planned Giving Leaves a Lasting Legacy Providing our students with access to new and improved facilities, maintaining our outstanding faculty and expanding our horizons to offer great resources require ongoing support. A planned gift helps uphold the mission of The Tatnall School and creates an environment that engages and inspires our students. To support our legacy through an easy-to-make gift, please consider: Including Tatnall in your will — a gift that costs you nothing now. Creating a charitable gift annuity — a gift in which the donor receives a fixed dollar amount in return during his/her lifetime. Designating Tatnall as a beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k) or life insurance — a gift that could reduce your tax liability. Spring/Summer 2017 :: Tatnall Today :: 31

Alumni Connections

Margo Woodacre and Terri Sensing

Mary-beth Howard, Jackki Kennedy and Sarah Baylin

The Shields Rise to the Challenge

Jane and Chris Witham

In May, The Tatnall School unveiled the first-ever Swords vs. Shields Giving Challenge — a participation challenge that encouraged members of the community to make a donation to The Fund for Tatnall in honor of the Field Day team closest to their hearts. The competition throughout the challenge was fierce, as the Swords and Shields battled to take home the victory.

Elise Martin, Barbara Rumbold and Wilma Berends

Parents of Alumni Association Tatnall understands that when our graduates go off to college, the “empty nest” can often feel like the “empty hive”! With that in mind, the Alumni Office recently formed a Parents of Alumni Association that encourages former Tatnall parents to return to campus, enjoy the camaraderie of other parents of alumni and participate in activities that are in line with alumni events.

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On Tuesday, June 20, the group formally came together during the firstever Parents of Alumni Reception for this newly-formed group. More than 80 parents — with children spanning more than four decades of graduating classes — came together in the Laird Performing Arts Center to connect and reminisce. If you’d like to get involved in the Parents of Alumni Group, please call the Alumni Office at (302) 892-4337. FORWARD

Ultimately, the Shields won the challenge, with 158 donors contributing to the cause. The entire community made a significant impact, however, and more than $58,000 was donated by the Swords and the Shields. In addition to the funds donated, the Ernest E. Stempel Foundation made a $30,000 matching gift, and the Stempel family contributed an extra $5,000. In total,FORWARD the Swords vs. Shields Challenge raised an impressive $93,000.

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Are You a Friend of Tatnall? FORWARD

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Are you a friend of Tatnall? If so, let’s be “friends” online! Keep the buzz going by connecting with us through our social media channels:

www.tatnall.org

www.twitter.com/TatnallSchool

www.facebook.com/tatnallschool

www.instagram.com/tatnallhornets/

www.facebook.com/tatnallschoolalumniassociation

https://vimeo.com/user11778434

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Beatrice Lintner ’17

Devon May ’17 and Alicia May

Theodora Dini ‘19

The Second Annual Evening of the Arts On Thursday, May 25, Tatnall celebrated the creative accomplishments of our Upper School visual arts students during the Second Annual Evening of the Arts. There was an excellent turnout for the event, which included a preview of the 2017 AP Studio Art and Junior Portfolio Exhibition. Various pieces of original student artwork and prints were available for purchase, with proceeds supporting Tatnall’s nationally-recognized, award-winning visual arts program.

Girls Scouts Troop 794 Supports The Fund for Tatnall

Shannon Neff ’17, Ella Catterton ’18 and Taylor Martin ’17

Cindy Pettinaro Wilkinson ’88, Stephanie Silverman and Yvonne Deadwyler

Thank you to our event sponsors: • The Maron Family • The del Rosario Family

This year, The Fund for Tatnall received a generous donation from some of the youngest members of the Tatnall community — the members of The Tatnall Girl Scouts Troop 794. The first-grade members of the troop raised an impressive $110. The girls were able to donate the money to any cause of their choosing and generously decided to donate the money to The Tatnall School!

• Mr. Scott Humphrey • Tatnall’s Home & School Association Spring/Summer 2017 :: Tatnall Today :: 33

Class Notes ’32 On March 12, Carobelle (Carol) Sutton Hanssmann was honored by First State Women Warriors Unit 10 and Military Women Across the Nation. Carol, who celebrated her 102nd birthday on March 31, is Delaware’s oldest WWII veteran. What an honor!

’58 Earlier in the year, Caroline Tatnall Ketcham and her husband Rob participated in the 2017 Bike Florida Tour near St. Augustine, Florida. Caroline and Rob also recently visited Belgium, where they had the opportunity to catch up with another Tatnall graduate. Caroline writes, “Rob and I had a wonderful lunch and visit with Amélie Lauve ’58 on Saturday, April 22. We met in the city of Namur, one of the cities on our tour of World War I battlefields and monuments and, happily, not far from Louvain-la-Neuve, where Amélie lives. What a pleasure it was to be with such an old, old Tatnall friend!”

’81 Diane Wonnell Shannon recently published her first book, “Preventing Physician Burnout: Curing the Chaos and Returning Joy to the Practice of Medicine.” Co-authored with fellow physician Paul DeChant, the book describes the underlying systems problems fueling the increase in burnout among physicians (the reason Diane left practice to become a health care writer 20 years ago) and provides practical solutions for prevention. She was thrilled to catch up with so many classmates at the reunion in October and looks forward to her next visit to Tatnall. Diane lives in Brookline, Massachusetts, with her husband and children.

’71

’83

Laurie Ettinger married Michael Sherman in Greenville, Delaware, on June 26, 2016. Laurie is a retired first grade teacher from Fairfield, Connecticut. The couple lives in Delaware.

Jonathan Suber was recently reelected to his second three-year term as Town Meeting Member in Lexington, Massachusetts. In Lexington, the legislative function is performed by a representative Town Meeting that comprises roughly 200 elected Town Meeting Members. These elected officials meet annually to appropriate funds, revise local bylaws and make other decisions as needed.

’73 Former Tatnall teacher Susan Coonin Kogon is now a private practice therapist who does family therapy through a local Wilmington community service organization.

’74 Patrick Singer writes, “Sadly, I had to put my 16-month-old Shih Tzu down on February 9. His back legs just gave out, and I took him down to Pike Creek Animal Hospital near Newark. I have a new 9-week old Shih Tzu named Scamp who is a whirlwind—had to go up to New Holland, Pennsylvania, to get him. Scamp keeps his 61-year-old master young!” Caroline Tatnall Ketcham ’58 and her husband Rob. Caroline (left) and Amélie Lauve ’58.

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’85 Lecia Inden McDermott writes, “My oldest son Andrew is graduating from Delaware Military Academy and heading off to Coastal Carolina University in the fall. We are very excited that he will be attending Coastal Carolina’s business school.” Andrew, the son of Lecia Inden McDermott ’85, is preparing to go to Coastal Carolina University in the fall!

Wayne Kimmel Serves as Keynote Speaker In April, entrepreneur, venture capitalist, philanthropist and author Wayne Kimmel ’88 kicked off Tatnall’s Independent Scholars Presentations with an inspirational talk for students and audiences. Drawing on his own experiences, Wayne encouraged our students to always carry business cards, ask the question, “How can I help?” say “please” and “thank you,” and give back.

’87

’93

Tim West writes, “Early this year, I received my Ph.D. from the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures at Princeton University. My wife Tessie and I live in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, where I’ve been developing ESL tests for Educational Testing Service since 2013. Now I am using the sitzfleisch I acquired while finishing the dissertation to translate a book of short stories by Czech author Bohumil Hrabal, which should be published this year or early next. We live minutes from the PhillyNYC train and highway corridor and would love a visit or at least a shared coffee or beer.” Tim can be reached at timothy.w.west@outlook.com.

Timothy Huang writes, “Despite my very best attempts to stay on the fringe, I have suddenly found myself elected into the Dramatists Guild Council. Not sure who nominated me, no earthly idea who voted for me, but there it is. So now, and for the next three years, not only am I doing in an official capacity what I have been doing unofficially since my residency there, I am also a Tony voter. Which is like, the living end!”

’89 Rick Deadwyler Jr. recently joined the Delaware Community Foundation as Vice President for Community Engagement. In his new role, Rick will lead the foundation’s community engagement and civic leadership efforts. Most recently, Rick served as Assistant Vice President for Government and Community Relations at the University of Delaware.

Timothy will also be traveling to Dreamworks Shanghai this summer to participate in a week-long residency during which he will write songs for projects in their upcoming development slate. Erik Warner has opened yet another hotel! In January 2017, Erik unveiled the newly renovated Anvil Hotel and Italian restaurant, Glorietta, in the heart of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Erik also reopened The Sound View in Greenport, New York.

’94

’96 Steven Vaught writes, “My wife and I recently took over operations at the Elmhurst, Illinois, Chick-fil-A, where she is the proud owner and operator. I have just published my 14th book, “Solar Storm: Episode 4: Endurance.” I write military/medical thrillers with a post-apocalyptic leaning under my pen name, Marcus Richardson (marcusrichardsonauthor.com), and will be branching out into historical fiction and science fiction in the coming months, including a book about the Delaware Continentals in the American Revolution. We have three children, Keaton (8), Kylie (6) and Beckett (3) and one cheeky Vizsla named Trinny.”

’98 Avery (Stabler) Travis and her husband Glennon welcomed their second child, Everett Pierre Travis, in December. Everett joins his older brother Griffen Tod Travis in their new home in Woodstock, New York.

’99 On June 6, 2016, Susan Stone Kelley and her husband Jeremy welcomed baby Jane into the family. Jane joins big brother Jack. Susan Stone Kelley ’99 welcomed baby Jane in June 2016.

’92 Karen “Kai” Hunt Maguire writes “It’s all old news, really, but new to the Tatnall community. I graduated from Princeton and Bryn Mawr, married Thomas Maguire (UPenn, ULondon, UTexas) and got busy with seven kids, including a set of boy/girl twins. Living in Chicago near the Obama residence and waxing nostalgic about Tatnall days. Seems like yesterday!”

In January, mentor, entrepreneur and actress Ashley Deadwyler-Jones returned to the Tatnall campus to speak with our Upper School students. During her inspirational speech, Ashley empowered the students to be their very best and encouraged them to start working toward their future goals.

Ashley Deadwyler-Jones ’94 returned to The Marvin Theater to speak with our students.

Spring/Summer 2017 :: Tatnall Today :: 35

Class Notes ’04 On Sunday, May 21, Anders Christofferson reached the top of Mt. Everest—the highest mountain in the world! In an Instagram post, Anders wrote the following about his impressive accomplishment: “I reached the top of the world — Mt. Everest (29,035 ft./8,848 m). This whole journey, including the ~10 minutes I was on top, has been one of the most incredible experiences of my entire life. The 48 hours leading up to our summit were intense and filled with crazy stories — heroic rescues, missing tents, all-nighters, low oxygen, etc. I’ll look forward to sharing more over the next days/weeks, but for now I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has been part of this adventure!”

Harold “Colin” Robinson received his doctor of medicine in dentistry from the University of Pennsylvania in May 2017. For the next two years, he will be working on his residency at the Chesapeake Health System NYU/ Lutheran program in Princess Anne, Maryland, where he will specialize in special needs and pediatric dentistry. Chris Pamm ’06 celebrated his wedding with several Tatnall graduates.

’06 Christopher Pamm married Kelly Thornburg on May 7, 2016, in Athens, Georgia. Several Tatnall graduates were in attendance as the couple said “I do,” including Jordan Daniels ’06, Liz Currin Hagen ’76 (aunt of the groom), Pat O’Hara ’06, Mary Lu Currin Pamm ’78 (mother of the groom), Rob Pamm ’08 (best man), Jon Silver ’06 and Chris Varacchi ’06.

’13 During the 2017 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Women’s Swimming & Diving Championship, Kaitlyn Jones won first place in the 200 Yard Butterfly with an amazing comeback during the last leg of the race. She also earned second place during the 400 Yard Medley.

’09

Anders Christofferson at the top of Mt. Everest.

On May 15, 2015, Brian Taylor was awarded a doctoral degree in American history by Georgetown University. For the past two years, he has taught classes on US History in Georgetown’s History Department as an Assistant Teaching Professor. Brian and his wife, Diane, live in Laurel, Maryland.

In February, the Chicago Bears announced that they signed tight end Justin Perillo from their practice squad to their active roster. Justin began his career with the Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2014; and during his time with the Packers, he appeared in 20 games, amassing 15 receptions for 137 yards and a touchdown. In May 2017, Devon Taylor graduated from The University of Pennsylvania with a master’s degree in public health (MPH).

Kaitlyn Jones ’13 was named the Women’s 200 Yard Butterfly Champion during the ACC Women’s Swimming & Diving Championship.

In Memoriam Former Tatnall science teacher and varsity baseball coach Tony Masulaitis passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2017.

C. Michael Schwander graduated with a doctor of jurisprudence degree from Widener University, Delaware Law School in May 2017.

Alumni Connect at Ithaca College Recently, Tatnall’s Director of College Counseling Leigh Morgan ’91 visited Ithaca College in New York to take part in the school’s Admissions Advisory Board Summit. While there, Leigh had the opportunity to catch up with several alumni, including Elise Brown ’15, Joey Garrett ’16, Mac Gugerty ’13, Erika Rumbold ’14 and Megan Stratman ’14.

36 :: Tatnall Today :: Spring/Summer 2017

Friday, October 20

Saturday, October 21

We heard you! At the request of the Tatnall community, we’ll be bringing back Kristen and the Noise for the third year in a row! See you on the dance floor!

When fall is in the air, that can only mean one thing…Tatnall Homecoming! Please join us on campus to enjoy good food under the big tent, support our athletic teams and reunite with fellow classmates.

Athletic Schedule: Volleyball

Athletic Schedule:

(vs. Sanford School)

Field Hockey

Tatnall Freshman at 3:45 p.m.

(vs. Wilmington Friends School)

Tatnall JV at 5:15 p.m.

Tatnall Varsity at 11 a.m.

Tatnall Varsity at 6:45 p.m.

Tatnall JV at 12:30 p.m.

Cross Country

Boys Soccer (vs. Wilmington Friends School)

(Joe O’Neill Invitational)

Tatnall Varsity at noon

3 p.m.

Tatnall JV at noon

Football (vs. Wilmington Friends School) Tatnall Varsity at 2 p.m.

1501 Barley Mill Road | Wilmington, Delaware 19807 (302) 998-2292 | communications@tatnall.org

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Tatnall Today was printed on recycled/recyclable paper.

Help Us to Grow Our Tatnall Community! Thank you to all who have promoted The Tatnall School by referring a friend or family member. Your recommendations and support have allowed us to welcome a number of new Tatnall families into our community. Should you know someone who would be interested in taking a tour, attending an admissions event or having a chat with a member of our admissions team, please contact the Admissions Office at (302) 892-4285 or admissions@tatnall.org. For more information about application deadlines and upcoming events, visit www.tatnall.org/page/admissions.