Spring 2013 Brewster Connections

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EXPECT TO LEARN, EXPECT TO HAVE FUN

Brewster Academy

Summer Session

Check out what’s going on this summer on campus:

www .brewsteracademy.org/summer And, remember to Like us on Facebook!

Summer Programs Office • 603-569-7155 • summer@brewsteracademy.org

BrewsterConnections Spring 2013

More than 100 alumni have honored the following mentors with their gifts to Brewster.

Who will you add to the list?

Photo in HDR by Steve Burgess, Brewster photographer instructor.

Brewster Academy 2012-2013 Board of Trustees Daniel T. Mudge, Chair (Tapley-Ann ’98, Ashley ’02)

David E. Hadley (Olivia ’12, Juliet ’15)

Arthur W. Coviello Jr., Vice Chair

Michael Keys (Matthew ’04)

Roy C. Ballentine, Treasurer (Brian ’97, Susan ’94) Douglas H. Greeff, Secretary (Hilary ’11) Ronn Bronzetti ’92 C. Richard Carlson Estate Trustee

Leslie N. H. MacLeod (Todd ’97) Barbara Naramore (Maya ’16)

Arthur O. Ricci Estate Trustee

David L. Carlson ’54

The Reverend Nancy Spencer Smith Estate Trustee

Candace A. Crawshaw ’64

Steven R. Webster (Brooke ’08, Tori ’11)

George J. Dohrmann III (George ’05, Geoffrey ’12)

Ms. Natalie M. Amanti Ms. Jane Baker Ms. Barbara Barklow Mr. Bret Barnett Mr. Will Barnett Mr. Lawrence P. “Larry” Bartnick Ms. Pam Bishop Mr. David Bolduc “Coach B” Mr. Eric Burns-White Mr. Matt Butcher Mr. Andy Campbell Mr. G. Cyrus Cook Mrs. Laura Cooper Mr. Paul Croteau Mr. Stewart “Stu” Dunlop Mr. Charles Esty Mr. Dick and Mrs. Anita Fahy Mrs. Mary Fallon Dr. Joyce Ferris Mrs. Maria Found Mr. Peter Friend Mr. Fred Garnsey Ms. Barbara Giroux Mr. Bruce and Mrs. Shadow Gorrill Mr. Chris Hafner ’00 Ms. Beth Hayes ’81 Mr. BG Hodges ’62 Mr. Matt Hoopes Ms. Christine Howe-Cousar

Mr. and Mrs. Nentwig – Thanks for everything!

– Alexander Pappas ’88

Ms. Florence Jaynes Mrs. Jaime (Wehrung) Laurent Burt Vaughan. He was Mr. Kevin Lawlor kind, always helpful – Mr. Bill Lee ANYONE taking Latin Ms. Julianne Lopez needed encouragement ...

Mr. Kenneth A. MacIver – Lois Carey ’52 Mr. Peter Mann Mr. Byron and Mrs. Margaret Martin Mr. Edward Murphy Mr. Ronald and Mrs. Susan Nentwig Ms. Florence Jaynes “Ma” Page BG Hodges really taught me Mr. Dave Pollini ’57 just a huge amount about Mr. Bob and Mrs. Shirley Richardson myself – about how to find one’s Mr. Vincent D. Rogers creativity, about how to take just Mr. Herbert E. Sargent kind of random everyday things Mr. David Smith and turn them into brilliant, Mr. Rex Snyder creative works of art.

Ms. Barb Thomas – Chris Hafner ’00 Mr. Herbert Tinker ’16 Ms. Kate Turner Mr. Burtis F. Vaughan Jr. Mr. Paul “Pop” Whalen Mr. Sargent motivated me, Mr. Dan Wyman encouraged drafting over study Ms. Barbara (Lewando) Zulauf ’38 periods, and his motivation All the great staff that is still there from ’95 resulted in essential grades Formal Dinners and the whole staff at Brewster for a scholarship to UNH Civil The Entire Staff Engineering. … and growing.

– Cecil Wentworth ’36

Dr. Ferris is the person I would like to honor this year. While many people at Brewster made an impact, she was the most influential! Dr. Ferris unconditionally cared about each and every student at Brewster. No matter how many mistakes you made she made you feel like you were the only one that mattered! I had left for a year and Dr. Ferris wrote me a note telling me that she would love to have me back. That was huge for me! She helped me grow as a person and taught me to view people for who they are!

– Hilary (Sherman) Hawkins ’91, P’14

Ex Officio Dr. Michael E. Cooper

Karen W. Fix (Will ’11, Keenan ’13)

Trustee Emeritus

Gabrielle “Bri” J. Gatta ’05 President, Alumni Association

P. Fred Gridley ’53 (Deborah ’81)

We’re waiting to hear from you – participation and your stories are what count!

Join in by honoring the people who made a difference during your time at Brewster.

To give online visit brewsteracademy.org/HonorYourMentor

BrewsterConnections Spring 2013

Head of School Dr. Michael E. Cooper

Inside 2 Head Lines

Director of Admission and External Affairs

Lynne M. Palmer

Editor, Director of Communications Marcia Eldredge

Contributors Bianca Barcelo ’13, Taylor Cantrall ’13, Dr. Michael Cooper, Marcia Eldredge, Matt Hoopes, Rachael Jeffers ’05, Matt Lawlor, Lynne Palmer, Bob Richardson, Shirley Richardson, Sally Smith, Danielle Tidd ’13

Photography Steve Allen, Brewster Academy Archives, Steve Burgess, Andrea Cooper, Marcia Eldredge, Matthew Fassett, Beth Hayes ’81, BG Hodges ’66, Phil Stiles, Danielle Tidd ‘13

The Value of Trying

4 In the Classroom When the curriculum meets the real world

6 Artist in Residence

Topher Grace ’97 on the set of Bye Bye Birdie

8 Debate Team Delivers a Strong Argument

Students hone their critical-thinking skills with topical issues

10 Bye Bye Birdie

Page 4

Teen love, angst, and a pop idol clash on the Brewster stage

12 Meeting Our Greatest Expectations Together

Celebrating success, sustaining strength for the long term

14 Brewster Artists

An exhibit of excellence

16 Living and Learning in Vietnam

One student’s mid-year service project

24 A New Year, New Trustees

Meet the newest members of the Brewster board

28 The Winni Classic

Hockey enthusiasts return for winter fun

Page 10

30 Hoopla: BrewsterConnections is published twice a year and mailed to alumni, parents of students, and friends of Brewster Academy 80 Academy Drive Wolfeboro, NH 03894 www.brewsteracademy.org ©2013 Brewster Academy. All Rights Reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

On the eve of their 25th reunion, alumni recall lessons learned as students

Cover Design Yuting “Sherry” Xie ’15 (Shanghai, China) created the pen and ink drawing in studio art class. The drawing won a Silver Key in the Scholastic Art Awards of New Hampshire program.

Departments 22 Newsmakers 26 On the Road 38 Class Notes 43 In Memoriam 44 Writing Brewster’s History

Page 28

The Value

of Trying

T

here are occasions during the year that I’m afforded time to reflect

curriculum as we take you inside the academic classrooms and share the talents

on all that happens at Brewster Academy. Writing this Head Lines

of our visual and performing artists.

column is one of those times. This time of reflection is always telling and usually reveals to me just how much goes on in our

While thinking about all the opportunities presented to our students in such

community every day. As you will see in these pages of Connections, there are a

a vigorous education community, a reflection from Marie Garland ’88, who is

number of opportunities in which students live, learn, and lead in all corners of

excited to return to campus in June to celebrate her 25th Reunion, resonated

campus life, making for a vibrant and exciting school community.

with me. In this Connections’ Hoopla column, she writes: “At Brewster, we tried something new or challenging and even if we came up short, we discovered that

Another place to watch what unfolds daily at the Academy is on our new social mashup page. We recently gave this section of our website a facelift, and I encourage you to visit: http://social.brewsteracademy.org/ I think that once you visit it that you will agree much is happening.

there was value in the trying.”

When I think about the theatre students who, like Marie, might have stepped out of their comfort zone to try out for a part or our athletes who recently tried out for a spring sports team, while not all getting the part or making the team to which they aspired likely found great value in their trying. Often we find the

The social mashup is a viewfinder into the Brewster experience, an experience created from the intentional learning environment that we have created

greatest sense of accomplishment from those things at which we had to work the hardest.

and continue to evolve for our students. We know that when students make real-world connections in their coursework that they find more value in their

It is one of our goals to sustain that will and enthusiasm to try something new

assignments and classroom discussions. We know that the content skills students

or previously unobtainable and to do so in a nurturing environment that allows

learn and the mastery they achieve are as important as the critical thinking and

for that stretching of oneself. Our 25-year alumni recall such moments, some of

problem solving that happens while debating and discussing relevant topics.

which they say shaped their lives or directed their personal or professional paths,

In the following pages, students attest to these important components of our

and as educators, how rewarding to see that happen and to be a part of it.

2

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2013

Moving Forward I’m pleased to report that major renovations to the Estabrook dining hall are underway as I write this Head Lines. In addition to the enhanced aesthetics that will make the dining hall a brighter and cozier place to enjoy meals, students will also appreciate the renovation of the servery that will reduce the amount of time they wait in line for lunch, giving them a few extra minutes to relax with friends before heading off to their next class. With this renovation scheduled for completion by graduation, our main capital focus turns to the renovation of Anderson Hall to create a more modern and permanent home for our performing arts program. I hope you will take the time to read about this endeavor on page 12.

We hope our parents, alumni, and friends will make plans to join us on campus April 26 and 27 for our Spring Student Showcase (see page 7). This two-day “showcase” is just that, a showing of students and student work in action through visual and performing arts and sports contests. Additionally, we have reserved May 8 as a special day for our grandparents to share the Brewster experience with their grandchildren (invites will be mailed to grandparents).

Also, please take the time to get to know three of our newest trustees (page 24), who officially joined the board in January. We are privileged to have them serving on the Academy’s board of trustees.

As is generally the case this time of year we begin to think anew

2013 Commencement Speaker

B

rewster Academy is pleased to announce that James C. Curvey

will be the 2013 commencement speaker. Curvey is vice chairman at Fidelty Investments, one of the world’s largest financial

services companies. In 1999 Business Week magazine named him one of the top 25 managers of the year. He holds a bachelor of science degree

as we transition from winter to spring. Our renewal sustains us

from Villanova University and a master of arts from George Washington

for the remainder of the year and gives us focus as we complete

University, and in 1999 received an honorary doctor degree from

another academic journey leading to graduation. We hope that you

Villanova.

will find the same kind of inspiration in these pages that keeps us energized and motivated in preparing students for their next phase

The Curvey family has a longstanding commitment to supporting education. In 1999, Curvey established a scholarship program at his alma

of education. We enjoy sharing that joy and look forward to hearing

mater Villanova University, which provides scholarships to students from

your stories about how Brewster inspired you and who it was that

Curvey’s hometown of Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania. The program has

helped to provide that spark.

twice been expanded and now includes four scholarships annually to Villanova-bound students from five high schools in Schuylkill County,

For the School,

Pennsylvania.

In 2008 he and his wife Shirley donated more than 11 acres of lakefront property in nearby Alton to Brewster Academy. With the donation, it was the Curvey family’s desire to create scholarships so that more local students would have the opportunity to attend Brewster. Thus, the Curvey

Dr. Michael E. Cooper, Head of School

Scholar program was established and this year the first three Curvey Scholars will graduate with the Class of 2013.

www.brewsteracademy.org

3

In the Classroom

When the Curriculum Meets the Real World

By Marcia Eldredge

P

roviding students opportunities to think critically and problem

solve creatively while connecting these thought processes to real world relevancy is a hallmark of the Brewster program. Here we

highlight the excitement and engagement that students are bringing to

the learning process through three course topics: economics, history, and English.

because some students get so involved. They spend a lot of time learning about companies and following current events because they want to do well in the game. There are a lot of students involved in the game that I

don’t even teach. The game is such a great learning tool because it gives students an incentive to talk about the market.”

LeBoeuf’s Advice on Choosing Stocks “You have to look at a company that has potential. I first invested in RIM (Research In Motion, the makers of the BlackBerry), but I’ve read it’s not going to do well so I sold my stock.

“My advice is to do your research because you can gain or lose quickly,” LeBoeuf said.

Opening Bell Catherine LeBoeuf ’13 (Dieppe, New Brunswick) has five minutes before economics class starts each day to check her stocks and make a trade. She is one of 93 students, or 26 percent of the student body, vying for the top trading spot.

“The kids love to check their stocks,” she said. “It’s a game but the stocks are real. It’s a real competition,” LeBoeuf said. “We

“Find something you enjoy. I picked Tim Hortons because you can’t go

wrong because everyone drinks coffee. I watched the news; researched the companies; spoke with my dad; looked at the #1 spot, and then invested.”

Among her stocks: Amazon, Apple, ebay, Google, Green Mountain Coffee, Halliburton Tim Hortons, and UPS. On the day we spoke in January, she

was up $5,000 with Green Mountain Coffee but down $2,000 with Apple.

have learned how to read stock charts and how a

LeBoeuf’s highest position held in the stock market

stockholder is part of a company and it makes you

competition has been six. According to her, the

feel valued, as if you are really part of something.”

same Bobcat traders have held the top 10 spots for

She’s referring to Brewster’s stock market game.

some time.

“I didn’t know anything about the stock market

At press time, Alex Hall ’13 (Durham, North

until this year and now I know how it works and

Carolina) was in first place having grown his

how to make money,” she said. Then she went on to

$100,000 into $295,527 with a well-timed investment

explain how “the market” works at Brewster, “Mr.

in Netflix.

[Michael] Jacobs gives students $100,000, and we

can borrow up to $100,000.” Although LeBoeuf is

“Two years ago, Greg Devonshire ’11 won the

enrolled in economics, the competition is open to

game. On day one of the game, he put all $100,000

any student in any grade.

“In a module on supply and demand we talked about the current situation

in the U.S and how the stock market affects it. Trading is an important part of everyone’s life even if you don’t hold any stocks. When the election

was happening, we looked at the election from the perspective of how an economist would fix the debt problem and how politicians can’t do that because they have to raise taxes and no one wants to raise taxes.”

“Economics is a really popular class because it is fun and interesting and

it keeps you up to date with everything,” she shared. “I think a lot of kids are putting a lot of effort into it.”

Jacobs likens the competition to fantasy sports but on the trading floor

rather than in the sports arena. “It gives students the opportunity to learn about something independently. I show them the basics of stocks and bonds and then I just let them go.

“For a couple of weeks, the focus of class was understanding what it

into lululemon. The stock went up, and he never looked back,” Jacobs said. “Last year’s winner

was Sam Blodgett ’12. He turned his $100,000 into $1,000,000. He made

30-40 transactions each week. He seemed to have a preternatural sense of financial timing.”

“Overall, the game generates a lot of excitement. It starts conversations. It

connects people to each other. It gives some students an excuse to learn on their own,” Jacobs said.

“We have learned how to read stock charts and how a stockholder is part of a company and it makes you feel valued, as if you are really part of something.”

LeBoeuf agrees. “It’s more of a thinking class than a lecture class because

you learn more because you figure it out yourself. Now that I know how the stock market works, I will keep watching it and gain more knowledge and once I get an income, I will hopefully know where to invest my money.”

means to buy and sell stocks, to short and cover stocks, and the ideas

Gun Control in the United States

but the stock market game is always there in the background. I love it

to begin debating gun control days after the shootings in Newtown,

of risk and risk tolerance. Now we have moved on to a new module,

4

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2013

It was by chance that T.J. Palmer’s U.S. History class was scheduled

Connecticut. Palmer used the tragic event to engage his students in discussions around the ongoing national debate on gun control.

“When a class studies relevant, real-world events it typically generates more interest and enthusiasm in the classroom because I can reference examples on television, in the movies, events ‘in their world’ that they can connect the information to in order to make it real,” Palmer explained.

“Most recently, we had finished a module on gun control and then the school shooting in Connecticut occurred and that was all the students wanted to talk about. They all had a real reference point and were quickly able to articulate informed opinions about the subject.”

Shannon Godin ’14 (Pembroke, Ontario) described the format of these classes.

“First students chose whether they were pro- or anti-gun control. We were encouraged to take the opposite opinion of what we really believed because Mr. P said we would learn more this way. I did a lot of the research on the web and since Mr. P is all about having credible sources, we have to make sure our sources hold up. In the world we live in today there is a ton of violence so there is a lot of information out there on this issue. It wasn’t hard to find.” She researched current laws in the United States and other countries, access to guns, mental health issues and gun owners, and past shootings.

After the students had prepared their arguments, they paired up with a classmate who had an opposing opinion. Sitting across from one another, they had a limited amount of time to argue their case. Their partner then had 30 seconds to prepare his or her rebuttal and then argue their point.

This went on for a few days.

“A lot of success in debate is knowing what the opponent is going to say and countering that,” Godin explained. “In an argument I think there are aspects you will agree on with the other side. But I was never truly persuaded. I would faintly agree with them and think ‘that was a good point so how can I counter that?’”

Although Godin is not of voting age yet, researching information and statistics on this very real issue helped prepare her to formulate a mature opinion, she says.

The World Cafe Students in Al Simoes’ Contemporary American Literature and Critical Analysis class explore the question: What does American literature tell us about who Americans are as a people? Simoes has offered his 11th grade students a unique way to explore this question through one of their readings, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby.

For two days at the end of winter trimester, the Bobcat Den was transformed into a 1920s jazz-age café, offering students a setting away from the classroom to “express their ideas and opinions thereby creating a collective intelligence through shared, insightful, and meaningful conversations,” Simoes said.

Al Simoes discusses The Great Gatsby with English students at the Jazz Café.

The Café Discussion Each table is adorned in tablecloths and lamps reminiscent of 1920s café décor. Plates of sweets are placed at each table, beverages are available, and jazz softly streams out of Simoes’ vintage portable turntable.

Each table appoints a host who remains at the table throughout the

conversations and who serves as facilitator and recorder of conversations.

The host reveals the prompt or question to be examined, discussed, and

explored. Conversations begin to flow naturally; ideas emerge. After about 10 minutes, students move to another table (they may not join a table with members from their previous group).

Five rounds of table shuffling occur so that all students have the

opportunity to discuss the open-ended questions at each table. One prompt that students explored:

Early in the novel, Nick says of Gatsby that he “turned out all right at the end.” Later, however, after he tells Gatsby “You’re worth the whole damn bunch put together” he abruptly calls this “the only compliment I ever gave him because I disapproved of him from beginning to end.”

What does this curiously ambivalent admiration for Gatsby tell us about Nick, and especially about his relation to Gatsby’s “incorruptible dream?”

“Café patrons” were attentive, engaged, and contributed to the

conversations. Beyond the café, students complete an evaluative or analytical thesis from one of the questions they explored.

“Thank you all for contributing to the ‘greater good’ over the past two days and providing ‘Scotty’ with his due respect. We are now ready to

express what we have learned on paper in true literary style when next we meet,” Simoes concluded.

“The jazz-age café was a fantastic chance to dive into the theme and

symbol-filled Great Gatsby in a relaxing environment which immersed us into the 1920s … the unique 1920s ambiance and the in-depth selection

of questions made the jazz-age cafe both fun and rewarding,” said Jack Sengstacken ’14 (Hollis, New Hampshire).

“Bonne chance et, au revoir.”

www.brewsteracademy.org

5

Artist in Residence: Topher Grace ’97

F

or a week in January, the cast of Bye Bye

Birdie welcomed a special guest to the stage.

Actor Topher Grace ’97 returned to campus

as an Artist in Residence to offer his acting expertise to the cast and to attend performing arts courses to share his insights with students.

In acting class, the students learned about the

process of working in film and television, both in front of and behind the camera, said drama

instructor Guinevere Boston. “The students asked

great questions and really took the opportunity to

listen and get to know Topher, and share with him some of what they have done in acting.”

With Grace’s guidance, film class students began

sketching a script for the short film they produced

for the introduction to Bye Bye Birdie (See page 10.)

Topher encouraged the students to throw out ideas

The cast and crew of Bye Bye Birdie with Artist in Residence Topher Grace ’97

and helped them to generate enough ideas to start

a script. The next day Topher spent the morning working with a group

played Albert in Bye Bye Birdie. “His best advice to me was that if I wanted

filming scenes for the opening video sequence of the production.

not the way others feel I should. When you work with someone as successful

of acting students, including Will Foote ’13 (who played Conrad Birdie),

to be successful in this field, I should play a part the way I want to play it, and intelligent as Topher Grace, it makes you bring your ‘A game.’”

Topher also spoke to film appreciation

class about the process of making movies and about his time at Brewster.

Bye Bye Birdie “The first rehearsal [with Topher] was

a blast.” Boston said. “We focused on

a pivotal ensemble number. Again, we worked as a group to generate ideas and then we got up on our feet and

got to work. The students were full of

“His best advice to me was that if I wanted to be successful in this field, I should play a part the way I want to play it, not the way others feel I should. When you work with someone as successful and intelligent as Topher Grace, it makes you bring your ‘A

enthusiasm and energy, and we had really

game,’” said Bryce Shipman ‘15

fun and exciting results.”

“Topher was really invested in working

with the students in a hands-on way and paid a lot of attention to their ideas and

creative input. The students were really

able to interact with him and create with

him, and I think that this helped validate their hard work and creativity. He did a great job listening to them and getting

them involved, and they did a great job

‘showing up’ – they stayed focused, open, thoughtful, and playful,” Boston said.

She also noted, “I think that it meant a lot to the whole student body

“He’s awesome,” said Foote. “The first day we just sat on stage and he

to hear about how important his time at BA was. He made a point of

pounded out so many suggestions. He doesn’t just go with the script. He

stressing to them that this time in their lives is the time to try new things;

gets really creative.”

that they should pursue the passions they have and discover new ones.”

“On the final day with Topher on the set, he spent the rehearsal with

For those who haven’t seen Topher on the big screen, plan to catch him

scenes with some principals, and running through one of the large

ensemble cast. He also appears in what’s been called an “anti-romantic

the cast working on a big ensemble piece, working on a few smaller

in April when The Big Wedding opens, a comedy romance featuring an

chorus numbers,” Boston explained. “I think that the students in drama

comedy” A Many Splintered Thing (no release date yet).

were inspired by having someone who has achieved success in the

entertainment industry take time to give attention to the play and to a film project,” she said.

“Working with Topher Grace gave me an opportunity to work hands on with someone who has found success in acting,” said Bryce Shipman ’15, who

6

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2013

Grace’s Acting Credits Television: That ‘70s Show Film: Traffic, Spider-Man 3, Valentine’s Day, Take Me Home Tonight Stage: Lonely, I’m Not

Editing With Grace

By Bianca Barcelo ’13 I spent around three hours editing the opening movie for Bye Bye

Birdie with Mr. Campbell, Ms. Boston, and Topher Grace ’97 in Mr. Hodges’ room. The premise of the video was a newscast, starring

the one and only Mr. Campbell as the news anchor. He reports on

rock and roll star Conrad Birdie’s (Will Foote ’13) impending draft into the Army. The video comprises a series of Saturday Night Liveesque clips revolving around Birdie.

Topher Grace ’97, Guinevere Boston, and Andy Campbell.

After the raw footage was shot, we spent an hour reviewing all of

the clips and trimming it down. Topher took charge of the spacebar for fine-tuning, while I pressed the buttons to trim the clips.

Topher taught me some new tricks on the editing software as well.

We then spent a while looking for background music for each clip.

Mr. Campbell and Topher then recorded a voiceover to use with

one of the sketches. After we had made a rough cut of the video, we watched it to see if we could make any more improvements.

We did this two more times before agreeing on the final product.

Topher was fun to work with and had really great ideas that I hope everyone enjoyed at the play. Through this experience, I learned

from Topher that editing is an integral part of making a video, and that, sometimes, good editing is all you need to get some laughs.

PARENTS: Join Us April 26-27 Spring Student Showcase Topher Grace ’97 coaches Zoe Lindgren ’13 and Will Foote ’13.

Return to campus and join us for two days of student excellence including visual and performing arts, academic team presentations, and athletic contests. Enjoy the many and diverse talents of Brewster students while spending time with your student on campus. Friday night features performing arts in Anderson Hall. Saturday night features lacrosse games under the lights on the new turf of Brown Field with a grand opening field dedication between games. For details and to let us know you’re coming, visit: brewsteracademy.org/SchoolEvents

Cast members of Bye Bye Birdie rehearse a scene.

www.brewsteracademy.org

7

Brewster Debaters Resolve to Deliver A Strong Argument Debate offers platform to explore relevant ideas, think critically, and voice opinions

By Marcia Eldredge

Brewster Debaters • Front row l-r: Will Tamposi ’14, Baldur Dagbjartsson ’14, and Taylor Cantrall ’13 • Back row l-r: Bianca Barcelo ’13, Bob Simoneau, Elston Bell ’14, Monica Metcalf ’13, Tabitha Barr ’15, Madalyn Grutzius ’14, Kai Armstrong ’14, Dan Lyons ’14, Niklas Kraft ’15, Keenan Fix ’13 • Not pictured: Nicole Levesque ’15, Haoran Li ’16, and Ashleigh Wirtz ’15

T

he 2012 presidential candidates were not the only ones honing

“The biggest challenge for students is learning to analyze the resolution,

members of the Brewster debate class were busy studying current

how a value debate like Lincoln-Douglas is mechanically run,” he

their debate skills this fall. Throughout the fall and winter, 15

issues involving constitutional due process, universal health care, the criminal justice system, and human rights abuses.

While not running for office, at least not yet, there is no shortage of

preparing constructs in both the affirmative and negative, and learning explained. “I teach constructs, values, value criterion/standards,

contentions, warrant/proofs, cards, and summations as well as how to successfully argue in a competition.

political issues to debate and resolve for Brewster debaters. The debate

“Students do not know until about five minutes before a debate if they are

playing out nationally while learning public speaking, presentation, and

he added.

team offers a platform for students to become informed on topical issues recitation skills.

going to argue in LD the affirmative or negative of a specific resolution,”

Students typically participate in three NFL/MFL sanctioned events

Brewster’s debate team is a member of the Massachusetts Forensic League

in the fall and three in the winter. If they qualify to attend the state

no equivalent state level organization. Brewster debaters also are members

competition in June.

(MFL)/Massachusetts Speech and Debate League, as New Hampshire has

championships in March, they could then go on to qualify for the national

of the National Forensic League (NFL).

Topics Bob Simoneau, French teacher and former business manager, has assisted

During the first half of winter trimester, novices and new members of the

not have a debate team). He became the coach and advisor in 2011.

ought to guarantee universal health care for its citizens.” Varsity members

As the advisor, he teaches different debate formats, such as Lincoln-

the stylized order of the Lincoln-Douglas format. Teams debated against

the debate team on and off since the late 1980s (some years Brewster did

team prepared constructs and argued the resolution: “The United States

assisted novices to prepare affirmative and negative constructs and learn

Douglas (LD), Policy, and Congress, as well as the various speech venues

each other to gain experience with the varsity members judging.

students for debates. Additionally, Simoneau maintains the NFL/MFL

During the second half of the winter trimester, three novice and four

extra points for speeches given at their school or in the greater community.

Massachusetts to argue the January-February resolution: “Rehabilitation

supported and offered by both the MFL and the NFL to help prepare

scores of wins and loses and determines if any of his debaters have earned

8

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2013

varsity members of the team traveled to Lexington High School in

ought to be valued above retribution in the United States criminal justice system.”

formal attire expected at a debate. One thing about debate at Brewster that I’ve always found very interesting is that it brings together an eclectic

In February the team traveled to Harvard University to compete in speech events and Lincoln-Douglas debates at the 39th Annual Harvard National Invitational Forensics Tournament. If their schedules allow, students were considering entering the Massachusetts Speech and Debate League State

group of students. Kids from all corners of the school – lacrosse players, actors, crewbies – have found their way into the twice-weekly meetings and stayed, not because it was the thing all their friends were doing, but because they knew they had opinions that they wanted to explore and share.

Tournament in early spring.

Following, debate team president Taylor Cantrall ’13 (New Durham, New Hampshire) offers a

glimpse of what it’s like to prepare for and attend

Debate tournaments are usually hosted in public high schools. Once arriving at our destination, Brewster debaters grab our backpacks and follow the throng of kids into an auditorium or cafeteria where we

a debate.

will set up our stuff to reread our cases or prepare a flow, which is the

My sophomore year at Brewster, I became aware

scheduling is released, almost always a few minutes after the time the

to attend one of the meetings, which are held on

while trying desperately to remember room numbers and navigate

paper used to take notes throughout the debate round. Then the round

of the debate class. I was intrigued and decided

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. When I arrived there were only four members and six new recruits, including myself. I don’t know

round was actually scheduled for, so debaters rush off to their classroom unfamiliar hallways. The quiet of the room where the debate takes place is in stark contrast to the noise and mayhem outside. The actual debate

what I was expecting, kids expressing their opinions or maybe a chance

involves two opponents, a judge, and any additional spectators, such as

to learn a little more about current events. What I found was an outlet

new debaters who want to observe a round. A debate usually lasts about

for intellectual discussion fostered by the structure of Lincoln-Douglas

45 minutes, during which each opponent is allotted a specific amount of

debate, which is a morality-based debate format where two opponents

time to present and defend their case, as well as refute their opponent’s.

must represent either the affirmative or the negative side of a resolve

The judge decides who wins based on a large spectrum of factors such as

statement.

what arguments were dropped, who had the sounder logic, or more proof, and who did the best job speaking, just to

To prepare for a debate, we are given a topic with a resolution that is the same resolution used by debaters nationwide. In the weeks leading up to a debate trip, a debater must

prepare both an affirmative and a negative

case. The topic is researched, members of the

A debater can log anywhere from two hours to two days on a single case, depending on how extensive

team toss around pros and cons to both sides,

the arguments behind the topic are

statistical, factual, and analytical proof. A

and how committed the debater is.

and arguments are written with sufficient

debater can log anywhere from two hours

to two days on a single case, depending on how extensive the arguments behind the topic are and how committed the debater is. I usually spend about 10 hours preparing for a debate trip. In order to make the time

commitment involved in case writing manageable, debaters at BA are

given class time to work on cases, as well as plenty of notice so that we

can squeeze in those extra 20 minutes of case writing in between sports

name a few. Once the judge has completed the ballots, we return to our corner of the auditorium to report a win or a loss, and await the next round. After a debate trip, our brains are inevitably tired, but there is a satisfying feeling of having been able to voice the arguments that have been bottled up inside of us in the previous weeks.

This wonderful program continues to grow at Brewster. Today, debate is no longer just a club but an academic elective that provides the opportunity to learn not only Lincoln-Douglas, but also any form of speech or debate. There are currently 15 members of the debate and speech team. We participate in many events ranging from dramatic

and homework.

interpretation to radio broadcasting to good old Lincoln-Douglas. Yet,

Then it’s time for the debate trip, and a host of Brewster students pile

opportunity for us to research real-world issues and explore relevant

the purpose of debate at Brewster remains the same, it provides the

into a Microbird bus while sporting our dress code finest to fulfill the

ideas, as we learn how to think critically and to voice our opinions.

Grandparents: Save the Date • Grandparents’ Day, May 8 Spend a memorable day with your grandchild at Brewster.

Visit a class, take a tour, enjoy lunch, and attend afternoon sports events.

Look for an invitation in the mail, or RSVP to: Sally Smith, special events and programs coordinator 603-569-7470 • sally_smith@brewsteracademy.org

www.brewsteracademy.org

9

Bye Bye Birdie “Bye Bye Birdie is a perfect show for teenagers.

It touches on teen angst, pop idols, clashing with authority figures and parents, and

most importantly, teen love,” said Guinevere Boston, Brewster’s drama instructor. “It was

a great choice for our community because of its relevance to many topics to which they

can relate. It was also very different from the musicals we have done recently; it was more modern in its music, dance, and dialogue, which was really fun for all of us.”

“Hymn for a Sunday Evening (Ed Sullivan)”

Agent and songwriter Albert Peterson (Bryce Shipman) and secretary and girlfriend Rosie Alvarez (Shira Braiterma) plan a publicity stunt for Conrad Birdie’s impending departure for the Army.

10

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2013

Fans are devastated that rock star Conrad Birdie has been drafted into the Army.

Birdie and Kim MacAfee (Taylor Cantrall) on The Ed Sullivan Show for “One Last Kiss.”

Albert sings “Put on a Happy Face” to One Girl (Tabitha Barr) who is sad because she thinks she will be too old for Conrad when he gets out of the Army.

Excited fans follow Conrad Birdie (Will Foote) around Sweet Apple, Ohio.

Conrad Birdie is a guest in the McAfee home.

Birdie is not popular among the town’s parents but drives the teenage girls crazy.

In an attempt to break up Albert and Rosie, Birdie’s overbearing mother (Zoe Lindgren) brings him a new secretary (Ms. Jen Smith).

“I was really impressed by this year’s play! Brewster always puts on great performances but I think this year was especially well put together. I was really surprised by Bryce’s voice too – I had no idea he could sing! ” – Kat Truelson ’13

After Kim runs away, her father Mr. MacAfee (Mr. Peter Moses) leads a chorus of “Kids,” lamenting on how disobedient kids are.

Cast and Crew: Albert, Bryce Shipman; Rose, Shira Braiterman; Conrad Birdie, Will Foote; Mr. MacAfee, Peter Moses; Mrs. MacAfee, Maria Found; Randolph MacAfee, John Campbell; Kim MacAfee, Taylor Cantrall; Hugo, Sam Scott; Ursula, Monica Metcalf; Deborah Sue, Kati Wilcox; Margie, Alexis Felt; Alice, Jasmine Towns; Harvey Johnson, Kyzer Gardiola; Helen, Bianca Barcelo; Nancy, Leana Giron; Penelope, Sarah Nichols; Suzie, Sydney Baker; Freddie, Mayor, Policeman, Hans Kuno; Karl, Daniel de Beer; One Girl, Tabitha Barr; Bobby, First Reporter, Robbie Enos; Mrs. Peterson, Zoe Lindgren; Gloria Rasputin, Jen Smith; Charles F. Maude, Conrad’s Guitar Man, Traveler, Jake Anderson; Mayor’s Wife, Grace Cawley; Mr. Johnson, Train Man, Chris Carlson; Second Reporter, James Cook; Third Reporter, John Quirk; Mrs. Merkle, Lauren Hunter; Drum Majorettes, Maria Found, Lauren Hunter, Anya Found; Crew, Meredith Alden, Jeremy Hess, Katherine Lintermann

www.brewsteracademy.org

11

Working Together to Meet Our Greatest Expectations

By Rachael Jeffers ’05

I

Finally, in just under one year, dedicated supporters of Brewster’s leadership

Dr. Michael E. Cooper “puts the emphasis on aspects of the Brewster

Kerin lit up when talking about the new facility: “This newest addition to

n August 2011, the Brewster Academy Board of Trustees launched the first phase of a campaign to address the Academy’s greatest needs,

focusing on growing a healthy Annual Fund, investing in creativity

through a focus on the arts, and enhancing Brewster’s leadership athletic programs. “The focus in these three areas,” according to Head of School experience we believe will have the most impact on how we continue to meet our expectations and the expectations of others. To fulfill those great expectations requires investment and commitment.”

Phase One Goal = $5 million Two-year Annual Fund Goal: $1.9 million (over half way complete)

Anderson Hall Renovation:

$2 million

Outdoor Turf Field:

$1.2 million Complete!

As we celebrate our successes over the past few years and work toward the completion of this first $5 million phase, I sat down with Director of Advancement Kristy Kerin to discuss campaign priorities and how these projects help ensure the Academy’s relevance and ability to approach personalized education for 21st century learners.

Where we’ve been – celebrating successes!

The Brewster community has come together in remarkable ways collectively making important investments in the Academy. “In the past two years we have more than doubled alumni participation while raising more than $1 million for the Annual Fund, which supports everything from daily operations to financial aid for deserving students from around the country. A healthy Annual Fund means a healthy school – and Brewster certainly has reason to celebrate,” Kerin said.

the tradition of innovation – finding new and engaging ways to utilize technology in the 21st century classroom.

athletics program helped to raise $1.2 million for an outdoor turf field. the Brewster campus is sure to become a hub of activity as the community gathers to cheer on Bobcat athletes in the spring and fall seasons. We have accomplished so much together and propelled by this progress, are looking toward the future with a sense of strength in our community.”

Where are we going?

“On an ongoing basis, the Academy is engaged in a thought-provoking process of strategic planning, examining trends in education and Brewster’s role as a leader in secondary education,” Kerin said. “It is evident that our relevance to students and families is directly linked to our ability to deliver a personalized education that prepares students for life in a global society.

“The Annual Fund will continue to play a major role so that we can be responsive to student, faculty, and community needs.” Kerin cited some of those needs as programmatic investments, dormitory upgrades, wireless conversions in all campus buildings, and financial aid support.

In addition, Kerin noted, “Brewster will continue to invest in its facilities to ensure students have every opportunity to explore their interests and talents. This year, Brewster’s main capital focus is the renovation of Anderson Hall to create a true home for the performing arts that provides our talented students and dedicated arts faculty the resources and space they need to thrive.”

The campus also has undergone the first phase of a wireless conversion, allowing students and teachers to make use of technology in new

How can we sustain Brewster’s strength for the long term?

ways. As this initiative continues, teachers will no doubt continue in

“We know that being our best means staying true to our core values

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BrewsterConnections – Spring 2013

by providing a student-centered, personalized education based on the Brewster Principle of respect, integrity, and service. Simply put, we know that we need to continue to invest in the very best people who take these values to heart,” Kerin said.

“Being our best also means being innovative, to ensure that we continue

to meet the needs of current and future students. This requires partnership – with our board, with current parents, with alumni – who give back to

Brewster with their ideas, their time, their energy, and their philanthropic support.”

Why Renovate Anderson Hall?

Renovations to Anderson Hall will transform this historic church,

which in recent years has served as Brewster’s auditorium, into a true

For more information on the Anderson Hall renovations and other campaign projects, visit brewsteracademy.org/ campaignpriorities or contact the Alumni and Development Office. We welcome your partnership!

performing arts center. This revitalized space will provide students and

faculty with expanded opportunities to explore all areas of performance and production with a new stage, set shop, and classroom space. The

creation of a new lobby and updates to the acoustics, seating, and other

amenities will draw audiences into this creative space in a whole new way.

The 1887 Heritage Society You’re Invited!

Board member David E. Hadley (P’12, ’15) and wife Laureen believe

strongly in Brewster’s commitment to the arts. “Brewster offers so many ways for students to excel and blossom as learners, athletes, artists, and

citizens. The robust arts program at Brewster has so much potential that remains untapped due to infrastructure limitations. There is so much

talent on the BA campus. As a school community, we need to find a way to maximize the arts opportunity for every current and future student.”

Brewster students and faculty bring the arts to life – through music, dance,

and dramatic performance. With the renovation of Anderson Hall, Brewster will have the facilities to match its outstanding performing arts program.

Would you like to leave a lasting legacy at Brewster?

Do you want to make a gift and provide for your heirs?

Would you like to make a gift that costs you nothing today?

Learn how you can make a difference by becoming a member of Brewster’s 1887 Heritage Society.

Jim Bastis, Senior Major Gifts/Planned Giving Officer jim_bastis@brewsteracademy.org • 603.986.7445 or 603.569.7140 www.brewsteracademy.plannedgiving.org

www.brewsteracademy.org

13

Exhibit of Excellence On these pages we celebrate Brewster’s visual

Gold Key: Me in a Dream • Makenzie Moon ‘14 (New York, New York)

arts and the creativity of 12 students whose artwork was awarded recognition in the 2013 Scholastic Art Awards of New Hampshire program. The work represents five mediums: painting, drawing, ceramics, photography, and mixed media. These talented students are enrolled in studio arts or digital photography classes. Among the 12 artists are a Gold Key winner (the highest honor); four Silver Key winners (the second highest honor); and seven Honorable Mentions (judged as exceptional works of art). There were approximately 1,500 pieces of artwork submitted to the jurors.

“We were ecstatic to see that 12 of our

Silver Key: Hollow Vases Junyi “Cynthia” Mei ‘14 (Anhui, China)

Silver Key: Ascending Anna DiMaggio ‘15 (Westford, Massachusetts)

Brewster artists were awarded for their skills and creativity,” said Tara Junkin, visual arts instructor. “The Scholastic Art Show is a wonderful vehicle for sharing the artistic talents of our students as well as celebrating their accomplishments in the arts.”

Later in the spring, Gold Key works will be entered into national judging. In New York City, panels of nationally renowned artists, art professionals, and arts educators review Gold Key works from across the country. Jurors select work for national recognition based on three criteria: originality, technique, and emergence of a personal vision.

14

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2013

Silver Key: Keep Calm and Right Yuting “Sherry” Xie ‘15 (Shanghai, China)

Sliver Key: Strength in Emptiness Riichiro Yamamoto ‘14 (Miyakojima-shi, Japan)

Honorable Mention: Nature’s Pattern Grace Robinson ‘15 (Bronxville, New York)

Honorable Mention: The Golden Age Nora Mittleman ‘16 (New York, New York)

Honorable Mention: Brewster Academy Yi-Wen “Ashley” Cheng ‘14 (Taipei, Taiwan)

Honorable Mention: Sunrise Cameron Borrelli ‘13 (Peabody, Massachusetts)

Honorable Mention: Children of the Cod Taylor Fry ‘14 (Chatham, Massachusetts)

Honorable Mention: Censored Katherine Lintermann ‘13 (Stow, Vermont)

Honorable Mention: Modesty Danielle Tidd ’13 (Alton Bay, New Hampshire)

www.brewsteracademy.org

15

Living and Learning in Vietnam Danielle Tidd Embarks on a Mid-Year Service Project

By Marcia Eldredge

“While teaching basic English to these sweet kids, I learned that it doesn’t matter if you’re a kid with Cerebral palsy and Down syndrome, or an adult with a Ph.D., a smile still means the same thing …”

B

efore graduating from high school, Danielle Tidd ’13 (Alton, New

Hampshire) wanted to travel and be of service to people.

Danielle and Sister Anne brought candy and chips to school children in Nhon Ly.

of the president of Rescue

homework for my own practice and send pictures of my tests and quizzes

Nine days into her December

in any of my classes.

In December, with the help

Humanity, her wish came true. break, Danielle boarded a

flight to Vietnam. The New

Brewster emphasizes service to self and others, what role did

Hampshire native spent six

these principles play in your decision to give of your time?

children and adults, absorbing

principles. When I first talked with Mr. Butcher about some vague idea for

weeks teaching English to

I believe the teachers at Brewster are the people that truly embody these

the culture, making new

any kind of new experience a year ago, he guided me in the right direction

friends, and becoming more

independent, all while keeping Danielle in the fishing village Nhon Ly.

to Mr. Sullivan. It takes some self-discipline, but as of now, I’m not behind

up with her Brewster classes.

While in Vietnam, Danielle updated a blog, sharing experiences and

photos of her travels. Some excerpts from her blog are included below.

and gave me some more refined ideas. As my plans began to take more

shape, Mr. Gorrill was there to help me through all the details of getting

my trip planned and approved. I believe that because the Brewster faculty stands by the school’s principles of service to self and others, that my original idea formed into a legitimate trip.

Is it your first time out of the country?

Following is a Q&A with Danielle, completed while she was in Vietnam.

My family took a trip to Europe when I was in the fifth grade. Excluding

family and Brewster friends.

young adult.

At press time, Danielle was due to arrive back home to reunite with her

Mexico and Canada, this is my first experience outside of the country as a

You have not graduated from high school yet, so you have

What advice do you have for peers who may be interested in

time to travel and help others. What compelled you to take time

undertaking such an adventure? What if they don’t have the

during your senior year to travel and teach others?

means or the drive to go so far away?

I wish I had more of an elaborate answer for this question, but, I really just

Start with an idea, make a plan, and be ready for that plan to fall through.

it just so happens that after plans in Kenya, and then Nepal fell through,

my trip with money from my summer job. If you don’t have the money,

wanted to travel and help people. I didn’t care where in the world I went, that plans in Vietnam worked out.

Then make another one, and keep trying until one works out. I paid for or don’t want to watch your bank account disappear, then I highly recommend doing some fundraising ahead of time.

How are you staying caught up with your Brewster studies?

I pick away at assignments everyday when I’m not teaching, including

weekends to stay caught up. I have received alternative assignments for

several of my classes. For example, I do all the same reading and writing

I also suggest finding a program. It would be pricier, but much easier because they set up your whole trip.

as my French class; however, I send them weekly video journals in order

If you don’t have the means or desire to go so far away, then there

myself out of the book, which takes longer than learning in class. I do the

the Brewster community. Look into national or local organizations, or

to practice my speaking. Math has been the most challenging. I teach

16

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2013

are plenty of people in need of help in the U.S., and in areas around

internships that interest you more. Whatever it is you

want to do, you have to take the initiative and make it happen.

How has this experience changed you?

This experience has made

me more independent and

confident when confronted

Danielle flanked by her adult students in Qui Non.

and different. Because I

comfortable. They confused me when they asked me how my skin was so

had no idea how I would

those lines. Turns out light skin is considered beautiful here. I guess we

here. I’ve learned how to

envied my fluorescently pale skin. By the end of my two hours there, I had

with things that are new

Vi and Hao, members of Danielle’s host family.

don’t speak Vietnamese, I

beautiful. I wasn’t sure if they meant clear, or smooth, or something along

teach English to people

all do really want what we can’t have. This is the first time anyone has

better tackle challenges and

danced with them, showed them basic exercises such as: push-ups, sit-

communicate without words. I’ve also realized that people who have less

ups, and squats, and I was given a bracelet one of the girls had made.

and giving, when they themselves are living on the bare minimum. I’ve

However most of my time was spent in Pleiku. My days here in Pleiku

with me to become a better person.

center for children with Cerebral palsy. Each day we went over the

Blog Excerpts

walk, and several of them have Down syndrome as well. While teaching

tend to be more generous. The people in Vietnam are incredibly hospitable learned how selfless people can be, and I hope that I can take their lessons

involved a lot of English teaching. In the mornings I would go to the

alphabet, numbers, colors, and parts of the body. Most of the kids can’t

December 22: After about 50 hours of travelling, and a New Year’s

basic English to these sweet kids, I learned that it doesn’t matter if you’re

Damin, Kim Ahn, Hao, Vi, and Junior met me at the airport. Today we

a smile still means the same thing and acts as a universal language. After

people in Saigon, 4 million of which get around on mopeds. I got the

convent Leanne is staying at for lunch. Here I taught English to Sister

to the nursery school down the road to pick up Hao and Vi. I was also

school that I am staying at. I would teach the nuns English over dinner,

Celebration on the plane, I made it to Saigon. [My host family] Leanne,

a kid with Cerebral palsy and Down syndrome, or an adult with a Ph.D.,

went into downtown Saigon to run some errands. There are 9 million

I helped feed the children lunch, one of the nuns would bring me to the

chance to ride around in the chaos today. After we returned we went

Tran. After a few hours with them, I would come back to the boarding

introduced to the nuns there, and we began planning how I will teach

and then teach a class of over 50 middle and high school students.

am the fifth white person to ever come to this area, and only the second

January 26: I have spent the last 10 days in and around Qui Nhon. In fact,

sometimes jaws dropped, but Damin and Leanne’s translations tell me

the island of Nhon Ly. … We passed out chips and candy to children there,

the 3-6 year olds English a month from now when I return to Saigon. I American. I’m also about a foot taller than everyone. Everyone stares,

the day I arrived I went with a few of the nuns to a small fishing village on

that they are saying good things.

and then a local brought us to some beautiful cliffs on the ocean. After being

January 11: My week in Pleiku

primarily in cities, it was nice to finally get to see some of natural Vietnam.

I spent the last week in Pleiku. On Monday Leanne and I visited

When we returned to Qui Nhon, my regular day consisted of a class with

school for highlanders. Highlanders are people that live in villages in the

with the nuns in the evening. However, I was given more time to do my

they shyly asked me questions. After some time the girls became more

to get some reading out of the way, and to get in some swimming (I had

Khontum, a city closer to the mountains. There we went to a boarding

8-14 year-olds in the morning, 18-28 year-olds in the afternoon, and class

mountains. They didn’t speak English, so Leanne acted as a translator as

own schoolwork here, than in Pleiku. I also walked to the beach everyday been told not to). Sister Teresa explained my swimming as an addiction

after she found out I had been going everyday. On my last day we visited

the orphanage in Mang Lang. Now I’m back in Saigon for my last week of volunteer work.

Read more of Danielle’s blog at:

http://get-exploring.tumblr.com/ Women working in the lush rice paddies outside of Qui Non.

www.brewsteracademy.org

17

March Madness New England Champions: Another Banner Season The Brewster boys’ varsity A basketball team won the NEPSAC Class AAA title in March. They defeated #1 seed St. Thomas More School 77-75 in overtime for the win. Elijah Macon ’13 (Columbus, Ohio), who led Brewster in the final game in scoring with 15 points and who ripped down 12 rebounds, was named tournament MVP. The Bobcats last won the New England title in 2010.

One day after winning the New England title, the team set off to defend their 2012 title at the National Prep School Championship. They made it all the way to the finals before falling to Northfield Mount Hermon 78-73.

MVP Elijah Macon ’13, Jared Terrell ’14, head coach Jason Smith, and Mike Cooper.

Although the 2013 NCAA national men’s basketball championship had yet to be

Bobcat basketball players continue to find success on and off the court. Here’s a

captured by press time, of the 68 teams represented in NCAA March Madness,

look at some of their accomplishments.

at least 12 teams include former Brewster Bobcats (brackets were still being determined). These Bobcats are:

Athletic Honors Five members of Brewster’s Class of 2012 have earned Rookie of the Week,

Iowa State University, Melvin Ejim ‘10

some multiple times, during their first season of collegiate play. Three other former Bobcats have earned Player of the Week by their respective collegiate

North Carolina State University, TJ Warren ‘12

conferences:

Syracuse University, CJ Fair ‘10

Semaj Christon ‘12, Xavier University

University of Akron, Chauncey Gilliam ‘08

Atlantic 10 Conference Rookie of the Week (five times) Melvin Ejim ‘10, Iowa State University, Big 12 Conference Player of the Week

University of Arizona, Mark Lyons ‘08

CJ Fair ‘10, Syracuse University, Big East Conference Player of the Week University of California Los Angeles, Khalid McCaskill ‘11

Mark Lyons ‘08, University of Arizona, Pac-12 Player of the Week

University of Kansas, Naadir Tharpe ‘11

Mitch McGary ‘12, University of Michigan Big Ten Conference Rookie of the Week (two times)

University of Minnesota, Maurice Walker ‘10

JaKarr Sampson ‘12, St. John’s University University of Michigan, Mitch McGary ‘12

Big East Conference Rookie of the Week (six times)

University of Oklahoma, Andrew Fitzgerald ‘09

Aaron Thomas ‘12, Florida State University Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Week

University of Pittsburgh, Durand Johnson ‘11

TJ Warren ‘12, North Carolina State University

University of Vermont, Luke Apfeld ’09, Trey Blue ‘08

Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Week (two times)

Dressing for Success Brewster has been fielding basketball teams for three centuries, which means Brewster has been outfitting players for success on the court for that long. Here’s a look at how the Bobcat uniform has “evolved” over the decades.

Lady Bobcats sport Bobcat bows, circa 1900

18

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2013

These 1901 Bobcat uniforms appear adaptable to the whims of New England weather.

In 1963 kneepads were a part of the Lady Bobcat uniform.

Academic Honors

“Brewster helped me in a number of ways. The structure really helped me focus

Luke Apfeld ’09, Melvin Ejim ’10, and Andrew Fitzgerald ’09 each have been

on time management with things like study hall and alternating class schedules,

recognized at least once for their accomplishments off the court recently. They

and it also showed me the importance of being able to balance both academics

were eager to share that Brewster helped them find success in the classroom and

and athletics. Brewster put me in the best position I could have been in to

in the bigger world of college athletics and responsibilities.

start college – Brewster’s college-like schedule and classes allowed me to be comfortable and informed when it came to academics in college and not stressed

Apfeld, a dual major at the University of Vermont, was named to the Capital

and overwhelmed like many others.”

One Academic All-District 1 Team. He also was a 2011-2012 Division I-AAA Athletics Directors Association Scholar-Athlete and a 2011-2012 America East All-Academic.

Fitzgerald, an administrative leadership major at the University of Oklahoma, is an All-Big 12 Academic Second Team honoree. Despite his success on the court – he’s the third-ranked scorer on the Sooners and the team captain – he considers

“Brewster taught me to think critically and outside of the box. I also learned to be accountable for my work and prioritize accordingly,” Apfeld said.

He continued “Brewster tries to help students make meaningful connections to the real world through its curriculum and program. I have to give credit to Coach Jason Smith and Coach Josh Lee. Not only did they set me up for success on the court, but they taught me that a college education and college basketball are privileges. They taught me to be accountable in every aspect of my collegiate experience, and that hard work does pay off.

“My greatest accomplishment since leaving Brewster will happen this May when I graduate with two degrees (English and sociology) and begin work on my

the Academic All-Big 12 honor his greatest accomplishment since leaving Brewster.

“Getting named to the All-Big 12 Academic Team last year was a big deal for me.

I work hard to balance my studies and my basketball commitments and being recognized for that was nice,” Fitzgerald said.

He added, “Brewster really prepared me well because it made me live and attend school away from home, and I had to be independent at times. It made me prepare for classes on my own, balance a budget of the money I had, and just take care of myself on a daily basis. I felt I had an advantage over my peers in that first year of college.”

graduate degree in educational leadership,” Apfeld shared.

Ejim, a history major and a forward for the Iowa State University Cyclones, was named to the Capital One Academic All-District 6 Team. Additionally, he was an

Former Bobcats in the NBA

All-Big 12 First-Academic pick in 2012 and last fall became a member of Iowa

Jeff Adrien ’05, Charlotte Bobcats

State’s chapter of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.

Will Barton ’10, Portland Trailblazers

On his accomplishments, Ejim shared: “If I had to choose one thing from the

Craig Brackins ’07, Philadelphia 76ers

many great things God has allowed me to accomplish after leaving Brewster it

Thomas Robinson ’09, Sacramento Kings

would be academically becoming a member of a very prestigious Honor Society Phi Kappa Phi and athletically becoming a captain of the Iowa State men’s

Xavier Silas ’06, Philadelphia 76ers

basketball team.”

By the 1970s uniforms were shrinking.

Meghan Uehlein ’13 in her circa 2013 uniform.

Women working in the lush rice paddies outside of Qui Non.

Jared Terrell ’14, Ron Patterson ‘13, and John Edwards ’13 in their Brewster blue on game day.

www.brewsteracademy.org

19

A Big Win for Coach Smith

O

n January 5, in front

of the Bobcat faithful, head boys’ basketball

Support Programs Department and coach basketball. He is now an associate director of admission.

coach Jason Smith picked up

“We are all very proud of Coach Smith,” said Athletic Director Matt

his Bobcats defeated Athlete

about his program. Yes, the wins are impressive over the years, but he is

his 300th win at Brewster when Institute Academy (Toronto)

90-49. Throughout his 13 seasons at Brewster, he has put together a 300-94 record winning two

NEPSAC titles (2008 and 2010) and two National Prep School

Championships (2010 and 2012).

Lawlor. “Jason has an unbelievable work ethic and is very passionate

an outstanding teacher of the game and a great leader of young men on and off the floor.”

Coach Smith’s Stats: 2000-2001 (14-10) 2001-2002 (18-12) 2002-2003 (18-13)

“Jason’s 300th win is a true representation and testament of his dedication

2003-2004 (24-6) NEPSAC CLASS A Runner-Up

like this in the time frame in which Jason has accomplished this marker

2005-2006 (18-9)

and commitment to Brewster basketball. Coaches who reach milestones generally do so because of the time they spend in recruiting, coaching, and developing their players,” said Head of School Dr. Mike Cooper.

“Brewster Academy is proud of Jason’s accomplishment and is excited about the prospect of him continuing this winning tradition and

2004-2005 (17-9)

2006-2007 (29-6) NEPSAC CLASS A Runner-Up 2007-2008 (31-4) NEPSAC CLASS A Champions 2008-2009 (22-12)

commitment to excellence.”

2009-2010 (35-5) NEPSAC CLASS A Champions; National Prep School Champions

Smith, a Concord, New Hampshire, native and a graduate of Southern

2011-2012 (33-1) National Prep School Champions

2010-2011 (31-3) National Prep School Final Four

New Hampshire University, was initially hired to teach in the Academic

2012-2013 (30-5) as of March 3

More Bobcats Commit to Collegiate Sports Teams In the last issue of Connections, we reported on students who had committed to playing sports at colleges and universities next year, since then more students have made commitments, with still more students waiting before they make their final decisions. Here is an update: Basketball Robert Champion (Waxhaw, North Carolina), College of the Holy Cross

Lacrosse Austin Giorgetta (Parker, Colorado), McDaniel College Mike Pappalardo (Wyckoff, New Jersey), College of Wooster Rowing Ryan Cook (Wolfeboro), Boston University Soccer Charlie Kelly (Liverpool, England), Hobart and William Smith Colleges For more updates, visit: brewsteracademy.org/collegiatecommitments

Alex Hall (Durham, North Carolina), Connecticut College Zuri Pavlin (New York, New York), Connecticut College Michelle Poole (Wolfeboro), Muhlenberg College Patrick Wallace (Charlotte, North Carolina), North Carolina State University Ice Hockey Abby Gahm (Eagle River, Alaska), Yale University Catherine LeBoeuf (Dieppe, New Brunswick), Brown University Katie Parkman (Stratford, Prince Edward Island), Hamilton College Laurence Porlier (Maria, Quebec), Syracuse University Meaghan Spurling (Amesbury, Massachusetts), Saint Anselm College

20

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2013

Some of the seniors who will contribute to collegiate sports programs next year: Clockwise from top left: Michelle Poole, Ryan Cooke, Laurence Porlier, Catherine LeBoeuf, and Katie Parkman.

get social with brewster!

Introducing our new social media mashup page—a place to find the latest Brewster photos, posts, tweets, videos, blogs, and more!

Find the mashup page at: www.brewsteracademy.org or social.brewsteracademy.org

www.brewsteracademy.org

21

Newsmakers Moon Awarded for Art Excellence

U14 Seacoast United Mountaineers earned the silver

Academic Squad program

medal at the 3v3 World Championships in January.

recognizes high school

Makenzie Moon ’13

The team’s trip to the Worlds began over a year ago

seniors who have achieved

(New York, N.Y.) received

when Found put a six-member team together that

a cumulative, unweighted

a Gold Key award for

went on to win area and state tournaments before

GPA of 3.5 out of 4.0 or

her watercolor “Me in a

qualifying for the Northeast Regional tournament in

the equivalent through

Dream.” The recognition

York, Pennsylvania, last summer. As one of the top

the first quarter of the

came in the 2013

four teams in this tournament, the Seacoast United

2012-2013 school year.

Scholastic Art Awards

Mountaineers secured their spot in 3v3 competition.

Both LeBoeuf and Brindra were two of the team’s

of New Hampshire program. She was the only Brewster student who received a Gold Key Award,

“This is a great achievement for Gunner and his

three captains, and LeBoeuf earned Most Valuable

although four Brewster students received Silver

team,” commented Karl Edmonds, Brewster’s head

Player honors for the 2012 season.

Keys and the works of seven Brewster students

soccer coach. “It also looks great for the future of

received Honorable Mentions (see page 14). Of the

Brewster soccer having its younger players play in

approximately 1,500 works of art submitted by

great competition and receiving accolades.” Found

students, 162 Gold Keys were awarded.

was the only freshman on the boys’ varsity soccer

Varsity basketball

team this past season.

players Michelle Poole

Basketball Players Named to All-Star Team

‘13 (Wolfeboro) and

“Makenzie has really come into her own in relation to her artwork. This summer she worked with many

The 3v3 World Championships were held at the

Morgan Fuller ‘14

great teachers at the Rhode Island School of Design

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando,

(Moultonborough, New

and further developed her own style in painting,”

Florida.

Hampshire) were named to the NEPSAC Girls’

said Brewster visual arts instructor Tara Junkin.

“Makenzie continues to have high expectation for her work, as she seeks to express her creative voice through the art of painting, ceramics, and poetry.”

Found is Silver Medalist in World 3v3 Games

22

Field Hockey Players Tapped for Academic Squad

Basketball All-Star Team.

They were scheduled to

Seniors Catherine

play for the Class C East

LeBoeuf (Dieppe, New

All-Stars against the West

Brunswick) and Camryn

All-Stars in early March.

Bindra (Short Hills, New

Poole has been a member

Jersey) were selected to

of the varsity team since

the 2012 Gladiator by

freshman year, and Fuller

Gunner Found ’16

SGI/National Field Hockey Coaches Association High

joined the team as a

(Wolfeboro) and his 3v3

School Academic Squad. The High School National

sophomore.

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2013

Cooper to be Honored A.B. Whitfield (P ’89), COO of the Trey Whitfield School in Brooklyn, New York, announced in January at an All School Assembly that the Trey Whitfield Foundation is excited to honor Mike Cooper for his service to Brewster, the Trey Whitfield School, and above all – his dedication to education. As Whitfield put it, they are so happy to honor Dr. Cooper as he is “One of the best friends anyone could have asked for. A real person, striving to do something good in the world.”

Cooper will be officially honored at the Trey Whitfield Foundation Awards Dinner in July.

Braiterman is Symphony Soloist Shira Braiterman ’13 (Wolfeboro) was a featured soloist with the New Hampshire Youth Symphony Orchestra at their gala concert in January. She performed Vivaldi’s Double Flute Concerto in C Major.

It is Braiterman’s third year as a member of the youth symphony orchestra, which performs highlevel symphonic literature for advanced high-school string, wind, and percussion students. She also plays the cello and saxaphone.

National Honor Society Inductees

Alaska); and Nicole Levesque ’14 (Wolfeboro).

book saying that it had saved their life. So having the opportunity to work on a project that has the power

An induction ceremony acknowledged the hard

to make a kid feel a little less alone in his or her

work and effort of these students who stand out

experience, to make them feel like they belong, that

as exemplary among their peers with respect to

they too are infinite, now that’s a real gift.”

scholarship, leadership, character, and service, noted Maria Found, faculty member and NHS advisor.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower Gillian Brown ’01 was a co-producer of The Perks of Being a Wallflower, the film based on the critically

Dearborn Breaks College Record Former Bobcat runner Krisztina Dearborn ‘10, a junior at Central Connecticut State University, broke the CCSU women’s track and field record in the 3,000 meter run in January. Dearborn broke the record at the Great Dane Classic in New York, N.Y., with a time of 10:08.33. The previous record of 10:12.24 had stood since 2000. The CCSU team placed 13th in a field of 21 schools at the meet.

acclaimed coming of age novel by Stephen

Desjardins is Beanpot Winner

Chbosky. She worked

Ice hockey goal Chloe Desjardins ’11 helped the

with producers Lianne Halfron, Russ Smith, and

Northeastern University Huskies to their second

John Malkovich as well as Chbosky to develop and

consecutive and 16th Beanpot championship in

package the screen adaptation. In February, the film

February. She was the netminder for the Bobcats for

won Best First Feature at the Independent Spirit

three seasons and is ranked third in Brewster girls’

Awards. Brown spent four months on location in

hockey for most shutouts (14). From Saint-Prosper,

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, working with the studio, cast, and crew until the film wrapped.

“It was really wonderful to be a part of this project because the book was influential to the lives of so many young people, and as a result, the movie generated a lot of excitement early on,” she said.

Beauce, Quebec, previously Desjardins represented Team Quebec at the U-18 Canadian National Championships and earned the Outstanding Goaltending award for the tournament.

Yau Named President of Coaches Association Kim Yau, senior team leader

“Working with Emma Watson, Logan Lerman, and

and head varsity field

the other young actors was a real pleasure. They

hockey coach, was recently

brought such energy and vitality to the well-loved

nominated and named

characters that Stephen created in his book.

president of the New England Preparatory School

“The Perks of Being A Wallflower is an important story to tell,” Brown continued. “I remember reading the book for the first time and thinking, wow,

Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Field Hockey Coaches Association. For the past two seasons and in 2005, she served as NEPSAC Class C

Six students were inducted into the John Brewster

that’s exactly what high school felt like! I think all

Scholar Chapter of the National Honor Society

of us can relate to these characters in one way or

in January. They joined eight current members.

another – Charlie’s heartbreaking earnestness or

Yau took over the Brewster field hockey program in

Congratulations to Yoshi Yang ’14 (Kaohsiung

Sam’s insecurity, or Patrick’s loneliness. And I think

2002. During her tenure, her team has earned nine

City, Taiwan); Anna Dong ’13 (Beijing, China); Kat

we can relate to the feeling of belonging that they

selections to the New England tournament, twice

Truelson ’13 (Newton, New Hampshire); Cynthia

experience when they find each other. Stephen

winning the championship, and earned three Lakes

Mei ’14 (Anhui, China); Abby Gahm ’13 (Eagle River,

received hundreds of letters from kids who read his

Region titles.

tournament director.

www.brewsteracademy.org

23

New Members Join Brewster’s Board of Trustees A Parent and Two Alumni are Welcomed

By Rachael Jeffers ’05

B

rewster Academy’s Board of Trustees plays an important role in

decision making here at the Academy and each member brings a unique perspective to the process. Whether they come from the

business world, are graduates of the Academy, parents of current or past students, or simply engaged members of the Brewster and Wolfeboro communities, their guidance is invaluable to the Academy and our

community as we look toward the future and work to provide the type of student-centered education so many have come to expect from Brewster.

We are happy to announce the addition of three new members to the

David E. Hadley (P’12, ’15), Bri Gatta ’05, and Ronn Bronzetti ’92

Gatta ’05. These are three dedicated individuals who know Brewster in

David E. Hadley P’12, ’15 brings more than 20 years of executive

board, David E. Hadley P ’12, ’15, Ronn Bronzetti ’92, and Gabrielle “Bri” different ways and bring various talents and skills as new trustees.

Gabrielle “Bri” J. Gatta ’05 is a business associate at UBS Investment

Bank in New York City. Gatta is a graduate of Colgate University where

she majored in French and philosophy. As a student at Brewster, Gatta was a student leader, passionate participant in student activities (especially Winter Carnival), and a determined athlete, as a member of both the

varsity lacrosse and cross-country teams, which she captained in her senior year.

In an interview with Gatta, she highlighted the small class sizes, diverse student body, strong academic and athletic offerings, and the team

experience to the board from his career in business and the building materials industry. He is the CEO and owner of Boston-based Pella

Windows & Doors Inc. and Minneapolis-based Pella Northland LLC. He holds a bachelor’s of science degree in business administration

from Wilkes University, a graduate certificate in administration and

management from Harvard Extension School, and is an Owner/President

Management program Executive Education alumnus of Harvard Business

School. Having served multiple terms on corporate and non-profit boards, Hadley is also currently a member of the board of trustees for Wilkes

University in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and we are happy he is bringing his talents and experience to Brewster’s board of trustees.

structure as just a few keys to Brewster’s success. She also mentioned the

As a parent, Hadley has observed Brewster from a personal perspective

the swim test to formal meals and those things only Brewster seniors get

for children.” As Hadley notes, “The student-centered team approach and

traditions – from the two-mile run at the start and end of each season and to do (singing with all the other senior girls at the tree lighting or walking on the senior plaques) – as special memories. Gatta also noted Brewster’s stellar location as a key asset: “Wolfeboro is such a unique place to go

to not just high school but boarding school. It provides an exceptional

backdrop for excellence – athletically, academically, professionally, and

beyond. Lake Winnipesaukee will forever hold a piece of my heart, and

thanks to Brewster I cannot imagine going to high school anywhere else in the world.”

When asked recently what she felt is most exciting or interesting about the direction Brewster is heading, Gatta responded: “The new turf! I admit, I

over the past few years and has described it as being, “like miracle grow

the focus on emotional literacy are not just marketing catch phrases at BA.

They are at the core of the culture of this phenomenal school. Students truly do find their best selves here. It’s amazing to see children fully blossom

and at such an accelerated rate. Many schools talk about their commitment to the student, Brewster Academy delivers on that commitment.”

Reflecting on the experiences his two daughters have had at the Academy, Hadley shared the following stories highlighting how each of his girls

found their way in a new environment, guided and mentored by a caring community of educators:

too had my doubts at first, after having numerous practices and games on

Our oldest daughter, Olivia ’12, now a freshman at Lafayette College,

mud, but it is undoubtedly symbolic of how much Brewster has grown

moving the family and disrupting her high school experience mid-

Brown Field and remembering it through all the seasons as grass/snow/ since I was on campus, as well as where the school is headed. It not only makes Brewster more competitive, but demonstrates how many people

believe in what Brewster is doing. Donations made this possible, and to

have so many believe in Brewster’s future is inspiring. The Smith Center was my generation’s ‘turf’ but the community has stepped it up and brought the turf outside – brilliant!”

24

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2013

entered Brewster as a junior, and we were feeling very guilty about stream. She was understandably overwhelmed and upset for the

first few weeks. After attending BA for just one month, music teacher Andy Campbell convinced Olivia to perform at the All-School talent

show. She reluctantly agreed. At the last minute, Andy decided to have Olivia be the opening act. She received a standing ovation and found

both her high school home and career passion at that precise moment.

and Support of Education, and the National Association of Independent A singer/songwriter, Olivia wrote and composed a song for her

senior classmates and with help from HOWL (the school chorus) and the orchestra, she performed her own song in front of an estimated

800 people at graduation while Andy Campbell led HOWL and the orchestra. Miracle grow.

Our youngest daughter, Juliet ’15, now a BA sophomore, was

always the athletic one. We were thrilled when she made both the

varsity field hockey and lacrosse teams as a freshman. We were even

Schools. He is currently the Associate Director for Leadership Giving at the New England Conservatory in Boston and lives in Wellesley, Massachusetts, with his wife Sara.

When asked about what sets Brewster apart from other schools, Bronzetti responded by citing the “breathtakingly beautiful campus,” the studentcentered focus on education, and the integration of emotional literacy and project-based learning into the curriculum. Bronzetti noted that,

more thrilled when she actually started a handful of games in both

“Brewster’s innovative teaching methods are designed to address and

varsity field hockey coaches Kim Yau and Janis Cornwell lead their

lessons that can only be acquired within a group setting. This is why I think

bitter disappointments. One reason I respect and admire these two

prepare its students for a successful college experience; I also think it equips

seasons. Watching from the sideline, I have personally witnessed

meet the individual needs of the students, while reinforcing the skills and

teams to a 2010 NEPSAC Championship. I also witnessed them suffer

Brewster’s method of experiential learning does much more than simply

extremely competitive and talented coaches so much is that, win or lose, they conduct themselves with poise, grace, and dignity. I am

proud to say they are, and have been, positive role models for both my daughters in the classroom and on the athletic field. I feel the

lessons they teach BA student-athletes about winning with grace and losing with dignity are invaluable life lessons.

We see the impact of the Brewster experience at every turn as Juliet

learns to challenge herself and meet new goals. Near the end of her

them with the kind of leadership and development skills necessary for the kind of lifelong lessons that can be carried into the workforce as well.”

Bronzetti is grateful for the teachers at Brewster (people like Bob Richardson, Mary Fallon, Joyce Ferris, Rex Snyder, and so many others) who supported him during his most formative, and admittedly, frequently challenging years. When he thinks of Brewster now, the memories are all about the many people and relationships that he enjoyed at school. In

freshman year, she came home and announced that she was going

particular, Bronzetti commented, “I loved the sense of community that we

she was asked to become an alumni student ambassador, working

of educational opportunities – to live with other students from around

Juliet was invited to attend the USA Field Hockey Futures program,

I’ll always treasure my time spent with my teammates and coaches

to run for class prefect and then at the start of her sophomore year

had in our dorms. As a boarding school, Brewster granted us the rarest

with the school’s Alumni and Development Office. Most recently

the country and abroad. That, in itself, was extraordinary. Additionally,

a feeder program to the Olympic team. Always the shy, reserved one,

at Brewster, with the support of mentors like Janis Cornwell and Kim Yau and many others, Juliet has blossomed both on the field and in the classroom into a confident leader. Miracle grow.

Hadley says his career as a CEO has prepared him to measure and

monitor the trend lines of the key imperatives within an organization as these speak directly to the long-term success and sustainability of

on the wrestling, crew, and cross-country teams. These three sports, although very different, taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance, teamwork, and goal setting.” In his new position on the board of trustees, Bronzetti still believes that “Brewster’s greatest strength has always been its talented and exceptionally committed faculty members.”

The future looks bright for Brewster, and Bronzetti takes encouragement

any business entity. In Hadley’s view, the key imperatives at Brewster

from witnessing the way that Brewster’s alumni network worked together

Simply put, Hadley points out that, “… in a challenging economic

that this was impressive because, “Not only did we more than double

while our competitors continue to struggle to find a sustainable business

demonstrated an overwhelming amount of favorable feelings for our

Academy for the past few years are all trending dramatically upward.

to meet and surpass the Strength in Numbers Challenge. He noted

environment, the leadership team at Brewster has found a way to win

our alumni Annual Fund participation over the previous year, we also

model. There is still plenty of work ahead but this great school has a bright future thanks to an entire team of dedicated people.”

Hadley brings a never-ending drive for improvement and a true love

for Brewster to his new position on the board, and he is excited for the opportunity to join this talented group of leaders.

Ronn M. Bronzetti ’92 has been an active member of the alumni

community since his graduation and brings a depth of knowledge to the

school, and I think this can only be a healthy indicator for future growth and alumni engagement.”

Bronzetti looks forward to sharing his experience in educational fundraising with the board and is thrilled to be in a position to engage alumni with the school.

Representing both the alumni and parent constituencies that are part

board with respect to fundraising for independent schools and cultural

of what make Brewster such a strong community, we were happy to

is on the board of Breakthrough Greater Boston and is a member of the

first meeting in January and look forward to the wealth of knowledge and

non-profits. A graduate of the University of New Hampshire, Bronzetti

welcome all three of our new members to the board of trustees for their

Planned Giving Group of New England, the Council for Advancement

diverse experience they each bring to Brewster’s governing board.

www.brewsteracademy.org

25

Brewster On The

Road

Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong)

Jim Bastis and Raylene Davis enjoyed an evening with young alumni in Tokyo. Front row (l to r): Hirona Imamura ‘05, Mio Tanaka Yoshioka ‘05, Shiori Taguchi Brummer ’02, and Tomoko Oyama ’03; Back row with Bastis and Davis are Scott Algate ’05 and Daigi Sakamoto ’02 November – Just before the holiday season, Jim Bastis of the Alumni and Development Office traveled halfway around the world to visit with Brewster families and alumni in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Seoul. As Jim described on

2013 Hoophall Classic January – After returning from the winter break, the

his trip blog, a dinner in Tokyo brought together

Bobcat defending national champions took on South

seven current Brewster families, and the highlight

Kent School at the Hoophall Classic in the home of

of the evening was having Tomoko Oyama ’03 and

the Basketball Hall of Fame. Fans from campus joined

Mio Tanaka Yoshioka ’05 join the dinner to share

alumni and Brewster friends in the stands to cheer

memories of their Brewster experience and how it

on the Bobcats to an 88-55 win. Fans joined Brewster

helped them in college and beyond. In Seoul, Jim and

staff for a pre-game reception at the Classic.

Raylene caught up with Bo Kyung Choi ’07, Mo Kim ’05, and Jason Kim ’00. Jim spent time with Brewster families in all five cities and enjoyed hearing about their experiences as Brewster parents. Thanks to all the families and alumni who hosted Brewster events

EL Program Attracts Interest February – After attending Brewster’s presentation

and special thanks to the parents of Doris Xiang

on emotional literacy at The Association of Boarding

’14, Sam Wang ’13, Jason Han ’14, Kyle Riley ’14,

Schools conference in Washington, D.C., Fryeberg

and Yoshiaki Tomita ’14 who were all instrumental

Academy invited Dean of Students Joe Fernald to

in arranging events in their respective cities. To see

the Maine school to present to faculty. “Specifically

more photos and learn more about the trip, visit

they were interested in what emotional literacy

Jim’s blog at: http://jimbastis.blogspot.com/

looks like in action and in the classroom,” Fernald

said. He presented the RULER Approach (Recognizing, Understanding, Labeling, Expressing, and Regulating emotions) and the four anchors to the Approach. The

Lakes Region – Wolfeboro

administrators also were interested in how Brewster’s

January – More than 20 alumni rose early on a bitter

Engaged Discipline System works.

cold morning to enjoy breakfast in the Estabrook – sound familiar from those winter walks across

Upcoming Events – Join Us

campus before class? We were happy to have the opportunity for alumni – representing classes from eight decades – to reconnect and share memories of their time on campus. Roger Williams ’48 brought along his graduation program, a varsity letter from football, and even some playbills to spur stories.

What are your BA ‘treasures’ that remind you of

Are you in the Boston, New York, or Chicago areas? Be on the look out for upcoming Regional Alumni Chapter events in your area, and please contact the Alumni Office at 603-569-7133 with ideas or suggestions for events this spring and summer.

time on campus?

Regional Alumni Chapters Keeping Busy The Reefs Resort in Bermuda

Spring in Bermuda April – Thursday, April 18 Tired of winter temps and wool sweaters? Join Brewster alumni, parents, and friends for a reception at The Reefs hosted by Roz and David Carlson ’54.

Make a weekend of it! Bermuda Brewster parents are planning additional gatherings including possible tours, cruises, golf, and meals. Contact Sally Smith for information at 603-569-7470 or sally_smith@ brewsteracademy.org.

Dale Grout ’64, Candace Crawshaw ’64, Grace (Campbell) Douglas ’58, Roger Williams ’48 and his wife Barbara, Hope MacDonald ’45. Second row: Moni (Stevens) Zarinsky ’54, friend Heidi Peterson, Martha (Weyand) Trepanier ’83, Elaine Crowther and Bruce Crowther ’64, Beth Hayes ’81, friends Ron and Paula Howard, Whitney White ’07. Back row: Jim Bastis, Don Grout ’64, Kristy Kerin, Stephen Hatch ’48, David Douglas ’59, Jon Samuelson ’78, Rachael Jeffers ’05, Erik Jones ’93, and John MacDonald ’74. Missing from photo, Harvey Stephenson ’38.

Springtime Art Walk – Portsmouth, New Hampshire May – Friday, May 3, 5-8 p.m.

Join the Lakes Region Alumni Chapter for a free evening stroll through a number of downtown Portsmouth art galleries as part of the Art ‘Round Town gallery walk. Finish the evening by meeting up with Brewster friends at a local pub, and enjoy appetizers courtesy of Brewster. Contact Beth Hayes ’81 for additional information at 603-569-7133 or beth_hayes@brewsteracademy.org.

Roger Williams ’48 brought along some BA memorabilia to share with the breakfast group.

www.brewsteracademy.org

27

BR EW ST E R AC AD E M Y • 2013

W

The 2013 Winni Classic

olfeboro Bay was the site of Brewster’s first Winni Classic

won but the Lady Bobcats never gave up. Before the two teams headed

snowstorm, the wind, and the plunging temperatures as the

guests to participate in an on-ice version of the Harlem Shake – certainly a

alumni pond hockey tournament in February. Despite the

day went on, the air also was filled with plenty of laughter and good times as alumni returned to campus for the competition or to watch the games.

Seen on the alumni bench: Evan Carlson ’03, Mike Christopher ’01, Kris

Clement ’06, Mikael Clement ’12, Chris Drakos ’12, Steve Farrell ’12, Eric Kaskiewicz ’99, Michael Kaskiewicz ’96, Graig LeBrun ’98, Ben Lord

’03, Henry Lord ’91, Dennis McNally ’00, Michael Morancy ’06, Vilhelm Nilsson ’12, Joe Rizzo ’03, Mike Romagnoli’01, and Bryan Shea ’12.

for the warmth of the Pinckney Boathouse, the Lady Bobcats invited their fitting ending to a day of fun and friendly competition on the lake.

In addition to the two 4v4 games, Fishing Club Advisor Byron Martin

offered ice fishing demonstrations outside the Brewster Bobhouse and the Brewster Big Friends’ Club coordinated sledding for the youngest

attendees. Chili, chowder, cocoa, and a warm fireplace awaited guests inside the Pinckney Boathouse while a fire pit outside offered a quick warm up and s’mores.

For the women Emilie Arseneault ’08 and Kate Buesser ’07 returned

As part of a fundraiser for the student-driven Cancer Fund at Brewster,

her teammates from the Boston Blades, including two Olympians, and

braved the chill to serve Italian meatball sliders from his Ristorante

but don’t feel too bad for the “alumnae” team. Kate brought a few of

members of the U.S. and Canada national teams. In the end, the “alumnae”

Angelo ‘G-Lo’ Varrone, equipment room manager, and a few students Italiano kiosk.

The alumnae, with a couple of Olympic guests, won the women’s match up.

Nearly 20 alumni returned to participate in the first Winni Classic pond tournament. Although the Winni Classic Cup remained out of their reach, we hope they will return next year to settle the score.

28

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2013

The Pinckney Boathouse’s expansive views offered a warm spot to watch the games.

Evan Carlson ’03 and Ben Lord ’03

Connie Moynihan traveled from Maryland to cheer on son Kyle Moynihan ’13.

Coach T.J. Palmer sculpted the Winni Classic trophy for the men’s game.

The Bobcat escorts the Brewster boys to the game.

Canadiens Kris ‘06 and Mikael ’12 Clement with Coach T.J. Palmer.

Fishing Club Advisor Byron Martin enthusiastically instructed attendees on the art of ice fishing.

Kate Buesser ’07 scores for the alumnae.

Mike Cooper began the games with a ceremonial puck drop.

Bobcats Marina, Ashtyn, Laurence, and Maddie await their shift.

www.brewsteracademy.org

29

HOOPLA

by Matt Hoopes

To be 18 Again, 25 Years Later Alumni Value Lessons Learned J ust about everyone looks forward to the arrival of spring with its rebirth,

Celebrating their

greening and blooming, and on-coming warmth. I look forward to spring as

25th reunion, the

it is reunion time – another kind of rebirth, the return to being one’s former

following members

18-year-old self. Early on I was like many others who shied away from reunions,

of the Class of 1988

probably because as a teacher I was afraid I wouldn’t “measure up” to my Wall

write about their

Street classmates. When I did venture back, it took only a few minutes of being

memories of Brewster

back on my old campus to realize what reunions were all about: a time of

activities, stories,

remembering, reuniting, and reviewing life.

and friends. They’ve also mentioned the

Former Headmaster David Smith used to remind graduates at

teachers who inspired

commencement that as far as the school, faculty, and classmates were

them, often with

concerned from that day onward they would be frozen in time as 18 year-olds in

advice that they’ve

their yearbook. Perhaps with today’s social networking and Facebook this is no

used and held on to all

longer quite as true, yet nothing replaces a 20-year delayed hug, followed by a

these years later.

teasing insult, and a shouted long-lost nickname – the coming together of a class reunion!

Whether it is your 5th or 50th reunion,

Hoopes and Sandy, his new Bahamian Potcake pup, one of a litter of six found during Hurricane Sandy. Potcakes lick clean a pot’s burnt remains left from baking over an open fire.

Reunions also are time to consider the past and its effect on one’s career and

take advantage of the

life. As you read the following Hoopla column, you’ll learn how Brewster has

occasion and renew

worked its charms on many alumni. Some may think ‘if only’ they had been more

old (and older!) friendships while you revisit a place where early dreams of one’s

involved, worked a little harder, things might have turned out differently. Last

future formed. Looking forward to seeing all on campus May 31 - June 2. In the

year one alumnus asked me, only half-jokingly, “Think there’s anyway I could

meantime do consider ‘honoring’ your own faculty mentor with an annual gift

return to Brewster as a PG? I’d promise to do all my assignments ...”

donation of any size.

Almost everyone has his or her favorite teachers – someone who took the time

As always I look forward to learning about your updates as well as your Brewster

to give extra attention, who helped in a time of need, who became a mentor and

memories.

with whom a later, meaningful relationship formed. Reunions are also a time to reach out to important friends, to invite them to join their class at a milestone reunion.

Matt Hoopes was a faculty member from 1975 to 1996. During this time he and his journalism students founded The Brewster Browser and the Outcroppings literary magazine. Since his “retirement” from the classroom in 1996, Hoopes has worked as the alumni correspondent from his hilltop banana farm on the island of Eleuthera, The Bahamas, helping to keep the alumni connection alive. In each issue he brings life-after-Brewster stories to the pages of his Hoopla column.

30

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2013

Joel Richman Joel Richman attributes the courage for a mid-life career change to Brewster.

I’m working at a technology-based public relations firm called SHIFT Communications, where I’m one of the managing vice presidents. It’s the career I went to college to get into, but I took a convoluted route to get here. After what I call my “false start” at Lynchburg College in Virginia, I dropped out to work for a year in the Caribbean. When I returned to Boston, I transferred to Northeastern University in pursuit of a journalism and public relations degree.

I’m going to skip over details of the years after college, but for a timeline continuity here are the Cliff Notes: I worked part time at a bar while in school and was offered a full management position after I graduated. There was a lot more money in food service than entry-level copy writing so I stuck with hospitality for a while. It was a 10-year distraction. Toward the end I started my own place with some partners, but after clocking more than a year of 70-hour

Joel Richman’s wife Andrea, stepdaugher Ashley, 16, and daughter Hannah, 4.

weeks, I left for an entry-level position at a boutique PR firm. To this day I still say my worst day in PR is better than my best day running a restaurant.

situations while remaining calm so I could assess my challenges. As a result, my ability to focus increased, and, as we all know, with focus, anything becomes possible.

I directly attribute the ability to make a stark career jump to my time at Brewster. When I got to Brewster in 1985, I was a failing product of a mediocre

Another mentor at Brewster was Mary Fallon who taught me how to torture

small town school system. Issues created by dyslexia included poor grades, which

a rough story draft article into a piece I was proud to share. Mary pushed me

led to a drop in self-esteem. I lost interest in sports and let my relationship with

to apply critical thought to not just my content, but also to the content’s

my parents and hometown friends degrade. Thankfully my parents recognized

arrangement, word choices, and even tempo. To this day I remember Mary saying

what was going on and made the sacrifices necessary to get me into an

“write with swagger” – I try to everyday and still use the phrase with those who

environment we all now call “The Brewster Experience.”

now report to me.

Everything during my first year was foreign. I shared a room with a goofy,

Very little of what I’m up to these days would be possible at all if Matt Hoopes

reggae-loving kid who enjoyed staying up very late, and made other friends from

hadn’t pushed me well out of my comfort zone. Hoopes brought me into the

California, Texas, New York City, Charlottesville, Florida, and Bermuda. Everyone

school newspaper where he, rather than letting me volunteer, forced me to

was different so nothing needed to be the same. I quickly forgot the small town,

become an editor. I suddenly had real deadlines and needed to learn newspaper

insular, and nearly depressed kid I was when I arrived, and began to enjoy the

layout. I had to talk to strangers about strange things and then tell those stories

idea that I’d be able to build a real plan for myself at Brewster.

in simple, digestible ways. It took focus. Hoopes also put me on the Judicial Board, which in my estimation was a little like “the pot calling the kettle black.”

Three required sports forced me to take better care of my health as well as flipped my fairly negative attitude to one that thrived on competition. I’m not

Putting this all down on paper has made me realize I actually missed my 15th

built for running – toddlers do it better – but I got into cross-country in the fall

and 20th class reunions. Imagine passing on one’s 20th high school reunion.

as a way to train for ‘my’ sport of wrestling. Rex Snyder, the Sargent Hall dorm

Seems there have always been other priorities that took over the prospect of a

parent and wrestling coach, became a regular fixture in all aspects of my life. He

weekend lakeside with old friends. Like most of my class, I’m married now, with

kept order on the dorm floor, always had an ear to lend when something came

a 16-year-old stepdaughter and a four year-old of our own, but this reunion I

up and I needed to chat, and he came down hard on us when my friends and I

will be there! I miss the guys I lived with in House 2 (Mason House), and over

misbehaved. He also had a spooky knack for expertly blending into the shadows

at Bearce. I’d love to connect again with friends like Jill Chapman, Liz and her

and vegetation to keep those of us from jeopardizing our Brewster Experience

husband, and my former roommate, Jorian Rose, Jeff Bucknan, Jon Gates, Jim

with a Budweiser! Rex and wrestling taught me how to adapt to different

Snidow, Eric Schwartz, and many, many others. Hope to see all on campus!

www.brewsteracademy.org

31

HOOPLA Barb Matthews Hamblett “For me, Brewster was a very positive place that embraced me as an individual and empowered me to become a confident person.”

After Brewster I took my time finding the right path. It helped that John Hamblett,’87, my boyfriend of two years, had already led the way to Colorado, which is where I soon followed. Finding my place at Western State College, I graduated four years later with a degree in outdoor recreation. The winter of 1998 led me to the start of where I am today. Some very dear friends were trying to make a go of producing and executing big mountain free skiing events, and they needed help. I am proud to say I’ve been with this company from the beginning. Mountain Sports International is now a diverse sports marketing, event production, and multi-media company. Over the course of the past decade, MSI has produced and played an integral role in events ranging from world-class free skiing competitions in remote mountain environments to large-scale urban sporting events taking place in the heart of major metropolitan areas.

Career aside, John and I finally got married in 1995 and are proud parents of Willy, 12, and Silas, 7, and Chester (our highly energetic and spastic Golden Retriever.) We now live in Eliot, Maine, where we enjoy being closer to family and

Barb Matthews Hamblett ’88, husband John Hamblett ’87 and their sons Silas, 7, and Willy, 12.

the ocean. will ever know. They were my teachers of favorite subjects, my coaches, and Brewster was very likely the best thing that ever happened to me. It was my

dorm parents. They were also advisors on every delicate part of high school life.

home for the most important four years of my life. For me, Brewster was a very

It’s hard, even now, to speak to how much they mean to both John and myself.

positive place that embraced me as an individual and empowered me to become

They are simply the best, and we love them dearly.

a confident person. I arrived as a freshman from Brooklyn, New York, with orange hair from too much ‘Sun-In’ and not much of a clue as to how to navigate myself.

I’m really looking forward to our upcoming reunion and reconnecting with

I departed (very sadly, I’ll admit) after graduation, a healthy, somewhat athletic,

everyone, and just having a really good time! As the 25th reunion is such a

and bold young woman ready to take on the next adventure. Without question,

milestone, (and, let’s face it, we’re not getting any younger!) I hope that everyone

the friends during those years are the ones I cherish. Though we may not stay as

will rally and make the effort! Can’t wait to see everyone in House 3 (Hughes

connected as I would like, I still feel a very close bond with the majority of my

House) plus ... Megan Scully, Dara Isaacson, Patty Lawless, Leslie Zaslower,

Brewster friends.

Jenny Ryan, Tara Hines, Ellie Beckwith, Meg Crandal, Marie Garland, Alexis Pappas, Brad Kirkpatrick, Tim Furgueson, Bill Watt, Jorian Rose, Jeff Buckman,

When asked if any teacher had made a difference to my stay at Brewster,

Joel Richman, Nelson Lemmon, James Snidow, Henry Harris, Tony Hall, Eric

perhaps became a mentor in years to come, I would definitely point to Ron and

Schwartz, Shawn Minor, Sayers Harman, Chuck Henry, John Cameron, and Jon

Sue Nentwig as they treated me as their own kid and taught me more than they

Konheim. If all these folks make it, it’ll be the best reunion ever!

32

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2013

Todd Philips “My experience at Brewster truly shaped what was

In the spring of 2011, I had

to come for me.”

reached total creative burnout – the toll from working 9 a.m.

I beat it out of Wolfeboro in the spring of 1988 and promptly rented a

to midnight every day. Having

beautiful but tiny closet of an apartment on the corner of Commonwealth and

worked on everything from Avatar

Mass Avenue in Boston. John Linde ‘86 moved in with me that summer, and

(the good) to Magic Mike (the

we planned to write some music before I began my freshman year at Emerson College – but that was two blocks and four months away. We ended up not accomplishing much, but we saw the sights and partied a lot. I think I went to see Midnight Run with Mike Geffers at some point.

I did a full year at Emerson before my Indi-rock band, Bullet LaVolta, got signed to RCA Records. I told my mom that I was leaving school to pursue my music dreams, and she was supportive. Within days of my second semester ending, I was whisked away to Europe on tour. We performed in Holland, Germany, Austria,

bad) to Big Momma’s House 3 (the ugly), I decided to take a break.

I lived in New York for a month, Todd Philips

then Martha’s Vineyard for the month of August, and ventured to Dubai for a spell. In the spring of

2012, Universal Pictures hired me to spearhead the campaign for the new Oliver Stone movie, Savages. I parlayed that into a freelance gig at Motive Creative for

Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, and the UK. Having just turned 19, I felt damned

the last eight months, overseeing the campaigns for Argo, Silver Linings Playbook,

fortunate. Several U.S. tours followed with Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Mudhoney.

and Lincoln.

We released our major label debut on September 21, 1991, the same day as Nirvana’s “Nevermind.” They won. We broke up eights months later. Confused

I have decided to mini-retire again for a while with my dog, Henry, a gorgeous

and depressed, I formed the Juliana Hatfield Three with my roommate at the

Shiba Inu. Trips that I have planned this year include Spain, Argentina, Brazil,

time, Juliana Hatfield. We released three gold records for Atlantic and toured

and perhaps the Class of 1988’s 25th reunion (if Tony Hall agrees to go). After

the globe numerous times. In 1998 I decided to get a real life and moved to Los

putting my hand in a kangaroos’ pouch, partying with Kurt Cobain, meditating

Angeles with my girlfriend, Janet, and a van loaded with all our junk.

at a Buddhist retreat in Kyoto, and producing the advertising campaign for the biggest movie of all time, I realize that none of this would have ever happened

I bumped into my old best friend and Brewster classmate Tony Hall there. He told me he was editing TV commercials and making a killing. I immediately enrolled at Moviola to learn the Avid editing machine. My first job was at a motion picture advertising company called TKO Pictures. I mostly fetched sandwiches for the trailer editors but soon was up and running, cutting big Hollywood movie promos. My first was for Zoolander. I won several editing

without the influence that Matt Hoopes, Mary Fallon, Glen Depine, and Peter Friend had on me. My experience at Brewster truly shaped what was to come for me. Glen Depine’s music program nurtured my drumming, leading up to performing in the New Hampshire All State Jazz Ensemble. The English curriculum opened my mind to a world that led to my career in film. From

awards (Key Arts) and made the jump to senior editor at BLT and Associates

Hoopes teaching Salinger early on to Peter Friend exploring Dostoevsky, I found

in 2003. Three years later, I made a big jump to vice president and creative

these classes indispensable in shaping my future.

director at In Sync Advertising. I built my dream house in Echo Park, an artistic neighborhood in L.A.

I have never married, love my life, and have no idea what’s to come next.

www.brewsteracademy.org

33

HOOPLA Courtney Crane Munroe “I talk to many classmates on a daily basis! Can’t ask for a greater gift than true friendships!”

After Brewster I attended Bethany College in West Virginia and graduated in 1992 with a B.A. in elementary education. I moved back to Boston and went to Simmons College and eared my master’s in special education in 1996. For the next 11 years I taught in the Boston Public School system and for the last four years I’ve been a reading specialist in a school in Beverly, Massachusetts.

I also squeezed in a lot of traveling, all over the world, during those earlier years, and yet I ended up marrying my next door neighbor, Brent Munroe. We now live in beautiful Marblehead, Massachusetts, and have three daughters, Jessie, 9, Anna, 8, and Sara, 3.

Courtney Crane Munroe’s ’88 daughters Jessie, 9, Sara, 3, and Anna, 8.

I have so many Brewster memories, mostly fun ones, but some “learning

them down, such as with the behavior during the Headmaster’s Holiday, they

experiences,” and one of these stands out as one I’ve gained from it all these

never gave up on me. I know that there is no way I could have made it through

years later. During my junior year on a Headmaster’s Holiday some friends from

my four years without either of them.

my dorm and I went off campus and partied prior to a game that afternoon.

We took advantage of the extra freedom, and it was good that we were caught

Equally important, however, were the friends I made while at Brewster. I still talk

in that it brought together what teamwork and team spirit is all about. We all

to many, some on a daily basis, and it’s an incredible experience to have close

were terribly embarrassed, especially as we had let down the best dorm parents

friends who I’ve known since I was 14. I can’t ask for a greater gift than that of

possible, Ron and Sue Nentwig.

true friendships.

I lived with them in House 3 (Hughes House) and they treated me as if I were a

Several of us have already started plans to get all our class back for our 25th

member of their family. They were incredible mentors to me – and all of us. They

reunion. Both a website and a Facebook page are set up and comments are flying

both pushed me on the field, in the classroom, and in the dorm. Even when I let

and photos of our early days are posted. I really want to see everyone at our 25th!

Tim Furgueson

Reagan, 9. After spending 17 years at Smith Barney, I felt it was time to shed the

“As much as I enjoyed my college experience,

management firm based in Essex.

my time at Brewster had far more impact, both

Looking back on my Brewster Academy experiences, I credit the late Walter

personally and professionally.”

Hertz, who taught me economics, with helping me form my interest in the asset

“corporate world” and take a more independent approach. I resigned from Smith Barney in 2010 and now am managing money for a well-known boutique asset

management business. Little did I know at the time his insistence that the class Graduating from Brewster as a “Lifer,” I

read The Wall Street Journal, coupled with his unique teaching style, would direct

attended Roanoke College in Virginia. While I

me to my life’s career. If our attention wandered, he would launch into German,

was majoring in sociology, I made a decision

and as the school’s fencing coach, he often compared fencing techniques to

to pursue a career in asset management

business methods. As much as I enjoyed my college experiences, my time at

during my senior year. I began an internship

Brewster had far more impact, both personally and professionally. To this day I keep

with Wheat First Securities (now part of

in touch with far more friends from Brewster than I do with friends from Roanoke.

Wells Fargo.) The experience was very Tim Furgueson ’88 with daughters Reagan, 9, and Reeve, 10.

positive and helped solidify a job with Smith

Brewster was a great experience and I look forward to returning this June to see

Barney following graduation from college.

a lot of familiar, perhaps older, faces. Anyone know where Sayers is? If so, make sure he shows up. Lastly, Hoopes has agreed to buy a drink for all who show for

In 1997 I met my wife, Mimi, in Dallas, Texas. We were married in 2000 and

their 25th ... guess red wine is probably covered under Obamacare! Stay thirsty

currently live in Essex, Connecticut. We have two daughters, Reeve, 10, and

my friends!

34

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2013

Charles Michaels “The devotion of faculty, their belief in the good in me, and their conviction to nourish me took me far.”

Matt Hoopes challenged me to ask myself, “Why did I become a nurse?” I appreciate the opportunity to reflect on the work that I do, but I have found it is hard to sum up what it means to be a psychiatric nurse in a few words. In short, it is because I want to make a difference in people’s lives and connect with them at an emotional level.

When I decided to go for it in 2004, people asked me, “Why nursing?” I might have answered, “I was staring out the window of my corporate sales job right after I got my MBA when I thought ‘I should give up working weekdays, 9-5, for a career in nursing, so I can work long hours, weekends, and holidays.’”

I work in a psychiatric hospital. I help people with depression, schizophrenia,

Charles Michaels’ ’88 with wife Sharon and their children Shira, Rebecca, Esti, and David.

addiction, and bi-polar disorder to confront some very frightening challenges in their lives. It never gets boring, and I can see almost immediate results when I medicate patients.

anyone teased me, which they didn’t. What mattered was rewarding her for how much courage she had just shown. We danced. I was 16. It was another test.

Before I decided that helping people was what I needed to do, I had graduated with a major in finance. The first company I worked for offered a matching

Some people say nursing is a calling. Many years later, a man rolled up to me

gift program, and although my request to match my gift to Brewster Academy

in a wheel chair and shared that he may need assistance when finished using

was rebuked (looking back I suppose it was naïve of me to ask that company

the bathroom. I said I would help him. I waited near the bathroom until he

to match contributions in the first week of employment), it reminded me how

finished. In the end he didn’t need my help. I felt like I was being tested “How

passionate I am about my Brewster Academy experience.

would I react?” If I failed the tests before, I passed it this time.

I asked my mom years later why she had enrolled us in boarding school. She

Matt Hoopes and many other faculty members made a difference. Their devotion

replied, “After your father and I divorced, you needed to have a role model to

and belief in the good in me and their conviction to nourish me took me

show you how to behave.” Also, at the time, I was having great difficulty in my

far. They planted seeds that would blossom and attract to me a lovely, devoted

school. While the Brewster community as a whole was insulating and supportive,

wife, whom I met at the college of my choice.I stop short at saying Brewster is

there was one individual who stood above the rest. Matt Hoopes took me under

responsible for teaching me everything I would need to survive as a psychiatric

his wing, via opportunities to build my self-esteem. Thanks to his journalism

nurse. That honor I bestow upon our children. My wife has asked, “Doesn’t

class, I found my strength as a writer, but more importantly, in his presence, I

working there make our house seem serene and nice?” To get a message to one

found my footing in how a young adult behaves.

another, we have to wait for a lull in the constant soundtrack of our four children conversing.

There were times when I felt he was testing me if I could show compassion and empathy. Once I callously laughed to Hoopes about another student. I criticized

I am very excited to attend the upcoming 25th year reunion of the class of

how this girl had written her newspaper article. I said “Look how she complains

1988. When social media brought so many of us back together, I found Jon

in the article about how much time it took her to do the assignment.” He turned

Konheim, our valedictorian, on Facebook. I played a game of Scrabble online with

to me and said, “Yes. Isn’t that sad?” I stopped laughing. I didn’t pass that “test”.

him. True to his reputation of excellence, he won. That was three years ago. Since then, I have been studying strategies to master the game. I have practiced daily

Soon I was at a dance and that same girl who I had just criticized to Hoopes,

with Andy Feldman and Liddie Kimball, and I am looking forward to picking up

came up to me and asked me to dance. She was disabled but it didn’t matter if

with Mr. Konheim where we left off.

www.brewsteracademy.org

35

HOOPLA Jon Konheim “When I think of my time at Brewster, it doesn’t surprise me when I see myself today and realize everything I did there is part of what I became.”

With four degrees (bachelors’ in communications and economics, a juris doctor, and an MBA) behind me, I know the value of education, but I feel real life experiences are more important. Many of those experiences come from interacting with different people. Brewster introduced me to a lot of interesting people. I regret that I’ve not stayed in touch with many classmates, but I certainly learned from both friends and foes while I was there. Those who weren’t as friendly as they could have been helped me understand people better, and those who were friendly became extremely close and supportive. I had a great time at Brewster and it was the people who made it such an important part of my life.

I became so involved in so many extracurricular activities, I barely had time for school work, let along myself. Today, it’s no different between my jobs, my family, charity work, and friends, I rarely have time for myself. My aspirations continue to grow each day. Brewster was great at providing so many different outlets that allowed you to explore and learn more about yourself. One of the most important aspects of my experience at Brewster would be the independence it taught me. I learned to rely on myself to get a job done and learned a lot about myself along the way.

Jon Konheim ’88 with wife Amy and their daughters Carly, 6, Haley, 9, and Ashley, 12.

I always loved the camaraderie I gained from playing sports. While I worked

when sneaking around after hours. Mr. Smith was always a phenomenal role

myself up through jv teams to three varsity teams and one captain position by

model. I shared a lot of time with him; found him to be a truly wise individual.

my junior year, during my senior year I dropped all three to try something else. I

I respected all that he did for Brewster and he was an excellent guidance

left soccer for a role in the musical Damn Yankees, and I left wrestling to manage

counselor to me.

the girls’ varsity basketball team. And I left tennis to play on Brewster’s first rugby team, a great experience, even though we only scored once all season, we

Of all the teachers I spent time with, Hoopes was the one who saw me the

had fun playing and brutalizing each other in practice.

most throughout my Brewster years. I could never figure out how this bearded, Yugo driving, would-be Bahamian found his way to our small New Hampshire

I was influenced by many teachers at Brewster, and I developed some very good

school, but Brewster was fortunate to have him. Like Mrs. Fallon, Hoopes helped

relationships, both in and out of the classroom. Probably the one teacher who

me develop some of the skills I utilize today as a result of all our work on the

had the greatest impact on me was Mrs. Fallon. She was my dorm parent during

Browser. He taught me organization, layout, and editing. And I’ve enjoyed keeping

my senior year. We had great conversations on many non-school subjects. Mrs.

in touch with him, even though I can only read half of what he scrawls on his

Fallon was my creative writing teacher and was able to tap into my creative

annual alumni post cards.

side getting me involved in the writing process as well as understanding proper development. She had to push me every step of the way and it paid off as today

It’s impossible to set on paper in so few words all that Brewster has meant to

I use my writing and analytical skills daily. Mrs. Fallon cared and taught me by

me. Living on the west coast, it’s hard to visit Wolfeboro. I wish I could make it

example about being a good person. Mrs. Fallon is a gem!

back for Reunion to share laughs and reminisce, but I have a family commitment.

I was married in 2000 to my wife Amy, and we have three gorgeous daughters,

Among some of the others who made an impact: both Mr. Nentwig and Mr.

Ashley, 12, Haley, 9, and Carly, 6. We now live in Encino, California. I will commit

Snyder to whom I can thank for allowing me to hone my skills and be covert

in writing that I’ll be there for our 30th!

36

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2013

Marie Garland “At Brewster, we tried something new or challenging and even if we came up short, we discovered that there was value in the trying.”

Flexibility, Resilience, and Friendship. In 2013, this is what I would say I learned at Brewster. If you had asked me in the mid-1990s, I might have said I learned how to read carefully and deeply and to write well and often. That is because at the time, I had just finished my master’s degree in communication and was starting on a doctorate at The Ohio State University. Reading and writing were my life, and I was grateful to Mr. Friend for having taught me to do both well. If you had asked me in the early 2000s, I might have said I learned how to learn and so, how to create a learning community. From 1999 through 2008, I was teaching at the college level and so, reflecting on the learning process helped me be a guide with my own students. Many of the teachers I had at Brewster – the Nentwigs, the Richardsons, Ms. Douglas, Dr. Ferris – came to mind as role models for what they did both in and out of the classroom. But now, after a career change I can say that the most important things I learned had to do with being open to new

Marie Garland with husband Kyle Kubick and their children Maia, 9, and Cole, 4.

Photo by Kim Chandler © 2012.

experiences, discovering and sticking to what is essential, and keeping those who are important close to my heart.

trip to the Soviet Union, Mr. Gefers taught me the value of grief. And Hoopes?

If I remember to pick my battles wisely today, it is because of him. I may have

I recall being nervous about a lot of things at Brewster: acting, singing, playing

learned these lessons for the first time at Brewster, but I continue to learn them

lacrosse, higher-level math. But the teachers knew how to read us, and they

over and over as life unfolds. These are the lessons that make us resilient.

pushed us to overcome these hesitations. Ms. Howe-Couser took a chance on me as Rosalia, which meant singing a duet with Liz Scully ’87 as Anita in West Side

Finally, I learned that friendships are what make life purposeful. Although I’m

Story. I practiced and practiced my part with Mr. DePine and he finally just gave

excited to see “friends” from the faculty at Reunion, I’m really hoping I get to

up and told me to sing loudly, even if I couldn’t sing on key! Ms. Dower not only

see classmates Chuck Michaels, Charlie Henry, and Barb (Matthews) Hamblett

taught me that I’m a secret Francophile, but also encouraged me to try lacrosse

from Student Council; Tara Hines, Jen (Rader) Dennis, Evelyn Eidelmann, and

after sitting on the sidelines as a student trainer for a year. Again, I was not the

Leslie Zaslower from basketball; The California Connection of Jon Konheim and

best nor the fastest, nor the most coordinated player, but I tried many different

Randy Berenson; and Dani DesMarias and Raychul Goldenberg, my fellow day

positions and learned that I loved the grace of the game. Mr. Brown helped

students. I see some of these folks and more thanks to the magic of Zuckerberg,

me master integrals and derivations, and I learned that the process of solving

but ‘seeing’ people online is just not the same as seeing them in person (mostly

problems was its own reward even if I couldn’t always get the right answer.

because there’s no beer!). I do, however, regret that I will not likely see people

Not a top scorer in basketball? The Caffins taught me to be a better teammate

from the classes of ’86, ’87, ’89, and ’90, too. In a small family like Brewster, it

by seeing the court and the play as it develops. In each of these experiences, I

was impossible to stick with your class.

learned how to challenge myself and invent new ways to enjoy the outcome, whatever it may be. At Brewster, we tried something new or challenging and even

I know BA is asking us to honor our mentors, but as you can see, I’ve had far

if we came up short, we discovered that there was value in the trying.

too many to single any one out. These days, though, I work in organizational development, trying to help leaders put together the right combination of

I suspect we all also learned to listen to our hearts and find what truly matters,

people, places, and projects to make big things happen. From that perspective

no matter the challenge we faced. These are typical lessons for those entering

(though this will make me sound like the “biggest brownnoser” my classmates

adulthood, and in the Brewster spirit, the faculty was there for us then, too. After

voted me to be), I would have to say that Headmaster David Smith is a mentor.

messing up pretty seriously my freshman year, Mr. Esty taught me that I could

Afterall, I have to believe he played a – the – major role in making sure all these

turn my life around. “Rex” (Mr. Snyder) helped me accept whatever life throws at

people came together in one great place in those years at BA, making it possible

me and emerge wiser for it. Mr. Weeks made me see possibilities in myself and

for a little magic to happen. So thank you, David, for being such a great leader. I

others, not just limits. After my grandfather passed away on the eve of a school

hope I get to tell you this in person at the Reunion!

www.brewsteracademy.org

37

Class Notes 1933

1977

1981

Jack Porter, son of John Porter ’33, contacted the

Derek Murphy is the new executive vice president

Barry Sanel is living in Kent Cliffs, New York, with his

Alumni Office to let us know that his father passed

and general manager of USA Today. One of his roles

wife Ava and his children, Allison and Aaron. “Outside

away on January 22. Over the years, John shared many favorite Brewster memories with his children.

John loved his time at Brewster very much. The family asks that anyone interested in making gifts in John’s memory, please do so in his name to the Brewster Academy Annual Fund.

will be to manage the transition of USA Today to a digital-first enterprise. Previously he was general manager of multicultural media at AOL Huffington Post Media Group. Murphy served Brewster for many years as a trustee.

Eric Haucke is sorry that he missed his 35th class

1949 Nancy Hoppe works in media outreach and publicity for the Democratic Women’s Club of Upper Pinellas County, Florida. She recently helped with the hosting of honoree Victoria Kirby for the club’s Black History

of work where I’m the commercialization manager on packaging innovation for Diageo, the largest spirits company in the world, I am also a fire commissioner at the Kent Volunteer Fire Department.”

Thomas Blue writes that his wife of 15 years, Becky, passed away in November, 2008. He has retired. He says hi to all of his classmates.

reunion last June, but writes: “I just returned from a romantic Maui holiday with my girl Tammy, and we had a fun time. These days I’m semi-retired, working out, staying fit, and donating to Democratic causes.”

Month.

1982 Neal Meyers writes: “As of November 2012, I have taken on a new role with Ahold, in their finance department. I am working with ERM/

1979

Internal Controls and auditing for Ahold USA

1951

Harold “Bill” Finethy wrote that he got stuck in

(parent company of Stop & Shop and Giant Foods

Nancy Drew writes: “I am, of course, retired. I had

Coinjock, North Carolina, with 40-mph winds on his

companies). I also got married in October 2012 to

a beauty shop in Michigan for over 25 years. I now

way south to spend the winter on his boat in Florida

my beautiful wife Denise. We have a home in North

enjoy painting, crocheting, and some bowling.”

and hopefully Bimini, Bahamas, as well.

Providence, Rhode Island.”

1983 Rick Clay-Storm sold his farm in Fryeburg, Maine, and moved all the way south to North Conway. He left his stint in the educational world and is entering the real estate appraisal field. He and his wife and two boys are all fine.

1986 Joanna (Lavarello) Robertson has been an emergency department nurse in Seattle for 14 years and loves it. “My husband David and I have two cats, Charlie and Bruno, and are in the process of taking care of a new stray cat. Brewster seems just like Nancy Drew ’51 (third from left) with her sisters, including Dorothy Woodroof ’49, far right. Sister Garaldine Sullivan ’48 is not pictured.

38

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2013

yesterday, and I really miss New England and a good blizzard! We may be taking a trip to South Africa this

Recollections Experienced Alumni Recall Their Brewster Days

Stephen Hatch ’48 Laconia, New Hampshire We went to Brewster during WWII. We had some teachers who shined! It was a difficult time though, no one was happy because of the war; even though we were winning, we were losing boys. Everything in 1944-1945 was geared for the war effort and things were rationed, like sugar, butter, meat, and gas.

Stefan Mandanis ’85 and family. summer, but if that doesn’t work out, I really want to

which is like a ‘mini doctor’, and I will see my own

visit Wolfeboro, and of course Brewster.”

patients, practice independently, do procedures, write prescriptions – and hopefully haul in a little

1987

more cash! I’m still working in the emergency

Matthew Neutra writes: “Pulling up on my 11-year

department. I’m looking forward to getting out of

anniversary at Bose. Now I am working in research

the city, hopefully back to the mountains or maybe a

with a focus on pushing the boundaries of our

small coastal town.”

customers’ retail experience.”

1992 1989

Matt Cullen launched a new company last year.

Kristin Van Wagner is off on yet another adventure

“We manufacture green industrial coating. Keeps me

and quotes Tennyson along the way: “I can not

busy. Fingers crossed it will be my home run.”

rest from travel; I will drink Life to the lees.” She is

I played football and baseball. In 1946 we had over 100 postgraduates, veterans attending Brewster under the GI Bill. We had a great football team! Under coach Lawrence Bartnick, we played college teams including Dartmouth, Tufts, and the University of New Hampshire. I will always remember Mel Massucco; he went on to play for and coach Holy Cross football. Brewster opened up a jv team for the guys who would have normally played first string.

In 1945 I worked for Brewster for $89 a

sailing from Easter Island to Japan and will be on

month. I mowed, washed floors, and was

the high seas for 18 weeks. Follow her wake here:

never allowed to wear shorts.

kitvanwagner.com

My favorite teachers were my English

Corey Levy writes: “After living in China for 10

teacher, “Ma” Page, and Natalie Amanti, our

years it’s great to be back in Boulder, Colorado! Just

bookkeeping and typing teacher. She had

launched a new high-end bath furniture line. See it

great posture! I was also fond of my Spanish

at www.luxebathworks.com”

teacher, Carol Piper. Tony Genewich was a favorite coach – he went on to marry Natalie

1990

Amanti. These were fine teachers.

Courtney Rupp writes: “I’m still in Tennessee with my husband and our 5-year-old son Ben. I had a

We had class assembly every day. We said

partial knee replacement and am not working at the

The Lord’s Prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance and

moment.”

sang hymns. Vincent Rogers was our principal and a teacher. He was a very nice person.

Mr. Vaughan was also well respected and

Kimberly MacDermott writes: “My life is very busy:

boy, when he played the piano at assembly,

I have been in grad school the last couple of years, but finally graduating in May as a nurse practitioner,

Elizabeth (Palmer) Traverso ’93 and family.

you could hear him in Ossipee!

www.brewsteracademy.org

39

Class Notes 1993 Erik Jones has moved from Virginia back to his home town of Effingham, New Hampshire, where he works at the town’s post office and the public library.

Mark Carlson married Olga Zajac in March on the island of Provo in Turks and Caicos.

Jason Reaume writes: “Just got back from Afghanistan from my fourth combat tour. I’m being stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.”

Rob Hibbitts writes that he would love to make it back to BA for his 20th reunion,”but right now am making some serious career changes and life is turned up to 11!”

Sedge and Samara, the children of Sarah Bunker Kern ’93. for the pharmaceutical industry. It’s a challenging

In his free time, Tim enjoys doing anything outside

field and I get to travel now and then to the U.S.

in New England including, mountain biking, running,

Unfortunately not too often to New Hampshire but

hiking, kayaking, and golfing. This past summer he

maybe that’ll change soon. Best regards.”

successfully competed and finished a Warrior Dash race at Gunstock Mountain and a Spartan Race that

Rebecca Randall writes: “I have been working with

was held at Fenway Park in November 2012.

Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco for the past five years and loving it. I have been the camp director for the past four years, a 200-acre camp, serving 1,200 campers each summer. I’ve been working with ‘at risk’ youth for almost 10 years now. BGCSF is a

BA Pride! Eden is the daughter of Shawna (Allison) Gedgaudas ‘95

2000 Meredith (Crumley) Stevens writes: “I’ve been happily married to a wonderful man since August

great organization and the kids would really amaze

2010. We do get up to Wolfeboro in the summer;

you. They have amazing hearts and such tough

however, we have been working on restoring our

backgrounds. I really have the best job in the world!”

home in Gloucester so summers are busy. Hope all is well with everyone from the Class of 2000.”

1998

Timothy Croes has been working at The Baysider

Jill Krumsick and her fiance Jeff Howard have

as the paper’s sole staff reporter for more than two

moved to San Francisco, where they love to go city

years, covering the news in Alton, New Durham, and

exploring. They are planning a wedding in Marfa,

Barnstead. Prior to moving back to New Hampshire,

Texas, in April.

he was a sports reporter for the weekly, The Central Virginian, for nearly two years. Tim continues to

2001 Brett Danahy is entering year two of a new sports and entertainment company launched last year.

He represents clients such as NBC Sports, USTA/US Open, Cirque du Soleil, Little League Baseball, and

1999

coach at Brewster, assisting with the snowboard

Gregor Deutschle writes: “Hi Brewster, I hope

and junior varisty baseball teams. He also recently

everybody is doing well at Brewster. My last visit to

started working as a blogger for www.fundraise.com, a

BA for Reunion 2009 was a blast, and I’m hoping to

company started by Nate Drouin ’10, and maintains

come back soon. I’m currently working as product

the company’s blog, blog.fundraise.com, Facebook,

Jeff Krumsick made a big change in life, from college

manager developing new primary packaging solutions

and Twitter accounts.

at the University of Denver to a job back home.

40

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2013

Disney Touring Shows. Brett and wife Caryn have a son Jackson Patrick born November 3, 2012.

Jeff Higgs and wife Emily are expecting a baby in April.

Jeremy Krumsick is still living and working in New York and was planning to marry Cristina Suarez in February.

2005

Alumni Lacrosse Game Sunday, May 19 is the day for the annual alumni lacrosse games. This year’s games will take place on the new turf surface on Brown Field.

The springtime tradition brings alumni, parents, and friends back to campus for an afternoon of friendly competition. A BBQ for all players at the Pinckney Boathouse will follow the games.

If you plan to play, please RSVP to Bill Lee: bill_lee@brewsteracademy.org (alumni) or sally_smith@brewsteracademy.org (alumnae).

2007 Jennifer White, a certified natural foods chef, has started a business in New York City as a natural foods chef and health coach. “I am in training to become a certified holistic health counselor through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition – the world’s largest nutrition school – where upon graduation I August Fallon is the son of Gillian Brown ’01 and Mo Fallon ‘94

will become a certified member of the American Association for Drugless Practitioners.” Jenn received Blu2Green founders: Gavin Bodkin ’07 and brother Chris ’05 in his blue wrap tie.

2003 Laura Guerin writes “going for my second bachelor’s

her B.B.A. in marketing from Loyola University Chicago where she studied marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, accounting, and operations. Visit

Gavin Bodkin and brother Chris ’07 have launched

degree, this one in civil engineering. Fun doing school

Blu2Green. “After graduating college, the pressure

work again!”

of finding a job let alone a career was heavy,” Gavin shared. “The economic state at the time of the

Ben Lord and girlfriend Tina Cormier recently

company’s conception was rugged at best so I had

became engaged. No wedding date yet.

to find employment outside of my environmentally

her website: thegourmetour.com

2008 Kelsey Glencross and her dog Lola live in Boston.

She enjoyed living on Nantucket last summer and works at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.

focused major just to sustain myself.” Thanks to

2004

the resourcefulness of the brothers, blue wrap – the

Erin Knapp graduated from the University of

sterile housing used to protect surgical instruments

Vermont last May with a bachelor of science in

– will get a second life. Gavin says roughly 1 million

public communication. “I am working for the New

pounds of blue wrap is discarded each year, and

England Patriots organization in the marketing

to the woman looking to add a little glam to her

Blu2Green will reduce the amount of blue wrap

department. My responsibilities include client

wardrobe.” She has a blog and an online store

going from the operating room to the landfill. The

services, sponsor relations, social media, and sales

dedicated to custom-made hair accessories and

Bodkins plan to create usable products, such as tote

support. Prior to graduating I held internships with

providing jewelry and accessories for photo shoots

bags and neckties (like the one Chris is wearing

the University of Vermont Athletic Association,

above), with blue wrap.

Adidas Group, as well as the International Ice Hockey

Danah Gordon has founded I.C.O.F. – In Case of Fabulous – “a retail accessory experience dedicated

and jewelry parties. Danah plans to expand to accessories for men by spring. “Although I do have a career in health care administration that I am building, I do plan on one day opening an I.C.O.F.

Federation.”

2006 Gregory Parker writes: “I will be returning to school

2010

in March – going for my master’s degree in history.

Allyson Reiner is studying abroad in Italy this semester.

boutique (or two or three). The Brewster motto

I’ll also be teaching a couple of theater classes

remains my motivation. I will continue to live and as

nearby. Hoping to spread my love of art and the

Charlie Silverstein writes: “Life is fantastic! Instant

I learn I will continue bettering my capacity to lead.”

process of theater. Very promising!”

Classic Skateboarding is now ICS Clothing, and

www.brewsteracademy.org

41

Class Notes we are rocking and rolling!” Mason Maddox ’09 is

2011

involved with the company, and Charlie keeps in

Connor Nolan has started a clothing company,

touch with Dylan Miller, Ben Goldlust, and Stone

Coleno Apparel: colenoapparel.com. Stores in

Lauderdale.

Burlington, Vermont, are carrying his clothing and he is getting orders from around the world.

Katie Thomas writes: “Hopefully graduating from Clarkson University with a major in both mechanical

2012

and aeronautical engineering with a mathematics

Daniel Lopez, Andy O’Brien ’07, and Dorriane

minor in spring of 2014.”

Barr ’85 volunteered as judges for the 39th Annual

J. Michael Vandenberg writes: “I live in New York

Harvard Invitational Forensics Tournament in

City and graduated from The Institute of Audio

February. Each participating school is required to

Research with a degree in audio engineering. My

bring judges and these alumni volunteered for the

production/dj career has bubbled a little bit (I

Brewster team.

received an offer to be an in-house producer for a well known label earlier this year) and am doing

Alumni Bobcats of the Month

whatever I can to make it in the music business,

Read about Alumni Bobcats of the Month at

which involves lots of headaches and late nights, but

brewsteracademy.org/alumni-athlete. Most

its incredibly fun and rewarding in the end. I miss the

recently featured: Andrew Fitzgerald ’09.

BA crew and hope to make it up there soon.”

Brewster Pride!

Zoe Lindgren ’13 (New York, New York) purchased this coat from a vintage thrift store in New York City and her roommate Katie Marie Wilcox ’13 (Durham, New Hampshire) sewed the BA Banner on the back and Zoe’s varsity softball letter on the front.

In January, the Board of Trustees honored employees for their service to the Academy with a luncheon in their honor. The following employees were honored for 5, 10, 15, and 25 years of dedicated service: Front row: Lauren Hammond (10 yrs), Eileen Taylor (10 yrs), Kim Ross (25 yrs), Marilyn Shea (25 yrs), Denise Morrill (10 yrs), Brenda Fuller (5 yrs), Lynne Palmer (25 yrs), BG Hodges (15 yrs), Daniel Mudge (President of the Board of Trustees), Kirsty Ridings (5 yrs), Fred Fernald (10 yrs) Back row: Dr. Michael Cooper (Head of School), Raylene Davis (15 yrs), Doug Skelley (5 yrs), TJ Palmer (25 yrs), Bob “Trep” Trepanier (15 yrs), Kyle Strauch (5 yrs) Missing from photo: Jim Copithorne (5 yrs), Sheila Elliott (5 yrs), Mary Roetger (5 yrs), Diana Salazar (5 yrs), Zack Apgar (10 yrs), Emily James (10 yrs), Susan Nichols (25 yrs)

42

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2013

Robin Found to Retire

C

hances are you

may never have

met Robin Found.

However, if as a parent you

Mystery Photo On which Brewster building does this weathervane reside? Be the first to e-mail the correct answer to Marcia_eldredge@ brewsteracademy.org and win a gift card to Brewster’s new online campus store.

forgot your portal password, or as a student you needed to change your schedule, or as an alumna or alumnus you requested a transcript, undoubtably Robin was there for you. She has worked as the Academy’s registrar for 12 years but this June she will leave all those passwords behind (happily we think) and walk into retirement. And, knowing Robin, she will walk into retirement.

Five days a week for 12 years Robin has walked to and from work. “Although I am told that I walk about five miles each day (home via Sewall Road) I have never measured it in miles,” she says. “During Brewster’s team pedometer challenge walk, I logged in the range of 134,000 steps for the week. I will never stop walking voluntarily. Even as I child, I walked or rode my bike to school. Never took the school bus. Walking to and from work each day has been such a wonderful opportunity to be able to enjoy nature while transitioning from work to home and vice versa.”

Robin shared this reflection of her time at Brewster: “I feel privileged to have been part of the Brewster community for the past 12 (starting my 13th) years and appreciate the support and cooperation this community has provided me. What adventures and remarkable growth in facilities, in technology, and in curriculum enhancements during those 12 years. I have had the opportunity to learn and grow with a fantastic group of committed teachers, staff, and administrators and have truly enjoyed serving Brewster and being a part of the life and energy of this community.”

Robin plans to enjoy time with her husband Steve and garden, bike, ski, and perhaps travel. And if her last name sounds familiar, it should.

Robin is the mother and mother-in-law of faculty members Matt and Maria Found, respectively, and the grandmother of freshman Gunner Found (above).

Update Us! Send us your Class Note, and we will do our best to include it in the next BrewsterConnections: alumninews@brewsteracademy.org

In Memoriam Class of 1933 John H. Porter January 22, 2013 Gloucester, Massachsuetts Class of 1938 Jeannie (Paolucci) Mulvey December 1, 2012 Wolfeboro Class of 1939 Elizabeth (Kent) Bickford May 17, 2011 Macon, Georgia Class of 1948 Roger H. Dore November 8, 2012 Concord, New Hampshire Class of 1949 John C. Rico October 26, 2010 Wolfeboro Falls Class of 1954 Janet (Colby) DuBois May 20, 2012 Ft. Pierce, Florida Class of 1967 Bruce N. Finkle (and former faculty) January 3, 2013 Bedford, New Hampshire Class of 1972 Donald R. Tucker Jr. November 23, 2012 West Yarmouth, Massachusetts Former Staff Arlene Bean January 28, 2013 Wolfeboro

www.brewsteracademy.org

43

History History

History History Writing

History Brewster’s

Campus, circa

1905

It would be 50 years before the Academy constructed another building on campus. Brown Hall, built by Josiah Brown, was offered to the school for

Becoming A Campus: 1888-1905

use as a dormitory in 1915, however, it is still owned by the Josiah Brown

By Robert and Shirley Richardson

Richardson House, Acquired 1888

A

s our second installment on the growth and development of the Brewster campus unfolds, it is interesting to note that the initial 42 acres of land given to the Academy trustees by Daniel

Pickering in 1888 was bordered by 10 privately owned houses along South Main Street – from the Pavilion Hotel, located on the current Memorial Field, to Haines House and what would become Academy Drive.

Arthur F. Estabrook, chairman of the

Arthur F. Estabrook one of the original “architects” of campus.

Trust. During World War II, the town used Brown Hall for war activities, including teaching women Morse code. With the exception of the war years, Brown Hall has remained a Brewster dorm.

In 1854, this colonial Victorian house was built for Charles F. and Mary Jane Symonds. In 1888, the Brewster trustees purchased it from Mrs. Symonds, but John I. Sanborn, proprietor of a clothing store in downtown Wolfeboro, continued to rent it for many years. His wife Ella Grant and daughter Alice I. Sanborn, a 1906 Brewster graduate, lived in the house for an extended period of time and thus it came to be known as Sanborn House.

Later Burtis F. Vaughan Jr. and his family lived in the house until 1959

building and grounds committee,

when he was named principal of the Academy and moved with his

immediately began the process of

family to Lord House. Next, Dean Rupert Brown and his family occupied

acquiring seven of these homes and

the house until 1966 and then our family became the newest residents

having them either torn down or

of Sanborn House. Our family, including daughters Lauren ’77, Susan,

moved to another location to allow

’82, and Andrea ’84, remained in residence for 34 years. During this time

for the construction of Lord House

Robert and I held different positions, including academic dean and chair of

and Kimball House. Only three of the

the history department (for Robert) and for me the positions of freshman

original homes would remain as part

English teacher, learning skills instructor, and later dean of college

of campus. The 10 private houses were

placement.

built close together and the decision to raze or move them was in part due to

The house offers stunning views of the lake and Belknap Mountains. In

Estabrook’s desire to open up campus in an effort to afford better views of

the early 1960s a row of lilac trees was planted offering privacy for the

the lake and the mountains.

deck and backyard. It is not known when the ell was built, but a garage was added in 1963. A low stonewall was constructed in 1983 along the

By 1905 the central campus was complete with the addition of Sanborn

driveway next to the house.

House, Doe House (now Main Street Dorm), Haines House, and the Pavilion Icehouse. The accompanying map shows the Brewster Academy

In 1996, the Academy honored our family by renaming Sanborn House

campus in 1905.

Richardson House.

44

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2013

Main Street Dorm (Doe House, Sargent House, the Original

Eventually, it became known as Haines House and is still a dormitory

Infirmary), Acquired 1895

today.

In 1854, this house was built as a residence for Bradstreet Doe Jr. and his family. It’s not known when the ell and porch were added, but in the mid 1800s, porches were being built onto homes at the time of construction.

During World War II, Principal Rogers used the second floor of Haines barn to raise a flock of chickens in order to save some money and provide

Their location depended on the best view.

eggs and chicken for the school dining table. Since teachers who lived on

In 1895, as the new Academy was being established, Arthur Estabrook

the boarding students, a top priority was keeping the dining hall kitchen

purchased the house to become part of the expanding Brewster

campus were permitted to take all of their meals in the dining hall with well supplied. The coop in Haines barn was big enough to nest a great

campus.

number of chickens and to provide the cook with eggs and poultry. After

For many years this house was known as Sargent House honoring

space. Over the years, the barn has lost its farm-like character and the

World War II, the barn no longer housed chickens but was used as storage

Herbert E. Sargent who lived there with his family for over 50 years and who taught math and science and had a keen interest in agriculture.

Located behind the house were several apple trees. The Bradstreet Doe, Jr. family may have planted them, but the tree closest to The Estabrook is thought to have been planted by Sargent and still bears fruit today.

In 1965 Sargent House became the infirmary and residence for the nurse and family. A low stonewall was built on the west side of the house in 1988, and during the summer of 1991, teachers Timothy Radley and Jason Thatcher closed in the porch on the east side. Later a full dormer was

lingering aromas of barn life.

In the summer of 1996 an enclosed stairway at the east end was added to the house as a fire escape, and the attic was transformed into two bedrooms to accommodate more students. Dormers were added on the north and south for more light.

In 1996 Jamie Butler ’98 and Kevin Ginest ’96 wanted to improve student life and activities on campus so they approached the headmaster with the idea of creating a climbing gym for students. They saw it as a facility that

added.

could be used by sports programs, dorms, and clubs for team building.

In 2006, the infirmary was moved to the former rectory adjacent to

and the “basecamp” for the Outdoor Skills Program.

Not long after, the Haines barn was transformed into a top-notch facility

Anderson Hall, and the building became the Main Street Dorm with faculty housing.

Today’s Art Building once served many functions, including as an icehouse and boathouse.

Haines House,

circa 1895

Icehouse/Boathouse/Art Center, Acquired 1903 After the original Academy Building burned on November 2, 1903,

Haines House, Acquired 1903

the acquisition of the icehouse/boathouse was critical to the academic

As Arthur Estabrook continued pursuing his acquisition of nearby homes

survival of the school. The sound structure formerly had been the

and buildings, one of the few original homes that remained privately

lakeshore icehouse for the old Pavilion Hotel located where the Civil War

owned was Haines House.

Monument now stands. Easily accessible, it was quickly dragged up to the upper campus by oxen and placed halfway between the Main Building

On January 25, 1854, Joseph Haines and his wife Hannah Fernald, both of

and Kimball House. Often referred to as “Principal Lord’s Boathouse” it

Wolfeboro, purchased a small plot of land and built Haines House where

was used for classroom space which was desperately needed to continue

it sits today. In 1903 Estabrook purchased the land, house, and barn to

with scheduled course work and provided a fine setting to accommodate

serve the needs of the growing Academy. For many years this old house

science classes and chapel meetings while the new Main Building was

was known as “The Annex” and housed several male boarding students.

being constructed.

www.brewsteracademy.org

45

As years passed, the structure was no longer needed for academic use and the building was utilized for storage. In the early 1960s when Brewster was transitioning back to its role as a boarding school, there was a movement underway by students, teachers, and parents to fund a place for a recreational room, a place where students could congregate after school and on weekends. It was quickly decided that the icehouse/boathouse would be a perfect location for a recreation hall. New linoleum was installed and the boys’ woodcraft class replaced the windows and pine paneled the entire room. Parents, trustees, and students contributed to the purchase of a ping-pong table, a pool table, TV set, and a radio. The principal made arrangements to have soft drink and candy and cracker machines installed and a faculty-student committee set up rules and regulations for administering the facility. It was the first student lounge and an ideal place for students to go during free time.

1895 feboro Bay, circa

View from Wol

In the 1980s a screened-in porch was added to the front of the structure

The multipurpose icehouse/boathouse became the present day Art Center

as the requirements of the school expanded. Over the years the building

where classes in drawing, painting, and ceramics are offered and where

has served many needs: classroom, chapel, writing center, publication

endless design and creative projects take place.

workroom, student lounge, and alumni center. Finally, in 1988, the building was moved again to its present location between Goodwin and

In the next issue of BrewsterConnections: campus expands with the

Fox houses. The porch area was closed in to provide more space and a

additions of Brown Hall, 1915; Memorial Hall/Rogers Gymnasium, 1954;

second floor was built over the old porch.

and Sargent Hall, 1965.

Wish I knew how to get in touch with …

Wait! There’s an App for that!

Introducing Brewster’s new, FREE, and exclusive Alumni App.

T

his new tool connects you with classmates through your iPhone, iPad, or Android allowing you to:

• Access a secure directory for classmates • Locate alumni in your area or on the road with the Nearby map feature • Stay current on the latest BA news, videos, and events • Submit photos and Class Notes • Network with other Bobcats on LinkedIn, Facebook, and other social media.

Download the free BA Alumni Connects App today.

It’s as easy as 1 – 2 – 3: 1. Search for Brewster Alumni Connect in the iTunes App store for Apple devices or in Google Play for Android devices 2. Use your primary e-mail to log in and create a password.

3. Enjoy reconnecting and remember to send updates to the Alumni Office.

Questions? Visit the FAQ page online at brewsteracademy.org/alumniapp or contact Beth Hayes ‘81 in the Alumni and Development Office at 603-569-7133 or beth_hayes@brewsteracademy.org.

46

BrewsterConnections – Spring Fall 2012 2013

Maura Kehoe ’01, attended Brewster for only one year and was the first female from Brewster’s girls’ ice hockey program to accept a Division I athletic scholarship. In 2000-2001, she captained

Introducing the

Hall of Fame Inductees Connections’ readers, including alumni, coaches, and friends, nominated to Brewster Academy’s Athletic Hall of Fame some outstanding contributors to athletics while at Brewster and in their personal or professional lives. After reviewing the accomplishments of numerous nominees, the Academy is pleased to announce it has selected the following individuals and team for induction into the Athletic Hall of Fame:

the first girls’ ice hockey team to win a New England Championship. Maura attended Colgate University where she received the Marian LeFevre Coach’s Award for expressing interest, attitude, and dedication to the program and also was recognized as an AWHCA National Scholar-Athlete.

Milt Morin ’62 was a key member of the 1961 football team. “Sarge” was a post-graduate student athlete who also played on the basketball team and was voted “best natured” by his classmates. Milt went on to play college football at the University of Massachusetts winning the Yankee Conference Championship twice, attended the Tangerine Bowl, and was twice named All-American. He was selected 14th in the NFL draft by the Cleveland Browns where he played 10 seasons. (Milt passed away in July 2010) William Pottle was athletic director at Brewster Academy for 20 years. Bill was the founder of the Abenaki Boys’ Lacrosse Program in Wolfeboro, which has produced numerous college lacrosse players. In 2009, he received the NEPSAC Distinguished Service Award and is a Northern New England Lacrosse

The 1961 Football Team who celebrated a tremendous season losing only one game to Phillips Exeter Academy by one point. The “Bobcat Bruisers” produced three professional football players and numerous college level athletes and had, arguably, one of Brewster Academy’s most successful seasons of play.

Coach of the Year. Bill also served as athletic director at Kimball Union Academy.

Robert “Bob” Roland ’66 played football, was cocaptain of the 1966 basketball team, and played lacrosse, earning defensive player of the year. He received a Lifetime Commitment Award following his 14-year service as athletic director at Gloucester High School and 36 years as a teacher and coach.

The Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes and honors

Join us at the Induction Ceremony This year’s honorees will be celebrated at the Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony to be held on June 1, 2013, at 4 p.m. in the Turner Hall of Fame Room in the Smith Center. To read about current members, go to brewsteracademy.org/halloffame

members of the Brewster community (including posthumously), who have distinguished themselves as outstanding contributors to athletics while at Brewster and who have continued to exemplify the core values of the Brewster principle of integrity, contribution, and service in their personal and professional life experiences. www.brewsteracademy.org

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CELEBRATING GENERATIONS OF PEOPLE MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Reunion 2013 May 31-June 2 Friday, May 31 Admissions Information session and tour for prospective students Reunion Art Show Kick-Off, Art Workshops, and Tour of Arts Facilities 25th and 50th Reunion Class Dinners Class gatherings by decades arranged by classes, check brewsteracademy.org/reunion2013 or class Facebook pages.

Saturday, June 1 Canoes, kayaks, and fishing available Student Talent Showcase Alumni Cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee Lunch in the Estabrook Alumni of Color Meeting Campus Tour Ultimate Frisbee or Par 3 Golf on campus Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Lobster Bake Overlooking the Lake Music and Dancing at Pinckney Boathouse Lakeside Campfire - S’mores and stories …

Sunday, June 2 Farewell Brunch – Pinckney Boathouse

BRING YOUR FAMILY! Children under 12 eat and sleep for free on campus.

Babysitting information available by request.

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BrewsterConnections – Spring 2013

More than 100 alumni have honored the following mentors with their gifts to Brewster.

Who will you add to the list?

Photo in HDR by Steve Burgess, Brewster photographer instructor.

Brewster Academy 2012-2013 Board of Trustees Daniel T. Mudge, Chair (Tapley-Ann ’98, Ashley ’02)

David E. Hadley (Olivia ’12, Juliet ’15)

Arthur W. Coviello Jr., Vice Chair

Michael Keys (Matthew ’04)

Roy C. Ballentine, Treasurer (Brian ’97, Susan ’94) Douglas H. Greeff, Secretary (Hilary ’11) Ronn Bronzetti ’92 C. Richard Carlson Estate Trustee

Leslie N. H. MacLeod (Todd ’97) Barbara Naramore (Maya ’16)

Arthur O. Ricci Estate Trustee

David L. Carlson ’54

The Reverend Nancy Spencer Smith Estate Trustee

Candace A. Crawshaw ’64

Steven R. Webster (Brooke ’08, Tori ’11)

George J. Dohrmann III (George ’05, Geoffrey ’12)

Ms. Natalie M. Amanti Ms. Jane Baker Ms. Barbara Barklow Mr. Bret Barnett Mr. Will Barnett Mr. Lawrence P. “Larry” Bartnick Ms. Pam Bishop Mr. David Bolduc “Coach B” Mr. Eric Burns-White Mr. Matt Butcher Mr. Andy Campbell Mr. G. Cyrus Cook Mrs. Laura Cooper Mr. Paul Croteau Mr. Stewart “Stu” Dunlop Mr. Charles Esty Mr. Dick and Mrs. Anita Fahy Mrs. Mary Fallon Dr. Joyce Ferris Mrs. Maria Found Mr. Peter Friend Mr. Fred Garnsey Ms. Barbara Giroux Mr. Bruce and Mrs. Shadow Gorrill Mr. Chris Hafner ’00 Ms. Beth Hayes ’81 Mr. BG Hodges ’62 Mr. Matt Hoopes Ms. Christine Howe-Cousar

Mr. and Mrs. Nentwig – Thanks for everything!

– Alexander Pappas ’88

Ms. Florence Jaynes Mrs. Jaime (Wehrung) Laurent Burt Vaughan. He was Mr. Kevin Lawlor kind, always helpful – Mr. Bill Lee ANYONE taking Latin Ms. Julianne Lopez needed encouragement ...

Mr. Kenneth A. MacIver – Lois Carey ’52 Mr. Peter Mann Mr. Byron and Mrs. Margaret Martin Mr. Edward Murphy Mr. Ronald and Mrs. Susan Nentwig Ms. Florence Jaynes “Ma” Page BG Hodges really taught me Mr. Dave Pollini ’57 just a huge amount about Mr. Bob and Mrs. Shirley Richardson myself – about how to find one’s Mr. Vincent D. Rogers creativity, about how to take just Mr. Herbert E. Sargent kind of random everyday things Mr. David Smith and turn them into brilliant, Mr. Rex Snyder creative works of art.

Ms. Barb Thomas – Chris Hafner ’00 Mr. Herbert Tinker ’16 Ms. Kate Turner Mr. Burtis F. Vaughan Jr. Mr. Paul “Pop” Whalen Mr. Sargent motivated me, Mr. Dan Wyman encouraged drafting over study Ms. Barbara (Lewando) Zulauf ’38 periods, and his motivation All the great staff that is still there from ’95 resulted in essential grades Formal Dinners and the whole staff at Brewster for a scholarship to UNH Civil The Entire Staff Engineering. … and growing.

– Cecil Wentworth ’36

Dr. Ferris is the person I would like to honor this year. While many people at Brewster made an impact, she was the most influential! Dr. Ferris unconditionally cared about each and every student at Brewster. No matter how many mistakes you made she made you feel like you were the only one that mattered! I had left for a year and Dr. Ferris wrote me a note telling me that she would love to have me back. That was huge for me! She helped me grow as a person and taught me to view people for who they are!

– Hilary (Sherman) Hawkins ’91, P’14

Ex Officio Dr. Michael E. Cooper

Karen W. Fix (Will ’11, Keenan ’13)

Trustee Emeritus

Gabrielle “Bri” J. Gatta ’05 President, Alumni Association

P. Fred Gridley ’53 (Deborah ’81)

We’re waiting to hear from you – participation and your stories are what count!

Join in by honoring the people who made a difference during your time at Brewster.

To give online visit brewsteracademy.org/HonorYourMentor

Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Wht Riv Jct, VT Permit #86

Brewster Academy 80 Academy Drive Wolfeboro, NH 03894

Parents of alumni: If this magazine is addressed to your son or daughter who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please e-mail us at alumninews@brewsteracademy.org with his or her new address.

EXPECT TO LEARN, EXPECT TO HAVE FUN

Brewster Academy

Summer Session

Check out what’s going on this summer on campus:

www .brewsteracademy.org/summer And, remember to Like us on Facebook!

Summer Programs Office • 603-569-7155 • summer@brewsteracademy.org

BrewsterConnections Spring 2013