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Creative Thinking > Life in L.a. > sockeye season
N E W S F R O M 2 01 2
Creative Thinking
contents Table of
2012–2013 board of TrusTees david Lockwood Chair Manchester, NH Thomas Manson secretary Bedford, NH Paul J. Leyden Treasurer Bedford, NH Mary Halpin Carter Head of school Hopkinton, NH Cathryn Vaughn ’91 Vice Chair Manchester, NH John allard ’83 Manchester, NH John arnold ’00 Concord, NH everett bishop Londonderry, NH John bryan Amherst, NH Christine Cikacz Chester, NH
derryfieLd Today
anne Greer Amherst, NH
annie branch Director of Communications
Pamela Grich Bedford, NH
Griffin york & Krause Design Template
audrey Hammer Bedford, NH
Puritan Press Printing
Preston Hunter ’98 Bedford, NH
CoNTribuTors
daniel Muskat ’82 Bedford, NH
diane allen Jake Harwood ’10
2012
features feaTures
Creative Thinking by susanna Woodbury Newsom ’90
Life in L.a.
Lauren satkwich ’08
sockeye season
elizabeth Patten Bedford, NH
susanna Woodbury Newsom ’90
by Jake Harwood ’10
e. Charles sanborn Canterbury, NH richard sigel ’81 Manchester, NH shelley spierer Bedford, NH William Zorn Hooksett, NH
alex Michaud ’12, becky Josephson, rebecca Maglathlin ’00, sean Pallatroni ’06, Kim allard socha ’85 adVaNCeMeNT diane allen Alumni Coordinator Gail Gordon Advancement Office Coordinator
andy Moerlein
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by susanna Woodbury Newsom ’90
departments deParTMeNTs
Message from the Head
alice Handwerk Director of Advancement
around Campus
Jennifer Melkonian Associate Head of School
Commencement recap
Mary ellen redway Advancement Office Associate
Cougar athletics breakthrough spotlight update on alumni Life after derryfield
does the cover look familiar?
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by Lauren satkwich ’08
emily Newick ’97 Norwich, VT
Janice romanowsky Hampstead, NH
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faculty Profile
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The Derryfield Players last presented Les Misérables in the winter of 2004. The 2012 production was no less impressive, earning it a repeat cover!
Derryfield Today is published by the Advancement Office at The Derryfield School. If you note errors, please notify us at 603.669.4524, ext. 2261 or send an email to abranch@derryfield.org. Correspondence may be addressed to: Director of Communications, The Derryfield School, 2108 River Road, Manchester, NH 03104-1302. The Derryfield School welcomes students of any race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin. The School does not discriminate in its hiring, admission policies, or programs on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, or disabilities. ERRATA: Molly Brady ’16 was misidentified in the table of contents photo of the Winter/Spring 2010 issue of Derryfield Today.
www.derryfield.org
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head
Message from the
The importance of the arts
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The Creative Arts faculty members are committed to pern this issue, we focus on the exceptional arts education sonalizing students’ education. Differentiated instruction by available at Derryfield. Self-discovery through artistic ability within the same class is key. Here the beginner may expression is fundamental to a liberal arts education. At explore a given medium, while the advanced student may Derryfield, active participation in the arts promotes positive intellectual, emotional, and aesthetic development. Our pro- be challenged by a complex project. Creative arts teachers know their students and match opportunities to each one— gram is marked by three elements: participation, personalsometimes with long-term consequences. A young alumna ization, and individual creativity. Students in every grade recently recounted that Jim Speigel steered her to be the are encouraged and, at times, required to engage in artistic endeavors. The program emphasizes personal choice in both stage manager for her middle school play, launching her on the subject of study and the level of depth. The creative pro- a journey to college as a theatre major, which led her to become the stage manager of Broadway’s production of the cess as a way of thinking is taught in every course and arts musical Wicked. The culture of encourageactivity. In our close-knit school, the edument in the Creative Arts Department can “Creative arts teachers cation is notably personal in all discibe profound for the individual. Many stuplines, but in none is that individualizaknow their students and dents’ lives are enriched when they become tion so evident as in the arts. confident instrumentalists, singers, actors, match opportunities to Opportunities in the arts abound. All or visual artists as a result of the personal sixth graders participate in a musical each one—sometimes with attention they received at Derryfield. theatre production, while seventh and Finally, Derryfield’s arts program seeks to eighth graders are encouraged to audilong-term consequences.” develop creativity and an understanding of tion for the autumn middle school musia creative process in every course and activity. Students are cal, in which every student finds a place on the stage or on encouraged to think in multiple ways: as problem-solvers the production side. In addition to their classroom experiand as people who are inspired by the past but think origiences in music, drama, and art, middle school students are nally. These creative-thinking skills are applicable not just in invited to join the chorus, band, and art club. An array of the arts but in all disciplines. that students encounter. choices opens for upper school students. One can learn to play the piano, compose music, paint landscapes, perform Shakespeare, and improve or build monumental outdoor sculpture. In addition, students build their confidence Mary Halpin Carter throughout their seven years at Derryfield by singing, playHead of School ing instruments, dancing, or acting at weekly all-school assemblies, talent shows, concerts, and other performances.
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Derryfield Today – 2012
2013
Media Gallery
calendar
below is just a small selection from the hundreds of photo albums from the Media
JaNuary
Gallery on derryfield’s website at www.derryfield.org. use the Qr code at the right
Winter Carnival
events
25–31
to see the most recent galleries highlighting life at derryfield. february Winter Carnival
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Lyceum Gallery reception
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Pasta dinner
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upper school Musical, Jesus Christ superstar 15–17 breakthrough super saturday
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alumni Games
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MarCH senior Luau
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Lyceum Gallery reception
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excerpt Coffee House
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breakthrough super saturday
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aPriL Pfa spring fling
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Lyceum Gallery reception
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breakthrough super saturday
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senior Celebration
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May admission open House
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founders’ day
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upper school Play, Noises off
3–4
reunion Weekend
3–4
Prom
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Lyceum Gallery reception
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spring Concert
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breakthrough super saturday
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JuNe
www.derryfield.org
eighth Grade send-off
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Commencement
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campus
Around
sTories
a Glowing report
a Glowing report
Every 10 years, Derryfield undergoes a reaccreditation process with its accrediting agency, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Derryfield faculty and staff spent many days researching, writing, and editing a comprehensive self-study, which was used as a guide when nine colleagues at peer institutions visited Derryfield in October 2011. The Visiting Committee observed and spoke with many members of the community to determine whether Derryfield is true to its mission. When the Visiting Committee returned its findings, Derryfield passed all the standards, earning the highest pass level, “exemplary,” on an impressive five standards. An exemplary rating implies that a school is a model for other schools in a particular area. Especially impressive is that most of the exemplary areas are key to teaching and learning—the heart of school’s business. Derryfield earned exemplary ratings on the Mission, Experience of the Student, Faculty, Administration, and the Accreditation Process standards. The report included a number of inspiring comments and descriptions of Derryfield, a few of which follow: “...superior in its commitment to its students and in the quality of its teachers.” “The spirit and soul of this community is unshakeable in its focus on the experience of students.”
Living sustainably News online building international Ties eighth Head of school appointed advancement advances
NaTioNaL HoNor soCieTy Congratulations to the following derryfield seniors who were inducted into the National Honor society during a special assembly on october 15, 2012. shelby f. anderson, Laura e. barstow, Louisa e. Carter, evan M. Chambers, sarah atlee Coler, Jessa d. fogel, Margaret e. M. Huckaby, Carolyn L. Kegel, Chelsea C.C. Kimball, Kelly P. Mcdonald, Naomi V. Patel, Lindsay e. Pollock, sarah K. Porat, Nicholas d. regan, Lucas b. romanowsky, daniel M. schwartzberg, Katherine e. schwope, stephanie J. simonoff, Hannah e. spierer, Michael H. stone, Charlotte L. Weisberg, Christina i. Williams
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“The faculty and administration are working thoughtfully to make the educational experience coherent, relevant, and customized for derryfield students.” The Visiting Committee commended... n ...the Derryfield School community’s inspiring ability to do more with less in the current economic environment. Trustees, administrators, and faculty have all pulled together to continue delivering an exceptional educational experience, and the sense of faculty morale and work ethic on behalf of Derryfield students was humbling to observe. n ...the School on its exceptional faculty’s ability to know and care about its students in unparalleled ways. n ...the Head of School, as well as his Administration, for stabilizing the leadership of the School, catalyzing curricular improvement, and unifying the community through a process of distilling Derryfield’s first mission statement and complementary set of core values. n ... the School’s ability to move forward with two major building projects, the turf field and the Gateway Building, in a manner that took advantage of economic opportunity. The visiting committee provided three recommendations for Derryfield as it moves toward its 50th anniversary: create a strategic plan focused on maintaining
Derryfield Today – 2012
KeePiNG uP-To-daTe
news
online
financial sustainability to support a growing program, build a team to implement a strategic marketing plan, and develop a diversity plan.
Living sustainably In 2010, Derryfield adopted an environmental sustainability mission statement, which addressed the School’s goals for reducing Derryfield’s environmental footprint. This mission has a passionate advocate in Director of Facilities Gary Harper, who says, “Sustainability has come to the forefront in the wake of increased understanding that economics, environmental health, and human well-being are interconnected and interdependent.” In recent months, Mr. Harper has led a number of initiatives to make the Derryfield community a greener one.
roofing Project yields $30,000 rebate The Derryfield School joined Retail Merchants Association of New Hampshire (RMANH) last spring, which then awarded Derryfield over $11,000 to help fund an energy audit. From that audit, the School received a comprehensive report outlining energyefficient project ideas. This past summer, Mr. Harper embarked on the massive project of replacing the auditori-
Head of School Mary Carter and Director of Facilities Gary Harper receive a rebate check.
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um roof. Because the School doubled the amount of insulation on the roof deck, we qualified for a $30,000 rebate.
Want to know more about what’s happening at derryfield every day? Check out the online news portal by going to
single-stream recycling
www.derryfield.org/about-ds/news-events. Here are the
This fall, Derryfield moved to a single-stream recycling program. The intent of this move was to simplify the recycling process as well as increase the School’s recycling capacity. In addition to helping the environment and expanding Derryfield’s sustainability initiative, the School will see a decrease of approximately 18% on its annual waste disposal budget.
introductions of a sampling of recent stories.
derryfield Takes the Green Pledge
international rally of young rescuers.
Most recently, Derryfield joined 14 Manchester businesses in taking the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce’s Green Pledge. The goal of the program is to highlight local organizations who are leaders in environmental practices and to gather and share new ideas about sustainable projects within the community. Mr. Harper has plenty of experience in leading these sorts of projects. During his time working at New England College, he was deeply involved in their environmental initiatives, which led to the college being named to Princeton Review’s 2010-11 Guide to 286 Green Colleges. In the words of Dr. Carter, “We are so fortunate to have Mr. Harper as our colleague working on green initiatives. Not only is he tireless in searching for foundation grants and rebate opportunities to help us meet our goals, he also feels the importance of environmental sustainability so genuinely.”
schoneberger ’14 Heads to belarus for eMT Competition Jared schoneberger ’14 is took part in an international competition for training eMTs in belarus this fall. He is part of a team of seven students from New Hampshire, Maine, and North Carolina who represented the united states in the
derryfield Leads day of service The derryfield school was abuzz with activity on october 17, 2012. Tenth and eleventh graders took PsaTs in the morning, while seniors were out in the community participating in community service. in the afternoon, juniors took a turn volunteering in the community, and sophomores played host to third graders from the Mill falls Montessori Charter school in Manchester....
Varsity field Hockey earns Historic Three-Peat state Championship finally, after the past couple of days dealing with Hurricane sandy, i still have not come down to earth after derryfield’s historic third straight NH field Hockey division iii Championship....
Mock Trial Places second in yale invitational in the fall of each year, The derryfield school mock trial team competes at the yale Mock Trial invitational....
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building international Ties With the graduation of Derryfield’s first two international students, the Global Education program continues to gain momentum. In addition to planning several trips for middle and upper school students this year, Director of Global Programs Susan Grodman has recently established partnerships with schools in South Africa and China that will enable Derryfield students to have increasingly valuable global experiences. According to Ms. Grodman, “These partnerships further our Global Education program, which includes international service and culture trips for middle and upper school students, international students attending school at Derryfield, and an ongoing awareness of international literature and current events into our curriculum.” The first of the School’s new global partnerships is with a high school in Durban, South Africa. Each year, Derryfield will host two tenth grade
girls from the South African school for six weeks. These girls will attend classes, participate in sports and other cocurricular activities, and live with Derryfield families. In return, two Derryfield girls will be selected to spend six weeks at the South African school later in the school year, either living at the school or with a family. Derryfield has also begun a sisterschool relationship with an education group in China that operates schools in Beijing, Qingdao, and Chengdu. During spring break a group of Derryfield students will travel to China to teach English in a school for migrant workers’ children, and then spend time at these schools while experiencing the culture and sights of China. This partnership will develop into an exchange of students, curriculum, and faculty. In addition to these partnerships, Derryfield continues to enroll a number of international students who live with host families within the community. Derryfield’s first full-time interna-
Derryfield students are welcomed in Nepal.
tional students graduated with the class of 2012 and now attend Northeastern University and Florida Institute of Technology. As The Derryfield School approaches its 50th Anniversary, global and service initiatives continue to be flagship programs that highlight the School’s mission to inspire bright, motivated young people to be their best and provide them with the skills and experiences needed to be valued, dynamic, confident, and purposeful members of any community.
Mary HaLPiN CarTer aPPoiNTed eiGHTH Head of sCHooL The Derryfield School Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Mary Halpin Carter, Ph.D., as Derryfield’s eighth Head of School. Dr. Carter most recently served as Interim Head of School and Assistant Head for Faculty and Academic Programs and has filled many other roles in her 15 years at the School. She earned a B.A in History from Dartmouth College, a Master’s Degree in Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education, and her Ph.D. in Education/School Leadership from the University of New Hampshire. In a letter from Board Chair David Lockwood, it was noted that both the search committee and the Derryfield community
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were truly impressed with Dr. Carter’s skills and qualifications, which stood out among an initial field of over 70 candidates nationwide. Her appointment received the unanimous endorsement of the Board of Trustees. Dr. Carter noted about the School, “The outstanding friendship and dedication of the families, the faculty and staff, the trustees, and alumni have drawn me to this wonderful School and inspired me to accept this new level of leadership.” The Derryfield School congratulates Dr. Carter on her appointment and thanks the search committee, led by Trustee Tom Manson, for the members’ tireless work on behalf of the School.
Derryfield Today – 2012
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advancement advances $2 Million bequest Promised
advancement ambassadors
Early this year, we were excited to receive the news that an alumni parent couple who value their child’s Derryfield experience is making the largest personal gift in Derryfield’s history. The School will be the recipient of a $2 million bequest to financial aid endowment. Today’s financial aid endowment is $1.5 million; therefore, the impact of this gift is extraordinary, especially as financial aid becomes ever more necessary for children to attend Derryfield. As a young school, Derryfield does not have a large endowment. However, we see the potential for growth as we continue to increase membership in The 1964 Legacy Society, which has reached 45 people in recent years.
We love our Advancement Ambassadors! They brighten our days and remind us why we do what we do. These students help our office in our fund-raising and stewardship initiatives, including: n Thank you calls and notes to donors (our alumni love speaking to current students!) n Helping set up and orchestrate events like Alumni Weekend, Founders’ Day, and Grandparents’ and Special Guests’ Days n Brainstorming and producing social media initiatives to promote the Annual Fund When asked why they sign up to help our office, Advancement Ambassadors responded: “Working as an advancement ambassador, i have a true understanding of the reason for and importance of the annual fund.” “When i’m an alumna, i will understand and appreciate being thanked for attending an event or for making a gift. Like anything, it’s nice to be thanked for your support. Talking to alumni when we call and hearing how happy it makes them is a nice feeling.” “i like the opportunity to be creative. Whether making a thank you call or being part of making a video appeal the advancement office asks for our ideas and encourages us to run with them.” We are incredibly grateful for all the ways that our past, present and future donors support the School enabling students to realize their passions!
The annual fund (this & every year) Like virtually every independent school, Derryfield relies on an annual fund to balance the operating budget, so it is our number one priority each and every year. This year’s goal is $460,000 which is 8% higher than last year and represents 5.4% of the School’s operating budget. Giving to the Annual Fund enhances the experience of every student and transforms every day at The Derryfield School into a journey of discovery and learning. 100% of the faculty, staff, and Trustees have already committed to the Annual Fund this year – please join them.
www.derryfield.org
2012 Advancement Ambassadors
THe 1964 LeGaCy soCieTy
giving planned
you too can become a member of the 1964 Legacy society by remembering The derryfield school in perpetuity.
The derryfield school 1964 Legacy society recognizes alumni, parents, and friends of the school who choose to include derryfield in their estate plans. by naming The derryfield school in their wills, pension plans, insurance policies, and life-income gifts, members ensure that the derryfield community will remain strong in it mission. if you are interested in learning more about becoming a member of the 1964 Legacy society, please contact us. Jennifer d. Melkonian, associate Head of school, and alice Handwerk, director of advancement, are ready with additional information on any of these endeavors at 603.669.4524 or at jmelkonian@derryfield.org or ahandwerk@derryfield.org.
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recap
Commencement
alumni award Given to a member of the senior class whose support and service to The Derryfield School best exemplifies the spirit of Derryfield as determined by members of the graduating class and the faculty.
alexander r. Camerino ’12
alumni service award Given by The Derryfield School Alumni Association to recognize an alumnus/a who has made a major contribution to the School.
daniel s. Muskat ’82
art award Given to a student who shows outstanding interest, motivation, and accomplishment in the study of art.
Lily W. Karlin ’13
Citizens bank scholar award Presented to an upper school student who is a graduate of the Breakthrough Manchester program, in recognition of academic excellence, exemplary service, and commitment to Breakthrough Manchester and The Derryfield School community.
Celine L. boutin ’12
Class of 1994 award
The Class of 2012 Refusing to oblige the evil weather gods of last year’s graduation day, the Class of 2012 was ushered to their Commencement with blue skies and sunshine. Bittersweet in many ways, the day was clearly marked with excitement as 62 members of our community transitioned from students to alumni. Outgoing Head of School Craig N. Sellers began his welcome with a nod to the late Steve Jobs. Jobs had once described great innovation as similar to high-altitude mountain climbing. “For every person who makes it to the top of the mountain for that stunning photo, that abiding sense of achievement, that picture-perfect combination of effort and grace, there was a committed, diligent team of people making sacrifices, hauling oxygen, cooking the food, and sweating the details.” Sellers’s reference was to the care and guidance given to our graduates by the parent/teacher team. This team became one of the themes of the day. Alex Michaud, now comfortably settled in at Yale, acknowledged parents, recognizing their emotional struggle of the day with nostalgia, dread, and pride. Michaud urged his fellow graduates to become masters of themselves rather than “Masters of the Universe.” Referencing Tom Wolfe’s Bonfire of the Vanities, he said his class has been growing toward that goal while at Derryfield. “Tell the world what you want, and find success there.”
Presented to the member of the senior class whose personal integrity, caring manner, and quiet strength inspire school spirit and higher aspirations in all of us.
Tianbao Li ’12
Celebrating Derryfield’s forty-fifth commencement ceremonies.
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Derryfield Today – 2012
CoMMenCeMent reCap
Community service awards Honoring those seniors who have given unselfishly of themselves in extending time, interest, and concern to the School and the community.
Jamie r. Cordova ’12
rebecca K. Powell ’12
Leah T. deWitt ’12
Morgan s. Wolf ’12
Molly L. ferguson ’12
dartmouth book award Given to that member of the junior class who, through pursuit of academic achievement as well as through participation in athletics and other extracurricular activities, has demonstrated a commitment to excellence and has otherwise exerted a positive impact upon the quality of student life.
Alex Michaud ’12 sets a casual and humorous tone in his welcome address.
Jessa d. fogel ’13
Valedictorian Cameron Campbell will take life lessons learned from Calvin & Hobbes with him to Stanford. Campbell advised his peers to keep the child within them alive. He said not to get so fixated on success that you forget to experience life. “True success, in the eyes of a child like Calvin, is not marked by money or power; it lies in our ability to bear the mantle of maturity without ever sacrificing the childhood zeal that makes us who we truly are.” Math teacher Steve Mathes, chosen by the Class of 2012 as their graduation speaker, focused on the importance of friendship. Friendships at Derryfield are almost forced due to the small size of the School. Everyone knows everything about everyone. But these friendships are good and need to be cultivated in the future. Noting that the Class will never again be gathered in exactly the same way again, he reminded the graduates to maintain real face time with their friends—not just tweets and Facebook time. Leah DeWitt offered a beautiful farewell to her classmates as she anticipated her new beginning at Cornell University. In an unexpected comparison between commencement and her far-into-the-future funeral, Leah spoke simply of love. With advice like “Love will soothe all emotions,” and “Remember you are loved,” Leah spoke of the conflict of emotions at a funeral—celebrating time together and mourning loss—and pointed out the similarities with how the graduates felt at Commencement. She spoke of love of faculty and love of family and concluded with “Now that this stage of life comes to an end, all I can say is I love you and goodbye. We did it!” —Diane Allen
www.derryfield.org
drama award Given to a student who shows outstanding interest, motivation, and accomplishment in the study of drama.
sarah P. blaisdell ’12 breanna L. Northrup ’12
english award Given to a student who shows outstanding interest, motivation, and accomplishment in the study of English.
Mia L. sobin ’12 d. ryan stevenson ’12
2012 Peter s. freedman founders’ scholar The Peter S. Freedman Founders’ Scholar Award is presented annually to that member of the junior class who has best combined academic achievement with personal responsibility, independence, and ethical sense.
daniel M. schwartzberg ’13
Harvard book award Given to a junior who displays excellence in scholarship and high character, combined with achievement in other fields.
Louisa e. Carter ’13
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CoMMenCeMent reCap
History award Given to a student who shows outstanding interest, motivation, and accomplishment in the study of history.
Jake o. smiley ’12
dennis f. Holland Mathematics award Given to a student who shows outstanding interest, motivation, and accomplishment in the study of mathematics.
Maxine a. Joselow ’12
r. Philip Hugny Head of school award Given in memory of Mr. Hugny, first Headmaster of The Derryfield School, to that member of the graduating class who, through allaround service, has made valuable contributions to the School.
alexander r. Camerino ’12
Marcus d. Hurlbut Head of school award Given in honor of Mr. Hurlbut, fourth Headmaster of The Derryfield School, to the senior who, by caring, leadership, and force of character, has been an inspiration to others.
eleanor b. C. Lynch ’12
simeon Kass award for Writing and Humanistic inquiry Honoring Sim Kass, beloved mentor to two Derryfield alumni, Matt Boelig ’01 and Derek Boelig ’05, the Simeon Kass Award for Writing and Humanistic Inquiry is presented to a senior who demonstrates outstanding writing skills, an appreciation of other cultures, a burning inquisitiveness, and the disposition to take a position and challenge received opinions. A panel of faculty reviews applications for this annual scholarship.
Maxine a. Joselow ’12
Latin award Given to a student who shows outstanding interest, motivation, and accomplishment in the study of Latin.
Cameron M. Campbell ’12 From top to bottom: The Lynch family, Katherine ’10, Ellie ’12, Charlie ’18, and Christopher. n Seniors are all smiles during the ceremony. n Steve Mathes, Board Chair David Lockwood, and Head of School Craig Sellers reflect during the invocation.
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Derryfield Today – 2012
CoMMenCeMent reCap
Lamplighter athletic award Given to a boy or girl who, through spirit, attitude, loyalty, and overall performance, has been an inspiration to his or her teammates and a credit to the School.
alexander r. Camerino ’12
Mayor’s award The Mayor’s Award is presented to that member of the graduating class who, throughout his/her tenure at The Derryfield School, has demonstrated a high level of dedication to the ideals The Derryfield School stands for and has exhibited leadership traits worthy of emulation by his/her peers.
Margaret L. Cochrane ’12
Music award Given to a student who shows outstanding interest, motivation, and accomplishment in the study of choral and instrumental music.
adam K. Gray ’12 alexander J. Michaud ’12
Clifford r. Nyquist Memorial scholarship Established in Clifford’s memory by his family, this college scholarship award is given annually to a member of the graduating class who has demonstrated unselfish and enduring friendship to all, as well as genuine respect for diverse ideas and beliefs, and deep personal integrity and fairness. The recipient must have demonstrated a purposeful involvement in The Derryfield School and a meaningful commitment to our local and global communities.
Caitlin s. Gillett ’12
William b. Pfeifer Head of school award Given in honor of Mr. Pfeifer, third Headmaster of The Derryfield School, to a senior who, by loyalty, presence, and total commitment, has helped make Derryfield a better place to be.
emmie J. Lamp ’12
Physical science award Given to a student who shows outstanding interest, motivation, and accomplishment in the study of physical science.
Leah T. deWitt ’12 From top to bottom: Seniors line up before the ceremony. n Tessa Greer, Jared
Madeleine e. Walstad ’12
Hammer, and Allison Halchak-Lord show off their diplomas. n Adam Gray accompanies Mrs. Devino and the concert choir.
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Ken Piatt Memorial scholarship award
Class of 2012
Given in memory of D. Kenneth Piatt ’82 to a boy or girl who combines excellence in athletics with outstanding achievement.
bethany M. Kalliel ’12
Zachary abbott ................................................................. dickinson College elizabeth aliotta .................................................... eastern Nazarene College sarah blaisdell ......................................................... The university of Tampa Celine boutin .................................................... university of New Hampshire
rensselaer Medal Given to an outstanding student in mathematics and science in the junior class.
Jessa d. fogel ’13
Michael bradley ......................................... rochester institute of Technology Cassandra bryan ..................................................... Northwestern university alexander Camerino .................................................. st. Lawrence university Cameron Campbell ......................................................... stanford university Kelsey Cintorino .................................................... roger Williams university
scholar-athlete award
scott Clutterbuck ...................................................... university of richmond Given to a senior boy and girl who best combine athletic ability with intellectual curiosity and academic achievement which, in the eyes of their teachers and coaches, distinguish them as being worthy of Scholar-Athlete recognition.
Margaret Cochrane ........................................................ Middlebury College Jamie Cordova ...................................................................... Tufts university
scott W. Clutterbuck ’12
Gus davis ................................................... university of Colorado at boulder
Carla J. Nyquist ’12
Luke de Noble .................................................................. bentley university
ralph J. scozzafava Head of school award Given in honor of Mr. Scozzafava, second Headmaster of The Derryfield School, to a senior student who, scholastically and athletically, best represents the ideas and ideals of The Derryfield School.
Carla J. Nyquist ’12
Leah deWitt ...................................................................... Cornell university Matthew dinsmore ......................................................... syracuse university abigail durant ...................................................................... Gordon College Kerri falkenham ..................................................... College of the Holy Cross rachel feins ................................................................ university of Vermont Molly ferguson ........................................... Case Western reserve university
spanish award
Jesse fortier ............................................................. st. Lawrence university Given to a student who shows outstanding interest, motivation, and accomplishment in the study of Spanish.
Margaret L. Cochrane ’12 Jesse r. fortier ’12
Caitlin Gillett ..................................................................... stonehill College adam Gray ............................................................................ Vassar College Tessa Greer ....................................................................... Colorado College allison Halchak-Lord ......................................... university of New Hampshire
barbara J. stahl, Ph.d. Life science award Given to a student who shows outstanding interest, motivation, and accomplishment in the study of life science.
Jake o. smiley ’12
Jared Hammer ............................................................. university of Vermont Margaux Joselow .................................................................... bates College Maxine Joselow .................................................................. brown university bethany Kalliel ........................................................ Northeastern university Peter Kosiarski ......................................................... The university of Tampa emmie Lamp ................................................................. university of Virginia
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Derryfield Today Derryfield – Spring Today 2008 – 2012
CoMMenCeMent reCap
Matriculation List rachel Lamy ................................................................... fordham university
Wellesley book award Given each year to that junior girl who has contributed most to the life of the School through leadership and good citizenship, while maintaining a high scholastic achievement.
Carolyn L. Kegel ’13
Tianbao Li ................................................................ Northeastern university eleanor Lynch ......................................................................... Pitzer College rebecca Manson ........................................ university of southern California Kenan Mazic ..................................................... university of New Hampshire rachel McCoy ........................................................ Johns Hopkins university Matthew Michael ....................................... rochester institute of Technology alexander Michaud ................................................................ yale university
Matthew L. young ’88 Memorial scholarship To perpetuate the spirit and positive influence of Matthew Lawrence Young, Class of 1988, on the Derryfield family, this scholarship is awarded annually to that member of the junior class who, through enthusiastic participation in activities, significant contribution to the well-being of others, and scholarship, has had an enduring impact on the Derryfield community.
Margaret e. M. Huckaby ’13
Mathieu Mina ......................................................... Mount allison university benjamin Moll .................................................................. boston university breanna Northrup .................................................... sarah Lawrence College Carla Nyquist .......................................................................... Colby College andrew Palacios ...................................................... saint Michael’s College Nathaniel Pisierra .......................................................... New york university brittany Potter .................................................................... endicott College rebecca Powell .................. Virginia Polytechnic institute and state university alyse reichheld ...................................................................... Colby College Katherine ridinger ......................................................... New york university saniya shah ...................................................................... boston university Matthew sherman .................................................... The university of Tampa Taylor shomo .......................................................... The ohio state university Jake smiley .................................................................. university of Chicago Mia sobin ........................................................................ Harvard university Nevin stevens .......................................................... saint Michael’s College david stevenson ................................................................. emory university amanda van duren ....................................................... Quinnipiac university andrew Voss ........................................................................... bates College Madeleine Walstad ....................... university of illinois at urbana-Champaign abbey Wilson ........................... Pennsylvania state university, university Park Morgan Wolf ............................................................ Northeastern university Nan Zhang ...................................................... florida institute of Technology
From top to bottom: Mat Mina, Andrew Palacios, Ellie Lynch, and Becca Manson on their way out of graduation. n Seniors walk arm-in-arm to the reception.
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athletics
Cougar
scholar athletes Congratulations to our senior athletes who have been named Scholar Athletes
2012 Winter Wrap-up
for 2012 by the NHIAA and the NHADA.
Varsity alpine skiing
Varsity Girls’ basketball
To be recognized, each student athlete
Women: 2nd at State Championships (Div. IV) Men: 3rd at State Championships (Div. IV) alex Camerino ’12, Co-Captain, All-Conference, NH State Team, Meet of Champion Qualifier, Class of 1970 Award elijah Gorton ’15, Meet of Champion Qualifier Tessa Greer ’12, Co-Captain, Meet of Champion Qualifier, Class of 1970 Award Cameron Huftalen ’15, NH State Team, Meet of Champion Qualifier Carla Nyquist ’12, Co-Captain, Div. IV Individual State Champion, NH State Team, All-Conference, Div. IV Skier of the Year, Meet of Champions Qualifier, Class of 1970 Award
Season Record: 18–5 State Championship Quarterfinalists (Div. IV) Hannah Comeau ’14, All-State (2nd team), All-Conference bethany Kalliel ’12, Co-Captain, 1,000th Career Point, All-State (1st team), Div. IV Player of the Year, All-Conference, Conference Player of the Year (South), Senior All-Star, All-Academic, Class of 1970 Award brittany Potter ’12, Co-Captain, All-State (HM), Senior All-Star, Class of 1970 Award amy Trinh ’13, All-Academic
must have maintained a B+ grade point average, actively lettered in at least two varsity sports, participated in community service activities, and served as a role model to his or her peers. The following Derryfield seniors were recognized at an awards ceremony in March: alexander Camerino: Cross Country, Alpine Skiing scott Clutterbuck: Alpine Skiing, Swimming Leah deWitt: Field Hockey, Tennis rachel feins: Field Hockey, Softball Molly ferguson: Nordic Skiing, Tennis bethany Kalliel: Soccer, Basketball Peter Kosiarski: Golf, Tennis benjamin Moll: Soccer, Baseball Carla Nyquist: Soccer, Alpine Skiing, Lacrosse rebecca Powell: Nordic Skiing, Lacrosse alyse reichheld: Golf, Alpine Skiing
Derryfield’s 2012 Scholar Athletes with
Varsity Nordic skiing Women: 2nd at State Championships (Div. IV) Matt dinsmore ’12, Co-Captain, All-Conference, Class of 1970 Award Jessa fogel ’13, All-Conference, Div. IV Skier of the Year, 2nd and 3rd at State Championships, 5th and 6th at Meet of Champions, Eastern HS Championships NH Team, Class of 1970 Award becca Powell ’12, Co-Captain, 7th and 15th at State Championships, Meet of Champions Qualifier Casey Hecox ’15, 19th and 5th at State Championships, Meet of Champions Qualifier
Varsity swimming Women: 2nd at State Championships (Div. IV) NH Championship Runner-Up (Division III) scott Clutterbuck ’12, Captain, 9th at State Championships Molly fitzpatrick ’14, 5th at State Championships, 4th at Meet of Champions, New England Championships qualifier, Class of 1970 Award
Varsity boys’ basketball Season Record: 15–6 State Championship Semifinalists (Div. IV) Rob Bradley - Div. IV Coach of the Year Gus davis ’12, Co-Captain, All-Conference, Senior All-Star, Class of 1970 Award Mitch Green ’13, All State (HM) Tariq omer ’13, All-Academic Tom Quinn ’13, All-Academic
oPPosiTe (clockwise from top left): Brittany Potter ’12 takes a foul shot. n Carla Nyquist ’12 nails a turn. n Jessa Fogel ’13 takes a hill. n Alex Camerino ’12 carves a turn. n Molly Fitzpatrick ’14 takes a breath. n A nordic skiier takes a sweeping turn. n Gus Davis ’12 drives for the net. n aboVe: Scott Clutterbuck ’12 takes a plunge.
Director of Athletics Lenny McCaigue after the awards ceremony.
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Derryfield Today – 2012
C o u G a r at h l e t i C s
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athletic awards CoaCHes’ aWard brittany Potter
Gus davis
aTHLeTes of THe year bethany Kalliel
Gus davis
disTiNGuisHed CoaCH aWard John bouton Jeffrey Cousineau Lenny McCaigue Terri Moyer ToP TeN CLub recognizing seniors who represented derryfield above and beyond the minimum requirement on a Varsity or JV team. Celine boutin alexander Camerino Molly ferguson Jared Hammer Peter Kosiarski
2012 spring Wrap-up boys’ Varsity Tennis
Varsity Crew
Season Record: 5-9 Peter Kosiarski ’12, Class of 1970 Award
Kelsey Cintorino ’12, Class of 1970 Award Mike stone ’13, Class of 1970 Award
Girls’ Varsity Tennis
Varsity baseball
Season Record: 15-1 NH Championship Finalists (Div. I) Taylor shomo ’12, Class of 1970 Award brittany Potter ’12, Class of 1970 Award
Season Record: 3-13 ben Moll ’12, Class of 1970 Award Nick regan ’13, All-State (2nd)
boys’ Varsity Lacrosse Season Record: 15-1 NH Championship Semifinalists (Div. III) Grant alenson ’14, All-State (2nd team) Max anderson ’14, All-State (2nd team) elijah Gorton ’15, All-State (HM) Mitch Green ’13, All State (1st Team), Defensive Player of the Year arthur Krogman ’13, All State (1st Team) Jon Lencki ’14, all-state (2nd team) Kennan Mazic ’12, Class of 1970 Award Matt Milne ’13, All State (1st Team), Offensive Player of the Year Jimmy o’brien ’15, All-State (HM) Griffin Phaneuf ’14, All-State (2nd team) Tyler Zorn ’14, All-State (HM)
Varsity softball Season Record: 15-1-1 Lainee shaughnessey ’14, Class of 1970 Award savannah Lavoie ’13, All-State (HM)
Carla Nyquist brittany Potter rebecca Powell alyse reichheld Katherine ridinger Mia sobin ouTsTaNdiNG aCHieVeMeNT iN aN iNdePeNdeNT sPorT aWard Griffin antle ’14 – Gymnastics
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Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse Season Record: 7-7 alex Campbell-diehl ’15, All-State (HM) atlee Coler ’13, All-State (1st Team) Carla Nyquist ’12, All-Academics, All-State (HM) brynn Polgrean ’14, All-State (2nd Team) Tess regan ’15, All-State (HM) Madeline Walstad ’12, All-Academic, All-State (2nd Team), Class of 1970 Award
oPPosiTe (clockwise from top left): Austin Hammer ’13 takes a shot on net in a warm-up. n Noelani Stevenson ’14 looks for the ball on first base. n Taylor Shomo ’12 prepares to serve. n Boys’ second boat does a piece in practice. n Nevin Stevens ’12 warms up for a match. n Jamie Cordova ’12 drives to the goal. n Nick Regan ’13 runs for first base. n aboVe: Girls’ first boat takes a power ten during practice.
Derryfield Today – 2012
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a stellar season CouGar aTHLeTiCs doMiNaTe This fall, derryfield could boast not one, not two, but three state championships. Varsity golf kicked off the post-season by winning the div. iV state championship in the team tournament. several players also went on to play in the individual tournament. boys’ varsity soccer earned the div. iV state championship with a 2-1 win against Lisbon. and, last but not least, varsity field hockey won a historic third consecutive div. iii state championship in a nail-biting, overtime victory against berlin High school. in addition to these state championships, the girls’ cross country team had an amazing season, winning the Granite state Championships, placing fourth at the state Meet, and earning a team spot at the Meet of Champions. and in case you were unsure about the future of derryfield athletics, boys’ middle school soccer won the Tri-County League championship for the second year in a row. Go Cougars!
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2012 fall Wrap-up boys’ Varsity soccer
Varsity Golf
Season Record: 18-2 New Hampshire State Champions (Div. IV) Jason berk ’13, All-Scholastic evan Chambers ’13, All-Scholastic austin Hammer ’14, All-State (HM), Championship MVP Matt Milne ’13, Co-Captain, All-State (HM), Class of 1970 Award Griffin Phaneuf ’14, All-State (1st team), All-Conference Nick regan ’13, All-Scholastic Jared schoneberger ’14, All-State (1st team), All-Conference everett simon ’13, Co-Captain, All-State (1st team), All-Conference, Class of 1970 Award, Lion’s Cup Team (alternate) Tyler Zorn ’14, All-State (HM)
Season Record: 15-1 New Hampshire State Champions (Div. IV) Pat McGinley ’14, All-Conference Mike salerni ’13, Class of 1970 Award
Varsity Crew erin Jackson ’13, Co-Captain, Class of 1970 Award andonios Kouninis ’14, Class of 1970 Award
Varsity Cross Country Girls: Granite State Conference Champions Jessa fogel ’13, Co-Captain, All-Conference Casey Hecox ’15, All-Conference, Runner of the Year Lindsay Pollock ’13, Co-Captain, Class of 1970 Award sam richmond ’15, Class of 1970 Award
Girls’ Varsity soccer Season Record: 13-5 NH Championship Quarterfinalists (Div. IV) roz Kennybirch ’13, Co-Captain, Class of 1970 Award Chelsea Kimball ’13, All-Scholastic Hannah Menakaya ’14, Co-Captain, All-Conference amy Trinh ’13, All-Scholastic Chloe Warner ’14, All-Conference
Varsity field Hockey Season Record: 17-1 New Hampshire State Champions (Div. III) Lulu Carter ’13, Co-Captain, Academic All-American, All-Conference, Class of 1970 Award atlee Coler ’13, Co-Captain, All-State (1st team), All-Conference, Class of 1970 Award Carolyn Kegel ’13, Co-Captain, Academic All-American, Senior All-Star, Class of 1970 Award sarah Porat ’13, Academic All-American berklee Vaillancourt ’14, All-State (1st team), All-Conference, Player of the Year Colbi Vaillancourt ’14, All-State (2nd team), All-Conference
oPPosiTe (clockwise from top left): Boys’ varsity soccer celebrates a win in the state championship game. n Regina Salmons ’14 practices in the single. n Casey Hecox ’15 and Jessa Fogel ’13 lead the pack in the Derryfield Invitational. n Patrick Finocchiaro ’15 approaches the end of a race. n Matt McDonald ’16 and Colby Goodrich ’14 during a power piece in practice. n Members of the varsity field hockey team celebrate their third consecutive Div. III state championship. n Varsity golf earns a state championship. n Hannah Comeau ’14 defends the ball in a fall game.
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spotlight Breakthrough
breakthrough by the Numbers
261 83% 56% 52%
total number of current breakthrough students in grades 6-12
students to be the first in their family to earn a 4-year degree
students who qualify for free or reduced lunch
students who identify as people of color
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a fond farewell by Trevor Munhall Summer 2012 was my last summer with Breakthrough Manchester. I am now attending Harvard University Graduate School of Education’s Learning and Teaching program. My ultimate goal is to be working in schools where I can help improve student achievement by focusing on teacher feedback and growth. When I first started at Breakthrough in 2000, there were fringe schools that were doing great things, but it had yet to be demonstrated on any scale that public education could truly become the great equalizer it promised to be for low-income and first-generation college students. That is gradually changing, in no small part due to Breakthrough’s student and teacher alumni. Looking back, I realize that Breakthrough’s mission has always been ahead of its time. For those of us who are lucky enough to be a part of the Breakthrough community, there is no question that it changes us irrevocably. There are few experiences so simultaneously humbling and empowering. And many of us have had the experience of going on to other communities or organizations and being underwhelmed by the level of expectations, or worse, frustrated by patent mediocrity. Breakthrough, as
Trevor Munhall with Breakthrough student, Norma.
an organization, is always looking for its next best self, and few communities inspire us to be our very best in the way that this one does. Breakthrough is stronger than ever and continues to witness the achievements of more and more students, families, and teachers. This, coupled with my fortune to have friends, colleagues, and mentors in Kate, Bernadette, and Tina, makes me eternally grateful to be a part of this community.
Help-Portrait @ breakthrough On December 17, Derryfield hosted, for the second year in a row, a special event for the benefit of Breakthrough’s Super Saturday Program. Part of a nationwide movement of photographers, participants in the HelpPortrait event spent the morning taking 114 portraits of Breakthrough Manchester students and families. Derryfield photography students and com-
Derryfield Today – 2012
munity members volunteered their time to help with the project, led by local photographer Richard Critz. Richard is a portrait and event photographer living in Hollis, NH, and father of Patrick Critz ’15. Founded by Celebrity Photographer Jeremy Cowart, Help-Portrait is a community of photographers coming together across the world to use their photography skills to give back to their local community. In December, photographers around the world grabbed their cameras, finding people in need and taking their picture. Richard became excited about HelpPortrait after hearing the movement’s founder present his vision and his experience with the inaugural event. He commented, “Help-Portrait is all about connecting with people. I’m delighted by the Derryfield community’s enthusiastic response to our event and the way everyone has embraced that mission.” Breakthrough Manchester Director Kate Erskine was also excited for this new opportunity. “Very few of our Breakthrough Manchester students have ever had a professional portrait taken of them, other than school pictures. Students will leave today with a
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gift that celebrates their past, current, and future accomplishments on their path to college. We are inspired by Richard’s generosity and vision, as well as many volunteers from our own Derryfield School community.” To see photos from this year’s event, follow this QR code.
a Not-so-New face We are thrilled to welcome Skyler Mosenthal back to Breakthrough Manchester! Skyler joined our staff as Program Director in July 2012, following the transformative teaching experience it provided him as an intern teacher when he was a college student. Upon graduation from Denison University, Skyler undertook a year of service with City Year New Hampshire in Manchester tutoring and mentoring middle school students. He returned to the East Coast after two years with the PLACE Corps program (Partners in Los Angeles Catholic Education), where he earned his M.A. degree in Secondary Education at Loyola Marymount University and taught math and physics at Sacred Heart High School.
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thinking
Creative
examining the Value of Creative arts by susanna Woodbury Newsom ’90
T
he creative process has always been critical to a Derryfield education. Sometimes that journey occurs when writing a piece of fiction, sometimes it comes together in a musical performance, and sometimes it’s in the act of making a painting or sculpture. Regardless of how it springs to life, the creative experience is central to a Derryfield education. Four alumni and one faculty member give their personal perspectives on the value of an education that incorporates the creative arts across the academic disciplines.
rebecca Maglathlin ’00 Only after she was immersed in a Ph.D. program in Chemical Biology did Rebecca Maglathlin ’00 understand the value of her required creative arts classes while at Derryfield. She admits that she always considered herself a scientist while at Derryfield and only did the minimum number of arts classes needed to graduate. Now as a graduate student, she is better able to work effectively in the sciences because she pursues her artistic interests, collaborating on monumental metal sculptures, in her spare time.
I never considered myself an artist. In contrast, I feel like I have always been a scientist. For some reason, until I moved to San Francisco, I didn’t realize that those two paths are so intimately entwined as to be nearly indistinguishable at times. In retrospect, I learned that at Derryfield, I just didn’t know it at the time. One could just as easily call building balsa wood bridges “art” and learning how to properly fire ceramics “science.” To be honest, I didn’t take many art classes at Derryfield, no more than I had to. Like I said, I
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was a scientist. I managed to express myself (rather loudly, if I remember correctly) with a variety of rather unfortunate clothing choices and hairstyles. Now that I am older, I have realized the importance of art and of the accessibility of art education. I moved to San Francisco to pursue a Ph.D. in Chemical Biology. Science, right? One of the first people I met, Jeff Henise, was a fifth-year graduate student in the lab I wanted to join. He brought me to a metal shop full of women furiously working on building a huge sculpture made of steel and fire. I mean, this sculpture was enormous! Over 60' long and 30' tall, it was a beast that incorporated art and science in the strictest sense of both words. I had never worked with metal. I had never designed anything in my life, and these women accepted me as one of them and taught me everything I needed to know. All of a sudden, I was an artist. I helped them build that sculpture, and the next year, I helped
design one. A 60-foot-long, 30-foot-tall stainless-steel neuron. A brain cell in metal and light. Art and science. What I realized in the design and build of that second sculpture was that I was finally nurturing a part of my brain that I had left dormant for so long, or at least hadn’t consciously acknowledged as needing nurturing. I noticed that my attention at work was more focused, sharper, that I was making more interesting connections and leaps in interpreting my data. Simply cultivating an artistic side I didn’t even
A light sculpture built in part by Rebecca.
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know I had made me more creative in every other part of my life. To me, the creative arts allow for a constructive avenue for self-expression that’s so important in middle and high school. Having an outlet in something like drama, sculpture, or design allows for a cultivation of creativity that is nurturing, reinforcing, and positive. I truly believe that one cannot be great at anything without the ability to see outside the box, to see outside the problem. Arts education has the unique ability to teach this invaluable skill. Without it, biology would be memorization, chemistry would be fillin-the-blank, and math would be arithmetic. Without art, the mind stagnates, and the world becomes wonder-less. Without art, there is no fire.
sean Pallatroni ’06 Sean Pallatroni ’06 credits his coursework and performances with Derryfield’s performing arts faculty and fellow students as the foundation of his career as a professional musician today. Because of his experiences in the performing arts at Derryfield, he is fully immersed in a musical career and not just a person who really enjoys music.
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The arts are often viewed in this country as secondary aspects to one’s general education. Particularly in trying economic times, such as these, it is the funding to these extra-curricular activities that suffers. But music is indeed a fundamental portion of a student’s education. It is in the music room where essential skill sets such as the mathematics in rhythm training, the science of acoustics, the creativity of voicing and improvisation, and the communication and time management of rehearsals, all coming together into a practical and elegant application. These skills yield their results not in a grade on a paper, but in the beauty of the art that is created. The Arts Programs at Derryfield undoubtedly brought me to where I am today. I was always involved in music and had a talent for the piano, but Derryfield substantially changed the way I perceived music. It was Robert Fogg who exposed me to music technology. It was Jim Speigel who coaxed me onto the stage. And it was Laurel Devino who pushed me to sing in Concert Choir, play piano in musicals, and heavily encouraged my writing. I experienced all of this alongside fellow students who were also stretching their talents and enthusiasm within an extremely supportive and appreciative community. Most importantly, it is the Derryfield arts teachers and community members that told me for the first time, “Yes, Sean, you can do it. You are capable of turning your passion for music into a career.” And now, five years later, I can definitively say they were right.
Kim allard socha ’85 Kim Allard Socha ’85 has come full circle at Derryfield, from her own study of painting in the former Art House to encouraging her own children, now Derryfield students Phoebe ’17 and Sydney ’19, to see the world from a creative perspective, keeping their eyes open to new ways of seeing the world.
The arts have relevance in all aspects of our lives. They are tools, the means and way of self-expression. For centuries, we have been utilizing them to reinvent our history, interpret what we see, and discover ourselves as human beings. The simple act of creating...a painting, a story, a performance, a class project, all relates to how we reveal ourselves in the world. When I think of some of my earliest experiences in art, I can visualize myself back at Derryfield. I remember the teacher, Rosemary Uicker, and the space, the Art House! I can smell the paint and still remember some of my favorite paintings. I remember walking in the woods, which is now the Middle School, looking for pieces of nature to bring back to our classroom and draw. And I remember painting a fellow classmate, Matthew Purington ’84, who was posing in some random military costume. That painting won an award and hung in the Congressional Halls of the White House. My journey into the art world really began here at Derryfield, and it was made real because of a teacher and her ability to inspire, encourage, and nurture the creative spirit within me. I eventually went to art school and studied painting and photography, earning
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my BFA through the Museum School of Fine Arts and Tufts University. Upon graduating, I went to work as a photographer. Some twenty years later, taking photographs is still something I am completely passionate about. I think the coolest part of being an artist today is the inherent ability to see the world from a different angle. It’s like wearing a special pair of glasses that alter the view! The arts allow us to be curious, to experiment, to express our lives and our interpretations of the human spirit. Personally, I find that exciting and relevant. Today, I find myself back at Derryfield, as a mom, who wishes to impart these same values and inspirations in the education of my own kids.
alex Michaud ’12 Alex Michaud ’12 credits the support he received from Derryfield’s performing arts faculty with helping him to find his way onto the stage and setting an example for other rising performers. For Michaud, the rewards of performing on stage start when the production is in its early stages, not only at the final curtain call.
As I reflect upon the instances in which my Derryfield career was augmented by the performing arts, I cannot help but feel that the transitions from preparation to performance have amounted to something tremendously more significant than I can see. In that span of time, the most important actors are not the performers themselves, but the supervisors, tasked with keeping the performers organized, motivated, and constantly striving for perfection.
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In this regard, Derryfield’s performing arts staff excels. My Choral Director, Laurel Devino, has had an instrumental role in shaping my growth not only as a vocal artist but as a performer. From her I learned that the ideal singer matches precise intonation and willful dynamics with a genuine passion for the song and its meaning. She and Jim Speigel, the Director of Derryfield’s Drama Department, taught me everything I know about stage presence and the subtle art of interacting with an audience. They can be brutally honest, but their feedback is what has allowed my acting and singing to adopt a sense of artistic purpose. They have provided the technical instruction for me to learn, the counsel for me to grow, and the inspiration to believe that my hard work can become art. Although I do not believe that my high school career as an actor and a singer will merit me some grand legacy in the eyes of my peers, I have come to understand that art does immortalize men in ways they cannot see. I genuinely hope that the risks I have taken by getting up on stage, inspired by Derryfield's incredibly supportive performing arts faculty, will thus inspire future performers in ways I may not know. I am already impressed with how well Mr. Speigel and Mrs. Devino can bring out the talent of students of all ages, abilities, and personalities. I hope these performers will come to know the same fortunate opportu-
nity to discover a creative passion; I will carry the rewards of mine throughout the rest of my life.
becky Josephson English teacher Becky Josephson immerses her students in the creative process as she guides them through writing a piece of short fiction. She believes that the finished product is a wonderful accomplishment. However, the young writers ultimately learn the most about writing and about themselves from creating the fiction from start to finish, even though it’s sometimes a difficult journey.
I suppose it goes without saying that all original writing is creative. Students often feel empowered writing poetry or short stories for a class (even if the assignment is highly structured!), and their commitment to this creative work improves their writing. Like all creative endeavors, creative writing refines our critical and analytical skills and helps us identify what is important. A writer must subdivide, combine, order, and excise. He must imagine other possibilities, choose the best one,
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KeePiNG uP-To-daTe
news
art in the
and manipulate words and sentences. Then, when he gives his writing to the reader, he asserts: “This is my truth; this is who I am!” Writing a short story or a poem requires a student to wake up to the how of creating. Writing and revising pulls students through the messy process that precedes the polished, controlled draft. Students may start with an unruly draft—a “push draft” that puts down the beginning, middle, and ending in one sitting. A friend of mine describes this first draft with a headlights analogy: you’re driving a car down an unfamiliar road at night; you write just as far as the headlights let you see, and then you find yourself in a new spot, and you see and write a little further. In the darkness, just keep writing into the headlights. In this way, the push draft gives birth to the idea on paper. Students look at the messy draft through various lenses: Do I have two scenes? Will this fit in my page limit? How can I show how much this character needs his paycheck? How can I build tension from the very beginning? Now I think the heart of this piece is really his love for his brother; how can I help my
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reader see this? And through this dialogic approach, the story and the writer’s understanding develop in tandem. The next step, imaginative revision, is often hardest for student writers. They must imagine possibilities. Constant deadlines, looming grades, and the immediacy of the current draft tend to usurp students’ imaginative responses to their own pieces, but I tell my students, “Don’t give in to the tyranny of ink! How else could your piece emerge?” Then writers polish and proofread. Young writers tend to pour forth from their hearts just what they imagine; they tell the story they need to tell. Mature writers have another level of control and focus—an awareness of how their readers will perceive the word, the sentence, the piece. And then, publication. Ultimately, a writer writes to share a piece of himself with a reader. A writer may read in class or at a coffee house, or hand his piece to a teacher or friend, or submit it to our school publications, Excerpt, Lamplighter and Pinnacle, or to regional print and online magazines. Whether the audience is one or multitudes, this moment calls for celebration! Our writer has created something new, and the hard hours of labor have delivered several outcomes: stronger analytical and imaginative skill, greater knowledge of the subject, and, most importantly, a clearer sense of what he values and who he really is.
find more news about what’s happening in the arts at derryfield, go to www.derryfield.org/student-life/arts.
Minzel ’69 discovered to be artist of smithsonian artwork a search for the artist responsible for creating a recent addition to the renwick Gallery at the smithsonian american art Museum has led back to derryfield alumna Judith Nelson Minzel ’69....
Keep an eye out for rising star sean Pallatroni ’06 Congratulations to derryfield alumnus and rising star sean Pallatroni ’06 on not just one, but two recent honors....
Moerlein Named artistin-residence at fruitlands Museum derryfield art teacher andy Moerlein will be heading to Massachusetts more frequently in the coming year, as he was recently appointed the 2012 artist-in-residence at fruitlands Museum in Harvard, Ma....
derryfield Musicians earn all-state Honors Congratulations to the following derryfield student musicians, who were selected based on auditions in November as the best student musicians in New Hampshire to participate in the 2012-2013 Classical all state Music festival....
The derryfield school Players Present Jesus Christ superstar The derryfield school Players are pleased to present Jesus
Christ superstar as the upper school musical. a broadway sensation from the 1970s, Jesus Christ superstar is a rock opera by andrew Lloyd Webber....
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The ballet Girls The Derryfield School Lyceum Gallery recently welcomed back alumna Emma LeBlanc ’05, whose photographs and wall text comprised the show, The Ballet Girls. Currently studying at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar, LeBlanc describes her portraits of the ballet girls of Cesar Sport Club as not just “whimsical, romantic ballet pictures, of pristine tutus and perfect poses, nor are they histrionic, equally romantic revolution photos, bloody and masculine. They lie instead at the commonplace yet neglected crossroads where these worlds meet, mingle, overlap, where war is not beautiful or exciting, where the petty, taken-for-granted rituals of everyday life are performed with the desperate reverence that comes from a knowledge of their fragility.”
Emma spoke to students about how revolution changed her perspective, then gave an evening presentation on her experience in Syria. Her visit received some great local and regional press. To see more, scan the QR code above. Emma’s talk was part of Derryfield’s 2012-13 Global Perspectives Speaker Series, with two more great programs this year. On Monday, February 18, Arctic and oceans policy expert Scott Borgerson will discuss implications of climate change on national security and international trade. On Monday, April 15, internationally acclaimed organizer and activist Kimmie Weeks will speak on efforts to alleviate poverty, childhood suffering, and slavery in Africa and around the world. For more information about the series, go to www.derryfield.org/global/perspectives.
a fond farewell
A photograph from Emma LeBlanc’s show, The Ballet Girls.
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Derryfield gave a fond farewell to Creative Arts Department Chair and Chorus Director Laurel Devinolast spring as she headed off to California. Hired as the band conductor 15 years ago, Mrs. Devino helped expand Derryfield’s highly regarded and flourishing arts program. She began a Jazz Band, taught Concert Choir and other classes, coached vocals in innumerable musicals, and initiated the Derryfield Repertory Theater Program, all with a smile on her face and an unparalleled skill for the piano. More important than what she has accomplished is the
Laurel Devino working with students.
effect she has had on her students and fellow teachers. Mr. Fogg, band director, says that “Laurel had a huge impact on the Derryfield community and me, showing us all how to be compassionate and build close and lasting relationships with students.” She inspired students to sing when they had never sung a note in their lives, and she herself never gave up or fell to frustration. Mrs. Devino has been an integral part of the Derryfield community as a whole and will be extraordinarily difficult to replace. In a farewell speech given at this year’s Spring Concert, Breanna Northrup ’12 perhaps said it best: “To say that this community will feel a loss without you, Laurel, is an understatement. Even those who have not had you in a class have been touched by your luminescent personality and compassion. We cannot thank you enough for your support, hugs, advice, and radiance. You are family, to each and every one of us.”
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C r e at i v e t h i n k i n G
Life in L.a. by Lauren satkwich ’08
I learned many things during my six years at Derryfield. I can discuss the symbolism in Lord of the Flies, conjugate Spanish verbs in the subjective tense, find the derivative of almost any function, and pretend to calculate a variety of physics equations. The truth is, though, that the most important lesson I received from my Derryfield education was not something I gleaned from classroom work or written labs, but rather from the performing arts program and its people. In September 2004, I came to Derryfield as an anxious, awkward, and shy seventh grader. Anyone who remotely remembers my time in high school is probably completely shocked by that last statement. No, friends, I am not a liar. I was, in fact, incredibly shy when I arrived in Derryfield’s halls; and I can honestly say that Derryfield was the crucible in which I was molded into the individual I am today. After establishing a group of incredible friends, my seventh-grade self decided to audition, on a whim, for the
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school musical. It was Annie and to my complete shock and amazement I was cast as the lead. It was being placed, literally, in the spotlight that forced me out of my shell. I mean, let’s face it, once you jazz square in front of an auditorium full of people in a little red dress and a large red afro wig, every other social situation seems way less intimidating. It was my involvement in Annie that sparked my passion for performance art, and I think it was because I truly liked the person that performing inspired me to become: an individual with a voice and something to say. Not to fear parents, just because your son or daughter participates in Derryfield’s astounding art program does not necessarily mean that he or she will jump on a plane with one year left of college in order to travel across the country with a couple of written sketches and an audition reel, because he or she feels that there is “no better time to start pursuing a career in acting and writing for television than the present.” That was, however, what I chose to do. I could not have been more excited when I arrived in Los Angeles. I was
moving in with a friend from Muhlenberg, my college, and the world was my oyster. A week later, my roommate and I were homeless, sleeping on the couches of her various friends who quickly became my various friends and saviors, and spending my days desperately driving around trying to find another apartment in our price range— we eventually succeeded, but the story seems more dramatic if I leave that part out. And that’s another reason I have to thank Derryfield. Not only will a DS education teach you how to write well, it will also teach you the skills and confidence to deal with those difficult challenges head on. All joking aside, my experience in the real world has only reaffirmed the values and lessons that Derryfield strives to teach its students. I do not mean literally the things that you learn in the classroom, although I’d say some of that has been surprisingly helpful. In my experience, Derryfield attempts to foster the independence of each individual. This may seem like a crazy concept to those of you still consumed with high school angst, but I doubt many schools would allow students to
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defend their arguments against teachers and peers as vocally and vehemently as I used to. My time in Los Angeles has prepared me in a similar fashion. I quickly learned that out here there really is only one way to achieve stardom: know somebody important. Now there are a variety of ways to go about doing this, but the basic breakdown is to be born into a well-connected media family (not me) or to create something worthwhile, to create something that is so unique and interesting that the higher-ups can not possibly ignore you. After months of filming footage and editing an audition reel, talking to California “actresses” I had met, getting my headshots, and updating my resume, I came to L.A. unprepared. I had made myself into a product that I
thought casting agents would want to buy, but I had failed to advertise. I stopped submitting resume after resume to acting websites and instead got a job working production at a reality television production company. Seeing a different side of the industry has inspired me to change my approach. I began furiously writing sketches and enlisted two good Muhlen-friends into the project. Together we plan to write, film, edit, and upload new sketches to our website. As of right now, we’re sitting on a pile of sketches and a few episodes of a comedy series and plan to start filming when school starts up again. So, I guess that brings me to my big message, which applies to anyone regardless of what field they plan to go
into. Figure out what you want to do, and do it now. Do it now, but most importantly, do it your own way, adapt to the situation, and never let anyone tell you that you must follow a set plan. Be creative, be spontaneous, be unique and true to who you are and what you want. These are the most important lessons Derryfield is going to teach you. And I think it took my going to college and out to L.A. to realize that the lessons started in high school. Good luck to whatever you choose to pursue and take it from someone who’s dealt with life on the streets: there is nothing stopping you from achieving what you want; sometimes you just have to find the right way.
sCHoLasTiC
awards
art
Congratulations to the eight Derryfield student artists recognized by this year’s Scholastic Art Awards of New Hampshire. The Scholastic Art Awards of New Hampshire are administered by an all-advisory board composed of appointed members of the art education community who have extensive experience with art programs in public and private schools. Honorable mention went to Brianna Smith ’14 (Drawing) for Gray Cardinal, Christina Doan ’15 (Photography) for Family Days, Kaitlin Cintorino ’15 (Sculpture -
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Alabaster) for Heartthrob, and Lily Karlin ’13 (Drawing) for Self-Portrait. Silver Keys went to Laura Barstow ’13 (Sculpture - Alabaster) for FIST, Maggie Cochrane ’12 (Drawing) for Self-Portrait 2, and Jessa Fogel ’13 (Sculpture) for Sea Lion King. Derryfield students received two Gold Keys this year: Lily Karlin ’13 (Drawing) for Water and Lily Steiner ’14 (Drawing) for Bird in the Attic.
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alumni
Update on New mom Sara Schwartz Mohan ’99 shares a peek at her new love, Ryan Benjamin Mohan.
in Memoriam bernard “bJ” Perry, Jr. ’71 passed away on September 24, 2012, after a long battle with health issues. He is survived by his wife, Verna, two children, and his sister, Susan Perry Lapointe ’70. James alexander ’79 passed away on September 11, 2011. He is survived by two children, one granddaughter, his parents, and a sister. Lara frueauf ’87 died suddenly on March 12, 2012. She is survived by her parents and brother, Chris Freauf ’89. Derryfield Founder robert Keller, sr. passed away on June 25, 2012, at the age of 98. Among others, he is survived by his grandchildren, Amy ’83 and Dave ’80, and great-grandchildren, Jesse ’10 and CJ ’12 Stephens and Will ’10, Emmy
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An update from Bill Partlan: “I teach theatre, directing, and acting at Arizona State University and direct theatre around the U.S.” n From Michael Ekman: “After 20 plus years of living in NYC, I decided to move to Provincetown. I had been coming here for the past five summers and loved it, so I thought, why not live here full time? This will be my second winter here, and I am amazed how many people are here year-round and how much there is to do. Great decision. I miss seeing you all.”
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Tom Sadler tells us he is “semi-retired” from his conservation lobbyist job in DC, giving him more free time to spend on his
’11, and Krystyna ’17 Keller. evelyn Mekelatos scozzafava, wife of former Head of School Ralph Scozzafava, passed away on May 21, 2012, at the age of 90. She was predeceased by her husband.
Hilary Chaplain ’74 clowns around as she tours Europe in her latest show. (photo by Stefan Smidt)
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Matt Bagley ’97 sits waiting to say “I do” surrounded by friends, including Derryfield classmates Jim Aguiar (2nd from left) and Jason Emery (3rd from left).
first love—fishing. One of Tom’s protégés recently wrote an interesting article for Garden and Gun on a Japanese technique, new to the United States, which Tom has been teaching him called tenkara. Check it out at gardenandgun.com/article/tenkara.
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From our traveling performer Hilary Chaplain: “I find myself in Austria often enough to buy a SIM card for my phone! I recently took part in a wonderful storytelling festival called Fabelhaft, where I performed in beautiful castles and theaters in Lower Austria with an assemblage of a wonderful variety of international storytellers. When in Vienna, I stay with my dear old classmate Diane Shooman. And
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earlier this year, I was working and traveling in Thailand, where I spent time with Peter Janssen. I have to say, old high school friends are the best— we just pick up where we left off and it feels like home!”
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It’s not often one has the chance to be a hero, but that opportunity presented itself to Becky Grosso last year. Working with a client at Foy Insurance Co. in Manchester, NH, Becky looked out the window and saw a car on fire at the gas station across the street. She immediately ran to the scene, saw a man and a little girl trapped in the car, and got them out safely. Becky is a former volunteer firefighter and EMT and was grateful for her training when she really needed it. As Rick White, CFO of Derryfield, put it, “Becky demonstrated the values set forth in our mission statement, ‘...to be valued, dynamic, confident, and purposeful members of any community.’” Thank you, Becky!
1986
Everything is blooming for Eileen Haletky Cavallaro. Eileen was the recipient of the Best Florist of Souhegan Valley Award, which was presented to her on September 12, 2012.
1988
Kathleen Slattery Booth tells us she is busy running Quintain Marketing, a small agency owned by Kathleen and her husband. “When not working, I’m consumed by my four kids. My oldest stepson is looking at colleges, and my youngest just started first grade. We are all over the map!”
1989
Kimberly Frederick was awarded the Katherine Carton Hammer ’68 Endowed Chair for mid-career teachers at Concord Academy who “demonstrate outstanding talent in the classroom and inspired educational vision.” What it really means, she says, “is that I took kids on lots of field trips!”
1991
Morgan Melkonian ’00 teaches world-renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman the finer points of wine tasting.
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In the middle of the Derryfield Baby Boom comes Stella Glahn, born to Brooks Glahn and his wife, Lisa, on
Jaclyn Leeds ’06 spending the morning with lions in Zimbabwe.
September 16, 2011. Watch out, big brother Carter—you’ve got some competition now!
1993
How sweet of Neel Madan and Kristen Dahlman to give their daughter, Ella, a baby sister! Meera Camille Anya Madan was born on March 19. Says Mommy, “She is the sweetest little girl and has been sleeping the night through pretty much every night since she was born. We are so lucky to have such beautiful girls!” n If you’re looking for Dave Botsford, you’ll have to look in California. He has taken a Staff Psychologist position in the Counseling Center at Cal. State, Fullerton. Best wishes to you, Dave.
1994
Wedding bells rang for Matt Scotch and Allison Gathany on May 29, 2011. Although the couple live in Tempe, AZ, the wedding took place in
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Chicago. The new Mrs. Scotch attends the University of Arizona Medical School in Phoenix, while Matt is an Assistant Professor in Biomedical Informatics at Arizona State University. The couple share their home with one wild cat, Toulouse. n Alison Blanding Lomaka reports, “My husband, Chris, and I welcomed our daughter, Isabella Grace Blanding Lomaka, on August 7, 2010. My sister, Joanna Blanding Vides ‘96 and her husband, Pedro, welcomed a daughter, Zoe Jayne Vides, on January 11, 2011.” n Evan Slocum was born to John Slocum and his wife, Susan Pandya, on November 16, 2011. His big sister, Layla, turned two just prior and took a while to figure out what to make of the new baby. n Congratulations to Tyler Charlesworth and his wife, Melissa. They welcomed Sloan Elizabeth Charlesworth to their world on March 2, 2012. Another future Derryfield alumna! n From Christopher Swift on Facebook this June: “This afternoon I learned that I was admitted to the bar at the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, which means that I can now represent clients that have a contractual or monetary dispute with the United States Government.”
Mar, CA. Big sister, Maya, is as happy as can be and talks about Baby Ben to anyone who will listen! Congratulations! n From what we hear, it wasn’t easy, but Baby Henry Oas Welch was determined to make his way into this world! Congratulations to Jessica Oas Welch and her husband, Chuck, on the March arrival of their bundle of joy! n From London, we hear from Nell Dodge: “I have moved to London for a new job as International Sales Director for a growing company called Craster (www.craster.com). Craster makes innovative products for hotels and restaurants based in our London design studio/office.” n Congratulations go out to Josh Levine and his wife, Sarah, on their new addition. Sarah gave birth to Hannah Jane on September 4, one day before their second wedding anniversary. Not a bad way to celebrate!
1995
1997
Mandy Slayton and her husband, Michael Snyder, had a visit from the stork—at their home! On September 12, 2011, Benjamin William Snyder joined the Slayton-Snyder household in Del
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boston alumni Gathering
Bill Madden and Emily Monty ’06.
Sarah Schwartz Mohan ’99, John Arnold ’00, and Hannah Arnold ’99.
1996
Tim Foster, his wife, Caralyn, and their son, Finn, enjoyed a visit from the stork on July 29. Albert (Albie) Kennedy Foster just couldn’t be happier with his new family.
Matt Bagley married Erin Wright on June 25, 2011, in Florence, Italy. Derryfield classmates Jim Aguiar and Jason Emery were part of the wedding party. n Matthew Fossum and his
Becca Angoff ’00 and Kathleen McGhee ’95.
Ali Geiger ’00, Lori Evans ’00, Rob Childs, and Brinie Dunlap ’00.
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parents new
wife, Keri, had their second daughter, Meghan Elizabeth, on June 15, 2011. n Congratulations to Jed and Katy Cahill on the birth of their second child. Big brother Rowan happily welcomed Adeline Iris Cahill to the family. Adeline was born on September 26, 2011, at 6:20 a.m. n A great time was had by all at the July 2, 2011, wedding of Kimberly-Ann Valliere and Eric White. The wedding, held in Washington, DC, featured pink and white, theming on the famous Washington cherry blossoms. Mr. and Mrs. White make their home in Alexandria, VA. n Dylan Cruess and Carrie Musil were married on July 16, 2011, at the Exeter Inn in Exeter, NH. Aaron Rosenthal flew in from Los Angeles to serve as best man. Dylan and Carrie live in Manchester, NH.
1998
Liz Bolduc Boswell and her husband, Kevin, welcomed their second daughter, Olivia Grace, to their home on October 2, 2011. Olivia joins big sister Eveleen Marie in their Camp Lejeune, NC, home. n Congratulations to Gerard Murphy and Andy Young on their start-up photo storage company, Mosaic, taking first place at the Venture X Competition on January 26 in Manchester, NH! Pitted against nine other new companies, Mosaic landed on top, winning $30K in cash and development awards. Can’t wait to watch them grow! Speaking of growing, Gerard and his wife, Elizabeth,
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welcomed new son James on March 21, 2012. Congratulations to all! n Marguerite (Maggie) Georgia Moulis made a surprise arrival at 11:26 p.m. on January 1, one day shy of 36 weeks. She weighed in at 5 lbs., 6 oz. and was 19 inches long. Mom Sharon Moulis tells us that big sister Sophia has been a great helper!
To Kim frederick ’89 and her husband, Vincent Webb, an adopted son, Isaac Franklin Bailey Frederick Webb, in December 2010. To erin Perry schreier ’89 and her husband, Sam, a son, Cole, on July 22, 2011. To brooks Glahn ’91 and his wife, Lisa, a daughter, Stella, on September 16, 2011. To Tyler Charlesworth ’94 and his wife, Melissa, a daughter, Sloan Elizabeth, on March 2, 2012.
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To alison blanding Lomaka ’94 and her husband, Chris, a daughter, Isabella Grace, on August 7, 2010.
From Sara Schwartz Mohan: “Jeff and I are absolutely thrilled to announce the arrival of Ryan Benjamin Mohan! Ryan was born on May 28 at 10:04 a.m. at 7 lbs and 1 oz. He is amazing so far, and we feel so lucky to be his parents. Thanks to everyone for the well wishes!” n We hear from Heather French ’02 that her brother, Brian French, married Katrinka Bickford in August of 2010. n Natalie Lebel Reno and her husband, Chris, welcomed a daughter to their family, Jewel Avery Reno, on May 31, 2011. Congratulations and welcome, Jewel! n Congratulations to Kate Lundgren Smithurst on the birth of her son, Dax William Smithurst. The “Little Dude,” as she calls him, came into the world just after midnight on August 14, 2011, and Mumma just couldn’t be happier! n Congratulations to Evelyn Brensinger, who was married to Ahmad Aissa last spring. The wedding took place on May 16, 2011, in Damascus, Syria. Mr. and Mrs. Aissa are making their home
To John slocum ’94 and his wife, Susan Pandya, a son, Evan, on November 16, 2011. To amanda slayton ’95 and her husband, Michael Snyder, a son, Benjamin William, on September 12, 2011. To Joanna blanding Vides ’96 and her husband, Pedro, a daughter, Zoe Jayne, on January 11, 2011. To Tim foster ’96 and his wife, Caralyn, a son, Albert Kennedy, on July 29, 2011. To Jed Cahill ’97 and Katy reis Cahill ’97, a daughter, Adeline Iris, on September 26, 2011. To Matthew fossum ’97 and his wife, Keri, a daughter, Meghan Elizabeth, on June 15, 2011. To Liz bolduc boswell ’98 and her husband, Kevin, a daughter, Olivia Grace, on October 2, 2011. To sharon Pozner Moulis ’98 and her husband, Daniel, a daughter, Marguerite (Maggie) Georgia, on January 1, 2012. To shannon Cain arnold ’99 and her husband, Ryan, a son, Declan Van Hagen, on February 19, 2012. To sara schwartz Mahan ’99 and her husband, Jeff, a son, Ryan Benjamin, on May 28, 2011. To Natalie Lebel reno ’99 and her husband, Chris, a daughter, Jewel Avery, on May 31, 2011. To Kate Lundgren smithurst ’99 a son, Dax William, on August 14, 2011. To sherrie foote dvorak ’00 and Joe dvorak ’99, a daughter, Brynn Elise, on March 12, 2011.
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life after derryfield
sockeye season by Jake Harwood ’10
Jake Harwood ’10 is a junior at Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA, majoring in Politics with minors in History and Philosophy. He is an avid member of the cycling and rock climbing communities and also leads tours for the Admissions Office and tutors in the Writing Center. On the third of June, I set out to Naknek, Alaska, with nothing but a backpack, a duffel bag, a commercial fishing license, and a faint idea of what a salmon fishery was. Not wanting to spend the summer in an office, my wonderful brother Xan (Derryfield ’03) put me in touch with a college friend of his who knew a captain here in Bristol Bay who was looking for a deckhand for the 2012 sockeye season. So here I sit, in the cabin of a 32' Wegley commercial salmon boat, where I have calculated that I share roughly 120 square feet of living space
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with two other fishermen, writing to you all. Look up and count your blessings that the ceiling isn’t a couple of inches above your head. That part gets old the fastest. The day after I arrived, Rob taught me how to “hang shackles,” which means connect the fish-catching web to both the buoyant cork line on the top and the heavy lead line on the bottom, creating a 50-fathom “shackle” of gear. The slightly modified double half-hitch used to tie the web to the cork and lead lines is another numbers game: between two and five knots per foot, six feet per fathom, 50 fathoms per line, two lines per net, and I hung a total of four nets, which means that I tied that knot roughly 8,400 times over a period of 10 days. I wish to never see another spool of net twine ever again.
After much arguing between Captain Rob and Charlie, the other (very experienced) deckhand, we put the boat in the water on the 28th of June, about five days after the rest of the fleet. The winter was quite cold here, which means that the water was cold as well, and the salmon were quite late in their arrival. Generally, the entire fleet is fishing by the 15th, but there were almost no fish at that time this year. We began fishing in the Naknek/Kvichak (pronounced Kweejack) region – the bay is split up into five regions: Naknek/Kvijack, Ugashik, Egegik, Nushagak, and Togiak – on the 29th, and here are some of the highlights. June 27: A 250-pound net bag nearly fell on my head. June 29: A realization. For my entire life, I have been taught to keep things alive—to respect the animal as a living thing. To pick fish, which is to get them out of the net and into the hold, a change must occur. You must cease to think of the fish as an animal and create an association between it and an inanimate product. To pick a fish, you stick your fingers as far into the gill as the net is caught and, well, rip it out. It was a very interesting moment for me, when I picked my first fish without staring at it bewildered for a minute, because I had learned how to kill it. And, as an American who is conditioned to believe that meat grows in Styrofoam packages in the back of the grocery store, this was a very poignant step for me.
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July 2: We are switched to two-a-days. Alaska Fish & Game decides when we can fish, during periods called “openers.” When the fishing is light, we’re open once a day for about five or six hours. Two-a-days means two openers daily, each for between seven and eight hours. Add in deliveries, cleaning, and cooking, and you’re looking at four hours of sleep a day, maximum, split up into a two-hour stint at night and possibly two hours after the morning opener, if you’re lucky. Rob, my captain, also has a small stroke this morning. That was incredibly scary. July 4: People are shooting fireworks off of their decks like crazy. We fish for 22 hours. From my journal: “As much as I complain about this and how I smell like nothing but rotting fish and have been in the same clothes for a week, I’m pretty damn lucky to be here.” July 5: We missed the announcement for the morning opener and missed four
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hours of fishing. They then opened the Kvichak for the first time all season, and we meandered over to check it out. We did our first set with nobody around us and BOOM, fireworks. Splashes all over the net, huge numbers of fish. We pull 50 fathoms and clean it and reset it. The weight of the fish we’ve just caught then sinks the rest of the net. After screaming all the way back to the tender and almost sinking twice (big waves), we spend five hours cleaning our gear. The total for that day, after five hours of picking, was 14,363 pounds of sockeye, a quarter of our season’s catch. I am also convinced that scales are just something that fish pick up along their travels and lack the opposable thumbs to remove. I spent three hours picking the scales off of my arms that night. July 7: First shower in two weeks. The bathroom of a crabber is exactly what you’d expect: the faucet is held together by vise-grips and the only magazines are Maxim and Modern Handgunner. Also, by this point, I have a beard. July 9: My day’s journal entry tells it all. “Two-a-days suck. Sleeping in 2-3 hour increments twice a day is no way to live. Fell asleep on the cabin floor between sets this morning.” July 20: We hit land with a season total of 60,296 pounds. For a fleet average of 44,000, that’s not too bad, but we could’ve done much better. And now, the boat is clean, the nets are stripped, and I’m staring at the ceiling until tomorrow morning’s flight to Juneau to see Craig Barstow
(Derryfield ’10, Whitman ’14) and Hannah Wilson (Whitman ’14), which I am incredibly excited for. I’ve learned a lot here, though, both about myself and about working. I kept a list of life lessons in my journal that I’d like to share: 1. you are often wrong. 2. you are only as intelligent as those around you, and if you fail to utilize the resources at your disposal, you are failing yourself. 3. Listen. 4. do before being told. 5. Work with people you like. 6. Look up. 7. Cooperate, even if it kills you. 8. Count how far you’ve come, not how far you have left to go. In the past weeks, I’ve encountered bald eagles, grizzly bears, and six-foot seas. I’ve seen most of the ships featured on Deadliest Catch and I’ve met some of their crews. I’ve become friends with a 20-year-old captain named Anna, who just had her first daughter, and with a 34-year-old deckhand named Hector, who says that the guidance and direction that becoming a fisherman gave him saved his life. I’ve had a whole lot of highs and a fair few lows, too; I’ve yelled and laughed and been utterly astonished. Above all, I’ve realized just how lucky I am, and I don’t think I shall forget that soon. That realization, and the change of mindset that went with it, have made the entire journey wholly worthwhile.
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in Concord, NH, where they have started the company Aissa Sweets, selling exquisite Syrian Sweets. The packaging and graphic design is produced by none other than Ellen ParkhurstJipson Kelly! n Shannon Cain Arnold and her husband, Ryan, added baby boy Declan Van Hagen Arnold to their family. Declan made his appearance on February 19, 2012, making his parents the happiest people in the world! Congratulations! n We missed her wedding to John Skolfield, but we did get word that Laura Reis and John welcomed a baby boy to their home in San Jose, CA. Asa Skolfield was born on May 25, two months early. Fortunately, although he spent close to six weeks in the NICU, his stay was mainly uneventful. He is now a healthy little fella at home with Mom and Dad. In the meantime, Laura graduated from her medical residency in the fall and began work as a family doctor in the south San Francisco Bay Area.
that it brings people together who have little else in common. I love how my knowledge of wine is an education for so many influential people whom I otherwise may never have met.” n Congratulations to Sherrie Foote Dvorak and Joe Dvorak ‘99, who welcomed a baby girl, Brynn Elise, to their family on March 12, 2011. n Raise your glass to Becca Rideout and her husband, Ryan Nestor. The two tied the knot on September 24, 2011, at Green River Village in Guilford, VT. Braving the day with an 83% chance of rain, the weather gods thought it right to keep the wedding dry. Becca and Ryan make their home in Greenfield, MA. n Congratulations to Andrew Markwith, who married Kristen Hannigan of Henniker, NH, on September 3, 2011. The newlyweds live in Shrewsbury, MA. n We miss Carrie Foster so much around Derryfield. Here’s what she has to tell us: “Life in Santiago, Chile, is exciting and full of surprises. My Spanish is coming along with help from many, and I love my
international classroom.” n All the best to Josh Lucas and his beautiful bride, Marie Harf. Josh and Marie were married on April 14, 2012, at the Vienna Presbyterian Church in Vienna, VA. The Rev. Erin E. Bair, an Anglican priest and a friend of the couple, performed the ceremony. Congratulations to Josh on another note. He is completing a master’s degree in law and diplomacy at Tufts after graduating magna cum laude from Yale. n In a beautiful traditional Indian wedding, Pooja Patil was married to Harry Cheema on August 19, 2012, in Bangalore, India. Pooja and Harry make their home in Nashua, NH.
2001
August 19, 2011, was a beautiful day at Church Landing in Meredith, NH, the site of Krista Keeler’s marriage to Matt Bohenek. Derryfield alumni attending the wedding included Andy West; Jessie Brasley Wood (who was a
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Morgan Melkonian offers, “Since returning to Napa to accept a position with Peter Michael Winery, I have been fortunate enough to meet some very interesting people involved in many different facets of life. Recently, I spent the afternoon with Itzhak Perlman, one of the most famous violinists of all time. These introductions go to show just how unique the wine industry is in
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Derryfield alumni gather in Boston at Crossroads Irish Pub.
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bridesmaid) and her husband, Daniel Wood; Emily Scott Norton and her husband, Brendan; Alissa White and her husband, Paul Schwartzkopf; Lauren Murphy; and Marguerite Congoran. “We are living in Ithaca, NY, while Matt finishes up at Cornell Law, after which we expect to live in Boston, MA.” n Nicole Bryant and Alexandre Le Tiec said their “I dos” in Boston on October 29, 2011. The newlyweds make their home in Washington, DC. Congratulations and best wishes! n Proud mom Alissa White announces the birth of Oren Peter Schwartzkopf, on Sunday evening, March 11, 2012, in their Huntington, VT, home. “He was 8 lbs. 11 oz. 22 inches. We are in LOVE!” n May 6 was a very good day for Jeremy Freeman. At a beautiful ceremony at the Topsfield Commons in Topsfield, MA, Jeremy and Cristina Dacchille tied the knot. Mr. and Mrs. Freeman live in Brighton, MA. n Congratulations to Holly Katz and her husband, Thayer Hirsh. Saying “I do” outside in beautiful Lyons, CO, the newlyweds make their home in Boulder. “We had a wonderful honeymoon! And, thankfully the fires stayed just far enough away while we were gone!”
2002
Another Derryfield couple recently celebrated their nuptials. Sarah Charpentier and Ben Heard headed down the aisle in July. Congratulations
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to the happy couple. n Rob Buchholz said “I do!” on October 15, 2011. The lucky lady is Lindsey Scanlon Buchholz; they had been dating for seven years. The wedding ceremony was held at the Abbey Church at Saint Anselm’s, with the reception at the Bedford Village Inn. Derryfield people in attendance included: Brook Milnes, Adam Hodes, Ryan Fox, Matt Reno, Matt Boelig, Robb Goodwin, Dan Rowland, Andrew Markwith ’00, Andy Cochran ’01, Kristen Geiger Cochran, Heather French, Anne Lucas, Moira Delahanty, and Julia Hutchinson. This past spring, Rob graduated as valedictorian of his class from New England Law / Boston last spring, giving his valedictory address at the law school’s commencement ceremony at the Wang Center in Boston. Rob was the editor-in-chief of the school’s Law Review journal. He recently passed the MA and NH bar exams and is clerking for Justice Robert Cordy at the Massachusetts Supreme Court. n It’s official! Matt Boelig was married to Rupsa Chaudhury on August 20, 2011, at Andover Country Club in Andover, MA. Derryfield alumni in attendance included Matt Reno, Robb Goodwin, and Rob Buchholz. Congratulations!
2003
Jake Harwood ’10 reports that his brother Xan Harwood married Sara Karlik on Saturday, July 27. They have
Rebecca Rideout ’00 and her husband, Ryan Nestor.
been dating since college. n Steve Flagg reports, “I have transitioned away from the Army and begun a new job at a petroleum engineering firm in Dallas. Natalie and I are enjoying married life since our wedding on June 22! Busy year!” Good luck to you both and welcome home, Steve!
2004
Joelle Emery reports, “I have finished my second year of graduate school at Boston University School of Medicine in an M.A. program for Mental Health Counseling and Behavioral Medicine. I completed my second-year internship with Massachusetts Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Children, conducting in-home therapy with children and their families. I am considering applying to Ph.D. programs in Clinical Psychology, with a focus on children and adolescents, which I would begin
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after my completion of my M.A. next May. On a more personal note, my boyfriend and I, who have been dating since freshman year at Tufts, are engaged. We are planning our wedding for August 2013 by the ocean, most likely in Newport, RI!”
2005
Another Derryfield wedding! On June 4, 2011, Stephanie Kruskol became Stephanie Kruskol Batchelder, marrying David Batchelder. They took their vows at Saint Jude’s Church in
Londonderry, with the reception at Brookstone Event Center in Derry. n Congratulations to Emma LeBlanc for being named one of 32 Rhodes Scholars in the United States! This scholarship provides all expenses for up to four years of study at the University of Oxford in England to approximately 80 scholars worldwide each year. Way to go, Emma!
2006
Jaclyn Leeds is studying animal law at Lewis and Clark Law School in
Players from the 2012 men’s alumni basketball game.
Players from the 2012 women’s alumni basketball game.
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Portland, OR. She writes, “I am busy working hard, experimenting with new vegan recipes, and hanging out with my beautiful rescued pup, Ebony.” n December 17, 2011, was a big day for Dusty Burgess and his fiancee. Dusty and Mandy Boisvert (now Burgess) tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony at Southside Bible Fellowship Church in Manchester, NH, and headed off to their reception at Promises to Keep in Derry. Congratulations to you both! n Sean Pallatroni recently had the best day ever! Not only was the musical he is working on, Beyond this Paradise, accepted to the New York Thespis Theater Festival, but he also won an Emmy! The New England Regional Emmy Awards honored Sean for his music composition for “Empowering Connecticut,” an informational/instructional program.
2007
Doug Lindner wanted to send an update as he finished college last spring. “On Friday, I graduated summa cum laude from Northeastern with a B.S. in Political Science. In the fall, I’ll be starting a four-year dual degree program at NYU Law and NYU’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. (Each is ranked top ten in its field by US News!) In 2015, I’ll graduate with a J.D. and a Master of Public Administration. Meanwhile, I’m currently serving as Vice President of Public Affairs for the New Hampshire Young Democrats, as
Derryfield Today – 2012
u p dat e o n a l u M n i
2008
Audrey Morgan ’08 stops in Venice during her tour of Europe.
a member of the NH Democratic State Committee, and as a member of the Young Democrats of America Budget Committee.” n Graduation news from Ralph Wunderl: “I graduated Cum Laude within the Honors Program from Bentley University with a degree in Finance in May 2011. I studied abroad in Australia (Bond University). I am now a Quant Analyst at a marketing and financial consulting firm here in Boston.” n Patrick Khayat graduated Magna Cum Laude in May 2011 from Georgetown University. He received a B.A. in Economics and is currently working in investment financing in New York. n Congratulations to Lauren Baker (now Lauren Saidel-Baker) who has tied the knot with her long-time boyfriend, Samuel Saidel Goley. They were married on September 2, 2011, in Bedford, NH, where they are making their home.
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We hear from Audrey Morgan: “I spent three weeks from March 26-April 15, 2011, with fellow culinary students traveling around Italy experiencing the food, wine, and culture. My favorite city was Venice, because it was a nice break from all of the cars and I love being by the water!” Audrey is currently cooking up a storm at Sepia in Chicago. n Kathy Stull enjoyed a 2011 academic semester abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark, through the Danish Institute for Study Abroad. “It was a wonderful semester, and I got to travel all over Europe with friends and family. I took about six classes, ranging from history, human rights, the Holocaust, and literature. I wish I was still there, but maybe I will pursue a career that will allow me to go back!” n Nick Bryan’s club lacrosse team at George Washington made it into the elite eight, then won the quarters and semi-finals and played in the Division II club national championship at the Naval Academy. GW lost in overtime 14-13. The good news? Nick was captain, high scorer for the year, and president of the club. Great finish to many years of lacrosse! n Congratulations to Alan Keith, who graduated from Colgate University Magna Cum Laude and with High Honors, with a degree in Computer Science. He received the Laura Sanchis Award for excellence in research at the commencement ceremony. Alan has been awarded a merit scholarship to continue his studies at
Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA, focusing on computer information security.
2009
Tiffany Goudreau is busy these days in her senior year at The University of Hartford (dance pedagogy), is a member of the “Red Caps,” an orientation team on campus, and works as an RA to freshman residents in her dorm.
2010
After spending two semesters at Cornell in the ROTC Program, Will Keller was selected to receive a 2.5year Marine Corps scholarship. This means his tuition is covered by the U.S. government, and he receives a book
Kathy Stull ’08 at Mirabell Palace & Gardens in Salzburg, Austria (a scene from The Sound of Music).
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CeLebraTiNG
weddings
alumni
Matt scotch ’94 to Allison Gathany on May 29, 2011, in Chicago, IL. Matt bagley ’97 to Erin Wright on June 25, 2011, in Florence, Italy. Kimberly-ann Valliere ’97 to Eric White on July 2, 2011, in Washington, DC. evelyn brensinger ’99 to Ahmad Aissa on May 16, 2011, in Damascus, Syria. brian french ’99 to Katrinka Bickford in August 2010. Gina Coviello ’00 to Marco Barbosa on July 23, 2011, in Boston, MA. andrew Markwith ’00 to Kristen Hannigan on September 3, 2011. rebecca rideout ’00 to Ryan Nestor on September 24, 2011, in Guilford, VT. Nicole bryant ’01 to Alexandre Le Tiec on October 29, 2011, in Boston, MA. Krista Keeler ’01 to Matt Bohenek on August 19, 2011, in Meredith, NH. emily Landon ’01 to Brian Comolli on July 23, 2011, in Henniker, NH. Matt boelig ’02 to Rupsa Chaudhury on August 20,
allowance and a monthly stipend. In return, Will will spend the first four years after his college graduation on active duty as one of America’s finest. Congratulations, Will!
2011
Taylor Goudreau is enjoying his sophomore year at Northeastern (mechanical engineering) and referees ice hockey for his “work study” assignment.
faculty
Congratulations to Tina White, High School Coordinator for Breakthrough Manchester, and her husband, Alex, on the birth of their son, Thomas James White, who arrived September 1 (on his due date!) at 4:20 p.m.
2011, in Andover, MA. robert buchholz ’02 to Lindsey Scanlon Buchholz on October 15, 2011, in Manchester, NH. Xan Harwood ’03 to Sara Karlik on July 27, 2011. stephanie Kruskol ’05 to david batchelder ’05 on June 4, 2011, in Londonderry, NH. dusty burgess ’06 to Mandy Boisvert on December 17, 2011, in Manchester, NH. Lauren baker ’07 to Samuel Saidel Goley on September 2, 2011, in Bedford, NH.
Sean Pallatroni ’06 (left) and Beth DeBold ’05 (right) enjoy the wedding of alumni from the Class of 2005 Dave Batchelder and Steph Kruskol.
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Derryfield Today – 2012
t h e d e r r y f i e l d s C h o o l C r e at i v e a r t s d e pa r t M e n t
profile
Faculty
andy Moerlein
A
rt teacher Andy Moerlein has not one, but two full-time careers, as he instructs and guides Derryfield students in their pursuit of the fine arts and creates his own monumental outdoor sculptures to both national and international acclaim. At Derryfield since 1994, Mr. Moerlein teaches and mentors students, curates art exhibits in the School’s Lyceum Gallery and Sculpture Garden, and leads students on full-day field trips to museums throughout New England and multi-day trips to New York City. By most standards, that would constitute a busy and fulfilling teaching career. However, Mr. Moerlein is also a successful sculptor, most recently named the 2012 Artist in Residence at Fruitlands Museum in Harvard, MA, where he had a season-long show that presented his prints, drawings, and six large outdoor sculptures, and created a new permanent piece for the Museum’s collection. This achievement follows closely behind his leap to international recognition, as he completed a Sculpture Park Residency in Verbier, Switzerland, in 2011. For five weeks that summer, he and several other artists from Switzerland, the United
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States, and the United Kingdom were invited to create a “museum without walls” in the high Alps overlooking the resort town of Verbier. Mr. Moerlein succinctly sums up his dual roles as teacher and artist. “When I’m working as a sculptor, I make sure to let people know I’m a Derryfield teacher. My role as an artist is important, but I also define myself as a teacher of young people. I don’t think one role detracts from the other,” he remarked. In his classroom, the students learn how to make beautiful things using their minds and their hands, and he notes that an art class is critical, even for those students who don’t intend to pursue art as a career. “Art engages students on a physical and visual level that’s so important for the mind,” he said. But his lessons don’t end in the Derryfield classroom, explains Brian Guercio ’97, an art major in college now pursuing a residency in emergency medicine at Boston Medical Center. Guercio notes that Mr. Moerlein’s classes impressed upon him the importance of producing a strong portfolio of work, regardless of whether the content was artistic or not. “Presenting your work in a polished and technically
Andy Moerlein engages students in his class.
excellent format shows that in addition to being creative, you are detail-oriented and capable of delivering a product,” he explained, and he has relied on Mr. Moerlein’s teachings to successfully apply to schools, jobs, and grants. He adds, “Of course, you’ve got to be able to back it up, and I think Andy exemplifies that too, in the quality of his work and in his success as an artist.” Another former student, Colette Chretien ’09, who is studying at Tufts University, shared similar sentiments. “At Derryfield, Andy taught me to listen to myself and trust my own judgment when making decisions about my art. The confidence I have now when starting a new project is largely because of him. He has such a positive energy and is so enthusiastic when he teaches that he can make anyone excited about art.” – Susanna Woodbury Newsom ’90
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Three-Peat Congratulations to the varsity field hockey team, which celebrated its third consecutive div. iii state championship this fall.
Parents of alumni: if your son or daughter no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify the advancement office at 603.669.4524 of the correct mailing address. Thank you.