Derryfield Today, Winter/Spring 2006

today

Derryfield

NEWS FROM THE DERRYFIELD SCHOOL

Commencement 2006 > Derryfield Traditions > In Search of History

WINTER/SPRING 2006

Just So see details on page 5

contents Table of

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Dianne Connolly Chair Windham, NH Steven Burke Vice Chair Bedford, NH Nigel Donovan Treasurer Bedford, NH

DERRYFIELD TODAY

John Allard ’83 Manchester, NH

Annie Branch Editor

Bradley Benson ’78 Derry, NH

Griffin Bodi Krause Design

James Cahill Concord, NH

Puritan Press Printing

features FEATURES

Commencement Recap

12

by Annie Branch Christine Cikacz ex officio Chester, NH

Randle Richardson Head of School Concord, NH

Arthur Coviello Hollis, NH

Janice Romanowsky Secretary Hampstead, NH

Jim Davis New Boston, NH

CONTRIBUTORS Mark Blaisdell Head of the Middle School Caroline Foster ’00

Cathryn Vaughn ’91 Assistant Secretary Manchester, NH

WINTER/SPRING 2006

William Davis II Hopkinton, NH Dr. Louis Fink Bedford, NH Joseph Horton Manchester, NH Paul LeBlanc Manchester, NH Donna K. Lencki Candia, NH Lourdes Maldonado Manchester, NH Walter Milne ’82 Manchester, NH Constantinos Mokas Manchester, NH Eric Nickerson Windham, NH Jeffrey Pollock Manchester, NH

Kate Erskine Director, Summerbridge

Derryfield Traditions

by Chuck Sanborn

In Search of History 2006 Distinguished Alumna

Steff McCusker ’84 Assistant Director of Admission

Sarah Silverman ’89

Sandy Townsend Language Faculty

DEPARTMENTS

Message from the Head

Bruce Berk, David Haight, Paul Keiner, Kathleen Rutty-Fey ’87, Isabel Plourde ’06

Around Campus

Diane Allen Alumni Coordinator Annie Branch Director of Communications Gail Gordon Advancement Assistant Alice Handwerk Director of Advancement Jen Pierce Director of the Annual Fund

45

departments

Rick Zeller History Faculty

ADVANCEMENT

32

by Caroline Foster ’00

Brent Powell Chair, History Department

Chuck Sanborn Retired Faculty

24

Cougar Athletics Summerbridge Spotlight Update on Alumni Life After Derryfield Alumni Profile

2 4 18 22 28 32 45

FRONT COVER: Alex Rolecek ’06 shares an umbrella with Marissa Pellegrini ’06 and Saym Mastrogiacomo ’06 after graduation.

INSIDE FRONT COVER: Jake Keefe ’06 as Parsee in Just So.

Derryfield Today is published by the Advancement Office at The Derryfield School. If you note errors, please notify us at 603.669.4524, ext. 123 or send an email to abranch@derryfield.org. Correspondence may be addressed to: Director of Communications, The Derryfield School, 2108 River Road, Manchester, NH 03104-1396. 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.

www.derryfield.org

BACKGROUND: Krishan Agarwal ’11 and Laura Spence ’11 get an explosive response in a science experiment.

TOP: Molly Ferguson ’12 and Maxine Joselow ’12 play math games with students from Webster Middle School.

1

head

Message from the

Building Community through Tradition n the typical Derryfield “tradition,” no two members of the Derryfield community would define tradition in the same way, nor would they remember the same traditions.

Where do Derryfield traditions originate? Are they hand‑ ed down from the top, in hope of generating school spirit and fond memories? Do they ferment in the corridors nur‑ tured by the inimitable creativity and wit of our students?

Traditions are designed to build a sense of community.

Derryfield families gather together at Back to School Picnic, Back to School Night and Grandparents Day. Country Fair is a longstanding community builder, as students work on booths, games, raffles, the car wash, and other fundraisers.

Alumni weekend, formerly held at Thanksgiving, is now an October homecoming event in conjunction with Country Fair. Frivolous, flamboyant spirit is displayed on dress‑up days for Halloween and Winter Carnival, yet there is no greater thrill than being summoned to the auditorium and hearing “Headmaster’s Holiday!”

The Derryfield Theatre is a breeding ground for tradi‑ tions. It is there we gather together in celebration and when we need comfort and solace in times of tragedy. We assem‑ ble each week for announcements, speeches, and musical performances. The earliest “Headmaster’s Assemblies” were convened by first Headmaster Philip Hugny to celebrate stu‑ dent achievements. Traditionally students sit with their grade, except when we are divided into teams for athletic awards or Maroon and White for Carnival Week. We are still working toward perfecting the parade of exiting seniors, triggered by the last speaker’s “seniors.”

As we think of Derryfield traditions, we remember the controversy and nostalgia the word “tradition” sparks

I

2

among our teachers, students, and families. When the School gets the bright idea of adopting new ideas, reactions vary from outright rejection to skeptical acceptance. Some of you may remember the first time we tentatively sang “Sing Out for Derryfield.” Some of you may even remember who wrote it! We fell in love with Winter Carnival as the well‑deserved break in the long New Hampshire winter. The Moose Review is our showcase for talent, as are creative assemblies and the revived talent show, now a junior fund raiser for the prom.

Winter Carnival revived the Maroon and White rivalry.

There is one constant: we are proud of our forty‑two‑year‑ old tradition fostering excellence through challenging aca‑ demics, competitive athletics, creative arts, and a sincere investment in the world around us, as witnessed by hosting Summerbridge for 16 years and our active involvement in community service.

As our students leave us there are traditional rites of pas‑ sage; the 8th grade sendoff, the senior dinner and slide show, and the senior song while other classes “move up.”

We’ve probably forgotten as many traditions as we’ve noted here, which may be precisely the point; that what was a meaningful tradition in your time has either been relegated to “history” or simply overlooked in these articles.

Please share the tradition that stands out in your Derryfield memory.

Jennifer D. Melkonian Acting Head of School Written in conjunction with Sandy Townsend. For an expanded version of this piece, visit www.derryfield.org.

Derryfield Today – Winter/Spring 2006

JULY – OCTOBER

events I M AG E S O F D E R R Y F I E L D For more photos, visit our online gallery in the ‘Exploring Derryfield’ section of www.derryfield.org.

calendar

JULY Summerbridge Sweet 16 Celebration

14

AUGUST Young Alumni Summer Send Off

9

Fall Varsity Preseason Begins

14

Alumni Golf Tournament

25

Retreats

30 & 31

SEPTEMBER First Day of Classes

5

Back to School Picnic

8

Back to School Night

21

Founders’ Day

29

Alumni Art Show

29

All-School Talent Show

29

Country Fair

30

Reunion

30

OCTOBER Grandparents’ Day

7

Summerbridge Saturday

28

SAVE THE DATE

holein one Clockwise from top right: Kristie Migliori ’07 and Rob Lemire ’06 in Just So. n David Simpson giving his commencement address. n Members of the middle school softball team. n The improv assembly from Winter Carnival. n Tyree Robinson ’06 with some new friends at Family Fun Night for Families in Transition. n Senior girls pose together after graduation ceremonies.

www.derryfield.org

On Friday, August 25, 2006, the Alumni Association is hosting the Twelfth Annual Kickoff Classic Golf Tourn‑ ament at Candia Woods Golf Links to raise money for financial aid. Contact Diane Allen, Alumni Coordinator, at diane.allen@derryfield.org or 603.669.4524, ext. 136 for more infor‑ mation.

3

campus

Around

STORIES

Prudential Service Award

Prudential Service Award

Chiara Arcidy ’06 of Bedford and Tessa Greer ’12 of Amherst have been honored for their exemplary volunteer service with a state‑level Certificate of Excellence from The 2006 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program. Presented annually by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards honor young people across America for outstanding community service activities.

For their dedication to community ser‑ vice, Chiara and Tessa have also received a President’s Volunteer Service Award from the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, which recognizes Americans who have volunteered signifi‑ cant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country.

Both young women have been actively involved in community service projects for most of their lives, and have been key con‑ tributors to community service here at Derryfield. As President of Key Club in the upper school, Chiara has led with her enthusiasm and her conscience as well as by the example she has set. Chiara founded the “Help‑U Organization,” a student‑run group dedicated to working on environ‑ mental and humanitarian causes. Chiara’s organization has raised money for an

On the Stage Cultural Café Debating History Coaches Go Pro Independent Excellence The Ripple Effect Founders’ Day Leadership Award CREATIVE WRITING AWARDS NON-FICTION AWARDS: 1st: Isaac Wheeler: Always Rinse the Chlorine 2nd: Jordan Silversmith: An Unfavorable

Situation 3rd: Olivia Cowenhoven: Is It In You? FICTION AWARDS: 1st: Isaac Wheeler: Grease Fires 2nd: Glen Frieden: Wilkinsburg, PA 3rd: Chiara Arcidy: Two Words. Two Realities.

HM: Jennifer Cox: Take the Bridge HM: Jordan Silversmith: Cherubim POETRY AWARDS: 1st: Elizabeth Baseman: Comet 2nd: Christopher Sears: Reality 3rd: Jennifer Cox: Simmer HM: Max Dinnerstein: In the Stall HM: Liz Dirth: Mute

4

orphanage in Africa, a small school in Haiti, many disease‑research foundations, and other charitable groups by selling T‑ shirts and sponsoring other fund raising activities.

Tessa’s passion for service can be traced back to the third grade when she found a copy of the Heifer “catalog” that describes their work. She read about how one ani‑ mal can save a life, and even change the lives of everyone in a community. She announced she wanted to buy an Ark, which is a symbolic level of giving at Heifer – essentially, you donate one of every animal (and tree) they provide. Since that announcement, Tessa has raised money through selling her own baked goods, hand‑knitted scarves and hats, and clay figurines at craft fairs and local con‑ signment shops. Her dedication and pas‑ sion provide an excellent example to the entire middle school community, where she is a tireless contributor to the Middle School Builder’s Club.

“The recipients of these awards vividly demonstrate that young people across America are making remarkable contribu‑ tions to the health and vitality of their communities,” writes Art Ryan, chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial. “They truly deserve all of the praise and encour‑ agement we can give them.”

“The young people recognized by the

Derryfield Today – Winter/Spring 2006

AROUND CAMPUS

Spirit of Community Awards demon‑ strate an enormous capacity for giving and reaching out to those in need,” according to Gerald N. Tirozzi, execu‑ tive director of the National Association of Secondary School Principals. “NASSP is proud to honor them as they are wonderful examples of the high caliber of young people in our nation’s schools today.”

There’s a critical section of Derry‑ field’s Statement of Philosophy which reads as follows: “Recognizing that academic achievement without com‑ passion and concern for others is meaningless, we are committed to purposeful involvement in the world outside our school in both the local and the global community.” Because their actions so clearly resonate with and reflect this aspect of our educa‑ tional goals, we are extremely proud of Chiara and Tessa for the important work they do and for the example they have set for our community.

– Mark Blaisdell

On the Stage Between two musicals and the induc‑ tion of new members to the National Honor Society, Derryfield thespians have had a busy season on stage.

The Derryfield Player’s production of Just So was a true demonstration of the depth of dramatic talent at Derryfield. Narrated by the Eldest Magician (Alex Rolecek ’06), Just So is based on the short stories of Rudyard Kipling and features a large ensemble cast. The colorful and witty story follows the Elephant’s Child (Than Moore ’08) as he goes on a quest to the Limpopo River and discovers how the leopard got his spots, how the rhino‑ ceros got his skin, and how the kanga‑ roo got his legs. Sarah Umberger ’06 shined as Kolokolo Bird, the Elephant’s Child’s unwilling companion on his journey to discover that one deter‑ mined individual can make a real difference in the world.

The Middle School Musical missed two days during production week due to the devastating floods in New

Elephant’s Child (Than Moore ’08), Jaguar (Tyree Robinson ’06), and Kolokolo Bird (Sarah Unberger ’06) in Just So. www.derryfield.org

Rose Alvarez (Katie Baroff ’10) and Mr. Maude (Ian Will ’11) in Bye Bye Birdie.

Hampshire, yet still managed to pull off a stellar production of Bye Bye Birdie. A popular Broadway show in the 1960s, the story of Bye Bye Birdie centers around Conrad Birdie (Zachary Chin ’11), a hip‑thrusting rock and roll superstar, and the complications that arise as the idol prepares to be drafted into the military. Katie Baroff ’10 played a spunky Rose Alvarez oppo‑ site CJ Keyes ’10 as Albert Peterson, Rose’s love interest and Birdie’s manag‑ er. Next year’s Middle School Musical will be performed in the fall; keep an eye out for more information.

In May, Derryfield’s International Thespian Society (ITS) welcomed their newest members at an All‑School Assembly with style befitting Oscar night. The ITS is the only organization to honor secondary school students for their outstanding contributions to the‑ atre. The 2006 Derryfield inductees into the ITS are Liz Baseman ’08, Sarah Barlow ’08, Alan Keith ’08, Than Moore ’08, Mallory Rinker ’08, Lauren Satkwich ’08, Kathy Stull ’08, Hillary Fink ’07, Pat Khayat ’07, Dakung Lee ’07, Kristie Migliori ’07, Becca Volinsky ’07, Mary Marciniak ’06, and Emily Monty ’06.

5

AROUND CAMPUS

Cultural Café Approximately two years ago, Susan Grodman and I began conversations with coordinators from Saint Anselm’s College in an effort to make the cultur‑ al side of my geography classes more experiential while adding service learning opportunities. The result of these conversations was the introduc‑ tion of Cultural Cafés to our sixth‑ grade Geography curriculum.

The sixth‑grade Geography students learn about the physical and cultural world they are growing up in. The physical side of this course tends to be easier to study as it can be seen, touched, and experienced on a daily basis. The cultural side tends to be a more difficult concept to teach and experience. Last year, the sixth‑grade Geography class established a connec‑ tion with the Saint Anselm’s College Service Learning Program. This pro‑ gram connects college students with local service opportunities throughout southern New Hampshire. One of these pro‑

Derryfield sixth grade geography students with their friends from Cultural Cafe.

grams helps immigrants to Manchester learn English and make the transition to gaining full citizenship. These English Language Learners (ELL) come to First Congregational Church on Elm Street in Manchester to study English twice a week all year long. Periodically, they celebrate their successes with Cultural Cafés – parties where all the ELL students come together and acknowledge their diversity, life chal‑ lenges, and successes.

We became involved last year as a way for the ELL students to further practice their new English skills and talk about their experiences. Our sixth graders interviewed these ELL stu‑ dents three times and created posters explaining their experiences in their country of origin as well as their jour‑ neys to Manchester. Students were able to experience life on a very different level as they heard about different liv‑ ing con‑

An ELL student shows Peter Kosiarski ’12 where she came from.

6

ditions, cultural expectations, political situations, and life expectations. They were able to better understand how our country and Manchester, NH, was truly the land of opportunity.

As our relationship with these ELL adults continues next year, we are planning to add a special piece where the adults will be asking our kids ques‑ tions as well. This concept came about as we realized that many of these adults have kids in local schools and have many unanswered questions regarding how their children are grow‑ ing up in this new country with all of its new expectations. While they are excited about being here and building a future in Manchester, they are often scared and uneasy about the way their own kids are growing up in a new world with new social and family expectations, and a new language. We hope to help them bridge this gap next year as we will not only be interview‑ ing them again but also allowing them to interview us. Chat with any current sixth or seventh grader and you will learn something intriguing about the changing cultural scene in New Hampshire.

– Rick Zeller

Derryfield Today – Winter/Spring 2006

AROUND CAMPUS

Debating History Were the Founding Fathers selfish or altruistic? Is Abraham Lincoln better understood as a moralist or pragmatic politician? Did the Civil Rights Movement succeed or fail? Are there such significant similarities between the wars in Vietnam and Iraq that we should be deeply concerned? If there is a “correct” answer to these questions it most likely contains a “little bit of both.” But even while recognizing the false dichotomy presented by ques‑ tions like these, the Derryfield history department consistently asks teams of students to formally debate them, by vigorously defending one side or the other. In doing so, we believe our stu‑ dents gain a better understanding of the material and develop the critical skills of research, analysis, teamwork, and public speaking.

As our department completed its strategic plan this year, we committed to increasing opportunities for students to publicly display their knowledge and understanding. In many ways this was already happening. Ever since the tragedy of September 11th, the depart‑

Laura Gelinas ’06 makes a point in an economics debate.

www.derryfield.org

ment has been sponsoring all‑school forums on compelling current topics, like U.S. foreign policy, presidential politics, the response to Katrina, and the efficacy of the minimum wage.

This winter, in an all‑school assembly, Mr. Berk’s students helped the commu‑ nity understand the outrage felt over Danish cartoons in the Muslim world, by using a point / counter‑point for‑ mat.

As teachers, when we recognize that “nothing is learned until it is used,” and when we commit to having our students learn to think clearly, creative‑ ly, and ethically about complex issues, then asking them to publicly display their knowledge and skills naturally follows. Few things motivate us more than performing in front of others, and for some, the energy that arises from academic competition cannot be matched by the individual exercise of a test or paper. In pursuing these debates, teams, ranging from two to five students, need to distribute the preparation, organize the information, and anticipate the other side. They must stay calm under pressure, listen carefully, and speak concisely. And they are expected to utilize primary and secondary sources as evidence, to coordinate both their opening‑round speech and their rebuttal, and to respond spontaneously to points brought up by the other side. Control‑ ling the terms of the debate, effectively marshalling evidence, and limiting one’s vulnerability become the keys to success. But in the end, there is little substitute for knowledge, and the team

Marty Topol ’06 and Tyree Robinson ’06 take sides in a debate in U.S. History Since 1945.

having superior command of the infor‑ mation often wins.

Perhaps the greatest benefit arising from these debates is that students come to see the study of history as an organic and dynamic struggle over competing interpretations of the past.

In being asked to defend one side or the other, students are pushed to examine their own deeply held beliefs, and in doing so they study history like good historians. Once the debate is over and the student judges have declared a “winner” and given the rea‑ sons for their decision, all the students in the class articulate their own answer to the question. In doing so, they now search for that elusive historical “truth,” by weighing carefully a vari‑ ety of evidence, by assessing and responding to various points of view, and by clearly expressing their own interpretation. In the end, students have examined and used the informa‑ tion in a variety of ways. And as a department, we submit that they have now learned it as well.

– Brent Powell

7

AROUND CAMPUS

Coaches Go Pro

elbow deep in his reptile tanks (and in his teaching) in one of the Middle It shouldn’t come as any surprise School science classrooms, and will that the all‑time favorite books of continue to coach Boys’ Varsity Derryfield faculty members Jeff Lacrosse this spring, his goalie exper‑ Hastings and Chris Hettler happen to tise being invaluable to the team. include some great sports tales (My The Nashua Pride baseball team is Turn at Bat by Ted Williams and Friday Night Lights by H.G. Bissinger), as they equivalent to AA baseball teams in terms of level of play, except that the are, themselves, professional athletes. team is in an independent league and Jeff recently re‑signed with baseball’s thus is not officially affiliated with any Nashua Pride as an outfielder (he had Major League team. Jeff explained that, been on the Pride roster two summers at the age of 36, he’s simply thrilled to ago as well), and Chris has signed on be playing at this level, right in this for his third season with the Boston area, no less. His wife encouraged him Cannons of Major League Lacrosse. to follow through with this adventure, Lucky for us and for our students (and aspiring athletes), the professional but the two of them might feel differ‑ ently down the road, he said, should contracts of Hettler and Hastings fit fairly well into the Derryfield academic the family expand. Fresh out of Plymouth State in 1993, Jeff had gone calendar and athletic schedule. Our to an open tryout for the Pride, but Middle Schoolers can still enjoy Jeff’s nothing had come of it. Two years ago, P.E. instruction, and Boys’ Varsity Baseball will continue to reap the bene‑ he decided to give it another shot (“I looked at it as a sort of measuring fits of his vast experience on the ball stick; I wanted to see where I stood”), field this spring. Chris, too, remains and he landed a spot on the roster and in the lineup for 18 of the Pride’s games that summer.

Now, two years later, former Red Sox third baseman Butch Hobson, at the helm of the Pride, gave Jeff the call to re‑sign. In late May, the Pride released Jeff from his contract, but Hobson asked him to stay on to help coach the team.

Jeff Hastings gives some advice from third base.

8

Major League Lacrosse is, for lax, the equivalent of baseball’s Big Show; it’s the top, and its summer season is interrupted only by the World Games.

With no familial strings attached at the moment, Chris Hettler, a 2002 graduate of Colgate, would be eager to be on the Cannons roster any year he was invit‑ ed. Chris actually made his first profes‑ sional lacrosse connections through Derryfield. One thing led to another, and pretty soon Chris had himself a tryout and earned a spot on the team.

Jeff is a Newport, NH, native. While a three‑sport athlete at Newport High School (football, hoops, and baseball), his deep fondness for baseball began early. He competed in youth baseball, beginning around age nine, but he remembers playing around with a bat and ball in his backyard as early as the age of two. College meant choosing two of three sports, so basketball fell by the wayside his freshman year, and by sophomore year Jeff was concentrat‑ ing only on baseball. Looking back, Jeff still attributes most of his skills to his fantastic high school baseball coach.

“He was the most knowledgeable coach I ever had and the most influen‑ tial on my own coaching today.”

Chris is a relative newcomer to New Hampshire, having grown up in Liverpool, NY. At the local high school, Chris swam competitively in addition to minding the lacrosse net. Lacrosse had been introduced to him in third grade, when he received his first stick as a birthday present and was immedi‑ ately taken with the sport. It didn’t hurt that he was brought up in an area

Derryfield Today – Winter/Spring 2006

AROUND CAMPUS

Coach Hettler during halftime of a varsity lacrosse game.

that happens to be a hotbed of lacrosse.

Central New York has had active youth lacrosse programs since the 1950s. It was an easy sport to fall for. Chris played it outside of school for a few years, trying to manage a spring sched‑ ule that included both lacrosse and baseball. He then played lacrosse for his school teams from the seventh grade on, and outside of academics (he earned a BA in environomental biolo‑ gy), it became his sole focus at the col‑ lege level. Chris’s college goalie coach was the best coach he’d ever had, he said. “He taught me the science of playing in the goal; he broke it down for me.” That unique understanding of the position helped catapult him to where he is with it today, and it carries into his own coaching. He is adept at helping developing players with this position thanks to his rather scientific comprehension of it.

While their Derryfield schedules are barely disrupted by their pro contracts, Jeff and Chris cannot imagine being able to make the schedule work with any other type of employment. That’s definitely not why they got into teach‑ ing to begin with, however; they are grateful things have worked out in this way. And certainly they have been able

www.derryfield.org

to find some applicable lessons amid their unique professional experiences to bring to both their classrooms and playing fields. Jeff, who can now break down a player’s swing in a matter of minutes, says his coaching has changed a lot since his first bid with the Pride in 2004. He has different, more useful plays and drills to offer, and on a deeper level, he also feels he can offer his players an honest perspec‑ tive about how hard one must work on one’s own skills to get to this level of play. He is also able to remind the kids that working for the Pride is his “sec‑ ond job” – a reality check for some.

Chris’ experience with the Cannons has taught him that an “organized game plan,” with end goals in sight, is most helpful in the classroom. And just as different skills and drills are taught in a variety of ways to accommodate varied playing styles, he has learned a variety of techniques for teaching his Middle School science material to meet the needs of different learning styles and personality types.

How lucky for us that these two fac‑ ulty members have been able to remain here at Derryfield while pursuing childhood dreams of their own. We wish them all the best in their warm‑ weather journeys: Swing for the fence and protect the pipe, guys! (And please don’t forget to come back to us here in the fall...) ‑Steff McCusker ’84

Independent Excellence While Derryfield offers an astounding number of athletic options for a school its size, Athletic Director Lenny McCaigue feels it is important to enable athletes with talent in sports not offered at the School to be able to pur‑ sue their passion. This year’s recipients of the Outstanding Achievement in an Independent Sport Award have excelled at the national level in their sports.

Hilary Hamer ’07 finished the year as an alternate for the U.S. World Cadet Fencing Team (under 17), ranked 6th in the U.S. for cadets and 15th for juniors (under 20). She won the North Atlantic Sectional Junior Women’s Epee, qualifying to attend U.S. Nationals in Atlanta. On the inter‑ national level, Hilary finished 26th of 131 at the cadet level at a competition in Budapest, Hungary, and placed 3rd of 33 at the Junior World Cup in Montreal, Canada.

Noah Harwood is cycling with the pros as a member of 1k2go Cycling Team. He finished last year ranked 2nd in the U.S. for juniors (under 19) in individual time trials and 10th in road racing. Noah is classified as a Category 2 racer, two steps short of pro. Most races combine the pro, 1, and 2 cate‑ gories, which puts him in races with professional athletes. Noah won his first Pro/1/2 race this spring, a criteri‑ um in Rhode Island. You can find out more about his team at www.1k2go.com.

9

AROUND CAMPUS

The Ripple Effect Ryan Murphy has lost 24 hours of his life. On May 24, he came to Derryfield to discuss the choices that had led to this loss and the profound effect it has had on his life and the lives of count‑ less others. Murphy is currently serv‑ ing a 7 1/2 to 15 year sentence at the New Hampshire State Prison for negli‑ gent homicide and assault as a result of a drunk driving crash in 2001.

Murphy had been corresponding with students from Trevor Munhall’s eighth grade English class since the fall term, when they read Whirligig, in which the protagonist kills a girl in a drunk driving accident and struggles for redemption. Murphy individually answered letters from each student throughout the year, an exchange that had a great impact on several students.

When Munhall heard that Murphy had recently been approved by the NH Department of Highway Safety to cre‑ ate an education program on substance abuse and healthy desicion making, he jumped at the chance to have Murphy come speak to the entire eighth grade.

“This is the type of learning experience that is impossible to replicate in a classroom. The effect on students was so profound because they had the opportunity to shake Ryan’s hand and talk to him face to face.” This was only the second presentation he had made, and the second time he had been out‑ side the prison walls in four years.

Murphy, who was escorted by two state liquor enforcement officers, spoke to the students at length about his sub‑ stance abuse and how it started at a

10

very young age. He had turned to alchohol to create his own identity, help feed a sense of invincibility, and to overcome the feeling that even when he was surrounded by people, he was alone. Murphy’s drinking escalated as he started college, and eventually led to his being kicked out of school. It continued as he began work in land‑ scaping, and then moved to sales. As he gained success in sales, it rebuilt the ego that had been knocked down when he failed out of school. Murphy began to travel for work, spending boring, lonely nights in hotel rooms and visit‑ ing the hotel bars more and more.

“I thought, ‘This can’t get any worse.’ But the reality is, I’m the lucky one – I’m alive.”

One day in 2001 a client invited him to the lake for a boat ride. After a day and night of drinking, Murphy got in his car to drive home. Twenty‑four hours later he awoke in a county jail bed to be told by a state trooper that he had been in an accident and injured one man and killed another. He had no recollection of the accident.

Murphy was charged with negligent homicide and assault, and accepted the charges as stated. At his sentencing, members of the victims’ families were allowed to make statements. The young daughter of the man he killed was too young to write, but Murphy will forever remember the drawing she did of her on the back of her father’s motorcycle – the same motorcycle he was riding that day.

Murphy explains to the eighth grade how his actions created a ripple effect.

Once he was in prison, Murphy became inmate #32615 – not the identi‑ ty he had been seeking. “I thought, ‘This can’t get any worse.’ But the reali‑ ty is, I’m the lucky one – I’m alive.”

The monotony of prison life left a lot of time to look inside himself. He partici‑ pated in counseling through the Substance Abuse Services program and came to realize that his actions had had a ripple effect, negatively affecting the lives of countless innocent people.

Murphy told the eighth graders that, by telling his story, he hoped to create a positive ripple that might make some indirect ammends to the victims’ fami‑ lies, help in everyone’s healing process, and educate the innocent.

Reactions from the students indicate that Murphy has made his point. When asked what he gained from hearing Murphy’s presentation, one student replied, “I will think before I act. Small decisions can have big consequences.”

Another student recognized that, “Even good people make bad choices sometimes, but anyone can change themselves to become a better person.”

Derryfield Today – Winter/Spring 2006

AROUND CAMPUS

Founders’ Day The Derryfield community gathered on April 28, 2006 to honor the Founders of the School with the Founders’ Day pro‑ gram. 1992 Founders’ Scholar Margaux D’Auteuil Peabody ’93 gave the Founders’ Day Address. Peabody, who is currently Dean of Students at Friends Seminary in New York, NY, began her speech with a poem she wrote as part of an exercise in explor‑ ing who she is and where she is from.

She spoke of being a teacher and how the profession has become part of her identity.

English teacher Dick Anthony intro‑ duced Sarah Silverman ’89 as recipient of the 2006 Distinguished Alumni Award. Speaking of his former advisee, a well‑known and controversial come‑ dian, Anthony summarized Silverman; “Fearless and provocative, willing to burst through those limitations others have set up, curious about the world and willing to state her feelings about what she sees, Sarah might even repre‑ sent the values this school espouses… without the X‑rated language and graphic subject matter.” Unable to

Margaux D’Auteuil Peabody ’93 reading Fish is Fish during her Founders’ Day Address.

www.derryfield.org

attend the program in person, Silverman submitted a humorous video acceptance speech.

2005 Peter S. Freedman Founders’ Scholar Glen Frieden ’06, spoke philo‑ sophically of human value systems and the importance of keeping things in perspective. He pointed out, “Humans are incapable of objective thought. If reality outside what we can sense exists, we have no way to access it, because our only tools of perception are our senses.” He concluded his speech with the announcement of Carl Crafts ’07 as the 2006 Founders’ Scholar.

Leadership Award The Klingenstein Center at Columbia Teachers College has named The Derryfield School, among other Summerbridge/Breakthrough Collaborative schools, the recipient of the Klingenstein Leadership Award for 2006. While the award has typically honored a single educator who “has influenced the field of education and touched the lives of private school edu‑ cators, students and parents in endur‑ ing ways,” the committee chose instead to recognize the contributions of the 22 independent schools that sponsor Summerbridge/Breakthrough Collaborative programs.

Head of School, Randy Richardson, was selected to speak on behalf of all the schools at the official awards cere‑ mony at the National Association of Independent Schools annual confer‑ ence held in Boston. Randy spoke about the benefits that both the host schools and communites gain from

their relationships with Summerbridge/ Breakthrough programs. He also point‑ ed out that the students and student teachers of the programs have reaped tremendous rewards from the effective balance between an expectation of excellence and plenty of nurturing and support.

Randy also mentioned the tireless work of former Heads Mark Hurlbut and Nancy Boettiger for their work ini‑ tiating and cultivating the program at Derryfield. “This is a tremendous honor, and we are especially excited because it is so symbolic of our philos‑ ophy and strengths as a school.”

Summerbridge Manchester is currently in its sixteenth year at Derryfield.

CONGRATULATIONS

NHSinductees The following Derryfield students were inducted into the National Honor Society during the 2006 Founders’ Day celebration on April 28.

Class of 2006 Chiara M. Arcidy Jacob C. Birchard Jennifer N. Cox Sarah J. Elfenbein Timothy M. Jundanian Timothy O. Kramer Jaclyn Leeds Robert F. Lemire Catherine R. Platt Taylor C. Scott Elisabeth R. Secor

11

recap

Commencement

The Class of 2006

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 deter‑ mined by members of the graduating class and the faculty.

Isabel A. Plourde ’06

Alumni Service Award Given by The Derryfield School Alumni Association to recognize an alumnus/a who has made a major contribution to the School.

Bradley N. Benson ’78

Art Award Given to a student who shows outstanding interest, motivation, and accomplishment in the study of art.

Glenn T. Laaspere ’06

Citizens Bank Scholar Award Presented to an upper‑school student who is a graduate of the Summerbridge Manchester program, in recognition of academic excellence, exemplary service and commitment in Summerbridge Manchester and The Derryfield School Community.

Nguyen T. Doan ’07

Class of 1994 Award 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.

Elisabeth R. Secor ’06

12

Rainy skies could not dampen the spirits of the members of the Class of 2006 on their graduation day. Of the 66 mem‑ bers of the class, 25 spent seven years together as the first class to attend the sixth grade at Derryfield. As a group, they have formed close bonds and realized great accom‑ plishments. In her opening remarks, Acting Head of School Jennifer Melkonian urged the seniors to live their dreams.

Sarah Elfenbein gave the Welcome Address, which explored her constant quest for knowledge. She urged her classmates not to have any regrets – to carry from the past only that which will encourage them to a better future.

The seniors chose classics teacher David Simpson, known for his entertaining public speaking, to give the commence‑ ment address. Simpson did not disappoint, though he man‑ aged to weave a more serious message into his humorous presentation. He compared the seniors to the free‑spirited and creative Greeks and adults to the pragmatic and disci‑ plined Romans. Simpson urged the students to enjoy their time in Greece and not to try to become Romans before they have to. “That will happen soon enough. It does to all of us, whether we want it to or not. Even if like me you teach Greek. You are still a Roman. And, I should add, most of us are happy to be Romans. As we get older we value more that consciousness of past and future, and we enjoy being close to the intensity of youth, but are happy no longer to be posessed by it all the time.” Simpson concluded his speech with a witty cell phone dialogue with Catcher in the Rye pro‑ tagonist Holden Caulfield, trying to convince the jaded char‑ acter that the members of the class really were good people who would do great things.

In her Valedictory Address, Anna Sims spoke of her chal‑ lenges dealing with change throughout her childhood. She

Derryfield Today – Winter/Spring 2006

COMMENCEMENT RECAP

reflected on several literary figures that, motivated by a fear of loss, had tried to stop the changes that occur over time by becoming inactive. Sims warned her classmates not to let the fear of change haunt them. “Remembrance is an imaginary solution to loss. Nostalgia itself is a pleasurable experience because it allows us to imaginatively relive our pasts. We cannot relive Derryfield, nor would I want to quite frankly, but we can remember it.”

Senior class president Isabel Plourde announced that the senior class gift to the School would be furniture for the sculpture garden, with the remaining funds going to the Bailey Milne Fund for faculty child scholarships. The com‑ mencement was interspersed with four performances by the Concert Choir that showcased the vocal talent of the gradu‑ ating class. The highlight was an original composition by senior Sean Pallatroni, entitled “Glimpsing Reality.”

In the Farewell Address, Kristen Moran discussed her shock when she arrived at Derryfield as a confident sixth‑ grader to find that she was surrounded by peers who were just as smart and curious as she was. She wished her class‑ mates good luck in the future, even though, “I know from experience it’s not luck that will be dictating your successes.”

With diplomas and umbrellas in hand, the Class of 2006 proceeded to the connecter, where they exchanged hugs and handshakes with each other before lining up in a receiving line. It was a testamony to the closeness of this class that stu‑ dents were still exchanging well wishes an hour later.

Community Service Awards Honoring those seniors who have given unselfishly of themselves in extending time, interest, and concern to the School and the community.

Chiara M. Arcidy ’06

Lejla Kadic ’06

Elisabeth R. Secor ’06

Jacob C. Birchard ’06

Jaclyn Leeds ’06

Kayla T. Sirkin ’06

Jennifer N. Cox ’06

Samantha A. Mastrogiacomo ’06

Eric D. Spierer ’06

Dylan R. Evans ’06

Marissa V. Pellegrini ’06

Jessica R. Friedenberg ’06

Katherine J. Richey ’06

Computer Award Given to a student who shows outstanding interest, motivation, and accomplishment in the study of computer science.

Sean A. Kehoe ’06

D.A.R. Good Citizen Award Given to a senior in recognition of honor, dependability, service, courage, leadership, and patriotism.

Isabel A. Plourde ’06

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.

Natalie R. Coviello ’07

Drama Award Given to a student who shows outstanding interest, motivation, and accomplishment in the study of drama.

Sarah A. Umberger ’06

English Award Given to a student who shows outstanding interest, motivation, and accomplishment in the study of English.

Glen E. Frieden ’06 Isaac S. Wheeler ’06 Anna Sims ’06 speaking to her classmates during her Valedictory Address.

www.derryfield.org

13

COMMENCEMENT RECAP

2006 Peter S. Freedman Founders’ Scholar

Class of 2006

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.

Jay Agarwal ............................................................. University of New Hampshire

Carl N. Crafts ’07

Cassiel Archdeacon ......................................................... The College of Wooster Chiara Arcidy ....................................................................... Columbia University Victoria Benech ........................................................ College of William and Mary

French Award

Jacob Birchard ................................................................ St. Lawrence University Given to a student who shows outstanding interest, motivation, and accomplishment in the study of French.

Erich Bradley ............................................................. Carnegie Mellon University Jonathan Burgess ........................................................... Northeastern University

Connor R. Garstka ’06 Jennifer Cox .................................................................................. Colby College Lindsay Desfosses .................................................................... Stonehill College Sarah Elfenbein ....................................................................... Wellesley College Dylan Evans ............................................................................. Lehigh University

Harvard Book Award

Stacie Foote ............................................................................ Purdue University Given to a junior who “displays excellence in scholarship and high character, combined with achievement in other fields.”

Stephanie Foote ...................................................................... Purdue University

Hilary A. Hamer ’07

Glen Frieden ......................................................................... Middlebury College Jessica Friedenberg .............................................................. Brandeis University Connor Garstka .................................................................. University of Chicago Laura Gelinas ................................................................ The University of Arizona

History Award

Adam Grodman .................................................................. University of Vermont Given to a student who shows outstanding interest, motivation, and accomplishment in the study of history.

Noah Harwood ..................................................................... Connecticut College Scott Hebert ...................................................................... Quinnipiac University

Martin C. Topol ’06 Paige Herlihy .............................................................................. Wagner College Kristiana Hubley ...................................................................... Hamilton College James Jorgensen .......................................... United States Coast Guard Academy

Dennis F. Holland Mathematics Award

Timothy Jundanian .................................................................. Harvard University Lejla Kadic .............................................................. University of New Hampshire

Given to a student who shows outstanding interest, motivation, and accomplishment in the study of mathematics.

Jacob Keefe .......................................................................... Syracuse University Sean Kehoe .................................................. University of California at San Diego

James E. Jorgensen ’06 Carolyn Kelsey ......................................................... University of New Hampshire Timothy O. Kramer ’06 Timothy Kramer ................................................. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Glenn Laaspere ........................................................................ Lehigh University

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 all‑ around service, has made valuable contributions to the School.

Jaclyn Leeds ............................................................................ Wellesley College Robert Lemire .................................................................... Saint Anselm College Molly Lyford .................................................... University of California at Berkeley

Chiara M. Arcidy ’06

14

Derryfield Today – Winter/Spring 2006

COMMENCEMENT RECAP

Matriculation List

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.

Diana Maldonado ..................................................................... Stonehill College Katherine J. Richey ’06 Mary Marciniak .............................................. Hobart and William Smith Colleges Samantha Mastrogiacomo ........................................................... Rollins College Hale Melnick ........................................................................... Colorado College Meredith Milnes ..................................................................... Dickinson College

Latin Award

Emily Monty .................................................................................. Bates College

Given to a student who shows outstanding interest, motivation, and accomplishment in the study of Latin.

Kristen Moran ............................................................................. Boston College Isaac S. Wheeler ’06 Nathalie Morison ................................................................... Occidental College Katherine Myers ....................................................................... Emory University Nicole Nijhuis .......................................................... University of New Hampshire Clinton Oas ......................................................................... Muhlenberg College

Lamplighter Athletic Award

Sean Pallatroni ...................................... University of Hartford – The Hartt School Given to the boy or girl who, through spirit, attitude, loyalty, and over‑ all performance, has been an inspiration to his or her teammates and a credit to the School.

Marissa Pellegrini ................................................................... DePaul University Logan Petit ............................................................. University of New Hampshire

Katherine F. Myers ’06 Catherine Platt ........................................................................ Colorado College Isabel Plourde ............................................................................ Kenyon College Alexandra Reilley ...................................................................... Drexel University Katherine Richey ...................................................................... Carleton College Tyree Robinson .......................................................... Carnegie Mellon University

Mayor’s Award

Rachel Romanowsky ................................................ Choate Rosemary Hall - (PG)

The Mayor’s Award is presented to that member of the graduating class who has, throughout his/her tenure at The Derryfield School, demonstrated a high level of dedication to the ideals The Derryfield School stands for and has exhibited leadership traits worthy of emula‑ tion by his/her peers.

Mark Sanford .......................................................... University of New Hampshire

Isabel A. Plourde ’06

Alex Rolecek ................................................................................ Ithaca College

Kurt Schuler ................................................................................. Bates College Taylor Scott ................................................................... College of the Holy Cross

Choral and Instrumental Music Awards

Elisabeth Secor ........................................................................... Boston College Given to the students who show outstanding interest, motivation, and accomplishment in the study of choral and instrumental music.

Anna Sims ..................................................................... Northwestern University Kayla Sirkin .......................................................................... Brandeis University

Alex J. Rolecek ’06 (Choral) Eric Spierer .......................................................................... Wesleyan University Tyree M. Robinson ’06 (Instrumental) Martin Topol ........................................................................ Princeton University Sarah Umberger ................................................................ Wittenberg University Evan Urtz .............................................................................. Clemson University Isaac Wheeler ......................................................................... Haverford College Jacqueline Zimmerman .......................................................... Providence College

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 gen‑ uine 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.

Lejla Kadic ’06

www.derryfield.org

15

COMMENCEMENT RECAP

William B. Pfeifer Head of School Award Given in honor of Mr. Pfeifer, third Headmaster of The Derryfield School, to the senior who, by loyalty, presence, and total commitment, has helped make Derryfield a better place to be.

Emily K. Monty ’06

Physical Science Award Given to a student who shows outstanding interest, motivation, and accomplishment in the study of physical science.

James E. Jorgensen ’06

Ken Piatt Memorial Scholarship Award Given in memory of D. Kenneth Piatt ’82 to the boy or girl who com‑ bines excellence in athletics with outstanding achievement.

Timothy M. Jundanian ’06

Rensselaer Medal Given to the outstanding student in mathematics and science in the junior class.

Hilary A. Hamer ’07

Rhode Island School of Design Award Emily K. Monty ’06

Rotary Cup The Manchester Rotary Cup Award is given to a senior who “is giving of himself or herself through strong community service and who shows the greatest promise of making a difference in the world through strength of character and qualities of leadership.”

Jaclyn Leeds ’06

From top to bottom: Sean Pallatroni ’06 performs his composition, ‘Glimpsing Reality’ as Laurel Devino conducts Concert Choir. n Commencement speaker David Simpson listens as he is introduced. n Sarah Umberger ’06 performs with the Concert Choir seniors.

16

Derryfield Today – Winter/Spring 2006

COMMENCEMENT RECAP

Scholar-Athlete Award Given to the senior boy and girl who best com‑ bine 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.

Glen E. Frieden ’06 Isabel A. Plourde ’06

Ralph J. Scozzafava Head of School Award Given in honor of Mr. Scozzafava, second Headmaster of The Derryfield School, to the senior student who, scholastically and athleti‑ cally, best represents the ideas and ideals of The Derryfield School.

Eric D. Spierer ’06

Spanish Award Given to a student who shows outstanding interest, motivation, and accomplishment in the study of Spanish.

Nathalie M. Morison ’06

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.

Scott P. Hebert ’06

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 maintain‑ ing a high scholastic achievement.

Lauren S. Baker ’07

Matthew L. Young ’88 Memorial Scholarship

From top to bottom: Molly Platt ’06 and Hale Melnick ’06 are all smiles as they line

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.

up for the procession. n Isabel Plourde ’06 and Marty Topol ’06 share a laugh at

Anne P. Jenney ’07

Doc Simpson’s speech. n The rain can’t dampen the spirits of Nathalie Morison ’06 and Molly Platt ’06 as they recess to the reception line after graduation.

www.derryfield.org

17

athletics

Cougar

ACADEMIC AND ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE The New Hampshire Commission on the

Winter wrap-up

Status of Women recognized twelve Derryfield seniors for achieving academic and

Varsity Alpine Skiing

Boys’ Varsity Basketball

athletic excellence at the 19th Annual

Boys: 6th at NH State Championships Girls: 5th at NH State Championships Kurt Schuler ’06, Co-Captain, All-Conference, Class of 1970 Award Erich Bradley ’06, Co-Captain, Class of 1970 Award

Season Record: 9-13 Clint Davis ’07, Class of 1970 Award

New Hampshire High School Women’s Athletic/Academic Award Program. n Chiara Arcidy n Victoria Benech n Jennifer Cox n Emily Monty n Kristen Moran n Nathalie Morison n Katherine Myers n Nicole Nijhuis n Molly Platt n Isabel Plourde

Girls’ Varsity Basketball Season Record: 16-7 NH Championship Quarterfinalists Stacie Foote ’06, All-State (1st team), Senior All-Star (GS and Class S), All-Conference, Class of 1970 Award Stephanie Foote ’06, All-State (honorable mention), Senior All-Star (GS and Class S) Molly Lyford ’06, All-Academic Diana Maldonado ’06, All-Academic Rachel Romanowsky ’06, All-State (honorable mention), All-Academic

Girls’ Varsity Nordic Skiing 3rd at New Hampshire State Championships Kate Richey ’06, Co-Captain, Class of 1970 Award

Boys’ Varsity Nordic Skiing 4th at New Hampshire State Championships Jake Birchard ’06, Co-Captain, Class of 1970 Award

Varsity Hockey Season Record: 0-2 Dylan Evans ’06, Co-Captain, Hockey Award for Heroic Dedication

n Katherine Richey n Anna Sims

The New Hampshire Athletic Director's Association recognized eight senior boys for their academic and athletic excellence. n Jacob Birchard n Erich Bradley n Tim Jundanian n Tim Kramer n Robert Lemire n Eric Spierer n Evan Urtz n Isaac Wheeler

The requirements for both programs state that students must have maintained a B+ average, lettered in two varsity sports, and been involved in leadership or service.

18

OPPOSITE (clockwise from top left): Allison Fink ’08 in a straight shot during a nordic ski meet. n Julia Maldonado ’08 looks for a pass. n Ralph Wunderl ’07 tucks in during an alpine ski race. n Ryan Clauson ’09 goes for the puck against a Norwich offender. n Jake Birchard ’06 in a nordic ski meet at Waterville Valley. n Larry Longo ’08 drives to the basket. LEFT: Claudia Camerino ’09 takes a turn in an alpine race.

Derryfield Today – Winter/Spring 2006

C O U G A R AT H L E T I C S

www.derryfield.org

19

Spring wrap-up COACHES’ AWARD Dylan R. Evans ’06 Molly M. Lyford ’06 Kurt W. Schuler ’06

ATHLETES OF THE YEAR Molly M. Lyford ’06 Evan E. Urtz ’06

TOP TEN CLUB Erich S. Bradley Jonathan D. Burgess Jennifer N. Cox Dylan R. Evans Stacie L. Foote Stephanie A. Foote Laura M. Gelinas Molly M. Lyford Diana A. Maldonado Katherine F. Myers

Boys’ Varsity Tennis

Boys’ Varsity Crew

Season Record: 14-1 New Hampshire State Champions (Class M/S) Clint Oas ’06, Captain, All-Conference, Class of 1970 Award Alex Green ’08, Granite State Conference Player of the Year, All-Conference

Winner of 2006 Davison Cup NEIRA: 1st boat – 10th Tim Kramer ’06, Class of 1970 Award

Girls’ Varsity Tennis Season Record: 13-0 New Hampshire State Champions (Class M/S) Samantha Mastrogiacomo ’06, Co-Captain, Granite State Conference Player of the Year, All-Conference, Class of 1970 Award Kayla Sirkin ’06, Co-Captain, Class of 1970 Award Laura Gelinas ’06, All-Conference

Girls’ Varsity Crew Winner of 2006 Davison Cup Elizabeth Dirth ’08, Class of 1970 Award

Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse Season Record: 10-3 Hale Melnick ’06, Co-Captain, Class of 1970 Award

Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse Season Record: 10-6 Rachel Romanowsky ’06, Co-Captain, Class of 1970 Award

Boys’ Varsity Baseball Season Record: 7-9 Jake Birchard ’06, Co-Captain, All-State (3rd team), Larry Longo ’08, All-State (1st team), All-Conference Sean O’Reilly ’09, All-State (3rd team), Christopher Sears ’07, All-State (1st team), All-Conference Evan Urtz ’06, Co-Captain, All-State (2nd team), Class of 1970 Award

Girls’ Varsity Softball Season Record: 9-7 Molly Lyford ’06, Captain, All-State, All-Conference, Class of 1970 Award

Catherine R. Platt Isabel A. Plourde Katherine J. Richey Rachel A. Romanowsky Mark W. Sanford Kurt W. Schuler

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN AN INDEPENDENT SPORT AWARD Hilary Hamer ’07 – Fencing Noah M. K. Harwood ’06 – Cycling

20

OPPOSITE (clockwise from top left): Girls’ first boat doing a power piece in practice. n Dylan Evans ’06 escapes a defender in a varsity lacrosse game. n Laura Gelinas ’06 takes a shot in a match this spring. n Kelly Schwarz ’06 makes a pitch in the state championship playoffs. n Elisabeth Jeffcote ’09 in a varsity lacrosse game. n Boys’ first boat sprints under a bridge in a race against BB&N. LEFT: Than Moore ’08 warms up for a match against InterLakes High School.

Derryfield Today – Winter/Spring 2006

C O U G A R AT H L E T I C S

www.derryfield.org

22 21

spotlight Summerbridge

A BREAKTHROUGH

SUMMERBRIDGE by Brad Hall, 7th Grader

PROGRAM

A place of joy, Not a place of sorrow Where you cannot wait Until tomorrow.

Why do homework, Two hours a night?

And then wake up, When there's hardly light?

A place like this Doesn't sound like fun.

What you'd rather do Is run and run.

But that's not all, Now can't you see?

It is an excellent Place to be.

For it is here, Here at SB The learning is fun, It's plain to see.

Here at SB, You gain knowledge.

Here you take courses That are pre-college.

A place like this Is not in a fridge.

This wonderful place Is called Summerbridge.

22

Connections to Success If you asked a Summerbridge 7th grader to name everyone in our 2005 summer ses‑ sion, chances are, she could do it. If you asked a Summerbridge teacher from 1996 to name all of his students, not only would he be able to remember their names, but he would still be able to recall their interests, skills, passions and challenges. The con‑ nections that we make in our community – between students, teachers, mentor teach‑ ers and staff – are strong, long‑lasting and help us achieve the important work we do to guide younger students on the path to college, and older students on the path to careers in education.

For our students, Summerbridge may be the only extra‑curricular involvement they have, and the program provides a place where they are valued, respected, chal‑ lenged, and put simply, they are noticed.

Elizabeth notices when her advisee, Kadina, wants more challenging reading in English class. The next day, Elizabeth rec‑ ommends one of her own favorite novels to Kadina to read during “free reading” time.

Maura, a Mentor Teacher, notices when George is struggling to vary teaching meth‑ ods in his math class. The next morning, George finds in his mailbox a packet of hands‑on math activities compiled from books and the internet with a note from Maura, “Just thought you would be inter‑

ested.” Every individual here is challenged and supported to reach his or her potential.

Being noticed, recognized and celebrated is key to Summerbridge’s ability to build strong connections to our students and families during middle school. During high school, they then return to use our resources in tutoring, college planning, and letters of recommendation. The effect of our program’s guidance and mentoring is always most clearly demonstrated through the sentiments of our graduates. Recently, we heard from Susan Hung, a graduate of Summerbridge and Memorial High School.

She will graduate in May from the University of California at Davis and is currently applying to medical schools across the country. She reflected: “As I thought back, I do not know how my educational path would have turned out if I did not attend Summerbridge. The

Kerlyne Desire '08 and Ivonne Marmolejo examine the anatomy of a cow eye during a Summerbridge Saturday activity.

Derryfield Today – Winter/Spring 2006

SUMMERBRIDGE SPOTLIGHT

spirited, inspiring teachers and the per‑ tinent study skills that I acquired helped me become motivated to learn and academically successful. More importantly, I gained the determination and belief in myself that I was able to succeed.”

A School of the City After sixteen years at Derryfield, Summerbridge has become woven into the fabric of the work of the School.

While the relationship between Summerbridge and Derryfield is a long‑standing tradition of the commu‑ nity, it is a public‑private model that often needs re‑explanation.

the values of hard work, love of learn‑ ing, and excellence to students who otherwise may have limited options for academic enrichment gives them a renewed sense of hope about their own academic trajectories.

The Derryfield experience is an opti‑ mal example that when high expecta‑ tions are set and the support needed to succeed is provided, students rise to the challenge and often exceed what could possibly be imagined. It is no secret that the quality of education Summerbridge students receive is based on the independent school model. When the academic communi‑ ty is designed to expect that its stu‑

“Expectations determine the way that we perform. At Summerbridge we achieve greatness because we expect it of each other."

It is no coincidence that of the 27 Summerbridge sites across the country 23 are hosted by independent schools.

The creator of the Summerbridge model, Lois Loofbourrow, describes the relationship between sites and their independent school hosts as one that helps a school become part of the city, rather than just located in a city.

Talented students who may never have the resources to afford a private educa‑ tion can participate in a college preparatory program on a campus like Derryfield’s. These 11‑ and 12‑year olds are all too aware of the obstacles they will face on the path to college education and future success. But being a part of a program that brings

http://summerbridge.derryfield.org

– Meggie Harvey ’03 dents will go to college, the result is a 100% college matriculation rate, like Derryfield’s. Summerbridge replicates this expectation that all students can achieve a college education and sup‑ ports the assumption through practices that look similar to a Derryfield educa‑ tion: a low student to teacher ratio, rig‑ orous and creative student learning, a liberal arts curriculum, and an environ‑ ment that fosters the growth of each individual.

In March, when the Teacher’s College at Columbia University award‑ ed Derryfield with the honorable Klingenstein Leadership Award for its long‑standing support of Summerbridge, this was national

Whitney Powers '07 listens as Jon Ericksen works through a math problem at School After School.

recognition for the School long over‑ due and well deserved. Over the years, the Derryfield community has helped hundreds of Manchester stu‑ dents achieve their dreams of a college education and lifelong success through Summerbridge. Today, the program’s 650 graduates are scattered across the country in jobs as doctors, teachers, artists, community organizers, at schools like Dartmouth, Trinity, and UNH, or perhaps sitting in a middle school classroom in Manchester, still waiting to fully realize their dreams.

SUMMERBRIDGE

visitorsdays Come see Summerbridge in action!

July 18, 8:00 – 9:30 a.m.

July 27, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

August 8, 8:00 – 9:30 a.m.

RSVP to Kate Erskine at 603.641.9426 or kerskine@derryfield.org.

23

traditions Derryfield

A BUSY SEMESTER... lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliConsequat. Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie consequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at vero eros et accumsan et iusto odio dignissim qui blandit praesent luptatum zzril delenit augue duis dolore te feugait nulla

A BUSY SEMESTER... lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliConsequat. Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestie consequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at vero eros et accumsan et iusto odio dignissim qui blandit praesent luptatum zzril delenit augue duis dolore te feugait nulla

A BUSY SEMESTER...

Exploring Derryfield’s Traditions

lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh

by Chuck Sanborn euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna

C AT E G O R Y

eyond thoughtfully developed mission/vision statements, lists of objectives, student and faculty handbooks, all written to convey the identity, direction and nature of a school, lies a series of traditions that intentionally or unintentionally express the “soul” of a school community. Traditions deepen connections to community, binding past, present, and future members, and create an identity, an esprit de corps, a sense of belonging, a common experience that transcends space and time. Traditions reflect the values, the self‑perception, the integration of the various constituencies of a school community. Anticipation, expectation, and celebration are key components of school life, and traditions fulfill this need. In seeking the heart, i.e. the essence of a school community, one must experience its traditions and be open to the voices of those traditions speaking loudly and clearly.

It is much easier to inherit traditions than create them. New schools do not have the luxury of inherited traditions that provide benchmarks in the unfolding of the school year and become a unifying force for the entire community. Thus, young schools face the enormous challenge of developing traditions that capture and convey their essence. This challenge raises a number of key questions: Are the most meaningful traditions intentionally created, or do they emerge unconsciously out of the experience of a school? What determines which practices, events, occurrences take hold and become traditions? Why do some fall by the wayside? When does a practice become a tradition? How can a school best nurture its traditions? Paradox‑ ically, traditions represent stability, continuity, rootedness, while at the same time, to be effective, they must be living tradi‑ tions – how can the delivery format of a tradition be adapted to new realities without losing its connecting, binding power?

During its forty‑year history, The Derryfield School has wrestled with the challenge of establishing and nurturing mean‑ ingful traditions, from Head’s Holiday, to Maroon and White, to Country Fair, to Winter Carnival, to creative assemblies (to name a few). The following reflections chronicle some of Derryfield’s experience with the magical, and often mysterious, world of traditions and school communities. They represent Derryfield’s efforts, conscious and unconscious, to incorporate meaningful traditions into school life.

– Chuck Sanborn

B

Paul Keiner on 8th Grade Sendoff The 8th grade sendoff, in the form we know it today, was created during the Middle School stewardship of Rick Zeller around 1998. The thrust of this ceremony has always been to honor each 8th grade student as an individu‑ al through the reading of a personal “testimonial” from the student’s advi‑ sor, or staff member with whom the student has developed a special rela‑

www.derryfield.org

tionship, in the presence of peers, fac‑ ulty, and parents. All students receive sunflowers from their presenters along with their individual testimonials, and all of the testimonials are bound together in a booklet for each family.

The tone and dress have a specific casual emphasis in order to downplay appearance as a measure of worth and to keep the focus of the celebration on whom the student has become on the

inside. Interspersed throughout the readings are interludes of musical selections by Middle School perform‑ ing groups or individual students or faculty members. The ceremony is dis‑ tinctly different from a “graduation;” its intent is to take a moment to reflect on the growth of each student in a warm and supportive manner at this unique moment of transition in the journey of their lives.

25

IN SEARCH OF TRADITIONS

Bruce Berk on the Founder’s Scholar The chain of Derryfield Founder’s Scholars begins with Andy Bidwell in 1986 and continues today with Carl Crafts in 2006. Each link in the chain epitomizes the hopes and dreams we hold in our young leaders. Strong indi‑ viduals with an aversion to simple explanations, Founder’s Scholars hold (in the time honored words of Chuck Sanborn) an unquenchable thirst to “feast at the table of intellectual delights.” Created by former Head of School Mark Hurlbut and Ellie Freedman, the award memorializes founder Peter Freedman and honors those young adults “who best combine academic achievement with personal responsibility, independence and ethi‑ cal sense.”

Twenty recipients later, these hon‑ ored students continue to provide evi‑ dence, through their inductee speeches and their subsequent pursuits, of a love for the intellectual process and dedication to community involvement as integral parts of their lives. While Dina Solomon’s 1994 speech chal‑ lenged others to reach beyond them‑ selves (a belief she has committed her life to), Chris Koerber’s 1989 speech looked at life from the perspective of a tiny potted tree. Regardless of the topic, each speaker challenges common assumptions and forces audiences to re‑examine their beliefs.

Inductees include a procession of students marked by candor, integrity and individuality. Consider the deep intellectualism of Kathleen Stanley or the unwavering optimism of Helen

26

Gemmill and Alexa Warburton.

Whether serious and probing (can any‑ one forget the wardrobe and “hat robe” of Robby Zeller) or wild and zany (Charlie Hendrick’s antics on stage were, perhaps, the precursor for his present artistic career). Intellect‑ ually alive, each one brightened class‑ rooms by insistent questions and were risk‑takers at Derryfield whose jour‑ neys through life are no different.

Isabel Plourde ’06 on Winter Carnival Winter is a long affair. As it wears on, the seemingly endless procession of bleak days causes spirits to sink low.

The rest from vacation has long since worn off, and the busy school days drag on. Students long for another break, yet the next vacation is months away. Luckily, Winter Carnival arrives to break the monotony of winter. It provides a great opportunity to lift spirits and build a greater school com‑ munity. The desire to win Winter Carnival gleams in the eyes of every Derryfield student. While the students are separated into the Maroon and White teams, a new connection is formed between the Upper School and the Middle School. Each grade is ran‑ domly split into maroon and white, and during the assemblies students sit by team instead of grade. The friendly rivalry lightens the mood and allows students to meet new people they have never had a chance to interact with before.

Walk down the hallway on a typical Winter Carnival day, and you will see pirates using the lockers, members of

eighties rock bands pelting red rubber balls at each other in a heated game of dodge ball, or Olympic athletes stuff‑ ing marshmallows into their mouths during Chubby Bunny. These eclectic characters are merely Derryfield stu‑ dents in disguise. In recent years, Student Council has combined with Key Club in an attempt to bring a com‑ munity service element back to the week. During Winter Carnival students raised money and collected food in an effort to support local charities like the Food Bank in Manchester to gain points for their team. Winter Carnival brings students closer within school and brings the whole school closer to the outside community. Games, assem‑ blies, and, of course, shortened classes, cheer up the dull days of winter and keep the students going strong.

David Haight on Head’s Holiday Headmaster’s Holiday at Derryfield dates back to at least the early ’70s and originally occurred once each fall and spring at the discretion of the head‑ master. With fewer than 190 students, twenty faculty members, and six middle‑ and upper‑school teams each season, the planning of the day was much easier; with no gym and only two “fields,” there were also more con‑ straints on activities. To the surprise of both faculty and students, Headmaster’s Holiday was announced at a daily, all‑ school meeting that took place on the patio or in the cafeteria before the start of the school day. Activities ranged from soccer and field hockey to softball and kickball to tug‑of‑war and ultimate

Derryfield Today – Winter/Spring 2006

IN SEARCH OF TRADITIONS

Frisbee. Competitions were between grades (7th vs. 8th, 9th vs. 10th, and 11th vs. 12th), and the faculty fielded its own team, frequently playing against varsity teams or the senior class. All faculty and students were encouraged to participate, but for some it was an opportunity to relax with friends while watching the proceed‑ ings. By lunch time enough energy had been expended so that students were sent on their way, and the school day ended. Headmaster’s Holiday even had its own page in the yearbook.

As Derryfield’s size, facilities, and teams changed, so did the nature of Headmaster’s Holiday. Increasingly, the day was announced to students at a special assembly or fire drill after several periods of classes. Maroon and white teams were introduced and con‑ tests were waged within grades rather than between them. Although athletic competition remained at the heart of the day’s proceedings, more intellectu‑ al contests such as scavenger hunts, board games, and puzzle‑solving were introduced to involve more students and faculty. Trips to Sturbridge Village and Boston were occasionally substi‑ tuted for the athletic contests, and win‑ ter “ski days” and a new gym allowed for winter Headmaster’s Holidays.

While the day has become more for‑ malized and organized over the years, two aspects have remained the same: it continues to work toward building a greater sense of community while offering a break in the routine. Whether it is the anticipation of missed classes, suspension of homework or tests, a

www.derryfield.org

day of socializing, or an opportunity to participate in something different, the announcement “Today is Headmaster’s Holiday!” remains electric.

Kathleen Rutty-Fey ’87 on Country Fair There is something quintessentially “New England” about Derryfield’s Country Fair. Maybe it has to do with the crisp, sunny October days: Somewhere in our collective memories are images of those breezy mornings made warmer by the excitement of the day and a cozy wool sweater or DS sweatshirt. We recall colorful tie‑dye t‑ shirts, Math Man’s jousting prowess, cornstalks, pumpkins, and the feigned agony of those being dragged to the Senior Jail where they waited for their friends to bail them out. We remember the sounds of smashing plates, of stu‑ dents hawking their wares, and more recently of live music floating on the breeze. For former teacher and DS icon, Chuck Sanborn, who initiated the event in the mid‑1970s, Country Fair creates fun and has broad appeal. It is one of the rare moments when the entire school community comes togeth‑ er, a beneficial opportunity that no one understands better than Chuck, who consistently reminded us throughout his Derryfield tenure of the critical importance of social connections and friendships.

In 2003, this important tradition suf‑ fered a near‑death experience. After a couple of lackluster years, a proposal to abolish Country Fair was considered by the administration. Luckily, the sug‑ gestion was met with strong opposi‑

tion, and through the efforts of veteran faculty, alumni, and dedicated parents, Country Fair ultimately re‑emerged as a combined event with Reunion Weekend. An exciting new format includes a stage and live musical per‑ formances by students, faculty, and friends, as well as inflatable games for kids of all ages. Recognizing that facul‑ ty and alumni children, as well as the younger brothers and sisters of current students, make up a significant portion of the crowd, classes are encouraged to prepare one booth that provides a fun and free activity for the young set.

Derryfield is young and still grow‑ ing its traditions, but Country Fair stands out among the bunch. Just take a peek at the yearbooks over time – no other event has generated as many snapshots of school spirit and smiles, of Mr. Lemire in tights (see below), Mr. Cotton covered in shaving cream, Mr. Berk’s shiny head peeking out from the sponge toss, and Mr. Richardson underwater. See…you’re smiling right now.

Kevin Johnston ’84 takes on Math Man at Country Fair his senior year.

27

alumni

Update on Alexander Elias, son of Nick Sapankevych ’86, was born on his father’s birthday.

IN MEMORIAM JONATHAN GILMOUR ’96 Derryfield alumnus Jonathan Gilmour ’96 died on March 30, 2006, in Edinburgh,

The news contained in this section covers the period of December 1, 2005 – June 10, 2006. For more recent news, or to post a note, please log into the Derryfield Portal at www.derryfield.org.

Scotland, of multiple pulmonary embolism.

After graduating from Derryfield, Jonathan attended Skidmore College, and was pusuing a master’s degree in Applied Animal Behavior and Animal Welfare at the University of Edinburgh at the time of his death. He was about to begin his dissertation in the Ionian Dolphin Project in the Greek Islands. An animal lover, he worked as a zookeeper at the Franklin Park Zoo for five years, and was named the nation’s “Ultimate Zookeeper” in a competition sponsored by Microsoft. He is survived by his parents, David and Margaret Gilmour, his sister, Rebecca Gilmour, and a niece and nephew.

LORETTA BARTLETT Derryfield Founder and past parent Loretta Bartlett died on April 8, 2006. She grew up in Rhode Island and was married to Thomas Bartlett, who passed away in

1973 Amy VanderWolk Lederman writes, “I am still enjoying teaching kindergarten at a private all girls school in Manhattan where my youngest, Helen (16) is about to wrap up her sophomore year of high school. My oldest daughter, Jessica (25) graduated from Georgetown University in 2002 and went straight to work for the New York Jets football team. She is currently a Manager of Business Operations there and is working on her MBA at night at Fordham University’s Graduate School of Business. Edie (19) is about to complete her freshman year at Princeton University. My brother, Jeff VanderWolk ’74, and I just had a nice visit in Washington, DC, where he now lives. We see a lot more of each other now that he is back in the States!”

Colin (10) and William (1), sons of Jim Spillane ’87

it was fun to see some familiar upper class‑ men and teachers. Current students gave us a great tour.” n Mindy Nenopoulos Verenis reported through email that “after 25 years (yikes) working in the printing industry, I finally left last May. I traveled to Greece last summer with my husband, Nick, and our two children, Mariana (11) and Harry (9). It was a wonderful experi‑ ence for all of us and we can’t wait to go back! Since our daughter has started mid‑ dle school, I often think back on my won‑ derful years at Derryfield... if only Derryfield were a little closer to Quincy.”

1988. They lived in Florida from 1972 until 1984, where she was active in the Garden Club and Women’s Club. Mrs. Bartlett was a promoter of the Boys and Girls Club on Manchester. She is survived by three sons, including Doug Bartlett ’68, and a daughter, Sharon Brochu ’70.

28

1975 Susan Devine writes, “My husband, Andy, and I enjoyed the gala and 40th birthday!

Although we missed seeing our classmates,

1980 Following Nat Machain’s death in 1999, Derryfield did not run a full story about his contributions to the School, and his commitment to Derryfield. At the request

Derryfield Today – Winter/Spring 2006

U P DAT E O N A L U M N I

of his family, the following is a note regarding his untimely death, and his service to the school. “Nat was a loyal and devoted alumnus. He came to Derryfield as an eighth grader and throughout his high school career he contributed selflessly to the academic, athletic and social life of the School. He went on to earn a degree from UNH’s Whittemore School of Business. Nat spent countless hours on the telephone as a class agent. He worked diligently on the School’s behalf. In August of 1999, he lost his battle with cancer of the appendix. He left behind his wife, Janice, and two daughters. His parents are Andre and Jane Machain. He is missed by the community, but his memory lives on.” n Susan Milne Haydock reported that Lisa Jensen‑ Richardson is doing volunteer work in Guatamala and Costa Maya for two months. She is working with homeless children. n Harry ‘Hawk’ Shapiro is busy getting ready to open Water Taxi Beach, an outside bar and grill in New York City. For more information about the establishment, check out www.watertaxibeach.com.

1981 Scott Jensen is living in Austin, TX. He writes, “I still own Stubb’s Bar‑B‑Q Restaurant and Stubb’s Bar‑B‑Q Sauce Company. Too long a run in this busi‑ ness, but still have a lot of fun. I am married to Amy Jensen – no kids yet.”

1982 Walter Milne wrote to say, “I became a broker for Charles Schwab Private Clients in Manchester. My office is at 2 Wall Street, where I manage client’s portfolio accounts. The draw for me at Schwab was their proprietary equity research which has recently far outper‑ formed all other brokerage firms. I continue to be involved with Derryfield at many levels and I look forward to my class’ 25th reunion in the fall of ’07.“ n Anne Shea Smith has recently published a book entitled Inner Visions: The Healing Path of Art, which outlines a collection of her personal paintings.

She had a book signing at Barnes & Noble bookstore in Manchester on

Mike Spector ’93 with his wife, Rachel, and daughter, Lily.

June 17 with other New England authors. She will be selling artwork, prints, and the book at Aquarius Sanctuary in Massachusetts, as well as giving painting workshops. Check out her online art gallery at www.inner visionsgallery.com.

1983 Amelia Keller Gleed is thrilled that her daughters, Jesse and Cynthia, will be joining Derryfield in the ninth and seventh grades in September 2006.

1984 Robina Gregg O'Rourke writes, “We still live in Portland, ME. Phoebe is three‑and‑a‑half and Gregg will be two in June. I work part time, and the best part is being home with them on the days that I don’t work! Charlie is a social worker with Spurwink and enjoys it. We are all looking forward to the lovely Maine summer.”

Members of the class of 1980 gathered on April 8, 2006 at C.R. Sparks Restaurant. Pictured are (L to R): Harry Shapiro, Brad Knight, Sandra Woods Sattler, Lisa Jensen, Laurie Scovel Pfeifer, Carrie Akeson Benabou, Sue Milne Haydock, and Dave Keller.

www.derryfield.org

29

U P DAT E O N A L U M N I

1986 Jay Kamborian and his wife, Jamie, welcomed their son, Jacob ‘Jake’ Kamborian IV, in November 2005. Jay and his wife still run their successful Candy Cafe in three locations in New England. For more information about the stores, visit www.candycafes.com. n Nick Sapankevych has been living in Clearwater, FL, for the last three years with his wife, Susan, stepson, Tyler (7), and new arrival, Alexander Elias (born September 13, 2005; same day as dad!). Nick has been working for the Raytheon company for ten years and is finishing his Ph.D. in electrical engineering at the University of South Florida in Tampa. Nick still hasn’t con‑ vinced mom and dad to leave the snow shovel behind in East Hampstead, NH, and move to a warmer climate. All are doing well. Nick has been staying in touch with Gail Allman Cole, mostly via email, and he looks forward to the 20th reunion coming up soon.

green belt in Karate.” n Bethany Grob Winder wrote to say “I have been a RN in labor and delivery for eleven years. I am married and living in Boulder, CO. It is the best – sunny and warm in the winter, with snow in the mountains nearby. We have a nine‑ month‑old, Eli Franklin, who of course is great and smart and the cutest baby we have ever seen.”

1989 Natalie Stevenson Macdonald writes, “My husband, Rob, and I welcomed our first son, James Ronan, on July 8, 2005.” n Rodney (J.R.) LaRoche’s mother, Sandra LaRoche, wrote to let Derryfield know that sadly, J.R. has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called choriocarcinoma. It’s a germ cell cancer that most commonly affects those in their late 20’s to early 30’s. J.R.’s doctors have found spots of this cancer on his brain, liver, lungs

and back. Sandra reported, “Aggressive chemotherapy is the only treatment proven successful for this type of can‑ cer. Unfortunately the high doses of chemo my son is receiving have made him incredibly ill.” If classmates would like to contact J.R., you can reach him at 412 West River Road #6, Hooksett, NH 03106. The April 9, 2006 edition of the New Hampshire Union Leader report‑ ed that Rodney is engaged to be mar‑ ried to Lauren Walters of Rochester, NH.

1990 Susanna Woodbury Newsom wrote to let us know that she and James wel‑ comed twin boys on November 25, 2005. David Harlan Newsom was born first at 2:40 a.m. and John Woodbury Newsom was born one minute later.

1987 Jim Spillane writes, “Currently living in Deerfield, NH, where I am Vice Chairman of the Municipal Budget Committee, and I am working as a Senior Technical Writer for Compuware Corporation in Nashua.

My wife and I just added William to our family last March, and my son, Colin, skipped two grades and is now ten years old, doing quite well in Algebra in the 6th grade, and holds a

30

Head of School Randy Richardson (left) and Director of Alumni Relations Tracey Perkins (right) met up with Michael Wall ’94 and his wife, Autumn, when they were in Chicago for a conference.

Derryfield Today – Winter/Spring 2006

CONGRATULATIONS

alumni

parents

1992

To Jacob Kamborian ’86 and his wife, Jamie, a son, Jacob

Page Fairman Rich wrote, “David and I celebrated the arrival of our son, Noah Christopher, on Jaunary 19, 2006.

We are living in Hampton Roads, VA, and I am teaching and coaching at a private school in Norfolk."

‘Jake’ Kamborian IV, in November 2005.

To Nick Sapankevych ’86 and his wife, Susan, a son, Alexander Elias, on September 13, 2005.

To Jim Spillane ’87 and his wife, Donna, a son, William, in March 2005.

To Bethany Grob Winder ’87 and her husband, Tim, a son, Eli Franklin, in May 2005.

To Natalie Stevenson Macdonald ’89 and her husband,

Bethany Grob Winder ’87 with her son, Eli.

1991 Linda Mackey was married on October 1, 2005 to Brendan Mitchell at Mill Falls in Meredith, NH. In 2005 she started her own business as a jewelry designer. To check out her work, visit www.lindyloodesigns.com. n Christopher Perry wrote us to let us know he will be the General Manager of his family’s new business venture.

His family has been awarded four Cold Stone Creamery locations in New Hampshire and Maine. The first store is currently under construction in Nashua near the Target on 101A, and expected to open in April. Additional stores are planned in Manchester, Portsmouth and Kittery, ME. He wel‑ comes everyone in the Derryfield community to stop by for some great ice cream. n Lee Barger wrote, “I cap‑ tained a team to win men’s sport division of ‘24 Hours of Sunlight’ uphill/downhill ski race. I’m also play‑ ing hockey on my company hockey team. (Still wearing high school pants!)

For work I’m designing roundabouts throughout western Colorado.”

Rob, a son, James Ronan, on July 8, 2005.

1993

To Page Fairman Rich ’92 and her husband, David, a son,

Margaux D’Auteuil wrote to let us know that she was married to Mark Peabody on September 3, 2005, in Wolfeboro, NH, on Lake Winnipesau‑ kee. They met while attending Bates College. She also said “I am currently the Dean of Students at Friends Seminary in New York City. Friends is a private K‑12, Quaker, coeducational school in Union Square. In fact, it is the oldest coeducational private institution in NYC. I also teach Chemistry and Advanced Biology.” n Mike Spector wrote to let us know that his wife, Rachel, gave birth to a baby girl on February 23. “Her name is Lily Maureen Spector. Mom and baby are doing great. Lily joins her big brother Daly (our yellow Lab)!” n Katherine Hurlbut Chappell and her husband, Andy, welcomed a daughter to their family. On March 23, 2006, Samantha joined her big brother Brady. All are doing well! n The March 5, 2006, edi‑ tion of the New Hampshire Sunday News noted that Elaina Conroy is engaged to be wed to Anthony Caliento of Geneva, IL. Elaina is still working as an account executive at Home Mag.

Noah Christopher, on January 19, 2006.

To Katherine Hurlbut Chappell ’93 and her husband, Andy, a daughter, Samantha, on March 23, 2006.

To Mike Spector ’93 and his wife, Rachel, a daughter, Lily Maureen, on February 23, 2006.

To faculty member Tom Curley and his wife, Nina, a son, John Sumner, on May 18, 2006.

To faculty member Jennie Roberge and her husband, Benjamin, a daughter, Elizabeth Ann, on May 18, 2006.

CELEBRATING

alumni

weddings Linda Mackey ’91 to Brendan Mitchell on October 1, 2005, in Meredith, NH. Margaux D’Auteuil ’93 to Mark Peabody on September 3, 2005, in Wolfeboro, NH. Brenna McCandliss ’96 to Shane Thomas on May 6, 2006, in Walnut Creek, CA. Carver Woodbury ’96 to Byron Scott on July 30, 2005, in Calgary, Alberta.

Elizabeth Bolduc ’98 to Kevin Boswell on February 28, 2006, in Manchester, NH. John Butler ’00 to Isolde Krummrich on April 15, 2006.

continued on page 38... www.derryfield.org

31

LIFE AFTER DERRYFIELD

In Search of History

by Caroline Foster ’00

A view of the Cairo skyline from the Citadel of Salah al-Din in Cairo, Egypt.

Carrie Foster ’00 was an active member of the Derryfield community during her six years at the School, playing on the basket‑ ball and tennis teams and receiving several honors. She credits her classes with David Haight for igniting her passion for history.

At Connecticut College, she helped start an Arabic language program and studied Arabic at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. After graduation, Carrie trav‑ elled to the Middle East, where she has lived the past two years. Carrie will be returning to Derryfield in the fall to teach history in the upper school.

32

On Friday, the day of rest in the Middle East, a few weeks ago, I took my lunch to the Syrian National Museum in Damascus. There, sitting amidst the marble statues, col‑ umn fragments, and palm trees, I sat reading The Looting of the Iraq Museum, Baghdad. This book is an incredible compilation of essays from archaeolo‑ gists, museologists, and historians who have spent many years working in Iraq and with the Iraq Museum.

Written in response to the destruc‑ tion and looting of the Iraq Museum in April 2003, this book is intended to act as a virtual museum, a space in which a collection largely lost or destroyed can once again be together and a forum in which the individuals who have spent their lives preserving and learning about Iraq’s history can

O

mourn the tragedy of the museum’s fate. One of the essays is by two jour‑ nalists chronicling the treatment of Iraq’s historical sites during the current occupation. At the end of a particularly emotional essay, the authors write, “Not to understand and value our his‑ tory is our tragic flaw.”

I am on a quest to overcome my tragic flaw (or one of them at least!) and understand and value history, both ancient and recent. Although I have always longed to smell, touch, and hear the past, it was the nine months I spent researching and writing my senior thesis, “Invasion and Assimilation in the Medieval Transcontinent,” an analysis of the invasions by the Mongols and the European Christians (Crusaders) of Dar al‑Islam (the lands in which Islam is found) in the Middle Ages, that made it imperative that I live among the remnants of a history I had grown so familiar with from books.

Thus, three short months after my graduation from Connecticut College, I found myself on the banks of the Nile as a Presidential Intern at the American University in Cairo, where I worked with the University’s Center for Adult and Continuing Education and the Special Collections and Rare Books Library.

In Arabic, Cairo is called al‑Qahira, which means “The Victorious.” There is a joke that one of the reasons Egyptians are so proud of their Pharonic history is because that is the last time that Egyptians ruled Egypt.

Although post‑Pharonic Egyptian his‑

Derryfield Today – Winter/Spring 2006

tory has not exactly been frought with Egyptian victory, the city itself reveals its own triumph by maintaining the evidence of 5000 years of history.

I often found myself overwhelmed there: by the magnitude of the view from Qalat Salah al‑Din looking out over a city of twenty million framed by the Pyramids, a thousand minarets, and buildings of every imaginable con‑ struction; by the incessant honking of horns and bumper‑car style of driving; by the generosity of people – families that adopted me and shared their love and meals with me, individuals and organizations committed to developing resources, refugees who courageously move to this already heaving city. And through this all flows the Nile, slicing the urban landscape in half and bring‑ ing life to this metropolis as it has done for thousands of years. Cairo is truly a magnificent city.

I am sitting here trying to think of some easy way to describe Egypt, a revelation that will suddenly make everything clear to someone for whom Egypt is just a vague shape on a map.

www.derryfield.org

Yet, Masr, as the Egyptians call their land, cannot be easily contained in a few sentences. It is a country with incredibly diverse cultures and tradi‑ tions, with a landscape containing everything from the Great Sand Sea and the mountains of Sinai to the lush banks of the Nile and the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean. It is a country with a complicated identity – African, Middle Eastern, Muslim, Christian, Bedouin, and Egyptian – made even more complex by its role in the global community. I can, however, give you one of my favorite memories from living there.

Every morning when I walked into the American University in Cairo cam‑ pus, the guards and I would have a “Battle of the Beautiful,” simply by saying “Good Morning” to each other.

We would begin with the basic greet‑ ing of sabah al‑khayr (morning of well‑ ness) and the response sabah al‑nour (morning of light). With a twinkle in our eyes, we proceeded to wish each other a morning filled with everything beautiful, sweet, or delicious that we

ABOVE: Carrie with a statue of Salah al-Din alAyyubi at the Citadel of Salah al-Din in Cairo, Egypt.

BELOW: Josh Lucas ’00 playing bagpipes in the Roman ruins of Jerash in Jordan.

could think of. On and on we would go, usually until my Arabic vocabulary would fail me. All the Egyptians I knew would do this with me to vary‑ ing degrees and with each other. I loved it. How can the day not be great when it begins by giving and being given something beautiful with just a few words! This mutual giving reveals the generosity of spirit that is one of my favorite elements of life in Egypt.

It was truly a sad day when my con‑ tract in Egypt drew to a close, but hap‑ pily I knew I was staying in the neigh‑ borhood, so to speak. I was offered a job as Director of English Programs at Mamoun International Corporation in Damascus, Syria, and in July 2005, I moved to the Cradle of Civilization.

The Syrians have a wonderful story about their capital city: the Prophet

33

LIFE AFTER DERRYFIELD

Muhammad came to the gates of Damascus and said, “I cannot cross these city walls as I am only allowed to enter heaven once.” And he was right.

Damascus is a little piece of heaven on Earth. My Arabic teacher and I even call the falafal here “wheels of heaven”!

Damascus is the oldest continually inhabited city in the world, and as a result is a cornucopia of religions, eth‑ nicities, and nationalities. Being “Syrian” is more complicated than many people outside of Syria think. As I started to learn in Egypt, identity in the Middle East is not only closely tied to family and the history of the family, but also to the history of the ethnic and religious communities in which one is born. In this sense, there is rarely a line between past and present. I know a woman whose family has been in Damascus for hundreds of years, but she is still identified as Circassian. I work with another man who is from eastern Syria, yet he says he is Kurdish. Although technically Syrian,

Kurdish is his first language. He did not learn Arabic until he moved to Damascus a few years ago.

The personal histories of my friends Samer and Samah illustrate another element of identity in Syria. Samer and Samah were both born in Damascus, yet they identify themselves and are identified by the government as Palestinian. They both speak Arabic

“How can the day not be great when it begins by giving and being given something beautiful with just a few words!” with a Syrian accent, although they periodically slip Palestinian words into the conversation, and they use Syrian body language. Samer, whose family has been in Damascus since al‑Nakba (which means in Arabic, The Disaster) in 1948, said one day, “When I am in Syria, I feel Palestinian. When I am in Palestine, I feel Syrian. So where do I belong?”

Sometimes when people ask me

A Vitruvian moment on a column base at the Ramasseum in Luxor, Egypt.

34

where I am from, I tell them I am Syrian. It usually makes people laugh because I am very clearly not Syrian, although there are blond, light‑eyed Syrians, and it is always fun to share a laugh with people. Once the laughter has subsided, they respond with the wonderful phrase ahlan wa sahlan, meaning roughly “you are most wel‑ come here.” Like Egypt, Syria has a

generous spirit that I value and admire.

I have found traveling alone around Syria to be a sure way to experience this spirit of kindness, hospitality, and generosity. During Eid al‑Adha (a cele‑ bration commemorating Abraham’s near‑sacrifice of Isaac) this past January, I traveled to the northwest coast of Syria. I spent four days wan‑ dering from city to city, soaking in medieval citadels, Ugharit ruins, and rain.

On the last day of this trip, I visited the stunning citadel outside of Benyas, Qalat al‑Marqab‑so imposing that Salah al‑Din did not even attempt to take it, leaving that feat up to the Mongols! The taxi driver who brought me from the bus told me that he had a friend who had lived in the United States for twenty years and had recent‑ ly returned to Syria. Clearly, he had called his friend while I was in the citadel and a meeting had already been set up. As we slowed near the center of

Derryfield Today – Winter/Spring 2006

LIFE AFTER DERRYFIELD

Benyas, I saw a man standing outside of a house waving his arm. As soon as the car stopped, the man opened my door and said “Welcome! Welcome!

How is my country? How is my America?” I could not help but smile.

They invited me in for lunch and I walked in to find his entire family (all eight brothers and sisters and their families, plus his parents) there with dish after dish of mouth‑watering, home‑cooked goodness.

During lunch, his mother asked me about my favorite Syrian foods.

Naturally, the ever‑delicious mulukheya, a spinach‑like vegetable in soup or stew form with lots of garlic and lemon frequently with meat and often served with bread or over rice, was on the top of that list. (My love of Syrian and Egyptian food will have to be the topic of another article as it is profound and passionate.) Almost immediately, she set to work making me a pot of it to take back to Damascus. I tried to tell her that she did not need to make me mulukheya but, there I was, a few hours later, sit‑ ting on the bus back to Damascus with a steaming pot of mulukheya on my lap, not to mention the four pounds of apples and three jars of homemade jam she packed as well!

As I continue on my quest to under‑ stand and value history, and uninten‑ tionally collect some pretty wild sto‑ ries, I am struck by the thought that although I witnessed events that have caught the attention of the world, like Egypt’s election this past fall and the demonstrations in Damascus this past

www.derryfield.org

February, so much of what I have expe‑ rienced and learned will never be included in a history textbook. I now know that the Arabic word for booger is mukhta and that a pretty girl walk‑ ing down the streets in Cairo is called a “banana” by the group of shabab, young men, loitering on the street cor‑ ners. I know that Salah al‑Din’s tomb in Damascus is right near an amazing shop that sells bouza, an ice cream made from whole cream and pista‑ chios, and that Tamer Hosni, the Arab Justin Timberlake, is very short and can’t really sing. These details are what make the difference between history as a faceless timeline of events and histo‑ ry as the stories of real people who have suffered, triumphed, and just simply lived.

And it is these details of Egypt and Syria which cannot be completely cap‑ tured in a history textbook or even a personal narrative that I value the most from my time here. In the immortal words of The Lonely Planet Guide to Syria and Lebanon: “…the strongest memory of your trip to these ancient lands might not lie in your photo album.”

Carrie with some new friends in a mosque in Aleppo, Syria.

Carrie with friends Samer and Samah on a freezing cold day in January in front of Syria’s only volcano.

Carrie with her parents at the Pyramids of Giza.

35

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Returning to Campus If you would like to return to the School to visit classes or to be a part of school assemblies, please contact Diane Allen, Alumni Coordinator, at diane.allen@derryfield.org.

Gerard Murphy ’98 Gerard Murphy ’98 returned to cam‑ pus on December 5, 2005, as a guest speaker at the All‑School Assembly.

Gerard, who is a Gettysburg College graduate and is currently employed at CMarket in Boston, MA, spoke to the students about his memories of the School. He told the audience about his appreciation for the challenging aca‑ demics that Derryfield had to offer by citing an experience at Gettysburg. He recalled a time when he was sitting in his college course and distinctly missed the engaging discussions and insightful arguments in his classes at Derryfield. While visiting Derryfield, Gerard also got the chance to be a “guest speaker” in Mr. Cotton’s Philosophy class. This spring he assist‑ ed the Parent and Faculty Association with the planning of their auction.

Gerard donated his professional time

Gerard Murphy ’98 speaking at assembly in December.

36

and services to build an online compo‑ nent to the auction.

Meghan Kenny ’02 “It’s a big sacrifice to choose the writ‑ ing life,” says Meghan Kenny ’92, the 2006 Derryfield Visiting Writer. “You lose faith a lot.”

Like her fiction, Meghan is direct, honest and grounded. In person, she’s self‑effacing, generous, and funny. She looks you right in the eye and smiles.

During her return to Derryfield, she shared her stories – and her story – revealing how she first discovered fiction at Derryfield, learned the craft at Kenyon, and began her career as a teacher and writer at Boise State, Idaho. She has come a long way – and full circle back to New Hampshire, where she still loves to sit by Eastman Lake and write. Meghan’s career has taken off in the last year, as her story, “The Driest Season,” was selected Best Fiction in the annual Iowa Review Awards and was published in the Winter 2005/06 edition. In addition, another major college review, The Gettysburg Review, published her story “These Things Happen,” a quirky tale set in a diner in a weary New Hampshire town. Sonora Review pub‑ lished her story “The Genius of Love.”

Meghan is back from stints of working and writing in Japan and France, and reminds us that it’s all about “being in the world and paying attention,” even at the local diner.

The writing life requires courage and perseverance, something she learned about at Derryfield, which

only admitted her after several tries. A determined athlete, Meghan was a leading player on three state champi‑ onship soccer teams, and during her career, her team ran off 49 games with‑ out a loss! She remains close to her many Derryfield classmates, especially her soccer pals – Angela Calvetti, Taylor Ferry, Hilary Hornor, and Paulita Isabelle. She enjoyed remem‑ bering her days at Derryfield where all this began. “The World According to Garp was the first book I really, really loved – and I realized that reading did‑ n’t have to be painful.” She was first introduced to the work of Raymond Carver in her senior year, and his bit‑ ing, tough stories clearly have left its mark in her work. “A story is a compact space within which to work – get in and get out,” says Meghan. Her stories, like Carver’s, are full of raw, real bites of life – “those mundane actions hold a lot of weight.” Meghan recommends the work of Tobias Wolff, Richard Ford, and Andre Dubus. She owes a great deal to her first college professor,

Meghan Kenny ’02 answering questions during her visit on campus.

Derryfield Today – Winter/Spring 2006

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Hilary Chaplain ’74 performing a scene from “A Life in Her Day.”

Robert Olmstead, also a New Hamp‑ shire native. She also mentioned www.grubstreet.org, a cool website for contemporary young writers.

Advice from Meghan for those wanting to write fiction: go to a coffee shop and jot down five cool snippets of conversation that might spark a story.

She urges us to get out in the world: “When writing, you can get too much in your own head.” She reminds us to stay open to the unexpected as it jumps onto the page: “if you surprise yourself, you surprise your readers.”

The next challenge for Meghan is the compilation of her first collection of stories. We can’t wait.

– Bob Cole

Hilary Chaplain ’74 Hilary Chaplain ’74 performed her solo physical comedy performance “A Life in Her Day” in front of Derryfield students and faculty during a special

www.derryfield.org

All School Assembly on April 25, 2006.

Hilary returned to campus after being in touch with the Middle School Assembly committee and the visual and performing arts department.

Following the show, Hilary visited a variety of classes in the middle school and in the theatre department. She was Derryfield’s own artist in residence as she took the opportunity in the class‑ rooms to educate many students about the skill behind being a physical comedian.

Chaplain’s long history in entertain‑ ment began after she graduated from Derryfield. She went on to attend Hampshire College and received her BA in Theatre Arts. Chaplain is an accomplished actress, comedienne, and educator. She has appeared in Forrest Gump, played a lawyer on Law and Order, and was on the David Letterman Show. In addition, she entertains chil‑ dren in New York City Hospitals as “Nurse Nice” in the renowned Big Apple Circus Hospital Program.

For more information about Hilary’s accomplishments and upcoming pro‑ jects, please check out www.hilarychaplain.com.

Alumni Council Message I want to welcome our newest Alumni, the Class of 2006! With this, our 39th commencement, we are now over 1600 alumni strong. The end of this school year is bittersweet as we say goodbye to a few Alumni Council members.

Dave Larrivee ’84, Jim Hendrix ’77, Brad Benson ’78, and Sue Haydock ’80 have shown unparalleled dedication in

the past and we wish them well, and we know they will be stopping back.

Tracey Perkins, Director of Alumni Relations, has moved back to her alma mater, Colby‑Sawyer College. We thank her for all the work she has done in the past two years as we welcome the newest member to the alumni staff, Diane Allen, Alumni Coordinator.

This past year has seen the Council continue some great old traditions as well as initiate a few new ones. Along with our golf tournament, reunion weekend, Boston gathering, and senior sendoff events, we also welcomed new additions to the schedule, such as the past parent dinner and alumni gather‑ ings in San Francisco, Chicago, and New York City. So it is with much anticipation that I unveil our schedule for the 2006‑2007 year: August 9 – Young Alumni Summer Send Off (Classes ’03‑’06) August 25 – 12th Annual Kickoff Classic Golf Tournament September 29 – Reunion Weekend Thanksgiving – Alumni Games March – Boston Event April – NYC Event April – Past Parent Event Look for these and other surprise events. For questions or ideas visit www.derryfield.org or email me at cnorwood@nainorwoodgroup.com or Diane at diane.allen@derryfield.org.

Chris Norwood ’99 Alumni Council President

37

U P DAT E O N A L U M N I

...continued from page 31

1994

Public Health at Yale. I will start in July 2006. I am moving to Hamden, CT, and would love to hear from people.”

Jonathan Kfoury and Elena Gadient were married on November 4, 2005 at the Palmilla One and Only resort in Cabo San Lucas Mexico. They now reside in Marblehead, MA. n Cam Brensinger’s company, NEMO Equipment, has won another award!

The company just received a Bottom Line Design award from Business 2.0 and frog design, inc., which honors products with the most noteworthy designs for 2005. n Matthew Scotch wrote to say “In April 2006, I graduat‑ ed with a Ph.D. in Biomedical Informatics from the University of Pittsburgh. I have accepted a two‑year postdoctoral fellowship in the Center for Medical Informatics at Yale University. I have also been accepted into the MPH program at the School of

Nell Dodge writes, “Happy holidays to all at Derryfield! All is well in New York City and I am still working at Chilewich doing production and inter‑ national distribution. It’s a great small company.” n The January 1, 2006, edi‑ tion of The Union Leader reported that Michelle Gelfand was engaged to marry William ‘Gary’ Wright of Monte Rio, CA. Michelle is working as a com‑ munications specialist with Bodega Bay Harbor Home Owners Association in Bodega Bay, CA. A spring 2006 wed‑ ding is planned. n Charlie Hendricks played Lot in a production of Sodom’s Wife, a movement‑based reimagining

1995

of the Biblical story of Sodom with lots of great dance pieces and a sexy, sensa‑ tional cast! It ran March 16 – April 2 at the 45th Street Theatre, in New York City. n Lisa Tuttle Hultgren writes, “My husband, Matthew, and I are extremely happy in our new home in Burlington, KY. My brother, Ryan Tutle ’93, was just out for a visit.

Unfortunately, he and his wife, Leslie, live very far away in New Jersey.” n Lesley Keiner wrote to say “I am grad‑ uating from UMass and then on to Princeton, NJ, for the month of June. I will be looking for jobs in the museum field in a number of cities. Also, I became engaged at the end of April to Matthew Herzberg. We met in DC after graduating from college, and have been together ever since. A fall 2007 wedding is in the planning stages. I am incredibly excited to start this new chapter in my life.”

1996

Charlie Hendricks ’95 (center) as Lot in a production of Sodom’s Wife in New York City.

38

Matt Melkonian is currently pursuing a degree from Johnson & Wales University in Professional Sports Entertainment Management. He is working full time with the Colorado Avalanche in the National Hockey League and the Colorado Mamouth in the professional indoor Lacrosse League. He lives in Denver, CO, near Jed Van Sciver and Wes Stearns. n Carver Woodbury wrote to say “I mar‑ ried Byron Scott of Calgary, Alberta, on July 30, 2005. We moved from Madison, WI, in May to Vancouver,

Derryfield Today – Winter/Spring 2006

U P DAT E O N A L U M N I

BC. After living in Vancouver for some time, we decided to move to Calgary in October where Byron started working for BP Canada (formerly British Petroleum). Byron and I met while he was doing doctoral work in economics at the University of Wisconsin‑ Madison: he was a classmate of my sis‑ ter Eliza ’93’s husband, Matt LaPenta.

We have bought a house in Calgary, and I am waiting to get permanent res‑ ident status and a work permit. I am really enjoying the western winter and all the sunshine in Calgary. We have two dogs, Barney and Peanut, who keep us entertained. Hopefully the future will bring grad school for me and a new job.” n Kristen Pearson will be getting married on Saturday, September 30 in Manchester. She is planning to work some 10th reunion activities into her special weekend! n Jonathan Gilmour died suddenly at the age of 29 while studying in Scotland. Tragically, blood clots that formed in the veins of his leg became lodged in his lungs. At the time of his death he was a student at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, where he was completing a master’s degree in applied animal behavior and animal welfare. Jonathan was about to begin his dissertation studying dolphin behavior in Greece when he died.

While Jonathan worked at the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston, he was named the nation’s “Ultimate Zookeeper” in 2002 after winning a competition sponsored

by Microsoft. The zoo was given $20,000 as a prize, and Gilmour was featured in many local newspapers

www.derryfield.org

Carver Woodbury ’96 with her husband, Byron Scott, on their wedding day.

and a national magazine. Although Jonathan was only a Derryfield student for his junior and senior years, he is fondly remembered by his friends and teachers as a respectful and valuable member of the community.

1997 Emily Newick writes, “On a recent trip west, I stayed with Brian Guercio in Park City and Helen Gemmill ’96 in Boulder. It was a great visit with all.”

1998 Amelie Baudot wrote to let us know that she is attending New York University law school and is living in the city. n Christopher Ogden wrote to say, “I am currently finishing up my M.S. in Sports Administration at Southern New Hampshire University.

Great program, great people; not unlike dear old Derryfield. Through the SNHU network I was able to gain a position as an intern with Octagon, one of the top sports management firms in the world. I am working in Portland, ME, with their Olympic and Action Sports division. We have a number of athletes competing in the X Games at the end of January, and of course at the Olympics in Torino in mid‑February. I have been working at a wide variety of tasks, but mostly I explore new mar‑ keting and sponsorship opportunities for our athletes. It’s been great fun and I am learning everything I can. Aside from that I am still golfing regularly, despite the white stuff all over the ground. There is a lot of putting around chairs in the living room. I fear this game of golf may consume me, as it has claimed previous victims. I love it and I can’t stop.” n The January 12, 2006, edition of Neighborhood News reported that Jessica Reid was married

39

U P DAT E O N A L U M N I

to Jeffrey Wester at the Second Baptist Church in Sanbornton, NH. The couple now resides in Akron, OH. Jessica is working as a service representative for Cornerstone Medical Services in Ohio. n Liz Bolduc was married to Kevin Boswell on February 28, 2006. After a two‑week honeymoon in Hawaii, the couple will live in Kaneohe Bay, HI. n Gerard Murphy wrote to let us know that he is getting his MBA at Babson.

He is working at cMarket in Boston, MA. n Elizabeth Stefany wrote, “I have been teaching at Sugarloaf Mountain all year, and will be going back to work at the summer camp this summer. I love it here in Maine, and

am now officially living here year‑ round with my boyfriend. I am finally setting up a jewelry website to hope‑ fully get a little side business going.

Check out www.cvjewelry.com.”

1999 Ditty Steele wrote on the online com‑ munity, “I have recently been accepted to the University of Colorado Health Sciences Physician’s Assistant graduate program. I am very excited about this news and am looking forward to start‑ ing the three‑year program late in May. In the meantime, I have been working

SAVE THE DATE

reunion

weekend

This year, the Derryfield reunion weekend will be held on the weekend of September 29‑30, and we will be combining events that will allow all alumni, stu‑ dents, parents, and friends to take part in Derryfield activities. Five‑year milestone reunions will be held for the classes of 1971, 1976, 1981 1986, 1991, 1996, and 2001.

We are still seeking reunion chairs for the classes of 1981, 1996 and 2001.

Events to look forward to: n Alumni Art Show Reception n Student Talent Show n Country Fair – Saturday n Athletic Games and Tailgate n Class Parties

The 2006 reunion chairs are: 1971: Tony Nenopoulos, Rick Kalil 1976: Gayle McGinnis, Bess Carey 1986: Jay Kamborian, Jenny Carlson Mullins, Heather Koerber Nunes, John Robinson 1991: James Galluzzo, Linda Mackey Mitchell, Chris Perry Karin Loscocco Witt

For more information about these special events, please contact Diane Allen, Alumni Coordinator, at 603.669.4524, ext. 136 or at diane.allen@derryfield.org.

40

at a residential/rehab facility for people with traumatic brain injuries. I love my job (it sounds much more intense then it is), but I am happy to be returning to school. I had a wonderful visit to Derryfield in October. It was reassur‑ ing to see that despite many changes, the core group of ‘greats’ remains to teach and do what they do best.” n Christina Hancock wrote on the online community “Hey everyone! I am cur‑ rently living in Cincinnati, OH. I’ve been out here since January of last year. I graduated from the Operations Management Leadership Program in GE Aviation last July. I had a lot of fun while I was on program – I was able to try a number of different jobs from supervisor to quality control in loca‑ tions from Hooksett right down the road from Derryfield to Kansas. I am now working as a Customer Account Manager for Commerical Spare Parts for GE Aviation with accounts in France and Singapore. I’ve been lucky to be able to visit Paris and Singapore through my work. I’ve been having a lot of fun out here in Cincinnati. If you’re in the area, send me a note!”

2000 Allen Breed’s parents have reported that Allen graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2004 and has been teach‑ ing third grade in Connecticut. n Insley Barr wrote to say, “I moved out to New York with my son, Chris, who is now three to ‘start over.’ I am cur‑ rently getting my associates in nursing

Derryfield Today – Winter/Spring 2006

U P DAT E O N A L U M N I

through the SUNY system, and hope to see everyone in New York City soon!

Best of luck to you all.” n Jenna Sirkin’s parents wrote to let us know that Jenna is traveling for three months in Southeast Asia. She will be back in April for three months and then off to Mexico for one year to work on women’s health issues in Latin America.

Boston Reception The Alumni Alliance sponsored a gathering for Boston area alumni of Derryfield, Winsor, Fenn, St. Johns, Roxbury Latin, BB&N on March 2, 2006 at Clarke’s Turn of the Century pub in Faneuil Hall.

Twenty-five Derryfield alumni attended the event.

2001 Andrew Weisberg’s parents reported that Andrew is currently attending Fordham Law School in New York City. He is living in Little Italy. n Blake Marston wrote on the online community “Hey everyone, I hope this note finds you all well. After a couple transfers I’ve finally settled on Stonehill and have been really happy there. I’m playing ball and anticipate a successful spring following our 2nd place NE‑10 finish last season. I love my majors and plan to pursue law school or grad school for architecture.

Whichever I decide the plan is to be on the west coast so if anyone’s out there already drop me a line. Take care!” n Ben Kaplan has been awarded a Fulbright scholarship. He will be trav‑ eling to Korea to continue his study of art.

Julie Davis ’96, Stacy Starner ’99, Chris Norwood ’99, and Erik Shaka ’99.

Laura Hunter ’00, Josh Morton ’97, Bruce Berk, and Allison Messier ’02.

Andy Chappell, Kate Hurlbut Chappell ’93, Jennifer Melkonian, and Marc Hurlbut.

www.derryfield.org

41

U P DAT E O N A L U M N I

2002 Jamie Feinberg writes, “I’ve had a wonderful year traveling the country with Missoula Children’s Theatre, and eagerly await results from my applica‑ tion to a graduate program in Musical Direction at Arizona State University, Tempe.” n Matthew Boelig’s parents reported that Matthew is a senior pre‑ med student majoring in molecular cellular and developmental biology at Yale University. Last summer was spent doing research on malaria with the National Blood Service of Great Britain at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, UK. He received a fellowship from Yale in conjunction with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute for his research project. n Taylor Breed’s parents have reported that Taylor will graduate in May from Vanderbilt University with a degree in economics and history, and he is currently looking for a job. n Dan Chen wrote to say, “Following graduation from Columbia in May, I have accepted a job offer with a July starting date. I will be working in the New York office of a European investment bank, Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein, in their Corporate Finance and Origination (mergers and acquisi‑ tions) group.” n This summer, follow‑ ing her graduation from the New England Conservatory of Music, Allison Messier will attend the Bel Canto Institute in Florence, Italy. There she will perform weekly concerts and study the role of Isabella from Rossini’s ‘L’Italiana in Algeri’ with teachers and conductors from around the world.

42

Steve Mathes passed on a funny story from Allison. “Yesterday, I went to traf‑ fic court in Newton to fight a speeding ticket. They weren’t going to let me off.

As I was asking them about the appeal process, they realized I was a student.

So then the judge started asking me a million questions about where I go to school, what I major in, what kind of music do I sing, etc. Then he said that La Traviata is his favorite opera and if I sing him something from it he’ll let me off. So I did and he did. Can you believe it?” n On May 27, Julie Jorgensen graduated second in her class from the United States Military Academy at West Point. She is a Lieutenant in the United States Army.

That Sunday, she married her fiance and classmate, Jon Paynter. They are both lieutenants and will be stationed together in Austin, TX. n Bruce Berk reported that Lauren Brenner has been elected to phi Beta Kappa at Franklin and Marshall. She received her degree in anthropology. He also reported that Ross Barney received his BA in Engineering from Brown University and is off to work at Boeing in California.

National Team. She will be competing in the women’s eight at the FISA World Rowing Under 23 Championships, held July 20‑23 in Hazewinkel, Belgium. Kate is a junior at Dartmouth, where this spring’s crew has had the most successful season in recent histo‑ ry. n Marie Hilliard was part of the Mt. Holyoke College Equestrian Team that won Intercollegiate Horse Show Association’s National Championship in Harrisburg, PA, during the first weekend in May. The team finished just ahead of Stanford and Penn State. n Bruce Berk reported that Tina Churchill graduated in three years from UVM, summa cum laude, and is off to seek her fortune in Hartford, CT.

2004 David Moore’s mother reported that David is attending The University of Vermont and is loving life in Burlington. n Beth Frieden’s parents have reported that Beth has the lead role in Caucasian Chalk Circle by Berthold Boecht at Whitman College,

2003 Hanna Melnick’s mother reports that Hanna is having a wonderful semester abroad in Bolivia and will be teaching at BRYE (Boston Refugee Youth Enrichment) this summer for her sec‑ ond summer. n Kate Davison has made the USRowing 2006 Under 23

Ben Glahn ’95 and Scott McAuliffe ’95 on Mt. Adams in the North Cascades.

Derryfield Today – Winter/Spring 2006

U P DAT E O N A L U M N I

2005 Derek Boelig’s parents report that Derek is a freshman at Lehigh University, where is enrolled in the Integrated Business and Engineering Honors Program. He was elected as a class rep to the IBE Council. He spent last summer as a counselor at Bates College All Sports Camp and as part of a group of Derryfield 2005 alumni offering lawn services through their business “The Lawn Boys.” n Sarah Murphy’s mother reported that Sarah is staying in DC for the summer to work three jobs, one of which is Americorps.

Former Faculty Jack Sanford, Mark Sanford ’06, Terri Moyer, and Melanie Herbert ’02 on a trail to Carter Notch in December.

where she is a sophomore. The pro‑ duction is March 2‑4, 2005. She is majoring in theatre, and plans to spend the fall semester at Edinburgh University. n Cara Bishop’s parents wrote to let us know that she is cur‑ rently studying abroad in the Dominican Republic this semester. n Ashley Westbrook wrote to let us know that she is going to be studying in South Africa during the fall 2006 term.

www.derryfield.org

Bryan Duff writes, “I’ve finished my Ph.D. and Karen and I (and our soon‑ to‑be‑born son) are moving to western Massachusetts.”

YOU’RE INVITED!

young alumni summer

send off

All college‑age Derryfield alums are invited to join us for a summer send off BBQ in the Wallace Garden (adjacent to the Glass Connector Hallway and Dunlap Tennis Courts). Members of the Classes of 2003 through 2006 will gather at Derryfield on Wednesday, August 9 from 6‑8 p.m. for food, fun, and fabulous prizes before head‑ ing off for adventures that fall will bring. Don’t miss this opportunity to reconnect with friends! Please RSVP no later than August 7. For RSVP’s or additional informa‑ tion, contact Diane Allen, Alumni Coordinator, at 603.669.4524, ext. 136 or diane.allen@derryfield.org.

43

U P DAT E O N A L U M N I

wwwhat’s happening at derryfield.org?

The Derryfield Portal The Derryfield Portal is your access to the most current information on what is happening on campus, including news, photos, announce‑ ments, links, downloads, weather, and events. This is the page to bookmark for your link to Derryfield. To access the Portal, click ‘Login’ on the front page of www.derryfield.org. Even more informa‑ tion is available once you enter your username and password (see below), including a customizable calendar, community directory, pro‑ file information, a mentor community, and group pages for both ath‑ letic teams and alumni classes. Other items behind the password are Nuts & Bolts, DSENews, the Lamplighter, lunch menus, and access to the library’s subscription databases. This is section will continue to expand over time with more information being added to team and class pages. Keep checking in to see what’s happening at Derryfield.

Logging In

The Derryfield news portal.

Usernames are firstinitiallastname (JSmith for Jane Smith) for parents and firstinitiallastnametwodigitgradyear (JDoe87 for John Doe ’87) for alumni. Usernames for students and faculty are the same as for their school accounts. Your temporary password is printed on the mailing label on the back cover of this magazine above your name. Once you log in, you will be asked to choose a permanent password. If you have any questions about your username and password, please contact Annie Branch at abranch@ derryfield.org.

Class Pages & Mentor Community

Alumni class pages.

44

Each alumni class has its own class page, which can be accessed by loging into the Portal. The pages offer photos, class notes, events, email addresses, and other links and downloads. You can access your class page from the Portal under ‘My Groups,’ or click ‘Groups,’ then ‘Alumni.’ Click the + sign to list all the classes. Post your class note and catch up on the latest news about your class.

The newest addition to the site will be the return of the Mentor Community this summer. Also available on the Portal or under ‘Groups,’ this function will give Derryfield community members the opportuni‑ ty to be mentors or mentees for both careers and colleges. We need your support to make this resource valuable. Please log in and sign up to be a mentor today!

Derryfield Today – Winter/Spring 2006

THE DERRYFIELD SCHOOL 2006 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA

profile

Alumni

Sarah Silverman ’89 arah Silverman, whom we honor today with the Distinguished Alumna Award, grew up – sort of – in Bedford, and graduated from Derryfield in 1989. I think that those of us who taught, coached, and knew her remember her as a funny and friendly student, but I can’t believe anyone knew she’d be so successful. I was asked to talk about her because I was her teacher and advisor, and because I talk about her all the time; she is one of my only brushes with fame.

Sarah has had an incredibly rich and full career in the world of entertain‑ ment; most of it out of the mainstream and thus unnoticed by most of us. She has over 80 listed credits for movies and TV. She is listed on IMDB as an actress, a writer, a producer, and even a composer. She is a big deal in the world of comedy; not PG comedy, but the dangerous edgy sort that has offended people on more than one occasion. I wonder where she learned to do that.

The origins of her career predate Derryfield, but the beginning is clearer after her graduation, when she went to NYU and spent most of her time there grabbing at every opportunity to do stand‑up comedy. She took the big risk after one semester, dropping out of

S

www.derryfield.org

school – with great parental support – and committing herself to her pursuit.

She does have a mainstream career of sorts, a career that has included roles in movies such as Rent, School of Rock, Evolution, Heartbreakers, There’s Something About Mary, the not so suc‑ cessful Say It Isn’t So, and the disas‑ trously awful The Bachelor. She has appeared on a score of shows ranging from Monk to Frasier, Star Trek: Voyager to JAG to Seinfeld. She spent the 1993‑94 season on Saturday Night Live, grossly underused. The people in charge there who let her go must feel mighty dumb now. A Rolling Stone article called her the funniest woman in America. The New Yorker and Vanity Fair have done pieces on her. She is currently absorbed in writing a Comedy Central show in which she will be playing… herself.

It is her real career, the one most of us don’t know, that is most impressive.

Primarily a stand‑up comedian, she has crashed a business that can be very slow to change, one that tends to stay with what has worked before, where there are few risks taken and every job or role has its rigid qualifications. For years there were almost no female comedians because, according to the rules, women aren’t funny. If they were

allowed to perform, their routines had to center around problems with their mothers, the desperate search for a boyfriend, or difficulties keeping their weight down. And to have an audi‑ ence, a comedian has to be safe, to be bland, to shoot for that middle ground where no one is offended.

Well, I have heard some of Sarah’s comedy routines and jokes, and read many others. Apparently the people who chose her to be recognized today have not. Does the sort of person who would be doing Celebrity Roasts of Hugh Hefner and Pamela Anderson sound like a Distinguished Alumna?

Does the Alumni Council know what the movies The Aristocrats and Jesus is Magic are about? We’re not talking Disney here.

Or maybe the Alumni Council is wicked hip and is recognizing her today for those very qualities that I have touched on. Fearless and provoca‑ tive, willing to burst through those lim‑ itations others have set up, curious about the world and willing to state her feelings about what she sees, Sarah might even represent the values this school espouses… without the X‑rated language and graphic subject matter.

– Dick Anthony

45

Bugsy Malone Rachel McCoy ’12, Michael Bradley ’12, and Avery Klein ’12 in a scene from the sixth grade winter production of Bugsy Malone.

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.

2108 River Road Manchester, NH 03104-1396 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID MANCHESTER, NH PERMIT NO. 290