Lamplighter Winter 2021 by Allen-Stevenson

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THE ALLEN-STEVENSON SCHOOL

Winter 2021

THE ALLEN-STEVENSON SCHOOL

Communications Team Sarah Woods Director of Communications

Winter 2021

Head of School’s Message

New Head of School

Around A-S

Features

Jenny Bruce Associate Director of Communications

Geoff Feder ’89 | Professionalism Rooted in Lessons from Allen-Stevenson

Candace Silva Communications Manager

Safe and Savvy Surfing: Digital Fluency at Allen-Stevenson

Damian VanCamp ’00 | Connectivity Laid the Groundwork

Adapting Theatre in a Pandemic

Late 4 Morning Planning Creates Deeper Learning in First Grade Plant Study

Mike Greene ’06 | Lifelong Learning Requires Pivoting

Bringing Life to the Classroom

From the Front Desk

Contributing Writers Maurice Hicks René Rivera Julie Robles David Trower h’95 Jen Ziplow Photographers Jenny Bruce Maurice Hicks Al Pereira Candace Silva Louisa Wells Sarah Woods Designer Mase Kerdel-DeMarco Front cover photo: Eighth-grade boys are studying and recording their observations as part of their chemical vs. physical changes lab. Back cover photo: Third-grade boys are in the process of creating their own versions of Indonesian shadow puppets.

The Allen-Stevenson School admits students of any race, color, religion, nationality, or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, employment policies, financial aid program, or any other programs administered by the School.

Building Update

Founders Day

Closing Exercises

Ongoing Schools

From the Archives

Parents Association

Welcome New Parents Association Executive Board New Siblings New Trustees New Alumni Council Members New Faculty & Staff

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Recent Retirements

Alumni Spotlight

Alumni News

In Memoriam

QR Codes: We’ve added a few QR codes throughout this issue so that you can read about our strategic initiatives, listen to the Founders Day speaker and watch the 2021 Closing Exercises. The Lamplighter is published biannually by The Allen-Stevenson School and is sent to alumni, parents, and other friends of the School. Printed on paper containing 20% post-consumer recycled content.

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H E A D

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Continuity and Change at Allen-Stevenson

In their Allen-Stevenson prospectus of 1904, Mr. Allen and Mr. Stevenson asserted, “We intend to teach intelligent habits of study, to train the boys’ bodies, and to develop straightforward, manly characters.” Well over a century later and amplified by any number of robust experiences in the arts and other domains, this approach is still our path. It also reflects our conviction that education for boys should be more than what Mr. Stevenson once termed “a mere stuffing of knowledge in their heads.” Recently I described that process as follows:

As boys face new challenges through academics, athletics and the arts, they accumulate a portfolio of robust experiences. Accordingly, our mission statement declares, “We challenge our students to take suitable risks, learn from their mistakes, and support each other.” Over time this builds the foundation that, to quote the mission again, “teaches boys to value the gratifying process by which excellence is attained.” Our approach shifts the focus from teaching to learning, so that boys can become even more skillful, not simply in what they know and can do, but also in their capacities to continue learning throughout their lives. They must become agents in their own learning.

David on the townhouse steps

This delightful issue of the Lamplighter illustrates how Allen-Stevenson today is preserving, extending, and renewing its distinctive, robust, and spirited approach to the education of boys. We always start with the School’s statements of mission, vision and community and consider how these are important now. This issue’s page about “Why K-8” summarizes some of the most salient points to understand about Allen-Stevenson: • • • •

We We We We

focus on boys’ formative years. foster leadership and confidence. find boys the right high school. know the research.

As we celebrated the 139th “birthday” of Allen-Stevenson on Founders Day last October, this vitality was obvious. Our special speaker Adam Donaldson ’05 spoke to the student body from the renowned football stadium at Notre Dame. He talked about how his Allen-Stevenson education had shaped many of his own values in adulthood. He also gave the boys great advice on how to approach challenges and opportunities in life. [See page 25 to listen to his speech.]

David at the Back-to-School Social

Other changes grow out of the School’s two-year strategic planning process, which identified four main themes (or “pillars”) around which to organize the strategic initiatives we would undertake. These pillars are: Educating the Whole Boy, A Purposeful Place, A Connected Community, and A Foundation of Financial Sustainability.

Scan QR code for Strategic Initiatives

at Allen-Stevenson, and made the decision reluctantly, there were just not enough candidates to make that grade workable in today’s world. As I prepare to retire at the end of June 2022, I am excited to hand this wonderful institution over to Duncan Lyon, our new Head of School. He will become the 8th leader of Allen-Stevenson in what will then be the 140th year. Because of the comprehensive search process the School underwent to select Mr. Lyon, and the enthusiastic engagement our community showed in that process, I am very confident about AllenStevenson’s bright future. In closing, I want to remind you that I often sign my messages with the School’s motto Fortiter et Recte, which we usually translate as “strongly and rightly.” My explanation is straightforward: I believe that we should approach change and renewal vigorously. That has been Allen-Stevenson’s legacy for nearly 139 years, and it has proven to provide the best learning for boys. Thank you for being our partners and willingly embracing new possibilities for Allen-Stevenson. Fortiter et Recte!

Last year, considering the end of the 9th Grade, we moved towards two administrative structures (a Lower Division of Kindergarten through 4th Grade and an Upper Division of 5th David R. Trower h’95 through 8th Grades). Though we always prized Head of School the opportunity for boys to complete 9th Grade

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For a historian, the theme of continuity and change is significant. For example, historians ask whether change is social, economic, cultural, political or personal. They consider how fast or slow change happens, whether it is gradual, steady, rapid, sudden, fast or slow. They also try to determine how extensive change is, whether it is long-lasting or short-term and how it affects people or societies. Also, change can be for the worse or for the better.

Even with the restrictions required by the pandemic, lots of exciting changes are happening at Allen-Stevenson. This issue of the Lamplighter reports on some of them. The most obvious changes are the result of new construction. The building project has provided wonderful new classrooms, science labs and a teaching greenhouse, a new performing arts space, an extended Library Tech Commons, an ample kitchen and larger dining room, and a large new gymnasium that in size meets middle-school regulations. All these changes started with a thorough analysis of the facilities requirements of our educational program—that is, how the schoolhouse should support what we are trying to accomplish in the education of boys.

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I N T RO D U C I N G A L L E N - S T E V E N S O N ’ S 8 T H H E A D O F S C H O O L : D U N C A N LY O N On Wednesday, October 27, 2021, it was announced that Duncan Lyon will join Allen-Stevenson as the 8th Head of School on July 1, 2022. The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to appoint him after the enthusiastic and unanimous recommendation by the Search Committee.

During his time as Head of School at The Carey School, Mr. Lyon has established a strong partnership among faculty, students, parents, alumni, and the Board of Trustees. He completed two capital projects on time and on budget and led two strategic planning processes. Enrollment under his leadership has increased by 10%. He has also implemented an effective faculty growth and evaluation model (including one for himself), led productive Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging efforts, and enhanced his school’s brand and recognition for excellence.

“I am deeply honored and inspired to join the AllenStevenson community as Head of School. The engaging boys with whom I met sold me on the school; they embody the qualities every parent and educator holds dear. Those purposeful conversations were amplified by similar ones with faculty, staff, administration, parents, alumni, and trustees. I look forward to our collective work as we build upon David Trower’s legacy and fulfill the best aspirations for this fine school.”

—Duncan Lyon

Members of the Allen-Stevenson community who met Mr. Lyon during the search process were extremely impressed by his candidacy. Here are a few quotes from the feedback received:

“He has the personality, the experience, the skills, and the sensitivity to lead our school.” “This is a man who has clarity about what our school can be and how to create a culture that will help us develop our passions and strengths. His vision is in line with who we already are striving to become.” “He is knowledgeable, articulate, and authentic in his manner and speech. He seems to possess a strong moral and ethical compass which he uses to guide his professional choices.” “Duncan exemplified the qualities that Allen-Stevenson tries to instill in our students. In my time with him, Duncan exhibited empathy, intellectual curiosity, self-reflection, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.” Mr. Lyon is joining Allen-Stevenson at an exciting time in our school’s history. Allen-Stevenson is nearing the completion of a major enhancement of its learning facilities, implementing newly defined strategic priorities, and continuing to develop the curriculum with an incredibly dedicated and talented group of faculty and staff who are eager to build upon these new initiatives. Metin Negrin, President of the Board of Trustees and Chair of the Head of School Search Committee, said in his letter to the community, “We are confident that Mr. Lyon’s experience, character, and values align with the School’s and that he is the right person to guide AllenStevenson as it continues to educate boys who are passionate learners and compassionate achievers. “As we express our tremendous excitement about the School’s future under Mr. Lyon’s leadership, we will be celebrating the numerous and significant contributions that David Trower has made to our school, our boys, and our community. Early next year, we will begin hosting commemorations to honor Mr. Trower and his incredible legacy here at Allen-Stevenson, in addition to events welcoming Mr. Lyon to our school.”

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Duncan Lyon is currently in his 11th year as Head of School at The Carey School, a leading 93-year-old Pre-K to 5th Grade independent school of 272 students in San Mateo, California. Mr. Lyon began his teaching career at his high school alma mater, the esteemed San Francisco University High School, where he coached basketball, worked on the admissions committee, taught history, and served as a senior dean for eight years. He then moved to New York to work at Dalton, where he taught history, was the assistant high school director, and, for a year, assistant to the school’s chief financial officer. In 2004 he returned to the Bay Area to become the Middle School Director at Bentley School in Berkeley, ultimately being promoted to the role of Assistant Head of School and managing the K-8 campus of the two-campus K-12 school of 700 students.

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AROUND A-S

Out on our festive brownstone steps, Head of School, David Trower, was joined by AllenStevenson parent, Hank Azaria, for a Q & A on this beautiful fall morning. Parents were thrilled to be able to gather in person outside on our closed street for this warm conversation. Both Mr. Trower and Mr. Azaria shared how they each found their own paths in life while being guided and inspired by their fathers before them. As the season changes, Mr. Trower spoke of his plans for the "next chapter" of his life as he will be retiring at the end of the school year. He also shared his excitement for the future of A-S as we will soon be welcoming a new head of school! We thank our outstanding Parents Association for putting this community event together.

#AllenS_Traditions #AllenS_Passionate #AllenS_Parents #AllenS_Community

At Allen-Stevenson we celebrate the Spanish language each and every day as it is studied by all of our boys, from Kindergarten through Eighth Grade. Today, in celebration of LatinX/Hispanic Heritage Month, these kindergarten students stepped outside to enjoy using a favorite tool— sidewalk chalk - to draw the flags of España, Argentina, and Colombia while learning the colors en español. #AllenS_Spanish #AllenS_DeeperLearning #EducatingBoys #loveoflearning #latinxheritagemonth #hispanicheritagemonth

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T O P P O S T S O N I N S TA G R A M

TO P P O S T S O N FAC E B O O K

Fourth-grade Robotics students applied themselves enthusiastically to building and programming their Lego EV3 Mindstorm robots. Afterward, they enjoyed taking them into the library for a robot invasion!

Sixth Grade Science Teacher, Erik Divan, led students in an exploration of various geological sites of interest starting at 79th St and heading all the way up to the Harlem Meer. Such a beautiful, sunny day to learn about amphibolite rock formations; metamorphic or igneous? Ask your sixth grader— they will know the answer! Perhaps they might enjoy talking to you about the difference between Hartland and Manhattan Schist.

Robotics class is so much more than connecting blocks and coding. The boys are problem-solving, working collaboratively, and stretching those critical thinking muscles. #AllenS_Robotics #AllenS_FourthGrade #AllenS_DeeperLearning #TechTuesday

At a balancing boulder in an area known as “The Pool,” the class paused to learn that the original inhabitants of New York City were the Lenape tribe who gave our city the name, Mannahatta (land of many hills). All took a moment to feel thankful, "Wanishi," for the glorious weather and our great fortune to be together today in Central Park.

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#AllenS_Science #AllenS_Compassionate #AllenS_DeeperLearning #CentralPark #FieldTrip

Our Junior Varsity Soccer team literally basking in the sunny glow of yesterday’s victory! Congratulations to Coach Wiseman and the boys for their excellent teamwork and commitment. #AllenS_Athletics #Teamwork #AllenS_JuniorVarsity

Music plays a vital role in an Allen-Stevenson education. In our Upper Division Orchestra, boys hone their musical skills individually while necessarily being attuned to the larger group. To name just a few of the myriad benefits of musical training, students develop hand-eye coordination, confidence, discipline, memorization skills, pattern recognition, creative thinking, and emotional intelligence. Music, in its own right, has a significantly positive impact on our daily lives and our students certainly reap the benefits. #AllenS_Music #AllenS_Orchestra #AllenS_Passionate #AllenS_Arts

Geoff Feder ’89

Owner and Founder, Feder Knives P RO F E S S I O N A L I S M RO OT E D I N L E S S O N S F RO M A L L E N - S T E V E N S O N

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By Sarah Woods, Director of Communications

“It’s all about discipline,” said Geoff Feder ’89 when he spoke about his work and life. Geoff is an incredibly talented blacksmith. As the owner and founder of Feder Knives, he designs and makes knives for everyday cooks as well as numerous professional chefs. One of his most recent collaborations was with world-renowned chef, Jacques Pepin. Geoff described how important it is to combine technique with discipline. “The more you do this, the more efficient you get,” he said. Being disciplined was learned during his time at AllenStevenson. “I had to work hard. I wasn’t a great student, but I definitely learned to have an appreciation for being the best you can be.” “I have fond memories of my time at Allen-Stevenson. Art, especially Shop, was where I found myself. Everyone should have the chance to participate in Shop,” Geoff explained. “I even went on to win the Francis Keally Art Award one year.” He is also grateful for passionate teachers at AllenStevenson, like Mr. Kersey, who taught him history. “For my senior skit, I dressed up as the beloved Mr. Kersey, covering my blazer in chalk dust. What this represents to me to this day is that he was so focused on his teaching and educating us boys that he didn’t worry about what his jacket looked like. That’s why I remember this story.” And of course, there’s a funny story to add to his time there…“I remember being a part of a group overseen by the then Headmaster, Desmond Cole, nicknamed ‘the Rascals.’ He put us, slightly mischievous boys, to work but also took the time to chat on the stoop to get to know us better. I like that he wanted to work with students who had character.” Geoff keeps the School close to him to this day, wearing a welding jacket with an A-S patch attached proudly to the front for all to see, as he works away busily in his studio in Westchester, New York.

Geoff shows off an A-S patch on his welding gear

What led Geoff to this fascinating combination of art and blacksmithing? It wasn’t all planned. “Sometimes opportunities offer themselves up, and you have to take them. When I was in art class, there was always a long line for the band saw, so a friend suggested that I try welding instead. Many students were afraid of the welding torch. I took to it immediately. I went on to get a studio arts degree and became a sculptor. As I was settling down in life, I decided to have a backup career plan. My father was always involved in food, so I went to culinary school. I didn’t want to be a chef but was fortunate to have the chance to fabricate a steel table for New York restaurateur, Charlie Palmer, and a relationship began. It was then that I realized that I could combine my interest in food with my passion for blacksmithing.”

A Feder fork

Feder Knives was born.

“I love coming up with new ideas. I use the process that I have in place already but expand on it. All of my knives are custom-designed.” “I’ve just finished making two knives for the best knife maker in the country, which was obviously a huge compliment that he wanted my knives to be included in his collection.” Despite the beauty of these pieces, Geoff honestly says that he doesn’t have a favorite. “I don’t get sentimental about my pieces. I’ve always believed that the next one is going to be better. That’s where process comes in. I believe in process over project.” Geoff has continued to learn and evolve his work. He says he is passionate about learning. While there are master levels in something like blacksmithing, he believes that one is not really ever a master—but a student for life. “Life is one giant pathway, and you’ll be learning about things for the rest of your life.”

Two Feder knives

What’s next for this talented blacksmith? Geoff says he wants to continue to make his work available to more people…“like Keith Haring who brought art to people on the street,” he said. “I’ve already made a fabulous bread knife. Perhaps pans will be next. I really like frying pans!” added Geoff. “Whatever lies ahead, ‘Fortiter et Recte’ is my guide,” he said with emphasis. Visit the Feder Knives website at www.federknives.com and follow Geoff on Instagram @federknives.

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Almost all of his knives are designed to be used in food preparation. For the handles, he has everything from local wood to a composite. “I’ve also continued to bring art into my work. There’s a line of high-colored knives (even one in an Allen-Stevenson blue & gold), and I’ve recently added some forks that incorporate layers of color in the handles,” said Geoff.

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By Jenny Bruce, Associate Director of Communications

The first iPhone hit the market in 2007, just fourteen years ago and a year before most of our eighth graders were born. Our current Allen-Stevenson students have never lived in a time without the internet, smartphones, and social media. Coming to this realization, in 2014, Allen-Stevenson’s Sarah Kresberg and Liz Storch (later joined by Tatyana Dvorkin) proposed that our students needed to learn the critical tools necessary to navigate this new, fast-paced, and often turbulent digital world. And thus, Digital Fluency was born. Ms. Storch, who is also the Upper Division Librarian, stated, “The reason we call this class Digital Fluency and not digital literacy or something else is that, like with any other language, we want our students to achieve fluency.” Digital Fluency means that students will achieve much more than practical technological skills. Fluency in any language brings a level of self-confidence, deeper understanding, and the ability to cultivate appropriate responses when confronted with new, possibly uncomfortable situations. The internet, which remains primarily unregulated, has much to offer; however, students must learn digital responsibility to avoid potential pitfalls. Sarah Kresberg, Director of Library Tech Commons, recounted that many of her sixth-grade students admit to having “seen things on the internet they wish they hadn’t seen.” Apparently, this experience is not at all uncommon and further reinforces why it is vital to our students’ well-being that they understand responsible digital citizenship. Knowing what to do when confronted with inappropriate information and how to, when possible, avoid it altogether is something students learn about in class.

Ms. Kresberg teaching a digital fluency class

S A F E A N D S AV V Y S U R F I N G : D I G I TA L F L U E N C Y AT A L L E N - S T E V E N S O N

Ms. Kresberg’s class was recently introduced to the “Harvard Meme Scandal” where over ten students had their acceptances to the illustrious college rescinded after posting highly offensive memes in a Facebook messaging chat. Our young students were shocked to learn that colleges and potential employers frequently look at prospective students’ or employees’ social media accounts. What an individual posts “privately” or “just for fun” has the potential to jeopardize their chances of getting into the school and/or the professional position of their choosing. “One of my students said, ‘Well, how can people know what we post? It’s personal. It’s my private space,’ said Ms. Kresberg. The students often experience an essential awakening and engage in thoughtful, conversations about what should and should not be shared through social media. It is vital that students come to the realization that “online” communications, including personal text messages and emails, are anything but private and may even be admissible as evidence in a court of law. While social media protocol is one of so many important topics covered in Upper Division Digital Fluency classes, students are also taught how to perform fruitful internet searches, learning to parse opinion from factual reporting and advertisements from the news. In a time where misinformation is running rampant through social media, the boys learn that responsible research requires knowing (and citing) your sources and learning what factors make a source a

Our vigilant Digital Fluency team is doing outstanding work to support our boys in understanding how the internet and all its far-reaching applications affect our daily lives in a variety ways. Many of them are positive. Some of them are not. It is our responsibility as parents and educators to prepare children not only for the road ahead but also for the complex world they are living in presently. Allen-Stevenson’s focus on compassion, empathy, respect, accountability, and digital fluency helps ensure that our boys will do their part in paving the way to a more transparent, inclusive, and safer digital world.

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reliable one. Using the RAAAD test (Relevant, Authoritative, Accurate, Appropriate, and Deep) boys determine and discern the veracity and validity of the information they discover. Further understanding how to properly cite sources is a valuable skill that Allen-Stevenson students learn before they graduate from the eighth grade—a skill they will continue to use through college and beyond. Crediting and citing content also applies to images and other information retrieved from the internet. What are copyrights and how do we use content ethically to comply with those rights? Education Technology Integrator, Ms. Dvorkin explained how her students learn about making “best” choices when communicating digitally. Should something be shared through email, a presentation, a text message, or in person, always with the understanding that digital communications may carry unintended weight. For this reason, it is important to be thoughtful about the words we use and the information we share. This lesson is never more critical than when broaching the sensitive topic of cyberbullying, “The boys wonder what to do if they receive an image or content that is inappropriate or potentially harmful to someone they know,” says Ms. Dvorkin. “It’s so important for them to know how to use this technology with their own safety and that of their friends in mind.”

Proudly showing off copyrighted artwork

Copyrighted artwork

Damian VanCamp ’00

Lighting Designer

CONNECTIVITY LAID THE G RO U N DWO R K

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By Sarah Woods, Director of Communications

“I fell into lighting design by accident. Actually, it came through drumming in a round-about way,” explained Damian VanCamp ’00. Damian started playing the drums at AllenStevenson in the Sixth Grade. Initially, he was a cello player but learned that a cool classmate of his, Robbie Krauss ’00, was taking drum lessons at school. “I decided to make the switch from cello to drums, and before you know it, a few AllenStevenson friends (Sam Moss ’00, Jesse Rhodes ’00, and Benji Sarlin ’00) and I had started a band. I continued to play throughout high school, and a core group of us carried on playing afterward. During and after high school, other groups I played with performed all over the city and even sat in offices where Grammys hung on the wall as we pitched our songs. Nothing panned out, but it was a wonderful experience,” said Damian. Traveling all over the city to gigs, Damian often had to lug his own drums. “I was that guy that people love to hate on the subway.” He never got to hang out with the fans who came to support his shows because he had to pack up his equipment immediately after each performance. On one occasion, he explained, “We landed a more upscale show for which I didn’t have to bring my own drums. Following our performance, I started to chat to a young lady in the audience who said she was in a program for architectural lighting design, something I’d never heard of. The rest is history.” “I went to the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) for photography after high school. The idea of a career in architectural lighting design would allow me to combine numerous passions.” “I always knew I wanted to be an artist, and light had always been of interest to me. I used to look out my window, noticing the effects of light on the street and how it reflected off objects. Architecture and architectural elements have also inspired me.” “I’d like to have gone into architecture, but math and I were never friends. Just ask my teachers at Allen-Stevenson. The funny thing is, math is a part of everything I do now.”

Left to right: Damian VanCamp, Jessie Rhodes, Sam Moss, Benji Sarlin (ca. 1997)

Damian talked about his appreciation for his AllenStevenson education and how “complex-systems” thinking was embedded throughout the curriculum. “What we learned in history class was mirrored in English and art class; math was incorporated into science class and music. We were taught to think holistically, to see how things were connected, and that’s how life works. Having an early understanding of that gives you a leg up. That part of my education set me up very well.” Damian described how valuable these interconnected problem-solving skills were on a recent, exciting lighting design project. As part of the team designing the lighting for the Fotografiska building in New York City, Damian and the team had the challenge of lighting the façade of this historic, landmark-protected building clad in solid granite and limestone. Through research, the team figured out that the wooden window frames were one of the few things that could be altered, so, without actually damaging them, they devised a solution in which they mounted the lighting to a custom system that attached to the frames and fed the wiring for the lighting fixtures through the grouting between the limestone. Damian likes that he’s left his stamp all over the city and is fortunate to have worked with some phenomenal people, and not just in New York. As for the future, he says, “I hope to keep flexing my creative muscles. I still see photography in the mix, and maybe some sculpture, too. When I was at RISD I took a cold working glass class that took me back to my time at Allen-Stevenson when Mr. Ripple, the science teacher, had us make our own pipettes. We used flint glass tubes, which we scored and held over bunsen burners to bend them. “And of course, there’s the music. I’m ready to record some tracks with my roommate. I sat down at my drums again the other day. I’m a little rusty, to say the least, and I thought to myself, I’ve got to fix this; what would Mr. Schrade say!?”

Fotografiska, New York. Lighting design by Kugler Ning Lighting. Photo by Jeff Goldberg/Esto

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Blue Kid live at Le Poisson Rouge, CMJ Music Festival, 2011 Philadelphia Holocaust Memorial Plaza, Philadelphia, PA. Lighting by Tillett Lighting Design Associates. Photo courtesy of Alexis Nollett

By Sarah Woods, Director of Communications and Julie Robles, Director of Theatre/Technical Theatre Creative and Determined are the two Allen-Stevenson code words that come to mind when describing the boys who have participated in theatre during the pandemic. Julie Robles, Director of Theatre and Theatre Tech, said, “The biggest challenge has been shifting from acting for an audience to performing to a 13-inch screen.”

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“Everything we have done to be able to continue our theatre program has been a collaborative effort. We’ve had to reconfigure everything we are doing,” said Ms. Robles.

“Adaptiveness, a critical skill in the theatre, has been key to ensuring we have been able to bring the community our annual plays and Gilbert & Sullivan. The changing state of COVID has certainly kept us on our toes.” Ms. Robles explained that every production has a rough skeleton of a rehearsal schedule, with the deadline of opening night—that is when the show needs to be ready to come alive for the audience. With the end goal always in mind, the cast and crew build the show together. “Building the show has seen much more creative input from the boys. We’ve used fewer props and set pieces, and had to think about how to use technology to bring the show to life,” explained Ms. Robles. “For the tech piece, the Tech Crew has definitely stepped up to take on this challenge. Because the boys’ computer and editing knowledge is so advanced, I have had to put even more trust in the boys’ hands. It’s been wonderful to have the depth and breadth of their tech knowledge to create and design these

Costumes are coming together

A D A P T I N G T H E AT R E I N A P A N D E M I C

digital productions. There are many occasions when the boys teach me various aspects of this type of technical design.” “I’ve also loved seeing how the boys are working together as a group, putting their thumbprint on each show,” said Ms. Robles.

“For Patience last year, we had to figure out how to create unity in the final video,” said Tiger Mutter ’22, who is also on the Tech Crew again this year. “Getting all the singers, who we recorded separately to be in sync was really tough. In terms of the filming, though, it was easier because we only had to film one actor at a time and only the actor’s head. There were no other moving parts.” “This year, the filming of the different scenes for the Saturday Night Live sketches is more challenging, but it’s probably easier to pull together in terms of the tech piece. We’ll need to bring everything into a consistent tone, so there’s consistency for the final video,” added Jackson Smith ’22. However, the biggest challenge overall is probably time, all the Tech Crew agreed.

“I’m often on the phone for hours in the evening with Adrian Coste figuring out which aperture to use and how to frame something,” said Jackson Smith ’22. “Our next big production is H.M.S. Pinafore. We will actually get to work on the sound and light board, which is very exciting,” said Adrian Coste ’22. Ms. Robles smiled and said, “I can’t wait until we can perform to a live audience again. Hopefully, soon. Of course, that will come with its own set of challenges. Most of the boys who are performing now haven’t had a chance to act on the stage in the Assembly Hall at Allen-Stevenson, so that will require training, and we will have to begin mastering the sound and light equipment from scratch with our Tech Crew. Though, as you can imagine, I’d welcome any of these challenges just to feel the energy and excitement that comes from pulling a large-scale production together!”

Tech Crew from left to right: Adrian C., Ari D., Tiger M., Matthew J., Jackson S.

L AT E 4 M O R N I N G P L A N N I N G C R E AT E S D E E P E R L E A R N I N G I N F I R S T G R A D E P L A N T S T U DY By Sarah Woods, Director of Communications

Every year, Ms. Vermont-Davis teaches a unit on plants and their systems in First Grade. This year, Mr. Warren instead kicked off the unit by visiting each of the first-grade classrooms to talk about the process of how food gets to one’s table in a big city like New York. Mr. Warren had the boys look at conventional farms and how crops originate. After a conversation in which the boys shared what they knew, he took them, by class, up to the Greenhouse to demonstrate that even in a city and at one’s school, it’s possible to grow plants that they, and other members of the community, can eat. The boys observed and learned about the various growing systems in the Greenhouse. Mr. Warren explained that soil isn’t required for planting and that the hydroponics systems in the Greenhouse provide the nutrients in which the plants can grow. Each boy was given a chance to plant a seed, whether cilantro, basil or parsley, in a substance made from coconut. The lessons will continue now with the study of germination with Ms. Vermont-Davis. The plan is for the boys to visit the Greenhouse regularly throughout the unit to see how germination works and observe the various stages of a plant’s growth.

Ms. Vermont Davis said, “What’s wonderful about planting in our Greenhouse is that unlike with soil, we can actually see the roots in the hydroponic garden tower or the aquaponic growing systems. Before each visit, the boys will make predictions about how long it takes for a plant to germinate, then note their observations in their journals during their visits. They will measure the plants to see if their predictions are accurate. How amazing and transformative this is for these young farmer scientists!” In addition to using the Greenhouse, the teaching team curated a number of books on plants for the homeroom teachers to have in their classrooms that the boys can either read on their own or have read to them by their teachers for a later discussion. The homeroom teachers are also developing different ways to incorporate plants into their curriculum. “It’s exciting that the combination of all these learning opportunities will provide for a deeper understanding of plants and their systems. And, in addition to the scientific aspect of this unit, we want to explain to the boys that they can give back by bringing the plants they grow either to their homes for a meal or possibly to the All Souls food program to help feed others in the local community,” explained Ms. Vermont-Davis.

How wonderful to show the boys real-world examples of something in their own school! Who knows what this hands-on expanded curriculum might inspire?

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Providing time for collaboration through the new Late 4 Morning planning time for teachers, a feature of the new 7-day schedule this year will now bring the first graders’ study of plants and their systems to life! The First Grade homeroom teachers (Jenny Griffiths, Sophy Joseph and Barbara Shindler), Director of the Greenhouse Chap Warren and Lower Division Science Teacher Jennifer Vermont-Davis were thrilled to have a common time to meet given that their teaching schedules usually overlap. Over several Late 4 Morning planning sessions, the group devised a fabulous unit that extends the study of plants in science class into the boys’ daily homeroom discussions and incorporates the new Greenhouse.

Mike Greene ’06

Head of Global Strategic Growth at Resy L I F E L O N G L E A R N I N G R E Q U I R E S P I VOT I N G By Sarah Woods, Director of Communications

Lamplighter:

FEATURE

“I’m so lucky that every day I get to combine my passions for technology and analytics while following my dream of working in hospitality,” said Mike Greene ’06.

Mike fell in love with the world of hospitality at a young age. He grew up trying some of the best restaurants in the world while traveling a lot with his family. “I was fortunate to have an uncle who owns a travel agency. My family also loved to eat out. These amazing opportunities were life-changing. “It wasn’t only the transient experience of travel I liked as a boy. In fact, I was intrigued by the operations side. I’d explore hotels to see how they worked and would check out hotel and restaurant ratings every chance I could get.” After high school, Mike attended the School of Hospitality Administration at Cornell University. He spent his summers doing internships at restaurants, learning both the food and corporate side of the industry. “Cornell was also where I met Laura, my now wife. We sat next to each other in microeconomics class. Laura took the operations route and opened a restaurant called August Laura in the East Village in 2019.” Mike likes to reflect on his journey, and thinks that it’s interesting that while he knew he wanted to go into hospitality, he could never have predicted that technology would play such a key role in the world of restaurants and hotels.

Mike with his wife, Laura

“I also loved learning a foreign language at A-S. I started with French, but have gone on to learn other languages over time. It’s been valuable in running a global business. “And of course, there’s the music program. I can’t think of a better music program than the one at Allen-Stevenson. Mrs. Schrade-James was one of the most special people I’ve ever met. The combination of precision and excitement in music is much like the boundless world of the hospitality industry.” As Head of Global Strategic Growth at Resy and the American Express Global Dining Network, Mike says he’s found a niche in the market that allows him to flex his different mental muscles. He says it’s allowed him to learn about a range of functional areas, which will hopefully provide him with the skills necessary to run his own company one day. “I proactively look for opportunities to learn and push myself—to take on something outside my comfort zone in order to grow.” Mike is aware that it’s tough to know what to choose to do when you’re at school. He suggests to Allen-Stevenson boys that they try to take advantage of all that the School has to offer. “I encourage you to continue to challenge yourself. I don’t think I realized how lucky I was when I was there. It is truly a unique place. As I’ve made friends outside of the A-S bubble and learned about their childhood educations, I’ve realized how fortunate I was. Don’t take it for granted.” “My advice...while it’s great to follow your dreams, pivot as you grow. It’s worth it!”

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He credits much to his Allen-Stevenson education. “I had incredible teachers and have fond memories of my classes. Math was great. It truly set me up for success. I’ve had to use it every day with analytics. It drives our business decisions.

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FEATURE

Bringing Life to the Classroom

B Y C A N D A C E S I LV A , C O M M U N I C AT I O N S M A N A G E R AND MAURICE HICKS, FIFTH GRADE TEACHER Fifth Grade Teacher Maurice Hicks brings literal life into the classroom by sharing his love of plants with his students. An avid gardener himself, Mr. Hicks teaches the boys to care for living things and creates opportunities for meaningful curricular connections and life lessons along the way. As you enter Mr. Hicks’s room on the 5th Floor, your eye is immediately drawn to the large, bright windows that serve as the perfect home for the greenery that lines the windowsill. While pleasing to the eye, the plants aren’t just for show. Rather, each serves as a unique pathway for deeper learning. A rubber tree links the 21st-century fifth graders to 1600 BCE as they study the Olmec civilization. These ancient people, whose namesake translates to “the rubber people,” extracted sap of the plant to create and eventually trade the flexible material. Boys explore science through the ficus elastica plant (commonly known as the rubber tree plant), a species of flora native to Southern China, Southeast Asia, and Indonesia. With the support of Science Teacher Katie Donahue, students engage in a hands-on investigation centered in form and function. The goal being the understanding of how and why the plant influenced their civilization. And the pothos, a common and resilient houseplant, teaches students about geography and climate as they explore the various continents across the globe in which this species thrives. The theme of what it means to thrive clearly extends beyond academics when the classroom’s thriving plant life serves as a visible and meaningful metaphor for students’ social-emotional growth and learning. By caring for the plants and gaining an understanding of what each needs to meet their growth potential, students are reminded that each boy is equally unique. What works for one plant may not work for another, as is the case with each learner. As they tend to their plants, they also learn how to tend to one another—emphasizing the importance of nurturing relationships and building an understanding of what each individual needs in order to do their best each day. The greenery also offers students the opportunity to take on an important classroom job. Each week two boys are named class “horticulturalists” and own the responsibility of researching a plant before sharing their findings with their peers. As they learn more about their green roommates, they practice research and public speaking skills, building confidence in both areas while creating a connection with the potted cohabitants of Room 502. Mr. Hicks’s passion for plants is skillfully woven into his curriculum, adding texture and tangibility to lessons across disciplines. Recently, Mr. Hicks shared his thoughts on best plants for the classroom and some important lessons—both academic and beyond—that he teaches using his 5th Floor Garden as a framework.

Gardening Tips from Mr. Hicks: Plants are living beings with similar basic needs as humans. Let’s move from surviving to thriving. As the school year reaches its start, faculty, staff, parents, and beloved caretakers seem to be in a sprint to ensure that spaces are ready for students. With everything going on, I will not forget to incorporate an aspect of life that is forgotten once the school year begins. What I’m referring to is life in the outdoors. As educators, we constantly work with the beautiful wild within, and it’s important to not forget about the wild we tend to take for granted on our commutes. An ongoing goal has been to pull in (literally dragging at times) plants that will safely and functionally transform teaching spaces, bridging the gap between humans and nature. Known as biophilic design, the concept is growing in popularity within communities and environments. I’m here to share some insight on a few plant pals that are great for a classroom. I repeat, these are living things that require care; we too can learn from their presence.

Jade Plant: This plant is small in size, yet it is effective in impact. It requires bright indirect light and should be in a terracotta or clay pot to strip extra moisture. The key concept for students is patience. It will grow two inches each year and will require attention to make sure the top two inches of soil are slightly moist between watering.

Golden Pothos: This beauty is full of color when properly cared for. It’s one of my favorites (even though we say we shouldn’t) because it can be propped up on a shelf or storage unit and adored from every angle as it cascades down its foundation. The eyepopping green and gold blends pull attention towards it. My plant’s name is “Goldie.” Place it in a spot for some bright indirect light, and watch it grow. Key concept: Beauty in variegation. Spider Plant: The name speaks for itself; the students love it and want to know more. Since the plant needs bright indirect light, lightly moist soil, and additional humidity, it is the perfect plant for student responsibilities (misting, watering, and soil monitoring). Lastly, it is easy to propagate, meaning everyone can walk away with a spider plant baby. Don’t we all love a party favor? Key concept: Collaboration Rubber Plant: This plant is an oldie but goodie. Hardy yet elegant, it requires direct to bright indirect light. When cared for, its magnificent, shiny leaves look fake (hence the name). I love this plant because it creates this jungle environment that is settling and mysterious. Furthermore, for historians, the sap (which should not be consumed or lathered on skin) produces latex, which was used by the Olmec, Mayan and Aztecs for shoes, waterproof clothes, and balls for sport. 5th graders can tell you about this. Key concept: Interdependence. In closing, I hope more folx can take some time to consider how they can bring the outside in. As we engage students in meaningmaking, let’s lean into a deeper learning opportunity from the green around us. From biophilic design, biomimicry to urban gardening, we have the capability to create more for a more well-rounded community. The environment will thank us for the commitment.

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Best Plants for the Classroom By Maurice Hicks, Jr.

From the Front Desk

Lamplighter:

FEATURE

BY RENÉ RIVERA THE WEB OF RECEPTION

For every organization, there are positions and titles that have unique perspectives with respect to their place of employment. This is no more particularly true for those whose positions require them to engage with large numbers of people each day. Those with positions in the military or those who work as first responders occupy such positions that may require engagement with many people while providentially developing a grounded connection with their work environment. Although nowhere near as psychologically demanding as roles occupied by women and men in the armed forces or by first responders, the position of receptionist provides such grounded connections and a sort of ‘bird’s eye’ perspective of its respective work environment. However, there are few such receptionist roles as enjoyable as that of a school receptionist—specifically, receptionist employed at The AllenStevenson School. The receptionists of Allen-Stevenson have been identified as they who ‘man the front line’ between our school and the world beyond. We are the gatekeepers. We are the school liaisons who manage ground-level communication between the community and our school. We traffic information and the flow of pedestrian traffic. We maintain an itinerary of daily activity on anything and everything community-related to be offered out with ‘on-the-fly’ inquiry. The reception staff also operate in an often fast-tempo environment that can have us engaging with the same hundreds of families on a day-to-day basis for years as their boys progress from kindergarten to graduation. That frequent engagement enables our connections to reach further and wider within the School and its community than the connections of most of the other faculty and staff.

Working the reception desk at Allen-Stevenson does not come without some measure of notoriety. As the work environment is warm, friendly, and engaging, we enjoy interaction and personal connection with everyone from the kitchen staff to the academic office very frequently each and every day. And as we not only work in support of the education of children (as any position where one might work with children is typically recognized as being entrusted only to people of good character), we’re also fortunate enough to be employed by a school ranked as one of the very best amongst its peers. Given that, the enjoyment of notoriety often extends beyond the School as we are also fortunate enough to be associated with the School’s brand popularity. This is often made evident while walking about on the Upper East Side on any given day or evening when randomly greeted by members of the many Allen-Stevenson families. To that end, we’re almost famous! When allowed, we are sometimes permitted the opportunity to wear various other ‘hats’ within the School to participate in teaching an occasional class or with coaching an athletics session. On those infrequent occasions, we may be addressed as ‘teacher’ or ‘coach’ by the boys. That sort of engagement with the boys provides us a rare honor, for although the environment at Allen-Stevenson is open and all-inclusive, there really is no place for anyone at Allen-Stevenson unless they’ve been assessed to be several cuts above their peers in capability and education (a fact that many employed at Allen-Stevenson

would be modestly hard-pressed to admit). This goes not only for everyone employed at Allen-Stevenson from our wonderful and gifted kitchen staff to our esteemed head of school, but for every boy enrolled as well. Having the ability to remain connected with the Allen-Stevenson community has compelled a measure of gratitude that has not been more apparent than the gratitude felt by the community over the last year. This certainly remains true not merely with the receptionists, but with so many Allen-Stevenson faculty and staff. As virtually everyone in the world beyond the School was made to remain at home and socially disconnect from one another, the technological and intellectual resources of the School were pooled together in order to continue facilitated learning under unprecedented circumstances, establishing a format for remote learning that serves as a highfunctioning paradigm for our peer institutions. The staff also worked diligently to ensure that all logistical resources continued so as to ensure proper operational tempo to be administered upon the boys’ then-unforeseen eventual return. We all coordinated together to continue the teaching and learning with little interruption. This oftentimes wonderfully funny and upbeat position with which we are fortunate enough to be entrusted inspires us to great

things. Likewise, we work to inspire faith in others in our ability to step forward in support of all members of the AllenStevenson community. We are grateful for this wonderful place, and our place within its walls, as we continue to serve such a fantastic community with a deep-rooted history in our wondrous city!

Fortiter et Recte! Go Unicorns!

Lamplighter:

BUILDING UPDATE

First Grade Classroom

We are delighted to show you images of the interior spaces that were renovated this summer. The flexible new learning spaces are being well utilized already. The Greenhouse is now home to plants grown through hydroponics and aquaponics, and the Library Tech Commons is providing comfy places to read and work and spaces to build and test robots. The new security-enhanced reception area and lobby with glass display cases and storage are also welcome additions. The renovated classrooms on the second and

Greenhouse

third floors, with their child-friendly furniture, make for a welcoming learning environment. The covered rooftop playspace is still under construction as we are waiting for the generator before that can be completed.

Building Exterior

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New Library Tech Commons Lounge Furniture

Lobby and Reception Area New Library Tech Commons Lounge Furniture

A beautiful paper star

During the bridge’s history, it’s seen horse-drawn carriages replaced with trolleys, which were then retired with the advent of car lanes. Currently, it’s undergoing a transformation as new bicycle lanes are being added to ensure a more sustainable future.

Over the same 139 years, Allen-Stevenson has also adapted in order to remain relevant. The School has just completed another major building project and revamped the structure of the divisions and schedules, as Mr. Trower has set out in his message on pages 2 and 3 of this publication. While there has been change, the foundation of AllenStevenson remains much the same. Traditions, such as Founders Day, when the School celebrates its formation, carry on to this day.

“It’s important for us to remind the boys of the School’s humble beginnings to demonstrate just how far we’ve come,” said David R. Trower, Head of School. “I enjoy ringing a bell that dates back to the 19th century that was given to me in my first teaching job and showing Mr. Allen’s old wooden desk to the boys.” This year, Founders Day was on October 8. As always, the School’s birthday provides a wonderful chance for students, faculty, staff, and alumni to come together as a community with various activities planned throughout the morning.

A-S in 1902 @ 509 Fifth Avenue

In 1883, as Allen-Stevenson opened its doors for the first time, the Brooklyn Bridge, connecting the cities of Manhattan and Brooklyn, also opened. Allen-Stevenson had just three students enrolled on day one but has educated over five thousand boys since then. Within 24 hours of opening the bridge, 150,000 people ventured across, and since then, millions have followed.

Older and younger boys have time together outside

Lamplighter: FOUNDERS DAY

T R A D I T I O N S 1 3 9 Y E A R S L AT E R By Sarah Woods, Director of Communications

Keeping with tradition, the School once again invited an alumnus to address the community on this special occasion. This year’s speaker was Adam Donaldson ’05, who thrilled the boys by joining the gathering virtually from Notre Dame Stadium, where he is the Assistant Athletics Director overseeing Production and Media Partnerships. His thoughtful and inspiring advice to students? “Work hard, be kind, and take risks!”

Mr. Allen’s old desk

Scan the QR code to hear Adam’s speech

Adam Donaldson ’05

Working on their stars

marble runs, read alouds, Mr. B’s guitar class, and thinking the older boys were SO big. They also readied themselves for talking about stars over Zoom with their young buddies. Lower Division students created colorful 3-D star artwork integrating elaborate cutting patterns, folding, and gluing to make beautiful construction paper stars. Older students joined in the fun, including seventh

These buddies spent time chatting over a birthday blue and gold iced cupcake on the closed street to round off this special morning. Happy Birthday, AllenStevenson!

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Pairing older boys with younger ones has been a popular aspect of Founders Day. To help prepare the Upper Division boys for the time they would be spending with the Lower Division boys, they used Advisory to write in their journals about what they remembered about being students in Lower Division. They highlighted building bridges from one table to the next with some special blocks,

graders who used origami paper to create their sparkly celestial bodies! All of the artwork will be proudly displayed outside the classrooms, each piece as unique as each boy at AllenStevenson.

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CLOSING EXERCISES

Upper School Closing Exercises took place on June 9, 2021.

Congratulations to our eighth graders, who joined the ranks of Allen-Stevenson alumni during their Closing Exercises. The boys were led to Closing Exercises by a bagpiper while being cheered on by our supportive and enthusiastic community members. The latter lined Park Avenue in

droves with cowbells and pom-poms to celebrate our graduates as they prepared to embark on their next adventures in life.

Awards were presented to the following boys during the Closing Exercises:

The featured speaker for the morning was alumnus Stephen Judson ’76, partner and managing member of Prides Crossing Executive Communication, LLC and a frequent speaker and panelist on business, communications, and the arts, along with being a trained classical musician.

Jose Valentin ’21

Desmond Cole Fortiter et Recte Award The Robby Zuckert Honor Charlie Getman ’21

Charles E. Horman Award William Jokela ’21

Alumni Medal Ajai Singh ’21

Julian Cohen gave a moving Eighth Grade Farewell Speech and Head of School David Trower announced the winner of this year’s George Kellner Great Teacher Award: the entirety of Allen-Stevenson’s Faculty and Staff. During a year like no other, our faculty and staff have gone above and beyond, giving their absolute best to make this year a success. We are incredibly proud of what our boys have accomplished during this unprecedented year. They have proved themselves to be compassionate, resilient, adaptable, and extremely resourceful young men.

Scan the QR code to watch the US Closing Exercises

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what you are good at and what you find difficult. None of what comes next for you is set in stone.You will have opportunities in the future to change your mind.

“When I was your age, I could not have told you much about what my adult life would look like. But the seeds for many aspects of my life were planted when I was a student here, and I will always be grateful to Allen-Stevenson for having opened those doors for me. […] This school has introduced each of you to new experiences and new ideas. You have learned something about your likes and dislikes. And you have learned about

Yet you will find, time and again, that the lessons you learned here will play some part in the decisions you make in the future. And you will always have reason to be glad that you attended Allen-Stevenson, a school which gave you an idea of how broad and complex the world really is ... and of the possibilities open to you as you chart your course through it.”

—Stephen Judson ’76

Stephen Judson ’76 Stephen H. Judson is partner and managing member of Prides Crossing Executive Communication, LLC, a firm specializing in business and marketing communications. He is Founder and Principal of Judson Management Group, Inc. which is focused on brand consulting and advisory work, is a Managing Member of Judson Realty, LLC, and is a member of the Board of Directors of Eleven S.A. Previously, he served as a Vice President at Columbia Artists Management, Inc. and has been published in The New York Times on high-end marketing strategies. He is a frequent speaker and panelist on business, communications, and the arts. A trained classical musician, he attended Boston University School for the Arts. While in college, he worked for two years at the Boston Symphony Orchestra as personal assistant to Music Director, Seiji Ozawa.

“Realize it or not, preparing you for life and your success in the future is a guarantee at AllenStevenson. Whether you learned it in class, in the hallways, or on the field, I can assure you that you will use it in the real world.”

— Julian Cohen ’21

ONGOING SCHOOLS

Lamplighter

Allen-Stevenson students are always well served in the secondary school application process. The goal of the process is to find the right “match” for every boy. Each boy should be looking for the school that will best serve his needs as he moves onto high school, inspiring him to grow and develop into the best possible student and person. For some boys that is a boarding school, for others a day school with a campus, and for others a more urban setting. Some of the factors that boys consider when looking at schools are size, location, academic program, extracurricular offerings, and approach to teaching. Our boys are known for their range of interests and their willingness to contribute to a wide variety of school activities. As such they are highly sought after by ongoing schools. Below is a list of high schools that last year’s graduates are attending as well as colleges to which our graduates have been accepted over the past three years:

High School

College

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Allen-Stevenson boys who were accepted to 45 different schools this spring. As of this fall, Allen-Stevenson is currently represented at these high schools.

Members of the Class of 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 are attending the following colleges, among others.

Private Day

American University Babson College Barry University Bentley University Brown University Claremont McKenna Colgate University Columbia University Cornell University Dartmouth College Duke University Emory University Fordham University Georgetown University Harvard University Lehigh University Michigan State University Middlebury College New York University Northwestern University Parsons School of Design Princeton University Stanford University SUNY Albany Syracuse University Tufts University University of Chicago University of Michigan University of Pennsylvania University of Richmond University of Southern California University of Wisconsin Vanderbilt University Villanova University Williams College Wake Forest University West Point Yale University

Avenues: The World School The Berkeley Carroll School Birch Wathen Lenox Brooklyn Friends The Browning School Calhoun School Collegiate School Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School The Dalton School Dwight School Dwight-Englewood School Ethical Culture Fieldston School Fordham Preparatory School Friends Academy Friends Seminary Grace Church School Hackley School Horace Mann School The IDEAL School of Manhattan Iona Preparatory School The Kew-Forest School Latin School of Chicago Léman Manhattan Preparatory School Loyola School LREI School Oxbridge Academy The Packer Collegiate Institute Poly Prep Country Day School Regis High School Riverdale Country School Rudolf Steiner School Rye Country Day School Saint Ann’s School Trevor Day School Trinity School Xavier High School

Boarding

Asheville School Avon Old Farms School Berkshire School Blair Academy

Brooks School Canterbury School Choate Rosemary Hall Church Farm School Colbrook School Deerfield Academy Eaglebrook School Forman School Groton School The Hill Academy The Hotchkiss School Interlaken Kent School The Lawrenceville School The Loomis Chaffee School Millbrook School Milton School Phillips Academy Andover Phillips Exeter Academy Pomfret School The Putney School Salisbury School St. George’s School St. Mark the Evangelist School St. Paul’s School Suffield Academy The Taft School Trinity-Pawling School Westminster School

Public School

Baruch College Campus High School The Bronx High School of Science Brooklyn Technical High School Frank Sinatra School of the Arts Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts Murray Hill Academy NYC Museum School PACE High School Special Music School Stuyvesant High School

If you have not updated the Alumni Office about where you attend college, please send us an email at alumni@allenstevenson.org.

While Athletics remains an integral part of a boy’s education at Allen-Stevenson, the space in which the boys participate in PE and sports has been upgraded dramatically. We thought it would be fun to dig into the archives to find some photos of the gym

1965

over the years. Do you remember running around in one of these gyms?

1992

2021

2017

2006

Step & Repeat

C R E AT I V I T Y A N D T H E G R E AT A-S OUTDOORS By Kerry-Ann Evans-Thompson, Parents Association President Lamplighter

Allen-Stevenson students and professional community members can be together again at 132 East 78th Street, and the energy and excitement you know well abound! As we delight in this news, we also think about how the Parents Association (PA) has had to adapt and come up with creative and innovative ways to bring the parent community together since parents are not yet able to gather in the school building. We knew we needed to find a place to welcome back and celebrate our resilience as a community, as well as a safe space to have conversations, make connections, build community, and simply have fun.

Instead of focusing on what we could not do and where we could not be, we decided, why not focus on what we have and where we can be. Thinking out of the box, we chose to utilize the outdoor street space in front of the school building. This summer, Chris Acerbo, Director of Security, managed to secure 78th Street between Park Avenue and Lexington Avenue through NYC’s Open Streets program for AllenStevenson for the entire school year. This program means the street is free from all traffic from 7AM to 4PM each school day, which not only enables our students to have access to a fun outdoor space but also offers the PA the opportunity to utilize this space in enjoyable and creative ways.

Welcome Back-to-School Reception

Suddenly we had new possibilities open up to us. I am excited to share that so far this year we have already hosted many outdoor events. We kicked off the school year with a Welcome Back-to-School Reception filled with giant balloons, a fun Step & Repeat photo experience, and fabulous catering from our very own Sage Caterers – a perfect way to set the tone for the rest of the year. We have PA committee meetings that are both scheduled and spontaneous and successful community-building activities such as our “First Annual Great Allen-Stevenson Pumpkin Extravaganza and Pumpkin Patch,” which saw all our Allen-Stevenson boys pick their very own pumpkins. All the boys left with big smiles on their faces and even bigger pumpkins!

A PA Meeting

Despite weather hiccups and garbage truck pick-ups, we have learned to pivot when necessary and to simply go with the flow. We realize that when planning, we don’t need to think BIG; we just need to have a rain plan, always. We found that our most successful outdoor events were simple and familiar. For instance, for our most recent “Talks with Mr.Trower,” parents listened

As winter approaches, the weather will serve not as a deterrent but an exciting challenge - an opportunity to get even more creative and brave. Hot cocoa truck, anyone? Fortiter et Recte takes on a new meaning.

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We found that we don’t need grand spaces to create helpful, meaningful, and lasting experiences. The limitation of the location and the size of the space actually turned out to be an asset once we dared to think outside the box and get creative.

School Store Sale

One of the most significant demands on the PA is the School Store, which is temporarily closed since parents are unable to be in the schoolhouse. Allen-Stevenson’s parents rely on the School Store to help with their uniform needs. With supply chain issues and many retailers unable to meet the needs of our parents, the School Store is the only source for Back-toSchool uniforms and other Allen-Stevenson gear. The School Store Managers scrambled and worked hard to put together an epic Outdoor School Store Sidewalk Sale, which although successful, came with a healthy dose of Mother Nature’s unpredictability – of course, it rained the first day of the sale. We also met other uniform needs with a successful run of our Gently Used Uniform Sale, a favorite among parents, with racks and tables of school uniforms lining the 78th Street sidewalk.

to David Trower and Hank Azaria, 6th Grade parent, in conversation on the Townhouse steps. Surrounded by the pumpkins from our “First Annual Great Allen-Stevenson Pumpkin Extravaganza”, Mr. Trower and Mr. Azaria, engaged in conversation that left everyone feeling like they learned a little bit more about Mr. Trower. The sincere and humor-filled conversation gave us a shared and very special and unique Allen-Stevenson moment. It helped us remember what an incredible community we have here at Allen-Stevenson.

Lamplighter:

WELCOME

W E L C O M E N E W P A R E N T S A S S O C I AT I O N E X E C U T I V E B O A R D

Kerry-Ann Evans-Thompson President

Audrey Rasch Immediate Past President

Lauren Erbst Vice President

Andrea Voorhis Treasurer and Logistics Manager

Blair Klaff Community Engagement Coordinator

Jennifer Sossen Class Rep Coordinator

Lindsay Sklar Co-Chair School Store

Stacy Westreich Co-Chair School Store

WELCOME NEW SIBLINGS

Jack Deblinger ’24, Colton Deblinger ’27 and Grayson Deblinger ’30

Jordan Mashinsky ’27 and Ethan Mashinsky ’30

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Griffin Brinberg ’30 and Colby Brinberg ’28

Ben Millie ’27, James Millie ’30 and Owen Millie ’24

Alex Shashoua ’30 and Benjamin Shashoua ’27

Oliver Newman ’27 and Teddy Newman ’30

Grayson Prosser ’27 and Rexson Prosser ’30

Lauren, Olivia, William and Robert

WELCOME NEW TRUSTEES

Lamplighter:

WELCOME

Kerry-Ann Evans-Thompson P’24

Kerry-Ann Evans-Thompson is an entrepreneur and founder of Jule’s Gourmet Foods, a company based upon her mother’s legacy and family recipes. Jule’s Gourmet Foods produces a line of ethnic sauces and foods distributed both nationally and internationally. Kerry-Ann is also currently an executive producer with two original television projects in development.

Brad, Lucea, Kerry-Ann and Cassius

After graduating from Boston College, Wallace E. Carroll School of Management with a B.S. in Finance and Marketing, Kerry-Ann began her career in international government and international banking working as special assistant to the Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce for the Government of Jamaica and then as Assistant Vice President at Dehring Bunting and Golding (DB&G), an investment banking start-up based in Kingston, Jamaica. At DB&G, she was instrumental in growing the bank into a key player in the Caribbean financial services industry. After several years of international banking experience, Kerry-Ann transitioned to marketing and public relations at Shepardson Stern and Kaminsky (SS+K), a New York-based integrated marketing, advertising and public relations firm. While at SS+K, Kerry-Ann worked on awardwinning campaigns for clients such as Creative Artists Agency (CAA), Ralph Lauren, Microsoft and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. As an entrepreneur, Kerry- Ann co-founded Skylar+Elliott, a fashion company focused on sample sales and fashion liquidation for international fashion brands including Hugo Boss and J.Crew. She sold Skylar+Elliott in 2010 to spend more time with her growing family. Kerry-Ann has worked as a model and successful commercial actress starring in numerous print campaigns and television commercials. She belongs to both the Screen Actors Guild— American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAGAFTRA) and Actors’ Equity Association. Kerry-Ann grew up in South Ozone Park, Queens and Long Island, New York and is a secret Mets fan (don’t tell Bradford). She currently lives in Manhattan with her husband, Bradford Thompson and their two children, Cassius (6th Grade) and Lucea, a 4th grader at Chapin.

Lauren Irwin P’24 Lauren Irwin joined the Allen-Stevenson community in 2019 when their son, William Bugbee, was enrolled in the 4th Grade. Lauren worked for many years in magazine publishing in both New York and London as an art director and designer. Her passion for architecture, design, travel and food led her to work primarily for interior design and food magazines, including British Homes & Gardens and Gourmet at Hearst, IPC and Condé Nast publishing companies. Lauren elected to pursue a second career obtaining a doctorate in clinical psychology. She had the opportunity to work with underserved populations, including adults and children in both clinical and hospital settings in NYC as well as in an inner-city school. Though focusing currently on bringing up their children full time, Lauren remains deeply interested in mental health issues, particularly germane at this time. Born in Australia to American parents, Lauren was raised in England and Scotland. She holds BA and BFA degrees from Mount Holyoke College and Parsons School of Design, respectively, as well as a PhD in clinical psychology from The Graduate Center, CUNY. Lauren is also a member of the Board of Trustees at the Marymount School, where William’s twin sister, Olivia, is a student in the 6th Grade. Along with their twins, Lauren and her husband, Robert Bugbee, live in Manhattan.

Cameron Koffman ’12 A lifelong resident of the Upper East Side, Cameron Koffman is a community leader and ran for New York State Assembly on the East Side as a Democrat in 2020. He currently serves as the Campaign Manager for a New York City Council Campaign in District 5 (East Harlem and the Upper East Side). He graduated from Allen-Stevenson in 2011, Riverdale in 2015, and Yale University in 2019, where he was an awardwinning infrastructure reporter, earning a degree in ethics, politics, and economics.

Audrey Rasch P’22, ’26, Audrey Rasch has been a parent at The Allen-Stevenson School for the past eight years and still remembers walking her sons into each of their first days in Kindergarten like it was yesterday. She has two sons at A-S, Ryder (8th Grade) and Ryan (4th Grade) and has been a tireless volunteer for the Parents Association having participated in a multitude of activities and events. She is our immediate Past PA President, has served as PA Vice President, PA Coordinator for Class Representatives and Class Parent. She remains on the PA Executive Board and serves as a tour guide Reggie, Ryder, Audrey and Ryan in Admissions as well as several Board of Trustee committees, most recently serving on the Search Committee for Allen-Stevenson’s next Head of School. Audrey is a CPA and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Public Accounting from Pace University. Prior to leaving the workforce to focus on family, Audrey was a Vice President at J.P. Morgan Chase where she concentrated on financial accounting matters. She began her accounting career as a commercial real estate auditor, working at Arthur Andersen and Ernst and Young. Her husband, Reginald (Reggie), an avid cyclist, is the Chief Legal Officer and Secretary at Party City, an international specialty retail and manufacturing company. Prior to joining Party City, Reggie was the General Counsel of the Americas division of Rakuten Group, Inc., a global technology company.

Matthew, Ethan, Judy, Josephine, Christian and Zachary

Ian Schrager P’25 Since the 1970s, Ian Schrager has achieved international recognition for concepts that have revolutionized the entertainment, hospitality, food and beverage, retail and residential industries. His keen instincts for the mood and feel of popular culture were honed during the 70s and 80s, when he and his late business partner, Steve Rubell, created the legendary and groundbreaking Studio 54 and Palladium nightclubs. They soon turned their attention to the hotel business, opening Morgans Hotel in 1984, introducing the concept of the "boutique hotel" to the world. Schrager’s brand PUBLIC hotels is a further evolution of what he started. Now with 5 decades in the hospitality Photo: Tony Cenicola/The New York Times business, Ian has new openings of his PUBLIC brand, several luxury residential projects under development in New York City, a visual essay of Studio 54 with Rizzoli, a documentary film on Studio 54, a memoir, and 21 EDITION hotels around the world in the pipeline under his partnership with Marriott. Ian has 2 daughters from his first marriage, a son, Louis (5th Grade) with wife, Tania, a former professional ballet dancer, and two step-daughters.

Winter 2021

Cameron has been involved in community and public service from a young age. Cameron has been an active member of his community by serving as a leader of multiple congregational groups at Temple Emanu-El, still spending Friday mornings helping out at the All Souls Soup Kitchen, and serving as the Director of Community Engagement for the East 72nd Street Neighborhood Association. At Allen-Stevenson, he is an active member of the Alumni Council, guest speaker, admissions volunteer, and co-taught a class with Kim Sklow in the 20202021 academic year on politics.

Dr. Christian Chung, Advisory P’22, ’24 Dr. Christian Chung has been in private practice for over 18 years in the Columbus Circle area, specializing in Cosmetic and Implant dentistry. Chris has served and led in various dental mission trips in Asia and throughout South and Central America, including the Quechua tribe in the Amazon jungles between Brazil and Peru. He also participated in development projects of displaced communities near Chisec Guatemala. That project involved clean water education and building a well in a Q’etchi village as well as serving other indigenous populations of Mayan descent in the jungles of Guatemala with medical and dental work. Chris received his B.A. from New York University and his D.D.S. from New York University College of Dentistry. His wife, Judy Pak, is a graduate of University of California, Los Angeles, and Seton Hall Law. She has since started her own photography studio and is an award-winning industry leader in her field. They have 4 children and have been members of the Allen-Stevenson community for the past 9 years. Their two eldest boys, Ethan (8th Grade) and Matthew (6th Grade) are currently at Allen-Stevenson. Together they are committed to diversity initiatives and passionate about exemplifying kindness and service to communities of all backgrounds.

Lamplighter:

WELCOME

WELCOME N E W M E M B E R S TO T H E A L U M N I C O U N C I L E X E C U T I V E C O M M I T T E E

Roger Raines ’80,Vice President

Reed Katz ’03,Vice President

Following his time at Allen-Stevenson, Roger Raines ’80 attended Riverdale Country School followed by New York University. As a native New Yorker, he continues to live in New York City with his wife, Victoria. He works in the Hospitality Industry and has a passion for music and the arts.

Reed Katz is a Private Banker at J.P. Morgan and is responsible for providing wealth management solutions for ultra-high net worth individuals, private foundations, and school endowments. He has a particular focus working with hedge fund principals and corporate executives. Today, he oversees $1.8 billion in assets. Reed specializes in advising clients on public and private investments, credit and liquidity needs, as well as sophisticated estate and income tax planning strategies for his client’s families and their related philanthropic entities.

Paul Coverdale ’98,Vice President After graduating from Allen-Stevenson in 1998, Paul Coverdale went on to attend Frederick Douglass Academy in Harlem, then graduated from Wagner College with a B.S. in Finance. For the past 10+ years, Paul’s focus has been on driving highvalue decision-making through powerful analysis and concise project management in the travel industry. He started his travel career as an analyst, eventually rising to lead a team of consultants and analysts for one of the most highly regarded travel consulting firms in North America. Paul is currently the Manager of the Air Relations Business Intelligence Team at Internova Travel Group, where he works to develop strategies for commercial airline agreements across the global network of agencies. Paul also cherishes the opportunity to work with many of the newest stars in the industry, as an Alumni Advisor with the GBTA Ladders Mentorship Program, in a leadership role with the Black Men’s Travel Network and is an active member of his community, mentoring the boys of color at AllenStevenson (BOCAS).

Reed received his B.A. from Bucknell University with concentrations in Economics and Political Science. He belongs to The University Club, and lives in New York City on the Upper West Side with his wife, Caroline.

Tristan Howard ’96, Events Chair

Matthew Schnitzer ’13, Young Alumni Chair Matthew is an Acquisitions & Development Analyst at Hines, where he focuses mainly on the development of commercial real estate in and around New York City. Prior to starting at Hines, Matthew graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania as a member of the class of 2020. In his free time, he is an avid golfer and scuba diver and is also working towards earning the distinction of Sommelier. Matthew is excited to be more involved with A-S now that he is living in New York again and is looking forward to bringing the young alumni community together in new ways.

Alumni Council In September, members of the Allen-Stevenson Alumni Council attended their first meeting of the school year in the new 7th Floor Gym.

Winter 2021

Tristan Howard is a native New Yorker, who went to AllenStevenson for all nine years and is the only alumni to have had the privilege of playing the Pirate King twice! After A-S, he attended The Dalton School and then went on to Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, where he majored in Theater. After graduating, he returned to the city where he was an actor, writer, and comedian, until 2008 when he joined the Brand Experience agency, Jack Morton Worldwide. For the last 12 years, Tristan has traveled the world, creating extraordinary experiences with more than half of the top Fortune 100 companies. His current focus is on onboarding, resourcing, and recruiting, as well as running the agency’s US Intern Program.

Lamplighter:

WELCOME

W E L C O M E N E W F A C U LT Y A N D S TA F F

Gregory James Arte

Lindsay Dennis-Litinger

Fifth Grade Homeroom Teacher

Fourth Grade Homeroom Teacher

M.S. in Education: Literacy Education Grades 5-12, Fordham University B.S. in Secondary Education and History Minor, University of Portland

M.A. in Advanced Preparation in Learning Disabilities, Hunter College B.A. in Childhood Elementary/Special Education, New York University

Gregory Arte brings fifteen years of professional experience, the most recent as Principal of Brooklyn Jesuit Prep, where he has taught writing, social studies, and math and served in many other important administrative roles. Focusing on single-sex education, he brings us a seasoned understanding of boys that comes from all these various school responsibilities. His own father was a teacher, and Gregory says that he has childhood memories of his father and his colleagues being around each other a lot of the time and being the best of friends. When Gregory himself is not teaching or being an administrator, he likes to play basketball and run. He has been a serious runner for many years and has done the New York Marathon.

Lindsay Dennis-Litinger has most recently taught in the public school system. She grew up as a young girl in New Jersey. Lindsay cultivated both a love of reading and cooking at a young age, and these passions have only grown with time. She pointed out that these interests have also proved to be Pandemic proof. When the Pandemic does end, Lindsay hopes to travel again and attend theater in person, two additional, very real passions of hers.

the Arts. Erik is a graduate of Bates College, where he majored in Geology with a concentration in field studies and English. He also earned a Master of the Arts in Earth Science 7-12 from Teachers College, Columbia University. He has spent a summer working as a Field Research Associate for the Maine Geological Survey, and four summers as an independent contractor at Acadian Seaplants in Jonesport, Maine as a seaweed harvester. Erik says he loves being by the water. He grew up in Riverhead Long Island, mucking about in boats and learning informally about ecosystems and geology. Erik also spends time on the water rowing, a serious interest of his since he was 11 years old. Additionally, he has been Head Rowing Coach for the East End Rowing Institution in Riverhead, New York.

Katie Donahue Science Teacher MA, in Teaching, concentration in engineering, Tufts University B. A. in Chemistry and Education minor, Hamilton College

Erik J. Divan Science Teacher M.A. in Science Education, Earth Science 7-12, Teachers College, Columbia University B.S., in Geology, Bates College Erik Divan most recently has taught Science at the New York City Charter School of

Katie Donahue has most recently taught 7th Grade Science and served as an advisor at Sacred Heart Greenwich. A graduate of Tufts University, where she earned an MA in Teaching with a concentration in Engineering, and of Hamilton College where she was an honors major in Chemistry, she is a self-described avid traveler, who like many of us

looks forward to resuming that passion when the Pandemic ends. She is also a coach and outdoor enthusiast. Katie has additionally led sustainability efforts and Earth Week Action activities at Sacred Heart Greenwich, leadership interests we look forward to having her share with the Allen-Stevenson community.

Sarrina Lambe 6th Grade English Teacher B.S. in English, University of Mary Washington Sarrina Lambe has just moved from Alexandria, Virginia to Weehawken, New Jersey with her new husband, Sean. She taught and advised 6th Grade at the Flint School in Oakton, Virginia, for over five years and is now pleased to be joining our 6th Grade team. Sarrina is a “military brat”, from a Navy family serving for the past three generations. Her interests outside of her family include baseball and reading, and she looks forward to attending a Yankees game now that she is working in New York.

Associate Director of Communications M.A. in Communications and Education (Final Year), Columbia University/Teachers College B.A. in European History and French Tradition, Barnard College Jenny Bruce has most recently been Head of Enrollment and Communications at Montclare Children’s School, a preschool on the Upper West Side. A native New Yorker, her number one passion is music; she is both a professional singer and songwriter. Jenny has produced several albums, the most popular of which is “Soul on Fire.” In addition to school communication, management, and music, Ms. Bruce has a family consisting of two sons, ages 17 and 14, and a French spouse who teaches art at St. David’s.

In her spare time Barbara enjoys reading and trying to finish all of her needlework projects.

Barbara Lynch Executive Assistant to the Head of School B.A., Hunter College

Risa Vine

Barbara joined the AllenStevenson community in October 2021. She currently resides in Glen Ridge, NJ, right next door to Montclair, NJ. “You probably haven’t heard of it,” says Barbara, because it is exactly 1.278 square miles. “Blink, as you are driving, and you have probably missed it.”

Consultant and Interim Controller B.A. in Economics, Boston University Risa lives in Fairfield with her husband, David, three children, and her dog, Bella. Outside of work and family, her hobbies include making jewelry, taking walks, and upcycling old furniture.

RECENT RETIREMENTS

Chris Brozyna, Lower School Teacher

Pete Haarmann, English Teacher

Kim Kyte, Middle School Head Over her 41 years as an educator, most of them at Allen-Stevenson, we have come to value Ms. Kyte’s vast experience, care, enthusiasm and wisdom. With her long experience and sage perspective, Ms. Kyte’s attention to each and every boy and his family has been legendary. We will all miss her, and we wish her the very best in the next chapter of her life.

Candace B. Silva Communications Manager M.A. in Psychology, The City College of New York B.S. in Marketing Communications, Emerson College

Winter 2021

Jennifer Bruce

Candace Silva joins AllenStevenson from the Calhoun School, where she has most recently been the Communications Coordinator. She is a native New Yorker and loves her home. Candace likes walking the streets of New York where she always finds visual stimulation, and she is often accompanied by her mother. When not exploring her hometown, Candace is a serious K-Pop fan and can be found listening to BTS on her daily commute. She also enjoys spending time with her young nieces and nephews, and she looks forward to sharing New York experiences with them.

Ms. Kyte has a huge appreciation of Allen-Stevenson’s sturdy traditions. As an innovator, however, she has helped to start or guide many noteworthy Allen-Stevenson programs, including Alligator Soup, Fifth Grade STEAM, the Middle School knitting elective, and community service. Her passion for A-S boys to engage with the world beyond our schoolhouse, whether in an East Harlem public school or through the All Souls Soup Kitchen, has been transformative for many students. Mr. David R. Trower, h’95

Alumni Spotlight JEFFREY RICHARDS ’62 Jeffrey Richards is one of the leading producers of plays and musicals on Broadway, in London’s West End, and around the world. He’s won countless awards and accolades for his work including eight Tony Awards. An interview with Jen Ziplow, Assistant Director of Development and Alumni Relations, and Sarah Woods, Director of Communications; article by Jen Ziplow. Jen Ziplow: We’d love to learn more about what you’ve

done in your time since Allen-Stevenson.

Lamplighter: ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Lamplighter

Jeffrey Richards: Well, I left Allen-Stevenson in the Fourth

Grade. I went to Riverdale Country School for high school, then to Wesleyan University for my undergraduate degree. Following that, I went to Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. I didn’t really go into journalism, but I did write for a small syndicate called the Pop Scene Service and interviewed personalities. At the same time, I began a career in public relations and established my own firm, which lasted for over 40 years, through my recent production of Significant Other. I’ve been producing plays since 1995. My first production was The Compleat Works of Wllm Shkspr Abridged, and my first Broadway production was Gore Vidal’s The Best Man. I’ve presented approximately 50 or so productions on Broadway since then. When I was a public relations representative, I did PR for the longest running comedy thriller, Death Trap, as well as Me and My Girl, the Pulitzer Prize-winning Talley’s Folly, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Two Trains Running, The Piano Lesson, the original production of Glengarry Glen Ross…among many others. Suffice to say, I did a lot of press over a 40-year period. I represented theaters like The Circle Rep and The American Place Theatre, which originated The Women’s Project, as well as Hudson Guild and the American Jewish Theater, all of which are gone now.

JZ: What made you switch from public relations to play

productions?

JR: I went to see a show in London that I really liked. I came back to the U.S. and thought it was perfect for Broadway but couldn’t interest any of the producers I worked with. They performed the show at Princeton University, so I invited an agent I knew, along with a few producers, and we all trekked down to see The Compleat Works of Wllm Shkspr Abridged. The agent said he was going to sign the writer of the play, but the

producers I brought said they didn’t want to do it. They told me ‘if you love it so much, why don’t you produce it?’ And that’s exactly what I did—it was my first production! It was exciting and intimidating to raise funding for an off-Broadway show. We eventually recouped and made a very small profit. I was very fortunate it turned out positively for me. Then I did three off-Broadway plays and won the Outer Critics Circle Award for Never the Sinner, about Leopold and Loeb. I had an idea in 1998, with two other producers, to do a series of political plays in the 1999-2000 season. I suggested four plays: Advice and Consent, State of the Union, The Gang’s All Here, and Gore Vidal’s The Best Man. We were going to do four performances of each at the Promenade Theater, but my partners thought there wasn’t any money in it, and they were right. But I couldn’t get The Best Man out of my mind, so I took the plunge and produced it on Broadway. It was my first Broadway show.

JZ: Did your mom also work in the world

of Theater?

JR: She was a press agent and then she was a manager in the theater. When I started out as a press agent, ironically, the first two shows that I did were the revivals of Don Juan In Hell and The Pajama Game, which she had been on as a press agent. I eventually got the rights to The Pajama Game 33 years later and brought it to the Roundabout Theater with Harry Connick and Kelli O’Hara. She was one of the early General Managers on Broadway too.

JZ: Is that how you fell in love with the theater? JR: I would say yes. I would go to see everything when I was young, so consequently, I became hooked.

JZ: Do you have any favorite productions or plays that

you’ve seen?

JR: Well, that’s a difficult question. It’s like asking a parent who’s your favorite child. I love all the plays that I’ve done— the successes and the failures. I’ve had a pretty good track record, all things considered, but it can be difficult. I’ve done

some shows twice, Glengarry Glen Ross and Gore Vidal’s The Best Man. I’m going to be doing an entirely female version of Glengarry Glen Ross soon.

Sarah Woods: What inspired you to do an all-female

version?

it in 2005 and another with Bobby Cannavale and Al Pacino. I wanted to do it again but do it differently. We’re not changing a single word of dialogue. Actually, of course, the reason is that this play takes place in a real estate office, and just like most ticket buyers in the theater, most real estate professionals I’ve encountered have been women.

SW: Did you perform at all during your time at Allen-

Stevenson?

JR: One of my fondest memories was being part of the Orchestra. Playing with Stanley Gauger is something I remember most positively. I played the cello and used to take it on the subway; it was taller than I was. I wasn’t in any A-S productions, but I did play the tonette, which I would call the proverbial Allen-Stevenson instrument. It was something we all played—a very small instrument. Stanley Gauger was inspirational, and that Orchestra has always been a highlight of my time at A-S. Well, that, and dodgeball in the gym upstairs.

JZ: Were you involved in plays or performances at your

other schools?

JR: At Riverdale, I was in Gilbert & Sullivan plays in Fifth and Sixth Grade. Actually, I think the first time I saw Gilbert & Sullivan was during my time at Allen-Stevenson. I also directed a play while there. I worked on an adaption of Anything Goes. At Wesleyan, I was an editor and a critic.

JZ: How do you continue to challenge yourself and grow in

your career?

JR: That’s a big question. I read a fair number of scripts. When you’re a producer, it really is reflective of your tastes. I have very eclectic tastes because I’ve done plays like August Osage County, plays by David Mamet, plays by David Henry Hwang and Herman Wouk…It’s the quality of the material that drives me. I read a play a few years ago called The Sound Inside, and I couldn’t put it down. I had the good fortune to do that. Writers attract me—the quality of the writing. And that’s usually it. I don’t do that many imports from London. I generally gravitate towards American writers and themes. Two upcoming plays are The Minutes by Tracy Letts, which is about cancel culture, and American Buffalo from David Mamet with Sam Rockwell, Laurence Fishburne and Darren Criss. They’ll both open in April.

JZ: How does it feel to have Broadway open again? JR: It feels quite wonderful at this point. I’m glad that I’m opening my plays in April. I think audiences are coming back, but we need a tourist audience, and that’s a bit slower in returning. You’re more dependent now on local audiences, which is about 35%, while 65% are tourists. I think there are signs that are very encouraging right now, but it’s going to be a slow recovery. The theater, while metaphorically, had Covid. And anyone who has had Covid and recovered knows the bounce back takes a bit of time, and we certainly hurt for 17 months. With protocols in place, we are making it very safe to go to the theater, and people want to return.

JZ: Do you have any advice for boys at Allen-Stevenson

today?

JR: I hope that they get a wonderful education. Allen-Stevenson is still one of the best schools in the city, and its strong reputation remains intact. Right above me, in my building, was Richard Thomas ’66, who was in a couple of productions of mine. We both went uptown together for an event about ten years ago for Stanley Gauger. He was such an influential figure to so many of us.

Winter 2021

JR: I happen to have loved the play. I did one production of

Michael Douglas ’59

Hiram Ratliff ’81

alumni NEWS 1951

Members of the Class of 1951 reunited virtually in May to celebrate their 70th Allen-Stevenson alumni reunion. Jeffrey Davidson ’51, Bob Freedman ’51, and David Luria ’51 reminisced about their time at A-S, while learning more about A-S today from Mr. Kersey h’98.

1959

Michael Douglas ’59 and his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, attended the 2021 Emmy Awards. He was nominated for outstanding lead actor in a comedy series for playing Sandy Kominsky in The Kominsky Method.

Lamplighter: ALUMNI NEWS

1974

J. Todd Harris ’74 is the Executive Producer of the upcoming movie 12 Mighty Orphans.

1981

1955

Phil Proctor ’55 recently launched the podcast, Phil and Ted’s Sexy Boomer Show featuring unconventional conversations and comedy.

In April, Hiram Ratliff ’81 celebrated his tenth year Pastoring at New Tabernacle Baptist Church and his fifth year as a Teacher’s Aide with Mt. Pleasant Cottage School in Pleasantville, New York.

The Class of 1981 reunited on September 26 to celebrate their 40th Allen-Stevenson Reunion! Pictured above: Eric Rothstein ’81, Jeff Marks ’81, Matt Penn ’81, David Kersey h’98, Taylor Burr ’81, Erik Cliette ’81, Peter Cohen ’81, Evan Goldfischer ’81, Nick Kotsonis ’81, Fred Wahlers ’81, Adam Leong ’81, Hans Wydler ’81.

Peter Siskind ’83

Adam Donaldson ’05

1983

2001

1985

In May, Mr. Kersey ran into the first-grade sons of Luis Jimenez ’85, while at school. An AllenStevenson legacy!

Derrick Ko ’01 recently stopped by Allen-Stevenson to visit the School and see Mr. Kersey.

2005

Adam Donaldson ’05 visited the School when he was in town, not long after giving this year’s Founders Day speech. Harrison Sitomer ’05 got married in early July to Charlotte Stewart in North Carolina. Congratulations Harrison!

2012

Countless Zooms and FaceTimes later, 11 vaccinated members of the Class of 2012 were finally able to meet up in person in New York after 15 months apart!

1997

Matthew Ferraro ’97 was recently interviewed on ABC News In-Depth in the video Deepfakes And The End of Truth.

1998

In September 2021, Graham Winfrey ’98 directed his second feature film, “Cape Carl,” starring Emmy-winning actor John Shea. Winfrey also wrote the screenplay for the film, which was shot in and around Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. The movie is a comedy-drama that is expected to have its film festival premiere in the summer of 2022.

2018

Two Allen-Stevenson alumni participated in the recent production of the musical Godspell at Brown University, Santi Vargas ’18 as Jesus and Myles Ringel ’18 as the lighting designer.

Winter 2021

Peter Siskind ’83 stopped by Allen-Stevenson this spring on a walk through the Upper East Side. He was joined by Alumni Liasion Mr. Kersey.

Derrick Ko ’01

alumni NEWS IN MEMORIAM

Lamplighter: ALUMNI NEWS

Warren Metcalf with Lisa Metcalf

Warren Metcalf ’39

Gillet Lefferts, Jr. ’38

Warren Metcalf ’39 died peacefully at home in New York City on June 7, 2021. Warren was born in Syracuse, NY, and spent his early childhood in Auburn, NY, where his grandfather, Edwin D. Metcalf, had founded the Columbian Rope Company. He attended The Allen-Stevenson School and graduated from The Hotchkiss School in 1942. His undergraduate studies were interrupted by World War II, in which he served in the army as a truck mechanic on the Ledo Road, a thousand-mile-long supply route traversing the jungle and mountain passes of India, Burma and China. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and graduated from Princeton University in 1948 with an AB in Economics. He received an MBA from New York University and worked as a securities analyst specializing in the oil and chemical industries. Warren joined The Brick Presbyterian Church in 1959, where he served as Deacon and Elder and recently sang in an inter-generational choir. An only child, he found his brothers in song through the University Glee Club, with which he performed with gusto for over sixty years. Warren was a quiet man with deep reserves of strength who loved family, travel, geography and history. He had an impish sense of humor and was an avid golf player. A true gentleman, he was a person of faith through whom kindness flowed as easily as music.

Gillet Lefferts, Jr. ’38 passed away peacefully at home on March 30, 2021; he was 97 years old. Gil was born in Turtle Bay on May 6, 1923, raised in New York City; he attended The Allen-Stevenson School and Deerfield Academy. A proud member of the Class of 1945, he graduated from Williams College in 1947 and earned his degree in architecture at Princeton University in 1950. Gil honorably served as Airplane Commander in the Army Air Force during World War II. He began his career in architecture at a firm that became Hutchins, Evans & Lefferts. More than 50 years later, he joined William A Hall Partnership as a consultant. At the age of 88, he retired and suspended his 57 years as a Metro-North regular. Gil was an active member of The American Institute of Architects and the Century Club. An accomplished architect, talented artist, writer, lacrosse and tennis player, die-hard Blue Wave football fan, devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, "out-law," and friend. A New Yorker at heart, he raised his family in Darien, CT, a volunteer and active member of the local community on Planning & Zoning, the Board of Selectmen, at Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church, the Darien Library, ABC in Darien, Person to Person, and Darien Nature Center. He brought his reserved dry wit, impeccable common sense, unwavering dedication, deep compassion, and selfless humility to all his endeavors.

If you would like to acknowledge a community member, whether a parent, grandparent, or past faculty or staff member in the In Memoriam section of our next issue of the Lamplighter, please email the Alumni Office at alumni@allen-stevenson.org.

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Lamplighter Winter 2021

Articles inside

In Memoriam

Alumni News

New Faculty & Staff

Alumni Spotlight

Recent Retirements

New Alumni Council Members

New Trustees

Parents Association

New Siblings

From the Archives

Founders Day

Ongoing Schools

Closing Exercises

From the Front Desk

Bringing Life to the Classroom

Adapting Theatre in a Pandemic

Around A-S

Damian VanCamp ’00 | Connectivity Laid the Groundwork

New Head of School

Geoff Feder ’89 | Professionalism Rooted in Lessons from Allen-Stevenson

Head of School’s Message

Safe and Savvy Surfing: Digital Fluency at Allen-Stevenson

Late 4 Morning Planning Creates Deeper Learning in First Grade Plant Study