LAMPLIGHTER
THE ALLEN-STEVENSON SCHOOL MAGAZINE
SPRING 2012
our outside classroom
THE ALLEN-STEVENSON SCHOOL
LEADERSHIP 2011-2012 BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Ronald S. Rolfe Ô60, President Thomas H. Lister, Vice President & Treasurer Lisa Pagliaro Selz, Secretary David R. Trower hÕ95, Headmaster Dana B. Cowin Alexander G. Gellert Ô79 Michael Gould Mark I. Greene John J. Hannan Joshua Harris Peter B. Kellner Ô84 Michael S. Klein David H. Koch Paul A. Leff Pablo G. Legorreta Duane A. Nicholson Dang T. Phan Amy L. Robbins Alexander Roepers Suellyn Preston Scull Daniel H. Stern Alexandra Wallace Simon D. Wasserberger Ô85* Leonard A. Wilf Shiuan Wu* * member ex officio
TRUSTEES EMERITI Mildred J. Berendsen Marian R. Bicks Jane Phillips Donaldson Richard N. Foster D. Ross Hamilton Susan B. Hirschhorn Karen T. Hughes John R. Hupper Ô40 E. William Judson Robert J. Katz George A. Kellner Robert Liberman Ô58 Peter deF. Millard Richard C. Perry Ô70 Joe L. Roby Andrew P. Steffan
ALUMNI COUNCIL
Simon D. Wasserberger Õ85, President David W. Herzberg Õ89, Vice-President James A. Magid Õ91, Vice-President Marc N. Rice Õ84, Vice-President Ian Adler Õ87 Theodore D. Agbi Õ10 Charles W. Allen Õ91 Basil L. Anderson Õ08 Andrew R. Arias Õ92 Zach T. Axelrod Õ95 Neil E. Bader Õ79 Anthony P. Bonan Õ93 Pierre A. Bonan Õ89 Robert B. Buehler Õ78 Robert D. Burge Õ76* Alfred P. Burger Õ87 Andrew A. Burger Õ59 John T. Carr III Õ76 Erik A. Cliette Õ81 Brooke B. Connell Õ86 Adam J. P. Donaldson Õ05 Maurice F. Edelson Õ78 Jason M. Farkas Õ97 Michael Feinberg Õ84 R. Vanneman Furniss Õ91 Alexander G. Gellert Õ79 Harlan E. Goldberg Õ90 Evan R. Goldfischer Õ81 Christopher S. Goodman Õ86 Michael H. Grady Õ91 Christopher J. Hallows Õ87 Christopher W. Hamilton Õ96 Schuyler Havens Õ88 Michael W. Hedges Jr. Õ77 John C. Henry Jr. Õ84 John B. Hersey Õ09 David R. Hirschfeld Õ99 Patrick D. R. Horan Õ85 Tristan Howard Õ96 C. Andrew Hughes Õ98 Alex A. Ingram Õ03 Andrew A. Janko Õ95 Clinton V.P. Johnson Õ79 Stephen H. Judson Õ76 William H. Judson Õ78 A. Reed Katz Õ03 Cameron A. Koffman Õ12 Kenneth LaFreniere Õ90 Dean I. Landis Õ78* Ethan A. Leff Õ11 Paul J. Mancuso Õ03 Colin McCabe Õ90 Timothy C. McCabe Õ94 Kenneth J. McCauley Õ93 Liam R. Millhiser Õ96 Ross R. Millhiser IV Õ94 Richard C. Perry Õ70* Christopher Persley Õ88 Vincent Peterson Õ74 Philip N. Pilmar Õ01 Roger Raines Õ80 Harlan Reinhardt Õ83
Ronald S. Rolfe Õ60* Eric Rosas Õ06 Berton Rose Õ97 John Rose Õ90 Louis Rose Õ86* Henry J. Rosenwach Õ04 Eric E. Rothstein Õ81* Dean E. Sanborn Õ61 Alessandro M. Santoro Õ07 Randolph R. A. Schrade Õ76 Yoshiki Shimada Õ75 Alexander B. Shipper Õ02 Denton A. Smith Õ94 Khalid A. Taylor Õ10 Michael Tiedemann Õ86 Andrew W. Vogelstein Õ81 Noel E. Volpe Õ85 Alexandre von Furstenberg Õ85 Mark Wasserberger Õ82 Dewey S. Wigod Õ77 Hans L. Wydler Õ81 Clifton G. York Õ78 Andrew E. Zimmerman Õ00 Thomas Zipser Õ99 *president emeritus
PARENTS ASSOCIATION
Shiuan Wu, President Amanda Lister, Vice President Vivian Queen, Treasurer Paula Simmons, Corresponding Secretary Samantha Marvin, Communications Secretary Amy Bader, Advisory Linda Barnett, Advisory Marie Bitetti, Advisory Constance Cornish, Advisory Suzanne Freind, Advisory Cristina Morris, Advisory Susan Morgenstein, Advisory Alix OÕMara, Advisory Anne Schnitzer, Advisory Lisa Pagliaro Selz, Advisory Lucia Smith, Advisory
ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
David R. Trower hÕ95, Headmaster Susan Etess, Lower School Head Kimberly Kyte, Middle School Head Neal Kamsler, Upper School Head Richard Alifano, Director, P.E. and Athletics Casper Caldarola, Director of Communications; Co-Director of Community Life + Diversity Michelle Demko, Music Department Head Ronnie R. Jankoff, Director of Admissions Glenn Lieberman, Director of Technology Anne Russo Meyer, Director of Learning Resources Mary Richter, Director of Development C. Harris Stein, Business Manager
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THE ALLEN-STEVENSON SCHOOL MAGAZINE SPRING 2012
Director of Communications CASPER CALDAROLA
Table of Contents
Communications Manager SARAH WOODS
In this issue
Contributing Writers
BROOKE COHEN STEVEN COHEN MICHELLE DEMKO MARGARET GARFINKEL BRIAN HALWEIL Õ90 ANTHONY KAPP DAVID KERSEY HÕ98 JASON KRELOFF Õ15 BENJAMIN NEULANDER JULIAN PHILLIPS Õ12 SUSANNA HARWOOD RUBIN BARBARA SHINDLER DAVID R. TROWER HÕ95 CHAPLIN WARREN SHIUAN WU
Editors
JEAN MCCAULEY SARI NADLER MARY RICHTER
Photographers
TERI BLOOM NANCY MITCHELL AL PEREIRA LISA MELONI RAGUSA
HeadmasterÕs Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Cover Story: Our Outside Classroom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Scholarship Fund Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Alumni in Food & Drink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
In every issue Around A-S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Did You Know? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Making a Difference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 A-S News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Alumni Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Alumni News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Cover photo taken by Lisa Meloni Ragusa on a Fourth Grade field trip at Dead Horse Bay in Brooklyn, NY 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.
The Lamplighter is published biannually by The Allen-Stevenson School and is sent free-of-charge to alumni, parents, and other friends of the School.
Printed on paper containing 20% post-consumer recycled content.
EvÕryone says that life is a journey.
EvÕryone says thereÕs so much to know. Maybe itÕs true that life is uncertain. Maybe itÕs true we learn as we go. I donÕt know how it will go. I donÕt know how IÕll do.
But I do know that I can try, ÔCause every day is new!
With an open mind and an open road And a path that lies before me, I will find my own way EvÕry night and day
And then my life will be
An adventure, an adventure, an adventure! EvÕry one says that life is a mystÕry.
EvÕryone says we get what we give.
Maybe itÕs true weÕre in this together. Maybe itÕs true we grow as we live. ~ From ÒAn Adventure,Ó a beloved song learned by all Lower School students
David Trower in Thessoloniki, Greece
HEADMASTER’S Message Our word for April is creative: as the Allen-Stevenson Code says,
Both categories are extensions of the SchoolÕs mission, where we
is actually one of my favorite words in the Code, although I confess
academics, athletics, and the arts teaches boys to value the gratifying
At Allen-Stevenson we inspire boys to becomeÉcreative. Creative that I like all of its words and look forward each month to the new one. But creative fits ÒOur Outside Classroom,Ó the theme for this Lamplighter, because it encompasses an array of out-of-the-box
connotations. It even suggests adventure, discovery, travel and new approachesÑall of which foster creativity.
In my own life I have been quite fortunate to be able to travel widely,
say, ÒAllen-StevensonÕs vigorous, pre-secondary program of
process by which excellence is attained.Ó That word vigorous is
essential, because it has meanings of physical or mental strength, energy and action. Field trips offer boys yet another mode to be vigorous in their learning.
An added perspective on creativity comes from Harvard professor Tony Wagner, author of the widely acclaimed book The Global
but my first big trip on my own set the tone for all subsequent
Achievement Gap. WagnerÕs newest work, Creating Innovators,
Europe with only $800 and no reservations in advance. This amazing
and encouragement to learn from mistakes, both strong components
journeys. After graduating from college I travelled for 13 weeks in
opportunity, one IÕll never forget, opened up so many new experi-
ences and perspectives. I also learned that facing difficulty as though it is a creative adventure can help in a dilemma.
In his recent book Imagine: How Creativity Works, Jonah Lehrer shows how we can all learn to be more creative. He establishes
that creativity frequently comes from the fresh recombination of established ideas and information. With many illustrations from history, Lehrer observes that, more often than not, Òthe radical
focuses on teaching for innovation. It stresses hands-on learning
in an Allen-Stevenson education. In a recent article in The Wall Street Journal, Wagner wrote,
The culture of learning in programs that excel at educating for
innovation emphasize what I call the three PÕsÑplay, passion and
purpose. The play is discovery-based learning that leads young people to find and pursue a passion, which evolves, over time, into a deeper sense of purpose. (4/13/12)
concept was merely a mixture of old ideas.Ó Being able to step back
To these P-words, I would add a fourth, which would be process.
to foster creativity. So do adventure, discovery and travel.
modes and locales. ThatÕs why Òthe outside classroomÓ is so impor-
and view things from a new perspective, Lehrer notes, often seems
This Lamplighter divides our Allen-Stevenson field trips into two
related categories: Òbringing learning to lifeÓ and Òputting learning
into practice.Ó These unfold in interesting, age-appropriate ways that are meant to extend the boysÕ experience, as well as to prompt new
We know that good learning takes place over time and in a variety of tant as we Òeducate boys to become scholars and gentlemen.Ó We hope you enjoy this Lamplighter. Fortiter et recte!
ways of thinking and understanding. By extending and varying classroom learning, such opportunities stimulate and engage the boys. They promote creative thinking and problem solving, and they refresh and reinforce what takes place in the classrooms.
David R. Trower hÕ95 Headmaster
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around A-S
The Landis Assembly Hall
Making paper
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Preparing a Spanish meal
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In and out of the classroom KH BUILDS THE LANDIS ASSEMBLY HALL
Not only did the boys have a fantastic time, the chaperones had a
The boys in Ms. HeminwayÕs and Ms. McNeilÕs Kindergarten
takes on many forms, there is no right or wrong answer, taking a
class have been learning about Allen-Stevenson in social studies. This two-month study began with the boys exploring the
school building and recreating their own map of the School in
the classroom. They also made a mural of the school building to
blast as well. Through this experience, the boys learned that art risk can lead to beautiful works of art, and working together is
important. Integrating pictures of Egypt was an incredible way to complete the trip.
which they will soon add people.
Matthew Lopez-Balboa Õ17 and Reynaldo Figueredo Õ17 had a com-
Next, the class made a few in-depth visits with some of our staff
thickest paper. In the end, both groups created paper that would be
members, including Mr. Acerbo, Director of Security; Mr.
Knespler, Assistant Facilities Manager; and Ms. Matthew, Food
petition with Conrad Dobbs Õ17 and Harrison Queen Õ17 for the pressed to be as thick as cardboard!
& Nutrition Director. Most recently half of the class visited Ms.
Jacob Kapasi Õ17 and Jagger Fleissig Õ17 experimented with different
Landis Assembly Hall. After the visit, the boys spent a couple of
covered almost half of the worktable!
Donovan, Technical Director, who showed the boys around the
days creating their own Assembly Hall out of blocks. This elabo-
colored pulps to make the biggest piece of paper. Their creation
rate structure incorporated: the two tiers of the Hall; the stage
Harrison Dubin Õ17 and Ethan Brous Õ17 learned to use the pulp
stage area; seats, doors, the piano and light and sound system -
across the table. Luckily, they were able to use the paint smeared
with the set for the Upper School Shakespeare play; the back made out of paper; a cherry picker; music stands; Ms.
DonovanÕs office; and various props. They also made the ceiling
paint more effectively after they squeezed too hard and shot paint across the table by creating art around and over it.
with colored lights attached. Ms. Donovan came to see the cre-
"I loved every minute of the trip and canÕt wait to do it again. The
even have my office, with me and my phone!"
ferent paper creations," said Ms. Moon.
ation and was absolutely awestruck by it. She exclaimed, "They
FOURTH GRADE VISITS PAPERMILL The Fourth Grade boys had an incredible time at the Dieu
Donne« Papermill where they learned to make paper as part of this year's Fischbein Artist-in-Residence Program, named after the family who generously donated funds in memory of their son, Alexander Õ95. The field trips to the papermill were very
interactive and provided the perfect opportunity for creativity.
boys were so engaged, and we all look forward to seeing all the dif-
SEVENTH GRADE SPANISH RESTAURANTS The boys in Ms. Wilkis' seventh grade Spanish class performed
restaurant skits entirely in Spanish for their classmates. Groups of three and four boys each worked together and wrote their own
scripts. Waiter and chef costumes, and beautifully designed menus
all in Spanish, were a nice touch. To make the experience authentic, the boys were treated to fresh guacamole and chips prepared by one of the groups.
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H.M.S. Pinafore
This year's Gilbert and Sullivan production was the comic operetta, H.M.S. Pinafore, which was performed under the
leadership of Musical Director, Michelle Demko, Co-Directors, Stacy A. Donovan and David Kersey hÕ98, Production Manager, Jaison Correa-Spain '97, Choreographer, Kristina King, Accompanist, Aleeza Meir, Orchestration, Steven Dziekonski, and Make-up by members of the Improbable Stage Company.
Set aboard H.M.S. Pinafore, the usual Gilbert and Sullivan topsy-turvy focuses on Victorian social class as seen through the lens of the British navy. Will "love level all ranks"? Will the captain's daughter Josephine wed the common sailor Ralph Rackstraw?
The performers sang to the opera's infectious tunes played by the orchestra, which consisted of the SchoolÕs talented instrumental teachers and other professional musicians.
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H.M.S. Pinafore
Ryan Claffey ’15 plays the beautiful Josephine
Sailor Nick Sen ’13
Jorge Colmenares ’12 is Dick Deadeye
Willie Swett ’15 as Buttercup and Henry Liu ’14 as Captain Corcoran
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around A-S JV SOCCER
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VARSITY SOCCER
VARSITY FOOTBALL
VARSITY HOCKEY
VARSITY BASKETBALL
JV BLUE BASKETBALL
Upper School Teams 2011-12 JV GOLD BASKETBALL
VARSITY BASEBALL
VARSITY LACROSSE
VARSITY WRESTLING
JV BASEBALL
VARSITY TRACK
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THE LAMPLIGHTER HIGHLIGHTS FACULTY AND STAFF INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF ALLEN-STEVENSON.
In 1998, Middle School Director, KIM KYTE, along with a group of people in Princeton, NJ, gathered to discuss the growing number of people, in Trenton, NJ, who did not have enough food to sustain them each day. Their talk moved to action and they formed a group called, Yes We CAN! To date they have collected over 64 tons of food through food drives at area food markets and farmers markets. KimÕs area of involvement has been to work with farmers through the West Windsor Farmers Market, as it is the individual farmers who make a huge difference, donating extra fruits and vegetables as the farmers market is closing each Saturday. All of the food collected goes to the Crisis Ministry of Trenton and Princeton, which feeds 3000 individuals a month, including 1000 children. http://www.yeswecanfooddrives.org/home.php Yes We CAN food drive
Adam Shecter’s work
Rie Schmidt
RIE SCHMIDT, Flute Instrumental Instructor, was recently appointed temporary Associate Flutist with the New York City Ballet Orchestra and played with them through The Nutcracker and Winter Seasons.
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ADAM SHECTER, Technology Resource Teacher, was in a show ÒThree Points Form a Triangle,Ó at the Queens Museum of Art from February 5 to May 20. This is the the fifth iteration of its biennial, showcasing artists living or working in the borough. The 2012 edition features 31 artists based in established and upcoming art hubs in Queens, and comprises a multi-national and cross-generational group.
Jennifer Vermont-Davis
JENNIFER VERMONT-DAVIS, LS Science and Reading Teacher, has for the past 6 years co-chaired the College Fair, part of Career Day at the Riverside Church, held this year on March 3. This is an annual event, with over 400 seventh to twelfth grade students from New York, New Jersey and Long Island kids participating in workshops with knowledgeable professionals.
Making a Difference...
Making A Difference highlights some of the many ways in which people give to The Allen-Stevenson School.
Growing and Learning As Parents
by Shiuan Wu PA President
Lower School Parent Connection Meeting
Community Life + Diversity Parent Chat
A Chinese proverb says Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.
When our children were infants, we eagerly awaited their next milestone: whether it was being able to sit, crawl, cruise, or walk; or uttering their first word and saying their first sentence. Before long, our children started pre-school. Kindergarten followed and thus began our desire to support their academic growth and learning. The process of growing and learning is like building blocks. The firmer the foundation, the more we can build on it. We are fortunate that at AllenStevenson, our boys are getting just that - a firm foundation - giving them the right building blocks to be lifelong learners.
At Allen-Stevenson, we believe that the same should hold true for parents. This is especially important as we face the challenges of raising children in the 21st century. There was a strong focus on education and support for the parent body in the range of events that were hosted this year by the Parents Association and the School. ¥ The screening of the documentary Race to Nowhere generated a thought-provoking discussion facilitated by school administrators to raise awareness of the pressures our children face today and how as a community we can have an open dialogue about this concern. ¥ Community Life + Diversity parent chats covered topics like The Power of Vulnerability, Different Affinity
Groups within Our A-S Community and The Role of Fathers in the Lives of Sons. Each chat was an open discussion facilitated by parent moderators with faculty and staff and/or Dr. Michael Schwartzman, our psychologist consultant. ¥ Parent Connection meetings provided an avenue for parents to share ideas and practical advice on topics that were relevant to each grade with the Division Heads and our psychologist consultant. Topics included: social aspects of school life - play dates, socializing with girls for the older boys; technology - how much screen time to allow, when boys should have a phone, Facebook and texting, appropriate video games and basic questions, such as ÒWhen should boys be allowed to walk to and from school by themselves?Ó ¥ Guest Speaker, Dr. Ron Taffel, who spoke at an evening PA meeting and offered insight into the challenges we face in parenting today. He provided encouraging step-by-step practical parenting advice.
Two of the events this year stemmed from current trends and inquiries. Right Book Right Time, a presentation by the Library, came about from a trend that had been observed in the choices of reading material by the boys. It provided parents with information on boysÕ cognitive development with regard to reading. Besides being treated to a delicious meal, Lunch for Dinner was designed to help parents understand the philosophy and planning behind the lunch program at A-S. Each of these opportunities provides a building block for us to continue our journey as parents. Thanks to the tremendous support from the School, the Parents Association was able to work closely with administration, staff, and faculty to help us become life-long learners like our sons!
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our outside classroom....
At Allen-Stevenson we believe a full and rich program is enhanced when we take the boys out of the classroom and introduce them to new experiences. The purpose of a field trip is to use the many resources outside the classroom to complement the vigor in the curriculum, promote better learning, creative thought, data collection, and extend the learning taking place at school. The field trips we have highlighted on the following pages fall into two types:
BRINGING LEARNING TO LIFE and PUTTING LEARNING INTO PRACTICE. Examples of BRINGING LEARNING TO LIFE are represented in the Brooklyn Bridge walk, the Gauguin exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum and the West Side Bus Depot. Each of these trips allows the boys to actually ÒseeÓ what they have been studying in their classes and
brings their curriculum to life. To stand next to the Liberty Bell, walk across the Bridge or view an original Gauguin within arms length deepens the learning.
Dead Horse Bay, Waldingfield Farm and Indian Mountain are some examples of PUTTING LEARNING INTO PRACTICE field trips. These are adventure-based, where the boys literally get their hands dirty. They also test themselves in a setting that allows for risk talking. Testing
water, planting seeds and harvesting food, pushing themselves and trusting friends broaden the boysÕ understanding of the balance in the world and where they fit in the cycle.
On the next several pages, learn about some examples of our outside classroom.
BRINGING LEARNING TO LIFE
THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE
One of the highlights of this study is the annual walk across the
In the spring semester, the first graders study bridges. This is an
boys, teachers and chaperones begin the trek at City Hall. As the
exciting study, as the boys love to build and experiment with
different structures and materials. Living in New York City, with its
20 bridges connecting our island to the rest of the world, the boys immediately make connections with their own experiences in this investigation. The exploration of bridges allows the boys to draw
from their own base of knowledge, personal observations, and first
Brooklyn Bridge in May. Armed with sketchpads and pencils, the
buses approach the bridge and the first sightings begin, there is a buzz of excitement all over the bus. The excitement continues as we disembark, and we hear enthusiastic shouts pointing out the
towers, the cables, the Brooklyn Bridge! The first grade explorers have come upon a great discovery.
hand experience. It spans (no pun intended) the curricula and
Walking on the Brooklyn Bridge is a treat for everyone. We are
many Òhands onÓ activities. Of course we use the great laboratory
bridge in the world at its completion. PT Barnum sent 21
incorporates science, technology, literature, and writing, and offers of New York City to visit its many bridges.
In the classroom, the boys learn to navigate Google Earth to view
on the world famous suspension bridge, the longest suspension elephants over it to prove its strength and durability. The whole world knows this New York City landmark.
bridges around the world, beginning their virtual journey in New
The boys begin their walk, admiring the arched towers and the
discover the specific bridge styles. The boys build bridges out of
and immediately telegraph the information to one another. There
York City. The boys compare the attributes of different bridges to paper, cardboard, blocks and other materials. 12
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miles of cabling. Suddenly, they can actually touch the wire cables, are eager shouts about the cabling, ÒItÕs just like the Inca rope
bridges!Ó It is identical in all but material to the grass cabling that
THE SECOND GRADE TAKES ON THE MET During the school year, the entire Second Grade visits the
Metropolitan Museum of Art in conjunction with Art in the Classroom.
One class had been studying still life paintings by Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists, learning about line, shape, color, and composition. At the Met the students compared paintings by
C zanne, Van Gogh, and Gauguin, discussing the artistsÕ different
choices in subject matter and what that told us about where they lived and what their interests were. They discussed color, line,
composition, and painting style. Back in the classroom, we made small still life arrangements of apples, oranges, arranged with
cloth, in order to create cray-pas drawings inspired by the work of C zanne.
Surveying the bridge
the Incas made for their suspension bridges; marveled at in a video, and now in their hands.
Upon reaching the first tower, the boys stop to sketch what is over, under and around them. On one side, they can see the Manhattan and Williamsburg bridges; below them are cars. Large and small
boats travel under the bridges, disappearing and reappearing as
the boys rush from one side to the other following their progress. On a sunny day, they can even catch sight of the Bayonne Bridge,
a fine example of an arch bridge. There are also many brass plaques to read, commemorating this bridge.
The trek continues to the middle of the bridge, carefully steering
A second grader’s interpretation of Gauguin
clear of the onslaught of bicycles. At this point, the boys look south
Another class focused on the work of Van Gogh and Gauguin,
continue to the Brooklyn side with the boys in disbelief that they
students compared and contrasted several pairs of paintings by
and see the Statue of Liberty, another delighted discovery. We
have walked a mile, and enjoy lunch and some free time to cap off the day.
A few hours later, the buses arrive back at Allen-Stevenson, returning a group of boys who are tired, but with the exhilaration of great explorers having made a new discovery. Barbara Shindler, First Grade Teacher
looking at portraits, landscapes, and still life paintings. At the Met, the two artists, discussing their different subject matter and ways of painting. The trip was followed up with two cray-pas drawing
projects: a Van Gogh-based group project in which the class created a collage of drawn landscape elements, and a still life based on Gauguin, based on arrangements of mangos, bananas, oranges arranged in cloth. In addition, the students studied and wrote about the two artistsÕ lives.
Susanna Harwood Rubin, Art Teacher
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our outside classroom THE BUS DEPOT During the spring, Kindergarten boys study land, air, and water transportation. They
focus on New York City transportation and how it helps people move around the city.
As part of this study the boys visit the West Side Bus Depot. Before their visit the boys
make predictions, such as how many people they think ride the bus each day, then they generate a list of questions about city buses.
Some of the questions the boys had before they went on the trip were:
¥ How many people ride the NYC bus each day? ¥ What happens if a bus breaks down or gets a flat tire?
¥ If someone pays with coins, how are the coins removed from the coin box? ¥ How are buses cleaned?
¥ Which style of bus does our city have the most ofÉarticulated bus or hybrid bus?
While on their guided tour of the bus depot the
boys interview MTA employees to gain a greater understanding of their jobs as well as the buses. The classes have a guided tour of the Bus Depot from an MTA employee, while riding one of the buses, learning all sorts of behind the scenes
information. For example, boys see firsthand where buses are parked, how their tires are changed, how bus fares are calculated at the end of a shift, and how buses are washed. Building a bus depot in KH
The field trip is then brought to life in the classroom through the construction of a bus depot out of wooden blocks, the creation of an MTA bus using art materials, and the design of personal MetroCards. Each boy leads the class in a discussion about his
understanding of MTA buses and how they help everyone travel in this amazing city. Margaret Garfinkel, Kindergarten Head Teacher Brooke Cohen, Kindergarten Associate Teacher
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Learning about the Liberty Bell
PHILADELPHIA Every winter boys in the Sixth Grade, as part of their study of
Visiting the National Constitutional Center, which is a new museum
town. The boys have studied the Declaration of Independence and
of the history the boys have studied thus far during the year. Stops on
American history, visit historic sites in Philadelphia, Ben FranklinÕs the United States Constitution and by going to Philadelphia they
can see where these documents were created. This is also where
the Continental Congress met during the American Revolution and where the new Federal Government met from 1790 to 1800.
ÒIt is very powerful to see the actual space where history happened,Ó said David Kersey hÕ98, Sixth Grade History Teacher. ÒThe boys are given the opportunity to experience Independence Hall, to stand on the sacred ground where the Declaration was adopted and the Constitution framed. Even more compelling
perhaps is the ability to walk into the first House of Representatives and then walk upstairs to where the first 26 senators met.Ó
devoted entirely to the US Constitution, gives an all-around perspective the trip also include: the Liberty Bell, the United States Mint, a Free
Quaker Meeting House, and the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier.
"For eighteen years I have been watching the faces of the sixth grade boys light up when they realize they are standing in the very space where the Founding Fathers defined who we were to become as a
nation and people. Trust me, it never gets old! Their natural curiosity and enthusiasm are contagious and the day has become not only a
highlight of the school year, but a rite of passage for each and every sixth grade boy at Allen-Stevenson," Peter Haarmann enthused. David Kersey hÕ98, History Teacher
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our outside classroom PUTTING LEARNING INTO PRACTICE DEAD HORSE BAY Is Dead Horse Bay dead or alive? What is an estuary? How
does ÒtrashÓ left behind by people in the past, effect species and ecosystems in the future? What can we learn from this
ÒtrashÓ? These were the questions that in October 2011 led the fourth grade boys to venture down to the very tip of
Brooklyn, to engage in an investigation of Dead Horse Bay. The trip started off with a quarter mile nature walk that took
us from Flatbush Avenue, next to Floyd Bennett Field, and led us right down to Dead Horse Bay. Along the way we encountered and learned about many interesting plant species. The
boys seemed especially intrigued by Virginia Creeper, a beautiful red, exotic, and invasive species that competes with, overwhelms, and often times kills native plant species.
Once we arrived at the water we began our water testing (pH, salinity, and turbidity), seining, and beach cleanup portion of
the trip. After lunch the trip concluded with an archaeological
Talking about the day’s discoveries
dig (although not a lot of actual digging was involved) where
the boys located and collected artifacts from the early 1950Õs, which lay partially exposed on the beach of Dead Horse Bay. Among the artifacts the boys collected were: Coca-Cola bot-
tles, childrenÕs toys, pieces of china (one was even from occupied Japan), parts of old machines and whiskey bottles.
The archaeological dig part of the trip allowed us to pose
several more worthwhile questions to our boys. What were
the social and economic issues that resulted in this trash being dumped here? What does what they left behind tell us about them? If people looked at your trash from 2012, what are
they going to say about you? This trip was really a unique and new experience for the boys and was truly an extraordinary
expedition to one of New York CityÕs great natural laboratories. Over the next several weeks the boys began to research their artifacts in an effort to uncover the true history of where they came
from and how they got to Dead Horse Bay. Using several primary sources (Life and McCallÕs magazines from 1953), reference guides
(KovelsÕ New Dictionary of Marks: Pottery and Porcelain), and internet sources (ebay and antique store websites), the boys were
able to locate images of their artifacts in advertisements, identify who, when, and where their artifacts were manufactured, and in some cases connect them to the social issues that our city and country were dealing with at the time. Chaplin Warren, Science Teacher 16
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Seine fishing
WALDINGFIELD FARM FIELD TRIP At Allen-Stevenson we firmly believe there are many ways to be a boy, and we continually strive to demonstrate this to our students in different ways. One of the strongest and most direct
ways to make this point to the boys is to have them hear from
alumni who have gone on to interesting, creative, and successful careers in a variety of fields. One such alumnus, Patrick Horan
Õ85, welcomes our boys twice a year into his home and business. Patrick, along with his brother Quincy, own and operate
Waldingfield Farm, an organic vegetable farm in Washington, CT. Each year in the spring, the fifth grade boys travel to the farm to help Patrick plant some of his crops. When fall comes around
and a new school year begins, the same group of boys, now sixth
graders, return to the farm to harvest a variety of plants, some of them being the same vegetables that the boys planted months earlier. It is a wonderful way to see the dynamic changes that
occur on a farm over the course of a planting and harvest season, and it links up with much of what is discussed in science class throughout the Middle School grades.
Beginning in Fourth Grade, the boys learn about plants and
photosynthesis. Class experiments, like the bean sprout maze,
demonstrate a plantÕs need for sunlight. A trip to the farm deepens that understanding by examining the complex factors that
allow PatrickÕs vegetables to grow. Fifth grade science encompasses both life science and chemistry. The farm gives
the boys a chance to test soil and pond water for pH and
chemicals, as well as microorganisms. In Sixth Grade the focus
on environmental science is the balance between all of the living and non-living factors in an environment. At Waldingfield Farm, the boys see first-hand how farmers work to maintain this
balance while growing food and discussing what can happen when the balance is not maintained.
The trips to Waldingfield Farm not only connect so much of
what we want our boys to learn in science class, but also with the school-wide goal of educating our boys about issues of
sustainability and the environment. While attending school in a LEED certified building, it is important that Allen-Stevenson
students learn about their role in protecting and preserving the planet. Each year on the farm, Patrick spends the afternoon
with the fifth grade students continuing a conversation, begun in the classroom, that centers around what it means to be an organic farm, why buying local is helpful and important, and what sustainability really means.
Few of our boys go on to become organic vegetable farmers,
but getting first-hand experience of the issues one faces offers important lessons for our boys. Getting to know Patrick also
gives our boys another great example of how there really are many ways to be a boy.
Benjamin Neulander, Assistant Head of the Middle School
Patrick Horan ’85 shares farm knowledge
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our outside classroom SINGING WITH A PROFESSIONAL CHORUS The Middle School Chorus had the wonderful opportunity to perform Benjamin BrittenÕs Saint Nicolas Cantata with The Musica Viva Chorus of New York at All Souls Church this past December. For many it was an opportunity for
firstsÉto sing with a professional chorus, to sing in a church and to see and hear an organ.
Michelle Demko, Head of the Music Department, sang with Musica Viva for 22 years. With this strong relationship in mind, Ms. Demko felt a performance with Musica Viva at All Souls Church, a neighborhood church, would be a
fantastic opportunity for our boys to perform comfortably
outside the School - outside the bubble in which they learn and perform.
ÒPerforming with a professional chorus raises the standard for the boys. It gives them a real-world standard to try to achieve.Ó Michelle Demko, Music Department Head
went on to say, ÒIÕm very proud of the boys and how well they embraced the challenge of singing a difficult piece
with a professional chorus and for a citywide audience.Ó
ÒBeing the character Young Nicholas in the Music Viva performance of The Saint Nicholas Cantata meant a lot to me. The first time I stepped onto the podium to sing ÔGod be glorifiedÕ in front of 500 people I was very nervous, but for the next few performances I had grown fond of being up on the podium and I was also much more comfortable singing. I realize now that I was very lucky to have that kind of opportunity, and I cherish every moment of it.Ó Jason Kreloff Õ15
Middle School Chorus
Working together at Indian Mountain
INDIAN MOUNTAIN
easy, right? Wrong! Try doing the same thing
we were all quite stubborn. As a result, we
The Dastardly Mohawk Walk
went on for four gruesome hours. Guess how
led to complete and utter failure. In order
Message to all upcoming ninth graders:
A long time ago, nine boys were sent on a
mission. In the company of our teachers, we
were sent off to the Indian Mountain School. We were told that we would have to engage in trust-building activities. At first, we were
overjoyed. What could be more exciting than
two days of doing anything you want? To our dismay, this trip wasnÕt all fun and games. The activities were gruesome. To make
matters worse, our beloved teachers were
unable to help with our activities. All nine of us not only survived, but we also learned a valuable lesson. We learned how to plan,
communicate efficiently, and execute what weÕve planned.
over and over again without end. This activity much we accomplished after the first three. ThatÕs rightÑnone. We would try once
and...BAM! We would fall to the ground. We would try again and...SPLAT! We would fall
into the mud. ThatÕs when it happened. One of the faculty members posed the idea of
planning. ÒPlanning?Ó we thought. We were
all perplexed, but we decided to give it a try. Surprisingly, we began to see results. We
started to plan for this activity. We estab-
lished an order in which we would go, and the speed at which we would go. We got
closer and closer and closer until...BAM! We hit the floor. However, unlike the previous
attempts, we had not fallen off the wires. We jumped for joy. We finally completed the
Mohawk Walk! In the end, we saw how plan-
would not listen to each otherÕs ideas. That to be successful in these types of activities, you need to communicate efficiently with
your peers. Communicating, strange right? Believe me, it works. But know one
thing...communicating does not mean nonstop talking. You need to know when and
when not to speak. Many times during the
Mohawk Walk, we got nothing done, either
because we had not communicated at all or
because we were not properly communicat-
ing. You need to respect other peopleÕs ideas, not just your own. Once we communicated amongst ourselves, we knew what to do.
Through proper communication, we not only got closer together, but we also completed our mission of crossing the Mohawk Walk.
ning was in fact very useful.
Although planning and communication are
activities, the Mohawk Walk in particular. In
Without efficient communication, you cannot
task without proper execution. Once we com-
maneuver ourselves hand-in-hand across
completing your task. Each one of us had a
Planning is a crucial aspect of trust-building
the Mohawk Walk, we were all supposed to
wires strung between trees without touching the ground or detaching our hands. Sounds
have a plan, thus you cannot go about
different approach to the activity. That was
no good. One problem that we had was that
crucial, you cannot go about completing your
municated and had our plan, we had to make sure we knew what we were doing. You have no idea how hard this was. Imagine failing at Continued on next page
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our outside classroom Continued from previous page a task over and over again for 4 hours. Ugh! In order to have
Over the course of our mission, a lot was learned. For one, we
execution was extraordinary. Sounds difficult, does it not?
building activities. We did not realize this at first, and as a result
proper execution, we had to make sure that our planning and There would always be at least one or two people who would mess up. Group work was very important in this activity, but we also had to make sure that we were doing our own jobs
as well. Someone wise once said ÒA chain is only as strong as its weakest link.Ó I for one believe that entirely. After 30
failed attempts, we finally saw something that started to
work. For the next few attempts, we acted with caution, in order to make sure we did not mess up. Splat. Bam! Splat. Sure, we would fall off, but guess what? With each
attempt, we would get a little bit closer. Soon enough, it happened. We were muddy and tired, but no one really
cared. We had completed the Mohawk Walk! Imagine the
smile on all of our faces. Thanks to good execution, we had completed our task.
realized that planning is crucial when taking on group trust-
of our ignorance, we failed. However, after planning, we were
able to complete our task. Efficient communication is essential
as well. Without efficient communication, we couldnÕt establish a plan. Once we started listening and communicating as a group, we started to see how easy the activity really was.
Execution was also very crucial to the completion of these
activities. Both planning and communication are important, but
without proper execution, you cannot go about completing your task. Although it took many tries, once we had proper planning
and communication, we were finally able to execute successfully. All of these aspects are very important, not just to trust-building activities, but to any activity. Julian Phillips Õ12
written in Mr. CohenÕs English class
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FACING HISTORY The third trimester for ninth graders includes a unit called Facing
History and Ourselves, an internationally disseminated curriculum that encourages young people to take responsibility for their world as informed citizens by thinking "through tough moral and ethical
dilemmas in surprisingly sophisticated ways" while exploring racism
and genocide. What makes the Allen-Stevenson version of the course unique is the culminating project, where each boy creates a work of political art on a Facing History theme, which they present and
"defend" before faculty, staff and parents. Past projects have tackled such subjects as colonialism, the Armenian Genocide, perceptions of the Other, and racial profiling.
Soon after these presentations the boys take a trip to Washington,
D.C., part senior trip and part extension of the Facing History course. Past trips also have included tours of the White House and the
Pentagon, and meetings with a Congresswoman and the Chairman of the SEC. The second morning of the trip usually begins with a self-
guided walking tour of the various monuments on the Mall. We begin
with a conversation about the three different Vietnam War memorials and talk about the artists, their goals, and the works themselves. We discuss the controversy surrounding Maya Lin's wall and the subse-
quent creation of a more "traditional" piece. We also discuss the lesser-known memorial to Vietnam's nurses.
Colin Knudsen ’11 • Topic: Irish Immigrants in America
After exploring several of the other works on the Mall, we tour the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. In addition to viewing
the exhibit, we talk with the boys about the design of the museum
itself, whose architectural features mimic those of the camps. Each boy has just completed his own piece of political art, and we take advantage of the abundance of political art in this relatively small
space. Now that the boys are political artists in their own rights, they are better able to offer critiques of these important works and
explore how the artists integrated their aims with the political nature and context of the work. We discuss the nature of memory and
remembrance. How does one capture and create the communal story? How can one use art to process history--its victims, its
perpetrators, and its heroes--in order to move forward? What does
it mean to memorialize? Is forgiveness always possible and does art
have a role to play in the process? By looking at how we as a country have wrestled with these questions and memorialized aspects of our national story, in particular the painful experiences of its wars,
students have an opportunity to apply their own artistic sensibilities and skills to a critique of contemporary public art as informed citizen-artists. Sota Hosoi ’11 • Topic: Child Abuse in the Catholic Church
Steven Cohen, Upper School Assistant Head
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PLEASE HELP US GROW THE ANNUAL FUND BEFORE IT CLOSES ON JUNE 30 The Annual Fund supports all aspects of an Allen-Stevenson education, including what happens inside and outside the classroom. It bridges the difference between what we charge for tuition and what it costs to educate each student. Please help us cultivate and nurture the next generation of scholars and gentlemen by giving as generously as you can. WE CANNOT REACH OUR GOAL WITHOUT YOUR HELP. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT. Photo from Waldingfield Farm Trip, 2009
2012 Scholarship Fund Benefit at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center Thank you to the over 800 members of the AllenStevenson community who attended the 2012 Benefit and contributed over $500,000 in support of the endowed Francis Bellows Allen Scholarship Fund that helps to fund $1.8 million in scholarship assistance annually. This absolutely extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity featured a screening of “The Gold Rush,” Charlie Chaplin’s favorite film, in the way it was meant to be seen – on the big screen, in a beautiful venue, with live orchestral accompaniment by Members of the New York Philharmonic, conducted by Timothy Brock.
Event Chairs Cynthia Wasserberber, Sally Shreeves, Dan Stern and Enrica Arengi-Bentivoglio
“The Gold Rush” was originally released in 1925, the golden age of the silent movie. Chaplin appears as the Little Tramp, his most memorable character, who sets out to find betterment in the Alaskan gold fields. The Tramp gets more than he ever bargains for when the elements and other difficulties foil his plans. But never lacking heart and resolve, our hero looks to change his fortune by seeking a job and friends. The evening also featured International Gourmet Street Food bars featuring Korean, Sicilian, Middle Eastern and American selections and make-your-own ice cream sandwiches and sundaes for dessert. Special thanks to all of our Benefit volunteers, especially Event Chairs Nanna and Dan Stern, and Benefit Co-Chairs Enrica Arengi-Bentivoglio, Sally Shreeves and Cynthia Wasserberger. Congratulations and thanks to our Scholarship Fund Committee Co-Chairs Paula and Dan Lascano and Ashu and Vinayak Singh for ensuring that the event was a boon for the Scholarship Fund. We are also grateful to the Teacher Treasures Raffle Co-Chairs Leslie Blauner, Roxanne Palin and Bari Schlesinger. And of course, thank you to PA President Shiuan Wu and PA Vice-President Amanda Lister for their guidance and support.
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Fredda Goldberg along with Raffle Co-chairs Roxane Palin, Leslie Blauner and Bari Schlesinger
PA Vice President Amanda Lister and PA President Shiuan Wu
The ice cream was a hit!
Alice Tully Hall
Charlie Chaplin was all smiles!
charles chaplin From the archives of The Roy Export Establishment Company L
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Former Fourth Grade Teacher, ALOK APPADURAI, and Jade Beall
proudly announce the birth of their son, Sequoia Narayan Appadurai, on
February 12, 2012. They live in Tucson, AZ, and run FedByThreads.Org which generates 12 meals for hungry Americans for every shirt sold online or from their dance studio TheMovementShala.Org.
Alok Appadurai and Jade Beall with Sequoia
Former Special Events & Communications Manager (and current Director of Development & Communications at Domestic Abuse Intervention Services),
EMILY BARNES, married Michael Opest on October 22, 2011, in Madison, WI. The couple's family and friends gathered for the ceremony in the rooftop
garden of the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art followed by a reception in the museum lobby.
Michael Opest and Emily Barnes
Third Grade Associate Teacher, SOPHIE DWYER, and her husband, Frank,
welcomed a son, Frank, at 5:07AM, on February 22, 2012. Frank weighed 7 lbs. 13.8 ounces, and measured 20.5 inches.
Frank Dwyer
NIKYDA SCOTT, former Kindergarten Associate Teacher, married Angel Resto
on December 10, 2011. The occasion was a surprise to all of the guests,
parents and family too, who thought they were attending a birthday party.
The proposal took place during the cocktail hour and the ceremony followed
a video presentation about the new house the couple was building together. They moved into their new home on February 10, 2012. Nikyda Scott and Angel Resto
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PREP FOR PREP & ALLEN-STEVENSON CELEBRATE 30 YEARS
On Tuesday, February 7, AllenStevenson and Prep for Prep celebrated their thirty-year partnership in the SchoolÕs Assembly Hall. One hundred people attended the event planned by Christopher Persley Õ88 and a team of alumni and parents. David Trower hÕ95, Headmaster of Allen-Stevenson, Aileen Hefferren, Chief Executive of Prep for Prep, and Joseph Ayala Õ86, gave moving remarks that recounted the impact the partnership has had on the School and the life-changing experiences ÒPrepÓ boys have at AllenStevenson.
Boys from the Prep for Prep program were first admitted to Allen-Stevenson in 1982. Since then over 100 boys have entered the SchoolÕs Seventh Grade, moved through the Upper School and then on to day schools or boarding schools and college. As David Kersey hÕ98 recalls, Òthe positive effect the boys have had on the life of the School cannot be exaggerated. That they are talented, well-prepared boys with a genuine enthusiasm for learning I have come to take for granted, but I continue to be amazed at how quickly and wholly they embrace the School, at their easy daring in running for office, taking up a lacrosse stick or a trombone for the first time, or stepping onto the stage as the Pirate King or Macbeth.Ó The jubilant evening featured music from Freddy Fuego (Freddy Gonzalez Õ01), and ended with many in attendance already looking forward to the next event of its kind. A number of alumni volunteered to help organize future events in recognition of AllenStevensonÕs partnership with Prep for Prep, and many also volunteered to serve as mentors to current A-S boys.
Larry Welch ’90 listens during remarks by fellow-alum Christopher Persley ’88 Back row: Erik Cliette ’81, Montaign Gamino ’87, Steven Shorte ’85 , Jesse Taylor ’85, John Carr ’76. Front row: Joe Ayala ’86, Victor Smith ’88, Vincent Peterson ’74 and Christopher Persley ’88
Freddy Gonzalez ’01 performed with the Freddy Fuego Trio. From left to right: Seagram Villagomez ’92, Larry Welch ’90, Kris Harris ’95, Jaison Correa-Spain ’97, Andre Swanston ’96, Clarence Fruster ’97 and Denton Smith ’94
Current A-S Prep students, Lawrence Huang ’14, Ramon Ortega ’14, Tobi Popoola ’12, Richard Dell-Italia ’14, Talla Babou ’12, and Terell Long ’13
Back row: Khalid Taylor ’10, Freddy Gonzalez ’01, Ralph Acevedo ’04, Adam Mandelsberg ’03. Front row: Alex Rosario ’00, Jose Marmolejos ’00, Michael Torres ’01, Etienne Vazquez ’00, and Laurence Smith ’00
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“We do not remember days; we remember moments.” - CESARE PAVESE This yearÕs Reunion Weekend was filled with memorable moments. The Class of 1977 gathered in TriBeCa to view two documentaries, The MinisterÕs War by Artemis Joukowsky Õ77 and Addiction, Incorporated by Charlie Evans Õ77, while the Class of 1992 gathered at a private event and caught up with Coach Phil Amplo. The Class of 1987 shared old yearbook photos at the back of Brother JimmyÕs, and the Classes of 1982 and 2002 reminisced at the staple Upper East Side hangout, DorrianÕs, in the company of David Kersey hÕ98. All of the reunion parties on Friday, March 9 brought together old friends to recall their fondest memories of Allen-Stevenson and recant tales of their days as boys. SaturdayÕs festivities brought opportunities for new memories, as more than 60 alumni and guests returned to the School Ð many for the first time since leaving the Eighth Grade Ð for student-led tours, the Alumni-Faculty basketball game, and rehearsals of Gilbert & SullivanÕs H.M.S. Pinafore.
But perhaps the most lasting new memories were created Saturday evening, at the weekendÕs culminating event, edible Allen-Stevenson, which was attended by more than 170 alumni, friends, former and current faculty. This foray into the culinary world was spearheaded by Colin McCabe Õ90, co-founder of ChopÕt Creative Salad Company, whose passion for well-executed food motivated him to bring together a group of A-S alumni to create a six-course tasting menu that featured food and drink created by alumni chefs, entrepreneurs, farmers and culinary professionals. Alumni from 1942 to 2012 were in attendance, with some traveling from as far as San Francisco to partake in the eveningÕs festivities. It was an evening of culinary delights, fabulous wine and cocktails, and enough new Allen-Stevenson memories to sustain us until next yearÕs reunion and beyond.
ALUMNI AND THEIR GUESTS DURING THE DAY ENJOYED A CASUAL OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE THE SCHOOL, PLAY BASKETBALL WITH SOME OF THEIR FAVORITE FACULTY MEMBERS, AND JUST RELAX AND CATCH UP WITH FORMER CLASSMATES.
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AND THEN WE ATE AND DRANK!
Class of 1952: Townsend Swayze, Joseph Mayer, Logan Fulrath, Jr., and Will “Dinghy” Stewart
Alex Ingram ’03, Marc Rice ’84 and Reed Katz ’03
Class of 1962: Back row – Jeff Buckner, Gerard de Gunzburg, Kenneth Schlechter, Jacob Salomon, William West, Lynde Selden Front row – Jeffrey Richards, Peter Lewine, Greg Cukor, Peter Kostmayer
Colin Knudsen with his sons, Peter Knudsen ’13, Colin Knudsen ’11 and Charles Knudsen ’10 served Argyle Wine, made from grapes grown at Knudsen Vineyards in Oregon.
Class of 1972: David Daley, David Sinclair, Michael Tinati, Nick Selch, Lee Albertson III, and John Hill
Class of 1982: David Paler, Nikolas Dando-Haenisch, Eric Bader, Mark Wasserberger, and Mitch Spiegel
Dick Ford ’42 and his wife, Phoebe
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The Class of 1962 enjoyed a private dinner in the Music Room.
Class of 1987: Gregory Grunberg, Montaign Gamino, Tom O’Carroll, Jason Joseph, John Kirby, Alex Lasky, Christopher Hallows, and Alfred Burger
Class of 1992: Andrew Arias, Wes Stanton, Noah Kass, Charles Socarides, and Justin Strock
Roger Raines ’80, Louis Rose ’86, Patrick Horan ’85, John Rose ’90, Colin McCabe ’90, and Berton Rose ’97 were just some of the alumni and friends who contributed to the edible Allen-Stevenson meal.
Class of 1997: Robert Farren, Berton Rose, and Jaison Spain
Gerard de Gunzburg ’62, his son Gregory de Gunzburg ’98, Harrison Jaffee ’03, Reed Katz ’03, David Kersey h’98, and Alex Lasky ’87
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Amy Sharpe-Matthew and Chiqui Matthew ’93 Kenneth Schlechter ’62, Marcia Schlechter, Lois West, and William West ’62
Christopher Miller ’79, Kara Dusenbury, Jonathan Levy ’79, and Amelia Sheftell
edible Allen-Stevenson kicked off with a reception in the School’s Assembly Hall, followed by a six-course dinner buffet in the Dining Room.
Chop’t Creative Salad Company (Colin McCabe ’90) provided the first course of the dinner on Saturday evening.
Robert Burge ’76, Will “Dinghy” Stewart ’52, and Liz Stewart were all smiles as they were served Maialino Polpettine by Roger Raines ’80.
The evening featured wine auction consultations by Stuart Jakub ‘94 of Zachys, Argyle Wine tastings by Knudsen Vineyards, and Bloody Marys by Waldingfield Farm.
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ALUMNI IN FOOD & DRINK
IÕll admit. I canÕt say IÕve kept up with my fellow AllenStevenson classmates as much as IÕd like. I can lean on the usual excusesÑtwo little kids, busy career, mountain of email to respond to. But last year, when I was contacted by the alumni office about my 20 year reunion, what pushed me over the edge to attend was when I was told that so many of my classmates made their livingÑlike meÑin the food world. We met up at a somewhat questionable Midtown bar, where the music was too loud, the food uninteresting and drinks expensive. Needlesstosay, this impromptu schoolboy gathering colonized a corner of the room, where a few rounds of suds makes it easy to commune with folks I havenÕt seen in more than a decade. Anyone who attended the recent alumni event, edible Allen-Stevenson, knows that our alma materÕs roots in the local food chain run remarkably deep. And so we thought it would be fun to ask a few of these alumni how they got into the business and what it was about Allen-Stevenson that might have pushed them there. For some, like Louis Rose Õ86, his career running events and event spaces is part of a long family tradition. For others, like my classmate Colin McCabe Õ90
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(who launched a wildly successful salad serving chain) or Roger Raines Õ80 (who ÒstumbledÓ into the hospitality biz and is now Maitre d' at Maialino), entering the food and drink realm was a calling found later in life. Alums like Patrick Horan Õ85 (of Waldingfield Farm, a certified organic vegetable farm in Washington, CT) have their hands in the dirt. Alums like Polo Dobkin Õ87 (of the celebrated Dressler and Dumont restaurants in Brooklyn) make their living behind a stove. Personally, one of my strongest lunchtime memories from 132 East 78th Street was of a classmate who managedÑevery day Ñ to get the kitchen staff to make him a sandwich of sliced American cheese on baguette. He must have used some medical excuse or note from home, and many of us envied him, even if we had a wider range of delectables at our disposal. (That same person now lives down South where he has grown fond of hunted game and foraged veggies.) On a recent visit to the School, I was impressed to see the lunchtime selection has grown with a redoubled emphasis on whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and understanding the origins of our food. Particularly at a time when our nation faces a childhood nutrition epidemic, itÕs more clear than ever how unique and important it is that Allen-Stevenson boys sit down daily to fromscatch meals eaten family style, acquiring table manners, expanding their palettes and practicing the conviviality of eating together. With those skills, no matter where we end up, the School nourishes us well. BRIAN HALWEIL Õ90 brian@edibleeastend.com, 631-725-2625 Brian is the editor of Edible East End, and the publisher of Edible Manhattan and Edible Brooklyn. www.edibleeastend.com
CONVERSATIONS WITH BRIAN HALWEIL ’90 COLIN MCCABE Õ90
JASON FRANCIS FRENCH Õ85
646-230-7098, www.choptsalad.com
971-409-5820, www.nedluddpdx.com
colin@choptsalad.com,
jason.f.french@gmail.com,
WHAT IS YOUR FOOD
WHAT DO YOU DO IN THE WORLD OF
BUSINESS?
I have been the chef and owner of Ned
AND DRINK
FOOD?
Ludd-An American Craft Kitchen serving
The name of my business
Portland, Oregon, since December 2008.
is Chop't Creative Salad
The restaurant features all wood fired, sea-
Company. We have specialized in
chopped salads and salad sandwiches since we opened our doors in 2001. The goal of our business continues to be to serve the most
sonal, farm driven, Portland/Euro cuisine.
delicious salads, with a focus on the very best ingredients and
HOW DID YOU GET INTO FOOD AS A CAREER?
who want to eat better in a fun and extremely fast environment.
Aureole in the late 1980's. I saw that and said, "That's what I want to
inventive flavor combinations that appeal to a wide range of people PERSONALLY, I TOOK A ROUNDABOUT WAY TO GET INTO FOOD. WAS BEING IN THIS FIELD A LONG-TERM PLAN OR DID YOU STUMBLE INTO IT?
I had always worked in restaurants while in high school and college. I loved the social aspects of the business, the interaction with
customers and employees. I personally gravitated to the speed and physical demands of working in restaurants. There is a physical
component that is unique to the business. Finally, I have always had a love of food, of all kinds.
PART OF THE REASON I LOVE PUBLISHING A FOOD MAGAZINE IS
THAT I GET TO MAKE FOOD AND DRINK EXPERIENCES A BIG PART OF MY WORK DAY. WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ON-THE-
The NYT Magazine wrote an article about Charlie Palmer opening do!" I had been cooking since I was 8, and when we moved to
Manhattan in 1981 I had my mind blown with the range of food avail-
able. I ate out as much as possible. Since then, I catered in High School, started cooking in kitchens in college and never looked back. I have not had a straight career of just working in kitchens (even though I somehow managed to cook in 20!). I imported and sold cheese in New
Mexico, sold wine with two Master Sommeliers and taught culinary school in Boulder, CO, for 4 years. I worked in several high profile
kitchens in Portland upon moving here and then butchered and managed a meat department at a local well-regarded grocery chain. I
moved to Portland to open a restaurant and it took me some time to
do so, but each and every experience I had prior to Ned Ludd has made me a better chef and person.
JOB PERKS?
I LOVE WHAT I DO BECAUSE I GET TO MAKE FOOD AND DRINK
relevant as a concept, allows us to travel and eat out a lot. That, and
MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK?
The fact that we need to explore and identify new flavors to stay
identifying new design and service ideas. My favorite way to spend my downtime and decompress is to cook or go out for meals, so to be able to do that for work as well is fantastic. Of course, there is
the obligatory mountain of emails, employee dramas and day-to-day hardships of running a restaurant business, but I'll take it... DO YOU HAVE ANY FOOD MEMORIES TO SHARE FROM ALLEN-STEVENSON?
Lunch was my favorite time of the day. I will always remember
Monica and A-S as having the best food of any school I attended.
EXPERIENCES A BIG PART OF MY WORK DAY. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY Living in Portland, Oregon, and owning a wood fired restaurant offers me such a huge range of experiences and adventures. We source as
much as possible with local producers and I have personal relationships with many of them. Farmers, brewers, wine makers, chefs, writers, cheese makers, distillers and a host of creative types make up the
majority of my friends and networks here, and it makes for a lot of fun and just a wee bit of trouble! IÕve had the opportunity to travel for events, as well. All of this coalesces to make me a better chef and person.
And, Mr. Kersey kicking me out of the cafeteriaÉis that food related? Continued on next page L
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Continued from previous page
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL ALUMS,
OR FUTURE ALUMS, LOOKING TO
BREAK INTO THE FOOD, DRINK OR HOSPITALITY BIZ?
Work, work, and more work! The industry is in a weird place right
now since it seems like a world of
limitless bounty! I say weird since we as a nation are the least
healthy we have ever been, and
the trends in food all point to more of the same. We laud anyone who makes an awesome salty fatty
hamburger but make a villain out
ROGER RAINES Õ80
Maitre DÕ, Maialino, www.maialinonyc.com I TOOK A ROUNDABOUT WAY TO GET INTO
The Rose brothers own and operate 583 Park
looking to change direction when a friend of
spaces in New York City. By combining prestigious
A complete stumble. I was at a crossroads and mine got me an interview at Gramercy Tavern also owned by Danny Meyer and then-partner
the best at what they do. I started in the reser-
points out how unhealthy our
school food systems are. There is
some money to be made, but passion and dedication are the two
precursors to success in the food
vations office and worked my way up. It was
ANY FOOD MEMORIES TO SHARE FROM ALLEN-STEVENSON?
Blake Davis taught me how to
mom would leave food, OJ and
need you to, but you're ready." His only advice: "Tuck in your shirt."
Chinese couple who worked for
them and we would sit and watch
them cook dinner. Jeffrey TimonÕs
to enjoy a very special moment with them in their life as they create a memorable event for themselves and their guests.
Having an iced latte first thing in the morning
(Louis) I was a ÒhelperÓ for Mrs. Krasa and I would
from working for the most pioneering and peerless organization in the business. I'm very lucky.
took us out for JeffÕs birthday to
Windows on the World, which was amazing. I also remember the Bar Mitzvah buffets were crazy and opulent. I also have really fond
memories of video games, Cokes
and slices on Lexington around the corner from A-S.
SPR ING
WORK YOU DO?
ANY FOOD MEMORIES TO SHARE FROM
father, an absolutely amazing chef,
34
event spaces in the city.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR ON-THE-JOB
kitchen; the exposure and education that comes
Leonard's family had a wonderful
brothersÕ venues standout as the most exciting
We get to meet very interesting people and we get
ting to try everything that comes out of the
home from a dance. Richard
standing food, and unparalleled service the Rose
The General Manager took me aside and said
role: One evening, the Maitre D' called out sick.
made by our incredibly talented baristas; get-
aspirin out for us when we got
addresses with generations of experience, out-
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT THE
PERKS?
make an omelette, Andy Mercy's
Avenue and Guastavino's, both premiere banquet
actually a happy accident that landed me in this "You're doing this tonight, not just because we
biz.
www.583parkave.com
FOOD. HOW DID YOU GET INTO IT?
Tom Colicchio. They were (and continue to be)
of guys like Jamie Oliver when he
LOUIS ROSE Õ86, JOHN ROSE Õ90 and BERTON ROSE Õ97
2 0 1 2
ALLEN-STEVENSON?
help with the setup for lunch. I worked with all
the ladies; Jane McFadden I particularly remember with fondness. I would fill up the milk pitchers or roll out the bread baskets. I was (and still am) a rather finicky eater. Back then there was no
choice as to what you ate other than what was put down in front of you. Because I was in Mrs.
KrasaÕs good grace I could score a peanut butter sandwich on occasion Ð no jelly! I remember
spaghetti and tomato sauce was one of the most popular dishes.
PATRICK HORAN Õ85
patrick@waldingfieldfarm.com, 646-734-9084, www.waldingfieldfarm.com WHAT IS YOUR FOOD AND DRINK BUSINESS?
I run a certified organic vegetable farm
(Waldingfield Farm, Inc), and small prepared food company (Waldingfield Food Co.), in
Washington, CT. I also work with Five Acre Farms, a local food brand based in
NYC which puts sustainable, locally produced, farm products into supermarkets. MY ORIGINAL BACKGROUND WAS PRE-MED, FOLLOWED BY JOURNALISM FOR
AN ENVIRONMENTAL THINK TANK, AND EVENTUALLY PUBLISHING LOCAL FOOD
MAGAZINES. WAS BEING IN THE FARMING BUSINESS A LONG TERM PLAN?
I followed my older brother into the farming business he started during my freshman year in college. After graduation I worked full time at the farm for three years before grad school (theater) and then eight years in finance. All the while, I remained close to the business my brothers and I created by working farmers markets on weekends and investing with the company. WHAT WOULD YOU TELL OTHER ALUMNI CONSIDERING A CAREER IN FOOD?
If food is a passion, follow it where it takes you. Rarely will you be disappointed.
POLO DOBKIN Õ87
polodobkin@gmail.com, 347-645-6115, www.dresslernyc.com WHAT IS YOUR FOOD AND DRINK BUSINESS?
I manage the kitchens at Dressler, DuMont & DuMont Burger, all in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START IN THE RESTAURANT BUSINESS?
Cooking was not a part of a long-term plan. I began by volunteering at Peter KumpÕs. For every three classes you assisted the
chefs in preparing for, you were allowed to take one class for free. When I found myself volunteering three days a week I decided that I should try my hand in a restaurant kitchen.
WITH THREE VERY SUCCESSFUL KITCHENS KEEPING YOU BUSY, WHAT IS IT THAT KEEPS YOU HAVING FUN?
I love working with food. Ultimately, though, itÕs the ability to help make someoneÕs day a little bit better that ultimately makes me feel great about what I do. I would say that is the biggest perk of all: the satisfaction of getting to cook for people. WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE CONSIDERING A CAREER IN THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY?
Restaurant work is a big commitment, but one filled with fulfillment and satisfaction if you really love what you do. Make sure you really want to do it. Before entering culinary school, I think it a wise idea to work in the field for at least a year. DO YOU HAVE ANY FOOD MEMORIES TO SHARE FROM ALLEN-STEVENSON?
Although I donÕt have much of a sweet tooth, I used to love when we would occasionally get brownies for dessert. Also, going to Kays Pizzeria for a slice and a game of Goblin & Dragons during lunch break on Saturdays.
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STUART JAKUB Õ94
stuartjakub@gmail.com, 212-787-8356, www.zachys.com WHAT DO YOU DO IN THE WORLD OF FOOD AND DRINK? I am a fine and rare wine specialist with Zachys Wine Auctions, one of the worldÕs largest wine companies. My core responsibilities include inspecting and assessing the rarest and most valuable bottles of wine on the planet, managing our inventory of hundreds of thousands of bottles, building strong relationships with wine collectors (buyers and sellers) and overseeing our new Internet auction division. WAS BEING IN THIS FIELD A LONG TERM PLAN OR DID YOU STUMBLE INTO IT? I actually followed a similar path as yours. I worked as an insurance broker for nearly a decade and didnÕt catch the wine bug until my first visit to Napa in 2006. Once I was in the vineyards, I fell in love and began reading every book I could find, networking with local retailers and attending wine auctions. That environment is where everything clicked and I knew at some point I wanted to be involved with wine auctions. In 2008, when the insurance market was hit with the AIG debacle, I took that time to change my career and explore the wine business. I spent a couple of months with SothebyÕs Wine and then worked with a boutique Italian wine importer. A few months after that,
I got a call from a senior person that I knew from Zachys and was offered my Òdream job,Ó to be a wine specialist. I LOVE THAT FOOD IS A BIG PART OF MY WORK DAY. WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ON-THE-JOB PERKS? The common perception of a fine wine specialist at an auction house is that we just sit around and drink priceless bottles of wine and geek out over them. That is far from the truth. Yes, there are opportunities at client events such as our auctions and dinners where we do have the fortune to drink some of the rarest and most expensive bottles of wine. But the typical day involves a lot of manual labor, moving wine and literally crawling around in peopleÕs wine cellars. ItÕs a great deal of fun and there is something different every day. There is also a lot of travel; to Hong Kong for some of our auctions and visiting clientsÕ cellars across the continent and UK. WHAT WOULD YOU TELL ALUMS, OR FUTURE ALUMS, LOOKING TO BREAK INTO THE FOOD, DRINK OR HOSPITALITY BIZ? Only do it if you truly love it. Our clients are well-heeled but there are very few people in the wine business who make a substantial living. The benefit of working in this industry is about the interesting people you get to meet, the travel and of course the experience of drinking these bottles of wines that most of the world never even gets to see. WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER ABOUT THE FOOD AT ALLEN-STEVENSON? IÕll always remember Monica. She was really sweet to me and would give me extra tater-tots and pizza bagels which were some of my favorites.
SAM BERG Ô91
samcberg@gmail.com, 212-794-1936, www.carterandcavero.com WHAT IS YOUR FOOD AND DRINK BUSINESS? Almost five years ago, without any previous food or retail business experience, my best friend from high school and another good buddy opened our first Carter & Cavero, Old World Olive Oil Company store in Red Bank, NJ. We're a unique retail concept that offers a chance for everyone to taste our thirty different types of olive oils and balsamic vinegars. We have everything from award winning Italian extra virgin olive oils to non-traditional oils and vinegars like chipotle olive oil and fig balsamic. We now own & operate five C&C stores in NJ and a thriving e-commerce store at carterandcavero.com. If all goes right, A-S students might be shopping at our next location on the Upper East Side. TELL ME ABOUT YOUR PATH INTO THIS BUSINESS? Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be in the food business, so I would definitely say I stumbled into it. I've always had an 36
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entrepreneurial spirit since my brother (Carter Berg Õ88) used to open a lemonade stand on our street during hot summer days, so when I was given the chance to get into a new business that I thought was unlike anything I'd ever seen before, I jumped at the chance. ANY OUTSTANDING ON-THE-JOB PERKS YOUÕD LIKE TO SHARE? Free olive oil and vinegar for life! The greatest perk is getting the satisfaction of meeting customers or strangers who, unsolicited, tell me how much they love our stuff and are hooked on it! There's no greater feeling than that. ANY FOOD MEMORIES TO SHARE FROM ALLEN-STEVENSON? I longed for it when I got to boarding school. Boarding school food didn't compare to the food at A-S. I also never forget how we used to eat in the gym, the students today don't know how good they have it!
MORE ALUMNI IN FOOD & DRINK JAMES KRISSEL Õ77
of the farm work is accomplished with two
Jim and his wife, Jessica, own and operate
Vermont. www.doesleap.com
fourmaplesfarm@gmail.com, 860-672-2849 Four Maples Farm, a grass-fed beef farm in
draft horses. The farm is located in northern
Sharon, CT.
WYATT WARTELS Õ89
ROBERT MARGOLIS Õ77
Wyatt is based in San Francisco and is doing
robertmmargolis@yahoo.com, 860-672-6619 Robert was owner and head chef at GW
Tavern in Washington Depot, CT, for 14 years. He sold the restaurant in 2011, and is currently working on another project.
THOMAS MILLS Õ81
tmillslpc@bellsouth.net, 910-763-5663
Thomas is the owner of a private catering
company, Little Pond Caterers, in Wilmington, NC. www.littlepondcaterers.com
MICHAEL HABER Õ84
415-595-9828, wyattwartels@gmail.com
business development for a food start-up company called Munchery
(www.munchery.com) which features food that is crafted by professional chefs.
Prepared with high quality local ingredients, whenever possible, the meals are ordered
online (and soon via iPhone) and delivered
to your home or office. This intersection of food and technology is helping Munchery
provide the personal chef experience to the masses. Previously, he worked for creative corporate caterer, Gastronaut.
haber-michael@aramark.com, 212-904-8428
MIKE GRADY Õ91
Limited Brands Victoria's Secret New York
Mike is the founder of VITIS.com, a daily deal
Michael is Corporate Executive Chef For
through Aramark Business Services. Aramark
grady9@gmail.com
wine site with discounts of 35%-70% off
is a leader in professional services, providing
retail. Each day Vitis offers one wine at a
ums and arenas, and businesses around the
wine is listed for sale. All the wines Vitis
award-winning food for school districts, stadiworld.
DELIUS SHIRLEY Õ84 dc69dive@aol.com
Delius has his own restaurant group,
Ortanique, with restaurants in Coral Gables, Florida, and Grand Cayman Island. His part-
time until it's sold out and then another
sells are tasted and picked by a Master of
Wine (the highest professional distinction in
the business). The site is great for trying new things. They will store your wine in their
temperature controlled cellar until you are ready for delivery. www.vitis.com
ner, Cindy Hutson, is the chef. He encourages
ADRIAN GAMARELLO Õ96
locations. www.opentable.com/ortanique-on-
Adrian is an Account Manager at Southern
A-S friends to visit when they are in his sunny the-mile
GEORGE VAN VLAADEREN Õ86
doesleap@myfairpoint.net, 802-827-3046
DoesÕ Leap is an innovative, diversified organic farm specializing in a variety of fresh and aged goat cheeses. In an effort toward
greater sustainability and self-reliance, much
agamarello@gmail.com, 212-662-1548
Wine & Spirits of New York, Inc. Founded in 1968, Southern Wine and Spirits is a nationally recognized wine and spirits distributor
known for its historic commitment to deliv-
ering the highest standards of customer service and creative marketing programs and partnerships.
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Please mark your calendars....
ME ALUMNI DODGEBALL GA All
Thursday, May 24, 6:00PM urn to alumni are invited to ret
rited game of the School to play a spi served. Dodgeball. Pizza will be
BACK TO 78TH STREET: A PARTY FOR THE CLASS OF 2009 Monday, June 11, 6:00PM
ss of 2009 and Members of the A-S Cla d back to the ite inv are s their parent h old friends School to reconnect wit ievements ach ir and celebrate the venson. Ste enAll g vin since lea
G NS OFFERIN ADMISSIO URS SPRING TO applying
in interested If you are enson for Allen-Stev to n so r u yo o late to , itテ不 not to 3 1 0 2 r e b schedule Septem g tour. To n ri sp a r s come in fo Admission ay, call the M in it is . v 4 a -088 at 212-606 Office now
38
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LIFE OF A CELEBRATION OF THE STANLEY GAUGER Tuesday, May 29, 5:00PM
l come together to The A-S community wil of the Schoolテ不 most e on of celebrate the life ance of cherished faculty. In adv to submit ed rag ou the event, you are enc uger to be Ga . Mr of s oto memories and ph during ion sentat shown in a memorial pre . on the celebrati tevenson.org. Contact alumni@allen-s
NEED HELP?
or For more information, ve abo the for r iste to reg events, please visit www.allenstevenson.org/alumni.
EVENTS
If you are interested in volunteering to host an ny event, please call Antho i mn Alu of or ect Dir , pp Ka . 240 3-5 Relations, at 212-93
alumni news
Please send Alumni News for the Lamplighter to alumni@allen-stevenson.org or call the Development Office at 212-606-0890.
1950s
He is currently captain of an oil tanker in the middle of the Pacific for Maersk Line. He says ÒI do wish I could have attended the upcoming reunion. All of the names bring back lots of wonderful memories. A-S was a wonderful place.Ó
Tom Schiller Õ73 (tschille@earthlink.net) returned in February 2011 from a six-month tour in Iraq, where he was providing intelligence support to US Forces.
Michael Eisner Õ57 and John Angelo Õ56 dropped by Allen-Stevenson together in December to take a tour with some students and speak with Mr. Trower about the great things happening at the School.
1960s
Gary Ferman '61 (gary@fermanlaw.com) just moved Stateside. "After living in England for the past 33 years, my wife, Mary and I, have moved this year to Naples, FL. It is a far cry from London, but we're enjoying life here."
William L. Walker Õ64 (wlwalker3rd@gmail.com) writes: ÒMy family and I have recently relocated to Marietta, Georgia, as my wife accepted a wonderful position with The Weather Channel in Atlanta. Our two daughters, Logan (12) and Chase (10), are excited about the new move and have already made some wonderful new friends in our new neighborhood of Hampton Lake. For the time being, I am getting the family settled into our new house and then will decide what my next step will be in the always exciting and ever changing journey of life. Also, I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Stan Gauger. Mr. Gauger was one of my very favorite A-S teachers and was a close friend of my mother Florence Walker who also worked at A-S for a number of years in the '50s.Ó
1970s
James Walker '72 (capwalks@aol.com) sends greetings to his classmates from the middle of the ocean.
Jim Krissel Õ77 (fourmaplesfarm@gmail.com) has been farming for 15 years in the Connecticut northwestern corner raising beef. He is also involved in local land and environmental issues: Inland WetlandÕs Conservation Commission, Sharon Land Trust, and the State of Connecticut Farmland Advisory Board. His wife, Jessica, says he plays Òa mean guitar with a local group Swamp Yankee.Ó
Robert Margolis Õ77 (robertmmargolis@yahoo.com) and his wife, Marisa, had a baby girl, Beatrice, born during the unseasonal October 29th snowstorm in that knocked out power to most of Connecticut. RobertÕs brother, Brian Margolis Õ75, reports that ÒHappily, the hospital had its own power supply but RobertÕs home was not suitable for living with no power and they spent a week post-hospital at a kind friendÕs house.Ó Christopher Rowland Õ77 (crowland@globe.com) married Nancy McLoughlin Cook on November 12, 2011. Chris is Washington bureau chief of The Boston Globe and Nancy is a correspondent for National Journal, a weekly political magazine in Washington. Matt Peyton Õ78 (matt@peyton.com) continues his work in fashion photography. See his work at www.peyton.com.
1980s
Robert Haag Õ80 (Robert.haag1@gmail.com) works in Shanghai for Hampton Growth LLC as Managing Director Asia.
The Varsity Lacrosse program has been part of a great tradition of athletics at A-S. As with most successful programs, it starts with coaching, and Allen-Stevenson is no different. The Unicorn program, led by Coach Tim Nichols hÕ78, emerged in the 70Õs as a powerful program winning several championships. Carrying on the tradition of success for the past twelve years, and winning a championship in 2001, is Coach Billy Dransfield. Both men, along with others, have forged a tradition and spirit of excellence amongst the boys. We pride ourselves in character development
through athletics at Allen-Stevenson. To that end, we teach responsibility, respect, teamwork, citizenship, sportsmanship, and other qualities that lead to becoming a scholar and gentleman. While winning is important, we strive to develop a young man who can be successful as a student athlete at the next level. We are proud that many of our boys play in high school, have won state championships, and gone on to become successful college players. However, it is their ability to balance lifeÕs challenges and achieve as intelligent, thoughtful and caring young men that makes our hearts full. As our journey continues, this yearÕs team is comprised of talented young boys who enter the season with high expectations. The thought of another league championship encourages us all to work hard and get better each day. L
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alumni news J. Todd Harris Õ74 (jtoddharris@gmail.com) produced a movie called Crooked Arrows, scheduled to be released in theaters May 18, 2012. The movie tells the story of a mixed-blood Native American, Joe Logan, who is eager to modernize his reservation. But first, he must prove himself to his father, the traditionalist Tribal Chairman, by rediscovering his spirit. Joe is tasked with coaching the reservationÕs high school lacrosse team which competes against the better equipped and better trained players of the elite Prep School League.
Paul Weitz Õ80 directed and wrote the screenplay for ÒBeing FlynnÓ starring Robert DeNiro, Julianne Moore, and Paul Dano. The movie is based on a memoir by Nick Flynn. ÒDuring his twenties, a young man works at various homeless shelters in Boston, where he often intersects with his brilliant but troubled father.Ó The film was released in theaters on March 2, 2012
When asked what motivated him to produce Crooked Arrows, Mr. Harris explained that he was inspired by the script and felt the film would draw the hugely passionate lacrosse fan and players to support it. His friend, Mitchell Peck, grew up in Virginia playing lacrosse, and although Mr. Harris didnÕt play lacrosse, he has always enjoyed the sport as a spectator. A-S director of alumni relations Anthony Kapp had the opportunity to pose a few additional questions to Mr. Harris. Here are his responses.
Q: The film is modeled after other underdog sports movies, like Mighty Ducks, and Bend It Like Beckham. Do you consider yourself an underdog? A: ÒAll Allen-Stevenson boys are underdogs Ð we were always the smallest school! But that just means we fought harder to win. I think there are many lessons in this movie; about sports, heritage, being true to oneself and more. The father-son aspect of this story should particularly resonate with A-S boys. ItÕs a story about learning how to take the best of both worlds and make it work, and itÕs really geared towards 8 to 14 year olds.Ó
Q: YouÕve had a very successful career in the film industry. What advice do you have for young alumni who are looking to break into the business? A: ÒGet into the swim and do it. DonÕt hesitate. Come to Hollywood, make a movie, and think about who in the world might want to see the movie you want to make!Ó
Q: What are your favorite memories of A-S? A: ÒGearing up every day to go out to RandallÕs Island and play football or baseball, or getting on the bus to go out to Riverdale for hockey, where the rink always smelled like the cookie bakery next door. A-S was a great five years of my life. I learned how to learn there. That, along with some tough love from Mr. Nichols and Mr. Landis, lasted me a lifetime. You really havenÕt lived until youÕve been taken by the scruff of the neck and had Mr. Landis wag his finger in your face and say ÔListen, ladÉÕ.Ó
Erik Cliette Õ81 (cliette06@yahoo.com) and his wife, Dawn Hankin-Cliette, welcomed daughter, Dylan Joi, on December 19, 2011.
Larry Greer Õ81 (larry.greer@trailblazers.com) was promoted to assistant coach of the Portland Trail Blazers. Greer has spent the past four seasons as an advance scout with the team. Previously, he served as advance scout for Houston from 2005-07. A graduate of Northeastern University in 1989, Greer spent the first 16 years of his career in college basketball, including assistant coaching roles with Wright State (2003-05) and Boston University (1994-2003).
For more information about Crooked Arrows, visit ww.crookedarrows.com.
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Darab Lawyer Õ82 (darkev69@gmail.com) recently co-authored Sun of Apollo, the first book in a series titled Revelation 911, with his
childhood friend Clinton Libbey. They hosted a launch party at the Opera Ultra Lounge Night Club in Washington, DC, on February 17, and are looking forward to hosting a series of book signings in New York City.
David Rosenthal Õ84 (rosenthaldm@mac.com) wrote and directed a movie released in 2011 called "Janie Jones" which stars Abigail Breslin and Elisabeth Shue and is based on a true story. Christopher Hallows Õ87 (hallowschris@hotmail.com) writes: "I just took command of B Company 1/75th Ranger Battalion. It is the same company I started out in back in '95 as a young Ranger! Heading back to AFG in the late spring for my 11th Combat tour." Chris recently attended Reunion Weekend, and enjoyed reconnecting with his classmates.
Geoff Feder Õ89 is an artist in Peekskill, NY. His website explains: ÒFinding his voice with steel, Geoff started welding and creating sculptures of birds.Ó
Gregg Mosson Õ89 (gh.mosson@yahoo.com) writes: ÒI want to first say that I valued my time at A-S very much, not the least of which was my participation in Gilbert & Sullivan -despite my forgetfulness. I will graduate from the University of Baltimore School of Law in May 2012, Summa Cum Laude and a member of the Law Review. I am the proud father to 2, Arabella (almost 3) and Atlas (7 months), with artist Patricia Bennett.Ó
alumni news
1990s
Alex Hahn Õ90 and his wife Paige are pleased to announce their younger daughter, Audrey Clark Hahn, was born December 13, 2011. Big sister Charlotte helped to welcome Audrey home.
Pang Lee Õ90 (pang.lee@gmail.com) and his wife Kitty are happy to report that their second child, Miya Lee, was born on January 29, 2012.
Michael Grady Õ91 (grady9@gmail.com) and his wife, Virginia, are thrilled to announce the arrival of Chloe Olympia Virginia Grady who was born on March 7, 2012.
David Lonstein '93, his wife, Jenna, and daughter Gracie Maya, recently welcomed a new baby boy, Jake, to the family.
Stuart Jakub Õ94 (stuartjakub@gmail.com) is a rare wine consultant. He helps conduct auctions as well as advises individuals on wine investing. He has been a wine specialist for Zachys in Scarsdale for 3 years and before that with Sotheby's. He played in the alumni ice hockey game December 13th, and most recently returned to A-S to share his craft during the edible Allen-Stevenson Reunion.
Nick Schutt Õ94 (Schutt78@gmail.com) and his wife Bethany happily welcomed the birth of their daughter, Maya Kingsley Schutt, on October 20, 2011.
Christopher Hamilton Õ96 (chris.hamilton@gmail.com) and his wife Caroline welcomed Christopher Waters Hamilton, Jr. ("Kip") to the family, born at 7.5 lbs and 20.5 inches on November 19, 2011.
Jamie Magid Õ91 (jamie@connectinfinity.comz) and his wife, Danielle, welcomed their first son, James Alexander Magid, to the family. He was born on March 10, 2012.
Andrew Elkin Õ97 (Andrew.elkin18@gmail.com) writes: ÒI am living in New York and working for Deutsche Bank. I am also working on my MBA at NYU. In my free time, I am training for my 3rd New York Marathon.Ó
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alumni news Fred Isquith Õ97 (freddy.isquith@gmail.com) is in his 3rd year of practicing law as a litigator specializing in complex financial problems. He also coaches youth basketball, plays on a softball team, and serves on the Antitrust Committee of the City Bar.
Nick Kinsey Õ98 wishes his fellow alumni well, and tells us that his band, Diamond Doves, recently launched a fundraising campaign at PledgeMusic in order to finance the making of their debut alubum. For more information, go to www.pledgemusic.com/projects/diamonddoves.
2000s
Benjy Sarlin Õ00 (besarlin@gmail.com) was named one of the top 50 most influential pundits by Business Insider: Politix.
pected layerings of people, places and things historically linked, though temporally out-ofplace. For more information, visit www.damianvancamp.com.
Chris Baker Õ01 recently released a new music video and performed in New York City. www.youtube.com/user/BAKERmusicofficial
Jack Lyden Õ02 (lydenj212@gmail.com) is working for Classroom24-7, an online education company focused on delivering largescale, strategic educational programs through their video-based e-learning platform. They specialize in the development of continuing education and professional development programs for the legal, and pharmaceutical industries. Jack focuses on marketing, business development and student recruitment. Alexander Ingram Õ03 (Alexanderingram@gmail.com) worked on the launch of a new business called TripGram that gives you access to exclusive last minute getaways that are only a car ride away from New York City. Alex asks that you click on www.tripgram.com to learn more and sign up.
Damian VanCamp Õ00 (damianvancamp@gmail.com) was one of four artists featured in an exhibition titled ÒMetamorphosisÓ at The PoetÕs Den on East 108th Street during the month of February. Curated by Mariano Cinat, the exhibition shed light on the changing face of Harlem, and featured six photographs from DamianÕs series ÒWatching The World.Ó The photos on display were double exposures made in-camera during DamianÕs 2009 tour of Italy. The images are unplanned, unex-
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Alexander (Alec) N. Barrett Õ04 (alecbarrett@gmail.com) graduated from Harvard in May 2011 and is working for Teach for America in Mississippi. ÒI'm teaching math at an inner-city high school in Jackson. I am definitely outside my comfort zone at times, and I feel challenged much more emotionally, rather than intellectually, compared to college. I'm learning a lot about the pressing problems in public education and seeing up close the social and economic issues facing the low-income, predominantly African-American communities like the one in which I teach. Working here has definitely increased my commitment to public service, in or out of the classroom.Ó
Jeremy Shpizner Õ06 (jshpiz@gmail.com), is a member of the Freshman Fifteen, an all-male a cappella group from Northwestern University that performed at an A-S Monday Morning Meeting on December 12, 2011. Read more about the group or buy their album at http://nufreshman15.com/
Carter Davis Õ08 shared his design school experiences On February 15, the Upper School boys were treated to a visit from alumnus Carter Davis Õ08. Carter, in his freshman year at the Rhode Island School of Design, began his presentation by showing the boys a piece of artwork that he had created at Allen-Stevenson, then moved on to share pieces he had used in his portfolio when he applied to college. Carter explained that he had worked in many different media in his many classes, resulting in: charcoal drawings, ink sketches, watercolor paintings, cardboard sculptures, and a jewelry piece. Allen-Stevenson was fortunate to see the stunning pieces that Carter has made to date.
alumni news IN MEMORIAM Girard Franklin Oberrender, Jr. Õ37 died peacefully on March 7, 2012, at age 89 in the company of his loving family. Gerry is survived by his wife, Marty. He is also survived by a son Girard F. Oberrender, III and his wife Patricia Clough Oberrender, and their children Maggie, Sarah, and Peter of Bridgewater, NJ, a daughter Ann Oberrender Noyes and her husband Nicholas B. Noyes, and their children Court, Ben, and Eliza of Concord, MA, and a son Robert W. Oberrender and his wife Jane Joyce Oberrender and their children Will, Trotter, and Charlie of Minneapolis, MN.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, August 18, 2012 at 11:00 AM in The Presbyterian Church, 2429, Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton, NY, with arrangements under the care of Concord Funeral Home, Concord, MA. To share a memory or offer a condolence visit: www.concordfuneral.com.
Robert Liberman Õ91, a long-time resident of Telluride, CO, was killed in an avalanche in Alaska while skiing on March 13, 2012. Rob spent his winters as a heliski guide in Alaska, and friends remember him as a competent backcountry traveler, consummate guide, caring person and tremendous big mountain skier, according to the Telluride Daily Planet. After graduating from Allen-Stevenson, Rob attended Choate Rosemary Hall before college at University of Colorado, Boulder, where he studied biology and kinesiology, and found his true passion for dramatic landscapes and raw physical experiences, also competing as a member of the ski team. Friend and colleague at DPS Skis, Philip Drake, says about Rob, ÒHe brought laughter and humor to everyone around him. And just as important, Rob cared deeply, deeply for his family and friends.Ó Rob's father, Bobby Liberman, is a member of the class of 1958. We extend our deep sympathies to RobÕs family.
Zachary Levy Õ00 died in an accident on November 15, 2011. Kerim Eken Õ00 remembers: "Zach made an indelible impression on all those who knew him, especially the A-S community. His wit and charm is well remembered and will be cherished by the many friendships that he formed at A-S. He will be forever missed." Head of the Music Department, Michelle Demko remembers, ÒZach was in my choruses all through his time at Allen-Stevenson. Many concerts, many trips, many memories of us all laughing together. He was an engaged singer, one who sang from his heart. Zach was a kind boy, he was aware of the big picture, what was going on around him. I see his face and beautiful smile before me now as I write this.Ó Steven Knott Õ04, a fifth-year finance and economics double major and Student Government Association (SGA) member at James Madison University, died on February 29, 2012. He was expected to graduate from JMU this summer. Brenna Hovey, a junior interdisciplinary liberal studies major and a close friend to Knott, applauded his love for the university. ÒHe was really involved, really passionate about JMU,Ó Hovey said. ÒHis writing for The Breeze and being on SGA was his way to change it for the better.Ó Peter Haarmann, Middle School English teacher, said about Steven, ÒI recall very vividly going to watch him in one of his gymnastics competitions and that afternoon I was able to see just how disciplined Steven was and how much effort he exerted in each routine. I was struck by the poise he displayed and the pride he showed as he executed the many difficult moves. In the coming years as I reflect on Steven and his life, it will be this day that will define for me the person he was.Ó
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DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI STAFF NEWS We are pleased to welcome Anthony Kapp as our new Director of Alumni Relations.
Anthony joined us in March, and some of you may have already had the chance to meet him at our recent Alumni Reunion Weekend. Anthony joins us from the Polytechnic
Institute of New York University where he served as Director of Alumni Relations for
approximately two years. Anthony comes to us after many years at the collegiate level,
serving in various student services roles at the University of Toledo, University of Missouri and University of Colorado. Anthony holds a Bachelorテ不 Degree from the University of
Missouri and a Masterテ不 Degree in Higher Education Administration from Drexel University. Anthony takes over the reins from Monique Lowitt, who served ably as our Director of Alumni Relations since July 2009. Together with the Alumni Council, Monique brought creativity and energy to our alumni program and we are enormously grateful to her. We also said farewell to Ryann Galloway, our Development Associate who joined Allen-Stevenson at the same time as Monique. They will both be missed.
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THE ALLEN-STEVENSON SCHOOL
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID NEW YORK, NY PERMIT NO. 8048
132 EAST 78TH STREET
NEW YORK, NY 10075-0381
SAVE THE DATE Alumni Reunion Weekend
MARCH 8 & 9, 2013 Classes celebrating milestone reunions are: 1943 1948 1953 1958 1978 1983 1988 1993 All alumni are invited.
1963 1998
1968 2003
1973 2008
Friday, March 8: Class Parties for Reunion classes ¥ Details to be provided by each class. Parties are off-site.
Saturday, March 9: 11:00AM-2:00PM at the School All alumni welcome. Please bring your family. ¥ Alumni/Faculty Basketball Game ¥ Gilbert & Sullivan rehearsals ¥ Student-led tours ¥ Open House: refreshments
Saturday, March 9: 6:00-8:30PM Main Event at School All alumni and spouses/partners invited. ¥ Cocktail reception & buffet dinner For details or to help, contact Anthony Kapp, Director of Alumni Relations, akapp@allen-stevenson.org or 212-933-5240