

WAYS
TO BE A BOY
EDITOR
Candace Silva
Associate Director of Communications
DEPUTY EDITOR
Jenny Bruce
Director of Communications
COPY EDITOR
Stephen Krawec
Chief of Staff
CONTRIBUTORS
Maria Paz Alegre
Rich Alifano
Jenny Bruce
Aidan Fennelly
Candace Silva
Samara Spielberg
Jen Ziplow
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jenny Bruce
Sandra Coudert Graham
Al Pereira
Candace Silva
Louisa Wells
DESIGNER
Anthony Kapp
FRONT COVER PHOTO
Kindergarten boys share a song with peers during Lower Division Community Time
The Lamplighter is published by The Allen-Stevenson School and is sent to alumni, parents, and other friends of A-S.
The Allen-Stevenson School actively seeks to forward the equity and diversity of our community in our admissions, programs and hiring. The Allen-Stevenson School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, marital status, creed, sexual orientation, ethnicity or any other characteristic protected by local, state and federal law.
The Allen-Stevenson School actively seeks diversity in its faculty and student body.

Fifth-grade boys focus on a game of chess in the Library Tech Commons.




FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
In my office resides a desk from October 1883.
Chester A. Arthur was president. A plaque on the desk commemorates the date Francis Bellows Allen started a school with three students. Every Founders Day, the desk and its original gavel symbolize for the boys the long, proud educational tradition of which they are a part.
Traditions have always been at the heart of our community since they provide a sense of continuity and connection while allowing us to embrace new ideas and practices that enrich our shared experience. In the pages that follow, we celebrate both cherished traditions and meaningful new ones that celebrate boyhood.
Founders Day is in league with other long-standing traditions such as the beloved Book-A-Day, the Arts Festival, and our signature Gilbert & Sullivan performances, Alumni are heartened to hear that these vibrant experiences endure because such moments tie our present to our past and remind us of the distinctive legacy of the Allen-Stevenson experience.
Importantly, A-S has embraced new traditions that reflect the values of growth and learning at the heart of our community. The Step-Up Ceremony provides needed year-end closure as every boy walks through an arch and marks the transition into the next phase of their school journey. Celebration of Learning, another year-end tradition, is a student-led gallery walk for parents showcasing the boys’ growth and accomplishments over the school year, highlighting keystone projects and presentations.
Taken together, these traditions old and new honor the joy of learning, the power of creativity, and the spirit of our school. And, the Lamplighter itself is a tradition unto itself. We hope its readers will appreciate being part of this remarkable 143-year journey and join us as often as possible in celebrating the meaning of A-S.
Duncan Lyon Head of School



AROUND A-S
An incredible first week of school in the books! The halls were filled with joyful energy and excitement as our boys started the year with enthusiasm and curiosity. Here’s to an amazing year ahead, Allen-Stevenson!
Second-grade boys engaged in a hands-on lesson focused on cooperation, following the Fly Five SEL curriculum. Through this activity, they worked together to design school uniforms while developing key social-emotional skills.
In groups of three, the boys were tasked with creating specific clothing items using craft supplies. As they took on the challenge, they began to collaborate, dividing responsibilities and working toward a shared goal. Along the way, they strengthened essential SEL competencies such as self-awareness, social awareness, selfmanagement, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
Fly Five not only boosts boys’ confidence and builds a positive school experience, but research has shown that SEL work improves academic performance and outcomes!
Sixth-grade science started off with a bang! In Mr. Divan’s Science and Engineering class, students considered the importance of data in making important decisions about volcanology.
In this engaging hands-on activity, students drew cards that indicated either an increase or decrease in volcanic activity. Using data they gathered, students had to decide whether to evacuate the neighboring town before the volcano (represented by a colorful party popper) exploded!
In First Grade Social Studies, students have been exploring the rich 142-year history of Allen-Stevenson using the 4QM structure. They began by learning about the school’s founders, Mr. Allen and Mr. Stevenson, and the key events that shaped Allen-Stevenson into the school we know today. Through photographs, questions, and intriguing discoveries, the boys uncovered fascinating facts about the founders and the school’s journey—even finding out why our mascot is a magical unicorn!
The unit then shifted focus to the present-day community. Together, students crafted insightful questions and conducted interviews with various community members from different departments, including Head of School Duncan Lyon, to gain a deeper understanding of their roles in the school and access their institutional wisdom.
In math class, eighth-grade boys are diving into the world of independent and dependent variables by graphing real-life situations on the x-y plane. From tracking the number of daylight hours over time to estimating wait times for amusement park rides based on crowd size, these scenarios offer an introduction to functions on the coordinate plane and data visualization.
In Mr. Fennelly’s seventh-grade ethics class, the boys engaged with Aristotle’s concept of the Golden Mean—the idea that virtue resides at the balanced midpoint between two extremes. Reflecting on their own values, students identified how their personal virtues align with this framework.
Together, they created a communal chart that visually represented their virtues and the extremes they balance between, offering a meaningful illustration of Aristotle’s timeless philosophy in action.









A-S ON STAGE
Last year’s spring theatre lineup showcased a diverse pair of performances. In March, our Upper Division boys took the stage in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. The beloved musical allowed our actors to showcase their vocal and comedic skills the support of our talented Art Department, the Peanuts-themed set transformed the stage into a living comic strip, providing the perfect backdrop for our young performers to shine while paying tribute to the timeless legacy of cartoonist Charles M. Schulz.
The pit orchestra featured members of our professional instrumental instructors conducted by Ms. Demko, adding a layer of artistry, polish, and energy.
AROUND A-S
For Spring Scene Night: The Holmes Chronicles, the audience embarked on an intellectual journey to 221B Baker Street in London to witness the thrilling adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. This series of 10-minute mysteries brought Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s characters to life on the A-S stage, wrapping up the performance with a creative and unexpected twist. There was nothing “elementary” about the exceptional work from our Performing Arts Department, preparing actors to deliver captivating performances while our skilled student Technical Theatre Crew ensured a smooth and seamless experience for the audience.
FALL
It was another exciting fall for the Performing Arts Department, as they once again teamed up with the Nightingale-Bamford School for two remarkable productions.
First, we ventured under the sea with this year’s sixth-grade production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. This whimsical show perfectly captured the magic of Disney through heartfelt performances, stunning sets, and intricate costumes. Thank you to our friends at NBS for another captivating musical experience!
Then, seventh- and eighth-grade boys, along with their NBS counterparts, took the stage again for A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The production was a magical success that stretched our student actors as they brought Shakespeare’s classic comedy to life. Audiences were transported to the enchanted forest through colorful costumes and the Technical Theatre Crew’s deft use of atmospheric lighting. Between the intricate dialogue, perfectly-timed comedic moments, and enchanting set design and lighting, this production was an impressive feat and a fitting continuation of Allen-Stevenson’s rich tradition of staging Shakespeare’s timeless works.
Our partnership with The Nightingale-Bamford School has led to outstanding productions year after year and enriches the boys’ school experience. Students strengthen friendships, learn to collaborate in new ways, and gain confidence on stage. This collaboration also provides a valuable opportunity to connect with female peers in a supportive educational

environment as they work together towards a common goal.
Although behind the scenes, it is important to recognize the student Tech Crew as being crucial to each production. Participating in theatre tech is an experience that not many middle schools offer. Our boys’ hands-on planning and work give them agency in their art and help develop decision-making, troubleshooting, and time management skills. Their hard work created the perfect setting for their peers on stage.
Thank you to Julie Montero, Director of Theatre & Technical Theatre, Daisy Walker P’23 P’25, Co-Director of Theatrical Productions, and the rest of the Performing Arts faculty for bringing these phenomenal productions to the A-S stage.


Spring Concert Reaches Listeners at School and at Home
The Spring Orchestra Concert was a highlight of the season at Allen-Stevenson, showcasing robust musical talent across grade levels. This eagerly anticipated event was live-streamed, allowing a broader audience to experience these impressive performances by A-S’ instrumentalists. The concert featured a number of ensembles, including the Third-Grade String and Flute Ensembles, Fourth- and Fifth-Grade String and Wind Ensembles, and culminating in a powerful performance by the Sixth- Seventh- and Eighth-Grade Orchestra.
The thoughtfully curated program presented a diverse array of musical genres, showcasing the students’ versatility and creativity. The Third-Grade Flute Ensemble impressed with original compositions that reflected their budding musicality, while the Sixth- Seventh- and EighthGrade Orchestra brought the house down with their energetic rendition of Go West!—a medley of themes from classic Western films.
Whether in-person or watching remotely, the audience was treated to a dynamic and eclectic morning of music that highlighted the dedication, collaboration, and passion of Allen-Stevenson’s young musicians.




A Look Back at the 2024 Arts Festival
The annual Arts Festival is a beloved AllenStevenson tradition eagerly anticipated by both boys and their families. This celebration showcases the artistic talents of students from all grade levels, featuring a diverse range of works using various mediums and techniques.
As one of the 3A’s, art plays a vital role in A-S experience. Our dedicated art faculty encourages boys to explore a variety of mediums, each offering unique challenges and opportunities for building confidence, critical thinking, and resilience. Not only are the results beautiful to behold, but each piece also represents a boy’s personal growth as a learner, collaborator, and artist.
The Arts Festival provides boys with the opportunity to share their work with the school community and explore their peers’ creations. Each class visits the festival to view and engage with the artwork on display, celebrating and learning from one another in the process.
The festival, which took place in February 2024, showcased efforts from all grades spanning a variety of mediums and techniques. The diverse body of work is not only a reflection of the myriad experiences facilitated by our art faculty but of each boy’s uniqueness and approach to creative expression.
Writing as Bleeding, Writing as Thinking: SUPPORTING YOUNG WRITERS THROUGH THE WRITING REVOLUTION
There’s an old line about writers. I think it comes from Hemingway, and it goes something like this: There’s no secret to writing. You sit down at the typewriter and bleed.
I don’t recommend this approach with seventh graders for a few reasons. Some are obvious (legal, messy), and others appear when you consider this line figuratively, as Hemingway intended. The image of the bleeding writer pouring their soul onto the page is probably at least as old as the first essay (Montaigne, 1580 AD), and the hermeneutics of bloodletting, popular at that time, seem to make sense. Writing is painful. It’s cathartic. Done well, it can relieve you of your ailments. Done poorly, it can lead to death -- or at least anemia.
Like bloodletting itself, the idea that writers should merely sit down and “bleed” onto the page, is both strangely compelling and utter nonsense. Nevertheless, much like this primitive medical practice, stream of consciousness or freewriting remained the dominant approach in schools for some time. In the decades following the Civil Rights Movement, writing instruction in secondary (5-12) schools mimicked the workshop approach common in graduate programs. The formula went something like this: Give students examples (“mentor texts”) of the thing you want them to write. Then, have them write a lot — pages and
pages of free writes — until the faucet of their murky, recycled ideas runs clear with brilliance. Then, do some editing and call it a day.
This approach works for accomplished and naturally gifted writers who have internalized the structures and cadence of language and for whom writing is a piano they play by ear. But while freewriting and working with mentors are important strategies, they don’t provide enough support for young and struggling writers.
This is because writing isn’t bleeding. It’s thinking. What’s more, it’s multiple types of thinking at once. Given an essay prompt or lab report assignment, a student must: (1) recall information that they may have learned days or weeks ago, (2) sift through that information to determine which of it is relevant to the task at hand, (3) categorize that information into buckets, (4) organize those buckets of ideas into groups of sentences that make sense, (5) go back and revise those sentences, (6) edit their work.
In short, writing is a process that involves prewriting, planning, drafting, and revising. Each step in the process marshalls different types of challenging thinking (recall, executive functioning, verbal reasoning). When we expect our students to do all of these things at once by bleeding onto the page and then mopping up the mess, we set them


By Aidan Fennelly, English Department Head & Seventh Grade Dean

up for frustration and failure. Similarly, when we expect them to write good essays before they can write good paragraphs — and good paragraphs before they can write good sentences — we are expecting them to build a house when we haven’t given them any tools. Writers need a process. Writers need tools.
That’s why at Allen-Stevenson, we’ve added a new component to our writing curriculum. It’s called The Writing Revolution (TWR). While copyright and word-count preclude me from explaining all of its principles in detail, it boils down to this:
1. Sentences are the building blocks of good writing.
2. Students need to be taught, clearly and directly, how to write — from the sentence to the essay.
3. Writing is a form of thinking in any discipline. It’s not for English class alone.
4. Planning and revising are essential stages to the writing process.
TWR uses sentence-level activities to both test students’ understanding of the ideas they learn in class, and expand their repertoire of sentence skills (For example, combine these sentences: Writing is hard. Writing can be taught. Teaching writing requires patience and planning.1)
It emphasizes teaching and assessing each stage of the writing process, by providing students with feedback on their outlines and drafts. It sees
writing not as a form of magical thinking, like bloodletting, but as a skill. Finally, writing with TWR is not done only in English class, but in every class. After all, former English majors aren’t the only people who write for a living.
This means that students use The Writing Revolution’s sentence, paragraph, and essay writing strategies in math, science, history, and Spanish. This isn’t just to make English teachers’ lives easier. Because writing is a form of thinking, it can also be a powerful teaching tool. When a student needs to expand a sentence or organize an outline for a lab report, they need to draw upon, and in some cases deepen, the reservoirs of their content knowledge.
Having said that, while we’ve adopted TWR, we haven’t thrown the baby out with the bathwater. We still give boys mentor texts. We still expect them to brainstorm. In addition to the structured writing advocated by The Writing Revolution, students are given the opportunity to explore their creative ideas in poems, short stories, songs, and in other, less conventional forms of writing: podcasts, videos, and posters. The introduction of outlines and sentence-activities doesn’t mean the death of creativity. Nor does it mean the end of the struggle. Writing is thinking. And thinking well is very, very hard.
Just ask Hemingway. Turns out he probably plagiarized the bleeding line.
I guess even the best writers can use some help.
Recap Fall Athletics Season

By Rich Alifano, Director of Athletics/Physical Education
Athletics at Allen-Stevenson carries with it a rich tradition and a proud alumni base. With dozens of league
championships
over the past few decades, current student-athletes strive to build upon the success of previous years.
As the boys come to learn, success in athletics is measured not only by the achievement of personal and team goals, but, through resilience when we face setbacks and the commitment to discipline and hard work.
This fall, our boys completed the first phase of their journey—the Fall Season—making their own contributions to the rich athletic tradition at A-S.


7th/8th Grade Cross Country, with another great season under their belts, the team consistently placed several runners in the top fifty out of two hundred racers. With many of our runners returning this spring for track and field, we expect to be very competitive!
7th/8th Grade Varsity Soccer finished undefeated with seven wins and two ties. Each of their last three games ended in victory, scoring nineteen goals while only conceding six; defeating Trinity 5-1, Fieldston 8-5 and Buckley 6-0. We wrapped up the season undefeated, beating Collegiate 3-1!
A young crop of rising seventh graders has Coach Alifano excited about next year’s soccer team.
7th/8th Grade J.V. Soccer finished the season with a winning record and more wins than any J.V. team in the past five years!
7th/8th Grade Flag Football finished with another winning season. Our eighth grade team finished the season undefeated and the seventh grade team finished the season with a record of five wins, two losses, one tie. With a strong returning group of players, we expect to be very competitive next year.
The 6th Grade Flag Football team learned the nuances of flag football rules and strategies and implemented those with great success this season. We look forward to next season as they step up in competition to test their skills.
6th Grade Soccer gained valuable experience this season as they faced some teams they will compete against for the next two school years.
Founders Day 2024

On On Friday, October 11th, A-S boys came together to celebrate the cherished tradition of Founders Day.
Lower and Upper Division buddies spent part of the morning watching and discussing the short film Alike, which inspired thoughtful conversations about each boy’s passions. Back in their classrooms, students worked on their own passion projects—a celebration of their unique identities—before sharing them with one another.
Later, the entire school community gathered in The David Koch, Jr. ’14 Gymnasium to welcome alumni speakers Santiago Vargas Machado ’18 and Zale Peart ’18, who both delivered inspiring and thought-provoking reflections on their time at Allen-Stevenson, sharing how they learned to embrace their individuality.

Santiago began by sharing his personal journey of self-discovery and triumph during the lead-up to a production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance
He shared how he discovered a passion for music and sharing his soprano vocals. Those around him did not necessarily appreciate his high voice, but, as he recalled, “In my unique voice, I found strength, beauty, and validation. I found a friend.”
Pursuing his passion, he actively sought out performing arts opportunities at Allen-Stevenson, eventually landing a lead role in the Gilbert & Sullivan production. Just as his confidence was growing, Santiago faced a setback: his voice dropped an octave almost overnight.
Heartbroken but determined, Santiago worked tirelessly to adjust his range and deliver a successful performance as the lead female character, Mabel. “It was not the performance I had hoped for, nor was it the one I could have given a few weeks before,” he shared, “But it was still a performance to be proud of.”
While the obstacles he faced in his younger years were deeply challenging, he was inspired to embrace his identity. “My experience at AllenStevenson taught me more than any class in high school or college ever could,” he reflected. “It taught me how to be unapologetic. How to be my own kind of man.”
Before passing the microphone to Zale, Santiago offered a challenge to the boys, “[...] To be the kind of friend who lifts others up, to stand tall and speak out whenever you witness injustice, and, most importantly, leave Allen-Stevenson a better place, a better community than you found it.”
Zale Peart offered his own story of embracing his identity and creating spaces for people to come together.
Peart recalled the importance of community early on in his life. He remembered that every Sunday, “Our neighbor would knock on our door, bring-
ing over food she’d cooked, and we’d share ours with her. At the time, I didn’t realize it, but these moments were teaching me about the power of community —people coming together, sharing, and supporting one another.”
During his time at Allen-Stevenson, Zale was part of Boys of Color at Allen-Stevenson (BOCAS), which supported a greater sense of belonging. As he stated, “Being a part of BOCAS helped me embrace and celebrate my Afro-Caribbean identity and understand the importance of uplifting others who looked like me.”
After leaving A-S, Zale saw that while spaces like BOCAS may not have existed in other institutions, he could be the one to create them. While in high school, he successfully co-founded the school’s Black Student Union, and continued his work into college, reviving its Black Student Union. Currently, Zale serves as the treasurer for the Men of Color Alliance, where he continues to create opportunities for connection, support, and bridge-building.
These experiences have inspired Zale’s dream of becoming a Foreign Service Officer, taking what he has learned to a broader community. “Just like sharing food with my neighbor taught me about community,” he said, “I hope to share ideas and build relationships that make the world a better place.”
Zale concluded his speech with an important reminder for the Allen-Stevenson community: “When you take care of each other as brothers, you not only uplift yourselves but also make your community stronger every day.”
The speakers’ inspiring words resonated with the boys, prompting many to stay and engage in conversation with the visiting alumni. The students asked questions and shared how the speeches had impacted them personally.
From start to finish, this Founders Day was a true celebration of our community and everyone within it.

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS
By Maria Paz Alegre, Lower Division Teacher Librarian
An Allen-Stevenson boy loves to read, and most would agree that readers are not born; they are made. As such, we are thrilled to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of The Book-A-Day project, a beloved signature program from the AllenStevenson School Library! In 2004, Bonnie Tucker, former Lower Division Librarian, and Sarah Kresberg, Director of Library Services and Educational Technology, attended the annual conference of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), where they were introduced to a daily book program started by California public school librarians. Thus, an A-S tradition was born.
The importance of early exposure to picture books has long been common knowledge, an understanding further substantiated by The Ohio State Crane Center for Early Childhood Research and Policy in their 2019 research. Published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, this study found that children reading just one book daily are exposed to around 290,000 more words by age five compared to those not regularly read to by a parent or caregiver. Furthermore, exposure to a more extensive vocabulary was found to directly impact school performance. As Jessica Logan, lead author of the study and assistant professor of educational studies at The Ohio State University, stated, “Kids who hear more vocabulary words are going to be better prepared to see those words in print when they enter school. They are likely to pick up reading skills more quickly and easily.” In 2022, The National Literacy Trust reported on a national

study finding that boys lagged behind girls in reading enjoyment (Cole et al., 2022), while the National Center for Educational Statistics showed that girls consistently outperform boys in reading achievement, cementing the importance of motivating boys to read at an early age. This makes the role of our educators and Library faculty all the more essential.
With our youngest A-S students in mind, Sarah and Bonnie launched the first Book-A-Day program for Kindergarten, encouraging boys to take home and read a new book daily. The benefits were two-fold: students are exposed to new literature and vocabulary words, while parents are spared having to read the same book repeatedly! Better yet, each book was handselected by their A-S librarian.


OF BOOK-A-DAY

Each Kindergarten classroom received a delivery of twenty books, and teachers created a corresponding number chart to track book circulation. After one month, books were rotated between classrooms, allowing students to access new titles and create shared literature across the grade. After the rotations were completed, a new selection of books was given to each classroom for students to enjoy.
The Book-A-Day program proved to be a huge success! So much so that in 2016, Bonnie presented the program to the Hudson Valley Library Association (HVLA), an organization of independent school librarians in and around New York City. In attendance was Maria Paz Alegre (me!), who at the time, was the Lower School librarian at The Dalton School.
Inspired by the presentation, Maria Paz Alegre successfully introduced the program to Dalton. Upon Ms. Tucker’s retirement, Ms. Alegre transitioned to her role as the Lower Division Librarian at The Allen-Stevenson School and proudly continued the beloved program–making a few additions of her own. She created an updated chart of books with students’ faces to keep track of the rotation and curated each box with literature that reflected award-winning writers, new authors, diverse perspectives, classic titles, social-emotional learning, and, of course, books that would make both parents and children laugh out loud!

Unfortunately, the Book-A-Day program was halted during the pandemic, as remote and hybrid learning made daily book sharing challenging. The following year, Ms. Alegre expanded the program to include first-grade students for the first time, giving boys who were remote during their Kindergarten year the Book-A-Day experience. While the extension was meant to be temporary, the response from first-grade parents was so enthusiastic that today, the K-1 Book-A-Day program boasts annual reads of up to 400 titles across the two grades.
Due to the program’s success, Maria Paz presented Book-A-Day at the NYSAIS Diversity Symposium and the NAIS PoCC conference. Librarians who attended have since replicated the program in schools nationwide, from Brooklyn to Texas and even as far as Hawaii!
Allen-Stevenson boys are avid readers, and the Book-A-Day program establishes a strong foundation for their love of literature to grow. We are proud to have supported countless boys with twenty years of Book-A-Day literature!
Logan, J. A., Justice, L. M., Yumuş, M., & Chaparro-Moreno, L. J. (2019b). When children are not read to at home: The million word gap. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 40(5), 383–386. https://doi.org/10.1097/dbp.0000000000000657
Cole, A., Brown, A., Clark, C. and Picton, I. (2022). Children and young people’s reading engagement in 2022: Continuing insight into the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on reading. London: National Literacy Trust.
Auxier, B., Stewart, D., Bucaille, A., & Westcott, K. (2021, November 30) The gender gap in reading: Boy meets book, boy loses book, Boy never gets book back. Deloitte Insights. https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/technology/technology-media-and-telecom-predictions/2022/gendergap-in-reading.html .
Young Alumni Spotlights
By Samara Spielberg, Spanish Department Head & Young Alumni Liason

David Porges ’18
Senior at Middlebury College

David Porges ’18 often looks back on the many ways his formative years at Allen-Stevenson shaped him. “The most important thing was shaking Mr. Trower’s hand every morning,” he shared. “That daily interaction made me socially prepared.” Now, whether he’s addressing a judge, a professor, or a teammate, David credits those moments with giving him the confidence to engage with anyone.
At Middlebury College, David has excelled both academically and athletically. Recruited to swim, he competed for two seasons, becoming a finalist at the college championships each year. “Even if I was the slowest in the pool, Coach D’Itri’s advice to not be intimidated by the best stuck with me. Steel sharpens steel.”
David’s passion for history–ignited by Mr. Kersey’s seventh-grade class–continues to guide his path. During his junior year, he spent a semester at Oxford University delving into early modern English history. That semester turned into a year, and his research was published in William & Mary’s James Blair Historical Review. Reflecting on his publication, “Conflict and Supremacy in the Caroline Navy: Uncovering the Rationales of the Naval Mutiny of 1642,” he explained, “It brought me back to my A-S days, like when I wrote an entire Ancient Greece paper about desserts in fourth grade.”
As a Senior, David is exploring his next chapter. This past summer, he worked in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan, focusing on public integrity cases in the criminal division. Having been taught the power of connection from his early days at A-S, David laughs that his roommates call him “the mayor” for his ability to create community wherever he goes.

Harrison Goldberg ‘18
Senior at Syracuse University
“Charitable work was always a priority at Allen-Stevenson, whether it was preparing sandwiches for the homeless, organizing food and clothing drives, or volunteering in Costa Rica. Those experiences shaped my desire to give back.” Harrison Goldberg, now a senior at Syracuse University’s David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, often reflects on how his years at The Allen-Stevenson School instilled a lifelong passion for service.
Harrison has carried this commitment forward as a Community Engagement Intern with Athletes Who Care, a non-profit NIL collective in Syracuse. He has attended charity events alongside members of the Syracuse Basketball and Football teams. “Watching them take time out of their demanding schedules to give back has inspired me to continue working with charitable organizations after graduation,” he shared.
Beyond his charitable endeavors, Harrison has delved into the sports industry through his work with 7 Enterprises Marketing Firm LLC., a Syracuse-based agency connecting local businesses with the athletic department. His experiences culminated in an exciting milestone: making his ESPN Radio debut on the Syracuse Legends show, where he interviewed Syracuse Basketball Head Coach Adrian Autry.
As Harrison prepares to graduate this May, he reflects on the balance he found at A-S. “The school’s focus on arts, academics, and athletics allowed me to explore all my passions while growing and maturing.” Looking ahead, Harrison is eager to combine his love for sports management, marketing, and community engagement as he steps into the professional world.
Ben Forman ‘19
Sophomore at University of Colorado
Ben Forman ’19 has taken an innovative path into engineering and storytelling during his time at the University of Colorado. He’s currently pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, combining technical skill with social impact. “In one of our projects, we’re designing a device to help kids wean off vaping,” he shared. “It’s exciting to create solutions that make a real difference.”
Before starting college, Ben took a transformative gap year. He backpacked through South America, immersing himself in the language and culture of Peru and Bolivia. This experience, combined with his Allen-Stevenson school trip to Costa Rica, helped him not only achieve Spanish fluency but also develop a deep desire to spend time with people different from himself. In the spring, he traveled across the U.S., living with families in Tennessee, Louisiana, and “Cancer Alley”— the stretch of communities along the banks of the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge — to explore the intersection of fossil fuels, climate change, and public perception.

Ben’s passions extend beyond engineering. He’s currently producing a documentary exploring adolescents’ relationships with social media, inspired by the film The Social Dilemma and the work of Jonathan Haidt. “We want to tell this story from a youth perspective,” he says. Dedicated to mindfulness and education, Ben dreams of bringing these practices into schools nationwide.
The Allen-Stevenson School’s legacy of curiosity, preparation, and community lives on in alumni like David, Harrison, and Ben, who continue to embody the spirit of lifelong learning.


The Allen-Stevenson School is deeply rooted in traditions that have shaped the lives of countless boys for well over a century.
From timeless Gilbert & Sullivan productions and Founders Day to the beloved Allen-Stevenson School song, cherished customs are at the heart of our community. However, since 1883, the school has grown and evolved, as have some of our traditions.
Recently, two new events were added to the rich tapestry of the Allen-Stevenson experience. Like all longstanding traditions, these latest additions provide opportunities to learn, connect, and celebrate the rich experience of being an A-S boy.
Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future:
The New Traditions of Allen-Stevenson


The CeremonyStep-Up
Introduced by Head of School Duncan Lyon in June 2023, the Step-Up Ceremony became an immediate success, joyfully bringing together our whole learning community to mark the completion of a successful school year. In this new end-of-year tradition, faculty, staff, and students convene in the David Koch, Jr. ‘14 Gymnasium, where uplifting music fills the air. Mr. Lyon acts as MC, selecting a special song for each grade and shepherding everyone through the event with pride and enthusiasm.
The energy in the room is electric when the eighth graders make their entrance to thunderous applause. The upperclassmen form an arch in the center of the room, a symbolic gateway into the future as each younger grade passes through the arch, one boy at a time. Clearing the arch, students are met with a line of high-fives from friends, teachers, and classmates. With palpable enthusiasm filling the room each boy can envision himself moving onto the next grade level.
The Step-Up Ceremony celebrates a part of what makes an all-boys K-8 school unique, honoring the role our eighth-grade students play as confident school leaders ready for new adventures in high school and beyond. As the boys leave symbolic space for the kindergarten students who will join in the fall, a new tradition becomes engraved in blue and gold upon all our hearts.


Celebration of Learning
Allen-Stevenson’s newest tradition is the Celebration of Learning, a culminating event embodying the spirit of student achievement and growth. For this event, students take on the role of teachers, proudly guiding their families through their classrooms to showcase the year’s work. Given agency, this is an opportunity for boys to share keystone projects, discuss the challenges they have faced, and reflect on their personal and academic accomplishments.
But the evening doesn’t stop there—it is also a look ahead. After presenting their work, students explore ongoing classrooms for a preview of the pathway ahead. This part of the tradition sparks curiosity and excitement, reinforcing the concept of learning as a continuous journey.
Much more than a showcase, the Celebration of Learning builds meaningful connections between students, families, and educators while empowering our boys to take pride in their progress and leadership. It is a reflection of the collaborative and forward-thinking culture Allen-Stevenson continues to cultivate in all we do.


Congratulations to the Class of 2024!
On June 12, 2024, the Allen-Stevenson School community gathered to celebrate the Class of 2024 during Closing Exercises.
The event, attended both in person and virtually, began with a warm welcome from Atri Midha ‘24, followed by heartfelt remarks from Head of School Duncan Lyon and Board President Metin Negrin P’20, ‘22, ‘24. The ceremony showcased musical performances highlighting the talents of the 6th/7th/8th Grade Chorus, a cello quintet featuring Beau Bisceglie ‘24, Jack Deblinger ‘24, Cassius Evans-Thompson ‘24, Blake Klaff ‘24, and Oscar Zwirn ‘24, as well as a moving solo by cellist Niccolo Lee-Suk ‘24.
Each graduate took the stage to deliver personal, inspiring, and often humorous parting words. Matthew Chung ‘24 concluded with a touching
Eighth Grade Farewell, reflecting on the lasting impact of his relationships at the School. He shared, “After much reflection, I realized that these wins in my life were never the memories I cherished at A-S. It was never the ‘A’ on a test or applause after a performance, rather, it was seeing our Kindergarten buddies in the hallways, playing soccer on the roof…what I treasure most about Allen-Stevenson is not any of my accomplishments but my relationships…My A-S family will last a lifetime.”
Henry Goodman ‘24 passed the lamp to the rising eighth graders, marking a symbolic transfer of leadership to the Class of 2025. The ceremony concluded with Michael Ganitsky ‘24 leading his classmates and the community in an poignant rendition of The Allen-Stevenson School song.






Our community extends congratulations to the young men of the class of 2024, who are thrilled to continue their educational journeys by attending the following high schools:
Independent Schools:
Brooklyn Friends School
The Browning School
Columbia Grammar
The Dalton School
Dwight-Englewood School
Ethical Culture Fieldston School
Fordham Preparatory School
Friends Seminary
Greenwich Country Day School
Grace Church School
Hackley School
Horace Mann School
Loyola School
The Packer Collegiate Institute
Poly Prep Country Day School
Riverdale Country Day School
Trevor Day School
Trinity School
Public Schools: NEST+M
(New Explorations into Science, Technology and Math)
Boarding Schools:
Phillips Academy — Andover
Choate Rosemary Hall
Millbrook School
The Peddie School
Salisbury School
St. George’s School
Tabor Academy





FROM THE ARCHIVES
Theatre has been a cornerstone of education at Allen-Stevenson for generations. Over the years, students have brought countless productions to life, including many of Shakespeare’s most cherished works.
This fall’s staging of A Midsummer Night’s Dream celebrates the rich legacy of past performances and the many boys who have ventured into the enchanted forest right here at A-S.
Did you ever grace the stage during your time at Allen-Stevenson?

PA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE










Lauren Erbst (Sammy - 7th Grade, Oliver - 4th Grade)
President
Emily Weinstein (Gavin - 4th Grade, Ryan - 2nd Grade)
Vice President
Tara Stocknoff (Sam - 2nd Grade)
Treasurer
Ellen Leitman (Ethan - 4th Grade)
Logistics Manager
Michelle Blanter-Ball (Benjamin - 2nd Grade) Communications
Danielle Burroughs (Austin - 4th Grade) Class Rep Coordinator
Jamie Magid (James - 7th Grade) Community Engagement
Minae Ham (Aaron - 5th Grade)
Community Service Coordinator
Jennifer Saad (Brody - 5th Grade)
School Store Manager
COMMUNITY
Casey Pastrovich (Hudson - 2nd Grade)
School Store Manager
PA
The Parents Association plays a vital role in strengthening our school community. Thanks to the dedication of our parent volunteers, we enjoy countless opportunities throughout the year to celebrate, connect, learn, and give back together.
Already this fall, our community has had the chance to take part in these wonderful PA-hosted events:
• Thoughtful discussions and affinity dinners
• Mothers of A-S Boys (MASB) and Fathers of A-S Boys (FASB) events
• Community service learning opportunities
• Book Clubs and author discussions
• Halloween Treats on the Street
• Book and toy drives







NEW TO OUR TRUSTEES
Harris Mufson P’26 P’29
Harris Mufson is a partner at the law firm of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP where he leads the group’s employment litigation practice in New York. Clients seek Harris’ advice when confronting their most complex and sensitive employment issues, including disputes regarding discrimination and retaliation, whistleblowing, sexual harassment, wrongful discharge, defamation, breach of contract, wage and hour laws, and restrictive covenants. In addition to fiercely defending clients in court, Harris counsels employers on compliance with employment-related laws and the development, implementation and enforcement of personnel policies and procedures. He has also conducted numerous internal investigations regarding sensitive employment matters.
Harris earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, where he was Senior Editor of the Journal of Labor and Employment. Harris earned a Bachelor of Arts degree magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania in 2003.
In addition to serving on the Board of Trustees of The Allen-Stevenson School, Harris serves as Chair of the Board of the Mount Sinai Medical Legal Partnership, an organization established in 2016 to provide free legal services to low-income patients to prevent and remedy unjust and hazardous social and environmental conditions.
Harris lives in New York City with his wife Michal, their sons Rowan (seventh-grader at Allen-Stevenson) and Julian (fourth-grader at Allen-Stevenson), and their new puppy, Birdie.
David Herzberg ‘89, P’21
David Herzberg graduated from Allen-Stevenson class of 1989, and was thrilled to return to the community as a parent of James, who started A-S in Kindergarten and graduated in 2021. Though many decades apart, as Allen-Stevenson students David and James shared one favorite, memorable teacher and mentor, David Kersey. James is now a graduating senior at Fieldston, and is joined there by his younger sister, Kate, who is in 8th grade. David was active at A-S immediately after graduating from college, joining the Executive Alumni Council and serving two terms as Vice President.
David graduated with a B.S. from Middlebury College in 1996, double majoring in Economics and Political Science. After graduation he began a career in Emerging Market corporate debt working both on the buy and sell side in various roles as an Analyst, Director of Research, Portfolio Manager, and Head of Alternative Investments. He is currently at Barclays on the Emerging Market trading desk focusing on Latin American high yield, stressed, and defaulted corporate debt.
David was born and raised in New York City, as was his wife, Elizabeth Feld Herzberg, who owns and runs Hirschl & Adler Galleries and Hirschl & Adler Modern. In his leisure time, David enjoys reading everything from nonfiction to spy books, traveling, watching movies with his kids, and skiing. He is thrilled to be joining the A-S Board of Trustees as Allen-Stevenson provided him, and his son James, with an extraordinary formative education.
COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY
Krista Nickols P’30
Krista Nickols joined the Allen-Stevenson community in 2021 when her son, Gunnar, started Kindergarten. In addition to being a dedicated parent, Krista is a highly accomplished real estate advisor with a track record of over $500M in sales. She specializes in ultra-luxury new developments and high-end resales, some of which have been featured on Netflix’s Owning Manhattan.
Krista earned her MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business and her BA from the University of Southern California. Before entering real estate, she honed her negotiation skills at Creative Artists Agency and sharpened her analytical expertise at Citi’s Investment Bank. Her career highlights include leading exclusive sales at iconic developments like Extell’s Central Park Tower and the Four Seasons Private Residences Downtown.
Originally from Chicago’s North Shore, Krista now resides in Manhattan with her husband, Michael, their two children, Gunnar and Sophia, and their rescue dog, Lucy. She enjoys spending weekends in the Hamptons, where she serves on the Board of Trustees for the Children’s Museum of the East End.






FACULTY & STAFF
Erin Gilmore is joining the Allen-Stevenson team as the new school psychologist extern. Erin is a fourth-year doctoral candidate in the School Psychology program at Fordham University, having previously earned her bachelor’s degree at Purdue University in Psychological Sciences in 2019. Erin has gained diverse experience across educational settings, working as a Behavior Analyst and an assistant preschool teacher. She further developed valuable clinical skills as a school psychology extern with the New York City Department of Education and as an intern at a private psychoeducational assessment center in New York City. Erin is excited to work with the boys at Allen-Stevenson, focusing on their social-emotional development with the ongoing goal of fostering a supportive and inclusive school environment.
Fabián González, a passionate language teacher from Argentina, first pursued a career in acting in New York before discovering his true calling in teaching while tutoring Spanish. Blending his artistic background with immersive methods, he makes learning engaging through literature, theater, music, and technology. He emphasizes cultural connections, real-world experiences, and embracing mistakes as part of the journey. Fluent in Spanish and English, with knowledge of French, he inspires students with his mantra, “Live to remember, not just to live,” fostering a dynamic and meaningful approach to language learning.
Jonathan Hom is very excited to join the warm and supportive Allen-Stevenson community. He has spent the last 13 years at the Calhoun School in the IT department and the previous three years as a law student. He is a diehard Yankee fan (even though he’s from Queens!) and spends his free time hanging out with his best buddy–his dog, Bacon!
Steven Jewett is excited to be joining the AllenStevenson learning community. He is a seasoned STEM teacher with K-12 experience and a lifelong learner. His career of 35 years teaching, advising and coaching at an independent day school in Connecticut has led him to this next step. “I feel welcomed and equally supported by the amazing folks I have connected with at A-S,” says Steven. “As well, my supportive fiancée, Jodi, along with our seven kids are very excited for me and this next intentional path on East 78th street. I am thrilled to have this opportunity and to get started working with the students.”
Lauren Lamonsoff is delighted to join the ranks of the Allen-Stevenson School community! With six years of experience teaching Spanish, including at the University of Delaware during her Master’s studies in Spanish Language, Literature, and Pedagogy, Lauren is passionate about language education and committed to fostering a dynamic learning environment.
Currently pursuing a Doctor of Education degree in Learning and Teaching with a concentration in Applied Linguistics at Hofstra University, Lauren is dedicated to exploring innovative approaches to language acquisition. Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Lauren is a classically trained singer, a theatre aficionado, and proudly holds the title of her family’s Jeopardy! champion. Lauren is thrilled to share her enthusiasm and diverse skills with the Allen-Stevenson community.
Jonathan Shiller began his teaching career in his home state of New Jersey before spending eight years in independent San Francisco Bay Area schools, including the Carey School, where Mr. Lyon was the former Head of School! In 2008, he returned to the East Coast and spent 15 years in fourth and fifth-grade math at The Chapin School before joining the Allen-Stevenson community in 2024. He enjoys baking and relaxing with a book or stretching out in a Zoom yoga class when not teaching.
FACULTY & STAFF



NEW SIBLINGS






COMMUNITY

Leo James (K) & Macks (3) T.
RECENT RETIREMENTS



In 2024, the school celebrated three incredible members of our community who have retired after years of dedicated service. We are deeply grateful for their immeasurable contributions to The Allen-Stevenson School community and extend our heartfelt thanks and best wishes as they begin this exciting new chapter.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Julian Blaze for dedicating 27 incredible years to The AllenStevenson School. As a cherished member of our outstanding maintenance team, his warmth, humor, and generous spirit have left a lasting impact. His presence will be deeply missed.
Margaret Garfinkel P’05, a dedicated educator and librarian at The Allen-Stevenson School for 23 years, retired at the end of the 2023-24 school year. We are deeply grateful for her steadfast commitment to our students and her joyful presence in the library. Thankfully for our community, she has stayed connected to A-S as a volunteer!
Since 1997, Greg Knespler has served The Allen-Stevenson School community. Through construction projects and countless changes over the years, Greg, along with our maintenance team, has worked tirelessly behind the scenes each and every day to ensure the School remains a safe and thriving environment for our students and families. We will miss his calming presence, thoughtful leadership, and professionalism.


Back to 78th Street
On May 29, the Allen-Stevenson Class of 2020 Blue, along with their parents, returned to Allen-Stevenson to celebrate their accomplishments as they prepared to graduate from high school.
Back Row: Will Pinkos ’20, Alex Jackson ’20, Asher Cohen ’20, Will Whiting ’20, Jeremy Negrin ’20, Daniel Levey ’20, Jamie Resurreccion ’20, Brandon Lioudis ’20, Justin Lioudis ’20 Front Row: Adam Gall ’20, Jack Gelder ’20, Dylan Collins ’20, Alexander IrausquinPetit ’20, Gabe Jaffe ’20, Manas Ramesh ’20, Nathan Neulander ’20, Pierce Van der Rhoer ’20, Noel MacMahon ’20
Pictured: Brandon Lioudis ’20, Jeremy Negrin ’20, Augie Evangelista Pinault ’20, Adam Gall ’20, Jack Gelder ’20, Noel MacMahon ’20, Justin Lioudis ’20


Alumni Induction Ceremony
Before Graduation on June 12, Allen-Stevenson eighth-grade boys and their families gathered for the Alumni Induction and Pinning Ceremony. These youngest alumni received Allen-Stevenson lapel pins from members of the Alumni Council, as well as some alumni fathers.
ALUMNI


Out and About


Alumni Football Viewing
In November, the Alumni Council hosted a Sunday football viewing party at Mel’s Burger Bar.




Moms Wine & Cheese
On November 26, we hosted an event for mothers of high-school alumni while their sons attended Young Alumni Homecoming. The night was filled with reminiscing and fun.



Pictured: Valia Negrin P’20, ’22, ’24, Paula Viscogliosi P’22, Dore Lebeau Toung P’22, Audrey Rasch P’22, ’26, Judy Pak Chung P’22, ’24
Young Alumni Homecoming
On November 26, we held our annual Young Alumni Homecoming event for our high school-aged alumni. We had over 70 young graduates join us to catch up with one another and beloved faculty members.
Ajai Singh ’21, Andrew Van Dyke ’21, Mary Leonard, Lorenzo Brigode ’21, James Herzberg ’21









ALUMNI NEWS
1971
Alexander ‘Sas’ Peters ‘71 won first place at the world Ultimate Disc championships in Sarasota, Florida — the seventh such that the Amagansett resident has won in the free-flowing, unrefereed sport.
1978
50 years separate the graduation dates of these two Unicorns, Conrad Dobbs ‘18 and Leon Kinloch ‘78, who met in the French West Indies. Once an AS boy, always an A-S boy!
1984
Over the summer, Philip Utsch ’84, P’27, P’31 was in the amateur finals of the John McEnroe charity Pro Am in Amagansett with fellow Allen-Stevenson parent Adam Sklar P’28
1985
Andy Mercy ‘85, the quarterback that beat Buckley to win the league, organized a dinner in New York City at Chris Dorrian’s Amata restaurant. Pictured from left to right are Alexis Demerjian ’85, Andy Mercy ’85, Chris Goodman ’86, and Kris Haber ’85
1986
Members of the Class of 1986, Christopher Goodman ’86, Brooks Connell ’86, Jeremy Hirsch ’86, Michael Tiedemann ’86, and Tony Woods ’86, met for Christmas cocktails and a gathering after the Park Avenue Tree Lighting at Rao’s.
1987
Alfred Burger ’87, P’23, MD, MS, received the Excellence in Teaching Award from the Society of Hospital Medicine at their national meeting in April 2024. The award is given each year to a hospital medicine physician who has best





demonstrated outstanding teaching prowess and who has served as role model and mentor to other hospitalists, residents, medical students, or other healthcare professionals.
In November, Colonel Chris Hallows ’87 and Lieutenant Commander Ian Nesbitt ’90, along with two veterans within the A-S community, spoke with current students about their path to serving.
2002
Reckless Son, the album by Matt Butler ’02 (nee Levinson), was nominated for Album of the Year by Spin Magazine.
2006
In October, Alex Klaris ’06 married Joanna Horn at a beautiful ceremony and reception in Maryland.
2012
Members of the Class of 2012 gathered for cocktails and karaoke this past November. Pictured from left to right is: Michael Lipton ’12, Justin Chi ’12, David King ’12, Adam Koeppel ’12, Erik Silberstein ’12, Cameron Koffman ’12, Sam Cantor ’12, Nick Hershey ’12, Michael Direnzo ’12, Robby Mitchell ’12 and Eliott Kim ’12.

2015
Xander Peterson ’15 and Daelum Mawji ’15 stopped by Allen-Stevenson last Spring and visited with Ms. Vermont-Davis and Mr. Warren.
2017
Caleb Dando-Haenisch ’17 is part of the American University team that launched a high-altitude balloon that ascended 30 kilometers and collected real-time data and breathtaking photographs.
2018
Max Esterson ’18 competed in the 2024 FIA Formula 3 Championship with Jenzer Motorsport. He joins the series full time from Great Britain’s premier open-wheel series, the GB3 Championship, where he was a race winner and was chosen as a member of the BRDC Rising Star program.
Daniel Simmons ’18 performed the viola in a solo recital in November at Juilliard.
2019
Tola Olorode ‘19 was one of 300 U.S. high school seniors to be named a Gates Scholar. He is currently attending the University of Chicago.



2021
Julian Cohen ’21 returned to AllenStevenson in the Fall to share his tech crew expertise with current students.
2022
Jack Wilkins ’24, Sebastian Henriksson ’22, Henry Goodman ’24, Jon Linen ’10 and Nicolas Henriksson ’22 attended their annual fishing weekend in Blooming Grove.
2024
Unicorns that grow up together, play together! Jayden Nandi ’24, Jack Wilkins ’24, Graham Klabin ’23, Tyler Parrot ’23, and Cassius Evans-Thompson ’24 are all members of the Hackley football team.

2024
Ms. Alegre and Ms. Kresberg visited Jackson Hong ‘24 as he took the stage in his first high school production, The Laramie Project.
In Memoriam
We are saddened to share the passing of former parent and trustee, Peter Millard P’74, a quintessential gentleman.
We regret to say that David Wallace ’74 passed away. He fondly remembered his time at Allen-Stevenson, where he played a diminutive Frederick to a six-foot Mabel in Pirates of Penzance.
We are sad to share the passing of alumnus and former parent Jeffrey Beers ‘71, P’07, ‘10 He will be deeply missed by his wife, Connie, and sons, Justin ’07 and Oliver ’10.
We are sorry to say that William Donaldson P’05 passed away on June 12, 2024. Donaldson was an American businessman who served as the 27th Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Bill’s wife, Jane Phillips Donaldson, is a trustee emerita of Allen-Stevenson.
We regret to share that Miner Warner ’57 passed away on November 26, 2024. He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.

If you would like to acknowledge a community member, whether a parent, grandparent, or past faculty or staff member in the In Memoriam section of the next issue of the Lamplighter please contact the Alumni Office at alumni@allen-stevenson.org.
H O N O R I N G T H E P A S T
While much has changed since this Admissions brochure was published over 60 years ago, one thing has remained constant: our commitment to making Allen-Stevenson affordable to as many families as possible. Currently 17% of our students receive awards ranging from 15%95% of the tuition based on an individual family’s resources.

P R E P A R I N G F O R T H E F U T U R E

PLEASE CONSIDER A GIFT TO A-S BY JUNE 30, 2025.
Your support of Allen-Stevenson helps us to make an A-S education possible for generations of boys. Every gift, of every size, is important to A-S and our future.


132 East 78th Street, New York, NY 10075-0381
