Fortiter et Recte.
LAMPLIGHTER 2026
EDITOR
Candace Silva
Associate Director of Communications
DEPUTY EDITOR
Jennifer Bruce
Director of Communications
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Brian Alifano
Lorenzo Bellard
Jennifer Bruce
Ben Harris ’23
Duncan Lyon
Candace Silva
Samara Spielberg
Pierce van der Rhoer ’20
Jen Ziplow
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jennifer Bruce
Sandra Coudert Graham
Anis Ghanem
Al Pereira
Candace Silva
Louisa Wells
DESIGNER
Anthony Kapp
FRONT COVER PHOTO
The Third-Grade Wind Ensemble performed at the Spring Orchestra and Ensembles Concert in May 2025.
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.
Boys gathered in the David Koch Jr. ‘14 Gymnasium for the annual Founders Day assembly.
Not long ago, I encountered a former A-S parent who said, “I hear the school has never been better.” I told her I was not in a position to judge that, given our founding in 1883, but we are taking it one wonderful day at a time.
In yet another year defined by scholastic curiosity, artistic creativity, and connected community, Allen-Stevenson boys continue to grow in voice, confidence, and character. While the world around us changes, Allen-Stevenson’s mission, values, and dedication to educating boys remain constant. We hope you will read this edition of the Lamplighter magazine in that spirit. The pages that follow feature highlights from both last spring and this fall: the vibrant Arts Festival and a joyful Grandparents and Special Friends Day exemplify the spirit of learning and community that continually nourish our school.
Please read about how boys voyaged across classrooms and continents during “A-S Around the Globe,” celebrating our cosmopolitan and dynamic community. Dive into how boys have discovered meaningful ways to express themselves through podcasting, theatre, music, and sports, including on championship-winning teams. Our Annual Benefit brought families together in festive celebration and in support of our mission, while Alumni Reunion reminded us that the A-S bond endures long after graduation. Step-Up Ceremony marked new beginnings, and Founders Day this fall grounded us once again in our endearing and enduring values.
In these pages, you will find highlights and stories of optimism and growth, snapshots from academics, athletics, and the arts, updates from the Parents Association, celebrations of new faculty and staff, and a warm welcome to new families. We also honor traditions, ongoing school placements, retirement milestones, siblings, and legacies, and take a nostalgic look back through the archives to remember the moments that brought us here.
Together, these stories capture the exuberance of A-S today and the future we continue to build, one boy, one voice, one wonderful day at a time.
Duncan Lyon Head of School
AROUND A-S
1. Opening Day at A-S is always bursting with energy and anticipation!
As we welcome our returning students and embrace the newest members of our community, we set the stage for a year of discovery, growth, and connections that will shape our boys for years to come.
Here’s to an amazing school year ahead!
2. Second graders attended their first library class of the year.
Boys joined Ms. Alegre in The Egg (designed to be a quiet, cozy spot for reading and learning) in the Library Tech Commons. After reminders about rules and expectations, the boys enjoyed a read-aloud of A Perfectly Messed Up Story by Patrick McDonnell. Following the story, the boys eagerly scoured the shelves for a book to check out. With Ms. Alegre’s guidance, each boy made his selection, learned about the check-out process, and took his first books home.
The partnership between the classroom and the Library Tech Commons supports boys as they develop their literacy skills and promotes a true love of reading.
3. Cultivating leaders and building community.
In September, students began connecting with their buddies across grade levels.
Kindergarteners were paired with their eighth-grade buddies who, during morning drop-off, proudly escorted their younger partners to their classrooms. Later in the week, fourth graders met their Kindergarten and Cornerstones buddies, beginning with time together in the classroom before heading down as a group to enjoy Lower Division Community Time.
This cherished program fosters connections across grade levels, offering older boys meaningful opportunities to lead and mentor, while younger students delight in the companionship of role models they admire, learning through their example what it means to be part of the A-S Community.
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4. It was an incredible turnout for the first Fathers of Allen-Stevenson Boys (FASB) Chessmates session of the year!
In the early hours, boys and their fathers filled the Dining Room to enjoy breakfast and a few games of chess before the start of the school day.
Chessmates gives boys the chance to sharpen their critical thinking, strategy, and problem-solving skills, while also providing a moment of father-son connection. Mothers and caregivers are always invited to join in the friendly competition!
5. The String and Wind Ensembles work diligently to develop skills and musicianship.
Our music program is an integral part of an Allen-Stevenson education, nurturing and challenging each student to learn and grow as an individual while highlighting the value of collaboration. As boys learn, play, and create together, they not only strengthen their skills as singers and instrumentalists but also build the confidence needed to perform as part of an ensemble.
6. Our eighth-grade historians tackled the Bill of Rights with gusto!
Working in teams, boys decoded 18th-century language, explored expert insights, and created their own student-friendly translations.
The highlight was a gallery walk where students learned all ten amendments from each other and discovered why the Anti-Federalists fought so hard for these protections.
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A-S ON STAGE
In March 2025, a time-honored tradition returned to A-S, as boys took the stage (and the high seas) in Gilbert & Sullivan’s operetta, The Pirates of Penzance. Accompanied by the gifted team of Allen-Stevenson instrumental instructors, the orchestra soared as our student actors brought to life the tale of a bumbling band of pirates, their police pursuers, and a forbidden love between Frederic, an apprentice, and Mabel, the Major General’s daughter.
Our boys performed with swashbuckling style and confidence, singing, dancing, and delivering welltimed wit. The production featured special guests: a dauntless band of A-S faculty and staff, including Head of School Duncan Lyon, who joined the boys on stage as a comically timorous and perplexed group of police officers.
The final production of the 2024-25 school year was Don Zolidis’ ironically titled comedy Help Desk
In this production, the adage “the customer is always right” was turned on its head, because in this absurdly funny A-S production, the customer is always confused!
AROUND A-S
With a clever script and minimalist staging, the play explored the hidden humor in the frequently frustrating experience of customer service calls. Spanning topics from stolen credit card information and mishandled deliveries to improper product use and overly chatty representatives, the show offered scenarios that were at times hilariously relatable and, at others, delightfully absurd.
While students delivered powerful performances on stage, each well-lit, amplified production ran smoothly thanks to the hard work of our talented backstage Student Theatre Tech Crew. From the dazzling lights and music to scene changes and microphones, the success of each production relied on the team’s attention to detail and professionalism.
FALL
Sixth-grade boys joined Class Six girls at The Nightingale-Bamford School (NBS), kicking off the 2025-26 theatre lineup with a production of Disney’s High School Musical JR. The cast and crew were “all in this together,” singing and dancing through the halls of East High School, belting out the story of star athlete Troy, A-student Gabriella, their friends, and even a few foes. Though these student-actors have several years before entering high school themselves, they confidently embodied the characters with ample talent and enthusiasm.
Allen-Stevenson’s partnership with Nightingale has yielded numerous outstanding performances over the years, while continuing to enrich the socialemotional lives of our sixth-grade boys. Through this confidence-building and collaborative coed experience, students learn to partner with their NBS peers toward a shared goal while reaping the benefits of creative expression and public speaking.
Thank you to the outstanding team at NBS for supporting our boys and reinforcing this longstanding partnership, and to our resourceful and dedicated sixth-grade team for planning and executing the logistics of rehearsals to ensure our boys were ready to perform.
The final fall performance took place in the Assembly Hall of Allen-Stevenson, as seventh- and eighth-grade boys were again joined by their peers from NBS for a production of Our Town. Written by Thornton Wilder, the Pulitzer Prize-winning play offers the audience a glimpse into the lives of the residents of the fictional town of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire.
Exploring themes of love, death, and the human experience, the play’s poignant storytelling was brought to life by our student-actors, whose performances displayed a maturity beyond their years.
Scan to watch the A-S production of The Pirates of Penzance
MUSIC
The A-S 2025 Winter Concert series featured musical performances by boys in every grade. From whimsical storytelling with percussion instruments in kindergarten to beatific eighth-grade harmonizing, these concerts demonstrate the many ways our exceptional music program provides boys opportunities for artistic and expressive growth year after year.
May 2025 delivered a joyful year-end celebration with the Spring Ensembles and Orchestra Concert, featuring instrumentalists from third through eighth grade. The rich program featured the Third-Grade Flute and String Ensembles, Fourth- and Fifth-Grade Wind and String Ensembles, and the Upper Division Orchestra. Via livestream, music-lovers at home were invited to tune in to enjoy the versatile program.
A playful highlight of the morning was the Fourth/Fifth String Ensemble’s rendition of Revenge of the Dust Bunnies, which featured a memorable “musical” solo from Head of School Duncan Lyon on a rather unorthodox instrument: the vacuum cleaner!
AROUND A-S
SPORTS RECAP SPRING
LACROSSE
Varsity Lacrosse had a strong year out on the field. Led by a talented group of eighth graders, the team was two games over .500 with a final record of 5-3. A season highlight was an impressive win over league powerhouse, Saint David’s. We will miss this graduating class and look forward to building on the year’s success.
JUNIOR VARSITY BASEBALL
Our boys are champions!
Congratulations to the Varsity Basketball team for clinching the league championship last March after completing an undefeated season.
The JV Baseball team exhibited tremendous effort and growth throughout the Spring 2025 season. While the record stood at one win in six games, the team displayed steady improvement each week. Practices in the batting cages and on the field provided players with the opportunity to strengthen their skills, build teamwork, and gain valuable game experience. Their dedication and resilience will serve as a strong foundation for future seasons.
VARSITY BASEBALL
The boys played an amazing league championship game against Buckley. Unfortunately, we fell short by one run in a 3-4 loss. A strong group of returning players and the arrival of our new seventh graders will position next year’s team for a successful 2026 spring season.
TRACK
The spring ended on a high note with a fantastic performance from our track qualifiers in the championship meet.
• 4x100 - First Place
• Long Jump - First Place
• 4x400 - Third Place
• 200M - First Place
• 200M Hurdles - Fourth Place
• 100M - Third and Fourth Place
SIXTH GRADE BASEBALL
The team finished the season undefeated 2-0-1, with wins against Buckley and St. Bernard’s. A strong showing from our youngest players!
FALL
VARSITY SOCCER
Varsity Soccer had a hard-fought season, highlighted by winning back-to-back games against Riverdale and Trinity. A stout defense helped keep the team in every game this season, including three decided by a single goal. The best match of the season just so happened to be the opening game, which Allen-Stevenson won 1-0 against Browning. This helped solidify the team’s offense going forward. We will miss our eighth graders next year and wish them the best with their high school athletics.
JV SOCCER
From the very first whistle, the team showed incredible spirit, taking on tough opponents without ever losing their enthusiasm for the game. As the season progressed, every player demonstrated noticeable growth—communicating more effectively, supporting one another, and playing with resilience regardless of the score. Their camaraderie on and off the field became the team’s hallmark, transforming practices and games alike into opportunities for growth and friendship.
FLAG FOOTBALL
The Seventh- and Eighth-Grade Flag Football team demonstrated impressive teamwork and resilience throughout the season. Although victories were few, the players continually grew in skill, deepened their understanding of the game, and strengthened their commitment to one another. Their positivity, effort, and sportsmanship reflected the core values of our athletic program. This season’s experiences laid a strong foundation for future success both on and off the field.
CROSS COUNTRY
This year, Cross Country combined running with physical fitness training to build strength and endurance throughout the season. Every athlete made steady progress, working hard to improve their personal bests. Their dedication to practices translated into stronger overall team performance and success. The season ended on a high note, highlighted by two seventh graders earning medals for their outstanding performances.
SIXTH-GRADE SOCCER
The team had an awesome season, using every practice and game as opportunities to improve! The highlight was a thrilling game against Browning, which ended in a last-second penalty kick that tied the game 1-1. The boys will look to build upon this year progressing as a highly skilled group to our seventh- and eighth-grade teams next year!
SIXTH-GRADE FLAG FOOTBALL
Sixth-Grade Flag Football concluded an exciting and competitive season marked by teamwork, growth, and outstanding sportsmanship. Throughout the season, the players faced strong opponents, celebrated hard-earned victories, including a notable win against St. Bernard’s, and learned valuable lessons from a few close losses. As they move up next year, we’re confident they’ll carry forward the same energy, dedication, and passion for the game.
Tune in to watch your favorite A-S teams on our Hudl livestream.
SPRING HIGHLIGHTS
The 2025 Arts Festival
Each year, our outstanding Art Department delivers a visually striking celebration of creativity, inspiration, and talent, bringing students and families together for a colorful and memorable event.
The two-day Arts Festival showcases the most compelling art and shop projects of each boy, proudly displaying their creations and offering visitors deeper explanations of each student’s process and learning. From intricate mosaics to short films, this year’s festival highlighted the wide range of artistic expression across the divisions.
Special thanks to our Art Team for their dedication to continuing this beloved A-S tradition of fostering and celebrating excellence in the arts.
A-S Around the Globe + Book Fair
A-S families gathered for a joyful journey through the cultures that shape our global city and give life to our own school community. The building came alive with music, movement, stories, and flavors, each space becoming a window to a different corner of the world.
Students and families explored, played, tasted, and learned together, discovering new traditions and recognizing familiar elements of their own. What emerged was not just a celebration but a shared sense of belonging: proud, and beautifully connected.
The adventure continued in the Assembly Hall, where our annual Book Fair highlighted global stories alongside hundreds of titles from a curated selection of genres.
2025 Alumni Reunion
Alumni across decades gathered for the annual Alumni Reunion, celebrating milestone classes.
Former classmates enjoyed an evening of togetherness and nostalgia, reminiscing about their days at A-S while connecting with alumni classes spanning decades. The night also honored beloved teachers Michelle Demko and Susan Lukas, who inspired and elevated generations of Allen-Stevenson boys before their retirements at the end of the 2024-25 school year.
Grandparents & Special Friends Day
In May, Lower Division boys welcomed guests for Grandparents and Special Friends Day!
In the Assembly Hall, the morning began with music, as a delighted audience watched our boys take the stage to showcase their musical skills with a selection of songs. Later, students eagerly guided loved ones to their classrooms, excited to share more of their learning journeys.
Celebration of Learning
The students became the teachers at the annual Celebration of Learning. Boys led their families around the building, proudly showing off their classrooms and explaining some of their keystone projects from a year of exploration and study. Later, boys and their families looked ahead to the future as they visited their classrooms for the next school year.
Step-Up Ceremony
The school came together for the third annual Step-Up Ceremony, a warmly embraced end-of-year tradition celebrating each boy’s growth and progress as they ascend to the next grade.
Eighth graders join hands to create a living arch through which each grade of younger students passes. As the boys emerge on the other side, they are greeted with cheers, laughter, and high-fives, a jubilant, albeit symbolic, welcome into the new school year. This ceremony celebrates the leadership of the eighth-grade graduating class, poised to take their next steps into high school. It also honors the rhythm of school life: a circle that leaves space for the youngest voices yet to arrive in the fall.
Fourth Grade Closing Exercises
Boys eagerly prepared for their entrance into Upper Division during the Fourth Grade Closing Exercises. Toby E. ’29 and Jack R. ’29 shared their musical talents with a flute and violin solo, respectively, while student speakers George J. ’29, Ezra R. ’29, and Phoenix R. ’29 reflected on their time in the Lower Division and shared hopes for their future years at Allen-Stevenson.
In closing, Head of Lower Division Stephen Warner spoke about the importance of community, selflessness, and compassion as the boys continue their journeys as students and young men.
A-S WELCOMES FIRST CORNERSTONES CLASS
This fall, Allen-Stevenson welcomed its first-ever Cornerstones Transitional Kindergarten class. Cornerstones was designed to help young fiveyear-olds (boys with summer birthdays and boys with fall birthdays who do not make the September 1 cut-off) transition to our Kindergarten program.
From their very first day, our youngest learners have been building kindergarten-readiness skills, including social-emotional resilience, cognitive and physical agility, and the ability to follow multi-step directions, while becoming active members of the broader A-S community. Through age-appropriate classroom activities and meaningful connections with older buddies, they are gaining the essential tools that will support them throughout their time at Allen-Stevenson.
AROUND A-S
The Cornerstones program extends the foundations established in preschool, preparing boys for success in Kindergarten and beyond. In a nurturing, smallclass environment, they strengthen their academic and social-emotional development, while acquiring confidence, independence, and strong executivefunctioning habits. This individualized attention ensures each boy has the opportunity to grow and truly flourish.
Interested in Cornerstones? Reach out to admissions@allen-stevenson.org for more information.
Learn more about Cornerstones on our website.
AS2030 in Action
Officially launched in 2024, AS2030 is Allen-Stevenson’s long-term strategic vision for preparing boys to thrive in a complex, rapidly changing world. Grounded in our mission and values, it focuses on developing the whole child, strengthening our community, and extending our impact beyond the school. As a living framework, AS2030 guides priorities and decision-making across four pillars:
AScend
We continually seek ways to adapt our learning environments to support academic growth and social development. Providing Brain-Considerate Classrooms includes the recently added flexible furniture in the Learning Resource Center (LRC), which promotes focus and well-being. Positive Peer Influence is reinforced through coed experiences, including theatrical coproductions with The Nightingale-Bamford School and game nights with The Chapin School, fostering confidence, empathy, and connection.
ASpire
Our Masters in Boyology–inspired approach, informed by faculty and experts such as Dr. Brendan K. Hartman, deepens our understanding of how boys learn. Our Commitment to Diversity is reinforced through Lower and Upper Division Community Time cultural initiatives, while our Exceptional Educators engage in ongoing professional development within and beyond A-S.
ASsist
Connected Alumni initiatives, including the Alumni Internship Program, extend personal and professional growth beyond graduation, while the work of A-S Cares connects students to service through partners like God’s Love We Deliver. Parent Programming this year includes NYSAIS workshops and a collaboration with Birch Wathen Lenox on AI Learning, and the Future of Education.
ASsure
This pillar ensures long-term vitality through Strong Stewardship + Governance. Our engaged Board of Trustees and committees actively support sustainability, while the Strategic Communications Committee advances a Refined, Refocused Mission and a website update aligned with our long-term vision.
Building Mind, Expression, and Confidence
FINDING VOICE THROUGH PODCASTING
By Lorenzo Bellard, Fourth Grade Teacher
In the classroom, I believe that learning is not a passive act; it’s a process of creation and discovery. I’ve always believed that students learn best when they find harmony between their inner and outer voices—when what they think, feel, and say align authentically. Podcasting has gradually become the bridge that connects those worlds in my classroom, 4B.
Throughout my years of teaching and observation, I realized that much of what students brought into class—ideas, jokes, even phrasing—was heavily influenced by the content they consumed. The constant intake of digital media meant that many of their words were borrowed rather than built. They could repeat what they heard online, but expressing something original was much more difficult.
While we encourage our students to speak up, share ideas, and take risks in discussion, I found that the “platforms for expression” they identified with outside of school, such as podcasts, videos, and digital commentary, weren’t visible or available inside our classrooms. I wanted to change that.
Podcasting as a Platform for Authentic Expression
Introducing podcasting to the classroom provides a space where students can explore their thoughts, express creativity, and build confidence while practicing essential skills that align with most writing standards.
Through podcasting, the students engage in the writing process by:
• Planning and organizing ideas before recording.
• Drafting and revising their scripts for clarity and tone.
• Editing and refining their final recordings to strengthen expression.
• Using feedback from peers to improve their content.
They also strengthen their research skills, including:
• Gathering and evaluating information from reliable sources.
• Taking notes and organizing findings to support a topic.
• Summarizing and paraphrasing information accurately.
• Crediting sources appropriately when including factual content.
Beyond academics, podcasting can serve as a social laboratory; a space where students collaborate, negotiate, and listen to one another. It builds communication skills, empathy, and confidence— essential for their social and emotional development.
Accessible, Engaging, and Empowering
What’s remarkable about podcasting is how simple it is to implement. My classroom currently uses a desktop computer, two wireless microphone sets, two corded mic sets, and two compact audio mixers. The mixers let students add sound effects or music, while the wireless mics give them the freedom to record anywhere with just their iPads or laptops.
Technological advances have made it easier than ever for schools to incorporate podcasting without a large financial investment. Free editing software and affordable audio tools mean that quality production is now within reach for any classroom ready to innovate.
Looking Ahead: A Bridge to the Future of Learning
Podcasting, it seems, can be an alternative, a precursor, and a companion to AI in education. It’s a way to introduce technology that supports imagination rather than replaces it. Before we teach students how to prompt, we should teach them how to think and how to create with purpose, voice, and authenticity.
In giving my students the tools to produce their own podcasts, I’ve watched them become more confident speakers, more thoughtful listeners, and more intentional creators. They are learning not only to use their voices, but to own them.
About Lorenzo Lorenzo Bellard is a fourth-grade teacher who has spent seventeen years teaching in independent schools, twelve of those at Allen-Stevenson. His educational philosophy centers on creativity, collaboration, and student voice. Beyond the classroom, he has coached high school basketball and softball, as well as middle school soccer, sharing his passion for teamwork, discipline, and personal growth across multiple schools and programs.
Listen to an episode of 3 Peas in a Pod hosted by (then-fourth-graders) Arthur A. ‘29, George J. ‘29, and Owen M. ’29 as they interview Head of School Duncan Lyon.
Founders Day CELEBRATING THE SPIRIT OF HEROISM
For 143 years, Founders Day has called our community together in joyful celebration, an annual reminder of where we have been and what we continue to build. This year, the theme of superheroes offered our boys a playful yet profound invitation: to look within and discover the qualities that make each of them mighty.
To set the tone for the day, Upper Division boys read Tough Guys Have Feelings Too by Keith Negley to their Lower Division buddies. The studies of men’s health educator and researcher, Dr. Brendan K. Hartman, indicate that, around the age of five, boys begin to realize that two emotions in particular are less “socially acceptable” for them to express: fear and sadness. Therefore, they learn to suppress these feelings. The book, however, features a series of “tough guys” (a ninja, a wrestler, and an astronaut, among others) who confidently express their emotions, including sadness and fear. The message is a powerful one for our boys: being tough and being in touch with one’s emotions are not mutually exclusive.
In the David Koch Jr. ’14 Gymnasium, buddies gathered for the annual all-school assembly for remarks by high school seniors Luca Micheletto ’22 (Riverdale) and Gabriel Viscogliosi ’22 (Packer Collegiate). Each alumnus reflected on how his time at Allen-Stevenson helped shape who he is today, and how the mantra “there are many ways to be a boy” continues to guide his life. Embracing the day’s theme, they encouraged our boys to recognize resilience, empathy, creativity, and authenticity as their own superpowers.
The young men then shared examples from their personal lives, demonstrating the ways they continue to challenge what it means to be a “tough guy.” First, Luca recounted his early struggles with math, admitting that he once viewed asking for help as a sign of weakness. “When I finally started going to the Learning Resource Center,” he said, “I realized that asking for help is actually a strength—it takes bravery and courage.”
Gabriel then spoke about creating his podcast, Aspire, which explores modern masculinity. He credited Allen-Stevenson with instilling in him the confidence to challenge convention, saying, “I felt like I was a superhero-in-training at Allen-Stevenson, not just because I was becoming mentally strong, but because I was learning how to be true to myself.”
Invoking the imagery of superheroes such as Spider-Man, Hulk, and Iron Man, Luca and Gabriel illuminated an important message: true heroism arises from character, not capes. In the world beyond comics, being a hero can mean caring for your community, facing challenges with curiosity, and living with authenticity. The greatest superpowers, our speakers affirmed, are kindness and knowing who you are.
The two alumni then welcomed a group of third graders to the stage to share their community service project supporting God’s Love We Deliver, an organization that prepares and delivers four million nutritious, medically tailored meals annually to New Yorkers in need. Addressing the entire school, the third graders described their project and invited the community to join them. To celebrate their leadership and compassion, each boy received a cape and a mask in recognition of their efforts to support those in need.
Inspired and motivated, our students returned to their classrooms to design their own blue and gold capes, adorned with words that reflected their individual strengths, from kindness and creativity to leadership and perseverance. Dressed in their superhero finery, the boys paraded up and down East 78th Street in a spirited procession that captured the essence of Founders Day: community, courage, and celebration.
Alumni SPOTLIGHT: Will Sealy ‘02
Voted “most creative” by his Allen-Stevenson classmates, Will Sealy ‘02 has leveraged that creativity to found Summer, an innovative, end-to-end student loan and education assistance solution that has helped countless borrowers navigate the mounting challenges of student loan debt.
Jen Ziplow, Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving, recently sat down with Will to discuss his current role, the journey that led him to found Summer, and the lasting impact that his time at Allen-Stevenson has had on both his career and his life.
Can you speak to the founding of your company, Summer, and its mission?
I’m the founder and CEO of Summer. We’re a startup with a mission to support families through the entire lifecycle of college costs. For parents, that includes planning and saving for college. For individuals taking on debt to pay for college costs, we help them navigate repayment and successfully enroll them in government loan repayment solutions that can substantially lower their debt.
We’ve generated $2 billion of savings for American families to date, supporting over a million people. We partner with employers and government leaders to provide our services free of charge to the people we serve, positioning them as an HR benefit to attract and retain college-educated talent or government to support residents and broader populations of cities and states, to ensure that no one is getting overly burdened by the cost of college.
What are your main areas of focus in your role?
As founder and CEO, there probably isn’t a job I haven’t done at some point. Currently, I manage the company day-to-day, charting its future by planning for the challenges we want to tackle ahead, considering how big we want to grow and how quickly, and ensuring that any problems or challenges that arise are properly delegated and resolved.
You previously worked in politics and government. What was your trajectory from when you left that field to founding Summer?
I think Allen-Stevenson instilled a sense of community service and giving back. Growing up on the Upper East Side, I saw plenty of wealth inequality. I saw the wealthiest families in the country, if not the world, but I also saw individuals without a roof over their heads, all within my own neighborhood. Allen-Stevenson was a place where we could have open and honest conversations about that and I felt an obligation to help those less fortunate than myself. Some of that was instilled by my parents and reinforced by the school’s culture and the teachers around me, who supported that mindset.
I continued to be involved in community service at Taft, where many of the principles, values, and mindset of Allen-Stevenson were reflected. After college, I worked for a grassroots policy shop called the Public Interest Research Group. Within the organization, I advocated for college affordability, improved public transit, and fighting climate change.
I began to realize that many of the problems people faced were systemic rather than individual, and I thought, what if you could help people earlier? How can people graduate from college in America without ever taking a class on financial literacy? We’re teaching Latin, but not how loan interest works or the difference between rent and a mortgage—things I felt were the most basic, which have been overlooked by our country and our system. Parents who didn’t understand those things had no way to teach their kids, and their kids had nowhere to obtain that information. If we want to make the world a more equitable place where people can have at least a chance of building a better life for themselves, it should probably start with some basic financial literacy.
I was fortunate to be accepted to the White House internship program and have a front row seat to the effort to address the 2008 financial crisis. I was able to participate in the passing of the Dodd-Frank Act. At that time, I was reading about Senator Elizabeth Warren as someone who was very focused on helping people get out of bankruptcy, financial reforms, and improving financial literacy in America. It was inspiring.
One of the biggest initiatives in the Dodd-Frank Act was the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the newest government agency in 50 years. I was among the first employees there, working alongside Senator Warren. It felt like a government startup. I did everything from speech writing and policy work, to building furniture. So, every day we were hiring people to build out this agency to do the important work of its mandate, but at the same time, we didn’t have any cups, chairs, or tables.
Gracing the back cover of the 2002 issue of The Unicorn.
It was fast-paced and exciting, and I began to build a knowledge base of how the government interacts with the private sector and how the regulatory system operates. Senator Warren asked if there was an area I wanted to focus on, and I chose student loan policy, as college and education costs continue to rise. The problem isn’t going away; it’s getting worse. How do we allocate resources to prevent the next financial crisis? Everyone was discussing a $700 billion or $800 billion student loan market at the time. I was working with a colleague, and we realized that only the government loans were being counted. If you add all private student loans, the market is a trillion-dollar market. We wrote a report stating that we should consider the student loan market cumulatively.
Then, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post all ran headlines the next day saying that the student debt had surpassed $1 trillion. I realized that my work was getting attention and we were making progress, and I began to think about solutions from a regulatory standpoint. We sued Sallie Mae for several hundred million dollars for defrauding military student loan borrowers—veterans who were entitled to lower interest rates were being charged top dollar. And so they were refunded hundreds of millions of dollars in restitution. We started doing really great work that I was proud of. I was there from about 2009 to 2015, and I wanted to do more.
So, I moved on to Yale Business School, and it was there that I started Summer. I did a stint at SoFi, which is now a $30 billion company. I was on the ground floor there, helping build out that business as an early innovator in the student loan space, as they were refinancing people’s loans. They were innovative, creative, and tech-driven. While I loved SoFi’s innovation and solving problems in the private sector, ultimately, they are still a lender. And while they’re refinancing people’s loans, the relationship between a lender and a borrower remains the same.
I decided I’d start Summer as an advisory service, not a lender. We weren’t going to make money from the individuals we serve. We were going to find ways to make money by serving them through institutions that care about their financial well-being, including employers, financial institutions, and municipal governments. We’ve been doing that with Summer ever since—it’s been almost eight years. We’ve raised
approximately $32 million in venture capital funds, which has enabled us to build a strong business with an exceptional team. Interestingly, one of the co-founders I worked for at SoFi is now the President of Summer. He works with me on my executive team. He built a $30 billion business as a co-founder, and now he is at Summer helping us build the next chapter of student loan innovation. The former Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Department of Education, who was also previously at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau with me, is now our Chief Customer Officer. The former head of product for Credit Karma is now our Head of Product at Summer.
I have a great network of remarkably talented individuals who possess expertise in technology, government policy, and law. I’m able to bring them all together and create a dream team to solve this problem on a large scale. It’s a luxury to be able to do that.
Being well-rounded is something Allen-Stevenson encouraged at a very young age… the emphasis on being multidimensional: an athlete, a scholar, and a creator.
Will and wife Ariel Adkins.
So, are there any skills that you learned at A-S that you honed and use today?
Learning to stay curious is a valuable skill that I learned at Allen-Stevenson.
I’m getting choked up just thinking about it. I remember being really curious about math in eighth and ninth grade. Mr. Zufall was my math teacher, and I kept pushing him, telling him that I wanted to learn calculus. He told me I was a little young, but after asking a few times, he said, “I can tell you’re really interested. I’ll teach you.” So he stayed after school and taught me calculus. By the time I got to Taft, I was taking a very advanced AP class. I skipped a grade in math at boarding school, all because Mr. Zufall took that extra time to work with me. I was curious, and he supported that curiosity. I think it’s really important for a kid who wants to push boundaries academically to have teachers who support that and show them that curiosity can lead to great things.
One aspect that distinguishes Allen-Stevenson from other schools in the New York City cohort is that A-S recognizes creativity and genuinely encourages students to be well-rounded. As a CEO, I have to be able to understand math and complex financial modeling. I also need to understand the market as it shifts and read financial data effectively. That’s very quantitative, but at the same time, I have to be a great communicator and discuss my business in a clear and straightforward manner. I have to be relatable and connect with people. It’s not just having a high IQ, but a high EQ—knowing how to form connections so that people stay motivated and excited. I use those skills with clients, with the board, and my own employees.
Being well-rounded is something Allen-Stevenson encouraged at a very young age. While at A-S I was in a ceramics class. I was learning how to sing in Michelle Demko’s choir. I began learning to play the viola and trumpet by the time I was in third grade.
Meanwhile, I was playing soccer and lacrosse, learning how to wrestle, and learning the importance of both team sports and individual progress. All those things I learned at Allen-Stevenson— the emphasis on being multidimensional: an athlete, a scholar, and a creator.
I think I took for granted the arts education at Allen-Stevenson as something all schools must have. My wife is an artist, and she’s blown away by how much arts education I received as a kid, relative to what she had. Even some of my best friends, who attended Buckley, Saint David’s, or St. Bernard’s and are now musicians and artists, can’t believe the kind of arts education I received at Allen-Stevenson. Even these incomparable schools didn’t offer that level of education at the time. It was built into the curriculum at Allen-Stevenson, which I think was a gift and something I don’t take for granted today.
What advice do you have for current Allen-Stevenson students?
Don’t be shy about pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. It’s easy to get comfortable. I look back on my decision to go to boarding school with pride, as it was something that was a little scary. It made me nervous, but I followed that thread. Pushing myself to be in a new and different environment and away from home resulted in an incredible experience.
My advice to students is to take risks, lean into the unknown, and lean into challenges. Do things that might be out of your comfort zone, but are in the pursuit of learning and growth. And for parents, be willing to let go a little and let your children make their own decisions and choose their own path. In doing so, you’re enabling them to learn how to live their own lives and make more informed decisions.
Will with the 1999-2000 lacrosse team.
The Allen-Stevenson School community gathered on June 12 to celebrate the Closing Exercises for the Class of 2025, a day filled with reflection, gratitude, and hope.
CLOSING EXERCISES
Speakers included Chibuikem Erondu ‘25, who welcomed the audience to the proceedings; Agastya Srivastava ‘25, who shared the Eighth Grade Farewell; and Head of School Duncan Lyon, who shared moving and often humorous remarks that mirrored the celebration and emotions of the occasion.
One by one, each of the fifty members of the Class of 2025 shared parting words as they received their certificates from Head of Upper Division Steven Cohen and Mr. Lyon. Their reflections, ranging from treasured memories to moments of challenge and growth, spoke to the friendships forged, the lessons learned, and the confidence they take with them. As they looked back on their years at Allen-Stevenson, the boys expressed deep appreciation for a community that has nurtured their voices, their curiosity, and their sense of self.
It was a fitting send-off to a class ready to step forward with both courage and heart.
Guests also enjoyed musical performances from talented A-S instrumentalists and vocalists.
The 7th/8th Chorus, led by Michelle Demko, sang moving renditions of Bonsa Aba and Tell My Father, while flute soloist Joshua Duca-Evans ‘25 and trombone solist Drew Plasse ‘25 delighted the audience with their performances of Sonata No.2, La Vibray, II. Allemande and Gigue, respectively.
Our community extends congratulations to the fifty remarkable young men of the Class of 2025, who will be continuing their educational journeys at the following high schools:
DAY SCHOOLS:
Birch Wathen Lenox School
The Browning School
Collegiate School
Columbia Grammar and Preparatory
Dwight-Englewood School
Ethical Culture Fieldston School
Friends Seminary
Grace Church School
The Hackley School
Harvey School
Horace Mann School
The Masters School
Poly Prep Country Day School
Riverdale Country Day School
Rye Country Day School
School of the Future
Trinity School
BOARDING SCHOOLS:
Blair Academy
Choate Rosemary Hall
The Hackley School
IMG Academy
Landmark School
The Lawrenceville School
Northfield Mt. Hermon School
The Peddie School
Proctor Academy
Salisbury School
Taft School
Westminster School
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Competition and Connection
Playing chess is an enduring Allen-Stevenson tradition. The game of strategy, focus, and friendly competition remains a favorite way for students to spend time together during breaks in the Library Tech Commons. Early morning FASB Chessmates sessions offered throughout the year bring fathers and other family members together to face off against the boys in friendly matches to see who can capture the king and refine their chess skills.
Whether between classmates or family members, each game is an opportunity for healthy competition and connection.
As you may well imagine, I read a great deal about the state of boys’ education. Perhaps you do too. Coverage of the “manosphere” crisis has been difficult to ignore. Much of the literature is deeply concerning on a national and global scale and requires collective action. As I digest the research on the state of boys and men, I try to synthesize what the data means for our students.
Let me tell you why I am optimistic about boys at A-S.
By Duncan Lyon, Head of School
FEATURE
We have a clear purpose and the methods to achieve it. We endeavor to know boys as individuals, to celebrate boyhood, and to prepare them for life beyond A-S. Following a recent admissions open house, a prospective parent described our school as an “antidote” to the broader male crisis often discussed by the media today. In particular, she noted, our emphasis on developing boys’ expressive language skills (visible thinking) stands out in a heads-down digital age. Furthermore, hearing a panel of eighth graders speak in complete paragraphs about their paths to high school readiness set us apart from the other schools she visited. Her takeaway was clear: the intentionality behind our work is visible, and she could see our “open architecture” in action.
We are small enough to cultivate our own garden. Independent schools represent about two percent of the American education sector. Boys’ education accounts for only about five percent of the independent sector (all-girls schools are close to eight percent), so we are quite specialized in the marketplace. Within the boy-school network, Allen-Stevenson possesses a distinctive brand. We are cosmopolitan: over twenty languages are spoken in A-S homes. We are especially well-rounded: ninety percent of boys play an instrument, sing, and play a sport. We are modern: eighth graders take ethics, coding, and improv. Put another way, we are a school where everybody knows your name and collectively ups your game.
Our “boyology” practice is researchbased and tells us what works. Boyology is at the heart of what we do, and it has a simple, powerful premise. Boys are not a problem to be fixed; they are people to be understood. As longtime boy expert Michael Thompson says, “boy development is trustworthy.” Our job as a school is to explain the developmental arc for boys and their parents. For example, a young boy who struggles to sit still at a desk in a quiet classroom may be perceived as being defiant or having an attention disorder, failing to consider the typical boy’s developmental need for physical movement, hands-on learning, and full-body engagement. In short, our emphasis on the stages of boy development makes boyhood more legible to parents. At a time when faith in institutions wanes, families tell us they can trust A-S.
Traditions
help boys to be bigger than themselves. Founders Day (the school’s birthday) is a chance for our students to understand the long tradition of which they are an integral part. This year’s proud parade up and down East 78th Street, orchestrated by Ms. Spielberg and conducted by Chris Acerbo, was a statement of boy pride and civic positivity as students cheered the NYPD officers who assured that our street was closed to traffic. Our young alumni speakers, Luca Micheletto ‘22 and Gabriel Viscogliosi ‘22, evangelized the superhero powers of kindness and service, traits that contribute to boys’ journey as scholars and gentlemen. Such traditions help us celebrate boyhood, nurture positive peer influence, and connect boys to the wider world in accessible ways.
The proof is in the alumni. We will always measure our success by the well-lived lives of our alumni and how they feel about their alma mater. A survey we conducted indicated that one hundred percent of recent alumni said they would recommend A-S, which is, in part, why we debuted an alumni internship program. This initiative provided both paid and unpaid opportunities for young men to return to A-S and support our summer administrative work, while gaining valuable experience. Additionally, our interns had the privilege of meeting several alumni, including Matt Harb ‘03, Head of Strategy & Operations for Google Cloud; Mike and Alex Faherty ‘98, Co-founders of Faherty Brand; and our beloved former nurse, Ashley Coiffard, Co-owner of the runaway success, L’Appartement 4F bakery. Connecting generations of A-S graduates is fulfilling, but it also allows us to hear directly and in-depth from our alumni how A-S set the high standard for what education should be and how that standard has enabled the professional pursuits that followed.
For reasons such as these, and for many others, we remain optimistic about the boys in our care. As an independent school, we are not free from the effects of societal forces such as the manosphere, but we have the resources to counter it. When we create the conditions for student success, we see how eager boys are for their trusted adults to acknowledge, understand, and see them, not simply for their potential, but also for who they are now. While A-S is far from perfect, ultimately, we allow boys to grow on pace and path, building the vocabulary and confidence to self-advocate as well as the empathy to better understand those around them.
Such intentionality is our answer, a needed “antidote” even, to the concerning literature on the state of boys and men. Perhaps this is because, as one teacher puts it: A-S is a comfortable place to be uncomfortable. In some ways, this is nothing new. Allen-Stevenson has always offered boys and their families ways to manage the demands of today and prepare for the issues of tomorrow.
Fortiter et Recte endures.
Honoring a Legacy of Leadership
Metin Negrin, P’20, ’22, ’24, served on Allen-Stevenson’s Board of Trustees from 2014 to 2025, including five years as Board President. The following remarks to honor his retirement were delivered by Katy Duckworth-Schachter, former A-S Director of Development, with contributions from Board of Trustees members Alexander Klabin P’21, P’23; Cameron Koffman ’12; Heather McAuliffe P’28, ‘28; Amy Peck P’25, P’31; and Audrey Rasch P’22, P’26.
It is impossible to reflect on recent Allen-Stevenson history without recognizing the remarkable leadership Metin Negrin brought to our community. In 2020, at a time that demanded calm, clarity, and courage, Metin stepped into the role of Board President without hesitation, guiding A-S through a complex building project, the challenges of a global pandemic, and a head-of-school search. His steady presence, servant-leader mindset, high EQ, deep real estate expertise, and consensus-driven approach were precisely what the moment required.
The role of Board President is demanding under any circumstances. During Metin’s term, marked by the unexpected loss of key members of our school and board leadership, the demands were exceptional. His thoughtful judgment, intellectual curiosity, and disciplined commitment formed the foundation for the school’s current momentum. Furthermore, he ensured all voices were heard, valued, and respected.
Metin’s deep gratitude for the school, shaped in part by the transformative experience it provided his sons, now proud alumni, guided his service. Thoughtful, empathetic, and grounded, Metin navigated difficult decisions while fostering a sense of camaraderie and inclusion, leading with humility, listening intently, and knowing when to step forward and when to seek support.
Both intuitive and strategic, steady and inspiring, Metin made us believe that things would not only be okay, but truly better, even when circumstances were daunting. His kindness, care, and unwavering dedication to Allen-Stevenson were evident in everything he did.
Metin embodies all the nine tenets of The Allen-Stevenson School: Creative, Determined, Enthusiastic, Generous, Respectful, Responsible, Studious, Thoughtful—and, above all, Good.
• Creative in his partnership and approach to every financial, compliance, and operational challenge.
• Determined to position A-S for long-term success and seize future opportunities.
• Enthusiastic about the future and strategic mission of A-S.
• Generous with his expertise and time during our most significant campus expansion.
• Respectful of each member’s contributions, fostering an inclusive and highly productive Board of Trustees.
• Responsible in his careful leadership during the global pandemic and the selection process for the new Head of School.
• Studious in his research of all subject matter.
• Thoughtful about all members of the Board of Trustees and the A-S community.
• Simply put, he is a Good human being…his family is his north star, and his kindness to board members, along with his commitment to educating the broader A-S community, have been a cornerstone to the Board’s stewardship through some of A-S’s most challenging moments.
Just as these core tenets are embedded in Allen-Stevenson’s lobby floor, so too is the impact of Metin’s selfless service and leadership firmly cemented in the foundation of our beloved school.
Metin made us believe that things would not only be okay, but truly better, even when circumstances were daunting. His kindness, care, and unwavering dedication to Allen-Stevenson were evident in everything he did.
PA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Jared Newman (Oliver - 7th Grade; Teddy - 4th Grade)
President
Lauren Erbst (Sammy - 8th Grade; Oliver - 4th Grade)
Immediate Past-President
Emily Weinstein (Gavin - 5th Grade; Ryan - 3rd Grade)
Vice-President
Michelle Blanter-Ball (Ben - 3rd Grade)
Vice-President
Ellen Leitman (Ethan - 5th Grade)
Secretary
Rory Keane (Aidan - 3rd Grade)
Treasurer
PA
The Parents Association reflects the heart of our community through its steadfast dedication and support to community building and outreach. Thanks to the efforts of our parent volunteers, families and students enjoy many opportunities throughout the year to come together, celebrate, learn, connect, and give back.
This fall, our community has already enjoyed many wonderful events organized by the PA, including:
• Mothers of A-S Boys (MASB) and Fathers of A-S Boys (FASB) events, including: Chessmates, cocktails, fitness, and more
• Community service learning opportunities
• Book Club meetings and author discussions
• Halloween Treats on the Street and Candy Drive
• Food, book, and toy drives
The community looks forward to even more events this spring, including the Annual Benefit.
David & Matthew M. (K & 2)
Samuel & Alexander S. (3 & K)
Cody & Alex H. (2 & K)
Hart & Luke B. (3 & K)
Charles & Theo H. (K & 3) Smith & Cy K. (2 & Cornerstones)
Emil & Boyan K. (K & 6)
Aarav & Arjun J. (5 & 7)
TO OUR COMMUNITY
BOTH NEW TO THE SCHOOL LEGACIES
Edward & Oliver M. (1 & K)
Hayes F. (Cornerstones) Legacy, Mike F. ‘98
Tristan & Jaxon D. (6 & 3)
Enzo H. (K) Legacy, Tristan H. ‘97
Charlie K. (Cornerstones) Legacy, John Ernst ’56 (Grandfather)
NEW FACULTY & STAFF
Kevin Barry joins A-S from Friends Academy in Locust Valley, NY, stepping into the role of Director of Development.
Danielle Burroughs P’29 is Allen-Stevenson’s newest kindergarten teacher, joining from Barrow Street. Danielle earned her M.S. in Education at Sarah Lawrence College through the Art of Teaching program. While her credentials support teaching up to sixth grade, working with young children is where her heart is.
Malin Carta, saxophonist, woodwind doubler, and educator, is Allen-Stevenson’s Director of the Wind Ensemble. A graduate of Western Connecticut State University, Malin holds her Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies, where she worked under the direction of Grammynominated saxophonist Jimmy Greene.
Dr. Michelle Gelbs joins the Upper Division as the new Fifth and Sixth Grade Science Teacher and Sixth Grade Advisor after her time at The Chapin School.
Benjamin Krauss brings his musical talent to A-S as Percussion Instructor. He holds a Master of Music and is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree, both from Northwestern University.
Dr. Tom Marks has taken on the roles of Chorus Teacher and Seventh Grade Advisor, relocating from Green Farms Academy in Connecticut. Tom holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and a Master’s in Musicology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and earned his PhD in Musicology from the CUNY Graduate Center in 2019.
Kevin Barry
Malin Carta
Benjamin Krauss
Danielle Burroughs P’29
Dr. Michelle Gelbs
Dr. Tom Marks
Allie Queler excitedly joins the Allen-Stevenson community as Fifth and Sixth Grade History Teacher and Fifth Grade Advisor, having previously taught at The Gateway School. She earned her B.S. in Education from The Pennsylvania State University and an M.Ed. from Lesley University.
Meredith Randall rounds out the first-grade team as Associate Teacher. A graduate of the University of Michigan with a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology and Food in the Environment, she brings experience from the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
Audrey Rasch P’22, P’26 lends her expertise to the Admissions team in the role of Enrollment Specialist, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge from her years as a dedicated and involved A-S parent, having taken on a number of roles in the PA, including President, Vice President, Class Representatives Coordinator, and Class Parent.
Holly Ro joins A-S as a Second Grade Teacher, coming to A-S from The Spence School.
As a mother of three boys herself, she deeply appreciates the unique strengths, intelligence, and curiosity that each boy brings.
Joshua Rothman steps into the role of Upper Division Tech Integrator and Innovator, also serving as a Sixth Grade Advisor. Formerly at Ramaz, he is eager to share his knowledge and experience with the A-S community and sees great potential in the boys’ character and creativity.
Jeremy Sambuca has become an integral member of our administrative team as Chief Operating Officer, sharing his time between Hewitt and A-S.
Allie Queler
Audrey Rasch P’22, P’26
Joshua Rothman
Meredith Randall
Holly Ro
Jeremy Sambuca
Lourangely Segarra joins the Kindergarten team as an Associate. She comes to A-S from Church of the Epiphany Day School, where she worked alongside Associate Director of Admissions Amy Thompson.
Allison Snyder, formerly of St. Luke’s School, joins the third-grade team as a Homeroom Teacher. Now in her sixth year of teaching, she strives to foster a sense of play, curiosity, and intellectual rigor in her classroom.
Amy Thompson is partnering with our admissions team as Associate Director of Admissions, joining A-S after six years at Church of the Epiphany Day School. Amy began her career teaching in Atlanta Public Schools, where she taught kindergarten and first grade for nine years.
Andrew Williams is making beautiful music at A-S as a Flute Instructor. With a Master’s degree in Flute Performance and a Bachelor’s in Music Education, Andrew combines high-level musicianship with a deep understanding of pedagogy.
Emma Zachary is the newest member of the third-grade team after joining Allen-Stevenson from Rippowam Cisqua School. She earned her B.A. in Developmental Psychology and M.Ed. from Lehigh University. As an educator, Emma is passionate about fostering a sense of belonging in the classroom and creating an inclusive environment where every student feels seen, valued, and supported.
Esther Zywica brings her years of expertise at Saint Ann’s School in Brooklyn to become Chief Financial Officer. Esther also serves as an adjunct professor at Mount Saint Vincent, where she teaches students how to clarify complex financial statements for presentation.
Lourangely Segarra
Amy Thompson
Emma Zachary
Allison Snyder
Andrew Williams
Esther Zywica
RECENT RETIREMENTS
This past year, the following extraordinary educators concluded their time at Allen-Stevenson. We are grateful for their dedication and the lasting impact they have had on our students and community, which will continue to be felt for years to come.
Rich Alifano
After thirty-five years at The Allen-Stevenson School, Coach Alifano has hung up his jersey for a much-deserved retirement. Since his first year at A-S in 1992, his dedication, work ethic, and integrity have inspired generations of Allen-Stevenson boys. Under his leadership, the A-S Athletics Department has brought home numerous championships and earned accolades that the entire community is proud of. His motto, “we before me,” has been a driving force behind the department and continues to inspire.
Kathy Allen
A fixture at Allen-Stevenson for twenty-three years, Kathy inspired generations of readers and artists. In addition to her influence in the classroom, Kathy was a mentor to many A-S teachers who carry on her expertise and enthusiasm.
Andy Bowman
At the time of his retirement, Andy was the most tenured faculty member at Allen-Stevenson. Boasting forty-one years of experience, he taught numerous boys percussion and lent his talents to several Allen-Stevenson productions. For decades, Andy enriched our music program with excellence and heart.
Michelle Demko
For thirty-five years, music filled the halls of A-S, largely due to the expert teaching of Michelle Demko. She not only taught boys to be vocalists and musicians, but also how to work as a team, stand tall, and express themselves through music.
Michelle took her last bow at the 2025 Closing Exercises, but her legacy continues in the incredible work of the Allen-Stevenson Music Department, performing arts, and in the hundreds of boys and alumni who have learned from her.
Susan Lukas
Beloved English teacher Susan Lukas metaphorically turned the page and entered her new chapter at the end of the 2024-25 school year.
During her twenty-four years at A-S, she fostered a love of literature and critical thinking in countless students. Fortunately, Susan has remained connected to A-S since her retirement, and the community continues to enjoy her visits to 78th Street.
Rie Schmidt
A fixture of the Music Department for twenty years, flute instructor Rie Schmidt retired at the end of the 2024-25 school year. While at A-S, she shared her expertise not only by teaching budding flutists but also by performing in Allen-Stevenson’s annual winter musicals as part of the orchestra, along with a number of talented instructors.
INTERNING AT A-S: Reflections From Young Alumni
Where do Allen-Stevenson boys go after leaving 78th Street? High school, then college, and then toward who-knows-what career? For some, last summer led us right back to where it all began.
Summer 2025 marked the launch of Allen-Stevenson’s first Young Alumni Internship pilot program. With placement opportunities ranging from communications and development to summer camp and IT, a small group of young alumni was brought in to apply the skills they are now learning outside of A-S to better the community to which we are forever connected. Along with supporting some of the departments that made our time at A-S special, these internships provided us with real-world experience as we prepare to enter the workforce in the years ahead. From assisting camp counselors and formatting laptops to researching branding and podcasts for the Communications Department, the summer laid the foundations for future work experiences.
As part of our internship, the Alumni Office offered us a remarkable opportunity to connect with A-S alumni and former faculty in their professional environments, gaining firsthand insight and career guidance. Our first visit brought us to Matt Harb ’03, Global Head of Strategy & Operations for Google Cloud, at Google’s Hudson Square office. Achieving such a distinguished role demands exceptional vision and passion, qualities Harb clearly exemplified throughout our conversation. As fellow alumni, we bonded over shared A-S memories, from Mr. Haarman’s famously firm handshakes to classroom anecdotes, while also delving into more serious topics, including the inherent uncertainties that accompany the early stages of a young professional’s career.
Our next visit to Mike and Alex Faherty ‘98, Co-founders of Faherty Brand, was an inspiring experience that offered valuable insight into entrepreneurship. We learned about the importance of clearly defining a brand’s identity and truly understanding its audience, something some of us had discussed in detail during our internships with the A-S Communications Department. The owners shared their journey of building Faherty, emphasizing how passion and purpose guide their business decisions.
They also discussed the value of taking calculated risks at the right moments to drive growth and innovation.
A final visit took us to Brooklyn to meet with beloved former A-S nurse, Ashley Coiffard, now the co-owner of the wildly successful L’Appartement 4F bakery. Ashley shared the inspiring story of how she and her French husband, Gauthier, a software engineer, pivoted careers to create something extraordinary. During the COVID pandemic, what began as a home-baking experiment quickly blossomed into two thriving bakeries, thanks to their ingenuity and drive. Ashley’s savvy use of social media put 4F in the spotlight, earning widespread media attention for Gauthier’s delicious baked goods, turning their passion into a real success story.
Our internship experiences will certainly help inform future professional pathways and opportunities. Especially in such a competitive job market, the connections we, young alumni, made through this new A-S Young Alumni Internship will prove invaluable. From all three visits, we took away the importance of pairing passion with purpose and hard work.
The early success of this pilot program hints at the possibilities ahead: summer internships may become an enduring tradition, helping future alumni explore career paths, build connections, and return home to the place that launched their journey, always with curiosity and a desire to give back. Allen-Stevenson is ever seeking ways to connect our talented and successful alumni network to support and uplift our boys for generations to come.
Thank you to our summer 2025 Interns: Lorenzo Brigode ‘21, Alessandro Colon ‘22, Evan Friday ‘20, Baylin Goldstein ‘20, Rowan Grant ‘24, Ben Harris ‘23, Sam Hecker ‘20, Kaya Karakaplan ‘23, George Lucas ‘18, David Negrin ‘24, and Pierce Van der-Rhoer ‘20
If you would like to apply for the Young Alumni Internship Program or host a visit at your workplace, please email alumni@allen-stevenson.org.
FROM THE ALUMNI COUNCIL
Dear Friends,
I would like to turn back the clock to a time when the New York Knicks were coached by Pat Riley. Remember that brief but exciting moment from 1991-1995? One evening during this time, a few of my fellow alumni, along with the late David Kersey h’98, sat in an old classroom on the second floor of Allen-Stevenson.
We had come together with the goal of breathing new life into an otherwise dormant Alumni Association. As the meeting took place after school hours (but before tip-off), the devoted alumni in attendance eagerly volunteered to encourage our “lost” classmates to come back to A-S, to be part of the community that shaped our formative years, renew old friendships, and, if possible, to make a contribution to support our beloved school.
While we all had our eyes on the clock, hoping that the meeting would finish before the game started, we realized how much we enjoyed each other’s company. We traded stories from our days as students—even some that didn’t involve one of us getting into trouble or thrown out of class. Mr. Kersey would chuckle and confirm many of the details. It became obvious how pivotal he would be in making this a success, as he taught and knew so many of us. And whenever A-S boys returned to visit the school, they all wanted to see Mr. Kersey.
As it happened, the meeting extended well past tip-off as we were having too good a time to break it up.
While the Alumni Council continues to flourish, I’m delighted and grateful for the participation of both Samara Spielberg and Jaison Spain ’97, who are cultivating a new generation of alums—a number of whom have been attending our Council meetings! It makes me so happy to see the younger guys, as I welcome their presence and ideas at the start of the new school year.
Those boys may not remember Pat Riley’s New York days, but I’m confident that they recall every lyric and harmony part they sang in The Pirates of Penzance It’s things like Gilbert & Sullivan that create the community and forge the bonds that we share and continue to celebrate as Allen-Stevenson boys.
I’m thrilled to serve as the newest Alumni Council President and encourage any of our alumni to join us at a meeting, our annual Alumni Reunion celebration, or any of the events we’ll be hosting throughout the year!
Fortiter et Recte!
Roger Raines ‘80 President, Allen-Stevenson Alumni Council
Save the date
A L U M N I R E U N I O N
T W O T H O U S A N D T W E N T Y - S I X
April 10, 2026
6:00PM
The Allen-Stevenson School 132 E 78th Street
REUNION
On Friday, April 4, alumni, former and current faculty, and staff members gathered at Allen-Stevenson for the annual Alumni Reunion, celebrating the milestone classes of 0s and 5s, and honoring the retirements of Susan Lukas and Michelle Demko.
Pictured: Jeffrey Oestericher ’80, Jonathan Potter ‘80, Antonio DeVido ’80, Roger Raines ‘80, Michael Joukowsky ‘80, and Scott Mattox ‘80
Pictured: Sean Flatow ’03, Reed Katz ’03, Max Warncke ’99 and Steven Handwerker ’03
Pictured: Cameron Toh ’10, Nicholas Curcio ’10, Jeremy Mittleman ’10, Max Kalikow ’10 and Christian Lange ’10
Pictured: Valen McCallum ’18, Susan Lukas and Addeson Lehv ’18
Pictured: Nigel Rawlins ’98, Keith Williams ’98, Steven Cohen, Etienne Vazquez ’00 and Jose Marmelejos ’00
Out and About
BACK TO 78TH STREET
On May 28, the Allen-Stevenson Class of 2021 along with their parents, returned to Allen-Stevenson to celebrate their accomplishments as they prepared to graduate from high school.
Pictured: Stephen Krawec, Kelly Hensley P’19,’21, Mary Leonard and Simi Singh P’21, ’22, ’24
Pictured: Lorenzo Brigode ’21, Andrew Klabin ’21, Josh Harris ’21 and Duncan Lyon
Pictured: Oliver Willis ’21, Michelle Demko and Jesse Peck ’21
Pictured: Nicholas Hutfilz ’21, Ajai Singh ’21, James Herzberg ’21, Lorenzo Brigode ’21, Jacob Meltzer ’21, William Jokela ‘21, Arvin Mou ‘21, Oliver Willis ’21, Andrew Klabin ’21, Dashel Myers ’21, Bennett Gorman ‘21, Josh Harris ’21 and Will Dupont ’21
ALUMNI INDUCTION CEREMONY
Before Graduation on June 11, 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 and brothers.
Pictured: Class of 2025 Alumni Representatives: Sebastian Bral ’25 and Trevor Parrot ’25
Pictured: The Class of 2025
Pictured: Jaison Spain ’97 and Max Carton ’25
Pictured: Ross Millhiser ’94, Chris Hamilton ’96 and Liam Millhiser ’96
CLASS OF 2018 MEETUP
This fall, members of the Classes of 2018 and 2019 gathered to watch football, reconnect and catch up. Some of these alumni hadn’t seen each other in years. A huge thank you to Valen McCallum ‘18 and George Lucas ‘18 for organizing and inviting the Alumni Office to join in the fun.
A FULL COURT FAREWELL FOR COACH ALIFANO
On June 12, members of the Allen-Stevenson community gathered to celebrate the retirement of our Director of Athletics, Rich Alifano.
Pictured: Tyler Parrot ’23, Ajai Singh ’21, Ryder Rasch ’22, Kaya Karakaplan ’23, Charlie Sossen ’23, Coach Alifano, Trevor Parrot ’25, Porter Matchett ’25, Sawyer Kaplan ’25, Sebastian Bral ‘25, James Milgrim ’25, Michael Ganitsky ’24, Miles Hunter ’25, Blake Klaff ’24 and Nicholas Bral ’25
Pictured: Ryan Rasch ’26, Ryder Rasch ’22, Coach Alifano and Audrey Rasch P’22, ’26
Pictured: Ryan Bird ’18, Nicholas Simonian ’18, Aidan Gellert ’18, Jonah Nir ’18, Jake Silpe ’18 and George Lucas ’18
Pictured: Harrison Goldberg ’18, Samara Spielberg and Charlie Morris ’18
YOUNG ALUMNI HOMECOMING
On November 25, high school–aged alumni returned to A-S for our annual Young Alumni Homecoming. Joined by classmates and beloved faculty members, the boys enjoyed an evening of community, connection, and catching up.
Pictured: Zachary Steinberg ‘22, Alexander Moeder ‘22, Sebastian Irausquin-Petit ‘22 and Ben Neulander
Pictured: Matthew Kleinhandler ‘25, Coach Frank Peduto, Alexander Finkel ‘25, Gabriel Fodor ‘25, and Jonathan Horowitz ‘25
Pictured: Jennifer Phillips, Jack Deblinger ‘24, Henry Willis ‘24, Sarah Kresberg, and Matthew Chung ‘24
Pictured: Vedh Krishnaswamy ‘25, Chibuikem Erondu ‘25, Tyler Williams ‘25, and Daniel Cocklin ‘25
ALUMNI NEWS
1962
Jack Salomon ’62 returned for his annual visit to Allen-Stevenson, captivating Mr. Green’s sixth-grade English classes with his dynamic and humorous poetry readings. His visit has become a cherished tradition at A-S, eagerly anticipated by both students and faculty.
1966
Whitt Knight ‘66 recently released his first novel, Three Virtuous Women.
1975
David Yazbek ‘75 was nominated for a Tony award for the musical Dead Outlaw. Yazbek wrote the music and lyrics for the show.
1984
Marc Rice ‘84 had lunch with former Head of Upper School, John Pariseau h’98, in Palm Springs, CA. They reminisced about A-S in the mid ’70s and ’80s and how traditions are still kept to this day!
1987
In May, Chris Hallows ‘87 and Lucien Foster ‘87 met up to climb the tallest peak in Colorado, Mount Elbert.
1998
Mike Faherty ‘98 visited Allen-Stevenson to see Coach Rich Alifano and Alumni Council Liaison, Jaison Spain ‘97
2000
Damian VanCamp ‘00 is excited to share the birth of his son Julian Orlemans VanCamp on September 1st, 2025.
2013
David Waterman ‘13 was recently featured in Commercial Observer’s 2025 Top Young Professionals.
2014
Last year, Max Watson ‘14 taught first-grade science students about architecture and how to build sturdy structures.
2019
Ben Forman ‘19 is serving as a producer on Disconnected, a 45-minute documentary aimed at reclaiming childhood amidst a pervasive digital world. It is a story diving into what adolescence looks like in 2025.
2020
Jackson Collins ’20 recently served as the principal chair at UChicago’s Chamber Orchestra playing in the pit orchestra for The Pirates of Penzance—coming full circle from his time as a maiden in the Allen-Stevenson production.
2021
Over winter break, Cooper Dunn ‘21 ran into current student Ethan O. ‘29 in Florida.
2022
Allen-Stevenson faculty members spotted A-S alumni at a Riverdale vs. Dalton basketball game.
Pictured is: Duncan Lyon, Kaya Karakaplan ‘23, Ryder Rasch ‘22, Spencer Mitchell ‘21, Jaison Spain ‘97, Daya Singh ‘22, Ajai Singh ‘21, Lorenzo Bellard and Miles Hunter ‘25
2023
John Mermel ‘23 visited Allen-Stevenson in the spring to see his former teachers, including Alumni Council Liaison, Jaison Spain ‘97
Michael Ganitsky ‘24 and Charlie Sossen ‘23 stopped by A-S to watch a varsity basketball game last winter.
2024
William Bugbee ‘24 was the starting varsity goalie at Greenwich Country Day School. The team had an undefeated season, winning the championship, and William won the Coaches Award.
Walker Lipton ‘24, A-S alum and cancer survivor, helped to organize a fundraiser with his high school, Poly Prep, which partnered with the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation Cancer Program to raise funds to support families as well as push for brain cancer research to save children’s lives. (Pictured here with his mother, Tara Lipton P’19, ’24).
2025
Unicorns that grow up together, play together! Jayden Nandi ‘24, Will Patrick ‘25, James Milgrim ‘25, Tyler Parrot ‘23, Cassius Evans-Thompson ‘24, Graham Klabin ‘23, and Trevor Parrot ‘25 are all members of the Hackley Varsity Football Team.
2023
In Memoriam
We are saddened to share that John Schley ’51, fondly remembered for his many stories and adventures, passed away on November 4, 2024.
With sorrow, we share that Logan Fulrath ‘52, distinguished trusts and estates lawyer, passed away on December 6, 2024.
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of William Judson ’78, admired for his insight into history, pop culture, and music, on January 2, 2025.
We regret to inform the community that Bicky Kellner P’84, a person who remained loyal and curious throughout her life, passed away on January 12, 2025.
We are sad to share the passing of Reverend William Chandler Riker ‘55, a beloved priest, in February 2025.
We mournfully share the news that Albert Francke ‘49, a retired corporate lawyer, former Navy Seal and avid sportsman, passed away on March 2, 2025.
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.
The Annual Fund is vital to sustaining the exceptional education our boys receive. Through unrestricted support, the Annual Fund enables us to provide experiences and opportunities that extend far beyond what tuition alone can cover.
Your gift of any amount has a direct impact on students’ daily experience.
ANNUAL FUND GIFTS:
Enhance the breadth and depth of our academic program.
Attract and retain extraordinary faculty and staff while providing continuing professional development.
Maintain our beautiful school.
Ensure the best technology in the classrooms.
Support financial aid for a socioeconomically diverse community of scholars.
Join our community of supporters – scan to make a gift today.
For more information, contact Kevin Barry, Director of Development at kbarry@allen-stevenson.org.
132 East 78th Street, New York, NY 10075-0381
Cornerstones boys and their eighth-grade buddies celebrated Founders Day together.
