Archmerean - Spring 2021

The Archmerean SPRING 2021 | Volume 93

Celebrating the 900th Jubilee of Prémontré Living Our Mission

ABOUT THE COVER The stained glass window of Saint Norbert featured on the cover of this issue of The Archmerean was last featured as the cover of VOL XLIII (Winter 1996), the final issue of Rev. Joseph McLaughlin O.Praem’s year as Archmere Academy’s Headmaster before a new administration began on January 1, 1997. The window is now located in the Confession Room of the Immaculate Conception Oratory in Saint Norbert Hall. The window previously looked in on the school chapel on the first floor of Saint Norbert Hall (before the Capital Campaign and renovation took place) with its back facing the corridor of the Performing Arts Center.

According to Rev. Stephen J. Rosssey, O.Praem (art historian, Archmere art teacher from 1971-1984, and founder of Archmere’s Visual Art Program, celebrating its Golden Anniversary this year) the design for the window was created by Mrs. Paula Balano, at the time an instructor at the League Sketch Club of Philadelphia. Mrs. Baldano rendered the design from J.C. Van der Stier’s book of engravings on the “Vita S. Norberti Canonicorum Praemonstratensium” by Joannes Galleus (1623).

This window was originally part of a larger plan developed in the school’s early days for stained glass inserts to be placed in the doors of the Patio’s Music Room, which was converted to the School’s chapel when Archmere opened in 1932. The window of St. Norbert was the only one made and the project was never completed.

The window was kept in storage in The Patio for decades until it replaced a standard glass window in the Saint Norbert Hall chapel as part of the building of the Performing Arts Center (completed in 1983). The words “Sanctus Norbertus” name the window’s subject, at the top of the window a scroll contains some of the last words spoken by Saint Norbert, “Fide et Patientia,” Faith and Patience.

Photo: Stephanie Welch Silverman ’00

in this issue

| Contents

The Archmerean

FEATURES

EDITOR & CREATIVE DIRECTOR

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A Conversation with the Science Department

Snapshot: Looking Up

Principal Katie Thiel reflects on the opportunities and challenges of this school year

Dedication to hands-on lab experiences, the Science Department evolves to meet new academic circumstances

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Stephanie Silverman ’00 ASSISTANT EDITOR

Rev. Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem.

CONTRIBUTORS

Dr. Michael Marinelli, Ed.D. ’76 Rev. Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem.

Ainsley Hertrich Palladino ’05 Denise Starnes ’93 Elaine Fry Reilly ’83 PP ’13, ’17, ’20 Katherine Ball-Weir PP ’17 Katie Eissler Theil Rev. Stephen Rossey, O.Praem.

Gina Dzielak Danyele Dove ’93 Chris Boehm Marie Parks William Mulhearn ’08 Matt Groum ’17 Glenn Hartman John Bellace Sharon Archer Dorothy Escobar Matthew Wilcox Joseph Creekmore ’11 Kevin Selzer ’10 Leah Davidson-Wolf Terry Newitt Archmere’s Faculty & Staff

Reflecting on Academics in 2020-21

DEPARTMENTS

Welcoming the Class of 2024, Junior Ring Mass for the Class of 2021, 33rd Golf & Tennis Outing

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Faculty & Staff News

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Rev. Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem. anchors the present amidst Archmere’s history, Mission, and heritage

Living our Mission through a commitment to equity, justice, and inclusive practices

Silver lining in new schedule ensures wellness, labs, and extracurriculars

Inspired by our Heritage

Diversity Equity & Inclusion

New C Day Programming

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DESIGN

Around Campus

Melodee Dill Stephens

Academic Achievements and Recognitions

PHOTOGRAPHY

Jim Graham Photography, Stephanie Silverman ’00, Archmere’s Marketing & Communication Department, Chuck Anerino CP ’23 The Archmerean is published twice annually to showcase how Archmere’s alumni, faculty, staff, and students embody our motto: Pietate et Scientia, Reverence and Wisdom.

Fall Events

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College Counseling

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Alumni Spotlight

Adapting to the new college admissions environment

NASA Aerospace Engineer Dr. William Mulhearn ’08 traces career trajectory back to Archmere’s Science program

Matt Groum ’17 joins Fellow Auk in the White House

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Alumni Spotlight

Around Campus Fall athletics recap, Archmere Football team heads to State Championship

Dr. Michael Marinelli, Ed.D. ’76 Headmaster Katie Eissler-Thiel Principal 3600 Philadelphia Pike Claymont, Delaware 19703

ArchmereAcademy.com Archmere Academy is a Catholic, Norbertine college preparatory school, valuing community, respect, zeal, reverence and wisdom. Nurturing body and soul, mind and heart, Archmere focuses on the whole person through academic excellence, faith reflection, social development, and service to others. Inspired by its heritage, Archmere cultivates empathetic leaders – young men and women prepared for every good work.

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Around Campus

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Alumni Joseph R. Biden ’61 Becomes First Archmere Alumni Elected President of the United States

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Art Department Celebrates a Golden Anniversary Five decades of creative success

Performing & Visual Arts showcasing student talent and creativity

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Conversations Getting Social

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Alumni News

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In Memorium

From the Headmaster |

spring 2021

FOR WHOM AM I? I WAS HONORED AND HUMBLED TO BE INVITED TO OFFER SOME REFLECTIONS ON THE CHARISM OF SAINT NORBERT AT SOLEMN VESPERS OF THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT, the inaugural event in the 900th anniversary year of the founding of the Order of Canons Regular of Prémontré.

I share here excerpts of my remarks.

Pope Francis, in his Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation of May 2019, Christus Vivit wrote: “So often in life, we waste time asking ourselves: Who am I? You can keep asking Who am I for the rest of your lives, but the real question is For whom am I?” I believe this was the burning question in the heart of Saint Norbert that caused him, after a nobleman’s privileged and comfortable lifestyle, to consider his true purpose and place in the world. This is a question many of our students at Archmere ask themselves. It was certainly the question I asked myself.

For Norbert to boldly ask himself that question, I believe that he demonstrated three things. First, he was young at heart, in the sense that he had great energy and zeal to pursue something more, that led to his itinerant preaching, his founding of a community at Prémontré, his influence as Archbishop, and his overarching call for reform in the Church. Second, he was brutally honest with himself, acknowledging that the focus of his life had to change. And third, he was willing to listen to and follow God’s call.

Norbert was “young at heart,” in the context of Pope Francis’ words from Christus Vivit, in which he writes, “Christ is alive! He is our hope, and in a wonderful way Also, Norbert was “young at heart” in the sense he brings youth to our world, and everything he touches becomes young, new, that he experienced a conversion later in his life, full of life... He is in you, he is with you and he never abandons you. However far when, during his time, the average person’s life you may wander, he is always there, the Risen One. He calls you and he waits for span was just 35 years. Norbert founded a new you to return to him and start over again. When you feel you are growing old out community at forty or so. He must have had great of sorrow, resentment or fear, doubt or failure, he will always be there to restore physical stamina and inspirational your strength and your hope.” grace to move forward boldly with Norbert was able to “start over again” “We try to live our Norbertine a new and innovative venture. with his conversion. He returned heritage each day at Archmere.

His itinerant preaching was to the Risen One, and was inspired about the people – saving souls and and energized to preach and teach.

My prayer... is that this Anniversary converting them to a life of grace Bernard of Clairvaux wrote in a letter to year may be a time of blessing and in the “end times.” His vision and Geoffrey of Chartres in 1124: “I saw him renewal: when this 900-year-old reformation of the canonical life [Norbert] just a few days ago face to face, community recognizes that it gave people a blueprint for living and I was then privileged to drink as ‘is young,’ because it is capable of and a place to be – ordained and from a stream from heaven, that is from lay, men and women, together as what he said,” (p. 2, Norbert and Early constantly returning to its source.” one apostolic community. Herman Norbertine Spirituality). Norbert was MICHAEL A. MARINELLI, Ed.D. ’76 the monk quotes Norbert, “I will inspired by the discovery of Christ ever remain here, father, because I present in himself and in the eucharist. know that God has destined this place for me.” This In the book, Norbert and Early Norbertine Spirituality, authors Fr. Theodore sense of place that is evidenced even in the language Antry, O.Praem. and Carol Neel stated, “Norbert of Xanten set out to reform the of the vows of profession taken by Norbertines world, not just the clergy. His purified, galvanized Augustinians would, as the is shared among those associated with Archmere Apocalypse loomed, add their voices to his, converting souls from France to the Academy – a deep dedication to place.

Slavic frontier, as we take on Europe’s frontier of gender.”

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As a founder of a religious order, Norbert did not envision a formal network of religious communities; rather, he felt that independently established houses could best reflect the needs of the people of different locales. This independence combined with a sense of place of those who committed themselves to a particular community engendered strong connections and familial bonds within and around these communities.The recurring themes in Norbertine communities were a life grounded in prayer and poverty and the obligation to teach and preach – to serve the people where they lived.

at coming closer to the perfection of Christ, is a foundational element of the Norbertine charism.

The eucharist is our spiritual fuel. We celebrate at Archmere Academy today this need to be fed and nurtured so as to have the ability to accomplish great things, to stretch beyond what we thought our capacities to be. We include zeal as one of the key words that shape this charism.

While the school community is certainly rooted in tradition and a proud history of accomplishment, it is also a community that is open to change and is “young at heart,” knowing that Jesus Christ is ever

COMMUNITY & ZEAL

Community is one of the five key words we use to describe Norbertine charism at Archmere. The Norbertines that I knew as a high school student in the 1970s lived in community at Archmere, and led lives that were grounded in prayer and in an appreciation of austerity. They valued scholarship and classroom learning, and excelled at teaching and preaching the Word of God. They lived in a visible community on campus, sharing common interests, celebrating ritual, and modeling a life of service. That is why our school connection to the Daylesford Abbey community is an important one.

During my years as a student at Archmere, there was little discussion about the life of Norbert or any specific language that described Norbertine charism. The charism was shared by the living examples of the Norbertines who resided and taught at Archmere. Sustaining that transmission of charism through word and example to future generations of future generations of Archmere students is critical to insure that Archmere can be clearly identified as a Norbertine school – a Norbertine community now and in the years to come. Since I have assumed the role as Headmaster, and being a layperson and alumnus of the school, I recognized that we needed to create a specific vocabulary, sustain Church rituals, create and display symbolic images, and establish authentic scholarship and knowledge that magnifies the life of Norbert and Norbertine Spirituality.

Norbert’s work ethic, combined with his boundless energy and sense of constant improvement of self, modeling the life of the apostles in an attempt

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From the Headmaster |

spring 2021

(continued)

present in and among us. Our work is shaped by the Holy Spirit and sanctified

by Christ. When we as individuals or as a school community are struggling and feel that we are, as Pope Francis wrote, “growing old out of sorrow, resentment or fear, doubt or failure, he will always be there to restore your strength and your hope” – words that Norbert lived.

Norbert had to be a person who was brutally honest with himself. Not only was his period of conversion introspective, but his distillation of a rule of life from those established by Augustine required a careful discernment of what matters in life. He was authentic. Clearly, a fundamental conclusion of his prayer and contemplation was the creation of a new order that would embrace the life of the apostles of Jesus. Earthly possessions were distractions, and so he left them behind. His austerity contributed to his authenticity and laser focus on his purpose, perhaps seemingly excessive to some of his followers.

Knowing our Savior and emulating his message would be done in community where each person would, in some way, contribute to each other’s journey of enlightenment. Saint Luke uses the Greek word synodia, which means “a journey in company or associates on a journey” in his Gospel narrative of Jesus straying from his parents and being found in the temple. He describes the scene as Joseph, Mary, and Jesus journeying with relatives and friends that day. It would

have been common for a Jewish boy of twelve to be separated from his parents in a caravan of relatives and friends. In that way he would take advantage of the knowledge and wisdom of others, especially his elders, as they travelled together. What a beautiful image! I can personally relate to that, having been brought up in a large, multi-generational household, where we had the utmost respect for our elders – what they knew; what they sacrificed; and how they showed us their love and affection.

WISDOM

That is what Archmere felt like as a former student, and what it feels like today. Wisdom is one of the key words that we use to describe Norbertine charism at Archmere. We believe that the collective knowledge of the community is to be shared and supports the younger members of the community through academics, extracurricular activities and programs, and the spiritual life of the Academy, creating a rich historical archive. As a school community, we are a caravan of rich thought, experience, and affection that we wish to share with our next generations, in keeping with Norbert’s vision. And much like a family, as they say We got your back, for those times when young people misstep or falter.

All things in common, expressing grievances and acknowledging faults, sharing eucharist, welcoming the stranger, and devotion to Mary, the Mother of God, were all a part of Norbert’s prescription of how to live as a community that looked both inwardly and outwardly at the same time. The inward view, both personal and communal, created the foundational strength from which the outward view of an obligation to teach and minister to others outside of the community was enriched.

RESPECT

Norbert’s way of life was too harsh for the canons of the Church of Saint Martin in Laon. By that time, he had been preaching for three years, and had formed ideas from being on the road, so to speak, meeting and listening to people from different places who, I am sure, shared their life stories. All of this reconnaisance and “survey work,” you might say, must have given Norbert a good idea of the common concerns of the human condition and those things 4

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that elevated people’s lives – respect for one another, reconciliation, peace, and concord. Respect is another key word that helps to describe Norbertine charism at Archmere. Respect for one another allows us to welcome the stranger – the person who has different opinions and experiences. Mutual respect also allows us to dialogue without the fear of being scolded or denigrated for differences of opinion, but instead learn from each other and empathize with the other person.

Norbert eventually followed God’s will in his life. As if starting a new religious community was not enough, Norbert was called upon to become Archbishop of Magdeburg, a role in which he would lead the institutional church in reform.

In addition, he would become advisor to the imperial court, having influential conversations with the governing royalty of the time. His positions of influence confirm his intellect and masterful ability to lead. Interestingly, he came to this position in his life only after discerning and following God’s will.

It is so hard sometimes to follow God’s will rather than my own, because, for a time, I thought I always knew the “right answer.” In the collection of letters of the early Dutch Norbertines compiled in Dr. Walter Langerwey’s two-volume book, Letters Written in Good Faith, I am struck by the unwavering faith required

by Abbot Bernard Pennings, O. Praem and his confreres to make a life on the undeveloped frontier of the United States at the end of the 19th century. Like them, we must welcome new experiences and answers we do not expect. God’s will in our lives through prayer offers us humility and instills in us a reverence for all creation around us, the people and places that come into our lives, the history of life’s lessons, the present situations we are asked to manage, and the resources, gifts, and talents we are given.

Pope Francis, in Christus Vivit, wrote, “Let us ask the Lord to free the Church from those who would make her grow old, encase her in the past, hold her back or keep her at a standstill. But let us also ask him to free her from another temptation: that of thinking she is young because she accepts everything the world offers her, thinking that she is renewed because she sets her message aside and acts like everybody else. No! The Church is young when she is herself, when she receives ever anew the strength born of God’s word, the Eucharist, and the daily presence of Christ and the power of his Spirit in our lives. The Church is young when she shows herself capable of constantly returning to her source... We should not stand apart, but we should dare to be different.”

REVERENCE

Reverence is another word we use to describe Norbertine charism at Archmere.

It is captured in part of the school motto Pietate, of Pietate et Scientia, suggesting that reverence must work together with wisdom to create an important balance in the lives of informed and empowered young people. We must recognize the gifts and talents that God has given to each of us, and that, together, we can be people of hope. Norbert gave hope to the world during the Middle Ages – a time when life was difficult and comparably short-lived. Our first Norbertine missionaries in the United States were hopeful and resourceful, building communities of faith over the years around the country. Saint Norbert still gives hope to the world through all of us who follow in his footsteps and embrace his love of God and neighbor.

Father McLaughlin celebrates an outdoor Ring Mass with the Class of 2021 and their families on Saturday, October 3, 2020.

Inspired by Our Heritage Since September 14, 1932 Archmere has been “a Catholic Norbertine college preparatory school, valuing community, respect, zeal, reverence, and wisdom,” – together with God among the people.

To read more, please see page 24.

The Archmere Academy community is excited and grateful to participate in the 900th Anniversary celebration of the Norbertine Order! In the coming year, we plan to reach out to Norbertine schools and communities around the world, inviting them to collaborate in virtual connections and projects that will hopefully encourage global conversations and lasting connections. I think Norbert, a man who travelled extensively for his time, would have been a pioneer in video-conferencing today and would be pleased with the many global connections we hope to create to share the Good News.

We try to live our Norbertine heritage each day at Archmere. My prayer for Archmere, for the Norbertine community at Daylefsford Abbey, and every other Norbertine community around the world is that this Anniversary year may be a time of blessing and renewal: when this 900-year-old community recognizes that it “is young,” because it is capable of constantly returning to its source...

So, in response to the question, For whom am I? we know, as brothers and sisters in Saint Norbert, our reply is We are here for one another.

Sincerely,

Michael A. Marinelli, Ed.D. ’76 Headmaster SPRING 2021

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Snapshot |

looking up

Despite the daunting challenges presented by the 2020-21 school year, each member of our community at Archmere Academy rose to the challenge.

The challenges and changes brought forth by the pandemic of 2020 amidst the reckoning about race and equality in America, in addition to a charged and divisive political environment called us all to reflect inward and serve as empathetic leaders in our school and broader communities. Though the schedule was necessarily modified, and limits on social gatherings altered the shapes of the school day and our traditional calendar events, the core of the Archmere experience remained unchanged. A foundation of caring and dedicated faculty sought out and discovered new ways to connect with students and transmit their expertise, talents, and passion both within and beyond the traditional classroom. A dedicated administration, an engaged Board of Trustees, and active, committed alumni and parents reaffirmed the strength and character of our beloved school community, and the tradition of excellence that is Archmere Academy.

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Fall Events |

freshman orientation, homecoming, golf & tennis outing and more

Stay at Home Homecoming

Freshmen Orientation To welcome the Class of 2024 into the Archmere community, the Counseling and Admissions offices designed a comprehensive orientation program which took place August 25-26, 2020. Each freshman was assigned a “senior buddy,” and together they toured campus and cycled through each incoming student’s daily class schedule and classroom locations. Freshmen also participated in teambuilding and small group activities, met their faculty advisors, received their class schedules, and gathered for a socially-distanced class picture on the Quad.

Junior Ring Mass for the Class of 2021 The Junior Ring Mass is a revered tradition at Archmere Academy. Students receive rings as a symbol of their achievement as well as their bond to the Archmere community. The traditional Junior Ring Mass for the class of 2021 was postponed last year due to the pandemic, but the administration was determined to preserve this important annual tradition and milestone. An outdoor Ring Mass was held for the Class of 2021 on Saturday, October 3, 2020.

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This fall, the Archmere community celebrated our first ever virtual Homecoming. Several Zoom sessions were offered on October 17 to replace the festivities that are typically held on campus. One of the well-attended sessions was led by Principal Katie Thiel and Director of Counseling, Danyele Dove ’93. Many parents, students, and alumni joined this candid discussion to learn about initiatives that Archmere has in place to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion within the school community. Several alumni also joined a discussion led by teachers Nancy Cooper and Michael Johnson, to reminisce about their beloved teachers, and many shared their favorite memories from their time at Archmere.

Students hosted an outdoor Homecoming Coffeehouse on the Quad featuring student vocal and instrumental performances. The weekend also included the traditional Homecoming Mass on Saturday, October 17 celebrated by Reverend John Hynes ’57, currently the pastor of Saint Catherine of Sienna Church in Wilmington, DE. Headmaster Michael Marinelli, Ed.D ’76, accompanist, and Amanda Treston ’22, cantor, provided the music.

Readers included art teacher Stephanie Welch Silverman ’00, theology teacher Thomas Mengers ’10, and former Principal John Jordan ’80.

Like many other annual events this year, the virtual setting presented challenges, but also created a unique opportunity for alumni around the country to partake in Homecoming festivities.

Archmere is looking forward to welcoming our alumni back to campus for 2021 Homecoming in person! We plan to host a reunion reception for the classes ending in 5 and 0 as along with 6 and 1 to celebrate this fall. We also plan to induct the Class of 1971 into the Golden Alumni Society, as well as the Class of 1970, since we were not able to gather on campus for their special 50th anniversary.

Santa Messages

33rd Annual Golf & Tennis Outing On September 28, the Archmere Alumni Association hosted the 33rd Annual Golf & Tennis Outing at DuPont Country Club. Thank you to our Golf & Tennis Committee Chair Dave Manning ’88 who organized such a successful event during very difficult times. Dave joined forces with Kelly Gilboyne Rasero ’86 again, who graciously brought her expertise and enthusiasm to lead the tennis portion of the event. The Outing was our first in-person gathering since the pandemic hit and our Auks turned up in full force, with just over 100 golfers and 25 tennis players participating. The weather could not have been more perfect for this occasion. Thank you to all of the generous sponsors and participants, particularly our presenting sponsor Kevin Lagasse ’80, of The Lagasse Group. With your help, the Alumni Association was able to raise $20,000 to support the Alumni Legacy Scholarship Fund. Save the Date for the next outing – September 27, 2021!

Each year, Archmere Academy invites faculty, staff, and alumni to bring their children to The Patio for a visit with Santa.

Sadly, the on-campus annual event was cancelled due to COVID restrictions around large indoor gatherings. In an effort to keep the spirit of Christmas alive, we offered a unique virtual experience by surprising kids with a personalized video message from Santa.

Frank Burr ’45 Honored with Posthumous Diploma on Veterans Day In honor of celebrating all who have fought nobly for their country, Archmere celebrated Veterans Day by honoring former Archmere student, Frank Carpenter Burr ’45, with a posthumous diploma.

He would have graduated with the Class of 1945.

Frank entered Archmere Academy in the fall of 1941 as a freshman months before Pearl Harbor was attacked on December 7. Just two years later, Frank joined the Merchant Marine at 16 and experienced his first sea duty in March 1944. In the final months of World War II, Frank was assigned to S.S. Oklahoma as a Merchant Marine and FiremanWatertender. When the unescorted ship and its crew of 72 were sailing between South America and Africa, it was hit by a torpedo fired from a German U-532. Frank died serving his country at the age of 19 on March 28, 1945.

“I am so honored to be presenting this small token of gratitude for Frank and what he did for our country,” said Headmaster Dr. Michael Marinelli.

“Archmere’s 1943 yearbook begins with a statement about those in service that says ‘because they are defending their country, and all that it stands for because they are helping to liberate the world from the tyranny of dictatorship, because they are shedding

their blood that we at Archmere may still laugh, study, play, and pray the way they did, we gratefully dedicate this book.’ Presenting Frank’s family with the diploma he would have earned seems like a small token compared to the immense gratitude Archmere continues to have for those who have served.”

Archmere Academy acknowledges the sacrifice Frank made to ensure the freedom and safety of the United States by presenting his brother, Jack Burr ’47, with the diploma Frank would have received if he had the opportunity to finish his education, along with an American flag that has flown over the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

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REFLECTING ON ACADEMICS IN 2020-21

Invigorating, Hopeful Change

“

Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” RUMI, 13TH CENTURY

“

Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” LEO TOLSTOY, 1900

By Principal Katie Eissler-Thiel THESE QUOTES HAVE BEEN AT THE FOREFRONT OF MY MIND IN THIS TUMULTUOUS YEAR. As a world language teacher in the

face of these strangely similar quotes, my mind goes immediately to the nuance of the English translations. Could it be, with over 2,000 miles and six centuries separating them, that these two accomplished men truly shared in such similar philosophies? I cannot help wondering what prompted Rumi and Tolstoy to utter such parallel sentiments. What was going on in their home lives, their professional lives, their countries, their worlds to warrant such an utterance?

We are all acutely aware of the difficulties that have reared their heads in our 21st century world. Even now, 12 months into the pandemic, we cannot change our worldly circumstances surrounding COVID-19, such as social distancing, wearing masks, cleaning, hoarding paper products, and Zooming with contacts near and far. However, Archmere knew that we had to change the way we functioned within our societal parameters; we had to change ourselves. Our guiding principles were to ensure continuity in our content delivery and instruction and to maintain face-to-face interaction between faculty and students, not only to nurture 10

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students academically but socially and emotionally. The “changing myself” that Rumi alludes to happened at every level of our institution and has ensured our growth and innovation as an institution moving forward.

SCHEDULE

Our daily schedule had to protect the integrity and the values of an Archmere education. We asked ourselves, what do students love most about their Archmere experience? The answer: being on campus and reaping the rewards of a personalized academic and community-driven experience. Our goal was to bring 100% of students to campus each day while delivering a robust curriculum. To do that while aligning with COVID-19 protocols, Mr. Timothy

Dougherty, Director of Academics, divided all eight scheduled periods into two, ensuring that no more than 10 students would ever be in a room together. Social distancing, check. By doing this, our schedule morphed into more of a “block schedule”: the divided sections of four courses meeting each day, and all eight scheduled periods meeting over two days. But how to get through the necessary content, you ask, with two meeting times per course per week? Archmere teachers create two asynchronous lessons per week in addition to the two in-person lessons, for a total of four “classes” each week; additionally, we have offered students large windows of unscheduled time to autonomously continue their learning processes (see “Asynchronous Framework” below). The dedication of our faculty in crafting these asynchronous learning experiences has been a remarkable display of teamwork and innovation, and I sincerely thank them for their willingness to experiment and grow.

ASYNCHRONOUS FRAMEWORK

To not stifle student progress or limit the scope of curricula, asynchronous lessons supplement our in-person instruction. While faculty still need to economize content in our current academic year, making these strategic choices has allowed us to tease out essential content and get to the heart of the curriculum. Assigning asynchronous work to be done independently has permitted students to stretch their academic muscles, so to speak; in a collegepreparatory setting, I can think of no better way to empower students to play an active role in their own learning, while still having support on hand.

Crafting asynchronous lessons has also sparked exploration into new technologies among our faculty, and many have leveraged these in building lessons that cater to varied learning styles. Over the summer, we offered “Pop-Up PD Sessions,” in which faculty members internally shared strategies and technologies that could help the greater group, on top of more formal professional development sought out by departments.

SMALL CLASS SIZES

Any educator will tell you this: it’s remarkable how much you can get done with a small group. Teaching fewer than ten students at any given time allows for expansion on topics, in-depth discussion, and increased accountability. Archmere has always been known for its small class sizes, and in this year that cried out for social interaction, we doubled down on that strength.

TECHNOLOGY & HYBRID LEARNING

Family and student choice had to play a role in our plans. We knew that family circumstances or preexisting health conditions would deter some students from returning to campus in a physical setting. Therefore, Archmere invested in classroom cameras to facilitate a more meaningful learning experience between remote learners and in-person faculty/students. Our experience using Zoom since March 2020, in addition to the classroom cameras, has ensured a seamless transition for students who need to quarantine or stay home unexpectedly as well.

INVIGORATING, HOPEFUL CHANGE

Dr. Michael Marinelli and I were interviewed by a local journalist, and he posed a refreshing question that I wish more people would ask in these times: “What are you hopeful about?” My reply was twofold: a) No significant changes get made without disruption. While we tend to think that “disruption” has a negative connotation, the progress we initiate and the benefits we reap from disruption tend to be quite positive, and b) I am hopeful that when this pandemic is all but in the rearview mirror, teachers can start by patting themselves on the back, and then, take the time to deeply reflect on how they have changed as practitioners and evolved as educators. What worked, but conversely, what didn’t? What refinements to my pedagogical approach do I want to keep? What new technologies can I no longer live without? Answering these questions will solidify change, and likely, necessary change in the realm of education. Archmere will continue to evolve based on what we have experienced and learned about ourselves in this unique year. I am hopeful that by changing ourselves, we can continue to meaningfully inspire our students to change the world beyond our campus. For Rumi and Tolstoy, there was undoubtedly some reciprocity between the two halves of their everlasting quotes.

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Faculty Spotlight |

science department

A Conversation with the Science Department Despite the challenges presented this year, your department successfully offered hands-on laboratory experiments every Wednesday to our 515 students studying science. What are some of the innovative approaches or modifications that you developed this year in order to achieve the feat of in-person, hands-on science laboratory experiences?

MW

Fortunately at Archmere, we have plenty of lab equipment and small class sizes so often we had enough materials for pairs of students to work together. Much of what we have done so far in labs involves analyzing the motion of an object and one of our earliest labs this year taught students how to do this using a video analysis software called Tracker. This was great because it let the students who were at home virtual be just as involved in these labs as the students there in-person. We did things

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like tell the at-home students to record a video of themselves tossing a ball and analyze the motion of the ball in Tracker. We have also made use of the website Pivot Interactives where students complete online labs. Pivot is unique in that it is not a pre-programmed simulation where objects do what they are supposed to do because someone programmed that in. Pivot makes videos of people actually doing real labs and uses tools built into the video player, like rulers, stopwatches, and protractors, to have students make real measurements. It is the closest thing you can get to hands-on without actually being hands on. It is really very cool.

DE

The restructuring of labs has been accomplished with the addition of the Gizmo and Pivot Interactives. These platforms offer truly interactive opportunities for the students to explore the concepts. In coordination with some microscale hands on experiments, the students get a total experience. But what I think has been the most important aspect of the lab program during virtual learning has been how we have re-examined every lab that we do to see how best to convey the material in the best possible way. We have gone through each lab and asked the questions, What is most important in this lab?, How can we best present the information?, and How can we introduce more applications to each of the labs? I think that in the end, we will have labs that better serve the student.

Glenn Hartman, Science Department Chair

Dr. Sharon Archer, Science

Picture taken Pre-COVID-19

The Science Department believes that the study of science involves a thought process that is beneficial to all students regardless of their choice of college or major. Can you offer a few examples of the transferability of science education to other domains of learning and life?

MW This is very important to me and something I

always try to emphasize throughout my class. What I try to teach is a way of thinking that is methodical and analytical. This is reflected in many of our assessments in CP physics where students do more than just pick the correct multiple choice answer, they have to also write down which scientific principle applies to the question and their reasoning that connects that principle to their answer. We are teaching students how to analyze and make claims.

By teaching our students this way of thinking, we are teaching them how to navigate this world full of information of various levels of truth. For example, when we were first introducing our method of making arguments called Claim-EvidenceReasoning (CER), Mr. Creekmore came up with a great example to apply it to: the current status of COVID-19 in Delaware. Through that working example, students saw that based on whichever data or evidence they looked at (total confirmed cases, percentage of tests that return positive, deaths, etc.) one could reasonably come to many different conclusions. So when someone makes a claim like The pandemic isn’t getting any worse, students should now respond by thinking, What evidence are you referring to in arriving at that conclusion?

John Bellace, Science Photo: Gabriella Gildea ’21

Joseph Creekmore ’11, Science

science skills of data analysis, graphing, drawing conclusions, statistical tools, and being able to analyze and create pictures or diagrams to express knowledge.

LW I have noticed that many students who are more interested in other subjects can have the attitude that Biology is not relevant or important for them because they don’t see a future in it. My goal as a teacher is to help them see how Biology affects their daily life – whether they want it to or not! One of the ways that we teach our students is by incorporating activities that apply to situations outside of the classroom. One silver lining of the pandemic is that everyone is thinking about the effect of science on our lives, and we have made connections throughout our units to understanding COVID-19, the response, the infection process, and now the vaccination process. It’s a great way to encourage students to look at information and draw their own conclusions using the CERs and investigative process that Matthew mentioned. Cell transport is a topic that many kids tend to struggle with. Connecting it to a current issue (protein signals that let COVID-19 enter the cells) made it more real, and more students gave accurate descriptions of how signalling worked.

JC I strongly believe that science is more than a subject, but it is rather a way of thinking about the world around us as we interpret so much that is thrown at us.

The scientific method of thinking involves creating a hypothesis, setting out to prove it, and then making conclusions based upon data. This is an integral part of what I try to teach in the classroom. In my physics classroom, I also employ the

GH In science, students learn a new way to attack knowledge based on data and research. Everything learned in science stems from research and the review of the scientific community. This critical way to evaluate data and information can be used by students for any subject. Students learn some basic

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Dr. Dorothy Escobar, Science

Leah Davidson-Wolf, Biology Photo: Gavin Lee ’24

Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER) methodology to initiate this type of thinking. I require that students support any thoughts and claims with evidence whether it is from a lab or from observation otherwise. They then have to connect their evidence and claim with scientific principles. This is not a skill that is isolated to a physics or science subject area, but one that can be utilized in the students’ daily lives. It is vital to have the ability to create our own individual thoughts about what we are seeing and furthermore, to be able to find appropriate evidence in support of any thoughts that we have.

We know that an Archmere education is a launchpad for success in innumerable career pathways. Could you please share some examples of alumni currently working Science fields as a testament to the strong foundation they acquired in your department?

SA As a former Archmere parent, I am keenly aware

of how important the entire Archmere educational experience was for our son, Matthew . He has always loved math and science, so the science courses and clubs were particularly influential for his career.

Through advanced math and science courses, as well as Science Olympiad and robotics, Matthew developed a strong foundation for engineering.

The robotics club was particularly instrumental in teaching both technical and leadership skills. The students worked as a team to design, build, and program robots, and the iterative process of trial and error was sometimes frustrating and tedious, but the success was rewarding. These experiences prepared him for team-based learning in college and work after college. Matthew now works as a software engineer in California applying the iterative development process to self-driving trucks.

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Kevin Seltzer ’10, Science

Dr. Matthew Wilcox, Science

The eight members of your department bring an extraordinary breadth of expertise and passion to the program, along with an average 20 years of classroom experience. What are some traditional methods of science education that are still relevant and valuable today, and what are some of the new and innovative methods and emerging technologies being deployed in your classrooms?

MW I think it would be very difficult to ever replace lecture and problem

solving in physics. We can ask the students to read the textbook and watch videos on YouTube to deliver information but my experience has taught me that students often don’t feel confident in their understanding until they hear it from their teacher. And in physics, problem solving is unavoidable because essentially, that is what physics is, using models (equations) to solve problems. So these two things are still valuable but that doesn’t mean they have to be done in the traditional manner. Traditionally, students come into class, get talked at for the entire period and then go home and try to apply what they just heard to problems via homework. One of my favorite quotes comes from Eric Mazur, a Harvard physics professor, who says about traditional lectures, “Information leaves the mouth of the lecturer and enters the ears of the student without going through the brains of either.”

That is, unless you make the lectures engaging by asking quick conceptual questions to check student understanding. But even with improved lectures, students still need the most help when they have the least resources available – solving problems by themselves for homework. To address this issue, I take a Flipped Classroom approach. I use the platform EdPuzzle that lets me put pauses in the video where I can insert conceptual questions.

In class we discuss the information further to ensure they are confident in their understanding. This leaves time to work on problem solving in class where they can ask for help if they need it. I also ask students to genuinely reflect on how they solved the problems I assign. I want them to think about what mistakes they might have made and what led them to making those mistakes. I also ask them to make sure they can explain what all the correct steps are in the solution and how they should know to take those steps in the future. Doing this has really helped students improve their problem solving abilities.

LW I was trained as a teacher in the last five years, so there was a great emphasis on flipped classrooms and inquiry based learning. Science is in a difficult position, because we have such a long history of lecture-based learning with the inclusion of inquiry through labs, but there is so much

potential for more interactive classrooms that has led to pressure to make everything interactive and inquiry based. I try to create a balance in my classroom.

I find opportunities for students to research and investigate concepts themselves, often through the Gizmo simulations or other interactive resources. We connect a lot of our ideas to real-world applications. I offer students choices in topics for a project, or direction of research, which helps them to find their own connections to the content. Google Suite makes sharing, communicating, and researching easier as documents can be edited by multiple people. When teaching virtually, I can assign groups to a document and have everyone working and focused, while still checking on progress and understanding.

JC I think that at some level all of the traditional methodologies of science teaching are still relevant today. These approaches include lectures, problemsolving, worksheets, and labs among many others. In our classrooms, we are able to be more creative and vary how we approach these methods. One platform I am also using is EdPuzzle which Mr. Wilcox already mentioned. EdPuzzle allows for easy, objective formative assessment during the lecture by allowing questions to be inserted into the video for students to answer. This helps gauge students’ understanding along the way much easier than a traditional lecture. Labs have always been and will likely continue to be paramount to any science curriculum.

Pivot Interactives is a platform that allows students to do labs and collect data virtually. This allows students to do everything that they would do in a live lab, but on the computer and the data collection can even be slowed down and started over again. In the future, this will continue to be used among other platforms to complement the live labs. All in all, the methodologies of science education have not changed much, but we have been able to find more effective and varied ways to do the same thing as we have in the past.

In addition to the 18 courses currently offered in the Science department, you offer experiences to delve deeper in science, technology and engineering (STEM) fields beyond the classroom.

Could you share a bit more about the kinds of projects and experiences our students have your auxiliary programs (TEAMS competition, the Science Olympiad, the Envirothon, the National Biology, Chemistry, and Physics Olympiads and the opportunity to do independent research)?

GH We have many opportunities for being involved in science outside of the classroom. During the Science Olympiad, student teams of 15 compete in 23 events. Students work with partners and as a larger team to tackle many different kinds of challenges in all areas of science. They are testing events, building events, and science process events. With TEAMS, students work as a team to tackle science, math, and engineering challenges. With robotics, students build robots to take to compete at robotics competitions. Students can do independent research for the DE Science Fair.

SA Science Olympiad offers the more specific Physics Olympiad and Chemistry

Olympiad providing opportunities for students to delve deeper into a subject.

For example, the Chemistry Olympiad covers additional topics outside the AP curriculum. Because of the asynchronous blocks in the schedule this year, I have been able to meet weekly with a student one-on-one to explore these more advanced topics. In a typical year, this would be done after school, conflicting with sports and other extracurricular activities. This year will be the eighth year Archmere has hosted the National Chemistry Olympiad for the state of Delaware.

DE

The outside science activities we offer give students the opportunity to interact with others in a social way that includes their interest in science.

It allows them to think outside the box, to explore how science is related to their life, more than they imagined. These outside activities encourage the students to think creatively and in ways that are not traditional. The competition days have the students with similar interests discussing science topics, coordinating projects and working in a collaborative way.

KS

With regards to the Physics Olympiad specifically, it never ceases to amaze me how excited students get about the prospect of taking a really hard Physics test. That’s really all the Physics Olympiad is – a really hard test about very basic physics. Nevertheless, every year students ask to do it. Archmere students enjoy challenges and seek them out. The Science faculty loves to help students tackle these challenges.

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Faculty & Staff News Science teacher Matthew Wilcox, PhD attended the American Association of Physics Teachers Summer Conference.

Additionally, Dr. Wilcox’s graduate school research was recently published in the International Journal of Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Education.

Titled “The Views of GTAs Impacted by Cross-Tiered Professional Development: Messages Intended and Received,” the research was co a-authored by Erin K. H. Saitta, Westley D. James, and Jacquelyn J. Chini World Languages Chair Michelle Midgley and World Languages teacher Colleen Deemer ’07 attended and presented at the Modern Language Association International Conference on January 7, 2021. Their presentation was titled Ecocriticism and Indigenous Studies Through También la lluvia.

In August 2020 Math Department Chair Vinita Lobo and Math teacher Carly Pisani attended a live online one-day event Distance Learning: Strengthen Online Math Learning and Student Success hosted by the Bureau of Education and Research. Many tools were presented and have now been incorporated by all members of the Math Department to make virtual learning more meaningful and interactive.

History Department Chair Kristen Witte attended the virtual conference for the National Council of Social Studies in December 2020. In addition to attending the national conference, she also participated in a webinar titled Facing History, Facing Ourselves focusing on teaching the Reconstruction Era. Mrs. Witte also attended two AP summer institutes for AP Research and AP World Modern training, and participated in a National History Day and Library of Congress program.

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Librarian Amanda Evers-Bellace attended the YALSA Young Adult Services Virtual Symposium 2020, the Ibram X. Kendi “How to be an Antiracist” virtual event, the School Library Journal’s SLJ Teen Live Virtual Event, and the virtual Library of Congress National Book Festival 2020, attending sessions on Hearing Black Voices, Democracy in the 21st Century, and the Teen Special session Grab the Mic, Tell Your Story.

Art Department Chair Stephanie Welch Silverman NBCT ’00 was awarded a grant for an original design learning curricular unit from the National Art Education Association. Entitled Juxtapositions & Biomimicry, the curricular unit provides a framework for art and design educators to consider compelling applications of new and emerging technologies and systematically explore the intersection of form and function in nature. Silverman’s presentation proposal Designing Meaningful Transdisciplinary Learning Experiences: Dissolving Disciplinary Boundaries of Art & Science to Produce Imaginative Design Solutions was selected for the 2021 National Art Education Association Conference March 4-7, 2021. Silverman began her doctoral work in Curriculum and Instruction at Indiana University Bloomington in the School of Education in January 2021.

English Department Chair Karen Linton and English teacher Patricia Maher both attended the annual conference for the National Council for Teachers of English in November, 2020.

This summer, Archmere Librarian Amanda Evers-Bellance created a collection and display focusing on Black Voices within Young Adult Literature, Anti-Racism Reading, and more modern Young Adult texts.

The Delaware Photographic Society is one of the oldest camera clubs in the United States, and each year sponsors the Wilmington International Exhibition of Photography (WIEP), monthly club competitions, local exhibits, instruction, field trips, lectures and other programs. Art Department faculty member Jody Hoffman was invited to jury the 2021 Delaware Photographic Society annual competition for the fifth consecutive year.

Theology Department Chair Matthew Chominski recently published an essay in the Golfer’s Journal, an online, subscriberonly publication. The essay is titled, Different Waters Will Flow: Fear, Anxiety and Hope on Cobbs Creek’s Closing Day. Associate Director of College Counseling Catherine Souza Reigner has continued her work with the PA Association for College Admission Counseling as the Co-Chair of the Professional Development Committee. Throughout the fall, she presented one online workshop, Promoting Inclusivity & Equity Lunch & Learn: Beginning Your Journey with Self-Reflection and moderated the next three online workshops in the series centered on the spheres of influence all people have to promote inclusivity and equity. This important work will continue in 2021 beginning with an online workshop, Let Me Speak: Student Voices that will include Archmere graduates Taylor Tucker ’16 and Vaneck Kounga ’16.

World Languages teacher Colleen Deemer ’07 completed her Master’s Degree at the University of Delaware in Languages, Literatures, Cultures, and Pedagogy with a Concentration in Spanish in December.

Math Department Chair Vinita Lobo attended a STEM Forum on Equity and Inclusion in Mathematics in September 2020. Mrs. Lobo created a display in Saint Norbert Hall featuring Women and Minorities in Mathematics using materials from the Forum.

James Francis Malseed Named 2021 Recipient of the Carl S. Campion Service Award Each year during Catholic Schools Week, a member of the Archmere community is recognized for devoted, consistent, humble service for the good of this community.

The Carl S. Campion Service Award is given annually to the individual whose contributions and selfless qualities have left the school community better than he/she found it; this person’s work must have a significant impact on the daily lives of the students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni. His/her service must also embody the core values of community, respect, zeal, wisdom, and reverence.

This year’s recipient of the Carl S. Campion Service Award began his career at Archmere in 1981, and has been serving our students on the field and in the classroom ever since. A familiar face to athletes for decades, and an unwavering presence in our community, Jim Malseed has certainly earned this award.

Jim was presented with the award on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 following the Catholic Schools Week Prayer Service.

Jim is a founding member of the Delaware Athletic Trainers Association and has served as a member of the DIAA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee. He is a clinical instructor, adjunct and guest lecturer for the Athletic Training Education program at Neumann University, and has spoken at numerous state and regional Athletic Training meetings. In September of 2010 he was elected to the Board of Certification for Athletic Training. In July of 2011 he served a two week volunteer internship at the United States Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, CA. “ Every coach or athlete that has enjoyed success at Archmere Academy knows that such success is due in no small measure to the individuals who work so tirelessly behind the scenes and out of the spotlight. Jim has scheduled games, lined fields, ordered equipment, and hired coaches. He has driven himself and his team managers across the tri-state area to ensure that Archmere athletes and coaches have the equipment and supplies needed to be prepared for competition. Jim has served as mentor for so many student athletic trainers from surrounding colleges and universities, but most importantly Jim has overseen the health and well-being of Archmere athletes for all or part of five decades and he has done so for all athletes—regardless of gender, age, sport , or season. His commitment to them has always been personal and sincere. His affection for them like a father for his family.”

PAUL POMEROY, FORMER PRINCIPAL OF ARCHMERE

“ Jim Malseed represents everything good about Archmere: always present, continuously serving others, never seeking the spotlight and constantly supporting the Archmere community. I have never seen a man give more to a school than Jim has given to Archmere. Jim Malseed: the ultimate Auk Fan and the ultimate representation of Archmere Academy.”

CHRIS SANNA ’05, STUDENT ATHLETE

“ I would often just hang out in the training room with Jim, not just for medical needs, but to talk about life, school, whatever. For me it felt like a safe haven just to have fun, be myself, and learn from his wealth of knowledge. It always brings me joy to talk with him knowing he is in the elite few who made my Archmere experience amazing. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award.”

MARC ROSS ’91, TRUSTEE, ARCHMERE ACADEMY

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Inspired by Our Heritage

By Rev. Joseph McLaughlin O.Praem

The 1935 Keystone, Archmere Academy’s first yearbook

According to Archmere’s first yearbook, The 1935 Keystone, Bishop Edmond J. FitzMaurice dedicated Archmere Academy on October 12, 1932 at 3:00 p.m. More than 300 people attended the ceremony.

The homilist was Father Athanasius J. Van Heertum, O.Praem., pastor of Saint Willebrord Parish in Chicago, one of the 26 Dutch Norbertines who had come from Berne Abbey in Holland between 1893 and 1908. In part Father Van Heertum said, “Less than forty years ago a band of seven missionaries led by our Rt. Rev. Abbot Pennings, who is now head of the Order in the United States, settled in the little town of DePere, Wisconsin, and established a school there at the same spot where the Jesuit missionaries settled in the 17th century. After thirty years teaching there, we now have more than one hundred of our former students as priests in our ranks, and in those of our secular clergy, and Saint Norbert’s College at DePere ranks among the best in the country.”

The 1935 Keystone noted that the acolytes for the Dedication Ceremony were students at Archmere Academy. Among the 22 first students were freshmen Jack Feldman, Neal McLaughlin, and Paul Taggart.

Jack and Neal were vested with the Norbertine habit in DePere on August 28, 1937, were ordained priests in 1943, and both returned to teach at Archmere, Neal from 1946 to 1947 and Jack from 1949 to 1959.

After graduation from college and a stint in the Navy, Paul returned to teach at Archmere before entering the diocesan seminary and being ordained a priest in 1951 for the Diocese of Wilmington. Thus, 3 of the first 15 freshmen who entered Archmere in 1932 followed in the footsteps of those early students of Saint Norbert High School in DePere.

Like Jack Feldman ’36+ and Neal McLaughlin ’36+, other Archmere graduates have become Norbertines: Joseph McLaughlin ’38+, Robert Carson ’39+, Walter Ziegler ’40+, Thomas Filbrandt ’42+, Aidan Sinnott

“Together with God among the people.”

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’56+, Henry Kerr ’58+, William Scattergood ’60, Timothy Mullen ’65+, and Michael Collins ’68+. Walter Ziegler and Thomas Filbrandt were seminarians when they died in an automobile accident on January 27, 1947 while on their way to teach at Central Catholic High School in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Like Paul Taggart ’36+ other Archmere graduates became diocesan priests: John Dewson ’39+, William Hazzard ’55, John Hynes ’57, Paul Henry ’59, Michael Manz ’69, Steven Harris ’72, Michael Padazinski ’74, John Grimm ’83, and Anthony Pileggi ’87; Kurt Denk ’92 spent five years in priestly ministry as a Jesuit.

James Haley ’44+, Paul Parchinski ’60+, Stanley Avallone ’77, and John Pileggi ’77, were ordained as permanent deacons.

On the first faculty of Archmere were four Norbertine priests and three laymen. Like Paul Taggart many graduates have returned to Archmere as lay teachers and staff, including the following current teachers and staff: Carl Campion ’76, Joseph Creekmore ’11, Colleen Deemer ’07, Damian Demnicki ’86, Danyelle Pennell Dove ’93, Joanna Marinelli Doroh ’00, Matthew Krass ’06, Michael Marinelli ’76, Christopher Mascioli ’78, Thomas Mengers ’10, Ainsley Hertrich Palladino ’05,

Francesca Pileggi ’06, Elaine Fry Reilly ’83, Kevin Seltzer ’10, Stephanie Welch Silverman ’00, Denise Alexander Starnes ’93 and Michael Walsh ’80.

Among the former lay teachers and staff are the following graduates: Stuart Degginger ’39+, Vincent Filliben ’47+, Albert Kozubal ’51+, Earl Francis ’56+, Thomas Manerchia ’61, Kevin Martin ’62+, Louis LoBosco ’64, Louis D’Angelo ’64, Robert McDonald ’64, Carmen Franceschino ’72, Lawrence Cylc ’73+, John Ambrogi ’76+, Vincent Stumpo ’77, Robert Ursomarso ’77+, Geralyn Getty Brostrom ’79, John Jordan ’80, Lori Ryan ’81, Kathleen Seibert ’82, William Letts ’83, Susan Mingey Padien ’84, Thomas Mallon ’85, William Gehrman ’88, Daniel Hickey ’89, Stephen Lemak ’89, Thomas Whitwell ’89, Erin McNichol ’92, Jason DiFerdinando ’93, Rachel McVeigh ’94, Vincent LoBosco ’96, Kristin Wasniewski Mumford ’96, Kerry Corrigan Annos ’97, Joshua Alcorn’99, Brian Donnelly ’00, Jonathan Lynch ’02, Kathryn LoMonaco ’03, Andrew Cocco ’04, Andrew Campion ’07, and Daniel McCadden ’07. Since 1932 a total of eighty Norbertines have served at Archmere.

Archmere’s Mission Statement reads, in part: “Inspired by its heritage, Archmere cultivates empathetic leaders – young men and women prepared for every good work (a phrase that appears on the Archmere ring).” So many alumni and alumnae have returned to Archmere to do such good work, many for their whole careers.

Of the celebration of the 900th Jubilee of the Norbertine Order, Abbot General Jos Wouters, O.Praem. wrote in his Christmas 2020 Letter: “The choice of Saint Norbert and his followers (to make their vows on Christmas Day 1121) draws from the same inspiration as our motto for this Jubilee: Together with God among the people.” Since September 14, 1932 Archmere has been “a Catholic Norbertine college preparatory school, valuing community, respect, zeal, reverence, and wisdom,” – “together with God among the people.”

+ Deceased

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C Day Programming “ We have been sensitive to our students’ needs regarding health and wellness, especially mental health.

Archmere Academy devotes a significant amount of time to extracurriculars during C days in our new schedule. There is time dedicated to science labs, clubs and activity meetings, liturgies, health courses, college seminars, sports/wellness activities, yoga and meditation sessions, and tutoring offerings. It has been a blessing that many extracurricular activities have continued as usual, which have nourished mind, body, and spirit. The Student Council and Music Department planned many activities, such as outdoor movie nights and concerts, to keep the student body engaged.” PRINCIPAL KATIE EISSLER-THIEL Science Labs AP Calculus Labs Health Classes College Seminars Dog Therapy Green Arch meetings Yoga and Meditation

Student-led Zumba

Community Service Projects

Chinese Calligraphy

Class-wide Mass Examination of Conscience Model United Nations E-Sports New Year, New Me! Vision Board Creation Session

Best Buddies Meeting Spanish Club Paint & Learn: Frida Kahlo Edition!

Video Announcements Meeting Gay-Straight Alliance Stock Club Chinese Moon Festival Kick-Off

Quiz/Academic Bowl

Comic Book Club

Mock Trial

Open Art Studio for AP & Junior Portfolio Students

DEI Alumni Chat French Club Meetings

Gender Equality Club Film Screening

Horticulture Club Meetings

Pass, Punt & Kick Competition

Spike Ball Tournament

Mindful Movement with Dave Lightcap of Lightcap Fitness

Dog Treat Making Service Projects Election Debrief/ Dialogue Deathly Hallows Club Meeting Math League Golf Club Tournament Visiting Artist Lecture: Jim Graham, Photography

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Math Madness Weekly Competition

StuCo Meetings

Walk/Run the Track

THE ARCHMEREAN

LEGO© SERIOUS PLAY© Seminar with David Kubacki ’92 Mental Health Club Meeting

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Focus Groups

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Into the Woods Information Session

5K Club Peer Study Sessions Independent Study Appointments with Teachers Appointments with College Counselors

Archmere Students Find New Ways to Give Back

David Kubacki ’92 Uses the Power of Play to Solve Problems On an October “C Day” Archmere alumnus and Alumni Council Member David Kubacki ’92 facilitated a LEGO© SERIOUS PLAY© workshop for the Class of 2024. His company, ViaDel Consulting Group, works with teams to enhance their productivity and creativity. One of the ways they do this is through LEGO SERIOUS PLAY! Their work was featured on NBC10. David also gave a very compelling TEDx Talk on the merits of this creative and fun work. To ensure participation in the workshop, LEGO kits were mailed home to virtual students.

For Archmere Academy, community is one of the five tenets that make up the core values of the school. The B+ Foundation Club allows students to get involved in the community in a very meaningful way. They host fundraisers throughout the year to support the B+ Foundation, which provides financial assistance to families experiencing childhood cancer, as well as cancer research, awareness, and positivity.

Because of the pandemic, students have needed to find new creative ways to support the B+ Foundation instead of the usual annual volleyball tournament in March. “As we were nearing Thanksgiving break, everyone was so excited about Christmas coming up,” said Ava Courtney ’23. “When I proposed the idea to Marini’s Produce about Archmere hosting a poinsettia sale for the B+ Foundation; they were honored to help. Andrew McDonough’s sister, Ali, used to work at Marini’s in high school.

That’s what makes the sale so special.” As of December 18, the club will donate over $600 to the B+ Foundation, thanks in large part to the Claymont Community Center purchasing all of their poinsettias through the fundraiser.

For Club Moderator and Theology teacher Kathryn Hudson, her connection to the B+ Foundation Club is personal. She was also a freshman in high school the year that Andrew McDonough lost his battle with childhood cancer. And while she did not know Andrew personally, his story felt very close to home. “That was a big awareness moment for me,” said Kathryn. “Cancer affected people my age, people like me. Because I coached volleyball at Archmere, I was always involved in organizing things for the volleyball tournament. So when there was an opportunity to serve as club moderator it seemed like the perfect fit.”

During a typical year, the B+ Foundation Club would have guest speakers meet with Archmere students. Last year, the club invited Archmere alumnus Michael Henry ’07 and his daughter Blair Henry, who was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer, to a basketball game. “I think seeing the foundation’s direct impact gives you hope and helps you see the difference you’re making,” said Anna Garcia ’21. “I am always so grateful Archmere has given me opportunities to help serve the community around me and this club has given me exactly that.”

Sadly, Blair passed away in April at the age of three. Bill Ludlow, head coach of the Archmere Varsity Basketball team, wanted to honor Blair this upcoming season. “We started each practice or game with a prayer thanking God for the opportunity to meet such a wonderful little girl and her incredibly strong family,” said Bill. This season, the team is adding the letters B.H. to their warm-up jerseys in remembrance of the girl whose strength and spirit taught them all a powerful lesson.

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Around Campus |

academic achievements and recognitions

One Hundred and Four Archmere Academy Students Earn AP Scholar Awards The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) provides willing and academically prepared students with the opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school, and to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on the AP Exams.

About 22 percent of the more than 2.2 million students worldwide who took AP Exams performed at a sufficiently high level to also earn an AP Scholar Award. The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on students’ performance on AP Exams.

Each exam is developed by a committee of college and university faculty and AP teachers, ensuring that AP Exams are aligned with the same high standards expected by college faculty at some of the nation’s leading liberal arts and research institutions. More than 3,800 colleges and universities annually receive AP scores. Most four-year colleges in the United States provide credit and/or advanced placement for qualifying exam scores.

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Sixteen students qualified for the National AP Scholar Award by earning an average score of 4 or higher on a five-point scale on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams. These students are from the Class of 2020 – Caroline Antunes, Clara Curren, Carter Galbus, Sebastian Gray, Gabrielle Hogan, Sophia Liston, Emily Maceda, William Mendez, Jessica Pei, Christopher Rowley, Andrew Shi, Lauren Simpson, Rishi Subbaraya, Alexandra Williamson, and Lauren Wilson; and for the Class of 2021 – Alex Lu. Fifty-three students qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by earning an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. These students are from the Class of 2020 – Michael Albero, Sofia Alvarez, Emily Ambler, Caroline Antunes, Elise Brady, Phoebe Brinker, Alexandra Chua, Clara Curren, Stephen D’Antonio, Matthew DiGregorio, Madison Downey, Carter Galbus, Jacob Gehrt, Sebastian Gray, Gabrielle Hogan, Grace Janvier, Michael Kaiser, Abigail Kates, Bailey Larmore, Sophia Liston, Emily Maceda, Riley McAvinue, Magdelena Mendez, William Mendez, Jacob Meredith, Cameron Noval, Erin Pearson, Jessica Pei, Lauren Raziano, Jack Riveros, Daniel Rogers, Christopher Rowley, Andrew Shi, Lauren Simpson, Rishi Subbaraya, Alexandra Williamson, Lauren Wilson, and Xiaohan Zeng; and for the Class of 2021 – James D’Elia, Margaret Dempsey, Nolan Fogarty, Gabriella Gildea, Caroline Ho, Cameron Kaiser, Sanjay Long, Alex Lu, Rohit Mathur, Christian Miller, Alyssa Noval, Owen Phillips, Norah Prendergast, Aislinn Smeader, and Sean Vanson.

Eighteen students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. These students are from the Class of 2020 – Ty Brinker, Jared Etzrodt, Sarah Flenner, John Frankel, Brandon Grier, Anh Ho, Rohan Kakkilaya, Melina Reilly, Ciara Trigg,

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and Emma Villaverde; and from the Class of 2021 – Margaret Atkins, Antionette Guariano, Alex Jacobs, Amelia Klinger, Andrew MacWilliams, Abigail Oberembt, Maura Smeader, and Katie Yakovenko.

Thirty-three students qualified for the AP Scholar Award by completing three or more AP Exams with scores of 3 or higher. The AP Scholars are from the Class of 2020 – Catherine Brown, Rory Clarke, Adianis Diaz, Lauren Edmiston,Julia Freney, Isabella Gioffre, Ashley Heitzenroder, Keegan Herron, Mary Ikeocha, Bora Kilacoglu, Isabella Magat, Kaylee Paranczak, Gabreille Penna, and William Van Belle; and from the Class of 2021 – Matthew Benson, Madelyn Boyer, Sophia Castro, Isabella Ganfield, Samuel Gattuso, Maximus Iacono, Michael Mallamaci, Maria Medori, Alexis Rendel, Carlos Rodriguez, Brendan Sullivan, and Katherine Walsh; and from the Class of 2022 – Simi Edeki, Kenzie Fleming, Andrew Hermes, Haoxue Jiang, Ryana Rajesh, Benjamin Wei, and Nicholas Zhu. Of this year’s award recipients at Archmere Academy, thirty-five are sophomores or juniors: from the Class of 2021 – Margaret Atkins, Matthew Benson, Madelyn Boyer, Sophia Castro, James D’Elia, Margaret Dempsey, Nolan Fogarty, Isabella Ganfield, Samuel Gattuso, Gabriella Gildea, Antionette Guariano, Caroline Ho, Maximus Iacono, Alex Jacobs, Cameron Kaiser, Amelia Klinger, Sanjay Long, Alex Lu, Andrew MacWilliams, Michael Mallamaci, Rohit Mathur, Maria Medori, Christian Miller, Alyssa Noval, Abigail Oberembt, Owen Phillips, Norah Prendergast, Alexis Rendel, Carlos Rodriguez, Aislinn Smeader, Maura Smeader, Brendan Sullivan, Sean Vanson, Katherine Walsh, and Katie Yakovenko; and from the Class of 2022 – Simi Edeki, Kenzie Fleming, Andrew Hermes, Haoxue Jiang, Ryana Rajesh, Benjamin Wei, and Nicholas Zhu. These students have at least one more year in which to complete college-level work and possibly earn a higher-level AP Scholar Award.

Amanda Treston ’22 Takes First in Delaware Speech and Debate Association State Tournament Archmere junior Amanda Treston won the Delaware Speech and Debate Association State Tournament, held virtually on October 31. Amanda took first place across 22 total entries in 7 divisions.

DEBATE TOPICS Lincoln-Douglas Debate – Resolved: In a Democracy, Voting Ought to be Compulsory Public Forum Debate – Topic: Healthcare Resolved: the United States federal government should enact the Medicare-for-all Act of 2019

Natalie O’Neill ’21 Wins Leadership Award Every year, Widener University in partnership with NBC10 recognizes a handful of local high school students that make positive change in their school and community. This year, Natalie O’Neill ’21 was selected as a winner of the Widener University High School Leadership Awards. “Winning this leadership award made me realize how much I have an impact on others. Leadership doesn’t only mean being kind and standing up for what is right, but it’s also working hard and pushing yourself to do better,” said Natalie. “I won my leadership award because I am optimistic, I stand up for what is right, and I pushed myself academically when I was struggling in school. It’s important to make a difference wherever you go because that’s how people will remember you. I’m inspired to be a leader from the saying Treat others the way you want to be treated. Showing respect, kindness to others, and lifting people up when they’re down, allows me to be a good role model.”

MATH MADNESS TEAM Top row L to R: Joe Caruso, Leo Chang, Alex Chen, Nick Zhu, Helen Qi Bottom row L to R: Sophia Chen, Connor Victoria, Gavin Nguyen, Rich Smith

Math Madness Team Named National Champions Math Madness is an online, team-based competition event that takes place each fall and spring, enabling students to compete in leagues of weekly competition followed by a nation-wide, single-elimination bracket tournament. This month, Archmere was named the 2020 Division IIB High School Math Madness Championship Team after a fantastic win over Greensboro Day School in North Carolina.

On December 9, by a 47-second margin, Archmere’s Fall Math Madness upset their opponents, the Franklin Regional High School Panthers (Murrysville, PA), earning Archmere a spot in the Final Four. Nick Zhu ’22, Alex Chen ’23, Leo Chang ’23, Joe Caruso ’22 and Helen Qi ’23 are returning members of last year’s championship-winning team. This year the team welcomed new members Sophia Chen ’24, Connor Victoria ’24, Gavin Ngyuen ’24, and Rich Smith ’24. On December 16, the team competed against Monrovia High School, from Monrovia, CA, and won 24-10, sending them off to the Championship. On Monday, December 21, the team took on the Greensboro Day School in North Carolina for the Title, defeating them 17-10 and winning the national Math Madness Championship. The Math Team is moderated by Math teacher Mrs. Carly A. Pisani.

Chinwendu Emedoh ’23 Addresses UN on Girl Empowerment This year, Chinwendu Emedoh ’23 delivered a virtual address to the United Nations on October 11, 2020 to share not only why it is important to cultivate female leaders, but also how to take action so girls can empower themselves. Every year, the United Nations addresses the challenges girls face and promotes girls’ empowerment on October 11 as part of International Day of the Girl Child. This year’s theme, My Voice, Our Equal Future, focuses on the changes adolescent girls want to see as they lead change around the world.

Her speech was also part of the global launch of YOUTHGETHER. SPRING 2021

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academic achievements and recognitions

(continued)

Scholastic Writing Awards National Reading Competition For High Schools

Archmere Students Earn Highest Cumulative WordWright Honors In the cumulative standings at the end of the WordWright Challenge meets last year, Archmere’s twelfth graders tied for ninth place in the nation among all teams at their grade level. The students were supervised by Archmere English teacher, Mr. Stephen Klinge.

Over 686 high school teams participated in this national competition. Two of Archmere’s students won highest honors for year-long individual achievement: Aislinn Smeader ’21 was the second highest ranked eleventh grader in the entire country in the year end cumulative standings, while Lauren Simpson ’20 was one of the 31 highest ranked twelfth graders nationwide.

In this year’s Scholastic Writing Awards, seven Archmere students earned ten awards in five different categories, including: Poetry, Short Story, Science Fiction and Fantasy, and the Critical Essay. Sophomore Alex Chen earned the nomination for the highly prestigious American Voices Award.

Works submitted were eligible for Honorable Mention, Silver Key, Gold Key and American Voices Nominee recognition by the Delaware Writing Region. Works awarded a Delaware Regional Gold Key are submitted to be considered for national honors.

The Awards program was created in 1923 by Maurice R. “Robbie” Robinson, founder of Scholastic Corporation, and has been administered by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers since 1994.

It has an impressive legacy and a noteworthy roster of past winners including Andy Warhol, Frances Farmer, Sylvia Plath, Truman Capote, Richard Avedon, and Joyce Carol Oates among many others.

The work of Archmere’s Gold Key winners, sophomore Alex Chen and senior Alexis Rendel, have been entered into the national competition. Full texts of Gold Key written works will be available in print in the Art Center Gallery at the Delaware State University. The full text of Silver Key written works and Gold Key works will also be available for browsing on Kindles.

AWARDS AND CATEGORIES GOLD KEY (3 AWARDS)

Alex Chen ’23, American Voices National Medal for the State of Delaware – China’s Economic Transition and the Woes of State Capitalism, Critical Essay Alexis Rendel ’21 – A Living Room, Short Story; and An Interpretation of Francis Bacon In the 21st Century, Critical Essay

Aislinn Smeader ’21

SILVER KEY (2 AWARDS)

Simi Edeki ’22 – 4C Beast, Poetry Sophia Chen ’24 – different kinds of onsters, Poetry AMERICAN VOICES NATIONAL MEDAL

Alex Chen ’23, Scholastic Writing Awards American Voices National Medal winner for the State of Delaware and Gold Key award for Critical Essay

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HONORABLE MENTION (5 AWARDS)

Ryana Rajesh ’22 – All Babies Have The Same Giggle, Poetry Nick Zhu ’22 – America’s Team No More, Critical Essay Alexander Bogey ’24 – The Fake Birds, Science Fiction and Fantasy Sophia Chen ’24 – When I was born, Poetry; and Hansel and Gretel: A Revised Version, Short Story

Alex Lu ’21

Michael Mallamaci ’21

James D’Elia ’21

Seniors Alex Lu, Michael Mallamaci, and James D’Elia Named National Merit Semifinalists Archmere seniors Alex Lu, Michael Mallamaci, and James D’Elia have been named National Merit Semifinalists because of their high scores on the PSAT’s, taken in their junior year. Only 16,000 students (of approximately 1.6 million) in about 21,000 high schools entered the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. To be considered for a National Merit Scholarship, Semifinalists must advance to Finalist standing in the competition.

Alex, Michael and James have an opportunity to continue in the competition for a possible $7,600 in National Merit Scholarships. To become a Finalist, the three Archmere Semifinalists and a high school official must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the Semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received.

In addition, nine Archmere seniors were among the top 50,000 high scorers on the PSAT and will receive the recognition of being named National Merit Commended Students, in recognition of their outstanding academic promise.

These students are: Gianna Abbrescia, Harrison Alexander, Nolan Fogarty, Alex Jacobs, Camron Kaiser, Rohit Mathur, Christian Miller, Norah Prendergast, and Aislinn Smeader.

Sanjay Long ’21

Maura Smeader ’21

Seniors Sanjay Long and Maura Smeader Named 2020 Delaware Historical Society Junior Fellows The Harry N. Baetjer III Junior Fellows Program is a paid summer internship for students entering the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades offered by the Delaware Historical Society. Last summer, Archmere seniors Sanjay Long and Maura Smeader were chosen for the program.

Baetjer Fellows gain vital academic and life experience through hands-on projects, discussion of readings, and the mentorship of senior staff members. Their projects include important work with artifacts, site and gallery interpretation, and historical research and culminate in a public presentation at the conclusion of the program.

Alums of the program regularly go on to top-ranking colleges, often receiving letters of recommendation from their DHS mentors. Sanjay’s final presentation for the fellowship was titled, A Living Museum: Sidewalks, Gardens, and the Challenges of Preservation, and Maura presented A Quaker Goes to Richmond: Transcribing the Diary of Edward Bringhurst, Jr. on August 13. In addition to the application, Sanjay and Maura were chosen based on teacher recommendations and an interview.

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DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION AT ARCHMERE

By Danyele Dove ’93, Director of Guidance, Diversity & Equity

At Archmere Academy, we believe a diverse, inclusive, and equitable school community is critical for preparing students to participate in a complex and interconnected society. We challenge ourselves to regularly evaluate and refine curricula, policies, and practices, and to commit the appropriate resources to ensure that we embody these beliefs every day.

GUIDED BY A COMMITMENT OF EXCELLENCE, WE SEEK TO ENGAGE ALL MEMBERS OF THE ARCHMERE COMMUNITY AROUND OUR MULTIPLE IDENTITIES:

among them race, age, gender identity and expression, ethnicity, family composition, ability/disability, learning styles, religion, sexuality, and socio-economic status. By engaging in this exploration of identity, culture, and systems, Archmere Academy aspires for all members of our community – students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, and trustees – to develop a sense of belonging and lifelong affinity for the school’s values and mission. We acknowledge our commitment to lifelong learning, and to strengthen our practices with each passing day. Archmere Academy’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Program adheres daily to the principles of good practice for equity and justice as developed by the National Association of Independent Schools.

We began the school year by talking with students to better understand their exposure, experience and interest in DEI topics. All students were surveyed, with the responses serving as a helpful baseline to create student programming and policy development. Overwhelmingly, students said that it was important to them to be a part of an environment that had a strong diversity, equity and inclusion commitment. Students said they would say something if they saw that another student is being prejudiced. Students believe that they are treated with respect at Archmere, and that their Archmere experience has had a positive influence on their academic growth. The vast majority of students have never experienced descriminiation based on ability/disability status, racial or ethnic identity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, religion, height or weight at Archmere.

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Transitioning from remote learning was not the only challenge our community faced this year. We also had to address issues that were occurring within our country and around the world. In September, Katie Thiel, Bob Nowaczyk and I engaged in conversations with students and faculty centered around a collective hurt and disappointment about not being able to wear “Black Lives Matter” masks, as the dress code mandate was that masks should bear no specific design or slogan other than those designed with Archmere logos or plain masks. We were able to listen and Principal Thiel reminded the students that, “Our masks that we wear do not speak for us,” and encouraged the students to channel that collective energy into action: through dialogue and community programming.

As a response to her call to action, students began wearing all-black masks in solidarity, and published racial and cultural awareness articles in the Green Arch. Also, as an effort to continue to educate the community, the Diversity and Inclusion Club began submitting video content for discussion during the weekly video announcements. In addition, dedicated faculty members joined with me in facilitating weekly focus groups twice a day on most Wednesdays. These meetings have allowed

In honor of LatinX Heritage Month, students participated in a Spanish Speaking Capture the Flag activity. QR codes were placed on the back of each flag so students can learn more about each country.

Danyele Dove ’93 and daughter Gabrielle Dove ’24

Scan this QR code with your camera phone to view the DEI video:

The DEI club began hosting virtual trainings with group members so far students have been trained on addressing Microaggressions and using inclusive language and bystander intervention.

Students created an informational video about why DEI is important to them.

the students to create a group identity and develop expressed the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion to them and to the a mission statement. The students were also able to Archmere Community. establish student programming subcommittees to In November, the Diversity and Inclusion Club hosted an Alumni Chat with continue to educate the community about diversity, My’Kelya Dickerson ’15 and Taylor Tucker ’16. They discussed equity, and inclusion needs and programs at navigating their high school experience as minority students, Archmere for 2021 and beyond. and also how their experiences have shaped them DIVERSITY AND In October, Katie Thiel and in both their adult and professional lives. Both INCLUSION CLUB MISSION I facilitated a DEI virtual My’Kelya and Taylor offered to be mentors for our The Diversity and Inclusion Club encourages webinar for homecoming, students. representation from all ethnicities. We seek which was a wonderful December marked our first virtual training to eliminate bias and create unification within opportunity to share our opportunity for students. The students Archmere. Members of the group provide initial programming and and staff who participated learned about a safe and accepting space to start DEI objectives with alumni unconscious bias and how to communicate challenging conversations, collaborating and families. During this to others when they observe it happening. Our with alumni and faculty to educate webinar, Principal Thiel next step is to develop a process to report and the community with boldness, discussed ongoing conversations respond to any such incidents that might occur. energy and sensitivity.

We also plan to continue virtual DEI training on a that faculty members have been monthly basis. having to insure that diverse perspectives In March, 2021 we worked with the National continue to be present and enhanced in various Association of Independent Schools to administer the Assessment of Inclusivity areas of the curriculum. I spoke about creative and Multiculturalism (AIM) Climate Survey. This survey that was given to programming developed to engage students. One students, staff, alumni, parents and trustees, will allow us to benchmark and program that Spanish teacher, Denise Perez and I compare Archmere’s climate with other independent schools around the partnered to develop was to capture the Spanishcountry who have administered the survey. It is our goal that, by engaging in speaking flag competition that took place during this exploration of identity, culture, and systems, all members of our community activities periods on Wednesdays. The webinar will be motivated to make a positive change at Archmere and in the world. ended with a student-led video, in which students

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College Counseling

By Chris Boehm, Archmere Academy Director of College Counseling IT’S JANUARY 2021 AND THE CONFERENCE CALL RINGS SOUND OFF, RING… RING…RING…as each member of the Archmere Academy College Admission Advisory signs onto the winter biannual meeting. Pleasantries follow; How’s the family? How much did it snow in Cleveland? Has your son started visiting schools? After a few minutes it’s time to get down to business. “John, you’re up first, would you please give us a synopsis of BC’s fall and the trends you are following?” John Mahoney, Boston College’s Vice Provost for Enrollment Management reports information, shares observations, and inquires about other’s experiences. After he commences, the other advisory members share similar information and the discussion continues for just over an hour covering several different and timely agenda items.

When Archmere Director of College Counseling Mr. Chris Boehm and Associate Director of College Counseling Mrs. Catherine Souza Reigner moved from their college admission offices to the greener (pun intended) pastures of Archmere Academy in the summer of 2014, they had some early strategic goals in mind that were outside of the typical student advisement. The idea of an advisory committee was born, allowing them to use and stay connected to their network and also keep a finger on the pulse of the profession on the other side of the desk. An auxiliary benefit, in a people-oriented profession, was to stay connected with friends and create new relationships within the world

“The college admission profession is a small and tight-night community. One of the beauties of our work at Archmere is making our network, Archmere’s network.”

CHRIS BOEHM, DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE COUNSELING

of higher education. The inaugural group included Mildred Johnson (Virginia Tech), Chris Lucier (University of Delaware), Krista Evans (Lehigh), JT Duck (Swarthmore), and the aforementioned John Mahoney. As is often the case in enrollment, JT, Mildred and Krista have changed schools and Chris left for the commercial side of education. These changes allowed the advisory to expand and change, and College Counseling welcomed new members – Joanna May (Columbia), Doug Zander (University of Delaware), Bob McCullough (Case Western), and most recently Satjajit Dattagupta (Tulane).

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“The world of admissions is constantly evolving, now more than ever in the wake of a pandemic, and forging relationships with college admissions representatives and other college counselors is an invaluable resource to the College Counseling Department.”

CATHERINE SOUZA REIGNER, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE COUNSELING & COORDINATOR OF CAREER PROGRAMS

“During the creation of the group we had an eye on diverse representation of schools and individual experiences. The breadth of the group allows for a wide variety of information sharing. We don’t get a lot of ditto in follow-up responses.” Mr. Boehm shared.

The Advisory meets twice a year for phone calls, and all of the members have participated in College Counseling on-campus programming. However, it’s the conversations in between meetings, informally at conferences or on the phone that are incredibly valuable.

Mr. Boehm remembers one such conversation last spring about the impact of the pandemic. “I spoke to one of the advisory members on the phone for over an hour. Each of us inquiring and generously sharing information about our population’s reaction to the crisis. It provided me with information that we could share with students and families to keep them informed with facts rather than what they hear anecdotally or on social media, and it allowed them to get a pulse on the types of concerns students and parents had, and how we were moving forward with advisement.” Mr. Mahoney shared how the endeavor is mutually beneficial: “The College Counseling Office’s instinct to create this advisory board is emblematic of how they approach college counseling. They view it, as do I, as sacred work. Young people’s lives are shaped in college, so we share an important responsibility to help them and their families navigate the process. The more understanding and transparency we forge

between high schools and colleges, the better that students will be served during this critical rite of passage. The advisory board helps Archmere’s counseling department, but it also helps us on the college side.”

Opportunities like the Advisory and the semiannual College Counseling Roundtable meeting Mr. Boehm coordinates with over 60 regular college counselor attendees at Villanova University are crucial opportunities for College Counseling. Mrs. Souza Reigner, who is also co-Chair of the Pennsylvania Association for College Admission Counseling’s (PACAC) Professional Development Committee (PDC) commented, “The world of admissions is constantly evolving, now more than ever in the wake of a pandemic, and forging relationships with college admissions representatives and other college counselors is an invaluable resource to the College Counseling Department.” Over the past five years, Mr. Boehm and Mrs. Souza Reigner have presented several educational sessions at the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) and PACAC annual conference. Mrs. Souza Reigner has served on the College Board Middle State’s Regional Advisory and is presently on the University of Delaware’s Local Counselor Advisory. Mr. Boehm participated in Drexel’s inaugural Counselor Advisory Board and was recently a member of NACAC’s Professional Development Committee, traveling throughout the country making presentations. Mr. Boehm observed, “Every opportunity is an investment in our individual development and expands our level of expertise for Archmere students. Volunteering or taking responsibility for a project or venture will ultimately multiply into even more experiences and relationships.”

In the future, the Advisory will continue to evolve as members rotate off and new members are introduced to Archmere. The near-term goal is to bring the group to campus to provide guidance to the Office and perhaps the entire community, on how we might best prepare Archmere students not only for success in the college application process, but more importantly, once they arrive on their campuses.

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fall sports

Fall Athletes, Coaches Earn Conference, All-State Awards Congratulations to all of our fall athletes who were named to the Diamond State All-Conference teams and the All-State teams (see page 33). In addition, the girls cross country team, field hockey team and the football team all captured the DSAC Championship for their fall seasons. Congratulations to two of our coaches who were named Diamond State Athletic Conference Coach of the Year: field hockey Head Coach Heidi Dell’Oso, and football Head Coach and Science teacher John Bellace. Football player Mike Van Belle ’21 was named DSC Lineman of the Year, while his teammate Kevin DiGregorio ’22 was named the DSC Defensive Player of the Year. Soccer player Gavin Fanning ’21 received Conference Player of the Year.

DIAMOND STATE ALL-CONFERENCE SELECTIONS The following players earned Diamond State Conference honors this fall.

FIELD HOCKEY 1st Team All-Conference - Bella Dell’Oso, Lindsey Renshaw, Becca Olsen 2nd Team All-Conference - Maura Smeader, Sophia Castro, Olivia MacMillan, Aislinn Smeader, Ellie Angiullo Honorable Mention All-Conference - Emma Gioffre Coach of the Year - Heidi Dell’Oso

FOOTBALL 1st Team All-Conference Offense - QB Chris Albero, FB Kieran Udovich, OT Michael Van Belle 1st Team All-Conference Defense - DT Michael Van Belle, DE Sanjay Long, LB Kevin DiGregorio, DB Connor Udovich 2nd Team All-Conference Offense - TE Sanjay Long, WR Conor Udovich, C Conor France, P Sanjay Long, K Chris Albero 2nd Team All-Conference Defense - LB Scott Lucarelli, DB Declan Pearson Honorable Mention All-Conference - Offense OG Phil Kawalec, Defense DB Max Ewing

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY 1st Team All-Conference - Maddie Priest 2nd Team All-Conference - Maggie Dempsey, Ryan Vitola 3rd Team All-Conference - Anna Benner, Niamh Cranny, Clare O’Dwyer

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY 1st Team All-Conference - John Flanagan, Owen Phillips, Matthew Keen 2nd Team All-Conference - Camilo Alvarez 3rd Team All-Conference - Alexander Holt, Paul Pomeroy

VOLLEYBALL 1st Team All-Conference - Hannah Wright, Isabella Ganfield 2nd Team All-Conference - Ava Scarpaci Honorable Mention All-Conference - Hope Merritt, Colleen McCann

SOCCER 1st Team All-Conference - Gavin Fanning, Sam Gattuso, Christian Iacono, Niko Triantafillou 2nd Team All-Conference - Joseph Iacono, Ben Meredith, Austin Curtis Honorable Mention All-Conference - Andrew MacWilliams

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Anna Garcia ’21 Signs to Play Soccer At Lafayette College Anna Garcia signed her National Letter of Intent to join Lafayette College’s Soccer Team on November 11, 2020. Lafayette is a Division 1 athletic program located in Easton, PA. A soccer standout since her first year at Archmere, Anna has been a varsity starter for the past 3 seasons. As a freshman, she made her mark for the Auks by scoring 14 goals that year, the most of anyone on the team. By sophomore year she was scoring 24.

Anna was recognized for her athletic talent as early as freshman year, when she received the Top Newcomer Award in 2018. Since then, she has been the Delaware Online High School Athlete of the Week, received First Team All-State and First Team All-DSAC Conference Honors, and was also named Archmere Academy’s Best Attacking Player.

Outside of Archmere, Anna plays for the highly regarded Penn Fusion Soccer Academy. By her junior year, she earned a spot in their top-level program, the Penn Fusion USSDA U18/19 Team.

Last year, she had 6 goals and 3 assists, helping her team to a winning record.

This year, she plays on the Penn Fusion ECNL Spring, 2019 U18/19 Team.

Chris Albero ’23 Leads Auks to Football Championship; Team Places Second in the State

The Archmere football team scored 14 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to rally for a 31-22 victory on its home field on Saturday, December 12th against Woodbridge in the DIAA Division II semifinals, earning them a trip to the State Championship game. Top-seeded Archmere (8-0) played second seed Howard (7-0) for the Division II state title on Saturday, December 19th at 4:30pm at Dover High School, taking second place to the Wildcats in the State Championship. Throughout the season, Archmere was led by quarterback Chris Albero ’23, who did a little bit of everything. This was the first appearance for the Auks in the State Championship game since 2010.

Brad Myers of The News Journal covered the semifinal game and wrote of Chris, “Albero rushed 19 times for 58 yards against Woodbridge. He completed 6 of 12 passes for 96 yards and a touchdown. He ran for a critical two-point conversion. He knocked down a pass on defense. He handled the kickoff duties and kicked two extra points. And he booted three field goals – two of them coming in huge moments at the end of each half.”

The semifinal game was an exciting back and forth battle until the end. Woodbridge was leading 22-20 in the fourth quarter when Scott Lucarelli ’22 tipped a Woodbridge punt attempt. It caused the ball to settle around the Woodbridge 40-yard line, where

Brian Hartman ’23 brought it back to the two. Declan Pearson ’22 rushed in on the very next play with 7:52 left to give the Auks the lead. Chris Albero’s 29-yard kick was the clincher, pushing Archmere’s lead to 31-22 with 40.9 seconds remaining.

The Auks came up short in the DIAA Division II Football State Championship game against Howard, taking home the runner up trophy. Once again, they were on the scoreboard by a drive that included a long run by Chris Albero and a onehanded catch from Declan Pearson ’22 that resulted in a first and goal from the Wildcats’ 7. On third down from the 5, Chris rolled to his left and found Michael Mallamaci ’21 in the end zone.

“It’s all the deep breaths and trusting the team, trusting the line, trusting the holder, trusting the snap,” Albero said to Brad Myers. The News Journal details Chris’ outstanding game performance in an article, titled “Sophomore does almost everything for Archmere football.” Read the full article published December 15, 2020 at delawareonline.com (subscription only).

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fall sports

(continued)

Field Hockey Closes Successful Season with Second Round Overtime Thriller On Saturday, November 28, Emma Gioffre ’23 scored the only goal for Archmere field hockey as they took on Wilmington Charter in an exciting overtime win.

It was the final regular season field hockey game for the 11-1 Auks, and the win clinched the Diamond State Athletic Conference Championship. For the first time since 2011, the Archmere field hockey team advanced to the DIAA State Tournament Semifinals. On December 5, the third seeded Auks defeated No. 6 Indian River, 2-1, at Archmere, securing their semifinal spot. Sophomore Bella Dell’Oso had a goal and an assist to lead her team to the win. She was subsequently nominated by Delaware Online as the Athlete of the Week. Archmere had 11 shots and seven penalty corners against Indian River. Goalie Maura Smeader ’21 was credited with three saves. On December 9, the third-seeded Archmere field hockey team battled No. 2 Caravel in the semifinal round of the DIAA State Championship. The Auks were defeated by one overtime goal, but made headlines for their incredibly successful season and game thriller against Caravel. Diamond State Athletic Conference Field Hockey Coach of the Year, Heidi Dell’Oso, helped lead the Auks to their 12-2 season, a drastic improvement over their 6-8 record last year. Caravel handed the Auks their only regular-season loss this year on November 9. The game went into overtime, and Archmere goalie Maura Smeader ’21 made a few critical saves before Caravel was able to score the winning goal off of a penalty kick. Maura had 12 saves in her final high school game. The Auks, who reached the semifinal round for the first time since 2011, finished with a record of 12-2.

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Hannah Wright ’21 Signs to Play Volleyball at University of Delaware Hannah Wright signed her National Letter of Intent to join the University of Delaware’s Volleyball Team on November 11, 2020. Hannah is a Libero/ Defensive Specialist. The University of Delaware is a Division 1 athletic program. Starting from a young age, Hannah spent many hours of her childhood in the gym with her father and sister, practicing and refining her game. In her four years at Archmere, Hannah has had the honor of receiving AllConference accolades for three years and worked her way to Second Team All-State as a junior.

In August of this year, Hannah was identified by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) as an elite rising high school senior, recognized on the 2020 Under Armour All-America Watch List. The Under Armour All-America Watch List is for the top rising seniors who have received external recognition for their outstanding volleyball play.

A proven leader and standout on the court, Hannah was named Captain of the Archmere volleyball team by her sophomore year. She has been accredited by news outlets as having the “Number One Play of the Week” multiple times throughout her high school career, including freshman year.

She was also recently named the 3rd Best Volleyball Player in the state of Delaware. Hannah has led the Archmere team to the State Championship two times in the past five years of high school volleyball.

Outside of Archmere, Hannah plays for the highly regarded East Coast Power volleyball team. A club volleyball player for eight years, Hannah’s team has qualified for the National Championship five times, with a 3rd place National Division title in 2019.

An athlete who also excels in the classroom, Hannah has received Honor Roll recognition for her academic achievement.

DELAWARE ALL-STATE HONORS

Cross Country Teams Earn 5th in State Championships Congratulations to both the Men’s and Women’s Cross Country teams for their 5th place finish in the State Championships on December 5. Maddie Priest ’24 and Jack Flanagan ’21 were the Archmere top runners. Maddie placed 13th overall as a freshman and Jack 18th in the state. The women’s team went 7-0 this season, taking home the Diamond State Athletic Conference Championship. The men’s team went 6-1, placing second in the conference.

Bella Dell’Oso ’23 Field Hockey, 1st Team

Lindsey Renshaw ’23 Field Hockey, 1st Team

Becca Olsen ’23 Field Hockey, 2nd Team

Gavin Fanning ’21 Soccer, 1st Team

Sam Gattuso ’21 Soccer, 2nd Team

Christian Iacono ’21 Soccer, 3rd Team

Maddie Priest ’24 Cross Country, 3rd Team

Hannah Wright ’21 Volleyball, 1st Team

Chris Albero ’23 Football, 1st/3rd Teams

Kieran Udovich ’23 Football, 2nd Team

Kevin DiGregorio ’22 Football, 2nd Team

Conor Udovich ’22 Football, 2nd Team

Sanjay Long ’21 Wins Football Mini Max Award Archmere senior Sanjay Long has been named one of forty-one Mini Max high school award winners for Delaware by the Maxwell Football Club. Players were nominated by their coaches and were evaluated based on criteria that include football performance, academics and community service. One senior from each Delaware football team is represented.

The Maxwell Football Club will select one player from the group of Mini Max winners as the Delaware Player of the Year.

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Around Campus |

visual arts

Archmere Students Sweep the 2021 Scholastic Art Competition

Students won more Gold Key and Individual Awards than Any School in the State, Recognized as one of Top 50 High School Visual Art Programs in the U.S. CCoinciding with Archmere Academy’s celebration of 50 Years of Visual Arts this school year, Archmere’s art program was recognized as one of the Top 50 Visual Art Programs in the United States in the 2021 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards competition. Fifty-one Archmere Academy art students won recognition for their fine art accomplishments in the 2021 Delaware Regional Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, the nation’s most prestigious and competitive contest for excellence in fine art. Senior Margaret Atkins ’21 won the most individual awards overall (12) across four different art categories (Architecture & Industrial Design, Painting, Drawing & Illustration, and Portfolio).

Work is evaluated based on originality, technical skill, and emergence of a personal voice or vision. Gold Key awards represent the top 5% of work entered into each category, Silver Keys represent the top 10%. All Gold Key award-winning works then advanced to the national level of the competition, where students are be eligible for additional scholarships, exhibition, and publication opportunities.

Two Archmere students were also recognized this year as two of the five “American Visions” nominees. American FIFTY-ONE ARCHMERE ACADEMY Visions winners are selected as the five “Best In Show” works students recognized with 138 awards in of art and design (across all categories) and along with all Gold 12 Art and Design categories, 5 Portfolio Awards, Key regional awards, will advance to the National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards program. One American Visions and 2 of 5 Statewide American Visions Awards nominee is chosen to represent Delaware as one of the top (“Best in Show,” across all categories) 50 works of teen art in the United States. National medals are typically announced in May. Sophomore Adam Hartman ’23 was recognized as an American Visions Nominee for the State of Delaware in the Ceramics & Glass category for his piece Scorpion Shoe, and Margaret Atkins ’21 was recognized as an American Visions Nominee for the State of Delaware for her pastel piece Breaking the Surface, in the Drawing & Illustration category. Adam Hartman was selected as this year’s American Visions Medalist (Best in Show for the State of Delaware).A video installation of the Gold Key was presented in the Arts Center/Gallery January 19-February 12 at Delaware State University, along with a virtual exhibition of Gold Key work at artgallery.desu.edu Students and educators were honored at a virtual awards presentation on Sunday, March 7, 2021 at 4:00 pm. At the Regional Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Ceremony, two Archmere artists were recognized with the two top scholarship awards in the state. Senior Camron Kaiser ‘21 (educator Jody Hoffman) was awarded the First Place scholarship from the Delaware Art Education Association and a $1,000 scholarship. Senior Margaret Atkins ‘21 (educator Stephanie Silverman) was awarded the First Place Scholarship Award by the Delaware Foundation for the Visual Arts (DFVA) and a $2,500 scholarship.

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ART PORTFOLIO 5 Awards

DIGITAL ART 9 Awards

Gold Key

Silver Key

Camron Kaiser ’21

Silver Key

Margaret Atkins ’21 Drew Tamassia ’21 Lily Sabine ’21

Merit Award

Anna Garcia ’21

ARCHITECTURE & INDUSTRIAL DESIGN 2 Awards

Gold & Silver Keys

Margaret Atkins ’21

CERAMICS & GLASS 18 Awards

American Visions Nominee Adam Hartman ’23

Gold Key

Adam Hartman ’23 (2) Camron Kaiser ’21 (4) Norah Prendergast ’21

Silver Key

Adam Hartman ’23 (2) Camron Kaiser ’21 (3) Abby Garcia ’23

Merit Award

Camron Kaiser ’21 Hailey Gentry ’21 (2) Max Ross ’23

Ethan Ferreira ’21 (2) Ava Passehl ’22 Jocelyn Zavala-Garcia ’22 Elena Proctor ’22

Merit Award

Devin Dawson ’22 Chinwendu Emedoh ’23 Gabriella Gildea ’21 Elena Proctor ’22

PHOTOGRAPHY 28 Awards

Gold Key

Drew Tamassia ’21 (3) Anna Garcia ’21

Silver Key

Drew Tamassia ’21 (3) Anna Garcia ’21 Natalie Sheets ’22 (2) Audrey Mahoney ’23

Merit Award

Drew Tamassia ’21 (2) Anna Garcia ’21 (5) Natalie Sheets ’22 Alexandra Harrington ’22 Camron Kaiser ’21 Lily Sabine ’21 (3) Anthony Mariano ’21 Alex Regas ’21 Ava Scarpaci ’21

DRAWING & ILLUSTRATION 35 Awards

FASHION DESIGN 3 Awards

SCULPTURE 1 Award

Gold Key

Elena Proctor ’22

Silver Key

American Visions Nominee Margaret Atkins ’21

Gold Key

Margaret Atkins ’21 (2) Jillian Bale ’21 Jane Chen ’24 Gabriella Gildea ’21 Janae Hartman ’21 Rachel Sisson ’21 Marissa Quercetti ’21

Silver Key

Margaret Atkins ’21 Jane Chen ’24 Isabella Dayrit ’22 Ethan Ferreira ’21 Gabriella Gildea ’21 Ally McLaughlin ’22

Merit Award

Gabriella Gildea ’21 (2) Janae Hartman ’21 Rachel Sisson ’21 Elena Proctor ’22 (2) Sabrina Saggesse ’24 (2) Julianna Trusello ’21 (2) Jocelyn Zavala-Garcia ’22 (2) Kathryn Benson ’23 PJ Blessington ’24 Carsten Kaiser ’24 Ella Strohmaier ’24 Joseph Marino ’21 Ava Passehl ’22 Madelyn Priest ’24 Natalie Sheets ’22

Janae Hartman ’21

Silver Key

PAINTING 27 Awards

Natalie Sheets ’22

Gold Key

Merit Award

Margaret Atkins ’21 (3) Sydney Boyd ’22 Isabella Dayrit ’22 Helen Qi ’23 Charleston O’Donnell ’21 Kusha Malik ’22 Jovelyn Zavala-Garcia ’22

Ally McLaughlin ’22

MIXED MEDIA 12 Awards

Gold Key

Ava Passehl ’22 Helen Qi ’23 Jocelyn Zavala Garcia ’22

Silver Key

Margaret Atkins ’21 Isabella Dayrit ’22 Helen Qi ’23 Ava Passehl ’22

Silver Key

Helen Qi ’23 Jocelyn Zavala Garcia ’22 Joseph Marino ’21

Merit Award

Merit Award

Margaret Atkins ’21 Isabella Dayrit ’22 (2) Kusha Malik ’22 Jovelyn Zavala-Garcia ’22 Jillian Bale ’21 Katie Acuna Martinez ’22 Avery Ewing ’22 Gabriella Gildea ’21 Joseph Marino ’21 Janki Patel ’22 Reid Shields ’23 Sarah Puppio ’22 Maggie Turner ’23

Rachel Sisson ’21 (2) Katie Acuna-Martinez ’22 Isabella Dayrit ’22 Carsten Kaiser ’24 Madelyn Priest ’24

DESIGN 1 Award

Silver Key

Ella Bellace ’22

PRINTMAKING 3 Awards

Merit Award

Kathryn Benson ’23 Annie Dai ’22 Beyonce Hu ’22

Left to right: Camron Kaiser ’21, Ella Bellace ’22, Helen Qi ’23, Margaret Atkins ’21, Sydney Boyd ’22

Left to right: Drew Tamassia ’21, Rachel Sisson ’21, Margaret Atkins ’21, Drew Tamassia ’21, Norah Prendergast ’21

Left to right: Ethan Ferreira ’21, Anna Garcia ’21, Ally McLaughlin ’22, Janae Hartman ’21, Marissa Quercetti ’21, Lily Sabine ’21

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Around Campus |

visual arts

2021 Scholastic Awards National Medalists The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, the nonprofit organization that presents the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, has recognized four Archmere students with National Scholastic Art Medals: Elena Proctor ’22, Fashion Design; Kusha Malik ’22, Painting; Camron Kaiser ’21, Ceramics & Glass; and Adam Hartman ’22, Ceramics & Glass Gold Key and American Visions Medal, One of Top 50 Works of Art in the Nation. In the writing category, Alex Chen ’23 was awarded the American Voices Medal for his critical essay China’s Economic Transition and the Woes of State Capitalism.

More than 80,000 students submitted nearly 230,000 works of art and writing to the 2021 Scholastic Awards. These four pieces were selected by some of the foremost leaders in the visual and literary arts for excellence in originality, technical skill, and the emergence of a personal voice or vision. Only 2,000 works received a National Medal, which means these four works of student art are within the top 1% of all national submissions!

Since 1923, the Awards have celebrated teen artists and writers from across the country, including ranks of notable alumni, including Tschabalala Self, Stephen King, Kay WalkingStick, Charles White, Joyce Carol Oates, and Andy Warhol—all of whom won Scholastic Awards when they were teens.

Kusha Malik ’22 Saanjh Ki Beti

Camron Kaiser ’21 Anchored

Adam Hartman ’23

Elena Proctor ’22

Scorpion Shoe

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Origami Dress

SPRING 2021

Christmas Concert The Performing Arts Department presented its Annual Christmas Concert on Friday, November 20 in the Quad.

The event was also live-streamed on zoom and uploaded to YouTube. This year’s performance presented logistical challenges. To ensure that this annual tradition would go on despite the challenges of the pandemic and limits on indoor gatherings, Archmere invested in a large inflatable green and white outdoor concert shell.

performing arts

| Around Campus

ARCHMERE DRAMATICS PERFORMS SHAKESPEARE’S

A Midsummer Night’s Dream A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of Shakespeare’s most beloved and most produced plays in his repertoire. The play’s simple love-story and hilarious takes on love and life produces some of the most immortal lines in history like, “Lord, what fools these mortals be” and “The course of true love never did run smooth.” Archmere’s version of the play was set in the late 60s/ early 70s, a time of Beatniks and Hippies and great music. The play follows teenage lovers Hermia, Lysander, Demetrius and Helena as they fall in and out of love, attempting to avoid the strict rules of parents and society. While in the woods, the lovers get entangled in a spat between the king and queen of the fairies, much to the amusement of their mischievous servant, Puck. Meanwhile, a group of actors, attempting to

practice a play for the Duke’s wedding, also get mixed-up in the zaniness. A play full of tender moments and laughter, Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a play for everyone to enjoy.

Over twenty Archmere students were involved in the production’s cast and crew.

Seniors Alexis Rendel ’21 and Katie Yakovenko ’21 played Hermia and Helena, juniors Rob Smith ’22 and Ella Bellace ’22 play their off-and-on boyfriends, Lysander and Demetrius. Sophomore Connor Adams ’23 and junior Serena Martin ’22 played the King and Queen of the Fairies. Senior Gianna Abbrescia ’21 played the conniving sprite and servant, Puck. Senior Annalise Tonn ’21 and junior Kaitlyn Kaulback ’21 played Peter Quince and Nick Bottom, the leaders of the Beatnik acting troupe. Juniors Jake Nowazcyk ’22 and Pauline Hartman ’22 played Duke Theseus and his soon-to-be wife Hippolyta.

To accommodate Archmere’s health and safety protocols, the play was performed outside in the Formal Garden area of campus in between the Patio and the Science Building and was performed on Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3.

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c nversations @ArchmereAcademy

Archmere Academy

Archmere Academy

December 10

September 15

Shout out to Maddie Priest ’24 who was named 3rd Team All-State and made it onto Archmere’s freshmen girls all-time list!

December 5

When your students are learning about symbolism in literature, it just makes sense to explore the symbols we see every day at the koi pond on campus in front of the Ambrogi Gates.

Thanks, Mrs. Wright! #auks #OutdoorLearning

Auk athletes are on today! Congratulations to both the Men’s and Women’s Cross Country teams for their 5th place finish in the State Championships! Maddie Priest ’24 was the Archmere top runner, placing 13th overall as a freshman. Jack Flanagan ’21 was the Archmere top runner for the men, placing 18th in the state. Awesome job!

Archmere Academy

Archmere Academy

Archmere Academy

August 25

September 17

October 8

Honk if you love freshmen orientation day! Half of the class of 2024 entered through the gates of Archmere today, and we can’t wait to do it again tomorrow. Go Auks! #archmereacademy #archmere #auks #classof2024

In honor of #LatinxHeritageMonth (September 15-October 14), the sophomore class took time out of their C Day to find flags from Spanish-speaking countries all around campus! #HispanicHeritageMonth #archmere #auks

This week the Forensic Science Class made rough sketches of their crime scenes, which were set up around the Science building.

Even Squirt the Turtle decided to do some investigation! Stay tuned for next week when their classmates will analyze their scene and collect evidence as they attempt to solve the crime. CSI’s on campus! #scientistsatwork #auksundercover #forensicscience

Archmere Academy

Archmere Academy

Archmere Academy

September 1

December 3

September 18

We need your help! This new Archmere addition needs a name. It’s too soon to know the gender of this ball python, so gender-neutral names only, please! #ballpython #archmere #auks #classroomsnake

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SPRING 2021

That winning feeling! Congratulations to the volleyball team for a successful battle against Appoquinimink in the first round of the DIAA State tourney.

They advance to take on St. Mark’s on Friday night at 6:30!

Not to brag, but Dr. Archer, Dr. Escobar, and Mr. Creekmore have this mask thing DOWN! And if you look closely... when they stand together, they represent the ENTIRE periodic table.

Alumni News Bill Larson ’04

Karl Holsten ’95 and Brian Andress ’95

Michael Reichert ’02 with son, Camrin, and daughter, Emma

Theo William Rice

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Charles Conway ’52 wrote an essay titled “Heidegger’s Poetry of Being: Philosophy or Mysticism?” which appeared in the Annual Review of the Oxford Philosophical Society.

This marks the ninth consecutive year that one of his essays has been published in this prestigious journal.

Megan Totino Martin ’87 was re-elected to the position of Secretary – Parliamentarian of the Pennsylvania State Senate.

Megan is the first woman to hold this position, and was first elected by the Senate in 2012, and re-elected in 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019. Megan is the 12th Secretary-Parliamentarian since the position was established in statute in 1911.

In this capacity, she serves as one of the four Officers of the Senate along with the President (Lt. Governor), President Pro Tempore, and Chief Clerk.

She performs three important roles for the Senate: Secretary; Parliamentarian; and, Right-toKnow Law Appeals Officer.

Michael Reichert ’02 and his wife Christina welcomed baby girl Emma to their family on January 5, 2021. Pictured here with proud brother, Camrin (4).

Bill Larson ’04 has been identified by Delaware Today magazine as the leading Government Affairs attorney in its 2020 Top Lawyer rankings. Bill has an impressive background in the areas of Government Affairs and significant experience counseling clients on local Government Affairs issues. He also currently serves as the City of Wilmington Ethics Commission Counsel, wherein he advises on various ethics issues, adjudications, and training.

1994 Brian Lee ’94 and wife Holly welcomed their first child, Austin James, on January 31, 2020.

1995 Karl Holsten ’95 and Brian Andress ’95 gathered on December 19 to cheer on the Auks football team while livestreaming the Championship game from Richmond, VA.

Erica Stalnecker Wilson ’02 was recently elected partner of Troutman Pepper. Erica focuses her practice on mergers and acquisitions, where she represents public and private companies, and private equity firms and their portfolio companies, in a variety of domestic and cross-border transactions and in a wide range of industries.

2003 Drew Carr ’03 executive produced a two-hour TV special on the Golf Channel, titled The PXG College Golf Showcase.

Courtney Lynch Rice ’04 and her husband Derek joyfully announce the birth of Theo William Rice, born June 30, 2020 at 1:13 a.m. Theo was 8 pounds, 4.6 ounces and 21 inches long.

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Olivia Anderson

Harriett Elizabeth MacLeod

Rose Bock ’06 and husband, Corey Kilbane

Sophia Emory Brown

Cameron Noelle Plum

Anthony Joseph DeSantis

2004 (continued) Catherine Homsey MaceyMacLeod ’04 and her husband Ed welcomed a baby girl on August 2, 2020. Harriett Elizabeth weighed 7 lbs and 12 oz, measuring 21 inches long.

2005 Carl Minniti ’05 has rejoined the life sciences IP litigation team at Paul Hastings after a year of clerking for Chief Judge Stark in the District of Delaware, which was a terrific experience in every way.

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Murphy Joseph Sanna

Chris Sanna ’05 and his wife Lisle welcomed a baby boy on November 11, 2020. Murphy Joseph was 8 pounds, 6 ounces, and 20.5 inches long. He joins siblings Bray (6), Munro (5), and Sutton (3).

Chris Brown ’05 and his wife Lindsey welcomed a baby girl on November 26, 2020, Thanksgiving Day. Sophia Emory weighed 7 pounds, 5 ounces and already has mom and dad wrapped around her little fingers.

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Paige Sullivan Kuderka ’07 with husband, John, and son, Callan

2006 Kasey Hacker DeSantis ’06 and Anthony DeSantis ’05 welcomed a baby boy on October 22, 2020. Anthony Joseph weighed 9 pounds, 2 ounces and joined big sisters Nicole and Leah (twins, age 4).

Rose Bock ’06 married Corey Kilbane on October 9, 2020.

Meredith Freeborn Anderson ’06 and her husband Travis welcomed a baby girl named Olivia on June 28, 2020.

Allison Schieffer Plum ’06 and her husband Andy welcomed another baby girl, Cameron Noelle on December 17, 2020.

The family resides in Severna Park, MD.

2007 Paige Sullivan Kuderka ’07 and her husband John welcomed their first child on November 2, 2020. Callan John Kuderka weighed 7 lbs and 2 oz.

2008 Christine O’Neill Kuha ’08 recently started her own photography business, CK Photography.

Alumni Spotlight A CONVERSATION WITH

Dr. William Mulhearn ’08

colleagues are working on is the James Webb Space Telescope, which is designed to observe longwavelength infrared light and will allow us to detect very old and distant objects closer to the edge of the visible universe.

You are the son of a long-time Archmere Science teacher, Mr. William Mulhearn. Do you credit your dad’s passion for science and science education for developing your own interest in the field?

Yes, absolutely! It was the time I spent with my dad when I was younger that first got me interested in science. I still remember working on science kits or watching Bill Nye the Science Guy together. The fact that both of my parents are teachers encouraged me to ask questions and seek out explanations about the world from an early age.

WILLIAM MULHEARN ’08 HAS ACCEPTED A POSITION AS A MATERIALS ENGINEER AST FOR NASA AT THE GODDARD SPACE CENTER IN MARYLAND.

He just completed a two-year post-doctoral fellowship at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). After graduating from Archmere in 2008, Will received a bachelor’s degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania in 2012. Will then spent a summer at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and went on to complete a Ph.D. at Princeton University under the guidance of Professor Richard Register, specializing in Polymer Physics and dealing with applications including tough plastics and recyclable rubber. After finishing graduate school, Will returned to NIST for a two-year post-doctoral fellowship before recently joining NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center as an Aerospace Material Engineer.

Will, tell us a bit about your post-doctoral fellowship at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and your new role at NASA. My time at NIST has had a huge role in shaping my career path and interests.

I worked there twice and both times I was working on water purification membranes with a tremendous scientist and mentor, Dr. Christopher Stafford.

Back in 2012, Chris was the first person who got me interested in polymer research. He showed me how polymers are the building blocks of so many of the things we take for granted, whether it’s a structural component in a helmet or microscopically thin membrane that we use to purify our drinking water.

Now that I’ve started up at NASA, I’ve had the chance to apply my polymer physics background to some really cool projects. I’m working as an Aerospace Material Engineer at the Goddard Space Flight Center. I am responsible for testing and evaluating structural materials for building satellites and other flight projects, and also conducting research to develop new polymer-based materials for aerospace applications. One of the big things that I and just about all of my

Can you trace the development of your personal interest in science to your years at Archmere?

Archmere provides excellent facilities and course offerings for students interested in the sciences. The energy that my favorite science teachers brought to the classroom definitely had a role in shaping my interests. Outside of the classroom, Archmere also gave support to so many science and math-related extracurricular activities. I vividly remember Math League, Science Olympiad, and the annual Test of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science (TEAMS) competition. Archmere fosters a student culture that encourages intellectual exploration. I was willing to join those clubs and enroll in certain science electives in large part because I had a close group of friends who shared my interests in science and would join or enroll along with me. I always appreciated that a place like Archmere could attract and foster students like these.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Related to some of what I said earlier, what I’d really emphasize about Archmere is the quality of the people. Both the teachers and the students are exceptional, and that combination provides an environment that’s essential for a student interested in the sciences to explore and find a field that really resonates with them. This gave me an important foundation to lean on when I started college, and I was very well prepared for the challenges of higher education.

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Bailee Donahue ’09

The wedding of Elise M. Turek ’09 and Craig Myers

2009 Bailee Donahue ’09 will begin a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the Perry World House Borders and Boundaries Lab at the University of Pennsylvania in July 2021. Prior to joining the Penn community, she will defend her dissertation entitled, “Adaptation in Economies Under Pressure,” and complete her doctorate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

During her Fellowship, Bailee will continue to pursue her research on the consequences of dysfunctional border institutions on international trade relationships. She would like to take the opportunity to thank the Archmere faculty for providing her with an excellent intellectual foundation to pursue her research. Most formative of all the faculty is Ms. Jody Hoffman (her mother and beloved Archmere art teacher), who always encouraged her to keep asking “just one more question.”

Elise M. Turek ’09 married Craig Myers on August 31, 2019 at Penn Oaks Club in West Chester, Pa. The wedding party included the following alumni: Carly Landini Place

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Jenna DiNardo Lougheed ’09 with husband, Benjamin, and son, Lincoln

Jerry Jay “JJ” Ambrogi

’09 as Matron of Honor, Maria Tarabicos ’09 as a bridesmaid, and Elise’s brother Evan Turek ’13, as a groomsman. Also in attendance were fellow Archmere graduates: Richard Turek III ’00, Amanda Turek Curatola ’04, Rachael Phillips ’08, Julia Matyas Sullivan ’09 & Kenneth Sullivan ’08. Elise graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2013 with a degree in Finance and Marketing. Upon graduation, Elise began working at T. Rowe Price in Maryland where she is now a Senior Accountant. The newlyweds honeymooned in Fiji and reside in Maryland.

who was born on August 13, 2020 at 2:10 p.m., weighing 7 lbs and 10 oz. Jenna’s sister, Ashley DiNardo Rizzo ’06, is a labor and delivery nurse at Christiana Hospital and helped deliver Lincoln.

Jenna DiNardo Lougheed ’09 and her husband Benjamin welcomed their first child – a baby boy named Lincoln Joseph,

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2010 Alicia Millman O’Connell ’10 and her husband Mike welcomed a baby girl on September 9, 2020. Ivy Mae came two weeks early, weighing 6 lbs and 7 oz.

The family currently resides in Goldendale, Washington.

Maddie Dunleavy Slattery ’10 and Spencer Slattery ’10 welcomed their second child, a baby girl named Claire Amelia, on December 10, 2020.

Orcel Kounga ’12

2011 Christopher Ambrogi ’11 and Victoria McIlrath ’11 welcomed a baby boy Jerry Jay “JJ” on September 22, 2020.

2012 Orcel Kounga ’12 was just appointed Director of Admissions and Student Affairs at Drexel University College of Medicine (DUCOM)- Tower Health West Reading Campus.

He will oversee the entire range of student services, from recruitment through graduation.

Orcel currently serves on Archmere’s Alumni Council.

2019 Alisa Yakovenko ’19 plans to begin an internship with Microsoft this summer, working on their supply chain team for hardware and devices.

Alumni Spotlight

Matt Groum ’17 Joins White House Staff

By Gina Dzielak, Communications Manager

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1. Matt Groum began his new role as a staff assistant in the White House this year. 2. As a public policy intern for the Biden Institute, Matt attended Harvard University’s National Campaign Conference. 3. Matt and his fellow students with former Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx at a Biden Institute event.

4. Matt graduated from the University of Delaware in three years, thanks to Archmere Academy’s rigorous academic and AP program. 5. From working at the Biden Institute, Matt met political commentator and strategist Donna Brazile. 6. While he was a natural leader in and out of the classroom, Matt is also a talented musician. 7. While he was a student at the University of Delaware, Matt served as the Faculty & Alumni Engagement Chair for UDance.

8. Matt Groum and some of his fellow Biden Institute interns. 9. Matt graduated from Archmere Academy in 2017 and received the Archmere medal!

ARCHMERE ACADEMY ALUMNI TAKE LEADERSHIP TO A NEW LEVEL, AND THAT IS NO DIFFERENT WITH MATT GROUM ’17. After accepting a position as a Staff Assistant in the White House, Matt prepares to take the next step in his career that in many ways began when he was a student.

Matt took on many leadership positions at Archmere. He started the Auks Beat Cancer club, served as Editor-In-Chief of the Green Arch newspaper, managed an intramural basketball team, was a leader in the nonprofit, Y Innovations, represented Archmere in the Delaware Youth Leadership Network, and was a natural leader in many of the other clubs in which he participated.

“I worked closely with Matt on our Mock Trial team,” said Ms. Kristen Witte, History Department Chair and Mock Trial moderator. “He was truly the organizer and mentor to the younger members of the team. His enthusiasm for the Mock Trial

program attracted more students than ever and helped our teams cohesion.” Mr. Damian Demnicki ’86 said “Matt was a natural leader in concert band and stage band, and he was always eager to try something new and challenge himself.” It’s no wonder Matt Groum received the Archmere Medal his senior year. Even after graduating, Matt continues to give back to Archmere. Most recently, he started the Black Alumni Collective with fellow alumna Taylor Tucker ’16, helping to engage the Archmere community in respectful, meaningful, and thoughtful conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Because of the many AP courses Matt took as an Archmere student, he graduated a year early with a degree in Economics from the University of Delaware, spending what would have been his last year in college to work on political campaigns. He served as the Communications Director for Madinah Wilson-Anton, member of the Delaware House of Representatives for District 26, and the first practicing Muslim to serve in Delaware’s legislature. Matt also worked as a Scheduling Intern for the Campaign for President Joseph R. Biden.

The connections he made in these roles, combined with his work as a Public Policy Intern for the Biden Institute while at the University of Delaware, opened the doors to his new role as a Staff Assistant in the White House. Matt hopes to continue to work in public service throughout his career.

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Joseph R. Biden ’61 BECOMES FIRST ALUMNUS ELECTED AS PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

By Gina Dzielak, Marketing & Communications Manager ARCHMERE ACADEMY CULTIVATES EMPATHETIC LEADERS WHO ARE PREPARED FOR EVERY GOOD WORK, and now an alumnus of Archmere has

been elected to this country’s highest office. Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. ’61 is the 46th President of the United States of America.

It was during his formative teenage years at Archmere Academy that President Joseph R. Biden’s leadership began. He was a Student Council leader, serving as President of his junior and senior classes, which he earned by getting to know everyone. His classmates will tell you he knows how to connect to people. “Joe hasn’t changed since 1957,” said Dr. J. Michael M. Fay ’61. “He’s straightforward, and whatever he says, he means. He sticks to his word.”

Another of his classmates, Robert T. Markel, Ph.D. ’61, had the honor of voting for him as an Elector for the state of Massachusetts. As a former political science In November 2020, Joseph R. Biden, Jr. became the first teacher and former Mayor of Springfield, MA, Markel was always interested in Delawarean and first Archmere alumnus elected to the highest office in the United States. the electoral process. But the 2020 election will still stand out to him, not only for serving as an Elector but also for having the honor of officially announcing that Massachusetts’ electoral In Biden’s 2007 book, Promises to Keep, he wrote of living in votes belonged to his friend, Joe Biden. He said, “It Brookview Apartments on Philadelphia Pike: “I had the bedroom in was a very special moment to be able to vote for a back, which meant from my window I could gaze upon the object of high school classmate that I’ve known so well over the my deepest desire, my Oz: Archmere….I knew where I wanted to go to years to be President of the United States. It’s almost high school. I didn’t ever think of Archmere as a path to greater glory. mind-boggling to be able to do something like that.”

When I was ten, getting to Archmere seemed enough. I’d sit and stare In 2013 when then-Vice President Biden visited out my bedroom window and dream of the day I would walk through Archmere Academy, to mingle and chat with students the front doors and take my spot in that seat of learning (pages 6-7).” in the Patio. He said, “the priests here at Archmere gave me the confidence to speak,” as public speaking was a large part of the curriculum at the time and played a large role in President FROM THE ARCHIVES: 1961 YEARBOOK Biden working through his stutter. “[Biden] spent one summer trying to JOSEPH BIDEN Joe Joe is another one of our all-around overcome that,” said Markel. “He would read aloud from a text of some kind, athletes. For three years he played typically Emerson, as a way of overcoming the stuttering. I remember we went on both the football team and the basketball team, contributing his fine back in the fall, and he wasn’t stuttering anymore. It was astonishing.” personality and hard work to each.

Biden served as the 47th Vice President of the United States from 2009 to 2017 He is a member of the Varsity Club and was a basketball team manager and represented Delaware in the U.S. Senate from 1973 to 2009. Three of Biden’s in his freshman year. He displayed his school spirit at every opportunity. children attended Archmere: R. Hunter ’88, Ashley ’99, and the late Joseph R. Whenever a sport was being played (Beau) Biden III ’87. that he was not in, Joe was right there cheering the rest of the team on. Joe was elected president of his class in his junior and senior years and was a sophomore homeroom representative.

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THE ARCHMEREAN

SPRING 2021

FROM THE ARCHIVES: THE ARCHMEREAN, WINTER 1980 The letter below was submitted by then U.S. Senator, Joseph R. Biden, Jr., to the first issue of The Archmerean, Winter 1980.

Thoughts on the New Decade The beginning of a new decade seems a particularly appropriate time to assess the future. But it is also a time for assessing the past for clues to what the future holds – and for indications of what we can bring to bear on coming events.

Many people are looking toward the 1980s with fear, with disillusionment, with pessimism. They feel that the high hopes with which we greeted the 1970s have been dashed by the problems our country has faced in those ten years.

But I believe that their pessimism is unfounded. The last decade has been a period of turmoil, of contradiction, of setbacks and crises – and above all, of America’s response to some of the most serious challenges of this century.

I believe that those who are seeing the worst for our nation in the 1980s are wrong.

To be sure, we are still struggling with some of the challenges that arose in the 1970s, but we have surpassed others – and we have survived them all. We are still the freest, most self-reliant, most powerful nation in the world.

There is no nation in the world that has guarded its freedom and its citizens’ liberties as has the United States. We have renewed our commitment to civil and human rights time and time again in this last decade – often in the face of strong opposition, and rarely when it was the course of least resistance. We have made our dedication to the freedom of individuals and of nations around the world clear to our friends and to our foes. And our commitment at home to the rights of minorities, of women, and of every human being has not faltered.

Our political system has withstood some of its strongest trials since civil war tore at this nation’s heart a century ago. The wrenching of the Vietnam anti-war movement challenged our national unity – and the results reaffirmed the government by the people of which Lincoln spoke. The Watergate scandal threatened to paralyze the process by which this country is governed, and called into question the morality of every political figure and public official across the nation. But we have emerged from that time of trial stronger, more committed to government based on the informed consent of the governed.

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Through tests that would have thrown a lesser nation into years of confusion, America has remained the most stable nation in the world – a society to which every other nation looks as an example.

We are still the most resourceful nation in the world. Much has been said about the limits of natural resources – but we have the human resources to develop far more efficient ways of working within those limits. Much has been said about our failing economy, and the times are indeed difficult – but we are still the world’s breadbasket, the most technologically advanced nation on earth, and the nation in which other countries choose to invest. Much has been said about our crippling addiction to oil –but this country’s businesses and consumers have cut their gasoline consumption substantially during the last year. We know we will have to conserve even more, to learn to use energy even more efficiently – but we have the strength of purpose and an endowment of natural resources which can maintain our place among the most advanced nations on earth.

Perhaps most in doubt has been America’s standing around the globe. Some critics interpret the events of the last decade internationally as painting a portrait of American impotence. But this is a false picture. In travels to other nations over the past ten years, nowhere have I met a citizen or leader who does not recognize the United States as the strongest country in the world. No one sees our country as past its prime, as failing in power, as impotent. And no one of even our severest critics at home would trade places militarily with any other nation.

Certainly no one can pretend to any American that the times of trial are over. Certainly no one can guarantee that new crises won’t appear on the horizon of the 1980s to challenge American will and commitment further. Indeed, in a turbulent and uncertain world, we must expect crisis to be a constant no matter what we do. But I am convinced that we can deal confidently and successfully with whatever may befall us.

I believe that events of the past year, and of the whole decade of the 1970s, have underlined the fundamental strength of American traditions and of the American people – their dedication to human rights and human values, their willingness to steadily maintain their principles in the face of hardship and harassment, and their desire to settle international issues by law in the face of deliberate and often obstinate provocation.

Despite the disagreeable demands and frequent dangers that undoubtedly lie ahead, Americans can look forward to a new year and a new decade with pride in themselves and confidence in their future.

Joseph R. Biden, Jr., United States Senator

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Photo: Chip Somodevilla

1. Joe Biden (30) played halfback for Archmere’s football team, and caught seven or eight touchdown passes in eight games. 2. 1961 Class Officers (J. Gleason, Treas.; J. Biden, President; J. Lanahan, Vice-President; J. DiSabatino, Secretary). 3. Class of 1961 Celebrates their 20-year reunion and poses for a group picture in the Patio, from Vol. 1, Winter 1992, Archmere Alumni Newsletter. Pictured: (seated) John Hansel ’61, Charles DelCampo ’61, Joe Biden ’61, Jim Waldron ’61, Bill Bowden ’61; (standing) Mike Fay ’61, Ron Gribbins ’61, Tom Hazzard ’61, Ron Lee ’61, Tom Manerchia ’61, Marty Londergan ’61, Bob Tigani ’61.

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4. When he was Vice President, Joe Biden made a surprise visit to campus in 2013, spoke with the student body in The Patio, and posed with photos of faculty and staff. Here he is with Mrs. Barbara McGinley, Ms. Erin P. McNichol ’92, and Mr. Timothy Dougherty. 5. Robert T. Markel, Ph.D. ’61, casts his vote for Joseph R. Biden on December 14, 2020 as an Elector for the state of Massachusetts. 6. President-Elect Biden introduces members of his incoming Economic Team.

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Mastersingers Alumni Virtual Christmas Concert: Christmas Voices Near and Far

UNABLE TO JOIN TOGETHER IN PERSON THIS YEAR,

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ALUMNI

MASTERSINGERS

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MUSICIANS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY,

and from a 35-year span of classes, came together virtually for a concert of Christmas favorites which premiered in December. Under the direction of former faculty member Mary Ellen Schauber, and with accompaniment by Headmaster Dr. Michael Marinelli ’76, the singers recorded their voice parts from their own homes. Audio and video engineer Fionán de Barra used Dr. Marinelli’s piano and organ accompaniment tracks, and layered the vocal tracks of the soprano, alto, tenor, and bass section leaders into a mix for the remaining singers to rehearse and record their own parts. The singers used two devices to produce their audio tracks – a “playback” device, such as a computer, phone or tablet, to listen to the recorded accompaniment via headphones or earbuds; and a “recording” device, such as a smartphone or tablet, to record the video and audio of their own performance. Once each of the nine songs was recorded, the singers uploaded their individual files to a shared computer drive, and de Barra compiled the tracks from each singer, for each song, into the resulting mix that magically came together behind the scenes as a result of his wizardry – with current and historic photos of the Patio decorated for Christmas in the background.

The final song of the program, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” included some of the singers’ family members, and was a fitting and joyful end to the concert.

The program featured some of Archmere’s favorite luminaries, including Fr. Joseph McLaughlin,

O.Praem., who read the Gospel according to Luke (2:1-20); former World Language teacher Patricia K. Cunningham, who read the prayer, “A Christmas Blessing’’ by Joyce Rupp, from Out of the Ordinary; and staff member Marie Parks, who read the poem “Hymn of Winter” by Samuel Longfellow. Their readings, recorded in front of a roaring fire in the Patio Courtyard, contributed significantly to the beauty of the entire program.

Several of the singers came together after the premiere of the program for a Zoom Celebration, and it was a chance for them to connect and discuss their recording experiences for the first time, since all of their work had been done on their own for the concert. All agreed that the chance to work together with alumni around the country was an unexpected gift, and expressed a desire to record one or two virtual choir pieces in future years, even when a local alumni choir can gather once again for this concert in the Patio.

If you would like to watch this performance, scan the first QR code below, find it on the Archmere Academy YouTube channel, or at archmereacademy. com/GSConcert. To view the concert program, scan the second QR code below or look for the link in the notes under the YouTube video.

Scan these QR codes with your camera phone: Christmas Concert Concert program

2020 MASTERSINGERS CHRISTMAS CHOIR Soprano Julie Button ’01 Claire Caverly ’15 Pia Chatterjee ’99 Madison Downey ’20 Alison Paige Newitt Hilley ’95 Sophia Liston ’20 Rebecca McBride ’16 Kate Nasuti ’87 * Mary Beth Rim ’95 Samantha Shoemaker ’95

Alto

Jennifer Green Broomall ’88 * Shelly Gilbride ’93 Tammy Shumaker Golden ’87 Katie O’Donnell ’01 Alisa Yakovenko ’18

Tenor

Eric Longo ’03 * Jacob Meredith ’20 Keelin Reilly ’17

Bass

Sangho Byun ’91 Jim deProphetis ’01 Brian P. Gilmore ’88 * Michael Logothetis ’89 Michael Raffaele ’94 Christian Ryan ’87 Antonio Sacre ’86 Dan Smith ’94 Ryan Tibbetts ’00 Alex Weir ’17

Musicians

Program Director and Piano/Organ Accompanist, Michael Marinelli ’76 Soprano Soloist, Meagan Miller ’92 Violin, Alex Weir ’17 Timpani, Christina Lawless ’12 Artistic Director, Mary Ellen Schauber Producer, Katherine Ball-Weir PP’17 Engineering and Editing, Fionán de Barra * Section Leader

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ALUMNI MASTERSINGERS REUNION REFLECTIONS

JENNY GREEN BROOMALL ’88

CHRISTIAN RYAN ’87

“Being a Mastersinger was such a memorable part of my life. I loved the camaraderie with the other singers, and formed many lifelong relationships that I treasure to this day. In fact, I believe my experience as a Mastersinger inspired me to be a music teacher, which has been my profession for the last 27 years.”

“Being in Mastersingers was such an honor – and a wonderful challenge! I remember well preparing for our first Christmas concert, tackling a beautiful and tricky set of carols by Daniel Pinkham. Mary Ellen raised our game terrifically, and it’s fabulous to be part of the reunion so many years later. Thirty-five years – amazing!”

ANTONIO (TONY) SACRE ’86

CLAIRE CAVERLY ’15

RYAN TIBBETTS ’00

“I learned discipline, dedication, and perseverance from being a Mastersinger. I felt a part of a community that supported me, and the beauty of the music soothed my soul.

The techniques I learned serve me to this day in my career as a spoken word performer, and in the bedtime lullabies I sing to my own two children. Michael Lewis, a writer I admire, said this in a recent podcast, and I feel the exact same way about Mary Ellen Schauber, the Green Series Artistic Director: ‘Hearing myself described by my coach in an original way... he gave me a new narrative, a new identity... and I ran with it. Years later, I wanted to tell him not look what I did, but look what you made possible for me to do.’”

“This concert (and year) has reminded me of the importance of community.

Community is a core value at Archmere and Mastersingers particularly embodies this. My friends from Mastersingers remain some of my closest friends. Mastersingers was also how I met my teacher, Mary Ellen Schauber. Without her and Mr. Ifkovits’ guidance, I would not be where I am today. I was recently reflecting on a quote Mr. Jordan shared with my class in our senior year: ‘To whom much is given, much is expected.’ I am so grateful for the Archmere education and community I was given. I credit many of the opportunities I have been given to the drive that Archmere created within me.”

“I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that being in Mastersingers was literally life-changing for me.

It’s where I fell in love with choral singing, discovered that I enjoyed liturgical music, and decided that I wanted to pursue music as a career – and just about everything I’ve done in the past twenty years since I graduated from Archmere has flowed from that.”

SANGHO BYUN ’91 AND SHELLY GILBRIDE ’93 “We met in Archmere’s music and theatre program in 1990, and the time we spent together in the choir and band rooms really shaped our personalities. Music has remained a huge part of our lives over the past three decades. We live in California now, so we’re thrilled to be able to join this virtual Mastersingers reunion concert.”

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VIRTUAL 2020-2021 GREEN SERIES PROGRAMS As a result of COVID-19, all of our Green Series programs for the season are virtual programs, available free of charge on our YouTube channel.

We have discovered that the series adapts well to the virtual platform. Viewing data for the first couple of programs have shown a large increase in audience size. Our virtual programs can be viewed by alumni, family, and friends and are often shared outside of the Archmere community. For example, our Alumni Mastersinger Christmas Concert, which included singers from coast to coast, had more than 3,000 views on YouTube and Facebook, compared to an in-person audience of 150-200—an increase of 1,400%! Search for our programs on the Archmere Academy YouTube channel or visit the links provided below.

November 19, 2020 | Patio Virtual Walking Tour – The Places You Don’t See: The Basement Join alumni and Archmere history enthusiasts Tom Manerchia ’61 and Michael Marinelli ’76. Join them for the tour—from the winding connected underground tunnels to the utility corridors of the Patio basement that tell a story of state-of-the-art engineering and technology for an early 20th century “modern” home. If you missed this virtual tour, visit ArchmereAcademy.com/GSPatioTour.

December 20, 2020 | Mastersingers Alumni Virtual Christmas Concert: Christmas Voices Near and Far This special virtual choir program features 31 alumni from around the country, and from a 35-year span of classes. To watch the concert, visit ArchmereAcademy.com/GSConcert.

January 2021 | Patio Virtual Walking Tour – The Places You Don’t See: The Basement, Part 2 A continuation of the basement tour of the Patio and the Manor with Tom Manerchia ’61 and Michael Marinelli ’76. The tour can be viewed at ArchmereAcademy.com/GSPatioTourEp2.

March 2021 | The Dresden Organ at Archmere: The Remaking of a Masterpiece A virtual tour of the Archmere Dresden Organ in the Patio, still under construction, including a discussion with Archmere Organ Society volunteers. With Bill Church, Brant Duddy, and Michael Marinelli ’76. View the tour at ArchmereAcademy.com/dresden-organ.

April 24, 2021 | Green Concert Program of Archmere Student Performers A virtual pre-recorded program premiering during the Fine Arts Festival, featuring ten outstanding Archmere student musicians from the freshman through senior classes. To watch the concert, visit ArchmereAcademy.com/spring-concert21 after April 24.

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2020-2021 FRIENDS OF THE PATIO SPONSORS We are grateful for the new and renewing sponsorships we have received to-date to support the cost of producing our virtual series and the expense of ongoing restoration work in the Patio.

All gifts are appreciated and support this work; gifts of $100 or more are recognized as Friends of the Patio Sponsors. If you’d like to support our work, you may make a gift at ArchmereAcademy.com/sponsorship.

Friends of the Patio Chairman

Dr. Anthony A. Vasile ’74 with Mrs. Lori A. Vasile

Norbertine Sponsors

Mr. Frank J. Behm ’74 & Mrs. Andrea M. Behm Mr. William D. Church & Mr. John Washburn Mr. and Mrs. K. Mark Dresden, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. John Ferguson Mrs. Ursula L. Praiss The Raskob Foundation Dr. Robert A. Rosenbaum & Ms. Jean R. Rosenbaum Dr. James A. Stockman, III ’61 & Mrs. Lee Stockman

Patio Sponsors

Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Kennedy

Raskob Sponsors

Dickinson Theatre Organ Society, Inc.

Archmere Sponsors

Mrs. Katherine Ball-Weir & Dr. Carl Weir Mr. & Mrs. Henry T. Rossi Ms. Mary Ellen Schauber & Mr. Edward Stegemeier

Green Sponsors

Mr. Thomas H. Anderson, III ’60 & Mrs. Carol J. Anderson Mr. & Mrs. Frank A. Cuoco Mr. Brian P. Gilmore ’88 Mr. Kevin J. & Mrs. Rosemary Gilroy Mrs. Elizabeth Homsey Mr. Joseph P. Melloy, Sr. ’52 Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Shields ’60 Dr. Kenneth & Mrs. Barbara Witterholt

Gold Sponsors

Ms. Patricia Capelli Mr. Joseph and Mrs. Kathryn B. Knox Dr. Gerard Kuhn & Dr. Katherine King Mrs. Susan M. Padien ’84 Mr. Michael F. & Mrs. Elaine C. Reilly ’83 Mrs. & Mrs. Justin M. Ryan Mr. Gary and Mrs. Lynda Swenson

White Sponsors

Mr. Barry Allen Mrs. Peggy W. Brown Dr. & Mrs. Anthony Carbo Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin H. Deeble, Jr. Dr. B. Christopher ’85 & Mrs. Joanne Dougherty Dr. Timothy J. Downey & Dr. Michelle T. Icasiano Ms. Mary Goodrick Mr. Matthew Kennedy ’97 Mr. Ronald P. ’61 and Rita Lee Mr. & Mrs. John R. Malloy Rev. Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem.

Mr. Mark P. Morse ’63 & Dr. Winifred A. Morse Ms. Ulla Nieminen Dr. Robert A. Penna ’85 & Mrs. Melanie A. Penna Mr. James T. Prendergast ’77 & Ms. Eleanor Wu Mr. Paul Pringle Mr. Nicholas F. Quercetti, Jr. ’74 & Mrs. Patricia M. Quercetti Mr. & Mrs. John F. Sarro Mr. Gregory W. Shannon ’64 & Mrs. Barbara C. Shannon Mr. and Mrs. Daniel M. Skedzielewski Mrs. Mary Ann E. Slowik ’79 & Mr. Jeffrey J. Slowik Ms. Janice R. Tigani Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Uliase Mr. Anthony S. Voell ’89 & Mrs. Amanda Voell Dr. F. Thomas Witomski ’54 Mrs. Mary Ann E. Wozniak

Need a special gift for your graduating Auk? Consider one of these meaningful and unique items.

Yellow Brick Home Print Price $350 Artist and retired faculty member Terry Newitt unveiled his original painting, Yellow Brick Home, at the Fifth Annual Fine Arts Festival in 2012. Print sales will benefit the Manor Restoration Fund for the Arts.

Named Oratory Chair Donation $500 Honor a classmate, recent graduate, or teacher with a chair in their name inside the Immaculate Conception Oratory of Saint Norbert Hall. There are a limited number of congregational chairs available for this opportunity. A 3.5" x 1" commemorative plate will be individually inscribed and attached to the back of each chair that is named.

Personalized Brick Donation $150 The Fathers’ Club offers personalized engraved bricks that are permanently placed along several walkways throughout campus. You may personalize the brick with up to three lines of 15 characters each, including spaces and punctuation.

If you are interested in any of these items, please contact advancement@archmereacademy.com

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THE ARCHMERE FUND Step up to the challenge … make an impact today by supporting the Archmere Fund!

TO SAY THAT THIS HAS BEEN A CHALLENGING YEAR IS AN INCREDIBLE UNDERSTATEMENT. Facing challenges head on

is something Auks do well. In fact, preparing our students to succeed, especially in challenging times, is at the core of the Archmere mission. Now more than ever, we need your support to fulfill that mission.

Archmere alumni have always stepped up to have a positive impact. Joe Biden ’61 and Frank Burr ’45, who are recognized in this edition of The Archmerean, are just two examples of our many alumni who have made positive impacts through public and military service. We have been blessed with many heroes right on campus as well. This year we are especially grateful for the incredible talents, creativity, energy and dedication of our faculty and staff who have made it possible for our students to continue to grow and thrive. Throughout the Covid pandemic, they have worked tirelessly to implement safety precautions to allow our students to be on campus when feasible, and to provide full and meaningful remote learning experiences virtually when needed. At the same time, they have worked to ensure that our students have the support they need to understand and process the unprecedented social and political events of this year. The efforts of our faculty and staff this year have been truly inspiring.

During these challenging times, your support for the Archmere Fund is critical to making the Archmere experience possible for our students. The Archmere Fund provides financial support to our ongoing operations. It allows us to provide the robust academic, athletic and arts programming that are fundamental to the Archmere education. It also enables our faculty to enhance and develop academic programming to empower our students to thrive educationally, spiritually and emotionally as they strive to become the empathetic leaders that our world needs.

The Archmere Fund also provides the financial aid and grants that many of our students need in order to make an Archmere education possible.

REFINE Our $500,000 goal for the Archmere Fund helps us to address the needs we are facing in the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2021 is We cannot meet this goal without your help. As you think about the impact your donation to the Archmere Fund will have in this year that has been challenging for so many in our community, please consider: • Many of our families have been directly impacted by COVID in a very significant way economically. Without additional financial aid, their children will not be able to complete their Archmere education.

• COVID has increased Archmere’s operational costs as we implemented oncampus safety measures and provided platforms for virtual learning.

• In order to fulfill our mission, Archmere needs to continue to enhance its diversity, equity and inclusion programming and diversity representation in our school community.

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Now more than ever, our world needs empathetic leaders – young men and women who are prepared for every good work. Please do what you can to support the Archmere mission, the efforts of Archmere faculty and staff, and the Archmere students by making a contribution to the Archmere Fund.

To make your gift, visit ArchmereAcademy.com/fund, or mail a check (using the enclosed envelope) to Archmere Academy, 3600 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, DE 19703, Attn: Office of Institutional Advancement. If you have questions about the Archmere Fund, please contact Ainsley Hertrich Palladino ’05, Alumni Relations & Annual Giving Manager at 302.798.6632, ext. 757 or Elaine Fry Reilly ’83, PP ’13, ’17, ’20, Chief Advancement Officer at 302.798.6632, ext. 637.

GIVING LEVELS HEADMASTER’S SOCIETY St. Evermode Society

$25,000 - $49,999

St. Herman Joseph Society

$15,000 - $24,999

St. Godfrey Society

$10,000 - $14,999

Prémontré Abbey Society

$5,000 - $9,999

Benefactor

$2,500 - $4,999

Patron

$1,500 - $2,499

Fellow

$1,000 - $1,499

AUKS’ CIRCLE Sponsor

$500 - $999

Sustainer

$250 - $499

Contributor

$100 - $249

Associate

$1 - $99

YOUNG ALUMNI GREEN & WHITE SOCIETY Graduated within 5 years

$100

Graduated within 10 years $250 Graduated within 15 years: $500

Planned Giving | Scholarship Spotlight Tom ’60 and Carol Anderson When Tom Anderson was graduated from Archmere in 1960, he already knew that the school had set him on a successful path. But long after, he recognized that many of the faculty and staff – including some he met after graduation – had been, and continue to be, true inspirations to him. He cites Rev. Justin Diny, O.Praem., Rev. Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem., and Headmaster Dr. Michael Marinelli as three examples of people (among many others) who have been important to him from the Archmere community.

Tom and his dear wife Carol put their three boys through Archmere, as well (Thomas H. Anderson ’89, Jess D. Anderson ’92, and Matthew C. Anderson ’97), because they believed in the value of the Catholic education their children would receive at his beloved alma mater.

Recently Tom and Carol advised us of their plans to leave a legacy gift to Archmere through their estate. Tom said, “So many faculty and staff helped me, and later, our kids, over the years. When you see that something is truly good, you support it. How better to say thank you?”

We thank you, Tom and Carol, for being ever present throughout the years, and for your legacy gift!

If you’d like to learn more about how you can leave a gift to Archmere in your estate plans, including starting a named endowment scholarship, contact Katherine Ball-Weir, MPA, CFRE, PP’17, Director of Institutional Advancement at kballweir@archmereacademy.com.

Parent Clubs’ Highlight Thank you to our parents, especially those who have been key players in the Fathers’ Club and Mother’s Guild this year. We have seen them work tirelessly to create innovative ideas that not only build morale and bring the spirit of community to campus, but also raise funds for the school.

FAMILY PORTRAITS at the Patio took place this fall. A local photographer provided 37 families with mini-sessions right before the holidays and agreed to donate a portion of the proceeds back to the school. The Ewing family is pictured below (Mark, Kim, Katherine ’15, Max ’22).

Founder Society Named in honor of Archmere’s founder, Abbot Bernard H. Pennings, O.Praem., the Founder Society recognizes the families and individuals who have told us of their intentions to include Archmere Academy in their wills or other estate plans. If you have included Archmere in your plans, please tell us! By letting us know, you are assured your gift will be used as you intend.

It also serves as an inspiration for others to do the same.

Naomi Christina Biden Diversity Scholarship Fund Naomi Christina Biden was born on November 8, 1971 in Wilmington, and died in a car accident with her mother Neilia on December 18, 1972, when she was just over a year old. Then-Senator Biden started a memorial scholarship fund in her name at Archmere in 1986 to support aid for diversity students. Contributions can be made to the fund at ArchmereAcademy.com/give; select “Give to Scholarships and Endowment Funds” and write in the name of the fund under Endowment Details near the bottom of the form.

THE SPIRIT ROCK has been placed by the main entrance of the school and is currently available for purchase. $25 per day to paint yourself or $100 for two days to have an Auk artist paint the rock for you!

Questions may be directed to Katherine Ball-Weir, MPA, CFRE, PP’17, Director of Institutional Advancement at kballweir@archmereacademy.com.

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ACADEMY’S VISUAL ART PROGRAM CELEBRATING A GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY

50 Years of Visual Arts Founded 50 years ago by Father Stephen Rossey O. Praem, Archmere Academy’s fine art program has enjoyed 50 years of remarkable success. A long tradition of faculty dedication coupled with the creativity and intellectual curiosity of Archmere students together created optimal conditions for regional and national success. Alumni from our program have gained acceptance at the most distinguished art and design colleges and universities, and have enjoyed professional success and international acclaim. As we reflect on our decades of success and what is yet to come, we acknowledge the visionary spirit of our program’s founder, Father Stephen Rossey O.Praem.

FROM A NEW VENTURE Written in 1995 by Father Stephen Rossey, O.Praem, Founder of Archmere’s Art Program

In 1970, I received a letter from Archmere Academy’s principal Father Arthur LaLuzerne of our college prep high school in the state of Delaware informing me that the school had been criticized by the Middle Atlantic States Accrediting Association for not having a program in the humanities—would I be willing to come and found an art department for the school? God does work in curious ways! I responded I would accept the challenge if I could have a year off to prepare the curriculum and assemble the resources needed. His reply was positive. The next thirteen years were the most fulfilling years of my life.

In 1932, Abbot Pennings had purchased the vacant neo-renaissance Italian villa estate of John Jakob Raskob, financier and private secretary to P.S. du Pont of the du Pont Corporation dynasty in Delaware and driving force behind the building of the Empire State Building in New York. The school was named Archmere Academy, a college prep school for boys. By 1971 the school had added to the original mansion and carriage house/garage a gymnasium, classroom building, and was in the process of adding a science building.

At first, my classes were held in the mansion’s library and kitchen. When the science building was finished, I moved into the carriage house/garage (Manor Hall). Over the years, two teachers were added to my art faculty (Marie Keane and Terry Newitt) as the school went from male only to co-ed. Studio Art courses were taught as well as a full spectrum of art and architecture history classes.

In addition to drawing, printmaking and enameling, I taught all the art history courses and moderated the school yearbook.

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An awesome three-some constituted the art department during my initial years at Archmere. Professional watercolorist Terry Newitt came to us from England, and Marie Keane, a painter, printmaker and author from Brown University. – Stephen Rossey, O.Praem.

The Manor at Archmere Written in 1971 by Father Stephen Rossey, O.Praem, Founder of Archmere’s Art Program

Architecturally, the inspiration for the Manor at Archmere finds its prototype in the Villard Houses, c. 1882 (today the Helmsley Palace Hotel, opened 1981) in New York City. The architects McKim, Mead and White, found inspiration for the Villard Houses in the Palazzo della Cancelleria and the Farnese Palace in Rome.1 James Harper and Clay McClure, the Archmere architects, miniaturized and modified the U-shaped Villard town house plan to accommodate carriage house garages, a heating plant and servants’ quarters for the John J. Raskob estate.

THE BASEMENT The Manor at Archmere originally housed the heating and

electrical plant for both the Raskob home and garage. Both were located in the basement under the central portion of the building. A refrigeration system, laundry and drying room were located under the east pavilion of the building.

An underground tunnel connected the Manor to the home itself.

1ST FLOOR Three arcade openings on the south (Manor Avenue) side of the

central wing of the first floor led to a car washing area on the interior. The north (Mirtle Avenue) side of the central core featured seven arcade openings. Cars could enter and exit from either side of the building and be housed there.

The left pavilion (west side) housed a car maintenance shop with pit for undercarriage repair, two small storerooms, one large storeroom with a full bathroom.

The right pavilion (east side) featured an entrance door from the courtyard and a staircase leading to the second floor. A furniture repair shop was located above the basement laundry. (An entrance door and exterior stairway on the east side were added when the Manor was converted into classrooms for the Academy in the 1930’s.)

“THE PETUNIA” The petunia is known for its adaptability... its ability to acclimate itself to almost any situation. It thrives in full sun, but can easily weather beating rains.

In parallel thought – we thrive best in the sunny atmosphere of love but we can merely survive in neglect and rejection. Like the petunia we are also washed and fed in the attitudes of concern and caring.

In our age of constant flux and change, adaptability is one of our few chances for survival. Through faith we are assured that the risk is worth taking.

Stephen Rossey, O.Praem.

2ND FLOOR The second floor was divided into multiple small bedrooms for

the Raskob support staff, a lavatory and large sitting room. An outdoor porch was originally located on the south side but that exterior wall was moved so as to enclose the porch when the second floor was gutted and converted into classrooms.

THE MANOR TODAY The Manor has undergone many renovations and changes-in-purpose over the course of the Academy’s existence. In the school’s early days it housed the general science, chemistry and physics laboratories; this endured until the Justin E. Diny Science Center was constructed in 1974.

With that accomplishment, the removal of false ceilings and the revelation of original construction, a large student center took over the ground floor of the Manor, where the Student Council also met. The Manor’s second floor was converted into religious studies classrooms. As renovations progressed in the basement of St. Norbert Hall these activities were gradually moved there.

The expansion of visual arts curriculum in the 1970’s necessitated additional studio spaces; the Manor became the obvious solution. All levels of the building have been converted into studios and classrooms. Today the building has been stretched to its limits. To maintain the historical architectural significance of the Manor and its century of existence and contribution to the campus, however, solutions must be found to better comply with fire and safety regulations.

Preservation of historical structures is neither easy nor always cost effective. But what would the campus be without the John J. Raskob’s miniature Villard House?

How would the fond memories of so many decades of students be retained once the building is gone?

Are you interested in supporting ARCHMERE ACADEMY’S next 50 years of creative success?

Whether you contribute to the restoration of our Manor studios, the visiting artist lecture series, new and emerging design technologies or you simply wish to make a gift to offset programmatic needs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, your support is critical to the ongoing success of the Archmere visual art program. Contact Katherine Ball Weir at kballweir@archmereacademy.com

1 William C. Shopsin, A.I.A./Mosette G. Broderick, “The Villard Houses, Life Story of a Landmark,”p. 11, The Viking Press, 1980.

SPRING 2021

ARCHMERE ACADEMY

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ACADEMY’S VISUAL ART PROGRAM CELEBRATING A GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY

50 Years of Visual Arts 1974

Father Rossey’s art program is well established, new electives are added.

“Printmaking, graphics, relief media, serigraph, charcoal, conte crayon… art at Archmere….laying foundations for future artists, printers, architects…enriching a curriculum with experiments in color and design.

(1974 Patio Yearbook, p. 44)

1975

1982

Terry Newitt joins the art department faculty. Terry would be among the longest-serving faculty members at Archmere, retiring 38 years later in the spring of 2020. “The previously secluded art studios moved downstairs to the recently renovated first floor of the Manor. Due to a sharp rise in interest, the administration opted for a nine period, 45 minute day, rather than the older schedule. This change enabled the artistically inclined student to broaden his exposure in the arts (from the 1982 Yearbook, p.94).”

Dan Lambert completes an observational drawing of a pair of boots in Father Rossey’s Drawing & Design class. This basic course was a prerequisite for all studio art courses offered at Archmere.

Father Rossey’s foundation program design is mirrored in the program’s curricular sequence to the present day.

1999

Ted McGrath ’99 wins a commission to create a large scale sculpture for the Hercules corporate building in downtown Wilmington. Entitled “Rush Hour,” the figure was created in the Pottery studio at Archmere and then transported to the Hercules building.

“Drawing is not something that can be taught, but a discipline that one must bring himself to, it takes a lot of practice.”

(1975 Patio Yearbook, p. 71).

1971

1971

1980

The Manor: from garage/servants quarters (1917); to dormitories (1932); to classrooms (1940) to science building (1960); to Art Department and Student Center (1974); to Religious Studies Center (1976). (1976 Patio Yearbook, p. 89)

Kevin Martin ’62 teaches mechanical drawing.

1981

“Without art, there would be no civilization.”

- Father Rossey (1981 Patio Yearbook, p. 105)

THE ARCHMEREAN

1990

1976

Father Stephen Rossey, O.Praem came to Archmere tasked with developing a program in art and art history in response to Middle Atlantic States Accrediting Association recommendation. That year, ground was broken for the Justin E. Diny Science Center (May 6, 1971), named for Archmere’s fourth headmaster

54

Archmere art department purchases its first digital camera.

SPRING 2021

1981

2000

1990s

Photography is added to the Curriculum, as well as Advanced Placement Studio Art courses in Drawing & Design. Don Becker teaches Printmaking and Photography.

Marie Keane teaches a two-dimensional design class to develop a foundation for advanced design work in Father Rossey’s Printmaking class, developing a more scaffolded curricular scope and sequence in the program. Father Rossey teaches Drawing, Printmaking, Enameling & Graphic Design.

2006

Amanda Phelan is the first student to design the Patio (Archmere yearbook) cover.

Amanda was recognized with a Gold Medal at the national Scholastics program, and would later go on to RISD (Rhode Island School of Design) and study Apparel Design, exhibiting her runway show at the MoMA in her 20s.

Michael P. Curcio ’06 Emerging Artist Scholarship Award is established in memory of Michael Curcio ’06 and presented annually to a deserving junior in recognition of overall excellence in the visual arts, and who most embodies Mr. Curcio’s commitment to artistic excellence and original sketchbook work.

2021 2010

Student work begins to expand beyond traditional studio art, blending emerging technologies, digital art, and different processes and techniques. The former maintenance space in the front right of the Manor is converted into a dedicated computer lab and digital art space.

2012

Terry Newitt & students are commissioned to design and execute “History of Place” & “Spirit of Community” timeline murals in the McLaughlin-Mullen Student Life Center hallways, commemorating 80 years of Archmere Academy.

The murals were funded by Mr. Bill Githens ’64 and Mrs. Marie Pat Githens and family, as well as the Archmere Mother’s Guild and the Father’s Club.

Mr. Newitt and his students also created a History of Science mural in the Justin E. Diny Science Building, and a History of Fine & Performing Arts Mural in the Performing Arts Center hallway.

The Manor studios and the scope of elective offerings in the art program provide opportunities for students to explore traditional studio art such as painting, drawing, and pottery, but also new and emerging technologies and design-based work with real-world applications and innovative creative problem solving.

2017

Terry Newitt and Lauren Chua at the Fine Art Festival where Lauren was recognized with the Michael P. Curcio ’06 Emerging Artist Scholarship Award

2019

Archmere purchases its first 3D Printer, a Makerbot Replicator 2.

2020

Archmere art department purchases a lasercutter to expand rapid prototyping possibilities for design classes.

2010

2020

2021

2013

Stephanie Welch Silverman ’00 and Terry Newitt at the DAEA Delaware Art Education Assoc. state awards banquet. Three of Archmere’s art teachers have been named Delaware Art Educator of the Year (Terry Newitt In 2005, Stephanie Silverman in 2013, and Jody Hoffman in 2017).

2020

Art department faculty with Margaret Atkins ‘21, recognized as a two-time American Visions Nominee in the Scholastic Art Awards program.

Legendary art teacher Terry Newitt retires at the end of the 2020 school year after 35 years of dedicated teaching, coaching and mentoring.

2014

2007

Archmere’s first annual Fine Art Festival takes place in the Patio, celebrating the fine and performing arts accomplishments of students in a showcase event that becomes an annual tradition. Mark Smith ’86 is the first featured alumni artist.

Digital Art & Design is added to the curriculum, offering students an opportunity to learn digital art, graphic design, and imaging using industry-grade Adobe software.

Jody Hoffman and her ceramics students design and complete a ceramic and fused glass wall mural on the side of the Justin E. Diny building, inspired by the Fibonacci sequence. Each tile was custom created in the Archmere ceramics studio and fired in our kilns.

In 2021, 42% of Archmere students are enrolled in at least one of our 13 fine art classes, despite the fact that the program remains 100% elective and a studio art credit is not required for graduation. Art faculty adapt courses, curriculum, and resources to provide each student with personalized art kit to address the demands of virtual and asynchronous art instruction amidst the COVID19 pandemic. Phone clamps are distributed to each student so that even while on zoom, teachers can provide personalized feedback and targeted instruction. Archmere artists are recognized with more Scholastic Art Awards than any school in the state of Delaware in the 2021 competition.

SPRING 2021

ARCHMERE ACADEMY

55

In Memoriam “Today you will be with me in paradise.”

Mr. Lawrence A. Gatta ’50 May 11, 2020 Mrs. Grace Freebery June 9, 2020 Paternal grandmother of James ’89 and Jay ’93 Freeberry Mrs. Laura Cardile August 26, 2020 Wife of Harry S. Cardile ’78 Mr. Walter F. deBruin September 6, 2020 Brother of Jack D. deBruin ’18 Mr. William J. Hufnell September 19, 2020 English teacher at Archmere (1963-1978), English Department Chairman (1969-1975), moderator of the Green Arch, The Patio, and Tapestry Mr. Norman E. Krauss September 26, 2020 Father of Paul ’79, Gregory ’80 and Steven ’87 Krauss, and father-in-law of Laurie Krauss, former Archmere math teacher Mr. Robert M. Patterson ’60 September 27, 2020 Mr. James S. Green, Sr. October 12, 2020 Father of Jennifer (Broomall) ’88, James Jr. ’95, and Jared ’00 Green Calahan P. Sivel ‘13 October 17, 2020 Son of Elaine Wick Sivel ’86 and brother of Madison ’14, Connor ’16, and Kayla ’16 Sivel

LUKE 23:43

Mr. John F. Bubel, Sr. October 29, 2020 Father of Mark J. ’76 and John F. Jr. ’83 Bubel Mr. Lambert W. and Mrs. Mary Elaine Manlove November 2, 2020 Parents of Matthew G. ’97, Michael P. ’02, and former Archmere soccer coach Joseph Manlove Mrs. Kathleen K. Murphy November 4, 2020 Mother of Daniel ’87, John ’89, Kathleen Casey ’90, and Annemarie Leone ’93 Murphy Mr. Richard F. Bastian November 8, 2020 Father of Richard ’82, Matthew ’83, Patrick ’85, Charles ’92 and the late Norine Bastian ’87; paternal grandfather of Patrick ’12, Jean ’13, Matthew ’15, Julia ’16, Elise ’17, Daniel ’19, and Charles ’22 Bastian; and maternal grandfather of R. Kolbe ’22 and Brynn ’23 Bastian-Pastore Mrs. Genevieve B. Riley November 9, 2020 Wife of the late Paul J. Riley, Jr. ’40 Mrs. Amy Micallef Jacoby November 9, 2020 Sister of Julie Micallef Baron ’81 and Jane Micallef Klinger ’87 Mrs. Constance T. Small November 12, 2020 Maternal grandmother of Brian DelCollo ’09

Mrs. Phyllis B. Shone October 20, 2020 Mother of John R. Shone ’80

Mrs. Doris Fallis November 14, 2020 Paternal grandmother of Mathias Fallis ’08

Mr. Joseph V. Matassino ’53 October 26, 2020 Father of Michael A. Matassino ’92

Dr. Francis E. Abessinio November 16, 2020 Father of Emily Abessinio Cain ’01, Allison Abessinio Holloway ’04, and Laura Abessinio Terpak ’04

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THE ARCHMEREAN

SPRING 2021

Mr. Brian J. McKinney November 17, 2020 Father of Garth ’90 and Ryan ’93 McKinney Mrs. Carol M. D’Antonio November 20, 2020 Paternal grandmother of Stephen D’Antonio ’19 Dr. Joseph A. McCadden November 21, 2020 Father of Michael J. McCadden ’77 and paternal grandfather of Elizabeth ’05, Daniel ’07, and Scott ’08 McCadden Mr. Edward A. Milligan November 23, 2020 Father of Andrew W. Milligan ’81 Mr. Lawrence A. Berman November 24, 2020 Father of Michael Berman ’20 Mrs. Barbara J. Kreuer November 26, 2020 Mother of J. Keith Kreuer ’78 Mrs. Barbara Holt November 28, 2020 Maternal grandmother of Liam ’20 and Meghan ’24 O’Neill Mrs. Marie Mousley December 6, 2020 Mother of Walter J. Mousley, Jr. ’74 Mrs. Agnes M. Lobo December 8, 2020 Mother-in-law of Vinita Lobo and the paternal grandmother of Jonathan ’14 and Alison ’17 Lobo Mr. George Tsaganos December 13, 2020 Father of Robert ’79 and Peggy ’82 Tsaganos and paternal grandfather of Alexandra ’12, George ’14 and Dimitri ’16 Tsaganos

Rev. Theodore J. Antry, O.Praem.

December 19, 2020 Latin teacher at Archmere (1979-1982), former Trustee of Archmere (2009-2012), and member of the Mission and Heritage Committee of the Board (2009-2020) Mr. Mara J. Bellew December 19, 2020 Father of Thomas ’79 (Archmere 1975-1977), Joseph ’80, Kevin ’87, and Sean ’90 Bellew; paternal grandfather of Susan (DeCarlo) ’07, Melissa ’14, Brenna ’18, and Aidan ’23 Bellew Mr. Connell F. Maguire ’52 December 30, 2020 Mrs. Eileen O’Neill January 5, 2021 Paternal grandmother of Liam ’20 and Meghan ’24 O’Neill Mrs. Ann F. Behm January 18, 2021 Mother of Frank J. Behm ’74, paternal grandmother of Laura Behm ’13, and maternal grandmother of Michael ’14 and Christine ’16 Ford Mr. Lee Kirk Hanawalt January 18, 2021 Father of Kirk R. Hanawalt ’80 Mr. John Acciavatti January 21, 2021 Paternal grandfather of John ’09, Michael ’10 and Nicholas ’13 Acciavatti Mr. Stanley J. Yasik III January 25, 2021 Father of Stanley ’73, John ’77, and Joseph ’81 Yasik and paternal grandfather of Jonathan Yasik ’05 Mrs. Claire F. Hanavan January 25, 2021 Mother of Maureen Hanavan Cook ’81, Jean Hanavan Kelly ’83, and Amy Hanavan Rose ’87

Mrs. Stella Ifkovits January 31, 2021 Mother of Music teacher David J. Ifkovits and paternal grandmother of Ryan Ifkovits ’15 Dr. Rafael E. Alzamora February 1, 2021 Father of Herman ’71, Fabian ’72, and Robert ’82, and paternal grandfather of Evan ’18 and Ryan ’18 Alzamora Mr. John A. Slowik February 1, 2021 Father of faculty member Karen Linton and maternal grandfather of Alexander Linton ’23 Mr. Joseph Zakielarz February 2, 2021 Husband of Dolores Zakielarz, long-time assistant in Archmere’s Development Office; father of Joseph ’83, Danielle ’85, and David ’89 Zakielarz; the maternal grandfather of Abigail Filliben ’13 and the paternal grandfather of Benjamin Zakielarz ’23 Ms. Connie DiRenzo February 4, 2021 Mother of Tamara ’99 and Kristopher ’06 Nolte Mrs. Joan P. Hare February 7, 2021 Mother of Michael J.’79 and Patrick T. ’81 Hare Mr. Humbert L. Maiocco February 7, 2021 Father of Richard V. Maiocco ’73 Rev. Michael J. Lee, O.Praem.

February 11, 2021 Former Trustee of Archmere Academy (1993-1997) Mr. Thomas E. Brown ’51 February 12, 2021

Mr. Victor Fantini February 14, 2021 Brother of George Fantini ’52 Mr. Eugene D. Moses February 17, 2021 Husband of Archmere van driver Mrs. Lucy Moses Mr. Barry W. Ryan February 17, 2021 Archmere Spanish Teacher, 1962-1965 Mr. John Muscolini February 25, 2021 Brother of former staff members Mrs. Rita Marinelli (1975-2004) and Mrs. Elizabeth Green (1983-2008) Mr. Richard F. DiGregorio February 26, 2021 Paternal grandfather of Joseph ’18, Matthew ’20, and Kevin ’22 DiGregorio Mr. Brian J. Hopkins ’04 March 5, 2021 Mr. (Neil) Joseph A. Montello ’62 March 6, 2021 Mr. Anthony R. Liott, Jr. ’66 March 7, 2021 Mr. Thomas F. Dudley March 17, 2021 Father of Thomas J. Dudley ’74 Mr. Frederick J. Neeson ’40 March 22, 2021 Mrs. Mary C. Earnest March 22, 2021 Mother of John J. Earnest III ’75 and paternal grandmother of John Andrew Earnest ’08 Mrs. Kathleen Daly March 25, 2021 Mother of Archmere religion teacher Meaghan Thomas

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