The Village Green - Summer 2013

SUMMER 2013

Commencement 2013 the blue blazer ball • Avon in the Communit y • Reunion 2013

Avon Old Farms School established 1927 Headmaster Kenneth H. LaRocque Provost John T. Gardner Editor Morgan C. Cugell Director of Development Daniel Seiden ’00

Village Green

Designer 2k Design www.2kDesign.com

The

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Headmaster

Blue Blazer Ball

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News and Notes

Commencement

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Athletics

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The Last Word

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Printer Benchemark Printing, Inc., Schenectady, NY

The Village Green is published for the alumni, parents, and friends of Avon Old Farms School. It is distributed to approximately 8,000 readers. All rights reserved.

Avon Old Farms School 500 Old Farms Road Avon, CT 06001 www.avonoldfarms.com (860) 404-4100 Admissions (800) 464-2866 admissions@avonoldfarms.com Alumni We enjoy hearing from you!

Please send us your latest news and notes: Email: abramsonl@avonoldfarms.com Phone: (800) 336-8195 Fax: (860) 404-4631 Email Members of the administration and faculty can be emailed by using the following formula: last name + first initial @avonoldfarms.com. The directory on the school website also includes email links.

Avon Old Farms School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.

It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, disabilities, or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

Athletic Hall of Fame

from the editor

Reunion

Photographers Seshu Badrinath Spencer Sloan

Contributors Thanks to everyone who contributed to this magazine.

Special thanks to Seshu Badrinath, Cheryl Benoit, Michael Dembicer, Susan Haile, Ken LaRocque, and Dan Seiden ’00.

contents

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Alumni Notes Lizabeth Abramson

Dear Readers, Welcome back! Another school year is underway in the Village of Old Farms, and though the anticipation of new classes, old friends, and the crisp fall air is certainly exciting, we haven’t quite left behind the memories of last spring.

Take a look inside at all the hustle and bustle of spring on the Farm: the Blue Blazer Ball, Reunion, Commencement, and more. As the newly graduated members of the Class of 2013 embark upon their next adventures, they are sure to treasure the many memories made on their last days as students, and their first days—as Commencement speaker Brian Conroy put it—as Avonians.

As always, I welcome your feedback.

Aspirando et perseverando, Morgan C. Cugell cugellm@avonoldfarms.com 860-404-4239

Cover photo: The 80th Commencement Exercises.

Photo by Spencer Sloan.

The Avonian Online Find past issues of The Avonian online at

www.avonoldfarms. com/avonian

Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com /avonoldfarms

Follow us on Twitter @avonoldfarms

from the

Headmaster Greetings.

I hope that this issue of The Village Green helps bring to life some of the exiting events we enjoyed on campus over the course of the past few months. From our Pushups for Patriots program, to the Blue Blazer Ball, to the Relay for Life, to Grandparents Day, to Alumni Weekend, to Commencement, this spring was filled with the spirit of tradition that makes Avon Old Farms such a unique and special community. Our students, faculty, administration, parents, and staff joined together numerous times to host successfully hundreds of visitors to campus.

Some of the highlights of the spring term included inducting four deserving athletic teams and an individual athlete into the Avon Old Farms Athletic Hall of Fame during Alumni Weekend. On April 27th, the Parents Association hosted the annual Blue Blazer Ball, which raised more than $140,000 to benefit the Student Enrichment Fund. On Saturday evening, May 4, our school community joined with Miss Porter’s School to host our Relay for Life, and raised more than $30,000 to help in the fight against cancer. On May 1st, we hosted Grandparents Day on campus, and on May 10th, we hosted our school prom at the Farmington Gardens. In the sporting arena, our athletes excelled. Our baseball team once again won its league

by Kenneth H. LaRocque

championship and, along with our golf and tennis teams, was among the best in New England. In the arts, we are proud of our actors who put on an impressive production of Steve Martin’s comedy, Picasso at the Lapin Agile. On Commencement weekend we were equally proud of the creative talent on display at our art show in the Tiernan Room. Our students’ work with pottery, photography, architecture, woodworking, painting, and drawing greatly impressed all who stopped by the exhibit. Our Saturday afternoon Commencement Concert was memorable from every perspective, and moved the audience to standing ovations on more than one occasion. Finally, the rain held off so that the Class of 2013 enjoyed its graduation outside on the Village Green on Sunday, May 26, and was honored to have Brian Conroy ’82, the chairman of our Board of Directors, deliver the commencement address.

The 2012-2013 school year will read as a rich chapter in the history of Avon Old Farms School. Our accomplishments were commendable in every area of school life and we were unwavering in our focus on our mission of building men of high character. Thank you for your continuing interest in and support of Avon Old Farms!

Was Your Best Man an Avonian?

The summer is wedding season, and Avon Old Farms hosts a number of ceremonies and receptions for alumni in the Chapel and Refectory. And, at the end of each summer, the Headmaster welcomes new students at their orientation with the prediction that the best man at their wedding years down the road is very likely to be sitting in the room with them at that moment. We’re wondering about the accuracy of that prediction. Whether you were married here at the Farm or not, we’re interested in hearing from you if someone in your wedding party was a fellow Avonian. Please send replies to Liz Abramson in the Alumni and Development Office: abramsonl@avonoldfarms.com.

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News and Notes

Blue Blazer Ball The

Celebrating AOF Students and Spring

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he 2013 Blue Blazer Ball was a fabulous, festive evening artfully crafted by the Avon Old Farms School Parents Association, led by Co-Presidents Jeff Weisenburger P ’13 and Lisa Szewczul P ’13. The theme, “A Farm to Table Feast—A Taste of New England,” reflected the school’s commitment to sustainability and conserving our planet’s resources.

During the cocktail hour, as parents, Directors, and friends mingled, they sampled local wines and beers and enjoyed a vast array of seasonal flavors, fresh from locally sourced growers and food artisans. Guests were treated to live music from the AOF Super G Jazz Band, while a slide show retrospective captured

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some of the year’s most memorable moments.

The Sing-ed Beavers, accompanied by the school mascot, Bevan the Beaver, serenaded the guests as they made their way to the Riddle Refectory for a magnificent dinner. The exciting live auction was conducted by ESPN commentators Karl Ravech P ’13 and Rece Davis P ’15, and featured sensational items including vacations, tickets to athletic events, golf outings, and a priceless Avon painting by John C. Traynor P ’01, ’03.

Proceeds from this annual event benefit the Student Enrichment Fund and the Outreach Program. This year totalled more than $140,000!

AOF Parents As so ciation M is sion Statement

With the concurrence of Avon Old Farms School’s Headmaster and the Avon Old Farms School’s Board of Directors, and in accordance with the School’s philosophy, the mission of the Avon Old Farms Parents Association is to promote camaraderie and a sense of community among its families and friends and enhance the academic, athletic, and extra-curricular experiences of the Men of Avon.

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AVON IN THE COMMUNIT Y

News and Notes

Relay for Life

On

Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 5, Avon Old Farms School hosted students, faculty, parents, and friends at Relay for Life, an all-night, walking fundraiser in support of the American Cancer Society. Teams from Avon and Miss Porter’s School walked laps around the Village Green and field house for 12 hours straight to benefit the Society’s research program, services for cancer patients and their loved ones, and public education efforts. Teams raised money with on-campus fundraising events, in addition to collecting individual pledges from friends and family.

The event raised just under $35,000 this year—but

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according to Community Service Director Tyler Wuthmann, the money is not the only motivator.

“Our relay is important not because we raise a ton of money, but because we really raise awareness about the devastating consequences of the disease, and the different avenues of research that are opening,” notes Tyler. “While the students are growing and maturing, it is important to increase their understanding and the opportunities they can take to support research towards a cure. Our relay is an important first step for many of the boys to hear the stories of loss and to hear from survivors the many ways our lives can be affected by cancer, and the ways we can help through donations, volunteering, and supporting.”

The walk began with an opening ceremony and the Survivors Lap; all those who have survived cancer or were representing surviving family members or friends walked together. Later that night, the Luminary Ceremony honored people who have been touched by cancer and remembered loved ones lost to the disease, with luminaries lighting the path for a silent lap. The Sing-ed Beavers of AOF and the Perilhettes of Miss Porter’s performed during the ceremony before the entire group moved indoors to continue walking in the field house.

Walkers and team members were kept busy throughout the night

with plenty of activities, such as a bouncy house, a dunk tank, a midnight pizza party and ‘drive-in’ movie, and s’mores-making at an outdoor fire pit. Snacks and meals were provided, along with plenty of entertainment, and prizes were awarded for best team theme.

Avon faculty member Cristina Pinton and current students Vincent Caputo ’16 and Ramsey Heitmann ’15 spoke to the group at certain points throughout the event about the loss of a loved one in their lives. Though the night was long, spirits were high, as walkers banded together in the fight against cancer. Avon was once again proud to host such a remarkable event.

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News and Notes In Endless Song…

Riddlers on the Move

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his spring has been a busy one for the Riddlers, Avon’s elite singing group. Among their many engagements was an exciting debut at Lincoln Center on May 18th.

In collaboration with the University of Michigan men’s Glee Club, the oldest ensemble of its kind in the United States, the Riddlers performed their own repertoire before joining the Glee Club in a number of collaborative pieces.

Shortly after graduation, the Riddlers departed on a 12-day concert tour through Argentina, performing for

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packed audiences in Buenos Aires, La Plata, and Rosario.

The Riddlers performed their own concert repertoire and invited other ensembles from Argentina to join them in the grand finale of each performance. Collaborations included concerts with the Coro Juvenil Universidad de La Plata and the musicians of Pro Musica de Rosario. In addition to their concert work, the Riddlers also enjoyed immersing themselves in the rich culture of Argentina.

Highlights included bike trips through Buenos Aires,

horseback riding through countryside, a tango show, delicious Argentinian cuisine, the making of new friends, and even a choreographed flash mob in a café in downtown La Plata, much to the delight of the locals.

“The Riddlers’ trip to Argentina was a wonderful success,” recalls Director of Choral Activities and group conductor Bryan Zaros. “Not only did the students enjoy visiting a new country and meeting many enthusiastic fans but they performed exceptionally well!

“The concert collaborations were the major highlight for me personally, as it was inspiring to see students who are from different countries, speaking different languages, connect immediately to each other through music. The concerts were a powerful display of how, in a universal way, music can bridge the great divide connecting people from different cultures, languages, and experiences.”

Many of the students agreed, citing not only the concert

performances but also their impromptu serenades on city streets and cafes. “The best part, I thought, was singing for random people,” says Ryan Messinger ’15, “because their reactions were very uplifting and made me love singing even more.”

Jacob Hallenbeck ’16 agrees: “Going to Argentina was awesome. I got to experience a whole different culture and got to meet some interesting people. The most memorable thing was performing in concerts or in the street. I could tell how much they appreciated us singing.”

“Going to Argentina and adapting to the lifestyle of a different culture allowed me to get to know my brothers,” explained Jamie Thorington ’14. “We became closer as a group and as friends throughout the trip, and I will never forget the memories we made.”

This tour was the ensemble’s sixth; previous concert tours have taken the Riddlers to the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, and Canada.

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News and Notes

Grandparents Day

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randparents Day dawned crisp, bright, and clear on May 1st, and Avon’s campus was magnificent, punctuated by masses of tulips and daffodils, which cheerfully greeted the record-breaking 278 grandparents visiting this year.

Waves of grandparents gathered in the Riddle Refectory for coffee and refreshments on this May Day morning, awaiting the arrival of their grandsons who would escort them to class. Later, they enjoyed a concert featuring a specially assembled jazz ensemble, the Chorale, and the Riddlers.

Poetry recitation contest finalists Seamus Donovan ’14 and Luke O’Connor ’16 captivated audiences with their

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presentations of a selection from Julius Caesar (III. ii) by William Shakespeare and “Help Wanted” by Shane Koyczan, respectively.

Following the concert and recitation, a delicious meal featuring chicken piccata and wild rice was served in the Field House. Grandparents were then treated to tours of campus, during which they were entranced by the architecture and accounts of school life, before heading down to the fields to take in the afternoon’s athletic contests. It was a beautiful, busy day for all!

Summer Fun

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hough students departed for the summer, Avon’s campus was still bustling, with children of all ages taking up residence day and night at our many exciting camps.

Avon’s Summer Fun Camp, helmed by faculty members Brian Cugell and Andy Riemer, is a day camp for children grades K through eight. With sports, arts and crafts, nature time at Beaver Pond, and even swim lessons at a local pool, this camp has something to offer everyone!

Avon’s powerhouse athletics program was also represented, with the AOF baseball camp, Skip Flanagan’s Young Guns lacrosse camp, and John Gardner’s hockey camp. Also on campus were the Revolution softball camp, Soccer Plus camps, TOG squash camp, and the Michael Fillipek Tennis and Sports Academy.

With Avon’s exceptional facilities and a talented, dedicated staff—including many Avon students­and alumni—this year’s camp programs were a huge success!

Be sure to check www.avonoldfarms.com for more information about next summer’s offerings.

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Athletics

Spring SportsWrap Up

League Honors for Baseball and Track

A

von had another outstanding spring sports campaign, with five varsity teams winning more than 78 percent of their contests, and the varsity baseball and track teams earning recognition for their postseason performances.

The baseball team finished with a 19-3 record, and captured the Founders League Championship and a share of the Colonial League Title. The team was led by arguably the most talented pitching staff in New England, including seniors Mike Castellani (5-0, with three saves) and Neil Kozikowski (5-0). Castellani is headed to Bucknell, and Kozikowski, who was originally headed to VCU, signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates after they selected him in the 8th round

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of the Major League Baseball draft.

The track team finished the regular season with four wins and five losses, a record that belies the team’s phenomenal outcomes. The team recorded an impressive 5th place finish in the Founders League Championships, and 9th in New England, along the way breaking four school records, setting 65 personal bests, and garnering 13 All-Founders League athletes, five All-New England athletes, and one New England champion. At the NEPSTA championships, Mickoy Nichol ’14 dominated the competition, placing third in the long jump with a personal record of 21 ft., 8.75 in., and winning the title on the triple jump, besting his nearest competitor by over a foot, to become

Avon’s first New England champion since 2008.

Also at New Englands, Wilson Meyer ’13 ran a personal record of 43.25 to place eighth in the grueling 300m hurdles, while Vince DeBlasio ’13 placed 15th in the 3000m. Papa Diouf ’14 placed second in the 400m, and set an astonishing school record of 50.36.

The varsity golf team posted a record of 21-4, taking first place in the Coppola Cup, fourth place in the Founders League tournament, and second place at the Kingswood Invitational Tournament.

Varsity tennis had one of its strongest seasons to date, with a record of 13-3 and four USTA-ranked players.

Highlights included beating Williams School, previously undefeated, by a score of 6-2, and besting New England Division A finalist Hotchkiss by a score of 4-2 on their home court.

Varsity lacrosse boasted a record of 12-7, finishing third in the Founders League. Will White ’13 was named an Academic All-American, one of only two students throughout New England prep schools to earn that honor. A.J. Rocco ’13 was named to the All-American team. Players from the 2013 squad were either admitted or committed to the following colleges and universities: Yale (2), Cornell, Virginia (2), Johns Hopkins, West Point, Maryland, Syracuse, Holy Cross (2), Boston University, Vermont, Bryant, Swarthmore (3), Trinity, Union, Clark, and Lynchburg.

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80th

Commencement Exercises 2013

“G

entlemen, your time at Avon is concluding. Your time as Avonians is about to begin,” commented Commencement speaker Brian Conroy ’82, president of Fidelity Capital Markets and chairman of Avon’s Board of Directors.

“The spirit of an Avonian starts today, and lingers for the rest of your life.”

That spirit was strong amongst the 110 members of the graduating Class of 2013, who enjoyed a cool breeze, clear skies, and plenty of pomp and circumstance as they took their first steps through Alumni Gate and into the welcoming arms of their parents, friends, and many extended members of the Avon family.

Seniors gathered in the Pope Quadrangle before the ceremony began, sharing stories, snapping photos, and preparing for the exciting journey ahead. They embraced

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faculty members who had helped them along the way, and sent celebratory cheers that resonated beneath Eagle archway and greeted their waiting family and friends.

Bagpipes led the way for the student and faculty processional around the Village Green, and after an invocation and warm welcome, Headmaster LaRocque introduced the graduation speaker, Brian Conroy ’82, to the community. In his address, Brian advised students to “work hard, always play with your heart, and never ever quit.

“Gentlemen, you are ready. You are ready for your next adventure; you are ready for the next part of your life. You are ready because of the lessons learned here, and what’s in your heart.”

Next, Headmaster LaRocque handed out some of Avon’s most prestigious awards, including the Founder’s

Medal and the Order of Old Farms, then honored retiring faculty member Gail Laferriere with the Cashion Faculty Award and an honorary diploma. Gail, who leaves Avon after 43 years, was treated to a standing ovation; she spoke to the community of her passion for art and teaching.

“My job here has been to teach the boys the skills of an artist, and also to teach them to think creatively and use their imaginations to express themselves.

I think they got it, and they did a wonderful job,” said Gail.

“Gentlemen, you are ready. You are ready for your next adventure; you are ready for the next part of your life. You are ready because of the lessons learned here, and what’s in your heart.”

–Commencement Speaker Brian Conroy ’82

“Very few schools can match what Avon Old Farms does so successfully. Just look around you! These young graduates are prepared to do great things, and I wish them the best of luck and good fortune.

“This adventure is nearly over, and I’m off to find another one. Thank you and may God bless you and your families.

Aspirando et perseverando!”

Provost John Gardner then began the presentation of the diplomas to the graduating class, starting with an honorary

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80th

Commencement Exercises 2013

college matriculation Khalid Alsubeaei, Syracuse University Manuel Barnes Caso Bercht, Universidad Iberoamericana Taylor Matthew Barthelette, Bryant University Tshekidi Josani Benjamin, University of Connecticut Pierson Bian, Sarah Lawrence College Jordan Blackington, Providence College Steven Joseph Cannell, Providence College Jaime Carabias, The College for International Studies Michael Anthony Castellani, Bucknell University Dennis Michael Caulfield, ESU-St. Bee’s School, Trinity College Benjamin Mather Charette, Elon University Alexander Gregory Cheffer, ESU-Llandovery College, Indiana University Brenden Casey Clark, Loyola University Maryland Hank Bradley Cohen, Purdue University Brendan Thomas Conry, Union College Duncan Maxwell Cooke, Texas A&M University, Galveston Christian Alexander Cottrell, High Point University Joseph Anthony Creen, High Point University Frank D’Amato, Saint Anselm College Diego Davila, Universidad de La Sabana Vincent Franco DeBlasio, Boston University Fernando Jose del Rosal, University of Colorado Rodrigo Delfino, The University of Tampa Alexander Demeropoulos, Boston College Eric Steven Depner, University of Maine at Presque Isle Sean Gerard Deverin, Hobart and William Smith Colleges Robert Francis Diana, Trinity College Patrick Dunk, Hobart and William Smith Colleges Kevin Farr, Worcester Polytechnic Institute Preston Ian Farrow, Loyola University Maryland Blake Feagles, University of Connecticut Anders Robert Frankenberger, Loyola Marymount University Kenneth James Gilbane, Clarkson University Taylor Christian Hahn, Union College Wyatt Hamilton, Quinnipiac University Robert August Higgins, Providence College Edward Hole, Endicott College Curtis Howe, Manhattanville College Michael James Huber, Tulane University Tadas Michael Jalinskas, Providence College Karl Douglas Jennings, Assumption College Brennan Alexander Kee, Sacred Heart University Panyachote Ketyungyoenwong, Emory University Min Hyoung Kim, Case Western Reserve University Tae Hyoung Kim, University of California at San Diego Benjamin King, Illinois Wesleyan University Brendan King, College of the Holy Cross Joseph Knowles, University of Southampton (England) Neil Newton Kozikowski, Virginia Commonwealth University Chandler Loring Kurtz, College of Charleston Joshua Michael LaJoie, Wheaton College MA

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Tyler Daniel Langmeier, The University of Alabama Lincoln Lau, University of Connecticut Guobiao Li, Northwestern University Dylan Thomas Logan, Lynchburg College Darren C. Longbottom, Bentley University Christopher Macca, Trinity College Ryan Mahn, College of the Holy Cross James Michael Marlotte, Duke University Griffyn John Martin, Union College Conor Donal McEneaney, Swarthmore College Pearse Edward McEneaney, Bryant University Peter McGinley, Providence College Henry Augusto Mellon, Wake Forest University Wilson Patrick Meyer, United States Military Academy Robert Mucka, United States Naval Academy Drew Mullins, Swarthmore College Ugonna Njeze, St. Lawrence University Seamus Noel O’Brien, Tulane University Lukas O’Connor, James Madison University Thomas Herndon Walker Owen, Occidental College Thomas Ganiford Peltier, Colby-Sawyer College Rufus Owen Petrie, Boston College Krittapat Pranich, Hobart and William Smith Colleges Michael Joseph Pumphret, High Point University Samuel Thomas Ravech, Pepperdine University Jacob A Reiner, Clark University Anthony Joseph Rocco, Yale University Austin Robert Rocco, Yale University Vincent Gerard Russo, Bentley University Daniel J Ryan, Loyola University Maryland Ben Samuel Sherbacow, Gettysburg College Matthew Scott Slezak, Duquesne University Price Sloan, Tulane University Grant Price Smith, The University of Alabama Jaekyung Song, Brown University Ki Young Song, University of Hong Kong Sangho Song, New York University Kyle Patrick Stanton, High Point University Spencer Taylor Stone, College of Charleston David Leigh Szewczul, Providence College William Gordon Thames, College of Charleston Luke Dennis Tiedemann, College of Charleston Colin Bradley Tiernan, Bowdoin College Yun Yang Tsai, University of Rhode Island Armand Robert Uomoleale, University of Vermont Lane Dillon Valimont, University of Massachusetts John J. Van Allen, Harvard College Johan Venema, University of Edinburgh Kurt Jeffrey Weisenburger, Providence College Karl William Weller, University of Vermont William MacDonald White, United States Military Academy Macrae Wimer, Swarthmore College Ryan Scott Woelfel, ESU-Monkton Combe School George Washington University Chun Yu Wong, University of Connecticut Ting Chen Wu, Bryant University Zhi Liang Ye, University of Connecticut Wenguan Neal Zhang, Pennsylvania State University

diploma to another retiring faculty member, Carol Reller. After all the diplomas had been handed out, and “Men of Avon” sung in celebration, caps were tossed in the air and the Class of 2013 erupted in cheers and applause before recessing through Alumni Gate, a fitting end to a commemorative and very special weekend.

Commencement Weekend also featured the Senior Awards Ceremony on Saturday night, where book prizes, academic excellence prizes, and athletic prizes were awarded, and 10 students were inducted into the Cum Laude Society.

Other highlights of the weekend were the Commencement Concert and the annual Senior Art Show, featuring a compilation of works from many of the graduating students.

Scholar of Distinction

Panyachote Ketyungyoenwong ’13 College counselor Jon Crocker describes Panyachote Ketyungyoenwong as “an intellectual omnivore with a voracious appetite for knowledge,” a claim substantiated with a long list of academic accolades.

This year’s Scholar of Distinction, Max, as he is known on campus, has distinguished himself as a high-achieving student in every discipline. A recipient of the Order of Old Farms, Max was also a member of both the Cum Laude and Tri-M Honor Societies.

Balancing a challenging schedule of four AP and one honors courses, he earned the grade prize for academic excellence as the student with the highest grade point average. He was also a member of the Riddlers and the Nimrod Club, as well as a dormitory monitor.

Last year, he was honored with the Yale Book Prize.

Additionally, Max is a three-season varsity athlete, on the cross country, swimming, and golf teams.

“He has engaged productively in our athletic and community service opportunities,” says Mr. Crocker.

“He has also been a friendly and relaxed citizen in our residential program. Endowed with exceptional intellectual curiosity and appropriate modesty, he has earned the respect and friendship of both the students and the faculty.”

Academic Dean Rob Dowling ’91 notes that Max “is a student of uncommon devotion to his studies, but also to the community.

He enjoyed an experience filled with depth and accomplishment.

While he was recognized as the class Scholar of Distinction, he was much more than an excellent student at Avon; he was a leader in our community.”

As the Scholar of Distinction, Max was privileged to address the community at the Senior Awards Ceremony before Commencement.

He spoke of the many challenges he faced arriving as an international

freshman four years ago, “quiet and uncertain of my place here,” having never even known an American before.

The people were different, the food was different, and no one, it seemed, could figure out how to pronounce his name correctly. He had never seen “frozen water” until the first winter he spent on campus, when he ventured out onto Beaver Pond with four of his friends.

“I arrived at Avon and was known by some perhaps as a freshman from Thailand who had a difficult name to say.

Some of the other students may have had labels on them, too.

While these labels may never entirely disappear, our shared experiences and formed friendships fade those distinguished, but sometimes limiting, labels,” he commented.

“Instead of being identified as different, we have bonded as a class and directed our energies toward worthwhile initiatives. The labels that appear on the surface at some schools, I imagine, are barriers. At Avon, the strength of the school is that it brings all these unique individuals together, as one hallway, dorm, class, and yes, school.

“That result has sometimes been called the brotherhood,” Max noted. “What I think makes Avon so special is that the program encourages community— doing things together.

“Before we graduate and go on to do great things in life, let us think about our school and what we have accomplished, from the big events to the everyday routine. We have come a long way together,” he advised.

“I know that I will take some of Avon with me when I leave on Sunday and I hope that my classmates will do the same.

I also hope that when we come back, we will remember this place as our own.”

Originally from Bangkok, Max will attend Emory University in the fall.

“Before we graduate and go on to do great things in life, let us think about our school and what we have accomplished, from the big events to the everyday routine.

We have come a long way together.”

The Scholar of Distinction, Panyachote Ketyungyoenwong ‘13

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80th

Commencement Exercises

honors, awards and prizes

Student Art Show

2013

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THE ORDER OF OLD FARMS Manuel Barnes Caso Bercht Michael A. Castellani Benjamin M. Charette Vincent F. DeBlasio Preston I. Farrow Panyachote Ketyungyoenwong Griffyn J. Martin Wilson P. Meyer Luke D. Tiedemann Colin B. Tiernan John J. Van Allen William M. White CUM LAUDE SOCIETY Manuel Barnes Caso Bercht Panyachote Ketyungyoenwong Guobiao Li James M. Marlotte Conor D. McEneaney Wilson P. Meyer Rufus O. Petrie Jaekyung Song Colin B. Tiernan William M. White

Summer 2013 The Village Green

THE FOUNDER’S MEDAL Duncan M. Cooke Community Service Eric S. Depner Town Government Robert A. Higgins Town Government Curtis T. Howe Jr. Community Service Brendan L. King Community Service Joseph A. Knowles Community Service Guobiao Li Academic Excellence James M. Marlotte Academic Excellence Conor D. McEneaney Academic Excellence Ugonna F. Njeze Community Service, Town Government Seamus N. O’Brien Community Service, Town Government Rufus O. Petrie Academic Excellence

Samuel T. Ravech Community Service, Town Government Jaekyung Song Academic Excellence David L. Szewczul Community Service Ryan S. Woelfel Town Government THE F. REED ESTABROOK, JR. ‘36 AWARD William M. White THE LOUISE B. ADAMS AWARD Liam P. Gilbert, Ryan D. Phillips THE PETER A. ARON ’65 AWARD FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE Wilson P. Meyer THE GEORGE A. MURRAY CUP John J. Van Allen THE JENNINGS CUP Connor Kelly, Mickoy R. Nichol

CHRISTOPHER R. HETHERINGTON ’91 CUP FOR EXCELLENCE IN ATHLETICS-GRADE NINE Stephen Thibault CHRISTOPHER R. HIGGINS ’02 CUP FOR EXCELLENCE IN ATHLETICS-GRADE TEN Matthew G. Ruhlig RECOGNITION AWARD FOR THREE SEASON VARSITY ATHLETES Michael A. Castellani, Alexander G. Cheffer, Vincent F. DeBlasio, Taylor C. Hahn, Tadas M. Jalinskas, Panyachote Ketyungyoenwong, Chandler L. Kurtz, Wilson P. Meyer, Ugonna F. Njeze, Seamus N. O’Brien, Samuel T. Ravech, Colin B. Tiernan, John J. Van Allen, William M. White, Ryan S. Woelfel SCHOLAR OF DISTINCTION Panyachote Ketyungyoenwong

HARVARD BOOK AWARD Timothy J. Nowacki

NATIONAL COUNCIL AWARD Seamus N. O’Brien

THE KENNETH A. FANNING FACULTY AWARD Joseph C. Lampe

THE SIDNEY C. CLARK POST GRADUATE AWARD Joseph A. Knowles

TRINITY BOOK AWARD Christian F. Awe

THE student council spirit AWARD Armand R. Uomoleale

THE CASHION FACULTY AWARD Gail A. Laferriere

DARTMOUTH BOOK AWARD Liam P. Gilbert James A. Spearman

THE ADAM ’93 AND LUKE ’95 CLINE AWARD Alexander G. Cheffer, Cody Doyle

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA BOOK AWARD Eric R. Feldman

THE RICHARD WOODWELL ’75 AWARD Brendan Ashe

HAMILTON BOOK AWARD Edmund T. Takata

GREGG RICHARD LINBURG ’87 Award Robert A. Higgins

GRADE PRIZES FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE 9th Grade Peter B. O’Leary 10th Grade Edmund T. Takata 11th Grade Sung Han Kim 12th Grade Panyachote Ketyungyoenwong

AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING IMPROVEMENT IN THE ACADEMIC AREA Christian A. Cottrell

AWARD FOR EARNEST AND PERSISTENT EFFORT IN THE ACADEMIC AREA 9th Grade Arden D. Coleman 10th Grade Kade McCoy 11th Grade Patrick B. Fricke 12th Grade Steven J. Cannell, Eric S. Depner

CORNELL BOOK AWARD Rocco J. Davino

YALE BOOK AWARD Gavin C. Touponse

THE STUDENT COUNCIL AWARD Steven C. Depner THE TIM STRAUS ’75 AWARD Michael A. Castellani EDWARD SOMERVILLE VOSS AWARD Vincent F. DeBlasio PAUL KARL SCHILLER ’78 AWARD Alexander Demeropoulos

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Alumni

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T

his year’s Alumni Weekend was a resounding success, with more than 400 Avonians returning, many with their families in tow.

Friday morning saw the formal unveiling of the Distinguished Alumnus Award Recognition Wall, a beautiful tribute to its recipients, outside the Field House in the Brown Student Center. In addition to the generosity of several lead donors, the many members of the National Council helped to make this wall a reality, providing not only the impetus to find a suitable location to celebrate those who have been honored, but also the primary funding.

Avon intends to share the Recognition Wall as a way to

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provide meaningful and diverse role models to current students, alumni, parents, and prospective families who visit the campus. Each person who is honored is the exemplar of the attributes we choose to instill in all graduates: men who honor wisdom, justice, service, and the pursuit of truth.

As registration got underway on Friday afternoon, so did the annual alumni golf outing. New this year, the Career Forum made its debut in the Tiernan Room, where alumni mingled with current students to discuss their experiences and offer valuable professional advice. A host of industries were represented, including real estate, law, media, biotechnology, and even aviation. The Career Forum was sponsored by the National Council, committed to strengthening the professional network that gives us the “Avon Edge.�

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On Friday evening, the Classes of ’83, ’88, ’93, ’03, and ’08, as well as this year’s clusters—’72, ’73, and ’74; ’77, ’78, and ’79; and ’97, ’98, and ’99—were reunited at gatherings on and off campus at local restaurants and homes of alumni.

The Classes of ’32 to ’63 enjoyed a Headmaster’s Dinner hosted by Headmaster and Mrs. LaRocque.

On Saturday morning, early risers and devoted Nimrod members young and old feasted on pancakes in the Nimrod Cabin after a morning of fishing at Beaver Pond.

Dozens of alumni filled the Chapel in a moving tribute that honored Avonians who have passed away this year at the annual Memorial Service, which was followed by the Alumni Parade, a lively tradition of pomp and circumstance featuring Avon’s own marching band, under the direction of Chairman of the Performing Arts Rob Volo. The parade made its way toward the Susan Casey Brown Auditorium for the athletic Hall of Fame induction, honoring four teams and one individual.

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During the Hall of Fame ceremony, guests were also presented with the announcement of the Mendell Initiative. Seth Mendell ’52, one of Avon’s true pillars, returned to Avon in the late ’50s to commit his life—heart, head, and soul—to the enterprise of educating boys, and helping them to become good men. Over a period spanning four decades, whatever Seth did—teach, coach, advise, administer—he did incredibly well. He gave of himself fully and unselfishly, all of his talent and all of his energy, to the mission of the school. Now, Avon celebrates Seth’s commitment and achievement with the Mendell Initiative, whose goal is to raise $400,000, which has named Seth’s storied Pelican 20 classroom in the Quadrangle, while also adding to the funding for the Seth F. Mendell Chair in History.

After the morning’s festivities and some time for lunch, athletes, fans, and alumni headed down to the fields, where the alumni lacrosse and baseball games got underway, followed by exciting matchups for the current varsity lacrosse and baseball teams. Revelers watched as the Winged Beavers defeated Trinity-Pawling School on the baseball diamond, but narrowly fell to Salisbury School on the lacrosse pitch.

Riddle Refectory hosted scores of celebrants at the Reunion Banquet on Saturday night, and again on Sunday morning at Avon’s delicious weekend brunch—a resounding favorite memory of alumni year after year.

After fueling up at the omelet station and reminiscing for just a few more moments, Avonians departed, bolstered anew by the brotherhood that endures, and already looking forward to next year!

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Alumni

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Headmaster’s Dinner

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’71 & ’72 ’50s

’68

’88

The Headmaster’s Dinner: Row 1: Geoffrey Doughty ’68, George Purnell ’68, Tom Purnell ’68, Rick Hynson ’63, Tony Wall ’63, Russ Hunter ’42, Carl Candels ’51, Henry Daden ’43, John Liebler ’38, Carl Emmons ’63, Godfrey Bloch ’63, Bill Lyon ’63, Dick Bennett ’63, Knick Curtis ’63, Jack Stokvis ‘3, Pat Murray ’63, Rick Duff ’63, James Hayes ’52; row 2: Jay Goldstein ’68, Chase Donaldson ’68, Warren Van Deventer ’63, Persifor “Pokey” Frazer ’63, Harry Burt ’53, Lee Turner ’63, John Finch ’63, Chris Shepard ’63, Rob Jones ’63, Jeff Henschel ’61, Robin Taliaferro ’63, Don Monaco ’55, Jonathan Lester ’63; row 3: Rolf Olson ’59, Jeffrey Kent ’68, Rick Fearn ’68, Dan Reed ’68 Class of ’63: Row 1: Warren Van Deventer, Rick Hynson, Persifor “Pokey” Frazer, Lee Turner, Carl Emmons, Godfrey Bloch, Bill Lyon, Pat Murray, Robin Taliaferro; row 2: Tony Wall, John Finch, Chris Shepard, Rob Jones; row 3: Jonathan Lester, Jack Stokvis, Knick Curtis, Dick Bennett, Rick Duff Classes of ’71 & ’72: Tim Beeble ’71, Dan Carpenter ’72, and Joe Vecchiarino ’71 The ’50s: Rolf Olson ’59, George Motter ’59, Steve Holt ’58, Harry Burt ’53, James Hayes ’52 Class of ’68: George Purnell ’68, Tom Purnell ’68, Geoffrey Doughty ’68, Dan Reed ’68, Jeff Kent ’68, Rick Fearn ’68, Jay Goldstein ’68, Chase Donaldson ’68 Class of ’88: Row 1: Chris Stone, Brent Biernat, Oliver Wolcott, James Boone, Federico Schad, Rob Gryboski, Lindsey Hansen, Shawn Atkinson; row 2: Rick Randall, Steve Casey, Marc Stuzynski, Brian Regan, Ben Travers, Jamie Hayes, Dave Stichter, Mark Fantasia, Matt Wagner

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’63

’68 & ’69 24

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’70s

’80s

’93

The ’70s: Row 1: John Garvey ’78, Henry Coons ’71, Corey Kilvert ’73, Jon Childs ’73, Duncan Broatch ’73; row 2: Jim Garvey ’79, Ned Thompson ’74, Bob Moran ’73 Class of ’63: Row 1: Jack Stokvis, Carl Emmons, Dick Bennett, Lee Turner, Peter Emory, Bill Lyon; row 2: John Finch, Chris Shepard, Knick Curtis, Godfrey Bloch, Robin Taliaferro, Rob Jones, Pokey Frazer, Rick Hynson, Rick Duff, Warren Van Deventer Classes of ’68, ’69: From left: Dan Reed ’68, Jeffrey Kent ’68, Rick Fearn ’68, Geoffrey Doughty ‘68, George Purnell ’68, Winston McKellar ’69, Tom Purnell ’68, Chase Donaldson ’68, Jay Goldstein ’68 The ’80s: Row 1: Brent Biernat ’88, Chris Stone ’88, Shawn Atkinson ’88, Oliver Wolcott ’88, James Boone ’88, Rob Whitty ’87, Rob Gryboski ’88, Sam Rubenstein ’85 , Chris Drew ’85, Jon Blaine ’83, Paul Duwan ’85, Bill Green ’83 ; row 2: Federico Schad ’88, Lindsey Hansen ’88, Steve Casey ’88, Ben Travers ’88, Mark Fantasia ’88, David Stichter ’88, Marc Stuzynski ’88 , Matt Wagner ’88, John Bourgault ’80, Michael Conroy ’85, Brett Hartley ’85, Don Pegg ’83 Class of ’93: Travis Merritt ’93, Mark French ’93, Matt Bill ’93, Jesse Goodnoe ’93, Todd Lady ’93, Xavier Rozas ’93, Jon Lyon ’93 The ’00s: Row 1: Mike Witkiewicz ’08, Kevin Sawicki ’08 , Ryan Endorf ’08, Ryan Jennings ’08, Jake Bourgault ’09, Kevin Sisti ’08, David Hollady ’08, Ben Chodar ’08, Brian Malchoff ‘07, Matt Blaine ’07; row 2: Chris Wolfel ’08, Leslie Spalding ’08, Brandon Moore ’08, Matt Solomon ’08, Preston Thompson ’08, Chane Keller ’08, Dan Seiden ’00, Julian McKinley ’03, Jamie Tang ’03, Charlie Thompson ’03, Steven Chester ’03

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The

Athletic Hall of Fame

The following individual and teams were honored at this year’s Athletic Hall of Fame induction during Reunion Weekend.

Congratulations to these outstanding Winged Beavers!

Lewis Du Pont Smith ’75 (1956-2011) *Honored Posthumously

1975 National Prep School Heavyweight Wrestling Champion.

Avon career record: 49-1. 1973-74: 22-0; 1974-75: 27-1, 2nd at CT States, 1st at New Englands, and 1st at Nationals.

Lewis du Pont Smith started as a freshman at Avon Old Farms in the fall of 1971. He was a “Renaissance man,” with wide and varied interests; he was passionate about everything he did in school and in life thereafter.

Lew tragically passed away two years ago after a heroic battle with cancer.

He fought that insidious adversary in the same way that he attacked opposing linemen on the football field

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or challenged wrestlers on the mat.

Giving a full measure of effort all the time in every experience—that was what Lew was all about.

Lew Smith was a giant of a young man, both in terms of physical stature and in terms of character. When one thinks of domination in a sport at Avon Old Farms, one is immediately drawn to Lew Smith and wrestling. He was a national champion! In achieving that highest form of recognition at the National Tournament held at Lehigh University in 1975, Lew overcame, in the final match, another undefeated wrestler who exceeded Lew’s weight by nearly 100 pounds. It was an incredibly

dramatic match capping an amazing athletic career at Avon Old Farms.

Also lettering in football, track, and tennis at Avon, he was awarded a full football scholarship to the University of Michigan. Lew was a quiet leader, an exemplar, whose commitment to excellence was unwavering. Lew Smith represented the best there is in the world of sport and in life.

Sixteen members of Lew Smith’s immediate and extended family as well as friends drove from Philadelphia to honor Lew at his Hall of Fame induction.

The 1967 Varsity Soccer Team

The 1967 varsity soccer team was the most outstanding team during the Don Pierpont era at Avon. With a record of 8-1-1, the team was strong in all departments: offense, defense, goaltending, passing, and teamwork.

Legendary coach Seth Mendell ’52 brought out the best in his players and was fortunate to have dependable leadership from captains Humberto Munoz and Tom Purnell all season long. This Winged Beaver team was filled with grit and refused to give up.

A different hero stepped up each game with Avon seemingly finding an extra gear that propelled them to numerous

second-half victories. This squad finished the season in first place in their league and third in the very competitive Western New England Soccer Association. Best remembered for their strength of will and commitment to playing together as a team, the 1967 soccer team will forever be remembered for their excellence during the early years of athletics at Avon.

’68, Richard Green ’69, Tim King ’69, Nick Leonard ’68, Bruce Manternach ’69, Jay Maya ’70, Jack Mogielnicki ’68, Roan McClure ’68, Charlie McGraw ’68, Humberto Munoz ’68, John Patterson ’68, George Purnell ’68, Tom Purnell ’68, Bob Ramsauer ’68, Bill Roberts ’68, Rob Scott ’68, Sam Sedgwick ’68, David Stimson ’68, and Bill Stettinius ’69

Team members: George Allen ’69, Bill Armstrong ’69, Greg Brown ’69, Harris Bucklin ’70, Peter Collins ’69, Peter Dent ’68, Joe Dowling ’68, Rich Field ’69, Brian Foster ’68, Jay Goldstein ’68, German Gomez-Garcia

Captains: Humberto Munoz ’68 and Tom Purnell ’68

Barry Smirnoff ’68 and Alan Levinson ’68

Managers:

Coach:

Seth Mendell ’52

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The

Athletic Hall of Fame

The 1983 Varsity Basketball Team

Spirit, mental toughness, and dedication were all key ingredients that characterized the 1983 Avon Old Farms varsity basketball team.

Finishing 19-3, one of the very best records in school history, they secured the Tri-State League Championship and will long be remembered as true champions. They delivered hardfought victories over Kingswood, Loomis, Choate, Hill, Hopkins, Berkshire, Canterbury, Trinity-

Pawling, Williston, Westminster, Kent, Taft, and Hotchkiss, with a 16-game winning streak during the season, including a most memorable 60-59 victory over a previously undefeated Suffield Academy team, led by a future NBA player and coach. What a team!

Talented, gritty, and utterly determined, this team captured the school motto, aspirando et perseverando, and put it into play on the basketball court.

Team members: Peter Connolly ’83, Tom DiGeronimo ’83, Dana Ellcock ’84, John Fanning ’84, Scott Fanning ’84, John Fitzgerald ’84, Daniel Green ’83, Andy Horning ’84, John Louis ’84, Juan Nieves-Cruz ’83, Michael Reilly ’84, and Steve Romanzi ’83 Captains: Juan Nieves-Cruz ’83, Daniel Green ’83 MANAGERS: Martin Daoust ’83 and Steve Greenwood ’86 Coaches:

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Michael Perry and Peter Evans

The 1993 Varsity Baseball Team

The 1993 varsity baseball team was one of the very best in the exemplary history of Avon Old Farms athletics. When it was all over, Avon finished with a 16-1 record in prep school competition, having secured ownership of the Connatonic and Founders League titles and winning the Western New England Championship tournament at season’s end. This team boasted dependable, strike-oriented pitching; outstanding defensive play; a ferocious team-

The 1979 Ski Team

wide hitting attack; and a powerfully positive team chemistry and winning attitude, demonstrated by their many come-from-behind victories. The 1993 season was a thriller from beginning to end, and the contributions were many on this quintessential team, wherein the whole became greater than the sum of its parts.

Kai Andersen ’93, Logan Barbiche ’93, Kevin Bos ’94, Graham Callaghan ’95, Michael Team members:

After a 20-year absence, the 1979 ski team returned to action with one of the most impressive seasons ever recorded in Avon’s storied athletic history. Led by senior captain Terry Smith, who went undefeated and was voted Most Outstanding Racer in the league, this fiercely competitive group of athletes emerged victorious time and again against talented opposition. The ’79 squad capped off an undefeated season of 18-0 as the Berkshire Ski League Division II champions. Highlighted by a clean sweep of the Division II Cup Race at Butternut, Avon skiers not only won

Correia ’94, Pat DePasquale ’93, Chris Duhon ’93, Paul Economou ’93, J.L. Fitzgerald ’93, Rob Gagnon ’94, Chris Gemmiti ’93, Andy Kovacic ’94, Jeremiah Kurasz ’93, Richard Martha ’93, John Mobley ’94, Kurt Sjogren ’93, Mike Treat ’93 and Jon Yackmack ’93 Captain:

Kurt Sjogren ’93

Manager: Coaches:

Luke Diglio Peter Evans and John Gardner

both the slalom and giant slalom events, but also had two of the first three racers in each event. This team is also to be commended for the successful rebirth of a proud program.

Skiers: Tad Appell ’81, Peter Brox ’81, Kenneth Blanchard ’80, Steve Cramer ’79, Peter Hamilton ’80, Jim Lucarelli ’80, Marc Meyersfield ’81, Kurt Pandiscio ’79, Brian Sharp ’81, Robert Sharp ’80, Terry Smith ’79, Stephen Viarengo ’80 and Phineas White ’82 Captain:

Terry Smith ’79

Coaches:

Bruce Billings and Gail Appell

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The Last Word The following original poems and works of art were taken from the spring 2013 release of the student body literary magazine, the Hippocrene. To see the rest of the magazine, please visit www.avonoldfarms.com.

The Cave’s Fire

Justin Cho ’14

They dance and I’ve heard them sing their voices echo echo so prettily through the room room and the shadows the shadows dance across the room room is not very large but it has has a very large a large echo, and I’ve watched so many shadows begin their dances and their singing and listened to the echoes echoing through the room until the dancers grow smaller and the echoing and the singing singing grow louder until the dancer is done and drifts through the air so small and so black and the new dancer begins until once again all you can hear is the sound of echoes echoing around the room room of the dancing shadows until the echoes make no sound that you don’t sound yourself and the shadows the dancing shadows remain silent as the echoes echo around the room and you can’t stop singing and the echoes don’t stop and the fire paints such a sharp shadow the shadow of a man dancing and singing and the fire won’t let me stop moving and I can’t stop screaming —Seamus O’Brien ’13

Jake DeSaint Phalle ’16

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Jiuhua Chen ’15

Observing an Icicle An icicle is from the day it begins slightly changing each and every day Bizarre and exotic it’s immensely hypnotic distorting the world behind it Some glisten while others may shine some crooked some as straight as a line Building upon itself from hours before it does not stop until it reaches the floor It draws close to its limit or so it may seem but its limit grows further away And without hesitation or any frustration it carries on its display But at first glimpse of the sun it’s stopped in its tracks its descent is now done and it starts to head back Decreasing in size the icicle climbs back to its roots until its next time —Jamie Bell ’14

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The Last Word The following original poems and works of art were taken from the spring 2013 release of the student body literary magazine, the Hippocrene. To see the rest of the magazine, please visit www.avonoldfarms.com.

Jiuhua Chen ’15

The Soldier

Ode to the Symphony

Through the cold light of winter, the wind grazed his cheeks It chapped his nose and dried his tongue The dirt below him surrendered to his lustrous greaves The air was crisp but benevolent; it tormented him The wind spiraled along the wooded path He hastened his stride His blood dripped with valor Darkness soon collapsed on his path He lay, knowing they had nothing to fear His silhouette slowly disappeared

In the theatre filled with a crowd the conductor’s hand jumps and they all start to play the sound travels around into the ear like the coal being put into the furnace keeping the fire going inside.

The souls in the hall listening to the ocean flow in and out, the low tide comes and the hall, very quiet, with just the sounds of the winds playing, the medieval drop drops from the heavens down to the terra firma.

The symphony plays on into the cloudless, deep blue sky, the conductor, raining from his forehead finally throws the last beat into the silence.

—Sam Loizeaux ’14 —Sam Loizeaux ’14

—Luke O’Connor ’16

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Diego Davila ’13

Freedom Is it the blindness that we use as excuses to bypass responsibilities The slim percentage on a pie chart where the rest is covered by laws and guidelines making us blind following into the dark cave like a country following a dictator Covering yourself in mud and slipping yourself under fences attempting to create a better life for your family in a land of opportunity When you walk out on stage in front of millions to spread a message of hope Or when you take away from some to give to others When you breathe that last breath on a field with wounds no doctor can heal When a child is born and held in the arms of its mother Freedom, a collection of fears disarming the citizens Presenting the image of world peace, while in the guts of that body, disease is spreading The people being betrayed by their government Believing in what they are forced to believe in Following the dreams they are persuaded to follow The idea of freedom is different from the reality Freedom is in the hands of our generation Freedom is the kiss goodbye when a child is on their way to school —Tucker Roy ’16

Michael Perrone ’16

Tucker Roy ’16 earned an honorable mention in the “What Freedom Means to Me” Poetry Contest sponsored by the Connecticut Civil War Commemoration Commission, the Amistad Center for Art and Culture, and the African-American Affairs Commission.

Tucker was invited to recite his poem, “Freedom,” at the New Year’s Celebration at the Connecticut State Capitol and at a celebration of Martin Luther King Day at the Wadsworth Athenaeum.