The Avonian, Fall 2018

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The Future of Avon Old Farms School JIM DETORA APPOINTED SEVENTH HEADMASTER IN SCHOOL HISTORY

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contents FEATURES

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Inspiring Boys, Building Men The Campaign for Avon Old Farms School

BY MORGAN C. CUGELL

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The Future of Avon Old Farms School: Jim Detora Appointed Seventh Headmaster in School History

BY MORGAN C. CUGELL

The Avonian // FALL 2018

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from the EDITOR Dear Readers,

SPOTLIGHTS

DEPARTMENTS

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FEATURED ARTIST:

Pengyu Si ’19

BY MOR G A N C . C U G E LL

22 ATHLETIC SPOTLIGHT:

Taisun Phommachanh ’19

BY MOR G A N C . C U G E LL

42 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT:

Max Miller ’19

BY MOR G A N C . C U G E LL

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Headmaster

Village Green

Athletics

Elephant Remembers

Class Notes

Parting Shot

FOLLOW US

FACULTY FOCUS:

/AvonOldFarms

Robert Whitty ’87

@AvonOldFarms

BY MOR G A N C . C U G E LL

48 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT:

Brad Morris ’84

BY MOR G A N C . C U G E LL

/AvonOldFarms avon.old.farms Search Group: Avon Old Farms School Alumni Association avonoldfarms.smugmug.com

Here we are, a few months into a new school year—one highlighted by Jim Detora’s appointment as the seventh headmaster of Avon Old Farms School.

Having worked closely with Jim for the past 11 years, most recently as he finishes his term as director of development and external affairs, I am excited and confident as we look toward the future. I invite you to get to know him better on page 28.

Also of note this year: Avon Old Farms is closing in on the final stages of its latest capital campaign, Inspiring Boys, Building Men. I hope you’ll take a few moments to hear from some of the inspiring donors supporting this campaign, and check out an update on two of the campaign’s biggest projects: the renovations of Jennings Fairchild Rink and the servery in Riddle Refectory.

The Avonian begins this school year with a fresh new look, as we debut a brand-new design this fall. As always, I welcome your feedback—please let us know what you think about the new look and feel.

Aspirando et perseverando, MORGAN C. CUGELL, EDITOR

cugellm@avonoldfarms.com (860) 404-4239

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VILLAGE GREEN

Established 1927

HEADMASTER

Kenneth H. LaRocque ASSOCIATE HEADMASTER

John T. Gardner EDITOR

Morgan C. Cugell ALUMNI NOTES

Alexis H. Lee The Avonian is published for the alumni, parents, and friends of Avon Old Farms School. It is distributed to approximately 7,000 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: archambaultL@avonoldfarms.com Phone: (860) 404-4252 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.

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FROM THE HEADMASTER

A NEW ERA Avon’s seventh headmaster

AS

I spend my final months leading Avon Old Farms, I am inspired, as always, by our students and faculty, who stretch themselves enthusiastically, relentlessly striving to fulfill our mission of “cultivating young men of integrity who honor wisdom, justice, inclusion, service, and the pursuit of truth.” I am also thankful for the opportunity to live and work in such a beautiful place. At any time of day, in any season, Mrs. Riddle’s campus shines as a unique masterpiece and it creates a powerful sense of place.

Knowing that my days here are numbered, I savor each moment that I am privileged to be a member of this village.

At an all-school meeting on Monday morning, September 24, 2018, Chris Drew ’85, P’17,’18 formally announced that our Board of Directors had unanimously voted to appoint Jim Detora Avon’s seventh headmaster. I am proud to have such a quality individual succeed me. For the past 25 years, I have

It is comforting for me to look toward retirement knowing that my successor is as passionate about our school and our mission as I am. Heidi and I wish Jim and his wife, Karen, well in the coming years as they transition into their new roles on campus. worked closely with Jim, and for much of that time, he has been a part of my leadership team and one of my direct reports.

Jim is an educational innovator, a strategic thinker, a strong leader, and a model citizen who is highly respected by all in our community. It is comforting for me to look toward retirement knowing that my successor is as passionate about our school and our mission as I am. Heidi and I wish Jim and his wife, Karen, well in the coming years as they transition into their new roles on campus.

This year, I am traveling off campus more than usual, and Heidi has often accompanied me, as I enjoy a bit of a good-bye tour before I retire in June. I love reconnecting with alumni I taught, coached, or counseled for college and with parents of alumni or current students. Reminiscing about the past is always meaningful, but I am also talking about our capital campaign, Inspiring Boys, Building Men. To date, we have raised more than $42 million, and we look to raise another $8 million

by June 30 in order to meet our goal of $50 million.

This critically important campaign seeks to build endowment to support financial aid as well as our faculty and to improve our facilities so we are able to better serve our boys.

On Family Weekend, we formally dedicated the Tony Waters ’86 Servery, although we began using this completely renovated space in mid-September. Every member of our community benefits from this project which improves the dining experience at school dramatically. This fall, we also opened our renovated hockey rink, which enormously enhances the players’ as well as the fans’ experiences.

Alumni continue to contact us with inquiries about joining our faculty or administration, and I am proud to share that 20 employees at school are also alumni. In this issue of The Avonian, we feature Rob Whitty ’87, P’16, our academic dean, who focuses on supporting our ninth and 10th graders, and Brad Morris ’84, P’20 our newest board member and the father of Bradley Morris ’20. I have known Rob and Brad Sr. since they arrived at school more than 30 years ago. They were impressive people back in the 1980s and have evolved into equally impressive adults who continue to contribute to Avon Old Farms as alumni. I hope you enjoy learning about them.

In closing, please accept Heidi’s and my best wishes for the holiday season and sincere hope that 2019 provides you with an abundance of good fortune and much happiness!

Aspirando et perseverando!

KENNETH H. LAROCQUE P’01, ’10

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CAMPAIGN SPOTLIGHT

village green Being the mother of two sons, I understand what it means to feed hungry teenage boys and just how important that food is in their world. The best school for boys understands that too. — K I T T Y O R D WAY, P ’ 0 4 S E E S T O R Y, PA G E 1 2

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Inspiring Boys, Building Men: THE CAMPAIGN FOR AVON OLD FARMS SCHOOL THIS FALL, AVON’S LATEST CAPITAL CAMPAIGN OFFICIALLY ENTERED ITS PUBLIC PHASE.

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his campaign is designed for you—to make your experience here at Avon better,” Jim Detora P’12, director of development and external affairs— and Avon’s next headmaster—said at Morning Meeting when introducing it to the student body. “Over the last four years, we have quietly raised $41 million for you. We have $9 million to go, and in an effort to reach our $50 million goal, we are now bringing the campaign public in an exciting way to inspire the Avon community to get behind what we’re trying to accomplish here on campus.”

Indeed, change is underway on campus as this campaign nears its close and not just to the buildings—although several of those have already been renovated and upgraded as part of the campaign, including Jennings Fairchild Rink, the Tony Waters ’86 Servery in Riddle Refectory, and Nimrod Cabin, completed this summer, and last year’s projects, which included the Engineering and Robotics center and the new Ordway Art Gallery. As Marty Cole H’16, P’04, chairman of the Board of Directors, explains, “As is the case for all nonprofit organizations, donors are essential to the life of our school.

From our academic program offerings to our recruitment and retention of the best faculty, and from our scholarship opportunities to our physical structure, Avon’s existence as one of the best schools for boys is made possible by the generosity of our community.”

“We know we need to continue to thrive in a competitive environment, and a healthy base of committed donors enables the board to make the necessary adjustments to help ensure Avon does just that.”

Brian Conroy ’82, H’13, P’20, chairman of the Board of Directors at the start of this campaign’s strategic planning process, agrees. He cites the need to invest in the future of the school and give back to the school that changed so many lives.

“Avon is at a very interesting point in time right now,” he notes.

“We’ve emerged as one of the best schools for boys in the country, from our curriculum and athletics and arts programs to the colleges our boys are attending. Today, alumni from the

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VILLAGE GREEN

CAMPAIGN SPOTLIGHT

’50s and ’60s and beyond have achieved a certain level of success and wealth, and much of that can be attributed to their Avon experience. In addition, classes grew larger in the ’70s and ’80s; we have a real opportunity just from the sheer number of alumni during those years to invest in Avon’s success.

“We have a responsibility, as a wave of maturing alumni, to respect and remember and keep it going and to propel the school to even greater heights in the 21st century. I firmly believe we all need to look back upon the reasons for

the Alumni and Development Office, and select members of the Avon administration to determine the absolute priorities of the campaign. “’What do we need to do for the boys?’

That was always the question,” explains Cole. Beyond the impressive physical renovations to the campus, the campaign asks donors to consider making an impact in the form of contributions to endowment, particularly toward scholarship or faculty enrichment.

“As a young boy raised in urban Chicago, my life was changed when I received

We have a responsibility, as a wave of maturing alumni, to respect and remember and keep it going and to propel the school to even greater heights in the 21st century.

— B R I A N C O N R OY ’ 8 2 , H ’ 1 3 , P ’ 2 0

our success and that our philanthropic endeavors should reflect the importance of Avon in our lives.

“Our lives are terrific because of the Avon experience and the foundation we built with Avon’s core values. It’s our turn to give back, and it’s exciting.”

From start to finish of the process, the board-directed campaign has included insights from constituents at all levels. Campaign co-chairs Ken Winemaster ’83, P’17 and John Edwards worked alongside Marty and the board,

scholarship funds that enabled me to attend Dartmouth College,” shares Cole.

“The donors who funded my scholarship made a significant, positive difference in my life and put me on the path to where I am today. At Avon, you see the direct impact we have on students, and that is very rewarding. It’s powerful to be a part of such positive change.”

Ultimately, the campaign hopes to reach its ambitious goals without sacrificing crucial donations to the Annual Fund. “Asking for money is

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From our academic program offerings to our recruitment and retention of the best faculty, and from our scholarship opportunities to our physical structure Avon’s existence as one of the best school for boys is made possible by the generosity of our community.

—MARTY COLE H’16, P’04

never easy. But it’s necessary,” states Cole.

“The costs of running the school—of teaching and housing our young men and maintaining these unique facilities —exceeds the amounts we charge for tuition and boarding.

“We do a great job of educating young men and producing future leaders. It requires money. We could just charge more in tuition,” he observes, “but then you get a class of only those who can afford it, and that’s not where we want to be.”

When it comes to making gifts, Cole explains, “It’s not or; it’s and,” he continues. “We need your unrestricted gifts every year; we rely on your Annual Fund gifts to run the school. In addition, we need campaign contributions to make Avon better for the boys. We need to make investments for the future.”

To learn more about the Inspiring Boys, Building Men campaign, visit www.campaignforavon.com.

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VILLAGE GREEN

it starts with avon

OUR BOYS BECOME EXCEPTIONAL MEN.

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he Avon experience fosters personal and intellectual growth in our students and prepares them to be citizens of a global village. The character of our community is shaped by our core values of brotherhood, scholarship, integrity, and sportsmanship—values that endure.

Inspiring Boys, Building Men: The Campaign for Avon Old Farms School supports our unwavering commitment to the people, programs, and campus that are at the heart of the Avon experience and distinguish us as the best school for boys.

Inspiring Boys, Building Men aims to raise $50 million. By investing in our people, enhancing our campus and facilities, and building a stronger financial foundation, this campaign will impact our school profoundly for decades to come.

Your support will

ąąExpand our ability to support boys with financial need. ąąSupport our faculty’s development as inspiring educators.

ąąMaintain Mrs. Riddle’s campus and modernize our facilities to meet the needs of today’s Avonians. ąąNurture the heart of our community and fortify all that brings us together.

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Young men dream bigger and see further when the Avon community rallies behind them.

$19 million ENDOWMENT An endowment anchors a school’s financial security by providing the necessary funds to accomplish its mission. We strive to build and grow our endowment to better support student scholarships, enhance faculty compensation, and maintain our distinctive campus setting. We work diligently to oversee our growing endowment through prudent and wise investments.

An endowment for student scholarships makes it possible to

ąąEnroll highly qualified students. ąąEnrich the Avon population with a more diverse student population.

Increasing endowment support of the faculty allows Avon to more deeply invest in

ąąOutstanding, passionate educators who are dedicated to scholarship and provide a strong moral compass.

ąąOpportunities that provide personal and professional development.

$12 million CAMPUS AND PROGRAMS Enhancing our facilities honors our legacy, prepares us for the future, and enriches students’ experiences today.

Programs enriched through campus enhancement

ąąThe new Engineering and Robotics Center houses Avon’s STEAM program featuring the engineering classes and robotics team.

$19 million THE ANNUAL FUND As we pursue these strategic plans, we also focus intensely on our most important fundraising priority: the Annual Fund. Annual support is critical to achieving a balanced budget, which is necessary to fulfill our mission. Avon will strengthen the Annual Fund, raising $19 million over the course of the campaign.

ąąThe new Ordway Art Gallery celebrates the creative and artistic achievements of alumni and students. ąąThe Riddle Refectory and servery projects modernize the servery, expand culinary options, and unite the Avon village while preserving our beloved dining hall. ąąThe Jennings Fairchild Rink renovation improves the hockey experience for players and fans. ąąThe Nimrod Cabin rebuild sustains our roots as caretakers of this campus and carries that tradition into the future.

YOU R PA RT I C I PAT I O N MAT T E R S . E V E RY G IFT MAT T E RS .

Together, we will create financial stability that will serve Avon long after the successful campaign closes. Joining together, we will move forward. The future starts today.

To learn more about the Inspiring Boys, Building Men campaign, visit www.campaignforavon.com.

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VILLAGE GREEN

CAMPAIGN SPOTLIGHT

endowment SCHOLARSHIP

Ira Leesfield GP’19

Recently, Michael said to me, ’When I have a son, I want him to go to Avon.’

It was his way of showing his appreciation. The Avon Old Farms environment— just the feel of the school—is pretty extraordinary. We felt it was the right place to give help.

—IRA LEESFIELD GP’19

Ira Leesfield GP’19 is finishing his first full year as a member of the Board of Directors. His grandson, Michael, arrived at Avon as a sophomore, and the school made an immediate impact on both grandson and grandfather.

“I enjoyed my first visit on Family Weekend; I walked around the campus, admiring the physical beauty of the school and the attitude and pleasantness and politeness of the students,” Leesfield recalls. “Soon after, I got to know some of the faculty reasonably well.”

Relationships continued to develop, and he quickly got involved in the school community. After speaking with Director of Development and External Affairs Jim Detora, Leesfield consulted his grandson; they agreed they would like participate in the campaign in a significant way.

Designating their gift to scholarship was an easy decision; the Leesfield Foundation has long supported various scholarships.

“I have a very deep-seated scholarship base in who I am,” Leesfield explains.

“Everything I was able to do throughout my education was supported through the help of others—from gifts and scholarships and even just concern. When I got in a position to help others, scholarships became the way to do it.

MICHAEL LEESFIELD ’19 WITH HIS GRANDFATHER IRA LEESFIELD GP’19

“So we put two and two together,” he continues. “I saw what Avon was about. I saw that contributions and donations could be used for scholarship, and that was very important to me. I discussed it with my grandson, and we all decided, in our family foundation, that this was a place we wanted to allocate some help.”

Leesfield notes that watching Michael thrive at Avon simply reaffirms his belief that more students should be able to benefit from an Avon Old Farms education.

“We measure success in a lot of ways, not just academics,” he observes.

“Michael is having a successful secondary school education and learning a lot about life. The quality of the faculty and administration is very impressive.”

“Recently, Michael said to me, ‘When I have a son, I want him to go to Avon.’ It was his way of showing his appreciation.

The Avon Old Farms environment—just the feel of the school —is pretty extraordinary. We felt it was the right place to give help. It all came together rather easily and seamlessly.”

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FACULTY ENRICHMENT

Wade and Linda Kirby P’17, ’18 “I’m a very strong proponent of single-sex education,” explains Wade Kirby P’17, ’18. “I attended an all-boys prep school myself. Unfortunately it wasn’t Avon!”

When Kirby and his wife, Linda, decided to support the campaign, long before it entered its public phase, they knew right away where they would dedicate a generous portion of their funds: faculty enrichment.

“Avon has a dedicated faculty who have devoted their lives to the school— men like Peter Evans, John Gardner, and of course Ken LaRocque,” Kirby notes.

“The triple threats who are completely committed to teaching, coaching, working in the dorms—it’s a complete and total buy-in, as far as educating boys, and we wanted our gift to go toward salaries so the school can continue to retain faculty of this caliber and quality.

We’d all like to make sure that faculty salaries are competitive and an enticement for people to stay.”

Linda Kirby agrees, citing the experiences of their two sons, Taylor ’17 and Reade ’18, and her work as an educator as proof positive of the importance of a strong, experienced faculty. “People are much more likely to give to bricks and mortar than faculty or endowment—I don’t think people see it,” she observes. “By being lucky enough to have two boys go through there, we can see that Avon truly lives the mission of being the best school for boys. They have

had role models—father figures, even— who have changed their lives. And the brotherhood is so strong. It’s all about those relationships.

“The rudder goes really deep here,” she continues. “It does. Every day, it does. It’s not only when the parents show up. It’s every day. The school really got both of our boys; it’s not ’one size fits all.’ They both came out of Avon hugely changed, and it made all the difference in the world. They’re whole people.”

Kirby notes that she believes it is imperative to reward faculty members who have dedicated their lives—and their families’ lives—to living on a boarding school campus and serving as such important figures in young men’s lives. “They’re making an investment in our boys,” she explains. “We should be redeeming that.”

“My fantasy is that when young men or women come to work at Avon at 29 or 30 years old, they will want to stay here and see generations of boys grow into young men,” states Kirby. “There’s so much experience to gain each year.

So many faculty members have worked in a number of different capacities, and they are growing the Avon experience.

I know, because I’m a product of it myself, what that can mean for a character development: it’s profound.

No matter how much this world we are in blows up and changes—the preparation that Avon gives for college, and certainly for life, is eternal.”

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We wanted our gift to go toward salaries so the school can continue to retain faculty of this caliber and quality. We’d all like to make sure that faculty salaries are competitive and an enticement for people to stay.

— WA D E K I R B Y P ’ 1 7, ’ 1 8

KIMBERLEY CROCKER P’11 WITH LINDA AND WADE KIRBY P’17, 18

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VILLAGE GREEN

CAMPAIGN SPOTLIGHT

bricks and mortar Our boys work hard and play hard all day; they deserve the best meal service.

What I hope to accomplish is to help AOF take one more small step toward living our mission.

— K I T T Y O R D WAY P ’ 0 4

DINNER IS SERVED: THE NEW, STATE-OFTHE-ART SERVERY’S INAUGURAL DAY.

THE TONY WATERS ’86 SERVERY

Kitty Ordway P’04 “The kitchen has always been discussed as a needed capital improvement,” notes board member Kitty Ordway P’04, who contributed one of the lead gifts to this summer’s extensive renovation, in which the entire servery was expanded and upgraded with custom, state-of-theart equipment.

“The servery is a very expensive and under-appreciated upgrade,” observes Ordway. “It may not be as flashy as some of the other campus projects, but the need is at the core of our mission. Invest-

ing in a first-class meal preparation facility is essential if we truly strive to be the best school for boys.

“Being the mother of two sons, I understand what it means to feed hungry teenage boys and just how important that food is in their world,” she explains. “The best school for boys understands that too. Our boys work hard and play hard all day; they deserve the best meal service. What I hope to accomplish is to help AOF take one more small step toward living our mission.”

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the annual fund SUSTAINING SUPPORT

Glenn Sieber P’16

BARBARA AND GLENN SIEBER P’16 WITH THEIR GRANDCHILDREN, EMMA AND MADISON

Glenn Sieber P’16—currently a faculty member as well as the chairman of the Mathematics Department—was serving as the interim chief financial officer and director of strategic planning in 2011 when Headmaster LaRocque and chairman of the Board of Directors Marty Cole first asked him to help coordinate the strategic planning initiative for the board to review. “The strategic plan (and hence the board) had originally charged the campaign with three critical objectives,” recalls Sieber. “First, to increase our endowment to help fund financial aid and faculty support in terms of compensation, housing, benefits, and professional development.

Second, to invest in much-needed campus capital improvement projects and academic programs. And third, to continue to build the Annual Fund to sustain ongoing school operations.

“I believe all of these objectives are equally critical to Avon’s long-term sustainability and growth, enabling us to remain ’the best school for boys,’” he continues. “So to see this campaign— which will enable us to meet all three of these critical objectives—actually come to life after all of the behind the scenes work and efforts by the Board of Directors and school administration over the last four-plus years is incredibly rewarding.”

Sieber and his wife, Barbara, chose to designate their campaign gift to the

Annual Fund, knowing how critical those dollars are to the school. “It is important for our alumni to understand that tuition revenue covers only about 70 percent of our annual expenses,” he explains. “Were it not for the Annual Fund, we would simply not be able to operate on a year in, year out basis.

Barbara and I make our gifts to the school on an unrestricted basis so they can be used for the Annual Fund and the campaign as needed.”

Having served the school in so many capacities—he also served as interim director of development during 2015–2016—Sieber has a unique perspective on Avon Old Farms and is thrilled to be able to support its mission.

“Avon holds a special place in Barbara’s and my heart and will always remain one of our top philanthropic priorities,” he notes. “Avon not only enabled me to pursue something I always wanted to do—teaching—after retiring from 25 years in the business world but also proved to be a wonderful home and academic and athletic experience for our youngest son, Kevin, who graduated in 2016. I can truly say that teaching at Avon for the last 12 years has been one of the most rewarding times of my life.

“Helping transform young boys into men over the last 12 years is something I will always cherish.”

Were it not for the annual fund, we would simply not be able to operate on a year in, year out basis.

Barbara and I make our gifts to the school on an unrestricted basis so they can be used for the Annual Fund and the campaign as needed.

—GLENN SIEBER P’16

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VILLAGE GREEN

CAMPAIGN UPDATE

THE JENNINGS FAIRCHILD RINK AND THE TONY WATERS ’86 SERVERY

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ast spring, two of the most iconic buildings on campus—the Riddle Refectory and the Jennings Fairchild Rink—were shut down as renovations that would last through the summer began. As major components of the Inspiring Boys, Building Men capital campaign, these renovations were completed mid-September, just in time to welcome the boys back to campus and kick off an exciting new school year.

Jennings Fairchild Rink The hockey program at Avon Old Farms School is renowned. With dozens of alumni off to top collegiate and professional careers each year, the Winged Beavers attract the most talented rising hockey stars—and this spring and summer, our facilities got an upgrade fit for a team of this caliber. “The renovation brings our rink to the top of those at New England prep schools,” comments Director of Athletics Geoff Barlow ’98.

“We now have an impressive facility for our current students and a building that will help attract top student athletes for years to come.”

Legendary longtime head coach John Gardner agrees, and notes an even further-reaching impact. “The rink renovation was a tremendous facilities upgrade, which will benefit our present students and also allow us to attract exceptional student athletes to compete with our fellow Founders League schools,” he explains. “It will also honor our alumni base who have made our hockey program what it is today. We appreciate their continued dedication and enthusiasm, and hope they will consider offering additional support as we look to complete phase two of the renovation, and strive to make Avon the best school for boys—and hockey players—in the country.”

Phase one of the exciting renovation included updates to the structure of the building and many interior rooms.

Existing locker rooms and training rooms were demolished to make way for

brand-new facilities, four visiting and four home team. A video room with theater-style seating was added. The ceiling in the rink was replaced, and the entire rink was repainted to brighten the facility. In addition, the boards were reskinned; light fixtures, flooring, and sprinklers were replaced; new safety netting was installed; and the penalty box and benches were moved and expanded. Brand-new bleachers offer increased seating capacities, with a permanent tower for video and scout viewing. The public restrooms are brand-new, as well.

The vestibule of the building was upgraded to include professional photography, and the façade sports brand-new brick in many places, including the wall facing the rink parking lot, which now boasts the school name. Phase two of the renovation plans to continue the progress, with the addition of a viewing mezzanine to enhance the fan experience.

With Avon’s storied hockey history and the new facilities already welcoming skaters this fall, the winter athletic season is sure to be one our Winged Beavers—and all their opponents— will remember.

Sports, competitive and otherwise, form an essential background for courage and honor.

—T H E O D AT E P O P E RIDDLE, FOUNDER

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VILLAGE GREEN

Tony Waters ’86 Servery When plans were first put in place to renovate the kitchen of the Riddle Refectory, the goal was always the same: give students, faculty members, and families on campus more options. And when Flik Independent School Dining came on board in 2013, the food service experience was revolutionized with new equipment, new foods, and a new way of thinking. “It’s an investment,” notes Executive Chef Hector Vazquez. “Not just financially, but in terms of investing in the students and families who live here and eat all their meals here.”

The progress continues with the debut of the Tony Waters ’86 Servery.

From March through September of this year, Riddle Refectory was shut down—a temporary dining facility was set up in

and around the Brown Student Center— as the kitchen was completely renovated; the dining room tables and millwork were repainted and restained.

The architect, designer, mechanical engineer, and structural engineer, administrators at Flik, Vazquez, and select members of the Avon administration drew up plans transforming the kitchen, but maintaining its unique structural footprint. Vazquez notes that his chief concern was making sure there was room for multiple unique offerings each day. “What they need are options,” he states. “It’s the college concept; we are working with multiple stations. We have a lot of different demographics here, students from different countries and cultures, and even different dietary restrictions. We want to be aware of

HECTOR VAZQUEZ EXECUTIVE CHEF

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We have a lot of different demographics here, students from different countries and cultures, and even different dietary restrictions. We want to be aware of making them all happy, keeping them well-fed and healthy.

— H E C T O R VA Z Q U E Z , E X E C U T I V E C H E F

making them all happy, keeping them well-fed and healthy.”

One of the many project priorities was to help evenly disperse foot traffic and avoid long lines, and the new layout meets those challenges. The deli bar remains in the dining room, and the salad bar, fruit and cold bar, hot line, and two action stations are located inside the servery. Door openings to the kitchen were widened.

Among the upgrades to the space itself are myriad new pieces of top-ofthe-line equipment, including those that will rotate throughout two stations at all buffet meals: a hearthstone pizza oven, a wok, a combination grill/griddle, and a rotisserie. With two stations available in addition to the hot line choice, the offerings will be continually varied and exciting for everyone in the community. Behind the scenes, there’s even more: two walk-in refrigerators and a freezer, a Swiss brazier, convection ovens, grills, and even a Unox professional oven, which can do just about anything Chef Vazquez needs. “We’re focusing now on maximizing options but minimizing waste,” he explains. “We don’t want to make just one item in mass amounts.”

Except, of course, for Rodger Bergeron’s famous cookies. Before the renovation, he couldn’t keep up with the demand. Now he’s got a brand-new

bakery all to himself, with a state-of-theart proof box, new convection ovens, and a Univex bakery oven with rotating racks and space for 16 sheet pans. The bake shop was installed—along with an elevator and a staff locker room—in the basement of the servery.

After many months spent in the temporary “food court” in the student

center, the food service team was ready for the big move. At the end of the day, notes Vazquez, the goal is to make people happy—and this is the space for it. “We try to have fun with it,” he says. “This is a family here, and you want your family to be happy. We have the tools in here to make it a great experience for everyone.”

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VILLAGE GREEN

FEATURED ARTIST

PENGYU SI ’19

BY MORGAN C. CUGELL

P

engyu Si ’19, or SP, as he is known on campus, is a multitalented art student who has been honored with numerous awards, including two gold keys for his paintings and one honorable mention for a drawing at the 2018 Connecticut Scholastic Art Awards.

For his afternoon independent project (AIP) in oil painting last spring, he completed seven works that were displayed in the Ordway Art Gallery.

“After the last session of the AIP, I was

physically exhausted but proud of the sweat and tears I had put into my works,” he recalls. His experience was so positive that he’s continuing the AIP this fall, in advanced painting.

A four-year senior from China, SP channeled his talent and passion for art to help ease the transition of living so far from home. “A major challenge for me has been and still is to understand the interactions between my identity and the surroundings,” he explains.

“Because of my cultural background and introverted personality, I have found it challenging to communicate with other students sometimes. From a freshman who knew how to draw only with a pencil to a senior who is known for his achievement in the arts—a 17-year-old who is competent in expressing himself —I have acquired a much more sophisticated understanding of the purpose and the presentation of art during my time at Avon.”

The Avonian // FALL 2018

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I do not intentionally force an idea into an artwork just for others to decipher or interpret; I like to let my instinct and intuition lead the way and see what happens.

Cristina Pinton, chair of the Visual Arts Department, agrees, noting, “SP was quiet as a freshman. Through theater and his visual arts classes, he’s become well-spoken, a poet on stage, and has published in the Hippocrene, the arts and literary magazine. He has broadened his abilities as a draftsman and painter, expanded his visual vocabulary, and deepened his confidence.”

SP relies on Pinton as not just his teacher but also his mentor. “Ms. Pinton understands how my culture influences my way of thinking and is willing to

explore with me such a fascinating correlation,” he observes. “She shows me how I can experiment with different techniques.”

Outside the studio, SP is heavily involved in life on campus. He is a monitor in Diogenes Dormitory, plays the cello in the chamber ensemble, and has participated extensively in the drama program as both an actor and a technician. “I learned many valuable lessons from my experience in theater,” he states, “which is something I could never conceptualize and never imagined doing before I came to Avon.

“Mr. Bolster has been my advisor for all four years as well as my junior-year English teacher,” notes SP. “He is patient with me; inspires me to explore the world of the humanities through literature, writing, philosophy, linguistics, and art; and challenges me to explore new things—like theater.

“From studio art to music to theater to writing, I enjoy exploring all kinds of arts,” he continues. “I believe art is simply a synonym for beauty—the beauty of nature and of the human society. I do not intentionally force an idea into an artwork just for others to decipher or interpret; I like to let my instinct and intuition lead the way and see what happens. Although I do not plan a theme for my works, they all reflect my experience and personality in one way or another.”

ATHLETICS

FALL 2018

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athletics

The Avonian // FALL 2018

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ATHLETICS

athletics at avon ATHLETIC SPOTLIGHT

TAISUN PHOMMACHANH ’19

BY MORGAN C. CUGELL

The Avonian // FALL 2018

IN

the middle of this fall’s varsity football season, senior quarterback Taisun Phommachanh was named to the National Quarterback Club’s midseason high school watch list for the 2018 National Quarterback of the Year Award.

It was hardly a surprise to anyone on campus.

Last year, Taisun threw for 2,402 yards and 26 touchdowns; Avon Old Farms went undefeated in the regular season and captured its 10th Erickson League Championship, outscoring opponents 383-181. At 6ft. 3in., he’s listed as a four-star recruit by 247.com; he’s ranked third in the country at quarterback and first in Connecticut. He has already committed to attend Clemson University where he will play football and, he hopes, launch an NFL career.

A tri-varsity athlete at Avon and one of this year’s football team captains, Taisun was recognized with the award for top athlete both his sophomore and junior years. He’s also a member of the varsity basketball and varsity track and field teams. Athletic prowess—particularly in football—runs in the family, he notes. His father, Sam—whom Taisun counts as the biggest influence in his life—played quarterback at Harding in Bridgeport, Conn., where Taisun started

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22 games over two seasons, including five when he was still only 13 years old, before transferring to Avon Old Farms following his sophomore year.

Beyond the obvious progress he has made on the football field, Taisun is quick to credit Avon with helping him become a more independent student. “I was never used to being on this type of schedule,” he recalls. “I have matured in many different ways. I thought I was going to have lots of trouble being away from home and getting the schoolwork done, but I’ve become a much better student just from being here; my work ethic in the classroom has improved tremendously.”

The strides he’s made were undoubtedly instrumental in securing him offers from many of the top football programs in the country; last spring, he officially committed to Clemson. “I knew I was making a lifetime decision, and I knew it was important,” he recalls. “I wanted to go where the academics and sports were both strong and surround myself with good people who had the same goals I do,” he observes. “I had to be able to see myself there even without football.

“I’ve been dreaming of being able to play college ball since I was a kid,” he continues. “I believe Clemson will elevate me academically and athletically.”

I knew I was making a lifetime decision, and I knew it was important. I wanted to go where the academics and sports were both strong and surround myself with good people who had the same goals I do.

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ATHLETICS

COACHES CORNER

PIERCE BRENNAN AND KEITH LEE

New head coaches at the helm of varsity football, lacrosse programs

P

ierce Brennan has always been an athlete.

Growing up in Long Island, he played every sport he could, eventually specializing in football. He’s also always known that teaching— and coaching—would be in his future. After high school, he attended the United States Coast Guard Academy for one year before transferring to the University of Albany to pursue his dream of playing Division I football. While at Albany, he was a three-year starter at center and received a B.A. in mathematics and an M.A. in education.

After graduating from Albany, Brennan took a job teaching math for a year at a high school in Florida—but the college football field was calling his name. He returned to the Northeast and served as the offensive line coach and strength and conditioning coordinator for the University of New Haven football program. There, while

PIERCE BRENNAN VARSITY FOOTBALL

recruiting, he discovered the boarding school experience. After two years at UNH, he headed to Trinity-Pawling School, where he got his first taste of life as a triple threat: in the classroom, on the fields, and in the dorms. After several years at Trinity-Pawling and a year back in public schools, he joined the faculty at Avon Old Farms in 2014. He teaches AP statistics and probability and statistics and this January will assume the role of chair of the Math Department. He has transformed the strength and conditioning program on campus over the last four years and this past fall was appointed head coach of the varsity football team.

Last year’s Winged Beavers were undefeated in the regular season and captured their 10th Erickson League championship title, and Brennan is grateful to have much of that squad returning—alongside MVP quarterback Taisun Phommanchanh, four postgraduates, and a large group of returning underclassmen who have spent years developing their skills. Of particular interest, he notes, are the many multisport athletes, who decided against early specialization and instead allowed themselves to experience growth across disciplines.

“We are in the business of developing boys into responsible men,” Brennan observes, “and I think athletics, regardless of sport, lends itself to teachable moments in perseverance and discipline and many of the values that we are trying to have our boys learn in their short time here. Teamwork, responsibility—things that you can’t always get done in a classroom or a club or even in a dorm. There are teachable moments everywhere, in practices and in games, and these are lessons that we hope carry over into their adult lives.”

The Avonian // FALL 2018

“I

always knew I wanted to end up as a faculty member of a school like Avon Old Farms,” recalls Keith Lee, who grew up on the campus of a small boarding school.

At Western Reserve Academy he met Dr. Henry “Skip” Flanagan, the headmaster when Keith was a student and his father was a teacher. “As a ’faculty brat,’ I saw the way my father was able to change the lives of students and knew I wanted to do the same.” After Western Reserve, Lee matriculated at Robert Morris University, where he played Division I lacrosse and earned honors as an All-CAA team midfielder. At RMU, he earned his B.S. in applied mathematics and met his wife, Alexis, who now also works on campus, in the Alumni and Development Office. After graduating from college, he made his way to Avon in 2011, following Flanagan, his former headmaster, who became his friend, colleague, and mentor.

This fall, Lee officially undertook head coaching responsibilities for the varsity lacrosse program. Although the squad won’t take the field until this spring, he’s been working toward the position for many years, including serving the varsity team as associate head coach alongside Flanagan for the past seven years. When he retired last spring, Lee was the obvious replacement. He has spent years compiling an impressive résumé of coaching jobs, including at the club and youth levels as well as at the Under Armour All-America Tournament. He spent many years as an assistant for the Avon Old Farms varsity soccer team as well.

Beyond the lacrosse field, Lee has fully immersed himself in life at Avon. He teaches all levels of mathematics courses, including in the summer program, and has served as both a dormitory head and the head of a faculty duty crew. He has also coached, at varying levels, soccer, basketball, and conditioning. He was married on campus in 2015 and is looking forward to raising his family here.

“Avon holds a special place in my heart,” notes Lee. “Working with the boys at Avon has taught me so many life lessons. You really get the chance

KEITH LEE VARSITY LACROSSE

to change lives, and everyone around you is working toward the same goal.

“Every day you are constantly surrounded by people all pulling together to integrate scholarship, integrity, brotherhood, and sportsmanship into our daily lives.”

Lee states that athletics plays a large part in Avon’s community, specifically with regard to character development. “Athletics at Avon reinforces and adds to our core values,” he says.

“It also gives our boys personal challenges to help their growth as young men.”

With a core group of senior leaders and a strong season last spring, Lee is looking to build upon that success but is clear that his main goal can be found beyond the scoreboard.

“My coaching philosophy is simple,” he explains. “We want to build and develop young men using the sport as a vehicle. I want my players to be able to overcome challenges, to win or lose with a sense of balance on the field and in day-to-day life.

“Coach Flanagan taught me that the real value in lacrosse, and sports in general, is the lessons that can be learned and applied,” continues Keith.

“He showed me how to be a coach on the field, but more important how to be a mentor in young men’s lives.”

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VILLAGE GREEN

HIGHLIGHTS

fall ’18

CROSS-COUNTRY

17:37 Avon's fastest finish,

by Paul Chavey '20,

ON THIS YEAR'S NEW CROSS COUNTRY COURSE

The Avonian // FALL 2018

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FOOTBALL

7-1 2018 Regular Season Record

2018 ERICKSON LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

SOCCER

4-3 The Winged Beavers defeat South Kent School in penalty kicks to capture the championship of the

SPORTSMEN CARDINAL CLASSIC

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AVON’S AVON'SNEW NEWHEADMASTER HEADMASTER

My vision is to create a culture where faculty and staff are empowered to think outside the box and find innovative solutions to challenges.

Avon Old Farms must respond creatively to today’s changing landscape.

By examining best practices for teaching boys, advances in technology, new methods of communication, and emerging trends in admission and philanthropy, Avon will continue to lead boys’ education.

The Avonian // FALL 2018

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the future of avon old farms school

BY MORGAN C. CUGELL

Jim Detora Appointed Seventh Headmaster in School History

Jim Detora is all in.

“When I commit to doing something, I do it right,” he states. “And if I’m not doing it right, I need to make adjustments.”

Over the last 26 years at Avon Old Farms School, Detora has certainly had to make his fair share of adjustments, given that he has served in a multitude of different capacities since he first arrived as a newlywed with his wife, Karen, shortly after he finished college at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

One change, in particular, sticks out for one reason: it never happened. “Headmaster George Trautman offered me a teaching job; we were going to come down for a few years and get some experience, and the plan was to move back up to the Boston area.

“Plans change,” he laughs. “It’s just a special place. It’s always been a special place for us. The thought of moving and going somewhere else never really crossed our minds. We knew it was the right spot for our family.”

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AVON'S NEW HEADMASTER

The driving force in my professional life has always been serving our boys. Our students energize and inspire me to make this school better. As we strive to fulfill our mission and be the best school for boys, I look forward to continuing the tradition of strong leadership set forth by Don Pierpont, George Trautman, and Ken LaRocque. I have always been and remain steadfastly committed to the spirit and traditions of Avon Old Farms; they are, and always will be, our foundation.

I KAREN, MATT ’12, CAROLYN, NICOLE, AND JIM DETORA

ndeed, the Detoras raised three kids on campus—Matt ’12, Carolyn, and Nicole—and Detora spent his career advancing from a faculty member to a senior administrator, holding many different positions along the way. Beyond teaching 15 courses in the Math and Science Departments, working in the dormitories, and coaching at all levels, he served in all four major academic administration positions: provost, academic dean, dean of faculty, and department chair. He spent the last two years learning the operations side of the school as director of development and external affairs. He fully invests himself in each position, not only learning what he needs to do but also proactively seeking out ways to make himself better for Avon.

“The best thing about working at Avon is that I’ve been able to do so many different things, so it’s always been new; it’s always been challenging,” Detora observes. “It has pushed me to grow in so many different ways, and for me, that’s important.”

Now, 26 years later, he faces perhaps his biggest adjustment to date: this fall, the Board of Directors announced his unanimous appointment as the seventh headmaster in school history; he will take the reins from retiring Headmaster Ken LaRocque on July 1, 2019. “Over the course of his career, Jim has displayed an impressive growth mindset, strong leadership skills, and a tireless work ethic, all of which have

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AVON'S NEW HEADMASTER

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AVON'S NEW HEADMASTER

The development job gave me an understanding of the business side of the school, which has been invaluable. It has all given me the confidence I needed to know I could take on the headmaster job.

supported him well in his various academic and administrative roles,” notes Marty Cole, chairman of the Board of Directors. “He immediately and passionately embraced his academic responsibilities in our Mathematics and Science Departments, his residential life duties in the dormitory, and his coaching assignments in the athletic arena. He epitomized the triple-threat faculty member. Even as a young faculty member, Jim garnered the respect of veteran teachers and administrators, displaying boundless energy, solid personal values, and natural emotional intelligence. He has always been able to connect easily with the boys and work well with his

colleagues: Jim is universally respected on campus and by colleagues throughout the independent school world.”

As the transition draws nearer, Detora feels confident that his unique, multifaceted perspective of Avon prepared him well to lead the school, particularly given his results-oriented leadership style. “One thing I think I’m really good at is taking ideas and making them reality,” he explains. “Not everyone can do that. Lots of people have great ideas, and they stay ideas. I’ve been able to take ideas and turn them into programs here at school that are better for our boys.” Chief among those many innovations are

The Avonian // FALL 2018

the implementation of the robotics and engineering programs, the Veracross school information software, and Avon’s online summer course program. He also developed and implemented a performance evaluation program for the faculty, designed to provide constructive feedback and professional growth; improved the teacher hiring process and timetable to increase efficiency and quality of results; and continues to serve as one of the original members of the school’s Emergency Response Team, which put in place a campuswide response protocol to best safeguard the community. As director of development and external affairs, now in his third and final year in the role, he has made tremendous strides. In his first year, his team produced more than $6 million in cash receipts, exceeding any previous results in school history, and lowered the cost to raise a dollar from 34 cents to 26 cents. He serves as the direct report for the Marketing and Communications Department and redesigned that team to reflect an agency model; together they launched a new platinum award-winning website designed to

incorporate the school’s marketing strategies.

“All those exciting initiatives created positive change in many areas of school life,” Detora notes.

“And the development job gave me an understanding of the business side of the school, which has been invaluable. It has all given me the confidence I needed to know I could take on the headmaster job.”

Beyond that confidence, he knows he can look to his mentor and friend Ken LaRocque for guidance. “Ken is probably more responsible for my growth over the years than anyone else because he had the faith and confidence to put me in roles that stretched me and made me into a better leader,” Detora says. “Ken gave me responsibilities and helped me grow as an educator. He gave me the freedom to do a lot of the things that I wanted to do. I’m sure he was probably wary at times, but he allowed me to do it and guided me to make changes. He had faith in me. Certainly having the confidence to put me in the role of director of development and external affairs two years ago, not having any experience—not many

Ken gave me responsibilities and helped me grow as an educator. He gave me the freedom to do a lot of the things that I wanted to do.

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AVON'S NEW HEADMASTER

Students are not going to remember what I taught them about physics or math, but they’re going to remember me and the interactions we had and their experiences because that’s going to shape their lives. people would have done that at all. I can’t thank him enough for all those different opportunities.”

Detora also looks to his friend as he considers his relationship with the student body—something he has missed over the last several years.

“The fact that Ken knows the students as well as he does is hugely impactful for them, and I think that’s part of what makes Avon special. I hope to get to a point where I know the kids as well as he does; that means surrounding myself with people who can take on some more responsibilities so I can spend the time seeing the kids and getting to know the kids up in the dorms or at meals in the Refectory. It has a big impact on our community—and our community is the most important thing that we have here.”

Having spent so many years teaching, coaching, and working in a dorm, Detora had a difficult time moving away from constant interaction with the students, especially because he considers the relationships forged at Avon as of paramount importance to the school’s success in developing young men. “That’s what makes Avon so special,” he states. “You can go to any school and get a great education, but you’re not going to know your teachers the way you do here. They’re not going to

have that impact on your life that we have here.

That’s the responsibility that we have as educators at Avon; it goes way beyond just teaching.

“Students are not going to remember what I taught them about physics or math, but they’re going to remember me and the interactions we had and their experiences because that’s going to shape their lives,” he continues. “It happens at the lunch table, it happens in the dorm, it happens on the athletic field. Very few kids remember what Newton’s second law of motion is—I do ask them all the time though!”

Detora cites Bill Kron, beloved former faculty member and administrator, as his very first mentor on campus. Kron said he was “overjoyed” when he learned of Detora’s appointment, despite some initial trepidation when he began his transition away from the classroom.

“He’s a mechanical engineer; he didn’t have to teach. But boy is he really good at it. He gets along well with the kids and can get them to do pretty much anything. I was very much afraid when I heard that he was going to be the development guy.

In my opinion, it was not his thing. He is a master teacher and works well with the kids. Yet, has he been successful? I would say extraordinarily

The Avonian // FALL 2018

successful. And isn’t it interesting, what he’s done at the school, all the positions he’s held; he really knows the school, knows the students, and knows the faculty. What better experience could he have had to be the new headmaster?”

For Detora, the students are still priority one.

He still keeps a roster of six advisees and is in his office by 6:15 a.m. to greet students who come to him for extra help. “Working with the boys, for me, that’s what it’s all about,” he explains. “It was hard to step back and stop teaching when I took the development job. I tried teaching, at first, but it didn’t work well because I couldn’t give it the attention it deserved. I’ve had to do that a couple of times—I had to stop coaching when I became academic dean. That was really difficult, but I knew it was the right thing to do. And I want to be fair to students. They deserve my full attention, whether I’m coaching or teaching. So that’s been really hard, but I know at the end of the day that I’m being even more impactful to more Avonians doing this job than I would if I was just teaching in the classroom.”

Detora understands that the relationships built at Avon are one of the most important parts of what makes Avon so successful; unsurprisingly, the triple-threat model is not one he is looking to change. “One of the things that is most important to me is that the values and traditions of Avon remain,” he explains. “I understand what they are.

I understand that those are the things that make Avon special. Relationships: that’s how we get so much out of our boys. Every interaction—in the refectory, at Morning Meeting, in the dormitories, on the fields, in the classrooms—is an opportunity for us to build relationships and to help students.

To me, that stuff is really important.

“At the same time, we need to evolve and stay current,” he notes. “That’s something I’ve always prided myself on: finding ways to differentiate Avon from other places that are going to work within our structure and be what’s best for the boys.”

Family-style meals in the refectory, though less frequent these days at only three sit-downs a week, remain a priority for Detora, who embraced

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the tradition in his home as his own children were growing up, despite the hectic Avon schedule. Sundays were reserved for cooking a “Sunday sauce” with his eldest daughter, Carolyn; weeknights, though chaotic, always included a few moments around the table together. “When they were all growing up, I remember rushing up from football practice to sit down for a 15-minute dinner with the family before quickly changing and putting on my tie and heading to the refectory,” he recalls. “I always took time to sit down with the family for dinner.”

Family is important to Jim, and that includes his extended family of friends and colleagues on

Isn’t it interesting, what he’s done at the school, all the positions he’s held; he really knows the school, knows the students, and knows the faculty. What better experience could he have had to be the new headmaster?

— B I L L K R O N H ' 0 7, P ' 8 9

JIM DETORA WALKS WITH HIS FIRST MENTOR, FORMER COLLEAGUE AND CHAIRMAN OF THE SCIENCE DEPARTMENT BILL KRON H’07, P’89

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AVON'S NEW HEADMASTER

Jim strives for excellence in all of his endeavors and honors the deep traditions that are unique to Avon Old Farms. He is a role model for our boys and a consistent advocate of our faculty.

—KEVIN DRISCOLL ’72, P’08

campus—such as Brian Malchoff ’07, Geoff Barlow ’98, and Matt Kowalchick ’99, all former students of Detora’s who have since returned to work on campus.

Detora has always been able to connect with his students in one way or another and always with a goal in mind. “Jim strives for excellence in all of his endeavors and honors the deep traditions that are unique to Avon Old Farms,” explains Kevin Driscoll ’72, Jim’s longtime friend, colleague, and co-coach. “He is a role model for

The Avonian // FALL 2018

our boys and a consistent advocate of our faculty.

He is very thoughtful and seamlessly engages with both the parent and alumni communities.

He cherishes faith and family and always has the importance and best interest of our boys as a focal point close to his heart. His accomplishments at Avon Old Farms have been outstanding, but perhaps his top attribute is his persistent, humble, and professional approach. Jim always leads from the front, and he believes in the importance of empowering each and every member of the faculty. His friendly and positive manner make him very approachable and those around him comfortable, and his desire and work ethic serve as an inspiration for all of us to attempt to emulate each and every day.”

Karen Detora has seen firsthand the time he has spent dedicating himself to the students and the school. “Jim is a solution guy. He loves to look at situations and say, ’How can we do this better or make this better?’ Through all the positions he has held over the last 26 years, he has come to

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know the school very well and everything he has done has always been driven by asking this question: how can we serve the boys better?”

Detora’s self-discipline extends beyond the classroom or his office: he is notorious around campus for his early bedtime and even earlier wake-up time, usually so he can fit in a workout before he begins his day. “If I don’t get a workout in, I can’t function,” he jokes. “I’m better when I exercise. It’s important. Really, I just need to stay ahead of the boys!”

He’s even roped his buddies into it, such as faculty member and friend Rob Whitty ’87.

Although the two attempted to join the 5:45 Club—which meets at dawn in the gym— Detora found it was simply “too late” and didn’t give him any time to prepare for the arrival of students in his office at 6:30 a.m. for extra help. “So, Rob and I went at 4:45 a.m. instead. Only for one year though.”

Jim has always been able to connect with his students in one way or another and always with a goal in mind. Jim strives for excellence in all of his endeavors and honors the deep traditions that are unique to Avon Old Farms.

—KEVIN DRISCOLL ’72, P’08

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AVON'S NEW HEADMASTER

Mr. Detora leads by example, focuses on teamwork, and sets the standard for the definition of a man of Avon. He makes difficult decisions with intelligence and compassion and has a vision that supports our school culture and ensures our future as the best school for boys.

— R O B W H I T T Y ’ 87, P ’ 1 6

Whitty has been along for a few of Detora’s more ambitious extracurricular endeavors, including 24 hours of push ups for the Push ups for Patriots initiative, and a hike along the Pemi Loop Trail in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, a feat they completed in under 24 hours not once but twice, along with fellow fitness enthusiast John Bourgault ’80.

“I love being outdoors,” Detora says. “I also like to do stupid things! The Pemi Loop is 32 miles, with eight 4000-foot peaks. We decided to do it in one day. No sleep, just a backpack and a lot of water. It took 19 hours the first year and 18 hours the next year. I’ll never forget watching the sun come up over Mount Washington.

“I actually thought Rob Whitty was going to die the first time,” he jokes.

Detora tends to keep a sense of humor close at hand at all times, even in the office. “I like to have fun,” he explains. “I don’t take myself seriously at all, and I don’t sweat the little things. I try to keep things in perspective, and I try to have a good time. We like to laugh at work as much as we possibly can.”

For his part, Whitty chooses to focus on the good in what Detora has brought into his life—including impacting the life of Whitty’s son, Jake ’16. "Mr. Detora leads by example, focuses on teamwork, and sets the standard for the definition of a man of Avon. He makes difficult decisions with intelligence and compassion and has a vision that supports our school culture and ensures our future as the best school for boys as we move toward our centennial anniversary.

“My son is living proof of Mr. Detora’s positive, profound impact on our students,” Whitty continues. “We are all better people for having Mr. Detora in our lives; he is a great friend and mentor."

Dean of Students Brian Doyle, who arrived at Avon Old Farms around the same time as Detora did and has spent the ensuing years working alongside him, agrees, noting, “Jim is a workhorse and a progressive thinker who, over the 26 years that I have known him, has quickly earned the respect of students, faculty, parents, and alumni.

He has changed the lives of many young men.”

Anne Raftery, Detora’s assistant since he took over in the development office, can speak to his tireless work ethic and competitive nature, both of which have served him well in his career. “Over the last few years, I have been in a position where I had the opportunity to watch Jim work through issues presented to him,” she explains. “I have seen him put his engineer’s mind to work to unpack, analyze, and repackage any issue or project that the school needed tackled, always moving us forward as a school and a community with positive results. Jim’s approach is a perfect blend of mathematical analysis coupled with great instincts about people. It’s not a combination you

The Avonian // FALL 2018

Jim is a workhorse and a progressive thinker who, over the 26 years that I have known him, has quickly earned the respect of students, faculty, parents, and alumni. He has changed the lives of many young men.

— B R I A N D OY L E P ’ 1 2 , ’ 1 4

encounter every day. It will serve him and the school well as he moves into his new role.”

Deb Case, Avon’s director of technology, has worked with Detora on many projects over the last 26 years and echoes Rafferty’s sentiments.

“Being a forward thinker, with no fear when faced with a challenge, Jim has assisted in bringing some amazing technological changes to campus,” Case states. “Jim is a team player in every sense of the word, and I am thankful for the support he has given me when I have come to him with an idea to move our technology program forward.

We have brainstormed many projects together, and I have always appreciated his big-picture

approach to projects, always asking ’Is this good for the school?’ It is a very exciting time for Avon and for Jim, and I am so happy to be a part of this next chapter in Avon’s amazing story.”

Detora is quick to credit the individuals and teams around him over the years as essential to the progress he has made but notes that it is in his nature to move things forward. “I’m a problem solver,” he states. “I try to take the challenges and setbacks and look at them as opportunities to get better.” It’s a philosophy, he notes, that began in his teenage years, when an accident on the football field propelled him into what would eventually become his career.

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AVON'S NEW HEADMASTER

“I was just coming back from a broken foot and was anxious to get back on the field. It was the end of practice, and I begged the coach to get in on the final drill. He agreed, and seconds later I was lying on my back with the trainers trying to keep me calm. During the play, my foot got stuck in the ground and the pile hit my knee. My body went one way, and my leg went the other; I dislocated my knee, tore all the ligaments, and hit a nerve that left me with a condition known as drop foot.

To this day, I walk funny because I am unable to lift my foot up. Months later, after knee reconstruction and a nerve graft, the doctor told me that I would not be able to play competitive sports again.

You can image how devastated I was.

Sports were my identity. What was I going to do?

Every time something bad happens, there’s an opportunity in there somewhere, and you just need to find it,” he observes. “It’s tough to live any other way, for me. I’m always somebody who looks forward.

“My goals of playing college football or hockey were shattered,” he recalls. “It was a difficult time, but eventually I realized that feeling sorry for myself was only making matters worse. I needed to find an opportunity that would turn this into a positive experience in my life. I took my passion for sports and started coaching youth football and baseball. Those opportunities helped shape my life.

“The rewards I got were just as fulfilling as if I were actually participating,” Detora says.

“I honestly believe that if that injury hadn’t happened, I wouldn’t be doing what I am now, and I wouldn’t have become an educator. It was a moment that helped me find my purpose and my passion. And that was a defining moment in my life for sure.”

That moment that inspired his career also helped formulate a philosophy he tries to live by in his day-to-day life, whether at home or in the office. “Every time something bad happens, there’s an opportunity in there somewhere, and you just need to find it,” he observes. “It’s tough to live any other way, for me. I’m always somebody who looks forward. I don’t look back; I can’t change the things

The Avonian // FALL 2018

He just truly loves Avon Old Farms. From the very start, he has taken on roles that have helped to make the school a better place for students to learn.

— KA R E N D E TO R A P ’ 1 2

that have already happened. But I can learn from them and I can get better. No regrets; I just don’t want them. We have to make our own way.

“My wife often tells me I’m excessive; no matter what I do, I do it to the extreme,” Detora comments. And Karen Detora agrees. “He just loves a challenge,” she explains. “He loves to push himself, and he is always full of possibilities about life and work. He is realistic, though, so when he pursues something, it is always well thought out and planned down to the details. What I admire about him is his ability to give me and others confidence that you can achieve your goals.

“He just truly loves Avon Old Farms,” she continues. “From the very start, he has taken on roles that have helped to make the school a better place for students to learn.”

As Detora looks forward to the years ahead— the Detora years at Avon Old Farms—he is surer than ever of the importance of the Avon education, and he hopes his tenure will not only celebrate that but also catapult it ahead. “I am excited to lead Avon toward its centennial,” he states. “This is an important time for the school. We are finishing up

41

a $50 million campaign, celebrating Ken LaRocque’s 38 years at Avon, and transitioning to new leadership. Having the opportunity to be in the thick of it all brings out the best in me. I always look for ways to make Avon a better school for our boys while remaining true to its ideals and traditions. Avon needs to be responsive to today’s realities and we need to find new and innovative ways to meet these challenges. I have the incredible opportunity to lead this charge.”

It’s a moment he could not have imagined 26 years ago when first set foot on campus, though in time, his grandmother seemed to have an idea of what was to come. “She came to visit us when Nicole was born,” he recalls, “and we had just moved into our house on faculty row. She was looking around the campus, taking it all in, and she said to me, ’Someday, you’re going to be the headmaster of this school.’” This fall, Marty Cole’s call to tell Detora he had gotten the headmaster job came on his grandmother’s birthday.

But he won’t get ahead of himself just yet.

In true Jim Detora fashion, he remains incredibly focused at the task at hand, which is finishing up the year as director of development and external affairs. And as this capital campaign draws to a close, he’s as committed as ever. “I still have my day job,” he laughs, “which is to raise $9 million this year.”

But come July 1, he’s ready—and he’s all in.

JIM DETORA FACES THE AVON OLD FARMS COMMUNITY ON THE MORNING HE IS ANNOUNCED AS THE NEXT HEADMASTER.

42

VILLAGE GREEN

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Max Miller ’19

BY MORGAN C. CUGELL

M

ax Miller ’19 is this year’s Warden. From Cromwell, Conn., he is a four-year student—and what a busy four years it has been!

As Warden of the school, Max is the acting president of the student body and serves as the liaison between the student body and the school administration; it’s a big job, but he has his fair share of leadership experience. He’s a four-year member of the Student Council as well as the four-year head of the Big Brother program, the head monitor of Pelican Dormitory, and currently in his second year leading student activities. He served as an admission ambassador his sophomore and junior years. He’s also a captain on the varsity soccer team.

Unsurprisingly, Max has been recognized for his dedication, most notably with the Woodwell Leadership Award. The award is presented to a rising junior who demonstrates leadership potential and a desire to give back to the Avon community. Max chose to go on a week-long journey backpacking through the wilderness of Mount Jefferson, in Oregon. “I hope to not only be a stronger leader—which is what this trip was all about—but also to be a better teammate,” he said. “On the mountain, I didn’t want to be the one holding anyone else back, and the same applies here. Sometimes, as hard

as the path ahead looks, you just have to keep pushing forward.”

It’s an attitude Max carries with him throughout all of his many responsibilities and extracurricular activities at Avon.

“The ones that I take the most pride in would be the ones that benefit all the boys,” he explains. “In the end, I know that putting my best effort forward in everything I do will all be worth it the day I walk across the stage at graduation, hoping that I made some kind of positive impact at this school.”

Though that impact extends throughout the entire community these days, Max notes it wasn’t so easy when he first arrived on campus. He mentions spending time waiting for what Dr. Malchoff called “the light to go off, meaning, waiting until I figured out how the full academic lifestyle works, putting in more time than just study

hall, going to enrichment, asking more questions in class, doing whatever it takes in order to do well academically. I can’t explain the difference it has made.”

Once he found his footing, Max wasted no time integrating himself into student life. Besides working his way up to his many positions of leadership, he’s also a member of the Red Cross Club, the Model UN., Junior Achievement, and Avon Outreach. He also recently joined the staff of the Avon Record. In all, his schedule is crammed with schoolwork, athletics, clubs, and service—and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“My experience at Avon could not have been better,” states Max. “The time I’ve spent here has been without a doubt the best years of my life. The things I’ve learned, the people I’ve met, and my growth into a man have been no less than monumental.”

The Avonian // FALL 2018

“

There is no better feeling than watching younger guys take part in everything this school has to offer, especially as you watch them warm up to you, knowing you’ve been a key part in their progression here.

’’

Traditionally, the Warden gives the first student chapel talk of the year, and Max took the opportunity to discuss the importance of all the moments—big and small, happy and sad, and everything in between—that define a boy’s time at Avon Old Farms. He spoke from experience, noting the significance of one of those moments at the start of his own Avon career, when he found comfort rather quickly as a part of the brotherhood that so many young men come to rely upon.

“I came in as a quiet freshman, socially awkward, without real knowledge of my identity when I first got here,” Max recalls. One night, he was invited into the junior monitor’s dorm room with several hallmates. “They talked to me,” he states. “As simple as it sounds, it was a life-changing moment for a lost freshman like me.

“We stayed in that room until early morning, just talking,” he continues.

“From that point on, I aspired to be like those upperclassmen: I wanted to help every new kid, every year, get accustomed to the life we live at Avon.

“There is no better feeling than watching younger guys take part in everything this school has to offer, especially as you watch them warm up to you, knowing you’ve been a key part in their progression here,” Max observes.

43

44

FACULTY FOCUS

1991

Graduates from Bentley University and is hired as a police officer in East Hartford

2006

Is selected to attend the FBI National Academy, from which he later graduates with honors Designs the safety program still used at Avon public schools

2007

Whitty and his team take the public safety program to Avon Old Farms School

2009

Is promoted to captain of the Avon Police Department

The Avonian // FALL 2018

45

Robert Whitty ’87

BY MORGAN C. CUGELL

Today

Serves as academic dean for students in ninth and 10th grade classes, director of campus security, and head of the Emergency Recovery Team

2011

After 20 years of service, retires from the Avon Police Department and is hired as a math teacher at Avon Old Farms

O

ver the course of the last decade, Avon Old Farms School has dedicated itself to making progress in many important areas of school life, including safety on campus. Rob Whitty ’87 led the charge— even before he was hired as a teacher and an administrator.

In 2006, as a veteran member of the Avon Police Department, Whitty designed and implemented the school safety program still used in Avon public schools; what began as a grassroots program has grown into one of the top safety programs in the state. In 2007, Avon Old Farms asked him to bring the program to campus to get the ball rolling. More than a decade later, the program has flourished and continues to improve.

After graduating from Bentley University in 1991, Whitty pursued a career in law enforcement and was hired as a police officer in the town of East Hartford before returning home to the Avon Police Department. He rose through the ranks and commanded every section of the department, including the patrol, operations, detective, and administrative divisions.

In 2006, he was selected, through a rigorous process, to attend the prestigious FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va., and graduated with honors. There, he first began to explore the idea of school safety. Students at this federal law

enforcement leadership academy were tasked with developing a progressive, impactful program to implement when they returned to their respective departments. Whitty worked with Val Demings, the first female chief of the Orlando Police Department, to research school safety programs. He discovered an article written by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, which focused on the impact of school violence in the United States.

“The most important and greatest asset to parents are their children; if someone really wants to make an impact, they target children, which is seen too often in the news,” Whitty observes.

“The question I initially asked was what are we going to do, as police officers, as public servants, to protect our kids? That really resonated with me.” His own two

46

FACULTY FOCUS

“

We are a family here, and we all look out for each other.

Whether it’s during the training or even a potential incident, each person in the community has a responsibility to assist others, such as another student, a visitor, or even a faculty member’s child.

’’

children—Jake ’16 and Ellie, Miss Porter’s School ’18—were at that time in the Avon public school system. Whitty and his team dedicated themselves to helping answer those questions. He then took his research and plan to the Avon Police Department, where he was met with resounding support.

“Police Chief Mark Rinaldo, the town manager, and the Board of Education were 100 percent behind the program,” Whitty recalls. “At the time, this was the new frontier and we were given the resources to train, and to find out what was working. The chief provided the team the time and support to assess each public school building and grounds, complete full safety assessments, and train the faculty, staff, and children.

“The priorities were to develop a safety mindset, educate the school communities, and develop basic strategies that staff members and students could perform under stress.”

At the start of the program, Whitty and his team worked to coordinate the school emergency response plans with the response from the Police Department.

For the program to be effective, the team needed to ensure that each person

understood his or her responsibility and focused on training the students and staff to protect the children during a critical incident in the short period of time prior to police arrival on the scene.

The team emphasized a “common sense model,” which provided for structured protocols but the flexibility to assess an event and act accordingly. Eventually, as the training advanced and the budget grew—thanks to support from the chief of police and the town of Avon—the program expanded to include new equipment for the patrol cars, electronic locks and ID badges at the schools, and 24-hour access for the Police Department.

In 2007, Whitty and his team took the Avon public school safety program to Avon Old Farms School. The six-month process was dedicated to modifying the existing safety program to improve campus safety while maintaining the unique environment of the school and Mrs. Riddle’s historic campus. Students were taught the pillars of the program: community, awareness, and responsibility. “You have an obligation to your brother,” explains Whitty. “We are a family here, and we all look out for each other. Whether it’s during the training or even a potential incident, each person in the community has a responsibility to assist others, such as another student, a visitor, or even a faculty member’s child.

This approach helps reinforce the community mindset that we strive to instill in our students.

“The campus environment poses a significant challenge,” he explains.

“Without the buy-in from our students, teachers, and staff, the program would not be a success.”

Whitty was promoted to captain— second in command of the Avon Police Department—in 2009. In 2011, he retired after 20 years of service and then joined

The Avonian // FALL 2018

the Math Department at Avon Old Farms.

Soon after, he added administrator to his résumé and now serves as academic dean for students in the ninth and 10th grades. As director of campus security, he has continued to work hard to assess and improve the safety program along with his team. In recent years, with the support of Headmaster Ken LaRocque, Avon has incorporated many new features to the program, including major upgrades to the school’s technology infrastructure, such as electronic locks on dormitories and buildings, audible tones, and the Everbridge Safety Program. The school practices lockdown drills three to four times a year in multiple locations across the vast campus, and the Avon Police Department is present each time to monitor and evaluate the response of students and staff.

Whitty also heads the Emergency Recovery Team (ERT), made up of select employees from different school departments as well as all members of the school’s Critical Response Team (CRT).

Each member of the team has a different responsibility, and the school’s comprehensive Emergency Response Plan is based on the group’s collective work.

As emergency response coordinator, Whitty functions as the initial incident commander or team leader, assuming overall command of an emergency with the goal of minimizing the effect on the

campus. He must assess the emergency situation, determine the level of impact, assess the effect, contain the incident, and assign the proper resources. This may include assigning members of the ERT to their specific areas of responsibility. He and the ERT are responsible for the command and control of all aspects of the emergency response; they have the authority and ability to make quick decisions in an emergency situation. The ERT is assembled as appropriate during the year for training and plan reviews.

In addition to his professional responsibilities as director of campus security, Whitty also teaches an Intersession course in law enforcement.

It focuses on law enforcement from the local, state, and federal perspectives.

Students discuss elements of constitutional law, laws of arrest, and search and seizure as it applies to criminal investigations through case studies.

The course explores such practical skills as building searches, crime scene processing, felony car stops, arrest/ control, and lethal force scenarios. In addition, students interact with state and local law enforcement personnel, including canine units, special weapons teams, bomb disposal teams, and computer crimes units. The curriculum was designed to expose the students to a career in law enforcement while emphasizing such important life skills

47

as leadership, teamwork, decisionmaking, and self-reflection. The program has already proved influential: one alumnus is currently pursuing law enforcement in college, with the goal of becoming a police officer.

Whitty’s long and impressive history with the Avon Police Department and his continued relationship with the department since he joined the Avon faculty have been an invaluable resource.

Avon Old Farms is also a founding member of the Regional Independent School Safety Committee, a 28-school consortium made up of major prep schools in the area whose safety directors come together frequently to discuss best practices, combine knowledge, and continue the school safety conversation. Whitty clearly values his role in keeping Avon safe—and that call of duty seems to run in the family.

Whitty’s son, Jake, an AOF graduate (Class of 2016) is currently in the middle of a seven-month intensive training program at the Hartford Police Academy and will join the Avon Police Department upon completion. “He was built for this,” states Whitty. “Physically, as well as mentally, he is so well prepared.

He clearly understands the importance of being part of a community and being of service to its members. He is a young man of integrity and relates well to everyone that he meets.

“These are lessons that he learned at Avon,” he continues. “His role models at Avon played a large part in his development into a young man and in his service mindset.

“I could not be more proud of him.”

48

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Brad Morris ’84

BY MORGAN C. CUGELL

Ken LaRocque was my first math teacher, in geometry. Ken engaged with each student in the class at a higher level than I had ever seen. It made me feel a connection to learning that I had never felt.

“A

von Old Farms School has had a significant impact on me since the first day I arrived on campus,” states Brad Morris ’84, P’20. “It helped shape who I am today, more than I knew at the time it was happening.

“By the time that first Thanksgiving break came, I had buddies from five different regions of the country and many from around the globe,” he continues. “I didn’t realize it at the time but being in such a diverse environment opened my world.

I was exposed to so many walks of life, instead of

just my town. That alone was an amazing learning experience.”

Now, with his son Bradley Jr. ’20 on campus, the elder Morris is surer than ever of the importance of an Avon Old Farms education.

“In my previous educational experience, I had had no relationship with any teachers, at any time. When I arrived at AOF, that changed immediately. Ken LaRocque was my first math teacher, in geometry. Ken engaged with each student in the class at a higher level than I had ever seen. It made me feel a connection to learning that I had never felt.

“Just like today, the faculty back then created an environment of trust, community, involvement, and scholarship with each individual student,” Morris continues. “I am amazed and pleasantly surprised that my son is having the same experience at the school today. Kudos to Ken and the entire faculty of AOF for not letting this part of the culture disappear!”

Morris recalls meeting Coach Juan Comella on the soccer field his junior year. The impact the “hard and passionate man” had on him was immediate. “I can remember it like it was yesterday,” Morris says. “Coach Comella said, ’The reason you’re on varsity soccer is not because of your soccer skills; it’s because you work hard and never give up.’ That lesson has paid dividends for me in every single job I have had in my career.

“Today, I try to convey to all our new young hires that hard work is the largest differentiator in the workplace, more than talent or raw intellect,” he explains. “I know it sounds simple, but the difficult part is having the guts to do it

The Avonian // FALL 2018

49

I am amazed and pleasantly surprised that my son is having the same experience at the school today.

Kudos to Ken and the entire faculty of AOF for not letting this part of the culture disappear!

every day. Those who do move up quicker than the ones who don’t want to put in the hours.”

Morris cites Avon’s enrichment program as further evidence of Avon’s continued emphasis on hard work and self-discipline and stresses the importance of starting that habit as a student. His own son has been regularly attending since his first week as a freshman, and Morris believes the payoff is real. “I am sure the students who attend enrichment and commit the time do better than those who don’t,” he states. “Take advantage of this wonderful program.”

Morris graduated from St. Lawrence University with a BA in history and sociology and began a sales career in Boston with Cellular One before going to a Fortune 500, Pitney Bowes. In 1995, he joined the family business, Morris Group, Inc., the largest machine tool distribution network in North America. The third-generation, family owned and operated business services manufacturers of precision machined parts in the United States; Morris was sent to England to work in a factory for five months of on-the-job training. He held various customer-facing, revenue-generating positions in the company until 2005, when he was named president. In 2016, he was named CEO. Throughout it all, he’s been a steadfast supporter of Avon Old Farms. And as his career grew, so did his generosity. “I cannot tell you why, but donating money to the Annual Fund started

with me before I had enough of it to really be giving it away,” he explains. “I felt compelled to support a place that had done so much for me at a pivotal point in my life. As my earning capacity increased, I participated in a few special fundraising initiatives, such as for Juan Comella and Peter and Sue Evans.”

Beyond his many generous financial contributions, Morris has been pleased to support Avon with his time; he was a member of the National Council before being confirmed as a new member of the Board of Directors this fall. And two years ago, after a tour of the new STEAM center on Avon’s campus, he offered to host the young engineers at the Morris Group offices, so they could get an idea of a day in the life of a manufacturing engineer. “We have hosted two groups so far, and the feedback has been that it was worth their time. The manufacturing industry needs young people to come out of school and begin to fill the more than 500,000 job openings in this sector in the United States.”

Morris and his wife, Amy, are also parents of Hadleigh (15) and Sawyer (13). He has served on the board of directors for the American Machine Tool Distribution Association, and they are generous supporters of the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. As a family, the Morrises enjoy boating, fishing, skiing, and traveling, and are self-described “die-hard Patriots fans!”

THE MORRIS FAMILY: AMY P’20, BRADLEY ’20, AND BRAD ’84, P’20, AT FAMILY WEEKEND.

the

50

elephant remembers

FRANCIS MITCHELL FROELICHER PROVOST, 1927 TO 1929

Traditions are here in the making, but they are not of the restrictive type. The direction is toward a disciplined freedom; if a boy meets his obligation to the community he finds a wide range of interesting activities that serve the purpose of his rounded development.”

—GORDON RAMSEY F R O M A S P I R AT I O N AND PERSEVERANCE

DR. PERCY GAMBLE KAMMERER PROVOST, 1930 TO 1940

Avon is non-sectarian.

The Provost, Dr. Kammerer (formerly Dean of Trinity Cathedral at Pittsburgh) conducts a Vesper Service on Sunday afternoons, which the whole School attends. The School is glad to arrange with parents for such particular religious instruction as they may desire in individual cases.”

F R O M A S P I R AT I O N AND PERSEVERANCE

REV. W. BROOKE STABLER PROVOST, 1940 TO 1944

The Rev. W. Brooke Stabler was appointed as Provost and immediately started referring to himself as the ’Rector.’ He also brought about the change of name from Avon Old Farms to the Avon School, in order to avoid the connotations of a farm school. He ran a contest for a poem to become a School song. The winning entry was authored by Paul Cushing Child of the faculty and is still being used: ’Men of Avon.’”

F R O M A S P I R AT I O N AND PERSEVERANCE

The Avonian // FALL 2018

51

DONALD W. PIERPONT

GEORGE M. TRAUTMAN

KENNETH H. LAROCQUE

PROVOST, 1947 TO 1968

HEADMASTER, 1969 TO 1998

HEADMASTER, 1998 TO 2019

He was a kindly but stern headmaster, always willing to lend a helping hand. … It was the lost sheep that robbed him of time for the rest of the flock. When he returned a boy to the flock, he rejoiced.”

From the moment of George’s arrival, Avon Old Farms became a school committed to a kind of institutional dynamism.

Directed change was perceivable in every nook and cranny of school life: philosophy, curriculum, athletics, facilities, admissions, college placement and atmosphere. George Trautman was omnipresent.”

Here, doing the right thing is as important as finding the right answer.

Teaching values is as important as teaching an academic discipline.”

F R O M A S P I R AT I O N AND PERSEVERANCE

— P E T E R M . E VA N S , F R O M A S P I R AT I O N AND PERSEVERANCE

—KENNETH LAROCQUE

52

class notes

RICHARD DOREMUS ’43 COLLECTS SAP FROM THE MAPLE TREES ON CAMPUS DURING HIS STUDENT DAYS.

The Avonian // FALL 2018

40s ’42 RUSSELL HUNTER

Head Class Agent 100 Sarah Ln., Apt. 112 Simsbury, CT, 06070 RICHARD E. DOREMUS ’43

shared the following memories with his daughter, Jody Perkins. Doremus said, “Mr. Staples was the headmaster during my time at Avon. My campus job was to be the clerk of the court. There were court hearings at suppertime, and I had to stand up and read the reported offenses. No one wanted to be a squealer, so it was a hard job. I remember heading to the Farmington River early on Saturday mornings to shoot ducks with my friend and roommate, JAMES “JIMMY” STEWART ’43.

In those days, we were allowed to keep shotguns in our rooms. Jimmy also liked to catch snapping turtles in his bare feet in the swamp by the Avon Old Farms ball field. We took our catches to the chef, Mr. Candles, who chopped the heads off the turtles with an ax and made turtle soup for us. When we caught trout, we released them.

I was a member of the Nimrod Club. We tapped maple trees and took the sap to the sugar sheds,

where we boiled it down and served the maple syrup to the school. On the mischief side, we hung a jug of apple cider outside our dorm window until it turned to hard cider.

No one caught us. I played ice hockey on the frozen pond. In warm months, I played soccer. We worked on the farm on the weekends, milking cows and shoveling manure.

Also on weekends, we slept in the woods in sleeping bags near the Nimrod Club cabin, where we cooked in the fireplace. During World War II, everyone in our class enlisted or was drafted. I enlisted and was sent to training in Pensacola, Fla.”

50s ’50 HARVEY S. RUBIN

Head Class Agent 102 Barbour Cir. Newport News, VA 23606-2201 harvo2516@verizon.net ’51 CARL A. CANDELS

Co-Head Class Agent 6 Mountain View Ave. Avon, CT 06001 ’51 WARREN T. FORD SR.

Co-Head Class Agent 115 Center St. Wolcott, CT 06716 jodir@aol.com

53

’52 SETH F. MENDELL

’58 STEPHEN R. HOLT

Head Class Agent 232 Tellidora Ct. Fort Myers, FL 33908 sethalicemendell@gmail.com

Co-Head Class Agent 75 Bridge St. Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944 stephenholt@comcast.net

’54 DOUGLAS H. MACPHERSON

’59 CHARLES W. DAVIS

Head Class Agent 5405 Dranes Tavern Dr. Fairfax, VA 22030-4603 dhmacpherson@verizon.net

Co-Head Class Agent 6905 West 99th St. Overland Park, KS 66212 cwdavis@waretec.com

’55 EDWARD J. HAWIE

’59 DOUGLAS B. MARSHALL

Co-Head Class Agent 138 Hampton Point Dr. St. Simons Island, GA 31522-5426 ehawie@bellsouth.net

Co-Head Class Agent 2 Berkshire Rd. Bloomfield, CT 06002 douglas.marshall@raveis.com

’55 CLEON M. SHUTT JR.

Co-Head Class Agent 511 Garrison Forest Rd. Owings Mills, MD 21117 chipsamerica@hotmail.com ’56 CHARLES R. SCAGLIONE

Head Class Agent 3328 Eagle Nest Point Virginia Beach, VA 23452 scag3328@gmail.com ’58 AUSTIN CHAMBERS

Co-Head Class Agent 317 Flanders Rd. Stonington, CT 06378-2109 susan.chambers3@aol.com

60s ’60 RICHARD L. WILLIAMS

Head Class Agent PO Box 218 South Orleans, MA 02662-0218 rclumberclan@aol.com ’61 GEORGE F. HENSCHEL JR.

Head Class Agent 101 Seminary Rd. Bedford, NY 10506 gfhjr@aol.com ’62 ALAN D. ROZINSKY

Head Class Agent 13620 Via Flora, Apt. B Delray Beach, FL 33484 rozinskyb@gmail.com

Richmond MARCH 19, 2018

Rusty Avery ’67 and Kim Des Marais ’69 hosted varsity lacrosse players, parents, and alumni at a reception following the game with St. Christopher’s School.

RYAN LANCHBURY ’17, ADAM STIFEL ’99, KIM DES MARAIS ’69, POPE REED ’63, RICHARD PEYTON ’66, RUSTY AVERY ’63, KEVIN DRISCOLL ’72, P’08, SKIP FLANAGAN GP’16, ’19, BRIAN MALCHOFF ’07, AND MATT KOWALCHICK ’99 WITH THE AVON VARSITY LACROSSE TEAM

SEE WHO WAS THERE: AVONOLDFARMS.COM/EVENTS

54

CLASS NOTES

KNICK CURTIS ’63, DICK BENNETT ’63, P’04, JACK STOKVIS ’63, AND WARREN VAN DEVENTER ’63 RETURNED TO AVON TO CELEBRATE THEIR 55TH CLASS REUNION.

’63 JACK R. STOKVIS

’66 MICHAEL D. BARKER

’68 GEORGE L. PURNELL

Head Class Agent 25 Pine St. Haworth, NJ 07641-1926 smarts@galaxy.net

Head Class Agent 40 Bay Hill Dr. Bloomfield, CT 06002-2376 barkermike@aol.com

Head Class Agent 4822 Brighton Lakes Blvd.

Boynton Beach, FL 33436 glpluvssports@gmail.com

’64 W. BRADFORD HARWOOD III

’67 JAMES W. CORRIGAN

GEOFFREY H. DOUGHTY had

Co-Head Class Agent 826 Gould Hill Rd. Contoocook, NH 03229 jwc915@gmail.com

his 28th book published in April by Morning Sun Books, purveyor of all-color books that focus on railroad history. This is his sixth book dealing with the New Haven Railroad, a branch that operated through Avon and the Farmington Valley, his first connection with that railroad. The book covers the postwar history of

Head Class Agent 24 Overhill Ave. New Britain, CT 06053 wbhtcc@aol.com ’65 PERRY BENSON JR.

Head Class Agent 2135 Naudain St. Philadelphia, PA 19146-1218 pb2@jacobswyper.com

’67 WILLIAM F. ROBERTS JR.

Co-Head Class Agent 786 Brownsville Rd. Sinking Spring, PA 19608 wfroberts@fast.net

the railroad through its bankruptcy and up to its inclusion in Penn Central.

The volume features the color photography of a railroad employee whom Geoff got to know while writing the first five New Haven volumes.

In addition to numerous published rail history articles and the New Haven series, Doughty has documented the passenger services of several major railroads in the United States and Canada, copies of which are collected in the Avon Old Farms library, along with an encyclopedia of North American Railroads that contains several histories of railroads written by him.

Doughty retired in December 2017 as safety director for two northern New England (New Hampshire and Vermont) trucking associations, where he produced, wrote, and directed 11 safety training videos in collaboration with the New Hampshire State Police, created seminars with federal and state law enforcement officers focusing on drug and alcohol substance abuse recognition, wrote for the two associations’ publications, and created highway safety programs and seminars for the trucking industry.

Prior to his work with the motor transport industry, Doughty was a safety consultant with a third-party administrator of workers’ compensation programs for municipalities

Philadelphia M AY 1 6 , 2 0 1 8

Avonians and spouses gather for conversation and cocktails at the home of Wade McDevitt ’82, a member of the Board of Directors.

LARRY O’BYRNE ’92, SARA REATH, EMMA RAPPAPORT, JESSE RAPPAPORT ’92, AND KEVIN DRISCOLL ’72, P’08

SEE WHO WAS THERE: AVONOLDFARMS.COM/EVENTS

The Avonian // FALL 2018

in Maine, where he created training programs for emergency services and taught at the state’s criminal justice academy.

His early training as a safety official for three northeastern railroads served him well in his later career as he was tasked, among other projects, with the creation of a drug and alcohol testing program for employees that predated federal regulations covering post-accident drug testing in the transportation industry. It was the first such program initiated for the rail industry in the Northeast.

Doughty is about to embark on his 44th season as the radio announcer for the Portland Symphony Orchestra concert broadcasts, for which his wife, Pamela, plays viola in the Portland Symphony. He and Pam attended his 50th reunion at Avon in May.

55

KNICK CURTIS’63 AND HIS WIFE, LYNN ARMSTRONG; DICK BENNETT ’63, P’04 AND HIS WIFE, SANDRA BAXTER P’04; AND JACK STOKVIS ’63 AND HIS WIFE, EVELYN NOETHER, ENJOYED TEA AND SCONES AT THE HILL-STEAD MUSEUM DURING THEIR 55TH CLASS REUNION.

JAY R. GOLDSTEIN had a great

time at the reunion in May. He attended the wedding of classmate BRIAN T. MULLINS’S ’68

daughter in California wine country in September. In his free time, he still works hard as a singersongwriter and at having fun! ’69 DAVID F. COLEMAN

Head Class Agent 35 Adelaide Ave. Barrington, RI 02806 davidcoleman1150@gmail.com

70s ’70 HARRIS H. BUCKLIN III

Head Class Agent 3004 Margaret Jones Ln. Williamsburg, VA 23185 hbucklin3@aol.com NICHOLAS M. WELLS was promoted to chief financial officer at GFA International, Inc. in July. He has been employed with GFA for 13 years and is very proud to be a part of South Florida’s leading consulting engineering and testing firm. His daughter, Erin, also works for GFA and is leading the accounts payable

GEORGE MADEIRA ’68 STANDS IN FRONT OF THE BOARD HONORING HIS GREAT-UNCLE, FRANCIS K.C. MADEIRA ’34, WHO WAS NAMED A DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS IN 2010, AN ELITE AWARD GIVEN ONLY TO THOSE WHO REACH A HIGH LEVEL OF DISTINCTION IN THEIR PROFESSIONAL CAREERS, HUMANITARIAN ENDEAVORS, OR OTHER AREAS OF THEIR LIVES.

department. She has a son, Drew Schaefer, 13, who is finishing his last year in middle school in Wellington, Fla. He is an avid baseball player pitching and playing first base for Polo Park Middle School. He plays the same positions with the Elite Squad of Palm Beach County. Nicholas’s son, Nick Jr., and his family live

in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Nick Jr. is an IT director in midtown Manhattan and his wife, Andrea, works for the marketing group at Pepsi Co. They have two children, Sofia, 6, and Mateo, 2. Nick has been fortunate to stay in contact with classmate

CHRIS CARGEN ’66 AND TIM TRAUTMAN ’75 SAIL TO BLOCK ISLAND DURING THE SUMMER OF 2018.

DAVID W. BELL ’70 after a visit to Cape Cod a few years ago. He is pleased to report both are happy and doing well. He sends condolences to the Tiernan family for their loss and the death of former classmate

JESUS “CHUCHO” MAYA ’70.

W. SCOTT TIERNAN ’70, P’99, ’05, ’08. Nick looks forward to

He is also in contact with classmate

returning to campus soon.

56

CLASS NOTES

’71 TIMOTHY R. BEEBLE

Head Class Agent 63 Grassy Plain St. Bethel, CT 06801 tbeeble@aol.com ’72 KEVIN J. DRISCOLL

Class Agent 500 Old Farms Rd. Avon, CT 06001 driscollk@avonoldfarms.com ’73 CHRISTOPHER L. ATKINS

Head Class Agent PO Box 706 Hilldale, NY 12529-0706 catkins702@gmail.com CHRISTOPER L. ATKINS shared MATT GREEN ’86 AND DAN SEIDEN ’00 SPENT A WEEK IN JULY AT THE NAIS ANNUAL INSTITUTE FOR NEW HEADS OF SCHOOL IN ATLANTA, GA., WHERE THEY FOUND THEMSELVES PLACED IN THE SAME GROUP. MATT IS THE NEW HEAD OF SCHOOL AT FALMOUTH ACADEMY IN FALMOUTH, MASS., AND DAN IS THE HEAD OF SCHOOL AT PINEWOOD PREP IN SUMMERVILLE, S.C.

the following: “In May of 1975, ROBERT “BOB” GARTZMAN ’73,

and I got into my brand-new Chevy Nova and drove across the country.

We stopped at many wonderful places on the drive, eventually making our way to the University of Redlands Johnston College, where we had a great visit with JONATHAN “JON” BARRY ’73.

After our visit with Jon, we drove up to San Francisco, where we dropped in unannounced on CORY KILVERT ’73, who was in the Navy aboard the USS Enterprise

and about to ship out to participate in the evacuation of Saigon. Luckily, he was able to get off the ship and enjoy a night out with us. Fast forward to this year: I had the great pleasure of hosting JON, his wife, and his college-bound daughter for the afternoon—it was the first time I had seen JON since 1984! He has been a high school social studies teacher in Oregon for 27 years.

Then, in July, ROBERT “BOB” GARTZMAN ’73, who lives in Boca Raton, Fla, spent the night on his way to Boston. In August, CORY KILVERT ’73 and his wife, Nancy, came over for the night.

So, after 43 years, I got to spend time with these special friends all in the span of a few months.” ’74 GEORGE J. GIANNONI

Co-Head Class Agent 36 Twilight Dr. Granby, CT 06035-1212 ggiannoni@cox.net ’74 EDWARD P. MOLLOY

Co-Head Class Agent 6 Winhart Dr. Granby, CT 06035 tmolloy@arraysoftware.com

’75 THOMAS B. BYRNE III

Head Class Agent 31 Helena Rd. Avon, CT 06001-3433 tbyrne@thomasbyrne.com ’76 ALEXANDER N. WORLEY

Head Class Agent 20 Shore Grove Rd. Clinton, CT 06413 alexworley@sbcglobal.net ’77 JORGE E. CONSUEGRA JR.

Head Class Agent 5 Andrews Rd. Greenwich, CT 06830 jconsuegra29@gmail.com ’78 JOHN M. GARVEY

Head Class Agent 389 Haines Ave. Long Beach, CA 90814 jmgarvey@garvspace.com ’79 ANTHONY M. GRAY

Co-Head Class Agent 6212 Wagner Ln. Bethesda, MD 20816 tgray@tonygray.net ’79 SCOTT B. LINKE

Co-Head Class Agent 116 Eleven Levels Rd. Ridgefield, CT 06877-3011 scottblinke@comcast.net

JOHN BOURGAULT ’80, P’09; JIM GARVEY ’79, P’11; BRIAN MAITLAND ’80, P’18; JOE GARVEY ’80; JERRY GARVEY ’82; JOHN GARVEY ’78, AND SEAN GARVEY ’11 ATTENDED REUNION WEEKEND 2018. JOHN GARVEY ’78 RECEIVED THE DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARD.

The Avonian // FALL 2018

80s ’80 THOMAS E. DAVEY JR.

Head Class Agent 6806 Joyce Way Dallas, TX 75225-2718 thomas.davey@ge.com ’81 SAMUEL C. BOOKBINDER IV

Head Class Agent 213 Midland Ave. Wayne, PA 19087 samuel.bookbinder@wfadvisors.com ’82 GREGORY T. FISH

Head Class Agent 32 Castlewood Rd. Simsbury, CT 06089 gtf324@yahoo.com ’83 WILLIAM E. ESCHERT

Co-Head Class Agent 24 Westland Rd. Avon, CT 06001-3197 billeschert@yahoo.com

’88 PETER D. REED

Co-Head Class Agent 91 Butternut Ln. Southport, CT 06890 pdreed18@gmail.com JAMES C. BOONE shared that

his daughter, Emma Lea Boone, has enrolled at the University of Arizona School of Architecture and Urban Sustainability. She has also pledged Kappa Gamma.

RAVI M. DASWANI, after graduating from Babson College in 1992, pursued a degree in diamonds from the Graduate Gemological Institute of America. He is proud to announce that in 2018, he was appointed to the Babson College Alumni Board of Directors. He splits his time between Miami and Jamaica and would love it if anyone traveling his way reached out for a visit.

CHRIS STONE ’88 DESCRIBES THE COMPLEXITY OF A CONTEMPORARY ART PIECE TO SOLEIL LECH AND CHASE LECH, CHILDREN OF MICHAEL LECH ’88, AT THE ASPEN MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART GALA DURING THE ART CRUSH EVENT THEY ATTENDED DURING A TRIP TO ASPEN, COLO.

’83 RICHARD C. GREGORY

Co-Head Class Agent 30 Walnut Farms Dr. Farmington, CT 06032 rick@rcgregory.com ’84 JOHN S. GORDON

Head Class Agent 246 Nacoochee Dr. N.W. Atlanta, GA 30305 falconatlfan@gmail.com ’85 SAM L. RUBENSTEIN

Head Class Agent 1148 Apollo Gardens St. Henderson, NV 89052 richmondsr@aol.com ’86 STEPHEN R. GORMAN

Head Class Agent 13 Smith Ln. Burlington, CT 06013-1201 stephen.r.gorman@gmail.com ’87 HAROLD R. BEACHAM JR.

Head Class Agent 6 Tower Dr. Dover, MA 02030 hal.beacham44@comcast.net ’88 SHAWN E. ATKINSON

Co-Head Class Agent 428 Ridgewood Ave. Glen Ridge, NJ 07028 shawnatki@gmail.com

57

DEAN GRAHAM ’84, RICK GREGORY ’83, BILL ESCHERT ’83, AND DREW GRAHAM ’85, FORMER SCHOOLMATES AND FELLOW AVON DAY STUDENTS, MET ON JUNE 17, 2018, IN AVON, CONN., FOR A ROUND OF GOLF TO CELEBRATE FATHER’S DAY.

58

CLASS NOTES

A FEW MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 1988, BRENT BIERNAT ’88, BOB INGRAHAM ’88, PETER REED ’88, ROB GRYBOSKI ’88, AND ADAM SMITH ’88, WON THE REUNION WEEKEND GOLF SCRAMBLE AND TOOK HOME THE COVETED SCRAMBLE TROPHY.

’89 ROBERT M. WILEMAN

THOMAS D. ASHE lives in

CHARLES “CHIP” KOHN opened

’94 GRAHAM C. FULLER

Head Class Agent 7425 N.E. 97th Terr.

Oklahoma City, OK 73151-9121 rmw@wilemanagency.com

Wellesley Hills, Mass., with his wife, Tara, and four kids: Thomas (9), Maddy (8), Michael (5), and Ryan (4). Tom works at Cushman & Wakefield in Boston.

his third restaurant, Rockledge Grille, at 289 South Main Street in West Hartford, Conn., in July. The completely renovated restaurant boasts 220 seats with a wraparound patio overlooking Rockledge Golf Course and offers the best sunset views in West Hartford. The menu features seasonally influenced cuisine. His other restaurants include Beachland Tavern and Park Tavern, both in West Hartford.

Co-Head Class Agent 2937 Morris Rd. Ardmore, PA 19003-1832 grahamcraigfuller@gmail.com

90s ’90 PETER J. DECKERS

Head Class Agent 500 Old Farms Rd. Avon, CT 06001 deckersp@avonoldfarms.com ’91 MICHAEL M. MULLIN IV

Head Class Agent 8 Nickerson Ln. Darien, CT 06820 ’92 DAMIEN J. EGAN

Head Class Agent 52 Brookview Ct. Groton, CT 06340-5528 degan2@hotmail.com

’93 TRAVIS MERRITT

Head Class Agent 121 Rumson Rd. Little Silver, NJ 07739 merritttravis@yahoo.com LANCE A. CASHION recently

returned from northern Iraq, where he served in an advisory role for nongovernmental organizations helping Yazidi women and children recover from ISIS. He notes approximately 1,500 women and children remain ISIS captives or slaves. He will continue to “aspire and persevere” until every last prisoner is set free.

THOMAS M. NOLAN lives with his

wife, Shannon, to whom he has been married for 15 years. She is a principal at Hunking School in Haverhill, Mass (K–8). They have two kids, Ryan (13) and Reese (8). Tom is the chief scout for the Nashville Predators. He has been with the Predators for ten years. They live in Hampton, N.H.

’94 PAUL M. GOZZO

Co-Head Class Agent 1 Country Farm Cross Road Stratham, NH 03885-2536 11pgoz@gmail.com CHAD J. DLUGOLECKI is director

of personnel for the Jersey Hitmen hockey team and owner/advisor of Elite Hockey Management. He has two girls, Keira (12) and Maria (9) and is engaged to Keri Edwards, with plans to marry in April 2019. He lives three houses down from Warden D. GARRETT TRULL ’94 and hangs out with him and his kids daily. Chad is in his fourth year of remission from APL leukemia.

The Avonian // FALL 2018

MICHAEL S. ROZINSKY shared that 2017–2018 has been a fun year for his family. Mike went back to school to pursue his master’s in conflict resolution at the McCormack Graduate School at UMass Boston.

He also launched RZNSKY, LLC, where he helps individuals, teams, and organizations progress toward the constructive changes they seek.

Travels have included visits with friends, family, and new “family” in California, Alabama, Northern Ireland, and Manitoba as well as adventures around New England.

His wife, Leah, rebranded her massage therapy, yoga, and photography business as Mindful Focus and recently completed another training on myofascial release therapy. His children, Kai (10) and Joanna (8), started their own business, K&J Bakery. Most recently, they donated 100 percent of the profits from their company to reunite families at U.S. borders. Athletic pursuits are also on this family’s docket. They are looking to complete all eight road races in the Marblehead Series—four down and four to go. This past summer, Mike’s Mixed Masters ultimate frisbee team, Molasses Disaster of Boston, won the gold

world champions and look forward to what next year has in store. ’95 ANTHONY D. SILVESTRO

Head Class Agent 4 Haskell Rd. Andover, MA 01810 tony.silvestro@insperity.com FRANK B. BERRIAN lives in Simsbury with his wife, Katy, and daughters, Tori and Mackenzie. He is entering his 12th season with the Hartford Wolf Pack as the senior manager of game presentation. In his off-season, Frank works as an on-field emcee for the Hartford Yard Goats AA baseball team. ’96 MARK A. CARUSO

CHRIS HETHERINGTON ’91 AND HIS WIFE, KATHRYN, WELCOMED COLE BRYAN HETHERINGTON ON OCTOBER 19, 2018.

medal at the World Flying Disc Federation World Championships in Winnipeg, Manitoba. They bested teams from Canada, Colombia, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States en route to becoming

59

’98 GEOFFREY R. BARLOW

Co-Head Class Agent 500 Old Farms Rd. Avon, CT 06001 barlowg@avonoldfarms.com ’98 J. ANDREW CORRIGAN

Co-Head Class Agent 78 West 85th St., Apt. 5B New York, NY 10024 jamesandrewcorrigan@gmail.com ’99 DAVID R. GRYBOSKI

Co-Head Class Agent 101 South Bay Blvd Suite B-3, PO Box 732, Anna Maria, FL 34216-0732 dgryboski@tampabay.rr.com ’99 ANDREW M. KUNISCH

Head Class Agent 124 Westminster Rd. Chatham, NJ 07928-1364 mcaruso@gmail.com

Co-Head Class Agent 4037 Mansion Dr. NW Washington, DC 20007-2851 kunisch23@yahoo.com

’97 TIMOTHY B. STAY

’99 STEPHEN A. ZAPPONE

Co-Head Class Agent 2024 Upland Way #205 Philadelphia, PA 19131 timothystay@gmail.com

Co-Head Class Agent 71 Hartwell Rd. West Hartford, CT 06117-1912 zappones@yahoo.com

’97 KYLE R. YOUNGQUIST

DANIEL “D.J.” KNECHT is proud to announce that he married MaryBeth Allen on March 17, 2018.

They had a beautiful ceremony in the Chapel on the Avon Old Farms

Co-Head Class Agent 14 Wychview Dr. Westfield, NJ 07090-1821 bigkyleyoungquist@gmail.com

New York JUNE 21, 2018

More than 30 Avonians and friends reunited at Dorrian’s Red Hand for Avon’s annual summer gathering in the city.

CONNOR DOYLE ’12, MITCH LEEDS ’12, PATRICK LEDDY ’11, AND JACK COURAGE ’11

SEE WHO WAS THERE: AVONOLDFARMS.COM/EVENTS

60

CLASS NOTES

DANIEL J. SEIDEN and his family moved from Asheville, N.C., to Summerville, S.C., just outside of Charleston. He is the new headmaster at Pinewood Preparatory School, serving 675 students in grades PK3–12. The experience has been incredibly positive thus far, and he is grateful to use much of what he learned from his time at Avon, both as a student and faculty member. He shared that not a single day goes by during which the school’s motto, aspirando et perseverando, does not ring true. ’01 CHRISTOPHER D. COLEMAN

Co-Head Class Agent 210 Foote St. Barrington, RI 02806-2943 christopherdcoleman@gmail.com ’01 NICHOLAS H. LAROCQUE

Co-Head Class Agent 1072 College Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94306 larocque.nicholas@gmail.com DREW WIDGER ’98 AND, HIS WIFE, ASHLEY, WELCOMED THEIR FIRST CHILD, LINCOLN THOMAS WIDGER, ON FEBRUARY 17, 2018. THE FAMILY ENJOYED REUNION WEEKEND 2018, SEEING THE CAMPUS AND CATCHING UP WITH OLD FRIENDS. LINCOLN LOOKS FORWARD TO THE CLASS OF 2036!

campus and then danced and partied the night away at their reception at the North House in Avon. Attending from Avon were Headmaster Ken LaRocque P’01,’10 with his wife, Heidi LaRocque P’01, ’10, and classmates DAVID R. GRYBOSKI ’99 and STEPHEN A. ZAPPONE ’99.

00s ’00 MICHAEL J. O’NEILL

Co-Head Class Agent 16 Old Colony Dr. Dove, MA 02030 michaeloneill27@yahoo.com ’00 DANIEL J. SEIDEN

BENJAMIN JAMES ’98 AND HIS WIFE, JACQUELINE, WELCOMED THEIR FIRST CHILD, JACKSON EDWARD JAMES, ON JULY 30, 2018.

Co-Head Class Agent 117 Willow Oaks Ln. Summerville, SC 29483 seidend@gmail.com

’02 WILLIAM N. PALMER

Head Class Agent 5835 Cherokee Dr. Fairway, KS 66205 wnpalmer@gmail.com ’03 JAMES T. TANG

Head Class Agent 300 East 84th St. Apt. 2A New York, NY 10028 jamesttang@gmail.com ’04 MATTHEW H. MORAN

Head Class Agent 1605 Sansom St. #206 Philadelphia, PA 19103 matthew.h.moran@gmail.com ADAM C. FINE started a new job.

He is now the manager at a vegan fine dining restaurant in Washington, D.C., called Fancy Radish. The restaurant recently received the honor of being listed in the Bib Gourmand, Michelin Guide, which is the most prestigious food and hotel reference guide. This high honor is bestowed when a restaurant is reviewed as offering exceptionally good food and service at moderate prices. As the manager, he was

The Avonian // FALL 2018

61

Hartford AUGUST 23, 2018

Take me out to the ball game! Avon hosted a night out at the Hartford Yard Goats game for alumni and their families.

MEREDITH NORTON, LUKE ARCHAMBAULT ’04, CHIP KOHN ’93, AND TRIP NORTON

SEE WHO WAS THERE: AVONOLDFARMS.COM/EVENTS

thrilled the restaurant received such an honor and hopes to get a star rating next year.

MICHAEL J. FINNEGAN and his wife, Nicole Finnegan, welcomed Liam Michael Finnegan to the world on October 5, 2017.

JONATHAN P. FUGGE finished

his MBA in 2017 at Quinnipiac University and is now earning his master’s in data science at Northwestern University. He has worked at Pratt & Whitney in sales and operations planning since the spring of 2017. He lives in Unionville, Conn., right around the corner from Avon Old Farms School with his girlfriend and dog.

TYLER E. KELLEY graduated

MIKE ROZINSKY ’94, HIS WIFE, LEAH, AND CHILDREN, JOANNA AND KAI, RELAX POST-RACE AT THE MARBLEHEAD RACE SERIES.

from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 2008 with a bachelor of science degree in management.

Upon graduation, he reported to the USCGC Spencer, homeported in Boston, where he served as an assistant navigator, a first lieutenant, and a boarding officer. In 2010, after two years aboard the Spencer, he had conducted more than 150 counter drugs and fisheries law enforcement boardings. He was then selected to command the USCGC

62

CLASS NOTES

GEORGE BOUDRIA ’03 AND HIS WIFE, KATE BOUDRIA, WELCOMED TWIN BOYS, GEORGE AND JAMES, TO THE WORLD ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2017.

GEORGE SHARED THAT HE QUALIFIED FOR THE 2018 U.S. MID-AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP AT THE CHARLOTTE COUNTRY CLUB THAT TOOK PLACE IN SEPTEMBER 2018.

Chinook, an 87-foot coastal patrol boat homeported in New London, Conn. From 2010 to 2012, he served as the commanding officer of the Chinook with a crew of 12, supporting Coast Guard missions from Virginia to Maine, primarily focusing on search and rescue, port and waterways security, and fisheries law enforcement. Following his command tour, he was selected for the Coast Guard’s postgraduate education program and attended the Boston College Carroll School of Management, where he earned his MBA in 2014. Upon completion of his MBA, Lieutenant Kelley received

orders to serve as a rotating military faculty member at the United States Coast Guard Academy, where he taught organizational behavior and leadership, served as the Admiral Pine leadership officer, and coached the Coast Guard Academy hockey team. In July of 2018, he reported aboard USCGC Reliance, homeported in Kittery, Maine, to serve as the operations officer, where he currently deploys for two to three months at a time from Northern New England to the Eastern Pacific in support of Coast Guard counter drugs, law enforcement, and search and rescue missions. He and his

ERIC HILL ’00 AND ROB DOWLING ’91, P’21 POSE FOR A PHOTO AFTER A PLAYOFF WIN FOR THEIR MADISON, CONN., SOFTBALL TEAM DURING THE SUMMER OF 2018.

beautiful wife, Robyn, have two children, Jack (3) and Kate (1).

RYAN A. MATALON and his wife, Jeanna Matalon, welcomed Marley Matalon into the world on November 14, 2017.

TOBIAS S. SALMELAINEN

started working as general manager of HIFK Helsinki, the biggest hockey club in Finland, last November. ’05 DANE G. LEMERIS

Head Class Agent 795 Columbus Ave., Apt 7D New York, NY 10025 dlemeris@gmail.com

JOHN C. MORI proposed to

Brooke Burdine on August 5, 2018, at Madaket Beach in Nantucket, Mass. They are planning a wedding in Italy in the fall of 2019.

ANDREW S. VALENTINE and

his wife, Stephanie, are excited to announce the birth of their daughter, Harper Maddison Valentine, on June 21, 2018. Shortly after her birth, Andrew received more exciting news: he was promoted to supervisor at the Vanguard Group in Malvern, Pa. ’06 KEVIN T. DRISCOLL

Co-Head Class Agent 252 E 61st St., Apt 3BN New York, NY 10065-0350 kevin.t.driscoll@gmail.com

The Avonian // FALL 2018

63

WEDDINGS

HENRY “ASHTON” CROSBY V ’97 MARRIED LUCREZIA LOSURDA IN TRIESTE, ITALY, OVER THE SUMMER. JAXON REILLY ’99 AND DREW STROUD ’98 ATTENDED.

GRAHAM KLEHR-KEYES ’04 MARRIED KATIE BYRNE ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2018. LUKE ARCHAMBAULT ’04 WAS A GROOMSMAN IN THE WEDDING.

HEADMASTER KEN LAROCQUE P’01, ’10; MARYBETH KNECHT; DANIEL “DJ” KNECHT ’99; DAVID GRYBOSKI ’99; AND STEPHEN ZAPPONE ’99 POSE IN FRONT OF THE CHAPEL DOOR AT AVON OLD FARMS CAMPUS AFTER MARYBETH AND DANIEL’S WEDDING CEREMONY.

64

CLASS NOTES

ERIK LANZA ’06 AND HIS GIRLFRIEND, LINDSEY GREENWALD, VISITED AVON FROM SAN FRANCISCO ON JULY 14, 2018. FORMER FACULTY MEMBER PETER EVANS H’18, P’98 LED THEM ON A CAMPUS TOUR, AND ERIK FOUND HIS PICTURE IN THE ATHLETIC HALLWAY PHOTO GALLERY.

RYAN OLSEN ’04 AND HIS WIFE, CHARLOTTE OLSEN, WELCOMED THEIR FIRST SON, LIAM OLSEN, ON JULY 14, 2018.

’06 JOSHUA P. PAVANO

’08 WILL H. HENDRICKS

Co-Head Class Agent 60 Forest Hills Dr. Farmington, CT 06032-3017 jpavano@gmail.com

Co-Head Class Agent 3818 Highland Ave. Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 willheatonhendricks@gmail.com

’07 CASEY R. COONS

’08 KEVIN S. SISTI

Co-Head Class Agent 50A Oak St. Wakefield, MA 01880 caseycoons4@gmail.com

Co-Head Class Agent 64 Pinnacle Rd. Farmington, CT 06030 kevin@oldlimeproductions.com

’07 TYLER C. HADDAD

’09 JOHN (BEN) BEATH

Co-Head Class Agent 81 Brookside Dr. Longmeadow, MA 01106-2319 tyler.c.haddad@gmail.com

Head Class Agent 1152 Rue laVille Walk St. Louis, MO 63141 beathj@gmail.com

The Avonian // FALL 2018

65

IN MEMORIAM

THE SCHOOL HAS LEARNED OF THE DEATHS OF THE FOLLOWING ALUMNI: MIKE O’NEILL ’00 AND HIS WIFE, MARYELLEN, WELCOMED THEIR FIRST BABY GIRL, MAEVE SULLIVAN O’NEILL, ON MAY 11, 2018. MIKE SAYS THAT HER BROTHERS, FINN, (6), OWEN, (4), AND KELLAN (2), ARE EXCITED TO TAKE ON THEIR NEW ROLES AS MAEVE’S BODYGUARDS.

CALVERT MAGRUDER ’46, H’06

LT. COL. SOMERVILLE E. DILLON, USAF (RET.) ’50 CHANNING M. WELLS ’53

10s

JAMES R. WARDROP ’60

’10 MATTHEW R. COZ

Head Class Agent 172 Webster St. Boston, MA 02128

EMMETT M. AVERY III ’67 DOUGLAS A. DOYLE ’69

’11 OLIVER K. ROTHMANN

Head Class Agent 500 Old Farms Rd. Avon, CT 06001 rothmanno@avonoldfarms.com

JOSEPH J. MARTINEZ ’69 W. SCOTT TIERNAN ’70, P’99, ’05, ’08

’12 JOHN D. SHAMBURGER

Head Class Agent 4345 Brookview Dr. Atlanta, GA 30339 shamburgerd@gmail.com

PETER K. M. LANDRY ’77

’13 WILSON P. MEYER

MARK L. LEVY ’89

Head Class Agent 355 Brook Mead Dr. Clarksville, TN 37042 wilsonpmeyer@gmail.com ERIC S. DEPNER graduated from the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI) with an associate’s degree in criminal justice in 2017.

He then earned his part-time law enforcement certification and

WILLIAM M. TORNOW ’94 CONNOR S. ZIEKY ’10

ERIC DEPNER ’13 AND HIS WIFE, MISTY DEPNER, BOTH GRADUATES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MAINE AT PRESQUE ISLE, WERE MARRIED IN JULY 2018.

JUSTIN STARR IMPERATORE ’15 J. EDDY G. CRAIG JR., PAST FACULTY MEMBER

66

CLASS NOTES

NEWLY COMMISSIONED ARMY 2ND LT. CAMERON MCMILLAN ’14 RECEIVED HIS FIRST SALUTE AT FANEUIL HALL IN BOSTON ON MAY 21 AFTER COMPLETING THE ROTC PROGRAM AT BOSTON UNIVERSITY. HE WILL BEGIN HIS DUTIES AS A FIELD ARTILLERY OFFICER AT FORT SILL IN OKLAHOMA.

JOHN WITKOWSKI ’15, WILL HESSLINK ’17, ANTHONY MASELLI ’14, AND MATT GILL ’16, ALL FORMER MEMBERS OF THE AVON VARSITY BASEBALL TEAM, NOW PROUDLY REPRESENT AVON ON THE BOSTON COLLEGE BASEBALL TEAM.

started working part-time at the Caribou (Maine), Police Department.

In February 2017, he became a full-time employee of the Caribou Police Department, and in August 2017, he attended the Maine Criminal Justice Academy. The academy is an 18-week program for full-time police officer training. He graduated from the program, earning a certificate referred to as the “blue pin.” He continues to work at the Caribou Police Department.

In July, he married his college girlfriend, Misty, who graduated from UMPI with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, special education concentration. She now teaches at Mapleton Elementary School in Mapleton, Maine. The newlyweds purchased their first home in Caribou this August and have a dog named Millie. They plan on starting a family in the next few years and look forward to what lies ahead.

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TUCKER SYMES ’16, MIKE SYMES ’81, P’16, AND JACKSON COLEHOWER ’18 CAUGHT UP AT A TAILGATE AFTER THE ARMY VS. HAWAII FOOTBALL GAME AT WEST POINT.

CURTIS T. HOWE graduated from

Emmanuel College in Boston this past May. He currently works two jobs, both focused on real estate. He is employed at his father’s real estate brokerage company, Howe Realty Group, in Boston and works at John Hancock as a closing analyst in the real estate finance department. ’14 MICKOY R. NICHOL

Co-Head Class Agent 500 Old Farms Rd. Avon, CT 06001 nicholm@avonoldfarms.com ’14 RYAN D. PHILLIPS

Co-Head Class Agent 621 Allen Ct. NW Atlanta, GA 30327-3511 ryanphillips@utexas.edu OWEN DAVIS ’17 IS IN HIS SECOND YEAR ATTENDING THE U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY.

SAGGAR K. SINHA toured

over the summer of 2018, performing in 17 cities. He

graduated in 2014 and has been pursuing a career in music. ’15 WILLIAM C. DAVIS

Co-Head Class Agent 11 Parker Rd. Avon, CT 06001 cdavis7@me.com ’15 CHRISTIAN E. DIANTONIO

Co-Head Class Agent 520 Dingleton Hill Rd. Cornish, NH 03745-4521 diantoniochristian@gmail.com ’16 MATTHEW T. HORTON

Co-Head Class Agent 41 Ironwood Rd. Guilford, CT 06437 horton_matt@bentley.edu ’16 ALESSIO MARCOGLIESE

Co-Head Class Agent 590 Kindersley Montreal, QC H3R 1S4 alessio.marcogliese@gmail.com

’17 KEVIN A. SIEBER

Head Class Agent 7 Whitman Pond Rd. Simsbury, CT 06070 ksieber@friars.providence.edu ’18 KEVIN E. HUVEDLT

Head Class Agent 96 Four Mile Rd. West Hartford, CT 06107 kevinhuveldt4@gmail.com RYAN D. YORK shared that he has great memories of his post-graduate year at AOF! He is now a plebe midshipman, Class of 2022, at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. He misses his Winged Beaver brethren, especially those coached by Coach Cardwell and Major Bourgault. YORK continues to play squash at the Naval Academy. Go Navy. Beat Army!

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PARTING SHOT

BY JIM DETORA

Each of you is fortunate to be at a place like Avon Old Farms. I cannot think of a place on this planet where there are more people dedicated to helping you achieve your goals or being there to support you when those setback moments occur and you might need a little help seeing the opportunity that lies ahead.

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VILLAGE GREEN Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Avon, CT 06001 Permit No. 12

500 Old Farms Road Avon, Connecticut 06001 www.avonoldfarms.com

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Parents If this issue is addressed to your son or to your family, but your son no longer maintains an address at your home, please reach out to us with the correct address.

Email us at: alumni@avonoldfarms.com or use our form online at: www.avonoldfarms.com/UpdateAddress

Family Weekend SEPTEMBER 10

2018 Ll