Spring 2023 Avonian

Jonathan Crocker Retires after 29 Years

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from the EDITOR

Last December at Avon’s semester-end faculty meeting, Jonathan Crocker, a dedicated member of Avon’s faculty since 1994, announced to his peers that he would retire in June. As editor of The Avonian, I immediately thought, “We need a story celebrating his decades-long commitment to Avon Old Farms.” I soon began thinking about what that legacy is. As any Avonian since 1994 will tell you, in addition to teaching English and providing counsel to students on their way to collegiate studies, another major part of Jonathan’s work at Avon was with the Nimrod Club.

Avon is more than just a place of classroom learning and gridiron play. It’s a place of peace. A place of permanence. It’s a hidden gem, even to long-time Avon residents. It’s more than a school—it’s a sanctuary. So, in this edition of The Avonian, I set out to explore the natural campus and all the ways everyone at Avon Old Farms is examining the health of the campus, keeping it safe, and being good stewards of Mrs. Riddle’s Village.

We begin by sharing some key updates to Old Farms Road—updates that have been talked about since Mr. Crocker first came to campus—and what that means for some of our facilities. We also catch up with senior Stratton Pratt, who spent one of his independent studies examining the health of Thompson Brook, and Dr. Jack Sanford, a dedicated teacher who goes above and beyond the call of classroom duty to nurture the most curious minds on campus through his work with the AIP program.

As always, I hope you enjoy this edition of The Avonian; perhaps it will inspire a visit to a very special campus sometime soon.

Aspirando et perseverando, JACQUELINE KELLER, EDITOR kellerj@avonoldfarms.com

(860) 404-4116

HEAD OF SCHOOL

Jim Detora P’12

ASSOCIATE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Robert J. Whitty ’87, P’16

EDITOR

Jacqueline Keller

The Avonian is published for the alumni, parents, grandparents, 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: alumni@avonoldfarms.com

WEBSITE: www.avonoldfarms.com/classnotes

ARCHIVES archives@avonoldfarms.com

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.

Established 1927

Dear Avonians,

After a mild winter, spring quickly enveloped Mrs. Riddle’s campus in full bloom. The fourth quarter always has a celebratory feel at Avon with graduation, spring sports, and a renewed energy as the boys revel in all the season has to offer.

Coach Gardner and our varsity hockey team brought home the New England Hockey Championship in March for the ninth time in Avon’s history. It was a thrilling moment for our community and for Avonians worldwide. From Intersession to the Evans History Initiative which focused on Teaching the 21st Century, the boys were immersed in unique learning experiences upon their return from March break. As the weather turned warm, the boys resumed stickball on Smalley Field at Jamerson Green, eagerly awaited college acceptances, and enjoyed classes outside and cooling off in Beaver Pond—the hallmarks of a traditional spring at Avon Old Farms.

After 29 years, Director of College Counseling Jonathan Crocker P’11 will retire from Avon. From teaching English and becoming chair of the English Department to working with students as they embark on their college careers, Jonathan and his wife, Kimberley, have been beloved mentors to many among the Brotherhood and valued members of our community. Though we will miss them dearly, I know they are looking forward to the next chapter in their lives as they look to spend more time with family and friends.

Avon’s 89th awards ceremony and commencement were held on May 27–28 for seniors and their families on the Village Green. Celebrating the Class of 2023 with alumnus Colonel James "Jamie" E. Hayes III '88 as our commencement speaker made for a special day indeed. I wish each of our graduates success as they move on to the next exciting chapter in their lives.

We are thrilled to welcome our alumni for an epic reunion weekend over June 2–4. I hope to see many of you there!

Aspirando et perseverando,

JIM DETORA P’12 Head of School

village green

OLD FARMS ROAD Gets a New Path

This summer, after a contested referendum, work will begin on the stretch of Old Farms Road immediately in front of Avon Old Farms School. The goal: relocate and reconstruct a section of the road, straighten it, widen it, and ultimately make it safer for everyone in our community.

Anyone who has traveled to campus and traversed the section of road approaching the main entrance knows it is quite the navigational challenge. It’s narrow, winding, and increasingly full of traffic.

The Old Farms Road Phase 1 project has been under review for decades with many configurations. Recently, the project idea gained traction with a proposed configuration that will enhance safety and introduce a new access path to the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail. The project, approved by the town’s Inland Wetlands and Planning and Zoning commissions last July, will reconstruct Old Farms Road from the Thompson Road intersection to 1,700 feet north of the Scoville Road intersection. Avon Old Farms School and the town agreed to a land swap to complete the project with no cost for the property exchange.

On December 14, 2022, the referendum passed, meaning the project is fully funded by grant money the Town of Avon received, eliminating any impact on Avon taxpayers. At the time, the project was announced to begin in late spring of 2023 with an anticipated

18-month completion schedule. As a second phase, the town will look to improve the east-west section of Old Farms Road (Tillotson to Thompson Road) to further enhance safety, which the school also supports. Some town residents are upset with the proposed change, citing the area’s rural feel as a reason for moving to Avon. With this in mind, the town shared specific details planned to maintain Avon’s unique setting. There will be no change in the current speed limit on the road (25 mph). Road widening and tree removal will be kept to a minimum, and the project will use steel-backed wood guardrails rather than metal beam or cable rails. The rails will be installed with the face of the wood beams set flush

with the road edge/curb, and roadside swales will be used where possible to control drainage. Street lighting will be kept to a minimum, and grass or a landscaped feature will be installed in the center of the roundabout.

Moving the road does mean a few things for AOF: the hives and community garden are in the new road's path and must be moved. Interestingly, moving hives less than three miles is bad for bees, so the existing hives will be relocated to the home of a facility worker in Simsbury, who keeps his own bees. The community garden is being reimagined with the help of Sustainability Director Katy Perry. The road relocation also means Avon’s front entrance will get a facelift.

Though this project will be ongoing for several months, the good news is that traffic patterns will remain largely uninterrupted: the new road location is completely separate from the existing road, so until the new traffic pattern is completed and opened, the existing road will function as usual. “The school is pleased to have partnered with the Town of Avon to make the relocation of Old Farms Road possible,” comments Avon Old Farms Chief Financial Officer Bob Orenstein. “The new road will maintain much of the rural character of the existing road while providing enhanced safety for the community.”

ENSURING THE LONG-TERM HEALTH of Our Campus

It has been approximately 30 years since Avon Old Farms School last had a forestry management plan. When Glenn Wilcox, director of facilities, returned to campus in 2019, one of his initiatives was to partner with a forester to create a new one.

According to KnowYourForest.org, “A forest management plan outlines your vision for your forest, describes the current forest condition, and outlines a plan of action to achieve your management goals. A forest management plan is not just about the trees.” Wilcox’s plan started with two goals: protect the long-term health of our 700-acre forest and generate a small income to fund other projects to protect the health of Avon’s natural campus.

Many things can threaten a forest’s health: from severe weather and blight to invasive species and infestations. “If you travel south on Old Farms Road, just beyond Beaver Pond, there are areas of dead and fallen trees. Those are all red pines that were hit by red pine scale about six to eight years ago,” explains Wilcox.

“A good way to protect the forest is to weed out the unhealthy trees, so when an invasive insect or a disease does come along, it doesn’t take root and threaten the healthy trees too.”

Forest management focuses on managing vegetation, restoring ecosystems, reducing hazards, and maintaining forest health.

— U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

That led to a large part of Avon’s forestry management plan involving logging efforts. In 2023, the forester deemed one 100-acre portion of the northern campus along Old Farms Road an area needing the most attention. He spent several weeks cataloging, identifying, and marking trees that should be harvested in an effort to protect the overall health of the forest. “Ninety percent of Avon’s forest is made up of pine and oak,” explains Wilcox. “So we had logging companies bid on the harvesting of both hard and softwood as identified by the forester. With that work complete, Avon will take the proceeds from selling those materials to the logging company and put it back into the protection of other parts of our forest.”

Wilcox continues to explain that the two biggest areas of need are removing invasive plants and properly maintaining Beaver Pond. “Our forestry management plan allows us to do all of this in unison in a way that does the

right thing for our campus and doesn’t impact our operating budget.”

Currently, there is a rough five-year plan to work through the various areas of the forest. After that, Wilcox anticipates another phase of maintenance as the forest naturally regrows. Though people often see trees coming down and wonder why, Wilcox assures the community that everything is being done thoughtfully. “I actually had our forester check on something for me: contrary to popular belief, there are only a very select few ‘old growth trees’ in the state of Connecticut, none of which are within Avon Old Farms School. We did ensure that any significant healthy trees receive special attention and protection so they can lead the way in promoting a healthy forest.”

Although the plan may open some spaces in the forest in the near future, rest assured that Avon is taking great care to ensure good stewardship for Mrs. Riddle’s campus.

Avon Pays Tribute to Beloved Faculty Member KATE McSPADDEN

Last summer, the Avon Old Farms community was shocked by the news of the sudden passing of Kate McSpadden, an artist, a teacher, and a passionate gardener who gave seven years of her too-short life to Avon. Many alumni had Kate as a teacher or an advisor or knew her or her dog, Toby, from around campus.

McSpadden graduated from Miss Porter’s before pursuing an art history major at Vanderbilt University, where she won the Phi Beta Kappa writing prize as a freshman and the prestigious Margaret Stonewall Wooldridge Hamblet Award in studio art her senior year. A self-described “plant nerd,”

she studied horticulture through the Master Gardener Program at the University of Connecticut while working at Ballek’s Garden Center in East Haddam. She had just established her own fledging landscape design business.

McSpadden’s spirit lives on in the art she created and curated and in the students she inspired at Avon Old Farms, where she taught architecture, studio art, art history, photography, ceramics, and French. She was also a dorm parent and a yearbook advisor. Her legacy at Avon is encapsulated in the following quote from her about the passion and dedication she had

for Avon: “There is nothing more important than allowing boys to self-actualize on their own terms. I can think of no greater privilege and responsibility than to participate in shaping a generation of young men; at my core, I want nothing more than to help these boys become the best version of themselves.”

Last September, a cohort of Avonians traveled to New York City for a celebration of life. There, as a few of McSpadden’s greatest fans remembered her and her passions, an idea began to formulate. “Here at AOF, Kate was a beloved and dedicated teacher and colleague whose depth

of kindness was manifest,” explains Kimberley Crocker P’11. “Her gifts as an artist were broad, and though she was a talented painter, photographer, and studio potter, she also loved gardening. Here on campus—across from the Chapel in front of Gate House Cottage—she composed a beautiful perennial garden with succession planting in harmonious colors that is a joy to watch emerge from early spring to late in the fall. She chose unique, beautiful, and hearty plant material that has grown and flourished over the years.”

Kate Barzun, perhaps one of McSpadden’s closest friends on campus, emphasized that when the garden was designed, it was done thoughtfully, in a way that would mirror Mrs. Riddle’s own Englishinspired designs. “When Kate created that garden, she really was inspired by what a true English garden would look like and also took great inspiration from the Hill-Stead gardens. It was designed to not only suit the school but enhance its design,” Barzun shares. “While she wasn’t here for a long time, I do think her time here was greatly impactful. I wanted to do something that was a reflection of how deeply she loved this place and what impact she had on her students while she was here.”

Crocker shares that at the reception following the service, she and Kate Barzun were talking with campus

residents Katy Perry P’21 and Jess Barlow about how much they love the garden and think of it as a legacy of McSpadden’s. The entire community enjoys it, and alumni and others who visit Avon admire it.

Together, the women wrote to the alumni office with a request to remember McSpadden in a permanent and meaningful way by mounting a subtle plaque in her honor on the wall of the cottage. They also supplied an idea for an inscription with an excerpt from William Wordsworth's "Lines Written in Early Spring."

Katherine Lathrop McSpadden

1982–2022

Beloved Teacher and Friend

Through primrose tufts, in that green bower, The periwinkle trailed its wreaths; And ’tis my faith that every flower Enjoys the air it breathes.

Of course, the school agreed, and the plaque was ordered. “Many within our community would love to see it there, and, no doubt, a number of our alumni will be delighted to discover it when they return,” says Crocker.

Gifts in Kate’s memory can be made to facilities support through the Fund for Avon at www.avonold farms.com/givenow or by calling the Alumni and Development Office at 860-404-4254. Please be sure to select the “tribute gift” checkbox when making a gift online.

“Kate was so pleased with her garden at Gate House; creating that garden gave her a new lease on life during a very difficult time. She was especially delighted when the Gate House garden became part of the school tour! It would certainly mean a lot to us to have a small plaque at Avon. What a lovely tribute in her memory.”

RUTH ANN M c SPADDEN, KATE’S MOTHER

“This is a beautiful tribute—she often spoke of the garden at Gate House and how she hoped it would live beyond her life there.”

THOMAS TAYLOR, KATE’S FIANCÉ

KEVIN RICHARDSON OF THE “EXONERATED FIVE” Visits Avon Old Farms

Kevin Richardson’s story is truly one of strength, resilience, and perseverance. He is the youngest member of the “Central Park Five,” now known as the “Exonerated Five,” the five teenagers wrongfully convicted in the infamous Central Park jogger case in 1989.

On the night of April 19, 1989, Richardson, who was 14 at the time, joined a large group of other teenagers hanging out in Central Park in New York City. That night, a woman was assaulted, raped, and nearly killed in another area of Central Park. Beginning in the early hours of April 20, Richardson and four other Black and Latino teenagers were interrogated by police for more than 30 hours, with no parental or legal counsel, until they were coerced into a confession involving the assaulted woman.

Those five teenagers were then tried for and convicted of that crime, and all served prison sentences

ranging from 7 to 13 years. That happened despite there being no evidence Richardson and the other four were involved, and it is now widely regarded as a prominent example of racial discrimination and inequality in the justice system. “At that time, I just had that strength to get through it, that perseverance to keep striving for justice, and that resilience knowing the world would eventually find out the truth,” Richardson explained to the Avon Old Farms community during a special program on a Saturday in January to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

In 2002, after the actual assailant confessed to the crime, the five teenagers were exonerated and sued the city and state for discrimination and emotional distress. Richardson eventually turned to public speaking as a form of therapy, to share his story and to spread a message stressing the

importance of strength, resilience, and perseverance. “This is a really nice place, very welcoming,” Richardson said to a capacity crowd in the Brown Auditorium. “I am so happy to be able to speak to a group of young men because if you can get a kid's attention, that’s a powerful thing.”

He began by telling students to imagine his experience because he was their age when his life changed.

“I had dreams of playing basketball at Syracuse. I was a really good trumpet player. I had a girl I was crushing on—I was planning on asking her to the prom, but instead of going to the prom, I was going to court. There were so many times when I thought, ‘Is this really my life?’”

Richardson told students that he remained resilient and continued his education while he was imprisoned, eventually earning a college degree.

“I was incarcerated physically, not mentally.” This resilience, he said, is

something he hopes the AOF community can emulate through its own struggles. “Part of why I do this is to raise awareness that no matter where you are, who you are, what you’re going through, you can get through it.”

One aspect of Richardson’s story that particularly applies to Avonians is the role that a brotherhood played in helping him overcome his experience. He refers to the other four members of the Exonerated Five as his “brothers,” saying, “We really had to lean on each other.” Although his story is a well-known example of the injustices that have taken place in this country, Richardson acknowledges that his story was not the first and would not be the last example of discrimination in U.S. history. “We still have a long way to go.”

Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Ahmad Cantrell, who organized the program, said that sharing Richardson’s story with students is an important part of learning from history and striving for social change. “The reality is we’re going to be handing this world off to the youth, so it’s important to give them the tools and the knowledge to make it a better place,” Cantrell said. He added that this societal change is exactly what Martin Luther King Jr. was working toward, which is part of what made Richardson a fitting visitor to mark the occasion.

“The biggest reason I invited Kevin Richardson to speak is because of his humanity. He’s faced trials and tribulations, faced the worst of society, and he came out of it with a desire to create change. He’s a perfect fit for what our community and individuals

need to strive for. He’s relatable to our entire community because humanity is something we all share.”

Richardson ended his presentation with a Q&A session so students and faculty could ask more about his story and his message. Questions ranged from how he maintained his mental health and what the biggest adjustment coming out of prison was to what the most-pressing current issues with the justice system are. He concluded by offering students a piece of advice: “Stay true to your character. It’s ironic talking about content of character, words made famous by MLK, but it’s true. Whatever your background or beliefs or struggles, stay firm to what you believe in.”

Though every adult in the room knew all too well about the Exonerated Five, this was the first time many students were hearing Kevin Richardson’s story. “I hadn’t heard of it before. I was surprised to hear about everything he went through,” says freshman day student AJ Zappone. AJ found Richardson to be a great storyteller and appreciated his

message of perseverance. “Even though what happened to him was terrible, he was still able to look at the bright side.”

Michael Pelletier, a senior student from Clinton, Conn., says he also recognized this as an account of staggering resilience. “It’s a very interesting story. It was nice to get his perspective on everything and how he overcame it all. Just keep going, even if all hope seems lost.”

In addition to his work as a public speaker, Richardson is heavily involved with the Innocence Project, which works to free the innocent; prevent wrongful convictions; and create fair, compassionate, and equitable systems of justice. He also helps operate the Kevin Richardson Scholarship Fund at Syracuse University, where he recently became the first honorary undergraduate degree recipient in school history. “You can do something in your own community to help out. Even if you aren’t connected to what I’ve been through, we all have a heart, and we can all help the greater good.”

Ethan Shames ’23

You wouldn’t know it by his last name, but Ethan Shames is a multigenerational member of Avon Old Farms School. In fact, he is part of a core group of people who have been members of the Avon community since childhood. He recalls having his sixth birthday party on campus and playing hide-and-seek with his cousins in the newly built playground that now is the Brown Student Center.

So, who is Ethan Shames? Perhaps a few hints will help the picture come into focus. One of his cousins is a talented artist who creates impressive pieces of art, no matter the medium. He sculpted, blew glass, painted, and fabricated jewelry on Avon’s campus before continuing his art education at the Rhode Island School of Design. Another cousin was (and continues to be) a sought-after long snapper who played at UMass Amherst before continuing his career at Duke. Two uncles—his mom’s two brothers— attended AOF too.

If you haven’t sorted it out, we’re talking about the Deckers family: Graham ’20, Evan ’18, Peter ’90, and Charles ’87 are all members of Ethan’s extended family. “You wouldn’t be the first to say it, but yes, I am a little bit of both of what my cousins were known for on campus,” Ethan says. He came to Avon Old Farms as a true freshman after considering staying at Kingswood Oxford School in West Hartford, where he studied in middle school. “Of course, I was familiar with the campus and the culture, but my family and I weren’t sure if all-boys was the right fit for me initially. I even had a few people tell me that I wasn’t going to be able to play football at Avon—I wasn’t good enough.”

Ethan says that “can’t do it” attitude made him want to attend Avon even more. He was determined to prove any doubters wrong, but when he showed up to preseason sports camp in the fall of 2019, he began to think they might be right. “It turns out a few other guys had the exact same experience as I did: I showed up to preseason registration in the field house, and everything was going fine until I looked up and saw Jaedon Roberts ’20, 6’5”, 300 pounds,” recalls Ethan. “I immediately thought, ‘What did I just get myself into?’ but then my thoughts transformed into ‘I need to get bigger and stronger,’ and that’s where I put my focus.”

Living at home with his parents

just 10 minutes away, Ethan has been a day student for all four years of his Avon experience, captaining the varsity football team, leading as president of the Nimrod Club, and taking honors classes since he was a freshman. Unexpectedly, a new passion arose after he took a digital photography class his sophomore year. “In grade school, I just took the normal required art classes, and I’ve never considered myself an artist—it actually still feels odd saying that I am,” Ethan explains. “But I took Intro to Digital Photography my first semester sophomore year and then Studio Photography in the second semester. That first class involved a lot of learning how to use a camera, and a lot of the projects allowed us to just explore campus, relax, and take photos of what we liked. I really enjoyed having a break in my day to be creative.”

In the spring, Ethan partnered with fellow student Patrick Mella ’22 on his Afternoon Independent Project: a 10-page spread in the Hippocrene, the Avon student literary magazine. As Ethan explains, Patrick approached him in need of images to accompany his writing, a self-described darker and modern take on common Greek myths. In a foreword for the Hippocrene, Patrick explained, “My project was going great until I hit a block with the photos. … So many photos looked amazing, and it was hard to

In grade school, I just took the normal required art classes, and I’ve never considered myself an artist—it actually still feels odd saying that I am.

— ETHAN SHAMES ’23

ETHAN’S YOUNGARTS SUBMISSION DESCRIPTION

This project started as a simple class project but quickly grew into something bigger. I began to notice some of the difficulties some of my classmates had with being vulnerable while taking pictures in the studio. This led me to dedicate my time to making a portfolio that focused on the body with the point of looking at how boys look at their own body images as well as creating interesting effects in the darkroom.

As a football player at an all-boys private school, I'm used to seeing kids with different body types. Typically, they all seem to be comfortable with their own bodies, but diving deeper, I realized that many of these athletic people, who would be considered by others to have an ideal body type, in reality started off by being very uncomfortable with themselves. Talking with some of the subjects I photographed, I learned things I would never have guessed about my classmates. Some had only a minor problem with body image; others truly suffered from negative body images, causing worse effects, such as anorexia and anxiety. When you put people in front of the camera, a lot of unknown things about a person come out.

In my series, I made decisions to explore the shape of the human body, but I also used those formal shapes and poses to represent and explore the emotions and psychology of teenage boys. I had the subjects create shapes with hands just barely apart and added high contrast to create dramatic effect. In one image, the bend in an arm created a triangle that he peeked out of from behind. In another, he pulled down a single hair strand to signify how males scrutinize certain parts of their life. In another photo, the subject covered his eye to create a split face while staring straight at the camera to make a dominating image. In another photo, I asked the same subject to gaze off while covering some of his face to signify the internal insecure thoughts of men. In one of my favorites, the subject showed off the typical desired male appearance while flexing his muscles to juxtapose other images where I used a mirror to signify how men with desired physiques really struggle with body insecurities.

choose a few, but in these photos, you’ll see the best of the best.” For the project, Patrick art directed, and Ethan captured scenes to accentuate the core theme of each of Patrick’s poems.

The following year, Ethan enrolled in AP Photography with Visual Arts Chairperson Cristina Pinton. “Ethan took Mr. Campbell's digital photo class and really seemed to get hooked. He loved that class,” Ms. Pinton shares. “When he joined AP Photo, we had a really varied class. There were students seriously considering majoring in photography or other media/graphic arts and students who took AP just to keep challenging themselves and developing their creative eyes. When Ethan was searching for a theme for the sustained investigation portion of his AP portfolio, he wasn't sure how to focus his ideas. It wasn't until he went back to his skills from the studio lighting class with Mr. Campbell the year before that he found something that felt sincere and personal. He used his close friends to photograph, and just by instinct, when we sat down to really start writing about meaning, symbolism, and the context of the photographic series, it started to pull together.”

Ethan’s project focused on the human form and, more specifically, how being photographed can capture someone’s vulnerability especially as it relates to body image. Impressed by what she saw taking shape, Ms. Pinton pressed Ethan to submit his work to a variety of art competitions, including the YoungArts National Competition.

In December, for the first time in school history, Ethan was named a

winner in the photography category for the 2023 YoungArts National Competition.

For Ethan, whose primary extracurricular focus this fall was his role as varsity football captain, the news of his selection by the YoungArts organization came as a surprise. “I thought my portfolio was decent, but I didn’t really realize how good it was. To be honest, I didn’t think I had a chance.” Until he received an email from YoungArts informing him of his selection as a finalist, he had not fully understood the level of his achievement. “I didn’t even realize it was that big of a deal at first, but then I got the email from them that said I was selected as a finalist. Then I got to the part that says it includes a free trip to Miami, and I got really excited.”

The YoungArts Finalist Award recognizes work that demonstrates exceptional technique; a strong, sophisticated, nuanced, clear artistic point of view; and a depth of thinking and performance that far exceeds the level of peers at this career stage.

Finalist winners are invited to participate in National YoungArts Week and have their work further evaluated and recognized. Finalists who attend National YoungArts Week and meet the eligibility requirements are also considered for nomination to the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

In January, Ethan flew to Miami to collaborate with peers across 10 disciplines and work on his craft with internationally recognized leaders in their field. Ethan was one of 138 YoungArts finalists who presented work to the public over the course of five nights of performances, writers’ readings, and an exhibition. While there, he learned from notable artists such as author Richard Blanco, actor and playwright Taylor Mac, jazz alto saxophonist Charles McPherson, costume designer Machine Dazzle, and actor BD Wong.

Upon his return, Ethan described the trip to YoungArts Week as one of the most defining experiences of his life. “Seeing everyone else’s art, watching the performances, I knew I

was surrounded by the most talented young people from across the country who had worked really hard to hone their talent. It was really crazy to be a part of that. During a feedback session with portfolio reviewers and other photographers, people told me that they hadn't seen a lot of work like mine, which I thought was pretty incredible.”

Ethan has already committed to play football at Williams College and says he is considering minoring in photography but at the very least will take some photography classes while he’s there. In the end, we’re left thinking that there might be something in the water in Avon or maybe it’s those Deckers genes.

“I grew up just minutes from my cousins, so we were always close, and I really looked up to Evan and Graham. Initially, I saw more of myself in Evan with sports—we have that center build for sure—but eventually I realized I am also really like Graham, and that makes me really proud.”

Seeing everyone else’s art, watching the performances, I knew I was surrounded by the most talented young people from across the country who had worked really hard to hone their talent. It was really crazy to be a part of that.

— ETHAN SHAMES ’23

athletics

NINE-TIME NEPSAC CHAMPIONS!

Our varsity hockey team had a memorable and thrilling season culminating in a victory over Cushing Academy in the New England Prep School Championship game. The team brought home the school’s ninth New England Hockey title and first since 2010.

FEATURED ATHLETE

Benn Johnston ’23

One of the many facets of Avon Old Farms that sets it apart from other schools is the tradition of championship-caliber athletic programs. Serving as a captain on any AOF team requires being a top-tier player and a capable leader. Being appointed captain of two different varsity programs at Avon requires being a superior person and a superior athlete.

That is the case for Benn Johnston ’23. This year, he captained the title-winning varsity football team and is going on his second year as captain of varsity lacrosse. The youngest of four siblings born to Walton and Nancy Johnston, Benn got an early start in athletics.

“I was practically born with a lacrosse stick in my hand,” he says. “My older siblings were all already playing organized sports, so they pushed me. We’d go outside and practice for hours. I definitely wouldn’t be where I am without them.”

Benn’s family lived in Ridgefield, Conn., until he was four years old. Then the family moved to the Chicago area where he grew up playing football, hockey, and lacrosse. As he approached high school age, the concept of attending a boarding school was not on his radar, but as a standout multisport athlete, he was certainly on the radar of several schools.

“I actually never thought I was going to go to a boarding school,” Benn says. That was until Avon’s lacrosse coach at the time, Keith Lee, approached him during a summer lacrosse tournament. “He invited me to tour

the school. Obviously, Avon has a great, historic program.”

Moving halfway across the country to attend school was a huge change for Benn, who admits he’s always been a bit of a homebody. So he had to rely on the Avon Brotherhood to help him settle into life at the Farm. “I had a couple seniors take me under their wing. Also, living in a freshman hallway, it was really nice to have others around me going through the same thing. They made the transition really easy.”

Athletics also helped him find fast friends. This included the other lacrosse guys—he knew he’d join them in the spring—and teammates on the football team, who he says are the main reason he decided to join. “I was playing mostly for the team aspect. They’re all my best friends, and it’s a great football program here, so why not?”

Over the course of his four years at Avon, Benn became a standout performer on the gridiron, playing tight end and then slot receiver, eventually being named a captain for his senior season. He helped lead the team to back-to-back bowl game wins for the first time in school history.

Though he had fun playing a sport he loves with some of his closest friends, Benn says he also took away lessons about leadership that he carried over to lacrosse and other areas of life. “It was fun to lead a different type of team. It was also cool to see Coach Wholley lead, which has helped me develop my own leadership skills.”

I was practically born with a lacrosse stick in my hand. My older siblings were all already playing organized sports, so they pushed me. We’d go outside and practice for hours. I definitely wouldn’t be where I am without them.

— BENN JOHNSTON ’23

He says that in his experience under a variety of fantastic leaders, the ones able to motivate and sacrifice for the team and his brothers stand out. “I have always been the person to lead by example, doing the right thing whether on or off the field. I try to bring as much energy as I can to everything I do with the team, make sure everybody is focusing on the task at hand, and inspire others to put forth their best efforts.”

If he didn’t already leave his mark on Ryan Field in the fall, he certainly does so in the spring. He has proved to be one of the best to wear the Winged Beavers lacrosse uniform, which is high praise considering the long tradition of Avonians going on to play at the collegiate and professional levels. An elite midfielder, Benn has been ranked as high as the number two player in the nation for his class and had a plethora of NCAA programs vying for his commitment. He eventually chose Duke University as his next stop.

His notable performances in both sports earned him the honor of sophomore and junior athlete of the year and the Kevin Driscoll Award, given to the athlete who best represents the Avon community. “It’s nice to get recognized for the hard work you put in,” Benn says.

Despite being an integral part of two flagship sports at Avon, Benn does have one regret when it comes to athletics. He says he still wishes he had played on the infamous Avon Old Farms hockey team.

“Hockey used to be my biggest sport, actually,” Benn says, but he admits he is happy to have a season off to serve as a spectator. He never misses a varsity hockey game if he can help it. “My friends always tell me I came

to Avon to be a hockey fan. By the end of every game, my voice is gone. The atmosphere in JTG is unlike any other.”

Like many Avonians before him, Benn found that Avon is not just a place to pursue perfection in prior passions but also a place to discover new ones. In his case, this occurred when he joined the Chorale, an introduction to choral training. By his junior year, Benn was a member of the Riddlers, the school’s elite choral ensemble that travels to perform at major concert venues and tours internationally.

“Growing up, I would sing during car rides sometimes, and my sister told me I was good, but I was never a singer,” Benn shares. “I would like to say I am a pretty good singer but definitely way better than I was freshman year. Mr. Lea has done an outstanding job of developing me as an artist and finding my voice. It has helped me in so many ways from participating more in class to being more vocal around campus within the community. Being in the Riddlers also helped me develop relationships with so many people I probably would have never met before, and I am incredibly grateful for it.”

In addition to his commitments in athletics and vocal music, Benn is very active on campus. He is the head monitor of Diogenes Dorm, the head of the Big Brother program, an admissions ambassador, and has been involved with the Junior Achievement and Bible Fellowship clubs.

When asked how he’s able to balance all these endeavors, he says he relies heavily on study hall and enrichment hours and the structured

schedule enforced for students. “That structure had a big impact on my success.”

The COVID-19 pandemic was a disruption to everyone’s structure as schools everywhere were forced into remote learning scenarios. For many students and faculty, that was a difficult school year. For Benn, the biggest challenge came when it was time to return to in-person learning.

During the period of remote learning, he lived back home in Lake Forest, Ill., with the comfort and support family and friends offer. Leaving that scenario proved tough for Benn, who at that point strongly considered not returning to the Farm.

“Coming back from the COVID year was tough. That was a big mental challenge for me. I had a lot of emotional conversations.” He says his advisor, Samantha Jensen, was on the other end of a lot of these conversations. “Being back, it was a bit of shell shock. I just remember talking to Mrs. Jensen and her telling me I can do it. Ultimately, it was the best decision to come back because I wouldn’t have found all this success or achieved my dream of playing college lacrosse.”

He admits he has relied on Mrs. Jensen quite a bit during his time at Avon, beginning from his very first semester when he found himself struggling with the rigorous schedule and challenging curriculum.

“Obviously, I didn’t just come here for lacrosse. There’s a huge academic piece as well, but that first year, before I really figured out the process, I was struggling,” he explains. “That’s where Mrs. Jensen comes in. Thanks to her, I’m able to take a deep breath and realize I can do it.”

Mrs. Jensen says her advisee group feels like a family. They all celebrate and support each other. Though she was always more than happy to help Benn navigate his years at Avon, she says he is primarily responsible for his success. “Benn is an incredibly hard worker. He’s also someone who doesn’t let things get him down. He’s not someone who’s going to wallow over setbacks.”

She never had any doubts that Benn would be successful at Avon and admits he’s been ready for graduation and beyond for years. “He’s been ready for the next step, to take on the world, since he first came to campus. We just gave him a few more skills to take with him.”

Now, commencement is on the horizon, and Benn’s final AOF lacrosse season is underway. He has high hopes for this spring, with a senior class that he says has the potential to be special and the unique opportunity to learn from two high-profile coaches in Henry “Skip” Flanagan H’18, GP’16, ’20 and Kyle Jackson. “You can’t ask for two better coaches. They’ve just been two great role models. It’s nice to know they look at me as a leader, but they also remind me to remain humble.”

Although Benn will represent Duke next year, his focus still remains on reaching new heights with his brothers. He knows what having a successful season and reaching the national championships will take.

“Having a selfless mentality and trusting each other no matter what is the key to success. Personally, I want to be the best leader I can be, lead this team to victory, and of course play to the best of my ability in order to prove that AOF lacrosse is still on top.”

I try to bring as much energy as I can to everything I do with the team, make sure everybody is focusing on the task at hand, and inspire others to put forth their best efforts.

— BENN JOHNSTON ’23

COACHES CORNER

Kyle Jackson:

ASSOCIATE HEAD LACROSSE

COACH & OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR

year as associate head coach and offensive coordinator approached, I couldn’t help but think to myself: what do I want to accomplish during my time at Avon?

because it was enjoyable. My goal was to bring that back into the AOF lacrosse structure immediately.

Having gone through multiple coaches in my playing career, I found myself bringing bits and pieces from each to the table to set myself up for success as an Avon Old Farms lacrosse coach. As someone who still plays professionally, deciphering what to dismiss and what to acquire was something I focused on each playing season. As my first

Becoming a coach means understanding that coaching is secondary to managing personalities within a team. Having the wherewithal to see past wins and losses means embracing the true desire to create the best men moving forward. Coaches are not only evaluated by wins and losses but also often judged for how our players develop into men down the road. Students’ time here is short; it is my job to help make it memorable. My main objective for my first season with Avon was to put the fun back into lacrosse. It sounds simple, but along the way, we lose sight of the fact that the point of playing sports is to have fun. We lose sight of the fact that we picked up the stick in the first place

Second, building confidence in these boys is paramount to their success—not just in sports but in life itself. I challenge my players to wear a smile on their faces: the effort becomes purposeful, and the task becomes enjoyable. When the game is done, I want the memories not to be the score or the outcome but rather the journey along the way. This team culture creates more fun-loving and confident boys. I want my players to hold their heads a little higher in their first job interview and speak with more exuberance at a public event.

Lacrosse is not a sport but a game. It is not won or lost; it is played. When the season comes to an end, I hope that we finish by striving for excellence, both on the field and in building up great men.

2023 ALUMNI HOCKEY GAME

WRITTEN BY LUKE ARCHAMBAULT ’04

After a two-year hiatus during the pandemic, the alumni hockey community returned to the John T. Gardner Rink on February 18, 2023, to great fanfare.

Fans in the packed arena cheered the players on as they battled it out for more than 90 (very long) minutes on the ice. Alumni from as far away as Texas returned to the Farm, and the game included alumni from the 1970s through the 2010s. Mainstays such as Travis Tucker ’90, Brian Farrell ’89, and John McCormick ’82 played against the Hornish Trio (Don ’91, Rob ’91, and Mike ’95), the Naclario twins (Mark ’11 and Eric ’11), and Tony Gray ’79, who made the trip up from DC. Even varsity B coaches Mike Symes ’81, P’16 and Brian Malchoff ’07 joined the fun. Malchoff almost (should have) earned the first penalty called in alumni hockey history, but who's counting? Coaching greats Vin Mancuso ’81, Brian Doyle P'12, '14, and, of course, John T. Gardner manned the benches and helped manage some of the great hockey taking place on the ice.

In addition to the AOF game, alumni cheered on the varsity hockey and basketball teams in their games against Salisbury. It was a great weekend, and players are already training for next year's tilt!

Teaching & Learning on Our Natural Campus

BY ADAM HUSHIN

FACULTY FOCUS

DR. JACK SANFORD

Dr. Jack Sanford ended up at Avon Old Farms by accident. He had taken a new teaching position at a school in the UK, and as academic year two was coming to an end, so was the international hiring period for teachers. Sanford's decision to start his new school search later than usual and to return to the states earlier than originally planned happened to coincide with a late dropout from a science teacher at Avon Old Farms. Thus, Sanford joined our faculty in the fall of 2016.

“It was a wonderful accident,” Sanford says. “I got some interest from other schools, but none of them were the right fit. Avon was. I’ve never been happier, never been more supported.”

Sanford’s experience in both teaching and in the field of science is extensive. He earned his bachelor’s degree in biology at Old Dominion University where he was a member of the school’s baseball and soccer teams.

He went on to earn his master’s degree from the University of New Hampshire and his Ph.D. from Tufts University Medical School—this was followed by several years doing biological research at Baylor and Harvard.

He enjoyed the research, living out his childhood dream of being a scientist, but the daunting task of having to apply for grants to pursue his work discouraged him. He decided the best move would be a second career in education, where he and students could carry out modified experiments in a classroom setting, and began looking for science teaching jobs specifically at private schools.

That’s when he began his role at The Derryfield School, a prestigious private day school in New Hampshire, where he taught for nearly two decades before taking a position at a boarding school in England. “I found I really enjoyed it. I felt comfortable. I loved what I was doing, and the schools loved what I had to offer.”

When he arrived at Avon Old Farms, however, he was delighted by the possibilities offered to teachers and students that are available at few other high school-level institutions. “I couldn’t be more impressed or more satisfied. They have these teacher-associated grants through the Parents of Avon Association. They’ve been very generous in providing what we need to improve the student laboratory experience.”

Sanford eagerly began adding new tools and equipment to the school’s biology classrooms and laboratories. He acquired water baths, computerbased sensors, and a MinION machine used for sequencing DNA, among other items. “We didn’t have to travel anymore. We can do everything in the classroom, and now we can go beyond standard experiments where you know what’s going to happen.”

The thrill of doing advanced scientific experiments in a classroom wasn’t felt just by Sanford; students also shared it. Whether these were students in his AP Biology, Living Systems, or Biotechnology classes or

students participating in an Advanced Independent Project (AIP) program, the feeling of excitement was as tangible as the results they were producing.

In one instance, Austin Gatesman ’20 and Mark Schadt ’20 carried out an AIP, with guidance from Sanford and a professor at Wesleyan University, that resulted in their being named in a published scientific paper. Their project involved using bioinformatics to investigate how genes are expressed and can turn on or off in response to environmental changes.

On campus, Sanford oversaw a genomics-based AIP from Wesley Legere ’22 and Stratton Pratt ’23 that sought to analyze the biodiversity on campus and therefore get an indication of the overall health of the ecosystem. This involved collecting soil samples and studying the DNA of the microorganisms within. “We (they) were the first to sequence DNA on this campus,” Sanford says. “That was a dream of mine as a teacher.”

As is often the case with science, this project led to further study. The

following year, David Park ’23 and Yunha Kim ’22 joined Pratt for an AIP focused on analyzing the DNA of a single organism on campus: the caddisfly.

Sanford and the three students spent a few afternoons wading through the waters of Thompson Brook collecting caddisflies. They then took the samples back to the lab to purify and make copies of their DNA. As a result, the students were able to identify three different types of caddisfly, concluding that Thompson Brook is a very healthy aquatic ecosystem. Eventually these findings will be entered into a national database.

“We were very happy, very excited with the results, and that’s something that can be continued. Once these students see others doing it, that creates a train of interest,” Sanford says, adding that when it comes to these AIPs, he always makes the students take the lead. “I like to give them the chance to come up with a plan. It’s ultimately for them. I get vicarious pleasure, and

We can do everything in the classroom, and now we can go beyond standard experiments where you know what’s going to happen.

— DR. JACK SANFORD

their excitement in doing science is really what I love to see.”

For Sanford, these experiments don’t just feature his love of studying living systems and carrying out lab work; they're also an opportunity to submerge himself in another love of his: the outdoors.

“The idea of being outside is dear to me,” Sanford explains. From climbing mountains with his sons in New Hampshire and walking up volcanoes in Ecuador to leading student trips to the Amazon rainforest or the Galapagos Islands, Sanford says he is always eager to explore nature. Even while school is in session, Sanford can often be found riding his bike to classes and taking walks around campus with his wife, Ruthanne, and their West Highland terriers.

This means taking every opportunity to be outside with students as well. In his Living Systems course, nature walks to see the vernal pools and Thompson Brook and collect mud and water samples to examine with the microscope take place in the fall and spring. During one of the COVID semesters, he helped Mr. James Kassel and a group of students build a firewood shelter next to Nimrod Cabin. “It was fun to be involved with the boys outside.” Some students will remember helping Sanford plant 50 daffodil bulbs around the beech tree in front of Ordway, which sprout every year to be used for various lessons and experiments.

He’s already identified further areas in which working with students could be possible, including expanding student involvement with the community garden and beehives. “I am always hoping to get involved with

Ms. Katy Perry’s area of expertise. I’m over there at the community garden during the growing season every week. This provides a source of interest and excitement for further studentcentered research on our campus.”

Of course, if you’re a faculty member at a boarding school, it’s hard not to end up outside with your students at some point. As a former collegiate player himself, Sanford is part of the soccer coaching staff. He also recently joined the varsity squash coaching staff, something he admittedly doesn’t know as much about as he does soccer. “I’m still learning, and I’m having fun because I’m learning.” His responsibilities on campus also include serving as dorm parent for Brown Dormitory, a position he’s held since he arrived more than seven years ago. Dr. Trevor Stern shares what it’s been like to co-parent a dorm with Sanford. “I’ve worked in the dorm for four years with Sanford. He is dependable, consistent, and the

ultimate professional.” As the Dean of Faculty, Dr. Stern was also able to comment on what makes Sanford such an important asset to the school. “Jack is a brilliant mind who is able to inspire our students as budding scholars, and Jack serves as the ultimate example of a multifaceted man. His teaching is second to none; his coaching is supported by his years as a two-sport, division one athlete; and his passion for research and learning is contagious. He is widely respected by the students and his colleagues alike.”

Sanford's influence on students and the school as a whole continues to grow. This spring, four students signed on to work with him for an AIP expanding on his DNA and biodiversity research on campus. He also taught a genomics course for Intersession and is always eager to find new ways for students to pursue science both in and outside of the classroom.

STRATTON PRATT ’23

Anyone who knows wellrounded, sociable, self-driven Stratton Pratt ’23 today might be surprised to meet him before he became a Man of Avon. The quiet local boy was not always the most confident in his abilities and social interactions, but he had a clear image of the path he wanted to follow: high school, Tufts University, medical school, then off to the field of medicine. Stratton understood that such a vision would require nothing short of the utmost determination, dedication, and academic and extracurricular achievement.

From kindergarten to eighth grade, Stratton attended public schools in his hometown of Farmington, Conn. He felt comfortable and never thought he’d end up at a private institution, even though his dad had attended the private, all-boys Salesianum School in Delaware and often told

him how enjoyable his experience had been. “I wasn’t the most confident kid, and my dad thought a smaller, all-boys school would really benefit me. He talked about private school so much that one day we went mini-golfing, and I told him, ‘If I win, you don’t get to mention private school for a whole year.’ I can’t remember who won or not, but I eventually caved in eighth grade, and I’m glad I did.”

Although there are plenty of renowned schools in the area, it took a single tour of the Avon Old Farms campus for Stratton to know where he wanted to be. “That was it. As I walked the campus, I was reminded of the scene in Big Hero Six where the main character says about the robotics school, ‘I have to go here. If I don’t go here, I’m going to lose my mind.’” He applied to only Avon and eagerly awaited word on whether he would be accepted. The letter, complete with the Winged Beaver official seal, finally arrived on March 10, 2019. He remembers because from that day forward, 310 (3/10) became his favorite number. It meant just as much to his parents, Marisa and Timothy. “I’d never seen my dad cry before I got my acceptance letter.”

March of 2019 also marked another milestone in Stratton’s life. For three years, he had to quit playing soccer, his favorite sport, because of debilitating pain in his knees, ankles, and shoulders. He was officially diagnosed with juvenile spondyloarthritis and immediately started treatment. Unfortunately, treatment could only go so far. He was eager to play soccer at AOF, but his lingering arthritic symptoms limited his

abilities. “There were some tough days when I couldn’t practice, but the coaches were so accommodating. I was still able to enjoy my time. But I also realized that Avon is known for its impressive athletic excellence, and it was hard for me to fit in with such an athletic community when I was constantly hindered by the pain.”

On the bright side, Stratton was still grateful to finally be back on the field and able to get into the gym. He says it really boosted his confidence. But as someone who grew up playing sports and also excelling in the classroom, he wasn’t sure where he should try to fit in. “Eventually, I found my niche, or more realized I didn’t need a niche. My friends were everywhere, and I made connections as I went along. Once I stopped worrying about those social aspects, I realized I had found my place.”

Stratton’s toughest challenge came in the form of intense test anxiety. Because he had set such high goals for himself, Stratton knew he’d have to not just excel but excel in numerous difficult classes. Over the course of his Avon career, Stratton enrolled in 14 honors and eight AP classes. “I know medicine is a demanding path, so I felt like I needed to prove to myself now that I could handle it. I

didn’t study so much in order to get A’s, I studied a lot so that I wouldn’t get a C and lose confidence in the fact that I could handle pre-med and medical school.” The rigorous course load and self-pressure culminated into panic attacks before every test. Luckily, he says, the school has the mental health resources to help students overcome even the most extreme cases of anxiety. He meets regularly with school psychologist and counselor Dr. Dan Martin. “He’s one of the biggest contributors to my success here,” Stratton says.

Student leaders, including Stratton, took a Mental Health First Aid training course organized by the school health center in collaboration with the Farmington Valley Health District. “My own experience inspired me to try to help others with their mental health, and I think the school has done a great job setting me up for that.” He now feels fully capable of helping his peers if they ever experience what he went through. “You always hear schools talking about mental health, that they’re there for you, but at AOF they actually mean it. I feel so fortunate that the dedication from faculty and the Brotherhood that everyone always talks about is real.”

By the end of his freshman year, things were already starting to look up. He was elected to the Student Council, was thriving academically, and joined multiple clubs, including the Nimrod Club. “It’s nice to get out in the woods on a Sunday. What teenage boy doesn’t love swinging an ax around?” Stratton credits his advisor, Señora Araceli Bartkiewicz, and the rest of the AOF faculty for helping him settle in. “I just didn’t have a bad teacher. I couldn’t get over how amazing they all were.”

Mrs. Bartkiewicz says the pleasure has been all hers. "Stratton is consistent in both his purpose and presence at AOF, making his impact through smiles and support of everyone he knows. He has been my advisee for four years, and I've witnessed his growth and confidence as a man of consequence. What a blessing for me to have been his advisor. He lives what AOF truly means."

Stratton’s dedication and commitment to the Avon community can be seen in his extracurricular involvement and passion for giving back. He has served on the Student Council every year, this year holding the position of recording secretary. He has been writing for the school newspaper since his freshman year and is now editor in chief of the Avon Record. He is a violist in the Chamber Ensemble, a Big Brother, Head Day Student Monitor, JV soccer player, and a peer counselor.

Director of Institutional Advancement Chris Webb had the following to say about Stratton's contributions to the community: "Stratton is a driven, diligent, conscientious, and community-minded young man. He embraces and embodies each of the core values that we tout: brotherhood, scholarship, integrity, and sportsmanship. It's important to note that for each of these characteristics, he leads by example. Because of the

above, coupled with the strength of his character, AOF underclassmen have someone to emulate who we can all be proud of."

Perhaps his most notable contribution to the school community is Stratton’s championing of the Advanced Independent Project program, in which students can pursue their passions through a season-long project in place of a sport or drama commitment. For two of his AIPs, Stratton joined science teacher Dr. Jack Sanford in exploring the biodiversity on campus by means of DNA barcoding. Their first project took place during the spring of Stratton’s sophomore year and aimed at identifying pollinators’ preferred plants on campus in order to plant more of said plants to bolster the pollinator population. Though unsuccessful, that project helped them with the skills and technology necessary for their next project during Stratton’s junior spring:

The resources this school has access to made all of this possible. I remember loading agarose gel into the electrophoresis apparatus, seeing those results and thinking, ‘I’m looking at DNA right in front of my eyes.’

— STRATTON PRATT ’23

identifying caddisfly species in Avon’s Thompson Brook to gain a better understanding of the aquatic ecosystem’s health. This project was a success. They identified three caddisfly species, and Stratton presented these findings to the school alongside David Park ’23 with a morning meeting presentation titled “A Phylogeographic Analysis of Caddisflies in Thompson Brook.”

This tremendous opportunity would not have been available if he had not attended AOF, a fact Stratton recognizes. “The resources this school has access to made all of this possible. I remember loading agarose gel into the electrophoresis apparatus, seeing those results, and thinking, ‘I’m looking at DNA right in front of my eyes.’ What an amazing opportunity.” For Dr. Sanford, seeing a student so dedicated to doing science in the classroom was rewarding. “I wouldn’t have found such joy or success without boys like Stratt,” he says.

Stratton’s other AIPs have focused on the medical field. Cristina Pinton, the head of the AIP program, was able to land Stratton an internship-type role at Hartford Hospital’s Center for Education, Simulation and Innovation (CESI), a high-tech medical training center that attracts doctors from across the country to learn and train. “The medical AIPs were so much fun. I was doing what I wanted to do, and Ms. Pinton made it happen. I told her I wanted to do something in a hospital setting, and three months later I was at CESI analyzing an ultrasound of my own lungs. I also got to attend a lecture on focused echocardiography and volunteered at resident and ultrasound bootcamps, where I got to

practice basic routines, such as inserting an IV, alongside medical residents. Talk about knowing I made the right choice coming to Avon.” Through this AIP, Stratton received training and knowledge usually reserved for practicing doctors and medical school students. Though this was exactly what he was looking for to prepare for the next steps toward his goal of attending medical school, the other medical AIP he took part in had more to do with personal reasons.

It involved an online course in cancer biology through Johns Hopkins University. He enrolled after learning his aunt had mesothelioma, to which she eventually succumbed. He says she was one of his biggest supporters. “I still carry her with me,” he says, holding up his cell phone with a photo of his Aunt Cyndy visible through a transparent phone case.

“I saw how much she was suffering, and while I felt powerless to be able to stop it, I thought the least I could do was understand what she was going through on a higher level,” Stratton explains. “I’m someone who really wants to know why. I’m always asking why, and sometimes it gets me in trouble with my teachers. The amazing thing with medicine is I never run out of whys.”

With nine book awards so far, including the Harvard University book prize; achieving Head of School’s List honors every single quarter; certifications in CPR, AED, Stop the Bleed, Mental Health First Aid, and basic life support treatment; and completion of a mission trip to the Dominican Republic where he traveled with a team offering basic medical services, it’s safe to say Stratton is ready for his next step: Tufts University, where he will study biology on a premed track.

For Stratton, the constant questioning of whether he was performing well enough to set himself up for the future he desired has subsided, and he now says he’s ready for Tufts.

“When I was seven, I was at the table as my grandparents mentioned that their cat’s veterinarian was a Tufts graduate. Being so young, that was the only college my family had ever really mentioned. So as I got older I started looking up Tufts more and more often and quickly fell in love. To now be going to what’s been my favorite school since age seven is a dream come true.” He adds that he couldn’t have done it without the support of his parents and family.

“I just want them to know how appreciative I am of them.”

Long-Time Community Members Depart

JONATHAN and KIMBERLEY CROCKER P’11

When someone leaves a place after nearly three decades, their absence will no doubt be felt deeply. In a place such as Avon Old Farms School, decades-long tenures are still somewhat expected, but that doesn’t make Jonathan Crocker’s retirement any easier.

“Jonathan is an awesome colleague and has made an enormous impact on our school community—for close to 30 years, he has occupied leadership positions of importance,” reflects Rob Dowling ’91, P’22, also a pillar of the AOF community for years. “Through his many roles and achievements, Jonathan has been an essential part of Avon's success. He is earnest, and his dedication to our students and community is inspiring. Despite his administrative successes, he has the ability to clearly see the responsibility we have to the students and community. He is governed by our commitment to our students. His presence, personality, and perseverance have positively impacted the life of our school and the people in our community. It is an honor to call him a friend and colleague! Jonathan, Kimberley, and Benjamin ’11 are special people who will leave an important legacy here at Avon Old Farms.”

That legacy began in 1994 when Jonathan accepted George Trautman’s offer to chair the English Department after learning of the opening through a colleague’s brother. The private school world really is small.

“I had finished my Ed.M. at the Harvard

Graduate School of Education and was at The Hill School in Pennsylvania working in the admission office when I realized that Pennsylvania was not the right fit for me. I missed teaching,” explains Jonathan, who previously taught English and did secondary school placement at Indian Mountain School in Connecticut. “I spoke to a friend and former colleague, John Custer, and he told me about an opening for English Department chair at Avon Old Farms.”

The story goes that John Custer put in a call to his brother, Art Custer P'04, '05, '10, who was teaching history at AOF. Art shared Crocker’s résumé with Director of Studies John Haile, who invited Jonathan out for a site visit. The two hit it off quickly. Both seemed to know it was the right fit. And so, with an 18-monthold baby, Jonathan and Kimberley moved into Eagle Dormitory in the fall of 1994.

“Alumni from 1994 to 2003 will know me as an English teacher who lived in the dorm with my young family and coached soccer, skiing, and golf, etc. I didn’t transition to college counseling until 2003 after a sidewalk conversation with Head of School Ken LaRocque H'19, P’01, ’10, who told me he

Through his many roles and achievements, Jonathan has been an essential part of Avon's success. He is earnest, and his dedication to our students and community is inspiring.

— ROBERT DOWLING ’91, P’22

needed me to do that instead. How else could I have replied? It was a great opportunity.”

In 2003, the College Counseling Office was made up of two people: Jonathan and director Sue Nentwig. “I launched into a whole new world with a steep learning curve. In the beginning, Sue and I advised from 100 to 110 students. I visited a whole lot of colleges, attended national and regional conferences, met a lot of great people, and took advantage of the mentorship offered through the New England Association for College Admission Counseling.” With growing numbers in the senior class, the office has expanded greatly in the 20 years since.

Jonathan explains that college counseling has proven to be one of the most collegial industries. Colleges benefit by meeting with high school representatives and vice versa. Within the Hartford Area Independent Secondary School College Counselors Association, he forged relationships with other college counselors. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, he explains, group members actually strengthened their bonds during weekly Zoom meetings. “We were comparing notes on how we were going to get through the next few months and years. We quickly realized that we were all encountering the same challenges, and from that, a community began to form. That group has honestly been one of the most professionally rewarding collaborations I’ve been a part of.”

During that time, Kimberley was also an integral part of the Avon Old Farms community—Jonathan says that she’s more than 50 percent of the connection. When the couple moved to Avon in 1994, she began as a tutor— a job she held at the previous schools where Jonathan worked. But in 1997, Peter Evans H’18, P’98 asked Kimberley to join the Office of Alumni and Development. There, she did it all—from processing gifts and gathering alumni notes for The Avonian to helping organize Alumni Weekend and other events.

“Eventually, I became the director of the Parent Fund, and in that role, I found that the more engaged I was with our students and different aspects of the school life, the more invested I became in our community and the richer my experience became,” she explains. “I had the opportunity to attend games, concerts, theatrical performances, etc. and build relationships with students, parents, and grandparents, getting them involved and more connected with the school.” Ultimately, Kimberley says, working in the office was an overwhelmingly humbling experience, as parents and grandparents stepped forward and became some of the most generous supporters of the school.

“Kimberley was an impactful team player in Avon’s Alumni and Development Office for many years, and we loved having her,” shares Peter Evans, once director of the department.

A creative thinker and doer with boundless energy and a spunky personality, Kim kept things moving in the right direction. She worked closely with Avon parents and deeply cared about the boys. —

PETER EVANS H’18, P’98

“A creative thinker and doer with boundless energy and a spunky personality, Kim kept things moving in the right direction. She worked closely with Avon parents and deeply cared about the boys, often surprising them with ‘Mrs. Crocker’s famous warm and fudgy-brownies’ straight from the oven at the end of study hall. Kim’s infectious positivity and team spirit have been very much appreciated, and her presence at Avon will be sorely missed.”

Another major chapter of their lives at Avon is encompassed by their son, Ben. When they moved in, Ben was just an infant and, coincidentally, the third faculty child of the same age named Ben. They quickly became the gaggle known as “the Bens” but referred to each other as Crocker, Custer, and LaRocque. “Raising a boy on this magnificent campus was a dream,” shares Kimberley.

Jonathan adds, “All Ben had to do was walk outside with any sort of athletic equipment in his hands, and there was guaranteed to be a student out there willing to coach him.”

Jonathan has fond memories of nights overseeing study hall in the dorm when Ben would sneak down the hallway, visiting students along the way, to ask his dad to read bedtime stories to him. Not too many years later, Ben entered the ninth grade with Jim Detora P’12 as his advisor.

When asked why they stayed so long, the answer required no thought: it is, without question, the community. “It’s hard to find a place with the same level of engagement and commitment from everyone: faculty, students, and staff. It’s a special thing. And it’s the fact that the Avon Brotherhood is truly a descriptor, not just an aspiration,” Jonathan says.

In addition to their office jobs, coaching roles, and dorm responsibilities, the Crockers are also true stewards of Earth. Kimberley loves the outdoors and will be remembered not only for whizzing around the Village Green on her vintage bicycle, complete with wicker basket, but also for running through

hard to find a place with the same level of engagement and commitment from everyone: faculty, students, and staff. It’s a special thing. And it’s the fact that the Avon Brotherhood is truly a descriptor, not just an aspiration.

Avon’s wooded trails with literal bells on to scare off the bears. Jonathan has been a part of Avon’s oldest club, the Nimrod Club, since he first stepped foot on campus.

“In high school, I was interested in ornithology and spent the summer working for the National Nature Conservancy in Maine. At Colby College, I was on the Woodsmen’s Team,” he shares, with two-man crosscut, bucksaw, ax throwing, fire building, overhand chopping, log rolling, and other events. “When I got to Avon and heard there was a club whose first task of the fall was to split wood, I quickly said, ‘Where do I sign up?’”

It’s

— JONATHAN CROCKER P’11

While his job title has changed over the years, and he has since moved from Eagle dorm to the Gate House, his involvement in the Nimrod Club has been the one constant for all 29 years. “It was Pat Fricke ’14 who said what was best about Nimrod: ‘You may come for the cabin suppers at first, but you stay because of the work crews.’ Though we do work clearing trails, cutting trees, and splitting wood most of the time, we don’t take ourselves all that seriously. We laugh a lot. It is the satisfaction of accomplishing so much together that makes what we do so worthwhile.

“I’ve had some incredible experiences through Nimrod. Alumnus Pete Seeger ’36 came to an alumni cabin supper and had the group singing most of the night—and then the next morning went out on a crew with the boys. Stocking Beaver Pond and watching the whole community, from students to faculty children to the maintenance crew, come to

enjoy fishing for the rest of the year has been rewarding. When the old pavilion and the cabin had to be rebuilt, I was able to be there. But what has been an essential part of all of it has been the young men who came to the club with their enthusiasm, infusing everything we did with their energy and humor.”

Together, Jonathan and Kimberley love to ski and twice took groups of students and parents on March break trips to Austria to carve snow with Elmar Schmidinger, Kimberley’s former ski coach. They met at Colby College in Maine, and their combined love of skiing and the outdoors was, in part, what drew them together. Their first dates were outside: hiking in Acadia National Park or at the Dyer Long Pond Preserve in South Jefferson, Maine. They spent their honeymoon riding bicycles through France and Austria. Eventually, they purchased a cottage on Islesboro Island in Maine (near the Custers) and added sea kayaking to their activities. In moving to Avon

We will miss this place and the people here deeply. Both of us feel so grateful to have been given the opportunity to invest so many years at this exceptional school. It was a job, yes, but it was so much more than that, and it will be hard to leave.

— KIMBERLEY

Old Farms with 860 acres to roam, they found beautiful woodland trails to walk their dog and a pond where they could swim and fish.

Jonathan says, “Our mothers were the ones who inspired us to be gardeners. When we sold our Islesboro cottage and bought our house in Colebrook, we were able to start large vegetable and perennial gardens that became more and more a part of what we did as a couple. When we moved to the Gate House at Avon, we were thrilled to inherit the traditional English perennial garden, which was masterfully designed and established by former faculty member Kate McSpadden. We have enjoyed being part of the community garden on campus, raising our own veggies, flowers, and herbs.”

After graduation this spring, the Crockers are looking forward to establishing themselves in a new community and traveling, hiking, skiing, and spending some meaningful time

with friends and family. In the remarks he made announcing his retirement to the school community, Jonathan said, “I have loved teaching English and being chair of the English Department, coaching, and running a dormitory. I love my job as director of college counseling, and I am proud of the team we have built in the College Counseling Office. I am also proud to have been a member of this extraordinary faculty and school community. Mine has been a tremendously rewarding career. I will miss everyone—students, families, faculty, and staff, and I will always remember that you were the ones who made it all possible.”

Kimberley agrees. “We will miss this place and the people here deeply. Both of us feel so grateful to have been given the opportunity to invest so many years at this exceptional school. It was a job, yes, but it was so much more than that, and it will be hard to leave.”

CROCKER P’11

elephant remembers the “The Nimrod Club of Avon Old Farms”

FROM THE ARCHIVES:

During the month of November 1927, there developed among the boys, who had been interested in the camp suppers held during the fall, the idea of founding a Club for the protection of and the fostering of interest in the forests and streams of Avon Old Farms. The plan was met with the thorough approval of the Provost.

The idea was discussed informally at one of the suppers, and later, an announcement was made of a general meeting of all interested in such an organization. At this time the purpose of the Club was outlined which was, first of all, the formation of a group in The School which would in a general way stimulate interest in the outdoors by developing all possible activities

in connection with Avon Forest while carrying out protection and conservation in the full utilization of the many advantages extended to the citizens of the Village of Old Farms.

A discussion of a name for the Club brought forth many suggestions, none of which quite seemed to fit its purpose. At this time Dr. Arthur B. Duel became interested in the Club and made many valuable suggestions among which was the adopted name of the Club, which came to be known as “The Nimrod Club of Avon Old Farms.” His suggestions were

accompanied by a generous gift to the Club treasury, which could be drawn upon for the organization’s early needs.

The origin of the word Nimrod is quite interesting. It is mentioned three times in The Bible of which the most important is the quotation in Genesis from which we learn that Nimrod was the first warrior who became a mighty hunter before Yahweh.

Through the generosity of Mrs. Riddle, the log cabin and the crest of the hill overlooking Beaver Brook became the home of the Club.

“TO BELONG TO THE NIMROD CLUB IS AN HONOR AND A PRIVILEGE. TO BECOME A MEMBER, ONE MUST BE ELECTED BY THE UNANIMOUS VOTE OF ALL PARTICIPATING MEMBERS.”

FROM “CAMPING RULES AND REGULATIONS” 1974–75

Our forested area is perhaps the most valuable legacy left to the Avon student by the School’s founder, Mrs. Theodate Pope Riddle. It was her will that the Nimrod Club maintain and preserve these lands in their natural state.

Leave a Lasting Legacy

By definition, a bequest is a legacy: It’s a legacy you can leave financially by leaving a gift through a will. Anyone can do it, as Avonian Sam Rubenstein ’85 can attest to.

Last January, after persevering through some family hardship, Sam thought it was time to revisit the will he had prepared nearly 30 years earlier. “A lot of people first craft a will when they’re still young in their careers and their immediate concerns are caring for their families,” Sam explains. “But when you revisit that when your children are taken care of and well on their way and you’re looking at the possibility of retirement, you can also look at your finances and say, ‘Yes, there’s something I can do here for the other things that are important to me.’”

As Avon’s charitable giving website explains, people who make charitable bequests retain full use of their property during their lives, so there is no lifestyle disruption and no immediate out-of-pocket cost.

To make a bequest, simply direct that part of your estate will pass directly to Avon Old Farms School. Because a charitable bequest can take many forms, people have remarkable flexibility in making this designation. A person can leave:

• A specific asset

• A specific sum of money

• A percentage of an estate

• A residual gift, after all other beneficiaries have been provided for

A person can also designate exactly how he or she wants a bequest to be used or provide an unrestricted bequest that can be used whenever and wherever it's needed most. Most important, a person can change a bequest at any time—he or she remains in complete control of the planning process. “I chose to have a percentage of my estate go to Avon after other things are taken care of,” Sam says. “I also consulted with my sister, brother-in-law, and nephew, who graduated from Avon in 2021, to talk about how those funds should be used by Avon. Their experience is fresher than mine, so I wanted to know their thoughts.”

However it is eventually utilized, Sam believes that his money will have much greater impact at Avon than at his university. “I got a lot out of Avon as a student, and it is still an active part of my life today and a part I am very grateful for.” Sam shares that a classmate helped find the right attorney when it was time to draft a new will and that he sought out Avonians when he took a new job and began working in Seattle.

“The Brotherhood is something that has endured for me, and I know that it will continue to grow over the years. That’s why when I heard about the Riddle Society, Avon’s collective of benefactors who have created trusts, bequests, and other planned gifts for the school, I knew that was how I could give back to a school that did so much for me.”

When I heard about the Riddle Society, Avon’s collective of benefactors who have created trusts, bequests, and other planned gifts for the school, I knew that was how I could give back to a school that did so much for me.

— SAM RUBENSTEIN ’85

FEATURED ALUMNUS

CELEBRATING AVON’S NEWEST DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS:

Architect Christopher Stone ’88

BY JACQUELINE KELLER

As soon as I laid eyes on Avon’s campus, I was swept off my feet by the architecture. The addition of courses in architecture with Mr. Connell made for an incredible experience.

— CHRISTOPHER STONE ’88

In September 2019, Christopher Stone ’88 and his partner in life and in business, David Fox, presented a lecture at the Aspen Art Museum titled “The House and Museum and the Museum as House.” The lecture was an explanation of how they’ve come to approach working with their clients to create spaces around their art collections, but much more was on display during their talk than architecture. It showcased the magic that occurs when two people are so connected by the passion for their shared work, and the impact of Avon Old Farms on Stone and his professional career was clear.

From a young age, Stone was engaged in the arts. His interest began at the age of seven when, in an attic closet packed with handme-down sports equipment, he discovered his father’s oil paints and pallet. For his ninth birthday, his older brother Perry gifted him his first T square and drafting board. Summer tours in Europe and his mother’s ongoing construction and decoration of their homes inspired Stone's early architectural drawings. His professional education began at Avon Old Farms School in 1985, where Mrs. Gail Laferriere and Mr. Richard Connell ’74 offered instruction in fine art and architecture.

“My brother Perry attended Woodberry Forest School and modeled the boarding school experience for me. It was also something that I always knew I wanted for myself,” Stone explains. “I focused my search on schools in the Northeast that had a strong visual arts program and, unsurprisingly, as soon as I laid eyes on Avon’s campus, I was swept off my feet by the architecture. The addition of courses in architecture with Mr. Connell made for an incredible experience.”

The youngest of four boys in his family, Stone was right at home in Avon’s all-boys community. He enjoyed the camaraderie living, studying, eating, and playing with his classmates all day long engendered but also noted the sense of discipline George Trautman H'98, P’75, '81, '82, GP'03 brought to campus and the value of that. Stone explains that living and learning within the walls of Avon Old Farms was in itself an amazing teaching

tool. “Theodate used the Farm Group as a teaching tool for the craftspeople who were constructing the rest of campus, which was really 17th-century English techniques,” he continues. “So, you can imagine as a young boy, coming up Old Farms Road and setting my eyes upon that tower was exactly what Mrs. Riddle planned. It captured my imagination and was a real point of distinction.

“Rich Connell continued that tradition of learning by doing in his classroom. This was where the geometric proofs of Mrs. Narsipur’s classroom became architecture— from the human relationships of a project ‘program’ to the spatial relationships of a building. Mr. Connell used the campus as a teaching tool along with field trips to see such works as 19th-century

H. H. Richardson’s in Boston and the modernist Richard Meier’s Hartford Seminary. Rich encouraged me to study at the Cornell summer program my junior year and ultimately RISD, where he had also studied.”

Connell remembers the interaction fondly too. “Earlier in my career, I taught a series of architecture courses in the Visual Arts Department under Gail Laferriere. I first met Chris in that setting, and over three years he evolved his initial skills in architectural design,” Connell says. “At some point during this time, he decided to pursue architecture in college and was one of three students who went on to the architecture program at the Rhode Island School of Design that year. Seeing him take that step was one of the most rewarding outcomes of my teaching experience.”

What perhaps was most influential, however, was the way in which architecture and the arts were treated at Avon: they were taught under the same roof in the Estabrook Fine Arts Center, and they were

discussed simultaneously around the dinner table in the Riddle Refectory. The same faculty taught both, and for Stone, the two have always been intimately connected, something he refers to when asked how his love of fine art and architecture have dovetailed so beautifully in his career.

Stone’s love of architectural design and fine art thrived at Avon, but he also shares that his time here was a pivotal point in his development— as it has been for many. “At one point during Morning Meeting, Mr. Evans urged us all to take a moment during that day to pause and take a really good look at ourselves in the mirror. He implored us to get to know ourselves. I took that opportunity. It was at that moment that I decided getting to know who I really was would be an adventure, and I leaned into that adventure.”

Stone credits his advisor, Mrs. L., with providing constant words of wisdom that have become his life mantra: be creative. “In the art department, it was rather appropriate that her response to any challenge was ‘be creative,’ but I also went to her with my challenges outside of my art studies—whether it was academic or personal—and her final words were always ‘be creative.’ Even today when I think about my professional challenges, I think ‘be creative’ is really the answer.”

He also explains that Theodate was perhaps the original creative Avonian. “I was explaining Avon to a friend one day and came to mention the winged beaver. Before I could explain what it represented, this friend said, ‘Do you know how amazing it is that she created an imaginary creature as your school mascot?’ And if you think about it, if Theodate could put wings on a beaver, I think we all can do just about anything. That idea of being an Avonian and being creative comes back around no matter the context. So when a client asks for something I am not sure I can do, these examples always come to mind.”

In 1988, Stone enrolled at the Rhode Island School of Design, earning degrees in both fine art and architecture. His formal education also included a year in Paris, where he studied photography at the Parsons School of Design and the 19th-century restoration projects of Violette-le-Duc, including the spire of Notre-Dame de Paris at the American University of Paris.

His professional career began in 1996, consulting for artists such as Mary Miss and Fred Wilson on

Avon has always been a source of inspiration for me, and my Avon bonds are very important. I first returned as a college freshman just to share the campus architecture with a friend and to visit with Mrs. L. —

commissions from public institutions, including the NYC Metropolitan Transit Authority. Stone continued to focus on fine arts as a project architect with Rafael Viñoly Architects, where he worked to create Salon 94, the Manhattan home and gallery of Jeanne Greenberg Rohatyn. In 2001, Stone met David Fox and said they knew immediately that they would create a practice together. “That’s when the rubber really met the road,” he explains. “Together, we’ve developed the courage to know what we love and to stick to it.”

Since founding Stone Fox Architects in 2002, the couple has won national recognition in the contemporary arts community, completing more than 300,000 square feet of residential and

CHRISTOPHER STONE ’88

commercial projects. Their practice includes architectural services for ground-up projects, interior design, furniture design, art consulting, and event planning for collectors, galleries, and museums. Completed projects have been published extensively in journals, including White Wall, Architectural Digest, and Wallpaper. Their home for an Austin, Texas, collector was featured in the Monacelli Press book Monochrome, by Paula Rice Jackson. Stone has also provided commentary for the interior design textbook Fabric for the Designed Interior, by Frank Theodore Koe. Conceptual works have been included in the AIA, New York Chapter exhibition Made in NY, and the San Francisco Art and Design Fair FOG.

As Stone’s career took off, Avon Old Farms was never far from his thoughts. “Avon has always been a source of inspiration for me, and my Avon bonds are very important,” he says. “I cannot remember them all, but I’ve returned to campus often. I first returned as a college freshman just to share the campus architecture with a friend and to visit with Mrs. L.” Since then, Stone has served as a member of the National Council and in 2019 was present for the inauguration of Avon’s own National Art Honor Society Chapter. More recently, he partnered with Rich Connell and Andrew Corrigan ’98 to give campus architectural tours during large events, including homecoming and reunion weekends.

“My favorite part of those tours is pausing below the frieze above the Diogenes archway. I always look at Theodate’s two wards, Paul and Donald, and think about how Avon Old Farms is a depiction of Theodate’s generosity and kindness and cannot help but think all Avonians are in some ways her sons. But I also look toward the Village Green and envision the campus as she imagined it beyond: this concept of boys learning with nature and through nature in this pastoral scene.”

For Stone, it’s the part of campus Theodate never completed that is sometimes the most thought-provoking. “I have projects like that in my practice too. There are projects that are unbuilt—like the amphitheaters designed with Mike Lech ’88—that in some ways are the most perfect because they are the idealized version of something. Sometimes I wonder if Theodate knew that part of her vision was an idealized future. I hate to say that in some ways I am a procrastinator, but I do love the unfinished because I love the process of my work, sometimes more than what the outcome could ever be. At Avon, I think that unfinished vision calls on us all to imagine and work to make the experience of Avon just a little better.” Stone also laughed when he admitted why he returns to campus as often as he does: he might

just be a little jealous of what happens here every day and the opportunities that are waiting to simply be imagined. “The school has really matured, and I think culturally it's become a much more multifaceted community and experience, which makes it really rewarding to return.”

Along with his professional goals and volunteerism with Avon, Stone has worked to help those most in need within his community. Having witnessed the devastation of the AIDS epidemic firsthand, he and his husband have concentrated their efforts to support such groups as the AIDS Monument Committee, Gay Men’s Health Crisis, and the artist-led ACRIA (AIDS Community Research Initiative of America). Their concern for homeless LGBTQ youth led them to the Ali Forney Center where they volunteer, cooking dinners in a homeless shelter for youths preparing for independent living.

Believing firmly that learning is a lifelong endeavor and essential to personal fulfillment, Stone continues to travel to significant architectural sites and studies the ancient Greek language and ceramics in his spare time. He and David and their Boston terrier, George, live in the West Village in New York City and in Salisbury, Connecticut.

This spring, in recognition of his professional accomplishments and

the ways in which he embodies Mrs. Riddle’s vision of what being an Avonian means, the National Council recognized Stone as the 2023 Distinguished Alumnus, a prestigious award bestowed on a deserving alumnus who has achieved distinction in his professional career, humanitarian endeavors, or other areas of his life.

“When I was a student at Avon, Mrs. Riddle’s architecture certainly

I certainly know that he shares the importance of preserving Mrs. Riddle’s work so that future generations of Avonians can experience her architecture in the same ways that we both did.

— RICHARD CONNELL ’74

influenced me and my decision to become an architect. It was not so much the idea of replicating the style but rather seeing how a purposely and creatively designed campus, with such a strong sense of place, can enhance the human experience,” comments Mr. Connell. “I suspect that Chris was impacted in a similar way. I certainly know that he shares the importance of preserving Mrs. Riddle’s work so that future generations of

Avonians can experience her architecture in the same ways that we both did. For this reason, it is very fitting that Chris is receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award. He has also shown a commitment to helping students gain an understanding of the campus architecture and in supporting those who have an interest in pursuing architecture as a career. Stone Fox has opened its doors to students and graduates, with Andrew

Corrigan being a key team member in the practice. The firm’s work is creative and inspiring. I think that Mrs. Riddle would approve.”

In response, Stone only could say that this isn’t the end for him. “I am truly humbled, and in my estimation, I have a lot more work to do to earn this distinction, so I will work hard for it,” Stone says. “I thank Avon Old Farms for inspiring me to reach even a little higher.”

class notes

50s

’50 HARVEY S. RUBIN Head Class Ambassador HARVO2516@VERIZON.NET

’51 WARREN T. FORD SR. Head Class Ambassador jodir@aol.com

’52 SETH F. MENDELL Head Class Ambassador sethalicemendell@gmail.com

’54 DOUGLAS H. MACPHERSON Head Class Ambassador dhmacpherson@verizon.net

’55 EDWARD J. HAWIE Co-Head Class Ambassador ehawie@bellsouth.net

’55 CLEON M. SHUTT JR. Co-Head Class Ambassador chipsamerica@hotmail.com

’56 CHARLES R. SCAGLIONE Head Class Ambassador scag3328@gmail.com

DR. C. BRAXTON DEW ’58 SHARED PHOTOS OF HIMSELF AND HIS SISTERS IN KODIAK, ALASKA, WHERE HE LIVES. HE SPENT THREE YEARS IN THE MARINE CORPS (1962–1965) AND 10 MORE AS A FISHERIES BIOLOGIST AND AN EXPERT WITNESS ON THE HUDSON RIVER (1970–1980).

BRAXTON HAS DONE EXTENSIVE WORK WITH SNOW CRABS AND HAS BEEN A PROGRESSIVE LEADER AND RESEARCHER IN THIS FIELD. HIS WORK WAS HIGHLIGHTED IN NAUTILUS ON NOVEMBER 23, 2022. CHECK OUT THE ARTICLE “WHERE HAVE ALL THE SNOW CRABS GONE?”

’59 CHARLES W. DAVIS Co-Head Class Ambassador cwdavis@waretec.com

’59 DOUGLAS B. MARSHALL Co-Head Class Ambassador douglas.marshall@raveis.com

60s

’60 RICHARD L. WILLIAMS Head Class Ambassador rclumberclan@aol.com

’61 GEORGE F. HENSCHEL JR. Head Class Ambassador gfhjr@aol.com

’62 ALAN D. ROZINSKY Head Class Ambassador alroz@lycos.co

'63 KNICK CURTIS Co-Head Class Ambassador knickc@fastmail.fm

’63 JACK R. STOKVIS Co-Head Class Ambassador smarts@galaxy.net

AVONIANS ATTENDED THE COVENANT PREP BASEBALL AND BOWTIE FUNDRAISER IN MARCH. FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: JALEN CRUZ ’17, ALEX ARANGO ’15, MICKOY NICHOL ’14, AND ERIC JOSEPH ’26.

Reunion Weekend 2023

Avon Old Farms is excited to welcome alumni to campus on reunion weekend

June 2–4, 2023!

We are especially excited to celebrate the milestones of those graduation years ending in 3 and 8!

Whether you're celebrating your 5th or 50th reunion, reconnect with friends, fellow alumni, and faculty at the place where it all began!

For details and to register, visit avonoldfarms.com/reunion

STEVEN MERRILL ’60 SHARED THAT HE AND SEVERAL OF AVON’S MOST ILLUSTRIOUS ALUMS—TIM BROWNE ’60, JOHN AIRD ’60, BRUCE SEIDEL ’60, AND RICHARD TAYLOR ’58 —GOT TOGETHER EARLIER THIS WINTER.

ENRIQUE GARCES ’61, P’87 REPORTS HE IS LIVING IN BOGOTA, COLOMBIA, WITH HIS WIFE, MARIA DEL SOCORRO. HE HOPES SOMEDAY SOON HE WILL GO BACK TO VISIT CAMPUS TO VISIT ALL OF YOU.

STEVE ROSENBLOOM ’63 AND JESSE SAUNDERS ’66 , COFOUNDERS OF THE GOURMET CLUB, GOT TOGETHER FOR SOME AFTER-THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY CHEER.

We’ll see you at reunion!

HOMECOMING WEEKEND 2022

AS ALWAYS, HOMECOMING WAS GREAT THIS YEAR. ALUMNI JOINED FACULTY AND STUDENTS FOR A NIGHT FULL OF FUN AND FOOTBALL.

’65 PERRY BENSON JR. Head Class Ambassador pbenson@jacobswyper.com

’66 MICHAEL D. BARKER Head Class Ambassador barkermike@aol.com

’67 JAMES W. CORRIGAN Co-Head Class Ambassador cecorrigan86@gmail.com

’67 WILLIAM F. ROBERTS JR. Co-Head Class Ambassador wfroberts@fast.net

’68 CHASE DONALDSON Head Class Ambassador cfdifly@gmail.com

JAY GOLDSTEIN ’68 (ABOVE) IS GETTING SOME TRACTION ON HIS AMERICANA FOLK ROCK SONGWRITING CATALOG. JOHN WENDLER ’68 VISITED JAY WHEN HE WAS PERFORMING IN THE RECORDING STUDIO IN NASHVILLE EARLIER THIS YEAR.

’69 DAVID F. COLEMAN Head Class Ambassador davidcoleman1150@gmail.com

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: WINSTON MCKELLAR ’69, P’05, ’07 AND CHASE F. DONALDSON ’68

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: HENRY COONS '71 (HIS DAUGHTER BRITTANY AND HER FAMILY JOINED HIM), MICKOY NICHOL '14, TRACE ALFORD '85, AND PERRY BROMWELL '82

70s

’70 HARRIS H. BUCKLIN III Head Class Ambassador hbucklin3@gmail.com

’71 TIMOTHY B. BEEBLE

Co-Head Class Ambassador tbeeble@aol.com

’71 HENRY R. COONS

Co-Head Class Ambassador henrycoons29@yahoo.com

’72 KEVIN J. DRISCOLL Head Class Ambassador driscollk@avonoldfarms.com

’73 CHRISTOPHER L. ATKINS Head Class Ambassador catkins702@gmail.com

’75 GORDON F. LINKE

Co-Head Class Ambassador gflinke@gmail.com

GARY BORKOWSKI ’75 left the corporate world 15 years ago and worked as a personal trainer prior to COVID. He wanted to continue to help people but was uncomfortable going back to the gym environment, so he opened a private studio in his home and loves it. He was able to travel to Italy just before COVID, which was on the top of his bucket list. Gary jokes he looks a little different from Avon days. He hopes to make the 50th reunion.

THOMAS BYRNE ’75 was saddened to share the news of the passing of DON GALLUP ’75 with members of the class of 1975 in January. Don is recalled elsewhere in this issue. Please take a few minutes to read more about the life of an iconic member of the Class of 1975.

On a separate note, Tom is happy he is able to spend June to October at his home on Cape Cod, which sits on a boatable lake. Tom would love to introduce the grandchildren of any classmates to the joys of tubing, waterskiing, and wakeboarding. Be sure to contact him if you will be on Cape Cod this summer.

MICHAEL SCHWARTZMAN

’73 AND DUNCAN BROATCH ’73, P’09 (ABOVE) SKIED AT WINTER PARK, COLORADO, IN FEBRUARY. THEY HAD A BLAST SHARING MEMORIES OF AOF.

’74 GEORGE J. GIANNONI

Co-Head Class Ambassador ggiannoni@cox.net

’74 EDWARD P. MOLLOY

Co-Head Class Ambassador Tmolloy@ArraySoftware.com

’75 THOMAS B. BYRNE III

Co-Head Class Ambassador tbyrne@thomasbyrne.com

WAYNE CUMMINGS ’75 has been retired since February 1, 2021. He is excited to report he has nine grandkids ages 5 to 14 and is filled with gratitude!

DAVID JACK ’75 has a new grandson, Benjamin Taylor, born October 26, 2022. He’s a very happy baby. David jokingly told his son, Greg, “Don’t get used to it because the second one can be quite different!” David just shot a movie in Savannah with a bunch of SCAD students from Atlanta. He says it was exhausting but a lot of fun. He finished a new children's book and is shopping a second edition of a novel he wrote a few

ALLAN J. O’CONNOR ’75 RECENTLY RETURNED FROM AN EXTENDED TRIP HELI-SKIING IN BRITISH COLUMBIA. AL’S BIG NEWS IS THAT HE AND HIS LONG-TERM LIFE PARTNER, ANNE STUDABAKER, PLAN TO MARRY IN 2023. THEY CONTINUE TO HAVE AN OPEN DOOR FOR ANY CLASSMATES TRAVELING IN THE LAKE TAHOE AREA.

PREDATORS HOCKEY GAME IN NASHVILLE, TENN.

CHRIS WEBB, DIRECTOR, INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT, JOINED AVONIANS IN NASHVILLE FOR A DELIGHTFUL EVENING CELEBRATING AVON, CONNECTING, AND REMINISCING WHILE CHEERING ON THE PREDATORS. AVON AND PREDATORS GEAR WERE ON FULL DISPLAY. IT WAS ALSO A FAMILY AFFAIR: COUSINS BHARAT CHATANI ’84 AND GUATAM DASWANI ’94 ATTENDED ALONG WITH NICK WELLS ’70 AND HIS GRANDSON, DREW. ALSO IN ATTENDANCE WERE PETER SPERGER ’94, AND SKIP FLANAGAN H ’18, GP ’16 ’20.

REMEMBERING A MAN OF AVON: Don Gallup ’75

At Avon Old Farms School, Gallup quickly established himself as a leader and excelled in sports. He participated in and led many community service activities; was regarded as one of the top athletes in football, wrestling, and lacrosse; and was a dormitory leader for underclassmen. In his senior year, he received the prestigious Order of Old Farms for exceptional contributions in community service.

At Alfred University, Gallup continued to grow athletically and academically. He played Division III football and continued with wrestling and lacrosse. As during his time at Avon, he quickly established himself as a leader and cherished friend.

Following college, Gallup moved out to the Pacific Northwest and made his home base in Seattle. For many years, he spent extended time fishing in northwestern Alaska, from Kodiak and Dutch Harbor to points west and north of the Aleutian Islands. He worked his way up to captain and oversaw several vessels in the ensuing years. Deadliest Catch best describes his life on the water, navigating angry oceans while fishing for salmon, halibut, king crab, and more in all seasons, including brutally cold winters. Think about surviving the conditions in the movie The Perfect Storm That was Gallup’s world.

Don Jeffrey Gallup, from Mercer Island and Seattle, Wash., passed away January 20, 2023. He leaves his wife, Jane (Applegate); daughters, Caroline and Jacqueline; mother, Esther Gallup; sister, Jana Purington; and brothers, Kevin and Ian Gallup. The second-oldest of four children, Gallup was born and raised in Plainfield and Moosup, Conn., by his parents, Esther (Litke) and Richard Gallup.

Don Gallup was so proud of his children and is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He attended the Rectory School in Pomfret, Conn., for grades five through eight. He transferred to Avon Old Farms School in Avon, Conn., for his high school years. At Alfred University, he earned a degree in psychology.

He eventually transitioned from fishing to a land-based job wholesaling freshly caught fish to spots all over the world. He was a natural at cultivating relationships and building out a loyal customer base. His approachable, humble, engaging style drew people to him throughout his life, from his early days at Rectory to his later adult years. He was a prolific storyteller and could easily capture the attention of a room full of party guests. He and Jane loved to host people, especially exchange students from overseas. It was just one of the many ways they served others in their desire to give back.

Plans for honoring Gallup are in progress and will be announced in the coming weeks. His wishes were for celebratory gathering(s) to honor him, his life, and his legacy. He also wanted anyone who was so inclined to donate in his name to a charity that will serve and improve the lives of others. Information in that regard will also be announced soon. If you would like to be placed on a distribution list for these upcoming announcements, please send an email to the following address: donjgallup@icloud.com.

years ago along with a feature screenplay. David is happy to say his wife, Tammy, is doing well and his daughter, Emily, just started a new pet sitting business, which is very much needed where they live. David will be in New York City for his niece’s wedding in May and back again for another wedding in September, keeping him happily busy.

GORDON F. LINKE ’75 retired from PIMCO after more than 40 years in the financial services industry. He says it was a good run but time to take on the next chapter in his life. He plans to tackle several interests that he has not had time for, such as travel and working on getting his handicap down. The biggest news though is welcoming his first grandchild into the world in June. Gordon is excited to become a grandparent and looks forward to spoiling his grandchildren. If anyone is passing through San Francisco, don’t hesitate to look him up. Aspirando et Perseverando

JAMES OSBORNE’ 75 has been retired for four years, inconveniently beginning his retirement shortly before COVID hit. He has been keeping busy with regular exercise (non-stop rehab), stationary cycling on a trainer with some very cool software, conducting Zoom gym classes with siblings twice a week, and catching up on estate planning— no fun but necessary—along with pondering building a small dream home. Jamie reports his family is all well. His son Kevin is very busy in the solar industry. His daughter-in-law, Guang, and his grandson Aidan went to China for a long overdue visit to see family in the south-central region. Jamie plans to have hip replacement surgery this spring. His wife, Diane, is well, and he and Diane are enjoying their 43rd year together. Jamie is excitedly in the process of planning for an Osborne reunion

STEVE PATSOS ’75 HAPPILY REPORTS THAT HE AND HIS WIFE, GINNIE, ARE BOTH RETIRED AND WILL START TRAVELING TO THE SOUTH, WHERE THEY USED TO LIVE, AND END UP IN FORT WORTH, TEXAS, WHERE ONE OF THEIR DAUGHTERS RESIDES. STEVE IS HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE HE HAS SIX GRANDCHILDREN: THREE BOYS AND ONE GIRL FROM HIS OLDEST DAUGHTER AND TWO BOYS WITH ANOTHER BOY DUE IN APRIL FROM HIS MIDDLE DAUGHTER. HE ENJOYS WATCHING HIS TWO OLDEST GRANDSONS PLAY HOCKEY.

trip to Lake Annecy, France, this fall. He grieves for Don Gallup ’75 and his family, as all the Brotherhood does. Don was a lifelong close friend.

TIM TRAUTMAN ’75 SAILED HIS BOAT BLACK SEAL FROM MYSTIC, CONN., TO ENGLISH HARBOR, ANTIGUA, AND SPENT THE WINTER AND SPRING CRUISING THE CARIBBEAN. IN JUNE, ALLEN O’CONNOR ’75 AND TOM STERNBERG ’77 JOINED TIM AND SAILED BLACK SEAL BACK TO MYSTIC FOR A TOTAL OF 1,700 NAUTICAL MILES. IT WAS A GREAT TRIP … NO PIRATES!

AIDAN OSBORNE, THE GRANDSON OF JAMES OSBORNE '75 , ENJOYS SOME TIME IN A BALL PIT.

JOHN ’84 AND JENNIFER GORDON HOSTED AN ENJOYABLE NIGHT OF CONNECTING AND REMINISCING AT THEIR HOME IN ATLANTA, GA, ON OCTOBER 12, 2022. FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: LUKE ARCHAMBAULT ’04, JOHN GORDON ’84, MARK ROWE ’91, ROB PROTASEWICH ’73, DAN O’CONNOR ’82, RYAN MATALON ’04, RYAN ENDORF ’08, MARY REED, DAN REED ’68, GREER MONIN P’20, ’23, AND JENNIFER GORDON.

TIM TRAUTMAN ’75, P’03; MATT TRAUTMAN ’03 ; and the entire Trautman family offer grateful thank-yous to all those Avonians able to attend George M. Trautman’s memorial service in June 2022. Your words of appreciation, kindness, and condolence meant more than you know. The family also thanks those who were unable to attend but had George in their thoughts.

’76 ALEXANDER N. WORLEY Head Class Ambassador alexworley@sbcglobal.net

’77 JORGE E. CONSUEGRA JR. Head Class Ambassador jconsuegra29@gmail.com

’78 JOHN M. GARVEY Head Class Ambassador jmgarvey@garvspace.com

TIM MARA ’78 is founder and president of 3Chairs Mediation Group, a national, virtual, and in-person complex commercial alternative dispute resolution

company. Tim still practices trial and appellate law in federal and state courts nationwide. Though he litigated the losing side, he's proud of Pennsylvania Department of Corrections v. Yeskey, 524 U.S. 206 (1998). In Yeskey, the United States Supreme Court held that the Americans With Disabilities Act applies to prison inmates and can make disabled inmates eligible for programs that can reduce the time they spend behind bars. Though Tim is predominantly a civil practitioner, in 2022, he graduated from the National Criminal Defense College Trial Practice Institute, an annual, invitation-only, residential program for 35 accomplished American and international trial lawyers. He was recently recognized for his tenacious pro bono representation of the aged, the incarcerated, the mentally ill, crime victims, and the chronically unemployed.

’79 ANTHONY M. GRAY Co-Head Class Ambassador tgray@tonygray.net

’79 SCOTT B. LINKE Co-Head Class Ambassador scottblinke@comcast.net

80s

’80 THOMAS E. DAVEY JR. Head Class Ambassador thomasdaveyjr@gmail.com

’81 SAMUEL C. BOOKBINDER IV Head Class Ambassador samuel.bookbinder@ wfadvisors.com

’82 BRIAN B. CONROY Co-Head Class Ambassador brianconroy1@mac.com

’82 GREGORY T. FISH Co-Head Class Ambassador greg@gregorytfishllc.com

MIKE SYMES ’81, P’16 SHARED THAT THE CLASS OF 1981 HELD A HOLIDAY REUNION. EILEEN AND COLEY BOOKBINDER '81, ELIZABETH AND JAY SIMPSON '81, AND CATHY AND ANTHONY TATTERSFIELD '81 GATHERED TO CONNECT AND CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS.

EDMUND CHILTON ’83 RAN INTO AVON FACULTY MEMBER JACK SANFORD AT THE NATIONAL SQUASH TOURNAMENT. ED WORKS AT THE TOWER HILL SCHOOL IN DELAWARE.

ATLANTA ALUMNI EVENT

CONGRESSIONAL COUNTRY CLUB

COL. JAMES HAYES III (RET) ’88 AND CDR AND MRS. THOMAS S. REYNOLDS USN (RET) ’88 HOSTED AN AVON GATHERING ON OCTOBER 7, 2022, IN BETHESDA, MD. ATTENDEES ENJOYED A DAY OF GOLF FOLLOWED BY A COCKTAIL RECEPTION AT THE CONGRESSIONAL COUNTRY CLUB.

CHRISTMAS CLASSIC 2022

BEFORE THE BIG FRIDAY NIGHT GAME, ALUMNI AND CURRENT AND PAST PARENTS CAME TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE AVON HOCKEY. FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: PETER DECKERS ’90, P’18 ’20; ALEXANDER USICH ’20; JED USICH ’85, P’15, ’18, ’20; AND TINA DECKERS P’18, ’20.

AVONIANS IN LONDON

G. GARVIN BROWN IV ’87 HOSTED AN AVON RECEPTION IN LONDON AT ANNABEL’S ON NOVEMBER 15, 2022. IT WAS A GREAT EVENING FOR THE COMMUNITY TO CONNECT ACROSS THE POND.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: MIKE WALSH P’23, CHRIS WEBB, PETER REED '88, P'26, AND CDR THOMAS REYNOLDS USN (RET) ’88.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: JIM DETORA P ’12, PETER REED ’88, COL. JAMES HAYES III (RET) '88, AND CDR THOMAS REYNOLDS USN (RET) '88

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: WILLIAM MURRAY III ’19, MAX GODBOUT ’19, FACULTY MIKE MURPHY, AND JON MANAFORT ’19.

FLORIDA GOLF GET TOGETHER

CHRIS WEBB, DIRECTOR, INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT, PLAYED A ROUND WITH ALUMS. FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: HJ WICKO ’92; ANDY LEBUHN ’85; AND PETER CROWE

’83 WILLIAM E. ESCHERT Co-Head Class Ambassador Billeschert@gmail.com

’83 RICHARD C. GREGORY Co-Head Class Ambassador rick@rcgregory.com

’84 JOHN S. GORDON Head Class Ambassador falconatlfan@gmail.com

’85 SAM L. RUBENSTEIN Head Class Ambassador SRubenstein127@gmail.com

’86 STEPHEN R. GORMAN Head Class Ambassador stephen.r.gorman@gmail.com

’87 HAROLD R. BEACHAM JR. Head Class Ambassador hal.beacham44@comcast.net

’88 SHAWN E. ATKINSON Co-Head Class Ambassador shawnatki@gmail.com

’88 PETER D. REED Co-Head Class Ambassador pdreed18@gmail.com

’89 ROBERT M. WILEMAN Head Class Ambassador rmw@wilemanagency.com

90s

’90 PETER J. DECKERS Head Class Ambassador deckersp@avonoldfarms.com

BRENDAN ANDREWS '90 shared that he had the privilege of meeting Mark Naclerio ’11 this summer while Andrews’s son, Brady, was playing in the Chowder Cup.

’91 ROBERT A. DOWLING JR. Head Class Ambassador dowlingr@avonoldfarms.com

’92 WILLIAM P. AUSTIN Co-Head Class Ambassador wpaustin55@gmail.com

’92 DAMIEN J. EGAN Co-Head Class Ambassador degan2@hotmail.com

’86, P’19, ’23.

THE THIRD ANNUAL JTG CLASSIC HAD ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR AT WOODWAY COUNTRY CLUB. WE WERE LUCKY TO BE HOSTED BY JOHN MCAULIFFE ’95. THE WINNERS OF THE DAY WERE TWO-TIME CHAMPIONS COACH GARDNER AND JEFF HAMILTON ’96. FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: JOHN MCAULIFFE ’95, GARRETT STONEHOUSE ’16, ROB DOWLING ’91, P’22, MIKE HEINKE ’91, P’25, JOHN MORI ’05, DANNY NEW ’08, JEFF HAMILTON ’96, PAT MACGREGOR ’10, JOHN T. GARDNER, JAMES EICHAS ’07, LUKE ARCHAMBAULT ’04, AND TONY MINELLA ’94.

THIRD ANNUAL JTG CLASSIC

’93 LANCE A. CASHION Co-Head Class Ambassador lancec@christchapelbc.org

’93 ADAM K. CLINE Co-Head Class Ambassador adamcline50@gmail.com

’94 GRAHAM C. FULLER Head Class Ambassador grahamcraigfuller@gmail.com

’95 JOHN P. MCAULIFFE Co-Head Class Ambassador john.mcauliffe@sig.com

’95 ANTHONY D. SILVESTRO Co-Head Class Ambassador tony.silvestro@insperity.com

’96 MARK A. CARUSO Head Class Ambassador mcaruso@gmail.com

’97 TIMOTHY B. STAY Co-Head Class Ambassador timothystay@gmail.com

’97 KYLE R. YOUNGQUIST Co-Head Class Ambassador bigkyleyoungquist@gmail.com

’98 J. ANDREW CORRIGAN Head Class Ambassador jamesandrewcorrigan@gmail.com

’99 DAVID R. GRYBOSKI Co-Head Class Ambassador david@ghgdevelopment.com

’99 STEPHEN A. ZAPPONE Co-Head Class Ambassador zappones@yahoo.com

KEVIN MOGLIA ’96 HAD A WONDERFUL START TO 2023, WELCOMING HIS FIRST SON, KAI JOSEPH MOGLIA, ON JANUARY 5, 2023.

JACK TENUKAS AND FINN O’NEILL SQUARE OFF.

CHARLES H. ESTES ’03 VISITED CAMPUS LAST OCTOBER. LUKE ARCHAMBAULT ’04 TOOK HIM ON A CAMPUS TOUR, AND CHARLIE WAS EXCITED TO SEE HIS ARTWORK DISPLAYED IN THE LIBRARY.

JARED DIMICHIEL ’04 HAD A LOT TO CELEBRATE LAST FALL WHEN HE WAS INDUCTED INTO THE ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY’S ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME FOR HIS TIME ON THE HOCKEY TEAM AS GOALIE. HE GRADUATED FROM RIT IN 2010 WITH A DEGREE IN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT.

ADAM BEEBLE ’05 AND HIS FAMILY (PICTURED: DYLAN ’35, COLE ’37, AND JACK ’39) BRAVED LEAVING THE WARMTH OF FLORIDA TO VISIT ANDREW VALENTINE ’05 AND HIS FAMILY (PICTURED: HARPER AND LEXI) IN THE POCONOS AT THE BEGINNING OF FEBRUARY.

00s

’00 MICHAEL J. O'NEILL Co-Head Class Ambassador michaeloneill27@yahoo.com

’00 DANIEL J. SEIDEN Co-Head Class Ambassador seidend@gmail.com

KENNETH TENUKAS ’00 and MICHAEL O'NEILL ’00 watched as their sons squared off in the Paradise Puck Hockey Tournament in Tampa.

’01 CHRISTOPHER D. COLEMAN Co-Head Class Ambassador christopherdcoleman@gmail.com

’01 NICHOLAS H. LAROCQUE Co-Head Class Ambassador larocque.nicholas@gmail.com

’02 WILLIAM N. PALMER Head Class Ambassador wnpalmer@gmail.com

’03 JAMES T. TANG Head Class Ambassador jamesttang@gmail.com

HENRY MURRAY ’06, ROBERT TESAR ’05, AND LUKE ARCHAMBAULT ’04 MET IN COLORADO WHEN LUKE VISITED IN THE FALL TO CATCH UP WITH FELLOW AVONIANS.

’04 LUKE R. ARCHAMBAULT

Co-Head Class Ambassador archambaultl@avonoldfarms.com

’04 MATTHEW H. MORAN

Co-Head Class Ambassador matthew.h.moran@gmail.com

’05 ANDREW B. LAWRENCE

Co-Head Class Ambassador mooklawrence@gmail.com

’05 DANE G. LEMERIS

Co-Head Class Ambassador dlemeris@gmail.com

’06 KEVIN T. DRISCOLL

Co-Head Class Ambassador kevin.t.driscoll@gmail.com

’06 JOSHUA P. PAVANO

Co-Head Class Ambassador jpavano@gmail.com

BEN KIMMERLE '06 After almost nine years in Brooklyn, Ben and his wife, Isabella, packed up and moved to Cincinnati last year for the birth of their first child, Phoebe, born on July 18, 2022. They have settled nicely into the slower Midwestern life and the first months of being new parents. Ben works remotely as a digital product designer, and though he occasionally misses office interactions, the coffee and commute are so much better now.

’07 CASEY R. COONS

Co-Head Class Ambassador caseycoons4@gmail.com

’07 TYLER C. HADDAD

Co-Head Class Ambassador tyler.c.haddad@gmail.com

’08 DOUGLAS J. BEYER

Co-Head Class Ambassador dbeyer11789@gmail.com

’08 WILL H. HENDRICKS

Co-Head Class Ambassador willheatonhendricks@gmail.com

’09 JOHN B. BEATH

Co-Head Class Ambassador beathj@gmail.com

’09 JAKE R. BOURGAULT

Co-Head Class Ambassador jake.bourgault@gmail.com

’10 PATRICK D. HAMPTON Head Class Ambassador pdavishampton@gmail.com

’11 HARRISON M. LYONS Co-Head Class Ambassador hlyons@suffolk.com

’11 OLIVER K. ROTHMANN Co-Head Class Ambassador ollie.rothmann33@gmail.com

’12 CONNOR P. DOYLE Co-Head Class Ambassador doyle12187@gmail.com

’12 JOHN D. SHAMBURGER Co-Head Class Ambassador shamburgerd@gmail.com

’13 WILSON P. MEYER Co-Head Class Ambassador wilsonpmeyer@gmail.com

’13 JOHN VAN ALLEN III Co-Head Class Ambassador jjghyu@gmail.com

’14 MICKOY R. NICHOL Co-Head Class Ambassador nicholm@avonoldfarms.com

’14 RYAN D. PHILLIPS Co-Head Class Ambassador rydphillips@gmail.com

’15 WILLIAM C. DAVIS Co-Head Class Ambassador cdavis7@me.com

’15 CHRISTIAN E. DI ANTONIO Co-Head Class Ambassador diantoniochristian@gmail.com

’16 MATTHEW T. HORTON Co-Head Class Ambassador matt.horton.t@gmail.com

’16 ALESSO R. MARCOGLIESE Co-Head Class Ambassador alessio.marcogliese@gmail.com

’17 KEVIN A. SIEBER Head Class Ambassador ksieber@friars.providence.edu

’18 KEVIN E. HUVELDT Head Class Ambassador kevinhuveldt4@gmail.com

IAN BOMELY ’14 IS EXCITED TO SHARE THAT HE AND DEVON HOLLORAN BECAME ENGAGED ON AUGUST 21, 2022.

MICKOY NICHOL '14 IS BEYOND EXCITED TO SHARE THAT HE GOT ENGAGED TO GABI EUSTACHE ON JUNE 18, 2022.

The Avonian // SPRING 2023

JAKE WHITTY ’16 IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE HIS ENGAGEMENT TO FRANKIE WOLF. JAKE PROPOSED ON JANUARY 5, 2023.

’19 MAXWELL A. MILLER Head Class Ambassador mmiller20413@gmail.com

JARED HUNTER ’19 was accepted in March 2023 to the Harvard University Master’s in Education program.

AVON ARTS BRUNCHES

’20 AUGUSTUS G. SHAMBURGER Head Class Ambassador shammyg12@gmail.com

’21 PATRICK “PJ” A. NEAL Co-Head Class Ambassador

’21 WILLIAM B. SMALLEY Co-Head Class Ambassador

’22 NIKHIL SATPATHY Head Class Ambassador nikhilsatpathy@gmail.com

CRISTINA PINTON MET WITH AVONIANS IN PHILADELPHIA ON NOVEMBER 20, 2022, AND IN NEW YORK CITY ON FEBRUARY 4, 2023, TO CATCH UP WITH ALUMNI AND BUILD CONNECTIONS IN THE ARTS.

ARTS BRUNCH PHILADELPHIA FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: ORION MARCO ’16, ROBERT AUGHTRY ’19, CRISTINA PINTON, PERRY BENSON JR. ’65, YOUNG JUN SONG ’16, JOE KOOLURIS ’22, JAESANG LIM ’20, DONGHEE KIM ’16.

ARTS BRUNCH NYC—FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: NICK BIRNIE ’14, ROBERT DIANA ’13, ANDREW CORRIGAN ’98, PENGYU SI ’19, DO HAN KIM ’17, PHAT TRAN ’19, MICHAEL XIE ’22, CHASE HARRIS ’22, JASON FILIPE ’15, AND CRISTINA PINTON.

AVONIANS IN BOSTON

THE SCHOOL HAS LEARNED OF THE FOLLOWING DEATHS:

JOHN RUTLEDGE CHESHIRE ’42

LELAND S. “BUD” HANSON ’50

SHELDON ROTH ’54

RICHARD STAHLMAN ’56

JORDAN L. MOTT VI ’58

JOEL BRADFORD ROCKWELL ’59

EDWARD SEAGROATT ’59

WILLIAM WELCH '59

W. BRADFORD HARWOOD III ’64

DONALD J. GALLUP ’75

JAMES PETER BOLAN ’76

FREDERICK MICHEL ’77

CHARLES CUMMINS ’78

MICHAEL TETREAULT ’87

KEVIN YOUNGQUIST ’94

JEFFREY MICHAEL DEFRANCESCO ’00

JESSE SILVERMAN ’04

MICKOY NICHOL ’14 GATHERED YOUNG ALUMNI TOGETHER IN BOSTON FOR AN

OF SHARING MEMORIES AND MAKING NEW ONES.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: BRAY O’CONNOR ’15, BLAKE BARTKIEWICZ ’16, JACK NEDOROSTEK ’15, TEDDY MINEAU ’20, MAX MILLER ’19, PHAT TRAN ’19, ALEX GEORGE ’17, BOON BHAKDIBHUMI ’18, KAITO MINAMI ’21, TED BRENNAN, III ’17, AND DAN NOBILE ’14

PARTING SHOT

Students visit with an African penguin in the Jennings Fairchild Arena thanks to an Intersession collaboration with Mystic Aquarium.

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

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Parents

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