Bancroft Bulletin Fall 2023

BULLETIN | FALL 2023

LIAM

SHANAHAN ’14 IS TURNING A BANCROFT PASSION PROJECT INTO A CAREER. PAGE 12

SNAPSHOTS

Contents Bancroft Bulletin Fall 2023

110 Shore Drive Worcester, MA 01605 508-853-2640 www.bancroftschool.org Bancroft Bulletin is published twice a year and mailed to alumni, parents, and friends of Bancroft School.

Stephanie Luebbers Head of School

Dan Mercurio

Assistant Head of School

Emily Baker

Alumni Engagement Officer

Erin Soll

Marketing & Communications Manager

Tina Gorski-Strong

Chief Advancement Officer

Contributing Writers Dan Mercurio Emily Baker Erin Soll Tina Gorski-Strong Design Greg Gilman Photography Dan Mercurio Erin Soll Abigail Ebb ’15 Gil Talbot Worcester Railers Hockey Club

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LIAM SHANAHAN ’14 IS TURNING A BANCROFT PASSION PROJECT INTO A CAREER

MEET CRAIG JONES

Bancroft’s Inaugural Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging.

On The Cover: Liam Shanahan ’14 is a mechatronics engineer for American Magic, a racing team set to compete in the 37th America’s Cup in October 2024.

Photo courtesy of Abigail Ebb ’15

Head of School’s Message.................................................................. 4 BULLETIN | FALL 2023

Donor Spotlight...................................................................................... 5 Bancroft News......................................................................................... 6 Homecoming .......................................................................................... 8 2023 Commencement.........................................................................16 A Hockey Odyssey................................................................................18 Academic Highlights.......................................................................... 20 Class Notes...................................................................................... 22-28 In Memoriam......................................................................................... 30

A Message From The Head of School Dear Bancroft Friends, Community is one of the most important aspects of a great school, and one which has drawn me to teaching, coaching, advising, and administration since I began my career as a boarding school teacher in 1985. In fact, it is one of the key elements of Bancroft that drew me into the School’s Head of School search process. Over the years, the word community has come to mean many things to me. It means the connection that people feel with others on campus; seeing and knowing them. It means shared work through school sports and activities, school wide endeavors, and classroom challenges. It means learning about and making connections with the people that have been a part of the school for decades as well as those who are just beginning to build their roots there.

I have always believed that a critical part of a strong school community is its clear and consistent ability to help students find their passions and connect to the world. Community-minded educators relish the chance to build confidence and skills in students and through this work become a trusted adult, a mentor. Moreover, they look for the chance to work with colleagues who share this objective, teaming up to help students thrive. I have seen hundreds and hundreds of students build on their interests and develop passions because teachers, coaches, and community members knew how to connect the young person to their interests in new and compelling ways, and how to help students build their interests across disciplines. I have also seen how young people thrive with the guidance of these mentors. They find new interests and build them to develop lifelong passion and purpose.

Simply put, schools like Bancroft put the wind in the sails of young people.

In this issue of the School’s Bulletin, you will read about Liam Shanahan ’14, who always loved sailing, and with the interest of two Bancroft community members—one teacher and one staff member—got the little push and the support he needed to focus deeply on a passion. That passion would then become, first a course of study and later a unique and wide-ranging career as a designer and engineer of America’s Cup racing yachts. You will also read about another alumnus, Worcester Railers Head Coach and General Manager Jordan LaVallee-Smotherman ’05, who found the support and encouragement at Bancroft that he needed to start his career in professional hockey.

You also will see the culmination of years of nurturing, hard work, and yes community, in the smiling faces of our graduates in pictures from June’s graduation. I am certain that the class of 2023 developed their passions and interests on campus with the help of trusted adults who were able to put the wind in their sails, help them adjust to changing circumstances, and look to the horizon with the excitement of possibility.

Best,

Stephanie Luebbers Head of School

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DONOR

SPOTLIGHT THE BRADFORD C. GOOCH ’54 VISUAL ARTS SCHOLARSHIP Art educated alumnus inspired to give back Brad Gooch, a member of the Class of 1954, made an exceptional gift to Bancroft during the Out in Front Campaign to name the Digital Media Lab and establish the Bradford C. Gooch ’54 Visual Arts Scholarship.

Each year the scholarship is given to a rising-senior who has shown exceptional promise and deep passion for the visual arts. Tina Gorski-Strong, Chief Advancement Officer, reached out to Brad who now lives in Rome, Georgia to ask what was his motivation in establishing this scholarship and continuing to support Bancroft. Here is his story.

“I knew from the time I was 14 I was going to be a teacher and already was. I had become a pretty good sailor at Tabor Summer Camp and was teaching younger kids the art of small boat handling. I had gone to Bancroft from Tatnuck and it was the patience of Mrs. Wilson in the 6th grade that allowed me to begin to make progress toward my goal of becoming a teacher!

Bancroft thus played a pivotal role in my life at a crucial time.

Mrs. Jones, my 8th grade math teacher, taught me the necessity of keeping things simple and clear by losing me consistently when she hustled to show the bright ones shortcuts to problemsolving. I have never forgotten that lesson in simple clarity!

I have been lucky in being able to endow scholarships at Bancroft School, Suffield Academy, Washington and Lee and Berry College here in Rome, which I have come to love

and admire. It helps immensely that my father was a brilliant businessman, that Aunt Berta left me a lovely inheritance, and that I made some fortunate real estate purchases because I could not do what I have done for those schools and Bancroft on a teacher’s salary. I spent a wonderful 36 years at Suffield Academy teaching and coaching and wearing many hats (e.g. teaching the first full-credit Art History course in any all-male Prep School, leading the 10 year NAIS School Evaluation, winning the NE Boys Soccer Championship in 1983, etc.)

So education has been my life, and I am pleased to be able to help deserving students on their way to fulfilling their goals by establishing scholarships and, for Bancroft, also providing a digital media lab for enhanced learning.

Perhaps some students will catch that ‘teaching bug’ at Bancroft. It is my pleasure and privilege to have set up the Bradford C. Gooch ’54 Visual Arts Scholarship!”

Brad ’54

“

Coming from a big public middle school where art classes were limited, I was interested when transferring to Bancroft in taking art classes as often as I could. Working with my teachers I was able to expand my scope of how I want visual arts to reflect the image of what I leave behind at Bancroft. Art is enjoyable and relaxing for me and I plan to minor in visual arts in college.”

– Effie Economou ’24, this year’s recipient of the Bradford C. Gooch ’54 Visual Arts Scholarship.

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BANCROFT

NEWS CELEBRATING DYSLEXIA In celebration of Dyslexia Awareness Month, the Bancroft Hope Graham Program teachers carefully crafted a week of events to educate the broader community on Dyslexia. The theme, others’ stories about their journey with dyslexia, drove the activities that included student panels, presentations, and story time. The Hope Graham Program is a language-based learning program serving students in grades 2-8. Dyslexia Awareness Month is nationally recognized and commemorated by wearing the color red. ‘Go Red For Dyslexia’ is a global campaign aimed at changing the narrative for people living with dyslexia. “We are extremely proud of HGP and want to share who we are and what we do with the entire school community. Dyslexia is not something that should be hidden but celebrated and talked about. Often individuals with dyslexia are misunderstood. It is important for us as a program to spread the truths and celebrate all of our differences,” says Middle School HGP Coordinator, Colleen Hunter.

BACK TO BURNCOAT Our 9th grade students spent the morning of October 11th reading, playing, and enjoying the company of friends at Burncoat Street Preparatory School, a kindergarten to grade six public school in Worcester.

This longstanding tradition of visiting Burncoat had been on a COVID-19 hiatus over the past few years. “The return to Burncoat was a wonderful part of broadening our reach in the Worcester Community and providing our students with a rewarding learning opportunity,” said Elena Beleno Carney, Dean of Students.

“Experiences like this gives our Upper School students the ability to see themselves as role models to younger students, engage with literacy in the community, and build meaningful relationships.”

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VOLLEYBALL’S HISTORIC START Bancroft Varsity Volleyball has had a fall to remember. The team won 12 consecutive games to start their season and currently sits at an impressive 15-2 heading into their final 2 regular-season games. Second year head coach Emily Boutilette has the team clicking on all cylinders and gearing up to make a run in their third straight appearance in the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council postseason in mid-November. Led by tri-captains and seniors Caroline Belanger ’24, Iliana Cania ’24, and Viky Nasto ’24 the team is also poised to qualify for the Eastern Independent League playoffs for the first time since 2011.

TEAMING UP FOR BOOKMAKING Bancroft 1st graders joined Upper School English students for their 'Write like a Writer' class this fall. Since their introductory visit in early September, the budding authors have made big strides in the writing process with the help of their Upper School buddies.

This includes creating their very own outlines complete with characters, problems, and solutions! The two groups will continue their partnership over the next several months to create complete children's books based on the imaginative ideas of our first grade students. Follow Bancroft social media for updates on this fun crossdivisional collaboration.

FOLLOW

ON BANCROFT

SOCIAL MEDIA

Bancroft School & Bancroft School Alumni on Facebook @bancroftschool1900 on Instagram Bancroft School Alumni group on LinkedIn 7

Homecoming at BANCROFT

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CRAIG JONES (FAR LEFT) WITH HEAD OF SCHOOL STEPHANIE LUEBBERS, ASSISTANT DEAN FOR DEIB SHANEZ’E JOHNSON ’17, FOURTH GRADE TEACHER ALI CHAPPELL, AND SECOND GRADE TEACHER CATHY WALLACE AT THE 2023 AISNE DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION CONFERENCE.

Meet Craig Jones, Bancroft’s Inaugural Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging By Emily Baker Bancroft School welcomed Craig Jones into the community on July 1 of this year, when he started his tenure as the new Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). Before stepping into his new role, Craig was the School Counselor at The Wellington School, a PreK through 12 independent school in Columbus, Ohio. During his 27-year career in education, Craig enjoyed and felt confident in his professional counseling skills, but he was also drawn to the administrative aspect of schools. During his time as a counselor, Craig especially relished having conversations with community members about culture, lifestyle, celebration, and honoring the unique traits of individuals, while bringing them together to create a unified school community. Craig’s involvement and training both regionally and nationally allowed him to participate in DEIB big picture design, and coaching. His experiences as affinity group facilitator and a member of the Diversity Committee for Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) led him to make a full shift from school counseling to more dedicated DEIB work.

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C

raig was first drawn to Bancroft because he was familiar with the Worcester area, and because he saw the community’s willingness to work toward institutional change. Craig is a graduate of Holy Cross and lived and worked in Worcester for four years after college. Returning for his interview at Bancroft brought back many fond memories of his time in the city. Even more important for him was the impression that Bancroft was an institution excited about and ready for a deeper engagement in diversity topics.

the campus and curriculum.” He wants families to be able to step on campus and immediately feel the energy of DEIB alive throughout the school. “It is important, when introducing any new program or ideology to campus, that it aligns with the mission,” Craig added, “and this work is undeniably aligned with Bancroft’s mission.” He also noted that this topic of conversation can be difficult to navigate, so it's important to stay consistent and true to Bancroft’s identity as a school in order to make the process beneficial for everyone.

While he was visiting, many people spoke of the community’s commitment to being open to change. He says, “I felt that if I were to take the job, it would not just be me pushing the values of DEIB work onto constituents, but rather, community members would support progress by being willing to make changes.” He also found himself compelled by the professional challenge of occupying an inaugural position; seeing an opportunity to develop the role from the ground up.

Since starting his role, Craig has seen this eagerness from the community as he works alongside the Administrative team to weave DEIB awareness into the fabric of what he described as a “beautiful community.”

Craig has found that he is still learning about Bancroft’s singular culture in all of its many facets as he looks for where his work can have the most positive effect, but he believes that the school is starting on a solid footing. Craig has begun his focus with faculty and staff, giving them the tools to provide education about DEIB to their students. Integrating diversity education seamlessly into the community and curriculum requires a slow and thoughtful process, and it is important to start with faculty and staff, since they interact with students directly and consistently. Examples of this integrated coursework can be seen in Friday Share in the Lower School, Circle Practice in the Middle School, and Community Lunches in the Upper School. At Lower School Friday Share assemblies, students learn the meaning of important DEIB-related words such as equity and belonging. Students perform skits to give the audience examples of what these words look like in action at Bancroft. During Circle Practice, different holidays and backgrounds are highlighted and celebrated, allowing for students to learn about different cultures. In the Community Lunches, there is a focus on bringing cultural identity to the surface. The idea is to celebrate our diversity as a community. Craig notes that with this timely integration the school is moving at an appropriate pace, with signs of positive acceptance.

“

It is important when introducing any new program or ideology to campus that it aligns with the mission, and this work is undeniably aligned with Bancroft’s mission.”

To ensure success in this new role, Craig has set both personal and institutional goals.

His personal goal is to “develop genuine connections with the entire Bancroft community.” He wants to partner and work with as many constituents as possible. Learning about what makes people different while finding common ground will be the key to advancing the work of DEIB at Bancroft. He believes that having lots of conversations about everyone’s experiences and keeping in mind what makes each person unique will give his work a solid foundation. A look into his office gives a clear picture of his intentions: Craig has a whiteboard covered with various constituent groups, along with ideas about how he aims to connect with each of them.

His institutional goal is to ensure that “DEIB is not treated as an additional box to check, but becomes fully integrated into

With the goals set and work underway, Craig has demonstrated his willingness to help the School advance in diversity and inclusion work. We look forward to seeing what other positive changes he will bring to the Bancroft community.

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BANCROFT MAGIC

BY EMILY BAKER

LIAM SHANAHAN ’14

IS TURNING A BANCROFT PASSION PROJECT INTO A CAREER

Passion and enthusiasm. Two words that describe Liam Shanahan ’14 when talking about his career since graduating from Bancroft ten years ago. Liam is a mechatronics engineer for American Magic, a racing team set to compete in the 37th America’s Cup in October 2024. His love for sailing began at an early age and was kickstarted by a science fair project back on Shore Drive.

LIAM PICTURED IN BARCELONA, SPAIN, CURRENTLY HOME OF THE AMERICAN MAGIC TEAM. 13

L

iam grew up in Princeton, MA and spent summers with his family in New Hampshire at Lake Winnipesaukee.

Sailing lessons led to racing, becoming an instructor, and eventually a role as the Director of Sailing at Lake Winnipesaukee Sailing Association (LWSA). Despite his love for boats and being on the water, Liam never imagined sailing would become anything more than a summer activity - until he entered Bancroft as a freshman in 2010.

Liam attended Bancroft for all four years of Upper School. As a freshman, he worried about fitting in with classmates who were established socially, but he quickly realized that Bancroft was welcoming, inclusive, and wanted students to explore and express what makes them unique. From the faculty, to the students, to the overall structure of the School, Liam felt the nurturing and supportive environment that gave him the motivation to express who he was and see the potential within himself. In the Upper School, Liam was an active member of both the Cross Country and Ski teams. Students being given the tools to embrace what made them unique is one of his most fond memories of the School. Liam considers himself a bit of an introvert, but he and his friends created a band and played in front of the entire Upper School during assemblies. On another occasion, a friend wanted to rap during assembly so Liam became his back up vocalist. His best memory however, speaks to the connectivity he felt throughout his time at Bancroft: During his senior year, Liam won the championship race for the ski team and once he got to the bottom of the mountain, his friends and teammates piled on top of him to celebrate his win. For Liam, the congratulations from his teammates typified the encouragement students receive at Bancroft.

It was during his junior year that Liam realized his love of sailing could lead to academic success. That year his science fair project was one of the three “jolting switches'' that he says eventually helped him realize that this passion could be turned into a career. Liam admits he has a very competitive nature and he really wanted to win the fair, but picking a topic for the project was a tedious task for Liam. While classmates were choosing great topics with potential winning

BEHIND THE SCENES OF A TYPICAL DAY FOR LIAM WORKING FOR AMERICAN MAGIC. 14

ideas, nothing seemed to inspire him. Former Bancroft faculty member MaryAnn DeMaria, or Mrs. D as Liam refers to her, encouraged him to think about the sailing life that he was so deeply interested in. Liam recalls their conversation by saying that “Mrs. D wanted me to focus on the excitement of building a project I was passionate about and not just winning the fair.”

That year, the organization that runs American Magic had just introduced a boat with a new design. While at speed, the new boat now rose out of the water on extendable hydrofoils under the hull. Also, the sail was no longer a traditional flexible sheet but rather one made of rigid material shaped like an airplane wing.

The switch to the new type of sail fascinated Liam and motivated him to make it the focus of his project. To fuel his new excitement, Mrs. D put Liam in contact with WPI professor, Ken Stafford, who helped him with his research. Liam then created model sailboat ‘wings’ in the woodshop at Bancroft, with the help of longtime woodworking teacher and Director of Operations Peter McKone, and eventually took them to WPI for testing in their state of the art wind tunnel. Reflecting on the work done together in the woodshop, Mr. McKone recalled that “Liam was determined to see his project succeed. The first year I worked with him he constructed sails using balsa wood and tissue paper, similar to the wings of model airplanes. The second year he had a more

THE AMERICAN MAGIC CREW TRAINING FOR THE AMERICA’S CUP 2024 IN BARCELONA

sophisticated design. He made molds and created the surfaces with carbon fiber and epoxy. It was really fun work!” This testing and building went on for nearly two years until he entered his project in the Massachusetts Science and Engineering Fair where he was a top finisher.

While Mrs. D’s encouragement was the first step in Liam’s journey as an engineer in the sailing industry, two other experiences also helped him find his way. After graduating from Bancroft, Liam would continue his education as an undergraduate at WPI. The same professor that helped him during his science fair project at Bancroft invited him to join a robotics project where the main focus was on improving sailboat designs. His thorough enjoyment of this more advanced work began to convince Liam that sailing could become a career. However, after graduating from WPI with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Liam worked for the Air Force as an Aircraft Systems Engineer where he outfitted aircraft for special missions. During his time with the airforce, Liam said that “my coworkers were always so passionate about their jobs.

They talked non stop about jets and engines and I did not feel the same passion. After about a year I realized that it wasn't work that I wanted to do for the rest of my career.” Ultimately, Liam realized that sailing was his calling. After leaving the Air Force, Liam went on to work at North Sails, Sail GP, and then with the American Magic team in Barcelona, Spain.

Now living in Barcelona full time, Liam has a career that he is excited about. As a mechatronics engineer in the sailing industry, his daily tasks are constantly changing. Early in the morning, you may find Liam hard at work on the computer designing modifications to improve American Magic. Then, before the boat launches for the day, he will go on-board and inspect the boat to ensure

that every technological and mechanical aspect is fully operational.

Midday, the crew launch and sail for most of the afternoon. Not only does the crew have to practice and perform well, the boat also has to be designed, built, and outfitted to the highest standards in order to fit the crew's needs given the wind and water conditions.

When the boat returns to dock, a data report is created, explaining every intricate detail of the journey. Liam analyzes the report and determines any changes that need to be made to ensure the boat’s optimal performance for the next day. This daily process intensifies as the date of the America’s Cup series approaches. The constant pursuit of excellence is Liam’s favorite part of his job. He describes it as “one big engineering sandbox where I am given a lot of creative freedom in my drive to make American Magic an America’s Cup champion.” It is safe to say that Liam is finally experiencing a career where he deeply loves his work.

Because he had positive reinforcement beginning at his time at Bancroft, Liam was able to pursue his passion at a much younger age than most of his coworkers. At just 28, Liam is one of the youngest members of the American Magic team.

Liam credits the start of his success in the sailing industry to his time at Bancroft, a place where students are given the tools to embrace what makes them unique. More than just the source of happy memories of his school, the encouragement of his classmates and teachers pushed Liam to pursue his passion for sailing and allowed him to see it as a starting point of a distinctive, creative, and rewarding career.

Best of luck to Liam and the rest of the crew on American Magic as they get ready to race in the America’s Cup in Barcelona, Spain in October, 2024.

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Congratulations to the

BANCROFT CLASS OF 2023

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A HOCKEY ODYSSEY

How Bancroft, and Worcester, have come full circle for Railers Head Coach Jordan LaVallee-Smotherman ’05

BY DAN MERCURIO

T

he loading dock entrance of the DCU Center is quiet.

At least quiet for the day before the Worcester Railers home opener. The Railers, an affiliate of the NHL’s New York Islanders, were founded in 2017 and have called the DCU Center its home for all 6 of its seasons. A few facilities and maintenance personnel are sparsely spread across a long concrete ramp leading to a dark blue carpeted media area under the arena seats. The cold air of the ice is palpable as you get closer to the coaches’ offices. After a shorter than normal practice, the team is off the ice, showered, and packing their bags to head home for the day. “The day before a game is more just going over the gameplan one last time. We try not to overdo it," says Railers Head Coach Jordan LaVallee-Smotherman, who attended Bancroft for 7th - 9th grade from 2000-2002. The appointment to Head Coach in 2022 followed an impressive sixteen year professional playing career. Jordan won an American Hockey League Calder Cup in 2008 with the Chicago Wolves, a Canadian Hockey League Memorial Cup with the Quebéc Remparts in 2006, and an Elite Ice Hockey League Cup with the Belfast Giants in 2019.

The Westborough, MA native was drafted in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft by the Atlanta Thrashers in the 4th round (116th overall). He made his NHL debut with the Thrashers on March 31, 2008 and scored his first NHL goal the next day. He went on to play parts of two seasons with Atlanta (2007-09) while also playing parts of five seasons in the AHL with the Chicago Wolves, Syracuse Crunch, Providence Bruins, and Springfield Thunderbirds, accumulating 165 points (79 Goals, 86 Assists) in 374 career games. He would finish his career with the Railers in 2022, leading the team in scoring.

The second-year head coach and former player seemed relaxed as he settled into the visitors locker room for an interview. More comfortable, admittedly, than he was at the same time last year as a brand new head coach. “The transition from player to coach has been a learning process, for sure, particularly with 18

relationships. Most of these guys had been my peers and teammates the year before and all of a sudden, I’m their coach. It took some time to adjust and figure out that dynamic.” Adjustment, though, is something that Bancroft helped Jordan learn early on in his adolescent life.

Having moved with his family to Westborough from upstate New York in 1999, Jordan quickly found himself without much support in his new public school. “I had come from a smaller private school in New York so I was used to the smaller class sizes and a little more personal attention that public school wasn’t able to provide. After my first year, my family spent the summer looking for a new school. We looked at a number of private schools in the area and nothing seemed right. My mom says that she woke up in the middle of the night a few weeks before school was going to start. She somehow found the Bancroft website, read the mission statement, and thought it would be a good fit. She made a call the next day, and headed to campus for a visit. I had a great interview, and I'm not sure exactly how it all worked out but two days later I was a 7th grade student at Bancroft School.”

Socially, Middle School can be a challenging entry point for students, but Jordan says that Bancroft was welcoming and he quickly became acclimated with his peers. “The way that Bancroft kicked-off seventh grade when I was there, we went on a camping trip for the first three or four days of school. When you are thrown in a tent with 40 students, you get to make friends pretty quick,” Jordan added.

Even though his time at Bancroft only spanned three years, Jordan speaks fondly about his experiences in the classroom and on the athletic field. He remembers how helpful his teachers and staff were with his intense hockey schedule that often required him to leave school at odd hours. “I remember vividly my ninth grade year and the school being as accommodating as possible.

They set up a special schedule for me that allowed me (on most days) to take a private physical education class because I had to leave early. PE was only offered in the afternoon at the time. They really went above and beyond for me, but really for everyone that needed support.”

He also remembers Mr. McMillan, his ninth grade English teacher who taught him the importance of solid eye contact and staying engaged as a learner. “As one of the year-round-athlete students, I sometimes found it difficult to really get into the subject matter. Mr. McMillan was there for a long time and really believed in his students, which was motivating for me.” He remembers his experience as a member of the varsity baseball team where he played for longtime physical education teacher and coach Mark O’Brien. “Coach O’Brien was the absolute best. He found a way to thread the needle of keeping us focused, playing hard, and having fun.”

Coach O’Brien was also the person that gave Jordan his first coaching opportunity after he graduated from high school in Quebec. “I got home and everybody was still in school and I really missed baseball. I asked Coach O’Brien if I could be a base coach and come to practices, and he brought me on as a full-fledged assistant coach. I got to travel with the team and help run practices. That really was my first coaching gig ever, and I learned a lot from Mark.”

Back in Worcester all these years later, Jordan says it feels like a full circle moment. “It is crazy to have come back to Worcester to finish my playing career here and now to be a coach so many years after being at Bancroft. This city means a lot to me. Not only to be back here, but obviously with a major life transition after years of professional level hockey and shifting into coaching. It’s incredible to be able to do that with the support of family and friends in the area. That includes my Bancroft friends by the way. I still have 5 or 6 of my former classmates from Bancroft who I talk to regularly.”

Best of luck to Jordan and the Railers in their 2023-24 season.

The Railers play home games at the DCU Center on Foster Street in Worcester.

JORDAN LAVALLEE-SMOTHERMAN ’05 IS NOW ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BOARDS FOR THE WORCESTER RAILERS.

For a full schedule and ticket information, visit railershc.com

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ACADEMIC

HIGHLIGHTS

LEFT TO RIGHT: HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL DR. JACOB DIBBERT, ACTING MIDDLE SCHOOL HEAD CARRIE WHITNEY, AND HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL MARK TAYLOR.

Meet the Division Heads Bancroft’s Divisional Leadership Team has two familiar faces and one new to the Bancroft community joining new Head of School Stephanie Luebbers this year. The team is leaning into a school model which highlights cross-divisional connections, innovative teaching, and active learning.

Meet the three people that are driving the Bancroft curriculum forward in 2023-24.

Mark Taylor, Head of Upper School Mark Taylor became Head of Upper School in 2020. Now in his 18th year of service on Shore Drive, Mark has worked for Bancroft as an English Teacher, Tennis and Soccer Coach, and Director of Community Engagement. Having worn many hats during his tenure, as well as being a Bancroft parent to Helen Taylor ’26, Mark is able to bring multiple vantage points to his current role.

“I’ve been able to look at things from several different perspectives over the past three years, including some from my time as a faculty member, as well as the Director of Community Engagement when I was looking beyond our work at Bancroft. I’ve found this combination both rewarding and instructional, since I am con20

stantly reflecting on how I approach each situation, instead of focusing on only one way to do things.”

As he looks to the future of the Upper School, Mark envisions continued growth of inquiry based learning with the strength of his excellent faculty and engaged students. He is also excited about what is being built school-wide with his counterparts from the Middle and Lower School.

“Working with the other divisions, we in the Upper School will be further defining our guiding principles and best practices for teaching and learning. Areas for us to focus on include assessment for learning, differentiated instruction, and of course inquiry.

Our faculty have been invaluable in developing important definitions, including the beginning stages of ‘a portrait of a graduate’ in which we identify the most important traits and characteristics of a Bancroft student. I have been inspired and helped by feedback from alumni when they return to campus and tell us they feel very well-prepared to communicate confidently, self advocate, and become engaged in their communities. Those ideas have been essential points of navigation for our work here.”

Carrie Whitney, Acting Middle School Head Bancroft Middle School teacher, Auxiliary Programs and Summer Camp Director, Upper School teacher, and now Acting Head of Middle School, Carrie Whitney has seen it all during her 17 years at Bancroft. Mom to Jonah Whitney ’22 and Maddie Whitney ’24, Carrie has also been a proud supporter and frequent presence at many Bancroft sporting events as both her children are multisport athletes. You won’t be surprised to learn that in recent years Carrie also found herself on the sidelines as a coach of both Middle School Girls Basketball and Girls Soccer.

“Over the last 17 years, Bancroft has stayed the same; a special community that knows and cares for students. Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging continues to evolve and strengthen. The recent additions of Craig Jones as Director of DEIB, and Shanez’e Johnson ’17 as Assistant Dean for DEIB to our leadership team supports this commitment and it encourages us all to grow in this area. The addition of the Hope Graham Program was another key moment in our recent history, as we work to meet the needs of a more neurodiverse community.”

Having been a teacher, administrator, and parent in the division she now leads, Carrie sees the Middle School through a unique lens and has the opportunity to offer valuable leadership to Middle School Faculty.

“I’m so thankful for the opportunities I’ve had at Bancroft and the ways these experiences have shaped me as an educator and administrator. My roots are in Middle School education; I love the growing independence and developing passions of Middle School students. This year is special because I have the opportunity to encourage and support students and families I met when the students were in lower school aftercare or summer camp. In leading the Middle School this year, I also have the unique perspective of being a 9th Grade teacher and advisor for the past two years. I have experience with the content and skills needed for a successful transition to Upper School.”

As she thinks about the future of the Middle School, Carrie wants to help everyone have a shared sense of purpose, and to find more ways for faculty and students to practice hands-on learning, both in and out of the classroom.

“My priority in these first few months is continuing to build a strong sense of community, belonging, and connection as one school for students, faculty, and families. Similarly, building con-

nections with the greater Worcester community is important. Our students are eager to explore community gardens, talk with Holocaust survivors, connect with organizations that support the needs of refugees, and hold bake sales and supply drives for local animal rescue organizations. I’m excited to help foster these learning opportunities that go beyond the traditional textbook.”

Jake Dibbert, Head of Lower School After a 21-year professional career working in and leading highperforming and prestigious international schools abroad, Jake Dibbert is finding himself right at home in his first year as Head of Lower School. With stints as a principal in Vienna, Dubai, and Dhaka, as well as teaching experience in Brussels and Hong Kong, Jake brings a breadth of experience, a global perspective in diverse multicultural communities, and a passion for education to Bancroft. His wife Jennifer and twin boys Jackson ’33, Peter ’33, and daughter Evelyn ’35 are quickly settling into their new home.

“The move to Worcester has been a positive experience that feels similar to many places we have lived around the world. Bancroft in particular has a strong community feel, which is also true of many international schools. As a Division Head, I really enjoy nurturing the community in addition to improving the academic experience of the students.”

Jake has spent much of his first few months listening and learning as he gets to know faculty, students, and families. He has also been working closely with Stephanie Luebbers and his new Division Head colleagues who have provided support in the early part of the year.

“I have always been passionate about collaborating with other leaders in a ‘one school’ approach, and have been energized by a team that shares the same values. As a team, we have done a great job of honoring the traditions and culture of Bancroft while also asking critical questions that will shape the future of the institution.”

Jake has a wealth of experience and passion for developing curricula that are inquiry-based and engaging for students. He looks forward to implementing them into the Lower School.

“I really look forward to working with faculty and students on what learning looks like across the program. It brings me great joy to work firsthand with teachers on carefully planning quality assessment and instruction, and then seeing that planning play out in the form of highly engaging learning experiences for students.”

21

Class Notes 1959

Judy Phillips Jarmer, Class Secretary jejarmer@yahoo.com Submitted by Class Secretary Phil Kinnicutt leafishing@aol.com

I have had a couple of very enjoyable lunches with Millinda “Duch” Morton Olson recently in Vero Beach. She is a long-term resident of the area and until I moved to Vero from Hawaii several years ago, it had been many, many years since we had had a chance to share some reminiscences about our Worcester days from long ago. It was great to see her and get caught up on 50 plus years of adventures.

Be sure to get a copy of Helen Shipman Bartucca’s book Ambushed By Cancer: The Caregiver Tells Her Story. After reading it cover to cover, I emailed her to tell her how much I liked the book about her five-year experience and here is her reply: “As one of hundreds of family caregivers sitting in waiting rooms at Dana-Farber, hoping my husband’s cancer would be cured and pain would be minimal, I knew I had a story to tell. The book is that story. My hope is that it will open a discussion about family caregiving and be a comfort to those readers who are caregivers to know they are not alone. We survived cancer and are so fortunate to have resumed our lives with golf, long walks, and family.” I would give it a fivestar recommendation for sure and it is readily available on Amazon.

Bill Mayher has been living in Brooklin, Maine since 1995 with time out for work in London, for the American School, and then at King’s Academy in Jordan. He is now back in Maine full time where, along with four friends, he was a founder of the maritime video website, “offcenterharbor.com”. He wrote that it’s been an unexpected pleasure to find work so late in life that is both fulfilling and fun.

Frank Sessions Jr. dropped me a note to report that he and his wife Susan moved from Orr’s Island, Maine to Charleston, South Carolina last August. They are at Franke at Seaside in Mount Pleasant which is a wonderful community near the water. He also noted that they see some of their grandchildren more often.

I received a lovely long update from Anita Reetz McGiffert, and in it she said she wouldn’t be writing to me if Genie Rideout Parrott in about 2015 hadn’t moved to Anacortes, a town in Washington State of about 16,000...like Shrewsbury in the 50s. Anita said, “I moved here to the Pacific Northwest in 2003 from LA with my husband Jim McGiffert. A mutual friend from Shrewsbury connected Genie and me. Genie brought me up to date at

22

From left, Val Kinnicutt Powell ’66, Hester Kinnicutt Jacobs ’69, Phil Kinnicutt ’59, Pam Kinnicutt Motley ’62 Photo was taken on the stern deck of the “Tahoe Gal” while on a sightseeing cruise of Lake Tahoe that time with our Middle and Upper School classmates. She showed me a Bancroft Reunion booklet. In New York City half a dozen years ago, I caught up with Judy Axelrod who was still teaching Infectious Diseases at Cornell Medical School. In 2019, I visited the BostonWorcester area, stopped in at Bancroft and said hello. Hardly recognized the place. My own journey includes a degree from Barnard College ’63, MA in Economics then from UCLA ’67. Marriage to Takashi Kurashige in 1975 and then living in Fukuoka, southwest Japan 1977-1993 where I ran an English Conversation school. We have a daughter, Nile, who lives with her family in Seattle, 90 minutes from my home. Takashi and I divorced in 1993 and I returned to California, LA, and wound up teaching at USC. In 2003, I married Jim McGiffert and we settled in Anacortes two years later. I am now a widow, a master gardener in the sunny months and a quilter in the overcast months.”

As for me, Marcia Schoeller and I enjoyed a “safari adventure” in Tanzania this past summer, something that has been on my bucket list since my Bancroft days. We saw every animal on our list many times over and were stunned by the magnificent scenery from Arusha, to Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti and Zanzibar. In September, we joined my three Sisters (Pam Kinnicutt Motley ’62, Val Kinnicutt Powell ’66 and Hester Kinnicutt Jacobs ’69) at Val’s ski cabin in Homewood, Lake Tahoe, CA for a fun-filled family reunion.

1962

Submitted by Class Secretary Pam Kinnicutt Motley pamelamotley@msn.com

Ted Bent writes that Insha Afsar is now attending Georgetown’s McCourt School for Policy. She is seeking a MIDP. Joan Millar Lincoln and her husband Linc were able to move around more in 2023,

including a fascinating trip to a conference in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

There they reconnected with friends from many years ago. From there, they visited their daughter and her family in Switzerland. In October they headed to Morocco to spend 5 months with friends. Joan still continues with her music, including chamber music, simple composition and some self-publishing. She lives close to Nancy Horner Borden in New Hampshire, and they get together now and then. She wishes all a constructive year in spite of our rather depressing world situation.

1969

Submitted by Class Secretary Hester Kinnicutt Jacobs djacobs@midrivers.com

Sarah Garfield Berry: Summer is always busy on Cuttyhunk Island, MA with family visits. I continue to be a Selectman entering my 10th year, and I really enjoy it. We are headed to New Zealand in November. My business partner and I of ten years are partners in Moneta Group, a wealth management company from St. Louis. I continue to work, but without management responsibilities in downtown Worcester which continues to evolve for the better. My husband keeps expanding the gardens, my mom is 93 and going strong, kids and grandkids number 16 and we feel lucky. I had a great trip to the Outer Hebrides in the United Kingdom with my sister in May and can recommend the use of local taxi drivers in lieu of professional guides. Way too much fun! A special part of the world capped off by a stay in a distillery on the Island of Raasay in Scotland.

Carolyne Berkeley: I went to my 50th Smith College reunion. Being on the beautiful campus with many good friends was exhilarating. I am about to leave on a mother daughter trip to Florence and Lucca, Italy.

The weather seems to have calmed down. My unusual looking Corgi Retriever rescue dog,

Walter, makes everyone happy (Just try to picture a big dog on the top and a small dog on the bottom). I am still very much involved with the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers. I also went to Barbie, which was astonishingly good.

and 2 grandchildren to meet their relatives.

June took us back to Boston, for my 50th reunion at Connecticut College and on to Virginia. Reunion was awesome and included visits with friends from college, the Navy and boarding school. We just returned from a trip to the Truckee area of Lake Tahoe where the Kinnicutt siblings gathered. Fun days with Philip Kinnicutt ’59, Pamela Kinnicutt Motley ’62, and Valerie Kinnicutt Powell ’66 (see picture under class of ’59). We traveled through Yellowstone and Grand Teton Parks, Wyoming, and Idaho and then through Oregon on the way home. We have many beautiful and interesting things to see in the United States.

1972 Carolyne Berkeley ’69 in the dreamhouse Lisa Piehler: Since the end of the Covid days, Dave and I have been enjoying travel.

We went on an African Safari which we had “won” at a Worcester Chamber Music Society fundraiser auction. We extended the trip and visited 5 African countries. And, yes, we saw the Big 5! It was a spectacular trip. Next was a wonderful family visit to Taiwan to spend time with my son, daughter in law, grandson, and new granddaughter. We spent a week at the coast and as always, learned a few more Chinese words from my grandson. In June we traveled around Italy via a Viking cruise.

Thankfully, we preceded many tourists who swarmed Italy this past summer. The summer was spent at home on our lake in Spencer MA, kayaking, gardening, and enjoying cookouts on the deck when it wasn’t raining. In October we went to Japan and in February we are going to Morocco. Then I think we will have made up for the time lost traveling during the pandemic!

I plan to attend our 55th. I’m local and distance isn’t an excuse! I enjoy seeing many of our classmates and their activities on Facebook.

It would be fun to connect in person. So, I do hope our 55th is well attended.

Susan White McChesney: Big Biz going on here at McChesneyArt.com. We are now producing jigsaw puzzles with my pressed flower art images and selling from a website shop. I’m upgrading my pictures so I can produce 1000 piece puzzles and larger prints on canvas. I am still focused on pressing, unpressing and collaging landscape images, using the petals like strokes of paint, and THRILLED to be doing puzzles with my images; the science behind doing jigsaw puzzles? It reinforces connections between brain cells, improves mental speed, improves short term memory, and more.

As for me, Hester Kinnicutt Jacobs, we continue to thrive in Montana. A busy year of seeing the United States. April took us to Missouri for my niece’s wedding reception (wedding was in Cancun). I took my daughter

Josephine “Jo” Herron Truesdell Class Secretary, thehats@aol.com

Jo Herron Truesdell: Wasn’t able to wrangle up any class notes this time so am including this picture of Ingrid Jeppson Mach and me to add to the column, figuring it would make all of you send in copious notes next time lest a photo like this ever appears again! Hope everyone in the Class of ’72 is doing well!

Ingrid Jeppson Mach ’72 & Jo Herron Truesdell ’72

1974

Submitted by Class Secretary Louisa Gebelein Jones ljones@pomfret.org

The Class of ’74 is gearing up for our 50th Reunion in 2024 and most of our news these days seems to be about new grandchildren!

Henry Charles Baker, Grandson of Walter Baker ’74

Walter Baker shared that his first grandson, Henry Charles Baker was born on July 20, 2023.

Richard “Dick” Johnson became a first-time grandfather along with wife, Mary, to Miriam Anne Johnson in April. Now in his 42nd year at The Sports Museum, Richard awaits his 25th book, The Official Centennial History of the Boston Bruins which he co-authored with Rusty Sullivan. Life is good!

Margaret “Darby” Moynagh joined the first-time grandparent club welcoming Birch Keenan Kennedy on April 5th.

1975 Elizabeth “Beth” Kirkendall Hotz: I just wanted to say greetings from Florida. I’m still working full-time although I’m looking towards possible retirement in the second quarter 2024.

I am enjoying having my daughter and my grandson close to me here in Florida. Would love to hear from other classmates.

Elizabeth “Liz” Rudnick Reiser: It’s hard to believe that it’s almost 50 years since attending Bancroft. As Beth wrote in her note to remind us about connecting, in ways, it still feels like yesterday! I continue to live simply in Upton with my husband and continue to work at MassArt Directing Youth Programs. I love both. The work at MassArt during these wild times we are all living through has especially felt mission driven and I am very grateful to be part of it. Please be in touch if you are in Boston and ever want to visit! Hope to see folks at the 50th in a couple years!

Elizabeth “Beth” Tonna Sarantos: I live in Andover, MA and I retired from a teaching career at Landmark Elementary/Middle School in Manchester, MA three years ago. I am enjoying the flexibility in my schedule that allows me to travel with my husband, spend time with family, read, and sing in a chorus, gospel choir, and at church. My love for music has remained strong since the days of the Glee Club and Madrigals! I am looking forward to catching up with classmates at our 50th reunion in 2025.

Katherine “Katie” Burgess Lail: I retired several years ago after a career working as an elementary principal in Florida. My husband, Doug, and I became official snowbirds dividing our time between Boothbay Harbor, Maine and Sarasota, Florida. Our plan is to reside permanently in Maine, which will allow us more time to travel to Texas to see our son, daughter-in-law and 1 year old grandson.

I am looking forward to reconnecting with classmates who are in the New England area!

Janet “J.P.” Alford Eltorai: I had the pleasure of getting together with Anna Gebelein Keegan ’76 and Lorenzo Majno . We had a fun evening recounting old times! After living in California for 38 years, my husband and I moved to Massachusetts to be closer to our

23

Class Notes

1976

sons and grandchild. We will be moving to Guilford, Connecticut in June, 2024. I am looking forward to our 50th (!) reunion. Hope to see everyone there.

With the passing of classmate Rodney Ferris, a number of classmates have been in contact sending their condolences to Rodney’s wife Ginny, his daughter Noelle and his son Alex. In addition, some updates have come in:

Martha Anderson Tole: 48 years! How is that possible? My oldest grandchild is now in the 3rd grade, the grade I entered Bancroft, which makes me think of Mrs. Guild, Pippi Longstocking and Jonathan Livingston Seagull. Of course, she’s a MUCH more confident reader than I was at that age. My husband, Rick, and I still live in Gorham, Maine in the house we built 35 years ago. All 3 children nearby with 7 of their children and another on the way in December. I retired from Mercy Hospital in Portland, Maine as of October 1st, so I am just getting my retirement feet under me. Ah! What a pleasure! Beth Tonna Sarantos and I will be meeting for lunch once she returns from her trip to Italy. Definitely planning on our 50th, God willing. And I would LOVE to hear from anyone who feels like reaching out (mtole@ maine.rr.com). All the best!!

Christian Andreas Perschak: My wife, Michèle, and I with Hermes, our 8 year old labradoodle, our 2 sons, Steve and Mike, together with their partners, Juliette and Noemi and my two brothers, AJ ’72 and Henry ’74 with Ruth and Kathrin are all living in the greater Zurich area and are having a great family life. While Michèle is running the family I am slowly but surely winding down my real estate development business which I have been enjoying for the last 17 years along the lake of Zurich, around St. Moritz and in Mallorca. In parallel I am always devoting precious time to my various hobbies such as playing the guitar, coaching young entrepreneurs, golfing, skiing, playing tennis, motorcycling and traveling with friends. Together with my best friends from high school, we bought and refurbished a finca in Mallorca, where we spend about 3 months of the year fostering our 52 year lasting friendship. Unfortunately, the life of one of these friends was cut short by a lightning strike on his favorite beach in Mallorca - carpe diem!

Christian Perschak ’75 and family

24

Submitted by Class Secretary John Howe, jfhowe1@netzero.net

S. Robert “Bob” Levine let us know he and his wife Tara have moved from Colorado to the Nashville, TN area, while his youngest son Dylan is off to his first year of college in the fall of 2023.

Kim Ciborowski informed us that she spent a couple years taking care of her father before he passed away in 2016. She has been retired for 7 years now, and in addition to spending time at the childhood house in Worcester, and her place on the seacoast in New Hampshire, she bought a villa in the town of Castellina in the Chianti region of Italy, where she spends time each spring and fall. She “hopes all my classmates are well” and invites all to come and visit her when she is in Italy.

Kristina Nassikas Matsch has been living in Minnesota for the past 17 years with her husband Bill. After working for a number of years in private school administration she is currently focused on teaching in a preschool.

“Still love getting to the Cape in the summer and catching up with Bill Nicholson and Toby Anderson ’77 when there.”

Finally, Debbie Sussman Hermon sent a wonderful note that included information about her training and working as a family psychologist in London. After 20 years in England, she and her husband moved to Florida, where they have been since 1996. She currently has a private practice doing child and family therapy. In total they have four children and eight grandchildren (that may be a record for our class), that are spread between Colorado, New York and England. A recent addition to the family is a new Cavalier (dog breed) King Charles.

Lauren Shuster’77 & Rodney Ferris ’76 Do you remember our class’ Last Will and Testament? For our classmate, Cheryl, she most definitely has been dashing away…this time to Alaska!

Cheryl Cowley Hollinger: Here is the Hollinger family, dog sledding on New Year’s Eve in Fairbanks, AK. We spent four nights in Fairbanks, two of them at the Borealis Basecamp looking at amazing Northern Lights.

Then we all flew to Hawaii for a week to defrost and swim with turtles. It was a great family trip. Left to right is our middle child, Graham ’17, Thomas ’20, our youngest, currently a senior at Cornell University working on a dual major Physics and Comp Sci., Me, Kenechi Garner (our daughter’s husband), my lovely husband Mark, and our daughter Mary. Sorry I don’t remember the dogs’ names; there were a lot of them.

1977

Submitted by Class Secretary Lauren Shuster abeautifulview.lauren@gmail.com

Our classmates and friends have endured significant losses and our hearts are heavy with their sorrow. We offer condolences to Craig Knutson on the passing of his mom, Diane Knutson, who was our gym teacher, and our basketball and field hockey coach. As unathletic as I was, and still am, she was patient with me as I tried to learn those sports. The Ferris family is mourning Rodney Ferris ’76, and to prove my point about being unathletic, here is a throwback photo in memory of Rodney of me hobbling on crutches after trying to catch a basketball rebound, and instead, tearing ligaments in my ankle.

The Hollinger family dog sledding on New Year’s Eve in Fairbanks, Alaska

1986

Rebecca Condon Zieminski Class Secretary, rmzieminski@gmail.com Submitted by Class Secretary Robert Gray III gray@graymediagroup.com

Rob Gray and his wife Karen are empty nesters as daughter Bridget headed off this fall to Dad’s alma mater Middlebury College and is on the ice hockey team. Daughter Phoebe is a junior at Hamilton College (alma mater of Uncle

Chris Gray ’89) and oldest Courtney is a 2022 graduate of Bates College and is now working at Harvard Business School. Rob and Karen continue to run their public affairs consulting firm Gray Media in Boston.

Thad Coontz is Head Golf Professional at Isla del Sol Yacht & Country Club in St. Petersburg, Florida where his mom Barrie has relocated just down the street. Look him up if you are traveling to the area and are looking to shave some strokes off your game!

1989

Elizabeth “Liz” O’Hearn Galvin Class Secretary lizohearngalvin@gmail.com

Suzy Klump Guinan: Highlight of the year is definitely our granddaughter’s birth. Alora, daughter of our son Connor and his wife, Angel. Our eldest, Nikita, is in her final year as a business major and our youngest, Sinead, just qualified as a dog groomer in a dog grooming academy in England this summer. She is now local to Bancroft so if you are looking for an excellent groomer feel free to contact me on Facebook.

“Just call me Nana”- Suzy Klump Guinan ’89

1993

Alicia Davis Downs, Class Secretary awddowns@gmail.com

Alicia Davis Downs: It was wonderful to see everyone at our 30th Reunion and looking forward to the next. I recently went on a camping trip in Shenandoah National Park with my 7th grader and her classmates, which brought back great memories from Chewonki Campground.

Erica Driscoll Ribeiro: Had a great time at our 30th Reunion in May 2023! So wonderful to see so many members of our class! For the past 3 years I have been Director of Development at Saint Agnes/Arlington Catholic HS, a preK-12 in Arlington, MA, work I really enjoy. Looking forward to getting our class together again soon!

Karen Damon Sigel Carswell: It’s incredible that the years continue to sail on and my oldest son is graduating from Northampton High School in May 2024 and my youngest from the Williston Northampton School in May of 2026. They’re both lucky to have a

The Class of 1993. Left to right back row: Elizabeth Shaw Lashway, Erica Driscoll Ribeiro, Jennifer Backus Trowbridge, Jennifer Morgan Stout(with sign), Kate Beaton Mazzini, Karen Sigel Carswell, Erik Hastings, Stephanie Burns, Kevin Ramos-Glew, Kristin Wollenberg Shumway, Ben Josephson, Thomas Pierie III, Alicia Davis Downs Kneeling in front: Damien Berthiaume, Andrew Nash wonderful class and friends they’ve known since Kindergarten. Just like their Mom! It was so lovely to see you all at our reunion. I continue to serve as the VP of Business Development for MassDevelopment. I represent the state’s finance agency and land bank in Western Massachusetts and work closely with municipalities, businesses, nonprofits, financial institutions, and communities to stimulate economic growth. I look forward to seeing you all again soon.

Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault and moved last weekend to Brunswick. Life is wonderful!

Kevin Ramos-Glew: Hello from New Hampshire. Life is lovely in the mountains–like living in a postcard! Let us know if you’re in the area for a hike, run, ski, or dip in a cold swimming hole (under a covered bridge!).

Thank you, Bancroft for the memories.

Erik Hastings: While I feel fortunate to stay in touch with many of my classmates, it was truly amazing to have so many of us together in one place at our 30th Reunion. So many laughs, stories and memories were shared and made... and only a few bruises. We still got it! Here’s to the 35th. Until then, look me up if you are in Stowe, VT this winter.

Ben Josephson: It was great to see my classmates at our reunion. Especially grateful to those who made the long distance trip. Looking forward to seeing everyone again at the next reunion, but hope before then.

Elizabeth “Liz” Shaw Lashway: It was great to see old friends and classmates recently. I live in Wellesley, MA with my husband and our two kids. I’m enjoying watching our kids play soccer against our old rival schools. As for work, I opened my own private practice four years ago after serving as a Commissioner of the MA ABCC and previously working for the City of Cambridge. Please keep in touch: liz@ lashwaylaw.com Kristin Wollenberg Shumway: Hey all! So great to catch up with so many of you at our 30th Reunion! It was fun hearing about everyone’s journey through adulthood while viewing you all through the lens of an 18 year old. Looking forward to our next gathering!

Lots of changes for me in the last year, I’m working as the Finance Coordinator at the

Hello from Cliffs of Moher—visiting Kevin Ramos-Glew’s ’93 family in County Clare this summer Stephanie Burns: So wonderful to see the Class of ’93 for our 30th! There wasn’t enough time to catch up with everyone, though especially memorable was cheering on Liz Shaw’s daughter at the Beaver Country Day School soccer field. Reliving Bancroft Girls’ Soccer ’93 - Take It To The Limit! Grateful for the East Coast trip, connection with friends and family, and back to back weekends of celebration between Bancroft Reunion and graduating from Vermont Law School with my Masters in Restorative Justice (with Distinction!). After designing and launching Maritime High School in Seattle 20202022, I’m now focused on continuing to build Healing Courage, a growing coalition of survivors addressing the toxic mythology around intimate violation, gender violence, and sexual harm. Healing Courage centers the wisdom of survivors to inform and redefine our

25

2003

Class Notes

Ariane Lenis Salmon, Class Secretary ariane.lenis@gmail.com Benjamin “Jamie” Yood, Class Secretary jamie.yood@gmail.com

collective approaches to healing and justice. We believe that in transforming our understanding of sexual harm, we can design solutions to prevent it. I also currently serve as the CoChair for the Environmental Justice Board Committee for Puget Soundkeeper, as well as an Equity Facilitator for Usawa Consulting.

If you’re ever in the Northwest, or want to riff about criminal justice reform, reach out! stephanie@healingcourage.org

Submitted by former faculty member Marilyn Butler: Alex Mancevice and Sarah Bertulli welcomed Carlo into the world in January 2023. Alex works as a senior computer engineer for Kickstarter. After spending the summer at their camp in Damariscotta, ME they will be relocating from Brooklyn to Hudson, NY.

Matt Rosales ’01, Heather, and Oscar with Woodgy at a New England Free Jacks rugby match

Stephanie Burns ’93 at her Vermont Law School Graduation, Class of 2023

2000

Winthrop “Win” Ruml, Class Secretary winthrop.ruml@gmail.com Samantha Welch Zappia, Class Secretary welch.sam@gmail.com

Samantha Welch Zappia: Aside from participating in the Alumni Council, Sam (Welch) Zappia is more actively participating in the Bancroft community, since her son, Patrick Zappia ’31, and her daughter, Josephine Zappia ’32, are now attending school. She’s enjoying being back on campus to see her kids thrive and volunteering as room parent with Alycia Mack ’95. She’s looking forward to seeing what activities, sports and clubs the kids gravitate towards and sharing stories from when we were all students. They love it so far, and don’t mind the stories yet.

Addie Candib: I’m still living in Bellingham, Washington, with my partner Max and my (almost) five year old son Anatole. I work for national nonprofit American Farmland Trust (“No Farms, No Food”), where I’ve held the role of Pacific Northwest Regional Director since early 2020. When I’m not working or parenting (which is most of the time), I run long distances on our amazing local trail system, tend a huge garden, and serve as chair of my city’s Transportation Commission.

David Wright: Life is full here in DC. Our kids Lydia (4.5) and Oliver (16 months) keep me and my wife Gabby very busy and bring us joy. I am working at Groundswell, a nonprofit, developing clean energy projects in disadvantaged communities in several states, and am working to wrap up a master’s degree in Sustainability Management from American University. Hope everyone is well!

Matt Rosales, Class Secretary matt.rosales@gmail.com

26

Ariane Lenis Salmon: My husband, Bill, and I welcomed our third daughter to our family in June. Lillian (Lily) Grace Salmon officially joined the sister squad on Father’s Day! Maddy and Rose are the best big sisters, and everyone is soaking up all the snuggles and fun of being a family of five.

Ariane Salmon ’03 with husband Bill and daughters Rose, Lily, and Maddy

2001

Matt Rosales: My wife Heather and I had our son Oscar who was born December 21, 2021.

It’s a lot of fun being a dad, and I’m learning a lot every day. We have since moved to Cumberland, RI, but we still make the trip back up to our old hometown of Quincy, MA to catch some New England Free Jacks rugby matches.

Alex Mancevice ’03 and Sarah Bertulli with son Carlo

David Wright ’01 pictured with his wife Gabby and their two children Lydia and Oliver

Submitted by current faculty member Shari Belanger: Kristen Brownell Flajslik of Hopkinton, MA, won 1st place in the Title 9 Women’s Sprint Triathlon at Hopkinton State Park on September 10, 2023. Shari Belanger, Kristen’s former POL teacher in 6th grade, has participated in the Title 9 Tri for the past 12 years and enjoys catching up with Kristen at the annual event.

Stephen Javaras: I earned my Divemaster certification with NAUI(National Association of Underwater Instructors) this June and am looking forward to more wreck diving this year.

2007

Submitted by Class Secretary Kate Anderson kate.anderson004@gmail.com

Shari Belanger and Kristen Brownell Flajslik ’03 Eric Wells II: Still living in Janesville WI, and working as a manager for a team of seven IT Regional System Specialists for BlueScope Buildings, who are located across the US. Since July, I have attended 18 concerts. Back in March while traveling for work I was able to finally see Tall Heights.

Monique Goring: I live in Greensboro, NC with my 2-year old son and husband. We took our son to London and Paris in May, and around that time I celebrated one year in business with my speech therapy private practice. I specialize in pediatrics and provide services in homes, daycares, and community locations around the city. This fall kicks off my second year as a clinical educator at my graduate school alma mater, University of North Carolina at Greensboro. It’s been a wonderful experience to give back to UNCG, helping teach the next generation of speech language pathologists!

Monique Goring ’07 traveling in Europe with her family

Eric Wells II ’03 with Paul Wright ’03 of Tall Heights.

2005

Hannah Holdstein, Class Secretary hannah.holdstein@gmail.com Sarah Allen, Class Secretary sarahelliottallen@gmail.com

Julie Vairo Bobola: Julie and her husband Adam welcomed their second baby boy, Deacon, in September. He joins 6-year old big brother, Landon.

Landon Bobola with new brother Deacon

Kate Anderson: I moved back from Montana two years ago, and I’m currently living in Cambridge, MA. I teach middle school science at Buckingham Browne and Nichols School in Cambridge, and I love it! I often think of all of the amazing middle school teachers I had at Bancroft. If you’re ever in the area, please say hi!

Cynthia Javaras McFarland: After attending the University of Virginia and playing varsity softball, I moved to Charlotte, North Carolina and have been living here for 9 years. I have been working a sales management job and I got married in October 2021. My husband and I have launched a faith based recovery center for men with Addiction; foreverinternational. org. It is challenging, but rewarding work, “and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free…” John 8:32. I will never forget the memories at Bancroft and the friendships I made! I hope everyone is doing well! Class of 2007 License to Chill.

Alyse Dunn DiMattia: I am married with a 4 year old daughter. We have 2 pets—a dog and a cat—and have been living in Worcester for 8 years. I’m the Vice President of Process and Platform Optimization at Marketcast, but in our free time we love to go to the Ecotarium, attend local events, and go to Disney. I hope you all are well!

Alyse Dunn DiMattia ’07 and family Taylor Zork: Lots going on in life right now: Vero and I have a 2 year old boy named Teo and Vero is 39 weeks, 3 days pregnant with our baby girl, Omi. We are less than a month away from finishing our home in the mountains of Uvita, Costa Rica and are getting very excited to settle in! This summer, I released the second edition of my book, “Accounting for Crypto Assets,” which is the foundation for the educational community I created to help accounting and tax professionals expand their knowledge of digital assets: CryptoCFOs.com.

Hoping that all our classmates from ’07 are doing well! Pura Vida!

2010

Ali Luthman, Class Secretary amluthman20@gmail.com Russell Oliver, Class Secretary rboliver44@yahoo.com

Russell Oliver: We had a baby boy! My wife Judith and I welcomed Russell Cameron Oliver into the world on May 20th at 9:41AM. He weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces and was 21.5 inches long at birth. We absolutely adore him!

Russell Oliver ’10 with wife Judith and their newborn son Russell Cameron

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Class Notes Megan “Meg” Anderson: September 2023 marked one year of marriage and one year of living back in Central Mass; my husband Nathan and I moved from Somerville to Bolton, MA last year. We are enjoying being a bit farther outside the city, spending lots of time with our cats, and tending our indoor and outdoor gardens. My job at the Harvard Graduate School of Education still takes me into the Boston area every week, which is great because several Bancroft friends live in that area.

Sarah Kelley Baudisch: Big updates in 2023 for the Kelley Family! Sarah married Andrew Baudisch in February! They later bought their first home in Framingham, MA and moved out of Boston in July. Sarah is still a Kindergarten teacher in the Boston Public Schools. Jimmy Kelley ’09, his wife Paige and their twins Emma and Liam moved to Westfield, MA over the summer as well. Jimmy now works for CFS Staffing as an Executive Recruiter. Their dad, Steve Kelley officially retired from Bancroft in June after more than 30 years at Bancroft. Their parents sold the childhood home in Auburn, MA and have found a beautiful next chapter in Stonington, CT. All is well with Michael too for those wondering! He is pursuing many ventures in Central Mass and living in Auburn. The Kelley’s can’t wait to see what 2024 will bring!

A family photo from Meg Anderson’s ’10 backyard wedding in September 2022. Left to Right: Ann Cichon, Meg Anderson ’10, Nathan Goodman, Paul Anderson, Kate Anderson ’07

2012

Guillermo Creamer Jr., Class Secretary guillermocreamer@gmail.com

Molly Shea: I got engaged on July 3rd at Elm Park, Worcester, MA! It was very special that my fiancè Paul Hines picked a beautiful spot in my ‘hometown’!

Bancroft Alumni and Staff at Sarah and Andrews Wedding in February. Left to Right: Wayne Penniman, Kathy Kelley, Betsy Rocha, Brittany Perley Battelle ’08, Sarah Kelley Baudisch ’10, Micaela Palermo Burch ’10, Steve Kelley, Jimmy Kelley ’09 Not pictured: Jane Gerhardt

Molly Shea ’12 and fiancè Paul Hines

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Karlie Fitzgerald: Karlie Fitzgerald celebrated her marriage to Matthew Messier in August 2023. The two tied the knot in a brightly colored, waterfront affair at Blithewold

Left to Right: Dana Larsen ’12, David Kapaon ’12, Katie Oliver ’12, Sali Diakite ’14, Karlie Fitzgerald ’12, Peter Baker ’12, Keely Sullivan den Bergh ’12, Molly Shea ’12

Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum in Bristol, Rhode Island surrounded by family and friends, including seven Bancroft alumni.

Karlie Fitzgerald ’12, husband Matthew Messier and their dog, Copley, who also served at their ring bearer

2023

Nolan Byron, Class Secretary nolanbyron28@gmail.com George Hurd, Class Secretary georgehurd117@gmail.com

Nolan Byron: Hello Class of 2023! I hope everyone enjoyed their summer following Commencement. I was up in Maine this summer working as a sailing coach at the Kennebunk Beach Improvement Association. I spent time with family and friends, and it was lots of fun!

In late August, I moved into Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine. Since move in day, the first semester has been well underway with classes, extracurricular activities, and meeting many new faces. Outside of academics, I have been sailing, playing tennis on the Bowdoin Club Tennis Team, playing saxophone in the Bowdoin Concert Band, and dryland training with the Alpine Ski Team. Overall, college has been off to a fantastic start! I look forward to hopefully seeing you all in the not-so-distant future! Over winter break, our class will have its first alumni event to reconnect with each other and our beloved Bancroft community.

Keep your eyes out for an email from myself and George Hurd with more details. In the meantime, I wish all of you a productive and successful semester one. We will all be home before we know it, spending time with one another again! If you have any questions, or just want to reach out, please do not hesitate to send me an email.

George Hurd: I hope this note finds you all well, and that you had a good summer and start to the school year! I spent the summer working I.T, and spent a considerable amount of time at Bancroft and other schools in the area. When I wasn’t working, I spent a lot of time on the lake hanging out with family and friends. My first semester at University of Vermont in Burlington has been very busy so far—aside from classes, I have been spending a lot of time hanging out with friends, playing guitar with other students and, of course, hammocking (a quintessential UVM activity).

I have also been working a small data entry job for a professor’s research on materials engineering. As the weather gets colder here, I am becoming increasingly jealous of those of you who went south for school, and simultaneously very excited for the ski season.

Naturally, I joined UVM’s ski club (the largest ski club in the country). As Nolan said in his note, our class will have its first alumni event over winter break, and I am hoping to see you there! Though I am enjoying my time here thoroughly, it is strange to be with all new people after being with you all for twelve years, and I am looking forward to catching up with you all. I wish you all a safe, fun, and successful first semester!

A Lasting Legacy: Current Students of Bancroft Alumni Parents FIRST ROW, L-R: Charlotte Donohue ’34 (Ashlyn Pendleton Donohue ’05), Amelia Donohue ’37 (Ashlyn ’05), Lily Parvin ’37 (Katie Krock Parvin ’97), Caroline Finn ’36 (Christopher Finn ’03), Monroe McDonough ’36 (Shaun McDonough ’04), Landon McDonough ’34 (Shaun ’04) • SECOND ROW, L-R: Harrison Parvin ’34 (Katie ’97), Ryan Oroszko ’33 (Patrick Oroszko ’99), William Finn ’35 (Christopher ’03), Lucy Quinn ’32 (Alycia Mack ’95), Josephine Zappia ’32 (Samantha Welch Zappia ’00), Olivia Stowe ’34 (Donald “Dug” Stowe ’87) • THIRD ROW, L-R: Lyric Dalli ’31 (Anthony Dalli ’01), Patrick Zappia ’31 (Samantha ’00), Ruben Peralta Morgan ’30 (Dr. Wynne Morgan ’98), Colby Berthiaume ’29 (Padgett Berthiaume ’97), Allison Oroszko ’31 (Patrick ’99) • FOURTH ROW, L-R: Benjamin Condon ’24 (James Condon ’83), Avinash Cotten ’26 (Dr. Sheena Sharma ’89), Sarah Melley ’26 (Kerri Aleksiewicz Melley ’90), Reese Berthiaume ’27 (Padgett ’97), Roshan Cotten ’29 (Sheena ’89) NOT PICTURED: Dylan Mack ’35 (Thomas Mack ’00) and Akash Cotten ’24 (Sheena ’89)

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In Memoriam ALUMNI Ann Marie Bieberbach Brown ’44 July 11, 2023 at 97 Osterville, MA Born in Worcester, Ann attended Bancroft School and graduated from Wheelock College with a degree in elementary education. While still in college, she met James P. Brown, Jr., a Navy veteran of World War II, and they were married in 1948 shortly after her graduation. They would spend 60 years devoted to each other until Jim’s death in 2008. Ann taught first grade for a year and then devoted herself to raising a family.

Ann lived most of her life on Haviland Street in Worcester and in Oyster Hills in Osterville.

She and Jim were members for many years at the Worcester Country Club and later Oyster Harbors Club on Cape Cod. She enjoyed travel and made numerous trips to Europe and Latin America to visit her daughter Debbie, whose husband was an American diplomat. Ann and Jim also traveled extensively throughout the United States, including Hawaii, and to visit the families of their daughters Sandy in Montgomery, Alabama, and Destin, Florida, and Susan in Bronxville, New York.

Miriam Wade Butts ’44 August 26, 2023 at 97, Falmouth, ME Miriam Wade Butts passed away on August 26, 2023 at Legacy Memory Care at OceanView, Falmouth, ME, from the effects of dementia. She was known by family and friends as "Mim." She graduated from Bancroft School before attending Middlebury College where she met Charles A. Butts, Jr. They graduated together as classmates in 1948 and were married in September 1949. They lived in Lexington, MA, for 61 years, where they raised their family of four children, before moving to OceanView Retirement Community, Falmouth, Maine, in 2014.

Miriam was associated with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, for over 30 years as both a member of the staff and as an Adjunct Lecturer.

She was the co-author of The American China Trade: Foreign Devils to Canton 1783 – 1843 (1974) and The Early Industrialization of America: From Wharf to Waterfall (1976), both published by Viking Press, New York. In 2010 she was elected a Resident Member of the Colonial Society of Massachusetts. Resident Members are elected for their “distinguished contributions, written or otherwise, to colonial American history.”

She is survived by her husband, Charles; her four children, three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

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Joyce “Joy” Anderson Nicholson ’47 July 5, 2023 at 94 Grafton, MA Joyce Anderson Nicholson passed away peacefully in her home on July 5, 2023. She is preceded in death by her husband, William S. (Nick) Nicholson, and is survived by a brother, Dick Anderson of Grafton; her children Sandy Booth (David) of Santa Fe, NM; Dwight (Joan) of Port Townsend, WA; Christina Eaton (Donald) of Petersham, MA; David ’72 (Sue), and Bill ’76 (Missy) of Grafton, MA; 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren (with a 13th on the way).

A lifelong resident of Grafton, Joy attended Bancroft School and Connecticut College. She was a devoted steward of the town she loved, serving for many years on the Planning Board, and was active with the Grafton Land Trust, Garden Club, League of Women Voters, and Visiting Nurses Association. Her donation of land created the Nicholson Family Preserve on Meadowbrook Road.

Most of all, Joy delighted in her family and friends, and was “Nana Joy” not just to her many grandchildren but to many of their friends as well.

Helen “Henny” Frost Hale ’53 April 1, 2023 at 87 Marlborough, NH Helen Frost Hale, of Marlborough, NH and MacMahan Island, ME, died April 1, 2023.

She was born in Worcester, MA, and attended Bancroft School in Worcester and Ethel Walker School in Simsbury, CT. She attended Smith College and enjoyed her class reunions, keeping up with her close friends and even zooming with them until this year.

In 1955 she married William Manning Hale in Worcester. Henny and Bill’s life as a clergy couple took them to parishes in Springfield, MA, Westfield, MA, Syracuse, NY, Coventry, England, Alexandria, VA, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, and Pittsburgh, PA. They made lifelong friends everywhere they lived. Henny embraced the lively role of wife of a clergyman with exuberance and devotion.

Henny was a dedicated volunteer and loved parties, picnics at Stone Pond, sailing the coast of Maine, vanilla ice cream, crossword puzzles, and all the latest technology (she had an iPhone before any of her children). Most of all, she loved spending time with her family, and her family was equally devoted to her.

Frances Davis Johnstone ’54 March 1, 2023 at 86 Mystic, CT Frances Louise Davis Johnstone passed away peacefully on March 1, 2023. Born and raised in Worcester, MA, she was the daughter of Eleanor and Harry Davis and sister of Priscilla, Bancroft Class of 1952, and Phil Davis, Bancroft Class of 1958. She attended Bancroft School and The Ethel Walker School, and then Smith College.

Shortly after graduating in 1958, she married Rodney Johnstone, and together they had five children while living in Stonington surrounded by lots of extended Johnstone family. After their divorce, Fran moved with her two girls back to Worcester to be closer to her family. She loved spending time with all five of her children at her mother’s summer cottage in Magnolia, MA, and on family vacations in the New Hampshire White Mountains.

Francelia “Celia” McKee Francis ’58 May 23, 2023 at 82 Essex, CT Francelia M. “Celia” Francis died May 23, 2023. Celia was born in Worcester, MA to Robert C. and Laura Lukens McKee. She attended Smith College, graduating in 1962. Celia married James D. Francis on August 14, 1965.

After the births of Chris and Sarah, the family relocated to Essex, CT in 1970. Celia dove into the First Congregational Church in Essex, acting as Deacon and Sunday School Teacher. She soon had connections with the pre-school and became a presence at the Essex Historical Society. She volunteered with Child and Family and served for a number of years on the Essex School Board.

She joined the Smith Club of Southeastern Connecticut and, while feeding her mind by associating with other “Smithies”, fed everyone we knew with “Smith Pecans” every year. Celia joined Capella Cantorum and sang with them for nearly fifty years. After retiring from her insurance job, Celia and Jim traveled and sailed and enjoyed grandchildren and friends.

Frank K. Pfeiffer, Jr ’61 June 24, 2023 at 80 Frank K Pfeiffer went to eternal rest on June 24th after a short illness.

A lifelong resident of Worcester, he was the son of Frank K. Pfeiffer and Marga (Pehl) Pfeiffer. As companion of Pamela Waterman for 25 years, he enjoyed spending time with her and daughter Alicia, son-in-law Victor, and granddaughters Emily and Avalea.

Frank attended Bancroft School, Worcester

Academy, WPI, and received his doctorate from BU. He was a professor at Nichols College and head of the Business Department prior to his retirement. He was on the Board of Directors at All Faiths Cemetery and an active member of the Glocester, RI Heritage Society and First Congregational Church of Plainfield, Ct. which he faithfully attended.

Frank enjoyed entertaining family and friendsboating, kayaking, movies, holiday events, dining in or out- he made it happen! He summered at Cape Cod and Maine throughout his lifetime.

Being a do-it-yourself handyman, he had a passion for fixing anything even if everyone believed it couldn’t be fixed, he could do it!

Mary Valentine “Val” Callahan ’67 July 1, 2023 at 74 Mary Valentine "Val" Callahan, passed away on July 1. She was born and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts to parents Frank Callahan and Mary Valentine (Crowley) Callahan. Val graduated from Bancroft School in Worcester and earned a BS in early childhood education from Wheelock College, followed by a master’s in political science and government from University of Texas at Arlington.

Val devoted her career to education and treasured her role as an educator, conscious that even the youngest students could be the world’s future leaders. She elevated students’ vocabularies beyond grade level. She tracked, inquired and admired wiggly teeth the school over, and she built warm relationships with rebellious students.

Among her life’s greatest achievements, Val’s creativity and determination enabled her to teach a teenaged student with nonverbal autism how to read.

Val lived and breathed civic engagement.

She joined and had remained active in Rotary International since 1992, serving in roles including club president, foundation chair, assistant governor and district governor. She was active in Boston’s Trinity Church, where she found comfort and friendships through her Bible study club and making sandwiches for Boston Warm. From home, Val joined ‘Postcards for the Resistance,’ sending hand-written notes urging people across the country to become habitual voters. Throughout the years, Val opened her own doors to individuals and families in need. In 2015, she received an "Agent of Change" award from the Rotary Club.

Val is survived by her husband, Mohamed Elhanash, her two children, Mark (Sandra) O’Connor and Valentine (Mark) Oldham, and granddaughter, Valentine "VV" Oldham. She also leaves her siblings, Frank Callahan, Sarah Lenis, Bancroft Class of 1971, Laura Callahan and Luisa Heffernan.

Rodney “Rod” J. Ferris Jr. ’76 August 28, 2023 at 65 Burtonsville, MD Rodney was born on October 2, 1957, at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois. After his father retired from the United States Air Force, Rodney spent his early years in Worcester and subsequently Holden, MA. Rodney attended Faye School and graduated in 1976 from Bancroft School where he cultivated lasting friendships that would form the backbone of his social circle throughout his life.

Inspired by his father’s service in the Air Force, Rodney extended his commitment to public safety in 1978 by joining the USAF as well.

Rodney specialized in fire and emergency safety while attached to the 1st Special Operations Wing Tactical Air Command, 834 Civil Engineering Squadron (Crash / Rescue Specialists) at Eglin AFB in Florida. While in the USAF, Rodney participated in an emergency support role during the Iranian Hostage Crisis (1981) and other confidential operations. He received an honorable discharge in 1983.

Rodney then relocated to Silver Spring, Maryland, and continued his community service as a volunteer firefighter at Silver Spring Volunteer Fire Department Station 16. It was here that he met the love of his life, Virginia "Ginny" Leister.

Rodney worked with several sprinkler companies and became a Certified Fire Protection Specialist at Guardian Fire Protection from 1992 to 2000. Thereafter, he embraced the role of a stay-at-home dad, affectionately titling himself the "Director of Human Relations and Child Development at Ferris Industries."

Known for his devoted fatherhood, playful nature, and remarkable sense of humor—which often manifested in historical trivia and his daily "Ferris Fun-Filled-Fact-of-the-Day" —Rodney left an indelible imprint on all who knew him.

Rodney is survived by his devoted wife Virginia “Ginny”; their children Noelle and Alex; his brothers Dakin ’78, Timothy ’80, and Bradley ’82; as well as many cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

For the past 27 years, he was a devoted member of the Bryley Systems computer consulting firm based in Clinton. As the company’s Chief Technical Officer, Michael played a lead role in providing network design and implementation services for their clients.

Michael leaves his parents, Robert and Joan K. (Foley) Carlson, former Bancroft School faculty, of West Boylston; a sister Kerri Carlson Halloran ’92 and her husband Sean, and their children Joseph and Matthew Halloran of Paxton; aunts, uncles and cousins.

EXTENDED COMMUNITY Diane Toppan Knuston June 22, 2023 at 91 West Yarmouth, MA Diane Toppan Knutson of West Yarmouth, MA passed away at the age of 91 in her home, surrounded by her family on June 22, 2023. She lived a full and rich life as a special wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and coach.

Diane was married to Richard C. (Dick) Knutson and she worked as a physical education teacher and coach at the East Orange, NJ middle school from 1955 to 1959. She moved to Massachusetts in 1960, ultimately settling in Shrewsbury, MA. She worked as a teacher at the YWCA in Worcester, MA from 1966 to 1970.

In 1970, she began an 18-year teaching career at the Bancroft School, where she was a physical education instructor, coach (field hockey and basketball) and choreographer for Bancroft’s annual spring musical production. Diane had a unique ability to connect with people and with students and athletes in particular. Even 35 years after retiring from teaching in 1987, she still receives letters from many of her students.

Diane is survived by her husband Dick of 68 years, her three children Craig ’77 (Suzanne) Knutson (Wilton, CT), Bruce ’78 (Mary) Knutson (Basalt, CO) and Kimberley Knuston ’81 (Michael) McMahon (Marshfield, MA) and four grandchildren.

Michael Carlson ’87 October 6, 2023 at 53 Leominster, MA Michael R. Carlson, 53, was stricken ill and died on Friday, October 6, at his home.

Michael was born in Worcester, grew up in West Boylston, and lived in Leominster for more than twenty years. He was a graduate of the Bancroft School in Worcester. He graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute with a degree in Electrical Engineering.

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