Fall 2010 Bancroft Bulletin

BANCROFT Bulletin Fall/Winter

2010

中 美 教 育 文 化 交 流

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Windows on Bancroft 1

Scene from Grade 8’s fall performance of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

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Bancroft’s Lower School fosters friendships.

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Worcester Partnership students take an eye-level view during their art class.

4 Varsity Cross Country boys win in their race against LCA during Homecoming.

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Solar powered popcorn being popped as a treat for the audience during the Solar Dedication ceremony.

6 Pumpkins lined up ready for sale during the annual Grade 6 event.

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Carol Ryan’s freshmen advisory joins in the UMass Walk to Cure Cancer.

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Contents

BANCROFT Bulletin |

Fall/Winter 2010

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News Features Solar panel dedication...A former Head remembered...National Merit success...Bancroft School of Distinction...Senior Co-Op... and more...

BANCROFT SCHOOL

3 Director of Institutional Advancement Liz Siladi

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Editor-In-Chief / Director of Marketing and Communications Matthew Barone

A new academic partnership with Shanghai is born. Bancroft's students and faculty are immersed into Chinese culture.

Editor / Assistant Director of Alumni Relations and Communications Lynn St. Germain Director of Development Laurie Bowater

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Administrative Assistants Lydia Barter, Catherine Hanssen Design Linda Dagnello

Bancroft Bulletin is published biannually

by Bancroft School, 110 Shore Drive, Worcester, MA 01605-3198. Issues are published fall/winter and spring/summer and mailed to all known alumni of Bancroft School as part of the benefit of their having attended the School.

Bancroft Bulletin provides a medium for the exchange of views concerning Bancroft School affairs; news about the School and its alumni; and editorial content that relates to the shared and diverse experiences and interests of Bancroft alumni.

On the Cover: Great Wall of China near Beijing; Translation of Chinese reads, (ChineseAmerican Educational Cultural Exchange). Photo: Christine Jones.

Character and Class: 1960, Fifty Years Later Celebrating their 50th Reunion this year, the accomplished Class of 1960

Editorial Assistant Deena S. Madnick Contributors Russ Campbell; Terry Coes ‘67; Christine Jones; Joan Killough-Miller; Amy E. Phillips; Nicky Puccio

Transgressing Pedagogical Boundaries

has plenty of character to go around.

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Reunion 2010 Alumni Reunion Celebration

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Alumni News

2009 – 10 Annual Report (insert)

Photo: Russ Campbell

Dear Bancroft Friends: Thirty years ago I started a career in independent education by teaching at the Harley School in Rochester, New York. One of our country’s premier progressive schools, Harley attracted some of the most talented students in Western New York to an education the purpose of which was to “prepare students for a future that can only be approximated.”

That phrase—a future that can only be approximated—has stuck with me all these years as central to what education is all about. We are, of course, seeking the same goal here at Bancroft in preparing students to be lifelong learners, teachers of others, and citizens of the globe.

I have spent hours over the last two months meeting individually with our seniors to chat about their experiences at Bancroft and their plans for the future. What an impressive group of young people! They are artists, athletes, and scholars, all. They are also scientists and genetic researchers, budding physicians and public servants, airplane pilots, writers, social critics, theologians, ecologists, and marine biologists. They are—all of them—very much looking toward the future. They are filled with ambition for the good of humankind.

This edition of the Bancroft Bulletin highlights a number of our recent ventures that speak to this same orientation toward the future. As luck would have it, I write this letter while flying over Siberia on my way back to China for the second time in two years to continue to build our relationship with our school partners in Shanghai. As you will see in this issue, Bancroft students and faculty have benefited from our exchanges and opportunities to live our School’s mission in Asia. We are striving to connect our students with the future, and to reaching out in collaboration with Chinese educators, with an eye on the future.

This connection is also taking place in efforts on Shore Drive. This past month our School dedicated our solar panel project, the largest private installation of solar panels in Worcester. Most importantly, this installation has served as an important impetus in curricular reform as we work to integrate renewable energy studies into our science curriculum, in all three divisions of the School.

Yes, we are working for a future that can only be approximated in preparing students for college and life beyond the walls of academe. Bancroft is leading by example and testing our mission against new realities both here and abroad.

Scott R. Reisinger Headmaster

News

Features

Bancroft Dedicates Largest Private Solar System in the City of Worcester School sustainability actions lead the way for other public and private organizations.

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ith the sun shining, the Bancroft School community and local and state officials convened outdoors to celebrate the installation of 462 high-efficiency solar panels atop the McDonough Center at a special dedication ceremony on October 8.

The solar electric system is the largest private installation within the city of Worcester, and produces more than 117,000-kilowatt hours of electricity annually or approximately 25% of the building’s energy needs over an entire year.

“Bancroft leads by example in providing our students with the tools and knowledge to be conscientious citizens of the globe,” said Scott R. Reisinger, Headmaster. “We have a strong record of sustainability, and I am proud to see our School join with the greater Worcester community in further expanding our clean energy reach.”

Worcester has already been named by the Commonwealth as one of the first green communities in Massachusetts. The solar electric system capacity is rated at 106.2 kW and will add to the city’s reputation as a stronghold of alternative energy-conscious organizations.

The project was made possible by Future Solar Systems, LLC of Millbury, MA, which designed the solar electric system, coordinated the installation, secured investors, and provided a comprehensive curriculum for solar, wind, and energy efficiency for faculty to incorporate into the science and math programs.

Johanna ’14 later provided a student perspective: “It’s really phenomenal that a school as small as ours can make such a difference just by taking the sun’s energy and

converting it to energy for our school. This is not just great for the environment; this is not just great for our classrooms; this is great for the community. We try to be conscious of how much energy we use, how much we recycle; these panels really epitomize everything we do to try and help the environment.”

Lt. Governor Timothy Murray addressed the audience of 700 where he said, “The project goes a long way in teaching young people the importance of clean, renewable energy in a real and tangible way.” He applauded Bancroft’s and Future Solar’s leadership with the project.

“These are the leaders that will take us to a new level in clean energy and jobs,” said Murray.

Bancroft has a long history of committing to responsible choices for its students, staff, and the greater community. With the addition of this solar electric system, Bancroft is able to build on an already impressive sustainability policy that spans the entire campus. From organic fertilizer and corn-based compostable plastic cups for the sports teams, to organic, locally-grown produce in the cafeteria and the conversion to all-green cleaning products, the School is leading by example.

Student speaker Solon ’11 said the solar array installation celebrates the School’s bright future. “It’s probably the biggest change since we broke ground on the McDonough Center right here 10 years ago. But, this change is a little odd because it’s a change that we can’t see or feel. Our world is left a little cleaner than it would have been had we not put these solar panels up. Isn’t that cool?”

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News Features

Bancroft Students Named National Merit Semi-Finalists One recognition is impressive; eleven gives reason to rejoice.

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ancroft School seniors Nikolai, Joshua, Donald, Tatiana, and Rachel were named semi-finalists in the 56th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Honorees represent the top 1% of Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test scores in each state. At Bancroft, they represent almost 10% of the 54 students in this year’s senior class.

“We are so very proud, and honored, to have so many students recognized in this national competition for their hard work and perseverance,” says Scott R. Reisinger, Headmaster. “This acknowledgement is a testament to Bancroft’s rigorous academic program.”

Those performing in the top 5% of the PSAT exam in each state are recognized as commended students for their achievement.

Additionally, Bancroft had five seniors named to this category: Nicole, Priyanka, Samuel, Prithwijit, and Elisabeth. Other honors went to Bryce who scored in the top 3% of 160,000 Black Americans and to Donald who was named to the National Hispanic Recognition Program.

Approximately 16,000 semi-finalists nationwide have an opportunity to continue in the competition for about 8,200 Merit Scholarship awards worth $34 million. In order to become a finalist, a semi-finalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by the school, and earn SAT scores that confirm the earlier qualifying performance.

Merit Scholarship winners will be notified between April and July of 2011.

An Invaluable Lesson

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he start of school is always an exciting time of the year and this one was no exception. While many students were either in class or off at various bonding activities, this year the sophomore class spent their first morning at school learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR. As of the 2009 school year, CPR has been integrated into the sophomore and senior classes’ curriculum as part of a new graduation requirement. CPR is presented under the instruction of members of the Worcester Fire Department (WFD) along with the Bancroft School Nursing team. Each student was instructed in infant, child, and adult CPR along with the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) and foreign body airway obstruction (or Heimlich maneuver).

The students practiced CPR on manikins until they felt comfortable with their technique and were approved by Captain Hampton Perkins of the WFD. Over the years, the majority of Bancroft’s faculty and staff have received CPR training offered by the School. Now, Bancroft’s commitment to training high school-age students as well is applauded by the WFD and Director of Health Services and School Nurse, Janice Morello. “Captain Perkins has mentioned that we have one of the highest percentages of certified people in Worcester schools. I am thrilled that Bancroft values the teaching of this life-long skill. CPR is an invaluable lesson that can be beneficial beyond the Bancroft campus.”

Bancroft Mourns Passing of Former Head

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ancroft’s former Headmistress Marigolden Tritschler passed away Wednesday, April 28, 2010 from Parkinson’s disease, just two days before her 80th birthday. Mrs. Tritschler served as Head of Bancroft from 1981-1992, a time of significant campus and financial growth at Bancroft.

Known for her spirit, her passion, her energy and her optimism, she remained in the last two decades a supportive friend of our school.

Mrs. Tritschler grew up in Butler, PA. She graduated from the former Pennsylvania College for Women in 1951 and received her Master’s degree in English from the University of Chicago in 1952. She held a number of administrative positions at Kenwood Academy in Albany, NY before becoming Headmistress of Bancroft. After leaving Worcester, she worked in admissions at Skidmore College, and then settled in Austin, Texas where she lived until her death. She is survived by her daughter Sydney, son Charlie, and their families, including five grandchildren.

Mrs. Tritschler is remembered at Bancroft by all who knew and worked with her, as well as by those who hold the title of Tritschler Fellow, an honor bestowed upon a faculty member annually in conjunction with the “Carpe Diem” Award and supported by the GG Tritschler Fund established in 1992. The award is a fitting tribute to a dignified educator and leader who, in every way, taught the Bancroft community to seize the day.

Bancroft School Chosen for National Recognition

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ancroft School is among the first schools (and the first in Massachusetts) selected by the All Kinds of Minds Institute in Durham, NC—today’s preeminent education organization dedicated to advancing the use of a neurosciencebased approach to learning—as one of its Schools of Distinction. This designation recognizes schools around the world that have embraced the organization’s vision of every student finding success in school and life through the practice of “teaching to how minds are wired to learn.”

Bancroft School’s mission of preparing college-bound students to pursue and realize their academic, personal and social potential while embracing the moral and ethical challenges of being life-long learners, teachers of

others, and citizens of an increasingly complex global community is aligned with All Kinds of Minds’ belief that all students should have opportunities for success in school and in life.

Bancroft began implementing All Kinds of Minds philosophies in 2007, showing a strong commitment to embedding the science of learning into the art of teaching throughout its programs. Headmaster Scott Reisinger says, “Bancroft School serves a group of academically talented students, and we embrace a cognitive developmental model to support our pedagogy.

The All Kinds of Minds approach, emphasizing each learner’s ‘highly individual neurodevelopmental profile’ meets that need, giving us a clear, concise, consistent, and teachable way to bolster what we do for our students

and their families. We believe it is indicative of best practices in teaching.”

All Kinds of Minds’ Schools of Distinction designation is earned by schools (worldwide) demonstrating a relentless focus on student success through application of the latest scientific research on learning and its variations. At least fifty percent of faculty members in Schools of Distinction are applying expertise on brain-based learning acquired through programs offered by All Kinds of Minds. These educators use new knowledge and tools to understand learning struggles encountered by students, identify unique strengths and talents, and integrate teaching strategies for how each student learns. To date, only 32 such schools have earned this distinction.

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News Features New Bancroft Faculty and Staff 2010-2011 New Senior Capstone Experience Announced

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ast Spring ten Bancroft seniors helped pilot a new Upper School initiative: The Bancroft Senior Cooperative program.

Set to debut as the new capstone experience for all seniors starting in the spring of 2011, the Co-op will replace the traditional end-of-year research presentation with service learning and workplace experiences.

Students will make a significant, and personally meaningful, social contribution to the greater Worcester community, thereby sustaining the values and skills prevalent in Bancroft’s academic program while also fully allowing the students to undertake a substantial, challenging, and meaningful final educational experience at the school.

Program coordinator and US English teacher Mark Taylor was impressed with the dedication and professionalism of the students as well as the enthusiastic response of their site mentors at the Colleges of Worcester Consortium, Mass Audubon’s Broad Meadow Brook, Princeton Historical Society, YWCA, Worcester Center for Crafts, Worcester Public Library, and WPI’s Chemical Engineering Lab. Projects ranged from conducting peer surveys and program marketing to vernal pool monitoring, digital photo archiving, and fuel cell research.

At the YWCA, Sylvia Parol ’10, now a freshman at WPI, developed a peer leadership program for Worcester girls ages 14 to 18. Sylvia was able to draw upon her own experiences in theatre and outdoor leadership training to develop 20 hours of programming that she feels will be both relevant and fun for the girls who participate. As for her own experience, she believes that “you won’t understand your own potential to create change unless you try.” And that may be the best lesson of all.

ADMINISTRATION Alan Hunt Chief Financial Officer Alan holds a B.S. in Economics from the Wharton School, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude.

Previously, Alan was employed as CFO at Miami Country Day School, where he managed finance, accounting, investments, construction, grounds and maintenance, HR, security, and IT. Jacqueline Lefebvre Director of College Counseling Jackie holds an M.A. from Boston College and a B.A. in Comparative Literature from the University of Pennsylvania.

Previously, she was the Associate Director of College Counseling at the Dalton School in New York.

Hanna Kaufman ’03 Associate Director of Admission US English Faculty Hanna will receive an M.Ed. in May 2011 from Lesley University and holds a B.A. in Sociology from Brown University. Hanna is a 2003 graduate of Bancroft and has most recently worked as a substitute teacher for English.

FACULTY AND STAFF David Fair US Mathematics Faculty David holds an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Tufts University and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University.

Catherine Hanssen Records Assistant for Advancement Catherine holds an M.S. in Leadership and Organizational Change from Regis College, and a B.S. in Communications from Fitchburg State College.

Patricia Rim Assistant Librarian Patti will receive an M.S. in Library and Information Science in December from Simmons College.

She holds a J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law, and a B.S. in Economics from the Wharton School.

Robin Silverman US Latin Faculty Robin holds an M.A. in Education from Tufts University and a B.A. in Classics from Wesleyan University.

Peter Stearns Worcester City Scholar Advisor Peter holds an M.A. in Psychology and Guidance from Assumption College, and a B.A. in Philosophy and Theology from St. John’s Seminary.

109 th Commencement & Awards Faculty, family, and friends celebrated the accomplishments of the 60 members of the Class of 2010 who graduated from Bancroft on June 10.

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2010 College List Babson College (2) Becker College Bishop’s University Boston University (2) Brandeis University Brown University Bryant University (3) Clark University (2) Colby-Sawyer College College of the Holy Cross (2) Connecticut College Elon University Florida Southern College George Washington University Hawaii Pacific University High Point University Juniata College Keene State College Lehigh University Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Massachusetts Maritime Academy Middlebury College (2) Mount Holyoke College (2) Northeastern University Parsons School of Design, New School University Providence College Rochester Institute of Technology Salve Regina University Skidmore College Smith College Syracuse University (2) Trinity College University of Central Florida University of Connecticut (4) University of Massachusetts Amherst University of Pennsylvania (2) University of Plymouth, England University of Rhode Island University of Toronto University of Vermont Wellesley College (2) Wheaton College Worcester Academy (post graduate)

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Teacher Sandy Allen is the 2010 Carpe Diem recipient, selected for excellence and enthusiasm in teaching.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (3)

For a complete list of the year-end awards and commencement and closing photo galleries, please visit: bancroftschool.org/2010awards.

Photo credits: Nicky Puccio and Christine Jones.

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Bancroft junior, Colin, embraces his Number 1 School host as the entire group says farewell prior to their return home.

Transgressing Pedagogical Boundaries: West greeting East, East greeting West

BY AMY E. PHILLIPS

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ouis Vuitton’s latest 2011 collection reflects a touch of historical Shanghai as a way to reveal the importance of this city and its archetype style. Once hailed the “Paris of the East,” Shanghai is not only a leading trendsetter in fashion and the arts, but serves as a prominent financial and economic center in China.

In celebration of China’s 61st National Day this fall, Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, reaffirmed publicly that the United States will continue to work together with China to strengthen their relationship.

“This year we have launched new efforts to promote educational and cultural exchanges, including our goal of sending 100,000 American students to China over the next four years.”

Bancroft School has already been building and securing new academic partnerships abroad. In October of 2009, Bancroft signed a formal agreement with Tongji University’s Number 1 School in Shanghai, indicating an affiliation between the two institutions. Headmaster Scott Reisinger notes that this partnership with the newly acquired “sister school” allows for faculty, administrator, and student exchanges.

The global partnership differs from other exchange programs, in that the agreement includes a reciprocal relationship where our faculty has the opportunity to lead subject-specific lectures to Chinese teachers. Mutual visits between the two institutions have already occurred.

“Bancroft and Number 1 School faculty and administrative exchanges have already taken place this past year,” says Reisinger. “This past June, several of our students also visited Number 1 School, and we anticipate a return visit from Shanghai’s students in 2011. Many people have been involved in making this launch a success—none more so than Lower School parent Nan Zhang who has worked tirelessly over the last two years on coordinating our new relationship.”

Traveling afar. A group of Bancroft students, faculty members, and current parents, traveled to Shanghai for what would be the first culturally-enriched educational trip abroad with a “sister school.” A setting like no other, Shanghai offers a “fascinating urban culture that places enormous value on education and the arts from an early age,” adds Reisinger. “Upon my first trip we toured the region and spoke with government officials, principals, teachers, and students. From the impressive high-speed trains, bright city lights, and modern skyline, to the various education encounters—we thoroughly enjoyed this unique cultural experience.”

Roger Jones, Head of Bancroft’s Middle School, led the Shanghai expedition as the School’s spokesperson, with daily chaperoning support from Nicky Puccio, Bancroft’s Department Head for foreign language. With four

Bancroft faculty, Maureen Fujimori, Christian Gal, Emmanuelle Jetté, Roger Jones, Nicky Puccio, and Michael Sormrude, pose with students and other exchange participants on the Great Wall near Beijing.

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10 Roger Jones receives a Chinese scroll from the principal of Number 1 School.

experienced faculty members in tow, the teaching team brought not only knowledge about their respective subjects, but insight into methods of current pedagogies.

“Each faculty member was responsible for presenting a three-hour seminar to a large group of teachers in Shanghai,” Jones notes. “The connecting theme throughout our presentations was how to implement student-centered practices in an effort to move away from traditional rote, drill, and memorize teacher-centered learning.”

Most of the Chinese teachers in the audience for Bancroft’s lectures have been teaching for one to three years from a variety of disciplines. Maureen Fujimori, who teaches Middle School math at Bancroft, presented on the history, development, and philosophy of Middle School in the United States and how it influenced teaching practices. “The reaction was most positive to the examples of student work,” says Fujimori. “The teachers had clearly never seen any projects like the ones I was showing.

The examples were open-ended creative works like our sixth grade Great Cell Project inspired by science teacher Carrie Whitney. Students build a 3-D model of a plant or animal cell and must choose materials that will correlate in a meaningful way to the function of each part of their cell structure. What was so intriguing to the Chinese teachers was the idea that students could learn to make such wonderful connections while thinking creatively and still tying their work into the course objectives.”

An education unfolded. In addition to attending classes for a week at the Number 1 School, students lived

in the dorms, befriended fellow Chinese classmates, and used Shanghai’s international setting as a way to enhance Bancroft’s immersion into the culture. Reisinger reflects that this experience was “a true cultural exchange, consistent with our goals of creating global citizens who are life-long learners and teachers of others.”

Bancroft students were paired up with Chinese students from the Number 1 School to shadow them during the day. A lottery system had been set up by the Chinese faculty before the American students arrived to handle fairly the demand to participate in this experience.

Bancroft Senior Ronald was paired with a Chinese sophomore named Michael. “It was interesting to witness their version of science, math, assemblies, and English,” said Ronald. “They were surprisingly proficient in English class, and as at Bancroft, students were not allowed to speak in their native language. We worked together on an exercise to create an ad campaign for Coke, wrote the script that included the use of props, and even had to perform the skit at the end.”

Ronald was impressed by how similar he was to Michael and his peers, though he admits relief in not joining Michael at their early morning exercises in extreme heat. “They like Western music, (are infatuated with Ricky Martin), play soccer, basketball, and were very friendly to all of us. It felt like a big deal for us to join them for this new experience.”

“The teachers were immediately engaged, which was very encouraging,” said Bancroft’s Lower School French and Spanish teacher Emmanuelle Jetté who presented a lecture on elementary school foreign language acquisition.

“I gathered examples from units in my language classes and showed them how the same methods can be used by the Chinese teachers who teach English as a second language. I demonstrated a sequence of interactive activities before having the teachers actually engage in some of the games and skits themselves—it was a very positive experience, and I believe they had fun too.”

Emmanuelle Jetté leads a lecture on elementary school foreign language to an audience of Chinese teachers.

Bancroft students sit next to their Number 1 School hosts outside the main entrance to the facility.

Seeing the sights. Colin, a junior at Bancroft, concurs that the experiences he gained during those two weeks, have created lasting memories. “From seeing the city of Shanghai at night from a river boat, to viewing the exhibitions at the World Expo, those two weeks I definitely will never forget.”

“We traveled through the mountainous outskirts of Beijing and witnessed how people lived outside the city,” Colin reminisces. “As we gained elevation, we could see the mountains surrounding the country’s capital; it was as if they were ‘hugging’ the city with two arms. An ineffable sight; so majestic, no words could do justice to its raw beauty.”

Jo-Ellen El Khoury, a 2010 graduate of Bancroft, traveled to the Number 1 School only weeks after graduating; it was an offer she could not pass up. “Throughout my time at Bancroft, I have been encouraged to embrace opportunities to expand my knowledge and develop a greater appreciation for the diverse cultures of the world,” says El Khoury. “What better way to cultivate this learning than when I stood gaping at the Great Wall or marveled at the Dragon Boats, which skimmed gracefully across the water at the Summer Palace?”

Experiences gained. The learning in which Bancroft students engaged extrapolated the walls of a traditional classroom. And the recent partnership with the Number 1 School bridged a gap between Bancroft’s dedication to student engagement with citizens of the world. “Students are exposed to the cultures of one of the emerging leaders economically,” adds Reisinger. “Here they test the limits and potential of what it means to be both teachers and learners of others. The cultural understanding that grows from students exercising both these roles, in China itself, makes real the mission of our School.”

Nathan Holdstein ’03 is in his third year living in Beijing and currently works for a sustainable farming

project in China. “Exposure to the education system in another country, especially China, is an invaluable experience that will benefit both teachers and students by giving them a different view of the world,” said Holdstein.

“I’m very pleased to see Bancroft’s ties growing with China, specifically the Number 1 School in Shanghai.”

“Learning doesn’t always have to be in a school,” Colin remarks. Outside of the classroom, there are many lessons. “On this trip, I learned a lot about Chinese culture, its people, and its rich history. After this experience, I feel more like a citizen of the globe because now I have people I call friends on the other side of the world.”

Bonding continues. The vision of future partnerships between Bancroft School and Number 1 School will continue to push the boundaries and definitions of pedagogy.

“Our current and future partnerships are dedicated to building a cultural awareness that leads to peace and understanding between the populations of both institutions,” Reisinger concludes.

The boundaries of fashion for cultural icon Louis Vuitton have shifted to the “Paris of the East” on the runways. So, too, have the boundaries for learning. As educators and students within the borders of Bancroft or Number 1 School classrooms, these walls have expanded to meet the need of a growing cultural awareness. Not everyone is able to stand along the Great Wall of China, but those willing to embark upon an educational journey that reaches across the globe, would, as Reisinger notes, embody Bancroft’s philosophy to “promote understanding with the potential of leading to a future of greater harmony and cooperation.”

East and West collaborate for a new generation.

Amy E. Phillips is a freelance writer and Professional Writing Instructor at Syracuse University.

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CHARACTER AND CLASS: 1960, Fifty Years Later

BY JOAN KILLOUGH-MILLER

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he Class of 1960 came of age in a time of evolving change, for Bancroft and the nation.

The girls and boys were separated after 8th grade graduation because the Upper School was all female. In their junior year, the girls were among the first students to move from

their homey Sever Street schoolhouse to an expansive, but still unfinished Shore Drive campus with a stark and modern design.

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small but loyal group, they pulled together for a spectacular 50th Reunion that broke records for both attendance and class giving. One of the highlights of the class reunion was a visit to Sever Street for a special luncheon and a nostalgic tour. The memories came flooding back—from the joy of ice skating on the frozen pond, to panic at being called into the headmaster’s office for any number of reasons including hitting a softball through his window, which counted as an automatic home run.

An accomplished class, they are living their dreams, and they have found what they were meant to do—whether as authors and artists, adventurers and athletes, business people and educators, activists and philanthropists, healers and humanitarians, or parents and friends.

Here are just some of their stories.

Robert Bicknell: “We Didn’t Miss a Beat” Although Bob Bicknell left Bancroft four years before graduation—along with all the boys in his class—he joined class secretary Christina Gummere Laurie and class agent Lynn Magnuson Wegner in tracking down and reuniting the co-ed class for its 50th Reunion. With help from his computer-savvy children, he started a Facebook page to help classmates find each other and to give them a place to share memories that dated back to first grade.

“Persistence, that’s what does it,” says Bob, who is retired from a career in HVAC engineering and sales. “You just keep making phone calls Robert Bicknell (l) with former classmate till people say yes.” When one David Richards. classmate said she didn’t think she was up to the long drive from New York City, he said, “Then I’ll send a limo for you.” His conviction won her over—the next day she called back to say she would find a way to be there. The enthusiasm snowballed, drawing in classmates from Montana, Canada, and Germany.

Bob relates that the teenaged boys and girls seized every opportunity to see each other after they were parted as classmates. They met up at square dance parties and formal cotillions. They took ballroom dance lessons together at Mrs. Walker’s Academy (which is now Tuckerman Hall), where the girls learned to twirl in formal ball gowns with gigantic crinoline petticoats.

It was amazing how easily everyone reconnected, says Bob, of the 50th Reunion. “You hadn’t missed a beat. You might have missed out on how many kids they had and the details of their careers, but you still feel the connection you had with them so many decades ago. That lasts.”

“I wish that the friendships and relationships started at Bancroft could have been part of my life for the last 50 years,” he says. “I’m sure our wives, husbands, and children would have been best of friends.”

Christina Gummere Laurie: “The Memory Holder” “I’ve always thought of our class as the ‘rebel’ class,” says Christina Gummere Laurie. “We didn’t have sit-ins or wave protest signs, but we questioned authority, and we were especially vocal about not wanting to leave Sever Street. I think it was a bonding thing, though—an usagainst-them attitude.”

A “new girl” in her 8th grade class, Christina formed strong connections that have served her well.

She has helped to hold the class together for half a century as one of Bancroft’s longest-serving class secretaries. Working as a team with Lynn and Bob, the trio reached out relentlessly to the class to encourage Christina Gummere Laurie attendance and push donations to a record level.

“Put a contest in front of me, and I’ll kill myself trying to win it,” she laughs. “I have an outgoing personality, and I want to know what’s been going on in your life,” she admits.

“But I’m only a catalyst. If you can get people excited about what you’re excited about, they will light the fires for others.”

Christina coined the term “memory holder” to describe the people who remember things about us that we may have forgotten. “As I went through the mourning process for dear friends and loved ones, I realized that a part of me also died because they took some memories of me with them.

Bancroft people are important memory holders for me.”

A Methodist pastor who heard the call and enrolled in seminary at the age of 46, and a longtime prize-winning poet, she is the author of Seasons Rising: A Collection of Haiku, and Inspiration Interludes, as well as children’s books, a memoir, and a murder mystery. In retirement, she is still writing and swimming every day.

“Every reunion brings more bonding. I’ve seen our friendships grow stronger.” Is she already planning for the 55th reunion? Laughing, she says, “I don’t know, we just finished the 50th. I think I’ll take some time off. But I hope the momentum will continue.”

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Marilyn Richardson: “A Class United in Song”

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Marilyn Richardson joined the class in its first year at the new campus and, as she puts it, “I was a first myself.” She threw herself into extra curricular activities, reviving the dormant Debating Society and putting in long hours on the class play.

“In those days, no matter how modest your singing skills, all seniors were automatically admitted to the chorus. I auditioned to see where my voice fit best. A few days later I was told I could not be a member. There were many joint concerts at boys’ schools, which were followed by mixers; and as Bancroft’s first and only African American student at the time, I was told it would not be appropriate for me to participate in such events.

“All seniors were eligible, but not all joined. That year some of my closest friends declined, claiming lack of time.

It took me some time to put two and two together to understand their gift,” she surmised.

“Graduation came. Our class was aglow in our white suits and dresses, holding bouquets of roses. The chorus rose to perform at the front of the stage. Those of us who were not chorus members agreed we’d look silly scattered about the rows of empty seats. As the others filed out row by row we simply joined in turn. We had heard the selections during rehearsal and sang merrily along. We were a senior class united in song.”

“For a few golden, celebratory hours on that day, every single member of our class was full of excitement and promise.

We were, all of us, Bancroft graduates, Class of 1960.”

Marilyn Richardson remained an activist and was arrested as a Freedom Rider and civil rights demonstrator. A former MIT humanities professor, she is the author of several books on African American women’s history and has served as curator of the Museum of African American History and the African Meeting House in Boston.

Myra Hiatt Kraft: “Making a Difference” Myra Kraft’s career began at the age of five, when she took a paper bag around the streets of Worcester collecting donations for Holocaust refugees. To this day, she works tirelessly for causes she believes in, with a special focus on education and youth programming. She manages the Myra and Robert Kraft Family Foundation and the Patriots Charitable Foundation and has served on the boards of numerous philanthropic organizations.

Myra sees education as a remedy for intolerance. She and her husband, Robert, have funded a chair of Christian studies

at Brandeis (her alma mater), and chairs of Judaic studies at the College of the Holy Cross and at Boston College. Every year, they take an interfaith group to Israel to visit important holy sites for Christians and Jews. “We think that understanding is really important. We hope to combat hatred and bigotry through knowledge.”

Myra resists the label “career philanthropist.” “I’m a volunteer,” she states. “I’m somebody who does something. If I’m going to get involved in an organization, I roll up my sleeves and get involved. It’s one thing to write a check—and that’s wonderful, and I certainly do that. But I don’t wake up everyday and say—‘Now I’m going to go to my office to decide who to give my money to.’ We don’t have a staff for our charitable foundation, the way many others do.”

As a young mother, she got her start on the board of her sons’ nursery schools. Today she knows just what it takes to run a successful board for a highprofile organization. As the first woman to chair the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, she left behind a stronger, restructured board that is more diverse and more fully invested in its mission. “There’s such a strong feeling about the Boys and Girls Clubs and what it accomplishes,”

(l) Myra Hiatt Kraft presents the Esther Forbes Award for Distinguished Professional Achievement to Marilyn Richardson at Reunion in 2000. (r) French teacher Ed Gauthier and members of the class of 1960, including Myra Hiatt Kraft and Marilyn Richardson, pose for the yearbook.

she says. “Kids from the toughest neighborhoods in South Boston, Roxbury, and Chelsea talk about how clubs saved their lives.”

Asking others for support got easier after her husband became owner of the New England Patriots in 1994. “I’d never realized the power of football as far as philanthropy goes,” says Myra. “All of a sudden people are returning your phone calls right away.” Myra, famously, had never been to a football game, and resisted for years, preferring to spend Sundays at a good movie or with the New York Times crossword puzzle. By the time she caught the fever, her family had lost patience with her, and she had to learn the rules of the game for herself.

Myra’s best memories of Bancroft include writing and directing the senior play “North Atlantic”—a spoof of South Pacific, and the rigor of Mr. Gauthier’s French class. “He was a great teacher and a good person. His classes were fun but really tough.” Fifty years later, her advice to the senior class: “Enjoy it—it goes by too quickly!”

Donald “Sandy” Hight and Susan Wright Hight: “The Road Less Travelled”

Donald and Susan Hight

For two members of the Class of 1960, the ties they formed at Bancroft have led to a lifelong partnership. Donald “Sandy” Hight and Susan Wright Hight met at Sever Street in the eighth grade. Sue was new to Bancroft, and nervous about fitting in. Sandy was among a tight-knit group of boys who had been together at Bancroft through much of lower and middle school. Something clicked for them that year before they went their separate ways, he to Deerfield and then Dartmouth, she to Bancroft’s high school and then Finch College in New York City. They dated long distance, on and off, marrying shortly before Sandy entered Dartmouth’s medical school.

Returning to Bancroft for the 50th Reunion “was like coming home,” Sue says. “I was really looking forward to it, but had no idea how enriching and wonderful it would be to discover the incredible things people have done and the lives they’ve had.”

From their early start at Sever Street, the Hights have followed Sandy’s personal mantra to “look to the road less travelled and take it as far as possible,” both literally and figuratively. Avid outdoor adventurers, they have done high altitude climbing in South America, Alaska, Japan, Europe and Africa. “We enjoy active travel and being engaged in adventure,” Sandy notes. Both also trek, kayak, bike, and have their pilot licenses. Sue draws the line at motorcycles.

“Sandy took a week long course, then went on a motorcycle trip in the Mojave Desert last year. I went to Paris!” she quips.

Their paths converge daily at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, where Sue is the coordinator of Arts in the Environment and Sandy is a pediatric surgeon, having helped

found the center’s Division of Pediatric Surgery. With a careerlong research interest in chest wall growth abnormalities, Sandy is proud of his department’s research work, which includes artificial lung tissue. His most satisfying accomplishment has been “to see the specialty of pediatric surgery grow to preeminence both regionally and nationally.”

Sue, who has degrees in fine arts, a master’s in counseling psychology, and training in art therapy, has a passion for employing art for healing purposes. At CT Children’s she coordinates the artwork for all exam and patient rooms as well as public spaces at both the main hospital and a satellite.

She is particularly proud that 90 percent of the art is created by students, from kindergarten through college. Sue says this model allows her to partner with schools to establish community service programs with the side benefit that talking with children about healing through art helps make the hospital seem less scary to them. “It is also very rewarding to be in a place in which Sandy has been involved since the beginning.”

From the vantage point of 50 years beyond Bancroft, the Hights are united in the belief that one should start with a good education and be open to different experiences. As Sue adds, “it’s important to know one’s self well enough so we can understand and have compassion for others. Education helps build security within one’s self that enables us to look outside and care for others.”

Joan Killough-Miller is a writer at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a Bancroft parent. Liz Siladi, Director of Institutional Advancement at Bancroft, contributed to the feature article.

Some members of the Class of 1960 gather for photos outside their old Sever Street campus in Worcester, MA.

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Alumni

Reunion Celebration May 21 & 22, 2010 ’90 ’85

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Alumni Award Recipients

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Reunion Family Cookout ’45

’00 ’55

Visit a photo gallery of the entire weekend’s festivities on our web site at: www.bancroftschool.org/reunion2010.

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In Memoriam Alumni

Lisbet Engelsted ’82

George Brownell II ’35

Phyllis Woods McCarthy ’48

June 5, 2010 in Manchester Center, VT at 92 Mr. Brownell attended Bancroft from 19211928 and graduated from Loomis Chaffee School, and Yale University. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1942-1947 before working in various capacities at the family business in Worcester. He retired as President of G.L. Brownell, Inc, in 1961. He was married to the late Barbara Heywood Brownell ’37 and both were dedicated supporters of Bancroft School. He is survived by his daughter Susan Brownell Woodbury ’61, his son David Brownell ’68, and six grandchildren.

July 28, 2010 in Worcester, MA at 81 Mrs. McCarthy attended Bancroft from 1945 until she graduated in 1948. She devoted her life to raising her six children. She worked alongside her husband in the family business and loved to travel and paint water colors. She was predeceased by her husband of 34 years, Robert McCarthy, and is survived by her sister Martha Woods Briggs ’51, six children, including John McCarthy ’86, and their families.

Craig Stewart ’36 June 30, 2010 in Southport, NC at 91 Mr. Stewart graduated from eighth grade at Bancroft in 1932. He attended Middlebury College, lived in western Massachusetts and worked many years in the insurance industry.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Eileen, their four children, four grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.

Barbara Blandy Thomson ’37 April 6, 2010 in Waterford, MI at 90 Mrs. Thomson attended Erskine Jr. College after graduating from Bancroft. She and her husband, Edward, lived and raised their family in Michigan, where she was active in her church, the planning commission and the garden club. She was predeceased by her husband and sister Leonice Blandy Bicknell ’36, and is survived by her son and grandson and their families.

Constantina Andreson Nassikas ’39 June 26, 2010 in McLean, VA at 88 Mrs. Nassikas, known as Deena, graduated from Bancroft, the Katharine Gibbs School, and Bradford Junior College, where she later served on the Board of Trustees. After raising her family, she and her late husband, John, moved to McLean, VA where she became one of the leading real estate brokers in the Washington, DC area. She is survived by her four children, and siblings: Phyllis Andreson Nassikas ’45, Rene Andreson Camougis ’48, and Nicholas Andreson ’51.

Nancy Dunbar Hawley ’48 April 27, 2010 in West Boylston, MA at 80 Mrs. Hawley attended Bancroft from 1938 until she graduated. She attended the Knox School in NY and graduated from Becker Jr. College with a degree in Secretarial Science.

She worked throughout her life, including for the family business, Howard Products.

She was a member of several community organizations including Tower Hill Botanic Garden and the Worcester Art Museum.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Bradford Hawley, a son and daughter and four grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brother, and sister Charlotte Dunbar D’Amore ’38.

Viola Tonna Pastorelle ’53 June 20, 2010 in Mystic, CT at 75 Mrs. Pastorelle attended Bancroft, Northhampton School for Girls, and graduated from Mary C. Wheeler in Rhode Island. She attended Skidmore College of Nursing and trained at New York University Hospital. She married in 1955 and raised three children. She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph Pastorelle. She leaves her daughter, two sons, and several family members including Bancroft siblings: Mary Tonna Cocaine ’46, Jean Tonna Welch ’55, Joan Tonna Christo ’55, Theodore Tonna ’64, and George Tonna ’78.

Cynthia Barrington ’59 August 19, 2010 in Branford, CT at 68 Ms. Barrington attended Bancroft until 1956, then graduated from Northampton School for Girls. She earned her B.A. from Elmira College in NY, and her M.A. in theater arts from Case Western Reserve University in OH. She lived in New York City working as a costume designer and stage manager on numerous productions. Later she lived in Maine and Connecticut where she worked as a floral designer among other artistic endeavors. She is survived by her sister Faith Barrington ’61, brother Gerald Barrington ’56 and their families.

Nancy Tarasov England ’59 June 4, 2010 in Nantucket, MA at 68 Mrs. England attended Bancroft from 1953 until she graduated in 1959. She attended Wheaton College and Columbia University and founded Peter England Nantucket, Ltd., a successful luxury knitwear company on the island of Nantucket. She is survived by her two children, one granddaughter, and her brother Edward Tarasov ’62.

Jean Olson Chaplis ’65 April 29, 2010 in Rutland, MA at 62 Mrs. Chaplis attended Bancroft from 1959 to 1965 and earned a B.A. in International Relations from Syracuse University in 1969.

She became a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army and was one of the first and youngest women to command an integrated battalion. She was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for notable achievements and separated with the rank of major. She then became successful in the banking industry. She is survived by her husband of 26 years, Russell Chaplis, and three daughters and their families. She was predeceased by her sister Janis Olson Graham ’67.

June 16, 2010 in Naples, FL at 46 Ms. Engelsted attended Bancroft from 1970 to 1979 and graduated from Philips Exeter Academy and Lewis and Clark College. She was a skilled sailor and equestrian, a licensed massage therapist, an accomplished athlete and triathlete, and active in her church and religious education. She is survived by three children, and her siblings, including Karen Engelsted Cronin ’72, Eric Engelsted ’74, Ingrid Engelsted Kruse ’85, and their families.

Extended Community David H. Ellsworth August 8, 2010 in Osterville, MA at 80 Former parent and Worcester community benefactor, Mr. Ellsworth was the owner of Classic Car Corporation in Worcester before moving to Osterville, MA in 1974. A professional actor, he was one of the original members of the Worcester Players Club and a company actor for the Foothills Theater in Worcester. He also appeared on daytime television, and in community theater at Cape Cod. A graduate of Governor’s Academy and the University of Virginia, he is survived by an extensive family that includes many Bancroft alumni, among them children David Ellsworth ’78, and Lucinda Ellsworth Gottfried ’81, and sister Joy Wetzel Hall ’56.

He is predeceased by two brothers and sister Nancy Ellsworth Peterson ’54.

Mary Piper Johnson September 20, 2010 in Boston, MA at 97 Mrs. Johnson was a science teacher at Bancroft from 1955 to 1968. She was a 1934 graduate of Mount Holyoke College and loved young people and science. She taught at Mt. Vernon Seminary, and at Ashley Hall School before Bancroft, and loved her years here.

Two of her three children attended Bancroft, and she was active in many community organizations and supported the School throughout her life. She was predeceased by her two husbands, William Piper, and Arthur Johnson, and is survived by her children W. Stephen Piper, Richard S. Piper ’60, and Elsie Piper Hathaway ’61, and their families.

Joan Shiminski Macchi August 23, 2010 in Bangor, ME at 81 Mrs. Macchi was a member of the faculty and Dean of Students from 1952 to 1956. She lived in Maine for many years where she raised her family. She was predeceased by her husband, I. Alden Macchi, and is survived by her family including a daughter and three grandchildren.

Anthony Polletta May 18, 2010 in Worcester, MA at 59 Mr. Polletta taught woodworking at Bancroft from 1974 to 1983. He was an artist and most recently had been an executive at Woodmeister Corp. He is survived by his wife Joan and children including Adria Polletta ’94 and Adam Polletta ’98.

Marigolden Tritschler (See page 5)

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Inspired.

After graduating from Bancroft in 2002, Alexis Tumolo attended Harvard University where she studied Classics—with some Pre Med thrown in. Now in her final year at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, she intends to work in cardiology, and eventually teach.

She credits her Bancroft teachers, who encouraged her to “learn about everything,” and Bancroft’s supportive community, for her desire to be part of a collaborative environment in the future. “I’ve discovered that I want to be the kind of teacher that I had at Bancroft, and instill in others a love of learning and a passion for knowledge,” said Alexis. And every year, Alexis gives back to the people and place that gave her so much.

“To me, giving back is symbolic, and provides a way to honor the teachers who helped shape who we are today.”

“Whatever Bancroft has given us, supporting the Annual Fund is a great way to say thanks.”

Join Alexis and honor someone special to you with a gift to the Annual Fund.

T HE A NNUAL F UND

visit us at: bancroftschool.org/giving

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Bancroft fans celebrate the Varsity Boys Soccer win in the NEPSAC quarter-final match.The excitement continued as the boys won the semi-final match, and then became Bancroft’s first boys soccer team to make the NEPSAC finals.

9 Exchange students from Meaux, France pose with Bancroft students after a round of Pétanque, a French game, during spirit week.

10 Amy Pearson and her Marine Science I class research coastal ecosystems during a trip to Cape Cod beaches.

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Lower School Family Fall Festival returned to Homecoming.

12 Sunshine and the Friendship Garden provide an ideal backdrop for Margaret McCandless’s Grade 1 drama class.

13 Grade 2 celebrates the spirit of the season.

14 Middle School field hockey team “A” score a win against LCA at Homecoming.

15 Grandparents and special friends get a glimpse of a day in Lower School during Day of Sharing in October.

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