SANFORD Magazine-Spring 2015

VOLUME 24 . NUMBER 1 . SPRING 2015

WWW.SANFORDSCHOOL.ORG

Good New s

for Sanford

Seniors

See page 10 for details

Winning Combinations New coaches breathe new life into

Sanford sports programs

A Message from the Head of School:

Sanford . Spring 2015

June 2015

Dear Parents, Alumni, & Friends: MOOCs, STEM, Flipped Classrooms, Makers Spaces...

Contents 1 Winning Combinations 10 Sanford Seniors Receive Good News About College Acceptances 12 The Arts at Sanford 16 Is a Sanford Education Worth the Investment?

17 Fall & Winter Highlights 24 Connecting with Our Community 26 Spotlight on Athletics 29 Alumni Notes 31 In Memoriam

STAFF Editor Cheryl Fleming Contributing Editors Katrina Medoff ’09, Theresa Medoff, Christine Yasik Contributors Alex Ball Lynn Casto Janice Payne Jackie Pitts ’55 Joan Samonisky Ella Wagner ’09 Clint Williams h

Photography Alex Ball Motophoto Kevin Needham Ted Rosenthal Sanford Yearbook Staff Sandy Sutty Graphic Design Kedash Design h

Communications Office Sanford School 6900 Lancaster Pike Hockessin, DE 19707 302.235.6500 communications@sanfordschool.org www.sanfordschool.org On the cover: Cory Frederick’s passion and coaching prowess have injected spirit and success into Sanford’s wrestling program.

If you follow education in the news, you might need a decoder ring to follow the multiple conversations and their corresponding acronyms.

Sanford, like so many schools in this area and across the county, is wading into these hearty discussions and debates about what teaching and learning could and should look like now and in the coming years.

One important factor to consider is space. With the addition of our Pirnie STEM and technology building, renovated Lower School library, STEM labs, and a completely refurbished du Pont Library—Sanford is poised to make huge leaps with our innovative teaching and learning. Teachers and students will now have flexible and connected work areas where they can collaborate and create.

The feature article of the magazine, however, brings us back to the heart of Sanford. While we are improving so many facilities on campus, all of those projects are secondary to the people who deliver our Sanford experience—our teachers and coaches.

Former NAIS President Pat Bassett used to say that independent schools are in a “war for talent,” as we all compete to recruit and retain star teachers and coaches, the kinds of men and women who change kids’ lives. Over the years, I’ve taken Pat’s words to heart and worked very hard to hire Sanford’s All-Star Team.

Our cover article is about the coaches who have joined the Sanford athletic ranks over the past few years.

Like “pied pipers,” these individuals have created a buzz and excitement around our sports programs— and we are seeing results in the success of our teams across the board.

Someone asked me, “Are you trying to make Sanford a ‘jock school’?” No. No more than I want Sanford to be a STEM or a Performing Arts School. We are the place where “No Talent Lies Latent.”

In order for us to live our motto, Sanford needs resources and spaces to cultivate our students’ talents.

But more importantly—and this, in my opinion, will NEVER change—Sanford needs All-Star teachers and coaches who challenge, push, and inspire our students to heights they never dreamed possible.

Our students deserve the very best—a beautiful campus, an all-star faculty and staff, and a school community with spirit and heart. As we build and grow, my hope is that we truly change the lives of our students each and every day.

Thank you for being part of this growth and spirit.

Mark J. Anderson

WINNING COMBINATIONS

Winning

Combinations

Coach John Donecker talks with the boys following the team’s DIAA state quarterfinal loss to Caravel.

Photography by Ted Rosenthal

New coaches breathe new life into Sanford sports programs

By Katrina Medoff ’09 and Theresa Gawlas Medoff

t was a big game, the last of the regular season. A home game.

The crowd was full of Sanford students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni and community members—and there was a good showing from the opponent’s team as well. The game was even streamed live on the Internet.

No, this wasn’t one of Sanford’s legendary boys’ or girls’ basketball games. It was the varsity boys’ soccer team in its Delaware Independent School Conference Championship match against Tower Hill this past fall, when coach John Donecker led the team to win the conference for the first time since 1999.

“Students packed the hillside. In my three years as coach here, it was our largest crowd I’ve ever seen,” says Donecker, who also teaches seventh grade geography and is the Middle School dean of students.

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WINNING COMBINATIONS

Sanford . Spring 2015

Coach Stan Waterman, talking with his players during the 2014– 2015 season, holds the state record for championship titles in boys’ basketball.

Yes, the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams are as strong as ever— both went to the state championship tournament in 2014, with the girls bringing home the state championship title and the boys advancing to the quarterfinals, and both teams advanced to the state tournament again this year—but now, they’re not the only Sanford teams getting attention in the sports arena. Many of Sanford’s varsity teams have seen real improvement and success in the past several years, and people are beginning to take notice. ake field hockey, for example. Anne Brooking is in her second year of coaching the team, and the players have seen stunning records: last year, they were 12 and 2 in the regular season (and with their two state championship tournament games, the team ended up 13 and 3); this year, they ended up 11 and 4 and went to the first round of the state tournament.

The team has seen “an impressive turnaround in just two years,” Brooking says. “That’s a direct result of these athletes being excited about the learning process and believing in themselves, as well as the redirection of the program. It’s always exciting to see results when you work at it.”

New Blood Many of Sanford’s Upper

School varsity teams have brought in new head coaches in the past three or four years, such as boys’ soccer, girls’ field hockey and lacrosse, cross country and track, wrestling, volleyball and baseball. (Golf welcomed a new coach in Bob Munkittrick this spring; girls’ soccer welcomes back former assistant coach Heather Taylor as the new head coach.)

As the school’s longtime Athletic Director Joan Samonisky knows, “Sometimes it takes a year or two for the team to get to know the new coach and for the new coach to really get to know the team.” And now that that’s happened, many these teams are starting to show the benefits.

WINNING COMBINATIONS

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NEW COACH STATS

Anne Brooking

girls’ field hockey and lacrosse since 2013

Coach Clark reviews the lineup and gives his team final words of encouragement before their game.

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Played on three national championship teams in lacrosse and one in field hockey during college.

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Played on U.S. field hockey and lacrosse teams and the World Cup lacrosse team coached by Sanford teacher Jackie Pitts.

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Named to three sports halls of fame, including the Delaware Sports Museum Hall of Fame.

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Taught physical education for 30 years.

Halftime provides Coach Brooking with an opportunity to praise performance and offer suggestions for improvement.

Jamie Clark

(above, right)

baseball since 2012

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Teaches physical education

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Coached Upper School football, basketball, track and baseball, including 12 years at Langley High School in McLean, Va., and one year at Tower Hill.

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WINNING COMBINATIONS

“This is John [Donecker]’s third year with us, and the pieces really came together nicely this year for the boys’ soccer team,” Samonisky says. (The girls’ soccer team under veteran coach Dan Bloom made it to the DIAA state tournament quarterfinals in spring 2014.)

“I would say we’ve come a long way in just the few years I’ve been here,” Donecker says. In the first two years, the team was “transitioning the level and style of play from the previous coach, and it was just a different style, so it takes time to teach them how to play the system that we want them to play.” Even in the first two years, the teams were competitive, “but we couldn’t seem to put the ball in the back of the net,” he says.

“Our fortunes began to change early on in [this] season—we began scoring a lot more goals.”

New baseball coach Jamie Clark has also seen noticeable improvements each year. “Before I got to Sanford, the baseball team won just one game in the last three seasons,” he says.

“My first year [at Sanford] we won two games, my second year we won six games, and last year we were 13 and 5. We just narrowly missed the state tournament last year by about two-tenths of a percentage point. So, if we had won just one more game, it would have gotten us in.”

Jim Fischer is also in his third year of coaching at Sanford.

Before that, he was the head cross country and track coach at the University of Delaware—before UD cut those programs.

Now, UD’s loss is Sanford’s gain.

“We were very lucky to land Jim [Fischer] on our coaching staff,” Samonisky says. “He is just a running guru in the area, and to be able to get a man of his character with his knowledge of the running sports—it’s just an incredible addition to our coaching staff. To have Jim Fischer leading our cross country and winter track programs is a huge bonus for all of us here.”

Fischer’s philosophy as a coach is simple: “Just improvement.”

For example, track runners must improve as individuals, hopefully enough to qualify for the state meet. “My main philosophy is to get people to improve and try to get them to reach their potential, whatever that is.” This year, the boys’ cross country team finished eighth in the state, and the girls’ cross country team achieved that ranking last year.

The varsity wrestling team saw immediate success under new coach Cory Frederick’s guidance: in his first year at Sanford, the team qualified for the Dual Team State Championship— the first time in the school’s history that the wrestling team had qualified. In 2015, the team enjoyed even greater success— winning the DISC, making Delaware independent school history by becoming the first independent school to advance to the finals of the Dual Team State Championship and sending nine wrestlers to the DIAA Individual Tournament.

During the individual event, sophomore Brendan Lamey won a state championship (the first Sanford wrestler to earn a title) in the 145-pound weight class, and five other wrestlers earned top-four spots on the podium.

Sanford . Spring 2015

“Cory [Frederick] is an outstanding coach, appropriately demanding, and he has gotten tremendous results with his kids,” Samonisky says. (Frederick, by the way, had already been a member of the Sanford community before joining the coaching staff. He is the father of eighth-grader CJ and 12th-grader McKenzie.)

Putting Together a Championship Team How are these

teams achieving such success? A lot of it has to do with Head of School Mark Anderson’s determination to bring on a winning combination of head and assistant coaches who would bring Sanford’s teams to their highest possible caliber.

“We’ve always had great coaches, but I think the last few hires that we’ve had have been exceptional,” says Stan Waterman, assistant athletic director and coach of the varsity boys’ basketball team. “They are experienced people who have been through the high school scene, and they understand the next level, so I just think that the experience level that we’ve gained over the last few years or so has made a huge difference.”

Adds Samonisky, “We have a great combination of some talented student-athletes being coached by high-quality, talented and experienced coaches. That is a formula for success in anyone’s playbook.”

Coaches come to each season with a strategy to get the most out of their athletes. In the first half of the wrestling season, for example, Frederick focuses on technique, conditioning and mental toughness. He takes his team to tournaments to “challenge our guys and get them out of their comfort zone.”

The second half of the season is about “building up their confidence and making the guys as tough and knowledgeable as possible” as they work toward the final matches of the season.

One may be alone in the pool, but this cheering crowd of Sanford swimmers shows swimming is very much a team sport.

WINNING COMBINATIONS

NEW COACH STATS

John Donecker

boys’ soccer since 2012

Kelsey Mendell’s determination to follow Coach Fischer’s advice about giving one’s best is evident during this race.

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Serves as Middle School Dean of Students and seventh grade geography teacher

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Coached at two high schools in Pennsylvania, including 12 years as head soccer coach at Valley School of Ligonier and two years as assistant head coach at Lewisburg Area High School, one of the strongest small school programs in the state.

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Worked for Chelsea Football Club of London, England, during preseason tours of U.S.

Jim Fischer

cross country and track since 2012 •

Coached cross country and track at the University of Delaware for 30 years.

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Named America East Coach of the Year five times during his time at the University of Delaware, twice for indoor track and three times for outdoor track.

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Founded and serves as president of the Delaware Track and Field Hall of Fame and an advisor to the Leukemia Society and Delaware Special Olympics.

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WINNING COMBINATIONS

Donecker speaks about classic sports traits and lessons like “hard work, dedication, commitment, grit.” He teaches his team that “sometimes you do well; other times you push through and work through it.”

And Sanford athletes aren’t afraid to put in that work. “They are such solid, gritty competitors,” Brooking says of the field hockey team. “These kids dig in, encourage each other, and come to play on game day. This attitude has made us successful.

So even when we match up with a team that might be a bit better, we compete. These athletes just know how to compete.”

Brooking also coaches Upper School girls’ lacrosse and assists with Middle School girls’ basketball. The girls’ lacrosse record is not yet matching that of the field hockey team, but Brooking is pleased with the progress they are making at closing the scoring gap. “What we accomplished didn’t necessarily come out in the win/loss category,” she says, “but it did come out in the way they played the game.”

Middle school guidance counselor and varsity volleyball coach Kelley Gricol says that when she first started coaching three years ago, the athletes would talk about “teams they typically beat and teams they typically lost to. The girls saw themselves as a middle-of-the-road kind of team.” Gricol knew that it was important to change that attitude, and it certainly helped that the Sanford team was very competitive and evenly matched with the teams that went to the state tournament.

Sanford’s wrestling team proudly made independent school history by finishing in second place in the 2015 DIAA Dual-Team State Championship.

Sanford . Spring 2015

In one match this past fall, the team beat Tatnall, a team Sanford hadn’t won against in at least eight years.

“Beating Tatnall this year was really huge,” Gricol says.

“For so many games we were just so close but hadn’t tasted that victory yet. To finally get over that hump and get a win was so, so exciting; so I’m hoping we can ride that wave of success into next season.” Looking ahead to the next season, Gricol and Samonisky added three challenging teams to the girls’ schedule and took away a couple of less-competitive matches. “Even if there are teams that we think, ‘We might not beat these teams; should we add those?’ I say yes. Competing against the best teams makes your team better,” Gricol says.

One of the important ways that coaches are seeking to improve the varsity sports teams is by focusing on students’ athletic development even before they reach the Upper School level, Waterman notes. “We have days when our varsity coaches and varsity teams spend time with our Middle School coaches in practices and just taking an interest in making sure that our Middle School coaches understand what our varsity coaches need kids to be able to do when they get to the next level. It’s a smooth transition, just as it is academically at Sanford, with our students preparing to move from Algebra 1 in eighth grade to geometry in ninth grade. The same is true of athletics,” he says.

WINNING COMBINATIONS

Assistant Varsity Basketball Coach and Middle School Volleyball Coach Amanda Rufo shares her knowledge and passion with our student athletes.

NEW COACH STATS

Cory Frederick

wrestling since 2012

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Sanford parent.

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Started Tyrant Wrestling in 2002.

Coached Team Delaware’s middle school and high school teams in summer wrestling, freestyling and Greco-Roman wrestling.

Kelley Gricol

volleyball since 2012

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First team all-state player at Padua Academy and the state player of the year in her senior year.

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Coached players in fourth through eighth grade during clinics at Immaculate Heart of Mary and a camp at Padua Academy. Was also a volunteer coach during Padua’s preseason for two years, working with high school students.

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WINNING COMBINATIONS

Sanford . Spring 2015

It’s a truism that success breeds success, and as more and more Sanford teams achieve success, the school will have an easier time both retaining talented student-athletes from Middle School to Upper School and attracting new student-athletes, so that the building of strong sports programs will continue.

Success on the Field, Success as People The Sanford students

and coaches have certainly been enjoying their recent successes, but perhaps the most important recognition has been for the teams’ character, not their scores. For the past three years, Sanford has received the overall DIAA sportsmanship award—recognizing the character and values of our students, coaches, and community.

Sanford’s soccer team continues to strive for excellence. In the photo above, freshman Kendal Trickey takes on two Friends’ defenders during a conference matchup.

When the boys’ soccer coaching staff talks to current and future players, for example, they talk about “building championship young men,” Donecker says. “That is not only championship on the field but also in the classroom, in the community, in the band room, on the stage. We want highquality individuals in our program.”

Frederick says that the wrestling team is “not just there for wrestling”: the team auctioned off a day of yard work at the silent auction last year. “We went out there as team in the spring and did a half day of yard work,” coach Frederick says.

Camaraderie and teamwork are important, he adds. “We are not just focused solely on wrestling but the community as a whole and being good citizens.”

It’s all about being well-rounded as a student, athlete and person. “One of the great things about Sanford is that it’s not about athletics but about the student-athlete,” Donecker says.

“Our students here graduate with the full package: they are not just athletes, they are not just students.”

In fact, two female student-athletes have been singled out in the past two years for recognition in DIAA’s prestigious Harry Roberts Senior Scholar-Athlete Award. A committee of coaches and athletic directors from across the state selected Megan Yung ’13 and Amira Hannon ’14 for the honor from a large pool of applicants.

Brendan Lamey, with Coach Frederick, is all smiles after a victory in the 145-pound weight class earned him the title “state champion.”

“There aren’t many places like Sanford, even within the conference of independent schools.

Sanford really set itself apart, just by the values that the school holds dear. It’s just an encouraging, positive atmosphere all the time,” says baseball coach Clark.

We Are Family

The school’s close-knit community has been dubbed “the Sanford family,” and this feeling extends to the athletics program as well.

“It really takes a team effort to have an athletic program,” Samonisky says. “Certainly with our coaches and kids who represent us on the fields and courts and tracks and pools, but our parents and our fans—they’re also a big part of what we do.”

Brooking, who is a relative newcomer to the school compared to Samonisky, has already felt the same sense of community: “It’s so obvious to me how much the school supports the kids,” she says. “Joan Samonisky is the best athletic director in the state, which makes any coach’s job easy. Mark Anderson is constantly checking in to see how things are going and coming out to games. It’s important for kids to see that administrators really care about how they do in the classroom and in their activities.”

“It’s so apparent in everything,” she continues. “Go to any event and you always see so many faculty and administrators supporting our students. Sanford has such a community and family feel. This is constantly reflected in the friendships and interactions among the students and teachers. I’m so lucky to be coaching at Sanford.”

At Sanford, Donecker says, “the value of athletics is just as important as performances on stage and performance in the classroom. It’s really as important as who we are as a full community. We are getting better and better support through faculty, administrators and community members.”

So many of the school’s teams are “continuing to get better every year and take the next step,” he says.

WINNING COMBINATIONS

NEW COACH STATS

Robert Munkittrick, Jr. golf since 2015

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Certified PGA professional for 25 years, director of instruction at Hartefeld National Golf Club in Avondale, Pa., where he created a junior golf development program and a summer camp program.

Heather Taylor

girls’ soccer beginning spring 2015

Coach Thompson, a Brown Hall of Famer and former Sanford standout, uses a stop in play during a game to provide one-on-one instruction to Ayanna Thompson.

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Teaches Middle and Upper School math

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Served as assistant varsity coach of Sanford girls’ soccer in 2013. Took a year off to complete her master’s degree in mathematics learning and teaching at Drexel University.

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SENIORS RECEIVE GOOD NEWS

Sanford . Spring 2015

Sanford Seniors Receive Good very year Sanford seniors receive good news about college acceptances, and 2015 is no exception.

Some students who chose to apply for early decision said “yes” to the following colleges in the fall of 2014: Gettysburg College High Point University Lycoming College Massachusetts Institute of Technology New York University (Stern School of Business) Providence College Skidmore College University of Pennsylvania Ursinus College

“Our Sanford seniors are leaping to the next level because colleges and universities recognize the exceptional attributes of Sanford graduates: outstanding citizens, ethical leaders, creative thinkers, academic all-stars, accomplished athletes, and exceptional artists,” said Head of Upper School Lynn Casto. “The strength of our academic program, dedication of our faculty, support of our College Counseling team, and quality of our students means that Sanford seniors have choices. We are proud of our senior admittances thus far and look forward to celebrating many more as our seniors determine their next steps in their academic journey.”

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SENIORS RECEIVE GOOD NEWS

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News About College Acceptances Other colleges that have opened their doors to Sanford students include: The University of Alabama

University of Maryland, Eastern Shore

Quinnipiac University

Albright College

University of Maryland, College Park

University of Rhode Island

Allegheny College

Marymount University

Rhodes College

Arcadia University

McDaniel College

Roanoke College

The University of Arizona

Miami University, Oxford (Business)

Saint Joseph’s University

Averett University

Misericordia University

Salisbury University

Belmont University

University of Mississippi

Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania

Monmouth University

Savannah College of Art and Design

Case Western Reserve University

Mount Holyoke College

Cedar Crest College

University of North Carolina at Asheville

Clemson University (Business and Behavioral Sciences) Coastal Carolina University The Culinary Institute of America University of Delaware Drew University Elizabethtown College Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University George Mason University Georgia Institute of Technology– Engineering Goucher College University of Hartford Hofstra University

Ohio Wesleyan University Pennsylvania State University, Abington

School of the Art Institute of Chicago University of the Sciences in Philadelphia The University of Scranton University of South Carolina

Pennsylvania State University, University Park (College of Engineering)

Springfield College

Pennsylvania State University, University Park (Smeal College of Business)

Susquehanna University

Philadelphia University University of Pittsburgh Potomac State College of West Virginia University Queen’s University (Faculty of Arts and Sciences)

SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Temple University Washington College West Chester University of Pennsylvania The College of Wooster Worcester Polytechnic Institute York College of Pennsylvania

good news James Madison University (College of Arts and Letters) Johnson & Wales University (Providence) University of Kentucky

Loyola University Maryland Lynchburg College

University of Maine

University of Mary Washington

Casey Zimmer, Director of College Counseling, stated: “Sanford students reach beyond the obvious. While many of our students strive for admission to some of the most selective schools in the country, such as MIT, Penn, and NYU, others seek out the best place to nurture their passions, such as the Culinary Institute of America, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. No talent lies latent at Sanford, and with our passionate students, broad and successful academic program, and supportive and experienced counseling staff, any destination is possible.”

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THE ARTS AT SANFORD

Sanford . Spring 2015

THE ARTS AT SRTC Presents

T

he Sanford Repertory Theatre Company delivered an outstanding production of All Shook Up Friday, February 20th and Sunday, February 22nd at Newark High School. Despite the cancellation of two shows due to inclement weather, the cast, crew, and orchestra wowed audiences during two mesmerizing performances.

Above: The devils come out with roustabout Chad to taunt Sheriff Earl and Mayor Matilda during the song Devil in Disguise.

Kudos to SRTC!

Left: During Devil in Disguise, the angels provide a balance to the dastardly work of the devils.

The entire cast and crew from the production of All Shook Up pose for a cast photo after a rousing performance.

THE ARTS AT SANFORD

SANFORD Hitting the final pose in the closing number, Burnin’ Love, the cast enjoys the thunderous applause from the audience.

While waiting for the train to arrive during the song It’s Now or Never, the townspeople impatiently discuss why the train is late.

Below: Natalie (disguised as Ed as played by Jordan McMillan) tries to get a little closer to Chad (Benson Cook) to find out what he looks for in a girl.

Above: The female dance ensemble breaks out into an electrifying dance during the opening number, Jailhouse Rock.

Left: Dean (Trevor Long) and Lorraine (Asia DeShields) sing of their undying love in It’s Now or Never.

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THE ARTS AT SANFORD

Sanford . Spring 2015

THE ARTS AT Sanford Students Shine

in Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Competition Twenty-six students were recognized for outstanding artwork and eleven for exemplary writing in this year’s Scholastic Art & Writing Awards competition.

More than 90,000 seventh through twelfth graders across the country submit work to the annual competition, which is sponsored by the Scholastic Corporation and presented by the nonprofit Alliance for Young Artists and Writers. Work is judged by industry leaders and exhibited in New York and at local exhibitions around the country.

Nicole Sikora, Ceramics & Glass, Spring Flower Lidded Vessel (Silver Key)

Works earning Gold and Silver Key recognitions were exhibited at the Art Gallery at Delaware State University in Dover from January 19th through February 7th. In addition, visitors were able view all Gold and Silver Key literary works in their entirety on e-readers in the gallery space.

Above, left to right: Ivana Gatica and Caroline Fritz enjoyed seeing their award-winning work on display at the Delaware State Art Gallery; Caroline Cook’s dress earned her a Silvery Key in the Fashion category; Proud mom and Lower School teacher Christine DiUbaldo joins her daughter, Sophia, at the exhibition.

Leah Gimbutas, Photography, Jellyfish, (Silver Key) Seungmuk Oh, Photography, Fake Blue, (Gold Key)

Sophia DiUbaldo, Digital Art, Zoella, (Silver Key)

THE ARTS AT SANFORD

SANFORD VISUAL ARTS HONOREES

WRITING AWARD RECIPIENTS

The visual art awards showcased the diverse talents of Sanford’s artists, as students were recognized for work in eleven different categories: Ceramics & Glass, Comic Art, Design, Digital Art, Drawing & Illustration, Fashion, Film & Animation, Mixed Media, Painting, Photography, and Sculpture.

The myriad talents of Sanford’s student-writers were recognized for work in seven different categories: Short Story, Poetry, Critical Essay, Personal Essay/Memoir, Humor, Flash Fiction, and Writing Portfolio.

Six Sanford students received Gold Key Awards, the highest level of recognition, in this year’s competition. Riley Whipple earned two gold keys: one for her Film & Animation piece, Pancho, and another for a work of Mixed Media, Detached.

Yingying Luo earned gold for a Digital Art piece entitled vague. Chloe DiCamillo was recognized for her Film & Animation piece, How to Build a Snowman. Evan Grace Amendum earned a gold key for a mixed media work, Squares. Seungmuk Oh received gold for one photograph, Fake Blue, and honorable mention for another, Memories.

Memories Finally, Ivana Gatica received a gold key for her photograph Stool in a Room, a silver honor for a painting, Killing Time, and honorable mention for the painting Contortion and the photograph To the Mountain Mountain.

Silver Key winners were:

MacKenzie Carey, Sculpture, 19 Golden Rings, (Silver Key)

Haley Baker, Digital Art, The Missing, (Honorable Mention)

MacKenzie Carey, Sculpture, 19 Golden Rings Caroline Cook, Fashion, Remnants of a Frivolous Age; Caroline also won an honorable mention award for her Comic Art piece Adventures of the Frozen Cuddler Sophia DiUbaldo, Digital Art, Zoella Leah Gimbutas, Photography, Jellyfish Madeleine Hall, Design, The Hunt Laura Pellicano, Mixed Media, Fly Away Nicole Sikora, Ceramics & Glass, Spring Flower Lidded Vessel; Nicole also won an honorable mention award for her Ceramic & Glass piece Sunflower Mosaic

Students earning Honorable Mention were: Jordan Baerga, Film & Animation, The Moving Box Haley Baker, Digital Art, The Missing Logan Carpenter, Sculpture, Sage Green Katie Curran, Digital Art, Marilyn Camille Decker, Drawing and Illustration, My Neighbor Hayao Miyazaki Matthew Friedkin, Sculpture, The Baseball Pyramid of Hockessin Maya Gandhi, Photography, Contrasting Colors Taryn Jenkins, Film & Animation, Teamwork James Lin, Film & Animation, How to Kill a Snake Max Scheiner, Film & Animation, Cat Kicks Robber Taylor Tate, Mixed Media, The Treasure Inside and Photography, Falling into Deep Water Eleanor Vander Laan, Photography, Morning Dew Lily Wiesnegger, Ceramics & Glass, The Child’s Bath

Three Sanford students received Gold Key Awards, the highest level of recognition, in this year’s competition. Ivana Gatica earned two Gold Keys: one for her complete Writing Portfolio, A Recollection of Life, and one for her short story, The Gravedigger, which was also nominated for an American Voices Award.

Ivana also received a silver key for her poem My Brother’s Shoes, and an honorable mention recognition for the Flash Fiction piece, The Storm. Caroline Fritz earned gold for her personal essay/memoir Life is a Bucket of Bagworms, and Kimberly Riordan received gold key recognition for her critical essay Helium, the Noblest of Gases.

Silver Key Award winners included Benson Cook for his personal essay/memoir Parlez Vous Francais. Samantha Stevenson earned two silver keys for a piece of humor writing entitled Big Fish, Little Pond: How to Rule Your World as well as one for her critical essay When You Wish Upon a Star: Disney Movies Impact Our Children’s Behavior.

Students earning Honorable Mention were: Lily Connolly, Poetry, 3 Poem Collection Hannah Duffy, Personal Essay/Memoir, My Purple Flower Breanna Mendell, Critical Essay, Dorian Gray’s Character Metamorphosis Freddy Ryle, Poetry, A Compilation of Poems Trevor Schlack, Personal Essay/Memoir, Untitled Sara Shelton, Critical Essay, Why Prison is the Antithesis of Where the Mentally Ill Belong

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IS A SANFORD EDUCATION WORTH THE INVESTMENT?

Sanford . Spring 2015

Is a Sanford education

worth the investment?

By Lynn Casto, Head of Upper School

In a globalized world where student performance defines national excellence, how do private school kids compare?

Sanford asked this question. The answer? Our kids come out at the top, not only in the nation but across the world as well.

All schools need reliable measures of how well they are preparing students for continued education and for life. At Sanford, we know we have great kids—outstanding citizens, ethical leaders, creative thinkers and collaborators. These intangibles that are fostered within a caring and supportive community are the hallmarks of a Sanford education. As a private school that operates independent of the state regulated curricula and annually assessed competencies, how is student success measured?

Technology now connects nations and peoples; successful completion of state and national standards are no longer valid predictors of student success in work and in life. People want to know how students in the United States compare to students across the world—how do Sanford students compare?

We’ve all read about the turnaround in the Finnish school system and the claim that China outperforms any other nation in math and science. But, how are these statements supported?

The OECD Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) is a standardized assessment given to 15-year-olds in over 65 global education systems, which together account for nine-tenths of the world’s economy. PISA scores allow cross-country comparisons of student achievement of applied knowledge in reading, mathematics, and science.

In the spring of 2014, Sanford participated in OECD Test for Schools to quantifiably define the success of our collegepreparatory curriculum. The PISA-based OECD test measures the same core competencies as PISA and allows schools to compare school-level results to the international PISA results.

SANFORD RESULTS IN AN INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT The table below illustrates Sanford’s mean performance in relation to the mean PISA performance in the United States, Shanghai, China (the highest performing school system in PISA 2009 and 2012), and Mexico (the lowest-performing OECD country).

Reading

Mathematics

Science

Mexico

425

419

416

United States

500

496

502

Sanford

569

551

574

China

556

600

575

•

Sanford students scored significantly above the mean performance of students in the United States across all three categories, placing Sanford in the top 10% of schools in the United States.

•

Sanford students scored significantly higher in reading than students in the United States or China.

•

Sanford students scored significantly higher in science than their peers in the United States and only one point shy of Shanghai, China, the highest performing school system in PISA 2012.

Is a Sanford education worth the cost?

You bet it is—because we’re developing the academic and creative talents of a diverse group of students who are going to lead the world.

FALL & WINTER HIGHLIGHTS

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Fall & Winter Highlights Twenty-nine students earned the designation of AP Scholar for their exceptional achievement on collegelevel Advanced Placement Program (AP) Exams. Joshua Bostick ’14 and Bryan Mclellan ’14 were named National AP Scholars, receiving an average score of at least 4 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more exams. Also earning AP Scholar recognition were: Adam Caulfield ’15, Jason Conti ’14, Benson Cook ’15, Cody Denham ’14, Frank Duan ’14, Oliver Fleischmann ’14, Emily Friedman ’15, Meera Gandhi ’15, Susannah Halligan ’15, Amira Hannon ’14, Emma Heberton ’14, David Kwart ’14, Zihan Ling ’15, Jiaxuan Liu ’14, Trevor Long ’15, Christopher Malafronti ’14, Emily Malafronti ’14, Radhika Malhotra ’14, Erica McGaurn ’14, Chase Rapine ’15, Nathaniel Reynolds ’14, Mackenzie Scarlett ’14, Trevor Schlack ’15, Samantha Stevenson ’15, Anton Vasilyev ’14, Xiaoxi Wang ’15, and Catherine Wozniak ’14. The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program offers students the opportunity to take challenging college–level courses while still in high school and to receive college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on AP Exams.

academics

Academics For the third year running, Sanford’s middle school literary magazine Meta4 has achieved a rating of “Excellent” from the National Council of Teachers of English’s Program to Recognize Excellence in Student Literary Magazines (PRESLM). Meta4 was one of only

two magazines to be recognized in the entire state of Delaware. Four of the five student editors are current Sanford freshmen: Lily Allingham, Elizabeth Vander Laan, Shelby Ward, and Lily Wiesnegger. Longtime Sanford English teacher Christine Yasik, who is now retired, served as faculty editor last year.

Matthew Lupton, Chester Burnett, and Jake Freeman declare their victory as their proud parents look on.

On December 15th, a team of students in Sanford’s Intro to Business class won the high school division of the University of Delaware’s chapter of the Stock Market Game (SMG). The game, which ran from October 6th to December 12th, is designed to introduce students in grades 4–12 to the global economy and the world of finance and investing. The University of Delaware’s Center for Economic Education and Entrepreneurship honored winners for their accomplishments during a ceremony in early March.

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FALL & WINTER HIGHLIGHTS

Sanford . Spring 2015

Fall & Winter Highlights

arts Nine Sanford singers were selected for the 2015 Delaware All-State Junior and Senior Choruses. Lily Allingham, Fiona Jicha, and Emma Ziesing sang in the Senior Women’s Chorus, and Sarah Boone, Benson Cook, and Thomas Gluodenis joined the Senior Mixed Chorus. Greg Fleming, Christopher Keiser, and Misha Teixido participated in the Junior Chorus for younger singers. All students performed in concerts on February 7th.

Arts

Guest Speakers

On Friday, January 9th, world-renowned conductor and early music specialist Dr. Andrew Megill (left) rehearsed and conducted the upper school choirs of Sanford, Tower Hill, and Wilmington Friends schools in the first allday Independent Schools Choral Workshop hosted by Tower Hill School. During the workshop, students

Sanford parent Justin Mayer visited our Lower School on November 11th.

sang in rehearsals with the clinician and gained insight into one of the major choral/ orchestral works of the classical repertory, the Vivaldi Gloria. This was an exciting and rare opportunity for the students participating in the Choral Workshop to learn, work, and sing for one of the preeminent conductors of our time.

During a presentation in the Hammonds Library, Mr. Mayer spoke to kindergartners about Veterans’ Day.

DuPont executive and Sanford parent Dr. Irene Legiec (above) delivered two on-campus presentations.

In the first, she spoke about careers in engineering to our 7th and 8thgrade students. During the second presentation, Dr. Legiec shared the strengths of STEM careers and encouraged our female Upper School students to be passionate about the career paths they choose.

Head of School Mark Anderson’s Art of Leadership class welcomed guest speakers from a wide range of professions and disciplines.

Sanford leaders, including trustees Bill Lafferty and Stan Sykora and Front & Center Honorary Chairperson Ric Struthers, shared their insights with Mr. Anderson’s class of juniors and seniors.

Other leaders who met with the class: Delaware Governor Jack Markell, retired General Scott Chambers, Delaware Assistant Attorney General Patty Lewis, Delaware Opera Director Brendan Cooke, and Delaware Symphony Orchestra Music Director David Amado.

FALL & WINTER HIGHLIGHTS

19

Leadership

Sustainability

On Saturday, November 22nd, seven Sanford students joined more than 200 of their peers at the 8th annual Students in Action Leadership Conference, sponsored by the Jefferson Awards for Student Service.

Two new rain barrels—which collect rainwater as a form of water conservation—were installed on campus.

The conference, held at the University of Delaware, was the culmination of a semester-long partnership among the Jefferson Awards, UD’s major in Organizational and Community Leadership, and the Lead 490 Capstone Class.

The 23 members of the Lead 490 class, led by Associate Professor Karen Stein, designed, planned, and facilitated the conference.

The first, at Sanford Hall, is intended to be used as an extra water source for the garden and plants around Sanford Hall. The second, at the Lower School building, will supplement science curriculum about the water cycle by giving students a visual, hands-on learning aid.

Faculty On Friday, October 10th, a group of Sanford teachers and administrators attended the inaugural Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS) conference at The Episcopal Academy in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. Head

On October 3rd, Middle School math teacher and soccer coach Bruce Pill was inducted into the athletic “Hall of Honor” at his alma mater, Gordon College. In Bruce’s four years at Gordon, a liberal arts college in Massachusetts, the men’s soccer team earned a 49–13–9 overall record. Thanks in large part to the efforts of Bruce, a star defender, the team earned the nickname “the no-goal patrol.”

Jackie Pitts ’55 was the recipient of a lifetime achievement award from the U.S. Lacrosse Foundation. Jackie was honored with other recipients during a ceremony in Baltimore on January 24th.

faculty

Above: Lower School science students were eager to learn about the rain barrels.

sustainability

of School Mark Anderson sits on the board of PAIS, and Sanford faculty members shared their professional expertise as presenters and facilitators.

Left: Emily Sherrier and Camille Decker enthusiastically work in the Middle School Garden.

Below: Kevin Needham and Pat Martin demonstrate that this is truly a “hands on” project.

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FALL & WINTER HIGHLIGHTS

Sanford . Spring 2015

Fall & Winter Highlights Community Service On Thursday, September 18th, 14 Sanford students lent their voices to a celebration of a very exciting moment for Delaware: the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children’s latest expansion. The Sanford singers joined a youth choir of about 70 students in a rendition of Michael Jackson’s Heal the World. Sanford Music Department Chair Clint Williams served as the musical director for the event.

In honor of former Head of School Chip MacKelcan, Sanford hosted this year’s Delaware Pancakes for Parkinson’s event at the Sports Center on Saturday, September 20th. The fundraiser— benefiting the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) and organized by Delaware Team Fox—provided all-you-can-eat pancakes for $10 per person, and also featured a silent auction.

Nearly 850 people attended the event.

Sanford students’ smiles are as bright as their orange T-shirts, and they happily gave up a Saturday to support this worthy cause.

FALL & WINTER HIGHLIGHTS

21

Members of Sanford’s Jefferson Committee for community service organized a campus “Run for the Heart” 5K on October 25th, to benefit the American Heart Association. About 50 teachers, students, and parents ran or walked along the hilly, wooded route, raising $1000 for the charity. Primarily organized by the students, the race also received support from Coach Jim Fischer, Sanford administrators, and the Buildings & Grounds team.

Above: Upper School students Luke McDonough, Emily Friedman, and Kyle McDonough supported the event.

community service On November 13th, a group of Upper School students, led by Kimmie Riordan, Tre Armstrong, Haris Nashed, and Ryan Friedman, hosted a dodgeball tournament to benefit the B+ Foundation, which helps to fight childhood cancer.

Over 100 students, faculty, and board members took over the Sports Center to throw, duck, and dodge their way through the double elimination contest. By the time the team “The Trillionaires” had come out on top, the group had raised more than $600 for the foundation.

Above: Haris Nashed, Kimmie Riordan, Ryan Friedman, and Tre Armstrong coordinated the fundraising event; Competitors greet one another following the competition.

Right: Event organizers pose with members of the Sanford Trustee team who were decked out in B+ T-shirts.

From far left: Run participants and volunteers included (from far left) Middle School student Ellie Zimmer and Sanford parent Christina Russell; Upper School students Alina Caulfield, Garrett Jester, and Caroline Cook; and Michele Fidance from the Jefferson Awards Foundation and Upper School Counselor and Lauren Ziady.

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FALL & WINTER HIGHLIGHTS

Sanford . Spring 2015

Fall & Winter Highlights Events In celebration of Middle School/Upper School Grandparents’ Day, more than 150 grandparents visited a sun-drenched Sanford campus on Thursday, October 23rd.

Head of School Mark Anderson welcomed the grandparents, who visited classes with their grandchildren and were treated to musical performances on the quad and a display of student artwork in Stephen May Commons. Middle School grandparents enjoyed a performance of the 6th-grade band and attended the annual 5th-grade Wax Museum. After school hours, the relatives could choose to attend sports games and scrimmages all over campus.

Above: Three generations of the DiUbaldo family gather on the Sanford campus.

Marilyn Dyson joins grandson Preston Brown for the festivities.

Clockwise from left: Grandparents’ Day students and guests included Samantha Isom and Sharon Clendaniel; Howard and Brenda Stike and Philip and Marion Donahue; Martin Hunt (center), Virginia Hunt, and Cees Wit.

On Thursday, October 23rd, Sanford’s Annual Fund committee hosted a reception for 60 of the school’s leading donors, as well as several of our committed volunteers, at Arunchala. After welcoming guests to his home, Head of School Mark Anderson thanked donors for their generosity and shared some of the many exciting things currently happening at Sanford. One hundred percent of Sanford board members, faculty, and staff donated to the 2013–2014 Annual Fund—and that goal has already been met for this year’s campaign. Seventy-eight percent of Sanford parents also generously donated. The 2013–2014 fund raised $446,940, a five percent increase over the previous year.

Catherine and Bob Kaser and Kyle DiPietro and Ted Dwyer were among the leadership donors and volunteers honored at the gathering.

FALL & WINTER HIGHLIGHTS

23

events

STEM During a signing ceremony on Wednesday, November 12th, senior Kelsey Mendell committed to play field hockey next year at Providence College in Rhode Island. Kelsey signed her National Letter of Intent at the Sanford Sports Center, as her family, teammates, and faculty looked on.

The Sanford community came together for our annual Caroling in the Quad celebration. Highlights of the event included our

The members of the Sanford Punkin Chunkin Team—and their pumpkin-slinging machine—took first place in the “Youth Long Arm Trebuchet” division at this year’s Last Fling Pumpkin Sling in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. Upper School Math Instructor and team advisor Ensign Simmons, along with team advisors and Upper School faculty members Jamy Moreno and Laura Stefanik, prepared the group for the competition, held at Pocono Raceway from October 17th to 19th.

Vocal Ensemble leading everyone in song, and community members donating hats and mittens for children served by an area day care center.

Sanford community members share the joy of the season with each other, as well as with those in need.

On October 25th, Sanford seniors Samantha Stevenson and Rebecca Goodier led the MOE (Miracle of Engineering) 365 Robotics team to a first-place finish at the annual girlPOWER competition at Mt. Saint Joseph’s Academy. Sixteen teams from the midAtlantic region competed in the event, which required all members of the robot’s “drive team” to be female. The “EliMOEnator,” MOE’s 2014 robot, is designed to compete against other robots in a series of games in which the robots pick balls up off the floor and catapult them into the air.

STEM

24

CONNECTING WITH OUR COMMUNITY

Sanford . Spring 2015

Connecting with Our Community Sanford has always put students “Front & Center.” Those associated with the school know firsthand that

is as true today as it was when the school was founded 85 years ago. Therefore, our current campaign for campus improvements is aptly named Front & Center! Sanford’s first capital campaign in over a dozen years has raised nearly $5 million of its $7 million goal!

For many years, Sanford has needed a new home for performing arts and a facility where all students can gather. That need is being met with the construction of the Geipel Center for the Performing Arts.

Construction is well underway, despite this winter’s weather. The 425-seat theater, complete with classrooms and practice rooms, will house choral, instrumental and SRTC programs. A dance studio is even planned. By this fall, our students and their families will enjoy wonderful spaces and state-of-the-art sound and lighting.

From left to right: The transformation of what was once Extended Day space continues; Excavation work began last summer; Construction workers begin creating the new orchestra pit.

rebuilding

We are This winter, pipes burst in our Upper and Lower School libraries, causing extensive damage. While

unfortunate, these incidents only served to speed up the next stages of improvements for our campus facilities! By next fall we will also have a new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Lab in Pirnie, as well as a new home for our communications and technology support programs.

The Irene S. du Pont Library will be renovated to provide a new, more modern space for our older students to study, collaborate, and relax.

After these projects are completed, we will turn our efforts to Quigley.

Once a dormitory, this historic building will be remodeled to house college counseling and student collaboration spaces. The Dining Hall also will be updated. All of these upgrades will be an investment in the future of Sanford.

Industrial equipment was required to remove the water from both libraries.

We need your support to make these plans a reality. We believe in the Sanford community enough to have already broken ground on the Geipel Center for the Performing Arts, and to have scheduled the completion of the STEM labs and du Pont Library this summer. To date, we have raised 70% of our $7 million goal through the generosity of foundations, parents, and those who care about the future of Sanford.

Above: Falling ceiling tiles and additional damage led to major renovations in Lower School.

Please consider a gift. For more information, contact Janice Payne, Director of Development at 302.235.6511 or paynej@sanfordschool.org.

Left: Burst pipes leave the du Pont Library’s lower level a soggy, unusable mess.

In advance, thank you for helping to keep Sanford students Front & Center.

CONNECTING WITH OUR COMMUNITY

25

did you know

Annual Fund

Our Remains Important During this time of numerous changes on campus, the Annual Fund continues to be integral to the operation of Sanford! The Annual Fund enables us to enhance our program, creating a classroom experience that is rich with inspiration, encouragement and possibility. Gifts benefit all curricular and extracurricular programs.

Alumni can use the Fund as an opportunity to assure current students have the same challenges and sense of community that gave our graduates a strong foundation. It is a chance to honor a classmate or teacher who made your time at Sanford impactful.

We are 75% of the way to our $450,000 goal. The last $120,000 will be challenging! We need the support of everyone who cares about Sanford to make a gift if we are to meet our goal. To date, 100% of our faculty and board members have made a gift. Both groups exceeded the previous year’s giving in an effort to ensure we reach our goal. But that is not enough. We still need you!

You may give using the enclosed envelope or give online at www.sanfordschool.org.

Questions may be directed to Janice Payne, Director of Development at 302.235.6511 or paynej@sanfordschool.org.

home & school

Gifting appreciated stock can be financially advantageous to you and Sanford. Donating stock that has been owned by the donor for over one year, instead of cash, can greatly benefit both parties. If the value of the stock has increased from the time of purchase, you can avoid paying the capital gains tax by donating the security to the school. A stock donation is valued for the donor at the current market value of the security, rather than the value at the time of purchase. A win for all!

To donate securities or to discuss other gifting options, you or your broker may contact Janice Payne at 302.235.6511 or paynej@sanfordschool.org for instructions.

Continues to Build a Sense of Community

T

he Home & School Association continues to create an atmosphere of fun and support within the Sanford community. From the Fall Social that kicks off the school year to April’s Annual Auction, there are plenty of opportunities for parents to socialize.

Introduced this year were monthly Sip ‘n Chats, morning coffee hours for parents to enjoy one another in a casual format.

Also being organized is a New Family Mentoring program. Current parents will adopt a new family, serving as a resource as new students and parents settle in at Sanford.

Bi-monthly Home & School meetings have been highlighted by presentations about various facets of the school’s curriculum and support programs. From STEM to counseling, teachers and administrators have shared what makes Sanford’s programs unique. A highlight of the year has been the collaboration with other local independent schools to host a presentation by Adam Grant, author of Give and Take. The Wharton professor spoke about positive leadership traits.

Proceeds from this year’s auction are earmarked for supporting STEM activities. The funds raised also help underwrite student activities, including field day, after-prom and Class Day. The school year will culminate when Home & School volunteers host a Teacher Appreciation Luncheon, honoring the hard work of both faculty and staff.

Thank you to all the Home & School volunteers for their efforts to make Sanford a welcoming community for our families, students, and parents!

Home & School officers (left to right) Judi Weinstein, Immediate Past President; Kate Rosenthal, President Elect; Kyle DiPietro, President; Jill Grant, Treasurer; Nicole Swann, Secretary.

Far right: 2014–2015 Home & School Class Representatives

SPOTLIGHT ON ATHLETICS

Sanford . Spring 2015

Spotlight on ATHLETICS

volleyball

26

“With each passing year, the Sanford volleyball program grows to be more passionate and competitive among the DISC. This season presented intense competition along with several injuries and lineup changes, but our versatile players showed they had the skill and determination to fight their way through obstacles as a team. We are looking forward to see what the 2015 season brings!”

–Coach Kelley Gricol

SPOTLIGHT ON ATHLETICS

“The team came together as a unit, battling through many injuries, and had a magical season in which all of our goals were achieved.”

soccer –Coach John Donecker

cross country

“We continued to develop and improve during the 2014 season. Our team members had established goals, many of which were realized.

The improvement of fitness was dramatic for a number of our runners. I’m proud of these student-athletes who grew in technique, stamina, strength, training knowledge, racing strategy, and commitment.”

–Coach Jim Fischer

27

28

SPOTLIGHT ON ATHLETICS

Sanford . Spring 2015

field hockey

Spotlight on ATHLETICS “Character, commitment, and confidence propelled the 2014 field hockey team to an 11–4 record and a first round state tournament appearance.

Each team member was determined to learn, improve, and develop her individual skills. These attributes, combined with the team’s “X” factors, mental fortitude and grit, produced a highly competitive team that finished 2nd in the independent conference.

Sanford hockey was exciting to watch and our fans appreciated this team’s determined play!”

–Coach Anne Brooking

2014 FALL HONORS VOLLEYBALL 1St Team All-Conference: Patty Swanson, Anneli Wingertz 2nd Team All-Conference: Brianna Wolfle HM All-Conference: Emily Bates All-State Honorable Mention: Patty Swanson Senior All-Star Game: Anneli Wingertz, Bria Manlove, Rachael Straightiff

SOCCER 1st Team All-Conference: Joey Basciani, Max Curschmann, Chase Humphreys 2nd Team All-Conference: Jake Emanuel, Erik Lundberg HM All-Conference: Henry Naylor, Vincent Leo All-State 2nd Team All-Rep: Joey Basciani All-State 3rd Team All-Rep: Max Curschmann Senior All-Star Game: Joey Basciani, Chase Humphreys

FIELD HOCKEY 1st Team All-Conference: Carter Ayars, Kelsey Mendell, Ana Sarmousakis, McKenzie Frederick 2nd Team All-Conference: Kendal Trickey, Alexandra Somerville HM All-Conference: Lindsay Colgan All-State 1st Team: Carter Ayars All-State Honorable Mention: Kelsey Mendell Senior All-Star Game: Kelsey Mendell

CROSS COUNTRY N5CTA Team MVP’s: Zoe LaMonte and Benson Cook DIAA Division 2 State Championships: Boys finished 8th, Girls finished 12th

FALL SPORTSMANSHIP AWARDS Soccer: Justin McLellan (Upper School), Jack Leo (Middle School) Field Hockey: Alex Somerville (Upper School), Hannah Bescript (Middle School) Volleyball: Katie Correll (Upper School), Grace Johnston (Middle School) Cross Country: Alina Caulfield, Trevor Schlack (Upper School), Jack Flairty (Middle School)

Photography by Ted Rosenthal

ALUMNI NOTES

29

Sanford Alumni Notes Sanford Alumni Notes Gwinnette Jones Paden ’38 has been a marvelous source of Sunny Hills History. She is living in Lodi, California and is healthy and very sharp intellectually. When asked a name of a graduate, without hesitation she gives the full name and home address for students at Sanford in 1938.

But be careful...if you ask about the tennis courts she is not talking about the courts by our Sports Center, nor the ones by our school exit onto Lancaster Pike. She is talking about the original clay courts, the area which is now occupied

by Albright Hall.

Peter Jennings ’67, is the “on-site” chairman for the May 9th North Carolina Reunion. He has scoured the Winston-Salem area for an appropriate reunion site and arrived at The Historic (1837) Brookstown Inn, which is within walking distance of Old Salem. Thank you Peter!

I am writing with a bit of news that my fellow alumni and former teachers might appreciate. My name is Sean Quimby, Class of ’91.

In September, my family and I moved to New York City. I am the Director of Columbia University’s Rare Book and Manuscript Library.

I am responsible for collecting and preserving rare books, manuscripts, and other materials that document history. The collection at Columbia includes papyri from the third century BCE, medieval illuminated manuscripts, and early printed works, including Shakespeare folios, as well as the personal archives of Tennessee Williams, Allan Ginsberg, William Burroughs and others. I moved to Columbia from Syracuse University, where I held a similar position for the past eight years.

It’s a great job. I get to meet all sorts of interesting people—and I credit Sanford with giving me the broad educational foundation required to do it.

Mother Sawin’s

Wish Comes True One evening in the late 1950s Ellen Quigley Sawin lamented, “I really wish more of our alumni would return to Sunny Hills, as they bring forth the spirit of our school from years past.” The talented alums listed below are bringing forth and contributing not only their talents but also Sanford Heritage— 52 years after Mother Sawin’s death.

Congratulations to the following alumni who are currently fulfilling Mother Sawin’s Wish!

MORGAN AYARS ’09–Soccer JEANETTE BOND ’10–Tennis Coach CHRISTINA COCHRAN ’03–US English/History IAN CRUZ ’13–Baseball Coach MADDY GONDEK ’13–Music Instructor LOGAN HERRING ’00–Soccer/Basketball JAIME LAREAU MORGAN ’02 Director of Admission & Financial Aid JEN NIGHTENGALE ’82–MS Technology J.T. PEMBROKE ’09–Extended Day JACKIE PITTS ’55–Alumni Relations PATTI (DAVIS) REYNOLDS ’74–Pre-K Teacher AMADA RUFO ’05–MS English/History JOHN SAVAGE ’87–MS Basketball MARCUS THOMPSON ’85–Girls’ Basketball Coach LIZ (SARAH SMALL) WATSON ’85 Assistant to Head of Lower School CLIFTON WISE ’84 Girls’ Basketball Coach & Board of Trustees

Class of 2005 class members (left to right) Jen Samonisky, Mary Pizzala, and Ali Crouse connected in Washington, DC recently to celebrate the birthday of Boomer Facciolo ’05.

Thank you to these alumni and the many others who have served Sanford, post graduation. If we neglected to include you in our list, please let us know how you’re supporting Sanford by sending an email to: alumni@sanfordschool.org.

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ALUMNI NOTES

Sanford.Spring 2015

Sanford Alumni Notes Sanford Alumni Notes Gavin Lotz Kaiser ’05, P.E., a civil engineer for the US Army Corps of Engineers, passed his professional engineer exam. Qualifications to take the exam include graduating from an accredited college engineering program, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, and working in the field for at least four years under a professional engineer. Congrats on passing the 8-hour exam!

Kevin Walpole ’09 married Jen Van Wingerden on July 25, 2014 (below). Kevin is currently in his second year at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, completing an undergraduate fellowship in osteopathic manipulative medicine.

Taylor Denham ’12 is now a third-year student at the University of Virginia. She is majoring in sociology and preparing to attend a physician assistant program upon graduation. In her free time, Taylor enjoys volunteering at Martha Jefferson Hospital and the UVA athletic training department as well as attending the Virginia basketball games.

She is a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority where she served as a Panhellenic Counselor for Formal Recruitment in 2015. In May, Taylor will travel to Belize with International Service Learning to work in medical clinics there.

Cody Denham ’14 is a freshman at the University of Delaware in the Lerner College of Business

and Economics. He has also been selected to participate on the club baseball team at the University of Delaware.

Janet Smith, a former member of Sanford’s Physical Education/ Athletic Department and coach, is now retired from the University of Delaware. In her newly found time she can usually be found on the sidelines at Sanford’s field hockey and lacrosse matches, both at home and away.

Mark Your

Calendar!

Beatrice Cope, former chairman of Sanford’s English department, frequents our campus for a quick drive with a bundle of joy (thirdgrade grandson Jeremy Rasemas ’24) in the backseat. Bea’s daughter, and Jeremy’s mother, is Cynthia Cope Rasemas ’77.

Plan now to join us for Homecoming 2015! We are planning a weekend of fun and festivities on September 25 and 26. It is a reunion year for classes ending in 5 and 0! If you are interested in helping to plan your reunion, reach out to the Development Office at development@ sanfordschool.org.

Submitting Alumni Notes: ALUMNI NOTES, SANFORD SCHOOL P.O. Box 888, Hockessin, DE 19707-0888 or email: alumni@sanfordschool.org

IN MEMORIAM

31

In Memoriam We extend our deepest sympathy to families and friends of these members of the Sanford community.

Joseph “Joey” Robert Francisco, Jr.—September 21, 1978–March 1, 2014—Joseph Robert Francisco, Jr., age 35, of Wilmington, DE passed away on Saturday, March 1, 2014. Born in Wilmington, Delaware on September 21, 1978, Joey was the son of Joseph R. Francisco, Sr. and Doreen M. Stegura Ciaffi. He was a member of Sanford School’s graduating class of 1997. Most recently, Joey was employed as a shop assistant for Cassidy Painting.

The Evergreen Society Claire B. Olsen 1923–2015 Mrs. Claire B. Olsen will be sadly missed by all who knew her at Sanford School. She was an outstanding teacher of chemistry and physics in the 1960s and 1970s. She was very intelligent, low key, kind, and patient. Her teaching style was calm, thorough, and inspiring. T Mrs. Olsen could be described as “the lady who never stopped giving.” She became Head of the Science Department and then a member of Sanford’s Board of Trustees. A few years later she became Sanford’s only female board president. A generous donor, Mrs. Olsen was honored as an Alumni Award Winner, and became a member of the school’s Evergreen Society by including Sanford in her will. As summarized by a DuPont Company biologist, Martina Cajnar Crompton ’74: “Mrs. Olsen genuinely loved our school and had a great dedication to Sanford School.” U Below are a few of many students who shared how Mrs. Olsen impacted their lives. She felt a deep responsibility to all students and ignited the love of science for many.

Allen Willey, Class of 1965

Stephen Rose, Class of 1969

“Claire Olsen was one of my favorite teachers at Sanford.

Or should I say mentors. When your class sizes are 6 to 10 students, there becomes more of an intimate relationship like a parent wanting your success. She was always a very serious teacher. She interested me in the microscope, and I used it in several experiments that later became my science project. In my senior year she encouraged me to enter a project in the Delaware State Science Fair, and I won the second prize. What a surprise with all the statewide competition! Claire always made chemistry and physics interesting for young, inquisitive minds and was challenging and encouraging in her teaching methodology. She is surely missed by the Sanford community whose lives she touched and inspired, long before we knew how she made a difference. At least one of our class members became a physician because of Claire, I am sure!”

“Thank you for the opportunity to say something about Dr. Olsen. She was truly an inspiration for me and led me to the path of my future. While taking chemistry with Dr. Olsen I came to understand what it really meant to be a scientist: how to approach a question, how to think through how to answer it, what to do when an experiment did not work, and how to apply the scientific method. Dr. Olsen was a true inspiration. She really enjoyed teaching and spending the time to instruct; she did not just write something on the board and then ignore the fact everyone did not understand. She took the time and energy, even if it meant staying late, to help me (and/ or others) when we just couldn’t wrap our heads around what she was teaching.

Allen Willey ’65 had a highly successful career in the automotive business, working with Volkswagen of America and Chrysler. He is now working at RVP Primerica Financial Services in Retirement Preparation and Planning.

In my career as a scientist, I often think back to Sanford and Dr. Olsen; and, when teaching, I try to have the same understanding of how science is working to eradicate these diseases and provide help. This is what Dr. Olsen taught me... always keep learning, always be there with the inquisitive mind, and there is never a dumb question.”

Stephen Rose ’89 has held a variety of positions at The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the University of New Mexico. continued to page 32

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IN MEMORIAM

The Evergreen Society

Sanford . Spring 2015

continued from page 31

Andi Martin, Class of 1971

Ira Pitel, Class of 1968

“Mrs. Olsen was my chemistry teacher. At the time I took chemistry with her I did not know I would end up being a chemist. I went off to college to study biology and changed my major early on to chemistry. After graduate school and postdoc work at Columbia University, I was hired by Hercules (now Ashland) where I spent 18 years. I then started a second career as a chemistry professor. What I remember most about Mrs. Olsen was her calm demeanor in the classroom.

Looking back on it, I did not realize the potential for all sorts of mishaps with unruly teenagers in the chem lab, but she maintained authority in a very low-key way while making chemistry fun. I hope I do the same in my classroom! I feel very fortunate to have had Mrs. Olsen as an influence, and I remember her fondly.”

“Mrs. Olsen was my physics teacher at Sanford School and she was one of two teachers who had an instrumental impact on my life and career. We probably all know the other teacher is Jackie Pitts, but today the message is for Claire Olsen.

Maureen Reardon, Class of 1968 “As a ‘non-science’ student, I had dreaded taking chemistry in my senior year. The only redeeming thought was that I had heard that Mrs. Olsen was a great teacher. When chemistry classes began, immediately I was impressed with how Mrs. Olsen encouraged and taught us based on our individual abilities. She was definitely dedicated to teaching all of us. Because of Mrs. Olsen’s knowledge, patience and teaching ability, by the end of the school year, I had learned much more chemistry than I ever dreamed.”

I was a boarding student and admittedly a relatively poor student entering Sanford in my junior year. Sanford recognized my learning patterns did not quite fit the mold and pulled me out of most of my classes in my senior year. Mrs. Olsen agreed to be my advanced physics teacher, and I was her only student taking the course. She selected a college textbook and once a week she gave me her time for one-on-one dedicated instruction. While her hope was for me to pass the advanced placement physics test, she gave me something much more— confidence that I could do the work and grow beyond my own expectations. As time passed, I did learn to become a better student, but what Mrs. Olsen gave me far exceeded the contents of that physics course.

As for the seed that Mrs. Olsen planted, I completed my education with a Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University.

For the past 35 years, I have been president of Magna-Power Electronics, a vertically integrated manufacturing company based in Flemington, New Jersey. We produce programmable power supplies used in industrial facilities, national laboratories, and research universities.”

The school motto, No talent Lies Latent, was realized with the dedication of Claire Olsen, committed to teaching a student how to reach his dream.

WHAT’S NEW WITH YOU? Send us your news about your job, travels, weddings, births, schooling, visits with friends, etc., for the next issue of SANFORD magazine. You may also use this form for any name or address changes. Please print the information below, then cut out the form, and mail it to Sanford School, 6900 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707 Name:

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Sanford Sailing Club

The Sanford Sailing Club fared well in competition this year at the Corinthian Yacht Club of Philadelphia. In the photo below, Sebastian “Bass” Conde and Rebecca Harrison were two of the students whose energy and dedication propelled Sanford’s club team to success.

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID WILMINGTON, DE PERMIT NO. 1713

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HAVE YOU RESERVED YOUR BRICK OR SEAT FOR OUR

FRONT& CENTER CAMPAIGN?

The future is being built right now at Sanford and we need every member of the Sanford community to step up and make it happen. We invite you to become a permanent part of the Geipel Center by purchasing a personalized seat in the new auditorium or an engraved brick for the new walkway.

Brick and seat sponsorships are meaningful and lasting ways to honor a new graduate, alumnus, teacher, or family member. In addition, your purchase helps to provide a richer learning experience for current and future Sanford students.

For more information, visit www.sanfordschool.org/front&center.