CLASS NOTES

’80

David J. Bloom is the Resident Director & Wealth Management Advisor for Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and he manages the Media office. David says, “After twenty years of serving on nonprofit boards focused on improving educational outcomes for students, I have turned my philanthropic attention to teaching financial literacy to high school students. I’ve always had immense respect for teachers and getting up in front of the classroom myself has been a wonderful experience.”

’81

Eric Knight recently wrapped up a successful 4-year term as Commander (president) of the Wheelmen antique bicycle club in 2022. His fourth article in Silent Sports Magazine on learning to ride a High Wheeler was published in May 2023. Eric is nearing completion of the renovation of a house in Philadelphia. Thinking back how Benchmark influenced his life, Eric says, “In my day, we did morning journal writing. That experience helped me develop a love of writing as an avenue for expressing my thoughts. Time and experience have changed my style and the quality of my writing, but what I do now stands on the foundation of my Benchmark education.”

’85

Andrew (Drew) Samuelsen is a 7th grade language arts teacher in the Hanover Public School District. He recently authored the YA thriller Restart, released through an indie BIPOC publisher called Cosby Media Production. Drew promoted Restart by speaking in local schools at the time of the book’s release, and he has another book, a conspiracy thriller, coming out this year. Drew says about Benchmark, “I absolutely loved the emphasis on reading as many books as possible, and going to the library was very nearly a magical experience to me, especially when the rain pitterpattered on the glass roof while I searched for books.”

’91

Larry Besa recently launched a new venture and is the President of Main Line Home Concierge. The business, which kicked off in October 2022, manages home maintenance with a team of professionals. Larry says, “Benchmark made alasting impression on who I am today. From how I learn, how I apply those learnings to my everyday life, all the way

’01

Eric Mack and Lauren Campbell were married this April at the Clock Tower in Palm Beach, FL. The couple asked Kristina Reisinger, Lauren’s sister and Eric’s former teacher, to officiate the ceremony in the presence of their immediate families. The newlyweds plan to celebrate with a larger event this September at their home in Villanova.

to the confidence that I have in myself, Benchmark provided me with so many important skills and values that have helped to shape my successes.”

’93

Melissa Torpie is working as a realtor with Elfant Wissahickon Realtors in Philadelphia focusing on Northwest Philadelphia, Center City, and the surrounding neighborhoods. She and her husband have been rebuilding a home in West Mt. Airy and are building a 17-unit apartment building in Northern Liberties. She has a 14-year-old son named Connor who is entering 9th grade at Germantown Friends School. Melissa says, “From the very start of summer camp and the first week of 3rd grade until my 8th grade graduation, I knew I belonged in the Benchmark environment and thrived.”

’03

Levi A. Tucker II is working as a Student Success Coordinator at West Chester University, where he engages in advising, degree progress tracking, academic mentoring, retention support, and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Levi says, “At work I am involved with and lead on a few committees. We are in the onset of an initiative called Moonshot for Equity where we are looking to identify and eradicate any obstructions within all of our policy areas which have shown to negatively impact the academic success of our Black students. I work with the Transfer Pathways subcommittee where our focus is centered around Black transfer students. This work is near and dear to me because with it we have the power to unlock possibilities for positive change at the University and in the communities that each of the students come from. I’ve seen evidence that academic success leads to professional and personal success.” Levi’s family has grown in the last year, with he, his wife, and his son Mansa welcoming a baby daughter Luka in June 2022.

’05

Coleman J. (C.J.) Walsh III and his spouse Jordan welcomed a baby, Coleman Joseph Walsh IV on May 21, 2022.

’06

Stephen Chase and Greg Langan tied the knot aboard the Moshulu in Philadelphia in October 2022. Stephen is the current chair of Benchmark’s Alumni Association. Stephen works in investments, helping manage Drexel University’s endowments. Greg is a professor at The College of New Jersey and a Director at Jefferson Health. They happily reside in Cherry Hill, NJ, with their beloved dog, Rex, while renovating their midcentury modern home.

’08

Luca A. Dragani recently bought his first house, adopted a rescue dog, and got promoted. He has been restoring his historic home and garden, which has led to learning new skills he enjoys, such as plastering. Luca works as a Senior Data Solution Analyst at Comcast Global Audit.

’12

Mary Kate Grubbs is attending the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, and has conducted equine cardiovascular research at the New Bolton Center in Kennett Square. Reflecting on her time at Benchmark, Mary Kate says, “My education is something I take great pride in, and looking back it all starts at Benchmark. Benchmark equipped me with the tools to be successful in my academic career and beyond.”

Nicholas J. Rechtiene works for Ryder as the sales manager of the Cincinnati location. Nicholas has the distinction of being the youngest sales manager in company history. In his first year in the role, his location was able to generate over $8 million in sales, more than doubling the two previous years. Outside of work, he enjoys weekends on the lake and Alabama (his alma mater) football. Nicholas says, “When looking back at my time at Benchmark what really sticks out to me are the people. There were several staff members that played a large role in my time at Benchmark most notable being Mr. McCorkell and Ms. Wonderland. I owe a great deal of gratitude to them and everyone else that helped me develop and grow.”

Daniel Kurtz just graduated from University of Rochester and is applying to medical school.

’13

Theodore J. (TJ) Fallon works at TE Connectivity as a Manufacturing Process Development Engineer in the Aerospace, Defense, and Marine division. TJ began at TE after graduating from Rochester Institute of Technology, and he is on a rotational track, shifting locations every six months. He is focused primarily on integrating control systems in the various plants.

Joseph Gallo works in transmission specialties, specifically focusing on warehouse worker shipping and receiving. He worked for a time at Ferrari PHL then left to go back to the warehouse business.

Joseph has particularly fond memories of Benchmark Camp.

Alexa Green is a Social Media Producer for Good Morning Football and works for NFL Films. After she graduated from Xavier University of Louisiana, she moved abroad to England and traveled through Europe and freelanced as a content creator. She says, “I had the opportunity to collaborate with a lot of cool brands while also making videos about my travels and even be featured in some local publications in different countries.” About Benchmark, Alexa says, “The tools that I received not only helped me become a better student, but also helped me become a better advocate for myself when it comes to my disabilities.”

Dan Santoleri is working as a Project Engineer II at the engineering firm Bastian Solutions. He has been living in Philadelphia for the past five years and in Center City for the last two years. Dan says, “I think if I could push one thing for Benchmark students, it would be not to allow others to put restrictions on their success. If you have a goal, career, or invention, put your mind to it and actually push your boundaries and you’ll be able to accomplish anything.” When Dan was on campus in April to take part in a video in support of our capital campaign, he took a moment to visit with Kristina Reisigner and Eleanor Gensemer.

’14

Michael Robert Jones graduated from Penn State University’s Smeal College of Business in May 2022. Michael works as a Public Sector Consultant for Guidehouse Living in Arlington, VA.

’17

Emma Six works at RejuvePod in Glen Mills as a receptionist and has recently begun offering her own services, providing lash extensions, lash lift and tints, brow tinting, and waxing. Emma received her esthetician license from Venus Beauty Academy. Emma says, “I am engaged in all things beauty. I also like doing all things art in my free time. My favorite form of art is abstract art. I love showing my emotions through my paintings.” Emma reflects, “Before I started at Benchmark I felt lost and as though no one understood me as a person. The teachers at Benchmark truly took the time to understand me and my learning differences. I feel as though I found myself at Benchmark.”

’19

Colin Mount graduated from Ridley High School and Delaware County Technical High School (DCTS), Aston campus in 2023. He won the 2023 Bureau of Career and Technical Education Theme Poster Contest for the PA Department of Education. His poster design was chosen from 82 submissions and will be used for marketing Career and Technical Education materials in all of the technical high schools in Pennsylvania. Colin attended an award ceremony in State College where he received an award from Tanya Garcia, Deputy Secretary of Education for the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Because of winning this award, Colin was chosen to represent

DCTS at monthly school board meetings at the DCIU. Additionally, Colin was a finalist in Cabrini University’s 2022 Art + Effect High School Poster contest. Colin is now studying graphic design at Temple University’s Tyler School of Art.

Ashley Schnyder recently graduated from Sanford School in Delaware, where she initiated a Mini-THON in support of Four Diamonds pediatric cancer research. She led Mini-THONs for two years, and they raised more than $10,000. Ashley says, “Mini-THON was such a rewarding and memorable experience at Benchmark. It truly left me inspired to bring Mini-THON to my school. It was amazing working together as a team all year to fundraise for such a worthy cause.”

In addition to this outstanding project, she was named HOBY Ambassador and was awarded The President’s Volunteer Service Award, Gold level, for completing 281 community service hours; played singles on the varsity tennis team all four years; participated in the school’s musical and plays; and was part of Honor Council and served as Class Secretary. Ashley was also a Poetry Out Loud state finalist, won a Silver Key Award in the Ray Bradbury Science Fiction & Fantasy category for Scholastic Writing & Art and was a member of the World Language Spanish Honor Society. Ashley is attending Elon College this fall and is planning a double major in Journalism and Strategic Communications.

’20

Otto Heckendorn earned the rank of Eagle Scout in May 2023, after 11 years of hard work and fun in Cub and Boy Scouts. His Eagle project was building a new shed for the students of Stratford Friends School (where his brother attends) for their outdoor play equipment. Otto was accepted into a pre-college course at Harvard University during the summer of 2023, where he studied the Weimar Republic. Otto presently attends Haverford High School and plans to study history in college. He comments, “Dr. Mac inspired my love of history! I have taken 3 AP History courses so far. I understood how to take notes for ME so that I could study and show what I know. I also created my own Independent Study course this past fall comparing today with the Medieval Ages through the lens of disease, economics, war, and architecture/art. I had no problem advocating for doing something different that interested me instead of what was just being offered and coming up with a plan on designing my course and how my “mentor” teacher could assess my progress. I don’t see a lot of other people being able to tackle that or having close relationships with teachers.”

’23

Abbey M. Breslin is attending high school at Delaware Valley Friends School. She plays three sports and is also the co-clerk of the service club. After high school, she plans on going to college to help her reach her goal of becoming an interior designer. Abbey says, “I feel very strongly that Benchmark left a really big impact on my life. It helped me learn to work through the struggles I was having in school. Being able to go there really made me a better person and made me realize that it is not a bad thing that I don’t learn the same way other people do and it taught me how to help myself with my ADD. Now in high school, I am able to use some of the ways I was taught to help me in my studies.”