The Benjamin School Buccaneer magazine 2009

the

BUCCANEER

2009

FALL/WINTER • VOLUME VII

The magazine of

FEATURED: New Head of School Up to the Challenge | Alumnus Journey to Capitol Hill

THE BENJAMIN SCHOOL BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Front row (left to right): Robert S. Goldberg (ex-officio), Linda G. Reichel (Secretary), Lynda L. Jacobs, Sheila Waugh, Laurie Scott Kazilionis, and Rory A. Brown.

Second row (left to right): E. Llwyd Ecclestone III ’80, Joseph J. Zaluski, Kenneth R. Kennerly, Miriam Acosta-Castriz, and Nancy Benjamin (Emeritus).

Third row (left to right): Charles Barker, Thomas C. Frankel (Vice-President), Daniel W. Stanton (President), David G. Lambert, John W. Appleby, and Joseph W. O’Connor (Treasurer).

Back row (left to right): Brian K. Waxman ’86, Kenneth F. Kahn, S. Tucker S. Johnson, Harold S. Reed, and Gregory (Skip) Gozzo; (not pictured – J. Gary Burkhead and Mitch Davidson).

2008-2009

the buccaneer 2009

1

Lower/Middle School Campus Upper School Campus

11000 Ellison Wilson Road

4875 Grandiflora Road

North Palm Beach, Florida 33408

Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33418

www.thebenjaminschool.org

In This Issue

THE BENJAMIN SCHOOL Robert S. Goldberg Head of School STAFF OF THE BUCCANEER Editor Kathy Aiello, Ed. D. Director of Publications Contributors: Advancement Office Staff John Haynie Director of Advancement Kathy Aiello, Gloria Boyd, Carol Bruno, Donna Minard, Laraine Montgomery, Jessy Fulford Padon ’01, Rhonda Thomas, Andriana Zachariades Contributing Photographers Moya Studios Chris Oakes Michael Price Photography Photo Submissions Kathy Aiello, Chris Oakes, Jessy Fulford Padon ’01, Rhonda Thomas

2

Campus Features New Head of School Up to the Challenge!

Celebrating Our Campus Trees Senior Leads Biodiesel Project on Campus Strike Up the Benjamin Bands!

Upper School Stages Mock Presidential Debate Middle School Affirms Honor Code with Ceremonial Book Signing Olympic Champion Makes a Splash at Benjamin The Spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr. Lives On

14

Faculty Spotlight Teachers of the Year

16

Academic Accolades Seniors Earn National Merit Distinctions Upper School Announces Class of 2009 Pathfinder Nominees National Honor Society Inducts New Members

18

Giving and Getting Involved Benjamin Benefactors The Annual Fund BASH Highlights Benjamin Parents’ Association Introduces Family Movie Night Community Service

36

Bucs Sports Highlights

38

Welcome Newest Alumni

46

Alumni Focus: Journey to Capitol Hill: Tom Rooney

48

Profile on Alumni: It All Comes Back to Benjamin!

52

Alumni Class Notes

56

Ways to Give

4

10

12

32

46

561.626.3747

561.472.5998

the buccaneer 2009 | campus features

2

New Head of School Up to the Challenge!

During the summer, Robert S. Goldberg took over as head of school and a new chapter at TBS began. His arrival in mid-June brought with it an infusion of goodwill for all of us – students, faculty, and parents. Mr. Goldberg’s many years of experience in fine independent schools provided the lens through which he has been viewing Benjamin. From the caliber of teaching to the academic preparation of our students, to parental commitment and involvement, the new head of school has embraced his new professional home with the very highest regard for what he is finding.

Robert S. Goldberg

“The Benjamin School is one of the best kept secrets in South Florida, and I am thrilled to be here.”

Mr. Goldberg’s signature enthusiasm for school life, and Benjamin, in particular, marks each of his many daily encounters with students of all grades. Mr. Goldberg has been reading to the children in grades Pre-K through 2. He has been hosting breakfast and lunch groups with all upper school students. His happy interactions with our youngest students and their parents at morning drop-off have ushered in a new and refreshing style of leadership. Mr. Goldberg can be seen at just about every event – athletic, musical, theatrical, and academic. Our new head of school has begun a program of morning coffees, where groups of parents are invited to interact with him on school policies and philosophies that impact their children.

Mr. Goldberg has hit the ground running, and we all look forward to the ground he will cover.

After a thorough national search, the Head of School Search Committee of trustees, faculty, administrators, parents, and alumni, recognized Mr. Goldberg as their top candidate after the first rounds. “We were fortunate to have found someone with pre-kindergarten through 12thgrade experience, and knowledge of Florida and our immediate area,” stated Board of Trustees Chairman Daniel W. Stanton.

“The Benjamin School is one of the best kept secrets in South Florida, and I am thrilled to be here,” said Mr. Goldberg, who has spent his career at some of the most prestigious private schools in the nation. “It is a phenomenal institution, and I view it as one of the top schools in the state of Florida, and as a model of excellence for independent schools throughout the country.”

Serving in nearly every capacity from teacher to head of school, Mr. Goldberg is a career educator with decades of experience at independent schools. Having earned his undergraduate degree from Temple University and his master’s from Rutgers University, Mr. Goldberg taught Spanish at Haddonfield Memorial High School and later at the Pingry School, both in New Jersey, before becoming head of the foreign language department at McDonogh School in Baltimore.

challenge

campus features | the buccaneer 2009

3

Kindergarteners welcome Head of School Robert Goldberg.

“I am enjoying becoming a member of this pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade academic community...”

After coming to Florida in the 1990s, Mr. Goldberg headed the upper school at Canterbury School in Ft. Myers, Florida. He joined Pine Crest School in 1999 as academic dean and subsequently became upper school head, assistant head of school, head of school for the Ft. Lauderdale campus, and most recently, the head of school for the Boca Raton campus.

“We will miss Mr. Goldberg’s ebullient good nature, strong leadership, and constant willingness to begin initiatives to improve the school,” said Pine Crest’s President Lourdes M. Cowgill. “He is wonderfully gifted in his work with students, teachers, and parents, all of whom love being around him.

We will miss dearly his charismatic manner, sense of humor, love of children, and acumen as an educator.”

“I am enjoying becoming a member of this pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade academic community, while continuing to learn from and contribute to another extraordinary independent school,” says Mr. Goldberg. “This job marks a milestone in my career, and one I am excited to take on.”

Mr. Goldberg also serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Florida Council of Independent Schools. He and his wife, Rona, grew up in Philadelphia and have two adult sons.

the buccaneer 2009 | campus features

4

Celebrating Our Campus Trees

by Kathleen H. Aiello, Ed. D.

There are over 50 species [of the 400 trees] encompassing the 14-acre Kehl Campus which students and teachers have been identifying.

For all of us familiar with Benjamin School history, we know Marshall and Nancy Benjamin loved trees. Many have heard the stories about how the school’s co-founders built classrooms around the trees on the Kehl Campus. For nearly 50 years, the Benjamin community has walked the winding paths around those trees. However, did you know that there are over 400 trees on the 14 acres which encompass the campus? Of those 400 trees, there are over 50 species which students and teachers have been identifying and marking for future TBS visitors with the help of Dr. George Rogers, chair of the horticulture department at Palm Beach Community College.

Faculty and students began the arduous process of identifying all of the different species of trees on the Kehl Campus.

“A list was generated and each tree was photographed and marked with a blue piece of tape,” explained lower school art teacher Karin Layton, a member of the TBS Sustainability Committee. “Any tree which was not named had a few leaves cut off and was taken to Mounts Botanical Garden for identification.”

Last spring, Zimmerman’s Tree Service donated 30 small coconut palms, which third and fourth graders planted around the perimeter of the parking lot across from the Peltz Building. Those 30 trees will offset about six tons of carbon in a year, which is the same amount of carbon one U.S. citizen uses on average in a year.

All this work to identify the campus’ trees will culminate with a plaque by each arbor engraved with the official Latin name of the species and the common name of the tree.

“These plaques will help teach future generations of students about the trees and their importance in our ecosystem,” said lower school art teacher Ro Sammis.

This fall, the lower school art department expanded the project with an assignment entitled Our Campus Trees. Throughout the semester, students spent their art class time outdoors, studying leaves, branches, bushes, and bark to capture the trees’ likenesses in different mediums. Second- and thirdgraders worked with colored pencils, white glue, and watercolor paint to render their visions of the campus trees. Fourth-graders used computers to research unique categories of Florida foliage, such as bushes

The Benjamin School character traits, gracing the steps to the Fine Arts Building on the Kehl Campus, are captured on one of 20 renderings created by fifth-grade art students.

campus features | the buccaneer 2009

5

and shrubs, fruits and nuts, flowering, shade trees, and palms, and then painted an individual piece about the trees on a series of collaborative murals.

With the help of local botanical artist Josh Quick, fifth-graders painted murals depicting scenes of the campus and its surrounding trees. Mr. Quick shared favorite pieces from his artistic portfolio with students to spark inspiration and imagination for their classroom art project. “Fifth-grade classes have produced a series of 20 legacy murals depicting a snippet of the architecture of our school buildings and our campus trees,” explained Ms. Sammis. “Mr. Quick volunteered his time and talent to our students and truly inspired them in this celebration of trees.”

The murals fourth and fifth-grade students created will eventually be framed and displayed on both campuses to impress the importance of trees to the environment and to the school’s founding. A respect and appreciation for the beauty of trees and the natural environment is one of the many fundamental beliefs rooted in the school’s tradition set by Mr. Benjamin.

Soon, on a stroll around campus, you may just learn to identify a species of trees, or recognize a scene from campus painted on a canvas mural. Either way, you can thank lower school students for their artistic renderings, and Mother Nature and our school co-founders for enriching the school environment with Our Campus Trees.

Soon, on a stroll around campus, you may just learn to identify a species of trees, or recognize a scene from campus painted on a canvas mural.

Lower school art teachers Ro Sammis (front) and Karin Layton (back) assist students with their canvas paintings depicting the Kehl Campus trees and architecture.

the buccaneer 2009 | campus features

6

environment Senior Leads Biodiesel Project on Campus

by Kathleen H. Aiello, Ed. D.

The intent of Kelly’s project is to use alternate energy to power Benjamin’s activity buses.

There is a newly erected facility on the Upper School Campus housing equipment and materials to produce biodiesel fuel. The idea originated with senior Kelly McCloskey who was inspired after spending a semester her sophomore year at the Island School. The ecofriendly school, located in the Bahamas, strives to be carbon neutral, and taught Kelly to think differently about the way energy powers even the little things, like chilling water to make ice.

“I wanted to bring something back here,” said Kelly. When gasoline and diesel fuel prices

topped $4 a gallon, Kelly settled on recycling cooking oil to create biodiesel fuel. Her intent is to use the alternate energy source to power Benjamin’s activity buses that transport students to after-school activities. “The Island School gets used cooking oil from visiting cruise lines and uses it to power the school’s vans, cars, and boats,” explained Kelly.

In the past 10 years, Palm Beach County students have experimented with various technologies to fuel bio cars, but the project Kelly is working on may be the county’s first environmentally friendly school bus.

“A student’s idea to run buses on biodiesel fuel was thinking out of the box and was a good lesson about preserving the environment,” said Head of School Robert Goldberg.

Kelly first pitched the idea to her father, Michael McCloskey, a local developer, who agreed to buy the equipment needed to convert cooking oil to fuel, and fund a small building on campus to house it. The proposal became a reality when the campus maintenance department constructed the facility, and Kelly’s uncle provided used cooking oil from a local fast-food franchise.

Since the existing buses use diesel and do not

Senior Kelly McCloskey (left) is joined by her sister, 11th-grader Mary Katherine McCloskey, as they preview the new biodiesel facility on the Upper School Campus.

campus features | the buccaneer 2009

7

require modification to run on biodiesel, creating the fuel only takes a few simple steps and can be done by students.

Now Kelly and her fellow classmates have the “Fuel Meister” to store the fuel and its ingredients of lye and methanol.

The machine can produce about 40 gallons of fuel a day. The school will be able to run a bus on a 50/50 mix of biodiesel and diesel fuel. “Combining both sources of energy to run diesel engines is the safest approach and generates the best performance,” said Kelly. From the Fuel Meister, the biodiesel will then be pumped into the school buses.

“Year after year, this project will offer interested students a place to do meaningful research and development in an important area of alternative fuel production,” said physics teacher and chair of the upper school science department, Dr. David Spielberg, who has provided support on the Biodiesel Production Project.

With fuel prices beginning to creep up again, it is difficult to beat the 75 cents per gallon cost of biodiesel. The lessons learned on embarking upon a renewable energy project and the initiative to help preserve the environment right here on campus are also hard to beat!

The Fuel Meister machine can produce about 40 gallons of fuel a day.

preservation

the buccaneer 2009 | campus features

8

Strike Up the Benjamin Bands!

by Kathleen H. Aiello, Ed. D.

knowing all the scales, ear training, playing challenging repertoire, and by listening to great players,” said Mr. Huber.

At the Florida Bandmasters Association Solo and Ensemble Festival, musicians are assessed for their ability to perform correct notes and rhythms, expression, articulation, tone quality, control, tempo, dynamics, and overall musical effect. “Our participation in this event has improved our young musicians as individuals, which in turn, improves the skill level and sound of our band,” said Mrs. Murray.

When Nancy and Marshall Benjamin founded North Palm Beach Private School in 1960, their fundamental goal was to teach a student to read so a child could educate oneself. They also believed it was important for students to learn to play a musical instrument.

Nearly 50 years later, the sounds of Benjamin musicians can now be heard beyond the walls of the school’s band rooms, with instrumentalists extending their talents and their playing time to the TBS athletic fields, campus and community concerts, and district and statewide competitions. “We work hard to foster outstanding musicians in the band program,” said Middle School Assistant Band Director Chris Murray.

“Beginning in fourth grade and throughout Lower School, students discover the fundamentals of playing a musical instrument – note reading, producing a good tone, and playing together as a group,” explained Middle School Band Director Bruce Huber.

For those who choose to further their musicianship beyond sixth-grade band, the Middle School Concert Band gives students the chance to learn to be musicians in their own right. “Students are encouraged to play with a beautiful tone quality and perform musical skills individually, which enhances the quality of the overall group band sound and technique,” said Mrs. Murray.

“Concert Band is primarily oriented toward performance,” added Mr. Huber. Students engage in the study of a variety of music topics: scale and chord construction, harmony, arranging, conducting, composition, and music history. “Band students continue to further their playing skills by working on their technique,

Both middle and upper school band members have returned from the competition with several Superior and Excellent ratings for their solo and small group performances. In addition, based on their recent audition, members of the Middle School Concert Band will travel to Orlando this spring and perform at Disney Magic Music Days. For the second consecutive year, upper school percussionist, John Thomas, qualified for a spot in the AllState Band in January at the annual Florida Music Educator’s Association Conference held in Tampa. The TBS junior went on to earn a seat in the All-State Symphony Orchestra for his performance at the 2009 competition.

For upper school instrumentalists, the Upper School Band is a versatile ensemble. “In addition to studying advanced concert music, students also perform jazz and popular repertoire,” explained Upper School Music

campus features | the buccaneer 2009

9

“The goal for our band is to provide pleasurable and rewarding musical experiences for our students and to prepare them to be lifelong musicians...”

Director Chris Douglas. The Upper School Band also serves as a Pep Band and full Drumline, and various band members volunteer on a yearly basis to create a Pit Orchestra for the school’s spring musical. A few band members also perform with the student/faculty group, PFP (Perry Feyk Project).

“The goal for our band is to provide pleasurable and rewarding musical experiences for our students and to prepare them to be

lifelong musicians, whether their personal goals are professional or amateur,” explained Mr. Douglas.

“Band gives students a sense of belonging and purpose,” added Mrs. Murray. “Musicianship, itself, is a gift of a lifetime!” Chances are, TBS band members would wholly agree. Most certainly, the spirit of our school co-founder, Marshall Benjamin, would heartily concur.

The Beat Goes On for Benjamin Percussionist

by Kathleen H. Aiello, Ed. D.

He began sounding bells and pounding a drum pad in third grade and, soon after, advanced to his first set of drums. Eight years later, John Thomas’ passion for percussion has never waned.

The co-captain of the Upper School Band has developed his instrumental talent far beyond his earliest wooden drumsticks. Now, the TBS junior is recognized as a versatile musician, both here on campus and beyond.

John is currently performing with the Palm Beach Light Opera Company Pit Orchestra and recently played in the local production of The Chocolate Soldier. It’s his fifth year performing with the Youth Orchestra of Palm Beach County, and his third year playing with the Symphonic Band of the Palm Beaches. Added to his repertoire are performances with the Lighthouse Suzuki Strings, the Kravis Center Spotlight on Young Musicians, Indian River Pops, 4th on Flagler, United Methodist Church of Juno Beach, and numerous community concerts and informal area gigs.

In addition to his studies in TBS band class, to help master his talent, John spends two weeks each summer at the highly regarded Florida State University band camp. At the Florida Bandmasters Association Solo and Ensemble Festival where students are assessed on their musicianship by school band directors throughout the state, John’s snare drum and marimba solos received high rankings. Performance auditions have also earned him seats in the FBA AllDistrict Band as well as the Florida Music Educator’s Association All-State Band. Most recently, John was named to the FEMA All-State Symphony Orchestra.

Here on campus, John’s percussion sounds have been heard almost everywhere – holiday and spring concerts, upper school musicals, commencement, the Olympics and Halloween parade, the Benjamin Breakfast Club, and the Back Door Café. Buccaneer football fans may have also caught a glimpse of John this fall drumming in the stands with the Pep Band or marching onto Theofilos Field with the TBS Drumline. At last year’s annual Spring Music Festival, John’s solo performances at Eissey Theatre brought the Benjamin audience to its feet in a thundering standing ovation.

When asked why he plays, the 17-year-old musician offers a matter-of-fact response, “Self-expression – I love it!” For the multifaceted percussionist who also finds time to teach beginning student drummers, and for those fortunate to hear him play, the John Thomas beat goes on…and on…and on!

“Beginning in fourth grade and throughout Lower School, students discover the fundamentals of playing a musical instrument...”

the buccaneer 2009 | campus features

10

Upper School Stages Mock Presidential Debate

by Kathleen H. Aiello, Ed. D.

With two weeks to the 2008 presidential election, the Healey Athletic Complex gymnasium was transformed into a forum for presidential and vice-presidential candidates to talk about the issues in a mock political debate hosted October 23 by members of the Upper School Political Issues Symposium.

Democratic and Republican candidates took their stand on several major concerns facing the nation as seniors Andrew Swain and Jason Malone, debate moderators and co-presidents of the student organization, posed key questions to the party hopefuls about America’s economy, national security, education, the environment, and the nation’s health care.

Senior Edward Basso, who served as a volunteer at the Obama campaign office in Abacoa and assisted with voter registration during the national campaign, took on the role of Senator Barack Obama. Facing off against Edward was freshman Christian Sendler, playing the role of Senator John McCain. Senior Steven Perlberg, student council president, TBS actor, and director of the spring one-act plays, carried the role of Governor Sarah Palin. Junior Garrett Bruno, also an actor, Pharcyde reporter, and varsity debate award winner, portrayed Senator Joe Biden.

Upper school members of the Political Issues Symposium, (left to right), Garrett Bruno, Edward Basso, Christian Sendler, and Steven Perlberg, debate the issues pertinent to the 2008 presidential election in a mock political debate hosted in the Healey Athletic Complex gymnasium.

The candidates described why they deserved to serve in the country’s highest political positions in their opening and closing statements, as they laid out their party platforms to the student body in their responses to questions put forward by the debate moderators.

“The candidates did an excellent job in presenting the issues to the student body,” said Mr. Jamie McVicar, faculty advisor to the Political Issues Symposium. “As a result of this debate, students are better informed on the issues, know more about each candidate, and have gained an understanding of the democratic process as it relates to the actual election.”

Following the upper school debate, students had the opportunity to cast their ballots for their favorite candidate. At the Kehl Campus, mock elections were also held in the Middle School and fifth-grade history classes. On November 4, 2008, students who reached their 18th birthday, joined the country’s voters and cast their ballots – for real.

campus features | the buccaneer 2009

11

Middle School Affirms Honor Code with Ceremonial Book Signing

by Kathleen H. Aiello, Ed. D.

Softly lit candles, fresh floral bouquets, and leather-bound books inscribed with the words of the school’s honor code graced the cloth-draped table coverings in the Barker Performing Arts Center. The ceremonious middle school assembly, hosted the morning of October 6 by the division’s Student Services Department, served to define an understanding of The Benjamin School Honor Code: “I will maintain my self-respect. I will not lie, cheat, or steal, nor tolerate anyone who does.”

“I will maintain my self-respect.

I will not lie, cheat, or steal, nor tolerate anyone who does.”

Head of School Robert Goldberg, Academic Dean Ken Didsbury, Dean of Students Jeff Cavallo, and Head of Middle School Charles Hagy, recounted notable encounters from their own life experiences to help convey one’s commitment of living life with honor. “Demonstrating courage, forgiveness, and honesty is what we all strive for every day,” said Mr. Hagy. “We encourage each of you to consider this in your daily decision-making. We are all here to guide and support you in your efforts.”

School co-founder Nancy Benjamin also addressed the middle school audience, followed by Student Council President Samantha Kochman who led students, faculty, and staff in reciting the honor code. “The honor code is not something you just put on the top of your schoolwork; it’s something that you represent,” said Samantha.

“Honor will always be in your life, even after you graduate from The Benjamin School,” added Student Services Counselor Danielle Benvenuto. “This new tradition of an annual honor code assembly will help students realize how important the code is and why it is critical to follow it at all times.”

As the gentle sounds of piano music resonated throughout the BPAC, faculty joined the lines of sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-graders at their designated tables as all affixed their signatures on the pages of the honor code books.

“These signatures affirm an understanding of the honor code with a pledge to strive to live by its ideals,” explained Director of Student Services Susan Poncy. “The books are now keepsakes, and are permanently displayed in the Middle School to serve as a reminder for many years to come of the message imparted here today.”

honor code

the buccaneer 2009 | campus features

12

“Ms. Torres is an extraordinary example of striving for excellence and being all that you can be.”

Olympic Champion Makes a Splash at Benjamin

by Kathleen H. Aiello, Ed. D.

A thundering, standing ovation welcomed Olympic swimming champion Dara Torres as she addressed the morning assembly of upper school students, faculty, and staff in the Healey Athletic Complex gymnasium on November 21, and talked about determination, motivation, and the thrill of victory.

The former Jupiter resident is not only the first American swimmer to compete in the Olympic Games after age 40, but is also the first American swimmer to compete in five Olympics – 1984, 1988, 1992, 2000, and 2008.

At the 2008 Beijing Games, Torres took silver medals in the 50-meter freestyle, the 4-by-100meter medley relay, and the 4-by-100-meter freestyle relay. Those three medals brought her total Olympic medal count to 12 – four gold, four silver, and four bronze.

“I always think I can do it,” said the 41-year-old Olympic champion and mother of a 2-year-old daughter. “I know I have not yet reached my

potential.” Throughout her presentation, Ms. Torres’ nephew, sophomore Tanner Torres, paraded through the bleachers to display one of the champion’s Olympic medals.

Following her comments, she fielded questions by students related to her physical training, practice schedule, diet, cultural interactions during the Olympics, and her beginning interest in swimming.

“I was a full-blown tomboy,” she said. “When I went to watch my brothers swim, I didn’t want to be in the bleachers. I wanted to compete.”

Ms. Torres, who attended the University of Florida in the mid-1980s and earned 28 NCAA All-American swimming awards, also rewarded students who posed questions to her with an autographed photo of herself from the Beijing Games. “Winning is incredible,” she said. “I can’t describe the thrill it is to be an Olympian.

It’s a blast!”

“She’s a huge motivation to every girl on our team,” said junior Kate Schwed, a member of the Bucs swim team. “She makes me work harder.”

“Ms. Torres is an extraordinary example of striving for excellence and being all that you can be,” said Head of Upper School Jay Selvig, during his introduction of the five-time Olympian. “We are honored and thrilled she came to address the Upper School.”

From the crowd of students who gathered around Ms. Torres following her presentation, awaiting autographs and clicking pictures with their cell phones, it was unmistakingly evident that hearing the wisdom of an Olympic champion firsthand was a thrill for them, too!

Five-time Olympian Dara Torres shares her message of determination and motivation with upper school students during a special guest speaker appearance.

campus features | the buccaneer 2009

13

Mr. Joe Rogers brings the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to The Benjamin School in his “Dream Alive” assembly presentations.

The Spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr. Lives On Joe Rogers Urges Students to Keep the Dream Alive

by Kathleen H. Aiello, Ed. D.

“I want to ask you to take a journey through time.”

“I know a King.”

Renowned speaker Joe Rogers appealed to fourth-, fifth-, and sixthgraders assembled in the Barker Performing Arts Center, and again to seventh- and eighth-graders, and the upper school student body packed in the Healey Athletic Complex gymnasium, in his eloquent and impassioned tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Mr. Rogers, who has been honored for his work, captured Dr. King’s peaceful, nonviolent nature in his presentations on campus that he also delivers to schools and organizations throughout the country. He received the prestigious Trumpet Award from Time Warner’s Turner Broadcasting System, a national honor recognizing black Americans’ achievements and commitment to bettering the quality of life in America.

Other award winners include former Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, Rosa Parks, Tiger Woods, and Nat King Cole.

Mr. Rogers’ “Dream Alive” presentation was an inspirational live commentary in dedication to the memory and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. and leaders of the civil rights movement. Head of School Robert Goldberg told students to get ready to hear a touching and uplifting presentation at the special morning assemblies on January 15 when he introduced the former lieutenant governor of Colorado and nationally recognized speaker.

Mr. Rogers, America’s fourth black lieutenant governor and also its youngest at the time, quickly connected with the students. “I want to ask you to take a journey through time.”

Mr. Rogers pulled the audience back in time to the March on Washington, to that famous speech in the summer of 1963, and the tragedies that followed. The political trailblazer led his listeners through the personal moments of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama, that occurred just two weeks after Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

(Left to right): Mr. Joe Rogers, school co-founder Mrs. Nancy Benjamin, and Head of School Mr. Robert Goldberg.

In performances on both campuses, Mr. Rogers conjured up the spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr. as he recited an excerpt from King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, the most listened to speech in the world. “Did he die in vain?”

Mr. Rogers pressed his listeners to think about the plight of women, all races, and all religions, and repeated one of the most famous phrases from the U.S. Declaration of Independence: “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Mr. Rogers continued with Dr. King’s words, “We shall not walk alone.”

When Mr. Rogers concluded his “Dream Alive” presentations, The Benjamin School community bestowed a resounding, standing ovation. Afterward, Mr. Goldberg gave his sincere thanks to Mr. Rogers, and also acknowledged how special it was to share the moment with Mrs. Nancy Benjamin. The school co-founder joined students and faculty seated in the front row on the actual birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., and listened to the “Dream” delivered through the heartfelt voice of Mr. Rogers.

“Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

the buccaneer 2009 | Faculty spotlight

14

Faculty Spotlight Teachers of the Year “...The Skillful Teacher, defines the qualities of each of these exceptional educators.”

Besides the fact that faculty members Kathleen Devine, Ellin Miller, and Marci York all teach in the Middle School, there’s clearly something extraordinarily common about all three of them. Each was honored with the distinctive Teacher of the Year designation during the 2007-2008 school year.

The Palm Beach County Foreign Language Teachers’ Association named Mrs. York its Teacher of the Year at the association’s annual awards banquet. Ms. Devine was named The Benjamin School’s Teacher of the Year by the Northern Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce at the chamber’s year-end awards ceremony. As the recipient of the Peter and Jody Graham Distinguished Teaching Chair endowment award, Mrs. Miller was recognized as Benjamin’s own Teacher of the Year at the faculty and staff’s annual end-of-year luncheon celebration.

“My favorite book on teaching, The Skillful Teacher, defines the qualities of each of these exceptional educators,” said Head of Middle School Charles Hagy. “They are determined that all students will succeed. They know how to laugh and love. They are aware of the complexities of the job of teaching. They are clear on what is to be learned and what achievement means. They are learners themselves and always students of teaching.”

Mr. Hagy added, “Their teaching skills make a difference not only in student performance, but our students’ sense of fulfillment and feelings of well-being. We are fortunate to have such dedicated and committed teachers working with us at The Benjamin School.”

Kathleen Devine Middle School English Teacher; Middle School Language Arts Department Chair Years of service to the school: 18 EDUCATION:

Bachelor of Arts in English from Rosemont College, PA WHY SHE TEACHES:

“My Irish background instilled in me a love for story and reading. It is my hope that through story, the children I teach will appreciate the opportunities the doors of literature will open for them.”

HOW SHE BECAME A TEACHER:

“Simply put, I love teaching and cannot recall ever wanting to pursue another profession. I’ve been teaching part-time or full-time, as the primary demands of raising my own five children allowed.”

PASSIONATE PROJECTS:

“The eighth-grade Friendship Games community service day, where the entire class assists students with special needs with their field day events; The ETC after-school program allows me to work one-on-one with students seeking enrichment or reinforcement; BBC because it’s great fun and students can showcase their talents in a casual atmosphere; accompanying students on international travel excursions; and helping Dr. (Tina) James with the eighth-grade banquet – a newly established middle school tradition.”

RECREATIONAL PASTIMES:

Reading, kayaking, family, and dog time.

WHY TBS IS A GREAT PLACE TO TEACH:

“Teachers have the opportunity to be creative and develop sustainable curriculum that brings out the best in students.”

FAVORITE QUOTE:

Read the best books first, or you may not have the chance.

– Henry David Thoreau

exceptional

faculty spotlight | the buccaneer 2009

15

spotlight Ellin Miller

Marci York

Middle School Social Studies Teacher; Middle School Educational Technology Department Chair

Middle School French Teacher; Middle School Foreign Language Department Chair

Years of service to the school: 11

Years of service to the school: 7

EDUCATION:

EDUCATION:

Master of Education from Nova Southeastern University, FL

Master of Education from Florida Atlantic University

Bachelor of Arts in American History from Cabrini College, PA

Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Language from Ball State University, IN

WHY SHE TEACHES:

“I love to watch the little lightbulbs go off when students start to understand. I enjoy helping them gain confidence in themselves as students and individuals.”

Maîtrise d’anglais from the Université de Savoie, France

HOW SHE BECAME A TEACHER:

“I’m a true Francophile! I love everything about the French language – the people, their culture, and their history. The language is fascinating to me, and I try to convey this passion to my students.”

“After I completed my education courses, I began as a lower school teaching assistant, and eventually became a fifth-grade teacher, and then a middle school faculty member.”

PASSIONATE PROJECTS:

“I especially enjoy the St. Augustine field trips; the immigration debates; the poverty unit with cardboard home building, and units on slavery and the French and Indian War. I love what I do, and each project is new, depending on the group of students participating.”

RECREATIONAL PASTIMES:

Reading, playing golf, and spending time with family.

WHY SHE TEACHES:

HOW SHE BECAME A TEACHER:

“I’ve always been fascinated with languages, and after having lived in France for six years in the 1990s, I wanted to share my personal experiences and linguistic expertise with others.”

PASSIONATE PROJECTS:

“Our exchange program between American students and French students from a small village called Samoëns, in the French Alps.

Another favorite is French Immersion – a weekend retreat for students to ‘immerse themselves’ in everything French.”

WHY TBS IS A GREAT PLACE TO TEACH:

“The technology that Benjamin has made available to faculty and students gives us even more opportunities to capture the interest of our students.

It’s exciting to have the opportunity to work with such an incredible group of people.”

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“You will find, as you look back on your life, that the moments that stand out are the moments when you have done things for others.”

– Henry Drummond

RECREATIONAL PASTIMES:

Cooking, reading, crafts, and traveling.

WHY TBS IS A GREAT PLACE TO TEACH:

“After teaching elsewhere, I knew within six months of coming to Benjamin that this would be the place I would want to teach until I retire.”

FAVORITE QUOTE:

Those who know nothing of foreign languages know nothing of their own.

– Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

the buccaneer 2009 | academic Accolades

16

Academic Accolades Seniors Earn National Merit Distinctions

Maddy Cohen

Kirby Kempe

Marissa Englander

Hilary Miller

Allie Rothschild

Kerry Stern

Edward Basso

Maddy Cohen and Kirby Kempe scored among the top 50,000 seniors nationwide on the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT), taken in October of their junior year, to be named semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Competition, a distinction earned by less than 1 percent of seniors nationwide. The two members of the class of 2009 are now eligible to compete for National Merit Finalist standing based on their academic performance in Upper School. National scholarship winners will be announced in the spring.

Marissa Englander, Hilary Miller, Allie Rothschild, and Kerry Stern received Letters of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, recognizing them as Commended Students for achieving scores on the PSAT that placed them in the top 3 percent of seniors nationwide.

Senior Edward Basso scored in the top 5 percent of 1.4 million students who designated themselves Hispanic on the PSAT, to earn the distinction of Honorable Mention in the National Hispanic Recognition Program.

academic accolades | the buccaneer 2009

17

Upper School Announces Class of 2009 Pathfinder Nominees Congratulations to the 14 members of the senior class who have been named this year’s Pathfinder nominees by the upper school faculty.

The Pathfinder High School Scholarship Awards are sponsored by The Palm Beach Post and presented annually to Palm Beach and Martin County high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in select academic, arts, vocational, and athletic categories. The scholarship winners will be announced in May at an awards ceremony at the Kravis Center.

Academic Excellence Kirby Kempe

Art Haley Merritt

Communications Elizabeth Cooney

Community Involvement Elizabeth Doane

Computer Science Matthew Gale

Drama Drew Doherty

Foreign Language Santiago Zindel

History/ Political Science Steven Perlberg

Literature Randy Sabella

Mathematics Maddy Cohen

Music/ Instrumental Bradley Krar

Music/Vocal Shannon Lyles

Science Marissa Englander

Sports Kim Lynch

National Honor Society Inducts New Members Members of the National Honor Society welcomed 17 new inductees at their fall induction ceremony hosted November 2 in the Barker Performing Arts Center. Head of Upper School Jay Selvig joined the audience of parents, faculty, administrators, and guests in congratulating the following new NHS members: seniors Edward Basso, Calli Bradford, Heather Chilvers, Lyndsay Daubert, Bradley Krar, Shannon Lyles, Alexis Matte, Haley Merritt, Amanda Meyer, and Jeffrey Robinson, and juniors Nikita Bansal, Paige Gurba, Sterling Lambert, Carly Reiss, Michael Robo, Christina Taylor, and Katherine Trimper.

“Tonight’s inductees were elected into the National Honor Society by the Faculty Council, and have met the criteria for membership by demonstrating excellence in scholarship, character, leadership, and service, while maintaining a 3.50 or better cumulative GPA,” said NHS faculty advisor Anita Spassoff.

The candlelight ceremony included presentations on the qualities of membership by NHS officers Erika Strasser (president), Ben Meyer (vice president), and Elizabeth Doane and Hilary Miller (service co-coordinators).

Inductees also received congratulations from the evening’s keynote speaker, Mr. Jamie McVicar, upper school social studies teacher, following an introduction by Alessandra McCraney, NHS treasurer. A congratulatory reception hosted for the new inductees and their guests by the honor society chapter membership concluded the evening’s program.

the buccaneer 2009 | Giving and Getting Involved

18

Giving and Getting Involved 2008-2009 Benefactors

The Leadership Society

(as of January 13, 2009)

(Gifts totaling $2,500 and above) The Leadership Society extends recognition and appreciation to benefactors who are especially generous in their philanthropic giving to The Benjamin School. The gift threshold for the Society is $2,500 and represents the sum total of an individual’s gifts to the Annual Fund, BASH, capital and/or endowment in a given fiscal year. Additionally, benefactors’ names will appear redundantly in the separate listings for these four ways to give.

Members receive prominent recognition in the school’s print publications and an invitation to the annual Leadership Society Dinner in the fall. This event recognizes those whose generous support comprises approximately 85% of all contributed income during the year.

pre-K class ’22

Partners’ Club

Mr. and Mrs. Brian K. Waxman ’86

($100,000-$249,999)

TBS Sustainers

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth K. Kahn

Blue & Orange Society ($25,000-$49,999)

Anonymous Charles and Susan Barker Elizabeth Fago Family Foundation Paul and Laurie Kazilionis and Family Joe and Sandy O’Connor The Stanton Family Dr. and Mrs. Charles S. Theofilos and Family Mr. and Mrs. Seth H. Waugh

Buccaneer Society ($15,000-$24,999)

The Graziotto Family Mr. David G. Lambert Alan S. Lorberbaum Family Foundation – Dawn A. Wickberg and Mark C. Lorberbaum Mrs. Robert Myers, Chelly and Ben Myers

2008-2009

($10,000-$14,999)

Mr. and Mrs. John W. Appleby, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. James L. Batts Mr. and Mrs. John I. Bitove Mr. and Mrs. J. Gary Burkhead Jack and Denise Cassell Marisa and Vincent Crescenzi Mr. Gary Gelman Mrs. Katia Gelman Pam and Skip Gozzo Mr. and Mrs. S. Tucker S. Johnson The Kochman/Newman Family Mr. and Mrs. James J. Lowrey Mr. and Mrs. Jack W. Nicklaus Mr. and Mrs. Harold S. Reed The Steinger Family

TBS Benefactors ($5,000-$9,999)

Mrs. Miriam Acosta-Castriz Dr. and Mrs. Ricardo A. Bedoya Mr. and Mrs. Olin D. Browne Mr. and Mrs. Curtis R. Burkhead

Giving and Getting Involved | the buccaneer 2009

19

Mr. and Mrs. Ray Celedinas Michael and Loretta Corey Mitch and Paula Davidson Mr. and Mrs. Steven Esrick Sam and Cheryl Forrest Mr. and Mrs. Avram A. Glazer Mrs. Harriet H. Habib-Puca Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Jacobs Robert B. and Robin K. Martin The Mayes Family – Wachovia Bank The Miller Family Moya Photography Mr. and Mrs. Mark C. Perlberg Mr. and Mrs. James C. Remez Mr. and Mrs. Sewsankar Rengasawmy James Robo and Meredith Trim Mr. and Mrs. Jules M. Romfh, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. John C. Solomon II Mr. and Mrs. Sal Tiano Mr. and Mrs. Paul M. Walczak (Patti Doran ’89) Mrs. Serena S. Wilson

TBS Supporters ($2,500-$4,999)

F. John and Lynda Abrams Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Adams Mrs. Fae E. Appleby

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph R. Atterbury Mr. and Mrs. Steven M. Bell Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Bennett Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Benz Mr. and Mrs. John W. Berger Ms. Patti J. Blank – The Margery Roberts Foundation, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Anthony J. Bolland Dr. and Mrs. Robert Borrego Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bracci Doug Buck and Bobbie Lindsay Donald and Rosalie Carr Maris and Bob Charney Mr. and Mrs. John T. Christiansen John T. Collins and Amy Safar-Collins Mr. and Mrs. Anthony M. Comorat and Elisa H. Comorat Mr. and Mrs. Sean C. Domnick Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Dresner Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Ecclestone III ’80 Robert and Marcy Ferruggia Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Flah The Frankel Family – Admiral’s Cove Realty Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Goldberg Dr. and Mrs. James H. Guildford

Mr. and Mrs. Brett Handler Mr. and Mrs. John Haynie Mr. and Mrs. Robert K. Hendel Mr. and Mrs. Ed L. Katz (Sherie Rigg ’83) The Kennerly Family Mr. and Mrs. Brian F. LaBovick Mr. and Mrs. Brian Lenehan The Lorentzen Family Mr. Vincent G. Marotta, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Moran Alan and Sherri Oliver Mr. and Mrs. Salvatore S. Paone Mr. and Mrs. Brian D. Peaper Bruce and Susan Quinn Daniel and Missy Reedy Bruce and Michelle Robbins Mr. Pat Rooney, Sr. and The Rooney Family Drs. Neal and Marijo Rothschild Byron C. Russell Peter D. Sandquist Dr. and Mrs. Steven Saslow Mr. and Mrs. Andrew W. Schor Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. Schultz Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Schumacher Mrs. Alain P. Sears Mr. and Mrs. Wayne J. Searson Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Sendler Mr. and Mrs. Eric E. Silagy Mr. Donald M. Soffer Joel R. Stevens II Mr. Christopher S. Vecellio ’95 Mr. Michael A. Vecellio ’96 Venue Advertising, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Viola ’82 Mr. and Mrs. Eric D. Weinberger Mr. and Mrs. Orland M. Wolford Mrs. Noreen Zanft

colton zecca ’18

As of January 13, 2009

first grade ’20

2008-2009 Benefactors

the buccaneer 2009 | Giving and Getting Involved

20

The Annual Fund What is the Annual Fund?

2008-2009 ANNUAL FUND

As virtually every independent school does, The Benjamin School depends on philanthropic support to keep tuition competitive and to provide the kind of excellence in education that each Benjamin student receives. Tuition alone does not cover the full cost of your child’s education. Benjamin must raise $1.6 million in philanthropic support each year to subsidize the difference between what tuition covers and what it costs to provide the operational resources to support everything from teachers’ salaries to student programming.

Whether you are a parent, parent of alumni, grandparent, or alumnus, the Annual Fund is the best way for you to help us to advance our mission and give a meaningful gift that expresses the value you place on your connection with the Benjamin community. From there, we hope that you will also join us for our many “friend-raisers” and give generously to other campus needs as you are able. Each gift makes a difference in the life of the school.

Your gift to the Annual Fund is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

The Benjamin School depends on philanthropic support to keep tuition competitive and to provide the kind of excellence in education that each Benjamin student receives.

Parent Leadership After very successfully serving as Grade Chairs for Pre-K last year, parents Ray and Tarry Graziotto stepped up to lead the overall Parent Campaign for the current year. Ray and Tarry have two children at Benjamin, Kailey in third grade, and Nico in kindergarten. They accepted the dual challenge of meeting our financial goal and increasing parent participation. The financial goal is in sight, and participation among parents has already exceeded that of all previous years. Overall parent participation now stands at 59%!

Ray and Tarry know that success requires a group effort, and they expressed their feelings as follows: “Through the dollars raised in the Annual Fund campaign, The Benjamin School is able to provide excellence in all aspects of our children’s education. We are so pleased to have the opportunity to help with this important effort. We would especially like to thank all of the Annual Fund Parent Grade Chairs and other volunteer leaders who have dedicated countless hours and given so generously to make this year’s fundraising campaign successful.”

support

Raymond and Tarry Graziotto

Giving and Getting Involved | the buccaneer 2009

21

leadership 2008-2009 Annual Fund Leadership PARENT CHAIRS

Raymond and Tarry Graziotto PARENT GRADE CHAIRS

Pre-K Kindergarten 1st Grade 2nd Grade 3rd Grade 4th Grade 5th Grade 6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade 9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade

Michael and Janet Steinger Raymond and Tarry Graziotto Kevin and Terri Justice Michael and Lesly Maxwell Raymond and Tarry Graziotto Ken and Robin Gross Bob and Maris Charney Edward and Julie Downey Peter and Nancy Alevizos Brett and Chris Handler Jeffrey and Denise Dresner Budge and Candy Jamison Tim and Susan Murray Bill and Nan O’Leary

TRUSTEE CHAIR

Dan Stanton ALUMNI PARENT CHAIR

Molly Apple GRANDPARENT CHAIRS

Charles and Susan Barker FACULTY CHAIRS

Ro Sammis – Lower School Jimmy Clark – Middle School Ryan Smith – Upper School

PHONATHON VOLUNTEERS

Sabina Cowie Carol Goldenberg Damiann Hendel Shaw Heydt Brian LaBovick Rachel Lorentzen Tommy and Susan Mayes Mary Stanton Kim Tiano Debbie Yearwood

“Through the dollars raised in the Annual Fund campaign, The Benjamin School is able to provide excellence in all aspects of our children’s education.”

the buccaneer 2009 | Giving and Getting Involved

22

2008-2009 Annual Fund

Annual Fund Pledges and Gifts Received $25,000-$49,999

Anonymous Paul and Laurie Kazilionis and Family Mr. and Mrs. Seth H. Waugh $15,000-$24,999

Charles and Susan Barker The Graziotto Family Alan S. Lorberbaum Family Foundation – Dawn A. Wickberg and Mark C. Lorberbaum Mrs. Robert Myers, Chelly and Ben Myers Joe and Sandy O’Connor Mr. and Mrs. Brian K. Waxman ’86 $10,000-$14,999

Mr. and Mrs. James L. Batts Mr. and Mrs. J. Gary Burkhead Jack and Denise Cassell Marisa and Vincent Crescenzi Mr. Gary Gelman Mrs. Katia Gelman Pam and Skip Gozzo Mr. and Mrs. S. Tucker S. Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth F. Kahn The Kochman/Newman Family Mr. and Mrs. James J. Lowrey The Stanton Family The Steinger Family $5,000-$9,999

Mrs. Miriam Acosta-Castriz Mr. and Mrs. John W. Appleby, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Ricardo A. Bedoya Mr. and Mrs. Olin D. Browne Mr. and Mrs. Ray Celedinas Mitch and Paula Davidson Mr. and Mrs. Steven Esrick Sam and Cheryl Forrest Mr. and Mrs. Avram A. Glazer

Mrs. Harriet H. Habib-Puca Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Jacobs Mr. David G. Lambert The Mayes Family – Wachovia Bank The Miller Family Moya Photography Mr. and Mrs. Mark C. Perlberg Mr. and Mrs. James C. Remez Mr. and Mrs. Sewsankar Rengasawmy James Robo and Meredith Trim Mr. and Mrs. Jules M. Romfh, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. John C. Solomon II Mr. and Mrs. Sal Tiano Mr. and Mrs. Paul M. Walczak (Patti Doran ’89) Mrs. Serena S. Wilson $2,500-$4,999

F. John and Lynda Abrams Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Adams Mrs. Fae E. Appleby Mr. and Mrs. Joseph R. Atterbury Mr. and Mrs. Steven M. Bell Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Bennett Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Benz Mr. and Mrs. John W. Berger Ms. Patti J. Blank – The Margery Roberts Foundation, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Anthony J. Bolland Dr. and Mrs. Robert Borrego Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bracci Donald and Rosalie Carr Maris and Bob Charney Mr. and Mrs. John T. Christiansen John T. Collins and Amy Safar-Collins Mr. and Mrs. Anthony M. Comorat and Elisa H. Comorat Mr. and Mrs. Sean C. Domnick Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Dresner Mr. and Mrs. E. Llwyd Ecclestone III ’80

Robert and Marcy Ferruggia Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Flah The Frankel Family – Admiral’s Cove Realty Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Goldberg Dr. and Mrs. James H. Guildford Mr. and Mrs. Brett Handler Mr. and Mrs. John Haynie Mr. and Mrs. Robert K. Hendel Mr. and Mrs. Brian F. LaBovick Mr. and Mrs. Brian Lenehan The Lorentzen Family Mr. Vincent G. Marotta, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Moran Alan and Sherri Oliver Mr. and Mrs. Salvatore S. Paone Mr. and Mrs. Brian D. Peaper Bruce and Susan Quinn Bruce and Michelle Robbins Mr. Pat Rooney, Sr. and The Rooney Family Drs. Neal and Marijo Rothschild Byron C. Russell Peter D. Sandquist Dr. and Mrs. Steven Saslow Mr. and Mrs. Andrew W. Schor Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. Schultz Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Schumacher Mrs. Alain P. Sears Mr. and Mrs. Wayne J. Searson Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Sendler Mr. and Mrs. Eric E. Silagy Mr. Donald M. Soffer Joel R. Stevens II Mr. Christopher S. Vecellio ’95 Mr. Michael A. Vecellio ’96 Venue Advertising, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Viola ’82 Mr. and Mrs. Eric D. Weinberger

connor barry ’09

As of January 13, 2009

Mr. and Mrs. Orland M. Wolford Mrs. Noreen Zanft $1,000-$2,499

Anonymous (5) David and Kim Ackerman Mr. and Mrs. Peter J. Alevizos Mr. and Mrs. Vincent J. Amato Dr. and Mrs. Robert J. Anderson II Mr. Rand M. Araskog ’08 Mr. Martin Atkins The Baker-Finch Family Mr. and Mrs. Steven Banks Mr. and Mrs. Jack Batts Mr. and Mrs. Peter M. Bernhardt Dale Bicknell and Karnella Najdziuk John and Marlene Canzio Mr. and Mrs. John Caruso Mr. and Mrs. Gregory P. Cleare Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Connaughton Dr. and Mrs. Kishore K. Dass Mr. and Mrs. Rocco DiFilippo Randy and Rebecca Doane Ms. Andrea Donten Mr. and Mrs. Edward Downey The Feldman Family Mr. and Mrs. Bertram R. Firestone Mr. and Mrs. David E. Fite

2008-2009

Giving and Getting Involved | the buccaneer 2009

23

2008-2009 Annual Fund The Fowlds Family – Tri City Woodworks, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Friedlander Dr. Ronald Gaeta Mrs. Whitney L. Gaeta Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth J. Gross Mr. Edward H. Hamm, Jr. ’95 The Kennerly Family Mr. and Mrs. James Key Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey B. Knight Peter and Marla Krieger Mr. and Mrs. Joseph LaBarbiera Drs. John C. and Celeste J. Li Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A. Lichterman Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Lloyd-George Dr. and Mrs. Gonzalo Loveday Mr. and Mrs. James F. MacGregor Mr. and Mrs. Michael O. Maxwell, Sr. Dr. and Mrs. Mark Michels Mr. and Mrs. Keith J. Nachilly Mr. and Mrs. Steven C. Nicklaus ’81 Mr. and Mrs. Peter B. Nissen Mr. and Mrs. Matthew S. Nugent Mr. and Mrs. Gregory J. O’Hare Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence S. Parmet Dr. Antoinette Pignataro Mr. and Mrs. Andrew D. Quinn Ms. Sheri Quinn Daniel and Missy Reedy Mr. and Mrs. William Reichel Mr. and Mrs. Marc Roberts The Ruedisili Family Mrs. Cher Sawyer Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Schwed Dr. and Mrs. Russ M. Seger Mr. and Mrs. Neil H. Seidman Dr. and Mrs. Steven Shapiro Dr. and Mrs. Ram Shetty Dr. and Mrs. Morris A. Shlamowitz Mr. and Mrs. Larry Silverstein Mr. and Mrs. John R. Siragusa, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Marc Smith John and Lisa Stauffer Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Straub The John J. Taylor Family

Mr. and Mrs. Gregory C. Torretta Mr. and Mrs. Jerrold Trim Ms. Alisa M. Vincent Mr. and Mrs. Frank C. Weed Mr. and Mrs. Barry R. Weiss Mr. and Mrs. Bob Wesselman $500-$999

Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Richard S. Adler, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew R. Amicon Mr. and Mrs. Curtis D. Bain Steven Barre Mr. and Mrs. John Barren (Jana Pierman ’83) Mr. and Mrs. Mark E. Berg Mr. and Mrs. David Berger Dr. and Mrs. Stephen W. Bradford Dr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Brennan Dr. and Mrs. Gabriel E. Breuer Dr. and Mrs. Robert D. Burke Mr. and Mrs. William F. Callahan III Mr. and Mrs. Peyton M. Cole Mr. and Mrs. Bart Collins Mr. and Mrs. Scott Cousins Mr. and Mrs. Peter V. Cowie

Dr. and Mrs. Robert A. Dattolo Jack and Lynda Daubert Jeff and Amy Devore Mr. and Mrs. Timothy M. Doran Mr. and Mrs. Colin T. Downey Mr. and Mrs. Eric J. Ende Lisa and Peter Erdmann Mr. and Mrs. Raymond F. Faloona Mr. and Mrs. Donald V. Farriss Dr. and Mrs. James Flannigan Katherine and Stefan Flatscher Mr. and Mrs. Americo Foriere Mr. H. Max Fricker Mr. and Mrs. Joe Gaudet, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Glenn E. Goldstein Mr. and Mrs. Scott M. Gordon Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Guido Mr. and Mrs. Steven K. Hagar Mr. and Mrs. Neil J. Hayes Dr. and Mrs. Barry S. Horowitz Mrs. Marcia Kaplan Bruce Kemp and Donna Clayton Elizabeth H. Barnes and George M. Knapp Christopher and Jean Kretz Drs. Steven and Dana R. Krumholz

Mr. Chad P. LaBonte and Ms. Erin K. Rossitto Tim and Patti Leonard Mr. Robert McAleer ’90 David and Risa Milbauer Mr. and Mrs. Anthony D. Mollo Mr. and Mrs. Nathan E. Nason (NPBPS ’73) Mr. and Mrs. Michael S. Okun Mr. and Mrs. William O’Leary IV (Nancy Nicklaus ’83) Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Onorato Mark and Michele Packer PBS&J Mr. and Mrs. David A. Pettit Mr. and Mrs. David Pfleegor Dr. Suzie and Dr. Morgan Poncy ’88 Mr. Brian M. Quinn and Mrs. Kimberly Merritt Dr. Suresh Raja and Dr. Nisha Bhardwaj Dr. Christopher D. Ramsey and Dr. Karina F. Leal Linda and Ron Ream Mr. and Mrs. James P. Rooney Dr. and Mrs. Evan Rosen Paul and Deena Ruben The Sabatello Family The Schenk Family Dr. and Mrs. Andrew B. Slavin Mr. and Mrs. Christopher R. Small Mr. and Mrs. Cary B. Stamp Mr. and Mrs. John Sweeney Mr. and Mrs. Rick O. Torres Mr. and Mrs. James B. Young Joseph and Sally Zaluski Dr. and Mrs. Michael J. Zappa Ari and Niki Zur $250-$499

Anonymous Joy and Jim Adle Mr. Bruce Alexander Richard and Molly Apple Mr. and Mrs. Alan I. Armour Dr. and Mrs. Harold Bafitis nicolas basile ’18

Continued on page 24.

the buccaneer 2009 | Giving and Getting Involved

24

2008-2009 Annual Fund

Continued from page 23.

Hon. and Mrs. Thomas H. Barkdull III Mr. and Mrs. Jean-Paul Barre Dr. Michael H. Berkenblit and Dr. Lisa Degen Mr. and Mrs. Roy Bertolozzi Mr. and Mrs. Christopher J. Brecher Carol and Glenn Bruno Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey S. Burnett Mrs. Mary E. Cameron Mr. and Mrs. Ronald A. Cass Mr. and Mrs. James P. Chesnes Ms. Karen A. Childers Dr. and Mrs. Razvan Chirila Mr. Glenn E. Cohen Ken and Jeri Cole Ms. Joanne Demaras Mr. David S. Donten Bobby and Cindy Doolittle Dr. Douglas Freedman and Dr. Sharon Hass-Freedman Jill and Steve Fried Mr. Kenneth D. Gilmore Mr. and Mrs. Byron T. Goodwin Mr. and Mrs. Sean J. Greene

Rachel Fayne ’11

Mr. and Mrs. Charles D. Hagy, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Arnold F. Higginbotham Mr. and Mrs. John J. Hoecker Eric and Krista Hopkins Mr. and Mrs. Dennis D. Johnston Dr. and Mrs. Richard W. Kaplan Mr. and Mrs. Ralph D. Kittrell Dr. and Mrs. Robert Kleinfeld Dr. David and Lisa Liporace Mr. John A. Lynch Dr. and Mrs. Arnold W. Mackles Mr. and Mrs. John P. Marasco Mr. and Mrs. Matthew T. McRoberts Mr. and Mrs. James B. Meany Josh and Wendy Mendelsohn (Wendy Ecclestone ’87) David and Allison Miller Mr. and Mrs. Clement C. Mimun Drs. Andrew S. and Karen L. Moffitt Mr. and Mrs. Timothy D. Murray Mr. and Mrs. David B. Nestler Mr. and Mrs. Jack W. Nicklaus Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Owen ’93 Mr. and Mrs. Jay L. Owen, Jr. ’90 Mr. and Mrs. W. Scott Parker

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas E. Pearce Mr. and Mrs. Michael Peters, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey L. Presser Mrs. Robyn K. Quaid William and Roseann Rinehart Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Rooney, Sr. ’89 Mr. and Mrs. William J. Sabayrac The F. Sawyer Family The Schar Family Mr. and Mrs. Stephen W. Schwed Drs. Francis and Stacie Sciolino Mr. and Mrs. John N. Selvig Dr. and Mrs. Evan R. Shapiro Mr. Stanley A. Shuman (In Memory of Jodi Shuman) Mr. and Mrs. William A. Smith II Martha Smythe Mr. Richard W. Springer Mr. and Mrs. John F. Thomas Roy and Sandra Weinberg Mr. Adam K. Weinstein and Dr. Kittie C. Valentine Mr. and Mrs. Mark L. Weinstein John and Diana Weir

Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A. Weiss Chris Winfree Mr. and Mrs. Kyle E. Young Dr. and Mrs. Nicholas Zachariades $249 or less

Anonymous (8) Dr. and Mrs. David Abis Ms. Kristin Ackerman Mr. Eugene Aiello and Dr. Kathleen H. Aiello Mr. Daniel M. Allen Mr. Jonathan B. Allen ’02 Mr. Steve Anderson Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Araujo Mr. and Mrs. Andre Arbuzow Ms. Phyllis Arky Mr. and Mrs. Steve Arline (Lisa Kerste – NPBPS ’68) Ms. Kristine Armstrong Mr. and Mrs. George E. Arpa The Artale Family Rita and John Ashton Mrs. Linda M. August Ms. Allison L. Bailey ’02 Mrs. Ashley D. Baker Ms. Elise M. Barber Mr. and Mrs. F. William Basil Mr. and Mrs. David V. Basile Mr. and Mrs. Brian Bastin Mr. and Mrs. Bruno Baumgartner Mr. and Mrs. Robert V. Bayless Dr. and Mrs. G. Clay Baynham Ms. Jody Bear Ms. Danielle M. Benvenuto Ms. Stacy Berman Mr. and Mrs. Larry J. Bernick Mr. and Mrs. Alan Bessette Mr. and Mrs. David M. Best Mrs. Susan Bickel Mr. Christopher M. H. Black ’02 Mr. and Mrs. Richard B. Black Mr. Randy L. Bostick Maj. Robert G. Bozic ’85

2008-2009

Giving and Getting Involved | the buccaneer 2009

25

Ms. Krista Bozzo Ms. Catherine L. Broadhead ’92 Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Brock Dr. Rachel I. Brody Mr. and Mrs. James Brooks Ms. Nathalie Brouillac Mr. and Mrs. Michael W. Bubis Doug Buck and Bobbie Lindsay Mr. Owen Buckman ’93 Ms. Katherine Buettin Mr. Thomas J. Burke Mrs. Tammy L. Burkett Mr. and Mrs. Paul Buxe Ms. Stacy Carroll Ivette Casiano Mrs. Ann Celedinas Mr. and Mrs. David S. Chapin (NPBPS ’68) Mr. and Mrs. Paul Chaple Ed and Treva Chaplin Mr. Riordan Cheatham Ms. Anna Cheeseman Mr. and Mrs. Alan J. Ciklin Mr. and Mrs. James J. Clark ’95 Ms. Lei Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Jon K. Colclasure Donn and Martha Colee Judge and Mrs. Roger Colton Mr. Richard Conti Mr. and Mrs. Stephen D. Cook ’84 Mr. Ty E. Costa Honorable Daniel Cotter and Pamela Luhrs Mr. and Mrs. Victor R. Coudert Mr. Ryan J. Craft ’02 Mr. and Mrs. David P. Craven Ms. Kimberly K. Cuillo Mr. James Cummings Mr. and Mrs. F. Malcolm Cunningham, Jr. Ms. Sheree D. Cunningham Mr. and Mrs. Mark H. Dahlmeier ’93 Mrs. Nancy S. Dalton-Espy

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Danyali Allison Dahlmeier Davis ’95 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. De Groot Ms. Janet de Winter Mr. David W. Deith Ms. Kathleen C. Devine Mr. and Mrs. Kendall P. Didsbury Art and Jan Dirkse Mrs. Mary A. Ditaranto Mr. and Mrs. Andrew W. Diwik Mr. and Mrs. George Donaldson, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Donato Mr. and Mrs. Scott Donn Ms. Susan Doyle Ms. Susan Duncan Dr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Dwork Dr. and Mrs. Jesse H. Eisenman Ms. Jessica Eriksen Ms. Angelene Estes-Delatorre Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Fallon Mrs. Wendy D. Faria Mr. Carlos Fernandez Ferrer Lynne and Perry Feyk Mr. and Mrs. Robert Flaherty Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Ford Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Ford Mr. and Mrs. Barris W. Foster Dr. and Mrs. Lee A. Fox Mr. and Mrs. Michael E. Franklin Sheree and Cary Friedlander Ms. Jeaneen Garcia Mr. and Mrs. Eric D. Gardner Mr. and Mrs. Timothy P. Garrettson Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Gaudet Mr. and Mrs. Stavros G. Georgeadis Mr. and Mrs. John A. Giaimo Mrs. Rene N. Gibson Mr. and Mrs. David Gillert Mr. Peter J. Gimbel Dr. and Mrs. Mitchell G. Glogower Mr. and Mrs. Stuart K. Goldenberg Dr. and Mrs. Donald W. Goodwin Pete and Gerry Graziotto

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Grinspun Mr. and Mrs. Ross D. Groffman Mr. and Mrs. Brian C. Grosch Mark and Siobhan Gross The Honorable and Mrs. Robert M. Gross Mr. and Mrs. George A. Habib Kathleen and Steve Hamel Mr. Henry Hamilton Mr. and Mrs. Kirk F. Hansen Mr. and Mrs. John L. Harbeck III Mr. and Mrs. Jeff A. Harris Ms. LeeAnn H. Harley Mr. and Mrs. John H. Harrison Mr. Derek Harse The Haselkorn Family Mr. and Mrs. Michael Hayes (Mattie Higgins ’94) Mrs. Anita B. Heinrich Mrs. Susan Hemmes Mr. and Mrs. Mehdi Hendi Mr. and Mrs. Thornton M. Henry Mrs. Patricia Higginbotham Drs. Jeffrey S. and Elise C. Hillmann Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hogan David and Jeanine Holland Mrs. Regenia Holmes Bruce and Teresa Honig Mr. Chad Hornaday Mr. and Mrs. Mike Hughes Mr. and Mrs. John Hundley Mr. George S. Hurley and Ms. Toni D. Mooney Mr. Kevin M. Hutchings Mrs. Tina M. Hutchings Mr. and Mrs. James C. Jacobs Mr. and Mrs. Noel Jacome Lawrence and Cristina James Ms. Franci F. Jefferson Mr. and Mrs. Ronald M. Jezerinac Ms. Sage Jiggins Mr. and Mrs. Paul D. Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Johnston

picasso in clay, class of 2017

2008-2009 Annual Fund

Mr. and Mrs. Jason P. Judge Brian and Lisa Kaplan Susan and Gregory Keller Mr. and Mrs. Chris Kelly (Emily Eickhoff ’94) Mr. and Mrs. Joseph C. Kempe Mr. and Mrs. James D. McCluskey Mr. and Mrs. Muhammad W. Khan Mr. and Mrs. Sean C. Kiltau Mr. and Mrs. Stuart B. Klein Ms. Karyn Knecht Dr. and Mrs. Kim E. Koger Melissa Kostrewa Mr. and Mrs. Bradley G. Krar Mr. and Mrs. William M. Labzda Ms. Heather Lane Mr. and Mrs. Adam Langino (Tiffany Richman ’02) The Lappin Family Continued on page 26.

the buccaneer 2009 | Giving and Getting Involved

26

2008-2009 Annual Fund

Continued from page 25.

nicole villablance ’11

Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Larsen Mr. and Mrs. Steven Layton Ms. Erica Lazarus Kristen Learner Mr. and Mrs. George Ledwith Satu and Steven Leibovich Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Letsche Mr. and Mrs. Greg Lokitus Mr. and Mrs. Otavio Maciel Mr. and Mrs. Ford H. Malmin Mr. and Mrs. Jack E. Malone Ms. Amy A. Martin Craig and Caron Martin (Caron Wissner ’93)

Mr. and Mrs. Joshua F. McAlees ’92 Ms. Nancy McAllister Mr. and Mrs. Joseph J. McCloskey Mr. and Mrs. Michael P. McCloskey Mr. and Mrs. John P. McDonald Brian and Jennifer McDonough Ms. Carol McGrath Mr. Jamie McVicar Ms. Margaret Meehan Dr. and Mrs. Salomon E. Melgen Mrs. Susan Metzler-Kirkman Mr. and Mrs. Shawn S. Miller Donna and James Minard Ms. Krista Monahan

Mr. and Mrs. Varis C. Monroe II Ms. Laraine Montgomery Ms. Carol Moore Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Moore Mr. and Mrs. John N. Morea Mr. and Mrs. Dean J. Moroz Mr. and Mrs. James Morrison Mr. Marshall Mullnix Mrs. Barbara Murphy Phillip and Elizabeth Murphy Teresa and Buzz Murphy J. Christine and James D. Murray Mr. Steven J. Myers Mr. and Mrs. Monty R. Myler Maureen and Greg Newman Mrs. Marie Norris Zoeller Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Norton Mr. Christopher Oakes Julie O’Brien Mr. and Mrs. R. Michael O’Donnell Mr. and Mrs. Charles T. Oliver Mr. and Mrs. Brent Padon (Jessy Fulford ’01) Ms. Nidhi Pardue Mr. and Mrs. Timothy M. Parker Mr. Dave Parks Mr. and Mrs. Nilesh R. Patel Jennifer and Edward Payne Ms. Elizabeth Pena Mr. and Mrs. Michael D. Perry Mr. and Mrs. Clifton W. Perry Ms. Amy Peters Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Peterseil Lee Peterson Mr. and Mrs. Jason Pierman ’96 (Amanda Warner ’97) Mr. and Mrs. Daryn Pingleton Ms. Chase M. M. Polan ’00 Mr. and Mrs. George Poncy, Jr. Ms. Jill Prazenica Jill Puleo and Mark Cutrali Mr. and Mrs. William M. Quigley Mrs. Megan Quinn

Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell A. Racker Mr. and Mrs. Richard E. Reddington Mrs. Ami Giurato Reece ’86 Mr. Edward Reynolds ’95 Ms. Angela Ricci Mrs. Georgeann B. Ridgway Ms. Diana Rios Ms. Lindsey Robertson Mr. Andre R. Robinson and Mrs. Judith E. Thomas Mr. Justin M. Roemer ’02 Mr. and Mrs. Edward Roman Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Rooney, Jr. Ms. Janine M. Rose Mr. and Mrs. Stephen A. Rosenthal Mr. and Mrs. Leonard B. Rosow Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ross Mr. and Mrs. Michael Rossin Mr. Thomas J. Rudowsky Rev. and Mrs. Stephen H. Ruegg Mr. and Mrs. James Russo Dr. and Mrs. Gary Salivar Ms. Rosanne Sammis Mr. and Mrs. Charles Sampson Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Samuels Dr. Frederick D. Sancilio, Ph.D. Mr. Timothy A. Sanders and Ms. Gail Karson Dr. and Mrs. Vinay Saxena Jane Schaas Mr. Gregory Schneider Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Schwartz Mr. and Mrs. Stephen J. Seefeld Mr. and Mrs. Lee Seelig (Rebecca Szmukler ’93) Mr. and Mrs. Steven M. Selz Mrs. Siobhan Shea Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Sheehan Mr. and Mrs. Neil Shulas Mr. and Mrs. David Simard Dr. Robert D. Simon Mr. John R. Siragusa Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Skluzacek

Giving and Getting Involved | the buccaneer 2009

27

2008-2009 Annual Fund KAITLIN KELLER ’15

Mr. and Mrs. Patrick A. Smellie Mr. and Mrs. Ryan T. Smith ’93 Mr. Mark A. Sniffen and Dr. Suzanne C. Murphy Mr. Joshua W. Sommerfeld Ms. Adrienne Sparger Mrs. Anita Spassoff Mr. and Mrs. Tom Spino Mr. and Mrs. Andrew L. Spragg Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Sprechman Ms. Gabriele St. Martin Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan S. Staiman Mr. Robert E. Stancil Mr. and Mrs. Laurence M. Stern Mr. and Mrs. Daryl L. Stewart Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Sukhu Mr. and Mrs. William S. Swain Ms. Monica Sweeney Mr. and Mrs. David I. Szmukler Target Corporation Mr. Franklin R. Taylor and Dr. Amy Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Daniel E. Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan F. Teaford (Susan Vanacore ’88) Ms. Marisol Tejera Mede James and Rose Ann Thanhauser Ms. Christine A. Thurston ’97 Dr. and Mrs. William L. Toback Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Todd Dr. Edit Tolnai Ms. Tammy M. Toro Ms. Laurie Townsend The Travaglini Family Ms. Linda Twitchell Mr. and Mrs. Ricky Upton Ms. Viktoria Vari Mr. Jeffrey Vinski Mr. and Mrs. Peter Waxman’89 Mr. Mel R. Weeks Dr. Brion S. Weinberg and Dr. Charmain K. Weinberg Rabbi and Mrs. Samuel Weingart Dr. and Mrs. Paul R. Weinstein

Mr. and Mrs. Charles T. Weiss Mr. and Mrs. Eric Wettermann ’83 Mrs. Kelley C. Whitt Mr. and Mrs. Sunthararasan Williams Ms. Cyndi R. Wilson Mr. and Mrs. Hunter S. Wilson Mrs. Patti Wind Mr. and Mrs. Andrew E. Winters Phyllis and Dan Wissner Ron and Debi Woods Mr. and Mrs. Christopher G. Wren Ms. Wendy C. Yancey Mrs. Marci L. York Ms. Vannette Youyoute Mr. and Mrs. Christopher E. Zecca Ms. Graciela Zuniga

Mr. and Mrs. William W. Schlechter Mr. and Mrs. Larry Silverstein $500-$999

The Baker-Finch Family Mr. and Mrs. Keith D. Beaty Mr. and Mrs. Alex M. Bigelow Mr. Richard W. Slawson Dr. and Mrs. Baqir M. Syed $250-$499

Richard and Molly Apple Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Davis (NPBPS ’72) Mr. and Mrs. Steven E. McCraney Dr. Suzie and Dr. Morgan Poncy ’88 Mr. and Mrs. Arturo M. Zindel $249 or less

BASH Pledges and Gifts Received As of January 13, 2009

$25,000-$49,999

Elizabeth Fago Family Foundation $15,000-$24,999

Charles and Susan Barker The Stanton Family $10,000-$14,999

Mr. David G. Lambert Mr. and Mrs. Jack W. Nicklaus Joe and Sandy O’Connor $5,000-$9,999

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew R. Amicon Mr. David W. Deith Mr. and Mrs. Barris W. Foster Mr. Gary Gelman Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Guido Mr. and Mrs. Liam P. Maher Mr. Stuart R. Russell and Ms. Kathleen R. Murray Frank and Toni O’Connor Richard and Christina Onorato Mr. and Mrs. Timothy M. Parker Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Schwartz Mr. and Mrs. Laurence M. Stern Mr. and Mrs. Scott I. Suskauer Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Viola ’82

Michael and Loretta Corey Robert B. and Robin K. Martin

Capital Gifts

$2,500-$4,999

New Pledges and Gifts Received

Doug Buck and Bobbie Lindsay Mr. and Mrs. Ed L. Katz (Sherie Rigg ’83) James Robo and Meredith Trim $1,000-$2,499

The Kennerly Family Mr. and Mrs. Matthew S. Nugent Daniel and Missy Reedy

As of January 13, 2009

$100,000-$249,999

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth F. Kahn $25,000-$49,999

Dr. and Mrs. Charles S. Theofilos and Family

2008-2009

JULIA BATTS ’15

$5,000-$9,999

Mr. and Mrs. John W. Appleby, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Curtis R. Burkhead $1,000-$2,499

Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Dresner $500-$999

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph J. Huertas

Endowment New Pledges and Gifts Received As of January 13, 2009

$10,000-$14,999

Mr. and Mrs. John I. Bitove Mr. and Mrs. Harold S. Reed $1,000-$2,499

Mr. and Mrs. Timothy P. Garrettson

the buccaneer 2009 | Giving and Getting Involved

28

2008-2009 BASH Events S a v e t h e D a t e – A p r i l 18 , 2 0 0 9

2009 BASH Gala to Celebrate Its Silver Anniversary!

Benjamin’s biggest fundraising event of the year will mark its 25th anniversary in April. Co-chairs Nan O’Leary and Linda Reichel are reprising the theme of the first BASH (Building a Scholastic Heritage) Gala chaired by Nan’s mother, Barbara Nicklaus, and Babs Fischer. Mrs. Nicklaus and Mrs. Fischer will return as Honorary Chairs this year.

The “Auction Express” will roll into the beautifully renovated PGA Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens on Saturday, April 18. Guests will enter the Grand Ballroom and be transported back to the elegant days of rail travel in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Our “dining car” will be set with crisp white linens, silver and crystal place settings, fresh flowers, and individual table lamps. The extensive silent auction will take you to all the legendary train stations – Le Gare du Nord, Paris; Grand Central Station, New York; and Waterloo Station, London; among others.

And, of course, there will be fabulous surprises in store when the live auction begins. We hope you will all join us to celebrate this very special anniversary!

2009 BASH Gala Committee Leadership HONORARY CHAIRS

FINANCE

Barbara B. Nicklaus and Babs Fischer

Miriam Acosta-Castriz

CO-CHAIRS

RESERVATIONS

Nan O’Leary and Linda Reichel

Robin Gross

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

SETUP

Nancy Benjamin and Daisy Jacobs

Lisa Godown, Jeanine Klein, and Annette Young

ADVERTISING

Kim Odom and Kelly Kennerly

SPONSORSHIPS

AUCTION GIFTS

Mary Stanton and Margi Vorder Bruegge

Jeanne Coudert and Tonua Howell

VIDEO CLASS PROJECTS

Kim Tiano

Jane Letsche VOLUNTEERS

DECORATIONS

Martha Colee and Ann Kohlmeyer

Barbara B. Nicklaus and Babs Fischer

Lisa Glogower

Linda Reichel and Nan O’Leary

25th anniversary

Giving and Getting Involved | the buccaneer 2009

29

PAST BASH GALA CHAIRS 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

Kelly Kennerly Regina Bedoya Tana Gaskill Andrea Donten Barbara Nicklaus Marianne Gold Monica Preston Martha Ahr Mari Frankel Sherrie Hornaday Bobbie Lindsay Kim Gaudet Molly Apple Kim Ackerman Sabina Cowie Maury Alexander Cindy Cerone Kellie Trotta Nan O’Leary Susan Murray Linda Reichel Nancy Benjamin (school co-founder) Barbara B. Nicklaus

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRS BASH GALA 2008 Margi Vorder Bruegge and Mary Stanton Continued on page 30.

the buccaneer 2009 | Giving and Getting Involved

30

2008-2009 BASH Events

Continued from Page 29.

BASH Variety Show Dazzles Audiences with Legends of Show Biz! A spectacular musical journey featuring the Legends of Show Biz produced by Artistic Director Sara Salivar and Variety Show Co-chairs Molly Apple and Sandi Weinberg, captivated Eissey Theatre audiences at the 2009 BASH Variety Show.

Electrifying performances by Benjamin’s singers, dancers, instrumentalists, and dramatists echoed the hits of Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, Frank Sinatra, Janis Joplin, Michael Jackson, and the Beatles. The talented array of TBS performers also delivered classic Broadway hits from Peter Pan, Rent, and Lion King.

Matinee and evening audiences were treated to stellar performances by members of the middle and upper school dance teams, upper school chorus and drama club, student, faculty, and parent vocal, dance, and instrumental groups, and the lower and middle school cast of The Wizard of Oz.

BASH Kids’ Korner BASH Kids’ Korner chairs, Dana Johnson (left) and Maryanne Lutz, assist firstgraders, Mia Razavi and Maks Silagy, with their holiday shopping in December at the 2009 Kids’ Korner Bazaar. BASH volunteers assisted lower school students with holiday purchases for their family members at the annual campus event.

A surprise performance by legendary American pop singer of the 1950s and 1960s, Connie Francis, dazzled evening guests with her classic hit Where the Boys Are. A guest appearance by school co-founder Nancy Benjamin, and a dynamic vocal performance delivered by alumna Maddy Apple ’07, also entertained the Benjamin audiences. Guests of the 12th annual Variety Show also viewed a stunning exhibit of division-wide artwork in the theatre lobby.

Thanks to the talented cast of TBS performing arts students for bringing Legends of Show Biz to life!

Giving and Getting Involved | the buccaneer 2009

31

“We truly believe in experiencing firsthand the special community we have here at The Benjamin School.”

family

Benjamin Parents’ Association Introduces Family Movie Night A giant outdoor movie screen greeted students and their parents at the Benjamin Parents’ Association’s first annual lower school community event.

Families gathered with their blankets and lawn chairs on the Kehl Campus athletic field the evening of December 5 to enjoy the feature film Kung Fu Panda. They dined on pizza and snacked on popcorn and candy served by members of the National Honor Society. “Movie Under the Stars” lucky raffle ticket holders from each grade level were also awarded prize Build-a-Bears at the family event. The BPA repeated the event on February 20 for middle school families who enjoyed viewing Night at the Museum at the evening showing.

The BPA exists to enhance and serve the parent community at The Benjamin School and is comprised of the following committees: hospitality, sports, communications, volunteers, parent ambassadors, and parent liaisons.

“The BPA hosted movie night to give families a chance to come together in our school community and get to know each other in a fun atmosphere,” said BPA President Karen Sendler. “We are pleased with the participation at these first community ‘friend-raisers.’’’

Movie Under the Stars is one of numerous events throughout the year sponsored by the BPA. “We truly believe in experiencing firsthand the special community we have here at The Benjamin School,” said Mrs. Sendler. “It is truly contagious.”

the buccaneer 2009 | Giving and Getting Involved

32

Community Service Upper School Campus Hosts American Cancer Society Relay for Life Once again, The Benjamin School served as host to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life event. For the first time last spring, 19 teams consisting of 150 students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and guests, gathered on the Upper School Campus to celebrate survivors, remember those lost to cancer, and raise more than $21,000 for the American Cancer Society. As of press time, total donations from this year’s successful March 7 event are still being calculated.

TBS and community participants took turns walking and running around the Reback Track throughout the 12-hour festivities to earn pledged donations for the ACS. “The student committee worked on this relay since August, and organized a very successful event,” reported Christina D’Elosua, ACS executive director for the North Palm Beach County Unit. “We appreciate The Benjamin School for its community partnership and continued support in our ACS signature event.”

Lower School Tops in the State for American Heart Association 2008-2009 Jump Rope for Heart Event “Thank you for doing your part to save a heart,” Ms. Michelle Cooper, youth marketing director of the American Heart Association Greater Southeast Affiliate, told lower school students last May at their weekly lineup assembly. “Your school has surpassed the 29-year record for the most monies ever collected in the state of Florida in the Jump Rope for Heart program,” announced Ms. Cooper, as she presented the school with a congratulatory plaque and banner. “Thank you for your incredible contribution of $40,003 and your willingness to help others and the AHA in the fight to battle heart disease and stroke.”

Members of the division’s Jump Rope Club kicked off the record-setting fundraiser in the Kehl Campus gymnasium last March. Throughout the month, first through fifth-graders secured pledged donations and jumped rope in their physical education classes to exceed the school’s 2008-2009 fundraising goal.

“Students learned the fundamental techniques and skills associated with jumping rope, and also discovered that exercise reduces their risk for heart disease and stroke,” explained Mrs. McCluskey.

“We are so proud of our students, and the dedication and generosity of our Benjamin friends and families who made it possible for us to be so successful in our annual community service project. We’re excited about participating in this year’s upcoming Jump Rope for Heart event!”

Giving and Getting Involved | the buccaneer 2009

33

Cookout for Kenya Making a World of Difference The 6th annual Cookout for Kenya was an outstanding success, with more than $25,000 raised to support the efforts of Kijana Educational Empowerment Initiative (KEEI). The nonprofit organization, led by KEEI president and upper school social studies teacher, Jim Cummings, promotes and cultivates youth empowerment through educational development, cross-cultural dialogue, and sustainable and environmentally economic growth among rural Kenyan school communities and American school communities.

The prosperous 2008 fundraiser, held December 7 at Ocean Cay Park in Jupiter, was a result of increased Cookout for Kenya sponsorship, raffle ticket sales, the sale of Kenyan artwork, jewelry, sandals, and other handmade crafts, and Benjamin’s team of volunteer supporters.

“We hope to build libraries at two of the schools we’ve been involved with in Kenya,” said Mr. Cummings. “Community leaders in Kenya are extremely grateful to see their school communities transformed.” Last summer, students of the Mwituha Secondary School in Bunyore, Kenya, joined citizens of Mwituha, Kenyan governmental leaders, and representatives of KEEI, including Mr. Cummings and TBS faculty member Bruce Huber, to celebrate the opening of a landmark science laboratory at the school. KEEI has also provided the school with a classroom building, desks for students and teachers, and the planting of 1,200 trees. In addition, the Ebusiloli Secondary School has received a new teacher’s house and kitchen, 500 library books, and school fees for 13 students. Other schools in rural Kenya have also received tuition fees for orphaned students, as well as textbooks and books for their libraries. Most recently, the first female alumna of the Ebusiloli School was granted the opportunity to attend the university in Kenya and earn a scholarship to study in the United States.

For his efforts with KEEI, WorldTeach recently named Mr. Cummings one of its Notable Alumni. The nonprofit organization provides opportunities for individuals to make meaningful contributions to international education by living and working as volunteer teachers in developing countries. Mr. Cummings served with WorldTeach in Kenya from 1987 to 1988. “My WorldTeach experience provided me with lifelong friends both in Kenya and in the U.S., and brought focus to my career goals,” said Mr. Cummings. “It was central to leading me to a teaching career in which I have been able to share my African experiences for 20 years with my students.”

Mr. Cummings has extended classroom studies for several students with summer excursions to South Africa, including David Watterson, who traveled to Kenya last year following his college graduation from the Berklee College of Music. “My interest in visiting Kenya was sparked by an experience I had before my senior year of high school, when I was fortunate enough to have been one of five Benjamin students who joined Mr. Cummings on a month-long expedition to South Africa,” said the TBS class of 2004 alumnus. David currently lives in Chicago and works as a full-time volunteer with City Year, an AmeriCorps organization. “Mr. Cummings’ service to a cause he believes in has sent forth a ripple of hope, which has in turn empowered me and, I suspect, other Benjamin students, to believe in our own ability to make a difference in the world.”

making a difference Continued on page 34.

the buccaneer 2009 | Giving and Getting Involved

34

Community Service

Continued from page 33.

School-wide Food Collection Contributes to Happy Thanksgivings The Thanksgiving holiday was a bit brighter for many in our community. The effort was supported by the TBS school-wide food drive in November, coordinated on both campuses by members of the middle and lower school student councils and the upper school Key Club.

Lower and middle school students contributed more than 2,800 pounds of canned goods and nonperishable food items during the weeklong Thanksgiving food drive. An additional individual donation brought the Kehl Campus collection to 5,782 total pounds of food.

The campus maintenance staff delivered the trailer full of contributions to St. George’s Soup Kitchen in Riviera Beach.

A Benjamin van filled with donations from upper school students was also collected during the annual food drive.

The campus contribution was delivered to Food for Family organizers for distribution to area families for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Giving and Getting Involved | the buccaneer 2009

35

TBS Toy Drive and Holiday Par ties Bring Joy to Local Youth A joyful holiday for many local children became reality, thanks to the hundreds of toys contributed from all three divisions during December’s school-wide toy drive. In addition, special holiday parties were hosted by TBS students for area schools and children’s organizations.

Members of the senior class hosted their annual holiday party for 60, 4- and 5-year-old guests from the Hispanic Human Resources Council on the Upper School Campus. The half-day celebration included holiday music, refreshments, games, and a visit from Santa, with a sackful of toys contributed by the class of 2009 for each of the visiting preschoolers.

The lower school toy collection, coordinated by the division’s student council, filled a bus with nearly 500 toys for students of Pioneer Park Beacon Center in Belle Glade, and students in a local after-school program located in Lake Park. Toys were also delivered to Child and Family Connection – the lead social service agency for Palm Beach County’s foster care children.

A team of TBS sophomores traveled to the R.J. Hendley School in Riviera Beach in December to brighten campus walls and the holiday spirit for students of the school. While one crew of Benjamin students painted the exterior of the building, another shared cookies and read stories to the party of preschoolers. Santa also made a special appearance with gifts for each student and their teachers.

R.J. Hendley Principal Arleatha Henderson said, “This was a wonderful celebration about teaching children that it is better to give than receive.” In addition, several sophomores also ventured beyond the campus to bring holiday cheer and plenty of gifts for students in the Head Start program located in West Palm Beach.

Middle school student council members and Buc Ambassadors delivered their division’s busload of toys to New Pines Child Development Center located in West Palm Beach. The middle school students also hosted a holiday party on-site for the New Pines students.

the buccaneer 2009 | bucs sports highlights

36

Bucs Sports Highlights The Palm Beach Post Names 18 to All-Area Teams F i r s t Te a m A l l - A r e a Meredith Anderson – Cross Country Building off the success of her eighth-grade season, freshman Meredith Anderson cut her season-best time by 1:08, to 18:19, and finished 18th in the Class 1A meet.

Connor Barry – Golf Senior Connor Barry had an area-low 35.6 average, finished eighth in districts, 12th in regionals, and tied for 19th while helping the Bucs finish second at the Class A state tournament.

Brant Peaper – Golf Senior Brant Peaper had a 37.1 average, finished 10th in districts, fourth in regionals, and tied for fifth in the Class A state tournament.

Brant has signed a letter of intent to play college golf at Indiana University.

Elizabeth Cooney Volleyball

Steve Hoffman Football – Offense

Tanner Matevia Football – Defense

Taylor Szyndlar – Golf Senior Taylor Szyndlar had a 37.1 average, captured the district championship, placed fourth in regionals, and tied for 12th at the Class A state tournament. Taylor has signed a letter of intent to play college golf at Jacksonville University.

Honorable Mention

S e c o n d Te a m All-Area

Andrew Ackerman Football – Defense

Codi Mimun – Volleyball Junior Codi Mimun led the Bucs to a 16-12 record and a district runner-up finish, and ended the season with a team-high 292 kills.

Sarah Vorder Bruegge Golf

Christine Casey Volleyball

Michael Nestler Football – Offense

Connor Davidson Kim Lynch Football – Offense Volleyball

Christie Nicklaus Volleyball

Kelly Okun Golf

Chris Mandli Swimming

Clancy Waugh Golf

Bucs sports highlights | the buccaneer 2009

37

highlights Individual State Qualifiers

Meredith Anderson Cross Country

Matt de Groot Swimming

Mike Edwards Swimming

Henry Jamison Swimming

Chris Mandli Swimming

Boys’ Varsity Golfers Capture State Runner-up Title The boys’ varsity golf team finished second in Florida after capturing the District 19 and Region 7 championship titles. Senior Brant Peaper tied for fifth in the state out of 91 players, with a two-day score of 76-74 at the 1A FHSAA state championship in Lakeland.

At the district competition, senior Taylor Szyndlar shot a 2-under-par 70 at Jupiter

Country Club to win the individual title and lead the Bucs to the team title as well.

Eighth-grader Clancy Waugh shot 4-underpar 68 to lead Benjamin to team honors at the regional championship, with 291 strokes and a berth at the state tournament.

Seventh-grader Peter Mathison also advanced to state competition after placing

fifth overall with a 2-over-par 74 at the regional tournament on the Links course at Bear Lakes Country Club.

Seniors Andrew Callahan and Alexander Rosen, and eighth-grader Tanner Kratzer, rounded out the championship varsity team coached by Mr. Toby Harbeck.

Varsity golf team – 1A FHSAA state runner-ups (left to right): Peter Mathison, Andrew Callahan, Clancy Waugh, Brant Peaper, Coach Toby Harbeck, Connor Barry, Taylor Szyndlar, and Alexander Rosen; (not pictured – Tanner Kratzer).

the buccaneer 2009 | Welcome Newest alumni – class of 2008

38

Welcome Newest Alumni

Joseph Aiello University of Central Florida

Nicole Alevizos Florida State University

Rand Araskog Duke University

Alexis Araujo Southern Methodist University

Lisa Benfante Boston University

Johannah Birney New College of Florida

Brett Bitove Wake Forest University

Sean Boner Florida State University

Caroline Bowman George Washington University

Morgan Brannon University of Florida

Melissa Breton Champlain College

Jeremy Burke Indiana University

Christina Campbell University of Virginia

Victoria Canzio Lynn University

class of 2008

Welcome Newest alumni – class of 2008 | the buccaneer 2009

39

Class of 2008 College and University Matriculation

Cory Chaplin Southern Methodist University

Maxwell Christiansen Emory University

Robert Clark Belmont University

Courtney Creese University of Central Florida

Kyle Crossen Wake Forest University

Chase Davidson Auburn University

Alexander Davis University of Miami

Kyle Dean North Carolina State University

Angelica DeBiase Florida State University

Lauren DeVries University of Florida

Barron Dickinson Florida State University

Leah Dirkse University of Pennsylvania Salutatorian

Casey Doll Lynn University

John Downey University of Florida

Continued on page 40.

the buccaneer 2009 | Welcome Newest alumni – class of 2008

40

Class of 2008 College and University Matriculation

Continued from page 39.

Catharine Drettmann Lynn University

Lindsey Drevins College of Charleston

Timothy Drevins College of Charleston

Kristen Emilson University of Florida

Alexander Fagenson University of Central Florida

William Fraser University of Central Florida

Lauren French George Washington University

Kathleen Friedlander Goucher College

Tiffany Geiger Southern Methodist University

David Glickman Florida State University

Sonny Gold Syracuse University

Gilbert Greene University of North Florida

Homer Greene Flagler College

Alexandra Hakim Simmons College

Welcome Newest alumni – class of 2008 | the buccaneer 2009

41

David Huertas Georgia Institute of Technology

Quinard Jackson University of North Carolina at Asheville

Katie Jervis Miami University

Christopher Kah Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University

Francis Kearns IV Florida Institute of Technology

Conner Kempe Dartmouth College

Paige Kirstein Brown University

Morgan Lefferdink, Jr. Rice University

Samantha Levy Lynn University

Alexander Lloret University of Central Florida

Jeffrey Loppert University of Miami

Katie Lotman Wake Forest University

Evan Mansour Palm Beach Community College

Matthew McRoberts University of South Florida

class of 2008

Continued on page 42.

the buccaneer 2009 | Welcome Newest alumni – class of 2008

42

Class of 2008 College and University Matriculation Continued from page 41.

Brittany Mekeel Tallahassee Community College

Andrew Merson University of Florida

Chase Milner University of Florida

Cloe Mimun Susquehanna University

Brittany Musaffi Pennsylvania State University

Jack Nicklaus III Tallahassee Community College

Andreas Oberleitner Florida State University

Lilly Oliver University of the Arts

Sabina Palmieri University of Miami

Zachary Poznak Florida State University

Ricki Racker University of Florida

Charles Reese Boston College

Katherine Regan Lynn University

Kimberly Ricketts University of Florida

class of 2008

Welcome Newest alumni – class of 2008 | the buccaneer 2009

43

Tiffany Robbins Lynn University

Adam Rosatti Rollins College

Paul Sabayrac University of Florida

Jarrett Saunders University of Central Florida

Kaye Schacter University of Maryland

Jennifer Schepps Indiana University

Tyler Schuster University of Central Florida Class President

Christopher Scoma University of Florida

Pooja Shankar University of Miami

Shohan Shetty Harvard University

Jennifer Shuster Arizona State University

Nina Smith Rhodes College

Chase Spillman University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Alexandra Taylor Florida State University

Continued on page 44.

the buccaneer 2009 | Welcome Newest alumni – class of 2008

44

Class of 2008 College and University Matriculation

Continued from page 43.

Luke Tobis George Washington University

Roy Warren, Jr. University of Maine

Wesley Waterman Amherst College

Ryan Webber Florida Gulf Coast University

Jessica Wenger Boston University

Ryan Williams Washington & Lee University

Emma Young Dartmouth College

Carley Zahringer Rollins College

Nicole Zanakis University of Florida

Dennis Zdonov University of Pennsylvania Valedictorian

NOT PICTURED Blake Rawitt Blake Richards Rochester Institute of Technology

Matthew Zeisloft University of Central Florida

Shane Zinman Hofstra University

Welcome Newest alumni – class of 2008 | the buccaneer 2009

45

the buccaneer 2009 | alumni focus

46

Alumni Focus

Journey to Capitol Hill: Tom Rooney From Benjamin Buccaneer to U.S. Congressman Tom Rooney ’89 stood on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives’ chamber in late November, trying to savor his baptism into the role of a United States leader. His thoughts swirled with what the future might hold as the United States remained entrenched in economic crisis and war.

But while the newly elected congressman plans how he can lead his constituents of Florida’s District 16 and all Americans to more prosperous times, one cannot help but look at his past, and the unique journey of public service this prince of a football empire took; a journey that includes a significant stop at The Benjamin School.

Rooney’s primary passion at TBS existed inside the Buccaneer athletic arena. The freshman congressman was a three-sport athlete in Upper School, playing football, basketball, and baseball, although he admits he did not possess star-caliber ability. “It was easy to be kind of a standout athlete at Benjamin, mainly because it was such a small school,” said Rooney, who would go on to play college football at Syracuse University and Washington & Jefferson College.

Rooney’s experience at Benjamin actually seemed more like that of a normal student, filled with practical jokes, friendships, and athletic dreams. “One of my favorite teachers

was Mrs. (Phyllis) Wissner, mainly because she simply tried her best to put up with me,” said Rooney. “She was a great math teacher.”

Although he had no immediate interest in entering into the political spectrum after high school, the representative of Florida’s 16th Congressional District claims one man at Benjamin did spark his interest in politics and government. “Mr. Ridgway, a man who is no longer with us, was my favorite history teacher, and really challenged me to take an interest in politics,” said Rooney. “That interest then grew into what it is today.”

After graduating from Benjamin, Rooney earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Washington & Jefferson College and his master’s degree in political science from the University of Florida. He received his law degree from the University of Miami. He served in the United States Army JAG Corps, taught constitutional law at the United States Military Academy at West Point, earned two Army Commendation Medals, worked as the assistant attorney general of Florida under Governor Charlie Crist, and became CEO of The Children’s Place at Home Safe – a home for abused and neglected children. Most recently, Rooney practiced law in Stuart with the law firm of Kramer, Sopko & Levenstein.

“As a veteran of the United States Army and former assistant attorney general of the state of Florida, Tom’s commitment to public service is apparent in his dedication to his work and his loyalty to the citizens of our country,” said Governor Crist.

Clearly, the freshman congressman’s commitment to the future of The Benjamin School is unmistakable, having served as an active member of the Alumni Council and a volunteer assistant coach for the Bucs’ varsity football squad. “I have enjoyed being part of something that was a great time in my life,” said the class of 1989 alumnus. “The friends I met in ninth grade when I moved here are still some of my closest friends.” Today, Rooney, his wife Tara, and his children, are all part of the Benjamin community. Tommy is a firstgrader; Sean is in the prekindergarten class, and youngest son, Seamus, will hopefully soon be joining the Lower School.

Rooney claims his family’s expectations instilled in him a dedication for public service. “I was just raised in a way that even though I had a lot and my family was very fortunate, I still had to give back,” Rooney said. “I couldn’t put myself above anyone else.”

The freshman congressman believes he can play a vital role. “I know I can help on the Armed Services Committee,” said Rooney.

“Mr. Ridgway, a man who is no longer with us, was my favorite history teacher, and really challenged me to take an interest in politics.”

alumni focus | the buccaneer 2009

47

Alumnus Tom Rooney, now a United States Congressman, and his family remain a part of the Benjamin family.

Congressman Tom Rooney and his wife, Tara, with their sons, (left) first-grader Tommy, (right) pre-kindergartener Sean, and (center) Seamus.

“My experience allows me to be able to look them in the eye and say, ‘This is what we need to be doing,’ ” said the former JAG officer.

Rooney pondered such opportunities during his first trip to the Capitol and his first steps on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

His journey began at The Benjamin School, playing Buccaneer football under the bright Florida sun. Now, this Benjamin alumnus turned congressman, enters the intense spotlight of Washington politics.

He expects to hold onto the ball and the hopes of his constituents.

Contributing writer Cory Weinberg, Managing Editor of The Pharcyde – the Upper School Newspaper

success

the buccaneer 2009 | Profile on Alumni

48

Profile on Alumni It All Comes Back to Benjamin!

For news anchor Juan Carlos Fanjul, motion picture screenwriter Mark Swift, and television host Peter Katona, “It all comes back to Benjamin!” The accomplished TBS alumni share some of their fondest Benjamin memories and how they found success in the news and entertainment industries.

Juan Carlos Fanjul ’93 Emmy Award-Winning News Anchor “My senior work project and drama experience at Benjamin inspired me and prepared me for my job,” Juan Carlos Fanjul told members of the class of 2008. The CBS 12 news anchor made his first trip back to campus in 15 years last May to address the school’s newest graduates at their Senior Alumni Luncheon. After graduating from TBS in 1993, Juan double majored in political science and communications at Boston College. He credits his Benjamin experiences for “crystallizing what I wanted to do with my life” and helping him become the successful television news anchor he is today.

HOW DID YOU BECOME A TV REPORTER?

I actually was thrust into the exciting world of TV news thanks to The Benjamin School. My first exposure to TV was through the school’s senior work program at the end of my senior year. Ironically, my first internship was at CBS 12 where I now work as an anchor for the 7 p.m. news. Talk about full circle! From there, I interned through college at various television stations. Those internships enabled me to put together a “demo tape” to show prospective employers my journalistic work.

My first job was in tiny Rock Island, Illinois, on the Mississippi River. I came back to West Palm Beach and worked as a reporter at channels 5 and 25. After nearly three years

here, I decided to climb up the ladder to Miami and eventually Chicago.

AFTER ALMOST SIX YEARS IN CHICAGO, HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE BACK HOME?

I reached the heights of local news pretty quickly, eventually working as a reporter at a top TV station in a top city. There is no doubt about it, I loved Chicago and WGN-TV, but when the opportunity arose to come back home and grow professionally, I jumped at the opportunity. At the end of the day, it’s all about family. After being away for so long, it was time to come back home.

WHAT WAS THE MOST MEMORABLE STORY YOU COVERED?

The stories that will never leave my mind are the New Orleans hurricanes. I covered the aftermaths of both hurricanes Rita and Katrina. The devastation was beyond imagination. The sights, the smells, the stories of despair are unforgettable.

suspects, child predators, and armed robbers.

In just a matter of weeks, we had caught about a dozen bad guys. We typically cover crime, but in this case, we were able to help solve crimes.

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN THREE WORDS.

Real. Caring. Hardworking.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT SO FAR?

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF BENJAMIN?

As journalists, we cover the news and strive to make a difference in the communities we work in. In Chicago, I started a series of reports called the Fugitive Hunters that earned an Emmy for best reporter. We aired mug shots and descriptions of murder

I look back fondly on the one-on-one attention you would get from the teachers.

They really cared and went out of their way to help you. The culture of excellence and honor was instilled in me, thanks to my Benjamin education.

He credits his Benjamin experiences for “crystallizing what I wanted to do with my life.”

profile on alumni | the buccaneer 2009

49

Swift praises Benjamin for being “writing-intensive,” his appreciation for classic literature, and for helping him “develop critical thinking skills...”

Mark Swift ’88 Motion Picture Screenwriter With motion picture hits like Shark Tale, Freddy vs. Jason, and the recently released box office smash Friday the 13th to his credit, Mark Swift has discovered success in the film industry as a screenwriter. “I gave my dream…a shot, and luckily I haven’t had to look back,” said the class of 1988 alumnus.

He majored in international relations throughout college and graduated from Johns Hopkins University after attending the University of Southern California, where he took as many film classes as he could “because that was my real passion.” Swift praises Benjamin for being “writing-intensive,” his appreciation for classic literature, and for helping him “develop critical thinking skills, which especially came in handy on my latest film project, where I had to devise new and creative ways for a man in a hockey mask to wreak havoc in the woods.” Paramount/New Line Cinema just released Friday the 13th on the 13th of February 2009.

WHERE DO YOU GET THE IDEAS FOR YOUR SCREENPLAYS?

Ah, the question no writer wants to be asked!

It helps to be intellectually curious, and hopefully you’ll be influenced by a wide variety of sources. That said, some of the stuff we work on has come from source material: comic books, articles, existing movies, etc. I can’t wait for the day my kids are old enough to feed me ideas.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL LIFE.

I have a wife and three children – two girls and a boy, all under the age of eight. And then there’s Trixie, our beloved dog.

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE SINCE YOU GRADUATED FROM COLLEGE?

After graduation, I moved to Washington, D.C., interned on Capitol Hill, and then worked as an environmental legal assistant.

My fallback plan was always to be a lawyer.

But before I committed to law school, I gave my dream to be a screenwriter a shot, and luckily I haven’t had to look back. I’m a big believer in getting a degree in something other than film, because chances are you aren’t going to make it in the movie business.

That’s just the way it is.

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO DOING IN THE FUTURE?

Outside of what we’re already writing, we’re meeting with studios on potentially writing the next installment of Beverly Hills Cop; a movie loosely based on the Goosebumps book series; a remake of Robocop; and the remake of Nightmare on Elm Street. You never know what’s going to work out, so you end up exploring many assignments in addition to the original projects you write.

Ultimately, I think I would enjoy writing a novel or teaching.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT?

I believe accomplishing my dream of being a working writer, without sacrificing family or lifelong friends.

HOW DID YOUR BENJAMIN EXPERIENCE PREPARE YOU FOR WHAT YOU ARE DOING TODAY?

Benjamin was writing-intensive. When I went to college, most freshmen were intimidated by 25-page papers, but the writing didn’t faze

alumni

me after Benjamin. Benjamin certainly helped me develop critical thinking skills, which especially came in handy on my last project.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF BENJAMIN?

Without question, my favorite memories all revolve around friends from Benjamin with whom I am still very close to this day.

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN THREE WORDS.

My 5- and 7-year-old say: happy, kind, and zany.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE?

Screenwriter William Goldman once famously said about the movie industry: “No one knows anything.” That doesn’t (necessarily) mean that Hollywood is full of idiots. I’ve always taken it to mean there are no rules and no one way to do anything. Everything you work on can be brand new. Be creative; chart your own course. No one out there has it all figured out. Maybe you will.

Continued on page 50.

the buccaneer 2009 | Profile on Alumni

50

Profile on Alumni Continued from page 49.

Peter Katona ’93 Television Host Peter Katona has gone from once playing the lead in a Benjamin School play to hosting Pop Fiction – a hit show produced by Punk’d creator Ashton Kutcher, currently running on the E! Network. The show’s premise is celebrities turning the tables on the paparazzi by creating fake scenarios that the paparazzi eat up as the truth. The first episode saw Paris Hilton shopping around Hollywood with her swami.

Peter became the host of Pop Fiction after first being booked by E! for a scripted pilot.

That show never panned out, but E! picked up Peter’s option to keep him for future projects, one being Pop Fiction. When the audition for the show came up, Peter thought he was auditioning for “E! News” because the audition took place on their set with the whole crew. Turns out, the audition was for Pop Fiction, and Peter got the job.

For any future Benjamin graduates looking to go into acting, Peter has some advice, “Remember the three P’s – patience, passion, and persistence.

During their first episode, Pop Fiction got a permit to shoot at the famous Hollywood sign. “It was amazing. From up there, you can see all of Los Angeles and it seemed so fitting to start our first episode from that iconic monument,” said Peter.

Peter has not only been working on Pop Fiction, he has been in numerous commercials selling almost everything.

Currently, he can be seen in a Mazda commercial where he is the neighbor who buys the Mazda, while his other neighbor

hides his Corolla in the garage, and if you are in the United Kingdom anytime soon, you might catch Peter on the telly.

Peter graduated from Yale School of Drama in 2001 with a Master of Fine Arts degree in acting. He was an Oliver Thorndike award winner and a recipient of a Fox Foundation Fellowship Grant for International Research in Ancient Italian Rapier Fencing and Peking Opera Martial Art Sword Dancing/Acrobatics.

While in New York, Peter acted in numerous regional and local theater productions including playing Sebastian in Twelfth Night (New York Shakespeare Festival), Laertes in Hamlet (The Shakespeare Theatre), and George in Our Town (Dallas Theater Center).

Peter also performed at the Metropolitan Opera in a production of Cyrano de Bergerac with Placido Domingo.

Peter moved to Los Angeles in 2005 to continue working in TV, commercials, and print. Even though Peter misses the East Coast, he is a mountain bike aficionado, and California is a perfect place to take a bike out for a ride. “It’s gorgeous here,” quips Peter.

“This place is perfect for being outdoors.”

For any future Benjamin graduates looking to go into acting, Peter has some advice, “Remember the three P’s – patience, passion, and persistence. You need to stick with it and go with the three P’s.”

alumni

the buccaneer 2009

51

the buccaneer 2009 | alumni class notes

52

Alumni Class Notes CLASS OF 1972

CLASS OF 1987

Carter Smith, author of The Emergence of the Relationship Economy, appeared in a History Channel series entitled Gangland: Basic Training.

Carter is pursuing his Ph.D. and teaches criminal justice, homeland security, and organizational leadership for a variety of universities.

James Stanley, also known as Jeremy Quinn, is the executive producer/ artistic director of Outside The Box Productions in New York City. Jeremy was selected as one of 60 directors worldwide to participate in the prestigious Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab of 2008.

Jeremy will be directing a new off-Broadway production this summer called Lights & Music. www.jeremyquinn.com

CLASS OF 1985

Robert Bozic recently earned his Ph.D. in chemical engineering from Columbia University and will begin his career as an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and Life Science at the United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. Robert is pictured at his graduation ceremony with (left to right) his sister, Elizabeth Bozic, his niece, Elise, and girlfriend, Michelle Zupancic.

Amy McGowen and Robert S. Stubbs, Jr. wed on October 18 at the Chesterfield Hotel in Palm Beach.

The couple resides in Jupiter.

CLASS OF 1988

Lawrence “Bubba” Alkema, Jr. lives in San Diego with his girlfriend of eight years, and his dogs, Chianti and Nesta. Lawrence is employed as a project manager for a construction management company.

CLASS OF 1992

Dan Allen and his friend, George Koutsoukos, opened Skye Lounge in the Washington, D.C., financial district last March. Dan’s lounge caters to the sports fan and martini connoisseur, and served as the meeting place for the D.C. area alumni reunion. Dan is also an investment advisor at Smith Barney. www.skyedc.com

Daniel Finlayson and his wife, Sonya, welcomed daughter, Skylar Ann, on June 5, 2008.

Chad Hornaday lives in the Bahamas and runs an export business. Chad and Brett Barner ’92 (pictured), along with Matt Benjamin ’83, won the VIP Fish 4 Dollars tournament with this 51-pound kingfish.

Catherine Broadhead lives in North Palm Beach and is the director of business development for Palm Beach Public Relations. Catherine traveled abroad last year to Europe and Central America. Her favorite trip was skiing in Snowmass, Colo., with her 5-year-old niece (pictured).

Bradley Beaver is an airline captain for NetJets and resides in Durango, Colo.

Greta Kehl McGilligan gave birth to Aidan Patrick in March 2008.

CLASS OF 1993

Rebecca Szmuckler Seelig and her husband, Lee, welcomed their son, Ben Stone Seelig, on October 10, 2007. Rebecca serves as president of the TBS Alumni Council and operates her own public relations firm, Palm Beach Public Relations, that she founded last year.

Amanda Wakem Moore and Ben Moore ’94 were married May 17 in Tavernier, Fla. Ben is employed with Lockheed Martin. For the past 11 years, Amanda has been working in her family’s business, Atlantic Filter Corporation. The couple resides in Jupiter.

alumni class notes | the buccaneer 2009

53

CLASS OF 1994

Emily Kelly is pictured with her children, William and Breland,

celebrating the fifth anniversary of William’s successful liver transplant.

Cherie Tarek Fromson married Abe Fromson on November 3, 2007.

Cherie is the assistant director of admission at Benjamin. The couple resides in Jupiter with their newborn daughter, Mia. CLASS OF 1996

Jennifer Buxe Rogers married Steve Rogers last November.

The couple lives in Culver City, Calif., where Jennifer works as an algorithm development engineer for Northrop Grumman.

CLASS OF 1998

Mia Parente Radabaugh and husband, Steve, reside in Canal Fulton, Ohio, where Mia runs her own recording studio, Immortal Productions.

Anneke Scott is working in the film industry in California. Her projects last year included Made of Honor, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and Hancock. Anneke is pictured with Catherine Shaw Edwards ’98, Rena Bouruki ’98, and Rebecca Shaw ’99.

Ryan Aron and his wife, Marita, welcomed their new baby boy, Jakob Andris Aron, on April 4, 2008.

Aaron Feld lives in Miami and works for Traxsource.com, the world’s leading online store for digital music. Aaron regularly deejays at Miami hot spots – Sushi Samba, Segafredo, and The Delano.

Audrey Calvani Breheney and her husband, Ash, recently moved to Jersey City and welcomed a baby girl in early October.

Audrey is the manager of network distribution for Azoogleads. She also officially launched her photography company, Bee Photographics, (www.beephotographics.com) with some partners, including Borlenghi Harris, wife of Jim Harris ’98.

CLASS OF 1999

Troy Devine is currently living in Banff, Canada, where he is the director of marketing at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

life after benjamin...

Matt Boykin married Kristen Antos in November. Matt has his CPA and works for Bank of America.

Sarah Edwards Lubinski married Michael Lubinski on January 5, 2008. Sarah is a registered nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit at Bethesda Memorial Hospital in Boynton Beach.

Meghan Erin O’Malley and Ryan Paul Rek exchanged nuptial vows in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, on August 31, 2008.

Meghan attended the University of South Carolina and received a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City in 2004. She is employed with Michael Kors (USA), Inc., in Manhattan, as a retail marketing manager.

Continued on page 54.

the buccaneer 2009 | alumni class notes

54

Alumni Class Notes

Continued from page 53.

CLASS OF 2000

Anne Benincasa Stockstill married Matt Stockstill on March 1 at The Everglades Club in Palm Beach. The couple recently moved to Dallas, where Anne works as a tech services specialist for St. Jude Medical. Anne is pictured with her sister, Maija Benincasa ’03.

Megan McLaughlin received her master’s degree in architecture from the University of Miami and now works as an urban designer for Dover, Kohl & Partners in Miami.

Megan married fellow UM grad student, Juan Mullerat, on May 31 at a ceremony in his family’s hometown of L’Espluga de Francoli, Spain.

Leah Patipa is in her third year of veterinary school at the University of Georgia, where she began clinics in March. Leah plans to specialize in equine surgery and will graduate in May 2010.

Cara Catalfumo was named the 2007 Runner-up National Woman of the Year for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Cara continues to support LLS by participating in their Team In Training program. She recently completed the Nation’s Triathlon in Washington, D.C. CLASS OF 2001

Class of 2000 alums, Stacey Williamson, Kinga Krisko, Aarti Asnani, and Cara Catalfumo, reunited in June on a trip to Barcelona.

Alexis Brams Kuypers married Bryan Kuypers on March 22, 2008.

Alexis graduated from Florida Atlantic University and is a mortgage specialist for Wachovia Bank.

Clancy Weller works as a yacht charter agent with Neptune Group Yachting in Ft. Lauderdale.

Clancy is “front and center,” assisting high-profile clients with the details of private yacht vacations to exotic destinations worldwide. Some striking locales she has recently visited include Dubai, Italy, Greece, and the Caribbean.

CLASS OF 2003

Aimee Keeble is living in London and working as a theatre actress in the West End.

CLASS OF 2002

Jon Allen, a new member of the TBS Alumni Council, lives in Lake Worth and works for Wachovia Bank in Palm Beach as a licensed Dr. Aarti Asnani is completing her internal medicine residency at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

Stacey Williamson lives in Charlotte, N.C., and is employed with an advertising agency working in public relations and account management. She married a fellow Wofford College alum in November. Stacey also volunteers for Girls on the Run, a nonprofit group seeking to improve the self-esteem of young girls in elementary and middle school.

financial specialist. Jon is pictured with fellow ’02 alums, Ryan Craft, Nick Surtees, and Devin Kirvin.

CLASS OF 2004

Steven Presley graduated summa cum laude from Stetson University with a degree in business administration. Steven was honored as the senior speaker at his graduation ceremony and is pictured here with his brother and fellow Stetson alum, Robert Presley ’02.

Omar Hammad graduated from Babson College in 2006 with a degree in finance and economics.

He recently opened ZaZa Mediterranean Grill, a casual, stylish eatery in the Village Commons Plaza in West Palm Beach.

life after benjamin...

alumni class notes | the buccaneer 2009

55

Jacki Bideau graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a major in philosophy, politics, and economics, and began law school at Boston College this fall.

Brent Craft graduated from Georgetown University after playing four years of football for the Hoyas.

Brent also played in Arena Football 2 with the Louisville Fire.

Anne Myers graduated cum laude from the University of Richmond in May. She now lives in Nassau, Bahamas, and works in the alumni relations and development department at The College of The Bahamas.

Alix Paige graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in musical theatre from the University of Miami, where she starred in six main stage productions and an original musical. Alix was awarded the Jerry Herman Musical Theatre Award at her commencement ceremony. She moved to New York City this summer to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. Alix is currently touring the country with Irving Berlin’s I Love a Piano.

Tracy Randall graduated from Florida State University in April and now attends the Levin College of Law at the University of Florida.

Tracy is pictured with fellow ’04 grads, Christina Vopal and Tess Thenot-Siegel.

CLASS OF 2006

Rob Hayden was elected 2008-2009 president of Southern Methodist University’s student body. Rob served as Senate Chief of Staff last year.

He is double majoring in political science and public policy, with a minor in Spanish.

CLASS OF 2007

Ashlee Richman graduated from Northwestern last August and moved to Washington, D.C., in July to begin law school at American University.

Jonathan Speed, a freshman at Brown University and top Ivy League performer in 3-meter diving, captured the 3-meter diving competition at the Eastern Intercollegiate Swimming and Diving Championship at Harvard University last March. He is only the second diver in Brown’s history to win the competition, and was named Brown’s dive team MVP.

the buccaneer 2009 | Ways to give

56

Ways to Give

to The Benjamin School

Online: You can make your gift today by going to www.thebenjaminschool.org. Click “Support TBS,” then the “Give Online” button.

Cash: The largest number of gifts and pledge payments made to the school are in the form of cash via written checks.

Credit Cards: The school accepts gifts charged to VISA, MasterCard, or American Express.

Appreciated Securities: Appreciated securities can easily be given to the school either through a direct wire transfer or by mailing the stock certificate directly to The Benjamin School. There are distinct tax advantages in contributing stock that has appreciated and has been owned for more than one year. Before making a gift of stock, call 561-472-3452.

Matching Gifts: Many corporations match employee’s gifts. The Advancement Office can provide a list of those corporations matching gifts. Matching gifts sometimes double, even triple, an individual’s gift and will be credited to the benefactor.

Planned Gifts: There are a number of forms of beneficial charitable giving that provide opportunities to increase one’s spendable income, reduce estate taxes, reduce capital gains taxes, and conserve assets. Wills and bequests, life insurance, and trusts are ways to give. For more information, please call 561-472-3452.

Gifts Made in Honor or Memory: The school accepts gifts made in honor of a faculty member or individual. Memorial gifts are also accepted.

the

BUCCANEER

2009

FALL/WINTER • VOLUME VII

Eighth-grade Class Explores Washington, D.C.

11000 Ellison Wilson Road North Palm Beach, Florida 33408-3108

The Benjamin School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.