Bolles Magazine Summer 2024 Issue

BOLLES

FUTURE FOCUS

Success Continues and Future Bright for Bolles Bolles Incorporates AI in Classrooms

Competitive Teams Earn Academic Accolades

Summer 2024

B With Bolles…

on our official social media channels! You can also find many affiliated athletic, arts and activities accounts that we love to share by searching @Bolles on Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter).

2023-24 Administration

Tyler Hodges

President and Head of School

Mike Drew

Associate Head of School

Carol Nimitz, CFRE

Chief Advancement Officer

Jeff Role

Chief Finance and Operations Officer

Paul Sollee ’88 Chief Technology Officer

Kila McCann Dean of Enrollment & Accessibility

Bolles Magazine

Office of Communications

Jan R. Olson, APR Editor-in-Chief

Senior Director/Communications & Marketing

Kristen DeSmidt

Executive Editor

Communications Associate

John D. Curran

Managing Editor

Web Design & Communications Associate

Dana Bussiere

Assistant Editor

Communications Associate

63 OLYMPIANS HAVE TRAINED AT BOLLES SINCE 1972

Best of luck to our student athletes, alumni and Bolles Sharks participating in the summer Olympic games! Your Bulldogs are cheering for you!

Visit Bolles.org/upper/athletics/olympians or scan QR code.

Visit Bolles.org/upper/athletics/olympians or scan QR code.

63 OLYMPIANS HAVE TRAINED AT BOLLES SINCE 1972 #BulldogProud

Office of Advancement

Kara Barber

Major Gift Officer

Best of luck to our student athletes, alumni and Bolles Sharks participating in the summer Olympic games! Your Bulldogs are cheering for you!

#BulldogProud

Bolles Mission Statement

The Bolles School prepares students for college and life by inspiring excellence, courage, integrity and compassion in an academic community dedicated to nurturing mind, body and soul.

Sandy Catanese, CFRE Director of The Bolles Fund and Parent Programs

Janet S. Frampton Director of Advancement Services Alumni Notes

Julia Kalinski, MPA Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving

John Newman ’86, M.Ed. Stewardship and Alumni Officer

Becca Rogers

Advancement Events Manager

Rahul Sharma ’03

Strategic Initiatives and Senior Major Gift Officer

Contributing Photographers:

Jeff Adams - Official Bolles Sports Photographer

Cady & Cady

Mark Krancer

Sean Coleman

At Bolles, we strive to follow a meaningful and purposeful plan in all of our endeavors, and planning for the future is a big piece of the puzzle. This is how we arrived at the new Frank R. Sanchez & Hope and Dana E. Fender Center for Innovation. It was part of the campus master plan and, thanks to many generous donors, has now become a reality. What will happen from here will be transformational to the San Jose Campus –expanding other classrooms, improving facilities and moving departments and walls to better facilitate collaborative learning in today’s environment, while at the same time, holding true to our core values and traditions. These many projects will kick off a domino effect that brings our entire School into the future.

The facilities are just the first step. With new and improved resources, our faculty will be better equipped to explore new opportunities as they help our students get ready for their next journey when they leave Bolles. All of these improvements only make us shine brighter, as they are all built on the foundation of academic excellence that has prepared students for college and life for over 90 years.

It’s an exciting time to be at Bolles, and this summer, we will start to think ahead to what the next five years can bring. Bolles is poised to step into the future boldly. Enjoy reading in this issue about other campus happenings, see the courageous steps we’ve taken and discover how many of our alumni are shooting for the stars!

Congratulations Class of 2024! We wish you good luck to the moon and back!

Have a great summer, Have a great summer,

Jan R. Olson, APR Editor-in-Chief Senior Director of Marketing & Communications OlsonJ@Bolles.org

Volume 91, Issue 2

Summer 2024

For the friends and families of The Bolles School

About the Cover

It was one small step for Myles Harrell ’34 and one giant leap for his entire class as they embodied historical figures during the Grade 2 Wax Museum on the Bolles Lower School Whitehurst Campus April 12. More than 30 students set up small display areas in which they shared short presentations in between striking various poses. Bolles faculty and staff joined the students’ parents and peers strolling through the exhibit and applauding the Bulldogs on their research and presentation skills. Learn more about how Bolles students are aiming for the stars in this edition of Bolles magazine.

Table of Contents: Future Focus

From the President and Head of School 2

Forrester Appointed Associate Head of School 4

Success Continues and Future Bright for Bolles Athletics 14

Pillsbury Named New Athletic Director 19

Bolles Incorporates AI in Classrooms 20

Competitive Teams Earn Academic Accolades 26

Center for Innovation: Excitement Builds for Impending Opening 39

Bartram Class Notes 60

Bolles Class Notes 63

Jan Olson

From the President and Head of School

Dear Bolles Community,

As some of you know, this spring I summited Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. At ^19,341 feet, Kili is the tallest mountain in Africa and one of the so called “seven summits.” I am sure many of you are wondering a) why I would undertake this climb and b) what this has to do with Bolles. Fair questions. The why part is easy: I love stepping out of my comfort zone and setting a goal that requires serious mental and physical training. Disconnecting from the chaotic, and at times stressful, world that is Bolles gives me the opportunity to reflect on the past and future, clean and clear the brain of most distractions, and as strange as it might sound, to find moments of joy and satisfaction in exhaustion. It’s ok if you think this is weird. Many folks do. Just remember that we ask our faculty, staff and students to do this each and every day.

This has been another extraordinary year of ambitious goal setting at Bolles. By all major metrics, the school is thriving. Admissions –highly selective. Attrition – remarkably low. Giving – abundant generosity. Construction – everywhere, ongoing. College placement – personal and wide ranging. All of this is due to the committed efforts of so many members of the Bolles community. And for that, I want to reiterate my heartfelt thanks. In so many ways, we are summitting massive metaphorical peaks – the culmination of a wildly successful capital campaign, wrapping up a transformative school-wide strategic plan, graduating another fantastic set of students and sending them off to make their mark on the world – and like the Class of 2024, we are nowhere near done. Graduations, like big climbs, inevitably reveal the juxtaposition of departure and arrival. On one hand, graduates are departing on the next great phase of their personal stories. At the same time, they are completing a multi-year journey (summiting so to speak) and becoming members of the Bolles alumni community.

So where do we go from here? How do we continue to be “future focused”? Whenever I complete one of my expeditions, I spend some time reflecting on the journey. And then, after a period of time, I start planning for the next adventure. This summer will be no different for me and my team. We are already reflecting on the past year. Where do we excel? What can we do better? How do we continue to inspire passion, optimism and purpose? How can we grow our ability to recognize and celebrate the greatness in others? I am excited to let you know that we will be opening a transformative new building – the Frank R. Sanchez & Hope and Dana E. Fender Center for Innovation – embarking on our next capital campaign, revisiting our campus master plan and designing a new strategic plan. We will continue to demonstrate that schools like Bolles can be the most powerful force for good in the world.

Over the course of the next academic year, you will hear more about these upcoming projects and others on the horizon. More summits await us, and moments of joy and satisfaction lie ahead. Like our newly minted alumni, we are continuing to dream big.

Respectfully,

Tyler Hodges

“Let no one ever say we dreamed too small.”

– Father John Jenkins, University of Notre Dame

2023-24 Bolles Board of Trustees

Russell Newton III

Chair

Tatiana Salvador ’86

Vice Chair

Preeti Swani

Secretary

Tyler J. Hodges

President/Head of School

Trustees

Fernando Acosta-Rua ’85

DeCovan Brown ’86

Marion Cangemi

Ali Chahlavi

Jed Davis

Rahul Deshmukh ’89

Daniel Dross ’76

Jamie Dwyer ’92

William Erwin Jr. ’80

Steven Gold ’95

Michael Hodge ’90

Michael Meyers

Kathryn Pearson Peyton

Frank R. Sanchez

Allison Korman Shelton ’94

A. Chester Skinner IV ’98

Karen Stone

John Surface ’90

DeWayne Terry ’84

A. Rodney VanPelt ’73

Matthew Wotiz

Ex-Officio Members

Justin Hart ’00 Alumni Board, Chair

Katherine Jones ’05 and Caitlin Hayes ’07 Board of Visitors, Co-Chairs

Lisa Sawyer Parent Association, Chair

PresidentEmeritus

Harry M. deMontmollin Jr. ’56 Deceased

TrusteesEmeriti

Quinn R. Barton Jr. ’46

James V. Bent Sr. ’53

Deceased

John W. Connolly Jr. Deceased

William K. Hatcher ’48 Deceased

Ann C. Hicks ’55 Bartram

Beverley W. Hirsig ’46 Deceased

Helen M. Lane ’42 Bartram

Hal Lynch

Robert H. Paul III ’52 Deceased

Frederick H. Schultz ’46 Deceased

A. Chester Skinner Jr. ’40

Deceased

Herman Ulmer Jr. ’37

Deceased

George W. Varn ’38

Deceased

W. Lester Varn Jr. ’42

E. Ellis Zahra Jr. ’64

Andrew Forrester

Named Associate Head of School at Bolles

After a national search and reviewing numerous qualified applicants, Bolles leadership announced Andrew Forrester as its new Associate Head of School this spring. Forrester has more than 24 years of experience in education, working in various positions in schools in France and throughout the UK, as well as in St. Petersburg and Bradenton, Florida.

He comes to Bolles from Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School in Bradenton, where he has held the position of Associate Head of School since 2019. Forrester began there in 2014 as the school’s Director of Upper and Middle School before being selected as its

Associate Head. Forrester will replace outgoing Bolles Associate Head Mike Drew, who served the Bolles community for the last seven years.

“I'm looking forward to working with the excellent leaders at The Bolles School to continue to provide innovative educational experiences for the students across all four campuses,” Forrester said.

Forrester is currently completing a Doctor of Education in Program, Development and Innovation from USF Tampa and holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from USF St. Petersburg and a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Literature and French from Liverpool John Moores University in the UK. He has taught English, Drama, TV Production and ESL, and has been the Director of College Placement and Art and Technology departments. He also has experience running boarding programs and assisting with fundraising and donor cultivation.

Bolles President and Head of School Tyler Hodges said Forrester’s breadth of expertise, along with his sense of humor, was one of the many reasons he was a stand-out candidate among a competitive applicant pool.

“We are thrilled to welcome Andrew to Bolles. He is a caring and compassionate leader who approaches education from a holistic perspective,” Hodges said. “I look forward to collaborating with him as we continue to move Bolles toward an exciting future while upholding our long-standing commitment to fostering an environment where students thrive.”

Forrester and his family will move to Jacksonville this summer, and he will take on his new role in July.

Congratulations to outgoing Bolles Associate Head of School Mike Drew on his appointment to Cannon School’s Head of School, beginning July 1. We all wish you well in North Carolina and appreciate all you’ve done for our School community!

CONGRATULATIONS BOLLES CLASS OF2 24

Class of 2024 Facts

Bolles Class of 2024 graduates were offered or qualified for more than $16 million in merit-based scholarships over their four-year college careers.

201 of the 208 graduates are going directly to college.

1 will take a gap year.

6 are undecided.

The Class of 2024 graduates will be attending colleges in 29 different states + District of Columbia and England.

The Class of 2024 graduates are attending 92 colleges and universities and were accepted to 196 different colleges and universities.

63% of Bolles Class of 2024 graduating seniors residing in Florida qualified for Florida Bright Futures Scholarships.

81% qualified for some form of meritbased awards such as academic, leadership, athletic scholarships or service academy appointments.

graduates are “Lifers” –attending Bolles since Pre-Kindergarten or Kindergarten.

student-athletes committed to a particular college or university to continue their academic and athletic careers.

graduates are legacy Bolles students – they have parents or grandparents who attended Bolles or Bartram.

Class of 2024 Colleges Attending List

In the group of 14 senior boarders, there are three “lifers” who have attended Bolles from Grades 9-12 in our Resident Life program.

“My favorite moments at Bolles were spent on the St. Johns River with my crew. The serenity of an evening on the water is something I’ll never forget.”

– Ian Hendershot ’24

“The Bolles School has a tight-knit community where students can be themselves. On the first day of senior year, students have a big breakfast next to the river and a Senior Sunset which really brings everyone together.”

– Jay Verma ’24

“My favorite memory at Bolles was the senior gridiron game, where I was able to play on a team with all of my friends and celebrate the winning touchdown.”

–Leah Collins ’24

“In the hallways of our school, we forged friendships that will last a lifetime!”

– Lexi Fort ’24

“Being part of the Bolles community has taught me to take pride in being part of something greater than myself, and from that, has given me more joy and satisfaction than I would ever have only thinking about myself.”

– Chris Joost ’24

“My best Bolles memories are the fun moments that I have had with my friends, both in school and outside of school. I cherish them like family, and they are memories that I will keep all of my life."

– Pedro Garces ’24

“I have greatly enjoyed the teachers in the art department, how inclusive they are and that they gave me free rein to create anything I put my mind to... I would not have been able to create my work without their amazing guidance.”

– Andrea Waters ’24

“I have really enjoyed my teachers. I have always felt heard and knew I could go to them for help anytime. The teachers are caring, encouraging,compassionateunderstanding, and respectful.”

– Charlotte McNeill ’24

There

“My favorite Bolles memory is being the closing pitcher for Coach Mike Boswell’s 500th Career WIN!”

– David Martin ’24

Bolles for Life

The following seniors have attended Bolles since they were in Pre-Kindergarten or Kindergarten. Congratulations to the 2024 Bolles Lifers and a big thank you to you and your families for such dedication to the Bolles educational experience.

Pre-K

Timothy Gentle Groover II ’24

Izabella Bulzacchelli Guglielmi ’24

Bryce McKinley Hogan ’24

Stefano Alexander Mantegari ’24

Charlotte Adelaide McNeill ’24

Maya Isabel Miller ’24

Abigail Katherine Muller ’24

Julia MyTam Murphy ’24

Danielle Elise Nemetz ’24

Hamza Azad Rafat ’24

Marissa Elizabeth Sawyer ’24

Ashkon Samiian Shirazi ’24

Andrea Elizabeth Waters ’24

Garrett James Watterson ’24

Kindergarten

Amber Makker Bansal ’24

Leila Parisa Bata ’24

Darden Curtis Brown ’24

Hilary Elizabeth Englert ’24

Anamika Takaa Fernandes ’24

Katrina Georgi Kirov ’24

Carter James Lekas ’24

Maya Rakeshkumar Patel ’24

Lilly Grace Salvador ’24

Yosef Shaalan ’24

Ella Marie Stakem ’24

Sara Margaret Wasserman ’24

“What I love about Bolles is the community of learners and friends that turn learning into an unforgettable experience, such as in Bolles Robotics, where we apply computer science and engineering concepts to produce results that achieve our goals.”

– Liam Schilling ’24

Photo Credit: Emlyn James Images

“The Bolles campus is one of my favorite aspects of attending school here. Being on the river, it has an amazing view and sports opportunities like crew and marine science. All the class buildings are beautiful and functional, and the new CFI building will add to that vibe.”

– Alex Boutwell ’24

Class of 2024 Legacy Seniors

Mary Katherine Asbury ’24

Emerson Brice Avera ’24

Amber Makker Bansal ’24

Gavin Gnann Boree ’24

Darden Curtis Brown ’24

Cauthen Alexis Catlin ’24

Emily Badham Commander ’24

Samuel James Craddock ’24

Ann Lowery Eyrick ’24

Alexia Skye Fort ’24

Magnolia Avery Fox ’24

Maddox Oneil Fox ’24

Millicent Audrey Fox ’24

Abigale Elizabeth Gartner ’24

Samuel Krestul Greenhut ’24

Thomas Michael Holt ’24

Sophia Marie Joos ’24

Stephen Christopher Joost Jr. ’24

Carter James Lekas ’24

Lilly Victoria Lenger ’24

Maximillian Aidan Lockett ’24

John Stafford Marinatos ’24

James Davis Matson ’24

Charlotte Adelaide McNeill ’24

William Leyden Morales ’24

Billie Nugent Nimnicht IV ’24

Lilly Grace Salvador ’24

Wesley Katherine Smith ’24

Elijah Sanford Stevenson ’24

David King Surface Jr. ’24

Emily Bond Suvoski ’24

Raina Devi Swani ’24

Anna Carlton Turner ’24

Vincent Ricardo Venus ’24

Garrett James Watterson ’24

Evan Max Wolpoff ’24

*Enjoy our legacy photos in Alumni Notes.

"Bolles has given me the freedom to explore. Throughout my time in the arts department, I have combined my knowledge of photography and engineering with the tools made available to us students. My teachers have always supported my next ambition by building a multidisciplinary bridge between academics and the arts."

– Dylan Schwartz ’24

Class of 2024 Valedictorian, Salutatorian

Congratulations to Bolles Class of 2024

Valedictorian Daniel Ji ’24 and Salutatorian

Ashkon Shirazi ’24 on reaching such high academic achievement!

The 92nd Commencement Ceremony was viewed on livestream by 1,161 people from 24 different countries.

47 Student-Athletes Continuing Athletic Careers in College

Bolles held ceremonies throughout the school year to honor student-athletes from the Class of 2024 who committed to a particular college or university to continue their athletic and academic careers. Forty-seven student-athletes will be attending 42 different colleges in 12 different sports.

2023-24 College Athletic Commitments

Baseball

Chayce Kieck, Clemson University

Aidan Lynch, Middlebury College

David Martin, Samford University

Spencer Stephens, U.S. Naval Academy

Belmont

Cheerleading

Ryan Goodman, University of Mississippi

Men’s Cross Country/Track & Field

Cole Breuer, Rose Hulman Institute of Technology

Caleb Brigman, Jacksonville University

Chris Joost, Boston College

Miles Rivera, Iona University

Daniel Ji ’24

Ashkon Shirazi ’24

Women’s Cross Country/Track & Field

Leila Bata, Amherst College

Zee Curtis, Florida State University (track and field only)

Presley Wolfe, Tulane University (track and field only)

Football

Garrison Butler, University of Cincinnati

Trent Carter, University of Louisville

Noah Cole, Gardner-Webb University

Christin Hills, Washington & Lee University

J.D. Matson, Washington & Lee University (lacrosse also)

DJ Moore, Coastal Carolina University

Carson Shockley, University of Delaware

Men’s Lacrosse

Ethan Binns, Grove City College

Gavin Boree, High Point University

Jacob Campen, Denison University

Bryce Hogan, Sewanee: The University of the South Daylin John-Hill, Jacksonville University

Parker Kane, Florida Institute of Technology

Lee Krotee, Air Force Academy

J.D. Matson, Washington & Lee University (football also)

Kellen Padgett, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Women’s Rowing

Sara Wasserman, Georgetown University

Men’s Swimming

Jaden Bunt, Seton Hall University

Landon Kyser, University of Wisconsin

Carter Lancaster, University of California, Berkeley

Alex Meyers-Labenz, Duke University

Seth Tolentino, Texas A&M University

Anthony Whittall, University of South Carolina

"The most significant experience for me while at Bolles was being a part of the baseball team. The trips we took, friendships I've made, challenges we faced and victories we've celebrated together have not only created memories to last a lifetime, but have engrained life skills within me such as perseverance, teamwork, leadership and patience.”

Women’s Swimming

Suki Burgstiner, University of Tampa

Elizabeth Erlendsdottir, Georgia Institute of Technology

Sophia Joos, Emory University

Simany Lee, University of Georgia

Kate Meyers-Labenz, Duke University

Julia Murphy, Virginia Tech

Madison Russell, Nova Southeastern University

Keira Scott, University of Northern Colorado

Volleyball

Ashlyn Anderson, Kennesaw State University

Bella Bergeron, Denison University

– Spencer Stephens ’24

Success Continues and Future Bright for Bolles Athletics

Winning titles, earning awards and learning life lessons are continued traditions for the Bolles Athletics program. As members of the Class of 2024 capped their successful athletic careers, younger Bulldogs played their part in preparing to carry the mantle forward.

Bolles added four team state titles, two state runner-up finishes, 12 district titles and five middle school conference titles to the School’s impressive tradition of athletic excellence. The Bolles Athletics program has now produced 160 team state titles with 101 state runner-up finishes in 19 different sports, along with 543 team district titles in 24 different sports and 68 Independent Middle School Conference Championships.

The fall sports season saw state titles won in boys’ and girls’ swimming and diving and boys’ cross country, along with a state runner-up finish for girls’ cross country. Additionally, the varsity football team won the program’s 33rd district title and advanced to the state semifinals for the fifth straight season, both the girls’ and boys’ golf teams advanced to the state tournament and the volleyball team earned a berth in the state playoffs for the 38th time in program history.

Highlights for the middle school fall sports teams included winning the girls’ private school division and placing as runner-up in the boys’ race at the Middle School Cross Country State Championships, the middle school football team posting an undefeated season with an 8-0

record and winning the seventh IMSC title in program history and the volleyball team finishing as runner-up in the IMSC tournament.

The winter sports season highlights included the varsity boys’ soccer team winning its sixth district title in the last seven years and 26th overall, as well as advancing to the regional semifinals. The boys’ varsity basketball team finished as district runner-up and earned a state playoff berth. Girls’ varsity basketball finished as district runner-up as well and advanced to the regional semifinals.

The winter season also welcomed a new varsity sport at Bolles in girls’ weightlifting. Head Coach Tyler Jump’s squad placed second in the Olympic team scoring at the district tournament, and Isa Landa ’24, Alexiya Downer ’25 and Ashley Prokop ’24 won individual district titles. Prokop, Downer and Camilla Clarke ’26 advanced to the state tournament, and Prokop had the distinction of earning the first-ever state medal for the program with a sixth-place finish.

The boys’ and girls’ middle school basketball teams both won conference championships. The boys won the IMSC for the fifth season in a row, and the girls won consecutive titles for the second time in program history and have been undefeated the last two seasons. The middle school girls’ and boys’ soccer teams both finished as IMSC runner-up.

The spring season produced another team state title and state runner-up finish for Bolles, along with seven district titles and two IMSC championships.

Bolles Crew made program history with its first-ever all-team state title at the Sculling State Championships with two boats winning titles as well. The Girls Varsity 2x (Sara Wasserman ’24 and Elizabeth Watkins ’26) was scholastic state champ and placed third overall. The Girls Second Varsity 4x (Ellion Doyle ’24, Christina Dovellos ’25, Sophie Lankarani ’26, Shruthi Pakala ’24) was scholastic state champ and placed fourth overall. The Second Varsity 4x (Donovan Dow ’25, Noah Wasserman ’26, David Dong ’26, Alex Mark ’25) led the Bolles boys’ boats with a scholastic state runner-up and third overall finish.

Several other Bolles boats placed among the top three scholastic finishers, and Bolles had strong performances all around.

Crew placed fifth overall with two state title-winning boats at the 2024 Sweep Championships. The Girls’ Varsity 4+ (Shivani Gutta ’25, Sara Wasserman ’24, Elizabeth Watkins ’26, Julia Farhat ’24, Abigail Bradley ’25) placed first overall to win the state title. The Girls 2nd Varsity 4+ (Maya Patel ’24, Gracey Estepp ’25, Shruthi Pakala ’24, Ellion Doyle ’24, Madeline Kaiser ’24) placed second overall and first among schools to win the scholastic state title. Boys’ and Girls’ Crew also combined to win the North District Championship for the sixth consecutive season.

Three boats qualifying for Youth Nationals with strong performances at the USRowing Southeast Youth Championships. The national qualifiers were the third-place Girls Youth 4+ (Shivani Gutta ’25, Lizzy Watkins ’26, Julia Farhat ’24, Abby Bradley ’25, Sara Wasserman ’24), fourth-place Boys Youth 4+ (Maddie Annett ’26, Bowen Body ’26, Stefano Mantegari ’24, Brock Lytle ’24, Drew Nussbaum ’26) and fourth-place Boys Youth 2- (Alex Mark ’25, Michael Bianco ’26).

The Bolles girls placed second and the boys placed third in the team standings at the Class 2A State Track and Field Championships. The Bulldogs won two events and scored in several others. Presley Wolfe ’24 won a state title in the pole vault and placed second in the triple jump to lead the Bolles girls’ scoring. The Bolles boys won

a state title and broke the school record in the 4x100 relay (Chase Collier ’25, Simeon Caldwell ’26, Naeem Burroughs ’26, Santana Starks ’26). Bolles also swept region and district team titles.

The girls’ and boys’ tennis teams both advanced to the state semifinals, winning region and district team titles. In boys’ weightlifting, Martin Geary ’25 and Ty Neal ’25 advanced to the state championships. The boys’ lacrosse team advanced to the program’s sixth state semifinal, also winning their 12th straight and 17th overall district title. The varsity baseball team baseball team won the program’s 34th district title and advanced to the regional semifinals.

Spring highlights for the middle school sports included IMSC titles for softball and baseball. Softball won the program’s fifth title and first since 2014. Baseball won its eighth IMSC title. The Bolles tennis program also debuted the inaugural middle school team in 2024 with 12 players on the coed team. The season produced a 3-1 record, highlighted by an 8-0 win over Episcopal in the program’s first-ever match.

Bolles student-athletes and coaches garnered several individual awards in 2023-24 as well. In the Florida Dairy Farmers High School Sports Awards, Swimming and Diving Head Coach & Aquatics Director Peter Verhoef was named Class 1A and overall Girls’ Coach of the Year. Boys’ Cross Country Head Coach Mike Rivera was named the Class 2A Coach of the Year. Will Morales ’24 was named to the 2024

Florida Dairy Farmers Academic All-State Team for excellence in both athletics and academics.

Cross country and track coach Tony Ryan was inducted into the Florida Track & Field Hall of Fame on January 4 for his “outstanding commitment and dedication to track and field in the state of Florida.”

Three Bolles football players were named to the Florida Times-Union’s 2023 Super 24, a list of the top-rated high school football recruits across Jacksonville and Northeast Florida. All three signed scholarships to play college football – Garrison Butler ’24 with the University of Cincinnati, Trent Carter ’24 with the University of Louisville and DJ Moore ’24 with Coastal Carolina University.

Boys’ lacrosse players Daylin John-Hill ’24 and Lee Krotee ’24 earned All-American honors for the USA Lacrosse North Florida region. Baseball player Chayce Kieck ’24 was named District 3-3A Player of the Year by the Florida Athletic Coaches Association, and Bolles Head Baseball Coach Mike Boswell was named 2024 District 3-3A Coach of the Year by the Florida Athletic Coaches Association.

In the Florida Times-Union’s All-First Coast recognition, Andy Kravchenko ’25 was named the Boys’ Swimmer-of-the-Year, Julia Murphy ’24 was named the Girls’ Swimmer-of-the-Year and a total of 79 Bulldogs were named to the All-First Coast fall and winter sports teams. Several more accolades for Bolles student-athletes are expected to be announced for spring sports later this summer. Go Bulldogs!

Bolles Athletes Earn 21 Medals at CARIFTA Events

Bolles athletes won a total of 21 medals along with posting several strong performances in recent CARIFTA (Caribbean Free Trade Association) swimming and track and field championship events. CARIFTA was an economic link among Caribbean countries that continues as the namesake of international competitions in numerous sports.

The CARIFTA Aquatic Championships were held March 29-April 2 in Nassau, Bahamas. Current Bolles swimmers who competed were Sofia Bonati ’25 (Cayman Islands), Liam Carrington ’26 (Trinidad and Tobago), Leah Chin ’27 (Jamaica), Antoine Destang ’25 (St. Lucia), Tristan Dorville ’25 (St. Lucia), Marleigh Howes ’26 (Bermuda) and Riley Miller ’26 (U.S. Virgin Islands). Alumna Sabrina Lyn ’23, currently a rising sophomore swimmer at LSU, represented Jamaica as well.

Carrington, competing in the Boys 15-17 division, medaled in every one of his individual events. He won gold in the 50 back, 100 back and 200 IM, silver in the 200 free and 400 IM and bronze in the 100 free. Carrington was also on the winning and event record-setting 400 free relay. Lyn, competing in the Girls 18&O division, medaled in each of her events. She won gold in the 100 fly, 50 breast and 100 free, and silver in the 50 fly. Destang, competing in the Boys 15-17 division for St. Lucia, won gold in the 100 fly and 50 fly and bronze in the 200 free and 200 IM. Bonati won gold in the Girls 15-17 400 free relay and 800 free relay. Howes earned silver in the 800 free relay and bronze in the 200 free.

The 2024 CARIFTA Games, a track and field competition, was held at the Kirani James Athletic Stadium in St. George’s, Grenada, March 30-April 1. Bolles track and field athlete Terrell McCoy ’26

represented the Bahamas at the event. She earned silver in the discus and bronze in the shot put.

In addition to family and friends cheering on these athletes, Bolles assistant swim coach Jake Gibbons ’15 and Dean of Enrollment and Accessibility Kila McCann attended the swimming championships. McCoy also received in-person support from her Bolles basketball coach and Assistant Athletic Director Kelly Stevenson at the track and field championships. Bolles alumna and three-time Olympian for the Bahamas Arianna Vanderpool-Wallace ’08 served as a commentator at the swimming event.

Terrell McCoy ’26 with Assistant Athletic Director Kelly Stevenson

Pillsbury Named Athletic Director at Bolles

Following an extensive nationwide search, The Bolles School has named Rockwell “Rock” Pillsbury Jr. as its next Athletic Director. Pillsbury comes to Bolles with 35 years of experience in education as a teacher, coach and athletic director. He will take over for Matt Morris in the position beginning this summer. Morris is retiring after 36 years of dedicated service to Bolles as a teacher, coach and administrator.

“Rock has a track record of demonstrated athletic leadership in a variety of independent schools. He has thrived in high pressure environments, prioritizes building relationships, has experience navigating the new challenges and opportunities of NIL, has worked closely with both Admissions and Advancement and loves to help student-athletes pursue their dreams. We look forward to collaborating with Rock as we build upon Coach Morris’ remarkable tenure and body of work.”

– Bolles President and Head of School Tyler Hodges

“The Bolles School’s reputation for overall excellence is impressive, and I look forward to supporting our talented athletes and coaches as they carry on the tradition of success at every level,” said Pillsbury.

Pillsbury is joining the Bolles staff following 16 years as the Director of Athletics at Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth, California. He successfully guided the co-ed, PreK-Grade 12 school’s 19 varsity, 12 middle school and 12 lower school teams, including 19 CIF-SS Championships, 13 state titles and 64 league championships. Prior to Sierra Canyon, he worked as Director of Athletics at The Meadows School in Las Vegas, where he was named Nevada Athletic Director of the Year.

Pillsbury’s coaching experience also includes boys’ and girls’ basketball, football and track at the middle school, JV and varsity levels, along with physical education instruction with stints at Highland Park Independent School District in Dallas, Texas; St. Mark’s School of Texas; and Greenhill School in Dallas. Pillsbury also spent a year coaching at the collegiate level as an administrative assistant and coach with the Southern Methodist University men’s basketball team.

Pillsbury earned a Master of Education in Human Movement from Boston University and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Texas.

The Bolles School Athletic Program has produced 160 team state titles with 101 state runner-up finishes in 19 different sports, won 68 Independent Middle School Conference championships since joining the conference in 2007 and earned recognition as the best overall program in Florida in its classification for 42 years. Bolles coaches have earned 66 classification coach-of-the-year honors and 10 overall awards, and student-athletes have earned 41 classification athlete-ofthe-year honors and 11 overall awards.

Bolles Incorporates AI in Classrooms, Helps Students Navigate New Digital Frontier

The Bolles School is embracing the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution with equal parts enthusiasm and prudence, helping students learn to work with this quickly evolving technology and discover practical uses to elevate learning.

Bolles upper school teachers are utilizing AI tools in their classrooms to foster collaboration, innovation and creativity, with the understanding that this technology is here to stay and their students need to know how to use it as they prepare for college and beyond.

School leadership and faculty members are also taking the time and care to ensure students understand the technology’s limitations, ethical considerations and appropriate uses as everyone learns to navigate this new digital frontier.

Bolles Head of Upper School San Jose Campus Moya Marks said the message is simple: “AI is meant to enhance learning – not replace it.”

Marks challenged the upper school faculty to find creative ways to use AI in their teaching with the goal of enhancing the educational experience for students during the 2023-24 school year. Teachers on the Bolles Middle School Bartram Campus also explored ways to use AI in their lessons.

Bolles President and Head of School Tyler Hodges said he is encouraged by their results and the initiative both students and teachers have taken in exploring this new frontier together.

“As technology continues to transform education, we believe in harnessing its potential to inspire and empower our students. Our aim is to blend tradition with innovation, providing a holistic and cutting-edge education that prepares our students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.”

– President and Head of School Tyler Hodges

Last fall, Bolles fine arts teachers Christopher Hicks and Tiffany Gonzalez challenged Foundations students to use ChatGPT in researching various artistic elements and principles. Rather than navigating through countless online image databases, Hicks and Gonzalez had the students form pairs and request ChatGPT to provide a list of historical or contemporary artworks featuring the designated terms. As predicted, the chatbot generated some responses that were biased, incorrect or entirely fabricated – with one example even providing a non-existent artist and artwork.

“Unsurprisingly, during their active research, the students found that while AI proves immensely helpful, its reliability can be questionable,” Hicks said. “This experience underscored the importance of cross-referencing information obtained through AI and highlighted that, despite its drawbacks, AI exposure introduced them to a plethora of artworks not typically found in textbooks or online resources.”

Students taking Ancient Greek Civilization with Bolles upper school social studies teacher Jeff Yeakel also tested out the technology’s limitations by analyzing the sources cited by ChatGPT-generated essays. The students could see that ChatGPT currently prioritizes quantity over quality of source material, can’t weigh the value of source material and sometimes will invent sources that don’t exist.

Bolles upper school social studies teachers Emily Edmonson and Chris Gebauer have joined their colleagues in incorporating AI in their lessons, asking students to create illustrations for short stories and a Gilded Age newspaper project. AP Capstone teacher Stevie McNesby also worked with an upper school student on a project in which he surveyed students on the electability and favorability of political candidates using a hypothetical political issue. He used AI to generate tweets from fictitious candidates in the style of different political parties.

In the World Languages Department, upper school Latin teacher Mary Caroline Gillam ’17 collaborated with Bolles international advisor and ESL teacher Jessica Boylan to assist ESL students learning to write in history classes.

“I had been messaging back and forth with Jessica this year about an ESL student of mine and trying to find ways to fairly assess his work,” Gillam said. “I was particularly worried about this essay as it required analyzing primary source passages that were designed to be complicated for students who speak English as their first language. While we were brainstorming, Jessica suggested I input the passages into an AI chatbot and have it rewrite them in simpler language for an ESL student to see what it might produce.”

Bolles upper school Spanish teacher Carrie Ezell also utilized Canva’s AI feature to supplement a Spanish 2 Honors project in which students interviewed their classmates about their ideal home, including exterior and interior features. The Bulldogs used the integrated AI in Canva to “build” the home to their partner’s specifications, bringing the lesson to life in a way that wouldn’t have been possible before this technology.

The School’s enthusiastic – but reasonably measured – embrace of AI reflects its commitment to an All Things Possible approach to education. The AI revolution may be poised to overhaul many aspects of life, but rest assured, Bolles students will be ready to wield the power of this technology responsibly and creatively as they pursue their passions and with courage, integrity and compassion.

Katie Cussen, Samantha Livingstone and Lauren Genduso

Mental Health Matters: Continuing the Conversation

Bolles is committed to ensuring the conversations around mental health continue to take place, expand and evolve year after year as we collectively fight the stigma as a School community.

This semester, Bolles partnered with mental health experts and organizations to demonstrate this commitment – helping students identify if they or a friend are struggling and giving them resources to turn to for help.

Olympic gold medalist Samantha Arsenault Livingstone visited the Bolles Upper School San Jose Campus January 24-25 for a series of presentations centered on mental health, the dangers of perfectionism and finding balance for high-achieving kids. The world-renowned swimmer is a high-performance consultant, speaker and mental health activist who has had a relationship with Bolles since 2020.

Livingstone’s visit was made possible by Bolles, The Steven Todd Gold ’95 Family Mental Health and Wellness Lecture Series Endowment, the Heinold Family and the Berg Family, which provided funds and awareness for mental health and wellness on all four campuses.

On January 24, Livingstone met with Bolles upper school advisors in the morning to talk about the mental toll that striving for success can take on students. She then met with Bolles parents at a breakfast in the Peyton Boathouse & Rice Family Crew Complex to present “Healthy High Achieving Kids – Perfectionism, Success At What Cost?” After the parent presentation, Livingstone also met with athletic liaisons and upper school students for a similar conversation over lunch.

She returned to the San Jose Campus the next day to speak at a convocation for Grade 9-10 students in McGehee Auditorium. Livingstone shared her journey to the top of the Olympic podium, opening up about the stress of high achievement, the pressure to be perfect and how she rose above challenges. Key learnings included shifting from a performance-based identity to a purpose-based identity, the impact of embracing our humanness, the power of pause and leading with curiosity, and practicing self-kindness as opposed to self-judgment.

On the heels of Livingstone’s visit, Bolles welcomed the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Jacksonville to the San Jose

Campus February 1-2 to bring mental health awareness to the “lime light.” In partnership with the Hayden Hurst Family Foundation and NAMI South Carolina, NAMI Jax's "Go Lime Green: Mental Health Matters" is a movement designed to engage entire school communities on multiple fronts to incorporate mental health education and student-led positive strategies and activities. Bolles was the first school to pilot this program locally.

Bolles alums Catherine Randle Hurst ’77 and Deshawn Ruffin ’14 spoke to upper school students about the Go Lime Green movement at a convocation February 1 in Davis Gym, sharing deeply personal and powerful stories about mental health. Hurst shared more about her son and current Los Angeles Chargers tight end Hayden Hurst ’12, his mental health struggles and why he founded the Hayden Hurst Family Foundation.

NAMI Jax representatives talked to the Bulldogs about the importance of speaking up if they are struggling with mental health and stopping the silence to reduce the stigma. The students then heard from a local mother who turned to counseling, psychiatrists and her friends to manage her Bipolar 1 diagnosis. She encouraged them to manage their mental health one day at a time and get help if they need it.

To close the convocation, Ruffin invited the students to get more information from NAMI Jax representatives in the Class of ’46 Alumni Conference Room and sign a banner to promote mental

health awareness. He also encouraged them to wear lime green at the Winter Sports pep rally the following day, as well as at the BollesEpiscopal boys’ basketball game, which the student body responded to enthusiastically.

NAMI Jax youth coordinator DaJonah “Daja” Hall, who presented the February convocation, also came back to the San Jose Campus May 8 to speak with students taking the Bolles Wellness Seminar with upper school teacher Tom Hopkins ’79. She presented the NAMI “Ending the Silence” Program for Students – a 50-minute session designed for middle and upper school students – that includes warning signs of mental health conditions, as well as facts, statistics and ways to get help for themselves or a friend. Hopkins also hosted Jack Davis, a mental health practitioner from Wolfson Children’s Hospital, for the program “An Introduction to Mental Health,” which aimed to foster meaningful conversations and shed light on the local state of mental health.

As a School community, Bolles stands firm in its proactive approach to create open dialogue surrounding mental health and will continue to do so. No matter how much the world changes, the need for mental health support remains a critical component to ensuring students thrive as they grow into adults with passion, purpose and perspective.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Bolles Goes Lime Green for Mental Health

Catherine Randle Hurst ’77 and Deshawn Ruffin ’14

Daja Hall

Jack Davis

Creter Incorporates Breathing Exercises, Meditation to Inspire English Students

Bolles upper school English teacher Jeffrey Creter is helping his students overcome writer’s block, clear their minds and invigorate their focus by teaching them meditation and breathing exercises.

In January, Creter led his Grade 11 students taking American Literature in an exercise specifically designed to combat writer’s block, which he calls one of his biggest challenges as a teacher.

“A yogic method I’m aware of to help students work through this impediment is to create a state of relaxation,” he said. “This is done primarily through breathing, and once established, we may reinforce relaxation not just through breathing exercises but by adding memories of other relaxing experiences.”

To aid in creating this state of relaxation, Creter turned to the Netflix series “Head Space,” which calmly encourages viewers to visualize while breathing. He streamed these short, guided meditations on the large screen in his classroom and invited students to partake in the exercise.

“Years ago, while teaching ‘The Catcher in the Rye,’ I learned that J.D. Salinger was only able to harness his writing talents by utilizing the yogic practices of pranayama, asanas and meditation,” he said. “I also practice these techniques, and I love to share them with my students.”

But tapping into creativity isn’t all about calming the mind –sometimes it needs a boost!

Creter worked with Grade 10 students on a technique called the “breath of fire.” This breathing exercise can be used to focus and sharpen the mind, an exceedingly important skill in a world brimming with technological distractions. Creter spoke with the sophomores about the rise in behaviors such as “triple screening,” which involves someone viewing their phone, a laptop and a television screen simultaneously.

“When you’re triple screening, you're getting electrically overstimulated, and it induces a trance state,” he said. “The breath of fire exercise can help you shake out of that state in a way that is healthier than coffee or energy drinks.”

To complete the “breath of fire,” Creter instructed students to take one inhale for a belly full of air and then exhale sharply – asking them to envision snapping their navels into their spines. Creter took the

students through two sets of 50 at a normal pace and then one set of 50 at a double pace, while clapping a rhythm to keep them on track.

Watch students participate in the “breath of fire” exercise.

Students Create a Sustainable World in Global Simulation

Bolles upper school students taking Advanced Global Leadership participated in a multiplayer game based on the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on May 3 in the Chahlavi Center for Global Learning and Engagement on the Bolles Upper School San Jose Campus.

Led by Bolles Director of Global Learning and Engagement Natalia Aycart, this immersive experience challenged students to co-create a sustainable world in 2030. The players drew cards with various goals, from acquiring wealth and enjoying leisure to ending poverty and protecting the environment. This set the stage for the students to simulate a diverse group of people with different values – just like in the real world. Participants also used magnets on a whiteboard throughout the gameplay to monitor the condition of their world, with blue standing for the economy, green for the environment and yellow for society.

Aycart said the exercise provided her students with a tangible understanding of how individual actions can impact the future and revealed the importance of intercultural communication skills.

“By simplifying complex issues to an accessible level, the game sparked curiosity and enabled students to easily comprehend intricate concepts,” Aycart said. “Moreover, it offered a valuable opportunity for students to apply their classroom learning in a real-world context, fostering practical skills and reinforcing the importance of global citizenship.”

Throughout the course, Advanced Global Leadership students have covered many lessons, including:

• identifying which cultural factors shape human behavior,

• discovering how to become an efficient cross-cultural leader,

• exploring what cross-cultural leadership skills are needed to lead a global team in the future

• and learning how to work collaboratively within a culturally diverse team.

View the Bolles Global Learning and Engagement Department’s online calendar.

Bolles Academics Earn Individual, Team Accolades

From the scientific arena to world languages, Bolles students have secured many impressive accolades at academic competitions, demonstrating their prowess, setting new records and earning prestigious invitations. This academic round up is a sampling of the extraordinary progress Bolles students are making in their respective fields of interest.

Bolles Scientists Win Big at State Competition

Bolles scientists achieved high commendations at the 2024 State Science and Engineering Fair of Florida 2024 (SSEF), held April 2-4 in Lakeland, Florida. Upper school science teachers Brad Bullington ’02 and Dr. Kathryn Halloran accompanied the following students to the competition: Christina Dovellos ’25, Simran Naval ’24, Sarah Park ’25, Krish Patel ’25 and Dylan Schwartz ’24. These students received awards and placed in two separate categories of science, with Park also earning an invitation to the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). Learn more about Park's performance at ISEF on page 28.

Bolles Congreso Team Number One in State

The Bolles Congreso team earned the distinction of number one in the state this year! Bolles upper school Spanish language students competed in three separate categories – impromptu, theatrical and poema – as they applied their growing knowledge of the language outside of the classroom and experienced the great variety of cultures native to Spanish-speaking countries.

Record-setting State Tournament for Bolles Speech Team

The Bolles School Speech Team competed at the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative State Tournament on April 20 at Lake Brantley High School in Altamonte Springs, Florida. Competing against 1,000 students from about 120 Florida schools, the Bolles team captured nine tournament championships, breaking its own record of seven state titles from last year. Of the 30 Bolles entries, 24 advanced to the final round of competition in their events.

Upper School FIRST Tech Challenge Teams Compete at State Level

Two Bolles upper school FIRST Tech Challenge robotics teams competed at the state championship in Winter Haven, Florida, on March 2. Bolles Chief Technology Officer Paul Sollee ’88, who serves as the head coach for both teams, accompanied Mischievous Mechanics and Patent Pending to the tournament alongside Bolles upper school instructional technology specialist and robotics teacher Gloria Wood.

Bolles Students Excel at Debate State Finals

Five students from the Bolles Debate team competed at the Debate State Finals April 5-6, hosted on the Bolles Middle School Bartram Campus. Amir Chahlavi ’25, Brody Mills ’25, Dhruv Pandya ’25, Avinash Sagi ’25 and Andrew Sharkey ’25 faced off against students from across Florida, as well as North Carolina and South Carolina, with two rounds held Friday night and then four more on Saturday.

FIRST LEGO League Teams Dominate at Regional Tournament

Three out of seven Bolles Robotics teams that competed in the North Florida Regional FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Championship February 17 in Alachua, Florida, won bids to the state tournament. The Magicianeers from the Bolles Middle School Bartram Campus joined the Moof Monsters from the Bolles Lower School Whitehurst Campus at the FLL State Championship March 9 in West Palm Beach, Florida. The Bolles Robotics Operatives from the Bolles Lower School Ponte Vedra Beach Campus served as alternates for the competition. The Moof Monsters then qualified for the national tournament and competed this summer.

Student Scientists Innovate on International Stage

Two student scientists shined in international competitions this spring, with creative solutions that impressed judges across the globe.

Rising senior Sarah Park ’25 won the 3rd Place Grand Award with a $1,000 scholarship in the Cellular Molecular Biology Category at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), held in Los Angeles May 11-17. Park is now a three-time ISEF Grand Award winner and one of the only students in the region to compete in the international competition three consecutive years.

Accompanied by Bolles biology teacher Dr. Kathryn Halloran, Park represented the United States, Florida and Northeast Florida while competing alongside students from across the world who entered a total of 1,700 submissions. Park conducted the research for her project, “Establishing Disease Modeling of CADASIL using Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Pericytes,” through the Science Program for the Advancement of Research Knowledge (SPARK) at Mayo Clinic.

Lynn Ibrahim ’29 also won second place in the middle school division of the Biomimicry Youth Design Challenge. This global competition invited students to apply biomimicry, or nature-inspired innovation, to address a social and/or environmental issue related to one of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Coached by Bolles Grade 6 science teacher Bitsy Body, Ibrahim’s winning Desalinator project addressed the 14th SDG, Life Below Water. Her work addressed the rising salinity in the Florida Everglades by using biomimicry to create a filtration system based on various natural mechanisms, including the space-efficient honeycomb from bees, incurrent and excurrent siphons from clams, semipermeable cell membranes and salt glands from mangroves and seabirds.

Sarah Park ’25

Lynn Ibrahim ’29

Bulldogs Behind the Scenes: Tranaé Robinson

In this Bulldogs Behind the Scenes interview, the Bolles News team sits down with Bolles Director of Resident Life Tranaé Robinson.

From cultivating a tight-knit community among our 78 Resident Life students and dorm families to organizing group activities and arranging doctor’s appointments, Robinson covers an impressive amount of ground in her role and plays an integral part in the continued success of The Bolles School’s thriving boarding program.

Bolles News: Will you share a bit about your professional background and what brought you to The Bolles School?

Robinson: I was born in Landstuhl, Germany, as a military brat and raised in Tampa, Florida. My professional background is definitely not typical. I received a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business from Florida International University (FIU) and a Master of Science in Leadership and Administration. I’m currently a doctoral candidate at American University, researching dialogic spaces in independent schools.

Contrary to what many might think, my first career was working as a brokerage investment professional in the financial industry. I realized quickly that it was not my passion or purpose, so that is how I started working at international boarding schools in the upstate New York area. I always liked working with high-school aged students and spent time in New York working at English summer programs. It felt like a natural transition, even if I was going to a totally different industry.

At a certain point in my career, I knew a smaller boarding program would be a better fit for me – my previous school had 400 boarders and only seven day students – and that’s what brought me to The Bolles School. I wanted to have the opportunity to know all my students, their stories and their families and to be a part of a school that prioritizes tradition, whole student well-being and a communitycentered vision. The Bolles School had all those qualities – plus it brought me back to Florida and out of the snow!

Bolles News: Tell us more about your role as Director of Resident Life. What do you wish people knew about your position?

Tranaé Robinson

Robinson: My role as a Director of Resident Life is a little bit of everything. I am administrator, mom, coach, nurse, mental health counselor, Uber driver, college counselor – some may even refer to me as Hagrid from “Harry Potter.”

I wish more people knew how multifaceted my position is – and just because I am in administration doesn’t mean I don’t do trivial things. Resident Life is as much about the logistical and safety of it all as it is about the hugs, high fives and karaoke nights.

Bolles News: What is the most rewarding part of working with the Resident Life students?

Robinson: The most rewarding part of working with the Resident Life students is being able to see them grow into young adults. Resident Life gives me the opportunity to experience life with students outside of the classroom, where they can truly be themselves without the fear of failure. To see them graduate as these independent, kind and inclusive individuals makes it all worth it.

Bolles News: What makes the Resident Life program at Bolles different than others?

Robinson: At Bolles, we are committed to developing the whole student. We provide an environment where all students are considered special, not because of their attributes but simply because of who they are and what makes them unique. There is a home for them, trusted adults and a family that they can rely on.

Bolles News: Tell us more about your interests, hobbies and activities outside of your work at Bolles.

Robinson: My activities include dance and aerobic step classes to stay active. As a former competitive dancer and band geek, any chance I get to move my body with music is an enjoyable time for me. My hobbies include playing video games on my PS5 and traveling internationally. I have visited 10 countries so far and plan to mark my 11th this summer in South Korea.

Forty-five Bolles Upper School Artists Win Scholastic Awards

The Bolles Fine and Performing Arts Department is proud of the 45 Bolles upper school artists who won a combined 70 awards in the 2024 Northeast Florida Scholastic Art Awards – including 21 Gold Key-winning works (four portfolio winners), 22 Silver Key-winning works and 26 Honorable Mention-winning works.

Local art leaders judged thousands of student entries in 16 visual art categories for this prestigious annual competition to determine the top works in the region. The Gold Key winners moved on to a national competition, and based on their regional awards, they are eligible for several different scholarships at schools such as Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Jacksonville University, the University of North Florida and others.

The following graduates were portfolio winners:

• Alex Boutwell ’24, Silver Key, Art Portfolio

• Caleb Brigman ’24, Gold Key, Art Portfolio

• Cauthen Catlin ’24, Silver Key, Art Portfolio

• Alyona Chugay ’24, Gold Key, Art Portfolio

• Adeline Ezzell ’24, Silver Key, Art Portfolio

• Caylee Padgett ’24, Honorable Mention, Art Portfolio

• Shruthi Pakala ’24, Honorable Mention, Art Portfolio

• Miles Pike ’24, Gold Key, Art Portfolio

• Meia Popp ’24, Honorable Mention, Art Portfolio

• Trey Railey ’24, Silver Key, Art Portfolio

• Dylan Schwartz ’24, Gold Key, Art Portfolio

• Anne Shehani Venturi ’24, Honorable Mention, Art Portfolio

• Andrea Waters ’24, Honorable Mention, Art Portfolio

Brianna Curzio ’26 was also a standout in the competition, winning both a Gold Key and a nomination for the American Visions Award for her sculpture “Dictatorship,” a powerful interpretation of the classic novel “Lord of the Flies” that features a hand reaching out of the book to grasp a conch shell. Curzio’s piece is one of about 20 that were submitted to the national competition from the state of Florida.

Works from seven Bolles middle school students also received Honorable Mentions at the regional Scholastic Awards: Sophia Zhang ’28, Esmee Jeannin ’28, Addison Algozzini ’28, Candler Lott ’28, Gabriela Encina ’28, Vibha Chalamalasetty ’28 and Margaret Arrowsmith ’28.

To celebrate this year’s Scholastic Award winners, Bolles Director of Fine and Performing Arts Laura Rippel hosted a pop-up party in Gooding Gallery on January 26. The Bulldogs enjoyed spending time with their fellow award winners and eating cake and snacks to celebrate.

The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers and the Northeast Florida Art Education Association hosted the 2024 Northeast Florida Scholastic Art Affiliate Awards and Exhibitions on February 17,

with an award ceremony at the Florida Theatre followed by an exhibition of Gold-Key winning works at the Jacksonville Main Library.

View more award-winning works and see a complete list of this year’s winners.

Skinner Endowed Guest Artist Adam Larson Instructs Bolles Musicians

Master musician and clinician Adam Larson visited the Bolles Middle School Bartram Campus March 29 to give a masterclass for Bolles band members as part of the Randall T. Skinner ’82 Musical Guest Artists Endowment. This fund allows the Bolles Fine and Performing Arts Department to bring in a resident guest musician every other year to work with students.

Bolles Fine and Performing Arts Director Laura Rippel and Bolles Band Director Maggie Vance arranged Larson’s visit in Parker Auditorium, where he helped students with their musical pieces and instructed them how to strengthen their performances. Bolles alum Randy Skinner ’82 and his wife Tracy Skinner also attended the session with Bolles Strategic Initiatives & Senior Major Gifts Officer Rahul Sharma ’03 to get a behind-the-scenes look at the impact of their generous endowment.

Larson is a saxophonist, composer, educator and author currently residing in the Kansas City area. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in jazz performance from The Manhattan School of Music and was a part of the vibrant New York City jazz scene for 11 years before relocating in 2019. While a resident of Kansas City, Larson has held positions at the University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC) Conservatory, University of Kansas and The Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI). He currently teaches Entrepreneurship at KCAI.

Larson continues to perform in New York City with some of the greatest musicians in the genre. As a guest artist, he has been invited to present masterclasses on music business, improvisation and composition at more than 100 universities across the globe. Larson has recorded eight albums as a leader and maintains an active touring and clinician schedule, playing and presenting his original music and educational materials.

Watch a clip of Larson instructing Bolles Band students.

Laura Rippel, Maggie Vance, Adam Larson, Tracy Skinner and Randy Skinner ’82

Peyton Endowed Guest Artist Collaborates with Students on Inflatable Sculpture

Award-winning public artist Jim Benedict concluded his on-campus Peyton Endowed Visiting Guest Artist workshop with an exhibit and reception in Gooding Gallery on March 1.

Benedict worked with Bolles upper school students to create an inflatable sculpture that would later be installed in the south tower of Bolles Hall. Due to weather conditions, the mega-sized “tendrils” were displayed inside and outside of Gooding Gallery during the reception, giving attendees the opportunity to view them up close.

With help from Bolles upper school fine arts teachers Christopher Hicks and Lily Kuonen, Benedict came back to the San Jose Campus to inflate the tendrils on April 23 to the delight of upper school students, faculty and staff. The group unveiled the collaborative work during Activities, creating quite a stir on campus as the piece “grew” out of the tower and swayed in the breeze.

With more than 20 years of sculptural experience, Benedict has works displayed in private and public collections in nine states and two countries. His extensive public art background covers fabrication apprenticeships, public art maintenance and repair, project organization as a fabricator and design lead, large-scale commissioned sculpture projects, consultation and advocacy for public art projects across the country.

Benedict received his MFA in 3D Art from the University of Arizona and his BFA in Sculpture from the University of Northern Iowa, where he started his career in public art. He is well-versed in safe and

durable large-scale fabrication and has worked in bronze, hot-dipped galvanized steel, architecturally coated aluminum, powder-coated steel, stainless steel, cast stone and concrete, as well as contemporary and innovative materials.

Benedict owns and operates a metal fabrication shop in Jacksonville, Florida, and he regularly collaborates on large-scale projects with Kuonen, his spouse and partner. Recent projects include a 16-foot kinetic sculpture for a public park in Florida, a 19-foot suspended kinetic sculpture for a healthcare sciences entryway, a 27-foot organ donor memorial sculpture and a recent sculpture for Frankfort, Kentucky, with themes that support the neighboring river, elementary school and fire station. Current projects include trailhead landmark sculptures for Athens, Georgia, and Highlands, North Carolina.

Watch a video of the “tendrils” coming to life in the south tower of Bolles Hall.

Fine and Performing Arts Department Hosts

Inaugural AP Art Fair

The Bolles Fine and Performing Arts Department hosted the inaugural AP Art Fair on March 21 in Lynch Theater, showcasing vibrant works from AP 2D Design and 3D Design students.

Bolles Director of Fine and Performing Arts Laura Rippel said the show was designed to imitate a science fair – but with art!

“This time of year, as AP students are scrambling to perfect their pieces before submission, they don’t often get to be featured in gallery shows,” Rippel said. “Also, we have never had an opportunity to feature multiple pieces from their concentration for AP.”

The AP art students invest a significant amount of time, energy and dedication into creating their portfolios, which include three main components: 15 artworks in their Sustained Investigation, five in their Selected Works and their Written Evidence.

Visitors who attended the drop-in style event were treated to multiple physical pieces from each student’s concentration, alongside digital copies of additional works. The students manned their tables, engaging in discussions about their creative processes, intentions and the stories behind their art.

Hats off to the 18 talented Bulldogs featured in the AP Art Fair: Devin Armbrust ’24, Alex Boutwell ’24, Cauthen Catlin ’24, Yancin Chen ’24, Alyona Chugay ’24, Adeline Ezzell ’24, Ian Hendershot ’24, Eleanor McArthur ’25, Savannah Osborne ’24, Caylee Padgett ’24, Shruthi Pakala ’24, Miles Pike ’24, Meia Popp ’24, Marcelo Quintao ’24, Dylan Schwartz ’24, Shehani Venturi ’24, Andrea Waters ’24 and Tammy Yazgi ’24.

Bravo, Bulldogs!

View pictures from the AP Art Fair.

Curtains Up: Students Shine in Theatrical Productions

In a symphony of lights, costumes and talent, Bolles students from all grade levels graced the stage this school year, bringing characters to life and weaving captivating stories. From catchy tunes belted by enthusiastic lower school students to hilarious hijinks in the middle school’s production of “How to Eat Like a Child” and the upper school’s “The Play That Goes Wrong,” Bulldogs enjoyed the enriching experience of immersing themselves in the world of theater.

Keio School Partnership with Bolles Extends to Lower School

As part of a longstanding relationship with The Bolles School, Keio School’s Masashi Otake visited the Bolles Lower School Ponte Vedra Beach Campus on February 22 to teach third graders about Kamishibai, or Japanese paper theater. Bolles lower school librarian Christina Karvounis invited him to join in a bilingual storytelling and culture share during Library classes that afternoon.

Bolles upper school academic travel programs coordinator Kristin Hong connected Karvounis with Otake, who stayed in Jacksonville, Florida, as a chaperone for Keio School students during their exchange trip with Bolles upper school students. The Keio School group arrived on February 22 and traveled back to Tokyo on March 5.

Karvounis and Otake’s collaborative lesson provided Grade 3 students with an opportunity to learn about Kamishibai and ask Otake questions about his native country of Japan. Kamishibai isa form of storytelling that uses illustrated boards and a wooden, stage-like device for narrators to place slides and switch between them as the story progresses. The Kamishibai stories in the Ponte Vedra Beach Campus library feature captivating, colorful illustrations and text in both English and Japanese.

Karvounis began the lesson by introducing the third graders to Otake and sharing more about the origins of Kamishibai. Otake conversed with the students before reading stories, including “The Old Man and the Mice” and “Urashima Taro,” in Japanese, asking them to listen for words they could connect with the illustrations. Karvounis also jumped in to read the stories in English alongside Otake.

After the lesson, the third graders showed their appreciation by presenting Otake with a handmade book created in collaboration with several grade levels to provide him and his students back inJapan a glimpse of daily life as a Bolles lower school student. Grade 5 students used AI to translate their peers’ writing into Japanese, so both languages were represented in the book. Ponte Vedra Beach Campus students practiced cultural competency skills and communication skills during the creation of this book and are excited to possibly hear back from students at the Keio School in the future.

Thank you to Otake for taking time during his visit to connect with Bolles lower school students!

Bolles Ottenstroer Fellows Prepare for International Trips

Bolles leadership announced the faculty members who were awarded the 2024 Duane Ottenstroer Excellence in Teaching Fellowships during post-planning on May 30 in McGehee Auditorium on the Bolles Upper School San Jose Campus.

The Ottenstroer Fellowships identify and reward excellence in teaching at Bolles by providing opportunities for professional growth among faculty. Funded by a grant from Duane and Sue Ottenstroer, the fellowships are awarded annually to members of the Bolles faculty who have had a significant impact on the learning process and have a plan for future improvement. Interested candidates prepare an application describing a project to be funded by the fellowship, usually for summer study or research. Ottenstroer Fellowships are available to teachers at every grade level, and the recipients are chosen each spring by an administrative selection committee.

The following Bolles teachers will travel across the globe to complete their fellowships this summer:

Deborah Carney

Middle School Bartram Campus English Teacher and Lead Teacher

From Stratford-Upon-Avon to Verona: Following Shakespeare on the Road to “Romeo and Juliet”

Carney will travel to England to explore Stratford-Upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace, and trace his footsteps in London. Additionally, she will visit Verona, Italy, the setting of “Romeo and Juliet,” documenting her travels through a blog, videos and photographs. She aims to enrich the learning experience for her students as they study Shakespeare and enhance the annual Grade 8 Shakespeare Day.

Christina Karvounis

Lower School Ponte Vedra Beach Campus Librarian

Japan: Storytelling, Culture and Connection

Through her fellowship, Karvounis will extend her cultural competencies of Japanese culture with location immersion and museum tours, grow her knowledge of Japanese book arts, storytelling

and Kamishibai (Japanese Paper Theater), and connect with lower school colleagues at Bolles’ sister school in Tokyo, the Keio School

Elizabeth Miron

Lower School Whitehurst Campus Art Teacher

Journey Through Art: Exploring Spanish Roots

By experiencing the vibrant art scene in cities like Madrid, Barcelona and Seville, Miron plans to draw inspiration from the diverse range of artistic styles, techniques and themes present in Spanish art while connecting with her ancestral roots. She will gather a wealth of ideas and inspiration from famed Spanish artists, with the intent of sparking creativity and curiosity in students upon her return.

Andi Oldham and Carolyn Houston

Lower School Science Teachers

Scientific Exploration: Exploring Iceland’s Natural Phenomena

Oldham and Houston will travel to Iceland to explore the geologically and ecologically unique country and bring back hands-on experiences to share with their students as they study our changing Earth. They plan to delve deeper into Iceland's dynamically changing landscape, remarkable strides in space exploration, advancements in agriculture and food science and innovative strategies in renewable and green energy.

Maggie Vance

Bolles Instrumental Music Director

Jazzing Up Education: A Cultural Exploration at the Montreux Jazz Festival

Attending the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland offers a unique opportunity for professional development and enrichment, directly benefiting both Vance as The Bolles School Band Director and her students in the following ways: exposure to diverse musical styles; networking with industry professionals; workshops, masterclasses and educational settings; cultural immersion; inspiration and motivation; and documentation and sharing.

From the Office of Advancement

As I reflect on the remarkable journey we have embarked upon together with the “Future is Now” comprehensive campaign, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude for your unwavering support and generosity towards The Bolles School. Your commitment has been the cornerstone of our Institution’s enduring legacy.

Please save the date for the opening celebration of the Frank R. Sanchez & Hope and Dana E. Fender Center for Innovation (Sanchez Fender CFI). This momentous occasion also marks the closing of our historic “Future is Now” campaign. Get your party shoes ready for Saturday, September 28, at 7 p.m. inside the exciting new Sanchez Fender CFI facility! More details will be coming soon.

It is with great pride that I congratulate the Class of 2024 and their parents for their foresight and dedication in establishing their class endowment prior to graduation. Your initiative has set a new benchmark for tradition and excellence at Bolles. To date, this endowment has raised over $80,000. Thank you, Class of 2024, for leaving a gift of sustainability and making sure The Bolles School thrives in perpetuity.

Witnessing the Class of 2024 walk the stage in celebration of their academic achievements was a moment of pure joy, and the tradition of making your first gift to the Bolles Annual Fund as a new alum is a testament to the solidarity and spirit that defines us as Bulldogs. Your actions speak volumes about your character and the values we hold dear at Bolles.

As we look forward to the future, let us come together to celebrate these milestones and continue to build upon the foundation of success that each one of you has helped to establish. Your support has not only shaped the present but has also paved the way for a future filled with promise and potential.

Thank you once again to the Bolles Philanthropic Community for your generous spirit. You make us all proud to be a part of the Bulldog family.

With immense gratitude,

With

Nimitz, CFRE

Carol Nimitz, CFRE Chief Advancement Officer

Center for Innovation: Excitement Builds for Impending Opening

The Bolles School community is gearing up for the opening of the Frank R. Sanchez & Hope and Dana E. Fender Center for Innovation (Sanchez Fender CFI) – slated to open for learning this fall!

The Bolles Office of Advancement was busy this spring, giving behindthe-scenes tours to Bolles faculty and staff, as well as Bolles Trustees, Bolles Alumni Board Members and the Alumni Board of Visitors.

Hope Fender and Dana E. Fender – who matched Frank R. Sanchez’s historic $5 million gift to fund the 47,000-square-foot, three-story building last fall – also stopped by the Bolles Lower School Whitehurst Campus May 20 to speak with Grade 2 students about the building’s construction, alongside Stellar representatives who have given first and second graders daily updates on the project throughout the school year.

These Bulldogs had a unique, front-row seat to watch the Sanchez Fender CFI go from massive mounds of dirt to a nearly complete, state-of-the-art structure. They were eager to meet the Fenders and celebrate the new building, where they will eventually attend classes when they enter upper school. Hope Fender read “Someone Builds the Dream” by Lisa Wheeler and Loren Long to the Class of 2034 before turning it over to the Stellar team to answer questions ranging from how elevator shafts are installed to the process of applying stucco.

The opening of the Sanchez Fender CFI will also kick off various projects on the San Jose Campus, including the renovation of Schultz Hall for the English Department, Phase II of the Gund Residence Hall construction – set to double the capacity for girls in the Resident Life program – and the move of College Counseling to the Bent Student Center to add more space for learning above the Swisher Library.

Thank you again to all the students, faculty members and staff for their patience during this transition period. We’re nearing the finish line and can’t wait to see students dive into innovative learning opportunities in the Sanchez Fender CFI!

Get a behind-the-scenes look from the inside of the Sanchez Fender CFI.

Hope Fender

Wotiz Family Outdoor Learning Center

“The Treehouse” Now Open!

The Bolles Lower School Ponte Vedra Beach Campus held a ribbon cutting February 2 alongside the Bolles Office of Advancement to celebrate the official opening of the Wotiz Family Outdoor Learning Center “The Treehouse.”

Made possible by Ashley Wotiz ’96, Matt Wotiz and many generous supporters (see complete list on the right), this center enhances the learning process through the outdoors and brings elevated energy and connection to classroom learning.

It also creates an opportunity to experience and appreciate nature and allows students to not only learn about their surroundings but to also better understand how nature can impact math, literature, history, art, music and science.

Head of Lower School Ponte Vedra Beach Campus Stacey Hendershot said faculty members were enthusiastically anticipating the opening of “The Treehouse,” brainstorming the many ways they could use the space to creatively reach students.

The entire Ponte Vedra Beach Campus gathered for the ribbon cutting, along with dozens of parents and supporters, to commemorate the opening of the center. The youngest Bulldogs used binoculars to view “The Treehouse,” while the older students waved orangeand-blue pom poms to celebrate.

Thank you to our outstanding contributors who made "The Treehouse" possible:

Anonymous

Crystal and Justin Ashourian ’99

Audrey Costabile and Dan Blater

Connie Buckley

Elizabeth and Michael Burke

Melanie and Morgan Busby

Alina and Edward Callaway

Marion and David Cangemi, M.D

Heidi and Mike Chanatry, D.D.S.

Ashraf and Hassan Derazi

Jennifer and Chris Fox, M.D.

Jane and Bill Fox

Kimberly and Vince Galiano, M.D.

Katie Gold, M.D. and Steve Gold ’95

Tatiana Graham, P.A. and Mark Graham, D.O.

Liza and Blake Griffis

Leila Tolaymat, M.D and Matthew Hall, M.D.

Stacey and Rob Hendershot

Laura and Mike Hodge ’90

Laura and Billy Kappaz

Joanna and Andrew Lewis, M.D.

Jennifer and Andrew Mumford

Kandi and Matthew Nawrocki, D.M.D.

Julie and Jay Parrish, Ph.D.

Bolles President and Head of School Tyler Hodges took the podium to express his gratitude to the Wotiz family and everyone who supported the project, reiterating the significant impact this structure is poised to make in students’ educational and social growth.

“This is going to help students look at the world from a different perspective, and that is really important – especially when you’re young,” Hodges said. “As we cultivate their dreams and we encourage them to dare to be whatever it is they want to be, this is the type of building that helps them do that.”

Shannon and Eric Ragatz

Lauren and Ted Rueger

Minhye Ryu

Sarah and Brian Small

Méreddy Danger and José Sotomayor

Tuba and Mehmet Taskan

Kimberly Stein Tonning ’98 and Ken Tonning

Kari and Rick von Goeben

Sue Marie and Bradley Waddell Jr.

Ashley Stein Wotiz ’96 and Matt Wotiz

Debra and Arthur Wotiz

Leah and Patrick Zalupski

After the ribbon cutting, the Ponte Vedra Beach Campus students gathered for their first group picture in “The Treehouse” and enjoyed a special visit from Champ.

View pictures of the ribbon cutting.

Whitehurst Flag Stage Renovated by Bouziane Family Walker Family Donates

On January 12, Bolles Lower School Whitehurst Campus students, parents, faculty and staff gathered for the first Flag of the New Year, held on the completely renovated stage and surrounding area made possible through the generosity of the Bouziane family.

Abdul Bouziane and Stacy Bouziane joined their children – Nora ’25, Laila ’30, Yousef ’35 and Younes ’38 – for remarks before cutting the ceremonial ribbon as a family alongside Head of Lower School Whitehurst Campus Dr. Christy Lusk.

“I want to share my sincere gratitude to Abdul and Stacy Bouziane for their generosity and vision in providing this beautiful transformation of our campus gathering space,” Lusk said. “This renovation will be enjoyed by all for years to come, and we are all very grateful for this wonderful gift!”

Watch a video of the first Flag on the renovated stage and surrounding area.

Whitehurst Flag Walkway

The Bolles Lower School Whitehurst Campus community gathered to celebrate the official opening of the Whitehurst Flag Walkway May 10 during Flag. The paved pathway, which leads to the Flag stage area, was generously donated by the Walker family, who also plans to renovate the Grade 1 and Grade 2 walkways this summer.

Whitehurst Campus student Vivianne ’36 and incoming Bulldog Poppy ’38 were joined by their mother, Julie Walker, and their uncle, Calvin Walker, as well as grandparents Chuck Walker and Janice Walker, for the celebration. The family cut the ceremonial ribbon to the applause and appreciation of the students, parents, faculty and staff in attendance. A big Bulldog thank you to the Walker family!

Powell Family Improves Dock Area, Creates New Beach

The Powell Family generously supported significant improvements to the dock area on the Bolles Upper School San Jose Campus, including safety improvements, the replacement and upgrade of the floating dock, the paving of the peninsula and the creation of a new beach area.

Bolles alumnus Billy Powell ’72, who spearheaded the project, his son Ben Powell ’05 and granddaughter Emerson ’35 visited the updated dock by the Peyton Boathouse and Rice Family Crew Complex on February 28 – taking a few special moments to enjoy the newly minted Powell’s Beach.

The Powell family has a four-generation legacy at The Bolles School, beginning with Hugh Powell ’46, who celebrated 75 years of marriage to his wife, Peggy Powell, on March 1. The Powells also funded the new Whitehurst Campus train in the fall of 2023.

Thank you to the Powells for their continued support of The Bolles School!

Commander Park to Enhance Gameday Experience for Bulldog Fans

Construction is well underway on Commander Park, the latest modernization to Skinner-Barco Stadium on the Bolles Upper School San Jose Campus.

Nestled between the tennis courts and track by the east endzone, the new Commander Park will transform the popular gathering area into an improved space conducive to families, including young children. The project includes the replacement of natural grass with turf and the addition of shaded seating while keeping the overall vision of Skinner-Barco Stadium intact.

The construction of Commander Park is possible through the generosity of the late Charles E. Commander III, a noted local attorney, former Bolles Trustee member, Bolles parent and grandparent and proud Bulldog fan. Just two weeks prior to his passing, the Bolles Office of Advancement had the privilege of hosting Mr. Commander at the stadium, where he presented the team with funds to start the Commander Park project. Bulldog fans can expect Commander Park to open by the first home football game this fall.

Commander’s sons Charles Commander IV ’85 and Christopher Commander ’87 graduated from The Bolles School, and his grandchildren, Christopher Commander Jr. ’20, Will Commander ’22, Helen Commander ’23 and Emily Commander ’24, competed in lacrosse and football on the very field that Commander Park will soon overlook. Mr. Commander also played an integral role in constructing Skinner-Barco Stadium in 1984 and hiring legendary head football coach Corky Rogers while on the Bolles Board of Trustees.

Bolles Strategic Initiatives and Senior Major Gift Officer Rahul Sharma ’03 said it was an honor to know Mr. Commander and work with him, his loving wife Vicky Commander and their entire family on the Commander Park project.

Charles E. Commander III and Vicky Commander at the Dedication of Surface Way

“Mr. Commander was a true inspiration,” Sharma said. “His passion for and belief in Bolles were the impetus for Commander Park, and we can’t wait for the entire School community to have the opportunity to honor his legacy every time they enjoy cheering for the Bulldogs on George H. Hodges Field.”

New Baseball Fieldhouse Coming to San Jose Campus

On April 4, Bolles leadership announced a transformative gift by Bruce Chappell Sr. and the Chappell-Walker Family that will bring a newly designed baseball fieldhouse to the Bolles Upper School San Jose Campus in honor of Chappell’s late wife, Jerry “Poppy” Chappell.

The announcement was made during the Agnes Cain Painter & Glynlea and Heritage Society Reception, which Chappell attended alongside fellow donors who have made gifts or pledges of $3,000 or more to the Bolles Annual Fund.

The Jerry and Bruce Chappell Fieldhouse will feature a player locker room and training room, coaches’ offices, an entrance lobby and a tribute plaque in memory of Jerry Chappell. Outdoor landscaping that bears a resemblance to the avid gardening style of Jerry Chappell will also be incorporated into the design. Construction on the project will begin this fall.

In remarks given at the reception, Chappell reflected on his first venture with Bolles 48 years ago when his son enrolled in Grade 7.

He recalled working with the late, legendary A. Chester Skinner Jr. ’40, who was on the Bolles Board of Directors at the time, to raise funds for a new football stadium. Chappell also served as the president of the Bolles Athletic Booster Club, but he credits his wife with doing the real heavy lifting – with one of her many events raising more than $100,000.

Chappell also served on the Bolles Board of Trustees for eight years with then-President and Head of School Dr. John Trainer Jr., at that point having three children and six grandchildren go to Bolles. He said his family is “thrilled to death” to dedicate the fieldhouse to his wife and pleased to be part of the future of Bolles.

“There are two things you can give your children or grandchildren that no one can ever take away: love and a good education,” Chappell said. “And let me tell you, this Institution offers a pretty good education.”

Bolles President and Head of School Tyler Hodges shared his gratitude to Chappell for his leadership, both past and present.

“We are fortunate to have worked and to currently work at a place that had people like you shepherding it, guiding it and taking care of it because we are privileged to be able to serve here,” Hodges said. “I really do believe that I am standing on the shoulders of giants that came before me. We are very cognizant that everything we are doing – now and in the future – would not have been possible without people like you.”

Thank you to Chappell and the Chappell-Walker Family for their immense generosity!

Cameron Chappell Walker ’85 with Father Bruce Chappell

From the Bolles Parent Association

As I am writing this article, it is just a few weeks away from the Commencement ceremonies for our Bolles Class of 2024! Time flies when you are having fun – and that is something the Parent Association knows a little bit about! As I see the emails pass through my inbox for the Globals and PA News, I pause to reflect how honored I am to work with such remarkable parent volunteers. Seeing the pictures come through of smiling faculty and staff, laughing children, happy families, groups of friends and our beautiful campuses is truly a reminder of how blessed I am to send my children to Bolles and be a part of this community.

In the fall report, I mentioned a few committees that hit the ground running before the school year even started. Things did not slow down! The Grandparents’ Day Committee, led by Executive Chair Christina Wachs and Vice Chair Sarah Skinner along with campus chairs Jill Davis and Mary Kay Venus (Bartram), Kelly Matoney (Ponte Vedra Beach), Laura Edgecombe (San Jose) and Amy Iracki (Whitehurst), planned, executed and hosted four events in two days for our four campuses. Over 850 grandparents and special friends were welcomed to our School to enjoy programs, refreshments and time with their grandchildren. The smiles were plentiful!

Each campus also hosted a variety of activities for the students. Bartram Campus Chair Darsi Edwards and her volunteers hosted grade level socials and Middle School Madness at the end the year. Meanwhile, Lower School Campus Chairs Beth Koch (Ponte Vedra Beach) and Elizabeth Sleeth (Whitehurst) worked with parent volunteers on fall festivals, spring flings, book fairs and book exchanges. Lastly, San Jose Campus Chair Wendy Waller and her incredible team of volunteers helped with Homecoming, hosted a Senior Breakfast, the annual Bollapalooza festival and the Senior Dinner. In addition to these festivities, the Family Social Committee, led by Executive Chairs Kristen and Andy Allen along with campus chairs Stephanie Verlander (Bartram), Liz Burke (Ponte Vera Beach), Damon and Doneth Morgan (San Jose) and Gracie Register ’05 (Whitehurst), held family fun activities at each campus such as bingo, trivia nights and cookouts.

There are many others who have done so much for our PA this year. It takes a village! I thank each and every volunteer, from the bottom of my heart, for all that you do to make Bolles such a wonderful place. When speaking of the wonderful things the PA does, I must also acknowledge Director of the Bolles Annual Fund and Parent Programs Sandy Catanese and Bolles Events Manager Becca Rogers. Their service on behalf of Bolles for the Parent Association is a testament to the connection between the School and the PA.

As our incoming Executive Campus Chairs Melanie Busby (Bartram), Suzanna Devens (Ponte Vedra Beach), Christina Wachs (San Jose) and Amy Iracki (Whitehurst) have been working on the committees for the new school year, I foresee another wonderful year of fun, smiles, laughter and fellowship and look forward to working with repeat volunteers, as well as new ones. I love the creativity and passion that goes into some of these events, watching our volunteers’ talents come out in their work. All of us, sharing and respecting our different talents and strengths, supporting those talents and strengths with our own, is what makes the Bolles PA successful.

It has been my pleasure to serve as the PA Executive Chair for this 2023-24 school year, and I look forward to serving my second year in 2024-25. Wishing you a summer of love, laughter and new memories made!

With sincere gratitude,

Lisa A. H. Sawyer

Bolles PA Executive Chair 2023-24

Marissa ’24 and Gavin ’27

Bolles Mourns the Loss of Trustee Emeritus James V. Bent Sr. ’53

We are saddened to share the loss of Bolles Trustee Emeritus James V. Bent Sr. ’53, who passed away January 13, 2024, at the age of 87.

Mr. Bent was a distinguished alumnus, past parent and grandparent, former member and chairman of the Bolles Board of Trustees, Sidney Register Award recipient, Heritage Society member and Alumni Board of Visitors member. His profound impact was far reaching as an influential leader and generous supporter of the School for more than 70 years.

The Bents have a long history of Bolles tradition within their family tree, with “Jimmy” Bent entering The Bolles School as a cadet in 1947. He quickly made his mark as a trustworthy leader, reliable friend and impressive academic with a grade score of 95.5%. According to the 1953 Eagle, “this score was undoubtedly the best six-year record in the history of Bolles. Not only for his brains but for his general versatility and unfailing dependability, the Class of ’53 salutes its intellectual giant.”

Known as “Twig” back then, Mr. Bent was class Valedictorian, the Lester Varn Trophy recipient in June of ’53 for the highest academic average in Grades 10-12, president of Bolles Forum ’52, Alpha Society ’50-53, Captain and Battalion Adjutant ’52. He also received many other honors and was also voted “most intellectual” by his fellow classmates.

During graduation, Mr. Bent accepted his diploma from Robert H. Paul Jr., his future father-in-law and then Bolles Chairman of the Board. He would marry Patricia Cummer Paul ’55 Bartram, his wife of more than 65 years, and have three children, each of whom graduated from Bolles:

Patricia “Trisha” Bent MacRae ’77, James “Jimmy” Bent Jr. ’78 and Robert “Paul” Bent ’81. Mr. and Mrs. Bent also had five grandchildren attend Bolles (Cary MacRae ’04, Ann “Chessie” MacRae Sharp ’06, James MacRae ’10, Barbara Bent ’12 and Robert “Bobby” Bent ’16), making them a legacy family with three generations walking our halls.

Patricia Cummer Paul ’55 Bartram and James V. Bent Sr. ’53

Mr. Bent was a true servant leader who transformed Bolles as a longstanding member of the Board of Trustees from 1967-88. During his 21-year tenure, Mr. Bent was Chairman of the Board of Trustees in 1981 and 1982, leading the School’s first capital campaign and overseeing the launch of the Bolles Lower School Whitehurst Campus.

In 1989, Mr. Bent funded the construction of the Bent Tennis Center through the Bent Family Trust in honor of his father, VanEtten Bent, as well as the construction of the Colmery Skills Development Complex on the Bolles Upper School San Jose Campus. The Bent family would again facilitate the enrichment of our tennis program with the renovation of the Bent Tennis Center in 2023.

In 2008, Mr. Bent and his family made Bolles history by generously giving $2 million — the largest single gift ever given to the School at the time — to construct the 13,200-square-foot Bent Student Center on the San Jose Campus. This two-story building attached to Davis Gym remains a central hub for student activities, housing the Canteen, Campus Store, Bulldog Hall, counseling and learning support and many other classroom and conference spaces.

The Bent Student Center opened in the fall of 2009, with a festive celebration called the “Hard Hat Hoopla” overseen by then President and Head of School Dr. John Trainer Jr. and enthusiastically attended by students, board members, faculty and staff.

Please join us in reflecting on Mr. Bent’s impact and keeping the entire Bent family in our thoughts and prayers.

From the Office of Alumni

As we celebrate the close of another school year and welcome a new class of Bulldog alums, we would like to thank the entire Bolles Alumni community for your continued support of your Bolles Alumni Association. Your annual membership and participation throughout the school year provides the resources necessary for Bolles to continue its pursuit of excellence in all areas of student life. Thank you!

The Bolles on the Road events continue to provide terrific opportunities for Bulldog friends, families and alumni across the country to reconnect and learn more about innovative programs and projects underway at The Bolles School. In addition to hearing from President and Head of School Tyler Hodges, guests received updates on the progress of the Frank R. Sanchez & Dana and Hope E. Fender Center for Innovation (Sanchez Fender CFI), as well as an occasional “surprise” speaker – like former, longtime and beloved faculty member Frank “Boo Boo” Anderson at the Atlanta alumni event. In addition to returning to Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Charlotte in the new year, Bolles hosted inaugural alumni gatherings in Birmingham and Nashville. With the Alumni Association continuing to grow, we look forward to expanding the Bolles on the

Road network to include even more cities next year and hope you will be able to join us on the road.

Over Winter Break, the Alumni Office welcomed back some of our young alums during the Doggone Cookout, where current college students reconnected with classmates and members of the Bolles faculty and staff. In February, the Office of Alumni partnered with the College Counseling team to host another Life Beyond Bolles breakfast event that focuses on helping current students prepare for their future beyond high school. Distinguished alums Rachel Duffy Boswell ’14, DeShawn Ruffin ’14 and Louis Joos ’94 returned to the San Jose Campus for an alumni panel discussion to share their college and work experiences.

Our alumni continue to support and give back to the next generation of Bulldogs. In March, several Bolles alums and their families returned to Hugh Donovan Field to celebrate Alumni Night at the ballpark and watch the Bulldog baseball team compete. Special guest and two-time state champion pitcher Mark Lumpa ’10 started the festivities by throwing out the first pitch.

In April, Bolles Alumni Association Board Vice-Chair Karen Gray ’84 Bartram hosted a special evening with Bartram graduates. Guests enjoyed a reception leading up to the Middle and Upper School Chorus Concert in the Betsy Lovett Performing Arts Center. Special guests Bev Warren ’55 Bartram and Louise Ropp ’56 Bartram were recognized by current Bolles students, faculty and staff for their service to performing arts at the Bartram School for Girls and got to witness the tradition of excellence continue at Bolles. With alumni leadership, Bolles will continue to honor our past as we lead our school into a bold future.

Thank you to our Bolles alums who continue to make a positive difference in our community. We appreciate your continued support of YOUR Alumni Association. Please reach out, visit us on campus or join us on the road to learn more about how you can make an impact on the future of Bolles.

Go Bulldogs!

Julia Kalinski, MPA

Julia Kalinski, MPA

Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving KalinskiJ@Bolles.org

John Newman ’86, M.Ed. Stewardship and Alumni Officer NewmanJ@Bolles.org

The Bolles Alumni Association Board 2023-24

Justin Hart ’00, Chair

Karen Gray ’84, Vice- Chair

John Dominey ’08

David Dunn ’03

Adam Edgecombe ’98

Max Glober ’08

Mary Howe ’73

Jerry Hurst ’76

Roland Johnson ’16

Steve Kurosko ’97

John Langley ’03

Tim Miller ’05

Shreena Patel ’98

Carson Vandergriff Richardson ’02

Lauren Bacalis Scheible ’01

Sid Simmons ’08

Travis Von Tobel ’95

Hunter Walker ’14

Board of Visitors 2023-24

Caitlin Hayes ’07, Co-Chair

Katherine Newton Jones ’05, Co-Chair

Amy Akel ’05

John Bacon ’04

James “Quint” Barker ’86

Christian Bermudez ’15

Kindt Brady ’14

Talmadge Coley ’96

Carole Coplan ’84

Katherine Prusiecki Davis ’12

Summer Decker ’95

Glen Elliott ’01

Adrienne Hume ’11

Michael Mikulic ’08

Michael Minutelli ’95

Jamil Murray ’11

Ryan Ong ’99

Ron Patrick ’90

Scott Rinehart ’79

Greg Rogowski ’13

Christopher Stubbs ’67

William Thompson III ’98

Catalina Vergara ’92

Cameron Perry Walker ’18

Bulldogs Build Connections Across the Country

Thanks to our incredible Bolles alumni, family and friends who joined Bolles President and Head of School Tyler Hodges and the Advancement team on the road in:

• Atlanta

• Los Angeles

• San Francisco

• Orlando

• Charlotte

• Birmingham

• Nashville

We enjoy catching up with each of you and creating connections across the country and beyond! Keep an eye out for more Bolles on the Road events coming up this fall!

Charlotte

Nashville

San Francisco

Los Angeles Birmingham Orlando

Doggone Cookout Welcomes Young Alums Back to Campus

Thanks to all the Bulldog alumni who joined members of the Advancement team, Alumni Board members Justin Hart ’00 and Roland Johnson ’16 and faculty members at the second annual Doggone Cookout on the Upper School San Jose Campus during Winter Break.

The young alums enjoyed the cooler weather and catching up with classmates during the lunch hosted by the Alumni Office. Attendees also received souvenir alumni gear to celebrate their membership in the Alumni Association.

Mark Lumpa ’10

Bolles Alumni Baseball Events Score Big!

The Bolles Office of Alumni swung for the fences and knocked two events out of the park on the Bolles Upper School San Jose Campus this spring: an All-Alumni Night at the varsity baseball game on March 8 and a Baseball Alumni Event on March 9.

All Bolles alumni and their families were offered complimentary admission to the Friday night Bolles baseball game as the Bulldogs took on the Orange Park Raiders at Hugh Donovan Field. Attendees also received a warm welcome from our favorite mascot, Champ, and a collectible Bolles Baseball keychain.

Bolles alum and accomplished pitcher Mark Lumpa ’10 made a special appearance at the game to throw out the first pitch. Lumpa went a perfect 28-0 for his career on the mound for the Bulldogs and led Coach Storm Davis’ squads to back-to-back state championships in 2009 and 2010.

Several former Bulldog baseball alums who attended the game returned to the San Jose Campus the next day for the Bolles Baseball Alumni Event. The gathering included a coffee meet and greet, coaches meeting, luncheon, live batting practice and an on-field home run derby. Despite some tough competition, Nick Rogers ’98 was crowned this year’s “Legend of the Long Ball.”

View pictures from both events.

Bartram Alumnae Reunite, Attend Chorus Concert

Bartram School for Girls alumnae attended a springtime celebration of fine and performing arts on the Bolles Middle School Bartram Campus on April 30. The alums took a campus tour with Bolles Head of Middle School Josh Bauman and spent time connecting, laughing and sharing old memories in the new Parrish Family Outdoor Learning Center.

After mingling and visiting with each other, the alumnae attended the Bolles Upper and Middle School Chorus Concert held on the Parker Auditorium stage in the Betsy Lovett Arts Center.

In a special, pre-concert ceremony, Bolles Choral Director Meredith Mormann recognized beloved alums Bev Warren ’55 Bartram and Louise Ropp ’56 Bartram from the stage for being the foundation and inspiration for the fine arts program at Bartram. As a part of the celebration, chorus students also delivered flowers to Warren and Ropp, and the pair received a round of applause from the capacity crowd.

Thank you to all the incredible Bartram alumnae for sharing such a special evening with us!

Bartram Alumnae Notes

’40s

1940

Julia Weed Baldwin passed away on January 3, 2024

1942

Class Representative: Helen Murchison Lane

’50s

1955

1951

Class Representative: Frances Watts McCurry fmccurry@comcast.net

Class Representative: Beverly Brett Warren bbrettw@hotmail.com

Trustee Emerita: Ann Curry Hicks

1956

Class Representative: Louise Adams Ropp weezier@comcast.net

1959

Class Representative: Linda Burbridge Knight lbksr@comcast.net

Wesley Katherine Smith ’24, step granddaughter of Agnes Ellis Danciger and Quinn R. Barton Jr. ’46 and stepdaughter of Quinn R. Barton III ’84, graduated from The Bolles School on May 25, 2024. See picture on page 63.

’60s

1964

Cauthen Alexis Catlin ’24, granddaughter of Diann Smith Catlin and William Catlin III ’66 and daughter of Keith Randolph Catlin ’94, graduated from The Bolles School on May 25, 2024.

1961

Class Representative: Meriel Traylor Rucker

Class Representative: Missie Graham Sarra LePrell Missie@missiesold.com

1966

Class Representative: Marcia Caribaltes Hughes Marciahughes0017@gmail.com

1968

Class Representative: Judy Goins Quick jgquick@bellsouth.net

1969

Class Representative: Virginia Conley Pappas virginiacpappas@gmail.com

’70s

1970

Molly Williams and her sister Ann Williams Brinson ’68 enjoyed a wonderful Mediterranean cruise on the Silversea in May.

Flo Hope Mason still loves living at the beach and spending time with her five grandchildren.

Claudia Cassidy Naughton is proud of her grandchildren's college acceptances. Lily Holland will be a freshman at Baylor, Catherine Nichols will attend Smith and Richard Nichols will be at the University of South Carolina. Claudia and Jim continue to split their time between Cashiers, North Carolina, and Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

Gardner McFall spends several weeks each year in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. She and Peter Olberg enjoyed a visit here from their daughter Amanda and two grandsons in May. She continues to write and publish poetry.

Keith Randolph Catlin ’94

Cauthen Alexis Catlin ’24

Not Pictured: Diann Smith Catlin ’68 (Grandmother) & William Catlin III ’66 (Grandfather) Bartram

William Catlin III ’66, Diann Smith Catlin ’68 Bartram, Keith Randolph Catlin ’94

Diane Knauer Ludwig has enjoyed her new apartment in Fall Church, Virginia, and spending time with her two grandsons, Bion and Becket.

Shelley Boney has moved from Fleming Island back into the Jacksonville area, where we hope to see more of her.

Elizabeth Ann Stoneburner Coddou now has two grandchildren in Australia – a long flight but worth it!

Condolences to Fran Bryan, who lost her mother, Mary Ann Shands Bryan ’46 this past year and to Cathy Schultz McFarland, who also lost her mother, Nancy Schultz.

Elizabeth Lovett Colledge is still working as President of Commodores Point Terminal Corporation and enjoying international style competitive ballroom dancing.

1971

Class Representative: Kerry Lee Byron Ehrlich klehrlich@cox.net

1973

Class Representative: Barbara Arnold Pickett bsap00@comcast.net

1974

Class Representative: Joann Ferguson Purdie 2210jrfp@gmail.com

1975

Class Representative: Marnie Law George marnie@thegeorgegroup.com

1976

Class Representative: Virginia Ferguson McNulty virginia@mcnulty.tv

1977

Class Representative: Robin Giddens Sheppard rgsfld@att.net

1979

Class Representative: Karen Ibach Bowden kbowden61@comcast.net

Class Representative: Jennifer Williams Wiegand jennifermwilliams@coralwave.com

’80s

1981

1980

Class Representative: Hilda Pendleton Fenton mafenton@hotmail.com

Class Representative: Susan Williams Brodeur brodboys@bellsouth.net

Susan Williams Brodeur writes: I’m enjoying being retired! Rick and I have been traveling a lot (it’s helpful when one of your sons works for an airline). I play pickleball 2-3 times a week and play bridge once a week, often with Celia Green.

From Tracy Seay Raymond: I've recently retired, as I sold my retail business to a local gal, which thrills me. Keeping it local is always a good thing! My youngest son, RJ, and his wife, Stephanie, have a baby girl, and we couldn't be happier. Eloise Jennings Raymond just celebrated her first birthday and is the light of our lives. She is keeping this retired grandma very busy. By the way, SeaySeay is my grandma name. Husband Bobby ’80 is not yet retired but slowing down. Lots of golf and spending time on our boat. Sixty years old is proving to be not so bad.

Sara Dever Reed writes: Jim and I still live in Kansas City, where we are both rabid Chiefs fans. I'm taking Online Writing courses at Cornell, writing an art newsletter for the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and keeping up with our two doodles, Rina and puppy, Beatrix. Our two sons, Doc and Alec, newly engaged, are both living in Kansas City.

From Kathy Stark: My paintings were on display at The Cummer Museum through December 2023. I recently completed seven WPA NPS style park poster paintings of seven local wilderness parks and one nonprofit supporting agency. They began the display at MOSH from December 2023 to January 2024 and then traveled to the Fort Caroline National Memorial Visitor Center in June. Prints on paper and canvas will be available.

Kathy Stark ’81 Bartram and her WPA NPS Style Park Poster Paintings

Becky Davis McKee writes: Will and I are having so much fun with our first grandchild, Maeve Elizabeth Lemaigre, who was born on January 23, 2023! We're enjoying retirement and are spending a lot of time on the tennis court and golf course, as well as traveling.

Becky Davis McKee ’81 Bartram grandchild (Maeve Elizabeth Lemaigre)

1982

Class Representative: Virginia “Ginny” Jones Charest Gcharest1@verizon.net

1983

Class Representative: Rebecca Faircloth McNeil rebecccneil123@gmail.com

Samuel James Craddock ’24, son of Margaret Fish Craddock, graduated from The Bolles School on May 25, 2024.

Fish Craddock ’83 Bartram

Fish Craddock ’83

1984

Class Representative: Marci Haimowitz Talisman Marci.talisman@gmail.com

Alumni Board: Karen Ferguson Gray

Our 40th Reunion is this year! Reunion Weekend is September 27-29, 2024. Karen Ferguson Gray is planning our class event on Friday night at Epping Forest. Saturday will be the Bartram Alumnae Luncheon, and that evening is The Bolles School cocktail party. A Sunday breakfast/brunch will be planned as well, so we have one last opportunity to see each other! Please SAVE THE DATE!! We hope to see everyone there and even beat our 2014 turnout. Let’s see everyone from Bartram’s largest graduating class!!

1986

Class Representative: Patricia “Tricia” Helwig Todd ptodd@drivermcafee.com

1988

Class Representative: Rebecca “Becky” Martin Forbes Rebecca.forbes@me.com

Billie Nugent Nimnicht IV ’24, son of Billie Nugent Niminicht III ’83 and Amanda King Nimnicht, and grandson of Billie Nugent Nimnicht Jr. ’59, graduated from The Bolles School on May 25, 2024.

Amanda King Nimnicht ’88 Bartram, Billie Nugent Nimnicht III ’83 and Billie Nugent Nimnicht Jr ’59

1989

Class Representative: Josephine “Josie” Bryan jbryan@stmarksdayschool.org

Class Representative: Courtney McCranie Moon mrscourtneymoon@gmail.com

1991

Class Representative: Jennifer Purino Hensley jphensley@mac.com ’90s

Mother (Picutre Not Available)

Samuel James Craddock ’24

Margaret

Margaret

Bartram

Billie Nugent Nimnicht III ’83

Billie Nugent Nimnicht Jr. ’59

Billie Nugent Nimnicht IV ’24

Amanda King Bartram Nimnicht ’88

Bolles Alumni Notes

’40s

1942

Trustee Emeritus: W. Lester Varn Jr.

1946

Class Representative: Fitzhugh “Hugh” Powell hpowell@cwpowellins.com

Trustee Emeritus: Quinn R. Barton Jr.

Gene Roberts passed away on April 6, 2024, in Clayton, Florida.

’50s

1952

Melanie Norman Ried ’83 called to inform us that her father, Kenneth “Bruce” Norman, passed away on November 27, 2023.

1953

Class Representative: James “Jim” M. Barker IV jmbchb@aol.com

James Bent died peacefully at his home in Jacksonville, Florida, on January 13, 2024. See article on page 50.

Wesley Katherine Smith ’24, step granddaughter of Quinn R. Barton and stepdaughter of Quinn R. Barton III ’84, graduated from The Bolles School on May 25, 2024.

Quinn R. Barton Jr. ’46, Agnes Ellis Danciger ’59 Bartram, Quinn R. Barton III ’84

1948

Class Representative: Robert “Bob” W. Brack Jr.

1949

Stewart Ira passed away on December 30, 2023.

Jerry Foley passed away on December 25, 2023, at St. Vincent's Hospital Riverside in Jacksonville, Florida. He was predeceased by his wife of 69 years, Carolyn Fant Foley, and his son, Jeremiah S. Foley IV.

Dick Youngflesh passed away in December 2023. Note from his widow, Kay, “Dick loved his time at Bolles all those years ago (1949). He went on to graduate from West Point and retired from the Air Force as a Colonel. We visited Bolles several times. We loved meeting all the alumni last year when the Bolles Alumni team was here in San Francisco. Sadly, Dick died just before Christmas.”

Clarence “Gene” Mullis passed away on January 26, 2024, at his home in Jacksonville, Florida, following a brief illness.

1954

Class Representative: Hayes “Butch” L. Basford Jr. hbasford@icloud.com

1957

Class Representative: Albert “Ted” T. Quantz tedquantz@gmail.com

1959

Class Representative: Barry P. Sales bpsrnr@aol.com

Billie Nugent Nimnicht IV ’24, son of Billie Nugent Nimnicht III and Amanda King Nimnicht ’88 Bartram, and grandson of Billie Nugent Nimmnicht Jr., graduated from The Bolles School on May 25, 2024.

Nugent

Jr. ’59,

Billie Nugent Nimnicht III ’83

Billie Nugent Nimnicht Jr. ’59

Billie Nugent Nimnicht IV ’24

Amanda King Bartram Nimnicht ’88

Billie

Nimnicht

Billie Nugent Nimnicht III ’83 and Amanda King Nimnicht ’88 Bartram

Quinn R. Barton Jr. ’46 (Stepgrandfather)

Quinn Ralph Barton III ’84 (Stepfather)

Wesley Katherine Smith ’24

Agnes Ellis Danciger ’59 Bartram (Stepgrandmother)

1960

Evan Max Wolpoff ’24, grandson of Michael Greenburg, graduated from The Bolles School on May 25, 2024.

1961

Class Representative: Ben T. Franklin Jr. bfranklin@southbankgroup.net

Michael Otis visited the Upper School San Jose Campus on his way to Palatka for a fishing trip with some good friends. At Bolles, Michael was a resident student from Columbia, South Carolina, who was promoted to second lieutenant and in charge of his own platoon as a senior. He was also a member of the intramural football team and the Glee Club for three years. During his visit, Michael enjoyed meeting Board of Trustees member DeWayne Terry ’84 and discussing the merits of Coach Steve Spurrier and South Carolina Gamecock football.

Michael Otis ’61 and DeWayne Terry ’84

1962

Class Representative: Richard Hyer Richardhyer44@gmail.com

Class Representative: Creston “Clark” Riffe clarkriffe@gmail.com

1963

Class Representative: C. McNeill “Neill” Baker Gannyb44@att.net

1964

Class Representative: Gregory “Greg” W. Blackmer gregblackmer@yahoo.com

Trustee Emeritus: E. Ellis Zahra Jr.

William “Bill” Van Gorder passed away peacefully on May 22.

1965

Class Representative: Charles “Chuck” P. Torrey Jr. ctorrey1@gmail.com

Alexia Skye Fort ’24, granddaughter of Donald C. Fort and daughter of Donald Abraham Fort ’96, graduated from The Bolles School on May 25, 2024.

1966

Class Representative: Shepherd “Shep” E. Colledge Shepherdc904@aol.com

Bill Colledge, twin brother of Shep Colledge, passed away on April 19, 2024, in Jacksonville, Florida, following a brief illness.

Grandfather (Picture Not Available)

Evan Max Wolpoff ’24

Michael Greenburg ’60

Michael Greenburg ’60

Grandfather (Picture Not Available)

Alexia Skye Fort ’24

Donald Abraham Fort ’96

Donald C. Fort ’65

Donald C. Fort ’65 and Donald Abraham Fort ’96

Cauthen Alexis Catlin ’24, granddaughter of William Catlin III and and daughter of Keith Randolph Catlin ’94, graduated from The Bolles School on May 25, 2024.

1967

Class Representative: Christopher “Chris” B. Stubbs cbstubbs@snelling.com

Board of Visitors: Christopher “Chris” B. Stubbs

Sam Scribner led music appreciation classes in Panama in March and at a local senior center in April.

Scribner ’67

1969

Class Representative: James “Jim” R. McCain Jr. Jrmjr1951@gmail.com

1970

Class Representative: F. William “Bill” Borg bill_borg@vanguard.org

Class Representative: A. Chester “Chip” Skinner III chip@skinnerrealty.com

1972

Class Representative: James “Jim” F. Bailey Jr. Jimbjax53@gmail.com

1973

Class Representative: Mary Allen Howe msah29926@gmail.com

Board of Trustees: Rodney VanPelt

Alumni Board: Mary Allen Howe

1974

Bill Joost stopped by the Bolles Upper School San Jose Campus to visit the Alumni Office and pick up some Bulldog gear. Bill is a proud member of the Bolles Alumni Association and is one of the class reps organizing this year’s 50th class reunion. At Bolles, Bill was a member of the Interact Club and Coach Ward Thomas’ Bulldog tennis team. After graduating from Bolles, Bill earned a philosophy degree from Washington & Lee University before attending the University of Georgia, where he added an MBA from the Terry College of Business. Bill resides in the Arlington area and enjoys substitute teaching in Jacksonville’s public school system. During his campus tour, Bill also had the opportunity to meet fellow UGA and Bolles Bulldog, Athletic Director Matt Morris.

1975

Class Representative: John Crescimbeni jrcjaxfl@aol.com

Class Representative: Mark McGowan mark-mcgowan@comcast.net

Class Representative: J. David Sheppard sheppardpvbfl@bellsouth.net

1976

Class Representative: Kevin T. Gay kgay@operationnewhope.com

Board of Trustees: Daniel “Dan” S. Dross

Alumni Board: Jerry F. Hurst

Keith Randolph Catlin ’94 Cauthen Alexis Catlin ’24

Not Pictured: Diann Smith Catlin ’68 (Grandmother) & William Catlin III ’66 (Grandfather) Bartram

William Catlin III ’66, Diann Smith Catlin ’68 Bartram, Keith Randolph Catlin ’94

Sam

Bill Joost ’74 and Matt Morris

King ’79 Receives NAIOP

Lifetime Achievement Award

Bolles alumnus and past-parent Thomas Fitch King III ’79 received the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award by the NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Association Northeast Florida Chapter. King was honored during the chapter’s Awards Gala on April 18 at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. “Fitch’s dedication, expertise, and leadership in the commercial real estate industry have left an indelible mark, inspiring professionals throughout Northeast Florida,” noted the NAIOP Northeast Florida’s announcement. “This award is a testament to his unwavering commitment and exemplary achievements over the span of his career.”

King serves as President of Morgar Realty and is a Past-President of the NAIOP Northeast Florida and NAIOP of Florida Chapters. He was presented the award by fellow Bolles alumnus and current Northeast Florida Chapter President Christian Oldenburg ’99.

1976 (cont.)

Classmates Dan Dross, George Rush and Nathan Slaff got together for breakfast with former Bolles teacher and incredible friend Frank “Boo Boo” Anderson, who also joined the Bolles Alumni Association for a Bulldogs on the Road event in Atlanta this year.

1976

The Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, Tallahassee, welcomed back Kathy Barco to its Board. Barco, a leader in both the business and conservation sectors, combines her experience as the former Chair of FWC with her unparalleled personal commitment to wild Florida, providing a valuable perspective on sustainable management.

1977

Class Representative: Catherine Randle Hurst Catherine.hurst10@yahoo.com

1978

Class Representative: Jeffrey “Jeff” L. Evans jeff.evans@colliers.com

1979

Class Representative: Karen Ibach Bowden Kbowden61@comcast.net

Board of Visitors: Scott Rinehart

Thomas Fitch King III received the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award by the NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Association Northeast Florida Chapter. See sidebar on the left.

Frank “Boo Boo” Anderson, Nathan Slaff ’76, George Rush ’76 and Dan Dross ’76

Magnolia Avery Fox ’24, Maddox Oneil Fox ’24 and Millicent Audrey Fox ’24 – children of Michael David Fox – graduated from The Bolles School on May 25, 2024.

’80s

1980

Class Representative: Jennifer Akins Hanigan jenhanigan@outlook.com

Board of Trustees: William “Bill” Erwin

Thanks to Wendy Leitman Coleman for hosting members of the Bolles Advancement team on the UCLA campus during their recent trip to the west coast. Coleman is the founder of LA Urban Farms and is passionate about inspiring and empowering people to grow their own healthy food. Through the use of vertical gardens and aeroponic technology, the gardens use 90% less water than conventional gardening and can grow 10 times more in the same amount of ground space.

Carol Nimitz, Julia Kalinski, Wendy Leitman Coleman ’80 and John Newman ’86

Stephen Christopher Joost Jr. ’24, son of Stephen Christopher Joost, graduated from The Bolles School on May 25, 2024.

Bolles alums Mike Burnett, Archie Jenkins, Bill Erwin, Chris Skinner, Lynda Erwin, Kathy Barsh Newman ’86 and John Newman ’86 gathered for a birthday celebration at a local restaurant in the San Marco area this spring.

Kathy Barsh Newman ’86, John Newman ’86, Mike Burnett ’80, Archie Jenkins ’80, Bill Erwin ’80, Chris Skinner ’80 and Lynda Erwin ’80

1981

Class Representative: Ricardo “Rick” Morales III rick@moralesgroup.com

1982

Class Representative: Virginia “Ginny” Jones Charest gcharest1@verizon.net

Scott Basford, who attended Bolles from 1976-79, passed away on October 1, 2023, one week after a tragic motorcycle accident.

Roger D. Stiles passed away on May 16, 2024, with family by his side.

1983

Class Representative: Robin Baxter rbaxter1107@comcast.net

Class Representative: Erin O’Dell O’Brien Erinobrien8387@hotmail.com

Magnolia Avery Fox ’24

Maddox Oneil Fox ’24

Michael David Fox ’79

Millicent Audrey Fox ’24

Michael David Fox ’79

Stephen Christopher Joost ’80

Stephen Christopher Joost Jr. ’24

Stephen Christopher Joost ’80

Oil Paintings by Wetzel ’84 Showcased in Juneau

Works by Bolles alumnus Dave Wetzel ’84 were featured in a show at the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council during the entire month of February this year. The show contained 25 original oil paintings, most of them depicting Alaska, where Wetzel resides.

Wetzel, who mainly paints landscapes in impressionist and tonalist styles, said he started painting at a very young age thanks to the influence of his father, Fred Wetzel, who was a professional wildlife artist and biology teacher at Bolles from 1970-1983. Former Bolles art teacher Jim Smith is also one of Wetzel’s prime mentors and inspirations, and the two remain in close contact.

“I painted through high school and college but largely dropped it for many years before doing some painting again with my father in 2019,” Wetzel said. He added that he was able to devote a large amount of time to painting during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Outside of his creative endeavors, Wetzel is the CTO of Admiralty Environmental, a company specializing in water quality consulting and laboratory analysis, with a special emphasis on cruise ship environmental compliance. He plans to work with a local gallery in Juneau to have his art represented. To learn more about Wetzel and his paintings, visit DaveWetzel.com.

1983 (cont.)

Class Representative: Dean Scott dscott@rdeanscott.com

Billie Nugent Nimnicht IV ’24, son of Billie Nugent Nimnicht III and Amanda King Nimnicht ’88 , and grandson of Billie ’59, graduated from The Bolles School on

Raina Devi Swani ’24, daughter of Sanjay Swani, graduated from

David Doney ran into Alan Verlander ’90 at The Florida Sports Hall of Fame’s third annual Baseball, Bourbon and Cigars event, which was held at the historic J.C. Newman Cigar Factory in Tampa.

and Alan

1984

Class Representative: Stephanie Hodge Bassett Bassett4837@comcast.net

Board of Trustees: DeWayne K. Terry

Board of Visitors: Carole Ann Coplan

Alumni Board: Karen Gray, Vice-Chair

Sanjay Swani ’83 Raina Devi Swani ’24

Sanjay Swani ’83

David Doney ’83

Verlander ’90

David Wetzel is now an artist in his own right. He had a show of his latest works in February 2024 in his new hometown in Juneau, Alaska. See sidebar on the left.

Wesley Katherine Smith ’24, stepdaughter of Quinn R. Barton III and step granddaughter of Quinn R. Barton Jr. ’46 and Agnes Ellis Danciger ’59 Bartram, graduated from The Bolles School on May 25, 2024. See picture on page 63.

1985

Class Representative: Beth Rosenbaum Angelo bethangelo@aol.com

Class Representative: Kimberly “Kim” Tucker Price

Abigale Elizabeth Gartner ’24, daughter of Bruce Andrew Gartner, graduated from The Bolles School on May 25, 2024.

Samuel Krestul

son of Miriam Krestul

1986

Class Representative: Charles “Charlie” Arnold III Charlie.arnold@regdevllc.com

Class Representative: Jeanine Gulliford jeaninegull@yahoo.com

Board of Trustees: DeCovan Brown, Tatiana Radi Salvador

Board of Visitors: James “Quint” Barker V

Lilly Grace Salvador ’24, daughter of Tatiana Radi Salvador, graduated from The Bolles School on May 25, 2024.

graduated from The Bolles School on May 25, 2024.

Bolles alums Kathy Barsh Newman, John Newman, Mike Burnett ’80, Archie Jenkins ’80, Bill Erwin ’80, Chris Skinner ’80 and Lynda Erwin ’80 gathered for a birthday celebration at a local restaurant in the San Marco area this spring. See picture on page 67.

Bruce Andrew Gartner ’85

Abigale Elizabeth Gartner ’24

Bruce Andrew Gartner ’85

Greenhut ’24,

Greenhut,

Miriam Krestul Greenhut ’85

Samuel Krestul Greenhut ’24

Miriam Krestul Greenhut ’85

David King Surface Jr. ’24, son of David King Surface, graduated

David King Surface ’85 David King Surface Jr. ’24

David King Surface ’85

Tatiana Radi Salvador ’86 Lilly Grace Salvador ’24

Tatiana Radi Salvador ’86

1987

Class Representative: Ellis Barton ellis@moralesgroup.com

Class Representative: Michael “Mike” S. Wachholz Mwachholz02@comcast.net

Anthony Nesty was named the 2024 Men’s and Women’s Southeastern Conference Swimming Coach of the Year, becoming the first UF and SEC coach to win both honors in the same season in consecutive years. Nesty earned the Men’s Coach honor for the sixth straight season, tying former Bolles and Gators coach Gregg Troy with the most consecutive SEC Men's Coach of the Year honors. He earned SEC Women's Swimming Coach of the Year for the second straight year becoming the second-ever UF coach to achieve the honor. Nesty led the UF men to their 12th straight SEC Championship and the women to consecutive championships for the first time since 1996-97.

Stephen George Matson ’87

Maximillian Aidan Lockett ’24, son of Joelle Spillert Lockett, graduated from The Bolles School on May 25, 2024.

Emily Badham Commander ’24, daughter of Christopher Gale Commander and Barbara Cantrell Commander ’89, graduated from The Bolles School on May 25, 2024.

Class Representative: Karen Rinaman Barakat karenbarakat@comcast.net

Class Representative: Monica Bernhardt Mburns92@comcast.net

Class Representative: W. Scott Hudmon shudmon@me.com

Anthony Nesty ’87

Christopher Gale Commander ’87

Emily Badham Commander ’24

Barbara Cantrell Commander ’89

Christopher Gale Commander ’87 and Barbara Cantrell Commander ’89

James Davis Matson ’24, son of Stephen George Matson, graduated from The Bolles School on May 25, 2024.

Stephen George Matson ’87

James Davis Matson ’24

Mother (Picture Not Available)

Maximillian Aidan Lockett ’24

Joelle Spillert Lockett ’87

Joelle Spillert Lockett ’87

1988

Garrett James Watterson ’24, son of Amy Nicholson Jones, graduated from The Bolles School on May 25, 2024.

1989

Amy Nicholson Jones ’88

Class Representative: M. Laurie Shumer Gelman lsgelman@comcast.net

Class Representative: K. “Megan” Mickler Ira megira@me.com

Board of Trustees: Rahul V. Deshmukh

Charlotte Adelaide McNeill ’24, daughter of Jeffrey Garett McNeill, graduated from The Bolles School on May 25, 2024.

’90s

1990 Class Representative: Cynthia Anderson Cythia.anderson3@gmail.com

Class Representative: David A. Barton davidabarton@yahoo.com

Class Representative: Amy Hightower Beaver azbeaver@bellsouth.net

Class Representative: Mary Elizabeth “Bet” Lande Givens betgivens@yahoo.com

Board of Trustees: Michael B. Hodge, John S. Surface

Board of Visitors: Ron T. Patrick

Mary Katherine Asbury ’24, daughter of Thomas Frederick Asbury, graduated from The Bolles School on May 25, 2024.

Jeffrey Garett McNeill ’89

Emily Badham Commander ’24, daughter of Barbara Cantrell Commander and Christopher Gale Commander ’87, graduated from The Bolles School on May 25, 2024. See picture on page 70.

Amber Makker Bansal ’24, daughter of Manisha Makker Bansal, graduated from The Bolles School on May 25, 2024.

Amy Nicholson Jones ’88

Garrett James Watterson ’24

Jeffrey Garett McNeill ’89

Charlotte Adelaide McNeill ’24

Thomas Frederick Asbury ’90

Mary Katherine Asbury ’24

Thomas Frederick Asbury ’90

Manisha Makker Bansal ’90

Amber Makker Bansal ’24

Manisha Makker Bansal ’90

1990 (cont.)

Alan Verlander ran into David Doney ’83 at The Florida Sports Hall of Fame’s third annual Baseball, Bourbon and Cigars event, which was held at the historic J.C. Newman Cigar Factory in Tampa. See picture on page 68.

1991

Class Representative: Elizabeth “Liz” Kilgore Mundin

Class Representative: Norianne Wright norianne@msn.com

Retired English teacher and school administrator Rufus McClure returned to be part of the National Honor Society Alpha Society Induction Ceremony held Tuesday, April 23, 2024. The Society was first chartered in 1944. McClure visited with Bolles Assistant Head Piper Moyer-Shad at the ceremony.

Emerson Brice Avera ’24, daughter of Erin Summerlin Avera, graduated from The Bolles School on May 25, 2024.

Bryan Stam was appointed to the Florida Board of Optometry by Governor Ron DeSantis. He is the former President of the Florida Optometric Association and was the recipient of the 2023 Optometrist of the Year Award from the Florida Optometric Association. Following his graduation from Bolles, Bryan earned his bachelor's degree in biology from Florida State University and his Doctor of Optometry from Nova Southeastern University.

1992

Board of Trustees: Jamie P. Dwyer

Board of Visitors: Catalina Vergara

Gavin Gnann Boree ’24, son of Gregory Gnann Boree, graduated

Rufus McClure and Piper Moyer-Shad ’91

Darden Curtis Brown ’24, son of Sarah Meadows Brown, graduated from The Bolles School on May 25, 2024.

Sarah Meadows Brown ’91 Darden Curtis Brown ’24

Sarah Meadows Brown ’91

Erin Summerlin Avera ’91

Emerson Brice Avera ’24

Erin Summerlin Avera ’91

Gregory Gnann Boree ’92 Gavin Gnann Boree ’24

Gregory Gnann Boree ’92

Carter James Lekas ’24, son of Bryan James Lekas and Melinda Lekas, graduated from The Bolles School on May 25, 2024.

Bryan James Lekas ’92 and Melinda Washington Lekas ’92

Stafford Marinatos ’24, son of John Alexis Marinatos, graduated

from The Bolles School on May 25, 2024.

Bryan James Lekas ’92

Carter James Lekas ’24

Melinda Washington Lekas ’92

John Alexis Marinatos ’92

John Stafford Marinatos ’24

John Alexis Marinatos ’92

Vincent Ricardo Venus ’24, son of Sina Salman Venus, graduated

Vincent Ricardo Venus ’24

Sina Salman Venus ’92

Sina Salman Venus ’92

Anna Carlton Turner ’24, daughter of Brian Stuart Turner and Rebecca Winnale Turner ’93, graduated

Brian Stuart Turner ’92

Anna Carlton Turner ’24

Rebecca Winnale Turner ’93

Brian Stuart Turner ’92 and Rebecca Winnale Turner ’93

1993

Class Representative: Matthew “Matt” T. Berquist mberquist@intrepidcapital.net

Ann Lowery Eyrick ’24, daughter of Courtland Carter Eyrick and Jordan King Eyrick, graduated from The Bolles School on May 25, 2024.

Courtland Carter Eyrick ’93 and Jordan King Eyrick ’93

Anna Carlton Turner ’24, daughter of Rebecca Winnale Turner and Brian Stuart Turner ’92, graduated from The Bolles School on May 25, 2024. See picture on page 73.

Bolles and Bartram Bunnies are gathering this August for 50th birthdays in Los Osos/ Baywood Park on the Central Coast of California.

Lilly Victoria Lenger ’24, daughter of Keith Duane Lenger, graduated from The Bolles School on May 25, 2024.

Joy Palm's son, Derik Lawing, has been awarded a full scholarship and will play football for Roosevelt University in Chicago for his junior and senior year. He completed an Economics A.A. from Butte College in Chico, California. Derik was recruited to Butte College for football from San Luis Obispo High School. Being new to football, Derik red-shirted freshman year and played defensive outside linebacker second and third year at Butte College.

Courtland Carter Eyrick ’93

Ann Lowery Eyrick ’24

Jordan King Eyrick ’93

Keith Duane Lenger ’93 Lilly Victoria Lenger ’24

Keith Duane Lenger ’93

Elijah Sanford Stevenson ’24, son of Jessica Nauman Stevenson, graduated from The Bolles School on May 25, 2024.

Jessica Nauman Stevenson ’93 Elijah Sanford Stevenson ’24

Jessica Nauman Stevenson ’93

Joy Palm ’93 and son Derik Lawing

1994

Class Representative: Jason M. Winkler

jwinkler@gmail.com

Board of Trustees: Allison Korman Shelton

Cheers to the members of the Class of 1994 who gathered at Iguana on Park in May to celebrate their 30th class reunion! Kudos to class representatives Carolyn Cantrell Snowden and Jason Winkler for their efforts in organizing the event and helping the classmates reconnect.

Bolles Class of 1994 30th Reunion

Heather Wilcox Kornick returned to the Upper School San Jose Campus February 10-11 for the final installment on the 2023-24 Guest Artist Weekend Series for the Bolles Dance Company. Heather worked with the dancers on a swing dance piece, which the dancers performed at the Spring Dance Concert. See sidebar on the right.

Bolles alums Louis Joos, Rachel Duffy Boswell ’14 and DeShawn Ruffin ’14 returned to the Bolles Upper School San Jose Campus on February 22 to participate in the latest Life Beyond Bolles panel. See sidebar on page 76.

Kornick ’94 Works with Bolles Dancers on High-energy Swing Piece

Bolles alumna Heather Kornick ’94 returned to the Bolles Upper School San Jose Campus February 10-11 for the final installment of the 2023-24 Guest Artist Weekend Series for the Bolles Dance Company.

Kornick worked with the dancers on a dazzling swing dance piece set to the song “Dear Future Husband,” which they performed at the Spring Dance Concert.

“We are so grateful for the opportunity to once again have Heather come back to inspire and challenge our dancers in the studio,” said Bolles dance instructor Hillary Bodin.

Kornick was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, and started her dance training at the age of 4. She studied ballet, tap, jazz and character dance under Mark Spivak Dance Institute through high school and then attended Florida State University as a dance major.

Sophia Marie Joos ’24, daughter of Louis Martin Ballestero Joos,

She found her love for ballroom dance in 1996 and began training to become an instructor. Kornick competed professionally with multiple partners in the American Rhythm and American Smooth styles and was a United States finalist in the American 9 Dance Division. She is co-owner of All About Ballroom Dance studio in St. Johns, Florida, alongside dance partner Jake Lukic and mentor Mark Spivak, while continuing to teach students of all levels.

Louis Martin Ballestero Joos ’94

Sophia Marie Joos ’24

Louis Martin Ballestero Joos ’94

Life Beyond Bolles Sparks Conversations Between Students and Alums

Bolles alums Rachel Duffy Boswell ’14, Louis Joos ’94 and DeShawn Ruffin ’14 returned to the Bolles Upper School San Jose Campus on February 22 to participate in the latest Life Beyond Bolles panel.

This program focuses on providing current students with an opportunity to learn about the different paths alumni have taken to achieve the successes that they enjoy today. The Bolles Office of Alumni partnered with Bolles College Counseling to launch Life Beyond Bolles in 2023.

Moderated by David Cohen ’98, the panel shared their individual journeys and answered questions from more than a dozen students and faculty members in the Class of ’46 Alumni Conference Room. Bolles Alumni Association Board Chair Justin Hart ’00 also attended the forum to introduce the group and contribute to the discussion.

Boswell is an assistant general counsel in the legal department at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida who graduated from the Florida State University College of Law in 2021 and is a current member of the Florida Bar.

A graduate of Georgetown University, Joos is a private equity investor, advisor and board member with an MBA in finance from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He is also a co-founder of Refresh Mental Health, one of the largest mental health platforms in the U.S., alongside fellow alum Steven Gold ’95.

Ruffin is a development manager for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Jacksonville and the junior varsity head coach for Bolles boys’ basketball. He graduated from AACSB-accredited Dalton State College with a bachelor’s degree in business management and played four years of NAIA college basketball.

Thank you to our Bolles alums for sharing important insights with our upper school students as they consider their career options and pursue their passions!

1994 (cont.)

Cauthen Alexis Catlin ’24, daughter of Keith Randolph Catlin and granddaughter of William Catlin III ’66 and Diann Smith Catlin ’68 Bartram, graduated from The Bolles School on May 25, 2024. See picture on page 64.

1995

Class Representative: Leed Silverfield lsilverfield@yahoo.com

Board of Trustees: Steven T. Gold

Alumni Board: Travis Von Tobel

Board of Visitors: Summer J. Decker, Michael “Mike” S. Minutelli

Summer Decker was appointed as the Founding Director of the Center for Advanced Visualization Technologies in Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine at USC in Los Angeles, California. She also serves as Professor of Clinical Radiology, with dual appointments in the departments of Surgery and Pathology. See sidebar on page 77.

Dan Dearing joined six Bolles students on a mission trip to Jamaica with St. Mark's Episcopal Church's youth group during Winter Break to help those living in the small mountain town of Mandeville. The group built a kitchen for a community center and dug a 7-foot-deep septic tank hole.

Dan Dearing ’95 and a Group of Current Bolles Students

1996

Class Representative: Fontaine LeMaistre IV fontainelemaistre@comcast.net

Board of Visitors: Talmadge Coley

Thomas Michael Holt ’24, son of Jennifer Ashley Holt, graduated

Decker ’95 Appointed as Founding Director of New USC Center

Alexia Skye Fort ’24, daughter of Donald Abraham Fort and granddaughter of Donald C. Fort ’65, graduated from The Bolles School on May 25, 2024. See picture on page 64.

William Leyden Morales ’24, son of Michael Christopher Morales and Lauren Haynes Morales, graduated from The Bolles School on May 25, 2024.

The University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine appointed Bolles alum Dr. Summer Decker ’95 as the founding director of the new Center for Advanced Visualization Technologies in Medicine.

According to the February 6 announcement made by Keck School of Medicine of USC Dean Dr. Carolyn C. Meltzer, Decker began her new position on February 15.

Decker now serves as Professor of Clinical Radiology with dual roles in Surgery and Pathology. She is responsible for leading the new Center, including developing, leveraging and promoting advanced visualization applications to accelerate biomedical research, education and clinical care through applications such as patient-specific anatomical models for surgical planning, medical device design, 3D-printed anatomical models to elevate medical education and immersive simulators for training.

Decker joins USC from the University of South Florida (USF), where she served as the director of the 3D Clinical Applications Division in the Department of Radiology and Vice Chair for Research and Innovation. She held appointments as Professor in the Departments of Radiology, Pathology, Surgery and Plastic Surgery at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine at Tampa General Hospital, and Chemical and Biomedical Engineering and Medical Engineering in the USF College of Engineering.

Decker’s research focuses on the clinical applications of 3D modeling and printing, quantitative analysis of medical imaging, and forensic applications of medical imaging. She holds numerous patents on medical devices developed in her lab, and she is also a dedicated educator who has led radiology teaching for medical students and residents for over a decade. Decker received her doctorate from the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, specializing in Pathology and Medical Imaging.

Emily Bond Suvoski ’24, daughter of Peyton Dunn Suvoski,

Peyton Dunn Suvoski ’96

Emily Bond Suvoski ’24

Jennifer Ashley Holt ’96

Thomas Michael Holt ’24

Jennifer Ashley Holt ’96

1997

Alumni Board: Steve Kurosko

Char-ron Dorsey passed away on March 4, 2024, following complications from a stroke.

1998

Class Representative: Lindsay Skinner Eyrick lindsayeyrick@yahoo.com

Board of Trustees: A. Chester Skinner IV

Alumni Board: Adam Edgecombe, Shreena Patel

Board of Visitors: William “Bill” Thompson

Sergeant Sheldon York with the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office serves as a trained, extra set of eyes on the Bolles Lower School Ponte Vedra Beach Campus. York works in tandem with the Bolles security team to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff.

1999

Class Representative: Christopher “Chris” Dostie ccdostie@hotmail.com

Board of Visitors: Ryan B. Ong

Brandon Boate stopped by the Upper School San Jose Campus in May to watch spring football practice and reconnect with some of his Bulldog teammates and coaches. At Bolles, Brandon was a member of Coach Corky Rogers' 1998 state championship football team and went on to play collegiately at Georgia Southern University. Brandon recently relocated to Puerto Rico to work as a private boat captain on the “Island of Enchantment” but looks forward to visiting again soon.

’00s

2000

Class Representative: Faye Goodman Hedrick fayemhedrick@gmail.com

Alumni Board: Justin Hart, Chair

Jodie Snyder Morel and her daughter Margaux ’33 made an appearance on WJXT’s “River City Live” on May 9 to model and promote the DANNIJO X Gianni Bini collaboration, which launched May 22 at Dillard’s. A preview of the line was also featured in the Hear Me on the Runway event at the St. Johns Town Center Dillard’s on May 11. The children’s fashion show benefited Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech in Florida. Morel and sister Danielle Snyder ’03 co-founded DANNIJO, a fashion and jewelry company, in 2008. Their efforts began in 2007 as a fundraising project for the first health clinic in Lwala, Kenya, and continues to champion causes the sisters believe in.

Jodie Snyder Morel ’00 and daughter Margaux ’33 on “River City Live”

Michael Christopher Morales ’96

William Leyden Morales ’24

Lauren Haynes Morales ’96

Michael Christopher Morales ’96 and Lauren Haynes Morales ’96

Sgt. Sheldon York ’98 with Champ

Brandon Boate ’99

2001

Class Representative: Katie Skinner Farrar katie.s.farrar@gmail.com

Class Representative: William O. Inman IV woinman4@gmail.com

Class Representative: Lloyd Regas lloydregas@gmail.com

Alumni Board: Lauren Bacalis Scheible

Board of Visitors: Glen Elliott

2002

Class Representative: Elizabeth Brotman Daniel eabrotman@yahoo.com

Class Representative: Margaret “Meg” Cheney Coleman Meg.e.cheney@gmail.com

Class Representative: John M. Marees II John.michael.marees@gmail.com

Alumni Board: Carson Vandergriff Richardson

Lindsey Hardegree has completed her Doctor of Ministry degree at Emory University's Candler School of Theology. She is the Executive Director for the Episcopal Community Foundation for Middle and North Georgia and runs her own business, Get Organized Y'all.

2003

Alumni Board: David Dunn, John Langley

David Dunn, Tyler Oldenburg ’04 and Kendall Sisisky Valliere ’07 were named to the Jacksonville Business Journal’s 2024 “40 Under 40” list, announced in March. See sidebar on the right.

2004

Class Representative: Harry A. Kenning III Hkenn1009@gmail.com

Board of Visitors: John D. Bacon

The Northeast Florida Builders Association elected Meagan Hart Perkins as its 2024 president. Hart Perkins becomes the youngest female president of the NEFBA and is the fourth woman named to the role. See sidebar on page 80.

Tyler Oldenburg, David Dunn ’03 and Kendall Sisisky Valliere ’07 were named to the Jacksonville Business Journal’s 2024 “40 Under 40” list, announced in March. See sidebar on page the right.

2005

Class Representative: Catherine “Gracie” Williams Register c.gracie.williams@gmail.com

Alumni Board: Tim Miller

Board of Visitors: Amy Akel, Katherine Newton Jones, Co-Chair

Three Alumni Named Among 2024 “40 Under 40”

Three Bolles alumni were named to the Jacksonville Business Journal’s 2024 “40 Under 40” list, announced in March. Each year, the publication selects 40 leaders under the age of 40, representing a range of industries and backgrounds, based on the impact they have had on their organizations, on the business community and on the First Coast overall.

The JBJ profiled each of the honorees in May, with the theme of “Writing the Future.” The publication took their profile photos in the Main Branch of the Jacksonville Public Library and included the honorees’ favorite books in the features.

Congratulations to our Bolles alumni who earned this impressive recognition:

David Dunn ’03 Smith Hulsey & Busey

Tyler Oldenburg ’04 Marks Gray, P.A.

Kendall Sisisky Valliere ’07 Jewish Community Alliance

Hart Perkins ’04 Named NEFBA President

The Northeast Florida Builders Association elected Bolles alumna Meagan Hart Perkins ’04 as its 2024 president. Hart Perkins is the youngest female president of the NEFBA and is the fourth woman named to the role. She follows in the footsteps of her father, Curtis Hart, who was NEFBA president in 1996.

Hart Perkins works with her father as general counsel and vice president of Hart Resources, which specializes in real estate development, land use and zoning. An attorney, she is president and owner of the Hart Perkins Firm. She is also chair of the St. Johns County Planning and Zoning Agency.

Read more about Hart Perkins in a feature from the Jacksonville Daily Record.

2006

Class Representative: Ashley K. Rawlins akrawlins@gmail.com

Shaun Chapas hosted fellow Bulldog alums and members of the Advancement team Rahul Sharma ’03 and John Newman ’86 on a tour of the University of Georgia’s athletic complex on January 19. At Bolles, Chapas was a two-time football state champion for Coach Corky Rogers’ Bulldog squad and is currently the senior director of development of UGA’s athletic association.

2007

Class Representative: Michelle Risley Baker michelle.e.risley@gmail.com

Class Representative: Allison Dewan Giebink allisondewan@gmail.com

Board of Visitors: Caitlin Hayes, Co-Chair

Bobby Guntoro was named the 2024 Men’s and Women’s Coastal Athletic Association Swimming Coach of the Year, announced by the conference April 11. Guntoro recently completed his fourth season as head coach of his college alma mater, the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Guntoro earned the Men’s Coach of the Year honor for the third straight season following the Seahawks’ third straight CAA title. He earned the Women’s Coach of the Year honor for the second consecutive season following UNCW’s first back-to-back titles since 1999. Guntoro also helped UNCW win four straight CAA titles as a swimmer from 2009-11 and a fifth as a volunteer assistant in 2012.

Rahul Sharma ’03, Shaun Chapas ’06 and John Newman ’86

Bobby Guntoro ’07

Kendall Sisisky Valliere, David Dunn ’03 and Tyler Oldenburg ’04 were named to the Jacksonville Business Journal’s 2024 “40 Under 40” list, announced in March. See sidebar on page 79.

2008

Class Representative: Catharine A. Brown catharineabrown@gmail.com

Class Representative: Christina “Christy” Prewitt Yost Christy.prewitt@hotmail.com

Alumni Board: John Dominey, Max Glober, Sidney “Sid” Simmons

Board of Visitors: Michael Mikulic

2009

Class Representative: Mandana “Mandy” Fatemi mandyfatemi@gmail.com

Julie Newton Phillips and Hayden Phillips welcomed their daughter Elliott Scott Phillips on April 20, 2024.

Eddie Salem and Rawan Farah ’16 were married on May 25 at St. George’s Antiochian Church in Jacksonville, Florida, with the reception at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort in Ponte Vedra Beach.

’10s

2010

Class Representative: Morgan O’Hare mohareaffair@gmail.com

Clayton Fraliegh, Riley Olson ’11, David Evans ’11, Ted Demont ’11, Alexander Prince ’11, Michael Salem ’11 and Mac Jones ’17 attended the wedding of Eddie Salem ’09 and Rawan Farah ’16, held on May 25 at St. George’s Antiochian Church with the reception at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort. See picture on the right.

2011

Class Representative: Ruth Curry Clements clements.curry@gmail.com

Board of Visitors: Adrienne Hume, Jamil Murray

Riley Olson, David Evans, Ted Demont, Alexander Prince, Michael Salem, Clayton Fraliegh ’10 and Mac Jones ’17 attended the wedding of Eddie Salem ’09 and Rawan Farah ’16, held on May 25 at St. George’s Antiochian Church with the reception at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort.

Riley Olson ’11, David Evans ’11, Ted Demont ’11, Alexander Prince ’11, Clayton Fraliegh ’10, Michael Salem ’11 and Mac Jones ’17 reunite at the wedding of Rawan Farah ’16 and Eddie Salem ’09

Blake Wilson Jr. and wife Fallon welcomed their third child – Roman Christopher Wilson – on May 19, 2024, at 5:40 a.m.

2012

Class Representative: Victoria “Tori” Reiman v.reiman12@gmail.com

Board of Visitors: Katherine Prusiecki Davis

Rachel Rice has announced her engagement to Nick Malvasi. The wedding is scheduled to be held on September 7, 2024, in Jacksonville, Florida.

Malvasi and Rachel Rice ’12

Roman Christopher Wilson

Nick

2012 (cont.)

T. Ralston Brooke Jr. married Caroline Nimnicht at Timuquana Country Club in Jacksonville, Florida, on February 24, 2024.

Hayden Hurst signed with the Los Angeles Chargers after spending the 2023 season with the Carolina Panthers. Hurst was selected 25th overall by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2018 NFL Draft and has started 43-of-84 career games with the Ravens, Atlanta Falcons, Cincinnati Bengals and Panthers. See sidebar on page 83.

Will Ropp co-wrote and directed a short film titled “Kodar: The Primordial God of Light and Ether,” featured on the YouTube Channel “Short of the Week” on May 2. The dark comedy stars Nick Skardarasy, who co-wrote the piece with Ropp, and Maddie Ziegler. Skardarasy plays a doctor who dresses up for Halloween only to have to deliver bad news to a patient.

2013

Class Representative: Shaye L. Newman slnewms@gmail.com

Class Representative: Virginia Skinner Virginiak.skinner@gmail.com

Board of Visitors: Greg Rogowski

Tim Betros was married to Ashlyn Knight ’15 on March 23, 2024, at the Magnolia Plantation in Charleston, South Carolina.

Al Muzaurieta graduated with an M.D./M.B.A. from the University of Michigan Medical and Business schools this spring and was happy to match with his first choice – Stanford University – for his residency in Emergency Medicine. He graduated from Harvard and

Peking University prior to entering medical school. While a student at Bolles and Harvard, he rowed in their respective crew programs.

Al Muzaurieta ’13

Jacqueline Flynn writes: My job has led me to Amsterdam, Netherlands, where I am grateful once again for my Bolles connections. Emiro Goosen ’13 allowed my husband and I to have an easy transition to the culture and lifestyle!

2014

Class Representative: William McKinney mckinneywilliamh@gmail.com

Alumni Board: Hunter Walker

Board of Visitors: Kindt Brady

Bolles alums Rachel Duffy Boswell, DeShawn Ruffin and Louis Joos ’94 returned to the Bolles Upper School San Jose Campus on February 22 to participate in the latest Life Beyond Bolles panel. See sidebar on page 76.

Alyssa Ferlin and Amelia Hartje ’15 have both matched into their chosen specialties for medical residency training. Alyssa matched into General Surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin, and Amelia matched into Pediatrics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. They both graduated from the Florida State University College of Medicine in May 2024.

Ashlyn Knight ’15 and Tim Betros ’13

Alyssa Ferlin ’14 and Amelia Hartje ’15

2015

Board of Visitors: Christian Bermudez

Jake Gibbons was married to Nicole Leonard on January 6, 2024, in College Station, Texas. Jake is currently an assistant swim coach and Resident Life staff member at Bolles.

Ashlyn Knight was married to Tim Betros ’13 on March 23, 2024, at the Magnolia Plantation in Charleston, South Carolina. See picture on the left.

Amelia Hartje and Alyssa Ferlin ’14 have both matched into their chosen specialties for medical residency training. Amelia matched into Pediatrics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Alyssa matched into General Surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin. They both graduated from the Florida State University College of Medicine in May 2024.

2016

Class Representative: Rawan Farah Rawanfarah16@gmail.com

Class Representative: Roland Johnson Rleejohnson59@gmail.com

Alumni Board: Roland Johnson

Michael Wu is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Maryland College of Medicine.

Kiana Cleveland stopped by the Upper School San Jose Campus to visit with a few of her favorite teachers and pick up some Bulldog gear from the Alumni Office. During her time at Bolles, Kiana enjoyed programs from the Fine & Performing Arts Department and was a member of Rachel Clifton’s chorus as well as a performer in the school play “Revenge of the Space Pandas.” Kiana was also a proud member of Coach Elise Bush’s Lady Bulldog volleyball team and appreciates the leadership she and Coach Allison Denmark provided for the team. After graduating from Bolles, Kiana attended the University of Florida, where she earned a bachelor's degree in business administration and a master’s degree in international business. Kiana recently joined the Bolles Alumni Association and resides in Jacksonville, where she works as an implementation consultant at Tyler Technologies.

Alums in the NFL on the Move

Two Bolles alumni in the National Football League found new teams in the recent offseason market with one returning home to Jacksonville. Mac Jones ’17 was traded from the New England Patriots to the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Hayden Hurst ’12 signed with the Los Angeles Chargers after spending the 2023 season with the Carolina Panthers.

Jones joins his hometown team after spending three seasons in New England. He was drafted 15th overall by the Patriots in 2021. He started 17 games as a rookie, leading the Patriots to the postseason with a 10-7 record with 22 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions. Jones posted an 8-17 record over the past two seasons.

“It feels good to be back,” Jones said in a media interview. “Obviously, my parents live here. Went to Bolles (School) and all that. Have a lot of friends around the area. Obviously, my main focus is always going to be football. But it just feels good.”

Hurst was selected 25th overall by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2018 NFL Draft and has started 43-of-84 career games with the Ravens, Atlanta Falcons, Cincinnati Bengals and Panthers. He has caught 195 career receptions for 1,902 yards and 15 touchdowns in regular season play, adding 17 receptions for 194 yards and two touchdowns in five playoff games.

Mac Jones ’17

Hayden Hurst ’12

Kiana Cleveland ’16 and Allison Denmark

Patterson ’20

Drafted by Houston Dash

Bolles alumna Avery Patterson ’20 was selected 19th overall by the Houston Dash in the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League draft on January 12. Patterson is the first-ever Bolles alumna to be drafted into the league.

Patterson started 72 games for the University of North Carolina in her four-year college career, scoring 27 goals along with 23 assists. She earned Third Team All-America, First Team All-Atlantic Region and First Team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors as a senior as well All-ACC and Academic All-District honors as a junior. She helped UNC to the NCAA tournament all four seasons, highlighted by a finals appearance in 2022 and the semifinals in 2020. Patterson started in her professional debut in the Dash’s season opener at the Carolina Courage on March 16.

Patterson has also represented the U.S. Women’s National Team from the U-14 to U-23 levels.

2016 (cont.)

Rawan Farah and Eddie Salem ’09 were married on May 25 at St. George’s Antiochian Church in Jacksonville, Florida, with the reception at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort in Ponte Vedra Beach.

2017

Class Representative: Joseph “Joey” DeWane dewanejoseph@gmail.com

Class Representative: Elizabeth McKinney mckinneyelizaebethellen@gmail.com

Mac Jones was traded from the New England Patriots to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jones joins his hometown team after spending three seasons in New England. See sidebar on page 83.

Mac Jones, Clayton Fraliegh ’10, Riley Olson ’11, David Evans ’11, Ted Demont ’11, Alexander Prince ’11 and Michael Salem ’11 attended the wedding of Eddie Salem ’09 and Rawan Farah ’16, held on May 25 at St. George’s Antiochian Church with the reception at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort. See picture on page 81.

John Norcross stopped by the Upper School San Jose Campus to visit with a few of his favorite teachers and pick up some Bulldog gear. At Bolles, John was an accomplished student-athlete who was president of Student Council and a member of the National Honor Society while participating on the Bulldog crew team. After Bolles, John attended the University of Virginia, where he majored in public policy and leadership. He is currently a teaching assistant at Georgetown University, where he is pursuing a master’s degree in the Walsh School of Foreign Service in Washington, D.C.

2018

Class Representative: Stefanie Mendizabal Stefaniemendizabal3@gmail.com

Board of Visitors: Cameron Perry Walker

Sarah Kate Levin was married to Grayson Loftis on October 14, 2023, in Cashiers, North Carolina. They currently live in Charlotte, North Carolina, where Sarah Kate is a real estate agent and Grayson is a consultant for tax and local specialty at FORVIS.

John Norcross ’17

2019

Hanna Kissinger earned her Bachelor of Science degree in public health from West Virginia University on December 23, 2023. Hannah worked full time as a CVICU nurse at Ruby Memorial – the teaching hospital at WVU – while pursuing her bachelor’s degree, after earning her BSN and RN and passing her NCLEX the previous spring.

Hanna Kissinger ’19

2020

’20s

Jacob Wingo, Haley Bowmaster, Kate Hogan, Abigail Witt, Erik Bachmann and Louis Ballantyne graduated from Florida State University in May.

Jacob Wingo ’20, Haley Bowmaster ’20, Kate Hogan ’20, Abigail Witt ’20, Erik Bachmann ’20 and Louis Ballantyne ‘20

Avery Patterson started in her professional debut for the Houston Dash of the National Women’s Soccer League on March 16. See sidebar on the left.

Seven current or former Bolles swimmers competed at the World Championships held in Doha, Qatar February 11-16, including Rafael Ponce De Leon (Peru), Martin Espernberger ’22 (Austria), Andres Dupont Cabrera ’22 (Mexico), Emily MacDonald ’21 (Jamaica), Tristan Dorville ’25 (St. Lucia), Riley Miller ’26 (U.S. Virgin Islands) and former Bolles Shark McKenna DeBever (Peru). See sidebar on page 86.

Rayna Kuthiala was presented Boston University’s John B. Simpson Award during the school’s Scarlet & White Honors, an annual student-athlete awards reception, on April 22. See sidebar on the right.

Kuthiala ’20 Earns BU’s John B. Simpson Award

Bolles alumna Rayna Kuthiala ’20 was presented Boston University’s John B. Simpson Award during the school’s Scarlet & White Honors, an annual student-athlete awards reception, on April 22. The John B. Simpson Award, named in honor of the 1950 BU graduate who served as Director of Athletics from 1975 to 1984, is presented to one male and one female athlete on the basis of their enthusiastic senior leadership.

Kuthiala became the first member of BU’s women's lightweight rowing program to win the award. A team captain in her senior season, she coxed the Varsity 4+ boat to a bronze medal at the 2023 IRA National Championship Regatta. She earned 2023 IRA All-Academic and CRCA Scholar-Athlete recognition and graduated from BU on May 19.

Chance Moore and Matt Anderson ’21 reunited in St. Bonaventure, New York, when the Bonnies baseball team hosted the Richmond Spiders for a weekend series at Handler Park at McGraw-Jennings Field.

Chance Moore ’20 and Matt Anderson ’21

Espernberger ’22 Highlights

Bolles Swimming at World Championships

Seven current or former Bolles swimmers competed at the World Championships held in Doha, Qatar February 11-16.

Martin Espernberger ’22 earned a bronze medal for his native Austria in the men’s 200 fly. The current University of Tennessee swimmer clocked 1:55.16 in the final. The medal is Espernberger’s first in international competition.

View all Bolles Swimming results below:

Riley Miller ’26, U.S. Virgin Islands

Women’s 100 free: 49th in heats, 1:01.08

Women’s 100 back: 50th in heats, 1:09.47

Tristan Dorville ’25, St. Lucia

Mens’ 50 free: 54th in heats, 23.70

Men’s 50 fly: 44th in heats, 25.50

Andres Dupont Cabrera ’22, Mexico

Men's 4x100 free relay: 15th in heats, 3:20.41, led off with 48.81 split

Men’s 4x200 free relay: 12th in heats, 7:15.76, 2nd leg with 1:47.08 split

Men’s 4x100 medley relay: 14th in heats, 3:36.88, 4th leg (free) with 48:07 split

Martin Espernberger ’22, Austria

Men's 200 fly: Bronze medal, 1:55.16

Emily MacDonald '21, Jamaica

Women's 50 free: 46th in heats, 26.55

Women’s 100 free: 33rd in heats, 57.57

Rafael Ponce De Leon ’20, Peru

Men's 400 free: 39th in heats, 3:59.63

McKenna DeBever (former Bolles Shark), Peru

Women's 100 free: 30th in heats, 56.93

Women’s 200 IM: 18th in heats, 2:16.52

2020 (cont.)

The Bolles Office of College Counseling caught up with Gentian Fairman, Satvik Kuravi ’21 and Mayank Nihalani ’21 at Wake Forest University this spring while visiting college campuses ahead of their SACAC Conference in Raleigh.

The Bolles Office of College Counseling Team with Satvik Kuravi ’21, Mayank Nihalani ’21 and Gentian Fairman ’20

Nick Nist stopped by the Upper School San Jose Campus to tour the facilities and grab some Bulldog gear from the Alumni Office. At Bolles, Nick was a member of Coach Jason Hughes ’94 district champion basketball team and would go on to play collegiately at Emory University in Atlanta. He is currently pursuing dual degrees in finance from Emory and industrial engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. A proud member of the Bolles Alumni Association, Nick is spending this summer doing an internship at The Haskell Company in Jacksonville.

2021

The Bolles Office of College Counseling caught up with Satvik Kuravi, Mayank Nihalani and Gentian Fairman ’20 at Wake Forest University this spring while visiting college campuses ahead of their SACAC Conference in Raleigh. See picture on the left.

Matt Anderson and Chance Moore ’20 reunited in St. Bonaventure, New York, when the Bonnies baseball team hosted the Richmond Spiders for a weekend series at Handler Park at McGraw-Jennings Field. See picture on page 85.

Seven current or former Bolles swimmers competed at the World Championships held in Doha, Qatar February 11-16, including Emily MacDonald (Jamaica), Rafael Ponce De Leon ’20 (Peru), Martin Espernberger ’22 (Austria), Andres Dupont Cabrera ’22 (Mexico), Tristan Dorville ’25 (St. Lucia), Riley Miller ’26 (U.S. Virgin Islands) and former Bolles Shark McKenna DeBever (Peru). See sidebar on the left.

Nick Nist ’20

2022

Class Representative: Yasmeen Ibrahim yas.ibrhm23@gmail.com

Martin Espernberger was named the 2024 Southeastern Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year for men's swimming and diving, announced February 23. Martin is a rising junior at the University of Tennessee, majoring in Electrical Engineering.

Seven current or former Bolles swimmers competed at the World Championships held in Doha, Qatar February 11-16, including Martin Espernberger (Austria), Andres Dupont Cabrera (Mexico), Rafael Ponce De Leon ’20 (Peru), Emily MacDonald ’21 (Jamaica), Tristan Dorville ’25 (St. Lucia), Riley Miller ’26 (U.S. Virgin Islands) and former Bolles Shark McKenna DeBever (Peru). See sidebar on the left.

Taylor Richardson, also known as Astronaut Starbright, partnered with the social giving app, Have a Nice Day, this spring to raise more than $80,000 for nonprofit Thinking Huts to build 3D printed schools in Madagascar. A rising junior at Spellman College, Taylor’s goal is to reach $150,000, which will be matched by a donor. In a recent interview with First Coast News, Thinking Huts founder Maggie Grout said her organization has already built one school on the campus and plans to have a total of three up and running by 2025. The technology allows huts to be built quicker than traditional construction.

2023

On January 12, Jeb Allen, a freshman at Amherst College, returned to the Bolles Upper School San Jose Campus to speak with the Chinese III Honors class about a month-long travel experience in China this past summer. See sidebar above.

Sabrina Lyn, a rising sophomore swimmer at LSU, competed in the CARIFTA Aquatic Championships March 29-April 2 in Nassau, Bahamas, representing Jamaica.

The Bolles Office of College Counseling stopped by Queens University of Charlotte to catch up with Garrett Jobe this spring ahead of their SACAC Conference in Raleigh.

Jeb Allen ’23 (in POTUS shirt) and Bolles upper school students in Chinese III Honors make hand signs indicating peace and love, which are very popular gestures while taking pictures in China/Asia.

Allen ’23 Speaks with Students About Traveling in China

By Amir Chahlavi ’25

On January 12, Jeb Allen ’23, a Bolles alumnus and then-freshman at Amherst College, returned to the Bolles Upper School San Jose Campus to speak with the Chinese III Honors class about a month-long travel experience in China the summer of 2023.

He shared photos of his travels though several different Chinese cities and spoke about his impressions of more rural areas in western China and the history of the Great Wall. Allen discussed the interesting phenomena of beautiful, ancient areas of China that are also incredibly technologically advanced.

He also shared his experience learning Chinese in both upper school and college and spoke about his life at Amherst.

Taylor Richardson ’22

Danielle Leach and Garrett Jobe ’23

Births

Julie Newton Phillips ’09 and Hayden Phillips, Elliott Scott Phillips

Blake Wilson Jr. ’11 and Fallon Wilson, Roman Christopher Wilson

Engagements

Rachel Rice ’10 and Nick Malvasi

Marriage

Deceased

Julia Weed Baldwin ’40, Bartram

Eugene Osmond Roberts ’46

Stewart B. Ira ’49

Jeremiah S. Foley III ’49

Richard Dunphy Youngflesh ’49

Kenneth Bruce Norman ’52

James VanEtten Bent Sr. ’53

Eddie Salem ’09 and Rawan Farah ’16

T. Ralston Brooke Jr. ’12 and Caroline Nimnicht

Jake Gibbons ’15 and Nicole Leonard

Ashlyn Knight ’15 and Timothy Betros ’13

Sarah Kate Levin ’18 and Grayson Loftis

Clarence E. Mullis Jr. ’53

William Cannon Hallowes ’55

Wiliam “Bill” Van Gorder ’64

William D. Colledge ’66

Robert O. Wilhelm ’67

Scott Lewis Basford ’82

Roger D. Stiles ’82

Char-ron De’Shawn Dorsey ’97

2024-25

Key Dates

July 18 Bolles on the Road, Alumni Summer Pop Up Event in Cashiers, NC

August 13 Middle and Upper School New Student Orientation; Lower School Meet Your Teacher Day

August 14 First Day of School

September 2 Labor Day, School Closed

September 27-28 Alumni Reunion Weekend/Homecoming/ Sanchez and Fender CFI Celebration

October 17 All School Conference Day, No Classes

October 18

MS/US Conference Day, LS Professional Development Day, No Classes

October 21 Fall Break, School Closed

November 8

US/MS Professional Development/LS Workday, No Classes

November 25-29 Thanksgiving Break, School Closed

December 16-20 MS/US Exams

December 20 Lower School Workday, No Lower School Classes

December 20 Doggone Cookout for Young Alums

December 23- Winter Break, School Closed

January 3

January 6 Classes Resume

January 20 Martin Luther King Jr. Day, School Closed

February 14 All School Conference Day, No Classes

February 17 Presidents Day, School Closed

March 10-14 Spring Break, School Closed

March 17 All Faculty Professional Development Day, No Classes

April 18-21 Spring Holiday, School Closed

May 16 Last Day of Classes for Middle and Upper School

May 19-23 Reading Day and MS/US Exams

May 22 Last Day of School for Lower School

May 24

Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2025

May 26 Memorial Day, School Closed

GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION

Non-discriminatory clause: The Bolles School admits students of any race, color and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally available to students at the School. It does not discriminate in administering educational policies or other school programs. This School is authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant students.

Join us for the conclusion of “The Future is Now” Campaign and Grand Opening of the Frank R. Sanchez & Hope and Dana E. Fender Center for Innovation

Enjoy an evening of celebration, enlightenment and fireworks!

SEPTEMBER 28 7 p.m.

Frank R. Sanchez & Hope and Dana E. Fender Center for Innovation Upper School San Jose Campus

INVITATION TO COME

Your admission to this memorable event is your best gift to the Bolles Annual Fund. Give at Bolles.org/support or scan the QR code.

Adults Only

Change Service Requested DATED MATERIAL, PLEASE DELIVER ASAP

Created using generative AI in Adobe Photoshop using the prompt “English Bulldog made of orange and blue 0s and 1s.” 7400