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BrewsterConnections Fall 2011
Parents of alumni: If this magazine is addressed to your son or daughter who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please e-mail us at alumninews@brewsteracademy.org with his or her new address.
Expect to Return
For your child or grandchild’s summer school experience For your wedding
For endless summer opportunities, contact the Office of Summer Programs at Brewster Academy.
Inside: Celebrating 125 Years Alumni Who Embody Brewster’s Core Values Return to Campus: Reunion Moments
Summer Programs Office • 603-569-7155 • summer@brewsteracademy.org
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Expect to Stay Cool: Brewster Academy Summer Session students enjoy the lake on a hot July afternoon.
Monthly Deb it
Brewster Academy 2011-2012 Board of Trustees Daniel T. Mudge, President (Tapley-Ann ’98, Ashley ’02)
Karey Fix (Will ’11, Keenan ’13)
Leslie N. H. MacLeod, Vice President (Todd ’97)
Peter Ford ’80
Roy C. Ballentine, Treasurer (Brian ’97, Susan ’94) Douglas H. Greeff, Secretary (Hilary ’11) Michael Appe C. Richard Carlson Estate Trustee David L. Carlson ’54
Michael Keys (Matthew ’04) Barbara Naramore Arthur O. Ricci Estate Trustee The Reverend Nancy Spencer Smith Estate Trustee Steven R. Webster (Brooke ’08, Tori ’11)
Arthur W. Coviello Jr. Candace Crawshaw ’64
Retiring Trustees Helen S. Hamilton, Secretary board member since 1974 A.B. Whitfield (Trey ’89) board member since 2008
Claudine Curran (Alex ’06, Gen ’11) George J. Dohrmann III (George ’05, Geoffrey ’12) Stephen C. Farrell Sr. (Stephen Jr. ’12)
Trustee Emeriti Walter N. “Rink” DeWitt ’54 (Kate ’86) P. Fred Gridley ’53 (Deborah ’81) Grant M. Wilson (Grant ’87, Kirsten ’88)
$10
To Do List: Pick up dry-cleaning Book vacation e Caitlin’s Halloween costum Change oil
ewster Make my annual gift to Br
$25
$50
$100
Annual Gift $120
$300 $600 $1,200
BrewsterConnections Fall 2011
Head of School Dr. Michael E. Cooper
Director of Admission and External Affairs Lynne M. Palmer
Editor, Director of Communications Marcia Eldredge
Contributors Sarah Anderson, Jim Bastis, Steve Burgess, Mike Cooper, Marcia Eldredge, Beth Hayes ’81, Matt Hoopes, Kristy Kerin, Lynne Palmer, Bob Richardson, Shirley Richardson, Sally Smith, Martha Trepanier ’83
Inside 2 Headlines
The Year Ahead, the Years Behind
4 Celebrating 125 Years of Strength and Spirit 5 Grace Tells Graduates “Life is About Extra Credit” 10 We Know What They Did Last Summer
Students share stories from summer “vacation”
12
Opening of School: Giving Meaning to the Brewster Principle
Photography Steve Allen, Andrea Cooper, Marcia Eldredge, Paul Horton, John McKeith, Sally Smith, Phil Stiles
Also, meet faculty award winners, Curvey Scholars, and new faculty
17 After 37 Years of Service, Helen Hamilton Retires 22 Return to Campus: Reunion 2011
BrewsterConnections is published twice a year and mailed to alumni, parents of students, and friends of Brewster Academy 80 Academy Drive Wolfeboro, NH 03894 www.brewsteracademy.org ©2011 Brewster Academy. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
26 Core Values: Matt Hoopes Profiles
Graduates Serving Themselves and Others With Their Best
Departments 19 20 34 40 42
On the Road Newsmakers Class Notes In Memoriam Writing Brewster’s History
The Year Ahead, the Years Behind
A
t our opening faculty meeting,
We welcomed 144 new students to campus. For
the youth of this small village but to students who
I spent a few minutes sharing a
the first time in the school’s history, girls represent
would travel to central New Hampshire to enroll as
portion of The Beloit College Mindset
65 percent of the freshman class: 35 girls out of 54
boarding students. Through his lasting endowment
List. First created in 1998, each year’s
freshmen! This year’s overall student body represents
to the Academy, he left a wonderful legacy and
list reflects the “world view” of college students
20 foreign countries and 28 states. Of our 364
example for us all.
entering their freshman year. Since our seniors are
students, 295 are boarding students and 69 are day
close to the same age as these students, I thought
students. With three freshmen entering as Curvey
Throughout this year, special note will be made of
it was worth taking a few minutes to get everyone
Scholars, we now have nine area day students
these remarkable 125 years of teaching and learning
in the “mindset” of some of our incoming students.
benefiting from the generosity of the Curvey family
at Brewster Academy. To read about our efforts
Here’s just a sampling from the list:
(Meet the scholars on page 13).
to celebrate the Academy and leverage its strong
The only significant labor disputes in their
HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE YEAR
lifetimes have been in major league sports.
Celebrating 125 Years
Ferris Bueller and Sloane Peterson could be their parents.
The 2011-2012 year is special in that we begin celebrating 125 years since the founding of Brewster Academy. The “Academy” dates back to 1820 when
As they’ve grown up on websites and cell phones,
it was founded as Wolfeborough and Tuftonborough
adult experts have constantly fretted about their
Academy; however, in 1886, upon his death, it was
alleged deficits of empathy and concentration.
the will of John Brewster to provide for an Academy in his home village of Wolfeboro. Through John’s
Refer to LBJ, and they might assume you’re talking
wishes and his endowment, the following year the
about LeBron James.
school would become known as Brewster Academy.
reputation, see the article on page 4.
Next Phase of Project-Based Learning Our academic program continues to evolve to ensure that we are instilling in our students the skills needed to meet the challenges they will face as college students and professionals in a rapidly changing world.
Work completed on the curriculum this summer will allow us to expand the two-week project-based learning period that all sophomores and juniors took
Their school’s “blackboards” have always been getting smarter.
Born in Wolfeboro, John had attended Wolfeborough and Tuftonborough Academy before enjoying a
part in last year to include freshmen. For seniors, the project-based learning experience will take on
They’ve always wanted to be like Shaq or Kobe:
successful career as a Boston businessman. John
an even more significant role. Seniors will have the
Michael Who?
never forgot his roots and understood the value of
opportunity to work all year on a capstone project
an education and how important it was for young
that will be an engaging and stimulating way for
people to have the prospect of attending school to
students to integrate and express the range of
gain the skills and knowledge to pursue a career.
skills that they have developed over their time at
Now that you can relate to the “world view” of some
It was John’s determination to make a difference
Brewster. This has been designed as a constructive
of our students, let me offer a few demographics on
in the lives of young people that led him to make
and authentic way for seniors to demonstrate their
this year’s student body.
a remarkable contribution to educating not only
preparedness for graduation.
Life has always been like a box of chocolates.
2
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2011
Blended Learning
monitoring of our progress is a priority and to this
received new carpets, furniture, fixtures, and painting
Additionally, we are piloting two significant
end, students will complete a baseline assessment of
throughout.
enhancements to our use of technology as we
their emotional literacy skills in the fall and then will
continue to take advantage of new resources that
complete a follow-up evaluation in the spring.
A section of the lower level of Hughes House was converted into a “quad” (a popular space) for four
can help us deliver our program. We have introduced Rosetta Stone into some of our foreign language
On the athletic fields, in the dormitories, and in
classes as a way to bring more personalization to
classrooms students will be engaged in strategies
that learning experience. We also are piloting the
to assist them in skills essential and integral to
The front of Avery House received a facelift thanks
use of the course management system Moodle in
learning, becoming more self-aware, making sound
to the efforts of faculty member Matt Found and
some selected courses as a way to support us in
judgments, and achieving success in school and
alumnus Cory Hunter ‘95. Hydrangeas and window
delivering our curriculum to students in a robust,
beyond. We are confident that our commitment
boxes have replaced the shrubs, offering a more
uniform online environment. We are excited about
to social and emotional literacy will enhance our
open and welcoming walk up to this small girls’
the opportunities that these two tools will provide
students’ experience and overall development. At a
dorm. Cory also further enhanced the beautification
for making the classroom experience even richer for
time when adolescents can benefit the most from
project begun in Mason Court a few years ago by the
our students.
knowing more about their emotions and how they
Tambone family.
lucky boys assigned to this dorm.
can impact themselves and others, we are providing
Social and Emotional Literacy
them with a vital ingredient in their growth and
The tuned track in the Smith Center was replaced
After a year of intensive training with faculty and
development in a most intentional manner.
with a more solid decking and a new generation of track surface material. This track surface is in use
administrators, this fall marks the beginning of bringing the RULER Approach to our students. We
We will continue to update the website on RULER
in several schools and colleges in the Northeast
knew from the initial discussions in our training that
and implementation of it, so please refer to
and will be the track material used in the 2012
in order for the approach to be effective, it would
www.brewsteracademy.org/headlines for updates
London Olympics. Additionally, the lanes alternately
take the whole school. Feedback from researchers
or to become familiar with it.
incorporate Brewster colors adding to the Bobcat spirit of this showcase facility.
at Yale who have worked with our trainers and staff attests to our readiness and ability to introduce the
The Face of Campus
RULER Approach to our students.
Over the summer six residence halls underwent
Finally, in helping to get into the mindset of our
extensive renovations. The dorms on Lamb and
students, I’m pleased to announce that I’m on
Throughout the year, we will continue to partner
Mason courts – some of you may remember these
Twitter. I hope you will follow me at: BA_DocCoops
with researchers at Yale, along with collaborative
as Houses One through Six – received new roofs
help from the University of New Hampshire, as
and windows; insulation upgrades; and individual
we embark on the implementation of the RULER
room heating controls, all of which will help tighten
Approach: Recognizing, Understanding, Labeling,
the buildings, increase energy efficiency, and add to
Expressing, and Regulating emotions. Evaluation and
the comfort of our students. Additionally, they all
Dr. Michael E. Cooper, Head of School
www.brewsteracademy.org
3
Strength of Reputation Showing the Brewster Spirit By Lynne Palmer
O
ver the past 10 years, Brewster has spent much time and attention considering and researching Brewster’s image and perception to develop the strongest brand value that alumni,
students, parents, and friends can be proud of when they talk about their school and their experiences. Overwhelmingly, the Brewster brand is strong and continues to attract families who prioritize education and are seeking Brewster because of the strength of its reputation that delivers on the promise of a truly customized learning environment. This enrollment year witnessed some measurable accomplishments that attest to Brewster’s strength of program, including: • the strongest enrollment yield from spring Revisit Days; and • the largest percentage of female students in the lower school in the history of Brewster. Your personal experiences with Brewster – whether as a day student during the Cold War era, a boarding student during the early period of laptop computers, or a new parent today – are linked to images remembered and recalled from time to time or are now envisioning for your child. As we begin this year celebrating our 125th anniversary as Brewster Academy, there are many milestones to reference and more achievements ahead. We hope that the images that you recall or experiences yet to happen will generate a sense of familiarity, inspire you to become more connected with your school, and provide a valuable source of pride. To that end, we have worked with our resident graphic designer and faculty member, Steve Burgess, creating the logos and images on this page (and the cover) that will now become a consistent and celebratory representation of Brewster Academy in the area of the arts, athletics, and our 125th anniversary year. The images that you see here are extensions of the branding exercise that we have applied most recently to all of our recruitment materials and publications and incorporate the colors and existing designs that have been associated with those programs. We hope that these images will become recognizable elements of Brewster Academy as we weave them throughout our efforts to promote the school to prospective families, celebrate the lives and achievements of our alumni, and celebrate our accomplishments as a school.
4
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2011
Brewster Alumnus Topher Grace Tells Graduates That Life is About Extra Credit and Finding a Door and Going Through It By Marcia Eldredge
O
n May 28, Brewster Academy graduated 117 students at its 191st Commencement, and graduate Topher Grace ’97 returned to campus to deliver the commencement address to the Class of 2011.
The ceremony took place in the Smith Center for Athletics and Wellness with Head of School Dr. Michael E. Cooper presiding. Day students Beth Duffy and Dana Hughes were the valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively.
“Just doing what is expected is no longer enough” Grace began his remarks by recalling his own graduation and how familiar he was with his fellow Bobcats’ Brewster experience. “I have done this all before. I know all about being a Brewster Bobcat and living in Sargent Hall and eating every meal at the Estabrook. I know about having an IS teacher and trying to get JBS scholar. I know all about the Ac and study hours and work hours and the long winters up here at Wolfeboro and the Polar Bear Club and the winter carnival and the BAPA book and the Bubble and headmaster’s
Topher Grace ‘97
holidays and how beautiful it is when it all turns to spring here. I know about the
“What a relief some of you are saying to yourselves, and you’re right. It’s great to
great teachers here.”
have all that freedom. But no one is going to be there anymore to pester you to hand in an assignment or try again to make it better, or no one is going to make
He promised to be brief and to the point but wanted to make sure the Class of
you sign up for sports or encourage you to paint or do theater. Your parents and
2011 knew that “just doing what is expected is no longer enough.”
teachers here at Brewster have given you the tools but now it is up to you, no one is going to force you to do a good job, in fact, no one is going to force you to
“As wonderful as it is to go off into the world – and there are so many great
do anything.
experiences that lie ahead for you guys – high school graduation is the end of something. It is the end of anyone else really caring about what you do with your
“And I promise you, if you want to get by and be average, it will work. The world
life. Sure there is homework and grades in college and when you go to work you
is not only full of average people who do only the minimum required, it is built
have to be on time, and I promise you, if you do something illegal, you will be
for them. See it’s hard to find opportunities, and it’s even harder work to take
arrested, but the days of adults really getting into your business are over.
advantage of them.”
Spencer Montgomery and Meredith Haynes
ll nne cDo pman a M Cha ah Sar itch M and
m Ingra Ryan r Mann ete and P
Magg ie Mark Hess and us Ke nned y
www.brewsteracademy.org
rino Yutaka Mo und Fo ia ar M and
5
He then reflected on all the well meaning advice he received at his Brewster
guarantee happiness. Your
graduation. What stayed with him, however, was something his father said: “Life
challenge will be ‘Do I want to
is like a hallway. And if a door opens, go through it.”
leave the kind of legacy of a Harmon Killebrew? And what
“I didn’t really get what he meant when he first said it to me. It didn’t make a lot
will it take to accomplish
of sense until I got a call from Bonnie and Terry Turner, the parents of a friend of
that?’
mine here at Brewster, my freshman year at USC. They had seen me in a musical that I did here with Mr. Campbell, and they wanted to know if I wanted to
“I know I speak for
audition for That ‘70s Show.
everyone when I wish you all the best in your next
“I had no intention of becoming an actor. I’d never been to an audition in my life.
chapter and hope that
In fact I was pretty nervous that I was going to really stink and embarrass myself.
there is lots more to be
I didn’t know how to act with other professional kids there. I didn’t know how to
written in your book of life
memorize lines. Hell, I didn’t even know how to find the building. But I’m pretty
and that the notion of how
glad that when that door presented itself, I went through it.
you want to be remembered
Laura D
uffy, Lyn
ne Palm
er, and
Jaime La
urent
only further guides and directs “Life is about extra credit. It’s about finding a door and going through it. Yes, it
how you continue to grow
will take more work, it will take hard work but here’s the good news, there are
across adulthood. Don’t ever
doors everywhere and college is the perfect place and time to explore different
lose that sense of obligation.”
hallways, different doors, and find out what you’re passionate about. So freshman year of college when someone asks you if you want to try out for an a cappella
Cooper then congratulated
group but you can’t sing and you get terrible stage fright, or join an ultimate
the Class of 2011 in the eight
Frisbee league but you’re a total klutz, or intern at a Fortune 500 company for
languages of their home countries.
peanuts or go on a date, or try pottery or go skydiving, say yes, go through that door … you never know what’s going to be on the other side.
Following the
hur nts the Art per prese oth o B r o Mike Coo yl Ta Award to M. Hurlin
benediction by Trust me, when I was sitting here at my Brewster graduation, I never thought that
The Rev. Harry
going through one of those doors would lead me to standing up here at your
G. Widman,
Brewster graduation. Thank you.”
graduates recessed out
Following Grace’s remarks, the HOWL chorus performed “On My Way,” as sung
of the Smith
by Phil Collins in the movie “Brother Bear.”
Center into the congratulatory
Next, and perhaps most exciting for the graduates, was the awarding of diplomas.
arms of their
Yearbook dedicatee and Associate Director of Athletics Kate Turner read the
teachers,
names of the diploma recipients as they were presented.
families, and friends.
Commencement speaker Topher Grace ’97 and underclassmen
Before closing the ceremony, Cooper reminded the graduates to remain steadfast to the kind of legacy they want to leave behind in their journeys. In referring to their recently published Winnipesaukean yearbook, he said “All one has to do is to look at the theme of your yearbook to know how important the notion of legacy is to the class.” He referred to the recent death of professional baseball player Harmon Killebrew, saying that although his prowess as a power hitter was one part of his legacy it was his character and the class that he brought to the game that was perhaps his most important legacy. “So, Class of 2011, your goal of wanting to leave a legacy helps to put you on the path to lasting happiness, but it doesn’t
6
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2011
nts) were (four-year stude d the 46 “Lifers” nor. ho eir th in er Mike Cooper an nn ate at a May di ready to celebr
Effort Does Matter
The Ivy The Ivy Address marked the opening of the Commencement celebration and took place on the eve of commencement exercises. Keeping with tradition, the top academically ranked postgraduate and the third academically ranked senior offered reflective remarks to graduates, their families, and faculty. The ceremony concluded with Academic Dean Marilyn Shea presenting the senior prefects with an ivy plant – a lasting and living symbol of the graduating class. The ivy was planted in the gardens around the Academic Building where it will comingle with the ivy of previous classes. This year’s Ivy Address speakers were senior Stephanie Menezes and
Dana Hughes, a three-year student from Wolfeboro, offered the salutatorian
postgraduate Max Hooper.
address to his classmates. In his introduction of Hughes, Mike Cooper referred to Hughes as “a distinguished scholar whose work ethic and readiness to reach out and help many students helped him earn the Math Department Award his sophomore year and the Harvard Prize Book Award for science his junior year. His senior year, he earned the role as president of our National Honor Society. He has served admirably in our Math Tutor Center and excels at tennis … He has captained the boys’ junior varsity hockey team and received the MVP award. He has led teams over the past two years to participate in the highly competitive Moody’s Math Challenge.” Hughes told his fellow graduates that rather than talking about class memories and the great times he had at Brewster, he owed them something meaningful and chose to speak about the one thing he felt was most important to achieving success no matter where someone is in life: prioritizing. “You need to know what takes priority in your life and when you figure that out, it becomes considerably easier to make the right choices,” Hughes said. He encouraged his fellow graduates to always give 100 percent to all that they do. “It’s important that you put work and effort in on a regular basis. … No amount of studying at the very last minute will ever equal the work put in over a long period of time. … A two-week project with one day of effort will not have the same successful outcome as 14 days of effort.”
Putting Down Roots: Senior prefect Jolie Wehrung holds the ivy to be planted on behalf of the Class of 2011. She is joined on her right by Ivy Address speakers Max Hooper and Stephanie Menezes, on her left by senior prefect John Wadlinger; and Mike Cooper and Dan Mudge (P ’98, ’02), president of Brewster’s board of trustees, are in the back.
In reference to this he recalled his interview with the director of admission of the College of Engineering at the University of Miami. The director reminded him that a grade of 91 in physics might seem good enough, and in fact it is an accomplishment to be proud of, but if an engineer only has 91 percent of the relevant knowledgeable of the task at hand that doesn’t make for the best engineer. Hughes asked his classmates to consider his favorite quote by basketball coach John Wooden: “If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?” In closing he said, “You all – current Brewster students and the graduating class of 2011 – are some of the most benevolent individuals I have come across in my lifetime and created one of the kindest communities that you can’t just find anywhere in the world. … I most certainly would not be the person I’m today without the influence of this great community. Thank you everyone for the past
The Class of 2011 by the Numbers 117 - number of graduates 46 - number of graduates who were Lifers 54 - number of graduates who held leadership positions 33 - number of graduates who will play sports in college 13 - number of graduates who left behind at least one sibling at Brewster
three years [that] I will not be forgetting anytime soon.”
www.brewsteracademy.org
7
Embrace Change Beth Duffy, a four-year student
Athletic Director’s Award • Chelsiea Goll • Yegor Bezuglyy
from Wolfeboro, delivered
The Headmaster’s Prize • Beth Duffy
the valedictorian speech. In
The Postgraduate Award • Max Hooper
introducing Duffy, Mike Cooper said: “Our next student speaker
Faculty Service Award • Hannah Pope
this morning is a Brewster Lifer
Faculty Service Award • Ashley Rose
whose history with us actually
Ronald “Buzzy” Dore Memorial Award • Will Fix
began at age 3 in 1995 when her
Jill Carlson Memorial Award • Chelsiea Goll
mom joined the Brewster faculty.
Faculty “Growth Achievement” Award • Hilary Greeff
She was one of five students selected to the National Honor Society in her junior year. She has been a member of the Judicial Board for the past three years and this year was named one of the three chief justices of the board. A four-year member of HOWL, she has also favored us with her talented performances on the Brewster stage, including her much celebrated role as the princess in our winter musical production of Once Upon a Mattress.” Duffy’s remarks focused on all the inevitable changes that she and her classmates encountered during their years at Brewster. Admitting that she was not very comfortable with change, she nonetheless learned that life without change leads to a stagnant and boring existence and, that although she doubts she will ever be in love with the unknown and unexpected, she has come to accept them. “Many of my classmates were in the same boat of awkwardness and confusion as to who we would become. Tiny boys and girls crowded the Bubble, and, above the sounds of cracking voices and shrill screams, we forged bonds and friendships that are still in place today. As time went on, those scrawny boys were replaced with their more muscular counterparts, and the awkward girls grew into confident young women.” “These physical transformations were accompanied by other changes in maturity and respect levels. Brewster has turned even the most scatterbrained, frazzled individuals into well-organized students ready to succeed. Our school has also taught us to advocate for ourselves. Instead of students turning to indifference toward their schoolwork and grades, we were taught to communicate with a teacher if we were confused about an assignment or redo a test or paper if we weren’t fully satisfied with our grades.” Duffy thanked her classmates and almost-graduates for being a group filled with such camaraderie and acceptance. “We’re now headed towards real life, but if we take what we’ve learned, from Brewster and from each other, and if we accept the changes that are sure to come our way, things will only get better from here.”
8
2011 Commencement Awards
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2011
Mabel C. Tarr Award • Beth Duffy David Sirchis School Service Award • Stephanie Menezes Arthur J. Mason Foundation Award • Calder Billings Burtis Vaughan Award • Sarah MacDonnell Arthur M. Hurlin Award • Taylor Booth To learn more about these awards, visit: www. brewsteracademy.org/commencementawards
Members of the Class of 2011 are attending the following colleges and universities: Assumption College Babson College Bentley College Boston University (4) Bowdoin College Brooklyn College Bryant College California Lutheran University Colby-Sawyer College College of Idaho College of the Holy Cross (2) Concordia University, Canada Dalhousie University, Canada DePauw University Elmira College Elon University Emerson College Endicott College Fairfield University Gettysburg College Gilmore School Hartwick College Harvard University High Point University (4) Hobart and William Smith Colleges (5) Keene State College Lewis & Clark College Loyola University Marist College Marymount Manhattan College Miami University New Jersey City University New York University (2) Northeastern University (3) Norwich University (1) Pennsylvania State University Providence College (2) Purdue University (2) Quinnipiac University (2) Roger Williams University (3)
Rollins College (2) Rutgers University Siena College Smith College South Kent School St. John’s University St. Michael’s College (3) Stetson University (3) Suffolk University Susquehanna University (4) Syracuse University (2) Texas A & M University Texas Christian University Trinity University University of Arizona University of Colorado, Boulder University of Connecticut (2) University of Hartford University of Kansas University of Massachusetts, Amherst (2) University of Miami University of Mississippi University of New Hampshire University of Pittsburgh University of Prince Edward Island, Canada (2) University of Redlands University of Rhode Island University of Tampa (2) University of Vermont (4) University of Washington (2) Villanova University Virginia Military Institute Wentworth Institute of Technology Western State College Whittier College (2) Wittenberg University Xavier University
Name
Address
City, State, Zip
Country Code, Country
The Brewster Story:
E-mail Address
The Definitive History of Brewster Academy “The Brewster Story is a must read for anyone who has attended the school or
Phone Number
has an interest in the Academy. The Story relates the early philosophy of John Brewster and how the school has followed those ideals in creating the current Academy. It was of great interest to read of the many hurdles that were overcome in the early years and to see the perseverance of a number of key people that kept the school functioning during war years, fires, personnel adjustments, and financial woes. … Thank you for the history lessons, Bob and Shirley Richardson.” Bruce H. Crowther ‘64 (GP ’14) Grandparent Chair 2011-2012
Gifts of History With the publication of The Brewster Story in May, Brewster Academy wishes to acknowledge the individuals who contributed their time and resources to bring the history of the Academy alive in the pages of The Brewster Story: Former faculty members Bob and Shirley Richardson, who, upon their retirement in 2004, spent seven years researching, conducting interviews, poring over archival material, writing, and editing The Brewster Story; Richard Joseph (Sam ’11) for donating the publishing and printing costs of The Brewster Story. “With a page count at 352 and an initial printing of 600 books it was no small undertaking, and Brewster is forever grateful for Richard’s contribution to the history of Brewster,” said Mike Cooper in acknowledging Richard Joseph at the Ivy Address in May; and Alumni, faculty and staff, and friends for sharing their stories and photos with Bob and Shirley
Number of books: ($22.95 per book)
Shipping Within U.S. (1 Book) @ $4.95
Shipping Within U.S. (2-4 Books) @ $10.95
International Shipping (1 Book) @ $13.95
International Shipping (2-4 Books) @ $45.50
Total: You also may order by credit card online:
https://www.brewsteracademy.org/ thebrewsterstory Return form, with check made payable to Brewster Academy, to:
Campus Store Brewster Academy 80 Academy Drive Wolfeboro, NH 03894 www.brewsteracademy.org
9
We Know What They Did Last Summer Brewster students are adventurous and giving of their time. Here Connections shares the stories of how some students spent their summer days and, for at least one stargazer, his nights. Rebecca
cover, and light from
Marisseau
nearby stars to obtain
‘12 (Wolfeboro)
accurate photometrical
spent two weeks
measurements.
at an Archaeology Field School at
Why this course?
Strawbery Banke
I chose this endeavor
Museum in
because of my strong
Portsmouth, New
interest in astronomy,
Hampshire.
which was inspired when I competed in the New Hampshire Astronomy Bowl last
Why archaeology? The Field School was excavating near the 1762 Chase
March.
House, which belonged to Stephen Chase, a wealthy Portsmouth merchant.
What Raymond
Recently, Strawbery Banke staff began looking at old 18th century insurance maps and noticed that there were other structures on the property in 1762 that
learned: I learned
are not currently standing. Further research and archaeological investigation
about stellar/galactic
revealed that the structures were the original privy and carriage house.
formation, sky geography, atmospheric interference, and planetary processes. At the CTAS, I am learning how to set up and operate the observatory telescope,
What Rebecca learned: Archeologists are very interested in excavating
use various filters to determine the quality of camera exposures, and that the 15
privies because when they were no longer privies they were used as trash
different exoplanets change in position and luminosity as they interfere with the
receptacles. The families would throw food scraps, ceramics, glass, and anything
light of nearby stars.
else they deemed trash into the privy. This leaves evidence of day-to-day 18th century life for the archaeologists.
My experience at CTAS has taught me to pay close attention to every detail on the computer data, since any error can possibly result in inaccurate
I participated in the excavation of the former carriage house and privy
measurements that can change the overall outlook of the transit observation(s).
foundations. Though I was fortunate enough to not have to dig in the privy itself,
I have three mentors who are highly educated in physics, chemistry, and
I was given a unit with many artifacts in it!
engineering. They are very detailed in all that they do in sharing their knowledge
What Rebecca and her team excavated: Two 1780-1820 pearlware teacups, Victorian thimble, animal bones (shows what they ate), part of a carriage
of astronomy. At UC Berkeley, I learned from my experience that life in a large university requires a huge responsibility from an individual to succeed because there is no supervision inside and outside of class.
wheel, leather, keys, horseshoes, thermometer, and a toothbrush.
Raymond Soriano ’12 (Laredo, Texas) enrolled in a six-week course in
Amy Misira ’12 (Cockeysville,
astronomy and oceanography at the University of California, Berkeley. When he
Maryland) interned for the nonprofit
wrote the following, Raymond was in the middle of a two-week research project
Children Across Borders headquartered
on the 15 exoplanet transit observations at the Central Texas Astronomical
in Tampa, Florida. This organization
Society (CTAS).
provides sustained support in the form of education, health, housing, and wellness
In particular, I am recording the luminosity of the exoplanets with various
to underprivileged children throughout
calibration filters as a means of taking into account signal-to-noise ratio, cloud
the world.
10
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2011
Why this endeavor? Some day I would like to start a foundation, and I
in Moultonborough. When the center decided to sell it, it was passed into town
was offered the opportunity by family friends, so I could learn the inner workings
ownership and became a public island.
of a nonprofit organization (NPO). To preserve the island, the houses not being used were taken off island, leaving
What Amy learned: I learned it is a lot of work to start and maintain a
their sites to be cleaned up. Our priority was getting rid of glass, pipes, and
nonprofit. I know it’s not just about raising money. You need a lot of connections.
anything with nails, including wooden shingles, structural planks, and siding.
I learned that running an NPO is a team effort. Everything works better when
There are two main beaches open to the public, as well as a set of bathrooms, so
you have people who believe in the cause and are there for you. For my nonprofit,
we need to keep it clean.
I want to support and offer supplies to Orphanage 2 in Samara, Russia. I chose this project originally because of the loons. I love the loons on the lake. From our lake house on Cow Island, you can hear them every night, calling to
Alberto Rivera-
each other. It’s magical. Ragged Island is a very popular nesting site for loons and
Barletta ’13 (Mexico City,
after I had learned that they were becoming endangered, I wanted to help them.
Mexico) spent three weeks on a 50-foot sailboat with 11
I have found that I now do it because I enjoy it. I love seeing the island loved by
other teenagers in the waters
so many taken care of. I like seeing the happy people when they go to the island.
off the British Virgin Islands.
It gives me a feeling of worth to have seen this island grow from being dirty and unkempt to being a well-respected destination on the lake.
Why a sailboat with all those teenagers? One reason I chose
What Morgan learned: I learned many things but mostly about work
this ActionQuest adventure program is the fact that it was a different summer
ethics and about striving for something bigger than myself. I volunteer because
experience. Most summer programs, students/campers, stay in cabins or tents.
it helps me feel like a part of a community, and I feel it’s my job to commit to
But we lived on a sailboat. This unusual set up for a summer program intrigued
something that is bigger than myself. My mom always told me that helping
me. They offer a variety of programs, from community service to marine biology.
others was the right thing to do, and now I can relate to it.
What Alberto learned: After two summers in ActionQuest, I have
How she grew from this experience. I believe that what you do will
become an advanced diver and have received my sailing license and community
always affect who you are as a person. I feel as though I have more to contribute
service hours picking up trash in a local town.
to this world. I know that I will not stop here. My work on Ragged Island has confirmed that for me. I grew as a person on this project, more aware of my
Being out there for 21 days without TV, cell phones, Internet, cooking the meals,
impact on others, and how I can make it positive.
cleaning the boat, being with great staff, and 11 other people my age on a 50foot sailboat is different. You learn how to be comfortable with yourself. It helps
Morgan also spent much of her summer interning in Brewster’s Technology Office.
to realize who you really are. As I began realizing who I was becoming, who I really was, I began to define future goals.
Daisy LePere ’12 (Belmont,
How he grew from this experience: The three weeks I spent with
Massachusetts) travelled across the
ActionQuest, was the best three weeks of my summer. I feel I have become more
globe to northern India to participate in
aware of global issues, my self-confidence increased, I have developed social skills
a community service project with the
I use today, and I have defined future goals. The BVIs, which, believe me, is not
nonprofit Mountain Cleaners in the state
the most modern or sophisticated region in the world, does have its own spark.
of Himachal Pradesh. Mountain Cleaners
That spark made me more aware of countries like the BVIs, and that they are not
is committed to cleaning up India, little
as lucky as many of us. It made me feel more thankful for what I have.
by little, through a combination of direct action, liaison, and awareness raising.
Overall this experience was amazing, and I will always treasure it.
Why India? I chose to go to India because I love to travel, and I wanted to get a sense of what life was like for other people, and we got to work with kids.
Morgan Robinette ’12 (Gilmanton Iron Works, New Hampshire) was part of a team of volunteers helping to keep a public island on Lake Winnipesaukee
What she learned and how she grew: I learned about the customs
“beautiful and running smoothly.”
and traditions in India as well as the problems there. I grew from this experience by seeing the differences between how life is for me and how life is for others. It
Why Ragged Island? Ragged Island used to be a part of the Loon Center
was very eye opening and very humbling.
www.brewsteracademy.org
11
“Let’s Give Meaning to the Brewster Principle” By Marcia Eldredge
One of a few bouquets placed on September 11 at a campus memorial.
T
his year the opening All-School Assembly coincided with the 10th
a young man who knew what was the right thing to do under any
anniversary of the tragic events of 9/11. It seemed appropriate
circumstance, both cool and cool headed. He always represented what
then that Dr. Cooper focused his remarks on the connection that
was right and that combination led to his being highly respected by the
those events had to the Brewster community.
entire community. At Curry College, he became an All-American lacrosse player,” Cooper said.
“As you walk through campus or head out to the athletic fields, you will no doubt notice two signs: one that reads Fry Field and one that reads
Tommy and his brother Robbie ’74 (to whom Palazzo Field is also
Palazzo Field. You might also notice the plaque in the “flagpole garden”
dedicated) were outstanding athletes. At the dedication of Palazzo Field,
near the Smith Center,” Cooper said.
Robbie spoke about how much Brewster had meant to the brothers and how they had matured at Brewster saying, ”They were the finest years of
“Today, especially, the names on these signs and the plaque deserve our
our lives as we learned how to become adults here.”
pause and reflection. They bare the names of two graduates who lost their lives in the World Trade Center on September 11.”
Mike continued, as students Peter and Tommy were respected by their peers in the Brewster community. As adults they lived honorable lives. “I ask you
He shared a little about each alumnus. Peter Fry, class of 1983, was just 36
to honor them by upholding the Brewster Principle: Respect, Integrity, and
years old, married with two young daughters. Tommy Palazzo, class of
Service: serve yourself and others with your best in all you do.”
1975, was 44 years old, also married and with three daughters. “Lets give meaning to the Brewster Principle. Let’s have a great year and “At Brewster, Peter was a stabilizing influence, a leader by example,
Mike and Andrea Cooper and senior prefect Evan Cohn greet a new student.
12
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2011
let’s have some fun.”
It wouldn’t be orientation without the annual swim test!
Welcome Back! Returning students at registration.
Brewster Welcomes Three More Curvey Scholars Currently nine local students are recipients of the Curvey family’s generosity
T
he 2011-2012 school year marks the third year of welcoming Curvey Scholars to the Brewster community.
In December 2008, James C. Curvey and his family donated 11 acres of waterfront property in Alton to Brewster Academy. Through the land donation, it was Curvey’s desire to create scholarships so that more local students would have the opportunity to attend Brewster. In September 2009, the first three Curvey Scholars entered Brewster as members of the Class of 2013. A year later, three more local students entered as freshmen. The most recent scholars bring the total to nine students benefiting from
Mike Cooper and James C. Curvey at a spring luncheon with Patrick Perry, Sean Cassidy, and Rebecca Jones, now sophomores; and Bianca Barcelo, Ashley Rogers, and Cristina Adams, current juniors.
the generosity of the Curvey family. This year’s freshman scholars – Thomas “Tre” Galligan III, Chase Gardner, and Isabella “Bella” Monzione – are leaders in their class and will no doubt take advantage of all the opportunities that await them at their new school.
The Scholars Tre is from Gilford and wanted to attend a school that encouraged the development of the learner and the athlete in order to challenge him on both levels. Tre’s former teachers describe him as “a quiet leader who leads by example”
Class of 2015 Curvey Scholars: Tre Galligan, Chase Gardner, and Bella Monzione with Mike Cooper on the first day of classes.
and a hard working young man who is a
invaluable – I like expanding my vocabulary by
with the same small community aspect as
positive influence in the classroom. A football
being exposed to new words.”
Cornerstone Christian as well as diverse
player, last season Tre was named offensive
opportunities where she could get more
player of the year, which he attributes to his
Chase’s former teachers describe him as an
involved. Bella’s former teachers see her as
constant positive attitude.
active member of the team’s leadership group,
“very inquisitive, taking the initiative to learn
highly respected by faculty and peers. “Chase is
and to be successful.”
Chase Gardner is from Wolfeboro where he
well balanced and very thoughtful for a person
earned a 4.0 GPA in an accelerated curriculum
his age.”
at Kingswood Regional Middle School. He has
Tre, Chase, and Bella join current Curvey Scholars juniors Cristina Adams and Ashley
been playing basketball and soccer for eight
Bella is from Alton and attended Cornerstone
Rogers from Alton and Bianca Barcelo from
years and also plays the trombone. His most
Christian Academy. She is an avid equestrian,
Wolfeboro; and sophomores Rebecca Jones and
rewarding subject is English because he believes
enthusiastically committed to all aspects of
Patrick Perry from Wolfeboro and Sean Cassidy
that “having the ability to read and write is
horsemanship. She was looking for a school
from Alton.
www.brewsteracademy.org
13
Teachers Gorrill and O’Blenis at the Top of the Class By Marcia Eldredge
E
ach year since 1997 Brewster has honored two or three faculty
Additionally, “He loves working and living at a boarding school,” and
members for their outstanding efforts and accomplishments in
“He steps in to help in other areas of the school when he sees a need.”
one of two areas, Excellence in Teaching and Career Growth. They
are nominated by faculty, administration, students, parents, and trustees.
“Our students and Brewster are fortunate to have him.”
At the opening All-School Assembly in September, Mike Cooper
Students also praised ‘Mr. O,’ as he is known, for his dedication and
announced that this year’s faculty award recipients were long-time faculty
teaching style.
member Bruce Gorrill and Rob O’Blenis, both science teachers.
Career Growth Given in recognition of the faculty member who, over the course of the year, has demonstrated the most accelerated professional growth within the Brewster program, the Career Growth Award was presented to Rob O’Blenis, science teacher and community life parent who started teaching at Brewster in 2005. In nominating Rob for the award, colleagues had the
Examples of Career Growth at Brewster: • Utilizing support offered • Productivity and degree of excellence in the curriculum they have developed
following to say about him: “This award is the perfect match for him.”
• High evaluations in five different classes from their director, peers, and students
“He has been extremely supportive of colleagues as they step into the
• Demonstrated excellence in the delivery of best practice pedagogies
classroom.” “He has great integrity and a great attitude.”
• Strong and valuable contributions made to all team efforts
In 2010, Rob was asked to become one of a select group of faculty and staff
• Significant use of technology in curriculum design and delivery and taking advantage of the Internet
to be trained in and then become a staff trainer in the newly introduced Emotional Literacy program and he has done “an amazing job.” In fact, “he is the ‘meta-moment king’.”
14
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2011
• Building an awareness and sensitivity within the community of the needs of the students
“I think that Mr. O is a really good teacher. I really like that his teaching style is very hands on. I am doing very well in science this year, and I think that is because of the way he teaches and the fact that he is organized with homework and well organized in the classroom, which
Examples of excellence in teaching at Brewster:
makes it that much easier to understand. I also appreciate the fact that he
• Professionalism in all aspects of their endeavors
is always there for extra help and he really wants us all to be the best we
• Assisting others in support of students
can be.”
• Fair assessment
“Your class is my favorite class this year. I love how you do notes in class,
• Effort to assist core teachers in their efforts in support of their students
that you always make sure I understand what is going on, and all of the opportunities you give to help me. You seem to love what you are doing and that makes me want to love it, too.”
• Tenacity and drive to see that students are fairly assessed and assisting in the development of adaptations for them • Consistency, fairness, and quality of action plans and great follow through—Team primacy • Positive attitude in all interactions
Excellence in Teaching This award is given in recognition of demonstrated excellence in teaching practices and overall contributions within the Brewster program. The recipient of the 2011 Excellence in Teaching Award is Bruce Gorrill, science department chair. This is the second time that Bruce has been awarded the Excellence in Teaching Award, having first received it in 2001. Bruce’s colleagues have a lot of respect for his abilities and in nominating
“Mr. Gorrill, I like the fact that you always are there to answer any questions and that you are willing to go over a problem if people don’t understand how to do it. Great job drawing everything out on the smart board for visual learners.” “Mr. Gorrill cares about each individual in our class and he is willing to help each student in a way that they can learn the best.”
him for the award, praised his high standards and leadership. “He is an excellent role model in the classroom, creating and maintaining a very student-centered classroom.” Colleagues agree that Bruce is one of the most technology-savvy faculty
Current faculty who are past recipients of the
Excellence in Teaching Award Laura Cooper (2010)
members, taking the time to learn how new classroom technology tools
Bret Barnett (2009)
can best benefit students and his delivery of coursework.
Matt Butcher (2008) Janis Cornwell (2006)
“He has an impressive use of technology in the classroom and within the curriculum developed in his department.” “His use of technology encourages other faculty to incorporate technology and to embrace new ideas and changes in their classrooms.” “He is one of the reasons Brewster maintains our technology edge.”
Raylene Davis (2005) Barb Thomas (2004) Julianne Lopez (2003) Kim Yau (2003) Bruce Gorrill (2001) Maria Found (1997)
“He has been at the forefront of Brewster’s programmatic changes, such as the Brewster Model, project-based learning, and Moodle.” “Bruce has never lost the sense of ‘it’s all about the kids.’ He is very vested in our students.” Students, too, have high praise for Bruce Gorrill. “Good job keeping the class always on task. I like the fact that you use a lot of technology in class; it really advances my skills not only in physics but also for other classes.” “Science isn’t usually my strong point, but I’m loving physics this year. Mr. Gorrill is an amazing teacher and I’m learning a lot. I feel challenged
Current faculty who are past recipients of the
Career Growth Award Tom Sullivan (2010) Jamie Garzon (2009) Lauren Shealy (2008) Lauren Hunter (2007) Matt Butcher (2006) Bret Barnett (2005 Yu Lui (2003) Raylene Davis (1998)
but not overwhelmed.”
www.brewsteracademy.org
15
New Community Members Over the summer, Brewster Academy welcomed three new administrators and seven new faculty members to the community.
K
risty Kerin joined the Alumni and Development Office team on
insight for comprehensive implementation and streamlining of events
June 1 as the director of advancement. In this role, she oversees
at Brewster Academy. She looks forward to working with numerous
the Annual Fund, major gifts, and campaign planning. Most
campus offices in the planning and oversight of events on and off campus
recently she was the director of donor relations at Middlebury College in
involving different constituents.
Middlebury, Vermont, her alma mater. “My years as a student at Williston-Northampton School naturally Kristy brings broad experience working with leadership donors, annual
influenced my desire to serve in a boarding school environment. I am
fund campaigns, events, and donor stewardship. As a member of
fortunate to be part of the Brewster community,” she said.
Middlebury’s annual fund team, she helped establish strategies that led to record-breaking alumni giving rates as high as 62 percent participation.
A native of the Lakes Region, Sally lives in Center Harbor with her
Kristy credits these outstanding alumni participation results in large part
two children. Her daughter is currently in her first year at High Point
to alumni volunteers, and she is eager to help build robust volunteer
University in North Carolina and her son is a sophomore at Inter-Lakes
networks at Brewster.
High School.
When asked what it was about Brewster that attracted her, she replied: “This is an exciting and critical time for the Academy. I was impressed with the school’s leadership under Dr. Cooper, the unique teaching model, the personalized approach to education, and the inspirational vision for the future. I am excited to partner with Brewster’s alumni, parents, and friends to help advance the Academy’s goals.” Kristy also served as the assistant track and field coach at Middlebury. She was ranked internationally as a high jumper and competed in the 2004 U.S. Olympic Trials. Her husband, David, and their two sons, Daniel and Matthew, join Kristy here. Carrie MacDonald has joined the community as the director of student health services. She began her career as a pediatric nurse on a medical surgical unit at Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center. Most recently she worked for a behavioral, developmental, genetic pediatric specialist where she worked with children and adolescents with
Some of Brewster’s new community members: from the top Carrie MacDonald, Maureen Edmonds, Sally Smith, Elizabeth Bonsu, Karl Edmonds, and Jen Smith
ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism. She has a B.S. in Nursing from the University of Southern Maine.
New Faculty Elizabeth Bonsu is an instructional support teacher on the freshman
Sally Smith joined the Office of Admission and External Affairs on July
Team Cooper. She has worked with both adolescents and adults in
1 as special events and programs coordinator. She comes to Brewster
community health resource centers and organizations in Connecticut and
with 20 years experience in higher education and independent boarding
Massachusetts. Elizabeth has a B.A. in psychology from Curry College.
schools. Her experience includes director of alumni relations at Plymouth State University where she received her master’s in counseling and
Jonathan Browher is teaching U.S. history on the junior Team Thomas. His
human relations.
history background includes a primary concentration in U.S. history and a secondary concentration in Latin American history. He holds a master’s
Sally’s previous work in offices of alumni, admissions, and college
in education from Plymouth State University and a B.A. in history from
counseling involved extensive event planning and provides her with the
Bates College. He is the community life parent in Bearce Hall.
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BrewsterConnections – Fall 2011
Karl Edmonds teaches algebra and geometry on the freshman Team
a master’s in psychology from Connecticut College and undergraduate
Cooper. He also is the boys’ varsity soccer coach. Originally from Liverpool,
degree in history and psychology from Williams College.
England, Mr. Edmonds came to New Hampshire in 1989 when he earned an athletic scholarship to play soccer at Southern New Hampshire University.
Zach Ross, a 2005 graduate of Brewster, is an instructional support
He holds a master’s in international business and a B.S. in business
teacher on the sophomore Team Martin and the community life parent
administration from SNHU.
in Sargent 3. Previously at Brewster he has been a substitute teacher and assistant coach in the boys’ crew program. He has an MBA from the Royal
Maureen Edmonds is an instructional support teacher on the senior Team
Melbourne Institute of Technology and an undergraduate degree from
Yau and the community life parent in Brown Hall. Maureen has extensive
Susquehanna University.
teaching experience at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. She has a master’s in education and a B.A. in communications and English
Jen Smith is a math teacher on the junior Team Lopez. She has a degree
from Niagara University and has special education certification from the
in mathematics and education from Shippensburg University and is the
University of New Hampshire.
community life parent in Haines House.
Ellissa Popoff teaches modern world history on the sophomore Team Martin and is the head coach of the girls’ varsity ice hockey team. She has
Trustee Steps Down After Long Tenure Helen Hamilton’s Passion for Education Still Strong By Sarah Anderson
N
ot many people can say they have been involved with an organization for 37 years, but
Helen Hamilton of Bow, New Hampshire, can. At age 80, she just stepped down from Brewster’s board of trustees, having served as secretary of the board and chair of the education and personnel committees. Despite ending her long tenure on the board, she is far from finished with dedicating her life to helping others. Her commitment to education is life-long. Not an alumna or even an alumni parent, Hamilton was drawn to Brewster simply because of her passion for education. She brought much expertise and experience, having been the dean of students at Springfield College, the dean of student affairs at the University of New Hampshire, and a YWCA executive/administrator in Springfield, Massachusetts, Toledo, Ohio, and Manchester, New Hampshire. She also taught
www.brewsteracademy.org
17
in Manchester and at Easthampton High School,
them “tremendous changes in education,”
in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts.
referring to those in the disciplinary realm, faculty and student retention, technology, the
Hamilton worked as the executive director
leveling of the classroom, team teaching, and the
of Kids Voting New Hampshire Inc., a youth
Emotional Literacy Program.
development organization, and she founded the Capital Area Student Leadership Program
“Students are really getting into more places
(CASL) for high school sophomores.
and being able to attend the colleges and universities of their choice.” Hamilton also
Clearly recognized as an active member of her
praised Brewster’s athletic department, saying,
community, Hamilton and her husband were
“All of the students are in programs in which
named Distinguished Citizens of the Year in
the coaching is far superior.”
Concord in 2004. When asked “What’s next?” Hamilton laughed Not only has she been active by contributing
and said she is always pursuing projects. She
to her community, she also has always been
still works with CASL and is on the scholarship
physically active. An athlete all her life,
committee for Concord Hospital.
Hamilton did not start running road races until
Welcome, Karey Fix Brewster parent Karey Fix of Chicago has joined the board of trustees. She and husband Bob are the parents of Keenan ’13 and Will, who graduated from Brewster in May. Karey previously taught at a private elementary school in Winnetka, Illinois, before beginning her own business, Fix-Tex: a line of high-end hand painted fabric and furniture.
She was actively involved in Keenan and Will’s elementary school, chairing the school’s primary fundraiser for eight years. She has served on the boards of The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Lincoln Park Zoo, and Rush NeuroBehavioral Center and has been an active participant of the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation.
she was about 42. Then for more than five years,
She is always involved in education somehow.
she became nationally ranked as number one in
“What it will be now, I don’t know, but it will
her age category for the 5K. “I love racing, and I
be something. Maybe I will go back to school
still miss it today,” Hamilton said.
myself!”
In a recent interview, Hamilton spoke about
Hamilton stressed the crucial role education
experience – contributing to one’s community
her time as a member of Brewster’s board of
plays in her life. “Education is a very important
– benefits one’s growth and development. She
trustees. She addressed some of the changes the
thing for me,” she said. “I am really concerned
encourages young people to start early with this
school has experienced during this time. “It was
about what’s happening in public schools. These
kind of involvement.
a very different scene in 1974,” Hamilton said.
kids (Brewster students) are really lucky to be
She highlighted the implementation of
able to go to a private school and to learn how
Always fascinated by education, Hamilton
to be good citizens and contributing ones.”
continues to expand her mind and is currently reading a book about language and how it
technology as a positive change. “We were really a leader in that area.” She also spoke
Hamilton learned about being a contributing
begins as she watches her baby grandchild
about the Brewster Model as a significant shift.
member of society at a young age. After
begin to navigate the world of language.
Hamilton was on the selection committee for
attending Springfield College and the
now Head of School Dr. Michael Cooper. She
University of Maine, she was travelling into
“In today’s age, it is very rare to find someone
said that choosing a new head of school was a
the inner city of Toledo, Ohio, and Springfield,
like Helen, who selflessly devoted 37 years as
long process and that the board made “a terrific
Massachusetts, at night by herself to work with
a trustee to an institution. Her guidance and
decision.” She commented on Dr. Cooper’s
individuals from all walks of life. “I really had a
wisdom will be missed,” said board president
steady progress and the “significant, intelligent
good perspective on people from all categories
Dan Mudge. “We will continue to treasure our
changes” he has brought about. Hamilton called
of wealth.” She is confident that this kind of
long-standing friendship with Helen.”
LIVE LEARN LEAD 18
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2011
Brewster On The
Road
New York City Lisa and Michael Kurtz (Zoe Lindgren ’13). Mike
The Middle East
Cooper and Lynne Palmer shared news about the
October 20 - 23 –
opening of school and updates from campus.
Admission officer
September – Current parents and friends of Brewster gathered for a reception at the home of
Jay Anctil will While in New York City, Mike Cooper had the opportunity to connect with young alumni at a business breakfast hosted by Colin Foster ’88 at his
Brewster parent representative Maria- Dulce Smith (Max ’12, Sarah ’05) at a school fair in Saudi Arabia last year.
represent Brewster at boarding school fairs in Dharan, Saudi Arabia,
downtown office of Virtual Doorman.
sponsored by Saudi Aramco. Jay will discuss the Brewster program with prospective students and
Bermuda
families. Currently five students attend Brewster September
whose families live in Saudi Arabia.
– Mike and Andrea Cooper and Lynne Palmer represented Brewster at a boarding school
Nevada and Texas November – Lynne Palmer will represent Brewster at a boarding school fair in Las Vegas on November 5 and at a national conference for educational consultants in Dallas on November 10.
fair in Hamilton, The Stephens siblings – Keely ’13, Wilson ’12, and Holly ’15 – are among 10 students from Bermuda studying at Brewster this year.
Bermuda.
In conjunction
Asia
with the fair, Mike, Andrea, and Lynne visited with
November 7 - 17 – Jim Bastis, director of alumni
current Brewster families at a reception at the
and development, will visit with parents and alumni
Rosemont Guest Suites, hosted by Samantha and
in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo, and
Neal Stephens (Wilson ’12, Keely ’13, and Holly ’15).
Taipei and Taichung City, Taiwan.
Boston, Head of the Charles
Massachusetts
October 23 – Join us at the Head of the Charles to
team will play in the 2012 Spalding HoopHall Classic
cheer on Brewster rowers as they compete in the
in Blake Arena at Springfield College in Springfield.
world’s largest crew regatta. Stop by the Brewster
Game time is tentatively schedule for 4 p.m. and will
tent expected to be near the Finish Area Launching
be broadcast on ESPN. For more information:
Site (FALS) and the Elliot Bridge.
www.thehoophallclassic.com/index.php
January 15, 2012 – The Brewster boys’ basketball
www.brewsteracademy.org
19
Newsmakers National Geographic Features Nieman Photo
In August, McGary played
The Trey Whitfield Foundation was founded in 1989 to
in the Boost Mobile Elite
commemorate the life and spirit of Trey Whitfield ’89.
24 event, which featured
Its mission is to pursue Trey’s dream that everyone,
24 of the top high school
regardless of ethnic background, has equal access to
basketball players in
the educational opportunities that they need to reach
the United States. The
their potential in life; that every child will have a
game was televised live
helping hand and every young person will get support
on ESPN. McGary is the second Brewster player to
from someone who cares about their future.
be selected for this showcase game. Will Barton ‘10, who now plays for the University of Memphis, played in the 2009 game. Simply Beautiful Landscapes, National Geographic’s 2011 Engagement Calendar, features a photo by David Nieman ’11 (Wolfeboro). Nieman’s image of
TW Foundation Honors Blair and Francis Recent graduate
Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, was
Keshia Blair ’11 and
among 52 “evocative nature scenes” selected for the
Najee Francis ’15
calendar.
Wolfeboro Brochure Features Walker’s Work Marlee Walker’s ’11 (Wolfeboro) photo of downtown Wolfeboro appears in the 2011 Wolfeboro Area Chamber of Commerce brochure. Walker captured the photo as part of an assignment in her digital photography class. She is studying at the University of Vermont.
were among the academic honorees at
He took the photo a few years ago in late December
the 19th Annual Trey
while visiting family on the Maine coast. “I noticed
Whitfield Foundation
the snow on the roof of the lighthouse first. The
Awards Banquet.
contrast between the powdery snow and the dark
Both students are
rocks creates a really nice effect. I think what really
graduates of the Trey
pulls the shot together is the black and white quality,
Whitfield School
the fog, and the crashing water.”
(TWS) in Brooklyn, New York.
McGary Blogging for ESPN, Played in Elite For the upcoming school year, Mitch McGary ’12
Lacrosse player Mitchell Chapman ‘11 (Oshawa, Ontario) was voted AllAmerican, which is the highest distinction a high school lacrosse player can achieve. Chapman is the seventh Brewster lacrosse player to receive this
Nieman is now studying film and photographer at Emerson College.
All-American Mitch Chapman
Blair, an honors student and lifer at Brewster,
honor. He will play for Bryant University next season.
is originally from Guyana. She is now studying humanities and Spanish at Stetson University and
Shaw is Pitcher of the Year
working toward her dream of becoming a criminal
Brennen Shaw ‘11
justice attorney.
(Presque Isle, Maine)
(Hinsdale, Indiana), the top-ranked power forward in
was named Lakes Region
the ESPNU 100, has agreed to chronicle his thoughts
A Brooklyn native and salutatorian of TWS’s class of
Pitcher of the Year. Shaw
on everything from his recruitment to pop culture in
2011, Francis carries on the legacy of Trey Whitfield
plans to play hockey at
a blog for ESPNHS.
graduates continuing their education at Brewster.
Assumption College.
20
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2011
All Stars Around the Diamond
CEO Drouin Raises $1.2M for Startup
Steve Balsamo ’11 (Atkinson, New Hampshire), Spencer Montgomery ’11 (Kensington, Prince Edward Island), and Josh Gallant ’12 (Exeter,
For the girls, Emma Jones ‘11 (Wolfeboro) and Sarah
New Hampshire) were
MacDonnell ’11 (Quispamsis, New Brunswick,)
named Lakes Region
earned All Star lacrosee team honors. Jones plans to
League All-Stars. Despite
play lacrosse and soccer at Susquehanna University.
these honors, Balsamo
MacDonnell will play ice hockey for the University of
and Montgomery
Connecticut.
plan to play hockey in college at Hobart and William Smith Colleges and the University of Prince Edward Island,
Dearborn Competes in World Mountain Running Championships
In July Nate Drouin ’10 was the subject of articles in
respectively. Gallant will
Former Bobcat runner
Bloomberg News and Boston Business Journal. Drouin,
be back on the diamond
Krisztina Dearborn
originally from Wolfeboro, is CEO of Fundraise.com,
for his senior year at
‘11 (Mirror Lake, New
an online fundraising company that he launched
Brewster.
Hampshire) competed
in March 2011. In July, the company was infused
in the World Mountain
with $1.2 million from investors. Fundraise.com is
Running Championships
marketed as an easy to use fundraising platform for
in Tirana, Albania, on
charities large and small spanning a variety of causes
September 11. She led
and fields including education, politics, sports, and
her U.S. teammates and
faith-based organizations. Drouin expects Fundraise.
placed 24th out of 45
com to generate more than $2 million by the end
female runners in the 4.5
of 2011.
First Team Lax All Stars
km up/down lap course. This summer, Dearborn became one of three women
Campbell Part of 9/11 Composition for Symphony
and four men selected to the under-19 U.S. Junior
Brewster music director
Mountain Running Team.
Andy Campbell was commissioned to
She is a sophomore at Central Connecticut State
compose a piece for
University where she is a member of the cross-
the New England Wind
country and indoor and outdoor track teams. Until
Symphony for their concert honoring the 10th
June 2011, she had never run a mountain race.
anniversary of 9/11. In creating the composition,
Lacrosse players Jimmy Murphy ’11 (Duxbury, Massachusetts), Trey Adams ’12 (Akwesasne, New
“You definitely have to get your mind out of the
Campbell worked closely with Clayton “Skip” Poole,
York), Calder Billings ’11 (Bridgewater, Vermont),
track setting and think about your strength rather
the music director for the symphony, and Elliott
and Patrick Eaker ‘11 (Redding, Connecticut) earned
than your speed to get yourself up the mountain,”
Markow, the guest violin soloist.
First Team All Stars this spring. Next spring Murphy
she said. “This is beyond what I could have imagined
will play for the University of Hartford, Billings for
a year ago,” Dearborn said. “It’s unbelievable.”
It is an arrangement of Scott Joplin’s Solace, a fitting
the University of Vermont, and Eaker for Marist
title for the piece that was performed at the Capital
College. Goaltender Adams will return to Brewster
Center for the Arts “Salute to the American Spirit”
for his senior year.
concert on September 11.
www.brewsteracademy.org
21
Return to Campus:
Reunion 2011
Compiled by the Office of Alumni and Development June 3-5, 2011 – Brewster alumni were welcomed to Reunion Weekend by sunny Wolfeboro skies and a sparkling Lake Winnipesaukee. From the Class of 2006 to the Class of 1941, alumni came together from around New Hampshire, across the country, and from Canada, Bermuda, Germany, Mexico, the Bahamas, and Turkey. Across campus and throughout the weekend were alumni gatherings of all sizes, from quiet reflections by the lake, to the All-School Assembly and Reunion dinners, friends old and new came together for a memorable celebration weekend. While alumni and former faculty come from varied places and different generations, our alumni family is bound together by their shared Brewster experiences. Here’s a look back at that June weekend.
Reunion Highlights …
50 Years Later: the Class of 1961 (front row) Carol nion are 1961 classmates Celebrating their 50th Reu ner, Rollie Rodrigues, Leit y Ton d, nar Leo ) tie (Fuller na (Wagenfeld) Cann, Chamberlin-Clough, Dot Don ) two w (ro , , Dick Flaherty (Barrows) Rines, Victor Elios, Dom Gentile rion Ma , der Linda (Stevens) Roe Maxwell, Bob Berry, Jim Noel (Wright) Cantwell, ais, , Barbara (Hersey) St. Gel ody Mo ud) cha (Mi nne rd) Joa (Lo Witham, Mickey r, Judy (Wasson) Kelley, Kay tteney) Wlajnitz, Emery Posey (Leavitt) Funkhouse (Le rtha Ma cci, urden) Antonu Ralph Ferguson, Jim (Pineo) O’Brien, Gail (Bo n, Rai Rick Patsy (Perry) Jones, Mark Whitehead, Head of Trowbridge, (row three) , Kay Philman, Dotti (Johnson) f) kof (Ec any Tiff , son Nel a (Kimball) LaPlume, and Hassett, Rick Hale, Barbar School Michael Cooper, Joe the photo but in attendance at Reunion were Jim from Bob Kennington. Missing Clough and Joyce Brown.
More than 30 members of the Class of 1961 returned for their 50th Reunion dinner. It was the first time this group had gathered in 50 years! “We had a wonderful, wonderful time,” wrote a class member in a thank you note. The hard work of four energetic and organized class members – Linda Stevens Roeder, Dotti Johnson Kay, Noël Wright Cantwell, and Posey Leavitt Funkhouser – pulled this celebration, and all those who made it a wonderful evening, together (see page 28 for an article on the teamwork that went into planning). One of the highlights of the evening was watching a presentation of their senior yearbook on video. There were many laughs and even a few tears. So many of those who attended had not been on campus since the day they graduated. All promised not to stay away again for too long. Saying goodnight was not the easiest thing to do for many in this group.
25 Years Later: the Class of 1986 On a beautiful night on Wolfeboro Bay, the Class of 1986 enjoyed a special dinner in their honor on Saturday at the Pinckney Boathouse. They were joined by Head of School Mike Cooper and wife Andrea, former Headmaster David Smith and wife Sheila (P ’91, ’93, ’95), Tim and Peg Radley (P ’90, ’92), Doug and Mary Fallon (P ’94, ’00), Ed Rothfus, Bob and Maureen Simoneau (P ’90, ’93, ’02, ’07), Matt Hoopes, and Bob and Shirley Richardson (P ’77, ’81, ’84). Standing: Sarah (Fallon) Morrison ‘82, Jock Bradley ‘80, Kristianne WidmanJohnson ‘80, Beth Hayes ‘81, Andy Laubi ‘81. Seated are Sam Kramer ‘81, David Gorfine ‘81, Bill Esty ‘81, Peter Engisch ‘81, and Barry Sanel ‘81. The banner was for Griff Campbell ‘80 who could not attend but helped to get many folks back to Reunion!
After cocktails and a sunset class photograph, alumni and faculty enjoyed a delicious three-course dinner. During dinner each class member received a booklet of bios, written by classmates, about their “Life After Brewster” adventures.
The Class of 1986 extended a special invitation to Ed Rothfus, to whom they had dedicated their yearbook. It was the first time he had visited in 25 years. “I will never forget the great weekend with my family at Brewster,” wrote Ed about the weekend. Alumni received individual videos of their yearbook, which they watched on a large screen TV, bringing down the house with reels of laughter. Class member Peter-Bruce Wassitsch and wife Ana Elissa traveled the longest distance – from Nassau, Bahamas – to attend Reunion. Peter-Bruce had not been back in 25 years but was obviously enjoying himself, pointing to the sailing team banner hanging on the wall above him, which announced his team’s winning season.
Alumni All-School Assembly Mike Cooper began the alumni assembly on Saturday by commenting on a remark
Celebrating their 25th Reunion at Geraldine Griffi the Pinckney Bo n ‘8 athouse were (b icon Matt Hoop 6, former Headmaster David Smith, former fa ack row) es, former adm issions officer Sh cu Ed Rothfus, Jaim eila Smith, form lty and alumni e Bonazoli ‘86, er faculty mem former faculty Cooper and An ber Do drea Cooper. (fr ont row) former ug Fallon, Head of School Mike Otterness ‘86, former faculty faculty Shirley Mary Fallon, fo Richardson, Bjor (Lurie) Ross ‘86, rmer faculty Bo n Lid b Richar ‘86, faculty Bob die (Kimball) Hayes ‘86, Rob Shickel ‘86, Kate dson, Betsy Simoneau, and (kneeling) Pete (DeWitt) Nelso r-Bruce Wassitch n ‘86.
he often hears from alumni, which is that “Brewster has changed so much.” He couldn’t disagree with this refrain; however, he reminded those in attendance that if we didn’t change, we wouldn’t be the great school that we are today. Cooper, along with Lynne Palmer (P ’08, ’09, ’12), director of admission and external affairs, and Matt Lawlor, athletics director, then shared some of Brewster’s points of pride with those gathered. In preparing students for college and careers, Brewster has a commitment to its students to prepare them to achieve success and adapt in a rapidly changing world, Cooper explained. This means evolving the curriculum to best position our students for such success. Part of Brewster’s curriculum evolution is educating the whole person by giving
Enjoying the 1991 20th Reunion were (back row) Brian Corsi ‘91, Megeen Simoneau ‘02, Hadley Clark ‘91, Heather Tarter ‘91, Susan (Aranosian) McTague ‘91, Beth Dales ‘91, Jen (Dabney) Nystrom ‘91, (front row) Henry Lord ‘91, Lee Edwards ‘91, John Burfeind ‘91, Colin Douglass ‘91, and Max Holzman ‘91.
students the skills to effectively relate to and work with individuals in all areas of their lives. Extensive research on success and readiness in the workplace shows that social and emotional intelligence is more important to professional success than IQ, Cooper explained. Equipped with this knowledge and a partnership with researchers at Yale University, Brewster is implementing an emotional intelligence program to ensure that students have all the skills – academic, personal, and social – necessary for success in a university or college and for life. Palmer spoke about leadership athletics in the admission process. Explaining that about 10 years ago Brewster made a decision to identify specific sports and focus on recruiting both student-athletes and highly qualified coaches for these teams. The sports are girls and boys’ soccer, basketball, ice hockey, and lacrosse. Anyone who follows Bobcat sports knows that most of these teams have met with considerable success in the past decade, including earning numerous New England and Lakes Region League titles and even one national championship.
otos hase ph c r u p o or t o: photos e r o ase go t m e l e p , 1 1 To se 0 n2011 union 2 /Reunio g r from Re .o y dem steraca w e r .b www
Lawlor followed by offering a few specifics, such as nearly 25 percent of the Class of 2011 will play sports in college, including 12 students at Division I schools. Currently, Brewster counts 58 alumni playing at the Division I level. This past year Brewster celebrated a Lakes Region Runner of the Year, a US Lacrosse Coach of the Year, an All-American lacrosse player, watched two students represent their countries in world games, and, for the first time in many years, sent sailors to a national competition. The year ended with the boys’ baseball team earning the Lakes Region League title, a feat that hadn’t been accomplished since 1983!
The Brewster Story During the assembly, Cooper recognized former faculty members Bob and Shirley Richardson, who began researching and writing
d Alana argery Grella an (bottom row) M r Shadow Gorrill, Georgia e ar n io un Re 10th embe Celebrating their annon Thibodeau, faculty m back row: Zac Tartol, faculty w: Sh t tchins; Hu Liz , ke Diaz; second ro La mpbell, and Mat ris att Dacier, Ch ember Andy Ca M m o, lty ur cu fo fa to , ris ds ar Ch ch Gorrill, Carrie Ri member Bruce Sykes.
Brewster’s history in 2004. After hundreds of interviews, endless hours of poring over long-ago archived photos, news articles, and internal documents as well as documenting history in the making, they wove together Reunion attendees, led my the Class of 1961 and Mike Cooper, “paraded” to Saturday’s lunch in the Estabrook.
The Brewster Story: The Definitive History of Brewster Academy, published in May.
“They have gone above and beyond to bring an exciting project to fruition,” acknowledged Cooper before presenting the Richardsons with a framed panoramic photographic of campus.
Celebrating their 5th Reunion, m Steve Hard, Leif embers of the Cl Cameron, Step ass of 2006 (bac he Ashton Tierney k row) Sam Brow , Henrik Schmitz n Lopez, Andrew Reyes, Malco lm Collins, Luke n, -S Bennett, Tori Ne ieg, (Front row) Pelz, al, Sarah Moin, Molly Dorko, Ra Erin Wadlinger, Veronika Payne, chel Berman, Liz Tara Gangi
Save the Date Reunion 2012 June 1-3 Classes ending in 2 and 7 will celebrate special reunions in June. The Alumni Office is working with volunteers from these classes to make Reunion an amazing and memorable event. If you would like to be a Reunion volunteer, please contact Beth Hayes ‘81 in the Alumni Office at beth_hayes@brewsteracademy.org (603) 569-7133 1 d Jim Clough ‘6 Rick Rain ‘61 an eir 50th th at share a laugh . Reunion dinner
Tiffany (Eckhoff) Philman ‘61 an d moment in the Estabrook Dining Helen Chamberlain ‘49 share a Hall.
From th e Christofo Class of 2001: M rou, Ala na Diaz, argery Grella, G and Sha e nnon Th orgia ibodeau .
The Rev. Harry Widman was honored at the Saturday luncheon for his many years of service and dedication to the Academy. Head of School Mike Cooper acknowledged Harry’s years of teaching history (1972-1981), many subsequent years of substitute teaching of nearly every subject, and his role at Commencements over the years, delivering the invocation and benediction. Following a few remarks of his own, and in true Harry Widman form, Harry blessed the Reunion luncheon meal and received a loud round of applause.
Joining Harry at Reunion were his children Greg Widman ‘78 (seated next to Harry) and (l to r) Greg’s wife Cheryl, Jeanne (Widman) Vargus and her husband Charles, Sara Widman ‘76, and Kristianne Widman-Johnson ‘80.
Lucinda Mayberry-Ming ‘79, Brewster faculty member Shamar Whyte, Marona Graham-Bailey ‘02, a friend, and Sonette Gilbert ‘80 front right.
HOOPLA by Matt Hoopes
Core Values: Serving Themselves and Others With Their Best
I
’m not sure most readers would believe the
reached). In some cases, it was a class, a sport, a
incredible number of cards, phone calls, or e-mails
teammate, a teacher, a coach, or one enlightened
that I’ve received over the past almost 40 years that
classroom discussion that helped connect students
have included variations of “What I learned during
to their education and what could be their path after
my years at BA has been the core that’s directed me
Brewster. Regardless of the decade, the relationships,
through my life.” Others have ended their praises
adventures, and new found knowledge were rolled
with statements such as “... And I don’t mean just the
together into a life-lasting “Brewster Experience.”
classes ... really the whole experience, the spirit, the bonding, community serving ... all of it!”
The stories of the alumni profiled in this Connections illustrate the personal successes that have come in
This same feeling is echoed each June when alumni
part, small or large, due to their Brewster experience.
return to campus for Reunion Weekend and the
While the program has evolved and may look
praises of their Brewster years continue. Over the
different for today’s students than it looked 40 years
years it has become obvious that Brewster has helped
ago, the core values of a Brewster education have not
make many lives more meaningful, more productive,
wavered and to this day find their basis and direction
and more successful.
from “The Brewster Principle: Respect, integrity, and service: serve yourself and others with the best in all
Brewster’s approach to educating young people has
you do.”
remained grounded in responding to the needs of its students with programs that reflect best practices
Through their accomplishments we have attempted
in education. Whether it was the first-of-its-kind
to illustrate specific core values – character education,
Learning Skills Program begun in the 1970s or the
teamwork, service, and best practices – embraced by
comprehensive school reform initiative of the early
alumni.
1990s, Brewster has always sought to apply proven education research to evolve its program and provide
I hope you will agree that these alumni, like so many
a truly student-centered approach to learning.
others, have served themselves and others with their best in all that they do.
As a former faculty member and now alumni correspondent, I feel that Brewster has always found a way to reach and connect with every student (even those few not particularly interested in being
26
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2011
Matt Hoopes was a faculty member from 1975 to 1996. During this time he and his journalism students founded The Brewster Browser, the Outcroppings literary magazine, and the BAPA (Brewster Academy Photo/Address) book. Since his “retirement” from the classroom in 1996, Hoopes has worked as the Young Alumni Correspondent from his hilltop banana farm on the island of Eleuthera, The Bahamas, helping to keep the alumni connection alive. In each issue he brings life-after-Brewster stories to the pages of his Hoopla column.
HOOPLA Character Counts Former Bobcat Dogus Balbay Named Most Valuable Student “A team that drafts him will gain a player of enormous talent and even higher level of character.” Dogus Balbay ’07, the point guard who led the Bobcats to a 29-6 record and a runner up finish at the 2007 NEPSAC Class A Championship, took his talents to the University of Texas and quickly became known throughout Texas and the college basketball community as one of America’s top players. His junior and senior years at Texas he was named an Academic All-Big 12 Men’s Basketball Team honoree, having maintained a 3.2 GPA or higher. In June the point guard signed a three-year contract with the Turkish professional team Anadolu Efes S.K. and also is a member of Turkey’s senior men’s national team. As talented a player that he is, however, it is often his character that distinguishes Dogus both on and off the court. To cap off his U.S. basketball career, he was awarded the Most Valuable Student for the Class of 2011, an honor bestowed on Balbay by Study In America Inc., an organization that helps Turkish and Azerbaijani students research and apply to universities and colleges in the United States. “In selecting the Most Valuable Student for the Class of 2011, we looked for the student who not only achieved extreme success in and out of the classroom but also one who possesses a character that inspires and impacts others. A student who is well rounded and demonstrates intelligence, strength, and character,” explained Tamer Turkman, president of StudyInAmerican.com. Dogus has had on our program. He truly defines the
ethic and perseverance and the way he has carried
“A team that drafts him will gain a player of
term student-athlete. He has been a great team
himself throughout his career.”
enormous talent and even higher level of character,”
leader and the ultimate teammate. Everyone in our
he added.
program who has played with Dogus respects him.
Although Dogus spent 17-hour days training with
More important, I can’t tell you how many players
team Anadolu Efes this summer, he found the time
Dogus’ Texas coach, Rick Barnes, couldn’t agree
and coaches from opposing teams have mentioned
to offer his perspective on his own character and
more. “You can’t put into words the impact that
their respect level for Dogus. Because of his work
success thus far.
www.brewsteracademy.org
27
HOOPLA How did Brewster influence your development and success?
When I came to the BA, I wanted to be perfect at
of classes since I was traveling at least once a week
both. Since I have taken four different ESL classes, my
with the professional club team. That’s when I realized
Coming to Brewster without knowing a word of
classes were all diverse. There were many students
that school and basketball were not going well
English was very frustrating for me. My friends,
from different countries. Just having conversations
together especially in Turkey. After I made my decision
coaches, and the teachers at Brewster helped me
with them and interacting with a group of people
to come to the States, the University of Texas offered
out to pick up the language in six months. The
who came from different cultures changed my
me a scholarship, but I did not know enough English
environment at Brewster was extremely friendly,
perspective and actually opened my mind to the
to pass the required tests to attend the college. One
from international students to staff members, from
world.
of the assistant coaches at UT suggested I go to Brewster. He is also a good friend of Coach [Jason]
equipment managers to dining hall members; they were all friendly and made my journey at Brewster
In the classroom we always had group assignments
Smith. After doing a little research about Brewster’s
much easier and smoother.
where we had to help each other to basically
athletic program and education system, without any
complete the puzzle. We all needed each other
question I decided to come to BA.
How is teamwork a factor in your life, and how has it strengthened your character?
to finish the assignments, and I felt like I was
succeeding when I helped my classmates doing work.
Being thousands of miles away from my family
language is being talkative and outgoing. I felt like I
and friends I knew that I had to organize my life by
led my classmates to be more talkative and outgoing
myself and take some responsibility. That’s when the
rather than being shy and being afraid of talking in
“teamwork” factor actually came into my life. Having
front of class.
I read that you felt it important to educate friends about Turkish culture and history. Why? As an international student, how did Brewster’s diverse student body impact you?
a good relationship with my teammates, classmates,
I think Turkey is one of the most significant countries
Your character was a significant factor in your being selected Most Valuable Student for the Class of 2011. Where do you feel your strength of character comes from?
in the world, because of its culture, history, and,
Your Texas coach says you truly define the term student-athlete and that you are a “great team leader and the ultimate teammate.” Can you think of a time at Brewster where you felt that you succeeded as a teammate with your classmates and in your classes?
It definitely comes from my parents. All my family
the perspective of people on Middle East. Not all the
members are well educated. They always wanted me
Middle East people are bad or terrorist. Most people
to have very strong personality. Knowing that they
in the states are predetermined about what they see
will have my back whatever decision I make in life
on TV. They think that’s what happens in the Middle
also made me a better person and leader.
East on a daily basis. That’s why I wanted to change
this point of view and try to educate people about
How did you learn about Brewster?
Turkish history and culture. Brewster had a lot of
Being a basketball player opened lots of new doors in
international students from different countries. It
Well, that’s one of the reasons I came to the
my life. At the age of 14 I received a scholarship from
was a little easier for me to have a conversation with
States. It’s been always my dream to play basketball
Fenerbahce Egitim Kurumlari (high school). I was a
my classmates about international relationships
and continue to get my education at the same time.
decent student in high school, but I had missed a lot
among countries.
teachers, and the coaches has strengthened my character and leadership skills, because I earned their trust by doing my job. Not just on the court, off the court and in the classroom as well.
One of the most important things in learning a
most importantly, its location. It is a bridge between Europe and the Middle East. It has a mixture of both cultures. I have tried to educate my friends and teammates about my country. I wanted to change
Teamwork and Early Planning: The Key to a Great Reunion By Noël Wright Cantwell ‘61 The “self-appointed” committee of four: Posey Leavitt
luncheon meetings whenever we could get together.
Getting valid phone numbers and e-mail addresses
Funkhouser, Linda Stevens Roeder, Dotti Johnson Kay,
Ideas were bandied about as to just how we would
was a priority in order to contact as many
and me started work about two and half years before
accomplish all we wanted to do. Communication was
classmates as possible and encourage them to come
the big event in June 2011. The first official meeting
key as was allowing each committee person to work
to our 49th reunion as a “rehearsal” for the BIG one.
was held on campus on the senior patio, followed by
on what she was most interested in.
The Brewster Alumni Office supplied us with much
28
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2011
of the information. We also searched the web for any
Brewster graciously hosted a
missing or invalid addresses.
private 50th Reunion dinner in Hall of Fame at The Smith
In the 12 months leading up to Reunion, we sent
Center where we had a great
four separate letters encouraging classmates to join
time getting re-acquainted
us on our 50th. The Alumni Office kindly supplied
with each other. Along with the
the postage. The letters went out on a rotating basis
delicious sit-down dinner and
so each classmate would received a letter from a
open bar, each classmate was
different committee member each time. After the
presented with a 50th class
letters were completed, we all gathered to address
pin and a coffee mug with the
the envelopes, write a personal note, and sign them.
50th Reunion and Brewster logo. Upon arrival, we were
The first letter was a tri-fold flyer, loaded with color
given a yearbook photo, which
photos of the 15 classmates who attended the 2010
hung from a necklace. We were
Reunion with our personal notes mentioning how
entertained with and each
much we missed those who hadn’t attended.
class member presented with
The fabulous four from 1961: Linda (Stevens) Roeder, Mary-Ann “Posey” (Leavitt) Funkhouser, Dotti (Johnson) Kay, and Noël (Wright) Cantwell.
a video of our 1961 yearbook with interludes of
the summer for those unable to attend in June,
The letters were printed in the Brewster colors
memorabilia from our wonderful years at Brewster.
extending our fun for two additional months.
and included visuals of our era. They contained
It brought back many fun memories of our days
information such as the reunion dates, missing
there!
classmates, a request for permission for their e-mails
Our 50th class reunion gift was dedicated to the Burtis F. Vaughan Memorial Scholarship Fund. All
and telephone numbers to be published for all to
We encouraged everyone to bring in memorabilia for
donations, great or small, were greatly appreciated.
see, hoping that there would actually be groups of
all to see. A table was set up for the display. At the
Although the fund had about $6,000 as a base, and
classmates encouraging each other to attend. In
reunion dinner, the committee had a memory board
while we received some generous donations, we
one letter we included “remember when” of people,
of the 12 class members who are deceased. Their
were still unable to meet our goal to fully endow
events, and sayings that we all could relate to from
photos from the class yearbook, along with their
this fund at the $25,000 level needed to generate
our Brewster days. Classmate Debbie Davis Keniston
date of birth and death, were nicely displayed on a
scholarship funds. Our hope is that next year we will
helped set up a Class of 1961 blog and website.
large poster board.
be able to complete it so that a deserving local day
This, along with e-mails, helped us tremendously!
student will reap the benefits.
Enclosed in one letter were the “save the date”
Along with the event filled weekend planned
Brewster magnets, supplied by the Alumni Office.
by Brewster, there were many class parties held
The classmates were very much impressed with the
throughout the weekend. Some members traveled
campus buildings and the whole campus atmosphere
The purpose of the letters and e-mails were three-
from as far a way as Mississippi and Florida.
in general, finding Brewster and Wolfeboro just as
fold: to update the classmates on the progress
Classmates had such a good time, they promised to
wonderful as the place they left 50 years ago!
of the reunion; communicate who was attending
recruit even more so that our 51st would be even
and encourage each to contact one another; and
larger! And we also held several get-togethers over
to solicit ideas for a class gift and suggestions for
We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the wonderful assistance from the Alumni Office.
reunion souvenirs. Rather than have the committee
They were very
make all the decisions, we wanted it to be a class
receptive to any
effort. The committee members’ names, addresses,
and all of the ideas
and telephone numbers were all listed.
we presented as well as we were
Of course, there are always those who would neither
theirs. It was great
respond nor give reasons as to why they could not
teamwork and we
attend. Unfortunately, as well, there were some who
thank them, so
were not well enough to make the trip to Wolfeboro. If
very much, for all
anyone was “iffy,” we continued to keep them on our
they did to help
call list with the hope that they would change their mind. In some cases, it proved to be a positive effort.
1960 Lakes Region Champs (l to r): Victor Elios, Rollie Rodrigues, Joe Hassett, Dom Gentile, Bob Berry, and Dick Flaherty celebrate at their 50th Reunion.
make it the best reunion ever!
www.brewsteracademy.org
29
HOOPLA A Life of Service A volunteer from a young age, Dominique Aubrey’s time at Brewster allowed her to continue helping others, a passion she continues to embrace. cause people distress or pain and wanted to fix them. In addition, my family was very giving and we often had exchange students and foster students stay with us, which gave me insight into other worlds and perspectives. Lastly, but probably as important, I am of Haitian decent (which is only more relevant now because of the recent earthquake). But when you are first generation (both my parents were born and raised in Haiti), even though you did not have the same struggles you understand struggle much more clearly. I believe that is one of the reasons why I always wanted to volunteer because I realized quickly that everyone is struggling in one way or another and sometimes all people need is a little help to make it through. I believe volunteering was and still is my way of giving back and thanking the world for my life and opportunities. I believe that volunteering is part of service and your “thank you” for being on this earth … especially if you are healthy and happy because you have even more to be thankful for. When I got to Brewster I believe I started the first community service club under the tutelage of Mr. Radley, who was so kind and helpful that he made
Dominique Aubrey ’02 is the director of
you want to help. Our first service project was vol-
Miami-Dade in Florida. She holds a master’s in
What first attracted you to volunteering? At what age did you start? I think it is first important to note
education policy from the University of Pennsylvania
that if individuals are not naturally inclined to
center where I would help out once a week for an
and a B.A. in political science from Lehigh University.
volunteer (through school or your parents or church
hour or two. I even got Brewster to do a coffeehouse
She spent a year as a City Year AmeriCorps member,
or the Girl Scouts) they probably never will. It
at the location with donations going to the center.
dedicating 1,700 hours of service teaching sixth,
doesn’t mean that they do not care but that they
We also did various candy and food drives for local
seventh, and eighth grade students with emotional
would rather give their money than their time
nonprofits in the area. There were about 20 students
support needs. While a corps member she designed a
unless they have a particular cause that moves them
in that club – I made everyone I could participate –
service learning curriculum, implemented math and
enough to give of themselves. However, I find that
and since volunteer hours were required, it worked
science programs, and designed, organized, and led a
to be rare.
out really well and people enjoyed it all around,
talent, strategy, and operations for Teach For America
unteering at a nursing home every two weeks. I also connected with the local high school’s afterschool
which was the most important part.
300-person school-based service day. She serves on the boards of numerous professional organizations
I started volunteering regularly in middle school. I
and associations, including the Brewster Academy
was the president of Future Homemakers of America,
Often people don’t want to give, because they feel
Alumni of Color Group. Dominique is a shining
and we went regularly to the local nursing home
they have so little or they feel like they have their
example of serving herself and others with her best
and played games with senior citizens. I think from
own issues and so they can’t or won’t help others. It
in all she does.
a young age I always cared about issues that would
was important for me to help students understand
30
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2011
why they volunteer and to make it as easy as pos-
my student perspective and insight to the board. I
impact. Currently, I sit on a lot of organizations’
sible for them to get involved. I hope this made a
was president of our campus step team, which was
boards, helping them grow and become sustainable
lasting impression on my peers.
the first year my school had a multi-cultural step
entities. I also help with event planning and
team, and we were asked to perform at various
community building.
Gap Year with AmeriCorps
school events to exemplify diversity and camara-
After I graduated from Brewster, I deferred college
derie. I became the first and only student to sit on
for a year and became a City Year AmeriCorps
the University’s summer reading committee with
What advice do you have for the many folks who have busy lives?
member. I worked in Philadelphia teaching sixth,
all the school deans. I also created a multi-cultural
I think like everything else, if you want something to
seventh, and eighth grade students with emotional
recruitment program for which my alma mater used
get done you have to make it a priority. Choose one
support needs. AmeriCorps members are required
a template for a new position they created.
to three events or organizations to be involved with
to participate in numerous community service
and help where you can. Many boards, organizations, and steering groups have committees where people
(i.e., obtain a public library card, attend town hall
Should students be required to volunteer?
meetings). I think that my experience during City
Yes, the young should be required to volunteer and
level. For those who want to work directly with
Year solidified the relationship between volunteering
not just their time but also their efforts in finding
individuals contact a few organizations that serve
and citizenship and what it means to actually be
solutions to problems. The beautiful thing about
children or the elderly and learn what some of
an engaged citizen. Engaged citizens are no longer
students is that they still have an imagination
the specific needs are. Perhaps they need a small
outsiders or exempt from what is happening around
and can think of awesome ways to do things that
donation basket for school supplies or volunteers to
them; they are not only part of the environment
reinvigorate adults. Though volunteering should
hand out water for a cancer walk.
but they are part of the change and the solution to
be something that one chooses to do, I liken it to
problems around them. Volunteering is a hands-
making children eat their vegetables; they may not
There are a million ways to get involved. The first
on approach to understand the world and your
want to but it’s a good thing. And, in a sense, even
step is acknowledging your interest to become a
relationship to it. If it does nothing else (not even
if students are reluctant about volunteering, often
volunteer. Then consider what you like and find an
help) it does show the individual a glimmer of the
once they get involved most enjoy it and have a
organization that supports this interest. Next, look
impact they can have and the joy they can bring. In
little fun.
at your schedule to figure out when and where you
opportunities as well as become engaged citizens
its purest form volunteering is probably one of the
can volunteer at a less formal and time-consuming
can help. Don’t worry if what you like is obscure, Volunteering should be something a young person
there is always someone who is doing it – and if
is required to do until they leave college; it must
there is not, then it is a great place for you to build
Volunteering Takes Many Forms
become a habit. If an individual is not forced to see
something new.
Upon beginning college at Lehigh University, the
hardship then he or she is not likely to be grateful
way in which I volunteered changed. It was no
(unless they are extremely thoughtful) but most
longer nursing homes and weekly tutoring. Instead,
need one to understand the other, as most people
I became involved in many organizations supporting
see things and understanding things in dichotomies
endeavors I cared about. As you volunteer more, you
and simply cannot assess something without being
begin to understand where you fit and what your
able to assess the absence of that thing. Either way,
skill sets are. Volunteering is a great way to soul
it is important for all humans to feel heartbreak for
What are your thoughts on the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps as possible alternatives to military service, and do you think individuals should be encouraged to volunteer for a year between high school and college?
search. I began looking at how I could assist large
another person who is unlike them for one reason or
I believe volunteering is great whatever the time. I
institutions and ideological frameworks, how I could
another, from that experience they realize that our
volunteered between high school and college and it
make a large-scale impact, and how I could affect
humanness is what connects us to each other and
was a great time for reflective pause before I started
decision making as a volunteer.
are able to feel for them and experience empathy.
my next journey in life. Although volunteering during
Volunteering is not just about finding a cause
Why do you volunteer?
framing and positioning their college experience.
to contribute your time; it also is about sharing
I volunteer foremost because I believe it is a civic
However, volunteering in any capacity, especially for
your skills and adding value to an organization or
duty. Second, it is a way to share my God-given
a year will definitely increase a person’s level of civic
institution simply because you care. At Lehigh I
talents with the world, and third because it makes
engagement and this is always a good thing.
participated in the Association of Student Alumni,
me feel good (and it helps the person on the other
working to bring alumni back to campus. I also sat
end). I give my time (and not money) because that
And, yes, I support the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps
on the student judicial board wanting to contribute
is the way in which I believe I can have the most
as alternatives to military service.
few true win-win situations.
this time is not for everyone, it can be helpful in
www.brewsteracademy.org
31
HOOPLA Best Practices in Professional Tree Management Peter Sortwell ’72, CEO of Arborwell Upon graduation from Brewster in 1972, Peter Sortwell wanted to be an artist. “Photography was my passion,” he said. Faculty member Bob Richardson – who many may remember wore many hats at that time – was the photography teacher and convinced Peter’s mother to buy him a telephoto lens. Although Peter did not pursue the art of photography following his Brewster graduation, he found his passion in the potential of landscapes, specifically trees. After Brewster he went to neighboring Maine to study the science of plants, trees, and soil – knowledge that would serve him well in his family’s landscaping and tree business where he spent summers working. Upon completing his degree in plants and soil sciences from the University of Maine, he returned to the Beverly Farms area north of Boston to help run S&S Tree and Landscape, the
his 48th birthday, he was told that his services were
Learned Leadership Skills
family business.
no longer needed.
With the founding of Arborwell, Peter said he was
Breaking Ground
After months of reflection about his future, in
the first time in his working career, he was happy
After working for nearly 10 years at his family’s
2001 he and wife Anne decided to start their own
to be using his learned leadership skills to create a
business, a business that Peter described as seasonal
business. They purchased Arborguard Inc., and
“people business” in which communication between
and dysfunctional, he decided to uproot and head
upon Anne’s suggestion, re-named the company –
his team members allowed the company to grow,
west, settling in the San Francisco Bay area. Realizing
Arborwell Professional Tree Management.
quickly, in the right way: “Hire the right people, give
both excited to leave the corporate world and, for
them the tools needed to succeed, and let them do
that tree management was what he knew, he took a job with one of the leading company’s in the
Under Peter’s leadership the company has grown
industry, Davey Tree Expert Company, as their San
into one of the fastest growing businesses in the
Francisco district manager. According to Peter he
country, earning a place on the Inc. 5000 list for
Peter credits his dorm parent and mentor, a very
worked long hours but learned a great deal about
the past four years. The tree management company
young David Smith (who would become headmaster
the business and how to organize and manage a
now services commercial, residential, and estate
within two years of Peter’s graduating), with instilling
growing company.
properties as well as municipalities and golf courses
the basis for his organizational and leaderships skills.
from Sacramento to San Diego.
Peter was a student leader, helping bring student
their job.”
concerns and desire for change, such as the student
Next he joined Environmental Care Inc. (now Valley Crest) with the goal of opening a tree care division
For the past five years Arborwell has appeared on the
dress code, to the administration. At times, he and
for the largest landscape maintenance company in
San Francisco Business Times fast 100 list. Peter is an
other leaders would work late into the evening with
the country. This same year, 1986, he would achieve
ISA-certified arborist and in February 2011 became a
David working on their plans for change.
that goal when he opened Arbor Care in San Jose
board member of the Tree Care Industry Association
as a division of Environmental Care Inc. He spent
(TCIA), a leading industry resource and accrediting
David recollected the late 1960s and the early 1970s
15 years growing and developing Arbor Care to 12
body for tree care companies and professional
on campus, noting that their were few students
operating locations throughout the country. Then on
arborists nationwide.
who were somewhat conservative and preppy in
32
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2011
these days. “We didn’t have many students then
and competency exam, adhere to a professional
his industry. He also is a member of JobTrain, which
that would fit the mode of the preppy, but we had
code of ethics, and must continue their education to
assists educational and job training preparation
one in Peter. He both dressed the part and acted the
maintain their certification.
for youth aged 14-21; the Students Rising Above
part,” David shared. “I can still picture Peter riding his
program, which invests in low-income, first
bike through a foot or so of freshly fallen snow after
As a former board member of the National Arborist
generation college students who have demonstrated
formal dinner, wearing his checkered jacket, tie, and
Association (now Tree Care Industry Association
a commitment to educational achievement and
pressed pants.”
or TCIA) he has been involved in developing many
strength of character in overcoming tremendous
industry safety and quality standards that have
odds of poverty, homelessness, and neglect; and the
contributed to Arborwell’s success.
San Mateo Rotary Club as well as TCIA’s Voice for
Peter has lots of enthusiasm for his years at Brewster and remembered activities and friends with fond
Trees PAC.
chuckles. He was well thought of by friends with a
Additionally, Arborwell is one of about a
dorm mate, Bob Arnold, ‘70, commenting “Great guy.
dozen companies in California to receive TCIA
Peter lives in San Mateo with his wife Anne. They
We had lots of fun with Pete: music, long hair, he
accreditation. This certification ensures customers
have two sons: Alex, 20, and Tom, 18, who, no doubt,
wore the best mod ties of anyone in the school!”
that Arborwell has implemented best business
both want to be photographers too! Peter confessed
practices, among other important safety, quality,
that the name of their powerboat is “Swell,” and no
ethical, and government standards.
doubt it is a wooden boat!
Arborwell’s website is evidence that Peter has not lost his excellent taste in handsome ties.
“TCIA accreditation is important because it ensures
Best Business Practices
our customers of professionalism, proper insurance,
Asked about the best practices in putting together
and up to date on all industry and government
an organization that has grown to 15 operating
standards,” Peter said.
locations in California and produced over 16 million dollars in revenues, Peter explained that it was
Peter’s industry awards are a testament to his
a combination of leadership and management
commitment to best business practices. As a former
Turning Business Growth Into Energy
skills committed to early on in the company’s
board member of the National Arborist Association
As Arborwell grew, so did the ‘landfill’ and when
development.
(NAA), he helped develop industry safety and quality
the company reached the point where they were
standards, including the A-300 pruning standard,
hauling 300 tons of wood chips a day, Peter knew there had to be another way, another use
Because Peter knew many in the tree business in
that have played a role in Arborwell’s success. He is
the Bay area, including the best in the business, he
a past recipient of the President’s Award for his work
was able to recruit many talented experts to join
in designing the Excellence in Arboriculture Awards
the Arborwell team, and he credits his team of 128
program for the NAA. The East Bay Business Times
employees (125 more than he had at S&S!) with the
named him 2007 Entrepreneur of the Year, and
company’s success.
in 2009 the San Francisco Business Times
had made similar offers but were unable to
named Peter the Most Admired CEO.
produce the quantity and quality of wood
“I quickly learned to delegate, let everyone contribute
for the limbs, logs, and brush or biomass. When Arborwell initially approached California electric companies about recycling the biomass, it was turned down because other companies
chips needed to produce enough electricity.
their ideas. I bought laptops for all so that they could
As a current TCIA board director his focus is
With Arborwell’s commitment to meet the
work from home. I learned not to micro-manage, but
on helping the tree management industry
requirements, both entities soon benefited.
to give various levels responsibilities so that they
better itself.
In fact, Arborwell was able to reduce its transportation and landfill costs – approximately
actually were part of the team,” he explained. “I would like to build on the marketing of In a profession that is very high risk, Peter has
accreditation and begin the process of
created a culture of safety, with some employees
establishing industry metrics and
even certified by the TCIA in professional tree care
measurements for standards of learning
safety.
and education for running a tree company. I want to give back and to
Arborwell also counts 21 ISA-certified arborists
help our industry better itself.”
among its employees, including Peter. These certified individuals have passed a comprehensive knowledge
$300,000 annually – while the state gained power: wood chips are burned in a furnace, which provides heat that produces steam. This steam turns the turbines and generators that send power into California’s electrical grid. According to Arborwell’s website: “Through Arborwell’s wood chip recycling program, we generate enough clean energy to power an
Peter’s volunteer efforts aren’t directed solely within
average of 330 three-bedroom houses every year.”
www.brewsteracademy.org
33
Class Notes 1957
commercial properties in southern New Hampshire
1981
Cecily (Ballou) Quimby writes: “Celebrated our 50th
and is actively involved as men’s ministry director at
Michael Kiesling writes that while business in
anniversary July 1, enjoying our grandchldren and all
the First Congregational Church of Ossipee and leads
surgical implants has picked up, with the uncertainty
of their activities.”
the weekly Lakes Region Men’s Fellowship Meeting
of future health care reimbursements, he is
at the Pinckney Boathouse.
searching for a career opportunity with a bigger
1965
medical company. “The family is great, and my wife,
Frank Jaarsma retired after 32 years with Celanese/
Stephen Tarbell writes: “[Matt] Hoopes said it
Susan and I are enjoying watching our kids grow,
Ticona Corporation as a staff engineer “I will be
was 421 months since I was last in touch, which
though I’m still getting used to my sons now being
relocating to Florida with my wife to enjoy the mild
struck me as a long time. I’m still living in Walpole,
6 and 10! They both love fishing, boating, and
winters and lots of sunshine.”
Massachusetts, and managing Rocky’s Ace Hardware.
swimming. I can’t get them to water ski ever since I
Suits me just fine as I get to give advice to my
broke some ribs showing off!”
1970
friends and family all day long.”
Zeke Bates has been happily married to Kathy
1982
Strout for eight years and lives in Epping, New
1978
Harold Parker wrote that he was appointed
Hampshire. His son Chris works at Zeke’s store, Tiles
Chip Tothill writes: “I am still finding my main
prospects director for U.S. Congressman Charles F.
GoneWild, while his other son is working on his
income to be from ‘professional house painting.’
Bass and works in Concord.
doctorate in chemistry at Northeastern.
Yet, I do have an eclectic range of other skills and trainings ... I have tried the last two years to actually
1983
1976
get a job at Brewster Academy. No openings for me
Kenneth Benson was tired of the congestion in
Peter DeJager, wife Karen, and their children Jeff and
(as yet!).”
New York City and moved to Stamford, Connecticut,
Jaime live in Wolfeboro. Peter owns and manages
where he is a territory manager at Lane Sales Inc.
Mary Ann Stewart, her partner Michele Yelk, and their Papillon puppy Casey live in St. Petersburg, Florida. In March 2011 Mary Ann wrote: “Enjoying spring training here in Florida. Going to Disney World for our birthday, April 14. Both Michele and I have it on the same day! We will be having a meal with Mickey Mouse, family, and friends.”
1984 Glen Gordon writes: “Our restaurant just celebrated its five-year anniversary. I live in Durham, North Carolina, still single, and enjoying living in the South. Patricia (Glidden) Hanson ‘53, Patricia “PD” (Quinlan) Dawson ‘53, Monie Zarinksy ‘54, Ron “Red” Curran ‘54 and his wife Sally during Reunion brunch.
34
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2011
After five years, I love just saying ‘Ya’ll’ at least 10 times a day!”
Bill Moore writes: “Karen and I are still doing well,
Nina Assimakopoulos and her children, Ibana, 16,
living in sunny Ft. Lauderdale. I’ve changed jobs and
and Isaac, 12, live in Bowling Green, Ohio, where
am now the director of quality for a turbine engine
she is a flute professor at Bowling Green State
shop. We overhaul engines for 747s and DC10s.”
University. “I still enjoy running and watching my kids swim in meets. I have accomplished many of the
Recollections Experienced Alumni Recall Their Brewster Days
Rhonda (Valade) Vappi is back in the business of
life dreams I had as a student at Brewster, including
helping people, working at Northern Human Services
producing a CD recording, getting a Fulbright
in the Human Resources department. “My daughter
scholarship to study flute in Germany, and remaining
Mary Roberts Goodrich ’41
is finished with school and is a licensed massage
physically fit.”
Alton, New Hampshire
Jon Brown lives in Penfield, New York. He heads up
In June Mary attended her 70th reunion at
the interactive group for an advertising agency and
Brewster
therapist. Our son Dan is going into 10th grade and working to become an engineer. All is good!”
1985
is president of a local mountain bike club. His wife
Andy Russell just moved to Florida and has a
Mio teaches arts at a local college, sons Avery and
condo in St. Thomas. “I plan to spend the warmer
Ciaran are in college, and daughter Amy is in high
months back in Vermont and Maine. I still run a
school.
“There were about 100 students when I came in my freshman year. Most were from Wolfeboro, only my family – five brothers and sisters – came over from Alton. My older brother Leslie was 16 when my twin
manufacturing company, and when I’m not traveling Chris Butler lives in Plymouth, Massachusetts,
brother Preston and I enrolled. Leslie had an
with his wife Michelle and their son Ryan, 7. He is
International pickup truck, which he drove
1986
a U.S. Army veteran, holds a master’s in criminal
over in. We all had farm chores to do so as
Julie (Konheim) Abt and husband Jon have three
justice from Curry College, and is a sergeant with
children: Austin, Jordon, and Dylan. They live in
the Plymouth police department. With his family,
Highland Park, Illinois, where Julie is a stay-at-home
he enjoys traveling and spending time on their boat
mom.
around Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard.
Eliot Assimakopoulos lives in Niskayuna, New York,
Alex Dexter is still commercial fishing and recently
“There was just the one building, the
with his five children. He is the global sales director
appeared on the TV show, “Lobster Wars.” “I’ve
Academic Building. No gym, no library, no
for GE Digital Energy’s Smart Substation business.
captained my boat for 11 years. I’ve been married for
tennis courts, but we did have an ice rink,
He also is the commercial leader for GE’s Microgrid
21 years, and my wife and I worked with the Disney
Solution. He was a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps,
Channel for four years. No children, just one spoiled
is a graduate of Virginia Military Institute, and holds
rotten dog and one nameless cat.”
to one of my factories, I’m working via the internet.”
an MBA from American Intercontinental University.
soon as classes were over, we’d all drive directly home.” When asked to compare today’s Brewster campus with that of the late 1930s, Mary laughed.
toboggan track, and fields for football and hockey. The day students ate their lunches in the locker rooms in the basement.” “A large group of students enjoyed skiing,
Mike Farraher and wife Allison welcomed their first
and my brother usually carried skies in his
child in January, daughter Calabrese.
pickup while the Thurrell brothers often drove their high-sided truck, filled with a
Steve Frothingham lives in Colorado with his children Andrew, 16, and Elizabeth, 13. “After a few years with The Associated Press, I returned to my cycling passion
goodly amount of hay for the other skiers to sit on, and would drive over to the Ossipee slope. More often they’d go to the Abenaki Ski slopes where there was a rope tow available so as to make the skiing more
(and the Rockies) three years ago. I’m
enjoyable. Our coaches often spent more
editor of VeloNews.com, a bike racing
time keeping the tow running than they did
website and magazine in Boulder.”
coaching. It was fun to watch the boys and all were good sports.”
Shon Greenblatt grew tired of Los
A favorite memory: The annual spring dance held at the Wolfeboro Casino near the lake.
Liddie (Kimball) Hayes, Betsy (Lurie) Ross, and Geraldine Griffin at their 25th Reunion dinner in June.
“The students all chipped in and did the decorations and the refreshments.”
www.brewsteracademy.org
35
Class Notes Angeles so he moved his family east to New York
Institute of Photography and son Tommy is a senior
William Merrill lives in Lafayette, California,
a few years ago. “I fell into the exciting world of
at Hebron Academy.
northeast of San Francisco. He is married with two children: Jared, 3, and Sylvie, 1. “I work as a senior
online advertising and marketing, where I work today for Media Holdings in the financial district of
Jamie Hill is the founder and CEO of admarketplace.
vice president of trading at First Republic Securities,
Manhattan.”
com “I’m still not married but have been dating the
a broker-based dealer in San Francisco.”
same wonderful girl for the past two years.” Bjorn Otterness lives in Ledyard, Connecticut, and
Geraldine Griffin is a former criminal defense attorney who is now a professor of legal writing at
Joy Lambert lives in St. Maarten where she teaches
earned an MBA in Organization and Management
Suffolk Law School in Boston. She and husband Tom
art and works as the college counselor at the
from the University of New Haven in 2000. “A fluke
have two daughters, Caroline, 7, and Jane, 4. Tom is
American school on the island. “There isn’t much
accident occurred in the summer of 2002 when I
an attorney and a writer.
time to develop my own art, and I’m not painting
fell 50 feet onto an incline and some bushes. When I
every day as I’d like. I can’t complain, life is good, and
woke up the next day, I learned that I was paralyzed
I have a fantastic view of the beach from my porch.”
from the waist down. I have since adjusted to life
Lucy Hartford has been working in the private jet
in a wheelchair. I drive my own car and returned to
industry since 2007. “Amidst all my different careers, I’ve traveled the world from Mumbai, India, to
Matt Libby lives in Florida where he started a tile
school to receive my BS in accounting from Eastern
Buenos Aires, Argentina, and the coast of northern
and marble company. He has twins, a girl and a boy.
Connecticut State College. I do taxes three months of the year, and I enjoy traveling.”
Africa. In my spare time I raise funds for Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles.”
Jon Linde and Sara (Merrena) Linde were married in 1998 and live in Marblehead, Massachusetts. Jon is
Bruce Pennypacker works in information technology
Chip Haselton and wife Pam have two children. “I
an attorney, practicing antitrust and transportation
at Tufts University. “I’ve helped run five statewide
worked for Sears for 20 years, leaving when Sears
regulatory law. Sara is a senior marketing analyst.
and regional theater festivals. I’m currently on the
merged with Kmart. Worked for Best Buy until I
They have two children, Teddy, 8, and Caroline, 6, and
board of directors of a community theater and
started my own company five years ago.”
a geriatric mutt, Prudy.
also the executive vice president of the Eastern Massachusetts Association of Community Theaters.
John Heyl lives in the Wolfeboro area. “I’m trying to slow down in masonry as it accelerates the
Valerie (Norfleet) McMorrow writes, “I’m loving
Lastly and most importantly, I’m engaged to a
aging process. Considering writing or teaching.”
Vermont and our snowy winters and skiing and
wonderful woman, Heather.”
His daughter Ashley, 21, is a graduate of Hallmark
snowboarding with my three beautiful children.” Dennis Phipps lives in New York City where he started Dave Merrill lives
DKP Media Group (www.dkpmg.com) “It has been a
in Neptune Beach,
really adventurous 25 years working with some fun,
Florida, and writes: “I
talented, difficult, insightful, … world renown artist/
graduated from Eckerd
performers, along with a few business mavens.”
College, got married, had four kids, started a
Susan (Janfaza) Poverman has a master’s in
company, got divorced,
severe special needs and worked in the Lowell
played some golf, got
(Massachusetts) public schools for seven years
fat, got skinny, got fat
before taking time off to raise sons Max, 9, and
again. Got married last
Adam, 6. “I changed careers three years ago, and I am
May to a wonderful
now a weight loss consultant with Jenny Craig.”
person. Now I spend
John Burfeind ‘91 and former faculty member Barbara Douglass.
36
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2011
time running my
Trey Rhian and wife Stacy live in Hattiesburg,
company, traveling,
Mississippi, with their three children: Regan, 13,
and hanging out with
Alden, 10, and Jillian, 10. Trey and his brother run
my kids.”
Parthenon Envelope Company. He also owns the recycling company Renewable Options.
Jim Rice Is a principle software engineer for Dassault
spent on the coast of Maine and the beaches
Cate, 2. “We spend a lot of time skiing in Vermont
Systemes. He and his wife have two daughters ages
of Massachusetts. Winters include skiing and
and sailing in the Florida Keys and the Northeast
7 and 5 and a son almost 1. “I still have family and a
snowboarding while spring and fall are full of
when we can get away from the kids’ sports
summer home in Wolfeboro.”
baseball, lacrosse, and horse riding.” He is vice
schedules.”
president of Risk Management and Operational Joanna (Lavarello) Robenson is an ER nurse. She
Security for Devonshire Investors in Boston, a part of
For 18 years, Matt Symmes has worked for the
has been married for five years and became one of
Fidelity Investments.
Massachusetts Department of Corrections. His wife
Jehovah’s Witnesses 17 years ago. “I’m busy with
is a nurse for a local Visiting Nurse Company in
building projects, disaster relief, and teaching people
Peter Stein lives in Aventura, Florida, and has
the Bible. So, actually, I’m saving lives in my secular
two girls ages 4 and 11. “I’ve had my own online
career and in my real career!”
marketing business (www.steindigital.com) for
To support his car racing habit, Will Turner started
over 10 years.”
a BMW parts supply company in 1995. “Turner
Mark Roelli lives in Rockaway, New Jersey, and works
Rhode Island. They have two boys, ages 12 and 9.
Motorsport employs over 35 people in its parts
at General Electric’s corporate flight department as
Mike Sullivan is a partner at Schlesinger Associates,
division and our three BMW race teams compete
an avionics technician. Mark and wife Simone have
a global market research company that specializes
in the Grand AM ROLEX Sports Car Series. In 2002
two daughters: Gabriella, 5, and Sofia, 3. “Life is good,
in qualitative and quantitative research. He and wife
I married my college sweetheart. We have two
but hectic!”
Catherine have three children: Nick 11, Will, 8, and
beautiful girls, 4 and 6.”
Betsy (Lurie) Ross and her husband have three children: Ben, 11, Veronica, 9, and Boula, 4. She volunteers with the Community Garden movement
Mystery Photo
in Columbus, Ohio.
Tom Rossi, married to Jordana, is a self-described “Brewster rebel/poet/musician” and current “Brooklyn singer-songwriter/music producer/ multi-instrumentalist/music therapist.” He has studied in Africa, Cuba, and Brazil, and taken spiritual journeys to Turkey. He plays healing music for hospice patients and has released several recordings in a few musical genres (www.TomRossi.com).
Katie (Wolfe) Ruesch is a teacher assistant for St. Ann’s School, working with a special needs class. “I was hoping to get my degree in special education, but with three daughters – Emma, 13, Charlotte, 12, and Grace, 9 all playing soccer – I just don’t have the time right now.”
Chris Seifert lives in Boston and is married to Patricia. He is the father of Mila and Lily and stepfather to Clementine.
Rob Shickel lives in Hingham, Massachusetts, with his wife and two children. “Summers are
Bobcat Cheer: The first alumna/alumnus to identify all five of the cheerleaders in this 1958 photo will win a $25 gift certificate to the campus store (on campus or online). Send your answer to marcia_eldredge@brewsteracademy.org Congratulations to Katie O’Brien ’06 who was the first person to correctly identify the staff member celebrating her silver anniversary at Brewster. Katie identified Kate Turner by her silver shoes and the silver anniversary clue that appeared in the Spring 2011 issue. www.brewsteracademy.org
37
Class Notes Peter-Bruce Wassitsch and wife Ana Elisa have two
the fairy tale, going strong, and
children Helena, 14, and Max, 10. “I’m in the business
loving life!” After the brutal
of building vacation homes and the work has taken
New Hampshire winter he
me to most of the Bahamian islands. We still live
just went through, Michael
in Nassau and continue to enjoy boating, sailing,
is thinking of moving in with
fishing, and the island life.”
Hoopes next winter!
1988
Michele (Giannone) Talwani
Randy Berenson writes: “Hi, All! I hope that life is
is the director of economic
treating you well wherever you are. I teach high
development and marketing
school math at an international boarding school in
at Families in Transition.
Squaw Valley, California, and absolutely loving it!
“We provide transitional and
Imagine the irony ...”
permanent affordable housing
Shayla Coleman ’96, Jill Penrose ‘96 and Katie Boote ’96 reunited in June.
and services to homeless Pamela (Pisciotta) Munoz and husband are “busy
individuals and families in Manchester and Concord,
raising three boys, one bird, and one rescue beagle.”
New Hampshire. An incredible organization and one
Eric Schwartz is out of the seafood business and
networks for apartment buildings and public venues.”
in which I’m happy to be a part. Friends, find me on
Keith Keeler and wife Kim are approaching 10 years
Facebook – let’s connect!”
of marriage and son Paul is 6. “We have been back in
working at SkylineBoston, which designs and
New England for about five years, nice to see family
manufactures trade show exhibits. He was married in
Kristin Van Wagner wrote that in May she was
and friends (five winters – we will be going back to
2000 and has a daughter, 1.
leaving her desk job to try her hand at earning a
warmer weather soon!). Hope everyone is well!”
living on small expedition cruise ships: first stop –
1989
Borneo and Southeast Asia this fall.
Dobro Goodale writes: “Life is cruising right along
1992 Jennifer Finn-Gonzalez and husband Eric welcomed
California style! Luna got a full scholarship to
Matt Woodward confessed that time has flown
daughter Reagan in summer 2010. They live in Silver
Groton. Kiteboarding season just started and still
by since his marriage to Monique last year. Before
Spring, Maryland. Jennifer works with abused women
playing lacrosse. Brewster remains a strong thread
their marriage they completed the restoration of
and children as a mental health counselor, and she
in my life!”
Matt’s house before they put it on the market and
loves her job. She said that she and her family live
started the remodeling of their 1894 Denver home.
very busy and wonderful lives and thanks Brewster
Grant Hays writes: “Things are going well for
Matt offered that while 100+ years is not old for
for the part the school played in her development.
me in Los Angeles with lots of opportunities in
a New England home, it is for Colorado! Along the
broadcasting at the highest possible level. I am
way they managed to plan a wedding in Colorado,
Laura (Sills) LeBrun writes: “Hi, everyone. I am busy
currently working for the California Angels baseball
small enough so they could spend time with their
being a second grade teacher and a mom. My family
team. The corporation owns AM 830 KLAA. I
guests. Matt and Monique honeymooned in Guyana,
really likes Steamboat [Springs] because we enjoy
broadcast games, edit highlights and production, and
Suriname, and French Guiana.
our time outside. Quinn is in first grade and likes
produce talk shows.”
skiing. Ryan is playing hard in preschool. My husband
1990
Paul is a chef.”
Corey Levy has moved back to the States after 10
Matthew Baker is doing well in Northfield, Illinois,
years in China. “I still need to travel frequently, but
and says hello to everyone. “I will hit the big 40 in
Gregory McLean writes that “Life is good! I’ve been
Boulder, Colorado, is home again and I love it here,
October.”
married to Elizabeth for four years, and we have two
though I do miss the beaches and close proximity to diving there.”
sons, Deelan, 17 months and Mason, 4 months.” Jonathan DeWoskin and his girlfriend remodeled a loft in downtown Chicago. “I started a new company,
Kate Radley ’92 and Lynn Ellis were married in June.
Michael Snyder and Jennifer Riley live in Hampton
Roam Free Solutions LLC, to put a brand on my
Among those attending the Denver nuptials were TJ
Falls, New Hampshire. He writes: “We are still living
consulting services. We install large scale wireless
and Lynne Palmer; Peg and Tim Radley and son Mark
38
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2011
1996
children with learning disabilities at The Janus
Hamilton Cochran has lived in San Francisco, New
School. They look forward to Tavin Ann’s first tour of
York City, and Rochester, New York, in the recent
Brewster soon.
past. “I hated being at a desk all day, but the two years of experience and training at a well known IT company in Rochester led me to my new job in Aspen, Colorado.” He works in IT support for a resort with mountain and hotel properties and on occasion in the winter he has to ski to the various properties to offer support. “Basically my dream job!”
1999 MaryJane (Haynie) Dowling and husband Carl live in Atlanta with their three children: Sophia, 4, Mya, 2, and Garrett, who they welcomed in March. MaryJane wrote that she is “the proud mom of three beautiful children and so lucky that I get to be a stay-at-home mom. I live in Atlanta and volunteer
‘90; David and Sheila Smith and sons James ’95, Tim
1998
’91, and Dan ’93, along with his wife Inese.
Scott Bixler was planning to wed Kathleen Kissane in his parents’ backyard in Maryland on September 17.
The mother of the bride reported, “The ceremony
for Youth for Understanding, a nonprofit exchange program that I participated in during high school.” Travis Larsen and Melissa Harding live in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, with their daughter Violette born in
was a beautiful reflection of Kate and Lynn’s love
Lee Denslow writes that on a recent visit to the
and values and was officiated by our own David
Bahamas he couldn’t make it to Eleuthera to visit
Smith. A familiar David sentiment celebrated the
Matt Hoopes. “I am the vice president of sales
Jenna (Marks) O’Donnell and husband Mark
conclusion of their union as he declared it the
and marketing for Tradewinds, the Bloomberg of
welcomed son Greyson George on May 2. Jenna
beginning of ‘the first day of the rest of their lives.’”
commercial shipping. I am also in the process of
describes Greyson as a mini-version of Mark and is
selling the clothing company GreenLobsterUSA,
enjoying every moment of her time with him and
Russell “Rusty” Starmer and wife Kristin live in
which I created with two friends from St. Lawrence
feels incredibly blessed.
Truckee, California, with their Labradoodle, Ponzi.
University six years ago.”
In March, 2011 Rusty wrote: “We had a great ski
January and their two dogs, Sophie and Phoebe.
2000
season in Tahoe this winter. Soon I will be preparing
Tapley-Ann (Mudge) Paxson and husband Dave
Dustin Carlson writes that “Life out here in
customer boats for the 11th season of All-Star Boat
welcomed Tavin Ann Paxson on July 17. Everyone is
Minneapolis has been very blessed. Jessica and I just
Care, but first we will be headed back to Baja for a
healthy and life is good. David and Tapley-Ann live in
celebrated our third anniversary. No kiddies on the
month of fishing and kiteboarding.”
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where Tapley-Ann teaches
horizon, but our friends are very busy with that stage
Topher Grace ’97 with recent alumni at Commencment in May.
Greyson O’Donnell, son of Jenna (Marks) O’Donnell ‘99
www.brewsteracademy.org
39
Class Notes of life. .. and it’s been fun to watch and see it unfold.
In Memoriam Class of 1930 Valma (Long) Elliott July 3, 2011 Wolfeboro
The family is doing well. Plenty of challenges came along … over the past two years, but we all banded together to face them and it feels like we’re coming through the other side now.”
Class of 1935 Philip J. McBrien March 2, 2011 Union, Maine
Morgan Huntley was married to Jennifer Fulham on June 11 in
Class of 1938 Lillian (Osgood) Brookes March 20, 2011 Wolfeboro
Newport, Rhode Island. Morgan’s Brewster
Class of 1940 Mary C. Brewster February 1, 2011 Wolfeboro Class of 1948 Joseph P. Ford August 9, 2011 Lee, New Hampshire Class of 1949 Mr. John C. Rico October 26, 2010 Wolfeboro Falls
roommate for two years, Hunter Strupp, and his wife Newlyweds Morgan and Jen Huntley in June.
attended.
Blair Pyne Facebooked an update: “I got married in October 2010 and moved to League City, Texas, just south of Houston and across the lake from NASA. I’m now working for my uncle at his company, Kirby, which is the barge company that transports
Class of 1951 Delbert C. Haley Jr. December 31, 2010 Melvin Village, New Hampshire
petroleum products via the inland waterway. I am in a new position that deals with treating the water
York City where she is teaching at The Cathedral
that we use to wash the cargo tanks of our barges.
School.
Class of 1953 Alfred L. Bickford December 28, 2010 Homosassa, Florida
I’ll have help doing the lab work, which will be nice,
Class of 1953 Orion M. Lord March 28, 2011 Ellijay, Georgia Class of 1955 Susan K. Broman December 16, 2010 Bow, New Hampshire Class of 1957 Donald A. Clark April 2, 2011 Bedford, New Hampshire
hopefully saving my hair from falling out!”
Rylan Okie is living and working in Boston.
2001
2005
Katie McCarthy wrote that she is married and
George Dohrmann graduated from the University
expecting a baby in December. She has opened an
of Denver in June with a degree in economics and is
organic farm, www.KatesOrganics.com. She received
going to graduate school. He still plays competitive
her masters in secondary education, is a realtor
hockey and enjoys spending time with his two-year
(Green/ABR/Notary), and is currently studying for an
old Bernese Mountain dog, Bentley.
LPN-RN nursing program. Gabrielle “Bri” Gatta is back in New York City and Douglas Miller, brother Patrick Miller ’03, and Marie Maseng ’02 work together at the Ascend Realty Group in Boston. Doug is a managing partner and Patrick and Marie are associate brokers.
Class of 1959 Matthew L. Collins November 3, 2010 Wake Forest, North Carolina
40
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2011
Marianna Sychterz, 2, joined mom Kim (Rawson) Sychterz ‘01 at Reunion.
still working for UBS the Investment Bank. “I work in the Leveraged Finance Group and was recently extended a third year offer as a financial analyst. I spent my first year concentrating on UBS’ oil and gas industry in the Houston office, but am now covering every sector (healthcare, energy, retail, media,
2002
gaming). I moved back to Manhattan in October
Ashley Mudge has relocated from Wyoming to New
2010, and it has been an incredible experience.
In Memoriam Class of 1961 George Lee Eldridge June 29, 2011 Jamestown, California Class of 1962 John B. Kelley May 27, 2011 Arlington, Massachusetts Class of 1965 Kathleen (Nichols) Lucas February 23, 2011 Wolfeboro Former classmates Mary Seaman ’06 and Ginger Lieb ’06 worked together at Mammoth Mountain last winter.
NYC is my second home, and I am happy to be
Congratulations to Columbia graduate Niko Scott
back. I am still juggling the 100-plus-hour work
on being named 2010-2011 England Basketball
weeks, which initially was an adjustment but is now
League Division 1 Player of the Year. Scott plays for
a welcomed challenge. I am training for the New
the Reading Rockets.
York City Marathon in November.” Bri was looking forward to reuniting with the Cabin Crew up at Lake
2007
Winnipesaukee over the summer.
Alyssa Palazzo has moved to a new apartment in Boston to finish her final year of college and live
Roger Greene finished a Brewmaster’s course in
closer to her Brewster friends.
Class of 1975 Richard S. Joyce November 11, 2010 Andover, Massachusetts Former Faculty Marie D. Forsberg February 15, 2011 Lakeport, New Hampshire George H. “Pete” Hall June 17, 2011 Wolfeboro
Germany in June and is working on a master’s in brewing and distilling in Scotland.
2009 Daniel Csete spent the summer interning for head
2006
coach Mario Cristobal and staff on the Florida International University football team. He is back
Margaret “Peg” Hertz (spouse of the late former faculty member Walter P. Hertz) June 20, 2011 Newburyport, Massachusetts
at Goucher College for his junior year and playing varsity tennis. Daniel suggests that we “Keep those tennis courts busy at Brewster!” In the spring Peter Rizzo studied abroad at Regent’s College in London. “When I wasn’t studying theatre, the history of England, or Shakespeare, I was Joe Montana ’06 and Matt Hoopes in the Bahamas. Joe Montana visited Hoopes on Eleuthera, Bahamas, last winter. Joe is living in San Francisco and is the marketing media coordinator at Rickshaw Bagworks. Mary Seaman wrote in April 2011 that she was out in California working at Mammoth Mountain with Ginger Leib, bringing a little bit of Brewster to the west. Mammoth Mountain had record-breaking snowfall and in December 2010 was home to the most snow in the world.
traveling. Over the course of fours months abroad, I visited seven countries. My most profound experience was visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in Poland. It was an indescribable trip. … I witnessed the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. It was incredible to be immersed in the British culture during such a historical event. To be a part of the festivities as the royal family drove by was an event I
Douglas Miller ’01, Marie Maseng ’02, and Patrick Miller ’03 outside their Ascend Realty Office.
will never forget.” Peter was back on campus over the summer working with the Brewster Academy Summer Session students.
Send us your Class Note, and we will do our best to include it in the next BrewsterConnections: alumninews@brewsteracademy.org www.brewsteracademy.org
41
History History History History
History Writing
Brewster’s
on Center,
Wils absence of the courts but the is nn te e th d ld. rary, an 80. Note the lib of Mason Court, and Brown Fie Campus circa 19 e dorms th e, us ho at Bo the Pinckney
The 1980s Brought a New Look and Feel to Campus Students React to Changes By Bob and Shirley Richardson
A
s we completed the manuscript for The Brewster Story, we were
The Beginning of Major Changes
frustrated when the final format of the book required that we
The addition of the first Kenison Library – as a separate building behind
trim the manuscript by more than 150 pages. Fortunately, an
the Academic Building – in 1978 was the hallmark of what was to come. In
unabridged copy of The Brewster Story manuscript soon will be included in
just over a decade, significant improvements and additions were made to
the Brewster Academy archives. Here, in “Writing Brewster’s History,” we
the physical plant and campus, including:
will share material that was omitted due to space limitations. In this issue we report on the tremendous campus change and growth of the 1980s. If there is one common experience that students of the 1980s lived
• Enhancements to the main Academic Building to better accommodate
new academic programs and a new front entrance design
• Renovations to The Estabrook: a new bookstore and mail center
with individual student mailboxes; renovation of student and
faculty quarters on the top floor; expansion of the kitchen and
dining facilities; and an addition of a Student Center on the south
side of the building that greatly expanded student services;
• A new master plan for roadways and walkways was developed
the last few inches of snowfall from his office window one afternoon and
• The construction of six new faculty/student residences within the
noting the various footpaths created by the students, he remarked, “When
areas of what is now known as Lamb Court (Harris, Lamb, and
it is time to build sidewalks, we will know exactly where they should be
Vaughan houses) and Mason Court (Spencer, Mason, and Hughes
placed for all we have to do is follow the students’ tracks in the snow.”
houses)
through, it was this observable fact: on campus there was earth-moving equipment in constant motion; construction workers seemed to be a permanent fixture across campus; new buildings were erected while others were moved; and lawns disappeared to be replaced by new pathways. The norm became ongoing confusion and change, and one was never quite sure where a new path would lead and where an old path would end. Headmaster Smith thoroughly understood this dilemma. While observing
42
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2011
and implemented;
• The purchase and remodeling of the Admission House, which
provided prospective students and their parents a comfortable
place for interviews
• The relocation of the Alumni and Development Office building,
followed by the redesign of the space into an arts and writing
center;
• The design and construction of the Pinckney Boathouse to serve as
the headquarters of the sailing and crew programs (downstairs)
while the upstairs offered meeting and gathering space;
• The purchase of Berry and Piper houses and the renovation of
Kimball House. And as the physical facilities grew, so did the Academy’s academic, athletic, and community life programs.
Chuck Michaels ’88 at the new Admission Office, which was relocated from its office in the Academic Building to its own building in 1982.
From interviews and written reminiscences, we were fascinated to learn how students, faculty, and parents adapted to changing circumstances, facilities, and programs. Below we share the reflections of two students from this busy decade: Chuck Michaels ’88 and Matt Woodward ’89. Their commentaries first appeared in 1988 in different editions of the student newspaper, The Brewster Browser.
Chuck Michaels ’88 When a student came to Brewster four years ago, the campus seemed
and the school underwent growth together. Sadly enough though, the
pure, lush with natural tradition. There was no growth, no construction.
boy blossomed first and will miss the glorious awakening of his school.
The groomed campus lacked facilities, but the young student managed.
More growth will come to both the boy and the school. Both will change.
Since then he has watched the needed buildings bring new opportunities.
Graduation will come and what he knew the school to be will not be the
He was an unopened flower whose blooming was well overdue. He
same in years to come. Each will go about new business, but knowing, too, they both will grow and change. Brewster is indeed a different school from what it was three years ago. … It’s easy to see the school’s progress. We are strengthening our standards in academics, thrashing our opponents in sports, and charging full speed ahead in campus development. Future students will receive their mail from personal mailboxes, and I’ll remember the days when Dean of Students Dick Weeks wandered the halls handing out stacks of mail. When the future athletes can’t make up their minds as to whether to take crew or track, I’ll remember walking past Mt. Brewster’s grave of tennis courts. If there
The building th at is the current Arts moved to its cu rrent location on Center sits between Memor ial Fie the other side of the Estabrook in ld and the Estabrook. It was 1988.
comes a time of a future headmaster, one who’ll be able to relax, as most of his work will have
www.brewsteracademy.org
43
already been done for him, I’ll remember Mr. [David] Smith dreaming of improving the community. I dread leaving my beloved school. I’m unsure of what it will be like when I next visit. Perhaps I just envy those who will follow me in that they will have opportunities I didn’t have. Yet I had the chance to grow with Brewster. I will always be proud to have been a part of that growth. One aspect, I’m sure, won’t change, and that is the community. I bid farewell to my Brewster and say hello to future Brewster.”
Matt Woodward ’89 At the end of our freshman year Houses One, Two, and Three were built. The construction of the three dorms improved living conditions for both the students and the faculty. The new buildings and the area around them soon became the focus of the campus. The next major change came during our junior year when House Four was
d
an ply Houses One 80s they were sim 19 e th in t bu e and Mason Hous - to late eighties. Spencer House mid Today they are ces built in the en sid re six the Two, the first of
constructed in the Bearce Hall area. While this put two dorms in the area, they were still rather isolated from the rest of the campus. During these three years the school’s population continued to grow, slowly but steadily. In order to help accommodate the increased student body, two new classrooms were constructed. The Business Office was moved to a newly leased building on the far side of the campus and the building that house the Alumni and Development Office became the new [Arts and] Writing Center. The greatest changes have taken place during this past summer and as seniors we are the only class to have been able to watch the new growth all come together, and the only class to really appreciate what we have in the new facilities.
additions are completed and formal dinner has had to be revised. When the school meets together in the First Congregational Church, the building is filled to its maximum. While Brewster’s growing pains are yet to be over, they have been exciting to live with for our class, especially the 12 lifers, and now as seniors we are fortunate to be the first to benefit from the new facilities. The school year has just started and there will be many months ahead for us to enjoy the new campus, but although the school has grown and changed, the people are the same. And our friends and faculty will be with us forever as we remember Brewster.
Brewster’s Success We returned from the summer to find House Five and Six completed and
Why did Brewster continue to be successful and attract new enrollment
this construction has made the Bearce Hall area the focus of the campus.
while other schools were having difficulties? Was it the beautiful location,
The completion of the boathouse that our class has lived with in one stage
the expanded facilities, or a program that was earning a reputation of
or another for our four years has changed the waterfront dramatically
educating the whole person? All of these factors were likely reasons.
and has given the school an area where the entire school can gather for
Headmaster Smith often reminded faculty and staff that they were here to
meetings. Not only have new buildings been built, but also old buildings
serve the needs of young people during a crucial stage of their lives. Those
have undergone a lot of renovation. New siding has been put on Sargent
teachers who have walked the Academy’s halls since the school’s founding
Hall, making it conform to looks of the new houses. All of the smaller
and long after have known what a great opportunity Brewster has to
dorms along Main Street have also been insulated and covered with
positively influence the next generation within this beautiful environment.
siding. The three entrances to the Academic Building have had new steps
But as the reflections of Chuck and Matt remind us, the essential
and brickwork completed and the main steps have been greatly enlarged.
ingredient of Brewster Academy is its community of students, faculty, and
All the old buildings look much better than when we arrived for our
staff who bond together to support each student in his or her growth into
freshman year.
self-confident, respectful adults.
Along with all the new buildings, the student and faculty population has grown to be the largest in the school’s private boarding history. With more people on campus there is less space in the dining area until the Estabrook
44
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2011
Bob and Shirley Richardson were long-time faculty members who retired in 2004. They are the authors of The Brewster Story: A Definitive History of Brewster Academy, published in May 2011.
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Expect to Stay Cool: Brewster Academy Summer Session students enjoy the lake on a hot July afternoon.
Monthly Deb it
Brewster Academy 2011-2012 Board of Trustees Daniel T. Mudge, President (Tapley-Ann ’98, Ashley ’02)
Karey Fix (Will ’11, Keenan ’13)
Leslie N. H. MacLeod, Vice President (Todd ’97)
Peter Ford ’80
Roy C. Ballentine, Treasurer (Brian ’97, Susan ’94) Douglas H. Greeff, Secretary (Hilary ’11) Michael Appe C. Richard Carlson Estate Trustee David L. Carlson ’54
Michael Keys (Matthew ’04) Barbara Naramore Arthur O. Ricci Estate Trustee The Reverend Nancy Spencer Smith Estate Trustee Steven R. Webster (Brooke ’08, Tori ’11)
Arthur W. Coviello Jr. Candace Crawshaw ’64
Retiring Trustees Helen S. Hamilton, Secretary board member since 1974 A.B. Whitfield (Trey ’89) board member since 2008
Claudine Curran (Alex ’06, Gen ’11) George J. Dohrmann III (George ’05, Geoffrey ’12) Stephen C. Farrell Sr. (Stephen Jr. ’12)
Trustee Emeriti Walter N. “Rink” DeWitt ’54 (Kate ’86) P. Fred Gridley ’53 (Deborah ’81) Grant M. Wilson (Grant ’87, Kirsten ’88)
$10
To Do List: Pick up dry-cleaning Book vacation e Caitlin’s Halloween costum Change oil
ewster Make my annual gift to Br
$25
$50
$100
Annual Gift $120
$300 $600 $1,200
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BrewsterConnections Fall 2011
Parents of alumni: If this magazine is addressed to your son or daughter who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please e-mail us at alumninews@brewsteracademy.org with his or her new address.
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For your child or grandchild’s summer school experience For your wedding
For endless summer opportunities, contact the Office of Summer Programs at Brewster Academy.
Inside: Celebrating 125 Years Alumni Who Embody Brewster’s Core Values Return to Campus: Reunion Moments
Summer Programs Office • 603-569-7155 • summer@brewsteracademy.org