Brewster Connections Fall 2013

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BrewsterConnections Fall 2013

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 Great Things. Of Us. Of Yourself.

Inside: Office of Admission • 800-842-9961 • admissions@brewsteracademy.org

It’s Personal: The Way Education Should Be

The Color Project

by Adrien Broom ’98

Plan ahead and make a gift that goes full circle.

Depth of field assignment by Allie Lamb ’15 (Dallas).

Brewster Academy 2013-2014 Board of Trustees Daniel T. Mudge, Chair (Tapley-Ann ’98, Ashley ’02)

David E. Hadley (Olivia ’12, Juliet ’15)

Arthur W. Coviello Jr., Vice Chair

Michael Keys (Matthew ’04)

Roy C. Ballentine, Treasurer (Brian ’97, Susan ’94) Douglas H. Greeff, Secretary (Hilary ’11) Ronn Bronzetti ’92 C. Richard Carlson Estate Trustee David L. Carlson ’54

Barbara Naramore (Maya ’16) Carlos Noble ’70 Amy Reiner (Allyson ’10)

Arthur O. Ricci Estate Trustee

Candace A. Crawshaw ’64

The Reverend Nancy Spencer Smith Estate Trustee

William Depietri (Justin ’16)

Steven R. Webster (Brooke ’08, Tori ’11)

George J. Dohrmann III (George ’05, Geoffrey ’12)

Dr. Michael E. Cooper, Ex Officio

Karen W. Fix (Will ’11, Keenan ’13)

Trustee Emeritus

Gabrielle “Bri” J. Gatta ’05 President, Alumni Association

P. Fred Gridley ’53 (Deborah ’81)

By including Brewster Academy in your estate plans, whether with a bequest or other planned gift, you will be making a significant impact on the lives of future generations of students as they explore new ideas and become self-advocates and leaders.

A planned gift brings with it membership within Brewster’s 1887 Heritage Society.

Jim Bastis Senior Major Gifts/Planned Giving Officer jim_bastis@brewsteracademy.org 603.986.7445 or 603.569.7140 www.brewsteracademy.plannedgiving.org

BrewsterConnections Fall 2013

Head of School Dr. Michael E. Cooper

Inside

2 Head Lines

Director of Admission and External Affairs

Lynne M. Palmer

4 It’s Personal: The Way Education Should Be

Editor, Director of Communications Marcia Eldredge

Keeping the Connections Strong

Intentionally developing the whole child

Contributors Romera Aja ’62, Dr. Michael E. Cooper, Candace Crawshaw ’64, Bri Gatta ’05, Rachael Jeffers ’05, Beth Hayes ’81, Matt Hoopes, Kristy Kerin, Allie Lamb ’15, Elizabeth Miller ’13, Shirley Richardson, Bob Richardson, Jack Sengstaken ’14, Martha Trepanier ’83

10 Getting There Starts Here

Photography

16 Bobcat Pride

Steve Allen, Steve Burgess, Marcia Eldredge, Michigan Photography, Lynne Palmer, Kristy Kerin, Phil Stiles, USA Hockey, Whitney White ’07

Brewster’s 193rd Commencement

14 Investing in the Arts

A matching challenge gift puts performing arts venue within sight

Page 4

Elite athletes reflect on a great way to learn

20 Learning From Brewster Alumni

Survey says …

23 Board Welcomes New Trustees 30 Return to Campus

Reunion 2013 Page 10

33 Hall of Famers

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

Meet the newest inductees

Cover photo from The Color Project by Adrien Broom ’98

Departments 24 Newsmakers 28 On the Road 36 Hoopla 40 Class Notes

©2013 Brewster Academy. All Rights Reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

47 In Memoriam 48 Writing Brewster’s History Page 14

Keeping the

Connections Strong

M

any thanks to our parents and friends who participated in

We were fortunate to have Marc on campus during Family Weekend to teach this

Brewster’s Family Weekend auctions. Your contributions

approach to parents who attended his presentation.

helped us set the second highest record in auction history with more than $128,000 raised through the live and

On the Road

silent auctions, sponsorships, tickets, and raffles. These funds support a variety

While traveling, I have been joined by business leaders and faculty members.

of enhancements to student programs, curriculum and faculty development, and

In Boston at the end of September, leading cyber-security expert and Brewster

student scholarships as well as other key areas of the school. Thank you for your

trustee Arthur W. Coviello Jr., executive chairman, RSA, The Security Division of EMC

generous support.

candidly spoke about the value of emotional intelligence in the global workplace and why emotional literacy is the way forward for education in the 21st century.

Speaking of records, we surpassed another in September when more than 100 grandparents joined us for our annual Grandparents’ Day. One Bobcat

We were joined by Brewster science teacher and coach Michelle RafalowskiHouseman who shared how she “teaches” emotion skills to her students.

grandfather commented, “I would do anything to come back to school again. It’s amazing what’s going on here.”

After the Boston talk, Paul LaViolette (P ’16) commented, “I thought the RULER program, the Yale Partnership, and the BA strategy to integrate EI skills

We like to think it’s “amazing,” too, and in an effort to bring the latest school endeavors to our community of current, prospective, and alumni parents, as well as alumni and grandparents, I have traveled a bit this fall to report on why our emotional literacy program is important and, specifically, how it is being

development ‘at every turn’ in student life were great ... individuals with an optimal balance of EI and academic intelligence will have a better chance of professional achievement and building careers as leaders.”

integrated into our curriculum. Just as we were the first 1:1 laptop program in 1993, we are once again ahead of our peer schools, this time in understanding the value of making connections between emotions and cognition and how that

It’s great to have the opportunity to meet parents and help connect them to important program components on campus.

may be leveraged in the design of the learning environment at Brewster.

In November, I was in San Francisco with educational counselor Amanda Mallory As in 1993 – when we knew that it was less about the laptop itself and more about how we integrated technology as a whole into school life – we know

of McClure, Mallory, Baron, & Ross and math department chair Bret Barnett. As we are getting this issue ready for print, I’m preparing for a talk in Chicago. I will

that to produce emotionally intelligent students, we must integrate skills and

wrap up my talks in New York City in January. For the date and information on

understanding of what it means to be a socially and emotionally literate person

the January talk, visit: www.brewsteracademy.org/emotional-literacy

in all areas of their life. At Brewster this means in classes, sports, enrichment courses, and the dorms.

I also was at Yale University in October for the official opening of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. A few weeks earlier, Marc Brackett and I teamed up

As our partner at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence says, “It [EI] isn’t a kit

at the annual SSATB (education and admission testing professionals) conference

you can buy. It’s an approach. We are teaching the teachers and the kids,” said Dr.

to share Brewster’s approach to teaching emotional intelligence and how we are

Marc Brackett, director of the center. “Some people call these 21st-century skills.”

implementing the program within our curriculum.

2

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2013

So I really have been on the road talking about how we are delivering emotion

Academy – the survey answers have offered a wealth of information. See page

skills to students and teachers at Brewster. Aside from these informative

18 to learn more about the survey results and what they mean for Brewster from

presentations, it seems almost daily that I read an article on how employers from

the perspective of our Alumni Association President Bri Gatta ’05.

schools to professional sports teams to Fortune 500 companies are seeing the value of investing in the fact that emotions really do matter in school, at work,

In closing, I would like to offer a shout out to former Bobcats Kate Buesser

in life.

’07 (Harvard University 2011) and Kristina Vikdahl ‘09 (Linköping University 2013). Kate is a member of the U.S. women’s ice hockey team and Kristina is a

Investing in Student Creativity

member of Sweden’s women’s ice hockey team both in training for the Olympics.

I’m excited to report that thanks to the generous contributions of parents,

Although the final roster selections have not been made, I’m elated that Kate

alumni, and local friends of the Academy who see the value of investing in the

and Kristina have made it this far and am hopeful that they might represent their

arts for both Brewster and the greater Wolfeboro community, we are closing

respective countries in Sochi this winter. You can get to know Kate in an article

in on our $2.5 million goal to begin the Anderson Hall Performing Arts Center

on page 16 where she and another standout athlete, University of Michigan

renovations.

basketball player Mitch McGary ’12, talk about how Brewster contributed to their individual academic needs and their personal successes.

To help us draw the curtain on this fundraising project, an anonymous donor has issued a challenge to match all new gifts to the project, dollar for dollar, up to

Please enjoy these pages of Connections and learning about how many terrific

$350,000! To learn more about this project, see story on page 12.

things are happening at the school and among our alumni.

Learning from Our Alumni

For the School,

I’m also happy to report that the past few months have allowed us an opportunity to dive into the results from our recent alumni survey (offered online back in February 2013). With 10 percent of our alumni population sharing their opinions on everything from the value of a Brewster education, to what makes BA unique, to the ways they want to get and stay involved with the

Dr. Michael E. Cooper, Head of School

www.brewsteracademy.org

3

It’s Personal: The Way Education Should Be

By Marcia Eldredge

W

hen asked “what sets Brewster apart from its competitors?”

The answer is definitive: Brewster Academy offers the most personalized secondary school education that intentionally

and these individuals may have experienced different aspects of it, all three thrived from Brewster’s mission-driven, student-centered approach.

develops the whole child. Brewster teachers know their students and understand

Adrien Broom ’98 is an up and coming photographer; Romera Aja ’62 is

learning – adapting instruction to meet a variety of learning styles.

in a basketball game at the old Boston Garden; and Jack Sengstaken is a

their individual learning styles and are skilled at delivering differentiated

Here two alumni and one senior, representing three decades, share how Brewster helped them develop into their best selves, become confident

learners, and stretch their minds and abilities beyond what they might not

have thought possible. Although the Brewster program continues to evolve

a former teacher and coach who holds the record for most points scored member of the Class of 2014, who with the help of three other students,

converted an engine to run on veggie oil for his junior year project. In an

interview with Broom, a Q&A with Aja, and in Sengstaken’s own words,

they share how Brewster helped develop their best selves and set them on a path toward success.

Through Adrien Broom’s Looking Glass

In late October photographer Adrien Broom ’98, whose whimsical

photo graces the cover of this Connections, had just wrapped up her first commercial gig with Disney – shooting an advertisement for children’s nightlights – and was gearing up for the long days of post production.

That Adrien’s first big commercial break came from Disney – a company founded in a world of fantasy – should be of no surprise to anyone familiar with her work.

“I like telling stories. I’ve always liked creating other worlds,” Broom said.

“I think anything that kind of doesn’t make sense, I’m usually drawn to.”

A glance through Broom’s portfolio www.adrienbroom.com/portfolio

clearly highlights her talent for storytelling and creating and capturing

cinematographic scenes. Her distinct mixture of art, literature, and fantasy reveals a photographer whose story unfolds in a world of imagination right beyond her lens.

What her portfolio won’t reveal, however, is that Broom is an artist who has never taken a photography class.

A Student in the 1990s Broom, who is from Connecticut, was attracted to Brewster because of its

arts vibe back in the ‘90s. Once here she found a community that nurtured

Adrien Broom Behind the Scenes. View her portfolio at www.adrienbroom.com or scan the QR code above.

For a young woman who would rather not dwell on her adolescence, she recalled her former advisor and tennis coach Byron Martin as someone who pushed her to find meaning in school and believe in herself.

her creativity and an art program that made school more interesting for

Martin remembers Broom. “Over the years, Adrien became just a bit more

Brewster, though, she also found a value added that no other school could

the more her abilities, intellect, and her youthful soul could shine on the

a student who at times found classes challenging due to dyslexia. At

confident in herself. Every little bit more that she believed in herself,

offer her at that time – a laptop computer.

Brewster campus,” said Martin, a team leader and instructional support teacher.

Broom and her classmates were among the first students to go through the Brewster Model in the 1990s, and she attributes her early introduction

“I follow her career on her website and still marvel at her talents. I show

and use of technology (the Academy has had a 1:1 laptop program since

current students what someone can truly do when they follow their love

1993) to giving her an edge and the confidence to continue exploring the

and create what they believe to be truly important to them. Her story is

creative side of technology.

just so cool.”

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BrewsterConnections – Fall 2013

Broom remembers that genuine sense from faculty who really wanted

She keeps a notebook close by to jot down ideas, and once a week takes

her to find her passion and succeed. “[Brewster] was a very supportive

time to brainstorm her ideas about her next project. Broom admits that one

community if you had different learning styles. … I was definitely not an

of the hardest things for her is to stay focused on the current project and

academic. I thrived in the arts stuff. … I loved that little art building,” she

completing it before delving into the next blossoming idea. She’s getting

said referring to Brewster’s stand-alone art building, which still houses

better at it, though, thanks to advice from another photographer who told

studio arts and pottery classes.

her to always, always finish a project before moving on.

“I really vibed with Brewster because of the arts. … being supportive of

Although Broom credits the digital opportunities presented to her as a

the arts was big here. … All the computer graphics stuff we did really influenced me. It made me comfortable to be in a digital world.”

She took her knowledge and interest in the digital world to Northeastern University where she was a double major in computer animation and graphic design. Later she earned a certificate in fine and decorative art history from Christie’s Education in London, and in 2006 she lived in Florence and studied at SACI (Studio Art Centers International) University.

After London and before heading to Italy Broom worked at a graphic design firm and around this time, it was photography that pulled her out of a particularly difficult time in her life. “My friends from the band Grace Potter & the Nocturnals dragged me out of the house to take pictures for them and that’s when I realized that photography was what I was supposed to do … I just started taking pictures and it made me really happy, and I started doing it nonstop all the time and put my heart and

young student and the supportive arts environment she encountered at Brewster for helping awaken a passion for the immensely creative, she says of her boarding school experience: “The people are who you really take with you.” She referred to her Brewster friends as “super inspirational” and spoke of some she’s kept in touch with, including, AJ Brustein ’98, Adam Gross ‘98, Josh Wald ’97, and Shunichi “Ippei” Takahashi ’98 with whom she recently had dinner.

As this magazine went to press, she was headed to Berlin, Germany, to visit one of her best friends, former Brewster classmate Katharina Zeitz ’98.

It’s no illusion that Adrien Broom’s passion for the fantastical shines through in all her work. At Brewster she found a supportive community that allowed her creative talents to flow, her confidence to rise, and her spirit to blossom. The footing Brewster provided Broom set the scene for her story to unfold and that is also no illusion.

soul into it … and now it’s finally paying off.”

In November the hardcover photo book, Inside Looking Out: A Decade On The Road With Grace Potter & The Nocturnals was published. In the book’s forward, lead singer Grace Potter describes Adrien’s work with the band. “Adrien has been deeply entrenched inside our world, capturing images of me and the band since before she even realized that she was a photographer.

“She has never been an onlooker, sitting in a corner waiting for something interesting to happen. Instead she has been part of our unfolding story – injecting plot twists of her own throughout our many years traveling together.”

Inspiration and Process Broom’s experience in London and then later in Florence exposed her to works that continue to influence the structure, composition, and painterly quality she tries to achieve in her work.

Broom, who now lives in Brooklyn, looks close to home for inspiration these days with walks around Chelsea, visits to museums, and, even the online arts and images collection Pinterest. “[Pinterest] is a total time suck but I love it,” she admitted.

She dreams up, designs, and builds her own sets. It took her a month to plan and design the set for her Day Dreams Collection, which she then built on site for the one-day shoot.

An image from Adrien Broom’s Day Dreams Collection

continued on page 6

www.brewsteracademy.org

5

(left to right) Jack Sengstaken ’14, Ryan Suriol ’14, Eric Heo ’14, Neal Craig ’14, and advisor TJ Palmer with the Volkswagen the students converted to run on vegetable oil.

They sold the car to Brewster’s Executive Chef Chris Dill, who, not surprisingly, has an endless supply of veggie oil.

By Jack Sengstaken ’14 As a student with a passion for learning, touring the Academic Building at Brewster was like walking into a whole new world. Before Brewster, I went to a large public school and by the end of my sophomore year, I knew I needed more. I craved more education, more interaction with my teachers, and more time at school. I wanted to make a difference in my

through finding out why pennies made before 1982 reacted differently than pennies made after. He helped me organize my results, build an interactive iPad app, and present my findings. Mr. O’Blenis spent hours with me discussing my future, including possible college options, career paths, and courses I should take in the coming years. The passion he showed for his subject fueled my love of learning and pushed me to better

school community.

myself in ways I would have never thought possible before Brewster.

Organization has always been a constant battle for me. In the first week of

No Two Students are Alike

school, my AP U.S. History teacher, Mr. Palmer, identified that difficulty.

He spent hours in his classroom after school helping me with organizing my binder, improving my writing, and studying for tests. One of my fondest memories is eating one of Mr. Palmer’s famous cheeseburgers at

No class is completely uniform, just as no two students are alike. Brewster teachers do a terrific job understanding these differences in students and adapting the curriculum to challenge each individual. My 11th grade English teacher, Mr. Simoes, who remains one of my greatest role models,

his house as he playfully quizzed me on the upcoming AP exam.

always challenged me. At the start of the year, he worked with me to

Not only do Brewster teachers advocate for students and assist them

busy coaching schedule to look over a paper in the middle of a practice.

with their challenges, they celebrate their talents. In my junior year, I became passionate about chemistry. I was enticed by the hands-on science curriculum, and my chemistry teacher, Mr. O’Blenis, recognized that passion and embraced it. In one of my earliest experiments, I questioned him about the effect of hydrochloric acid at varying concentrations

improve the organization of my writing, even once taking time out of his Near the end of the year, as my interests flourished, he continued to challenge me by introducing me to high level, absurdist plays such as Waiting for Godot and poems such as The Waste Land.

The Brewster curriculum allows students to expand their talents and interests

on different materials. He challenged me to set up an experiment. Mr.

and apply them to real projects. Every single teacher celebrated and bolstered

O’Blenis spent hours in the lab with me working one-on-one to test the

my love of engineering. They encouraged me to customize my course load

acid in levels from 10 percent up to fully concentrated. He helped me work

after that passion and exercise it in the form of project-based learning.

6

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2013

At his 50th Reunion in 2012, Rome Aja (on right) with wife Harriet caught up with David Kerin (holding Joanna Kerin). Aja taught Kerin at Montpelier High School and then Kerin returned to coach track and field with Aja. Kerin is the husband of Brewster Advancement Director Kristy Kerin.

At the end of each year, students are asked to complete a project over a two-week period using the skills accumulated throughout the year.

My group of four quickly fell into place as we all had a passion for engineering and working with cars. We decided to convert a car to run on vegetable oil. With a massive project looming, we each quickly found our niches – presenting, conducting research, building. We learned about the required accountability when working in a group and about utilizing each others’ talents to divide up the work load. Our greatest accomplishment throughout the project was not the building of the vegetable oil car, but rather learning how to function in a group.

Each of us exercised our talents, while gaining valuable insight for the future on how to work with a group on a life-size project.

My time at Brewster so far has been the most educational, collaborative, productive, and fun time of my life. Throughout my junior year, the campus became my home, my peers became my best friends, and my teachers became my family. There is something incredibly unique about coming together to learn with domestic and international friends, teachers, and experts who I know care as much about me, as they care about learning. Ultimately, what makes the Brewster campus such a unique place are the people that fill it, and its solid foundation: the incredibly passionate staff members who connect with each student on an individual level to develop an education that suits their learning style.

Rome Aja ’62 Romero “Rome” Aja enrolled at Brewster Academy in 1961 as a postgraduate looking for both challenging college preparatory classes and help balancing academics and athletics. What he found was an environment of teachers committed to helping him attain success in that postgraduate year and preparation for the rigors of the military college, Norwich University, where he would attend and play basketball for four years. After Norwich, he taught for 30 years at Montpelier High School in Vermont (European history, psychology, and sociology), and for 25 years coached track and field at the school.

How did your postgraduate year help prepare you for college?

Brewster teachers helped us improve in areas that were weaknesses in our previous high school. … The structured study halls in the evening were very helpful. Teachers were there to assist us with our homework, and time management was also addressed and was very helpful as I made my way through military college. Brewster very definitely prepared me in study habits, organizing my time, and challenging me in the academic arena. An area not focused on that I needed was difficulty with standardized testing (i.e. SATs). I hear they have special [prep] classes for that now. Sure wish we had them!

How did Brewster prepare you for college athletics? The Brewster coaches really challenged us to be the best we could be. They had high expectations with conditioning and focus on our sport. Sportsmanship was a key theme from coach Ed Murphy.

continued on page 8

www.brewsteracademy.org

7

Was there a defining moment when you knew teaching was what you most wanted to do? I really knew I wanted to teach and coach from the time I was an adolescent. Brewster gave me the chance to help me on my way to that profession. Mr. Vaughan was awesome when I told him that I wanted to be a teacher and a coach. I remember him saying at my interview ‘let’s get you started right now.’ I will be forever indebted to Brewster for giving me a chance to prove myself in the academic and athletic environment.

What was the best part of being a PG at Brewster?

The independence; working for my scholarship with kitchen duties; the wonderful and caring teachers assisting me with proper study habits;

understanding the importance of academics; my terrific coaches – coach [Ed] Murphy and coach Wilkins; the leadership of Principal [Burtis] Vaughan; wonderful classmates and a great roommate; outstanding

unselfish teammates. … The overall environment on the Brewster campus and the community of Wolfeboro provided an absolutely wonderful year in my life.

Did your time at Brewster offer you any skill sets for success in the workplace? Yes, discipline, a work ethic, time management, and always that we should strive to be our best.

Brewster was the perfect fit for me and fulfilled most of my needs –

Brewster has and will always be in my heart. Brewster gave me a chance to get me on my way to fulfill my dreams of teaching and coaching.

Want to reconnect with Brewster friends?

There’s an App for that!

It’s totally cool! I travel a bit and I like seeing who lives in the area. I wish everyone had their contact info. updated as I’ve wanted to reach out to a couple of alumni.

– Dobro Goodale ‘89

I like the Brewster app because it’s easy to get into all of its features.

– Ed Isenberg ‘62

I look to see where people are - I like to see how many friends I can find.

– Patricia Hodgdon ‘47

How Do I Download the App? 1. Search for Brewster Alumni Connect in the App store for Apple devices or in Google Play for Android devices.

2. Use your primary e-mail to log in and create a password.

3. Enjoy reconnecting and remember to send updates to the Alumni Office.

Questions? Visit the FAQ page online at brewsteracademy.org/ alumniapp or contact Beth Hayes ’81 in the Alumni and Development Office at 603-569-7133 or beth_hayes@brewsteracademy.org.

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BrewsterConnections – Fall 2013

get social with brewster!

Introducing our new social media mashup page—a place to find the latest Brewster photos, posts, tweets, videos, blogs, and more!

Find the mashup page at: www.brewsteracademy.org or social.brewsteracademy.org

www.brewsteracademy.org

9

Getting There Starts Here

T h e C l a s s o f 2 0 1 3 i s Sh o w e r e d Wi t h Wi s e A d v i c e

By Marcia Eldredge

T

he sounds of a bagpipe signaled the beginning of Brewster’s 193rd Commencement last May.

Hayden Ford (Dhahran, Saudi Arabia) delivered the salutatorian address, focusing his remarks on what is “predetermined for us” versus what we choose for ourselves: “the written and unwritten.” He quoted the late

Randy Pausch, author of The Last Lecture: “We cannot change the cards we

her classmates that they were under no obligation to know who they will become but should nurture the friendships they have begun at Brewster.

“This is not goodbye. This is, I will see you in two to 10 years,” Dong concluded. She is attending Cornell University.

Observe, Absorb, Build Meaningful Relationships

are dealt, just how we play the hand.”

Following a presentation of awards, board of trustee president Daniel

“Now is the time when we begin to start playing the hand we have been

chairman of Fidelity Investments. The first three Curvey Scholars, a

given, to change it into the hand that we want,” Ford said. “Unfortunately I can’t tell you exactly what you must do to achieve the life you want. But I do know that our energy should be concentrated on playing the cards,

Mudge introduced the commencement speaker, James C. Curvey, vice scholarship program begun in 2009 from the generosity of the Curvey family, were among the graduates.

instead of complaining about the cards we could have been dealt.

Curvey began by sharing that it was 60 years ago this May that he was

The decisions we make now are what are going to determine our future;

town. He admitted that, at that moment, he didn’t have a clue. His world

they are the medium that will take us ‘there.’ ‘There,’ being whatever it is

we want to do and wherever we want to go in this life, and it starts here.”

celebrating his own high school graduation in a small Pennsylvania coal was small; his world view dominated by staticky radio broadcasts and a 12-inch TV set that took 15 minutes to warm up. Fast forward 60 years.

Ford is attending University of Victoria in British Columbia.

“While you were sleeping, some 145 billion e-mails were being sent,

Valedictorian Naijia Dong (Beijing, China) spoke about all that she has

somewhere in the world,” he shared.

shared with her classmates from the day she stepped on campus as a

while some 3 million people were boarding airplanes and heading off

ninth grader in a brand new, unfamiliar world. This unfamiliar place was

“Most startling of all: this happens every night. Each morning, a great

the Yankees, what “Mr. Fernald’s office” meant, and that she should have

or upended, and the same will happen tomorrow and the day after

one where she soon learned about the “war” between the Red Sox and molded her mouth guard before using it for protection while playing

hockey. She thanked her friends for all their support and the faculty for all the ways they unselfishly share of themselves, their time, and their

knowledge. Dong also thanked her parents for the opportunity to attend Brewster and for making sure she knew

many of the facts you knew yesterday have been revised, discounted, tomorrow, and all the tomorrows after that.

“The accelerating pace of change in the world today is, quite frankly, mind-boggling.

from a young age that the most important thing to them was that she be happy and healthy in life – no matter what job she

has or school she attends. She reminded

Laurence Porlier, Kyle Moynihan, Katie Parkman, Kevin Murphy, Camryn Bindra

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BrewsterConnections – Fall 2013

Jen Hughes received the Athletic Director’s Award

Commencement speaker Jim Curvey

Salutatorian Hayden Ford

“All this change unfolding around us makes it ever more vital that each of you continue to expand your horizons, develop new skills and, most important, learn continuously.”

Curvey said his experience has

taught him that “life is learning

and learning is life.” And, “If you don’t learn continuously – if you take a nap in life – you’ll quickly fall behind and you may never catch up.”

He encouraged students to

continue their education formally

“If you don’t learn continuously – if you take a nap in life

For Elizabeth Miller, the Shoe Fit, More Than Once

– you’ll quickly fall behind and you may never catch up.”

but to also absorb and observe from the people in their lives.

“There are also doors that will be opened and opportunities granted to

you from these people. So, please, align yourself with the best people and then absorb everything you can from them.

“Be attentive, alert, and work at building meaningful relationships.

You have to do this throughout your life. And I guarantee it will pay tremendous dividends.”

Elizabeth Miller with brothers Douglas ‘01, Patrick ‘03, and Charlie ‘05 As the third academically ranked member of the Class of 2013, Elizabeth Miller (Greenland, New Hampshire) had the honor

In concluding his advice to Brewster’s graduates, Curvey implored them

to physically explore the world and experience different people and their cultures but also to travel to places they find in their hearts.

“If you follow your heart … I guarantee that you’ll have experiences

you can’t even imagine at this point in your life. Only God knows what

the world, or should I say the universe, will look like 60 years from now,

when it’s your turn to stand on this stage and address the graduates of the class of 2073.”

of delivering reflective remarks at the Ivy Address on the eve of Commencement. A “legacy student” – she is the fourth sibling to graduate from Brewster – she has had a long, illustrious connection to the community. Following is nearly a full excerpt of Miller’s remarks.

I’m quite sure that if any of the venerable faculty members here tonight had been told eight years ago that a Miller would be delivering the Ivy Address, they would have

been caught a bit off guard. I’m the fourth sibling to go to

Following Curvey’s remarks, the HOWL chorus performed “You Make My Dreams” by Sara Allen, Daryl Hall, and John Oates.

Then smiling members of the Class of 2013 accepted their diplomas; Mike Cooper congratulated graduates in their native languages; HOWL led

all those in attendance in singing “Emblem’s Divine,” a school song; The

Rev. Sue Poulin delivered the benediction; caps were tossed, and the piper led Brewster’s newest alumni out of the

Brewster; thus this weekend will mark the 7th Brewster

graduation I will have attended. Finishing my career at this school means saying goodbye to more than just my high-

school experience – it means parting with a community that I’ve known since I was 2 years old.

It was around 15 years ago that I made my first trip up to Wolfeboro – for my eldest brother’s, Douglas’ interview.

My memory of this occasion is based primarily on the

Smith Center and into the congratulatory

reiterations I’ve heard from various faculty members. As a

arms of faculty, family, and friends.

restless toddler, I managed to lose a shoe while scampering around the Admission Office. I’m not sure how Doug felt

about having his little sister tag along on his interviews, but it surely did equip him with a distinctive application.

A few months later we received a package with the shoe and a letter from Mrs. Palmer saying she hoped it still fit. It did.

And as it turns out, Brewster fit Doug – he enrolled for the following fall, later recruiting his two younger brothers to

join him and initiating what would eventually grow into the Top-ranked postgraduate Celeste Robert delivers her Ivy Address remarks.

Happy graduates and friends

Miller legacy.

continued on page 13

www.brewsteracademy.org

11

Growt h Four Years of Growth

During their time at Brewster, the Class of 2013 welcomed the first three Curvey Scholars. They celebrated the Academy’s 125th anniversary, and The

Brewster Story was published. They watched Bobcat Nation grow with a new fleet of 420s and the addition of an outdoor turf playing field. They saw the Nate Billings ’09 Classic become an annual tradition and many braved that frigid February day to participate in the first Winni Classic pond hockey tournament. They were part of the emotional literacy and project-based learning integration into Brewster’s curriculum. Numerous dormitories were refurbished, Dorhmann Circle was built, and the “Esta” was transformed.

2013 Commencement Awards Athletic Director’s Award • Jennifer Hughes • Kevin Murphy The Headmaster’s Prize • Naijia Dong The Postgraduate Award • Celeste Robert Faculty Service Award • Bianca Barcelo Faculty Service Award • Alberto Rivera Barletta Ronald “Buzzy” Dore Memorial Award • Will Foote Jill Carlson Memorial Award • Meaghan Spurling Faculty “Growth Achievement” • Jeremy Hess Mabel Cate Tarr Award • Hayden Ford David Sirchis School Service Award • Taylor Cantrall Arthur J. Mason Foundation Award • Kevin Murphy • Catherine LeBoeuf Burtis F. Vaughan Award • Jennifer Hughes Arthur M. Hurlin Award • Shira Braiterman To learn more about these awards, visit: www.brewsteracademy.org/commencementawards

Senior Prefects Alberto Rivera Barletta and Spencer Liautaud present the class gift – two benches – at the Ivy Address.

Off to College (counter-clockwise) Hayden Ford, Ryan Cooke, Kevin Murphy, Lizzie Miller, Jen Hughes, Shira Braiterman, Bianca Barcelo, Kyle Washington, and Catherine LeBoeuf

John McNamara and his proud dad

Dr. Cooper and Hans Kuno Sarah Nichols, Sydney Baker, and Kaija Thomas

Valedictorian Naijia “Anna” Dong

12

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2013

Members of the Class of 2013 are attending the following colleges and universities: American University

Northeastern University

Azusa Pacific University

Norwich University

Bard College

Oxford College of Emory University

Boston College

Queens University of Charlotte

Boston University (2)

Quinnipiac University

Brown University (2)

Roger Williams University (2)

Bryn Mawr College

Rollins College

California State University, Chico

Sacred Heart University

Chapman University

Saint Anselm College

Clark University

Saint Michael’s College

Clarkson University

Salem State University

Colby-Sawyer College

Savannah College of Art and Design

College of the Holy Cross

Skidmore College

Connecticut College (2)

Spelman College

Cornell University

St. Lawrence University (2)

Drexel University

Suffolk University

Eckerd College

Syracuse University (3)

Endicott College (3)

The College of Wooster

Fashion Institute of Technology

The University of Alabama

Franklin and Marshall College

The University of Georgia

Georgia Institute of Technology

The University of Tampa

Gettysburg College

Union College (2)

Goeth Institute at Berlin

United States Naval Academy

Goucher College

University at Buffalo, The State University of NY

Hamilton College

University of California at Irvine

High Point University

University of Colorado at Boulder

Hobart and William Smith Colleges (7)

University of Denver

Ithaca College

University of Missouri, Kansas City

Johnson & Wales University

University of New England (2)

Keene State College

University of New Hampshire (4)

Lake Forest College

University of Oregon

Loyola University Maryland

University of Portland

Lynn University

University of Sioux Falls

Massachusetts Maritime Academy

University of Vermont

McDaniel College

University of Victoria

Merrimack College

Wake Forest University (2)

Miami University, Oxford

Waterville Valley Academy

Mississippi State University

West Virginia University

Muhlenberg College

Westminster College

North Carolina A&T State University

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (2)

North Carolina State University (2)

Yale University

Elizabeth Miller continued from page 11 Patrick became known as “Miller-Lite” and Charlie, as

“Mini-Miller”. Each of my brothers had happy careers at

Brewster, and though at times they may have set the bar low for grades, they did, in fact, leave big shoes to fill insofar as character is concerned.

The next few years were measured in the sheer numbers of games attended, round-trips to Wolfeboro, parent-teacher conferences, and white-boards turned into my personal canvases.

When it was finally my turn to go to high school, contrary to

various expectations, I initially was unsure of whether I even wanted to apply to Brewster. Still, I gave it a shot, if only for the purpose of having my first interview at a place where

I already felt comfortable. And, if all else failed, I thought I

could win over Mrs. Palmer by losing my shoe again if truly necessary.

Returning to campus that day felt more like a welcome back than a visit. To my surprise, the shoe still fit – of course this time, it was figuratively rather than literally. Though, like many of you, I was paralyzed by the thought of leaving

home, I realized there was a world of opportunities here that I could not forgo simply out of personal anxiety. Despite

the panic I felt on the way to move-in day freshman year,

looking back on my time here, I’ve never been happier with a decision.

As I am sure you have had more than enough personal

anecdote by now, I’d like to connect my experience back

to the subject I’m supposed to be speaking about: namely, commencement.

I speak on behalf of my fellow seniors when I say that we

will graduate having become more than just students: we’ve discovered how to live, to learn, and to lead. I can say with

confidence that these skills will allow us to transition easily

into the demands of college and eventually the wider world

beyond. We have the basic skills to make it. That said, there’s no way to belittle the fact transitions are challenging. From

my experience making the leap to boarding school, I can say that the best opportunities are often born from the hardest decisions. So, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zones – for that is where life really begins.

The Class of 2013 by the Numbers

I know you all have the ability to make a difference – the

130 number of lobsters consumed at the senior lobster bake (thank you Alexis Pappas ’88)

endeavors, don’t be afraid to stray from tradition. That said,

112 number of graduates 37 number of graduates who held leadership positions 36 number of lifers 29 number of students from other countries 19 number of graduates with a Brewster sibling

challenge now is to get out there and actually do it. In your don’t be afraid to honor tradition either. You never know which shoes will fit. Finally, if your shoes don’t fit, don’t

blame your feet – keep moving, trying different directions, until you find the right size. Brewster has trained you well for the adventure.

Elizabeth Miller is a freshman at Wake Forest University.

www.brewsteracademy.org

13

The retrofit and expansion will include: Additions totaling over 4,000 square-feet, including wings on either side of the stage, a new set shop, a green room/drama classroom, performers’ dressing rooms, and restrooms Alterations to over 7,000 square-feet of existing space creating catwalks above the stage, new theatre-style seating for 450, lighting and acoustical upgrades, and improved multipurpose spaces for community gatherings

To learn more about how you can support this important investment in the arts, contact Director of Advancement Kristy Kerin at 603-569-7485 or visit www.brewsteracademy.org/ campaignpriorities.

14

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2013

An entrance lobby and plaza orienting the facility to the main Brewster campus New walkways, handicap accessibility throughout the building, updated parking areas, and landscaping

Investing in the Arts Matching challenge offers curtain call for fundraising efforts on new performing arts venue

By Rachael Jeffers ’05

F

or the last two years, Brewster has been actively raising

funds for a renovation and

expansion of Anderson Hall to create a true home for the performing arts on campus. Thanks to the generous

support of donors at all levels – we’re nearing our goal for this $2.5 million investment in the arts.

We are excited to share that our

goal is within sight thanks to an

anonymous member of the Brewster community who has offered a 1:1

matching challenge up to $350,000!

Joining the Anderson Hall Challenge now means your gift will go twice

^

as far to making this important investment in the arts a reality.

Successful completion of the

challenge will close out fundraising

“When I came to Brewster, I found myself drawn to the sense of community

within the arts department – painting, sculpting, acting, dancing, singing – they

have all left me with something and helped shape my growth as a human being.”

– Taylor Cantrall ’13, Bard College ‘17

for the project as well as Phase One of Brewster’s current capital campaign.

Launched in August 2011 by Brewster

Student Showcase that inspired donations totaling more than $800,000

Academy’s board of trustees, the

Fulfilling Great Expectations campaign is a comprehensive and phased

approach to address the Academy’s greatest needs. Goals of Phase One include growing a healthy Annual Fund, investing in the arts through

the Anderson Hall retrofit, and enhancing Brewster’s leadership athletics programs with the addition of a new turf field facility (completed in November 2012).

Momentum around this important project

within 72 hours!

A Brewster experience is often defined by the moments when students

take a chance to try something new and step outside their comfort zone, surprising themselves with a newfound talent or interest. Whether this

occurs in the classroom, on the playing fields, in an art studio, behind a camera, or on the stage – what matters most is that Brewster offers the space and support for these moments to happen.

has grown over the past months thanks

The arts are essential to Brewster’s goal

to lead gifts from generous anonymous

donors and many parents, grandparents,

and friends. During the 2013 Spring Student

Showcase last April, current parents Peter and Josephine Grayson (Bradley ’14) were among our lead champions. The Grayson family,

in partnership with the Fund for Individual

Potential, sponsored a challenge at the Spring

Help Us Rise to the Challenge

of educating the whole person, and the

renovations planned for Anderson Hall will provide students with meaningful

opportunities for engagement in all aspects of the performing arts while providing a high-

end performance venue for the Academy and greater Wolfeboro community.

www.brewsteracademy.org

15

ate Buesser ’0

Bobcat Pride

By Kristy Kerin

K

ate Buesser ’07 and Mitch McGary ’12

arrived at Brewster Academy as two typical Brewster kids. Of course, at

Brewster, to describe a student as “typical” is a bit of a contradiction in terms.

Typical Brewster students simply don’t exist.

As a school that prides itself on its ability to customize and personalize its delivery of

education to provide exactly what is needed for a wide variety of learners, Kate and Mitch epitomize the Brewster Model.

Kate came to Brewster as a top-notch student.

She had her pick of schools and ice hockey

programs and chose Brewster because it was in her hometown and she knew that if she selected

the less expensive, local option, her family would be able to afford a private education for her brothers as well. She said, “I could go to another

school, and they could go to public school. Or

we could all go to BA together and have a terrific prep school education.”

Kate also was impressed with Brewster hockey

and coach Jonathan Fouser: “The program was building, and I wanted to be a part of it.”

At Brewster, Kate took four Advanced Placement

courses. She interned at a local veterinary clinic.

She was a three-sport athlete, also excelling in field hockey and crew. A ‘lifer’ (meaning she attended Brewster all four years), Kate graduated as the third academically ranked senior in the

Class of 2007 and was one of the Ivy Address speakers that year.

In her Ivy Address speech, Kate summed up the

way she approached her academics, athletics, and life. “There is something about the emotions

and feelings derived from success that makes us Nancie Battaglia / USA Hockey

as humans strive so long and so hard for it.”

She went on to Harvard University where she studied pre-med, played four years of Division I ice hockey, and was a nominee for the prestigious

Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award (the women’s

hockey equivalent to college football’s Heisman Trophy).

She made the U.S. Women’s Hockey Team during college, but was dealt a blow when she was cut from the program her senior year. After

graduation, Kate decided it was time to hang up her skates and pursue her dreams of attending

medical school. She took a full-time position at

Brigham and Women’s Hospital, assisting the nursing staff and observing in the operating room.

But after a short hiatus from the sport, Kate was presented with an opportunity to return

to the ice with the Boston Blades, a women’s professional team that is part of the Canadian

Women’s Hockey League. With the Blades, Kate rediscovered her love of the game.

“I was playing with the best players in the

world. They helped me to step up my game and understand who I was as a player,” Kate said.

Last March, she took a chance. Kate traveled

to Ottawa to watch the U.S. team in action. She wanted to know if she could still compete at

that level. What she saw was a lot of the same

teammates she had been playing against all year long. So she wrote a letter to the head coach –

the same coach that had cut her from the team in 2010.

“I just asked for an opportunity to show her that I had improved as a player,” Kate explained. “I heard back from her a couple weeks later with an invitation to attend selection camp.” She quit her job and began training full time.

Courtesy Michigan Photography

Mitch McGary ’12

Elite Athletes Reflect on a Great Way to Learn

Kate approached this chance differently than she had a few years prior. “I

to leave his hometown in Indiana prior to his senior year in high school and

had a great career at Harvard, but confidence is something that every elite

come to Brewster Academy.

athlete struggles with at some point. I’ve learned that not everything goes your way every time. Being able to step away and reevaluate myself was an important lesson. That’s a lesson I can apply for the rest of my life.”

“There is something about the emotions and feelings derived from success that makes us as humans strive so long and so hard for it.”

– Kate Buesser ’07

In an interview with Director of Admission and External Affairs Lynne

Palmer, Mitch reflected how everything changed for him when he arrived

on campus. “I came here to expand my skills in basketball but I wanted to expand my academic skills as well. I needed to do a two-year period here and pick up my grades to qualify for college and I did just that.”

At Brewster, Mitch stood out everywhere he went. At 6-foot-10, 260

pounds, he didn’t exactly blend in. But while his physical stature got

him noticed, it was his bright eyes and big smile, his boisterous, positive presence on the court, and his kindness that stuck with people.

In the classroom, he blossomed. On the court, he was unstoppable. During Mitch McGary Takes A Chance Mitch arrived at Brewster beaten down academically. Diagnosed as a sophomore with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), he struggled to stay focused in school. In an interview for MLive.com, Mitch described how he was “looked at by some as dumb and stupid, by others as immature and lazy.” He was on the verge of quitting school and the game of basketball that he loved.

But he had an outgoing personality that made him well liked by many and he was a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court. Thankfully, he had an Amateur Athletic Union coach who saw his potential and directed him to Brewster.

his two-year career, Mitch and his teammates were twice NEPSAC AAA regular season champions and earned a National Prep Championship.

Mitch recalled his father’s observations: “My dad said I came here as a

kid and came out a man. He saw so much growth athletically and in my academics as well.”

Mitch graduated in 2012 and accepted a scholarship to the University

of Michigan after entertaining numerous college offers. “I really wanted a great school with a great education. Michigan is one of the most

prestigious schools in the nation. I feel like I got the best of both worlds – a school that is great at athletics and academics.”

“A Great Way to Learn”

“I took a chance,” Mitch recalls. “And it was the best thing that ever happened to me,” Mitch told Nick Baumgardner of MLive of his decision

So how was Brewster exactly the right school for both Mitch and Kate?

How does it serve two very different students? Brewster’s differentiated

classroom model groups learners of differing abilities together in classes. So if Mitch and

Kate had overlapped in school, theoretically they could have shared the same classes,

with very different needs, learning styles, and goals.

When I asked her how this could be, Kate spoke enthusiastically about Brewster’s

differentiated classrooms. She said, “It’s a

great way to learn because I didn’t know it

at the time but there is a lot of collaboration

at the college level. At Harvard we had a lot

of intimate group sessions and being able to take other people’s ideas and perspectives and apply them to your own thinking is important.

“In terms of curriculum, you could make it

as targeted as you needed or wanted. There

were different levels in different subjects. As

a science person, English wasn’t my favorite or best subject. If I needed to take it down Kate Buesser with twin brother Ryan on her left and friends.

18

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2013

a notch I was able to. Likewise, Brewster’s

faculty knew how to challenge me more. They knew a way to keep me engaged, with extra assignments and work on the side. It was great

because they wanted to make sure I was applying what I learned and knew how to use it going forward.”

Mitch expressed similar views. “Working in the STAD (student-teams

achievement divisions) groups with the four partners was neat. You’d

review a lot and find different viewpoints and collaborate amongst one another. Different people brought different ideas to the group.”

He also gave a lot of credit to the instructional support program and

the ability of the faculty to connect with kids. “I got a lot of individual

attention. Classroom sizes were not more than 14. At my old school, it was 30 kids per class so I didn’t have that individual attention that I needed as a student with ADHD.”

Kate added to that sentiment, “Teachers at Brewster are really personable.

They are very contemporary – but it would be cooler if I said hip – they

are not stuck in their own ways. They have a great way of molding their

personal style into the classroom and making it an exciting place to learn.”

Best in the Nation Today, Mitch is in his second season with the Michigan Wolverines. Last

winter, Mitch was the breakout star of the NCAA Tournament and helped carry his team to the National Championship game where they lost a

heartbreaker to the University of Louisville. “It was surreal to play in

the National Championship game. I look back and think, did that really happen? Even though we lost, it was an experience of a lifetime and hopefully we’ll get back there next year.”

Kate is also busy, to say the least. She made it through selection camp to

become a member of the U.S. Women’s National Ice Hockey Team, and is among 25 women competing for 21 spots on the U.S. Olympic Team. She

Hear Mitch talk about his Brewster experience at www.brewsteracademy.org/ mitchmcgary or scan the QR code above.

Despite their demanding schedules and high aspirations, both Kate and

The Way Education Should Be

also is in the process of applying to medical school.

Mitch made the time to return to Brewster for last year’s alumni games.

Kate brought along some teammates from the Boston Blades who took on the Brewster girls’ in the first annual Winni Classic pond hockey

tournament on Wolfeboro Bay. Mitch returned for the alumni game in

May and took the court with three NBA players – Thomas Robinson ’09, Craig Brackins ’07, and Will Barton ’10 – all former Brewster standouts.

Mitch was stronger, wiser, more mature than when he’d left, but being back on campus made him like a giddy kid again.

“Everybody’s happy. Everyone brings a smile each and every

day. That’s what makes school so much better. Coming here,

school wasn’t my favorite thing, but when I left I loved school

and when I come back it’s great

to see everyone’s smiling faces.”

Every school has a niche, a value added, a brand identity, put simply,

a way that it sets itself apart from its competitors. It is well known that

Brewster Academy stands out as a school that serves a range of learners –

successfully. Brewster is a school that can reach all its learners, challenging each student to work to his or her potential, and beyond, regardless of

learning style. Brewster is getting it right – and has gotten it right for a long time.

Coming here, school wasn’t my favorite thing, but when I left I loved school and when I come back it’s great to see everyone’s smiling faces.”

– Mitch McGary ’12

Looking back on his experience, Mitch commented, “I couldn’t be more happy. Coming to Brewster helped me in so many ways and I’m just thankful for it.”

Kate reflected, “Brewster was the perfect place for me. I received a great education and I loved the hockey side of things. I ended up at Harvard and now I am pursuing my dreams of playing on the U.S. Olympic

Hockey Team and attending medical school, so I don’t think I went wrong.”

Their many fans and friends at Brewster could not be more proud of who they have become – as athletes, as individuals.

www.brewsteracademy.org

19

Learning from Brewster Alumni Survey Says …

A conversation with Alumni Association President Gabrielle “Bri” Gatta ’05

By Rachael Jeffers ’05

I

n February 2013 about 10 percent of Brewster’s 3,000 plus alumni responded to our online alumni survey. These alumni represented 33 states, nine countries, and one territory with graduation years spanning

over eight decades of Brewster’s history. We were thrilled by this response and eager to dive into the results to find out what Brewster’s alumni think about the value of their experience on campus and the various ways they want to be involved with the Academy now that they’re out leading busy lives throughout the country and world.

10% of alumni responded (thank you!)

Representing 33 states, 9 countries, and 1 territory

94% of survey takers gave a high approval rating of their Brewster education and experience 95% of alumni are likely to attend Reunion 78% of alumni said giving to Brewster is at or near the top of their philanthropic priorities 9 decades of alumni responded (all the way back to the 1930s!)

20

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2013

Here in the Alumni Office, we refer to the data collected in this survey

element of Brewster connectivity that stays strong no matter how long it’s

regularly – constantly mining it for new ideas about how to engage

been since your last visit to campus. Where I see opportunity is in using

alumni and the best ways to continue to be a resource to all of you.

those personal connections to keep people excited about BA while also

To offer a unique perspective of how this information is useful to the

finding ways to offer them both personal and professional networking

Academy, I spoke with classmate, current board of trustees member,

opportunities.

and Alumni Association President Bri Gatta ’05. Through her work as a board member, Bri is partnering with other alumni and staff to reestablish handwritten copy of the Constitution and Bylaws of the Brewster Free

Philanthropy – Is it important and what does the survey tell us about alumni participation?

Bri: From the start – what’s most interesting to me about the survey

Academy Alumni Association has served as their guide with the addition

results around alumni giving is the response to a question about

of a healthy dose of 21st century ideas, technology, and communication tools.

inclination to give back to BA. I find it a true testament to the Brewster

Brewster’s Alumni Association, which was created in the early 1900s. A

experience that almost 80 percent of respondents would put giving back to is to iation c o ll s As on a this t uni n f e emy; o n a Acad object perm e e e r n h i F T her wster nd toget Bre e of ips a knit f h o s d s e lov n e e t i a r u f n th o d l d grad o ment e base o fo eserv nd t ones a ; w to pr e r n ic ate rage athet a M e encou Alm symp elfar n p o e e e h w d t mm a o s c rn a erish conce to ch that l l and a n est i y. ution inter cadem nstit A . e w Co h e t N f ssoc o II. ni A e l m c u i l ] t A , 1901 [Ar FA ne 18 u J of B d dopte – A

their high school at or near the top of their list, even if they don’t feel like they can give at this time – my bet is, that’s pretty rare!

Over the past two years, we as a group of Brewster alumni have increased our participation in the Annual Fund to 16 percent – more than doubling past participation numbers. That’s a big step forward and one we should definitely be proud of, but there’s still more we can do.

I talk with other alumni and Brewster friends all the time who find themselves falling into the category of “I want to give back, but I just can’t right now…” While I get this – and was right there myself a couple years ago – my response is this: When you get an appeal from BA that mentions, “participation matters” or “every gift counts” and you think to yourself, “they don’t mean me and my $25 gift” – think again. However you do it, finding a way to give back that suits you, no matter what the amount,

While it doesn’t fit the 140-character requirement of Twitter – this statement highlights the objectives of the association with sentiments that hold true more than a century later.

As we discussed this revitalization of the Alumni Association and the many ways that the alumni survey proved useful, the themes of involvement, philanthropy, and the value of a Brewster education and

means that you’re making Brewster stronger. Alumni support is a sign of reinvestment in a place that helped you get where you are today and the stronger the reputation and endowment of the Academy, the better for you, and me, and every future graduate of Brewster. Whether it’s through online giving, writing a check, or setting up a recurring gift of $5 or $10 a month – each of us has the power to help make Brewster better and help it retain those traits that made our time there so special.

experience emerged repeatedly.

Involvement – What does the survey tell us about how people want to stay/get involved with Brewster?

Bri: In my new position, I’ve been really impressed over the last year with the increased chatter about BA, and I think we’re starting to see that reflected in participation numbers as well. The revitalization of the Alumni Association definitely has a goal of increasing alumni support of Brewster, but beyond that – we’re really looking to find new and interesting ways for alumni to get and stay involved with the school.

From the survey, we can tell that in addition to the BrewsterConnections magazine and the BA website, people are really using their own personal connections to stay linked in to what’s happening on campus. Whether it’s through Facebook, e-mails with your favorite teachers, or weekly texting with your roommates and BA friends – there’s definitely an

This word cloud represents responses from the recent alumni survey. It gives greater prominence to words that appeared more frequently in survey responses.

www.brewsteracademy.org

21

Percent of Alumni Respondents by Industry Manufacturing

Consulting

Information Tech

Non Profit

Administration

Healthcare/Medical/Pharmaceutical

Sales/Retail/Wholesale

Finance/Investment/Banking

Marketing

Education 0%

5%

10%

Value of a Brewster Education and Experience – Why is this an important indicator?

Bri: By nature, high school can be a tough time in anyone’s life.

Even given the challenges of our teenage years – it’s impressive to note that a majority of the alumni who responded mentioned that Brewster contributed considerably to the development of skills and abilities related to collaboration, teamwork, clear and effective written communication, critical and creative thinking, self-advocacy, and personal responsibility. Overwhelmingly, these are also the skills and abilities respondents noted as most valuable in their everyday lives.

Brewster gave us that foundation and continues to offer the same for students now as they prepare for college, life, and work in the 21st century.

Personally, thanks to my time at BA, when I reached college I already knew how to manage my time, collaborate, and solve problems in

15%

20%

25%

What’s next How will the survey be useful in the future?

Bri: We are refining the structure of the Alumni Association and identifying alums who are dedicated to supporting Brewster and connecting alumni across generations to take on leadership roles. I found it so interesting that the survey respondents graduated from the 1930s to the 2010s. I don’t think you’d find many other schools that have alumni from that large of a time span reporting an overwhelming 94 percent approval rating of their overall experience at the Academy.

That’s pretty impressive and exciting!

Given that our alumni represent such a broad spectrum of industries and experiences, I’m really looking forward to opportunities to engage them in networking and strengthening those connections. Even though

groups or with roommates which left me far more time and energy to

we’re not in school anymore – I think there’s still a lot we can learn

focus on invaluable study abroad and internship experiences.

from each other.

Be A Part Of It! 22

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2013

Board Welcomes New Trustees

By Rachael Jeffers ’05

T

he Brewster community is excited to welcome three new members to the Academy’s board of trustees. Each of these individuals brings to the

board a love of the school and dedication to strengthening it for the future. They join an impressive group of trustees who are all dedicated to Brewster’s mission to provide student-centered education that focuses on educating the whole person.

William “Bill” Depietri, is a current parent and is the president and owner of Capital Group Properties LLC, a real estate development firm, and JBJ

Construction Corporation, a construction and development company, both based in Massachusetts. He and his wife Beth have welcomed new families

to the Brewster community during summer receptions at their home in Wolfeboro for the past two years. Amy Reiner, is a parent of an alumna and has remained an active supporter of Brewster since her daughter Allie’s graduation in 2010. She splits her time between the east and west coasts and is a

passionate advocate of Brewster’s Emotional Literacy program. Joining them is alumnus Carlos Noble ’70, senior vice president at The Northern Trust

Company. Based in Miami, Florida, he manages the bank’s East Region residential lending activities and is deeply involved in their Florida community

reinvestment efforts. Noble’s family has a long history with Brewster – his sister is also a graduate (Maria A. Cannon ’71) and his father taught Spanish and was a coach in the late 1960s through the early 1970s.

We asked each of our new board members to share their thoughts on what it means to be involved with Brewster and what they see as the Academy’s greatest strengths.

As a current parent and new member of the

As an alumni parent, why is it important to you to

What do you see as positive changes at

Board, what do you see as the most unique

remain involved with Brewster?

Brewster since your time as a student on

aspects of a Brewster education for today’s students?

As a current parent and a new member of the board of trustees, I am very impressed with the whole Brewster experience. The school is unique because it is committed to supporting the needs of each individual student, providing excellent academics, a strong athletic program, and the arts, along with weaving emotional intelligence throughout all of this. Brewster Academy truly works to educate and develop the whole person, giving its students the important life skills necessary for their futures. Most importantly as a current parent, my son is so happy to be part of such a caring and supportive community.

The community is the soul of the school.

– Bill Depietri P’16

Answering that question is very easy for me.

The reason I want to stay involved in Brewster is that Brewster changes lives. It changed my daughter’s life – giving her more than just

campus?

The most obvious positive change is the institutional stability that is in place today.

the academic skills she needed to succeed.

In the period around my graduation in 1970,

emotional skills and has enhanced this effort

would be around from one year to the next.

Because Brewster focuses on teaching social and through the addition of the Emotional Literacy program, I know that students are being well

prepared for college and life after high school.

it was hard to predict whether the school Obviously, no comparison to today.

Almost as obvious, is the incredible

When you send your child to boarding school,

development of a first-rate campus that

raising your child. You give up a lot of what

the numerous academic, athletic, and soon-

you’re entrusting the school to take part in

happens around the dinner table and at home, but at Brewster the faculty and staff become a part of your extended family and build a real

community around your child. I’m very grateful to Brewster and look forward to supporting the school through this new position.

– Amy Reiner P’10

leaves very little to envy. But, as amazing as to-be-realized performing arts facilities are, I am more impressed by how little they have changed the character and look of the campus.

The Brewster I left and fondly remember is still very recognizable after 43 years.

– Carlos Noble ’70

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23

Newsmakers Garnsey, Hennessey are All-Americans

Additional honors go to Garnsey and Nate McKenzie ‘14 (Guelph,

Ryder Garnsey ‘14 of

a US Lacrosse AllAmerican last spring.

lacrosse at the University of Notre Dame after graduating from Brewster.

is given in recognition

New England in the

of that faculty

the highest honor a high school lacrosse player can receive, and it usually goes to a senior,” said

league each year.”

Also last spring,

has demonstrated the most accelerated professional growth

in the nation, and it is an honor to be selected. Both Garnsey and McKenzie were among 24 players from

tournament comprised 10 teams from throughout the country with Team New England advancing to

within the Brewster Academy program. Michelle Dodge teaches Environmental Science on the freshman team.

Since joining the faculty in 2008, Dodge has demonstrated steady and consistent growth in

the semifinals where they fell to Washington DC by

her abilities as a teacher at Brewster. This growth

one goal.

has been driven by a passionate determination to use teaching practices with integrity and to

Garnsey and McKenzie have been staples in the success

always prepare the best possible lessons for her students. She cares deeply about the success of

of the Brewster Lacrosse program over the past few

all of her students, and her classes show that

years and last season helped lead the Bobcats to a 17-1

in demonstrated ways. She creates a powerful

season and a top 25 national ranking.

Elise Hennessey ‘15 (Londonderry, New

the course of the year

considered to be the most prestigious lacrosse event

Brewster Athletic Director Matt Lawlor. “There are only two All-Americans selected for our 10-team

member who over

American Lacrosse Classic this past July. The event is

a field of 375 who tried out for the team in June. The

“This is a tremendous honor for a junior as it is

Career Growth Award

selected to represent

Under Armour All-

Garnsey, who was a junior

committed to playing

Awarded annually the

Ontario) who were

Wolfeboro was named

at the time, has verbally

The Career Growth Award: Michelle Dodge

Felt is Brine All-American

Hampshire) was

Midfielder Lexy Felt ‘15

named an All-American

(Manchester, N.H.) was

Honorable Mention by US

named a 2013 Brine

Lacrosse. “Elise showed

National High School All-

learning environment, always positively recognizing students for their good work. She makes every effort to make her classes real and hands-on for her students and has an uncanny knack for anticipating the needs of her students, which means that they are always highly engaged in lessons that support different learning styles and needs in innovative ways.

One of her students expresses the kind of

tremendous growth during the season as a player

American and represented

and was instrumental in helping us win a share of

New England at the 2013

noting “I am learning a lot in her class and I feel

the Lakes Region title,” said head coach Melissa

Brine National Lacrosse

comfortable in the learning environment. She

appreciation felt by students in her classroom,

is a very understanding teacher and is always

Lawlor. “For her to be recognized for her dedication

Classic this past summer. The Classic brings the top

and commitment to improving herself and her

high school lacrosse players in the country to one

teammates every day, especially as a sophomore, is

venue, where regional teams compete to become

do what she knows we can. She is fair and knows

quite an honor.”

national champions.

what she’s doing.”

24

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2013

there for help when you need it. She keeps the class fun and entertaining and challenges us to

The Excellence in Teaching Award: Michael Jacobs Awarded annually the Excellence in Teaching Award is

Edmonds Achieves Prestigious Soccer Certification

of demonstrated

through U.S. Soccer in

excellence in teaching

August. Edmonds went

practices and overall

through an extensive

contributions within

nine-day training program

the Brewster Academy program.

For his attention to the academic needs of his

Sarah Nichols ’13 (Wolfeboro), Laurence Porlier ’13

Karl Edmonds earned his National A License

(Maria, Quebec), and Camryn Bindra ’13 (Short Hills, New Jersey) – and faculty advisor Andrea Cooper.

The award recognizes schools that continually strive to create a great yearbook program for

in Chicago in June where he had to prove his tactical and technical knowledge in front of several college and professional coaches from throughout the country.

students, and for his professional attention to continuously advancing his skills with best

Edmonds was tested in all aspects of the game

practice Michael Jacobs, senior economics

completing 30 hours of field work and 40 hours of

teacher, received the Excellence in Teacher Award.

classroom study throughout the nine days. Edmonds passed all phases of the written and oral exam to

Jacobs has made some of the best uses of

earn this prestigious distinction.

technology in the classroom. He makes his classroom totally interactive nearly all the time by creatively using technology and finds intriguing ways to make his classes real for his

achievement.

Congratulations to the 2012-2013 staff, editors –

Head boys’ soccer coach

given in recognition

received a plaque and a large banner in honor of the

“We are incredibly proud of coach Edmonds and his dedication to his professional development, as this

students. He has been a mentor to many in

type of license is typically awarded to professional

using Moodle, helped with faculty training, and

and NCAA Division I soccer coaches” explained

helped faculty, as well, with other technology

Brewster’s Director of Athletics Matt Lawlor.

their students. To achieve the award, Brewster’s Winnipesaukean staff had to meet the following criteria: create an inclusive yearbook, generate school engagement, and show effective project management – successfully managing the yearbook creation process while meeting all of their deadline goals.

The Winnipesaukean was one of six schools out of 62 in the New Hampshire area to receive the award.

Curvey Scholars

uses. He is a remarkable model for the creative and effective use of technology in the classroom.

His students consistently express appreciation for the ways he makes classes engaging and seeks creative ways to make economics come alive for each student.

“It is well known that Karl is among the elite in the soccer coaching profession before he earned his National A license; however, to see him put in the time and dedication to elevating his craft is remarkable. We are truly fortunate to have someone of Karl’s caliber

One of his past students commented, “I could

leading the Brewster boys’ soccer program.”

not ask for a better econ teacher. Mr. Jacobs creates an interesting learning environment, makes great use of the technology…”

Winnipesaukean Receives Honors

In May, the first three Curvey Scholars were among the Class of 2013 graduates. In September, three more Curvey Scholars joined the community. The three newest scholars are freshmen Tara Fitzpatrick and Catriona Lennon of Wolfeboro and Roy Gardiner of Gilford. Each year, three incoming local

The 2012-2013

freshmen are awarded Curvey Scholarships, thanks

Winnipesaukean

to the generosity of the Curvey family who reside in

yearbook was awarded

Alton and who wished to create scholarships so that

a National Yearbook

more local students would have the opportunity to

with his students and goes out of his way to

Program of Excellence

attend Brewster.

ensure that we understand the subject. He paces

designation by yearbook

himself well through the lesson, which is why I

publisher Jostens.

The freshmen scholars join sophomores Hannah

am able to keep up with everything.”

The yearbook staff

Coulter (Tuftonboro), Kolby McKenzie (Alton),

Another student commented, “Mr. Jacobs has been an excellent teacher this year. Learning about economics has become something fun and interesting to do. He is always concerned

www.brewsteracademy.org

25

independent research. The apprenticeship program

(Wolfeboro), Tre Galligan (Gilford), and Isabella

Brewster Produces Some of the Best NCAA Talent

Monzione (Alton); and seniors Sean Cassidy (Alton

The Bleacher Report has ranked Brewster Academy

during the summer between their first and second

Bay) and Rebecca Jones (Wolfeboro).

fourth among the top 20 high schools that produce

and Ali Reed (Tuftonboro); juniors Chase Gardner

is offered to a small group of outstanding students

years at Lake Forest.

the best NCAA basketball talent. In recent years

Fallon Wins Two Emmys

coach Jason Smith’s team has twice won the

Cinematographer Morgan “Mo” Fallon ‘94, along

National Prep School Championship and three New

Sports Turf Manager

with Zero Point Zero Production, won two Emmy

England Championships. For the past four seasons, a

of the Year

Awards in September for the team’s work on Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown. Fallon, a director

Brewster player has earned Player of the Year among the NEPSAC Class AAA teams.

of photographer, and his team won in the categories of Outstanding Cinematography for Non-Fiction Programming and Outstanding Informational Series or Special.

Fallon has been working in the reality and

During the 2013 March Madness tournament, 12 former Brewster Bobcats represented colleges and

National Ice Hockey Team as one of 25 women selected to train for the 2014 Olympics. She earned her spot on the team after a seven-day selection camp in Lake Placid, New York, in June.

Buesser, who is from Wolfeboro, played for the Bobcats for four years before taking her talent to Harvard University where she was a pre-med

DeWolf was the recipient of the 2012 Sports Turf Manager

the final match up, Michigan’s Mitch McGary ’12 and

of the Year Award.

Syracuse’s CJ Fair ’10 were both standouts for their

The award is given

respective teams.

Additionally, according to CBSSports.com, six of the

Kate Buesser ’07 was selected to the U.S. Women’s

groundskeeper Mark

universities vying for the NCAA Championship. In

documentary film industry for more than 10 years.

Olympic Hopeful Kate Buesser

Brewster’s

top 100 players in college basketball for the 20132014 season are Brewster alumni.

Roberts is Richter Scholar Keke Roberts ’16, a sophomore at Lake Forest College, spent part of her summer as a Richter Scholar working on a psychology research project

by the New England Sports Turf Managers Association (NESTMA) and was presented to DeWolf at the New England Regional Turfgrass Conference and Show in Rhode Island last March.

“Mark has done an outstanding job maintaining the athletic fields at Brewster and his dedication to this

titled: “What do eye movements tell us about

craft is evident,” said Facilities Manager Dan Noyes.

the mind?.” Roberts learned how to measure

“We appreciate his hard work and all the time he

visual fixations and eye movements and designed

puts into keeping Brewster’s grass facilities top-

experiments to explore the factors that control what

notch for our students and their competitors.”

a person is looking at while the person looks at it.

major and where she was a Patty Kazmaier Award nominee. Final team selections will be announced in

Richter Scholars are apprentice scholars working

DeWolf has worked in Brewster’s Buildings and

December.

one-on-one with faculty members conducting

Grounds Department for 23 years.

LIVE LEARN LEAD 26

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2013

The Stine Family Scholarship

T

he Stine Family Scholarship Fund was established in the spring of 2013 by Kathy and Craig Stine (Jack ’13) in

honor of dedicated faculty members Peter Hess and Peter Mann and in recognition of their

son’s Brewster experience. This permanently endowed scholarship supports deserving

students wishing to continue their education at Brewster while also showing gratitude for the dedication and commitment to teaching excellence exemplified by both Peter Hess,

dean of studies, and Peter Mann, instructional support and foreign language teacher. With a combined total of more than 40 years at

Jack Stine ’13 and family

Brewster, both Mann and Hess have influenced

the dedication of the entire Brewster faculty as

generations of Brewster students in the

they strive for excellence in teaching and

classrooms, dorms, and through athletics.

applying innovative methods in the classroom.

As dedicated philanthropists, Kathy and Craig

With more than 30 percent of the student body

at their respective alma maters, Franklin and

to the Stine family for their generosity and

Brewster parents, they have faithfully supported

financial aid donors. To learn more about how

Committee and volunteer hosts of Brewster

contact the Alumni and Development Office at

Stine have each established scholarship funds

receiving financial aid, Brewster is grateful

Marshall College and Hobart College. As

appreciates the philanthropy of our many

the Academy as members of the Parents’

you can support financial aid at Brewster,

admissions events. The Stines are grateful for

603-569-7485.

Peter Mann and Peter Hess

Take a look at Brewster from a whole new perspective

Brewster On The

Road

Seoul

Front row l to r: JooHwan “Jason” Kim’00, JiEun Choi ’10, JaeBum Jeon ’98, YoungJo Lee ’98, HyunJi Jung ’09, YoungChun Lee ’00; second row l to r: YoungEun Choi ’08, BoKyung Choi ’07, MiSa Park ’08, HongJoon Heo ’05, SangWon Jung ’05, KyungMo Kim ’05, JungWoo Choi ’05, HanJae Yoon ’04, IlSoo Yoon ’03. Not pictured: OkJin Lim ’08 February – The Korean Alumni Chapter gathered for

“Each of us introduced ourselves and talked about

their inaugural celebration of shared BA connections

our memories and the meaning of Brewster to our

half a world away and then met again in August.

lives. We promised to continue the Brewster Korean

JaeBum Jeon ’98, JooHwan “Jason” Kim ’00 and

reunion [adding a candle each time] until the day

KyungMo Kim ’05 organized the event. They lit

the surface of the cake is covered by candles,” Mo

candles on a special cake to celebrate the gathering.

Kim shared.

Gorrill Shares Course Work With Watershed Group New Hampshire – Bruce Gorrill, Brewster’s science department chair, was a featured guest speaker at an instructor recognition banquet hosted by the Watershed Education Program last spring. Gorrill shared the work he and his students do in Brewster’s Freshwater Ecology class where students examine their own and the Academy’s impact on the Wolfeboro watershed. He explained to attendees that as a final project all students in the course look at the Wolfeboro watershed connections Bruce Gorrill

and the issues in another watershed in New Hampshire or elsewhere.

Gorrill, who has worked at Brewster since 1989, has further developed Brewster’s Freshwater Ecology course to help students make connections to and appreciate the environment they find with the Academy’s location on the shoreline of Lake Winnipesaukee. In 2010, he was the New Hampshire Environmental Educator of the Year, and he has twice been awarded Brewster’s Excellence in Teaching Award.

Bermuda April – A group of Bermuda alumni, parents, and friends gathered at The Reefs for a lovely reception hosted by Roz and David ’54 Carlson. The Brewster community counts many Bermudians among our alumni, current students, and parents. It was wonderful to see familiar and new faces!

Summer Receptions July – Four welcome receptions offered new and returning families a chance to get to know each other before arriving on campus in September. They were held in Wolfeboro, Wellesley and Duxbury, Massachusetts, and Bronxville, New York. Thank you to our hosts Beth and Bill Depietri P’16, Amy and Neal Reiner P’10, Meredith and Peter Murphy P’11, ’13, and Katie and James Robinson P’15, ’17.

Boston August – The Boston Area Alumni Chapter gathered

Brewster in Bermuda

Bringing Emotional Literacy to a City Near You

is planned for New York City (January). If you are interested in attending the New York presentation, please contact Susan Repplier at susan_repplier@ brewsteracademy.org or call 603-569-7191.

Philadelphia

at Fenway Park to watch the Red Sox take on the

September – At the University of Massachusetts

September – At the SSATB annual meeting

Baltimore Orioles. More than 25 alumni and friends

Club, Boston, Head of School Mike Cooper led

(education and admissions testing professionals)

enjoyed this annual event at the famed park where

a presentation about the value of emotional

Mike Cooper and Dr. Marc Brackett, director of the

old and new friendships were celebrated.

intelligence in the global workplace and why

Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, presented

emotional literacy is the way forward for education

“Emotions Matter: Forging the Link Between

in the 21st century. Other presenters this evening

Cognition and Affect.”

were leading cyber-security expert and Brewster board member Arthur W. Coviello Jr., executive chairman, RSA, The Security Division of EMC, and Brewster biology teacher Michelle RafalowskiHouseman P’12, ’15.

Alumni Chapter Holiday Gatherings Look for information online for holiday gatherings for the

Coviello and wife Cathy hosted a reception following

Wolfeboro August – Lakes Region Alumni Chapter members enjoyed breakfast in the Estabrook Dining Hall. More than 30 alumni and guests came together for a hearty breakfast, conversation, and catching up! Why wait for Reunion to return to campus? (See page 40 in Class Notes for photo).

the presentation.

Lakes Region, Boston Area, and New York City Area Alumni

Kurt and Katherine Simon P’17 hosted a similar

Chapters. Join the fun!

presentation at their home in San Francisco in

For more information contact

early November, and in early December we were hosted in Chicago by Karey and Bob Fix P’11, ’13 and Jen and Arthur Wirtz P’15. A final presentation

beth_hayes@brewsteracademy.org or 603-569-7133. www.brewsteracademy.org

29

d by his former

Former

unde vid Smith surro Headmaster Da

charges.

Members of the Class of 2008 – Emily Hess, Brooke Webster, Teraysa White, James Ellison, and Teagan Lewis – with Lynne Palmer, Dr. Cooper, Andrea Cooper, Kim Ross, and Barb Thomas.

Return to Campus: REUNION 2013

1963 50th Reunion Dinner The Class of 1963 gathered in the newly refurbished Estabrook Dining Hall for their 50th celebration dinner. With the magnificent new fireplace and Reunion Art Show as their backdrops, classmates gathered with their

Bob Funkhouser , Mary-Ann “Pos ey” Funkhouser ‘61, Jim Nelson ‘61, and Mary M orrison.

spouses and guests for a lovely reception and dinner – it was an evening filled with memories. Head of School Dr. Michael E. Cooper and his wife Andrea joined the class and Dr. Cooper presented each member of the class with a 50th Reunion pin and 50th Year Certificate. At the conclusion of the meal the class enjoyed a special video created from their yearbook, set to music of the 60s and filled with fun facts from 1963. Each class member took home a copy of the DVD.

1988 25th Reunion Dinner It was a perfect setting for a 25th reunion celebration, a sunny evening with breezes off of Wolfeboro Bay as the Class of 1988 and faculty gathered at the Pinckney Boathouse. There were smiles, hugs, laughter, and cheers as

Linda (Stevens) McCoole ’61 and John McDermott ’58

Reunion Arts Workshops Alumni were invited to a new feature of Reunion Weekend – studio and performance arts classes. These complimentary classes offered alums

A campus “golf course” awaited Reunion attendees.

a chance to “find their inner artist”

alumni returned – some for the first time since commencement.

while meeting some of our talented

Everyone enjoyed catching up with one another and just before dinner

Academy’s arts facilities.

arts faculty and exploring the

was served the “just-in-time trio” driving up from Maryland arrived: Bill Watt, Tim Furgueson and Leslie Zaslower!

The classes included:

Special thanks to Charlie Michaels, Marie Garland, and Julie Solomon

studio arts instructor, where alumni

for promoting their reunion and rallying folks to come back to

learned drawing pattern techniques.

Zen Tangle, taught by Tara Junkin,

campus. Alumni enjoyed seeing senior photos and yearbook highlights put to music in a1988 Yearbook DVD. They were reminded of school

A Button-Making Workshop taught by BG Hodges ‘66, multimedia design

milestones in 1988 – the dedication of Vaughan House and the Pinckney

instructor. Alumni learned how to make custom buttons using basic

Boathouse, and class members recognized their class gift – the brass clock

Photoshop Skills and a button press.

sitting on the mantel above the fireplace in the Boathouse.

Ballroom Dancing Instruction taught by John Ling, Brewster’s dance Twenty-five years is a milestone and it was nice to see so many life-long

instructor. The lessons including instruction on Swing, Rhumba, and Cha

friendships and relationships that have continued to grow over the years.

Cha moves.

30

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2013

Brewster Bids Farewell to the Simoneaus Members of th e Class of 2003 – Front row: Mol Amanda (Wigg ly Childs, Kori (G ins) Slater, Caris atta) Estrada, sa (Vilders) Du be, Ryan Blank, Penate, and Fran Margo Mendezklin Pargh; Back row: Andra (Mor Breed, Dan Slip ris) Riley, Kurtis p, Daniera Fulle r, Ben Lord, Kate Goldman, Alex Considine, Adam Stern, Duncan France, and Jam es Walker

It was a warm night for a lobster bake by the lake.

Bob and Maureen Simoneau with daughter Megeen Simoneau ’02.

S

aturday’s Reunion Lunch was a bittersweet celebration for many who had returned for reunion and for many who just came to the luncheon from nearby to say goodbye to Bob and

ppas, Watt, Alexis Pa Jorian Rose, Bill n, , Jenny so on ue er rg m Fu Ca hn Tim ck Row (l to r): eve Franklin, Jo St Ba , – or ett, 88 yn bl 19 Ra m k of Ha re s ) Clas (l to r): De rb (Mathews d; Middle Row lan) th-McManus, Ba ap wi (K ck lie Be Ju ie e, Nelson Lemmon Ell ro , (Crane) Mun Randy Berenson Wirth, Courtney (Ryan) Haugh, w (l to r): Lara ndi, Sage (Daly) rland; Front Ro rla Ga O ie ) ar lly M , cu (S an rm Ha arlie Michaels Megan rs Ch ye r, Sa , we se errill) Ro nald, Leslie Zaslo Do ac M l) Salomon, Liz (M al nd andez, Meg (Cra (Dowdall) Fern

Vaughan Fund Endowed We are pleased to announce that the Burtis F. Vaughan Memorial Scholarship has exceeded $25,000 and, therefore, has been endowed.

The fund will now begin generating financial aid assistance to deserving students in their pursuit of a Brewster education.

The Academy is grateful to the many classes who focused their combined efforts and support on strengthening and growing this Fund in memory of Principal Vaughan, who became Brewster Academy’s seventh principal in July 1959. Burt F. Vaughan Jr. made a difference for so many students.

His legacy continues through the scholarship fund, allowing him to make a difference for today’s students. We thank those classes and individuals, who have made gifts to the Vaughan fund over the years, and who helped perpetuate Mr. Vaughan’s positive impact on Brewster students. We look forward to the continued annual support and growth of the Burtis Vaughan Fund. As this fund grows, so will its ability to make a difference in the lives of Brewster students.

Maureen Simoneau and thank them for their years of friendship and service to the Academy. After 28 years, Bob and Maureen left their long-time home for a new adventure far from campus.

Mike Cooper welcomed everyone to the special recognition luncheon and reminded them that “Bob and Maureen were active participants in shaping the Academy as we see it today.” He then turned over the floor to former Headmaster David Smith.

David recalled that he had brought Bob here in 1985 to teach two sessions of Spanish but within two years, Bob had assumed the position of the school’s business manager, a position he held until 2009 when he returned to the classroom to teach languages again.

David began by stating surely that the Simoneaus made their mark on students because … “students committed to them because of the commitment they made to students; students respected them because they respected students.”

Bob always looks for opportunities to make a difference. “If someone or something was truly needed, he was there. … We wish them the very best … part of you will live on here in the lives of the young people that you have touched.”

continued on page 32

www.brewsteracademy.org

31

He then reminded the Simoneaus, as he did all students during his tenure as headmaster, that “today is the first day of the rest of your life.”

James Walker ’03 spoke next and thanked Bob and Maureen for “opening your hearts and your home.” He recalled that they were both a part of so many of his experiences and conversations while a lifer at Brewster, describing them as “always here but not front and center.”

bb ’73, and Rob Bayles issions associate, Jeff We

Sheila Smith, former adm

’73

Barb Mathews Hamblett ’88 was the final guest speaker and she described Bob as she remembered him when she was a student in the 1980s: “burley, bearded, and worldly.”

Plan Your Return to Campus Reunion 2014: May 30 – June 1

Speaking on behalf of students, she thanked him for teaching them that

More than 300 alumni and former and current Brewster faculty

instilling in her a thirst for adventure and learning. With a nod toward

and staff attended Reunion 2013. The June weekend was filled

Bob’s passion for languages and fluency in numerous languages, Barb

with old friends, hot sunny days, a cool Lake Winnipesaukee,

concluded her remarks by wishing him good luck and best wishes in

anniversary dinners, a farewell recognition luncheon for the

different languages.

learning doesn’t always happen in the classroom and thanked him for

Simoneaus, class gatherings, Athletic Hall of Fame inductions (see page 31), and a lobster bake

Bob spoke briefly, thanking all the individuals from the different parts

on the shore front, complete with

of his life who were in the room – friends from Rotary International,

a light breeze and setting sun.

the Wolfeboro community, and his Ural Mountain connections.

After 28 years at the school, though, his thoughts were focused on all the students who he and his family have befriended over the years.

“My life has been so greatly enriched by all the students here. We’ve received from you a lot more than we have given.”

Elliott Goodman ’63 and wife Denise learn ballroom dance techniques with Brewster dance instructor John Ling.

He proudly shared that the lives of his children were unique and so much richer because of the friendships they developed with students from near and far, saying “I’m so grateful for it.”

Maureen served for many years as the library assistant, a community

Yearbooks are al

ways a fun read at

life parent, and even coordinated the student laundry service. Four

Reunion.

of the Simoneau’s six children Andre ’90, Paulo ’93, Megeen ’02, and James ’07 – are Brewster graduates.

Mike Cooper presented Bob and Maureen with a captain’s chair with the Brewster seal and a mirror with an etching of the Academic Building. Then he presented a special recognition gift for their long-term dedication to the Academey – a proclamation from the Brewster Academy Board of Trustees stating that as of June 30, 2013, their long-time campus home on South Main Street would now be officially named Simoneau House.

: Court e Class of 1993 Members of th (Palmer) th be za Antle, Eli Brannen, Sarah ik Jones, Bunker Kern, Er Traverso, Sarah y. le ad Br and Mike

Bob and Maureen relocated to Togo, West Africa, where Bob is the bursar at the British

Faculty and alum

ni enjoy lobster

32

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2013

and steak lakesid

e.

School of Lome.

Four Individuals, One Team Become Brewster

Hall of Famers

By Marcia Eldredge

O

n June 1 it was standing room only at the Brewster Academy

Although retired, Roland is still involved with sports at Gloucester Public

Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony where four

Schools. Most recently he was a member of the project team that raised

individuals and one team became part of Academy history.

$3.6 million dollars for a new football stadium with a turf field that

Head of School Dr. Michael E. Cooper welcomed inductees, family

opened in September.

members, current and former faculty, and other guests to the late afternoon ceremony in the Turner Hall of Fame.

Roland thanked his Brewster coaches for setting the stage for him to want to instill, inspire, teach, and coach student athletes with all the passion

“I’m happy so many of you could join us today to recognize individuals who have made a difference in the world of athletics both at Brewster and in their personal and professional endeavors,” Cooper said. “We have quite an array of former professional athletes, college athletes, NEPSAC athletes, and those who have made a difference in the lives of youth in

and compassion that was bestowed upon him during his one year as a postgraduate at Brewster.

“There was so much in that one brief year … thank you very much Brewster for all you have done for the Roland family and me.”

their communities.”

Maura Kehoe Athletic Director Matt Lawlor then introduced the inductees who offered

Maura Kehoe, a 2001 graduate, was captain of the girls’ soccer and

remarks before accepting their glass plaques. Milt Morin ’62, who passed

ice hockey teams her senior year, both of which won New England

away in July 2010, was inducted posthumously .

Championships that year. She became the first Brewster girls’ ice hockey

The following individuals and team were inducted: Robert Roland

player to earn a Division I scholarship. At Colgate University, Kehoe was an ECAC All Academic Team honoree for four years; she also was named a 2005 NCAA Women’s Ice Hockey Coaches Association National Scholar Athlete. While at Colgate, Maura also played rugby for four years.

Robert Roland, a 1966 Brewster graduate, was a three-sport athlete at Brewster Academy and a two-sport athlete at Heidelberg College in Ohio where he earned a degree in physical education. He was captain of

Hall of Fame Nominations

Brewster’s basketball team and an All-New England selection in football

The Athletic Hall of Fame was formed to recognize and

in 1965. After graduating from college, he returned to his hometown of Gloucester, Massachusetts, and became a teacher and a football and track coach. In 1993, he became the school’s athletic director, a position he held until his retirement in 2006.

While at Gloucester, Bob earned numerous accolades including Assistant Football Coach of the Year for the Northeastern Conference in 1988; Head Football Coach of the Year for the Northeastern Conference in 1993; a Northeastern Conference Certification of Merit – for Devotion, Inspiration, and Guidance – in 2006. A year later the Massachusetts Secondary Schools Athletic Directors Association presented him with the President’s Award

honor those men and women who distinguish themselves as outstanding contributors to athletics while at Brewster Academy and who have continued to exemplify the core values of the Brewster principle of integrity, contribution, and service in their personal and professional lives. To nominate an alumna/us, a former coach, or a team, please see the full criteria and nomination deadline at www.brewsteracademy.org/halloffame

for Inspiration and Dedication.

www.brewsteracademy.org

33

William “Bill” Pottle After Colgate, she continued her studies at the University of Ottawa

Former Brewster Athletic Director Bill Pottle (Chris ’88, Jackie ’97) talked

where she earned a law degree in 2008, and in 2010 she earned an MBA

about how former headmaster David Smith took a chance on him when

from the University of New Orleans. Now residing in Toronto, Kehoe is a volunteer coach for the “Ottawa Ice” Girls’ Hockey Program and led her midget team to a provincial bronze medal.

In her remarks she shared that prior to coming to Brewster for her senior year, she had not been invested in school or her future. “I learned that the more I invested in Brewster, the more I got out of the experience,” she said. “The soccer season was in full swing, and despite often receiving yellow cards for hip checking (it took me a while to adjust to the noncontact portion of the game) – my teammates elected me captain. I was so touched that they had invested in me, I vowed to myself to lead by example and to try never to let my teammates down. When we won the [New England] championship – I knew I didn’t have much to do with it on the field, but I felt that I had contributed with everything I had to offer.

I had invested – and it felt awesome. I was liberated from my teenage indifference. I was finally free from apathy.”

She explained that Brewster had helped her balance academics with sports and for the first time she was able to let go of the stress of academics and play hockey “the way I think I had always meant to.”

“Being here today has been really hard for me. When people say congratulations – I am so humbled and grateful for the experience that Brewster gave me … that I have a hard time standing here being recognized. To me all I did was follow the Brewster system – a system designed to have kids actively invest in their futures – and it took me places I never dreamed. … I owe so much of my personal success to the Brewster community.”

Maura Kehoe ’01 with her Brewster hockey coaches Bob Trepanier (on left) and Jonathan Fouser.

34

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2013

he asked if he would be the interim athletic director for a year until they found “a real AD.” In 1976, after graduating from the University of New Hampshire, where Pottle earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees, he came to Brewster to teach chemistry and coach. While at Brewster he coached soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. It was just two years after he arrived when Smith asked him to fill in for a year as athletic director.

Bill Pottle turned out to be that “real AD.” In 1979 he was named athletic director, a position he held for 20 years. “It quickly evolved from a job to a way of life and I never looked back,” he said.

Pottle grew the interscholastic and recreation sports offerings extensively.

He added wrestling, boys and girls’ ice hockey, field hockey, softball, crew, sailing, outdoor skills, equestrian, junior varsity boys and girls’ tennis, girls’ junior varsity basketball, and the strength and conditioning program. With the exception of wresting (no longer offered) and softball (which didn’t field a team last season) these programs are thriving and count numerous New England and Lakes Region league titles.

He also oversaw the building of Brown Field and Baseball Field.

He served as NEPSAC president and Lakes Region League president, and has been named US Lacrosse Coach of the Year multiple times. In 2008 he received NEPSAC’s Distinguished Service Award.

Pottle is perhaps most proud of starting the local Abenaki Youth Lacrosse program, which has sent numerous athletes to find success at the secondary school and college levels.

For 20 years, Bill Pottle was Brewster’s “real AD.”

Between Brewster and retirement, he served as the athletic director and a

Along with Lovering, Mike Murgo ’62 (Narragansett, Rhode Island), Victor

coach at Kimball Union Academy in New Hampshire.

Whitkens ’62 (Wolfeboro), Thomas Thornton ’62 (Hampton, New Hampshire),

One thread that has always run through his career as an athletic director is the camaraderie and friendships, he said. “My life for the past 35 years has been greatly influenced by private schools,” he shared. “My 24 years at Brewster Academy was possibly the most important of my life and the best time of my life.”

Fred Lee ’63 (Manchester, Connecticut), and Allen Parker ’64 (Nashua, New Hampshire) were at the ceremony to accept their induction awards.

Milt Morin Lawlor spoke on behalf of the late Milt Morin, a 1962 graduate. “In the 1960s, Milt Morin was one of the better athletes in all of New England.

“It is with great appreciation that I accept this recognition,

According to his teammates he was one of the most physically imposing

accomplishment, and good feeling.”

players they had ever seen. Milt didn’t say much, recalls one of his teammates. He did his talking to us with his pads but when he spoke

1961 Football Team

everyone listened.”

For the first time at Brewster, a team was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. Howard “Butch” Lovering ’62 (The Villages, Fla.) spoke on behalf

After Brewster Morin attended the University of Massachusetts on a

of the team. The team sent numerous players on to college programs and

football scholarship where he earned seven varsity letters and was a

three onto the NFL.

member of the lacrosse and wrestling teams.

“I’d never seen so many great athletes gathered together in one group.

Toughness and ability was the thing,” he said of the 1961 team. Lovering then shared the story of the Bobcat team showing up at the University of Massachusetts to play their undefeated junior varsity team. “Here we are the little Brewster guys coming in on our yellow bus and these guys from UMass are making fun of us,” Lovering reminisced. “We go out and they get seven points. Now we are a little nervous because we haven’t been scored on quick like this. We end up beating them 28-7!”

“After being one of the most decorated players for the Minutemen, Morin was a first round draft pick for the Cleveland Browns where he had a 10year career and appeared in two pro bowls in 1968 and 1971,” Lawlor said.

Along with being a member of Brewster’s Athletic Hall of Fame, he is a member of the UMass Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame.

Lawlor shared that “Milt’s wife Ellen could not be with us today, but she

“It was a great team, the linemen were great, the backs, we had bucket men

tells me that Milt spoke about Brewster often. Milt always stressed how

who could hit you in the nose with the ball. It was fantastic … but the big

his time at BA helped him prepare and study and was very thankful for

thing was … We liked each other. We had chemistry, and we loved Brewster.”

this skill as it propelled him through college.”

1962 Team: (l to r) Tom Thornton ’62, Fred Lee ’63, Victor Whitkens ’62, Mike Murgo ’62, Butch Lovering ’62, Mike Cooper, and Allen Parker ’64.

In his remarks, inductee Bob Roland ’66 thanked his Brewster coaches for all their passion and compassion.

www.brewsteracademy.org

35

HOOPLA

by Matt Hoopes

Be a Part of It – Rallying Reunioners!

I

n my last Hoopla introduction I mentioned how my earlier reluctance to attend Reunions had turned into a passion to which I looked forward to more and more as each spring arrived. While I

described the enjoyment of watching long separated friends regain the mannerism and vocabulary of teenagers of 20 or 30 years ago, I left out an important part of this springtime rebirth.

Returning to Brewster’s campus, walking new paths of old memories, each in his or her own way, is being part of a place that meant so much during an important time of one’s life. Hopefully, when Reunion Weekend rolls around this May 30 to June 1, 2014, friends will have become involved in making plans with others to share a special time and introducing husbands, wives, partners, sons, and daughters.

Having been connected to Brewster and its alumni for 39 years, I have a somewhat different reason for my Reunion enjoyment from those classmates catching up with each other’s lives. As a single man, a teacher in a boarding school, in a Goodbye, Mr. Chips kind of way, I consider my former students as sons and daughters, and I love seeing them all these years later. And of course I’m proud to see that they all turned out so well, living exciting lives and having beautiful families.

So in a sense this year’s Annual Fund focuses on giving everyone an opportunity to Be A Part Of It. For me, this applies to my Brewster days of English classes and yearbooks, as well as my many years of being Brewster’s alumni “fun-raiser.” I loved working with students who were doing their part on the J-Board and Student Council and dashing to meet deadlines for the Browser. Being a part of it now includes the sending and receiving of the annual pink post cards and interviewing alumni for Hoopla columns.

The following three Class Agents are joining me to ask that all alumni Be A Part Of It as they describe what Reunions have meant to them and encourage their classmates to attend this spring’s Reunion and also support the Academy’s Annual Fund.

Again, thanks so much for keeping in touch! Best wishes to all, Hoopes Hoopes taking a break from his exhaustive efforts rallying alumni to return for Reunion 2014!

Matt Hoopes was a faculty member from 1975 to 1996. During this time he and his journalism students founded The Brewster Browser and the Outcroppings literary magazine. Since his “retirement” from the classroom in 1996, Hoopes has worked as the 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.

36

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2013

A Class Story of Staying Connected – 50 Years Later!

I was honored to be asked by Matt Hoopes to contribute to his popular Hoopla column, especially since I graduated long before Matt and Hoopla came to Brewster. I am delighted to use this opportunity to talk about the class of ‘64’s upcoming 50th Reunion. Perhaps other classes can appreciate and use some ideas for their future Reunions.

I missed my first few Reunions, but then I started returning from Nairobi, Kenya, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Fortunately, now retired in Sarasota, Florida, and having a home in Wolfeboro, travel is a lot easier! I attended most Reunions once I joined the Board of Trustees in 2006. Why? Not only do I get to see former classmates, I enjoy meeting other alumni and hearing about their lives and how much they appreciate seeing friends again, enjoy a visit to lovely Wolfeboro and the lake, and most of all, how much they love visiting campus.

Brewster puts together a magnificent Reunion weekend; a private dinner for the

Candace Crawshaw, far right, and classmates (l to r): Joy Fournier, Bruce Crowther, Dale (Whittemore) Grout, Pam Wiggin, Gay (Hale) Edmunds, Linda (Auderer) Trainor, Jackie (Hunter) Rollins, and Woody Elliott at an October planning meeting for the Class of 1964’s 50th Reunion in June.

50th and 25th classes on Friday night, a Saturday lobster bake and lake cruise,

Due to the great outreach efforts of our committee we now have 95 percent

and a hearty Sunday brunch. There are many activities to choose from. Best of

accurate contact information on our classmates! Another bonus is that

all is meeting old friends; for many it is the first time in years that they have

our classmate, Chester Dow (a genealogy enthusiast) has discovered that

returned to campus and it is wonderful to witness.

approximately 30 members of our class are related through shared ancestors. He refers to us as “class of ’64 cousins.”

Over a year ago I went to my dear friend Dale and suggested we begin early work on our 50th. She agreed but having a full work schedule she suggested I

Although I graduated in 1964, I felt like I never really left. I returned to Wolfeboro

make the calls. I brought the class list home and admit I was kind of nervous –

during college, while living in NYC, and while working and living overseas.

wondering who would remember me, as I did not grow up in Wolfeboro. I called

During my visits I primarily met up with close friends. What I have so enjoyed in

several people and was totally thrilled to hear instant enthusiasm from my

preparing for this significant Reunion is reconnecting with members of our class

classmates. Everyone was delighted to receive a call!

who I did not know as well. With the passing years – shared stories of loved ones, losses, children, grandchildren etc. – we seem to have more in common now. Yet,

With the building enthusiasm, we planned a meeting at my home. Ultimately

we can look at each other and still see the 18 year olds we were.

we had eight classmates in my living room and began to discuss our Reunion and how to find missing classmates. From the start we had many laughs, shared

You hear from Brewster of various ways to give back – there are indeed many

stories, and sadly remembered our classmates who had passed. We created a ‘64

ways. One way, and for the purpose of this article, is to come back! This is a

Reunion Committee: myself, Linda (Auderer) Trainor, Dale (Whittemore) Grout,

shout out to the class of ‘64 – the last to graduate as Brewster Free Academy.

Pam Wiggin, Connie (Corson) Fuller, Jackie (Hunter) Rollins, Bruce Crowther,

Please come back and let’s make OUR 50th Reunion the best attended ever!

and Joy Fournier. Most recently, Woody Elliot and Gay (Hale) Edmunds, and Cindy (McDermott) Kaplan, who happened to be in town, joined us and

It’s all about reaching out to our classmates and dear friends – staying connected

volunteered to assist in reaching out to our class. I must admit I had to control

to each other and to Brewster. Let’s all Be A Part Of It!

my Citibank boss mentality to maintain focus when everyone would digress, tell stories of the past, and break into laughter! What fun – with some wine, food,

Looking forward to seeing you at Reunion 2014!

and the laughter, we actually accomplished a lot.

Candace Crawshaw

www.brewsteracademy.org

37

HOOPLA Dobro Goodale ’89 I love having old friends tell me stories I’ve totally forgotten!

Dobro Goodale signed on as one of the 1989 Reunion Class Agents spearheading the 25th Reunion because “it’s a fun way to give back” to a place that meant and did so much for him. He’s also supported Brewster’s Annual Fund and will be encouraging others to join him. “Our class’s participation is very important!”

Dobro recently dropped his daughter off at her boarding school for her junior year and found himself reflecting on Brewster’s lifetime impact on him. “As I helped her unpack, I put on some Steve Winwood and chuckled to myself as I fell into a flashback of myself and Will Weatherly ’89 unpacking in Sargent Hall.”

As a “lifer,” Dobro’s flashback would have included his Sargent Hall adventures, three varsity team sports, labs and classes, and weekend strolls to the town docks. In his senior year, Dobro ran for class president with his slogan The Electric Politicians. “If you want energy for your student government – Vote Electric!”

What a shame the students didn’t want energy as who knows what might have really happened in 1989! Dobro also was involved with the Judicial Board and Student Council. In a not so quiet way, he gave and received support from classmates and friends. He made an impact on his class as a student at Brewster, and his efforts with his class continue today.

As a member of his 25th Reunion Committee working with the Alumni Office,

Dobro Goodale ’89 and daughter Luna.

Dobro is determined to help make this coming Reunion a memorable event for ALL classmates. He has written a save-the-date rally letter and set up a class Facebook page so they can keep in touch, send group messages, and share old

California. Now he is working hard to rally his classmates to join him on campus

and new photos. “I plan to send each classmate a personal message to encourage

for Reunion 2014.

them to get in touch with each other and to attend reunion.” He also has begun planning some special events for their 25th and he is helping Matt Hoopes with

Why is Dobro doing all this? Because he wants to be a part of planning his

the ‘89 Reunion booklet by encouraging classmates to write mini-bios, which will

reunion. He knows the amount of time and work that goes into organizing the

then be shared at Reunion.

weekend – not only on the part of Brewster, but on the part of class members as well. The more that classmates reach out and encourage each other to return

Not all alumni are able to attend Reunion each year. For some, it has been years

to campus, the better the turnout will be! Dobro understands the challenges of

since they’ve returned to campus. This was not the case for Dobro, however,

getting everyone to attend, but he also knows that those who do attend have an

who has attended all of his reunions – quite a feat for one living and working in

amazing weekend filled with old friends and memories, and many new ones, too!

38

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2013

Jasmine Hamlor ’04 I couldn’t think of a better way to say thank you!

Jasmine Hamlor, a “lifer” from the Class of 2004, was elected the female class marshal, and along with Matt Keys, proudly led her class’s “rite of passage” at their commencement. As Jasmine now explains, “I can’t express what an amazing gift it was to be chosen as a marshal by my peers.” And she quickly adds, “I couldn’t think of a better way to say thank you than by helping reunite the best class ever by volunteering to be the Reunion Class Agent.”

Jasmine (center) at Reunion 2013 with (l to r) Nikieva Crawford ’05, Whitney White ’07, Daneira Fuller ’03, and Danah Gordon ’04.

The Class of 2004 already holds the record for most classmates returning for a

It’s all about giving back to the incredible faculty and staff members who made

5th Reunion, and Jasmine is determined to break that record for their upcoming

Brewster our home. It was an experience that others only dream about!”

10th. She is working with fellow lifer Anna Fuld, and they want more volunteers to join them in “being a part of it” by showing up on campus with classmates in

One of Jasmine’s rallying ideas is to bring back some of the favorite experiences

tow and by supporting the school’s Annual Fund.

from their BA days, and she is planning a “Members Only” party. Considering that the Hunter & Sims Club had the highest student and faculty membership

Jasmine has started the ball rolling by reaching out to her class in an enthusiastic

enrollment in the history of Brewster clubs, no class member will be left out in

and rallying letter asking classmates for their ideas. Anna is setting up a

the cold. Topping that feat, both Josh Sims and Hunter Smith, neither of whom

Facebook page so that classmates can stay in touch as plans are made. Hopefully

has lost any of their uninhibited enthusiasm during the past 10 years, will host

classmates will also help by finding “lost” classmates’ contact information.

this grand event!

As Jasmine stated in her class letter, “I’ve benefited greatly by just being a Brewster alum and that’s why it so important for me to be a part of this Reunion. I know many others feel this way, and I hope they will join our efforts.

Come Be A Part Of It!

www.brewsteracademy.org

39

Class Notes

Members of the Lakes Region Alumni Chapter and Annual Fund Director Beth Hayes ’81 enjoyed a June breakfast in the Estabrook Dining Hall. J. Harvey Stephenson ’38, Dotti Kay ’61, Marjorie Dow (wife of the late Albert “Sandy” Dow ’41), Heidi Peterson, Hazel Chamberlain ’49, Bob Kennington ’61, Linda McCoole ’61, Bruce Crowther ’64, Rae ’48 and Pat Hodgdon ’47, Tom Morrison ’46, Ann Champagne ’53 and her husband Bob.

George Hodgson ’59 and Sam Niblett ’59.

1948

and Aria, 2. Anya is already taking golf lessons with

1959

Marcia Ruotolo writes: “I am married and have

her dad at Farmington Golf Club. Jay has been PGA

George Hodgson writes: “What a small world!

lived in Maine for 46 years. We have a home in Vero

head professional there for five years. Me – still

Sam Niblett and I sat next to each other in Mrs.

running my golf shop in Wolfeboro and helping Jay

Tilton’s English class 50 years ago.” George learned

Beach, Florida, also and spend nine months there. My husband is a real estate developer, and we still own a shopping center and apartments there. We have three daughters and one son, four grandchildren, and now have five great-grandchildren.”

with group lessons on Thursday nights. Still live on South Main Street with my wife Ann and have lots to do daily. Hope all of you are in the best health

at Reunion 2013 that Sam was a potato farmer near his summer farm in northern Maine and since then the two have re-connected at George’s farm over a blueberry pancake breakfast.

possible. I played nine holes of golf in the rain recently!”

1951 Mary Dye/Dunham writes that her book Assumptions Can Mislead: Failures In Health Care and Elsewhere by M.C. Dye will be published this fall.

Through true stories the book discusses how we can avoid incorrect assumptions that can lead to mistakes, misunderstandings, and tragic outcomes.

1960 William Gordon writes: “I came to BA with no goals,

1958 Beverly Goodrich writes: “How many of you remember Chapel when Mr. Vaughan played the piano with such enthusiasm, and when the hymn, ‘Are Ye Able’ was selected to be sung, we sang with

and I left with a foundation upon which to succeed in life – a faith in myself to step way outside myself.

A half a century later, I still am not clear on my life goals. My year at BA is one of the highlights of my life, following the path less traveled, including cutting-edge technologies, interesting/challenging

1957

such gusto!? How we loved that song! For several

avocations, and sobriety. While taking one of life’s

David Pollini writes: “Our son Jay (James David)

years, Burt’s wife Virginia gave me piano lessons at

side trips in 1990, I encountered [the name of] my

Pollini and wife, Natasha, have two children, Anya, 2,

their home on campus. Fond memories!”

BA roommate, Bob Gillespie [inscribed] on ‘The Wall’

40

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2013

in Washington, D.C. He had earned his place on that

On her recent trip to England, Candace Crawshaw

wall in 1967, and I was there recounting the 30 years

got in touch with classmate Karen Goodall-

since BA. My reflection was broken by voices behind

Lawrence who has been living “across the pond” for

me – they were also there for Bob – it was a girl he

30 years. Until recently, Karen was considered “lost”

had dated from his hometown. It was a chilly, early

as the Alumni Office did not have a valid address.

spring mid-week day and there were only a handful

She has not only been “found”, she is planning to

of people and more than 58,000 names on that wall.

attend the 1964 50th Reunion this coming spring!

Happiness is within me knowing I cannot change

the past but still learn from the past and continue

1967

growing. I do not qualify to sit in the nursing home

Richard Cullen teaches and coaches at Malden High

musing about how I shuffled through a cookie-

School in Massachusetts and was elected into the

cutter life doing what others expected and driving a

Massachusetts High School Coaches Hall of Fame

dependable sedan.”

in 2013.

Rebecca Kilts and husband Ronald have a little over

1979

two acres of land in the Florida panhandle about 20 miles west of Tallahassee. “We are about six miles from my cousin Judy Bailey Sutton ‘58, who attended Brewster right before I did. We have a large produce garden and lovely big live oak trees and many beautiful flowers.”

John Schmidt will retire from ABC TV this fall after almost 36 years. “It has been a pleasure to work with a team of enjoyable, talented colleagues. ABC has been very good to me over the years. I have plenty of things planned to keep me occupied, including a trip

Keith Magovern is working for VN Engineers on bridges for Metro-North Railroad in Connecticut.

He recently rescued Shadow, a 10-year-old black Labrador Retriever from the Fairfield Animal Control.

Keith asks, “Where in the world is Matt Keeney?”

Michael Shanley is sad to report that his 58 yearold brother died but is happy to share that he has been married for two years. “Four happy animals: Freedom, Mr. Man, Susi, and Rex. Freedom, my dog, has thousands of people from all over the world that come to see her each day.”

Recollections Experienced Alumni Recall Their Brewster Days

In April staff members Beth Hayes ’81

and Marcia Eldredge spent time with the

Eldridge sisters who are believed to be the

oldest alumni of the Academy. Here’s what these Bobcats shared:

Leda Eldridge Knapp ’25 turned 105 on

August 4. Although she attended Brewster, she did not graduate, choosing instead to

attend secondary school in Madison, New Hampshire, as there was a teacher who

traveled from Ossipee to teach in Madison

and she could ride with him; thus, saving on train fare.

After attending Brewster and the Madison

to the Trinidad and Tobago Steel Band Music Festival in the immediate future.”

school, she became a teacher at a one-room

1963

Sylvia Eldridge Burnham ’27 turned 103

schoolhouse in nearby Sanbornville.

on June 24. After graduating from Brewster,

Douglas Gourley is back in the United States after

Sylvia, whose favorite subject was typing,

12 years. He was a major in the Army and plans to work for a few more years. He is proud of his two

became an office worker.

grandkids who speak both German and English.

Both girls took the train into Wolfeboro from

1964

only attended classes for half a day, as the

Ossipee every day (until Leda left). They commute time on both ends was timely.

50th Reunion! May 30-June 1, 2014. The Alumni

Sylvia did not recall that there were any

Office is working with the ‘64 Reunion committee/

sports or clubs for Brewster girls during their

class agents: Candace Crawshaw, Bruce Crowther, Linda (Auderer) Trainor, Dale (Whittemore) Grout,

Ted Orr ’80 and Chap Phornprapha ’81

Pam Wiggin, Woody Elliott, Joy Fournier, Connie (Corson) Fuller, and Jackie (Hunter) Rollins. They

1981

are working hard to get the chatter going and build

Chap Phornprapha visited Ted Orr ’80 at Ted’s

the excitement for your 50th Reunion! Visit the ‘64

Connecticut home this past spring. Chap was visiting

Facebook page – Brewster Academy Class of 1964

from his home in Bangkok, Thailand.

high school days.

Leda resides at the Mountain View Nursing

Home in Ossipee while Sylvia lives with her

daughter in Windham, Maine. The sisters try to visit each other every month.

Leda noted that a former student of hers was also a resident of Mountain View. Although

memories can be difficult to recall these days

– to learn more and get involved with your 50th Reunion, please contact Beth Hayes ‘81 at

Richard Rae writes that he is turning 50 in May and

603-569-7133 or beth_hayes@brewsteracademy.org

is a UPS driver and a God-fearing man!

for Leda, she did remember that he had once climbed out the schoolhouse window to get away from her!

www.brewsteracademy.org

41

Class Notes 1986

forward to it! When not at sea, lately I’m in and

centering on exceptional students who are dedicated

Julie (Konheim) Abt has been living in Chicago for

around New Hampshire. Home is where the heart is!”

to improving under-resourced communities worldwide. In January 2013, he became director of

the past 10 years. She is happily married with two high school-aged children and a child in middle

William Weatherly is teaching in China. “Love it

the Consortium on High Achievement and Success,

school. She loves reading about Brewster and what

over here. Miss the U.S. and friends. Will try to make

a consortium of selective liberal arts colleges

everyone is up to.

reunion.”

that works to enhance the success of historically underrepresented students.

1987

1990

Stacey (Runstad) Campbell writes: “Published my

Rob Carmichael and John Meehan are president,

Joshua’s scholarly interests and teaching have

first book, Hush – A Lakeview Novel, and Whisper –

CEO, and founder; and vice president of business

centered on U.S. history, ethnography, intersectional

A Lakeview Novel (book two), has been picked up

development; resectively, for Waveguide. The

analysis, popular culture, multiraciality, African

for a January 2014 release. Currently working on

company provides fiber optic solutions including

Americans, whiteness, and social justice.

book three, Scream. Hush is a young adult suspense

the engineering, management, construction, and

story about an unknown princess, discovered by

maintenance of fiber optic networks for Fortune 500

an undercover student journalist, and then hunted

network providers, wireless carriers, municipalities,

down by terrorists on the campus of her prestigious

and campuses. Waveguide was recently named the

international boarding school. School and some events roughly based on Brewster and the school

top New Hampshire firm on Inc 5000’s fastestgrowing list.

Massachusetts. He works in Cambridge,

25th Reunion! May 30-June 1, 2014. The Alumni Office and Matt Hoopes are working with the ‘89 Reunion committee/class agents, which so far include Dobro Goodale, Michele (Giannone) Talwani, and Kit van Wagner. We would love more folks to join the committee to help us get as many 89ers back to your 25th as possible! Make calls, send e-mails, and use the ‘89 Facebook page – Brewster Academy Class of ‘89 25th Reunion – to get the chatter and excitement going! To learn more and get involved with your 25th Reunion, please contact Beth Hayes ‘81 at 603-569-7133 or beth_hayes@

Production Inc. team received two Emmy Awards in September for “Outstanding Cinematography for Non-Fiction and Outstanding Informational Series or

1991 Scott Curtis writes that all is well in Shrewsbury,

1989

Morgan “Mo” Fallon and his Zero Point Zero

Special. (See Newsmakers page 26)

our children attend. For more information, visit: www.staceyrcampbell.com.”

1994

Massachusetts, for Genzyme Corporation. “We were just in the Bahamas at Atlantis. Fun times! Hope classmates are doing well.”

Jennifer Reed writes: “Last summer we rented an RV and spent three weeks touring Wyoming, Utah,

Premchanun “Pum” Pavarolarvidya writes: “Christina and I have been in Maryland for about two years now. We love it out here. There is much to do and see. This July, we welcomed Ann Pranuntita Pavarolarvidya. Ann is currently enjoying hanging out with mom and dad and tutoring them both on the subject of baby care. I can be reached at pavarolar@gmail.com”

Nevada, Idaho, and Montana. Enjoyed dinner in Missoula en route, with Mike Heinbach ‘92. Most recently we toured the Keys, Okefenokee Swamp, and the Golden Isles ... maybe Caribbean next?

Grooming my kids for adventure!”

brewsteracademy.org

1993 Corey Levy is planning on attending his 25th Reunion.

Joshua Woodfork, Ph.D., was recently named

“Still working from Boulder, Colorado, and traveling

executive director of the Office of the President

frequently to Asia. Life is Good!”

and coordinator of strategic initiatives at Skidmore College. Joshua was assistant professor in Skidmore’s

John Mautz, a resident of St. Michaels, Maryland,

American Studies Department from 2005 to

plans to run for delegate on the republican ticket for

2010. In 2010, he joined American University as

the Maryland House of Delegates in 2014.

assistant professor of American Studies and served as faculty liaison to the university’s Frederick

Kristin “Kit” Van Wagner writes: “Already have the

Douglass Distinguished Scholars Program, an

weekend of our 25th Reunion blocked out. Looking

educational access and opportunity program

42

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2013

Pum Pavarolarvidya ’94 and wife Christina welcomed daughter Ann in July.

Former Faculty: Barbara Douglass P’87 Jessica Kirshenbaum and dog Gracie are “enjoying

1998

was ESL director from 1985-1995

life down in sunny Naples, Florida, where I’ve been

Bryan Boyer has started Makeshift Society, a

“I’m writing from the Carroll County

for the last 10 years. Looking forward to our 20th

workspace and community center for creative

Adult Education office on the top floor of

Reunion next summer. Hopefully I’ll get to see many

professionals. “I enjoyed taking art classes, which

of you again!”

became the first step in a career that led to my receiving a degree from RISD and then a master’s

Jonathan Leebow and wife Erin welcomed baby Maya Rose Leebow In May. “Maya Rose has two brothers and one sister. Hope this message finds everyone in perfect health, well, and thriving!”

Andreas Ninios writes: “Wow! Still in Alexandria,

the Gibson Center in North Conway, New Hampshire (in the former maids’ quarters, and what a view they had of the snow covered Mount Washington!) I teach English

in architecture at Harvard. Now I’m focusing on

to adult non-native speakers. There are a

how to support other creative professionals as they

couple of internet brides from Thailand

start and sustain new businesses. … Our goal is to

and Russia, others work in local hotels and

support creative entrepreneurs by bringing together

Chinese restaurants. While I retired from

the space, tools, community, and know-how that

Fryeburg Academy in 2007, I had been subbing there as well, but now I have hard

Virginia, (seven years) and almost nine years in the

people need to pay their bills by pursuing their

DC area. I love it here: National Mall, museums,

passions. It can be incredibly hard to find support

festivals, sports, volunteering opportunities. I am

and camaraderie when starting a new venture, even

a language and culture instructor for the State

in a city as crowded as NYC. There are a lot of spaces

I’m lucky to live in scenic New Hampshire

Department. I teach Greek to diplomats.”

that support high-growth tech startups but few,

and am active skiing, biking, and hiking.

if any, that are attuned to the needs of architects,

I’m also glad to have a chance to travel.

1997

photographers, illustrators, fashion designers, etc.”

Kevin Lane Jr. and wife Nikki visited campus in July from their home in Somerville, Massachusetts. Kevin is completing his thesis in Environmental Health at Boston University. Brewster science teacher Michelle Rafalowski-Houseman offered a tour of the Academy’s science facilities.

1999

working students, no homework, and no grades. It’s great!

My retirement present was a bicycle trip to Provence and since then, husband David and I have done bike trips in Quebec, Virginia, and the Katy Trail across Missouri.

Sayre “Ramsey” Cotherman will definitely be at the Reunion. “I am planning on staying on campus.

I do have wonderful memories of my 10

Matt Henderson ‘99 wants to help with catering

years at Brewster and love hearing from my

for a dinner or lunch for our class. I’m trying to see

former students.”

if anyone else wants to help!” Contact Ramsey at ramseyc22@gmail.com

Jeff Mao taught math and instructional support from 1992-1994

Travis Ferland writes: “Just left New York after five

“I’ve been working for the State of Maine

great years in the city, and taking some time off in

since 2004 in the Department of Education

Maine while I figure out my next move.”

as the learning technology policy director.

Rachel (Carter) Ludwick married Jason Ludwick in February. “I have been busy teaching fourth grade

That means I oversee the state’s instructional technology programs and provide policy direction for the department. This includes the Maine Learning Technology Initiative,

in Concord, New Hampshire, and Jason and I enjoy

the nation’s largest and only statewide

opportunities to serve in missions overseas and

1:1 program. I’ve been fortunate with

locally.”

opportunities to testify before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee and to

2000 Morgan Huntley and wife Jennifer Fulham Huntley welcomed Helen LeRoy Huntley, “Ellie,” in July 2012.

He writes that his business is going very well,

keynote conferences around the country and in Europe, Australia, the Far East, and South America. In April 2012 I went to San Francisco to receive the year’s Common Sense Media Educator of the Year Award.

and encourages all alumni to visit Kevin Lane Jr. ’97 and wife Nikki on campus in July.

www.vanquishboats.com and buy a boat.

continued on page 45

www.brewsteracademy.org

43

Class Notes

Kori Gatta ’03 and John Estrada were married in September. The wedding party included Bri Gatta ’05 and Katherine Knarr-Giordano ’03, to Kori’s left, respectively.

Hampshire.

Nic DeZenzo ‘04 and Analiese Agliato were married in August at Oheka Castle in Huntington, New York.

Here classmates Mark Voss, Hunter Smith, Josh Sims (in front row) and Kate Walker, Matt Keyes, Anna Fuld, Aimee Provencher, and Elliott Gordon (standing) surround the couple.

James Lopez, wife Elizabeth, and daughter Isabella

Alyssa (Spagnolo) Vega writes: “I’ve had a very busy

welcomed a recent visit from his mom, Julianne

year. I married Carlos Vega in October 2012 and

Lopez, Brewster faculty member (and also parent

had baby Penelope in August 2013! Things are going

to Stephen ‘06, Jonny ‘08, Daniel ‘12) at their new

great, and we are enjoying the new addition!”

2002

Leah (Sprague) Neergaard married William

Dan Mardis recently became engaged to girlfriend

Neergaard in August in Moultonborough, New

Jessica. Stay tuned for future developments.

2003 Kori (Gatta) Estrada married John Estrada in September surrounded by family and friends in a black-tie beach wedding in Santa Monica, California.

The wedding party included Kori’s sister Bri ‘05 and

home in Puebla, Mexico.

Kyle Wilson writes: “On July 20, 2013, Katie Tripp

friend Katherine Knarr-Giordano with Dan Mufson

and I were married in Dallas with our closest friends

‘02 also in attendance. In February James Walker

and family in attendance. We are so lucky to have

made the transition from public pelations agency life

each other in our lives. We can’t wait for our future

at APCO Worldwide to the non-profit world as the

together.”

global digital manager at The Nature Conservancy.

In this role, James will continue to develop his

Jeff Higgs and wife Emily welcomed daughter Piper

international social media and digital marketing

Shier Higgs in April. The family lives in Huntington,

experience as he helps the organization launch an

New York.

online presence and build capacity in key markets around the world.

2004

Leah (Sprague) Neergaard ’04 and William Neergaard.

Abigail (Burns) Snyder married Brandon Snyder, and they live in Arvada, Colorado. At least three Brewster alumns were spotted in their wedding photos: Abigail’s brother William “Drennan” Burns ‘03, and friends Maggie Brislin and Kate Walker.

Elliott Gordon writes: “Just took a new job as a lead consultant at Slalom Consulting in Boston. I work on the strategy and operations side of the management consulting practice. Can’t wait to see everyone next year at the 10-year Reunion.”

44

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2013

James ’04, Elizabeth, and Isabella Lopez.

Jeff ’04 and Emily Higgs with daughter Piper.

Former Faculty continued from page 43 Deanna and I have been married since 1996 and have two boys: Peter, 11, and Nathan, 9. Both play tennis and are doing well in school.

Reggie Sellars taught Spanish from 1990-1992 Reggie is back in the classroom in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, after a summer of riding his motorcycles through the “windy and curvy roads of Northern California. … I

Alumni Kevin Lane ’97 and wife Nikki; Zach Ross ’05, Michael Milone ’05, and Austin Burrows ’05 and friends joined other alumni for a game at Fenway Park in August.

camped out in various parks and backyards under the stars. I seldom slept indoors – I needed to be on the ground, grounded and open to the heavens! It was really wonderful

Julia Gordon writes: “I just got into physician

and energizing. I caught up with great

assisstant school at LeMoyne College in New York.”

friends and visited with family.”

Julie started college this fall.

Jeff Higgs and wife Emily welcomed daughter Piper

Former faculty members Bill Lee and Gratia Trahan were married in October.

Shier Higgs in April. The family lives in Huntington, New York.

2008 Annie Dearborn has moved to Italy and is the pastry chef at Lidia and Joe Bastianich’s first restaurant in Italy! “It’s amazing!”

Jennifer White relocated to Portland, Maine, this

Andrew Wooden taught English and was director of admission from 1977-1984 “So ... it’s been 35 years since I started

summer and continues her work as a natural foods

at Brewster. Although I only stayed six

chef and holistic health counselor. She renamed

years, longer than Cy Cook and any of the

and relaunched her health coaching business, now

students (I hope!), these six years were

Portland Health Coaching LLC (www.portlandhealthcoach.com). She’s excited to share that she is the

really important years for me. Teaching Shakespeare, coaching sailing, and working with David Smith, Peter Friend, Cy Cook,

Kelsey Glencross is working at the Dana Farber

newest practitioner at the Integrative Health Center

Cancer Institute and is living in South Boston. She

of Maine in Portland. She’d love to reconnect with

Springers loved the campus and the students

spent her August birthday with BA Alum Erin Knapp.

BA alumni as her business gets off the ground.

and worked the waterfront with me. Taking

and Matt Hoopes, was a real honor. My two

the sailing team to nationals at the U.S. Naval Academy was very rewarding, and Brewster winning the New England Championships – thanks to the skill of Jon Pinckey ’84 – put Brewster sailing on the map!

I headed admissions at Choate Rosemary Hall for many years, and then, during a sabbatical, I helped out at a wonderful school in Los Angeles. From there it was off to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to start a day school. Today I’m head of Marymount School in Santa Barbara, California, with my wife Molly and two Springer Spaniels, Shout and Doodle.”

Ashley Rose ’11, Tabitha Moore ’09, Daniel Lopez ‘12, and Peter Rizzo ’09 returned to campus this summer to work in Summer Programs. Ashley and Tabitha worked in Summer Session, Daniel worked in the Summer Programs Office, and Peter assisted in the Royal Thai Scholar Program.

Those wishing to contact the above former faculty, or others as well, write Hoopes at islesman@batelnet.bs

www.brewsteracademy.org

45

Class Notes 2011

Connor Nolan started an apparel company in

Jolie Wehrung writes: “I have been accepted into the

Margaret Gallagher writes that she is the youth

October 2012 and creates unique style crew necks

John Curley Center for Sports Journalism at Penn

representative for the Department of Puplic

and tank tops using limited edition prints. He’s

State University – 89 students from 14 states were

Information Human Rights group at the United

working on limited edition lines that will be four

accepted based on experience, transcript, and writing

Nations. “I have recently been working with the UN

prints that have a common theme that support

samples. The Center is named for John Curley, first

nonprofits, such as an endangered species edition

editor of USA Today.”

to focus on children’s and woman’s rights. I work specifically with southern African countries, but I am branching out toward northern African nations. My

line or an underwater edition line. Check out www.facebook.com/colenoapparel or

2012

Libya and the Geneva UN Headquarters. Working from

www.colenoapparel.com to see examples.

Morgan Robinette transferred to the University of

the inside out we are changing what is seen as unfit

Connor is offering Brewster alumni, or anyone

New Hampshire as a computer science major and is

and violates those basic human rights we all deserve.”

affiliated with Brewster, $10 off on shirt orders.

enjoying this very much.

NGO [non-governmental organization] is located in

Memorial Tributes Marona Graham-Bailey ’02 Marona Graham-Bailey was an enthusiastic, engaged student. Her interests ranged from serving as editor of the literary magazine, to learning sports like soccer and crew, to joining HOWL and the chamber orchestra.

pushing forward with her work with

entrepreneur. He enjoyed a large and

children and her identity research (she was

uncommonly wide group of friends. He

pursing a doctorate in identity studies), but

loved all kinds of people. One Brewster

in a minute she could kick back with a loud,

Academy classmate and close friend of

infectious laugh and break out in chorus of

Andrew’s recalled that, “Andrew had

one of her favorite songs. She showed us all

simple goals, to be happy and to make

how to live for the joy of the simple things and how to embrace a higher purpose in order to tackle the bigger ones.”

Muriel McNamara ’44

Katie Thornton ’01 who was Marona’s

The Alumni Office fondly remembers

roommate for two years shared in a letter

Muriel McNamara who frequently attended

that, “Marona wrote a letter to me when I

Brewster Reunions. In particular, we recall

graduated from Brewster saying all of the things in writing that she perhaps hadn’t known how to say out-loud, or at least, wanted to wait until a culminating point to say them. She told me how proud she was of me and how happy she was to have shared a living space through those ever-dramatic high school years. She was a person who made an impact on other people … I can only hope to live just as fully and wholeheartedly as Marona did in the years she had.”

the last time she visited campus in 2010, accompanied by many members of her family.

others likewise.” He loved to laugh and enjoyed illustrating the absurdities of life.

Another classmate and friend of Andrew’s recalled that she’d always remember his warm and frequent laughter.

I’ll remember Andrew most for his incredible sense of humor and his strong entrepreneurial spirit. As an entrepreneur and small business owner, Andrew was talented and accomplished. In Boston,

Then in her mid-80s, Muriel sat on the front steps of the Academic Building and had us enthralled with her stories, memories, and sheer joy of being back on campus. The following year when Muriel was unable to attend, members of her family actually came in her place – that’s how much she loved Brewster. She shared her life’s many joys, generously with her family and those of us fortunate enough to know her.

where Andrew founded and operated a successful business, he earned the nickname “Mayor,” because of his popularity and the active interest that he routinely expressed in others.

Andrew also had streak of willful determination, which meant that he didn’t always conform to the rules especially when he found them to be wanting or

James Walker ’03 remembered Marona noting, “The thing that struck me about

Andrew Workman ’92

without merit. Andrew walked through this

Marona is how she lived life on her own

Andrew Workman was a true original and

life on his terms and did things his way. I

terms; in some ways she had her own

really one of kind. He was a great friend

was lucky to count him as a dear friend and

rhythm. She was deeply passionate about

to many different people and a talented

will never forget him. – Ronn Bronzetti ’92

46

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2013

In Memoriam

Cruise the Pacific Northwest They are up to something fun again! Members of the Class 1954 are planning their next grand adventure, and they extend an invitation to alumni from all classes to join them.

In October 2011 this fun-loving group embarked on a two-week European river cruise. In addition to members of the Class of 1954, the Classes of 1960, 1953, and 1981 were represented, along with some dear friends. The group of 18 had an amazing journey together – filled with exploration, laughter, and memories.

The upcoming trip is scheduled for September 20, 2014.

The group will embrace the American West with UnCruise Adventures, enjoying an all-inclusive, seven-night excursion on the Columbia and Snake Rivers, “Legacies of Exploration and History.” The trip will begin and end in Portland, Oregon.

For trip details please go to:

http://www.un-cruise.com/ columbia-river-legacy-of-discovery

To book the trip, contact travel agent Bruni Corriveau: bruni@travelanywhere.net 877-625-6251 or 603-472-2884 Be sure to let Bruni know you are part of the Brewster group.

Questions? Please contact Jean (Douglas) Orr ‘54 at cojoorr136@gmail.com or (603) 204-5135

Class of 1929 Gladys Worster April 11, 2013 Rochester, New Hampshire

Class of 1956 Dana L. Smith April 1, 2013 Portland, Maine

Class of 1936 Bernice P. Hitzelberger August 2, 2013 Wolfeboro

Class of 1957 Leo F. Annese June 17, 2013 Mansfield, Massachusetts

Class of 1938 Ella W. Glidden July 28, 2012 Springvale, Maine

Class of 1958 Loretta (Bilodeau) Steadman September 23, 2013 Wolfeboro

Class of 1943 Mariam (Merrill) Flitner July 19, 2013 South Portland, Maine

Class of 1959 Gail S. McLeod March 6, 2013 Henniker, New Hampshire

Muriel (Kane) McNamara April 27, 2013 Arlington, Massachusetts

Class of 1961 Donna (Wagenfeld) Cann June 19, 2013 Hampton, New Hampshire

Class of 1944 Albert E. White September 19, 2013 McCook, Nebraska

Class of 1963 John Ciprotti March 1, 2013 Decatur, Georgia

Class of 1948 Jacquellyn (Dunwoody) Ryan-Cameron August 12, 2013 Long Beach, California

Louis Brown September 16, 2013 Gloucester, Massachusetts

Class of 1949 Charles U. Foley III June 1, 2013 Newburyport, Massachusetts

Class of 1980 Griff Campbell August 10, 2013 Townsend, Delaware

Class of 1950 Barbara (Hooper) Batten September 28, 2013 Concord, New Hampshire

Class of 1992 Andrew S. Workman June 15, 2013 Newport Beach, California

Class of 1952 Lois (Wyman) Carey September 15, 2013 Wolfeboro

Class of 1998 Charlotte Watlington October 1, 2013 Bermuda

Class of 1953 Richard E. Corson July 4, 2013 Wolfeboro

Class of 2002 Marona Graham-Bailey July 16, 2013 Ann Arbor, Michigan

Class of 1955 Judy (Moulton) Fortin September 18, 2013 Manchester, New Hampshire

Former Faculty Jane D. Baker February 18, 2013 Watertown, Massachusetts

Roberta (Adjutant) Pratt September 27, 2013 Wofleboro

Jean (Hurst) Harmon April 17, 2013 Bow, New Hampshire

www.brewsteracademy.org

47

History History

History History Writing

History Brewster’s

Hall In 1914 Brown

Wars, Economy Slow the Pace of Campus Growth: 1906–1966

ilt on campus.

st dormitory bu

had been leased to the Academy. As one examines societal events during this period, it becomes evident that World War I, World War II, The Korean Conflict, and the Depression had dramatically impacted the development of the Academy.

Following is the historic record of these buildings.

Brown Hall In his 1885 will, Josiah Brown requested that a high school be built in his

By Bob and Shirley Richardson

native town of Wolfeborough and close to the center of town; the sum of

“We all need someone to inspire us to do better than we know how.”

became the fir

— Anonymous

$20,000 would be allocated for this school after the death of his wife. In 1887, however, in his will John Brewster endowed Brewster Academy as a school for residents of Wolfeborough and Tuftonborough.

Introduction

Since a school had already been built, a codicil was added to Josiah

As we continue our journey to discover how the physical plant of Brewster

Brown’s will in 1890, providing for a dormitory to be constructed for the

Academy grew and developed over the years, you might recall that the

use of Brewster Academy boarding students and to be named Brown Hall.

1905 campus map illustrated eight buildings used for the implementation

Mr. Brown’s will further stated that The Josiah Brown Dormitory Trust

of the total school program. It would be 10 years later before another

would continue to hold legal title to the property and as lessee Brewster

addition to the campus appeared when in 1915 The Josiah Brown Trust

Academy would assume the responsibility to pay for all running expenses,

leased Brown Hall to the Academy for dormitory accommodations.

repairs, and improvements.

After Brown Hall was leased, it was nearly 40 years before the campus expanded with another building. In the early 1950s, the school raised

On April 14, 1914, Brewster broke ground for the building of Brown Hall, which

funds to construct a much needed athletic facility: Rogers Gymnasium/

became the first dormitory built on campus. Albert H. Dow was the architect

Memorial Hall. Eleven years later in 1965 Sargent Hall was built, and the

and Frank Goodwin was the builder. The Brewster Review of 1914 noted,

following year Bearce Hall was purchased.

“The rooms are most attractively furnished and are very light and airy.”

By 1966, there were 12 buildings on the Brewster Academy map, meeting

During World War II, Brown Hall became the central location for the Civil

the academic, athletic, and residential needs of the school.

Air Patrol volunteers to study Morse Code, airplane identification, and first aid.

It is remarkable to realize that by 1905, under the leadership of the first principal, Edwin T. Lord, the first eight campus buildings had been put

Over the years, Brewster has made considerable improvements to Brown

in place. By 1966, sixty-one years later, under the leadership of the next

Hall, including remodeling three attic rooms for dormitory use, adding an

seven principals/headmasters, just four buildings had been added to the

outside stair tower for fire protection, and the painting and redecorating

campus, one of which had not been purchased or built by the school but

of dorm rooms, bathrooms, and two faculty apartments. When The

48

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2013

Estabrook became the central dining room for both female and male

dance floor were created to accommodate growing program needs.

students, the original first-floor dining room in Brown Hall was converted into a dormitory lounge.

Today Brown Hall is home to 16 senior girls and two faculty families and it boasts the most single rooms of any dorm on campus.

Memorial Hall/Rogers Gymnasium/The Rogers Building What was formerly known as Memorial Hall is located on the east side of the Academic building. Construction began in 1952, and the building was dedicated during graduation weekend on June 13, 1954. The dedication ceremony was a gala celebration. The building stands as a tribute to the many friends of the Academy and to those who worked so hard for this addition to the Academy.

Memorial Hall housed a performing arts stage and a large industrial arts and maintenance center as well as a full-length basketball court. For the first time in the history of the Academy, basketball teams could practice and play on their own home court.

In the early years, basketball games had been played on the old Pavilion Inn boathouse court or on the town court in the renovated Pickering School that at one time had housed the old Wolfeborough and Tuftonborough Academy.

In 1961, an exhibit area, which housed noted naturalist Luman Nelson’s bird collection and the memorabilia of William and John Brewster, was established on the lower level of Memorial Hall.

In 1974, the performing arts stage – for many years the focus for town

Sargent Hall As the school transitioned into a boarding school in 1965, Sargent Hall was designed and constructed to house 40 students and three faculty members.

In recognition of his 53 years of service to the Academy, the new building was dedicated and named in honor of professor Herbert E. Sargent in October l965. He had served in numerous roles from 1893 to l946, including as senior master, head of the science and math departments, and interim headmaster.

This brick and cinderblock design has undergone several internal changes to make the living quarters more homelike and comfortable for students.

Between l981 and 1983 three faculty apartments were added onto the lake end of the building, allowing for the expansion of faculty living space to accommodate teachers with families and freeing space in the older section of the building for additional student rooms. All three floors underwent extensive renovations over the past two summers and now feature new carpeting, furnishings, fixtures, paint, and bathrooms.

A fuller discussion of the planning and construction of Sargent Hall appears on pages 163-164 of The Brewster Story.

Bearce Hall Bearce Hall, originally built as Cobham Hall in 1892, was the residence of George A. Carpenter, considered the town’s wealthiest resident at that time.

Carpenter had founded a jewelry business in downtown Wolfeboro before moving the business to Boston where he made a fortune in real estate.

meetings, lectures, formal school and town activities, banquets, plays, and

With his fortune, Carpenter bought the land at the end of Green Street,

choral, orchestra, and band performances, as well as graduation – was

which extended farther down toward the lake. At that time, he had two

converted into a student center with a small kitchen and a lounge area.

houses moved off the property and purchased a barn, which burned down

There were six booths, seating 24 students, a piano, a muchused ping-pong table, and four video games. Students used this center during their free time. On the second level was a closedin TV room and six tables with chairs lining the large windows that overlooked the basketball court. Lots of ice cream was sold during the games, and often there were many more students at those windows than tables and chairs could accommodate.

Major changes continued to be made to the gymnasium, which had been renamed Rogers Gymnasium and dedicated posthumously to former Principal Vincent D. Rogers at a ceremony during Alumni Weekend in July 1982. The Kaywin Fitness Center was added on the lower level in 1997, thanks to the efforts of Gordon Kaywin ’97.

Bearce Hall was built in 1892 and purchased by the Academy in 1966.

After the construction of the Smith Center, the lower level of the building was revamped to house most of the fine and performing arts department; the nearby Arts Studio still remains home to painting, drawing, and ceramics.

Throughout the 2000s, practice rooms, office space, a blackbox theatre, and a

www.brewsteracademy.org

49

in the 1900s. He also purchased a three-staff carriage house and had it

room with expansive views of the lake and accented by a magnificent

moved to the current location of the Brewster maintenance shop. Before

fireplace, the trustees decided that this home was perfect for the

it was converted to serve the school’s needs as a maintenance facility, it

headmaster’s residence. The Academy now had a grand space for

served as a horse and carriage barn for many years.

entertaining and for hosting formal events and receptions.

Thought to be the finest residence in Wolfeboro, Cohbam Hall boasted 14

With a break in tradition, and a bit of hesitation, Wilfred E. Paro (1965-

rooms, a large porch, three chimneys, and ample windows. A grandson,

1969) became the first headmaster to live in this spacious home. For a short

Ralph G. Carpenter II, was director of the New Hampshire Fish and Game

time Headmaster C. Richard Vaughan (1969-1974) also resided in Bearce Hall

Department for many years. Ralph G. Carpenter II was often at Cohbam

before Lord House was again designated as the headmaster’s official residence.

Hall and brought his love of wildlife to the Carpenter land, nursing orphaned fawns and injured birds back to health. Carpenter also raised

For a short time, the front room housed the music department and later

seven of the eight varieties of geese found in North America on the family

a dance studio before it was converted to dormitory space. When the

land, which would later become part of Brewster’s campus.

downstairs was no longer used for public events, the living room became the dorm lounge, and both the former kitchen and dining room areas

In 1966, Brewster trustees purchased Cobham Hall from the Carpenter

along with the former headmaster’s residence on the second floor were

estate for $100,000. The purchase added 25 acres to the campus and

converted to faculty apartments.

provided for necessary athletic fields. On October 22, 1966, Cobham Hall was renamed and dedicated in honor of the late Ralph K. Bearce, the

In the next Connections, the campus is enriched with a new building, which

fourth principal of the Academy (1923-1936). Bearce’s wife Ellen, then 91,

was especially designed to accommodate the student-centered and team-

kindly referred to as Aunt Nellie by students, was at the dedication.

based approach of the Brewster program. Thanks to the generosity of a dedicated alumni family this new facility featuring a science center with

With its stately character and glorious entrance hall, a grand winding

four classrooms, a solar-heated greenhouse, a library, and four academic

staircase, formal dining room, spacious living room, and charming front

team areas became a reality in the 1990s.

BR EW ST E R AC AD E M Y • 2014

The Winni Classic Sunday, February 16, 2014

Second Annual Pond Hockey Tournament • Special Celebration for long-time coach TJ Palmer Bring your family for winter fun – alumni pond hockey games, ice fishing, bonfire, and sledding – on the Brewster campus. Pond hockey games will be played in front of the Pinckney Boathouse.

Men’s alumni game begins at 12 p.m. • Women’s alumni game follows at 2 p.m.

Let us know you’re coming for the fun.

R.S.V.P Repplier, special events and programs coordinator, at susan_repplier@brewsteracademy.org or 603-569-7191.

50 to Susan BrewsterConnections – Spring Fall 2012 2013

Plan ahead and make a gift that goes full circle.

Depth of field assignment by Allie Lamb ’15 (Dallas).

Brewster Academy 2013-2014 Board of Trustees Daniel T. Mudge, Chair (Tapley-Ann ’98, Ashley ’02)

David E. Hadley (Olivia ’12, Juliet ’15)

Arthur W. Coviello Jr., Vice Chair

Michael Keys (Matthew ’04)

Roy C. Ballentine, Treasurer (Brian ’97, Susan ’94) Douglas H. Greeff, Secretary (Hilary ’11) Ronn Bronzetti ’92 C. Richard Carlson Estate Trustee David L. Carlson ’54

Barbara Naramore (Maya ’16) Carlos Noble ’70 Amy Reiner (Allyson ’10)

Arthur O. Ricci Estate Trustee

Candace A. Crawshaw ’64

The Reverend Nancy Spencer Smith Estate Trustee

William Depietri (Justin ’16)

Steven R. Webster (Brooke ’08, Tori ’11)

George J. Dohrmann III (George ’05, Geoffrey ’12)

Dr. Michael E. Cooper, Ex Officio

Karen W. Fix (Will ’11, Keenan ’13)

Trustee Emeritus

Gabrielle “Bri” J. Gatta ’05 President, Alumni Association

P. Fred Gridley ’53 (Deborah ’81)

By including Brewster Academy in your estate plans, whether with a bequest or other planned gift, you will be making a significant impact on the lives of future generations of students as they explore new ideas and become self-advocates and leaders.

A planned gift brings with it membership within Brewster’s 1887 Heritage Society.

Jim Bastis Senior Major Gifts/Planned Giving Officer jim_bastis@brewsteracademy.org 603.986.7445 or 603.569.7140 www.brewsteracademy.plannedgiving.org

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BrewsterConnections Fall 2013

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 Great Things. Of Us. Of Yourself.

Inside: Office of Admission • 800-842-9961 • admissions@brewsteracademy.org

It’s Personal: The Way Education Should Be

The Color Project

by Adrien Broom ’98