BrewsterConnections Fall 2014

Brewster Academy 80 Academy Drive Wolfeboro, NH 03894

Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Wht Riv Jct, VT Permit #73

BrewsterConnections Fall 2014

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.

Celebrating on the Sidelines

Lessons and Impressions Mike Cooper Reflects on His Tenure Office of Admission • 800-842-9961 • admissions@brewsteracademy.org

Why me?

Why now?

Why brewster?

Because we can’t do it without you!

Because now is the time to grow participation and it starts with you!

Brewster Academy 2014-2015 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) Ronn Bronzetti, Secretary ’92 Karen Boykin-Towns (Jasmine ’13) Beverly Bruce C. Richard Carlson Estate Trustee David L. Carlson ’54 Candace A. Crawshaw ’64

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

Arthur O. Ricci Estate Trustee

Because your gift can make an impact that lasts a lifetime!

The Reverend Nancy Spencer Smith Estate Trustee

James C. Curvey

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

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

Dr. Michael E. Cooper, Ex Officio

Make your gift to Brewster’s Annual Fund by December 31, 2014* and be a part of making it possible for today’s students to take advantage of every opportunity to live, learn, and lead in a community that focuses on delivering a world-class personalized education for the 21st century.

Karen W. Fix (Will ’11, Keenan ’13)

Trustee Emeritus

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

P. Fred Gridley ’53 (Deborah ’81)

Every gift of every size makes a difference. *Gifts received by December 31 have the dual advantage of a tax benefit plus completing this year’s gift to Brewster before 2015!

BrewsterConnections Fall 2014

Head of School Dr. Michael E. Cooper

Director of Admission and External Affairs Lynne M. Palmer

Editor, Director of Communications Marcia Eldredge

Contributors Mary Fallon, Beth Hayes ’81, Matt Hoopes, Rachael Jeffers ’05, Shirley Richardson

Inside 2 Head Lines

Responding in a World That Expects Immediacy

4 Anderson Hall Re-Opens

Renovations unveil a modern center for the performing arts

7 The Academy’s 12th Head of School Announced

Page 4

Dr. Craig Gemmell will take the helm in July 2015

Photography Stephen Allen, Robert Benson, Stacy Bostrom Photography, Steve Burgess, Andrea Cooper, Marcia Eldredge, Anne Hodges ’03, BG Hodges ’66, Lynne Palmer, Phil Stiles

8 Lessons and Impressions

Reflections, advice, and thoughts on the future from Mike Cooper

14 The Cooper Series for Innovative Learning

Page 14

Inaugural symposium named in honor of Mike Cooper

16 No Reservations

Across the globe Brewster alumni are feeding the world

23 Bobcat Nation Celebrates

A Four-Banner Season

24 Not a Final Goodbye

Brewster’s 194th Commencement

28 Bobcat Haiku

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

Brewster in 17 syllables

36 Reunions

Page 16

Looking back at 2014 and a look ahead to 2015

Departments 32 Newsmakers 34 On the Road

©2014 Brewster Academy. All Rights Reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

39 Hoopla 42 Class Notes 47 In Memoriam 48 Writing Brewster’s History

Page 23

The Call to Action

How Does a School Adequately Respond to Events in a World That Expects Immediacy?

R

ightly or wrongly, educators have a penchant for process and

At the Forefront

inclusiveness when it comes to responding to change or events

An area where we have taken the lead among schools is our new Community

that require a call to action. Whether it is the need to modify

Conduct Board (CCB) formed this summer. Shifts in best practices for

policy and procedures, or reach sound and thoughtful decisions

disciplinary protocols, student conduct issues that arose last year, and

about events that are being judged on social media as they are unfolding, today’s

responsibilities imposed on the school by legislative action were key factors in

school leaders, and how they react to events that naturally arise during the

driving this initiative and our response. A change such as this also reflects our

course of day-to-day affairs, are being tested as never before. How does a school

passion for finding what we can learn from situations to which we encounter

respond while maintaining a steady course toward fulfillment of its mission?

and how we can grow and learn from these things to become an even stronger and focused school. The CCB will handle matters that fall within mandatory

Being Responsive

reporting laws for the state of New Hampshire and federal government, currently

Be it a news event that puts our community at the center of a national

harassment, discrimination, hazing, and bullying matters. CCB members are

discussion, an infectious disease like influenza or Ebola that prompts swift and

school administrators trained to investigate complaints and report to the head

immediate action, a campus-wide issue that leaves the community unsettled,

of school, who will then act on the CCB’s recommendations regarding any

or, as happened recently, a town-wide power outage that left us in the dark for

disciplinary response or no action if the CCB determines the complaint is

more than a few hours one fall evening, we know that while such issues are

without basis.

often beyond our control, they still require some level of response. What we can control about things that happen as part of being in business as a school is how

In this way the CCB helps ensure that the educational and working climate at the

we plan and respond to each, maintaining as little disruption to the community

school is free from harassment, discrimination, hazing, and bullying, and if there

and routine as possible.

are instances of such, that measures are taken to ensure that the culture and climate is responsive to these matters. And, just as important, we continue to

What matters the most in these events is that we are prepared to respond

cultivate a culture that is based on positive relationship building – ensuring that

effectively. While we cannot possibly predict every thing that will come our way,

we are prioritizing an environment where kids are supported and safe in their

when a situation arises we first seek to understand its impact on an individual

relationships with us and with each other. In this way we take a whole school

or the community as a whole. We turn to the protocols in place to keep our

approach to discipline in our belief that the response to a disciplinary event

community safe, secure, and informed while being guided by best practices and

should involve a learning and maturation process, not simply a consequence.

relevant experts (if necessary). We are ready to be responsive because we have a plan and a trained team in place to implement that plan if needed. Paralleling

To help ensure such an environment and to take further advantage of our

such responses comes the longer-term answer to the issue, and that often takes

Emotional Intelligence curriculum, this year we introduced a new class for

the form of a new policy or procedure, yet not always. Sometimes it’s simply

sophomores: Optimizing Your Intelligences. We continue to respond to the

no more than moving to action to resolve the situation or develop the most

research, corporate leadership, and what seems to have become conventional

appropriate response based upon judgment that comes with experience.

wisdom that emotional intelligence may just be the most important attribute to success in the workplace. Our Optimizing Your Intelligences course is designed

One of the hallmarks at Brewster has been how we have tried to anticipate when

to engage students in the different types of intelligences – emotional, social,

things need revision before events force a call to action. Even when there is a call

cognitive, and creative – by examining the role these intelligences play in classes,

to action, the school has consistently used events as learning opportunities to

teamwork (in both academics and sports), dorm life, and social situations. This

become even stronger. And not to harp on a recurrent theme of mine throughout

class is designed to help students better use their intelligences and gain a specific

my tenure, but it’s how we remain on the path of becoming good to great.

skill set to help them optimally navigate the challenges awaiting them in college,

2

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2014

internships and volunteer opportunities, and eventually the workplace. As I write

would be shortsighted and narrowly focused. When events and circumstances

this, researchers from Yale are on campus initiating ongoing student assessments

force us to respond it has been important that we do so in a manner that

of our school-wide Emotional Literacy curriculum.

is based upon what we have learned and how we can be humble enough to recognize our shortcomings, while still keeping an eye on our strengths.

Being responsive isn’t just a reaction to an immediate issue. In the recent past

Maintaining a balance such as this is not easy, but the rewards for doing so are a

when more families indicated the need for more financial support to help meet

school that is offering an innovative and responsive educational experience for

tuition commitments, Brewster responded. Last year, in an effort to better serve

its students, and is doing so with an eye on best practices and how these evolve

our families who depend on financial aid awards to help defray the cost of a

over time – all translating into the way education should be.

Brewster education, the board of trustees increased the financial aid budget, held operating costs in check, while keeping our increase in tuition in line with cost of

As I conclude my time at Brewster I am most proud of those times when we

living increases experienced by the school.

have done the kind of self-reflection that results in growth and innovation. I am hopeful that this is engrained in the culture of the school to continue well into

No entity is without challenges and while every day we stay focused on our

the future. If the past is any guide, and our almost 200 years of existence would

mission to deliver our program based on best practices in a community that

indicate that it is, the school is on the right trajectory and has a very bright

remains student-focused at the core, at times we stumble upon obstacles to

future. With your continued guidance and support I know that we can continue

which we have to respond and successfully surmount. With the proper mindset

to accomplish great things.

and approach to such challenges, the school has been able to remain at the forefront of educational innovations and offer its students the most value-added education we possibly can. In today’s environment that is not always easy to do.

I have found in my over decade of experience in leading Brewster that the most effective way to accomplish this is to be mindful of Jim Collins’ admonition of what the enemy of great is – being good. To think that we have all the answers

Dr. Michael E. Cooper, Head of School

www.brewsteracademy.org

3

Anderson Hall Re-Opens First Student Concert in Grayson Performing Arts Center Follows Ribbon Cutting

By Marcia Eldredge

B

By Marcia Eldredge

rewster Academy celebrated the re-opening of Anderson Hall on

Renovations began in December 2013 and included extending the back of

October 16, as part of its Fall Family Weekend festivities.

the building to accommodate the design of a full performance stage that now allows for major theatrical productions, which had been taking place

The Academy recognized and thanked its supporters publicly and privately. The evening began with a reception for contributors at Lord House hosted by Mike and Andrea Cooper, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and private tour of the new facility.

in the 1950s gymatorium. Two large classroom spaces were added, one for stagecraft and set design and the other to serve as a green room, and an acoustical shell was installed on the stage as well as catwalks. Church pews were replaced with more comfortable theatre seating, and an audio-visual booth was added behind the balcony seating. One of the more noticeable features of the renovation is the addition of a new entrance and lobby with

Before the evening’s concert began, Mike Cooper recognized supporters publicly, thanking them for sharing “that same vision of ours and providing us with the impetus we needed to fulfill a long-time dream of having a dedicated performance center for the school.”

Students then entertained an enthusiastic house with performances that included solo singers (Jenna Golden ’16, John Stevenson ‘17, Bryce Shipman ’15, Helen Campbell ’17, and Leona Giron ’15), the HOWL chorus, Jazz Band, the Chamber Orchestra, and dancers from the Academy’s afternoon dance program. All performers proudly wore either pink or white shirts with O.H. printed on the front and Our House on the back.

4

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2014

three sides of floor to ceiling glass on the south side of the building.

Anderson Hall was initially built in 1886 as a barn attached to a house.

After serving as a private residence for nearly 50 years, the Roman Catholic Diocese purchased the property for use as a Catholic church and rectory, and in 2005 the Diocese of Manchester sold the 3.1 acre property, which included the church and attached rectory, to Brewster Academy.

Brewster used the church building as a place of assembly and for concerts and performances. The altar area was removed and replaced with a proscenium stage and acoustical and lighting upgrades were made and the building was dedicated in 2006 as Anderson Hall.

These newest renovations and expansions of Anderson Hall would not have been possible without the generous support of our leadership donors, and we are excited to announce these newly named spaces.

The Grayson Performing Arts Center – in honor of Bradley Grayson ’14 – Named with gratitude to Peter and Josephine Grayson to honor their son Bradley’s Brewster experience, the Grayson Performing Arts Center was made possible by their generous leadership support in cooperation with The Fund for Individual Potential.

The Candace A. Crawshaw Balcony – proudly named in recognition of Candace A. Crawshaw ’64 for her longstanding support of the Academy, her efforts to promote alumni leadership, and her devotion to the arts. Candace was thrilled to make this gift in honor of her 50th Reunion celebration with the Class of 1964!

The Coviello Classroom – named to honor Art and Cathy Coviello for their generosity, community leadership, and belief in the power of a Brewster education.

The Hadley Family Lobby – named to recognize David and Laureen Hadley (Olivia ’12 and Juliet ’15) for their thoughtful contributions and unfailing enthusiasm for Brewster Academy.

The Nicholas E. Tamposi Family Set Shop – named in honor of Nicholas and Stephanie Tamposi (Will ’14 and Rachel ’15) with gratitude for their commitment to the arts and leadership of Brewster’s Parents’ Committee.

The Depietri Family Foyer – named with thanks to Bill and Beth Depietri for their

For anyone interested in continuing to support the performing arts at Brewster Academy, gifts of $1,000 and above will continue to be recognized with a named seat in the Grayson Performing Arts Center at Anderson Hall as long as there are still seats to name!

support and guidance throughout the development of the facility. The Depietri Family expresses their deep gratitude and appreciation for Brewster’s dedicated faculty.

The Jackson D. Trkla Sound and Lighting Booth – named in honor of Jackson D. Trkla ’15 with thanks to Tom Trkla for his support of the Academy.

www.brewsteracademy.org

5

Coviello Classroom

Additionally, the Academy is grateful for the $1,000 and above level support of the following families and individuals who will forever have a seat waiting for them in ‘our house!’

Anonymous (6) Lisa Braiterman, David Neufeld, and Shira Braiterman ’13 Richard and Deborah Carlson Candace A. Crawshaw ’64 Jonathan and Katie Gardner (Chase ’15, Austin ’16, Faith ’16) Steve and Cassie Gavin (George Spencer ’16) Hillary Getten (Tasha ’17)

Nicholas E. Tamposi Family Set Shop

Barbara Gibbs Helen Hamilton Tyler Hunt ’07 Gerald and Margo Lacey (Matthew ’14) Paul LaViolette and Lucille Rossignol (Kate ’16) Marc Leahey and Stephanie O’Connor Leahey ’92 Polly Scott and Jim Maher Peter and Susan Murley (Benjamin ’15) Jeremiah and Mary O’Connor (Stephanie ’92, Kevin ’95) Takashi and Hisako Okuma (Jimmy ’17) Stephen and Jennifer Paradis (Liza ’10) Cindy and Steve Rizzo (Christopher ’14) Roy A. Hunt Foundation Marc Weiss and Nancy Meyer (Isaac ’17) Xicheng Wang and Yuhong Li (Yuerui ’17) The Art Place Clearlakes Chorale

Peter and Josephine Grayson (Bradley ’14) cut the ribbon to the new Grayson Center for Performing Arts at Anderson Hall.

Wolfeboro Friends of Music

Hadley Family Lobby

6

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2014

Craig Gemmell

On Stage

to Become Brewster’s 12th Head of School

Bryce Shipman ’15

A

t an All-School Assembly on October 24, Brewster Academy Trustee Roy Ballentine announced that Dr. Craig Gemmell will become

Brewster Academy’s 12th Head of School on July 1, 2015.

Margarita Shostak ’17

“Following a comprehensive nine-month search process, the Board of Trustees was unanimous in its selection of Dr. Gemmell for his depth of experience at the independent school level, his commitment to innovative program Jenna Golden ’16

development, and his clear passion for the model of education that Brewster is well known for,” Ballentine said.

Gemmell is excited about the opportunity to move

Watch the renovation take place in less than one minute.

Go to: www.brewsteracademy.org/BrUTube

Brewster forward. “From our first moments on campus, we were utterly impressed with every facet of Brewster: the wonderful, engaged students, the deeply committed faculty and staff, the visionary, student-centered program, and the beautiful campus,” Gemmell shared. “I am extraordinarily honored to follow Dr. Cooper in leading Brewster Academy, and Nancy and I look forward to learning much from and contributing deeply to this

In February, the musical Grease will be the

remarkable community when we arrive with our sons,

first full-length production to take place

Teddy and Jobe, in July.”

at the Grayson Center for Performing Arts.

Watch for details at brewsteracademy.org

He comes to Brewster from Groton School in Massachusetts where he has worked for 20 years, most recently as assistant head for program.

Gemmell holds a doctorate in environmental studies from Antioch University; a master of arts in environmental science from Duke University; and a B.S. in biology from Trinity College. He also has completed coursework in

Watch the concert at www.brewsteracademy.org/livestream

literature at Middlebury College’s Bread Loaf School

and don’t miss the upcoming Annual Holiday Concert December 18 at 7 p.m.

of English and in molecular biology and physics at Dartmouth College.

www.brewsteracademy.org

7

8

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2014

LESSONS AND

IMPRESSIONS Mike Cooper reflects on education, his achievements and challenges, and talks about what he will miss most about Brewster.

By Marcia Eldredge

www.brewsteracademy.org

9

The reflections weaved throughout this Q&A with Mike Cooper were sent in by alumni who served as president or vice president of the student body (today’s senior prefects) during his tenure.

In your opinion, what have been the most significant changes during your 12 years at Brewster? Technology, particularly how the Internet has flourished.

It has exploded during my time here. I don’t see its impact lessening ... The question is how it will be further leveraged in the development of education policy. Over the last 12 years we have further developed our 1:1 laptop program. We have integrated technology into our PBL curriculum making it a requisite component of student project presentations. We moved toward adding digital arts to our visual arts options so students could take advantage of this growing discipline.

We really are just at the beginning of the advent of how technology has become ubiquitous in our lives when you compare it to say advances in aviation or automotive technology.

What took 50 to 60 years to develop in those industries has taken a fraction of the time in technology. All you have to do is consider cell phones 10 years ago to today’s smart phones …

It’s astounding.

What are you most proud of about your tenure? I think how Brewster is positioned as such a viable, successful educational choice, and the product we offer our students. More and more we are really focusing on application skills to match the content students are learning. We know research tells us that more and more companies want workers Honorary Bobcat of the Week: Mike Cooper knows the importance of taking time for himself. He recently completed his first halfmarathon; daughter Allie also completed the race.

with the know-how to apply their content acquisition. Certainly I’m proud of the emotional literacy program. At the same time we can’t forget the other intelligences. Research, CEOs, and even Department of Labor studies report that the most successful employees are those who have high EQ, who possess the interpersonal and intrapersonal skills and competencies to appropriately respond to individuals and demands of life. Thanks to our EL program, our students have the chance now to get ahead of the curve by learning these skills at a younger age.

Through working closely with Dr. Cooper I learned

In other areas, our admissions are strong. Our fundraising is growing, allowing us more

that good leaders are not made by their title

resources to invest in our students and programs. I’m proud of where we’ve come.

but rather by how they steward those whom they lead. A great leader is one that is willing to get into the trenches, listen to all, seek understanding before solution, work collaboratively toward solutions and above all else

What has been your greatest challenge while serving as head of school for Brewster Academy? Managing expectations with so many constituents to serve – students, faculty, parents, alumni, staff, trustees, our community of Wolfeboro. Everyone has an expectation of what they want. I always have a lot of balls in the air at once. We now live in

command respect by giving it. I, and all those who have

a world of immediate gratification so a big challenge has been managing these expectations.

had the honor of going through the halls of Brewster,

Then there is just managing the day to day that comes at me, the sometimes expected,

owe Dr. Cooper a great deal of gratitude. Whether he

sometimes unexpected.

was cheering on the sidelines with the amazingly gracious and lovely Mrs. Cooper, or making tough, unpopular but necessary decisions, he always did so with the utmost dignity, respect, integrity, and candor.

What lessons from your experience at the college level were you able to apply at Brewster, and what could colleges perhaps take from our program that could add to the experience of college students? I was a college dean of students at an early age and so had to manage a very multi-faceted office and issues at once.

Through these responsibilities I learned a lot about myself, how to manage myself and others

– Farai Chidavaenzi ’04, Johns Hopkins University ’08

early on in my career.

Also, I saw PBL happening and knew this was something that incoming students to college needed to be prepared for. I remember a solar powered car project and watching the involvement of different players, engineering majors, business students, writers and saw

10

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2014

What I remember about Dr. Cooper is that he was one of the wisest men I have ever met in my life. His speech encouraged students, leading them to go to the right path of their lives, and always treated every single student with his generosity and kindness. Dr. Cooper was a great leader and also a sagacious father of everyone who graduated from Brewster. Last, I will never forget Dr. and Mrs. Cooper’s homemade brownies they brought to Kimball House with their big happy smile!

– Marshall Lee ’10, currently serving his country in the South Korean military

Mike and Andrea host the annual dinner to celebrate Lifers.

I remember competing in the New England field hockey finals, and Dr. Cooper came down to Boston the collaborative effort firsthand and how each of those players relied on the knowledge of the other “experts” for the whole success of the project. Because of the collaboration, I knew that interpersonal and intrapersonal skills were as important as the knowledge each student brought to a project. When I came to Brewster, I knew it was a direction we needed to move in.

Your tenure and influence as head of school will leave a lasting impression on Brewster students and alumni. What lasting impression have

to watch us win. I always remember him being at our games and loved that he was so involved with supporting the Brewster athletic teams.

– Jolie Wehrung ’11, Pennsylvania State University ’15

Brewster students and alumni left on you? One of the things that I like most about education, and probably why I stayed with it as a career is that, education is a two-way street.

The importance to being open to learning from others as much as you expect them to learn

may have had while he or she was a student. I’ve also been inspired by conversations I’ve had with PGs because they come here already having graduated from high school, but they know they have another year of growing to do before heading to college and at first that can be hard for them. Many I’ve spoken with later on talk about how important that year of growth and maturation was for them and of the impact they had on other students because of their unique place in the student body. Hearing about their transformation is always inspiring.

What do you enjoy most about meeting with Brewster alumni? Hearing their stories. Whether they were here 50 years ago or five years ago. Some things just don’t change, like the impact that teachers, coaches, and dorm parents can have on students. Those relationships are what resonate most with alumni. They may not remember much about their

Words to live by?

Whatever you do, do it with passion, commitment, and love.

Favorite place anywhere?

A place in Maine where I fish; it’s off the grid and I unwind and reflect … it’s just an awesome place … what Sigurd Olson would call my listening point.

Favorite Esta meal?

Tomlettes. Sunday morning brunch is made special with Tom Kelliher’s made to order omelets.

pre-calculus course but they remember the teacher who made time (and maybe even cookies) in the late evening to help them master a problem. The times and challenges that today’s teens face may be different than those of teens 30 years ago but as a collective group that

Favorite place on campus?

Down by the water

spans decades they remember the life lessons and who took the time to teach them.

What’s on your playlist?

Did you know?

from you … I’m always struck by what an alumnus/a remembers about a conversation we

What advice would you give your 25-year-old self about building a career?

There’s a lot on my playlist, but ones that are played

Get out there and push yourself. Take on opportunities to learn something new. Don’t think

the most are probably something by The Allman

that all you can do is what you were hired to do or what is expected of you. Be the employee

Brothers and Stevie Ray Vaughan … and usually loud!

who shows up with solutions not just problems. Be willing to get your hands dirty. Be a team

www.brewsteracademy.org

11

Mike with some members of the student leadership team on opening day.

player. These things will do more to catapult your career. As a result of taking on a variety of tasks as the dean of students, I became incredibly versatile and colleagues saw the value in

Dr. Cooper taught me that to be an effective leader,

that and that I could handle more … and in the end got more responsibilities and challenges

one must develop superb listening skills. Dr. Cooper

tossed my way.

always seemed to fully understand a problem before acting, which I believe served him well during his tenure as head of school. Since graduating from Brewster, I have attempted to follow Dr. Cooper’s lead by approaching problems in a more thoughtful, measured way.

You and Andrea are a real team. What advice do you have for building a true partnership? Andrea gave up a long-term career when we came here. She kept an open attitude about where she might fit best and what contributions she could bring to this community. After my first year when I saw that the yearbook could use some guidance, I thought of Andrea, her creativity, and her ability to relate to students. It turned out to be a good fit. I’m envious because she gets to have more contact with students and can really get to know them in a way that I can’t. By herself she has made a name for her work with the

– Weston Sager ’05, Dartmouth College ’09,

yearbook and for her baking prowess. When we go to the dorms to say hello, meet students in

Northwestern University School of Law ’15

their space, and of course bring delicious baked goods that she makes, you can see the joy on the students’ faces when we arrive … or rather, when she arrives! I guess as far as advice, it’s important to make sure the person closest to you is happy and that you continue to support each other in whatever endeavor you choose to pursue.

As a sophomore transfer student from Ohio, I did not know anybody upon arriving at Brewster. In my

How do you achieve a work-life balance with a job that has high demands

first week at Brewster, Dr. Cooper hosted an open

on your time? It’s not easy. You have to make time. For example, I began training for my

house for students to come and get to know both him

first half marathon last spring. During my training this summer I had a little more time than

as well as other students, and seeing as I knew neither it seemed like a great idea. In retrospect, it was one of my most memorable nights at Brewster. Timid at first, I was

I do now to focus on it. Once school started, I really had to force myself to make time in my schedule to keep up the training. It wasn’t easy. When I first started at Brewster I told Susan [my secretary] to try and keep Wednesday and Saturday afternoons open so that I could be out supporting our students in their games. I’ve always made an effort to get out there, and

somewhat reserved to socialize. Dr. Cooper approached

I can say I usually do make it around Bobcat Nation as much as possible on game days. I’ve

me and introduced himself, and I immediately was less

also learned the benefit of mini vacations. Just getting off campus for two or three days to

tense and more inclined to let myself open up. He made

decompress so I can come back with renewed energy and purpose. When you don’t take the

me feel a sense of being welcome that led me to meet

time to back away a little, you start to lose perspective and you become less effective. So, as

some of my best friends [that] I still keep in touch with today. It was during this conversation that I truly realized

difficult as it can be, making time for myself is crucial.

What Brewster activities or traditions have you enjoyed the most and

that I had found a place that I could call home for the next

which will you miss the most? I really am going to miss seeing students expressing

three years.

their talents, and that extends from the playing fields to the stage. I will miss that a lot. I really like Moving Up Day and the traditions that go with this special ceremony. There are

– Evan Cohn ’12, Bentley University ’16

the honors and awards given out but beyond that it’s a day to celebrate all of our students and their progress … moving up, moving forward, and being proud of what they have

12

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2014

accomplished. After I dismiss the seniors and postgraduates for the last time, it’s neat to see all the other classes get really excited as they literally move up in their seats and into the next chapter of their time here. Also, I can’t leave out that special feeling and witnessing all the expressions as a Head’s Holiday is announced. For one fleeting moment I get to be the hero on campus.

We know that you are a big James Collins (Good to Great) proponent. What do you see as the path for Brewster’s future greatness to be focused on and why? Taking what’s now happening at school and further refining it. Collins’ admonition is worth remembering, that the greatest threat to great is good … that you can’t rest on your laurels or success, that you have to keep pushing forward. Collins talks about understanding and knowing what we are passionate about, along with knowing what do we want to be the best in the world at. As a school, I think we need to keep understanding the answers to these questions while remaining true to our core mission and values. We don’t have all the answers and if we thought we did, then we wouldn’t be moving forward. Hopefully the school will continue focusing on the way education should be and evolving this as proven best practices

Mike Cooper presents Rachel Berman ’06 an award at the Class of 2006 Commencement.

guide us.

What will you do on July 1, 2015? Breathe. Take some time to reflect. I certainly have

During his first couple years as head of school, I was

[professional] things I want to do that I’m still deciding upon. There is only so much fishing

impressed by Dr. Cooper’s eagerness to get to

and golf I can do.

know us as students and the different parts of our lives at Brewster – to sit in during academic classes, attend sporting and theater events, and participate in dorm meetings (and Mrs. Cooper’s snacks were always welcome!)

As the class vice president during my senior year, Z and I would have weekly meetings with Dr. Cooper and the academic deans. I appreciated that Dr. Cooper would use us to bounce ideas off of and listen to our opinions. Although accepting the changes we as students wanted was not as easy as a ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ I feel like Dr. Cooper always tried to look at the issue from all angles, understand our perspective, and create a compromise when possible.

– Rachel Berman ’06, University of Colorado Skaggs Mike at a Brewster trustee appreciation luncheon with Board of Trustees Chair Dan Mudge (on the left) and Treasurer Roy Ballentine (center).

School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences ‘12

the way

education

should be www.brewsteracademy.org

13

Inaugural symposium named in honor of Brewster Academy’s 11th Head of School Dr. Michael E. Cooper for his commitment to innovative teaching and learning.

Featured Speakers

Arthur W. Coviello Jr. Executive Chairman of RSA the Security Division of EMC

14

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2014

Marc Brackett, Ph.D. Director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence

Technology and Humanity

O

By Marcia Eldredge

n October 16 at an inaugural symposium designed to bring together

“Today we are here to celebrate a level of commitment to innovation that does

thought leaders to inspire the Brewster community to continue to

not go unnoticed and should never stop developing … Dr. Cooper, I am proud to

advance best practices in education, it was announced that going

announce, that Brewster has committed to make this symposium a regular event,

forward the symposium would be named in honor of Dr. Michael E. Cooper.

with the opportunity to bring exciting, innovative topics and speakers to campus every year, year after year to ensure Brewster is always striving for innovation

After Dr. Cooper introduced the symposium’s first speaker, Art Coviello, executive

in learning. And to do so in your honor going forward, this symposium will be

vice president, EMC Corporation and executive chairman, RSA, The Security

known as the Cooper Series.”

Division of EMC, Coviello, who is a Brewster After much applause, the unveiling of a banner

trustee, prefaced his presentation with “Before

displaying “The Cooper Series for Innovative

I begin my prepared remarks, I do want to take

Learning” and logo, and the presentation to Dr.

this opportunity to recognize Dr. Copper in front of the entire Brewster community for the remarkable job he has done over the last 11 years as head.”

Coviello continued, “we are here today at this

“Today we are here to celebrate a level of commitment to innovation that does not go unnoticed and should never stop developing … ”

symposium to challenge you to think deeply about technology and humanity,” he said. “We

– Art Coviello

are also here to celebrate legacy and heritage – The definition of heritage is the traditions, achievements, and beliefs that are part of the history of a group. And Brewster has a great heritage.

Cooper of a framed acknowledgement of the naming, The Cooper Series began.

This year’s speakers were Coviello and Dr. Marc Brackett, director of the Center for Emotional Intelligence at Yale University. The topic was Technology and Humanity and the speakers shared insights around the idea that human interaction is changing in a fundamental way as a result of technology, and both explored

the question: How can we prepare our future leaders with the skills to navigate essential human interactions and creative problem solving, while also embracing and maximizing what technology can offer?

“In 2003, Dr. Cooper came to Brewster after a long career in higher education.

He had a strong desire to making a positive and lasting impact on your lives. And

After Coviello and Brackett spoke, students and

without question, he has done just that. By leading the effort to add project-based

faculty participated in a thoughtful, informed

learning into the curriculum, by initiating the first boarding school relationship

Q&A session.

with Yale in developing an emotional intelligence program at Brewster, and by building upon Brewster’s commitment to integrated use of technology, Dr. Cooper

To listen to The Cooper Series talk, go to:

has continued the school’s longstanding commitment to innovation.

http://new.livestream.com/Brewster-Academy

Dr. Marc Brackett, Art Coviello, and Mike Cooper

Andrea, Mike, and Allie Cooper stand below the Cooper Series banner unveiled by students at The Cooper Series.

www.brewsteracademy.org

15

By Marcia Eldredge

BrewsterConnections recently reached across the globe to uncover five alumni who are feeding the world (or at least different parts of it) with a variety of fare – some of it direct from the farm to the table and some created in high-end kitchens in the world’s largest cities. Here these Bobcat foodies talk about everything from how they got their start to what influence their Brewster experience had on their career paths to what’s in their own Fridges.

Grab a chair at the table and read on. We start on the California coast and continue west.

For Starters Fred Piehl ’95, Executive Chef and Owner, The Smoking Goat, North Park, San Diego

The dish

Fred Piehl ’95 received an early education in farm-to-table cuisine. After spending a few years in Switzerland as a young boy with his German parents, he saw first hand the influence of the surrounding land at their dinner table – whether it was livestock, vegetables, or grapes. After studying business at college in Colorado and working in restaurants, he had an opportunity to go to Paris and he took it. He studied for 16 months, both cuisine and pastry, and graduated with a Grande Diplome from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris.

Upon his return he moved to La Jolla, California, and worked in the restaurant business for 10 years, including at Nine-Ten and Avenue 5. Then in 2010 on Craig’s List he found a little spot where he started the original Smoking Goat, a French and American Bistro. He credits his aunt, a goat rancher who crafted goat cheese before it was popular, for inspiring The Smoking Goat name. When the adjacent building became available two years later, Fred expanded the restaurant.

At Brewser Fred Piehl ’95 learned that food was a way to embrace diverse cultures.

Fred lives in La Jolla with his wife Tammy, who is co-owner, and their two children.

Main Course

What’s the best part of being a chef? You get to work in a really cool environment. … You get to use some creativity and there’s instant gratification. There are always challenges, and we are an ever-evolving place. … The people. Characters collide and it’s not always pretty. It’s intense. We are constantly trying to improve and change things around. It’s a constant progression.

Did your time at Brewster have any influence on your career path? I washed dishes at Brewster. I wasn’t inspired to be a cook at Brewster but there were students from other countries and food is a way to embrace other cultures, and I saw this early on.

Any career advice for our current students? You have to work hard and pay your dues. Don’t’ be scared to start at the bottom because you have to learn every part of [the business]. … Be organized and practice, practice, practice.

The Sweet Stuff

What’s in your fridge at home? Goat’s milk; cheese; fresh farmer’s market produce; and condiments.

Smoking Appetizer: Duckfat Truffle Fries

Favorite food? Cheese and crackers Favorite eatery (aside from your own)? I like Fore Street in Portland, Maine, and Gramercy Tavern in New York City.

16

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2014

Ham and Sherry offers diners four different legs of Ibérico Jamón.

For Starters Max Kellman ’05, Head Chef, Ham & Sherry, Hong Kong

The dish

Originally from New York, Max Kellman ’05 now lives with his girlfriend Sophie in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong. He says, “Without the support of Mr. Martin and Mr. Fouser I would not be where I am today. There where many backyard barbecues, late dinners, and burnt chickens on my path, and they were both there for me along the way.”

Max was encouraged by Brewster faculty to pursue his passion for cooking.

Main Course

Tell us about Ham and Sherry? Ham and Sherry is a tapas restaurant with a speakeasy style cocktail

bar. It’s owned by Jason Atherton, the chef with whom I interned with for years in London. We have 50 sherries on our list and a consistently changing food menu.

What do you love about what you do? I love the ability to talk to our guests directly and be expressive/creative with my menu at the same time. I also love making things. The idea that I go to work, receive goods, make them into things, and then hand the creations to people and witness their reactions is truly satisfying to witness the entire cycle.

You were trained at the Culinary Institute of America. How did you arrive at where you are today professionally? I had been interested in cooking before. But at Brewster the Martin’s (Byron and Margaret) and Mr. Fouser encouraged me. I ended up attending the CIA/Cornell dual degree program with encouragement from both Mr. Martin and Mr. Fouser.

The Sweet Stuff What’s in your fridge at home? A selection of hot sauces,

Did your time at Brewster have any influence on your career path?

Yes, that’s where I really started cooking. I was always given a chance to cook at the Martins and Fousers’ houses. That’s where I got the kinks out. I remember making a lobster bisque – borrowing a Robot Coupe food processor from the Estabrook and spraying lobster juice across Fouser’s kitchen. I would not be who I am without their support and am grateful for that.

What do you love about Hong Kong? Hong Kong is an amazing city with lots of opportunity and great product. There is not anything here to not love.

good butter, a bottle of Oloroso sherry wine, a bottle of champagne, and a case of beer (in Hong Kong we rarely cook at home).

Favorite food? BBQ. Dim sum.

Thai. Fried chicken.

Favorite Eatery (aside from

Any career advice for current students? Yes. If you show up everyday – work hard and get things done – people will stand behind you. Keep close with those you work with and for. Our industry is very small and respect from people will get you through all kinds of doors. Being a chef is not about anything but showing up even when it’s tough, performing under pressure, and gaining the respect of your

your own)? I always catch myself eating either tsukemen ramen, canto BBQ pork, or Thai

peers - but if you work hard and get things done you will be rewarded.

www.brewsteracademy.org

17

18

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2014

For Starters Partsopar “Par” Tangjaitrong ’04, Owner, Brooklyn Baker, Bangkok, Thailand

The dish

Originally from Thailand, Partsopar “Par” Tangjaitrong ’04 traveled to the United States to attend Brewster for four years and then graduated from Drexel University before moving to New York City. She found her passion for baking at the French Culinary Institute and then honed her skills at bakeries on the Upper West Side and in Brooklyn. She now lives in Bangkok where she opened the Brooklyn Baker three years ago.

Main Course

Tell us a little about the Brooklyn Baker. I’m curious about its name. Bangkok is a long way from NYC. After I graduated from Drexel University in Philadelphia, I moved to New York hoping I could assist a photographer since that was my major in college. 2009 was a terrible year to graduate economy-wise in the art field, the professional photographers weren’t making money or getting hired. So most photographers replied to my e-mails: ‘we’re not getting any jobs over here, go travel.’ I couldn’t really go travel because I had paid a crazy amount of money to live in New York so I looked around, feeling the need to change direction. Yes, the economy was bad but the New Yorkers were always eating out! I took an amateur course for bread baking at The French Culinary Institute and fell in love with baking, so I followed with the professional course right away. After I graduated I got a job at Levain Bakery on the Upper West Side. Then to Bakeri in Williamsburg where I learned about what it took to run a bakery. I was inspired by the diversity that exists in New York. It’s a little bit of everything that makes it so awesome – things that we were baking at Bakeri were sweets from Scandinavia, the amazing Italian focaccias, and the Spanish Tortilla. It was as if I had left America to experience all this wonderful foreign food, but in fact I didn’t. Brooklyn, New York, was a giant melting pot that had so much to share. Brooklyn to me symbolized that one-year experience to cherish. So I brought it back with me from America to share with everyone here in Thailand, hence the name Brooklyn Baker.

The Sweet Stuff What’s in your fridge at home? There’s always the staple items of milk, butter, eggs, dark chocolate, lots of salad, and fruits. There are always leftovers. The awesome thing about living in Thailand is that eating out is affordable you can have so much good food for less than 8 bucks! And we always keep our freezer full of ice cream to cool ourselves from the ferocious heat.

Favorite food? It changes all the time, right now I love good pizzas. Mario Batali’s Pizzeria Mozza is so good. The crust is more than just a vehicle for its topping; it is soft, chewy, and airy all at the same time and with a good crunch. Don’t even get me started on the topping!

Favorite Eatery (aside from your own)? I love the Clinton Street Baking Co. on the Lower East Side in New York. I will wait 40 minutes to an hour for those pancakes with the warm maple butter, which I have no shame of just soaking my pancakes in! I love the atmosphere and the vibes. I’d go and dream of having a place like that!

What do you love about what you do? I love that I have access to endless amounts of food, coffee, and sweets. Just kidding! I love that I can provide a cozy space for people to connect over food. I love that long after I was done with school I’m still learning – in the hospitality industry – the baking, cooking, and managing your own place. My father would joke about how I’m still in grad school. I love to see customers enjoy what we make at Brooklyn Baker, it is very rewarding. I love that particular moment in the morning when the baked goods come out of the oven, the sight and the smell of rich butter is incredible – that, I’ll never get sick and tired of.

How did you arrive at where you are today professionally? When I moved back to Thailand in 2010, I had no idea what I wanted to do, only to find out that my brother had opened the spa Retreat on Vitayu as a little get away in the city for people to come and relax. He intentionally left a space for me, a great opportunity for me to start something of my own, so that I would be grounded in Thailand and enjoy living here amidst my family. And I did! Amazingly enough, throughout this whole time I never had a solid plan but just went with whichever directions the wind blew! It has been so far so good!

Did your time at Brewster have any influence on your career path? Tremendously yes, I don’t think I’d make it this far if I didn’t have enough perseverance in me. My ability to be persistent definitely came from while I was making prints in the dark room. Chris Vivier (my advisor and my art teacher) really taught me the lesson of patience. I’ve got a lot of grit from coach [Kim] Yau (my field hockey and lacrosse coach), all that hustling out on the fields did me good. And a lot of courage from Diana Smith, I learned from her that we could be good at anything if we’d just over-prepare with lots of practice. Brewster definitely shaped me into the person that I am today, which is strong and motivated. And I learned that if you would just put your heart and soul into something – something great is bound to happen.

What inspires you? Traveling, seeing other people’s passion. Seeing how they pour their heart into creating something whether it is roasting coffee, making bread or cupcakes.

www.brewsteracademy.org

19

For Starters Sara Hodges ’07, Farmer and Owner/Operator, Sparkplug Farm, Vinalhaven Island, Maine

The dish

Originally from Tuftonboro, New Hampshire, and was a Lifer at Brewster. Her father is long-time computer graphics teacher BG Hodges ’66 and her sister Anne ’03 also attended Brewster. After graduating from Brewster, Sara attended Warren Wilson College in North Carolina, and then returned to her New England roots to start Sparkplug Farm in Maine.

Main Course

How did you end up as owner/farmer on a small island off the coast of Maine? In 2011 my boyfriend and business partner John Wright and I were apprenticing on a farm through the Maine Organic Farm and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) at Hatchet Cove Farm in Warren, Maine. We had both lived and worked on Vinalhaven Island previously and were wondering what our next step was going to be after the farming season ended. The lease on the land we farm on now opened up, and we were contacted through a mutual friend we have with our current landlord. We signed a one-year lease on the property and farmed three acres of vegetables. It went pretty well that first year, slow going but steady, and so we renewed the

An abundant harvest

lease for another year. In our second year we expanded to five acres in vegetables and at the end of 2013 we signed a five-year lease on the property as well as the adjacent property. Signing that lease allowed us to make a few more long-term plans for the farm as well as incorporate a more defined vision for what we wanted to accomplish.

Tell us about Sparkplug Farm? Sparkplug Farm is a diversified farm with six acres of

Because of Brewster’s size, each

mixed vegetables, a pasture-based microdairy and pastured egg operation. We run a

student has an incredible affect

95-member Community Supported Agriculture

on the community, and it teaches

supply five wholesale accounts and sell at our

that as an individual you can make change in your community.

(CSA) program here on the island, as well as stand at the island’s farmers market once a week. We sell nearly everything we produce to the Vinalhaven community, with the exception of branching out to neighboring North Haven Island for one wholesale account this year.

The name Sparkplug Farm came from the lighthouse located near the farm. The farm is on the Fox Islands Thoroughfare and the Goose Rocks Lighthouse is a “sparkplug” lighthouse (so-called because it sits isolated

Vinalhaven Farmers’ Market

on a ledge, and actually looks like a sparkplug). The land the farm is on was originally a dairy farm, which closed in 1952.

This year was a big year for us; we got licensed by the state of Maine to sell unpasteurized milk, we bought 200 laying hens, expanded the vegetables to six acres up from five, and signed the five-year lease on the land we are farming.

Is it true that you supply most of the fresh food to the island residents? (What’s Vinalhaven’s population?) We are not the only producers on the island, but we are the largest. The year round population on Vinalhaven is 1,200, in the summer it goes up to around 5,000 - 6,000.

What do you love about what you do? I love pretty much everything about what I am doing right now. I love growing food, I love cows, I love chickens (for the most part, although we do have a bit of a complicated relationship). We have been working for the past three years to get the farm to the sweet spot it’s in right now, and it is very rewarding to finally have achieved the operational size we were reaching for.

We will be expanding the eggs and milk next year, but as far as the vegetables go, we are exactly where we

20

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2014

Sparkplug Farm chicken tractor

want to be. Producing food that is feeding this community is incredibly rewarding. Vinalhaven has been so welcoming – without the support of this community we wouldn’t be able to continue farming out here.

The Sweet Stuff What’s in your fridge at home?

Did your time at Brewster have any influence on your career path? Brewster was a wonderful place to go to high school and it definitely helped me have a successful college career. Having good time management is really important at Brewster and learning how to manage my time well helped me through college, but is also still helps me manage my time on the farm. I would not say Brewster puts a lot of emphasis on going into small scale agriculture, but I would say that because of Brewster’s size, each student

Cheddar cheese, goat cheese, brie, milk, butter, blueberries, salad mix, maple syrup, eggs, bread yeast, Sriracha, pickles, mustard

has an incredible affect on the community, and it teaches that as an individual you can make change in your

... a lot of condiments. Vegetables do not

community. I really discovered my love for the outdoors when I was at Brewster, and I spent a lot of time in

usually make it into our home fridge,

the Outdoor Skills Program and the Nordic Ski Program there. I felt a lot of support from the faculty and staff at Brewster. Mr. [Peter] Lassey and Mr. [Jonathan] Fouser were both teachers who raised my environmental awareness and encouraged me to go to Warren Wilson College where I became interested in natural resource

because it is really small, but we do have a walk-in cooler full.

management, while pursuing a creative writing degree.

Any career advice for our current students? My parents always told me to find something I really loved doing and to follow my passions. I feel like I am incredibly fortunate to be able to do something I love. I think it is a lot easier to work hard when you are enjoying your job or at least when you are working toward a specific goal.

What do you love about Island life? Vinalhaven is a beautiful place to live and has a tight knit community of interesting and talented people. It’s incredible that I get to live on the ocean. Running a business that operates solely on-island creates exciting and unforeseen challenges. On the mainland we could sell to stores a couple towns over, but out here we have to find a lot of different avenues to sell our produce,

Favorite food? I love fall vegetables after the first light frost when everything gets really sweet.

Favorite Eatery (aside from your own)? On the island, The Haven or Greet’s Eats; in Rockland, Home Kitchen Cafe.

all in the same community.

What inspires you? I’m inspired by the direction small-scale agriculture is taking in Maine, but also in the U.S. as a whole. Maine is a very supportive state for small farms and has a network of really talented and motivated farmers. It inspires me to be met with new challenges each day and having to solve problems – to see people get excited about vegetables and to have people come out of the woodwork talking about gardening and numerous incredible skills they have is really inspiring.

Sara and a young farm resident have a nice view from the pasture.

Sara Hodges and John Wright on their farm off the coast of Maine.

www.brewsteracademy.org

21

For Starters Annie Dearborn ’08, Pastry Chef at Orsone in the Friuli region of Udine, Italy

The dish

Originally from the Wolfeboro area, and she and her sister Krisztina ’10 were both Lifers at Brewster. Her journey to becoming a chef included a few twists and turns along the way, but Annie’s success has come, in her words, from ‘being at the right place at the right time’ and knowing when to take advantage of great, if somewhat challenging new opportunities.

Main Course Please tell us about your journey to pastry chef at Orsone in northeastern Italy. I worked in NYC for two years, the second year at Del Posto. It is a huge Italian restaurant with 40 people in the kitchen.

I was in the pastry department with 10 other people. I was determined to keep working there until I got promoted when the pastry chef, Brooks Headley, came to me with this opportunity. The discussion was almost exactly, “Chef, I really want to go on vacation in Italy this summer. But where do I go for just one week?”

Pastry Chef Annie Dearborn ’08 His reply: “I think I can do better than just a vacation!” Seriously. Almost exactly those words (I wasn’t taking notes). Right place, right time.

Orsone is a small restaurant with capacity of up to 36-40 people in the dining room and well over that in the bar.

There is also a small B&B upstairs and a garden outside that we use to grow many of the herbs and vegetables that we use. We are located on the Bastianich Vineyard that is pretty much hill after hill of grapevines.

How did you arrive at where you are today professionally? After BA I was so ready to go to undergrad and then medical school and was volunteering at Huggins Hospital, helping out in their Adult Day Center. I even got to observe a full knee replacement. But I think somehow my future was written that I was going to be in kitchens because it is still the only kind of (paying) job I have ever held! I had always worked at Mise en Place in Wolfeboro during the summer (four summers when I was 15-19). When I left college (it

One of Annie’s sweet creations.

was not working out), the chefs at Mise en Place suggested I go to culinary school. I applied the next week

The Sweet Stuff

to Johnson and Wales in Providence, Rhode Island, and found out I was accepted a few weeks later and left immediately to study culinary arts. I learned most of my pastry skills on the job and by bluffing that I knew them when I so clearly didn’t.

What do you love about what you do? Cooking can be really heavily influenced by your ego and self esteem. It is an ugly fact. A lot of cooks are like, ‘I am so fast at cutting this fish’ therefore they are tough and cool, etc. Or people who use their position as chef to be rude to diners ... I think there are limits. Since coming to Italy I have really learned to appreciate cooking for people and seeing them enjoying my food. The sense

What’s in your fridge at home?

Mayonnaise, pesto (not homemade), cheese, some Spanish salami, and this weird milk made from barley that is flavored to taste like coffee milk that is seriously amazing.

of knowing that you are sometimes making someone’s day or week, or making ‘the best thing they ever had’

Favorite food? I have to say sushi. The

(always aiming for that!), that is what it’s all about.

deprivation of Asian food here has only increased the gap between sushi, my number 1

What do you love about Italy? Wine, cheese, pasta ... Oh, sorry. Italy is beautiful! Really, it is just like

favorite food, and all others that come after it.

how they say. Aside from the politics it is like living inside a painting from the Renaissance.

Favorite eatery (aside from your What is different about working as a chef in Italy than from working in the United

own)? Probably this is impossible to decide. I

States? There are really different labor laws here. Here even if you have a part-time job you get a contract,

go through phases ... when I just ate something

sign it, and have to officially give notice if you want to leave. No one could ever just stop showing up to

new and awesome I want to eat it every

work because they wouldn’t get paid (as is stated in the contract). But, all jobs in Italy legally have to have a

weekend for the rest of the month. I would

minimum of three weeks of vacation per year, and a cook in NYC is lucky to get a full seven days. Maximum.

recommend to anyone Del Posto [in NYC],

Another thing ... People here love to take coffee breaks. I have never worked in an office so I cannot really

because they are so keen on making each

understand this ... literally, so many espressos. Too bad I don’t drink coffee!

diner’s experience unforgettable and they really succeed in that. Also, my dad’s house,

How’s your Italian? Il mio italiano sarà quasi perfetto, a parte dell’accento e qualche verbo irregolare. My

because he never measures anything and his

Italian is almost perfect, aside from my accent and some irregular verbs. My trick was to just stop thinking in

chocolate chip cookies are still always better

English. Taking notes. Playing children’s language games on my phone. I know it’s hard and weird, but even

than mine.

when you are so frustrated that you can’t understand anyone, it only gets better.

22

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2014

A Banner Season in Bobcat Nation Four Teams Earn League Championships

By Marcia Eldredge

I

t was a banner fall season for Brewster athletics. The boys and

girls’ varsity soccer teams and the girls’ varsity field hockey team earned Lakes Region Championships while the varsity golf team

earned the Maine Association of Independent School Athletic Directors Championship. It is the first time in school history that Brewster has earned four league titles in one season.

“As a school, we are incredibly proud of our teams for having such

success on the playing fields this fall,” said Athletic Director Matt Lawlor.

“It is a reflection of the hard work the coaches and players alike have put

in throughout the season and during the offseason as well that led to these

The Team – top row (l to right) Jacqueline Clark, Marina Jozokos, Reyna Denigan, Caitlyn Petro, Meagan Wood, Ceara Caffrey, Julia Sledzik, Chelsea De Luca; middle row (l to r) assistant coach Janis Cornwell, Chloe Lancaster, Alanna Moran, Ashtyn Bartlett, Katelin Oberlander, Maddy Cunningham, Stephanie Brunelle, coach Kim Yau; seated (l to r) Juliet Hadley, Lexy Felt, Kaya Beland, Megan Rourke, Maisie Ross, Amy Livermore, Elise Hennessey, Jillian Duffy, Shayla Meehan. Not pictured: Isabella Monzione.

great accomplishments.”

The girls’ field hockey team finished their regular season with an 11-3-1 record, and earned the #2 seed in the NEPSAC tournament where they made it to the semifinals before falling to Proctor Academy.

The girls’ varsity soccer team ended their regular season undefeated at 140-2. They earned the #1 seed in the NEPSAC tournament and went all the way to the finals before falling to Pingree School 3-1 – their first and only loss of the 2014 season.

The boys’ varsity team ended their regular season play with a 12-5-1 record. Despite their winning season, they did not earn a bid to the New England tournament this year.

young team comprising three freshmen, three sophomores, and two

The Team – standing (l to r) assistant coach Doug Kiley, Jimmy Robinson, Max Wang, Dexter Hanson, Ethan Emerson, Joe Wadlinger, coach Bryon Martin; front row (l to r) Connor Seifried, Teagan Meehan, David Fiset-Ross

The Team – top row (l to r) Assistant Coach Laura Cooper, Kolby McKenzie, Masey Zegarowski, Tori Daley, Amelia Kotusky, Aly Churchill, Abbi Hoff, Liz Dalzell, Coach Matt Butcher; middle row (l to r) Katy Bryan, Kaylee Dufresne, Shae McIntyre, Malani Lee, Annee Alperin, Maddie Mahoney; kneeling (l to r) Bailey Kolinski, Liz Lane, Grace Cawley, Darby Morris, Charlotte Polk, Zoe Rafalowski-Houseman, Chantavy Crespin. Not pictured Kate Nice, Sophie Nardelli, and Bella Valinoti

The Team – top row (l to r) Chris Grant, Xavier Polanco, Joe Rotondi, Luc Dutranoit, Noel Romeu Oliva, Nicholas Holt, Jeremy Copenhaver; middle row (l to r) assistant coach Brendan Aucoin, Jonah Mann, Evan Edmonds, Gunner Found, Chandler Reagan, Clay Greenberg, Jose Sutton Rayek, Roy Gardiner, coach Karl Edmonds; seated (l to r) Luis Molto Pascual, Charles Henri-Dutranoit, Gabriel Polanco Rodriguez, Tyler Packett, Nick Gelotte, Jakob Ryd, Yuto Takahashi

The varsity golf team finished their season with a 6-2 record. This very juniors will be a force in the coming seasons.

www.brewsteracademy.org

23

las C e Th

s of 20 14

COMMENCEMENT Commencement speaker • Jon Siskel ’85

Valedictorian • Yoshi Yang

A 1985 Brewster graduate and documentary filmmaker, Jon Siskel reminded the graduates that no one reaches a milestone such as their graduation from Brewster Academy alone. He recalled former Headmaster David M. Smith’s perhaps most impressionable words to nearly three decades of students: “Today is the first day of the rest of your life.”

Siskel said he has often thought of this phrase as a comforting mandate that at

Junyi Mei

Yoshi Yang

any given day we can have a course change,

Known for her extraordinary work ethic and boundless energy, class valedictorian

although it might not come without

Yoshi Yang (Kaohsiung City, Taiwan) offered perhaps the most sage advice for

uncertainty and courage.

how she does it all. Yoshi described her years at Brewster as very full with new, exciting experiences at every turn.

He urged students to be courageous and fight for what they believe in. He mentioned speaking with one of the day’s graduates who asked him how to

“I really enjoy surprising people. For example, when people hear that I run cross-

break into the film industry. His advice for the student was to persevere and not

country, they often say, ‘impossible, you could never do it. Especially, since you

give up. “You have to decide what you want to do and find the person who can

take four Advanced Placement classes.’ Then they ask, ‘How is it possible?’ I tell

help you get there. … Convince them that you are the ultimate person for the

them I don’t have Facebook, and they respond, ‘Are you kidding me?’ I love the

job … I did it for a year and finally it worked,” Siskel said, recalling that when

reaction, the surprise my failure to Facebook elicits, so forgoing this modern

he finally knew that film and storytelling was his passion, it ultimately was his

pleasure is really worth it for me. … So, I encourage everyone to try to surprise

persistence that got him the job he wanted and launched his successful career as

and impress people. Brewster is the perfect community because it allows each

a documentary filmmaker.

person to express their individuality. …”

24

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2014



 "Not a final good-bye but more a ‘see you later’ as we all work together to foster a brighter and more productive future."

– Salutatorian Junyi Mei











  Chris Walker and Al Simoes

“I encourage everyone to try to surprise and impress people. Brewster is the perfect community because it allows each person to express their individuality. …”

– Valedictorian Yoshi Yang

 Nate McKenzie and a fan Bolden, Elston Bell Jr.,  Jonah and Will Tamposi Gich Rocha, Madalyn Grutius,  Jacobo and Megan Harp Gordon ’13, Lexy Carey,  Emily and Liz Miller ’13

Salutatorian • Junyi Mei The thoughtful, meticulous style of Junyi Mei (Tongling, Anhui, China) was a key element to her overwhelming academic success. “I have been molded by a challenging, yet conducive environment, as well as by my peers who are sitting here today. I owe it all to you for helping me to be successful. … The competition you provided gave me strength of character, and in this way, we are all salutatorians. … It is my hope that this is not a final good-bye but more a ‘see you later’ as we all work together to foster a brighter and more productive future.”

 Joe Mullaney and Molly Ingram  Ashley Cheng with her proud parents  Shannon Godin and Weston Nolan www.brewsteracademy.org

25

A

The Class of 2014 Scholarship Fund t Brewster’s Ivy Address on the eve of Commencement the Class of 2014

became the first class in Academy history to establish an endowed scholarship – The Class of 2014 Scholarship Fund.

Senior Prefect Reid Randall ’14 acknowledged the gift to the Academy saying: “It is with great honor that we present the senior class gift today in the form of a scholarship to be granted to support financial aid for future students. The scholarship fund was initiated with a challenge gift from three senior families who gifted a total of $15,000 dollars. The Brewster Business Club, led by senior Dan Lyons and assisted by the Technology Office, also significantly supported the class gift this year by donating $7,500. Throughout the year, we

Ivy Address Speakers Kanyarat Jitmana (Kakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand) and Nicole Levesque (Wolfeboro) with Mike Cooper at the Head of School Reception. The traditional Ivy Address ushered in celebrations on the eve of Commencement.

Reflections Ivy Address

K

anyarat Jitmana, or Kate as her friends called

her, was the highest-ranked postgraduate and a Royal

as a class raised an additional $2,500 through various fundraisers. Monies were also raised from our classmates and their families with assistance of the Development Office.”

Randall shared the significance that financial aid support had on him as well as co-senior prefect Elston Bell Jr. “As two young men that have been gracious recipients of financial aid, we fully understand how meaningful this gift can be and are happy to present this check in the amount of $27,341.75 to Brewster Academy, on behalf of our class, for the Class of 2014 Scholarship Fund!”

2014 Commencement Awards Athletic Director’s Award • Rebecca Jones • Neil Craig The Headmaster's Prize • Yoshi Yang The Postgraduate Award • Kanyarat Jitmana

Thai Scholar. She shared that their were many instances

Ronald “Buzzy” Dore Memorial Award • Whit Merritt

throughout the year of forcing herself to step out of her

Jill Carlson Memorial Award • Rebecca Jones

comfort zone in an effort to take advantage of every opportunity afforded her at Brewster. This included moving quickly from ESL to Jonathan Fouser’s mainstream English

Faculty Growth Achievement Award • Zachary Palanchian Mabel Cate Tarr Award • Nicole Levesque

class where she was scared and found it difficult to follow

David Sirchis School Service Award • Yoshi Yang

the conversation. She stuck with it, however, and soon saw

Arthur J. Mason Foundation Award • Nellie Ingram • Joe Osaka

her English speaking skills improve and began to enjoy the class. The self-described non-athlete knew that sports were a big part of U.S. culture and didn’t want to miss out on this aspect of her adopted country, so she decided to join the field hockey team to learn something “fun and exciting.” A teammate inspired Kate to be brave and talk with her new teammates; so Kate made it her goal to learn the first and last names of all her teammates, and during her remarks she named and thanked each of them for their personal contributions to the team.

Kate reminisced about her much anticipated first snow storm, which was as exciting as she predicted, but that excitement wore off quickly as the snow kept coming – month after month into spring. Although Kate may not miss continued on page 27

26

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2014 2013

Burtis F. Vaughan Award • Sean Cassidy Arthur M. Hurlin Award • Elston Bell Jr.

Ivy Address Reflections continued from page 26

Where They Went the long snowy winter at Pitzer College in California, she

Bishop's University

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey at New Brunswick

Boston University (3)

Saint Michael's College (2)

Bryant University (3)

San Diego State University

Bucknell University

Savannah College of Art and Design (2)

Canisius College

School of Visual Arts

Clark University (2)

St. Lawrence University

Clemson University

State University of New York at Albany

College of Charleston (2)

Stonehill College

Connecticut College

Suffolk University

Nicole Levesque of Wolfeboro was a lifer and the third

Denison University (2)

Susquehanna University

academically ranked senior in the Class of 2014. She

Drexel University

Texas Christian University

offered attendees a few details about the Class of 2014. “17

Elmira College

Towson University

countries are represented, 14 states, and many more cities.

Endicott College (2)

University of Alabama

We attended various schools around the globe, and had

Fairfield University (3)

University of Arizona

Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Los Angeles

different ways of learning, but once we have experienced

University of Memphis

Bates College

Fordham University George Mason University Georgetown University Gettysburg College Hartwick College (2)

most definitely will miss Brewster Academy: “This place that helped me grow, this place that is full of wonderful people, this beautiful environment and lovely campus. Here, I have been shaped into a young woman who is ready to face the world. I have met new friends, played sports, and had many

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of Tampa University of California at Los Angeles (3) University of Colorado at Boulder

new experiences. It has been a wonderful year!”

education at Brewster Academy, our previous differences seem to fade. We all hold different backgrounds, cultures, pasts, and opinions, but in a way, we are all the same … we have spent four years together, living together, learning together, and sharing the same lifestyle. We speak the same

University of Connecticut (2) University of Denver

Brewster language – of BMP's, meta-moments, and weekend

University of Hartford

study halls – and for the most part we dress alike, at least

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

on Wednesdays and Saturdays. We' re united by the classes,

University of Kansas

the food, the sports, and the various school-wide activities

University of New England

that range from fundraisers to water gun assassinations. Of

Lehigh University (2)

University of New Hampshire (2)

course we still have our differences, and plenty of them, but

Louisiana State University

University of Rhode Island

here, we all have one thing in common that is lasting: our

Lynn University

University of Rochester

Marist College

University of South Carolina, Aiken

Mount Holyoke College

University of the Arts London

New England College

University of the Incarnate Word

New York University

University of Utah

Pitzer College

University of Western Ontario

Plymouth State University

Villanova University

on to do greater things, a part of us will be left to grow

Roanoke College

Westfield State University

along the building that has taught us so much, just as the

Rochester Institute of Technology (2)

Wheaton College

education that we have received will forever continue to

Rollins College

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (2)

grow in us.”

Hawaii Pacific University High Point University (2) Hobart and William Smith Colleges (5) Indiana University at Bloomington Lake Forest College

108

graduates

16

association with Brewster Academy. …

“As we join together to leave an ivy plant to commemorate the Class of 2014, I would like to point out its representation of our class’s unified growth. Long after we have moved

5

individual Bobcats of the Week throughout 2013-2014

artists who earned Scholastic Art Awards

The Class of 2014

17

by the Numbers

students from other countries

34 lifers

59

students who gave to the Class of 2014 Scholarship Fund

www.brewsteracademy.org

27

Do You

Haiku?

The se B rews t er Students Do

Students ref lect on Brewster life in 17 syllables.

The Lake

The lake is frozen Glistening in the sunlight Beauty of Brewster – Tasha Getten ’16 Boston, Massachusetts

A glittering lake Soft and still before the wind Stirs up a strong gale – Lucy Liautaud ’17 Champaign, Illinois

Water is peaceful All movement is under it Still, frozen, ice world – Bailey Kolinski ’17 Derry, New Hampshire

Teams are all around

For physical strength

Way more than a game

Like a family reunion

Souls rush through greenery

I put my heart into this

School has just begun

Absolute agony

Gain strength from the pain

– Bailey Kolinski ’17 Derry, New Hampshire

– Saif AlAmeemi ’16 Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

– David Crisp ’15 Lakewood, Washington

Afternoons 28

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2014

Breaking a cold sweat down to the vacant railroad where trees embrace fall – Andrea Smith ’15 Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia

Estabrook is full

The scents fill the air

Of warm meals, friends, teammates but

Forks and knives on the table

Mostly your family

Students everywhere

– Elise Hennessey ’15 Londonderry, New Hampshire

– Angela First ’17 Houston, Texas

Seemingly endless

Clattering of plates

It comes out in trays and pots

frequently chime into words

Long lines of hungry

don’t forget the cups

– Jonathan Libenson Barnstead, New Hampshire

– Tyler Colon ’15 Palos Verdes Peninsula, California

The Estabrook Wolfeboro

Kids at the table No one has a single clue

Through adversity

“Why’s this sticky?”

Us students work on even

Colors blended on the ground

– Bailey Kolinski ’17 Derry, New Hampshire

Walks become colder

Bus buddies pile in

– Jonathan Libenson ’17 Barnstead, New Hampshire

Off to the games we go

– Peter Christopoulos ’15 Walnut Creek, California

– Chase Lavoie ’15 Salem, New Hampshire

Or bonding with our dorm

It doesn’t matter where

Walking to the view

Sometimes confusing

Takes us to the mall

They can go anywhere

The water clear as the day

Learning can be amusing

– Brandon LeBert ’15 Woburn, Massachusetts

The birds bring us far

Wolfeboro back bay

I love English class

A test is coming

– Leana Giron ’15 Orlando, Florida

Days become shorter

Classes

To bring home the win – Bella Monzione ’15 Gilford, New Hampshire

When wifi is gone – Pam O’Leary ’15 Wolfeboro, New Hampshire Shower, brush, floss, dry, Chinos, tie, belt, and blazer, Dress code BMPs. – Devon Williams ’15 Sharon, Masschusetts

I sit in English We’re learning about Haiku’s Class today is good!

– Tasha Getten ’17 Boston, Massachusetts

These four years so fast

The Bailey’s Bubble

oh how this time has gone by

Licking our ice cream away

ready for good bye?

It’s the place to be

– Nick Gelotte ’15 Wellesely, Massachusetts

– Angela First ’17 Houston, Texas

www.brewsteracademy.org

29

The view just got even

better!

30

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2014

Introducing the Bobcat Copter Our new quadcopter has been flying the skies above Brewster capturing stunning images of campus, Wolfeboro, and Lake Winnipesaukee.

See some of the footage here: www.brewsteracademy.org/bobcatcopter

360˚ Virtual Tour

See new “spins” around campus, including the recently renovated Anderson Hall.

www.brewsteracademy.org/tour

Connect to Brewster 24/7 NEW!

BA Alumni Connect Mobile App

Visit our new mobile website to stay on top of all the latest happenings at Brewster.

Available through: iTunes and Google Play

www.brewsteracademy.org Find all our social networks in one place

GET SOCIAL with brewster

social.brewsteracademy.org www.brewsteracademy.org

31

Newsmakers Division I Commitments

Massachusetts): University of Connecticut; David

Cassidy Honored for Essay

Crisp (Lakewood, Washington): University of

An essay authored

Washington; Marcus Derrickson (Landover,

by Sean Cassidy ’14

Maryland): Georgetown University; Alex Illikainen

(Malden, Massachusetts)

In basketball, seven players made commitments to the following schools: Jalen Adams (Boston,

(Grand Rapids, Minnesota): University of Wisconsin;

Nine Brewster students signed national letters of intent in mid-November committing to play for NCAA Division I programs next year. Two of these commitments were from female lacrosse players, making it the first time in Brewster history that female lacrosse players have signed national letters of intent to play for Division I programs.

“This is a great milestone for our program and for Brewster Academy,” said Melissa Lawlor, head girls’ lacrosse coach. “I am so proud of how far these girls have come in their lacrosse careers, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for them at UNC and Fairfield. It is an exciting time to be a girls’ lacrosse player at Brewster, thanks in large part to our Division I pioneers, Elise Hennessey and Lexy Felt.”

earned second place in

Donovan Mitchell (Greenwich, Connecticut):

last spring’s Daughter’s of the American Revolution

University of Louisville; Jarred Reuter (Marion,

(DAR) state essay contest. In New Hampshire there are

Massachusetts): University of Virginia; and Justin

27 DAR chapters, and Sean earned first place honors

Simon (Temecula, California): University of Arizona.

in the contest of the Winnipesaukee chapter. The essay then advanced to the state competition where it

To learn about other student commitments, visit

earned second place from among 60 other essays.

www.brewsteracademy.org/athletics.

Gilray All-American

The essay topic was “Our American Heritage and Our Responsibility for Preserving It.” The focus question

Matt Gilray ‘14

was “How does one’s personal heritage affect one’s

(Oshawa, Ontario) was

duties to our nation?” The essay topic and focus

named a US Lacrosse

question was not revealed until Sean sat to write

All-American last spring.

the essay, which had to be written in the presence

Gilray, a three-year

of a faculty member, within a two-hour limit, and

member of the Bobcat

without the use of reference materials (except a

squad, will play lacrosse

dictionary). Sean is now at Villanova University.

at Bucknell University.

Garnsey is Player of the Year

From Bobcat Nation to the NBA The 2014 NBA Draft saw three Brewster Academy

Elise Hennessey (Londonderry, New Hampshire) is a

Ryder Garnsey ‘14

alumni selected. TJ Warren ‘12 was selected 14th

three-season, four-year varsity athlete. Hennessey, a

(Wolfeboro) was named

overall by the Phoenix Suns. Warren was the ACC

goalie, will play for the University of North Carolina,

Northern New England

Player of the Year last season at North Carolina

Chapel Hill, which is currently ranked #4 in the

Lacrosse Player of the

State. Former teammate Mitch McGary ‘12 was

nation in NCAA Division 1 women’s lacrosse.

Year by the Northern

then selected 21st overall by the Oklahoma City

New England Coaches

Thunder. McGary missed most of the 2013-14

Alexis “Lexy” Felt (Deerfield, New Hampshire) has

Association. Garnsey,

season with a back injury after leading Michigan to

been playing varsity lacrosse and field hockey at

a four-year member of the Bobcat squad, will play

the National Championship Game in 2013. Finally,

Brewster since her sophomore year. She plays

lacrosse for Phillips Andover Academy in the spring

Semaj Christon ‘12 joined his classmates as the

midfield/attack, and next year will play for Fairfield

while completing a post-graduate year before

55th overall pick by the Miami Heat. Christon’s draft

University, which is ranked #43 in NCAA Division I.

attending Notre Dame University.

rights were later traded to Oklahoma City where he

32

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2014

joined former teammate, McGary. Christon was the

of Vermont. According to Coleno’s Facebook page,

2013 Atlantic 10 Conference Rookie of the Year and

the company promises “Limited Edition Crew Necks

a unanimous All Big East honoree this past season.

& Tank Tops that will catch the eyes of just about anyone walking your way. Never be afraid to be

Brewster has now had seven alumni drafted in the past five years. JaKarr Sampson ‘12 signed a free

BOLD.” Check it out: www.colenoapparel.com

summer and earned a spot on their opening day

Architectural Digest Features Maggard’s Work

roster for this season. Craig Brackins ‘07 was the

Professional decorator Susanna Maggard ’91 is

21st overall pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder

featured in the November issue of Architectural

and later traded to the New Orleans Hornets. The

Digest. Susanna recently did a complete renovation

2012 NBA Draft saw Thomas Robinson ‘09 chosen

of a private apartment in The Plaza hotel in New York

5th overall by the Sacramento Kings, while Will

City. Her company, Susanna Maggard Interiors, is in

Barton ‘10 was the 40th overall selection by the

Manhattan. Check it out: www.susannamaggard.com

agent contract with the Philadelphia 76ers this

Portland Trail Blazers. Barton and Robinson are now teammates in Portland. Since 2012, there have been 18 former New England Prep School players selected in the NBA Draft.

New Resident Bobcat

Laurent Receives Paul Harris Fellow

In September a large Bobcat, looking

The Wolfeboro Rotary

Brown Field, Brewster’s turf facility.

fierce and ready for competition, made a permanent home outside the gates of

Club honored Dean of

Former Bobcat a UNH Wildcat’s Coach

Campus Affairs Jaime Laurent as a Paul Harris Fellow in September. The Paul Harris Fellow honor is given in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world.

The Bobcat found his new home thanks to the generosity of Jennifer and John Nolan, parents of recent graduates Connor ’11 and Weston ’14. According to Director of Advancement Kristy Kerin, “The Nolans wanted to honor the dedicated coaches and athletes at Brewster in recognition of

“The service commitment that Brewster’s Interact

the outstanding experiences both of their

makes is both local and global,” Laurent explained.

sons had at the Academy.”

Nic DeZenzo ’04 has come a long way from playing

“Students are involved with Rotary International’s

soccer on Brewster’s beautiful lakeside fields. The

fight to eradicate polio worldwide to helping

former Bobcat recently became an assistant coach

“My husband and I have such affinity

homeless students here in the local school district.”

for the Division 1 University of New Hampshire

for the entire Brewster community of

She noted that last year Interact students raised

women’s soccer program. Previously, he coached at

enough money at a Brewster basketball game to

Tilton School and with Seacoast United Soccer Club

fund the purchase of a wheelchair through Rotary

and was coordinator of the Australian Elite Soccer

and the Wheelchair Foundation.

Football Academy in Sydney. He also has played professionally in Australia and in the United States.

Best of NH Winner

students, teachers, coaches, staff, etc.,” Jennifer Nolan said. “The four years our two sons have collectively spent there have been deeply meaningful and impactful. We feel real gratitude to the

Nic credits his time working in the boarding school

Brewster Academy, along

school for all that our sons have gotten

environment and with the international Academy

with the New Hampshire

out of their experiences there – truly

program for preparing him to coach at such a high level.

Boat Museum and Wolfeboro

empowering and positive.”

Parks and Recreation, was

Nolan’s Coleno Apparel Making News

voted a Best of NH 2014

Director of Athletics Matt Lawlor noted,

winner by New Hampshire

“We are already seeing a new Brewster

In September Connor Nolan ’11 and his business

magazine for its Sailboat

Coleno Apparel were featured in USA Today. Coleno

Sharing program. This new

is a gender-neutral clothing line that manufactures

partnership allows local sailors and graduates of the

all-over print sweatshirts. Nolan founded the

Adult Learn to Sail program to take out a J24-foot

company in 2011 while a student at the University

keel boat on their own throughout the summer.

tradition in the making as passersby are pausing to touch the Bobcat on the head for luck before entering the field!”

www.brewsteracademy.org

33

Brewster On The

Road

Where We’ve Been July – Three welcome receptions provided opportunities for new and returning families to get to know each other before arriving on campus in September. These receptions have quickly become a great introduction to the Brewster Family! We thank this summer’s hosts, Neal and Amy Reiner (Allyson

Summer Reception in Rowayton, Connecticut

’10) in Wellesley, Massachusetts, and Chris and Terri

families. If you are interested in hosting a Summer

Walker (Chris ’14) in Rowayton, Connecticut. Here

Reception – please contact Events Coordinator

in Wolfeboro we gathered at Brewster’s Pinckney

Susan Repplier at 603.569.7191 or

Boathouse with many new and returning local

susan_repplier@brewsteracademy.org.

Summer Reception at the Pinckney Boathouse on the Brewster campus.

Lakes Region Alumni Chapter

Alumni Enjoy A Northwest Passage

August – The Lakes Region Alumni Association met for breakfast in the Estabrook and then traveled on a Brewster bus to Pleasant View Gardens in Loudon, New Hampshire, one of New England’s largest wholesale greenhouse businesses. The grounds and flowers were stunning and left everyone with new ideas for their own gardens. The Lakes Region Chapter meets for breakfast every few months and enjoys occasional field trips. All alumni are invited to attend. To learn more contact Beth Hayes ’81 in the Alumni Office at (603) 569-7133 or beth_hayes@brewsteracademy.org.

September – Alumni and their guests cruised from Portland, Oregon, through the Columbia River Gorge to the Snake River and back to Portland aboard The S.S. Legacy. Pictured from left to right are P.D. (Quinlan) Dawson ’53, Larry Thurrell ’54, Jean (Douglas) Orr ’54, David Carlson ’54, Jack Reever ’60 and Monie (Stevens) Zarinsky ’54.

Where We’re Going Westward Bound November –Mike Cooper is spreading Brewster spirit

March – Catch up with Whitney White ’07 as

around the world! While this issue was at the printer,

she heads west. Whitney plans to visit alumni in

Mike and Andrea Cooper were heading abroad to

Denver, Colorado, and various cities in California.

visit current and prospective families in Spain along

Contact Whitney at 603.515.3157 or by e-mail at

with Director of Admission and External Affairs

whitney_white@brewsteracademy.org if you are in

Lynne Palmer.

these areas and interested in meeting up with other alumni.

Mike was then scheduled to join Director of Advancement Kristy Kerin to visit current families and alumni in Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, Beijing, and Hong Kong. Be sure to follow their travels on BA’s social media mashup page social.brewsteracademy.org.

Questions about any of the Upcoming Events?

Contact Event Coordinator Susan Repplier at 603.569.7191 or susan_repplier@brewsteracademy.org.

Come Back to Campus Dec

12-13 fri-sat

Trey Whitfield ’89 Invitational Basketball Tournament Cheer on the Bobcats here at home

may

22 fri

Bobcat Open Golf Tournament Open to parents, alumni parents, grandparents, alumni, and members

in the Smith Center for Athletics and

of the wider Brewster community.

Wellness.

Join us on the Lake Winnipesaukee Clive Clark championship course and

feb

22 sun

3rd Annual Winni Classic Hockey

try to become the Top Bobcat on

Tournament

the greens. This event is a fundraiser

Alumni – join us out on the lake for

for the Academy as well as a fun

some friendly competition against

day on the links. We are grateful for

the current girls and boys’ varsity

the many generous donations and

teams. The scenery and winter cheer

sponsorships.

can’t be beat!

may

apr

20-25 mon-sat may

19 tue

Philanthropy Week Celebrate the power of giving back!

Alumni LAX Game

23 sat may

29-31 fri-sun

Commencement 10 a.m. at the Smith Center Reunion Weekend and Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Don’t miss out on this special

Calling all lacrosse players – dust

weekend! Classes ending in ’05 and

off those sticks and come back to

’10 will be celebrating milestone

campus for a friendly match-up

reunions, although all alumni are

against the current girls and boys’

welcome and encouraged to join in

varsity teams on the Brewster turf.

the festivities.

Celebrate Brewster and Mike Cooper at an Event Near You During his final spring at Brewster, outgoing Head of School Dr. Michael E. Cooper will be on the road to celebrate the Academy's progress, share news from campus, and talk about plans and visions for the future. Please be on the lookout for details about upcoming events if your area. If you would like to help organize an event, please contact susan_repplier@ brewsteracademy.org February: Chicago March: San Francisco April: Bermuda May: Boston, Wolfeboro

www.brewsteracademy.org

35

Glidden, ard Tasker, John an Palmer, Rich n, Allen Parker, rm lso No , Ne ) th or dy rw oo th, Louise (M gan, Rick Butte Ro or s M le l ester Dow ar ae Ch Ch ich n, d, M ro al e, r): Marcia Fern rown) Lord-Per r): Dick Munro (B to to ia (l (l or w w Gl Ro t, Ro : Gay (Hale) ird r) ris ck Th Ba ds.

(Griffin) Gilch cond Row (l to , Everett Edmun shirt on), Beverly tes) Sothern, Donald Grout. Se Bruce , nk er pi ni Donald Coleman ur ith Fo (w y ng Jo y, Richard Lo Pamela (Spa y (Cram) Ives, e, nc nc Na re , iott, Missy aw ns Ell lli l-L dy al Terry Tewksbur Ro oo Jackie (Hunter) on), Karen Good eling l to r): W er w, ne az Te (K bl w n) k se Ro ac an st bl (H (with Marina son) Fuller Fir , ace Crawshaw, out, Connie (Cor an, Pam Wiggin Edmunds, Cand cDermott) Kapl (Whittemore) Gr (M le y Da nd , er Ci , Pip or y in ) Tra Jack Hayes Crowther, Ginn Linda (Auderer but attended: a (Titus) Shaw, e. Not pictured os br Manzer, Barbar Am ry Ga ) Danielson, Cathy (Spencer

Andrew Clough '99 and his fam ily enjoyed lunc in the Estabroo h k and getting to know fellow Bobcats Shae Pic kney ’03 and Jo el Smith ’03.

Return to Campus: and

A Look Back at Reunion 2014 A Look Ahead to 2015

Nearly 200 alumni as well as former and current Brewster faculty and staff attended Reunion in the spring. It was a weekend of reconnecting with old friends and making new ones; of hot, sunny days; a cool Lake Winnipesaukee; anniversary dinners for the 25th (1989) and 50th (1964) Reunion classes; and lots of laughs. The Class of 1964 broke attendance records with 41 classmates returning! Other

Members of the classes of 1953 and 1954 and friends gather on the Estabrook patio at a table made by members of the class of 2014.

class gatherings kept friends sharing stories and dancing into the night, and a lobster bake on the shore front, complete with a light breeze and setting sun, added to a picturesque weekend.

The returning members of the Class of 1989 with faculty members Matt Hoopes, Mary Fallon, and former Headmaster David Smith.

36

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2014

The steps to th e Academic Build ing are always a popular place to gather during Re union!

A Friendship Rediscovered at the Lobster Bake Nothing like old friends, fresh lobster, and lake front views!

Jack L. Hayes ’64 and Howard “Butch” Lovering ’62 last saw each other while serving in the Vietnam War.

Fun Facts

O

ften Reunion is all about connecting with old Brewster friends – but here’s a story that’s a little different. Butch Lovering ’62 was in line at the Lobster Bake – looking

for his ticket – and moved aside to let the man behind him through.

Jack Hayes ’64 stepped up wearing a Vietnam veteran’s cap, and

Oldest Alum:

Butch immediately asked where he served. When the answer was

Margery Niblett ’40

Chau Doc they both looked at each other’s name plates and hugged

Travelled Farthest: Karen Goodall-Lawrence ’64 (Avon, England)

– a bond from 45 years ago was rediscovered on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee!

Class with highest attendance:

Butch Lovering shared their story:

1964 with 41 classmates

“Both of us were in Vietnam in 1969. John came to my team in Chau

(nearly 50 percent of class)

Doc Province, Vietnam, and he was my assistant team leader. I got called back to the States for a couple of weeks … and then when I

Class with highest participation in giving: 1954 with 31 percent contributing

came back John had taken over the team … and they had moved to another location. So they put me in the spot of what they call S3 for the province, which is a little different job, and we kind of lost track of each other … and John was on some special assignment we can’t talk about – even now. We got along and just talked about stories but

2014

Reunion Photos!

I never knew that he went to Brewster! We knew about Norwich. We went to Norwich University together, but we never talked Brewster – I don’t know why…”

Butch was a senior at Brewster when Jack was a sophomore but all

To enjoy Reunion 2014 photos go to our Flickr album

through university and their service they never made the connection

https://www.flickr.com/photos/brewster_academy/

Lake Winnipesaukee at Reunion Weekend. What an amazing Bobcat

at social.brewsteracademy.org or use this direct link:

that they both attended Brewster until this summer on the shores of

sets/72157645017601645/

connection!

www.brewsteracademy.org

37

Nominate a Hall of Famer

ber TJ Palmer, 9, faculty mem Daniel Csete ’0 ing ’09. and Mark Deer Matt Stavis ’10,

Prelude to Reunion 2015 Save the Date: May 29-31

The Brewster Academy Athletic Hall of Fame was formed to recognize and 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. At Reunion 2015 the Academy will induct one or more Hall of Famers. To nominate an alumna/us, former coach, or team, see the criteria below and use the online form: www.brewsteracademy.org/nominate. The nomination deadline is January 15, 2015.

Plans are underway to once again create a weekend of memories! Clear your calendar, plan your travel, pack your lake clothes, and dig out your yearbooks to get those memories flowing.

Highlights

Current Hall of Famers

Class of 1990 25th Reunion – Friday night reception and dinner

Tony Giglio ‘70

Maura Kehoe ‘01

Class of 1965 50th Reunion – Friday night reception and dinner

Rebekah (Seaman) Levit ‘97

Milt Morin ‘62

The 2015 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductions

Jon Pinckney ‘84

David Pollini ‘57

Tours of the just renovated Anderson Hall and the Grayson

Bill Pottle

Robert Roland ‘66

Performing Arts Center

Paul “Pop” Whalen

1961 Football Team

Lake Winnipesaukee Cruise Paddle Boards

Criteria for Student/Athlete Selection

Lakeside Lobster Bake

• The nominee must have demonstrated excellence while competing at Brewster Academy.

Reunion 2015 will be Mike Cooper’s final Reunion as

• The nominee must be at least 10 years removed from Brewster Academy.

Head of School. The Academy will embrace and celebrate

• The nominee must be a positive role model and show leadership qualities.

Mike and Andrea throughout the weekend, and we truly

• The nominee must demonstrate a high level of sportsmanship and spirit.

hope you will be a part of this special occasion.

• The nominee must be in good standing with the Academy.

Criteria for Team, Coach, or Other Selection • The coach/faculty nominee must be currently unaffiliated with Academy or retirement pending.

• The team nominee should be five years removed from its season of accomplishment.

• The nominee must be a positive role model and show leadership qualities.

• The nominee must demonstrate a high level of sportsmanship and spirit.

• Posthumous nominees and benefactors will be inducted at the discretion of the committee.

Nomination Procedure • The Hall of Fame Committee will accept nominations submitted on the official online nomination form or PDF. • Nominators should provide as much detail and information as possible.

Friends from the Class of 1964 enjoying their 50th Reunion, Candace Crawshaw, Chester Dow, and Cathy (Spencer) Danielson.

38

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2014

• Nominations will be requested through standard Academy communications.

• Once an individual is nominated, he or she will remain on the nomination list.

HOOPLA

by Matt Hoopes

Excited to Return for Their 25th Classmates Eager to Recapture Their Totally Together Past

N

ext year will be my 40th of watching Brewster classes come and go – although the last 18 have been at long distance, being forced to man Brewster’s hectic Caribbean Alumni Office all by myself. And

I know teachers are not to have favorite students probably, not even favorite classes, but I have to confess, the class of 1990 is one that holds very fond memories for me.

I’ve always felt there was something that set this class apart from the other 39.

In 1986, their freshman year, the school was considerably smaller than it is today, and there were no Model locations. There seemed to be more hustle and bustle in the main Academic building, more interaction between classes, more chances to become friends with those from other classes. As several from '90 pointed out, they had good friends from classes ahead and behind them. They also had an unusually large number of day students, most of whom spent almost more time at school than at their homes. Still, identifying just what made this group of 28

When I reminded them of their 25th celebration, I asked them what they most

girls and 62 boys so unique was more than I could do on my own.

wanted to do, why they would come all the way from Colorado or Florida. Their reasons were varied. Some were just curious to see classmates they haven’t seen

They were unusually close, unusually friendly, and especially grounded. While

since graduation. Others could not wait to pull pranks on their old roommates.

there were various groups and posses, they would always come together as

Others just wanted to catch up with all and others wanted to hug old boy/girl

one happy family. Needing help with my detective work, and in prep for their

friends. I’m hoping all 90 will make the event, especially after reading about

upcoming 25th reunion May 29-31, 2015. I caught up with several of the class

their special connection, I’m thinking they’d want to show that they still are that

members to learn why this was an especially close class. And yes, they did feel

special class.

that they were unique, but had varying reasons as to why. Cooper Stetson wisely quipped, “Probably the alignment of the stars,” while David Harbilas felt

I’ll warn them now that I’ll be hunting them down for short pieces for their

“We were there during a great time.” Jonathan Dewoskin thought, “Most of us

25th Reunion booklet and will tell them I’m really looking forward to seeing my

were pretty well grounded.”

‘almost’ favorite class, as well as ALL reunion classes next May.

As you read the following recollections from eight class members you see a

Very best wishes to all,

pattern of feeling. You’ll see that this group of students bonded and are still very much in touch, still great friends.

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.

www.brewsteracademy.org

39

HOOPLA David Hunter “We struggled, laughed, cried, won, and lost together, and readers will recognize that skipping it, attending it, sneaking it, and getting caught with it, were what mattered while innocently fabricating the tools I utilize today in adulthood, as were any book or ball. … I’m not trying to omit the inevitable consequences which accompanied our behaviors, good or bad is simply not what I choose to remember. I remember the adventure.

The ties that bound us were strong, forged deep in the fires of exploration and adventure. Not just my close friends, but also the whole campus, faculty (three cheers!) included. It seems to me that all of us belonged at Brewster and nowhere else. Teachers, students, staff alike, even the town of Wolfeboro! Perhaps that’s why so many of us reaped such enduring friendships.

Brewster Academy Class of 1990

All said and done and to this day I believe Brewster prepared me for life better

Mark Radley

than most and in ways no other event or organization has been able.”

– David Hunter, telecommunication/technology executive, Sandy Springs, Georgia

Rob Gorden

“We were good organizers – I remember school dances in the Boathouse were well attended. We fought for parietals and held dorm mixers. We had winning teams. The basketball team was very strong, uniting everyone at home games.

Didn’t we have an impromptu coed cheer leading team? I played soccer with

“I’m pretty cynical toward anyone who claims ‘we all got along so great! It was amazing!’ However, my cynicism is tested when I think about my class, the class of 1990, yet to be fair, I need to include the classes of '89, '91, and '92 as well as they rounded out our years as a class.

I wouldn’t say that our Brewster was one big group hug, yet for young people from many different backgrounds, a lot of diversity, there was a tremendous level of tolerance. Actually,’ tolerance’ seems too dramatic a word. ‘It’s cool’ is more the appropriate definition for the class of 1990. Diversity wasn’t celebrated, it was simply accepted. Overall, I have a memory of a surprisingly mature group of kids who were supportive of each other.

a diverse group. Lacrosse attracted deadheads, skinheads, b-boys, jocks, and international students. Was it our class that pushed for after school bus trips to Gunstock? Recreational skiing and snowboarding could, for the first time, fulfill the sports requirement.

The death of Trey [Trey Whitfield ’89], sadly, stayed with us through our senior year. We all looked up to him.”

– Mark Radley, English teacher, The Bishop’s School, La Jolla, California

Sarah Larson-Dennen “The diversity of the class helped to create a tight family. There were many day students who had been close at Kingswood, the nearby regional school. This

It took me a while to get comfortable my first year, but comfort arrived because

group was a very confident group of athletes, musicians, and scholars. As new

of the support I received from others in my classes. The only thing that I was

friendships were formed, new circles were valued. I didn’t feel any pressure to

truly confident in was acting and being creative. This creativity was embraced

stay strictly with my day friends. As we branched out with new friends, our

by my class. I did standup comedy with my own material for the first time that

original friendships still remained tight. We had many diverse groups coming

year. I made a comedy video with Chuck Michaels. I sang horribly in a band and

together for sports events, social events, and, of course, in the classrooms.

played music constantly with Syd Solar. I did all of this while going through

Another cool part about our class was that money and privilege didn’t play a

some heavy personal emotional stuff. If I had received any negative reactions to

part in our friendships. You were friends with people for who they were; their

any of these attempts at creativity, I don’t think I would have done any of them

humor, their work ethic, their connections with other friends.

again. Instead the reaction I received from my class was ‘It’s cool.’

Brewster saved my life! I know I would have followed a completely different path Just a few more reinforcing memories: I joined the newly formed rugby team. It

if I had not attended Brewster. I love Brewster and credit it for the many successes

consisted of those who enjoyed rough and tough play, but not traditional sports.

I’ve had in life. I made many great friends at college, but my closest friends, male

We were ‘sport outcasts,’ yet we were enthusiastically supported at every game!

and female, are from Brewster. They are my family. Every time I see them, we start

And of course ... Ian Belton wearing only his underwear, riding around campus on

right in where we left off five years ago. They are my brothers and sisters. Recently

his bike in the middle of February. The only negative reaction he received, maybe,

two of my family, Jen Riley and Michael Snyder ’89, moved two doors down from

an eye roll! ‘It’s cool!’”

me on my little dirt road by the sea in Durham, New Hampshire.”

– Rob Gorden, standup comedian, Orlando, Florida

40

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2014

– Sarah Larson-Dennen, teacher, Oyster River School District, Durham, New Hampshire

yet individual at the same time. We bonded well with the teachers and even the dean of students! It’s hard to put your finger on just what made our class so special, maybe just a moment in time? It seems now that it was a much simpler time when people hung out with each other, developed friendships with each other, and not just sent texts and e-mails. I look back on those years fondly. We all seemed to have each other’s backs, whether close or not, everyone defended their classmates. We were fun! Our class was full of personality.”

– Kim Boyce-Seefried, Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Julie Girouard Reinhart “Brewster was the last school of my tour of 13, searching for a school that would address my academic challenges as well as my passion for skiing. After my interview with Mr. [Stewart] Dunlop and my tour of the school, I realized I’d found the place I wanted. I went home, packed my clothes, my skis, and

Ian Belton “The summer after graduation from Brewster, Maurice Perkins and I spent the summer working on a fishing boat in the Alaskan waters. Not as dramatic as The Deadliest Catch, but it was no Love Boat either. They had a fish mincer on the boat, which separated the meat from the bones. Upon first use, its uniquely existential quality was explained to me ‘You don’t want to think about money,

off I went! I never looked back. I had a fresh start, a new opportunity, and a chance to recreate a sense of self. That fall felt like summer camp. I met new friends, tried new things, adventures were presented every day. I was happy, comfortable, and felt connected. The kids I met were from all over the country, some from overseas. Our conversations were encouraging, as I knew we were all in this together, coming together in the most inspirational community

your girlfriend, nothing but your hand in the machine ... because the machine

one could imagine. There was a lot of time to ask questions of one another,

don’t discriminate between your hand and fish-sticks.’

inquire, and ponder existential ideas. We did this together as new friends in a new community. We were together all the time, like brothers and sisters, as a

For someone like myself, who was the first on his block to be diagnosed with

family. There were no lines or barriers that prevented togetherness. No one was

ADHD, the existential mince machine is of a particular significance. What I needed

excluded and those who seemed different were celebrated and encouraged.

in a school was a heightened quality of attention. At Brewster there were several ways in which I transformed my abilities in this area. For example, although I was

I’ve stayed in touch with my Brewster friends and they’ve done the same. In

not the great wrestler that Paul Maxey or Stu Stinchfield was, but my attempt at

these moments of connecting, I’ve found that we are all still somewhat the

the sport definitely ate up my hyperactivity and replaced it with an intensity of

same. Even though the bar to acceptance as a Brewster student has been raised

purpose. My love of acting on stage affected me similarly as all the blood, sweat,

since our day. I’m sure other classmates feel the way I do: I have found that the

and tears boiled down to a few minutes of super intensity. And, my uncontrollable

wisdom of Brewster and the relationships I developed there impacts my work

desire to make announcements after dinner in the Estabrook … well, sadly, Mr.

every day. Reflecting as I write this, I am stirred by the memories in me because

Smith finally banned me from that source of intensity.

I know if it were not for the people who helped guide, nurture, and support me, I would not be where I am today.”

I’m going out on a limb and say that after the Class of 1990 came ‘the Deluge.’

In other words, the class of 1990 made boarding school cool. For decades, many students, for their own good, had to be urged by their parents to attend a boarding school. But we changed ‘urging’ to a ‘clamoring!’ Because of who we were and all the cool fun we had, there’s now fierce competition to attend Brewster. Logic holds that if we were not as successful as we are now, then our legacy would not have flourished as vibrantly as our obvious ‘togetherness’ has over these past 25 years.”

– Ian Belton, director, instructor of theater, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii

Kim Boyce-Seefried

– Julie Girouard Reinhart, educational therapist and ski coach, Bend, Oregon

Mitch Wolff “Though I was a ‘Lifer,’ memories are a little faded, but the feelings for the school and my classmates are as strong as they were 25 years ago. I had the same roommate for four years, the same dorm mates for three, and I spent the summers in Wolfeboro, too. All those factors allowed me to build deep and lasting friendships. The parties, dances, sport teams were only meaningful because we got to share them with people we cared about and loved. That’s life!

As I write this I’m on a plane bound to San Francisco for business, but I’m taking

“The Class of 1990 seemed to have everything and in a good way. We were nice

a side trip to visit my former roommate, Clark Guittard, to visit and see his new

to each other and in a genuine way. Our class had many day students and I think

baby daughter, after all, that’s what ‘family’ does!”

that creates its own dynamic at a boarding school. The class was cohesive and

– Mitch Wolff, real estate development, Plano, Texas

www.brewsteracademy.org

41

Class Notes 1947

Richard “Richie” Rae writes: “I’m still living in New

Charles “Charlie” Hatch flew in from Sacramento

Hampshire, driving for UPS. My first grandson is now

in mid-August to visit his brother, Stephen ’48.

4 years-old, great kid. I remember Brewster as being

While in town he checked out the changes on

a fun time in my life!”

the Brewser campus and stopped by the Alumni and Development Office to visit with some of his

1986

favorite people. Charlie is working on a novel and

Julie (Konheim) Abt writes: “I can’t believe it has

still has a great love for history.

been over 20 years since Brewster – what a great experience. I live in Chicago, am happily married with

1949

three kids. My oldest just moved to Los Angeles to

Leona McSorley checked in from Alaska. “Hi! I’m

go to college, and my youngest two are now in high

feeling well – still driving. My husband Fred passed

school. I hope they have as much fun as I did.”

away four years ago after 50 years of marriage. I have two children, five grandchildren, and one great-

1989

grandchild, and they all keep track of me. I have lived in my house 49 years this past October. I worked at

The Class of 1989 celebrated its 25th Reunion in June.

Candace Crawshaw ’64 and Brenda (Cheney) Schulz ’63 at the Sarasota Opera.

Please go to www.brewsteracademy.org /1989Class

getting things ready to leave to customers. Then the

1969

numerous to include here..

next years were only getting the newspapers done

Frederick Humphrey writes that his son just bought

eight to 10 days a month. Canned three containers

a home in Point Loma, California.

Anchorage Printing from 1976 to 2009. Full time for 18 years, getting newspapers labeled and bagged,

1959 Jane Smalley writes: “Brewster prepared me well for college, Tufts Univerity, and on to my profession for 50 years. I retired as a physical therapist – 50 years from 1963 to 2013. Enjoying traveling, grandhildren, hiking, skiing, and canoeing.”

1990 Robert Broun and his two sons, Ethan, 10, and Caleb,

full of red salmon this year – no one is learning how to do that. Great Alaska – Great Life!”

to read their bios, as their adventures are too

1975

2, are doing well and living near Atlanta, Georgia.

George “Fred” Reitnour writes that he was only

Robert would love to hear from anyone who wants

at Brewster for one semester but he loved soccer

to shout out!

and poetry class. After he moved away he became a lawyer, married, had two sons, and is now the senior

Mark Radley married Irene Caguinguin in December

vice president for National Penn. He and his wife and

2013. He is teaching high school English at The

sons live in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

Bishop’s School in LaJolla, California, and is looking forward to Reunion 2015.

1976

1963

Mel Foster writes: “All is well in sunny southwest

Cooper Stetson writes: “I’m now living in Hobe

’64 attended the Sarasota Opera together earlier this

Florida. Golf game always needs improving. Health

Sound, Florida. Not sure I’ll make Reunion as we have

year. They had no idea they lived near each other in

of the family is great with bicycling, health club, and

a one year-old who takes all our time. Would love to

Florida until they reconnected at Reunion 2013.

swimming. Best to all!”

see everyone.”

1964

1981

1994

The Class of 1964 celebrated its 50 Reunion in June.

Ted Lambrukos just began his eighth year as director

Jonathan “Jon” Leebow writes: “I just became a dad

Please go to www.brewsteracademy.org /1964Class

of Second Start Alternative High School. He and

for the second time, a son joins my daughter. I have

to read their bios, as their adventures are too

his wife recently celebrated their 19th wedding

a picture on my desk of Brewster’s campus, look at

numerous to include here.

anniversary. They live in Concord, New Hampshire.

it every day.”

Brenda (Cheney) Schulz and Candace Crawshaw

th

42

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2014

1997 Pauline (Saleri) Borally writes: “After residing in

Recollections

Chicago for 12 plus years, my husband, son, and I now live in Houston where my entire family also lives. I’m working for my grandmother’s art foundation, the Kristin Saleri Art Foundation as the

Experienced Alumni Recall Their Brewster Days

director of community relations. Most of my time is devoted to our sweet son, Conner, such a gift in our lives! I’m so lucky to also live in the same city

Bill Antonucci ’65

as my best friend, Amanda Larsen Mack whom I

Wolfeboro

met at Brewster :) and then went on to college with at Lake Forest ... our kids (her daughter is Alexandra Mack) play with each other often. Looking forward to receiving updates from Brewster! Such priceless, cherished memories.”

David Putzel ‘90 brought his wife and two children to visit Matt Hoopes on the Bahamian Island of Eleuthera last April.

David Simon and his wife Jennifer are pleased to introduce Livia Imogen Simon born on July 6 in Oakland, California.

1995 Shawna Gedgaudas writes: “We have had a busy

1998

couple of years. We had our third baby, Eden Olive

Christina Felix writes that she has been married for

Grace, in December 2012. We also had a pretty

almost 13 years and owns a wedding hair styling

tough summer with our Ella, 5, having heart surgery.

business. Her husband is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran

She is recovering amazingly. Our son, Eligh, has been

who is now a senior cloud architect. “We have three

an amazing big brother. Hope everyone is doing great!”

beautiful daughters: Sydney Rae, Genevieve, and Mercedes.”

Bill Antonucci ’65 chose to stay and graduate from Brewster Academy. He offers these reflections on his reasons for staying, his favorite teachers and memories, and his biggest take away.

Kingswood didn’t have hockey yet. I also liked

the idea that class sizes were going to be smaller with the amount of kids who left Brewster for Kingswood – that appealed to me.

I really liked Ed Murphy who was a history teacher and Thomas Justice who taught a

Saturday morning ethics class. Mr. Justice had

me to his house to visit with his family and have tea. I babysat for the family, too. One day after

scoring a soccer goal he told me that he knew I was going to score that goal by the look in my

Cory Hunter is excited for the 20th Reunion. “See you all there!”

In 1964 when the local high school opened nearby,

Jill Krumsick married Jeffrey Justin Howard in April 2013 and the couple welcomed Buzz Martin Howard

eye. He knew kids so well.

this June.

I had Pop Whalen for ice hockey and golf. Pop

and have two kids: Max, 7, and Mallory, 5. We moved

1999

high and clear expectations of us. He understood

from Maryland to New York City last year so I could

Lauren Lok has been having a fabulous 2014. “I went

take a job with the New York Mets in marketing.”

to the Arctic Circle to catch the Northern Lights.

1996 Mark Fine writes: “I’ve been married 10 years now

was a gentleman – mild mannered with very

there would be days we’d play someone better than us. As long as we gave it our all, it was

OK. I remember when we beat Notre Dame at

their home rink in Berlin, New Hampshire, Pop bought the whole team subs. Now that was something!

I’m also a lifelong fan of David Pollini.

My favorite memory was going to Puerto

Rico with the Spanish Club. We raised money

through car washes and bake sales. Our teacher,

Luis Gomez took us to visit the famed cellist and conductor Pablo Casals. Many of us understood that this was a once in a lifetime thing.

My most significant take away from Brewster

was the fact that when Brewster became private that meant that classes became smaller, and we got to know each other well. We had fun and Baby Bobcat Meeting. That’s Buzz Martin Howard, son of Jill Krumsick Howard ‘98, and Livia Imogen Simon, daughter of Dave Simon ‘97.

worked hard. Most importantly we felt like we all belonged.

www.brewsteracademy.org

43

Class Notes I’ve been to Portugal, Iceland, Norway, Helsinki,

Damion Grant, a former University of North

James Walker married Artesia Cauley in September

London, Japan, Thailand, and Taipei so far for 2014!

Carolina men’s basketball center and member of

near their home in Washington, D.C. and Artesia

Just had a big career change and will be working as a

the 2005 national title team, conducts a week-long

made the trip to campus during Reunion 2013 with

professional make up artist from now on. Love it!”

mission trip in Jamaica to run an annual basketball

James. “We had a wonderful celebration with family

camp. Grant, now in his second year as founder,

and friends, and it was a truly fitting way to end our

2000

conducts the camp and donates shoes, socks, soccer,

time in Washington and start the next chapter of

Ryan Stabile and his wife welcomed their sweet boy,

and basketball jerseys to camp participants and their

our lives.” James recently joined the corporate affairs

Henry Richard, on June 10.

families. He also partnered with faculty from North

practice of the global public relations agency Cohn

Carolina Wesleyan College in Rocky Mount to donate

2001

& Wolfe where he will serve as a digital account

purses filled with hygiene and feminine goods for

Joshua Arnold writes: “I continue to restore and

director in their New York City office.

the women of his native island.

revitalize the former Ossipee Mountain Grange

2004

Hall, working full time with Global Awareness Local

Stephen Kasulke married Ludmilla Savelieff on

Action (GALA), now certified in permaculture design,

Josianne Garneau writes that she and her boyfriend

October 25 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Jean-François Labell met in 2005 and now live in

and found my first black trumpet mushroom this summer – Yum!”

a single home in Aylmer, Québec. They have two Darin Levesque is proud to introduce Zavin Alexander Levesque. “Thanks, everyone, for the love

Christian Fink writes: “After my time at Brewster, I

and support. This young man is surrounded by love!”

went back to Germany to finish my school and went to college afterwards (2002) studying in Dortmund (Germany), Madrid (ESP), and Lismore (Australia) at the international school of management and finished with a German master-like degree. In 2008 I started working, and now I’m responsible for the German Presales Team (something like technical sales) in EMEA-Region for a ERP-software vendor. I got married last year and am expecting to be a father. ‘Hi’ to Mr. Carter, who was my dorm parent back then!

Thanks and Oktoberfest-ish Regards from Germany.”

Allison Rohde-Conley was married June 1, 2013, and started Raleigh’s (North Carolina) first hair salon/blow dry bar/parlor last spring. “Ladies, if you pass through the Raleigh area, stop by for a blowout on the house!”

Kimberly (Rawson) Sychterz writes: “Professionally I just wrote an article for Science Scope magazine on interdisciplinary science. It will be published

2003 Chef Stephanie Cmar reviews eateries along the North Shore at BostonMagazine.com

beautiful kids – Olivier Labelle born in April and Magalie Labelle, who turned 2 in July. “She loves her little brother and manages to help a lot and takes good care of him.”

After Brewster, I continued playing hockey and joined the Ottawa Raiders women’s hockey team

Kathryn Considine graduated from Massachusetts School of Law in December 2013. “I hope to practice health law by utilizing my nursing background as well. I walked during graduation on my Dad’s 65th birthday, June 6.”

Adam Goldman and his wife welcomed a son, Jakob Reilly Goldman, born on October 9, 2014.

Ronald Ishak and wife Grace Liu welcomed son Aaron in September who joins big sister Madeleine.

Amanda (Wiggins) Slater and husband Sam welcomed son John Charles Wiggins Slater on the Fourth of July.

Jimmy O’Brien ’04 celebrates a thrift store find – an original design by Elisa Vaillancourt Ekstrom ’90.

in the next year. I am also consulting for several education nonprofits. I left Hillsboro-Deering Middle School after the birth of my second daughter. I miss teaching tremendously, but I am grateful to have time home with my girls before they go to school.”

2002 Ryan Cullen is the owner of Ziebart in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. Ziebart is one of more than 400 franchises of Ziebart International Corp., which specializes in car detailing, rust-proofing, window tinting, and spray-on pickup truck bed liners. In September he was profiled in the Worcester Telegram and Gazette’s CEO One-On-One column.

44

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2014

Kate Considine ‘03 with her dad at her recent law school graduation.

Teddy Oram ‘04 and Allie Cooper, Brewster’s director of student development, met up at Stratton Mountain last March for a demo day. Teddy works for Scott Sports.

James Walker married Artesia Cauley in September.

Ashley Bilodeau ’05 outside her All Points Beautiful boutique on Cape Cod.

for a year, one of the 10 teams that are part of the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL). In 2005 I went to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to play in the

Jung Woo Choi ’05 and wife Seounghee celebrate the 50th day since daughter Gia’s birth.

Women’s World Cup Street Hockey and won bronze.

During my studies at the University of Ottawa, I played for the women’s hockey team of the university. I now continue to play competitive street hockey and sometimes ice hockey.”

Former Bobcat runner Alexandra Russell finished the 2014 Boston Marathon in three hours 15 minutes. She also finished the 2013 marathon.

2005 Last spring Ashley Bilodeau opened her boutique All Points Beautiful in downtown Chatham, Massachusetts. The “Lifestyle Boutique” offers

Peter Mann attended the wedding of Alex Dabney ’05 in Bozeman, Montana, this summer. Here he is pictured with (l to r) George Dorhmann IV ‘05, Alex, and Charlie Miller ’05. “It was a beautiful wedding in all respects,” Mann said.

items from sunglasses and sailbags to trucker

Brooke Webster ’08 at Simple Energy in Boulder, Colorado.

2007 Karin Clement graduated on the Dean’s Honor Roll of the University of Montreal Medical School (French program) in June, after completing a B.S. in biology at McGill University in 2010. She has been accepted

hats and yoga clothing. It also features Ashley’s

into a four-year residency program specializing in

photography and other artists’ work. Take a look:

pediatrics at Laval University Hospital in Quebec

allpointsbeautiful.com

City and sends warm greetings to her Brewster family.

Austin Burrows married Alyssa (Boutin) Burrows in

2008

Moultonboro in September and Zach Ross ’05 was

Designer Brooke Webster has moved to Boulder,

in the wedding. The couple reside in Manchester,

Colorado, and is now working for Simple Energy were

New Hampshire.

she’s putting her marketing and branding experience to work to create compelling visual communications.

Jung Woo Choi is married to Seounghee and lives in

Shelley MacDonald ’05 just returned from the Shanghai International Festival.

Seoul, South Korea. The couple recently welcomed

playing the bagpipes for a few years now and is

to move west, her career path, and the impact that

daughter Gia. Jung Woo hopes there are more

living in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.

her time at Brewster had on this major decision.

Weston Sager writes that he is finishing up his

“Brewster taught me that I am valuable. Six

second year of law school at Northwestern University

years ago I graduated from a wonderful school

Shelley MacDonald shared that she recently

in Chicago where he lives with wife Victoria and their

tucked away in central New Hampshire. They have

returned from a two-week trip to China. "I currently

dog Pippi. He worked at an international law firm in

strong values and specialize in teaching emotional

play the bagpipes with the Prince Albert Highlanders.

New York City during the summer.

intelligence. They instilled the Brewster Principle

Brooke recently wrote on her blog about her decision

opportunities to reconnect with other Korean alumni soon.

within me: “Respect, integrity, service: Serve

There were 79 people from across Canada in the Pipes and Drums Band, and we were able to play at

Mio (Tanaka) Yoshioka and her husband welcomed

yourself and others with your best in all you do.”

the Shanghai International Festival and in numerous

the beautiful Miss Yuzyki into the world at the

Read more about her experience on Brooke’s blog:

other locations around China." Shelley has been

end of June.

websterdesigns.co/my-story-in-a-nut-shell/

www.brewsteracademy.org

45

Class Notes

Bobcat Siblings: Kelly ’07, Jared ’14, and Holly ’05 O’Donnell.

Jennifer White and Ethan Bravo celebrated their recent marriage with Brewster friends Ross Randall, Andrea Bravo ‘05, Lisa Liebman, Julia Chapman, Kelsey Crathern, Maria Schaefer, Chris Melanson , Bobbi Armington , Claire Worley ‘09, and Rachael Jeffers ‘05. Courtesy of Hello Love Photography Jennifer White and Ethan Bravo were married on

2013

the coast of Maine on October 4 in a beautiful

Kyzer Gardiola writes: “I am a student at Quinnipiac

ceremony. Jenn and Ethan first became friends

University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in

at Brewster and the rest, as they say, is history!

mechanical engineering and a minor in marketing.

Brewster friends and family in attendance included:

I have a passion for cars and the environment and

Best Man Ross Randall, Bridesmaids Andrea Bravo ’05

dream of one day revolutionizing the automotive

and Lisa Liebman, along with guests Julia Chapman,

industry through sustainability. I am a third culture

Kelsey Crathern, Maria Schaefer, Chris Melanson,

kid, with deep roots in the Philippines, raised in Saudi

Bobbi Armington, Claire Worley ’09, and Rachael

Arabia, and receiving education in the United States.

Jeffers ’05.

I’m an avid traveler and plan on driving around the world one day.”

2009 Thomas Cafferty lives in Los Angeles, and for a short

Allison Girard is playing division three ice hockey at Lake

time lived with his former Brewster roommate. Tom

Forest College. Her team won the NCHA conference

writes: “Funny how things come full circle. About a

championship and the Slaats cup making it to the NCAA

year ago I got my bachelor’s from UMass Lowell in

Tournament for the first time in school history.

English and Theater Arts. I moved out here to pursue an acting career, maybe follow in the footsteps of Topher Grace ’97. So far the West Coast has given me nothing to complain about! I hope I can get back to see campus soon.”

Fairfield University students and Brewster alumnae Beth Duffy ‘11, Kai Armstrong ‘14, and Lexy Carey ‘14 got together for a Brewster night in Fairfield, Connecticut, in late October prompted by a visit by the Alumni Office’s very own Whitney White ‘07!

Update Us!

Send us your Class Note, and we will do our best to include it in the next BrewsterConnections: alumninews@brewsteracademy.org Yuzyki Yoshioka is the daughter of Mio (Tanaka) Yoshioka.

Well now this is embarrassing …

Joanne Edwards, the daughter of our second oldest alumna, reported the following. “Mom (Sylvia Burnham ’25, 104) was enjoying the nice pictures of the school that were included in the new Annual Report calendar she received, but as she looked at June 2015 she noted that her birthday – June 24 – was not on the calendar. It goes from the 23rd to the 25th so next year Leda Knapp ’27 [her older sister who is 106] will have a birthday and she won’t, and Leda will gain another year on her!”

We regret the error, of course, but can only hope that if your birthday falls on June 24 you are happy we’ve made you a year younger.

46

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2014

Kyzer Gardiola ’13 with his sister Kyla-Mae ’17 at Brewster’s Welcome BBQ in September.

A Tribute

Harrison Moore ’46 1926 – 2014

This 1989 photo is just one of thousands of photos that are accurately identified thanks to the dedicated work of Harrison Moore. In Harrison’s distinctive handwriting, the back reads: “Alumni/Development Office Mrs. Judy Valade ‘58, Mrs. Lynne Palmer “The Boss”, Harrison D. Moore “Coffee Maker” 1989 in Goodwin building at Brewster Academy.”

By Beth Hayes ’81

“

Well let me just take a look at that photo” – a request that Brewster’s Alumni Office staff heard countless times over the years from Harrison Moore ’46. That simple request resulted

in hundreds of the Academy’s historic photographs being examined and identified by Harrison – our ad hoc Alumni Office historian.

Harrison was a gentleman, a loyal and hardworking alumni volunteer, and a true character. There was never a dull moment when Harrison was around. It was common to find him in the Alumni Office, seated in front of a large stack of unidentified and unsorted photos – his favorite place to be. Armed with yearbooks spanning decades, yellowed newspaper clippings, white labels, and his ballpoint pen, he would gently and neatly identify the who, what, where, and when of every photo he could in his tidy and familiar handwriting. His time-consuming and patient work will forever benefit the Academy.

Before Harrison shared his passion for Brewster’s archives and historical photos, he was a fixture on campus. Over the years he wore many hats – driving instructor, manager of the Student Center snack bar, and president of the Alumni Association. He was awarded Alumnus of the Year in 1988 and in 2006.

In addition to all that Harrison contributed to Brewster, he spent decades researching and charting Wolfeboro’s homes, roads, burial grounds, and history. He married his Brewster sweetheart, Carra (Richardson) Moore ’45, and Harrison and Carra were fixtures at nearly every Brewster event held on campus, in Wolfeboro, and former Boston Brewster Club events.

We will miss Harrison’s robust laughter, his quiet pride at his distinguished career in the U.S. Marines, and the sight of him walking through town with his signature walking stick. All who had the pleasure of knowing Harrison will hold his loyalty to

In Memoriam Class of 1931 Barbara (Merritt) Nason February 23, 2014 Concord, New Hampshire

Class of 1956 Donald C. Johnson July 13, 2014 South Yarmouth, Massachusetts

Class of 1941 Mary (Roberts) Goodrich July 3, 2014 Alton, New Hampshire

Class of 1957 Shirley (Piper) Hurley September 23, 2014 Wolfeboro

Class of 1946 Harrison D. Moore June 6, 2014 Ossipee, New Hampshire

Rodney M. Haines May 26, 2014 Portland, Maine

Class of 1948 Roger W. Liberty July 15, 2014 Portsmouth, New Hampshire Class of 1949 Clara (Kenney) Sawyer May 22, 2014 Wolfeboro Falls Class of 1951 Charlotte (Kenney) Bartholomae March 8, 2014 Manchester Center, Vermont Class of 1954 Mary (Sabin) Blakeslee August 15, 2014 Raleigh, North Carolina

Class of 1958 Richard LaRosee May 3, 2014 Milford, New Hampshire Class of 1959 Samuel Niblett April 4, 2014 Easton, Maine Class of 1962 William A. Loring March 12, 2014 Augusta, Maine Class of 1980 L. Brooke (Patterson) Glessner October 4, 2014 Colonial Beach, Virginia

June (Schramm) Groover September 3, 2014 Dothan, Alabama

Class of 1984 Paul A. Fallon May 19, 2014 Lynchburg, Virginia

Class of 1955 Leroy W. Haley August 29, 2014 Meredith, New Hampshire

Former Faculty Natalie (Amanti) Geleski September 10, 2014 Sarasota, Florida

Ellen (Bowe) Cox May 20, 2014 Quincy, Massachusetts

Robert R. Richardson June 6, 2014 Wolfeboro

Robert L. Whiting April 26, 2014 Dover, New Hampshire

Samuel L. Spalding September 2, 2014 Newburyport, Massachusetts

Wolfeboro and to Brewster dear. You set the bar high my friend.

www.brewsteracademy.org

47

History History

History History Writing

History Brewster’s

s dedicated Main Street wa Field on South ’77. ial en or ur La em d M an to ’84, Susan ’81, on House next ds ea ar dr ch An Ri r) 97 to 19 (l In ily ey and their fam to Bob and Shirl

A Journey of Excellence: Robert R. Richardson Since 2005, former faculty members Robert (Bob) and Shirley Richardson have shared their interest in Brewster Academy within this Writing Brewster’s History column. In 2011, they published The Brewster Story: the Definitive

By Mary Fallon

I

t was 1965 and early spring in New England. It was the beginning of a 50-year adventure that would shape the lives, not only of the people in the car heading up Route 28 north to a small town in

New Hampshire, but also of waves of young people whose lives would be enriched and changed by these special travelers who moved along

History of Brewster Academy. In both this column and the book, they examine

the gently curving roadway in their dark green Oldsmobile sedan, a

the people, programs, and campus that comprise the Brewster community. They

husband, a wife, and two small girls. For Bob and Shirley Richardson

have remained loyal, interested contributors and never missed a deadline. I always

this was the beginning of a great adventure that would call upon and

look forward to receiving their latest “installment” as I know I’m going to glean a nugget of Brewster history unknown to me previously.

We are sad to report that Bob passed away on June 6 at the age of 83.

For this issue, we pause from their column to reflect on Bob, an educator and historian to the core, who played a significant role in two turning points in

put into play their considerable talents – their intelligence, their caring, their imagination, and their creativity. This adventure would be one of great generosity and great inspiration as Bob and Shirley would totally dedicate themselves to a long succession of students who would grow and prosper and develop under their capable hands and their total passion for teaching and learning.

Brewster’s history: the transition in the mid-1960s from a quasi-public school to a fully independent school and again in the early 1990s when Brewster introduced

They were answering a call to service. Bob, who had just completed his

its innovative new School Design Model. We miss Bob but know that his own

master’s degree in history at Syracuse University, had been notified by

history and legacy are alive at Brewster Academy.

a close friend, Will Paro, that he, Will, had just accepted the position of

Bob came to Brewster in 1965 and wore many hats in his 49 years of dedication to the Academy, including history department chair, director of studies, college admissions director, dorm parent, and coach. His wife Shirley joined the faculty in 1974 and their three daughters Andrea ’84, Susan ’81, and Lauren ’77 are Brewster graduates, and Lauren is a current faculty member. Two of their grandchildren, Sean Hammond ‘09 and Kelsey Hammond ‘10, also are graduates.

headmaster at a small private college preparatory school in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. Recognizing Bob’s many talents and his deep dedication to education, Will had asked Bob to come and serve as a member of the newly forming faculty.

Indeed, this was the beginning. This journey to Wolfeboro was for Bob and Shirley Richardson the call to service, a call to help establish an

“Bob’s passing is a great loss to the community,” said Head of School Mike

inspirational learning community. And he was a natural. He was a teacher.

Cooper. “His dedication to and impact on the Academy reaches across decades of

He was a learner. And he was a work in progress, a man who was always

students and faculty. He will forever be a part of the school’s history.”

willing to look, to see, to learn, to change.

48

BrewsterConnections – Fall 2014

Bringing the Pages of History Alive For many years, Bob led study trips abroad during March break.

“These indeed were study trips and academic credit was offered,” Shirley explained. “Classes were held on various topics and before the departure date, each student chose a project they had to research while they were on the trip and upon their return, presented their project. Bob led trips to the British Isles, Holland, France Germany, Switzerland, Greece, Italy, and Egypt; some of these ventures included cruises on the Nile and Rhine rivers. These trips offered students exposure to art, history, culture, religion, museums, castles, artists, sculptures, The Great Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza, Stonehenge, and other famous sights. Year after year, the most moving sight for students was the first time they saw Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Parliament all lit up at night. It never failed to take their breath away, for in front of them was the textbook come alive.”

Averting a Crisis Bob Richardson met many challenges in his 49-year adventure at Brewster, but one of the most profound of these occurred early in his tenure and involved the very survival of Brewster Academy. It was the summer of 1973 and the school was in crisis, nearly ready to close its doors. A public high school had opened in recent years and more local students were choosing the regional high school. Unwilling to sit back and accept the closure of a learning institution he so believed in and was so wedded to, Bob and Shirley Richardson, circa 1985.

Bob set up a war room that summer with the blackboards identifying any possible prospects for admission to build enrollment and fill the

As one of his esteemed colleagues, his headmaster for many years,

classrooms. He made all the initial calls to prospective families because it

David Smith, asserts, “We can speak of Bob and all the hats he wore but

was a job that had to be done.

to get some sense of his value to this school you must understand that first – foremost and always – Bob was a student-centered teacher and

Then English Department Chair Travis Ball would follow up with the

administrator. Many teachers love learning and most were good at it

written correspondence and, if this dedicated pair could get the students

themselves; it came relatively easy and having acquired knowledge

on campus, David Smith would do the interview. When the headmaster

and an appreciation of their subject they came to teaching with a wish

returned from a summer break, we were ready to survive for another year,

to bestow it on their students. Bob was all of that and more for he

a year that, as it turned out, became the launching platform from which

has always been acutely aware of the need to recognize that we were

Brewster Academy would take off, Smith added.

educating individuals. That one size does not fit all and to teach as if it does is illegitimate.”

And Bob would be standing on that platform guiding, inspiring, encouraging, and fully dedicating himself to the well being of the school.

As Smith further observed, “… I was fortunate to have Bob Richardson as my mentor. Bob tutored me in teaching methodologies that enabled me to

The Teacher

teach the individual student ... and in doing so he planted the seed that 20

In 1986, Daughters of Colonial Wars of the State of New Hampshire

years later instigated our transformation to a systemic model of education

awarded Bob Teacher of the Year for American History. In a subsequent

that today’s research demonstrates is in best service to the learner.

article published in the fall 1986 Brewster Review, Bob was asked what qualities contribute to excellence in teaching. He cited, first, mastery of

“Bob knew then that one size never did fit all, and instead of trying to

course content. “You have to know what you’re talking about.” He also

make the student conform to that form and judging the school on the

added, that it is important to encourage a free exchange of ideas in the

basis of how many could reach the bar, he believed that the school had to

classroom. … “Diverse views must be respected, and students must be

reach the students. He never failed to put them first, and he never failed

encouraged to express their opinions. Additionally, it is important to

in his determination to build and develop and offer the best educational

build student confidence by approaching each student as an individual,

opportunity possible in this school he came to love so much.”

respecting his/her individual skills, ability, and potential.”

www.brewsteracademy.org

49

Bob’s Tenure 1965 - 2004 • History Teacher • Chair of the History Department • Director of Studies • Football Coach (1968 Lakes Region Champions) • Tennis Coach • Initiated the study trip abroad, student leadership, and honors programs • Richardson House named in his family’s honor (1997) • Teacher of the Year for American History (honored by the Daughters of the Colonial Wars of the State of New Hampshire) • Volunteered and led numerous Wolfeboro area organizations

nt Lake, 1972

Cresce at his cottage on Bob Richardson

Bob was fond of reminding students that “excellence is a journey, not a destination.”

“Mr. Richardson was universally admired by students and faculty alike, and his life’s work was devoted to the betterment of his students and to the entire Brewster Academy community,” offered Ronn Bronzetti ’92, who is now a school trustee. “As his former student, I’ll never forget the encouragement that Mr. Richardson offered in his classroom. He was convinced that all students held great potential and he worked tirelessly to unlock the talents he knew we all possessed. Mr. Richardson was good humored and patient; and he wore a smile to work every day.”

Classmates Glen Gordon ‘84 and Greg Branzetti ’84 always said, “Mr Richardson you are the only teacher we ever had who did not need a book to teach the subject. You knew so much and loved history so much that you instill that love in all of us and challenge us to understand history and not just learn dates and facts. You were one of the best teachers we ever had.”

of teachers who would embrace this new learning model. Bob was neither deterred nor intimidated by the technology that was about to be integrated into the curriculum.

Dr. Alan Bain, former assistant head of school and architect of the School Design Model, described Bob’s willingness in his 2007 book The SelfOrganizing School: Next-Generation Comprehensive School Reforms:

“Bob Richardson, the longest standing faculty member at the school, after 30 years of service, was one of the first teachers to sign up for the Model project. By his actions, he showed us all that a commitment to see things differently has nothing to do with age.”

Pete Caesar, academic dean at the time of the Model implementation, shared this with Shirley in a recent note: “Throughout the challenges of the first years of the Model, Bob’s steady quiet manner embodied reassurance. Whether he felt it or not, it was absolutely contagious. Bob knew it would all work out and I needed that. … Even more than teaching and learning, Bob ‘got’ kids and they ‘got’ him and his love of them. He had no apparent agenda and lived and modeled a forthrightness and accessibility that invited them in. … He was the best ‘active listener’ I’ve ever known.”

Embracing Change

Bob Richardson wore those many hats, and he wore them with dignity,

The second turning point for the school in which Bob played a major

courage, dedication, and a great belief in the possibilities of the learning

role was the transformation to a systemic model of education that came

mind. We owe him our deepest gratitude and will think of him every time

to fruition in 1993. At the time Bob was the oldest member of the faculty

we walk past Richardson House, standing proudly at the entryway onto

but he was the first to commit to become a member of the initial team

the campus he so loved.

LIVE LEARN LEAD 50

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2014

Why me?

Why now?

Why brewster?

Because we can’t do it without you!

Because now is the time to grow participation and it starts with you!

Brewster Academy 2014-2015 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) Ronn Bronzetti, Secretary ’92 Karen Boykin-Towns (Jasmine ’13) Beverly Bruce C. Richard Carlson Estate Trustee David L. Carlson ’54 Candace A. Crawshaw ’64

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

Arthur O. Ricci Estate Trustee

Because your gift can make an impact that lasts a lifetime!

The Reverend Nancy Spencer Smith Estate Trustee

James C. Curvey

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

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

Dr. Michael E. Cooper, Ex Officio

Make your gift to Brewster’s Annual Fund by December 31, 2014* and be a part of making it possible for today’s students to take advantage of every opportunity to live, learn, and lead in a community that focuses on delivering a world-class personalized education for the 21st century.

Karen W. Fix (Will ’11, Keenan ’13)

Trustee Emeritus

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

P. Fred Gridley ’53 (Deborah ’81)

Every gift of every size makes a difference. *Gifts received by December 31 have the dual advantage of a tax benefit plus completing this year’s gift to Brewster before 2015!

Brewster Academy 80 Academy Drive Wolfeboro, NH 03894

Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Wht Riv Jct, VT Permit #73

BrewsterConnections Fall 2014

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.

Celebrating on the Sidelines

Lessons and Impressions Mike Cooper Reflects on His Tenure Office of Admission • 800-842-9961 • admissions@brewsteracademy.org