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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,
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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