BrewsterConnections Spring 2015

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BrewsterConnections Spring 2015

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EXPECT GREAT THINGS. OF US. OF YOURSELF.

Inside:

Why the World Chooses Brewster Meet Incoming Head Dr. Craig Gemmell Office of Admission • 800-842-9961 • admissions@brewsteracademy.org

2nd Annual Philanthropy Week April 20-24 Join us in building a Culture of Philanthropy at BA! RESPECT • INTEGRITY • SERVICE

WHAT DOES THE ANNUAL FUND DO? Answer: EVERYTHING!

In February students performed the musical Grease, the first full-length production in the new Grayson Center for Performing Arts at Anderson Hall.

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

Robert J. Mueller Barbara Naramore (Maya ’16)

I learned that the Annual Fund wasn’t just the little things – it’s really EVERYTHING. It helps turn on the lights. Get uniforms for sports.

It’s really a fund that helps the community. It’s the FUND THAT

BE A PART OF IT! ONE Week.

150+ Faculty and Staff.

RUNS BREWSTER.

300+ Students.

– ASHLEY SAMUELSON ’15

600+ Parents.

4,000+ Alumni.

Carlos Noble ’70 Amy Reiner (Allyson ’10)

Arthur O. Ricci Estate Trustee

Countless ways to make a difference through

YOUR participation!

The Reverend Nancy Spencer Smith Estate Trustee Steven R. Webster (Brooke ’08, Tori ’11) Dr. Michael E. Cooper, Ex Officio

Karen W. Fix (Will ’11, Keenan ’13)

Trustee Emeritus

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

P. Fred Gridley ’53 (Deborah ’81)

Make your gift to the Annual Fund today at www.brewsteracademy.org/givenow. Be one of the 250+ Brewster community members to raise the bar for participation! Gifts of all sizes make an impact.

BrewsterConnections Spring 2015

Head of School Dr. Michael E. Cooper

Director of Admission and External Affairs Lynne M. Palmer

Editor, Director of Communications Marcia Eldredge

Contributors Stephanie Brunelle ’17, Michael E. Cooper, Beth Duffy ’12, Beth Hayes ’81, Matt Hoopes, Rachael Jeffers ’05, Rex V. Jobe, Donovan Mitchell ’15, Isabella Monzione ’15, Shirley Richardson, Mary Roetger

Photography Steve Allen, Steve Burgess, Marcia Eldredge, Maria Found, Jaime Laurent, TJ Palmer, Phil Stiles

Inside 2 Head Lines

The Ethos of Brewster

4 Meet Craig Gemmell

Brewster’s new head of school sits down with students for a Q&A

8 Optimizing Their Intelligence

Learning that Emotions do Matter Page 4

12 Why the World Chooses Brewster

The Relevancy of a Brewster Education

20 Honoring 12 Years of Excellence

The Michael E. Cooper Endowment for Innovative Program Development

22 The Chronicles of Mrs. Cooper

Fully immersed in the community, Andrea Cooper will be missed

28 Reflections on a Quiet, Effective Leader

Board Chair Dan Mudge prepares to step away from the school he has “truly advanced” Page 8

32 Leadership and Transition

New members join board of trustees

35 2015 Hall of Fame Inductees Announced 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 ©2015 Brewster Academy. All Rights Reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

Departments 26 Newsmakers 36 On the Road 39 Hoopla 44 Class Notes 47 In Memoriam 48 Writing Brewster’s History

Page 12

On the Cover “Bang” earned a Gold Key Award in the Scholastic Art Awards of New Hampshire contest.

A self portrait by Yuting Xie ’15 (Shanghai), this digital art work symbolizes the forces of utilitarian and emotional polarity that shapes her psyche.

The Ethos of Brewster Culture and Character Define A True Community

A

s I sat down to write this final Head Lines (a more

sense of community pervaded, and still permeates the character,

reflective moment than I first realized it would be),

or what the Greeks called ethos, of the school and what makes it a

I began contemplating the question, what could be

unique, vital, and a wonderful place in which to work and learn.

written that adequately sums up 12 years of leading

the Academy? How could I capture not only the essence of what’s

Before arriving at Brewster, I was heavily influenced by some of the

been accomplished (without gravitating too much toward my natural

writing of Ernest Boyer on what he called the Basic School. In a terrific

tendency to want to include it all), but also offers you, the reader, a

book – The Basic School: A Community for Learning – he wrote about

chance to better understand the future opportunities and possibilities

educational communities and what helps to make them places of

for Brewster. While my inclination is to “start with the end in mind,”

learning. He said that, “To become a true community, institutions must

I want to go back to the beginning, even before I began my tenure

be organized around people, around relationships and ideas,” because

as head of school, to what attracted me to Brewster in the first

without question, “community is the glue that holds an effective school

place. What attracted me to the school then is still as vital a part of

together.” He also asserted that to become the kinds of communities

the fabric of who we are today. Without sounding too cliché, it was

of learning, to which we should strive to become, that every Basic

Brewster’s community that attracted me the most, and how that

School needs to become a purposeful place, a communicative place, a just place, a disciplined place, a caring place, and a celebrative place; that these qualities need to be evident within the school because of how much they become part of the makeup of its culture and character. There isn’t the room here to delve too deeply into each of these qualities, yet I do want to focus a bit on the importance of people, relationships, and ideas – for those are the key elements about community that I found most attractive about Brewster and worked hard to build upon over my 12 years as head of school.

Early in my career I learned just how important people are to the success of any enterprise; that a school can have the best facilities, tremendous resource support, and a killer location, yet without the right people to go along with those attributes, those sorts of things mattered much less. What is always striking to me when talking to students, parents, and alumni is how often it’s people whom they reflect upon. There are certainly occasions when facilities are mentioned as being necessary additions to the school, but what resonates with me is how quickly the conversation turns to the relationships they have had with members of the Brewster community, and how those relationships shaped not only their experience, but how often the lessons learned from relationships can be so far reaching well beyond the walls of the Academy. And it makes sense. When psychologists talk about what constitutes a meaningful life they generally turn to our innate need and longing that we have for a prosperous and happy life; that all people seek material goods that make for happiness – adequate food, shelter, material comfort, good health, and a long life; but people also strive to attain spiritual goals that add to lasting happiness, these goals being: personal maturity, loving relationships, and contributions to society – and

2

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2015

relationships are at the foundation of it all. The connections that

A goal of mine from the start was to leave the school in better shape

are made between individuals, the kind where we are truly able to

than how I found it and that’s not to say I found it in bad shape; I

connect with another human being in an earnest way, brings great

did not. I was extremely fortunate to follow a headmaster like David

meaning and substance to our relationships and consequently to life.

Smith. I only hope that Craig Gemmell finds the same to be true. It was important to me to make this transition when I felt Brewster was

I believe that these qualities about

in the strongest position possible

Brewster Academy, even though

to attract top talent. I am confident

they have been part of the fabric of the school for a number of years, are even stronger today than when I arrived. That’s a fairly bold assertion

The future of Brewster Academy is bright, and

on my part, but I have some firm feelings, and a growing body of evidence, as to why I think that this is truer today – and those feelings stem from what we have done to

that the Academy has found just that in Craig Gemmell: a talented, committed leader who is excited to lead the Academy and continue the momentum in making Brewster

it has been so gratifying

a recognized leader in customized, personalized education. I know, too,

to be a part of it.

intentionally teach students skills in

that Craig will find a great support network from many generous giving parents, alumni, and friends.

emotional intelligence.

I have to add that – based on our mutual desire to lead Brewster PUTTING THEORY INTO PRACTICE

from “Good to Great” – I was fortunate to find unwavering support

I am particularly proud of what we have accomplished in teaching

and a true partnership in Brewster’s Board Chair Dan Mudge. Dan

students skills in emotional intelligence. Our foray into this arena

always seeks first to understand before reacting. He often would defer

has been led by the notion that these skills are teachable. But what’s

to my opinion out of respect for what I determined to be the best

behind that is the evidence that suggests that one’s skills in emotional

course of action, usually based on the understanding that I was likely

intelligence account for a large portion of success in life – and not

positioned to understand the broad issues under consideration. I have

just success in terms of dollars earned or position in life, although

been lucky to have a board chair like Dan who knows how to balance

these skills do help in that realm, but more in terms of those goals

between having his arms around things while not attempting to be a

of a meaningful life mentioned above. It’s how we learn to get along

micromanager. I’m thankful for this and I wish Dan all the best as he

and work with one another in meaningful ways that makes such

steps away from the board in a few months.

a difference. Some research suggests that EQ is responsible for 58 percent of one’s job performance and that EQ is at the foundation of

On that note, I would be remiss if I did not take this occasion to offer

a variety of skills ranging from decision making, to stress tolerance, to

a few ‘thank yous.’ While always tricky in who you might leave off of

team work as well as many more.

a list, let me generally thank everyone with whom Andrea and I have come into contact with over our 12 years. Without the guidance and

Since implementing The RULER Approach there has been a definite

assistance of many we would not have been able to accomplish what

shift in overall climate at the school, albeit subtle at times, but

it is we have over these dozen years.

nonetheless it is becoming more evident with each year. We are hearing more examples of how students and faculty are putting the

So many of you both internally and externally to the school have

practices of emotional intelligence to everyday use. Phrases like,

been the real rainmakers. Without the folks out there on the front

“I needed to take a meta-moment,” or “I wasn’t really my best self

lines helping continue to make this good school great, we would not

the other day,” are becoming much more common. That reflects so

be where we are today, stronger in reputation, stronger in program

well on the kind of community that we are continuing to evolve

offerings, stronger in our balance sheet, and better poised to take on

toward as we bring life to teaching skills of emotional intelligence – a

a challenging future. The future of Brewster Academy is bright, and

community where self-awareness, self-management, and relationship

it has been so gratifying to be a part of it. My one hope is that our

management are parts of the daily fabric of what it is we do, pointing

paths cross again in the future and that we can recall the many great

out just how important emotions are to attention, memory, and

memories that we share about our community.

learning. (To learn first hand from students how some of these skills are being brought to practice, I encourage you to read “Optimizing

For the school,

Their Intelligence” on page 8).

And what we have learned is becoming more apparent in how the decisions about policy, decisions about how to address issues of school climate and other such related matters, are being framed within skills of emotion regulation ability.

Dr. Michael E. Cooper, Head of School

www.brewsteracademy.org

3

Craig Gemmell, wife Nancy Hughes, and their sons Teddy (on the left) and Jobe will join the community in July.

Meet Craig Gemmell

I

Brewster’s 12th Head of School

ncoming Head of School Dr. Craig Gemmell recently visited

I wanted to work at a small school because I want to know and be

campus and took time to sit down for lunch (he had his first

known by everyone – students, faculty, staff, parents – and yet I

taste of Huck’s) and an interview with senior prefects Isabella

wanted the community to be large enough to support a diversity of

Monzione (Alton, New Hampshire) and Donovan Mitchell

programs. Brewster fills the bill in both regards.

(Greenwich, Connecticut). The three had a casual conversation delving into serious, fun, and curious topics. Hopefully, many of you will get to

Finally, I wanted to work at a school that has been well led – and Dr.

meet Dr. Gemmell in person in the near future but until then here is an

Cooper has clearly done so – though I do recognize that I will have

introduction of Brewster’s next head of school.

very large shoes to fill in July. This place has gone from strength to strength over the past few decades.

What are a few things about Brewster that excited you to want to become the next head of school? good kids – with a range of learning styles – become great adults. I

When you enter a classroom, what are the first things that you look for as signs that it is an effective learning environment for students?

like working with kids who don’t all think and learn alike, and I saw no

Having taught and worked at independent schools for a quarter

other school in my search that supports such cognitive diversity as

century, I’ve come to look beyond the teacher as performer. Instead,

well as Brewster does.

I look to the faces of kids. Are they engaged? I look for the sparkle in

I wanted to work for a school that is skilled in helping happy, invested,

their eyes that tells me that they are thinking and struggling willingly

4

I wanted to work with adults who love collaborating in pursuit of

with the depth of ideas, even if they are not talking at the moment. I

shared ideals – and I have never encountered such a collaborative

look to see if kids stay after class to talk with the teacher further, or

place as Brewster. Adults at Brewster seem to work together willingly

spill into halls after the bell and argue about the fourth dimension or

and effectively, and it is this culture of collaboration that will allow

Shakespeare’s intentions or whatever other curiosity the classroom

Brewster to build continually on such a strong foundation of success.

uncovers.

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2015

What does student centered mean to you?

Student centered is a mindset that derives from the basic notion that not all kids are the same and that kids evolve at different rates and respond differently to challenges and opportunities based upon their wiring and their experiences. It’s up to adults to recognize this and draw students out. I think Brewster does this really, really well.

Further, student centered is a mindset that exists both in the

"I like working with kids who don’t all think and learn alike, and I saw no other school in my search that supports such cognitive diversity as well as Brewster does."

classroom and in the broader school community. Brewster educators, for example, seem to be quite thoughtful and adaptive in how they deal with each and every student in their care – in their every interaction – in the dorms, on the playing field, in the classroom, in the community.

As the new head of school how will you go about building relationships with students?

First and foremost, I’ll be present. I’ll be in the dining hall, at games, at

A community that is truly student centered allows kids to be themselves and helps them to find their own path. My impression is that Brewster is such a place.

plays, walking my mildly obnoxious but kind dog around. I’ll also make a point of walking the halls whenever I have the time. I do so in my current job and have found that the random encounters are typically the most fruitful ones.

How has your experience at Groton prepared you for your transition to Brewster and what will you miss the most after more than 20 years there?

PREP FOR TRANSITION TO BREWSTER: I have lived the boarding school life for 25 years, and this, perhaps more than any other single factor, has prepared me to move in July to Brewster. I understand intuitively – and probably couldn’t easily live without – the pulse of a campus and the arc of a year. The nervous first few days of freshmen, the mayhem of the end of the fall season, the remarkable challenge that is February, the onset of spring and greening of grass, the bittersweet of graduation. Wash, rinse, repeat.

In my time at Groton and even before, when I was at Pomfret and then Loomis-Chaffee, I’ve learned that working with kids is an enormous joy because there has been good and promise in every single student I’ve worked with. I’ve learned that good kids typically have good parents. I’ve learned that schools are vastly complicated

Nancy and I are planning also to have groups of students to Lord House regularly. We have long enjoyed entertaining students in our space. I’m wondering if the floor will handle the weight of 95 seniors, but we’ll soon find out. Further, I’m planning on working directly with student leadership because I can think of no better way to find out how things are going than to make time for conversation.

In my first months, I’ll surely need to spend plenty of time getting to know students, for in so doing I’ll be getting to know Brewster and what makes it the school it is.

Have you had the opportunity to work directly with students in developing their leadership and contributions to their community and how important do you feel this is in building a school culture?

In working in a small residential community for as long as I have, I’ve come to believe that leadership is best taught in community and that the strongest communities cultivate leadership at all levels. I’ve

enterprises, and they require thoughtful leadership. Finally, I’ve learned

long said to my current students that they exert leadership in how

that the best school leaders are, at their core, humble but determined

they lead their lives – for their decisions influence others. While I

students of the place who have at heart the needs of the students

have worked in leadership training programs, I’ve found that the most

they are endeavoring to serve.

meaningful growth students demonstrate as leaders comes through conversation subsequent to failure – and these are not scolding

ON LEAVING GROTON: In leaving Groton, I’m going to be leaving a

conversations but rather

bunch of great colleagues, many of whom have been great teachers

reflective ones.

to me even though they might not know it. I’ll be leaving six of the best advisees I could imagine and some particularly funny freshman

My sense is that Brewster is an extraordinary greenhouse for growing

I’m teaching right now. Perhaps most poignantly, I’ll be leaving a place

leaders because students are held to high standards and reflective

where I’ve got 21 years of memories – the place where I grew up; the

conversations happen with great regularity – and the extremely

place where my kids have grown up.

healthy school culture that exists here is a direct result.

www.brewsteracademy.org

5

satisfaction from helping them identify and move beyond the roadblocks they encounter.

I suspect this tendency is a way of returning Bob Orgovan’s favor.

Finally, I draw inspiration from my family.

My parents made huge sacrifices to raise and educate me, and I’m compelled to make good on their commitment to me by doing right in this world. My wife Nancy is passionate about education and is as clear a thinker as I’ve ever met, and she inspires me to think critically and deeply about schools. And my kids – Teddy and Jobe – both have had their learning challenges early in life yet I see how well they are doing because they’ve been in the right schools, and they inspire me to serve EVERY student I work with as I would like them to be served.

Senior prefects Donovan Mitchell and Isabella Monzione enjoyed lunch and conversation with Craig Gemmell in late February.

What do you want students to know about your style of leadership?

I would want students to know that I love and benefit from collaboration. I went to a

How will you approach the most difficult decisions that you will have to make as head of school?

senior administrative meeting this morning, and I loved the fact that

I am not a rash person. I don’t make decisions on the fly, and I’ve

and he let the collective wisdom come out. He was not a driver and

always made a point of surrounding myself with wise people and

this makes a lot of sense to me given how I work, given how I think.

using the advisors around me. In times when I’ll be faced with difficult

The collaborative process is actually how I have always operated

decisions, I’ll listen a great deal, hear opposing viewpoints, ask

with others …. I like kicking ideas around. I like moving out to the

questions, zoom out, and think about the core goal of the institution

stratosphere and 20,000-feet above the issue and thinking about

– to support the growth of its students – and think. Having listened,

what the point is. … A sense of humor is really important to me and

collected information, and thought, I’ll decide and then explain clearly

a sense of being a part of, not a part from, the organization is really

to the community why, making sure to tether the decision to my

important to me, as is engagement in the life of the community. I will

interpretation of institutional values.

show up at games and performances because I want to – and I won’t

Mike Cooper was a participant and not a leader of that discussion,

just appear at the sideline-packed varsity games and main-stage

Where do you draw your inspiration, and who inspired you to become an educator?

theater performances – the junior varsity team games and the open-

I was remarkably unremarkable as a student when I was a kid. I

are made, and I want to support those moments.

mikes are the places where some of the greatest personal advances

probably had some diagnosable learning differences that were overlooked just because schools and learning science were not as

Moreover, I’d want students to know that I work hard to act in

sophisticated then as they are now. Therefore, I muddled my way

accordance to the four core rules of my own family – kindness,

through school until I was in a big, impersonal high school, where I

gratitude, respect, and responsibility – and my style and expectations

met a teacher/coach – Bob Orgovan – who became a mentor of mine.

as a leader are strongly shaped by these rules. I think students will

He expected things of me I didn’t think to expect of myself, and he

find me present, approachable, fair, steady, very hard to anger, excited

set me on a path that led me to college, graduate school, and a life of

to really know them and to build relationships with them.

work with students. I still channel him when I deal with students.

Finally, I’d want students to know that as a leader, I’ve found myself

6

On a daily basis, I draw my inspiration from students themselves. I

also interested in getting others – students and adults alike – engaged

am forever intrigued by students who are challenged and gain great

in conversations about one central question: how can a school prepare

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2015

students ever more effectively to be humane, effective leaders given

Besides education, what are you passionate about? When I’m

the complexities and challenges of the 21st century?

not working at being an educator, I’m a parent and spouse and son.

In the scant free time I have, I am quite passionate about tinkering –

You mentioned sports a moment ago. Is the type of

buying pieces of junk on the side of the road and fixing them, making

cheering at games a big issue for you?

them look and work like new again. Last year I finished restoring a

I like really spirited crowds at games. I think it’s really fun to be a part

1947 Jeep and promptly sold it. I like the quiet puzzling and the sheer

of the crowd. What I don’t want fans to do is to disrespect players, coaches, or fans ever. Doing so compromises the experience for fans and athletes alike and diminishes the purity of the sport. I don’t want the experience of watching or playing in a game to be cluttered by emotions that are unnecessary. My biggest rule is that you’ve gotta be kind.

physicality of the work and take real pleasure in putting these recreations in the hands of people who will enjoy them.

What’s on your playlist?

It is an embarrassing blend of folky/funky ballads by the likes of Tom Waits and Neil Young and Dylan and Springsteen and The Band along with some more current alternative stuff like the Decemberists, The Avett Brothers. My younger son, who has a great ear, has gotten me to

What do you think about emotional literacy?

appreciate some mainstream rap – I love Biggie Small’s tune “Juicy,”

In theory the emotional literacy program is really attractive to me

for example – and some more obscure stuff, like Brother Ali. I’m

because what it has the capacity to do is to complicate and deepen

looking forward to what he pushes my way next.

the prospect of education to include the whole student. I believe good schools that endeavor to be student centered have helped to develop

What’s your favorite book?

emotional literacy for a long time, but emotional literacy is not an

Annie Dillard’s Pilgrim at Tinker Creek. This is a book I’ve read a bunch

explicit thrust at any other independent school I know. I’m pleased that emotional literacy is an explicit part of the Brewster education, curious about how it is working in practice, and interested in how I’ll support its continued evolution.

How do you handle student fatigue, being at school for a

of times and taught frequently, because it helps the reader to seek answers to a basic question: how can we learn to look beyond the chaos and brutality of the world to see the patterns and the beauty?

What do you and your family do for fun?

We love watching Parks and Recreation together. We ski together every chance we get, but our kids are too good at it for us now. I

long time, senioritis?

seem to keep getting hurt trying to keep up, so we might need to find

I’ve been there. I get it. Helping kids to learn to manage their lives in

another family activity. We also love going to the local convenience

order to minimize fatigue and maximize personal gains is important,

mart, loading up on snacks, and watching a movie on Netflix together

because school should be a productive and joyous endeavor as much

on a quiet Friday night.

of the time as is possible. Part of the solution is in knowing how to structure a calendar to optimize student experience. Another part is

As a New England guy, Red Sox, Mets, or Yankees?

to work with students regularly to help them to use time well and

I like the Red Sox organization and the player culture, though I’m

get their sleep. And the final part is to make sure that academic and

not a huge professional sports fan. I like playing sports and watching

extracurricular demands are being looked at as a whole and that those demands can be met successfully by well-intentioned and wellsupported students.

Senioritis is a tougher nut to crack, though. I admit having a mild case in both high school and college. To me, senioritis is characterized by lack of motivation and a lack of pleasure with the experience of being in school. While it is easy to attribute senioritis to laziness or indifference or immaturity, I’m of the mind that senioritis at least

school sports. I’ve never been a devout follower of professional sports mostly because I just don’t have the time to sit and watch games. But I’m intrigued by the Red Sox.

"My sense is that Brewster is an extraordinary greenhouse for growing leaders because students are held to high standards and

sometimes derives from a combination of boredom in the present,

reflective conversations happen with great

paralysis over leaving a place, and fear of future. The solution, to me,

regularity – and the extremely healthy school

is to help kids by making the senior program engaging and exciting while also encouraging students to bear down until the very end

culture that exists here is a direct result."

because their actions have influences on the community.

www.brewsteracademy.org

7

Optimizing Their Intelligence Learning that Emotions do Matter

By Marcia Eldredge

8

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2015

I

t’s hard to read a business publication these days

The importance and benefits of teamwork was another

without eyeing a headline on the benefits of

lesson on another day. “We had three people in a group

emotionally intelligent leaders and employees.

to see which group could build the tallest Jenga,” she

With an emotional literacy (EL) curriculum in

explained. “Then we answered questions about working

place at Brewster since 2011 and the new course –

with team members like ‘Did one person do all the work?’

Optimizing Your Intelligence – added to the sophomore

‘Did you feel you could give your opinion?’ We didn’t win

curriculum this year, we wanted to show what theory

but we felt good about how we worked together.”

looks like in practice. To this end, four students representing each grade, took time to contribute their

THE WEEKLY

thoughts on how the EL program is adding value to

At the end of each week, all students spend about 20

their Brewster experience.

minutes in their advisory group reflecting on their week – grades, short-term goals, BMPs, and both the

CLASS OF 2018

positives and negatives of the week. They then write

The freshman class has been introduced to the

a short “weekly” for their parents. Parents admit to

fundamental RULER tools, or the four anchors of

loving these weeklies, as they connect them to all that

emotional intelligence: the Charter, the Mood Meter,

their students are doing at Brewster. Parents are not

the Meta-Moment, and Blueprinting. These tools not

the only ones with something to gain from weeklies,

only help students develop the ability to understand

however.

and regulate their own emotions and empathize with how others are feeling; they also foster the kind of

“I think there is value [in the weekly] because you can

healthy emotional climate essential to personal growth.

think about what you did that week and how you felt, and I think that adds value to it because it makes you

“We learn about EL a lot. It’s a big part of Brewster.

reflect,” Maura shared. “Each week you build on what

It teaches you how to deal with your emotions when

you did last week and it makes you a stronger student.”

you are in a new environment or a new place, like all freshmen,” said Maura MacDonald of Beverly,

THE MOOD METER

Massachusetts. She went on to explain that since all

There is even an app for this one. The Mood Meter

freshmen are new to Brewster, it’s important that

develops self-awareness and self-regulation over time

freshman learn how to live together and uphold

and can help students become more mindful of how

community expectations.

their emotions change throughout the day and how the changes affect their actions. It’s a step toward

“We talk a lot about tolerance and a diverse

becoming more emotionally literate.

community. We did a whole project on it where we presented to everyone … One of our topics was people

“I think the Mood Meter is good if you are really

acting out being intolerant but not meaning to,” she

frustrated or angry or energetic and you need to take

explained. The project involved students working in

down your attitude a notch or bring up your energy …

groups of four or five to present short vignettes with

It really helps you realize where you are emotionally

titles such as “Stand Up to Stereotypes,” “Embrace it,

and energy wise and I think that’s helpful because then

Face it, Don’t Disgrace it: Diversity,” and “The More

you can adjust to get in the right mindset for whatever

Variety the Better the Society.”

situation you are in and however you need to act.”

“I think there is value in the weekly because you can think about what you did that week and how you felt, and I think that adds value to it because it makes you reflect."

– Maura MacDonald '18 Freshmen created posters to connect to their EL campaign presentations.

www.brewsteracademy.org

9

CLASS OF 2017

CLASS OF 2016

As a sophomore Stephanie Brunelle, of

For Joe Scala, of East Wakefield, New

Brookfield, New Hampshire, is enrolled

Hampshire, being his best self and using

in the Optimizing Your Intelligence

the Mood Meter to get in the right

Class. In her own words, she talks about

mindset are what he finds most helpful

how the course is adding value to her

about the EL curriculum.

Brewster experience.

“When I started looking at my future

“I have experienced many different aspects of emotional literacy in my two years at Brewster, and the most effective tools for me are the time management and planning strategies. This is something I have learned

and college … going inside myself and becoming emotionally aware … the best self principle helped a lot. …

It’s all about the correct mindset at Brewster. If you have the correct

more about in my current OYI class. I am enrolled in six classes. I play

mindset to be the best student or the best athlete or the best friend,

on three varsity sports teams, as well as an elite lacrosse team, and

you’ll be successful at this school.

I take three dance classes and belong to the Brewster dance team. I have a very busy schedule so making sure I manage my time wisely is

“My best self is bringing a positive attitude to the day. Trying to be my

key to make all of this work. Before OYI it was hard to not be up until

best self also helped with my grades,” he said.

three in the morning doing homework, but with the class they teach you so many life skills, like how to plan every aspect of your day.

Joe recognizes the correlation between attitude and results and with an emphasis on college during the junior year he is focused on remaining

“One tool that I use the most is the Meta-Moment. Everyone gets very stressed out from time to time. I get myself stressed beyond compare with all of my extra curricular activities. The Meta-Moment helps me take a step back and relax in very stressful situations. After using the Meta-Moment so many times I don’t even realize when I’m doing it.

positive and meeting the additional challenges despite the stress that comes with the uncertainties of the college process. “How do you balance it all? It’s all about prioritizing, it’s all about mindset,” he said.

Fortunately Brewster teachers understand that the most effective learning environment is one in which all students are ready and eager

“If and when the Meta-Moment fails I turn to blue printing one of the

to engage. One tool for setting the optimal environment is the Mood

anchors where you document actions in a situation regarding differing

Meter. Depending on the mood in the room – too much high energy

opinions to help understand how each of you were feeling. This helps

to be productive or high stress levels due to upcoming exams – a

me to see both sides of the story and what went wrong and where so

teacher might ask students to chart themselves on the Mood Meter,

I can understand what to do if the situation ever arises again.

which in turn can help the teacher redirect class focus for more effective outcomes. It’s not uncommon at times to hear students refer

"I have learned that building strong relationships is key."

– Stephanie Brunelle '17

“Another way that OYI

to their frame of mind as “in the green” or “in the “red.” But whatever

impacts my life is that

the mood, what matters is that students are making connections

it has had an affect on my relationships with my peers and teachers. I have learned that building strong

relationships is key. Whether the relationship is between me and one of my teachers or me and my friends. An exercise that we did was

between attitude and mindset and their accomplishments or areas needing growth.

“I will ask myself how can I direct myself to be more positive,” Joe explained. “I just kind of picture my best self. If I can’t do it right then, I can think of all the alternatives to make [my mood] better. ‘What are

make goals for three components of our life. The three components

they? Can I fix it?’ Sometimes I can’t fix it, but I have to think … ‘it’s

were academics, relationships, and hobbies. This helped me really

all about getting back up.’”

think about what is important to me in each category. I saw after making goals for my relationships – like reaching out to a new person each week – I felt more diverse in my friend groups as well as some of my best friends I felt much closer to. I have enjoyed learning about emotional literacy and am looking forward to what else we will be learning.”

10

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2015

RULER

CLASS OF 2015

goals … in a way it has transferred over [to sports] and I think that has

Tyler Packett, a postgraduate from

helped me a lot.”

Eastham, Massachusetts, would not hesitate to share that he was not a

Edmonds explains, “So much of the senior year is about timelines

top student at his former school yet

and managing the college process, as well as managing their other

he arrived at Brewster motivated

commitments and thinking about stepping out independently in the

to learn and with potential to be a

next year. That’s a lot to manage, especially with family away.”

successful student. At Brewster, he saw the possibilities and the opportunities

She continued, “There is much reflection that happens at this time,

in front of him and was clearly ready

especially as they have to make themselves stand out to college

to engage and take charge of his learning, shared Maureen Edmonds,

admissions officers. They have to explore the qualities that merit

who is his instructional support teacher as well as an Optimizing Your

them a good student … it is a thoughtful process.”

Intelligence instructor.

THEIR BEST SELVES Half way through the year, he looks back and says he’s both a

Another area of the emotional literacy curriculum that is a

different student and individual since arriving in September. Now he is

centerpiece of the senior year is emphasis on best self. According

weighing his college options, thinking about a major, possibly business

to Edmonds, students have gained the tools to become more

or economics, and whose soccer net he will defend next season.

emotionally literate, or aware, and they have matured to the point where they understand when they need to reach into their toolkit

One area Tyler credits for helping him reach his potential is the emphasis on goal setting and reflection, key areas of emphasis in the EL curriculum for seniors and postgraduates.

Although Tyler says he has always been good at setting goals mentally, turning those goals into outcomes has always been challenging. Now he’s been given the strategies and guidance to map his goals and see the outcomes, he says. “It [goal setting] definitely helps me see that I met those goals and I’m moving forward to the next goal. Intentional goal setting really wasn’t something I had done before Brewster, maybe I did it internally, but I never wrote down goals because I never actually thought it would help but it seems to actually help a lot.

“There wasn’t as much access to technology at my former school.

Here everyone has a laptop, and we also have access to all the

and draw on certain tools. And this sets them up well for success as college students where they will be far more independent and have to consistently advocate for themselves, she says.

For Tyler, the idea of being one’s best self was underscored to Team Yau students from the first few days at Brewster. Team Yau comprises the senior and postgraduate class and thus students are expected to set a good example to underclassmen, always striving to be their best selves. “When I think of best self I think of it like this: if you know you shouldn’t be doing something, then you shouldn’t do it. Best self is a reminder to think things out before acting on something,” Tyler said.

Edmonds adds that there also is an emotional component to being one’s best self, especially since the majority of students are boarders, living in a close community and having to manage themselves in the dorm environment. “The holistic program at Brewster really means students need to put your best foot forward in all situations. There really is little escape.”

technology tools to help us in our work. Here everybody is on the same page. I am not struggling everyday to know what I need to get

She offered an example where one roommate might be celebrating

done – last year if I didn’t write it down, I had to ask a friend – this

an early decision acceptance at college while perhaps the other

year I have access to find things. It’s a lot easier to stay focused here.

roommate has yet to apply. Both would experience different, yet valid,

It is a lot easier to succeed here.”

emotions that might need to be thoughtfully managed during what is a celebratory time for one and a stressful time for the other.

REFLECTION “The reflection process actually helps me because if I look back, I see

“I think we are seeing fewer stressors than before we engaged the

that I have met a goal so it works … It definitely makes me feel like I’m

students with emotional literacy tools.”

progressing well through this year.” He shared that he set a goal to talk to a certain number of college coaches by a certain date, which would

“The EL skills I have learned have helped me in many ways. Becoming

then determine to which colleges he would apply.

more practiced at how to be a successful student and learning strategies for managing whatever comes up, have all helped me grow

And he uses it to improve his game minding the net as well. “I think

to be the person I want to be,” Tyler said. “My decision to come to

before a game that maybe I don’t want to let in any more than two

Brewster has been a positive, life changing experience.”

www.brewsteracademy.org

11

Why the World Chooses Brewster

International Families Recognize the Relevancy of a Brewster Education

By Marcia Eldredge

“In some of our Brewster classes, we don’t even have books. We discuss topics, annotate, talk about things. … All that we learn here is so interesting.”

– Rayya Al Shereqi ’16

12

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2015

S

electing a school that will best serve their child is likely

that offered, in addition to a challenging curriculum, a program where

one of the most important decisions any parent will make.

integrity and social intelligence were at the forefront, especially

We know that families expect a relevant and challenging

during a time which he describes as “the preliminary period of their

academic curriculum as well as the opportunity for their

mastery of the world where it is very helpful to give [adolescents]

children to mature socially and emotionally. Yet what is relevant –

a direction on how to behave and interact with the world and their

significant and current – in one culture may not be in another. So, how

peers. … We amazingly found out that Brewster offers emotional

do parents and students that come from different cultures find their

literacy education, which exactly satisfied what we are looking for.”

way to Brewster and what attracts them to a Brewster education?

Families near and far understand the uncertainty that awaits university graduates – who are more frequently being prepared for jobs that do not yet exist. They know

“We have long recognized the value the whole community receives with a true diversity reflective of the openness of the world today."

– Lynne Palmer, director of admission and external affairs.

that to be well prepared for this reality, their children need a toolbox of tangible and intangible assets to remain adaptable, to be socially and emotionally adept, excellent communicators and collaborators, and to acquire the

“I do think the EL [emotional literacy] does benefit me a lot … it’s

mindset of a lifelong learner.

good to understand what others are thinking and how we can better relate to each other,” acknowledged Sam Xia. Sam, a member of the

“Brewster has always had a robust international student population,

golf team, has taken EL lessons around the greens with him. “I like the

and our success in supporting the challenges and expectations of

Meta-Moment. It’s very significant in golf ... if you have a bad shot, it’s

non-native speakers with demonstrative growth and achievement in

very important to forget about it and do your best for the next one. I

English proficiency has solidified our strong reputation in this market,”

talk to myself or try to breathe deeply. It helps get my mood back for

explained Lynne Palmer, Brewster’s director of admission and external

the next shot.”

affairs.

For Sam it’s not all about the EL education that his father was “While many schools are now turning to the international student to

impressed with. He enjoys the beauty of the campus in fall and late

fill enrollment needs, we have long recognized the value the whole

spring and says the students and teachers are helpful and respectful.

community receives with a true diversity reflective of the openness of

“When I visited here, I just got a good feeling about Brewster and it

the world today. Our continued commitment to supporting growth in

has stayed with me.”

new cultures at Brewster is focused on understanding the expectation first and then making a thoughtful decision based on our ability to

The Xias are representative of just one international family. In another

deliver,” Palmer added.

corner of the world, still far from the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, Brewster’s mission coupled with its focus on delivering that toolbox

Henry Xia, from Zhuhai City, China, whose son Sam is a member of

of 21st century skills to students is just as compelling and appealing

the Class of 2017, attests to this value. Xia was looking for a school

to families.

A long way from the warmth of Oman: Rayya Al Shereqi ’16 atop Gunstock Ski Area with recreational skiers Michelle Su ‘18 (Senzhen, China), Clare Cassidy Gardner ‘17 (New York City), and Cecilie Moessle ‘16 (Frankfurt, Germany).

Mike Tan ‘16 (Beijing), Tony Kwon ‘16 (Seoul), Rayya Al Shereqi ’16 (Muscat, Oman), Gala Meyer Marti ’15 (Barcelona), Yessica Choi ‘15 (Seoul), Abdullah Al Farsi ’16 (Muscat Oman), and Yuerui Wang ’17 are just some of the international students who chose Brewster.

www.brewsteracademy.org

13

ALUMNI FROM AROUND THE Shelley MacDonald '05 Provincial Corrections Officer, Government of Saskatchewan, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan

Karin Clement '07 Resident in Pediatrics, Quebec City

Katharina Zeitz '98 Founder, KAA Consulting & Collaborations, Berlin

Priscille (Tesson) Gauthier '05 CFO, Groupe TESSON, Le Sables d'Olonne, France Daniel Orozco '96 Executive Director, Gasbo & Bomanz Ciudad Obregón, Sonora, Mexico

Sam Hirst '05 Commercial Director, Ventas Unidas S.A, Guatemala City, Guatemala

Although the percentage of international students who attend Brewster has remained consistent for many years – at about 18 percent – what has changed is the larger representation of countries from which students travel to study at Brewster.

This year’s student body comprises students from the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, China, Germany, Iceland, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Oman, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.

14

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2015

Gerry Swan '92 Associate Professor of Education, University of Kentucky, Bermuda

Federico Pernetz '02 Director, Bormedica, Caracas

Emmanuel Negedu '08 Enterprise Rent-A-Car, New Mexico Kaduna, Nigeria

WORLD WHO CHOSE BREWSTER

Dogus Balby '07 professional basketball player, Anadolu Efes, Istanbul

Shiori (Taguchi) Brummer '02 Senior Employee Recruiter, Salesforce.com, Tokyo Yong Hak Huh '77 CEO, First Bridge Strategy Limited, Hong Kong

Ronald Ishak '03 CTO PT, Aksi Visitama, Jakarta

Luke McMeeken-Ruscoe '02 MBA candidate, Victoria University, Wellington Scott Algate '05 Training and Quality Assurance, Toby’s Estate, Melbourne

www.brewsteracademy.org

15

At Brewster, senior Gala Marti Meyer from Barcelona did not have to choose between her two passions: acting and skiing. She participates in both.

Proud to be a part of Bobcat Nation: “If I didn’t do it here at Brewster, I’d never experience it.”

Rayya Al Shereqi and Abdullah Al Farsi, Takatuf Scholars from

“At first I didn’t want a tutor. I thought I didn’t need one but everyone

Muscat, Oman, joined the Brewster community as juniors in

needs one because it’s impossible to learn what you need to know

September. Takatuf Scholar Program (TSP) Director Dr. Kathryn Bindon

from teachers,” Rayya explained. “Back home teachers are very

learned that Brewster’s mission was so closely aligned with that of

respected in society. Whenever they come into the class, we stand

the TSP, that her scholars could receive the education they wanted

up, say ‘hello,’ then sit down. You can’t really argue with them or say

(and needed) along with the additional benefit of a program dynamic

‘oh, you are wrong.’ If you say ‘I don’t understand,’ it could be seen as

mostly absent in their current curriculum – opportunities to explore a

disrespectful. At Brewster there is a boundary, but it’s less of a boundary.

wide range of interests beyond the classroom, a more holistic school experience.

“Back home in class, teachers give out the materials and read from the book. Then after school you go to your tutor to get the material

“I was immediately struck by the maturity, spirit, and enthusiasm that

explained. Now I don’t have to worry about not understanding the

Rayya projected in her Skype interview,” Palmer shared. “She had such

material [outside of class] because I’m actually learning it in the

an impressive cultural wisdom combined with an infectious optimism

classroom.”

that I sincerely forgot I was speaking with a student.”

She continued, “In some of our Brewster classes, we don’t even have

LIVING AND LEARNING AT BREWSTER

books. We discuss topics, annotate, talk about things. I definitely feel

For Rayya the biggest differences between her life at Brewster and her

like I’m learning. All that we learn here is so interesting.

life in her former school are the access to and relationships with her teachers; the heterogeneity of learning techniques in the classroom;

She recalled her first Brewster physics class. “Back home, physics was

and the extracurricular activities she is exploring outside of classes.

not my favorite class. I remember the first day Mr. [Bruce] Gorrill actually taught me something I was taught in my previous school,

“Here they value every aspect of school. If you are good at singing

but I actually understood it for the first time. Now my favorite class

you can sing somewhere; if you’re good at dancing you can dance

is physics.”

somewhere,” she shared enthusiastically. “In my culture those things aren’t really important. Getting good grades, getting scholarships, and

Although challenging, Rayya enjoyed her first season as a cross-

traveling abroad are more important. This is the mindset.”

country runner and throughout the winter spent her afternoons either skiing with the recreational ski team or in the Smith Center in

Back in Oman her formal school day would begin at 6:45 a.m. and

a conditioning class. In the spring, she looks forward to dance class in

was packed with up to 10 classes – math, three sciences, Arabic, two

the afternoons.

English courses, Islamic studies, and Oman history – before the day

16

ended at 2:30 p.m. Almost all students then head off to tutors (nearly

“Basically all of my activity commitments were challenges. I’m not

all students have tutors) whom they study with into the evening.

used to sports. I would get so tired but now I’m used to it. If I didn’t

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2015

TAKATUF SCHOLAR PROGRAM do it here at Brewster, I’d never experience it.” She even admitted to the occasional

The Takatuf program deserves more than a cursory look

social media post about her newest athletic endeavor to show her friends back in

as its mission and outcomes are so closely aligned to

Oman that she’s participating in sports.

Brewster’s program. Commonalities include:

MORE THAN GRADES

• Teaching effective critical thinking, problem solving,

Senior Gala Meyer Marti from Barcelona, Spain, is another student who left her

research, collaborative, and communication skills

native homeland and a very different culture for Brewster. Gala plans to study acting in college and in late January spent time in Chicago auditioning for college programs.

• Learning environments that focus on student

Her reasons for choosing Brewster are similar to Rayya’s.

acquisition of learning tools, key competencies, and skills and abilities

“Back home the class size is bigger (50 kids in one class). We had three teachers but it was too much. The work was different. The teachers come to the class. They teach.

• Application and inquiry-based learning opportunities

And they leave. Here, they teach. You see them after school. You can go to Team Study. If you need even more help, they set up study times. … I really appreciate this

• Qualitative, quantitative, and observational student

because back in Spain it was just the time in class,” Gala explained.

assessments

“One of my favorite things about Brewster is the teachers. … They are going to make

• Use of laptops as essential learning tools

you work hard but later on you are going to find out that it was really good for life.

For me it increased my knowledge of things I thought I’d never think about, like open

• A project-based learning phase where the scholars

my mind to see more of the world.”

select a project, and collaborate with peers or undertake alone, that provides service to the

Another positive difference for Gala is the grading system at Brewster. “I like the

community and allows students to demonstrate

grading here so much because they have the rec scores and the grades … and it

leadership.

pushes me not to just have good grades but to be a good student. If I’m struggling, but I have good rec scores, it shows I’m trying and I’m a good student. In Spain it is

• The emphasis on nurturing life-long learners and

just the grades, not even comments.”

instilling in students that learning is a continuous process of theory, practice, and application

Gala is referring to Brewster’s Recognition System, a key component of the Brewster Model that encourages all students to proactively develop their character and become

• Supporting students to become learners, future

responsible young adults.

employees, and citizens capable of engaging the challenges in a global information and knowledge

CHOICES AND CULTURE For Gala, Brewster has allowed her to pursue both her passions: alpine skiing and acting, two pursuits that would not have been possible back home. The community has benefitted from her athleticism on the race course (the girls won both the Lakes Region and NEPSAC titles this year) and enjoyed her talents on the stage.

“The people here are really open. On the ski team you can feel the spirit and team bonding. We all care for and support each other. I really like the activities here. Winter Carnival is a huge release of stress and it’s so much fun. It brings life and it’s not just about grades … there is the lip sync, posters, team decorations, games.”

Both Rayya and Gala speak maturely about the challenges of moving through cultural differences between their countries and American culture.

Rayya, who spent one year as an exchange student earlier in her high school career at a public high school in Tennessee, noted that the Brewster and Wolfeboro communities seem more accepting of her background. She is specifically referring to the hajib, or head scarf, she wears. Here people are more open but less curious about differences, she shared, adding that in Tennessee people would come up to her and

economy Before Rayya Al Shereqi went for her first run with the Bobcat cross country team and Abdullah Al Farsi slipped into his cleats for soccer practice, the two went through a grueling selection process to compete for two of 10 international scholarships offered by the Takatuf Scholar Program in Oman. The scholarships would afford them the opportunity to study for two years at a leading preparatory school in the United States, United Kingdom, or elsewhere before continuing on to pursue an undergraduate degree at a top university.

“Takatuf International Scholars go through a rigorous program of enrichment and selection as they compete for scholarships,” explained Dr. Kathryn Bindon, director of the Takatuf Scholar Program. “They are expected to excel personally and intellectually, and to get much more than academic results out of their educational experiences.

ask her where she was from and why she was wearing a head scarf.

www.brewsteracademy.org

17

“Brewster Academy offers the kind of integrated learning that prepares our students not only for successful university careers, but also for leadership roles in the future of the Sultanate of Oman,” she continued. “Equally important is the fact that its remarkable staff members provide the Rayya is quick to point out that peer relationships are somewhat different here and

intellectual and pastoral support that will help our scholars

that teens in Oman are more mature because that’s the expectation. Although her

become truly global citizens for the 21st century.”

friends here are just as open about sharing their lives as her friends at home, teens in America tend to be more transparent with their emotions, and Rayya is still learning

Their formal preparations to become a Takatuf Scholar

how to respond to some of this outward emotion.

began during their 10th grade year when they applied and were among 60 students selected from across Oman. These

Gala agrees, “… understanding American people can be hard. The assimilation is slow.”

60 scholars then attended an intensive, integrated threeweek boarding program (in English).

Gala reflected on history class, acknowledging that she has a really different point of view regarding what is right and what is wrong from a cultural point of view, offering

Within this independent learning phase the students

a discussion on gun control as an example since it’s such a hot topic in the United

had to demonstrate critical thinking and communication

States. “In Spain people don’t have guns. They’re just not in Spain. Here it’s such a big

skills through journals or reflection exercises, similar to

issue and people get really upset about it.”

the weekly reflective writing exercises both Rayya and Abdullah, as well as all Brewster students, write and e-mail

Both girls attribute their roommates with helping them transition into the

to their parents each week.

community. “It’s so amazing that after two weeks, I was best friends with my roommate, and I learned you can find people who are so important but who are not

In an effort to learn effective methods of self-assessment

your real family,” Gala shared.

and develop critical thinking, communication, and presentation skills, Rayya and Abdullah each built a

“My roommate Lexi is the sweetest person ever. She took me home a few times and

personal portfolio to assess their accomplishments,

her family was very welcoming. I was really worried about not having a good person

challenges, and growth over the years.

to live with,” Rayya said. “When I came to the U.S. during my 10th grade year the family made it so great so I knew that having a great roommate would be a good

The presentation of this portfolio was the final step to their

thing.”

selection for the international scholarship and to study at Brewster. From the 60 scholars, 20 were selected to present

Showing her maturity and pragmatism, Gala adds, “It’s always hard to live with a

their portfolios to a panel of leading Omanis from the

person, especially if you are really different and you have really different, strong

public and private sectors; the panel then interviewed each

opinions. They can be right and you can be right, but it’s okay. You will learn to live

of the 20 scholars individually. Finally, 10 Takatuf Scholars

with that person and compromise on those differences.”

were selected for study at college preparatory schools and Rayya and Abdullah chose Brewster Academy.

Her advice to international students considering Brewster: “If you come here, it’s going to be full of experiences, and there are going to be so many opportunities … the

Rayya and Abdullah have fully immersed themselves in their

school will challenge you to find your way but not make those decisions for you. Your

new school and the community is richer for having them.

teachers may give you the tools but then you have to find that path.”

Those who choose the path to Brewster from near or far will find a relevant education

To read about another international scholarship program, hosted by Brewster Academy during the summer, visit www.brewsteracademy.org/AbuDhabiScholars

awaiting them in this welcoming community.

the way

education

should be

18

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2015

WELCOME

TO NEW YORK CITY GOLD KEY AWARD Scholastic Art Awards of New Hampshire Drawing/Illustration Yessica Choi ‘15 (Seoul)

www.brewsteracademy.org

19

Honoring 12 Years of Excellence

The Michael E. Cooper Endowment for Innovative

Investing in a Bright Future for Brewster Academy

Program Development

By Rachael Jeffers ’05

W

hen Dr. Michael E. Cooper and his wife Andrea

in June 2015. This will be the first endowment of this size for program

arrived at Brewster in 2003 the Academy had

development at the Academy and as such, Mike’s legacy will live on

built a strong foundation on a student-centered

for many years to come as faculty, staff, and administrators continue

approach to education. By then, faculty and staff

to strive for excellence in service of our students. To make a gift

had spent nearly a decade developing and enhancing the Brewster

online to The Michael E. Cooper Endowment for Innovative Program

Model of differentiated classroom education – engaging innovative

Development please visit https://fundraise.brewsteracademy.org/

technologies and teaching to the individual. Mike brought a new focus

cooperendowment. If you would like to discuss other giving options

to the Academy’s efforts in developing best practices for 21st century

or prefer to make a donation over the phone, please contact Director

education. Under his dedicated leadership Brewster’s signature

of Advancement Kristy Kerin at 603.569.7184.

model of education has been enhanced through a partnership with Yale University in developing an emotional intelligence program and through the innovation and dedication of faculty who worked to create a project-based learning curriculum that enhances the student experience through self-driven inquiry. (To learn more about Mike’s impact on the Academy’s programs, see "Optimizing Their Intelligences" on page 8.)

As Mike leads Brewster through his final few months as head of school, the Academy plans to honor his dedication and leadership with the establishment of an endowment. The Michael E. Cooper

In addition to the endowment, the Academy also has committed to a renovation of The Link, a 20-year-old lecture hall in the Academic building that has long been a hub of curriculum development and faculty collaboration. When the Wilson Center for Teaching and Learning was completed in 1994, The Link was created as a muchneeded meeting space for faculty and staff and also served as a physical “link” between the old and new sections of what is referred to as the Academic building (or the Ac). The Link has provided faculty with a meeting space for two decades but is now in need of updates

Endowment for Innovative Program Development will be a

that will create a refreshed and technology forward space for

permanently endowed fund that will support the ongoing exploration,

collaboration and curriculum development.

development, and implementation of new and co-curricular programs.

The Academy faculty, staff, and administration have made impressive

The space is regularly packed at standing room only capacity for

advancements over the past decade in developing student-centered

faculty and staff meetings and in the summer it is where new faculty

programs that enhance our college-preparatory curriculum.

are trained in the Brewster Model. We have continued to grow, and now is the time for our space to grow with us – helping to usher in a

20

Fundraising for this endowment in Mike’s honor has already reached

bright future for continued innovations in program development here

$173,000 with a goal of reaching $500,000 by the time he steps down

at the Academy for years to come.

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2015

THE ACADEMY’S HIGHEST HONOR: THE BREWSTER MEDAL

In 2008 Brewster Academy’s Board of Trustees established the Brewster Medal as a way to recognize and celebrate individuals who have dedicated themselves to the advancement of the mission of Brewster Academy and the vision of the Academy’s namesake, John Brewster.

The first medal recipients were former Headmaster David M. Smith and The long table desks and seats will be replaced with theatre like seats with swing-away desks.

longtime patron of the Academy Henry Harris P’84, ‘88 (posthumously).

This year’s medal recipients are Head of School Dr. Michael E. Cooper and longtime Board Chair Daniel T. Mudge.

Thanks to the generous support of the Academy’s trustees, parents, alumni,

Both Cooper and Mudge have served the Academy faithfully during

and friends – work began over March break to transform The Link into “The

their tenures. Mudge is the father of two Brewster graduates, Tapley-

Coop,” or more formally – The Michael E. Cooper Center, which honors Dr.

Ann ’98 and Ashley ’02 and has been a dedicated member of

Cooper and his many years of leadership in developing signature programs

Brewster’s board of trustees since 1997 when he and his wife Kathy

such as project-based learning and emotional intelligence that enhance the

became co-presidents of the parents’ association. Dan served as

Brewster Model of education. Upgrades included new seating, lighting, and

treasurer of the board from 1999-2001 before assuming the position

technology enhancements. At the time this magazine went to print, the final

of chair where he has lent his strategic leadership and valued counsel

touches were being completed on the new Cooper Center with nearly all of

to two heads of school, Smith and Cooper. Dan’s robust experience

the $130,000 raised through generous gifts and pledges.

as a leading strategist in risk management, combined with his personal integrity and commitment, helped the Academy respond to a number of challenges and opportunities over the past 15 years all the while making significant investments in program, infrastructure, and personnel. Dan’s quiet leadership, strategic thinking, and unfailing support of the Academy make him an exemplary honoree for the Brewster Medal. (For more on Dan Mudge’s contributions to Brewster, see "Reflections on a Quiet, Effective Leader" on page 28.)

Dr. Cooper brought a depth of experience in advancement and student development to the Academy upon his arrival as the 11th head of school in 2003. He has led significant efforts in program development with the addition of both the emotional intelligence and project-based learning programs. Additionally, under his leadership the Academy has grown its fundraising programs and made significant additions and enhancements to the physical infrastructure of campus – renovating Anderson Hall to create the award-winning Grayson Performing Arts Center in Anderson Hall, adding an outdoor synthetic turf field and tennis courts to the athletic facilities, upgrading 90 percent of the dormitory spaces, and

The Michael E. Cooper Center will include more seating than the former Link as well as new doors and windows that will allow for natural light.

refreshing the Estabrook Dining Hall to name just a few of his many accomplishments.

www.brewsteracademy.org

21

We are so glad we got to know you . . .

In January, Andrea Cooper was honored at an assembly and presented with this framed collage of her watercolor holiday cards. With her are Mike and daughter Allie.

JaKarr Sampson ’12 shares a moment with Andrea Cooper during the annual Tree Lighting celebration.

THE CHRONICLES OF MRS. COOPER: THE ARTIST, THE TEACHER, THE BAKER

A

By Beth Duffy ’12

s it is with many alumni, my time at Brewster Academy

Next would be the State University of New York at Canton – where

was not confined to the four years of formal education.

they traded in their dormitory residence for a farmhouse – followed

To be fair, my time at Brewster began before freshman

by Clarkson University in Potsdam. In Potsdam, Andrea began a

year. I have been involved in the Brewster community

successful 29-year career teaching art to elementary school students.

since I was about 3 years old thanks to my mother’s position as

From Mrs. Cooper, students learned that art was so much more than

a faculty member. Those years prior to my formal education and

a painting hanging on a wall. She showed her students that art was

my years as a Brewster student have brought about meaningful

all around them, instilling an appreciation for their surroundings and

connections and relationships that have lasted past graduation day.

the old architecture of their North Country community, most notably

These connections and relationships are long lasting and this, in part,

the buildings constructed from the abundance of local sandstone. In

is due to the presence of those who are the heart of the campus.

Mrs. Cooper’s class, the bus ride home might be an assignment for her third graders to identify the gothic elements on a local church.

Andrea Cooper is one of these community members who is at the heart of campus life. She joined the community 12 years ago when

TRANSITIONING FROM COLLEGE TO BOARDING SCHOOL

husband Mike became the 11th head of school. Since that time she has

The decision to enter boarding school life was made because of

become a staple in the community. Whether she is walking her beloved

the positive impact that the Coopers had previously experienced.

dog Tess across campus, chatting over lunch in the Estabrook, or

Their children Adam and Allie attended boarding school, and Andrea

working in the yearbook room, she has a welcoming smile on her face.

believes that was the best decision for their family. The simplicity and structure of boarding school life were qualities that the Coopers

Andrea was born and raised in Albany, New York, and together with

firmly believed in and believed would benefit their children. Andrea

Mike they have dedicated their careers to education. She attended

also credits boarding schools with creating opportunities to broaden

elementary and secondary schools in Albany before enrolling at the

one’s horizons, which leads to individual and personal growth, she

College of Saint Rose also in Albany where she graduated with a B.S. in

says. Yet she acknowledges the personal sacrifice that parents of

art education. After receiving her undergraduate degree, she and Mike

boarding school students make but believes that the relationships

married and moved to northern New York. She began teaching middle

forged and education acquired is worth it in the end.

school art classes in Norwood and the young couple settled into their

22

first home – a campus dormitory – while Mike attended graduate

The transition to Brewster prompted Andrea to leave the teaching

school at St. Lawrence University. She did not know at the time but

profession. While she had enjoyed her time teaching elementary

there would be many more campuses in their future.

school art, she was ready for something new. At first, Andrea had a

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2015

Campus Knitters: On many occasions Andrea coordinated faculty and staff to knit colorful squares that she would then craft into an afghan and contribute to the annual Family Weekend auction.

difficult time leaving her teaching role behind. There were a few nostalgic glances out the window of Lord House as the local elementary school children walked by on their way to school. At other times, she would see something and think “That would make a great lesson plan!” These thoughts soon settled when students moved in and the school year began. While her plan was to cut back on a set schedule during her time in Wolfeboro, she took on many different roles in the Brewster community.

A life-long artist, Andrea made sure to incorporate this aspect of her life into her time at

MRS. COOPER’S COOKIE CORNER During a January All-School Assembly seniors and head proctors Grace Cawley (Salem, Massachsuetts) and Greg Luber (North Redington Beach, Florida) announced Mrs. Cooper’s Cookie Corner was a new addition to the servery in the Estabrook. The Coopers have a tradition of delivering Mrs. Cooper’s homemade cookies and brownies to all the dorms at least once a year. And as the students say, the cookies “are always sweet and welcomed.”

Brewster. A few years after her arrival, the school was looking for a photo for the annual holiday card. Andrea offered up a watercolor of the Pinckney Boathouse with a view out onto Wolfeboro Bay that she had previously painted and that was the beginning of a series of nine cards completed throughout the years, including the Estabrook, Lord House, Brown Hall, the Admission Office, the view from the lake side of the Pinckney Boathouse, and other winter scenes inspired by campus scenery. She has given the school, parents, alumni, and other members of the Brewster community the gift of her artwork while fulfilling her natural inclination of being an artist.

JOINING THE STAFF OF THE WINNIPESUKEAN Andrea Cooper also flexes her artistic muscles as the advisor for the Winnipesaukean, the school yearbook. Her involvement with the yearbook didn’t begin right away. The school was looking for more faculty assistance with the yearbook, and Dr. Cooper suggested that Andrea’s experience as yearbook editor in high school would be of value to the Winnipesaukean itself and the student staff.

Mrs. Cooper said that the learning curve was steep that first year in 2005. She was overwhelmed and found herself just as much in the role of a student as she did the advisor.

She credits the student editors of the time for teaching her so well. She looks back on her first edition and laughs at all the little mistakes that she would never make now. She credits her role as the yearbook advisor as her first chance of “getting out there” into the community and interacting with students, giving her the flexibility she had been looking for. During Andrea’s tenure, the Winnipesaukean has earned numerous national honors, including national recognition for cover design and the National Yearbook Program of Excellence Award. Only 340 schools out of 18,000 earned the program of excellence award.

CAMPUS FAVORITES FAVORITE TRADITION: Senior slide show, the transformations always get me!

FAVORITE ESTABROOK MEAL: Tomlettes, but the chicken fingers and fish fry are also top notch.

FAVORITE BREWSTER SPORT TO WATCH: Not a fair question! All of them!

FUNNIEST CAMPUS MOMENT: One, the funniest memory. One year we did a Manhunt game in the fall with teachers hiding and groups of kids searching.

Dr. Cooper and I hid in the yard of the green house next door to the Smith Center and nobody found us. We could see people and heard them talking but they never saw us. Some of the things we heard were pretty funny.

Another one happened during our second year here at Brewster. Dr. Cooper and I visited Lamb House, which was freshman girls at the time. After Dr. C talked to the kids for a bit he asked if anyone had any questions, and one girl raised her hand. She said, “I feel like I should know who you are, but who are you guys?” Hilarious!

www.brewsteracademy.org

23

Yearbook advisor Andrea Cooper with the staff of the 2014-2015 Winnipesaukean. (l to r): Caroline Krauss, Meaghan Wood, Ashley Samuelson, Jackie Clark, Jillian Duffy, Austin Clapp and seated (l to r) Savery Meurer and Hannah Traister

The 2013 Winnipesaukean yearbook was awarded the National Yearbook of Excellence designation by publisher Jostens.

Her advice for the next Winnipesaukean advisor is to stay as organized

She added, “I’m going to miss our funny banter, exchanging tips about

as possible and always look toward that next deadline. She also noted

knitting and comparing our projects, and of course talking about our

that “finding kids who really want to work” is key to the process.

grandchildren.”

A dedicated team will always produce a yearbook of quality. These dedicated students and alumni remember the time they spent in the

BREWSTER AMBASSADOR

yearbook room with Mrs. Cooper fondly.

Andrea brought her Bobcat spirit on numerous trips she took with Mike on visits to the Brewster community beyond campus. “I’ve loved

“Working with Andrea Cooper on the yearbook committee was one

meeting families on the road, and we have been welcomed into the

of my favorite parts of senior year,” says Courtney Piper ’11. “I loved

homes of many Brewster families,” she shared. “It’s so gratifying to

spending my afternoons going into the yearbook room and chatting

meet the parents of our students as well as alums and prospective

with her and playing with her dog. I’m always excited to see her, of

families. I love to hear all of the reasons that they feel connected to

course with a smile on her face.”

Brewster and to catch a glimpse of their lives outside of school.

The relationship between Andrea and the students at Brewster Academy mirrors her relationship with most people on campus: warm and welcoming. While Andrea admires the diversity and acceptance among the students, the students love how “creative” and “in-tune” she is with

Mrs. Cooper is always ready to lend a warm smile to anyone in need of a little lift.

students on the road ... I remember meeting Conner Ingram ’13 when he was an eighth grader and his brother Ryan ’11 was a student at Brewster.

“Also, I love seeing the growth of the kids over time like Conner, among so many others. … and seeing students arrive in September of freshman year and then watching them go to prom and graduation as

their thoughts and feelings according to Jillian Duffy ’15, a senior yearbook editor.

“There were times when Mike interviewed prospective

young adults. One of my favorite things is the senior slide show shown at the after-prom brunch. I love the way BG [Hodges] takes

24

She is seen as “a mom to all the students” and always ready to lend a

their portraits from ninth grade and morphs them into their senior

“warm smile” to anyone in need of a little lift, says Ashley Samuelson ’15.

self ... love it!”

Andrea’s passions and interest are not just focused in the arts,

As the Coopers’ time on campus draws to a close, it becomes

however. Kate Turner, associate athletic director, will miss seeing

clear that Andrea’s impact and legacy will last long after she has

Andrea out at the games. “On game days, Andrea is one of the biggest

left campus. Her artistic contributions to the campus through the

fans in Bobcat Nation. She loves watching all the teams. She was just

yearbook and holiday cards have brightened the community near and

as likely to be on the sidelines of a jv game as she was at a varsity

far, just as her friendly and welcoming demeanor has helped students

game and the kids noticed that.”

and families throughout the years.

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2015

www.brewsteracademy.org

25

Newsmakers Liz Lane Boston Globe Player of the Year

Kwon Receives Rotary Award

Soccer player Liz Lane ’16 (Parsonsfield, Maine) was named New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Class C-D player of the year by the Boston Globe. In the 2014 season, Lane recorded 29 goals and 9 assists in 19 games. Lane scored 9 game-winning goals for the Bobcats who finished 16-1-2 on the season and were Lakes Region Champions and NEPSAC Class C finalists.

Field hockey juniors Marina Jozokos (Wolfeboro) and Ceara Caffrey (Scituate, Massachusetts) were selected to the 2014 Class C All-Tournament Field Hockey Team.

The Rotary Club of Wolfeboro was so impressed by a presentation given by Tony Kwon ’16 (Seoul)

NHS Inductees

on his volunteer work as a translator with a nongovernmental organization in Vietnam that the Club chose to honor him with Rotary’s highest

Thus far in her career, Lane has recorded 76 goals

recognition, the Paul Harris Fellow award.

and 28 assists. “Over the past three years, Liz has been an integral part of Brewster teams that have

“Rotary’s primary goal is world peace,” said Jane

won two Lakes Region Championships and have

Milligan, current board member and past president

been finalists in three consecutive NEPSAC Class C

of Wolfeboro Rotary. “We are maybe a tiny step

Tournaments,” said head coach Matt Butcher. “In

closer and this is a selfless thing for this young man

2012, Liz scored the game-winning goal to lead

to do. We thought he was a wonderful example of

Brewster to the NEPSAC Class C championship.”

what young people can and are willing to do today to help contribute to peace.”

NEPSAC Selects Tony is one of the leaders of Brewster’s Interact In a January ceremony, seven students were inducted

Club, which under the guidance of the Wolfeboro

into the John Brewster Chapter of the National

Rotary Club, organizes at least two service projects

Honor Society. New inductees are seniors Shen Li

a year: one that benefits their community and one

(Hangzhou, China) and Pamela O’Leary (Wolfeboro);

that encourages international understanding.

juniors Alexa Sido (Wolfeboro) and Mike Tan (West Yarmouth, Massachusetts), Joe Sherburne

Anctil’s Team Earns Championship

(Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin), and Kamali Chambers

Former Bobcat and Boston College field hockey

(Golden Valley, Minnesota) transferred into the John

player Janna Anctil ’07 continues to make headlines

Brewster Chapter from their previous schools.

in field hockey. In her first year as head field hockey

(Beijing); and postgraduates Katelin Oberlander Soccer players Chris Grant ’16 (Derry, New Hampshire) and Tyler Packett ‘15 (Eastham, Massachusetts) were selected to NEPSAC All-Star select games.

coach at Rivers School in Weston, Massachusetts, Selection to the John Brewster Chapter reflects a

Anctil’s team won the New England Preparatory

distinguished academic record, exemplary character,

School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Class C

Zegarowski ’16 (South

and exceptional contributions of service and leadership.

championship. Rivers was in the same playoff bracket

Hamilton, Massachusetts) was

The inductees join current members, seniors

as Brewster Academy and had the Bobcats advanced

named to the Class C New

Caroline Krauss (Marco Island, Florida), Molly

to the finals (they lost in the semifinals), Anctil would

England All-Star team. She

Russell (Alexandria Bay, New York), Ashley

have faced not just her alma mater but her former

played in the East vs. West

Samuelson (Wakefield, New Hampshire), Chase

coaches, Kim Yau and Janis Cornwell. Both Yau and

All-Star game in early March.

Gardner and Megan Rourke both of Wolfeboro.

Cornwell travelled to the championship game where

Basketball player Masey

26

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2015

Yau, president of the New England Preparatory

Jacobs is a 2013 recipient of Brewster’s Excellence

looking to outward looking with open and light-

School Women’s Field Hockey Association, presented

in Teaching Award. NorthEast Regional Computing

filled performance spaces. The new entrance

the championship trophy to the Rivers team.

Program sponsored the workshop.

lobby connects the composition to the academy’s

Mega Mathematicians

Towns Honored by Concerned Women of Brooklyn

campus.”

Jasmine Towns ’13

Anderson Hall was among nine award recipients

recently received

recognized from 28 submissions at the AIANH’s

the Peggy Pinchback

annual meeting and awards banquet in January.

Scholarship for outstanding academic achievement from the Concerned Women of Brooklyn (New York), an organization

New England (ISANNE) honored Brewster Annual Fund Officer Whitney White ’07 with the ISANNE New Advancement Professional Award for her work

of service to the community in which they act as a

with young alumni, creating a student philanthropy

positive force in helping to change lives. Jasmine is a

program, and for her efforts to create a more robust

sophomore biomedical engineering student at North

presence for Brewster’s Alumni and Development

Carolina A&T State University and is a member of

were getting ready to compete in Moody’s Mega

the North Carolina Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority

Math Challenge. The Brewster team was set to

Participation, a program that promotes minority

tackle a real-world problem under time and resource

participation in STEM majors. An honors student,

constraints similar to those faced by industrial

Jasmine continues to increase her community

applied mathematicians. Eleventh and twelfth

involvement and display her strong passion for service.

special recognition in the form of college tuition

Anderson Hall Receives AIANH Award

scholarships. The Bobcat team comprises (l to r)

The recent renovation of Anderson Hall into a true

Tony Kwon ’16 (Seoul), Mike Tan ‘16 (Beijing), Leana

performance venue earned an Honor Award in the

Giron ’17 (Orlando, Florida), Shen Li ‘15 (Hangzhou,

2015 Excellence in Architecture Design Awards by

China), and Abdullah Al-Farsi ’16 (Muscat, Oman).

the American Institute of Architects New Hampshire

News from the Challenge will be posted on Brewster

(AIANH).

the groups with the best solution papers will receive

The Independent Schools Association of Northern

celebrating 35 years

As Connections was going to press, five students

graders from across the United States compete and

Whitney White Honored

Office in the day-to-day life of campus. She was honored at ISANNE’s Advancement and Communications Conference in November.

Bobcats Featured in Boston Magazine

social media and www.brewsteracademy.org.

The Excellence in Architecture Design Awards

Jacobs Presents Moodle Workshop Economics teacher Mike Jacobs recently presented

“celebrate aesthetics, clarity, creativity, functionality, sustainability and building performance as well as whether the project suited the client’s program.”

a workshop at Moodle User Group 2015: A Return

The Brewster boys’ prep basketball team was featured prominently in the March issue of Boston magazine. Writer Adam Doster spent four days on campus in December for his article “The Greatest

to Fundamentals. Jacobs helped pilot Brewster’s

Jury comments included, “A skillful architectural

transition to the learning management system

solution that while maintaining the existing

Game You’ve Never Seen,” which

in 2011 and since then he has helped design and

character of the buildings creates a new composition

details the Bobcat team’s rise

implement faculty training sessions. Moodle has

through the re-purposing and program that

to what he calls “the best high

been a key element in the design and delivery of his

strengthens the original building. The interior

school basketball team in the

economics curriculum.

spaces are successfully transformed from inward

country.”

www.brewsteracademy.org

27

As Board of Trustees Chair Daniel T. Mudge (P’98, ’02) prepares to retire on June 30 from a nearly 20-year commitment to the Academy, former trustee Rex V. Jobe (P’01) looks back at Dan’s long tenure and asked board colleagues to reflect on Dan’s leadership.

The Mudges: Dan, Ashley ’02, Tapley-Ann ’98, and Kathy joined the Brewster family in 1994.

Reflections on a Quiet, Effective Leader

By Rex V. Jobe

D

an and Kathy Mudge have spent the past 20 years connected to Brewster. Their oldest daughter, Tapley-Ann, entered the school in the fall of 1994 and Ashley in the fall of 1999. As parents who wanted to be involved with the school, they both joined the board of trustees in 1997, with Dan soon assuming the

role of treasurer and chair of the finance committee and Kathy focusing her attention on development and advancement activities. In 2001 Dan assumed the role as chair of the board of trustees, and he has led the school through a period of unprecedented times. As he readies to step away from board, he leaves the school a much better place in no small part from his leadership and guidance.

A few of the milestones that have been accomplished on Dan’s watch as chair include: • The selection and tenure of Dr. Michael E. Cooper as head of school; • The expansion of the board of trustees and their contributions in many areas; • The transparency and upgrading of the Business Office management and management systems; • $20 million in multiple infrastructure improvements including the Smith Center for Athletics and Wellness, Anderson Hall, dorm refurbishments, and others; • Encouraging the growth of the school and its many programs; and • His family’s personal commitment through both his time, energy, and effort as well as financial contributions I asked board colleagues to reflect on Dan’s leadership and contributions, and their comments reverberated among one another.

Roy Ballentine (P’97, ’94), who will succeed Dan as chair of the board, commented: I cannot say enough good things about his leadership of the board. Dan and Mike formed a very

28

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2015

Dan Mudge with (l to r) Rex Jobe, Mike Cooper, Dr. Jim Crupi (2004 commencement speaker), and Reagan Jobe ’01.

Dan Mudge, Candace Crawshaw ’64, and Mike Cooper at a trustee appreciation lunch.

effective partnership that is going to be difficult to replicate (but we

what I determine to be the best course of action, generally based

are sure going to try!). There are many instances I could cite, but one

upon the understanding that I am likely positioned to understand

of the most important was the decision to significantly ramp up our

the broad issues under consideration. In that regard, Dan and I have

development efforts.

worked to be on the same page before going into a meeting to discuss a matter. Dan has always been supportive and has represented

Dick Carlson, a Brewster Estate trustee and longtime member of

me well with the board, whether it has been as a result of a

the board, shared: Dan has continued to do a great job of building

contentious issue or positive outcome from something like a program

consensus. There have been problems (opportunities) to solve. He’s

implementation or completion of a project. I have been lucky to have

managed to thoughtfully walk the trustees carefully down the best

a board chair who knows how to balance between having his arms

path. The school is in better shape with greater support. Dan has truly advanced the school.

Candace A. Crawshaw ’64 – It will be difficult to find anything but positive commentary on Dan. He is one of the “quietest” leaders I have ever known. I’ve never heard him raise his voice or demonstrate anger. He is so even tempered and an excellent listener, and never imposing; with grace he is able to move along a meeting. Dan has great judgment, listens to all, and then is quite decisive. I am impressed and amazed he led for so long. We will deeply miss him.

around things while not attempting to be a micromanager.

Michael Keys (P’04), a longtime member of the board, talked about Dan’s exemplary leadership qualities: Words that come to mind when thinking about Dan’s leadership are trust and integrity; consistent; confident; and compassionate. Very few board chairs (in all nonprofits) last this long, a compliment to his unwavering commitment and dedication to the Academy and the board. He wrote the book with Dr. Cooper on building an exceptional collaborative working relationship between the board chair and head of school - that should be a role

Dr. Michael E. Cooper, head of school and ex officio board member,

model for schools across the country. Dan is the only board chair in

shared that Dan was truly his partner during his tenure as head of

school history to oversee two head of school searches.

school: One of the things that best characterizes Dan’s approach as board chair is how well he tries to understand things before he

To conclude, I worked with Dan for more than 10 years on the board.

reacts. He tries to allow for opinions to be expressed before settling

As my colleagues have shared, Dan is an incredible leader who leaves

on a recommended course of action and encourages dialog as a way

Brewster in a much better place than when he first became involved.

to work toward the best possible solution. He is attentive to what

We are indebted to him and his family for their many contributions in

others think and will often defer to my opinion out of respect for

so many areas.

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29

Commencement Speakers Maggie Goodlander and Jake Sullivan

T

wo former Washington political advisors will co-deliver Brewster Academy’s Commencement address to the Class of 2015 in May. Maggie Goodlander spent four years working in the U.S. Senate, serving first as

the speechwriter and foreign policy advisor to Sen. Joseph Lieberman. In that capacity, she worked on a broad range of international issues, including comprehensive sanctions legislation and the U.S. legislative response to the Arab Spring and traveled to more than 40 countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East. From January to August 2013, she served as a senior policy advisor to Sen. John McCain and was responsible for assisting with the development, drafting, and legislative strategy for the Senate’s bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform effort in 2013.

Goodlander graduated from Yale College in 2009 and is currently a second-year student at Yale Law School. She also is an intelligence officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve and an editor of The Yale Law Journal.

Jake Sullivan is a Visiting Lecturer in Law, the Oscar M. Ruebhausen Distinguished Visiting

Lecturer in National Security at Yale Law School, and a Jackson Senior Fellow at Yale’s Jackson Institute for Global Affairs. Until 2014 he served as a national security advisor to Vice President Joe Biden. He previously served as director of policy planning at the U.S. Department of State and as deputy chief of staff to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. He was deputy policy director on Hillary Clinton’s 2008 presidential primary campaign, and a member of the debate preparation team for Barack Obama’s general election campaign. Sullivan also previously served as a senior policy advisor and chief counsel to Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who is from his home state of Minnesota, worked as an associate for Faegre & Benson LLP, and taught at the University of St. Thomas Law School. He clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer and Judge Guido Calabresi of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

Sullivan holds undergraduate and law degrees from Yale and a master’s degree from the University of Oxford.

Goodlander and Sullivan are eager to share their experiences and life lessons with the Class of 2015 at Commencement on Saturday, May 23.

LIVE LEARN LEAD 30

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2015

The 1887 Heritage Society Be a Part of the Tradition.

Join the Academy’s founder, John Brewster, by making a gift through your estate plan. It will serve as a living legacy.

The spirit and strength of philanthropy is alive and well thanks to trustees, alumni, staff, and friends. Be a part of ensuring that generations of students have access to an education grounded in the Academy principles of respect, integrity, and service.

To learn more about planned giving, contact Beth Hayes ’81 or Alana Albee in the Alumni and Development Office.

603.569.7133 • beth_hayes@brewsteracademy.org • alana_albee@brewsteracademy.org www.brewsteracademy.org

31

Leadership and Transition

Brewster Welcomes Three New Members to Board of Trustees

By Rachael Jeffers ’05

A

s the Academy prepares for the transition from Dr.

James C. Curvey has been an active supporter of the Academy for

Cooper to Dr. Gemmell as head of school in July

many years. Curvey is vice chairman at Fidelity Investments, one

2015, there are changes and additions to celebrate on

of the world’s largest financial services companies, and has had an

the board of trustees as well. (See also “Reflections

impressive career, including being named one of the top 25 managers

on a Quiet, Effective Leader” on page 28.) The board includes many

of the year in 1999 by Business Week magazine. Jim holds a bachelor

longtime members who have seen the Academy through leadership

of science degree from Villanova University and a master of arts from

transitions, program enhancements, and impressive additions and

George Washington University, and in 1999 he received an honorary

improvements to Brewster’s beautiful campus. Some members are parents or grandparents of current students, parents of alumni, and even alumni themselves. Each member brings a unique perspective to the table at board meetings, which occur three to four times each year, and offer a chance for reporting as well as strategic planning for the Academy’s future.

doctorate from Villanova University. Curvey spent a year attending the University of Chicago as a National Institute of Public Affairs fellow. As Brewster’s Commencement speaker in 2013, Curvey shared some life lessons with the Class of 2013 as they embarked on a new adventure beyond the Academy.

Curvey keenly understands the value of a great education and the power such an opportunity has to change a person’s life. He has

At the most recent meeting in January, the board welcomed Karen

summered in Wolfeboro for over 25 years with his family and after

Boykin-Towns (Jasmine ’13), James C. Curvey, and Robert J. Mueller

connecting with the Academy through his friend Roy Ballentine,

to the Academy’s board. Each of these individuals brings significant

Curvey knew he wanted to get involved by establishing a scholarship

leadership, financial, and risk management experience to the board

program to support local students. In 2008, Curvey and his wife

along with a strong commitment to the Academy’s mission and

Shirley donated over 11 acres of lakefront property in Alton to

values.

the Academy. The Curvey family’s desire with this donation was to establish a scholarship program, mirroring a similar model they

Karen Boykin-Towns is vice president Business Unit Public Affairs

established at Villanova. Thus the Curvey Scholar Program was born

at Pfizer Inc. where she is responsible for leading a team that

and to date, 18 local students have benefitted from the Curvey’s

partners with Global Innovative Pharma, Global Established Pharma,

generous philanthropy.

Vaccines, and Oncology to advance business priorities by designing and implementing public affairs strategies to improve the policy environment and support access to medicines globally. She has spent the past 18 years building her impressive career originally starting as a senior legislative analyst, bringing her experience from working in state government to this new venue. She quickly advanced into executive management roles and was hand picked to be Pfizer’s first chief diversity officer. Boykin-Towns is very involved in her community, serving on several boards. She resides in Brooklyn, New

32

Robert J. Mueller is a new member of the Brewster community, but has a long history of involvement with the town of Wolfeboro.

Summering in the area since the 1970s, Mueller is a vintage boat enthusiast who has been actively involved in the vintage boat races that occur in Wolfeboro Bay every other autumn. With an impressive career in finance, he was with The Bank of New York from 1965 – 1978 as vice president and after working with Fidelity Union Bank and Carteret Savings Bank in the 1970s and 1980s, Mueller returned to The Bank of New York from 1989 – 2004 as the senior executive

York, and her two daughters Jasmine and Trinity attended the Trey

vice president. He currently serves on multiple other boards and

Whitfield School. Jasmine graduated from Brewster in 2013 and

is especially proud of his 15 years of service on the board of the

followed in her father, grandfather, and grandmother’s footsteps –

Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) Foundation, which

choosing to attend North Carolina A&T State University. Trinity plans

supports the largest institution in the City University of New York

to join the Brewster community as a member of the Class of 2019 in

system. Mueller holds a bachelor of arts from Duke University and an

the fall.

MBA from NYU/GBA.

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2015

KAREN BOYKIN-TOWNS

JAMES C. CURVEY

ROBERT J. MUELLER

Through establishing the Curvey Scholar

As a member of the local

As a parent of an alumna and

Program seven years ago you have had a

community what made you

strong advocate for the Academy,

chance to build relationships so far with

want to get more involved with

what did Brewster do well for your

18 students and their families, what do

the Academy? How do you see

daughter? How does it prepare

you most enjoy about your Brewster

Brewster adding value to the greater

students for success? Brewster

connections? It’s rewarding to see students

Wolfeboro community? I have been

prepared Jasmine incredibly well for

of such a high caliber benefiting from the

coming to the area for over 40 years

the transition to college. It instilled

amazing education Brewster provides. The

and spent the last four as a resident. I

in her the importance of reaching

program supports 12 students per year, three

have appreciated the value and impact

out and interacting with teachers

per grade level, and I stay in touch with the

of Brewster on the community both

within and outside of the classroom.

students and their parents by meeting with

academically and culturally and have

Jasmine is an honors bio medical

them at least once a year. I am especially

seen how the Brewster campus greatly

engineering student at NC A&T, and

proud to know that Sean Cassidy ’13 has

enhances the historic architecture of

she is very comfortable navigating and

gone on to success at Villanova and hopefully

Wolfeboro. Throughout my adult life

building relationships with professors

he is just the first of many Brewster

I’ve had a vested interest in education

– reaching out for assistance during

graduates to attend my alma mater. … To

and have greatly enjoyed being

office hours and even encouraging her

me philanthropy is about being personally

involved with the BMCC Foundation

classmates to do the same.

involved. Education has been very important

in the CUNY system. I’m happy to be

to me in my career, and it’s been rewarding

involved with Brewster and support

to be able to help young people from the

such a valuable institution in the

local area attend Brewster. Future leaders of

Wolfeboro community.

Jasmine Towns '13

the country are coming out of Brewster.

To read about other members of the Academy's Board of Trustees, please visit www.brewsteracademy.org/AboutBA

RESPECT INTEGRITY SERVICE www.brewsteracademy.org

33

SWEET

ACRYLIC HONORABLE MENTION Scholastic Art Awards of New Hampshire Mixed Media Lydia Allen ‘15 (Mount Vernon, New York)

34

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2015

Meet the 2015 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

D

uring Reunion Weekend in May, Brewster Academy will

team, which consists of fifth and sixth graders who love basketball

recognize the athletic achievements of accomplished

and the spirit of competition almost as much as Cory does. He played

alumni. Here is a preview of who will be recognized at

varsity basketball and baseball during his time at Brewster and earned

the Sunday, May 31 induction ceremony.

the Athletic Director’s Award upon graduation. He went on to play varsity basketball at Brandeis University.

Jeff Adrien ’05 from Brookline, Massachusetts, attended Brewster for a postgraduate year and was one of the most dedicated and

Dennis McNally ’00 from Prince Edward Island, Canada, was a

hard working basketball players the Academy has ever seen. He was

three-sport varsity athlete in soccer, hockey, and lacrosse at Brewster.

a top 50 recruit and had an impressive career at the University of

At graduation he was presented the Athletic Director’s Award and

Connecticut, finishing as the only UConn player to date to surpass

the Hurlin Award, the school’s most prestigious award given to “the

1600 points and 1100 rebounds. He was named to the Big East All-

graduate who has done the most for the welfare, good name, and

Rookie Team while at UConn, and as a sophomore, junior, and senior was named All-Big East. He was a two-year captain, leading his team to the March Madness Final Four game in 2009. As a senior Jeff was a finalist for the John Wooden Award, the most prestigious award for a college player, with only 30 candidates nationwide. Since college he has played in the NBA for five years with the Houston Rockets, Milwaukee Bucks, Charlotte Bobcats, Golden State Warriors, and Minnesota Timberwolves. Jeff is currently in China playing for the Guangdong Southern Tigers from the Chinese Basketball Association.

Rome Aja ’62 came to Brewster for a postgraduate year after graduating from Spaulding High School in Barre, Vermont. He was the captain and leading scorer of the Bobcat basketball team and for many years Rome held the high scorer record in the New England basketball championship at the Boston Garden. He played

progress of the Academy.” Dennis was a John Brewster Scholar and on the honor roll every trimester. He captained the first boys’ hockey team to make the playoffs in over 25 years, and in his junior year he led the team to a 22-6-1 record, a first ever 20-win season for Brewster. Dennis finished his final hockey season at Brewster with a record 55 points. In lacrosse, having never picked up a lacrosse stick before Brewster, Dennis became the face-off specialist at Brewster.

After graduation, Dennis went on to play hockey and lacrosse for four years at Manhattanville College. Upon graduation from Manhattanville, Dennis became the men’s assistant hockey coach and in his second year coaching, the young program went all the way to the NCAA Final Four. Today, he continues pursuing his hockey passion through coaching in youth hockey associations on Prince Edward Island.

basketball at Norwich University and then served in the military before becoming a social studies teacher and coach at Montpelier

The 2004 Girls’ Varsity Field Hockey Team was the first field hockey

High School in Vermont. He took over the track and field program,

team at Brewster Academy to win the New England Class C title.

mentoring students of all abilities and honing their skills, and it paid

Their final record was 15-2-1. Kim Yau and Janis Cornwell were the

off with his teams winning the Vermont State Championships for

coach and assistant coach, respectively, and Janna Anctil ’07 and

eight out of nine years.

Elizabeth Ward ’05 served as co-captains.

Cory Hunter ’95 from Tuftonboro, New Hampshire, has been

The 2009 Girls’ Varsity Soccer Team made their mark on the school

a longtime presence in the Wolfeboro area community as the

with an undefeated season, winning the New England Class C title as

commissioner of the Wolfeboro Tuftonboro Youth Basketball League,

well as the Lakes Region title. Matt Butcher and Laura Cooper were

dedicating much of his time to cultivating the athletic talents of

the coach and assistant coach, respectively, and Louise Warren ’10, Jo

youth basketball players. He founded the Winnipesaukee Kings travel

Lawlor ’10, and Angela Cotherman ’10 served as captains.

www.brewsteracademy.org

35

Brewster on the Road Where We’ve Been November – Head of School Mike Cooper and Director of Advancement Kristy Kerin traveled throughout Asia, visiting five cities in 14 days: Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, Beijing, and Hong Kong.

They met with nearly all of Brewster’s current families in each area, with parents traveling for up to six hours to meet with them. The hospitality of Brewster families was superb as they generously shared their food and culture while discussing their children’s Brewster experiences.

In addition to current parents, Cooper and Kerin met with a number of alumni, including Ryutaro Ishimori ’91, Shiori Taguchi Brummer ’02, Daigi Sakamoto ’02, and Jess Green ’96.

The Bobcat pride is running high throughout Asia!

While each family chose Brewster for their own reasons, there were common themes, many of which are not unique to our international families: • A global learning environment where students learn from one another as well as from their studies • A warm, nurturing community that allows students to develop independence and personal accountability • A school that teaches lessons beyond the core curriculum including emotional intelligence and group work through project-based learning • A challenging environment to help prepare students for college and beyond Cooper and Kerin express their thanks and appreciation for their memorable visits and for the valuable feedback offered about the students’ Brewster experience.

January –The Summer Programs Office has been hosting the Royal Thai Scholar summer orientation program since 1992, and throughout this time Summer Programs staff has developed a close relationship with the Thai government. This year they took the opportunity

Mi Ae Yun and Kwang Hee Ha, parents of Eisuke Atsuzawa ’16, offered Kristy Kerin and Mike Cooper a tour of Seoul.

36

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2015

Parents and family members of many of Brewster’s Korean students joined Mike Cooper and Kristy Kerin for a lunch in Seoul.

Come Back to Campus APRIL

20-24 MON-SAT APRIL

24-25 FRI-SAT

Philanthropy Week Celebrate the power of giving back!

Spring Student Showcase Enjoy the Arts Showcase in our newly renovated Anderson Hall on Friday night, followed by our Academic Showcase in the Estabrook on Saturday, and then games under lights in the evening. Also on Saturday, the Leadership Donor’s Reception, hosted by Mike and Andrea Cooper at Lord House.

Chris Brown at Asiatique in Bangkok with Thai Scholars and Brewster graduates (l to r): Seng Siripollawat ‘07, Kiad Saenboonruang ‘04, X Anantachaisilp ‘04, and Point Uttaraparwanich ‘08

Bruce Zheng and Wei He, parents of Coral Zheng ’17, hosted a dinner in Beijing.

MAY

Friends in San Francisco and Bermuda will celebrate Mike Cooper and the Academy’s progress during his tenure. Check www. brewsteracademy.org/calendar for details.

to visit Bangkok, Thailand, and meet with the Office of the Civil Service Commission – Study Abroad Division, which coordinates with the Office of Educational Affairs of the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, DC. While in Bangkok Raylene Davis, director of summer programs, and Chris Brown, co-director of the Thai Scholars Program at Brewster, met Brewster Academy

MAY

19 TUE

Alumni LAX Game Calling all lacrosse players – dust off those sticks and come back to campus for a friendly match-up

alumni as well as numerous Thai scholars who have spent happy summers at Brewster

against the current girls and boys’ varsity teams

throughout the past two decades.

on the Brewster turf.

January - Alumni Office staff made a swing through neighboring Vermont one frigid day and were happy to visit with Temple Peterson ’89 at his restaurant hazel in Brattleboro. The day also included a visit to Manchester Hot Glass in Manchester, the glass blowing studio of

MAY

22 FRI

Andrew Weill ’91.

Bobcat Open Golf Tournament Open to parents, alumni parents, grandparents, alumni, and members of the wider Brewster community. Join us on the Lake Winnipesaukee Clive Clark championship course and try to

February - Brewster is celebrating Mike Cooper and the Academy’s success during his 12 years

become the Top Bobcat on the greens. This event

as head of school. The first celebration was in downtown Chicago, hosted by Bob and Karey Fix

is a fundraiser for the Academy as well as a fun

(Will '11, Keenan '13) at the Tortoise Club. Chicago area families and alumni gathered to enjoy

day on the links. We are grateful for the many

Mike’s remarks and reflections, as well as thoughts about the Academy and its remarkable

generous donations and sponsorships.

progress during Mike’s tenure from Bob Fix and Parents’ Association co-chair Cassie Gavin (George Spencer '16).

MAY

23 SAT Whitney White ’07 took Alumni Office phonathons on the road to New York City and Boston. Hadley Clark ’91 hosted the New York City group while Nate Drouin ’10 and Ronn Bronzetti ’92 hosted Boston alumni at Nate’s company Fundraise.com.

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 weekend! Classes ending in ’05 and ’10 will be celebrating milestone reunions, although all alumni are welcome and encouraged to join in the festivities.

JULY / AUGUST

Check www.brewsteracademy.org, for dates and locations of Brewster’s new family welcome receptions. Alumni and current families are encouraged to attend!

NYC – (l to r): Hadley Clark ’91, Christina Strong ’05, Whitney White ’07, Jasmine Hamlor ’04, Kelsey Harger ’07, Jeff Higgs ’04, not pictured: Amanda Graham ‘10

Boston – Jack Pilon ‘11 (in front), Matt Keys ‘04, Ben Merberg ‘09, Whitney White ‘07, Kyle Drouin ‘11, Nate Drouin ‘10, and Ronn Bronzetti ‘92.

OCTOBER

16-17 FRI-SAT

Fall Family Weekend

www.brewsteracademy.org

37

COME BACK HOME!

JOIN US FOR

REUNION 2015 May 29-31 FRIDAY, May 29

25th and 50th Reunion Class Dinners on campus NEW Music and dancing for classes 50 years out or more Other class and “decade” gatherings hosted at local restaurants, organized by class agents. See www.brewsteracademy.org/reunion or class Facebook pages for details.

SATURDAY, MAY 30 Breakfast Buffet Smith Center Open: workout, walk/run the track, enjoy the view Admissions tours and interviews available by appointment (Contact Denise Morrill at 603.569.7123) Reunion 5K Campus Fun Run Enjoy the Brewster Waterfront – kayak, canoe, paddleboard, and family fun.

Vintage Wooden Boat Tours – Contact The Millie B www.nhbm.org/the-millie-b or 603.491.9950 Reunion Lunch – Celebrate Bruce Gorrill and Jaime (Wehrung) Laurent as they say good-bye to the Brewster community Winni Belle Scenic Lake Cruise Reunion Lobster Bake – Celebrate Mike Cooper while enjoying delicious fare overlooking Wolfeboro Bay Music, dancing, photo booth, and fun at the Pinckney Boathouse Campfire by the Lake – Complete with S’Mores!

SUNDAY, MAY 31 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Farewell Brunch and Remembrance Ceremony

BRING YOUR FAMILY! Kids under 12 eat/sleep for free on campus Babysitting information available by request

REGISTER At www.brewsteracademy.org/reunion or return the forthcoming reply card.

Questions: Contact Special Events and Programs Coordinator Susan Repplier at 603.569.7191 or 38 susan_repplier@brewsteracademy.org BrewsterConnections – Spring 2015

HOOPLA

by Matt Hoopes

While Bruce Gorrill Looks Toward Retirement, His Lessons Linger in the Lives of Alumni

T

he first time I spoke with Bruce Gorrill was at breakfast a few days after the start of school in 1989. He came up to a corner table where David Peterson (former faculty member from 1975-1989), and I began each day

with a collection of early bird, hungry students (we called ourselves The Breakfast Club) and asked, “Can I join you? Looks like a more interesting group than over there.” He pointed with his head toward the large table, crowded with faculty members reading newspapers.

He immediately joined our student-faculty fun, give and take, waking up banter about the day ahead. I realized then and there, Brewster had found a “keeper.” Thus began the start of a long-term friendship, one I valued more and more as I watched Bruce search out creative ways to encourage students to meet their challenges.

Bruce loved situations where his students could have hands-on experiences, and he was always looking for opportunities for them to do so. For years I’d been spending my summers on a three-acre island off the coast of Eastport, Maine, which I purchased in the early 1970s.

With the help of former students, I built two log structures on the island to house the kids that attended a sailing camp I ran for a few summers, so when Bruce asked if he could bring his AP biology class up for a weekend, it seemed a natural fit – 27-foot tides to measure, mud flats to explore, and scallops, mussels, and clams to gather and eat. After a six-hour van ride, they arrived at dark, carried their gear almost two miles, and began a fun, educational, and very hands-on weekend.

I could go on for pages expressing my respect for Bruce’s talents, as

and the students I connected with from across the decades who shared their recollections of Bruce.

Once again I want to thank those alumni who take the time to return my annoying pink postcards. They do help keep classmates stay connected to each other through the sharing of news.

All best wishes to all!

I think he is greatly respected and loved – and simply irreplaceable.

But as a tribute to Bruce for his years of teaching, patience, physics animations, beaker mishaps, and biological processes most of us would be hard pressed to understand, I defer to his current colleagues

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

ROLES Chair of the Science Department (1989-2015) Team Leader Coach (recreational skiing, lacrosse, baseball) Environmental Club Advisor Relief Dorm 40 Parent BrewsterConnections – Spring 2015

"Bruc e Gor rill is way t large hings ly res work pons Bruce , ’ both ible f influ or my in the e n c comp to liv e n d a t the c ural a e – as lete f o urse I nd m ascin infor and E e took chan med ation xecut in col ical w and in with ‘ ive D l o e tenti the ge, he rlds. irecto onal I t was influ as I ca r, Glo n enced ’ t tha bal A n be. the l t ware " – Jo i fe I ch ness s h A ose rnold Local ’01, F Actio ound n (G. er A.L.A .)

STEW ARD O

B

F SCI

ENCE

ruce and Shadow Gorrill arrived at Brewster in the fall of 1989

consistently led the way by showing

with their son Chris ’94. Prior to

how to integrate projects in the curriculum

Brewster, Bruce had taught at

and how to use the latest technologies to

Kents Hill School in Maine, at a public school School in Michigan. The family settled into

Former student David Lepie ’03 speaks to

Lamb House and joined the Brewster family.

this relevancy. “Mr. Gorrill made learning

Bruce began teaching; Shadow began working

fun. He was always patient and he gave us

in the library; and Chris joined the freshman

experiments that allowed us to observe and

class a year later.

prove the theories in action. I owe Mr. Gorrill a huge ‘thank you’ as his class inspired me to

has taught physics, freshwater ecology, chemistry, biology, and AP biology through the years. He has earned the distinction of senior master teacher and is a two-time recipient (2001, 2011) of the Brewster Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching, given in recognition of demonstrated excellence in teaching practices and overall contributions within the Brewster Academy program.

Just a few years after he arrived, Brewster

CE G

ORRI

LL

help students apply their learning.”

in Danforth, Maine, and at The Cranbrook

A science teacher to the core, Bruce

: BRU

become an electrical engineer. I was lucky to be his student.”

PROGRAM, FACILITY GROWTH The biggest changes to the Science Department during Bruce’s 26-year tenure were driven by the Model and came shortly after he took the helm of the department.

“When I arrived at Brewster the four science

He continued, “A significant programmatic difference came from asking ourselves what our students knew and what they could do with science when they graduated from Brewster? At the time, Brewster had a three-year science requirement with biology being the only required course. Based on our findings we instituted the current fouryear science requirement. In addition, the curriculum connects all the four years of classes through the common skills of doing science. All of our science courses have been developed to ask kids what they know and allow and encourage them to apply that knowledge to a new situation.”

classroom/labs were housed in a separate building located behind the Academic

“Being open to the fact that science is

Building. Space was limited and teachers

a process and not a course where you

had to share many department resources.

memorize facts is the most important

When the team structure was developed

attribute a student needs to be successful in

Academy went through a complete redesign

in the early 1990s, space usage and needs

science,” he added.

of its curriculum, and Bruce was an integral

were a top priority. The science department

part of implementing best teaching and

identified the benefit to students of having

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARD

learning practices into this design.

a science lab in each team area verses a

Whether guiding students as the faculty advisor

shared lab facility for all. The biggest selling

to the Environmental Club, which he did for

“From the early stages of the Model, Bruce

point … we wanted the teachers and kids

six years, or integrating sound environmental

really understood the value of making classes

to be connected in the team structure that

principles across science disciplines, being a

relevant and practical for students,” said

complemented the intent of the school

steward of the environment has always been

Dean of Studies Peter Hess. “He was also able

Model. Our big push was ‘doing science’

a priority for Bruce. His passion for sound

to embrace the vision of how technology

with students, not just teaching science in a

environmental principles and reducing his

could enhance student learning. More

classroom. Today, every academic team has a

own carbon footprint, has clearly left a mark

than any other teacher at Brewster, Bruce

dedicated science classroom and lab.

on some students.

www.brewsteracademy.org

41

HOOPLA

Bruce and Shadow Gorrill (third from right) at Reunion 2013. The Gorrills promise to return to as may reunions as they can.

The ultimate field trip: Bruce Gorrill and his AP biology students on Matt Hoopes’ (upper right in photo) island off the coast of Maine.

“Mr. Gorrill showed me the impact that the human race has on

SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY EDUCATOR

the Earth and the environment,” offered Will Foote ’13. “Recently

While the Brewster community has witnessed Bruce set the bar

I completed a semester living off the grid in the Adirondack State

high to create a student-centered classroom – an environment that

Park in upstate New York. Had I not taken Mr. Gorrill’s physics and

encourages students to embrace science, learning, and curiosity – his

freshwater ecology courses, I would have not enjoyed the semester,

efforts to integrate technology into science curriculum extend far

nor gained the knowledge I did. The passion and dedication he has for

beyond campus. On a national level, he has been part of a National

our Earth and our human impact has sparked an interest in me that I

Science Foundation study regarding the use of technology in science

will ride for the rest of my life.”

education. In both the education and sciences fields, Bruce has spoken at and led numerous national and international conferences on the

In 2010 Bruce was named New Hampshire’s Environmental Teacher

use of technology in the classroom including with the National

of the Year. The recognition came for his personal commitment

Science Teachers Association, the National Association of Independent

to the environment and his innovative teaching techniques that

Schools, and Apple Computer.

allow students to make real-world connections in their scientific studies. Additional criteria he met for the selection include being an

In addition to Bruce being a thought leader for technology use and

inspiration to colleagues between their studies and their community.

curriculum development, he also is a role model to colleagues.

His work in developing a freshwater ecology class that is centered around real-world projects that are facilitated through the use of technology was a major factor in his receiving the honor.

Chemistry teacher Rob O’Blenis began working with Bruce when he arrived as a “fresh young teacher” eight years ago. “Bruce has helped shape me into the educator that I am today. His care and attention

“Mr. Gorrill wore his passion for science on his sleeve. His expectations were big, but he was fair and always willing to provide extra time to review concepts. I thank him for the impact that he had on my life,” shared Bryan Colket ’94.

“We worked on the campus recycling program and laid the groundwork for its future,” explained Jessica Ridgeway ’97. “Mr. Gorrill guided us, but he never gave us all the answers. He would sit back and see where we would go, but if things didn’t work, he’d steer us to another course.”

to me and my career have been something that I will cherish for the rest of the time that I serve students here at Brewster and beyond,” Rob shared.

“It helped that we are both technology geeks and I think he was overjoyed when I started showing interest in digital whiteboards and thinking about different ways to have technology be a tool in education. He was always pushing me to explore new aspects of what was out there being developed in the world of education to support

“Mr. Gorrill was my baseball coach. As a girl playing baseball, it seemed like I had more people against me than for me. Mr. Gorrill made me feel I was part of the team. He treated me as a player, not as ‘the girl.’ I felt safe and wanted. I am very grateful to Mr. Gorrill for showing me how a true coach acts.”

– Justine Siegal ’93, Founder, Baseball for All

42

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2015

students and teachers alike. … throughout his career, despite the technology that he has been at the forefront of using, Bruce has always stayed true to best practices in teaching. He is the model of someone who is always striving to help kids unlock their potential. …”

Biology teacher Michelle Rafalowski-Houseman added, “Bruce has been a wonderful mentor – always looking for ways to team up with me to

Whether frozen or thawed, Bruce Gorrill has always taken advantage of Brewster’s natural resource classroom: Lake Winnipesaukee.

One colleague described Bruce as “the model of someone who is always striving to help kids unlock their potential.”

evolve curriculum, grow professionally, and incorporate technology in

learning from our environment, lectures, and hands on living with a

innovative ways. He will truly be missed.”

good deal of adventure mixed it! Just being able to put kids in that learning situation was fun.

“I am proud to be a role model – helping others to become better teachers and even better members of the community,” Bruce said.

I’ve also enjoyed witnessing students’ reactions when they saw Lake Winnipesaukee in its enormity, beyond our view from Wolfeboro

Above all, one of his greatest strengths has been his ability to

Bay. They were always amazed when they realized how large the lake

recognize and treat all students as individuals – to reach them where

really was and that our bay is just a glimpse of that reality.

they are and challenge them to always do their best.

A favorite winter memory was when one of our big basketball players, “Mr. Gorrill made my experience at Brewster so positive, I remember

who happened to be from Las Vegas, stopped on the shore as the

him fondly. I took both AP biology and honors physics with him. He is

rest of the class ventured onto the ice. I turned to see him nervously

a calm, thorough, and effective teacher, one who knows how to reach

standing on the edge of ice, talking on his cell phone. I walked back

every students’ level, ” Courtney Tsiaras ’99 said.

and realized he was talking with his mother. I heard her yelling ‘Don’t go on that ice, it can’t be safe!’ It took some time but in the end he

Jack Sengstaken ’14 is another student who flourished under Bruce’s

was the student who drilled the first hole in the ice that day, three-

tutelage. “Spending time with Mr. Gorrill was a hands-on education

feet deep! He became pretty comfortable after that.”

that was often fueled by curiosity rather than a curriculum. He shared his passion for alternative fuels with me and with his insight three other students and I converted a 1986 VW Jetta to run on vegetable oil. I now study mechanical engineering and my experiences with project-based learning at Brewster continue to open doors in my educational career.”

MEMORABLE STUDENT MOMENTS

WHAT’S NEXT “Well of course Mrs. Gorrill will still be at Brewster. In the mean time, I have a number of projects I’m working on. I love spending time at our camp in Maine, and I am finishing a barn at our house in Ossipee. Shadow and I love to travel, and we are always looking for good snowboarding powder! Oh, and I promise to come to as many Reunions as I can.”

“I’ll never forget the trip I took my AP biology students on to Guvspuny Isle, Maine. Located in South Bay, off the coast of Lubec, Maine, the island was owned by Matt Hoopes, a member of our English Department. This was during the precell phone era and there was no running water or electricity on the island. After a six-hour van ride we arrived in the dark, timed to meet low tide so we could walk across the mud flats from the shore to the little island with it’s rustic cabin. In the morning the scene was transformed to nothing but water on all sides. We had an

“Mr. Gorrill was one of the first teachers I met at Brewster. After a six-hour drive from Brooklyn, New York, Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, was a bit of an adjustment for a 14-year-old city boy.

The first few hours were filled with nervous energy, fueled by excitement and apprehension. Thankfully, I was greeted by Mr. Gorrill’s soft tone and gentle demeanor, and he quickly nurtured my excitement and assuaged my apprehension.”

– Ron McCormick ’95, Attorney, Bergen County (New Jersey) Prosecutor’s Office

amazing visit to Guvspuny Isle - studying and

www.brewsteracademy.org

43

Class Notes 1970 Peter Lally was a recipient of the 2014 Walter A. Smith Award. He is currently the girls’ soccer coach at Manchester Central High School. He was honored at a February banquet recognizing the

1982

1988

Wendy (Myers) Logan writes: “Last Spring I went

Shawn Minor writes that he is still working on Lake

back to school and completed my classroom and clinical hours to become state licensed as a certified

Winnipesaukee and life is good. His oldest daughter Alexa is a farrier in Virginia and his youngest Mikayla is a freshman at the University of New Hampshire.

accomplishments of coaches, officials, and athletes

nursing assistant in Washington state. In my spare

throughout New Hampshire. Peter also was inducted

time, I’ve been writing. I have one published novel

1990

into the New Hampshire Soccer Coaches Association

(under a pseudonym) and am working on my second,

Kate Goldberg moved to Boston from Denver

which I’ll publish under my own name. We still enjoy

where she was a stockbroker for five years. She

living about 20 minutes from Seattle, surrounded by

has an 18-month-old son, Jax, the ‘light of my life!’

Hall of Fame.

1977 Michael Carrigan is “Always working too hard but

mountains and water. All in all, life is very good!”

She’s going to try to make it for at least part of the reunion weekend.

still trying to live the dream. … Enjoying watching my kids grow up.”

1981 John “Jack” Graves is “Excited about the 35th reunion in 2016.” He would love to hear from

1983

Rob Gorden writes, “After 15 years in New York

Jonathan Hibbard and wife Ashley welcomed

City my wife and 3-year-old son and I moved to

Jameson Bennett Hibbard on December 31. Jon is looking for property around Tuftonboro, New

Orlando, Florida, where I hope to work as a wizard at Universal or just do f​ unny work with ‘The Mouse.’

I plan to work as a corporate host for conventions

anyone from the classes of 1980 and 1981. He’s on

Hampshire, and hoping to move back to the

and do commercials, corporate videos, and whatever

Facebook as Jack Graves.

Brewster area in a few years.

roles in TV and film I can grab in the Southeast.”

Maurice ‘Mo’ Perkins recently hung out in Miami, Florida, with classmate David Putzel. “We abandoned our wives, kids, and snow. A great escape. As for classmate Ian Belton, he did some house sitting for a week at our place in DC during Christmas. What are friends for ...?”

Greg Robinson moved back to Montreal for a year after graduating from Brewster and then went to Emerson College in Boston for undergraduate and graduate degrees in global marketing in communication. After college he married his college sweetheart Claire, who is French, and in 1997 they moved to France. They have three children: Lucas 9, Chloe 6, and Joseph 3. Greg works in a global advertising company with key global clients and travels frequently to markets in Asia, Latin America, and Africa.

Classmates from 1948, Stephen Hatch and David Moore, enjoyed a February breakfast in the Estabrook with other Lakes Region alumni.

44

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2015

Cooper Stetson was married in the Florida Keys Jameson Bennett Hibbard is the son of Jonathan Hibbard ’83.

three years ago and had several Brewster alums in attendance. “I am currently working as a senior

commercial real estate advisor to Sperry Van Ness

(National Outdoor Leadership School) to teach

in South Florida. We had a son, ‘Mini Coop,’ just over

leadership and outdoor skills in the spring. My band,

a year ago and he’s keeping me busy. We took a trip

Lazy Eyes, is playing a little bit locally.”

to Colorado recently and hung out with several BA folks.”

1996 In October Erick Faul welcomed the newest addition

Michael Thompson is living in Akron, Ohio, with his

to his family: Jack Gustav Faul who joins big sister

wife, 17-year-old son, and 13-year-old daughter. “I

Katie, 3.

have been an independent commercial insurance agent for the past 12 years, focused on complicated

1997

accounts in the technology, transportation,

Jessica Ridgeway is co-founder and executive

and general business areas. I’m also a freelance

director of Live Earth Farm Discovery Program, a

photographer.”

farm-based, nutrition nonprofit begun seven years ago. She is loving life in Santa Cruz, California, and

Steve Whitney writes from Jackson, Wyoming, “I

her oldest child is now in Kindergarten. She would

still haven’t grown up. I work on the ski patrol at

love to host a Brewster service learning trip on

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and guide people into

the farm, as she does for colleges and high schools

Yellowstone National Park in the winter as a side

around the country.

Benjamin Pargh: Franklin Pargh’s ’03 superhero son.

job. I’ve been teaching paddle boarding and kayaking here in the summer, and I’ve returned to NOLS

Max Rothwell writes: “Living in and driving around Bethesda, Maryland, in our Mini Cooper. I just celebrated my second anniversary with wife Maria and my fifth year working at WealthEngine. No kids yet, just a cat, Leo; having fun and playing golf when I can.”

1998 Nathan Pickowicz writes, “The last two years have been busy. I planted a new church in Gilmanton, New

Ali Woodaman ‘04 (center) with son Oliver, fiancé Steve, and Abbie (Burns) Synder ’04.

Hampshire, in 2013. Also had a new baby (Elizabeth) Steve Whitney ’90 is enjoying life in Jackson, Wyoming.

and am currently working toward ordination as a

2002

pastor. Oh yeah, writing a book, too ...”

Samantha Trask and husband Tommy welcomed Alyson Liana Trask on January 15.

2000 Brigitte Gehring married Pablo Lobato in July 2014

2003

in Torremocha del Jarama, Madrid, Spain. They

Carissa Dube and husband Jake are expecting a baby

honeymooned on safari in Northern Tanzania and

in May.

Pemba Island, Africa. The couple reside in the London borough of Richmond upon Thames, England.

Franklin Pargh and wife Lana have a son Benjamin, 3, who’s very into super heroes. “Lana and I are both

Meredith Stevens writes: “In August 2014, John

in real estate helping people buy homes, and we also

and I celebrated our fourth anniversary. We are still

buy houses to fix up and resell. We live in Nashville,

enjoying Gloucester (Massachusetts) – running,

Tennessee, and have a room for any Brewster alumni

biking, surfing, and SUVing. We are still buying and

to stay and see the city.”

selling homes and restoring our home. Would love to attend Reunion ...”

Alexandra “Ali” Stewart-Barry and Jonathan Barry were recently married.

2001

Katie Faul with baby brother Jack Gustav Faul, children of Erick Faul ’96.

Gillian Brown writes that she and husband Morgan

2004

Fallon ’94 moved back to California and just bought

Ali Woodaman writes, “Oliver Allen Hutchins was

a home in Woodland Hills. She would love to

born in Louisville, Colorado, on November 12, 2014.

reconnect with other Los Angeles-based alumni.

Steve, Oliver, and I are still living in Colorado but

www.brewsteracademy.org

45

Class Notes plan on making a move back to New Hampshire to be closer to family and friends this summer! We are getting married on August 8, 2015, at Loon Mountain in Lincoln, New Hampshire!”

2005 Andrea (Bravo) Heidebrink married Ben Heidebrink at a beautiful winter ceremony on December 28, 2014, in Wolfeboro surrounded by family and friends. Andrea and Ben attended Cornerstone Christian Academy in Ossipee, New Hampshire, for elementary school and reconnected after many years apart when Andrea returned from teaching in Hungary in 2013. Andrea now teaches art at

Ross Randall '08 and wife Alexa; Jennifer (White) Bravo '08; Ethan Bravo '08; Andrea (Bravo) Heidebrink and Ben Heidebrink; Reid Randall '13; and Rachael Jeffers '05 celebrate at Andrea and Ben’s December wedding.

Cornerstone Christian Academy, and they live in Tuftonboro. Joining them to celebrate their marriage were Andrea’s brother Ethan Bravo ’08, groomsman; his new wife Jennifer (White) Bravo ’08, matron of honor; bridesmaid Rachael Jeffers ’05; and brothers Ross Randall ’08, his wife Alexa; and Reid Randall ’13 Alaina Mitrano writes that she is looking forward to her 10-year reunion. She and her dog Gus live in Medford, Massachusetts.

Hong Joon Heo will be working for KIA in Budepest, Hungary, for a few years. He’s on Facebook!

2010 Brittanie Pierce graduated from the George Washington University, Elliott School of

2008 graduates Ian Kaye, Emily Hess, Brooke Webster, and James Ellison had a mini reunion on the slopes of Boulder, Colorado, over the New Year’s holiday.

International Affairs in December with a degree in international affairs with a dual concentration

In January Jillian Brooks ’10 took a break from her work in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

in international development and international economics. She recently completed an internship at the Office of U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen and was also working as a consultant for the World Bank within the Corporate Secretariat. While at GW, Brittanie was actively involved around campus as a member of the GW Women in Business, the GW Women in International Security, and the Sigma Kappa Sorority. She also studied abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she helped create a Domestic Violence Awareness Campaign and online resource for women.

Brewster’s new ice rink? Associate Athletic Director Kate Turner captured this shot of Brown “Field” in early January. school, I remained active in volunteer work as a

“Being in DC I have tried to take full advantage of

Futures Coach for the Future’s Project and the

2014 graduates Sawyer Merritt, Dan Lyons, and Whit Merritt returned to campus in January.

2011 Former Bobcat soccer goalie Taylor Booth, a senior at Siena College, is sharing her love of sports with

the professional opportunities with several jobs

college outreach liaison for the DC Stop Modern

children everywhere. “At Siena College, with help

and internships. My previous internships include

Slavery Walk.”

from the Academic Community Engagement Office

law firms, non-profits (Verité and Becky’s Fund),

and the Athletic Department, I have spearheaded

academic research (GWU Elliott School), and NGOs

She is now a federal human capital analyst with

a community engagement program that partners

(Meridian International Center). … While attending

Deloitte Consulting in Washington, D.C.

Siena athletic teams with nonprofits in the local

46

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2015

In Memoriam Class of 1934 Lillian (Keenan) Pollini February 21, 2014 Wolfeboro

area. In the off-season, players hold clinics of their sport with a focus on fun and skills as well as

Class of 1938 Elsie (Long) Chesley June 20, 2014 Las Vegas, Nevada

elements such as leadership, sportsmanship, healthy eating, and teamwork. These partnerships create meaningful relationships between students and children while

Class of 1943 Virginia (Haines) Janik October 15, 2014 Wolfeboro

providing a great long-term environment for mentoring.

In May I am traveling to Botshabelo, South Africa, for a five-week internship at an orphanage that serves

Class of 1947 John G. Clow December 14, 2014 Richardson, Texas

over 250 children. I will use my athletic background and community development education to hopefully develop a program focusing on empowerment

Class of 1949 Joan (Melanson) Dollarhide October 23, 2014 Wolfeboro

and confidence for girls through soccer. There is scheduled time for the boys to play soccer so my focus will be getting the girls involved! My hope is that this program will be sustainable after my departure.” Learn more about Botshabelo at www.botshabelo.org.

Taylor Booth ’11 is spreading her love for sports and soccer locally and globally.

Donald W. Murphy November 29, 2013 Woburn, Massachusetts Janet (Richardson) Thibeault November 22, 2014 Plymouth, New Hampshire Class of 1951 Thomas J. Thomas November 12, 2014 North Andover, Massachusetts Class of 1954 Arthur J. Britton August 12, 2014 Mooresville, North Carolina Class of 1955 Mary (Avery) O’Dowd January 2, 2015 Wolfeboro

Alumni, parents, and faculty hit the ice for the (mini) Winni Classic in February. Team Houde claimed the cup.

Class of 1956 William R. Todesco October 31, 2014 Wolfeboro Class of 1957 Jerry H. Cate December 30, 2014 Farmington, New Hampshire Class of 1968 Charles D. Cilley January 26, 2015 Dover, New Hampshire Class of 1973 David T. Maciejowski September 1, 2014 Wenham, Massachusetts

Brewster’s Dean of College Counseling Laura Duffy at Lynn University with Brewster alumni: Somers Smith '14, Brett Tritschler '14, Victoria Geisen '13, and Matt Marshall '14.

UPDATE US!

Send us your Class Note, and we will do our best to include it in the next BrewsterConnections: alumninews@brewsteracademy.org

Class of 1980 John Barrett Faulkner July 25, 2010 Darien, Connecticut Class of 1998 A. Bradley Warrick October 20, 2014 Little Rock, Arkansas

www.brewsteracademy.org

47

History History

WritingGrowing Brewster’ s History History History Beyond the Original Campus “Things do not happen.

Things are made to happen.”

– John F. Kennedy

By Shirley Richardson

I

n the spring 2014 Writing Brewster’s History column, we shared the history of the first Kenison Library, the new science facilities

Berry House, acquired in 1982, is the home of the athletic director.

at the time, and the purchase of the building that houses the Admission Office. At that time, the early 1980s, the old

Since 1982 Berry House has served as the residence for the school’s

Academy was re-emerging as a modern school. As enrollment began

director of athletics. William Pottle, former athletic director and

to grow so did the physical expansion of the campus mainly through

Brewster Academy Athletic Hall of Fame member, and his family were

the acquisition of nearby homes.

the first residents.

The Office of Admission also provided housing for a faculty member and a few students. This acquisition was a cautious move in part because the school was just beginning to establish its solid footing and reputation in the independent school world but also because of the memories of the early 1970s recession that had forced many financially overextended schools to close their doors. In a worst-case scenario, this latest addition could be sold without compromising the historic campus.

This cautious logic continued with the next three acquisitions and with each step the position of the school was strengthened and confidence

FOX AND PIPER HOUSES In 1984 the Brewster trustees purchased two homes east of Academy Drive opposite the Rogers Memorial Gymnasium. A stone wall running from South Main Street toward the lake had traditionally served as a property boundary, and these homes sat on the east side of the stone wall. The section of stone wall that remains was part of the east property line of the 42 ½ acres purchased by John Brewster and his business partner Arthur Estabrook when they were establishing the campus boundaries in 1886. Originally there had been a gate in the wall through which horses and cattle passed as they were herded to

grew among its trustees and administrators. Those acquisitions

the lake for water. Today, one of the remaining large-cut granite posts

included Berry House, adjacent to the Office of Admission, and Fox

in the stone wall marks this passageway.

and Piper houses that bordered the campus near Rogers Memorial Gymnasium. Each house provided for student housing and thus a flow

For a short time the houses were simply referred to as New Dorm,

of income to support the purchase of the properties, which in turn did

and New, New Dorm.

not cause a financial burden on the Academy.

In 1990 New Dorm, purchased first and built by Richard Hammer in

48

BERRY HOUSE

1970, would become Fox House. The Fox name began to percolate

Berry House was built in 1914 for Mark B. Blaisdell and his wife Luella

when a sizeable bequest arrived from the estate of sisters Margaret

W. Whitton, local business owners. After their death, their only child

and Dorothy Fox, upon their deaths in 1990 from an automobile

Ruth W. Berry lived there until 1982 when she sold it to Brewster.

accident. The Fox sisters had bequeathed a large sum of money to

When Headmaster David M. Smith inspected the property, he noted

the Academy in appreciation and acknowledgement of the life-long

that although some of the rooms undoubtedly still had the original

influence Brewster had on their father, John C. Fox, a 1893 graduate,

wallpaper, the house itself remained a very solid, sound structure.

who died in 1971 at age 96.

BrewsterConnections – Spring 2015

a small dorm with housing for a faculty member. Currently it serves only as a faculty residence.

With the acquisitions of Berry, Fox, and Piper houses the school had expanded beyond the boundaries of the original campus and was able to provide quality residences for its athletic director, dean of students, several faculty apartments, and additional dorm rooms in Fox and Piper houses. These additions helped position Brewster for expanded enrollment.

The enthusiasm and confidence generated through these acquisitions prompted the school’s leadership – now confident the independent Fox House, acquired in 1984, is named for John Corban Fox, an 1893 graduate of the Academy.

school was here for the long term – to develop a Master Plan. The first iteration of the plan was created in the mid-1980s and was further refined at the end of that decade as “The Plan for the 90s.”

Research shows that John Corban Fox was born in Wolfeboro in 1874

In this plan, the make-do position behind those first acquisitions was

in a house on Lake Street. He had owned extensive land in Wolfeboro

replaced with a defined vision to consider the acquisition of bordering

before moving to Swampscott, Massachusetts, in 1922 where he

properties when they became available.

founded the successful insurance firm Johnson & Fox The initial major step in this Master Plan led to the construction, Looking south toward the lake was the second acquisition of that

between 1986 and 1989, of the Pinckney Boathouse at the

same year. New, New Dorm was built for Virginia and Norman Turner

waterfront and six dormitories with attached faculty homes. This

in 1965. In 1985 it was named Piper House, honoring Carroll Piper

new construction was followed in 1991 by purchases of neighboring

who had been dean of students and a foreign language teacher at the

buildings that would become known as Chamberlain House and

Academy from 1920-1948.

Cate House. Chamberlain, the former rectory of the adjacent First Congregational Church, was physically moved onto campus and

Carroll Piper, born in Wolfeboro in 1880, graduated from Brewster in 1897. He graduated from Harvard College in 1902 and returned to his hometown to establish an insurance business and become active in civic affairs. With a keen interest in holistic education, Piper began teaching French and Spanish at the Academy. He quickly earned the respect of teachers and students, and it was not long before he was offered and accepted the position of dean of students. He also was often called upon to fulfill other leadership roles on campus, including acting headmaster.

After 28 years of service to the Academy as a teacher and dean, Piper resigned in June 1948 due to failing health. Not long after his resignation, he died at age 68; his wife Clara died three years later at age 62. Piper left a lasting monument for good, truth, honesty, and idealism in the hearts and lives of the youth he had so unselfishly

placed in its current location at the main entrance of campus on South Main Street. It currently serves as a girls’ dormitory with two faculty apartments. Cate House, opposite the main campus across South Main Street, is now the home of the Alumni and Development and Business offices.

In 1992, Goodwin House, was acquired and now serves as a dormitory with two faculty apartments. This white clapboard building sits between Estabrook Road and Academy Drive on South Mains Street.

The vision of the campus laid out in the Master Plan would continue to grow through more acquisitions, additions to buildings, and continuous upgrades to facilities. More developments soon followed, all of which will be shared in future issues of BrewsterConnections.

served. The naming of Piper House signified the Academy’s gratitude toward Piper and the qualities he had infused into the community

Shirley Richardson joined the Brewster faculty in 1974 and throughout

during his lengthy tenure.

her tenure taught English, history, ESL, and learning skills; from 1984 to 2004, she was the dean of the College Office. Bob Richardson, her

After serving as a girls’ dorm from 1984 until 1986, Piper House

late husband, came to Brewster in 1965 and wore many hats during

became the residence for the dean of students. Dean Richard Weeks

his 39 years, including history teacher, director of studies, college

resided there from 1986 until 1990, followed by Dean of Students

admissions director, dorm parent, and coach. Although Bob passed away

William Lyons, who lived there until 1997. At that time an addition to

in June 2014, his contributions to Writing Brewster’s History endure

the southeast gable end enabled Piper House to once again become

throughout these columns.

www.brewsteracademy.org

49

2nd Annual Philanthropy Week April 20-24 Join us in building a Culture of Philanthropy at BA! RESPECT • INTEGRITY • SERVICE

WHAT DOES THE ANNUAL FUND DO? Answer: EVERYTHING!

In February students performed the musical Grease, the first full-length production in the new Grayson Center for Performing Arts at Anderson Hall.

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

Robert J. Mueller Barbara Naramore (Maya ’16)

I learned that the Annual Fund wasn’t just the little things – it’s really EVERYTHING. It helps turn on the lights. Get uniforms for sports.

It’s really a fund that helps the community. It’s the FUND THAT

BE A PART OF IT! ONE Week.

150+ Faculty and Staff.

RUNS BREWSTER.

300+ Students.

– ASHLEY SAMUELSON ’15

600+ Parents.

4,000+ Alumni.

Carlos Noble ’70 Amy Reiner (Allyson ’10)

Arthur O. Ricci Estate Trustee

Countless ways to make a difference through

YOUR participation!

The Reverend Nancy Spencer Smith Estate Trustee Steven R. Webster (Brooke ’08, Tori ’11) Dr. Michael E. Cooper, Ex Officio

Karen W. Fix (Will ’11, Keenan ’13)

Trustee Emeritus

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

P. Fred Gridley ’53 (Deborah ’81)

Make your gift to the Annual Fund today at www.brewsteracademy.org/givenow. Be one of the 250+ Brewster community members to raise the bar for participation! Gifts of all sizes make an impact.

Brewster Academy 80 Academy Drive Wolfeboro, NH 03894

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

BrewsterConnections Spring 2015

Parents of alumni: If this magazine is addressed to your son or daughter who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please e-mail us at alumninews@brewsteracademy.org with his or her new address.

EXPECT GREAT THINGS. OF US. OF YOURSELF.

Inside:

Why the World Chooses Brewster Meet Incoming Head Dr. Craig Gemmell Office of Admission • 800-842-9961 • admissions@brewsteracademy.org