BrewsterConnections Fall 2010
Inside: A Redesigned Lamb Green Welcomes All The Fallons Leave a Legacy Finding Their Path: the First Days of School
Brewster Academy 2010-2011 Board of Trustees Daniel T. Mudge, President (Tapley-Ann ’98, Ashley ’02)
Michael Keys (Matthew ’04)
Leslie N. H. MacLeod, Vice President (Todd ’97)
Barbara Naramore
Roy C. Ballentine, Treasurer (Brian ’97, Susan ’94)
Retiring Trustees
Arthur O. Ricci Estate Trustee
Helen S. Hamilton, Secretary
The Reverend Nancy Spencer Smith Estate Trustee
Michael Appe
Shawn K. Smith (Susan ’08)
C. Richard Carlson Estate Trustee
Steven R. Webster (Brooke ’08, Tori ’11)
David L. Carlson ’54
A.B. Whitfield (Trey ’89)
Arthur W. Coviello Jr. Candace Crawshaw ’64
Nancy Black (Nicole ’02, Robbie ’05) ex officio member as president of the parents’ association since 2001, board member since 2003.
Trustee Emeriti
Claudine Curran (Alex ’06, Gen ’11)
Walter N. “Rink” DeWitt ’54 (Kate ’86)
George J. Dohrmann III (George ’05, Geoffrey ’12)
P. Fred Gridley ’53 (Deborah ’81)
Rex Jobe (Reagan ’01) board member since 2000.
Stephen Farrell Sr. (Stephen Jr. ’12)
Grant M. Wilson (Grant ’87, Kirsten ’88)
Jim Nicholson board member since 1996.
Douglas H. Greeff (Hilary ’11)
Peter Ford ’80
BrewsterConnections Fall 2010
Head of School
Inside
Director of Admission and External Affairs
Dr. Michael E. Cooper
2 Head Lines Having 2020 Vision
Lynne M. Palmer
4 Lamb Green Redesigned
Editor
Assistant Editor/Layout/Design
Marcia Eldredge Director of Communications Peggy Comeau Assistant Director of Communications
A Welcoming Sight, A Sense of Place
7 Opening Week Reflections “Finding Your Path,” Faculty Honors, Photos
10 “Mrs. Fallon is Amazing”
Contributors
A Retiring Teacher Leaves a Powerful Legacy
Sarah Anderson, Andy Campbell, Mike Cooper, Mary Fallon, Beth Hayes ’81, Matt Hoopes, Bob Richardson, Shirley Richardson, Martha Trepanier ’83, Julie Zahn
14 Rex Jobe Leaves Brewster a Better Place A Trustee and Treasurer Reflects on his 10 Years of Service
Photography
15 Commencement 2010: Graduates Celebrate Growth, Friendships Where They’re Going; Ivy Address Reflections; Commencement Awards
Steve Allen, Brewster Archives, Steve Burgess, Andy Campbell, Coffee Pond Photography, Peggy Comeau, Commencement Photos, Inc., Marcia Eldredge, Matt Hoopes, John McKeith, Jordan Weaver ’11, Julie Zahn
19 Welcome New Directors
Athletics, ESL, Health Services, Summer Programs and Conference Services
20 Outcroppings
A Selection of Student Poetry and Art
24 Reunion 2010
Alumni Reunite at Class Celebrations and Campus Events
27 Hoopla: Families Choose Brewster More Than Once Brewster Program Continues to Attract Siblings
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 ©2010 Brewster Academy. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
On the cover: Lamb Green
Departments 22 26 34 44 46
Newsmakers Brewster on the Road Class Notes In Memoriam Writing Brewster’s History
Carrying on the family tradition: Members of the Clement family – Kris ’06, Mikael ’12, and parents Nora and Peter – traveled from Pierrefonds, Québec, for Opening Day. Not pictured: Karin ’07.
Having
2020 Vision
A
few weeks ago it was 9/02/10, and many people made reference to the popular TV show, Beverly Hills 90210. As you are
reading this, it is likely to have been 10/10/10, a day that many have chosen as a wedding day because of the rare combination of numbers. Our fascination, and some may say penchant, with dates and numbers has not escaped our attention at Brewster. In the most recent iteration of our emerging strategic plan, the foundation of what we hope to accomplish is rooted in what we are calling our 2020 Vision. For us this reference represents clarity and a keen sense of visual acuity for what we desire for our future. As the planning experts assert, a vision is an image or description of a desired future, something to which we can aspire, and to have a clear sense of purpose is important if we are to engage the interest and excitement of others. As we have honed our thinking about the school community we would like Brewster to become, we have set our sights high. Emerging from our strategic planning discussions is a vision that captures the high expectations that we have to help us chart a dynamic future for the school and for our students.
Our 2020 Vision: In a world where a broad and comprehensive education extends beyond the foundations of student achievement to include the skills necessary to navigate life, it is the vision of Brewster Academy to build upon its success with best practices, character education, and collaborative learning by becoming the recognized leader in customized and personalized learning that develops the affective and cognitive proficiencies students need to confront a multicultural, global future. As you contemplate our vision and the notion of Brewster evolving to become a leader in personally developing the whole child, it may evoke thoughts about how that might be attained. Two things that standout in the vision relate to the Brewster program – one builds upon our success with the Brewster Model and the other takes our character education program and further defines how we can educate the whole student. With these developments of program, the foundation for our new strategic plan has emerged. Previously in BrewsterConnections (summer 2009) we have reported on curriculum revisions with the introduction of project-based learning and the reasons why this is a natural evolution to the academic model introduced at Brewster in the 1990s. Building upon the successes in implementing these revisions in our 10th grade last year, we are bringing elements of the program to the 11th grade this academic year, with plans to have all four grades on board within the next two years. If early indications are any measure of success, we believe we have put together a curriculum that will best serve our students as we prepare them for their futures.
2
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2010
“Our goal is to be responsive to research that shows that students who are emotionally literate tend to flourish.” Another exciting focus of our vision and strategic plan is a component that will assist our students in their affective development by emphasizing their emotional literacy. Starting with a partnership with researchers at Yale University, we are beginning to implement an approach that is skills based and designed to help schools, and subsequently the members of the school community, to become more emotionally literate. As the Yale researchers quote Aristotle, “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all” – we have long believed that the habits of heart are as important as the habits of mind. As a result, we began looking for an approach that would help us build upon our character education program to more intentionally include a way to help our students grow in their emotional competence. The approach is designed to address and strengthen the underlying emotional skills that cultivate well-being, improve academic and work performance, and lead to healthy social interactions. Our goal is to be responsive to research that shows that students who are emotionally literate tend to flourish. In our research on this topic, we came across a number of studies that show the many ways in which individuals can benefit from social and emotional learning, not just in adolescence, but how the benefits carry over into adulthood. The process begins with our faculty and thus we will spend time this year training them in preparation for introducing the approach to students in the next academic year. You will hear more about this approach as the training progresses. We are energized about this undertaking and look forward to bringing these concepts into the fabric of life at Brewster to build upon what we already believe is a strong program aimed at maximizing student growth and potential. Over the next few months we will bring further definition to our priorities and share those with you. We hope that you share in our excitement about how we can continue to position the school for the bright future ahead. I know that with your help we can accomplish great things and look forward to partnering with you as we navigate our future. I hope that you are inspired by what you read in this issue of Connections. We cannot go it alone in implementing our vision for the future. As we refine what we will need to help us reach our vision, we know that it will take resources. While we can budget and prioritize for some of what we are trying to accomplish, we know to be successful that many of these enhancements will take the commitment and support of our extended school community. We know that we have, and continue to make, a difference in preparing Brewster students for their future. The skills that will help our students lead successful lives in 2020 are changing, and we are committed to remaining a leader in customized learning. We further believe that becoming a leader instills pride and a sense of purpose for everyone connected with the school, be it alumna/us, parent, or friend. We hope you share in that pride and look forward to hearing your thoughts. l
Dr. Michael E. Cooper, Head of School
www.brewsteracademy.org
3
Lamb Green A Welcoming Sight, A Sense of Place By Marcia Eldredge
W
hile Wolfeboro is celebrating its
During the summer of 2009, Head of School
welcoming as possible and positively reflect the
250th year as America’s Oldest
Mike Cooper, Director of Admission and
qualities of Brewster Academy.”
Summer Resort, our beautiful
External Affairs Lynne Palmer, and CFO Lisa
campus has undergone some changes and
Braiterman, took a walk around campus
Typically prospective families park in the
additions that celebrate our inspiring location,
following the route that prospective students
visitors’ parking lot opposite the Estabrook
commemorate traditions and moments of
and parents take when they visit Brewster
and immediately walk down the pathway and
the past, and promote quality places for
Academy. “Our focus,” explained Dr. Cooper
across the street to the Admission Office. Palmer
relationships to foster and renew.
was on “how we could make our front door as
recognized that this walk was a rather passive
4
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2010
introduction to campus but held great potential
the large blue spruce and passing foot and car
traditional December celebration. The flag pole
for providing a sense of welcome that captured
traffic was not drawn to this area as a central
has since been relocated to a prominent new
the spirit of our community. Lamb Green is
component to our campus. Along their stroll, the
home to the right of the Academic Building
adjacent to the visitor parking lot and a part of
three also noticed that overgrown bushes had
where it is now a focal point to the entryway
campus that most people would not historically
hidden the Estabrook porch, which was brought
and includes the addition of appropriate
recognize as memorable.
back to its original form in 1989 through alumni
uplighting.
support. “This is a focal point of campus and where most
The garden area in front of the Academic
visitors draw their first impression of Brewster,”
In fall 2009 the Lamb Green project commenced.
Building will now include a bench crafted from
Palmer explained. “Ultimately, the space lacked
The trees that were choking the Estabrook
the trunk of the blue spruce commemorating
a vision of what it could be a symbol of and
building and porch were removed and were
the gift of the original tree by Red Boyton’s ’68
how it could be celebrated by current, future,
replaced with magnolias, dogwoods, vibur-
family.
and past Brewster students.”
nums, and other flowering bushes that will provide color throughout the seasons, filling in
Lost Treasure
From Main Street and the Admission Office the
and adding beauty over time. While the front
A surprise element to this project was the
Academic Building had become obscured by
porch area of the Estabrook was beginning to
resurrection of some treasured history of the
become more inviting to visitors, students, and
Academy. In 1903, fire destroyed the original
employees, Lamb Green remained unchanged.
academic building built in 1890. Marking the
The concept of students sitting under a tree
entrance of that building were two stone pillars
opening their package from home or gathering
that were unearthed by a construction company
as a group to plan an afternoon off campus
as they prepared the site for the Rogers
started to form and the school’s master plan
Gymnasium. Shirley and Bob Richardson,
needed to be considered.
retired faculty and current authors of the school’s history, suggested to Neufeld that he
A re-design plan began to take shape with a
consider incorporating the two stone pillars
focus on the importance of first impressions and
within the project. Intrigued by the history of
intentional use of green space. Several designs
the pillars, they collaborated to find a prominent
for Lamb Green – with an emphasis on making
place for them – the entrance to the Estabrook,
the Academic Building the visual focus of this
one of the oldest buildings on campus.
area – were considered. The accepted proposal by landscape designer and stone mason
As people descend the new stairs of the
David Neufeld of North Star Stoneworks and
Estabrook porch, a cobblestone walk extends
Design included a circular cobblestone terrace
through the granite pillars, across the Lamb
surrounded by a stonewall with seating that
Green walkway and onto a new terrace, which
would welcome students and faculty as they
is encircled by a low stone wall designed for
entered and exited the Estabrook.
sitting. The rocks that form the wall were retrieved from nearby Mount Major in the
The blue spruce in front of the Academic
Belknap Mountains.
Building had become too large for the space and with age would be difficult and expensive to
“We hope that this will become a gathering
treat for Colorado blue spruce disease.
spot for students, and I suspect we might see
Kirk Titus ’69 of Bartlett Tree Experts, who
a class taking advantage of the new terrace,”
planted the spruce nearly 40 years ago and who
Cooper said. He added, “We are also pleased
has cared for more than 200 trees on campus
to recognize that trustee Dr. George Dorhmann
for decades, agreed with the decision to remove
and his wife Dr. Helen Dohrmann, parents
it. This decision was considered with a plan
of George ’05 and Geoffrey ’12, have made
to “replace” this prominent tree, illuminated
it possible for Brewster to complete the stone
every December in our traditional tree lighting
circle and sitting wall. Their gift is extremely
ceremony. A Frasier fir has been planted at the
generous and greatly appreciated. Moving
corner of the Estabrook lawn on the Academic
forward, the encircled terrace will now be
Building side where it will continue on the
known as Dohrmann Circle.”
www.brewsteracademy.org
5
The grassy area linking the terrace and the
For many years, the senior patio has become
sidewalk on South Main Street has been leveled
a traditional commemoration of Brewster’s
and re-sodded and along South Main Street
graduating class. It has suffered some harsh
another stone wall was erected and includes a
winter weather over the years, and deservedly
large piece of sandblasted granite celebrating
received some attention over the summer. The
the home of Brewster Academy. “This stone
crumbling slate was removed and re-bricked
wall will create an attractive vista that is so
to complement the “senior bricks” tradition
vitally important when you are trying to attract
interspersed with yellow bricks to reflect details
visitors and guests,” Cooper said.
from the Academy Building.
A focus of this project was to incorporate natural
Throughout these campus improvements
elements known to be associated with the
and adjustments, visitors will find gifts from
“granite state” and complement the structures,
previous graduating classes (recent and mature)
campus, and traditions of Brewster. The stones
– benches made from long-lasting traditions and
used for the terrace wall can be found throughout
places to sit and soak up the magnificent views
campus and are native to New England. New
and to take in a sense of place – and for students
cedar tree benches also are scattered among the
and alumni, an opportunity to feel proud of
trees of Lamb Green. Bike racks are now available
their school. We look forward to sharing future
on Lamb Green for those students who prefer
updates on projects we are embracing to ensure
arriving at the dining hall via pedal power and
campus reflects the quality and excellence
new plantings have replaced the dumpster
Brewster is recognized for each and every day.
New bricks surround the “senior bricks” and the Brewster seal on the Senior Patio. Brewster Academy gratefully acknowledges David Neufeld of North Star Stoneworks and Design for his complimentary design services to the Lamb Green project.l
between the 100 year-old apple trees providing another green area for enjoyment.
Left: The view from the stairs of the Academic Building. Above: In 1903 the pillars stood outside the south entrance to the Academic Building. Today they stand at the Lamb Green entrance to the Estabrook.
6
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2010
Opening Week Reflections Brewster’s 191st Opening of School Marks Many Firsts The opening of school is full of firsts for new students – the first meeting of roommates, the first All-School Assembly, the first dorm meeting, the first community dinner, the first Saturday morning class and, perhaps most important, the first connections with new friends and faculty in what for many will be lifelong relationships grounded here on the Brewster campus. Here we share one first – the first All-School Assembly, which took place on Sunday evening of opening weekend. In the next three pages we also share a glimpse of that weekend and the first week of school. By Marcia Eldredge
T
wo days before classes began, students gathered at Anderson Hall for the first All-
School Assembly of the school year. The class of 2011 enthusiastically took their seats in the front rows, a senior privilege, and behind them sat juniors and then sophomores. Freshmen and their advisors assembled in their balcony seats.
of residence life and community life parent, re-
Cooper asked students if anyone had read Three
ceived what has become known as the Unsung
Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson this summer.
Hero award. (see sidebars on award recipients)
Many hands went up, which was a good thing, as it was the summer reading assignment for all
“What a nice way to start off the year recognizing three great people,” Cooper said.
“I was struck by how the book began – with a chapter titled ‘Failure,’” Cooper said. “What struck me as I read the book was how failure
Mike Cooper offered a welcome to all the students and faculty gathered before beginning the presentation of the 2010 teaching awards Tom Sullivan, math teacher and coach, received the Career Growth Achievement Award and Laura Cooper, ninth grade team leader, Spanish language teacher, and coach, received the Excel-
students.
Finding
Your
Path
was a defining moment in author Greg Mortenson’s life.” “Too often we are unable to see the good that a negative event in our lives can provide for us.”
lence in Teaching Award. Jaime Laurent, director
www.brewsteracademy.org
7
Faculty Members Cooper, Sullivan, Laurent Honored
E
Cooper recalled the first time he failed a test in college. “It freaked me out. I had taken copious notes in class, I had attended all the lectures, read all the material. How could I have failed the test? It wasn’t until I sat down with the teaching assistant that I began to see that I was focusing on the wrong things and needed to expand my thinking and start looking at the material in a different way – less on details and more on the bigger implications of what I was studying – a skill that has helped me immensely across my life and career.”
ach year since 1997 Brewster has honored two or three faculty members for their outstanding efforts and accomplishments
In Three Cups of Tea Mortenson writes that his failure to reach the summit of
in one of two areas, Excellence in Teaching and Career Growth.
K2, where he had planned to honor his late sister by leaving a necklace, left
Teaching faculty are nominated by faculty, administration, students,
him feeling that he had let his sister down, not able to honor her life in the
parents, and trustees. The Excellence in Teaching Award is given in
way that he thought was most fitting.
recognition of demonstrated excellence in teaching practices and overall contributions within the Brewster Academy program. The Career Growth Award is given in recognition of a faculty member who over the course of the year has demonstrated the most accelerated professional
In his despair, as he descended the mountain, he lost his way. “Through a couple of wrong turns a new direction opened up in his life, a direction about which he had no idea until he saw things in a different light … It wasn’t until
growth within the Brewster Academy program.
he found himself off his original path, and in a new place, that he was able to
The 2010 Excellence in Teaching Award
a necklace on the summit of a mountain,” Cooper said.
Laura Cooper, freshman team
Mortenson’s “wrong” path leads him to a village where he meets children so
leader, Spanish teacher, and
eager to learn that even without a school they work through math problems
coach, is the 2010 Excellence in
outside in the dirt. Mortenson sees an opportunity in front of him and prom-
Teaching Award recipient. Fol-
ises to come back and build a school for the village.
recognize that there were other ways he could honor his sister besides leaving
lowing are some of the remarks offered in support of Cooper’s nomination on her professionalism and excellence as a teacher: “Whenever teachers on her team struggle with finding a way to reach a student, Laura can always think of a good way to help out, to come up with solutions and work things out.” “Laura does a fantastic job with the students. She is proactive in ways to develop relationships with students, their families and her colleagues, she works diligently to meet students needs in the classroom and school-wide.” Cooper has been teaching at Brewster since 1999.
First Dorm Trip
The 2010 Career Growth Award Tom Sullivan, math teacher and coach, is the 2010 Career Growth Award recipient. Those who nominated Sullivan for the award offered the following remarks on his growth since joining the Brewster community in 2008: “He has risen to become one of the top members of the math department. Student surveys and observations underscore his strong teaching abilities, willingness to help all types of students, and innate sense of how to motivate kids to meet with success.”
8
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2010
First Day on Campus
Cooper asked the students: “Did he end up honoring his sister’s life in a
“In working with him this past
more genuine and powerful manner through the legacy of building schools
summer to craft the sophomore
with a specific aim of helping to educate young girls than leaving a necklace
project-based learning enhanced
on the summit of K2?
year, he was an active participant. His ideas for ways to shape curricu-
“How often in life are we aware of the role that chance and opportunity play
lum were innovative and his ability
– and then when we are, what do we do with it once it’s there in front of us?”
to see the big picture always was unmatched.”
Cooper asked students to think about and apply the messages in Three Cups of Tea as they began their new year at Brewster. “What will you do if
“He is someone I know that I can
something gets in your way? Will you see the paths open to you by looking
always turn to get the job done. I
at things in a different way?
hear his praises sung by colleagues, IS teachers, team members and his students often – he is an excellent teacher who has a very bright future in
“I hope that you choose to be like Greg Mortenson – that you recognize that there are many ways to accomplish your goals and that they are often not on the path we planned on taking.” In concluding, Cooper encouraged students to move out of their comfort zones, to have grand dreams and aspirations for what they want to accomplish this year, and to take advantage of the opportunities at Brewster to help reach those goals. “I look forward to seeing you find your path this year and to hopefully being a part of how you accomplish your goals.” l
the field.”
The “Unsung Hero” Award For the past few years, Mike Cooper has taken the opportunity to recognize a faculty or staff member who has demonstrated commitment above and beyond for the good of the school. Before announcing the recipient of this year’s “Unsung Hero” award, Cooper shared the following: “Jim Collins in his book Good to Great talks about individuals in organizations who channel their ego needs away from themselves and into the larger goal of building a great organization. He calls these people Level 5 leader and they are found throughout great organizations. It’s not that Level 5 leaders have no ego, what they do have is incredible ambition – but their ambition is first and foremost for the good of the institution and not themselves. “This year’s unsung hero is just that kind of person. She is ambitious and dedicated to the school, and especially to you, the students. Her actions, decisions, and efforts are directed at making Brewster Academy a better place, and she’s successful at it. She willingly takes the initiative and steps in whenever there’s a need. All the time doing it with a smile and without expecting to be recognized for it,
First Day of Classes
but tonight, I’m going to recognize her for it. I am pleased to offer this year’s Unsung Hero Award to Jaime Laurent.” Laurent, who came to Brewster in 1999, is director of residence life and the community life parent in Kenison House. l
To read more about Brewster’s teaching awards and past recipients, visit: www.brewsteracademy.org/teachingawards
First Team Trip Day
www.brewsteracademy.org
9
“Mrs. Fallon is Amazing” Reflections on a Retiring Teacher Who Leaves a Powerful Legacy By Sarah Anderson
I
am not alone in wishing that Mary Fallon had been one of my own high school English teachers.
Instead, I have had the privilege of working with her in the English department during the past several years and witnessing the deep impact she has on her students. Since I teach many of these students the year after she has taught them, I hear their fresh perspectives – “I love Mrs. Fallon.” “Mrs. Fallon helped me get over my fear of writing.” “Mrs. Fallon is amazing.” When Mary came to Brewster in 1984, her teaching career already included teaching Spanish and ESL in both secondary schools and universities. She had two masters’ degrees and an all-but-dissertation doctorate and had completed 13 years of teaching. At Brewster she embarked on her “second life in education,” as she described in her fall 1999 BrewsterConnections article “Good Is Not Enough.” “My coming to Brewster was a quick decision to try
awards and accolades, as well as having permanently
since its purpose was to “unite all people in the
enriched the lives of hundreds of students, alumni,
brotherhood of mankind.” This kind of involvement
and colleagues.
in the community, as well as the difficult subject matter Mary often presented to her students in
boarding school life and give a stable environment to my own kids (Mo ’94 and Hannah ‘00). I never
When she received the 2007 Brewster Faculty Award
the classroom, exemplify her ability to confront
dreamed how deeply involved, how totally loyal, how
for Excellence in Teaching, Head of School Mike
reality and challenge her students to tackle some of
much a part of this school I would become.” (See In
Cooper shared the following:
humanity’s darker sides. For example, in an intensive writing course she designed in which students wrote
Mary’s Words on page 12) “Mary is recognized by any who have seen her teach-
personal narratives, descriptive pieces, and reports,
When asked to recall her fondest memories of
ing, or talked with her students, as the best writing
they addressed topics such as euthanasia, violence,
teaching at Brewster, Mary replied, “All. All. All. Stu-
teacher ever. Mary has earned a sort of mythic
racism, prejudice, and bigotry. She did not sugarcoat
dents shared their lives with me. They trusted me.
status as a teacher who can work miracles, guiding
the topics but rather taught her students to wrestle
We came together and tried to build a community
very weak-skilled students alongside accelerated
with their own ideas on these subjects.
that bridged all types of differences.”
students, and working her magic to create a highly charged atmosphere in which all kids are eager to
Mary’s teaching philosophy includes a genuine de-
In the book To Compose (Ed. Thomas Newkirk), in
participate, excited about their writing, with each
sire for her students to take from a novel or a poem
which she was a contributor, Mary Fallon began
making demonstrable strides in skill development.”
a “total experience that in some way alters their view of reality.” Mary continues, “‘True’ education
her chapter with the words of poet Adrienne Rich, “When we teach our students to write, we are
Teaching Philosophy
giving them power and dignity, and we are giving
In 1990, Mary helped create the Afro-Latino Club’s
them freedom.” This is exactly what Mary gave
journal of writing. The purpose of the club was to
her students every day of her teaching career, and
create awareness throughout the Brewster com-
in particular every day she taught at Brewster
munity of different races and cultures within the
Academy. Mary leaves Brewster with numerous
community. It was open to anyone and everyone,
10
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2010
includes the nurturing of the sensibilities and a rich intellectual/intuitive/emotional life. It prepares one to live to higher potentials and to extract from life what is full and rich and satisfying.” Mary has inspired both confidence and enthusiasm in her students. She has facilitated countless
animated class discussions and has shown students
Frankenstein as a victim. It meant I would live every-
sides of themselves they didn’t know existed. She
where, and, most importantly, love everywhere. I am
cares tremendously about her students and they
Jim with Huck on the Mississippi. I am the mythic
know it.
figures of good and evil in East of Eden. I am always, of course, the elegant beauty of every novel … never
Academic Dean Marilyn Shea once wrote of Mary, “It
the wicked witch.”
is rare to find teachers who understand the cognitive process involved in language acquisition and who
Nine days before this year’s commencement a mem-
can also develop curriculum that incorporates great
ber of the graduating class, Chris Womack, shared
works of literature, art, and music. I would rank
his feelings of gratitude with Mary in an e-mail.
Mary among the best of those uniquely talented
He wrote, “I came to Brewster as a ‘diamond in the
teachers.”
rough,’ afraid of my own abilities as a writer and as a human being. I struggled to find my own meaning
When asked about the biggest challenge she has
and place. However, you made me realize that my
faced as a teacher at Brewster, she explained that it
abilities were really something to talk about. P.S. My
was persuading students that she was there to learn
diamond shines because you took the time to polish
from them, and learn she did. “I thank every one of
me up.”
them,” Mary says. “Bruce Hawkins ’01, Ray Calhoun ’90 … all of them. I send love and gratitude. They
When asked about her reading list, Mary said she
helped make me a better person. I will always love
hoped to begin reading some of the naturalist writ-
“Mary has earned a sort of mythic status as a teacher who can work miracles … working her magic to create a highly charged atmosphere in which all kids are eager to participate.” ~ Mike Cooper them.” Then she added this plea: “Please, all of you,
ers who have really defined us – “… and deserts, and
let me know what you’re doing. Anthony Crater
mountains, and forests, and buttes, and the whole
’08? Where are you? Joshua Woodfork ’93, you bet-
celebration of what is around us and is part of us
ter be publishing!”
and shapes us. It is joyous, and loving, and dramatic … and thank whatever power gave us access to this
Favorite Assignment
beauty. It is all about words. Did you know that in
Any student who has had Mary as a teacher may
winter, beneath the frozen depth of a New England
not be surprised to know that her favorite novel to
winter, that life still ‘thrums’? I know it now … and I
teach is Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried. Why?
will ‘thrum’ with it every winter. It is the beauty of
“Because we all carry that story … our story … of
winter life.”
pain … of love. Of memory.” Although I was not fortunate enough to call Mary And what about her favorite assignment?
my own teacher, I still feel the effects of her legacy and her powerful impact on students. Witnessing the
“Write your own literary history, answering the
adoration her students and colleagues feel and have
questions: What was it like? What did reading and
felt for Mary over the years is enough to make any
writing mean in your life? You know you have to
teacher want to keep teaching. Clearly, Mary will be
connect … so do it.”
missed at Brewster when she moves on to the next phase of her life, but her influence lives on, vibrantly.
And how does her own literary history read? “It meant everything. It meant watching a peregrine falcon alight in my front yard. It meant seeing poor
To contact Mrs. Fallon, e-mail her at mary_fallon@ brewsteracademy.org.
www.brewsteracademy.org
11
Brewster Academy has played a central role in my life. In these past 25 years, not only has Brewster given me the opportunity to contribute and to build a sense of meaning and investment in the future and in the young people I was so fortunate to have
In Mary’s Words
No More Endless Summers Upon Retirement Doug Fallon Says Goodbye to Summers at Brewster
in my classrooms every day. It also gave me more than I could ever truly give back
By Beth Hayes ’81 t’s difficult to imagine a Brewster summer with-
shire State Police Academy. These programs ran only
more than I could ever
I
out Doug Fallon. His tall figure and long stride have
five days a week, leaving an empty dining room and
teach, the opportunity to
been a familiar sight on Brewster’s campus since
empty dorms during the weekend. One of Doug’s
grow both in a professional
1984 when Doug, wife Mary, and their children Mo
initial goals was to attract seven-day programs that
and in a personal sense, and the tremendous joy of
’94 and Hannah ’00 arrived at Brewster. After teach-
filled these weekend gaps.
daily interaction with a special group of people who
ing English for a faculty member who was on sab-
form a unique community.
batical, Doug took on the role of director of summer
“Everything we did was intended to get people on to
programs. Since then, from the program’s early days
campus to sell them beds and meals. At the same
Brewster is completely committed to a sense of
in the basement of Lamb House, Doug has made his
time, it was crucial to design programs consistent
positive values and to “habits of mind” that can
way to virtually every corner of Brewster’s 91 acres.
with the charter and mission of the school. We need-
– the opportunity to learn
ed programs that ran longer, wider, and deeper,” he
only help, as Robert Kennedy once said referring to the Greeks, “make gentle the life of this world.”
Each summer the Brewster campus fills with hun-
There have been so many times when I have walked
dreds of guests participating in an array of programs
through the hallways of the Ac or threaded through
that utilize nearly every square inch of campus. The
Another guiding principle Doug used as he continued
the tables in the dining hall when the recognition
Summer Programs Office coordinates it all.
to market and develop Brewster’s summer programs
explained.
was the “four Rs” – revenue, reputation, recruitment,
hit me once again. This is a community of people unlike I have ever known before – from the faculty,
To describe Doug’s role in the Summer Programs
and renewal. To be considered, programs needed to
to the staff, to the administration – each member is
Office as hands-on is an understatement. Over the
meet these criteria by generating income, increasing
Doug and Mary Fallon in 1975 ...
... and today
years he has put thousands of miles on Brewster ve-
the Academy’s reputation and complementing admis-
Most importantly, I want to remind our graduates,
hicles. He has hung signs, mopped floors, made beds,
sion efforts, and allowing the time and flexibility for
and indeed all our students, how fortunate they are
washed walls, driven boats, taught classes, parked
necessary summer maintenance to the campus facili-
to receive a Brewster education. I want to remind
cars, put out fires, put up tents, negotiated contracts,
ties and grounds. With Doug at the helm, the face of
them of the special gifts they have carried (and will
and hired incredible staff members. He is a master
summer programs began to change.
carry) away with them from this school into their
at solving problems, using creativity, hard work, and
new lives, gifts they have received here – a faith in
pure Yankee ingenuity. When asked to talk about the
When Doug began as director of summer programs,
themselves as active learners, a deep sense of joy
pace of the annual 10 weeks of summer he likened
the office brought in $136,000 a year in revenues. To-
that comes with this process of being open to new
it to “life inside a pin ball machine, you never know
day it brings in $1.3 million a year in revenues. Under
ideas and new ways of being and thinking, a belief
which way you have to bounce next.”
his leadership, vision, and endless hours on the job,
genuinely committed to helping young people learn, practice, and take possession of that quality, that habit of mind, that can help promote positive values in the world. I want to thank all of those who, through the years, helped and supported me here and gave me this invaluable opportunity to live a positive and contributing life. I want to help everyone appreciate what a special place Brewster is, unique in its ability to care and to give and to help every individual here find and develop a sense of love and value.
the Summer Programs Office now contributes about
that they can make special contributions to the larger community because of their preparation here,
When Doug first became involved with the Summer
5 percent to Brewster’s annual revenue. While he may
and a sense of their own unique and incalculable
Programs Office there were just two programs: the
have held the title as director throughout the growth
value as individuals, as innovators, and as learners.l
Gordon Research Conferences and the New Hamp-
of the program, he is quick to redirect the credit and
12
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2010
Summer Session students cool off in the lake while learning to recover from a capsized canoe.
Royal Thai Scholars meet history makers in their U.S. history class
success to his staff. “My greatest legacy is hiring good
Brewster pedagogical and organizational offerings,”
is leaving will clearly assist us in keeping the legacy
people who did good work.”
Doug said.
that he built going forward.”
In addition to his own staff, Doug has high praise
The third core program – the Heifetz International
Years ago Doug mentioned that one of the most
and admiration for Brewster’s housekeeping, main-
Music Program – has been in residence at Brewster
beautiful places on earth, other than Wolfeboro, was
tenance, and dining staffs. “We would be nowhere
since 2001. This intense six-week musical experience
the desert of Arizona. It is no surprise then that Doug
without the hard work and dedication of these folks.
for advanced students of violin, viola, and cello at-
and Mary now have a home in Arizona where they are
They are essential to the success of what we do in
tracts some of the must talented and promising
looking forward to spending the winter months. In
the summer.”
young musicians and instructors from across the
thinking about retirement and how he plans to stay
globe to campus every summer.
connected to Brewster, Doug offered, “The school becomes part of you and you become part of the school
Doug allows himself only modest credit to the success
… retirement is bittersweet.”
of summer programs. “Mostly what it came down to
“I often hear from my counterparts at other schools
is that I could recognize an opportunity when it pre-
about our summer programs and it’s quite apparent
sented itself.”
from their comments and questions that they would
The Fallons will be missed, and Brewster is richer for
like to have one like ours,” said Head of School Mike
what they have created and left behind.
Today the numerous summer programs are anchored
Cooper. “My response is they need to find someone
by three core programs. The Brewster Academy Sum-
like Doug Fallon, someone who has an entrepreneur-
mer Session (BASS) is a six-week program, with an
ial spirit and an understanding about what will work
ESL component, that offers a full-year credit in math
best in a summer experience. It is obvious from our
and English. This past summer 60 students from 22
success in this realm that Doug has the right combi-
countries attended. The academic, social, and recre-
nation of qualities to make it work.
ational components of the program are completely integrated, “allowing us to teach the students about
“While we will miss Doug, the infrastructure that he
When Doug is soaking up the southwest heat this winter, the thought of life in a pinball machine might enter his mind. No worries Doug, just remember the strength of what you helped create and the people you left in its charge. You taught us well. l Beth Hayes ‘81, director of the Annual Fund, worked in the Summer Programs Office from 1995-1997.
themselves as learners,” Doug said. In 1992 Doug helped bring the Royal Thai Scholar Program to Brewster – a program like no other. With it came exceptional faculty, including the genius of Brewster writing teacher (and Doug’s wife) Mary Fallon, who helped create a unique writing program for these bright students. Since 1992, 800 Thai scholars have begun their U.S. educational journey at Brewster, which helps prepare them for some of this country’s most prestigious college preparatory schools, including Brewster, for one year prior to enrolling in top American universities. “This is a real legacy. We’ve put together a very sophisticated program that takes advantage of all of
www.brewsteracademy.org
13
Rex Jobe Leaves Brewster a Better Place Former Trustee and Treasurer Reflects on his 10 Years of Service to the Academy By Beth Hayes ’81
I
n spring 1998 Texans Rex and Sharon Jobe visited Brewster with their son Reagan. The Jobes were seeking a college preparatory school for Reagan who had recently graduated from Cardigan Mountain
School, an all-boys junior boarding school in New Hampshire. Rex recalls Reagan’s criteria for the perfect school:
“Rex’s selflessness showed, as he stayed on for another nine years,” said Daniel Mudge, board president. “Rex did what was best for Brewster and did not ask the question of what is in it for him. Reagan had a great experience at Brewster, and in turn Rex thanked the school through 10 years of hard work on behalf of Brewster.
girls, golf, and computers. While Brewster did not have a competitive golf team at the
“I think that Rex represents the ideal
time, the Jobes felt an instant connection
characteristics which a school wants in its
with Brewster, and Reagan entered the
trustees – unstinting giving of his time,
class of 2001.
wisdom, and counsel, and generous financial support.”
Rex and Sharon quickly identified themselves as parents who wished to be
When asked about his goals as a board
involved, as they were with other schools
member, Jobe steered away from personal
Reagan and his sister Lauren had at-
goals and stated that becoming a contribu-
tended. At his first parent meeting Jobe
tor to the greater board and its mission
told Brewster development officer Carrie
of supporting and guiding the Academy
Ahlborn that she “would want to get to
was always his main goal. “Everybody is a
know me.” Soon after, the Jobes began the
participant on the board; you become part
tradition of opening their Dallas home
of the team.”
for Brewster admission receptions, and Jobe took on a parent liaison role with the
Some of Jobe’s most rewarding board
Alumni and Development Office, becom-
contributions include his involvement in
ing active in the Parents’ Association and
purchasing the land on which the Smith
making Annual Fund calls to fellow parents. In 2000 Jobe accepted the invitation to join the board of trustees. “It was a natural
Center for Athletics and Wellness was Board of Trustees President Dan Mudge (Tapley-Ann ’98, Ashley ’02); former treasurer Rex jobe (Reagan ’01); Head of School Mike Cooper
progression from parent leader to board member,” Jobe recalled. While Jobe was beginning his tenure on the board, Regan was flourishing as a student.
“Reagan [Jobe ‘01] had a great experience at Brewster, and in turn Rex thanked the school through 10 years of hard work on behalf of Brewster.” ~ Dan Mudge, president, board of trustees
“Sharon and I saw great progress – Reagan
and he gained life experience, making a 4.0 average in his last trimester. The foundation he received from Brewster, coupled with his self motivation, was a great combination.” In May 2001, the same month that Reagan graduated from Brewster, Jobe accepted the position of board treasurer.
committee that hired Mike Cooper as Head of School following the retirement of David Smith. “Hiring Mike was the greatest contribution the board made. Mike is a great leader, a wonderful strategic thinker, who has continued to make good decisions in these challenging times.”
was being prepared for his next steps in education and life. He really got it all together with the help of his teachers
built, and acting as the chair of the search
In reflecting on the years he has known and worked with Jobe, Cooper shared “My first connection to BA was through Rex when he chaired the search process, and things grew from there. During my first year Rex was attentive to my transition … but he always gave me space … not always an easy balance. He was there for advice and counsel, and I knew everything that he did was directed toward helping me to be successful, and for that, I will be forever grateful.” Continued on page 16
14
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2010
Commencement 2010: Graduates Celebrate Growth, Friendships By Peggy Comeau
B
rewster’s 190th Commencement took place
eventually excelling in – both crew and in music
on May 29 in the Smith Center with Head
during her years at Brewster. She stated, “Here, I have
of School Mike presiding. To the delight of
become a confident individual who knows so very
the audience, 15-year-old bagpiper Peter Campbell
much about herself. I was shaped by my past and
once again led the faculty procession while class
that will shape my future.” She concluded by ask-
marshals Grace Apfeld of Wolfeboro and Connor
ing the graduates to “Create memories, enjoy your
Dunn of Lutherville, Maryland, led their 112 class-
friends, enjoy your families, and take time to take
mates to their seats.
advantage of the moment.”
Numerous alumni – especially those from the class
Inspired by Brewster Community
of 2009 – were in enthusiastic attendance, some
The Commencement speaker was Pierce Dunn, parent
having traveled a distance to witness and celebrate
of graduate Connor Dunn. In his entertaining, upbeat
the graduation of their friends and former under-
address, Dunn first saluted Dr. Cooper, his staff, and
classmen. The days’ speeches were all brief, to the
the trustees “for fostering such a vibrant and forward-
point, humorous, and well-received by the audience.
thinking environment for learning.” He thanked the faculty for having “taught, nurtured, led, and
Brewster Allows You to Grow
inspired our children in and outside the classroom,”
After the invocation by the Rev. Sue Poulin, class
and continued, “You are an inspiring community of
salutatorian Katie Samuelson of East Wakefield
educators.” Then he addressed the parents of the
In closing, he left the audience with one of his favor-
opened the commencement ceremony with her re-
graduating class, saying “I particularly admire those
ite quotations:
marks. Samuelson stated, “Brewster Academy turned
parents from other countries who sent their trea-
me into the person I am now – a powerful individual
sured children to a school thousands of miles away
Watch your words, for they become actions.
as well as a giving one. I have gained great confi-
in a foreign country with its complex and sometimes
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
dence here … because Brewster allows you to grow
puzzling culture. Your children have earned an experi-
Watch your habits, for they become character.
in every way.” She went on to challenge her fellow
ential passport in a connected world.”
Watch your character, for it becomes your
graduates to “Decide what you really want and how
Salutatorian Katie Samuelson accepts the Faculty Community Service Award from Mike Cooper.
“Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
destiny.”
~ author unknown
you will get there. Open new doors, set new goals,
Dunn then turned his attention to the graduates,
delay gratification, and work hard.” She concluded by
saying with a smile that “As parents, grandparents,
Following Dunn’s remarks, HOWL performed a stir-
thanking the entire class of 2010 for their friendship
aunts and uncles, we want to convey to you, our chil-
ring rendition of Michael Jackson’s “I’ll Be There,”
and support over the years.
dren, the lifetime of wisdom that we have gained.”
with solos by seniors Apfeld; Amanda Graham of
He acknowledged, “… alas, that it is the nature of
Brooklyn, New York; Hannah Mufson of New York
A Confident Individual
the human condition that we must follow our own
City; and Chanita Susewi of Bankok, Thailand. The
Valedictorian Grace Apfeld then stepped up to the
paths.” He left the graduates with the following “ran-
audience responded by clapping along and with
podium and said, “I have always looked at Com-
dom tidbits to contemplate,” expounding on each
enthusiastic applause when the song ended.
mencement as the end of my high school career
point with humor and sincerity:
– always living in the future, planning what I would do once I graduated – but I realized recently that it’s equally important to live in the moment, to live for today.” She went on to quote Hagrid from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: “What’s coming will come, an’ we’ll face it when it does.” Apfeld reminisced about being a ninth-grader on Team Hossack where she had some of the best times. She also spoke about learning about – and
Laugh as much as you can.
Next, and perhaps most exciting for the graduates, was the awarding of diplomas. Yearbook dedicatee
Ease up on the multi-tasking – “For those in the audience who are texting and listening, stop listening; your texts will be more coherent. LOL” Don’t be afraid to say “I am sorry” or “I was wrong.” … Write personal thank you notes and notes of condolence. In our world of texts and tweets ... a hand-written note stands out and is remembered fondly.
and math department chair Bret Barnett read the names of the diploma recipients while Mike Cooper and Roy C. Ballentine, treasurer of the board of trustees, presented the diplomas to the smiling graduates. In closing, Cooper said, “Congratulations, graduates.” in their native languages. l
www.brewsteracademy.org
15
Rex Jobe
Continued from page 14
When asked to consider the challenges the board faced during his time as treasurer Jobe was thoughtful. “A significant measure of any independent school is its financial management. This is becoming increasing complex as we take the school to the next level.” Since Reagan entered Brewster in 1998 Jobe has seen tuition grow by 35 percent. The board regularly focused on “what we could do to increase endowment and provide more of a foundation for the school so we didn’t have to rely so much on tuition.” Jobe noted that Brewster’s endowment is not significant and that while increasing tuition is a challenge for all schools, for Brewster this challenge is even more significant.
Faculty member Bob Simoneau, Rex Jobe, Reagan Jobe ’01 When reflecting on the Academy today, Jobe shared that board members share a keen understanding that Brewster offers the “right product” and matches the “right kids” to the school. He talked of the need for continued vision on the part of the Academy and its leadership, as well as the need to fill the beds and make budget. He humbly spoke of the board’s role in guiding the Academy while at the same time “allowing Mike to do his job.” The board has been challenged to grow, to get more involved with the school in setting policy, and to guide the important growth and progress of the school, he added. As his tenure as a board member came to a close this summer, I asked Rex what his plans were to keep in touch with Brewster. Chuckling, he told me that Mike Cooper has an open invite to play golf with him whenever he is in town. “Sharon and I have made many lifelong friends, and we plan to keep in touch.” From Cooper’s perspective, “Whether it’s a reception in their beautiful home or dinner at their club, Rex and Sharon, along with Reagan, have been great ambassadors for the school in the Dallas area. Their connec-
Where They’re Going Members of the Class of 2010 are attending the following colleges and universities: American University Assumption College Bates College Bentley University Boston University (2) Brandeis University Canisius College Central Connecticut State University Clarkson University Coastal Carolina University College of Charleston Colorado State University Connecticut College Culinary Institute of America Curry College DePauw University Drexel University (2) Elmira College (2) Emmanuel College Emory University Fairfield University (2) George Washington University Gettysburg College Guilford College Hobart and William Smith Colleges (4) Iowa State University Lake Forest College (3) Lehigh University Le Moyne College Lesley University Lynchburg College (2) Middlesex Community College Morehouse College Northeastern University Norwich University Pennsylvania State University Plymouth State University Purdue University (2) Queens University, Ontario (2) Rice University Roanoke College
Rollins College Rutgers University Sacred Heart University Salem State College Salve Regina University Santa Clara University Sarah Lawrence College School of Visual Arts Skidmore College St. Michael’s College (3) State University of New York at Cortland Stonehill College Susquehanna University (2) Swarthmore College Syracuse University (5) Université Laval, Quebec (2) University of Arizona University of Arkansas University of Colorado at Boulder (2) University of Connecticut University of Illinois University of Maryland, Baltimore University of Massachusetts Amherst (2) University of Massachusetts Boston University of Memphis University of Minnesota University of Nebraska University of New England University of New Hampshire (3) University of North Carolina Wilmington University of Oklahoma University of Rhode Island University of San Diego University of Vermont (2) University of Washington Utica College Wagner College (2) Wake Forest University Wesleyan University Wheaton College Worcester Polytechnic Institute
tions have been extremely helpful in advancing the school.” Brewster will miss seeing Rex Jobe on campus: a true Southern gentleman
The Class of 2010 by the Numbers:
with his low drawl, smooth wit, and pointed focus on the bottom line.
114 - total number of graduates
Perhaps Cooper spoke for all of us at Brewster when he shared, “Rex, we
48 – number of graduates who were Lifers
will miss your presence at our board meetings, but we know the Jobe con-
34 – number of graduates who held leadership positions
nection to the Academy will remain strong and active. We look forward to
13 – number of graduates who will play sports in college
seeing you in Dallas, or for that matter, on the west coast, as we continue
10 – number of graduates who left behind at least one
to promote our great school to others. Thank you so much for all that you have done for us … Brewster is a better place as a result of your commitment of time and resources.” l
16
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2010
sibling at Brewster
Ivy Address Reflections By Marcia Eldredge
T
he Ivy Address marks the opening of Commencement ceremonies. This traditional event takes place on the eve of commencement,
and two members of the graduating class – the top academically ranked postgraduate and the third academically ranked senior – offer reflective remarks on their time at Brewster. It also includes the presentation of an ivy plant from the Academic Dean Marilyn Shea to the senior prefect, Marlowe Appe (Charlotte, Vermont), on behalf of her class. The ivy is a lasting and living symbol of the graduating class and is planted in the gardens around the Academic Building. After a welcome from Mike Cooper, Shea started off the speeches by encouraging graduates to take with them the lessons of service, respect, and integrity that are the cornerstone of the Brewster program. “Consider the star to which you will hitch your wagon only when you realize that the star is bigger than yourself.” Shea then introduced postgraduate Prapat Kotpat, from Muang Ratch, Thailand, offering that his commitment to
Andrea and Mike Cooper with Ivy Address Speakers Krisztina Dearborn and Prapat Kotpat outside Anderson Hall.
education is no surprise and revealing that Kotpat finished the year with
my envelope. Two weeks ago, I met him again. He did the same things,
a 3.93 GPA.
asked me many questions, and I answered him confidently. ‘No, no, and no’.”
Prapat Kotpat didn’t want to learn English when he was young. He thought it was hard and that he wouldn’t need it. For this would-be Royal
Kotpat talked about his rigorous and disciplined study habits. “It’s not
Thai Scholar, it wasn’t the opportunity to study in a foreign country that
easy to do homework in second language. Sometimes, I felt exhausted
eventually persuaded him to learn this “difficult” language. It was some-
and depressed. However, I never forget that I am a Thai Scholar. I’m not
thing else or rather someone else. His name was Harry Potter.
studying for myself. As a Thai Scholar I have to do my best and put 100 percent effort on my duty: studying.
“I had to wait a year for [book] No.7 to be translated into Thai,” he said. “After [waiting a year], I finished it in a week. I wondered why I had to
Kotpat shared that his favorite Brewster activity is teaching. “I love
wait for a year for something that I read within a week. In contrast, some
helping my friends to do their homework. … I was happy with helping
of my friends had read it a year ago. I thought to myself, ‘If I know Eng-
my friends even though they interrupted me when I was working on my
lish, I can read almost all of the books in the world.’”
work, too. Sometimes my friends came across the campus to my room.
Standing at the podium on the stage of Anderson Hall, Tony – as he is
Then, they really needed help! Sometimes, I felt proud when someone
known to his Brewster friends – delivered his Ivy Address remarks in flu-
said, ‘Tony, you’re a genius.’”
ent English. He took the guests through his first year of his studies in the United States, sharing his foreign perspective on life in America.
Kotpat doesn’t think he’s a genius, however. He believes people are just good in different aspects of their life and talked fondly of his new friends
“‘What’s up Tony’, if you had said this to me in the beginning of the fall,
who are “geniuses” on the basketball court and in the ice arena.
you would have seen me confused. What does that mean? What should I say? Everything was new, and I was so confused,” he said.
“I can calculate projectile motion – how strong, how high, what angle to make a three-point shot – but I cannot do it. My basketball player friends
“It took so long to send a letter in the post office downtown. I remember
easily make it. I call those people geniuses.
the postman. The first time I met him, he spoke so fast and nonstop. I was shocked. I just needed a stamp, but he asked me so many questions. Now
“I can calculate how strong to hit a puck – at what angle, how long to
I know he was asking me about express mail and whether I had liquid in
follow through, how long, how far the puck is going to stop – but I can-
www.brewsteracademy.org
17
not even skate or stand on the ice. In contrast, my hockey player friends do it naturally. They use the law of conservation of momentum and energy to receive and hit a puck. They skate and make circular motion on the frictionless ice
the late Joe Rinaldi, a professional jazz clarinet-
guitar. I love listening to Brewster students play-
Ronald “Buzzy” Dore Memorial Award Benjamin Goldlust Jill Carlson Memorial Award Louise Warren
ing either in Anderson Hall or in Rogers. I call those musicians geniuses.” In conclusion, Kotpat thanked his parents,
The Headmaster’s Prize Grace Apfeld The Postgraduate Award Prapat Kotpat Faculty Community Service Award Katie Samuelson
Faculty Growth Achievement Award Ari Peikin Mabel C. Tarr Award Grace Apfeld David Sirchis School Service Award Po-Wei Lin Arthur J. Mason Foundation Award Evan Price
teachers, friends, and the staff for their kindness and friendship in helping to usher him through his first memorable year as a student in the
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2010
jazz greats Louis Armstrong and Charlie Parker among others, told her he chose to remember one characteristic, quote, detail, or personality flaw about each of the influential people he had met. “All these qualities added up to become the story of his life,” Dearborn said.
always remember about a person.
U.S. I will never forget this place. Thank you everyone. Thank you Brewster for this memo-
her choosing to identify one characteristic to
“In order to remember my senior year my mis-
rable year.”
sion has been to pick one detail, characteristic,
Shea described the next speaker, Krisztina
in our senior class.”
“Tina” Dearborn as a lifer who dedicated the last four years to giving her best. This day student from Tuftonboro challenged herself with three AP courses and Spanish V her senior year,
or joke that reminds me of every single person
She then singled out a few classmates and shared a memory of each.
earning a 3.8 GPA along the way.
“In the end it has been the people I’ve met here
Dearborn began her remarks by describing her
to remember rather than the single events that
senior year as one of personal changes at home and a few firsts on campus such as making it
brought home the trophy this year, and having
18
Dearborn recalled that Rinaldi, who had met
“This is my starting point for studying in the
To learn more about these awards, visit:
ist and former Brewster teacher (see page 45).
For Dearborn, Rinaldi was the inspiration for
through three sports seasons without an injury,
www.brewsteracademy.org/commencementawards
events instead she spoke of being inspired by
United States.
Burtis Vaughan Award Riley Merritt Arthur M. Hurlin Award Connor Dunn
she will remember.
“I learn how instruments work, I learn about
ments. But, I don’t even touch them except the
took place but for her it is her classmates that
But she didn’t focus on these changes and
how to adjust the sound of many string instru-
Athletic Director’s Award Louise Warren Riley Merritt
remember their senior year by the events that
perfectly. They are geniuses.
sound waves, why we hear different sounds,
2010 Commencement Awards
She offered that some peers might choose to
being a part of the girls’ cross country team that lots of fun at the prom, despite not having a date.
and the memories that we shared that I want took place. Because together my peers have been the ones that made my last year turn out the way it did.” Following their remarks, Appe announced that this year’s senior gift to the school were two Seth Thomas clocks to hang in the Estabrook Dining Hall. l
Brewster Welcomes New Directors Three new program directors joined the Brewster faculty this summer: Matt Lawlor as director of athletics; Jan Levesque as director of student health services; and Peter Moses as director of English as a second language. Also, long-time faculty member Raylene Davis left her position as director of international student programs to become director of summer programs and conference services.
Director of Athletics
Philbrook Center at New Hampshire Hospital in Concord as a psychiatric nurse,
New athletic director Matt Lawlor joined the community in July. Lawlor comes
providing acute psychiatric services for children ages 4 – 14. Prior to that she
to Brewster from Chase Collegiate School in Waterbury, Connecticut, where he
was the coordinator of health services for the Hopkinton School District in New
was the director of athletics and oversaw the athletic and physical education
Hampshire for eight years, where she oversaw the supervised care of more than
programs for grades K-12. At Chase Collegiate he also was the chair of physical
1,000 students and the direct care of nearly 300 students. She also has provided
education and taught classes throughout the academic year.
care in internal medicine, pediatric, and family practice settings as well as in a women’s health center and at a college campus.
Prior to Chase Collegiate, Matt worked at Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, Connecticut, where he was the athletic facilities coordinator, director of summer programs, physical/health education instructor, academic advisor, and coach for the girls’ varsity basketball and varsity football programs. Lawlor works with his three-person, full-time staff – Kate Turner, associate athletic director; Kirsty Ridings, athletic trainer; and Angelo Varrone, equipment room manager; as well as more than 50 coaches – to keep Brewster’s interscholastic, intramural, recreational, and instructional programs running smoothly.
Director of English as a Second Language Peter Moses comes to the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee from Japan and brings extensive experience in English language education to his new role as director of English as a Second Language (ESL). For the past six years Moses has been an instructor at Miyazaki Municipal University and Minami Kyushu Junior College, and an English teacher at Miyazaki University Attached Elementary School, in Miyazaki, Japan. In addition to teaching, his experience includes creating curricula and course plans for students from elementary school through university level.
Welcome Jan Levesque, Peter Moses, Matt Lawlor, Raylene Davis
Prior to this work, Moses was the co-founder, educational director, and head
Director of Summer Programs and Conference Services
teacher at Kingsbury Language Academy English School, also in Miyazaki. Addi-
Since 1997 Raylene Davis has worked extensively with Brewster’s international
tionally, he has taught English language at Cosmos Culture Center in Oita, Japan,
community – as an ESL teacher, then as director of the ESL program, and most
and at the Nova Language Institute in Tokyo.
recently as director of International Student Programs. In 2005, Davis was the recipient of Brewster’s Excellence in Teaching Award, and in 1998 she received
In addition to administering Brewster’s ESL program, Moses and his staff teach
the Academy’s Career Growth Award. She holds the distinction of being one of
three levels of ESL.
three faculty members who have received both awards. Previously, Davis taught ESL at high schools in Japan and in her native South Australia. Her son Paul Algate
He looks forward to getting to know Brewster’s ESL students and successfully
is a 2007 Brewster graduate and son Scott Algate is a 2005 graduate.
positioning them to walk out of the classroom and apply what they have learned to their daily personal as well as academic lives.
This summer she took the helm of the Office of Summer Programs and Conference Services, a natural progression given the international student diversity rep-
Director of Health Services
resented in Brewster’s numerous summer programs. In her new role Davis plans
Jan Levesque joined the Brewster community this summer as director of student
to expand campus conference services beyond the summer months and continue
health services. Levesque is a certified nurse practitioner with much experience
seeking ways to attract summer programs that most align with the financial and
working with children and adolescents. Most recently she worked at the Anna
institutional goals of the school.
l
www.brewsteracademy.org
19
Leave a Light on For Me by Shira Braiterman ’13
Seven o’clock, I’m not home yet. Turn on all the lights, sit by the door, and wait for me. Eight thirty comes, I haven’t returned. Pull out Christmas lights, switch on Santa, wait for me. Ten o’clock comes, put the string lights away. Leave the headlights on, cradle the dog, let me know you’re waiting. Midnight rolls around, the date changes, and I haven’t found my way home yet. Light candles through the house, rest your eyes, Keep waiting. When three thirty comes, blow out the candles, wipe the sleep from your eyes. Step outside and wave a flashlight in the air. You know I’m on my way. I’m almost there.
Nantucket photo by Courtney Piper ’11, Wolfeboro
Outcroppings The Brewster community eagerly awaits the Outcroppings literary magazine each year for the variety of poems, stories, artwork, and photographs submitted by the students (and occasionally faculty and staff). The 2009-2010 editors-in-chief were seniors Julia Burgdorff and Alexandria Twombly. The issues were produced by students with the help of faculty advisor Sarah Anderson, who teaches English and journalism.
At four, when your arm is drooping and your eyelids are livid, I’m here, home at last. Light the house on fire, send fireworks into the air. Just leave some light on for me, and I will come home.
Success
by Eric Mong ’10
It rattles my mind the way some people succeed Click-clacking through the constant competition and competitive ranks Through every ecstatic enduring elitist individual who pursued the same prestigious and prominent dream as they did their ostentatious outlook on ordinary life turns ominous like an omen of failure and fallacy if they fall short of what they want.
2020
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2010
I Carry Your Heart Mixed-media book by Liza Paradis ’10
Untitled photo b y Alexandria Twombly ’10
Dancing Feet photo by Lena Rukhadze ’10 (Silver Key winner, 2010 N. H. Scholastic Art Awards)
Pond Hockey by Riley Merritt ’10
Nothing so pure, so real. No boards, no roof, no refs. The ice is as smooth as glass. The battle-wounded nets, torn and tattered. The icy wind bites and stings every limb. The cold is inescapable, but the feeling of freedom warms me.
Untitled photo by Emily Tyler ’12 Ignored by Taylor Cantrall ‘13 Searing hate is better than a cold shoulder. I feel only like a pale shadow, lurking. An insect, buzzing in your ear. A hand waved in annoyance, is, at best, my only acknowledgement. Your eyes glaze over when I approach. When you look, I don’t feel as solid, rather hazy around the edges, in fact, as though I’m not even there. When did my shout become a whisper? Or, when did I become unfeeling, like a beast, a dog. No, dogs, at least, are beat. There is some love in hate,
some tenderness in violence, after all. You’ve cut me more deeply than any foe of mine. Did you even know I have a heart to slay? In your presence I shrink three feet. I never knew I could be so small. You smile right over my head. My insignificant head, so full of cobwebs, that no clever thought can live there. I feel like a vapor, damp and cold, like the sorrow on my heart. Just pass right through me, and carry on your way.
Self-Portrait by Taylor Cantrall 21 ‘13 www.brewsteracademy.org
Newsmakers Rowers Attend National Development Camp
MacDonnell Earns Spot on Canadian National Team
they rushed all the patients from Port-au-Prince,” Edmundson said.
Ice hockey player Sarah MacDonnell ’11 (Quispamsis, New Brunswick) was one of just 22 girls
Edmundson spent his time helping out in the operat-
selected to the U18 national women’s team in
ing room with a general surgeon and his father,
August. MacDonnell is considered one of the top
an anesthesiologist. He also assisted the physical
forwards in North America and is one of the all-time
therapists helping patients with exercises. After a
leading scorers in the history of Brewster’s girls’ ice
long day in the hospital, Edmundson still managed
hockey program. “She is a tremendously talented
to find time to play with the local kids. “What I will
player and has performed on the national stage
remember the most is how grateful the Haitians
for the past few years,” said Jonathan Fouser, head
were for our help,” he said.
coach of the Brewster team. She represented Team New Brunswick
On another continent Hilary Greeff ’11 (New Ca-
at the Canada
naan, Connecticut) spent nearly a month in Ladahk
Cameron Bierwith ’11 (Alameda, California) and
Games in 2008
and Delhi, India, teaching English to adolescent girls
John Steensma ’12 (Tuftonboro, New Hampshire)
and has been a
and then traveled to Laos where she spent 12 days
attended the 2010 USRowing Junior Men’s National
member of Team
helping construct four schools. When she wasn’t in
Team Development Camp in June and July. The
Atlantic for the
the classroom in India, Greeff painted barrels at the
two Bobcats were among an elite group of 36 high
past two years.
local gompa (monastery) for the arrival of the Dalai
school rowers and six coxswains selected to attend
As a member of
Lama, who came to bless the temple, and who she
the camp.
Team Canada,
met. “The children, they had almost nothing but
John Steensma ’12 and Cameron Bierwith ’11
MacDonnell has the chance to rep-
“The camp was a lot harder than I expected,” Steensma said. “We are used to being the best, and
resent Canada at the 2011 International Ice Hockey
everyone their was as good or better.”
Federation World Women’s Under-18 Championship next spring in Sweden.
The goal of the four-week development camp, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is to provide the skills and tools needed to become a better and faster
Helping in Haiti, India, Laos
rower.
After finishing his junior year at Brewster, Emery Edmondson (Raleigh, North Carolina) flew to Milot,
In the final week of camp, Steensma earned a bronze
Haiti, with a medical team to work at the local
medal competing in the C Boat of eights at the
hospital in the aftermath of the January earth-
USRowing Club National Championship in Oakridge,
quake. “It was probably the biggest hospital in Haiti
Tennessee.
(before the quake hit it had 70 beds, but after the quake, they had around 400 beds!), and it’s where
22
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2010
Emery Edmondson ’11 and friend in Haiti
White, from Belgrade, Maine, still holds five goaltending records at Brewster, including 30 wins in one season.
Bailey Named to Great Britain National Team Devan Bailey ‘09 was named to Great Britain’s Senior Men’s National Basketball Team this spring. The point guard from Helsby, England, currently plays for Central Connecticut State University. At Brewster Bailey was a member of the 2008 New England Championship team and twice helped the Bobcats to the semifinals of the National Prep Championships. He is a former member of the Great Britain National U20 Team. Hilary Greeff ‘11 with students in India were happier than any other people I’ve ever met. It
necessary skills and tools to succeed in college.
really showed me it’s not what you have that makes
On the basketball court, I was pushed everyday to
you happy,” Greeff shared.
develop my game and given the opportunity to compete against the best competition in the country.
Bobcat Hoopster is NBA Draftee Craig Brackins ‘07 was the 21st pick in the first-
Brewster provides an environment where you know people care about you as a person. That level of support aided me greatly in becoming the 21st overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft.”
round NBA Draft in June. Brackins was picked by The
Kate Buesser ’07 was elected one of three tri-captains of the 2010-11 Harvard Women’s Ice Hockey Team. Last season Buesser led the Crimson with 16 goals and was the top-ranked player in Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Hockey. She also was named the New England Hockey Journal’s ECAC Player of the Year. Following the 2009-10 season,
Oklahoma City Thunder, later traded to the New four-player trade to the Philadelphia 76ers. For the
White Named Goalie of the Year
past three years, Brackins, a forward, has played for
Teraysa White ’08, New England College (NEC)
Iowa State University.
women’s ice hockey goalie, was named Eastern Col-
Orleans Hornets, and in September was part of a
Buesser Named Captain of Harvard Team
lege Athletic Conference (ECAC) Hockey East Goalie
Buesser, from Wolfeboro, was named to the New England Hockey Writers All-Star Team as a forward, received All-ECAC Hockey and All-Ivy League first team accolades and was a nominee for the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award, presented annually to the nation’s top player.
“I’m very proud of Craig and happy he’s achieved
of the year and ECAC East First Team All-Conference
his dream of being a first-round selection in the
during the 2009-2010 season. White stopped 709
NBA Draft,” commented Jason Smith, Brewster’s
of 761 shots (.932) and held opponents to just 2.01
head basketball coach. “During the NBA Pre-Draft
goals per game last season. White also was named a
Anctil is BC Eagle of the Week
workouts, many scouts and experts commented
New England Hockey Writers Division II/III All-Star.
Field hockey player Janna Anctil ’07 was named Boston College “Eagle of the Week” in September.
during interviews and workouts that Craig is a ‘high character kid.’ Anyone who spent time with Craig
She is the first women’s hockey player at NEC to
Anctil, a senior, finished last season second on the
during his year at Brewster would most definitely
garner First Team All-Conference honors and also
team in goals (11) and was named to the National
agree with this assessment.”
the first to be named the conference’s goalie of the
Field Hockey Coaches Association First-Team All
year since the program’s inception in 2001. White
Northeast Region. Anctil, who is from Wolfeboro,
In an e-mail to coach Smith after he was selected,
currently holds NEC records in both single season
was a four-year field hockey, ice hockey, and lacrosse
Brackins shared, “I couldn’t be more grateful to
saves (798) and single save percentage (.933) both
player at Brewster.
Brewster Academy for the experience that I had
of which she captured last season.
there. In the classroom, it provided me with the
www.brewsteracademy.org
23
Alex Rogers ‘89, Jennifer Riley ‘90, Michael Snyder ‘89, and Jon Gibbs ‘90 enjoyed a wonderful Reunion kickoff dinner in the Estabrook Saturday night.
A band of alumni called Sudden Outburst of Metal jammed out a few songs for guests during Saturday night’s Reunion dinner.
Reunion 2010 E
xcited Brewster alumni and friends
and enjoyed a video yearbook reminding
gathered in Wolfeboro in early June to
them of the fun times they shared many
reconnect with old friends and to celebrate
years ago.
the anniversary of their graduations. On Saturday, the class of 1960 enjoyed Bret Barnett still makes his students laugh, even after five years – with him are Augusta Tigrett ‘05 (middle) and Ashley Bilodeau ’05.
Our oldest attending alumna, Marion
an elegant dinner at the Pinckney Boat-
Peterson ‘37, traveled from Scottsdale,
house where Mike Cooper presented
Arizona, with grandson Cody for the fes-
each attending member a 50-year pin and
tivities. Lambert de Ganay ’05 traveled the
certificate. Classmates from around the
farthest – from France – to reunite with his
country joined each other to reminisce. A
classmates.
big surprise for the class was the attendance of one of their teachers, June Tilton.
The Class of 1985 celebrated their 25th reunion in the Kenison Library overlook-
Meanwhile in the Estabrook Dining Hall,
ing Brown Field and Wolfeboro Bay. They
the alumni band Sudden Outburst of Metal
shared laughs about their times at Brewster
performed for the rest of the reunion at-
Dan Duval ‘84, Judy Fay Kollmorgen ‘85, and Greg Branzetti ‘84 pose for a quick picture before heading out to the next reunion event.
Allan Bailey ‘60 and former teacher June Tilton reunite at the 50th Class Reunion dinner.
24
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2010
James Walker ’03, Julie Zahn, Mike Cooper, Marona Graham-Bailey ’02, Ron McCormick ’95, and Dominique Aubry ’02 at the Alumni of Color group’s meeting.
Jonathan Clark ‘85 and Hank Nusloch ‘85 enjoy a moment with former teacher, alumni correspondent, and Hoopla columnist Matt Hoopes. tendees. Drummer Temple Peterson ‘89, guitarist John Gibbs ‘90, Chris Barry ‘90 on bass, and Rob Gorden ‘90 (vocals/harmonica/funny man) rocked a few numbers. The band was energetic, exciting, and got the crowd rocking!
The Class of 1961 working on their 50th Reunion plans for 2011.
Reunion Trip to Campus Inspiring Attorney Aaron “Richard” Golub ‘60 says coming to campus 50 years after graduation inspired him to finish his latest book, the fiction novel Feisengrad. “I wrote the book with Brewster in mind as the end game,” he said. Part two is due out in 2012.
As Sunday brunch approached, alumni and
Golub’s creative talents don’t stop with the pen. He
friends slowly gathered one last time at the
has produced a BBC documentary, curated an exhibi-
Boathouse for yet another delicious meal
tion at The Whitney Museum, and wrote the original
prepared by the dining staff. Children ran
screenplay for and produced the film Factory Girl.
around Palazzo field, roommates giggled
When Golub left campus after graduation the last
about all-nighters, and folks started to plan
classmate he said goodbye to, Allan Bailey ‘60, was one
their next reunion. l
of the first to greet him at Reunion 50 years later! l
Members of the Class of 1960 reminisced throughout the weekend during their 50th Reunion.
Richard Golub ’60 with Associate Director of Development Martha Trepanier ’83 and his son Darrow, 2 .
www.brewsteracademy.org
25
Brewster On The
Road
Catch the Bobcat spirit and join us for the next Brewster reception or get-together in celebration of student and alumni endeavors. These casual events provide an opportunity to catch up with friends and faculty while learning about what’s happening at the Academy.
Bermuda
Raylene and Jim are looking forward to renewing
September – The Moura and Stephens families of
friendships made on previous trips as well as meet-
Bermuda hosted a reception in late September for
ing new friends and seeing alumni.
current Brewster families. Brewster currently counts and Andrea Cooper and Lynne Palmer traveled to
New York City: Basketball Alumni in Jimmy V Classic
Bermuda for a boarding school fair and the reception
December 7 – Three former Bobcats are playing for
at the Stephens’ home in Pembroke. The Coopers
teams appearing in the Jimmy V Classic Basketball
and Palmer also joined trustee and alumnus David
Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Thomas
Carlson ‘54 and wife Roz for dinner at their new
Robinson ’09 (University of Kansas), Will Barton ’10
home in Bermuda.
(University of Memphis) and CJ Fair ’10 (Syracuse
eight families and nine students from Bermuda. Mike
University), will vie for the Classic title. Visit www.
Asia: Korea, Taiwan, China, and Japan
brewsteracademy.org for game details and developing plans for watching the games with friends.
November – Raylene Davis, director of summer programs and conference services, and Jim Bastis, director of alumni and development, will visit alumni and parents in Korea, Taiwan, China, and Japan. Both
To learn more about any of these events, please contact Beth Hayes at 603-569-7133 or beth_hayes@brewsteracademy.org
Former teammates Thomas Robinson ’09 (University of Kansas), Will Barton ’10 (University of Memphis),and CJ Fair ’10 (Syracuse University) will meet at the Jimmy V Classic Basketball Tournament in Madison Square Garden. With them is Brewster basketball coach and associate director of admission Jason Smith.
HOOPLA by Matt Hoopes
Families Choose Brewster More Than Once Brewster Program Continues to Attract Siblings By Matt Hoopes and Marcia Eldredge
F
or many years each September I’d eagerly scan
and more Brewster families, however, Brewster has
my class rosters, looking for familiar fam-
become their school of choice for multiple siblings.”
ily names, and I’d always be delighted if I spied a brother or sister of a student I’d taught a few years
Palmer attributes this choice in part to Brewster’s
earlier. Not only would it mean that I’d be able to
success in serving a range of learners and learning
work with parents I already knew, I was always fas-
styles while also offering a variety of extracurricular
cinated by the similarities and differences between
activities that support different interests and, just as
siblings. I also wondered what factors compelled
important, levels of interests. “Our sports programs
parents to send their second, third, or even fourth
support the competitive athlete who wants to play
child to Brewster.
at the college level as well as the more recreational or less competitive student who prefers intramural,
Always seeking suggestions for future “Hoopla” columns, I recently was asked about the possibility of hearing from alumni whose lives include volunteering their time for various causes. If anyone would like to help me with this focus, please contact me: • by e-mail at islesman@batelnet.bs • by fax at 1-242-335-0535 • or write my mail-forwarding address: Matt Hoopes, P.M.B.# 100 411 Walnut Street Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 And finally, please send me news of your life, your family, your job, your travels, and any sightings of classmates for “Class Notes.” Don’t be shy! You like to read about what others are up to – others are curious about YOU! As always, MANY thanks to those who’ve been in touch!
When I attended boarding school in the mid-1950s,
instructional, or recreational pursuits. And in the arts,
parents made all the decisions. The schools were
we can support the serious musician as well as the
fewer, smaller, and single sex but very similar to one
student who simply enjoys singing in the chorus.”
another. There was also a general understanding that siblings should not attend the same school so that
I thought it would be interesting to contact both
each child could be allowed his or her unique iden-
parents and students to learn their reasons for
tity at different schools. Over the years, however,
choosing Brewster again and again and to learn how
not only have most schools become co-educational,
both regarded the outcome of their experiences.
they have become more specialized, each having
Hopefully, you’ll find the results of this completely
their own particular areas of strength or niche. And,
non-systematic survey as interesting as I did.
although today parents are very much involved in the selection of schools to which children apply, it is often the children who make the choice of which school they ultimately attend. Over the years Brewster has developed a long list of families who have selected Brewster for more than one child. Lynne Palmer, director of admission and external affairs, says that it’s not unusual for families who choose boarding school for their children to en-
Aldebest, mon! (‘mon’ being unisexual in the Bahamas, mon!) Ancient & Bionic
roll siblings at different schools. “Because siblings can be very different from each other, it’s not uncommon for them to end up at different schools. For more
Matt Hoopes was a faculty member from 1975 to 1996. During this time he and his journalism students founded The Brewster Browser, the Outcroppings literary magazine, and the BAPA (Brewster Academy Photo/Address) book. Since his “retirement” from the classroom in 1996, Hoopes has worked as the Young Alumni Correspondent from his hilltop banana farm on the island of Eleuthera, The Bahamas, helping to keep the alumni connection alive. In each issue he brings life-after-Brewster stories to the pages of his Hoopla column.
www.brewsteracademy.org
27
HOOPLA The Millers The Miller family from the seacoast of New Hampshire counts three Brewster alumni – Doug ‘01, Patrick ‘03, and Charlie ‘05 – and current student Liz ’13 in the Brewster family. Their first introduction to Brewster was around 1997. “A friend told me about Brewster when she learned how excited Douglas was about computers. He decided to attend BA rather than Holderness because of the warmth of the Revisit Day. The decision surprised him,” explained Adele Wick of her oldest child’s decision to attend Brewster.
The Miller/ Wick family, l-r: Dorsey, Douglas ’01, Patrick ’03, Rick Miller, Lizzy ’13, and Adele Wick. Not pictured: Charlie ’05
Rick Miller added that the Brewster Model, small class size, advanced use of computing technology in all aspects of academic life, and relative proximity to their Portsmouth home were all factors. When asked if it was a parent- or student-driven decision, Wick explained: “I told all four of my children that I was going to make them visit several schools, but the choice of which one they attended would be theirs and theirs alone – I’d just help them structure the decision by listing all the variables and exposing them to many different options so that they could see and evaluate better.” Miller added that all of the children recognized the importance of understanding sophisticated technology in connection with their success in college as well as in their professional and personal lives.
The Krumsick family: back, standing, l-r: Jeremy ’04, Jill ’98, Jocelyn, Jeff ’01, Jamie ’95; front, l-r: Dimitris and Jen (Krumsick) Skliris, Kathy and Herb Krumsick, and Jamie’s daughters Lucy, 8 1/2, and Kirby, 11.
And how much of a factor did Doug’s decision impact his siblings? “It was probably definitive. Who knew that Douglas was the pacemaker? Not I. At least not at the time,” Wick said.
The Krumsicks Kathy Krumsick, mother of Jamie ‘95, Jill ’98, Jeff John and Ginny Stabile
‘01, and Jeremy ‘04, told me that her eldest daughter Jenny had gone to an all-girls boarding school and really enjoyed the experience. “Being from Kansas, she found a whole new world that she – and we – didn’t know existed. She put the love of boarding school into our family. Using an educational consultant, we visited several schools and decided on Brewster,” explained Kathy regarding
Ryan Stabile ’00 and Layla
28
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2010
Jake Stabile ’92
their school search for their son Jamie.
And how much of a factor did Jamie’s experi-
The Kelleys
She said the decision to choose Brewster was both
ence have on his siblings? “We had a very positive
From the South Shore of Massachusetts, for the
Jake’s and her and husband John’s. Although Jake,
relationship with the Brewster team, but realized
Kelley brothers – David ‘66, Tom ‘67, and Jim ‘68
and later Ryan, came to boarding school some-
that each child was different and wanted them to
– it was their parents who researched schools and
what reluctantly, the learning and community life
make their own choices. For the rest of the children,
selected Brewster for their boys, mainly because
environment they became a part of at Brewster was
we allowed them to visit several other schools. They
they liked the structured six-day schedule and the
ultimately a positive experience that her sons would
all chose Brewster as their school, too. I’m sure my
disciplined academic requirements, David said. “My
not have gained if they had stayed home. Regard-
husband and I were pushing for Brewster because
brothers followed me a year later as my parents
ing Jake, Ginny commented, “He certainly received
of the wonderful working relationship we had
made the decision for them for the same reasons.”
a wonderful education. He worked very hard. There
developed, but then each child did choose Brewster on their own.”
was no way he could fall between the cracks because Jim mentioned that it was helpful to have his two
his teachers wouldn’t let him!”
brothers precede him in that he had gotten to know
The Spagnolos
the school through them and learned how things
While Jake was a “lifer” (a four-year student), Ryan
While I wasn’t able to reach Al or Mary Spagnolo on
were done at Brewster before he arrived on campus.
didn’t arrive at Brewster until his junior year and
the North Shore of Massachusetts due to difficul-
David shared that “there was an interesting mix of
then it was somewhat reluctantly, as he wanted to
ties with my Bahamian phone, I did reach their son,
students: postgraduates attending to improve their
stay close to home and go to school with his friends.
Adam ‘00, and he explained how his sister, Alyssa
academic records to get into a better college, a few
There was no academic support for his learning dif-
‘04, had followed him to Brewster. “My experience at
athletes sitting out the year to improve their status
ferences in his first high school, however. According
Brewster was so positive that my parents decided to
to qualify for college, and traditional students. As it
to Ginny, at Brewster Ryan loved the lake, enjoyed all
take Alyssa out of the public high school as a sopho-
was the 1960s, I got swept up in the whole scene
the sports, and soon made lots of friends.
more to basically start over. I had visited other Lakes
and didn’t do well in [my first] high school so I at-
Region schools, but Brewster seemed like a better fit.
tended Brewster as a one-year PG student.”
While my father had designed the Wilson Center at
“My husband John and I loved coming to visit our boys at Brewster as everyone knew us and stopped
Brewster, and my great aunt Violet Wootton Arm-
The Stabiles
to talk with us. David and Shelia Smith [former
strong ‘31 and my grandmother Margaret Wootton
Ginny and John Stabile chose Brewster for sons Jake
headmaster and admissions officer, respectively]
Deetjen ‘33 attended Brewster in the early 1930s,
‘92 and Ryan ’00 after an educational consultant
were amazingly dedicated and understood our con-
the decision for me to attend was my own.”
recommended Brewster because of its academic support program. “Both Jake and Ryan had learning
Alyssa agreed with her brother, “After seeing
difficulties that could not be addressed by their local
the benefits that Adam had gained by attending
school,” Ginny explained. “What we learned about
Brewster as a PG, I didn’t look at any other schools.
Brewster sounded like – and proved to be – a perfect
I brought up the possibility of attending Brewster
fit. While we missed having Jake at home, we soon
with my parents and they agreed, so it was a mutual
felt the faculty and the dorm parents became family
decision. I do think that Brewster prepared me for
to us. We did consider other schools, but Jake not
studying in college and my ability to get the work
only liked Brewster’s program, but also loved the
done.”
fact the school was on a lake.”
The Kelley brothers: David ’66, Tom’67 (D’05), James’68
Adam’00 and Alyssa’04 Spagnolo
www.brewsteracademy.org
29
HOOPLA cerns. The Palmers [Lynne and TJ] were also wonder-
Campus Siblings
pecially when you are from the Midwest where going
ful, and Ryan enjoyed them as his dorm parents.”
None of the students I contacted mentioned any
to boarding school is far from the norm, the unique
downside to having their siblings attend Brewster
experience was something absolutely worth doing.”
Would they make the decision to send their sons
before, with, or after them. I had thought that
to Brewster if they had to do it all over again? “Yes,
possibly some might have felt that Brewster was
Jill continued to explain her perspective on finding
definitely, as they both learned so much, both aca-
“their school” and might not want to “share it,” but
the right match in a school. “I wanted to find the
demically as well as being on their own, living away
that was not the case. Nor were any worried about
right program and fit for me and it just turned out to
from home,” Ginny said.
following in their brother’s or sister’s footsteps or
be the same school that Jamie had attended. There
reputations.
was never any worry about following [in] his foot-
The Thurrells
steps, or feelings of either trepidation or advantage
The Thurrell brothers are perhaps unique as their
Jill Krumsick described her introduction to Brewster
in attending the same school. I assumed (and was
Brewster experience spanned three decades begin-
and also her feelings of following brother, Jamie. “I
proven correct in my assumption) that I would be
ning with Bob, who graduated in 1938, and followed
had met David Smith and Shelia Smith, and Carrie
judged on my own merit. I feel I was treated as Jill
by Philip ‘40, Roger ‘44, and Larry ‘54. The brothers
Ahlborn [former development officer], when they
and not as Jamie’s sister or as a Krumsick.”
lived in northeast Wolfeboro on Cotton Mountain
stayed at our house in Kansas when I was a fresh-
and traveled to town each morning by train. During
man, so I knew them before I visited BA. I looked at
Younger brother Jeff covered the “siblings overlap-
Larry’s time at Brewster there were 240 students but
five schools before I visited Brewster. I just had a
ping” concern I had had when I first started asking
only 40 were boarding students. Since Brewster was
good feeling visiting the school. The fact that I woke
questions. “I was the third Krumsick to attend
the only secondary school in the area at the time,
up to about 8 inches of perfect, pristine, gorgeous
Brewster. Jill was a senior at the time I arrived for
the town paid the tuition of local students to attend.
NH snow didn’t hurt either! Brewster had a good
my freshman year. When I first started it was a huge
program that was forward thinking and technologi-
blessing to have Jill there. … Since Jamie and Jill had
Roger recalled that he was just 13 in 1939 when
cally advanced and it felt personal. Having people
such success at Brewster, I didn’t look at any other
he went from a one-room schoolhouse with 16
who knew my family and where I was coming from
schools. By that time, also, mom and dad had ties to the school and were extremely confident with the results Brewster produced. It actually helped me a lot to be a ‘legacy kid,’ and it also helped being a larger-than-average freshman! When Jill took me around and introduced me, most of her classmates thought I was a PG. By having Jill at school with me, I was broken in much easier to the boarding school way of life. Jill was very well respected throughout the Brewster community, and some of the respect for her transferred to me.” Patrick Miller, who entered as a freshman when brother Doug was a junior, couldn’t agree more. “The best part of having a sibling at the same school
The Thurrell brothers, who spanned three decades as students at Brewster: Philip ’40 (D’05), Bob ’38 (D’07), Roger ’45, and Larry ’54
was having the loving support of a sibling. I always had someone to talk to while I was going through the tough transition into Brewster. I had never been
students and one teacher to Brewster with 140
made the transition feel seamless and feel safer, and
great at transitioning, so having a brother who had
students and many teachers. His two older brothers
those feelings did influence my decision.”
already gone through many of the same things I was going through was an advantage.”
“laid a solid background for me. Robert was the student, and Philip was popular and an athlete. So
Jamie added, “I absolutely wanted my brothers and
when elections were held, having the Thurrell name
sisters to attend Brewster. I wanted them to share
There were other advantages beyond having a sibling
helped to make me either treasurer or president.”
the experiences I was able to have. I think Brewster’s
to lean on during the sometimes difficult transition
He went on to say, “… what a wonderful time and a
progressive use of implementing technology into the
period, however. “First of all I had the guidance of my
wonderful school.”
curriculum took the education it provided to a whole
brother, and secondly the support and acceptance
new level. While it’s always hard to leave home, es-
of all his friends. The teachers also knew who I was
30
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2010
2010-11 Sibling Families = 1 family
This year, 36 siblings are sharing the Brewster experience.
Families with two or more children currently attending Brewster: 17
Families with at least one child attending Brewster and two or more others who have attended: 11
Families with at least one child attending Brewster, and at least another who has attended: 44 before I started so that was also great. Luckily Doug
also had his own voice and the confidence to listen
love BA is because his dorm parent called me in
had made a good impression on most of them. My
to it – my verbally condensed but otherwise huge
great distress about the situation, particularly both-
younger brother Charlie also enrolled at Brewster,
ambition for all my kids. My favorite story about BA,
ered by how he hadn’t understood earlier how much
and I was excited to do for him what Doug had done
and one I used to share with prospective parents, is
of a bully that roommate had been and for how
for me. I was very protective of him, and went out
how, at the beginning of his junior year, Mr. Palmer,
long. I admire him for owning the situation, openly
of my way on many occasions to make sure he was
his dorm parent then and for freshman year, asked
apologizing, and fixing it. When I asked what role
doing well – both academically and socially.”
how Doug’s sophomore year had gone.
Charlie had played, he said ‘None.’”
Serving All Siblings
‘Not well,’ I said. ‘He almost got kicked out.’
As the youngest sibling and just a preschooler when her oldest brother enrolled, Lizzy has probably made
The support of a sibling has its obvious advantages, however, can one school serve all siblings equally
‘We’ll help him turn himself around,’ Mr. Palmer said,
as many trips to Brewster as her brothers. According
well when siblings are innately different and possess
and he did. Douglas wanted to do well at this point.
to her parents, Lizzy was set on attending nearby day
individual strengths and weaknesses?
But other small schools would already have pigeon-
school Berwick Academy if she got in because her
holed him and impeded change. Instead, BA helped
best friend was enjoying her freshman year there. “I
“All of my children have strong senses of humor. In
him change, and, although still not working as hard
told her the final decision among the schools that
many other ways, however, Douglas, Patrick, Charlie,
as possible, he became a solid student and citizen.
accepted her would be entirely hers, but I insisted she visited others, both to get a better perspective
and Liz are quite different. One of the many aspects of BA I love and admire is how you try to see each
While Douglas and Charlie would try almost any new
on choice and because she might not get into her
individual fully – as he or she is and as he or she can
sport, finding it interesting and worrying not a jot
first choice,” explained Adele. “I told her that Douglas
become (PQ). Hence, my comfort level with four
about how well they’d learn and practice it, Patrick
and I had been worried about high school until he
different children going to the same place.”
would hang back and wonder whether he’d been
had his first interview – with Lynne Palmer. So I set
good enough. … Charlie’s ambitious and was inde-
up Liz’s first interview with Brewster, and it also was
Wick offered examples of how her children are
pendent enough to give campus tours even though
with Lynne. Again, she empowered me and mine.”
different:
he knew his brothers would rather be boiled in hot oil than be such good citizens.”
“Just as with Douglas, Liz went back to Revisit Day, assuming she’d just have fun but pick Berwick. On
“Douglas was probably the most interested in pushing boundaries. Although he called me about three
Adele mentioned a challenging roommate situation
the way home, she put her head between her legs.
times a day in his first months away from home, he
during Charlie’s freshman year. “Another reason I
‘What’s wrong?’ I asked.”
www.brewsteracademy.org
31
HOOPLA
Multiple Bobcats environment where they could enjoy each other’s successes and mile-
Within four months Brewster
stones while also supporting each other socially and academically,
parents Janet Taft and Renny
Mimi explained.
Merritt of Weston, Massachusetts, experienced two
She attributes her children’s successful experiences at Brewster to
exciting but emotional trips to
having each other to lean on. They not only shared in social activi-
the Brewster campus. In May,
ties but counted on each other for sharing strategies for class work
Taft and Merritt celebrated the
or homework assignments. “James liked having his sisters there for
graduation of three seniors,
three years,” Mimi said. And, a successful high school experience will
identical twin sons Breck and
prepare them well for success in college, she added. l
Riley and their “brother” Shane Wilmoth, an AfricanAmerican student who has lived with them since middle school. Just last month the parents were back on campus helping their second set of twins – Sawyer ’14 and Whit
Breck ’10 and Riley ’10 Merritt
’14 – move into their dorms. “Brewster is exceptional in accommodating a broad range of academic strengths and needs,” Taft shared of her and Merritt’s decision to select Brewster for all five of their sons. “Each of our boys has benefited from the school in different ways. There is a wonderful breadth of activities, sports, music, leadership opportunities, and academic support. “Smaller class size and energetic involvement by teachers are conducive for students to feel very engaged and an integral part of the school community,” Taft added. Although the freshmen twins received multiple acceptances to second-
Sawyer Merritt ’14, Janet Taft, Renny Merritt, and Whit Merritt ’14 at Orientation.
ary schools, they immediately decided on Brewster, Taft said. “Our three older boys met with so much success that it was evident to Whit and Sawyer that their brothers had had a phenomenally good experience.” The Tambones of Wenham, Massachusetts, count a similar experience. Mimi and Robert Tambone proudly watched their son James receive his Brewster diploma in May and like Taft and Merritt they too were back on campus last month dropping off identical twin daughters Linsey and Tori for their senior year. Initially it was more comforting for her and Bob to keep the kids together for their high school years than to separate them, Mimi shared. “The kids reaped the awards in the end … and they wouldn’t change a thing,” she said. Knowing that they would attend different colleges after high school, we wanted them to spend their high school years together in an
32
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2010
Tori ’11, Mimi, James’10, Robert, and Linsey ’11 Tambone
offered a similar perspective to that of the Millers.
“I have to say Brewster did an excellent job prepar-
“Brewster established core values and disciplines,
ing me for college,” Patrick Miller said. “I went to a
“That night, she picked Brewster. Again she cried, this
which I have carried with me until today, and they
large university, where skipping class was the norm.
time saying, ‘I’m going to miss you.’
enabled me to have a successful working career and
The citizenship/ JBS program at BA trained me to
great satisfaction in personal life.”
go to class and do my homework. So although I
‘I don’t know which school I’m going to pick,’ she cried.
found myself studying less than some close friends,
“Boarding is one of the aspects of Brewster she likes best. After 11 years at small Cornerstone School, she
Jim Kelley added “When one gets out of prep school,
my grades were great, and I owe this to the work
was hungry for lots of time with lots of friends.”
they’re relieved to be out and to move on, but as the
ethic that BA gave me. I now live by the Woody
years pass, most realize how much their experiences
Allen quote, ‘Half of life is just showing up.’ Brewster
The Brewster Experience Continues
at Brewster helped them handle themselves and
trained me to show up – and look good. In my career
Now that most of these students are out of college,
their work in their everyday lives.”
of real estate it is very important to show up, I am always early.”
I was interested to learn how they felt Brewster had served them, both in preparation for college and be-
Adam Spagnolo summed up his Brewster career
yond. I was also curious if knowing what they know
with, “After just one semester at Brewster, my grades
now, they would choose Brewster again. All of the
improved so much that I was accepted to all my col-
students whom I contacted said they would gladly
leges, eight for eight!” Adam realized the importance
re-attend Brewster.
of his PG year from the start. “I basically locked myself in my room and studied. While I can honestly
The students’ parents were equally supportive, with
say that I didn’t enjoy being a PG student (while my
Kathy Krumsick saying “Absolutely, we would have
girlfriend was at the University of New Hampshire)
done it exactly the same way. I cried when my last
if I was able to do everything over, I’d absolutely
son graduated! And I still keep in touch with several
attend Brewster again.”
of the faculty. Hopefully we will have grandkids at Brewster some day!”
Larry Thurrell reflected back a half century, “the teaching staff was highly qualified and did a great
“One of the many aspects of BA I love and admire is how you try to see each individual fully – as he or she is and as he or she can become.” “Absolutely [they] would do it again, we have been very pleased with our children’s happiness and intellectual and personal progress while at Brewster Academy,” Rick Miller said. Wick echoed Miller’s response with a resounding “Yes, I’d recommend Brewster again. The over-arching reason is that I really admire as well as love my adult sons and see my daughter growing up to be a fine young woman and attribute a lot of who they are now to their year(s) at BA. Also, I am never prepared for how friendly the atmosphere you’ve created and maintained really is. … Even though the BA experience is not about me, this feeling of kindness and support and recognition buoys me and makes me feel good about my children’s experiences with you.” Although the Kelley brothers studied at Brewster
job. The staff also encouraged involvement in extracurricular activities. It is this involvement attitude that has carried me with satisfaction to my older years. The school and faculty did a fine job.” More than 50 years after Larry walked the corridors of the Ac, Jamie Krumsick had an almost similar reflection: “The only thing I wish I had done was to take more advantage of the weekend events and extracurricular activities the school offered. There were so many opportunities and wonderful adventures waiting for you. You just had to get involved and sign up.” Jill Krumsick was very involved in the Brewster community. She was a leader in her class and the student body president her senior year. She pointed out that as a student at Brewster “I learned to recognize my needs and my ability to satisfy those needs. I learned to be self-sufficient. I learned that the decisions I made and the actions I take define me – not my parents, not my brothers or sister. I was given the
“While it’s always hard to leave home, especially when you are from the Midwest where going to boarding school is far from the norm, the unique experience was something absolutely worth doing.” “If I could attend Brewster again, I would focus more on my grades. Not that I didn’t have respectable grades, but I know with a little extra effort I could have been at the top of my class. I would have loved to start college with the extra credits,” Patrick said. Although different paths led these siblings to the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, it’s clear that for these families the Brewster experience was one that they did not want to end on graduation day. Perhaps alumni and current parent Adele Wick spoke for all these “sibling families” when she said: “I’m also grateful that, having all attended BA, [my children] continue to build a similar vocabulary of experiences that will help keep them close as adults, young and old.”l Editor’s Note: We know there are many more sibling stories that we could not include in this article. If you have a sibling story you would like to share with the Brewster community, please share your story with us and, if we receive enough submissions, we will post them online. Send to: marcia_eldredge@brewsteracademy.org
confidence to take on more and more responsibility.”
more than 30 years before the Millers, David Kelley
www.brewsteracademy.org
33
Class Notes
Marion Gleason Peterson ’37 traveled from Scottsdale, Arizona, to attend Friday’s Reunion festivities in June.
Susie and Fred Howell ‘58 from Peoria, Arizona, visited Fred and Vivian (Tutt) Isaacson ‘58 in Wolfeboro.
1937
photos for seven years and would be grateful for any
Scott Mason writes: “I am living in Brunswick, New
Marion (Gleason) Peterson traveled from Scotts-
information on them. If you can help, please contact
York, and am a systems analyst at Albany Medical
dale, Arizona, to attend Friday’s Reunion festivities
the Alumni Office.
Center. My son Alex is a senior at the New England
in June. On her 91st birthday in July she shared her
Institute of Art and recently won a Best Nonfiction
fond memories of Brewster [see Recollections, on
1975
Film award for a documentary he produced on ice
right]. She adds, “I feel good about my Brewster
Alan Horwitz checked in with Matt Hoopes and
sculpting. My daughter Kelsey is finishing her sopho-
education. My solid background in English, French,
mentioned his recent marriage and his need to be in
more year at Merrimack College studying business
and Latin helped me through my life in many ways,
Paris for the honeymoon rather than at Brewster for
management and information technology. I think of
especially proofreading and editing my husband’s
Reunion. “After Brewster I went to Boston University,
all my Brewster friends often. Hope all is well with
books about World War II and the Korean conflict
entered Lord and Taylor’s executive-training program,
everyone!”
– he couldn’t have done them without me. I hope I
and then joined my family’s three-generation cloth-
can make it to another Reunion! The people in the
ing store, after which I opened my own store. I am
1985
Alumni Office were charming to talk with.”
now a custom clothier with the Tom James company.
Christopher Aeschliman writes, “I graduated from
My son just graduated from Northeastern University
Roanoke College in 1990 with a B.A. in sociology,
1953
with a civil engineering degree and my daughter just
moved back to New Hampshire in 1997, and I am
Marylinn (Bean) Tilton is looking for some long-lost
finished her freshman year in Boston College’s hon-
employed by the Hospital Corporation of America. I
photographs left behind at her 50th Reunion in
ors program. If I sound like a proud dad, I sure am!”
am engaged to Sue Stearns, a chiropractic technolo-
2003. They were in a brown envelope; two were of
gist, and we plan to be married in Portsmouth. I still
Rainbow Girls, two were of a nursing class gradu-
1978
ation at Huggins Hospital, and one was taken at
Andy Kohn lives in Hart’s Location, New Hampshire,
Brewster’s 1953 graduation on the front lawn of the
and has been the property manager of The Notch-
Lars Anderson is a pilot and former flight instructor.
Academic Building. She has been searching for the
land Inn for a decade.
“I married Michelle, we moved to Memphis, and I
34
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2010
play competitive tennis with USTA.”
Class Ring Returned to Owner After 55 Years
Recollections Experienced Alumni Recall Their Brewster Days
In August, Annual Fund Director Beth Hayes ’81 received a call from Thomas Obey Jr. of Wakefield, who had been using a metal detector on Brewster Beach. He had uncovered, in about six inches of sand, a 1956 Brewster class ring engraved with the initials JWR, and Obey was hoping that
In Recollections, Alumni Correspondent and for-
Brewster might be able to locate its owner. Hayes
mer faculty member Matt Hoopes shares memo-
looked up names from the Class of 1956 to see if
ries collected from alumni who attended Brewster
she could find one that matched those initials.
before 1965. We encourage these “experienced” alumni to share their stories with Hoopes for possible publication in this column. See page 27 for
“My first call was to Jim Rogers from Mirror Lake
Hoopes’ contact information.
and it was his,” Hayes said. “He lost it on the beach around 1955 – 55 years ago!”
Jim Rogers ’56 and wife Thea stand where his ring was found at Brewster Beach.
Marion (Gleason) Peterson ’37 Scottsdale, Arizona
Rogers drove to Wakefield that day to pick it up
his class ring, Rogers had given his girlfriend Thea
and was delighted that it still fit.
Bennett ‘60 (now his wife) the soccer ball on a
“I had the best of both worlds – I was a boarder
silver chain that he had earned, and she in turn
in the lovely and pleasant Estabrook House dur-
During the 1950s, it was customary for a senior
teased him that he had really given his ring to
ing the week but was able to go home to [nearby]
boy to give his class ring to his girlfriend if he
another girl, Rogers said. “After all these years I’m
Ossipee on the weekends to be with my family
intended to marry her after high school. Missing
finally exonerated,” he joked.
and friends.” A city girl originally, she “… loved living in the country, swimming in the summer
commuted to Houston for almost three years, flying
always enjoyed working with my hands, Beachmark
a 48-passenger prop plane for Continental Express. I
Construction Company was formed in 1996, and later
worked next for FedEx, first as a simulator instructor;
I merged with another company to form Carpenter
then as an engineer first on the 727 and then the
Beach Construction Company. In 2009 we formed a
DC10; and as a first officer (co-pilot) on the bigger
hardwood lumber business called Local Wood, spe-
MD-11. I’ve traveled all over the world. Michelle and
cializing in locally harvested and reclaimed lumber.”
I enjoy living outside of Memphis on two acres with our four cats and two dogs.”
Charles Bedford writes, “I attended The University of Denver where I met my first wife, Shannan – the
and skiing in the winter. I was jealous, however, of the students who were on campus during the winter weekends because they could ride their toboggans down the wooden ‘snow chute’ [see BrewsterConnections, Summer 2007, page 58] that ran from Brown Hall down to the lake.” Peterson enjoyed playing center on the field hockey team all four years along with Jane (Smith) Piltz of Utah, with whom she is still in contact, and the late Betty (Kirkland) Ferris, who drove from
Dorianne (Sands) Barr writes that she did not travel
mother of son Joshua who is now 14, a freshman
far from Brewster. “I have lived in East Kingston,
in high school, and a level-9 gymnast. Later I met
New Hampshire, for 17 years and visit Wolfeboro
Samantha, a wonderful South African/British woman,
every summer. My husband of 18 years and I have
and we married in March 2008. We have a son Wil-
four children, and I am pleased to report that two
liam, 1. My career has taken me from small to large
of them attend Brewster – Rebekah is a junior and
private companies and finally to the U.S. Depart-
“When I was 13 in 1939 I matriculated from a
Joshua is a sophomore. Daughter Tabitha is in sev-
ment of the Interior.”
one-room schoolhouse with 16 students and one
enth grade and Moriah is in fifth grade. My passion
Wolfeboro in her camper each year to visit. Roger Thurrell ‘43 Conway, New Hampshire
teacher to Brewster Free Academy with over 140
for lifelong learning began at Brewster and my hope
John Bolling graduated from Hope College in 1990
students. As a freshman I was not allowed to eat
is that our children will take advantage of all the op-
and began an 11-year career in the banking industry.
lunch in one of the three cars parked out back
portunities available to them. I completed my Ph.D.
“My wife Lindy and I have been blessed with son
of the school building …. I could, however, walk
in organizational psychology in early 2010.”
Trey, 7, and daughter Olivia, 3. We moved to Princ-
down to the Town Diner and get beef stew for
eton, New Jersey, to start a construction company
35 cents.” … With no school transport to away
Charles P. Beach graduated from West Virginia Uni-
(Synergy Remodeling) in 2004, being fond of the
sports games he recalled, “[My brother] Philip
versity with a B.A. in history and a minor in political
East Coast and feeling the need to be entrepreneurs.
’40 and Dick Pascoe ’40 would load up their
science and geography. “After three years out West,
We enjoy annual ski trips to Montana, frequent trips
cars with players and see who could get to the
I moved back to my home state of Virginia, married
to New York City, and I will return to Michigan this
other high school first. A hazardous experience
my wife Mariena, and we had two children. As I
summer to sail in the Queen’s Cup.”
for many!”
www.brewsteracademy.org
35
Class Notes Andrew “Sandy” Bonsal has owned Bonsal Construction for six years and works with a customhomebuilding contractor. Sandy and wife Pat – his company’s bookkeeper – have been married for 16 years. Even in this economy, Sandy says his services are in great demand in the Augusta, North Carolina, area. He has a son Jonathan, 23, by a previous marriage; two stepdaughters, and two grandchildren they see daily. Jonathan Clark writes, “Not a day goes by that I don’t think about Brewster and the wonderful four years I spent there that left an indelible mark on me – lifelong friendships and a way of learning that I don’t believe I could have received anywhere else. I keep in touch with John Bolling and Fabian Minors. I graduated from Denison in 1989, moved back to Connecticut, and began a career in information
Charles Bedford ‘85, Sheila Smith, Fawzia Mohamed ‘85, David Smith, and Lynda (Aranosian) Ramos ’85 at the Class of 1985 Reception during Reunion Weekend. About 20 classmates returned to celebrate their 25th Reunion.
technology at CompUSA where I struck up a longdistance relationship with a fellow-worker. I moved
beach. She also likes to play basketball and softball;
at a residential school for boys, and then worked for
to Dallas and in 2002 I married the woman – Amy –
biking, hiking, and camping; and running road races
the Peace Corps in Quito, Ecuador. He has continued
who made me move those 3,000 miles. I got involved
and triathlons. Her most enjoyable Brewster memo-
to work with youth, teaching in various southern
with software sales at McAfee and have stayed in the
ries include friendships, and going 16-0 – winning
schools and combining his passion for teaching and
software industry. Amy and I have three beautiful kids
the prep school basketball championship.
music. He toured the Southeast with his ensemble the “Jon Dunn Project,” releasing 12 independent
– Taylor, 6, Ethan, 3, and Jordan, 2.” Desmond Dawson lives in Mooresville, North
recordings along the way. Jon is now back in New
Joel Coffman and wife Karen just celebrated their
Carolina, with wife Kristina and three children – Kara,
England studying composition at the New England
20th wedding anniversary. “Our oldest daughter is
8, Kaley, 6, and Dylan, 1-1/2. “We spend a lot of
Conservatory.
a sophomore at Northeastern University where she
time traveling, and when I’m off on my own, I’m fly
made the dean’s list. Chelsey, our middle child, is a se-
fishing or paddling my kayak. I still play quite a lot of
Darin Eliscu writes, “Since Brewster, I finished col-
nior in high school and wants to be an English teacher;
golf and also hike and motorbike often. I still think
lege, served in Desert Storm, and then worked in the
and our son Tyler has just started high school.”
back on my Brewster days fondly ... it was absolutely
media business in L.A. I found a niche and started a
one of the best times of my life.”
business – handling all aspects of logistics for hotels. Wife Kelly and I have three children ages 10, 10, and
Loriel (McKinney) Cook writes that she met husband Jeff when he was her riding instructor.
Elizabeth (Engstrand) DeGennaro has been living
12. I spend most of my free time running around
“We have three children – Ryan, 11, and twins Ellie
on Long Island since “the dawn of time,” married
with my family from sporting event to sporting
and Mia, 9. I am a stay-at-home mom who also
to husband Bill for 17 years, and has two daugh-
event (cheerleading, baseball, football, basketball,
takes care of my husband’s show horses and all the
ters: Emma, 11, and Katherine, 8. “Bill and I worked
volleyball) and love it.”
‘critters’ we have around the ranch. We moved from
together for years in the antiques business, which in
New Jersey to central Oregon six years ago and both
the last decade transformed into a mostly modern-
Rachel (Cook) Flanagan writes, “25 years ... wow! I
love the quality of life here – and also wanted to be
furniture and art business. It’s been a great run and
am living in Needham, Massachusetts, with husband
closer to Jeff’s parents.”
has afforded us much flexibility in our schedules
Jim and twin boys Charlie and Jack. After graduat-
while we’ve raised the kids and renovated two old
ing from Simmons College with a business degree,
Julie (Dabrowski) Cusson was a college basketball
homes. Now I am getting a master’s in childhood
I worked for a bit before earning my master’s in
coach for 14 years and is now a stay-at-home mom.
education and literacy. I love being a student – and
elementary education from Boston University, fol-
She and husband Leo have two children – Samuel, 9,
look forward to a new career.”
lowed by teaching fourth and sixth grades outside Boston for more than five years, then working for
and Zachary, 6. Julie enjoys spending time with her family, reading, traveling the country to visit family
Jonathan Dunnicliff graduated from Boston College
two K-12 software publishers for the next 10 years
and friends, and going to the mountains and the
in 1991, spent time in the business world, worked
or so. My boys have been keeping me busy for the
36
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2010
Joshua, 14, and William, 1, children of Charles Bedford ’85
Richard Rosen’85 amd wife Susan enjoyed the Brewster waterfront during Reunion Weekend.
past three and a half years, but I am anxious to
tional team as a lightweight. I returned to Colorado,
but my paycheck comes from network engineering.
pursue my passion for interior design in some sort of
started farming and ranching, got married, had two
My experience at Brewster was a life-changing event
professional capacity – lots of ideas, we’ll see!”
kids, and got divorced. Now I raise cattle and coach
and I realize now, 25 years later, how fortunate I was
volleyball and baseball.”
to have such a wonderful education.”
and two children: Lillie, 3, and Glen, 20 months. “I
Michael Hope earned a B.S. in finance at the Uni-
Doug (Rothstein) Kasle went to Syracuse Univer-
worked for many years for my family’s business on
versity of Southern California and then pursued an
sity and earned a B.A. in English. He then headed to
the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Since
M.B.A. in finance. “My professional career started at
the San Francisco Bay area where he has lived for
I was always interested in technology, in 1997 I
Merrill Lynch as a financial consultant. My brother
20 years. Working in social services for families and
founded Future Communications, a technology-
David ’83 and I then developed a financial services
children, Doug worked his way through school while
integration company specializing in interactive-video
firm focused on corporate retirement plans. Times
earning a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. He is devoted
technologies. In 2000 we launched Virtual Doorman.
were great, but the highlight was meeting my future
to yoga, helping children, and enjoying the natural
I still ski and sail, and I spend winters in Vermont
wife Paulette at a street party in San Francisco – we
world.
with my family.”
were married in 1997 and had son Turner in 1998
Colin Foster lives in New York City with wife Cristine
and son Dillon in 1999. We loved San Francisco,
Judy (Fay) Kollmorgen writes, “After graduating
Rachael Garfield is a chronic pain/sports medicine
but for quality-of-life reasons we made the move
from Brewster, I earned a B.A. in English literature
therapist and lives in Raleigh-Durham, North Caro-
to Littleton, Colorado, in late 1999. Nowadays, we
from Sacred Heart University. I started classes
lina. She has two children: Charlotte, 11, and Julia,
spend our time skiing and enjoying the mountains,
toward my master’s in social work, but got derailed
7. Her favorite Brewster memory: hanging out on
youth baseball, and Boy Scouts.”
when I re-met Matt Kollmorgen ’84 and fell in love.
Brewster Beach and Kimball dorm!
We were married in 1993 and have four children: Michael Jordan lives in Newmarket, New Hampshire,
Sam, Anne, Harrison, and Lily. We have lived in Con-
Rick and Judi (Baldwin) Gleason live in Concord,
with his family – wife Michelle, Savannah, 2½, and
necticut, Massachusetts, and are now in Bedford,
New Hampshire. “We have two kids – Ryan, a sopho-
Dylan, 6½. “I work as a senior IT engineer. I am Mi-
New Hampshire. In rare pockets of time that life
more in high school; and Kaitlyn, our fourth-grader.
crosoft-certified, but my first degree was in art ap-
sometimes offers, I have found an array of jobs –
I’m still teaching middle school in Pembroke, and
preciation from Massachusetts College of Art. From
from director of development for a local educational
Judi is a nurse at Concord Pediatrics.”
there I reached out into the culinary world – I was
farm to working as a personal fitness trainer.”
educated in classic French cuisine, but somehow was Eric Hanson graduated from Pacific Lutheran Univer-
drawn to classic Asian cuisine. I worked as an execu-
Elizabeth (Holt) Kosloff is in sales and marketing.
sity with a physical education degree. “I continued
tive chef up and down the East Coast from Miami to
She and husband Sandy are owners of Mobiweb and
rowing after college – and got on a one-man na-
Boston for 12 years. My passion lies in the kitchen,
are awaiting patents for this mobile platform for
www.brewsteracademy.org
37
Class Notes cell phones. They have two children: Kayla, 14, and
married for 13 years, and we have a son Noah, 10.
Jason, 9.
Last November I traveled to a rain forest in Ecuador for two weeks, studying the Archuar tribe and their
Stefan Mandanis writes, “I met Melodie while living
culture and the importance of maintaining the rain
in San Francisco. In 2000 we had our first daugh-
forests.”
ter, Madeline, and in 2002 we moved to Ashburn, Virginia. Three years later we adopted beautiful
Mark Nachman writes, “After the University of
Isabella (“Bella”) as an infant. In 2007 I took on a
Maine, my two dogs and I headed west. In Fort
new position as director of sales at KST Data, and
Collins, Colorado, I met Julia and landed a job with
we adopted a 7-year-old boy, Tam, from Ethiopia to
Verizon Wireless. We have moved many times with
round out the family. When I’m not working or with
the company and are now living in Chicago. We have
family, I compete in about three adventure sail races
three kids – Ava, 10, Alec, 8, and Carson, 4. I speak
each year.”
with Tom Spaulding almost every week. We took our families on vacation together not too long ago
Mercy (Reed) Marchuk has been married nearly 15
in the Caymans and hoped to meet up this summer
years to husband Vadim, whom she met in the Ural
in Maine.”
Mountains while living in Russia from 1991 to 1995. “We moved back to New England and settled in
Hank Nusloch writes, “Things here in New Orleans
Dover, New Hampshire, in 2001 after our twins An-
are going well. My days are filled with grading papers
astasia and Nicholas were born. I have worked for an
and taking Mary, 8, and Caroline, 6, to soccer prac-
adoption agency for nearly 20 years, facilitating U.S.
tices and games. I am head of the English depart-
adoptions of children from Russian and Kazakhstan
ment at De La Salle High School.”
Children of Judy (Fay ’85) and Matt Kollmorgen ’84: (back) Sam and Anne; (front) Harrison and Lily. period of my life – looking out on the ocean and listening to reggae music – great memories.”
orphanages. Today, as Russia contemplates barring future U.S. adoptions from Russia, I am contemplat-
Erika (Smith) Peterson is living in Greensboro,
ing what to do with the next phase of my life.”
North Carolina, where she attended the University
Lynda (Aranosian) Ramos and daughter Emily, 13,
of North Carolina and graduated with a B.A. in
live on a farm in Concord, New Hampshire, with lots
John McDonough has been running Rugged Bear
English. “I have been married for 16 years and have
of animals. “I am engaged to be married. I work for
children’s retail stores for the past 20 years. ”Not
four wonderful children aged 22, 17, 13, and 12, and
the Center for Integrative Medicine in the field of
terribly exciting, but I am living in Boston and still
one grandchild, 5. I work as an operations officer for
massage therapy and recently got my certification
sailing on the weekends.” At the time he wrote, his
Branch Banking and Trust and I love it. For the past
for neuromuscular therapy. I also work at Concord
wife was pregnant and they had a one-year-old son.
two years my husband has been director of evange-
Hospital’s Payson Cancer Center where I help people
lism at our church, and I assist in heading the drama
through cancer treatments.”
Fawzia Mohamed writes, “I am grateful for the
department and organizing the urban revivals each
many wonderful friends and memories which still
summer. I get home to Bermuda whenever I can.”
Allyson Ricci lives on Cape Cod and sells real estate for ERA. “I’ve never married, but I have a niece, 9, and
grace my life today as a result of my experiences
nephew, 5, both of whom I love as my own.”
at Brewster. In 2007 I returned to school to get yet
Amy (Walsh) Plamondon is living in Ayer, Mass-
another credential in TESL and a second degree in
achusetts, with husband Steve, son Ben, 11, and
linguistics. Currently I am teaching foreign students
daughter Riley, 8. “I pursued early childhood educa-
Mike Roche worked at Kaplan Financial for seven
in the graduate program at UCLA. It’s been über-
tion and taught for many years before having my
years and was recently recruited to head corporate
challenging but unbelievably rewarding. In April 2010
own kids. Now that my kids are more self-sufficient,
finance sales for a small company in Seattle. “We
I was officially recognized in my first UCLA publica-
I have been working for a landscape-design com-
provide a great training platform for delivering
tion as a contributor to one of the texts we use in
pany, which I love! Combining the two fields, I have
content at www.LearnLive.com. I’m engaged to be
our program.”
initiated a schoolyard-garden program at the kids’
married in Newport, Rhode Island, in November. I
school where we have working vegetable and flower
live in Boston and still play sports.”
Holly Moulton-Whall lives in West Palm Beach,
gardens, composting, and rainwater harvesting. It
Florida, and writes, ”I have finally figured out how
does take a lot of time and effort, but it’s important
Rich Rosen graduated from the University of the
to marry my passion for horses with my love of psy-
to introduce sustainability to the next generation!
Arts in Philadelphia with a B.S. in industrial design.
chotherapy and am starting to work as an equine-
I look back at my two trips to the Bahamas with
“I’ve been married to Susan for 12 years, and we
assisted psychotherapist. Tony and I have been
classmates and Hoopes as two of the best in that
have two wonderful children – Robin, 7, and Cooper,
38
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2010
The Class of 1985 (and a few friends) outside the Pinckney Boathouse during Reunion Weekend.
5, – and a curly-coated retriever, Betsy, 9. I started
Michael A. Stein wrote, “I’m still living in sunny
adopt.com.Anyone interested in a peek into the Tep-
a furniture company in Philadelphia and ran the
Miami after four glorious years at Skidmore College.
per household need only log on. Anna’s blog, in fact,
business successfully for 12 years but eventually
Got married – and quickly divorced – in 1999 but
took us to New York City in August, thus nullifying
sold the business to change careers – I couldn’t
still managed to have two wonderful children – Josh,
any hope I had for joining my classmates at Reunion.
see myself breathing in wood dust my whole life.
14, and Rachel, 12. Giving marriage another try, this
I continue to look back at my year at Brewster as
I have been an environmental, health, and safety
time in Brazil – what a great country and culture.
one of the best and most important of my life. As
professional for eight years, working for several
My Portuguese is not yet perfect, but I can mix a
my son is so fond of saying, you are all ‘in my heart’
different manufacturers in the southern New Jersey
great caipirinha. Professionally, I am the founder and
– and will be forever more.“
area. I have recently returned to school to earn my
managing principal of a real estate finance company,
master’s in environmental studies at the University
Pensam Capital. (Pensam means “we think” in Portu-
Stephanie (MacDougall) Thoman writes, “College,
of Pennsylvania. My hobbies include woodworking –
guese.) Still playing a lot of tennis!
grad school, consulting for KPMG, marriage, and children. The American dream? I live in Louisville, Ken-
now that I don’t have to do it for a living! – and pet therapy – Betsy is a certified therapy dog. I take her
David Swartz writes, “I have been recovering from
tucky, have been married to Doug for 15 years, and
to children’s hospitals in the area to help decrease
major spine surgery – rough at first, but better than
we have two girls: Lindsay, 13, and Marisa, 10. I am
the children’s stress and anxiety about illnesses and
ever now. I graduated from the University of Mary-
an avid tennis player and over the past 10 years have
injuries.”
land Business School and then got married in 1992. I
been dabbling in real estate and really enjoying it.”
have been a full-time realtor in Maryland and PennTom Spaulding wrote that he continued playing soc-
sylvania for seven years and enjoy it very much. Wife
Andy Weiner attended Suffolk University and
cer when he went to college and earned his business
Ayda and I have two boys – Bradley, 11, and William,
Merrimack College and writes, “My passion has
administration degree. “I married in 1993 and have
6. We enjoy mountain biking, music, and backpack-
always been technology and I’ve been working in the
three awesome kids – Ann, 12, Emily, 9, and Brendan,
ing with our two dogs as often as possible.”
industry in either sales or on the inside since 1990. I have also started a rewarding part-time career as a
7. My wife is from Ireland and luckily we have been able to travel there often over the years. Just in the
Nick Tepper writes, “I am happily married to Anna
technical writer, focusing on the Internet and tech-
past year, because of the economy, I got out of the
and have a son Nathan, 3. We live a sedate life in
nology, especially emerging technology. I am also a
homebuilding business that I’d been in for 15 years
South Pasadena, California. I have been running my
freelance writer/reviewer at examiner.com where I
and started a job in sales with Comcast – we shall
own little law office for 17 years, and Anna, after
head up the Internet and technology reviews. I’ve
see.”
graduating from Stanford and earning her Ph.D., is
been married to wife Marcia for 10 happy years, and
now the author of a very successful mommyblog –
we have a daughter Rachel, 7, and a dog Gizmo.”
www.brewsteracademy.org
39
Class Notes Dan Wezniak writes, “Following four great years at Brewster, I majored in industrial design at the University of Bridgeport, and later received my degree in architecture from the Boston Architectural College. In 1986 I started to work in construction in Connecticut and for the next 14 years I pursued a variety of jobs, giving myself a multi-faceted experience. In 2003, I established Silver Street Architects LLC in Northborough, Massachusetts, and we provide personal architectural services for both homeowners and business owners.”
1987 Cara Douglass-Graff writes from Scituate, Massachusetts, “I now have two kids: Race, 7, and Bryn, 4 – and a dog, Bodie, 5. Still married to Chris and we’re going on 15 years so I feel very old. I wish I could spend more of my time sailing, swimming, and skiing, but I’m working full-time for Cengage Learning as a managing media editor for the English, college success, and communications courses. We spend summer weekends sailing our NY40 Quickening and winters skiing at Loon Mountain.”
Cruise With the Class of 1954 The Class of 1954 is at it again. A number of
wine) are included and feature regional special-
classmates are shipping out for a 15-day Grand
ties. Rates per person vary depending on specific
European Tour with Viking River Cruises in October
booking details. The more people who sign up, the
2011, and alumni and friends are invited to join
better the rates!
them! The journey begins in Amsterdam and ends in Budapest, traveling down the Rhine and Danube rivers – 13 guided tours through five countries. Enjoy Old World highlights such as glassblowing, Bavarian folklore, and cheese and jenever tasting. The cultural curriculum includes the Dutch
Anton Rainold checked in with his usual brief comments: “The family and I are well. My 2½-year-oldson AJ is a blast, a chip off the old block! I’m putting
Masters, German language lessons, the European Union, great canals and locks, and the life and works of Mozart. All meals (with complimentary
For more information, contact: David Carlson ‘54 at 603-744-6763 or dave@carlsoninvest.com, or Monie Zarinsky ’54 at 603-569-1465 or mzarinsky@gmail.com Cruise details are available at: www.vikingrivercruises.com/ (select Grand European Tour 2011)
on a huge snowkite event this year called the Dillon Snowkite Open. There will be fleet racing as well as a
and working in Fiji and New Zealand earlier in the
Systems-analyst (GIS) position for the USDA-Natural
long-distance race. I believe this will be the premier
year.
Resources Conservation Service, and my recent move to Raleigh has afforded me greater responsibilities
event of its kind. It’ll be three days of pure speed and
1990
racing.”
with the agency as the regional GIS analyst.”
Chad Ferguson writes, “My wife and I moved to
1988
Raleigh just a month after our beautiful daughter
Jeff Nelson admits that the 60+ postcards from
Megan (Scully) Orlandi still lives in Charlotte, North
Ada Marie was born.” For the past 20 years, Chad
Hoopes finally prompted him to write. “I’ve been
Carolina, and writes, “While I’m busy as a stay-
has bounced around the West skiing, snowboarding,
doing well. I live in San Francisco and really enjoy the
at-home mom (Abe, 6, and Ginger, 3), I’m always
earning degrees, and working throughout Colorado
area (surfing a lot at Ocean Beach, hiking around Mt.
dreaming about my next adventures – going back to
and New Mexico. “I earned a bachelor’s in soil sci-
Tamalpais, enjoying all the fine restaurants, Golden
work someday, traveling, seeing old friends, etc.”
ence at Montana State University and then worked
Gate Park, skiing at Lake Tahoe, and have been to
as a soil scientist for the U.S. Department of Agricul-
Yosemite quite a few times.) I just ran the infamous
1989
ture (USDA) making land use interpretation maps in
Bay to Breakers 10K road race – just like Mardi Gras
Stacy Hager Champagne writes that she and her
Colorado and New Mexico. In the off-season I was
with about 60,000 people!”
husband just bought a scuba-diving shop in Islamo-
part of the Westwide Snow Survey and painstakingly
rada in the Florida Keys. They are very excited about
rode snowmobiles, snow-shoed, or skied to measure
Maurice Perkins moved to Washington, D.C., after
the purchase, and Stacy and her children can’t wait
the snow pack and forecast reservoir storage and
graduating with a master’s from Columbia Univer-
to move from New Hampshire to join her husband.
irrigation schedules for agricultural producers. I
sity. “I worked on Capital Hill on the Senate Foreign
earned a master’s in geographic information sci-
Relations Committee, and for the past year I was a
Kit Van Wagner, marine educator at the Narragan-
ences in 2006 from the University of New Mexico,
lobbyist for the financial services industry (insur-
sett Bay Research Reserve, spent six weeks traveling
transitioned into the state Geographic Information
ance). After 18 months of working on the Dodd-
40
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2010
Whether it’s a job change, a promotion, a marriage, a new baby, a book you wrote, or any other news (and/or a photo) you’d like to share with your classmates, let us know, and we’ll do our best to include it in the next BrewsterConnections, and online. Send your news to: Office of Alumni Brewster Academy 80 Academy Drive Wolfeboro, NH 03894 or e-mail us at: alumninews@brewsteracademy.org
Former faculty member Terri Moyer visited Akari Miki ’92 and daughter Ume while Moyer was in Tokyo recently.
Henry Lee, son of Whitney Lee ’93 and wife Courtney, and brother of Sylvia, was born in February.
Frank financial regulatory reform legislation, I am
still a registered nurse in the emergency room
Erica (Cohen) Lewy writes: “I live in Jamaica Plain,
looking forward to a rest and the chance to catch
at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC)
Massachusetts, and work as a senior web designer
up with correspondence. My family is still in Miami,
where she works with husband Mike, a certified
and developer at Northeastern University. My
though wife Jessie and I live in a great house just off
registered nurse anesthetist. In 2009, they bought a
husband Michael and I have a wonderful two-year-
Rock Creek Park in northwest D.C. I still stay in close
log house in Sunapee, New Hampshire, with several
old, Hazel, who keeps us in stitches. We have an Etsy
touch with Ian Belton and David Putzek.”
areas of blackberries and raspberries. Hilary is now
shop at www.etsy.com/shop/liasynthis and I keep a
a grandmother – eldest son Zach and his wife just
blog at http://liasynthis.blogspot.com/.”
1991 Reunion!
had a daughter. “Son Chris is serving on a religious
John Burfeind lives in North Carolina with wife
mission in Oregon, son Treavor joined the Utah
1993
Cristine and children Ryan, 1, and Evan, 4. “Things are
National Guard and loves it, daughter Skyler, 14, is a
Kelly (Woods) Robben and husband Lance have
great! I work for the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office
straight-A student who loves basketball and soccer,
been living in the Kansas City area since graduating
and my patrol is mainly in the area where I live so I
and son Zylis, 8, is the family hunter and fisherman.”
from college in 1997 and moving from Arizona. They have two children: Grant, 8, and Natalie, 6. “I recently
love it. It’s a great department with excellent leaderAndrew Weill, wife Trish, and their bull mastiff
scaled back my 60+ hour weeks as a banking consul-
Choffi live in Manchester, Vermont, where Andrew
tant – helping in the areas of regulatory compliance
Scott Curtis hasn’t been back to Brewster since
is “… an artist surviving in an awful economy ... I’m
and credit risk – to a part-time contract job doing
graduation but has seen pictures of all the changes.
pretty happy.” View his work at www.manchester-
the same things and am enjoying spending more
He’s still in touch with Hank Whiton and wife Josie
hotglass.com.
time with my family.”
Brandon and Josh. After Colby-Sawyer College, Scott
1992
1994
went to work for EMC Corporation and has been
Augusta (Anderson) Farnum wrote to tell class-
Jessica Kirshenbaum writes: “I’ve been continu-
there ever since.
mates “Life is great! I have three children: Clemen-
ing to do well down here in the Sunshine State! A
tine Louise, 8, Henry Francis, 10, and stepdaughter
major highlight for me has been swimming two
Lee Edwards was married in July 2009 at Brewster’s
Grace, 14, who lives with her mother. I have a flower
hours a day with my masters swim team despite
Pinckney Boathouse. He still lives in Los Angeles and
business where I create installations for winer-
the lupus diagnosis I received three years ago. And, if
is working for the pre-press company DGS Centers
ies and restaurants here in the Walla Walla valley
everything continues to go well with my health I’m
and also with Universal Music Group. Lee and his
[Washington]. I took over an old art program when
going to head over to the Middle East for the month
wife moved into their first house in December 2009.
local schools dropped theirs and turned it into a
of October to do a little exploring! My parents and I
raging volunteer-run nourishment for all, involv-
have rented a home in Charleston for the month of
Lisa (Kelley) Haigh lives in Alpharetta, Georgia, with
ing a Karma-based agenda. I have eight schools with
December to ‘try it out.’ If you’re in the Charleston
husband Adam and children Ryan, 6, Andrew, 4, and
3,060 students using our program with the aid of
area then, give me a shout. I’ve been having a great
Abby, 6 months. She writes that Facebook has helped
many, many volunteers. My husband Dylan makes
time reconnecting with many of my old friends from
her reconnect with many Brewster alumni.
art for artists all over the world. You can see that I’ve
Brewster via Facebook!”
ship and great officers.”
(Tyler) ’92. Scott is married and has two young boys,
not strayed far from what I love – the visuals and Hilary (Sherman) Hawkins writes that she is
expression!”
www.brewsteracademy.org
41
Class Notes Mystery Photo:
Who are these women? And what was the occasion?
Kyle Charles, son of Courtney (Hoffman) Tsiaras ’99.
Andreas Ninios is still living in Virginia and working as a conference coordinator for a government
The first alumnus/a who correctly reveals the identities and the event in this photo wins a $25 gift certificate to the Campus Store (on campus or online) – not to mention the awed respect of all who read BrewsterConnections. E-mail Peggy at peggy_comeau@brewsteracademy.org with your guess.
contractor in Maryland. He has just been nominated for a position in the Peace Corps and if all goes as planned he’ll be leaving for a French-speaking WestAfrican country in March 2011. He is still volunteer-
It was a tie! Congratulations to Lisa (Olympio) Guthrie ’75 and Marshall Berry ’78 for correctly identifying the most 1975-76 “stylin’ faculty” in the photo that appeared in the spring 2010 issue.
ing in his community and is mentoring a little boy
The correct names were: Front row, l-r: John S. Chappell, David Dubowic, Walter Hertz, Peter Friend, Fred Djang; Middle row: Rev. Harry Widman, William Morrison, Richard Grosvenor, Thank you to Harrison Moore ’46 and Elizabeth Sanders, David M. Smith, Robert Bob and Shirley Richardson for originally identifying the faculty for us. R. Richardson; Back row: Edward F. Hooper, Gary Waldron, Charles Esty, Lionel Laguardia, Stephen McLoy, David Golden
where he has a house on 35 acres looking out on
This photo elicited a number of responses, and we enjoyed reading the comments that acccompanied the entries: “Harry Widman, history teacher extraordinaire, who showed his humorous side by giving five points to the student who answered the question ‘Who were the Rough Riders?’ with ‘Guys with saddle sores.’ ... Gary Waldon, whose classes in 19th-century English were always a carnival of delights and opposing ideas ... Chuck Esty, who taught geometry well ... Walter Hertz, French teacher: During my travels in France everyone there asked me if I was of German origin – thanks, Mr. H. ... John Laguardia, Spanish teacher with a quiet humor and a love of students ... Mr. McLoy led our basketball teams to some of the most exciting games played by Brewster and the reason why I still love watching high school ball ... Bob Richardson, with an ear for listening – and history came alive in his classes ... Mr. Djang, who moved so fast one could hardly see him.” ~ Tracy Hooper ’77
42
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2010
through Big Brothers Big Sisters. He is also running marathons and staying as fit as possible. Christian Stoner has moved to western Colorado
“Harry Widman, great guy ...Bob Richardson, nice family! ... I’ll never forget English with Peter Friend ... and last but not least, my tennis coach and the man who helped me master algebra after three years, Mr. Djang. My best to all at Brewster.” ~ Robert Spano ’77 “Thank you for bringing back some memories,” wrote Janet Yarbrough-Moody ’79 (who deserves honorable mention for including the subjects that most of the faculty members taught, along with the sports they coached.) “Hey – do we get extra credit for knowing the names of faculty members’ dogs?” Katie Viemeister ’79 asked. “Walter Hertz’s dog was named Schultz, the Estys had a beagle named Gypsy, Hoopes had a husky named Molson, the Duprees had a husky named Shaska, Andy Wooden had a brown and white springer spaniel named Jib. Thanks for the memories.”
12,000-foot mountain peaks in what is referred to as the “high desert.” He still has his landscape construction business that he started in Pennsylvania, but says that he has “… started doing more commercial work over the past few years. My daughter Ella just turned 3.”
1996 Reunion! Alison (Michaud) Laszewski and husband Matt welcomed their first child in May 2009, and Ronin made his first pilgrimage to Brewster last summer. Alison is self-employed and loving it. Her flexible schedule allows her to be both mom and physical therapist, providing hippotherapy services to adults and children. Kris (Anderson) McCrory, who was married in July, writes that she graduated from medical school in 2009 and is a family-practice resident in Albany, New York.
Kris Anderson ’96 was married on July 3 to Drew McCrory in Hyde Park, Vermont. On the bride’s right is Susan (Rakich) Rizzo ’97 with husband Jim and on the groom’s left, Brenda (Noiseux) Green ’96 with husband Bob. Matt Piercey, wife Kelly, and their three girls, Elle,
advanced strength training and conditioning. “Life
6, Jaymes, 4, and Cooper, 6 months, live in Newport
in Wolfeboro is great. My wife Brooke and I love it
Beach, California. Matt writes: “Three girls! Life is
here.”
Josh Hoffman ’98 married Reneé Pison in July.
good! Starting some new snowboard projects locally in Orange County. Been traveling a lot this year and
Sasha Nelken has been teaching kindergarten in
enjoying my family.”
Thailand since August 2009.
Adam Seamans and wife Lorna welcomed Winslow,
1998
born March 31. They are enjoying Seattle and Maine.
Josh Hoffman married Renee Pison in July. “I am currently the chief engineer of commercial research labs
1997
at One Kendall Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Katie (Dewar) Cassani and husband Luca live in Ven-
I see Leila Saliba ’99 quite a bit. Pat Demsey was
ice, Florida, with daughter Sofia, 4, son Graham, 2,
my best man and attending were John Sarmanian
and their Lab Dusty. They have a restaurant in Venice
‘99 as well as recently married Eric Kaskiewicz ‘99. I
and just opened Ciao Gelato – a gelateria.
also still play lacrosse with the Kaskiewicz brothers on a weekly basis.”
Nick Docter is teaching instructional support at Brewster where he also coaches boys’ crew and
Coming in 2011 ...
The Brewster Story
Jason Shimberg reported that he was writing an
Alumni parent Jennifer Huntley (Morgan ‘00) was traveling in Cappidoccia, Turkey, in May when she spied a Brewster Academy lanyard hanging from the bus driver’s seat. Apparently he’d driven around a group from Brewster earlier in the year, had been given the lanyard as a gift, and was proudly displaying it.
article for the Pioneer Press newspaper in Chicago on
2000
Conor Dwyer, NCAA swimmer of the year.
Meaghan (Apostolec) Figlioli writes that son Jakob Danta arrived on April 5.
1999 Bridgett (Anderson) Jones finished law school in
2005
May, and she and husband Brenton welcomed their
Steven Hopengarten could not attend his five-year
first child, Bianca Jasmine, on June 11.
reunion in June because he was in Israel on an internship with a solar energy company.
Courtney (Hoffman) Tsiaras and husband Matt welcomed Kyle Charles in February. Courtney says that
Rachael Jeffers writes, “Hello from D.C. – Wanted
Kyle is a “Red Sox fan in training, even in Maryland!”
to say congratulations to Priscille Tesson from Les Sables d’ Olonne, France, who was married on June
A Definitive History of Brewster Academy by Robert and Shirley Richardson
Eric Kaskiewicz was married in September and works
26. My mom and I were there for the wedding and
for Sherwin-Williams in Haverhill, Massachusetts.
everything was beautiful! I moved to Providence,
www.brewsteracademy.org
43
Class Notes In Memoriam Class of 1936 M. Patricia MacMartin July 20, 2010 Seattle, Washington Class of 1939 Irene (Davis) Gaillardetz June 21, 2010 Dallas, Texas The Class of 2003 was well-represented at Adam Goldman’s wedding to Liza Camilla in July: Ben Lord, Ali Stewart, groom Adam, bride Liza, Molly Childs, Chris Betti, and Ryan Tracy.
Class of 1943 Janet (Tinker) Lewis March 13, 2010 Wolfeboro Class of 1946 Bertha (Taylor) Weeks March 11, 2010 Wolfeboro Class of 1954 Richard P. Carpenter April 3, 2010 Santa Fe, New Mexico Class of 1961 Dennis T. Waterman April 23, 2010 Wolfeboro
Weston Sager ’05 and wife Victoria Toumanoff in Morocco.
Priscille Tesson ’05 was married in June to Franck Gauthier in Les Sables d’Olonne, France.
Rhode Island, in August to start a master’s in public
2006 Reunion!
humanities at Brown University, and the trip to
Kris Clement graduated summa cum laude from
France will definitely stand out as the highlight of
the honors program at SUNY Oswego in May with a
my summer. All my best to everyone at Brewster!”
double major in history and sociology, and he played varsity lacrosse during his four years there. Kris
Chad Millard writes: “Hope all is well at Brewster!
returned to his hometown of Pierrefonds, Québec, to
Was so proud of the guys winning the national
begin work on a master’s in history at McGill Univer-
championship.”
sity while working part-time as a teaching assistant in the history department.
Curran Robinette graduated from Western State College of Colorado in December 2009. He is a real-
2007
tor at Luxury Residential Group in Boston.
Karin Clement graduated with distinction from
Class of 1964 Carol (Robarts) Hammond June 6, 2010 North Conway, New Hampshire Class of 2006 Oliver J. Tombeno February 6, 2010 Sturbridge, Massachusetts Faculty Joseph Rinaldi May 18, 2010 Wolfeboro Former Faculty John Chappell May 13, 2010 Somersworth, New Hampshire Frederic Scott March 20, 2010 Sudbury, Massachusetts
McGill University with a bachelor’s in biology and Weston Sager spent the past year in Morocco on a
is looking forward to entering medical school at the
Fulbright research grant performing archival work,
University of Montréal in September. l
which required extensive reading in Arabic. In the spring he married Victoria Toumanoff, a classmate at Dartmouth, who traveled with him to teach an SAT-prep course to Moroccan students. Sager will apply to law school when he returns to the States in September.
44
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2010
Save the dates! See “Brewster on the Road” (page 26) for other upcoming events
Commencement Saturday, May 28 Reunion Weekend Friday-Sunday, June 3, 4, 5
In Appreciation
Joe Rinaldi By Andy Campbell
O
Five years ago Joe chose to retire from full-time
n a sunny morning in the fall of 2005, Joe
playing, although he never really stopped. He
Rinaldi walked into my office.
and Sharon, his wife of 42 years, moved north to be closer to their daughter Melissa and her
“Hi, I’m Joe Rinaldi,” the goateed, olive-skinned
family and that was when I had the great good
man with the flat-top haircut and blue flight
fortune to have him walk through my door.
jacket announced. Joe had called me the day before, asking about Brewster’s music program
Joe soon became involved in Brewster’s music
and any opportunities there might be for him to
program. At first he volunteered his time, sitting
share his passion with students. I have to confess: I hadn’t heard of Joe Rinaldi so I Googled him.
in with Brewster’s instrumental ensembles and
I quickly learned a lot about Joe, however, what
he could still rip it up on his instruments. From
lending his expertise wherever he could. At 80 Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto with Christopher
wasn’t apparent was any hint that the 80-yearold man standing before me was about to
for numerous radio and television shows as
become an important part of the music program
well as freelancing with CBS studio bands. An
at Brewster, a respected colleague, and a dear
excellent classical clarinetist, Joe also loved jazz
friend in such a short time.
and it was in this genre that he made a name for himself. The walls of his Brewster studio
Nourse and the Brewster Chamber Orchestra to Harlem Nocturne with Candice Graham and the Brewster Jazz Band to the West Side Story pit band, Joe was in his element and as happy as could be.
The Jazz Clarinetist’s Career Spanned a Variety of Gigs
from Gaslight Clubs and CBS Radio to Presidential Inaugurations and Brewster Academy As opportunities arose Joe taught a few master
Until that fall Joseph Carmen Rinaldi had lived
held dozens of pictures of him with some of the
his entire life in Washington, D.C. Born Decem-
great artists he played with over the decades:
ber 16, 1924, Joe fell in love with music at an ear-
Gene Krupa, Harry James, Ella Fitzgerald, Judy
ly age. He loved to tell the story that as a small
Garland, Tony Pastor, Ahmad Jahmal. Joe had
child he would leave his clarinet case open by
an interesting or amusing story about each and
his bed so that he could look at the instrument
loved sharing them with students and staff as he
as he fell asleep and it would be the first thing
reminisced about the old days.
warmth, and his big-hearted nature.
tiny saxophone too, a curved soprano that Joe
Joe’s longest-standing gigs, however, and the
It’s been strangely quiet in the halls of the Rog-
played for the rest of his life. He soon learned to
ones he was most proud of, were as music direc-
play the entire saxophone family and the flute
tor for a chain of Gaslight Clubs for 25 years
and by age nine Joe was playing professionally.
and as clarinetist for the inaugural ceremonies
He never looked back, and he never lost his
and balls for an unbroken chain of 12 presidents
tremendous passion for playing.
– Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy,
he saw in the morning. His father gave him a
Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush, While attending the prestigious Curtis Institute
Clinton, through the second inauguration of
of Music in Philadelphia, Joe began playing
George W. Bush.
classes to students and eventually headed both the Brewster Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble. His style of teaching was distinctly “old school,” but his students loved him for his sense of humor, his engaging stories from the past, his genuine
ers building since Joe had to leave his job here in December due to failing health. He was with us for only a little more than four years, but we all miss him. With his passing on May 18, the Brewster community has lost a treasure. How lucky we are to have been even a small part of the legacy that Joe Rinaldi leaves behind. •
www.brewsteracademy.org
45
History History
History Writing History
History Brewster’s
office along the front corridor was now to be used by admissions. However, Vaughan isolated himself by spending most of his time in the Lord House study, choosing instead to interview prospective students and their parents there. Unfortunately as the spring and summer months went on only about 20 new students were admitted. Under pressure to retain the currently enrolled students, Vaughan inappropriately acceded to their requests at times – such as agreeing to revise the evening study rules to read “… quiet hours permitted until midnight.” The later hours put an additional
A sign of the times. Headmast center fo er Vaugha reground . n is in
The Early 1970s:
D
A Time of Continued Turmoil at Brewster Academy
ifficult national and school-related issues during the spring
burden on the faculty and dormitory masters. The lack of sleep was
and summer months of 1972 continued to plague Headmaster
evident in the students’ behaviors; and few appeared to be accomplishing
C. Richard Vaughan and Brewster Academy – to the point that
much schoolwork during the extra hours.
the continued existence of the school was in question. Brewster’s weak financial picture and lagging number of applicants indicated a school emergency might be looming. Discontent and conflict over the country’s involvement in the Vietnam War also added to the uneasy and sometimes
Boarding Girls Admitted Again Vaughan convinced the board of trustees that the time had come to admit young girls as boarding students again in the financial interests of the
hostile atmosphere on campus.
school. During the 1973-74 school year, for the first time since the early
And through this unrest Vaughan was pushing for school reforms that
House. While a positive move – one that would make a significant contri-
may have been needed but that perhaps came at the wrong time for the Academy. These reforms included implementing flexible block scheduling, which eliminated the repetition of each class meeting at the same time every day, and trimester courses, which allowed for more concentration and depth of study, rather than yearlong courses. Like his predecessor Wilfred E. Paro, Vaughan also advocated for more personalized classroom instruction and class size reduction, 7-15 students instead of the usual 25-30 students. Vaughan also allowed a casual dress code, a major change from the previous strict dress code. In sports, he lessened the interscholastic athletic
1960s, female students lived on campus – in Bearce Hall and Kimball bution to the future financial strength of the school – the introduction of female boarders resulted in additional challenges. For example, two Bearce Hall girls brought their horses along with them to campus and stabled them in the Bearce barn, promising they would clean the stalls daily. That promise was short-lived, and buildings and grounds employee Harold Corson was assigned to the chore until the snowy weather set in and the horses were moved to winter quarters with a local stable owner. In the spring the girls rallied to establish a new riding instruction program and rode in competitive horse shows throughout the Lakes Region. The first
requirement and introduced more elective non-competitive options.
boarding girls were also instrumental in establishing teams for girls’ soc-
In an effort to oversee campus life more closely and effectively, Vaughan
the fall of 1973, three were freshmen – Kim Barney, Lauren Richardson,
requested that the headmaster’s residence be moved to the more centrally
and Marion Hubbard – and they became the first modern–day female
located Lord House – from the outlying Bearce Hall. The board of trustees
“lifers” (four-year students). The percentage of girls in the student body
gave their approval to the move since it would make the headmaster more
continued to grow steadily in the following years.
accessible to the students and faculty.
cer, softball, and field hockey. Of the ten girls who entered the Academy in
The Energy Crisis and its Affects on the Academy
Vaughan decided to have Room 1 in the Academic Building converted into
The energy crisis of 1973-74, along with a deep recession and high infla-
an office as it was more spacious – a smaller room down the hall became
tion, added to the challenges that Vaughan faced – and he made a decision
his temporary office during the renovation. The traditional headmaster’s
that would save money for the school but would cost the school in other
46
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2010
ways. Vaughan announced that the Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks would be merged that year in reaction to the rising price of heating oil and the continued oil and gas shortages. The students would leave campus during the third week of November and not return until the first week in January – a total of five weeks off campus. While on break, they were to perform a variety of academic projects at home including building a terrarium, constructing a cloud chamber, learning to use the slide rule and abacus, working on art projects, and visiting sites relating to their
that many newly hired teachers were looking elsewhere for positions because they wanted more security than Brewster apparently had to offer. Charlesworth Nielson, president of Brewster’s board of trustees, had offered this advice to Vaughan when he became headmaster in 1970: “You are ahead of your time in education management and must be careful because there are those who are not as willing to take the risks as you are, and with troubling times,
assignments.
caution might be the better part of valor.” Despite continued sup-
While the students were off cam-
port from a significant number
pus, Vaughan expected the faculty members to address the academy’s on-campus energy issues. In addition to turning down thermostats, teachers taped up cracks in the window sashes, placed aluminum foil behind radiators, installed storm windows, and built storm doors around entryways. Faculty work squads also were sent out to cut firewood in Moultonborough, truck it back to the school, and
s :1977 graduate “lifers” in a while d an d, on m m The first female Ha ) en (Richardson Kim Barney, Laur ore. ad M ) rd ba ub Marion (H
then stack it behind the Academic Building to be used in the building’s boiler if it became necessary. The faculty also were asked to assemble the hockey rink, complete with
1970 anti-war demonstration
lights, on the upper athletic field (now Memorial Field) – including spraying water each night to create the initial layers of smooth ice.
Campus Unrest Continues After Winter Break When students returned to campus and the school was back to its typical daily routine, the grumbling among the faculty began anew. The holiday break had been so lengthy that it was difficult to recapture a sense of commitment to academics from most of the student body – and this had a draining effect on the faculty. Winter sports teams experienced a tough season; victories were rare and bad weather conditions led to the cancellation of a number of games. Because of the high gasoline prices, the coaches were now required to check the gas level in the vans’ gas tanks with yardsticks – and keep a record of the number of miles traveled, along with the purpose of the trip. One of the few highlights of the winter season came when the girls’ basketball team defeated the faculty wives’ team. Adding to this difficult time was the frustration and anger of the faculty when the thermostats in all buildings – including the faculty apartments – were equipped with locking devices to prevent the settings from being changed. With winter winds penetrating the cellars of some of the older buildings, pipes were freezing all over campus. It was during this period that the faculty members were surveyed about their teaching plans for the next year. Vaughan was disappointed to find
on campus.
of the administrators and faculty, Vaughan’s efforts at reform met with unanticipated resistance that often resulted in explosive confrontations – one of which resulted in the resignation of popular Paul “Pop” Whelan as administrative assistant to the headmaster and boys’ hockey coach. Perhaps the argument could be made that the prevailing discontent throughout the nation in the 1970s had a big impact on Vaughan’s attempts to take the school in a new direction – had the times been different, perhaps the outcome also would have been different.
The Board of Trustees Makes a Tough Decision The trustees were aware of the negative atmosphere and low morale on campus. They also saw that immediate measures needed to be taken to solve the mounting financial problems. The school’s mission, set out so long ago – to best serve students in their educational path – had to be re-emphasized. With Brewster’s very survival at stake, the board of trustees had to go in a new direction to save the school and the vision of its founder. In March 1974 Brewster’s board of trustees made the decision to search for a new headmaster to lead the school. • Bob and Shirley Richardson were long-time faculty members who retired in 2004. Since their “retirement” the Richardsons have embarked on writing Brewster’s history.
www.brewsteracademy.org
47
A Remarkable Journey Connor Dunn’s graduation from Brewster in May was the culmination of what his father, Pierce B. Dunn, called “a remarkable journey of discovery.” Pierce Dunn was this year’s commencement speaker and in his remarks he shared, “I am an admirer of Brewster Academy, and like the other parents here, I am, I believe, an experienced observer of this great school.” The four years that Connor spent at Brewster were “life changing,” according to his dad. Connor is the first member of his family to attend boarding school and the decision to send him away to school did not come easily – it was accompanied by a good amount of doubt and trepidation, Dunn admitted. All of the family’s misgivings, however, were “quickly replaced with genuine awe and respect” for Brewster’s remarkable and supportive community that nurtured and stimulated their son. Connor thrived at Brewster as a result of the school’s approach to educating young boys and girls during their high school years. Dunn and wife Lee Hoyt point out that their son benefited from the guidance provided by his teachers, advisors, and coaches – in the classrooms, on the water (crew was Connor’s sport), and in the dorms. “The flexible curriculum and educational support system empowered Connor to develop
a clear vision of himself as a lifelong learner. He got the practical tools and solid habits that have convinced [him] that he is capable of mastering any material.” As a testament to Connor’s maturity and growth, the faculty voted to award him the Arthur M. Hurlin Award for being the graduating senior who has done the most for the welfare, good name, and progress of the Academy. The Dunn/Hoyt family is just one of many families who believe Brewster has played a significant role in the positive maturation of their sons and daughters. Their heartfelt expressions of gratitude are many. Parents, and even grandparents, stand in awe of the level of social and academic maturity their children and grandchildren have attained. Dunn and Hoyt felt so strongly about their son’s growth and their gratitude toward Brewster that they recently sent a letter to fellow parents asking them to reflect on what Brewster has done for their children. The parents were also asked to consider making a monetary gift to the Academy to allow Brewster to continue developing programs that will help the students who will follow Connor and their own children. •
If you would like to make a gift to Brewster Academy, please contact Jim Bastis, director of alumni and development, at 603-569-7140 or jim_bastis@brewsteracademy.org. You also may go online to make a gift: www.brewsteracademy.org/giving.
48
BrewsterConnections – Fall 2010
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LEAD www.brewsteracademy.org/giving
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Expect to lead and inspire others with your integrity, fairness, and compassion. To aspire to make a difference through service. To challenge yourself; at your pace, on your terms. To exceed your greatest expectations.
EXPECT GREAT THINGS. OF US. OF YOURSELF.
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