BULLETIN | FALL 2016 7
Choate
WALLINGFORD
Choate Helps Revitalize Downtown Wallingford
Faculty Chairs Awarded at 127th Convocation On September 6, students and faculty gathered for the School's 127th Convocation. At the ceremony Dean of Faculty Katie Levesque announced the awarding of three faculty chairs to veteran teachers: the Forest D. Dorn Chair to history teacher and Director of Academic Technology, Joel D. Backon; the Independence Foundation Chair to science teacher and Director of Sustainability, Katrina E. Linthorst Homan, and the James N. Gamble Chair to science teacher and Director of Studies, Kevin D. Rogers. Cecilia Zhou ’17 Student Council President, spoke on behalf of the Class of 2017. In his Convocation remarks, Headmaster Alex D. Curtis urged new and returning students and faculty members to review the School’s Statement of Expectations noting, “You have a responsibility for doing your part to make this the best place it can be. Simply put, Choate will not be its best if each of us doesn’t give our best.” He reminded students, “Inevitably, you will be faced with situations that call into action your integrity. As you navigate those challenges, I want you to remember that you are not alone. This community is full of people – your peers, teachers, coaches, and mentors – that stand by ready to help you. You are fortunate to be a part of a cohesive, supportive, community – lean on them … just as you will offer support when others lean on you.”
From left: Caryl Ryan, Wallingford Center Inc., Secretary; WCI Board member Steven Knight; Wallingford Mayor Bill Dickinson; WCI Director Liz Landow; Director of Strategic Planning and Communications Alison Cady and Manager of Community Relations Brittany Barbaro.
Choate Rosemary Hall administrators, Wallingford Mayor William W. Dickinson, Jr., and members of the non-profit Wallingford Center Inc., gathered at the town Wishing Well on Thursday, May 19, for the presentation of a ceremonial check in the amount of $20,000 to benefit Wallingford Center Inc.’s beautification projects. Choate Rosemary Hall’s Director of Strategic Planning and Communications Alison Cady presented the check on behalf of Headmaster Alex D. Curtis. Choate is helping downtown Wallingford’s revitalization efforts with a matching gift for 38 new town benches. The funds will also be used to replace town holiday decorations that are over 20 years old. Said Dr. Curtis, “We care deeply about our relationship with the Wallingford community. Choate Rosemary Hall is delighted to be able to contribute to the revitalization of the downtown area. It is always a pleasure to find ways to work together with the Town. Our overall goal is to be a vibrant member of the community.” The School recently made a $5,000 donation to the Wallingford Fireworks Fund. Besides monetary contributions the School also makes gifts in kind. Last winter the School donated $32,000 of used computers and iPads to Wallingford schools and organizations including the Wallingford Public Library, Spanish Community of Wallingford (SCOW), Wallingford Senior Center, CT STEM, West Haven Public Schools, St. Mary Magdalen School, and Marc Community Resources, Inc. In recent years, Choate has made financial contributions to the following organizations: Wallingford Public Schools (Planetarium Project and Computer Donation); New Haven READS; Holy Trinity School Basketball Tournament; Moses Y. Beach Elementary School - Winter Wonderland; Holiday for Giving; HUBCAP; and the YMCA Community Day Walk.