SPRING 2017
50 YEARS OF DIVERSITY
The Magazine of Church Farm School
LETTER FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
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CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF DIVERSITY
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HAMILTON FAMILY FOUNDATION
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CHRISTOPHER GIBBS ’88
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COUNTDOWN TO CENTENNIAL
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CLASS NOTES
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ALUMNI WEEKEND 2017
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GEOGRAPHIC DIVERSITY
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DIVERSIFYING YOUR GIVING
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COVER: Church Farm School
ADMINISTRATION
prides itself on welcoming students from an incredible array of ethnic, socio-economic, social and racial backgrounds. MAROON & GREY Spring 2017 The Magazine of Church Farm School EDITOR Stefanie Claypoole LAYOUT & DESIGN Harp and Company Graphic Design PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY Betsy Barron Photography MISSION The Church Farm School prepares a diverse group of boys with academic ability and good character to lead productive and fulfilling lives by making a college preparatory education financially accessible. Support our mission at gocfs.net
HEAD OF SCHOOL The Rev. Edmund K. Sherrill II ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL/ DIRECTOR OF ACADEMICS Christopher Seeley DIRECTOR OF ADMISSION Michael Foster DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS Gregory Thompson DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE GUIDANCE Tiffany Scott DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT Peter Corrado DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND OPERATIONS Neil Fanelli DIRECTOR OF STUDENT LIFE Randy Noll
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his edition of Maroon & Grey is special for it recognizes and celebrates more than 50 years of diversity at Church Farm School, as measured by the inclusion of students of color, and the significant enrichment this movement has provided for the school’s self-understanding and expression in mission, program and service to the greater good.
My hope for today’s Church Farm School is that such a witness to our school’s particular role in embracing the greater unfolding of human potential, and the deepening relationships we are called and given the opportunity to make in our passage through life, will be a source not
Grateful for this opportunity to reflect on and, at least in part, chronicle the road we have traveled together over this period of time, we seek also to highlight a few things about where we are today and even speculate a little on future ambitions as we continue to engage in this unfolding and necessary work. The school’s website complements and expands this presentation, and we trust you are reconnected to important memories and touched by various points of information and new discoveries. Of course, there are many more stories, experiences and relationships to share than we can possibly include, so we also hope that what you have in front of you becomes a catalyst for you to pick up the phone and call a Church Farm School brother or friend, even take a moment to write or record an anecdote or special memory of your time on campus that you will send our way or, better yet, spur you to come back to Exton for Alumni Weekend (April 28-30) and the chance to personally engage in a worthy celebration.
only of pride, but of rededication to all those good and worthy things God has given us to accomplish in establishing a common wealth. With very best wishes,
The Rev. Edmund K. Sherrill II
ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL, ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL, ALL THINGS WISE AND WONDERFUL, THE LORD GOD MADE THEM ALL. — FROM THE ANGLICAN HYMN TEXT BY CECIL FRANCES ALEXANDER
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50 CELEBRATING
years
OF DIVERSITY
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ifty years ago, Benjamin Hickman Wright, Jr. was preparing to commence from Church Farm School as its first African American graduate, just three years after the charter was changed to admit students of color. “Benny,” as he was known, was a bright young man who came to the school from New York. Headmaster Dr. Charles Wesley Shreiner saw promise in Benny, and his instincts were right. Benny was a wonderful writer who served as editor of the school’s Greystock magazine and who delivered the 1967 Commencement address as his class valedictorian.
Accepted to Morehouse College, Benny’s star shone even brighter. He received the Clark College Community Service Award in 1969 and was named twice among the “Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities” list. Off campus, he participated in Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC)-Operation Breadbasket meetings and was aided and guided by Lillian and John Lewis (current Georgia Congressman and civil rights leader) who students and administration visited in February 2017 (pictured below).
BROWN V. BOARD OF EDUCATION GOT ONE THING VERY RIGHT: A DIVERSE EXPERIENCE MAKES POSSIBLE THE ROBUST EXCHANGE OF IDEAS THAT WOULDN’T BE PRESENT OTHERWISE. — CHRIS SEELEY, ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL/DIRECTOR OF ACADEMICS
Benny’s life was cut short in an altercation the day after Christmas 1970. The Rev. Al Sharpton offered the benediction at his Brooklyn Memorial Service, held on January 16, 1971. In honor of Ben’s accomplishments at Church Farm School and the example he set for today’s students desiring to make something of the life-changing opportunities the school continues to provide, we take a look at how diversity, in all of its incarnations—ethnic, religious, economic and geographic—has indelibly changed Church Farm School life for the better.
ADMISSIONS
Ben Wright ’67
As both the Assistant Director of Admissions and a graduate of Church Farm School, Marvin Garcia ’99 knows well the importance diversity plays in attracting promising young men to the community. “Our school has gone through tremendous change in regards to diversity over the past 20 years,” he says, noting that the growth has been both domestic and international. “Admissions works closely with educational consultants that help us identify underserved students from the United States and around the world; communities without the right educational tools,” Garcia says. True to the nearly 100-year-old mission of the school, that means providing resources no matter the socioeconomic background of the applicant. “We have many first-generation college-bound students and immigrant families here,” Garcia says. “Every time we have families going through the process, they say they feel comfortable here. Church Farm School is at the top of their list because we deeply appreciate and celebrate our diversity here. Our school is so engaging with so many cultures and
backgrounds, and that comes from the top, from the administration. It makes the students feel comfortable and secure.” As a 1999 graduate of the school, Garcia says, “Church Farm School was more diverse than my college [SUNY].” As a result of being surrounded by so many different cultural backgrounds (Garcia is Nicaraguan), Garcia says he was spurred to become involved with many on-campus groups outside of his own culture. “Jewish groups, West Indian and African Groups, the Latino Student Union … my experience at Church Farm School made me want to explore different things,” he says. Asked how the Admissions team can tell if a student will “fit” at Church Farm School, Garcia says he looks for whether he can “see myself in that student. I can feel that they want to be here. We ask so much of our students. If they are not leaders yet, we want them to have the capacity to become leaders. You cannot stand in the background in a community like this. We want you to step in and become part of it.” 3
ACADEMICS “At its core, diversity is about excellence through inclusion,” says Chris Seeley, Church Farm School’s Director of Academics and Assistant Head of School. While the school’s original charter was to serve the marginalized, it was clear that those marginalized should be white boys of single mothers. “There was a decision to expand that circle,” Seeley says, “and here we are today remaining focused on transforming the lives of the marginalized. That is noble work.” Seeley recognizes that the school’s diversity is a significant benefit to the community, but that it requires a critical intentionality in “celebrating and giving voice to different perspectives. We are not just bringing all these groups together for the sake of doing it. It is important to create richer experiences for everyone.” In academic life, this means pushing the boundaries of the canon so that the students not only “see themselves in their learning, but see others, too,” Seeley says. The embracing of diverse experiences is evidenced in the works read in English and with regard to history, “we are not just talking about what’s written as the word, but learning the unwritten history and the gaps that need to be filled in.” Seeley says the same principles can be applied to scientific inquiry, too. “By increasing the dialogue between students in every subject, classrooms become more engaged and dynamic, and every voice matters.” One of the biggest benefits of attending a school that draws its student body from beyond its immediate area is the geographic diversity that it brings. Seeley says this is a benefit that is unique to independent and boarding 4
schools. “It just can’t be done in contexts where life is more provincial. Independent schools can and have been countercultural. It isn’t just about having different faces, shapes and sizes. It’s taking that which makes us diverse and using it to unite us.”
FAITH Founded in the Episcopal faith, Church Farm School remains committed to its roots, while also ensuring that the Episcopalian tradition of inclusion means that every faith feels welcomed in Chapel and outside of it. “All are invited to participate in our worship regardless of their personal religious practices,” says Chaplain John Daniels. Chapel, which is held twice each week on Wednesdays and Sundays, is an opportunity for the school to share its Episcopal practices and traditions, as well as an invitation to celebrate other faiths, listen to performances by the choir, band and other performers and to talk about topics related to service, leadership and the human experience. “The more we learn about others, the more it deepens and expands our own beliefs and common bonds. We all believe the same things and none of us has the answers, so why shut ourselves off from a perspective that strengthens our own faith?” says Chaplain Daniels. Chaplain Daniels, who also teaches a world religions course and runs the community service program at the school with Ms. Kristen Boone, believes that faith should be celebrated in all areas of the school, whether in the classroom, the cottages or the Dining Center. “Conversations about God and worship should not be limited to Chapel. It is also important to invite or engage people in other spaces. The more comfortable that we are talking about our beliefs, the easier it is to see and experience grace.”
STUDENT LIFE Ms. Stephanie Heerschap came to Church Farm School nine years ago and says every day is a learning experience for the students and adults within the community. “The students live with each other, attend classes together and compete on the same sports teams ... I don’t think you get this at a public school or even a day school. It’s a different kind of bond here, and you have to be willing to contribute.” As the faculty leader for the school’s Multicultural (M) Club, Heerschap says she tries to help the students with connection. “I want them to learn how to connect to others through not just their similarities, but their differences, too. These are the skills that ultimately help us to build bridges with a rich variety of students and adults from all over the world.” This focus on connection is the thrust of two M-Club sponsored schoolwide art projects; in one, students painted a Griffin using the colors of their national or state flag, and in the other, a “web of inclusion” links handwritten personal statements by each member of the community to “see where we can find common connections. This helps us learn that we all have
interrelationships, no matter where you are from,” says Heerschap. Other events on campus that are celebrated in February, which has been designated as Multicultural month at the school, include a Multicultural dinner showcasing foods from various cultures (many dishes are created by students and faculty, while the school’s caterer Sodexo also contributes), Chapel talks, Townhall-style meetings on relevant current events and more. The school also encourages attendance at external events and conferences to broaden understanding, including the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)’ Student Diversity Leadership Conference, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Diversity (MARD) Conference, the Kennett High School Multicultural and Diversity Awareness Conference and more. “We do a good job celebrating our students’ successes and promoting what’s good so the outside community can see that we are a school filled with ability, and the results are showing in our college acceptances,” says Heerschap. As Church Farm School nears its Centennial (see story on page 11), we honor our past and look forward to the next 100 years serving young men who bring such varied experiences to our community.
OUR RICH DIVERSITY CHALLENGES US TO UNDERSTAND WHO WE ARE AND HOW WE FIT. — STEPHANIE HEERSCHAP, FRENCH TEACHER/MULTICULTURAL CLUB LEADER 5
HAMILTON FAMILY FOUNDATION: SUPPORTING DIVERSITY
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bout five years ago, Dorrance H. Hamilton and the Hamilton Family Foundation of Wayne, PA, became intrigued with Church Farm School’s Griffin Scholars Program and how it might help to attract more boys from the Philadelphia area to the school. “The Foundation and Mrs. Hamilton have supported several high-quality K-8 schools in Philadelphia that do not have a direct high school partner. We felt that some of those boys had a good foundation in their elementary and middle grades, but then faltered when they had to attend underperforming neighborhood high schools.
Church Farm School offers a fabulous opportunity to develop college readiness, while being relatively Mrs. Dorrance “Dodo” Hamilton local for these students,” says Ms. Nancy Wingo, the Foundation’s executive director. “Church Farm School
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is such a gem, yet many people from Philadelphia don’t know about it, or assume that it’s financially or geographically out of their reach. Whenever I’m in a school in Philadelphia, I talk about the opportunities and scholarships available at Church Farm School.” The Foundation now supports six Philadelphia students annually through its participation in Church Farm School’s Griffin Scholars Program. In supporting qualifying Philadelphia boys, the Foundation continues its legacy of support by the Dorrance and Hamilton families, whom are well-known both locally and nationally for their philanthropy. Dr. John T. Dorrance, Dorrance H. Hamilton’s grandfather, was a chemical engineer who discovered a commercially viable method for condensing soup by halving the quantity of its heaviest ingredient: water. He then served as president of the Campbell Soup Company from 1914 to 1930 before eventually buying out the Campbell family and turning the business into one of America’s iconic brands. The family first became involved with Church Farm School when Dr. Dorrance’s son, John “Jack” Dorrance, Jr., served on the school’s Board of Directors from 1950 until his death in 1989. He helped fund the purchase of the school’s M. P. Möller Organ in 1964. Other members of the Dorrance/ Hamilton lineage who have served on the Church Farm School board include William E. Vauclain, Jacques L. Vauclain and, most recently, N. Peter Hamilton. Many family members also privately support the school’s annual fund.
Mrs. Hamilton, (also known as Dodo), along with her late husband Samuel M. V. Hamilton and their children, Margaret Hamilton Duprey, S. Matthews M. V. Hamilton Jr. and N. Peter Hamilton, founded the Hamilton Family Foundation in 1992 with the goal of funding literacy enrichment programs for underserved youth in Philadelphia and Camden. “The Hamilton family believes that education is one of the primary ways you can lift a community. And if you can’t read, you can’t excel in other environments,” says Ms. Wingo. “They focused their interest in Philadelphia and Camden as it is their home, as well as the world headquarters of Campbell Soup.” Ms. Wingo visits the school for semiannual luncheons with the students who benefit from the Foundation’s scholarship, occasionally accompanied by a board member. Most recently, Mrs. Duprey enjoyed lunch and conversation with the students. “As soon as you meet these outstanding young men, you fall in love,” she says. “The boys are incredibly poised and have great personalities that the school has helped to bring out in many cases. We are so impressed with how the school is creating academically proficient students and men of character.” In fact, much of the school’s character programs were born out of the Ethical Literacy Initiative started by Peter Hamilton in 2009 in conjunction with The Institute for Global Ethics. The Initiative helped spur the formation of the school’s honor code, honor council, anti-bullying initiatives and core values of integrity, responsibility, respect and brotherhood. Today, Mr. Hamilton remains active in the school, particularly in helping expand its track program and facilities. “Our family appreciates the values and ethics imparted at Church Farm School. We also know that teambuilding is an important part of a young man’s education and I am proud to personally support both the ethics and track programs,” he says.
Nancy Wingo (left) and Ms. Margaret Duprey (right) with Head of School Ned Sherrill and Philadelphia students. Having attended mostly single-gender private schools themselves, the Hamilton family feels strongly about how those schools shaped their own development. “A boarding school environment exposes students to different cultures, situations and experiences. The diversity of the student population is a significant asset at Church Farm School,” Ms. Wingo says.
I AM ALWAYS IMPRESSED WITH HOW STUDENTS TALK ABOUT THE CFS BROTHERHOOD AND HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO THEM … THAT THE SCHOOL FEELS LIKE A FOREVER FAMILY. — NANCY WINGO, HAMILTON FAMILY FOUNDATION
The family wants the students they support to be well-rounded, good citizens who can graduate from Church Farm School as productive young men that give back to their communities. The Hamilton family loves the values Church Farm School stands for and the opportunities it provides for its students. 7
ALUMNI PROFILE
A DIVERSE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT: CHRISTOPHER GIBBS ’88
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hristopher Gibbs (pictured second from left with his family) was attending the Boggs Academy boarding school in Keysville, GA, when he and his family needed to make a decision about his future schooling. His grandmother’s godson, Martin Gill, had attended Church Farm School and the family recommended the school to the Gibbs. “My mother knew that attending high school in [my hometown of ] Brooklyn, NY, was not an option. I was terribly behind academically and needed a structured small setting to continue my education.” Gibbs enrolled, and found the school to be a fit on a variety of levels.
“The level of structure and accountability by all the men on campus and especially the seniors was overwhelming at times,” Gibbs says. Gibbs’ cottage, Woodside, was under renovation when he arrived, and he recalls that the relationships built among the other boys happened quickly. In particular, Gibbs bonded with Chimdi Mbonu ’87, who arrived on campus the same day (Mbonu passed away in March 2016). “Here he was, the first day 8
of school, sharing his Philly cheesesteak with a guy from Brooklyn.” Gibbs says that despite having very little experience in sports, he was encouraged to try new things and to excel. He participated in varsity cross country and track his first year at the school, which helped his “confidence rise tremendously.” He also appreciated the school’s work study program. “That was my favorite part of the day,” he recalls. “Within two months I oversaw the entire team of boys that worked at our school swine nursery. One day, I assisted the veterinarian with a sow delivering piglets. Now that was something for a young boy from Brooklyn, NY!” When the farm program was phased out, Gibbs served as the caretaker of the Chapel of the Atonement. “This was a great honor for me, I received accolades and even a certificate of appreciation from [second headmaster] Dr. Charles Shreiner, Jr. for my outstanding work. These experiences led me to believe, think, feel and embrace that I can do anything I set my mind to.”
Gibbs also credits two longtime teachers—John Kistler and Art Smith— for their mentorship, and for giving him a more positive view of race relations. “When Mr. Kistler expressed how important it is to play a sport here with honor, integrity and love for your fellow teammates, he expressed it through tears, yet we all knew how strong a man he is. We knew that this was not at all a sign of weakness, but courage, strength and confidence.” He continues, “When I told Mr. Smith my junior year that I had a learning disability, his response was, ‘We all have challenges, but don’t use it as an excuse. You will have to work harder than most. In the end, you will appreciate it more than most and people will see that in you.’ Gosh, he was right, my life has been a story of working harder than most to accomplish my goals. These experiences have given me strength to push on. I tend to be calm and quiet like John Kistler and push hard and loud like Art Smith by demonstrating I can complete the task, get the job and/or promotion. These men treated me as their equal, with respect and held me to a very high standard of accountability and excellence. I often think of them when I achieve something and say, these men would be so proud of me.” After Church Farm School, Gibbs earned a B.S. in sociology, a B.A. in radio and TV production and an M.S. in education. He also served in the U.S. Army as a noncommissioned officer with National District Veterinary Command and later a TOE unit with black hawk helicopters. He has taught math and science at the middle school level in the Baltimore public school system, served as an elementary school principal and as a Chief Academic Officer of Charter Schools in York, PA. Gibbs returned to Baltimore public schools as assistant principal of a pre-K-8 school two years ago, and is currently an interim principal. He volunteers with the Community Conferencing Center and earned a Restorative Practices Approach Certificate. He is a member of the Maryland Conflict
and Resolution Consortium, and is on the roster for Baltimore City Circuit Court and Baltimore City Family Court for court -appointed mediation referral and services. He lives in a blended family with his wife, Sherri, her daughter, Sade, and his two sons, Elijah and Zachary. “To keep my life balanced, our family attends church on Sundays, and I collect comic books, attend Comic Book Conventions and have even met Stan Lee twice.” “[Founder The Rev.] Charles Shreiner received a call from the Lord that he needed to provide an environment that could nurture, guide and educate boys who had no father in their lives. That legacy continues today. Church Farm
AT CHURCH FARM SCHOOL, THERE IS ONE SPECIFIC FOCUS THAT HAS BEEN DONE EVERY DAY, EVERY MONTH, FOR THE PAST 99 YEARS: SAVING LIVES. — CHRISTOPHER JAMES GIBBS ’88
School has a specific, clear and focused mission to save ALL young boys, to help them become men, to help them become productive, responsible contributors to our great society. Other private schools have to initiate special focused activities, events and ideas through committees and/or fundraising. At Church Farm School, there is one specific focus that has been done every day, every month, for the past 99 years: saving lives.”
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nins and nortons
senior trip
THREE-MIN SHOWER The big inch
“HOP OFF”
make formation MALL RUN that’s two weeks! study hall The ever classic “chickee”
potato road
housemother
“Stripper” guy during peonies harvest
Back of the truck
LINE UP! the pit
House mouse
Sunday inspection
IF ANY OF THOSE PHRASES SOUND FAMILIAR, MADE YOU SMILE OR TRANSPORTED YOU BACK TO A MEMORY AT THE FARM ... THEN READ ON. 10
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y name is David Zimmerman ’88 and I have the honor of representing you as President of the Alumni Association. Every third Thursday of each month, a group of us gather in person and remotely to discuss strategies that support the school, each other and most importantly, the boys.
years
SAVE THE DATES! SEPTEMBER 8, 2017 Centennial Convocation
My message today is to build awareness of our Centennial Celebration and request that you strongly consider attending the event. As you know, the Farm is a special place that has given us so much. For nearly 10 decades, the brotherhood, the teachers and the administrators have created an environment for our success, one which allows us to find out who we are and tap into our potential and unknown talents. Many of you boldly express how this school “saved” you. Now it is time that we stand up, mobilize and pay tribute to our school. Our goal is to have every person who was part of this special journey back on campus to honor the school. In the next few months, you will be hearing more details about the weekend. In advance here are some actions that you can take today to make the event a success; • • • •
Connect with classmates—initiate and encourage participation Own your decade—communicate Centennial details and build excitement Are you local? Consider offering a classmate a place to crash for the weekend Maximize social efforts (Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, email and the phone)
SEPTEMBER 29, 2017 Centennial Golf Classic at Coatesville Country Club
OCTOBER 20-21, 2017 Centennial Parents’ Weekend
DECEMBER 8 AND 10, 2017 Centennial Pageant
APRIL 1, 2018 Church Farm School’s 100th Birthday!
MAY 18, 2018 Centennial Alumni Dinner
MAY 19, 2018 Centennial Celebration featuring: • Family fun • Food trucks • Live music • Guest speakers • Fireworks • And much more!
The Centennial will be fun and new memories and phrases will be born. I look forward to meeting you and your family. Respectfully,
David Zimmerman Alumni Association President 11
Aaron Bowes ’16 (fourth from left) performed in tap dance genius and Tonywinning choreographer Savion Glover’s BRiNG TiME BaCK @ NJPAC in October. Bowes was selected, along with 45 other talented young people ages 6-18 from New Jersey, after two days of rigorous auditions. Congratulations to Aaron on this incredible accomplishment! Teachers Stephanie Heerschap and Rabi Young were on hand to celebrate with the Bowes family.
Connor Gibbons ’14 (pictured right) is a Russian studies major at Muhlenberg College, learning about the Russian language and culture. This past fall, Gibbons was accepted as a Constituent Services Intern for the 12
Honorable Charles Dent’s District Office in Allentown and has a part time job as a sales assistant for a large food supplier called Ingredient Connections which is based out of New Jersey. He is very happy and involved at Muhlenberg and is a part of the Gospel Choir, an officer in his class government, part of multiple executive boards as treasurer and is an avid participant in his school’s outdoors club by leading a number of backpacking hikes.
Paul Hembekides ’08 (pictured second from left with Tom Johnstone ’09 and athletic director Greg Thompson) is serving as a production researcher
for the radio and television program, Mike & Mike. As a lifelong sports fan, he took the opportunity to work for ESPN in 2014. “I am working from three in the morning to noon, essentially,” Hembekides said, but he loves the job so much and is happy working with the team. He is responsible for creating full-screen graphics and compiling research for “Mike & Mike,” which includes statistics, historical information and context for daily discussion. Andy Keen ’09 has enrolled in the Peace Corps. He will be stationed in Guyana in South America for a minimum 2 ½-year stint, helping provide education to elementary
age children. We are so proud of Keen for paying it forward! Congratulations to Kristian Linares ’03 (pictured on ground at 2016 Alumni Soccer match) and his now fiancé Alissa Garcia, who got engaged on October 9 while visiting family during Hurricane Mathew in Florida. Congratulations to Peter Neall ’64 for qualifying to
IN MEMORIAM play Pickle ball in the National Senior Olympics men’s doubles this June. The top four players from each state can attend the event. Pickle ball is a fun sport that combines many elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong.
Chad Pohlig ’10 (second from left) has returned to Church Farm School. In the fall, he helped coach the Varsity Soccer team and plays a crucial role as a cottage parent, helping guide the boys in learning how to live with one another as well as away from their parents.
Director of Alumni Relations Lori McDermott, along with friends, family and fellow CFS alums, attended the retirement celebration for Maj. Gen. Eric Weller ’74 at Fort Indiantown Gap on September 24. Weller had
an illustrious career in the U.S. military and helped start Church Farm School’s Military Scholarship Fund with Brig. Gen. (PA Retired) Cecil Hengeveld ’64, and his wife, Brig. Gen. (PA Retired) Peggy Hengeveld (both pictured). Also in attendance were CFS classmates Ralph Steele and Dale Elks, as well as Don Burt ’77 and Peter Goda ’60, along with their significant others.
Congratulations to Don Burt ’77 who received the CFS “bell” from Head of School The Rev. Edmund K. Sherrill II at January’s monthly alumni meeting. The gift was presented to Burt in appreciation for his years of service as
WE ARE SADDENED TO REPORT THE PASSING OF THESE CHURCH FARM SCHOOL ALUMNI. DAVID DICKSON ’49 A. STANLEY HOOD ’47 KEVIN HUGHES ’87 EMANUEL “RICKY” MORRIS ’75
president of the association. Burt passed the reigns to David Zimmerman ’88 and is currently serving as vice president of the Association. The Class of ’81 held a 35th summer reunion at the school, pictured left to right are Chris Gehricke, Walt Lybrand, Ben McNamara, Eric Boyle, Paul Spear, Craig Rhoads and Pete MacGregor. They are working to get their missing classmates back to Church Farm School for the Centennial celebration next May.
Michael Brown-DiFalco ’14 is currently a junior at West Chester University as a marketing major and is on track to graduate this December. He came back to Church Farm School as an intern with the development office and is helping out with promoting events as well as gathering and organizing the historical documents of the school. He is working on getting a summer internship and has many offers so far. Good luck to him with his future endeavors.
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ALUMNI WEEKEND: 50 YEARS OF DIVERSITY APRIL 28-30, 2017 Alumni Weekend will recognize and celebrate more than 50 years of diversity at Church Farm School, as measured by the inclusion of students of color, and the significant enrichment this movement has provided for the school’s self-understanding and expression in mission, program and service to the greater good.
RSVP ONLINE AT
GOCFS.NET/ALUMNI-WEEKEND OR CONTACT LORI MCDERMOTT AT LMCDERMOTT@GOCFS.NET OR 1.610.363.5338 14
FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2017 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Alumni Career Panel 3:45 – 5:30 p.m. Home Sporting Events 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Young Alumni BBQ (Classes 2000 – 2016; Silos) Cocktail Reception (Head of School Residence) 7:00 p.m.
Off-Site Gatherings
SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 2017 9:00 a.m.
Relay for Life Lunardi Memorial 5K Run/Fun Walk Car Wash
10:30 a.m. Administrator Roundtable Discussion 12:00 p.m.
Alumni Association Lunch and Annual Meeting
2:00 p.m.
Bowling vs. CFS Bowlers (The Palace) Pick-up Basketball (Gym)
5:30 p.m.
Chapel Memorial Service with presentation of Bibles to Class of 1967
6:00 p.m. Alumni Reunion Dinner ($20/person or $35/couple) - Reception featuring our award-winning “Scrapple-licious Church Farm School Chili” and Video Memory Booth for Centennial - Presentation of Newton Disney Service Award - Presentation of James Tate Award for Ambassadorship - Guest Speakers - Raffles, Trivia and More
SUNDAY, APRIL 30, 2017 11:25 a.m. Chapel Service 12:00 p.m. Brunch Sample our award-winning chili at Alumni Weekend! 15
GEOGRAPHIC DIVERSITY: THE ATLANTA CONNECTION
Joshua Brooks ’20
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hurch Farm School has almost 200 students from 11 countries and 13 states, with more than half coming from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. In the past two years, the school has seen an influx of young men from Atlanta, Georgia. Four of those students are new to Church Farm School this year: Emmett Eckert, Daylon Shackelford, Camden Rogers and Dion Mathews, being preceded last year by Michael Sweat (who now calls upstate New York home) and Joshua Brooks. We spoke to these students and their families about the ways
in which their shared geography has made the transition to boarding school life more comfortable, and why they left the warmth of Atlanta for northeast winters.
JOSHUA BROOKS ’20 While the Brooks family are natives of New Orleans, they have lived in Atlanta for 17 years, where Joshua was born. His mother, Lea, calls Josh “an outgoing, gregarious kid with a keen interest in sports and a desire to be professionally successful.” The Brooks say that during the latter years of Josh’s middle school experience, their son participated in a summer program that encouraged him and his friends to consider boarding school for high school. “As his parents, we were both impressed with his forward thinking, while anxious about the
DION MATHEWS ’20
Joshua Brooks ’20 prospect of him living away from home at such a young age,” Lea says. Nonetheless, Lea and her husband, Steve, were very involved in the application process, and collectively decided that Church Farm School would be the best environment for the next phase of Josh’s educational journey. “Church Farm has provided a unique balance of academic rigor without creating an environment that fosters unhealthy competition amongst its students,” Lea says. “The culture is comprised of a diverse group of students from around the globe, and Joshua has already benefited from being exposed to students whose experiences are different than his own.” The family adds that the supportive teachers, cottage parents and Josh’s advisor, Ms. Tiffany Scott, “watch over him like extended members of our family. Additionally, we continue to be impressed with Rev. Sherrill’s thoughtful, Christian-based leadership style, which serves as an example for young men making their transition into adulthood. “Our experiences at Church Farm continue to be rewarding, and we know that Joshua’s experiences here will be critical to what we hope will be an unlimited future of diverse opportunities.”
Dion Mathews came to Church Farm School after spending four years at the prestigious Ron Clark Academy (RCA) in Atlanta. His mother, Jontue Loui’e, says that RCA’s rigorous curriculum and passion for helping kids think outside the box was just what Dion needed to grow. “I didn’t want to go to a normal high school,” Dion says. Church Farm School was recommended to Dion by Michael Sweat ’20, a former RCA graduate. Dion met the admission team when they visited Atlanta, and Jontue says he “came home so excited to tell us about the school and rushed me to Google it and apply.” When Dion visited, he said Church Farm School, “felt real. It wasn’t putting on a show.”
Emmett Eckert ’20 and Dion Mathews ’20 give RCA students a tour. “Church Farm School was the only school we applied to and it has been a blessing for our family,” says Jontue. Adding that Dion has exceeded their expectations with his growth and development, which they
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credit to the amazing faculty, small class sizes and the one-on-one attention. They also note that the diverse student body has enabled him to meet kids from all around the world and become a self-made ambassador, teaching Dion Mathews ’20 his new friends all about teenage life in the United States. “He helps them in English homework and they jump right in and help him with math,” Jontue says. “It’s a home away from home here. Everyone seems like family,” Dion says. His mom agrees, “I have to beg him to come home. As a mom, you always second-guess yourself. I’m so glad Dion made the right choice with Church Farm.”
“What really made me come here was the brotherhood,” Emmett says. “It’s a community here. There is no bullying or division. When I visited, I saw that most of the students were nice and respectful to the teachers and each other.” Emmett says he especially enjoys cottage life, as their appearance and arrangement feels “just like home.” Emmett, a naturally outgoing and friendly 15-year-old, says that despite the ease at which he’s been able to make friends both in his grade and outside of it, it was a bonus having Dion on this journey with him. “I’ve known Dion for almost a third of my life. It’s nice to carry on that bond. And it helped me to not be afraid of coming to a boarding school. I knew I would always have a friend no matter what.”
EMMETT ECKERT ’20 Emmett Eckert says he was used to being in a small class as a student at Ron Clark Academy (no more than 40 students per grade), and appreciates that Church Farm School has the same intimate environment.
Camden Rogers ’20
CAMDEN ROGERS ’20
Emmett Eckert ’20 18
Camden Rogers’ mother, Paula, says her son decided in sixth grade that he wanted to go to boarding school after talking to his school counselor. During eighth grade, former Church Farm School Admission Director Brandon Zeigler came to Camden’s school, Kipp South Fulton Academy, to interview students and hold an information session for parents. “While listening, I became aware of all of the awesome
Daylon Shackelford ’20 with his mom and sister. opportunities that Church Farm School would offer him, and after doing research myself, became impressed with the school’s diversity and mission. I was now willing to explore the opportunity for him but I was still skeptical about sending my child away. After he was accepted, I attended revisit day and he was convinced that this was the school for him.” Camden says that what intrigued him most about the school was that “it was a wholesome community where I could really blossom and grow into my best self.” Paula says she remained reluctant, particularly because it is a single-gender school. “However, I took solace in the fact that a friend of his since third grade [Daylon Shackelford] would also attend the school.”
DAYLON SHACKELFORD ’20 Like Camden, Daylon Shackelford attended Kipp South Fulton Academy in Atlanta for four years prior to his acceptance to Church Farm School. “During our last year at Kipp, we began working with their High School Placement Coordinator Mark Stucker, who not only educated us on the possibility of boarding schools, but put emphasis on Church Farm School” says Daylon’s mother, Juliane.
Paula says that during Orientation Weekend, she had the opportunity to meet other parents and students from Atlanta. “This reassured me that he would always have some friends from home and also traveling partners to and from home to school. During the first few months of adjusting to life without my son, it was nice to have other parents nearby to talk to.” Daylon Shackelford ’20 Camden says the brotherhood at Church Farm School makes it “an easy community to be yourself. When I’m here I feel welcomed and compelled to welcome others.” Having other students from Atlanta at Church Farm School makes him feel “more understood,” Camden says. “They understand how I feel about cold weather, the distance from my parents and the joy of going home.”
“In the beginning that path wasn’t even imaginable for me and I dismissed the suggestion, but Daylon was intrigued. He started researching Church Farm School and wanted to take advantage of the on-site interview with their admission team. In preparation for his interview, Daylon discussed his research with me. Watching him so excited about his future, I decided it was time to support him!” 19
Juliane says despite the geographic distance from the school, the abundance of information available online helped the family quickly develop a solid picture of school. “The school was exquisite! Daylon would have everything he could possibly want for his high school career and his attendance would open doors to colleges we would otherwise only dream of. We couldn’t wait to visit,” she says. While walking the “idyllic campus with the signature silos, experiencing the diverse crowd of well-spoken, intelligent and driven young men,” the family became further convinced. “Not only would he receive a pristine education, but he would become part of a community that shared our values and would reach far beyond a city limit. The connections would be nationwide, multicultural and international. For the first time, Daylon would fit in well with his own mix of cultures.” On move-in day, the Shackelfords realized that there was an entire group from just Atlanta. “The bond was instant and we supported each other through the difficulty of adjusting to life without our sons at home. There is also comfort in knowing your kid has a travel companion, as we would just book them on the same flights during school breaks.” Michael Sweat ’20 Since that day, the family has watched Daylon grow more and more into his independence. “I believe the school is preparing Daylon well for the years after high school and it is beyond the issue of education and studying habits. They are preparing their students for life!” 20
Michael Sweat ’20
MICHAEL SWEAT ’20 Michael Sweat’s mother, Courtney Dunlap, says her son “has definitely been blessed so far with his educational experiences.” Michael also attended The Ron Clark Academy for his middle school career from 5th through 8th grades, which Courtney says “gave him opportunities that would not have been available in any other middle school in the world.” Because RCA is known for its non-traditional approach to teaching, Courtney says this spurred Michael to approach her about the possibility about boarding school. “That eventually led us to Church Farm School,” she says. “I love that Church Farm School takes all kinds of boys no matter the color of their skin or the money in their pockets. I love that it was started to help boys from broken homes have a chance to make it within an institution that has expectations for them. I also love that boys from all over the country and globe call Church Farm School home and that Michael gets to hear about their cultures and share his, too. They all learn how they are different but still the same.” Courtney adds that the regular community service projects and music program are an especially important benefit to Michael and their family. “I feel that Church Farm School was the right choice for our family for high school for Michael. Being away at school is helping him to mature and feel more independent, and will hopefully make the transition to college easier for him when the time comes.”
DIVERSIFYING YOUR GIVING: PLANNED GIVING ADVICE FROM MARC TURNER Many within the Church Farm School community know Marc Turner as the head coach of the school’s varsity basketball team. What they might not know is that for nearly as long as he has helped our Griffin athletes find success on the court, he has been helping individuals plan for their retirement as the owner and managing director at Renaissance Advisory Group in Bryn Mawr, PA.
you ‘arrive’ financially.” These include taking advantage of opportunities your company might provide to give part of your paycheck to a not-for-profit, or purchasing term life insurance with a nonprofit as the beneficiary. “It’s a great way to turn peanuts into something that could mean a lot of money down the line for an organization that you deeply care about,” he says.
“Remember when you were a kid and you thought you knew how to play ball? Only to find out very quickly you didn’t know as much as you thought you did. Then a good coach took you aside and gave you some pointers and a few tips that would otherwise have taken you months to learn on your own. He took an interest in you and treated you with the respect and intelligence you deserved. He guided and helped you find the very best in yourself. Working together you become stronger than you ever could have on your own.” This is Renaissance Advisory’s philosophy, and the analogies are apt for someone of Turner’s stature. Turner says when he was 26 and working at an investment firm in Exton, his boss left a Daily Local on his desk opened to an ad for a head basketball coach at Church Farm School. “I thought I was being fired,” Turner laughs. His boss, seeing leadership potential in the young Turner, suggested he give the school a call. Two interviews later, he was hired by then Athletic Director John Kistler for a job he wasn’t really sure he wanted. “I was a kid myself. I’d coached summer leagues, but I was still playing, too,” Turner recalls.
Pre-retirees and retirees who have worked very hard during their lives to accrue “a nice nest egg” are also advised to allocate some of their wealth through planned giving. “From a philanthropic perspective, it’s much better to give your money to an organization such as Church Farm School and not pay it in taxes,” Turner says. “It feels a lot better. It’s going out the door either way, so why not make sure it goes to something you feel good about?” Being able to deduct assets that are gifted to an organization and eliminating the need to pay capital gains tax is a big benefit, Turner says. For example, he says if you buy stock at $50 and its worth goes up to $100, the owner is responsible for that investment’s capital gains when they sell, which is typically about 15%. “You could give that same $100 stock to a nonprofit, and write off that money in charitable giving. The nonprofit gets money and there are no capital gains involved,” he says.
The rest is (Church Farm School) history. Turner has been leading young men on and off the court for more than 20 years, even though he likes to say, “My players made me the coach I am today.” Coaching young men isn’t that different from giving financial advice, Turner says. He recommends starting to think about planned giving as young adults. “I’m an advocate for not waiting until you feel like you have a lot of wealth to start planning,” Turner says. “There are many things you can do before
Turner also notes that when retirees hit 70.5 years old, they must take a required minimum distribution on their retirement assets, such as 401Ks, IRAs, etc. “Why not use those assets being forced out to buy some life-insurance that would yield a profit for a charity?” Another option to avoid tax is to make a contribution of all or a part of the retired mandatory distribution to a qualified charity. You can do this up to $100,000 and avoid income tax on this distribution. Learn more at renaissanceadvisory.com.
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