Cushing Today - Spring 2015

SPRING 2015

Cushing Today C USH I N G AC ADEMY MAG AZINE

REMEMBERING DR. JOSEPH CURRY

CUSHING ACADEMY BREAKS GROUND ON ATHLETIC FACILITY

TURNING THE PAGE Norm Carey

Cushing Today SPRING 2015

Cushing exists for the students, their academic growth, and personal development. In educating the mind, shaping the character, and nurturing the creativity of an academically and culturally diverse student body, we challenge each individual, support excellence in the learning process, and promote active participation and service in all areas of life and learning. We offer a demanding college preparatory curriculum, teach skills that build confidence, and instill values that endure.

Cushing Today is a publication of Cushing Academy’s Office of Development and Alumni Programs.

Headmaster Christopher Torino Associate Head of School Catherine Pollock Director of Advancement Bill O’Hearn Cushing Today Editor Amy Ostroth Director of Marketing and Communications Heather Hill ’90 Contributing Writers Amy Ostroth Chuck Johanningsmeier ’77 Jennifer Klein Amy Logan Photography Jake Belcher Sam Fuller ’15 Tom Kates Chris McIntosh Tim Morse Amy Ostroth Phil Wexler Design Andrea Hopkins Cheney & Company Printing Allied Printing Services, Inc. Cushing Today welcomes class notes, photographs, story ideas, and comments by alumni/ae, parents, and friends. Please send them to alumniprograms@cushing.org or call 978-827-7400.

Photo taken by Napat “Pop” Rochanapruk ’16 as part of his work for his advanced photography class

In This Issue

FEATURES

20 Student Profiles

A Day in the Life of Two Graduating Seniors

22 Faculty Profiles Mary Fern

In Memory of Dr. Joseph R. Curry Norm Carey

33 Historical Legacy What Am I?

DEPARTMENTS

2 On Campus From the Headmaster Along School Street Show Your Work Good Sports The Art of Giving

38 Alumni International Corner Alumni News Making History Real Class Notes

What Am I?

In Memoriam

Can you identify this piece of Cushing’s history? Think you know where it is on campus and what it has to do with Cushing’s past? Read the full story on page 33 to find out.

ON THE COVER: The entrance to Cushing Academy at the corner of School and Central Streets.

SPRING 2015

1

From the Headmaster

CHRISTOPHER TORINO

In her book Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott writes that stories

“deepen and widen and expand our sense of life: they feed the soul.”

Cushing stories have undoubtedly deepened, widened, and expanded my sense of the proud 150 years of our school and what is made possible through a transformative education. I have listened to, read, and absorbed the stories and experiences of current Cushing students, faculty, staff, and parents, as well as those of alumni and past parents, faculty, and staff. An English teacher to the core, I relish these narratives—whether told in snippets or as whole pieces—about the Cushing in you.

This month, the Class of 2015 will graduate and make the transition from their “dear old Cushing days” as students to their lives as engaged alumni. Close on the heels of graduation, we will welcome our alumni back to campus for our Sesquicentennial Reunion Weekend, a milestone event in the life of the Academy. Commencement and Reunion weave together the many diverse stories into a fuller, more vibrant understanding of the Cushing legacy.

Whether I’ve had the pleasure to meet you in person or not, I’d very much love to hear your stories about Cushing—the faculty who made lasting impressions on you, the friends you made, the challenges through which you grew, and the things you learned. I invite you to visit www.cushing.org/alumnistories to submit your stories online, or email them to headmaster@cushing.org. Whether you have a brief moment to write a vignette recounting one smaller story, or time enough to write a more comprehensive recollection or string of recollections, your stories will “deepen and widen and expand” our sense of Cushing—where, how, and why we’ve lived and Cushing’s impact on the world one Penguin at a time. Your stories are the foundation for our Academy’s promising future.

Thank you for everything you do to support the school—attending events; volunteering your time; cheering on our athletes; making gifts to our Cushing Academy Fund, including supporting our new athletic facility; and sharing your stories. I continue to be honored and proud to be a part of and servant to the Cushing story.

I’ll close with Rudyard Kipling’s thoughts on the power of stories: “If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten.”

So, here’s to remembering and recounting those dear old Cushing days…

2

CUSHING TODAY

BREAKING GROUND Cushing Academy has officially broken ground on its new athletic facility, which will be named the Watkins Field House. For more information on this important project, see page 37.

ON CAMPUS

Along School Street A Banner Year Begins The long-awaited year of celebration and proud

to the event, and he was joined on stage by

Penguin history is officially underway, as we

Brett Torrey ’85, Sylvia Lilienthal ’40, former

mark the start of our sesquicentennial year and

Trustee and Board treasurer Don Irving, and

honor our founding in 1865.

faculty member Peggy Lee, who read excerpts

As this year unfolds, please visit our Sesqui-

from Thomas Parkman Cushing’s will and re-

centennial page at www.cushing.org/150 often

marks from Cushing’s dedication. Norm Carey,

for a calendar of events, the link to a timeline

who will finish his 34-year Cushing career in

of Cushing’s history, a downloadable monthly

June, read two poems he wrote that capture

calendar wallpaper for your desktop, and stories

the essence of life at the Academy. Headmaster

from 150 years. We look forward to hearing and

Chris Torino also spoke, telling the guests about

showcasing your Cushing stories. In fact, you

how Cushing’s traditions and past will inform

can share your stories with us right now using

its future.

the form on our website at www.cushing.org/ alumni.

The year of celebration kicked off on Dec. 5,

There will be a number of sesquicentennial events throughout 2015, all of which can be

found at www.cushing.org/150. We hope all

2014, when nearly 200 people gathered at the

of our parents, alumni, and members of our ex-

Liberty Hotel in Boston. Board of Trustees

tended community will join us as we celebrate

Note About the Fall Issue of Cushing Today

member Robert Young ’69 welcomed the group

150 years of this wonderful institution.

To mark the Academy’s sesquicentennial,

the fall issue of Cushing Today will be special, commemorating 150 years of Cushing excellence. We’ll look back on the people who made the Academy what it is today—

Parents for Cushing Hard at Work

Thomas Parkman Cushing, Hervey S.

Volunteers from the Academy’s parent group,

what makes Cushing so special is its sense of

Cowell, Dr. Joseph Curry, and others. We’ll

Parents for Cushing (PFC), have been hard at

community, and we are committed to building

look at the ways the Academy has changed

work this year building relationships among

that sense of community among the Academy’s

and the ways it has stayed the same.

Cushing’s families, sharing their ideas with the

parents.”

Because of the content of this special

school’s administration, and giving generously

PFC is already looking ahead to next year.

of their time to support the Cushing community.

For 2015 Fall Family Weekend, scheduled for

annual report in 2015, although we will

In February, they put together a wonderful

Oct. 23–24, the group is planning a live and

publish the information online. Further,

Faculty Staff Appreciation Day, with yummy

silent auction event with Co-Chairs John and

the campus news you look for in the maga-

goodies and other treats, to acknowledge the

Barbara Kelly P’11,’13,’16 and Auctioneer John

zine will also be found online, including

hard work done by everyone who works for the

Terrio. They’re excited to get Cushing’s parents

information about the Academy’s 2015

Academy. Their thoughtfulness was much ap-

involved in this special event, so mark your

commencement exercises, which took place

preciated by all.

calendars and keep an eye out for more informa-

on May 23, and the extra-special sesquicen-

tion soon.

tennial Reunion Weekend, which was held

The PFC has also hosted several social

issue, we will not be publishing a printed

gatherings, including a cocktail hour at the

Parents for Cushing is an open group. In-

beginning of the school year and a coffee hour

deed, you’re a member just for being a Cushing

at the beginning of Winter Free Weekend. “It’s

parent. If you’d like to play a more active role

org for all the latest news about Cushing.

important to build connections among Cush-

in the group, however, your involvement is

If you have questions, please email:

grams@cushing.org or call 978-827-7400.

or call us at 978-827-7400.

ing’s families,” says Kim Samson, the group’s chairperson and parent to Evan ’16. “Part of

encouraged and welcomed. Contact parentpro-

June 5–7.

We encourage you to visit www.cushing.

alumniprograms@cushing.org

SPRING 2015

3

Peter Clarke to Retire After a Decade at Cushing

it also taught Peter a good lesson about teach-

to challenge kids and help them build character

ing. “It’s not about what you, the teacher, are

through educational travel and community

going to do. It’s about what you are going to get

service. Although Peter is quite proud of the

Cushing has been

the kids to do,” he says. “Teaching middle school

work he did there, the school was forced to close

fortunate to count some

taught me to be more student-centered and to

because it needed to expand and the location in

extremely talented

really engage students in the work of the class.”

Ashby limited that.

Although that job came with its challenges,

the Shackleton School, according to Peter, was

Eventually he decided he wanted to teach

When Peter began at the Shackleton School,

Peter Clarke is one example of just such an edu-

high school so that he could help his students

his son, David ’07, was already at Cushing. Not

cator and when he retires from the Academy at

ask—and answer—more intellectually challeng-

long after, his wife, Nicki, took a job as Cush-

the end of the year, his commitment, wisdom,

ing questions. Therefore, he earned a teaching

ing’s Director of Development. When the Ashby

and leadership will be missed.

license before heading to Reading High School,

school closed in 2005, Peter decided to get back

where he was a social studies teacher and the

in the classroom by accepting a job at Cush-

excellent teachers he had in high school in

coach of the girls’ track team. He was such a

ing. “From the first day I walked into Cushing,

Chappaqua, N.Y. One used Herodotus and the

successful coach there that one of his teams

I loved it here,” he says. “In the 10 years I’ve

Greek Civil War to connect classroom learning

won the Massachusetts State Track Champion-

been here—from developing new curricula to

to the very real challenge of the Vietnam War at

ship, and he was named the Massachusetts

Cushing Scholars to Model UN—Cushing has

a time when most schools and teachers refused

State Track Coach of the Year.

always put its students first. I’ve never been at

teachers among its faculty. History teacher

He got into teaching in part because of two

to even discuss the subject. “The other,” Peter

In 1983, the school needed to cut staff, which

a meeting at Cushing where we argued about

remembers, “held up a matchbox at the begin-

they did by seniority, so Peter once again found

whether we should find a creative way to meet

ning of my AP history class and asked us what it

himself with a choice about his future. He used

a student’s needs. I’ve never had a conversa-

was. When we said ‘a matchbox,’ he said ‘prove

his savings to pay tuition at Harvard, where

tion about giving one student an advantage

it.’ You’d be amazed how hard it is to prove that

he earned his master’s degree in educational

over another. The conversation has always been

a matchbox is a matchbox. He was teaching us

administration. Following Harvard, he spent

about what each individual student needs to be

how to argue, which no one had ever taught us

21 years as an educational administrator at

successful here.”

to do before. I thought then how wonderful it

both public and private schools in New York,

would be to be able to do that for other young

Vermont, and Massachusetts. In 1995, his lead-

Peter won’t be leaving the educational realm, as

people.”

ership in educational innovation resulted in his

he plans to return to Vermont, where he and his

being named Vermont’s principal of the year.

wife have a home, and work as an educational

Peter has gone on to spend 44 years as an educator. His first teaching job was at The Har-

From 2003 to 2005, Peter was Head of School

Although he’s leaving Cushing this year,

consultant. He doesn’t think of it as retiring,

vey School, a private boarding middle school,

at the Shackleton School in Ashby, Mass., just

but rather going on to another set of challenges

and although that was a short stint—just two

up the road from Cushing. The school was

that will use his varied educational experi-

years—he and his wife lived in a dorm and man-

experimental and based on the Outward Bound

ence, hopefully to assist a new generation of

aged the lives of 15 seventh-grade boys. You can

program—the school took its students on three-

educational leaders to figure out how to meet

imagine the difficulty of getting those boys to

month learning expeditions across the USA

the needs of the next generation of Vermont

brush their teeth and go to bed!

designed to inspire self-discovery. The goal of

students.

Special Learning Opportunity for Four Cushing Students This year, four students represented Cushing at the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Student Diversity Leadership Conference during the first week in December.

This extraordinary event brings together nearly 1,500 students from independent schools across the country, engaging them in an intense curriculum that centers on cultural identifiers, promotes affinity group work, and creates connections with participants from our region. We know the students returned to Cushing prepared to open conversations, jump start regional efforts, and educate their peers.

The students who attended the diversity conference (l–r): Myles Bonadie ’17, Joanna James ’15, Chyna Christman ’16, and Jarrod Simmons ’17.

4

CUSHING TODAY

ON CAMPUS

Developing a Leadership Culture In October, our Dean of Student Life, Mr. Chris Howes (left), headed to The Symposium in Pedagogy of Leadership sponsored by the Gardner Carney Leadership Institute in collaboration with the Klingenstein Center for Independent School Education. The central goal of the event: to learn and absorb the art and science by which an educator can systematically instill and develop in students the desire and capacity to lead.

Cushing students listen attentively at the Global Response to Emerging Infections Symposium at Harvard Medical School.

Mr. Howes served as a presenter in a session called Transforming Culture Through Leadership Development. Draw-

Students Travel to Harvard for Global Health Symposium

ing on his past experiences working at Severn School and his work at Cushing this year, he spoke about developing and build-

In January, a group of Cushing students trav-

experiences, he chronicled what it was like don-

ing a pervasive and fully integrated culture

eled to Boston to attend the Global Response to

ning the personal protective equipment, how

of student leadership. “It is possible for

Emerging Infections Symposium at Harvard

his team worked to establish communication

every child to develop leadership skills,” he

Medical School. This unique opportunity was

response teams, and the major role that video

said. “It is our obligation to provide them

made possible by Gregory Ciottone, MD, FACEP,

conferencing has played in connecting health

with the avenues to exercise and practice

Director of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

workers to one another and accessing data.

these skills.”

Fellowship in Disaster Medicine and Associ-

Following the lunch break, students were

He relayed that attendees were particu-

ate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Harvard

greeted by the Honorable Mr. Jeremiah C.

larly interested in Cushing’s revised stu-

Medical School; and Amalia Voskanyan, RN, Co-

Sulunteh, Liberia Ambassador to the United

dent handbook. “We went from rules and

Director BIDMC Fellowship in Disaster Medicine;

States. He shared with students his personal

policies to expectations and values, and

parents of Vigen ’16 and Robert ’17 Ciottone.

story as a child in Liberia with no running wa-

people were really excited about hearing

ter, no electricity, and no roads. Through perse-

how we did that. The lens through which

ing Scholars and students in ethics and select

verance and discipline, he attended school and

I presented our student-centered approach

biology classes, joined top scholars and boots-

university, and then raised the money to build

was perhaps a different lens for them, and

on-the-ground practitioners in the fields of

a school for children in his village. “I share this

it clearly struck a chord as we discussed the

crisis leadership, epidemiology, humanitarian,

story with you to say this: everywhere you go in

conduct system, shared responsibilities,

and disaster medicine. Guest speakers discussed

life and in the world, there are different chal-

and leadership programming.”

such topics as technology and community

lenges. Listen. Be disciplined. Always remem-

engagement in the Ebola response, the ethical

ber the opportunities you have.”

The Cushing delegation, comprised of Cush-

As for his own take-aways from the symposium, Mr. Howes shared discussions

dilemmas in the Ebola crisis, and the challeng-

When asked to share their thoughts on

on brain research and its relationship to ed-

es to global threats from an NGO perspective.

the day’s experience, students were quick to

ucation and children. “Working with kids,

“It’s terrifying working with the Ebola

respond. “This conference was an amazing

it’s important for us to understand where

virus,” said Dr. Gavin Macgregor-Skinner, As-

opportunity to hear from people who have expe-

they are in the process of growth, and most

sistant Professor, Department of Public Health

rienced the tragedy of Ebola firsthand and are

important, to recognize that they aren’t

Sciences, Penn State University, on his experi-

making a difference,” said Caroline Fital ’17.

‘done’—they’re still ‘becoming.’”

ences with response teams in Nigeria. “Ebola

For Breton Lorway ’17: “The biggest take-away

is the one that scares me.” Through firsthand

was to never take anything for granted.”

SPRING 2015

5

Cushing Academy Performing Arts Series 2015 Last year, Cushing’s performing arts faculty and

from three different eras and continents. This

others who have no affiliation with Cushing—

Headmaster Torino had an idea: to inaugurate

event was held in the Joseph R. Curry Academic

not to mention personal sentiments of gratitude

an annual performing arts series, bringing

Center’s performance space, which was filled to

throughout the series.”

professional artists to campus, enhancing the

capacity. The intimacy of the venue added to the

education that our students receive, and invit-

powerful music, and attendees were heard to

efited Cushing’s students as well. “I think our

ing residents of Ashburnham and the surround-

whisper, “That was breathtaking!”

students have realized the power of the arts

This professional series has no doubt ben-

ing area to campus to enjoy the performances.

The final event was held on March 28 and

more intently because they have now seen it

In September, the Academy’s hard work toward

featured Jerry Sabatini and his band, the Sonic

through the eyes of an adult audience,” noted

that goal bore fruit when the first performance

Explorers Octet. An audience of nearly 250,

Julia. “When you are surrounded by different

in Cushing’s Performing Arts Series took place.

including Jerry’s current students and the Oak-

generations, and especially those who are not

It is safe to say that the first year was a won-

mont Regional High School jazz band, enjoyed

related to you, you tend to view things through

derful success. Attendees at the events included

music composed by Sabatini and rooted in the

a different lens. Our public audience has helped

local residents from Ashburnham, Westmin-

history of American jazz, blues, funk, and

even more to validate what we teach and direct

ster, Fitchburg, and Winchendon; Cushing

rock, blended with Eastern European Gypsy and

during the year.” The students also had the op-

alumni; current Cushing parents; others who

Middle Eastern flair. As we celebrate Cushing’s

portunity to assist with a wide variety of tasks

have no particular affiliation with Cushing

150th anniversary and the Town of Ashburn-

and production elements associated with these

from southern New Hampshire, central Mas-

ham’s 250th anniversary, connections such as

performances, giving them the chance to see

sachusetts, Worcester, and Greater Boston; as

this event strengthen bonds between the Acad-

firsthand how the administration of a perform-

well as Cushing faculty, staff and students. All

emy and its surrounding community.

ing arts series is executed. Cushing plans to

performances in the series this year were free of

“The feedback we have received on the series has been overwhelmingly positive,” noted

charge.

Nearly 300 people attended the first event,

Julia Ohm, Chair of Cushing’s Performing Arts

expand the arts administration opportunities for students in future years.

The benefits to the Academy are multifold.

held in Cowell Chapel, featuring The Rebecca

Department. Julia indicated that some in at-

Desh observed, “The series has provided our

Rice Dance Company. Rebecca Rice is Cushing’s

tendance have lived in the vicinity for up to 35

educational program with greater visibility

Director of Dance—as was her mother before her

years, but had never been on campus; another

because our performances have featured Cush-

—and she is a resident of Ashburnham. Many of

was astonished that performances of this caliber

ing faculty as both creators and performers.

the guests were local and had connections to Re-

were offered free of charge. Desh Hindle, Cush-

In future seasons, we hope to include Cush-

becca, her family, or Cushing’s dance program.

ing’s Director of Music, agrees. “The feedback

ing alumni as well. Our artistic community at

In January, cellist Ning Tien and pianist

has been extraordinary and heartfelt. We have

Cushing is vibrant, active, and thriving, and we

Monica Tessitore (pictured below) of Cushing’s

received multiple emails and letters of apprecia-

should be openly sharing that with the greater

piano faculty, performed music of composers

tion from Cushing parents, local alumni, and

community, especially considering the communicative nature of our artistic disciplines.”

The professional Performing Arts Series has exceeded the Academy’s expectations by every possible measure. We have expanded our relationships with local and regional communities, reestablished contact with alumni who have a particular interest or career in the arts, and expanded educational opportunities for our current students, as well as potential students.

The series will continue in 2015–2016, and we are in the early stages of planning those performances.

Visit www.cushing.org/PASeries for more information.

6

CUSHING TODAY

ON CAMPUS

Incredible Winter Musical Congratulations to the cast and crew of this year’s winter musical, Joseph

and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat! It was a super show from start to finish and we’re pleased that so many members of the Cushing community were able to enjoy the hard work and dedication that went in to creating such an enjoyable production.

SPRING 2015

7

Cushing Artist Named Gold Key Winner Congratulations to Ja Youn “Bee” Lee

Art and Writing Awards, the regional

Photography Exhibit by Samantha Fuller ’15

division of a national program that

Samantha Fuller ’15 began

awards honors, exhibit opportunities,

taking photography as an

and scholarships for students in

afternoon activity when she

grades 7 through 12. Presented by the

was a freshman and says

School of the Museum of Fine Arts,

it was “kind of a whim.”

the Globe competition is in its 65th

Some whim. During March,

year, and received over 20,000 entries

she presented her photog-

this year from over 8,000 students.

raphy series, “It’s Written

We’re quite proud of Bee’s good work!

All Over Your Face,” in a

’16 for being named a Gold Key winner in this year’s Boston Globe Scholastic

monthlong exhibit in the Carter Gallery. The exhibit

Orchestra Honors for Cushing Student

features portraits of Cushing poets with their own lines of poetry across their

For the eighth year in a row, Cush-

faces. She borrowed the idea

ing was represented at the Mas-

from advanced photography

sachusetts Central District Honors

teacher Rebecca Cinclair.

Festival. Yilin “Catherine” Zeng ’18

Sam hopes to attend Ithaca

was admitted to the orchestra and

College and plans to major

performed with the honors orches-

in photography.

tra at Mechanics Hall in Worcester.

Samantha’s portraits of Brendan Miller ’15, above, and Breton Lorway ’17, below

8

CUSHING TODAY

ON CAMPUS

Cushing Scholars Visit JFK Library Last fall, the Cushing Scholars traveled to Boston to visit the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.

The group began with a session in the museum’s classroom, where they explored events and issues of the early 1960s using primary source documents and audiovisual materials. Following the classroom session, the museum educator worked with students in the museum, helping them make connections between the museum exhibits and the classroom discussions.

Next, they explored the topic of “Launching into the Sixties.” Acting as members of President Kennedy’s

One of the groups presents to Bob Macioci’s class.

Press Office, the group was given an assignment to prepare a briefing for the

Learning the Way of the World

President on topics that may come up in

Taxes. Town budgets. Competing priorities.

an increase in property taxes. Another, closing

a specific press conference. To fulfill this

Funding schools or police? These are the issues

fire and police stations.

assignment, they explored the museum

that face mayors, town councils, and citizens

Of course, for every idea to increase revenue

around the globe. One teacher at Cushing Acad-

or reduce spending, there is a citizen who offers

emy is teaching his students about them, too.

an opposing view. Classmates, playing the role

Cushing Scholars’ advisors, “This was

Each year, Bob Macioci—who teaches his-

and used primary source documents.

According to Peter Clarke, one of the

of townspeople, ask each group hard questions.

one of the best trips we’ve taken with

tory, economics, and ethics—divides his classes

When a group proposes closing fire stations:

the Scholars, and the staff compliment-

up into groups and gives them a town budget

“What about areas that are now farther away

ed us on how seriously our students took

with a deficit. Each group plays the role of a

from the station?” When a group suggests clos-

their work.”

town council in an upper-middle-class town,

ing a police station: “How can you cut police

and the students have to determine how best

when our town is already seeing an increased

to balance the town’s budget. More than that,

crime rate?” Regarding school vouchers: “I

they have to present their budget to a mock

don’t have kids, but I think our tax dollars

town meeting, where the citizens are made up

should be spent in our town, not sent to other

of their classmates and faculty and staff who

towns.” From a citizen without children: “The

join in the fun.

budget we have is more than enough to fund

Issues facing each council? Health insurance for teachers, school vouchers, school staffing, fire and police stations, snow removal, road

our schools. We should spend our budget on something else.”

Obviously, these are real-world issues play-

paving, tax rates on residents and businesses,

ing out in a controlled space, but it’s a good

public transportation, and more.

lesson for Cushing’s young students, whether

The groups come up with a number of good

they’re playing the role of a member of town

ideas—both to raise revenue and to decrease

council or a citizen. Macioci hopes that the

spending. One group proposes closing the town

exercise will teach the students that solutions

pool, saving the town $1 million per year. One

are rarely simple and that many of society’s

group recommends asking teachers to pay a

challenges don’t have indisputable solutions,

higher percentage of their health insurance pre-

but are dilemmas to which we must bring—as

miums. One proposes bringing in a Walmart to

Cushing’s Portrait of a Graduate reads—integ-

increase the town’s tax base. Another suggests

rity, empathy, compassion, and courage.

Cushing students at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston

SPRING 2015

9

Cushing Students are Serving Their Communities

Day program welcomed the opportunity to have

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The best way to

visits to take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays

find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of

from 3 to 5 pm. Each day, half of Shawn’s 15

others.” There are a number of ways Cushing

students would visit the school, helping out

students are learning that important life lesson

with homework, playing games with the kids,

at the Academy.

supervising outside play, and doing arts and

Each spring, our students participate in our annual Tony Fisher Day, during which groups of

the Cushing students visit, and so they set up

crafts. The Cushing students loved it, as did the kids from the elementary school.

students go out into the surrounding commu-

Track coach and ESL teacher Stirling Ince

nity to perform various acts of service. In the

(above right) got his students involved in a com-

Even so, he acknowledges that the experience

last few years, our students have volunteered at

munity service project as well. Stirling has been

is beneficial both to the students at the center

food banks and state parks, as well as locations

volunteering at the Cleghorn Neighborhood

and for the Cushing students who help out.

around Ashburnham like the senior center,

Center in Fitchburg for several years, and last

“It’s a reminder that not everyone has the same

town library, and town’s safety complex.

winter he decided to get a few Cushing students

opportunities,” says Stirling. “It’s a reminder

They’ve even been as far afield as Walden Pond

involved. Three students signed up and they

for our students that they have things to be

and the Greater Boston Food Bank. The day is

visited the center as part of their afternoon ac-

thankful for.”

in honor and memory of philanthropist and

tivity. Once at the center, the Cushing students

Cushing alumnus Tony Fisher ’69.

help with homework, arts and crafts, science

the center. Sometimes they have as many as 40

There’s a real need for this kind of support at

But the Academy’s contributions to com-

experiments, and other tasks that the staff at

kids at the center with very few staff members

munity service happen more than just one day

the center need help with. He continued the

to help. And although he’d like to do it all year

per year. In the fall, first-year Academic Support

activity during this most recent winter term.

round, Stirling coaches in the fall and the

teacher Shawn Gebhardt (above left) began

Stirling says it can be discouraging work

spring, so it has to be just a winter activity. “I’d

advising the Academy’s community service af-

because sometimes the kids at the center

like to get more people involved,” he says, “but

ternoon activity. He discussed with the students

have trouble doing schoolwork that should

they need to be doing it for the right reasons.”

what they would like to do, and the kids told

be relatively simple for them, and sometimes

These community service efforts are a re-

him they’d like to work with younger kids; so,

there are kids at the center who clearly have the

minder that at Cushing we value education that

Shawn reached out to J.R. Briggs Elementary

desire and ability to learn at a higher level, but

includes action on behalf of others.

School in Ashburnham. The school’s Extended

they lack the support that they need to do so.

Rust Cup Champs On Feb. 28, the Varsity B Boys’ Hockey Team won the Bob Rust Cup Memorial Tournament with some serious Penguin Pride. It was a hard-fought championship game vs. Avon Old Farms that needed overtime to decide the winner! Congrats to the coaches Mike Kowalenko and Matthew Tuller ’02 as well as every player on the team for a great season and an even better ending!

The Varsity B Hockey team with their Rust Cup trophy

10

CUSHING TODAY

ON CAMPUS

A Moby-Dick Whaling Dance In November, Dr. Norm Carey’s Advanced Literature class was given a choice during

their reading of Moby-Dick—write an essay, or replicate a tavern dance set to a 19th century whaling song featured in the 1956 film starring Gregory Peck. As one might guess, the group chose the dance. But there was a hitch: a panel of judges would decide if the performance was robust enough to warrant a passing grade. If not, the class would write the essay.

So, on an overcast day, the group headed to School Girl Square, where they were met by a group of faculty and staff judges, and student spectators. On went the mu-

TEDx Cushing

years of service to the Academy. Read more about his career at Cushing

around the statue. After the

Cushing, spearheaded by Jessica Kinsley ’16

was really inspiring and made us even more

conferring of the judges, it

(below) along with her committee (above):

excited to organize this event.”

was deemed that the dance

Jessica was motivated to set up a TED talk

after more than 30

a jaunty dance around and my committee and I received about this event

Joanna James ’15, and Yashi Thakurani ’18.

retire this year

sic, and the group performed

In March, Cushing held its first ever TEDx

Myles Bonadie ’17, Rachel Guerriero ’16,

Dr. Carey will

on page 30.

The committee held auditions where in-

was nicely choreographed in

terested students had to fill out an outline of

the spirit of the movie and

their talk and prepare a one-minute opener.

deserving of a thumbs up all around.

No Dr. Carey event involving the great white

at Cushing because of the diverse interests of

In the end, four students were selected:

Cushing students. “At first what motivated

Chyna Christman ’16, Gia Nghi “Jack” Chau ’17,

whale would be complete without the har-

me to organize this was that I knew I could

Zara Tarter ’17, and Kylie Caouette ’15.

poon, which he brought out for the occasion.

do it and that it could become something great,” she said. “Later, the enthusiasm that

The students presented their thoughts on issues that affect them. Chyna talked about

The group later took a trip to the New Bedford Whaling Museum.

the power of language to affect how we view ourselves and each other; Jack talked about unpacking your self-confidence and not being afraid to take a risk, make new friends, or get involved with new activities; Zara talked about solving problems by looking at them from a new perspective; and Kylie talked about how our own expectations of ourselves can sometimes keep us from being honest about our feelings.

“The theme for the event is Changing Perspective, and that's exactly what I told the speakers to focus on with their TED talks,” said Jessica. “Sometimes living inside Cush-

A whaling dance

ing can make it seem like we all see things the same way, and my hope is that with these TED talks, people will be more open to different topics involving students today.”

Congratulations to the committee and the presenters on a job well done!

SPRING 2015

11

Show Your Work

Architecture IN JANUARY, BOB JOHNSON’S ARCHITECTURE CLASS had a very special guest: Jake Droogan ’11, who has been studying architecture at Roger Williams University.

Jake came back to campus with some of the work he’s produced at college and to talk to Bob’s students about what college-level architecture is all about. By the time he was a sophomore at Cushing, Jake knew he wanted to be an architect.

The classes he took at the Academy helped smooth his transition to college because he learned to draw by hand, as opposed to learning computer-aided design (CAD). CAD is necessary too, but Bob is a firm believer that learning to draw designs by hand—and properly measure the space you’re designing for—is critical, and Jake agrees. “Computers are great, but you’ve got to be able to draw,” he says.

During his visit, Jake told Bob’s students that he uses tweezers to create his extremely detailed 1/16th-scale models. He also has to create blueprints and design with landscape in mind. “You have to decide if you’re going to design around the landscape or mow it down,” he told them. He also has to create his designs in days, rather than weeks, as Bob’s students do. “When I’m working on a project, I sometimes spend more than 60 hours a week of my own time working on it,” Jake says.

At college, his projects start with a list of requirements like occupancy, square footage, materials, and budget. He has to design with those parameters in mind. Of course, part of the challenge of architecture is working within restrictions. “Anyone can do anything they want,” Bob says. “But working within the restrictions is the difference between good and great.”

Jake’s visit gave Bob the opportunity to talk about the requirements of realworld design in terms of the Emily Fisher Landau Center for Visual Arts. Bob noted that there is sometimes a conflict between what the architect’s design and what the engineers say is necessary, a conflict that was especially evident in the process of designing a building created specifically for art. Such a building requires different kinds of filtering and vents to accommodate fumes generated by some of the art created at Cushing. “There were 12 designs before we settled on the final one. You have to listen to what’s going on and pay attention to what your client wants,” Bob observed. (continued)

12

CUSHING TODAY

An architectural model crafted by Jake Droogan ’11 during his studies at Roger Williams University

ON CAMPUS

SPRING 2015

13

Show Your Work

On the day that Jake visited, Cushing students were designing their dream homes before moving on to commercial properties. For the projects pictured here, Bob’s architecture students had to pick their favorite fast-food restaurants and fix any problems they thought the restaurant to have. They also had to incorporate corporate branding into their designs.

As their final exam, the students designed a city, pulling two requirements from a hat: the location of the building and the type of building (e.g., post office, shoe store, pharmacy, etc.). They worked in small teams and, in the end, they had to sell Bob on their design. “Cushing students leave here with a better understanding of real-world applications and what design really entails,” Bob says. “I’m not just pulling things from a text book; I’m teaching students how to do real-world things.”

That knowledge certainly benefited Jake, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Roger Williams in December 2014. He’ll complete his master’s degree in the spring of 2016. He’ll go on to an internship and hopes to go into commercial design.

Fast food restaurant architecture projects created by Bob Johnson’s students

14

CUSHING TODAY

ON CAMPUS

ABOVE: Ally Hess ’15 shows Bob Johnson and Erika von Graevenitz ’15 her architecture project.

BELOW: Jake Droogan ’11 shows his work to Bob Johnson’s architecture students.

SPRING 2015

15

Good Sports Cushing Baseball Hits the Road:

Florida Spring Training, 1976 and 1977

BY CHUCK JOHANNINGSMEIER ’77

THIRTY-NINE YEARS AGO, during

my junior year at Cushing, I had no idea that the awesome trip to

Florida I was soon going to take over spring break with my baseball team had come about because of a shared

dream of my coaches, Dan McGowan and Wayne Sanborn.

ALL I HAD IN MY MIND was the prospect of leaving

the team from getting much practice time until shortly

the cold and snow of Ashburnham behind, spending two

before the season’s first game. To help remedy this situa-

weeks with my teammates having fun, seeing parts of

tion, they dreamed of getting an indoor pitching mound,

the country I’d never seen before—and, oh, also playing

a batting machine, and a net to protect the interior of

baseball. Fortunately for me, I got to do all of these things

the Heslin Gymnasium from batted balls so that we could

not once but twice, in both 1976 and 1977.

practice during the winter. At a time when funds were

What I have only recently learned, as a result of two

16

CUSHING TODAY

very scarce at Cushing, though, the high price tags for

long phone calls with McGowan and Sanborn (both now

these items seemed to put them very much out of reach. It

semi-retired) is that these trips were the result of their

was then that McGowan hit on the idea of raising money

shared desire to improve Cushing’s baseball program. One

by grilling hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and hot dogs on

major obstacle to attaining this goal, they believed, was

the porch of Lowe Hall every Friday and Saturday night,

the long New England winter, which usually prevented

weather permitting, and selling them to hungry stu-

ON CAMPUS

“I will never forget walking outside with my teammate Steve Jordan without any jacket on, and smelling spring in the air—a good month before either thing would be possible in Ashburnham.”

dents. Purchasing the supplies

player received round-trip transportation to Florida during

wholesale from the Cushing

spring break, lodging for about 12 nights, meals, and a

food service, McGowan sold the

variety of fun excursions—all for the very low price of ap-

hamburgers and hot dogs for

proximately $110. A real bargain, even then!

50¢ each; cheeseburgers could

What really made the coaches’ and players’ dreams

be had for 65¢. For a great many

come true was the invaluable assistance of Mr. William D.

students who attended Cushing

Barry, father of Bill Barry, one of the players on the 1976

during those years, the memory

team. In a letter to McGowan during the winter before the

of biting into a hot, delicious

first trip, Barry offered to help make the arrangements

late-evening snack while hang-

for a team trip to Florida, which he had heard from his

ing out with friends on that

son was something the coaches were considering. The

porch remains quite vivid.

coaches, of course, wrote back to say they would welcome

But for players on the baseball

his aid. Amazingly, McGowan still has the letter Barry

team, the funds raised from

sent a month or so later; in it he provided addresses and

these grilling sessions—as well

phone numbers of his contacts all up and down the East

as from the raffle tickets they

Coast who would be willing to provide lodging, baseball

sold—would lead to even greater

fields, teams to play against, and so forth. (This letter, I

memories. Enough money was

might mention, was a powerful reminder to me of how

taken in not only to purchase the

things got arranged in the pre-Internet age!)

pitching machine and net (the

So finally, in the early morning hours of Saturday,

Cushing maintenance crew was

Mar. 13, 1976, the team assembled at the vans parked next

able to build a makeshift mound

to Lowe Hall, put our gear inside, and took to the road.

out of lumber scraps) but also to

Our first stops each year were in Hadley, Mass.; in 1976

subsidize something McGowan

we picked up player Jeff Mish ’76 at his home, and in 1977

and Sanborn had only imagined

we picked up David Farnham ’77, who lived in the same

in their wildest dreams: a trip to

neighborhood. At both houses, the parents welcomed us

Florida for spring training, just

and generously fed huge amounts of delicious breakfast

like the pros did each year.

food to our hungry pack of teenage boys to keep us satis-

The Cushing trips, of course, resembled the pros’ warm-

fied for the long drive ahead. Dinner that first night was at the home of Dan McGowan’s parents near Bridgeton,

weather experiences only in broad outline. For one thing,

N.J. And then came a long stretch of driving that brought

we rode not in airplanes but in the two Econoline vans the

us to our first night’s stop: Burlington, N.C. Here, a busi-

school owned. We also did not stay in high-end hotels; our

ness associate of Mr. Barry’s paid for us to stay two nights

lodgings were typically much more humble. Our meals

at the local Hilton Inn and also arranged for us to play

were purchased cheap and in bulk. The only truly profes-

baseball at the Elon College facilities. I will never forget

sional-looking part of our team’s experience was getting to

waking up on my first morning in North Carolina, walk-

wear snazzy new polyester uniforms, which thanks to the

ing outside with my teammate Steve Jordan without any

generosity of alum John Biggs ’33 had replaced the wool

jacket on, and smelling spring in the air—a good month

uniforms I wore during my sophomore year.

before either thing would be possible in Ashburnham.

But no one on the team would have thought of com-

During our day or two in North Carolina we not only

plaining about anything. After all, because of the success

got to practice outdoors, but we also drove around the

of the coaches’ and players’ fundraising efforts, each

Duke University campus, had dinner at the home of Betsy

SPRING 2015

17

Farnham ’76, and even took a tour of a cigarette factory (which Mr. Barry had described in his letter as “an educational experience for the team”). From there we headed to Charleston, S.C., where we put our sleeping bags on mattresses at the Charleston Army Depot. At Jacksonville Beach, Fla., we stayed four to a room in a hotel within walking distance of the beach; each room cost a whopping $14 a night! In that area, too, we played an actual game against a team from Episcopal High School. Although we held our own, it was clear to all of us that this team was really good (as were all the teams we played in Florida);

began. And we certainly did play a good bit of baseball.

being semi-intelligent teenagers, we figured out that

But recent conversations with my former teammates Lew

this must have been due to the fact that they got to play

Goldstein and David Farnham have confirmed for me that

outdoors all year round.

what the majority of the players likely remember best

The long van trip south didn’t vary a great deal from

are the great times we had off the field. Going to Disney

1976 to 1977. But what was quite different was our ultimate

World. Visiting a Gulf Coast beach near Tampa. Seeing the

destination or home base (so to speak!) in Florida, where

Detroit Tigers (in Lakeland) and New York Yankees (in Fort

our days were chiefly focused on playing baseball. In 1976,

Lauderdale) at their training camps. Eating at a string of

we stayed in the National Guard Armory in Lakeland, Fla.,

all-you-could-eat restaurants (a wise choice, this, given

and scrimmaged against a number of local teams. The

the caloric intake necessary to keep teenage boys full!).

next year, we got to stay at and attend the Fort Lauderdale

Hanging out at Daytona Beach along with thousands

“...the really fun part was taking kids on a whole different experience, especially the ones who had never traveled much before.”

ABOVE: Coach Wayne Sanborn with his wife, Jeanne, in 1976

Baseball School and Camp, based at Boca Raton Commu-

of college students. Almost four decades after his trip,

nity College, for an entire week. Clearly, the fundraising

David recalled to me with a laugh how much fun he and

Lewis Goldstein in his 1977 senior yearbook picture

efforts had gone very well that year, because despite this

some other players had at Daytona with teammate Glen

camp costing $130 per person, the amount each player on

Kimball ’77, who had brought a scary Halloween mask

the team had to pay was the same as the year before.

with him and put it on to walk down the beach, much to

RIGHT: The Cushing Academy baseball team on the beach in Daytona, Fla.

18

CUSHING TODAY

My teammate Lew Goldstein ’77 recalled recently that

the surprise of passers-by. Lew distinctly remembers how

what he remembers most about this baseball school/camp

at Disney World, because everyone knew he didn’t want

was “how incredibly well done the sessions were.” I would

to go on a roller-coaster, they got him to wait in line with

second that, and add that those were the best baseball

them by convincing him that the Matterhorn ride was just

fields I have ever played on in my life, with no depressions

a moving walkway/3D experience (he did go on it, but he

in the infield grass or pebbles in the stone dust, as we

closed his eyes the entire ride).

had back home in Ashburnham. The stiff competition we

And who could forget the long van rides themselves?

faced from other teams was also an excellent incentive for

In the days before iPods, cell phones, or even Walkmans,

improving our skills. What I remember best, though, is

what we had to keep us entertained was AM radio, blast-

watching Lew stump one of the instructors, former New

ing at high volume to reach the back seats. I still think of

York Yankee Steve Whitaker, with numerous questions

those trips, in fact, whenever I hear the song “Oh What

about his teammates’ batting, pitching, and running sta-

a Night…” by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, a new

tistics back in the 1960s; it was abundantly clear to all of

release that got a lot of airtime on various radio stations

us watching this conversation that Lew clearly knew more

during one trip. Open windows were our only air condi-

about Whitaker’s team than he did!

tioning. Sleeping was especially difficult: at a time when

The ostensible purpose of these trips, of course, was

seat belts were not mandatory, we either stretched out on

to give us an edge on all our New England opponents who

the bench seats or lay on the floor, parallel to the seats.

couldn’t get much outdoor practice time before the season

The most coveted position, actually, was the one where

ON CAMPUS

TOP ROW L–R: The 1976 baseball team

Coach Dan McGowan in 1976 Chuck Johanningsmeier in his 1977 senior yearbook picture

you could lay your head against the warm engine cowling

“seeing the number of players who enjoyed the trips, and

up front and put your legs under the first one or two bench

building the relationships with the kids.” Sanborn notes,

seats. Lew, David, and I also distinctly remember how fun

too, that at many alumni events over the years, former

the trip home was in 1977 when, shortly after the accom-

players have come up to him and reminisced about these

panying picture was taken, we all piled into the vans and

and other spring training trips.

drove almost non-stop back to Ashburnham. How coaches

David Farnham in his 1977 senior yearbook picture

Looking at my senior Penguin yearbook the other day,

McGowan and Sanborn did this with only about a two-

I saw that one teammate, Scott Berube ’77, had written,

hour nap at a rest area in Virginia still boggles my mind.

“Never forget Florida,” and Lew Goldstein wrote, in part,

I’m unsure whether or not getting to play baseball for a

BOTTOM L–R: The tradition that started way back in 1976 continues to this day. Here, the 2015 baseball team is pictured during their spring training trip in March.

“Thank you for your singing performance in Florida.”

few weeks in a warmer climate these two years translated

While I’m hoping my singing exploits are now long forgot-

into more baseball victories for my two teams during the

ten, I’m glad that I still have so many vivid memories from

season back up north. Eventually, the dream of creating,

those weeks. As one of the “kids” McGowan and Sanborn

in Sanborn’s words, “a premier baseball program that

talk about, I can say that truly, those trips are an indelible

would make Cushing stand out to prospective student

part of my “dear old Cushing days.”

players” was definitely realized, and maybe this was due

And since in my self-centered teenage years I didn’t

in part to our having established a tradition of taking the

have a clue what it took to make those trips and memories

team south over spring break: in the years since that time,

happen, I’d like to take the opportunity now to say a huge

under the able coaching of Wayne Hancock, the baseball

thank you to coaches McGowan and Sanborn, who gave

squad has perennially been one of the top-ranked prep

up so much of their time during the school year, as well as

teams in New England. The two teams I played on, alas,

their spring breaks (a big thanks, too, to their wives, Ruth

could not exactly have been described in such terms!

and Jeannie, who sacrificed precious time with their hus-

To me, though, and I think the rest of the players

bands!). I’m sure that I, and most of my teammates, while

would agree, the real “payoff” from these trips can’t re-

we might wince at the prospect of sleeping on thin mat-

ally be measured in games won or improved batting and

tresses at National Guard armories, prefer to fly instead of

pitching stats. Looking back, Sanborn says, “The really

ride in cramped vans for hours on end, and be extremely

fun part was taking kids on a whole different experience,

sore from playing baseball for more than twenty minutes

especially the ones who had never traveled much before.”

in a day, would jump at the chance to take that trip again

McGowan similarly recalls that the best part for him was

if we could.

SPRING 2015

19

A Day in the Life of Two Graduating Seniors Vinny Grimaldi

A TYPICAL DAY FOR VINNY DURING SKI SEASON 6:50 am out of bed after a 10-minute snooze

is from

7:10

dressed and on the way to the dining hall

7:35

at the library for 15 minutes before heading to class

8:00

classes until 2:30 with a break for lunch

2:30 pm

extra help with teachers

3:00

in the locker room, getting ready for practice

3:30

on the bus, heading to the mountain

4:00

arrive at the mountain for 90 minutes of practice

6:00

back to campus to clean up and have dinner, meetings until 7:30pm

8:00– 10:00

Belchertown, Mass. Boarding school was his idea, rather than his parents’. He felt Belcher-

10:00

town was too rural, and he wanted the opportunity to experience more cultural diversity.

study hall in the library back to dorm to do homework until finished

12:00 pm in bed

“No one at my school even knew how boarding school worked,” he says. “I wanted to expand my cultural horizons.” Vinny toured four or five schools, but in the end, he applied only to Cush-

Board and is on the staff of The Breeze. Athletics

ing. “I couldn’t imagine anywhere other than

have played an important role in his experi-

Cushing,” he says. “It was the right size and the

ence, too. He played JV football for two years and

Vinny, particularly Raja Bala, who teaches in the

right community.”

games, and, of course, in the dining hall.

The faculty, too, have left an impression on

varsity football for two. He’s also been on the

Academy’s English Department and serves as the

Freshman year wasn’t all fun for the young

skiing and lacrosse teams. “Being on those teams

Associate Dean of Academics. “The way he thinks

Vinny though. He suffered from homesickness

has helped me connect with a different group of

is amazing. He makes me think differently about

and went home often. Early on in his first year,

friends and peers than I otherwise would have,”

how people are. He connects the class materials

he remembers heading to the shower with his

he says.

to our lives. It’s more than an English class. It’s kind of a therapy class,” Vinny laughs.

keys in hand. He put them on top of the wall

He’s also taken classes in metalsmithing and

separating the stalls, which would have been

fused glass as well as media production. “Media

a fine place for them except for the gap in the

production was a beneficial experience that

at the Academy, he says, “Taking advantage of all

cinderblocks. You guessed it: his keys fell in the

taught me how to use video editing software that

of the clubs Cushing has. That’s doing Cushing

hole. There he was, in the shower, and no way

still benefits me now when it comes to making

the right way. You have to use the opportunities

to get back into his room. He was ultimately res-

video projects for different classes,” he says. He

you have here that you don’t have at a regular

cued, and replaced his keys and his ID. It was a

also appreciates the opportunity to learn differ-

high school.”

lesson learned, however, and he never again took

ent art disciplines. “I’m actually starting to see

Vinny will head to Syracuse University in

his keys to the bathroom. At the end of the year,

a little bit of an artistic side of me I didn’t really

the fall, where he’ll join several other Cushing

he retrieved the long-lost keys using a string

know I had,” he laughs.

alumni and intends to major in journalism. And

Asked what he’s most proud of from his time

As he’d hoped in the beginning, Vinny’s time

although he looks forward to that next stage of

Despite this inauspicious beginning, Vinny

at Cushing has indeed broadened his horizons. “I

his life, he’ll miss Cushing too—the crazy com-

has taken full advantage of the opportunities at

love meeting different people,” he says. “In just

munity at basketball games and the way you

the Academy. He’s served on Student Faculty Sen-

one day, you hear so many different languages

really know the players, getting candy from the

ate. He’s been a proctor and a tour guide—this

and interact with so many different cultures.

drawer in Mrs. Fay’s office, and giving tours to

year, he’s the head tour guide. He’s been on the

You can build friendships you keep beyond Cush-

prospective students and their families.

Honor Council, served as his freshman class sec-

ing.” And although his schedule is very busy, he

retary and this year is senior class president. He’s

still finds time to spend with his friends on the

a member of the Student Development Advisory

weekends, during free periods, while watching

with a magnet on the end.

20

CUSHING TODAY

Student

PROFILES

A TYPICAL MONDAY FOR KAYLA 7:10 am

after 3 alarms, out of bed

7:55

leave room for study time in library during A period

8:45

to class

10:15

assembly in Cowell Chapel

10:45

back to class for the rest of day, with a break for lunch

when bad things are happening, we can help make the world a better place.”

That trip to Harvard left an impression on Kayla, but it’s not the only

2:35– 3:00 pm extra help time, often for math

thing she says she’ll remember about the Academy. “It’s a great community.

3:15–4:45 at Heslin Gym for practice

Everyone feels comfortable, and there

5:30

dinner

6:00

library to do homework, plus often meetings for Student Faculty Senate, Yearbook, etc.

are no limitations on who can succeed here,” she says. And when she needs support after a bad day or a hard test, there are people here to do just that.

8:00

proctor dorm duty, and studying

10:00

back to dorm, chat with dorm parent or friends in the dorm

11:16

Internet off; if homework is done, go to bed; if not, stay up until complete

Her advisors have changed each year— an uncommon occurrence at Cushing, but unavoidable in Kayla’s case.

Even so, she says that Beth Stone, her advisor this year, is the first person to congratulate her on a good test

Kayla Sargent

grade and is always there when Kayla learning new things, so she tried JV ice hockey

is stressed out by her busy schedule or when it

is a native of

even though she was a poor skater, an experience

feels like things are going badly. Her roommate,

Holbrook, Mass. She came to Cushing as a fresh-

that taught her to try things outside her comfort

Paranya Bow Jareonvongrayab ’15, who is from

man, in part because of advice she received from

zone, a lesson that will no doubt serve her well

Thailand, also positively influenced Kayla’s time

an uncle with experience in the independent

for years to come.

at the Academy. “I’m a shy person,” Kayla says,

school world. But advice from adults is rarely

In addition to athletics, she’s been a proctor

“and Bow was the first person I connected with.”

Kayla is proud of the time she’s spent at Cush-

the only reason a teenager makes a decision, so

and a tour guide; served on the Honor Council

she visited the Academy and, as many of our stu-

and the Student Faculty Senate; and worked on

ing. She’s come out of her shell and become a

dents do, she liked the sense of community and

the yearbook for three years, including the last

true leader on campus. She remembers looking

the feel of campus. “I felt like I fit in,” she says.

two when she served as editor. She’s taken a

up to a few of the senior girls when she was still

class in stained glass, which taught her to love

just a freshman. “I’m proud that I’ve become

14-year-old Kayla. Homesickness is a problem

art, though she had dreaded it at her old school.

someone freshman girls can look up to now,” she

for many students in the first year, and it was

She’s been a Cushing Scholar for four years,

says. “I’m also proud that I’ve worked hard to

for Kayla, but she notes that the support she

and this spring, she went to New Jersey with

stay on high honor roll.”

received from the faculty at Cushing was amaz-

Cushing’s Habitat for Humanity group to help

ing. “I went home almost every weekend that

build houses destroyed during super storm Sandy

years now. She’ll miss the teachers, who, she

first year,” she says. “But each year I went less

[read more on page 36]. This summer, she’ll join

says, “genuinely want us to succeed.” She’ll

and less.”

a Cushing trip to Tanzania where the group will

also miss what she calls the “purple Adirondack

help build a schoolhouse.

chair season,” when the weather is finally warm

Even so, the first year was a tough one for the

Beyond a sense of belonging, Kayla knew she’d get opportunities at Cushing that she

She hopes to study medicine in college, and

wouldn’t get at home, and she’s taken full

she’s had the chance to learn more about that at

advantage of that. As a member of the volleyball

Cushing. She shadowed Dr. Ciottone (P’16, P’17),

team, she attended preseason each year, helping

a doctor who, among other things, works in the

her to feel more a part of the community and

emergency room at Beth Israel Hospital. In Janu-

learning the importance of teamwork. She also

ary, she also went to a Global Health Symposium

played softball and has been team captain of

at Harvard, which taught her, she says, “There

both squads this year. But Cushing is also about

are so many things you can do as a doctor. Even

It’s time to move on from her high school

enough after a long winter to bask in the sun outside.

We wish Vinny and Kayla the best of luck in the future and look forward to welcoming them back as alumni!

SPRING 2015

21

1967

1977

In the Spotlight:

Mary Fern By late May, it is usually springtime in Massachusetts—even in Ashburnham—but on May 23, 1967, when Mary Fern made her first visit to Cushing, it was snowing.

IN SPITE OF THE CHILLY WEATHER, she was encour-

7:30 in the morning, but the kids stuck with it, and Mary

aged by the warmth of the people she met; and by the

applauded their diligence.

time the 1967–1968 school year started, she was on the faculty, teaching English, creative writing, and drama.

To say she had a multitude of talents would be an un-

CUSHING TODAY

students performed classics like Death of a Salesman and The

derstatement, which was a good thing, because there was

Importance of Being Earnest, but they also performed original

no Performing Arts Department at Cushing when she ar-

one act plays—a tradition she began in those early years

rived, so she had to start from scratch. She was committed

and which would last until after she’d retired from teach-

to sharing her love of drama with Cushing’s students. “I

ing at Cushing.

wanted to give as many kids as possible the chance to have

22

The Cushing community loved the performances, and they became quite important to life at the Academy. Her

For Mary, though, the arts truly took center stage

the drama experience,” she said in 1998. She increased

after the arrival of Headmaster Curry. “When Dr. Curry

the number of productions and carved out time between

came in, he did so much to make it possible for drama and

athletics and classes so students could pursue the arts. At

dance. He made it easy for kids to be in productions, and

first, that meant her students had rehearsals from 6:00 to

I’ve never forgotten that,” she said in 1998.

Faculty

PROFILES

When I was a “faculty brat,” Mary was directing the musical South Pacific. She was kind enough to include some of the faculty children as extras in the show. Our role during this scene was to be dancing on an elevated catwalk which was built off the side of the stage in Cowell Chapel. I fell off the staging—two stories up, it seemed to me— and landed on the ground. When I rose to my feet to let everyone know I was still alive, the crowd went nuts. After the show, in Mary’s subtle way, she said to me, “Well, you stole the show. They seemed like a dead 1981

crowd before that; anyway, nice job.” I’m sure she was trying to relieve my embarrassment. I was happy she wasn’t mad. BRUCE LEMIEUX ’85

At Bunnell High School in Stratford, where Mary first taught, a group of her voc-ed students were sufficiently inspired by her

1986

teaching to mount an impromptu march to the principal’s office carrying “Hamlet” on their shoulders. I think Mary, then a young teacher, was somewhat surprised that they had been so moved by their classroom experience. As Mary gained further experience of the years at Cushing as a play director and English teacher, and later as a college admissions advisor, she retained that creative spirit and gift of inspiring others.

SALLY GRAHAM JACQUET (MARY’S SISTER)

It was back in 1985 when a cocky 30-year-old basketball coach and 2002

a demanding 65-year-old theatre director became fast friends. I’m not sure what the attraction was, but I suspect that it had something to do with the fact that we both liked martinis. I remember when I was doing the lighting for the faculty play Deadwood Dick. The Celtics were in the playoffs, so I snuck a small TV into the lighting booth during a rehearsal. I had one line in the play that I was supposed to shout out from the booth. Well, I got a little too into the game and missed my cue. Mary was so [annoyed] that she took the line away from me and gave it to Dave Korman, who, by the way, was watching the game with me. BILL WENNING, FACULTY MEMBER

SPRING 2015

23

Mary was a fixture

the kind of teacher she was.

at the Academy, and her

She and her husband never

work mattered to decades

had children, but when

of Cushing students. “I

people would ask her if she

had a real house, and I

had any, she would say, “Oh

was able to have students

yes. About 5,000 or so.”

Eventually, Mary was

over for coffee or sandwiches,” she remem-

named the Chair of the

bered. “We had a number

Visual and Performing Arts

of those sessions. They

Department, a role she kept

were teaching sessions,

until the arrival of Whit

but it was an awful lot

Wales in 1988. She retired in

of fun.” She also made a point of producing large

1992, having spent her last

1972

four years working in the Alumni and Development

productions so “lots of

Office. By the end of her

kids could try their stuff.”

It wasn’t just the students who benefited from her

tenure at the Academy, she had also been the Head of the

enthusiasm, however. Fellow faculty members performed

English Department, taught public speaking, and worked

too. “I had wonderful people to work with,” she said. “Some

in College Counseling. For her contributions to the Acad-

of them were very, very talented. We had a good number of

emy, she was named an honorary alumna in 1992.

plays and even more opportunities for teachers to get to know

students who passed through its doors, and the faculty who

classroom. And students got to know their teachers too.”

taught there. In a 2007 interview, she said, “The faculty is

She remembered fondly a

“The faculty is student-centered, very much so, still. And I hope that never changes because that’s a big part of what Cushing

changes because that’s a big part of what Cushing is. It is

among other things, did light-

a student-centered place. It is also devoted to the idea that

ing for her productions. “It

you have a freshman or first-year student and you do your

seemed to me he had a par-

very best as a faculty member to bring out the best in them.”

ticularly loud voice when he

For many of her students, she was a defining point in their Cushing experience. Throughout the years, on birth-

yellowish shade and it’s called

days and also at her retirement, people have submitted their

Bastard Amber,” she said. “Tony

stories and memories of the amazing Mary Fern, and there

would yell to ‘put on the Bastard

are constant threads throughout. She was a perfectionist—

Amber!’” There was a gentle-

never willing to settle for anything less than the best. But

man in the chapel who was very

still, she was compassionate and devoted to her students.

upset to hear such language and wanted to know why Tony

She gave the gift of confidence to the students she taught.

was yelling “Bastard Amber.” Mary tried to explain, but the

And in return, Cushing got something, too. Dr. Richard

gentleman just didn’t think it was very nice. “So I went in

Kleefield, Trustee emeritus and parent to James Kleefield

and I asked Tony—who I know just loved doing it—to tone

’83, said, “Mary’s gift to Cushing: the best years of her life.

down the noise.” Tony responded he couldn’t because every-

There can be no finer legacy for any human being.” He

one needed to be able to hear him. That seemed like a good

noted, too, that she was “the epitome of a dedicated teacher

enough reason to Mary, so she let him continue.

filled with warmth and a special love and caring for each

MARY FERN

Sometimes she spent time in the chapel by herself when it was quiet, because she felt that was when she got her best staging ideas. But she also acknowledged that sometimes

and every one whose life she has touched.” The Academy will be forever grateful for her contributions.

These days, Mrs. Fern resides in Leominster, where she

there was sadness in the quiet. “I would come down when

is regularly visited by Cushing faculty and generations of

the students I knew and loved were going to go out and

grateful former students.

graduate and… a couple of times I came down here to weep because I was going to miss them very much.” That was just

CUSHING TODAY

student-centered, very much so, still. And I hope that never

young Tony Fisher ’69, who,

called for a certain light that’s a

is. It is a student-centered place.”

24

She was proud of the work she did at the Academy, the

students. They got to know students not just in a regular

Help Us Find You! We often hear from alumni that they’re not getting snail mail or email from Cushing. If that’s the case for you, or for your classmates, it may be because we don’t have correct contact information for you. Fortunately, there are three easy ways to fix that.

1. Fill out this form and mail it to 39 School St., Ashburnham, MA 01430.

2. Visit www.cushing.org/alumni and fill out the form online.

3. Call us at 978-827-7400.

First Name_________________________________Maiden Name (if applicable)___________________________ Last Name____________________________________________________________ Class Year____________ Mailing Address (line 1)_____________________________________________________________________ Mailing Address (line 2)_____________________________________________________________________ Town___________________________________________ State________________ Zip Code_____________ Country__________________________________________________________________________________ Home Phone______________________________ Cell Phone_______________________________________ Preferred Email Address_____________________________________________________________________

SPRING 2015

25

Remembering Dr. Joseph R. Curry Editor’s Note: Many thanks to Amy Logan for writing this article honoring the Academy’s 9th Headmaster. Excerpted remembrances offered at the time of Dr. Curry’s retirement (noted with an asterisk) and after his passing are shared throughout this article. A memorial service for Dr. Curry was a highlight of Reunion Weekend and took place at 11 am on Saturday, June 6, in Cowell Chapel.

DR. JOSEPH R. CURRY, 9th Headmaster of the Acad-

to report for his two-year stint in the Army, which he

inspiring, he led the Academy from 1972 to 2000 through

described as a wonderful experience. Reflecting on that

turbulent years and into a new era of great growth and

time, he later noted, “It was a period of consolidation for

strength.

me. I had opportunities to learn about avocations that

At the time of his retirement, Dr. Curry reflected,

were always of interest to me. Our daughter, Dana, was

“I didn’t ever expect to be a builder of buildings, or for

born there in 1959 and I have a true love for that part of the

Cushing to be a school of 400 kids. My vision was having

country.” That love of the Southwest would later provide

a school where we put kids and our love of kids first, mea-

an entry into his contributions to Native American educa-

suring Cushing by community, by caring, and by good-

tion through Cushing’s founding partnerships.

ness.” By those measures, and by all others, he succeeded

embarked on his master’s degree in history at Trinity

respect and gratitude of countless students and their fami-

College, intent upon a secondary school teaching career,

lies and leaving an extraordinary legacy of community

and in 1961 he accepted a position at the Mount Her-

and excellence.

mon School (now Northfield Mount Hermon), where he

He was born in Clover, S.C., on Feb. 27, 1933, the son of

taught, coached wrestling, and served as the Director of

Grady Webster Curry and Maude Jackson Curry. After grad-

their summer session. He recalled, “It was a fortuitous

uating from Clover High School, he entered the Citadel,

choice because I learned the craft of teaching, and had

the Military College of South Carolina, graduating in 1955

the opportunity to do virtually everything I wanted to do,

with a commission to the U.S. Army. He decided against

from editing a book to continuing graduate school during

an Army career, later explaining that “to be a successful

summers to traveling abroad.”

Having taken a leave of absence in 1971 to complete his

the old boy network and use systems for preferment…

doctorate in education at UMass Amherst, he embarked on

none of this appealed to me. I valued my freedom more

another job search, ready to lead a school as headmaster.

than the opportunity.”

Though not originally on the list of schools that he consid-

The next chapter of his life and educational journey

ered, he was intrigued by an opportunity at Cushing. The

was transformative. To explore the role that a religious vo-

challenges were enormous—declining enrollment, finan-

cation might play in his life, he applied and was accepted

cial instability, and a tumultuous time in education—and,

to Harvard University. He often spoke of the intense intel-

to Cushing’s great good fortune, he saw it as the right

lectual excitement of those years and of the exhilaration

opportunity for his experience, passion, and daunting

of his complete immersion into the pursuit of knowledge.

energy and intellect, and he began in 1972 what would be

At the conclusion of his studies, he left Harvard with an

his remarkable 28-year tenure.

S.T.B. in theological learning and the decision to continue

CUSHING TODAY

At the conclusion of his military service, Dr. Curry

brilliantly and shaped Cushing profoundly, earning the

officer, one had to be willing to give up individuality, join

26

In July of that year, the Currys drove to El Paso, Tex.,

emy, died on Dec. 12, 2014, at the age of 81. Visionary and

The challenges of the early years cannot be overstated,

studying history and philosophy. And even more impor-

as he rightly saw his first job as saving the Academy from

tantly, he left having met and courted Jeannette “Jenny”

closure. After having accomplished through sheer deter-

Powell, a fellow Harvard graduate student in education

mination what seemed impossible to others, he embarked

and a gifted artist, whom he married in June 1958.

on a period of ground-breaking educational innovation (continued on page 29)

In

MEMORY

���

*What I always remember about Dr. Curry was on Saturdays, when there were a lot of athletic

events around campus, somehow he managed to be everywhere. [He was] almost like a political candidate—in one city at 10:00 am and in another state by noon. As a cross-country runner, I’d

see him as I was coming out of the chute behind the football field. When I came down from the

graveyard, there he was at the girls’ lacrosse game. Minutes later I’d see him on the varsity field.

He should have suited up for us.

GEOFF GRANDBERG ’89

���

Spring was coming and, as student body secretary, many students approached me about getting

shorts approved for the dress code. I met with Dr. Curry, who had me first draft a policy inclusive

of what defined “shorts” (i.e. Bermuda length, no rips, no jean shorts, etc.). Then he wanted me to get approval from the faculty. The further I got, the more he gave me to do, so I assumed he

just didn’t want it and it would never happen.

Then, during an assembly, he mentioned to the faculty and student body that students

were not dressing appropriately and that if they wanted shorts in the dress code to be seriously

considered, they had better start dressing appropriately. Some students balked and then I stood up and said, “Please just tuck in your shirt and don’t wear ripped pants. I’ve been working hard

to get you shorts so help me out.”

At formal dinner that night, to my great surprise, Dr. Curry came up to me and said

that he was going to permit shorts and that I could announce it in the next assembly. He then told me he put me through these challenges and obstacles so that I could learn how a bureaucracy worked.

Ten years later, I visited campus and met with Dr. Curry. I repeated the story to him

and told him that I thought he made an incredible contribution to Cushing. He simply replied,

“This place is worthy.” That response aptly sums up to me the great man, educator, and teacher that Dr. Curry was. I will never forget him.

PETER BLITZER ’91

���

I have the deepest respect for a man who led with respect, and always had his heart in the right

place. Dr. Curry was an incredible leader, who embraced Cushing Academy whole-heartedly.

For those of us who knew him, it’s impossible to think of Cushing Academy without thinking of Dr. Curry. He was a remarkable man. I was lucky to have him touch my life.

BARBARA DRONS-CARROLL ’76

SPRING 2015

27

���

*I remember years ago [members] of the board were sitting around trying to decide whether to close Cushing. Fortunately, a young man from Harvard was willing to take a chance on us. I

don’t think anyone who was not present at that time can appreciate the effect and success Dr. Curry has had on this great school.

HAZEN MASTER ’44 (D) FORMER TRUSTEE

���

While Dr. Curry was an imposing physical presence, he was a warm and caring person. I at-

tended Cushing during his tenure and respected him tremendously. He remembered everyone’s

name (and I mean everyone), even if he had met them only once, or if it had been years since he

had seen them.

REBECCA CHANIN ’85

���

*He gave his encouragement and support to the arts. Today, one has only to walk through the

beautiful fine arts building, attend the marvelous dramatic and musical productions and the

inspiring concerts to realize the success of his vision.

[He embraced] strong convictions from the beginning in regard to the promotion and

support of women in important positions in all phases of the school. As a result, an outstanding, dedicated group of women have contributed to Cushing in countless ways over the years, and continue to serve today.

MARY G. FERN, HON ’92 (READ MORE ABOUT MARY FERN ON PAGE 22)

���

His great influence in my formative years has led to many moments of fond memories and ap-

preciation for the privilege of his tutelage. To the chagrin of many other authority figures in my

life, Dr. Curry set the standard of what it means to earn someone’s respect. Few ever came close

to his example. Instead of missing him, I have chosen to embrace what he continues to teach me through his memory daily.

DOUG COLTER ’78

���

Dr. Curry was tough, but he was fair. I always knew where I stood with him and respected him very much.

BEN IBBETSON ’90

28

CUSHING TODAY

Faculty

PROFILES

Cushing’s campus blossomed under Dr. Curry’s boundless energy and discerning eye, inspiring a partnership with the Academy’s extraordinarily visionary and generous benefactors Edward G. Watkins ’56 and the late M. Anthony Fisher ’69, and with Theodore Iorio, the late George Cook ’39, the late George Wallace, and countless other trustees and contributors. Thanks to the remarkable investments by these leaders, the Fisher-Watkins Library in 1984 was the first of many much-needed facilities, followed by the Fisher-Watkins Dining Commons, the Theodore Iorio Arena, and the Emily Fisher Landau Center for the Visual Arts. The campus boundaries expanded, as well, with the purchase of additional acres.

In 1988, he co-founded the Nathrough programs that would forever touch his students

tive American Preparatory School, a summer program

and the broader educational landscape, and then to build-

designed to make available to Native American students

ing the facilities that he strongly believed Cushing students

in the Southwest the same opportunities long-enjoyed by

deserved.

students at independent boarding schools. In recognition

A pioneer in understanding how students with learning-style differences learn best, he launched Cushing’s re-

of his leadership, the Navajo Nation awarded him the Chief Manuelito Award, one of its highest honors.

nowned Academic Support Program, creating a model that

Beloved by the community, Jenny served alongside Dr.

many other schools would follow. Likewise, the English as

Curry as gifted teacher, talented artist, respected colleague,

a Second Language program that he developed expanded

gracious hostess, and treasured friend. Their children,

the Cushing family worldwide and ushered in Cushing’s

and then also their grandchildren, were a source of great

identity as an international educational leader, while

joy and pride to them both. Following his retirement in

building on a proud history of early international enroll-

2000, the Currys continued as residents of Ashburnham,

ments. He embarked on innovative uses of the campus and

purchasing a historic home adjacent to the campus.

creative collaborations, including new summer programs.

Jenny’s untimely death in November 2000 was a profound

He focused, always, on excellence: in academics, athlet-

loss for the entire community. Dr. Curry is survived by his

ics, the arts, and in challenging students to excellence,

daughters, Dana Curry Lorway ’78 and Lisa Curry ’79, and

along with his familiar exhortation to “make good choices.”

two grandchildren, Savannah Grant and Breton Lorway ’17.

Superb teaching was a hallmark of his tenure, and faculty

At Cushing today, the Joseph R. Curry Academic Center

considered themselves as learning from the best, striv-

and an endowed faculty chair honor him, just two signs

ing to meet the high standards that always raised the bar.

of the immeasurable gratitude of the community and the

He never lost sight of what was at the heart of Cushing,

esteem in which he was held. Any reflection on his legacy,

noting that, “At any school, the most attractive asset is the

however, must begin and end with the impact he had

teaching faculty. It is important, however, to distinguish

on the lives he touched. These remembrances live in the

between the most important asset and the most important

hearts of all who knew Dr. Curry.

activity at a school. It isn’t teaching—the most important activity is learning.”

SPRING 2015

29

Turning the Page Dr. Norm Carey, after 34 years in the English Department at the Academy, has taught his last class. He retires in June 2015.

Norm’s photo here is the work of Sam Fuller ’15 and was part of her March show in the Carter Gallery in Cushing’s Emily Fisher Landau Center for Visual Art.

30

CUSHING TODAY

NORM CAREY’S STORY BEGINS with an inspirational

thaniel Hawthorne Collection, and Norm spent a fair bit

teacher—as such stories often do. Young Norm grew up

of time studying Hawthorne’s manuscripts. That, coupled

in Rumford, Maine, a small town between Waterville

with another teacher who left an impression—this time

and the New Hampshire border. His ninth-grade Eng-

the Herman Melville scholar who served as Norm’s advi-

lish teacher taught him two important lessons that have

sor—left him with a lifelong love of 19th and 20th century

resonated throughout his life: have an opinion and don’t

American literature. His honors thesis at Bowdoin, on

settle for mediocrity.

Hawthorne, earned him summa cum laude honors and

Norm’s parents expected him to take over his family’s

inspired him to continue his education at the University

oil business, but that task fell to his brother when Norm

of Pennsylvania, where he completed his doctoral degree

went to college at Bowdoin. The college is home to the Na-

with an expansion of his undergraduate thesis.

Faculty

PROFILES

Not Exactly Dead Poets’ Stuff It was a common enough thing, Walking into another teacher’s classroom To hand out a quiz in her absence— A small favor for a friend—no big deal.

There they sat, honors freshmen, The promise of tomorrow in their eyes.

And suddenly the years melted, and I saw another class— Just as young, their eyes equally bright, Now come and gone, chasing their dreams while I sit here Facing the years ahead with the sudden awareness That these kids will never know me, That I will never be able to show them The beauty of words, the beauty of their own minds, And the terrible, precious wisdom that waits for them In Melville’s sea, Whitman’s grass, and Gatsby’s smile.

I pay the price all old teachers pay, and it’s okay— I’ve given so many of them just what they needed, And it’s comforting to know that they can take it from there.

– NORM CAREY

He came to Cushing in 1978 and has been here since,

explains all of literature in a way that really makes sense

with the exception of the three years he spent in Santa

to him. The hero journey, he says, is a universal theme

Fe, N.M., as the head of a school for Native American

that transcends time, culture, and genre. Suddenly, he

students. He found that job because of Cushing’s Native

saw heroes everywhere. His interest in that theme is

American Preparatory School program. Although he

evident, not only on his bookshelf, but also in a senior

clearly didn’t stay in Santa Fe, he developed an apprecia-

seminar he teaches on the subject.

tion for the deeply spiritual culture of his students.

During one class day this winter, he was teaching a

He returned to Cushing at the request of Headmaster Jo-

poetry class and an advanced literature class. The assign-

seph Curry, where he took up the job as head of the English

ment for the young Cushing poets: find a poem—or write

Department. He figures that, of his years at Cushing, he

an original one—and bring it to read aloud to the class.

spent 27 of them as head of the English Department, and

Sam Reynolds ’15 read “O Captain! My Captain!”, which

he’s seen some amazing teachers come and go during that

prompted Dr. Carey to remark that he planned to use a

time. He also spent more time than he wanted to dealing

gift certificate he received for Christmas to get “Yawp”

with budgets and developing curricula, so a few years ago,

tattooed on his arm. He also told the class that Walt Whit-

he prevailed upon Rebecca Lefcourt to take over that role so

man wrote that particular poem about Abraham Lincoln,

he could focus on what he loves best—his students.

whose death had pained him. Among the other poems

Norm’s office shows evidence of his taste in literature. A bookshelf contains Shakespeare, Salman Rushdie, James Joyce, Dante, and George R.R. Martin, plus a copy of Moby-Dick, of course. Anyone who has ever taken

read that day: “The Times They Are A-Changin’” by Dylan, “Out” by Ginsberg, and “Fire and Ice” by Frost.

Every poem is an opportunity for learning, of course. Dr. Carey points out how alike Ginsberg and Whitman are, how

an English class with Dr. Carey knows of his love for

the Frost poem has a connection to Dante’s Inferno, and gives

Melville’s influential work. Though the books may seem

a high five to a shy student who volunteers to read. Class

rather eclectic, many feature a common theme: the hero

ended with a rhyming game, the winner of which won a

quest. A few years ago, Norm read Joseph Campbell’s Hero with a Thousand Faces, and the book left an impression. In-

deed, Norm thinks the book provides a unified theory that

“Get out of deadlines” pass for the following week. The game ends the class on a joyful and laughter-filled note.

Ten minutes later, the advanced literature students

SPRING 2015

31

arrive, prepared to delve into William Faulkner’s The Sound and the Fury. Later, Dr. Carey said sotto voce that he doesn’t

learned something new or when they’ve learned to feel better about themselves. And so, as his story began with

teach this novel every year because it requires a certain

an inspirational teacher in a small town in Maine, Norm’s

type of student. “These kids are good enough to read it and

Cushing story ends with an inspirational teacher as well,

work things out for themselves. That’s better than me just

only this time it is he.

talking to them.” To the class he remarks, “It’s okay if you

Of course, while he’s leaving the Academy, he’s still

can’t figure it all out. Some of it isn’t figure-outable.” And

the same Norm Carey—never one to sit still for long, and

of course, everything has some connection to Moby-Dick. He

it doesn’t sound like he’ll be doing much retiring. He got

asks the class, “Wouldn’t it be fun to do a creative writing

married in April and plans to spend lots of quality time

assignment where Benjy and Ahab have a conversation

with his bride. He also plans to publish a book of poetry,

over lunch?”

go to school to learn auto repair, get a Harley, learn Chinese so he can go to China with son Nate ’97, proofread grant proposals for extra pocket change, and travel and

“My reading experience of [Moby-Dick] paralleled my life experience. When I read that book at different stages of my life, I was ready for what it had to say.”

“No,” came the unequivocal reply from his students.

Asked why Moby-Dick holds such a fascination for him, he says, “My reading experience of that book paralleled my life experience. When I read that book at different stages of my life, I was ready for what it had to say.” He’s fascinated by the power of the book as a veiled prophecy about what happens if we don’t pay attention to how we treat our environment. He goes on to say, “Moby-Dick stands for a lot of things. That’s the beauty of a symbol.”

For Norm, his time at the Academy really has been all about the students, and he has left quite an impression.

He tells the story of seeing an alumna at a recent holiday party in Boston: “It really came home to me then. She came to the event with her yearbook and showed me what I had written in it. She told me she had used my note as a way to guide her life. Teachers are really given an exceptional opportunity to change people’s lives.”

Unsurprisingly, when asked what he’s most proud of in his career, he doesn’t talk about his own accomplishments, but rather those of his students. He says he’s proud of the kids who learned to like school, or enjoy reading, or learned that they could succeed. What he’ll miss most is the way the students look at him when they’ve

32

CUSHING TODAY

have adventures like Bilbo Baggins.

Safe travels, Norm!

Cushing

HISTORY

What Am I?

SPRING 2015

33

is the medallion above the fireplace in Ashburnham What Am I? This House. The fireplace was once located in the dormitory’s common room, but that space is now part of the dorm parents’ residence.

THE ORIGINAL ASH HOUSE was constructed in 1912. According to

into town—indeed, we still get our fresh water from Lake Naukeg—

Cushing historian Frank Rand (1908), “Its cost was $95,000, its capac-

and giving Ashburnham what they hoped would be enough water for

ity 65 roomers. It also contained a dining hall with 140 seats, a small

ample fire protection.

infirmary, steam heat, and space for a possible swimming pool.” It

team had finished their 10–1 season at the end of February, but by

benefactor apart from Thomas Parkman Cushing—but the recently

April 12, their coach Frank Hardy would be dead, perishing just feet

constructed Ashburnham town hall bore his name and the Acad-

from the entrance in the fire that destroyed the three-year-old Ash

emy’s Board worried that having the same name would cause confu-

House. In addition to Frank Hardy, two town girls were trapped by a

sion. The completion of the new dormitory allowed for more rooming

falling wall, and one tragically succumbed to her injuries.

space for girls in Lowe as well as a larger common area.

By 1912, Mr. Cowell had been Principal for 25 years. Professor Lane

The replacement Ashburnham House was completed in an astonishing six months, with students and alumni working tirelessly to

was still teaching—the only member of the faculty who had been

secure the necessary funding to make it happen. Students sold candy,

there in 1887 when Cowell arrived. There had also been a host of other

food, and pencils. The school sold tickets to lectures given by the fac-

changes at the school in that time. The number of buildings had dou-

ulty. Townspeople, local organizations, and visitors to the town were

bled from three to six. The number of faculty had more than doubled

all induced to make donations. The Class of 1894, having witnessed

from seven to 16. The size of campus had quadrupled from five acres

their own fire (see the Spring 2013 issue of Cushing Today for that story),

to 20. $12,000 had been added to the scholarship fund. Cushing

were especially generous. The new building had three stories, rather

sported a full complement of athletic teams, rather than just

than four, but a “somewhat larger ground area, more fire protection

baseball as had been the case in 1887. Cushing had a newspaper,

devices, no space for a swimming pool, and about the same rooming

literary societies, and more than 1,000 alumni.

accommodations,” according to Rand.

In a straw vote taken at Cushing in 1912, William Taft was pre-

The fireplace medallion itself was a gift from Alfred Whitney and

ferred as president over Theodore Roosevelt, who was running for a

his wife. Alfred Whitney was one of the original 66 gentlemen stu-

third, non-consecutive term. Also running for president that year?

dents at Cushing. He was a longtime member of the Board of Trustees

Principal Hervey S. Cowell, who was on the Prohibitionist ticket. He

and with his brother, Orange, was owner of the chair factory at

received three votes in the Cushing straw poll.

which Frank Hardy worked following his graduation from Cushing.

That was the year that Ivers Adams paid $50,000 to have a water system installed in town, bringing fresh water from Lake Naukeg

34

In the end, however, it would not be enough. The 1915 basketball

was almost named Fairbanks Hall—in honor of the Academy’s largest

CUSHING TODAY

Incidentally, Alfred Whitney’s mother was Eliza Cushing, making Alfred a distant cousin to Thomas Parkman Cushing.

MORE ABOUT FRANK HARDY Frank Hardy was a member of the Cushing Class of 1899. An athlete from Rindge, N.H., he enrolled at Cushing in 1895. He played at guard on the 1896 football team when, according to Rand, “he suffered an injury of such a nature as to preclude an active participation in sports.” Not able to play, he took on the role of manager and coach to various teams, despite the fact that he was still a student. After he graduated, he worked for three years at the W.F. Whitney Chair Factory.

In 1900, Mr. Hardy assembled a team he called the Cushing Graduates to play at the Sportsman’s Show in Boston. The show was, according to Rand, arranged to arouse an interest in the game of basketball, then less than 10 years old. The team was composed of James Vose (who would become Cushing’s Principal after Dr. Cowell’s retirement), Fred Dunn, John Vose (James’ twin), Amos Foster, and James Wheelan. They defeated Dartmouth by a score of 9 to 6 to win the tournament.

Hardy returned to Cushing in 1902 as a coach, and his teams had some substantial successes. In addition to his work at Cushing, he was a committed servant to the town, taking on several roles, including Selectman.

He was known to be a modest man, but passionate about good sportsmanship. According to Rand, “He was respected and admired by directors in other schools, and was much in demand as a basketball official.”

The plaque in his memory, mounted in the Main Building one year after his death, indicates that he died trying to locate the source of the fire. Other stories say that he was trying to find Mrs. Cooke and that he was trying to save valuables. “Presumably,” says Rand, “… he was trying to be everywhere, arousing occupants, or perhaps even trying to combat the flames, and was overcome by smoke.”

We’ll never know exactly what happened. What we do know is that Frank Hardy gave his life in service to his Academy. We are in his debt.

TOP L–R: Ashburnham House common room in 1917, with the medallion clearly visible. • Frank Hardy’s 1900 “Cushing Graduates” Championship Basketball Team. Seated, l–r: James Wheelan, John C. Vose, Frank Hardy, Fred Dunn, James Vose; standing: Amos Foster • Outside views of Ashburnham House in 1917.

IN COLOR: Ashburnham House today • Ashburnham House’s common room renovated in 2014.

SPRING 2015

35

Art of Giving

The Gift of a Home ABOVE L–R: The Cushing group poses with the Morgan family.

Savannah Zhong ’15 hard at work There was some time for fun too. Here, the group poses in Times Square in New York City.

NOT GLAMOROUS. That’s how Vi-Anne Brown describes the recent Habitat

When the inspector didn’t visit as scheduled to review the

students.

work, they had to repeat the same job the next day.

In October 2012, Hurricane Sandy demolished homes in

The Cushing group of spring break students was the

more than 15 states. The state of New Jersey was particu-

first to go to New Jersey. Habitat for Humanity has sites

larly hard hit. Since the hurricane, the nonprofit organi-

all over the world and they are common destinations for

zation Habitat for Humanity has been working to rebuild

students on spring break, but the sites most kids want to

and renovate houses to help those impacted by the storm.

go to are in warm, sunny locales. New Jersey is hardly that

This spring, a group of eight Cushing students—Fred

in early March.

Morlock ’16, Joanna James ’15, Savannah Zhong ’15, Kira

Although the kids didn’t see the house finished, Vi-

Tierney, Kat Lemieux ’15, Kayla Sargent ’15, Jessica Kinsley

Anne hopes that the experience of seeing another home

’16, and Rachel Guerriero ’16—joined in that effort.

dedicated during their visit will help drive home the

They spent several nights in a church and drove back

importance of the work they were doing. “It was striking

and forth to the work site each day, where they worked

to me just how devastating the storm was and that people

from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. The Morgan family, whose

are still out of their homes three years later with no end in

home they were building, had been staying in their

sight,” Vi-Anne says. The students also got to know each

grandmother’s small home since the storm hit in 2012. To

other better, and it was a good opportunity to learn that

complicate matters, Mr. Morgan’s wife died shortly before

not everyone has the same opportunities that they do.

the hurricane and he suffered a heart attack this past No-

To go on the trip, the group had to raise money for

vember. The family was faced with the prospect of having

transportation, food, lodging, and materials. The kids

to be out of their current living situation by May 1, so the

held several fundraisers and also asked the broader Cush-

need for a new home had become critical.

ing community to help out by making donations. Their successful fundraising meant that the students them-

where they did all kinds of work helping with the con-

selves didn’t have to contribute money as well as their

struction. They knew from the beginning that they’d need

time.

to be flexible during the trip, and their ability to do that

CUSHING TODAY

dug holes for the foundation. It was muddy, dirty work.

for Humanity trip she chaperoned with eight Cushing

The Cushing kids spent several days at the work site,

36

was certainly put to the test. One day, several of the kids

GIVING

AT LEFT, L–R: President of the Board of Trustees Dick Harrington, Karen Watkins, Edward G. Watkins ’56, and Headmaster Christopher Torino at the groundbreaking of Cushing’s new athletic center, the Watkins Field House.

Construction on Cushing’s New Athletic Facility is Officially Underway GROUND HAS BROKEN for the Watkins Field

quadrangle in which students and community

made a $6 million matching lead gift honoring

House, set to open in spring 2016. This new ath-

members can gather and socialize, making the

the Watkins Family. When Cushing raises $6

letic facility is named in recognition of the lead

building more than simply an athletic space.

million in support of the Watkins Field House,

gift made by the E.G. Watkins Family Founda-

The gymnasium space will include one col-

the E.G. Watkins Family Foundation will make

tion. Trustee Emeritus Edward G. Watkins ’56

lege regulation court that will run the length

a donation of $6 million in honor of the Watkins

is a longtime leader and benefactor whose com-

of the building. Two more courts—both high

Family in support of the project.

mitment continues to transform the Academy.

school regulation—will run perpendicular to

Members of the school’s Board of Trustees

Construction on the $12 million facility

that court. These courts will allow for more

have committed $3 million to the project. In

began in late March with the clearing of snow

court time for both teams and individual stu-

addition, the Academy is raising an additional

from the site. On April 16, a small groundbreak-

dents, enabling the Academy to provide more

$3 million from alumni and parents to com-

ing ceremony was held to mark the official

practice time for indoor sports. The fitness cen-

plete the matching gift. There are a number of

start of the project. We anticipate the building

ter will be more flexible and more than double

naming opportunities—from prominent inside

will open next spring, assuming there are no

the size of our current fitness area. It will have

spaces to bricks in the courtyard outside—that

construction delays.

space for weight and strength training, as well

will allow donors to make a lasting impression

The new facility is being constructed along

as two rooms for group exercise. In addition to

on Cushing’s campus.

Pleasant Street between the baseball field and

the athletic spaces, the new facility will feature

For more information on the facility,

the Joseph R. Curry Academic Center and will

a well-appointed lobby on the main floor and a

updates on its construction including a live

echo the design of Cushing’s historic Main

three-story entry tower that will help commem-

webcam of the site, and to make a donation

Building and other nearby buildings. Together,

orate Cushing’s proud athletics history.

in support of its construction, please visit

these buildings will enclose a classic campus

The E.G. Watkins Family Foundation has

www.cushing.org/athleticcenter.

SPRING 2015

37

International Corner International Alumni and Parents Host Accepted Cushing Students

headed by Amy Chen (mother of Nelson Zhou

Many thanks to our Asian families and alumni

’16), hosted 16 guests, and the Korean Moth-

who hosted receptions this spring for newly

ers Association welcomed 27. Said Kyung Ha

accepted Cushing students and their families.

Lee, mother of Kobe Ko ’16 and president of the

Their hard work—on the other side of the

Korean Mothers Association, “We had a great

globe—benefits Cushing every day. Thank you!

The Hong Kong event, organized by Michael

The Shanghai Alumni and Parents Council,

time for accepted families as they make their decisions.”

A Japan event was held as well, hosted by the Japanese Mothers Association.

Ho ’06, president of the Hong Kong Alumni

event for accepted students and parents. Cur-

For more information or to learn how you

and Parent Council, welcomed 36 attendees,

rent students explained the general environ-

can help in similar ways, please contact us at

including current Cushing students home for

ment of Cushing and two alumni shared their

spring break.

good experiences. I think it was a very valuable

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The Hong Kong Alumni and Parents Council accepted students welcome event • The event in Korea • The accepted students welcome event in Shanghai • The Hong Kong event included a biking excursion • Hong Kong Alumni Parent Council President Michael Ho ’06 speaks to the group

38

CUSHING TODAY

parentprograms@cushing.org

Cushing ABROAD

Cushing Travels to Asia In January, Headmaster Chris Torino and Director of Development Caitlin O’Brien traveled to Asia to meet with Cushing alumni and parents. We’re happy to share these photos from their visits in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, Taiwan, and Shanghai.

TOP ROW L–R: Celebrating in Seoul • Andy Chen ’90 SECOND ROW: Hendrick ’92 and Sylvia Sin with Caitlin O’Brien and Headmaster Torino • Ji-Ho Hyun ’90 and Sean Lee ’92 • Headmaster Torino with Tyler Chu ’06, Johnson Lo ’03, Jonathan Lee ’96 and Michael Ho ’06

THIRD ROW: Shiori Go ’13 and Ryutaro Nojima ’13 • Celebrating in Hong Kong • Ken Chang ’92 with Headmaster Torino • Caitlin O’Brien, Headmaster Torino, Tyler Chu ’06

FOURTH ROW: Cherry Zhang ’09; Amy Chen, mother of Nelson Chau ’16; Kayco Zhou ’09; Michael Ho ’06 and his girlfriend • Andy Chang ’14 and Renny Ling ’92 • Parents in Taiwan with Cushing’s Chris Sheahan and Caitlin O’Brien

SPRING 2015

39

Alumni News Tiffany Blood '00 Award Honors Life of Alumna In 1998, Cushing Academy won its first and only Field Hockey championship, in part, because of the dedication and passion of the team’s goalie, Tiffany Blood ’00. When Tiffany passed away last winter due to complications from Crohn’s Disease, her teammate and friend Brittney Carr ’00 wanted to honor her life and contributions to Cushing and to the sport field hockey with an award at the Academy. So she called Cushing Athletic Director Bill Troy and together, they made it happen.

During an assembly in November, Tiffany’s family and some of her teammates gathered on Cushing’s campus to witness the presentation of the first annual Tiffany Blood Field Hockey Award. In talking about Tiffany, Trustee Melissa Irving Christensen ’00, who was one of Tiffany’s teammates on that championship team, described Tiffany as an intense competitor, a devoted teammate, a passionate player, and a loyal friend. Tiffany was an inspiration to her teammates, Christensen said. She was the first one at practice and the last one to leave. She was a leader on and off the field and she embodied the Penguin spirit.

The award will be given each year to the field hockey player who embodies those qualities. This year, the award was presented by Tiffany’s sister to Emma Tufts ’15. Emma will go on to play field hockey at Syracuse University next year.

During the presentation, Bill Troy encouraged each of Cushing’s athletes to play with the same drive and passion that Tiffany did.

“Playing sports is about more than winning. It’s about the competition. It’s about time spent with your teammates and coaches. Play hard this weekend and honor Tiffany by celebrating both the wins and the losses.”

Emma Tufts ’15 is the first winner of the Tiffany Blood Field Hockey Award.

Wayne Sanborn Honored A few years ago, Cushing Academy Athletic Director Bill Troy and alumnus Brett Torrey ’85 nominated Wayne Sanborn— former Cushing Academy coach, Athletic Director, and longtime administrator/faculty member of 37 years—to have one of the NEPSAC bowl games named in his honor and also for a distinguished service award. This year, that became a reality.

On Saturday, Nov. 15, Brunswick took on Governor’s Academy at Avon Old Farms in the Wayne Sanborn Bowl. Brunswick defeated Governor’s Academy, 46–20, to win the championship.

What a wonderful honor for a quintessential Cushing Penguin!

40

CUSHING TODAY

ALUMNI

Traveling South for the Winter During spring break in March, Headmaster Torino, Caitlin O’Brien, and Cushing’s new Director of Advancement, Bill O’Hearn, traveled to Florida to meet alumni, parents, and friends of the Academy. Jay Massirman ’76 and Samuel Getz ’75 hosted an event in Miami Beach. Chris Watkins ’56 hosted an event in Palm Beach. The weather was warm and so was the company!

Florida wasn’t the only place our Cushing folks traveled this spring. The Academy held events in Colorado, Illinois, California, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania as well.

TOP ROW L–R: Chris Torino with Anton Werner ’93 • Chris Torino with Allan Goldberg ’49 • Samuel Getz ’75 and Jay Massirman ’76, who hosted the Miami Beach event SECOND ROW L–R: David Rosen ’91 • Josh Schrager ’92 • Chris Torino with Jim Rondeau ’65 and his guest, Elaine Libert • Lisa Allen ’75 sporting her Cushing jacket

THIRD ROW L–R: Karina and Enrique Samaniego ’84 • Wendy Lueder (spouse to Ren Lueder ’60, not pictured), Jim Sexton, Patricia Sexton ’56, Allan Goldberg ’49, former Trustee Joe Marzilli, and Peggy Marzilli • Jim Sarantos ’71 with Chris Torino FOURTH ROW L–R: Roger Whitcomb, father of Tim Whitcomb ’85, with Chris Torino • Patrice Worcester ’79 • Max Getz ’07 and Eleanor Crowley ’07 • Walker ’03 and John ’00 Shipley

SPRING 2015

41

Dennis Driscoll ’61

Making History Real for Cushing Students

EVEN FOR ADULTS, HISTORY IS OFTEN AN ABSTRACT CONCEPT. For high school students, it can be even more intangible.

the conversation, he learned that this fellow’s brother was married to

Mr. Dave Stone, Cushing’s Dean of Faculty, teaches a class on the

a girl from Ashburnham, whose father was a teacher at the Academy

Vietnam War, but he knows how important it is to put historical

named Paul Heslin. In December 1967, Captain Driscoll was injured

events in perspective for his students. To do that, he invited Dennis

and sent to the hospital for surgery. Several years later, after the war,

Driscoll ’61 to speak to his class about what it was really like to fight

he was at an Ashburnham swim club when he ran into his surgeon,

in that war.

Dr. Joseph Hill, who also just happened to be a member of the Cush-

Captain Driscoll grew up in Mount Hermon, Mass., but is one of four generations of Cushing Academy alumni. He noted that he

ing Academy Board of Trustees.

He learned a lot from his time in Vietnam. He and his men helped

wasn’t a big fan of school, in particular of reading, but that his Cush-

one Vietnamese woman give birth to twins. Such help was common

ing teachers took an interest in him and taught him to appreciate

for the soldiers, and while he saw many American soldiers lose their

“We have an obligation to help one another—both overseas and at home.”

learning. Following his time at

lives just helping, he understood how important it was to do good.

Cushing he attended Stonehill

In fact, he says, “We have an obligation to help one another—both

College. When he graduated,

overseas and at home.”

he volunteered for the army

On his way to Vietnam, he didn’t think much about what was go-

and spent a year training with

ing to happen because he was too worried about preparing his men.

his troops before heading to

It wasn’t until he was on his way home that he understood how bad

Vietnam. He spent a lot of time

things really were. And when he got back, in spite of his courage in

reading about World War II and

fighting a difficult war, people called him baby-killer and threw ex-

the United States Indian Wars,

crement at him because the media focused so much on the bad parts

figuring it would help him understand what was happening in

of the war. “The good stuff—holding babies and helping out—that

Vietnam—and he was right. He and his men did survival training,

didn’t make it to the news,” he said.

squad tactics, and more. It was hard work, but he knew how impor-

The lessons he learned about helping out followed him after his

tant it was. “You’ve got to do the work,” he told Mr. Stone’s students.

return from Vietnam. He spent four years teaching history at Cush-

“If you want something, you have to be willing to work for it.”

ing before spending more than 30 years at Oakmont and Overlook,

As you might imagine, being in Vietnam during the late 1960s

the public schools in town, where he was a teacher, coach, and

wasn’t easy. He soon learned that all kinds of smells carry—be it ciga-

assistant principal. Indeed, the park behind Oakmont High School is

rette smoke, shampoo, or last night’s dinner. Whenever the oppor-

named after him. These days, he volunteers at the VA so that soldiers

tunity presented itself, he and his men would jump in the river and

and their families have someone to talk to who understands what

use the water and sand to wash the scents from their bodies. They

they’re going through.

also had to evade all kinds of wildlife, including leeches, snakes, and

Clearly, Dennis Driscoll believes in giving back and knows that

even sharks. Booby traps were common, and excrement was used as

his experiences can teach current Cushing students—not just about

a weapon.

history, but also about how to make a positive difference in the

But his time in Vietnam wasn’t all bad, and he even ran into some folks who knew Cushing. One day, on a branch of the Ho Chi Minh

42

Trail, he made small talk with a fellow from Massachusetts. During

CUSHING TODAY

world. We’re grateful for his lifetime of service.

Leave a Legacy Thomas Parkman Cushing founded

has been echoed by many friends, alumni,

legacy that has been the basis for the education

planned gifts to the Academy and who have

Cushing Academy with a bequest, leaving a of thousands of young people for 150 years.

The generosity displayed by Thomas Cushing

and parents at Cushing who have also made been recognized as members of our 1865 Society.

We invite you to leave your own legacy.

Whether it is a bequest, a life income gift, a life insurance policy designation, or something else, you can help lay a foundation for Cushing’s future success.

For information on the ways

On the Web:

cushing.org

you can support Cushing Academy,

By Phone:

978-827-7400

visit www.cushing.org/support.

By Email:

alumniprograms@cushing.org

By Mail:

39 School Street

Ashburnham, MA 01430

Donor Creates Class of 1950 Worthy Student Scholarship Endowment Last fall, a member of the Class of 1950 made a generous contribution to the Academy to create the Class of 1950 Worthy Student Scholarship Endowment. The scholarship will be given each year to a Cushing student who is a resident of New York City and who has a financial need. Recipients will be selected by a committee made up of the Dean of Admissions and senior faculty.

Minimum Named Endowment Amounts at Cushing FUND TYPE

MINIMUM

Faculty chair $1.5 million Full scholarship $1 million

The endowed fund was established using stocks as well as a match-

Library Resources $100,000

ing gift, showing that a variety of methods can be used to fund a gift.

Headmaster's Fund $100,000

Further, this fund can be added to by any interested donor, increasing its value and the impact it can have on a worthy student.

Class Notes 1942

1957

1968

Richard Mansfield is still hale and

Captain Peter Joseph, USCG (Ret)

Class Agent: John Shirey

hearty in Sarasota, Fla., and says

was recently selected as one of the

3 Millview Court

Cushing will always be tops in his

125 Graduates of Distinction of the

Malahide Co., Dublin

memories.

United States Coast Guard Academy.

Ireland

Peter's nomination by his peers was

Home: 353-184-56581

primarily based upon his numer-

Email: john@shirey.com

1944 Marcia Wells Seely is proud of her

ous at-sea rescues in which he was

daughters. Dr. Ellen Seely is a profes-

involved in the saving of over 100 lives

Class Agent: Alan Crocker

sor of medicine and on the board at

throughout his career.

50 Winnecowett Drive

Brigham and Women’s Hospital. She’s

PO Box 781

also a professor at Harvard University

1961

Medical School. Anne Seely is a dis-

Dennis Driscoll visited campus this

Home: 978-827-5787

trict attorney in Brooklyn, N.Y.

spring to talk to a Cushing history

Cell: 978-424-6949

class about his experiences in the

Email: abccrocker@gmail.com

1948

Vietnam War. See page 42 for more.

Al Hixon is still actively playing

Ashburnham, MA 01430

1971

music. In the fall, he was pleased to be

1964

named an Ageless Creativity - Long-

Several members of the Class of 1964

her sister, Nancy Johnson Richards

boat Luminary by the Longboat Key

got together in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.,

’64, at a small reunion of the Class of

Center for the Arts of Ringling School

in January, including Sarah Krug

1964 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., in January.

of Art & Design. His Al Hixon Jazz

Barbee, Nancy Johnson Richards,

Groups regularly play balls, concerts,

Rich Mohlere, Peter Carleton,

1982

dances, festivals, and other events.

Ellen Weaver, and Donna Merrill

Paul Dever is in Kabul, Afghanistan,

Stout, along with Betsy Johnson

where he works as the Deputy Human

Messenger ’71. They realized at last

Resource Officer at the Embassy of

Edgar Bourgeois recently wrote an

year’s reunion that about 10 of them

the United States. As of March, he

autobiography.

were in the area so they decided to

had been there for eight months with

continue the celebration in Florida.

16 to go. His wife and daughter are

They look forward to doing it again

passing the time with family. Prior

next year.

to Afghanistan, he worked with the

1949

1951 Class Agent: Lilian Goss 20 Apple Blossom Drive

Betsy Johnson Messenger joined

International Narcotics and Law En-

West Lebanon, NH 03724

1965

Home: 603-298-5564

Class Agent: Jim Rondeau

then a soft landing in Fiji for about

7 Robert Arthur Way

two years, both with the Department

A book co-authored by Nancy Craig

South Dennis, MA 02660

of State. Feel free to drop a line at

McGrath was published in June.

Home: 508-394-8250

DeverPS@state.gov or Dospaul2002@

It's entitled No Man's Land. Nancy

Cell: 805-292-6994

hotmail.com.

has been busy painting as she’ll be

Email: jimr2121@comcast.net

exhibiting at a gallery in Meredith,

forcement Affairs office in Baghdad,

Mark Friedman played a lawyer in the Apr. 1, 2015, episode of Law &

N.H., this summer. She is still singing

1966

in the choir, and she and her son are

Class Agent: Thomas Doughton

working on a book, The Magic Mirror

College of the Holy Cross

1984

Company, that they hope to get fin-

1 College Street

Jennifer Clickner-Engel is living in

ished this summer.

Smith 503

Geneva, where she and her family

Worcester, MA 01610

spend weekends at their ski chalet,

Email: tdoughton@gmail.com

making the most of ski season. Her

Order: SVU.

son Tristan just turned eight and is in a bilingual school (French and English). Her husband is a documentary

44

CUSHING TODAY

= reunion year

FROM TOP: Ed Bourgeois ’49

A first selfie try for Caryl Burton Minor ’58 and Mike Severence ’58 at their annual warm weather lunch at the Ocean Grill in Vero Beach in February.

Mini reunion of the Class of 1964 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. David Cowell ’82—great-grandson of Dr. Hervey S. Cowell, Cushing’s third headmaster—visited us this spring. Here, he stands in front of Dr. Cowell’s portrait.

ALUMNI

film maker, and she runs between

charity game with former Bruins,

She studied sociology and biochem-

two jobs, as a media trainer at the

to aid veterans. They played for

istry, but realized toward gradua-

United Nations and as a culture com-

the Fisher House of Boston, which

tion that she wanted to pursue a

missioner for the government. She’s

provides housing for family members

career in research. She applied to the

missing her Cushing classmates!

of veterans being treated at the VA in

University of Oslo in the program

West Roxbury.

of molecular biology/medicine and

1985

Pete Snyder and wife Burson

Class Agent: Esther Young

been living in Oslo since then and she

“Onaway”

their family in January.

is very happy with her decision. She

36 Pitts Bay Road

1993

Bermuda

Japanese alumnus Taro Fujikawa

of the New England winter this year,

Home: 1-441-296-4749

visited campus in February with his

she thinks it’s not much different

Cell: 1-441-504-0375

niece and brother-in-law for an inter-

from Norway. She’s currently a Ph.D.

Email: esthernew@hotmail.com

view with the Admissions Office.

candidate working at the Radium Hospital of Norway in Oslo and living

1996

16th year of teaching at Zayed Univer-

Dex L. Lewis is a civil engineering

sity in Dubai. He invites you to email

working in Farmington, N.M.

with her husband, Ola, and her German shepherd, Max. Ashley Zimmerman is a graphic

him at samuelsuncletim@hotmail.

Tom Poti was back

designer at Dinardo Design, a small

com, especially if you are traveling to

on campus in

educational publishing company in

Dubai or Sri Lanka.

November, where

Concord, Mass.

he spent an afternoon on the

2006

ice at Iorio Arena.

Class Agent: Mike Nadler

his mother, Dionne Warwick, on her

The former NHL player assisted in the

375 Howard Street

new album, Feels So Good. The duet

Varsity Boys’ Hockey practice,

Northborough, MA 01532

is “Windows of the World.” David’s

running drills and working with the

Home: 508-393-7865

daughter, Cheyenne, also performs

players and coaches to kick off the

Cell: 774-258-1040

a duet, “Let There Be Love.” Available

2014–2015 season.

Email: mbnadler@gmail.com

2001

2007

Isaac Fitzgerald was a guest on the

Jill Barry will be traveling to Rwanda

Will Day was

Today show in January, talking about

in July as part of a final project for

recently featured

books to read before they hit the big

her Applied Theatre master’s degree

in an article for

screen. Isaac is the books editor at

at the City University of New York.

Colorado Homes &

Buzzfeed.com. If you’re looking for

Applied Theatre is a specialized

Lifestyles. You can

good advice on books, you can follow

field that uses theatre in a variety of

read the article at

him on Twitter @IsaacFitzgerald. He’s

non-traditional contexts in non-

www.colorado-

also got a blog at penandink.tumblr.

traditional spaces. It can be used

com all about tattoos and the stories

for education, community building,

behind them.

and social justice. It is often found in

on iTunes.

1989

FROM TOP: Ed Cadogan ’85 at the Nature Conservancy where he works.

Daniel Suharya ’99 recently took these pictures of His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck ’99, the King of Bhutan.

are amazing and after what she saw

Tim Whitcomb is completing his

David Elliott performs in a duet with

Taro Fujiwaka ’93, his niece, and brotherin-law are joined by Peggy Lee in the Admissions Lounge.

says it can be cold, but the summers

Pembroke, HM 06

1987

Ken Chang ’92 and Hendrick Sin ’92 went to graduate school together and became cofounders of a video game company (CMGE).

They live in Hong Kong. Their company went public on the US NASDAQ in 2012. They’re both wearing red ties.

started in the fall of 2009. She has

added a beautiful baby girl, Bee, to

homesmag.com/Day-Time/.

1990

places such as schools, prisons, hos-

Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent

2003

welcomed a daughter, Poppy Brent-

Shantih Chanel Lewis is employed

the practices she has learned over

Berkus, to their family in March.

at a ski resort north of Durango, Colo.

the past two years with the Rwan-

Congratulations!

In March, Mike Landers and

2005

pitals, and churches. She’ll be sharing

dan students and learning about the techniques that they have developed

some of his West Point hockey col-

Michelle Lu Saetersmoen attended

in their program in Rwanda. To learn

leagues raised over $50,000, in a

Boston College from 2005 to 2009.

more, or support her travel, visit life.

= reunion year

SPRING 2015

45

Class Agents and Representatives L–R: Boo Vernon ’07, Amelia King Randolph ’07, Mary Hannah O’Brien ’07, and Rachel Sommers ’07

Scott Baron ’10 with fiancée Katie Cadieux

Phil Pressey ’10 on the court with Athletic Director Bill Troy

There are a number of ways you can help your alma mater.

You can attend events, men-

indiegogo.com/fundraisers/sharing-

Rob Hollomon, a senior at Cen-

Burns won the NCAA DIII National Ice

tor young alumni (see www.

and-learning-applied-theater-in-

tral Connecticut State, was named

Hockey Championship as part of the

cushing.org/alumni for more

rwanda.

a finalist for the 2014 Walter Payton

Trinity College team.

information), make a gift, or

Award. Rob was one of 25 considered

New Mexico native Robin

is attending Fort Lewis College in

for the award, which goes to the most

Yoshida is a senior defenseman

Durango, Colo.

outstanding player at the NCAA Divi-

on the hockey team for St. Anselm

sion I FCS level.

College in Manchester, N.H.

for the Cushing Academy Annual

Whitney Raelynn Cheree Lewis

Amelia King Randolph was

serve as a class agent or class representative.

Class agents help raise funds

Hyung Suk “Robert” Nam is

A sociology major, Robin wants to

Fund and other special projects,

bridesmaids were Cushing alumnae:

completing his degree at Northwest-

get her master’s in public health

like the new athletic facility, by

Marina “Boo” Vernon, Mary Han-

ern. He expects to graduate in Decem-

with a focus on epidemiology and

building enthusiasm and asking

nah O’Brien, and Rachel Sommers.

ber 2015 with a degree in economics.

maybe global health. Of her time at

classmates to contribute. Class

Andrea Del Bello also attended and

He worked for a hedge fund in NYC

Cushing she says, “That experience

representatives work to build

made the bridesmaids’ necklaces for

last summer and will do so again this

was the best thing I could have done

relationships among class mem-

the event. The ceremony and recep-

summer. He expects it will turn into a

to prepare myself for college not

bers and to keep the Academy

tion were outdoors at Adventures on

full-time job. He keeps in touch with

only in hockey, but academically as

informed of news and updates

the Gorge in West Virginia.

Derek Salama, who graduated from

well.” Read more at www.uscho.

among members of the class.

Dartmouth and is now working at

com/2014/11/27/st-anselms-yoshida-

This is a fairly new program

Google. Robert also keeps in touch

proof-that-talent-can-be-found-in-

at the Academy. The classes who

On Jan. 31, 2015, Scott Baron became

with Jeremy Manore, who is in the

new-mexico.

have agents and reps have that

engaged to Katherine “Katie” Cadieux.

business world.

married in May 2014. Three of her

2010

information listed in the Class

The couple both attended Utica Col-

Phil Pressey was on campus

lege and they plan to live in Clinton,

in February, being interviewed by

N.Y. It was quite the proposal. Scott

Comcast SportsNet for their “Deep

Former faculty

or class rep listed, it means we

says, “I had a limo pick us up without

Green” segment, an in-depth piece

member David

don’t have one for that class yet.

her knowing in the morning. I took

on a Celtics player. If you missed it,

Grant recently

If you’d like to serve as either—or

her shopping and to a spa and to

you can watch it online here: www.

published a book

both!—please call us at 978-827-

lunch. Then, at the end of the day

csnne.com/blog/celtics-talk/deep-

called The Social

7400 or email alumniprograms@

when I told her we were going home,

green-pressey-visits-his-alma-mater-

Profit Handbook:

cushing.org. You can help make

we took a detour to Green Lakes State

cushing-academy.

The Essential Guide

Cushing’s alumni bonds strong.

Park in Syracuse, N.Y., and I took her

Former Faculty

to Setting Goals,

by the water and proposed. We plan

2011

Assessing Outcomes, and Achieving

to have the wedding in the Adiron-

Jake Droogan visited Cushing this

Success for Mission-Driven Organizations.

dacks by the mountains and by the

spring to talk to Bob Johnson’s archi-

The book is available through

lake with our family and friends. The

tecture class. See page 12 for more.

Amazon.

wedding is planned for August 2016.”

In March, Sam Kane and Paul

46

CUSHING TODAY

Notes section of this magazine.

If you don’t see a class agent

ALUMNI

Lost Alumni Listing Editor’s Note: As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Academy’s founding, it seems like a good time to engage in a dedicated effort to

If you know how to find any of these lost Penguins, we encourage you to contact us at 978-827-7400, alumniprograms@cushing.org, or by

update contact information for our lost alumni. We start in this issue of

mail at Cushing Academy Alumni Office, 39 School Street, Ashburnham,

the magazine with lost alumni from our reunion classes—those ending

MA 01430. You can also update your information online at www.cushing.

in 0s and 5s. We’ll publish other classes in future issues.

org/alumni. Thank you!

1940

Daniel Schafer

Nancy Paulsen

1995

Saygin Saral

Jane Hurlin Beaumont

Beth Buerhaus Tabb

Laurel Williams

Ka Chan

Ricardo Scott

Cadien Clark

Justin Sweeney

Medeia Cohan-Petrolino

Yuta Tomioka Rafael Viquez Arce David Wachong

Byron Kingsbury Jeanne Morgan Swihart

1965

1980

Priscilla Bennett

Maria Delgado

Daniel Cottin

Susan Eddy

Anthony Doblin

Esther Fernandez

Barbara Brown

Richard Hupprich

Susan Gidley

Mao Furukawa

Ralph Browne

James Langan

Franklin Glover

Khaleb Grant

2005

James Day

Kathleen Meade

Peter Graf

Alison Oates Hart

Daniel Barnhart

Judith O'Neill Feldman

Judith Parker

Phinit Rasivisuth

Kalle Jaaskelainen

Travis Bleidt

Cynthia Buehr Haas

Lawrence Wentzel

Youpadee Rasivisuth

Edward Jordan

Kyu Young Choi

Marjorie Harvey

Davida Williams

Yoko Shimizu

Patrick Kusombi

Elizabeth Chu

Sultan Shonifi

London Lawler

Angel Heredia

Virat Techakalayatum

Jason Lee

Jean Ko

Anna Vanvoorhees-Seaton

Victor Li

Stephanie McNally

Mario Merino

Drew Pennetti

Erin Midgley

Eve Potthoff Samantha Staub Quigneaux Chris Wie

1945

Edward Keough Patricia Haran McDuffee

1970

Helene MacDonald Meyers

Nartida Amrung-Buchakorn

Bruce Moyer

Charles Bradley

Eleanor Collinge Remol

Arrd Burkhardt

Julio Samudio

Alison Clough

Hugues Cremona

Yuriria Miranda

Ruth Rideout Steinhart

Michael Dewey

Christopher Heider

Georgette Motta

Estelle Weir

William Duran

Jonathan Holzer

Tejiera Norris

Charles Gould

Suzanne Widenhouse Kall

Mark Northup

2010

Jeremy Jansson

Emi Kishimoto

Amy O’Brien

Petter Aronsson

Nelida Aragon

Charles Keating

Theodore Kuzmeskas

Eduardo Pecchio

James Chiappa

Miriam Douglas

Karen Mason

Anthony Miller

Eimi Sakano

Michael DiPasqua

Castalia Finales

Carol Owen

Ricardo Rodriguez Leon

Seiichiro Satoh

Gesar Dorji

Fernando Gonzalez

Toby Pett

Hildegard Striem

Nicole Schmitt

Matthew Entwistle

Geraldine Greene

William Rose

Leah Hurley

Judith Ludlum Hitch

Jared Sherman

1990

Cortney Brixey Stinnett

Marilyn Corbin Rubin

Martha Sparling

Cathy Hamilton

2000

Lauren Himmel

Shinezaya Batbold

Mariah Sebastian

Elaine Ho

Christopher Brackett

Dong Min Shin

Gordon Chang

Pairin Jamtim

White Chirakranont

Alvito Tarjono

Gary Craver

Sye Park

Andreina Garcia

Abigail Williams

Russell Fig

Page Chadwick Rossiter

Caleb Greer-Carney

Deborah Dunning

Avi Hayon

Angelica Sepulveda

Peter Karassik

Francisco Franchi

Steven Jackson

Christopher Ward

Bo Kyung Kong

Robert Hall

Kimberlee Johnson-Morcom

Theodore Yntema

Bon Yeol Koo

Theoria Houston

Thare Marquez

Seung Hyun Lee

Jean Pollock Hutchings

Kim Wright Murphy

Joo Young Park

Judith McGrath

Sheila Nolan

Gretchen Peterson

1950

Charity Meeker Spurgeon Barbara Stewart Joan Wenzel

1955

1975

1985

Daniel Lee William McGillicuddy

SPRING 2015

47

Catherine Ross Merwin ’35 It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Trustee Emerita Catherine Ross Merwin ’35 on Sept. 7, 2014. Mrs. Merwin,

In Memoriam This list includes those people whose passings we have learned of since October 2014.

affectionately known as “Tink,” died peacefully at Rivermead in

1928

1950

Peterborough, N.H.

Virginia Lewis Sawyer

Edward McSweeny

1935

1953

Catherine “Tink” Ross

Susan Burr Hartz

A remarkable and loyal alumna, and a devoted and dedicated trustee from 1960 to 1980, Mrs. Merwin treasured her Cushing legacy, which was a lifelong source of delight and pride. Her grandparents met as Cushing students in the 1880s, and her father, Wallace Ross ’05, served as a trustee from 1920 to 1957, and then as

Merwin

1939

1955 George Hixon

John R. Briggs, Jr.

Edward Voelker

elected to Cushing’s Board in 1960, where she served with distinc-

1941

1971

tion for 20 years, and she too was honored with election as a trustee

Lois Gates Bliss

Kim Allen

emerita in great gratitude for her service.

1944

1999

Lewis Crowell

Caitlin Snaith

1945

Former Trustee

an emeritus trustee. Following in his footsteps, Mrs. Merwin was

Trustee Emeritus and Former Board President Dr. Joseph Hill wrote, “Tink was a wonderful friend of Cushing, and an excellent Trustee. During the early years of our tenure on the Board, she was a very hard working and insightful Trustee and a great help to Dick

Doris Bourgeois Mullins

Dunn ’31 and then to me as Board President. Her family legacy to the

1947

Academy is equaled by few in the history of the school.”

Mrs. Merwin was born on Jan. 15, 1917, in Hanover, N.H., daughter of the late Wallace and Helen (Hartshorne) Ross. She attended Newton High School prior to Cushing. She then earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Mount Holyoke College, with which she was also very involved throughout her life.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Merwin is predeceased by her daughter, Judith Poor, and sister, Ruth Ross Reebie ’40. She is survived by her husband, Gaius W. Merwin Jr., three children, 14 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and many devoted friends.

She is deeply missed.

48

CUSHING TODAY

Robert Johnson Bernard Riley

1948 Lucille King Martin Betsey Cutler Perry

1949 Marilyn Meyer

Dr. William Jordan

Former Faculty Marianne Coleman Dr. Joseph R. Curry Judith Starkweather

Your Gift Matters Your gift to the Cushing Academy Fund makes possible everything that makes a Cushing education special.

Gifts purchase supplies like those Dr. Sponholtz and his students use in the laboratory. They pay for transportation that allows Julia Ohm to take her theatre students to New York City. They ensure we’re able to build the infrastructure that allows our students to take advantage of the latest technology.

They allow us to add new spaces like the patio outside the student center, and upgrade existing spaces like creating the semiprivate space in the Fisher-Watkins Dining Commons. They allow us to offer scholarships to worthy students both domestic and international.

Your gift today will allow us to do all of that and more.

TO MAKE A GIFT, return the enclosed business reply envelope or go online to www.cushing.org/give.

If you have questions about how to give or why your gift matters, please contact us by phone at 978827-7400, by email at alumniprogams@cushing.org, or visit our website at www.cushing.org/gifts.

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39 School Street Ashburnham, MA 01430

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