The Hive Magazine: Summer 2024 by Detroit Country Day School

THE HIVE SUMMER 2024

HONORING OUR PAST II INSPIRING OUR FUTURE

Day School

A letter from the Head of School INTRODUCTION

PHOTO QUIZ

Can you tell what each photo is and where it is from?

FIND THE YELLOWJACKET

Be the first to spot it and win a prize!

STUDIOS

The extraordinary $2 million gift of Danialle & Peter Karmanos, Jr.

Check out photos from the 2023-2024 school year HOMECOMING

The DCDS Junior Kindergarten Program THE GIFT OF TIME

DCDS ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME

Inaugural Class of 2023

DCDS GOLDEN GALA & AUCTION

Check out photos from a night filled with glitz and glamour

TRAILBLAZING THROUGH TRADITION

One Woman’s Journey at DCDS in the Class of ‘73

SPOTLIGHT: SENIOR SPEECH

With Emma Arico ‘24

Opening the book with Peter Gordon, new Middle School Director A FRESH CHAPTER

Getting nostalgic with faculty FAVORITE TRADITIONS

ATTENDING R.E.H.A.B.

Retired Educators Having A Blast

DCDS coloring page ADD COLOR TO FIELD DAY

ALUMNI REGIONAL EVENTS

Boston, Detroit, Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles, Medical Networking Event, Bounce Back Alumni Event

ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES

Write to us about your latest news!

Answer Key PHOTO QUIZ

FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Each year, we stand at the threshold of the next chapter in our school’s history. We greet every day with a great reverence to our past and an excitement for our future. Detroit Country Day School has a rich tapestry of traditions that have become the bedrock of who we are. As our seniors finished their senior projects this year, I was reminded of the importance of that milestone by members of our class of 1973, who just celebrated their 50th reunion and reminisced about their own projects. These long-standing traditions provide a sense of continuity and create bonds between generations of students and alumni. There is power in a community that comes together in this unique way.

Every day, we are presented with new challenges and opportunities. We honor our heritage while also adapting and evolving to meet the needs of our students in a rapidly changing world. Our traditions serve as our guideposts, grounding us in our values and principles while we propel ourselves forward.

We are committed to providing an unmatched experience that breeds success in academics, athletics and the arts—all while preparing our students for the complexities of their modern world. Over the

last several months, we have embarked on several exciting initiatives that both pay tribute to our history and embrace the progress ahead. Just as mens sana in corpore sano anchors our legacy of athletic achievement, this year we celebrated our championship lineage with our inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame. In the fall, we will take our tradition of artistic excellence to new heights, with unparalleled cinematic, digital, and podcasting opportunities in the newly constructed Studios, thanks to the generosity of Danialle and Peter Karmanos, Jr. And beginning in the upcoming school year, we will further position DCDS as a nationwide leader in excellence in education through a partnership with Stanford University that allows our students to conduct hands-on research targeting and editing genomes, with the goal of eradicating diseases like diabetes and sickle cell anemia.

As Head of School, it is my responsibility to chart a proactive vision for our journey ahead. Listening to your cherished memories and the voices of our current students, I have a sound sense of what Detroit Country Day School was, is, and will become. A commitment to teaching and learning, building strong relationships, and keeping a strategic focus on the future are at the forefront of my work.

In this issue of The Hive, you will see many examples of innovative and immersive learning opportunities that build on the rich history of our school. Our future is bright as we develop the next generation of DCDS scholars, citizens, and leaders.

Richard Dempsey, Head of School

&

PHOTO QUIZ

We’ve zoomed in on some noteworthy spots around our campuses. Can you tell what each photo is and where it is from?

(Answer key on page 45.)

FIND THE YELLOWJACKET

In this issue of The Hive, we’ve hidden one Yellowjacket in a photo. Can you find it? The first ten people to spot the Yellowjacket and email us at thebuzz@dcds.edu telling us what page they spotted it will receive a prize!

THE STUDIOS

THE EXTRAORDINARY $2 MILLION GIFT OF DANIALLE & PETER KARMANOS, JR.

When Danialle Karmanos was 19 years old, she took a broadcasting class and found a lifelong calling that would lead to a fulfilling career and fuel her drive to succeed. Now, she is determined to ensure that generations of students have a similar opportunity to discover their own passions.

“I didn’t have a teacher, mentor, or adult who believed in me until college. That’s when two professors said, ‘You’re really good at this,’” says Karmanos. “Writing for broadcast felt natural. I felt like a rapper in a flow. I felt like Eminem. It’s how I put myself through college and rented my first apartment. It’s how I found my purpose…and myself.”

Karmanos never forgot that feeling—or the good fortune she felt to find a career that fit so well. It became the impetus for an incredibly generous gift of $2 million, one that will see the creation of The Studios donated by Danialle Karmanos at Detroit Country Day School.

“I want it to be a place where students can find inspiration, create content—and most importantly, tell stories because storytelling is everything. It’s how we make sense of the world around us,” she says.

“This gift is an investment in the limitless potential of our students,” says Head of School Rich Dempsey, “It is a testament to the power of philanthropy to

drive positive change and create opportunities for generations to come.”

The Studios will transform an existing but underutilized space in the middle of the Upper School and will have three distinct spaces. All three will blend seamlessly when it opens this fall.

The largest space in The Studios will showcase a professional stagecraft LED wall that can create virtual scenes and transport actors anywhere in the world. It’s the same state-of-the-art technology used in professional Hollywood productions. The podcasting suite will

house a cutting-edge podcast studio where student hosts and producers will be able to amplify their voices and share their stories. And finally, the innovation lab will feature engaging technology, including virtual reality and artificial intelligence tools, where students can immerse themselves in different worlds—exploring science, history, video game creation, and much more. Together, The Studios will propel Detroit Country Day School to the forefront of educational technology and artistic expression, allowing for deeper and more robust teaching and learning opportunities.

It will also put DCDS on the map as the country’s premier school for film, digital creation, and video production, potentially attracting new students and faculty alike.

“This would have really revolutionized my time at DCDS,” says alum Cole McCarthy ’20, who graduated from the University of Michigan’s Film Program this May, “because it would have opened up new vectors for interesting storytelling.”

“This space and the tools included will give us, literally, limitless options to create cinematic art,” says Film teacher Brett Salamin, who has grown the program at DCDS from a single camera and a handful of students to a robust program that involves almost ninety students every semester—and just saw the release of the school’s first-ever full-length feature film. “In a straight narrative, we can shoot in any location (virtually). In artistic films, you will see our students expand their thinking and create some really unique and beautiful work. The Studios will allow us to stretch our wings both physically and creatively. We have the potential now, with this investment, to make our program the best in the entire country!”

Students who have called the film program home for the last few years agree, saying they are excited for those who will come after them.

“This new space and new equipment will open up new doors,”’ said Monica Nie, ’24.

“It will allow students to really express themselves and see out their creative vision in ways that we had not imagined before,” shared Andrew Weir, ‘24.

Likewise, the podcasting studio will provide students interested in this growing field—one that Danialle Karmanos herself has excelled in—the opportunity to master tools of the digital age in a hands-on, real-world environment. It will provide an unparalleled experience that will grant them a competitive edge in college and their future careers. It will also allow faculty to share their expertise with a wider audience and provide a different way to engage with students.

Upper School Arts Department Chair Jiro Masuda ‘86 encourages all students and faculty to see themselves as content creators in The Studios, “Ms. Gasco, Ms. Robinson, and I are excited to collaborate on an AP Art History podcast. And we are fortunate to have Ms. Kay, who is ready to assist anyone interested in podcast production. This is a community effort, and everyone’s participation is highly valued.”

The opportunity for collaboration will continue in the innovation lab, which will weave the creative efforts in The Studios together. Masuda envisions a future in which students studying game design create new worlds for gamers in The Lab and then see them come to life on the LED wall.

It’s a vision that Danialle Karmanos says will bring her dream of providing opportunity full circle:

“We here at Detroit Country Day are one of the top arts and communications schools in the country. We have these incredibly talented students. We have these incredibly talented staff and faculty who are cultivating these creative minds. I can’t wait to see what they will create when they are in this new, first-class space.”

HOMECOMING

Homecoming was an incredible event, honoring the Inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame Class, as well as bringing back alumni from years ending in 3s and 8s for their class reunions.

Diana Ilunga ‘26, Annika Gudapati ‘26, and Myra Parsons ‘26

Varsity cheerleaders with Junior Jackets cheerleaders

The 2023-2024 DCDS Varsity Football team

The Inaugural Class of the Athletics Hall of Fame with athletic directors Ross Cooper and Amber Deane ‘12, as well as Rich Dempsey, Head of School

Detroit Country Day School

Kai Kitchen ‘32, Joey Schimizzi ‘32, and Frankie Daiza ‘32

Johnny Shouneyia ‘27 gives a hug to his aunt, Contessa (Shouneyia) Denha ‘97, as Tommy Denha ‘27 and Jiselle Shouneyia ‘34 stand by

Yvette and Frank Orlando arrive for the Athletics Hall of Fame recognition Coach Orlando was part of the inaugural class of inductees

Junior Jackets having fun!

Jill Mida ‘00 and Esra Karaca ‘00

Previous Headmaster Jerry Hansen and his son Jan Hansen ‘81

Beverly Hannett-Price shares stories

Kristen (Wilbur) Brennan ‘02, Former Faculty and Coach Eva Dodds, Katie (Cavalieri) Ducharme ‘02, and Michelle Belke ‘03 participate as honorees in the Inaugural Class of the Athletics Hall of Fame

THE GIFT OF TIME

THE DCDS JUNIOR

KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM

The bustling busyness of centers in the Junior Kindergarten room brings sounds of laughter, joy, and intrigue. The activities exude a sense of learning and positive peer interaction. Students share, collaborate, and cheer each other on while learning. Through the magic of the JK teachers and program, the classroom feels like a family and is run like a well-oiled machine. Parents with children in the JK classroom call it a true gem of the Lower School. Those whose children have gone through it and are now older share the importance of that extra year for maturation. Teachers and parents continually mention how JK gives students and their families “the gift of time.” Time to mature, grow social-emotional skills, build self-confidence and a sense of self, and prepare for kindergarten success.

Heidi Cooper, a current DCDS mom of three, said, “With our oldest, I was concerned about him going into JK, but my best friend is a kindergarten teacher, and in talking with her and other educators, they all said to look at the decision not just from my five-year-old’s perspective, but to think about where my child will be in high school or college with an extra year to mature. My three sons all went through JK because it helped them become good friends and citi-

zens. They came out of the classroom much more confident than when they entered.” Some parents may be worried that the suggestion of the JK program is one of academic concern. Still, Pam Dolan, a preschool teacher for twenty-four years at DCDS, shared that it is “hardly ever academic. JK gives students time to mature, build stamina, and hone their social-emotional skills,” noting that it is “a beautiful gift to give your child.” School is not only about academics. JK is where children learn to care, share, take turns, and be good friends.

The Junior Kindergarten program is built on developing social-emotional skills, providing a structured environment where children can interact with their peers, learn to share and cooperate, and resolve conflicts. Teachers can help the children recognize and manage their emotions, leading to better self-control and empathy. One of the things the JK program prides itself on is that young students learn to build self-confidence. With play-based learning, the program allows for exploration and discovery using the children’s passions. No year has the same curriculum, but the key components of development, foundational academic skills, and fine motor skills are always top-of-mind.

Teachers Lauren Ede and Krista Stern led the program over the years, with sixty-two years of teaching between the two of them. Mrs. Stern loves her “JK Superstars,” and along with Mrs. Ede, they treat students and their parents like family. Jennifer Cook, a current DCDS parent, shared that her two children’s years in JK were “game changers of a year. The students come out completely prepared for kindergarten and with a ton of confidence because Stern and Ede are so positive. They build each student up in their own way.” With the retirement of these two brilliant educators, families will rest assured knowing that two veteran teachers will replace them. They will continue the program so that it is an elevated experience from PreK-4, but still a different pace than kindergarten. Previous kindergarten teachers Sheryl Klinger and Jennifer Stockreef will take over the JK program and focus on whole group lessons, small group work, and centers. They will continue to build the curriculum inspired by student interest while giving students more time to absorb and learn new skills.

Stockreef explains that “allowing students an extra year to have ownership of their learning, build confidence in their abilities, and develop a sense of belonging will be hallmarks of the JK experience.” The traditions of JK will remain, with the family-oriented classroom feel and multiple class plays. Looking toward the future, the focus is on growing the child socially, emotionally, and academically. As always, building handwriting skills, foundational phonemic awareness, reading and mathematical skills, and fine motor skills will be the focus to prepare our students for the future.

DETROIT COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL ATHLETICS

HALL FAME OF

Mens sana in corpore sano is more than a motto at Detroit Country Day School. It’s woven into the fabric of the school, where generations of outstanding student-athletes have developed their skills both in the classroom and on the playing field.

That rich history is one of the reasons why DCDS launched its inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame this past year, recognizing sixteen individual athletes, coaches, and patrons, along with the 1999 and 2000 State Champion Women’s Soccer Teams. The inductees

came from far and wide to be part of the celebration, sharing onstage what their time at the school meant to them.

“So many of the best memories I have are from this place,” basketball great Chris Webber ’91 told the audience. “The closest people to me to this day are probably Country Day guys.”

Other inductees agreed, saying the recognition meant the world to them. “It was surreal walking excitedly across the same stage you once were terrified of in high school,” said Michelle Belke ’03, a member of the championship soccer team. “I loved being back ‘home’ in the PAC, sharing the experience with family, alumni, students, and faculty. It felt like a full-circle moment.”

The alumni who graced the stage also told the crowd that the lessons they took away from their DCDS experience extended far beyond athletics. They talked about grit and perseverance and the value of having high expectations in every aspect of their lives.

“Going to Country Day, it taught me how to win, and it taught me how to win not just on the court, but in life,” said Jennifer (Thomas) Williams, a standout on the hardwood who went on to a successful career as an athletic director and head of the USA Basketball Foundation.

“The great part about Country Day is not just walking into Shaw Gymnasium or the Athletic Hall, it’s about the classroom,” Shane Battier ’97 told the audience, “Walking into Mr. Corwin’s class, and having the ex-

pectation of yeah, okay, you might be a hotshot on the basketball court, but how are you in History?” Battier continues with advice to students: “Do it all. I learned that it’s okay to have expectations of myself, and not just in one area, every area. Do it all.”

“Do it all” was a challenge these inductees seem to have taken to heart as a driving force in their lives. All have gone on to successful careers—as business owners, professionals, and parents themselves. Many thanked their families, coaches, and faculty for believing in them, even when they did not believe in themselves.

State champion track and field star Kristi Jackson ’84 called out English teacher Beverly Hannett as someone who pushed her to excel. “She pulled the best out of me. She saw something in me that I did not see in myself,” said Jackson. “And those are life lessons. Those are not just the lessons from here; those are for the rest of your life.”

Perhaps surprisingly, many inductees expressed doubt in their abilities at various times throughout their lives but said that the relationships they built with adults here at DCDS made the difference. “There is so much going through young minds, and it’s always a question of ‘Am I good enough? Am I doing the right thing?’” said Webber ’91. “But what we really need to do is trust the place that we’re in and trust the people around us.”

In fact, some of the event’s most poignant moments came when the panel was asked what advice they would give their 17-year-old self. “The ceremony and celebrations around the induction were incredible,” said Head of School Rich Dempsey, “But it was particularly valuable for our current students to hear from the outstanding athletes who have paved the way.”

Charles “CJ” Johnson, a football star who won a National Championship at the University of Colorado, urged those in attendance to find the champions within themselves. “We are champions regardless of the outcome of the game,” he said. “We celebrate our wins, but they do not define who we are. It’s not the outcome. It’s what you give it.”

“Everyone’s process is different. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else,” said Peggy (Evans) Carr

’90, a basketball phenom who went on to coach successfully after her playing days. “I promise you that Country Day’s going to set you up for a process that is very successful.”

Battier, who went on to win accolades at Duke and in the NBA, told the students that developing a winning mindset is critical, “So many people think that, well I was just born this way. I don’t have potential to become a great mathematician, or a great musician, or a great point guard. And if you have that mentality, guess what? You’re probably right. But if you have the mentality that there’s nothing that I can’t learn—if I’m willing to put the work in, if I’m to be disciplined, if I’m willing to give it my all—I can turn myself into anything that I want. And to my young people out there, once you realize that lesson, there is nothing-nothing-nothing that will stop you.”

The next class of the DCDS Athletics Hall of Fame will be inducted in the Spring of 2025, and that class will no doubt contain names and stories of lives impacted by a special school with an unmatched legacy of success.

“The one thing I always say about Country Day is that it breeds excellence,” said soccer captain Kerry Doman ’00. “The preparation that you get here at Country Day—if you trust the process—will lead you to great places.”

DCDS

ATHLETICS HOF INAUGURAL CLASS II 2023-2024

ROBERT D. AMBROSE ‘78

KURT KEENER

SHANE C. BATTIER

HIRAM E. JACKSON

KRISTI JACKSON

SAMUEL H. GREENAWALT, JR.

CHARLES S. JOHNSON ‘87

MICHAEL

JOSEPH D’ANGELO

GERALD T. HANSEN

Detroit Country Day School

Danialle Karmanos, presenting chair of the Golden Gala

Manuel & Samantha Amezcua

Brenda Lundberg and Dwayne Casey

Johnny Shouneyia and Peter Karmanos Jr.

Kay Cartwright, Alpa Lally and Nicole Blocker

Wadette Bradford, Shelby Jarjosa, Katherine Fumei, Alexis Kiriluk, Olivia Shouneyia, Jennifer Curis

Lisa Tan & Martin Rawls-Meehan

Daniela & Mitch Henderson

Jonathan & Jessica Gibson

Jennifer & Tom Berman

Sheween Gardi, Hafza Tayab, Farah Abu-Jazar, Sonia Ahmad, Alyaa El-Abbadi, Sarah Wagdy, Natasha Hussein

S. Eliot and Whitney Weiner, Cory and Elizabeth Curnutte, Gwen and Evan Weiner, Anne and Steve Weiner

Sue O’Callaghan, Olivia Shouneyia, Tassia Hanna, Alexandra Kelin, Elliot Foon (in place of Lacey Foon), Zaina Elia, Elizabeth Curnutte, Jennifer Curis, Wadette Bradford, Jackie Albertie, Kristen Grebinski

TRAILBLAZING THROUGH TRADITION

ONE WOMAN’S JOURNEY AT DETROIT COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL IN THE CLASS OF ‘73

Ann Kinney-Eittinger is an artist and one of the first female alumna of Detroit Country Day School. We take a deep dive into what it was like being one of the first females to graduate from the Upper School. After finishing her junior year of high school, Ann moved to Michigan from Minnesota. Her family moved because her father took a job at Detroit Country Day School as an English teacher and chair of the English department. Her parents both taught at all-boys schools before, so the shock of coming into an all-male school wasn’t there, but the challenge of having her father teach at the school made Ann feel compelled to get good grades and not cause trouble. At the time, she loved Detroit’s dynamic, buzzing, and diverse atmosphere but knew it might be challenging to start over with new classmates, most of them males. Yet, because there were only thirty-six senior students, they truly got to know each other. Ann shares a few thoughts on her experience on the tail of her fiftieth class reunion.

What was it like to be one of the only female voices, and how did that compare to your previous school experience?

I was very quiet, but it was only a matter of time before I found my voice among my classmates. My English teacher was Mrs. Hannett, and that classroom was a haven for me. I was the only girl in the class, and I could tell some of the boys were uncomfortable with girls in the schoolthey would shy away - but after a while, I found things got into full swing and Mrs. Hannett was shepherding us girls, and looking out for us. I could always go to her - she was a life raft. That relationship was wonderful.

It’s hard to quantify what one year at DCDS means to a person, but what does that bond look like between you and your classmates, and how have those bonds continued over the past fifty years?

After graduation, I didn’t keep in touch. I wanted to, but life is so big. I moved, had different jobs, and high school was in the rearview mirror. Yet, I always wondered where my Country Day peers were. When Peter Forbes and Neal Manecke sent me a letter asking if I was interested in a 50th reunion, I flipped out and said, ‘Wow! Yes! Are you kidding?’ To see all my classmates at the reception held at school will remain one of the highlights of my life. It was just wonderful and such a gift that everyone clicked right into the last time I saw them. Those guys are my adopted brothers, and I treasure these friendships. People who go to reunions more often may not have that sensation of being blown away, but I am very much an advocate now of class reunions and staying in touch.

What’s special about the community at DCDS?

The faculty. There’s certainly community at all schools, but the kind of people that teach at DCDS are interesting. The faculty see their students as advisees, as students, in a club, and as athletes or artists. Faculty see the whole person.

What brought you joy when you were at DCDS?

I enjoyed a class taught by F. Alden Shaw, the school’s founder. He was a philosopher and very kind, wise, and old-school. We read Emerson and Thoreau, and I still have those books. They very much influenced my life. In the end, you receive a diploma—it’s paper—but it’s more than that—it’s the experience. The experience was joyous and carried a feeling of accomplishment.

Could you share an outstanding memory of your time at DCDS?

I received a book prize with a letter glued on the inside cover signed by Dr. Schlegel, and it mentioned personal traits of mine - things I had never thought of. I didn’t think about my traits, let alone did I think other people noticed them. Receiving that book prize made me feel seen. It really influenced my self-confidence and self-esteem. I’ve pulled that book off my shelf many times to read that letter from Dr. Schlegel to remind myself, ‘Hey, you’ve got this.’ The tiny little things like that affect people.

How would you characterize the influence of DCDS on your life?

Going to a very good private school carries a kind of privilege, whether paying full price or on scholarship. With that privilege, you have a responsibility to reach out and help make the world a better place. There is a camaraderie in caring for each other and being there when someone needs an ear. Knowing you’re guided and advised by excellent faculty and staff as mentors is a gift, and it helps you make the world a better place.

Can you elaborate on your career as an artist?

As a kid, I learned my art technique - copper enameling - from my mom, an art teacher. I always wanted to return to enameling, which is an uncommon medium, but only in the last few years did I pursue it. I should have majored in art. Creativity and creative thinking are important in every single kind of occupation. I hope that kids, especially women, find out what they love to do and what they do very well and pursue it. Don’t try to focus on someone else’s dream of you, becoming something you’re not interested in. Following one’s passion is very important. Maybe you have to get a day job to pay for the passion part, but if you can meld the two and make a living in what you love doing, it’s never work.

SPOTLIGHT: SENIOR SPEECH

WITH EMMA ARICO ‘24

One of the hallmarks of a DCDS graduate is their ability to speak to nearly any audience, whether it is one person or one thousand. A beloved tradition at the Upper School is the Senior Speech, which has been around for decades. To gain a sense of what the Senior Speech is all about, Emma Arico’s senior speech, given in the fall of 2023 to the entire Upper School, follows.

Ever since I was a little girl, I have been wary of believing that I was beautiful. Your parents always say you are, and your siblings and friends chime in with the “wows” and “pretties,” but it is hard to believe when you are your own biggest critic. The only time I truly felt my most beautiful was when my grandpa told me so. His eyes would twinkle an extra bright green, and his smile would stretch from ear to ear.

“Hello, my beautiful Emma,” is what he would always say.

Anyone would be able to tell he meant those words with his whole heart because he never failed to put special enthusiasm and love into them. I could see him on his worst day, sick and tired, and I wouldn’t even know it because he stayed strong and never strayed from reminding me of my worth and beauty. He made me believe in the truest version of myself all the way up until his final day on Earth. My incredible grandpa helped me understand that the most precious thing in life is simply being kind to others, and saying that extra compliment to someone can make the biggest difference in that person’s day, or even life.

Feeling beautiful in today’s society is so difficult. Girls are expected to have the perfect body, perfect hair, and perfect nail color, and if they do not match up with these standards, they are degraded. Girls get called “weird” and are bubbled into this category of unpopular because their true and authentic selves are not considered cool. What is disappointing is that many girls simply accept it because they don’t know any better. All it takes is one person to help you see the beauty in yourself. My grandpa was that person for me, and

now I hope to give that kind of hope and joy to others by being genuine and sincere in allowing friends, family, and even strangers to know how beautiful they are.

I often struggle to see the beautiful Emma. I look in the mirror, and I am not always satisfied, but I realize that there is more to beauty than physical appearance. I’ve come to recognize that beauty is also profoundly evident through my unique personality.

A person's character really shows their true colors, and if you happen to be a kind, caring, and empathetic person, that is when you radiate your most beautiful self.

Since the sad day my Grandpa left us, my goal has been to make people feel the way he made me feel through love, compassion, and kindness. I know for a fact that this has paid off because last year, I had the honor of receiving our school’s first-ever Buzzing Heart award. This award was student-nominated and given to a person who has been kind to them and other community members. I was astonished and over the moon happy just to be able to make a difference in somebody’s day. Hearing the short blurb an anonymous student wrote about me helped me appreciate myself and showed me that I was doing right by my grandfather.

As I look in the mirror today, a senior in high school ready to embark on my next academic journey, I feel ready. I can clearly see a strong, confident, intelligent, kind young woman who also happens to be beautiful.

To conclude this speech, I want to encourage you to embrace all aspects of yourself with pride and happiness because each and every one of you out there in the audience today is beautiful. Never be afraid to show your authentic quirks, unique style, and to stand strong for who you are because, in the end, no one can hold you back when you shine your brightest.

A FRESH CHAPTER

OPENING THE BOOK WITH PETER GORDON, NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL DIRECTOR

Detroit Country Day School is thrilled to announce that Mr. Peter Gordon is joining our community as the next Middle School Director. In his thirty-five years as an independent school educator, he has served as Head of School, middle school director, admissions director, department chair, class dean, teacher, coach, and advisory program coordinator. He joins our school with impressive experience; however, we want to share more about his background, philosophy, and motivation for coming to DCDS. Mr. Gordon is the proud father of twins, who will also join the DCDS community.

Why did you want to come to Detroit Country Day School?

This decision centered on a few things: it was clear the school has an enduring commitment to mind, body, and character, which speaks loudly to me and resonates with me, both as a person and educator. The school prepares students to become informed, engaged citizens who look to make a positive impact on the broader world and on each other. As important as the other two reasons, students at DCDS know that education is more than what they can accomplish through grades - it’s about the person they want to become - and that’s impressive.

What are your aspirations as the new Director of the Middle School?

It’s so important to listen, learn, and understand what makes DCDS so special and I want to dive into the school - the ins, outs, the good, things to work on, and gain a solid understanding of that. I want to understand students, faculty, staff, administration, and families. I am committed to improving the lives of the community members and continuing to make DCDS the best version of itself.

What do you think sets DCDS apart from other independent schools?

It’s easy these days to tell people your school is inclusive, and open-minded, that you speak to kindness and respect, and that people matter. I am an instructional leader, centered on people. That is the most important part of everything a school does and it is clear DCDS focuses on people.

What book impacted you the most?

I would have to say there are three books and the first that comes to mind is Carol Dweck’s Growth Mindset book. I love her writing and I believe that mindset is one of the most important things. Malcolm Gladwell’s book Outliers made a significant impact on me. Lastly, The Human Side of School Change by Robert Evans was transformative. All three of these books talked about understanding that schools cannot be stale institutions and that although it’s easy to become stagnant, the job of the school is to be transformative.

What is one activity you love to do with your children?

We are explorers and take advantage of the outdoors. We love to hike and did a 900 ft. elevation climb during our last month in Nevada. We simply love to spend time together.

FAVORITE TRADITIONS

GETTING NOSTALGIC WITH FACULTY

Denise Liberty

The varsity letter sweaters are my favorite tradition at the school. The tradition gives students a goal to work toward: once they are on a varsity team, they earn a letter and are awarded the opportunity to wear their sweaters. What’s so awesome is that you can be an athlete and showcase your work, but you can also be a theatre student and display all the shows you participated in. The sweaters are works of art, showcasing a student’s individuality.

Janine Gallant

Passport to World Adventure is one of the greatest traditions at the Lower School. First graders learn that although people worldwide may appear different, we are very similar. The children research, learn songs and dances, and perform. One of the fun takeaways is that students have a list of fun places they want to visit!

The fifth-grade Celebration of Poetry event is our most favorite tradition at Detroit Country Day. It is a time-honored tradition gifted to us as teachers and has been going on for over 20 years. Our students think the project is big and daunting, but bit by bit it culminates into a beautiful presentation that our students can perform in front of their family and friends.

Sharon Deighton

My favorite tradition is the House Program. I love that the program builds community across grade levels.

Meera Sundar & Airica Clapper

Lisa Zimmerman

At the Upper School graduation, one of the traditions is that students can share their accolades from high school and where they are headed. Equally as special is that students graduate in order of how long they’ve been at the school, starting with those who entered in PreK-3, all the way to anyone who entered in the Upper School. It’s such a beautiful ceremony.

Diana Matthews & Lisa Morgan

One of our favorite Lower School traditions is taking families to Pt. Pelee National Canadian Park to watch butterflies migrate. The tradition was started by Mrs. Rebold and Mrs. Maicki, and we are so lucky we’re able to do this every fall.

Brett Sidle

The school’s motto mens sana in corpore sano is a tradition deeply rooted in F. Alden Shaw’s vision for the school. He believed education extends beyond the classroom, and students can learn valuable lessons on the court, field, and ice. By participating in athletics, students not only develop their physical abilities but also cultivate mental resilience and a sense of camaraderie. To this day, the school continues to uphold its commitment to holistic education, where a sound mind and a sound body go hand in hand.

Kevin DuRoss

Chucktober was started ten years ago by the Middle School faculty to honor a true legend: Chuck Duggan. Mr. Duggan was a phenomenal teacher, coach, mentor, and friend who also rocked a well-trimmed beard throughout his tenure at the Middle School. Each year, between Thanksgiving and Winter Break, many of the male faculty members in the Middle School grow out their beards in honor of Chuck. It’s a great way to honor a legend and build camaraderie.

ATTENDING R.E.H.A.B.

RETIRED EDUCATORS HAVING A BLAST

Chuck and Cheryl Duggan feel the pull of nostalgia as they enter Panera Bread in Troy. The Duggans, who have a combined teaching career of 77 years at DCDS, are part of a group of retired Detroit Country Day Middle School educators who get together once a month and connect. Anyone who knew the comical Mr. Mencotti wouldn’t be surprised that he came up with the name for the group: REHAB (Retired Educators Having a Blast). Mike Mencotti said that the “first REHAB lunch coincided with the first day of school at DCDS,” he continues, “and, honestly, I took more than a little pleasure when we texted a group selfie to the gang back at the Middle School.” Retired life has its perks, and the first day of school was a great day for the group to get back together; they’ve been going strong for a decade.

ries. Randy Meono sends out the monthly REHAB invitation, noting that although he came to teaching at DCDS as a second career, he “was overly impressed

“During our years at Country Day, we enjoyed wonderful camaraderie with our colleagues and developed strong friendships. Our monthly gatherings provide us with an opportunity to catch up with each other, support each other, and reminisce about our memorable experiences,”

“During our years at Country Day, we enjoyed wonderful camaraderie with our colleagues and developed strong friendships. Our monthly gatherings provide us with an opportunity to catch up with each other, support each other, and reminisce about our memorable experiences,” the Duggans explain. A shared history can often bring people together in the best ways, as nothing is better than exchanging treasured memo-

from the beginning.” He states, “The Middle School faculty was so talented and so committed to the students and school. We had the best Middle School in Oakland County and maybe the state. The people you see at our monthly meetings worked so hard. So, for me, it is a pleasure to visit with them.” The feeling is mutual, as monthly meetings have steady attendance and lots of positivity.

At REHAB, the retirees share their “retired adventures, family updates, and, of course, reminisce about the best moments at DCDS,” explained Linda Engler. Revealing a wide smile, Engler describes that “everyone leaves with a smile on their faces.” At their January meet-up, the group shared memories of the school, its faculty, and its students. Did you know that hockey great Ted Lindsay coached at DCDS sometime in the 1970s? Or that Bill Belichick was a volunteer coach at school? These retirees offer a window to Detroit Country Day School’s past that few can apprehend.

The group lives up to its name and has a blast when together. Joe Hansen, previously both a Middle and Upper School educator, shared that “once you work

(and play) with the professionals at DCDS, it’s so nice to get together at least once a month! It’s a mini-reunion each time.” Conversations are diverse and range from discussing old dress code rules to current-day alumni. Hansen and Frank Orlando even make a special point to wish all their previous students a happy birthday on Facebook. This is the Detroit Country Day School difference - you’ll never meet a more dedicated and engaged group of educators who care so deeply about their students. They cared so much about them then and continue to do so now.

Joy. It’s a simple word that is palpably felt within this group. Life has not slowed down for these retirees. Although they miss their students, they are living life to the fullest.

Getting in Touch

Have a teacher you’d love to say something to? Scan (or click) this code and the DCDS Communications team will ensure the message gets to that faculty or staff member (retired or presently working at DCDS).

Mike Mencotti, Dorothy D’Angelo, Judy Leybourn, Paul Bartoshuk, Sue Janiczek, Stan Chodun, Jane Pohl, Frank Orlando, Yvette Orlando, Betsy Moss, Cheryl Duggan, Kathy Mencotti, Randy Meono, Linda Engler

ALUMNI REGIONAL EVENTS

BOSTON

Hosted by Raj Senapati and Gunjan Malik-Senapati, the Boston alumni regional gathering was attended by alumni ranging from graduation years 1980-2023. Connections forged between college-aged alumni and those in established careers were fantastic.

Detroit Country Day School

Gunjan Malik-Senapati ‘00 and Lindsay (Jacobson) Donikian ‘00

Clara Yuhn ‘22, Isa Aviles ‘22, Jenna Lee ‘18, Ruhi Nayak ‘19, Daniel Liu ‘21, Scott Greenhalgh ‘18, Sajjan Desai ‘18, Ava Dukas ‘23

Therese Labordo ‘19, Scott Greenhalgh ‘18, Ruhi Nayak ‘19, Vickie Alani ‘80

Tom Frikker ‘15, Jonathan Ni ‘16, Steve Burgess, Ankita Dasgupta ‘08, Brianna Johnson ‘05

Raj Senapati ‘99, Paul Fabre ‘03, Kathleen Turland ‘86, Lindsay Donikian ‘00, Gunjan Malik-Senapati ‘00

Dan Daneshvar ‘01, Kim Otsuji Link ‘02, Raj Senapati ‘99, Marta Garcia

DETROIT

Held at the Detroit Athletic Club, the Detroit Regional Alumni Gathering brought together past faculty, alumni, and their significant others.

Tom Frikker ‘15, Jonathan Ni ‘16, Steve Burgess, Ankita Dasgupta ‘08, Brianna Johnson ‘05

Kunal Grover ‘02, Kim Otsuji Link ‘02, Kate Levy ‘02

Donnavan Kirk ‘09, Teneka Singleton, Richard Shao ‘23

Ryan Sanders ‘07, Betsy Moss ‘79, Donnavan Kirk ‘09

Marc Eller ‘73, Beth Clark, Eric Clark ‘85, Irene Tynan, Scott Tynan ‘85

Jill Gilpin ‘06, Rachel (Gordon) Vivas ‘06, Leslie Rosenberg ‘06

Yvonne Hammoud ‘06, Erica Gibson ‘06, Jennifer Sprague ‘06, Tina Blank ‘06, Mary Haas ‘06, Jill (Levy) Gilpin ‘06, Molly Borman ‘06, Rachel (Gordon) Vivas ‘06

Lindsey Maxwell ‘07, Candise Hill ‘07, Ryan Sanders ‘07, David Bowman ‘00, Kim Otsuji Link ‘02, Ciara Jackson ‘00

Retired faculty Betsy Moss ‘79, Joe Hansen, Linda Engler, and Julie Goodman showed up with Rich Dempsey to see past students

Anthony Cook ‘94, Dan McLean, and Jennifer Cook

Stephen Modell ‘76, David Levy ‘80, Gene Jurkiewicz, Robert Levy ‘77

CHICAGO

The Chicago Alumni Gathering provided an evening of reconnecting with classmates and other professionals in the city.

Tom Frikker ‘15, Jonathan Ni ‘16, Steve Burgess, Ankita Dasgupta ‘08, Brianna Johnson ‘05

Beck McNulty ‘18, Brett Barr ‘18, Riya Desai ‘18, Dylan Prime ‘18

Vivek Thakkar and Aarthee Thakkar ‘12

Brothers Griff ‘16 and Dylan ‘18 Prime

Brian Hu ‘18, Rohit Thalla ‘18, Sahil Suneja ‘19

Rich Dempsey, Cole Bearden ‘17, Ryan Luft ‘19, Brendan Terrill ‘18, Dan Luft (Athletic Director)

Moneka Bahadur Galassi ‘04, Nicole (Kulwicki) Pawlukowsky ‘04, Hilary Wagner ‘04

Kimberly Otsuji Link ‘02, Natalie Trerice ‘18, Riya Desai ‘18, Cole Bearden ‘17

Kimberly Otsuji Link ‘02, Griff Prime ‘16, James Roberts ‘16, Kelli Conway, Matthew Dolan ‘16, Owen Sappington ‘16

Evelyn De la Cruz ‘87, Sue Marcotte Luft ‘86

Ryan Luft ‘19, James Roberts ‘16, Natalie Trerice ‘18, and Kristina Roberts ‘19

NEW YORK CITY

Kicking off the regional alumni gatherings, there was an incredible group of 100 alumni from the New York City area.

Detroit Country Day School

George Mathew ‘89, Pramod Sanghi ‘89, Raj Mangalick ‘97, Mridu Gulati ‘89

Malcolm Leverett ‘10, Michael Stevanovich ‘19

Camille Squires ‘11, Jasmine Felix ‘11, JT Felix, Megan Arnold ‘11

Raj Mangalick ‘97, Rich Dempsey, Mohamed Fakih ‘12

Kathryn Kerns ‘01, Ron Hagiz ‘01, Padma Hunda 01, Saahill Desai ‘02, Jimmy Goldberg ‘02

Mridu Gulati ‘89, George Mathew ‘89, Dan Kerin ‘94

Lauren Boos ‘18, Kate Holman ‘16, Lily Mullany ‘18, Josie Teachout ‘16, Megan Arnold ‘11, Kim Otsuji Link ‘02

Amit Doshi ‘96, Jim Boyle ‘75

Brianna Johnson ‘05, Courtney Thomasma ‘02, Chris Haboian ‘07, Alison Haboian ‘05, Emily Miles ‘11

Lauren Boos ‘18, Kim Otsuji Link ‘02, Kate Holman ‘16, Josie Teachout ‘16

Nishal Patel ‘18, Christian Kasmikha ‘18, Peter Gallette ‘18, Blake Bailey ‘18, Harrison George ‘18, Revanth Manam ‘17, Rishuv Mehta ‘17

Maneesh Gulati ‘94, Bradley Dock ‘92, Amanda Zaitchik ‘04

Randall O’Neal ‘97, Amar Pradhan ‘98, Melanie Dodge ‘96, Samir Janveja ‘99

Dan Kerin ‘94 and Maneesh Gulati ‘94

LOS ANGELES

Steve Ballmer ‘73 hosted a phenomenal alumni gathering at the LA Clippers game in February. Alumni from across the country attended.

Beverly Hannett-Price and Steve Ballmer ‘73

Jennifer Edison ‘98, Marvin Winans Jr. ‘98

Jeffrey Straus ‘72, Richard Berman ‘72, Rick Hasse ‘72

Tina Blank ‘06, Shivali Garg ‘03, Christopher Weber ‘03, Nia Batts ‘03

Ramie Abu-Zahra ‘04, Hirsh Kaveeshvar ‘04, David Litwin ‘05

Cindy (Hoglund) Shannon ‘78, Cyndy Miller ‘ 77, John Genga ‘79, Robin Deighan ‘79

David S. Williams III ‘90, Rich Dempsey, Scott Sellers ‘90, Jessica (Daniels) Clemons ‘90, Jen Cantwell ‘90, Alice Dickens Koblin ‘90

Brandon Boswell ‘10, Lauren Hawkins ‘10, Beverly Hannett-Price, Lee Bailey ‘11

Rick Hasse ‘72, Jeffrey Straus ‘72, Ronnie Clemmer, Henry Rosenfeld ‘73, Beverly Hannett-Price, Steve Ballmer ‘73, Ann Kinney-Eittinger ‘73, Rich Dempsey

James Bennett ‘83, Kandis Davis ‘82, Todd Karr ‘83, John Fisher ‘86

Mike Zhu ‘06, Tina Blank ‘06, Carly Keyes ‘06

Cydney Goldberg ‘97, Brian Berman ‘01, Steve Litwin ‘01

Zan Jafry ‘99, Jacob Shapira ‘99, Mark Ambrose ‘99

Christopher Thomas ‘74, Sophia Kim ‘90, Vidya Ramesh ‘94, Kim Otsuji Link ‘02

Tess Karmann ‘13, Andrea Rivera ‘11, Khari Jones ‘09, Maggie Shannon ‘10

Brian Tan ‘07, Scott Burns ‘74, Ryan Sanders ‘07, Robert Gustafson ‘07

Cassidy Tynan ‘16, Scott Tynan ‘85, Camryn Tynan ‘19

MEDICAL NETWORKING EVENT

DCDS partnered with the University of Liggett School, Cranbrook, and Roeper to host the first-ever Detroit Independent Schools Joint Alumni networking event at the Detroit Athletic Club, specifically focused on alumni in the medical field.

Nyla Outlaw ‘17 networks with other independent school alumni

Kristin Ahrens and Nyla Outlaw ‘17

Neil Khanna ‘07 and Sameer Bhagwan ‘02

Marion Mahone ‘02, Stephen Modell ‘76, Kristin Ahrens (faculty member), Kim Otsuji Link ‘02, Sita Bhagwan ‘06, Sameer Bhagwan ‘06, Dhalia Mammo ‘09, Keshav Grover ‘04, Nyla Outlaw ‘17, David Bowman ‘00, Melissa Williams-Bowman

Stephen Modell ‘76 and Marion Mahone ‘02

Dr. Adam Dorman ‘90 (Roeper), Dr. Bob Rabbani ‘94 (ULS), Dr. Sameer Bhagwan ‘06 (DCDS), Dr. Latonya Riddle-Jones ‘97 (CKS), Moderator Dr. Herman Gray (Chair of Pediatrics, Wayne State University)

BOUNCE BACK ALUMNI EVENT

The Bounce Back to DCDS Alumni Event was held at the Field House in March. Alumni from metro Detroit brought their kids and connected with their classmates

Robert Riley ‘01, Stephanie Thibault ‘01, Meghan Meyers ‘01 and Nikhil Prasad ‘01

Tim Miller ‘02 and Jonathan Gupta ‘02

Natalie Lockwood ‘02, Kristen Muehlhauser ‘02, Raz Lewis ‘04, Lauren Camp Brennan ‘02, and Kim Otsuji Link‘02

Tim Miller ‘02 and Doug Gilman ‘02

Bethany (Bukari) Grondin ‘01 with Megan Meyers ‘01

Natalie Lockwood ‘02

Abe Fadel ‘08 and Yasmine Fadel, Mimi Fadel ‘13, Hassan Fadel ‘11, Fay Fadel, Carina Dagher Fadel and Raef Fadel ‘09

Jonathan Gupta ‘02, Nia Batts ‘03, and Rich Dempsey, Head of School

Sarah Fredrickson ‘06 and her children

ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES

Do you have news or photos to share with your classmates?

Write to us about your latest travels, marriage or birth announcements, deaths, personal or professional achievements, or anything you want to share with our DCDS community.

Please note that depending on the submission date, class notes may not appear in the next issue of The Hive, as we publish the magazine twice a year.