THE HIVE SUMMER 2025
EMBRACING THE NOW II THE DCDS EXPERIENCE
FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
Every day at Detroit Country Day School, we live by a simple but powerful motto: mens sana in corpore sano - a sound mind in a sound body.
This philosophy is our foundation. It has guided our school through decades of change and challenge, preparing students not just to achieve, but to leadintellectually, physically, and creatively.
Today, that preparation matters more than ever.
We live in a world of instant access and constant evolution. Artificial intelligence, extended reality, and the immediacy of information are reshaping how we learn and live. But at DCDS, we don’t chase the moment - we meet it with purpose. Because of the strong foundation we’ve built, our students are not just ready for this fast-moving world - they’re already thriving in it.
Just look at The Studios, our new, state-of-theart film and podcast production space. Equipped with a stagecraft LED wall that enables students to create immersive environments in real-time, this facility puts first-class, professional-grade tools into students’ hands. And they’ve wasted no
time putting them to use. This spring, students premiered a full-length feature film that showcases both cutting-edge technology and storytelling skills that were years in the making. Our students’ preparation meant they could hit the ground running - and transport both actors and audiences to worlds they imagined and built themselves.
That same spirit of readiness is on full display in our podcast series, Student Voices – Big Ideas, where students of all ages share their learning with listeners worldwide. In a handful of episodes, students in our Stan-X program outline their experiences performing real-world genetic research - work that could one day help cure diseases, like diabetes and cancer. These aren’t abstract exercises. They’re tangible examples of what happens when students are given both the foundation and the freedom to embrace the now.
This is what our mission looks like in real time. Our students are not waiting to make a differencethey’re doing it, right now. They’re learning to stay focused in a world full of noise, to think deeply amid distraction, and to lead with both intellect and empathy.
As you read through this issue, I hope you’ll feel that energy and intention. This community continues to impress and inspire - not just for what it will become, but for what it already is.
Thank you for being part of the journey.
- Rich
Richard Dempsey, Head of School
FACULTY: WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Faculty play an integral role in the Detroit Country Day School experience, touching the lives of many. We often hear from alumni asking about their former teachers, and we took a few minutes to catch up with them.
Julie Bianchi
What are some things you miss about DCDS?
I miss the Middle School team that I worked with - they were an absolutely amazing group of professionals who knew when to work hard, where to find humor, and how to be flexible. They made going to work something I enjoyed every day. And I genuinely miss the girls I used to coach - our trips to Wide World of Sports, our momentous wins, and our devastating losses. Every year at the banquet, I’d promise myself that I wouldn’t cry...and I could never keep that promise. The bonds made with the players were real. I miss them. The connections with my former players that I coached still run deep in me. I have a picture next to my desk of the 2009 softball team and think of them often. Where does time go? All I can think of is how driven DCDS students and athletes were, how much I respected them, and how I can now wish only the best for them.
What does life look like for you today?
I work at The Out-of-Door Academy in Sarasota, Florida, as the Associate Head of School for Academics and Innovation, overseeing curriculum, leadership, and professional development across our campuses. My husband and I love the Florida lifestyle, golfing, and fishing when we get a free moment. We also take advantage of how easy it is to take cruises when you can simply drive to the ports!
Joseph Hansen
What is your fondest memory of teaching at DCDS?
There are so many. Any sporting event, especially the 7 State Championships for Track & Field, that I helped coach. The ten years of taking students to Paris for an educational exchange. The 10 Fast Days, where the DCDS population raised money for local and international organizations by going without lunch on the Thursday before Thanksgiving, stands out, as does taking students to Ohio to join hands for the 1986 Hands Across America Experience.
What are some things you miss about DCDS?
I miss the excellence of education offered at DCDS, my colleagues’ professionalism, and the students’ energy. I was fortunate to teach at DCDS for 34 years and be the Dean of Students for 18 of those years! What a GREAT school!
What does life look like for you today?
After retiring in 2014, I led a life of leisure - traveling the world, regularly visiting France, bien sûr, and South Africa. Last year, I started a new career! I joined the ranks of the 100,000 employees at Delta Air Lines as a French LOD - language of destination - flight attendant. I primarily work the flight to Paris from my base at LAX, and I have just added Tahiti to my work list. I absolutely love what I am doing now, especially when I see someone from the DCDS community board a flight I am working!
Mary Lou Jurkiewicz
What does life look like for you today?
What is your fondest memory of teaching at DCDS?
The Passport to World Adventure social studies unit was memorable to me. The students prepared a presentation on a country in North or South America. Their projects were outstanding and showed a lot of preparation. We had a first-grade presentation for the parents. I was so impressed that my first-graders could speak so eloquently in front of a group! A former student, now an attorney, said he evokes the memory of his introduction to the presentation when he has to present a case in court.
I enjoy reminiscing about the forty-some trips to Europe we have taken with our family, DCDS students, adults, or by ourselves. Our travel now consists of visiting our children, Will ‘92 in Traverse City and Emily ‘94 in Lewiston, with a stop in Frankenmuth along the way.
Carol Keeler
What is a school tradition that stands out to you?
It might be more of a “pillar” than a tradition, but what always stands out to me is the commitment to “learning outside of the classroom.” DCDS is committed to “teaching the whole person” through experiences and the building of relationships. Students learn about community and their role within a community through service projects, participation in clubs such as Model UN, Environmental Club, and the Kindness Club. Students learn teamwork - the skills needed to identify a problem, create a solution, and carry it out - on the athletic field, in a stage production, competing in a science fair project, or in a club like Quiz Bowl. Students learn to communicate with people like themselves, but also different from themselves, through conversations in the classroom, experiences in activities, and participation in advisory. DCDS values the continuing education of the whole student, from Pre-K3 through 12th grade and beyond.
What are some things you miss about DCDS?
I miss daily conversation with students, the questions, and the laughter. I miss teaching students how to question the information they were reading or thinking about. Watching students grow into young adults was so rewarding. I learned so much from students about changing the world and about myself. I miss the intellectual conversation with colleagues, people who truly care about making education better each day. I miss the staff, the people who make the school run smoothly and who are too often taken for granted.
What does life look like for you today?
Life continues to be a learning experience for me. I discovered the year after retirement that I wasn’t “ready to be done,” so I looked around for the “perfect retirement job” and found it. I am a substitute librarian for the two public libraries in Livonia. I get to work in both the children’s department and at the reference desk. I also sub for Farmington schools at the elementary level as a para-pro. I get to support students who need extra help and/or have a special challenge. Seeing them achieve a goal is heartwarming. The “perfect” in all this is that I pick the days I want to work. This leaves plenty of time for my six grandchildren and their activities, time with my mom and my adult children, and fun adventures with friends. There is time to garden and volunteer. I am truly blessed.
Judy Leybourn
What is your fondest memory of teaching at DCDS?
I have so many wonderful memories from my years at DCDS. Middle school students are full of energy, and working with them was truly a joy. I also feel incredibly privileged to have met the founder of DCDS, Mr. Shaw. It was an honor to experience firsthand the kindness and vision of a man who left such a lasting impact on education.
Sylvie Lucki
What did you most enjoy about DCDS?
I enjoyed teaching French to all my students every single day. They believed that learning a world language could help them travel the world in the future, and some of them probably remembered our fun and memorable trips to Quebec and France. These memories will stay with me forever. I would love to hear from and reconnect with students!
What does life look like for you today?
Life is good! I moved to Fort Myers, Florida, in 2016. I taught at Seacrest Country Day School in Naples, having just retired in May 2025. I play golf (mainly with Mrs. Sandoval, who also lives in Fort Myers), pickleball, and canasta, and I enjoy the beaches of Florida. We have been hit by Hurricane Ian, but we decided to stay as long as our beautiful Floridian house will stand.
What does life look like for you today?
I am fortunate to fill my days with a variety of activities. With three grandchildren - ages 8, 6, and 4 - who live nearby, I get to see and play with them often. I love traveling, reading, gardening, volunteering at church, and taking long walks. Of course, I haven’t completely stepped away from “math” activities! I still tutor and help coach the math pentathlon club at my granddaughter’s school. And one of the greatest joys is seeing fellow DCDS teachers at least once a month. We share a special bond, and I know we will remain lifelong friends.
Nancy Meyer
What is a tradition that stands out to you?
I thought the Senior Speeches gave us interesting insight into a different aspect of the students. We always learned something new and interesting when they told us about their personal experiences. I also enjoyed the morning assemblies. It wasn’t unusual to see a student who was reserved in class become a great presenter with an unexpected sense of humor.
What do the connections and memories you made at DCDS mean to you now?
I still have a special place in my heart for all my students. I think of them as I use items they had given me, pictures I keep out, stories I hear about schools, and when my children, Ann ‘95 and Bill ‘98, tell me what their friends are doing. All of us worked hard and helped each other, creating the special bond that I still feel today.
What does life look like for you today?
After Country Day, I returned to the University of Michigan, where I taught for twenty years. I retired just as the pandemic began. Today, I enjoy sewing and knitting for charity. My husband and I visit the East Coast several times yearly to see Ann, Bill, and their families.
Richard Morrow
What are some things you miss about DCDS?
I definitely miss the daily interaction with students and faculty. There is never a dull moment when working closely with young people. One of the wonderful things about teaching is the opportunity to form close relationships with young people. I cherish those special bonds. I miss the vitality, especially since I live in a retirement community. Life changes, and the goal is to embrace the changes.
What does life look like for you today?
My wife and I live comfortably in a seaside retirement community in Carlsbad, California. While I am not as mobile as I used to be, I still find time to play competitive bridge online each day, and on sunny days, I can walk one block to get my Pacific Ocean fix. I have always loved living by the water - definitely a slower pace than when I was teaching.
Anne Sandoval
What is a school tradition that stands out to you?
I loved the Advisory Program, as it allowed me to be a part of my advisees’ lives throughout their high school years. Even into retirement, I have stayed in touch with a number of my advisees through email and Facebook. I meet with some of my students when I travel back to Michigan, New York City, Los Angeles, and even Florida, where a few of my former students had families with winter homes.
What are some things you miss about DCDS?
I loved the 26 years I spent at DCDS, meeting with students and their parents, attending their athletic, theatrical, musical, and artistic events, and chaperoning dances and various school activities. Interacting with students beyond the traditional school day allowed me to get to know them in a deeper, more well-rounded way. I miss my students, their parents, my colleagues, and the many events that filled my life. If I had stayed in Michigan, I would have continued to attend some of those activities - a special shout-out to my colleagues in the College Counseling Office. I loved working with you and am grateful we continue to be a part of each other’s lives.
What does life look like for you today?
Upon retirement in 2020, I moved to Fort Myers, Florida. My husband, an avid golfer, had been researching this plan for years. We became grandparents in September of 2021 and now have two grandsons. FaceTime and visiting with them is a highlight, as is visiting their parents, Andrew ‘06 and Kara, in New York, and their Uncle Mark ‘06 in California. We live in a golf course community, and I have developed a love for golf. I play in the ninehole ladies league and have made many new friends, including the grandmother of one of my former students! I also golf with Madame Lucki, who lives about thirty minutes away. The baking I used to do for my students is now made for the many charity bake sales and the local fire station. I am also a member of the bocce program. Our community is a bit like an adult summer camp with many activities.
John Schwarz
What is your fondest memory of teaching at DCDS?
It’s a difficult question to answer, as I have so many memories of students, sporting events, and colleagues from my nearly 40 years of teaching at DCDS. I will never forget the waiter jackets and 9th-grade waiters at each table in the lunchroom when I first started in 1984. And who could forget the food fight back in the early 90s?
What does life look like for you today?
It has taken two years to decompress from sending in my retirement letter to the administration; it was a bigger step than I anticipated to retire. I have not been able to work in clay since the Spring of 2023, but as a substitute activity to being creative, I have been busy working with my partner, Kim, remodeling a Mid-Century Modern house in Ann Arbor. This has been my creative outlet lately. I am currently in search of a studio space where I can weld and assemble sculptures for gallery shows, related venues, and projects.
Carl (Doc) Westhoff
What are some things you miss about DCDS?
I miss talking to students every day. There were so many bright young people who will uphold our precious democratic traditions. I also miss my faculty friends.
What does life look like for you today?
I love to travel with my wife and spend time with my family, including three grandsons. Nancy and I have been married for 55 years. Also, I have read 981 books since retirement.
I look forward to celebrating world championships for all four of our professional sports teams. Baseball will always be my second greatest passion after reading.
Sally Wisnieski (aka Mrs. Wiz)
What is your fondest memory of teaching at DCDS?
Probably my fondest memories are the first day of school every year! I was so excited to meet the children that would be “mine” for the next eight and a half months. The children, too, were excited, and so began our journey together. Another great memory happened toward the end of every school year. Each class would create and produce the Wiz Kid’s Opera with some guidance from the music teacher and me! It was a great way to end our year together, and so meaningful and memorable!
What does life look like for you today?
My husband Alan and I celebrated our 60th anniversary in July. Our family is so important to us and is wellconnected to DCDS. Our daughter, Diana Matthews, is the Lower School Science teacher. Her husband, John ‘84, and children, Sarah ‘14 and Brandon ‘16, are DCDS graduates. Our son Mark ‘88 is also a graduate and lives in Virginia with his wife LeAnne and children Max, Noah, and Veronica. We love being with them and look forward to our adventures together.
My husband and I continue to travel and explore our beautiful world. A few of my favorite memories are of Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls, the Grand Canyon, the Great Wall, the Hermitage State Museum, Snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef, Glowworm Caves in New Zealand, USA National Parks, the Pyramids and Sphinx, and Mont Saint Michel.
I belong to two book clubs and enjoy participating in each. The Lower School retirees meet several times a year for lunch, and it is always an enjoyable afternoon. We love reminiscing and catching up. Life is rich, and each day is a gift.
Suzanne Witucki
What is your fondest memory of teaching at DCDS?
Jerry Hansen and Glen Shilling‘s unflagging support for the Day Times staff and our freedom to travel made the annual showing of Richard Chamberlain’s Hamlet and projects like the M&M video assignment possible.
What is something you miss about DCDS?
The small classes permitted me to react to students’ essays written about each night’s reading assignment. I valued the insights they shared with me, which formed the basis for continuing friendships. Also, the strength of the DCDS advisory program sets the DCDS structure far above the rest.
What does life look like for you today?
Jack and I have enjoyed our travels, perennial gardens, playing Duplicate Bridge, reading, and fine dining.
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TAKING CHARGE
How Shane and Heidi Battier ‘97 are transforming lives through
education
Heidi ‘97 and Shane Battier ‘97 met in middle school, and not only did they accomplish amazing things while at DCDS, they have also excelled at most everything they have done since. The Battiers founded the Battier Take Charge Foundation and have expanded it to Detroit, partnering with UPrep Science & Math High School. The Foundation gives students the ability to grow professionally and personally and earn a scholarship upon graduation. We chatted with the Battiers to learn more about their DCDS experience and about the Battier Take Charge Foundation, and its expansion to Detroit.
Battier Take Charge Foundation Mission
We help promising young people take charge of their lives and reach their greatest potential through college scholarships, mentorship, networking, and leadership training. The young people who go through our programs, in turn, inspire those around them - in their families, their neighborhoods, and their schools - to take charge of their futures.
What was unique about your DCDS experience?
Shane: It was the best experience I could have imagined for my middle and high school experience. I was always a high achiever and had huge ambition. I loved competition, and that’s what Country Day was for me in all my years. The people I went to school with wanted to do big things and go achieve something in the world. It was like home for me. I was pushed by my teachers. I was pushed by my coaches. I was pushed by other students, and I like to think that I pushed them a little too.
Heidi: I appreciated the academic rigor and strong community, and mens sana in corpore sano really stuck with me. The school taught us to participate in all the different things. If anything, I didn’t appreciate it until I was in college and watched other friends struggle with time management. I was so prepared for Villanova, and that’s a huge takeaway – you were prepared when you graduated from Country Day.
How did the two of you connect?
Shane: It was in Mr. Thompson’s seventh-grade math class. I was the new kid, all six feet four of me, with big ears and size 15 shoes. I walked into math class and was blown away by this seventh-grade girl with big bangs, braces, and dangly earrings. I said to myself, I’m in love
Heidi: We started chatting and became very good friends. In ninth grade, Clarence Black ‘94 and a bunch of the seniors on the basketball team took Shane in, gave him a new haircut, and presented him to the class. I was like, oh wait, he’s good looking with no hair, and the rest is history, as they say.
Was there anyone at DCDS who greatly influenced you?
Heidi: Go ahead…we both know who we’re going to say.
Shane: I had a bunch of amazing teachers and faculty. You know, I think of Mrs. Keeler. I spent more time in the library than probably anyone in our class because I loved hanging out with Mrs. Myers and Mrs. Keeler. Mr. Corwin was the only teacher who gave me a B, and he pushed me, and I was proud of that B because I really earned it in his class. Obviously, playing for Coach Keener, who guided me through a really fun but crazy time in my life, was great.
Heidi: Ms. Witucki was a special connection for me. She helped me through some tough times and taught me how to write, which I’m grateful for today. Dr. Fried, our physics teacher, and Ms. Witucki, in particular, helped me want to become a teacher. I think back to how much those teachers cared about you as a person and your well-being. There were a lot of really supportive people at Country Day.
What impacted you that made you want to start the Battier Take Charge Foundation?
Shane: My parents worked really hard, but there was no way they could have afforded me the opportunity to go to Country Day, so I was receiving financial aid. I had all the skills, drive, and ambition, and didn’t grow up with a lot of wealth, so that impacted me very deeply. I know that all I needed was a chance, and that’s what DCDS offered me. I made a pledge to myself: If I ever made it to the big time, I’d want to find kids just like me who, to no fault of their own, are not in a position to unlock their potential through education. I got that opportunity, and I found those kids and gave them the opportunity - we pride ourselves on finding really talented young people who need an opportunity. We give them that opportunity, and they’re doing amazing things in the world.
Heidi: Initially, we’d teamed up with Greater Houston Community Foundation and gave scholarships, but
they were through donor-advised funds, and you weren’t allowed any contact with the student. And we thought, that’s what we want. I kicked around the idea of starting our own foundation for a while. I wasn’t teaching anymore, and knew that I wanted something as I moved forward, so we teamed up with our friend Newell Fleming, who is still our executive director to this day, and set charge. I found a passion that means a lot to me, and connecting with these kids and giving them an opportunity like Country Day gave us is special.
You don’t currently reside in Michigan, so why did you consider your home state a locale for Battier Take Charge?
Shane: There’s need everywhere, and all the places we’ve lived, we’ve tried to pitch in and do our part, but there’s always been a part of us that said we’d love to do something in Detroit. Detroit’s struggles have been well-documented for many years now, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t amazing kids and young people in the city who have the potential to do amazing things. It really was an easy decision. We’ve grown to be a significant foundation where we’re in multiple cities across the country, so we have a good model, and the timing is right to come home and start something significant in Detroit.
You’ve agreed to take one or two seniors from DCDS every year for their Senior Project. We love this partnership. Can you tell us what you hope they will gain from this experience?
Heidi: I remember my senior project and seeing the inner workings of something. One senior from DCDS will see exactly how we run this program and what life is like in a school that is very unlike theirs. The experience around them may give them a window to the world on how things are different, which may affect their thinking as they go on to college and gain a whole new perspective.
OPENING OF THE STUDIOS
The future of storytelling comes to life
On February 7, 2025, Detroit Country Day School celebrated the grand opening of The Studios, a state-of-the-art creative complex made possible by a generous $2 million donation from trustee Danialle Karmanos. The event marked a significant milestone in the school’s commitment to nurturing artistic and innovative expression among its students.
The Studios features three distinct creative spaces, each designed to foster different aspects of artistic development and creative thinking. The Pod is a professional recording studio where students and faculty record various podcasts. The xR Studio has a Stagecraft LED volume wall that allows students to transport actors anywhere and create realistic, virtual scenes. The Innovation Lab includes virtual reality headsets to take learning to the next level. At the start of the opening event, Karmanos expressed her passion for supporting the creation of stories.
“It’s exciting to have this space, but it’s more exciting to see the talent we have here at Country Day. The teachers guide and cultivate that talent and help tell these stories. Storytelling is everything; it is how we empathize, relate, and help the whole world and community moving forward,” she remarked.
The Studios will empower generations of DCDS students to explore their artistic potential. Brendan O’Callaghan ‘25, a film student, shared, “The new space allows us to push past creative barriers, making locations like deserts, urban landscapes, or even space available.” He continued, speaking to Karmanos: “Thank you for believing in film as an art. Thank you for believing in the storytellers of our school.” This new space will benefit many and drive home the message that DCDS is a leader in arts education.
The Studios aligns with DCDS’s holistic educational philosophy, complementing the school’s three pillars: academics, arts, and athletics. The Studios has hosted Pre-K3 through 12th-grade students, as well
as alumni, helping them create and share stories. Celebrating its opening was remarkable, and seeing Danialle Karmanos’ vision for the students of DCDS come to fruition has been even more spectacular.
DCDS PODCASTS
With the addition of The Studios, the Detroit Country Day School community has an incredible podcast studio that allows voices to be shared. The DCDS podcasts feature interviews with students and staff, cover athletics and the arts, and ultimately give an inside look into the school and its people. DCDS has several recurring podcast series you’ll want to give a listen to.
Making School Matter
DCDS focuses on immersion in challenging, innovative learning environments, a comprehensive approach that combines academics, athletics, and the arts to maximize opportunities for self-discovery and growth, and a deep dedication to hard work, regardless of the pursuit. The school’s Creative Technologist, Michael Medvinsky, explores how schools should be a place of meaningful agency rather than something that happens to children. Medvinsky & guests explore best practices for engaging learners as they make meaning of content and connect it to neuroscience. Listen to these stories with Mr. Medvinsky and special guests!
Student Voices, Big Ideas
Hear the latest as recorded by our students. Student Voices, Big Ideas is a podcast written, produced, and hosted by our talented students. Each episode takes you behind the scenes of our clubs, arts, classrooms, and more, showcasing the diverse projects and fascinating topics our students are exploring. From artistic creations to historical analyses and even senior speeches, listen to young minds actively engaged in their learning journey. Tune in to experience education through the authentic voices of those who matter most –our students.
Jacket Journeys
Dive into the action with the ultimate inside look at Detroit Country Day School’s sports scene! Join us as Luca Nowinski ‘25 sits down with coaches and players throughout their seasons, uncovering game-winning strategies, standout moments, and the relentless pursuit of state championship victory. From behind-thescenes strategies to the intensity of the competition, Jacket Journeys is your front-row seat to all things DCDS athletics. Tune in and cheer on our teams throughout their competitive seasons.
Powerful Parenting
Hosted by Detroit Country Day Lower School Director Jennifer Pitcher, Powerful Parenting brings together parents and local experts to discuss the most pressing issues facing today’s families. With a focus on practical strategies, emotional insight, and child development, each episode provides valuable tools to support positive and effective parenting in an ever-changing world.
Check it out!
Please scan (or click) the QR code to check out the latest episodes of all DCDS podcasts!
LIVING & LEARNING IN GRADES 4-5
The bridge between the Lower and Middle Schools
When her son Leo walked through the doors of DCDS Middle School to start fourth grade, Eliza Nascimento Chayka wasn’t sure what to expect. “It’s hard to imagine that our little guys are growing and ready to leave the ‘magical world’ of Lower School,” she says.
However, the next few months showed her how ready he was - and how valuable the Grade 4/5 program was to his growth as both a student and a leader. Leo is thriving in his new environment.
Nascimento Chayka explains, “I had heard before how 4/5 was a great phase of the DCDS Middle
School experience, but now that we have completed the first year, I can say 4/5 is as magical as the Lower School, just in a more ‘mature/big boy’ way!”
Middle School Director Peter Gordon says that’s all part of the program’s design. “The 4/5 program is a transformational experience for students because we are able to combine the nurturing environment of a homeroom teacher that students are used to
in lower school with new opportunities to build independence and leadership by navigating the Middle School world of changing classes, interacting with additional 4th and 5th grade peers and learning organizational and time management skills.”
Students in grades 4 and 5 are housed in a different part of the Middle School than students in grades 6-8. They eat lunch in a different room. They transition between classes at different times than the older students. They start the year with events and activities built just for them - and that’s not by accident.
Grade 4/5 Dean Airica Clapper says every aspect of the student experience is thought out, from the moment they walk in the door. “This side of the building does feel intentionally different, because we want our kids to feel welcome here. We want them to walk in and see cozy spaces where they can curl up with a book or a cute picture of their family. We have family photos that are hung up so kids can see their parents,” says Clapper. “They’re still little kids. They still need a hug or a high five, and trying to create and nurture that environment has really been important for us.”
The “us” she is referring to is a tight-knit group of faculty who are integral to the success of the 4/5 program. Passionate and dedicated to their students, these teachers are in constant communication with one another, whether it’s eating lunch together to share what’s happening in their classrooms or collaborating after school to ensure that every student has what they need to flourish. Clapper describes them as “a family who love their students like their own children.”
“The 4/5 Team (teachers and staff) are truly the secret sauce of that program,” says parent Nascimento Chayka, “They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that not only made Leo love coming
to school, but also challenged him to be a better version of himself, a stronger learner and a good friend to his peers.”
Director Gordon says that’s with purpose. “These DCDS teachers are experts in these grade levels. They know our students. They understand the developmental phase and milestones of this age group. And they deeply care for each student, fostering an environment where grit, resilience, and growth happen in a place where students know they are loved.”
But that “place” plays an important role as well. Housing the 4/5 program within the Middle School has enormous benefits that are not always
they gain confidence and both academic and social skills that prepare them for grades 6-8.
“When it’s time to transition to 6th grade, our 4/5 students are ready to hit the ground running and prepared for the independence and expectations in the later grades in Middle School,” says Gordon. “They are comfortable in the Middle School environment, and they have built the skills to help them be successful. It’s a seamless transition that could not be accomplished without the thoughtful design of the 4/5 program.”
Though Leo has one more year in the 4/5 program - one she would never want to rush through - Eliza Nascimento Chayka says she can already see the
obvious until you step inside. Unlike an upper elementary program situated in a K-5 building, the DCDS 4/5 program allows students to slowly build independence under the guidance of their teacher, with access to new opportunities and facilities like the Seligman Performing Arts Center, fieldhouse, and virtual reality lab. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves and make mistakes within a safe and loving environment. Eventually, they have chances to participate in activities as part of the larger Middle School community. Along the way,
valuable lessons he will take with him when he is ready to move ahead. “I think the partnership of parents and teachers along the way makes the journey more meaningful and engaging. As a parent, we want to see how our kid is progressing and how much the school is invested in him, and I felt Leo had huge growth this year because the teachers were truly invested in helping him grow. And because we had such a great year, we are very excited for fifth grade and all the new learning opportunities ahead of us!”
YEARBOOK YEARS MATCHING GAME
Dust off those detective skills! Our team dove deep into the yearbook archives and emerged with this delightful smattering of snapshots from decades past. Can readers correctly match each photo to its corresponding year? Study the hairstyles, fashions, and faces, then draw lines or write letters to connect each image with the correct date. Time to put that school history knowledge to the test!
(Answer key on page 58)
A. 1938
B. 1947
C. 1952
D. 1960
E. 1969
F. 1977
G. 1982
H. 1990
I. 1998
J. 2000
K. 2009
L. 2020
Good evening and congratulations on being inducted into the Cum Laude Society. It’s a great honor, and you all should be extremely proud of yourselves. I graduated from DCDS in 2014, so I understand how challenging and demanding the work here is. I too was inducted into the Cum Laude society and in addition to my academics, I ran cross country and track, played basketball, and did photography. I fully bought into the motto a sound mind in a sound body during my time here. I truly believe that Country Day is a special place that helps mold its students into smart, confident young adults ready to positively impact the world.
When I was first asked to speak at this banquet, I was surprised. Seriously, I thought, “Wait...me?” Country Day has a long list of high-achieving alumni—doctors, lawyers, tech CEOs. I’m not any of those things. I don’t necessarily fit the boxes people picture when they hear the word successful.
But here’s the thing: As I thought about what I would say tonight, I realized something important: success and excellence aren’t defined by your job title.
It’s not the letters after your name or the size of your paycheck. Success is about how you approach life, especially all the curveballs it throws your way, and how you react when you get knocked down.
There’s only one thing certain in life, and that’s change. One of my favorite quotes is from the author Octavia Butler, who wrote, “All that you touch, You Change. All that you Change, Changes you. The only lasting truth Is Change.” That quote has stuck with me for years. I’ve learned to embrace change, and above all else to always bet on myself. The foundation I built here at Country Day has allowed me to do that. This
school instilled in me a love of learning, a strong work ethic, and a moral compass that still helps me point in the right direction when navigating the unknown.
Even growing up, I was no stranger to change—my family moved around a lot. I was born in Switzerland, then moved to St. Louis, MO, Midland, MI, Weston, CT, and finally Birmingham, MI. Moving to all these places has given me a diverse perspective and allowed me to connect with people from many different backgrounds. Moving also prepared me for adulthood, where I would continue to move around the country while pursuing my dreams.
After Country Day, I attended the University of Michigan, earning two degrees in Business and Sport Management, and was the head student manager for the women’s basketball team.
After I graduated from Michigan, I decided to take a leap. I flew across the country to intern with the Seattle Storm WNBA team, chasing my dream of working in professional sports. Working with the Storm was fastpaced and exciting, but definitely not glamorous. I worked long hours, helped with everything from game-day operations to team laundry—I did LOTS of laundry—and got a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to run a professional sports organization.
It was a lot of fun, but it was also a tough industry to grow in, especially early in my career. After a season with the Storm, I realized I wanted to build more skills, explore new opportunities, and see where else I could make an impact. So, I made the decision to leave sports for the time being and pivot to a different path.
That’s when I got the opportunity to work with Stanley Black & Decker in their sales and marketing development program. Now, you might not have heard of Stanley Black & Decker, but they make mostly power tools and own brands like DeWalt, BLACK+DECKER, and Craftsman. Your parents probably have something of theirs in the garage.
I didn’t totally know what I was getting myself into, but I knew I wanted to work in marketing and was ready to take a risk. My new role as Sales Coordinator meant managing a territory of seven Home Depots across Long Island, selling power tools in person in the aisles.
At the time, I knew next to nothing about power tools. I was intimidated by the idea of selling them to tough, no-nonsense contractors who basically lived in those aisles. Still, I packed up my life and moved into a 400-square-foot studio apartment in Astoria, Queens.
I was excited. I thought, This is it. A fresh start. New York City! This is where people go to chase their dreams. This is where I reinvent myself.
Well... the universe had other plans.
I moved in January of 2020. Two months later, the world shut down.
COVID hit New York hard and fast. I had been struggling with my new job; the work was challenging, the stores were dusty, and I didn’t feel like I belonged among the pros in steel-toed boots. But all that changed when the company pulled us out of the stores for safety reasons. And not long after that... I was furloughed. Just like that, my first “real” adult job was gone.
I didn’t know what to do with myself. I had only been in New York for two months. I didn’t have friends yet. I definitely wasn’t living the dream. But I knew I couldn’t just sit around and wallow in it.
Thankfully, my older sister lived nearby, and she needed help. With daycares closed, she and my brother-in-law needed someone to watch my nephew during the day while they worked from home. So I’d walk 30 minutes to their apartment every morning to babysit my then two-year-old nephew.
After babysitting, I’d walk back to my tiny apartment, where I’d fill the silence by listening to the news on the radio. The streets were quiet, except for the constant sound of sirens. There are always sirens in New York, but back then, it was nonstop, a chilling reminder of the pandemic raging just outside my window.
During that time, I became really lonely. I felt like a failure, stuck in my little apartment, furloughed, with no clear idea of what was next. Even with the support of my sister’s family, it was hard.
Eventually, I realized I needed help. So, I reached out to a therapist and started virtual sessions. Slowly, I started to shift my perspective. She reminded me of what I’d already accomplished, of how just surviving through this, through all of it, was an accomplishment in itself.
I made a decision. When I got back to work, I would be the best Sales Coordinator they’d ever seen. Even if it wasn’t my dream job, I treated it like a stepping stone. I wanted to show up with confidence. So I
bought some power tools from the company website and taught myself how to use them. I even built a bench, one I still use today.
When my furlough ended, I hit the ground running, this time, with a bit more grit, a lot more perspective, and a newfound ability to bet on myself even when everything around me felt uncertain. I took time to learn the products, talked to contractors, asked questions, and learned their lingo, needs, and pain points. I listened. And I gained confidence, not because I knew everything, but because I was willing to learn and keep showing up. And it paid off.
Within a few months, I was promoted to a new position that allowed me to leave the dusty Home Depot aisles behind and join the company’s Brand Marketing team. From there, I got to work on exciting brand campaigns and social media strategy, and eventually helped launch products that I had once nervously fumbled my way through selling.
Looking back, I’m grateful for the struggle. That’s when I learned that success and excellence aren’t something you just chase in your career; they’re about how you respond to life’s ups and downs. Every challenge, failure, and awkward Home Depot conversation shaped me into someone who could bounce back stronger.
After a few years of growing in my marketing role, I started to feel that familiar itch again, the feeling that it was time for another change. Even though things were going well, I couldn’t ignore the little voice in my head saying, “What if you went after the thing you really love?” For me, that thing has always been basketball. So once again, I decided to bet on myself.
I left my corporate role and took a leap of faith to pursue a career in basketball. It was scary. It meant
starting over. It meant stepping outside of the safe, structured path. But it also meant aligning my work with my passion.
And you know what? That leap led to incredible new opportunities that I never could’ve predicted when wandering the aisles of Home Depot or walking the empty streets of Queens.
So here I am, years after sitting where you are now, still learning, still growing, still betting on myself.
And that’s the message I want to leave you with tonight: life isn’t a straight line. You’re going to face setbacks. You’ll have moments of doubt. You’ll move to cities, and things won’t go as you dreamed. You might end up selling power tools when you thought you’d be pitching ad campaigns. And then one day, something will click, and you’ll find yourself building something even better than what you planned.
The truth is, no one has it all figured out—not even the adults who look like they do. But what matters most isn’t having the perfect plan; it’s having the courage to adapt, the grit to keep going, and the self-belief to bet on yourself when things don’t go according to plan.
You’ve already accomplished so much to get here tonight. But this is just the beginning. The world will throw you curveballs, and sometimes, they’ll sting. But you have what it takes to respond with resilience, creativity, and strength.
So keep learning. Keep growing. Keep listening to your inner voice, even when it whispers something scary and new. And whatever you do, don’t be afraid to change direction, especially if it leads you back to something you love. Congratulations again, Cum Laude inductees. I can’t wait to see how you bet on yourselves.
ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME
New class inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame
The tradition of excellence in athletics shone bright as we inducted fifteen individual athletes, coaches and distinguished friends–along with the 1998 State Champion Women’s Basketball Team–into the DCDS Athletics Hall of Fame in April. The ceremony, attended by hundreds of students, faculty, alumni, family and friends, marked the second class of inductees enshrined into school history.
To see past inductees or to nominate a former student athlete for the DCDS Athletics Hall of Fame, visit www.dcds.edu/hof.
“These outstanding alumni represent the hard work, perseverance and drive for success that every DCDS student athlete strives to emulate,” said DCDS Athletic Director Dan Maclean. “We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments in their respective sports, and the lessons they have put into practice from their time here as Yellowjackets. They truly embody what it means to live by the school motto, mens sana in corpore sano, ‘A sound mind in a sound body.’”
The inductees were nominated by former and current coaches, fellow alumni, and members of the DCDS Athletics Department. Their athletic careers span fifty years of state and regional championships, with many going on to find success at the collegiate level.
As part of the ceremony, those honored shared reflections from their experiences at DCDS and gave advice to today’s Yellowjackets. Joel Russell ‘90, a standout athlete in Soccer and Track & Field, urged students to lean into the preparation they were
receiving at Country Day. “Your life when you’re 17 is 25% of your life,” Russell told those assembled. “And you don’t realize the impact that that 25% has in creating the foundation that springs you forward in your life. Now at 52, when I look back at that 14 to 18 year old self, I realize that preparation was so strong.”
Basketball star Jennifer Lynne (Thomas) Williams ‘98 agreed. “I thank you all for instilling that confidence in us at a young age because that helped me as an adult face really hard situations because I knew I had it in me. I knew that I made it through here, I could make it anywhere,” said Williams.
Teammate and fellow inductee Faithe Ways ‘98 encouraged students to believe in themselves. “Our motto for our team was ‘Believe it’ and that is something that I still carry with me to this day. Believing in yourself helps propel you to greater areas and greater heights and that’s something I learned here at Country Day.”
THE 2024-2025 DCDS ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Bill Aliber, ‘79, Lacrosse/Hockey/Football
Paul Bartoshuk,Coach/Soccer
Jerry Bringard, ‘53, Football/Basketball/Track/Baseball
Bob Bukari, Coach/Soccer
Tom Ellis, Coach/Tennis
Shirley (Evans) Bolden ‘88, Track & Field/Basketball
Kendra Howard ‘94, Tennis/Soccer
Ryan Kyes ‘97, Baseball/Basketball/Soccer
Al Lunemann, Teacher/Coach/Scoreboard Operator
Dave Merritt ‘75, Basketball/Football/Track
Carrie Moore ‘03, Basketball/Soccer
Victoria Nedomansky ‘94, Tennis/Lacrosse/Swimming
Joel Russell ‘90, Soccer/Track & Field
Danny Russo ‘95, Lacrosse/Football/Hockey
Brian Stephens ‘87, Football/Basketball/Track
1998 State Women’s Basketball Team Inductees
Frank Orlando, Coach
Kerry Keener, Assistant Coach
Casey (Kyes) Greb ‘99
Katie Blazewski ‘99, Captain
Jennifer Lynne (Thomas) Williams ‘99, Captain
Katharine (Hanks) Loveland ‘99, Captain
Tanzalea (Smith) Daniels ‘99
Kim Wilburn ‘02
Faithe Ways ‘01
Alana (Hanks) Gall ‘01
Cynetha Rush ‘01
Summer Smith ‘01
Lindsey Smith ‘00
Suzanne Morrison ‘01
Autumn Bentley ‘99, Team manager
Ciara Jackson ‘00, Team manager
TWO FROM 2000
A look into the entrepreneurial paths of two alumni
Donald Wine II ‘00 is a successful attorney, podcast personality, producer, and entrepreneur. Wine credits much of his success to pursuing his passions.
You took a traditional path into law and an unconventional path into the world of sports. Explain how these paths were similar and how you fell into the two of them.
I moved to Washington, D.C., fully intent on being a lawyer, but I also had a passion for sports since the age of two. My time at DCDS and its emphasis on sports being one of the main principles helped motivate me to pursue it. I saw the need for a podcast after following U.S. soccer teams. It was all about being at the right place at the right time. There was a need and a gap, because not everyone wants to be a part of something when it starts, and very few people want to do the groundwork and get it established. I asked myself what it would take to do it, I did it, and maintained sustainability.
You were heavily involved in the Disciplinary Review Board at DCDS, and you had involvement at Duke University in student leadership. How did your experience in student government help shape your journey to where you are today?
Relationships are key. You have to have the respect of your peers, and how you achieve that may be a different path for everyone. But for me, building relationships allowed me to best serve the people I worked with. Recognizing their voices and listening helps you determine the best course of action, and mutual respect helps everyone move forward. The clients I’ve helped in my legal career who said that I took care of their interests with care and detail
mean a lot to me because that attention to detail is important; that’s the kind of approach I bring to everything. Details matter.
What was your most considerable risk, and what gave you the courage to pursue it?
There are half a billion podcasts out there. Listeners choose the ones they like because they either like the subject matter or the people representing it. We’re lucky that we could be one of the first podcasts for Duke basketball, because that gave us the groundwork of building a fan base and a foundation, and allowed us to keep listeners because they had a rapport with us. It still boggles my mind that people recognize my voice and say, “Hey, man, I really like your podcast.” It still sounds weird that someone’s listening to you that much that they know you, but
we relate to our listener base. Ninety-five percent of all podcasts don’t make it beyond seven episodes. When we started, we said we’re good if we get to episode eight. Knowing that you can go as hard as possible and make it fun is helpful because, in the end, you have to listen to yourself. The courage I had to take was initially listening to my own voice and being my own critic, understanding a listener’s perspective, and how people want to hear me.
episode, take two was the only take because nobody will ever hear take one.
How do you come back from a setback like that?
You have your freak-out moment. Everyone has them, but my freak-out moment is usually five seconds. After a few seconds, you calm down and
Failure is oftentimes our best teacher. Have you had a productive failure that helped move you forward?
My biggest productive failure was a podcast episode about a Duke basketball game where Duke came back from a 23-point deficit in six minutes. They won the game, and we easily had our best podcast episode ever; we reacted as fans, had moments of analysis, and broke the game down. Three of us talked for an hour and a half, thinking: everyone is going to love this. We logged off and were going to celebrate, and the one guy who was supposed to record called back and said, “Guys, I forgot to hit record.” We had to do it again, but it didn’t have the same flair. Euphoria turned to agony because something so perfect in our minds - that would have completely defined our entire podcast - was gone, so we had to adapt quickly. We jumped back on and were honest, leading with Hey guys, we have the perfect show for you, and you’re never going to hear it because we forgot to hit record, so this is the second run. People loved it because they felt we were genuine in sharing that this was take two. Sometimes, take two is the best take, but for that
analyze where you were wrong. It takes me about two minutes to think: What needs to happen to fix this? The longer you dwell on the fact that it happened, the less time you spend on actually fixing the situation and turning a negative into a positive. Having that moment to refresh and recalibrate is something everyone needs.
What advice would you give current DCDS students who want to pursue an entrepreneurial path?
The biggest thing I would say is continue to bet on yourself - that’s very important. I have to stress that the organization and preparation I was taught at DCDS really helped me. Some days at Country Day, it feels hard, and it’s for a reason, because they’re trying to prepare you for life after high school. Kara Lawson once said we just learn how to handle hard better. That’s what Country Day teaches: how to handle the hard stuff. It gets a little easier, a little bit better, and a little bit quicker. Bet on yourself, work hard, and remember that we can’t be completely regimented all the time, so don’t be afraid to take a cheat day and have fun; just make sure you figure out how to get back on track.
Kerry Doman ‘00 is a successful entrepreneur who started After 5 Detroit, a website for young professionals to explore where to eat, drink, and socialize in Detroit, and then founded Little Guide Detroit, a media company that is the largest resource for families throughout Metro Detroit.
What sparked your interest in starting your first venture, After 5 Detroit?
After 5, and Little Guide too, were born out of my own personal needs and where I was in life. After graduating from college, I moved to Chicago. While I only spent a year in Chicago, it was long enough to understand the city life and see the incredible variety of activities the city had for young professionals. I moved back to Detroit and wanted to create a platform that would help me meet people, help me discover places to go, and expand beyond what I was raised with. After 5 came at the perfect time, when so many companies were moving downtown and the need for young professionals to stay in state became evident. I became really passionate about finding fun things and places to go, but I also created an intern program that was an extension of the companies that wanted to attract and retain top young talent.
You have an entrepreneurial mindset. How do you think you developed that mindset?
I can’t say enough good things about my parents and the examples they gave me of hard work. My mom ran an automotive plant, the Sheldon Road Plant, when women weren’t doing that. She was incredibly accomplished and tough, and paved the way to show me that I can do whatever I want. That’s something I now try to instill in my kids. I work because I love to work. It gives me a sense of being. I take great pride in my upbringing and what my parents instilled in me. They gave me
the confidence to figure things out. They were the ones to invest in my education, but then told me I needed to do something with it. They knew I had the tools, and I did too. People always come up to me and say that they use Little Guide consistently to create memories with their families, and there’s nothing better I could be doing with my time. As a family person, being able to provide opportunities for families to make memories is what motivates me every day.
What impact are you most proud of through your work?
The community impact. I’m really proud of what After 5 did, as we were young enough and malleable as a company to listen to others’ needs and try to address them, which was impactful work. And then with Little Guide, families can create memories with their kids, whether moms, dads, or weekend warriors. I’m a weekend warrior and get it. I want to create memories and have fun things with my kids, but I also work all day, every day. I understand that creating those memories with your kids is invaluable. Both companies were created out of my own personal needs, and became deeply meaningful.
What is the biggest risk you’ve taken?
I will be forever grateful that I started After 5. I started my entrepreneurial ventures at such a young age where the risk was far less. I became friends with so many other entrepreneurs, whether they were bar owners or restaurant owners. It was never lost on me that I could spend that time and live cheaply while I poured everything back into the business. I was young and naive, which plays very well when you’re starting a business. As you get older, have more knowledge of the world, and build a family, those risks get far greater and harder. I’ve always tried to help other people. I know I’m not great at everything; no one is. So, I helped others and then asked, “Hey, can you help me with this? Can you help me with that?” And that mentality of treating people well, helping them, and respecting them taught me that things come around. I would help others, and they’d help me when needed.
What advice would you give current students aspiring to pursue their own entrepreneurial path?
My true advice? Honestly, don’t do it. Don’t do it. You can’t do it. There’s no way you’re going to make it. And the person that reads this and says Forget you, I’m doing it, you can do it. Do it.
Everyone thinks every entrepreneur makes it big and quickly, but that’s not the case. So if you can wrap your head around that and be okay with a different definition of success, maybe not being a multimillionaire but impacting people around you, then you’ll be ok. The journey will likely not look like the big dreams you have in your head. And that’s not to say don’t have big dreams. Have them - those will push you, but be okay with not achieving those big
dreams and still finding success in what you do. Big dreams are meant to be put out in the world, and hopefully, you hit them, but not everyone does. An entrepreneur will celebrate the wins, but I guarantee they’ve already moved beyond that goal and moved the goal post to something different.
If you could go back and give your 17-year-old self advice, what would it be?
You’ll figure it out. It won’t always be pretty, easy, or fun, but you’ll figure it out. It will work out because you will make it work. I remember glimpses of my parents saying that same thing, and it goes back to those tools. DCDS students are getting the best tools in their toolbox and are prepared to use them. You have to know who you want to be and try hard to persevere. Put that on a sticky note, put it on a piece of paper, your computer, a board next to you, and keep remembering who you want to be and what you want to go towards. Decide each and every time: do my actions lend themselves to where I want to go and get me closer to it?
Classes ending in 0 and 5 have their reunions this year on October 17, 2025. Use the QR code to RSVP - we can’t wait to see you!
BOUNCE BACK TO DCDS
The second annual Bounce Back to DCDS Alumni Event was held at the Field House. Alumni from metro Detroit brought their families to campus to enjoy a morning together.
Detroit Country Day School
Nicole Switzer, Ryan Switzer ‘05, Sameer Bhagwan ‘06
Abby (Arseneau) Symanow ‘10 and Karen Arseneau
Kerry Doman ‘00 and Kimberly Otsuji Link ‘02
Celeste (Gilyard) Stewart ‘08, Reina (Ajluni) Reyneveld ‘08, Lauren (Gilyard) Stewart ‘06, Ani (Shekerjian) Vasileff ‘08, Tina (Mangalick) Blank ‘06
Detroit Country Day School
Hilary Borman and Molly Borman ‘07
Meredith Mirbach ‘05, Marnie (Bailey) DuRoss ‘95 and Kevin DuRoss
Annie Gordon Thomas ‘06 with her son and Lauren (Camp) Brennan ‘02
Sita (Mohey) Bhagwan ‘06, Melanie Backos ‘06, Tina (Mangalick) Blank ‘06, Sarah (Fisher) Fredrickson ‘06
Sahar Omrani ‘07
Christine Alix ‘09 and her children
Meredith (Beems) Smith ‘08, Lauren (Camp) Brennan ‘02, and Kimberly Otsuji Link ‘02
Joel Fredrickson and Tina (Mangalick) Blank ‘06
ALUMNI SPORTS
Every alumnus can recall the school motto, a sound mind in a sound body, and this is still exemplified by alumni who return to play sports alongside their former teammates and current DCDS student-athletes.
Detroit Country Day School
Dale Brundidge ‘08 and Kimberly Otsuji Link ‘02
Sabin Shah ‘05 and family
Paul Johnson ‘13 and family
Aaron Hodari ‘05
Hockey coach Frank Novock and alumni hockey players
Darryl and Georgan Redmond, Joshua Redmond ‘21
Robert Riley ‘01, his son, Matt Riley ‘05, Bob & Jackie Riley Jake Olsman ‘04
Ariel Kern ‘05, Candice Hill ‘07, Jared Logan ‘15, Sabin Shah ‘05, Coach Frank Orlando, Jumoke Emery ‘05, Deshawn Lewis ‘15
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Detroit Country Day School
Rich Dempsey, Ariel Kern ‘05, Jumoke Emery ‘05, Yvette & Frank Orlando
Amber Deane ‘12, Nicole (Watkins) Liggins ‘07, Ariel Kern ‘05
Destini Lewis ‘18 and Deshawn Lewis ‘15
Caleb Redmond ‘20 and Timothy Bilen ‘20
Brandon Liggins and Nicole (Watkins) Liggins ‘07
Dale Brundidge ‘08, Zachary Rodgers ‘24, and Radwan Darwich ‘24
Alumni basketball game
Patricia Hanlan, Ariel Kern ‘05, Frank & Yvette Orlando
Ella Thompson ‘22, Brad Thompson ‘89, and Will Thompson ‘24
Current DCDS Lacrosse players and alumni
Ella Thompson ‘22 attempts to block Georgia Pavlou ‘25
Mary Pavlou ‘25 passes Kendall Belanger ‘21 with Alessia Sessa ‘24 at her side and Ella Thompson ‘22
Ella Thompson ‘22 faces off with Mary Pavlou ‘25, with current coach Liz Nussbaum refereeing
Ani (Shekerjian) Vasileff ‘08, Kathryn (Lamb) Balobeck ‘16, Ashley Battier ‘03, and Kimberly Otsuji Link ‘02
Women’s alumnae lacrosse game
ALUMNI BASEBALL
The DCDS Athletic Department recognized the 1995 Baseball Team and the 30th anniversary of their State Championship. Alumni and their families traveled from across the country to attend the event. Alumni, former coaches, and parents of alumni came out to celebrate the 1995 team and cheer on the current varsity team.
Jason Carano ‘95 and his mother, Liz Carano
The 1995 team and their families
Back Row: Coach Brian Feldman ‘90, Jim Carano ‘95, Jim Spadafore ‘95, Josh Collins ‘96, Joe Cassise ‘96, Ted Balowski ‘96, Coach Frank Orlando, Coach Scott Sugg. Front Row: Jason Littleton ‘96, Brett Gasper ‘96, Nick Gorga ‘95, Garrett Smith ‘96, Brian Koepsell ‘95, Drew Parker ‘95, Ryan Kyes ‘97
Current team
Coach Frank Orlando, Garrett Smith ‘96, Coach Brian Feldman ‘90
Brian Feldman ‘90, Frank Orlando, Yvette Orlando, Scott Sugg
Jason Littleton ‘96 and Ted Balowski ‘96
Jim Imsland ‘96, Coach Frank Orlando, and Kelly Vaught ‘97
Ray Littleton ‘98, Ryan Kyes ‘97, Jim Spadafore ‘95
Coach Frank Orlando and Paul Cassise
The 1995 and 2025 teams and coaches
Coach Steve Lepkowski ‘93 and Coach Frank Orlando
ALUMNI PICKLEBALL
Alumni gathered for a spirited pickleball tournament that brought out everyone’s competitive side and plenty of laughter between matches. The event proved that whether you’re a seasoned player or picking up a paddle for the first time, nothing beats reconnecting with fellow graduates over friendly competition.
Kim Otsuji Link ‘02, Chris Holinski, and Tom Berman ‘97
Demetrio Timban ‘84 and Robert Wilson ‘81
Demetrio Timban ‘84, Robert Wilson ‘81, Brett Sidle, and Colin Garrett ‘24
Brett Sidle and Colin Garrett ‘24
Demetrio Timban ‘84, Robert Wilson ‘81, Chris Holinski, Kim Otsuji Link ‘02, Tina (Mangalick) Blank ‘06, Tom Berman ‘97, Brett Sidle, Colin Garrett ‘24, Kathy Schulte
ALUMNI GATHERING CHICAGO
Chicago-area graduates from seven decades gathered for an engaging night of fellowship and reminiscing. The gathering provided attendees with an opportunity to renew friendships, catch up with former faculty, and reflect on their shared experiences at DCDS.
Griff Prime ‘16, Kevin DuRoss, Sadina Fadel ‘17, Ryan Luft ‘19, Kat Rokusek
Gary Raju ‘88, Brian Rosenblatt ‘87, Dwight Edwards ‘68
Gary Weisserman, Dolly Kerin Weisserman ‘88, Deepa Kamath ‘97
Allison Adams ‘11, Colleen McCormack
Deepa Kamath ‘97, Nicole (Carey) Geu ‘97
Sadina Fadel ‘17, Griff Prime ‘16
Julie Jaipati ‘19, Jessica Min ‘19
Detroit Country Day School
Jason Bradford, Carly Olsman Bradford ‘01, Catherine Larson ‘09, Amanda Prentice ‘09
Grant Kojaian ‘16, Griff Prime ‘16, Kathy Schulte
Anjana Rajan ‘14, Manika Kosaraju ‘13, Mimi Stern ‘14, Priya Verghese ‘13, Angela Yim ‘14
Ethan Seery ‘10, Joe Bergin ‘15, Bobby Weiner ‘12, Owen Bergin ‘20, Ryan Luft ‘19
Matthew Stevanovich ‘23, Joe Bergin ‘15, Elijah Taylor ‘15, Bobby Weiner ‘12, Andre Sosa ‘18
Gary Raju ‘88, Smita Kamath ‘00, Brian Rosenblatt ’77, Dolly Kerin Weisserman ‘88
Amanda Prentice ‘09, Andrew Lekas ‘06, Kimberly Otsuji Link ‘02
Alison Causey ‘15, Sydney Shanbrom ‘15, Nicole (Carey) Geu ‘97, Elijah Taylor ‘15
ALUMNI GATHERING D.C.
Alumni from the D.C. area came together for an evening of reconnection and conversation in the nation’s capital. The gathering provided a perfect opportunity for graduates to catch up on career developments, share stories from their time at DCDS, and strengthen the bonds that continue long after graduation.
Detroit Country Day School
Angie Yu ‘98, Mark Wisnieski ‘88, Bill Passer ‘86, Keith Fentonmiller ‘86
Harry Davis ‘74 and Jim Boyle ‘75
Donald Wine ‘00 and Brian Singleton ‘22
Nicole Wyant and Chris Nagle ‘90
Brett Arenberg ‘20, Kyle Lee ‘20, Brian Singleton ‘22, Kyle Holmes ‘21
Detroit Country Day School
Teneka Singleton, Steffi Roche ‘19, and Lily Mendelson ‘19
Keith Fentonmiller ‘86 and Bill Passer ‘86
Steffi Roche ‘19, Kevin Yu ‘14, and Akaash Kolluri ‘15 speak with Lily Mendelson ‘19
Tina (Mangalick) Blank ‘06 and Alexandra Van Dusen ‘06
Angie Yu ‘98, Lauren Wolfe ‘01, and Donald Wine ‘00
Rich Dempsey and Sulee Stinson Clay ‘88
Amadi Anene ‘04 and Rich Dempsey
Shefali Sood ‘13 and Kevin Yu ‘14
ALUMNI EVENT TECH TOWN
DCDS partnered with University Liggett School, Cranbrook, and Roeper to host the second Detroit Independent Schools Joint Alumni Networking Event, specifically focused on tech trends in Detroit. The gathering brought together innovative minds from these independent school alumni to share experiences, forge new connections, and explore collaborative opportunities in the rapidly evolving technology sector. Molly Borman ‘07 was the featured panelist representing DCDS.
Detroit Country Day School
Akash Bedi ‘20, Zachary Weaver ‘10, Donnavan Kirk ‘09, Ryan Switzer ‘05
Molly Borman ‘07 and Mike Nicholas ‘89
Dillon Mavunga ‘21, Molly Borman ‘07, Zachary Weaver ‘10, Nicole (Watkins) Liggins ‘07
Speakers Morgan Andahazy (Roeper), Ian Perkins (Moderator, Cranbrook), Molly Borman ‘07, Phyllip Hall (Cranbrook), Nishant Dixit (University Liggett School)
Detroit Country Day School
Donnavan Kirk ‘09, Nikitha Movva ‘20, Paheli Koradia ‘20
Brandon Sledge-Mellon ‘00, David Keila ‘06
Participants from Cranbrook, DCDS, Roeper, and University Liggett School
Dillon Mavunga ‘21 and Rich Dempsey
Paheli Koradia ‘20, Niki Movva ‘20, Akash Bedi ‘20
ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES
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ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES
Nick Fiani ’06
Nick Fiani ‘06 was recently re-elected to the Livingston County Board of Commissioners and re-elected by his fellow Commissioners to serve as Vice Chairman of the Board. He also was re-appointed Chairman of the Board’s Finance Committee.
http://bit.ly/4f3R4os
Elizabeth Upton ‘23
Elizabeth Upton ’23 is the OUA (Ontario University Athletics) Women’s Fencing Foil Champion for 2025, just the third women’s foilist to earn the honor in the programs history. Her Women’s Foil Team also repeated as OUA Champions. She earned OUA All-Stars honors for the second year and attends Western University in London, ON.
Bradley Dock ‘92
Bradley is currently living (against his will) in Northern New Jersey with his 1992 DCDS prom date (true), Julie, and 4 awesome boys. He works as an in-house lawyer for the New York Stock Exchange. All is good, thank G-d.
Keith Fentonmiller ‘86
Life Indigo, the second book in Keith’s humorous fantasy series, will be published in mid to late 2025 by Ellysian Press. The novel is a funny, dark, high-octane journey from Berlin’s Jazz Age until the eve of WW2. Book 1 of the series, titled Fate Accompli, was a 2021 Foreword INDIES Finalist for Humor.
ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES
Jon Scott ’15
Jon Scott was nominated by Lansing Mayor Andy Schor and confirmed by the Lansing City Council to the city’s Board of Fire Commissioners in February 2025 for a 3-year term. Jon’s appointment comes after spending a year and a half on the Lansing Board of Public Service.
Richard Shao ‘23
On Friday, April 11, 2025, Richard Shao ‘23 successfully world premiered his newest composition, “Goodnight,” at the Bloomfield Township Public Library. The composition was performed by Richard Shao and Amy I-Lin Cheng, Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Michigan. Former English department faculty Dr. Julie Goodman and Alum Donnavan Kirk ‘09 attended the performance as well.
Todd Kubicki ‘98
Todd connected with former faculty members Sylvie Lucki and Anne Sandoval recently in Orlando.
Lauren Boos ‘18
Lauren Boos ‘18 recently got engaged and is so excited to be planning a wedding with her fiancé!
Annie Thomas ‘06
On May 6, 2025, new baby Jordan joined big brother Asher, dog Frankie, mom and dad.
ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES
Natalie Trerice ’18
Natalie Trerice ‘18 and Becket McNulty ‘18 are engaged! Their first date was DCDS prom in 2018.
Anjali Goswami ‘94
Anjali Goswami ‘94 was elected to the fellowship of the Royal Society, the UK’s national academy of sciences, in recognition of her contributions to the understanding of vertebrate evolution and palaeobiology.
Anjali was recently appointed as Chief Scientist and Director General of Science and Analysis for the UK Department of Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra). The Defra Chief Scientific Adviser is responsible for overseeing the quality of evidence that the Department relies on for policy decisions, providing ministers with scientific advice and setting the priorities for scientific research and evidence-gathering on issues related to the environment and agriculture.
Todd Karr ‘83
Magician and author Todd Karr ‘83 has just published a massive four-volume research work, Todd Karr’s Bibliography of Magic. The 1,760-page epic details over 23,000 antiquarian and modern magic books. Karr owns 15,000 conjuring works and has examined collections worldwide including the Las Vegas archives of famed illusionist David Copperfield, who wrote the bibliography’s foreword. Karr hopes Mrs. Hannett will approve his literary scholarship! Available on Amazon.
Stephen Modell ‘76
Stephen Modell ’76 just received the 2025 Research Staff Support Recognition Award from the University of Michigan Office of the Vice President for Research. An article he lead authored on the public health perspective on gene therapy in light of recent gene editing developments is in press, and an op-ed he co-authored on youth suicide prevention in Southeast Michigan just appeared in The Ann Arbor Independent. Steve enjoyed serving as a judge for the DCDSx Science Fair and DCDS Stan-X Poster Symposium this last year, and chatting with Mrs. Hannett-Price and Ms. Lamb (Stan-X faculty) at Project Claire in Novi.
IN MEMORIAM
Dr. Clayton Hill Gordon
March 15, 1926 – January 15, 2025
Dr. Clayton Gordon, Chairman Emeritus and longtime trustee, leaves an extraordinary legacy at Detroit Country Day School marked by wisdom, warmth, and service. A prominent surgeon with a sharp mind and generous heart, Dr. Gordon played a pivotal role in shaping the school’s emergency preparedness and promoting excellence in science. His commitment to academic rigor endures through the annual Clayton Hill Gordon Science Award, which honors top science students. Off the boardroom floor, he shared his passion for tennis by founding the DCDS Tennis Club, where he mentored young athletes with humor and heart. Dr. Gordon’s impact reaches far beyond policy and programs—he brought joy, vision, and steadfast support to the community he so deeply loved.
Gene Reilly
January 8, 1939 - January 15, 2025
Gene Reilly, former coach and administrator, was a towering figure in DCDS athletics and a pioneer for the sport of lacrosse in Michigan. A two-time Michigan Lacrosse Coach of the Year and Hall of Fame inductee, Coach Reilly led DCDS teams to multiple state and regional championships and helped produce numerous High School AllAmericans. His legacy of selflessness and sportsmanship lives on through the MHSAA’s Gene Reilly Unsung Hero Award. Beyond the field, he was a transformative school leader, overseeing admissions, development, and alumni affairs, and spearheading a successful capital campaign. His enduring contributions to DCDS are a testament to his drive for excellence and devotion to student-athletes.
Patty Costigan
April 9, 1956 - January 1, 2025
Patty Costigan, legendary ski coach and beloved mentor, brought passion, heart, and tireless dedication to DCDS for more than two decades. Alongside her late husband Dan, Patty built a nationally respected ski program grounded in excellence, care, and lifelong impact. As head coach of both the Men’s and Women’s Ski Teams, she led with unmatched energy and vision, touching the lives of generations of student-athletes. Named MHSAA Ski Coach of the Year and inducted into the Michigan High School Ski Coaches Association Hall of Fame, Patty was a guiding light in the skiing world and a treasured member of the DCDS community. Her legacy of leadership and love will endure for years to come.
IN MEMORIAM
Bradley M. Gilman
September 16, 1952 - December 24, 2024
Brad Gilman, former Upper School Director, educator, and coach, served DCDS for 32 years with steadfast leadership, quiet strength, and heartfelt generosity. Known for his wisdom and integrity, Brad was a trusted mentor to students and faculty alike. He led the Upper School with vision and compassion and was instrumental in nurturing a culture of academic excellence and community support. As a coach, he brought home championships in tennis and golf while instilling values of perseverance and teamwork. The Bradley M. Gilman Faculty Award, named in his honor, reflects his deep commitment to those who shape young minds. Brad’s legacy of servant leadership and personal warmth remains a model for all.
Tom Cunnington
July 2, 1932 - October 16, 2024
Tom Cunnington, dedicated trustee and loyal supporter of DCDS, served the school with purpose and conviction for 27 years. As a longtime member of the Board of Trustees, Tom played an integral role in strengthening the institution’s foundation and ensuring its bright future. A devoted father and grandfather to multiple DCDS alumni, Tom believed deeply in the school’s mission and gave generously of his time, insight, and heart. His quiet influence and unwavering support helped shape generations of students and faculty. Tom’s legacy lives on not only in the initiatives he championed but in the family values and love for learning he helped to nurture at DCDS.
Bob Bowbeer
March 25, 1945 - May 18, 2025
Bob Bowbeer, cherished World Language Department Chair and Spanish teacher, devoted over 38 years to DCDS with boundless enthusiasm and care. Winner of the prestigious Barbara Ort-Smith Award, Bob was a leader in language education who inspired students with his wit, kindness, and love of learning. He guided the department with distinction and, after retirement, returned to substitute and even teach again, demonstrating his enduring connection to the school. His bequest to DCDS and his presence in every corner of campus reflected a love that was truly mutual. Bob’s passion for education and belief in the DCDS community remain a beacon of dedication and heart.
YEARBOOK YEARS MATCHING GAME
Answer Key
A. 1938 B. 1947
C. 1952
D. 1960
E. 1969
F. 1977
G. 1982
H. 1990
I. 1998
J. 2000
K. 2009
L. 2020
