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D-E Today is published by Dwight-Englewood School Communications and Publications, in partnership with the Development Team.
Comments are always welcome. Please address them to:
Editor: D-E Today 315 East Palisade Ave. Englewood, NJ 07631
Layout: Bartosz “Bart” Klemensowski, Assistant Director, Design & Media
Photography: Emmanuel “Mannie” Daughtry; Bartosz “Bart” Klemensowski; Liz Iannaconi ’04; and Maria Sanchez Gardner ’78; and Quinn Weinger ’26. Additional photography supplied by D-E alumni, students,parent/guardian, and faculty/staff submissions.
On the Front Cover:
Our annual All-School Thanksgiving Assembly finished off with a fantastic (surprise) flash mob featuring students, faculty and staff dancing to “Love Train” performed by Jazz Rock! For more about news and happenings @ D-E scan the QR code!
On the Back Cover:
Upper School students cross Leggett Field during a typical day @ D-E. For a sense of the everyday @ D-E, scan the QR Code!
Dear D-E Community,
What does serving a whole child mean for a school?
At D-E, we believe it encompasses nurturing not just the academic mind, but also the creative spirit, the athletic drive, and the emotional well-being that together shapes a well-rounded individual. This philosophy is at the heart of everything we do, from the classrooms to the playing fields and the stage.
In this issue of our magazine, you will have the opportunity to hear from people who are leading good work in the areas of innovation, performing arts, and athletics—each contributing to the holistic development of our students. Whether it’s breaking new ground in educational approaches, championing creativity through music and theater, or fostering resilience and teamwork on the sports field, these areas of focus are important examples of how we work to serve the whole child.
We are excited to share their stories with you and celebrate the diverse ways we inspire and support our students in becoming confident, compassionate, and capable young people. We hope this issue gives you a deeper sense of the vibrant community we’re building together.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with us.
Warm regards,
Preeti Fibiger, P’24
Interim Head of School
Announcing D-E’s Next Head of School: Dr. James Calleroz White
With tremendous excitement and confidence, we are thrilled that the Dwight-Englewood Board of Trustees has unanimously selected Dr. James Calleroz White as D-E’s 7th Head of School, beginning his tenure on July 1, 2025. Amidst an intensive and competitive international search that uncovered numerous highly skilled and talented educators, Dr. Calleroz White clearly emerged as the leader most uniquely suited to guide our school into a bright new chapter filled with promise, excellence, collaboration and compassion.
Dr. Calleroz White, who holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Arizona State University, a Master’s in Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education, and a Bachelor’s degree from Harvard University, brings to D-E a distinguished record of accomplishments and an
impressive background in independent school leadership, innovation, and studentfocused community building.
Our incoming Head of School, who encourages students to call him “Dr. CW,” sends the D-E community the following message:
“Joining this remarkable community of learners is both a privilege and a responsibility I hold with the deepest respect... Dwight-Englewood’s mission to foster in each student a passion for life-long learning, to seek excellence, honor integrity and embrace diversity in order to meet challenges of a changing world and make it better, resonates deeply with me, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to carry forward this mission alongside each of you.”
To learn more about Dr. Calleroz White (Dr. CW), the Head of School (HoS) search process and upcoming HoS Transition Committee plans, and also enjoy online video clips including a “Fireside Chat” with Dr. CW and D-E Board of Trustees President Dr. Ami Vaidya ’91, scan the QR code!
Arts Highlights
From inspiring exhibits hosted by our Art & Design Department to memorable live performing arts events from our Performing Arts Department, the arts are alive @ D-E! Community events have included the Upper School’s Fall Play, Antigone ; the Jazz Brunch Concert; Winter Concerts; and Swartley Gallery Series exhibits featuring artwork from alumni, faculty, and students. Up next is the US Winter Musical—a production of Mean Girls, with performances from February 27 through March 1. For more details and to see all upcoming happenings in the arts, please scan the QR code.
Amplifying the Power of the Arts: A Conversation with Adam Slee, Dean of the Performing Arts
Adam Slee, D-E’s new Dean of the Performing Arts, joined the School earlier this year.. He brings with him more than 16 years of experience in teaching arts education and being a leader in theater pedagogy. He’s already making his mark on D-E Performing Arts, which encompasses a wide variety of music and choral ensembles, stage drama, musicals, and technical theatre. Mr. Slee is working closely with our talented performing arts faculty, most of whom are working professionals on Broadway and active in the New York music and arts scene.
We asked Mr. Slee to give us insight into his background and the unique perspective that he endeavors to impart on the D-E arts community and beyond.
Q: Please tell us about what sparked your interest in the performing arts.
Mr. Slee: I struggled in school due to dyslexia and was convinced by members of my school community to drop out of high school at the end of my freshman year. To complete the process, I had to get each of my teachers’ signatures on a withdrawal form. Most of them signed and wished me good luck in the future. The last two teachers that needed to sign the form happened to be in the hall outside of the auditorium when I approached them for their signatures. They refused to sign and brought me into the auditorium, where they sat me down and told me about all the potential they saw in me and convinced me to stay in school. These teachers were the ones who directed the choir and afterschool theater programs, which I actively participated in until I graduated.
Q: Why did you choose to join the D-E community?
Mr. Slee: I fell in love with D-E when I visited campus and met with the wonderful students, faculty, and staff. The supportive nature of these individuals
and their commitment to the growth of the arts made coming to D-E a natural choice. The instruction taking place in the classrooms, the quality of the teachers, and the eagerness of the students was also inspiring and made me want to assist in the development of facilities worthy of the great things happening on campus.
Q: Is there a philosophy or specific perspective about the arts that is especially meaningful to you?
Mr. Slee: The arts have been an integral part of my life and were central in providing me with the tools I needed to climb out of generational poverty to find success as an adult. I have a firm belief that everyone can apply the skills learned in the arts to whichever field of study they pursue. It’s my hope that I can help the D-E community to see the universality and transformative power of the arts.
Q: What do you believe is the central goal or goals of D-E Performing Arts? And how do you personally work toward this goal in your role as Dean of the Performing Arts?
Mr. Slee: Creativity, Communication, Collaboration, and
Confidence are the four C’s of the performing arts and what we hope students attain through participation in programs. Whether it’s a discovery program or an advanced ensemble, longstanding or yet-to-come courses, they will all be guided by these principle goals. It’s essential that we have the personnel, facilities, and programming in place to ensure these goals can be met. My work is to guide our faculty, support our students, and act as the representative of the performing arts for the D-E community. I also look forward to being a central partner in potential future renovations and/or the building of facilities and securing additional support of our performing arts programming in general.
Q: What is your vision for the near-term and the future of our programming?
Mr. Slee: In the short term, we are evaluating our programming and performance schedule, as well as the processes leading up to performances, to ensure that our methods align with best practices in the performing arts. Looking ahead, I hope to see more cross-listed courses that enable students to expand their knowledge in core subjects through the lens of the arts.
Facilities renovations and/or improvements would benefit the entire school community by providing dedicated gallery and performance spaces. Whatever the future holds in terms of these types of initiatives, the Performing Arts Department aims to continue offering the best resources and training possible so that our students stand out among their peers.
Q: In addition to the upcoming Winter Musical, Mean Girls, what should the D-E community look forward to for the remainder of this academic year?
Mr. Slee: I really look forward to the events that feature talent from all three divisions in one performance space.* These events showcase the range of talent we have, while celebrating the D-E family!
*Editor’s Note: Scan the QR Code for more information on all upcoming events from our Art & Design and Performing Arts Departments!
D-E Athletics Update: Building Culture Through Core Values
In January 2025, D-E’s Athletic Department, led by Athletic Director JD Sand (above left) and Associate AD Dat Phan (above right), together with Assistant AD Ryan Vettoso, Administrative Assistant Nicole Bellmay and Athletic Trainers Anthony Bufi and Kimberly Vivian, unveiled a set of core values as it seeks to build upon the Athletics program. The core values of Commitment, Excellence, Respect, and Teamwork are described to the right.
Here, Mr. Sand talks us through the decision to create the core values and what they mean for the Athletics program moving forward.
Q: Tell us why it was important to formalize a set of core values for the D-E Athletic Department.
Mr. Sand: Upon arrival on campus in July 2023, our department felt that there was an opportunity for the D-E Athletics program to help reinforce the School’s mission statement and help to create an intentional culture, based on shared beliefs and behaviors within athletics to both guide and build the future of D-E Athletics. Throughout the ’23-’24 school year, we observed the differences among
Commitment Excellence Respect Teamwork
These four words represent the core values of the D-E Athletic Department. Together we are working on culture building within our entire athletic program, including partnering with coaches, student-athletes/ families, and teams within a framework of ideals best representing our department. The creation of these core values is a process that has involved working with D-E Athletic Department staff, coaches, and an independent consultant to better achieve mission and value alignment within our program. Our work will continue with coach- and athlete-targeted workshops over the next few years to reinforce these core values. We look forward to our entire community being aligned with our D-E Athletics core values of commitment, excellence, respect, and teamwork.
all the programs. We found it difficult to achieve greater alignment with each of our programs without a strong foundation so we decided this work could help with that.
Q: Why did you select these particular words–commitment, excellence, respect, and teamwork?
Mr. Sand: We derived our core values from the overarching values and mission statement of the School as well as the mission of the Athletics program. This process involved collaboration among the entire Athletic Department, including our two athletic trainers.
Q: How are you developing the Athletics program at D-E to align with these core values?
Mr. Sand: We believe it is important to consult our coaches and athletes to fully understand the importance of this work and to help them understand why mission and program alignment is critical. We also want the coaching staff and teams to retain their autonomy so we recognize that individual adaptations of these values might vary from sport to sport, coach to coach, and team to team. We are holding workshops and meetings with every Upper School coach and team and will do so throughout this school year and next school year to achieve this goal.
Q: Tell us more about these workshops with coaches and student-athletes.
Mr. Sand: The team workshops we are co-hosting with the consultant we’re collaborating with will introduce the core values and help to create common language, routines, and rituals to support these values.
We’ve had three workshops so far this Winter season, one for each Upper School program–Track & Field, Basketball and Ski Racing. Each was a couple of hours long and
Ç The
were very interactive. We asked athletes to answer three fundamental questions about what matters to them, what these beliefs and behaviors look like, and what makes them hard to achieve. This was the foundation for thinking about intentional culture.
Then we separated students into groups to brainstorm about the new core values and what they represented to them and their teams. When we came back together as a larger group, we discussed where there was overlap and what differences were identified.
We want coaches and athletes to better understand their “whys” and to streamline their actions accordingly. Leadership and social-emotional intelligence requires skills or competencies that must be identified, taught, and practiced just like any other skill. These will be important goals but, most importantly, we believe it’s crucial for our athletes to take ownership of their experiences and to help create the culture we’re hoping to build into the future.
Q: What are you most excited about with regard to D-E’s Winter
Sports programming and what are you anticipating for the Spring season and beyond?
Mr. Sand: We have had some great results so far–for example, our Varsity Boys Basketball team is currently 17-7 and Track has had a good amount of success–but I am looking forward to seeing where our teams end up. I am most excited about watching the growth and development of all our athletes.
Watching them compete is always thrilling, but the true measure of success isn’t necessarily based on wins and losses. It’s about improving both as individual athletes and as a team and seeing the results of all their hard work.
In terms of the future, we are always exploring new ways to support our athletes and coaches and to enhance their experiences here on and off the field at D-E. That work is always exciting, and we’re going to continue to look at ways we can make an impact, both small and large.
D-E Athletics Department includes (from left to right): Ryan Vettoso, Anthony Buffi, Nicole Bellmay, Kim Vivian, JD Sand, and Kiersten Hovan. Not pictured: Dat Phan.
Fall 2024 Season Results
D-E Middle School and Upper School (US) Fall Teams had a standout season. Results for all our Fall 2024 teams are noted here. From Cross Country and Field Hockey to Soccer and Volleyball, all our Fall Teams athletes consistently showed D-Etermination and D-Edication on our playing fields, courts, and courses, both home and away. Several US athletes also received All-League and All-County honors! Our Class of 2025 athletes all received special recognition as well during Senior Recognition Games for the longterm commitment to their sport, and their teams. Of special note, beloved longterm Field Hockey Coach Michelle Carstens-Potts received recognition as the County’s Field Hockey Coach of the Year. Way to go Bulldogs!!!
Scan the QR Code for seasonal highlights and video clips featuring our Fall 2024 Season, including team and individual athlete achievements. You’ll also find Winter 2024-’25 Season games and meets schedules for all our Basketball, Ski Racing and Winter Track & Field Teams, plus all our DogPound Update video clips!
Division Team
MS Girls MS Tennis
Division Team
Division Team
Division Team Win-Loss-Tie
MS Girls MS Soccer 9-1
Division Team Win-Loss-Tie
Innovation in Action: An Interview with Diana Gross, Chief Innovation Officer
Entering the office of Chief Innovation Officer Diana Gross in Leggett Hall, you can expect to be greeted by a warm smile and, quite often, jazz standards playing softly in the background. As Ms. Gross is in the midst of her seventh month at D-E, we sat down with her to discuss her role and innovation at the School more broadly.
With a background in professional development and using data and technology to design innovative programming, as well as having earned a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech and a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins in the area of the neuroscience of learning, Ms. Gross was well prepared for this next chapter. She says, “This role encompasses a lot of the
style to the functioning of a relay team or an orchestra, in which cohesion and coordination are essential for the group’s success. “I lead from behind,” she says.
Ms. Gross also describes herself as a researcher and is working closely with faculty and administration to ensure we, collectively, are doing everything possible to prepare D-E students for college in an everchanging world. She points to transferable skills and adaptability as vital competencies to achieve this goal and acknowledges a need to align them with our School values.
“Math does not change,” she says. “The way it is applied will change, and that’s where innovation happens.”
Ms. Gross is intent on uncovering how D-E is already setting itself apart from other schools, shining a light on these programs, and then building upon these
As just one example, she shares how conversations recently connected Art & Design Chair Marisol Diaz and Mathematics Chair Patricia Barrett. The result was MS math students exploring an artful book titled, Dear , by Giorgia Lupi and Stefanie Posavec. In it, the authors, who are information designers, created hand drawings of their personal data on postcards and mailed them to each other over the course of a year. For
students, it was a clever example of data visualization that guided them in creating their own data books.
This concept of visualizing data was incorporated in the Sixth Grade Identity Unit *see Editor’s Note below, which focused on how what you eat shapes your identity and included projects across students’ MESH (Math, English, Science, and History) subjects, such as researching the origins of the ingredients in culturally meaningful foods and plotting this on an infographic.
“Data is the new gold, and data literacy is a key to the future,” says Ms. Gross, “so the open question is how do we continue to foster these skills?”
When considering what is worth further exploration in the area of technology, Ms. Gross refers to a peer-reviewed publication called the Handbook of Children and Screens, which reveals a concerning data point that girls begin to step away from STEM classes in 3rd-4th grade for societal and other reasons. Ms. Gross says she hopes to work with School leaders to find ways to counter this trend at D-E.
Ms. Gross also feels strongly about harnessing the power of the diversity inherent at the School. “You have to understand technology from a global perspective,” she says. “With its diversity, as well as its Pre3 - Grade 12 curriculum, D-E is a microcosm, a place ripe for applying truly innovative programming.”
Likewise, she says, “human development and social-emotional learning is huge.” Especially as Artificial Intelligence becomes more prevalent in our lives, appreciating the intersection of AI and humans is crucial, she adds.
To this end, Ms. Gross has facilitated along with the Technology Department the establishment of an Upper School Student Committee on AI and a field trip to the Student Artificial Intelligence Summit at Newark Academy in January. US students
are hard at work planning an inaugural TEDxDwight-Englewood School event to be presented on April 3, 2025, for which the theme is “Learning Unbound: Igniting The Future.” Ms. Gross also facilitated a professional development day for faculty and staff, centered on AI and discussions on the impact AI will have on cognitive development and effective pedagogy, and included a student panel discussion.
Ms. Gross asserts that building a culture where innovation is embraced is key. “Culture eats strategy for breakfast,” she says, referring to the expression that an organization’s culture can prevent its strategy from being successful.
“It has to be a culture where people feel safe in trying something that does not work,” she says. “Innovation takes three things—people, time, and money—and people need to be encouraged to take risks.” If something didn’t work out as planned, it should be reframed as, “We didn’t fail; we learned,” she says.
It’s clear that Ms. Gross is committed to doing the work, building upon D-E’s rich traditions in academic excellence and program collaboration: “I plan to be here [at D-E] for the final 10 years of my career.”
*Editor’s Note: To learn more about the Sixth Grade Identity Unit, scan the QR code.
D-E Robotics Teams D-Emonstrate Innovation in Action
Robotics programs continue to flourish at D-E with robust, exciting offerings for our students in all three divisions, and all of which clearly demonstrate innovation in action. (Did you know? Some D-E Robotics teams create original ‘bot parts using 3D printers on-campus!) Learn more online about our new LS Teams Ocean Animals and Deep Sea; our MS Teams Nitro, Neutron, and Nano Navigators; and our ‘anchor’ Upper School teams Critical Mass and Absolute Zero, all of which have had exciting starts to their seasons so far. Scan the QR code below!
For the latest on Innovation-related initiatives at D-E, including AI Professional Development and parent education programs, scan the QR Code.
School Life Highlights
Thanks to daily campus events, seasonal traditions, and the activities of our student-led clubs and activities, student life @ D-E remains as dynamic as ever!
Our youngest Lower School (LS) learners have been enthusiastically engaged in D-E Chess Team and LS Chorus (offered through D-E 360° AfterCare & Enrichment), to name a few.
Middle School (MS) students have been enthusiastically supporting service-learning opportunities such as the annual Thanksgiving Food Drive and exploring myriad ‘maker’ and MS Robotics Team opportunities.
In the Upper School, students have shined in performances during the annual winter Jazz Rock concert; guided thoughtful conversation on timely topics (including a panel discussion with US Congressman (and D-E Parent) Josh Gottheimer; participated in affinity group-led showcases such as the Lunar New Year Assembly; joined off-campus field trips to fascinating locations. US studentled organizations have also represented D-E and competed successfully in myriad matches and competitions – including our D-E Ethics Bowl, D-E Model UN, and Robotics Teams.
The photos here capture how thus far this 20242025 school year, all our students have been encouraged to grow personally and develop critical leadership skills while pursuing current areas of interest and new curiosities. *
Editors’ note: For more examples and footage of all that’s ‘news’ in Student Life @ D-E scan the QR code!
New & Online-Only: “D-E Changemakers”
Enjoy our new, online-only “D-E Changemakers” editorial features, profiling members of our community (including students, faculty/staff, alumni and parents) who have channeled their personal passions into efforts that are fully aligned with our mission statement concluding words, “to make it better.”*
Editors’ note: For more examples and footage of all that’s ‘news’ in Student Life @ D-E scan the QR code!
Reunion 2024 Highlights
More than 300 alumni from the Dwight School, Englewood School for Boys (ESB) and Dwight-Englewood all came together for Reunion 2024, a wonderful weekend from October 18 - 19, 2024, and featuring celebratory events both on- and off-campus. Gatherings specifically organized for alumni celebrating milestone years (those with class years ending with ‘4’ and ‘9’), added to the festivities.
Highlights from the weekend also included Kraut’s Running of the Bulldogs (aka “The Kraut Run”), a 5K and 1K ‘fun’ Run, in remembrance of Jerald (“Jerry”) Krauthamer, former D-E English Department teacher and coach. This year’s Kraut Run attracted
hundreds of runners and walkers as well as cheering volunteers and spectators. The event was being held for the first time since 2019; T-shirts for all participants included artwork with the distinctive outline of Kraut’s face that also is on our Track and Cross Country Teams’ uniforms. Before the run, which began at Graham House and ended at Leggett Field, attendees heard poignant words from beloved former teacher Betsey Carson, who spoke meaningfully to Kraut’s legacy.
There was also a 50th Reunion Dinner for members of our first-ever co-ed graduates,
the D-E Class of 1974; a Retired Faculty Room Dedication Ceremony for John King (Mathematics Department) and John Stott (History Department); the annual Distinguished Alumni Award and Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremonies; and an AlumniFaculty/Staff Reunion Reception. (Please see related article.)
The images here capture just a few of these and other memorable moments from Reunion 2024. For more photos and video highlights from specific events, including the Kraut Run and the aforementioned award ceremonies, please scan the QR code.
Don’t forget to ‘save the dates’ for Reunion 2025, which will be held on Oct. 24-26, 2025, and will have major celebrations for class years ending in ‘0’ and ‘5’! Questions or want to get involved? Please contact Maria Sanchez Gardner ’78 , Director of Alumni, at sanchm@d-e.org or Liz Iannaconi ’04, Asst. Director of Alumni Relations, at iannae@d-e.org
Highlights from Ceremonies Honoring Faculty Retirees John Stott and John King and 2024 Alumni Awardees
Schenck Auditorium was filled on Saturday, October 19, 2024, for a variety of ceremonies during Reunion 2024, honoring faculty retirees and our 2024 Alumni Awardees.
Alumni, current and former faculty/staff, families, and friends gathered to honor retired faculty members John Stott and John King. John Stott (photo in next column) taught at D-E for 44 years from 1980 to 2024, and John King taught at D-E for 43 years from 1981 to 2024. Their influence on thousands of students, their families, and their colleagues cannot be overstated.
Following welcome remarks from Interim Head of School Preeti Fibiger P ’24, the audience heard from Joseph Algrant, former longtime Upper School Principal, who spoke to the invaluable impact of John Stott’s teaching, and particularly on his daughters (alumnae Isabel Algrant ’17 and Haley Algrant ’21). Alex Russell-Walker, current History Department Chair, and Phil Swirbul History Department teacher, each provided remarks about John, and then Phil read from the dedication plaque now installed in the new John Stott Classroom, located in Leggett Hall.
The following is an excerpt from John Stott’s
dedication plaque: “For 44 years, John was a pillar of devotion to the craft of teaching. Many of his students felt that they learned how to succeed in school because of their experience with him. John was a teacher, a runner, a musician, an actor, a parent, a friend – all of these traits he shared with this school, and so many of the children and adults who have walked through its doors. He was unmatched in his generosity and sincerity.”
Jack Armitage, D-E Mathematics Faculty member and Director of Program Scheduling, then introduced John King, eliciting chuckles from the audience when he spoke about how John King was often mistaken for his “brother” and harkening back to the early days of their teaching math together. Patti Barrett, Math Department Chair, then read from the dedication plaque now installed in the John King Classroom, located in the STEM Center, which includes quotes derived from submissions of several D-E Mathematics teachers.
The following is an excerpt from John King’s dedication plaque: “John King’s entire career as an educator and department chair has been one of service and devotion to others… He strove to inspire students and teachers because he genuinely wanted everyone to engage with math… For decades, John led other educators to embrace innovative approaches to teaching beyond the prescriptive mathematics textbook. Collaborating with his team, he researched, developed, and adapted a problem-based philosophy and methodology. His enduring impact on D-E’s mathematics program was foundational and will be influential long after his retirement.”
Standing ovations greeted both John Stott and John King following their own personal remarks during the Room Dedication Ceremony, which was immediately followed by ribbon-cuttings at each of their newlynamed classrooms. Attendees were then able to personally honor both honored teachers during a lunch reception in the STEM Center. Congratulations and thank you to both John King and John Stott for their incredible impact on our D-E community for the past 40+ years.
Ç Members of the D-E 1984 Softball Team who were present for the Athletic Hall of Fame included (from left to right): Jane Shapiro Putzer ’85, Patti Klyde Press ’85, Coach Bobby Meyer, Marcella Baum ’84, Athletic Director JD Sand, Pam Brodie Mankin ’85, Carol Gerber ’84, Kathleen Maloney ’84
Official ceremonies honoring our 2024 Distinguished Alumni Awardees and newest inductees into the Athletic Hall of Fame took place in Schenck Auditorium on the afternoon of Saturday, October 19, 2024.
Preeti Fibiger P ’24, Interim Head of School, kicked-off the ceremonies by describing the DAA award. The Distinguished Alumni Award (DAA) was established in 1997 to pay special tribute to alumni of the Dwight School, the Englewood School for Boys, and D-E. The award is presented for exemplary professional and/or volunteer accomplishments. It honors alumni whose achievements deserve special recognition by the school and by fellow graduates.
The first of this year’s DAA recipients, Matthew (“Matt”) Vita ’74 (above center), had been honored earlier in the weekend during the aforementioned Class of 1974 50th Reunion Dinner. During this Dinner, Matt’s classmates Susan Devine-Lempert ’74 and David Lane ’74 spoke to Matt’s journalistic achievements and friendship. These achievements included Matt’s sharing of the Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting, which was won by The Washington Post for its coverage of the war on terrorism. Matt became The Post’s deputy sports editor in 2004 and was named sports editor in 2009. At both the 50th Reunion Dinner and the official ceremony in Schenck, Susan spoke also to Matt’s history as a fellow editor/ collaborator on the then-new D-E student newspaper, The Spectrum, (forged when ESB
and the Dwight School merged in 1973). A video segment was also shared with the audience from when Matt Zoomed earlier this year with Anna Ibarguen ’26, a current Spectrum student editor. Congratulations Matt!
DAA honoree Tara Kole ’94 (above) was also honored during the ceremony. An entertainment lawyer, Tara is a founding partner at Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole LLP in West Hollywood, representing established film and TV directors, writers, actors and producers in entertainment transitions. She is also a professor at the USC Gould School of Law. After being introduced by Phil Swirbul, D-E History Department teacher, Tara spoke to the lessons learned while she was a student
at D-E and how she valued her D-E experience well into law school and now as a respected legal professional. Congratulations Tara!
Jay Lesenger ESB ’69 (above) was also recognized with DAA honors during the ceremony. During his 50-year career as Stage Director, Producer, Administrator, and Teacher, he has staged some 250 operas, operettas, and musicals in the US and abroad. Jay is a nationally recognized teacher of acting for singers and a frequent adjudicator for The Metropolitan Opera National Council auditions, Opera Index, and other vocal competitions. Jay was introduced by his friend and classmate Lynn Lieblich Jeffery D ’69, and recalled memories of his fellow ESB and Dwight School thespians and musical theatre performers, the influence of luminaries such as Malcolm Duffy, and thoughtful reflections on his more recent productions. Congratulations Jay!
Alumni recognized as the newest inductees into the D-E Athletic Hall of Fame (AHF) were also honored in a ceremony in Schenck Auditorium. D-E Athletic Director JD Sand welcomed all attendees and then described the AHF. The AHF was established in 1996 to honor those individuals or athletic teams who have achieved a high level of success during their careers as student-athletes or coaches, and perpetuates the memory of those who have brought distinction and
excellence to the School through their actions both on and off the playing field.
Alumna Hanna Jerome ’14 (above) was the first new AHF inductee to be honored. Introducing Hanna was Fred Daly, former English Department Chair and Current English Faculty member, and Coach for D-E Cross Country and Track. Fred reflected on the implications of Hanna’s accomplishments and how she has made a historical impact on D-E; Hanna holds many D-E Track and Cross Country records including the fastest time for girls on all four cross-country courses; the record for Winter Track in the 1,000 and 1,600 meters, and the record for Spring Track in the 800 and 1,600 meters. As a postgraduate, Hanna placed in the top 100 of American Women at the NYC Marathon with a time of 3:05. Hanna then took to the podium and spoke passionately about her memories of competing for D-E and the life lessons she gained in the process. Congratulations Hanna!
Alumnus Ricky Bawa ’04 (above) was also honored. Ricky played 2nd Singles on the D-E Boys Tennis Team that won a State Group Title (along with a State Sectional Title) and only lost in a nail-biter of a final in 2021, finishing No. 2 overall in NJ that year and No. 1 for non-public schools. Ricky was on the Men’s Tennis Team at Stevens Institute of Technology where he was named Skyline Conference Men’s Player of the Year in 2005 and 2007. Introducing Ricky was Andy Pink, Former D-E Assistant Athletic Director and Tennis coach, who noted Ricky’s perseverance and unusually ‘mature’ composure, both on and off the court. Ricky then gave poignant reflections about the positive influence of being a part of the D-E Tennis “family”. Congratulations Ricky!
The D-E 1984 Girls Softball Team was also inducted into the AHF during the ceremony. Bobby Meyer, Former Girls Softball Coach, was on hand to speak to the team’s distinctive accomplishments, which included a fantastic team batting average of .366 and an overall record of 13-2. They won the Metropolitan Athletic Association of Private Schools (MAAPS) tournament in both 1983 and 1984. In the 1983 championship game, the team won the tournament with a score of 24-4 against Staten Isalnd. The team lost to Mount St. Mary’s in the final game of the NJ State Tournament. Following Bobby’s remarks, members of the team who were in attendance donned ribbons and grouped together with Bobby, who was holding a vintage D-E Varsity Letter, for a team group photo. Congratulations to the D-E 1984 Girls Softball Team!
Class Notes
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ESB CLASS OF 1953
f With great sadness, Dwight-Englewood School informs you that Jean “John” Cornet passed away in Florida on Friday, October 25, 2024. John was the husband of D-E’s former long-time Theatrical Artistic Director, Jane Sharp. John was the brother of Jacques Cornet ESB ’54, Helene Cornet Clarke D’50, and the late Marie Cornet Van Doren D’51. He was the brother-in-law of the late Mary Lou Aragona Cornet D’57.
The following obituary was published in the Record and Herald News. “Jean Henri Cornet died on October 25, 2024. He was a graduate of the University of Rhode Island and was a long-time employee of American Home Products. He was a devoted basketball fan and coach. He was one of the founding fathers of the Tenafly, NJ Biddy Basketball Program which evolved into the presentday Tenafly Youth Basketball Program. As a coach, he led his team to a State Championship in 1995 and subsequently spent 25 years as an assistant to the Tenafly High School men’s basketball team. He also enjoyed cooking and was an avid gardener. He also loved to travel, especially to visit family in France. He
is survived by his wife, Jane [Sharp] Cornet, his three children Bonnie Lynaugh (Thomas Lynaugh), Jean Jacques Cornet (Sally Weber), Madeleine Dobson (Gordon Dobson) and two grandchildren, Robert Kraft and Freda Dobson.”
DWIGHT CLASS OF 1962
f Molla Sloane Donaldson shares her recent sad news, “Gerald (Jerry) Donaldson, my husband of 55 years, died peacefully on November 14, 2024. He will be greatly missed. We were married in Englewood at my parents’ house with friends from Charlottesville, Virginia, where we were both graduate students. We lived in Washington, D.C., for 43 years before moving to Southport, a coastal town in North Carolina. We have three daughters and seven grandchildren, all in California. Jerry loved all things New Orleans and Tulane, photography, classical, Dixieland, and ethnic music, and sharing his artisanal bread with family and friends.”
DWIGHT CLASS OF 1964
f Lesley Gore was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame class of 2024 posthumously. Her citation on the NJ Hall of Fame site ( https:// njhalloffame.org/2024-inductees/2024-lesley-gore/) is as follows.
”Lesley Gore emerged at age 16 as a voice for teenage heartbreak, but it didn’t take long for her message to mature into one of resilience and female empowerment.
Born Lesley Sue Goldstein, the future star was raised in Tenafly, New Jersey, and attended the Dwight School for Girls, a prep school in neighboring Englewood. Her father, Leo, was a successful women’s swimwear manufacturer; her mother, Ronny, a homemaker. The family changed its name to Gore soon after Lesley’s birth.
Gore was a junior in high school when demo recordings she made with her vocal coach came to the attention of producer Quincy Jones, who at the time was responsible for signing talent to Mercury Records. The label rush-released Gore’s recording of “It’s My Party” in an effort to beat a competing version of the song to radio. The strategy worked and the single hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop chart on June 1, 1963—four weeks after Gore’s 17th birthday.
“It’s My Party”—about a girl whose birthday bash goes wrong when she sees her fickle boyfriend with another girl—became an instant classic. The success of the song—one of four she recorded in her first session with Jones—was a total surprise to Gore. “I left the studio and forgot about the whole thing,” she told TV host Dick Clark, according to “The Billboard Book of Number One Hits.”
Gore next cut a sequel, “Judy’s Turn to Cry,” in which the protagonist turns the tables on her rival. The song went to No. 5 that July. In September, she reached No. 5 again with “She’s a Fool,” capturing still more teen angst. But by December, Gore changed her tone with the indelibly defiant “You Don’t Own Me,” an anthemic pop classic that climbed to No. 2 on the
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singles chart and has endured for over 60 years as a feminist anthem.
Gore’s success continued with hits including “That’s The Way Boys Are,” “Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows,” “Maybe I Know,” “The Look of Love,” and “California Nights”—assuring her a place in pop’s pantheon.Even as Lesley was making hit records, she continued her education, earning a degree in English and American literature at Sarah Lawrence College. Continuing to record and perform as a singer and actress, she even landed a recurring role in TV’s “Batman” series as Pink Pussycat in 1967. More importantly, she began to write her own songs and earned an Oscar nomination for “Out Here on My Own,” which she penned with her composer brother, Michael Gore [ESB ’65], for the 1980 hit movie “Fame.
”Thanks to her early hits, Gore toured worldwide for decades. Her acting career took her to Broadway, where she guest starred in the musical revue “Smokey Joe’s Café.” On TV, she hosted several episodes of “In the Life,” a PBS series that focused on LGBTQ issues. In 2005, she came out publicly as gay. Her candor became part of her legacy as an icon of female self-determination.”
f Talley Proctor Wright and her husband David Wright split the year between Tenafly, NJ, and Naples, Florida. Talley keeps busy playing golf, Bridge, Canasta, cooking, and reading. They have four grandchildren, the oldest of which is a freshman at Providence College and absolutely loves it.
Talley heard from Robyn Powell Fleenor in the spring and she wrote:”Thank you for the letter about the upcoming reunion. I won’t be able to come, but I wanted to say hello. We live in Meridian, Idaho, just outside the city limits of Boise. We remain very active, enjoying our life here to the fullest. We do not get back East at all anymore. All of our older family members are not with us any longer. Our five children live between here and the Portland-Seattle area; therefore, we travel more to the West than the East. We have eight grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren, with one on the way. We don’t see them as much as we would like, but everyone is busy these days. I hope you have a wonderful reunion, and I treasure the memories of going to Dwight.”
f Yikes, 60 years!! Talley Proctor Wright organized two 60th mini-reunions for the class of 1964. The first was held in July at Jennifer Hennig FriisJacobson’s home, outside by their beautiful pond. Only Talley, Jennifer, Christine Seidel Thompson, and Lisa Larson Gordon could make it.
The second 60th-anniversary mini-reunion was held in October at Talley’s home, attended by Jennifer, Lisa, Joan Ursillo Pukash, and DJ Murtaugh McCabe. We had a long speakerphone conversation with Barbara Johnston Gigante, a saga about a recent bout with COVID-19 and a bad fall in her home. Surprisingly, she sounded upbeat but very frustrated. We also had a FaceTime conversation with Marsha Knight Powell, a very busy artist in enameled copper and, most recently, in welding. She missed the first reunion because she had a show in Staten Island with a group called “Women Who Weld.” She is on Facebook and posts photos of her works.
Christine Seidel Thompson writes:”Roy and I moved to Rowayton, CT, in 1971. I had just had our daughter, Louisa, and stopped teaching third grade in New Jersey. Three years later, our son, Trevor, was born. I later started my career, 36 years later, in real estate. Roy joined me for 15 years, and we retired at the beginning of Covid. We are blessed with four grandchildren, three girls and one boy, ages 18 to 7. They all reside in Brooklyn, so we see them often. Retirement has been busy, as we still go to Nantucket and travel to Vieques, P. R., in the winter.”
Lisa Larson Gordon still lives in Hillsdale, NJ, and stays busy reading and hanging out with friends. Dan and his family live in Mahwah, and he works with his dad at Ameriprise Financial. Glen started his investment fund business, Markley Capital, in January 2020. Business was slow and challenging due to COVID-19, but now he’s doing well and loving being his own boss. He is able to do business wherever he is in the world but spends most of his time in Miami and London.
Joan Ursillo Pukash writes:”Stan and I were married for almost 56 years when he died in July 2024. To say he was proud of his children, Jessica Schwartz of Bryn Mawr, PA, Derek Pukash of Morristown, N.J., and Audrey Bilsborrow of Durham, N.C., is an understatement. Stan particularly loved watching all of his children in their sports, i.e., tennis, golf, field hockey, lacrosse, and baseball. Still, he was given a bonus when his seven grandchildren joined the world of sports and their communities. Watching the sports activities of Travis, Cole, Shea, Penn, Jet, Sasha, and Parlan was better than watching the Yankees and the Mets or the Jets and Patriots! Plus, Shea is a vexillologist and Travis is a videographer. In a Dwight note, Stan had as much fun as all the ’64 alums helping Joan plan the 50th Dwight Reunion. Anything and everything that involved his family was the highest priority for Stan: a wonderful life and a wonderful man.”
Betsy Mathers Davis writes:”After a long and valiant struggle with Alzheimer’s disease, my wonderful husband, Ted, succumbed in July. Despite the many hurdles, he managed to thrill everyone with his beautiful baritone voice, singing until the end. Our daughters have been my rock. We live within walking distance of each other, which is just the best.For Ted’s service, I asked a dear friend to sing “May the Lord Bless You And Keep You,” a hymn we sang at our graduation. Despite the passage of time and distance, you all are still in my thoughts, and I wish you well.”
DWIGHT CLASS OF 1967
f Karen Rohn Osar sadly informed the Alumni Office that Mary Goodbody passed away on August 19, 2024, from Parkinson’s disease. An acclaimed cookbook editor and graduate of The Masters School and George Washington University, Mary was a
devoted sister to her seven siblings. Preceded in death by her parents, Maurice Goodbody, MD, and Katie Goodbody, she is survived by her loving daughter Laura and her family, by her siblings, and by a large cohort of friends. Obituary Mary Goodbody published on Legacy.com
f From a post in Dwight Class of 1967 Facebook group, Cynthia Foote shared the photo here. Yesterday, several of us gathered for lunch in Fairfield, CT, and then went together to the memorial service for Mary Goodbody. It was a beautiful service with over 75 attendees. Mary impacted so many people, as evidenced by all the speakers. Amee, who had gone to kindergarten with Mary, read a sweet, funny birthday poem that Mary had sent her on her 22nd birthday. It was so nice to be able to gather together with Dwight School friends.
We missed Lucy Van Itallie Borge , who had organized our lunch with Karen but had to cancel several days before. And I’m sorry that our group photo was taken after Carla Innerfield had to leave. (I’ll brag on her behalf: her son, Jonathan Jacobson, was just elected to the CT House of Representatives, and Carla was called on for Grandma-babysitting duty while her son and his wife went to the celebration party.)Pictured in the photo are Cynthia Foote, Karen Rohn Osar, Barbara Halsted, and Amee Wood. ESB CLASS OF 1970
f Edward Hochman shared the following sad news: Andrew Scott Lasser (1952-2024), ESB Class of 1970 With great sorrow, we note the passing of Andrew Scott Lasser on October 23, 2024. Scott joins Doug Legoll, Jim Feldman and Steve Cook as the other members of the ESB Class of 1970 who
have passed on.
Scott began at ESB in seventh grade and soon proved himself a science and math whiz, thus becoming a favorite of the estimable Butler Beaumont (who terrorized and inspired generations of ESB students).
A co-founder of the school’s Photography Club, Scott was one of the wonderful “camera nerds” whose pictures captured so much of the life at ESB in the 1960s.
After earning an engineering degree at Northwestern University and then a medical degree, Scott became a radiologist and for many years headed the radiology department at Bergen Medical Regional Center.
Scott was also known to indulge his pleasures and was a longtime member of Carvel’s “Customer Hall of Fame.”
Scott is survived by his devoted sister, Robin Lasser Case ’74, his two daughters, Eve and Erin, and his former wife, Teresa Simpson.
Scott’s wit and wisdom are already missed.To read the published obituary for Scott, please go to https:// neptunesociety.com/obituaries/paramus-nj/ andrew-lasser-12042789
CLASS OF 1974
f Tamara Lee Weinstein passed away on August 26, 2024, at age 67, from a form of cancer called
chordoma. “For more than a decade, she fought both against the cancer and for a joyful life, and in both ways, she defied the odds for years,” says her sister Claudia (DES 1978). At her funeral, Tamara’s family and friends remembered her love of laughter, her fearlessness as an ocean swimmer, her deep connections to family and to old friends, her passion and talent as a teacher, her sheer life force, her infectious giggle, and her appreciation of great earrings. At Dwight and then Dwight-Englewood, Tamara discovered her love of literature and poetry and was editor of the school literary magazine Calliope. She retained that love of language and always wanted to know what books her friends were reading and what podcasts they were listening to, and of course to see photos of their grandchildren.
“She was so lovely, and she was so loved,” says Claudia. Tamara leaves behind her wife and son, Linda and Max; her mother, Joan; and siblings Claudia Weinstein ’78 and Matthew Weinstein ’82
f Former D-E Teacher, Administrator, and coach Vincent deLalla shared this photo of Steve Brisk and Bart Purcell along with this note:
“These were my two baseball senior captains my first year at Dwight-Englewood School in 1974. I coached the varsity team to the conference championship in my only year coaching baseball at Dwight-Englewood (I switched to wrestling after that). Steve Brisk is on the left. He was a big guy, a quarterback on the football team, and the ace of my staff. Threw a lot of junk.
Bart Purcell, on the right, played shortstop and did a little pitching—very little, but he could hit and field. Bart loved baseball and wanted to be a professional. He played for Columbia University. I had lunch with
Bart a couple of years ago in Connecticut. He still keeps his glove in his car, as do I! Two great guys. Made my first year at DES a teacher/coach’s delight.”
CLASS OF 1979
f Former D-E coach, teacher and administrator Vincent deLalla (1973-1979) had breakfast in October with former D-E coach and teacher Bobby Meyer (1976-1991). The submitted photo is a reenactment of their infamous towel-cooling incident..
CLASS
OF 1983
f Ralph L. Wolf lives with his wife and three children on the Upper West Side. After a career making paintings, Ralph went to Fordham Law School (’06). Ralph has been with the NYS Unified Court System his entire legal career. He now works in the Office for Justice Initiatives, where, among other things, he is the Director of the Attorney Emeritus Program ( https://www.nysattorneyemeritus.law/). Ralph is running for Civil Court Judge and his campaign website is: https://ralphforcivilcourt.com.
CLASS OF 1984
f Mirna Goldberger shares this update:
”I am a grandma!
I am sorry, I could not make it to our 40th year reunion. For a quick note, I am in my 11th year teaching Spanish at the MS and HS level at the Brimmer and May School in Chestnut Hill, MA. My oldest child, Gabriela (30), is living in Brooklyn, NY, and my youngest, Amanda (27), is living in Charlottesville, VA. I am delighted to share that we are about to celebrate my first grandchild’s (Olivia
Rae) birthday in December, and I could not be happier to see this rascal shine forward. Forty years after my one-year gig at D-E, I am thankful that each one of you welcomed me so readily into the school’s family. Wishing everyone well!”
CLASS OF 1984
f With great sadness, Dwight-Englewood School informs you that Mindy Merdinger Blackstock passed away on Monday, October 14, 2024. Mindy was the sister of Matthew Merdinger ’87
Here is a note from Mindy’s family that they requested we share with the Dwight-Englewood School Community: “We are devastated to inform you of the passing on Monday, October 14, of Mindy Merdinger Blackstock, Class of ’84. Mindy is survived by her daughter, Bayla Blackstock; her parents, Susan Greenfield (Norberto de la Rosa) and Edward Merdinger (Marsha); her brother, Matthew Merdinger (Maya Levy Merdinger) and their children, Ellie and Eytan; her beloved life partner, Andrew Lambert and his son, Austin. A more kind, gentle, refined, compassionate, empathetic, and erudite person did not exist. She was truly beautiful through and through. She attended the DwightEnglewood School, Mount Holyoke College, and Benjamin Cardozo Law School. She had a passionate love for knitting, literature, Young Judaea, cats, time spent in Amherst, Massachusetts, with her maternal grandparents, and, above all else, her daughter Bayla. To know Mindy was to love Mindy.”
f Current D-E President of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Ami Vaidya P’24, ’26 , climbed Mount Kilimanjaro this past summer along with fellow trustee member Carolyn Fuld P’17, ’21, ’26. The following article was posted on Hackensack Meridian Health’s website:
”Newswise — As the Co-Chief of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology and Vice Chair, Dept. Obstetrics & Gynecology at Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH), Dr. Ami Vaidya is at the top of her field. Recently, the surgical oncologist learned what it was like to feel on top of the world after reaching the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The ambitious hike has been a bucket list challenge she’s been dreaming about since junior high.
“In 7th grade social studies, I had the opportunity to study Kenya, and I learned it borders Mt. Kilimanjaro, and I thought, wow, this is fascinating. I would love to get to the top of that point someday! So, as a 12-year-old, I filed it away in my mind. I went off to college and med school, and of course, after becoming a physician with a cancer specialty – there’s no time to do that,” Dr. Vaidya said.
But the goal never left her mind. And after years of putting others first – including her husband and two daughters, her all-female gynecologic cancer
surgery team at the John Theurer Cancer Center, and countless patients – Dr. Vaidya decided it was time to do something for herself. She took the plunge to climb the 19,341 feet of Africa’s tallest peak.
“It’s the classic story for every woman – we don’t prioritize ourselves. But I was ready to challenge myself physically, and an opportunity arose to do something for me. This time, there was no reason to say no. And so my training began.
”Months of training locally in NJ through Bear Mountain and doing long walks carrying free weights in a backpack eventually led her to that place in Africa that she studied and fantasized about as a child.
“It took five days to go up. In the first few days, feeling removed from my world and my existence was refreshing. I felt well-trained and well-prepared. We had our oxygen levels checked daily and were constantly asked about how we were feeling in case of altitude sickness. I felt fantastic until about 15,000 feet,” she said.
Then, Dr. Vaidya went from feeling on top of the world to one of the lowest points of her life. Somewhere between 15,000 and 19,000 feet she began suffering from oxygen deprivation. It turns out that her levels had dropped to a dangerously low 60%—an unfamiliar feeling for this successful doctor, who has always told others to keep fighting.
“Being a surgeon, I’m supposed to be the ship’s captain. I’m the one who advocates for the patient and leads the team. Now suddenly, I’m the one in this vulnerable position who needs help. I needed the support of my friends and the leaders on the trip,” she admitted.“
I felt like I couldn’t do it. I mean, I couldn’t breathe. But I also had something to prove to myself. I could not fail. And my hiking team did not let me fail. They continued to give me oxygen and at one point when I became hypothermic, even in 5 layers, another man gave me his down jacket. So the power of the team and the power of friends and this incredible community all came through,” Dr. Vaidya added.
And with that, she got to the top of the peak, blazing a brand new kind of trail for herself and any other woman who needs a challenge. Now, back to work saving lives at HMH, Dr. Vaidya says that with
May being Women’s Health Month, now may be the perfect time to set a new goal.
“It doesn’t have to be climbing a mountain! But it is important to take care of ourselves both physically and psychologically. Because when we’re fully healthy and fulfilled, we can be so much more to the people who rely on us. And you don’t have to do it alone. I have learned time and time again that there’s real power in trusting others and in having a great team,” she said.”
CLASS OF 1993
Jenn Iannaconi shares this career update:
”My company was on the news in Boston!
For the past 7 years or so I have been herding cats (managing operations) for an enrichment program in Massachusetts. We run Live Action Role Playing Events for kids 10 and up. I’m not actually in the video, but you can see the results of a lot of hard work here. LARP Adventure Program on Channel 5 Boston . https://youtu.be/Me1SE5tG_F4”
CLASS OF 1994
f Former D-E teacher and coach Elizabeth “Betsey” Carson shared this photo and note on Facebook in October:”I love Serendipity experiences! I was feeling a tad blue leaving Boulder, but as I lined up to board the plane in Denver, I spotted someone, a former student. But I told myself it couldn’t be—not in
Denver. But then she got in line, and immediately, I knew it was! It was Jodi Erenburg Kleiner —a former seventh-grade student—and her parents! My mood brightened immediately! Thank you, Jodi!”
CLASS OF 1999
f Chad Mekles is pictured here with fellow D-E alumni and former Bulldog basketball players Jordan McKoy ’19 and David Mager ’22, and current D-E students Kaveer D. (son of Kalpana Bains ’99), Diego H. (son of Eric Hochstadt ’97), Melody P., and Krishna M. at a CMEK basketball camp. Chad is the Founder and Program Director of CMEK. It’s so exciting to see our alumni giving back to the next generation. Go Bulldogs!
CLASS OF 2002
f Liz Hirsch, a writer, art historian, and educator and artist Joshua Smith co-founded the 839 gallery. It is situated in the Hollywood media district and is open Saturdays and by appointment. The gallery program will initially focus on contemporary artists from Los Angeles and New York working in a range of media. The gallery will represent artists Nichelle
Dailey, Olivia Gibian, Andrés Janacua, Kyle Knodell, Natalie Lerner, Carolyn Lockhart Schoerner, Joshua Smith, and the estate of Joshua Caleb Weibley. Visit us at 839gallery.com or follow us on Instagram at @839gallery !
CLASS OF 2002
f Dan McCabe’s play, The Purists, enjoyed a highly successful run last fall at London’s renowned Kiln Theatre. Initially directed by Billy Porter at Boston’s Huntington Theatre, the play is a high-energy comedy featuring a hilarious rap battle while exploring deeper themes of race, sexuality, identity, and musical authenticity. Dan’s father, long-time D-E photography teacher John McCabe, attended opening night, where there was a full house, roars of laughter, and a standing ovation.
CLASS OF 2005
f Super Lawyers recognized counsel Hugh Baran of Katz Banks Kumin law firm in NYC as a 2024 “Rising Star” for his work in plaintiff-side employment law.
From the Katz Banks Kumin website:
“For the past decade, Mr. Baran has worked to advance
the rights of working people. His practice focuses on representing workers in wage theft claims and claims of discrimination, in both class actions and individual cases (in court or arbitration). He has represented workers in a wide range of industries, including nurses, entertainers, and building service workers. He also advises workers about severance negotiations/agreements, non-compete provisions and other employment contract provisions, and other legal issues, and represents workers and organizations in appellate litigation.”
To learn more about Hugh’s career, please check his bio at https://lnkd.in/erMEsBZp
CLASS OF 2006
f Dennis Perales married Jillian Tayeh on Saturday, October 5, in Southampton, NY. Dennis is a Director of Health Analytics at WTW in New York City. Pictured from left to right are the Class of 2006 alumni who attended the wedding: David Mass, Alexandra Newman, Victor Rodriguez, Nicholas Tordella , Jake Baer, Matthew Katz, Alan Glick, Michael Richman, Erman Agirnasli, Griffin Newman, Justin Samuels, William Nazarian, David Primak, Kofi Boakye, Raffi Aynilian, Jean-Marc Saleh, Alex Huttle, Dennis Perales (groom), Jillian Tayeh (bride)
CLASS OF 2006
f Sara Pullman Faktor and her husband, Dr. Derek Faktor, welcomed their first child, Thea Florence Faktor, on November 6, 2024..
CLASS OF 2017
f Zach Florman has started a new position as Communications Director at the U.S. House of Representatives for Rep. Laura Friedman (CA-30).
CLASS OF 2018
f Henrique Neves is a third-year student at Harvard University Law School. He graduated cum laude from Harvard College with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy with Government as a Secondary Field. Henrique was the featured Baritone at a recent Harvard Baroque Chamber Orchestra Concert of Prelude performance in the Memorial Church Sanctuary at Harvard Yard. Henrique’s performance begins at 11-minute mark in this YouTube video.Enjoy!https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=RfUyRgm2Ze0
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CLASS
f Caroline Yaffa joined WSPA 7 News in September. She is a Multimedia Journalist (MMJ) covering politics, anything statehouse-related, and, therefore, all South Carolina statewide news.
She is based in Columbia, but her station is WSPA 7 News, which is market 36. 7 News covers Asheville, Anderson, Spartanburg, Greensboro, Pickens, and Hendersonville.She has covered various South Carolina news items, including Hurricane Helene cleanup, F.E.M.A. press conferences, Earthquakes, Highway Patrol Troopers over Thanksgiving, and even robots on South Carolina’s campus!
Here is Caroline’s bio from the WSPA 7News website,
“The New York City native graduated with honors and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in May of 2024.
During Caroline’s time at UNC-Chapel Hill, she was an on-camera reporter, analyst, and anchor for Sports Xtra, the journalism school’s sports network, as well as a production assistant for GoHeels Production, which broadcasts most of UNC’s ESPN and ACC network home games in Chapel Hill. Caroline was the Women’s Basketball Emcee for the 2023-24 season and was on the jumbotron in front of sold-out crowds of over 8,000 people.”
CLASS OF 2021
f Paris Cooke-Brown has been selected as a 2025 recipient of the Virgil Abloh “Post-Modern” Scholarship, presented by the Fashion Scholarship
Fund (FSF)!
This prestigious award celebrates creativity and innovation in the fashion industry. FSF and Virgil Abloh represent everything Paris values and has aspired to since launching her business, Visionaries Empowered Through Art (VETA), three years ago.
CLASS OF 2023
f Montana Nicks ’23 is gearing up for her second season on the Sacred Heart University Girls’ Basketball team in Fairfield, CT. When not playing basketball, Montana has helped launch the inaugural chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority at Sacred Heart, where she serves as president. She invited current D-E faculty member Dr. Ari Easley-Houser to “pin” her at the initiation ceremony. Montana and Dr. Easley-Houser are pictured here at the ceremony.
CLASS OF 2024
f Christina Rego ’24 and Sarah Roth ’21 shared the following note:
“After covid-19 took away our Freshman and Senior seasons, we’re so excited to be finally playing together! Bringing the Bulldog energy up to Hamilton has been so great. We’re so ready to get into the swing of the college season!!” Go Bulldogs!
Calling All Dwight, ESB and D-E Alumni, Families, and Friends!
Save the Dates for Reunion 2025: October 24 -26, 2025
Celebrating special milestone celebrations for class years ending with 0 and 5!
• Retired Faculty Classroom Dedications!
• Distinguished Alumni Award Ceremony!
• Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony
• Major Reunion Class Parties
For details please see the Inside Back Cover and/ or scan the QR Code!
In Memoriam
Alumni/ae
DWIGHT 1944
Patricia Hooven 8/23/2024
Sister of the late Cornelia “Connie” Hooven Evans D ’47
ESB 1947
Richard Button
1/30/2025
(See obituary and profile for Dick Button on next page)
ESB 1948
Warren Kurzrock 8/2024
DWIGHT 1952
Barbara Bruce Hodge 06/2024
Sister of the late Roger Bruce ESB ’50
Nancy McDougald Dickson 7/31/2024
Daughter of the late Nancy Haight McDougald D ’27; sister of Frank McDougald ESB ’56
Dwight 1954
Nancy Eastwood O’Farrell 11/6/24
Sister of the late Janet Eastwood Cohen Dwight ’57 and the late Walter J. Eastwood, Jr., ESB ’59
ESB 1954
Jean “John” Cornet 10/25/2024
Husband of longtime former English and Drama teacher Jane Sharp Cornet, brother of the late Marie Cornet Van Doren D ’51, Helene Cornet Clarke D ’50 and Jacques Cornet ESB ’54; and brother-in-law of the late Mary Lou Aragona Cornet D’57; cousin of Richard de la Chapelle ESB’51, the late Peter de la Chapelle ESB ’52 and the late Anne de la Chapelle Morris D’50 (see obituary for John under ESB 1954 Class Notes)
DWIGHT 1955
Frederika Cartwright Schrider 1/3/2025
Sister of Edna Cartwright Kutner D ’53, Aunt of Pat Kutner Fiume ’73, Joe Kutner ’75, Luke Kutner ’80, and Casey Kutner ’92; Mother of Michael Kutner ’77 and Barbara Cartwright Erlandson D’51
Louise Stanley Pitkin
12/11/2023
Mother of Victoria Pitkin ’84 and Katherine Pitkin Rees ’86; sister of Eleanor Stanley Greene D ’58 and Alfred Stanley ESB ’72
Editor’s note: updated version of Louise’s notice from the last D-E Today issue
ESB 1955
David Earle
1/13/2025
Brother of Paul Evans ESB ’57; Son of the late Elizabeth Ingraham Earle D’35 and the late David Earle ESB ’35; Nephew of the late Ruth Earle Brittan ’34, Caroly Ingraham Evans D’40, Dudley Evans ESB ’37, and Frank “Buddy” Evans ESB ’42; Cousin of Randy Evans ESB ’65 and Peter Evans ESB ’68.
DWIGHT 1957
Emily Atwood Kruger 9/30/2024
Sister of the late Stanley Atwood ESB ’56
Sara Heilman Straney 3/28/2023
Sister of the late Julie Heilman Habers ’59
DWIGHT 1959
Frances Cassebaum Galloway 6/23/2022
Sister of Anne Cassebaum D ’61 and Mary Cassebaum Meyers D’66
DWIGHT 1967
Mary Goodbody 8/19/2024
Sister of Katharine Goodbody D ’69, Thomas Goodbody ESB ’64, and Peter Goodbody ’85
Dwight 1969
Shawna Carboni 12/28/2024
ESB 1970
Dr. Andrew “Scott” Lasser 10/23/2024
Brother of Robin Lasser Case ’74 (Editor’s Note: see obituary notice in Class Notes)
D-E 1974
Tamara “Tammy” Weinstein 8/26/2024
Sister of Claudia Weinstein ’78 and Matthew Weinstein ’82 (see obituary notice in Class Notes)
D-E 1975
Ellen Bonacarti 11/24/2024
Sister of Emily Bonacarti Nolfo D ’69, Alexander Bonacarti III ESB ’72, Lisa Bonacarti Callaway ’74, Alexandra Bonacarti ’81, and Christopher Bonacarti ’84
D-E 1981
Kimberly Kloman Huddleston 7/10/2024
Sister of David Kloman ’79
DE 1982
Michael Cino 2/11/2025
Brother of Debbie Cino Dennerlein ’83 and Tammy Cino Pryor ’85
D-E 1984
Mindy Merdinger Blackstock 10/14/2024
Sister of Matthew Merdinger ’87
D-E 2013
Cheyenne Paulson 4/22/2023
D-E 2017
Geewon “Victoria” Lee 7/28/2024
In Remembrance: Dick Button ESB ’47
With great sadness, Dwight-Englewood School informs you that Richard “Dick” Totten Button ESB ’47 passed away on January 30, 2025 in North Salem, NY, at the age of 95. Dick received the D-E Distinguished Alumni Award on June 3, 2017, in recognition of an illustrious career in figure skating and as a sports commentator and producer. He was a Harvard graduate and a figure-skating great, having been the first skater to land a double axel and triple jump in competition, invented the Flying Camel spin, and made the first Grand Slam sweep of all the major titles: United States, North America, European, World, and
Olympic Championships. He earned Olympic gold medals in 1948 and 1952 and was inducted to the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 1976.
After retiring from competition, Dick moved into sportscasting for major TV networks, including covering several Winter Olympic Games, for more than 50 years. In 1959, he founded Candid Productions, a TV production company that presented skating competitions and reality programming. In 1981, Dick won an Emmy for Outstanding Sports Personality and was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame as the first honoree of the “Sports Analyst”
category in 2015. In addition, he is the author of Dick Button on Skates (1955) and Push Dick’s Button: A Conversation on Skating from a Good Part of the Century – and a Little Tomfoolery (2013). He was also a national spokesperson for the Brain Injury Association of America.
Dick is survived by his longtime partner, Dennis Grimaldi; his son, Edward Button; and his daughter, Emily Button.
Former Faculty & Staff
Dolores Cozzi
8/4/2024
Former Middle School Secretary and College Guidance Office Manager; mother of Timothy Cozzi ’88
Kevin Herron
1/3/2025
Father of Jamie Herron ’04 and Casey Herron ’98
Family and Friends
Felice Baran
11/9/2024
Mother to Adam Baran ’99 and Hugh Baran ’05
Katherine Serena Carson
10/21/2024
Wife of former longtime D-E English teacher, administrator, and coach Robert Carson; sister-in-law of former longtime D-E History teacher and coach Elizabeth “Betsey” Carson; mother of Robert Carson ’87, Peter Carson ’89, and Katharine Carson Miller ’90
Barbara Corriston
9/16/2024
Wife of the late E. Carter Corriston ESB ’53; mother of Kevin Corriston ’76, Terrence “Terry” Corriston ’78 and Timothy Corriston ’79
Marcia Kirsh
1/11/2025
Mother of Jordana Kirsh Berger ’99 and Ross Kirsh ’01
Edward Kranepool
9/9/2024
Father of Edward Keith Kranepool ’87
Ruth Kudlow
9/10/2024
Mother of Lawrence Kudlow ESB ’65 and Mark Kudlow ESB ’69
Leda M. Lefcovich 5/28/2024
Mother of Sandra Lefcovich ’83 and Paola Lefcovich Comer ’93
Diane MacDonald 11/10/2024
Mother of Melinda MacDonald Twomey ’76, David MacDonald ’86, and J. Christoper MacDonald ’80
Nancy O’Connor Charnee 12/1/2024
Mother of Alexis Charnee ’91
Margaret Plotnick 9/11/2024
Mother of Jennifer Plotnick Backer ’87
John Scott III 8/4/2024
Former President of the D-E Board of Trustees and Trustee Emeritus; father of Julia Leigh Harrison Scott ’91 and Robert Augustus Gus Thornton-Scott ’95
Joel Sherman 9/9/2024
Father of William Sherman ’81, Michele Sherman-Entner ’83 and Laurence Sherman ’88
Berta York 1/21/2025
Grandmother and guardian of Randi Cutler ’08 and Miles Cutler ’10
Bulldog Bookshelf
If you are a D-E alumna, alumnus, student or parent, a current or former member of our faculty and/or staff, please submit your Bulldog Bookshelf feature. Please submit online by scanning the QR code or forward information about your music or publication(s) to: alumninews@d-e.org.
Please plan to provide scanned/electronic files of cover art images and/or any relevant press releases, biographical information, etc. when submitting your publication(s) for consideration. In lieu of electronic files, hard copies are accepted.
Peter Balakian ESB ’69
“ Moonlight”
A poem published in the print edition of the June 24, 2024 New Yorker magazine issue I was walking through the muddy pastures of Woodstock. Even now, what do I know?
My days on the football field were numbered. And—then—what did I know?
I pumped iron, ran down-and-outs— followed a pulling guard. It was 1969 and men had just landed on the moon; we watched it on TV two miles from where a car went off a bridge at Chappaquiddick.
And so—Chappa-quid-dick floated in the air; what matters more, the bridge or the moon?
Then—I thought I understood the moonlight on the water snakes in “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.”
I knew that three women broke down the door at McSorley’s that summer. Liberty was not just for men on the moon.
I walked out of McSorley’s with Coleridge’s poem in my pocket, uplifted by their breakthrough.
I didn’t know Coleridge was high on dope. I thought I knew his poem was an ode to love.
When I entered the pasture of love Canned Heat needled my head. The sky was acid blue.
Whatever I knew—I didn’t know. The moon stared over the groaning planet and that pasture.
Peter Balakian is the author of books including “No Sign” and “Ozone Journal,” which won the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for poetry. He teaches at Colgate University.
Gina
Charles P ’18, ’20 Life’s Love Song
Austin Macauley Publishers
March 2024
The Trestin family, with their enviable upper-middle-class life, large house, and prestigious school, is the epitome of aspiration - until their perfect world begins to crumble. Maddie and Duncan, basking in the glow of admiration at school, find their star status dimming as a series of misfortunes strikes the family. Illness, injury, and the turbulent tides of high school romance test them all. United, the Trestins draw strength from one another, facing each challenge head-on. In the midst of turmoil, they discover the true value of what they have, learning a profound lesson in what matters most in life.
Gina Charles lives in Westwood, New Jersey with her husband, Francois. They have two grown children, Lachlan and Sloan, and have enjoyed living in and exploring multiple states. They settled back in Bergen County for good in 2013. As an empty nester, she decided to write that book she had always dreamed of writing. Gina has a BA in English and Communication and MA in English/ Writing from the University of Dayton. She spent her first few professional years working as a television news producer before switching professions and working as a print editor. She spent the next 20 years “working” as a mother and volunteering for multiple organizations.
Adam Kolber P ’28, ’32
Punishment for the Greater Good Oxford University Press
June 2024
Over ten million people are incarcerated throughout the world, even though punishment theorists have struggled for centuries to morally justify the practice. Theorists usually address criminal justice under abstract, idealized conditions that assume away real-world uncertainty. We don’t have time, however, to wait for a perfect moral theory, and the history of
philosophy suggests we will never find it. Punishment for the Greater Good examines the justification of punishment in the here and now and defends an approach that focuses on deterrence, incapacitation and rehabilitation.
Animated book teaser: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=8jzzERXbbCo
Former Faculty Dennis Minsky
Peculiar and Superior: A Year-Rounder in Provincetown
Provincetown Independent Books
December 2024
Many people know of Provincetown, but no one knows the real bones of the place quite like year-rounder and naturalist Dennis Minsky. He has observed its abundance of life – animal and human – since he hitchhiked here in 1968 and stayed.
This collection of his Provincetown Independent columns documents with compassion for his fellow inhabitants the rhythms, quirks, and delights of living at the end of the world.
Praise from Philip Hoare: “Whales, birds, artists, plumbers, dogs, buildings, everyday frustrations, quiet successes: Minsky’s realtime cast and setting create a revealing mosaic of what it is like to live in the 21st century, with all its joys and pressures, its forebodings and its ecstasies, and he does it with enviable empathy and a great deal of wry humour.”
John Peters ’83 and Pamela Dovellos
Greek proverbs and sayings: Proverbs and sayings from Plato to Yiayia
Independently published
November 2024
Greek Proverbs and Sayings” is a delightful journey through the wit, wisdom, and timeless truths of Greece, co-authored by John T. Peters and Pamela Dovellos. Blending ancient proverbs with modern sayings, this book offers thought-provoking insights, humor, and a fresh perspective on life. Whether you’re of Greek descent
or simply intrigued by the rich cultural heritage of Greece, you’ll find yourself laughing, learning, and reflecting on the meaning behind these sayings. John and Pamela, both passionate about preserving Greek traditions, have woven together a collection that will inspire and entertain readers of all backgrounds.
Sophia Rosenfeld ’84
The Age of Choice: A History of Freedom in Modern Life
Princeton University Press
February 2025
Choice touches virtually every aspect of our lives, from what to buy and where to live, to whom to love, what profession to practice, and even what to believe. Indeed, it could be called one of the key aspirations of modern life, the meeting point of capitalism and
Submit your work to Bulldog Bookshelf
If you are a D-E alumna, alumnus, student, or parent, a current or former member of our faculty and/or staff, please submit your Bulldog Bookshelf feature. Please submit online by scanning the QR code or forward information about your music or publication(s) to: alumninews@d-e.org.
https://alumni.d-e.org/page/ bulldog-bookshelf
democracy. But the option to choose based on personal preferences is not something we always possessed or even aspired to. Moreover, we have been warned as of late by everybody from marketing gurus to philosophers to psychologists about all the negative consequences stemming from our ever-expanding obsession with choice. It turns out that not only are we pretty bad at determining our personal desires, we are also overwhelmed with too many possibilities and permanently anxious about what best to select for what ends. There are social costs too. How did this happen? In The Age of Choice, historian Sophia Rosenfeld tells the long, fascinating story of the invention of choice as the defining feature of modern freedom and then explores the consequences.
Sophia Rosenfeld is the Walter H. Annenberg Professor of History at the University of Pennsylvania. She is a D-E Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. She is the author of Democracy and Truth: A Short History and Common Sense: A Political History, among other books. Her writing has also appeared in leading publications such as the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Nation.
Brooke Shields ’83 with Rachel Bertsche
Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old Thoughts on Aging as a Woman
Flatiron Books
January 2025
From generational icon Brooke Shields comes an intimate and empowering exploration of aging that flips the script on the idea of what it means for a woman to grow older
Brooke Shields has spent a lifetime in the public eye. Growing up as a child actor and model, her every feature was scrutinized, her every decision judged. Today Brooke faces a different kind of scrutiny: that of being a “woman of a certain age.”
And yet, for Brooke, the passage of time has brought freedom. At fifty-nine, she
feels more comfortable in her skin, more empowered and confident than she did decades ago in those famous Calvin Kleins. Now, in Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old, she’s changing the narrative about women and aging.
This is an era, insists Brooke, when women are reclaiming agency and power, not receding into the shadows. These are the years when we get to decide how we want to live—when we get to write our own stories.
With remarkable candor, Brooke bares all, painting a vibrant and optimistic picture of being a woman in the prime of her life, while dismantling the myths that have, for too long, dimmed that perception. Sharing her own life experiences with humor and humility, and weaving together research and reporting, Brooke takes aim at the systemic factors that contribute to age-related bias.
By turns inspiring, moving, and galvanizing, Brooke’s honesty and vulnerability will resonate with women everywhere, and spark a new conversation about the power and promise of midlife.
The Annual Fund bridges the gap between tuition and the costs of providing an exceptional program for our students. Participation in the Annual Fund 2024-2025 through a contribution at any amount is sincerely appreciated and representative of our intentional ‘community of learners”. With your support, you can help us meet “the challenges of a changing world, and make it better.”
Please scan the QR code to give online today!*
All-School Spring Carnival
• Sunday, April 27, 12 - 3 PM
• Leggett Field (Rain location: Modell's Sports Complex)
Alumni, Faculty & Staff Spring Fling
• Thursday, May 1, 2025, 5:30 - 7:30 PM
• Location TBD. More details coming soon!
Christian Schmid Pavilion
Dedication
• Saturday, September 13, 2025, Time TBD
• Solomon Field
• More details coming soon!
Reunion 2025 Weekend
• October 24 -26, 2025
• Featuring special celebrations for milestone class years ending with 0 and 5.
• Check for updates on the D-E Reunion 2025 website at https://alumni.d-e.org/e/reunion2025 . Registration will open in early September.
For more information, please get in touch with your alumni Class Representative or the alumni office:
Classes 1935 to 1989
Maria Sanchez Gardner ’78 Director of Alumni
Office: (201) 227-3111
sanchm@d-e.org
Classes 1990 to 2024
Liz Iannaconi ’04
Asst. Director of Alumni Relations Office: (201) 227-3114
