Pages, The Far Hills Magazine, Winter 2022 Edition

WINTER | 2022

CONTENTS |

Colin Brucker '22 high-fives teammates, including Brandon Wood '22.

CONTENTS FEATURED BOARD NEWS

8 COMMUNITY: THE CORNERSTONE FOR OUR LEADERS FH IN ACTION

11

LEANING IN: EMBRACING DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

HIGHLIGHTS

NOTEWORTHY

SCHOOL SPIRIT

3 HEAD START

4 PEP RALLY AND FALCON MASCOT PERSPECTIVES

14 FROM BRILLIANT BEGINNINGS TO GREAT SUCCESS: FAR HILLS ALUMNA, ELIZABETH “LIZZY” CHESSON CONNELL '92

6 CAMPUS NEWS

ABOUT PAGES:

16 ALUMNI NEWS

Pages is published biannually for the alumni, parents, and friends of Far Hills.

17 FACULTY & STAFF NEWS 18 REFLECTIONS

ON OUR COVER: Our community rushed to meet the new Falcon after the big reveal at the Pep Rally. Photo courtesy of Laura Pedrick.

2 | FAR HILLS MAGAZINE | INWARD, OUTWARD, UPWARD

Please direct comments or questions to pages@fhcds.org.

To contribute notices of weddings, births, and personal and professional accomplishments, please send an email to alumni@fhcds.org.

Designed by Allison Curry Design, LLC.

| HEAD START

HEAD START Remarks from Head of School Georgia S. Zaiser

This edition of Pages captures the spirit of Far Hills Country Day School; we are a school community that remains true to our values and mission while constantly evolving and changing to prepare our students “for success in the modern world.”

With our return this fall, we have managed to take our school spirit to the next level. Our Pep Rally captured the unbridled enthusiasm of being together as a community. We hope that the recap you’ll see covered in this edition of Pages will inspire you to join us for future events.

You’ll see as you flip through that we are truly fortunate to be surrounded by such a wonderful group of families who care deeply about our school and the future of our students. Your partnership is invaluable to everything we do. Of course, Far Hills Country Day School would not be the school it is without its dedicated, professional faculty and staff. We’re delighted to share with you what our incredible faculty and staff have been up to in the Notable Faculty and Staff section of this edition.

A school that is not continuously moving forward is a school that is falling behind. We have accomplished so much since our last edition of Pages was published.

Read about our one-of-a-kind mountain bike trail and refreshed tennis and pickleball courts on page 6 to see why they have quickly become some of the students’ favorite additions to our expansive 54-acre campus. Experiential learning is a hallmark of a Far Hills Country Day School education and these new additions offer more transformative places where students stretch to and beyond their comfort zone.

In this edition, you will find other exciting news, including Chris Merton’s successor as Board Chair, Joe Ferraro. The board continues to keep the mission and vision for our school on the cutting edge. They unanimously support the great work we are doing with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and look forward to the future.

As it becomes clear in this issue of Pages, Far Hills Country Day School remains a vibrant learning community steeped in both tradition and innovation.

Enjoy and be well.

Georgia S. Zaiser Head of School

PAGES | WINTER | 3

SCHOOL SPIRIT |

The Far Hills community came out in full force on Friday, October 1, 2021, for our All-School Pep Rally. The seasonably warm evening provided a beautiful canvas for fun on our Athletic Fields. There were games, dancing, food trucks, and so much more, including a high-spirited introduction of our fall sports teams and (drum roll, please) the introduction of our new Falcon mascot! The energy was the perfect kickstart to the 2021–22 school year!

Student Government President Zachary “Zach” Freed '22 inspired the crowd with his speech. Gabrielle “Gabbie” Derilus '27 (left), pictured with Charlotte Macy '28 (right).

Pictured left to right: Mia Vartuli '23, Laurel Donovan '23, Makayla Dye '23, Valentina

GO FALCONS! 4 | FAR HILLS MAGAZINE | INWARD, OUTWARD, UPWARD

Reale '23, Ava Pardilla '23, Schuyler Abramson '23, Audrey Mishima '23, and Ellie Maeda '23.

Cousins Benjamin “Ben” Sobel '27 and Kellan Sudler '30. Eleanor “Ellie” Cusimano '22 (pictured back) and Cameron Weil '22 (pictured front right). Pictured left to right: Blake Evans '22, Colin Brucker '22, and Jacob Zentner '22 lead the soccer team in. *Photos 2, 4, 5, and 6 courtesy of Laura Pedrick.

| SCHOOL SPIRIT

Pictured here is the final design concept from the design team after many revisions to perfect the costume before it made its way into production.

THE NEW AND IMPROVED FALCON MASCOT UNVEILING BEFORE

AFTER

Mother Kristen O’Donnell and her youngest daughter Lilyana are photographed with the old Falcon and then with the new Falcon.

Our community was all cheers as our new Falcon busted through the banner at our Pep Rally. Photo courtesy of Laura Pedrick.

At our All-School Pep Rally, our community met a new and improved familiar face. Our well-known and loved Falcon received a makeover and made its grand debut in front of our faculty, staff, current students, parents, and alumni community. The unveiling of the new Falcon mascot was well-received by our entire community, and the students couldn’t run over fast enough to show our new Falcon some love. We worked with a design team and mascot company to create the new costume from scratch. When working with the designer, they considered our color palette and brand to make the new costume unique to Far Hills. No one will ever have this costume or one close to it. How cool is that?!

Special thanks to the Class of 2021, who donated a portion of their legacy gift to help bring the new mascot to life. We are looking forward to building so many new memories with our community and the new and improved Falcon.

Director of Upper School Emily Seelaus (left) and Head of School Georgia Zaiser (right) posing with the new Falcon.

PAGES | WINTER | 5

CAMPUS NEWS |

(Left) Far Hills Country Day School students explored the new mountain bike trail on campus this fall. Pictured left to right: Tyler Mo '22, Caspar von Hollen '22, Graydon Dziadzio '25; in the back: Jacob Zentner '22. (Right) Far Hills Country Day School student Valentina Reale '23 played tennis on the new courts on Thursday, September 30, 2021.

NEW ON CAMPUS Far Hills Country Day School has officially unveiled a new mountain bike trail, pickleball courts, and refreshed tennis courts for the 2021–22 school year.

Michael Petillo, President of Petillo Inc., Far Hills Country Day School parent, and the school’s Chair of our Buildings and Grounds Committee, provided the leadership, manpower, and equipment to reconstruct the tennis courts that now feature pickleball court lines and clear our mountain bike trail.

“In addition to our four beautifully manicured athletic fields, three tennis courts, our on-campus one-mile cross country course, our Fitness Course, and our 15-element high and low ropes course, I have always wanted to add a mountain bike trail

through the woods on campus because I like to include fitness activities that kids love to enjoy and that encourage lifetime fitness,” said Ron Sansone, Far Hills Country Day School Director of Athletics.

“We celebrate the wonder of our 54-acre campus that provides our students with incredible outdoor opportunities,” said Georgia S. Zaiser, Far Hills Country Day School Head of School. “Our campus offers our students so many ways to explore, connect, and learn. These new features will certainly be put to good use.”

“Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America, and although we have been playing in our Physical Education classes for years, we now have official nets, court

lines, and equipment,” Sansone continued.

“Mountain biking is also one of the fastestgrowing sports in America; in fact, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been near impossible even to find a bike to purchase.

We have a large population of students who mountain bike outside of school, so I wanted to provide them the opportunity to do it here at school. As a result, many other students are now taking an interest in both pickleball and mountain biking—both in and out of school.”

The many attractions on the Far Hills Country Day School campus are available for use by members of Far Hills Country Day School, including students, faculty, and staff.

GOLF WRAP UP The lush rolling hills of Hamilton Farm Golf Club in Gladstone, NJ, once again hosted our annual Golf Classic on Monday, October 4, 2021. Over seventy golfers, spanning novice to pro playing levels, took to the course for friendly competition—that is until Mother Nature decided she wanted in on the action, too. Luckily, all golfers were able to complete at least nine holes of play. In addition to golf, the day’s festivities included a dinner reception, a silent auction, and raffle prizes. Despite the rain-shortened play, attendees enjoyed the company of each other and supported Far Hills at the same time.

The Far Hills Country Day School community always comes together to make the sunny days easy and the rainy days we face even easier. We are so grateful "fore" the continued commitment of our sponsors and players to Far Hills Country Day School.

6 | FAR HILLS MAGAZINE | INWARD, OUTWARD, UPWARD

Current parents Trent '89 (Trustee Emeritus) and Priscilla (Trustee) Miller, and former parents, Chris (Trustee Emeritus) and Beth Mikosh.

| CAMPUS NEWS

FALCONS IN THE SPOTLIGHT ARIA KANE: FROM TV TO VIDEO GAMES Far Hills Country Day School Grade 2 student Aria Kane has been active in theater, TV, and film since 2019. She started her professional acting career at the age of five when she appeared in the Saturday Night Live parody of a Macy’s holiday commercial in December 2019. Shortly after, COVID-19 hit and halted all productions. Once things picked up, she was cast as “Gracie Cartwright“ on FBI: Most Wanted on CBS and as “Young Liz Keen” on The Blacklist on NBC. Aria can be heard voicing the pink-haired, feline wizard “Nana” in the video game Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and as one of the English singers for a program that teaches English to Korean kids, called English Egg. Most recently, Aria appeared in a Saturday Night Live skit on November 13, 2021. Scan the QR code to watch!

CHARLOTTE SURAK ON BROADWAY On Tuesday, October 19, 2021, Far Hills Country Day School Preschool student Charlotte Surak made her Broadway debut as Lulu in Waitress.

Charlotte’s run on the show coincides with Jennifer Nettle’s run in the leading role as Jenna. Charlotte took her final Waitress bow on Wednesday, November 24, 2021.

JOSSELYN WOLF: THRILLED TO BE IN A MOVIE Far Hills Country Day School Grade 8 student Josselyn Wolf recently acted in an independent feature horror film, The Tale of Karter Sai, playing the role of “Young Lucy."

The Katha Productions film was directed by Sheru Arora. It is slated to premiere in 2022.

SAHARA MUHAMMAD '22 RECEIVES IEA CDB SCHOLARSHIP Far Hills Country Day School Grade 8 student Sahara Muhammad of Somerset, NJ, is the recipient of The Institute of Educational Advancement (IEA) Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship (CDB). The CDB is a four-year high school scholarship for gifted learners to attend an optimally matched high school program to help them work toward meeting their unique intellectual and personal potential.

for Talented Youth (CTY) talent search for her exceptionally high SAT score. Her SAT performance also resulted in her being invited to join CTY’s Julian C. Stanley Study of Exceptional Talent (SET) program. Students qualify for SET by taking the SAT before age 13 and scoring at least 700 on either the Math or Verbal (Critical Reading or Evidence-Based Reading and Writing) test.

“I am so proud of Sahara and am delighted for her family,” said Georgia S. Zaiser, Far Hills Country Day School Head of School. “What an incredible achievement and opportunity for this young scholar. We look forward to seeing how Sahara seizes the moment and soars to her highest potential.”

Sahara’s SAT performance was also recognized by the Davidson Institute for Talent Development, which accepted her into their highly competitive Davidson’s Young Scholars program. This program offers enrichment programs and services designed to nurture the intellectual, social, emotional, and academic development of profoundly intelligent young people between the ages of 5 and 18.

Students apply for the Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship in the seventh grade and are required to complete a rigorous portfolio application process, which includes essays, middle school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a work sample.

Eligible applicants must also achieve scores at or above the 97th percentile on nationally normed standardized tests.

Sahara previously received the Grand Honors Award in the Johns Hopkins Center

Sahara also qualified for the Mathleague state championship as both a Grade 5 and Grade 6 student.

In addition to her academic excellence, Sahara also enjoys playing tennis for Far Hills in the fall and is excited to lead the fencing team this winter. As part of her commitment to community service, she serves as a peer tutor in math [in her spare time].

Stone Soup, a literary magazine and website 100% written and illustrated by kids through age 13, recently named a story written by Sahara on their Honor Roll. The story is titled The Royal Lottery of Aesangelis.

Congratulations, Sahara!

PAGES | WINTER | 7

BOARD NEWS |

Community:

The Cornerstone for our Leaders This July, after eight years of service on our Board of Trustees, the latter four as our Board Chair, Chris Merton will be handing the baton to Board member Joseph (Joe) Ferraro. The Far Hills Country Day School community has deep gratitude for the leadership and support we received from Chris and for Joe’s willingness to guide us into the future of Far Hills Country Day School.

Chris joined the Far Hills Country Day School community in 1975 as a third grader. He graduated from ninth grade in 1982 and went on to boarding school at St. George’s in Newport, RI. In 1985, he began his college career and graduated from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst with a BA in Education. The following fall, Chris was asked to help out a friend on Wall Street; ten short years later, Chris left the investment banking world and moved to NJ. Chris began teaching at Far Hills Country Day School in 2001.

He taught Physical Education, Lower School Math, Upper School History, and even worked in the Development Office until 2007.

Wanting to satisfy an entrepreneurial urge, Chris left teaching and purchased 50% of a coffee roasting business based in Burlington, VT. In 2012, he purchased the rest of the company and moved the headquarters and roasting operation to Whitehouse Station, NJ. Today his company, Black River Roasters, has been operating for over seven years and is considered one of the top socially responsible artisan coffee roasting companies in NJ. Chris has two children who are both “lifers” at Far Hills Country Day School. His daughter Willa is currently a junior at the Hotchkiss School, and his son Wilder is in Grade 8 at Far Hills. Their mother, Juliana (Jazz) Johnson graduated from Far Hills Country Day School in 1992. Chris became a Far Hills Country Day School Board member in 2014, being named Board Chair in 2018.

Chris reflects on his 46+ years with Far Hills Country Day School with fondness.

“I had a great experience as a student at Far Hills Country Day School and, to this day, have so many lasting memories from experiences that truly shaped the person that I am today,” said Chris. “My best friends are from Far Hills, and although we don’t necessarily live close to each other, we talk frequently and get together as a group at least once a year. Every time we are together, we cannot help but revisit a plethora of stories and oftentimes reenact some of the more hysterical ones, which is when the laughter becomes contagious.”

“I guess in some way it is a desire to give back that does keep me involved; however, there is still something about driving onto campus 8 | FAR HILLS MAGAZINE | INWARD, OUTWARD, UPWARD

and walking inside that feels right,” Chris continued. “Of course, there is that sense of belonging, and as I realize today, some 46 years later, the culture of our community hasn’t changed much. Year in and year out, the students continue to experience the support, warmth, and joy that is ever-present at Far Hills. They will leave this community ready for their next journey with an unparalleled understanding of kindness, honesty, respect, responsibility, and leadership.”

“The relationships and camaraderie with teachers and peers are where I draw the bulk of my fondest memories. Laughing, learning, and celebrating seemed to happen daily at Far Hills, and for that, I am eternally grateful.” — Chris Merton During his time on Far Hills Country Day School’s Board of Trustees, Chris leveraged those character traits and skills to ensure he was doing the best he could for our community. “I made decisions based on the support and input of the trustees, the school administrators, and the faculty. I had to be a good listener and a firm negotiator. We had some definite challenges during my tenure, and I am proud of our decisions.

In hindsight, it looks like our hard work is beginning to pay off.”

Getting Chris to name a favorite memory of Far Hills Country Day School is impossible. “I have so many that it is hard to name just one,” Chris said. “Whether it was on the athletic fields, the stage (backstage with the crew for me), in a classroom, or in the Cafe, it always came down to the relationships. The relationships and camaraderie with teachers and peers are where I draw the bulk of my fondest memories.

Laughing, learning, and celebrating seemed to happen daily at Far Hills, and for that, I am eternally grateful.”

When asked what he’ll miss most about being the Board Chair, Chris said, “I will miss the opportunity to have discussions and seek answers from such a passionate and dedicated group of Trustees. Our Board is comprised of many talented individuals with such diversity of thought that it truly makes for some of the most rewarding—and often challenging—conversations. I will also most certainly miss my weekly meetings with Georgia [Zaiser, Head of School].”

Head of School Georgia Zaiser with Chris Merton

Chris stresses that getting involved at Far Hills Country Day School is immensely rewarding. “We have a supportive community that new parents and families can rely on for answers to their questions.

There is a social aspect upon which this community thrives and it is an opportunity to be part of something unique and successful that ultimately benefits our students.”

Joe agrees. “Once we knew Far Hills was going to be ‘our school,’ it was important to us to become active community participants,” said Joe. “I think children are heavily influenced not just by what their parents say, but by how they act, and especially by what they see their parents devoting their time to doing. We want [our sons] Charlie and John to see the importance of meaningfully engaging with their teachers, friends, and friends’ families, as well as the benefits of volunteering.”

“What started as simply showing up to fun school events like nights out with the Falcon dads, Back to School Night, Field Day, the Far Hills Gala, and more, grew into joining committees for events like the Far Hills Golf Classic, and then being asked to help to chair the Annual Fund (now the Far Hills Fund),” continued Joe. “Such involvement has enabled me to become friends with so many members of our wonderful community over the years, including several current and former members of our Board of Trustees. I was honored when approached to join the Board of Trustees and truly humbled that my contributions have led to my nomination and election as our next Board Chair.”

When not giving his time to Far Hills, Joe serves as the Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary of INNOVATE Corp., where he manages worldwide legal operations for this public diversified holding company (NYSE: VATE). Before joining INNOVATE, Joe was the General Counsel of Prospect Capital Corporation (NASDAQ: PSEC), a business development company, where he also advised multiple Prospect-affiliated registered investment companies, registered investment advisers, and funds. Together with other industry general counsel, Joe promoted and provided Congressional testimony in support of legislation to modernize the business development company provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, which became law in March 2018. Before joining Prospect, Joe was a corporate associate at the law firms of Boies, Schiller & Flexner LLP, and Sullivan &

The Ferraro Family

Cromwell LLP. Joe graduated cum laude from Princeton University with an AB from The Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, and with honors from The Law School at The University of Chicago, where he served on the University of Chicago Law Review as a Staff Member and Managing Editor. Joe also remains actively involved with Delbarton School, from which he graduated as valedictorian.

He sits on the Delbarton Alumni Association Board, acts as a Class Representative ('95), and hosts numerous NYC networking events. Joe has been an active and engaged member of the Far Hills community since 2016, along with his wife Kristy and sons Charlie (Grade 3) and John (Grade 1). Joe has enthusiastically served on numerous school committees and currently sits on the Board’s Finance Committee.

Joe knew Far Hills Country Day School was the right school for his family from the beginning. “No school in the region came close to offering Charlie and John so many of the elements Kristy and I were looking for,” he said. “Having grown up in the area, I was already familiar with Far Hills’ strong reputation and the successes of its graduates, some of whom I knew in high school and college, like Noah Schankler '91. So, when Kristy and I moved here from New York City, we were excited that Far Hills was right down the road. Neighbors like Matt and Jamie Werbel (whose children, Ethan '18 and Abby '21, currently attend Pingry and Kent Place, respectively) also spoke very highly of today’s Far Hills and suggested we take a look. As a result, when the time came to find the right Preschool program for the boys, Far Hills was already at the top of our list.”

“We know our boys have unique personalities and learn in different ways,” Joe continued. “So, it was very important to us that their school allow each to develop, be challenged, and be supported in his unique way. Far Hills has done just that and continues to be an exciting exploration of experiential learning for our boys. Their journey follows a coherent and consistent philosophy for their growth and development into young men and balances academic excellence with emotional intelligence and civic engagement, all while tailoring the journey to their needs.”

Joe will take on the role of Board Chair effective July 1, 2022.

His ultimate goal for Far Hills Country Day School is long-term sustainability.

PAGES | WINTER | 9

“If the crises that have challenged all of us in just the first quarter of this century have anything to teach, I think it is that Far Hills must always be prepared to weather all manner of disruption,” said Joe. “To that end, on the financial front, I aspire to place Far Hills on an even stronger footing. Under Chris’ leadership, our Finance Committee developed a strategic, multi-year plan of fiscal sustainability and growth designed to help us withstand these storms. I am pleased to report that our operating budget and endowment are already reaping significant economic benefits from implementing the recommendations contained in that plan. Yet, there is more to do. My goal is to continue this excellent work and help the Board reinforce the financial foundation upon which we will expand our services and offerings, support our teachers and staff, and ensure that the Far Hills we know and love exists for our children’s children.”

Joe recognizes that fiscal stability alone does not make a world-class school. “That is why another goal of mine is to support our incredible school leadership through proactive engagement,” Joe explained. “Their daily success becomes our long-term success. This includes meeting regularly with the Head of School to discuss the issues of the day, acting as a sounding board for new ideas, conveying my sense of hot topics within our community, as well as local and regional trends and competitors’ best practices, and communicating effectively with all school constituents and our broader community about all things Far Hills.”

Joe applauds the recent track record of accomplishments achieved by Far Hills Country Day School Head of School, Georgia Zaiser, and the School Leadership Team.

“Throughout the pandemic, not only have Georgia and the SLT safely and consistently provided for in-person learning since the start of the 2020–2021 academic year,” Joe said. “But they have done so while increasing enrollment, improving our facilities, and reinvigorating our community spirit—the All-School Pep Rally was a personal favorite. My goal, and the goal of our Board, is to keep these wonderful trends going.”

Community is a cornerstone at Far Hills Country Day School. “Community engagement is another pillar of longterm success,” said Joe. “And to have a community, you need participation. Otherwise, we are not really a community. We are merely in proximity to one another. That is why I also aspire to lead the Board in promoting expanded community engagement, especially as we all continue to get back out there. At Far Hills, the lives of each one of our families become intertwined over many years. My own family’s Far Hills journey will span the course of 13 years, and for some families, it will be even longer! Promoting an openness to encountering others helps Far Hills welcome new families, reconnect old friends, and support students and their families in ways much more powerful than acting alone.”

Thank you, Chris, for your years of dedicated service to Far Hills Country Day School. And thank you, Joe, for working with our community as we continue the Far Hills Country Day School adventure.

10 | FAR HILLS MAGAZINE | INWARD, OUTWARD, UPWARD

GET TO KNOW YOUR NEW BOARD CHAIR, JOE FERRARO Q. What has been your favorite Far Hills experience so far?

A. It’s so hard to pick just one! But

my absolute favorite has to be every Crossing the Bridge Ceremony. It’s just quintessentially Far Hills. The children excitedly file in, then sing “Hey, Look Me Over” before they step up and over that bridge to advance to the next grade while everyone claps in unison. If that doesn’t get you, then the closing performance of “We Are The Young” certainly will. What a wonderful tradition reflecting the spirit of our community!

Q. What do you feel sets FH apart from other schools?

A. Our area is blessed with many top-ranked public and

private schools, each touting its own mix of an innovative (yet rigorous) curriculum, dedicated faculty and staff, attractive extracurriculars, and a focus on character building. But too many of our peer schools approach the child like a product coming off the assembly line, implementing a “top-down” focus entirely on academics or fitting to a uniform outcome.

Our teachers truly meet our students where they are and for who they are, developing well-rounded, secure, and confident achievers excited about charting their unique paths as an engaged part of a dynamic community. It’s no wonder that the best secondary schools in the state and the nation take notice. A Far Hills graduate is not “manufactured,” but instead emerges from the eighth grade as a precocious, intellectually curious adolescent with a sense of purpose and the right academic and emotional tools to handle high school and be a vibrant member of the community. No wonder our Falcons soar to success, and our alumni come back to give their own children the same cherished experience.

Fun Facts about Joe Ferraro 1. I love to cook, especially a dish I’ve never tried before. If

you have a favorite family recipe, please send it my way!

I might just give you one of my own to try in return. But please, no cilantro. Blame my genes because I’m one of those strange people for whom cilantro tastes like soap!

2. My paternal great-grandfather, after whom my youngest son is named, was a professional musician in the early 20th century who played clarinet in John Philip Sousa’s band and Arturo Toscanini’s orchestra.

3. My favorite movie is Amadeus, in no small part because

I had so much fun performing the role of Antonio Salieri back in high school.

| FH IN ACTION

Leaning In: Embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

A

t Far Hills Country Day School, we strive to find a balance of empathy, understanding, and optimism in student learning and create a sense of responsibility and hope in their understanding of themselves as citizens of the world. There is, and always has been, the daily expectation that the Far Hills Country Day School community will be guided by the pillars of respect, responsibility, leadership, kindness, and honesty. This solid foundation serves students well when exploring critical questions about our constantly changing and complex society. Our job as a community is to help children access the tools and skills they need and use them to be creative, compassionate and responsible thinkers.

To this end, in 2020, Far Hills County Day School formed a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee comprised of our head of school Georgia Zaiser, parent Marie Dye, trustee Rohan Arjun, and educator Christina Sopko. The Committee is currently deeply involved in the work of the first two years of a five-year DEI plan. These first years are dedicated to the professional development of faculty, staff, and the Board of Trustees through presentations and consultant input. It develops a common language and understanding within our school community.

“It is important to open up conversations so that we are coming from a place of being informed and educated,” said Christina.

“Through expanding the DEI conversation, we are reaching out to ensure that we have facts, that we share a common language, and we are informed individuals and making responsible choices. We become better people as we expand our worlds to learn from, include, and celebrate each other.”

Christina’s role as DEI Coordinator at Far Hills Country Day School is one she takes very seriously. She has dedicated herself

“IT IS IMPORTANT TO OPEN UP CONVERSATIONS SO THAT WE ARE COMING FROM A PLACE OF BEING INFORMED AND EDUCATED.” to extensive training through many DEI workshops, presentations, seminars, and classes to expand her knowledge base and prepare to educate our community. See page 13 for details about Christina’s training.

“DEI is critically important to me as an educator because it represents the best aspects of ourselves as humans,” said Christina. “The opportunity to be curious, to feel confident to explore and learn, and to celebrate differences while recognizing individuality is a gift to ourselves and our students. I believe DEI helps us be better, more comprehensive teachers who share multiple perspectives of a circumstance. As an educator, I am thankful to be able to guide our students through this important work while I am also learning from them.”

Marie’s experience as a communications expert, educator, and parent (see page 13) brings an integral perspective to the DEI Committee. “The exposure to this information will provide students with the skills necessary to articulate their thoughts, participate in conversations related to DEI, and become a participating member in the communities they will encounter when they leave Far Hills Country Day School,” said Marie.

Rohan’s extensive background in DEI and its relation to students in educational and social settings (see page 13) help the Committee formulate how best to strategically bring these important topics to the classroom.

“Preschool to Grade Eight education plays a critical role in a child’s development,” he said. “It is a time in a child’s life when they learn foundational skills including reading, writing, arithmetic, character building, communication and socialization skills, behavioral, social, cultural, and so much more. DEI needs to be considered one of those foundational skills and building blocks for young children.”

“The major priority when bringing DEI to the classroom is to provide a safe environment for everyone and the chance for the conversation to flow,” said Christina. “It is also important to inform and educate, not persuade so that people can make decisions based on facts.”

There is significant momentum and energy behind this work, from the Committee members and the faculty, staff, students, and parents. Far Hills Country Day School will continue to bring in and own DEI efforts.

“My hope for the Far Hills Country Day School community through this committee is to create a community where each member can bring their true authentic selves every day, so they can do and be their best,” said Rohan.

“I hope that all members of the Far Hills Country Day School community can find representation in the areas they are seeking,” said Marie.

“I hope to embed DEI into the fabric of Far Hills Country Day School, so it is a fundamental part of who we are as a school and who our students are as people,” said Christina.

PAGES | WINTER | 11

FH IN ACTION |

TOGETHER, WE: COLLABORATE.

LISTEN.

We empower all constituencies with common language and practices to promote anti-bias concepts to create safe, respectful, and equitable classroom and school environments for all community members.

We invite open communication with current students, parents, and alumni, many of whom have indicated their desire to share their concerns, stories, and recommendations.

OUR PROMISE DISCUSS.

UNDERSTAND.

We provide opportunities for safe spaces where students are seen, valued, cared for, and respected.

We allow students and parents to engage in age-appropriate conversations and discussions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) topics.

We continue to review faculty and student training opportunities in cultural competency that can begin internally and be followed by external training during the school year, reflective of age appropriateness.

DEI @ Home

REFLECT. We consider how we can ensure anti-bias curriculums for students, so they learn to express themselves and their beliefs, celebrate differences, and recognize their connections to others in the world.

“Parents and guardians can reinforce, at home, the work that Far Hills Country Day School is doing by leaning in,” Rohan said. “If they do not know much about DEI, they can model being vulnerable and being willing to learn from their children. They can also provide a safe, encouraging space to have these conversations at home.”

“At home, I talk with my children about DEI topics that they are curious about,” said Marie.

“I realize that I cannot control what they are exposed to in every area of their life. I make a point of answering questions about DEI topics so that I can ensure that they are correctly informed.”

12 | FAR HILLS MAGAZINE | INWARD, OUTWARD, UPWARD

| FH IN ACTION

MEET FAR HILLS COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL’S DEI COMMITTEE u u u ROHAN M. ARJUN Rohan has demonstrated a longstanding commitment toward facilitating greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in independent schools. Since 2005, he has held the role of facilitator and, since 2014, chair of the search committee for the NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference. He has also delivered numerous presentations on the topics of “Diversity Practitioners and the Admission Office,” “Recruitment and Retention of a Diverse Faculty and Staff,” and “Bringing a DEI Lens to Institutional and Individual Goal Setting.” Rohan holds a Master’s degree in education from the University of Pennsylvania and a BA from Temple University. He currently serves as the director of enrollment management and financial aid at Friends Select School in Philadelphia. Rohan is a Principal Consultant with The Glasgow Group and DEI Advisor to Georgia S. Zaiser. Through his work on the school’s DEI committee, Rohan helps create the strategic vision for DEI at Far Hills Country Day School, supports Christina in her work with students and faculty, and assists in holding the school accountable for DEI efforts.

u u u MARIE DYE Marie is a part-time lecturer and a licensed coach, with experience teaching courses at Rutgers University, Kean University, Montclair State University, and Union County College. Her courses revolve around leadership, interpersonal communication, group communication, and public speaking. Marie has earned an International Coach Federation (ICF) certification in Leadership Coaching for Organizational Performance from Rutgers University; a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Leadership from Seton Hall University, a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Kean University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Marie is a Far Hills parent, DEI practitioner, and valued resource to the Far Hills Country Day School community. Marie utilizes her communication, education, and leadership background to help students communicate effectively on topics related to DEI.

u u u CHRISTINA SOPKO Christina has been teaching at Far Hills Country Day School for almost a decade. Currently, she teaches Upper School history. In her role as the school’s DEI Coordinator, Christina manages the development of the DEI program and implementation of principles at Far Hills. Christina has extensive training through many DEI workshops, presentations, seminars, and classes to expand her knowledge base and prepare to educate our community. Her participation in these trainings shows the others that Far Hills Country Day School is committed to this important work. Since the Committee was formed in 2020, Christina has attended: u August 10–12, 2021: NJAIS- Schools of

IN ü LEAN ILLING ü BE W TO LEARN

, VIDE A SAFE ü PRO G IN G ENCOURA CE A SP

Belonging: Intersectionality and Identity Development u July 7–August 3, 2021: Cornell University Diversity and Inclusion Certification u June 23–25, 2021: National Diversity Practitioners Institute u Spring 2021: Pollyanna: Showing Up and Standing Up" - 5 session series u May 12, 2021: Gender Neutrality u April 30, 2021: Rodney Glasgow - Unconscious Bias NJAIS DEIB in Our Schools Series u April 26, 2021: Navigating The Pain And Promise of Allyship u April 22, 2021: Decentering Beauty And Success From Whiteness u April 21, 2021: On Whiteness, Awareness, Leadership, And Advocacy

u April 15, 2021: Sex, Gender, And Sexual

Orientation In The Classroom

u April 14, 2021: Developing An Anti-Racist

Cultural Framework For Your School

u April 13, 2021: When Your Family Tree Has

Many Roots: Supporting Transracial Adoptees In Your Classrooms and Communities u April 8, 2021: Supporting The Social And Academic Adjustment Needs For Black Boys u April 7, 2021: Doing Life With Mandela- My Prisoner, My Friend: Lessons From A Warden And His Prisoner u December 20, 2020: People of Color Conference u December 20, 2020: Widening the Lens Far Brook School Diversity Conference

PAGES | WINTER | 13

PERSPECTIVES |

14 | FAR HILLS MAGAZINE | INWARD, OUTWARD, UPWARD

ERIN KIERNAN PHOTOGRAPHY

| PERSPECTIVES

From brilliant

BEGINNINGS to great

SUCCESS

Far Hills alumna, Elizabeth “Lizzy” Chesson Connell '92, shares how her brilliant beginnings led her to great success.

I

am grateful for the strong foundation Far Hills Country Day School provided me and the lifelong friendships built on trust, kindness, empathy, and respect that started there. Far Hills Country Day School is a special place. But, it is so much more than an academic institution—it’s a place that helps children grow emotionally and educationally. It encourages a love of learning, builds confidence, and nurtures independence.

I started at Far Hills Country Day School in Kindergarten and graduated in the school’s last 9th-grade class in 1992. It was a class of 10 girls, and it allowed me to develop a deep sense of responsibility and become someone who holds kindness and compassion as my core values.

To this day, I continue to learn and grow while appreciating everyone who has touched my life somehow, including the Far Hills community, which is really more like family.

One of the many lessons Far Hills Country Day School instilled in me was the understanding that life has a distinct way of leading you to your passion. Looking back at my career, I vividly remember being initiated into the “horse world” very early on, at a time when I had no idea what life had in store for me.

In my mind, it was a hobby, but over time, it became my profession. My journey has taken me from being a “barn rat” to being Managing Director of Show Jumping in the U.S. and leading the U.S. Show Jumping Teams to the Olympic Games, World Championships, and Nations Cups (Team competitions) all around the world.

After I graduated from Far Hills Country Day School, I attended The Lawrenceville School and Columbia University, majoring in Art History. I began working for the U.S. Equestrian Federation in 2006, first in the Show Jumping department as an assistant to Sally Ike. I was promoted to Managing Director of Jumping in 2013. For me, it was the right place at the right time, and I have been fortunate to experience the joy of working with extraordinary athletes (both human and equine) and expert trainers, grooms, and veterinarians. The U.S. Jumping Team has won many medals over the years, most recently the Silver Medal at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, where both Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland and I were honored to lead this extraordinary team of equestrians.

Of course, it is always rewarding when a team is successful, but I believe the journey itself is most gratifying. Acknowledging where you started from and how far you have come is a powerful experience.

I have an appreciation and passion for guiding individuals to become their best selves personally and professionally, and my goal is to continue to do just that. It is remarkable to cross paths with so many talented Far Hills students and alumni at various competitions throughout my travels, knowing we share the same values bestowed upon us at Far Hills Country Day School. Those values, such as hard work, kindness, compassion, and perseverance, have been instrumental to my success, and there is no doubt these foundations were laid at Far Hills Country Day School.

Baby Lizzy on a horse. Lizzy with a horse. Far Hills Country Day School Student Organization: Back Row: Nick Putnam '92, Juliana “Jazz” Johnson '92 (Vice President), Ashie Kissel '92 (Secretary), Elizabeth “Lizzy” Chesson Connell '92 (President), Reid Carlisle '92 (Treasurer), Front Row: John Rocco '94 and Michael Albarelli*, Sean Lamb '93 and Stacey Kirsch '93, Emilie Grenier '92. Juliana “Jazz” Johnson '92 and Elizabeth “Lizzy” Chesson Connell '92 at Northern Experience. * notes deceased PAGES | WINTER | 15

ALUMNI NEWS |

ALUMNI NEWS Millicent “Millie” M. Brady '14 Millicent “Millie” M. Brady '14, a senior at Babson College, was recently acknowledged as the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) field hockey Offensive Player of the Week. Of the 13 games this fall, Brady has produced eight goals and seven assists for 23 points and ranks among the top five in the NEWMAC in goals, assists and points. She also has been at her best in league play scoring three times and contributing six assists in four matches.

CREDIT: BABSONATHLETICS.COM

Far Hills Equestrian Riders (Left to Right—Samantha Takas '19, Caroline Signorino '20, and Emily Dehoff with Ginny Confer, P '94) Congratulations to our Far Hills Country Day School alumni who qualified for the Talent Search East Finals at the historic Team Headquarters in Gladstone, NJ. Emily Dehoff, Samantha Takas '19, and Caroline Signorino '20 successfully negotiated the challenging and technical equitation courses throughout this three-day competition. The Talent Search East Finals was their first experience attending this prestigious event, and they all rode with confidence, style, and skill. Lizzy Chesson '92, who manages our nation’s international show jumping teams, including the Olympics, met with all 58 young riders to explain the goals and format of the event. Best of luck to our young equestrians, present, past, and future, who are learning to ride, enjoy, and cherish their beautiful horses and ponies!

John Plummer '21 On October 11, 2021, John Plummer '21 was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement in Boy Scouts. To become an Eagle, a Scout must earn at least 21 merit badges, fulfill leadership roles, excel in outdoor skills, and complete a comprehensive service project for his community. John rose above those challenges, earning 38 merit badges and completing hundreds of hours of community service. For John’s Eagle Scout Service Project, he was honored to fundraise, source materials for, and build sixteen 10-person picnic tables for the Tewksbury School District to help open their doors during the pandemic by providing outdoor learning and dining space. John couldn’t have completed his project without the support of the Far Hills Country Day School community. Parents and teachers from Far Hills donated generously, allowing John to raise $6,000 in just a few days to cover all the costs of the project.

John was also elected to membership in the Order of the Arrow, the national honor society of scouting. For three years, John served as Den Chief for his brother Robby Plummer '24’s Cub Scout Den. John is now a 9th grader at Saint Andrew’s School in Middletown, DE, where he is a member of the varsity football team and the swim team.

He continues to be dedicated to the outdoors, environmental causes, and community service.

16 | FAR HILLS MAGAZINE | INWARD, OUTWARD, UPWARD

Chapin and Eliza Chapin Durling '94 (left photo), and Eliza Sutte '92 (right photo) sign on as Alumni Ambassadors for Far Hills!

“As alums of Far Hills, we share the same sentiment of what Far Hills means to us as we grow our families and begin making decisions for our own children’s education. We grew up and spent many of our early memories together and shared many lessons that laid the foundation for our success. This year, as Alumni Ambassadors, we are excited to join together to make a difference in keeping the Far Hills Legacy alive for years to come—for generations to come.” — Chapin and Eliza To read more about Chapin and Eliza’s stories, alumni happenings, and more, simply scan this QR code.

Ada Rose Wagar in Italy During the fall 2021 semester, Ada Rose Wagar '17 traveled to Florence, Italy for her CET program (she was admitted to Brandeis University as a midyear for January). She will be taking classes and traveling while spending time in Italy. Ada Rose received a scholarship for this program. She also applied to be a photoblogger or writing blogger and was selected for both. She even won a prize for her first post!

Scan the QR code to read her prize-winning blog post.

Alum at the Far Hills Races in October 2021

Gabriel “Gabe” Reiter '20, Charles “Charlie” Grippo '20, Pierce Brucker '20, Lindsay Heit P'26, '27, and McLaren van Rooyen '20. In the front is Brynn Goldstein '27.

Anthony Reale '19, Ron Sansone, and Jack Reale '18 Coach Sansone bumped into two alumni at a local sporting event.

Lynn Olesky Leyden '94 Lynn Olesky Leyden '94 recently visited Far Hills.

Lynn is pictured here with Ron Sansone and Brian Junger.

| FACULTY & STAFF NEWS

NOTABLE FACULTY AND STAFF Rosario Bernabeu

Peter McBride

Over the summer, Rosario attended and presented alongside Maria Saba at VI Encuentro didáctico ProfedeELE Universidad Nebrija from July 19–23, 2021. They shared project-based learning implementation in Spanish class and shared class projects that they have both done in Lower and Upper School. Additionally, from July 22–24, 2021, Rosario and Maria virtually attended and presented at the National Network for Early Language Learning (NNELL) Summer Summit.

Over the summer, Peter was a “Translation Group Leader” during the elementary version of the Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning (CTTL) Academy over four days. Each day, participants were in the main session and then broke into small groups called translation groups.

Peter’s goal and role was to help guide participants as they unpack the research or topic discussed in the main session. They had themes around literacy and numeracy, and then general MBE principles and a roadmap.

Upper School Spanish Teacher

Amy Burns

Lower School Music Teacher/Performing Arts Department Manager/Conservatory Director

In July 2021, Amy attended the Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning (CTTL) Elementary Academy. Additionally, Amy presented “Elementary Music + Seesaw=Success at Seesaw Connect, their annual virtual conference. From July–August, she taught virtually “Seesaw for Music Teachers” for Midnight Music Community in Australia. In September 2021, her article “Where Do We Go From Here” was published in the TMEA Southwestern Musician Magazine.

Fourth Grade Teacher/PD & MBE Coordinator

Maria Saba

Lower School Spanish Teacher

Over the summer, Maria attended and presented alongside Rosario Bernabeu at VI Encuentro didáctico ProfedeELE - Universidad Nebrija from July 19–23, 2021. They shared project-based learning implementation in Spanish class and shared class projects that they have both done in Lower and Upper School. Additionally, from July 22–24, 2021, Maria and Rosario virtually attended and presented at the National Network for Early Language Learning (NNELL) Summer Summit.

Linda Corcoran

Natalie Sturgeon

Linda, alongside Georgia Zaiser, will present in a session at the 2022 CASE Independent Schools Online Conference.

The Session tile is “Welcome to the Family: Helping New Families Acclimate in a K–8 Environment.” This will take place February 23–24, 2022.

Natalie attended the Build Math Minds Virtual Math Summit from July 29–30, 2021. On August 18, 2021, she attended Desmos: Introduction to Building Activities.

Director of Engagement and Philanthropy

Gemma Keremedjiev Learning Support Teacher

In July 2021, Gemma completed 80 of the 100 practicum hours required for the Associate Certification with the Academy of Orton Gillingham. This will be completed by the end of this school year.

Adele Marky

M.A.L.L. Manager

Over the Summer, Adele continued to work towards her LDTC Certification and completed graduate course work. Adele’s certification program requires a practicum that she will complete in the spring semester.

The estimated timeframe of completion for the certificate is spring 2023.

Rosario Bernabeu

Peter McBride

Amy Burns

Maria Saba

Linda Corcoran

Natalie Sturgeon

Gemma Keremedjiev

Hope Svendsen

Adele Marky

Georgia Zaiser

Math Specialist

Hope Svendsen

Upper School History Teacher

Hope attended the Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning (CTTL) Middle School Science of Teaching & Leadership Academy from July 26–29, 2021.

Georgia Zaiser Head of School

On January 23, 2022, Georgia will be presenting with Melissa DePino, Principal Leapfrog Group in Denver, CO at the CASENAIS Independent Schools Conference. Their session will provide a framework and tactics for creating messaging that will revolutionize how you think about and approach your work as a marketer or fundraiser, and why being “message positive” is not only good for your institution but empowering for you and the entire school community.

Georgia will be leading a roundtable discussion and was asked to present “The Power of a Positive Message” for the CASE District II Conference being held February 13–15, 2022 in New York City.

Georgia, alongside Linda Corcoran, will present in a session at the 2022 CASE Independent Schools Online Conference.

The Session tile is “Welcome to the Family: Helping New Families Acclimate in a K-8 Environment.” This will take place February 23–24, 2022.

PAGES | WINTER | 17

REFLECTIONS |

IN MEMORIAM Far Hills Country Day School honors the memories of members of our community that have recently passed. We extend our deepest sympathies to their families and friends. We are grateful for the time we shared.

L to R: Dexter Earle, son Tyler '05, wife Carol, and daughter Katie '04, photographed at the Far Hills Country Day School 2005 graduation.

Dexter Earle | August 30, 2021 Far Hills Trustee Emeritus. Father to alumni Katie '04 and Tyler '05.

Edward J. Walsh | September 19, 2021 Father to Far Hills current student Sloane '29.

Pictured left: Hope Cooper, Ed Walsh, Sloane Walsh '29

Ken Pizzo, Sr. (fourth from right) photographed at the 2021 Far Hills Country Day School graduation with his family. Included are his Far Hills alumni grandchildren, Isabella '21 (with floral bouquet), Kenny '16 (second from right), and Dominic '18 (far right).

Kenneth Pizzo, Sr. | October 15, 2021 Grandfather to Far Hills alumni Kenny '16, Dominic '18, and Isabella '21.

Frederick Coombs | October 29, 2021 Father to Far Hills Country Day School teacher Krissy Coombs.

Donna L. Christman | November 12, 2021 Mother to alumnus Roger '89 and grandmother to alumnus Tripp '21 and current student Tate '28.

Pictured right: Donna Christman

T.J. "Dermot" Dunphy | December 6, 2021 Parent to alumna, Shannon (d) '91, husband to former trustee, Joan (d). *Shannon deceased since 2013, Joan deceased since 2015

18 | FAR HILLS MAGAZINE | INWARD, OUTWARD, UPWARD

| 2020-21 IMPACT REPORT

Winn Hoseth '28 and mom Tucky Ridder '91 show their #FalconPride!

2020-2021 IMPACT REPORT

19

2020-21 IMPACT REPORT |

Dear Friends, As I reflect upon the 2020-21 school year, a few words come to mind.

DEDICATED. REMARKABLE. LIMITLESS. ASTOUNDING. These are not the words we are used to associating with the past two years, yet they are the ones I am constantly drawn to because they describe the people of Far Hills Country Day School. It is the people — faculty and staff, trustees, alumni, and parents who are the audience for this Impact Report, but it is our students who are the beneficiaries of the extraordinary generosity bestowed upon us last year. On their behalf, I thank you.

While we missed the bustle of parents and volunteers in the building, the bonds of our community were strengthened with unique events like an "incredible" drive-in movie night, our inaugural WinterFest car parade, grade level socials via ZOOM, and the one thing that got us all through the dark, cold days of winter — flamingos! Born of creativity and commitment, these were no doubt some of the highlights of the year.

We were also fortunate enough to gather safely for some of our more traditional events, including our Golf Classic, under the leadership of Josh Kalafer and Mike Vollero, and a spectacular Denim and Diamonds Gala, brought to life by Jaimie Morais and a team of tireless volunteers determined to give us a celebratory evening.

Celebratory it certainly was, but also bittersweet as we bid a fond farewell to Linda Houghland upon her retirement. Linda taught at Far Hills for over 40 years, and though her colleagues and students will miss her, she will always have a home here.

On the subject of volunteer leadership, I’d like to give a special thank you to Lori Cichlar, who served as chair of the Parents Committee in 2020-21, conducting all meetings virtually. Lori has stayed on to serve a second year in her role, and the opportunity to participate in PC meetings virtually is here to stay, too. And to Helen and Ray Plummer, who served as chairs of the Annual Fund, our most significant and most impactful fundraising initiative. Helen and Ray, along with the entire Annual Fund committee, were ambassadors for the critical work that happens in every classroom, every day, all of which is supported by the Annual Fund.

The 2020-21 school year also saw the unveiling of three renovated science laboratories and seven Upper School classrooms. With large windows, modern equipment, fully-integrated technology, and flexible workspaces, these new spaces have had an immeasurable impact on students’ energy, curiosity, and motivation. We are deeply grateful to Mike Petillo for helping to oversee this transformation and to the donors who made this first phase of our capital campaign, Together We Build the Future of Far Hills, a resounding success.

Of course, no conversation about the past year would be complete without acknowledging the Class of 2021.

These young men and women persevered through their secondary school searches with grit, grace, and a healthy dose of good nature. This class had it all — writers and musicians, athletes and performers, scholars, and community service leaders. Today, they are continuing their education at some of the country’s best day and boarding schools. We are proud of them individually and collectively.

Nothing I have written about would have been possible without the unwavering dedication of our Head of School, Georgia Zaiser, the School Leadership Team, the faculty and staff, and my fellow Board of Trustee members. I am indebted to each of them for all they have done and continue to do in service to Far Hills Country Day School.

Finally, I would like to thank you, the 412 donors who made over 1,000 gifts to FHCDS last year and the over 100 volunteers who gave so much of their time and incredible talent in so many ways. In the face of some of the most trying times, you continued to support the phenomenal work our teachers do with and for our children. You are dedicated and remarkable. Your generosity is limitless and astounding.

Thank you for being a part of the Far Hills family. Best wishes for a happy, healthy, and joyful 2022.

Sincerely,

Christopher A. Merton '82 Chair, Board of Trustees

20 | FAR HILLS MAGAZINE | INWARD, OUTWARD, UPWARD

| 2020-21 IMPACT REPORT

G

I

N VI

G

UN

$2,272,709

RE

ST

CTE

C A M P AI G

RI

N

2020-21 SUMMARY OF GIFTS

D G I VI N G

RE

ST

RI

CT

ED GI V ING

TOTAL RAISED FOR FAR HILLS COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL $918,609 UNRESTRICTED GIVING $634,166 RESTRICTED GIVING $719,934 TOGETHER, WE BUILD

THE FUTURE OF FAR

HILLS CAMPAIGN GIVING

UNRESTRICTED GIVING: $918,609

ANNUAL FUND

GOLF CLASSIC

FAR HILLS GALA

FLOCK-A-FRIEND

$586,666

$184,320 (NET)

$136,236 (NET)

$11,187 (NET)

DEDICATED. PAGES |IMPACT REPORT| 21

2020-21 IMPACT REPORT |

ANNUAL FUND The Far Hills Country Day School Annual Fund is our largest and most impactful fundraising initiative.

Gifts received are put to immediate use in our classrooms and on our fields and stages. Simply put, the Annual Fund touches every student, every day. We are so grateful to the many members of the Far Hills community who choose to make the Annual Fund such an integral part of their philanthropy.

We could not do what we do without you.

Science teacher Mary Wagner uses our 54 extraordinary acres to encourage learning outside of the classroom.

SEIZING THE STARS ($25,000+)

Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Irene Juliana “Jazz” Johnson '92 Mr. and Mrs. Scott Martin Mr. Christopher A. Merton '82 Mr. P. Trent Miller III '89 and Mrs. Priscilla Miller Mr. and Mrs. Paul T. Miller II Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth S. Pizzo, Jr. Mrs. Laura M. van Rooyen '89 and Mr. Grant van Rooyen The Vollero Family

VISIONARIES ($10,000 - $24,999)

Sonny and Tammy Adoni Ms. Alexandra F. Allen '83 Heather Bowen and Christopher Benko Peter and Cynthia Kellogg Graham and Vicki Lawton Mr. and Mrs. Roger Marran Christopher and Beth Mikosh Mr. Michiteru Mishima and Ms. Katherine M. Novak Mr. William Novak and Ms. Colleen McCloskey Mr. and Mrs. James Paragano Michael and Audrey Petillo Mr. and Mrs. Robert Previdi David and Lashana Reale Patsi and Eric Sumner The Ayco Charitable Foundation The Homestead Foundation, Inc. The Vartuli Family The Welsh Family Mr. Matt Werbel and Mrs. Jamie Pukl-Werbel

FOUNDER’S SOCIETY ($5,000 - $9,999)

Mr. Andrew D. Allen '86 Mr. Christopher D. Allen '84 and Mrs. Kate Allen Mr. Nicholas E. Allen '89 and Mrs. Teil Allen Mr. and Mrs. Richard Antoneck, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Francis J. Aquila Mr. and Mrs. John Braniff 22 | FAR HILLS MAGAZINE | INWARD, OUTWARD, UPWARD

Mr. and Mrs. Philip Cichlar Clarence and Anne Dillon Dunwalke Trust Mrs. Frances Stillman Collins '70 Mr. Mark M. Collins, Jr. '71 Mr. and Mrs. J. Robert Cusimano The Ferraro Family The Isgro Family Josh and Rachel Kalafer Mr. and Mrs. James Kane Steven and Jessica King Mr. and Mrs. Michael Morais Steven and Paige Nehmer Mrs. Eileen Paragano Mr. and Mrs. Sergei Pliutsinski Mr. and Mrs. Edward Santos Elizabeth and Jonathan Sobel The Allen Family Foundation The Glenmede Trust Company, Shaeffer & Associates The Turiansky Family Vanguard Charitable

HEAD OF SCHOOL’S PARTNERS ($2,500 - $4,999) Paul and Jeanine Donohue Lisi and John Dziadzio Mr. and Mrs. David Gibbons Dr. and Mrs. Jared M. Saul Mr. and Mrs. Michael Schwartz Gabby and Stuart '79 Valentine Mr. Edward J. Walsh* and Ms. Hope Linette Cooper The Ziaee Family

GREEN AND WHITE CIRCLE ($1,000 - $2,499)

The Albright Family The Bilenker Family The Blair Family Mr. and Mrs. Jorge Blanco Mr. James C. Brady '50 and Mrs. Joan Brady Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Brucker Kabir and Arti Caprihan Ms. Linda Conti Mr. and Mrs. David Corcoran Dr. and Dr. Andrei Dobrescu Mr. T.J. Dermot Dunphy* Mr. John-Myles Dziadzio '20

Mr. and Mrs. Gavin Evans Ms. Allison Fernandez Charles and Sondra Ferraro Fidelity Foundation The Finkelstein Family Mr. and Mrs. Steve Forbes Mr. Robert L. Froelich The Garcia Family Dr. and Mrs. Andrew P. Gilmartin Paul and Antonette Greco Mr. and Mrs. Michael Grippo Mr. Wei Hao and Ms. Rebecca Dai Mr. Thiago Porto Icassati and Mrs. Carolina Manso Teixeira Icassati Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Jacobs Mr. Eric Kuhblank and Ms. Robin Voorhees Mr. and Mrs. Chadd Lucas The Maeda Family Mr. and Mrs. John McKinnon Mr. and Mrs. Douglas J. Miller Mr. and Mrs. J. Raymond Plummer Reed Family Foundation Keith and Lisa Reed Dr. Mitchell and Patricia Reiter Renaissance Charitable Foundation, Inc. The Roberts Family The Sicoe Family Eileen and Peter Sudler The Volpe Family Toni Ann Waters Mr. and Mrs. Joel Werbel Mr. and Mrs. Matthew S. Wood Xiaoxing Ms. Ping Yuan Georgia and Robert Zaiser Dr. and Mrs. Sen Zhuang, M.D. Mr. Armin Ziaee '20

ADVENTURERS ($500 - $999)

Bell & Anderson LLC Andrew '90 and Kristin Brucker Claire and Raymond Cirz Mr. and Mrs. C. Correll Durling '68 Mr. and Mrs. Carlton C. Durling Ernest Christian Klipstein Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Steven B. Fuerst Mr. and Mrs. Henry L. Guy, Jr. * notes deceased

| 2020-21 IMPACT REPORT Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Ingenito Wendy Goodrich Mr. Walter J. Keller and Dr. Claudia Merkel-Keller Mr. C. Kirk Kellogg Mr. Kenneth H. Klipstein II '73 Mr. Philip A. Klipstein '04 Ms. Phillippa T. Klipstein '02 Randall Lee and Eilleen Park Mr. and Mrs. Eric Liriano Mrs. Grace R. Morais '18 Mr. Jack M. Morais '20 Mr. and Mrs. Sharif A. Muhammad MMSG Dr. and Mrs. Robert C. Pierce The Quinn Family Ms. Isabel M. Reed '09 Mr. Kersey S. Reed '08 Ms. Lindsay W. Reed '14 Ms. Marjorie L. Reed '04 Mr. and Mrs. Eric Ridder, Jr. The Schroeder Family Maria and Anthony Scotto Mr. John D. Stem and Mrs. Jodi Lukas-Stem Mike and Natalie Sturgeon The Surak Family The Kirk Kellogg Foundation The Merck Foundation Dorothy C. von Hollen Mr. Joseph von Meister '74 and Mrs. Carolyn Mueller von Meister '79

FALCONS (under $500)

Dr. and Mrs. Aristides C. Alevizatos Mr. and Mrs. Pat J. Antonio Rohan M. Arjun Ms. Amy M. Baker Mrs. Laila Ballon

Pat Barry Mr. and Mrs. Michel F. Baumeister Mr. Robert Berkman The Bernard Family Mrs. Tracey Biedron '77 and Mr. Scott Biedron Zachary Brenner '12 Mrs. Anne Alexandre Brett '57 and Mr. Philip Brett Dr. and Mrs. Mark Brower Mr. Henry J. Brucker, II '85 and Mrs. Laura Brucker Mr. Henry J. Brucker III '18 Ms. Paige E. Brucker '19 Amy and Chris Burns Carol and William Pond Ms. Kailyn Cavaluzzo Mrs. Yu-Hua Chang Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Chapin III Ms. Dori A. Cirelli Mr. Hilario Cojon and Mrs. Maria Lopez Mr. James P. Connors James Connors '00 Mr. and Mrs. Scott Conroy J. Ferd Convery IV '98 Mr. Frederick A. Coombs * and Mrs. Katherine A. Coombs Ms. Kristine A. Coombs Mr. and Mrs. John Corcoran Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Cucchiara Mr. and Mrs. Frank Culotta Mr. and Mrs. Eseckias Derilus Mr. Thomas S. Diemar '92 Mr. Charles H. Dillon '73 and Mrs. Debra Dillon Mr. and Mrs. Brian Doliner Mr. and Mrs. Keith E. Donovan Traci and Vinny '84 Dotoli Vincent J. and Louisa S. Dotoli

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Ducharme Ms. Sarah Dunn Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Dye Mr. Tyler D. Earle '05 Mr. and Mrs. Andrew J. Egginton Ms. Priscilla Fales '63 Elizabeth Kolb Farr Mr. Stephen R. R. Farrelly '85 and Mrs. Catherine Farrelly Mr. David Feldman and Mrs. Yoonah Shin Mr. and Mrs. Michael Feldman Mrs. Gina Fernicola Ms. Lori Fitzgibbon Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Forsythe Mr. Scott Freeman The Fricke Family Pat and Diane Frustaci Ms. Jayne Geiger and Mr. Jim Rogers Ms. Jordana K. Geldziler The Gentile Family Ms. Susan Georgeson Mr. and Mrs. Bogdan Goia Mr. and Mrs. Frank Grippo Mr. and Mrs. Dale Gross Ms. Rachel Gwaro Ms. Catherine E. Hall '62 Eileen, Patrick, and Kevin Hannaford Mr. Kevin J. Hannaford, Jr. '16 Mr. Patrick J. Hannaford '13 Ms. Evelyn Hartmann Tara Hartmann Claire Higgins Hathaway Mr. James S. Heckman '97 Ms. Laura Hefferan Ms. Lindsay Heit and Mr. Lawrence Goldstein Ms. Maia Heymann '82 Mrs. Elizabeth Horvath Mr. and Mrs. Gary Houghland

REMARKABLE. * notes deceased

WHY WE GIVE TO FAR HILLS COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL Steven and I have just written our check to Far Hills Annual Fund for the 36th year—the year our daughter Emma started at Far Hills. When Annual Fund time comes around in the spring, we always agree this is money well spent. Our daughter really came into her own at Far Hills, was introduced by her marvelous teachers to the joy of learning, and made amazing friends whom she still is close with all these years later. For her, Far Hills was an incredible springboard to prep school, college, graduate school, and a career now as CEO of a natural foods business. We hope our Annual Fund contribution will go toward Far Hills changing the trajectory of another young girl or boy. To us, Falcon Pride is that ability to give young lives new meaning.

Liz Fuerst, Parent of Emma Fuerst Frelinghuysen, Class of 1992

PAGES |IMPACT REPORT| 23

ANNUAL FUND COMMITTEE ANNUAL FUND CO-CHAIRS Helen and Ray Plummer P '21, '24, '29 COMMITTEE MEMBER AMBASSADORS Current Parent Ambassadors Christine Antoneck P '21, '22, '26, '28 Lynda McMaster Gentile P '22 Lauren Ingenito P '21, '24, '28 Art teacher Kathryn Brower helps students express themselves through art.

Mr. Hugh M. Hyde, Jr. '68 Mrs. Kathleen Ingenito Mrs. Paula Irving Mr. and Mrs. Gary Isgro Mr. and Mrs. Charles Iuliano Paul, Kelly, Cole and Brooke Jasinkiewicz Mr. and Mrs. Brian Junger Mr. and Mrs. John Kean '72 Ms. Caroline A. Kellogg '12 Mr. Charles K. Kellogg Jr. '12 Mr. Kenneth C. Kellogg '16 Mr. Peter C. R. Kellogg '18 Mrs. Gemma Keremedjiev Mr. and Mrs. Colin Kibler Mr. Frank '65 and Mrs. Sylvia '67 Kissel Mrs. Sylvia T. Kissel '67 Mr. Eric K. Kodua and Mrs. Lilian Tuffuor-Kodua Mrs. Roberta Kolar Mrs. Louise Lawrence '65 Adam Lazer and Lauren Jacobs-Lazer Mrs. Janet S. Loengard Mr. and Mrs. Bill Lucas Mrs. Pamela P. Machold '54 and Mr. Roland Machold Mr. Jerard Maher and Ms. Linda Bruno Mr. and Mrs. Peter Marky Miss Kate McCaffery '21 Mrs. Geraldine McCaffery Mrs. Amanda C. McGovern and Mr. J.D. Moriarty Mr. and Mrs. Tom McGovern Mr. and Mrs. Wayne D. Menke Josie Merck Mary B. Merton Ms. Ashley Mikosh '17 Ms. Marissa Mikosh '19 Mrs. Susan Miller Mrs. Vincenza Montrone Mr. Frederick C. Mueller Mr. Robert J. Mueller '81 and Mrs. Carla Mueller Mr. and Mrs. John Mulcahy '79 Dr. Jennifer L. Neumann Ms. Susan Nitahara '72 Mr. and Mrs. Charles Nocera Mr. Brendan P. O’Connor and Dr. Alexandra L. Braunstein 24 | FAR HILLS MAGAZINE | INWARD, OUTWARD, UPWARD

Kristen and Mark O’Donnell Tola Ogunye Wendy T. O’Ree Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Papili Mr. Alexander Payne '01 Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Payne Ms. Darcy Petrie Mr. and Mrs. Iain Phillips Ms. Eileen Pizzo Mr. Kenneth S. Pizzo, III '16 Mr. and Mrs. Daniel E. Powell Mr. Andrew H. Richards '78 and Mrs. Cynthia Richards Ms. Catherine T. Ridder '91 and Mr. Ned Hoseth Mr. Eric Ridder III '89 and Mrs. Sara Ridder Mrs. Megan Winder Rinehimer '96 and Mr. Jeffry Rinehimer Mr. and Mrs. Robert Root Mr. Benson T. Ross '77 and Mrs. Gina Ross Ms. Dylan L. Ross '17 Ms. Margaret H. Ross '16 Mr. and Mrs. James E. Rutledge Mr. and Mrs. W. Rodman Ryan Mrs. Maria Saba Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Sameth Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Sansone Ms. Lisa Sarafino Mr. and Mrs. John Scalici Mr. and Mrs. J. Douglas Scher Mr. Sandford B. Schirmer '73 Mr. Reeve Schley, III '51 and Mrs. Georgie Terry Schley '60 Seal Spout Corporation Mr. James DeAngelo and Ms. Emily Seelaus Mrs. Kevin Shanley Mr. Michael Smith '74 Mr. and Mrs. Brian Sudler Ms. Patty Sulllivan Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Surak Mrs. Elizabeth S. Sutte '92 and Mr. Matthew Sutte Daniellle Kinney Rebecca Taggart The Eagle Rock Charitable Foundation, Inc Mr. and Mrs. Edward Thompson Nikki Todaro

Josephine Isgro P '27, '27, '29 Alumni Ambassador Andrew Brucker '90 P '20, '22, '25 New Family Ambassadors Sharyn Bilenker P '21, '24 Julie Jaster de Garcia P '28, '31 Parent of Alumni Ambassador Beth Mikosh P '17, '19 Grandparent Ambassador Eileen Paragano GP '28

Mr. and Mrs. David Trent Ms. Jill Tuazon Carmen Zita and Jeff Turlik The Turner Family Ms. Elizabeth Glynn Valentine '81 Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Valentine Master Winston W. Valentine '22 Mr. and Mrs. Robert Varga Mr. Hector R. Villagra and Mrs. Prisilia Cantero-Villagra Mrs. Carolyn Vollero Mr. and Ms. Jon Wagar Mr. Todd K. West '75 Mr. and Mrs. Robert Whaley Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Whittle III Mr. and Mrs. Christopher A. Wiwi Mr. Jim Wolf and Dr. Molly Bliss Mr. John C. Woods Mr. and Mrs. Jason L. Wyatt '94 Mr. Jordan Wyatt '98 Mrs. Natalie Young Rachel and Benjamin Yu Mr. Andrew Zaiser '12 Mr. Christopher J. Zaiser '16

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TOGETHER, WE BUILD THE FUTURE OF FAR HILLS CAPITAL CAMPAIGN When Far Hills Country Day School students returned to campus is September 2020, they were greeted by several breathtaking new learning spaces. Three sciences laboratories and seven Upper School classrooms were renovated and modernized during our remote learning spring and the following summer. We thank Yvonne Previdi and Rael Welsh for their leadership throughout this first phase of our capital campaign and Mike Petillo for overseeing the construction with such dedication. A heartfelt thank you to the donors below who gave so willingly and generously to make these enhancements to our campus a reality.

Jack '25 and Gianna '22 Previdi are inspired by our new science laboratories.

Mr. and Mrs. Shawn Brennan Mr. and Mrs. David Corcoran Mr. and Mrs. Gavin Evans Ms. Elizabeth Kolb Farr The Ferraro Family Ms. Lori Fitzgibbon Mr. and Mrs. Michael Grippo Juliana “Jazz” Johnson '92 Mr. and Mrs. Scott Martin Ms. Colleen McCloskey and Mr. William Novak

Mr. Christopher A. Merton '82 Dr. and Mrs. Scott Meyer Mr. P. Trent Miller '89 and Mrs. Priscilla Miller Mr. and Mrs. Michael Morais Mr. and Mrs. Sharif A. Muhammad Mr. and Mrs. Michael Petillo Mr. and Mrs. Robert Previdi Mr. and Mrs. David Reale Dr. Mitchell and Patricia Reiter Mr. and Mrs. W. Rodman Ryan

Elizabeth and Jonathan Sobel Mr. and Mrs. Brian Sudler Mr. Edward Thompson and Ms. Cendahl Cornellio-Alter Mrs. Laura M. van Rooyen '89 and Mr. Grant van Rooyen The Vollero Family The Welsh Family Mr. and Mrs. John Westlake Mr. and Mrs. Robert Zaiser

ENDOWMENT AND SPECIAL FUNDS We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the donors below for their support of our Endowments and Special Funds. Their contributions allow us to preserve and ensure invaluable experiential programs and technology advancements including distance learning platforms, updated technology systems, the Ropes Course, financial assistance, and ongoing professional development for our dedicated faculty. We are inspired by their generosity and commitment to both our current students and future Falcons.

Rohan M. Arjun Jesse Brenner '15 Mr. and Mrs. Michel F. Baumeister Mr. and Mrs. Ajay Dhankhar Lisi and John Dziadzio Mr. and Mrs. Gavin Evans The Ferraro Family Hollis Humphries The Isgro Family Juliana “Jazz” Johnson '92 Mr. Terence R. Kooyker '97 and Mrs. Katherine Leitch

Mr. Willem Kooyker and Ms. Judith-Ann Corrente Mr. Steven Leung and Ms. Cecilia Chu Mr. William Novak and Ms. Colleen McCloskey Mr. Christopher A. Merton '82 Dr. and Mrs. Scott Meyer Mr. P. Trent Miller III '89 and Mrs. Priscilla Miller Mr. and Mrs. Michael Morais Mr. and Mrs. Sharif A. Muhammad Michael and Audrey Petillo

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth S. Pizzo, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Previdi Mr. William S. Reed '01 Dr. Mitchell and Patricia Reiter Mr. Noah Schankler '91 and Mrs. Susanna Schankler Carmen Zita and Jeff Turlik Mrs. Laura M. van Rooyen '89 and Mr. Grant van Rooyen The Vollero Family Mr. and Mrs. Robert Whaley

THE MT. KEMBLE SOCIETY The Mt. Kemble Society honors the original name and founders of the school and recognizes those individuals who have so graciously included Far Hills Country Day School in their estate planning. We are grateful for their forethought and generosity. If you would be interested in joining the Mt. Kemble Society or have already named Far Hills Country Day School as a beneficiary of a bequest or planned gift, please let us know by contacting Linda Corcoran, Director of Engagement and Philanthropy at 908-766-8424 or via email at lcorcoran@fhcds.org.

Mr. Duncan S. Ellworth, Jr.* Ms. Jayne Geiger Mrs. Brooke Hollister Jellison '56 Mr. Frederick C. Mueller

Mr. L. Keith Reed Mr. and Mrs. Paul D. Rust* Mrs. Abbey Starr Mr. Louis Starr*

Mr. Lambert F. Whetstone* Mrs. Christine T. Whitman '60 *notes deceased PAGES |IMPACT REPORT| 25

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TRIBUTE GIVING Gifts received in memory of or in honor of another individual are personal and meaningful forms of expression. It is an outward sign of heartfelt love, evidence of how deeply someone has touched their lives . We are grateful to those donors who chose to make a contribution to Far Hills Country Day School as a tribute to someone special.

IN MEMORY OF:

Christopher and Beth Mikosh Steven and Paige Nehmer

Guy Heckman Mr. James S. Heckman '97

Jayne Geiger Jordan Wyatt '98

Melanie '86 & Margot '87 Mueller Mrs. Tracey Biedron '77 and Mr. Scott Biedron Mr. Robert J. Mueller '81 and Mrs. Carla Mueller Mrs. Kevin Shanley

Mimi Heckman Mr. James S. Heckman '97 Linda Hougland Anonymous James Connors '00 Mr. Kevin J. Hannaford, Jr. '16 Mr. Patrick J. Hannaford '13

My Parents and Siblings Ms. Priscilla Fales '63 Philip W. Smith, for his lifelong love of FH and the joy he brought to all he touched Wendy T. O’Ree

IN HONOR OF: Kennedy Browne '21 Al J. Browne Lynne Douglas Rebecca Taggart Charles '27 and John '29 Ferraro The Ferraro Family FHCDS Teachers and Staff Heather Bowen and Christopher Benko Pat and Diane Frustaci Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Ingenito

Sebastian '16 and Alexandra '18 Mueller Mr. Robert J. Mueller '81 and Mrs. Carla Mueller Carl '26, Mikayla '26, Annabella '31, and Lilliana Nocera Mr. and Mrs. Charles Nocera John '21, Robby '24, and Grace '29 Plummer Mr. Robert L. Froelich Eleanor Jane Santos Mr. and Mrs. Edward Santos

Kathy Iuliano Mr. Ishaan Dhankhar '20

Emily Seelaus Ms. Kate McCaffery '21

Cynthia Kirkland Kellogg Peter and Cynthia Kellogg

Ben '27, Sam '29, and Brooklyn '30 Sobel Eileen and Peter Sudler

Nate '22, Zack '25, and Sam '27 Lawton Graham and Vicki Lawton

Kellan Sudler '30 Eileen and Peter Sudler

Hannah Lazer '26 Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Jacobs

Ed Thompson Anonymous

Kiran Lucas '29 Mr. and Mrs. Bill Lucas

Jill Tuazon Mr. Ishaan Dhankhar '20

Joan Maher Mr. Jerard Maher and Ms. Linda Bruno

Natalie Young Mr. Ishaan Dhankhar '20

Tyler Mo '22 Ms. Ping Yuan

Georgia Zaiser Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Ingenito

LIMITLESS. GRANDPARENT GIVING

Here at Far Hills Country Day School, we love grandparents! We believe in the power of multigenerational learning, the exchange of ideas and experiences and the sheer joy they bring to our classrooms when they visit. We thank those grandparents listed below who also made generous gifts to the school this past year.

Dr. and Mrs. Aristides C. Alevizatos Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Appleman Mr. James C. Brady '50 and Mrs. Joan Brady Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Brucker Carol and William Pond Claire and Raymond Cirz Ms. Linda Conti Mr. and Mrs. John Corcoran Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Cucchiara Mr. and Mrs. C. Correll Durling '68 Mr. Robert L. Froelich Mr. and Mrs. Frank Grippo Ms. Evelyn Hartmann Mrs. Kathleen Ingenito 26 | FAR HILLS MAGAZINE | INWARD, OUTWARD, UPWARD

Mr. and Mrs. Gary Isgro Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Jacobs Peter and Cynthia Kellogg Mrs. Roberta Kolar Mr. and Mrs. Bill Lucas Mr. Jerard Maher and Ms. Linda Bruno Mr. and Mrs. Tom McGovern Mary B. Merton Mr. and Mrs. Paul T. Miller II Mr. and Mrs. Douglas J. Miller Mr. Frederick C. Mueller Mr. William Novak and Ms. Colleen McCloskey Mrs. Eileen Paragano

Ms. Eileen Pizzo Mr. and Mrs. Eric Ridder, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Root Mr. and Mrs. W. Rodman Ryan Mr. and Mrs. John Scalici Mrs. Kevin Shanley The Honorable and Mrs. Clifford Sobel Eileen and Peter Sudler Patsi and Eric Sumner Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Surak Mrs. Carolyn Vollero Mr. and Mrs. Joel Werbel

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GIFTS IN HONOR OF LINDA HOUGHLAND Though we wish her well on her retirement, it is impossible to put into words how deeply the Far Hills Country Day School community loved Linda Houghland and how much she will be missed. To honor her legacy, FHCDS established the Linda Houghland Adventure Trip Endowment Fund to preserve one of the signature experiential learning opportunities she held so dear. The response was overwhelming. Thank you to the generous donors listed below who generously supported this new endowment, ensuring future generations of Falcons will benefit from Linda’s dedication, spirit and love of the outdoors.

Laura van Rooyen '87 catches up with Linda Houghland and Brian Junger.

The Albright Family Mr. Andrew D. Allen '86 Rohan M. Arjun Ms. Amy M. Baker Bruce Beck, Inc. The Bilenker Family The Brennan Family Dr. and Mrs. Mark Brower Amy and Chris Burns PJ and Diane Calello Mr. and Mrs. Philip Cichlar Ms. Kristine A. Coombs Mr. and Mrs. David Corcoran Mr. and Mrs. Eseckias Derilus Paul and Jeanine Donohue Mr. and Mrs. Carlton C. Durling Mr. and Mrs. Gavin Evans Mr. and Mrs. Michael Feldman The Ferraro Family Ms. Lori Fitzgibbon Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Forsythe The Fricke Family Ms. Jayne Geiger and Mr. Jim Rogers Dr. and Mrs. Andrew P. Gilmartin Mr. and Mrs. John C. Giordano III Mr. and Mrs. Michael Grippo Mr. and Mrs. Dale Gross Claire Higgins Hathaway '95 Mr. Thiago Porto Icassati and Mrs. Carolina Manso Teixeira Icassati Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Iervolino

The Isgro Family Josh and Rachel Kalafer Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Kramer Graham and Vicki Lawton Mr. and Mrs. Chadd Lucas Ms. Emily Lyon Allen Mr. and Mrs. Gavin B. Macomber Ms. Katie Pesce Mangum '98 and Mr. William Mangum Mr. and Mrs. Scott Martin Ryan McCluskey '10 Mrs. Amanda C. McGovern and Mr. J.D. Moriarty Mr. and Mrs. Wayne D. Menke Mr. Christopher A. Merton '82 Dr. and Mrs. Scott Meyer Mr. and Mrs. Michael Morais Tola Ogunye Mr. and Mrs. James Paragano Michael and Audrey Petillo Mr. and Mrs. Sergei Pliutsinski Mr. and Mrs. J. Raymond Plummer David and Lashana Reale Andrew and Susan Reale Keith and Lisa Reed Ms. Marjorie L. Reed '04 Dr. Mitchell and Patricia Reiter Dr. and Mrs. Lamont Repollet Ms. Catherine T. Ridder '91 and Mr. Ned Hoseth Dr. and Mrs. Jared M. Saul

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Schwartz Mr. Andrew F. Scott '89 and Mrs. Molly Scott Ms. Emily Seelaus and Mr. James DeAngelo Mrs. Kevin Shanley Erika Skala Elizabeth and Jonathan Sobel Mr. and Mrs. Ian Sopko Mr. and Mrs. Brian Sudler Eileen and Peter Sudler Ms. Patty Sulllivan The Surak Family Mrs. Elizabeth S. Sutte '92 and Mr. Matthew Sutte Mr. and Mrs. Edward Thompson The Turnbull Family Mrs. Laura M. van Rooyen '89 and Mr. Grant van Rooyen The Vartuli Family Mr. Edward J. Walsh* and Ms. Hope Linette Cooper The James M. Walton, Jr. Family Mrs. Roberta A. Warren '88 Mr. Matt Werbel and Mrs. Jamie Pukl-Werbel Mr. Wesley B. Williams and Ms. Eucabeth O. Williams Georgia and Robert Zaiser Andrew Zaiser '12 The Ziaee Family * notes deceased

MATCHING GIFTS The extended corporate community of our donors recognizes and supports the value of a Far Hills education by participating in a matching gift program. Generous gifts of FH supporters doubled and/or tripled their Annual Fund donations with a few extra steps from their laptops or phones, and we are incredibly appreciative. Please be sure to check if your employer offers a matching gift program. It’s a great way to maximize your gift and support Far Hills Country Day School.

AbbVie Thank you to Graham and Vicki Lawton Bayer Thank you to Mr. Steven Leung and Ms. Cecilia Chu Fidelity Foundation Thank you to Mr. Tyler D. Earle '05 Guardian Thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Michael Schwartz

Johnson & Johnson Foundation Thank you to Mr. Juan D. Gomez and Mrs. Catalina Munoz The Merck Foundation Thank you to Dr. and Mrs. Andrew P. Gilmartin New York Life Thank you to Gabby and Stuart '79 Valentine

Prudential Thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Alan Mark Finkelstein Thank you to Dorothy C. von Hollen Renaissance Charitable Foundation, Inc. Thank you to Mr. James C. Brady '50 and Mrs. Joan Brady Voya Financial Thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Chadd Lucas PAGES |IMPACT REPORT| 27

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GIFTS-IN-KIND Far Hills Country Day School is grateful for all of the in-kind gifts we received, especially in support of our Golf Classic and Denim and Diamonds Gala. We thank the following individuals and organizations for their creative and generous donations.

Mr. and Mrs. Akintayo Adewole Mr. and Mrs. Dariush Ashrafi The Bilenker Family Black River Roasters The Blair Family Dr. and Mrs. Mark Brower Bruce Beck, Inc. Andrew '90 and Kristin Brucker Amy and Chris Burns Kabir and Arti Caprihan Mr. and Mrs. Philip Cichlar Mr. and Mrs. David Corcoran Mr. and Mrs. J. Robert Cusimano Dr. and Dr. Andrei Dobrescu Lisi and John Dziadzio Mr. and Mrs. Jacob T. Elberg Ella Tein Diamond Co. Engraved Images The Ferraro Family The Finkelstein Family Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Frerich The Garcia Family Ms. Jordana K. Geldziler The Gentile Family Mr. and Mrs. David Gibbons Michael and Stephanie Glickman Mr. and Mrs. Bogdan Goia Paul and Antonette Greco Mr. and Mrs. Michael Grippo Mr. and Mrs. Dale Gross Hamilton Farm Golf Club Hartshorn Portraiture iPlay America Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Irene The Isgro Family

Paul, Kelly, Cole and Brooke Jasinkiewicz Joshua and Rachel Kalafer Mr. and Mrs. James Kane Kendra Scott Mr. and Mrs. Colin Kibler Mr. Eric K. Kodua and Mrs. Lilian Tuffuor-Kodua Graham and Vicki Lawton Adam Lazer and Lauren Jacobs-Lazer Randall Lee and Eilleen Park Lower School Family Mr. and Mrs. Chadd Lucas Mr. and Mrs. Gavin B. Macomber Mr. and Mrs. Roger Marran Geraldine McCaffery Mr. Christopher A. Merton '82 Dr. and Mrs. Scott Meyer MMSG Mrs. Grace R. Morais '18 Mr. Jack M. Morais '20 Mr. and Mrs. Michael Morais Mr. and Mrs. Daniel V. Muller My Local Garden My SuperFoods Steven and Paige Nehmer Mr. Brendan P. O’Connor and Dr. Alexandra L. Braunstein Tola Ogunye Michael and Audrey Petillo Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth S. Pizzo, Jr. Pocono Raceway Mr. and Mrs. Robert Previdi David and Lashana Reale Dr. Mitchell and Patricia Reiter Dr. and Mrs. Jared M. Saul

The Schroeder Family Mr. and Mrs. Michael Schwartz Elizabeth and Jonathan Sobel Mr. John D. Stem and Mrs. Jodi Lukas-Stem The Surak Family Mrs. Elizabeth S. Sutte '92 and Mr. Matthew Sutte The Golf Range @ Branchburg Mr. and Mrs. David Trent Trump National Golf Club, Bedminster Trump National Golf Club, Colts Neck Trump National Golf Club, Jupiter Trump National Golf Club, Westchester The Turiansky Family Elizabeth Glynn Valentine '81 Mrs. Laura M. van Rooyen '89 and Mr. Grant van Rooyen The Vollero Family Mr. Ulrich von Hollen Mr. Edward J. Walsh and Ms. Hope Linette Cooper Toni Ann Waters Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Weil Mr. Matt Werbel and Mrs. Jamie Pukl-Werbel Mr. Wesley B. Williams and Ms. Eucabeth O. Williams Windswept Xiaoxing Mr. Benjamin Yu and Mrs. Rachel Yu Zaanti, Inc. The Ziaee Family

WHY I GIVE TO FAR HILLS COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL I have different mottos in my life, I am going to share the main ones.

• To be grateful for everything as well as to live "the now."- remembering that the now is an opportunity that a human being has to be grateful for and enjoy it-, • the one that my grandmother taught me "there is more blessing in giving than in receiving", and • to wear the best outfit a human being can wear "a smile".

There are many reasons why I am grateful for Far Hills Country Day School, my colleagues, the children, the kind and positive culture that you can breathe every day, as well as the support for professional development which helps me become a better person and a better professional.

That is with no doubt some of the reasons to give to the Annual Fund. In the end, the support of my colleagues, as well as the smile of students showing me they feel accepted are priceless. Far Hills is a place where we all belong.

Maria Saba, Lower School Spanish Teacher

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FLOCK-A-FRIEND Thank you to all who participated in our first ever Flock-a-Friend fundraiser. To say it was a tremendous success would be an understatement! Our pink flamingos travelled near and far to bring joy to our students, teachers, faculty, and staff. Families sent flocks to one another, the school, local business, alumni homes, and so many other places. Flock-a-friend definitely put the fun in fundraising last year!

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Antoneck, Jr. The Bernard Family The Bilenker Family Andrew '90 and Kristin Brucker PJ and Diane Calello Mr. and Mrs. Philip Cichlar Mr. and Mrs. David Corcoran Mr. and Mrs. J. Robert Cusimano Mr. and Mrs. Jacob T. Elberg Mr. and Mrs. Gavin Evans Executive Car Service The Ferraro Family Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Frerich Ms. Lori Fitzgibbon The Garcia Family Mr. and Mrs. David Gibbons Mr. and Mrs. Bogdan Goia Mr. and Mrs. Michael Grippo Ms. Rachel Gwaro Mr. Thiago Porto Icassati and Mrs. Carolina Manso Teixeira Icassati Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Ingenito Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Irene The Isgro Family Joshua and Rachel Kalafer Ms. Sakina Kearney Mr. Eric Kuhblank and Ms. Robin Voorhees

Toby '23 and Grace '23 Curran enjoy their flock.

Graham and Vicki Lawton Randall Lee and Eilleen Park Mr. Steven Leung and Ms. Cecilia Chu Mr. and Mrs. Eric Liriano Mr. and Mrs. Chadd Lucas Dr. and Mrs. Adrian Marin Mr. and Mrs. Roger Marran Mr. and Mrs. Scott Martin Mr. William Novak and Ms. Colleen McCloskey Mrs. Amanda C. McGovern and Mr. J.D. Moriarty Mr. Christopher A. Merton '82 Dr. and Mrs. Scott Meyer Mr. P. Trent Miller III '89 and Mrs. Priscilla Miller MMSG Mr. Michiteru Mishima and Ms. Katherine M. Novak Mr. and Mrs. Michael Morais Steven and Paige Nehmer Mr. and Mrs. Charles Nocera

Tola Ogunye Mr. and Mrs. J. Raymond Plummer Mr. and Mrs. Robert Previdi Ms. Catherine T. Ridder '91 and Mr. Ned Hoseth Dr. Mitchell and Patricia Reiter Mr. and Mrs. W. Rodman Ryan Dr. and Mrs. Jared M. Saul Mr. and Mrs. Michael Schwartz Elizabeth and Jonathan Sobel Mr. John D. Stem and Mrs. Jodi Lukas-Stem Mr. and Mrs. Brian Sudler The Surak Family The Turiansky Family Toni Ann Waters The Welsh Family Mr. Jim Wolf and Dr. Molly Bliss Mr. and Mrs. Matthew S. Wood The Ziaee Family Georgia and Robert Zaiser

EMPLOYEE GIVING Far Hills teachers and professionals in the school define the strength of the community. Coming together collectively, they help guide your child’s development through the complex world in which we live. Selflessly, they take on the role of role models, counselors, mentors, and champions for each FH student. We are so grateful for all they do and to those below for their generous gifts to the Annual Fund.

Ms. Amy M. Baker Mrs. Laila Ballon Ms. Pat Barry Mr. and Mrs. Jorge Blanco Dr. and Mrs. Mark Brower Amy and Chris Burns Mr. and Mrs. Louis Casella, Jr. Ms. Kailyn Cavaluzzo Mrs. Yu-Hua Chang Ms. Dori A. Cirelli Mr. and Mrs. Scott Conroy Ms. Kristine A. Coombs Mr. and Mrs. David Corcoran Mr. and Mrs. Paul Ducharme Ms. Sarah Dunn Mrs. Gina Fernicola Ms. Lori Fitzgibbon Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Forsythe

Mr. Scott Freeman Ms. Susan Georgeson Mr. and Mrs. Dale Gross Tara Hartmann Ms. Laura Hefferan Ms. Lindsay Heit and Mr. Lawrence Goldstein Mr. and Mrs. Gary Houghland Mrs. Paula Irving Mr. and Mrs. Charles Iuliano Mr. and Mrs. Brian Junger Mrs. Gemma Keremedjiev Graham and Vicki Lawton Mr. and Mrs. Peter Marky Mrs. Susan Miller Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Papili Ms. Darcy Petrie Mr. and Mrs. Iain Phillips

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel E. Powell Mr. Eric Ridder III ’89 and Mrs. Sara Ridder Mrs. Maria Saba Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Sansone Ms. Lisa Sarafino Ms. Emily Seelaus and Mr. James DeAngelo Mike and Natalie Sturgeon Ms. Patty Sulllivan Danielle Kinney Mr. and Mrs. Edward Thompson Nikki Todaro Ms. Jill Tuazon Mr. and Mrs. Robert Varga Mr. and Ms. Jon Wagar Mrs. Mary C. Wagner Mrs. Natalie Young Mr. Benjamin Yu and Mrs. Rachel Yu Georgia and Robert Zaiser PAGES |IMPACT REPORT| 29

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VOLUNTEERISM Far Hills Country Day School would not be able to fulfill its mission without the time and talents of our incredible community. It is our honor to highlight the tireless volunteers whose efforts make our school the special place that it is for students, faculty, staff, alumni and families. Please join us in thanking them.

Mrs. Anne Albright Mrs. Christine Antoneck Mr. Rohan Arjun Mrs. Heather R. Baird Matalon '91 Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Bernard Mrs. Sharyn Bilenker Mr. and Mrs. Shawn M. Brennan Andrew '90 and Kristin Brucker Mr. and Mrs. PJ Calello Mrs. Lori Cichlar Mrs. Sara Cusimano Ms. Noemi Daradics Mrs. Nidhi Dhankhar Mrs. Stacy Ducharme Mr. John E. Dziadzio Mr. and Mrs. Gavin Evans Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Ferraro Mrs. Marcie Freed Ms. Lynda McMaster Gentile Mr. David Gibbons Mr. and Mrs. Paul Greco Mr. and Mrs. Michael Grippo Ms. Lindsay Heit Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Ingenito Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Irene Dr. Timothy Isgro and Dr. Josephine Isgro Mrs. Julie Jaster De Garcia

Josh and Rachel Kalafer Mr. Douglas F. Kling Mr. and Mrs. Eric Liriano Mr. and Mrs. Chadd Lucas Mr. and Mrs. Karen Martin Mrs. Amanda C. McGovern and Mr. J.D. Moriarty Mr. Christopher A. Merton '82 Ms. Mary B. Merton Dr. and Mrs. Scott Meyer Mrs. Beth Mikosh Mr. Trent Miller '87 and Mrs. Priscilla Miller Mr. and Mrs. Michael Morais Mr. and Mrs. Sharif A. Muhammad Mrs. Rebecca Nocera Ms. Colleen McCloskey Mrs. Eileen Paragano Mr. and Mrs. Michael Petillo Mrs. Meaghan Pizzo Mr. and Mrs. J. Raymond Plummer Mr. and Mrs. Robert Previdi Dr. and Mrs. Mitchell Reiter Mr. Ronald Sansone Mrs. Katherine Schwartz Mrs. Molly Scott Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Sobel Mrs. Pamela Surak

Lori Cichlar, 2020-21 Parents Committee Chair, with her husband, Phil.

Mr. Gary Thomas Mrs. Maura Trent Mr. and Mrs. Eric Turiansky Mr. Grant van Rooyen and Mrs. Laura M. van Rooyen '89 Mr. and Mrs. Enzo Vartuli Mr. Michael Vollero Mr. Ulrich von Hollen Mr. Clayton L. Walton Mr. and Mrs. Randall Welsh Mrs. Barbara Werbel Ms. Alyssa Wildrick Mrs. Rachel Yu Mrs. Georgia Zaiser Dr. Sen Zhuang, M.D.

ASTOUNDING. FAR HILLS FUND: WE'RE ALL IN! INVOLVED. INSPIRED. INVESTED. What is the Far Hills Fund, and why is it important?

The Far Hills Fund, formerly known as the Annual Fund, is the largest and the most essential source of non-tuition revenue for the school.

Like most independent schools, tuition only covers about 90% of the cost of education. As a community, we must raise $1.1 million in philanthropic support to sustain and expand our exceptional education programs at Far Hills. The Far Hills Fund consists of gifts made in support of the school each year that allow us to continue inspiring our students and teachers to their fullest potential. Use this QR code to learn more about the Far Hills Fund.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this report.

We apologize for any error or omission and ask that you call us at 908-766-0622 to correct it. Thank you.

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COUNT

ON

Every gift to the Far Hills Fund helps us provide unique experiences, advance our innovative technology, and enhance our student activities.

Can we COUNT ON you?

Make your gift to the Far Hills Fund Today!

Text2Give by texting FH to 243-725

We're on Venmo! @SupportFarHills FHCDS.ORG/DONATE

PAGES |IMPACT REPORT| 31

Far Hills Country Day School

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Chester, NJ Permit No. 241

697 US-202 Far Hills, NJ 07931 fhcds.org

SAVE THE DATES SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 2022 Our biennial casual and fun on-campus fundraiser returns in the Spring. This year, dust off your Doc Martens and wear your favorite look from the 1990s. Parents and friends of the school are welcome for a fun night out to support our students and teachers–it’ll be all that and a bag of chips!

MAY 26–27, 2022

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2022

#FIELDDAYOFGIVING

GOLF CLASSIC 2022

Share your #FalconPride.

Join us for this 24-hour day of giving in support of Far Hills. Whether you’re on the Green Team or the White Team, we’re all Falcons Forever. More details to follow.

MONDAY, JUNE 13, 2022 CLASS OF 2018 REUNION PICNIC All members of the Class of 2018 are invited back to campus for a fun evening reconnecting with former classmates and teachers before heading off to college in the fall. Invitations will be mailed in May.

Join us back on the links next fall for another day of competition and camaraderie benefitting Far Hills Country Day School.

Whether you’re a novice or an experienced golfer, everyone is welcome! More information to come in Summer 2022.