Summer Magazine 2010 by Flint Hill School

Summer Magazine 2 010

Hands-On

MORE INSIDE : Third Grade “Mother Hens”: Page 2 The Arts at Flint Hill: Page 8 Celebrating the Class of 2010: Page 26 Winter and Spring Athletics 2010: Page 34

Flint Hill School

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S :

M I S S I O N S TAT E M E N T Our commitment is to develop, in a caring community, an individual who seeks excellence and embraces the “Driving Spirit” of Flint Hill School.

Third Grade “Mother Hens” Keeping Watch Over Donated Chicken Eggs

Living the Husky Promise Eighth Grade Service Fair

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2009-2010 John T. Hazel, Jr., Chairman Norris E. Mitchell, Vice Chairman Paul C. Kincheloe, Jr., Treasurer John M. Thomas, Secretary Steven B. Alloy John M. Beatty David Boies, III Nelson A. Carbonell, Jr. Edward R. Carr Sara M. Cleland, President, FHS Parents’ Association Otis D. Coston, Jr. John M. Dowd L. Frank Field Sarah D. Hazel Richard J. Hendrix Lennert J. Leader William N. Melton Douglas I. Smith Sister Martha Carpenter, Trustee Emeritus Johanna L. Fitzpatrick, Trustee Emeritus Michael C. McCarey, Trustee Emeritus Edwin M. Ward, Trustee Emeritus ALUMNI EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Ellen Turner ’01, President Jonathan Slater ’88, Vice President Traverse Burnett ’94 Chuck Papas ’81 FLINT HILL SCHOOL MAGAZINE John M. Thomas, Headmaster Stacey Ahner, Director of Institutional Advancement Marian Cavanagh, Director of Communications/Editor DESIGN: Frankl Creative Group, inc.

Having Fun and Learning Together

WEST CAMPUS 3320 Jermantown Road, Oakton, VA 22124 Phone: 703-584-2300. Fax: 703-584-2369 www.flinthill.org

Hands-On Learning

The Ar ts at Flint Hill

Literary Magazine Becomes an Even Bigger Tradition The Ar tistic Ancestry of “The Rough Draft”

Alumni Profile: Heather White ’92 Taking an Ar tistic Approach Wherever She Travels

Parents’ Association 20th Annual Gala Western-Themed Celebration at Boots & Bandana Ball

Celebrating the Class of 2010 Try New Things But…Why Say Goodbye? Athletics Husky Teams Play Fast and Strong Alumni News Letter from the Alumni President

Published by the Flint Hill School ADVANCEMENT OFFICE EAST CAMPUS 10409 Academic Drive, Oakton, VA 22124

Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day

Alumni Profile: Eliot Brenner ’67

Spokesman, Author, “Risk Manager,” Pilot, Musician

Class Notes

Photo Credits: The Advancement Office, Digipixart, Inc., PerfectShot Photos, Blanton Photography, Elizabethtown College, FHS Yearbook staff, FHS alumni, families, and faculty members. On the cover: Students and visitors enjoy Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day; Upper School students create a mural as part of a service project; Olivia DeWitt ’19 with eggs brought from her family’s farm

Headmaster’s Message Dear Flint Hill School Family: Maybe it is one of the challenges all schools face at various times in their journey. People want to “peg” you as a school, and it is not easy. Twenty-five years ago, some called us the “Basketball School”; but far more went on here than just exceptional basketball. We continue to be on a charge to develop a level of excellence in everything we do. Occasionally people say, “So who are you? Who are you trying to be?” They may look at our outstanding record in athletics and jump to the conclusion that we are a jock school. Yet many of our athletes do extremely well in the classroom, and really are “scholar athletes.” Or they hear of all the students who have been accepted at art institutes and in arts programs, those who will be attending a conservatory for music, and think that we put a big emphasis on the arts. Then when they hear about our AP success, or the number of students who go into leadership positions at their colleges or universities, they might say, “Are we trying to be all things to all people? How can a school have demanding academics; do so well athletically; have a comprehensive, nationally recognized arts program; and yet be so young compared with other Independent Schools around us?” It almost seems that we are moving too fast, too soon. The reality is, we are all of those things. It is part of our unique culture that makes up the concept of the “Driving Spirit.” I believe there are five key things that define us, and I hope you will see examples of what I’m talking about as you read through this issue of our magazine. Students First

So many schools are centered on the adults in the buildings. Our adults are here for our students. It is the education the students need; it is the experiences that foster their

growth and development; and it is their energy that inspires and drives us. So much of what we do is “hands-on” learning for our students. They thrive in this environment. And of course, our focus on what is best for students means that we invest considerable resource in our teaching and our teachers. Relentless Drive for Quality

How we teach, and the level of excellence in how we do things, dominates our approach. I always take pride each year when I hand out the “Headmaster’s Awards” to the students who have earned straight A’s. As I shake their hands, I realize that they are varsity athletes, choir singers, peer counselors, or student council officers. I realize that these kids are being exposed to everything with a level of rigor and quality that we all need to take pride in. Home of the Husky Promise

A sense of values, and the good character to do what is right, is at the core of everything we do. We teach the Husky Promise to students in the Lower School, and then as we move to the Middle and Upper School levels, we focus on the Honor Code. Ethical leadership training is what we provide as a solid moral foundation to our entire program. Game-Changing Innovation

So much of what we do here is so unique to Flint Hill, especially when we talk of the “Driving Spirit” and use the Husky and the sled team as our model. Some examples: Getting our own composting machine to help work on environmental issues was led by students’ initiatives. Changing all the silverware and dishware on both campuses was important, and now students become concerned if they see plastic utensils being used. Our

strong focus on technology for next year is a major game changer. We will then have a 1:1 laptop program for students in Grades 4-12; those in Grades 4-6 will have laptops in their classrooms for individual use, and students in Grades 7-12 will take them home on a daily basis. In today’s world, that truly is game changing, at just the moment when it is a critical part of students’ development. Purpose-Built Campus

You can’t walk into our buildings and not sense the openness, the light, the flags that signify our diversity, and our coming together as a global school. See the common spaces where the students and faculty gather; it’s an openness that speaks to one common purpose. I think all these things together are how to define us. There is no simple label, no easy box you can put us in; but we are a school that is truly focused on providing an education the way it was meant to be. As you read through these pages, I hope you will see from the pictures and hear from the voices what a unique place this is. If you are nearby and want to come to visit us first hand, as an alumnus or as a parent, we would be honored to share our program with you. Best wishes to you! Sincerely, John M. Thomas Headmaster

Summer 2010 – FLINT HILL MAGAZINE

LEARNING at FLINT HILL

The way education should be.

MOTHER HENS: THIRD GRADERS KEEP CAREFUL WATCH, TAKE CHARGE of Donated Chicken Eggs

began as a nature lesson for eighteen Third Graders in Aixa Snell’s class. But, as with most things in nature—and at Flint Hill School— it evolved into a lot more than that. Soon the entire Lower School community, and even some curious Middle Schoolers, were gathering in front of the Lower School Office to see what those Third Graders were “hatching.”

Fifth Graders Carolyn Holran, Alexa Rebibo, and Hailey McDonnell check out the chicks; Olivia DeWitt gets the eggs set up in the incubator provided by her family

The answer? An incubator containing 42 fertilized chicken eggs donated by the DeWitt family, owners of The Farm at Broad Run, whose daughter Olivia is in the class. Right after Spring Break, the eggs and the incubator were delivered to the Lower School Commons, along with a book on chicken development to explain the care the eggs would need.

FLINT HILL MAGAZINE – Summer 2010

With trademark Husky Spirit and determination, the students took charge. The incubator was equipped with an electric egg turner, so they didn’t have to handle the eggs; but the class maintained a timeline of each day’s developments, and made sure that the humidity levels were consistent. Their work attracted a lot of attention, and students and teachers were frequently seen peering into the incubator to see how the eggs/ chicks were progressing. “It was a great way for them to really understand the process of how the chick develops,” says Mrs. Snell, who was delighted to share this innovative approach to learning with her students, and the entire East Campus community. “Even though they couldn’t see inside the egg, they knew what was going on. And of course it was very exciting when the chicks began to hatch—we first heard the peeping and then many lucky students were able to see the chicks coming out of their shells.” Bits of broken shell began to accumulate and small fuzzy heads became visible. The class gathered a lot of interesting facts, some of which they presented during a Lower School “Inspiration.”

Hens can lay three to four eggs every day; not all of the eggs are fertilized; not all will hatch. The color of the eggshell depends on the variety of chicken. Third Graders were amazed to see an egg with a blue shell! Garren Wee found out that “chicks have special fingernails on their wings.” David Johnston discovered that “the chicks need 100 degrees in the incubator.” And Sasha Wai learned that “if you squeeze a chick, it screams a lot!” Not, of course, that any chicks were squeezed in the course of the project. CHICKS Chicks, chicks, chicks as soft as a bunny as cute as a kitten as perky as soda as friendly as a puppy as gentle as a baby as fluffy as feathers as frisky as a cat as fragile as glass. Oh, you chicks. chicks, chicks, chicks. by Maddie Chiarolanzio, Olivia DeWitt, and Kara Ritthaworn

The baby chicks eventually were transported to The Farm at Broad Run where they will be raised. But the memory of “the time the chicks came to school” will stay with those Third Graders for years to come.

LEARNING at FLINT HILL The way education should be.

FIFTH GRADE

INVENTI N CONVENTION Innovative Thinking Makes Science Look Easy

“

he Pillow Fluffer,” “The Marvelous Cereal Pour,” “The Mobile Trash Can,” “The Tornado Maker,” “The Sibling Squabble Game.” Or how about “The Magical, Squeezable Toothbrush”? If any of those “brand names” sounded interesting, you could check them out at this year’s Invention Convention, held in the East Campus Gym and celebrated in conjunction with Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day.

This annual Class tradition has been around for a while, and each year the faculty strategizes and develops different and fun ways to make the project fit into the curriculum, says Fifth Grade teacher Denise Yassine. “In Science, we study simple machines and attempt to have our student inventors use what they know to create their inventions. They are also using the scientific process: Ask a question, do background research, construct a hypothesis, test, analyze results, draw conclusions, report results. In Social Studies, we study ancient civilizations, which includes the ways in which these civilizations advanced through problem solving and critical thinking. These are skills that our student inventors use during their invention creation process. We want them to think like the Mesopotamians did when they solved problems such as flooding, water shortages, and attacks. The project also teaches our students ways in which to organize a long-term project into manageable sections.”

“The Invention Convention was tough, but the rewards are great,” says David Buchanan, inventor of “The Massage-a-Nation.” Carolyn Holran remembers “times when I got really frustrated with myself,” but like a good Husky, she kept trying to do her best. Madison Milner, who came up with “The Second Chance Dog Feeder,” says, “I had a lot of struggles, and it still turned out great!”

We want them to think like the Mesopotamians did when they solved problems “I think ‘The Grill-o-Mitt’ is the big grilling tool of the century,” Carter Beatty asserted. David Rosen said he came up with his “Toy Crane” invention for his sister, “so that she wouldn’t annoy us at the dinner table.” Kirsten Schuler was thrilled when “some people even took pictures” of her invention, “The Personal Travel Station.” As always, great minds kept working long after the day was over, and many students suggested ways to improve the experience for everyone. Several wanted the Convention to last longer. “I think we needed more time to visit other people’s inventions,” says “Doggie Dinner Dollie” inventor Grant Neagli. Stephanie Brendsel agrees. “I hope next year [students] can have a longer time to explain,” she says, “because inventions are the inspirations to the world.”

Inventors Tiffany Pinkowski (top) and Joey Lindsay with Headmaster John Thomas (center); and Isabel Rice-Martorell with her grandparents, Ed and Betsey Rice

Summer 2010 – FLINT HILL MAGAZINE

LEARNING at FLINT HILL

The way education should be.

Grade Service Fair Demonstrates Students’ Compassion for Others

Students are given opportunities to get involved and become knowledgeable through participation in local and regional organizations’ efforts.

LIVING THE HUSKY PROMISE In May, Eighth Graders spent a morning showcasing the independent service projects they’d been working on during the course of the past year. It’s not easy to compress these kinds of experiences into a short presentation, but the students stepped up to the challenge and made a lasting impression on those who stopped by.

them from becoming hungry during weekends. Canned food and coat drives, holiday gift giving, Family Service Days, and a “Help the Homeless Mini-Walk” are part of their experience, so that by the time they are in the Eighth Grade, the Service Fair doesn’t seem particularly out of the ordinary or overwhelming.

The Middle School Service Program gives students insight into the impact they might be able to make in their community, and also fosters compassion and leadership skills, among other important direct learning experiences. Students initially choose a theme and then find an organization where they can provide a service. They must complete a minimum of ten service hours with the organization, write a reflection, and then design and present a display of their efforts.

Brandon Alloy was “surprised about how appreciative parents were when I was working with their kids,” and says it was fun to present his project to FHS parents who came to the Fair. And Evan Harrington found it “interesting to see different people do different deeds depending on their personality, comfort level, and views on how they felt that they could best contribute to the community.”

Which brought them to the East Campus gym, where visitors could hear students discussing their work with area youth, animals, health, poverty, the elderly, the environment, and the community in general, among many worthy causes.

“You may think that community service is a pain,” says Kylie Heal, “but just find something that you like to do and it can be a great experience.”

Throughout the year, all FHS students are given opportunities to get involved and become knowledgeable through participation in local and regional organizations’ efforts. There is an ongoing “Backpack Project” that provides food for children to prevent Jaclyn Koger and Brandon Alloy, ready to talk abut their service projects

FLINT HILL MAGAZINE – Summer 2010

Seif Omar, Matt Kennedy, and Makena Murugu show their Husky Spirit

ver 300 visitors—some of whom came from Turkey, Singapore, Scotland, and Italy for the occasion— arrived early and stayed late to enjoy the “Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day” celebration, held on May 7 on the East Campus.

Students, Grandparents, Special Friends

Cadence Hinnant loved building houses with his grandmother, and while they were working he found out about the time one of his grandmother’s childhood classmates took a dislike to her Halloween costume. Anna Renner got to ask her grandparents what it was like when they were little. “I learned that the girls had to wear long dresses to school and the boys had to wear pants and shirts. My favorite thing was [finding out] that whenever someone got in trouble and they went to the principal’s office, they would just sit there for a day. They would have to do lots of tests and their non-favorite things.”

COME

TOGETHER

Thanks to a well-organized group of parent volunteers—Co-Chairs for the day were Kim Gibson and Lisa Lisker—and with help from the Facilities Department and Advancement Office, there was plenty to do and also time to sit, relax, enjoy coffee and pastries, and listen to a little jazz provided by student musicians. Junior Kindergarten guests arrived first, and the youngest Huskies were enthusiastic hosts, sharing some favorite classroom activities. A short presentation was offered in Olson Theater by Headmaster John Thomas and Lower and Middle School Directors Sheena Hall and Barry Davis. Soon, most classrooms in the Hazel Academic Building were also filled with the excited sounds of students and their guests enjoying themselves. It was hard to know who was having more fun, but everyone was learning something. The visitors were amazed to watch several JK students using a Promethean board with complete ease. Others marveled at a Middle School conversation about stock market prices. Second Grader

Visitors with more than one student at the School went to multiple classrooms, and many enjoyed stopping by the Fifth Grade Invention Convention in the gym. Who wouldn’t want to check out “The Foldable Hula-Hoop,” or taste the “Two-Flavor Gatorade”? (See story, p. 3) “Like all of our volunteer efforts, it’s always fun working with the FHS staff and other parents to pull an event together,” says Mrs. Gibson. “But it’s because of the guests we host on this particular day that this event stands apart for me. I loved walking down the hallways, peering into classrooms, and seeing the enthusiasm and joy on the faces of both our students and their guests as they took part in the day together. It always seems to be over so quickly; but it leaves a big smile on my face and in my heart!”

Lower Schoolers enjoy class time with some special visitors: (top left) Junior Kindergartener Daniel Ziamanesh; (bottom left) First Grader Reagon Pomeroy; (center) Second Grader Anna Renner; (top right) a Kindergarten classroom; (bottom right) Third Graders Billy Moore (l) and Lika Nkenchor

Summer 2010 – FLINT HILL MAGAZINE

LEARNING at FLINT HILL

The way education should be.

STUDENT NOTES... “HEAdMASTErS” For THE dAy

GoLd, SILvEr, ANd BroNZE

FHS Latin students continue to excel. In a multi-state exam taken in December, three Upper School students earned Book Awards; ten earned gold, silver, or bronze in the National Etymology Exam; six earned one of the top three medals on the National Roman Civilization Exam; and FHS students earned 30 gold medals in the National Latin exam. Twenty-six Middle School students were given either a silver or bronze medallion on the National Mythology Exam. For the 19th time out of the past 20 years, the School won the Beta Prize as the highestperforming private or home school program in Virginia as measured by student success on the Classical Association of Virginia Latin Tournament. Ratna Gill ’11, Kenneson Chen ’10, and Howard Chang (above)

FLINT HILL MAGAZINE – Summer 2010

There were three new “Headmasters” at Flint Hill on Tuesday, May 25, and they made the most of it. First Grader Sophie Shumway and her brothers, Second Graders Corey and James Shumway (pictured below, center, left and right) had a full day of meetings on both campuses and also got a “behind the scenes” tour of how the School operates. In the College Counseling Department, they discussed their future by drawing what they want to be when they grow up, and their wishes included becoming a gymnast, a millionaire, and a rock star. Stay tuned. The students also had suggestions on ways to improve the School; these involved recess, food, “free dress” days, bringing pets to school, more “two-hour delayed starts,” and building a swimming pool on the East Campus. The true “Driving Spirit” at work.

“LET’S MovE!”

Maggie McBride ’20 and her brother, Conner McBride ’16, had a chance to shake hands with First Lady Michelle Obama at the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) Science Forum in March. Mrs. Obama was there to discuss childhood obesity and to promote her “Let’s Move” anti-childhood obesity initiative. HELPING oTHErS

K.C. WHITAKEr ’10 was selected to participate in the 5th annual Roundball Classic in Hagerstown, Maryland, on March 20 at Hagerstown Community College. The event benefits children with congenital heart disease and the Ronald McDonald House. K.C. played in the feature game, which included athletes from Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

EARTH DAy: ApRIL 22, 2010

“SkypING” IN BEIjING Fifth Grade students had been study-

ing ancient China in class, so the timing couldn’t have been better when classmate Shayan Najam’s father took the family to Beijing in conjunction with his presentation at a medical conference. With help from the FHS Technology Department and Skype, Shayan shared his experiences in one-to-one conversations about his visits to The Forbidden City, The Great Wall, and the Terra Cotta Warriors, which the Fifth Graders had seen in March at the National Geographic Society. The world is a small place, sometimes.

Students and teachers honored this day in a variety of ways on both campuses. Lower and Middle School students (below) walked the campus together collecting trash and recyclables; and in P.E. classes, jk students learned the important difference between those two words. Earth Day was the focus of a Lower School “Inspiration” during which Fourth Graders sang “We’ve Got the Whole World in Our Hands” in Spanish. Eight Upper School students and teacher Fred Chanania planted seedlings— sun-flowers, pumpkins, winter squash, and spring lettuce— as an Earth Day kickoff to the Environmental Garden and gave a presentation to their classmates about “Eating Local and Eating Fresh.” The garden now includes basil, tomato plants, hot peppers, beets, and baby yellow squash.

COLOR GAMES 2010

Blue or Green? Pink or Red? It was hard to know which colorful team to root for as Middle School students enjoyed this day of group activities and competitions. With seven activities going on simultaneously across the East Campus, students were either playing hard or cheering harder. Events included Knockout, Sponge/Balloon, Capture the Flag, Kickball, Mission Impossible/ Three-Legged Race, Inflatables, and Kin-ball. The Sixth and Eighth Grade teams won the always-contentious Tug-of-War competition; but then the Middle School faculty gained the upper hand over the Eighth Graders. Ice cream in the Dell was a cool and calming way to end another memorable Color Games!

CHARACTER COUNTS

OUT ON THE ICE

Sixth Graders (above, l-r) Nate Grisius, Mackie Wheeler, and Amir Sadikov, who play for the Reston Raiders Hockey Club, competed in the 2010 Pee Wee AA National Hockey Tournament in April. Representing the State of Virginia, they advanced to the semifinals after playing teams from Texas, Alaska, and Missouri.

Zach Harker ’11, was one of eight teenagers given a Teen Character Award at the 14th annual McLean Day on May 15. The award honors teens who demonstrate outstanding character, help out in their neighborhood or community, and serve as an example to others. Zach volunteered at Wolf Trap Farm Park, assisting with maintenance, helping performers set up and break down for their shows, and providing support to the musician.

Ten Eighth Grade students were winners of the National French Exam, Le Grand Concours, based on tests they took in the spring. Chapeaux!

Summer 2010 – FLINT HILL MAGAZINE

Hands-on Learning THE ARTS at FLINT HILL

Playing a musical instrument, singing a solo or being part of a choral presentation. Performing with a dance troupe or in a drama production; painting and drawing on canvas; working with clay, with cameras, and with computers. At Flint Hill, students develop an aesthetic sensitivity and artistic and creative awareness, beginning with the youngest students and progressing to the highest Grades. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a hands-on experience that brings art to life not only in the theater and in concert venues, but in the hallways, studios, and classrooms of each campus. Arts Jam 2010 was a testament to the breadth and depth of the program, as were the accolades and honors earned through performances by individual students and groups throughout the year. The following pages give a glimpse into the accomplishments and achievements of our student artists.

ARTS JAM 2010 Ten guest artists, nine performances, four visual arts shows, and two art service projects were all part of this year’s memorable and lively Arts Jam. The performances included musical selections from Upper and Middle School Orchestras, the Upper School Percussion Ensemble, the Upper School Symphonic and Jazz Bands, the Upper School Chorus, and the Major Minors A Cappella Jam, which featured guest appearances by the professional a cappella group, “Snowday,” and the group “Vita Bella” from Fredericksburg Academy. There were two opportunities to see the Upper School Dessert Theater’s presentation of “Get Smart” in Olson Theater. Award-winning Nigerian artist Sani Bashir, whose work is exhibited at the Parish Gallery in Georgetown, worked

with Middle School students. Oliver Jackson returned for his fifth year; and students took two field trips with him to the National Gallery of Art, where they enjoyed art history lectures and discussed what they needed to do to complete their projects. David R. MacDonald, a veteran ceramics professor at Syracuse University, added more fire to the students’ enthusiasm through demonstrations, lectures about his life in clay, and working one-on-one with the students on their progression in ceramic study and technique. (See story, p. 15) Dance physical therapist Secili Destafano worked with Upper School dancers, making assessments and showing them techniques and movements they could practice to protect themselves as dancers. Igor Yuzefovich,, the Assistant Concertmaster of the Baltimore Symphony, worked with Upper School Orchestra students; and Rob Holmes of the

US Navy Commodores Jazz Ensemble offered Master Classes to Upper and Middle School students. And then there was “Dewanatron.” Cousins Brian and Leon Dewan call themselves “sculptors, electronic musicians, inventors”; they construct electronic music-making machines that can be played by a person or can function on their own. They are also known as “eccentric inventors and visionary entrepreneurs exploring and sharing a new, offbeat world of music, technology, and homespun craft.” They made their biggest splash on the Lower School campus, where they led a hands-on demonstration for Kindergarteners and First Graders. The art didn’t stop with the conclusion of Arts Jam; throughout the spring the sounds and sights of students’ work was visible in every corner of both campuses. The beat goes on!

Top: (l-r) Jessica Jarratt ’21 tries her hand at Dewanatron’s electronic keyboard; Seniors Patrick Farrell and John Wisiackas practice their improv skills; and David Cosby’s Middle School musicians get tips from master musician Rob Holmes. (Bottom) Painter Ali Jalaie ’13 and dancer Lauren Thompson ’13 hit their marks.

Summer 2010 – FLINT HILL MAGAZINE

STudENT ArTISTS FINd THEIr VoIcES IN THEIr HANdS

As I follow my curiosity across a great chessboard, I indulge in every experience that is thrown at me. Leading me on through one adventure after the other inspires my artistic imagination through light and dark, through sadness and joy, but ultimately, through the door… Olivia Arey ’10

Visual artistry can appear “quiet,” but the results speak volumes. An Upper School Animation and Photography exhibit attracted a lot of compliments and attention, as did the annual Portfolio Art Show, in which advanced Senior artists prepped walls, mounted their work, and promoted a reception. Each artist was required to create and prepare 20 pieces to be included in the exhibition. On the East Campus, Lower and Middle School student displays included sculptures and drawings, puppets, selfportraits, charcoal drawings, collages, and prints. Upper School artists were asked to write a statement about their work and their approach to the process; their statements (right) were exhibited alongside each display, and provided insight to each unique creation.

••• FAcuLTY IN THE ArTS… Upper School Art teachers carol Barsha and cianne Fragione were awarded three-week summer residencies at the “Soaring Gardens Artists’ Retreat” by the Ora Lerman Charitable Trust. They were each given their own studio on a 24-acre estate. Recipients are judged on the quality of their work and a proven commitment to artistic excellence in their practices. Works by Mrs. Barsha were on display at The Katzen Museum at American University, and a piece was selected for a 2011 major exhibition at the Textile Museum about contemporary artists responding to concerns about the environment.

Director of Fine Arts Tim Mitchell was a panel presenter and moderator in a discussion on Theater and Service Learning at Georgetown University. Dr. Mitchell also directed a model interactive performance at the Poulton Hall Center for Social Justice, sponsored by The Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service and the English Department of Georgetown University.

Visual Arts 10

FLINT HILL MAGAZINE – Summer 2010

What matters most to me is that I express my flawed ways in a way that is pure and flawless: art… I have laid my thoughts out like an open book, waiting patiently to be read and to be judged, criticized or praised. … Valeria Almada ’10

In each of my works, life and death exist together. Consider their existence a partnership rather than a contradiction. Without life, death is insignificant. Without death, the beauty of life is meaningless… Mary Okoth ’10

ART IN THE COMMUNITY

Upper School artists create murals for a local Family Services office

wo Middle School and three Upper School students used their love of art to benefit children in the community in two separate projects this year. In the Middle School, the “Huskies With HeART” program brought an after-school art program to Reston, VA; and the Upper Schoolers made a foster care center a lot more cheerful for visiting children and adults.

Eighth Graders Sarah Kashef and Micaela Cohen-Freue showed their compassion and “Driving Spirit” and came to understand a lot about the joy of service learning as they started and then continued to develop a program for elementary school-aged children at the Southgate Community Center. The girls took charge of the project, known as “Huskies With HeART,” from its inception, says their faculty mentor, Art teacher Linda Okoth. Along with observation drawing, painting, and sculpture, Sarah and Micaela were required to develop, carefully plan, and then teach lessons to the children. They had a lot of fun along the way.

“Huskies with HeART” was a great experience,” says Sarah. “It feels amazing to help kids in need by simply being there for them.” Micaela says that the project was “an excellent opportunity to meet new kids and help them with fun and creative activities.”

Students Use Their Creativity and Compassion to Benefit Others “These precious girls just opened their enormous hearts to some very appreciative children,” says Mrs. Okoth. “Without them, the kids in the after-school program would not have had the opportunity for arts enrichment. The Directors of the Center so appreciated the dedication and kindness of our Flint Hill School volunteers that they are eager to resume the bi-monthly program in September.” Rising Eighth Graders can become involved in next year’s “Huskies with HeART” program by contacting Mrs. Okoth.

In the Upper School, three students were part of an art service project that involved painting murals on the walls of two foster care meeting rooms in the Pennino Building, located in the Fairfax County Family Services Office at Government Center. The rooms are used to introduce children to their new foster care parents, and the students painted two murals—a jungle oasis which they named “Animals gather at the watering hole,” and a series of hot air balloons entitled “Up, Up and Away.” Bannister McKenzie ’04, son of Lower School art teacher Abigail McKenzie, led the team that included Cedric Suzuki ’12, Joanne Lee ’11, and So Young Park ’12. The project was planned by the students with Mr. McKenzie’s guidance, and was based on the students’ drawings and ideas. The project was completed over the course of two weekends. Bravo to these students for taking on these challenges and demonstrating the depth of their artistic innovation, creativity, and compassion for others.

Summer 2010 – FLINT HILL MAGAZINE

ajor Minors won Third Place this spring in their first live competition, the SingStrong DC A Cappella Festival in Reston, VA, which welcomes high school groups. Ten other area schools participated, and Senior Blair Jenet was given a trophy for Best Male Vocalist. Blair also led the group at a performance at the Virginia Tyson’s Chamber of Commerce Youth and Education Luncheon. Nearly 100 FHS student musicians competed against schools from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Nevada at the Spirit of America Festival, held on the campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Our Upper School students brought home three Gold Medals (Concert Percussion, String Orchestra, and Concert Choir); two Silver Medals (Jazz and Concert Bands); two Grand Champion prizes (the Percussion Ensemble and the Combined Choirs); and Best Instrumental and Best Vocal Soloists (Seniors Jenny Yao and Blair Jenet, respectively). Middle School musicians competed with 20 other music groups and received one “Good,” two “Excellent”

FLINT HILL MAGAZINE – Summer 2010

and one “Superior” rating. The Advanced Band and the Advanced Orchestra both took Second Place honors; the Advanced Percussion group was given a First Place prize; the Middle School Choir was given a “Superior” rating; and the Advanced Chorus was named Overall Best Chorus in the competition. Fifth Graders Lena Cohen, Jessica Rappaport, and David Ross; Seventh Grader Donald Moran; Junior Ratna Gill; and Senior Blair Jenet performed in select Honor Choirs at the Southern Division Conference of the American Choral Director’s Association (ACDA), held in Memphis, TN, in early March. Each choir was comprised of about 150 singers who spent an average of eight hours a day in rehearsals. “The sight and sound of all those singers was really overwhelming,” says Choral Director Kay Maddox. “The music was challenging, the rehearsals were grueling; but the students took it all in stride and gave an amazing concert.” The US Jazz Ensemble played at the Capitol Big Band Bash, held on April 21. The event was hosted by Blues Alley, and the group played in the Sylvan Amphitheater on the Mall.

The Concert Choir, with guest artist Christie Fellows ’09, performed in the National Memorial Day Choral Festival with the Indiana State University Concert Choir and four other school and adult choral groups from six states at the John F. Kennedy

CONCERTS AND FESTIVALS Center Concert Hall over the Memorial Day weekend. Dr. Scott Buchanan of Indiana State University was the Artistic Director and Conductor of the 130-voice choir. The concert featured legendary tenor Anthony Kearns, one of the “Three Irish Tenors.”

Hitting the right notes: (top left, l-r) Freshmen Hooman Azad, Joseph Howa, and Kealan Parsons with the Upper School Jazz Band; (l-r) Fifth Graders Grant Neagli and Jeff Amankwah; Senior Blair Jenet; (bottom left, l-r) Jason Day leads Seventh Graders Brooke Earnest, Becky Harrington, and other members of the Middle School Orchestra; Kay Maddox and Fifth Graders David Ross, Lena Cohen and Jessica Rappoport in Memphis

“

ould you believe….” Two performances of the Upper School Dessert Theater’s production of “Get Smart,” based on the 1965-1970 Emmy-winning television series, were staged in the Olson Theater this spring to very appreciative audiences. The cast of 20 student performers and eleven production team members, under the direction of Carlo Grossman, staged a memorable and very funny version of the hit show from the comic minds of Mel Brooks and Buck Henry. In the Middle School, a Seventh and Eighth Grade production of “The Mouse That Roared” and the Fifth and Sixth Grade play, “Tapestry,” provided memorable moments, inventive humor, unusual coincidences, and life lessons as the cast and crew stretched their creative wings. During Arts Jam, Middle and Upper School students got the benefit of Master Classes in improv and character development from Rusty Schwimmer, an actress who has appeared opposite Robert Duvall and Paul Giamatti and enjoyed roles in “Gilmore Girls,” and “Picket Fences.”

THEATER AND DANCE

The Upper School dancers—“Blaze,” “Ignition,” the Flint Hill Dance Team, and the Curricular dancers from Ballet, Jazz, and Modern Dance classes—gave a recital that showcased this year’s work. A Modern and Jazz Dance Reprise featured students performing at a Town Meeting during Arts Jam, accompanied by student cellist Hunter Lawrence ’12. Upper School Dancers presented in-class performances for parents, teachers, and friends. Students choreographed their own dances and also performed in each other’s creative works. Dancers learned something about how physical therapy could work for them during Arts Jam when Secili Destefano made two visits to the studio to work on dance moves and positions. Queen Sarah Al-Qatou ’15 in “The Mouse That Roared” (r); top: Joel Nelson ‘10 in “Get Smart”; dancer Avery Gildner ‘12; Sasha Bilal ’16 and Mackenzie Sidor ’17 in “Tapestry”; the US Dance team; and Keeley McLaughlin ’13, Ian Campell ’10 and Jordan Pasternak ’11 in “Get Smart”

Summer 2010 – FLINT HILL MAGAZINE

C E R A M I C S C L A S S L E A R N S TO

take the heat N

ine FHS students taking a ceramics class this spring had the amazing good fortune to learn how a two-chamber noborigama-style wood and salt kiln works. To do so, they made three visits in early March to Baltimore Clayworks, a non-profit ceramic art center that provides artistic, educational, and collaborative programs in ceramic arts. The trip left a lasting impression and, in conjunction with their other in-school ceramics experiences and participation in a four-day conference in Philadelphia, has expanded the students’ thinking about their future artistic pursuits.

Our potters kept stoking the wood and kept the kiln climbing Ceramics students usually fire their work in classroom kilns, and twice a year they conduct outdoor Raku firings on campus. The gas kiln is fired up outdoors and their work is rapidly heated to 1900 degrees Fahrenheit. The pieces are removed when the kiln is glowing hot—often referred to as “liquid sunshine”; each piece is then ignited and immediately smothered, in a process known as “post-firing reduction,” which enhances the color of the glazes and

FLINT HILL MAGAZINE – Summer 2010

the clay body. “The firing is a group effort...a dance,” says Ceramics teacher Julia Cardone. The Baltimore Clayworks experience was even more adventurous, and required three trips to permit the students to be involved in each stage of the firing process. Relatively few working potters use wood as a fuel for making pottery, the students discovered, in part because of time demands. It takes approximately 18-20 hours for the temperature in the kiln to climb to 2399 degrees Fahrenheit. On their initial visit, Ms. Cardone and the students— Seniors Joe Benton, Lauryn Harris, Brie Dill, Kathleen Melvin, Sarah Compton, Stephanie Brownley and Juniors Alex Erickson, Joanne Lee and Eric Hardin—met with resident artist and wood kiln manager Jim Dugan, who familiarized them with the kiln, the studio, and the different aspects of preparing their pieces for the firing. The students were invited to utilize the studio; received a workshop on glazing, preparing, and firing a wood salt kiln; and also enjoyed viewing the incredible work exhibited in the gallery. Three days later, the group returned to witness and help with the preparation and firing of the kiln. “Our potters kept stoking the wood and kept the kiln climbing,” says Ms. Cardone.

By the middle of the next week, the kiln had cooled enough to be unloaded; so the students came back a third time to help out and collect their ware. “The expression of surprise and excitement over the results they achieved in the work was overwhelming,” says Ms. Cardone. “It really heightened their awareness about ceramic art, and the enthusiasm and quality of their work has grown exponentially.” “It was extremely gratifying to see how beautifully the pieces turned out after all the hard work put into the process,” says Sarah Compton. Lauryn Harris says that the trip “really inspired me to look outside of Flint Hill’s studio and recognize the vast possibilities for creating ceramic art locally. I even discovered a studio in my college town that I plan to look into next year. For the past two years, ceramics has allowed me to grow as an artist and an individual and has been my creative outlet. I am so glad I will be able to continue this art beyond high school.” Stephanie Brownley and Kathleen Melvin were the first FHS AP students to submit portfolios to the College Board. Two vases, one of them wood fired, created by Joe Benton were accepted into the Strathmore Festival’s “Carved Vase Competition.” They were put in a category not with student artists but with professional potters. And Joanne Lee was inducted into the National Art Honor Society and will be taking a workshop with Ms. Cardone this summer. At the end of March, Joe, Sarah, Joanne, Stephanie, and Kathleen attended the four-day National Conference on Education for Ceramic Arts (NCECA) in Philadelphia. They witnessed live demonstrations, listened to panel discussions and lectures, visited exhibitions of ceramic work, and met some of the artists they have been studying. A workshop demonstration by artist Matthew Metz made a big impression on Sarah, who later tried out some of his techniques “It was cool to be able to bring a part of NCECA home and make it my own.”

A Riveting and Informative Experience During Arts Jam, artist David R. MacDonald, (above) a ceramics professor at Syracuse University for 36 years, added more fire to the students’ enthusiasm through demonstrations, lectures about his life in clay, and working with them one-on-one on their progression in ceramic study and technique. “He has been a mentor to me for over 15 years,” says Ceramics teacher Julia Cardone, “and now has become a great mentor to our students. The impact of his visits has been extremely powerful in the development of the students’ work and sensitivity to the intricacies of working with clay. ” For Senior Lauryn Harris, it was her second chance to work with and learn from the renowned artist. “I think the visiting artists program is especially important and educational for students,” she says. “All artists are uniquely talented, and having the chance to witness Mr. MacDonald’s work first hand allows ceramic students to broaden their outlook on this art form and their skill sets. Watching him throw, scraffito, and glaze his pots helps all of the students become more proficient in their own work. I really enjoyed his trip to Flint Hill this year and have personally improved my artwork with the help of his demos and advice.” Classmate Kathleen Melvin feels that his workshop “was the most riveting and informative part of ceramics. Critiquing with David gave me a professional level of advice that made me feel proud of my work.”

Top: Students at Baltimore Clayworks (l): Lauryn Harris ’10 and Eric Hardin ’11; (r) Joe Benton ’10; Bottom: (l) Rick Robinson ’10 in class; (r) Kathleen Melvin ’10, Sarah Compton ’10 and Julia Cardone at the NCECA conference.

Summer 2010 – FLINT HILL MAGAZINE

students here. I’d been involved as a writer and staff member since my Freshman year, so I was always compelled to help the literary arts. I was so excited to have the opportunity to lead this year’s production!” There were nearly 600 submissions from which to choose—three times as many as the 2009 edition, which won a Gold Medal from Colombia Scholastic Press Association—and this year “The Rough Draft” is sixty-two pages longer. Students taking art and photography classes were encouraged to offer their expertise—either in original work or in photographing other students’ efforts. English teachers talked up the project in their classrooms, particularly with Ninth and Tenth Grade students who might never have participated before.

There was a buzz in the room when they got together

ARTISTIC ANCESTRY: 2010

Literary Magazine Becomes an Even Bigger Tradition STudENTS CoLLAborATE oN ProSE, PoETry, ArT, ANd PHoToGrAPHy

FLINT HILL MAGAZINE – Summer 2010

“There’s something really special about putting together a magazine made of work from students you know and see every day,” says Lauren MacGuidwin ’10, Editor-in-Chief of this year’s Literary Magazine, “The Rough Draft.” “There’s some amazing creativity and emotion from the words and images of all the

A core group of approximately twenty-five students, all interested in writing and publishing in various forms and genres, was responsible for the finished product. In addition to Lauren, they included a Reading Staff that met several times to discuss which pieces should be included in the magazine, and five other Editors and Assistant Editors who determined how the final selections would be presented. Many worked on last year’s publication; others will return next year to carry on the tradition. This practice, says the group’s faculty advisor, English teacher Maddie Krug, “creates an ancestry” that greatly benefits the ongoing process.

“They are incredibly creative kids,” she says. “I’m so proud of them. I got to stand back and watch it happen. There was a buzz in the room when they got together—enthusiasm, creative juices, and excitement about the product. They were self-motivated, excited from day one, and proud of what they did at the end of it all. Everyone seemed to be on equal footing and to be an equal part of the commitment. There was camaraderie—Freshmen were as welcome and used as Seniors. It was never a ‘too many cooks’ situation.” Senior Tory Stires got involved in the “behind the scenes” part of the magazine’s production, as opposed to just submitting pieces, which she also did during her Junior year. “I really loved the atmosphere Mrs. Krug created during reading days, inviting us over to her house, reading the literature of our peers, and therefore looking at our own work more critically. School life always kind of blurred during those meetings, and everyone worked together creatively toward the goal of a finished product.” This year, Tory says that she and Mary Okoth ’10 “enjoyed the opportunity to help guide the group and teach them the ways of the Reading Staff that came before us.” Mary says she loves promoting the arts and encourages every member of the Flint Hill community to recognize his or her creativity. “My hope is that, eventually, the entire student body will submit! It has been inspiring to experience the many ways in which my fellow students express themselves.” “When I heard about the Lit Mag two years ago, I didn’t realize what exactly it was,” recalls Assistant Editor Caroline Burr ’11. “I was interested in its purpose purely to enjoy all forms of art. Last year, I was on the Reading Staff and enjoyed being involved in

such a creative process. Being one of the Editors this year, I was able to learn how exactly the magazine was put together. I enjoyed finding the perfect artwork to match a written work. So much attention to detail was needed to make sure that the information was right, the format was consistent, and the text was all legible. Lauren was so organized and she spent much of her time making each page so beautiful.”

My hope is that, eventually, the entire student body will submit Junior Mintie Pardoe’s photographs have been on the publication’s cover for the past three years. “As a Freshman I submitted many works,” she says. “I was excited and wanted to be a part of it almost instantly. I enjoyed putting the cover together…With help from the crew, we developed a picture in our heads. Looking in fine detail you can see a watch on the desk and the book titles have relevance to the theme and point of the Lit Mag. It challenged me in my composition and artistically, too. I enjoy seeing the final product every year and cannot wait for my last year on the crew.”

5:00 p.m., at the far corner of the Language hallway for three days… that’s not much fun; but you have to realize that the time spent then is saving you from future chaos during actual school, when there’s homework and tests and drama and life! YouTube songs become your best friend. From conception to creation, it’s been about nine months—hours of headaches and joy. There were complications, but we pulled through—and now that it’s here, I handle it with care (I hate getting smudges on it). The magazine isn’t perfect; no magazine ever will be…once you start striving for perfection, you’re doomed. Besides, that’s why it’s called ‘The Rough Draft.’ I’ll always see it as beautiful because it’s ‘mine’—as well as everyone else’s who submitted, edited, read, or created something for the community to enjoy.”

“The Rough Draft” for Alumni and Faculty

Submissions Welcome and Encouraged!

The Editors of “The Rough Draft” would like to expand the publication next year by creating the first-ever “Alumni and Faculty” version of the magazine. Help inspire our

“It was amazing to get the chance to view the work of my fellow students as a reader,” agrees Ratna Gill ’11. “As an Editor, matching pieces of writing with pieces of artwork was a blast. As a writer, it’s always such a treat when people who have seen my work in the magazine approach me and ask me about it.”

students to even greater

The most challenging part? From Lauren’s perspective, “It’s pretty hard to come into school during Spring Break to work on the actual design of the magazine from 9:00 a.m. to

artwork. We welcome your

heights by contributing to this new literary effort. Our staff is looking for a wide array of submissions in a range of categories—prose, poetry, essays (personal or others), photographs, and other submissions! Please send them to: mkrug@flinthill.org.

Summer 2010 – FLINT HILL MAGAZINE

HEATHER WHITE ’92 Taking an Artistic Approach

Wherever She Travels

Heather White kayaking in New Zealand

rt and travel have always been very important to Heather White. When she graduated from Flint Hill School in 1992, she used her graduation money to buy herself a ticket to England. “I had never been anywhere outside the United States besides Mexico… I landed with only a few hundred pounds in travelers checks and a bus ticket to the three-day Glastonbury Music Festival, held in a field a few hours west of London. It was a blast.” She still tries to devote a lot of time to traveling, as much as her job at Sirius XM Satellite Radio will permit. While backpacking in Scotland in 2004, she met a woman from New Zealand who convinced her to go to that country for a visit. “I have been in love with the place ever since. In fact I have put in for a work visa so I can go live there for a few years. It’s exhilarating showing up in a new country and not

FLINT HILL MAGAZINE – Summer 2010

having any plans, so you can sort of go with the flow. Of course, it gives my mom a coronary every time I do it. But now that I have an iPhone with the Skype app, it’s been much easier to keep in contact with her while I am away; so she is much happier. Thank God for the Internet!”

She has been working on websites and online applications for 12 years now Likely she means that in more ways than one, since she works in Business Solutions Management at Sirius XM, helping the company define and manage projects involving their websites, mobile applications, streaming radio, and self-care systems. She has been working on websites and

online applications for 12 years now, mostly in the entertainment industry, including projects for BBC, PBS, XM Radio, and – what else –Travel Channel. Some have even won awards. Heather came to Flint Hill as a Sophomore in 1989 and met art teacher Abigail McKenzie, who, she says, “was a large part of my education and very much inspired me to pursue my own career path. Art became my favorite subject.” There was no AP Art Class at the time, so Heather and Mrs. McKenzie convinced Upper School Head Hank Berg to let them start the program— “even if I was the only one taking it.” By her Senior year, she was taking two Art classes. “Mrs. McKenzie helped me with my Senior Project, letting me come out to her home studio to do printmaking.” Her AP portfolio was so impressive, she was able to skip the first year of drawing and painting

Alumni Profile F L I NT H I L L

courses at the Corcoran College of Art and Design, where she studied Photography and Digital Printmaking. Heather may not have realized it at the time, but her presence had a powerful and lasting effect on Mrs. McKenzie as well. “That was my first high school art class,” she says. “And when I asked the group of about six Art II students if any were planning to go to art school…much to my surprise, only Heather and one other student raised their hands. That’s when I pegged her as someone who was serious about it. It was Heather who got the information about the AP portfolio requirements and set out to do it. And she encouraged me to do projects we really weren’t set up for. We found nitric acid in the chemistry lab, and we made etchings on zinc, etching the plates outside. I brought in a friend who did a day of clay animation with the class, and Heather orchestrated a whole video— mobilized the other students and came up with a plot and actions.” Heather was also heavily involved in the 1992 Literary Magazine, along with classmates Wendy Muth and Colby Peed. “They were among a handful of people in the whole school (teachers included) who knew how to do Photoshop, and that was the only computer equipped with it,” Mrs. McKenzie remembers. “Working with Heather really made me excited about building the K-12 arts program, and teaching high school in particular. She came in to my classroom at every available moment. I often had Kindergarten students there, and she was always ready to lend a hand or interact positively. When she was interested in something, she dug in. She was a great inspiration to me as a teacher.” “I was not your typical private school student,” Heather acknowledges. “I

wore combat boots under my kilt and would dye my hair purple. In fact I still have blue streaks even at 36. That’s one of the perks of the industry I work in—I can get away with colored hair and jeans and band t-shirts. I think Mr. Berg was both frustrated with and got a kick out me. I was challenging him about my education, and he was really good about working with me to tailor my courses to meet my interests.

Lately it’s been a lot of mobile device and TV widget work

Top: Working on “Ghost Adventures Live” for the Travel Channel; and (below) visiting Loch Ness

That was really what made my high school education special, and something I would have never received in public school, even if Fairfax County has the best schools in the country.” When she began her studies at the Corcoran, she felt right at home. “I liked the fact that it was small; it kind of reminded me of Flint Hill.” She later went to George Mason University to earn a master’s degree, studied Instructional Technology, and worked

with a team to develop an online high school, receiving free tuition in return. She then began doing digital photo retouching for major fashion magazines, “but it was the late ’90s and the tech boom was going on, so I turned my skills toward web design and learned development as well.” Travel Channel brought Heather to what she says was “by far one of the coolest projects of my career.” Last October, she got involved in the network’s eight-hour event, “Ghost Adventures Live,” broadcast from what was termed “a haunted insane asylum” in West Virginia. “The three stars of the show were locked in the asylum, and each hour a different paranormal expert was let in. I was the Program Manager for the online portion, which included live video chat with each of the paranormal experts as they left the asylum, and a wrap-up with the stars after the event. I was even onsite running the web event and adding video and EVP (electronic voice phenomenon) as it was recorded throughout the night.” The skills required for her chosen field have transformed over the years, “mostly in the areas of design, coding, cognitive psychology, and a solid understanding of the business of the Internet. I also have a lot of knowledge of the entertainment industry and the online marketing involved with that. Lately it’s been a lot of mobile device and TV widget work. They are the new fads.” There are almost weekly trips to New York City where her company’s headquarters are located. She stays in touch with at least two of her FHS classmates—Steve Stratton and Wendy Muth—and has run into a few others, both in person and through Facebook connections. Likely she’ll find some more along the way…maybe even in New Zealand. Stay tuned.

Summer 2010 – FLINT HILL MAGAZINE

“

ne of the special things about FHS is that we have three separate Divisions, but we are truly one School working together toward the same hopes and goals for our children,” says Jennifer deCamp who, along with Lisa Rymsza, was Co-Chair of “The Boots and Bandana Ball” Gala event. “The Gala is a time for us to come together as parents, teachers, and staff from all Divisions and support our community. Whether by working on a committee, volunteering your time and talents, or simply attending the event, you feel part of a bigger community. Ultimately, by getting involved, you feel like you make a difference in the lives of our children.” The Parents’ Association, led by this year’s President, Sara Cleland, works throughout the year on a wide range of activities that benefit the School; but likely none is more time consuming, or more publicly visible, than the annual fundraising Gala. Whether in public view or well behind the scenes, this year’s volunteers gave back to Flint Hill in extraordinary ways. “Our parents come to the table with such amazing talents. We all just rolled up our sleeves and got to work,” says Mrs. deCamp. She and Mrs. Rymsza worked side by side for almost an entire year with their willing and very able group of Committee volunteers— Susie Beatty, Lisa Benn, Deb Cohen, Jenny Davisson, Jenna Day, Rebecca Finlay, Nancy Griffiths, Susan Grow, Pam Peyton, Diane Schuler, and Patti Smith— all of whom demonstrated their relentless commitment to making the event the best it could be.

FLINT HILL MAGAZINE – Summer 2010

“When you work with positive people,” says Mrs. deCamp, “whom you look forward to seeing day in and day out, the work becomes fun. Good friendships were formed as a result. And the western concept lent itself to a whimsical array of decorations, music, and food. Just watching people arrive in their western garb was so much fun. Everyone had a smile on their face!”

Parents’ Association Presents th 20 Annual Gala:

Year-Long Efforts Culminate with Festive Western-Themed Celebration

Just watching people arrive in their western garb was so much fun There was a lot to smile about on the evening of April 24: the 5x12-foot lantern in the West Campus gym, constructed out of paper and featuring cowboy silhouettes. Lighting that looked like a western sunset, with purple, orange, red, and gold hues.

Flower arrangements featuring sunflowers, daisies, and wildflowers. Denim linens decorated with sequins, and menus with bronze stars. Swinging saloon bar-style doors. And that was just in the gym. It was a relaxed evening, but there was a lot of “Driving Spirit” keeping things lively. In the Commons area, a fiddler and a guitarist worked their magic as over 400 guests arrived and began strolling past the auction items. Before-dinner treats and cocktails were plentiful, and the casual “dress code” meant lots of blue jeans and belt buckles, string ties and silver badges. The group decided to have a less formal theme so that people could attend and feel comfortable and casual, the Co-Chairs say. “We also wanted the entire evening to be one of seeing old friends and meeting new ones,” says Mrs. deCamp, “so we gambled with the dinner hour by introducing new seating. We felt like the rectangular tables allowed easier communication between the tables.” The results of their year-long effort: Old friends had a wonderful evening together. New families now say they feel an even stronger connection to our Flint Hill School community. A total of $272,000 was raised for the School, including the big fundraising event of the evening, the live paddle raiser in the gym, which exceeded the goal and brought in $119,500 for technology efforts. Student financial aid, faculty development, and library resources are also enriched by the Gala. And the very large group of volunteers who made up the 2009 - 2010 Parents’ Association can feel very proud of the results of all their hard—but very happy—work on behalf of the School.

Celebrations at F L I NT H I L L

The casual “dress code” meant lots of blue jeans and belt buckles, string ties, and silver badges

Continued on page 22

(Above) Guitar and fiddle music welcome the guests; (center) Karen and Barry Davis; ( center, left) Dorothy Mooney, Margaret Hamilton, and Leslie Viente dressed for the occasion; (below) John Thomas with the core group of parent volunteers responsible for the evening’s success, including Co-Chairs Jennifer deCamp and Lisa Rymsza

LOWER SCHOOL CLOSING CEREMONY HONORS

Leadership, Commitment to Service

he 2009 – 2010 Lower School year came to a memorable end on June 4, as students, teachers, and families gathered in the gym to say goodbye for the summer. Lower School Director Sheena Hall thanked Headmaster John Thomas, the faculty, and the many parent volunteers for their support and commitment in making the year such a success for our students.

Ranger; watching our First Graders use similar skills to create their own Natural History museum to overcome the disappointment of not going on

Mrs. Hall touched on some of the endeavors and accomplishments of the school year. “Seeing many of our Third Graders defend their design of a sustainable park to a Park

a field trip; and the creative way the Second Graders play at recess” has been amazing, she said. “It has been wonderful to see how much technology has been integrated into our children’s

Fourth Graders Pronounced “Well Prepared for Middle School”

learning and day. Reading and writing in Fourth Grade was further enhanced by the advent of the wiki, our JKers very quickly learned their letters with the help of a Promethean Board, and our Kindergarten students benefitted from the mini-laptops in their Language Arts centers. Next year, we can look forward to every classroom being fitted with an interactive whiteboard, an LCD projector, and at least six mini-laptops. Mrs. Hall announced that this year, FHS students have read in excess of 13,000 books; participated in one of 27 Enrichment Clusters; gone

A big day for Fourth Graders (clockwise from top left): Karolena Salmon, Sabra McBride, Catherine Scherer, Joshua Perea, and Lindsay Smith celebrate together; Dennis Giuliani receives his certificate of promotion to Middle School; the Class sings a farewell; Andrew Taets with Cami Lamont; Caroline DeLoach, Jamie McKendrick, and Gracie Tiedge lead the way from the gym 22

FLINT HILL MAGAZINE – Summer 2010

on 33 field trips and Field Studies outings; and walked 13,372,761 steps—the equivalent of 7,599 miles, or the distance from Oakton, VA, to Edinburgh, Scotland, for “Healthy Habits Week.” Leadership and commitment to service was evident in their volunteering at Yesterday’s Rose thrift store; cleaning local streams; running a recycling booth at “Fall for Fairfax”; and, through a variety of projects, raising just under $8,000 for the victims of the Haitian earthquake. Fourth Grade Team Leader Rob Taylor also praised the Fourth Graders for being “outstanding in their leadership in the Lower School.” Mr. Taylor recalled how Class members were “great ambassadors for yourselves, your families and our School” on their trip to Williamsburg, and pronounced them “well prepared for Middle School.” Mr. Taylor also read excerpts from Fourth Grade speeches: Cami Lamont: “The first day of school, I was so nervous that nobody would like me. But when I walked into class, I knew from that moment on that I was going to make a bunch of friends…and I did!” Sofia Soraci: “It’s not just a school, it’s a home filled with love and compassion.” Ben Brown: “All my teachers were so kind to me that I hardly ever got mad at them!” Zachary Coe: “If you are in a tough spot, let ‘The Driving Spirit’ get you through.” Sarah Goossens: “When I was in Kindergarten, I was the oddball green apple and the rest were red. I was shy. Thanks to Flint Hill, I learned English. Now I am braver. I am me.” “A beautiful thought,” said Mr. Taylor, “on this wonderful day.”

IN THEIR OWN WORDS…

Fourth GraDerS Share SoMe lower SChool MeMorieS

I came to Flint Hill when I was seven years old and was going into Second Grade. In no time at all I learned the Husky Promise and realized why the students and teachers were so compassionate and respectful. Third Grade taught me to express my ideas and be creative. We studied matter and other chemistries, electricity, Presidents, states, and communities. Mr. Atwood was our Science teacher and we dissected a pig and we saw a real human brain. Fourth Grade was filled with opportunities to be a leader and make a difference through a variety of community service projects. There are three things that I will be taking with me. My friends, my toolbox filled with different tools which help me make good choices, and help me calm down when I am feeling uncomfortable, and the Driving Spirit, which means a lot to me. It keeps you going even when things get difficult. …Connor Cuevo I came to Flint Hill School in Third Grade. I was so unhappy about going to a new school and having to make new friends that I promised myself I wouldn’t talk at all. Well, I relieved myself of my promise on the very first day. Before I had even left school I had made a friend…My favorite part has been having KA buddies…I got a chance to help younger kids work, and I could play with them and learn what they like to do. My favorite art project was one with Mrs. McKenzie, where we made sculptures of people out of newspaper and plaster. It took a

long time, but in the end it was worth every minute we spent on it. I really enjoyed participating in Enrichment Clusters because this gave me the opportunity to chose to do something I love doing. My message to the Lower School students is that if you need help with anything, you should ask. There are many caring people in the Lower School who are there to help you. I can’t wait to get to Middle School. I’m excited about well…EVERYTHING! Another flight of stairs and another year of fun at Flint Hill. …Mariane Ball I have been at Flint Hill since JK and have many happy memories…In First Grade we learned about skeletons, dinosaurs, and bats. In Second Grade we did poems and learned counting songs up to 12. In Third Grade, I remember dressing up as President. The best part about Fourth Grade was all the field trips we went on—our overnight to Jamestown and Williamsburg, wading in the Chesapeake Bay, and fossil hunting at Flag Ponds. I was extremely shy. I didn’t speak very often, especially when adults were around. I always felt very comfortable with my friends. They were true Huskies. They were friendly, respectful, and compassionate. I would like to thank the teachers for not only teaching me and making school fun and enjoyable, but for helping me feel more comfortable at school. Although I am still quiet, I am more confident around adults, which is a good feeling. Not everyone has to be the same. Every one of us has special gifts and talents, and the most important thing is that you are comfortable with being who you are. …Sarah DaviSSon

Summer 2010 – Flint hill MaGaZine

“We Miss You.

EIGHTH GrAdE ProMoTIoN CErEMoNY For THE CLAss oF 2014

“

lthough the hair has changed and you’ve obviously grown in four years, the eyes are still the same.” Middle School Director Barry Davis was addressing the members of this year’s Eighth Grade Class, who had come together on June 4 for their Promotion Ceremony in the gym. “Your smiling eyes!” he continued. “They show enthusiasm, excitement, anticipation, and happiness. Over the past four years, you have been on a journey. As in life, it has had many twists, turns, inclines, and declines. You have successfully navigated these challenges and obstacles, and have therefore earned the right to move on to the next challenge. …It has been an honor and privilege to watch you grow. And as I look into your eyes at this moment, it remains an honor. I am proud of you.” Awards and recognition were given to students for their accomplishments during the course of the year, and each member of the Class was called

FLINT HILL MAGAZINE – Summer 2010

to the stage to receive a Certificate of Promotion to the Upper School from Mr. Davis, Headmaster John Thomas, and Assistant Middle School Director Anabelle Morgan.

We’ve been learning about ourselves, whether we noticed it or not The Class Address was given by Micaela Cohen-Freue, SCA President. “I could tell from the second we were all together as a Class in Field Studies that we were going to make this a memorable year,” she said. “The ability this Class has to adapt to any situation and create a good experience is really incredible; and that is truly what makes us stand out.” Micaela quoted South African leader Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most

powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” “For these past years,” she continued, “we haven’t only been learning how to solve a quadratic formula, analyze Shakespeare, or why plate tectonics move; we have been learning about ourselves, whether we noticed it or not. … Every day we might face a different situation, and seeing how we react … makes us figure out what type of person we really are. The knowledge and compassion Flint Hill has given us is what will make all of us succeed in our families, work, and every aspect of our lives. Flint Hill has given us a chance to learn by example. I have come to realize that we aren’t friends in this Class; we are family. We go through the rough times—like losing in Color Games or getting ticks on field trips—together; and we celebrate achievements for all of us with a smile, laughter, and a big group hug. Our motto is ‘one for all, and all for one.’”

We Believe in You” You will hold your heads high because you are amazing people

Speakers Micaela Cohen-Freue’14 and Tracy Peterson

English teacher Tracy Peterson also delivered a heartfelt “Charge” to the Class of 2014. “Never, ever assume that you can’t change your perspective on the way you see others or, more importantly, the way you see yourself,” she told the Class. “We are always evolving; we are always becoming. My Charge to you is to keep an open mind about who and what you might become—even, or especially when it looks like every door is closed and every window is barred shut. If you leave here today believing that… knowing in your heart that sometimes you have to listen to your heart above all else—especially those nasty little nay-sayers in your own head—if you know in your heart that even the impossible might be possible, then we’ve done our job. “We do miss you. …We will miss you. …We miss you already. Seeing you here today, all dressed up with everywhere to go…we are so incredibly proud of

you. Just promise us this: that you will be brave enough take the calculated (and the occasional uncalculated) risk in the name of becoming something that surprises you; that you will hold your heads high because you are amazing people; and that you will know, always, that we (the folks in this Middle School) have got your back. We believe in you. And we love you. And neither of those things will change when you walk through those doors...Not ever.” Mr. Davis congratulated the Class once again, and closed the ceremony with a thought for the students to take away and consider. “In times of prosperity, your friends know you; in times of adversity, you know your friends.” Happy summer, and good luck to the Class of 2014!

EIGHTH GrAdE AWArds Congratulations to these students, who were honored at the Eighth Grade Promotion Ceremony. FINE ArTs: MASTER MUSICIAN:

Bryce Johnson MASTER THESPIAN:

Grace Cleland MASTER ARTIST:

su-Ji Kim ATHLETICs:

Nick Peterson Paige Lloyd CITIZENsHIP:

Nate Folger Micaela Cohen-Freue FACULTY:

ryan duong Makena Murugu FELLoWsHIP:

sarah Kashef

Summer 2010 – FLINT HILL MAGAZINE

TRY

SENIorS TALk ABouT WHAT rEALLY MATTErS AT FLINT HILL It’s a tradition at Flint Hill School that, as the

Blair Jenet

year draws to a close, the soon-to-be-graduates get together informally in the Commons to talk about their time at Flint Hill. Usually Class members don sunglasses so that no one can see if they get a bit emotional as they thank many people inside and outside the room for their ongoing support. Here are excerpts from a few students:

“I remember I looked up to the Seniors and couldn’t wait to graduate, but now that I’m here I wish I could stay a little bit longer. I’m genuinely happy now because of Flint Hill and all the people here. I couldn’t have made it without many of you (friends are like my family) and there wasn’t a single teacher who wasn’t willing to help me when I needed them to. I’m going to miss it all so much, and I feel like Flint Hill really accepts me for who I am now. …Try new things whenever you can. In music, sports, drama, art, or anything you could imagine. I gave singing and music a shot and was open to it. It has made a world of difference for me and I wouldn’t be where I am today without it. Four years ago I would have never even considered going into music in college and now I’m going to my dream school because of it. … When I look at myself and these past years, the feelings that I primarily feel are those of outstanding thankfulness coupled with a sense of achievement and pride I’ve never had before.”

Zack Ayers

Tess Mulrean

“Congratulations, Class of 2010. It has seriously been a very long journey, and I could not have made it without the support from my friends, family and teachers. … My only advice really is to be kind and open —even if you have never talked to someone before, if you’ve never even seen them and actually wonder if they go to your school— just smile or say hi—be friendly. It means so much, and you can meet so many incredible people by being nice.”

NEW

“To my teachers: Thank you for being such great mentors and pushing all your students to be their best. … Advice: Take advantage of everything this School has to offer. I guarantee that you wouldn’t have the same opportunities at any other school in the country that you do at Flint Hill. This is such an awesome place, so just get involved and live it up while you’re here, because time really does fly.”

Eammon Patrick

“To everyone on the Baseball team, especially the Seniors I’ve been playing with for four years: playing with you has been the greatest experience of my life. … I am very grateful to the wonderful teachers I have had over my four years here. … Nothing important or fulfilling in your life is going to be easy. I never again want to experience a two-and-a-half-hour conditioning practice, but I know in my heart that those experiences brought us closer as a team and created the mental and physical toughness required to win. … Find something for which you are willing to sacrifice, because those teams, organizations, or people are what really matter.”

THINGS Whenever You Can…

FLINT HILL MAGAZINE – Summer 2010

Graduation 2010:

Why Say Goodbye?

ven before the Class of 2010 was allowed to switch their tassels from the right side of their caps to the left, before they recessed from the gym with their diplomas, accompanied by the “Triumphal March from ‘Aida’” and the applause of family and friends, before they stepped into the waiting circle of cheering FHS faculty and staff members, they knew they were part of something pretty special. The day before, at the Closing Ceremony, academic, endowed, and other awards and presentations highlighted the accomplishments of members of the Upper School community, and many in the Senior Class had been singled out for special honors. (See p. 30). Five were given the prestigious Flint Hill School Medal as a testament to their exceptional achievements and contributions, and were wearing those Medals on June 11, at the official Commencement Exercises.

On that morning, they heard Headmaster John Thomas celebrate their accomplishments, including 851 offers of Admission at 425 colleges and universities in 43 States, the District of Columbia, and three foreign countries.

One individual can make a great impact in the lives of others They listened to Salutatorian Kelley Harris talk about the foundation FHS had provided for them through community, leadership, confidence, and the School’s four core values of Respect, Responsibility, Compassion, and Honesty. They laughed and even cried a little as Valedictorian Lauren MacGuidwin reminded them of the significance of saying goodbye to

their School and to each other, and the importance of saying hello to the amazing opportunities that are ahead. They applauded as John T. Hazel, Jr., who was recently named Founding Chairman Emeritus of the Board after giving 20 years of service to Flint Hill, urged the graduates to remember that one individual can make a great impact in the lives of others. And they gave a standing ovation to this year’s Commencement speaker and one of their teachers, FHS 1999 graduate and Valedictorian Vandna Gill, as she encouraged them to keep in mind that ”the more challenging something is, the more rewarding it will be in the end.” So when the newest graduates arrived outside where faculty, staff, and friends of Flint Hill School were waiting for them, they knew what to do. Lauren Continued on page 28

Top photo: Their faces say it all: Taylor Jackson (above) and Sang Min Kang (inset) Summer 2010 – FLINT HILL MAGAZINE

Graduation 2010 at F L I NT H I L L

Continued from page 27

MacGuidwin had earlier reminded them, “Whether we are future Hokies, Hoyas, or Hoos—once a Husky, always a Husky. Why say goodbye?” They threw their caps high into the air with a loud cheer, and it didn’t seem to matter which side the tassels were on when they came down. They were saying hello to their future.

(Pages 28-29 clockwise from top left) Headmaster John Thomas and Founding Chairman Emeritus John T. Hazel, Jr; Katie Freedman, Lilian Dolgolenko, Megan Donnelly, Danny Evans, and Patrick Farrell enjoy the ceremony; Commencement speaker Vandna Gill ’99; the traditional outdoor hat toss; Katherine Mooney, Neah Morton, and Tess Mulrean 28

FLINT HILL MAGAZINE – Summer 2010

Graduation 2010 at F L I NT H I L L

Excerpts from the Commencement Speaker Vandna Gill ’99 The first time I spoke at graduation was back in 1999 when I was Valedictorian of my Class and the Seniors graduating today were only seven years old! This year’s graduating Class holds a special place in my heart. I have seen you grow up before my eyes, and we have shared countless memories and laughs. … You have had an immense impact on my life; you have given me strength and direction during some very difficult times. I have truly learned so much from teaching you.

Teachers at Flint Hill inspired, encouraged, and supported me in countless ways

Vandna Gill ’99

Congratulations

Class of

2010

Listen to what those around you have to say about qualities they see in you and always keep an open mind. You never know what will pique your interest in college and beyond, or, as was the case with me, you never know when the experiences you have will lead you to tap into your innate talents and unveil your passion for a particular subject matter. Teachers at Flint Hill inspired, encouraged, and supported me in countless ways. … Working as a teacher has given me an appreciation for how much hard work goes in behind the scenes, so much that students never see and that I certainly never realized as a student. Keep in mind that the more challenging something is, the more rewarding it will be in the end. … Make an effort to maintain friendships that truly matter to you. Your friends and teachers will not necessarily remember you for your accomplishments, but rather for the kind of person you were, how you interacted with them in the classroom, in the hallways, and on the field.

Summer 2010 – FLINT HILL MAGAZINE

UPPER SCHOOL AWARDS Congratulations to the following students who received special commendation at the 2010 Closing Ceremony and Commencement:

ENDOWED AWARDS James Russell Lehrer Memorial Scholarship

Evan Manning ’11

Jasper P. Horne, Jr. Memorial Scholarship

Lauren MacGuidwin ’10

Jessica Fellows ’11

Col. Alan Ferguson-Warren Memorial Scholarship Award

Monica Soni ’11 Excerpts from Valedictorian Lauren MacGuidwin:

Remember when we first said hello? In between the tests, the sports practices, rehearsals, and parties, we grew up. This was where we learned how to deal with school and friends and life at the same time (or at least, where we practiced trying). It seems sad that we have to say goodbye, because high school was a lot about introducing yourself to new experiences. About saying hello. This is as much a closing ceremony as it is an opening one. A time to thrust open the doors revealing the next step, in honor of our amazing Class. We’re going on to play sports, study business, do art—and everywhere from California to Ireland!

Sonya Chartoff ’11

Col. Wilber M. Gaige Scholarship

Andrew Azzam ’11

SPECIAL AWARDS Seniors Receiving Honors on Senior Projects

Kwesi Acquay Zach Ayers Sierra Blake Kenneson Chen Sarah Compton Kathryn Freedman Preston Gray Kelley Harris Lauryn Harris Lauren MacGuidwin Ben Mackay Joel Nelson Kuan Yao Seniors’ Prize

Anna Saleh ’11

So, goodbye Flint Hill. Hello independence. Goodbye Seniordom. Hello young adulthood. Goodbye high school. Hello world.

Community Service

I don’t know why most people say goodbye, because maybe we should all be saying hello instead. Whether we are future Hokies, Hoyas, or Hoos—once a Husky, always a Husky. Why say goodbye?

Lauren MacGuidwin ’10 and Alison Filler ’10

I feel obliged to say goodbye. But not without saying hello to the vast opportunity spread before us.

Selma R. Brody Award for Excellence in Music

FLINT HILL MAGAZINE – Summer 2010

Jennifer Toth ’11 and Zack Ayers ’10 Thomas C. Whitworth Publication Award

ACADEMIC AWARDS Department Prizes to the Class of 2010

English: Victoria Stires Math: Sang Min Kang History: Kathryn Freedman Science: Caralena Peterson and James Shuler Visual Art: Megan Donnelly Drama: Ian Campbell Instrumental: Thomas Wall Vocal: Blair Jenet

Dance: Katharine Mooney Spanish: John Wisiackas French: Victoria Stires Latin: Kenneson Chen Cum Laude Society New Class of 2010 inductees

Stephanie Brownley Kenneson Chen Sarah Compton Patrick Farrell Meghan Herlihy Matthew Litovitz Eamonn Patrick Christina Shintani Alexander Shipley John Wisiackas Brittany Yantis Kuan Yao New Class of 2011 inductees

Rabita Alamgir Andrew Azzam Virginia Boies Ratna Gill Christopher Halverson Michael Le Andrew Neils Taylor Nelson Natasha Robbins Monica Soni Christopher Szeremeta Jennifer Toth Valedictorian

Lauren MacGuidwin Salutatorian

Kelley Harris BOOK AWARDS

The Dartmouth Book Award

Woojin Kim ’11

The Randolph-Macon College Book Award

Virginia Boies ’11

The Wellesley College Book Award

Ratna Gill ’11

The Bryn Mawr Book Award

Jennifer Toth ’11

Flint Hill School Medal

Kwesi Acquay, Kenneson Chen, Carolina Cohen-Freue, Lauren MacGuidwin, Caralena Peterson GRADUATION DAY PRIZES The Edwin M. Ward Leadership Prize

Kwesy Acquay

The Scholar-Athlete Award

James Shuler

Excerpts from Salutatorian Kelley Harris:

Although our final days at Flint Hill have inevitably arrived, I hope we all take our high school memories, experiences, and lessons learned with us as we move on to the next stage of our lives. We have an active, interconnected, constant support system at Flint Hill School. We all want to know our teachers and our teachers want to know us. We care. You, my fellow graduates, are leaders. We take initiative. We work hard. We have continually strived for and have achieved personal success; success that comes in all different forms, but success nonetheless. We are not afraid to pursue our own interests. Making our own choices, paving our own paths, and following our passions confirm that we believe in ourselves. And…the cornerstone values to our Flint Hill School education: Respect, Responsibility, Compassion, and Honesty. I encourage you all to nurture and maintain these qualities and, furthermore, to instill them in others.

Endowed Awards: (l-r) Evan Manning, Sonya Chartoff, Andrew Azzam, Jessica Fellows, and Monica Soni

Special Awards: (l-r) Anna Saleh, Zack Ayers, Jennifer Toth, Alison Filler, and Lauren MacGuidwin

Department Awards: (l-r) James Shuler, John Wisiackas, Megan Donnelly, Blair Jenet, Katharine Mooney, Kathryn Freedman, Thomas Wall, Ian Campbell, Caralena Peterson, and Victoria Stires (not pictured: Kenneson Chen, and Sang Min Kang)

Flint Hill Medals: (l-r) Carolina Cohen-Freue, Kenneson Chen, Caralena Peterson, Kwesi Acquay, and Lauren MacGuidwin

Book Awards: (l-r) Ratna Gill, Jennifer Toth, Virginia Boies, and Woojin Kim Perfect Attendance: Daniel Augustine didn’t miss a day of school in 14 consecutive years

Honors Senior Projects:

Kelley Harris ’10

A number of Seniors were recognized at the Closing Ceremony for good work on their Senior Projects

Summer 2010 – FLINT HILL MAGAZINE

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2010, WHO WILL ATTEND American Academy of Dramatic Arts • Bates College • Berklee College of Music • Boston University • Brandeis University • Catholic University (3) • Catholic University of Leuven (BEL) • Christopher Newport University • Clemson University (2) • Coastal Carolina University • Colby College • College of Charleston (2) • College of the Holy Cross • College of William & Mary (3) • College of Wooster • Cornell University (4) • Denison University • Duke University (2) • Eckerd College • Evergreen State College • Fishburn Military Academy • George Mason University • George Washington University • Georgetown University • Greenville Technical College • Guilford College • Haverford College • High Point University (3) • Jacksonville University • James Madison University (8) • Kenyon College (2) • Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology • Lafayette College (2) • Lynchburg College • Marymount University • New York University • Northern Virginia Community College (2) • Oberlin College • Old Dominion University • Pennsylvania State University •

FLINT HILL MAGAZINE – Summer 2010

THE FOLLOWING COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES NEXT YEAR: Radford University (2) • Rollins College • San Diego State University • School of the Museum of Fine Arts • Spelman College • St. John’s University • Swarthmore College • Syracuse University • The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music • The School of Art Institute of Chicago • Trinity College, Dublin (UK) • University of Arizona • University of California, Los Angeles • University of Colorado (2) • University of Mary Washington (5) • University of Maryland • University of Mississippi • University of Nebraska • University of North Carolina • University of Pennsylvania • University of Richmond • University of Tampa • University of Virginia (6) • Vanderbilt University • Villanova University • Virginia Commonwealth University • Virginia Tech (11) • Wake Forest University (3) • Wheaton College (IL) • Wofford College

Summer 2010 – FLINT HILL MAGAZINE

S WIMMING

Jeff Copeland ’10

THLETICS

HUSKY TEAMS PLAY FAST AND STRONG IN WINTER, SPRING SEASONS

WINTER WRAP-UP IC E HO C KEY Our student athletes showed their “Driving Spirit,” leadership, and relentless determination over and over again in the last six months of competitions. These qualities were evident in the inaugural season of the Ice Hockey team; by teams attaining three MAC Championships; and by several teams breaking School records during their seasons. An athlete was named a High School All-American (see p.36), four were named to All-State teams; one was given All-Met Honorable Mention, and nineteen were named to All-ISL or All-MAC teams. The Coach of the Girls’ Basketball team was named Virginia Independent School Basketball Girls’ Coach of the Year.

FLINT HILL MAGAZINE – Summer 2010

The 2009-2010 winter marks the team’s inaugural season, which was led by Senior Captains Chris Cassaday (above) and Sam Cohen; and Assistant Captains Jimmy Rosen and Danny Weiss, both Sophomores. Players came into the rink with a wide range of hockey and skating skills; some came out for team play for the first time, while others brought twelve years of experience. The team’s goal, guided by Head Coach David Cohen, was to improve and become increasingly competitive throughout the season; and that’s just what they did. What an exciting first season for Flint Hill hockey!

Both the Boys’ and the Girls’ teams had a lot of success under the direction of Head Coach Ellen Macgregor. Two of the Boys’ relay teams qualified for States, as did all three of the Girls’ relay teams; and half of the entire team qualified for the State Championship meet this year. In the ISL Championship meet, Freshman Rachel Swarts won both of her events—the 100-fly and the 100-back—earning her First Team All-League honors. Freshman Lauren Petka qualified for Easterns in the 100-back for the first time. Freshman Natalie Brendsel qualified for States in the 200-free and 500-free. At the State Tournament, Rachel finished second in the 100-butterfly; her time was just over the School record set last year, and qualified her for All-American B consideration. Rachel also finished second in her 100-backstroke race. The Girls’ 200-free relay finished in ninth place; and during evening finals, they set a new Girls’ 200-free relay School record in a time of 1:47.69, breaking the old record by nearly a second. Senior Mary Okoth (above) also contributed greatly to the team’s successful season. On the Boys’ side, diver Senior Chris Heizer competed before the snowstorm at Washington Metropolitan Prep School Swimming and Diving League (WMPSSDL) events. He was required to perform and compete with eleven different dives, and he did a great job, finishing in fifteenth place. He came in fifteenth soon after at the State Championship Diving meet, where he was the first teammate to score for Flint Hill. Also at States, the 200-free

relay team finished fourteenth, just missing the School record by .22 seconds, set in 2001. Members of this relay were Sophomores Rob Ikeda, Nick Waters, and Brian DeMocker, and Freshman Jonah Chang; Jonah dropped 2.47 seconds in his 100-free to qualify for finals. He finished in sixteenth place and his time is less than a second off the Boys’ 100-free record.

BOYS ’ B A ASS K ETB ALL The team passed a true test of resilience and perseverance. They struggled during the early months of the season, partly as a result of replacing nine players from last year’s championship roster, and also due to a series of injuries, including the top returning scorer, Senior K.C. Whitaker. The roster consisted of four Seniors: Pat Farrell Farrell, Trevor Swinley (above), Cameron Hicks, and K.C., seven Sophomores and one Freshman. The team played some tough Division I programs in December and January, and their opponents took advantage of the young Husky team. But those tough early season games forced them to grow and work hard in their 8-11 season start. The team continued to play hard and finished as strong as any team in the State. “From a coaching standpoint, it was a thrill to watch the maturity and development of the young guys in the program,” says Coach Rico Reed. The season ended with nine wins in a row, including the third consecutive MAC Conference Tournament. After a tough start, the Huskies were Co-Champions of the MAC, accomplished another one of the team’s goals by qualifying for the Virginia State Tournament, and finished the season with a 17-12 overall record. Trevor and K.C. were both selected as All-MAC players.

G IRLS ’ B AS KETB ALL The team maximized their 2009-2010 season by reaching the VISGBA State Division I Championship game, but came up short in a double-overtime thriller to nearby rival Paul VI. There were great successes along the way in the 23-8 overall, 10-4 ISL-AA season. Junior Audrey Dotson earned First Team All-ISL, First Team All-State, and All-Met Honorable Mention honors. Sophomore point guard Alex Long was named to the All-ISL and All-State teams. Head Coach Jody Patrick was named the VISAA Coach of the Year. The Huskies tipped off their season in early December, winning the Championship trophy in our own Tip-Off Classic by defeating cross-town foe Bishop O’Connell in a snow-delayed game. As the ISL-AA League season got rolling in January and February, the team knocked off League power Georgetown Visitation, ending their 55-game League winning streak. Though the success against Visitation was not duplicated in the ISL-AA League Championship game the next weekend, the team pushed the game late into the fourth quarter. The Huskies achieved great success with its five Seniors—Monica Monica Ahktar, Nikita Chadha, Maggie, Connealy, Courtney Overholt (right), and Christina Shintani— — leading the way. The Juniors stepped their games up another level, and the Sophomores learned what it takes to win games as a team.

MID-ATLANTIC CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Baseball Basketball (Co-Champions) Lacrosse NATIONAL HONORS Jesse Fellows ’11: Girls’ High School All-American-First Team; Girls’ High School Academic All-American COACH OF THE YEAR Jody Patrick: Virginia Independent School Basketball Association (Girls) ALL-STATE Audrey Dotson ’11: 1st Team Girls’ Basketball Jesse Fellows ’11: 1st Team Girls’ Lacrosse Alex Long ’12: 1st Team Girls’ Basketball Steven Thompson ’10: 1st Team Baseball ALL-MET Audrey Dotson ’11: Honorable Mention Girls’ Basketball Chris Nelson ’10: 2nd Team Boys’ Lacrosse ALL-ISL Audrey Dotson ’11: Basketball Jesse Fellows ’11: Lacrosse Emily Hall ’11: Softball Maggie Jardot ’12: Softball Alex Long ’12: Basketball Britt Savage ’12: Track and Field All-MAC Mortimer Berchie ’12: Basketball Jeff Copeland ’10: Lacrosse Jared Knoll ’11: Baseball Jared Leader ’10: Baseball Tyler Lewris ’11: Lacrosse Drew Neils ’11: Tennis Chris Nelson ’10: Lacrosse Michael Palma ’12: Baseball Tim Peterson ’10: Lacrosse James Shuler ’10: Lacrosse Trevor Swinley ’10: Basketball Steven Thompson ’10: Baseball K.C. Whitaker ’10: Basketball 2010 Athletic Excellence Awards Chris Nelson ’10: Varsity Boys’ Lacrosse, Varsity Football Courtney Overholt ’10: Varsity Volleyball, Varsity Girls’ Basketball 2010 Husky Spirit and Pride Award Cara Peterson ’10: Track, Cross-Country

Summer 2010 – FLINT HILL MAGAZINE

SPRING WRAP-UP

T R AC K AND FIELD

Junior Earns National Athletic, Academic Honors Jesse Fellows ’11, a captain on the FHS Girls’ Lacrosse team, was selected as a Girls’ High School Lacrosse All-American by the Potomac Chapter of U.S. Lacrosse, a prestigious recognition rarely earned by a high school Junior. The Potomac Chapter of U.S. Lacrosse includes public and private schools from the Northern Virginia area through Baltimore. This spring, Jesse set a new School record with 62 goals scored, and her team finished the season in Fourth Place in the ISL and ranked No. 6 in the State. “Jesse stands out on the lacrosse field,” says Varsity Lacrosse Coach Samantha Eustace. “Opposing coaches tried to figure out how they were going to stop her. I’m most proud of the fact that Jesse helps to make those players around her better.” Combined with her prowess on the lacrosse field, Jesse is a gifted and determined student. As a result, this spring she also received the Girls’ High School Academic All-American award.

2010 Husky Spirit and Pride Award Winner Cara Peterson ’10

FLINT HILL MAGAZINE – Summer 2010

The teams had a record-breaking season. On the Boys’ side, five School records were broken. In the 300-yard hurdles, Senior Alex Shipley finished in a time of 42.25; and Senior Johnny Lane ran the 800-meter hurdles in 2:03.78. In the Boys’ shot put, Senior Sam Cohen threw an amazing 41' 5"; while in the discus, Junior Ren Simpson launched an impressive 103' 6". In the Boys’ high jump, Senior Joey Benton cleared 5' 10". On the Girls’ side, five new records were set, including the 4 x 400 team of Sophomores Alex Long and Britt Savage (above), and Freshmen Marlo Sweatman and Stephanie Altreuter, who won their heat at the Penn Relays in a new School record of 4:11.80. In the 300-yard hurdles, Britt finished in a time of 47.11, and earned First Place in the ISL Championships. She also now holds the School record in the 100-yard hurdles with a time of 16.83. Junior Katy Colas ran the 800-meter in 2:22.21. Sophomore Brittany Sweatman threw the discus 88' 5" for her new School record. Sixteen Seniors showed leadership throughout all of the events, while we hosted three home meets and over 10 teams. Thirteen students traveled to Orlando to train during Spring Break, and both the Girls’ and Boys’ 4x400 teams attended the Penn Relays. Despite having so many Seniors, the Track team returns many strong athletes for the 2011 season, including all of the top scorers on the Girls’ team and strong runners in every event for the Boys’ program. Congratulations to the team and to Coach Doug MacLeod.

GIRLS ’ LAC RO S S E The team also had a record-breaking season, finishing in Fourth Place in the upper Division of the ISL and ranked No. 6 in the State, qualifying for the Virginia State Lacrosse Tournament. The team was in for a challenging season moving into the competitive upper Division, and rose to that occasion, due to great leadership from the three Captains, Senior Taylor Jackson and Juniors Jesse Fellows and Meg Stertzer. The team enjoyed a trip to Disney World during their otherwise lacrosse-filled Spring Break. During the season, a lot of close games came down to strong play from one end of the field to the other. Jesse scored 62 goals for a new School record; received High School All-American honors (see sidebar); was selected to the ISL All-League; and, for the first time in School history, was selected to the First Team All-State. Meg earned her own new School record with 30 assists on the season. Two very impressive goalies also made a difference during this season. When first-year player Marilyn Peizer ’11 jumped in the cage, opposing teams could not believe she was a first year goalie,” says Coach Samantha Eustace. The other keeper was Freshman Ashley Scheller, who had some amazing saves in some close games. It was an exciting and one that saw season a hardworking team improve tremendously along the way. Everyone is excited about next year and wishes the team’s three graduating Seniors, Taylor Jackson (right), Monica Akhtar, and Christina Shintani, the best of luck in college next fall.

B AS EB ALL B OYS ’ TE NNIS Jesse Nayak ’13

The team was comprised of eight Freshmen, two Sophomores, and four Juniors, with Junior Captains Peyton Hall, Drew Neils, and Eli Chajet leading the way. With a very young squad this year, the team knew that each member needed to take on bigger roles, both in practices and in games, and they improved in every match, always giving 100% effort. Drew Neils was selected as an All-MAC player. The coaching staff, led by Marco Impeduglia, is very excited for this entire team to return next season.

B OYS ’ L AC ROSSE The team had another successful season, finishing with an 11-7 overall record. Led by Senior Captains Chris Nelson, Tim Peterson (above), and James Shuler, the team went undefeated in the MAC and won their fourth straight MAC regular season title, ending their season with a thrilling MAC Tournament. In the semi-final game with Sidwell Friends, Flint Hill won in overtime with a goal from James Shuler. In the exciting Championship match, the Huskies beat Potomac, 4-3. The team was very competitive with a lot of top teams in the area, improved a lot this season, and saw great leadership from its fourteen Seniors. Chris Nelson was named All-Met Second Team; and five players were selected All-MAC, including all three Senior Captains, Senior Jeff Copeland, and Junior Tyler Lewris. James Shuler will look to walk on at the University of North Carolina; and Chris Nelson will continue his career in goal at Head Coach Adam Rice’s alma mater, Denison University.

The team completed this season with a 21-4 record, a MAC Conference Regular Season Championship, a MAC Conference Tournament Championship, and a third consecutive appearance in the Virginia State Baseball Tournament. The Huskies were ranked in the top five for most of the season and concluded with a No. 6 ranking in the State. The goals going into the season were to win the MAC regular season Championship and the MAC Tournament Championship and return to the State Tournament. The players kept sight of those goals all season long and had a tremendous work ethic throughout, according to Head Coach Rick Freeman. Another season highlight was the annual Spring Break trip to St. Petersburg, FL. The Huskies were led by the consistent play of Seniors Steven Thompson, Mark Lainoff, Jared Leader, Max Rappoport and Eamonn Patrick; Juniors Bhendari Moore (above) and Jared Knoll; and Sophomores Michael Palma and Nick Bazzarone. Four members of the 2010 team—Steven Thompson, Jared Leader, Jared Knoll and Michael Palma—were elected to the MAC All-Conference Team, and Steven was also elected to the VISAA First Team All-State Team. Thank you to our Senior athletes for all of their hard work and dedication to Flint Hill School athletics throughout their high school careers. We wish them the best of luck as they embark upon another exciting chapter in their lives!

S O FTB ALL The team had a very competitive and successful spring season, and saw great competition every time they stepped out onto the field. The upper Division of the ISL was much deeper and stronger than last year. The Huskies began their season in Florida during Spring Break against some excellent out-of-state teams that were well into their season, and finished the trip with a 2-3 record. In addition to playing ISL teams, Flint Hill played a number of State games, including St. Catherine’s and George Mason. Overall, they did well and improved a great deal as the season progressed; they held two of their most difficult ISL opponents to one-run games. The team saw great leadership from its three Junior Captains, Bianca Scobie, Virginia Boies (below), and Emily Hall.. Sophomore pitcher Maggie Jardot was “lights out” on the mound. Both Maggie and Emily were ISL All-League selections. The coaching staff, led by Coach Andy Krug, is very excited for next year’s season—the entire team is returning.

2010 Athletic Excellence Award winner Chris Nelson ’10

Summer 2010 – FLINT HILL MAGAZINE

A N N UA L F U N D 2009 - 2010

Thank You

Congratulations to the Flint Hill community for a very successful 2009-2010 FHS Annual Fund year!

Like most Independent schools, Flint Hill relies on the generosity and philanthropy of our community to sustain growth in the classroom. The FHS Annual Fund is the single largest fundraising effort at Flint Hill and remains a pillar, as it supports everything we do at our School on a day-to-day basis. Thank you for your donations and your continued support! We would not be able to prepare the minds of tomorrow without your big-heartedness today.

FLINT HILL MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Summer 2010

Letter from the Alumni President A warm welcome to the newest members of the Alumni Association, the Class of 2010! In May, the Upper School held its elections for the Student Council Association. As I sat in the gym, I was impressed and inspired by the passion shown by the candidates as each declared their love for Flint Hill and a desire to see the School continue to succeed, not only as an academic institution, but as a permanent second home for all members of the community. It is in this spirit that I write this letter to all of you now. Although it may not be accurate to call this a list of “campaign promises,” it is a list of what we in the Alumni Association hope to achieve for all of you: • Our new Alumni Council got started in June, and I look forward to the increased involvement and activity this will bring the Flint Hill School Alumni community. • The Flint Hill newspaper, The View, is now available online. The Alumni Association will continue to post the link to new issues on the Alumni Association Facebook group and on the Alumni Portal of the website. • The Alumni Association will continue to post important dates (such as Homecoming, Winterfest, and performances) and news on the Facebook group and on the Alumni Portal of the website.

It is my hope that, with the assistance of the Class Agents and the constant feedback from each of you, all alumni will feel connected and involved. Do you feel that this list of goals does not go far enough? Please let us know! Do you have ideas that will help us achieve our goals? Again, please let us know! The purpose of the Alumni Association is ensure your involvement with the School. If we are not living up to our mission or your expectations, let us know and we will do the best we can to change our practices. Thank you to all of you who continue to share your life ...keep the news coming

It is great to see that the number of alumni sending information for the Class Notes section of the Magazine is steadily increasing. Thank you to all of you who continue to share your life with your classmates, former teachers, and current members of the School community. Please send your information to Bridget Montagne (bmontagne@flinthill.org). Although school is out for the summer, Flint Hill remains open for Summer Programs. The Alumni Association will also be working this summer, laying the foundation for meeting our above goals. Please e-mail me at any time; I’ll be glad to hear from you. Sincerely, Ellen Turner, ’01 { eturner@flinthill.org }

• The Alumni Association will continue to send out its regular e-mail newsletter and solicit Class Notes from all alumni. • The Alumni Association will continue to create an atmosphere and environment that is welcoming to all alumni of Flint Hill.

Summer 2010 – FLINT HILL MAGAZINE

ELIOT BRENNER ’67

Spokesman, Author, “Risk Manager,” Pilot, Musician

Eliot Brenner ’67 (r) helps NRC Chairman Gregory Jaczko field questions at a press conference

liot Brenner has been in the world of communications for pretty much his entire adult life. He began as a reporter for an evening newspaper in Statesboro, Georgia; then went to work in North Carolina and eventually in Washington, D.C., for United Press International (UPI). He has been a speechwriter for prominent Republicans (Defense Secretary Dick Cheney during the Presidency of George H.W. Bush) and Democrats (Treasury Secretaries Lloyd Bentsen and Robert Rubin during the Bill Clinton Presidency); he was appointed by President Clinton as Assistant Administrator for Public Affairs at the Federal Aviation Administration and was Director of Public Affairs for The Boeing Company on an airport security project. Since 2004, he has served as Director of the Office of Public Affairs at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, reporting to the Chairman of a five-member commission whose job it is to regulate the use of radioactive materials to protect people and the environment.

FLINT HILL MAGAZINE – Summer 2010

If Col. Alan Ferguson-Warren, Eliot’s FHS English teacher, were alive today, he’d likely be surprised to learn that he got his in-class prediction for Eliot’s future success completely wrong. Handing him back an assignment marked with an “F,” Col. Warren announced, “If you had to write for a living, as your parents do, you would starve to death.”

I always wanted to go back and show him what I had accomplished professionally “That episode sticks with me to this day,” Eliot says. “At the time, I got a little ticked off and embarrassed—but then again my grade was an F ! I think he was trying to be humorous in a way that would challenge me to do better. It was not a catalyst for me ending up in the news/public affairs business, but

I always wanted to go back and show him what I had accomplished professionally. Unfortunately I never got the opportunity.” There are other memories—some funny, others poignant. During his first year at FHS, as part of his Seventh Grade Biology class, Eliot and his lab partner applied a battery to the heart of the frog they were dissecting, “and a serious mess ensued.” He remembers teachers who lived nearby driving the buses or vans that brought students to school every day. It was during football practice in his Freshman year that he heard President Kennedy had been shot. “I was stunned, like everyone else.” He broke his leg in a skiing accident during his Junior year and had to be out of school for several months. “A newfangled telephone speakerphone” allowed him to continue his schooling. “It was hauled from class to class, and plugged in, so I could hear the lectures and teachers could call on me. The upside: no one knew if I left the room at home. The downside: I had no idea when

Alumni Profile F L I NT H I L L

a teacher was going to call on me.” He attended his Junior-Senior Prom that year with a cane. He appeared twice on the television show, “It’s Academic”—once with teammates Jim Rogers and Conway Coe, and again with Greg Wells and Steve Schade. “I was the miscellaneous trivia expert, which just means I file away lots of stuff that may or may not be useful—especially song lyrics. I do recall that Conway, Jimmy and I invested considerable effort into getting in trouble. I think we were all in Linda Lewis’ Latin class and did our share of misbehaving there.”

competitor, which had a larger staff; and that was a real accomplishment— filing fast and furious in short takes with the phones ringing like crazy, trying to keep adding fresh material until reinforcements could show up.” Just over a year later, on March 30, 1981, “I was handed a phone by our lead editor and told: ‘Reagan’s been

at a time for each of us, moving the material over to the editors, who fashioned the story.”

Ship it over here and we’ll push the story out

During the Presidency of George H.W. Bush, Eliot traveled with thenDefense Secretary Dick Cheney through the Middle East and wrote a feature story about visiting troops in Iraq and flying over the horrific oil field fires in Kuwait. The piece eventually earned him the role of the Secretary’s speechwriter. “I got that gig, I am convinced, because I told the head of speechwriting that the toughest writing was songwriting because you had so few words in which to tell a story and convey emotion.”

And then there was Col. Wilber Gaige, “who taught us very practical history, politics, and civics. To this day I do my own taxes, because he taught us the rudiments of the tax code and required us to fill out returns for mythical wage earners. He also taught us about the stock market and how it operates. It’s ironic, because I did well in his class; but I got Ds in college economics, then ended up as the speechwriter to two well-known Treasury Secretaries. Go figure! Of course, Mrs. Marjorie Lundegard, our Physics teacher, would be aghast to know that, even with my poor grades in science, I am now spokesman for a highly technical government agency!” Three events from his UPI days stand out. On the night of April 24, 1980, he was working alone overnight in UPI’s Washington, D.C., office, when the Iranian hostage rescue mission failed—53 Americans had been held since November 4, 1979, after a group of Islamist students and militants took over the American Embassy in support of the Iranian Revolution. All were eventually released by early 1981. But that night, Eliot says, “I managed to get my story into more newspapers than the Associated Press, our

Speechwriter Elliot Brenner in one of the original Air Force One planes en route to China (top); and (below) as a journalist, in the turret of a Marine armored personnel carrier in northeast Saudi Arabia

shot, take down everything Dean Reynolds [then a UPI editor and reporter, now a CBS News correspondent] says, ship it over here, and we’ll push the story out.’ A colleague and I took running dictation, one sentence

In January 1982, he covered the crash of Air Florida Flight 90, which hit Washington’s 14th Street Bridge. He also went to national political conventions and campaign trips, including several on Air Force One.

During the first Gulf War (August 1990 - February 1991), Eliot and Bill Harwood, who was UPI’s space reporter from Cape Canaveral and is now CBS’ space consultant, co-wrote “Desert Storm: The Weapons of War.” In four days. “It amounted to a weapons manual with some geopolitical context wrapped around the weapons descriptions,” says Eliot. “Bill holed up in a hotel and I wrote for hours at night after finishing my reporting. Four days and 20,000 words later, we finished. It was in print within a week or two, and sold 80,000 copies.” The government work “opened up a whole new career for me, and it has really been fun in its own way,” Eliot says. His career in the Treasury Department taught him “a ton about domestic and foreign fiscal and monetary policy as well as global economics and the operation of the Continued on page 42

Summer 2010 – FLINT HILL MAGAZINE

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Continued from page 41

global financial system. And, I got to walk on Red Square at midnight with temperatures around zero and a strong wind blowing; wander along the Great Wall of China; buy rugs in a bazaar in New Delhi; and see the Taj Majal.” Then along came what Eliot calls “my dream or nightmare job, depending on how you look at it.” He was named spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration. Having caught “the flying bug” while living in North Carolina, he says the job was great fun for someone trained to be a pilot. But at the FAA, says Eliot, “you measure your tenure by the crashes you handle,” and he dealt with quite a few—TWA Flight 800 in July 1996, which was initially thought to be the result of a terrorist attack; Swissair Flight 111 from New York to Geneva, Switzerland, that crashed near Nova Scotia; and those of John F. Kennedy, Jr., and John Denver, both of whom were piloting their own planes. Events such as these, says Eliot, “meant phone calls in the middle of the night on a regular basis. It took me about six months after that job came to an end to be able to sleep through the night without waking thinking the phone was ringing.” Eliot says that flying “had always fascinated me and even scared me,” which is why he originally decided to give it a try back in his reporting days. “I went about things somewhat backwards— I did not take a flying lesson until I had passed the medical examination, gone to what is called ‘ground school,’ and passed the written examination. I didn’t want to invest a significant amount of money without being sure I could pass all the procedural hurdles. I was totally hooked and remain so to this day; although I don’t fly very

FLINT HILL MAGAZINE – Summer 2010

regularly, or as often as I would like— putting a child through a private college will do that—but I get out on occasion with friends who take pity on me. And every time I go through Raleigh, where I learned to fly, my first instructor and I go up to make sure

On a reporting assignment: atop an M1-A1 Abrams tank in southeastern Iraq during a visit by then-Defense Secretary Dick Cheney

I’d like to fly on a more regular basis now I still remember that the blue side of what you see out the windscreen is ‘up,’ and the end with the propeller goes forward! I’m working to get my medical certification renewed because I’d like to fly on a more regular basis now.” 2004 brought him to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. “Despite the fact this place deals with nuclear issues associated with commercial reactors and industrial and medical uses of radiation, it is no different from the FAA in terms of the key issue—managing risk. So this job is a natural fit in terms of how to handle the public affairs responsibilities. As a member of the Senior Executive Service, this is as high as it gets in

government without being a presidential appointee who undergoes Senate confirmation.” He now runs an office of fourteen public affairs staffers around the country and is spokesman for the agency. “It keeps me on the road a good amount (60,000 miles and 50 nights in hotels last year), but I don’t mind travel and actually enjoy it. Working at the NRC here—because we are run by a commission—is a little different from working at a cabinet agency. However, the way we are structured, I work exclusively for the Chairman, which minimizes getting caught in the crossfire of competing interests among commissioners.” On the lighter side, Eliot is also a big fan of bluegrass and acoustic music, and has learned to play “just enough mandolin to be dangerous. There is something about the breadth of sounds that a mandolin can produce that speaks to me. I wrote a good bit about that music as a fun sidelight to my UPI job, reviewed records and interviewed folks from John Hartford to Bill Monroe along the way.” He and his wife, Mary, who for many years managed two local art galleries, live in Annandale, Va. Their daughter, Julie, lives nearby and is a meeting planner for the nonprofit science, technology, and strategy organization, Noblis Inc. “I can’t drive through Oakton without thinking about Flint Hill and the superb grounding I received there from truly remarkable teachers. It is still a bit odd to me to see the administration building on what I consider to be the ‘wrong side of the street.’ But to newer generations of students, where it is now is the picture they will carry in their memories.”

CLASS NOTES 1966 Mike McGuirk began his career at Kennedy Space Center in the Launch Processing System back in November of 1979 and says he “will most likely close it out when that final vehicle leaves for display.” He wrote us in early May: “As we approach the end of the Space Shuttle Program, there are still three flights left to hear the mighty roar of those engines. One will be on Friday May 14 (STS-132), and the remaining 2 in September and hopefully November if the satellite is ready. The final tally will have been 134 missions over 30 years, two of which did not return. When the flights are over, the remaining three Orbiters will be readied for transport to their chosen museums.”

1968 It was great to hear from Chip Paciulli, who says that a core group of classmates from Oregon, California, Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia have been meeting from time to time. “I have labeled this ‘The class with no class.’ We have an informal e-mail structure, which at times becomes very lively. The group has [also] reached out to many and would include any graduate from that era. As my brother and sister also graduated from FH, I am starting to reach into the 70’s through Facebook. It is remarkable how the group can reassemble and…we all relate as if it were 40+ years ago. Flint Hill provided the structure and opportunity for us all to learn about life. The education provided then as well as now is one which benefits the attendees. Both of my daughters graduated from FH and even 10 years later I can see in many interactions they experience the influence of their teachers from Flint Hill.”

1969 Jon Kirk is doing well in Wilmington, DE, and is cycling 10-20 miles a day as part of a new health regimen. He lost 25 pounds in three weeks! Way to go, Jon!

1970 Cheryl Fitzgerald enjoyed reading the online Alumni Newsletter even as she is

having “a very slow recovery” from four fractured bones in her left foot, which happened at the beach. “Playing too hard, shopping too much, walking in deep sand, I suppose…I’ve been in several casts since September 15, and trying to keep my spirits up while working full-time between doctor visits.” Cheryl is “still hoping for a full healing after six months of ‘cramp-mystyle’ living. My advice to all the younger ladies: Take your calcium pills now!” Cheryl spent a week in Orlando, FL with her sister and her husband, and planned a ski trip to Park City, Utah, in January. We wish her continued healing!

1971 Since Lt. Gen John R. Allen spoke at the FHS Commencement last year, “I remain the Deputy Commander of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), in Tampa, FL, and will continue in this assignment until the summer of 2011. In this role, I assist General Petraeus, the Commander, with all activities associated with our ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; our activities in Pakistan; our relationships with our Arab Allies in the Arabian Gulf; dealing with Iran; and working with our friends in Central Asia. On any given day, we have about 230,000 U.S. forces committed to the region from all of our Service—the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps. I continue to look back upon my time at Flint Hill as perhaps the most formative time of my life. It set me up for success at the Naval Academy and later at Georgetown University. I will always be grateful for what Flint Hill provided me in life.”

1979 Robyn Buckley Riebling says she survived the Blizzard of ’10 and two commencements. The first was of her daughter Jennifer from Thoreau Middle School; she will be a JV Cheerleader at Bishop O’Connell High School next year. The second was of her daughter Kimberly from Louise Archer Elementary School. Kimberly plays lacrosse and is now moving up to Thoreau. Robyn wishes her former classmates “a truly relaxing summer!”

1980 Juan Sierra, in sunny Cali, Colombia, continues to remember his time at Flint Hill fondly. Juan took the time and trouble to locate his old yearbook and sent along a few photos he scanned for us. Thank you so much, Juan! Even though back then they were the Falcons, Juan is now also a Husky for life! Hard to believe it’s been 30 years for the Class of 1980!

1982 Congratulations to Doug Parbery and his wife, April, on the birth of their beautiful second son, Jordan Connor, who was born on 4/24 and weighed 7 lbs., 3 ozs. He joins older brother Jackson Dean. Doug continues his work at the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation. “Life with two babies is certainly a challenge, but once we get past the next few months, things should settle down a little.”

April and Doug Parbery ’82 with sons Jordan and Jackson at Carmine’s, their favorite New York City restaurant

Maggie Henderson Grafton is the Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Leadership Development for the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, NC. Maggie moved to the YMCA after 20 years in Human Resources for GE. She earned her Senior Professional Human Resources certification in January. Maggie says she loves living in Charlotte with her husband Steve and their “very spoiled” cat, Abby. They are both avid road cyclists, enjoy time on Lake Norman, and traveling to the beach with Abby. Now that is a lucky cat!

Summer 2010 – FLINT HILL MAGAZINE

FLINT HILL { Class Notes }

1985

1991

Farhad Zangeneh is involved in ongoing research projects studying the epidemic of Vitamin D deficiency. He is Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at GWU School of Medicine and the medical director of Endocrine, Diabetes, and Osteoporosis Clinic in Sterling, VA. He was recently re-elected to serve a threeyear term on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), and is co-chair of the 2010 AACE Scientific Annual Congress in Boston. Farhad has participated in several diabetes public awareness campaigns, including “Diabetes & You: Step It Up to Get It Down,” and “State of Diabetes Complications in America” media activities with Bob Harper of NBC’s “Biggest Loser,” and Shawn Springs of the Washington Redskins. The campaigns encouraged people with Type 2 diabetes to better manage their disease and educate patients about the risk of diabetes complications. He also accompanied Sally Field during the National Osteoporosis Awareness Month on Capitol Hill, and provided oral testimony at an FDA Endocrine and Metabolic Drugs Advisory Committee open public hearing. Farhad has received numerous awards, including the AACE Young Investigator Award, and research grants from the Endocrine Fellows Foundation. He has lectured nationally and internationally in over 30 countries. Congratulations on such great work.

In March of 2007, Mark Dix co-founded Bucci & Dix, LLC, with a fellow classmate from George Mason University Law School. They have four attorneys on staff and focus on personal injury and family law. And in March 2010, after completing training at a seven-month recruit school, he became a volunteer firefighter with the Bon Air VFD (Chesterfield County Fire & EMS Co. 4). Mark and his wife Heidi, who is Deputy Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services, were married in 2005 and live in Richmond.

1986 John Soifer is an Instructor of Health and Safety for the American Red Cross of the National Capital Region. We hope John sends us more news about his work for future magazines.

1992 Steve Johnson and his wife Lori had a busy spring, by any reckoning. They moved into a new house and, two weeks later, on 3/24/10, welcomed Alexis Bella Johnson (below), 10 lbs., 5 oz., into the world.

Mark Dix ’91 (top right) is given his recruit school graduation certificate by Edward L. Senter, Jr., Chief of Chesterfield County Fire & EMS; and (below right) he and other team members about to enter the Chesterfield County burn building to work on a training fire

1993 Amy Harris Gwilliam and her husband, Josh, are thrilled to announce the birth of their daughter, Laura-Kate Tenney Gwilliam (below), who was born on 3/11/10, weighed 7 lbs., 15 oz., and was 21" long.

Alexis’ aunt, Sandra Johnson ’99, was in town to help care for Alexis’ older brothers, Matthew (5) and Michael (3). Steve is finishing up his third year of medical school at the University of Louisville. We hope to hear a lot more from the Johnson family when they have time.

Milestones Weddings

Births

Stephanie Turner and JB Miller ’00, 4/24/10

To Lance and Meghan Blaszak Oliver ’96, a son, James Briscoe, 2/14/10

Melissa Didden ’01 and Brian Hennessy ’01, 4/24/10

To Josh and Amy Harris Gwilliam ’93, a daughter, Laura-Kate Tenney, 3/11/10

Christopher John Brown and Jessica Barba ’97, 6/12/10

To Lori and Steve Johnson ’92, a daughter, Alexis Bella, 3/24/10 To April and Doug Parbery ’82, a son, Jordan Connor, 4/24/10

FLINT HILL MAGAZINE – Summer 2010

NOT E: If your year is not represented, or if you would like to become a Class Agent, please contact Bridget Montagne in the Alumni Office at bmontagne@flinthill.org or 703-584-2353

FLINT HILL { Class Notes }

1996 Meghan Blaszak Oliver and her husband Lance have a new member of the family. James Briscoe Oliver (above) was born 2/14/10.

1997 Jessica Barba and Christopher John Brown were married on 6/12/10. Christopher and Jessica met in New York, but he is a graduate of Paul VI H.S., right down the road from FHS. Small world! Jessica sent us a photograph from their 2/6/10 engagement party, held in Washington, D.C., “perfectly timed for the blizzard of the century!” Congratulations to you both.

Verizon Center. (You can listen to the song by going on the group’s website, www.sandboxkings.com and choosing “multimedia.”) The song got a mention in The New York Times on April 16, beat out 70 other entries in the competition, and was judged by the “Elliot In The Morning” radio show. Branko came to FHS as a Fifth Grader, and remembers being active in drama classes with Carlo Grossman and also taking choir; “but back then there really wasn’t any real music program. I started playing guitar when I was 12 years old in Seventh Grade.” Branko went on to Berklee College of Music in Boston, majored in Songwriting, and graduated in 2002, all the while playing in various bands. Then in 2003, he started Sandbox Kings, and also recorded “Wonderfall” in his home studio, playing all the instruments himself except drums. “Since then I’ve been writing and recording at home, but touring has been very limited. Then this contest came up out of nowhere and we are devout Capitals fans, so we thought it would be fun. I never thought we would win.” Branko and the group’s drummer are close to releasing their second album, “Secrets.” In addition, he has begun Hodzic Contracting, Inc., a construction company, recently finished a house addition in Annapolis, and planned to enter some competitions related to his work.

2000 T EN- Y EA R R EUNIO N :: Contact JB Miller jonathan.byrd.miller@gmail.com (513) 304-8153

It’s official! Christopher Brown and Jessica Barba ’97 got engaged in February, survived Snowmageddon 2010, and were married in June

1998 Branko Hodzic and his group, Sandbox Kings, won the DC 101 “Create a Caps Goal Song” Contest. Entitled “Rock the Red,” the song will be played after every Capitals goal scored at the

JB Miller married Stephanie Turner on 4/24/10 in Cincinnati, OH. Classmates Jonathan Baker and Brian Aspinwall stood as two of JB’s groomsmen, and Erin Plunket Talbett was also in attendance. JB and Stephanie live in Cincinnati, where he works for Folgers Coffee as a Commodities Manager. He’s also planning a Class reunion on October 16, beginning with the football game at 2:30 p.m., followed later with a reception in Georgetown at 8:00 p.m. More details will follow and we hope many of you

can come! … Saba Choudhry graduated from the University of Maryland School of Medicine this spring; and she started a residency in Emergency Medicine at the University of Illinois, Chicago, in June. She recently spent time in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on a medical trip with the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, taking care of patients with surgical complications and patients who had neglected injuries from the earthquake. … As we reported in the Winter 2010 issue of this magazine,

Only 30 kms. to the finish line! With Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean in the background, Rick Wasfy ’00 (top) stopped for lunch on the last day of the 12,000 km Cairoto-Cape Town bike race.

Rick Wasfy participated in a 12,000 km bike race from Cairo to Cape Town to raise money for the Lance Armstrong LiveStrong Foundation. Here are some of the “stats” Rick sent us: Tour d’Afrique started 1/15/10 in Cairo, and ended in Cape Town on 5/15/10, 120 days later. There were 96 riding days; two days on the ferry from Egypt to Sudan; and 22 rest days spread out throughout the tour, which is broken into eight

JB Miller (r) celebrates his wedding day with 2000 classmates Jonathan Baker and Brian Aspinwall

Summer 2010 – FLINT HILL MAGAZINE

FLINT HILL { Class Notes }

sectionals—riders can participate in one or more sections as they wish. The capacity of the tour is 74 people. “I ended up finishing the race in 22nd place with a time of 648 hours and 39 minutes, and even won the last stage. I was given the ‘most improved award’ for the race. The Tour d’Afrique is the hardest, most physically straining, mentally taxing thing I have ever completed; and I have never been so lucky in my life to be afforded such an opportunity to see what I saw and accomplish what I did. While I am not doing it again next year, I am ecstatic that I got to complete this once-in-a-lifetime trip.”

Keven Schreiber ’01 (top) on a tour of the Oceana Naval Air Station FA-18 Fighter Wing

Newlyweds Melissa Didden and Brian Hennesy (second from left) joined by classmates Colin Sullivan, Tim Causa, and Best Man Josh Nicklay

FLINT HILL MAGAZINE – Summer 2010

2001 After completing Officer Development School in 12/09, Keven Schreiber was commissioned a Lieutenant Junior Grade in the United States Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps. He graduated from Naval Justice School 4/10, and reported to his first command at Naval Legal Service Office Mid-Atlantic in Norfolk, VA. During his three-year tour, he will provide legal assistance and criminal defense services to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Well done, Keven. Please keep in touch with us and let us know how you’re doing. … Alix Hazel has earned a B.A. from Harvard University and a J.D. from Elon University, and has returned to her hometown of Warrenton, VA, to become a member of the professional community. She joined the law offices of Jud A. Fischel, P.C., in 10/09, and now practices civil litigation, family law, estate planning, and criminal defense. She is still an avid horseback rider; but also completed her first marathon in January, and has set her sights on improving that time in the Marine Corps Marathon this fall. … Melissa Didden and Brian Hennessy tied the knot at The Inn at Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina on 4/24/10. Classmates Colin Sullivan and Tim Causa were able to attend the wedding, and Brian’s Best Man was Josh Nicklay.

… Stacy Brewer (right) graduated from George Mason in May with a master’s in Instructional Design. She’s moved to Durham, NC, for a job at Duke University, and will be working with Cancer and Leukemia Research Group B (CALGB) as an Instructional Designer.

2004 Taylor Butch is living in London and is pursuing a master’s in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean studies at Kings College. … Justin Bonomo was featured last summer on ESPN as part of their coverage of the World Series of Poker. We hope Justin will send us further updates on how it all went! … Elena Plionis has moved to Maryland with her two cats, Brynn and Milo. She will be finishing her master’s in Occupational Therapy by doing two fieldwork placements over the next six months—one in in-patient psychiatry and the other in hand therapy.

2005

2002 A number of classmates have recently received advanced degrees, and we’re delighted to pass on the news. Sabina Malhotra now has her doctoral degree from the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, PA, on 5/14/10. Dr. Malhotra will begin her three-year residency in Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Surgery at Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. this July. … Chris Fogleman received his J.D. from Cornell Law School on 5/16/10. … Chelsea Rock is embarking on her second year at the District of Columbia Government in the Office of the Chief Technology Officer. She plans to graduate with a master’s degree in Public Administration in December from George Mason University. …

John and Lauren Vida Lamp ’05

Lauren Vida Lamp graduated from UVA’s nursing school in 2009, got married that summer to husband, John, and has been working ever since at the UVA Medical Center in the Medical Intensive Care Unit. John is finishing up graduate school at UVA in Mechanical Engineering in the Applied Biomechanics Department, specifically studying auto safety. “We love living in Charlottesville and have found a wonderful family of friends at our local Acts 29 Church, Portico.”

Photo courtesy USNA Alumni

FLINT HILL { Class Notes }

KC Gordon (top) received her Naval Academy diploma from Vice President Joe Biden; (below) it took more than a little determination and hard work to earn it

2006 David Kay will be joining Teach for America, a national non-profit that recruits recent college graduates to help erase what it describes as educational inequity found in many urban and rural low-income communities. He will be teaching secondary social studies in Detroit. … KC Gordon graduated from the Naval Academy and has been commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Marine Corps. Vice President Joe Biden spoke at the graduation ceremony. KC’s mother Sue says, “I think when you see your child among a sea of fresh-faced, clear-eyed young people shouting ‘I do!’ at the top of their lungs as they take an oath to serve their county, it brings tears to the eyes of even the most stoic of us—something which I have never been accused of being!” …

Sarah Ball recently earned a Bachelor of Science degree, summa cum laude, in Economics and Mathematics from the University of Mary Washington. She was awarded honors in both majors, and received the Adam Smith Award for Graduate Study in Economics. She was elected to Phi Beta Kappa as a Junior and also was elected to several honor societies: Pi Mu Epsilon (mathematics), Omicron Delta Epsilon (economics), Chi Beta Phi (science and math), Mortar Board, and Alpha Phi Sigma (service). Last summer, she was selected to participate in the UMW Summer Science Research Program, where she tested a new technique for statistical analysis. Sarah was also involved in residence life and was the Head Resident of a Freshman dormitory her Senior year. She will attend the University of Maryland to pursue a Ph.D. in Agriculture and Resource Economics, specializing in environmental economics, with a graduate assistantship. … Sarah Tierney Manning (below) gave the Senior Class Welcome speech at her graduation from Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA, on 5/23. She graduated summa cum laude and completed the Scholar’s Program in addition to accumulating several awards this year, including the AAUW STEM “Career Launching” Award, the Anna Randolph Darlington Gillespie Award, and the Outstanding Undergraduate Student Leader Award. She also completed her senior tutorial, “Evaluating Food Desert Regions in Pittsburgh, PA by use of GIS Technology,” and presented her findings at the Food in Bloom Conference at Indiana University in June. She is now living in Chicago.… Patrick Halpin graduated

5/9/10 from the University of Richmond with a B.A. in Political Science, summa cum laude, with a minor in Liberal Arts and the Law. He will be attending the Columbia School of Law at Catholic University next fall. … Alex Robbins graduated on 5/23/10 from the University of Vermont with a B.A. in Political Science from the College of Arts & Sciences, and a B.Sc. in Environmental Studies from the Rubenstein School of the Environment and Natural Resources. He was the only graduating Senior to be awarded dual degrees from two different colleges, and he did it in four years! He was featured in the Rubenstein School’s newsletter in June as the graduating Senior to watch. Alex hopes to work on Capitol Hill before embarking on a master’s degree.

2007 Colby Miller continues to run Division III Track & Field at Elizabethtown College. “At our Indoor Conference Meet, I finished third in the 5,000-meter race, first for our team.” During the Outdoor season Colby (above, r) was fortunate enough to run a 10,000-meter race at Penn Relays in a time of 31:13 (3 seconds away from qualifying provisionally for the Division III National Track & Field meet). “At our Outdoor Conference Meet, I finished first in both the 5,000-meter and 10,000-meter races.” Colby was voted “Male Track Athlete” of the Conference as a result. … Greg Dimattina is going into his Senior year

Summer 2010 – FLINT HILL MAGAZINE

FLINT HILL { Class Notes }

at Emory University, where he is double majoring in Finance and Information Systems and Operations Management, with a minor in Italian Studies. He has continued to sing with his co-ed a cappella group, in which he served as the Music Director during his Sophomore and Junior years, and will be the group’s President in the Fall. He is also involved with his fraternity (Sigma Alpha Epsilon), and serves on the Executive Board of the Emory Interfraternity Council. This summer, he is living in New York City doing an elevenweek financial underwriting internship for Zurich Financial Services.

2008

Taylor Swart (above-r) had a “meet and greet” with Carrie Underwood on 4/27/10 at her concert at the Richmond Coliseum. “As you can imagine, I was very excited. It was everything I had hoped it would be and more. She is the sweet, humble, genuine, down-to-earth, kind, caring human being I thought she would be; and I am so grateful to have had this opportunity. I will never forget this night for as long as I live! My dream came true!” … Natasha Scearse has been pursuing a degree in Dance Performance at Oklahoma City University, where she has been a part of the Honors program and a member of the American Spirit Dance Company. After many auditions, last summer she worked for and performed in several shows with Music Theatre of Wichita (MTW), a prestigious Kansas summer stock theatre. She appeared in “The Producers,” “Camelot,” and “Kiss Me, Kate,” and worked in commercials and recordings with many Broadway performers, directors, and choreographers, including Patti Colombo, James Brennan, Wayne Bryan, Larry Raben, Laura Griffith, and Jessica Wright. Last April, Natasha was selected to perform as Gloria in Oklahoma City

FLINT HILL MAGAZINE – Summer 2010

ALUMNI ATHLETIC UPDATES Students who were standouts during their high school days continued to play well for their college teams this Spring. 2008 classmates Nicole Ferguson (l) and Natasha Scearse before a performance of “Thoroughly Modern Millie” at Oklahoma City University

University’s “Thoroughly Modern Millie” with Nicole Ferguson ’07, who played Mrs. Meers. The last time these two were on stage together was Flint Hill’s production of “Pippin” in 2006! This summer, Natasha is back at MTW, performing in the musicals “Gypsy,” “Smokey Joe’s Café,” “Crazy For You,” “Annie,” and “Curtains.”… Jane Morris was given one of only five summer sustainability internships from the College of William and Mary for her summer project idea, “Public Spaces in Sustainable Gardens at W&M.” Jane’s project, according to the College, “will add new dimensions to these gardens, using recovered and recycled materials to create public spaces that teach and build community around the ideas of sustainability.” This is the second year for these awards, which are given “in a competitive process and are intended to provide students with independent research opportunities that contribute to W&M’s progress in achieving a sustainable campus environment.”

2009 Yasmine Evans just finished her first year at Smith College in Northampton, MA. “In February I visited Dashell Laryea at Yale while attending a conference on behalf of Smith. We had a great conversation and it was fun exchanging recounts of our college experience. Dashell reports that he enjoys the academic rigor of Yale and is a Diaz Scholar. This summer I am interning for House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and will continue to work with the Emerging Scholars Program as a Senior Counselor at Burgundy Farm Country Day School. When returning to Smith I will declare my double major in Political Science and anthropology.” … Robert Spencer will attend Christopher Newport University next fall, having switched from Marymount University. Robert says he’s “super excited” about the move.

BASEBALL…Matt Doyle ’09 played for Harvard; and Ben Jardot ’08 was an outfielder for the Washington College Shoremen, with an on-base percentage of .300. Brian Lainoff ’07 started his season with a 3-1 record as a redshirt Sophomore at Rhodes College. LACROSSE…Christian Melton played at Ursinus. John Rehberger is with the Dickenson team that finished with a 15-3 record, ranked No. 7, and lost in the second round of the NCAA Division III Tournament. Kelly Lane ’09 started in almost every game on defense for the Christopher Newport Captains, and was among the team leaders in ground ball pick-ups. The Captains made it to the NCAA Division III Tournament for the fifth consecutive year. TENNIS…Garrett Widing ’09 played for Christopher Newport; his team was recently ranked 29th in the nation in Division III. SOCCER…Jason Gannon ’08 is playing Division 1 at James Madison University. TRACK AND FIELD…Eric Saleh ’09 is with UCLA; Brian Armstrong ’08 is at Xavier; his team set six school records and earned two medals in the Atlantic 10 Outdoor Track & Field Championships.

A mini-reunion at UVA in Charlottesville with Headmaster John Thomas, Science teacher Fred Atwood, and Lower School Admission/Financial Aid Officer Michele Velchik: (l-r) Kyle Amey ’06, Steven Lenz ’07, Megan Miller ’07,Taylor Swart ’08, Mr. Atwood, Mr.Thomas, and David McNerney ’07

HO ME

COMING OCTOBER 16 Homecoming/Alumni Reunion activities will take place on Saturday, October 16. More specific information will be coming, but we hope many of you will be able to join us. All Alumni-related activities will take place on our West Campus this year, so you’ll be able to watch some games, catch up with old friends, enjoy snacks and cold beverages prepared especially for our returning Alumni, and drop by the Igloo for old time’s sake! Four athletic teams will be competing throughout the day: • Varsity Girls’ Volleyball vs. Georgetown Visitation: 10:00 a.m. • Varsity Girls’ Soccer vs. School Without Walls: 11:00 a.m. • Varsity Boys’ Soccer vs. Saint James School: 1:00 p.m. • Varisty Football vs. Saint James School: 2:30 p.m. The Class of 2000 is celebrating its Tenth Reunion, and you can get more information about getting together from organizer JB Miller (jonathan.byrd.miller@gmail.com). We hope other Classes will also catch their “Driving Spirit,” because it’s not too late to make plans. Please contact Bridget Montagne (bmontagne@flinthill.org) to get started.

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