Rippowam Cisqua School Bulletin Fall 2025

RIPPOWAM CISQUA SCHOOL Fall 2025

Photography by Erin Wik

Bulletin

RIPPOWAM CISQUA SCHOOL

Rippowam Cisqua School Bulletin is published by the Advancement Office

Karin Smith, Director of Communications & Bulletin Editor

Gary Lawson, Associate Director of Communications

Melissa Mirkin, Associate Director of Advancement

Caroline Vincent Mockridge ’81, Director of Advancement Operations

Joe Scornavacchi, Director of Development

Credits

Design: Good Design, Deep River, Connecticut

Photography: AdobeStock, Douglas Benedict / Academic Image, Michael Bowman, Bernard Gaston Cherau, Cinematic Images, Minush Krasniqi, David Lamb, Denice Dutra Laveris, Owen Nachbar ’27, Franco Pedicini, Christina Schoonmaker, Rhonda Smith Photography, Erin Wik

Board of Trustees

Abby Gerry, Chair

Amy Harsch, Vice Chair

Oliver Bushnell, Secretary

Charlene Sy Ryan, Treasurer

Christina Bresani

Micki Buchanan

James Fayed

David Gordon

Ex Officio

Colm MacMahon, Head of School

Page Vincent Gosnell ’79

Harry Grand ’93

Samuel Kopolovich

Janelle Lika

Melissa Roth Mendez

Payson Murray

Will Reeve ’07

Tom White

Jose Aldeanueva, Chief Financial Officer

Erin Tedesco Hoffman, Parents Association Chair

Forrest Mas ’04, Alumni Association Chair

Joe Scornavacchi, Director of Development

RIPPOWAM CISQUA SCHOOL

Fall 2025

Message from the Head of School

I began my teaching career in the fall of 1997 at Marymount School in New York City. My first job was as an Early Childhood assistant teacher — specifically, in a classroom of three- and fouryear-olds. I remember vividly how challenging (and exhausting!) that role was, and it remains one of the reasons I hold our own exceptional Early Childhood team in such high regard.

I mention this not out of a desire to share my professional history, but because of the unique circumstances associated with that position: the first classroom that I taught in was also the very first classroom where I had been a student nearly two decades prior. The full-circle moment, while being quite a coincidence, was also a truly moving experience for me, particularly on my first day re-entering that room. Even 20 years later, I felt an ingrained familiarity with the space — a somewhat indescribable connection that evoked many different positive emotions and memories. That space was a part of my life and held, in some way, moments that had undoubtedly impacted me.

When I think about Rippowam Cisqua School and all the construction work we have done on our campus over the past decade, I have had concerns about the ways in which our changes could impact alumni’s connection to their school. This doesn’t mean I am not extremely proud of our work, but I have had moments of pause during our processes.

What reassures me, though, is knowing that while Ripp is certainly a place, it has never been defined by its walls or classrooms. Instead, it remains our people and our personal experiences that shape who we are, who our students become, and what they remember. The significant upgrades we have made to our buildings, including our new Teaching and Learning Commons, have instead allowed us to amplify those experiences

for all our students and teachers. These spaces enable us to focus on the quality of each child’s life at RCS and think intentionally about how we can continue to improve and meet the needs of all our students, academically and developmentally.

As you’ll see in the pages ahead, there is much to highlight at RCS. In this issue, we discuss with our alumni the essential lessons learned from our athletics program. We share moments from our end-of-year celebrations and the creativity of our literary magazine team. And you’ll read about the ways in which our teachers and staff are growing in their professional roles, and how our community comes together through events like Friday Night Lights (which remains my favorite night of the year).

In short, we honor what truly defines Rippowam Cisqua School — the experiences and relationships that shape our students and families. Long after they leave our campus, those are the memories that will endure. While I am tremendously proud of all we have built, I take greater joy in what our students carry forward, and that is something that transcends everything else.

Enjoy reading this wonderful edition of the Bulletin

Warmly,

Colm MacMahon Head of School

New Teaching and Learning Commons

Our new Teaching and Learning Commons — or TLC — opened its doors in September, transforming the heart of Rippowam Cisqua School. Spanning 4,400 square feet, the new space brings together a Writing Lab, flexible workshops for small-group instruction, a two-story Math Commons, classrooms, and faculty offices — all designed to spark curiosity and collaboration.

“This was an enormous endeavor, and we are thrilled to see the students and teachers using the space in very intentional ways,” Head of School Colm MacMahon said. “Special thanks go to our Director of Operations and Technology, Michael Bowman, for his tireless work on this project, to Buildings and Grounds Committee members Jordan Vogel and Rich Mugler, and to the entire Board of Trustees for their guidance throughout.”

Already, students are discovering the balcony overlooking the Math Commons, a space where they can sit with friends, read a book, or meet with teachers. Math Chair John Yu has launched a new before-school Math Lab for Upper School students, the first of many programs that will take shape in the TLC. And Lower School teachers are bringing reading groups to the second floor breakout rooms, where students benefit from a focused, small-group setting.

And at the center of it all, the most telling review may come from first grader Lily Rockland, who called out during a Literacy activity at her whiteboard desktop: “This is fun!”

David Lamb Photography

What’s in a Name?

By Kristin Sammeta, Co-Director of Academic Support

When we set out to name the Teaching and Learning Commons, we knew we were doing more than simply assigning a title; we were shaping an identity. Choosing the right name meant projecting a vision, affirming our values, and marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for RCS.

The Teaching and Learning Commons sets the tone for a space that inspires, supports, and celebrates learning in all its forms. It’s a shared environment where teaching and

learning happen in dynamic, collaborative ways, reinforcing the belief that education is a shared journey between students and teachers. The word “Commons” reflects our commitment to collaboration, curiosity, openness, and accessibility. It’s a space where both students and faculty are encouraged to be authentic, take intellectual risks, and build lasting partnerships with each other and with the learning process.

A New Academic Schedule

By Emily Hyland, Head of Lower School

From its outset, the Teaching and Learning Commons was designed as a space that would blend seamlessly into our existing building and amplify our already exceptional program. To ensure this, a critical part of the design process had nothing to do with the construction at all, but instead, focused on an allschool review of our academic schedule.

Eager to let research drive our process in achieving a more student-centered schedule, we partnered with Dr. Shannan Schuster — a former head of school, adjunct professor at the University of Virginia, and scheduling expert — in a year-long review. We centered our work on three primary questions. First, what does our schedule need to allocate time appropriately to achieve our mission and goals for matriculation? Second, is our schedule set up to reflect how we know students learn best? And third, is our schedule focused on the well-being of our students as a whole? In other words, we examined how literally every minute of the day can be best utilized to ensure optimal learning for students, as well as for faculty, enabling them to maximize their impact in the classroom.

This process led us to adopt a rotating block schedule based on a seven-day rotation. What does that mean? It’s a model

that maximizes instructional minutes, honoring the richness of our program and student well-being while incorporating more time (and space!) for small-group and targeted instruction and planning time among teachers. It ensures a daily routine that is ideal for student learning.

Who Is Dr. Shannan Schuster?

Dr. Schuster brings deep expertise in school management, scheduling, and leadership development. Before joining Independent School Management in 2020, she spent 25 years in public, private, and independent schools, serving as head of The Swain School, assistant head of Friends’ Central School in Pennsylvania, and dean of faculty at Flint Hill School in Virginia. She has also taught, coached, and held leadership roles at the division, department, and grade levels.

Beyond K–12 schools, Dr. Schuster has taught as adjunct faculty at the University of Virginia and presented at conferences across North America. She holds an Ed.D. from the University of Virginia, an M.A. in Private School Leadership from Columbia University’s Klingenstein Center, and bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics and Secondary Education from Vanderbilt University.

Achieving Greatness

By Catie Bertoncin, Director of Professional Development, Co-Director of Academic Support

As we eagerly anticipated the muchdreamed-of Teaching and Learning Commons, RCS was energized by a renewed commitment to professional learning and excellence.

This summer, our faculty and staff read Hidden Potential by Adam Grant, which reinforced the exciting reality that all of us (students, families, faculty, and staff) have the potential to achieve greatness. In his chapter, “If You Build It, They Will Climb,” Mr. Grant reminds us that through the completion of our TLC, we have done so much more than design an aesthetically beautiful space. We have intentionally cultivated a culture of learning, one that empowers faculty to continue to climb to greater heights, and in turn, inspire our students.

Additionally, we are thrilled to begin a new partnership with The Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning (CTTL) in Potomac, Maryland. The CTTL utilizes Mind, Brain, and Education Science (MBE), the most promising research and strategies on how a student’s brain learns, evolves, and thrives to elevate teacher quality, student achievement, and the whole child’s school experience.

During opening meetings in August, with the goal of meeting the potential of each and every one of our students,

our school community engaged in professional learning cohorts designed to bridge research and practice. These infrastructures directly support our mission of fostering independent thinkers, confident communicators, and engaged leaders.

The TLC provides us with a limitless potential for exciting new professional learning opportunities and growth. With its launch, we embrace the future with enthusiasm, purpose, and pride in what our community can achieve together.

David Lamb Photography

Math in the TLC

By Josh Bookin, Grade 7 Dean, Mathematics Specialist, Upper School Math Teacher

At RCS, students strive to become confident communicators. This is a core tenet of math instruction at our school, where collaborative problem solving is ever-present. The new TLC will help to increasingly facilitate opportunities for students to work together, not only within their own classes, but with their peers in other classes as well.

The intentional design of our new space invites students to spill out of their traditional classrooms into shared public spaces fit with the tools necessary for solving difficult problems. It is my hope that as students are provided more opportunities to work collaboratively, they will become even more confident in their abilities to communicate effectively throughout the process of learning.

As the TLC comes online, we look forward to incorporating cutting-edge technology into the space to support our students’ learning. Floor and wall projections, virtual reality spaces, and areas dedicated to kinesthetic math learning using a wide variety of manipulatives will enhance the investigative learning process by appealing to the various ways our students acquire knowledge. There will literally be something for everyone, as this new space becomes a central hub for celebrating the joy of the learning process at RCS.

New Role for Dr. Gifford

By Emily Gifford, Psy.D., Director of Child Development and Educator Support

I am excited to share that I am stepping into the role of Director of Child Development and Educator Support at Rippowam Cisqua School. This newly created position reflects our school’s deepening commitment to the academic, social, and emotional growth of our students as well as to the continued support and development of our exceptional educators.

At RCS, we have a unique opportunity to lead not only by teaching well, but by teaching wisely. Expanding our research knowledge allows us to partner cutting-edge brain science with the already exceptional academic work we do every day in the classroom. This expertise will impact everything from curriculum to classroom culture, helping us to build

an even more inclusive and effective school environment.

By integrating the latest neuroscience into our teaching practices, we can move beyond outdated myths about how children learn. And through a deeper understanding of neuroplasticity and child development, we can shape classroom experiences and curriculum with greater intention and purpose. This role is designed to help build a stronger, more inclusive, and more effective learning community — one where every child is seen, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.

This enrichment of knowledge will organically strengthen our collaboration with families, fostering a shared commitment to student growth and success. As teachers and researchers,

we will continue to lead by example: learning from experts, becoming experts, and ensuring that RCS remains at the forefront of educational excellence.

“For two years I’ve had the pleasure of working with a team to design, plan, and dream about this new space. Now I’m teaching in it, and every day I find new ways to use the space to enhance my teaching. Students are out of their seats and collaborating with their peers more than ever before, and the learning seems to be richer than ever. Best of all, we’re having a blast in the process!”

— Josh Bookin

Cooking Up Something New

The RCS dining experience is looking better than ever this year, thanks to a new kitchen and exciting updates led by Chef Jonathan Boyd and the SAGE Dining team.

“I’m definitely happy to have the new kitchen finished and am extremely grateful,” Chef Jonathan said. “The new equipment allows us to focus even more on presentation, food safety, and creating fresh, delicious meals.”

Upgrades include a char-grill, highBTU stove range, commercial tilt skillet, and refrigeration built right into the workstations. According to Chef Jonathan, these improvements make it easier to prepare small-batch meals — keeping food fresh, vibrant, and safe — while also allowing for more special pop-up items and manned food stations throughout the year.

As for the menu, the SAGE team continues to serve a wide variety each day, including soups made in-house, hand-

prepared deli and salad bars, and houseroasted meats. “We are a scratch-based company,” Chef Jonathan explained. “We make most of our food by hand and fresh daily. This approach helps us provide a great dining experience.”

Families can also feel confident knowing SAGE prioritizes allergen awareness. All food service workers are trained through FARECheck, an enhanced program in food handling and safety practices designed to keep food-allergic individuals safe and included.

In addition to meals, students can enjoy spa water, low-fat milk, chocolate milk, and fresh fruit throughout the day. Yogurt and milk products are sourced locally from Hudson Valley Fresh, a partnership of seven area farms.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

What a night on Meyers Fields for Friday Night Lights 2025 — and we couldn’t have done it without YOU!

A huge thank you to the following participants:

Event Chairs: Emily Fisher • Brooke Law • Mackenzie Mas • Melissa Mayer • Stefani Scamardo-Haynes

Light the Night: Robyn and Thomas Baldwin III • Alexis Gevanter and Robert Gould • Allyson and Chris Pachios • Charlene and Daniel Ryan ’93 • Katie and Matthew Weinstein

Fuel the Fire: Rahaleh Nassri and Thomas Hornbaker • Kimberly and Evan Page • Nancy Richardson

Dance with the DJ: Emily and Oliver Bushnell • Bianca and Daniel Harris • Charlotte and Samuel Jackson • Simone and Jed Melnick • Jilian and Christopher Minton • Barbara and Brian Rees • Natasha and Matthew Robinson

Fun and Games: Betsy and Chris Ayala ’93 • Nilda Taveras and John Belizaire • Brooke Levenson and Michael Blum • Susan Huntington-Davila and Paul Davila • Sidne Koenigsberg and Robert Dumitrescu ’96 • Caroline and Timothy Falzone • Giff Foley ’95 • Katy Foley • Lauren Saiger Machowsky ’99 and Evan Machowsky • Felicia and John Magliula • Claire and Justin McEvily • Meghan King and Andrew Prodromos • Susie Fox and Adam Schulman • Melissa and Robert Schyberg • Tamryn and Nedal Shami • Claire Coffee and Chris Thile • Jennifer and James Vellano

Musicians: Grayson Fisher ’27 • Hudson Haynes ’27 • Warren Haynes • Layla Lakamp ’27 • Reed Ryan ’27 • Kick Sisto ’27

Event Committee: Catherine Bellis • Carolyn Broadbin • Emily Bushnell • Sharon Dhall • Alexandra Fisher ’99 • Deborah Fisher • Samantha Fox • Susie Fox • Vanessa Seide Gallen ’93 • Alexis Gevanter • Teresa Gorbachevskiy • Jason Kadlec • Emily Kapelman • Elizabeth Waterman Keegan ’96 • Chiara Kershaw • Kelly Koyama-Garcia • Alexandra White Lawrence ’97 • Will Lawrence • Forrest Mas ’04 • Jamie McKeever • Jed Melnick • Jermaine Moure ’96 • Diana Natal • Jennifer Juste Owens • Liz Rini • Michael Schulster • Eliah Seton • Tamryn Shami • Amy

Simonds • Kellie Sirignano • Amy Stein • Adrienne von Rosen • Zan Young • Suzanne Zuckerman-Schulster

Cornhole Captains: Scott Law • Joe Ziemer

Lois Lowry Wrote Back!

Fourth grade is a magical year for young readers at RCS. Students are learning to think more deeply about what they read, see stories through the lens of empathy, and begin developing their own voice as writers. In small reading groups across the two homerooms, teachers guide them through novels of different genres, making connections between the texts and classroom discussions.

Last winter, the fourth graders studied historical fiction. When they returned from the winter break in January, their teachers assigned projects to help them reflect on the novels they had just finished.

In Carrie Rush’s group, six students had just completed Number the Stars, Lois Lowry’s award-winning story about a 10-year-old Danish girl living in Nazioccupied Europe during World War II. Instead of a book report, Ms. Rush asked

“I loved your book because it made me feel so many different feelings…. I loved learning about the time period because I didn’t know very much about it before. I also loved learning about the Danish people and how brave they were. I could have read it all day without getting a single bit bored. I think I will read it to my children when I grow up.”

— Rosie Gahagan

“My favorite character was Peter because he was brave, kind, and ambitious. Will there be a book 2? If there is, then it should be about what happened to Ellen after they escaped.”

— Jackson Kenny

“Something I learned from your book is that being brave is about doing something you think is right without thinking about it. Your story is one of the best books I have ever read.”

— Georgia Cameron

her students to write letters to Ms. Lowry.

“I chose to have them write letters because it seemed like a more fun and creative way for them to express their thoughts,” Ms. Rush explained. “Letter writing is such a personal act. It lets students share their ideas in a way that feels more meaningful to them.”

To guide their writing, Ms. Rush drew on The Writing Revolution program, encouraging students to structure their letters with topic sentences, supporting details, and strong conclusions. The framework gave students confidence while leaving plenty of room for heartfelt responses.

At first, Ms. Rush thought of the assignment as practice. She hadn’t planned to send the letters. But her

Dear Rosie, Hudson, Jackson, Theo, Georgia, and Viran:

I just got back from a trip and there were all of your letters waiting for me… along with 47 others! That’s why I can’t possibly answer you individually. It would take every hour of the day. But here is one letter for ALL of you, with my thanks. And here is something I thought might interest you. These are some foreign covers for NUMBER THE STARS. See if you can guess the languages! It is published in many different countries. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed it so much. Best wishes to all of you.

With love, Lois Lowry

students found an address online and insisted they mail them. “I didn’t expect to get a response!” Ms. Rush admitted. Still, the class waited hopefully.

“Each day after we sent them, they kept asking if she had written back,” Ms. Rush said. “I reminded them she’s a very busy lady, and we might not hear anything. But they couldn’t stop hoping.”

Then, about a week later, a surprise arrived: Lois Lowry had written back.

The students were thrilled. Their words had reached the author herself, and she had taken the time to respond. For these fourth graders, the project became more than an assignment. It was a lesson in the power of words — both in a story that brought history to life, and in their own writing.

Welcome to RCS Joe Scornavacchi Director of Development

My first visit to Rippowam Cisqua School was in late July on what I believe was the hottest day of the summer. I saw much of the campus including the impressive new Teaching and Learning Commons as it was being prepared for the year ahead. I met with colleagues who were as strategic in their thinking as they were kind in their welcome. Colm MacMahon was a gracious host, and our conversations ranged from new fundraising opportunities to the fun of Friday Night Lights. Every interaction clarified that RCS is an authentic, mission-driven community energized by the kind of individual spirit I’ve always admired in the best independent schools. My sincere thanks to Colm and the team for the warm welcome and candid exchanges that set the tone for my RCS experience.

Hailing from the Philadelphia region, I’ve spent much of my career in independent schools including The Fessenden School (West Newton, Massachusetts), The Shipley School (Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania), The Haverford School (Haverford, Pennsylvania), and Gladwyne Montessori (Gladwyne, Pennsylvania). I credit positions as a teacher, coach, student advisor, dormitory parent, alumni and development director, trustee, and parent volunteer as being both personally and professionally foundational. Each role has given me insight into the growth and stewardship of every school’s most important assets — its students and educators. I’ve seen how education ignites confidence, builds lifelong skills, and brings communities together. That’s why I’m excited to join RCS: because the school’s genuine mission is carried forward

by students, colleagues, and families every day.

On a personal note, I cherish time with family and friends in Pennsylvania as well as favorite spots on Buzzards and Narragansett Bays. Sailing has been a lifelong passion, and I spend much of my free time outdoors walking and exploring new trails with a Labrador Retriever. Most importantly, I’m immensely proud of my daughter, Emma, who lives and works in New York City.

I very much look forward to meeting the RCS community and getting to work on behalf of RippKids!

Joe Scornavacchi Director of Development

Joe and his daughter, Emma

Tools for Life Mindfulness at RCS

When students at RCS pause to take a mindful breath, they are practicing skills nurtured by Jessica Knopke, our occupational therapist and yoga and mindfulness teacher. For the past eight years, Jessica has woven movement, breathwork, and self-regulation strategies into daily life at RCS, helping children develop tools to support both their wellbeing and their learning.

“Mindfulness means paying attention to the present moment, with kindness and curiosity,” Jessica explains.

Far from an abstract idea, she makes mindfulness accessible, playful, and rooted in science. In her yoga and mindfulness classes, Jessica works with students from JPK through fourth grade, while also partnering with Upper School teachers and collaborating with families.

Jessica’s path to RCS began in the yoga studio. Hired first to teach yoga to Early Childhood students, she quickly began collaborating with teachers from an occupational therapy perspective. Her background is extensive: before

specializing in pediatrics, she was the advanced clinician in rehabilitation at New York Presbyterian Hospital, working with patients with neurological and orthopedic conditions.

“A main occupation of children is to play and learn,” she says. “As an occupational therapist, I think about what lays the foundation for children to be able to do that successfully.”

Her growing interest in yoga and meditation led her to certifications in both, and ultimately to the creation of

Jessica Knopke

Rhonda Smith Photography.

“I have long wanted to create my own program, but I needed an illustrator to help me bring it to life. Linda has created beautiful drawings to help me teach the children and create strategy cards for the classrooms. Linda is also incredibly kind and really funny, so collaborating on this project with her has been such a joy.”

— Jessica Knopke

RCS’s mindfulness curriculum. “I am weaving together concepts of yoga and meditation through the lens of an occupational therapist,” she says. A central piece of her teaching is interoception — tuning into sensations in the body and noticing energy levels and emotions. From there, students learn to apply strategies like breathing deeply, moving purposefully, walking outside, or talking with someone they trust.

“Mindfulness does not mean that we are calm; it means we are aware of how we are feeling,” Jessica emphasizes. By normalizing the ups and downs of emotions, she equips children with strategies to notice, regulate, and choose helpful responses. These skills, she adds, put students “in the best position to learn.”

Science is at the heart of her lessons. Jessica introduces students to the physiology of diaphragmatic breathing, the ways emotions affect the brain, and how movement influences energy and focus. “Our breath is an incredibly powerful tool — and it is always with us,” she tells them. Her goal is to plant seeds of understanding that grow into lifelong habits of self-awareness and resilience.

Collaboration is also key. Jessica has partnered with art teacher Linda Dare, who illustrates the strategy cards Jessica designs for classrooms. These tools remind students — and teachers — how to weave mindfulness practices into the flow of the day. This year, Jessica will also share resources with families and lead community yoga and mindfulness sessions.

Art + Mindfulness A Creative Collaboration

When Jessica Knopke began developing her mindfulness curriculum, she didn’t expect an artistic collaborator to emerge from the Early Childhood House. But that’s exactly what happened when she noticed Linda Dare, JPK Associate Teacher and Early Childhood Art Teacher, doodling during faculty meetings.

A former art director with two decades of experience at top advertising agencies, Linda brought both a practiced eye and a playful style to Jessica’s vision. “She always says it’s our program — but really, I’m just helping,” Linda insists. But her hand-drawn characters, faces, and props have become an integral part of the mindfulness lessons, especially for the youngest students.

What makes the partnership work, Linda believes, is shared purpose. “I totally believe in what she’s doing. Even with very young kids, you can see how much it helps them. They’ll even quote something back that she has said — and they really get it.”

In the art room, Linda reinforces those lessons, encouraging children to embrace mistakes as “beautiful oopses” and to see themselves as artists. “You are the artist,” she tells them. “You can’t be wrong because it’s your artwork.”

For Linda, art and mindfulness align in the same message: self-expression builds self-confidence.

Linda Dare

1927–2026

100 Years of Field Day

On May 15, 2026, Ripp will proudly celebrate its 100th Field Day — a century of Red vs. Blue spirit, sportsmanship, and tradition.

As always, the day will begin with the silent march up Clinton Road, led by this year’s team captains, Scout Cooper ’26 and Nellie Darmonovic ’26 for Blue, and Lola Magill ’26 and Phoebe Miller ’26 for Red. After the Pledge of Allegiance and a round of rousing cheers, students will compete in favorite field events like the high jump, the Clinton Road Run, and the classic finale: tug-of-war.

Though Field Day has evolved over the decades, at its heart, it’s all about community.

Once a full-day event complete with family picnics, printed programs, and ribbons for winners, it drew parents to the sidelines in three-piece suits, dresses, and hats. Penny Merrill Brouder ’51, who experienced it as a student, teacher, and parent, recalled, “At the end of the day, an envied few had five or six ribbons pinned to their shirts, to the chagrin of those who didn’t.”

The competition has produced countless memories and milestones. The longest-standing

record dates back to 1974, when Sarah Simpkins ’77 won the 5–6 girls baseball throw with a 150-foot toss. Faculty are represented on the leaderboard, too: Matt Lacey ’15, now a fifth grade teacher at Ripp, blazed through the 7–9 boys dash in 8.44 seconds in 2014. More recently, brothers Timmy Hall ’24 and Jamie Hall ’26 added their names to the record book with their lacrosse distance throws in 2023.

This spring, as students gather on Meyers Fields to honor athletic ability, teamwork, and school spirit, they’ll also

Left and middle: 1980s Right: 1940s

Left: 1950s, by photographer Bernard Gaston Cherau Above: 2015

“In those days the school consisted of two smallish buildings and a playground all on the lot which now holds the main buildings and the two gymnasiums. A small cinder track ran around a basketball court in the center: the surface was uneven, and the grade ran up and down hill.

“About a dozen mothers were lined up to race, wearing skirts well below the calf (hardly the costume for track), and crouched down ready to spring as all good runners do before the gun goes off. At the shot we started with great dash, but halfway up

the track one mother turned her ankle and fell just ahead of a group close on her heels. They all piled on top of her. No Grand National spill was ever more momentous or more dramatic. It was a melee. In my concern over the debacle I slowed up almost to a halt, but then I heard a voice from the sidelines, the voice of my son shouting, ‘Go it. GO it, Ma.’

“Without another thought or glance I turned on full speed, coming in well ahead of the field and so winning a resounding victory.

“A victory it was, if not an altogether glorious one, but for my own children I wore a shining crown that day.”

— Dare to Be True, A History of the Rippowam School

Alumni and parents of alumni, do you have ribbons, photos, or Field Day memories to share? Help us commemorate our 100th celebration this spring. Please send them to Bulletin Editor Karin Smith at ksmith@rcsny.org or 439 Cantitoe Street, Bedford, New York, 10506.

Mrs. Cass Canfield, mother of Sage (Fuller) Cowles ’36, Blair Fuller ’44, and Jill (Fuller) Fox ’46, remembered the Mother’s Race of the 1940s: “The greatest honor and glory that I ever enjoyed in the eyes of my children was at a Rippowam Field Day, when I won the Mother’s Race.

The Shrimp Long Jump, Open Hammer, Tiddler Low Hurdles, and Egg and Spoon Race were some of the lively competitions in 1931!

1990s

Congratulations, Dr. Cavaliere!

In May, Humanities Department Chair Melissa Cavaliere earned her Ph.D. in History — a major milestone that underscores her deep commitment to teaching, learning, and guiding middle school students during one of the most formative periods of their lives.

Dr. Cavaliere’s love of history began early, nurtured by visits to museums with her father. “He loved history,” she recalled. “We’d go to different historic sites, and I always enjoyed exploring that with him.” Her mother, a nursery school teacher, cultivated another part of her identity: a love for teaching. “No one was surprised when I became an educator,” she laughed. “If you asked my mom, she’d say she always knew I’d be in school forever.”

Her love of learning never faded. After earning her master’s degree, Dr. Cavaliere pursued her Ph.D. while teaching fulltime. Her dissertation focused on the War

students to propose solutions to a global issue through a United Nations Sustainable Development Goal — an assignment that ended in a presentation at an assembly to peers, families, and faculty. “We’re helping them communicate in all kinds of ways,” she said. “Can you speak well? Can you argue respectfully? Can you write with clarity and purpose?”

Dr. Cavaliere believes her background as a researcher brings essential skills into the classroom. “So much of history is research and writing,” she explained. She helps students evaluate sources, recognize bias, and distinguish between

“My dream is to continue learning, inspire others to explore history with the same passion, and build a career grounded in what I love most.”

— Dr. Melissa Cavaliere

opinion and fact. “That’s especially important in the world we live in today, with social media and the Internet.”

Powers Resolution of 1973, a topic rooted in constitutional law and diplomacy. “I’ve always loved military history and foreign affairs,” she said. “I even considered going into the Navy JAG Corps or becoming a diplomat.” But for her, teaching was always the right path.

Dr. Cavaliere has taught everyone from preschoolers to adults with autism, but middle school is exactly where she wants to be. “You have to be a certain kind of crazy to teach middle school,” she joked. “It’s such a hard age for so many kids, but I love it.” She enjoys working with students who are old enough to engage with meaningful content but still young enough to dive into creative projects — and get excited about being challenged.

Her classroom is a dynamic space where students write research papers, participate in debates, and deliver speeches. Last year’s final project asked

In her role as department chair, she has developed curriculum for fifth through ninth grade and works closely with the English Department to align themes across disciplines. “When they’re studying McCarthyism with me, they’re reading Animal Farm in English,” she said. The connections happen naturally, and it helps the material come alive. “The students are understanding concepts almost by accident,” she said. “It really is impactful.”

Underneath it all, Dr. Cavaliere’s teaching is grounded in a simple yet powerful goal: preparing students to be thoughtful, engaged members of a global society. “They’ll be able to vote in less than five years,” she said. “It’s a huge responsibility.” Her intent is to help them understand their rights, the laws that protect them, and how to use their voices to make change.

For Dr. Cavaliere, it all comes back to helping students slow down, look closer, and ask better questions. “Everything has a deeper meaning,” she said. “Whether it’s a quote, a painting, or a political event — there’s always more to understand if you take the time.”

LitMag

Rippowam Cisqua School

Literary Journal

LitMag

Rippowam Cisqua School Literary Journal

This issue of LitMag was created by the 2024–25 LitMag club.

Student Editors

Ryan Butkiewicz

Renee Charles

Penelope Cohen

Kevin Cooke

Scout Cooper

Miles Nuñez-Erasme

Sylvie Indig

Eve Gavigan

Trevor Lombardo

Mac McLoughlin

So Takahashi

Lucca Vellano

Lilia Zouaoui

Faculty Advisors

Fatema Albader

Matt Lacey ’15

Sarah McCay

Ridley Sperling ’93

Fifth grader Daisy Swansburg used paper, black fine-line pen, pencil, colored pencils, and scissors to bring Community, the artwork below and on the preceding page, to life.

“I created Community because of my specific talent,” Daisy explained. “My doodles aren’t perfect or realistic, but the way I draw them gives them so much personality that it’s like they exist. I included hidden cameos of myself and Alfred Hitchcock, a famous movie director, who always put cameos of himself in his films.”

All Upper School students were invited to participate in the annual poetry contest hosted by the Anthology of Poetry by Young Americans (AOP). Each year, AOP selects a handful of submissions to feature in a book that is published in the spring. Last spring, RCS was heavily represented. Congratulations, poets!

— 2024–25 English Department Chair Sarah McCay

Arielle Allyn ’29

Published in the 2025 Anthology of Poetry for Young Americans

A Bird Moves into a New Nest

A bird moves into a new nest

Soaring over the ocean crest

Searching for familiar olds

On the journey — growing — how bold

As he changes, so do others

Though it takes long to discover

As the years pass birdy by He doesn’t believe it at first

But soon his sadness starts to burst

Poor little birdy starts to sob

But the angels begin to rob

The little bird of all his gloom

For this wasn’t his awful doom

This was only his beginning

For he wasn’t losing, he was winning

Julia

Schulster ’29

Published in the 2025 Anthology of Poetry for Young Americans

A Wondrous, Beautiful Thing

Escape — what a wondrous, beautiful thing

Except when you’re actually doing it

Except when you’re being escaped from

Except when you don’t want to run

Escape, you slither like a snake

Wrapping yourself around me

Escape, how do you feel, Escape?

I long for escape, but instead, I’m tethered to the earth

Unable to silently drift away on a stray cloud

Unable to fly away, driven by sheer nothingness

Unable to be carried away by the deafening sound of silence

I wish I could float away, fueled by fire above the stars

Escape — what a wonderous, beautiful, formidable thing

Victoria Moure ’28 and

Emilia Vellano ’28

Published in the 2025 Anthology of Poetry for Young Americans

The Brainrot Bop

I’m a sigma, just chillin’ in my zone, But my thoughts keep spinning like I’m all alone. I try to stay sharp, try to stay wise, But sometimes it feels like my brain’s full of lies.

Skibidi, skibidi, bop, bop, bop, I can’t stop, I just can’t drop. The beats keep rolling, but I’m in a phase, Like I’m trapped in a loop, lost nowadays.

Am I an alpha? Or a beta in disguise?

I’m stuck in between, and don’t know where to rise. Sometimes I feel like Kai Cenat, on a roll, Just vibing, just chilling, but losing control.

Skibidi, skibidi, bop, let it all go, Like a chill guy I flow, but I don’t really know. Is it the rhythm or the mind that’s broken?

I’m still here, still boppin’, though my thoughts are unspoken.

The brainrot’s creeping, it’s hard to deny, But I’ll keep moving, keep reaching for the sky. Sigma or alpha, I’m finding my way, Skibidi bop, I’ll be alright today.

So if you’re feeling lost, don’t stress or sweat, We all have our moments, don’t forget. Whether you’re an alpha, beta, or just in between, Skibidi bop, we’ll go back to being normal teens.

Skibidi bop, we’ll find peace in the scene.

Sophia Guiteau ’27

Published in the 2025 Anthology of Poetry for Young Americans

Castles

We spend our lives

Surrounded by sand

As we build our futures For nature to behold.

To build a sandcastle

We need sand

So we run to the tide And life moves on.

To collect the sand

We need a bucket

So we tread carefully And we walk back.

Slowly we build

Our imperfect beauty and we finish and we leave...

But after we depart

Our sandcastle melts

Sinking into the ground

And eventually, The tide comes

And sweeps it all away.

Lilia Zouaoui ’26

Published in the 2025 Anthology of Poetry for Young Americans

In the Quiet, You Hear the Silent Echo of the World Falling Apart

In the quiet, you hear the silent echo of the world falling apart

The air foggy and thick with what is unsaid

A scream unheard like a broken heart

The weight of words we left undead

Silence cuts like a jagged knife

In every pause, silence cries

Carving through the remnants of life

Thundering where silence lies

The quiet of your words reaches a hard fall

Each and every word

Being said for all

But never heard

Is it all bad, though?

No one cares about your words

The only need is self

A silence deeper than sleeping birds

In the quiet, we build our dreams

Stone by stone, the tower is known

A fortress is designed to gleam Silence hums. but we are not alone

Scout Cooper ’26

Published in the 2025 Anthology of Poetry for Young Americans

A Family of Love

In a home of gray, white, and blue,

A family of love comes into view.

Season after season, the home comes alive,

A family of love, where roots survive.

Mother and father, brothers and sister,

A family of love, no spark will blister.

Mom’s cooking, Dad’s grilling,

A family of love, hearts ever filling.

The taste of home mixed in the air,

A family of love blooming everywhere.

Coffee and milk dance on my tongue,

A family’s love is forever young.

The aroma of my baking saturates the room,

A family of love, like springtime’s bloom.

Candles flicker with soft, golden light,

A family of love, holding on tight.

Laundry’s fragrance lingers through the breeze,

A family of love, soothing hearts to ease.

My brother’s guitar and piano ring through my ears

A family of love, steady and clear.

Arguments spark, but laughter survives

A family of love, perfectly five.

A TV murmurs a soft, steady hum,

A family of love, where we’re always from.

Laughter ripples, arms intertwine,

A family of love, endlessly kind.

Hugs of comfort, tender and true,

A family of love, a morning’s vivid hue.

The heart feels light, the mind at rest,

A family of love, forever blessed.

Analise Braddock ’26

Published in the 2025 Anthology of Poetry for Young Americans

Frozen Path

A version of a white winter, still in mind

When the leaves are bare

And hang like shriveled vines

The winding streets daunting and cold

Seem to unfold forever, like a Memory that froze

The cold seeps deep into the bones,

A silence wrapped in frost and stone,

An endless path to walk alone

Beneath the silver sky, a big frozen dome

A quiet path, so far from home

The snow falls soft, a silent sound,

Where echoes only can be found

The trees stretch on, laying limp like bones

Their limbs stretching into the abyss like ancient thrones

Between them, a road covered in stones and wood

With snow endlessly falling down for good

The winds whip around, cold and thin,

An empty feeling that digs beneath the skin

Of memories lost, or ones not known

That drift like flakes of snow, then fade, then gone.

Rippowam Cisqua School’s participation in the annual Scholastic Art & Writing Awards has long been a cornerstone of creativity, individuality, and confident self-expression for our eighth and ninth graders. Each year, our students are invited to submit their artwork and writing alongside peers from around the world, drawing inspiration to produce work of similar caliber.

Whether crafting short stories, poetry, critical essays, memoirs, or photography, our students work both in and out of the classroom to develop original submissions. While all writers and artists should feel incredibly proud of their efforts, there are several students from our eighth grade cohort who have earned regional recognition. Congratulations!

RCS Art Awards in the Northeast Region-at-Large

Trevor Lombardo ’26, Honorable Mention, “Sunday Afternoon in the Park,” Photography

Owen Nachbar ’27, Gold Key, “Navigating the Underground,” Photography

Owen Nachbar ’27, Honorable Mention, “Cotton Ball Clouds,” Photography

Owen Nachbar ’27, Honorable Mention, “A View from the Eye,” Photography

Owen Nachbar ’27, Honorable Mention, “Westminster Abbey,” Photography

RCS Writing Awards in the Hudson-to-Housatonic Region

Analise Braddock ’26, Honorable Mention, “Hope,” Poetry

Ryan Butkiewicz ’26, Silver Key, “Raging Renaissance,” Poetry

Grey Cameron ’26, Gold Key, “Carried by the Wind,” Poetry

Scout Cooper ’26, Honorable Mention, “While She Was Here,” Memoir

Trevor Lombardo ’26, Honorable Mention, “Why U.S. Cities Should Seriously Consider Changing Their Flags,” Critical Essay

Mac McLoughlin ’26, Honorable Mention, “Simplicity,” Short Story

Eamon O’Shea ’26, Honorable Mention, “Memory,” Poetry

Will Rutherford ’26, Honorable Mention, “They Call Me Papa Because I’m Too Cool to Be Grandpa,” Memoir

So Takahashi ’26, Silver Key, “Fragments of Yesterday,” Short Story

Lucca Vellano ’26, Gold Key, “The Gift of Nature,” Poetry

Lilia Zouaoui ’26, Honorable Mention, “You’ve Made It Here for a Reason,” Poetry

Grey Cameron ’26

Gold Key Winner, Poetry

Carried by the Wind

Autumn is blooming

Leaves are beginning to turn

Gaia a pure red

A blanket of white

Autumn’s warmth now cold and dull

A leaf withers alone

Leaf longing to fall

Longing for Terra’s warm embrace

But the trip is harsh

With the wind and rain

You never know where you’ll land

Paradise or slum

Owen Nachbar ’27

Gold Key Winner, Photography “Navigating the Underground”

Lucca Vellano ’26

Gold Key Winner, Poetry

The Gift of Nature

The wind hums softly through the trees, A song that sways with gentle ease. Leaves flutter in the sun’s warm light, A dance of grace, a wondrous sight.

Rivers murmur as they glide, Carrying stories far and wide. Mountains rise with timeless might, A reminder of nature’s quiet fight.

The sky fades to hues of gold, As evening’s whispers take their hold. Flowers bloom with colors bright, A fleeting gift, a pure delight.

But take a moment, look around, In nature’s heart, what’s truly found? A lesson soft, yet strong and clear: Appreciate the world we hold so dear.

For in the breeze, the earth, the skies, We find the truth, the great surprise — That all we need is here, we see, In nature’s gift of harmony.

Ryan Butkiewicz ’26

Silver Key Winner, Poetry

Raging Renaissance

In the midst of the forest’s dawn, revival awaits Dried moss stands idle, occupying the north side of every tree, Branches lie lifeless, buried in the pines that once thrived above, The forest yearns for help

A glowing bolt strikes, jabbing a tall tree, Forged embers dance through brittle leaves, branding dried moss with searing heat, The phoenix flames aid the forest, repotting wilted plants, Rejuvenation begins,

Flames crawl high, daunting over timid trees, Vast flora is devoured in the seething blaze’s stormy wrath, The once scattered foliage is now nourishing ash to the grounds, The new woodland has birthed,

Burned brush slowly seeps into the starved soil, Laying a rich carpet of nutrients for future verdure, Flowers blossom, grass grows greener, youthful leaves form, a soft breeze cuts through smoke, shedding light upon the revival of the forest.

So Takahashi ’26

Silver Key Winner, Short Story Fragments of Yesterday

In the blinding streets of Tokyo, nestled within the thick smoke that found its way to each inhabitant’s lungs, lay the copious bright advertisements that shone through the haze. Each one displayed a hologram of a sleek pair of eye lenses radiating a soft, light blue iridescence, accompanied by a bold, iconic face symbolizing hope and greatness. These protruding images thrown atop the towering skyscrapers were what Nihoshi and his friend expected to see every day, the permanent mist of gray blocking the sun’s brilliance, and the cramped bustle of every person living in the city doing their daily routines. Nihoshi peered through the window of his home, clouded with dew, and examined how each member of the crowd was talking to someone who seemed invisible.

Nihoshi stood up and grasped his silver-trimmed coat before calling out to his friend with a hoarse voice, “I’m going to get some new vials of modafinil. You want to come?”

Once he blinked, there appeared a figure with a bright, perfect smile, accompanied by a pair of bright yellow eyes almost illuminating the pink and blue film of the metallic city.

With a grin playing across their lips, the individual’s crisp voice echoed across the room, “I’m always ready to come.”

Nihoshi opened the door of his dwelling, revealing a silver and black path reflecting the imposing skyscrapers and holograms, which resembled the rarely seen pools of water saved for the rich’s grasp. When lakes and rivers first started draining, he had assumed it was because human consumption had increased as the population rapidly increased. He walked down the path cheerfully with his friend, who kept the same perfect smile as before and laughed heartily at any joke Nihoshi would say, leaving him distracted as he took an unsuspecting wrong turn. They entered a grim and murky street, any remnants of the blue light disappearing and revealing shades of gray and making audible the piercing yowl of an alley cat.

Nihoshi turned to face the other as his foot tapped on the silver floor.

“I think we’re —”

Before he could say anything more, a sudden force pushed him off balance, leading him to hear the deafening clang of his face against the metallic floor, and see with a blurred vision the reflection of a person covered in black holding a metal pipe and reaching a

hand out to his face. Nihoshi cried out to his friend for help, but they just stared at him with illuminated yellow eyes and a smile, which now seemed cruel.

The armed man spoke and reached out a gloved hand, “I’m trying to save you from their hands! Just give me the contacts!”

Nihoshi froze, looking down at his reflection on the floor as he observed a dark lump forming on the side of his face, completely confused at the stranger’s statement.

The black cloaked figure continued, a slight desperation now evident in their voice, “You’re living a life of misery, another puppet for a higher power, now give them to me!”

Nihoshi’s face tensed as he glared at the person and resisted against the demand despite not understanding the person’s words; the stillness caused the figure to lean toward him, and after one blink, Nihoshi’s world went black. When his eyes opened, revealing his dark grey irises, he was lying down on the same hard stone floor he was on earlier. He surveyed the area, searching for any sign of the figure with gleaming yellow eyes, as he began to get on his feet. Nobody appeared in the dim alley; only his shadow, barely visible from the lack of light, accompanied him. He felt his eyes beginning to water; there was no glass film over his eyes, the contacts were gone — stolen — and so was his friend. He sent out a cry that echoed in the narrow alleyway, but only the echo of flickering lights in the inky darkness answered his cry, masking the sound of tears falling on the floor.

After a few moments, he shakily stood up, with a quiver of the lip and a distant stare appearing in his eyes, and underneath his sunken eyes, bags and soot black circles were visible. He had completely ignored the stranger’s words of desperation and fear, cursing them under his breath. He muttered as he wiped the trails of tears coming from his eyes before running in a dizzy sprint, “I have to get them back.”

Nihoshi’s feet threaded across the iron streets, each flash of pink and blue blinding him as he ran against the crowd of strangers who gave dirty looks as they whispered to their friends, “Weirdo.”

The towering buildings of obsidian and steel seemed to taunt him with their mighty gaze from above. Nihoshi could barely think properly at this point, and he knew his search for the thief would be useless; no matter what he said, nobody would help him. He had no real friends, and neither did anyone else in the city of bright lights and invisible people. The memories of his past and everything he had lost seemed to come rushing back to him. His mother’s cheery

smile and his dog’s wagging tail and fur woven from golden silk, just like his friend, were gone — and he would do anything not to feel loss again. He maneuvered through the vast city, going shop to shop to end his pain, only for each and every shopkeeper to turn him down with steel piercing eyes of winter and storms. He desperately looked around. His gaze fell on every advertisement displaying the few colors he could see, the rushed mob that kept to themselves with only a friend at their sides, and the murky steel streets he thought he knew. He called out a cry for help to the mob.

“Can someone help me?”

No one answered. The best Nihoshi could get were the same dirty looks the shopkeepers gave and a whisper of annoyance before everyone went back to talk to their sides, and presumed they were talking to friends of their own. Nihoshi sighed as he swayed toward the brightest of the sources of the blue and pink film of color, nearly completely occupied by lights on the tallest building in the entire city, its gold walls leading up to the pitch black clouds. Atop the building lay large words in bold, “SpecFriend,” and a large slogan taking up space 10 times bigger than his own home, “Your friends will never die!” Gazing upon the building that seemed like a god above all the other buildings that made up the city, he felt motivated to make a reckless attempt to see his friend again; he felt as if he had no way of life without the contacts.

By the time he had entered the building, Nihoshi saw numerous security guards all dressed in gold, which reflected the pink and blue lights that illuminated the area. Among the guards were soldiers dressed in eye-catching green camouflage. The crowd of massive security guards, nearly double his size, looked him up and down before stopping at his eyes, which lacked the blue film the other guards had. Rather than throw him out or attack him, a guard pointed at an elevator with a nonchalant demeanor as if this sudden intruder was an everyday scenario.

“The 399th floor.”

Nihoshi nodded quickly as he rushed toward the elevator, barely reaching the top button labeled 399, and hoping that he’d finally found a way to have a friend again. As the elevator went up, he pondered his earlier memories. He had nearly forgotten them over the years, as most of the things he remembered only had his friend in every frame. And now they were gone.

After a few minutes of waiting, he finally heard a small bell signaling his arrival at the top of the skyscraper, and a signal of hope for him. He emerged from the quartz and gold box to an over-

extravagant room full of numerous bright lights adorned in trails of gold. The ceiling was made of crystal clear glass, revealing a view Nihoshi had never seen before, a view of the baby blue sky above the dark clouds below him, and illuminating a figure dressed neatly in a gold embroidered suit and tie. The figure gestured to him with a small wave, signaling him to come closer. Nihoshi watched the other person’s eyes glint with a mischievousness similar to a young child’s cheekiness; the gaze was neither hostile nor comforting.

When Nihoshi observed the figure’s gold embroidered tie, a symbol of status and wealth surpassing even that of the government’s, he quickly recognized the figure was the creator of the contacts; his face, with its cunning smirk, was well known on every advertisement shown in the city. The person practically took over the world with his creations and had the world in his hands, each finger adorned with rings that made the future seem bright for the less fortunate souls.

The individual reached under his marble desk to pull something out, and opened a drawer near a carved figure depicting a dragon and every one of its indented scales. As Nihoshi got closer, he could see what the other had on their slightly wrinkled palm, and there lay a pair of iridescent glass circles the size of a penny; the contacts.

“Can I have them, please?”

The figure nodded, but before Nihoshi was able to grab the contacts, the other person chuckled and cast a wide grin and responded with the same mischievous look in their eyes, “In exchange for something of your own.”

Nihoshi looked up at the iridescent rooftop and gazed at the slowly setting sun and its blue-now-fading-to-pink skies, the memory of the earlier thief’s words echoing in his mind. He would do anything for a friend, even a fake one.

Walking home through the steel-paved streets, Nihoshi was the most cheerful he had been in years. While his friend had not completely understood the previous situation, he had finally been able to see his friend again after a gruesome two hours. Without them, he would never have felt a comfort simply existing among the chilly streets and inky black sewage. Nihoshi swerved left and right as he recounted the path home, occasionally bumping into a crowd of people who sent glares his way before finally arriving at the street that led up to his home, or at least the remains of it. The metallic path reflecting the vibrant brilliance of the city led to nothing but an empty void of space, only occupied by a large sign with the words written in bold, “Your friends will never die!”

Bringing Narnia to Life

Sixth graders brought literature to the stage last fall with their production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe on November 13 and 14, 2024. After reading C.S. Lewis’s classic novel in Language Arts, students connected more closely with the story by stepping into the roles of its characters. Their adaptation traced the adventures of four siblings who discover the secret world of Narnia, where — with the guidance of Aslan — they join a battle to free the land from the White Witch’s rule.

“Bringing Narnia’s vivid fantasy world to life has allowed our students to expand their creative potential and trust their instincts, vital skills for every middle schooler,” Theatre Director Franco Pedicini said. “This production encouraged them to take creative risks in a safe and supportive environment.

“Our young performers not only brought the story to life with enthusiasm, but also added their unique personalities to the material, making it vibrant and engaging, with musical solos, stage combat, gymnastics, script editing, and costume design in addition to acting.

“At its heart, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe showcases the power of courage and the coming together of diverse characters for a shared cause. This mirrors the spirit of theatre itself, where collaboration is essential. It was a true joy to watch students explore their characters, collaborate as a team, and infuse each scene with their own imaginative ideas. We are tremendously proud of their accomplishments.”

Building Aslan

Students constructed one of the production’s central props, a life-sized puppet of Aslan the Lion. Working in the Innovation Center with Fatema Albader and Miles Cameron, they gained hands-on experience in design, construction, and creative problem-solving. The project gave them practical skills and a sense of ownership, enhancing the storytelling for both the performers and the audience.

Copyright © 2025 Rhonda Smith Photography. All

2024–25 SPORTS AWARDS

Fall 2024

Varsity Field Hockey

Coaches

Cheryl Coyle, Carolyn Gilbert

Most Improved Player

Morgan Ryan

Coaches Award

Maggie Eleck, So Takahashi

Most Valuable Player

Nellie Darmanovic

Coaches Review

The varsity field hockey season was defined by growth, determination, and unity. With a roster of fifth through eighth graders of varying skill levels — including some who had never played field hockey before — the team embraced every challenge with heart and resilience.

One of the most powerful lessons learned was the importance of problemsolving together. Without an assigned goalie, the players made a bold and thoughtful decision to rotate the position, giving two players the chance to play in pads every game. It was a choice that reflected their courage and grit. Our goals were simple but meaningful: have fun, play our best, and approach every game with grace and humility. The seventh and eighth graders stepped up as leaders, elevating practices and gameplay while helping to sharpen team strategy. Their leadership elevated us to levels that no one could have predicted.

This team accomplished far more than their 4–1–1 record suggests — they established themselves as a cohesive unit with a clear focus on both individual and team progress.

“Ripp on three!”

Varsity Flag Football

Coaches

Matt Lacey ’15, Max Moise, Frances Ryan ’18

Most Improved Player

Easton Struble

Coaches Award

Knox Eaves

Most Valuable Players

Bryant Robins, Reed Ryan

Coaches Review

The varsity flag football team had an actionpacked season marked by growth and resilience. The players stepped up to play both sides of the ball and faced a range of tough opponents. Despite the challenges, the team showed impressive improvement in individual skills, sportsmanship, and overall football awareness. Every player contributed to the team’s success and embodied the spirit of horizontal leadership. Together, they forged a season filled with memorable moments, finishing with a 3–7 record that included some exciting redemptive wins and hard-fought battles. With another season under their belts, the team is already looking ahead to fall 2025, ready to build on this strong foundation and aim even higher. Great job — and let’s go, Ripp!

Varsity Boys Soccer

Coaches

Christiaan Cacciotti, Vincent Kwarula

Most Improved Players

Grey Cameron, Ben Schulster

Coaches Award

Henry Moody, Kick Sisto

Most Valuable Player

Jamie Hall

Coaches Review

The varsity boys soccer team had a fantastic season. We are incredibly proud of our boys. Their dedication, hard work, and sportsmanship were impressive. All this contributed to our undefeated season. We hope they will continue working hard and maintain discipline.

Varsity Girls Soccer

Coaches

Colm MacMahon, Katie Wrinn

Most Improved Player

Sage Ettere

Coaches Award

Cate Chatham, Chloe la Fleur

Most Valuable Players

Scout Cooper, Eve Gavigan, Lily Grand

Coaches Review

The girls varsity soccer team had an unforgettable season filled with growth, resilience, and teamwork. From the very first practice, the players demonstrated a commitment to improving their skills and

working together. Their determination paid off, leading to an impressive winning season that showcased their talent and perseverance. The team faced challenging opponents and tough games, but their grit and support for one another never wavered. Whether on offense, defense, or in goal, each player contributed to the team’s success with hard work and heart.

The season wasn’t just about the wins; it was about the journey. The team finished with a final record of 6–1, and they grew stronger individually and as a team, creating bonds that extended beyond the field. We are proud of their accomplishments and feel ready to take on future challenges with the same determination and spirit.

Varsity Volleyball

Coaches

Miles Cameron, Lauren Moskovitz

Most Improved Player

Roberta Becker

Coaches Award

Alessia DeGregorio, Stephanie Gerry, Selima Ortiz

Most Valuable Player

Georgia Murray

Coaches Review

This season was all about rebuilding, and we did it with some terrific girls. We focused on all the basics of volleyball, and everyone showed tremendous improvement. Through every experience, we learned new techniques and grew our enthusiasm for the sport. We look

forward to the next season, when these players will return with strong foundational skills and help take our program to the next level.

“Bump it, bump it, spike it, spike it, that’s the way we like it, like it! Volleyball, volleyball… Gooooooo Ripp!”

Winter 2025

Boys Varsity Basketball

Coaches

Matt Lacey ’15, Max Moise

Most Improved Player

Henry Moody

Coaches Award

Dwyer Eaves

Most Valuable Players

James Butkiewicz, Jamie Hall, Eamon O’Shea

Coaches Review

The varsity boys basketball team had a remarkable season, finishing undefeated with a record of 13–0. Our eighth graders rose to the challenge — as players, teammates, and leaders. Hard work and a team-first mentality propelled them to this achievement. More importantly, they consistently met the moment with passion and poise, securing two victories with thrilling last-second shots. As coaches, we were incredibly proud of this team, and we hope they hold on to the countless experiences they shared!

Girls Varsity Basketball

Coaches

Ken Jordan, Frances Ryan ’18

Most Improved Player Sage Ettere

Coaches Award Cate Chatham

Most Valuable Player Layla Lakamp

Coaches Review

The girls varsity basketball team had an impressive season. With no returning players, the roster featured a dynamic mix of athletic, hungry seventh graders, and excellent eighth grade leaders. The players displayed incredible diligence throughout the season, improving with each practice and game. There were many highlights, most notably a twopoint win on the road at Greenwich Catholic — an especially sweet victory after suffering defeat to the same team earlier in the year. But what stood out most was the way the team came together and pumped each other up. They approached each game as a unified group, starting with their sing-alongs on the van rides to the games. Their defense, passing, and scoring reflected that chemistry on the court.

The coaches were proud of their tenacity and effort throughout the year, and we all look forward to another successful season.

Copyright © 2025 Rhonda Smith Photography. All rights reserved.

Varsity Ice Hockey Coaches

Miles Cameron, Gavin Robinson

Most Improved Player

Hudson O’Brien

Coaches Award

Charlie Pagés, Hunter Prince, Nolan Walsh

Most Valuable Player

Grey Cameron

Coaches Review

Our ice hockey team had an exciting and competitive season, showing growth and teamwork on the ice. The players demonstrated dedication and sportsmanship at every game, making the school community proud.

Varsity Squash

Coaches

Storrs Lamb Coté, Jen Sednaoui

Most Improved Players

Mac McLoughlin, Easton Struble

Coaches Award

Phoebe Miller, So Takahashi

Most Valuable Players

Ryan Butkiewicz, Alex Lanier, Gigi McGinnis

Coaches Review

Congratulations to the varsity squash team on a great season. The improvement of every player was evident in the results of our matches against other schools. A highlight of the season was playing Masters

School at Saw Mill East for the last contest of the winter. We won the match after having lost to them on their courts earlier in the season. The camaraderie and support among all members of our team were truly wonderful. Well done, varsity squash!

Spring 2025

Varsity Baseball Coaches

Christiaan Cacciotti, Ken Jordan

Most Improved Player

Mac McLoughlin

Coaches Award

Trevor Lombardo

Most Valuable Players

Hudson Haynes, Eamon O’Shea

Coaches Review

The varsity baseball team had a successful return to the field. The team was composed of experienced eighth graders and dedicated seventh graders getting their first taste of varsity competition. The team had some great victories and challenging defeats. Each player stepped up when needed, taking on a number of roles for the team. The season was one marked by solid pitching, excellent defense, and the ability to support their teammates on the field. We were proud to see the way the group matured and worked together on and off the field.

Boys Varsity Lacrosse

Coaches

Miles Cameron, Gavin Robinson

Most Improved Player

Miles Nuñez-Erasme

Coaches Award

Jamie Hall

Most Valuable Player

Brady Reinhardt

Coaches Review

The boys varsity lacrosse team faced unfortunate injuries and a small roster, but that was not the whole story. There was no shortage of talent or competitive drive, and every player showed up for games with a determination to win and an outstanding respect for their teammates and opponents. They worked hard on the field and earned every point. While we did not win every game, we were exceptionally proud of their efforts and the growth they demonstrated. We are excited to see many of them move on to play in high school next season.

Girls Varsity Lacrosse Coaches

Alexandra Baker, Gracie Tenney

Most Improved Player

Layla Lakamp

Coaches Award

Lucy Baker

Most Valuable Players

Lily Grand, Gigi McGinnis

Coaches Review

Coaching the girls varsity lacrosse team was such a joy, from the first practice to the final whistle of our last game. These girls showed up with heart, determination, and a real love for the game.

They worked incredibly hard — pushing themselves in practice, supporting each other in games, and, most of all, playing as a true team. You could see how well they knew each other just by the way they moved the ball down the field — quick passes, smart cuts, and great communication. It was such a fun season to be part of, and we are incredibly proud of how far they progressed.

Varsity Softball

Coaches

Sarah McCay, Frances Ryan ’18

Most Improved Player

Fiona Brodeur

Coaches Award

Chiara Takahashi, So Takahashi

Most Valuable Player

Gabby Jones

Coaches Review

Watching the softball team grow in skill over the season was one of the year’s greatest highlights. But what makes us proudest is not just how far we have come on the field, but how we’ve grown in numbers. Varsity softball has become a place of belonging, joy, and a deep love for the game. Over the past two years, we’ve grown from a small, dedicated group to a team of 12 strong.

This growth reflects our team’s character and commitment to community. We see ourselves as a family, and there’s always room on our bench. Here’s to a winning season in heart and spirit!

Varsity Tennis

Coache

Jennifer Sednaoui

Most Improved Players

Alessia DeGregorio, Poppy Mitchell

Coaches Award

Charlie Pagés

Most Valuable Players

Ryan Butkiewicz, Lola Magill

Coaches Review

A talented, fun, and cooperative group of 17 seventh and eighth graders made up the varsity tennis team. We had a great season with wins against French American, Hackley, Harvey, and Sacred Heart. Every player improved significantly, and an elevated understanding of court positioning and doubles strategy led to better play. I was proud of our team in representing RCS in the best possible way at our away matches and when hosting our home matches, exhibiting good manners, court etiquette, and great sportsmanship.

Varsity

Track and Field Coaches

Matt Lacey ’15, Max Moise

Most Improved Player

Aiden Howard

Coaches Award

Cate Chatham

Most Valuable Player Reed Ryan

Coaches Review

This track and field season was a unique one! It was the first time field events were not included in the competition schedule, though our athletes certainly showed up on Field Day!

We had a diversely talented group, and throughout the season, we learned a lot about discipline, the importance of practice and routine, and the value of taking risks. Many of our athletes were first-timers — whether trying hurdles, the high jump, or running in heats — and they absolutely rose to the challenge. Even when the hurdles looked too tall or the opposing teams seemed taller, they met each moment with resolve. It was a season of surprises and self-discovery.

We emphasized effort as the foundation of our program. We encouraged athletes to focus not on the runners beside them, but on their own growth — improving their marks, pushing their limits, and discovering what they were capable of. Watching so many students exceed their own expectations was inspiring. They represented RCS with pride, and we couldn’t have been prouder of what they accomplished.

“The world needs more of what this class brings. Curiosity that drives thoughtful questions and exploration beyond the surface, kindness that shows the power of compassion in every interaction, laughter that lifts spirits and unites us, and friendship that is honest, supportive, and lasting. These aren’t small things — they are the foundations of stronger communities and a more hopeful world.”

— Melissa Cavaliere Grade 8 Dean

Eighth Grade CELEBRATION 2025

On a sunny June 12 morning, RCS families, faculty, and friends gathered under the big tent on Meyers Fields to celebrate our eighth graders’ completion of middle school.

Head of School Colm MacMahon opened the Eighth Grade Celebration by encouraging students to be “genuinely, and deeply, curious” as they move on to high school. Drawing inspiration from author Erik Shonstrom, who writes that curiosity can be “the source of empathy and compassion,” and journalist Sebastian Junger, who calls for us to “underscore our shared humanity,” Mr. MacMahon reflected on the importance of remaining open to new perspectives and to one another. True curiosity, he said, not only deepens understanding but strengthens the connections that make communities thrive.

James Butkiewicz and Renee Charles, the 2024–25 eighth grade student council representatives, shared reflections on their year. Renee spoke about joining the newly formed Captain’s Council. “At first I wasn’t sure what to expect,” she said. “But it quickly became clear that it was about more than just leading. We truly learned the value of stepping up and being there for our peers, and it’s something we’ll carry with us beyond this year.”

James celebrated the legacy of Red and Blue, one of the school’s oldest and most spirited traditions. “I realized the Red and Blue tradition wasn’t just about friendly competition,” he said. “It was about learning how to lead, how to work together, and how even the smallest actions can make the biggest difference.”

Dr. Melissa Cavaliere captured the heart of the class in her remarks about friendship, the kind that’s formed not just during special events, but through the steady, everyday moments of school life. “The sense of unity you’ve shown throughout the year wasn’t limited to special events or big milestones,” she said. “From the first day of school to the final weeks of projects, presentations, and goodbyes, you supported one another with consistency and care. These moments, though often quiet and routine, are where the strongest friendships were built.”

After certificates were awarded, Alumni Association Chair Forrest Mas ’04 proudly welcomed the rising ninth graders into the school’s alumni community. And then, with the nervous excitement that comes from standing on the edge of change — and the lasting connections they’ll carry with them — the class stepped off the stage and headed to their Celebration Luncheon in Wade’s Gym.

With Gratitude

Selected remarks from Eighth Grade Student Council Representatives James Butkiewicz and Renee Charles

James:

I just want to say how surreal this feels, from watching this speech in the chairs down below in years past, to being up here and giving it. I also want to emphasize the honor of being the pair of people to deliver it and the significance it holds for us.… As we stand on the edge of this new chapter, let’s take a moment to appreciate how far we’ve come and get ready for everything that lies ahead.

Renee:

To our parents, thank you for your endless support, love, and encouragement; you truly are our first and strongest foundation. To our teachers, thank you your guidance, patience, and dedication. You have inspired us to grow, learn, and become the best versions of ourselves. To the administration and staff, your hard work behind the scenes keeps everything running smoothly. Your leadership and organization do not go unnoticed. And to our SAGE staff, thank you for the care you put into every meal. You’ve fed more than just our stomachs; you fed our hearts. Together, you’ve all helped shape our school into a place of learning, friendship, and community. I am so grateful; we are all so grateful. Thank you.

Farewell to RCS Families

As we celebrate our eighth graders who have completed middle school, we also bid farewell to the families whose youngest (or only) child is leaving RCS. Whether you’ve been part of the community for just a few years or for more than a decade, your presence has shaped the school in meaningful ways. Thank you for the time, care, and spirit you’ve shared with us. You will always be part of the RCS story.

1 Year

Brianna and Kevin Cooke

Caren and Christopher Reinhardt

3 Years

Catherine and Thomas Butkiewicz

Rosaura Nuñez and Gerald Erasme

Annette and Christopher McLoughlin

Ana and Thiago Takahashi

4 Years

Lindsay Kroll*

5 Years

Kristina Ruotolo and Jesse Braddock

Cristi Andrews and David Oliver Cohen

Jenny and Chaim Indig

10 Years

Liz and Pete Hallock ’92

11 Years

Dorothy and Cliff Lanier

Keri and Eugene O’Shea

12 Years

Jennipher and Joseph Lombardo

13 Years

Randy Wilson Hall ’94 and Tim Hall

16 Years

Courtney Hallock McGinnis ’88 and Michael McGinnis

* Lindsay Kroll is no longer a parent at RCS, but she is still a teacher!

Lindsay Kroll Dorothy and Cliff Lanier Keri and Eugene O’Shea

Courtney Hallock McGinnis ’88 and Michael McGinnis

Randy Wilson Hall ’94 and Tim Hall

Stay Connected

Selected remarks from Alumni Association Chair Forrest Mas ’04

My connection to Ripp runs deep. My sister Sydney ’07 and I are thirdgeneration Ripp students, and now my children, Bo ’35 and Miller ’36, are the fourth generation. It’s amazing to think that one day, we might even reach a fifth or sixth generation of Mas family members walking these halls.

That’s the kind of legacy Ripp inspires.

One of this school’s greatest strengths is its lasting sense of community: the friendships, the mentorships, and the connections. They don’t end when you leave campus. They grow. They evolve. And they stay with you for life.

Ripp isn’t just your past, it’s your foundation. And this alumni network is one that will support you, cheer you on, and welcome you back — always. Stay close to the friendships you’ve made, stay connected to your teachers and mentors, and stay involved in this amazing community.

Congratulations to the Rippowam Cisqua School Class of 2022

The following is a selection of colleges and universities at which RCS students have matriculated in the past five years.

American University

Bates College*

Boston College*

Boston University*

Bowdoin College

Brown University

Bucknell University*

Carleton College

Clarkson University

Clemson University

Colby College*

Colgate University*

College of Charleston*

Colorado College

Cornell University*

Denison University*

Dickinson College

Duke University

Elon University

Emerson College

Emory University

Fairfield University

Fordham University

Franklin & Marshall College

George Washington University

Georgetown University*

Georgia Institute of Technology*

Gettysburg College

Hamilton College*

Harvard College

Hobart and William Smith Colleges*

Howard University*

Indiana University*

Ithaca College

Lafayette College*

Lehigh University*

Loyola Marymount University

Marquette University

Middlebury College*

New York University*

Northeastern University

Northwestern University

Pennsylvania

State University*

Pitzer College

Princeton University*

Providence College

Rochester Institute of Technology

Sewanee: The University of the South

Southern Methodist University*

Syracuse University*

Texas Christian University*

Trinity College

Tufts University

Tulane University*

Union College

University of Buffalo

University of California, Berkeley*

University of Chicago

University of Colorado, Boulder*

University of Connecticut*

University of Delaware*

University of Denver*

University of Miami*

University of Michigan*

Congratulations to the Rippowam Cisqua School Class of 2026

The following is a list of the secondary schools that our departing eighth graders are attending in September 2025:

Ardsley High School

Berkshire School*

Brunswick School*

Deerfield Academy

Episcopal High School (VA)

Greenwich Academy

Greenwich Country Day School

Hackley School

King School

Loomis Chaffee School

LREI (NYC)

Masters School

Millbrook School*

Ridgefield High School

Salisbury School

School of the Holy Child

St. Luke’s School

*indicates two or more students

University of Mississippi

University of New Hampshire

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill*

University of North Carolina, Charlotte

University of Notre Dame*

University of Pennsylvania*

University of Rhode Island

University of Richmond*

University of Southern California*

University of St Andrews, Scotland*

University of Tampa

University of Vermont

University of Virginia*

University of Wisconsin*

UWC Atlantic College, Wales

Vanderbilt University

Virginia Tech

Wake Forest University*

Washington and Lee University

Washington University*

Westchester Community College

Wheaton College

Williams College

Yale University

*indicates two or more students

Copyright © 2025

Rhonda Smith Photography.

2024–25

DEIB Student Ambassadors

At the June 11 Awards Ceremony, Marie Peña recognized a group of students who dedicated their time, hearts, and voices to building a stronger, more inclusive school community during the 2024–25 academic school year — our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging student ambassadors.

“They took on the responsibility of not only representing student voices, but also modeling what it means to lead with courage, empathy, and authenticity,” Ms. Peña said. “They made a difference — not just in the big moments, but in the small, everyday ways they helped others feel seen and heard.”

“Each of these individuals brought something powerful and unique to this role: a willingness to learn, a passion to lead, and a commitment to standing up for what is right.”

Scout Cooper consistently demonstrated the power of making others feel seen and included. Throughout her time as a DEIB ambassador, she helped create spaces where every voice was valued and every person felt a genuine sense of belonging. She showed us what inclusion in action truly looks like.

Sylvie Indig taught us the power of awareness and action. With empathy and clarity, she helped others learn and grow, leading with a balance of compassion and strength. Her commitment to making a meaningful difference and her belief in the work were an inspiring force for her peers, motivating others to lead with compassion and purpose.

Lilia Zouaoui stepped into her voice with courage. As an advocate for diverse racial groups and the LGBTQIA+ community, Lilia has grown into a leader who speaks up, even when it’s hard, and models what it means to be an ally. Her growth and pride in who she has become are an inspiration to us all.

Renee Charles was a cornerstone of this team, leading with heart, integrity, and creativity. Whether it was guiding community-wide events, supporting younger students, or mentoring future ambassadors, Renee’s dedication was unmatched. Her gratitude, leadership, and voice will echo for years to come. She lifted others and made space for every voice in the room.

Dwyer Eaves brought a bold and compassionate presence to this work. With clear conviction and a strong voice, Dwyer led with both confidence and care, demonstrating that true leadership means standing up for others, building community, and showing unwavering empathy. He not only led with strength but also as a powerful example of what it means to lead with heart.

Ryan Butkiewicz reminded us that inclusion begins with awareness. Through his eyes, we saw how the many identities that make up our community contribute richness and meaning to our daily lives. His appreciation for others and thoughtful leadership left a lasting impact, and his presence in this work will be deeply missed.

On behalf of our entire community, thank you for your passion, your vision, and your heart. We are so proud of you.

The 2025–26 DEIB Ambassadors are Mason Cordero, Chloe la Fleur, Neve MacMahon, Selima Ortiz, and Juliette Pearson. We are excited for the leadership that this new team will provide and the positive impact they will have on our community.

Upper School Academic & Athletics Awards 2025

Presented June 11, 2025

Hyperbole and Inspirational Speech

Hyperbole Winner

Stephanie Gerry ’27

Inspirational Speech Winner

Selima Ortiz ’27

Bryna Watkins Writing Award

Liam Holcomb ’28

Victoria Moure ’28

Awarded to members of the sixth grade class who have demonstrated passion and ability as writers

Frankel Scholarship Prize

Keya Desai ’28

Awarded to the fifth or sixth grader with the highest grade point average for the year

National Spanish Exam

Medalla de Oro (Gold Medal)

So Takahashi ’26

Medalla de Plata (Silver Medal)

Grey Cameron ’26

Will Rutherford ’26

Certificado de Honor (Honors)

Eamon O’Shea ’26

Paul and Audrey Fisher Art Prize

So Takahashi ’26

Awarded for outstanding ability in the visual arts

Sarah F. Fowler Drama Prize

Penelope Cohen ’26

Eve Gavigan ’26

Awarded for outstanding contribution to drama

Sarah F. Fowler Drama Prize (Technical theatre)

So Takahashi ’26

Awarded for outstanding contribution to drama/tech

Susan Fiala Music Prize

Ryan Butkiewicz ’26

Awarded for outstanding contribution to the musical life of the School

Ristorcelli Music Prize

So Takahashi ’26

Awarded for the greatest improvement in music

Spanish Prize

So Takahashi ’26

Awarded for excellence in Spanish

Ann Thacher Faculty Award of Distinction

Ryan Butkiewicz ’26

Lilia Zouaoui ’26

Awarded to members of the graduating class who are considered by the faculty to be deserving of special recognition

Trustees’ Prize

Henry Moody ’26

Awarded to a student who has shown significant academic improvement

Wadleigh W. Woods Latin Prize

Ryan Butkiewicz ’26

Awarded for excellence in Latin

Prudence B. Read History Prize

Trevor Lombardo ’26

Awarded for exceptional understanding and appreciation of history

Stanley M. Feret Mathematics Prize

Ryan Butkiewicz ’26

Awarded for exceptional interest, initiative, and accomplishment in mathematics

Jane Brooks Robbins Science Prize

Ryan Butkiewicz ’26

Awarded for genuine interest and enthusiasm in the field of science

Laura D. Paddock English Prize

Eve Gavigan ’26

Awarded for outstanding ability in all phases of English

Richard L. Wade Scholar Prize

Ryan Butkiewicz ’26

Awarded to the student in Grades 7–9 who has the highest academic average for the current school year

Walter F. Wyeth Prize

Scout Cooper ’26

Awarded to the member of the graduating class who has displayed the greatest consideration for others

Rippowam Cisqua Prize

Renee Charles ’26

Awarded to the student who is outstanding in qualities of leadership, character, and general school citizenship, the Rippowam Cisqua Prize is presented annually on behalf of the family of Francis W. Welch, and is the highest award conferred by the School.

“Renee joined RCS in first grade and over the course of the past eight years, she has made an indelible mark on our community, immersing herself fully into the life of our school and taking advantage of every opportunity that comes her way. She is a natural leader, both in practice and by example, and this year she both represented the eighth grade on the Student Council, and was one of the DEIB student ambassadors in the inaugural year of this leadership program. She represented the student body at our Admissions event welcoming students who will be new to RCS in the fall, she has attended weekend social justice conferences, and she has engaged in faculty book club discussions to share student perspective on the topic at hand. In the classroom and on the athletics field or court, Renee strives for excellence, demonstrating her exceptional work ethic and commitment to success. But above all else that is wonderful about Renee, it is her character that is most exemplary. She is inclusive, curious, and supportive. Renee is unfailingly kind, genuinely grateful, and in every way she epitomizes the ethos and mission of Rippowam Cisqua School. Renee, we are both proud of and grateful for your presence at RCS.”

— Colm MacMahon, Head of School

Waldo B. Jones Prize

So Takahashi ’26

Given to a member of the graduating class who has exhibited creative thought in a variety of media

Gertrude Pell Bishop Memorial Award

Lily Grand ’26

Jamie Hall ’26

Awarded to the members of the graduating class who have displayed outstanding athletic proficiency, together with the highest qualities of good sportsmanship, and team play, and who have maintained high standards of scholarship

Message from the PA Chair

Dear RCS Community,

I want to take a moment to reflect on the joy, connection, and community spirit that defined the 2024–25 school year at RCS — all made possible by your continued support and involvement with the Parents Association.

In the fall, we brought back the beloved Pumpkin Patch, thanks to the generous support of Perennial Gardens. It was a festive day filled with food trucks, music, games, donuts, and warm apple cider — a joyful celebration that welcomed the season and brought families together in the most memorable way.

As we moved into winter, the school sparkled with decorations and twinkle lights. Our students expressed their creativity through a candy house craft project, showcasing their RCS pride in red and blue. The annual Book Fair also brought excitement and inspiration to our hallways, encouraging a love of reading across the community.

Spring brought our grandparents and special friends to campus. We were proud to support this cherished tradition that continues to unite generations in celebration of our students. We also looked beyond our campus, donating 148 pounds of clothing to the Community Center of Northern Westchester — a meaningful way to give back to our wider community.

New this year, in partnership with the Student Council, we were thrilled to help with the Night Owl Showcase, an event that not only highlighted our students’ talents but also supported the Teacher Appreciation Fund. We were especially grateful to Theatre Director Franco Pedicini and Vocal Music Director Arielle Sherman for their leadership in making this event such a success.

Throughout the school year, we were honored to show our appreciation for the extraordinary faculty and staff through coffee trucks, special breakfasts,

and ongoing support of the Sunshine Committee. A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful SAGE Dining Services team and the incredible Chef Jonathan, whose care and contributions never go unnoticed.

And of course, none of this would have been possible without the many dedicated parent volunteers — from event helpers to class connectors — who brought warmth, energy, and enthusiasm to every corner of the RCS experience.

As we look ahead, we’re filled with excitement for another year of meaningful connection, shared memories, and the joy that comes from being part of such a special community.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Erin Tedesco Hoffman PA Chair 2024–26

Pumpkin Patch Grandparents and Special Friends Days Night Owl Showcase

Board of Trustees 2025–26

Trustees of Rippowam Cisqua School are fiduciaries to the institution as a whole and are collectively responsible for overseeing the welfare of the School and the pursuit of its mission.

New

Board Members

Payson Murray

Payson Murray is a dedicated leader and advocate in the nonprofit sector, serving as president of the board of Endeavor Therapeutic Horse Farm and a board member of Breakthrough T1D. Passionate about community and philanthropy, she has been deeply involved in fundraising efforts for causes close to her heart, including her children’s schools, St. Matthew’s Church, Endeavor, and Breakthrough T1D.

With more than 15 years of experience in development and admissions, Payson has worked closely with schools to foster growth and engagement. Her connection to Rippowam Cisqua School is especially meaningful — not only have all three of her children attended, but her grandmother, Jane Brooks Robbins, was one of the founders of Cisqua School.

Payson and her husband, Grant, have been residents of Bedford for over 13 years. Their children James ’23 and Thompson ’24 are currently at Berkshire School, and Georgia ’27 is in eighth grade at RCS.

“I am really excited to be joining the Board at this time,” Payson shared. “I have deep family connections to the school and look forward to this next chapter.”

Beyond her professional and family commitments, Payson is an active member of the Bedford Garden Club. In her free time, she enjoys gardening and spending time with her dogs.

Tom White

Tom White is a veteran equity analyst with 20 years of experience working at various Wall Street investment banks. He is currently a managing director and senior research analyst at D.A. Davidson, where he joined in 2017 to cover U.S. Internet companies. Prior to Davidson, Tom spent seven years as a senior analyst at Macquarie Capital covering the Internet sector. Before Macquarie, Tom was an Internet research analyst at Gleacher & Company, and he started his Wall Street career at UBS Securities in New York City, where he covered the Internet and Interactive Entertainment sectors.

Tom is a frequent contributor to national news and TV outlets, including CNBC, Bloomberg TV, Fox Business, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times. He holds a StarMine Award for Earnings Estimator Accuracy (2020). Tom earned a B.A. in Economics from Hamilton College and an M.B.A. from Fordham University Graduate School of Business. Tom attended New Canaan Country School (Kindergarten–Grade 9) and Choate Rosemary Hall, spending his life within independent schools. He is excited to serve on the RCS Board of Trustees.

Tom and his wife, Carolina, live in Bedford Hills with their two children, Tommy ’28 and Alice ’30.

Jane Brooks Robbins and the Legacy of Cisqua

In 1942, Jane Brooks Robbins and three other local women — Alva Root Bound, Cornelia Van Rensselaer Marsh, and Jean Preston Tilt — founded Cisqua School to serve the youngest children in the Mount Kisco-Chappaqua area. At the time, several schools had closed, and public education didn’t begin until first grade. What began as a small school for 40 children in PreKindergarten through first grade quickly grew to include second through ninth grade. In 1973, Cisqua merged with Rippowam to form Rippowam Cisqua School. Today, a plaque in the Kindergarten through third grade hallway honors these four visionaries who, nearly 85 years ago, were determined to provide a strong foundation in early education for their community’s children.

Beyond the Scoreboard Alumni

Reflections on RCS Athletics

At Rippowam Cisqua School, middle school athletics serve as a foundation for personal growth that extends far beyond the playing field. For many students, these experiences offer lessons that endure long after the final whistle. To gain insight into that lasting impact, we spoke with 10 recent graduates who reflected on their time at RCS through five core pillars of athletics.

Gavin Kwarula ’24, number 13, playing for Blair Academy

Douglas Benedict / Academic Image

Teamwork: Together We Rise

Middle school sports teach students how to work together toward a common goal. They learn to rely on others, value different roles, and recognize that success is shared, not individual. This carries over into academics, group projects, and future careers.

“RCS taught me how to be a great teammate,” Annie Hallock ’21, now a sophomore at Middlebury College, said. “You learn to collaborate, share responsibility, and work toward a common goal.”

Those bonds, many alumni explained, led to lasting friendships.

“Our coaches were also our teachers, advisors, and sometimes even parents of our friends,” Judah Viders ’24 , now a junior at Brunswick School, said. “Being part of the RCS community taught me accountability. RCS focused on team-building and good character on and off the field. That prepared me for Brunswick, where being a good teammate means everything.”

Lily Glynn ’25, now a sophomore at Sleepy Hollow High School, shared how RCS prepared her for the challenges at the next level. “Working with teammates at different levels taught me to lead when I was more experienced and to learn when I was new,” she said.

Gavin Kwarula ’24, now a sophomore at Blair Academy, felt well-prepared for the next step after graduating from RCS. “RCS has a special way of bonding the players on the team. You’re able to be yourself, have fun, and experience sports while being with your friends. On campus at Blair, I was able to integrate into the community very well.”

Alex Krusko ’21, now a sophomore at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, shared a memory that shaped his leadership style. “When I was called up to play on the seventh and eighth grade team as a sixth grader, I scored my first varsity goal. Tim Evnin, a ninth grader I looked up to, celebrated my goal like it was his own. The joy we shared showed me what type of leader I wanted to be.”

Sportsmanship: Competing with Grace

Students develop respect for opponents, officials, coaches, and teammates. They learn to win with humility, lose with grace, and treat everyone fairly. These values help shape character and ethical behavior beyond the field or court.

“Mr. [Ken] Jordan taught me to be competitive but respectful,” Timmy Hall ’24, now a junior at Brunswick School, said.

“While I played on highly competitive teams outside of school, I always looked forward to RCS games because they emphasized inclusivity, team bonding, and sportsmanship over winning,” Sela Halaifonua ’22, a freshman at Boston College, said. “It created such a positive and memorable environment.”

Maggie O’Callaghan ’22, a freshman at Indiana University, recalled being one of the few girls on the ice hockey team at RCS. “The boys welcomed me right in and made me feel truly part of the group. That showed me what inclusion looks like,” she said.

Even in disappointment, students found a sense of perspective. “Mistakes don’t define you,” Dash Neville ’22, a golfer at Blair Academy, said. “It’s important to enjoy the life you’re living now.”

Maggie O’Callaghan ’22, captain of the girls varsity field hockey team in her senior year at King School

Judah Viders ’24, now a junior at Brunswick School

Denice Dutra Laveris

Perseverance and Resilience: Facing Adversity

Athletics push students out of their comfort zones. They face losses, setbacks, and physical challenges, but through them, they build grit, discipline, and the ability to bounce back — skills that serve them in every aspect of life.

“It doesn’t matter how tall or skilled the opponent is. As long as you compete and work hard, you belong,” said Gavin. “Coach Max Moise was one of the most impactful basketball coaches I’ve ever had.”

Dash described rebounding after a poor first round at a golf tournament: “I beat my first day’s score by 11 shots. That showed me what I’m capable of.”

Alex emphasized the mindset shift that fueled his growth: “The greatest lesson I learned is you have to hate to lose more than you love to win. If you truly hate losing, you’ll always work harder to avoid it than someone who does anything for simple satisfaction.”

“One thing Ripp taught me is to always give it everything you’ve got, because you never know how a game will turn out,” Holden Cooper ’24, who plays football and lacrosse at Blair Academy, said. Reflecting on his final hockey game at RCS, he added, “I played for five years, and in my last game, I finally scored. I was not the best player — definitely not the best skater — but I never gave up.”

“I’m interested in the social sciences, sociology, and understanding people because they’re confusing sometimes,” Dash Neville ’22 said about his future. “Political science is interesting to me. Maybe doing an internship on Capitol Hill one day would be cool.”

Leadership and Responsibility: Learning to Lead

Whether captaining a team or simply showing up prepared, students learn what it means to be accountable to themselves and others. They also discover that leadership isn’t always about being the loudest voice; sometimes it’s about effort, example, and attitude.

“Captaining the lacrosse team taught me to lead with confidence and kindness, and Mrs. [Alexandra] Baker and Mrs. [Brooks] Eleck helped me grow as an athlete and a leader,” Annie said. “Mrs. [Jennifer] Sednaoui sharpened my squash strategy, which carried into high school.”

“Using your voice — like reminding teammates to listen during practice — is a leadership skill I didn’t realize I was building at Ripp,” Holden said.

Judah emphasized accountability. “Being committed to anything at the highest level takes time, commitment, and determination. Some days feel rewarding, and some don’t, but in the end, you see how far you’ve come.”

Timmy reflected on lessons that extended far beyond competition. “The relationships with coaches like Mr. [Ken] Jordan and Mr. [Miles] Cameron taught me respect, friendship, and accountability that I still carry.”

“I started coaching young kids in the RCS Learn to Skate program on Fridays,” Lily Glynn ’25 said. “I really loved that! It helped me get to know more kids in the hallways. Now I use my coaching skills at a Learn to Skate program at a local rink. Last year, I had an opportunity to step in as a guest teacher for the Kindergarten class at RCS. Then I went to Learn to Skate, and it was so fun to see everyone again.”

Douglas Benedict / Academic Image

Physical and Mental Well-Being: Finding Balance

Sports provide an outlet for energy, reduce stress, and encourage lifelong habits of physical activity. They also improve focus, self-esteem, and emotional regulation — all of which are crucial during the middle school years.

“Practices at the end of the day helped me decompress,” Annie said. “Balancing academics and athletics is definitely a challenge, but RCS helped me build strong time management skills early on.”

Timmy noted how activity helped his focus. “Athletic movement is critical for me as a student to stay sharp in the classroom.”

Maggie recalled starting field hockey late but being encouraged from the beginning. “The supportive environment at RCS helped me find confidence quickly.”

Dash noted how Coach K — Athletics Director Vincent Kwarula — helped him feel at home as a new student: “He made me feel welcome, which gave me the confidence to approach Blair Academy in the same way.”

Sela shared that consistent encouragement made the biggest difference. “The coaches were always positive and pushed me to grow. The confidence I built at RCS still shapes me.”

Alex echoed the importance of steady discipline: “Small, consistent efforts allow me to succeed day to day, rather than putting everything into a single moment. The best thing Ripp does is teach you how to go from outline to rough draft to final submission — over time.” He credited Miles Cameron’s high standards as pivotal: “He never let me shrink from a challenge or accept mediocrity. I learned that who I was — from my play, to my encouragement of teammates, even to my body language — mattered.”

Looking Ahead

We asked our 10 recent alumni athletes to share where they see their athletic journeys heading next. Here’s what they said. Though their goals vary, each student carries the lessons learned at RCS into the future.

Judah Viders hopes to play collegiate soccer: “I’ve spent countless hours working, traveling, and playing the past six years.”

Gavin Kwarula dreams of going professional: “My goal is to play in a high-level college program and eventually become a professional soccer player.”

Holden Cooper aspires to earning a starting spot for both his football and lacrosse teams at Blair Academy. “I want to have a bigger impact on the team.”

Dash Neville plans to pursue college golf at the Division III level. “Education comes first for me, but I still want to compete.”

Timmy Hall remains open to possibilities. “Playing in college would be a dream, but I’m taking it one day at a time.”

Interested in sharing your athletics stories?

Contact Associate Director of Communications Gary Lawson at lawson@rcsny.org.

Maggie O’Callaghan plans to continue participating in intramural and club sports: “I hope to keep playing lacrosse and field hockey, and stay active.”

Annie Hallock plays club lacrosse at Middlebury and hopes to coach someday: “I’d love to share the lessons I’ve learned.”

Lily Glynn is focusing on figure skating and soccer, setting her sights on performing a double axel. “I want to keep improving one step at a time.”

Sela Halaifonua is exploring balance. “Although I chose not to pursue athletics at the collegiate level, I would love to continue playing through club sports. Staying active and being part of a team is still something I’m passionate about.”

Alex Krusko is committed to contributing to his college team’s success: “I want to help the Army men’s lacrosse team win a national championship, either as a player or coach.”

In the huddle: Coach Tim Corcoran with the Grades 5/6 flag football team

Christina Schoonmaker

Distinguished Alumni Award

Richard H. Lawrence Jr. ’70

Richard H. Lawrence Jr. ’70 is the founder and executive chairman of Overlook Investments Group, which he established in 1991. Overlook is an independent fund management company that invests in a concentrated portfolio of public equities throughout Asia, excluding Japan.

Richard is a director and co-founder of several nonprofit organizations focused on climate change mitigation. In 2004, Richard and his wife, Dee, founded the Proyecto Mirador Foundation, a nonprofit that has built over 330,000 fuel-efficient stoves in rural communities across Honduras and Guatemala. In 2016, the Lawrences founded Cool Effect, a nonprofit online platform that enables individuals and Fortune 500 companies to offset their carbon emissions through the purchase of carbon credits from high-integrity carbon reduction projects worldwide. In 2017, they established High Tide Foundation, a nonprofit organization involved in climate change mitigation.

Richard is chairman of the nonprofit Carbon Mapper, which deploys satellite technology to pinpoint and track point source emissions, particularly methane. In 2021, he helped establish the Global Methane Hub with over $225 million in philanthropic funds to support methane advocacy and mitigation.

Richard graduated from South Kent School in 1974 and Brown University in 1978 with a degree in Economics. He is the author of Carbon Done Correctly: A Model for Climate Mitigation from the Global South to Wall Street, where he introduces the voluntary carbon market (VCM) through the lens of unsung heroes around the globe who are on the front lines of the fight against climate change.

RCS: Why is it important to make sure carbon projects, like those Cool Effect supports, really help the environment?

Richard H. Lawrence (RHL): It is important for people and businesses to do what they can to reduce greenhouse

gas emissions. However, it is almost impossible to reduce our carbon emissions to zero due to heating our homes, driving, or consuming products that emit carbon during the manufacturing process. Carbon offsets enable us to support projects that reduce carbon and provide additional benefits, such as creating jobs or helping the forests. Since carbon offsets serve as a substitute for our own reductions, we want to be 100% sure that the benefit they provide to the environment is real and tangible.

RCS: How do the stoves you helped create in Honduras make life better for families and the planet at the same time?

RHL: Many families in poor, rural homes in Honduras and Guatemala cook with traditional wood-burning cookstoves

that pollute homes and the environment. Proyecto Mirador replaces them with stoves that use just half the amount of wood and burn more efficiently. The Mirador stove removes smoke and soot from the kitchen, helping families to breathe better, and provides employment for over 250 people in areas where it is difficult to find steady work. Each stove helps the planet by reducing carbon emissions and saving five to eight trees every year.

RCS: What are some simple ways kids and families can help fight climate change, just like the projects Cool Effect supports?

RHL: Fortunately, there are many ways that we, as individuals, can help fight climate change and protect the environment. We can recycle paper, plastic, glass, and aluminum. We can compost

food scraps and yard waste, and avoid single-use plastics as much as possible. We can use energy-efficient appliances and lightbulbs, take shorter showers, and plant native plants to minimize watering requirements. We can directly reduce our carbon emissions by walking, biking, or taking public transportation when possible. And to go a step further, we can support carbon-reducing projects like those that Cool Effect supports.

RCS: Looking ahead, how do you see the voluntary carbon market evolving, and what role should individuals and businesses play in accelerating meaningful climate action?

RHL: The voluntary carbon market is in a period of transformation. All the participants — including carbon projects, carbon standards, regulatory agencies, brokers, and carbon buyers — are evolving toward greater transparency. As

reporting becomes better regulated and more accurate, confidence in the VCM will increase. This will, in turn, mean more money coming from corporations to help the environment and benefit communities in the Global South.

RCS: How did you get from Rippowam Cisqua School to where you are today?

RHL: Well, first of all, I studied at Cisqua School, not Rippowam. My friends at Cisqua, Steve Wood ’71, Britton Jones ’71, and Danny Ginnel ’71, helped launch my career by being equally poor students. We were all very solid C to C- students from Nursery to eighth grade. All of them, along with many other classmates, proved that life is long, and how you start does not reflect how you will end. I think we are all mostly thankful that Cisqua did not expel us for bad grades and poor behavior.

The Distinguished Alumni Award is given to alumni who have shown exceptional service to RCS, and/or outstanding achievement or leadership in their community or profession. The award is presented at the discretion of the RCS Alumni Association Board. The RCS Alumni Association Board considers candidates who have been nominated by their classmates and fellow alumni.

Past Recipients

Peter Boal ’81

Anne Hall ’60

Whitney Johnson ’99

Amanda North ’71

Nicholas Platt ’50

Will Reeve ’07

Alexander Shoumatoff ’60

Roger B. Vincent ’59

The RCS Alumni Association Board 2025–26

Forrest Mas ’04, Chair

Charlie Carpenter ’13

Storrs Lamb Coté ’79

Jay Fischer ’00

Vanessa (Seide) Gallen ’93

Peter Hallock ’92

Sydney Mas Klehm ’07

Peter Kunhardt Jr. ’98

Alexandra White Lawrence ’97

Missy Walker Meyer ’07

Georgia Morley ’12

Jermaine Moure ’96

Lakeya Graves Newton ’04

Parents of Alumni Committee

Alexandria Altman P’15, ’17, ’19

Cyndi Azima P’19, ’22

Tracy Fauver P’14, ’16, ’18

Stefanie Feidelson P’08, ’11

Melissa Fleming P’11, ’14, ’15

Susanna Giordano P’06, ’08, ’12, ’17

Patty Grunebaum P’11, ’12, ’14

Michelle Hodge P’18

Lisa Kaufmann P’20, ’22

Heather Langham P’11, ’14

Anna Lee P’06, ’08, ’13, ’15

Karen McFarlane P’18

Mel Morley P’08, ’09, ’12

Suzanne O’Callaghan P’19, ’20, ’22

Felicia Peterson P’18

Cassie Robbins P’16, ’18

Kim Speegle P’14, ’15, ’17

Facebook: Rippowam Cisqua School

Instagram: rippowam_cisqua

LinkedIn: Rippowam Cisqua School

For the latest news from campus: rcsny.org

Alumni Connections

Fall Back to Ripp

There isn’t another event quite like this one each year, when young alumni return to campus to catch up with old friends and favorite teachers before the Thanksgiving break. In a matter of minutes, the hallways transition from silence to a happy clamor as alumni rush up to one another with hugs, smiles, and even the occasional delighted shriek. More recently, we’ve also invited parents of alumni, who gather in Centennial Hall to mingle and reconnect — at a slightly gentler volume. Our hearts are always full as we welcome our alumni “home” again in November.

Stay connected with Ripp!

Share your up-to-date contact information so you don’t miss out on alumni news and invitations to special events.

We also post details on the websitse and Instagram.

We can’t wait to see you!

Cocktails in NYC

We had an incredible gathering with alumni and parents of alumni at The Campbell on October 22, 2024, thanks to the generosity of Tracey and Scott Gerber, parents of Chase ’10, Owen ’12, and Georgia ’15. If you weren’t able to make it this time, we hope you’ll join us for the next alumni event. You’re such an important part of our Rippowam Cisqua School community, and we love keeping in touch!

Event Hosts

Charlie Carpenter ’13

Storrs Lamb Coté ’79

Alexandra White Lawrence ’97

Forrest Mas ’04

Sydney Mas ’07

Missy Walker Meyer ’07

Henry Mockridge ’14

Lakeya Graves Newton ’04

Jennifer Sednaoui

Alumni Class Notes

1972

Geoffrey Little and John Montgomery, along with their spouses, Meg and Maggie, met up in their hometown of Stonington, Connecticut, on John’s way to his 50th Exeter Reunion. “My Hotchkiss 50th is coming up this fall,” Geoffrey wrote. “Tempus fugit, as Mr. Wadleigh Woods taught us to say.”

2000

Jay Fischer and his wife welcomed their second child, Quinn, to the family on July 6, 2024. “Shortly thereafter, and adding to the fun, we adopted a retired seeing-eye dog named Ramón,” he wrote. “Big sister Willa is loving her two new brothers!”

2007

ABC news correspondent and RCS trustee Will Reeve proposed to Amanda Dubin on November 8, 2024, in New York City. Amanda currently works as an event planner, designer, and producer for her mother’s company, Victoria Dubin Events.

2009

Nick Morley and Bailey Outerbridge were married on September 6 in Bermuda.

2011

Pierce Coté and Julia Feiss were married on August 30 in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Chloe M. Giroux received her MFA in May 2024 from the School of Visual Arts in New York City and is now working at the Maurice Sendak Foundation. “It’s an amazing place to work,” she said, “especially as a children’s book illustrator.” Chloe recently completed the artwork for best-selling author Kim Michele Richardson’s upcoming children’s book, My Kentucky Moonlight School, slated for publication in summer 2026. “The book is for children ages six to eight, a range I love,” Chloe explained. “It’s that in-between stage where kids are transitioning to reading books with more text, but still find comfort and confidence in illustrations. It’s historical fiction and depicts the historic

Pierce Coté ’11 is married!

Moonlight Schools of Kentucky through the eyes of granddaughter, Jewel, as she helps her grandparents learn to read and write at night in their small Appalachian community.”

2012

Georgia Morley and Alexander Alexakos are married! They tied the knot on February 1 in Palm Beach, Florida.

in Jackson Hole to toast the

Lindsey Gaynor was honored in March with a 2025 Next Generation Women Who

Inspire award from YWCA Greenwich, for her leadership, service, and commitment to the community. At Greenwich Academy, she served as the Community Engagement Board president, a member of the student government council, a peer leader, and yearbook editor-in-chief, while also launching lasting social impact projects with Meals on Wheels, Coffee for Good, and Neighbors Link.

Lindsey Gaynor, Piper Spevak, and Romy Spevak graduated from Greenwich Academy in May, earning diplomas along with notable distinctions. Piper received the English Department’s Jean and David W. Wallace “Wallace Cup” Award, and was recognized as a “cultural sponge, a voracious reader, a Somerville Scholar, and the author of some of the most

sophisticated writing our department has seen in a long time.” She is now studying at Georgetown University’s College of Arts and Sciences. Romy was honored with the Williamson Award for distinguished achievement in history, and praised for her global perspective and research skills, as well as the Greenwich Academy Faculty Award, given for being a student “who challenges herself not for her teachers’ approval — though she has that in spades — but for the genuine delight she takes in learning about others and the complex, changing world she intrepidly explores.”

This fall, she joins Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. Lindsey received the Patsy G. Howard Community Service Award for her exceptional leadership and commitment to organizations such as Coffee for Good, Midnight Run, and

Geoffrey Little ’72 and John Montgomery ’72, and their spouses

Jay Fischer ’00 and his family

Will Reeve ’07 is engaged!

Nick Morley ’09 is married!

Gathered

Coté wedding (from left): Dana Lamb ’81, Blake Coté ’16, Heather Lamb, bride Julia Feiss Coté, Alec Coté ’08, India Coté, Molly Coté, groom Pierce Coté ’11, and Storrs Lamb Coté ’79

and storyteller

Barbara’s House, as well as the Ethelwyn L. Finch Award, for the warmth and joyful spirit she brought to the GA community. She is now a freshman at Wake Forest University.

Finley Kennedy received the Casertano Cup at Millbrook School’s graduation on May 26. One of only four awards presented at the ceremony, it honors a commitment to growth, perseverance, and the pursuit of one’s best self and the common good. Head of School Jonathan Downs praised Finley as “so humble, so kind… one of the best work ethics in this school, and an incredible role model for the girls in Abbott Hall.”

To submit Class Notes: Scan the QR code

For short milestone information (engagements, weddings, births), please include full names and dates.

Illustrator

Chloe M. Giroux ’11

Congratulations, Georgia Morley ’12!

Mouse (and friend!), a favorite character and illustration created by Chloe for her 72-page MFA Thesis

Class of 2014 friends gathered for an end-of-summer cookout at the Pittman’s home in Katonah. Pictured (from left to right) are Jack Weeden, Henry Mockridge, Sean Speegle, Andrew Pittman, Adam Mann, and Baron Thomas.

May 2025 Greenwich Academy graduates (from left to right) Piper Spevak ’22, Lindsey Gaynor ’22, and Romy Spevak ’22

Finley Kennedy ’22

Lindsey Gaynor ’22 and her mother, Kim, at the 2025 YWCA Women Who Inspire award reception

In Memoriam

We offer our condolences to the family and friends of the following members of our school community.

Frank J. Carnabuci III, former trustee of Rippowam Cisqua School, and parent of Andrew Carnabuci ’99 and Sarah Carnabuci ’01, died suddenly on December 24, 2024. He was 73 years old. Born in Mount Kisco, he graduated from Horace Greeley High School and Drew University, and earned graduate degrees from Teachers College, Columbia University, and the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Frank was a lifelong educator. He spent over 30 years serving as the headmaster of Birch Wathen Lenox School, where he became the longest-serving headmaster in the school’s history. Prior to that, he served as assistant headmaster at The Dalton School. He provided leadership at multiple additional schools and universities through service on their boards, including The Brick Church School, Drew University, and the Harvard Graduate School of Education. In his leisure time, Frank enjoyed music, reading, poring through the histories of independent schools, and most of all, spending time with his family.

Samuel Salvage Polk, father of Tom Polk ’87 and Sam H. Polk ’90, died peacefully at his home in Hobe Sound, Florida, on January 31, 2025. He was 87 years old.

A graduate of Trinity College and the University of Virginia Law School, Sam was a partner at Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy before leading several family offices. Dedicated to service, he chaired the New York Community Trust and served on the boards of the Hospital for Special Surgery and Cooper Union. A lifelong Dodgers fan, golfer, and lover of practical jokes, Sam was happiest with his family.

John Heller Freund, longtime trustee of Rippowam Cisqua School (1978-88), father of Dr. Emily (Freund) McFadden ’81, Tamlyn (Freund) Nathanson ’85, and former Board Chair Peter Freund ’91, and grandfather of Winnie Freund ’23, Wren Freund ’23, and Luke Yerkes ’19, died peacefully at his home in Pound Ridge, New York, on September 4, 2025. He was 93 years old.

Born in New York City to Dr. Meyer H. and Ruth (Heller) Freund, John grew up between Manhattan and Amawalk, New York. He attended Horace Mann School and Dartmouth College, pursued a business degree at Tuck, and then joined the U.S. Army, rising to the rank of First Lieutenant. Soon after, he started a six-decade career at what would become Trinity Packaging Corporation, where he led the company’s growth and ultimately became owner and chairman. He was widely regarded as an industry leader and generous mentor to colleagues.

A longtime resident of Pound Ridge and Captiva Island, Florida, John was deeply committed to his community. He contributed his leadership to the Pound Ridge Library, King LowHeywood Thomas School, and John Jay Homestead. In addition, he served on the Board of Ethics for the Town of Pound Ridge and was a founding member of the Pound Ridge Tennis Club.

Together with Susan, his wife of 53 years, John supported Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, Northern Westchester Hospital, and the Wolf Conservation Center. He treasured time with his family and friends, the New York Yankees (of which he was a partner), his alma maters, American history, gardening, tennis, Nantucket, his dogs, and chocolate — not necessarily in that order.

James R. “Jim” Lawrence ’68 (Cisqua), son of Starr (Oliver) Lawrence ’46 (Cisqua); brother of Richard H. Lawrence Jr. ’70 (Cisqua) and Philip Lawrence ’80; father of Kate Lawrence ’01 and Alexa Lawrence ’03; and uncle of Adele (Lawrence) Knight ’10, Phipps Lawrence ’14, George Lawrence ’16, and Daisy Lawrence ’17, died on June 1, 2025, after a months-long battle with cancer. He was 70 years old.

Jim was born in New York City. His family moved from Manhattan to Mount Kisco in 1955, where he attended Rippowam Cisqua School and Harvey School, and later Milton Academy and Middlebury College, from which he graduated in 1977. After a brief role at Art in America, he built a distinguished career in international shipping, co-founding Marine Money, the Connecticut Maritime Association, and MTI Network.

Beyond his work, Jim embraced life with boundless energy, climbing mountains on three continents, traveling the world, tending gardens and bees, painting watercolors daily, and filling his Mount Kisco home with family, friends, and tradition. A devoted father, neighbor, and friend, he gave generously of his time, talents, and harvests. More than anything, Jim loved his family. He filled his life to the brim.

John Freund with (left to right) Wren Freund ’23, Winnie Freund ’23, and Susan Freund

Planning for Rippowam Cisqua School’s Future

Imagine the Possibilities

Making a planned gift is a wonderful way to show your support for Rippowam Cisqua School’s mission while accommodating your own financial and philanthropic goals.

The 1917 Society was established in memory of our earliest leaders and the year of the School’s founding. Members are loyal alumni, families, and friends who have been recognized for their thoughtful planning of future gifts to RCS. This significant support provides critical funding for Rippowam Cisqua School’s people, programs, and facilities — including financial aid, general operating support, the arts, athletics, capital projects, and the overall student experience. If you’ve included RCS in your estate plans or have related questions, please let us know.

1917 Society

The 1917 Society was established to recognize and promote the benefits of bequests, life-income gifts, and other tax-wise giving arrangements at Rippowam Cisqua School.

For more information on ways to transform charitable intent into a meaningful legacy of support for RCS, please contact Joe Scornavacchi, Director of Development at scornavacchi@rcsny.org or (914) 244-1293