Gordon
alumni connection
Spring 2016
Dear Gordon Friends, This summer, I had coffee with a former Gordon parent and she shared with me her memories of raising her kids and their experiences at school. When I remarked about how much they had achieved since graduation she said, “It truly does take a village. You have to find your village.� This fall, my family joined the Gordon community and we found our village. I have had the great pleasure of spending the past few months meeting with alumni and former parents. In each and every conversation I have had with people who span decades here at Gordon, it all comes down to community. Alumni speak of the classmates, teachers and experiences that they still feel impacted by and connected to. Former parents have expressed how much they miss the tight-knit and engaged parent community that can’t be duplicated elsewhere. Gordon truly is a special place. This edition of the Alumni Connection celebrates those who were empowered by their time at Gordon to go on and make change in a new community. In their own unique ways our alumni, faculty and staff have set out to make an impact on others by sharing what they have learned here at Gordon. From organizing an interfaith prayer event to creating a documentary on how technology is transforming housing and transportation in their neighborhood, Gordon alumni are leaders and activists in their communities. In only a few short months, I have witnessed the great impact Gordon has had on my first grader. I watch a six year-old growing increasingly comfortable in his own skin, embracing his quirkiness, not apologizing for the things that make him unique and celebrating his successes as they come. I know full well that none of this would be possible without our Gordon village and much like the parent I was speaking with, I will be proud of the day when he too leaves the walls of this inspiring school empowered to make change. Best,
Lauren Jordan Associate Development Director
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Campus Notes Robotics season wrap-up
The community rallies around Giving Tuesday
Ninth Annual Karla Harry Visiting Author
Gordon’s Middle School robotics team wrapped up a successful season this January with a strong
On December 1st, Gordon reimagined the
Author James Howe was on Gordon’s campus
showing at the FIRST LEGO League State Competition at Roger Williams University. Gordon’s
Sunday-night phonathon as a daylong Giving
in November as the ninth annual Karla Harry
cybor Gators arrived at the statewide tournament fresh from a championship victory at their
Tuesday celebration, and the community
Visiting Author. Howe is the author of over
qualifying tournament in November.
responded in force. In total seventy-two gifts
ninety books for young readers, including the
and pledges had been counted, for a single-day
modern classics The Misfits and Bunnicula,
At their final event, judges stated how the team’s camaraderie and teamwork were evident as
total of over $20,000. Throughout the day,
and both books’ highly popular sequels.
they confidently communicated their research project and completed their challenge. Judges
until well after dark, the conference room was
were also impressed with their robot design, being the only team to use easy to switch out
buzzing with volunteers—dozens of faculty—
During his time at Gordon, Howe ran writing
attachments with the help of a “dog gear.”
trustees, alumni, parents and grandparents,
workshops with the eighth graders focused on
writing cards, sending emails and making calls
identity-based short stories. The seventh grade
Gordon’s robotics team is the most visible part of a robotics engineering curriculum that is
alongside one another. Many who could not
class learned more about crafting a novel as
integrated into every student’s experience. In the days leading up to the final tournament,
make it to campus were checking in through-
they prepared for their participation in National
Gordon’s youngest students were beginning their own robotics journeys in the Early
out the day, via email and text.
Novel Writing Month. With the younger grades, Howe discussed his life as a writer,
Childhood STEAM Lab. From the students who created the colorful
and how his work revolves around the theme
Gordon’s after school robotics opportunities continued the following week, when fifth and sixth
gators that were used to tally the gifts, to the
of inclusivity.
graders began work on Gordon’s presentation for Rhode Island Students of the Future’s annual
grandfather who spent his lunch hour making
Robot Block Party, hosted by Brown University on Saturday, April 9th.
calls, the development team found ways to
Before they finished, the students shared a
use everyone’s strengths. The result was the
surprise with him. Unbeknownst to Mr. Howe,
strongest single day in Gordon Fund history!
Otter and Odder had won the 2013 Gordon School Multicultural Picture Book Award. The award winner is chosen each year by the Gordon second grade, after a long process of critical reading and gradewide discussion. In recent years, librarian Frances Martindale has made a point of notifying winners, and their publishers, at the annual American Librarian Association convention, but this was the first time an author had been at Gordon to accept the award in person. In January, Gordon’s Alliance Against Prejudice
left photo: Shayna Goldstein ’15, Alyssa Howard ’14,
Gordon alumni return to campus
organized the Middle School’s participation in
and Maggie Rock ’14
Over thirty Gordon alumni returned for an
No Name-Calling Week, which was inspired
middle photo: Sam Ingalls ’15 and Luke Ingalls ’13
Alumni Gathering and the annual High School
by James Howe’s book, The Misfits.
right photo: Rachel Fava ’15, Hannah Farwell ’15,
Alumni breakfast. They had the opportunity to
Hattie Keene-Reinhard ’13 and Tucker Craig ’12
attend the Middle School concert and the Winter
bottom photo: Maia Wolf-Livingston ’15 and Tamar Wolfson ’15
Assembly, while also catching up with each other and reconnecting with members of the Gordon community. 2
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Partnership with Brown University and Trinity Rep
Librarian on national stage
In October, the eighth grade was busy rehearsing Romeo and Juliet all over campus. As part of
Gordon librarian Frances Martindale was
their study of the play, each eighth grade student chose a monologue to memorize and perform.
among the presenters on January 11th as the
Each student experimented with original settings for their performances, from the balcony behind
Newbery, Caldecott, Printz, and Coretta Scott
the Middle School to the dark halls of the basement. When the Brown University / Trinity Rep
King Book Awards were announced at the
MFA students came to campus in November, they worked with the entire grade on the project.
American Library Association’s winter meeting
The opportunity was not simply a special workshop for the performing arts elective, but rather
in Boston. Ms. Martindale will be on hand to
an opportunity for every eighth grader to jump into an intensive class that emphasized the physi-
help present the Virginia Hamilton For Lifetime
cality of Shakespeare’s work. The students broke into small groups and got to show off what they
Achievement Award. She was named to that
Art Show
had done so far.
award committee in 2014. The award honors
The annual art show was on display throughout the Beckwith Buonanno Arts Center in January,
African American authors and illustrators, and
with work from students in Kindergarten to eighth grade. With over seven hundred pieces on
Through this partnership, the MFA students—all training to be theater directors—got some direct
educational practitioners, for their contribu-
display, the Gordon community was invited to enjoy the multimedia spectacular, as well as
experience in giving constructive feedback. All of that work fed directly into the final performances
tions to childrens’ and young adult literature.
prospective families on classroom visiting day.
students did for one another. Between the Brown / Trinity Rep performances, and those of their peers this fall, Gordon students saw several takes on each of these scenes. And each one of the students now has at least one passage of Shakespeare that will leap out at them, fondly familiar, whenever they encounter Romeo and Juliet. In January, the partnership with Brown / Trinity Rep continued with the third and fourth grade musical production of Little Big State. Little Big State is a world premiere, written this fall by Brad Wilson, a graduate student in the Brown / Trinity Rep Masters of Fine Arts program. The show
Ms. Martindale began volunteering for the
is based on a series of semi-historical folk tales from Rhode Island history. The idea of writing for
Coretta Scott King award committees in
Gordon was suggested by Wilson’s mentor, Deborah Salem Smith, a Gordon parent who is also
2013. Her growing relationship with the
Trinity Rep’s playwright-in-residence. This opportunity to produce a new script, fresh from the
award represents one more step in her work
author’s hands, is a natural next step in a series of exchanges between Gordon and the Brown /
advocating for multicultural literature and
Trinity Rep program.
deconstructing, with her students, the ways children’s literature honors are awarded.
Fall Head’s Advisory Council Meeting
Members of the Council returned to campus to hear updates from Head of School Ralph Wales and Assistant Head of School Kimberly Ridley. The Head’s Advisory Council was established in 2008 and provides alumni and parents of alumni an opportunity to re-engage with Gordon School in a productive and meaningful way. Members of this group have served as informal advisers to the Head of School on a range of issues including multicultural education, planning the centennial celebration and reviewing the school’s marketing initiatives. The Council is led by Board liaison Rob Glancy ’97 and Co-Chairs Johnnie Chace (parent of Sarah ’97, Ben ’97, Nathaniel ’00 and Lilly ’03) and Robin Boss (parent of Trevor ’11 and Andrew ’14).
Handbell ensemble at vigil for victims of gun violence
On Thursday, December 10th, Gordon’s handbell ensemble provided music at an interfaith vigil for victims of gun violence at the Second Freewill Baptist Church in Providence. The annual event was established in the wake of the Sandy Hook tragedy, and Gordon students have been invited to perform each year. Speakers included Imam Farid Ansari, James Vincent of the Providence branch of the NAACP, and clergy and activists from across the state.
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Faculty Note
Middle School Director Lynn Bowman, literacy specialist Minna Ham and second grade teacher Cendhi Arias Henry shared their experiences with a standing-room-only crowd at the National Association of Independent Schools’ People of Color Conference in Tampa, Florida in December. Their workshop, Examining and Transforming Teacher Belief Systems, outlined the work happening at Gordon regarding the ways teacher beliefs, biases and blindspots can impact student achievement. They spoke about understanding the range of student experiences in the classroom by first understanding who you are and how your own social identifiers impact your classroom. “We enjoyed working together on this presentation and using our different perspectives as a classroom teacher, division director, and reading specialist,” shared Ms. Ham.
Athletics Update
The participants were a diverse group of educators at varying stages of their careers, allowing for multiple perspectives and a valuable cross-section. The presentation was designed to be interactive with a video podcast, role
by Veronica Jutras, Director of Wellness and Athletics
The fall athletics season saw tremendous success
• Cross country runners had multiple top
• The girls soccer program was full of double
in terms of win-loss records, tournament place-
ten finishes. Their effort and dedication led
efforts this season. The girls never stopped
ments, and cross country finishes. Moreover,
to significant and measurable improvements
working and believing that they could improve.
it was adorned with hard work, determination,
throughout the season. Most notable was the
Many players in the girls soccer program
teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal growth
camaraderie on a team that is often thought
embraced the role of “swing player” and
—characteristics that have come to define the
of as being an “individual sport.”
contributed at both the A and B level. At times, these players played in back to back games,
Gordon Athletics program. • Field hockey graduated all but a few players
seizing the opportunity to gain more playing
• Boys soccer played with an enormous
this past season and many who joined were
experience and to support the program as a
amount of heart and took second place in
new to the game. Much of the season was
whole. Being a team and putting forth every
the middle school tournament. After losing in
spent creating a team identity and sense of
day effort was central to the vision and
the championship game, the team gathered
what they were truly capable of accomplishing.
philosophy of the coaching staff.
in a tearful huddle and shouted “GORDON!”
After beating rival Barrington 1-0 in the middle
According to Head Coach Sheldon Townsend
of the season, confidence soared and there
The green and white uniform remains powerful
“2015 may have been the year we, GORDON,
was no looking back. Field hockey went on to
in our students’ world. When that uniform
found our soccer confidence and identity.”
compete valiantly in the season and made an
goes on, it means that our athletes are a part
impressive appearance in the middle school
of something bigger than themselves and they
tournament, suffering only one loss.
have a responsibility to wear the uniform with honor and integrity. This fall, they certainly
playing and lots of questions and discussion. The end goal was to empower teachers to make changes and improve their practice. “I think people found it helpful not only to hear other’s perspectives but to also hear themselves talk about their own biases, experiences and beliefs,“ said Ms. Ham. Next up? Faculty are already honing their workshop proposals for the Association of Independent Schools in New England’s Middle School Students of Color Conference, which Gordon will host in March 2016. Above photo: Mary Kate Murphy TRP ’15 (far left) was at the workshop led by Lynn Bowman, Minna Ham and Cendhi Arias Henry at the National Association of Independent Schools’ People of Color Conference in December. Gordon attendees also ran into Ms. Murphy’s classmate Kelly Rebeiro TRP ’15
embraced that ideal and rose to the challenge! 6
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alumni profile
Caroline Miller ’07 I know that I am extraordinarily fortunate that
at the energy and charisma he brought to class
such an amazing opportunity essentially fell
every single day.
into my lap, and I have made every effort to truly take advantage of all this year in Cusco
Kathy McGough was my gym teacher and field
has to offer. In addition to my job, I have
hockey coach at Gordon. I can still hear her
joined a book club with an interesting group
distinctive voice yelling “LET’S GO MILLER!”
of expatriate women, started taking yoga and
from the sidelines as well as reprimanding my
Pilates at the local studio, volunteered at the
friends and I when we would frequently get
coffee shop/café in my neighborhood, and
up to mischief in gym class or at recess. She in-
DJ’ed at a popular hostel—all while also
spired me in many ways to develop my love for
continuing to work on my first screenplay and
a variety of sports, and she always encouraged
develop my great appreciation for cooking.
me to work hard and play harder.
How did your experience at Gordon shape
Lastly, my seventh grade advisor and humani-
the person you are today?
ties teacher Reuben Martinez is someone who
I believe that the only three things a person
I will always remember for the ways in which
needs to succeed in life are confidence,
he really encouraged us to think critically about
dreams, and self-awareness. On a fundamental
race, class, and privilege. He was a big part of
level, these are three values, along with re-
the reason why I’ve developed passion for so-
spect, that Gordon does a phenomenal job of
cial justice and consideration for those whose
instilling in its students. From as early as I can
life experiences have not resembled my own.
remember, my teachers at Gordon encouraged me to take chances, think critically, and turn
What are your plans for the future?
my interests into passions. At Gordon I tried
My immediate plans upon returning to the US
Car oline Mi ller ’07 cu rrently ser ves as a Pro ject Ma n a g er fo r Gi rlSp or t s W o rks ,
history—we applied at the end of January,
so many different things and I definitely wasn’t
in August are not particularly detailed. I know
co- leading th e GSW pro g ram i n Cu sco , Peru . After fi ni shi n g her i ce h o c ke y c a re e r
interviewed once in Los Angeles and once
great at all of them (I don’t think I’ll ever under-
that I will go home for a few months to relax
at St. Georg e’s Sc h o o l, she attend ed Scri pp s C o lleg e. At Sc ri pp s, sh e d i vi d e d h e r t i m e
over Skype, submitted a writing sample, and
stand how to play the recorder…), but I was
and decompress from this extraordinary
b etween the Fi ve-C o lleg e co ed clu b fi eld ho ckey tea m an d th e fra -ro r i t y N u A l p h a
actually got offered the job on Larkin’s birthday
encouraged to succeed as much as I was sup-
experience before moving someplace new.
Phi, while also li feg ua rd i n g an d DJ ’i n g . C a ro li n e spent the spri n g o f h e r ju n i o r
in March.
ported when I struggled. I was so empowered
I definitely see myself living abroad again in
by my teachers and peers that I was always
the future. Although I may decide to have a
My job is a one year volunteer position focused
able to pick myself back up whenever I
few more adventures first, I do plan to return to
on teaching sports and valuable life skills to
couldn’t meet my own expectations.
Southern California and begin working in the
y ear studyi n g abro a d i n Bueno s Ai res, Arg enti na , wh i ch wa s wh en sh e be c a m e tak en wit h So u th Ameri ca an d knew she h a d to return after g rad u at i o n .
What brought you to GirlSportsWorks and
California!), played four years of club field
girls ages 7-17 at five different schools in and
Peru?
hockey on the five-college coed team, began
around Cusco. We teach a varied sports curric-
Developing not just the confidence to succeed
and storytelling in its many forms, and I feel
The vast resources of the five colleges at
DJ’ing with a friend under the name coast-
ulum which centers around six-week units
but also the courage to fail was a crucial aspect
that film is singular in its power to transform
Scripps combined with the nature of a liberal
2coast, and joined the coed fraternity (we
interspersed with foundational lessons which
of my Gordon education. My sixth-grade
the way we see our world. My interest in
arts education proved to be the ideal educa-
referred to it as a fra-rority) Nu Alpha Phi.
employ a combination of physical activities
advisor Karla Harry was someone who was
screenwriting has only continued to grow since
film industry. I feel there is great value to writing
and structured discussions to teach lessons
truly instrumental in that part of my experience. graduating this past May, and I plan to continue
interested in psychology and then in media
At this time last year, I still had no idea that I’d
related to our core values of self-esteem, confi-
Karla was an extraordinarily compassionate
working on projects regardless of what my next
studies, while also continuing to take Spanish.
be living in Cusco, Peru and managing a non-
dence, leadership, teamwork, communication,
and empathetic woman, and those are two
few jobs turn out to be. I definitely feel anxiety
I eventually majored in Media Studies with a
profit with one of my best friends from college.
and healthy living. In addition to sports, we
qualities which I identify strongly in myself.
about the future, but I am also thrilled to see
concentration in critical studies. I have always
In many ways, I really do believe in fate and
teach English at two of the schools and lead
There is no doubt in my mind that she helped
what it will hold!
been a writer and a film buff, and engaging in
in karma. Over winter break of last year I was
field trips for each of our classes. This semester
to instill those virtues in me.
this major allowed me to explore my interest
picking up extra lifeguarding shifts in Smithfield
we went rock climbing, laser tag, swimming,
in film analysis while also gaining a new one
in order to pay for a music festival ticket, when
and also led an overnight trip to Machu Picchu
Richard Prario was my Spanish teacher all
in screenwriting. The fall semester of my junior
one day my friend Larkin texted me saying
for our oldest class. We are also in charge of
through Middle School, and his enthusiasm for
year, I studied abroad in Buenos Aires, Argen-
that she’d found a really unique job posting for
organizing and facilitating fundraising initia-
teaching is something that I will never forget.
tina, which in many ways set the stage for
a nonprofit that teaches sports to girls in Peru.
tives as well as managing the company’s social
Now that I work with kids and teach a bit of
my eventual return to South America. While
The best part of it was that they actually
media accounts.
English, I have been reflecting a lot on my
at Scripps I also worked as a lifeguard at the
encouraged friends to write a joint application
year-round outdoor pool (perks of Southern
and apply as a pair! The rest is pretty much
tional setting for me and I quickly became
8
years in his Spanish class. I honestly marvel
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a l u m n i prof il e
Walter Thompson ’83 Wa lt e r T h o mp s o n ’83 h a s w o rke d i n t h e t e c h n o l o g y i n d u s t ry i n n u m e ro u s c a pa c i t i e s s i n c e h i s m o ve t o S a n F ra n c i s c o , C A i n 1996. A f t e r s t u d yi n g E n g l i s h a n d C re at i ve W ri t i n g at O be rl i n C o l l e g e , Wa lt e r h a s f o c u s e d h i s e n t i re c a re e r o n c o mm u n i t y m a n a g e m e n t, g ro w t h a n d m a rke t i n g . R i g h t n o w, h e ’s p i vo t i n g f ro m w o rki n g i n t e c h n o l o g y t o p ro d u c i n g G o l d e n Ci t y, a d o c u m e n ta ry t h at e xp l o re s h o w t h e t e c h n o l o g y i n d u s t ry i s t ra n s f o rm i n g t h e way u rba n d w e l l e rs l i ve a n d g e t a ro u n d . al um ni p r o f i l e
Tell us about your most current projects.
What inspired you to create the aforemen-
and listened to what I had to say. I don’t recall
Martha “Martie” Nicholson Livingston ’36
Last year, I started producing Golden City,
tioned documentary, and what do you hope
being bullied or made to feel different.
a documentary about how technology is
you will achieve by exploring the housing
transforming housing and transportation in
and transportation issues in San Francisco?
Do you have a favorite memory from your
Martha “Martie” Nicholson Livingston ’36
her children’s time at Gordon, Mrs. Livingston
“I have fond memories of my time at Gordon.
San Francisco. It’s a shoestring project, but I’ve
When I moved here as part of the first wave of
time at Gordon?
h a s c re at e d a n a m a z i ng legacy acr oss
served as a member of the Board and was the
I remember great friends and teachers there.
already interviewed more than thirty people
dot-com workers, I saw that we were disrupting
I loved exploring the wooded area and creek
Most notably I remember my time with Mrs.
from all walks of life. I think—or hope—that
the city by driving up demand for housing
near the school with friends at every opportunity.
Beverly Bond who tutored me in reading.
I’m about halfway through the production.
and the costs of various services. I’ve seen
Catching and releasing bugs and spotting frogs
ge n e rat i o n s h e r e at G or don Sc hool.
Board Chair from 1963-1964.
HAVING ATTENDED G o r don in the 3 0 s , w h e n it wa s t h e “ o p e n - air school” in
“I think it was because it had so many creative
We would meet in some little comfortable
My plan is to shoot the rest of the interviews
the city change dramatically over time; there
and toads was better than any swing set or
P rovid e n c e , M a r t i e h a s fond memor ies
opportunities that I was anxious to have all the
cubby hole at Gordon to read. She helped turn
over the next several months and launch a
are fewer artists, musicians, small businesses,
jungle-gym. Still, there was one day when I
something that was very hard for me and that
crowdfunding campaign so I can raise the
organizations and others with deep roots in
waded out into the pond next to the school in
I hated (reading) into something I could do
money required for post-production. While
the community. To me, the direction we’re
search of amphibians. I didn’t realize the mud
and enjoy. Thanks to Mrs. Livingston!”
working on the film, I met several journalists,
headed seems unsustainable.
under the water was so deep and thick.
I’m using the skills I picked up in technology
I was hip-deep in the mud when two teachers
—marketing, community development, PR—
in a rowboat extracted me from my predica-
of t h e p e r f o r m i n g a r t s pr ogr am and
kids attend too,” said Mrs. Livingston.
t h e c re at i v e s p i r i t i t e ncour aged in G ord on s t u d e n t s .
Mrs. Livingston’s daughter Mary Bush-Brown
one of whom convinced me to write for
’64 returned to Gordon as an art teacher and “It was different from the usual independent
had the unique opportunity to experience
Mrs. Livingston now loves hearing about
schools because they always had something
Gordon years later in a different role.
Gordon through her great-granddaughter Martha. Continuing in the Livingston tradition,
Since then, I’ve written more than two hundred
to raise awareness about the central issues
ment. I’ll never forget the sucking sound my
Martha is also very interested in arts and music.
articles about my neighborhood, as well as
affecting all of us. My goal is to build a
shoes made as they were left behind in the
educating the whole child, at least in my
“I love the extracurricular opportunities here
some long-form stories that explore a single
community of well-informed people who can
mud. I kept my pants, thankfully!
imaginative, exciting and educational. It was that way when I was in school. It was progressive and always artistic,” she shared.
Hoodline, a neighborhood blog network.
“Gordon does a great job nurturing and experience as a student and teacher. I
at Gordon,” Martha said when asked what she
topic in depth. I’ve really enjoyed working on
add their voice to the ongoing conversation
During a recent visit to Gordon, Mrs. Livingston
obviously think the arts and creative side
values most about her Gordon education.
those pieces; most recently, I wrote a two-part
about where the city is headed.
shared her memories with Head of School
of education is extremely important, to all
story about the history of urban renewal on San
Ralph Wales, her granddaughter and current
children, but especially to those who do not
Francisco’s Fillmore district. I’ve also written
How did your experience at Gordon shape
Hoodline has reshaped my perspective on
parent Sayles Livingston, and Sayles’ daughter
always fit comfortably into a more traditional
top left: Gordon, The Open-Air School, in 1915
about housing and planning, as well as cultural
the person you are today?
San Francisco, so I’m planning to write a novel
Martha, who is currently a sixth grader at Gordon.
classroom experience. So many children in
top right: Martha Livingston ’36 and her great-
stories; my first Hoodline story was about the
One of the values that I most associate with
that’s set in the city. I was initially apprehensive
other schools miss out by not having those
granddaughter Martha.
decline of a video store that had been in
Gordon is the concept of fairness. It’s some-
about taking on such a large project, but
lower right: Students in an outdoor theater
business for thirty-five years.
thing that’s always been important to me, and
if I can make a documentary or write a 8,000-
it informs the way I move through the world.
word news piece, I think I can pull it off.
Music and the arts played a big role in the lives
creative opportunities,” Ms. Bush-Brown said.
of the Livingstons. Martie and Stanley Livings-
performance, circa 1930s.
What are your plans for the future?
Working on Golden City and writing for
ton’s five children, Frederick ’58, Magrieta ’60,
Mrs. Livingston’s granddaughter Sara Livings-
Am I treating others fairly? Am I being treated
Mary ’64, Stanley ’67 and John ’70 all attended
ton Oliveira ’89 especially appreciated the
fairly? No one’s a better judge of fairness than
Gordon, as well as Martie’s brother, three
teachers during her time at Gordon.
a small child, and I always remember that my teachers at Gordon treated me with respect
grandchildren and nieces and nephews. During 10
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al um n i p r o f i l e
a l u m n i prof il e
Madeline Kahn ’12 August Kahn ‘12
Xilian Sansoucy ‘13
M a d e l in e K a h n ’ 1 2 i s a senior at
and resources of religions and faiths and places
book helped me understand the complexity
Xilian Sansoucy ’13 is a Junior at Classical
Consortium Conference, The Nellie Mae Edu-
day, after facilitating a meeting with him, he
B a rrin g t o n H i g h Sc h o ol. She is the co-
them in the light of modern day issues, using
and many dimensions of various issues and
H i g h Sch o o l l o c at e d i n P ro vi d e n c e , RI .
cation Foundation Youth Leadership Institute
asked me if I would be interested in interning
f ou n d e r a n d c o - p r e s i dent of the feminist
this method to promote the intersection of
areas of study. Being able to go to places
S h e i s t h e s t u d e n t C o -C h a i r o n t h e B o a rd
Conference, and ultimately the Rhode Island
at City Hall that summer. I agreed, and became
c l u b at B a r r i n g t o n H i g h Sc hool. She
tradition and progressiveness. Working on
that we learned of in the classroom, such as
o f t h e n o n p ro f i t Y o u n g V o i c e s a n d h a s
Annual Kids Count Factbook Breakfast as the
an intern in the Community Relations Depart-
vol u n t e e r s at M i r i a m Hospital and at
promoting this cross of beliefs, I have recently
Occupy Providence and the Civil Rights land-
re p re s e n t e d t h e Y o u n g V o i c e s p l at f o rm
youth keynote speaker. All of these volunteer
ment, making close relationships with all of
Breakthrough Providence, an organization
been working on promoting productive dialogue
marks in the south, gave me and my fellow
by t e s t i f yi n g t o a l e g i s l at i ve c o mm i t t e e
opportunities supported the push for education
the staff in the Mayor’s office, including State
t h at a i m s t o h e l p s t u d ents, pr imar ily
in my own Jewish community. As of December,
students a grasp of our studies and history that
o n e d u c at i o n . X i l i a n w o rke d w i t h
reform within the Rhode Island public school
Rep. Grace Diaz. We created a special bond
f rom l o w - i n c o m e fa m ilies, pr epar e for
I have started and am leading a Jewish Friday
could not be provided in a traditional class-
G o ve rn o r G i n a R a i m o n d o a n d M ayo r
system since I noticed that there were so many
throughout my internship, ultimately resulting
h igh s c h o o l , a n o p i n i o n piece Madeline
night service that hosts an opportunity for dis-
room setting.
J o rg e E l o rz a o n e d u c at i o n a f t e r t h e i r
faults. Coming from such a privileged school,
in her offering me an internship at the State
w rot e a b o u t s y s t e m i c r acism and white
cussion about issues of anti-racism and White
p rivil e g e wa s p u b l i s h e d in the Pr ov idence
privilege within the Jewish context.
J ou rn a l a n d S h e a n d her b r other ,
e l e c t i o n s , a n d d e l i ve re d t h e ke yn o t e
I felt that it was my destiny to help improve
House next year. I was also promised to
MK: Gordon really instilled a sense of social
a d d re s s at t h i s ye a r’s K i d s C o u n t
the public school system and give back to my
receive a college recommendation letter from
awareness in me at a young age. I remember
g at h e ri n g . S h e s p e n t t h i s pa s t s u mm e r
community, introducing effective learning
the Mayor in the beginning of my senior year.
models that I grew up with at Gordon such as student-centered learning and restorative
What are your plans for the future?
justice.
So far, my plan is to go to Brown University
A u gu s t K a h n ’ 1 2 w e r e then inter v iewed
What inspired you to start the feminist club
participating in many activities that caused
i n t e rn i n g i n M ayo r E l o rz a’s o f f i c e a f t e r
a s pa r t o f t h e “ R a c e I n RI” ser ies.
at your high school?
me to recognize the prominent role of race in
p e rs o n a l ly be i n g i n vi t e d by t h e M ayo r.
MK: Throughout high school, I noticed that my
society and how my whiteness is an advantage.
school rarely ever acknowledged the presence
The concepts my classmates and I learned
A u gu s t K a h n ‘ 1 2 i s a senior at Wheeler
now that the path between high school and
through these activities were difficult to fully
How did your time at Gordon influence what
What has your experience been like as a
my future have aligned. But I’ll still go with the
the school community. I worked with a couple
comprehend at the time, but they laid the
you are doing today?
board member of Youth Voices?
flow and see where life takes me. In terms of
of friends to create the Gender Equality Club.
foundation for my later understanding of white
Transitioning from private to public school
Ever since I was young, I had always loved to
a career, I would like to study international
The club works to create awareness about
privilege, and the ways in which I can use my
was worrisome in the beginning since I hadn’t
share my ideas with people. I did this through
business since I am currently studying Chinese
leading group projects or doing powerpoint
and Spanish. I also want to utilize my networking and public speaking skills.
Sc h ool . H e wa s o n e o f a pair of high
of sexism in society, and specifically within
s c h ool s t u d e n t s w h o or ganized a pub lic in t e rfa i t h p r ay e r s e r v i ce, held in August at the Rhode Island State House. August a l s o vo l u n t e e r s at B r eak thr ough
gender-based inequities both in our society
whiteness to help those who are disadvantaged
attended public school since the first grade.
P rovid e n c e . h e wa s h i r ed ther e as a
and globally, and to destigmatize the word
because of their race.
In my first couple weeks of freshman year, I
presentations back at Gordon. Little did I know
t u t or du r i n g h i s f r e s h man y ear and
“feminist.” The club has created a space that
further developed the good habits that I had
how valuable public speaking was until I spoke
n ow s e r v e s a s a t e a c her .
values discussion and diverse perspectives.
We also held food and clothing drives, and
already created at Gordon: working with teams,
at the Kids Count breakfast. Speaking before
It also challenges me to constantly grow as
took trips into the outside community. Those
organizing my time for studying, joining after
me at the breakfast was Christina Paxson,
a feminist, as well as an activist.
projects and experiences empowered me to
school activities, and making good relation-
the President of my dream college, Brown
realize the good I could do and the impact I
ships with my peers and teachers. I joined the
University. A couple days after the speech, she
could make on a community despite my young
Chinese Club at my school, and within months,
followed up with me and congratulated me on my performance, offering herself as a resource
How has your volunteer work in the community inspired you?
AK: For me, working at Breakthrough as a tutor
How did your experience at Gordon shape
and as a teacher helped me become more
the person you are today?
age. Gordon equipped me with a fundamental
I became the Co-President. My job was to
aware of current, local issues and inequities,
AK: Gordon’s value in integrating diversity-
recognition of social injustice, and inspired me
teach other high school students beginner level
for my future college endeavors. Later during
such as the education disparity among youth
based issues within all aspects of the curricu-
to advocate for change.
Chinese, which ultimately caught the attention
the summer, I got a full scholarship through
in Providence. It has helped me understand
lum gave me the ability to see these issues as
of some of my teachers since I was only a
Young Voices to participate in the two-week
the many dimensions and perceptions of
complex and all-encompassing. I was able to
What are your plans for the future?
freshman.
overnight Leadership Institute at Brown
Providence and the Rhode Island community.
understand how these issues reach beyond one
MK: I will continue being an active voice in the
I thenbecame involved in multicultural organi-
class and can be applied to all areas of study.
community whether it be through community
A friend also introduced me to an after school
and Engagement. I followed up with the
zations such as the Queer-Straight Alliance and
This helped me develop my sense of empathy,
service, continuing to write about social
organization called, Young Voices. What
university President and she invited me to her office for tea where we ending up conversing
University, where I studied Global Leadership
the White Anti-Racist Ally Group. As a senior,
which made me realize that issues of prejudice
injustice, or both. As I continue my education
attracted me to this youth leadership program
I also started an affinity group at Wheeler for
and oppression are constantly addressed by
into college, I know I will be involved in many
was that it reminded me so much of my
for a half hour! I still remember, to this day, how
LGBTQ+ students and faculty. I was inspired to
many. In addition, Gordon’s approach to
organizations and other activities that focus
experience at Gordon. I started going to Young
she embraced me and told me how proud she
open dialogue surrounding issues beyond the
student-centered experiential learning helped
on social consciousness and activism.
Voices every week, and was soon given
was of my accomplishments. She even told me
opportunities throughout my high school
to let her know when I apply to Brown, something I never dreamed would happen to me.
scope of queer issues and anti-racist allyship.
me see the impact that an individual can make
A friend and I worked closely this year to pro-
in a community. Being able to directly help
AK: So far, no real future plans are set. I hope
career to speak publicly at Providence College,
mote open and productive interfaith dialogue
certain causes, through programs such as
to continue to follow my interests in college. I
the volunteer committee (including Barnaby
surrounding issues of faith-based prejudice and
service learning, empowered me and my
have recently been pursuing an interest Yiddish
Evans) at WaterFire, the Providence After
Through Young Voices, I also had the opportunity to work with the Mayor of Providence after we formed the Providence Youth Caucus. One
privilege. Together, we created an interfaith
desire to contribute to social justice causes.
studies and linguistics and I hope to continue
School Alliance, the Rhode Island Department
group at Wheeler that examines various texts
Lastly, seeing the curriculum beyond the text-
my research of these areas after high school.
of Education, the New England Second School
12
13
GORDON
giving matters
“Supporting Gordon seems like a pretty small way to pay back a school that did so much to open up the world to me. That I became a Gordon parent makes it even more special.” Ted Widmer ’76
Five alumni on why they support Gordon annually
“Gordon nurtured a lifelong love of learning
Alumni give back for a variety of reasons
“As a class of 1966 alumna, I continue to
and an urge to help others. I often think of
annually support Gordon financially and also
—to express gratitude for their Gordon
our inspiring and supportive teachers. When
remain actively involved as a member of the
I hear about what’s happening at Gordon
Head’s Advisory Council. I do so not because
experience, to support students currently
enrolled or to honor a teacher that made
currently, I know the school is as strong as
of any students who are relatives, but because
ever, fostering inquisitive and compassionate
of my love for this wonderful school and the
young minds. I’m grateful for the type of
ongoing gratitude I have for the dedicated
person Gordon helped me to become, and
teachers who made my experience there so
feel compelled to support this school and
nurturing and supportive, and the source
a lasting impact in their life. No matter the
community that has done so much for me
of inspiration and desire to learn at so many
by donating to the Gordon Fund each year.”
levels. I designate the funds which I donate
reason, alumni participation in the Gordon
Merebea Danforth ’98
for financial aid, as I want to play at least some role in the ability of deserving children
Fund makes a real difference each year.
“I support the Gordon Fund because I believe
to attend this unique school, thrive from that
in the philosophy and mission around Gordon
experience, and to have the opportunities
We invite you to give to the Gordon Fund
and share your reason for supporting your
Athletics in Middle School. Without the
which I was so fortunate to be given while I
athletics program I would never have felt safe
was a student at Gordon.”
enough to try being a goalie for a field hockey
Becky Book ’66
team for the very first time. The encouragement and support for me throughout my years at
“My fond memories as a student are what
former school. We want to hear from you!
Gordon School have helped shape my strong
drew me back to Gordon in recent years,
field hockey career in high school.”
but it was the new connections I’ve made
Join the more than one hundred twenty-five
Brooke Mongeon ’13
that reinvigorated my love for the school. Supporting the vision of Gordon is a way
alumni that have already supported the school
“At Gordon I was encouraged to continue
to help create lasting memories for current
to strive and be creative with my artwork,
students and that will keep me here for a
this year and show your Gordon pride.
and was inspired to do more with my talents.
lifetime.”
I give back to Gordon so the art community
Isaiah Osofisan ’00
can continue to help kids express themselves in creative ways.” Jazmyn Johnson ’06
Visit
www.gordonschool.org/alumnigiving
to make your gift and see other alumni reflections.
14
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class notes SPRIN G
2 0 1 6
Class Agents
5Os
7Os
OOs
Malcolm Farmer, III ’51 was honored with
Ted Widmer ’76 is a senior fellow at the Carn-
Caroline Hunt Ruggles ’01 writes:
Dana’s first year teaching and my third year
Anna Mack ’05 writes: “Last year, I lived
Family Service of RI’s Brighter Futures award in
egie Council for Ethics in International Affairs,
“I married Tyler Ruggles in Colorado. Annie
teaching. It feels incredible that my sister
in China doing research on disability rights
October for his contribution to the well-being
and was a guest on BBC Newsday, for the story
White ’87 officiated the ceremony and Ethan
has joined us in our mission to provide high-
advocacy with a Fulbright research fellowship.
quality, rigorous and joyful education to all
I have since moved to Washington, DC where
1987
of children. Farmer is a Providence lawyer
“Immigration Debate ‘Demonising’ People?”
Wolston ’01 and Sophie Danforth ’01 were
Sarah Funke Butler
who has returned to Gordon to speak with the
He was asked to weigh in on the topic of
there, both from my class. Poo White was
students. This picture is a testament to the stake
I work at a management consulting firm that
1997
eighth grade about his time volunteering dur-
Theresa May, the British Home Secretary,
also there.”
that our school is pounding in the ground. It
specializes in diversity and inclusion consulting.”
ing the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi
and her concern that high levels of immigra-
in the early 1960s.
tion make it “impossible to build a cohesive
“I’m now living in Geneva, Switzerland. We
generations of educators and scholars in
Liam Miner ’05 writes: “I am currently
society” and whether her comments mirror a
moved here because husband is working at
Brooklyn.” photo 4
preparing to move to Amsterdam, where I will
similar debate in the United States.
CERN doing physics research with the Large
Rob Glancy
1998
Merebea Danforth
1999
Georgia Mischak Nick Wall
2000
Isaiah Osofisan
2001
Rebecca Nelson
2003
Carlin O’Donnell
2004
Maggie Moran
6Os
spend at least a year consulting for a software
Hadron Collider. I am teaching at a large inter-
Allie Ziino Hicks ’03 writes: “I live in Dela-
company. I am incredibly excited about the
8Os
national boarding and day school in Geneva
ware with my husband. I work as an adoption
opportunity to live in Europe, and I’ll send in
where students come from all over the world.
social worker, finding families for children
some pictures from my many trips around the
Talk about multicultural education—I hear ten
available for adoption. My husband and I
continent!”
great trip to Istanbul in November. Both trips
Valerie G. Gates ’80 is Creative Director with
different languages every day. I have students
welcomed our daughter Isabella in January
were aimed at economic development within
Gates Studio, a design firm in Boston, online
from India and Pakistan in the same class-
2015! I miss the Gators!”
the world of handmade rugs, connecting Amer-
at www.gatestudio.com. photo 2
room, doing their environmental science labs side by side. It’s incredible. I’m teaching in
Britton Kroessler ’03 has had a busy year,
and caught up with Middle School Director
and with carpet exporters in Turkey. The expe-
Deborah Forman ’83 had her second book,
English but working hard to learn French, as
completing the RISD CE Graphic Design
Lynn Bowman. photo 5
riences were diverse as could be and included
Color Lab for Mixed Media Artists, published
it’s the primary language in Geneva. We are
Certificate program in July, serving as a RISD
traveling to and from the Kabul airport in a bul-
in November, and her son is in third grade at
loving being in the center of Europe, and the
TA in the fall, working a small tech company
Coby Unger ’05 writes: “I live in Pondicherry,
letproof car, a dinner cruise on the Bosphorus,
Gordon.
Alps.”
that was acquired by AS220 Industries, and
India now and work as a designer for a
playing hockey on RISD’s team. “Other than
company that makes clean cooking stoves.
Emmett Barnacle ’03 writes: “I received my
that,” he writes, “I’ve been keeping myself
In my free time I am riding motorcycles, baking
BFA from RISD in the glass department in
busy with freelance work and a multitude of
bagels, and struggling with learning the local
2014. Now, I am working on my own work
projects and endeavors.”
languages. In June I made a quick visit to DC
Roz Rustigian ’65 writes: “I went to Afghanistan in March with a stop in Dubai and had a
ican retailers with loom owners in Afghanistan
2005
a hotel room with no windows and concrete
Liam Miner
walls, and a magnificent cocktail party in
Sarah Funke Butler ’87 writes “I have a new
2010
celebration of the artistic accomplishments
year’s resolution: to keep in touch with my
of young Turkish textile students.” photo 1
Gordon classmates and fellow alums! I’m
Emma Ruhl Charlotte Whalen
symbolizes the legacy we are cultivating within
happy to hear from you at sarahfunkebutler@ gmail.com. Meanwhile, let me know if you are in or passing through New York and would
Interested in becoming a
like to see an amazing exhibit of unique manu-
class agent and managing
scripts, letters, and more, relating to the history
updates for your class?
of feminism in the US. “Women Take the Lead:
Call Lauren Jordan at
Elizabeth Cady Stanton to Eleanor Roosevelt, Suffrage to Human Rights,” now up at
401-434-3833x119
Roosevelt House through May, was adapted from my pop-up exhibit last fall: ‘No Gate, No
for more information. 3
Lock, No Bolt’: the Dobkin Family Collection
Alex Picerne ’05 returned to Gordon in the fall to see the Middle School production of Holes
to present a prosthetic arm that I designed in
in a studio in Pawtucket and doing freelance glass work with artists in the Rhode Island
Bethany Pine ’03 writes: “In May, I graduated
collaboration with a nine-year-old boy at the
area. This year my brother and I bought a
from Simmons College with my Masters in
White House National Week of Making.”
multi-family house in Fox Point, keeping the
Special Education. I received the Mary Carlyle
photo 6
real estate connection in the Lapides/Barnacle
Holmes Award for a commitment to diversity,
family strong.” Emmett’s website is
inclusive education, and the philosophy
Jazmyn Johnson ’06 launched her new fashion
emmettbarnacle.com.
that all children can learn. Currently, I am
line and website in September, Jazmytaz,
enjoying teaching my fourth grade students
featuring unique handmade masks and jewelry.
Sarah Engle ’03 writes: “Dana Engle ’07 and I
in Winchester, MA. In my free time I continue
She held a fashion show called “Dare to be
work at an elementary school called Leader-
to compete in Spartan Races throughout the
Different” on September 19, 2015 at the Rhode
ship Prep Ocean Hill in Brooklyn, NY. This is
Northeast.”
Island Convention Center and was featured in
of Feminist History. photo 3 16
17
1
2
3
4
the Sunday Providence Journal. A portion of
classified materials are restricted, students
Jared M. Donaldson ’11 competed in the US
Sachie Springwater ’11 was one of two to win
Natasha Markov-Riss ’12 received the 2015
Natasha Markov-Riss ’12 and Chase Penhal-
the proceeds from Jazmytaz are directed to-
cannot study outside of the classroom and are
Open for the second consecutive year. He lost
Lincoln School’s Constance Witherby Senior
General Treasurer’s Young Leader Award
lurick ’12.
wards programs that help to prevent violence
restricted from leaving the training building.
his match, but he is being recognized as an
Poetry Award, honoring her contributions to
at Wheeler School “awarded to a junior for
and support non-profit youth programs.
photo 2
up-and-coming American star in USA Today
student publications over the past three years.
outstanding achievement in math, economics,
Andrew Binder ’13 was one of two Moses
and business-related courses, active in her
Brown sophomores who won awards for their
Katharine Templeton ’11 received Wheeler’s
community, who is a school leader and
work in the visual arts last spring.
Lt. Governor Daniel McKee Leadership Award.
embodies an entrepreneurial spirit.”
and the New York Times. Noah Fox ’07 is finishing his masters at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA then moving to Pasadena, CA to begin his
1Os
Trevor Dorman ’11 received the Claiborne Pell
Emily Elder ’12, a senior at Lincoln School,
Ping Promrat ’12 had a poem featured in the
Billy Costello ’13 was named to the 2015
Award at Wheeler. He was also selected as a
ALL-USA Rhode Island football team.
Benjamin Fox ’10 will be attending Brown
member of the Dartmouth Aires, Dartmouth
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. He will pick
University this January, concentrating in
College’s oldest a cappella group and one of
will be attending Williams College in the fall
white paper Beyond Tomboys, Sissies, and
up where he left off with his summer internship
Architectural Studies.
the nation’s premiere performing ensembles.
of 2016. She was also named a 2015 SENE
‘That’s So Gay’: New Ways to Think About
Ruby Schnirman ‘13 received a bronze
All-League selection in soccer this fall.
Gender and Sexuality in PreK-12 Education.
medal for language and literature, and Margot
Allie Fuller ’10 is a sophomore at Connecticut
Manya Glassman ’11 was one of five students
The poem was entitled “Learning to Love
Chisholm ’13 received a silver in language and
Vanessa Garcia ’12 was awarded the American Singing” and was written by Ping when he History Palmer Prize at Moses Brown.
was in seventh grade at Gordon.
Wheeler seniors Jonathan Gunasti ’12,
Adam Romano ’12 is the 6’5” quarterback
professional career as a mechanical engineer at
and continue to work with a team of engineers working on a robotic arm for the Mars Rover.
College. She plays varsity squash for the
who received the John Milton Payne II Prize for
Corrine Barrett ’08 (above, third from left)
Camels in the NESCAC conference. The Camels
Excellence in English at Moses Brown. Manya
donned her Gordon sweatshirt before a recent
opened their season at Harvard on November
is now a freshman at Providence College.
literature, a bronze in art, and a bronze in the essay, as part of Wheeler’s team at the Rhode Island Academic Decathlon.
skydiving adventure, flying the Gordon colors
22 against Northeastern and Boston College.
while dropping 17,000 feet above Monterey,
Margot Creamer ’10, a sophomore at Harvard
Artym Hayda ’11 was part of the pair that won
Kass Hofmann ’12, Emily Larson ’12, and
for Moses Brown, the defending Rhode Island
Madison Kelly ’13 was selected to attend
and a close friend of Allie’s since kindergarten,
the gold medal in Men’s Lightweight Doubles
Chase Penhallurick ’12 were named as
Division II champions. He was featured in the
the highly competitive New England Young
came to cheer Allie on to her victory. Allie is
at the US Rowing Youth National Champion-
National Merit Semifinalists. They are among
Providence Journal’s fall high school football
Writers’ Conference on Middlebury College’s
currently six and one for the season and the
ship in Florida this past June.
the 16,000 academically talented high school
preview. Adam was at the top of the passing
Bread Loaf Campus last May.
seniors who were selected from across the
leaders list and had already thrown for 504
country.
yards. “He is such a great young man to
Natalie Landau ’13 received a number of
CA. photo 1 Gavin Fuller ’08 Gavin’s Service Selection at the U.S. Naval Academy for the Class of 2016
Camels are ranked 26th in the country. photo 3 Daniele Michaud ’11 was featured in Girls
was held on November 19, 2015. A major milestone in their career at the academy, 1,077 first-class (senior) midshipmen opened letters containing the information that will define their
Sherry Romanzi ’10 was on the team of com-
Rock! Rhode Island’s On The Mic series of
coach,” said Moses Brown coach Willie
athletics honors throughout the past year,
posers and lyricists for the Princeton Triangle
interviews, speaking about her experience
Kass Hofmann ’12 was one of two Wheeler
Edwards. “He’s a great leader and he comes
including the 2015 COX Rhode Island Sports
Club’s annual production this November.
volunteering as a youth leader and music
students to receive the 2015 Society of Women
to work every day.” He was also named to the
Award for Girls Soccer and a 2015 SENE
instructor at the organization’s summer camps.
Engineers Award.
2015 ALL-USA Rhode Island football team.
All-League selection in soccer. Natalie was
pictured above at Parent’s Weekend at
Jamie Pine ’11 received the David N. Cicilline
Emily Larson ’12 and Amy Vogel ’12 were
Meg Schimelpfenig ’12 directed Moses Brown’s
All-Star. She broke a Lincoln School record
Connecticut College. photo 4
Congressional Leadership Award at Lincoln
two of the nine members of Wheeler School’s
recent production of Our Town, half of a
with 38 goals this season.
School’s graduation. She is now a freshman at
Cosmos Club which was “highly commended”
theatrical double-header with Much Ado About
Colby College.
by the judges of the CERN beamline competi-
Nothing that also included Lex Majoros ’13
This fall, Brooke Mongeon ’13, a junior at
tion, a global contest in which aspiring particle
and Naz Britton ’15 in the cast.
Rocky Hill, was named to the first team for
lives in the fleet. Gavin will be taking the nuclear option as an officer aboard a submarine. The next step for Gavin, upon graduation and commissioning in May 2016, will be to begin pursuing a nuclear engineering master’s degree. The nuclear program is widely acknowledged as having the most demanding
also named a 2015 NEPSAC Varsity Soccer
Emma Ruhl ’10 and Sarah Steingold ’10
Meghan Wales ’10 has joined the popular Tufts University sketch comedy troupe The Institute.
Division II Field Hockey.
academic program in the U.S. military. The
Ezra Rice ’11 was one of two Wheeler students
physicists design their own experiments. Emily
school operates at a fast pace, with stringent
Lily Clayton ’11, a freshman at George Wash-
to receive their Secretary of State Award for
also took one of five Junior Awards at Wheeler
Amy Vogel ’12 won first prize for her poetry
academic standards in all subjects. Students
ington University, received Wheeler’s First
“leadership in school government or other
School given for “positive contributions to
in this year’s Rhode Island Council of Teachers
Ali Blanchard ’14 was nominated as Gatorade
Congressional District Leadership Award for
community organizations, demonstrated
classes, being a positive role model for peers
of English Awards. She was also one of the six
Player of the Year for high school softball, a
“academic achievement, leadership abilities,
commitment to principal of civics, and ability
in classes, invested in learning and scholarship, Gordon alumni named to Wheeler’s Cum
and community service.”
to inspire others to get involved in leadership,
intellectual curiosity, breadth of knowledge
Laude Society this spring: Jonathan Gunasti
public service and academic achievement.”
and significant academic achievement.”
’12, Kass Hofmann ’12, Emily Larson ’12,
typically spend 45 hours per week in the classroom, and are required to study an additional 10 to 35 hours per week outside of lecture hours, five days per week. Because the
18
tremendous honor for a freshman, and named All Division First Team.
19
Theater Update
Courtney Breen ’14 was honored at the Hotch-
Brown, the defending Division I state field
kiss School with the Upson Prize last spring;
hockey champions, beat La Salle.
Visit
of only two major school prizes given out
Brian Donahue ’15 was featured in the
Gordon School
to the entire ninth grade class, awarded for
Barrington Times sports section as a member
scholarship, athletics and citizenship combined.
of the Barrington High School boys cross
A huge honor and a well-deserved one at that.
country team. Barrington is currently ranked
Her kindness and generosity of spirit has added
fourth in the state and Brian was mentioned
great depth to our community.”
as one of the team’s talented runners. In
as her field hockey coach explained, “It’s one
September, Brian placed first in the Vineyard Rio Holzwarth ’14 was the starting center mid-
Invitational’s 3K freshman event.
fielder for the Moses Brown Varsity Boys Soccer team. The team finished first in Division II
Sam Yelnosky ’15, a freshman on the Wheeler
of the RI Interscholastic League with an unde-
Cross Country team, placed sixth in the
feated regular season and advanced all the way
freshman race at the Ocean State Invitational.
to the state championship final where they
The invitational has over thirty schools
eventually lost 1-0 in double overtime. Rio was
competing with upwards of one hundred and
named to the State Championship All Tourna-
fifty kids in each race.
online
facebook.com/thegordonschool
Holes
@GordonSchool
for the cast and crew. Holes had also been performed at Gordon in 2009. The adaptation of
w w w. g o rd o n s c h o o l . o r g
@gordonschool
In November, the Middle School performed Holes, the culmination of two months of rehearsal Louis Sachar’s novel Holes was showcased for students and parents four times over three days. It was also the public debut of the work of almost thirty seventh and eighth graders in the twiceweekly Ready…Set…Design! elective. From sketching the set models to creating them in 3D and culminating in the building and painting of the actual set, the students led the entire process.
ment Team as well as First Team All Division while leading the Moses Brown team in scoring with 13 goals.
Prize, given annually “to a member of the
Join us!
Lower School who has demonstrated excep-
Gordon Gala
At the Groton School’s graduation last June, An Nguyen ’14 was awarded the Fels Science
tional enthusiasm for, and proficiency in, the
In February, the third and fourth grade
Saturday, April 16, 2016, 7pm
experimental aspects of scientific inquiry.”
performed Little Big State. Little Big State is
Katie White ’14, along with Emily Elder ’12, Kara-Berlin Gallo ’13 and ten other Lincoln School students, is beginning a trimester-long
Gordon GCA Carnival
a world premiere, written this fall by Brad
Saturday, May 21, 2016, 10am
Wilson, a graduate student in the Brown
C J B u c k l e y E x p e r i e n t i al
weekend intensive course around challenges
Learning Night
facing women in India, as well as the broader
Thursday, June 2, 2016, 5:30pm
social, political, and historical context in which they find themselves, in preparation for
Y o u n g A l u mn i R e u n i o n
a ten-day program in India in partnership with
Saturday, June 4, 2016, 5-7pm
the World Leadership School. Over the March
RSVP at www.gordonschool.org/
break, they will visit Mumbai and the Dharavi
youngalum
slum, and will stay with host families in the village of Chinchoti.
C o mme n c e me n t
Wednesday, June 8, 2016, 5:30pm
Kari Buonanno ’15 was featured in the Provi-
Little Big State
University / Trinity Rep Masters of Fine Arts program. The tone of the script is light, but this is provocative subject matter for these students, who study the European colonization of New England throughout third grade. The idea of writing for Gordon was suggested by Wilson’s mentor, Deborah Salem Smith, a Gordon parent who is also Trinity Rep’s playwrightin-residence. This opportunity to produce a new script, fresh from the author’s hands, is a natural next step in a series of exchanges between Gordon and the Brown / Trinity Rep program. It is also a reflection of a long-stand-
dence Journal’s Game of the Day and named
ing approach to literature at Gordon, where
Gametime Athlete of the week after scoring the
teachers seize every opportunity they have to
only goal in the game as her team, Moses
demystify the writing process. See also page 4. 20
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