Alumni Connection 2016

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.

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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!

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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

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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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5

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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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All of these links, and more, are online at gordonschool.org/media