The River: 2015 - 2016 Edition

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ANNUAL

MAGAZINE

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GRAND

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ACADEMY

Productive Growth Center

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Teaching Boys Effectively

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Champions On & Off the Field

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Good Luck, Mr. Wooding! p.15 Name That Tune

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and more...

2015 - 2016

FROM THE HEADMASTER As I reflect upon the 2015 - 2016 school year, I cannot believe how much the students, community, and buildings themselves continue to grow and change in such positive ways.

This was the first year with the addition of an eighth grade. While traveling in a cohort group for classes, these students were able to form close friendships and also interact during student life activities with upperclassmen.

The athletic year was definitely eventful for Grand River Academy. Sports started strong with our soccer team achieving accomplishments both on and off the field.

It remained strong during the lengthy winter with our students’ dedication to both basketball and wrestling, and concluded with an amazing finish by our baseball team earning the championship thanks to their hard work and perseverance. I’m so proud of how our students can come together and work hard. They showed that even with a rough start to the baseball season, they improved and looked toward the end goal – and achieved it! That’s a true embodiment of what we aim to teach each individual young man here on campus.

Not only were students busy on campus, but GRA made many physical changes.

These changes include renovating the Knowledge Commons at Gates Library to encourage collaboration amongst students working in group settings, updating the equipment and the space in the weight room and fitness center, and remodeling bathrooms in Shepard, North, and West Hall. One of my favorites this past year is the creation of the Productive Growth Center. This space is a unique area where students can work with counselors in a hand-tool wood workshop. If you haven’t been on campus in the past few years, I welcome you to visit.

The pictures in this magazine only partially capture the beauty and purpose of the space, which is located in the lower level of Shepard Hall.

We welcomed many current families, alumni, and friends to campus this past year as well. In October, we celebrated Fall Family and Friends Day along with the Bud Field Hall of Excellence Ceremony. While the weather was cold and rainy, many braved the elements to check out campus and to meet new and former students of the Academy. It was great to see so much reminiscing. We welcomed guests again for our Spring Family and Friends Day and the Grand River Gala.

This second gala raised over $60,000 for the Blue and White Fund.

The end of the year was a busy time on campus, with the many celebrations surrounding graduation and preparing our seniors for the next step in the path after GRA. Along with graduation, we also hosted our Alumni Weekend during that time, including traveling off-campus and hosting a special brunch. It was wonderful to welcome so many families, both current and past, to celebrate what I see as the culmination of our students’ and teachers’ journey together. I look forward to this continued tradition.

This coming year I anticipate continuing with this momentum, including campus enhancements and programming growth. This will be seen with a reinvigoration of student life, the introduction of the Winter Term, and added features to our Rites of Passage. Here at GRA, we’re dedicated to developing the total young men - academically, emotionally, and socially. It’s my goal that we’re working together to achieve that for the success of our students both during their time here and in their journeys after graduation.

Onward, Tim Viands, Headmaster

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Pictured Above: GRA retiree Mrs. Pam Wooding shares memories of the past year with Seniors Dylan Porter, Rodrigo Pascazio, and Pedro Fernandes.

ABOUT THE COVER This image, captured during a rainy 2015 soccer match, epitomizes the spirit of teamwork and high energy maintained by student athletes, not only during the fall sports season, but throughout the entire year.

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Meet the Board Mr. James J. Aveni, P’10 Mrs. Susan E. Baker, P’08 Mr. Blair Campomizzi Dr. John E. DeCato, ‘80 Mr. Robert Fritz, P’88, P’93 Mr. Edward G. Puhl, ‘70 Mr. Steven R. Schoneman, P’07 - Board Chair Mrs. Sharon Tiknis, P’08

Trustee Emeritus

Mr. Mark F. Polzin, P’95 Mr. Richard C. Rose Mr. E. Terry Warren

ISSUE 1 FEATURE STORIES

Productive Growth Center Campus Updates

3 IN THE CLASSROOM

Teaching Boys Effectively

5 IN THE GAME Champions On and Off the Field

Preparing for Collegiate Athletics

7 AROUND THE GLOBE

One Small Campus, Worldwide Reach

9 ON & OFF CAMPUS

GRA Travels the Country Class of 2016

11 IN RECOGNITION

Bud Field Hall of Excellence 2015 - 2016 Student Award Winners

15 FROM THE FACULTY

Celebrating Mr. John Wooding 17 IN THE COMMUNITY

By the Numbers Big Brothers Big Sisters

19 ALUMNI, ADVOCATES & AMBASSADORS

Outstanding Advocate & Ambassador Traditions at GRA & Alumni Notes

23 A CULTURE OF PHILANTHROPY Name That Tune

2016 Grand River Gala Blue and White Fund Surpasses Goal

Annual Report on Philanthropy

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Productive Growth Center Unveiled during the 2015 Fall Family and Friends Day, the Productive Growth Center provides opportunities for students to grow emotionally in a dedicated space for individual and group counseling, as well as an interactive and recreational component with a hand-tool wood workshop.

The Center teaches the value of hands-on, project-based activities within counseling sessions and how to integrate these skills directly into recreational and social activities, acclimating young men to focus their energy in a productive and positive manner, while empowering them to identify ways to transfer these skills into everyday life.

Led by GRA Counselor and Faculty Mr. Thomas Polak, the Center engages the whole person and demands both focus and physical activity when wood-working with hand-tools. Mr. Polak shares, “the aim of the Center is to use the tradition of woodcraft and combine it with talk therapy, as a non-traditional mode of counseling. This kind of wholesome activity builds relationships, and when the hands start moving, often times, conversation naturally follows.�

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There is also a benefit from the Center that assists with developing how students complete larger tasks.

Approaching a project initially in the Productive Growth Center engages much of the brain, and the student has to break down and consider each part of the project to see how those parts fit into the whole. A knowledge is necessary to complete each stage of production, along with the knowledge of the tools involved, such as what is the best tool, and how to best use it. This provides an opportunity for learning, development, and growth as a young man envisions the end result and must create a detailed list of steps to complete the project.

The dedication to complete the project and to see and feel the finished result can provide positive self-affirmation and can be applied to other areas of a young man’s life.

Headmaster Tim Viands shares, “The Productive Growth Center allows for additional support while teaching skills that will continue to benefit the student throughout his time at the Academy and after.”

Mr. Thomas Polak adds, “With the availability of a hand tool workshop, students can individually and collectively complete purposeful projects that impact not only their emotional growth, but the campus community as a whole.”

A year of projects at GRA In addition to enhanced academic programming and the creation of the Productive Growth Center, renovated learning and recreational spaces included the Knowledge Commons at Gates Library, weight room, fitness center, and dorm bathrooms (pictured on the right side from top to bottom).

These projects were funded through the generosity of donors to GRA’s Blue & White Fund, alongside leadership gifts from the Class of 2015 families, and alumni parents.

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HOW B OYS LEARN B EST IN THE CLASSROOM LEARNING TAILORED TO THE MALE BRAIN There is something missing around Grand River Academy’s campus – girls! While the academy did accept females for day school throughout its 185 year history, it has been an all-boys boarding and day school since the early 1990’s with a dedicated mission to single-gender education and the benefits for the young men who attend.

From differences in chemistry, spacial and mechanical functioning, sensory processing, to periods of rest needed, male brains are different than female brains. Knowing these differences in how information is processed and how knowledge is retained is something that is crucial for faculty in a single-gender classroom, especially during the critical teenage years. GRA teachers are able to tailor their classrooms to the benefit of male teenagers to encourage growth and to discover a passion for learning in a way that is positive. This past year, even more tools have been incorporated into the classroom for GRA students.

Studies show that incorporating movement and hands-on learning components can have positive impacts on boy’s learning. For example, GRA has incorporated the use of exercise balls in place of chairs as an option, as well as the use of standing desks in the Foundations Learning Program. Foundations Learning Program Coordinator Mrs. Shannon Farrell utilizes multiple sitting and standing variations during her class. She has seen that, “Blocking off the class into sections of time can help our students focus more on the task directly at hand.” Other teachers encourage students to stand, if needed, during lectures, changing the scenery (holding class outside when weather allows), or use of fidget tools.

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Check out what makes the male brain different from the female brain!

One final teaching concept encouraged

by Headmaster Tim Viands is the Harkness Table Concept that encourages the use of smaller classes (like those at GRA) to gather around a meeting table versus a typical classroom with desks.

This is being successfully utilized in English teacher Mrs. Sarah Carrel’s classroom. It encourages discussion among students with their respective teacher.

This flexibility in the classroom allows for more student engagement. Our young men discover subjects they are passionate about and learn the tools needed for success in the classroom, which ultimately assists them as they continue their journey to college and beyond.

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IN THE G AME

Champions on and off the field The GRA victory bell rang loudly during both the fall and spring athletic seasons, courtesy of the Grand River Academy soccer and baseball teams. After placing second in the the Lake Effect Conference championships, the soccer team was awarded the 2015 Fall High School Team Ethics and Sportsmanship Award from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). This award is presented to teams that have shown exemplary ethics and sportsmanship on the field, measured by the use of yellow cards (cautionary) and red cards (ejection) shown by referees throughout the season. Grand River Academy is one of forty teams nationwide to receive this award.

Preparing for College ATHLETICS During Spring Family & Friends Day, Grand River Academy had the honor of watching two players sign their commitment to play sports at the collegiate level. Brian Kennedy ’16 (left) signed to play baseball for St. Norbert College and Shuya Takehana PG’16 (right) signed to play soccer for Penn State Behrend.

We look forward to hearing about their continued successes in the coming years!

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Soccer Coach Frank Shreve feels that earning this award “really speaks to the sportsmanship and respect for the laws of the game our boys hold in high regards.

It represents the character of the GRA soccer program and our student body.”

This award is in addition to being recognized for their performance in the classroom earlier in the season. The soccer team was one of 398 teams nationwide (150 boys, 248 girls) recognized for exemplary performance in the classroom as a team by the NSCAA. The team must have a minimum grade point average of 3.25 for the entire academic year.

This momentum carried toward the end of the year with the GRA baseball team capturing the Lake Effect Conference title for the third time in five years. The Eagles finished a four-game winning streak with a victory against Lawrence School claiming the championship after a rocky start to the regular season.

Baseball Coach Ballentine stated, “I know the talent our team has, both as individuals and together as a team and it was just a matter of putting it all together. The players got hot at the right time and had an impressive tournament. Our athletes approached the tournament with a dedication to win, even against teams the Eagles fell to during regular season play. ” Coach Ballentine adds, “It takes commitment, perseverance, and teamwork from the students to succeed. These awards and accomplishments are just another example of how our students are maturing and developing both inside and outside of the classroom.”

Top Left: Zak Burke ‘18 prepares for a pitch. Pictured from top to bottom: (1) Brian Kennedy ‘16 winds up for a throw. His season also included a no-hitter! (2) Shuya Takehana ‘PG16 and Pedro Fernandes ‘16 celebrate a goal (3) Andrew Morro ‘16 prepares to bat (4) Joe Ferrante ‘16 is seen handling the ball during a soccer match

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AROUND THE G LO B E

One Small Campus, Worldwide Reach From China to Brazil and Texas to Pennsylvania, Grand River Academy welcomed students from 13 different countries and 18 different states during the 2015 - 2016 school year.

Having a diverse campus allows students and faculty alike to learn about world cultures and traditions, as well as how to best communicate and collaborate in the classroom, in the dorm, and during social activities.

Each of these opportunities for engagement with students from around the world better prepares all GRA graduates for the university level.

International Student Coordinator Mrs. Angela Thomas shares, “At the beginning of each year, I do an activity with the new international students - I ask two of them to take off one shoe. Then I ask the students to take a few moments and note the differences and similarities between the shoes. In all the years I have done this activity, the results have been the same....though we quickly notice the differences, we begin to see how very similar the two shoes are.�

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She continues, “In many cases, we have listed more similarities than differences. Though we immediately see the differences between us (looks, language etc.), as we spend time getting to know our international students, we see how very much they are alike. These are teenage boys with similar interests, learning styles and future goals who also benefit from GRA’s 360° approach in developing our boys academically, emotionally, and socially.”

Each year is full of anticipation and excitement for what’s to come. It is always rewarding to witness friendships forming and brotherly bonds made for life. The continued increase in use of social media, such as Facebook, Watsapp, WeChat, and Viber immensely helps GRA remain in close contact with all of our students’ families from around the world. No matter where GRA students are from, they are all part of the elite brotherhood of the Academy!

Top left: Students host a party to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

Pictured from left to right clockwise: (1) Cultural field trips to practice speaking skills included a fall trip to Amish country (2) Chef Jose Cabatingan of AVI Fresh assisting students in a featured month meal (3) Director of Admission and Financial Aid Peter Wickman with wife Madeline and GRA students participated in a local road race one weekend morning. (4) Alp Ulker ’19 with students from Austinburg Elementary

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ON & OFF CAM P US On the Road Again Alongside Austin the Eagle, members of the Grand River Academy family hit the open road during the 20152016 school year, traveling across the United States while sharing the mission of GRA. Alumni, current families, retired faculty, and prospective families welcomed the GRA team not only to their cities, but also their homes and favorite local spots to reminisce, share stories, and learn about current campus happenings. From San Francisco to Chicago, and Phoenix to Columbus, Austin the Eagle was spotted everywhere (pictured below in Texas and Columbus, Ohio)!

Assistant Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations David Thomas ‘11 shared, “With the opportunity to meet so many friends of the Academy, both here on campus and across the country, we have been given a unique and exciting vantage point of our school. The hopes each student has, in addition to the desires and dreams of their families, is the same now as it was when I was a student here. A connection to GRA is forever, regardless of where the extended GRA family resides.”

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Congratulations Class of 2016!

On Saturday, May 27, 2016, Grand River Academy was excited to welcome 36 graduates to the Alumni Association. In continuing with the 100% college placement rate, our graduates were offered over $730,000 in scholarships combined. The Class of 2016 also boasts five students who were awarded with diplomas of distinction. As part of Grand River Academy’s Focused Academic Curriculum, these students immersed themselves in classes of a specific concentration for the opportunity to experience their anticipated college major. This year’s diplomas of distinction included Mathematics, Humanities, Fine Arts, Sciences, and Media and Technology.

The week leading up to graduation was a special time of continued traditions such as the Spring Awards Ceremony and Senior Banquet, but there was a new tradition - a tie ceremony. Gathering in the Productive Growth Center, Seniors received a tie featuring the GRA victory bell with their class year embroidered on the back. Their picture, taken on the steps of Shepard Hall, will be prestigously hung in the Bud Field Student Center alongside future classes of GRA graduates!

GRA Welcomes the Newest Members of the Alumni Association!

Kenny Addae Johnny Ania Christos Athanassiades Ridge Caples Johnn Cave Avery Coslik Liam Eagan Pedro Fernandes Joe Ferrante

Jovaris Fluker Kaiyue (Kyle) Huang Wenbo (Allen) Huang Billy Jordan Mathias Kelly Brian Kennedy Marco Legnini Yunyang (Jay) Liu Bulelani Mabudusha

Jordan Mead Andrew Morro Da (Arthur) Pan Rodrigo Pascazio Dylan Porter Will Potesta Shuya Takehana Sid Termuhlen Zach Thorne

Ningyi (Wilson) Wang Yingbo (Mark) Wang Youfan Wei Frank Wilde Jiehao (Allen) Zeng Lizhong (Tim) Zhang Zhilong (James) Zhang Zhang (James) Zhao Yujie (Eugene) Zhu THE

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2015 EDMUND E. “BUD” FIELD IN RECO G NITION On Saturday, October 3, 2015, the entire GRA family joined together for the Edmund E. “Bud” Field Hall of Excellence Recognition Ceremony, highlighting awards for Distinguished Alumnus, Outstanding Athlete, Distinguished Service and Distinguished Teacher.

Named in honor of Bud Field for his 35 years of exemplary service at GRA as a teacher, dorm master, administrator, friend and mentor, induction to the Hall of Excellence holds significant meaning. This past year the ceremony included all students and took place in the Robert S. Morrison Lecture Center following the GRA Community Luncheon held in conjunction with Fall Family & Friends Day. A special thank you to the Alumni Association President Jim Stafford ‘79 and members Mike Good ‘09, Bill Jordan ‘05, Dan Marty ‘76, Ed Puhl ‘70, J.B. Stackhouse ‘13, and Patrick Zelnik ‘01 for their work in making this year’s Bud Field Hall fo Excellence a success!

2015 INDUCTEES Distinguished Alumnus This award is presented to a former student of Grand River Academy who is a respected leader in his profession, who has contributed significantly to the betterment of society, who is recognized by the community as a positive role model for students and who is a person of good character and high moral standards.

Presented by Mr. Jerry Laurain ‘73 & Mr. Tom O’Neal ‘71 Mr. Brad Levy ‘73

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FIELD HALL OF EXCELLENCE Pictured from left to right: (1) Mr. Jeremy Goldstein ‘11 2) Alumni from the 1970s gather in front of the fireplace in the Bud Field Student Center (3) Mr. Jed Trombley accepting his award (4) Mrs. Molly Smith and Mrs. Alicia Field sitting underenath the image of Mr. Edmund (Bud) E. Field.

Outstanding Athlete This award is presented to a former student of Grand River Academy who has made a significant impact on the Academy’s athletic program, who has served as a leader to teammates, who has earned a varsity letter in one or more specific sports and who has excelled during his athletic career at GRA. Presented by Mr. William Thomas Mr. Danny Piccirillo ‘94 Outstanding Teacher This award is presented to a faculty member of Grand River Academy who has touched the lives of Academy students in the classroom, in the dormitory, on the athletic field and in other areas of Academy life. The Outstanding Teacher is a person of good character and high moral standards.

Presented by Mrs. Alicia Field & Mr. Jeremy Goldstein ‘11 Mr. Jed Trombley Distinguished Service This award is presented to an individual for his commitment, dedication, and long-term service to Grand River Academy. The Distinguished Service Award recipient is a person of good character and high moral standards, who is recognized by the GRA community as a model citizen.

Presented by Mrs. Alicia Field & Mrs. Kristen Kitchen Mrs. Molly Smith

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IN RECO

2015 - 2016 STUDENT AWARD WINNERS MOST IMPROVED STUDENT Class of 2016 Pedro Fernandes Class of 2017 Daniil Panarin Class of 2018 Andrew McWhorter Class of 2019 Patrick Spurrier Class of 2020 Colin Tang Trustee Bowl Awarded to the senior with the most distinguished record during his senior year Andrew Morro ‘16 Carl B. Bauder Cup Awarded to the student who excels in character, leadership and friendliness Franklin Wilde ‘16

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OUTSTANDING STUDENT Class of 2016 Andrew Morro Class of 2017 Jacob Schwitters Class of 2018 Zhihao (Alex) Ding Class of 2019 Binh (Ben) Cao Class of 2020 Dohyung (Andy) Kwoun OUTSTANDING INTERNATIONAL STUDENT Shuya Takehana PG’16 Headmaster’s Cup Awarded to the student who best combines the attributes of scholar, athlete and gentleman Kenny Addae ‘16 Watson & Jan Kallay Award Awarded to the outstanding senior athlete Kenny Addae ‘16 & Shuya Takehana PG’16

RECO G NITION Cassidy-Schwartz Service Award Awarded to the students who unselfishly and generously give of their time and effort in service to the Academy Johnny Ania ‘16 Scott Fisher Achievement Award Awarded to a returning junior whose support of the Academy and whose service to his fellow students are exemplary Tiancheng (Horneil) Cai ‘17 George Armington, Jr. Memorial Plaque Awarded to the senior who best personifies the philosophy of the Academy Dylan Porter ‘16 & Brian Kennedy ‘16 Gordon Diemer Award Awarded to the freshman, sophomore or junior who exhibits a positive attitude and exemplary citizenship and who works to his fullest potential Keith Pezanoski ‘19 & Trevor O’Hare ‘17 The Nonneman Award Awarded to students who produce outstanding work for school publications in the areas of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, artwork, and photography Johnn Cave ‘16 William H. Jeffery Fine Arts Award Awarded to the student who has attended GRA for two years and excels in drama, art, and music.

Liam Eagan ‘16 & Ningyi (Wilson) Wang ‘16 Dr. William M. Leseur Award Awarded to the student whose citizenship is exceptional and who has excelled because of hard work Avery Coslik ‘16 Lawrence J. Wilson Social Studies Award Awarded to the student who has shown a sincere interest in how the Social Sciences relate to both the present and the future, and who has gone beyond the textbook and the classroom and expanded his knowledge of the subject matter Billy Jordan ‘16 Pictured top left: Headmaster Tim Viands with Avery Coslik ‘16. Pictured from top to bottom: (1) Jacob Schwitters ‘17 with Mr. Dan Riddell (2) Colin Tang ‘20 with Mr. John Wooding (3) Russell Hood ‘17 with Mr. Al Kovacik (4) Billy Jordan ‘16 with Mr. Lawrence Wilson THE

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F r o m t h e Fa c u

Celebrating Mr. John Wooding After a lifelong commitment to education and sharing the knowledge of civic engagement and his love of history to hundreds of GRA students, longtime faculty Mr. John Wooding retired after 35 years of service in June 2016.

The year was 1981 when a young man named John stepped onto the campus of Grand River Academy to begin his service as a U.S. History Teacher and, according to the 1981 yearbook, “visiting dorm dude.� That first year would become two years as he moved into West Hall and led Student Council. Then 10 years soon passed when Mr. Wooding became Dean of Students, as well as the basketball team coach.

Ten years turned into 35 classes of graduating seniors who learned many important lessons - not just of the size of the Nile River in World Geography, or the number of electoral votes needed to win an election in Government class, but rather the importance of staying current on world events and being involved at every level of the governmental process.

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u lt y Outside of the classroom, students will remember Mr. Wooding as the quiet intellectual, always challenging the current thought and encouraging those around him to think beyond their beliefs to explore new understandings of current issues. He also shared his love of the outdoors with classes of eager adventurers learning to kayak and camp.

Memories of the tales shared around a late night campfire from the “story telling pro� will not soon be forgotten.

John served under three headmasters, through five Presidential tenures, interacted with over 1,200 students, and watched as Grand River Academy transformed before his eyes with new buildings, renovations, dress codes, and much more. Through it all, his commitment to the GRA community and preservation of civic values, has left a lasting impression on the students, faculty, and staff who have had the pleasure of learning and serving with him. We anticipate both John, and his wife Pam, to be fixtures around campus in the coming years as scores of alumni and coworkers await to hear of their adventures crisscrossing the nation.

On behalf of the entire GRA family, we sincerely thank John for his 35 years of dedicated service to the students of Grand River Academy.

Top Left Picture: Mr. Wooding at home in his classroom in Bauder Hall Right Pictured from top to bottom: (1) Mr. Wooding featured in the Scimitar in 1999. (2) Mr. Wooding at the 2016 Spring Academic Awards with Headmaster Viands (3) Mr. Wooding with wife Pamela Wooding at the Bud Field Hall of Excellence Ceremony in 2014 (4) Mr. Wooding with other participants in the 2016 Founders Day Feud.

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In the comm Did you know?

GRA students gave back to our community in the following ways last school year: • Afterschool Discovery • Austinburg Elementary (Mandarin lessons) • Austinburg Nursing & Rehabilitation Center (Halloween Party, Christmas Decorating, Serving Dinner) • Austinburg United Church of Christ (Quarterly Community Dinners) • Ashtabula County Medical Center (Gifts to children) • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Ohio at Austinburg Elementary • Connect 534 • GRA STEAM Day • Highway Cleanup (Route 307) • Raking leaves and other physical tasks for elderly community members • Salvation Army (Bell Ringing) • STEAM lessons at local elementary schools • YOUth LEADERship of Ashtabula County

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munity Inspiring others through Brotherhood Mentor. Leader. Friend. Just a few of the ways to describe the GRA students who volunteered weekly throughout the entire school year for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Ohio (BBBS).

In partnership with BBBS and Austinburg Elementary, located directly across the street from GRA, the young men of GRA were paired with youngsters to help them “develop positive attitudes towards school, build selfesteem and have fun while improving their social skills and natural abilities.” (www.bbbsneo.org) Meeting each Tuesday afternoon, it was evident that both the “bigs” and the “littles” were learning many valuable lessons, while also strengthening their relationships with one another. The pride they both shared in their new friendships was obvious, particularly when the Austinburg Elementary students visited GRA for dinner, a campus tour or to cheer the athletic teams onto victory.

The students of GRA gave of themselves, their time and their talents in hopes of making a difference in the life of a child. Little did they know, they would receive far more in return. Thank you BBBS & Austinburg Elementary!

Top right picture from left to right: (1) Students participated once again in delivering holiday cheer to local pediatric patients at Ashtabula County Medical Center (2) STEAM days continued at full “steam” with students experimenting during October’s “spooktacular” science experience (3) GRA volunteers with local Austinburg community dinners (4) Dylan Porter ‘16 is seen being silly with his little as part of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Ohio

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Alumni, Adv

Mr. and Mrs. DAN MARTY ‘76 Outstanding AdvocateS & AmbassadorS It is truly a family affair for Mr. & Mrs. Dan Marty ‘76. One of the first things Dan and Dawn share about their relationship with GRA is that they stopped by to visit on the way to their honeymoon destination in Toronto! From Family and Friends Day, athletic games, and alumni gatherings, they are familiar faces on campus. As long time volunteers, donors, and friends of the Academy, GRA is pleased to recognize Dan and Dawn as this year’s Outstanding Advocates & Ambassadors.

Why do you volunteer your time to Grand River Academy and why do you feel it is important to “give back” to your alma mater?

Dan: GRA is like family. One does not need to “volunteer.” Family helps family members.

Dawn: As someone once said “It takes a village.” This helps to provide a solid education and teach life skills for current students, and in a way, repay what was provided for the past students to the current and future students. It’s not just the traditional family unit providing for an education - it includes grandparents, anonymous gifts, organizations, and alumni. It’s important to remember that giving back is not always about donating money - special projects to keep the campus looking clean, updated, and safe is also a way of giving back to GRA. People tap into their passions to them to help others. It’s important to give back.

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v o c at e s , & A m b a s s a d o r s What is your fondest memory of your involvement with GRA (as a student or as a volunteer)?

Dan: Memories that we have made over the years include getting reacquainted with students of our (my) graduating class, fellow alumni, and getting to know the faculty and staff as friends, not just as instructors.

Dawn: In 1990, a small group of alumni returned to GRA for a “reunion.” Donna Clarkson was in charge of the mailings and organizing the event. I can’t remember how many attended, however, we all gathered on the steps of Armington Hall to talk about the future of an alumni association. I can remember Donna pointing to Joe Chemelli and saying, “Ok Joe, you are the President. Dan and Dawn you will help.” That was the beginning of the GRA Alumni Association. To this day, each time I walk out the double doors of Armington Hall onto the steps, I think of that day and how the Alumni Association was formed.

I just smile and get teary-eyed. I am glad to be a part of a great school and have met many wonderful people.

How do you see the GRA campus and program in 10 years?

Dan: I see GRA doing whatever it takes to form young boys into outstanding men.

Dawn: Hopefully GRA will be blessed with the same staff and faculty for years to come. However, knowing that is impossible, GRA should be, and is, grooming current faculty and staff members be ready for any future changes, such as retirements. Curriculum, technology and student activities will need to be constantly changing to attract future students. What is happening now on campus to gain and retain students, faculty and staff is great. Keep it up! Change with the times to do whatever it takes for those changes and additions needed in order to keep GRA a great academic and life-changing school.

Top Left: Dan & Dawn cheering the Eagles toward victory at a 2016 basketball game.

Pictured from top to bottom: (1) Dan featured during his senior year at GRA (2) Dan & Dawn are all smiles with Austin the Eagle (3) Dan & Dawn at the 2014 Bud Field Hall of Excellence (4) Dan Marty ‘76 with fellow alumni at the 2016 Alumni Weekend

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Alumni, Advo

Traditions at GRA “Gosh, it feels like you’re trucking them in now! It’s so nice to see you again, Jesse,” Grand River Academy Physics Teacher, Mr. Dan Riddell, said this past March as GRA’s 5th alumni visitor in one week walked into his classroom. Over the past year, campus has welcomed back dozens of GRA alumni and families to Austinburg.

Each time an alumnus comes home to visit his or her dorm room, classes, and speak with former teachers, our community grows stronger.

This year GRA welcomed back alumni for many special events - the Bud Field Hall of Excellence Ceremony in October, the Grand River Gala in early May, and for Graduation, the 4th Annual Alumni Take a Stand, and Alumni Weekend. Alumni were able to connect across the classes, see exciting new changes, and meet current faculty and students.

One of the first things nearly every alumnus does is to ask about each of their teachers. This is a true sign of the influence and lasting legacy that those who teach, and spend countless hours with the students, give to each graduate.

The alumni who visit typically thank their teacher...right after giving him or her a hug. They thank the faculty member for teaching them important skills, valuable life lessons, and most importantly for not giving up on the high school version of the adult who is standing there today. A bond spanning a few months, or a decade, is visible right then and there. What begins as a strong relationship formed while on campus, continues for a lifetime.

Over this past year, alumni have visited from across the generations. This is still their campus. GRA’s alumni use the adjective “we” - “we” are moving forward and “our” school is beautiful. Grand River Academy is still their home - yesterday, today, and always.

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o c at e s , & A m b a s s a d o r s

Alumni Notes

If you have a note you’d like to share, please contact Assistant Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations David Thomas ‘11 at david.thomas@grandriver.org or (440) 275-2811.

1970

Preston Taylor and his wife, Beth, recently became grandparents with the arrival of their granddaughter, Esther “Harriet,” in May.

1993

Ryan Cramer and his son, Ashton, completed the Insane Inflatable 5K Run in Phoenix, AZ.

1995

Ryan Weily and his wife Mindy welcomed a baby girl, Skylar, this past winter.

2007

Michael Mandell-Brown married Emily Larison on June 11, 2016 in Kentucky, where they reside. Also in attendance - EJ Kennedy ‘08 and John Miller ‘07. Michael is co-owner of Hungry Brothers Food Truck in Cincinnati, Ohio. He graduated from the Ohio Art Institute of Cincinnati with a degree in culinary arts.

Congratulations to Michael Doernberg and his beautiful bride Nicole on their recent marriage.

Zuhair Bukhari launched a new business and website specializing 2004 in Sport Equipment and Cricket Asher Tobias and his fiancée, Lauren, Merchandise, at zedsports.com celebrated the birth of their second child, Sofia.

2009

2004

Jon Tabor recently married his long time sweetheart Amanda.

Mike Good has recently begun a career with the Akron Fire Department. Mike is an active volunteer with the GRA Alumni Association.

2011

Jay Damodaran recently joined the Army and is stationed in Ft. Bliss, Texas with the 1st Armored Division.

2012

Brady Prewitt recently married his long time girlfriend, Abbey, over the summer.

2015

Connor Okruhlica participated in the Transplant Games of America in June 2016 in Cleveland. Connor's team won the Bronze Medal for Basketball!

In Memorium

Robert Rowley, father of Jon Rowley '83 and past Grand River Academy Board Member, passed away at the age of 76 in late April.

Board of Trustee Emeritus Margaret (Peg) Milbourn passed away in May. THE

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A Culture of Phila

Name that Tune!

The beat of a drum. The clash on a symbol. The rip from an electric guitar. Just a few of the sounds heard from the GRA Music Room during the 2015-2016 school year. Whether actively engaging in Contemporary Performance class, or creatively jamming after school, students actively utilized the space to express themselves through music.

This school year, however, introduced a new component to the space, as well as the curriculum, with the re-purposing of an existing storage area to a fully-equipped music recording studio.

Spearheaded with a leadership gift from The Jeffery Family P’93 in memory of Mr. Wallace Jeffery and a group of passionate donors, the GRA Music Recording Studio quickly became a reality for the students.

From composing their songs and lyrics, to recording and sound engineering, the young men of GRA have found a new outlet for their creativity. Special thanks to all of GRA’s thoughtful donors who bring projects like this to fruition – and, in turn, impact a student’s life. Thank you!

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anthropy 2016 Grand River Gala

Creating An Annual Tradition

“Tonight is a philanthropic celebration of our mission,” shared Headmaster Tim Viands while addressing 115 guests at the 2nd Annual Grand River Gala on Saturday, May 7, 2016.

With Signature Sponsorship of Huffman Mayer Wealth Management Group from Wells Fargo Advisors, Supporting Sponsorship from Huntington Bank and seven table sponsorships, this evening of fundraising for GRA’s Blue & White Fund featured a four-course meal by Chef Jay Cabatingan, local wine pairings from Laurello Vineyards, live and silent auctions, as well as moving testimonials by Class of 2016 representatives, Mr. Kenny Addae and Mr. Brian Kennedy.

From sponsorships and tickets, to the auction, donations and pledges, the event raised over $60,000! The generosity of guests exceeded all expectations. Our students thank you. The Academy thanks you.

The 3rd Annual Grand River Gala is scheduled for Saturday, May 6, 2017. Join us!

Top Left Picture: Bulelani Mabudusha ‘16 is seen at work in the recording studio Right Pictured from top to bottom: (1) James and Alison Mayer of Huffman-Mayer Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors (2) Alumni grandparent, Carol Schoneman, with alumni parent, Sharon Schoneman, bid on silent auction items (3) Board of Trustee members check to see silent auction winners. (4) Current families enjoyed four courses during the dinner THE

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A c u lt u r e o f P HILANT

BLUE AND WHITE FUND SURPASSES 2015 - 2016 GOAL Grand River Academy is proud to announce The Blue & White Fund, GRA’s annual operating campaign, raised over $275,000 during the 2015-2016 school year – surpassing the $250,000 goal and increasing 9% in giving from the previous school year!

As you know, tuition alone does not cover the full cost of the Academy’s annual operating expenses, and without annual giving, the opportunities GRA provides our students would be limited and stagnant. The Blue & White Fund provides critical support for every aspect of the student experience here at GRA. Every gift matters. Thank you for making a generous commitment to the mission of Grand River Academy during the 2015-2016 school year.

Donations designated to GRA’s Blue & White Fund support the many features that make our campus a home including residential life, scholarship/financial aid, athletics, faculty professional development, facility maintenance and, often, an area of greatest need during a particular school year. In-kind donations are also included.

Your gift truly makes a difference. GRA extends its utmost thanks to the many donors who helped GRA reach this significant goal.

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HILANT h r O P Y 2015 - 2016 Annual Report With immense gratitude, Grand River Academy is pleased to share the following acknowledgement listings, recognizing the individuals, organizations, corporations and foundations who made contributions to GRA during the 2015-2016 school year.

We are grateful for the many names that appear in this listing, which includes not only contributions made to The Blue & White Fund, but also the generous capital pledge payments and gifts received to GRA’s Endowment Fund. Thank you!

The Eagle Honor Society of Giving

The Eagle Honor Society of Giving at Grand River Academy recognizes annual leadership giving of $1,000 or more to The Blue & White Fund. Eagle Honor Society members are some of GRA’s most devoted friends, parents, and alumni.

The 1831 Circle $10,000 and up

The Trustee Circle $5,000 and up

Named in recognition of Grand River Academy’s founding year, members of The 1831 Circle contribute an annual gift of $10,000 and above.

Named in recognition of Grand River Academy’s current and previous Board of Trustees, members of The Trustee Circle contribute an annual gift of $5,000 and above.

The Baker Family P'08 The Coslik Family P'16 The Fanning Family P'14 Mrs. Lois Jeffery P'93 John Wood Income Trust of Key Bank National Association Past Presidents Foundation

Ms. Michelle Blair & Family P'16 The Cave Family P'15 Ms. Ann Daughety & Mr. Dylan Porter '16 Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Fritz P'88 & '93 Mrs. Esther Kovacik Mr. Gui Feng Li & Mrs. Xin Xin Cai P'17 Spectra Energy Foundation Mr. Tim Viands Mrs. Cynthia Wooldridge P'18

The Headmaster Circle $2,500 and up

Named in recognition of Grand River Academy’s leadership since its founding, members of The Headmaster Circle contribute an annual gift of $2,500 and above.

Mr. & Mrs. Eric Griffith P'19 Mr. & Mrs. Dozier Hood P'17 The Huntington National Bank Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Laurello Mr. & Mrs. Brad Levy '73

Mr. & Mrs. Edward Puhl '70 Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Sertich P'95 Wells Fargo Matching Gifts Program - DoTopia The Zhang Family P'16 THE

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A n n u a l R e p o r t o n P HILANT

The Eagle Honor Society of Giving (Continued) The Aurora Circle $1,000 and up Named in recognition of Grand River Academy’s honor society in the 1920’s, members of The Aurora Circle contribute an annual gift of $1,000 and above.

The Aveni Family P'10 Blackwell & Edwards PA Mr. & Mrs. Blair A. Campomizzi Mr. & Mrs. Yaoqing Ding P'18 Duo Charitable Foundation Mr. Logan Feagin '15 The Robert & Linnet Fritz Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Huffman Mr. Timothy Humphreys & Mrs. Sandra Jordan-Humphreys P'18 KeyBank - Cleveland District Mr. & Mrs. Matthew S. Kitchen

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Mr. & Mrs. James Mayer Mr. & Mrs. Darrell McGraw III '96 Mr. George Milbourn & the late Mrs. Margaret Milbourn The Morro Family P'16 Navigant, NCI - Lending a Hand Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Polak Mr. & Mrs. Mark F. Polzin P'95 Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh Mr. Henry Posner III & Mrs. Anne M. Molloy The Potesta Family P'16

Mr. Richard C. Rose The Schoneman Family P'07 The Thomas & Beverly Sertich Trust Mr. Guo Shao & Mrs. Lijie Liu P'19 Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Slesnick '02 Mr. & Mrs. Bill Thomas P'11 Mr. David Thomas '11 The Tiknis Family P'08 The Twiss Family P'18 The Wang Family P'16 Mr. & Mrs. Fei Zhu P'16

HILANT h r O PY Mr. & Mrs. Russell Allen P’02 Amazon Smile American Electric LLC The Ania Family P’16 Mr. Arthur P. Armington III ‘73 Mr. & Mrs. Harold Armington ‘86 Mr. & Mrs. Timothy J. Artl P’18 Ms. Stephanie Siegel Mr. & Mrs. Brian Ballentine Dr. & Mrs. Michael Baranowski ‘86 Mrs. Susan Belden Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Bernhardt GP’13 Mr. Kevin Blum Ms. Susan Bolender Mr. & Mrs. William Bolinger Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Bondor ‘72 Bossy’s Way Mr. Joe Buse Mr. Thanh Thuy Cao & Mrs. Pham Nguyet P’19 Mrs. Sarah Carrel Carter Jones Companies Carter Lumber Mr. William Cather ‘68 The Lynn Cave Family P’16 Mr. & Mrs. John Conroy Mr. & Mrs. Matt Conway Mr. & Mrs. Ryan Cox Mr. & Mrs. David Crimmins ‘09 Mr. David Crowell & Ms. Dylan Walker Mr. & Mrs. Mark Csepegi Mr. Richard L. Dana & Mrs. Marianne Sezon Danny Knight Construction, Inc. dba Timberland Builders Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Davis P’19 Dr. & Mrs. John DeCato Mr. & Mrs Jeff DiDonato Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Dougherty Mr. & Mrs. William Douglass ‘70 The Dozier Family P’15 Mr. Frank E. Edmonds III Mr. Benjamin J. Ellar ‘98 Mr. Dan Farrell Dr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Farrell Mr. & Mrs. Timothy J. Fath P’07 Mrs. Alicia Field Mr. & Mrs. George Finelli ‘64

BLUE AND WHITE FUND DONORS UP To $999

Mr. Mark H. Fouts ‘65 Rev. & Mrs. Peter Funch P’86 Mr. Steven F. Gahan, CPA P’09 Mr. & Mrs. Mark Gardner Giant Eagle - Apples for the Students Mrs. Elizabeth Ginn The Goldman Family P’14 The Goldstein Family P’11 Mr. & Mrs. Mark Good P’09 Goodshop GRA Maintenance Team Mr. Sol Gruner & Mrs. Rosemarie Parker & Mr. Colin Gruner ‘06 The Hagerty Family P’09 Mr. & Mrs. Felix Hallsky Dr. James Harrison P’17 Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Hendrickson P’94 Mr. John Henne P’80 & The John K. Henne Charitable Trust Ms. Kimberly Hiller P’18 The Hogan Family P’06 The Householder-Rivera Family P’13 Iten Industries James B. Oswald Company John E. DeCato D.P.M., Inc. The Johns Family P’06 Mrs. Laura E. Jones & Mr. Jim Hockaday Mrs. Alice Jones Mr. & Mrs. Steven Jones Mr. William Jordan & Mrs. Laurel A. Winters P’05 Mr. & Mrs. William S. Jordan IV ‘05 Mr. William E. Jordan III, Mr. Tim Edwards, & Billy Jordan ‘16 Ms. Janice Kahn Mr. & Mrs. Bill Kane Mr. & Mrs. Sean Kaschak Mrs. Gloria Kaull P’79 Ms. Susan Kennedy The Knapp Family P’14 The Kovacik Family Ms. Eileen Kusar Mr. Joel Laughlin Mr. & Mrs. Walter Lazuka P’99 LEADERship Ashtabula County

Mr. Yong Liang P’17 Mr. & Mrs. Michael Loiacono P’95 Mr. & Mrs. Richard Lorraine P’94 Mr. Mark Lower & Ms. Sadie Duris Mr. Ryan Lum Dr. & Mrs. Mark Mandell-Brown P’07 Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Marty ‘76 Dr. & Mrs. Lawrence McCormack P’97 Ms. Constance McMath GP’11 Ms. Melinda McNutt Ms. Jennifer Mehall Lombardo ‘80 Mr. & Mrs. Peter Meisel Ms. Ashlyn Melendez Mr. & Mrs. John Mulligan Mr. & Mrs. John P. Murray Mr. & Mrs. David Nagle Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Nipper The Offtermatt Family P’04 The O’Guinn Family P’10 Mr. Anthony D. Oliverio Dr. & Mrs. Kenneth Pargament P’05 Representative John & Mrs. Nancy Patterson Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Pavlovic Mrs. Roberta Pezanoski P’19 PNC Foundation Matching Gift Program Dr. & Mrs. Martin J. Poppo Mr. & Mrs. Robert Prior P’10 Mr. Jay Krier ‘77 - Professional Transport Service LLC Ms. Kitty Qi Mr. & Mrs. Joe Racine GP’16 Mr. Christian Ramirez Ms. Ann Randall Mr. Sonny Rein ‘78 Mr. Dan Riddell Roto-Rooter, Ashtabula Mr. Patrick Savage P’03 Mr. & Mrs. David Scharping Mr. Scott Schirtzinger Dr. Cynthia Schnabel P’18 Mrs. Mary Louise Scholl P’73 Mrs. Carol Schoneman GP’07 Schoneman, Inc. Judge & Mrs. David Schroeder THE

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Scolnik Mr. & Mrs. William Shea ‘57 The Sheahan-Kennedy Family P’16 Mr. & Mrs. Frank Shreve Mr. P. Toben Shultz ‘85 Ms. Rebecca Shultz P’85 Ms. Rebecca Simmons Mrs. Molly & Mr. Don Smith Mrs. Cindy Spink Mrs. Tammy Stokes Ms. Marta Stone Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey A. Studer Mr. Joe Szeman Target - Take Charge of Education Mr. & Dr. David Termuhlen P’16 Mr. Richardson Thomas ‘68 Mr. & Mrs. Robert W. Thomas Triple T Foundation The Triulzi Family P’14 Mr. Michael Velotta ‘72 Mr. Todd Waddle & Ms. Cindy Fisher Mr. & Mrs. E. Terry Warren Mr. & Mrs. Lee Watson Dr. & Mrs. Don Weinberg Ms. Kari Wetzel Mr. Peter Wickman & Mrs. Maddy Ofrichter The Wilde Family P’16 William R. Flower & Grace L. Flower Trust on behalf of Mr. Jimmy Flower Mr. & Mrs. David L. Williams, Jr. ‘81 Mr. & Mrs. David L. Williams, Sr. Mr. Jeffrey Wilson-Braun ‘74 Mr. & Mrs. John Wooding Woodmont Company Ms. Wendy Wright Mr. & Mrs. Chunpeng Zhang P’16

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The GRA Capital & Endowment Funds

Grand River Academy is pleased to share that over $34,000 was designated to capital projects and the Endowment Fund during the 2015-2016 school year!

Pledge payments continue to be made on the Bud Field Student Center and the Robert S. Morrison Lecture Center, which are actively being put to good use by the GRA family and the community at large. Additionally, contributions have been made during the 2015-2016 school year, which are restricted for to-be-determined capital projects at GRA. Gifts to the GRA Endowment Fund ensure the financial stability of Grand River Academy and secure the GRA experience for young men in future years.

GRA extends its utmost thanks to the many donors who embrace the vision of the future of Grand River Academy.

Capital Fund

Endowment Fund

The Rein Family Foundation The Thoma Family P’05 The Tiknis Family P’08

The Bohnen Family P’11 Mr. & Mrs. Ryan Cox Mr. David Kutlenios ‘81 Mr. & Mrs. Mark Menzie Mr. Jeff Zander ‘78

in-kind donations Adventure Zone Ash/Craft Industries Ashtabula Area Orchestra Society Ashtabula Arts Center Austinburg Nursing & Rehabilitation Center AVI Fresh Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Burke P'17 C & K Gala Designs Cain Park & City of Cleveland Heights Chapel Hills Golf Course Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Cleveland Public Theatre Ms. Melanie Curtright P'20 DeFina's The Harbor Store Mr. Daniel DiCillo & Ms. Joyce Benach District

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Ducro Funeral Services & Crematory Earth's Natural Treasures & The Natural Café Ferrante Winery & Ristorante Great Outdoors Store Harbor Perk Coffeehouse & Roasting Company Mr. David Hausman '02 Improv Comedy Club & Restaurant Mrs. Stephanie Jones Judy Campbell Fine Art of Bridge Street Art Works Kosicek Vineyards Laurello Vineyards Luisa's Mexican Grill Mr. & Mrs. Dom Marchese GP'11 Mr. Eric Mayers

Mr. & Mrs. Nick Ferrante Mr. Leonard Marty Ohio Wine Producers Association Old Firehouse Winery Pairings - Ohio's Wine & Culinary Experience Pro Football Hall of Fame Rabbit Run Community Arts Association Robinson's Apple Barn Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Mr. & Mrs. Preston Taylor '70 The Cleveland Orchestra The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake Mrs. Rosann Thomas GP'11 USS Cod Wild WaterWorks Waterslide

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ANNUAL

MAGAZINE

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GRAND

GRAND RIVER ACADEMY 3042 COLLEGE STREET AUSTINBURG, OHIO 44010 (440) 275-2811 WWW.GRANDRIVER.ORG

SAVE THE DATE October 1, 2016

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Established in 1831, GRAND RIVER ACADEMY is a college preparatory boarding and day school located in Austinburg, Ohio, that serves over 100 young men in grades 8-12, with a post-graduate option. The faculty and staff continue to make strides in the school’s mission to educate the total young man – academically, socially and emotionally to prepare ACADEMY them for lifelong success. The school offers small and intimate class sizes, individualized instruction and supportive faculty. Grand River Academy serves a unique and important niche - helping young men unlock and activate their full potential.

Fall Family & Friends Day Bud Field Hall of Excellence

May 6, 2017 Spring Family & Friends Day Grand River Gala May 27, 2017 Graduation Alumni Take A Stand Initiative May 27 - 28, 2017 Alumni Weekend

STAY CONNECTED /Grandriveracademy /GrandRiverAlum @GrandRiver1831 @GrandRiverAlum