2025
Congratulations, Class of 2025!
Commencement Speaker: Brooke Pinto ’07, DC Councilmember
PRESENTATIONS OF LEARNING
JULY
GREENWICH COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
Caps and gowns, pomp and circumstance, grandparents in town, and an energy that can only be found on graduation day, you can feel these things in this commencement issue of the GCDS News . Graduation day is always bittersweet for me. I find such joy in watching our students receive their diplomas, but there is also a sadness that their journey at GCDS (for many a 15 year journey) has come to an end.
What I am certain about is that our graduates will be ready for what comes next. Their experience at Country Day has prepared them with skills that they can call upon in college and beyond. To a person, they know what it means to be kind, they thrive on working in teams, they have learned to persist through setbacks,
they can analyze a problem and brainstorm multiple solutions, they can write persuasively, read for deep meaning, and speak in public. This set of skills along with many others are gifts that have been bestowed upon them by the greatest set of teachers anywhere and now the challenge for all 122 graduates is to put these gifts to use with purpose, and in service of others.
I know they will do this and I could not be more proud of each and every one of them!
Adam C. Rohdie
Lower
Elementary Field Day on Offit Field
Greenwich Country Day School
P.O. Box 623, Old Church Road Greenwich, CT 06836 0623 www.gcds.net
HEAD OF SCHOOL
Adam Rohdie
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS
Kim Eves
EDITOR
Moina Noor
PHOTOGRAPHY
ChiChi Ubiña, Ariana Lubelli Brown, Jon Lopez, Royce Paris
MAGAZINE DESIGN
Foogoo Communications Design
MARKETING GRAPHICS
Kirsten Bitzonis
WEBSITE
Suzanne Shrekgast
Please share your comments, address changes, and inquiries GCDSNews@gcds.net
Send Alumni News and Photos
Liz Orum Duffy ’98 Director of Alumni Relations liz.duffy@gcds.net
GCDS News is published three times each year and is distributed to alumni, GCDS parents and grandparents, faculty and staff, and friends of the school. All rights reserved.
Greenwich Country Day School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin or any other category prohibited by law, in admission policies, scholarship programs, athletic and other school administered programs.
On the Cover: Sophia Schwartz ’25, winner of the Aldin Horowitz Sulger Fellowship Award, and Head of School Adam Rohdie
ATHLETICS
Cover Photo: ChiChi Ubiña
22 GRADE 5 PORTFOLIO SHARES
CLASS OF 2025 CONGRATULATIONS, GROWING APART DOESN’T CHANGE THE
FACT THAT FOR A LONG TIME, OUR ROOTS GREW TOGETHER.” Ally Condie
WALKER LAITALA ’25, Student Body President and graduating senior, began his Commencement address with the above quote by Ally Condie, an author of young adult novels.
“We are forever bound by a unique experience that time and distance cannot erase,” said Walker of the shared journey of the 122 members of the Class of 2025.
In a speech that challenged conventional thinking about success and competition, Walker urged his classmates to redefine their relationship with achievement.
“College is not the ultimate goal,” Walker told the assembled graduates and families. “It is critically important to understand what we are competing for and why, because keeping your life in perspective, knowing what actually matters, is essential if you want to know when to apply pressure and when to enjoy the scenery.”
The heart of Walker’s message centered on self-awareness over comparison.
“Ask the simple question that can change your life: What is important to me? Once you understand why you are running, you are free to enjoy the journey without worrying about falling behind in someone else’s race.”
Walker then acknowledged the community that shaped the graduating class. “We grinded, we competed, and we ultimately reigned victorious, but not nearly because of our own talent or hard work. Unfiltered gratitude reminds us that a great life is built not on what we earn, but on how we got there and who we served along the way.”
He particularly honored the faculty, noting how “these overqualified teachers dedicate portions of their lives to us, running their own races not for glory, but in the pursuit of what they find meaningful. Because fulfillment is found not in applause, but in the quiet dignity of purpose.”
Walker concluded with a charge to
remember their GCDS foundation: “So do not forget GCDS, the good nor the bad. Do not forget your best tests nor your greatest humiliations. . . . Do not forget that purpose is the compass to a fulfilled life. . . . But most of all, do not forget that trophies tarnish, titles fade, and applause dies in echo, but what we’ve learned at Country Day—gratitude, service, community, and love—endure beyond measure.”
HARRISON SERVIDEO ’25, Senior Class President, also paid special thanks to faculty and staff. “From the moment we show up in the morning until after we leave tired at the end of the day, so many people have worked to not only make sure we were able to learn, but to ensure that we did so passionately and meaningfully in a supportive environment.”
PETER MCKENNA , a Woodshop teacher retiring after 31 years at the school, delivered the invocation earlier in the ceremony. “My wish for this class is simple and sincere: that each of you, as I have, finds something in life that truly inspires you and that you wake up each morning filled with excitement to create, contribute, and explore.”
ALUMNA BROOKE PINTO ’07, D.C. Ward 2 Councilmember, addressed the Class of ’25 (see page 6)
Graduates known as “Lifers,” who have attended Country Day since Nursery and Pre-K, were recognized.
EMILY STERN ’90, Board of Trustees
President, emphasized how the lasting bonds with teachers and the wisdom gained at the school will continue to guide graduates throughout their lives, sharing a personal story about her own transformative English teacher, Tom Brody, whose lessons she still carries decades later.
“All of you graduating seniors have teachers, like Mr. Brody, who believe in you and have helped you tap into your
curiosity and your drive to achieve your goals—carry that with you as you head off into the world, and build on the amazing foundation you’ve had as a GCDS student,” she said.
ADAM ROHDIE , Head of School, shared in his address a story from his college days at Wesleyan University, where he initially dismissed two basketball teammates—a woman nicknamed “Tall Kim” and an older man who looked like Santa Claus. Despite his snap judgments, this unlikely team became legendary in their campus gym. The older player turned out to be R. Lincoln Kieser, Chair of the Anthropology Department, who became a lifelong friend and mentor. This relationship was so meaningful that Kieser inspired Rohdie to change majors to anthropology and ultimately shaped
In his speech, Mr. Rohdie challenged graduates to approach new people and situations with open minds rather than preconceived assumptions, noting how our polarized world suffers when we let differences divide rather than strengthen us.
He encouraged students not to fear detours from their planned routes, sharing how his unplanned anthropology major ultimately led him to become a school administrator. As he put it: “Life has a funny way of working out exactly when you stop trying to control every part of it.”
Mr. Rohdie concluded his speech by encouraging graduates to express deep gratitude to their friends, parents, and teachers for their support over the years. Mr. Rohdie himself has written Mr. Kieser a thank-you note at the beginning of every school year for 36 years.
1 Walker Laitala 2 Adam Rohdie, Emily Stern, Brooke Pinto 3 Julian Lopez and family 4 Cristian Pizzimbono, Emily Bhr, Eli Rosen, Abigail Vadai, Brianna McDermott, Austin Nelson
FIND YOUR MAGIC
Alumna Brooke Pinto ’07, Ward 2 Councilmember in Washington, DC, returned to the Country Day campus to address the Class of 2025, continuing a time-honored tradition of having a member of the alumni community share their wisdom with graduates.
It’s an honor to be back on campus today—a place that has meant so much to me throughout my life,” Brooke Pinto ’07 began, addressing the crowd of graduates, families, teachers, and friends in the Donovan Mitchell Athletic Center. She reflected on a painting hanging above her family’s kitchen table on Round Hill Road: “Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.”
“Magic is different for everyone,” she continued. “And I don’t mean a slight of hand or make believe. But to me magic is your own personal ‘Je ne sais quoi’. Magic is believing in yourself. Magic is creating your version of success. And I think, magic is finding your purpose.”
Brooke had been a GCDS lifer, start-
ing before she turned three. “And I remember it!” she told the graduates with a smile. “I remember making makeshift bamboo flutes in Nursery and warm morning hugs from Mrs. Merritt. I remember signing up to be the snack waitress and instead of throwing out the extra saltines, starting a little side business where I sold saltines for two dollars a pop to my classmates to raise money for the homeless in New York City.”
“I remember passing notes with Caroline Melly in Mrs. Caldwell’s class and having Chris Denunzio beat me for the award of most books read.”
“But most of all,” Pinto said, her voice filled with emotion, “I remember a feeling—one I hope you all feel today and felt throughout your time here—this magical feeling that this village of classmates, teachers, custodians, folks who run the cafeteria, the bus drivers, moms and dads, grandparents—and my classmates—had my back and I had theirs.”
That foundation carried her forward. “If believing in magic is the first step, how can you go out and create the magic and find your success?” she asked. “One of the things we all learn while we’re at GCDS is that effort counts. At GCDS, you’re graded on effort.”
“I created the magic at the Attorney General’s office when I asked the Attorney General for a 5-minute meeting to discuss
so attorneys who had started in my class, I was the only one who had asked for a meeting. So he gave me a chance and a job. Effort matters.”
When she decided to run for office, armed with “the help of my mother Dale buying me the book ‘how to campaign for dummies’ and my GCDS classmates pitching in to volunteer, donate, and help me build a website,” everything changed when COVID hit. “So, I picked up the phone and started calling people. I personally made 30,000 calls.”
“During polling and subsequent interviews, we heard from most voters that I was the only one of the 8 candidates running who ever called them and asked for their vote. Effort matters—and I won the race.”
“I became the youngest member of the DC Council in our city’s history. I believe it was in large part due to the foundation, the confidence, the network, and the love of service and the importance of effort GCDS had instilled in me,” she said. “Now, in office, I have the privilege to work on issues like public safety, access to housing, and education policy.”
She shared her unconventional path: “I studied hospitality, managed a frozen yogurt shop, worked at a hotel in New York City, was a suicide prevention councilor, worked at a senior living community, became a lawyer, worked for a judge,
Upper School Concert Choir
Brooke Pinto ’07
Brooke Pinto ’07 serves as Ward 2 Councilmember on the Council of the District of Columbia and chairs the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety. First elected in 2020, she made history as the youngest member ever to serve on the Council and the first woman to represent Ward 2, and was re elected in November 2024 for another fouryear term. Throughout her tenure, she has championed initiatives focused on public safety, small business support, Downtown revitalization, housing and homelessness solutions, environmental protection, accessible transportation, and empowering women and girls. As Committee Chair, she has prioritized reducing crime and gun violence, addressing domestic violence and hate crimes, and creating opportunities for youth and returning citi
zens to reduce recidivism. Before her election, Pinto served as Assistant Attorney General for Policy and Legislative Affairs and in the Tax and Finance Section of the DC Office of the Attorney General. Following Greenwich Country Day School, she attended Greenwich Academy, earned her undergraduate degree from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, and received her law degree from Georgetown University Law Center.
BROOKE PINTO ’07 1 Willa Ball, Adam Rohdie 2 Raymond Perez, Austin Lehn
Emily Hamilton and family 4 Miguel Dominguez and mother
Anthony Bouboulis, Adam Rohdie
practiced tax law, managed legislative affairs for an attorney general, worked at landlord tenant court, and for a homeless advocacy organization, and am now a politician!”
“And I draw upon all of these experiences—and I draw upon all of these experiences regularly—they all had their own purpose.”
Brooke introduced the concept that
guided her: “There is a Japanese concept called Ikigai which represents what your life’s purpose is. It literally translates to: your reason for being.” She explained how it exists at the intersection of four circles: “what you love to do, what the world needs, what you can make money doing, and what you’re good at.”
“My hope for all of you,” she concluded, “on this thrilling occasion of
your graduation from the Greenwich Country Day School, is that you all find your Ikigai. And that you believe in— and spread—magic while you do it. Because if you believe in magic, you can find it everywhere.”
1 Brooke Pinto and family 2 Bre Baldwin, Mia Rodgers, Gavin Haroche, Katie Byxbee 3 Eli Rosen, Djeneba Dembele 4 Cristian Pizzimbono, Ben Coblenz, Ben Bilden, Ben Stein, Austin Powell, Mason Zuniga
1 Brennan Cunnion, Connor Crain, Zach Rohdie 2 Daphne HentschCowles, Penelope Hentsch-Cowles 3 Carson Powell and family
4 Bridget Day, Imran Iftikar, Abby Greenblatt
Wallce deVeer, Natalie Hornblower
HIGH SCHOOL AWARDS
Aldin Horowitz Sulger Fellowship Award
The Aldin Horowitz Sulger Fellowship Award, presented by Head of Upper School Chris Winters, recognizes the students who have continually demonstrated a special generosity of spirit to others in the community. Rather than simply selecting the students most likely to succeed, the recipients are the students most likely to help others succeed.
SOPHIA SCHWARTZ
The Head of School Award
The Head of School Award, presented by Head of School Adam Rohdie, recognizes the student or students who best embody the core values listed in the Greenwich Country Day Mission Statement and have “discovered and developed what is finest in themselves and have achieved the highest standards in their studies, in their play and in their character.” This award is voted upon by the entire Upper School faculty and presented by the Head of School.
WILLA BALL, HARRISON SERVEDIO
1 Zack Montone, Declan O’Keeffe, Kai Harashima, Landon Ristau 2 Zachary Cole, Adam Rohdie
3 Harrison Servedio, Willa Ball, Mia Jacobson, Imran Iftikar 4 Izzy Buchsbaum and family
1 Mason Zuniga, Ben Coblenz 2 Elle Price, Juelles Roc, Reva Bodas 3 Class of ’25 4 Jackson Anderson, Adam Rohdie 5 Walker Laitala, Pierce Collins, Matias Hood 6 Olivia Karanikolaidis, Sofia Orr, Natalie Simpson, MD Mutescu, Katherine Salce
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2025
4
3 ,
4 ,
2 ,
4 ,
4 , Dylan Kellan, Sofia Orr Row 2: Bartow Jones 2 , Caitlin Kaufmann, Imran Iftikar 2 , Mia Jacobson 2 , Abraham Milgram 2 , Charles Clark 2,4 , Luca Corsano-Leopizzi 1, Abigail Vadai 3,4 , Ben Coblenz, Austin Nelson, Emily Behr, Mason Zuniga 4 , Cielle Presutti, Claire Weindling 4 Row 3: Aidan Fay, Griffyn Flood, Gillian Hines 3,5 , Eli Rosen, Leo Dubner, Abby Greenblatt 5 , Oliver Eisenberg 4 , Bridget Day, Tal Lipschitz 4 , Mason Davis 4 , Sean Collins 4 , Luca Minnich 2 , Hunter Amen 4 , Walker Laitala 2 , Skyler Gendason, Brianna McDermott, Maria-Despina Mutescu 1, Katherine Salce Row 4: Harrison Servedio 2 , Simrin Madia 1, Pierce Collins1,4 , Ben Bilden, Ryan Sneddon, Ella Wilner, Stephen Carre, Callie Crain 4 , Griffin Biase, Willa Ball 4 , Austin Rinello 4 , Emily Hamilton 5 , Joe Citrin, Ryan Cassin, Rylan Cunningham, Zach Rohdie, Luke Miles 4 , John Cunnion 5 , Connor Crain, Carson Powell, Sophia Schwartz, Reminy D’Albert 6 , Jackson Anderson
Front Row: Olivia Karanikolaidis
, Ben Stein
Leena Aronson
Peter Manuel, Natalie Simpson
Cristian Pizzimbono
Nina Ferry
5: Eden Reisner, Landon Ristau 3 , Wallace deVeer, Natalie Hornblower 2 , Penelope Shepherd 2 , Declan O’Keeffe 1, Reid Rodgers 4 , Gaby Almeida 5 , Djeneba Dembele, Emma McDermott, Owen Chickering 2 , Kai Harashima 2,5 , Julian Lopez 2 , Miguel Dominguez 2 , Gavin Haroche 2 , Kyle Bassalik, Matias Hood, Henry Robinson, Ellie Wall 4 , Raymond Perez, Katie Byxbee, Breanna Baldwin 5 , Daphne HentschCowles 3 Row 6: Luke Chandra 4 , William Welch, Evelyn Valencia, Charlotte Best 3 , Sam Coblenz, Nico Carrasquero 3 , Zachary Montone, Zach Cole 4 , Eitan Rosen, Sophia Seabra, Wyatt Lupo, Ellie Rosolen 5 , Ben Shefter 2,4 , Josh Lunder, Izzy Buchsbaum 5 , Noah Sokol 2 , Gael Hernandez, William Steel, Anthony Bouboulis1, Connor Wolfe 2 , Angela Escobar 3 , Teddy Palmer1, Mika Dunne, Kylie Costabile 5 , Danielle Braver, Ella Larken 4 , Mia Rodgers 4 , Juelles Roc, Reva Bodas, Elle Price 5 , Arianna Netter 3,5 , Fiorella Deus 6 , Phyllis Wall, Gabby Zarro, Penelope Hentsch-Cowles 5
Row
AWARDS UPPER SCHOOL
Presented on May 30, 2025
THE STUDENT LIFE AWARD recognizes exceptional contributions to the school community through the development of clubs, affinity spaces, or extracurricular activities highlighting the impact of those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, initiative, and innovation during their high school journey.
Willa Ball
Walker Laitala
Sophia Schwartz
Harrison Servedio
THE KURDZIEL FAMILY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC AWARD is presented to a musician who exemplifies the highest standards for instrumental advancement, artistry, and leadership during their years at GCDS.
Nico Carrasquero
THE DALE BARTHOLOMEW PIANO AWARD is presented to that Upper School student who has shown a passion and commitment to the study of piano during their Upper School years.
Nico Carrasquero
In addition to frequent, authentic, and informal celebration and recognition, there are a limited number of awards given to students who embody the mission and culture of our school. The timing, criteria, and selectivity of these honors ensure that GCDS sends the message that its highest and only formal honors are embedded in what we most deeply value.
THE RUSSELL LOCKE PERFORMING ARTS AWARD is presented to that Upper School student who, through their course work, commitment, and passion, has demonstrated exemplary leadership in the vocal music and/or theatre programs. With outstanding contributions to school performances, this student has excelled at their art and shared both their skills and a love of performance with GCDS audiences.
Charlotte Best
Celeste Escobar
THE UPPER SCHOOL VISUAL ARTS AWARD is presented to that Upper School Student who demonstrates advanced ability in both 2D and 3D visual arts fields, including drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, photography and/ or digital design. The recipient creates artwork that exemplifies creativity, challenges the artistic norms and is a true means of self expression.
Sophie Patchen
THE CENTER FOR PUBLIC GOOD SERVICE AWARD is presented to the student who has made significant and lasting contributions to our community— whether it’s compassion within our local community, or broader action on global inequities. Recipients have utilized their time at GCDS to carry out the CPG mission: “to nourish our innate desire to make the world a better place, to learn about society and its needs, and to be inspired to take action.”
Willa Ball
Luke Chandra
Walker Laitala
Sophia Schwartz
Abigail Vadai
THE DOUGLAS BRENNINKMEYER AWARD celebrates character, displayed through athletics, not athletic ability or competitive instinct, though both may be present in the winners. The award memorializes Douglas Brinnikmeyer, a multisport athlete and scholar in the GCDS Class of
Center for Public Good Service Awards
1988. This award recognizes helpfulness in practice; patience with those who are less talented; sustained extra effort in the good times and in the down times; and genuine modesty after a team victory or personal triumph.
Katie Byxbee
Griffyn Flood
Landon Ristau
THE 9TH & 10TH GRADE AWARDS
The 9th and 10th Grade programs are designed to introduce students not only to the rigor of Upper School content and skill development but also to the Portrait of a Learner Capacities. The faculty in both grades have thoughtfully structured opportunities for fostering growth in interdisciplinary thinking, project development and management, and collaboration. To be recognized as a nominee for this award, students must embody the following criteria:
• A dedication, resilience, and innovation in their academic work.
• A strong academic record, with clear and consistent demonstration of growth in the Portrait of a Learner capacities, not simply the highest grade point average.
• Maturity as leaders and community builders both within their academic classes and within the grade overall.
9TH GRADE
Arman Ahmadzadeh
Alexandra Darwent
Rapha Jacobson
Annabelle Kim
Olivia Neuhauser
Talia Sandhu
10TH GRADE
George Belshaw
Devon Carella
Mary Chickering
Kristina Estock
Samantha Flores
Perri Hines
Nate Smith
Kaki Weiksner
GRADES 11 & 12 ACADEMIC
HONOR SOCIETY
The 11th and 12th Grade Academic Program is designed to provide each student with the opportunity to pursue a unique path of study while honing their skills in interdisciplinary thinking, independent research, and collaborative problem solving. Nominations for induction into the Academic Honor Society highlight the following qualities, which were taken into consideration by the faculty when selecting this year’s inductees:
• Dedication, resilience, and innovation in their academic work.
• Pursuit of an ambitious and challenging course of study, demonstration of strength in independent research, interdisciplinary thinking, and project design, management, and execution.
• A strong academic record with demonstration of growth in the Portrait of a Learner capacities, including collaboration.
• Growth as leaders and community builders within their grade and classes.
Inductees should represent a target of 10% of the graduating class, with a target of 5% of the class being inducted in the Junior Year.
SENIORS INDUCTED IN THEIR JUNIOR YEAR
Kai Harashima
Mia Jacobson
Bobby Jones
Zach Rosenberg
Harrison Servedio
SENIOR INDUCTEES
Djeneba Dembele
Imran Iftikar
Simrin Madia
Emma McDermott
Sofia Orr
Teddy Palmer
Reid Rodgers
JUNIOR INDUCTEES
Bianca Amen
Lily Breitfelder
Tessie Filicetti
Irhan Iftikar
Charley Moloney
Linnea Shah-Gustafsson
Grade 9 Awards
The Russell Locke Performing Arts Award
JUNIOR THESIS AWARDS
Each year, the Upper School faculty gives awards for the top thesis in each major research or artistic field, including: The Social Sciences, The Humanities (including World Languages), STEM Fields, The Visual and Performing Arts.
STEM
Eliza Crave
Determining Factors of the Gut Microbiome: How Genetics and Environmental Conditions Impact the Composition of the Gut Microbiome”
Irhan Iftikhar
Stochastic Foundations of Quantitative Finance: An Extensive Mathematical Analysis”
Cooper Taylor
Next Generation VTOL Drones: A Breakthrough in Tilt Mechanism and Modular Design for Optimization and Accessibility”
HUMANITIES
Tessie Filicetti
The Capacocha Ceremony: Expansion and Domination In The Incan Empire Through Religious Ritual”
Chris L’Helias
Exclusion, Stigmatization, and Misrecognition: The Skewing of the Chinese American Identity”
SOCIAL SCIENCES
Lily Breitfelder
An Organizational Change Analysis of the Greenwich Country Day School and Harvard University’s Vice Provost for Advances in Learning Collaboration through John Kotter’s 8 Step Model for Leading Change”
AnaLucia Villagomez
Colombia’s Path in Sustainability: A Case Study of Manizales’ Climate Change Adaptation and Sustainable Development”
ARTS
Sophie Patchen
Beyond Bounds: The Productivity of Nontraditional Commemorative Holocaust Art to Combat Desensitization”
THE SENIOR PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD is given to 12th Graders who have shown remarkable personal growth in mind, body, and spirit while at Country Day.
Djeneba Dembele
Mika Dunne
Kai Harashima
Daphne Hentsch-Cowles
Imran Iftikar
Mia Jacobson
Simrin Madia
Teddy Palme r
DIPLOMA PROGRAMS
In addition to their core course of study, students also have the opportunity to pursue a specialized diploma designation in 5 fields of learning: Engineering, Sustainability, World Languages, Classics, and the Visual and Performing Arts. These programs are designed to be highly rigorous, requiring students to amass credits from a series of required courses (determined by subject field) and an independently crafted selection of interest driven courses related to the field of learning.
See class photo on page 12 for diploma designations.
1 Grade 12 Academic Honor Society 2 The Douglas Brenninkmeyer Award 3 The Kurdziel Family Instrumental Music Award & The Dale Bartholomew Piano Award
COMPUTER SCIENCE TEAM
Achieves Three-Peat Win
The GCDS Computer Science Team won first place in the American Computer Science League (ACSL) Senior Division this spring for the third consecutive year, completing an impressive “three peat.” At this competition, all teams who obtain a perfect score “win” first place. Co captains Imran Iftikar ’25, Abraham Milgram ’25, and Harrison Servedio ’25 led the team’s success while developing an innovative online learning platform that “flips” the classroom. The platform hosts a variety of computer
science related video lectures, practice problems, and solutions, allowing students to learn material on their own time with the goal of coming to class with informed questions based on their independent learning. The team has cultivated a welcoming culture that accepts students of all skill levels. As the current senior leaders prepare to graduate, they are confident in the talented younger members who will carry the program forward. A special thanks goes to faculty advisors Gordie Campbell, Samantha Marciano, Diego Abanto, and Annette Iversen for their invaluable role in the team’s success.
Diploma in the World Languages
The Senior Personal Achievement Award 3 Junior Thesis Award
Diploma in Engineering
College & University Destinations
Albertus Magnus College
Amherst College
Berklee College of Music
Boston College (3)
Boston University
Bucknell University
Case Western Reserve University
Chapman University
Clemson University (3)
Colby College
Colgate University
College of the Holy Cross
Columbia University (2)
Cornell University (5)
Dartmouth College (2)
Denison University
Drexel University
Elon University
Emory University
Georgetown University (2)
George Washington University (2)
Georgia Institute of Technology
Grinnell College
Hamilton College
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Howard University
Indiana University (3)
Johns Hopkins University
Lafayette College
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
New York University
Northeastern University (4)
Northwestern University
Pennsylvania
State University (2)
Princeton University (2)
Rice University
Rochester Institute of Technology
Sacred Heart University (2)
CLASS OF 2025
Santa Clara University (2)
Sarah Lawrence College
Savannah College of Art and Design
Southern Methodist University (3)
Syracuse University (3)
Texas Christian University (2)
Trinity College
Tufts University
Tulane University (3)
University of Chicago (2)
University of Colorado Boulder (2)
University of Connecticut (4)
University of Denver
University of Georgia
University of Miami (4)
University of Michigan (4)
University of Notre Dame (3)
University of Pennsylvania
University of Richmond (4)
University of Southern California
University of Texas at Austin (3)
University of Virginia (2)
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Vanderbilt University
Villanova University (4)
Wake Forest University (5)
Washington University in St. Louis (2)
Wesleyan University (2)
Presentations of Learning
During Presentations of Learning (POL), students in the Upper School annually reflect in writing and orally on their growth, accomplishments, and challenges faced relative to their goals and the capacities outlined in the GCDS Portrait of a Learner. Their POLs are presented in front of an audience of faculty, administrators, and their parents/ guardians, and are evaluated based on students’ clear articulation of rationale for identifying capacities, evidence of growth, and demonstration of appreciation for where they are as learners.
Upper School Division Head Dr. Chris Winters notes, “At GCDS, we believe it is critical to develop the ability in each student to self-direct and continuously improve. An individual who is cognizant and articulate about their strengths and areas for growth, and is proactive and adaptable as they connect with new problems or new learning, can thrive as they face any opportunity or challenge life presents.”
DEVON CARELLA, GRADE 10
Devon set goals for herself to sleep more, reduce stress, and find a better balance between her school, social, and sports activities. She evaluated her progress toward these goals through the lens of three of the Portrait of a Learner capacities to think creatively, work collaboratively, and persist through setbacks. Upon reflection, she recognized that persistence and shifting her mindset could significantly improve her ability to apply learning to solve a new problem. “If you always strive for perfection, you will end up just holding yourself back and creating a stressful, anxietyfilled life where you are never satisfied.” Once she moved past the tension of not knowing the answer to a math problem, and relied on the skills and knowledge she had gained to persist through solving it, she experienced greater success. When assigned to a group for the American Dream Project,
“ As this is our first year with Country Day, presentations of learning are completely new to us and we are so impressed. I believe this will better prepare Joaquin to face any challenge; it taught him to know his authentic self, and to stay true to himself and his values.”
— Javier Urrutia (father of Joaquin)
Devon was pushed out of her comfort zone. She quickly realized that collaborating with others can result in improved time management and communication skills, and a better outcome overall. Devon’s goals for next year will build on this year’s goals of reducing stress and maintaining balance, and she is adding leadership on the sports field and in the classroom as her new area of focus.
“This year was like the ocean— tumultuous, stress filled, and stormy at times—but also calm and joyful at others . . . each and every moment helped shape my character. Reflecting on all the different capacities I embodied during the year, there is a common theme tying them all together: managing to work through problems and come out on the other side stronger. . . . I have grown so much as both a learner and a person; this year has taught me a lot about myself and has shown me how I am capable and can persist through any obstacles or setbacks sent my way.”
JOAQUIN URRUTIA, GRADE 9
New to GCDS this year, Joaquin recognized, “I have learned a great deal about myself as a learner and athlete by work
ing collaboratively and engaging independently with my work.” Participating in the grade 9 Bioethics debate gave him the opportunity to work with a team to develop and defend a position. Initially nervous to rely on others for an outcome, he quickly realized the opportunity to build off of each other’s ideas led to a more viable argument. As a strong math student, Joaquin was surprised by his initial struggle in geometry this year. He reminded himself that, usually, the more confident he is, the better he does. He set out to rebuild his confidence by asking for help and studying harder, and with a little trick he learned—to put a pen in his mouth, which forced a smile, and created a shift to a positive mindset! Joaquin also focused on valuing his physical and emotional well being. New to the GCDS tennis team, he realized that while tennis is generally an individual sport, having a team behind him gave him an extra boost of confidence, “now, I am not just playing for myself, but also for the team.” Joaquin’s goals for next year are to limit screen time, improve his nutrition and exercise habits, and reduce stress.
Devon Carella ’27
Joaquin Urrutia ’28
MOVING UP GRADE 8 CEREMONY
Marshall Spooner, Head of the Middle School praised the eighth-grade class for knowing “how to have fun” while being “incredibly thoughtful, curious, and knowledgeable about the world around them.”
During the class’s moving up ceremony on June 6, he highlighted the class’s maturity and tenacity at their recent meeting with Congressman Jim Himes in Washington, D.C. Given free rein to ask about any topic, the eighth graders immediately tackled challenging issues including secure borders, women’s reproductive rights, tariffs, universal healthcare, and international conflicts.
“At one point, someone asked if he lives in CT or DC and he said, ‘whew, finally, an easy one!’” Spooner shared. Representative Himes answered questions for 40 minutes with 30 hands still raised when his aides ended the session. The inter-
action exemplified a core GCDS philosophy: “We teach your children how to think, not what to think.”
Mr. Spooner shared two fundamental pieces of wisdom. Always Be Kind: “It doesn’t cost you anything . . . but it can make a huge difference for someone.”
Shoot Your Shot: His second message focused on taking risks despite possible failure, noting that his greatest achievements all resulted from taking chances. “When I look back on my life, I regret the shots I didn’t take. I never regret the times I missed.”
Three eighth graders, Anna Rubenstein, Noah Bailey, and Henry Schwefel took turns offering advice to younger students while reflecting on their growth during their time on Old Church Road.
Noah Bailey opened with a warning about procrastination: “Every time I postponed my work in English class throughout sixth and seventh grade, a dark, sick, and uneasy feeling would continuously loom over me. It was like a large pack of hyenas, laughing and cackling.” By eighth grade, he learned to “fit work into my schedule, rather than letting the work control my schedule”
1 The McGlynn Advisory 2 Henry Schwefel, Anna Rubenstein, Noah Bailey 3 The Spencer/O’Connell Combisory 4 Charlie Gray, James Harty, Arman Johar, Annabel Kleinknecht 5 Adam Rohdie, Marshall Spooner, Ray Dupree 6 Caleigh Reynolds 7 Pitch Paws Choir
Anna Rubenstein addressed the trap of perfectionism, sharing how late nights pursuing flawless assignments affected her well-being. “I realize that there needs to be a balance between resilience and being kind to yourself,” she reflected. “Perfection on an assignment is not more important than cherishing time with those you love.”
The students emphasized the importance of genuine relationships. Anna advised finding friends who “felt like family” by “being my authentic self.”
The trio expressed gratitude to teachers who handle “tireless, loud, stressed-out, delirious middle school gremlins” with patience and care. Their final message was clear: “Prioritize your mental health. No school work is more important than your overall well-being.”
Head of School Adam Rohdie quoted lines from Alice in Wonderland, this year’s Middle School musical selection: “The moment of glory is at hand; This is going to be grand; Adventure is a wonderful thing.”
“Next year, whether you’re going to another school or continuing your journey as a Tiger, you have a unique opportunity
ahead of you. This next chapter is yours to write,” Rohdie told the eighth graders. “High school is a fresh start. It’s your chance to remake yourself. So how do you do that? How can I really change? I will give you the answer—and it is super simple—take one step in a new direction.”
To conclude, advisors called their advisees to the podium, shared a few words describing each student, and presented them with Certificates of Completion.
“When I look back on my life, I regret the shots I didn’t take. I never regret the times I missed.”
— MARSHALL SPOONER, HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL
MOVING UP
GRADE 5 CEREMONY
Grade 5 teachers shared their favorite, heartwarming memories of the year with students at the Moving Up Ceremony on June 5. Nina Basinet, Head of Upper Elementary, Kevin Thompson, Assistant Head of Upper Elementary, and Head of School Adam Rohdie, shared advice about the importance of good habits and kindness with the soon-to-be Middle Schoolers. At the conclusion of the ceremony, families accompanied their children back to classrooms for a Portfolio Share, a culmination of some of their best academic work from the school year.
1 Adam Rohdie, Kevin Thompson, Nina Basinet 2 Adrian Vargas, Noah Thompson, RJ Sozzi, Kira Sharma, Luke Scaramella, Edie Renwick, Emmy Parker, VInia Musante, Laurel Madden, Mika, Macleod, Sarah Mackay, Emi Kantt, India Hal, Luca Della Pietra
3 Felicita Sozzi 4 Andrew Fargis, William Herr and family 5 Kasen Fu 6 Adrian Vargas, Noah Thompson, RJ Sozzi, Luke Scaramella
7 Kash Williams, RJ Cavaliero, Adam Rohdie 8 Zaira Britt 9 Edie Renwick, Emmy Parker, Vinia Musante, Laurel Madden, Mika Macleod, Sarah Mackay 10 Noah Thompson and family 11 Felicita Sozzi, Connor Walmsley, Hunter Ward
Moving Up & Animal Reports
On June 4, Grade 2 students and families gathered in Molinari Hall for the end of the year concert. The musical performances were followed by their final presentation of learning—students shared their animal research, reports, and dioramas with their families.
Head of Lower Elementary School Trudy Davis wrote a special poem, “To Our Second Grade Explorers,” which she read at the Grade 2 Moving Up Concert. It concluded with this last stanza:
So, onward now—be bold, be true— We’re so very proud of each of you. And though you leave this Lower El place, You’ll always hold a special space.
1 Sloane Wyatt 2 Stephen Scanlon, sister Dempsey, and mother 3 Caroline Tseng, Magnus Watts 4 Nathan Geller 5 Khari Jackson and mother
END-OF-YEAR ASSEMBLY
Students in Nursery through Grade 12, along with faculty and staff gathered together on June 6 in The DON, the Donovan Mitchell Athletic Center for the end-of-year All-School Assembly. Head of School Adam Rohdie officially “moved up” Grades 5 and 2 students to their next division (the eighth grade ceremony was held later that day).
Students across divisions sang the beloved “Move Up” song punching the air at “celebrate!” The community, swaying arm in arm, enjoyed musical numbers from each of the divisions and sang the school song.
A GCDS tradition concluded the annual assembly—high school juniors gave GCDS baseball caps to the Nursery students in a moment of connection between the school’s soon-to-be oldest students and the youngest ones.
The Day the Crayons QUIT!
The first grade play, The Day the Crayons Quit, based on the popular children’s book by Drew Daywalt, was a spirited collaboration between students, classroom teachers, and music teachers. Through the rehearsal process, students experienced memorizing lines, songs, and dances. During performances, students practiced their public speaking skills and had the opportunity to shine onstage in front of parents, teachers, and peers.
1 Harrison Ruckman 2 Annie Wreschner, Foster Whittlesey 3 Jack DeGisi, Gaines Fishman 4 Sloane Glasebrook, Winston Molenkamp 5 (top row to bottom row) Marie Evers Vazquez, Leila Traboulsi, Mason Mariucci, Zoe Bixler, Grayson Schweibold, Annie Wreschner, Foster Whittlesey
GCDS THEATER PROGRAM WINS TWO HALO AWARDS
GCDS took home two awards from 15 nominations at the Halo Awards held on May 27 at the Palace Theater in Waterbury, CT.
The night began with a show stopping performance by Celeste Escobar ’25 and Sawyer Young ’25, who brought down the house with their rendition of “Where Did the Rock Go?” from School of Rock
GCDS won in two categories: Best Running Crew for School of Rock. The award honored Stage Manager Diego Abanto and his team of cast and crew members who orchestrated the production’s seamless scene transitions. The second victory came through Mike Dunne ’25, who won Best Program Art for You Can’t Take It With You
The HALO Awards recognize excellence in high school theatre throughout the state of Connecticut. Nearly 90 CT high school programs competed in a variety of categories: acting, singing, directing, choreography, set design, and technical theater.
1 Mika Dunne 2 Celeste Escobar, Mika Dunne, Sawyer Young, Lyla Sheedy 3 Nate Smith, Zach Bostock, Celeste Escobar, Lyla Sheedy, Mika Dunne, Sawyer Young, Jonathan De Vries
Ukrainian-Inspired Student Artwork Featured at Bruce Museum
Junior Sophie Patchen’s artwork “One Dog Bed” was selected for the prestigious Bruce Museum’s iCreate 2025 exhibition.
The annual juried exhibition, which opened on June 8, showcases exceptional artistic talent from high school students across CT, NY, and NJ. Sophie’s work was chosen from a pool of 750 submissions representing 63 high schools throughout the tri state area, with only 54 exceptional pieces selected for the final exhibition.
Sophie created her piece during this year’s Art to Heart Upper School Intersession program, where she served as co student leader. The oil paint and plaster on canvas work is a result of a collaboration with Hanna Zholnerchyk, a Ukrainian migrant and mother of GCDS alumna Marta Zholnerchy ’23.
Sophie worked with Hanna to create art reflecting her experience of leaving Ukraine when the war broke out, bringing only one of her two beloved dogs to America while her husband remained on the frontlines. The painting depicts both dogs side by side—the Ukrainian dog wearing a traditional headpiece and the American dog in a Statue of Liberty crown—sharing the same bed as a symbol of hope for future reunion.
“Create art, not war—always!” Hanna told Sophie, who incorporated sheet music from “Carol of the Bells,” a Ukrainian song that reminded Hanna of home, as the painting’s backdrop.
The Bruce Museum’s iCreate exhibition celebrates emerging talent and provides young artists with the opportunity to display their work in a professional museum setting.
Sophie Patchen ’26
FIN DI NG
Upper Elementary students performed a heartwarming production of Finding Nemo, bringing the beloved underwater adventure to life, showcasing the students’ talent, and celebrating themes of courage, friendship, and family bonds.
Under the direction of Ashleigh Hahn, MS & UES Choral Music and Musical Theater Teacher, and Misty Sturm, UES & MS Music Teacher, two casts, each with one hundred students, and two evening performances made it possible for the entire UE choral program to perform. Bravo to all the blooming thespians!
1 Fei Shapiro 2 Fourth graders: Bea Benenson, Olivia Bagshaw, Willa Pauletti, Eleanor Garrett, RD McCormack 3 India Hall, Owen Steuerer 4 Fourth grade Moonfish 5 Murphy Baird
1 Kingsley Robertson, Keira Miller, Emmy Blob 2 Piper Jewett 3 Fourth grade Jellyfish 4 Kira Sharma 5 Third grade Sea Turtles 6 Full cast
1 Andrew Fargis, Kinsgley Robertson 2 Emmy Blob
3 Fourth grade sharks Charlotte Mueller, Agnes Thomaier
4 Fifth graders 5 Luca Della Pietra 6 Fifth grade sharks Charlotte Zakka, Zaira Britt
Festival of the Arts
PIANO RECITALS
Students in Grades 1–12 have the opportunity to learn how to play piano at GCDS. Throughout May, they showcased their skills for families and friends at ten recitals ranging in levels.
1 Henry Gittes 2 Jennaly Rodriguez 3 Jack Piper 4 Siyana Dupree
“Congratulations to our wonderful piano students who achieved an incredible milestone by performing solo.”
—MARIA DVORAK, PIANO TEACHER
Festival of the Arts
Instrumental CONCERTS
On May 13, Upper Elementary and Middle School students from the Band, Jazz Band, and Orchestra took the stage in Debbie Kerrick Theater and performed music of a variety of styles including marches, ballads, Dixieland, and movie themes.
The Festival of the Arts (FOTA) is a culmination of GCDS student accomplishments from the year across music, dance, visual, and performing arts.
Elementary School
1 Bea Benenson, Daphne Kilts 2 Andrew Fargis, Lucas Kim, RJ Sozzi 3 Anna Galatioto, Caitlin Milby
4 Poppy Hager, Evie Butcher, Carter Wright, Thomas Henry, Caleb Carter, Alina Chulak, Myla Scott
1 Luca Della Pietra, Hunter Crumbine, William Herr 2 Hunter Frank
3 AJ Tar, Kash Williams, Elle Fitzmaurice Washer, India Hall, Tyler Bego
4 Habiba Samson, Mia Tang 5 Gardner Williams, Lilah Wood and Henry Anikstein 6 Battur Hung, Matthew Tang
Festival of the Arts
UPPER SCHOOL SPRING
CONCERT
On May 8, the Upper School ensembles performed at their annual spring concert featuring more than 50 performers. The Concert Band and Jazz Band performed an eclectic mix of band and jazz favorites. The Upper School Strings, Mass Choir, and the Tiger Tones also performed and were joined by the Eighth Grade Choir.
Opposite: 1 Jazz Band 2 Nate Smith, Daphne Hentsch-Cowles, Kristina Estock 3 Tiger Tones and 8th Grade Choir
This page: 1 Kit Knapp 2 (back row) Gabe Amortegui, Luc Presutti, Danny Dominguez, (front Row) Nico Carrasquero, Landon Ristau, Kevin Politi, Jeret Roslin, Rob Lang 3 Mass Choir 4 Amelia Albarracin 5 Flute section
Athletics 20
GCDS ATHLETES WILL PLAY AT COLLEGIATE LEVEL
Twenty GCDS student athletes will continue their athletic careers at the college level next year, representing a growing number of sports and showcasing the depth and breadth of the school’s athletic program.
GROUP PHOTO
Front Row:
Ben Bilden Soccer, Dartmouth
MD Mutescu Rowing, Northeastern
Austin Nelson Water Polo, George Washington
Eli Rosen Track and Field, Emory
Ella Larken, Rowing, Villanova
Brianna McDermott Basketball, Holy Cross
Owen Chickering Sailing, Northeastern
Dylan Kellan Lacrosse, Notre Dame
Back Row:
Wyatt Lupo Golf, Hamilton
Mia Rodgers Golf, Wesleyan
Emily Behr Swimming, Trinity
Bobby Jones Lacrosse, MIT
Griffyn Flood Lacrosse, Wesleyan
Danielle Braver Soccer, William Smith
Brennan Cunnion Football, Dennison
Luca Corsano Leopizzi Football, Johns Hopkins
Stephen Carre Lacrosse, Sacred Heart
Not Pictured:
Jackson Anderson Rowing, Princeton
Elle Price Hockey, Albertus Magnus
Ella Wilner Lacrosse, Clemson
WYATT LUPO
EMILY BEHR
OWEN CHICKERING
I cannot wait to hear about all the success this group of devoted athletes achieves for their future programs, and look forward to them coming back to our sidelines as often as possible. Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger!”
— Tim Helstein, Director of Athletics
ELI ROSEN
LUCA CORSANO LEOPIZZI
BRENNAN CUNNION
BOBBY JONES, DYLAN KELLAN, GRIFFYN FLOOD, STEPHEN CARRE
MD MUTESCU
DYLAN KELLAN
SENIOR BREAKFAST
Welcome Class of ’25 to the Alumni Community!
On May 2, GCDS celebrated the Class of 2025 and welcomed them into the alumni community at a Senior Breakfast with their parents. As part of the festivities, the senior class gifted the school a class tree for the Stanwich Road campus.
Every year, as part of a recent tradition, each graduate receives a brick engraved with their name and class year, which will be installed in the walkway above the playing field on Stanwich Road. This gesture honors the students and serves as a reminder that they will always have a home at GCDS. Once a Tiger, always a Tiger!
Grandparents & Grandfriends Day
Evening Reception—Thursday, May 7, 2026
Morning Activities—Friday, May 8, 2026
From all the students, faculty and staff, a heartfelt thank you for your support of the 2024-25 Annual Fund! Your gifts make every day at GCDS extraordinary!
IN CELEBRATION OF OUR CENTENNIAL
We are proud to honor Distinguished Alumni from across the decades of our school history. Our recipients represent diverse industries, unique personal journeys, and exceptional achievements, and have made an incredible impact on their communities, while demonstrating extraordinary Tiger Pride.
We also recognize three alumni with the Visionary Award. These recipients have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to our school community, and their vision has transformed our work.
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI VISIONARY AWARD
Luke Bronin ’94 Public Servant & Educator
Kate Kingsley Lund ’86 Clinical Psychologist & Author
Ursula Griswold LaMotte ’56
Former County Legislator
Margaret Hart Rogers ’47
Former GCDS Athletic Director
Amanda Shulman ’08 Chef & Entrepreneur
John Weinberg ’72 Investment Banker
Chris Whipple ’68 Author & Political Analyst
Donovan Mitchell ’12
Professional Basketball Player, Six-time NBA All-Star
Cameron Winklevoss ’97
Co-founder of Gemini
Tyler Winklevoss ’97
Co-founder of Gemini
Greenwich Country Day School
P.O. Box 623, Old Church Road
Greenwich, CT 06836-0623
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