Caroline Simmons ’01 Mayor of Stamford, CT Commencement
Modeling Civility
By HOS Adam Rohdie
FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” —JACKIE ROBINSON
This quote from Jackie Robinson, one of my favorites, encapsulates the essence of everything we strive for at Country Day. In this issue of GCDS News, you’ll hear from one of our alumni, the Honorable Caroline Simmons ’01, the current Mayor of Stamford, CT. She challenged our graduates to make service to others a central part of their lives. Additionally, Jen Donnalley and Austin Lehn from our Center for Public Good share an inspiring article about their motivational approach to service in the Upper School. Recent graduate Anna Basinet ’24 also contributes a compelling piece on how she developed a deep interest in and empathy for the neurodiverse population during her time at GCDS.
Service is such a significant part of what we do at GCDS that we could easily dedicate an entire issue to it. Even as I write this note, we are running a summer camp at French Farm for children from war-torn regions who have found refuge nearby. The impact of our service in the local community is profound, and it’s gratifying to be recognized as the school that is always ready to help.
I am deeply grateful to Vicki Craver, our outgoing board president, who truly exemplifies the GCDS mission of helping others. Her dedicated service to Country Day will not be forgotten, and our school is stronger because of her leadership. I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our five retiring educators, who have always put children first. I’ll especially miss David Griswold, who passed away this summer. He taught at GCDS for nearly 70 years, leaving an indelible impact on countless alumni and embodying a life of service.
As we prepare to launch the 2024–2025 school year—our 99th year, my 21st, and our 6th as an N–12 institution—my hope is that we continue this century-long tradition of caring for others. Each year, I create T-shirts for the faculty and staff, featuring a Tiger on the front and an inspirational slogan on the back. This year’s shirt reads:
“No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.”
I’m confident this message will resonate with every member of our wonderful community, and I can’t wait for the year to begin!
Adam C. Rohdie
End-of-Year
All-School Assembly
See more photos on page 38
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, Jen Donnalley
MAGAZINE DESIGN
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Kirsten Bitzonis
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Suzanne Shrekgast
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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.
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On the Cover: Ceanna Hidalgo ’24, Caroline Simmons ’01, Murphy Watner ’24
Cover Photo: Jon Lopez SEPTEMBER 2024
In Memoriam David Griswold
4 Modeling Civility
By Head of School Adam Rohdie
6 Class of 2024 Commencement
10 Commencement Speaker
Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons ’01
19 Evolving College Landscape
20 Forging a Path in Neurodiversity By Anna Basinet ’24
22 Service from the Heart By Jen Donnalley and Austin Lehn
24 Building Bonds
CPG Helps to Build Homes in the Dominican Republic
27 Q&A with Todd Portier ’98 Farmer at French Farm
31 Moving Up Ceremonies Grades Eight, Five, and Two
40 Spring Concerts & UES Musical Matilda
48 Decades of Dedication Honoring Retirees
51 Tribute to Vicki Craver Outgoing Board President
56 In Memoriam: David Griswold Teacher and Faculty Mentor
57 Alumni News & Notes
Modeling Civility
We seem to have forgotten, as a society, how to make the most of difficult conversations. This deficit can be seen on the world stage in political debates, at the dinner party table, and unfortunately, in classrooms across the country. The idea of a Jeffersonian dinner party where friends with differing visions of the world can learn from each other seems to have died. Sadly, it was Jefferson himself who said, “I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend.”
At GCDS, we know that differing perspectives on challenging topics can lead to learning opportunities. Yet, throughout our country and in so many different schools, we are increasingly missing those opportunities in our determination to prove ourselves infallible. By subscribing to the scorched earth policy of not only doggedly defending our opinions as fact, but dismantling any contrary views, we miss the chance to ask good questions and to listen with honest curiosity—we certainly miss any opportunity to evolve in our thinking.
In numerous conversations with Country Day teachers, we have talked about how we must prepare our graduates to change this narrative. This is true when two Kindergarten children have an argument over whether Batman or Superman is the better superhero, or in a high school history class exploring the most
By Adam Rohdie Head of School
recent Supreme Court decision surrounding abortion. As part of our initiative to engage students in this discourse, I am excited to tackle the idea of civil/uncivil discourse in a course I am teaching this year in the Upper School.
Great American Debates: Government, Civics, and Ethics
This course explores the key debates that drive contemporary American politics. Through grappling with ‘ripped-from-theheadlines’ issues of society, rights, and politics, students will analyze the history and structure of American government, the core systems and arguments of American law, and the ethical positions that emerge from these issues. In the process, students will develop the skills of persuasive debate, analytical writing and argumentation, as well as the interpretation of personal ethics. In pursuit of these skills, students will prepare themselves to be active and engaged citizens of America’s diverse and dynamic democratic society.
An informed and engaged citizenry is one willing and able to take on the unique and wonderful, if daunting, promise of our republic, to steer our own ship.
When Ben Franklin was asked after the Constitutional Convention what form of government the delegates had created, his reply was: “A republic, if you can keep it.” And the
Students discussed and debated complex, multi-faceted issues during the Grade 10 American Dream unit.
“ “
By subscribing to the scorched earth policy of not only doggedly defending our opinions as fact, but dismantling any contrary views, we miss the chance to ask good questions and to listen with honest curiosity—we certainly miss any opportunity to evolve in our thinking.
great American educator John Dewey once said, “Democracy has to be born anew every generation, and education is its midwife.”
This fall we will once again be in the midst of a national election and while I am not optimistic that we will see any campaign that tries to unify our growing fracture, I am optimistic that GCDS will be armed to engage in discussion in a fashion that shows a healthy respect and real desire to learn and grow.
To make the most of the opportunity, our students must build their democracy tool kit. They must learn from and participate in big conversations. They must ask honest, difficult questions, and then patiently listen, open and ready to learn something new. They must build the confidence necessary to reexamine their views and either strengthen them or change them.
If our country is to evolve and move forward, if we are to emerge from November on a path toward unity, we all must build these key skills, we must model for our children what civility looks like and we must embrace the most American ideal, E pluribus unum —“Out of many, one”!
Congratulations, Class of 2024!
You say, “Goodbye,” and I say, “Hello—hello, hello”
I don’t know why you say, “Goodbye,” I say, “Hello—hello, hello”
–The Tiger Tones’ rendition of the Beatles' hit song “Hello, Goodbye”
Murphy Watner, Student Body President and a graduating senior, encouraged his fellow classmates to take “five minutes” to savor special moments, connect with others, and pursue excellence.
While addressing 95 classmates, family, friends, and faculty members at Greenwich Country Day School’s commencement ceremony on June 6, Murphy praised the faculty as role models for taking extra time to show they care for their students, connecting with them on music, sports, academics—anything that interests them. “In those five extra minutes with faculty, I felt so valued,” he said.
Murphy will never forget the minutes at the end of his last football game of the season as a senior. “We all just sat on the field. It was five minutes, but it felt like we were sitting there for ages. Taking in that moment was powerful. We were solidifying our friendship and making memories.”
Thinking about the present and future, Murphy advised the graduates: “Take five minutes at some point today to appreciate this moment. And as you stroll the campus of your new college, take the extra time to sign up for a club, introduce yourself to someone new, visit a professor, perfect the lab report, and just laugh with your friends.”
William Bennet
Bella Medina, Charlotte Dell’Olio, Savannah Hill, Anna Lonski, Lily Braun, Melanie Salazar, Rima Ferrer, Lindsey Keating, Sarah DesChamps
Adam Rohdie, Max Dubner
Dylan Joseph
Jake Ledonne and family
Murphy Watner
Charlotte Dell’Olio (front), Ava Kilmurray, Kyle Short, Lindsey Keating
MiKayla DuPree, Andrew LeDee, DEI Director, Jacqueline Jenkins, Assistant Head of School
Owen Hoffman, Bailey Gendason, Brady Calhoun, Bobby Burton, Michael Capek
Senior Class President Will Bennet also paid special thanks to teachers. “The one thing that has remained constant during our time at the Upper School is the love and compassion gifted to us by our faculty.”
Earlier in the ceremony, Shaun Kelly, a Middle School English Teacher retiring after 35 years at the school, delivered the invocation. Mr. Kelly presented a 2024 variation of the 1987 bestseller All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum. Some of his advice included:
• When all else fails, listen to some music.
• If you are a curious person, you will never, ever be bored.
• Reading fiction 20–30 minutes a day makes you happier.
• Be kind to everyone, especially the most vulnerable in our world—little children and old folks.
• No one gets to the finish line without many others helping along the way.
Alumna Caroline Simmons ’01, Mayor of Stamford, CT, addressed the Class of ’24 (see page 10)
This year’s graduation ceremony marked the first time that soon-to-be first-generation college students were recognized, receiving roaring applause from the audience for Ceanna Hidalgo, Chloe Caliboso, and JaShiya McCoy. Graduates known as “Lifers,” who have attended Country Day since Nursery and Pre-K, were also recognized.
HIGH SCHOOL AWARDS
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.
Anna Basinet (see page 20)
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.
Ainsley Carella, Chloe Caliboso, Zach Rosenberg
Board of Trustees President Vicki Craver said that each graduate charted their own path through high school based on their interests and personalities. “Your high school experience has been uniquely your own. And yet, this class would not be the same if any single one of you had not joined it and been willing to work together. You’ve supported each other through tough times and celebrated each other’s successes. This collective spirit is what makes your class truly special.”
In his address, Head of School Adam Rohdie recounted that 15 years ago, he collaborated with dozens of Heads of Schools to measure important life skills—time management, creativity, empathy, resilience, ethics, to name a few. This collaboration led to a partnership with the College Board to create a Mission Skills Assessment. Today, 100,000 students in Grade 8 take the test annually.
“Here is what the data showed—students who scored high on the resilience section of the test had higher GPAs and, perhaps even more fascinating, they also scored the highest in terms of happiness (or life satisfaction, as we called it on the test). Let me put that more simply—students who could handle adversity and setbacks were more successful in school and much happier,” he said.
“And knowing all this, we as educators set out to find ways to teach you how to become more resilient. All those times we put you into uncomfortable situations (think public speaking, group projects, challenges on the stage and the fields), we did so, so that you could discover and enhance your capacities for resilience.”
It was not only these situations that taught students to be resilient but also their lived experiences, said Mr. Rohdie, referring to COVID, hybrid schooling, polarized politics, wars abroad, Canadian wildfires, hurricanes, and record heat waves. Personally, students navigated broken bones, setbacks in the classroom, getting cut from a team, not getting a lead role in a show, having a relationship break-up, changing friend groups, surviving a parental divorce, and the death of a grandparent.
“Any one of these things ‘would have been enough,’” he said, translating the lyrics of a traditional song, “Dayenu,” sung at a Passover seder.
Mr. Rohdie shared good and bad news with the graduates. “The good news is that you are prepared; you have experience; and you have proven your resilience. The bad news, of course, is that as you head off for college, you will be tested once again. The challenges of making new friends, making good decisions, and standing up in the face of new issues that are undoubtedly coming your way will force you to draw on your reserves of resilience.”
Mr. Rohdie closed with a Japanese proverb: “Fall seven times, stand up eight.”
Vicki Craver, Board President
Caroline Simmons ’01, Mayor of Stamford, CT
Evelyn Fitts, Charlotte Dell’Olio
Matt Basinet, Shaun Kelly
Jonah Saidi, Jake Murphy, Will Mackey, Cooper Edwards
Brady Calhoun and family
Lasting Benefits of Service & Kindness
Caroline Simmons ’01, Mayor of Stamford, CT, returned to the Country Day campus to address the Class 2024, continuing a time-honored tradition of having a member of the alumni community share their wisdom with graduates.
The following are excerpts from her remarks:
Service and Giving Back
My quest to serve began here at Country Day when I remember learning about community service from teachers like Ms. Donnalley. She taught us how to organize Friday bake sales and pizza days to raise money for non-profits and schoolwide walkathons and other community service projects, showing us that at a young age we could make a difference. This lesson continued in the months that followed my graduation from Country Day when that Fall of 2001, I was sitting in history class and learned from our Head of School that two planes had struck the World Trade Center towers. Like so many others, I watched in horror as the Twin Towers fell and remember the feeling of shock, sadness, fear, and anger over the loss of life, including a classmate in our community who lost a loved one. But amidst the destruction,
there was a spirit of unity and devotion to service that could be seen from the brave firefighters running into those buildings, to the hundreds of people lined up at Ground Zero to donate blood, to the sea of red, white, and blue flags that colored our streets in the weeks that followed. I was filled with patriotism, love for our country, and a desire to serve. . . .
And now as Mayor of Connecticut’s second largest, soon to be first largest city (!), even on the days where you feel like you’re a punching bag fielding complaints about roads and potholes from everyone, including from my 5-year-old son who constantly reminds me that the sidewalk is too bumpy for his scooter, there is that daily gratifying feeling that comes from waking up every morning with the opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives. And the great thing about working at the local level is you don’t have to wait for change from Washington, D.C., or from our state government. Cities and local communities are increasingly on the frontlines of tackling our world’s biggest challenges. From climate change, to homelessness, to gun violence, to economic inequality, cities and communities have the opportunity to shape policy outcomes and develop immediately impactful initiatives that address the most pressing issues of our time. . . .
So, no matter what city or town you end up in after you graduate, I hope you carry with you the GCDS tradition of service that you’ve developed here.
This doesn’t mean you have to become a politician, although if any of you do decide to run for office in the future you can count on me for a donation and to knock on doors and campaign for you! But there are countless ways to give back and bring that
COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER
Caroline Simmons ’01
Caroline was elected as Mayor of Stamford, CT, in 2021. In 2014, she was elected to represent Stamford’s 144th House District, serving as the Chair of the Commerce Committee, and was a member of the Higher Education and Employment and Human Services committees. Previously, Caroline worked at Yale University at Elevate: A Policy Lab to Elevate Mental Health and Disrupt Poverty, where she focused on maternal mental health policies. Additionally, she worked at the Department of Homeland Security for four and a half years, serving as a Special Assistant in the Office of the Secretary, a Policy Analyst in the Office of the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, and as a Director of Special Projects in the Counterterrorism Coordinator’s Office.
Asher Goldstein, Ryan Goldenberg, Zach Rosenberg, Mason Christiansen, Colin Lee
Steve Paul, MiKayla DuPree, Jashiyah McCoy, Celine Silvera, Paloma Snisky
Danna Justiniano, Chloe Caliboso, Stella Melucci, Ceanna Hidalgo
Alex Gislason, Charlie Jenkins
Santiago Hahn and family
Henrik Shah-Gustafsson and friend
GCDS service mindset into whatever you do next. Your service will not only improve others’ lives but an added bonus is it will benefit your lives too. At a time where so many are facing mental health challenges and increasing stress levels, research shows that those who give back to others experience better mental health, higher life satisfaction, lower stress, less disease, and longer life spans. Suffice it to say, serving others will have lasting benefits on you and your community.
Take Risks and Don’t Be Afraid of Failure
I’ve failed many times in my life. In fact, one of the first failures I remember was when I was in 9th grade here at GCDS, I ran for student representative. I remember being so nervous during my speech I totally choked and lost the vote, badly. Looking back at how disappointed I was at the time, I realize that if I had stopped there after that initial loss and given up, I wouldn’t be here today. Country Day taught me about sportsmanship and how to lose gracefully, and also how to be resilient and learn from each failure. Since that 9th grade student government loss, I’ve had many other failures, from failing one of my first Arabic exams in college, to being denied job applications, to a relationship that
fell apart, to in my current job, falling short. But looking back at those failures, I realize that each one was just a stumbling block that enabled me to grow, learn, try again, change course, and get better. Because you learn so much more from your failures than you do from your successes.
Just listen to some of these failures that led to greatness:
• Taylor Swift’s first album was rejected and she recounts being bullied in middle school
• Tom Brady was the 199th 6th round NFL draft pick and is now considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time! (Apologies to any Giants or Jets fans here today).
• Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team and went on to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
• Bill Gates initially started a failed business called Traf-O-Data before creating the global empire that is Microsoft.
• Comedian Jerry Seinfeld was booed off the stage at age 22 because he froze and couldn’t remember his joke.
Needless to say, if you have ever failed or stumbled, you are in good company. So don’t be afraid to take risks, try new things,
Campbell Greene, Madison Duckett
Avery Sleeper, Nina Basinet, Anna Basinet (middle) with family and friends
Jake Murphy, Bailey Gendason, Chris Winters, Head of Upper School, Jack Rosenberg
Alex Schwartz, Zainn Amin
and keep trying, even if you don’t succeed the very first time. Your experience here at GCDS has given you the tools and skills needed to explore, innovate, take risks, and learn and grow, from your Intersession and Diploma programs, to your Seminars and Independent Studies, and all the hard work that went into your Junior Thesis (by the way I didn’t even know what a thesis was until I went to college so you’re already ahead of the game!)— all of these experiences have taught you resilience and problemsolving skills that will help you navigate any obstacle that comes your way. The next phase of your life is going to be one of the most interesting and exciting times. Don’t be worried about doing it all perfectly and just as you have tried out all different activities here at GCDS, continue to try different things and see what excites you, and keep trying even if it doesn’t work out the first time.
Kindness
Finally, the importance of kindness and treating others with respect. This may sound trite and basic, but I have found incredible value in the simplicity of just being kind. Especially at a time when there is increasing hate speech, anger, violence, and bullying, our country is yearning for more compassion and positive social connections. Because, academic and career success will
only take you so far in life—but the real measure of success is how you treat people along the way.
Tiger Pride
To be thoughtful, inclusive, generous, empathetic, and respectful— these values have been instilled in you throughout your experience here and they are the most valuable traits to bring with you.
I remember learning in history class at Country Day about how the American experiment began when the earliest settlers came to America in 1630. Their community in New England was referred to as a "City Upon a Hill,” or a shining example that would be a beacon of hope for all. In that same spirit, your class up on that hill on Stanwich Road, has been like a ‘City Upon a Hill.’ You’ve brought model values that are a shining example that will live on after you graduate today. You’re inspiring role models for the Lower School and Middle School students who look up to your class, you’re positive role models for giving back to our community and demonstrating TIGER PRIDE values. You represent so much hope for our country’s future. As you move into your next chapter, I hope you bring these TIGER PRIDE values with you, we need them more than ever in our world today.
Chris Takita, Warner Gearhart
Ainsley Carella and family (Gracie ’30, Devon ’27)
Megan Shapiro, Campbell Greene, Ruby Cosgrove
Chase Richards, Adam Rohdie
John Berbano and family
, Violet McCann-Anthony 4,5, Colin Lee, Alex Schwartz, MiKayla
Steve Paul 2
Justiniano, Tucker Rose 4 , Bobby Burton, Kendall Collier, Eli Murphy, Sol Hochberg, Dylan Joseph,
Row 1: Chase Richards, Chloe Caliboso 2 , John Berbano, Chris Takita, Ruby Cosgrove 3,5 Daniel St. Louis 4 , Meg Shapiro 2 , Will Feurtado, Campbell Greene, Murphy Watner 4 , Belle Crowell, William Bennett, Anna Basinet Row 2: Ainsley Carella, Jonah Saidi 3 , Ellie Stark 5 , Max Dubner 3 , Allegra Dapuzzo 3,6 , Owen Hoffman 3 , Logan O’Neill 5 , Mason Christiansen, Katarina Forstmann 4 , Michael Capek 4
DuPree,
Row 3: Demetrius Farias, Danna
Thayer Ross
Evelyn Fitts
Mellucci
Congratulations, Class of 2024!
Teddy Coles 4 , Mal Lentini 5, Liv Borsey 3 , Yash Jain 2 , Jesse Ripka, Tucker Winham 4 , Jashiyah Mccoy, Kyle Short, Celine Silvera, Andy Pauley 2 , Madison Duckett, Santiago Hahn 3,6 , Charlie Jenkins 2 , Bella Medina, Jack Brogan 2 , Paige Setterberg 3 , Warner Gearhart, Savannah Hill 2 , Henrik Shah-Gustafsson 2 , Melanie Salazar, Alek Gislason, Sarah DesChamps 5 Row 5: Felix Hentsch-Cowles 2 , Charlotte Dell’Olio, Charlie Meyer 3,4,6 , Anna Lonski, Asher Goldstein 4 , Aidan Becton, Will Mackey, Jake LaDonne, Harley Goodner, Corinne Cunningham, Calder Truesdale, Paloma Snitsky, Jasper Brokaw, Ryan Goldenberg, Ava Kilmurray, Maddox Reisner, Francesca Loverro, Zach Rosenberg 2 , Jake Murphy, Reese Velishka, Avery Sleeper 3,4 , Jack Sipple 2 , Doyle Zisson, Rima Ferrer, Bailey Gendason
Not Pictured: Ella Davis 3, Jonathan DellaCamera
UPPER SCHOOL AWARDS
PRESENTED ON MAY 31, 2024
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 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.
Murphy Watner, Jashiyah McCoy
The Kurdziel (“Kurd-jull”) 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.
Thayer Ross
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.
Jonah Saidi
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.
Stella Melucci, Avery Sleeper
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.
Drew Gillian Hines ’25
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.”
Anna Basinet, Francesca Loverro
The Douglas Brenninkmeyer ’88 Award celebrates character displayed through athletics, not athletic ability or competitive instinct, though both may be present in the winners. 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.
Calder Truesdale, Jesse Ripka, Bailey Gendason, Charlotte Dell’Olio
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
George Belshaw
Devon Carella
Katie Culvahouse
Thea D’Albert
Perri Hines
Grace Kepler
Shep O’Keeffe
Nate Smith
10th Grade
Lily Breitfelder
Caroline Cabrera
Emma Heffer
Irhan Iftikar
Kaia Novack
Asher Rosen
Zac Rosenbaum
Ben Schuessler
Linnea ShahGustaffson
Cooper Taylor
THE 11TH & 12TH GRADE
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.
Seniors inducted in their Junior Year:
Chloe Caliboso
Ainsley Carella
Ruby Cosgrove
Harley Goodner
Senior inductees:
Michael Capek
Allegra DaPuzzo
Sol Hochman
Yash Jain
Felix HentschCowles
Andy Pauley
Zach Rosenberg
Violet McCannAnthony Charlie Meyer
* 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.
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.
Junior inductees:
Kai Harashima
Mia Jacobson
STEM
Bobby Jones Harrison Servedio
Kai Harashima, “Strategy, Subterfuge, and Deception: How Cancer Cells Hide From the Body’s Natural Defenses”
Bobby Jones, “Partial Differential Equations: How Mathematicians Revolutionized the Economy”
Humanities
Kyle Bassalik , “How Socialist Was National Socialism?”
Reminy D’Albert, “The Mental and Physical Healthcare Disparities of Women in the French Incarceration System”
Social Sciences
Jackson Anderson, “The Property Tax and Education Inequality in Connecticut”
Leena Aronson, “The Neuroscience and Psychology Behind Equine-Assisted Therapy: Horses Are Capable of Inspiring Change”
Olivia Karanikolaidis, “Smog in Our Brains: The Correlation Between Increased Air Pollution and Anxiety and Depression in Adolescents”
Arts
Daphne Hentsch-Cowles, “Growing Pains: An EP on Finding Maturity and Self as an Adolescent”
SENIOR PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
This award is given to 12th Graders who have shown remarkable personal growth in mind, body, and spirit while at Country Day.
William Bennett
Michael Capek
Teddy Coles
Ella Davis
Evelyn Fitts
Harley Goodner
Ceanna Hidalgo
Sol Hochman
Paige Setterberg
Avery Sleeper
DIPLOMA PROGRAMS
In addition to their core course of study, students also can pursue a specialized diploma designation in five 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 previous page for diploma designations)
9th & 10th Grade Awards
Drew Gillian Hines ’25 Visual Arts Award
Two Years Running—First Place Win for the Computer Science Team
The GCDS Computer Science team placed first in the American Computer Science League (ACSL) competition for the second consecutive year. ACSL, an international competition, aims to promote interest in computer science and enhance students’ problem-solving skills. The varsity team, consisting of 12 members, competed in the
Senior 3 division, which includes 140 teams. They faced tough competition and secured a share of first place— two other schools from Canada and New Jersey also achieved perfect scores.
A special thanks to coaches
Senior Personal Achievement Award
Student Life Award
Gordie Campbell, Doug Carr, Annette Iversen, Sam Marciano, and Diego Abanto.
Junior Thesis Awards
Grades 11 & 12 Academic Honor Society
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS
THE EVOLVING LANDSCAPE
By ANDY RAMIREZ , Director of College Counseling
GCDS has established itself as an academically dynamic and rigorous institution, attracting diverse, interesting, and kind students eager to make a meaningful impact on their college campuses and beyond. We take immense pride in empowering our students to think critically about academic and personal fit as they research schools and build their college lists with our guidance.
Before this year began, we anticipated several factors that would significantly impact our work with seniors:
• Supreme Court Decision: The Supreme Court eliminated affirmative action in the summer of 2023, changing how applicants and schools can consider race in admissions. The GCDS College Counseling Office continues to affirm the value of each of our students’ lived experiences—including their class, race, and ethnicity—and the undeniable benefits of diverse learning communities. We remain steadfast in supporting each of our students as they present themselves fully in their college applications.
• Standardized Testing: Some selective and highly selective colleges have reinstated standardized testing requirements for admissions after pausing them since the pandemic.
• FAFSA Delays: Frequent delays in updates to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which have been in the works since at least 2019, have added additional stress to this admissions cycle.
CURRENT TRENDS IN COLLEGE ADMISSIONS
• Testing Landscape: The testing landscape remains ever-changing. Some schools are returning to standardized testing requirements, while others continue to de-emphasize standardized testing in favor of the high school transcript. The SAT also changed its format, moving to completely digital in addition to other modifications. The ACT will follow suit incorporating their own changes in Fall 2025.
• Student Preferences: GCDS students continue to show interest in a range of
COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES ATTENDED BY THE CLASSES OF 2022, 2023, 2024
American University
Auburn University (3)
Austin Community College
Babson College
Beloit College
Bennington College
Berklee College of Music
Boston College (10)
Boston University (2)
Bowdoin College (3)
Bryant University
Bucknell University (8)
Carleton University (Canada)
Carleton College (US)
Case Western Reserve University
Chapman University
Claremont McKenna College
Clarkson University
Clemson University (2)
Colby College (2)
College of Charleston (2)
Colgate University
College of William and Mary
Colorado College
Concordia University (Canada)
Cornell University (3)
Dartmouth College (3)
Denison University
Dickinson College
Drexel University (3)
Duke University (4)
Elon University
Emory University
Fashion Institute of Technology (2)
Fordham University (3)
Franklin & Marshall College (3)
George Washington University (2)
Georgetown University
Georgia Institute of Technology (2)
Gettysburg College (2)
Hamilton College (2)
Harvard University (2)
Hobart & William Smith Colleges (3)
Howard University
Indiana University
Kenyon College
Lafayette College (3)
Lehigh University (6)
Macalester College
Marist College (2)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Miami University of Ohio
Michigan State University
Montclair State University
Morehouse College
Muhlenberg College
New York University (4)
Northeastern University (7)
Northwestern University
schools, with larger institutions in the South becoming increasingly popular among current juniors and seniors.
• Early Decision: Over half of seniors continue to utilize Early Decision as a strategy during their application process. Colleges employ Early Decision to control their yield and admit rate, with many admitting over half of their incoming freshman class via Early Decision.
• Application Volume: In previous years, the average number of applications per student was around 8–12. Due to the Test Optional and Test Free movements, we expected this number to increase, and it has.
NEW MEMBER OF THE COLLEGE COUNSELING TEAM
Aldin Medunjanin will be joining the College Counseling Team as an Associate Director. Aldin was most recently the College Guidance and Transition Coordinator for The Opportunity Network in New York City. He also served as Associate Director of College Counseling for Millbrook School for three years. He holds a B.A. from Skidmore College and an M.S. from the University at Albany, where he is currently pursuing a Ph.D.
Norwich University
Oberlin College
Penn State
Pomona College
Princeton University
Providence College (2)
Queen’s University (Canada)
Quinnipiac University
Saint Mary’s College (Indiana)
Santa Clara University (3)
Savannah College of Art & Design
School of Visual Arts
Skidmore College (2)
Smith College (2)
Southern Methodist University (8)
Spelman College
Stonehill College
Syracuse University
Temple University
Texas Christian University (4)
Trinity College (3)
Tufts University
Tulane University (3)
Union College (3)
United States Naval Academy (2)
University of Alabama (2)
University of California-Berkeley
University of California-Los Angeles
University of California-Santa Barbara
University of Chicago
University of Colorado Boulder (4)
University of Connecticut (4)
University of Delaware
University of Denver
University of Illinois
Urbana-Champaign
University of Maine
University of Miami (10)
University of Michigan
University of Mississippi
University of Notre Dame
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (5)
University of Richmond (2)
University of Southern California (3)
University of Texas at Austin (3)
University of Toronto (2)
University of Vermont (2)
University of Virginia (5)
Vanderbilt University (3)
Villanova University (7)
Wake Forest University (6)
Washington University in St. Louis
Wesleyan University (6)
Western New England University
Wheaton College
Williams College (2)
Yale University (2)
FORGING A PATH IN NEURODIVERSITY
BY ANNA BASINET ’24
Anna, a recent graduate, reflects on developing her passion at GCDS for the neurodiverse population.
It was a Tuesday night, and I was asked to lead a dance class for Abilis in the GCDS gyms; Abilis is a non-profit that provides services to individuals with special needs. I had never worked with this population and had no idea what to expect. How hard should I make it? Do I teach them a combination? Are they able to stretch? I made a playlist with a few songs and decided to take it minute by minute, reading the room and meeting them where they were in their abilities.
Before the class, Ms. Donnalley told me that their attention span is usually limited and that I should expect the class to last for 30 minutes. What if I couldn’t even get their attention for one song? I decided I could only find out if I tried, so I pressed play on the night that shaped the rest of my high school experience.
Fast forward 30 minutes, and I was still getting song suggestions, follow-the-leader volunteers, and dance move ideas from the group. I realized that my assumption about their inability to pay attention or follow a dance combination was representative of the commonly held stereotypes of the neurodiverse popula-
tion. I shared this opinion with Ms. Donnalley, who completely agreed and proposed that I create my own Intersession to educate students on neurodiverse people. We immediately began to visualize what these three weeks in January could look like, and I was filled with excitement.
PROJECT TYPICAL INTERSESSION
I was the first student in the Upper School to create an Intersession. I called it Project Typical, challenging students to think about what the neurological adjective “typical” really means in society. Five months later, every hour for three weeks was scheduled with valuable discussions, lessons, and experiences. We met with experts like Temple Grandin, a well-known individual with autism and a prominent advocate for the humane treatment of livestock for slaughter, and author of more than 33 books on animal behavior and activism for the autistic population. We volunteered frequently with Abilis and led a lesson for the 6th graders about neurodiversity. These were the most rewarding three weeks of my life. Project Typical was a small step in my educational and service journey. It was the supportive team of teachers around me who ultimately motivated me to be my best self both in the classroom and while volunteering. With the foundation of GCDS, the administration, and the faculty, I was able to customize my academic coursework, specifically through the offering of an Independent Study. I have always loved to observe the academic and behavioral development process of children. In my junior year, I decided to apply for an Independent Study on early childhood development. I visited Ms. Schoen’s Pre-K class at least once a week, joining in on their lessons, leading some of my own, and observing peerto-peer social interactions. This fueled my interest in this area of study and allowed me to connect with younger students and Lower School faculty, expanding my relationships at GCDS. I presented my final project to the Pre-K team on the benefits of a therapeutically integrated classroom that combines occupational therapy with traditional elementary education.
INDEPENDENT STUDY
I took the elective Neuroscience and decided to do an Independent Study on the advanced neuroscience of early childhood development. My course advisor and Upper School Science Teacher, Devika Bodas, assisted me with my research and provided scientific research review articles. She is one of the teachers who has left an impact on me as a learner and has given me the confidence to continue in this field. I read “NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity” by Steve Silberman. After finishing the book, reached out to the author to participate in a Zoom session with the Project Typical Intersession. A few months later, we spoke with him and heard about his experience as a researcher in the field of neurodiversity and what the future holds for autism spectrum disorder diagnoses and treatment. The final product of my senior independent study was a research review on the comorbidity of autism and epilepsy. I used my literature review skills from my statistics class to write a professional article, which I hope to get published shortly.
Anna Basinet ’24 received The Peter Bloomer Award at the Abilis ceremony in June. Danny Clarke thanked her for her significant impact on the Abilis community through her volunteerism and leadership.
VALUABLE THINKING
Courses such as Statistics, Psychology, Advanced Anthropology: Topics in Social Analysis, Advanced Biology, and Neuroscience focused on different aspects of human understanding and behavior. Reflecting on my academic career at GCDS, I developed research, observation, advocacy, and leadership skills that laid a foundation for my future progress in college and beyond. Without the encouragement and help from my teachers, I would not have had the confidence to lead an Intersession, apply for Independent Studies, or present my research in front of gradelevel teams. My achievements were celebrated by teachers who were willing to read and edit a research article written for another class or allow me to take their assignment in a different direction to fulfill my interests.
GCDS values core ways that students become valuable thinkers; these are known as the Portrait of a Learner Capacities. Two of these have stuck with me throughout my four years: 1) Understanding how students learn and knowing how to direct their own learning; 2) Engaging in their communities as empathetic and active citizens.
At the end of each year, students are asked to do a final presentation to their parents and advisor reflecting on their learning. This reflection challenges students to understand what it means for them to be a “deep thinker,” who directs their own
learning across all subject matters. As I write, I have opened my Google site, which contains all four end-of-year presentations I have done during my time at GCDS. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for my experience, pride in the work I have done, and appreciation for having a visual record of my academic progress throughout high school. Clicking through each class, grade level, and summary, there is not one letter or percentage grade included. This leads me to the final lesson I want to leave you: at GCDS, it is not the red-penned percentage marked in the top right corner of your paper or the definitive transcript you submit to colleges that matters, but rather the teachers who have relentlessly advocated for you, the familial community you have been a part of, the lifelong friendships you have made, and the lessons you have learned in and out of the classroom. These truly encapsulate the meaning of being a lifelong Tiger.
From the outside looking in, you can never understand the feeling of being a Tiger, and from the inside looking out, you can never describe the feeling of being a Tiger. I so cherish the community, the friends, and the lessons—all the finest of their kind. I will forever believe the students of the Greenwich Country Day School are the most fortunate learners in the world. Once our present becomes our past, our time at GCDS will always be carried with us into our future.
Service from the
By Jen Donnalley, Director of CPG, and Austin Lehn, Assistant Director of CPG
Fostering a community service expectation, not a requirement, has created authentic student engagement.
When we embarked on planning a service program for our high school five years ago, our vision was for service to permeate every aspect of Upper School life. Building on the existing culture of service on Old Church Road, we aimed to integrate it into the lives of older students.
In those early days, we grappled with a crucial question: should we implement a service requirement, as is common in most high schools, or foster an expectation that all students would engage in this work?
We were convinced that to nurture global citizens who are intrinsically motivated to address inequities, we had to take the less traveled path and establish an expectation rather than a requirement. We were fortunate to have the support of Adam Rohdie, who entrusted us with the decision, affirming, “You’re the experts—if this is what you believe will create the best program for our students, then that’s what we’ll do.” We believed that by making participation voluntary, students would be more inclined to pursue projects aligned with their interests and passions, which was precisely our aim.
With decades of engagement in community service and participation in volunteer events locally, nationally, and globally, we have personally observed the distinction between students genuinely invested in their service projects and those merely fulfilling hour quotas with a disengaged mindset. We knew we did not want to be a part of that type of program; we wanted students to choose projects they were genuinely passionate about and engaged in from the heart.
Nearly five years on, our approach has been successful. Our students aren’t merely tallying mandatory service hours; they are actively selecting and participating in projects meaningful to them, and inspiring their peers and faculty to join them.
Service has become deeply ingrained in the culture of our school to the extent that it’s challenging to avoid. The overwhelming majority of students are engaged in some form of service. It’s woven into the curriculum, arts, athletic programs, clubs, student government, and Intersession.
Our ultimate goal is for service to continue to be a cornerstone of our alumni’s lives long after they graduate from Country Day. We hope they’ll follow in the footsteps of individuals like Caroline Simmons ’01, who became the mayor of Stamford, CT, or establish initiatives similar to Donovan Mitchell’s ’12 SpidaCares, or champion causes like Zach Berzolla ’11, working towards net-zero commercial buildings in Maryland by 2040. By instilling a service expectation in the GCDS Upper School, we believe we’re preparing our students to become catalysts for change and lead purposeful lives.
ART TO HEART INTERSESSION at a local retirement community
HUNGRY FOR CHANGE INTERSESSION
Students participate in a food rescue
We see examples of community engagement everywhere in the Upper School.
ATHLETICS: Whether through friendly games with Abilis or fundraising events like Pack the Rink Night, our Athletics department wholeheartedly engages in service alongside their athletes.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT: The Class of 2025 spearheaded a Rise Against Hunger event, demonstrating a collective commitment to service by independently raising funds for the cause.
ARTS: GCDS musicians bring joy to local senior citizens, showcasing the power of music to uplift communities.
ACADEMICS: After studying “systems thinking” in Seminar class, 10th graders volunteer with and learn about the work of a local nonprofit tackling systemic issues such as housing, education, and legal systems.
INTERSESSION: As Dr. Ruoss says, Intersession is the Center for Public Good’s Super Bowl. This year, 87 Upper School students participated in CPG Intersessions (many more applied). Students designed and helped to run these Intersessions and came up with ideas that were better than anything we could have imagined after being in the business for 25 years.
We collaborated with various community- based non-profits, including Greenwich Emergency Medical Services, Waterside School in Stamford, CT, and organizations like Abilis, which serves developmentally disabled individuals. This partnership extended to a dozen groups addressing food insecurity, such as Neighbor to Neighbor and Meals on Wheels, underlining the wide-reaching impact of the Intersession projects.
CLUBS: Various student groups serve children, the elderly, the special needs population, newly arrived immigrants, and/or those facing food insecurity. They work after school during their athletic “off-season,” sometimes on the weekends, and maybe even during lunch or their free block. And students are truly running them. They do everything from planning the sessions to emailing their members. These are our future leaders!
PACK THE RINK : Fundraiser for the Golden Lights Foundation
ABILIS: Annual summer ice cream truck at Abilis group homes
BUILDING BONDS A Center for Public Good Service Trip to the Dominican Republic
A group of GCDS students, faculty, and staff traveled to San Juan de la Maguana, a western province of the Dominican Republic, for a week in June. During that time, they helped build two homes—mixing cement, hauling materials, making bucket lines, steering wheelbarrows, and handing off blocks. They worked alongside masons and the new homeowners, who shared the enormous impact these houses would have on their lives.
YUDI AND AMBIORIS QUEZADA , a married couple who are part of the GCDS Dining Hall staff and are Dominican, joined a Center for Public Good service trip for the first time. Here are some of their reflections from the trip (translated from Spanish) :
YUDI:
We all applauded when we stepped on Dominican soil. At the airport, we were warmly received by two guides and parts of my husband’s family. Upon arrival in San Juan de la Maguana, we were introduced to the family whose house we were building. Seeing the children living in such conditions broke my heart. That experience motivated me to work harder so that this family could see their dreams come true.
The next day, it began to rain, but even the rain didn’t stop us. We continued working. At one point, I approached the house where they lived. It was raining heavily, and I saw their house filling with water. This brought back memories from my childhood. I remembered waking up one morning to find my mother trying to keep me dry with a bucket during a similar situation. I felt like a child again, understanding how difficult such a situation is for a mother.
I was very impressed by the children of GCDS. They worked like adults, always willing to work with love. They also shared a lot with other children and the people who came to help. Despite language barriers, they tried to understand people and even taught them English.
Ms. Donnalley and Mr. Lehn led the team excellently. They were very organized, working with love and respect. Everyone, both children and adults, worked as a team. I loved working with them and contributed
wherever I could. I am so grateful and happy to belong to the GCDS family.
AMBIORIS:
I was transported to my childhood in the Dominican Republic. All of us who have lived in the fields of my country have gone through hardships. Seeing the family that is living there fills me with nostalgia. I could see the joy of those families as we built the house. It was wonderful to see how sociable all the GCDS children and group were with all the people from my country. That was something very, very nice.
It was very satisfying for us that the school goes to the Dominican Republic to carry out these projects. Sometimes it seems like a country that has everything, but we do have many needs in many parts of the country.
We, as a couple and as Dominicans, feel very honored to have been considered for this service trip.
Yudi and Ambioris Quezada
Everyone, both children and adults, worked as a team. I loved working with them and contributed wherever I could. I am so grateful and happy to belong to the GCDS family.” — YUDI QUEZADA
SUSTAINABILITY SPEAKER SERIES
LAURA DI BONAVENTURA , a former parent and Head of Sustainability at GCDS, and the founder of the GCDS Sustainability Diploma Program, returned to the Upper School as the final Sustainability Speaker of the year. Her passion and enthusiasm for sustainability are infectious,
and she offered valuable advice to students on how to think boldly about this important topic. Laura was instrumental in setting GCDS on its path toward sustainability, and in her talk, she discussed strategies for maintaining momentum in these efforts over time.
Grade 8 students at the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain
España!
A week after their Moving Up Ceremony in June, 26 eighth-grade students boarded a plane for Spain to immerse themselves in the country’s history, language, and culture. The trip began in Granada where they toured the historic Alhambra Palace and danced the flamenco. In Seville, they explored the Plaza de España, El Barrio Santa Cruz, Seville Cathedral, and Giralda Tower. Students then headed north to Madrid, stopping in Consuegra, the Region of La Mancha—featured in Don Quixote, the famous Spanish
novel—on the way. In Madrid, they toured the city and visited Museo del Prado and Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, home of the world-famous soccer team Real Madrid. Their trip ended on a sweet note, with a cooking class and a visit to San Gines, Madrid’s most popular churro place.
A special thanks to chaperones Natalie Deutsch, Karen Perkins, Levi Morant, and Jose Salazar.
“It has been a GCDS tradition for the World Language Department to take students to countries where their language of study is spoken as a culminating experience for our Middle School students. This is a powerful learning experience for the students. As language learners, the best way to practice a language is to immerse oneself fully in the language and culture. In addition, the students experience a level of independence and confidence building that is irreplaceable.” —JOSE SALAZAR, SPANISH TEACHER AND TRIP LEADER
QA &
LIFE ON THE FARM
Todd Portier ’98 on his passion for nature and sustainability at French Farm and Hydro Farm
How did you become interested in farming, the natural world, and sustainability?
Since childhood, I have experienced immense joy and satisfaction in spending my days outside in nature. During college, I began to develop an interest in the environment, our place in it, and the impact we make with every choice. I realized how important it is to know where your food comes from or, if you have the luxury of time, space, and patience, how to grow it yourself. What keeps my interest in nature is how amazing it is. It is vigorous. It is brutal. It is abundant. If given the right conditions, one plant can produce not only many fruits but also hundreds or thousands of seeds. I wanted to learn everything about this incredible process.
What did you do before you joined GCDS?
I worked at my father’s smokehouse business, which provided smoked salmon, seafood, caviar, and other fine foods and delicacies, since I was young. I went to college to study graphic design. My high school sweetheart, now wife, and I stayed in Maui for three months to work on a bamboo farm through an organiza tion called World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF), where people can travel and exchange work for room (and sometimes board) on many diverse types of farms. This allowed us the
opportunity to learn about an important sustainable, renewable plant and how it can be utilized in the construction of ecofriendly houses.
We visited rural Ukraine and stayed for several months, experiencing and learning about how they grow and preserve their food. When we first entered their cellar, it was filled with jars of foods that had all been preserved by them from their garden. I learned how to operate hydroponic systems in Colorado for a few months under a work exchange program. All these experiences helped to instill a love for homesteading, self-sufficient living, and sustainability. On each trip, we would come back home with new projects and inspiration.
After learning how to shape and care for the land, I started a job with the State of New York in their Facilities Department at SUNY Purchase, where I learned how to professionally landscape and maintain a university campus of 600 acres. The union there provided me educational vouchers, so I enrolled in carpentry and construction classes. After SUNY, I began working under a master carpenter, remodeling, renovating, and repairing houses throughout Fairfield County. The skills I learned under him were invaluable and have helped make me the perfectionist
I am today. The trades I’ve learned over the decades are all focused on managing and caretaking beautiful properties just like the French Farm, and I am beyond ecstatic to contribute my skills towards that goal.
What is your role on the farm?
Your main responsibilities?
My roles at French Farm and in the Hydro Farm revolve around maintaining the space, improving the systems, repairing various elements, caring for the flora and fauna, and educating visiting students and guests. When I was hired, I thought this was going to be a job mainly focused on maintaining the French Farm property and Hydro Farm. However, I frequently find myself in positions of educating students. I have loved pickling with Mr. Perry’s Botany class, landscaping with Dr. Barratt’s Ecological Engineers, helping a student hold a chicken that was raised in Ms. Molyneux’s class, discovering the intricate process of extracting indigo dye led by Mr. Simpson and Ms. Clark, spinning honey with Joel Dawson, a local beekeeper, singing and playing instruments with Abilis, or participating in any of the numerous amazing programs Farm Manager Aaron Sinay coordinates and plans throughout the year, such as the Grade 3’s Stop Along the
Todd Portier ’98 works at French Farm and the Hydro Farm at the Upper School
The farms at GCDS grant a multitude of opportunities for learning in various fields of study. On the French Farm, Mr. Sinay has organized the experiences into four ‘buckets’: growing, cooking, sustainability, and art.”
Oregon Trail. Whenever the farms need anything, Paul Clarke, Dave Krumlauf, and Aaron Sinay each provide me with whatever is required, and it is obvious that everyone is very invested and cares about GCDS. It is unlike any working environment I’ve known.
What skills, knowledge, and values do our students learn from their work on the farm?
The farms at GCDS grant a multitude of opportunities for learning in various fields of study. On the French Farm, Mr. Sinay has organized the experiences into four “buckets”: growing, cooking, sustainability, and art. On any given week, you’ll see students roaming around taking pictures of a rusty tool or sketching a beautiful flower. You’ll hear children loudly mimicking the call of one of our peacocks perched 20 feet above them as they stare in awe at the plumage. You’ll see children eagerly trying to hand-feed our sheep, Tina and Oreo, after learning how to card
and draft their wool into yarn. You’ll smell fresh pizza being made by kindergartners in the ovens outside the stables. You’ll watch as the 6th grade digs into the soil for samples to examine or watch their eyebrows raise as you explain the anatomy of a flower.
Farm life instills values earned through hard work in tough weather and conditions. Students learn tenacity and persistence when tackling weeds and vines. They learn dedication and commitment when heaving a large gemstone, boulder, or slab of petrified wood to a new location. They learn patience when planting a seed and perseverance when it doesn’t grow as intended. Even after everything that we’ve done, I feel like there are still so many opportunities and experiences at the French Farm for students to learn.
At the Hydro Farm, high school students learn a great deal about sustainability, systems thinking, agribusiness and agriscience, hydroponic farming, STEAM education, and more. The specific container farm we utilize is the same Freight Farm used in over 70 universities. The knowledge they learn in the Hydro Farm directly translates into job experience, and the hours they earn can be applied towards their Sustainability Diplomas. Learning how to operate and maintain a hydroponic farm opens up new opportunities to other professions
such as aquaculture and growing microgreens. It’s hard to quantify how amazing it is for a student to harvest a bag of lettuce with their friends, bring it up to the dining hall 100 yards away, and then consume it for lunch an hour later. There’s still so much we have planned to incorporate, which utilizes other assets the school has, like the Maker Space, or getting more students consistently in the Hydro Farm with the new class, Agriscience and Agribusiness, being offered in September.
As an alum, what do you remember about your time at GCDS? How does it feel to be back working here?
The first thing that comes to mind is the massive orange books we received of all of our assignments throughout the school year, bound into a tome of accomplishments one could go back and reference at any time. I love being able to look at my progress through the years and to see how I perceived the world. I remember the familial nature of the campus and the nurturing community. Being back today in 2024 feels serendipitous. Greenwich Country Day School is a great community of people who care and who wake up each day to help teach and inspire children to live amazing lives in this amazing world.
AGRISCIENCE & AGRIBUSINESS
NEW ELECTIVE COURSE IN UPPER SCHOOL
The Introduction to Agriscience & Agribusiness course brings together the topics of hydroponic farming, local small farming, and corporate farming while considering topics such as mono-crops vs biodiversity, plant health, propagation, animal husbandry, and entrepreneurship. In this course, students will learn the processes, the scientific theory, and the systems involved in agriculture. Students will then study the environmental, social, and economic impacts of agriculture. This is a hands-on project-based course using the Hydro Farm, French Farm, local businesses and farms.
Taught by Aaron Sinay, Farm Manager, Todd Portier, Farmer, and Joe Perry, Upper School Seminar Teacher
Summer camp for refugee children
Immersing in life on the Oregon Trail
Spinning honey
Carding and drafting wool into yarn
Senior Breakfast
At the annual breakfast in May, GCDS celebrated its graduating class, congratulating them on their accomplishments and welcoming them to the alumni community.
Bricks, Benches, & Marshmallows
1 As part of a recent tradition, each graduate receives a brick engraved with their name and class year, which is 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.
2 At the breakfast, the Class of 2024 presented the school with their class gift: a pair of wooden benches
3 The night before graduation, seniors gathered at sunset around the fire pit, a gift from the Class of 2023, to roast marshmallows. Could this be the start of a new GCDS tradition?
Moving Up Ceremonies
Life can be amazing, oh-oh
I feel my heartbeat racing, I fly
Soaring ever higher I can light my inner fire
And then we’ll see what happens now, what happens now And then we’ll see what happens now, what happens now
—Grade
8 Performance of “Amazing” by PinkZebra
Country Day students celebrated the end of the school year with Moving Up ceremonies and an End-of-Year All-School Assembly. Faculty members and family cheered on students moving up to new divisions with inspirational messages and joyful music. On June 5, Grade 2 had their end of year concert followed by Presentations of Learning, sharing their animal research, reports, and dioramas. The Grade 5 Moving Up Ceremony and Portfolio Shares were held on June 6, and the school year ended on June 7 with the All-School Assembly and the Grade 8 Moving Up Ceremony.
Grade 8
Head of Middle School Marshall Spooner advised eighth graders to find purpose in high school at their Moving Up Ceremony on June 7. “You need to find a passion, a purpose, something that brings you joy, something that gives you a reason to get out of bed in the morning and get excited about the day ahead. And to find that passion, you need to get involved.”
Secondly, Mr. Spooner told students to “Shoot Your Shot!”
“Nothing in high school or life that’s worth anything is going to come easily, and there are times you’re going to need to put yourself out there, take a chance.”
He continued, “Step 1 for all of you—figure out what it is that you want. Step 2—go for it. When I look back on my life, I regret the shots I didn’t take. I never regret the times I missed. Shoot. Your. Shot.”
Excerpts from Tiger Talk
Eighth grade students Maddox Monterisi and Abbie Mackay were selected by their peers and the Middle School faculty to deliver a Tiger Talk for the occasion. In a spirited back and forth, they discussed the importance of gratitude.
“We have busy lives, but that is no excuse to forget whom to thank. We need to remember to pause and thank those who make each moment matter. Moments that might seem insignificant, but we would argue these moments are not,” said Abbie who along with Maddox went on to thank many teachers and staff members by name.
“We believe gratitude in its simplest form is recognizing that we have not done everything for and by ourselves and that we do depend on others every single day,” said Maddox. They challenged their classmates to perform small acts of kindness. “These actions are like a small stone dropped into a big pond. It creates a ripple, and as the ripple becomes bigger, so does its impact. Our hope is that these ripples spread beyond our immediate community and move past even our larger community to inspire and empower many others around us. That is how we will make our lasting mark on one another,” they said.
From the Head of School
Head of School Adam Rohdie told the story of baseball legend Jackie Robinson, the first Black man to play in the Major League who faced severe discrimination, and Pee Wee Reese, his Brooklyn Dodgers teammate.
“A number of fans launched a brutal and nasty verbal attack at Robinson as he stood at second base. The words were so nasty that Jackie Robinson’s teammate, Pee Wee Reese—a white man who grew up in Cincinnati—walked over and put his arm around the Black man’s shoulder.”
Robinson later recalled the incident, said Mr. Rohdie. “‘Pee Wee kind of sensed the sort of hopeless, dead feeling in me and came over and stood beside me for a while. He didn’t say a word, but he looked over at the chaps who were yelling at me and just stared. He was standing by me, and I will never forget it.’”
“I tell you this story—a representation of what is the best in our human nature—because in so many ways it reminds me of this group of 8th graders and it highlights a quality I have seen in them this year.”
Mr. Rohdie said that he knows this class well; he taught history to a group of them and was the Middle School Girls Basketball coach. While they have had many successes, that is not what Mr. Rohdie will remember them for.
“I will remember this class for something much more unique. This class cares. They care about their school. They care about the world around them.”
In closing, Mr. Rohdie addressed the 8th graders, “If I could gift you one superpower for your high school career it would be for you to think of others before yourself.”
To conclude, advisors called their advisees to the podium, shared a few words describing each student, and presented them with Certificates of Completion.
1 Shalen Madia, Dylan MacDougall 2 Raela Polanish, Shalen Madia, Cece Salyer, Alex Darwent, Kendrick Fu, Delfina Roca, Owen Cunnion, Dylan MacDougall, Jonah Gutman, Sophia Baker, Cayden Ever, Charlie Vintiadis, Zoe Barth, Ferdinand Hood, Pippa Loverra, Elle Lewis
3 Victoria Nketiah, Mildred Osafo-Bekoe 4 Anna Triplett, McKenna O’Neill, Evelyn Handler, Dylan D’Antonio 5 LJ Stephens, Grant Zucconi, Alexander McCormack, Luke Balducci, Eaton Holden, Eddie Chandra, Owen Cunnion, Jackson Ertel, Ferdinand Hood
Moving Up Ceremonies
Grade 5
Grade 5 teachers shared their favorite, heartwarming memories of the year with students at the Moving Up Ceremony on June 6. 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.
Connor Sachs, Adam Rohdie, Head of School
Dr. Kevin Thompson, Assistant Head of Upper Elementary School
Brody Jampole and parents
1 Leela Getz, Isabella Coffin, Kelley Giovannangeli, Spanish Teacher, Misty Castleberry, Music Teacher 2 Indi Kocyba and mother, Anitra Brooks, LES Music and Movement Teacher 3 Owen Harvey with parents 4 Jaquelyn Farson and mother
Emily Smith, Adelaide Rizzo, Claire Peterson, Conor Madden, Griffin Lieberman, Parker Lauria, Indi Kocyba, Brody Jampole, Juliet Gaspar 1 Habiba Samson and mother 2 Charlotte Albright and parents 3 Connor Sachs, Cliff Roach, Olympia Oveissi, Maddy Mascera, Clementine Macon, Sydney Knechtel 4 Seb Bakker and parents
Adam Rohdie, Head of School, Nina Basinet, Head of Upper Elementary School
Moving Up Ceremonies
Grade 2
On June 5, 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.
1 James Kearns, Holden Smith Avia Feldman, Asher Linkner 2 Thomas Henry, Mary Grace, Tabitha Dyal, Evie Butcher 3 Lucas Aldama, Alejandro Coca-Rodriguez, Thomas Kleinknecht, Caleb Carter 4 Betsy Vickers, Sienna Tedeschi, Leni Wheeler, Nellie Erensen
Lucas Aldama
Thomas Henry Olivia Bartley
Carter Wright
David Tennyson
Aiden Park
Perry Harmon
Lucie Vazquez
McKinley Kreiter
SCHOOL YEAR ENDS TOGETHER UNDER THE TENT
The Move Up Song
Thank you students, thank you teachers
Sing we now and celebrate!
Thank you friends and thank you families
Everyone who made it great.
We’ll remember all our learning
We’ll remember all our friends
We’ll remember all the good times
Moving up and that’s the end
Students in Nursery through Grade 12, along with faculty and staff gathered together on the Old Church Road fields under one very large tent for the endof-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!” He also acknowledged, to the roaring applause of the audience, members of the faculty who were departing GCDS after decades of service (see page 48). 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.
GCDS School Song
“OH,
GREENWICH COUNTRY DAY”
Oh, Greenwich Country Day
Our hearts will cherish Your name and story, Your students by the score.
Oh, shall we ever stand Side-by-side together Singing your praises, And name evermore!
SPRING CONCERT Upper School Festival of the Arts
On May 9, 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.
1 Jonah Saidi, Owen Hoffman, Nico Carrasquero 2 Grade 8 and US concert choir 3 Evan Meyers 4 Adrian Tortoledo, Jasper Larken, Ben Gaspar
Combined Strings MS and US
1 Celine Silvera 2 Leo Zhao, Celine Silvera, Danna Justiniano, Chloe Caliboso, Jashiyah McCoy, Malin Carta
3 US Concert Choir 4 George Belshaw, Landon Ristau 5 Penelope Hentch-Cowles, Thayer Ross
SPRING CONCERTS
The Upper Elementary and Middle School Spring concerts featured our instrumentalists on May 15. 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.
1 UES: Jeremy Hewett, Aria Burke, Virginia Gray
2 MS: Lyla Sheedy and Georgiana Plato 3 MS: Cayden
MS: Mia Hilderbrand, Leah Bartley, Weston Pickett, Richard Boston, Anderson Wiener, Maeve Corson
UES: R.J. Sozzi, Jack Mitzner, Luke Scaramella
UES: Adrian Vargas, Finn Wyatt, Noah Thompson
1 UES: Imogen Corson, Greta Goldfaden 2 MS: Tomas Albarracin, Colin Politi, Matthew Tang, Harrison Silva 3 UES: AJ Tar, Kash Williams
4 MS: Annabelle Kim, Talia Sandhu, Madeleine Elias, Bella Shore
DIRECTED BY:
Ashleigh Hahn, MS & UES Choral Music & Musical Theater Teacher
Misty Castleberry, MS & UES Music Teacher
At the end of May, the Upper Elementary students staged Matilda. Roald Dahl’s beloved book tells the story of Matilda, an extraordinary girl who, armed with a sharp mind and a vivid imagination, discovers that she possesses a special power; she can move things with her mind. Once she learns to control this extraordinary gift, Matilda uses it for good, with a bit of mischief added to the mix.
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 Hazel Holt, Beatrice Harty, Zara Britt, Chantal Hood 2 Claire Pederson, Elizabeth Meyers 3 Vivienne Grant 4 Charlotte Albright, Amelie Burt, Juliet Gaspar, and ensemble 5 Isabella Coffin and ensemble.
1 Kira Sharma and Sarah Mackay 2 Santiago Chavez, Adele Bego, Walker Lee, Bea Benenson, Nina Brandt, Ellie Brandt, and ensemble
3 Hannah Elias
4 Sydney Knetchel 5 Olympia Ovessi (center), Maddy Mascera, Clara Hill
CABARET NIGHT
On May 30, at the 3rd Annual Cabaret Night, Upper School musicians captivated the audience with their remarkable talent (and courage!). The evening’s theme, “Nostalgia,” was beautifully reflected in a diverse selection of performances, including pop, classic rock, Broadway hits, and even original compositions.
1 Sawyer Young, 2 Celeste Escobar
3 Marli Young 4 Nate Smith 5 Daphne Hentsch-Cowles 6 Olivia Borsey
HALO AWARDS
Two GCDS Upper School students received Seven Angels Theatre High School Halo Awards at the Palace Theater in Waterbury on May 28.
After garnering 17 nominations, our students won several awards in highly competitive fields: Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play— Zach Bostock as Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Best Comic Female Performance in a Musical— Avery Sleeper as Paulette Bonafonte in Legally Blonde
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Halo Awards recognize excellence in high school theatre throughout the state of Connecticut. Nearly 90 Connecticut high school programs competed in a variety of categories: acting, singing, directing, choreography, set design, and technical theater.
Seniors Avery Sleeper, Stella Melucci, and Paige Setterberg performed “Ireland” from Legally Blonde in front of an audience of over 3,000 during the event
I’m incredibly proud of all our US theatre students and the work they have produced this year; it was exciting to see both Zach and Avery celebrated with Halo Awards.” —Betsy Durning, Director of
HONORING DECADES OF DEDICATION
On May 31, Country Day faculty, staff, alumni, and friends gathered for a celebration to bid farewell to five long-standing faculty and staff members and wish them well in their retirements. “These five retirees all have three things in common,” said Adam Rohdie, Head of School. They have an incredible work ethic, love Country Day, and they’ll drop everything and do something for you because they care for others.”
SHAUN KELLY
Distinguished Faculty, Middle
School Humanities Teacher
For more than 35 years, Shaun Kelly has been a mainstay in the GCDS Middle School. As a superb English and History teacher, Shaun has impacted the life of our school in many ways. An assistant for scores of Middle School musicals, a coach of many sports, and a chaperone for dances, proms, and local and international trips, Shaun has done it all. His former students remember him as one of their favorite teachers while at Country Day, and it will be hard to imagine the school without him.
Shaun ticks every box for the qualities that make a spectacular storyteller and teacher—insatiable curiosity, broad knowledge, a thirst for adventure, inexhaustible life experience, a wandering ear, and a warm heart. To say that Shaun has lived the GCDS lifestyle would be an understatement, given his decades of teaching, coaching, and advising. Kells, Cape Cod awaits! Sox, Celts, Pats & B’s. I hope your true New England accent returns as you park your caa and find a spot to grab some chowda!” — Matt Basinet, Middle School Math Teacher
ANABELLA MUNOZ
Distinguished Faculty, Dining Hall Staff
After 32 years of incredible dedication to the children of GCDS, Anabella Munoz retired. Anabella has been a “hero” of the kitchen for decades, and her smiling face and upbeat attitude will be missed by all. Anabella also traveled with Jen Donnalley on numerous service trips to help build schools and houses.
I can’t tell you how many parents have contacted me over the years to let me know that Anabella’s kindness to their child was a game changer for their family.” — Adam Rohdie, Head of School
Each child who is lucky enough to get to know Ana in the dining room knows firsthand that she truly cares for them. She notices when they are absent, when their diet changes, or if they seem happy or sad. She watches over all of them as if they were her own.”— Paul Clarke, Director of Food Services
MICHELE ROSS
Distinguished Faculty, Carriage House Assistant Director, Beansprouts Director
Since 1998, Michele Ross has lovingly cared for our youngest Tigers. As a leader in our faculty and staff childcare programs, Michele gave employees peace of mind, knowing their children were safe and well-loved. She is truly a “child whisperer.” While Michele is excited about the next chapter in her life, she is also sad to leave the place that has been her home and where she raised her daughter.
Michele taught me that even our youngest infants could participate in art, music, and story time, and that these early learning experiences pave the way for academic success.”— Lauren Sabini (Rill), former Carriage House colleague
PALMER SLOAN
Distinguished Faculty, Lower Elementary School Teacher & Librarian
Since 1990, Palmer Sloan has been a key part of the fabric of the Lower Elementary School. Initially, Palmer was a soughtafter elementary homeroom teacher in Grades 1 and 3. Her kind, warm, and caring demeanor created a classroom environment where children felt known and loved, and the learning was deep. Then in 2005, Palmer became our Lower School Librarian, creating a vibrant and warm hub for the division in the Yeskey Library. Palmer raised her family at GCDS.
You were and are still one of the most intuitive teachers. You got to know your students as individuals and understood their unique strengths and needs. You were their advocate. . . . You let us all experience your amazing sense of humor and your wonderful infectious laugh. That ability to see the joy and the fun in what we do is a gift.”
— Johnna Yeskey, Dean of Studies
LESLEA WALKER
Lower Elementary School, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
For the past 18 years, Leslea Walker has been a beloved Pre-K teacher. Those fortunate enough to observe her in the classroom have witnessed one of the kindest, warmest, and most connected educators. Whether she’s strumming her ukulele or overseeing the “chicken coop” at the Pre-K Farm Switch, Leslea’s warm smile and deep love for her students always shine through.
Leslea and I taught together for almost 10 years, and we also shared similar interests outside the classroom. It was impressive to witness how Leslea graciously taught and cared for her students while managing the demands placed on 4- and 5-year-olds by parents and society. Teaching her students to love language brought Leslea great joy.”
— Nicole Mitchell, former Grade 4 Teacher
Palmer Sloan (center) and family
Anabella Munoz (right of center) and family
Leslea Walker (center) and family
Shaun Kelly with Fred Camillo, Greenwich First Selectman, who proclaimed May 31, 2024, as Shaun Kelly Day!
Michele Ross (right) and daughter
Athletics
GCDS ATHLETES WILL PLAY AT COLLEGIATE LEVEL
Many athletes have the dream of succeeding in their sport and having the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level. That is what these seniors have accomplished. Through grit and determination, they have the ability to represent TIGER PRIDE at colleges and universities all over the country. I have no doubt that they will continue to bring value to their new programs and be the ultimate teammates and competitors. Although they may be wearing new colors to represent their next team, they will always look best in orange and black!”
Madison Duckett, Harvard University, Women’s Fencing
Warner Gearhart , Oberlin College, Baseball
Steve Paul, Wesleyan University, Track & Field
Max Dubner, Franklin & Marshall College, Wrestling
2 FRONT ROW:
Jake Ledonne, University of New England, Football
Jesse Ripka , Union College, Football
Harley Goodner, Duke University, Baseball
Kyle Short , Wesleyan University, Lacrosse
Ella Davis, Boston College, Women’s Rowing
Bailey Gendason, United States Naval Academy
Christopher Takita , Stonehill College, Baseball
John Berbano, Manhattan College, Men’s Basketball
The DON Mitchell Athletic Center Nears Completion
The Determination Over Negativity (DON) Mitchell Family Athletic Center is nearing completion and is on track for an Oct. 31 opening. A generous gift from NBA All-Star Donovan Mitchell ’12, the facility will feature a full-size NCAA basketball court that can be divided in half to create two full high school-sized courts running perpendicular. The building will also be large enough to host all-school events.
2 BACK ROW:
Not pictured: Sarah DesChamps, Franklin & Marshall College, Women’s Golf
LEADING WITH VISION
Thank You, Vicki Craver, Outgoing Board of Trustees President, 2019–2024
Having now completed my 20th year as Head of School, I can say with absolute confidence that the key to success in independent school leadership is having a wise, supportive, and dedicated Board of Trustees.
Moreover, no relationship is more important than that of Board President and Head of School. I have been blessed with exceptional Presidents over these past two decades. David DeNunzio hired me and mentored me in my early years; Jen Daniels took the helm and guided the ship with clear purpose and clarity; Chuck Tyler brought his warmth and amazing spirit of generosity; Dan Offit was a visionary who I continue to miss every day; and most recently, our school has been blessed to have Vicki Craver at the helm.
In these last five years, schools across the country have faced unprecedented challenges in navigating a global pandemic, a social justice movement, and a polarized political landscape. In addition to all of that, GCDS also opened a new high school. Vicki met each of these challenges head-on and with a sense of grace, a
By Adam Rohdie Head of School
deep intellectual optimism, and a strong moral compass, reminding us that any decision being made had to be made with the best interest of children as the priority. She was a driving force in cultivating and supporting all efforts to ensure rigorous learning in a remote setting, in creating a ‘one-school’ culture between two campuses, and in re-establishing our collective commitment to honoring human dignity and creating a sense of belonging for every member of the community.
Vicki has been a kind, inclusive, and inspiring leader. She made sure all voices around the board table were included in decisionmaking, and ensured processes were provided for the full community to share feedback. Vicki and her family have been very generous, giving freely of their time, their talents, and their treasure. Simply put, Vicki had a vision to move our school forward and thanks to her, we are a stronger institution.
On a personal note, when you spend as much time together as a Head of School and a Board President must in leading a school— weekly 7 a.m. meetings, late evening phone calls, weekend board retreats—it is fortunate that I have had the good fortune to work with someone I consider a very dear friend. GCDS will miss Vicki very much and yet, I know she will not be far. We will look forward to watching Vicki and Dave enjoy the last years of their youngest daughter Eliza’s journey through our high school.
The history books will look back on Vicki’s tenure as one of the most significant and prosperous in Country Day history. From all of us connected to GCDS—thank you, Vicki! We are so very grateful indeed!
Adam Rohdie, Vicki Craver
Vicki Craver at Offit Field Ribbon Cutting
The Craver Family: Katie ’17, Vicki, Ainsley ’23, Dave, and Eliza ’26
BOARD OF TRUSTEES NEW MEMBERS
In July 2024, the GCDS Board of Trustees presented the newly elected Trustees for the 2024–2025 school year to the community. The new members were selected based on nominations from the GCDS community and reflect a range of backgrounds, expertise, and perspectives, as well as a commitment to the school’s Mission.
THOMAS “T.J.” CARELLA
Thomas “T.J.” Carella resides in Greenwich with his wife, Courtenay, and their three daughters: Ainsley ’24, Devon ’27, and Graceyn ’30. T.J. is a Managing Director at the private equity firm Warburg Pincus, where he leads the firm’s healthcare investing activities. Before joining Warburg Pincus, T.J. was a Partner in the Merchant Banking Division of Goldman Sachs. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Harvard College, where he played varsity soccer, and later obtained his MBA from Harvard Business School.
CELESTE COX BALDWIN, M.D.
Celeste Cox Baldwin, M.D., is the proud parent of three GCDS students: Breanna ’25, Payton ’28, and Christian ’23. She and her husband, Duane, have been active members of the GCDS community since 2008. Dr. Baldwin has served in vari-
ous roles, including Class Parent, Grade Level Coordinator, and Upper School Division Coordinator.
Dr. Baldwin completed her B.S. in Biomedical Sciences and M.D. at New York University Grossman School of Medicine, followed by internship and residency training at ColumbiaPresbyterian Medical Center (now New York-Presbyterian/Columbia). Before shifting her focus to patient advocacy and women empowerment issues, Dr. Baldwin was a partner in the Fairfield County medical practice PrimeCare Medical, LLP. She later became the Medical Director of the Optimus Clinic, training Internal Medicine resident physicians from Stamford Hospital, and the Primary Care Clerkship Director for medical students of Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Dr. Baldwin serves on the boards of Person to Person and the YWCA Greenwich, where she works with the Center for Equity and Justice. She is also on the Executive Board of the local Jack and Jill of America, Inc. chapter.
DAVID FLOWERDEW
David Flowerdew grew up in Cambridge, UK, and spent five years studying mathematics and computer science at Oxford University before joining Morgan Stanley
in London in 2001. He transferred to New York in 2004, spent a stint in Hong Kong in 2005, and settled in New York in 2006. David worked at Morgan Stanley for 22 years before joining the management team at Millennium in 2022. He and his wife, Samantha, moved to Greenwich in 2020. Their two boys, Digby and Oscar, are entering 2nd grade and Pre-K at GCDS.
HELLEN KIM
Hellen Kim joins the Board as the GCDS Parents Association Co-Chair and has been involved as a Country Day volunteer for many years in various roles, including Grade Level Coordinator, APPLE Co-Chair, and Upper Elementary Performing Arts Co-Chair. Hellen is also active with her church and has served the greater Greenwich community through her work with the American Red Cross and Kids In Crisis. Professionally, Hellen is a securities litigation attorney with Perkins Coie LLP, specializing in regulatory work and structured finance litigation.
Hellen graduated from Cornell University (B.A. in History) and Brooklyn Law School (J.D.). She and her husband, Ryan, live in Old Greenwich with their three children: Annabelle ’28, Elsa ’30, and Lucas ’32.
Thomas “T.J.” Carella Celeste Cox Baldwin
David Flowerdew Hellen Kim
“
I am honored to serve as the President of the GCDS Board of Trustees. I look forward to working together with the administration, faculty, and GCDS families to continue to make our school an extraordinary place for our students. As an alum and a current parent, I care deeply about our school and community of families, and my husband and I have loved raising our three children in the GCDS community. As President, I will continue to work with our fantastic Board of Trustees to uphold the GCDS Mission to bring out the finest in our students, to protect the financial health of the institution, and to seek continuous improvement for our school.”
—
Emily Stern ’90, Incoming Board of Trustees President
HERBERT WASHER
Herb Washer and his wife, Fitz Washer, are the proud parents of Elle, who is entering fifth grade at GCDS. Herb is the Chair of the Executive Committee at Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP, a law firm headquartered in New York City. He also maintains an active legal practice representing investment banks, hedge funds, private equity funds, and cryptocurrency/financial tech companies in civil litigation, regulatory enforcement, and criminal actions. Herb was previously the Global Head of Litigation at Cahill and a partner at Clifford Chance and Shearman & Sterling. Herb is a member of the Economic Club of New York and the Bretton Woods Committee. Both Fitz and Herb support numerous community and charitable organizations, including the Fairfield County Chorale, the Aspen Music Festival and School, and the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Herb received his J.D. with honors from Boston University School of Law and his undergraduate degree from Indiana University.
NEWLY ELECTED PRESIDENT
EMILY STERN ’90
Emily Stern joined the Board of Trustees in 2016, chairing the Annual Fund from 2017–2020 and the Strategy Committee from 2020–2023. She is a clinical psychologist with a private practice in Greenwich, which she opened in 2010 after working in private and group practices in Manhattan since 2003. Emily is a GCDS Alumna (1990), graduated from Greenwich High School, and earned her bachelor’s degree from Harvard. She completed her Ph.D. in Psychology from Boston University, with pre- and postdoctoral fellowships in Manhattan at the Weill Cornell Medical School-New York Presbyterian Hospital and the American Institute for Cognitive Therapy. Emily and her husband, Brian, live in Greenwich and have three children, all of whom are GCDS Tigers: Oliver ’23, Will ’26, and Charlotte ’30.
Emily Stern ’90, President
Taylor Glasebrook ’97, Vice President
Robert L. Harteveldt, Vice President
Harry Schwefel, Vice President
Antonia Soares Thompson, Vice President
Alex Karnal, Treasurer
Phillip Lauderdale ’99, Secretary
Kerrith Mackay, Parents Association Chair
Hellen Kim, Parents Association Co-Chair
Adam Rohdie, Head of School, Ex-Officio
Dwight W. Anderson
Tricia Black
Matt Breitfelder
Thomas “T.J.” Carella
Celeste Cox Baldwin
Cathy Dishner
Richard Duckett
David Flowerdew
Barbara Harty
Sonal Khichadia
Frank Loverro
Andrew McCormack
Nicole Mitchell
Danielle Robinson
Mike Triplett
Don Truesdale
Herbert Washer
Herb Washer
Emily Stern ’90
Celebrating Generosity
On May 23, leadership supporters of GCDS gathered at the Greenwich home of Cassaundra and Alex Karnal, Trustee P’38, ’36, ’34, to celebrate the generosity of the GCDS community.
1 Monica Tettramanzi, Courtney Evans, Jason Halio, Brian Steinhardt, Susan Ruderman
2 Monica and Michael Tai ’97 3 Lisa and Dmitri Shklovsky, Adam Rohdie 4 Maggie Clayton, Tripp Kyle, Kate Kyle 5 Brian Stern, Susan Sleeper, Emily Hoffman Stern ’91, Josh Rosen, Yael Rosen
6 Cameron MacDougall, Roshan Pujari 7 Lisa Bagshaw, Sharon Sharma Patel, Sujan Patel, Duncan Bagshaw 8 Daisy Sanders, Julie Ostrover 9 Taylor Glasebrook ’97, Scott Richman ’97, Field Failing ’97, Colin Daddino ’04, Alex Karnal 10 Cassaundra Karnal, Radhika and Anuj Patel
COLLEGE-AGE ALUMNI PANEL
Alumni from the Class of ’23 returned to GCDS after completing their freshman year of college to share their experiences with the graduating seniors. They offered valuable advice to the soon-to-be alums as they prepare to head off to college this September.
ANNUAL FUND
Embracing the Power of Knowledge
By Anne and Jacob Citrin, GCDS P’23, ’25, ’26, ’29
We would like to thank the entire GCDS community for supporting the 2023–24 Annual Fund. Thanks to your collective support, we raised $6.65M and over 86% of current families participated. Additionally, 20% of alumni, 31% of parents of alumni, 15% of grandparents, and 100% of faculty supported the annual fund this year. We are grateful for the generosity of our community!
A key differentiator of a GCDS student is the ability to understand one’s strengths and weaknesses and to know which form of learning and subjects inspire them most. The faculty works with students to incorporate real-world connections into their classroom learning which creates the framework for inspiration. Knowledge is power, and at GCDS, the faculty and staff understand this and encourage students to make the most out of the knowledge they have acquired both in and out of the classroom. Our robust Annual Fund ensures that our faculty and students have the resources needed to embrace the power of knowledge, seizing opportunities and experiences as they rise throughout the year.
On behalf of our entire family, we are grateful for the GCDS community and the opportunity to serve as Annual Fund Chairs for the past two years. Lauren and Adam Schwartz (P’24, ’30) will serve as Annual Fund Chairs for 2024–25, and we are grateful for their leadership. We also want to thank the Advancement
Team for their tireless efforts to support the fund throughout the year and the over 100 Annual Fund committee members who encourage peers and friends to donate and serve as overall GCDS ambassadors in the community.
Ollie Stern, Rebeca Manzo, Miguel Yanez, Evie Offit (all Class of 2023)
DAVID H. GRISWOLD 1932–2024
A GCDS Legend and Master Educator
Country Day teacher, mentor, and friend David H. Griswold, 92, passed away on August 4, 2024. To say that “Grizzy” was a legend at GCDS would be an understatement. After serving our country in the Air Force during the Korean War, Mr. Griswold started teaching at Country Day in 1956.
After teaching in the third and sixth grades, he moved on to teach English and Social Studies in the then Upper School (Grades 7–9) for over 30 years. Mr. Griswold was Head of the Social Studies Department during the 1960s. During that time, he collaborated with William E. Merriss in writing “A Composition Handbook,” which was in use at GCDS for more than 35 years. In 1981, he also wrote “How to Study,” which was provided as summer reading for incoming 7th graders. In 1981, Mr. Griswold became Head of the English Department and, as part of his responsibilities, helped to refine the school’s Declamation (Public Speaking) program. For many years, he was faculty advisor to “Ex Multis,” the Upper School (Grades 7–9) literary and arts magazine.
In 2000, Mr. Griswold assumed the post of Faculty Mentor, a position that entails counseling and supporting new teachers. Most recently, he served as co-editor for “Mindscapes,” the faculty and staff literary magazine.
Mr. Griswold was raised in Baltimore and graduated from Gilman School. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Williams College in Massachusetts and a master’s degree from Wesleyan University in Connecticut. He was happily married to the love of his life, Anne (Miller) Griswold, for 31 years until she predeceased him in 2006. He will be sorely missed by his many nieces and nephews.
At Country Day for almost 70 years, David Griswold was a teacher for all generations and a master of both the spoken and written word. We will miss his skillful turn of phrase, thoughtful advice, witty reminders for submissions to “Mindscapes,” and, most of all, his laughter. He truly encapsulated the heart and soul of Country Day.
From his Distinguished Faculty tribute in 1993, accompanying his portrait hanging in the Middle School:
David Griswold has devoted his life to his work as an educator. The strength of his teaching lies in the extraordinary organization of his lessons. The structure of his classes and assignments has been thoroughly designed and refined to lead students to success in mastering the use of the English language.
The 1991 “Spire” carried the following words in its dedication: Mr. Griswold is revered for his fine grammar skills and is a terrific resource for students and faculty alike. Of course, some students prefer to stay in his office after class for a friendly chat. He loves to tell and hear jokes. On any given day you can find him with his head thrown back in laughter, delighted with a new story someone has told him. . . . He loves to read and tries to stimulate the love of literature in his students.
ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES
MILESTONES
Births & Adoptions
John Grear to Lee Oxman ’96 and wife Katie on March 22, 2024
Bode Grey to Connor Keeshan ’01 and wife GCDS Teacher Maggie on May 13, 2024
Charlotte Dixon to Hallie Finan ’05 and husband Chris on May 28, 2024
Elizabeth Rose to Jack Rivers ’05 and wife Kristen Askin Rivers on May 15, 2024
Olivia James to Ali Gray Gantsoudes ’05 and husband Nick on Feb. 28, 2024
Florence Stella to Liz Levison ’05 and husband Nick Martinez on June 4, 2024
Marriages
Kent Northrop ’05 married Kelsey Swanson on June 22, 2024.
Emily Morena ’09 married Warner VanOs on May 25, 2024.
Ali Mann ’09 married Danny Price on June 22, 2024.
Caroline Queally ’11 married Sam Sullivan on June 8, 2024.
Isaiah Preyer ’14 married Nicole Switzer on June 2, 2024.
Deaths
Thomas C. Reed ’47 on Feb. 11, 2024
Diana Forman Colgate ’52 on May 26, 2024
Francis I. duPont III ’60 on June 9, 2024
Daryn Lee ’85 on Feb. 10, 2024
Virgil Price lll ’00 on May 12, 2024
Former Faculty: Joyce French on May 8, 2024
Please note that all class news is available digitally on GCDS Connect (www.gcdsconnect.com).
1947
We regret to inform you that Thomas C. Reed passed away on February 11, 2024. Please see In Memoriam for obituary.
1948
Connie Comly Ellis writes she has returned to New York City, where she is happily based, from hiking in the Alps and spending a fascinating day at CERN, the European Council for Nuclear Research, just outside Geneva. Bear in mind, that she has recently joined what she called “the nonagenarian elite!” Dick Montague writes he has lived, worked and served as a U.S. Army officer in Germany for more than 40 years and has no plans to return to the States. But, he adds, “Although probably no member of our Class of 1948 is still ‘up’ to touring in Europe, if a member of our class makes his/her way to Bavaria, my wife and I would be more than happy to meet and talk about GCDS in the 1940s.” His email address is r.w.montague1934@gmail.com. (He remains a U.S. citizen.) Kim Townsend writes: “After teaching at Amherst for over half a century, my wife and I came to Bath, ME, where we live a peaceful and pleasant life. What status I have is ‘derived.’ I am a great-grandfather and will become one a second time in December.” Barbara Babcock Millhouse writes: “I am the proud great-grandmother of Frederick Henry Lassiter and six accomplished grandchildren. Having just turned 90, I am happily married still and can look back on a few accomplishments. In part, I turned my family home into the thriving Reynolda House Museum of American Art in Winston-Salem, NC. In addition, I have wrote a number of related books, one of which is still in active circulation entitled “American Wilderness: the Story of the Hudson River School of Painting.” Interested alumni can find more information at www.reynolda. org. I am grateful for my three years at Greenwich Country Day School where I learned to write well, think critically, and engage with others. Thank you, Mr. Webster, Mr. Luther, and others; your teaching was not in vain.”
1952
We regret to inform you that Diana Forman Colgate passed away on May 26, 2024. Please see In Memoriam for obituary.
1960
We regret to inform you that Francis I. duPont III passed away on June 9, 2024 Please see In Memoriam for obituary.
John McCarthy writes: “I have moved to Beirut, Lebanon. Mary passed away two years ago and I found Geneva boring without her so I decided to return to Lebanon where I lived from 1966–1975. It is my happy place. My main activity is volunteering at International College (IC), the Pre-K through Grade 12 sister school of the American University of Beirut (AUB). I have served on the IC Board of Trustees for 30 years and am devoted to the school. Lebanon is a fabulous country, mired in countless problems and security risks, but the people have an unstoppable joie de vivre which I enjoy.”
1961
Nancy Adams DeConciliis writes: “Hello to everyone after so many years. I have been living in Italy for 56 years, since 1965. I am finally giving up my tour guide business after 30+ years. I will still, however, take around my friends. Periodically, I return for a visit to the U.S. to see my daughter and two grandchildren, one of whom will be going to university in Rome next fall. Hoping we all have a safe and miraculously peaceful next year.”
1967
Pam Constable writes: “I am now retired from the Washington Post after working there for 30 years.” She is still busy, however, with
Pam Constable ’67
Lynn Gray ’70
CLASS REPRESENTATIVES
1942 Peter Harrison
1947 Margaret Hart-Rogers
1948 Kim Townsend
1950 Carolyn (Carly) Rogers
1955 David Corbin
1956 Margaret Erickson Ellsworth
1957 David S. Edson
1958 Lee Ingram
1959 Jon Dixon Jim Riley
1960 Sandra de Leeuw Dell
1962 Alice Fisher, Peter McCabe
1963 Sheila Blair, Walter Hinton
1965 Red Jahncke
1967 Cathy Shraga
1968 Bertrande Coleman Tom Rawson
1969 Mary Alice Fisher Carmichael
1970 David Bull, Amie Knox
1971 Harriet Staub Huston Preston Goddard
1972 Bradford Bancroft
1973 Tom Melly, David Waddell
1974 Geoffrey Bermingham William Schlosser
1975 Blaine W. Parker, Jr.
1976 Ashley King Goddard
Bradley Palmer
1977 Robert Getz
1978 Elise Hillman Green
Wendy Waddell
1979 Nathan Allen
1980 Nancy “Quinn” Keeler
Traci Reed Fiore
1981 Suzanne Jack
1982 Christine Corcoran
Thomas Crystal
1983 Jim Israel, Trevor Fearon
1984 Heather Lane Spehr
1985 William Sterling
Elizabeth Terrell
1986 Katherine Anderson Gray
Christopher Lane
1987 Jennifer Foulke Meyers
1988 Melissa Floren Filippone
1989 Elizabeth Shaio Archibald
Tracy Keim Ward
1990 Leila Jones Shields
Emily Hoffman Stern
1991 Adrian Gray
Martha Payne
Friso Van Reesema
1992 Jason Vintiadis
1993 Clay Floren
Jennifer Sanders Prince
1994 Meaghan Nolan Van Reesema
1995 Paul Mello
1996 Veronica Arzeno Chiavaroli
1997 Jay Helmer, Chapin Kelly
Blair Gallagher Sheehan
1998 Christopher King
1999 Ashley Flight, Lillian Nigro
2000 Curtis Browning
2001 Kendrick Luse
Katharine Yeskey Singh
2002 Paige Corbin Kyle
Ginger Northrop Ruff
2003 John Badman
Jonathan Delikat
a variety of projects and enjoying life in the northern Virginia countryside with her four dogs. “I am writing a monthly newsletter on nature and animals, and I recently volunteered with the election campaign of my Democratic state delegate, who ran for Congress in a highly competitive primary last week and narrowly lost,” she reports. “I am still closely involved with two animal rescue and veterinary programs overseas, which I founded during my
What’s happening in your life?
Did you make a career change? Have you been recognized by your community? Did you have a GCDS reunion? Please share your news!
Send news and photos to alumni@gcds.net
(Submit by November 1 to appear in the January issue. )
Meagan Fisher
Sophie Nitkin
Gregory Weisbrod
2004 Catherine Anne Lowden
Kelsey Vanderlip
2005 David Hakim
Spencer Slocum
Robert Swindell
Christina Lawrence
2007 Lizzy Berdoff
Brooke Pinto
Cindy Ruiz
2008 Nicole Black
Liz Arenz-Hoshein
2009 Olivia E. Marcus
Charles Pasciucco
2010 Tessa L. Fox
Charles Januszewski
2011 Zach Berzolla
Parker Holbrook
Eliot Johnson
Posey Memishian
2012 Caitlin Brady
Michael Harteveldt
Phebe Huth
Allie Keigher
2013 Gabrielle Finkelstein
Sarah Mathes
years as a foreign correspondent.” She sent a picture of herself with her dog Rani, taken at Chincoteague Island. “I found that little dog almost dead of starvation in a trash heap in Kabul. It took months at my shelter before she could walk again. She came home with me several years ago. She is very devoted and comes to the beach with me every summer.” Pam went to her 50th class reunion at Brown last month. “I enjoyed reviving some long-ago friendships
Charlie Reimers
Charlie Weld
2014 Chrissy Roca
Bridget Slocum
Ben Zabin
Isabella Tarbell-Arnaboldi
2015 Gabbie Coffy
Kate Epifanio
Ryan Morris
2016 Julian Martelly
Grace Mullen
2017 Carolyn Jeffery
Jamie Jeffery
Olivia Marshall
Maggie Sandler
2018 Lulu Forrest
2021 Jack Linardos
2019/2022
Caroline Hart
Kayla Richards
Mackenzie Ross
2023 Jolie Karen
2024 Zainn Amin*
Anna Basinet*
Asher Goldstein*
Avery Sleeper*
* New Class Representative
there but was stunned that I could not find a single newspaper for sale anywhere near the campus. A sad reckoning with today’s TikTok world for this lifelong ink-stained wretch!” Your class secretary, Cathy Harris Shraga writes she went to her 50th Reunion at Trinity College in Hartford, and can report that the bookstore was still selling newspapers and the college paper, The Trinity Tripod, seemed to be thriving and gave a good presentation on fake
IN MEMORIAM
THOMAS C. REED ’47, 89, died Feb. 11, 2024, at his home in Santa Rosa, CA, after a short illness surrounded by his family. Reed, whose career as a former Secretary of the Air Force, longtime advisor to President Ronald Reagan, senior National Security Council official, real estate developer and author, was born in New York City on March 1, 1934. He was raised in Connecticut, graduated from Cornell University in 1956 with a degree in engineering, and accepted an ROTC commission into the US Air Force. He began his professional career at the Air Force Ballistic Missile Division in Los Angeles during the 1950s, the years of Sputnik and the Missile Gap. After earning a graduate degree from the University of Southern California, Reed moved to the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory where he designed two thermonuclear devices fired over the Pacific in 1962. On leaving Livermore, Reed started and ran a successful high-tech company making superconductors, but he also developed an interest in politics. In 1966 Reed became the Northern California chair of Ronald Reagan’s initial gubernatorial race. He served as chief of personnel in the Governor’s first administration and then, in 1970, as Reagan’s statewide co-chair and re-election campaign director and remained committed to seeing Ronald Reagan become President of the United States. During the seventies, Reed’s business interests turned to the land: developing the Breckenridge ski resort in Colorado and founding River Oaks Vineyards in Alexander Valley. That, in turn, led to the creation of Clos du Bois Wines in 1973.
In 1973, Reed was recruited to manage intelligence projects at the Pentagon in connection with the Yom Kippur War then raging in the Mideast. In 1975, the US Senate confirmed Reed’s appointment as Secretary of the Air Force. He served for two years in that capacity during the Ford and Carter administrations. He was the first Secretary of the Air Force to have served in the Air Force. In 1976, Reed became Director of the oncecovert National Reconnaissance Office, responsible for all US satellite intelligence systems, both photographic and electronic, in operation during the Cold War. During the eighties, Reed worked within Reagan’s NSC staff as Special Assistant to President Reagan for National Security Policy. Reed’s primary contribution lay in charting Reagan’s road map for prevailing in and ending the Cold War.
Reed left Washington in 1983 to return to business pursuits, but throughout the years of Soviet collapse, Reed continued to advise the Joint Strategic Planning Staff on policy and intelligence matters. During the nineties Reed traveled to Ukraine, assisting with the return of over a thousand abandoned nuclear weapons to Russian control. With the coming of the millennium, Reed turned his attention to documenting the history of the Cold War and its principal players along with illuminating the possibility of nuclear terror to come. His first book, “At the Abyss: An Insider’s History of the Cold War” with an introduction by Former President George H. W. Bush, was published by Ballantine Books in 2004. It delves into the lives of those who fought and ended the Cold War without a nuclear shot being fired. His second work, “The Nuclear Express: A Political History of the Bomb and Its Proliferation” was co-authored by Danny Stillman, former chief of technical intelligence at Los Alamos. It was published by Zenith Press in 2009, with a favorable review by William J. Broad, science editor of the New York Times In his third manuscript, Reed turned to history-based fiction with “The Tehran Triangle,” written with Sandy Baker and published by Black Garnet
Press in 2012. James Schlesinger, former chairman of the AEC, director of central intelligence, secretary of defense and then secretary of energy, wrote that, “‘The Tehran Triangle’ is a harrowing tale about Iran’s quest for the bomb. The story feels real; it could have been written by an intelligence insider and a nuclear weapons expert. And it was.” Reed’s most recent volume, “The Reagan Enigma,” was published by USC’s Figueroa Press in 2014. Enigma provides first-hand insight into the mind of the 40th president as he sought to end the Cold War. Reagan Press Secretary Lyn Nofziger noted that, “On times, people . . . Tom Reed would be the most accurate.” Reed’s later-year interests were focused on education, trying to find and support the brightest and the best students, the potential innovators and leaders, in Sonoma County. Reed is survived by his wife, Kay, his daughter, Carolyn Reed Ellis of Napa, his oldest son Gordon and wife Kerry, of Buffalo, and his youngest child, son Andrew now residing with his wife Alex in West Santa Rosa. Reed is also survived by five grandchildren and two step grandsons.
DIANA FORMAN COLGATE ’52 passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family on May 26, 2024. Born on Feb. 23, 1939 to Lawrence Carter Forman and Millicent Ruth Bickford, Diana grew up in Greenwich, CT, and spent her summers on the Muskoka Lakes in Ontario, Canada. She was educated at Greenwich Country Day School, Ethel Walker School, and Briarcliff College. After college, Diana was a secretary to (then) Governor Nelson Rockefeller of New York. She worked on the Reagan (1980) campaign, Lehrman for Governor of New York (1982) and the presidential campaign of Bush ’41. Diana was a Northwell Health trustee since 1990 and a long standing member of the Glen Cove Hospital Advisory Board. She was a former member of the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research Board. Her happiest times were spent on the water, traveling with her husband and teaching her grandchildren how to waterski. She was famous for her dock starts to avoid getting her hair wet and a fond memory was waterskiing from Greenwich, CT, to Long Island. Diana is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 60 years, John K. Colgate, Jr. She was the cherished mother of three sons, Lawrence Gardiner Creel (Dana Fentress) of New York City, James Randall Creel IV (Marco Scarani) of Paris, France, and John Kirtland Colgate III (Katherine Charlston) of Sun Valley, ID. Stepmother of Lisa Colgate Scully, Hilary Colgate McInerney, and Adrienne Colgate Jones. She is an adored grandmother of 14. The family wishes to thank the Glen Cove Hospital for their excellent care of Diana over the past few years.
FRANCIS I. DUPONT III ’60 passed away on Sunday, June 9, 2024, in the Health Center of Vicar’s Landing in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. “Rip”, as he was known to friends and family, was born in Richmond, VA, to Gertrude Murrell and A. Rhett duPont in 1945. He graduated from Woodberry Forest School in Orange, VA, and got his BA degree from the University of Richmond, where he was an active member of Theta Chi Fraternity. After graduation, Rip joined the US Army and was stationed for a year on the DMZ in South Korea.
Rip worked first as a stockbroker for F.I. duPont and Company, both in the NYC Wall Street Office and in the Atlanta office. He moved his family to Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, where he had accepted a position with Southeast Bank. He ran the Beach Bank office and was later in charge of all the SE
Banks across the Northern part of the state from Jacksonville to Tallahassee. Rip also was President and Chief Executive Officer of SouthTrust Bank. He was Regional President for First Florida Bank. In Tampa, he was Senior Vice President for Southeast Bank. Rip and Linda moved to Bradenton, FL, as he became Chairman and CEO of First National Bank of Manatee which was eventually sold to Whitney Bank in New Orleans.
Rip served as Senior Warden at both Christ Church in Ponte Vedra Beach and Bradenton. Rip enjoyed serving his community in many civic organizations: Boys and Girls Club, Episcopal High School of Jacksonville, Chamber of Commerce President.
Rip is survived by his wife, Linda; daughter and son-in-law, Stacy and Jake Nash and their children, Ella and William; son, Tim duPont and Rip’s brother and his wife, Rhett and Pat duPont.
DARYN RAE LEE ’85 of Greenwich, CT, passed away Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024 at the age of 53. Daryn was a gentle, creative and sensitive soul, as well as an incredibly talented painter. Her passions included art, animals and her sixteen nieces and nephews. She was a dedicated cat mother to her most recent kitten, Dax, whom she adored. Daryn enjoyed nothing more than sharing her love of art with her nieces and nephews, whether it was making “flower hats” with the girls, or painting sports themed high-chairs for the boys. Her favorite television show was “Friends,” as she was a total Phoebe.
Daryn graduated from Greenwich High School in 1988 and earned her Associate’s Degree in Design from the Connecticut Institute of Art in 1995. She went on to work as a freelance artist creating logos and various illustrations for businesses and individual clients. She also worked in the retail industry, most recently at Out of the Box on Greenwich Ave., where she
news to the reunion crowd. Cathy is planning a month-long trip back to England in September to see the many friends she and her husband Mike made when they lived there from 1996 until 2008. They also planned a sentimental three-day detour to Paris. The pandemic put a damper on their travels and this was definitely high on the bucket list. Duncan Ewald writes he and his wife Judy visited Greece this summer and loved it. (See watercolor of a church he painted in Mykonos.) “I am busy painting and writing children’s books—which I love doing in my retirement. We live in Harding, NJ, and would love to hear from any other GCDS grads.” Duncan says he is in close contact with his three best friends from GCDS, who have dubbed themselves “The Knuckleheads.” “Our second grandchild, Eden, was just born, and we have grandchild number three coming July 10.” Chris North writes: “A classmate from Lawrenceville, a best friend of our late classmate Kirk Broaddus, died recently and about 50 people spontaneously engaged in an email trail with remembrances not only of that person but others as well. (Kirk introduced this friend to his sister, and they subsequently married.) The class-
oversaw merchandising and inventory management. Not only did she love working at Out of the Box, she loved that it was so close to one of her favorite restaurants with her favorite dish—beef carpaccio. She had one rule when it came to food—never order Italian food at a diner.
Daryn was predeceased by her father, Charles R. Lee. She is survived by her mother, Ilda Lee, and her siblings Doug (Marianne) Lee, Dana Lee, Debra (Dean) Fichtner and Dawn (Brett) Smith, as well as sixteen nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.
VIRGIL PRICE III ’00, born Oct. 19, 1984, passed away May 12, 2024. At age 39, he tragically disappeared at sea while free-diving and spearfishing near a World War II shipwreck off of Florida’s Atlantic coast. He graduated from the Benjamin School in North Palm Beach and attended Davidson College. He was an incredibly skilled freediver and instructed many people on the sport as a part of Florida Freedivers. From an early age, he was drawn to music, wildlife, and the ocean. He was adept at multiple different instruments including piano, bass guitar, and mandolin to name a few. He shared his gift of music while playing in local bands. He is survived by his father, Virgil M. Price II, his mother Kathleen Cerasaro, his sister Brit Drozda, brother in-law Zack Drozda, Gail Obenour, his stepfather Adriano Cerasaro, his grandmother Shirley Mulligan, and his niece and nephew. He will be reunited in heaven with his previously deceased grandfather Jim Mulligan of whom he was incredibly fond of throughout his life and his previously deceased grandfather Virgil M. Price. Virgil’s fun-loving playful spirit touched the lives of so many throughout his all too brief 39 years. He will be extremely missed.
mate who died was a renowned physician and died flying his own plane. You may or may not know that for five years Kirk and I were stepbrothers because my mom married his dad. Kirk stayed at Lawrenceville and I returned to GHS after one year. But the point of this email is to suggest that perhaps you could ask everyone to write in five things or people they remember about GCDS. I expect the emails will roll in, and we would claim a substantial portion of class notes without you having to do the heavy lifting. That’s better than building it on the death of somebody in our class for sure!” Now, that’s what I would call looking on the sunny side of life! Chan Wheeler writes he went on a 10-day scuba trip in March to the Maldives with another couple he dives with. “These remote islands have everything you want to see underwater: manta rays, varieties of sharks including plankton-feeding whale sharks, massive schools of colorful reef fish, octopuses, and eels. Having been to Yap, Palau, the Galápagos, and French Polynesia on dive boats, Chan says his bucket list still includes Indonesia. Margot Trotter Davis writes she still lives in the Boston area where she’s been since college. One gets accustomed to appreci-
Watercolor of a church in Mykonos, Greece, by Duncan Ewald ’67
ating shades of gray in the winters. “We still ski and love the winter outdoor activities. We also have a home in New Hampshire on a lake so yes, we are embedded in the Northeast. I still consider chocolate, peanut butter, and cheese to be healthy foods!” Besides having a private therapy practice where she sees patients both
virtually and in-person, she does health policy research at Brandeis University. “We study systems of care in the behavioral health arena that impact policy, financing models, and delivery of care. Currently, I am neck deep in the opioid crisis. And yes, progress is being made. I’ve published a bunch of papers that you can Google if you want to get geeky.” Her three (soon to be four) grandchildren also live in the Boston area, something she says makes her feel very lucky. Whit Knight writes that in May he observed his third anniversary at the Sharlot Hall Museum Store, and he was given an anniversary card containing a gift debit card, and a gift card to a nearby coffee place. At his high school reunion on June 1, the President of the Orme School and a Board Member honored him with a certificate of induction into the Orme School Half-Century Club.
1968
Helen Haskell Maccallum writes: “I recently relocated from SW Florida to Providence to be closer to my daughters Katherine ’99 and Elizabeth and her family! I was also fortunate to be able to continue my ‘call’ as a hospice chaplain full time for a local non-profit, the second oldest in the country. I am grateful for this as I am for GCDS, which is now closer too and growing by leaps and bounds!”
1969
Stuart Lovejoy writes that he has three children, ages 32, 31, and 27, all living in Manhattan or Brooklyn, and all working there, too. “I guess these days you call three days in the office working full time. I finally stopped working about a year and a half ago, and I’m spend-
The Class of 1967 “Knuckleheads” on a camping trip in Pennsylvania: Tom Cleveland, Phil Nelson, Charley Griswold, Duncan Ewald.
ing a good amount of time on the east coast of Florida . . . lots of friends are there, too. And when I’m in Connecticut, I work part-time at Stamford Hospital. ER work is quite an experience! I am so in awe of everything the doctors and nurses do there.”
1970
Co-class secretary David Bull writes: Over Memorial Day weekend, I returned to the Cabot Theater in Beverly, MA, to celebrate what was billed as “Le Grand David’s 70th Birthday Bash.” On Sunday, May 26, a large crowd packed the vintage vaudeville palace where I worked for half my life (1977–2012) for a variety show featuring magic, comedy, and music. My role was that of Master of Ceremonies, performing a few illusions, telling stories from the years of our stage magic company and introducing the various acts: stand-up comedian Paul D’Angelo, sophisticated zanies Kenny Raskin and Amy G, and Minstrels in the Gallery, a tribute band to classic Jethro Tull. At the champagne reception after the final curtain, I was surprised by my former GCDS classmates John Adams and Tom Walker. Three of my five Bull siblings were also in attendance: Patricia Scott Webster ’66, Nancy Bull ’67, and Elizabeth Bull ’72, as well as one of Nancy’s classmates and family friend Lisa Fownes ’67. It was a great way to mark this signal birthday. Lynn Gray writes: “I love living in the Northwest corner of Connecticut, rural and mountainous with the Housatonic running through it. A lot of wildlife up here, bobcats, bears, deer, and turkeys. I volunteer at Sharon Audubon as administrative assistant to the Head of Volunteers and Naturalist. I often care for the exhibit animals and sometimes work in the rehab clinic when they are overwhelmed with young birds. I cared for a fish crow inside for years and he was put in the ‘big boy’ aviaries outside two years ago where he is so happy to have more space. Our relationship is magical. I have painted at the Washington Art Association with Edward DeVoe. I also volunteer with Kent Seniors once a month and at Torrington Soup Kitchen once every few months.” Jamie Bush and Sue were reunited with Brad Westerfield in March in Vero Beach where Brad enjoys a little GCDS community with David Borie, Stafford Bucknell ’71, and Stuart Crane Tilt ’71. In June, Jamie also had lunch with Lachlan Forrow at the Global Symposium on Leadership and Happiness sponsored by Arthur Brooks at the Kennedy School of Government. Discovering much common interest, they got together in Hingham the following week, the day after Lachlan’s latest grandchild was born to his daughter. They are both intrigued that happiness is all the rage now, with the most popular courses today
at Yale, Stanford, and Harvard Business School being on the science of happiness. At the same time, there was general agreement at the symposium that happiness, and its pursuit, can actually be toxic. Something of interest for parents today. . . . Although grandchildren, all by themselves, do contribute to happiness! A year ago, in Longboat Key, Jamie got together with David Bull and, of course, it was . . . magical. Wonderful to share where we are in life over lunch at Harry’s. Lastly, Jamie and Sue have seen Hope Busk Reis’s art on display recently in a gallery in Newport and it is absolutely extraordinary. Visit www.hopereis.com
1972
Bradford Bancroft writes: “Hi, all—It is amazing to think that many of us are retiring about now, are grandparents, are changing locations but still groovin’. I was in the mosh pit of a recent Pearl Jam concert and wrote to my son, Michael (now 37 and working for Blizzard/Microsoft editing their games), to
Arts Therapy in my practice. It is great to have the time now to sit and ponder this wonderful, exciting life, and to know that my interest and joy in acting, singing, music, and art started all those years ago at GCDS. What a blessing. Phyllis and I are planning a lot more trips now that I am not bound to my office. She continues to make her award-winning films. So glad I married up. I send love to you all and hope you are well and thriving. Of course, we remember, sadly, those of us who are no longer dancing with us. It really makes us consider how we want to spend this next part of our journey. Looking forward.”
1973
Sharon Douglas McGinty writes: “My son, Hunter, is visiting us in Texas from Connecticut and we are celebrating the happy news that my oldest daughter, Avery, and her husband, Hayden, are going to be parents in December. (My first grandbaby!)”
are both retired and play a lot of golf. We go to concerts and just got back from Red Rocks where we saw Widespread Panic. I have written eight children’s books and two of them were sent to Hollywood to be considered for fulllength feature films. We will see what happens. Two of our grandchildren are in high school.
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Evelyn Farley - Kindergarten
the Dates Save
Alumni Gathering at The Harvard Club
Thursday, November 21 7:00 - 9:00 pm
College Age Reunion at Ginger Man
Tuesday, November 26 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Where has the time gone? We are coming out in October for our 50th reunion. I hope we see some of our classmates there. You all be somewhat good.”
1975
Carl Walker writes: “Hi, all! I’m living in Easton, CT, among the black bears and bob cats. I have been a freelance graphic designer/ illustrator and package designer for more than 40 years. Most of my package designs you can
Carl Walker and Chris Pavelic, both Class of ’75, at a recent tournament.
David Bull ’70 onstage at the Cabot Theater in Beverly, MA, on May 26, 2024, and a final bow at “Le Grand David’s 70th Birthday Bash.”
find in the aisles of CVS and Walmart. I keep up with Paul (Pede) Dickey who lives in Hawaii and Chris Pavelic who still resides in Greenwich. I am looking forward to our 50th reunion next year.
1983
of July. They will share pictures in the next issue of GCDS News
1987
Joshua Shannon and his wife Rona Marech live in Washington, D.C., with their kids Jasper (15) and Mae (13). Josh is a professor in the Department of Art History & Archaeology at the University of Maryland, where he is writing a book, “How and Why to Look at Art in the Time of Climate Change: Seven Lessons from Modern Art.” (University of California Press). “When in DC, some say hi!”
1991
Congratulations to McLain Ward on winning the silver medal in Equestrian Team Jumping at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Since his Olympic debut in 2004 in Athens, the sixtime Olympian has won two gold and three silver medals.
1992
Alexandra Pappas writes she is living and working as an interior designer in Manhattan. Her firm, Pappas Miron Design, has been added to the Elle Decor A-List for the fourth year in a row.
1996
Ruby Littman Landow writes: “It’s been a while, so I thought I’d write in for a change. During the pandemic, I moved to the Berkshires and bought a house and a horse. I continue to work remotely while enjoying all the benefits of country life. I still act and sing when the opportunity arises, and I also garden, foster kittens for a few rescue groups, ride my horse,
Sharon Douglas McGinty ’73 with family
job at the Carriage House! “So excited to be back on campus and looking forward to connecting to the community as a teacher.” Lee Oxman and wife, Katie, welcomed their son, John Grear Oxman, on March 22, 2024.
2001
Connor Keeshan and wife, Maggie, welcomed their son, Bode Grey Keeshan, on May 13, 2024.
2005
Hallie Finan Callis and husband welcomed Charlotte Dixon Callis aka “Charlie” on May 28, 2024, weighing, 6 lb. 11 oz. Jack Rivers and wife, Kristen Askin Rivers, welcomed baby Elizabeth Rose Rivers, born on May 15, 2024. Ali Gray Gantsoudes and husband, Nick, welcomed Olivia James Gantsoudes, born on Feb. 28, 2024. Liz Levison welcomed Florence Stella Martinez on June 4, 2024. Kent Northrop recently celebrated his wedding to Kelsey Swanson on June 22 in the Rocky Mountains just outside of Denver, CO, where they reside. Several GCDS alums were in attendance to join the celebrations!
2008
Peter Cannon wrote and directed a psycho logical thriller, Exposure, that peels back the layers of obsessive compulsive disorder. It’s available to rent digitally and also on Blu-Ray/ DVD. www. variety.com
2009
Emily Morena married Warner VanOs on May 25, 2024 in Issaquah, WA.
married Danny Price on June 22, 2024, at Cedar Lakes Estate in NY. Danny, originally from Tulsa, OK, is a Vice President of Invest ments at NNN Pro, where he has worked for the past eight years. Ali is the founder of Ali Rose Mann Digital, a digital marketing firm estab lished in 2018 that specializes in organic social media for brands. The couple now live in NYC.
2011
A-List & Creativity Awards, and won Social Media and Community Lead of the Year 2024 award. This distinguished event recognizes leading agencies, companies, and innovators, and celebrates the best work and cutting-edge ideas in advertising, marketing, and innovation. Alzate received the honor in her role at TRUFF, a brand known for its truffle-infused pantry staples. Competing in a distinguished field, Alzate was up against a major contender, PepsiCo.
2014
Isaiah Preyer and Nicole Switzer, wed June 2, 2024. The couple met on a breezy evening at the beach during a gathering of friends and
Caroline Queally married Sam Sullivan on June 8 at Greenwich Country Club. Several GCDS alums gathered to celebrate.
2012
Philip Glasser has recently launched Overlook Photography, an online art gallery aimed at providing a platform for talented independent artists to reach a wider audience. The gallery offers ready-to-hang framed prints, each with exceptional finishes. Among the featured artists is Allie Keigher, whose work is displayed on the site. Gissele Alzate attended Ad Age’s
MCLAIN WARD ’91
Paris 2024 Olympics silver medalist, Equestrian Team Jumping
Bradford Bancroft ’72 and wife Phyllis
Ham Boynton and Ginger Ingels, both Class of ’74, live in Tucson, AZ.
2017
Eliot Spizzirri was named the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Men’s Tennis National Player of the Year for the secondstraight season, while attending University of Texas. He is currently launching his professional tennis career.
2024
Welcome to our newest Class Reps! Zainn Amin, Anna Basinet, Asher Goldstein, and Avery Sleeper )
1 Liz Levison and Ali Gray Gantsoudes, both Class of 2005, with their daughters Stella and Olivia 2 Florence Stella Martinez, Olivia James Gantsoudes Charlotte “Charlie” Dixon Callis,
Ruby Littman Landow ’96
2024 Class Reps: Zainn Amin, Avery Sleeper, Asher Goldstein, Anna Basinet
Isaiah Preyer ’14 and Nicole Switzer wed on June 2.
Gissele Alzate ’12 at Ad Age’s A-List & Creativity Awards.
Kent Northrop ’05
wedding: (front row) Reed Von Gal ’06, David Hakim ’05, Heather Northrop ’00, Ginger Northrop Ruff ’02, Steve Kemp ’04 (back row) Alicia Zimmel ’05, Brian Platter ’05, Kent Northrop ’05, Kelsey Swanson (bride), Bo Swindell ’05
Jack Rivers ’05 and wife, Kristen, with baby Elizabeth Rose
Siblings Doyle Queally ’09, Caroline Queally ’11, Katherine Queally ’14 at Caroline’s wedding to Sam Sullivan on June 8 Inset: Caroline and husband Sam Sullivan
Eliot Spizzirri ’17, ITA Men’s Tennis National Player of the Year
Joyce French passed away on May 8, 2024, in Danvers, MA. Born Dec. 9, 1929, in Buffalo, NY, she was the daughter of Thomas and Verna Norton. She is survived by her children: Susan (John) Henshaw, Richard (Barbara) French; grandchildren: Brent (Caitlin Mates) Falk, Donald French, and Meghan French. She was G.G. to her great-granddaughters, Lucy Joyce and Mia Joye Falk. Joyce was predeceased by her parents, her beloved husband Donald, and brother Thomas (Janet) Norton of White Plains, MD.
Joyce and Don moved to Old Greenwich, CT, in 1962, then later to central Greenwich in 1992. Joyce balanced a demanding career
with family, raising Susan and Richard while imparting a focus on academic accomplishment and learning. Joyce graduated from Wellesley College (B.A.), University of Bridgeport (M.S.), and Teachers College, Columbia University (PhD). She was a teacher in the Greenwich Public Schools, where one of her favorite memories was having her first grade Dundee School students build a lifesized igloo out of papier mâché. Joyce later became Director of Elementary Education at Greenwich Country Day School; visiting professor at Teachers College, Columbia; adjunct professor at Pace University; and finally, Director of Education, Manhattanville College, along with providing intergenerational literacy
and work literacy programs at various hospitals with Dr. Carol Rhoder.
Joyce contributed to education through her teaching, scholarly articles, and four published books, with a focus on learning disabilities, workplace literacy, communication, and study skills. Joyce was co-author of the children’s book Grandma Needs a Nap! with Dr. Marie Amoruso. In retirement, she volunteered as Treasurer and President of the Greenwich Branch of the National League of American Pen Women, where she helped build a nationwide poetry contest. Joyce was active in Greenwich bridge, both duplicate as well as party bridge, where her razorsharp math and memory skills were used to their full potential.
Ali Mann ’09 wedding: Isabelle Mann
Strauss Mann ’14, Sally Mann (mother), Ali Mann ’09, Danny Price, Tony Mann (father), Georgia Mann
Greenwich Country Day School
P.O. Box 623, Old Church Road
Greenwich, CT 06836-0623
Return Service Requested
DECADES OF DEDICATION
Honoring our Retirees
See page 48
Palmer Sloan, Anabella Munoz, Leslea Walker, Michele Ross, Shaun Kelly
