GSB News: October 2012

News October 2012

The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School

Inside 2

Parents’ Association Breakfast

2

Headmaster’s Reception

3

Back to School

3

All School Convocation

4

Stokes State Forest Retreat

5

Student Life Recap: Lower School Science Update – Monarch Butterfly Exhibit Upper School Activities Fair 12th Grade College Guidance Night Half the Sky After-School Group

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Andrew Devine Feature – Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist

7

Michael Tafaro Feature – Attends Civil Air Patrol Flight Academy

8

Spirit Day and Pep Rally

8

Athletics

10 Erin Devine Feature Shares Her Passion for Equestrian

10 Krishna Patel Feature -

Advances to SCT Tennis Finals

11

GSB Golf Classic

12 Homecoming/Family Day 13 Dates to Remember

A FOCUS on diversity is a key element of the new GSB Strategic Plan, Delivering the Future. It is widely known that an academic environment that is inclusive, multicultural and respects individual differences is one in which students may thrive and be better prepared for college and the workplace, as well as living a fuller life. By promoting character development in addition to providing programs that deepen a student’s understanding of the importance of diversity, GSB is committed to strengthening our community moving forward.

It is with this goal in mind, that I am happy to share the successful establishment of the GSB Upper School International Student Program (ISP). This new program, which includes six students from Beijing, is off to a wonderful beginning. Under the guidance of Director of Diversity and Multi-Cultural Affairs, Amy Tierney, and the coordination of Linda Park, our new International Student Coordinator, these students are currently taking a number of advanced Upper School classes with additional coursework in English.

I am pleased to say that our international students are finding the GSB community to be quite welcoming and our classes both challenging and interesting. They are especially interested in participating in all that the Upper School has to offer, including sports and clubs.

They are also excited about making new friends. I am hopeful that these students will continue to enjoy their experience here at GSB as one that offers them a unique multicultural opportunity as well as a lifetime of memories. By their very presence, the lives of our own students are enriched, and we have much to learn from them.

GSB is not the first independent school in our area to welcome international students. Furthermore, we have had several in previous years from South Korea, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the Ukraine as well as other countries. This year is unique in that we have six from one country.

The benefits that the ISP brings to the Gill St. Bernard’s community are numerous. This program opens the doors of GSB to a unique experience, not only for our students but also for faculty, staff and parents. The opportunity for a student from New Jersey to work on a project or share lunch with a fellow student from Beijing is invaluable.

The ISP is among many initiatives in the areas of diversity and multicultural awareness at GSB. We recently received a generous grant from Sanofi Aventis

Gill St. Bernard’s School • St. Bernard’s Road • Gladstone, NJ 07934

Pharmaceuticals which has its U.S. headquarters based locally in Bridgewater. The grant, which is focused on cultural awareness specifically relating to China along with educational excellence for GSB students in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) will eventually help fund the first-ever GSB UNIT trip to Beijing in the spring of 2014. In addition, I am also happy to report that GSB is actively pursuing the addition of Mandarin to its Upper School course offerings as soon as the 2013-14 school year.

I would like to recognize all those who were involved with establishing the ISP at GSB including our Director of Admission Karen Loder and our Upper School Director Sue Petrone. It is another excellent milestone for GSB in achieving its diversity and multicultural goals. I would also like to thank the entire GSB community for its continued support of the program and its students. It is wonderful to see that at GSB we continue to live up to our motto “Schola Mundus Est;” The World is Our Classroom.

Sid Rowell 1.

The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School

October 2012

PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION NEWS AND EVENTS Annual Kick-Off Breakfast Encourages All to Fall into the GSB Spirit

ANNUAL KICK-OFF BREAKFAST

top row from left: Monica Chestnutt P ’16, ’18, Liz Fucci P ’17, Susan Harris P ’16, Parents’ Association Executive Committee members: Tracy Silverschotz P ’18, Lori Taylor P ’14, Carolyn Layden P ’13, ’16, ’20 and Michele Silvey P ’16, ’21; bottom row from left: Jennie Spear P ’13, ’15, Amy Marder P ’15, Jennifer Solondz P ’15, ’17, ’21, Michele Johnson P ’18, ’20, Gail Roch P ’14, ’18, Trang Steinbaum P ’18, ’20.

An event hosted each year by the Gill St. Bernard’s Parents’ Association (PA), this September’s annual Kick-Off Breakfast encouraged all parents to fall into the GSB spirit and get involved on campus.

GSB’s new and returning parents, faculty and administrators gathered in the Athletic Center’s Aresty Pavilion, where they were welcomed by GSB Parents’ Association President Lori Taylor P ’14 on the morning of September 12. In her opening remarks, Taylor introduced the Association’s 2012-13 executive committee members and steering committee chairs responsible for hosting various PA events such as Homecoming/Family Day and the annual GSB Fashion Show throughout the school year. Special recognition was also given to the chairs of this year’s Parents’ Association Breakfasts, Chris Baker P ’13, ’15 and Barbara Todd P ’15, ’16.

According to Taylor, regardless of whether one chooses to chair an event or donate to some of the many fundraisers held throughout the school year, each contribution makes it possible for the Parents’ Association to enhance learning experiences provided at GSB. Through last year’s PA allocations, the school was able to fund the purchase of SMART Boards for early childhood classrooms, smart cameras for second and third grade teachers, updated chemistry lab equipment and more. “The success of these fundraising events is so largely dependent upon the involvement and support of our parents,” said Taylor, who invited all to not only get involved, but also to stay involved.

Also there to celebrate a new year filled with numerous volunteer opportunities and social events was GSB Headmaster Sid Rowell. In keeping with the Parents’ Association’s primary goal of establishing a sense of community among families, Rowell shared his common-sense approach to being a GSB parent and also his annual Headmaster’s Reading List, containing his top 10 recommendations for books on parenting. Among these were Talking Back to Facebook by James P. Steyer, Teach Your Children Well by Madeline Levine and Brain Rules

by John Medina.

Afterwards, parents were able to mingle with one another, as well as, sign up for upcoming PA events.

Gill St. Bernard’s School • St. Bernard’s Road • Gladstone, NJ 07934

New Families Receive a Warm Welcome at Headmaster’s Reception GSB’s Headmaster’s Reception, held Friday, September 7 in the Athletic Center, welcomed all new parents to the school. The evening consisted of an informal introduction to trustees, administrators and Headmaster’s Circle members, as well as speaking points from Headmaster Sid Rowell and Chairman of the Board of Trustees John Howard, P ’17, ’21. While Rowell discussed the upcoming school year, noting several changes made to campus over the summer, Howard extended a kind welcome to all new families at Gill St. Bernard’s.

left side picture (l. to r.): Michael Maus P ’20, ’22 chats with new parent Thor Beveridge P ’15; middle picture (l. to r.): New and current parents Chang Wang P ’18, Yali Zhu P ’18, Donna Steffes P ’19 and Peter Gelwarg P ’19; right side picture: Alumni couple Kristopher ’99 and Jaime ’01 Goodrich, proud parents of GSB’s new Primary 3 student Eva Goodrich ’27.

UPCOMING PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION EVENTS Fashion Show Wednesday, November 7 Fall Pie Sale, Pick-up Day Thursday, November 15 Auction/Dinner Dance Saturday, April 27

2.

The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School

Back-to-School Time at GSB

October 2012

CLASS OF 2013 Vows to Take Position of Leadership at All School Convocation

Gill St. Bernard’s welcomed 675 students across all three divisions to its campus for the start of a new school year on Tuesday, September 4. Despite overcast skies, students displayed bright smiling faces as they greeted faculty, staff, administrators and friends.

top row: The senior class assembled in Todd Quad after Convocation; 2nd row from left: Samantha Casternovia reads the book, The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes to the assembly; Ryan LaPre’ signs the senior register; Pilar Dominguez receives her senior pin from Headmaster Sid Rowell.

GSB’s seniors were officially recognized as role models at an All School Convocation held in the Athletic Center on September 5.

Leading the Class of 2013 as it entered the Athletic Center were bagpipers from the St. Ann’s of Hampton Pipe Band, student flag bearers Carly Meyers ’14 and Cole Moriarty ’14, and School Marshall and Director of Studies Peter Schmidt. Also joining in the procession was Dean of Students Gerry Cirillo who carried the senior register, division heads Sue Petrone (Upper), Matt Huber (Middle) and Peggy Campbell-Rush (Lower), Director of College Guidance Kerri Ann Small, Headmaster Sid Rowell and Board of Trustees Chairman John Howard P ’17, ’21.

In her welcoming remarks, Upper School Director Sue Petrone charged this year’s seniors to be student leaders whose goals should aim to balance mind, body and spirit. According to Petrone, balance can be achieved by working hard, taking on challenges, having fun and encouraging others to do their best. “We all play a part in making GSB a great school,” said Petrone. “I hope that these seniors and every GSB student work to make this school the best it can be.”

top row from left: Kindergartners Eliana and Ava Roslund with Ms. Campbell-Rush; Sabrina Garguilo ’23 gets off the school bus; 2nd row from left: Rachel Auslander ’18 and Teresa Zimmer ’20 make their way to Conover on the first day of school; Liam Brown ’24; 3rd row from left: sisters Bridget ’20 and Amy Coscia ’22; Front (l. to r.) Cara Napolitano ’14 and Caroline Roch ’14; Back (l. to r.) Kasey Collins ’14, Henry Holmes ’14, Katherine Giordano ’14 and Dylan Polachi ’14; 4th row from left: (l. to r.) Veronica Maoli ’16, Sophie Connell ’16 and Jacqueline Fuentes ’16; Jack ’25 and Emma Chesman ’21.

Following a student-reading of The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes — a children’s book about nine-year-old protagonist Beatrice Bottomwell who teaches readers to learn from their mistakes, let go and laugh — Trustees Chairman John Howard urged each senior to take time and discover his or her passions. “Experiment and try new things,” said Howard, as he reassured the Class of 2013 that even as mistakes are made along the way “Gill St. Bernard’s is a wonderful community that will support your growth.”

Before reciting their pledge to “endeavor to work at all times for the good of the school,” receiving their senior pins and signing the senior register, the Class of 2013 also heard from Headmaster Sid Rowell. “You have to make a commitment to the school, your classmates and yourself,” said Rowell who encouraged all to take risks, while noting that success in academics, athletics and the arts can only be achieved if students are willing to take chances and not be afraid of making mistakes.

With all of the advice imparted on them in mind, the group then retreated to Todd Quad for a traditional Convocation photo, signifying the start of another successful school year.

Gill St. Bernard’s School • St. Bernard’s Road • Gladstone, NJ 07934

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The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School

October 2012

Middle School Students Take on New Challenges Focus on Teamwork at Annual Stokes Trip

from left: Lucas Horn ’19; Kamal Brown ’19; middle top picture: (l. to r.): Allison Keeler ’19, Alicia Amoroso ’19, Olivia Escousse ’19 and Genevieve Caron ’19; middle bottom picture (l. to r.): Iyanah Vemuri ’19 and Lillian Cannon ’19; far right picture: Brian Neville ’19 looks on while his NJSOC leader handles a red back salamander.

Accompanied by several GSB teachers, Gill St. Bernard’s fifth and sixth grade students spent two days of learning in a different type of classroom — the wilderness — as they traveled to the New Jersey School of Conservation (NJSOC) in Branchville, NJ between September 12 and 14.

A program established by Montclair State University in 1949, the New Jersey School of Conservation utilizes 250-acres within Stokes State Forest, where it teaches students of all ages how earth systems operate and how human behavior can affect these systems.

Upon arriving at the NJSOC on Wednesday morning, the Class of 2019 participated in a number of activities that not only covered lessons on water ecology, botany and herpetology, but also focused on relationship

building and teamwork. “One of GSB’s main reasons for hosting this trip is to build confidence in every student and establish stronger relationships amongst each class,” said Middle School Teacher Bob Ort.

Among those activities that focused on fostering teamwork were group initiatives, rock climbing and boating. While group initiatives required that eight students work together as a team to solve various problems and puzzles, rock climbing required that seven students belay or protect their classmate, a roped climber, from falling. For sixth grader Genevieve Caron, boating was her favorite activity because it not only taught the value of teamwork, but allowed for the exploration of water-based ecosystems using row boats and canoes as well.

Gill St. Bernard’s School • St. Bernard’s Road • Gladstone, NJ 07934

Under the instruction of two NJSOC leaders, GSB’s sixth grade students also learned about plants like the jewelweed and the tulip poplar tree, used to treat poison ivy and to make telephone poles, as well as studied the different species of salamanders during a hike down Tillman’s Ravine. After viewing a red back, two-lined and lead back salamander first-hand, Brian Neville ’19 shared, “I learned that salamanders’ tails can be pulled off and still grow back.”

An interpretive hike down Tillman’s Ravine was also completed by GSB’s fifth grade class, which began its trip to the NJSOC on Thursday. Other classes completed by the fifth grade class included fish ecology and a confidence course similar to the sixth grade’s group initiatives program.

4.

The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School

October 2012

STUDENT LIFE RECAP A Look Into Everyday Life at GSB Lower School Science Update

Caroline Davino ’22 looks at the Monarch butterfly that hatched in Ms. Prosen’s class.

GSB’s Lower School science classes recently released homegrown Monarch butterflies into the wild. Through a lesson on the metamorphosis of a caterpillar to a butterfly, the class was responsible for raising caterpillars, which later formed a chrysalis, and eventually hatched into beautiful butterflies.

Students Actively Look for Ways to Get Involved

Carlson Brown ’14 signs up for GSB’s Blessings in a Backpack community service activity.

Upper School students learned about and signed up for the approximately 40 clubs available to high school students at GSB during an activities fair hosted in Todd Quad on Thursday, September 13. Upper School clubs and activities encompass the following areas of interest: art, community service, science, writing, foreign languages and more. A total of 25 clubs are being offered at the Middle School level for the 2012-13 school year as well.

Seniors Attend College Guidance Night

Director of College Guidance Kerri Ann Small addresses students and parents at 12th grade College Guidance Night.

More than 100 GSB parents and students joined the College Guidance Department for Senior College Night on September 14. In an effort to ensure that all 12th grade families keep pace with the college admissions process, the evening covered all steps that should be taken over the next several months. Also discussed were topics such as the importance of communicating with one’s college guidance counselor, creating a balanced college list and applying to schools. The College Guidance team will host its 11th Grade Parent College Night on October 11, 2012.

Gill St. Bernard’s School • St. Bernard’s Road • Gladstone, NJ 07934

Middle School Teacher Joanna Hayes with her Half the Sky after-school group, inspired by a book by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn.

Half the Sky After-School Group Raises Awareness for Global Education After reading Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn’s Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide in the summer 2011, Middle School Teacher Joanna Hayes was inspired to organize a sixth grade after-school group called Half the Sky. Now in its second year, and open to both sixth and seventh grade students, this club continues to educate the local community on an ever-growing movement to end oppression of women worldwide.

Beginning in the fall 2011, 15 sixth graders worked together to put their shared passion for global education into action, as they chose one organization – Maggie Doyne’s Kopila Valley School in Nepal – and designed posters, distributed information packets about their cause and held a breakfast fundraiser in the hopes that they could support the education, housing and meal plan of one girl. Much to their surprise, GSB’s overwhelming particpation in this cause led to the donation of $900 to pay for three girls in Nepal to go to school. “It was a huge success,” said Hayes. “Not just with fundraising and raising awareness, but with the girls in our club – they absolutely loved it.”

Also based on the Pulitzer-Prize winning book Half the Sky, PBS recently aired a two-part documentary entitled Independent Lens: Half the Sky on Ocotber 2. “While some of the themes of the documentary are mature in nature and would not be appropriate for some of our students, we will be ordering a school copy of the DVD for any teacher who wants to use parts of it in his or her class,” says Hayes.

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The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School

October 2012

Andrew Devine ’13...

Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist Since joining Gill St. Bernard’s community as a freshman in 2009, Devine has proven himself a true scholar. His hopes of someday pursuing a career in nanotechnology even led Devine to attend a four-week program hosted by The Governor’s School of Engineering and Technology at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey this July. “My sister Jenna attended the Governor’s School in the Sciences a few years ago,” said Devine. “She knew about its engineering and technology program and highly recommended that I give it a try.”

Through his participation in the program, Devine was able to explore engineering while attending college level courses in physics and robotics. The Governor’s School of Engineering and Technology also asked that its students form groups to focus on such topics as microfluidic research, and later publish their findings as well as present them at a research symposium.

“The Governor’s School helped me develop a true appreciation for the intricacies of biological engineering,” added Devine.

When not in the classroom or studying in the lab, Devine can be found participating in theatrical productions such as GSB’s Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Award-winning musical The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Devine also spends his free time serving as a member of GSB’s Upper School choir, acting as a student-volunteer on the school’s technology team and contributing comedic editorials to the school’s newspaper, The 4th Estate.

Congratulations to Andrew Devine, who was named a semifinalist in the 58th annual National Merit Scholarship Program this September. Devine, along with the competition’s approximately 16,000 other semifinalists, represents less than one percent of high Fifteen thousand semifinalists will be named finalists in school seniors nationwide.

February, 2013. National Merit scholarship winners, who are set to receive more than 8,000 awards totaling $32 million, Hosted each year by the National Merit Scholarship will be announced in April.

Corporation (NMSC), this year’s competition saw about 1.5 million juniors in more than 22,000 high schools THE NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP nationwide enter the 2013 National Merit Scholarship CORPORATION (NMSC) Program. To make it to the final round, candidates must have an outstanding academic record throughout high The NMSC, which strives to honor scholastic school, be endorsed and recommended by their school’s champions as well as encourage the pursuit of principal, and earn SAT scores that confirm results from academic excellence, is a not-for-profit organization the 2011 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship that operates without government assistance. It Qualifying Test. was established – specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program – in 1955.

Gill St. Bernard’s School • St. Bernard’s Road • Gladstone, NJ 07934

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The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School

October 2012

Michael Tafaro ’15...

Takes Military Career to New Heights

Tafaro (left side picture above, far right) receives Honor Cadet from (l. to r.) his captain and Colonel Luedtke; Tafaro (right side picture above, third from left) and his comrades from the Flight Academy; bottom row: Tafaro takes a pre-solo flight in his glider, “Moose”; Tafaro’s certificate, patch, ribbons and wings from the Flight Academy.

GSB sophomore Michael Tafaro enjoyed a unique experience this summer when he glided high above the fields of Mattoon, Ill. with the U.S. Air Force’s Civil Air Patrol program.

Force’s auxiliary unit thus far, other missions completed by Tafaro include search and rescue operations and advanced training at such specialized schools as that in Hawk Mountain, Penn. where he earned the title Civil Air Patrol Ranger, Third Class.

Joined by approximately 25 students spanning Texas and Nevada to Utah and Florida, Tafaro spent one week attending ground school and learning to fly from several retired Air Force members.

“Civil Air Patrol prepared me to be a responsible leader,” said Tafaro. “It was an experience that I will never forget.”

Not only did Tafaro learn the true meaning of teamwork while flying a ’70s glider named “Moose” at this summer’s flight academy, but he also graduated Honor Cadet — the highest appointment one can receive through the Civil Air Patrol program. “Michael exemplifies what any teacher would hope his students would do, and that is pursue a passion and do it with a degree of integrity and thoughtfulness about their own future and what they can do for their country,” said physics teacher Lennard Grabowski who supports Tafaro’s dream to fly with the Air Force.

To be eligible for this National Cadet Special Activity (NCSA), all candidates must have completed one week of basic training encampment, submitted a resume, passed a written test and undergone interviews. Upon completing each of the above prerequisites, Tafaro ranked fourth among approximately 60 other candidates from the State of New Jersey.

Hoping to someday follow in the footsteps of his older brother — a former Marine Corps captain and military police officer — Tafaro says he would ultimately like to become a platoon leader in the 75th Ranger Regiment. With just one year of service within the U.S. Air

Gill St. Bernard’s School • St. Bernard’s Road • Gladstone, NJ 07934

Tafaro, who would like to attend either The United States Military at West Point or The Air Force Academy following his graduation in 2015, is Gill St. Bernard’s current Student Council representative for the Class of 2015, a varsity cross country, indoor track and spring track and field participant, a Model UN member and a BRIDGES community service volunteer.

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The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School

October 2012

Go Knights!

Students Show School Spirit at Pep Rally

GSB’S PEP RALLY: Consisting of students dressed in blue and white Knights gear — was preceded by numerous other activities including a Lower School meet-and-

greet with the Knight himself and a spirited lunch in the Dining Hall, decorated by parent-volunteers from the Athletic Booster Club. Pictures from far left to right: (l. to r.)

Morgan Champey ’20 and Kerry Colford ’20 with the GSB Knight; Eva Goodrich ’27; top left: Jack Chesman ’25; top right: Pep rally Spirit Contest participant Catelyn Woelfle ’19; far right bottom: Anna Chowansky ’22 and Alyssa Morrison ’22 do the wave with their fellow classmates.

The entire GSB community attended a pep rally in the Athletic Center on Friday afternoon to spread school spirit and introduce its fall teams. The spirited event also included the unveiling of the school’s 2012 ShopRite Cup banner and created excitement for 13 Middle School, junior varsity and varsity games which took place the following morning at Homecoming/Family Day. Among these contests — against opponents from Rutgers Prep, Belvidere and South Hunterdon — was a first round match in the Somerset County Tournament played by GSB’s #10 seed varsity girls soccer team and Rutgers Prep.

Aside from introducing each Upper School team and their respective coaches at the pep rally, masters of ceremony Nicholas Blackman ’13, Ryan McCluskey ’14 and Brendan Dougher ’14 also led the audience in several competitions.

The first — a spirit contest — featured one student from each division competing to see who could exude the most spirit. This year’s winner was Bartholomew Benoit ’21, who represented the Lower School while cheering “Let’s go Knights!” This competition was followed by a battle of the sexes between Upper School soccer players Kathryn Bednarsky ’14 and Jae-Chiang Wong ’13, the latter of which managed to kick a soccer ball at the backboard of a basketball hoop with more accuracy.

Athletic Round-Up Coming off a historic 2011-12 athletic campaign, which concluded with a presentation of the NJSIAA ShopRite Cup in GSB’s Aresty Pavilion on September 10, 2012, the Knights are hopeful that success will continue in the months ahead. *RESULTS AS OF 9/30/2012 Varsity Boys Soccer: Record: 8-1-1 Meet the Knights: Forward: Nick Baker ’13, John Murphy ’13, Nick Blackman ’13, Justin Durcan ’14, Chris Ward ’14, Michael Petrilli ’15; Midfielder: Tim DiBisceglie ’13, Bijan Theophilus Timothy ’13 Eizadkhah ’13, Ryan Osterman ’13, Theophilus Timothy ’13, Jae-Chiang Wong ’13, Tom Troxell ’13, Kiliaen O’Connor ’14, Max Burrows ’15; Defense: Stark Kirby ’13, Craig Pilla ’14, James Reiner ’14, Jack Lowe ’15, Tyler Pisack ’15, Tyler Kwaak ’16, Matt Decker ’16, Nicolas Ricciardi ’16, Danny Sivolella ’16; Goalkeeper: Mike Renna ’13, Campbell Wentworth-Ping ’13, Jordan Schreer ’15.

Season at a Glance: The varsity boys soccer team began its fall season with a 6-0 shutout over Belvidere High School on September 6. Leading the 2011 Non Public B South sectional champions to victory at their home opener on Gill St. Bernard’s School • St. Bernard’s Road • Gladstone, NJ 07934

Thursday afternoon was Tim DiBisceglie with one goal and two assists. He was followed by Bijan Eizadkhah and Jae-Chiang Wong with one goal and one assist each. Other contributors also included Jack Lowe, James Reiner and Nick Baker with one goal apiece, as well as Nick Blackman with an assist.

Through the help of GSB defenders Reiner, Ryan Osterman, Stark Kirby, Craig Pilla and Matt Decker, goalkeeper Mike Renna managed to post three more back-to-back shutouts over Manville High School, North Plainfield High School and Rutgers Prep in the weeks that followed. Leading the boys in their 8-0 victory against Manville were Eizadkhah (two assists) and Reiner with two goals each. Additional goals were also earned by Wong, (two assists), Lowe, Justin Durcan and Baker. The winning continued as the Knights trumped the North Plainfield Canucks on September 13. Eizadkhah scored twice and added an assist, Wong had one goal and one assist, DiBisceglie and Lowe earned one goal apiece and Durcan chipped in two assists. Meanwhile on defense, Renna garnered a season-high nine saves between the posts. The boys then traveled to Rutgers Prep on Saturday, September 15, where three first half goals from DiBisceglie, Durcan and Eizadkhah resulted in a 3-0 shutout. This was followed by a 6-1 win over South Hunterdon on September 19. Despite surrendering to a 0-0 draw at Bernard’s High School just two days prior, the boys quickly returned to their winning ways as they hosted Morristown Beard on September 22. Down 1-0 at the start of the second half, the Knights saw three consecutive goals from Durcan, Tyler Kwaak and Eizadkhah. DiBisceglie had two assists as well. Quickly recovering from a 2-1 loss to Raritan High School on September 24, the boys next secured a 4-0 shutout over Bound Brook High School just three days later. Setting pace for the Knights on offense were Theophilus Timothy and Eizadkhah with one goal and one assist apiece. They were followed by Durcan and Reiner, who also scored goals off assists from Pilla and Danny Sivolella. Defensively, goalkeeper Renna made eight saves. Following the pep rally on Friday, September 28, the boys went on to defeat South Hunterdon 6-0 during GSB’s 2012 Homecoming/Family Day on September 29. Durcan had two goals and two assists.

Meanwhile, Eizadkhah, Blackman, Wong and Renna each scored for the Knights, and Campbell Wentworth-Ping, Sivolella and DiBisceglie added assists.

Varsity Girls Soccer: Record: 5-2-1 Meet the Knights: Forward: Amanda Greenberg ’13, Andrea Jablonskyj ’14, Sabrina Kogut ’14, Jane O’Connor ’16; Midfielder: Margot Chowansky ’13, Sarah Cramer ’13, Caitlin Stefanick ’13, Kelly Stefanick ’13, Kathryn Bednarsky ’14, Carly Meyers ’14,

Kelly Stefanick ’13

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The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School

Kaila Gong ’15, Elizabeth Todd ’15, Jane O’Connor ’16, Renee Turner ’16; Defense: Brianne Adornetto ’13, Kim Lindquist ’13, Elizabeth Prins ’13, Kelly Staples ’14, Madison Bruno ’15; Goalkeeper: Jessica Ferrando ’13, Gabriella Gomes ’14, Alyx Schrecengost ’15.

Season at a Glance: GSB’s varsity girls soccer team opened its 2012 season with a come-from-behind win over defending division champion Belvidere High School on Thursday, September 6. Trailing 2-0 with six minutes remaining in regulation, Elizabeth Prins fed Caitlin Stefanick the ball for a goal. Kathryn Bednarsky then tied the game with her first goal of the season one minute later.

Following a cross from Brianne Adornetto in double overtime, Bednarsky once again scored — this time to secure a 3-2 comeback victory. A back line of Kelly Stefanick, Kelly Staples, Prins and Kim Lindquist helped goalkeeper Jessica Ferrando keep the momentum going, as she posted a 5-0 victory over Manville High School during the girls’ next contest of the season. Bednarsky had two goals and an assist, while Caitlin Stefanick and Adornetto added one goal and one assist apiece. Kelly Stefanick also scored off a pass from Staples for the Knights’ final goal of the game. With a record of 2-0-0, the girls then hosted North Plainfield High School in a 2-2 draw that included two goals from Bednarsky and one assist from Amanda Greenberg. Despite suffering two back-to-back losses against Bernard’s High School and Governor Livingston, the girls returned to their winning ways with a 5-1 victory over Rutgers Prep on September 24. Leading the Knights with two goals was Bednarsky. Also contributing to the win were Greenberg, Sabrina Kogut and Kelly Stefanick with one goal apiece, as well as Greenberg, Adornetto and Carly Meyers with several assists. The girls continued their winning ways with an 8-1 win over Bound Brook on Thursday, September 27. Greenberg, Adornetto and Bednarsky scored two goals apiece, while Kaila Gong had one goal and one assist, Elizabeth Todd scored once and Bednarsky doled out three assists in the Skyland Conference match-up. After garnering their third consecutive win — this time over Rutgers Prep — on September 29, the girls advanced to the second round of the Somerset County Tournament. With the score tied 1-1 following a goal by Greenberg — assisted by Adornetto — at the 21-minute mark in the first half, Gong scored off a cross from Greenberg to take the lead with just five minutes left in regulation.

Varsity Girls Tennis: Record: 9-2 Meet the Knights: Lydia Dey ’13, Bethany Valentine ’13, Laura Wood ’13, Kendall Dunn ’14, Stephanie Fuentes ’14, Lucy Dunn ’16, Jacqueline Fuentes ’16, Carolyn Najarian ’16, Krishna Patel ’16.

Season at a Glance: Leading Gill St. Bernard’s Carolyn Najarian ’16 defending division champion varsity girls’ tennis team in two back-to-back victories over Skyland Conference rivals North Hunterdon High School and Franklin High School were Krishna Patel and Lydia Dey at singles, as well as sisters Stephanie and Jackie Fuentes, and Kendall Dunn and Carolyn Najarian at doubles. Despite falling to Voorhees High School just three days later, the girls quickly bounced back to earn a 5-0 win over dominating conference rival Bernard’s High School. This was followed by yet another loss — this time to Villa Walsh Academy. Soon after, the Knights improved their record to 5-2 with a 5-0 win over Morristown in the consolation round of the “September Smash” at Livingston High School. Once again sweeping their singles matches were Patel and Dey, along with Bethany Valentine. Meanwhile, sisters Kendall and Lucy Dunn won at second doubles.

Patel and Dey were also crucial in helping the Knights garner a 3-2 Skyland Conference win over North Hunterdon on September 19. Points were earned

by Fuentes and Najarian at first doubles as well. With two more back-to-back wins over Voorhees and Bernard’s High School earlier in the week, the girls defeated Rutgers Prep 5-0 on Saturday, September 29. Patel, Valentine and Dey

Gill St. Bernard’s School • St. Bernard’s Road • Gladstone, NJ 07934

October 2012

all won in straight sets at singles to bring the Knights to their fifth consecutive victory. Fuentes and Najarian won at first doubles, while Dunn and Laura Wood earned the second doubles point.

Varsity Boys Cross Country: Record: 5-2 Meet the Knights: Runners: Svet Brankov ’13, Andrew Provines ’13, Brian Steck ’13, Pearson Treanor ’13, Sam White ’13, Brian Williamson ’13, Joshua Corbett ’14, Max Lieblich ’14, Patrik Andersen ’15, Edward Fischer ’15, Peter (Alec) Johnson ’15, Jacob Kruger ’15, Michael Tafaro ’15, Andrew Wible ’15, James Grant ’16, Michael Iannaconi ’16, Paul Kruger ’16, Will Metzler ’16, Greg Niccolai ’16, Sebastian Pampalone ’16, Sam Zimmer ’16, Mycroft Zimmerman ’16.

Season at a Glance: The varsity boys’ cross country team opened its season with an overall eighth place finish at the Randolph Invitational on Friday, September 7. Leading the team to a fine finish were Patrik Andersen (13th/17:48.5) and Brian Steck (14th/17:48.7). Also Patrik Andersen ’15 completing scoring for the Knights were Svet Brankov (19:17), Jacob Kruger (20:01) and Alec Johnson (20:22). The Knights next competed in a tri-meet with Pingry School and Bound Brook High School on September 11, where they defeated the latter 17-40. Once again leading the pack — this time as top-five finishers — were Andersen (17:38) and Steck (17:52). The winning continued for the varsity boys cross country team as it saw yet another victory — this time over South Hunterdon High School at a tri-meet on September 19. The team was paced by Steck with a third place finish (17:23) and Andersen who took fourth overall (17:47). Following a sweep over Immaculata and Manville on Monday, September 24, the boys saw yet another victory — this time over Rutgers Prep — on Saturday, September 29. Steck (17:33.4), Andersen (17:33.8), Johnson (18:32), Brankov (18:31) and Jacob Kruger (18:58) were the top five overall finishers in this dual meet.

Varsity Girls Cross Country: Record: 6-2 Meet the Knights: Runners: Jenna Arasim ’13, Emily Iannaconi ’13, Emily Quinn ’13, Alex Benoit ’14, Dana Klein ’14, Rebecca Richardson ’14, Armani Comick ’15, Madeline Quinn ’15, Morgan Margolis ’16, Amanda Leonhard ’16, Elisabeth Middleton ’16, Zoe Quan-Shau ’16, Lillie Wilson ’16, Sahara Ensley ’16.

Season at a Glance: As last year’s Non Public B state champions, the fall 2012 varsity girls cross country team sprinted to the top during a “C” race at the Randolph Invitational on September 7. Leading the Knights to an overall third place finish, as well as first place finish amongst all New Jersey schools, were Dana Klein (21:13), Emily Iannaconi ’13 Emily Quinn (21:14), Alex Benoit (21:15), Emily Iannaconi (22:13), Madeline Quinn (22:41) and Rebecca Richardson (22:53), who each posted top-25 finishes. The girls also swept opponents from Pingry School and Bound Brook High School several days later. Among the races’ top-three overall finishers were Klein (20:40), Emily Quinn (20:49) and Benoit (20:50).

Meanwhile, Madeline Quinn and Iannaconi rounded out the Knights’ scoring with sixth and eighth place finishes. Leading the girls in a tri-meet at Natirar Park on September 19, where the Knights managed to defeat South Hunterdon High School, were Klein with a second place finish in 19:16 and Benoit who crossed the line seventh (20:55). Following a sweep over Immaculata and Manville on Monday, September 24, the girls saw yet another victory at GSB’s Homecoming/Family Day on Saturday, September 29. Leading the pack against Rutgers Prep were Klein (19:59), Benoit (20:14), Emily Quinn (20:30), Madeline Quinn (21:28) and Richardson (21:35).

9.

The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School

October 2012

Jumping Sensation Erin Devine ’20...

Shares Her Passion for Equestrian with Monthly Riding Magazine In recognition of her outstanding pony riding skills, GSB’s very own fifth grader Erin Devine was featured in an article that ran in the September 2012 issue of Today’s Equestrian — a monthly magazine that focuses on East Coast riders and their horses. The article is reprinted below.

Erin Devine, 9 years old, has been having lots of fun riding her two ponies and said that they are the best teachers a pony rider could ask for. Rainbow Brite, her small pony, “taught me a lot and I love to jump her.” Erin has earned championships at several shows this year, but feels one of her biggest accomplishments was at the 2011 Vermont Festival where this little team earned a second place ribbon out of a field of 33 children’s horses and ponies!

Another show that Erin is excited about was at HITS Saugarties August 4-5 where they jumped to a blue ribbon in the Children’s Small Pony Hunter Finals and was reserve champion overall. “She is always such a good girl,” complimented Erin, who is looking forward to competing her little mare at the Marshall & Sterling Finals in the fall.

On her large pony, Shenendoah Oasis, Erin earned a championship her first time out at CJL Horse Show, but is

still learning “how to jump bigger fences and leave longer.

I am also getting used to a bigger stride.”

Erin trains with Kathy Kunsman at Glen Eden LLC in Chester, NJ. “I am learning a lot,” she said, “because Kathy tells me what I do wrong and how to fix it right away.”

Erin is a 5th grader at Gill St. Bernard’s School where her favorite subjects are science and gym. “In science we get to make things like bouncy balls and see how they work.” Erin has also been taking piano lessons since she was 5 years old and is thinking that when she grows up she would like to be either a horse trainer or a pianist.

Meanwhile, she is very appreciative to her parents for all their support in her riding and to her trainer “for all her help and guidance.”

Freshman Patel Advances to SCT Tennis Finals Congratulations to varsity girls tennis player Krishna Patel ’16 (first singles), who advanced to the final round of the Somerset County Girls Tennis Championships after defeating Jessica Pil of Rutgers Prep and Cheryl Li of Bridgewater-Raritan on Saturday, September 22. GSB finished sixth overall in the team tournament.

Gill St. Bernard’s School • St. Bernard’s Road • Gladstone, NJ 07934

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The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School

October 2012

Gill St. Bernard’s hosted a record-breaking GSB Golf Classic at the Hamilton Farm Golf Club on September 24.

left hand picture: (l. to r.) 2012 GSB Golf Committee member Doug Matthews P ’16, ’18, ’24 with Jake Saladino P ’14, ’16; middle picture: (l. to r.) Marianne Saladino P ’14, ’16, Sandi Niccolai P ’16, Alison Murray and Barbara Todd P ’15, ’16 of Team Marianne Saladino, the day’s ladies net champions; right hand picture: 2012 GSB Golf Committee member Bob DeCarlo P ’26.

Now in its eighth year, the 2012 Golf Classic saw more than 140 golfers playing 27 holes, and raised an all-time high of more than $130,000 for need-based financial aid.

This monumental amount not only exceeded this year’s fundraising goal, but also brought the total amount of funds raised to more than $1 million since the Classic’s establishment by past parent Joe Vespa and current parent Greg Niccolai P ’16 in 2005. “We’re helping to make Gill St. Bernard’s a better place by offering children from all walks of life the opportunity to learn and succeed,” said Niccolai, who now co-chairs the event with Board of Trustees Chairman John Howard P ’17, ’21.

Due in part to supporters of the GSB Golf Classic over the past eight years, the school is now able to provide approximately 15% of students, in grades K-12, with some amount of financial support. “I’ve worked on these events at other organizations and nothing compares to what we’ve been able to accomplish here at GSB,” said Niccolai. “Year-in and year-out, the community has been so generous and we’re really appreciative of that.”

Gill St. Bernard’s School • St. Bernard’s Road • Gladstone, NJ 07934

Excellence is the foundation of student life at Gill St. Bernard’s — a school that not only focuses on success in academics, but also believes that participation in athletics, the arts and community service activities is essential to providing the best overall experience. Generous support received in upcoming years will only continue to make a difference in allowing many students the opportunity to thrive each day within the GSB community.

The day’s overall lowest gross champions, Team Howard, consisting of GSB Headmaster and Golf

Committee member Sid Rowell P ’14, Steve Lapper P ’21, ’24, Golf Committee Co-Chair John Howard P ’17, ’21 and Golf Committee member Brian Kramer P ’16.

11.

The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School

October 2012

Annual Homecoming/Family Day Unites GSB Community Crowds of parents, students, alumni, faculty and staff enjoyed a day of fun activities, entertainment and sports at the annual GSB Homecoming/Family Day on Saturday, September 29.

Homecoming/Family Day strives to unite all members of the GSB community while welcoming alumni back to the place they once called home. With trampolines and slides, giveaways and merchandise, this year’s Homecoming/Family Day contained something for everyone. Led by history teacher Michael Wendell, Upper School students manned various booths consisting of face-painting, a dunk tank and pie throwing. From pie throwing to pie tasting, the Parents’ Association (PA) also offered samples of and sold baked goods from Griggstown Farm.

When not participating in activities, eating pie or enjoying the lunch buffet that was provided, many could be found cheering the Knights on near the GSB athletic fields. Among those teams featured throughout the morning and afternoon were varsity boys and girls soccer, varsity cross country and varsity girls tennis.

(l. to r.) Amy Coscia ’22 and Liliana Micera ’22 decorate pumpkins.

(l. to r.) Jenna Steele ’15, Paige Knichel ’15, Dylan Blackman ’16 and Corinne Chowansky ’15 man the Upper School’s tie-dye booth.

All in all, the day proved a huge success thanks to countless volunteers, including PA event co-chairs Karen Orazietti P ’16, ’18, ’21 and Cheryl Fritzlo P ’19, ’21, members of the GSB Operations Office and participants in the Athletic Booster Club.

(l. to r.) Kelly Staples ’14 and Kathryn Bednarsky ’14 of varsity girls soccer.

Gill St. Bernard’s School • St. Bernard’s Road • Gladstone, NJ 07934

12.

The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School

Marisa Yingdan Guo ’15 of GSB’s new International Student Program jumps rope, one of the games played during Mid-Autumn Day in China. The school’s six international students manned a booth, aimed at sharing this unique cultural tradition with the community.

October 2012

Dates to Remember Friday, October 5 PAN Orientation Breakfast Thursday, October 11 11th Grade Parent College Night Wednesday, October 17 PSAT Testing Thursday, October 18 PLAN Test

(L. to r.) Parents’ Association event co-chairs Karen Orazietti P ’16, ’18, ’21 and Cheryl Fritzlo P ’19, ’21.

Friday, October 19 Middle School Dance Sunday, October 21 GSB Open House Sunday, October 28 Hi-Hills Camp Reunion Wednesday, October 31 Book Fair Set-up To view more school events, or information on the above, please see GSB’s online calendar.

Gurnoor Pakka ’26 and her father Amarjit Pakka.

Gill St. Bernard’s School • St. Bernard’s Road • Gladstone, NJ 07934

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Gill St. Bernard’s School St. Bernard’s Road P.O. Box 604 Gladstone, NJ 07934 908-234-1611 www.gsbschool.org

Class of 2013 at Convocation