GSB News: May 2013

News May 2013

The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School

Inside 2 GSB Dinner Dance & Auction 3 Alumni Weekend 4 Little Women 5 Paper Mill Playhouse Rising

Star Award Nominations

6 Volunteers Learn Life

Lessons Through Habitat for Humanity

7 101 Dalmatians Kids 8 Quill and Scroll Honor

Society Induction

9 Spring Art Exhibition 10 Student Government

Officers Chosen

10 Senior Attends Benefit

for Arts Education

11 Student Life Recap:

Junior Class Tours Morristown Medical Center

12 Spring Performing Arts Update 13 One-Act Play Festival 14 Class of 2022 English Tea Party 14 Students Present Watershed Program at Public Library

15 Upper School Tech Team Gives Back

16 Middle School Talent Show 16 State Judge Visits Class of 2020 17 Middle School Boards Science Bus 17 Lower School Students Visit French Upper School Class

18 Academic Team Recognized 18 Athletics:

Varsity Baseball Plays at TD Bank Ballpark

19 Varsity Sports Round-Up 25 2013 Silver Spike Proves Huge Success 25 Dates to Remember

From the Headmaster I am pleased to share with you the wonderful news that Gill St. Bernard’s School received earlier this week: the school’s performing arts program has been recognized by the Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Awards program with seven nominations for the spring musical, Little Women.

This recognition comes right on the heels of last year’s The Mystery of Edwin Drood, which received the 2012 Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Award for Outstanding Overall Production of a Musical as well as other awards. It is self-evident that the performing arts program at Gill St. Bernard’s School is one of the best in New Jersey.

GSB was selected from among 91 public, independent and parochial schools participating in The 2013 Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star program. With seven Final Nominations and three Honorable Mentions, this spring’s musical is ranked among the top-seven productions in the state of New Jersey, and each Honorable Mention qualifies the recipient as having one of the top-10 performances in the state. The winners of the 2013 Rising Star Awards will be announced at a special ceremony in early June, and I am confident that Little Women will fare well in the competition.

I am extremely proud of our performing arts program, as are all members of our school community. This achievement for GSB gives ample testament that our school is a place where students are not only encouraged to excel in academics, but also to explore and participate in all that is meaningful to them, whether it be the arts, athletics or community service.

Kudos to The GSB Players on this recent accomplishment. Also, a special thanks to Performing Arts Director Paul H. Canada and his dedicated team, who make the success of our productions possible each year. Please note that this includes parents, faculty, staff and alumni. For more about Little Women and this recent recognition, see page 4.

The news from the Paper Mill Playhouse comes at an extremely busy, yet exciting time, in our school year.

We are already in the midst of AP exams in the Upper School (finals start today) and later this month the Middle School will take year-end exams. In addition, preparations are well under way for the Unit program, which has offered unique and challenging opportunities for students to learn in an environment outside of the classroom since 1973.

Spring concerts and performances as well as special end-of-year events are in abundance. I look forward

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

Headmaster Sid Rowell.

to our Honors Choral Concert next week and enjoyed spending time with the many parents who attended our annual Parents’ Association volunteer breakfast on Wednesday, as well as our Early Childhood Spring Concert yesterday.

Our biennial Grandparents’ Day event is planned for Friday, May 24. This is an event that I look forward to as it provides an opportunity to meet with those who have such an influence on the lives of our youngest students. Our grandparents certainly are appreciative of this special event and the opportunity to visit our campus for the day.

Finally, the 2012-13 school year is quickly coming to a close. We are a mere 15 academic days to Commencement and less than 20 days away from the final days of school for our Middle and Lower School divisions. I have always believed that time is relative (thank you Albert Einstein) to one’s activity and circumstance. When you are engaged in something enjoyable, time seems to pass by quickly. However, when the task at hand is arduous or even repugnant, the clock moves at a snail’s pace. At this point in the school year, the pace has picked up and will soon become an all-out sprint to the finish line. This is a good thing as it underscores the belief that 2012-13 has been a great year for Gill St. Bernard's School, but it also means you need to start working on your summer plans, if you have not already done so!

Warm regards,

Sid Rowell 1.

The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School

Thirty-First Annual Dinner Dance & Auction Run for the Roses More than 200 guests attended the 31st annual Gill St. Bernard’s Dinner Dance & Auction on Saturday, April 27 at The Westin Governor Morris hotel in Morristown, N.J. The event was titled Run for the Roses and featured a spring-time Kentucky Derby atmosphere. Party-goers dressed in their brightest floral and seersucker patterns enjoyed browsing and bidding on Silent Auction items during cocktail hour in the State Ballroom, followed by dinner and an exciting Live Auction in the Governor’s Ballroom.

A highlight of the evening, truly reminiscent of the ages-old Kentucky Derby, was the beautiful widebrim hats and fascinators donned by the ladies.

The Auction is the school’s most important event as funds raised annually support the GSB general fund.

This year’s Auction raised over $200,000, along with an additional $26,000 in fund-a-need donations for reconstruction of the campus’ near century-old Cottage. Ann Matthews P ’16, ’18, ’24, this year’s Auction chair, said the success of the event was made possible through the work of devoted Auction committee members and volunteers. “I feel very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to chair this wonderful event,” she said. “Leading such a great group of dedicated committee members has truly been a pleasure.”

May 2013

Many thanks to this year’s committee chairs: Silent Auction — Lisa Bothwell P ’16, ’18, Kim Ferruggia P ’12, ’14, ’16; Live Auction — Dawn Richardson P ’17, ’23; Lower School Special Projects — Kathleen Brown P ’24, ’26, Marcella Criscola P ’25, ’26; The GSB Quilt — Lynne Casternovia P ’13, Jaime Messina Goodrich ’01, P ’27; Decorations — Lee Amoroso P ’11, ’13, ’19, Joanne Marcus P ’17, ’19; Volunteer Coordinators — Patty Jones P ’21, Valerie Raymonds P ’21; Publicity and Invitations — Andy and Sharon Bittman P ’17, ’23 of Vision Creative Group, Inc., Mark Spallucci P ’21 of Paravista, Inc.; 50/50 Raffle — Robyn Lake P ’18, ’21.

Bottom left picture: (L. to r.) Marianne Dougher P ’10, ’14 and Debra Esposito P ’15, ’18; Top row left: Michael Fucci P ’17; Top row right: (L. to r.) Marcella Criscola P ’25, ’26, Sharon Macak P ’20, ’22, ’25, ’27 and Frank Criscola P ’25, ’26; Bottom right picture: (L. to r.) Lynne Casternovia P ’13, Jaime Messina Goodrich ’01, P ’27, Lee Amoroso P ’11, ’13, ’19, Joanne Marcus P ’17, ’19, Ann Matthews P ’16, ’18, ’24, Kim Ferruggia P ’12, ’14, ’16, Gina Spallucci P ’21, Lisa Bothwell P ’16, ’18, Robyn Lake P ’18, ’21, Sharon Bittman P ’17, ’23 and Dawn Richardson P ’17, ’23. Missing from photo: Marcella Criscola P ’25, ’26 and Kathleen Brown P ’24, ’26.

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

May 2013

Former Students Reunite with Faculty and Friends at Alumni Weekend Nearly 150 alumni, faculty and guests came together for Gill St. Bernard’s annual alumni weekend held May 3 and 4. The weekend, which featured alumni from the Class of 1939 through the Class of 2011, also included a guest lecture from former faculty member and children’s book author Patricia Lee Gauch.

During her lecture, Gauch explored the original GSB Unit plan and the qualities of what all good education shares when embracing the school motto, “The World is Our Classroom.”

Far left: At alumni weekend, the Class of 2003 returned to campus to celebrate 10 years since graduating Gill St. Bernard’s!; Top right: Rick Van de Poll, husband to GSB alumna Wendy Kostowicz ’73, joins Tim DiBisceglie ’13, Robert “Tyler” Merck ’08 and Gregory Stewart ’11 in a friendly game of soccer; Bottom right: Alumni, faculty, family and guests enjoyed fresh seafood and more at a Clambake outside the Chapel on May 4.

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

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Spring Musical Little Women Exceeds Expectations on Stage The GSB Players, a two-time winner of The Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Award for Outstanding Overall Production of a Musical, entertained hundreds of theater-goers last month at the spring 2013 production, Little Women.

Beginning April 4 the Players performed, at four sold-out shows, the heartwarming musical depicting four sisters— Meg (Erin Wetzel ’15), Jo (Jessica Kundla ’13), Beth (Katherine Coscia ’15) and Amy (Alexandra Baker ’15)—and their beloved Marmee (Jana Bernard ’13) living at home in Concord, Mass., while the family patriarch is away during the Civil War. A trademark of The GSB Players, also a five-time recipient of The Rising Star Award for Outstanding Costume Achievement, the exceptional group of cast, crew and orchestra members captivated audiences with its elaborate costumes, exquisite sets and exceptional song presentation.

This year’s musical was dedicated to Venus Nedd P ’06, ’09, in admiration of her unwavering support of and commitment to The GSB Players since 1999. Nominated five times—Little Women included—for The Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Award for Outstanding Hair and Make-Up Achievement, Nedd has used brilliant hair design to successfully transform hundreds of cast members into flocks of farm-yard birds (Honk), Runyon-esque showgirls (Guys and Dolls) and fairytale characters (Into the Woods). “It is truly gratifying to know and work with someone who maintains such high standards in her work, with selfless devotion, good humor and loving concern,” said Paul H. Canada, director of Little Women and chair of the school’s performing arts department for the past 23 years.

This page from left to right: (L. to r.) Jana Bernard ’13 (Margaret “Marmee” March) writes a letter to her husband, a Union chaplain during the Civil War; Back: (l. to r.) Erin Wetzel ’15 (Margaret “Meg” March), Katherine Coscia ’15 (Elizabeth “Beth” March), Alexandra Baker ’15 (Amy March) and Jessica Kundla ’13 (Josephine “Jo” March) declare Ryan LaPré ’13 (Theodore “Laurie” Laurence III) as their brother, or one of their own, in “Five Forever;” (L. to r.) Andrew Devine ’13 (Mr. Theodore Laurence) and Katherine Coscia ’15 (Elizabeth “Beth” March) perform the duet, “Off to Massachusetts,” together on piano; Opposite page from left to right: Katherine Giordano ’14 (Aunt Josephine March) instructs her niece Jo that if she wishes to find a suitable husband, she must first break away from her unfeminine ways; Stark Kirby ’13 (John Brooke) and Erin Wetzel ’15 (Margaret “Meg” March) make plans to marry upon his return from the Civil War; (R. to l.) Nicholas Bilynsky ’13 (Professor Bhaer) asks Jessica Kundla ’13 (Josephine “Jo” March) for her hand in marriage after many years of unprofessed love.

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

4.

Canada also recognized nine Upper School seniors—Bernard, Nicholas Bilynsky (Professor Bhaer), Madeline Connell (Stage Manager), Andrew Devine (Mr. Laurence), Pilar Dominguez (Stage Manager), Emily Fischer (The Hag), Stark Kirby (John Brooke), Kundla and Ryan LaPré (Laurie)—whose contributions to the theater program both on stage and behind the curtain will be dearly missed next year. “This particular group of seniors has certainly made its mark, and its work with The GSB Players will be remembered as among the brightest in the history of the performing arts program at Gill St. Bernard’s,” he said.

Having devoted more than 10 years to training, auditioning and performing in the arts, Kundla, who earned a lead role as Jo in Little Women during her seventh and final appearance on stage with the Players, will continue her acting career at the Boston Conservatory in the fall. “I have loved every moment, every character and every show. I’ve learned so much, have had fun and have found a second family in The GSB Players,” she said.

The GSB Players Earn Seven Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Award Nominations for 2013 Musical Little Women The 2013 Upper School musical production, Little Women, has been recognized with seven Final Nominations for the 2013 Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Awards, along with three Honorable Mentions. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on June 4. Until then, congratulations to The GSB Players on receiving the following distinctions: Final Nomination — Outstanding Overall Production of a Musical (The cast and crew of Little Women)

Final Nomination — Outstanding Musical Direction (Amy and David Southerland)

Final Nomination — Outstanding Achievement by an Actress in a Leading Role (Jana Bernard ’13 as “Marmee” March)

Final Nomination — Outstanding Scenic Design (Paul H. Canada)

Honorable Mention — Outstanding Achievement by an Actress in a Leading Role (Jessica Kundla ’13 as Jo March) Honorable Mention — Outstanding Achievement by an Actor in a Featured Role (Nicholas Bilynsky ’13 as Prof. Bhaer) Final Nomination — Outstanding Direction (Paul H. Canada)

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

Honorable Mention — Outstanding Lighting Design (Joe Skowronski) Final Nomination — Outstanding Costume Design (Paul H. Canada) Final Nomination — Outstanding Hair and Make-Up Design (Venus Nedd P ’06, ’09 and Lee Amoroso P ’11, ’13, ’19)

5.

The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School

May 2013

Volunteers Learn Valuable Life Lessons Through Habitat for Humanity

Students and faculty members volunteer with Habitat for Humanity in Dover, N.J. Included in picture: Faculty members Robert Ort, Michael Chimes, Cliff Schafer, Diane Lipnickey, Michiel Stil and Cecilia Rhodes; students Charlotte Reid ’14, Kristin Murtha ’14, Dylan Rowell ’14 and Tyler Stil ’15.

Various Upper School students and faculty members across all divisions spent Saturday, April 6 building a house with Habitat for Humanity. Together with this nonprofit shelter relief organization, the GSB community has offered a helping hand to displaced families in nearby towns and neighboring states for more than 20 years.

Tyler Stil ’15 (l.) and Middle School teacher Cliff Schafer (r.) construct a frame for the foundation of the house.

With previous project sites ranging from Somerset County to Philadelphia, this spring saw 10 volunteers board a bus and travel to Dover, N.J., in early April, where they began construction on a duplex. Upon arriving, students and faculty members alike rolled up their sleeves and set to work determined to fill an empty excavation pit with the frame for a foundation. For all, the chance to collaborate outside of the classroom was a unique learning experience that not only provided the opportunity to acquire individual skills, but also identify with one another on new levels. “Volunteering allowed us to see our teachers in a different light,” said Charlotte Reid ’14. “It was nice to work and learn together.”

Also on-site were the soon-to-be homeowners, who showed their utmost appreciation for the dedication of each volunteer. “Meeting the expectant families made the project more realistic and made us want to work harder,” said Reid.

“It put things into perspective by reminding us to never take things for granted,” Dylan Rowell ’14 added.

In a productive day, the site was transformed in just eight hours. “By the time we left, the forms were in, plumbed, leveled and secure,” said Director of Academic Technology Michael Chimes, who has organized numerous Habitat for Humanity projects for the school over the past several years. “You feel good about it when you can see the progress.”

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

May 2013

Lower School Musical 101 Dalmatians Kids Receives Barking Reviews The Lower School division proudly presented its spring 2013 musical, 101 Dalmatians Kids, in the Theater on Friday, April 19. Open each spring to first through fourth grade participants, Gill’s annual production offers students the opportunity to explore musical theater while also gaining self-confidence, discovering a sense of teamwork and making new friends.

Based on the 1956 children’s novel The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith, 101 Dalmatians the musical was first developed by Luis Alvarez and premiered with songs from Dennis DeYoung and B.T. McNicholl in 2009.

After 11 weeks spent memorizing scripts, practicing elaborate dance routines and learning new song numbers with directors and choreographers Amy and David Southerland, the talented cast of 42 eagerly presented to family and friends the story of two dogs, Pongo (Aidan Richardson ’23) and Perdita (Meghan Cohen ’22), on a mission to recover their stolen litter of puppies. Through the help of owners, Roger (Lucas Alland ’22) and Anita Dearly (Sydney Lapper ’21), the puppies are rescued from the evil workings of Cruella de Vil (Regan Macak ’22) and her two clumsy henchmen Jasper and Horace Badun (Madeline ’22 and Olivia Soultanian ’22).

“This educational opportunity is so much more than learning the basics of musical theater—acting, singing, dancing and storytelling,” said Amy Southerland. “The self-confidence and skills each child develops while working to produce an outstanding show are traits they keep for a lifetime!”

Far left picture: (L. to r.) Regan Macak ’22 and Madeline Soultanian ’22 appear together as Cruella de Vil and one of her two evil henchmen; Center picture: Alexandra Watson ’24 and Sabrina Garguilo ’23 perform, dressed as a Scottish terrier and a poodle; Top right picture: Front: (L. to r.) Emily Sumeray ’22, Kelly Kim ’22, Morgan Zuanic ’22, Katherine Scott ’22, Alexa Papandreou ’22, Mary Jane Granito ’22 and Chloe Wasser ’22; Back: (L. to r.) Aidan Richardson ’23, Meghan Cohen ’22, Emma Turse ’22, Lucas Alland ’22 and Sydney Lapper ’21; Bottom right picture: Chihuahuas (l. to r.) Sohum Thakkar ’24, Maxwell Lutz ’24 and Liam Brown ’24.

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

May 2013

Twenty-One New Students Inducted into Quill and Scroll Honor Society Upper School parents, faculty members and students celebrated the intellectual and artistic achievements of 21 of the division’s finest writers, photographers and artists on April 30 at the 26th annual Quill and Scroll Honor Society Induction Ceremony and luncheon in Brueckner Hall. Inducted into the Gill St. Bernard’s chapter of the Quill and Scroll were staff members from numerous student-run publications including The Unknown Muse, The Voice, Excalibur and The Fourth Estate. After recognizing the 15 returning Quill and Scroll members present at this year’s candlelit ceremony, each new inductee also received both a formal certificate and insignia from individual faculty advisors Andrew Lutz, Laura Wengel, Eileen Procaccino and William Diamond.

Congratulations to the following new and returning Quill and Scroll members: New Inductees (2013) The Unknown Muse — Literary Magazine Samantha Murray ’13 The Fourth Estate — Student Newspaper Kristin Murtha ’14, Carly Meyers ’14, Rebecca Richardson ’14, Charlotte Reid ’14, Dylan Polachi ’14, Carlson Brown ’14, Katherine Giordano ’14, Ryan McCluskey ’14 Excalibur — Yearbook Alexander Rowe ’13, Ryan Osterman ’13, Wesley Spear ’13 The Voice — Online publication Kathryn Bednarsky ’14, Emma Clayton ’14, Emily Carmosino ’14, Hannah Geldzahler ’14, Bryce Neville ’14, Kensey Olsen ’14, Casey Puglisi ’14, Caroline Roch ’14, Kelly Staples ’14 Returning Members (Inducted in 2012) Jenna Arasim ’13 Samantha Casternovia ’13 Jana Bernard ’13 Sienna Roth ’13 Laura Wood ’13 Katherine McLellan ’13 Emily Iannaconi ’13 Sarangi Patel ’13 Margaret LaPré ’13 Sucheta Swaminathan ’13 Ryan LaPré ’13 CJ Blasi ’13 Emily Quinn ’13 Katelyn Stephenson ’13 Kyra Madden ’13

Several 2013 Quill and Scroll Inductees, staff members for the student-run newspaper The Fourth Estate, (l. to r.) Dylan Polachi ’14, Rebecca Richardson ’14, Kristin Murtha ’14, Carlson Brown ’14, Charlotte Reid ’14, Carly Meyers ’14, Katherine Giordano ’14 and Ryan McCluskey ’14.

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

8.

The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School

May 2013

Spring Art Exhibition Opens with Reception on May 3 The fine arts department opened its annual spring art exhibition on May 3 with an afternoon reception in Founders Hall. Hung throughout the art gallery were second semester projects showcasing exceptional works from both Middle and Upper School students.

Mimicking signature styles used by well-known artists including Eric Carle and Alberto Giacometti, Middle School studio art classes offered watercolor illustrations, wire sculptures, pastel self-portraits and contemporary fashion drawings. In addition, the Upper School’s studio art, painting and portfolio development classes presented drawings, paper-mâché sculptures, charcoal sketches, silk-screen prints and more.

Handmade wooden pieces were displayed by each division as well.

“The opening was buzzing with excitement and energy as students, teachers and families marveled at the works on display and engaged in conversations about process, medium, concept and style,” said arts teacher Sarah Isusi.

Visitors to the gallery also enjoyed impressive Upper School photography pieces inspired by paintings from other great artists over the past century. “To demonstrate the evolution of both art and design, Norman Rockwell used a photo to help him finish his 1960s painting known as the Triple Self Portrait, while senior Wesley Spear created his modern-day photograph using Rockwell’s painting as a guide,” said arts teacher Robert Ort.

Top picture: A silk-screen print by Lydia Dey ’13; Second row: (L. to r.) Pencil drawing by Daniel Spear ’15; A digital photograph from Jacqueline Fuentes '16; Bottom row: (L. to r.) A piece from Middle School studio art student Claire Chestnutt ’18; A digital photograph created by senior Wesley Spear; Kerry Colford ’20 happily shows off her studio art work.

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

9.

The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School

May 2013

New Student Government Officers Announced for 2013-14 School Year As of April 29, all votes are in! Ryan McCluskey ’14 and Michael Tafaro ’15 will serve as President and Vice President of the Upper School for the 2013-14 school year.

Congratulations to both winners, as well as the five additional candidates running for presidential and vice presidential office this spring.

Also joining the Upper School student government as class representatives next year will be the following:

From left to right: President Ryan McCluskey ’14; Vice President Michael Tafaro ’15.

12th Grade: Kathryn Bednarsky, Oscar Gomez, Carly Meyers, Dylan Rowell, Casey Saladino 11th Grade: Jacob Kruger, Jack Lowe, Jade Macaylo, Erin Wetzel, Xauen Zirpolo 10th Grade: Emma Corbett, Jacqueline Fuentes, Elisabeth Middleton, Samuel Zimmer, Mycroft Zimmerman 9th Grade: To Be Determined (fall, 2013)

Senior Attends Red Carpet Event to Benefit Arts Education Senior Alexis Molnar and hundreds of well-known celebrities from the New York City theatre district, walked the red carpet at Ted Baker’s Fifth Avenue flagship store on April 22. Joining Molnar at the fundraising event to benefit the Zara Aina Foundation, a nonprofit organization that promotes arts education for children in the South African city of Antananarivo, were Tony Award winner Nina Arianda (Born Yesterday) and Broadway.com “Audience Choice Award” nominee Lilla Crawford (Annie). Recognized for her role as “Lottie” in Harbor, a comedy that premiered at the Westport Country Playhouse last August, as well as for her appearance in the Oxygen network’s reality television show The Next Big Thing, Molnar enjoyed shopping and live music with some of Broadway’s biggest stars out to support a great cause.

Alexis Molnar ’13 walks the red carpet at Ted Baker’s Fifth Avenue flagship store in NYC to benefit the Zara Aina Foundation.

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

May 2013

STUDENT LIFE RECAP

Scientific Literature Review Takes Junior Class on Field Trip to Morristown Medical Center Students from the Class of 2014 spent the morning of April 3 at Morristown Medical Center, where they heard from a co-developer of image-guided radiation therapy and toured the facility’s department of Radiation Oncology. A part of Gill’s Scientific Literature Review (SLR) program, requiring that each Upper School student complete a major research paper during his or her junior year, the annual field trip not only offered 11th grade students an inside look at the scientific research process, but also provided real-life examples of positive results obtained through study and experimentation.

Juniors (l. to r.) Carlson Brown, Virginia Angeletti, Jasmine Muldrow and Craig Pilla with James R. Wong, M.D., and head librarian Randell Schmidt in the Malcolm Forbes Auditorium at Morristown Medical Center.

Seated in the hospital’s Malcolm Forbes Auditorium, students listened to a lecture from James R. Wong, M.D., a world class scientist and chair of the Radiation Oncology department at Morristown Medical since 1997, who shared the story of his transforming radiation treatment into what it is today through research with a former colleague, Minoru Uematsu, M.D. “Science is all around us,” Dr. Wong explained. “We may all see the same thing up close, but when we step back and take a look at the bigger picture, we can infer so much more.”

The 74 students also witnessed, firsthand, results achieved by Drs. Wong and Uematsu while touring the Radiation Oncology department with technicians such as Joshua Bentley. A radiation tech of 10 years, Bentley discussed some rewards and benefits to working in the medical field and showed students through the department’s linear accelerator, simulator and medical physicist’s rooms. “These tours are a great way for students to practice the process of developing questions and finding answers,” said Claudia Hesler, a GSB librarian and chaperone on the trip.

Among the topics that juniors researched and learned more about throughout the 2012-13 school year were Alzheimer’s Disease (Kiliaen O’Connor), Dyslexia (Hannah Geldzahler), Aortic Disease/Aortic Surgery (Alexander Ferruggia) and Emotional Interference in Academic Achievement (Kara Stevens). Although final papers were turned in last month, several students can expect to receive recognition for their efforts at an Upper School Academic Awards Assembly on June 3.

There’s No Business Like Show Business…or is There?

Nearly 40 Upper School students enrolled in either the modern drama elective or acting and directing class at Gill this semester learned the ropes of show business from an experienced group of Broadway professionals during an on-campus field trip to the GSB Theater on April 16.

Once there, students listened as producers Antonio Marion, Brian Zeilinger and Lance Roberts discussed the process of theatrical funding and steps to producing a hit. In addition, Roberts—also a gifted actor—explained the significant impact a performer can have on the success of a show. “As performers, we have to tell a story. Sets, lights and costumes can help us tell it, but ultimately, the story is within us,” he said.

Guest speakers to Gill St. Bernard’s, Broadway producers (l. to r.) Antonio Marion, Brian Zeilinger and Lance Roberts.

Zeilinger, the youngest Tony Award-winning producer in the history of Broadway, also shared his journey to finding success at the “ripe old” age of 17. While additional topics covered ranged from technical difficulties encountered on set to risks presented when a classic film is brought to the big stage, two of the most important lessons learned by far were the value of networking and ways in which to grow from failure. “You can fail a hundred times before you hit it,” said Marion. “But it’s those who will not take ‘no’ for an answer who are still in the business.”

The Broadway theater visit was organized by English Department Chairperson Barbara Ripton and Performing Arts Chair Paul Canada, with assistance from Denise Molnar P ’04, ’13. In addition to this unique educational opportunity, students in the modern drama elective also attended a production of The English Bride at the Centenary Stage Company on April 17.

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

May 2013

Students Sing for Spring at Performing Arts Events The GSB community celebrated spring at a multitude of musical performances across each division last month.

Setting the stage for what would surely be a phenomenal season of performing arts at Gill was the Upper School musical Little Women, which featured four sold-out shows between April 4 and 7. Also presented to theater-goers on April 19 was the 2013 Lower School production, 101 Dalmatians Kids, containing more than 40 cast members grades one through four. This same division also presented a piano and guitar recital on April 22, its first in a two-show series that concluded on May 7.

Several talented groups of performers also greeted the month of May with back-to-back choir concerts. Among these was the Upper School Spring Concert on May 1, followed by both Lower and Middle School concerts on May 2. While jazz band students grades five through 12 officially showcased their skills at an evening concert on May 8, the Wild Knights also offered Middle and Upper classmates a preview of this spring’s musical repertoire at an in-school assembly on April 10. Early Childhood performed for families at a concert on May 9 as well.

Other upcoming performing arts events include a Middle School Honors Choral Concert on May 13 and Lower School Strings Ensemble Concert on May 30.

Top row: Sofia Criscola ’25 performs “Silly Scarecrow and Five Toy Soldiers” at the Lower School’s first of two piano and guitar recitals held this spring; Second row: (L. to r.) Jamison Wright ’23, Kate Chen ’23 and Austin Carey ’23 perform for families, faculty members and friends attending the Lower School Spring Concert on May 2; Bottom row left to right: Alexandra Baker ’15 (Amy March) and Ryan LaPré ’13 (Theodore “Laurie” Laurence III) sing the story of their unforeseen love in the Upper School production, Little Women; Primary 3/4 student Charlotte Brown "makes music" at the Early Childhood program's spring concert, "We Are the Music Makers" on May 9; Carolyn Herrlin ’19.

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

12.

The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School

May 2013

One-Act Play Festival Brings Self-Expression to Stage GSB theater-goers enjoyed five separate performances at the Upper School division’s 2013 One-Act Play Festival on May 3.

Included throughout the evening were three student-directed pieces, one student monologue and an original play written by a member of the Upper School faculty.

“This event has proven to be a most unique experience for everyone in that it allows newcomers to perform alongside longtime members of The GSB Players on stage, and gives student-directors the opportunity to choose their own material for personal expression,” said Margery Schiesswohl, fine arts teacher and organizer of the second annual festival.

Among the student-directed works showcased was Douglas Craven’s Lockdown. Directed by Stark Kirby ’13, the drama entailed a group of eight students alone in their classroom during an “official lockdown,” and the eventual panic that ensued. From tragic to comedic, Jana Bernard ’13 was responsible for directing the worst-case scenario dating skit, Check Please, by Jonathan Rand. “I did the same one-act at camp when I was 13-years-old, and absolutely fell in love with the show,” Bernard told audience members.

Using a monologue from the Uncommon Women and Others, Alexandra Baker ’15 portrayed a character known as Katie and her struggle with the direction life is taking. Also making its debut was the original play, Kabul Dust, written largely in verse by John Ripton, Ph.D., chair of the Upper School history department. With direction from Schiesswohl, Kabul Dust depicted an Afghan war veteran suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder while in his Perth Amboy, N.J., apartment in 2009.

The show concluded with select scenes from the Arthur Miller classic, The Crucible. Directed by sophomore Erin Wetzel, The Crucible contained riveting performances from GSB Players Bernard (Abigail Williams), Kirby (John Proctor) and Baker (Elizabeth Proctor).

From top to bottom: (L. to r.) Katherine Udoff ’23, Mikayla Garguilo ’23 and Clare Janas ’23 appear as poodles in the Lower School’s 2013 spring musical 101 Dalmatians Kids; Front to Back: (l. to r.) Caragh Corcoran ’13, Alexandra Baker ’15 and Pilar Dominguez ’13, all members of the Concert Choir, Women's Ensemble and Mixed Ensemble, sing at the Upper School’s May 1 spring concert. Corcoran is also a member of the Chamber Choir; (L. to r.) Christopher Johnson ’20 and Charles Han ’18 showcase their saxophone playing skills during a special Jazz Band Concert for Middle and Upper students on April 10.

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

“Our annual One-Act Play Festival was a huge success due, in no small part, to the excellence of the student-directors and the commitment of their cast members,” Schiesswohl added. “The show combined unknown published works, the premiere of a new play, and the presentation of a piece of classic American drama. You really can’t ask for much more in an evening of theater.”

Student-directors (l. to r.) Jana Bernard ’13, Stark Kirby ’13 and Erin Wetzel ’15 at the Upper School’s 2013 One-Act Play Festival.

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May 2013

Students Embrace English Customs and Culture at Afternoon Tea Party The Class of 2022 practiced good manners and proper etiquette, as well as embraced English culture and customs at an afternoon tea party on April 11 in Evans Hall. A much-anticipated springtime event, the English tea signifies the culmination of third grade lessons on countries including India, Mexico and England.

Inspiration behind this Unit, which was not made available to students across the entire third grade until 2012, stemmed from Sue Hone, a Lower School teacher who began hosting small-scale tea parties with her classes 15 years ago. According to Isha Vemuri ’22.

Hone who spent more than 30 years living in a London suburb, taking part in this annual event has become just as important to her as it is to students. “I enjoy the opportunity to share with them a custom that was so much a part of my childhood,” said Hone. “Although not as extravagant as the afternoon tea the children take part in each year at Gill, the practice of celebrating high tea—a much more modest affair than afternoon tea—was an everyday occurrence in my home.”

Volunteering to help make this year’s third grade English tea a memorable one for all were numerous class parents, who prepared food, provided flowers and fulfilled the role of waitresses and one butler while serving hot tea, cucumber sandwiches, and scones with jam or cream. When not learning the correct way to hold a tea cup and saucer, students also enjoyed the English cake known as a Victoria Sandwich with friends.

Other special international events enjoyed by students throughout the spring semester included a Mexican fiesta on April 16 and Indian feast on April 19, both of which were hosted by third grade teachers Casey Santonacita and Sara Swartz.

Science Students Share Love of Nature with Community in Celebration of Earth Day

(L. to r.) AJ Witte ’19, William Henderlong ’19, Stefanie Morrison ’19 and Anja Kroon ’19, ready to offer help to library patrons making their own watershed models.

The Middle School celebrated Earth Day by sharing its love of nature with the greater community on April 23. Accompanied by science teacher Teri Cosentino, approximately 13 sixth grade students and one seventh grader headed to the Peapack-Gladstone Library, where they offered educational information to more than 100 patrons attending a watershed awareness program in the evening.

“The students were very articulate, well-informed and enthusiastic as they educated others on how to take care of our watersheds,” Cosentino said.

While at the library, students explained the importance of keeping local water supplies both clean and healthy. Under the direction of Angela Gorczyca, a water quality specialist with the Raritan Headwaters Association (RHA), the group also used an Enviroscape, or hands-on model, to demonstrate ways in which point source and non-point source pollution can occur. Additional topics of discussion ranged from erosion in a stream table and the freshwater ecosystem, to water filtration, macroinvertebrate identification and microscopy.

“Events such as this serve to benefit everyone in attendance, both students and local community members,” said Upper School teacher Isabel Corbin, a spectator along with her two daughters at the information session. “Not only did the presentation provide an opportunity for students to work on their public speaking skills, but it also informed the local community about water while offering a glimpse of the unique learning experiences that accompany a Gill St. Bernard’s education.”

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

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May 2013

GSB Tech Team Alleviates Waste and Earns Rewards Senior Wesley Spear, president of the Upper School tech team, proudly presented a check for $600 to Headmaster Sid Rowell at an assembly on Monday, April 22 (Earth Day).

Led by Irv Taylor, computer science department chair and faculty advisor to the Upper School tech club, the eight-member team was responsible for collecting, packaging and shipping more than 220 pounds of “e-waste” (ink-jet and laser toner cartridges, cell phones and other small electronics) for recycling and remanufacturing during the 2012-13 school year. A partner with the Funding Factory, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping institutions across the country raise funds and ease the volume of waste in landfills, GSB has saved nearly 2,000 pounds from being dumped over the past 10 years.

Since undertaking the initiative to properly dispose of “e-waste” and preserve the environment, the tech team has also earned reward points for new lab equipment such as a scanner, printer and digital camera.

Similar to a 2006 decision to donate $700 to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts rather than new technology equipment, GSB’s current tech team has also chosen to dedicate this year’s reward points to the St. Frances de Sales School in Queens, N.Y.—a school severely affected by Superstorm Sandy last October. The team’s recent donation of $600 joins a prior donation to Sandy relief made by the Upper School student government earlier this winter.

Pleased with the club’s decision to give to a good cause, Taylor said, “The team could have used the money to purchase new lab equipment, but instead chose to benefit others; one school helping another in a time of need. I am so proud, not just of these eight students, but of all students at Gill St. Bernard’s.

We’re a small school making huge changes in the world and I feel privileged and honored to be part of this community.”

From top to bottom: Wesley Spear ’13, president of the Upper School tech team, presents a $600 check to Headmaster Sid Rowell to be used towards Sandy relief efforts; The 2012-13 Upper School tech team with club advisor and computer science department chair Irv Taylor (r.).

Class of 2022 “Soaks” Up Exciting Information at Third Annual Water Festival The Lower School’s third annual Water Festival proved a huge success as third grade students, upperclassmen volunteers and teachers enjoyed beautiful weather and fun activities while celebrating the importance of water on May 2.

Through a series of activities held both in the classroom and outside near the playground, the Class of 2022 explored the properties of water, studied how water flows, discovered important relationships between water and other things, and learned how living organisms can positively or negatively impact the water supply. Included among the 12 separate posts visited by students participating in this year’s Water Festival were a water movement obstacle course, boat-building activity, Enviroscape model and surface tension experimentation station.

(L. to r.) Chloe Wasser ’22, Isha Vemuri ’22 and Brooke Babinec ’22 participate in a Blue River Watershed Water Flow Simulation with fellow classmates.

“The third graders had an exciting, fun-filled afternoon,” said Lynn Prosen, science teacher and coordinator of the festival. “We will conclude our Unit on ‘watersheds, wetlands and water’ with additional explanations and experiments in the Science Lab and around campus this May.”

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

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May 2013

Middle School Students Showcase Talent Middle School students grades five through eight demonstrated a variety of musical, vocal and other unique skills at a talent show on April 24.

Included throughout the annual assembly were individual keyboard performances from Ryleigh Marcus ’19 (“Give me Love/Lego House”), Melissa Jean ’17 (“Stay”) and Lachlan Wright ’17 (“Dreams of an Absolution”), as well as an array of woodwind solos from saxophonist Stefanie Morrison ’19 (“The Preacher”) and flutist Lucas Zuanic ’20 (“The Girl from Ipanema”). Musicians Edward McCarthy ’20 (“The Music of the Night”) and Matthew Steinbaum ’20 (“Czardas”) were also featured, presenting show tunes and classical hits on piano and violin.

Together, (f. to b.) Matthew Steinbaum ’20 and Melissa Jean ’17 perform Telemann’s “Canonic Sonata No. 1” on violin.

In addition to vocal performances from Andrew Lutz ’20 (“Viva la Vie”), Peyton Sloan ’19 (“Turning Tables”) and Justine Murray ’17 (“Orange Colored Sky”), also showcased were dance skits choreographed by Kierstyn Brown ’20, Alexis Maus ’20, Skylar Macak ’20 and Rylie Drozjock ’20. Songs from Genevieve Caron ’19, Jessica Abowitz ’18, Emily Cavanaugh ’18 and Erin Devine ’20 were heard as well. The assembly even featured a hula hoop routine from Kaitlyn Sleyster ’17!

“The show not only provides our talented students the opportunity to develop their skills, but also helps others recognize the extra time and effort put in by fellow classmates outside the classroom,” said Toni Brescher, a Middle School science teacher and organizer of the annual event. “Each year, I am more impressed with the confidence and dedication of our students as they stand before the entire division to perform.”

Former State Supreme Court Justice Offers Insight Into New Jersey Court System During a lesson with The Honorable James H. Coleman, Jr., on April 29, the Class of 2020 received a preview of what will be learned while taking seventh and eighth grade U.S. history in the Middle School.

A state judge for nearly 40 years before retiring in 2003, Justice Coleman’s visit to Gill provided students with information on the New Jersey court system while covering numerous topics such as the structure of state government and history of the legal system. Throughout his presentation, Justice Coleman discussed the three separate branches of government: Judicial, Executive and Legislative. In addition, he modeled the seven levels of the court system and explained the different types of cases tried at each division, beginning with Municipal Courts and ending at the State Supreme Court.

As the first African American appointed to the Supreme Court of New Jersey in 1994, Justice Coleman also discussed the history of the legal system and steps civilization has taken towards ensuring equal rights are had by people of all races and genders. Following the presentation, Justice Coleman answered questions from students who asked for a comparison between traditional court systems and court systems today, and inquired about the most important case of his career.

The Honorable James H. Coleman, Jr., explains seven divisions within the New Jersey court system.

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

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May 2013

All Aboard the “Rutgers Science Explorer” Last month, approximately 43 Middle School students boarded the “Rutgers Science Explorer” and embarked on a journey through the Amazon River Basin, where they used DNA to determine the species of unknown vegetation discovered while completing their travels.

Setting the course for what would become one of the most exciting and educational road trips ever experienced by each student without actually leaving Nicholas Wu ’19 adds plant DNA samples to an agar gel while performing the scientific campus, the 40-foot, state-of-the-art, custom-designed mobile laboratory and process known as gel electrophoresis. demonstration center known as the “Rutgers Science Explorer” brought interactive exhibits and laboratory exercises to the students. Assuming the role of scientists during their imaginary expedition to the Amazon, students successfully performed ethanol extractions and ran gel electrophoresis while correctly identifying isolated strands of the DNA of a strawberry plant. Afterwards, sixth grader Alexander DeRing told science teacher Teri Cosentino, “Going on a science bus was a new experience. I learned about DNA by seeing real strawberry DNA and observed how it reacts when moved by an electrical current from one end of an agar gel to the other. It was interesting and fun!”

The “Rutgers Science Explorer,” designed to accommodate up to two instructors, 20 students, one teacher and two additional visitors per teaching session, was staffed by graduate and undergraduate students from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Also recipients of special teaching fellowships funded by the National Science Foundation, each instructor presented information, offered help and answered students’ questions.

Senior French Students Share Short Stories with Third Grade Class Lower School French/Spanish teacher Hope Napolitan, accompanied by Casey Santonacita’s third grade class, joined Upper School students for story time on April 30 in Founders Hall. Shared throughout the reading session were three separate stories written and delivered by Bethany Valentine ’13, Stark Kirby ’13 and Sarah Hassett ’13 in the Romance language French.

Being sure to include French vocabulary words also known by members from the Class of 2022, the seniors read aloud original works entitled, “The Magic Candy Cane,” “The Magic Crayon” and “The Adventures of the Candy Cane Forest.”

Through interesting characters such as a squirrel and “Old Man Gumdrop,” the upperclassmen also imparted several key messages reminding the group to help others, study hard and always listen to parents and teachers. Afterwards, questions were answered regarding the moral of each story and the meaning of new words used.

Madeline Soultanian ’22 reads along with her class the French story “The Adventures of the Candy Cane Forest” by senior Sarah Hassett.

An activity organized by both Napolitan and Upper School French teacher Carrie Grabowski for several years, the cross-divisional story time is a unique interaction that each hopes will continue in the future. “It offers a great way for Upper School students to present their work, and sets a wonderful example for Lower School students interested in seeing how far they could go if they choose to continue the study of world languages,” Napolitan said.

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

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May 2013

Upper School Academic Team Ranks Runner-Up in Somerset County League For the first time since 1989, the 2013 Upper School academic team received formal recognition as runner-up in the Somerset County Academic League. A trophy was presented to the 18-member academic team at Assembly on May 6.

The Academic League, open to 10 public and independent high schools within Somerset County, honored both Gill St. Bernard’s School and the top-ranked Montgomery High School as having achieved the most match wins in 2012-13. An overall champion and runner-up are announced each spring, with winners chosen based on results secured by all participants during 10 separate matches held throughout the school year.

Similar to an academic bowl, two teams go head-to-head while answering a total of 30 open-ended math, science, geography, literature, art and history questions worth a set number of points. If an incorrect response is given or a team is unable to answer the proposed question in less than 10 seconds, the other opponent then has the

The 2013 Upper School academic team.

opportunity to steal any unclaimed points by providing the right answer. In the end, the team with the highest score is declared winner of the match.

“This year’s team worked well together under the leadership of its five senior-members, Robert Anderson, CJ Blasi, Benjamin Brown, Andrew Provines and Laura Wood. They will be missed, as each played a significant part in securing the group’s overall record of eight wins and two losses,” Gerry Cirillo, faculty advisor and Upper School dean of students, said.

ATHLETICS Knights Take Win at Annual TD Bank Ballpark Game

In an annual tradition, the varsity baseball team traveled with GSB fans to TD Bank Ballpark, home of the Somerset Patriots, for an afternoon contest on April 30.

The spring 2013 varsity baseball team.

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

On a beautiful day for baseball, Peter Carollo ’13 pitched a complete game five-hitter that led the Knights to a 6-4 victory over Skyland Conference rival North Plainfield High School. Trailing 3-0, the boys rallied for six runs in the fourth inning behind hits from Daniel Spear ’15, Matthew Amoroso ’13, Mark Leonhard ’13, Luke Beveridge ’15, Wesley Spear ’13 and Matthew Taylor ’16. Also contributing runs in the team’s ninth win of the season were Nicholas Blackman ’13, Brendan Dougher ’14, Daniel Sivolella ’16 and James Raia ’16.

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Varsity Sports Round-Up *RESULTS AS OF 5/5/2013 Baseball: Record: 10-9 Meet the Knights: Varsity- Matthew Amoroso ’13, Nicholas Blackman ’13, Peter Carollo ’13, Mark Leonhard ’13, Wesley Spear ’13, Alexander Bauer ’14, Brendan Dougher ’14, Ryan McCluskey ’14, Clarke Mehmel ’14, Craig Pilla ’14, Robert Berman ’15, Luke Beveridge ’15, Daniel Brownstein ’15, Daniel Spear ’15, James Raia ’16, Daniel Sivolella ’16, Matthew Taylor ’16; Junior Varsity- Eric White ’15, Nathaniel Benoit ’16, Ryan Chestnutt ’16, James Grant ’16, Aniello “Neil” Ianniello ’16, Tyler Kwaak ’16, Andrew Noll ’16, Carter Silvey ’16 Season at a Glance: Varsity baseball jumped into the first week of its 2013 season with three consecutive wins.

Success began on April 1, as the Knights defeated Pingry School 4-3. A stellar pitching performance was displayed by Daniel Spear ’15, who scattered seven hits and struck out eight. The boys continued their winning ways with a 5-3 comeback victory over Belvidere High School on April 3. Down by three at the bottom of the sixth, the team rallied behind a two-run double from Wesley Spear ’13, as well as hits from D. Spear, Nicholas Blackman ’13, Luke Beveridge ’15 and Brendan Dougher ’14, to improve its record to 2-0.

Pitcher Peter Carollo ’13 also went the distance with five strikeouts and no walks in the first start of his varsity career. Gill closed the week with a 14-9 triumph over Bound Brook High School on April 5. Leading the team to its third straight victory in just five days were Blackman (4-for-5) and D. Spear (3-for-4) with three RBIs apiece. Mark Leonhard ’13 had two hits and two RBIs, and senior Matthew Amoroso recorded three hits and his first varsity pitching win with three innings in relief.

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

May 2013

Despite falling 10-8 to Princeton Day School on April 6, the team saw its fourth victory of the season against North Plainfield High School on April 8, Robert Berman ’15 pitched three innings in relief to earn the victory. Helping to clinch the 5-3 win was D. Spear with a run-scoring triple in the eighth and Blackman with three hits. Quickly recovering from a 17-9 loss to Rutgers Prep on April 9, the team earned its fifth victory (20-10) over Manville High School on VARSITY BASEBALL Daniel Sivolella ’16.

April 11. Along with freshman Daniel Sivolella, who went 3-for-3 with three runs scored, James Raia ’16, Leonhard, Beveridge and W. Spear also contributed two hits apiece.

The team suffered back-to-back losses to Bridgewater-Raritan and Bernards before securing its next win of the season at South Hunterdon High School on April 17. Sivolella went 3-for-5 with two doubles in the 12-2 victory, Matthew Taylor ’16 had two hits and two RBIs, Raia scored twice and walked four times, and Berman scattered three hits over five innings to obtain his second pitching win of the spring.

Although the boys dropped their record to 6-5 at Ridge High School on April 19, they quickly bounced back with a 15-3 win over Manville in the first round of the Somerset County Tournament (SCT) on April 20. The team was led by Blackman, who pitched a complete game four-hitter to help the Knights advance in the tourney. D. Spear, Leonhard, Beveridge and Berman contributed two hits and two RBIs each as well. Despite two consecutive regular-season losses to Pingry and Belvidere the following week, the team secured its eighth victory of the season on April 26 over Bound Brook. Down by one, Taylor hit an RBI single to tie the game 2-2 in the seventh inning. Lifting Gill to the 4-3

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win was Dougher who was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the bottom of the eighth. Blackman went 3-for-3 with two innings in relief for Clarke Mehmel ’14, who pitched masterfully. The boys concluded SCT play during round two of the tourney on April 27 at Hillsborough High School. D. Spear had a single and a double, and Dougher added a single and a walk.

The boys saw back-to-back victories over Blair Academy and North Plainfield high schools on April 29 and 30.

The latter, a 6-4 win over Plainfield at TD Bank Ballpark (see article page 18), also marked the 200th career victory earned by Head Varsity Baseball Coach David Pasquale, director of athletics at GSB since 2005.

Shortly after falling to Chatham High School on May 2, the team improved its record to 10 wins and nine losses when it defeated Oratory Prep (8-1) on May 4. Mehmel scattered three hits and gave up one unearned run in his first career victory from the mound. Also contributing were Blackman who went 3-for-4 with an RBI double, and Leonhard and Amoroso with two hits, two runs and two stolen bases apiece. Juniors Ryan McCluskey and Alexander Bauer have contributed positively to the varsity team while providing solid leadership to the JV program as well.

Varsity Softball: Record: 11-6 Meet the Knights: Amanda Greenberg ’13, Haley Miller ’13, Elizabeth "Sally" Gordon ’14, Cara Napolitano ’14, Caroline Roch ’14, Eliza Brookman ’15, Margaret “Meg” Donlin ’15, Paige Knichel ’15, Jenna Steele ’15, Emma Corbett ’16, Samantha Delehanty ’16, Kaitlyn Moriarty ’16, Kennedy Whitehead ’16 Season at a Glance: Off to a great start this spring, varsity softball won four of its first five games in 2013.

The girls opened their season with a 4-3 victory at Pingry on April 1, led by pitcher Emma Corbett ’16 who struck out 10 and scattered five hits. Despite sustaining a 9-8 loss to Belvidere High School on

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

May 2013

April 3, the team earned three straight wins against opponents from Bound Brook, Rutgers Prep and North Plainfield.

Contributing to the 15-5 rout of Bound Brook on April 5 were Eliza Brookman ’15 with three hits and two RBIs, and Corbett VARSITY SOFTBALL with two hits, two Caroline Roch ’14. runs and two RBIs. They were joined by Margaret “Meg” Donlin ’15, Cara Napolitano ’14, Caroline Roch ’14 and Kennedy Whitehead ’16 with one hit and two runs apiece. Winning continued with a 16-0 thrashing of Rutgers Prep on April 6. While Amanda Greenberg ’13 added three hits and two runs from behind home plate, Corbett also tossed a one-hitter with eight strikeouts from the mound. Brookman, Elizabeth "Sally" Gordon ’14, Paige Knichel ’15 and Haley Miller ’13 each scored two runs as well. The team improved its record to four wins and one loss with a 7-0 shutout over North Plainfield on April 8. Corbett threw a two-hit shutout with 10 strikeouts, and Gordon and Donlin scored two runs apiece to pace the offense.

Shortly after falling 6-2 to Mount St. Mary Academy on April 10, the team recovered with wins over Manville, Bernards, South Hunterdon and Ridge beginning April 11. Leading the girls with three hits and four runs in the 14-4 victory over Manville was Greenberg.

Napolitano struck out six over four innings to keep Manville at bay. Helping the Knights secure their next win of the season—a 4-2 victory over Bernards High School on April 15—was Corbett, who threw a complete game four-hitter. Other contributing players in the team’s second straight win were Roch, who went 3-for-4 with two doubles, Napolitano with two hits and two runs, and Whitehead, Knichel and Gordon with one hit each. Gill improved to 7-2 with a victory over South Hunterdon on April 17. While Greenberg went 3-for-4,

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Corbett, Brookman and Napolitano also combined for six hits and seven runs in the 15-6 win. Success continued on April 19, as the girls defeated Ridge High School 12-5 behind three hits and two runs apiece from Donlin and Greenberg. Roch also went 2-for-2 and Miller added both a run and an RBI to bring the Knights to 8-2 on the season.

Despite back-to-back losses to Pingry and Belvidere at the start of the following week, the girls quickly recovered with a 10-3 Skyland Conference win against Bound Brook on April 26. While Whitehead went 3-for-4 and scored twice, Roch, Knichel and Donlin each had two hits and scored two runs.

After a first round bye in this year’s Somerset County Tournament (SCT), the Knights fell 6-2 to Montgomery High School in the second round on April 27. Napolitano singled and drove in one run.

The regular season continued with a 7-2 victory over North Plainfield High School on April 30. While Corbett went 3-for-4 and Knichel had two hits and two walks, also chipping in with key base hits throughout the game were Roch, Donlin and Kaitlyn Moriarty ’16.

The team recovered from a 3-0 loss to Mount St. Mary on May 2, and improved its record with a win over The Hun School of Princeton the following day.

Whitehead laced a two-run double in the bottom of the sixth to clinch the 5-4 comeback victory. Samantha Delehanty ’16 and Jenna Steele ’15 are working hard to gain valuable experience with the varisty team as well.

Golf: Record: 10-6 Meet the Knights: Nicholas Baker ’13, Carson Ingersoll ’13, Blake Jenkins ’13, John William Murphy ’13, Peter Stone ’13, Campbell Wentworth-Ping ’13, Kyle Swartz ’13, Alexander Ferruggia ’14, Garret Hill ’14, Cole Moriarty ’14, Jack Lowe ’15, Kenneth “Casey” Meyer ’15, Garrett Rowe ’15, Gunnar Valentine ’15, Nicolas Ricciardi ’16

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

May 2013

Season at a Glance: The varsity golf program kicked-off its 2013 season in fine fashion, recording five straight wins in early April.

Winning began when the eight-member team posted a 221-224 victory over Hillsborough High School at its season-opener on April 1.

VARSITY GOLF While it was senior John Nicholas Baker ’13.

William Murphy who claimed medalist honors with a 39 at the Royce Brook Country Club, also contributing to the edge past Hillsborough were Nicholas Baker ’13 and Cole Moriarty ’14, each with a 44, as well as Carson Ingersoll ’13 and Peter Stone ’13 with a 43 and 49. The Knights improved their record to 3-0 with a dual victory over Belvidere and South Hunterdon high schools on April 3. Leading the boys with a match-best 39 on the par 35 Fox Hollow Country Club course was Moriarty. Baker (42), Murphy (43), Garret Hill ’14 (47) and Blake Jenkins ’13 (48) recorded impressive scores as well. Shortly after seeing two more victories and yet another medalist honor earned by Murphy (39)—this time at a tri match with Bernards and Hopatcong high schools—the boys sustained their first loss (205-216) of the season on April 9. Posting three of the top-five scores at this tough match against Delbarton were Baker (38), Moriarty (40) and Murphy (42).

Their five-game winning streak broken, the boys quickly recovered with a 229-258 victory over Rutgers Prep on April 11. Leading the Knights with scores of 40 and 41 at the Trump National Golf Club were Murphy and Baker. Strong efforts from Jenkins (48), Ingersoll (49) and Stone (51) also helped the team improve its record to 6-1. Following a seventh place team finish as well as 10th place individual finish secured by Baker at the Somerset County Championships on April 15, Gill

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continued its regular season with a tri match against Princeton Day School (PDS) and Pingry on April 16.

Despite falling by six strokes to the latter, the boys defeated PDS 218-231. Along with Murphy (37), who tied for medalist honors with Pingry School sophomore Matt Dannenbaum, also contributing to the Knights’ seventh win of the spring were Baker (41), Jenkins (46), Moriarty (47) and Ingersoll (47).

The season continued with back-to-back victories over Belvidere High School and Bernards on April 18 and 23. Joining Baker and his nine-hole score of 37 against Belvidere were Stone (43), Ingersoll (44), Gunnar Valentine ’15 (45), Garrett Rowe ’15 (47) and Jack Lowe ’15 (49) who also posted the top-six scores in the VARSITY BOYS’ TENNIS Carlson Brown ’14.

216-282 win at Apple Mountain Country Club. Baker once again led the Knights, earning medalist honors (38) in the boys’ next win of the season, on April 23. Murphy and Stone also recorded 39s, while Moriarty shot a 41 in the 207-237 victory over Bernards at Fox Hollow.

Despite a 194-212 loss to Bridgewater-Raritan on April 24, with fine scores from Baker (37), Murphy (38) and Moriarty (42), the team earned a 218-254 victory over South Hunterdon on April 26. Leading the boys at the Heron Glen Golf Club was Campbell Wentworth-Ping ’13 with a 41. Also rounding out scoring for the Knights were Murphy (42) and Stone (43), as well as Jenkins and Lowe who posted 46's. The team dropped its record to 10-4 with a 211-222 loss to Delaware Valley Regional High School on April 30.

Among the top-five scorers throughout the match were Murphy with a 39 and Baker with a 40. Back-to-back

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

May 2013

losses were also sustained during dual matches with Ridge High School and the undefeated Pingry School that very same week.

Boys’ Tennis: Record: 6-6 Meet the Knights: Varsity- Ryan Osterman ’13, Alexander “Alec” Rowe ’13, Carlson Brown ’14, Bryce Neville ’14, Kyle Williams ’14, William Conlan ’16; Varsity/JV- Kiliaen O’Connor ’14, Harald Parker ’14, Dylan Polachi ’14; Marc Orazietti ’16; Junior Varsity- Henry Holmes ’14, Ethan Brooks ’15, Ivor Guest ’15, Michael Petrilli ’15, Jonathan Sonnenberg ’15, Will Clayton ’16, George Harris ’16, Charles Kasman ’16, Ravi Malik ’16, Sebastian Pampalone ’16, Brian Quispe ’16, Nicholas Ross, Michael Urowsky ’16, Samuel Zimmer ’16 Season at a Glance: As last year’s Non Public B South Sectional Champions, the 2013 varsity boys’ tennis team opened with a 4-1 victory over North Hunterdon High School on April 2, led by singles players Carlson Brown ’14 (6-3, 6-1) and Alexander “Alec” Rowe ’13 (6-4, 6-0). Winning continued with a triumph at Colonial Park on April 4. Leading its team in the 3-2 win against Franklin High School was the second doubles squad of Bryce Neville ’14 and William Conlan ’16, which won a dramatic three-set match 5-7, 6-1, 6-3. Also earning points for the Knights were Brown at first singles (6-4, 6-3) and Ryan Osterman ’13 with Kyle Williams ’14 at first doubles (6-2, 6-1).

Despite falling 4-1 to Morristown-Beard on April 5, the boys quickly recovered with back-to-back victories over Rutgers Prep (3-2) and Voorhees (5-0) the following week. Guiding Gill to victory on April 8 were singles players Rowe and Marc Orazietti ’16, along with first doubles teammates Osterman and Williams.

Meanwhile, contributing to the sweep at Voorhees were singles players Brown (6-0, 6-2), Rowe (6-0, 6-0) and Orazietti (6-2, 7-5), as well as Osterman with Williams (6-0, 6-0) and Neville with Conlan (6-3, 6-0) at first and second doubles.

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The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School

The team dropped its record to four wins and two losses when it fell 4-1 to Skyland Conference rival Bernards High School on April 11. GSB’s sole point of the match was secured by Brown with a dramatic 6-7, 7-6, 7-5 victory at first singles. Recovering from a 4-1 loss against Pingry on April 16, the Knights secured yet another win against Voorhees on April 19 behind points from singles players Brown (6-3, 6-1) and Harald Parker ’14 (6-1, 6-3). Also improving the boys’ record to 5-3 were Osterman and Williams (6-2, 6-0), and Neville and Conlan (6-1, 6-2) at doubles. Despite falling 3-2 to Franklin on April 23, the team earned a 3-2 triumph over North Hunterdon just one day later as Rowe took second singles with a 6-2, 6-1 victory, and both doubles squads garnered wins.

Beginning April 26, Rowe next advanced to the quarterfinal round of the 2013 Somerset County Tournament when he won two matches in the second singles flight. The first doubles squad of Osterman and Williams also qualified for the quarterfinals, joined by second doubles teammates Neville and Conlan. In addition, Orazietti contributed a first round point at third singles to help the Knights earn an eighth place overall finish in the tournament.

Varsity Track & Field: Meet the Knights: Svetozar Brankov ’13, Emily Iannaconi ’13, Andrew Provines ’13, Emily Quinn ’13, Brian Steck ’13, Thomas Troxell ’13, Brian Williamson ’13, Alexandria Benoit ’14, Dana Klein ’14, Sabrina Kogut ’14, Rebecca Richardson ’14, Jordan Taylor ’14, Patrik Andersen ’15, Shane Burchard ’15, Armani Comick ’15, Jacob Kruger ’15, Peter “Alec” Johnson ’15, Madeline Quinn ’15, Michael Tafaro ’15, Andrew Wible ’15, Colette Bilynsky ’16, Sahara Ensley ’16, Shannah Finkel ’16, Michael Iannaconi ’16, Amanda Leonhard ’16, William Metzler ’16, Gregory Niccolai ’16, Zoe Quan-Shau ’16, Lillie Wilson ’16, Ludi Zhu ’16 Season at a Glance: The girls’ squad hosted Mount St. Mary Academy to open this spring’s varsity track and

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

May 2013

field season. Leading her team on April 2 was Armani Comick ’15 who took first in the discus (79’3”) and shot put (26’5”), as well as runner-up in both the long jump (13’10”) and javelin (62’0”). Other successful contributors were Amanda Leonhard ’16 with first in the 100 meter dash (13.2 seconds) and second in the 200m (28.5 seconds), and Ludi Zhu ’16 who took first in the long jump (13’11.5”) and third in both the 100m (13.9 seconds) and 200m (29.5 seconds).

Success continued with a dual meet at North Plainfield High School on April 8. Once again leading the girls’ squad were Comick and Zhu with first place finishes in the shot put (30’5”) and 100m (13.7 seconds). Zhu also placed runner-up in the long jump (14’3”), followed closely by Comick who took third in 13’4”. Earning first with a time of 4:25 in the girls’ 4x400 relay were Emily Iannaconi ’13, Dana Klein ’14, Emily Quinn ’13 and Alexandria Benoit ’14. Klein (2:28) and E. Quinn (2:29) also obtained top-two finishes in the 800m, and Benoit (5:49) joined Sahara Ensley ’16 (5:50) for first and second in the 1600m. The girls rounded out scoring with a fourth place 100m hurdle time of 22.2 seconds from Sabrina Kogut ’14. To kick-off the final season of his GSB track career, senior Thomas Troxell of the boys’ squad set a new school record in the 400m hurdles (57.9 seconds)—the sixth fastest time in all of Somerset County this spring—and fourth place finish in the 100m hurdles (18.5 seconds). Troxell also teamed with Jacob Kruger ’15, Andrew Wible ’15 and Jordan Taylor ’14 for second in the 4x400 relay (3:56), while Kruger (5:06) and Michael Iannaconi ’16 (5:26) took third and fifth in the 1600m.

Following sixth place finishes from both the boys’ novice 4x800 relay team and the girls’ varsity distance medley squad at this

VARSITY TRACK & FIELD Thomas Troxell ’13.

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The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School

year’s Skyland Conference Relays held April 13, the regular season continued with a tri meet against Manville and Bound Brook high schools on April 16.

A fine performance was displayed by Comick with gold medals in the shot put (28’5.5”) and long jump (14’7”).

Additional contributors from the girls’ squad also included Ensley (12:09.0), E. Quinn (12:09.2) and Klein (12:10), who captured first through third in the 3200m.

Both Klein (5:18.2) and E. Quinn (5:18.5) also finished first and second in the 1600m, while Benoit (2:32.2) and Iannaconi (2:32.3) took gold and silver in the 800m.

Representing the boys’ squad throughout the meet were Patrik Andersen ’15 (3200m/10:41), Svetozar Brankov ’13 (800m/2:19) and Troxell (400m hurdles/1:03) with first place finishes. Also earning runner-up in the 1600m (5:02) was Kruger.

In addition to a sixth place finish from the girls’ 4x400 squad of Iannaconi, E. Quinn, Benoit and Klein at the Penn Relays on April 25, the track team also medaled in three separate events and broke several school records at JV GIRLS’ LACROSSE the Randolph Isabelle Demontigny ’15.

Relays on April 27.

Earning a gold medal in the small schools division and third place overall in a field of 28 was the boys’ distance medley relay team of Brian Steck ’13, Troxell, Brankov and Andersen which notched a new school record (10:47) by knocking 23 seconds off the best time set in 2005. The 4x800 relay squad of Troxell, Kruger, Iannaconi and Wible placed fifth (9:16) in the small schools division and 11th overall in a field of 31. Michael Tafaro ’15, Andrew Provines ’13 and Brian Williamson ’13 also combined for eighth in the discus (284’) and a 12th place finish in the shot put (94’2”). Both Provines and Tafaro joined Gregory Niccolai ’16 in the javelin (310’9”) as well. From the girls’ Gill St. Bernard’s School • St. Bernard’s Road • Gladstone, NJ 07934

May 2013

squad, the distance medley relay team of Klein, Iannaconi, Benoit and E. Quinn was second in the small schools division and placed fifth in a field of 30. This record-breaking finish (12:26) proved nearly one minute faster than the previous school record established in 2011.

Comick, Zoe Quan-Shau ’16 and Colette Bilynsky ’16 also combined for 13th in the shot put (68’2”) and 14th in the javelin (169’8”), while Zhu took 18th individually in the long jump (13’2”).

Gill hosted a tri meet with Bernards and South Hunterdon high schools on April 30, as Klein won the girls’ 800m run in a school record time of 2:18. In field events, the long jump was owned by Zhu with a 14’10” distance. Comick also took first in the shot put (29’1.5”), second in the discus (76’6”) and third in the long jump (14’0.25”). Additional third place finishes on the track came from Zhu (200m/28.0 seconds), Iannaconi (800m/2:29) and E. Quinn (1600m/5:17). The boys were led by Provines with first in the discus (103”7’), and third in both the shot put (32’5”) and javelin (100’). Also impressive was Tafaro, who took gold in the javelin (111’8”) and silver in the shot put (34’5.5”). Other runner-up finishes were posted by Troxell (400m hurdles/59.1 seconds), Steck (1600m/4:46), Andersen (800m/2:05), Niccolai (javelin/109’10”) and Williamson (discus/94’3”), as well as the 4x400 relay team of Troxell, Wible, Brankov and Johnson (3:51).

Lacrosse: Meet the Knights: Junior Varsity Girls-Raena Dell’Ermo ’14, Claire Jenkins ’14, Kensey Olsen ’14, Cricket Treanor ’14, Isabelle Demontigny ’15, Nita Diverio ’15, Sarah Fenton ’15, Kaila Gong ’15, Alessandra “Allie” Haversat ’15, Emily Western ’15, Alexa Hait ’16, Samantha Kramer ’16, Catarina “Caty” Matthews ’16, Angelique Norwood ’16; Upper School Boys- Alexander Filley ’14, John Stumpf ’14, Patrick Janas ’16, Joshua Layden ’16 Season at a Glance: A club sport since 2011, the JV girls’ lacrosse team kicked off its inaugural season of interscholastic competition with an 11-4 loss to North Warren High School on April 16. Leading the team with 24.

The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School

three goals was Kensey Olsen ’14. Also contributing were Kaila Gong ’15 and Sarah Fenton ’15 with one goal and one assist. While Alexa Hait ’16 and Angelique Norwood ’16 aided the offensive attack, Emily Western ’15, Cricket Treanor ’14 and Samantha Kramer ’16 helped patrol the midfield. Catarina “Caty” Matthews ’16 also made seven saves in her debut as goalie with the Knights, backed by strong defensive efforts from Alessandra “Allie” Haversat ’15, Raena Dell’Ermo ’14, Isabelle Demontigny ’15 and Nita Diverio ’15.

The girls’ team secured its first-ever win with a 9-7 victory over Blair Academy on April 30. Gong had five goals, Treanor scored twice, and both Fenton and Kramer added one goal apiece. Defensively, Haversat had three ground balls and Matthews made six important saves to keep the Blair offense at bay.

Middle School Finishes First at Silver Spike Invite

May 2013

Dates to Remember Friday, May 10 & Thursday, May 23 Mini Mac Farm Sale

(Pre-order online at www.minimacfarm.com) *10% of all sales go to the GSB Parents’ Association

Monday, May 13 Middle School Honors Choral Concert Friday, May 17 Prom Middle School Dance Friday, May 24 Grandparents’ Day Tuesday, May 28 Lower School Uniform Swap Thursday, May 30 Gill St. Bernard’s Strings Ensemble Concert Sunday, June 2 Upper School Commencement; Time Change- 3:00 p.m.

(Please return Commencement order form with check made payable to Gill St. Bernard’s School no later than May 24)

Tuesday, June 4 Lower School Closing Ceremony Third Annual Relay for Life Event A highlight of the Middle School athletics program each year, the spring track and field team hosted its annual Silver Spike Invitational at Gill St. Bernard’s on May 8. The boys took first in a field of 12 while the girls finished fifth overall. Leading the team with a new school record and first place finish in the high jump (5’7”), as well as first in the shot put was Michael Morreale ’17. Felix Andersen ’17 earned dual wins in the 800m (2:21.7) and 1600m (4:57) as well.

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

Wednesday, June 5 Middle School Closing Ceremony Monday, June 10 Hi-Hills Day Camp Begins To view more school events, or information on the above, please see GSB’s online calendar.

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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

TODAY and THURSDAY 5/23