Milestones 2017

EXCELLENCE

ACHIEVEMENT • 2017

Commencement Reflections from the 2017 “Lifers” Closing Exercises for Middle and Lower School

Table of Contents FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 COMMENCEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 THE 2017 “GSB LIFERS”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 MIDDLE SCHOOL CLOSING EXERCISES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 LOWER SCHOOL CLOSING EXERCISES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

What is Milestones?

Milestones is published annually by the Communications and Marketing Department to celebrate the graduating class at Gill St. Bernard’s School. The magazine also highlights GSB’s eighth and fourth grade students as they transition to the Upper and Middle School divisions, respectively. As an independent college preparatory school that offers a pre-k through 12th grade education, Gill St. Bernard’s is also proud to recognize its annual “GSB Lifers” (graduating seniors who have matriculated at Gill for 12 years or more) in each issue of Milestones.

UPPER SCHOOL FACULTY, STAFF and ADMINISTRATION

Gill St. Bernard’s Milestones magazine is published annually by the Communications and Marketing Department.

Kristen Armstrong

Allison Czick

Andrew Lutz

Todd Ross

Sid Rowell, Head of School

Cornelius Arnett

Tim Davis

Derek Martin

Sarah Rowland

Allyson B. Daly, Director of Communications and Marketing

Tracey Goodson Barrett

Judy Dechent

Kaitlyn McAter

Margery Schiesswohl

Jill Brown, Writer & Communications Specialist

Larry Bostian

Marilyn Dori

Takisha McCall-Sulton

Mark Signorelli

Macada Brandl

Tom Gilbert

Irene Mortensen

Kerri Ann Small

Ed Brown

Carolyn Giordano

Joan Mruk

David Southerland

Paul Canada

Fernando Gomez

Amy Newman

Michiel Stil

Michael Cascini

Carrie Grabowski

Kathleen O’Connor

Steven Summerer

Brittany Casser

Len Grabowski

Lauren O’Leary

Meredith Swenson

Cover image by Becky Bedrosian P ’11 of Becky Bedrosian Photography. Additional photography in this issue also by Becky Bedrosian Photography.

Christine Chan

Manuel Hercules

David Pasquale

John Taeschler

Michael Chimes

Claudia Hesler

Susan Petrone

Kim Turse

Jared Ciocco

Sarah Isusi

Sharon Poticny

Greg Washburn

Design by Vision Creative Group.

Isabel Corbin

Leo Janas

Eileen Procaccino

Gina Wendell

Freelance writing by Alice Roche Cody.

Fred Corona

Melissa Lewis

Candace Pryor Brown

Michael Wendell

Gill St. Bernard’s School P.O. Box 604, St. Bernard’s Road Gladstone, NJ 07934-0604 908-234-1611 gsbschool.org facebook.com/gsbschool

MISSION STATEMENT Gill St. Bernard’s School provides a balanced, diverse and secure community that prepares students academically, socially and ethically for college and a meaningful life.

CORE VALUES Courage • Integrity • Respect • Compassion • Excellence

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From the Head of School

Milestones

• EXCELLENCE • ACHIEVEMENT • 2017

Once again, Commencement this year was a wonderful celebration of both the members of the senior class and our school community as a whole. Indeed, the Class of 2017 raised the bar in a number of areas and their achievements are reflected in much more than just their college matriculation list. The impact of this particular group of young men and women on our school cannot be overstated.

We speak regularly at Gill about the importance of balance, yet must remember that it means different things to different people. In some ways, it may be easier to define what it is not, as opposed to what it represents.

This includes the suggestion that it is incompatible with the pursuit of excellence.

Indeed, the story of the 2016-17 academic year at GSB features many stories of excellence. Back in the fall, we hosted a highly successful TEDx event, inducted several students into the various World Language Honor Societies, sent a team to the National History Bowl for the first time and performed The Game’s Afoot. In addition, the boys’ soccer team and our chess team both won state championships!

Our successes did not end there. During the winter, the varsity boys’ basketball team advanced to the state semifinals, the Middle School hockey team reached the league finals, the Model UN delegation brought back a trophy for best small school delegation and the GSB Players staged Cinderella for six sold-out shows!

Spring saw the robotics team advance to the district championship, our first senior art show and the establishment of the Gerry Cirillo Prize in the Fine Arts. However, most impressive were the achievements of junior C. J. Licata, who won both the discus and shot-put at the NJSIAA state championships and was named First Team All-State!

Balance is also reflected in the college destinations for the Class of 2017. There are the Ivies and highly selective small liberal arts colleges, as well as art and design schools, computer science and engineering programs, and business programs, including schools where our student athletes will be performing at an even higher level. It is self-evident that the commitment to balance at Gill St. Bernard’s most definitely includes the pursuit of excellence.

These accomplishments are certainly impressive, but more important, they are encouraging. As I review the national news each day, the indications of a growing cynicism in our country are readily apparent. Certainly, we face many challenges. However, as I think about Gill St. Bernard’s, I am regularly reminded that hope is ever present here in Gladstone. Our community can and does make a difference each and every day.

I look forward to following the members of the Class of 2017 as they leave our campus and make their way in the world. Congrats to them and all of our students on a great year!

Warm regards,

Sid Rowell

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Milestones

• EXCELLENCE • ACHIEVEMENT • 2017

Commencement 2017 Inspiration From Our Graduates As Head of School Sid Rowell noted in his Commencement address: “Our speakers today are members of the senior class. In song, poetry and personal reflection, their eloquence will far exceed mine, as does their importance today.”

Seven seniors addressed the gathering this year. Mary Fran Howard and Jack Riccardo-Wood shared personal reflections from their time at the school and Sammy Bittman and Charlotte Walsh read poems of their own composition. Justine Murray sang “I’ll be Seeing You,” Kelly Scheisswohl sang “I Am What I Am” from the musical La Cage Aux Folles and Kaitlyn Sleyster sang excerpts from “The Fools Who Dream” from the movie La La Land.

Excerpted from "You Think in Colors Now" You think in colors because colors have dictated your life for the past four years. They are the pink-box Cocoluxe trips, the blue and silver chess pieces scattering the library, they are the black and white GSB sweatshirts that everyone has, and that next year only you will have.

Next year, you think you will miss the colors.

- Charlotte Walsh

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Milestones

• EXCELLENCE • ACHIEVEMENT • 2017

Excerpted from "Sea tb

elts"

Fitting three in a bac kseat is easy when we loud that we don’t ’re laughing so hard even know what son that our bellies ache g is playing. and so If you looked at thing s the thought never occ from outside, you’d wonder why one of us didn’t sit up front urr one or two pairs of leg ed to me when I put my head on one – shoulder or the other s sprawled out over my own. and had I imagine our limbs as thick ropes fraye d and thinning but ends. still knotted togeth er at the We are going 97 on the freeway with no sea dangling over me. I wonder for a moment tbelts, my feet are asleep, and your lim bs are this fast when we are if it’s even worth we ari this close to the exi ts anyway. But I can ng one when we are going ache in-between my ribs, can see the str sti ll fee l that after-lau ands falling out of our open car windows in that July air. pony-tails blowing in ghhalfWe let our grins split us open and love sp ille your heads towards separate exits but lim d out in big gulps like hiccups. I look back to you, bs still outstretched over me.

I can’t find your sea tbelts, So, I use my arms instead.

-Sammy Bittman

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Milestones

2017 Commencement Honors and Prizes

• EXCELLENCE • ACHIEVEMENT • 2017

(In order of acceptance)

During the Commencement ceremony, several seniors were recognized for their achievements and contributions in academics, arts and athletics as well as for community service and service to the school.

The FRANCES B. ROHN MEMORIAL AWARD in MATHEMATICS

Named for a beloved teacher of Mathematics for many years at the Gill School, the Frances B. Rohn Memorial Award is presented to the Senior who has achieved the highest four-year average in Mathematics. Sharon Jin

Alexia Allesch

Maxwell Aunger

Steven Bednarsky

Madeline Bedrock

Nathaniel Bess

Nina Bhatia

Pia Bhatia

Lila Birnberg

Samantha Bittman

Landon Braemer

Carolyn Brand

Drew Braue

Gabrielle Breuer

Kevin Brito

Cameron Burns

Allison Coffey

Nicholas Cooper

Kathryn Cramer

Nathan Crystal

Emma Cullen

The CAROL J. HEANEY MEMORIAL SCIENCE AWARD

Given in memory of Carol J. Heaney, a beloved science teacher for many years at Gill St. Bernard’s, this award recognizes that student who has demonstrated intellectual curiosity, outstanding academic achievement, and superior promise in the study of science throughout his or her high school years. Pia Bhatia

HISTORY DEPARTMENT AWARD

The History Department Award is a book prize presented annually to the Senior who has been selected by the History Department as having done the most outstanding work in History. Charlotte Walsh

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT AWARD

Provided by Peapack Gladstone Bank, the English Department Award is presented annually to the Senior with the highest four-year average in English. Charlotte Walsh

PATRICIA LEE GAUCH AWARD for CREATIVE WRITING

The Patricia Lee Gauch Award for Creative Writing is presented to that senior whose inventive voice, artful storytelling and disciplined work contribute to the literary life of Gill St. Bernard’s School.

Established in 2014 and endowed by former students and colleagues, the Patricia Lee Gauch Award annually recognizes Patti Gauch, a beloved English teacher at Gill during the 1970s, by celebrating her joyful embrace of life and learning. Nichole Morley and Charlotte Walsh

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Milestones

• EXCELLENCE • ACHIEVEMENT • 2017

WORLD LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT AWARD

The World Language Department Award is a book prize presented annually to the Senior with the highest four-year average in a foreign language. Louise Horn

COMPUTER SCIENCE AWARD

John Dadouris

Emma Dean

Martine DiDomenico

Alyssa DiFazio

This honor is awarded annually to a graduating senior who has demonstrated interest, aptitude, and exemplary achievement in Computer Science throughout his/her years in the Upper School at Gill St. Bernard’s School. He/ she has excelled in computer programming, computer-aided design, or both areas. Evan Druskin

GERRY CIRILLO PRIZE in the FINE ARTS

Evan Druskin

Larisa Drzik

Katherine Duggan

Genevieve Fischer

Ryan Fucci

Cameron Gateman III

Andres Gonzalez

Stephen Hassett

Yuchen He

Yuxin He

Louise Horn

Katherine Howard

Initiated by alumni from the late 70s this prize was established in 2017 to honor and recognize Gerry Cirillo. Gerry spent nearly 40 years at Gill St. Bernard’s School as an Art Teacher, many of those as Chair of the Fine Arts Department. He has influenced many Middle and Upper School students, who learned from Cirillo’s in-depth knowledge and friendly manner, that creating something special with their own hands was within their means. In addition, Gerry spent time as the Director of Admissions and many years as the Dean of Student Life and a softball coach.

The Gerry Cirillo Prize in the Fine Arts will be given annually to the most outstanding senior Fine Arts student as chosen by the Fine Arts faculty. This includes painting, drawing, photography, ceramics and wood working.

The recipient will be chosen based on participation in the fine arts program and the quality of work over a four-year period, as well as being likely to continue to pursue fine arts in college in some capacity – either formally or casually. Cindy He

THe LISA SCHMIDT MUSIC AWARD

Established by Lisa Schmidt of the Class of 1974, this award is given to a senior to recognize his or her musical talent and contributions, and to inspire growth and participation in the field of music.

Nathaniel Bess

Mary Frances Howard

Juliette Jacobson

Lake Jacobson

Sharon Jin (cont. on next page)

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THe JOYCE CREASEY MEMORIAL AWARD

The Joyce Creasey Memorial Award is given to the Senior girl whose ability, leadership, sportsmanship and team loyalty have distinguished her and contributed the most to our athletic program.

Jennifer Lowe

Tristan Kaminski

Edwin Laubach

Hannah Lazar

Junsheng Ling

Jennifer Lowe

Ashley Maldonado

Sabrina Marques

Carleigh Matthews

John McMahon

Sara Merton

Amanda Miller

Cameron Miller

Nichole Morley

Michael Morreale

Armeen Mozaffari

Anes Mrkulic

Nyla Mulcahy

Margaret Munz

Justine Murray

Parth Patel

Mathieu Petit

Erica Phiansunthon

Troy Pilla

Patrick Reilly

The HAROLD D. NICHOLLS MEMORIAL AWARD The Harold D. Nicholls Memorial Award is given in memory of Harold D. Nicholls-Teacher, Coach, Senior Master, and Headmaster from 1917 to 1957 (“a good friend and wise counselor to generations of boys at St. Bernard’s”). Cameron Miller

The BENNETT SERVICE RECOGNITION AWARD Given in memory of Caryl and J. Gordon Bennett, the Bennett Service Award was established by the Gill School Parents Committee to honor the student who best demonstrates, through active community service, the School’s concern and consideration for others. Mary Frances Howard

SUSAN H. STOVER AWARD

Beginning with the Class of 2003, this award honors Susan H. Stover who served for many years as Director of Development at the School. It is presented annually to the Senior who demonstrates the highest level of service and loyalty to Gill St. Bernard’s. John William Dadouris

LINDABURY SENIOR HONOR AWARD

The Lindabury Senior Honor is awarded to the senior who has made an outstanding effort to positively affect the experiences of underclassmen.

He or she has worked hard to be a person of inclusion throughout the community, and has demonstrated compassion and thoughtfulness, and acted as a role model and leader.

This senior has reached out to younger students as a friend and as an equal and exemplifies the characteristics that underclassmen should look up to, follow, and respect. Kelly Schiesswohl

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CAPORUSSO/DeLUCA AWARD

Lauren Renna

Jack Riccardo-Wood

Rachel Richardson

Kelly Schiesswohl

The Caporusso/DeLuca Award was established by two graduates of the Class of 1996 to honor a member of the senior class who provided distinctive leadership to both the class and school during his/her years as an Upper School student.

This student enables other students to share in extracurricular programs and activities, as well as providing leadership in these and other school activities and events.

Erica Phiansunthon

The JULIAN T. BROWN CUP

Lauren Seng

Naya Shim

Kaitlyn Sleyster

Luke Solondz

Christian St. Germaine

Tyler Starr

Evan Storch

Emily Supron

Rongtian Tan

Jacob Udoff

Graham Valentine

Grayson Valentine

A St. Bernard’s tradition, the Julian T. Brown Cup has been awarded annually since 1913. It is the highest honor that may be attained by a boy at Gill St. Bernard’s. This boy is chosen from the graduating class on the basis of his character throughout his years at the School.

He has worked for the good of the School, shown thoughtfulness and consideration, and has maintained his integrity. It is this boy, more than any other, who exemplifies the characteristics of Faith, Honor and Consideration.

Jack Riccardo-Wood

The ELIZABETH GILL GIRL AWARD

The title of Elizabeth Gill Girl is the highest honor that may be attained by a girl at Gill St. Bernard’s School. This girl is chosen from the graduating class on the basis of her character throughout her years at the School. She has worked for the good of the School, shown thoughtfulness and consideration, and has maintained her integrity. It is this girl, more than any other, who exemplifies the characteristics of Faith, Honor and Consideration. Kaitlyn Sleyster

The JEAN LOIZEAUX AWARD

The Jean Loizeaux Award is given to a senior with the top academic record. Pia Bhatia

HONOR BOARD CERTIFICATES Charlotte Walsh

Jack Wetzel

CUM LAUDE SOCIETY

Zhang Zhongnan

Olivia Wilson

Yucheng Zhang

Founded in 1906, the Cum Laude Society recognizes excellence, justice and honor in secondary schools. An association of 382 chapters worldwide, membership within cum laude is granted to those students who rank among the top 20 percent of their graduating class. This year’s recipients are Madeline Bedrock, Nina Bhatia, Pia Bhatia, Emma Dean, Yuxin ‘Cindy’ He, Louise Horn, Sharon Jin, Hannah Lazar, Junsheng ‘Isaac’ Ling, Sabrina Marques, Armeen Mozaffari, Lauren Renna, Jack Riccardo-Wood, Kelly Schiesswohl, Naya Shim, Luke Solondz, Charlotte Walsh, Yucheng ‘Ken’ Zhang

This award recognizes the integrity of those five seniors who have served on the Upper School Honor Board. The Honor Board is a committee that educates community members on the importance of upholding GSB’s core values and helps affirm the ideals of the school. In addition, the board evaluates cases of student misconduct. Allison Coffey, Andres Gonzalez, Mary Frances Howard, Christian St. Germaine, Jack Riccardo-Wood

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From Left: (Front) Evan Druskin, Samantha Bittman, Emma Cullen, Sara Merton, Erica Phiansunthon, Alyssa DiFazio, Lauren Seng, Amanda Miller, Mary Frances Howard, Justine Murray and Parth Patel; (Back) Steven Bednarsky, Troy Pilla, Ryan Fucci, Jacob Udoff and Luke Solondz.

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Steven “Stevo” Bednarsky

15 years

When Stevo Bednarsky talks about soccer, his face brightens and he’s all smiles. From soccer, he quickly switches subjects to his family and Gill, as these aspects of his life are so intertwined that it’s hard to discern where one ends and the next begins.

What the varsity center midfielder doesn’t mention is the long list of awards he received his senior season. Instead, he focuses on his team and the state championships the Knights captured his freshman and senior years.

“To win your last-ever high school game is something you can’t top,” Stevo says. “I had a little taste freshman year, but this is much sweeter. Playing with the same kids in my senior class my whole life made the experience even better.” During his four-year varsity career, he scored 28 goals and made 55 assists.

Stevo followed the rest of his family onto the soccer field at a young age. “My whole family plays,” he says. “Since I started walking, I had a ball at my feet.”

In fact, his mom, Donna Bednarsky, teaches P.E. at Gill and was an All-American at the University of Connecticut. His two brothers, Peter ’08 and G.S.B. (Give Something Back) Club

Andrew ’10 and his sister Katie ’14, all Gill Lifers, played in high school and college. And Stevo’s dad, Tony Bednarsky, has served as Gill’s head soccer coach since 1989 and recently logged his 400th career win.

So, what was it like having his father as coach?

“It was weird having my dad on the sidelines, but he knew when to be my coach and when to be my dad,” he says. “I just can’t get away from my family.”

Next year, Stevo will keep up the familial collegiate tradition and play soccer for Lehigh, a Division I program. Not surprisingly, he plans to pursue a sportsrelated career, either playing, coaching or teaching. He acknowledges that leaving Gill will be tough. “I have no other memories,” he says. “I don’t know what the real world is like outside Gill. Everything I learned, my entire life, has been at Gill. Everything.”

And because Stevo was too humble to mention all the honors he racked up during his 2016 season, here’s the list: Courier News Player of the Year, Skyland Conference Player of the Year, first team all-state, first team allconference, first team Somerset County, first team all-prep and first team designated by the Soccer Coaches Association of New Jersey.

Boys’ Soccer: Captain

Samantha “Sammy” Bittman Sammy Bittman has always loved running. When she started at the Upper School and committed to three seasons of it—cross country, indoor track & field and track & field—she assumed all were singular sports and never dreamed she would become part of such a close-knit team.

“Running is an individual sport and I didn’t understand the sense of being together in something,” she says. “We all warm up together and go off on runs together. After meets, it’s great to see my coaches at the finish line.

My team and my coaches are always there. It’s superinspiring and helps me to stay committed.”

Captain for all three seasons her senior year, Sammy knows she has made tremendous strides. “I was super quiet as a freshman and I looked up to the captain then, who was a senior, and it showed me who I wanted to be,” she says, adding that she had another encouraging captain her sophomore year. “They made you feel like you were important. Freshmen were no less important than anyone else. As captain, I stress that everyone matters, you are all part of the team.”

Being so dedicated to all three sports for four years was

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Admission Hosts And Tour Guides Peer Leader Relay For Life

12 years

a stretch for Sammy. By pushing herself, she discovered that she could accomplish more than she thought possible. And when the course became bumpy, her support system was even more crucial. Last year, she suffered a severe hip injury and did extensive physical therapy and sought help from Gill’s athletic trainer, Glen DePino. “It was hard work and it was frustrating,” she says. “My coaches were understanding and then pushed me to get back into it.”

Sammy also had some growing pains when it came to her two creative writing classes with Andrew Lutz. The first go-around, she says, she was quiet and stayed under the radar. Then, this year, she tapped into her leadership abilities and growing self-confidence. “I came back to the advanced class and gave constructive criticism and helped the newer students,” she says. She credits Dr. Lutz with improving her writing skills, which was a boon to her as co-editor of the literary magazine. At first, she recalls that it was scary to share her work, but she came to find it both fun and fulfilling.

Next year, when she attends Fordham University, she plans to tap into all the writing opportunities New York City has to offer. As for logging miles, that’s a given. “I’ll always be running,” she says. “It’s awesome.”

The Fourth Estate (Newspaper) The Unknown Muse (Literary Magazine) Girls’ Cross Country: Captain

Indoor Track & Field: Co-Captain Track & Field: Co-Captain

Emma Cullen

12 years

It wasn’t an easy decision for Emma Cullen to give up competitive cheering. She started in second grade with Pop Warner, but as she grew older, the schedule became more and more demanding and harder to balance with her studies.

“Cheerleading is important to me because growing up I was really shy; it helped me come out of my shell and become the outgoing person I am today,” she says, adding that she joined Gill’s cheer team in high school.

“It was one of the best decisions I made. I became friends with people I would never have met outside of cheerleading and it also allowed me to become friends with people in older grades. Becoming captain in my junior year helped me learn how to be a good leader and stay positive through unexpected situations.”

It’s hard to imagine Emma, with her warm and bubbly personality, ever being shy. She admits she was hesitant at first to join Gill’s squad, but being on the team helped her cultivate school spirit and she enjoyed teaching the routines to younger students.

H.O.P.E. Peer Leader

Relay For Life Cheerleading: Captain

Now, thanks to the South Africa unit she participated in during her junior year, Emma has cultivated friends on a different continent. While staying for a week on the peninsula of Cape Town, her group visited a local high school. “We ate lunch and talked with kids our age about things like prom and South Africa postApartheid,” she says. “They were similar to us. We made friends and still follow each other on Instagram.”

Back at Gill, Emma extended herself to help ninthgrade students through Peer Leaders. “A lot of students in my advisory went to a different middle school and we helped them make the transition,” she says.

“Many had never taken mid-terms before. A lot of the freshmen didn’t want to stay after class and ask questions, but we told them not to be intimidated: ‘Just do it!’”

Next fall, Emma will heed her own advice when she starts at Bucknell’s College of Management. All of her Gill experiences, from cheerleading to distant travel, will help her branch out and make more connections beyond the Gladstone campus.

National Latin Honor Society

Alyssa DiFazio

13 years

The one piece of parting advice Alyssa DiFazio wants to share with her younger sister Ella ’23 about succeeding at Gill is this: Embrace every opportunity you can.

During her time here, Alyssa surely followed her own counsel, even though it was challenging to juggle school activities with caring for her horse and riding competitively.

Since age 12, Alyssa has competed in equitation, and this past year, she went to the Pessoa Medal finals and ASPCA Maclay Regional finals. Her horse, a Dutch Warmblood named Moe, is stabled in Long Valley.

“I ride every day for a couple of hours on school days and longer on weekends—it’s part of my routine,” Alyssa says. “After school, I change and go to the barn and then do homework. Riding has taught me about responsibility, determination and patience. It takes commitment showing and taking care of my horse.”

Another of Alyssa’s longtime activities at Gill is the choir. “Apart from riding, I’m always singing,” she says.

She’s a member of the Honors Choir, Knight Voices

Blood Drive Current Events Club Environmental Club

and the Chamber Choir. “It’s cool to be with friends and the songs are awesome,” she says. “It’s a nice break outside of school.”

In addition, Alyssa serves as co-president of H.O.P.E. and the Environmental Club. Through the former, she learned how to do marketing for events and how to solicit donors, and for the latter, she helped plan fundraisers and encourage fellow students to take care of the environment.

Alyssa’s commitment to community service was cemented after the Giving and Receiving unit her freshman year. She painted and gardened at Anderson House, a half-way home in Whitehouse Station for addicted women, cleaned up trash at the Jersey Shore and packaged toiletry bags for veterans.

“At Gill, there are so many opportunities for community service,” she says. “It’s easy to see how you can help and make a difference. Being here has broadened my view. Gill has shaped my consciousness about how we affect the world and our environment.” Her future plans include attending Bucknell University this fall and eventually becoming an equine vet, an occupation that would combine her desire to help and her love of animals.

G.S.B. (Give Something Back) Club H.O.P.E. Concert Choir

Knight Voices Gillharmonics National Latin Honor Society

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Mary Frances Howard

15 years

Tradition is important to Mary Frances Howard. It’s no wonder, considering that her very name is rooted in a family legacy that stretches back generations. It all started when her great-grandfather was badly injured in a car accident and prayed to St. Frances of Assisi. If he survived, he implored, he would name his first-born after his patron saint. Since then, every eldest child in his lineage has had some variation of the namesake, including Mary Fran’s mom, Frances, and Mary Fran herself.

Even though fencing was a new program when she started ninth grade, the upperclassmen drew her in.

“There weren’t enough kids and the older people I looked up to, the seniors, said, ‘Hey, join, it’s a lot of fun,’” she says. “It steam-rolled from there.”

Mary Fran was only three when she started attending GSB and she is glad to have spent her entire school career at Gill. “I feel comfortable here and confident with my surroundings,” she says. “I can talk to any teacher and I like having the three schools on one campus.” She fondly recalls being a Lower School student and having older kids pass by with highfives. Now, the younger pupils give her hugs. She also enjoyed school mainstays, including Viking Chess in fourth grade and the annual Turkey Day trot between the Upper and Lower Schools.

A foil competitor, Mary Fran appreciated the sport’s smooth course of action. “It’s concentrated and calculated and you best yourself mentally by trying a trick and seeing if it works,” she says.

Admission Hosts And Tour Guides G.S.B. (Give Something Back) Club GSB Book Club Honor Board

Joining a smaller program had its benefits. “We competed as freshmen and received individual attention from our coaches,” she says. This year, Mary Fran served as captain and recalled her predecessors who showed passion for the sport. “As captain, you have to get people to do things they don’t want to do, a lot of annoying drills and hard workouts,” she says. “You have to manage and incentivize.”

Mary Fran isn’t sure she wants to continue with fencing at Wake Forest next year. Ironically, the Demon Deacons are staunch rivals to her dad’s alma mater, Duke. Yet she’ll follow in the footsteps of her grandmother, a Latin teacher, and study the classics. As for names, Mary Fran hopes to keep up the family tradition if she has children, but she’d like to add a creative spin to reduce confusion among the generations.

H.O.P.E. Peer Leader Reading Buddies

Ryan Fucci Ryan Fucci has been a student at Gill since kindergarten, an experience he says that has broadened his outlook.

“My time here has taught me to think globally, not just from the perspective of a small community in Gladstone, but how we’re part of the bigger world,” he says.

This shift to a wider viewpoint was brought on in part by participating in Model UN, where he served on a global education subcommittee and helped brainstorm ideas to bring education to third-world countries. This experience, he says, definitely opened his eyes to the larger world.

For Ryan, the Florida Keys unit brought environmental issues to the forefront. His group stayed on Pigeon Key and visited its Foundation & Marine Science Center, as well as the Dolphin Research Center. Between jaunts fishing, snorkeling and kayaking, Ryan and his classmates learned about invasive species to the coral reef and how to identify different fish. The beachcombers also spent a day collecting trash.

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Blue Crew G.S.B. (Give Something Back) Club

Relay For Life The Voice (Op/Ed Online Paper) Fencing: Captain

13 years “I had no interest in conservation before the unit, but developed a strong interest because of it,” says Ryan.

“We learned about the huge garbage mass in the Pacific Ocean. It was fascinating. It helped me understand the threats that cause water pollution, especially from plastics.” Now he’s more mindful of using plastic products in his everyday life.

Like many Gill students, Ryan credits a unit experience with having shaped his future career plans. “When I was a freshman, I took part in the How Things Work unit. We visited businesses, AT&T and the Guitar Center, and learned the different processes of how things work,” he says. “This definitely influenced my decision to study business in college.”

Ryan says it will be hard to leave Gill, especially his four fellow seniors on the varsity baseball team. “I’ve been playing since I was five-years-old,” says the pitcher and outfielder. “It has been great to continue in Upper School and build the team.”

At the University of Michigan next fall, Ryan will focus on building his business acumen, always keeping a steadfast eye to environmental causes.

Model U.N. Baseball

Evan Druskin

14 years

The unit trip to Silicon Valley his freshman year changed everything for Evan Druskin. Before this, he envisioned becoming an engineer or maybe even an investment banker, like all his other family members. But after visits to tech companies such as Pandora, Yelp and the Nest Labs start-up, Evan was hooked.

“This unit shaped my classes in school for the next three years,” he says. “After meeting developers and seeing the job scene, I started computer science courses. I’d always known I’d do something hands-on, like engineering, but I fell in love with software.”

Back at Gill, he took all the computer science courses offered and then was encouraged by Science Department Chair John Taeschler to branch out on his own. “I did an independent study using Python to study data and structures,” he says. “I wanted to learn as much as I could before college.”

With the help of his advisor, Larry Bostian, who was also his physics teacher for two years, Evan started the college process early. “Mr. Bostian made sure I was together,” Evan says. “He instilled a work ethic and pushed me harder.”

And Evan’s activities certainly helped. Through Model United Nations (UN), he polished his public speaking skills. His

Blue Crew Model U.N.

junior year, he presented a TEDx talk and discussed how evolving technologies could make existing jobs obsolete.

“With the emergence of robots, there could be lost jobs for cashiers, waiters and factory workers—they could all be replaced within the next five years,” he says. “And the question is: Where to draw the line? What stays and what gets automated, and is it ethical?” Also a baseball enthusiast, Evan argued that replacing home-plate umpires with robots could take the humanity out of the game.

A staunch Mets fan, Evan played baseball all four years in the Upper School. Since sixth grade, he has run school-wide charity drives to collect baseball and softball equipment for Pitch in for Baseball, a not-for-profit that distributes its gear globally. Evan’s outstanding efforts led him to be named the New Jersey representative. “The equipment is shipped around the world to places like Israel, Asia, China, the Caribbean and Africa,” he says. “We’re spreading democracy through the game.”

Evan’s next goal is to start at Carnegie Mellon’s School of Computer Science. Then, he hopes to work at Google or a start-up and eventually earn an M.B.A. “I want to do something new, something innovative, to be able to say, ‘Here, I did something,’” he says.

Spikeball Club Programming Club

Baseball

Sara Merton For her first day of kindergarten, Sara Merton wore a special dress, blackand-white plaid with cap sleeves. At school, when she met fellow Lifer Erica Phiansunthon, she could have been looking in the mirror. The duo wore identical outfits and it was as if they were destined to be besties.

In Sara’s mind, that’s why Gill is so special. You can make new friends over the years, while also having a special one, like Erica, from the very start of school.

“We’re best friends now and I also have a ‘forever friend’ who started Gill last year,” Sara says. “It’s an environment where people don’t get excluded.”

From the beginning, Sara found Gill to be a warm place.

Since both her parents worked, she stayed after school for the extended-day program and found the director, Jane Boyer, to be a kind and constant presence. “Mrs. Boyer was a maternal figure,” she says. “She helped me grow up. She was the one who was there when I was outside playing.”

Current Events Club

14 years In her freshman year, Sara cracked a vertebra in her back from repetitive motion while playing lacrosse. Once she healed, she stayed involved with sports by keeping stats for boys’ lacrosse. Over the years, she and her family faced some other medical challenges and these fueled her desire to become a nurse.

It was her dad’s injury from falling off the roof that cemented Sara’s career choice, however. “He had a long hospital stay and I could see how it changed him,” she says. “The doctor didn’t look at him as a whole person.

He’d come in and fix his ability to be alive, but not his ability to live. It’s not just cleaning wounds.” Today, except for a limp, her dad has recovered.

It’s the holistic approach as a caregiver that Sara wants to develop at the University of Delaware. For her, college has come sooner than expected. “When I was in first grade, I looked at my ID that said class of ’17 and thought, ‘That’s forever,’” she says. “Now forever is here. All of a sudden you’re a graduate. Gill has been my second home. I spent more time here than at my actual house. I’ve had friends to lean on for 14 years. There were tears on graduation day.”

Boys Lacrosse Stats

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12 years

Amanda Miller When Hurricane Sandy struck five years ago, Amanda Miller’s father’s house at the Jersey Shore was completely destroyed and one of his prized possessions couldn’t be saved.

“His desk was swollen shut and he had to saw it in half to get it out of the house,” Amanda says. “It was rough— he was upset and stressed.”

Amanda, who has taken woodworking since fifth grade, decided to build her dad a new desk. She had already made gifts for her family and friends, including bird houses, wooden boxes, checkerboards and a clock.

“I started it last year and my dad’s really excited,” she says.

Crafted from mahogany and maple, it has three drawers on each side and one in the middle.

While Amanda was able to easily focus on woodworking, at times her other classes proved more difficult. “I had trouble paying attention, especially when I was younger,” she says. “Gill helped me overcome it all. I worked with a lot of different teachers. They showed me how to catalogue things and get work done. They motivated Gay Straight Alliance Reading Buddies

Relay For Life Fencing

me. Two teachers from the Lower School met with me every other day and taught me different techniques. In particular, Mrs. Turse, a learning specialist, helped with my organization skills.”

Those skills came in handy when Amanda joined a competitive cheerleading team in her sophomore year.

She loved cheerleading, but had to manage schoolwork, a waitressing job, three practices a week and competitions— which included travel to places like Atlanta. “I fit everything into my schedule by starting the majority of my homework earlier in the week on my day off and working during my meeting periods,” she says. “I love cheerleading. It’s a huge part of my life. I learned to work hard and to push through boundaries.”

Next fall, at Saint Joseph’s University, Amanda will double-major in early childhood and special education.

She credits her time in Reading Buddies with helping her discover her interest in teaching and in elementary education.

For now, however, she’s just happy to have completed her father’s desk. “He loves it,” she says smiling.

Competitive Cheerleading

12 years

Parth Patel While academics at Gill were certainly important for Parth Patel, particularly math and Latin, it was the lessons learned through his cocurricular activities that made the greatest impact.

Take lacrosse. His freshman year marked the first season the Upper School offered the sport and Parth welcomed all that his coach, Brian Callanan, taught for life on and off the field.

“Mr. Callanan wanted us to succeed and always preached, ‘Try your best,’” Parth says.

“He taught us to take the skills we learned through lacrosse and use them in other areas of our lives—to have tenacity in the classroom and to make the right choices at parties.” Last season, varsity finished with a winning record, and after four seasons with his teammates, Parth developed close friendships that will last long after he leaves Gill.

In addition to lacrosse, Parth found inspiration volunteering at Merry Heart, an idea first suggested to him by his college guidance counselor, Karen Blair.

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Blue Crew G.S.B. (Give Something Back) Club

At the assisted care facility in Ledgewood, Parth logged over 100 community service hours. He helped residents with their daily activities, such as eating meals and played games or guided them in finger painting. The eldest resident there, Elle, age 101, has led him to embrace his life more fully.

“She may be old, but she acts young,” he says. “Her carefree personality has showed me to always have fun in life, and even though I’m young, to take advantage of my precious time.”

And just as he touched the lives of Merry Heart residents, Parth remembers when his second-grade teacher, Mary Tuohy, extended an unexpected kindness to him. It was near the end of the school year and he had to leave abruptly for India due to a family emergency. Parth was concerned about missing school, but she reassured him and gave him a goody-bag filled with toys and candy.

These memories are the ones that Parth will take with him next fall when he attends Lafayette College. He already knows that one of his first visits home will be to Gill, so he can catch up with his former teachers and coaches.

Peer Leader Boys’ Lacrosse

13 years

Justine Murray Already an accomplished singer and actor, Justine Murray confesses that her onstage start was a less-than-perfect debut. Before she began kindergarten at Gill, Justine was cast in a local production by a kind and patient director named Amy Southerland.

“I made a big fool of myself on stage,” Justine recalls. During the performance, she looked to her mom in the audience and asked loudly, “What am I doing again?”

Shortly thereafter, Justine enrolled at Gill and discovered that Amy Southerland was her new music teacher, the one who would soon become her mentor. “Now I joke with Mrs. Southerland and say, ‘Sorry I messed up your show!’”

Justine says with an easy laugh. “I’ve been making it up to her all these years.”

Justine joined Gill’s choir in ninth grade, at the encouragement of Southerland and her husband, David, director of the Upper School music program. “They helped me grow—I wasn’t experienced blending in my voice, but they showed me how to mix in and harmonize and how to audition,” she says. It paid off. Sophomore year, she was chosen for Gill Harmonics and The Knightingales. Then, Admission Hosts and Tour Guides Mock Trial

Model U.N. Reading Buddies The GSB Lookbook

she was cast in two GSB Players’ productions: The Servant of Two Masters and The Boy Friend, which featured her in a duet. In addition, Justine landed a coveted spot in the Paper Mill Playhouse Broadway Show Choir, an ensemble of 60 young dancers and singers.

At Gill, Justine also pursued another passion: politics. As a fourth grader, she was encouraged by her teacher, Janet MacDonald, to share her opinions about current events.

Sophomore year, in Debating Social Issues, Justine grew more comfortable voicing her perspective on topics such as the United States’ alliance with Israel. Through Mock Trial, she honed her public speaking skills.

Soon Justine would reach wider audiences. She appeared in a campaign commercial for Linda McMahon, a U.S. Senate candidate, and was named Miss Ramapo Valley’s Outstanding Teen for 2016 with the platform “Ready, Set, Vote.” Last summer, she served as a communications intern for Governor Chris Christie. It’s not hard to imagine her in this role. Even on a typical school day, she looked the part of a professional, dressed in a smart pink suit with flawless makeup. Before starting Syracuse University, she’ll intern for David Friedman, the US ambassador to Israel.

If past performances are any indication, Justine will keep shooting for the stars long after Gill.

Fencing The Boy Friend The Servant of Two Masters

13 years

Erica Phiansunthon When Erica Phiansunthon became co-captain of varsity soccer her senior season, she decided to lead by example—following the one the older students had set for her when she was new to the team.

“When I was in eighth grade, the upperclassmen asked us to play in a winter league,” she recalls. “They hung out with us between games. They were inviting and inclusive.”

As a first-year player, Erica especially appreciated Gill’s soccer program. “It was nice how in a small school as a freshman, you got varsity time,” she says. “There were so many opportunities in this setting to grow and receive personal attention.”

Then, when it was Erica’s turn to lead, she helped plan a team trip to Crystal Springs Resort so all the players could get to know each other better. To foster that, all room assignments were mixed up with an even number from each grade. Games and ice-breaker activities made the team even more cohesive.

“We took everyone out of their comfort zones,” she says.

“It was great being a senior to the freshmen and seeing how much more confident they grew. Afterwards, parents told me they appreciated what we did for their daughters. They felt comfortable and welcomed.”

This leadership role set Erica up nicely for her future.

Admission Hosts And Tour Guides Blue Crew Current Events Club G.S.B. (Give Something Back) Club

Concert Choir Knight Voices Gillharmonics

“Being captain helped with my work ethic, how to balance school and sports,” she says. “I learned how to manage my time.”

Such skills will surely help her next year at Trinity College, where she’ll focus on economics and psychology and minor in studio art, all three interests sparked at Gill.

While microeconomics and psychology were AP courses, her love of art stems back to her days at the Lower School, where she participated in the extended-day program.

“My friends and I colored every day for two hours after school, from kindergarten through fourth grade,” she says.

When Erica met Art Department Chair Sarah Isusi, she knew she wanted to continue her study of art in Upper School. “Mrs. Isusi is an amazing art teacher, so supportive and encouraging,” she says. “She always finds something positive about your work. I had planned on taking art in high school; knowing I’d have her made me want to take it even more.”

The fact that Erica picked Trinity is also a reflection on Gill. “I chose a smaller liberal arts college because I wanted smaller classes and a closeknit community,” she says. “Gill has helped me become more confident and able to form better relationships. I learned that I’m capable—way more than I thought. At first, I had no idea what to study in college. I found answers through my experiences here.”

Peer Leader Reading Buddies Social Committee Girls’ Soccer: Captain

Indoor Track & Field: Co-Captain Track & Field: Co-Captain

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Jake Udoff Looking back on his tenure at Gill, Jake Udoff sees that the best result from his time here was making connections and forming life-long friendships.

“Most of my friends I’ve known since I was six,” he says. “It’s great to look back at how we’ve grown up and stuck together from first grade to senior year.” Smaller class sizes provided ample space for friendships to grow. “You get to know your teachers and classmates better and build relationships,” he says. “It’s important to connect with people and to have teamwork.”

Jake finds that teamwork also comes into play on the tennis courts, particularly when he competes in a doubles match. But, he has also learned the importance of going it alone.

14 years for Jake and he’s happy to have helped keep the tennis legacy alive. “We led the practice drills and encouraged the younger kids,” he says. “Now that we are gone, they’ll have to pick up and keep going.”

Because Jake spent all his school days in such a nurturing environment, the continuity served as a springboard for him to see the larger world. Through the Netherlands unit trip, Jake and his fellow travelers visited castles, windmills and aqueducts. “It was meaningful to see the world beyond our little bubble of New Jersey,” he says.

One of Jake’s volunteer roles also helped him look beyond Gill. At the Matheny School, he helped the developmentally disabled students operate iPads and use the computer lab. He found all his experiences here rewarding. “It’s humbling, to look at kids struggling with daily activities,” he says. “It makes you look at the world differently and appreciate what you have.”

“With doubles, it’s you and your partner, but in singles, you’re on your own,” he says. “This helps instill confidence and independence. If you win, it’s all you, but if you lose, it’s all you as well.” Taking on a leadership role of co-captain was rewarding

Now Jake is ready to take the next step to Syracuse, where he plans to study law and economics. His parting advice for younger students: “Appreciate the people around you and get to know them. It goes by faster than you think.”

Boys’ Soccer Boys’ Tennis: Captain

National Latin Honor Society

13 years

Lauren Seng Lauren Seng’s favorite memory from her Gill days was when she met her best friend on a sunny day during kindergarten recess.

Kindred spirits, the two quickly became inseparable. That is, until her buddy moved to the Midwest in third grade. Yet, to this day, their bond remains strong.

“We’re still best friends and keep in touch,” Lauren says. “We talk every single day.”

In addition to her life-long friendship, Lauren also gained a solid work ethic developed over the years here. “Gill has always been a place that makes you really try hard,” she says. “You can’t get by here if you aren’t willing to work for things. That will always stay with me.”

she says. “I’ve seen the negative effects that stress can have on people. That has inspired me to study brain chemistry to better help people manage their emotions and their stress levels.”

One teacher she found extra supportive was Carrie Grabowski, her French teacher. “I’ve had so many great teachers over the years, but Mrs. Grabowski had a really positive influence on me,” Lauren says. “She was always understanding and supportive and an easy person to work with.”

Lauren will be starting at Mount Holyoke next fall and says she feels prepared for what’s to come thanks to her time at Gill. As for parting words, Lauren most wants to acknowledge her parents: “Mom and Dad, thank you for all of your patience and support. You are both wonderful and I love you.”

Lauren admits that at times, the workload proved challenging, but this led to her decision to pursue a career in psychology and neuroscience. “Indirectly and directly, Gill has helped shape me into the person I am today,”

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Fencing Art Show Contributor

Relay for Life Community Service

Luke Solondz

13 years

Every winter for the past four years, Luke Solondz has fenced and competed on the robotics team, but it never occurred to the budding engineer to combine the two. That is, until he was in the gym one day and an idea popped into his head.

“I was bored and thought of a design for a fencing robot and sketched it out,” he says. With the help of Len Grabowski, head robotics coach, Luke built a robot with a mechanical arm that holds a weapon and makes basic fencing moves. “It’s in the gym now,” he says. “The team uses it for drills to improve skills. It’s like having another person at practice.”

Even though Luke enjoyed science in Middle School, it took prodding from his older brother, Sam ’15, for him to join the robotics’ Team Chaos. At first, Luke felt frustrated until he learned the basics, and he appreciated the guidance given by his older teammates. This past season, Luke served as captain and made sure to welcome his younger counterparts. “Now it’s gone full circle,” he says.

“I help guide the freshmen and teach them new skills.”

For Luke, his first year of Upper School also marked an Admission Hosts And Tour Guides Fishing Club Relay For Life

academic turning point. Middle School wasn’t all that challenging for him, but he recalls that “freshman year was a slap in the face.” His physics teacher, Laurence Bostian, proved particularly demanding. “He can scare the daylights out of you, but his purpose is to motivate you to be a better student, a better individual,” Luke says. “He whipped me into shape. It was just what I needed.”

Luke’s hard work was rewarded with a college acceptance to his first choice, Washington University in St. Louis.

He found the college application process stressful but sought guidance from Grabowski, who willingly coached him in this area.

“Mr. Grabowski was calming—a voice of reason—and a big influence this past year,” says Luke. “He helped me determine my priorities and figure out what to do with the rest of my education and career. The week before I got my college decision, I panicked.

Then I spoke to him and he reassured me that my future would turn out fine. He told me that things have a way of working out and not to focus on the potential bad, that it’ll all be OK.” Definitely apt advice, as Luke’s future looks especially bright.

Robotics Ski & Snowboard Club Tech Team

Fencing National Latin Honor Society

13 years

Troy Pilla Attending all three divisions of Gill proved a huge bonus for Troy Pilla. He appreciated the continuity of school and friendships and he continued to make new friends along the way. “It was cool, having the same friends since kindergarten and also getting the chance to meet new people,” Troy says. “It was great to be at the same school all these years.”

A four-year member of the golf team, Troy served as captain his senior year. He adapted well to this leadership position and attributes this to the excellent guidance he received as an underclassman from older players. “I learned from Gunnar Valentine ’15 and Jack Lowe ’15,” he says. “I followed their example and integrated the skills they taught us.”

As for college, Troy will attend Fairfield University, where he plans to major in business. At the moment, he’s undecided about playing golf. One thing he knows for sure, he’s prepared academically. He singles out his pre-calculus teacher, Fred Corona, for laying the foundation.

“He pushes you to be the best,” Troy says. “He’s the best teacher I’ve ever had. He communicates concepts well, which made the class easier. In all, Gill did a great job. The amount of work I had this year taught me that I have to put in the time and effort to get good grades and succeed. I’m ready to have a new environment and vibe, but I will miss my friendships here, especially the Lifers.”

Active in various clubs, including Give Something Back, Troy found a service day led by Michael Chimes with Habitat for Humanity especially fulfilling.

“We helped build a house in Dover,” Troy says. “We did carpentry work and helped install walls. It was awesome to give back to the community.”

Blue Crew G.S.B. (Give Something Back) Club Relay For Life

Ski & Snowboard Club Boys’ Cross Country Boys’ Soccer

Baseball Golf: Captain

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Milestones

Annual Eighth Grade Awards BOYS’ ATHLETIC AWARD:

• EXCELLENCE • ACHIEVEMENT • 2017

Middle School Closing On June 6, Head of School Sid Rowell presented the 61 members of the Class of 2021 with certificates recognizing the successful completion of their eighth-grade year.

Awarded to the eighth-grade boy who, in the opinion of his coaches, best represents the qualities of determination, leadership, cooperation and sportsmanship.

Sohan De Silva

GIRLS’ ATHLETIC AWARD:

Awarded to the eighth-grade girl who, in the opinion of her coaches, best represents the qualities of determination, leadership, cooperation and sportsmanship.

Isabel Orazietti

FRANCIS WINSTON AWARD:

Presented to the eighth-grade student who, in the opinion of the faculty, has demonstrated the most significant personal growth. Brian Young

MARJORIE HIBBLER AWARD:

Presented to the eighth-grade student who consistently demonstrates passion for and devotion to independent reading.

Ava Escousse

FRANK MAZZOCCHI AWARD:

A silver bowl presented to the eighthgrade boy who best exemplifies a friendly manner, a willingness to help others and a devotion to the school. Brenen Lavoie

MARTHA GRAY TRAY:

Presented to an eighth-grade girl who has consistently demonstrated loyalty, integrity and sincerity during her time in the Middle School. Hayley Armstrong

SCHOLASTIC HONORS AWARD:

Presented to the eighth-grade student who maintains the highest cumulative grade point average throughout the academic year. Jessica Lin

CHARACTER CLUB AWARD:

A book prize presented to a student who demonstrates honor, respect and integrity each and every day. Bartholomew Benoit and Caroline Solondz

EIGHTH-GRADE CITIZENSHIP AWARD:

The most important prize that a Middle School student can obtain, the eighthgrade citizenship award is presented annually to the student who best upholds the Gill School motto of faith, honor and consideration. Sophie Nourbakhsh

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Middle School Director Kyle Armstrong opened the event with a brief address, highlighting the importance of taking part in the life of a community. Afterward, eighth-graders Laura Howard, Sofia Laboy and Sydney Lapper offered reflections on their time in the Middle School, and a group of eighth-graders recited Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken.”

Congratulations to our eighth-graders on advancing to Upper School and to all of our Middle School students for successfully completing the 2016-17 academic year.

Milestones

• EXCELLENCE • ACHIEVEMENT • 2017

Eighth-Graders Recognized for Excellence in Academic Subjects EXCELLENCE IN ENGLISH: Hayley Armstrong, Ella Baker, Ava Escousse, Laura Howard, Sydney Lapper, Jessica Lin, Lowy Shim and Caroline Solondz

EXCELLENCE IN GEOMETRY:

Ava Escousse, Sydney Lapper and Lowy Shim

EXCELLENCE IN ALGEBRA:

Sean Carlucci, Harrison Hartzel, Madelyn Most, Maxwell Mullen, Isabel Orazietti and Brian Young

EXCELLENCE IN HISTORY:

Hayley Armstrong, Adam Berrocal, Sean Carlucci, Ava Escousse, Laura Howard, Sydney Lapper, Jessica Lin, Maxwell Mullen and Caleb Smith

EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE:

Adam Berrocal, Sean Carlucci, Ava Escousse, Anneliese Gattoni, Liam Jones, Sydney Lapper, Jessica Lin, Maxwell Mullen, Sophie Nourbakhsh and Nicholas Towle

EXCELLENCE IN LATIN:

Sean Carlucci, Catherine D’Arcangelis and Laura Howard

EXCELLENCE IN SPANISH:

Ella Baker, Brenen Lavoie, Stella O’Connor and Caroline Solondz

EXCELLENCE IN FRENCH:

Ava Escousse and Jessica Lin

EXCELLENCE IN SCULPTURE/CERAMICS:

Stella O’Connor

EXCELLENCE IN DRAMA:

Lauren Fabio

EXCELLENCE IN MUSIC:

Ava Escousse and Zoe O’Connor

Awards for Students in Grades 5-7 FIFTH-GRADE CITIZENSHIP AWARD: Peter Frantz Pendell SIXTH-GRADE CITIZENSHIP AWARD: Tristen Miscia SEVENTH-GRADE CITIZENSHIP AWARD:

Alexander Tulenko and Morgan Zuanic

SEVENTH-GRADE HIGHEST SCHOLASTIC HONORS:

Liliana Micera

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Milestones

• EXCELLENCE • ACHIEVEMENT • 2017

Lower School Closing The Lower School held its annual closing exercises on June 6, recognizing the 35 members of the Class of 2025 (fourth-graders) on their successful completion of Lower School.

Among the ceremony’s highlights, Head of School Sid Rowell presented the Amol Ajinkya Citizenship Award, the highest honor that Gill confers on a Lower School student. The award recognizes thoughtfulness, sensitivity and generosity of spirit, with the recipient chosen each year by the Lower School teachers. This year’s recipient was Sanjay De Silva ’25.

Congratulations to our fourth-grade students on advancing to Middle School and to all of our Lower School students for successfully completing the 2016-17 academic year.

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Milestones

• EXCELLENCE • ACHIEVEMENT • 2017

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Best Wishes

THE NOR

THE MID-A

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Class of 2017

RTHEAST

ATLANTIC

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South (Carolinas and Georgia)

THE SOU

TH

Midwest and Westcoast

EST

&W IDWEST

THE M

FLORIDA

Florida

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Best Wishes Class of 2017 Babson College

High Point University (2)

Skidmore College (2)

Bates College

Ithaca College

Stevens Institute of Technology (2)

Boston College

King’s College London

Syracuse University (3)

Boston University

Lafayette College (2)

The George Washington University

Brown University

Lehigh University

The University of Scranton

Bucknell University (2)

Loyola University Maryland

Trinity College

Carnegie Mellon University

Marist College

University of California, Berkeley

Champlain College

Miami University, Oxford

University of California, Los Angeles

Colgate University

Monmouth University

University of Delaware

College of Charleston

Moravian College

University of Florida

College of William and Mary

Mount Holyoke College

University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Columbia University (2)

Muhlenberg College (3)

University of Michigan

Cornell University

New York University (2)

University of Miami (4)

Drew University (1)

Northeastern University (2)

University of Pennsylvania

Eckerd College

Northwestern University

University of Pittsburgh

Emory University (2)

Pennsylvania State University (2)

University of Rochester

Fairfield University

Pratt Institute

University of Southern California

Fordham University (2)

Princeton University

Villanova University (3)

Franklin & Marshall College

Queen’s University

Wake Forest University (2)

Furman University

Quinnipiac University

Washington University in St. Louis (2)

Gettysburg College (2)

Saint Joseph’s University

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Your talents and successes have truly enriched the school.

Congratulations, once again, to all members of the Class of 2017.