Welcome to Harbor’s 30th Annual Spring Benefit, Gatsby Night!
Back in the Roaring Twenties, the party atmosphere was prevalent. And when F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote The Great Gatsby, he likely intended for it to be the talk of the town. Fast forward to the same North Shore of Long Island on the 100th anniversary of this most famous novel, and here we are gathering in celebration – and what a spectacular soirée it will be!
We are so fortunate to have the incredible support of our parents and alumni. The extraordinary volunteerism that culminates with this evening’s special event speaks to the strength of our partnership – and to the commitment our families make. So, tonight, it’s time to put on your dancing shoes, crank up the Charleston, and wave your paddles with Hawk Pride!
There’s excitement in the air. Much like the majestic estate home owned by Jay Gatsby himself, our beloved Tulip Knoll is home to an undeniable spirit. And now that we are well on our way to expanding our Harbor home, it’s time to jump and jive our way forward! It’s going to be a memorable night full of opportunities to honor and celebrate the faculty, staff, and children at Harbor Country Day School.
As Head of School, I am bringing my love of this special community and my dance moves to center stage!
Andy Sperling Head of School
Our Mission & Motto
OUR MISSION
"HARBOR CHERISHES CHILDHOOD, CULTIVATES WONDER AND INSPIRES CONFIDENT LEARNERS AND LEADERS."
These are the core, guiding principles at Harbor Country Day School, and the source of both our vision and energy. We measure our performance against a "portrait" of the academic and social development we strive to foster in every Harbor student.
Harbor graduates are:
• Fearless learners and reflective leaders who negotiate effectively
• Prepared to exhibit compassion and tolerance in a global community, owing to a solid moral and ethical foundation
• Culturally experienced and conversant in the humanities and the sciences
• Prepared to achieve their dreams because they view themselves as works continually in progress
These are the aspirations we have for our students. They parallel the values and aspirations of the school’s founders, and are reflected in the work and passion of our school leaders, faculty, and board of trustees. Our mission guides us in making decisions, and in setting the standards by which the curriculum is evaluated. Moreover, these principles provide the touchstone by which the need for change in the future can be assessed.
OUR MOTTO
"SINE LABORE NIHIL - WITHOUT WORK NOTHING"
From its very beginning in 1958, the motto of Harbor Country Day School has been the same, from the Latin poet Horace: "Sine labore nihil," translated as, "Without work nothing." For six decades, our graduates have remembered the school’s motto as one of life’s truths -- that nothing comes without hard work. The students are taught how to work with purpose, and also how to make it fun. Preschoolers may sing songs in Mandarin at the Confucius Institute’s annual Chinese New Year Celebration; science students may travel on the school’s bus to explore and analyze nearby wetlands; and English class may read, discuss, and write about a complex novel that strikes at the heart of a young adolescent’s concerns. Harbor teaches and shows by example that creative, purposeful, enjoyable work is an essential part of a fullylived life.
About Harbor Country Day School
Founded in 1958 by a group of devoted parents, Harbor Country Day School is a nonprofit, independent school for preschool through eighth grade located on Long Island’s north shore, nestled in the quiet Village of Head of the Harbor. It’s a school where children are encouraged to be who they are and where differences are celebrated. Because of this solid foundation of acceptance and love, students at Harbor are confident, self-aware, and happy -- and they love to come to school.
Harbor students approach learning with a fearlessness that only comes from knowing that they will be safe and accepted regardless of whether they succeed or fail. They embrace the hard work that comes with a rigorous curriculum like Harbor’s because they are taught from the day they enter the school how to work with purpose, and how to make it fun.
Public speaking, community service, athletics, cross-divisional mentoring programs, upper school leadership retreats, social-emotional learning programs -- all of these opportunities, and so many more, help children realize their full potential as individuals and as leaders so that when they leave Harbor, they are fully prepared to master the challenges of secondary school, college, and life beyond.
Harbor Country Day School is chartered by the New York State Board of Regents and is accredited by, and a member of, the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS). It is a non-sectarian, nonprofit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code governed by a self-perpetuation board of trustees.
About Our Parents’ Association
The Parents’ Association is dedicated to promoting a sense of community, facilitating communication between Harbor and its families, and raising funds for programs and events that enrich and enhance school life. Parents’ Association participation is an amazing opportunity to get to know other families, experience a slice of Harbor students’ school lives, and become involved in the life of Harbor. The group meets on a monthly basis. For more information about the many ways parents can contribute, the Parents’ Association coordinators may be reached at parents association@hcdsny.org.
Below is a list of events and programs the Parents’ Association sponsors: The Parents’ Association’s major fundraising event is the annual Spring Benefit, which is an exciting and elegant evening for parents, alumni, trustees, friends, faculty, and staff. The event includes live and silent auctions, dancing, dinner, and open bar. Live and silent auction items are donated by the Harbor community and many local merchants who support our mission. Other highlights of the evening include Harbor’s Own Budding Artists Collection and the "Fund-A-Grant" paddle raise, which gives attendees an opportunity to donate directly to specific school initiatives at a designated level of support. Previous Fund-A-Grant items have included new student iPads, SMART boards, technology advancement, science lab equipment, physical education and recess equipment, and professional development.
About Harbor’s Alumni Association
Gatsby Night
OUR SPRING BENEFIT PLANNING COMMITTEE
Harbor’s Alumni Relations Office helps to foster and continue lasting relationships between Harbor’s alumni and the school they graduated from and love. The foundation for these relationships is built through communication, organized group events, opportunities to volunteer, and helping to create connections among Harbor’s many alumni.
The Harbor Alumni Facebook page is an online community where alumni can reminisce about Nissequogue and Nesconset competitions, Greenkill and Frost Valley trips, the Spring Musical, Trunk or Treat, and other Harbor traditions and experiences that have formed the basis of so many lifelong friendships. We encourage you to visit the page and take time to share your personal stories, reconnect with us at Harbor, network with your fellow alumni, and become an active member of the vibrant Harbor alumni community. You may also keep abreast of happenings at Harbor by following the school’s official Facebook page, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and LinkedIn feeds.
Yet another way you may stay connected to Harbor is through our official school communications, such as The Weekly Update, our This Week in Pictures slideshow, and our semi-annual Harbor Highlights magazines. If you haven’t done so recently, please take a moment to update your contact information with our Alumni Questionnaire so we can be sure that you are receiving these communications.
Finally, if you happen to be in the area, why not make plans to stop by Harbor for a visit? We always welcome our alumni with open arms, at any time of the year, and our current students enjoy the opportunity to visit with the alumni who walked the halls of Tulip Knoll before them.
2025 Benefit Planning Committee
Carrie Cotton
Jillian Gray
Linda Gribbin
Cynthia Lippe
Christine Parker Morales
Jennifer Tona
Auction and Raffle
Basket Coordinators
Brooke Bergen
Jennifer Chai
Michele Filosa
Jillian Gray
Robin Herrnstein
Ariya Lapan
Christine Mellert
Nancy Puchner
Ned Puchner
Sisa Suriel
Jennifer Tona
AV Coordinator
Artie Weissbach
Event Day Logistics & Event Execution
Caitlin Packard
Jennifer Taggart
Artie Weissbach
Event Design & Decor
Erin Aji
Brooke Bergen
Nikki Ciotta
Magarita Christoforou
Susan Duffy
Cheryl Masie
Christine Mellert
Kerry Phelan
Master of Ceremonies
Andy Sperling
Auctioneer
John Terrio
Event Journal Graphic Design
Angela Kissell
Event Communications
Film Production
John Ciotta
Evan Field
Caitlin Packard
Andy Sperling
Invitation Design
Jennifer Taggart
Partnership Coordinators
Matthew Colson
Andrea Dagnelli Cristobal ‘86
Jillian Gray
Linda Gribbin
Cynthia Lippe
Margaret Pai
Ned Puchner
Photo Coordinator
Caitlin Packard
Special Thanks
Christine McBrien
Andy Sperling
Student Art Auction
Carolyn O’Dwyer
Click on the images to hear
What Our Alumni Say about Harbor Country Day School
2025 Spring Benefit Honoree 2025 Fund-a-Grant
Oliver Hill ‘11
Forbes 30 Under 30 Class of 2024
It is with great pleasure and pride that Harbor Country Day School introduces our distinguished honoree for the 2025 Spring Benefit, Oliver Hill ‘11, an alumnus whose legacy continues to inspire and uplift our school community. A true embodiment of excellence both academically and athletically, Oliver has achieved remarkable success since leaving the halls of Tulip Knoll.
Oliver attended Georgetown University, where he studied computer science. During his time there he walked onto their Division I football team and won the role of starting placekicker. He graduated in 2019 with 100% field goal accuracy and a Bachelor of Science in computer science.
Oliver then spent two years at Amazon working on the implementation of a new machine learning model to enhance Alexa’s spatial perception and improve multi-device experience before catching the entrepreneurial bug.
Oliver’s realization that he was spending entirely too much time on his phone was the impetus for his venture, Clearspace Technologies, which he co-founded with partner Royce Branning. The Clearspace app helps users control their screen time by providing them with tools to fight phone addiction and by making their phones less addictive. So innovative and impressive was the concept, Oliver was recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30, an annual list published by Forbes magazine that highlights 30 individuals under the age of 30 who have made significant accomplishments in various fields, such as business, technology, entertainment, healthcare, and education.
Oliver credits Harbor, not just with providing him with a strong academic foundation, but for teaching him to be unafraid of failure - a trait that has proven to be invaluable as an entrepreneur. Oliver’s journey—from his time as a student to becoming the accomplished individual we honor tonight—embodies the very essence of Harbor’s mission to inspire confident learners and leaders.
STEAM Center Furniture and Equipment ($100K)
As we continue to inspire the next generation of innovators, thinkers, and creators, we are excited to be in the process of building a new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) Center that will foster creativity, collaboration, and hands-on learning. Help Harbor equip this dynamic, cutting-edge learning environment by making a contribution to this Fund-a-Grant. Our ultimate goal is to create a space where collaboration can coexist with problem-solving that is reliant on empathy. Specific items such as movable, modular group tables, organizational systems for robotics materials, 3D printers, and custom storage solutions will benefit and inspire Harbor students. We also envision technology elements such as monitors at each group learning station that are connected to teacher presentation tools!
Faculty Discretionary Fund for Classroom Enrichment Fund-a-Grant ($30K)
Help us unlock new opportunities for learning and growth for our students! From educational tools and technology to materials for special projects, who would know better than Harbor’s esteemed faculty what is most needed - and most beneficialto purchase for their respective classes and classrooms? Your contribution to the Faculty Discretionary Fund-a-Grant will put resources directly in the hands of those who most impact Harbor’s students - our teachers!
Faculty Professional Development Funda-Grant ($30K)
Investing in faculty and staff professional development is crucial to maintaining a high-quality educational experience. By supporting ongoing training, workshops, and conferences, Harbor seeks to ensure that our educators remain at the forefront of best practices, new research, and emerging teaching technologies. Your contribution will help empower our faculty and staff to continue growing professionally, ultimately strengthening the entire academic community and fostering the culture of lifelong learning that is embodied in our mission.
Renderings of Harbor’s Future Spaces Renderings of Harbor’s Future
Spaces
Dear Harbor Community,
Some time has now passed since I last shared a detailed update on our building expansion project. Since then, we have made significant strides toward our goal of breaking ground on an inspired new addition. I am eager to shed light on this progress!
As you may recall, based on village feedback, logistical constraints, and increased costs of materials, we needed to pivot as a means to reimagine the original project. It was our ultimate goal to honor that design as well as the academic spaces that were first created while also maintaining our commitment to feasibility. After many hours and iterations, we have reimagined this project with our mission in mind.
First, and perhaps most importantly, the location of the expansion needed to be simplified. Given the current size and condition of our current upper school and library wing, we determined that the demolition and subsequent replacement of those spaces were key to the success of obtaining permits and forging ahead. We have been able to accelerate the process significantly by working with our architect to create plans for a new, larger wing that houses all of the elements Harbor needs to grow and flourish for years to come.
The result was a design that pays homage to the architecture of our beloved Tulip Knoll as a traditional brick estate home. As you can see from the updated renderings below, the attention to detail is going to be spectacular! The multi-level structure will consist of five upper school classrooms, an art studio, a science lab, a STEAM center, and a stunning new library with vaulted ceilings overlooking the play fields. Using the grade of the property, we have also been able to maintain plans for a two-story gathering space that will be used for community events, including all-school meetings, concerts, and future musicals! Finally, our plans will add additional bonus space for a large music room and provide for an expansion of our outdoor patio space.
Our hope is that we will continue on this accelerated path in the months ahead. The village board has been immensely supportive and has given us an abundance of positive feedback throughout the process. It is entirely possible that shovels could hit the ground this fall, and we will certainly keep you informed every step of the way with updates as well as an official start date.
Your generosity has been remarkable. As a community, we are blessed to have experienced such a successful capital campaign. We finally feel poised and positioned to amplify our mission in the most meaningful way possible. And we couldn’t have done it without your support.
With ongoing gratitude,
Rear elevation as seen from the playground. View of the convocation hall.
Andy Sperling Head of School
The Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook Children’s will provide a home away from home for families with critically ill or injured children who require a hospital stay.
n Located at Stony Brook Children’s, the only level-1 pediatric trauma center in Suffolk County
n 90% of major children’s hospitals worldwide are supported by RMHC programs
n 390 Ronald McDonald Houses worldwide
n All support services and programs are offered at no cost to families
www.rmhcnym.org/suffolk-county/
Potential is everywhere. Opportunity is not.
Bridge to Enter Advanced Mathematics (BEAM) works to close the opportunity gap by creating pathways for students from low-income and historically marginalized communities to become scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and computer scientists.
BEAM aims to change the dramatic underrepresentation of these students at the highest level of achievement, to instill a genuine love for mathematics, and to open up opportunities for fulfilling, well-paid STEM careers.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
ALL-WAYS AT YOUR SERVICE FOR MODERNIZATION & INSTALLATION OF VERTICAL TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT
Available 24 ar. Committed to providing an unmatched customer experience. Contact info@aweinc.com
New Visiting Scholars Program
Bring Farmingdale State College faculty into K-12 classrooms for handson, engaging learning experiences. Covering STEM, arts, and health sciences, the program offers interactive presentations tailored to different grade levels. Free of charge, it helps students explore academic fields, build confidence, and discover career pathways.
To learn more visit farmingdale.edu/visiting-scholars
REIMAGINE WHAT’S POSSIBLE
Level Up Kitchen
Private Chef Dinners & Catering
Breakfast & Lunch
Coffee, Tea & Pastries
Grab & Go Dinners
Local Ingredients
Gluten-free & Vegan Options
Pentimento Pop-up on Monday Nights
-- Flowerfield Industrial Complex-building 7, suite 43 Saint James NY
Thank you for supporting local business!
917-881-2206
2025 Friends & Supporters
Dana Amir (HCDS)
Birdies Indoor Golf and Cocktail Bar (Patchogue)
Camelot Specialty Limos (Long Island)
Lisa Colao (HCDS)
David M. Horowitz, MD - Concierge Medicine (Smithtown)
