Harvey Magazine - Commencement 2016

HARVEY MAGAZINE | COMMENCEMENT 2016

c e l e b r a t i n g

Class of

2016

Class of 2016

A Momentous Centennial Commencement

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arvey’s 2016 Centennial Commencement truly celebrated the school’s 100-year spirited tradition of honoring and emboldening students to embrace their future. The graduating class of 2016 showed excitement tinged with both hope and deeply felt emotions. It was a bright, breezy day when the soonto-be graduates were led inside the newly named Barry W. Fenstermacher Athletic Center. Leading 68 seniors was Pipe Major Jonathan Henken playing his bagpipe rendition of “Earl of Mansfield” as families and friends offered up cheers and applause, many raising their cell phones in the air for that once-in-a-lifetime photo op.

The invocation by Rabbi David Greenberg of Temple Shaaray Tefila in Bedford Corners bade the young graduates to carry within them their own unique light “to spread acts of kindness.” Chair of the Board Trustees Eileen Walker welcomed the audience and honored Barry Fenstermacher for his 30 years of many great accomplishments, prompting a rousing standing ovation for the Headmaster.

When Mrs. Walker told the audience about the

ByAbby Luby

naming of the athletic center in honor of Mr. Fenstermacher’s vision that brought to reality the 20,000 square-foot, state-ofthe-art facility, her words prompted a second standing ovation.

As the Headmaster stepped to the podium to speak, he told

Jasmine Brouwer and parents

the audience, “Welcome to my house.” His address focused on the non-academic activities of Harvey seniors, especially their community outreach. “You will always be remembered as our Centennial Class,” he said. “But, more important, are the hundreds of times you have made connections to make something better.” He praised the graduates, noting that there were times when they “may have helped an underclassman, brightened a child’s life at Blythedale Hospital, tutored immigrants, raised money for numerous charities, and even given blood.” He closed by saying “Keep your Harvey connections close—your teachers, coaches, friends, the servers in the dining room—we will miss you. Come back often and remember: Don’t cry because this Harvey experience is over; smile because it happened.”

The seniors glowed as they received their diplomas and the enthusiastic audience offered joyous salutations and kudos.

Valedictorian Jasmine Brouwer spoke eloquently and directly to her classmates, with heart-felt words that shared her own humble feelings of uncertainty for the future. For Jasmine, leaving Harvey means letting go of “the comfortable conviviality found in the commons” and, more lightheartedly, she added she would miss “the reliable shine of Mrs. Mahony’s smile, along with the reliable shine of Mr. Lazzaro’s head.” She ended by saying,

“

I do really love this place and I will miss it.”

ISP graduates

Eliot Choe and family

Harvey assistant headmaster Rev. Richard R. Wyland of Trinity Episcopal Church of Milton, Connecticut, closed with the benediction and was followed by 2015–16 Student Council President Aila Prieto handing the Spirit Cup to Oliver Little, her 2016-2017 successor. Outside the graduates passed through a colonnade of Harvey faculty lauding students with jubilant “Congratulations!” Bouquets from parents and friends found their way to the graduates. Aila, a student at Harvey since sixth grade, shared one of her favorite memories of her senior

Spirit Cup PASSING OF THE

The traditional handing over of the Spirit Cup from Student Council President Aila Prieto to her successor Oliver Little, class of 2017.

The Harvey School 1

Michael DePass and family at commencement

year. She said, “This last year has been the most memorable, especially our rap battle with Headmaster Fenstermacher. It was so much fun and one of our finest moments.” Lily Alexander, who won prizes for excellence in vocal music and the Scholar-Artist Award, said, “I’m sad to leave but very excited to be going to the Cooper School of Graphic Design. My dream is to be working in the cartoon industry.” Beaming with pride, Lily’s father, Vincent Alexander, the performing arts chair at Harvey said,

“

Rohan Cassells

Elena Sirota said she was overwhelmed with joy and pride for the awards won by her daughter Emily. She said, “Harvey has been nothing but supportive.” Tyler Levy, who, along with Caroline Zide, won the Headmaster’s Prize for students putting the most effort in any aspect of their life at school, said he was surprised and very happy that Headmaster Fenstermacher gave him the award. Eliot Seungwu Choe, a student from South Korea in Harvey’s International Student Program (ISP), won

the Lindsley Loring Loyalty Award for his respect and allegiance to the school, along with prizes for technology and excellence in instrumental music. His mother, Hye Jun Park, said, “He has shined at Harvey and he took advantage of every opportunity offered him. We we are really proud of him.”

Sharon Pitter, whose daughter Ariel Chiverton came to Harvey as a ninth-grader, said, “I’ve seen her grow and blossom over the years.” Graduate Jaeden McKenzie admitted that her senior year was hectic. “But after we found out where we were going to college, it was smooth sailing to the end. I’m happy, excited and sad at the same time.” Jaeden’s parents, Winston and Julaine McKenzie, remarked how their daughter had become more confident. “The first year was up and down, but she stuck with it and playing rugby and basketball was a real plus. We know she is going to miss Harvey.” Ben He, an ISP student from China who won both the Japanese and Mathematics prizes for

We’ve seen how her creativity has been encouraged under the incredible tutelage of the teachers here. It’s a testimony to what they do here at Harvey.”

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excellence, had mixed feelings about graduating. “Although I’m excited, I’m a little upset to be leaving,” he said.

Michael DePass, who won the Boys Athletic Prize for outstanding male athlete, was joined by some 14 family members who came to see him graduate. Michael’s mother, Peta-Rose Blake, said, “My thanks go to Harvey, which prepared him to go on and do better things.” Rohan Cassells, who has been at Harvey since the sixth grade, pledged to keep in touch with his graduating class. “I will be keeping an alumni agenda and do regular eblasts so everyone in this graduating class will be up to date and we won’t lose contact with each other.”

Relieved and happy about graduating, Jovell Forsythe said,

Student leaders

“

I’ve been waiting a long time for this day to see everyone come together and celebrate our success. At Harvey our friendships last.”

Lauren Suna, awarded for instrumental music and the United Nations Award, has been at Harvey since sixth grade. “Leaving after being here for all these years is bittersweet,” she said.

As students hugged one another and posed for pictures with their families on the lawn on the quad, they savored their last precious moments on the Harvey campus. Sitting outside the Walker Center for the Arts was Zaire Elleby’s grandmother Margaret Russell. “Zaire is ready to go on, and we, as his family, are happy to let him go and experience a full life,” she said.

With the Centennial Celebration, The Harvey School marks 100 years of valuing each individual student and the school’s success in bringing out the best in all of them. This Centennial Commencement was a pivotal turning point as pointed out by Headmaster Fenstermacher when he said, “This year confirmed my belief that the past should inform the present, but not have veto power over our future. I think we got it correct with the tremendous help from you, our graduates.”

Albert family; father, John, mother, Ann, sister, Sadie, sophomore, and Charlie and Harry

The Harvey School 3

Valedictorian Address

T

By Jasmine Brouwer

hank you to everyone for coming here today in celebration of all of the seniors.

To the headmaster, administration, faculty, board and loving parents: you have all played significant roles in shaping our futures.

As I look at the faces of my classmates today, I see excitement, eagerness, and a little bit of boredom. But personally, I am standing here terrified, a bit due to my fear of public speaking, no doubt, but mostly because today marks the end of everything that I know. This school has been my home, my comfort zone, full of friendly familiar faces that have comforted me during the past five most strenuous years of my life. And now, the reassuringly pink walls of the girls bathroom, the comfortable conviviality found in the Commons, the reliable shine of Mrs. Mahony’s smile, along with the reliable shine of Mr. Lazzaro’s head, are all training wheels I now need to remove from my bike.

Harvey is finally pushing us out of the nest into the real world, into the rest of our lives, and into oblivion.

New York Times columnist David Brooks, during his commencement speech in 2007 at Wake Forest University, asked: “You know that uncertainty you feel today? It never goes away. The question is: do you know how to make uncertainty your friend?”

Well, David Brooks, my answer is no. I have no idea how to do that.

And maybe some of my classmates here do, but it’s OK if most of us don’t. Because even if we don’t know how to go about befriending this uncertainty, knowing that we have to deal with it anyway is all that I think can be expected from us. So the only advice I can give is: don’t sit around waiting for that uncertainty to go away. It won’t.

Embrace it.

I mean, think about how our Senior Bridge seminar went this year. Stepping into the class, we had no idea what was happening.

But as the year progressed, we still had no idea what was happening.

And that’s how life is. We can’t be afraid of the unknown. Learning how to live fearlessly, unafraid of making mistakes, unafraid of diving into new and different experiences, is what we must do as we move on to this next chapter in our lives.

Prolific author J.K. Rowling once said, “It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all in which case, you fail by default.”

You don’t have to take advice from me, but J.K. Rowling turned out to be a billionaire, so …

In the next few years we will have to put ourselves in many unfamiliar environments, and that will never feel comfortable.

But comfort is something we need to learn how to leave at home, tucked safely away in what we will now forever refer to as our childhood bedrooms. Because living a life of comfort is living with your parents for another 30 years, and I don’t think any of us want that. In our lives there will never be any steadfast normal. Knowing how to overcome this fear of the unknown is something we need to do in order to be successful. So now we must go, take risks, make mistakes and fail, fail miserably.

“

Because failure is expected, but how we cope with our failure will be our path to success.”

Saying goodbye to you guys is really one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. I’m so grateful for our small school, for the environment Harvey has set for us was one of kinship. Over these past four years we have taken advantage of this close community and have shown the school that we are the grade with the best camaraderie that they have ever seen. So, my dear friends, thank you for a kind four years, and I can’t wait until the next time we are all together again.

Thank you.

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Commencement alUmni celebrating at

The Alexanders; Cris, mother, Lily, Sam, sixth-grader, Vinny, father, and Nate ‘13

Heather, Thomas, Brittany ’14 and parents, Deborah and Thomas Smith

Todd and Vivien Levy, David Bender, Carol Blum, Charlotte Levy, sophomore, Mort Blum, Tyler Levy, Jonathan Bender, Malik Garvin ’11

Michael DeNigris ’12

Olivia Lindsay ’15 with nurse Jeanne Puchir

Kimiki Mereigh ’13 with Nurse Puchir

Kerryn, Rane ’13, Aila, and parents, Alberta and Robert Prieto

The Slater family; parents, Mitch and Pam with Julia, Adam ’11 and Lana ’09

The Harvey School 5

Commencement Address

By Barry W. Fenstermacher

R

abbi Greenberg, Mrs. Walker, Mr. Wyland, faculty, parents, relatives alumni and friends and the Class of 2016.

I am thankful for your invitation to be your speaker at our Centennial Commencement and I am honored by your request as well. Let me start by declaring our Centennial year a huge success. Our activities were full of imagination as we looked back at our history and forward to our future. This year confirmed my belief that the past should inform the present, but not have veto power over our future. I think we got it correct with the tremendous help from you, our graduates.

Most of us have a hard time remembering our own graduation speakers. My high school speaker was Dr. Richard McNichols—our school district superintendent—he spoke every year! I can honestly say I can’t remember a single thing he said –and that was true five minutes after he stopped! I’ll try and do a bit better today.

The Harvard Graduate School of Education published a fascinating report earlier this year. Its title?—“Turning the Tide: Inspiring Concern for Others and the Common Good through College Admissions.” Essentially, the report said that students who prepared for college and followed in college a path of service would be the new successful generation. Our country’s historical pre-occupation with individual achievement is unhealthy. This

2016

tradition often leads to higher rates of cheating, anxiety, depression and substance abuse. The report’s conclusion is a bit earth-shattering: The best preparation for success in life lies in serving others. We have had for years the view of college work as a solitary, labor-intensive academic pilgrimage with a little community service thrown in to “round things out.” That model no longer reflects life in our interrelated, multicultural and flat world.

We know now that successful students see life as being more interpersonal, more service-oriented and certainly more diverse than ever before. A wide field of national and international experts has concluded that character matters more than intellect, that ethical engagement matters at least as much as academic attainment and that kindness matters more than ego when it comes to understanding the deepest definitions of success.

Let’s turn our attention to the advice part of a graduation talk.

Most talks at graduations tell graduates to change the world. I wince when I hear that. That’s a tall order for you. I do think you can change yourself and influence people around you and that is not only doable but very important. I would like to use three final exam stories to illustrate.

CollegeMatriculation

Boston University (2) Bryant University College of Charleston Colorado State University Concordia College Connecticut College Davidson College Elon University (3) Emory University Endicott College (3) Fairfield University Fordham University (2) Hampton University Indiana University Bloomington Iona College Ithaca College (5)

Lehigh University Loyola University Maryland Manhattan College Marist College Maryland Institute College of Art New York University Northwestern University Pace University Providence College Quinnipiac University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rutgers University Sacred Heart University Saint Anselm College

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St. Bonaventure University (3) St. Lawrence University SUNY College at New Paltz SUNY Polytechnic Institute Syracuse University Temple University The Kubert School The University of Arizona The University of Scranton The University of Texas, Austin Trinity College Tulane University Union College (3)

University of California, Berkeley University of Colorado at Denver University of Delaware University of Maine University of North Carolina at Wilmington University of Puget Sound University of Rochester University of Wisconsin, Madison Whitman College Williams College Xavier University

Story 1.

When I was a senior in college I took an intellectual history course pass/fail with a popular, but hard professor. People told me I needed to take a course with this professor. It was a stimulating class. He told us to read everything he listed in an outline. Our essay final would depend on that reading. Being a senior, well, I read most but not all. The exam arrived and he wrote “Tabula Rasa” on the board and walked out. I had no idea that Tabula Rasa meant “blank page” in Latin. Nor that it was discussed by intellects like John Locke. Moral—do what you are asked to do.

Story 2.

Four young men at Harvard went skiing during winter exams some years ago. Having a great time, they conspired to skip a math final and ski an extra day. They knew the professor was a soft touch and by taking the exam after the regular date, they might learn some of the questions in advance. They concocted a tale of a serious flat tire that ruined the rim of their car as well and by the time they got a new tire, and wheel, etc., they missed the final. Their professor was very understanding and arranged for the four to take their exams the next day. He put each in separate rooms and gave them each only one question printed on the sheet of paper. “Which tire was it?” Moral—lying is really bad!

Story 3.

A group of young, up-and-coming corporate executives were in a graduate school course on how to successfully manage employees. After the four month class the professor gave them their final. It, too, was only one question that he wrote on the board. “What is the name of the woman who cleans our classroom every day when we leave?” The young executives complained and only two out of 20 knew the old woman’s

name. Most felt the question was unfair and “stupid.” The professor explained: “To truly manage folks you are responsible for creating an environment of mutual respect for all workers. That process starts by knowing everyone’s name. Chief executives who don’t understand this principle will never truly be successful.”

Moral: Making connections is vital.

You will always be remembered as our Centennial Class, but, more important, are the hundreds of times you have made connections to make something better. You may have helped an underclassman, brightened a child’s life at Blythedale Hospital, tutored immigrants, raised money for numerous charities, and even given blood! Keep your Harvey connections close—your teachers, coaches, friends, the servers in the dining room—we will miss you. Come back often and remember: Don’t cry because this Harvey experience is over; smile because it happened.

Congratulations to Nurse Jeanne Puchir on her Retirement. tHanK YOU FOr tHe lOVe and At a surprise luncheon held for her by the faculty and staff after graduation. Jeanne Puchir was joined by her husband Robert, their son Bret, class of 2000, with his wife Danielle and son Parker, and daughter Kristen, a former Harvey teacher.

care YOU gaVe tO all.

The Harvey School 7

Commencement Dinner

Alumni Association President Dan Chapman ‘73 with Class of 2016 agents Hannah Herrera (left) and Emily Sirota, Rohan Cassells and Tyler Levy.

Student Speech

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By Peter Pappalardo

inth grade, a 4”6’ spherical freshman rolls through the front door of Harvey and trips down the stairs falling into Moze’s room.

(Mimicking Mr. Morse, the history teacher and coach affectionately known by his students as “Moze”) “The Ottoman Empire … Who are you?

Get out, nimrod … ” He lands in his classroom 20 minutes late and sits down awkwardly at the nearest table.

(Mimicking retired English teacher Mrs. Hooton) “Hello.

Who are you?”

“My name is Peter.”

“I am Hooton. I think you’re in the wrong class. You are down there somewhere. Go. So, Macbeth … yadayadayada.”

He walks down the hall and hears a quick “POPPY!” screeched from the walls and quickly sees a shadow of Mr. Griffin crawling back into his classroom. He bumps into a big man with a woman’s lacrosse stick in his left hand, and he says “Hey, watch where ya going! Have some water. You should probably hydrate” and he hands him a gallon of water.

“Thanks.”

The day ended and the boy had accomplished a few insignificant things; he had his hat taken away four times, was 8 Harvey Magazine Commencement 2016

asked if he was playing rugby 15 times, asked over 100 questions in one class, and finally attempted to say “Hi” to a girl.

Now, as you may have figured out, this boy was me. Immediately from the first month of school people started to classify me as the “class clown” and the “goof ball,” but I put myself at an even higher pedestal. I would have called myself “the comic relief.”

You see, life began to be too serious for me. Everything felt so much more “real.” Everything now mattered: my grades, my behavior, the way I dressed, the way I spoke, the way I ate my food, the way I sneezed, the way I texted, the way I emailed, the way I sat at my desk, the way I stood up, and the way I phrased questions. Entering high school, I instantly realized that the way I dressed, acted, smelled, and looked like was consistently being evaluated by my peers and teachers. You see, my solution to this was satire and comedy. In my mind, society and high school social pressure was so ridiculously structured that I did not want to take part in any of it. So I joked. I needed everyone to know

that my personality was not going to be affected by the social high school pressures.

But then, sophomore year. I did exactly what my freshman self told me NOT to do. I started to care about what other people thought of me in every aspect. When people made fun of me for rolling out of bed or having no style or being unathletic, I am not going to lie, I would take offense to it. School started to create and shape me into an individual that I did not like nor identify with. When I did not understand something, I felt trapped as if nobody were there to help me. I started to feel like my ridiculous attitude and goofy demeanor made people feel like I wasn’t intelligent. This all made me resent myself. By the end of the year I felt I needed to prove to others that I was never dumb, and I always had style, and could shape up if I wanted to.

So I did. Junior year was a success and I would consider senior year one as well. But do not look at me as an example. I got good grades and worked hard for all the wrong reasons for this past year and a half. I got good grades because I wanted to prove everyone else wrong. I wanted to show everyone around me that I was smart, and cool, and that they were all wrong about me freshman and sophomore year. While this objective was a success, it made me feel empty when I accomplished it. You want to know why? Because I was doing it all for you. My teachers, my peers, my friends, my family. I never did it for myself. Yet, I give Harvey a lot of credit. With some exceptions, they almost always let me be myself in the classroom and that really helped me learn, because I felt comfortable. I could raise my hand and ask, “Hey, Coach Hill?

Will there be stoves on the lacrosse trip?” and feel comfortable not

to get in trouble. But it was not until halfway through this year when I was accepted into all of my colleges and all of my school pressure was done that I realized I loved to learn. I do. Which brings me to my biggest point.

You’re all awesome people. I really hope you guys didn’t get caught up in this social high school mess, but odds are you did, and that’s OK. Learn from these mistakes. I was learning for other people’s acceptance and acknowledgement when really I should have been learning for me. The fact of the matter is this is YOUR future. Not your parents’, not your teachers’, not your friends’ or your role models’. This is YOUR future and you need to make it the way YOU want it. Because people can lose themselves when they are constantly being evaluated and judged and analyzed by peers, elders and teachers around them. I sure did. You are YOU! If there is one thing I learned from high school, it’s that this whole process of learning; preschool elementary school, middle school, high school, college, grad school, is for you. So please, do not let other people’s opinions change who you are as an individual. Don’t get me wrong. Listen to other opposing opinions and views with open ears. Just make sure it doesn’t change you into someone you don’t like. This time in our lives is so nuts, I mean, we literally have our future in our hands and we are young and crazy enough to go chase our dreams. In the same way I have kind of found out who I am over these past four years, I encourage you to grasp your opportunity-filled future and understand that it can help you find out who you are as an individual. Stay true to yourself, and grab your future by the throat, because there is not a better time than now. Thank you.

Harvey

Survivors

At the Commencement Dinner, Middle School Head Brendan Byrne recognized the “survivors,” those students who entered Harvey as sixth graders and graduated as a member of the Class of 2016: Aila Prieto, Julia Slater, Rohan Cassells, Lauren Suna, Adam Penino, Lily Alexander, and Emily Sirota

The Harvey School 9

Parent Speech

M

By Vinny Alexander

r. Fenstermacher, Mr. Lazzaro, colleagues, parents and, of course, the graduating class of 2016, thank you so much for this opportunity to speak with you tonight.

When Mr. Lazzaro asked me to speak he said, “I have just one request. Please wear a suit.” For those of you who know me that was almost a deal breaker. But here I am in my suit and I grateful for this chance to share with you.

Most of you know me as a teacher but that is not my role tonight. My esteemed colleague, Mr. Hill, is here to address you as a teacher and to share his wisdom and experience from the point of view of mentor, advisor, sage and coach. I am looking forward to hearing him speak. My role tonight is to address you as a parent. To share the wisdom and insight of a father.

When I think of sound fatherly advice, my mind goes directly to Atticus Finch from Harper Lee’s novel “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

I always admired Atticus, and when I was a younger man, I envisioned myself with his demeanor and cool calm, always saying what is appropriate and saying it at the right time.

In the novel, Atticus explains to his son Jem, “Courage is not a man with a gun in his hand. It’s knowing you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do.”

In the context of the novel, Jem didn’t think much of his father until he saw him shoot a gun. Worried that his son would learn the wrong life lesson, Atticus sets him up in a situation where he had to learn and understand true courage. This is an example of how fatherly wisdom and sound advice should work.

At another point in the story, Atticus is teaching Scout about prejudice and says, “ … if you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you’ll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view [ … ] until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”

These are incredible quotes. They are intelligent, insightful and they resound with truth. The kind of wisdom that a father should have. The strong-grounded advice that displays a deep understanding of the world.

My parental advice is nothing like this.

My advice is a bit more mundane, lackluster and common. I would say things like this to my children: “What do I know? I have no idea. Go ask your mother.”

“Hey, The TV is on. You don’t talk when the TV is on.”

And, of course, the most potent, “When you go out today with your friends, don’t be stupid.”

Can you imagine, I was worried about wearing a suit when I should have been worried about what I was going to say. I aspire 10 Harvey Magazine Commencement 2016

to the wisdom of Atticus Finch and settled for the stupidity of moron father, Peter Griffin.

But have no fear; I took philosophy in college so I should be able to muster up some wisdom and advice for you to apply to your future.

When I was a young man and I was exploring my spirituality, I came across a fun little book called the “Tao of Pooh.” In this book, author Benjamin Hoff explains the tenants of Taoism by using the characters of “Winnie the Pooh.” Hoff writes, “While Eeyore frets and Piglet hesitates and Rabbit calculates and Owl pontificates, Pooh just is.” Winnie the Pooh exists in the moment and follows his instincts. He remains pleasant and he just lets life happen.

Unfortunately, this bit of advice has to be filed under the “Do as I Say and Not as I Do” category.

No, I am not a Taoist. I wish I had that calm wisdom associated with the philosophy. I just don’t. I worry, I panic and I am often frantic. I work every day just to enjoy the moment. But you can have the chance to live honestly if you approach your future without worry, without manipulation, without hesitation and without boasting. You can live happy. Success and happiness will come if you follow your intuition and your instincts.

In an interview, director Steven Spielberg said, “When you have a dream, it doesn’t often come at you screaming in your face, ‘This is who you are, this is what you must be for the rest of your life.’ Sometimes a dream almost whispers. And I’ve always said to my kids, the hardest thing to listen to—your instincts, your human personal intuition—always whispers; it never shouts. Very hard to hear.” Your mind, body and heart know what to do. You just have to listen. You have to rely on your instincts.

The other day, I was on the train with my oldest son, Nate.

He had fallen asleep and his head was teetering back and forth and sometimes the momentum caused his body to fall. But without waking up, his body righted itself and he was again sitting up straight. His body knew what to do without him.

Your spirit has the same ability. Don’t get in the way. You just have to exist and listen for that whisper.

I am very proud of my daughter Lily who is graduating with you this week. Graduates, I know that your families are proud of you. We all want the same thing for you. We want you to be happy and to have much success. Follow your dreams and listen to the whisper.

Faculty Speech

By Jason Hill

T

hank you. First and foremost, thank you to Headmaster Fenstermacher, for your 30 years of service to the school and for the last 15 I’ve had the pleasure of sharing with you.

We don’t know what Harvey will be without you here every day, but I can only hope it remains the place that I’ve grown to love and be a part of each and every day.

Thank you to my colleagues, who deserve to be up here receiving the same praise and recognition for their time and sacrifice over the years here. Your work with these fine young men and women each day does not go unrecognized and I am humbled to represent all that you do tonight.

Thank you to the parents and families of the graduates of the class of 2016.

“

You have bestowed a tremendous gift upon your sons and daughters and I share your pride tonight.”

this process difficult to follow, and please excuse me when I lose my place.

It’s going to happen.

I also am going to do my best to keep this under 18 minutes. In watching numerous commencement addresses this past week, I’ve noticed a few things to be successful. One, make it quick, so I will do my best. No guarantees, of course, but given that this is written down you’ve got a fighting chance.

Two, try to make them laugh. Again, not promising anything.

Three, speak about the things that brought you up to the podium.

I guess, this is where I have been having the hardest time.

In reading the dedication you’ve written about me ... in a beautiful centennial edition of the yearbook, by the way!

Congratulations to Ms. Walant and Ms. Saraniti and all of the students who put the book together.

In rereading Emily Sirota’s words summarizing your reasons to nominate me for this dedication, she used terms like “inspiration,” “motivating,” “enlightening” and “passion.” Those are some pretty big words to live up to in this speech, so I’m going to do my best.

I’ve chosen to focus on, what makes those words real for me in my life and what makes me passionate and inspired to do what I do each day.

Before I begin though, I’d like to spend 30 seconds of our time together, if you don’t mind, in silence. This is something I came across in John Green’s recent commencement speech at Kenyon College that I thought was worthwhile. So bear with

Finally, to the class of 2016, thank you for this tremendous honor. For the last week, I have been reflecting on your dedication to me, and I am truly humbled by the gesture. Congratulations to all of you on all of your achievements here at Harvey. I’m so happy to celebrate with you tonight … and tomorrow.

In coming up with things to say for this speech and inspiring words of wisdom, I have been examining much of what my own 15 years here at Harvey has meant to me … and how my education as a young student led me to this place. I’ve also been watching a lot of commencement speeches and convincing myself what makes a memorable speech.

First … you should know … I hate writing speeches.

That’s not to say I don’t mind giving speeches. I just don’t like writing them out. As a teacher, I find it much more natural, and frankly convenient, to simply speak from the heart and rely on what I know to be important to say in the moment, rather than simply read from a sheet of printed words in a set order. I find The Harvey School 11

me here. I’d like to take these 30 seconds of silence for everyone here, not just graduates but everyone here, to reflect on the people who loved us up into this moment, family and friends, teachers and kind strangers. Take a moment and just think of those people in your life who you are grateful for and who have been there for you.

I’ll keep the time ...

Those people … they are so proud of you right now.

Jay Walker stood in this room a few months ago and gave what I can only describe as a mesmerizing talk about the future, particularly of education. It was actually quite haunting at times. Those who heard him speak can attest to this. He gave a beautiful history of modern education and put into perspective how much has changed in schools in just the last century or

12 Harvey Magazine Commencement 2016

so. And not only that, but how fast education will change in the next century; the evolution of schools in general, where we think education may be headed and the role teachers will have, if any; the buildings, art centers, science classrooms … really … schools in particular, what they will become and what they will mean to our culture.

For me, this is where you become a Person. As we discuss in Bioethics, many believe there is a separation of human and person. Some call it the development of the soul, others, the development of consciousness … what makes us valuable from an ethical perspective, what separates us from any other animal walking the earth.

For many philosophers, there seems to be this transitional moment of who we are as biological species, into who we are as people … conscious beings...connected individuals who bring meaning to each other’s lives. And I am a firm believer in school, particularly high school, as being a place where much of this happens for humans. Home is, of course, that, too, but school is different. School is where you begin your journey into the world of others. It’s where we learn, not just academically, but socially, morally, emotionally. It’s where we develop our sense of humility … our sense of purpose … our sense of values.

Now, of course, faith, religion, family, all play important roles in this as well, but I like to think your schooling is where this happens most abruptly, and truly tests what our families and early childhood has prepared us for. And the good news is that high school is really just the beginning of this journey. College … graduate school … your first job … your fifth job … your marriage. your kids … they are all part of this journey as well.

But what I have found is that your high school experience is the stepping point. Let’s be honest, it’s not middle school. I see what happens there. I coached those guys this year. They’re just bumping into each other more or less at this age. They drove me crazy. Between the “losing things” and lack of awareness of time and space it’s actually sort of scary. But let’s be honest here. You weren’t much better for a time. We all weren’t.

But that is the amazing thing about high school. You learn about space and time. You learn about how to be you, to present yourself to others, learn how to hold a formal conversation about important and compelling topics, learn how to make announcements about photo club, what Hydrogen bonds are.

You learn about the world as it is and how it could be. You do all of these things and grow in the process; mentally, emotionally, physically. And it all happens here. What would life be like without your high school experience at this point? Where would you be?

That was one of the more compelling thoughts I have this year in my own reflections. Where would I be without my own high school experiences? And now … lately … I’ve really reflected on where I would be without my own Harvey experiences.

After Mr. Walker’s speech, I thought long and hard about what the value of this school is … not only for me … but for all of you.

And what I’ve come to realize is this: what makes it valuable are moments like these. Moments of those reflections. Moments of celebration and looking back at where you’ve come from.

You make this place valuable, and your journey’s through these halls and on these grounds is what makes this place so important and so necessary. This is where you have had your first real victories in life … . as well as your first crushing defeats.

This is where you have found friendship and maybe even experienced love for the first time … and where I’m sure you’ve felt that first true heartache. This is where you learn about the history of our species, and what we have done right and where we have begun to go wrong. This is where you start to figure out who you want to be. What Harvey is for you, what this school has been for you, I know … it has been a crucible of change. A catalyst. This is your active site: a place to allow these moments coming together, and at times breaking apart. But always a place of rebuilding and reformation.

Now … where to go from here? As I said, you’re journey has only just begun, but this is where you learn those core values and skills you will need to get you to where you ultimately decide to be.

Now I guess … this is the part of my speech where I give you some advice on where to go from here …

To be honest, I don’t know how much I can help you. Some people see me and say, “What’s he know? He’s just a science teacher. Isn’t he the guy that had four kids and lived in a dorm for 10 years? How old is he anyway? What … did he start teaching here when he was 12?” My advice will be simple but honest, and in many cases it’s helped me navigate my way.

fact, do that, it will suit you well.

You can build robots and create amazing tools to navigate the crazy world we live in every day. Do that.

It will take you to great places.

You can write amazing stories from your heart or converse with strangers from distant lands about the perils of life and society; in fact, do that too, travel and see the world.

But, you can’t get late notes from Mrs. Romanowicz in real life that say “Traffic” or “Overslept,” or my favorite, “Late start.” I take “the train bus” is not something people say in real life. It doesn’t exist in college, and certainly not at your first job. You just take the earlier train to work.

You cannot leave your bag in some random hallway in your office building or outside your building and expect it to be there when you return. In fact, I think in most countries they arrest you for that now.

First …

Harvey is not the real world. Again …

Harvey is not the real world.

Sometimes, I wish it were. Food would be free. You’d never be in a rush to get anywhere, and the hardest thing to do all day would be to walk to the Middle School for science class. But sadly, this is not reality. It’s not. You cannot do all of the things in the “real world” that you have been allowed to do here. Of course, that’s not true in all cases.

I think one thing we do well here is get you comfortable with doing what you do really well.

You can give amazing presentations about your passions in the real world as you did in your Senior Bridge; in The Harvey School 13

Boarders, I’ve said it many times, but it’s true, you cannot leave your dorm room unlocked. Or players, you cannot leave your entire locker and its contents on the bench outside the locked door and expect everything to be there the next day.

The world continues to turn, with or without you … and Harvey, though tolerant to a fault sometimes, has given you more leeway than you know. That will end quickly. So be prepared for it.

Second ...

Set goals for yourself.

Mr. Fenstermacher has given me some solid advice over the years. One... is leave the butter out, do not put it in the fridge.

It will help your marriage. That was good advice actually. Much easier to spread.

Another piece of advice he gave me though, which I always took to heart, was his view on goal- setting, the idea that you should have an idea of where you want to go and figure out how to get there. Sometimes this can be financial. Sometimes this can be educational. But really, this can be anything. It can be personal. It can be “Do you want to travel?” “Do you want to have kids young?” “Do you want to be a surgeon?”

Once you have those ideas in your head, sit down, by yourself or with the people you seek for guidance, and write them out.

I know it sounds silly … writing out goals that you “think” you might want … but in reality ... writing them down, putting them on paper or a list, actually reflecting on those things most important to you, will help focus your energy on what you value most. It will also lead to listing the things you’ll need to get there.

I want to travel. Good … where? For how long? What do want to do when you get there? How do you want to experience that place? Do you want to rough it? Do you want to stay in a nice hotel? It sounds trivial, but write it down. Do the same for your major in college. Write it down. Look at it. See what you want to do. See how to get there … and then go do it.

Three ...

Be present in class and read with a pen.

Going to class. Sounds easy. As Mr. Farshtey said in his speech a few years ago, you’d be surprised how valuable going to class every day can be. And do not just go to class. Be present in class. Get to know your professors and let them know you. This will be challenging sometimes, especially at a bigger school. but don’t be afraid to share yourself with your college. Be present … and read with a pen. My ethics students know this. But it’s something I wish someone told me in high school. Write down your thoughts as you read. Have a conversation with that author. You’ll not only remember it more; you’ll be able to return to those thoughts later and use them for your work.

Four ...

Our culture.

As Morrie Schwartz said while suffering from ALS, our 14 Harvey Magazine Commencement 2016

culture doesn’t allow us to feel good about ourselves often. We’re constantly made to feel that we are inadequate, that we never have enough, that we need to look prettier or skinnier or be smarter or more interesting. He wrote the words before the advent of Facebook or Snapchat or Instagram, but it’s more valid today than it was 20 years ago. Don’t believe it. Make your own culture.

Feel good about who you are and enjoy being that person every day.

Don’t just look at social media and envy those who appear to be doing things better or doing things that are more interesting.

They aren’t. You just need to enjoy your life and everything in it more. Reject the things that make you feel empty, and embrace those around you who love you and support who you are. Many of them are sitting right next to you. Oh … and put your phones down.

Your phone is a great and powerful tool, but you cannot have a relationship with it. Be present with the people around you every day. Talk to them, and, more importantly, listen to them.

Look them in the eyes and listen. Your phone will get you to them faster, but once you’re with them … be with them.

Five ...

Come back, visit, share yourself with us. Be an alumnus of Harvey. That doesn’t really have to mean give money. Though sometimes that’s how people like to show their gratitude for their alma mater.

Really, I think it means that this place is here because you are here. We are here tonight to celebrate you, and that doesn’t end tonight. This school will always be a place for you to return to, to reflect and to give back what you have received. Participate in the Senior Bridge, come back for alumni events, and keep in touch with faculty. Share your experiences and talents with us. It is how the school remains relevant. Not just for you, but for all of us here and those who have yet to see Harvey in their lives.

Finally ...

Be Passionate and be inspired.

This is the hardest piece of advice I can put into words. So many people walk this earth uninspired and dispassionate about their lives.

It is not easy to find what you love to do and maintain that love, that passion in your job or even just in your daily life. When you leave here, explore your passion. Find inspiration in everything you do, even if it’s a job you don’t think you want. Do those jobs. Do them well and experience the challenges wholeheartedly. If you come away with that experience as a negative, at least you know it is not what you want to with your life. But also, it gives you good perspective when it comes to those who do those jobs and take pride in the jobs you don’t want. You will be a better person knowing life from the viewpoint of others and it will make you more compassionate and really just a better person for it. Respect each other and be compassionate to those around you. Not just those you choose, but all those around you.

And when you’re thinking and reflecting on who you want to be when you grow up, who inspires you and your passions, think back to

those people who came to mind during our moment of silence. Those we thought of being responsible for us being here. They’re the ones you should start with.

I’d like to end on a toast. All good celebrations I’ve come to remember end or begin with a toast.

First, to those retiring.

Mr. Fenstermacher, Mr. Del Campo, Jeannie Puchir, our beloved nurse. And I’m sure someone else I’m missing.

Enjoy your time away from Harvey. Enjoy your families and your travels. You will be missed.

Second, to the class of 2016, be proud of yourselves, your accomplishments and your school. Be passionate and inspired in all that you do, and visit often.

Cheers!

Awards & Honors Major Awards for Seniors

The Founders’ Honor Cup The Upper School’s highest award is presented by the Carter family in memory of Dr. and Mrs. Herbert Swift Carter, founders of The Harvey School, and their son, Herbert Swift Carter, Jr. ’19. For contributing the most to the spirit and aims of the School: Emily Sirota

The Lindsley Loring Loyalty Award endowed by Mrs. Loring in memory of her husband: Eliot Choe

The E. Bradley Richardson Scholar Athlete Award named after former Headmaster Richardson: Julia Frisch

The Improvement Award given by Mr. and Mrs. Calvin A. Thompson parents of Alexis ’82 and Thaddeus ’87: Peter Pappalardo The Harvey School 15

Academic Prizes

The Art Prize: Gemma Tebbutt and Judy Ye

The Keenan Wynn’31 Prize: Samantha Danziger and Emily Walsh

History Prize: Mitchell Kabakow

The Dance Prize: Sara Shiffman and Taylor Williams

The European History Prize: Terry Yan

The Citizenship Award (endowed by the Harvey Parent Association): Hannah Herrera

The Japanese Prize and The Mathematics Prize: Ben He

The Spanish Prize: Mary Martinez

The Edward Micola Model United Nations Award (in honor of Edward V. Micola ’92): Allison Silk ’17

The Technology Prize and The Ronald W. Duncan Music Award: (in honor of former piano teacher Ronald W. Duncan): Eliot Choe (instrumental)

The Ronald W. Duncan Music Award (vocal) (in honor of former piano teacher Ronald W. Duncan) and Scholar Artist Award: Lily Alexander

The English Prize, The Science Prize, The John A. Shea Latin Prize (in honor of former Harvey Latin teacher’s 22 years of service): Emily Sirota

16 Harvey Magazine Commencement 2016

senior athletic Achievement Awards

The Boys Athletic Prize: Michael DePass

The Girls Athletic Prize: Jaeden McKenzie

Started in 1990 by then Athletic Director Ron Annis, the awards recognize student-athletes who have contributed to Harvey athletics in multiple sports. Requirements: Student must be a graduating senior and have at least six varsity letters.

Numbers next to names represent the number of varsity letters each senior received while at Harvey.

Tessa Knorr................ 11 Letters Michael DePass........... 10 Letters Lauren Suna............... 10 Letters Jasmine Brouwer ���������� Tyler Levy...................

The John L. Loeb, Jr. ’44 Scholarship Cup given and endowed by Ambassador Loeb, the school’s leading scholar of 1943: Jasmine Brouwer

The Edward Micola Model United Nations Award (in honor of Edward V. Micola ’92) and The Ronald W. Duncan Music Award: (in honor of former piano teacher Ronald W. Duncan): Lauren Suna (instrumental)

Aila Prieto. . .................

Emily Sirota.................

Thomas Smith..............

Julia DeNigris..............

Jaeden McKenzie ��������� Javen Stepp-Davis �������� Jovell Forsythe.............

Ashley Peart................

Theodore Rattner ��������� Charlie Albert..............

Harry Albert................

Ryan Alpert.................

Sarah Chintz................

Ariel Chiverton.............

Zaire Elleby.................

Julia Frisch. . ................

Zachary Goligoski ��������� Ava Gurman................

The Headmaster’s Prize (endowed by the Board of Trustees for the student who, in the view of the Headmaster, has put forth the greatest effort in any aspect of his or her life at school): Tyler Levy and Caroline Zide

Jackson Hammerstein ���� Adam Penino...............

Alec Roslin..................

Rebecca Tuteur. . ...........

Taylor Williams.............

9 Letters 9 Letters 9 Letters 9 Letters 9 Letters 8 Letters 8 Letters 8 Letters 7 Letters 7 Letters 7 Letters 6 Letters 6 Letters 6 Letters 6 Letters 6 Letters 6 Letters 6 Letters 6 Letters 6 Letters 6 Letters 6 Letters 6 Letters 6 Letters 6 Letters

The Harvey School 17

SENIOR

Commencement Dinner Awards

President’s Award for Educational Achievement: Harry Albert (upper left), Samantha Danziger, Zaire Elleby (upper right), Hannah Herrera, Mitchell Kabakow, David Solano (bottom left), Jack Taylor (bottom right).

The New York State Board of Regents Scholarship for Academic Excellence: Julia Frisch, Rebecca Tuteur (left); Jane Wiesenberg (right).

New York State Comptroller’s Achievement Award: Jasmine Brouwer, Emily Sirota, Ben He Girl Scout Senior Award: Julia Frisch Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Zeta Nu Omega Community Service Scholarship Award: Rohan Cassells

Citizenship Award: Tessa Knorr

18 Harvey Magazine Commencement 2016

President’s Award for Educational Excellence: Jasmine Brouwer, Emily Sirota, Ben He, Rebecca Tuteur, Terry Yan, Julia Frisch, Danni Qu, Jane Wiesenberg, Sara Shiffman, Emma Brown, Alec Roslin, Rohan Cassells, Ashley Peart, Lauren Suna, Michael DePass, Jared Finkel, Eliot Choe, Nicholas Reber, Tyler Levy, Julia Slater, Melissa Shaw-Patino, Ava Gurman, Caroline Zide, Aila Prieto, Lily Alexander, Judy Ye, Thomas Smith, Emily Walsh, Jaeden McKenzie, Claudia Smith, Julia DeNigris, Ariel Chiverton

a c a d e m i c

d e p a r t m e n t a l

prizes

English and Language: Jake Lewis

History: Michael Wilson and Eve O’Brien

Science, Math, and Performing Arts: Janice Cai

Performing Arts: Josef Nardi

Fine Arts and Science: Jewel Li

The Harvey School 19

Sophomore Awards

Contest Awards

Wells Speech Award: Sabrina Huang

Preston Poetry Prize: Sydney Best

The Most Improved: Lily Koenig

The Most Outstanding Sophomore Award for scholarship, citizenship, and service: Connor Phillips

Junior Awards The Dean’s Scholarship-Athlete Awards: Kelly McMorrow and Pierce Steinberg

The Faculty Improvement Award: Madeline Blinderman

The Faculty Citizenship Award: Alexandra Barber

Dean’s Scholar Artist Awards: Chloe Savitch and Josef Nardi

Freshman Awards The Dean’s Scholar Athlete Awards: Janice Cai, Theodore Little, William Shaffer

Dean’s Scholar Artist Awards: Joseph Bakas

Dean’s Scholar Artist Awards; Barnard Book Prize: Jewel Li

The David Muntner Technical Theatre Award: Ryan Gross

The John L. Miner Award for the most improved: Ryan Goodliffe and Ethan Frey

The Frank M. Perrine Award for outstanding scholarship, leadership and contributions to the school: Mya Turner

The Dean’s Scholar Athlete Awards: Sophia Scarsella and Alexander Ogg

Dean’s Scholar Artist Award: Elizabeth Mahony and Joshua Pickel

Dekadeis Top ten Upper School scholars for the past three semesters according to weighted grade averages. The Scholarship Cup is awarded to the student with the highest average.

1. Jasmine Brouwer 2. Janice Cai 3. Ben He 4. Danni Qu 5. Will Shaffer 6. Emily Sirota 7. John Wise 8. Terry Yan 9. Jewel Li 10. Eve O’Brien

Pictured above are the top scholars for each grade: Jasmine Brouwer, 12; Janice Cai, 11; Connor Phillips, 10 and Sanatha Kumar, 9.

Presenting the

Cavalier Awards

The Cavalier Award is underwritten by the Parent Association, and is given to the students and faculty who best embody the values code of The Harvey School. This is an individual who demonstrates a passion for learning, respects and treats everyone with dignity and appreciation, has a deep sense of integrity, has a dynamic balance in lifestyle choices, finds joy in learning and life, and strives for excellence.

This year’s winners are 2016 graduates Rohan Cassells, Tessa Knorr (top left); eighth-grader Maxwell Weigel (top right); and faculty recipient John DePalma (bottom).

The Harvey School 21

Class of 2020

Darin Alpert Zoe Anastas Zachary Anson Julian Camargo Aidan Cammisa Victoria Cartularo Harley Cohen

Lucas Cohen Ethan Cuggino-Zensky Kyra Daly Rom Don-Snow Lily Drude Daniel Galgano Benjamin Goodman

Maelani Groff Joshua Hoch Ryan Horowitz Pierson Husted Jack Hutchings Kayla Johnson Rion-Mark McLaren

Pearse O’Brien Jacob Sklar Emma Spada Maxwell Weigel Aidan Weiss Alexandra Wierdsma Lauren Zide

Class of 2020 Honored at Middle School Prize Night

O

ne of Harvey’s most festive traditions started in the school’s early years was awarding prizes to acknowledge students for successfully completing their studies.

One hundred years later the practice remains part of Harvey’s heritage and eighth graders are recognized on Middle School Prize Night, an important rite of passage and celebratory portal to high school. This year, 27 eighth graders were applauded for their academic achievements as they stepped up to become the Upper School Class of 2020.

22 Harvey Magazine Commencement 2016

ByAbby Luby

Festive balloons of maroon and blue dotted Lasdon Theater at Harvey’s Walker Center for the Arts. In the gallery, eagerly awaiting their cue to march down the aisle were girls bedecked in lovely white dresses adorned with corsages and boys in smart blue jackets with white boutonnières. Harvey music teacher Zachary Wright played the famous Processional March to Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance” as the Middle School faculty filed in followed by the students.

As he stepped up to the podium to deliver his opening remarks, Dr. Brendan Byrne, head of the middle school, looked at the

The Drudes; Lily, eighth grader, father, Mike, mother, June, brother, Matt, freshman and sister, Macy, junior

students, smiled, turned to the audience and said, “I must say, these kids clean up pretty well, don’t they?” Dr. Byrne spoke of the students’ many triumphs. “This group made their mark on the athletic field, on the stage and in our community.” He recalled stellar moments of the past year. “We saw moments where middle schoolers were shining in front of the entire school on their own, as Kayla Johnson did during our speech contest, and they collaborated to put on memorable performances—such as our Middle School Showcase and ‘Snow White.’”

When Headmaster Barry Fenstermacher stepped onstage to deliver the Prize Night Address, he politely turned the podium to fully face the eighth graders sitting left of the stage.

The retiring Headmaster began his speech on a bittersweet note saying, “I’m off to my front porch where I will sip Dr Pepper and enjoy my retirement, but I would gladly change places with you and do high school all over again—particularly if I could spend four more years at Harvey.” He spoke about the importance of hobbies, including some rather eccentric ones from his own childhood and ventured to ask students if they had hobbies. One brave young man raised his hand and said, “I grow tomatoes!”

Mr. Fenstermacher encouraged the students to “always be curious and develop passionate interests” to be successful in high school. He pointed out that connecting with people was key but added the caveat, “Don’t disappear behind your iPhones.

Don’t become invisible.” He told the eighth graders they were a “wonderful class.” He added,

“Make sure you thank your parents for providing Harvey to you and thank your teachers and coaches for opening your eyes and for answering your curious questions.”

Middle school faculty each presented some 19 students with special subject and school prizes and some received more than one award. The Middle School Chorus led by Kathy Cushman

Kayla Johnson and her family

The Harvey School 23

Galgano family; sister, Emma, mother, Jerri-Lynn, father, Dan, and Daniel

sang “The Voice Within” featuring sweetly sung student solos.

Before presenting the diplomas Dr. Byrne announced that the last few exams given just that afternoon had quickly been graded and the students’ grade-point average had been calculated. “I think we are in pretty good shape to move on and award our diplomas,” he said. As Mr. Fenstermacher and Dr. Byrne handed out diplomas to each student, there was an enthusiastic round of applause.

The fanfare recessional music signaled that Prize Night had come to a close and students happily strutted out to the gallery to enjoy refreshments and receive best wishes from friends and family. Alexandra (Lexi) Wierdsma, Emma Spada and Lily Drude were all smiles as they held their diplomas and prizes.

“This was very exciting, but I was really surprised to get the Almirall Scholarship Cup,” said Lexi. Thrilled with her prize for drama, Emma said, “I love the theater and feel really natural on the stage. It’s where I belong.” Lily, who excelled in girls soccer for playing offense and scoring several goals, said, “I’ve been playing soccer for three years and this year, although very busy, was a lot of fun.” Admiring their daughter were June and Michael Drude who said Lily had gained much confidence since she came to Harvey. “I can tell because she feels very comfortable talking to grownups,” said June Drude. Michael Drude agreed, adding, “We are so proud of Lily for being recognized for sports.

All around it’s really nice.”

Congratulating Kayla Johnson was her cousin Kevin Edwards, along with her uncle, Keith Johnson, who said, “Kayla really likes to work hard and she’s good at whatever she does.”

He added, “When she first got here [at Harvey] she was shy, but now she really blends in well. ”Jerri-Lynn and Dan Galgano 24 Harvey Magazine Commencement 2016

proudly stood with their son Daniel who was recognized for being accomplished in Latin and literature. “We are grateful to Harvey for the best two years of Daniel’s education career. It brought out the best in him and he truly realized his potential,” said Dan Galgano. Amazed that he won two prizes, Daniel admitted, “I couldn’t believe it when I heard them call my name, but I certainly love Roman history and Latin. I’m excited about next year and I hope to be involved in running the school newspaper.” Also looking forward to being in the upper school next year is Zachary Anson, who said, “When I first came here from my former school it was a hard transition, but playing on the varsity lacrosse team helped me feel more at home. The science award was a real surprise.”

Maxwell Weigel, known campus-wide for wearing green attire on certain days of the week, was holding his diploma and two prizes. Max’s father Mark Weigel had only accolades for the school. “Harvey has done an incredible job in finding resources to meet each kid’s needs, and they did that for Max as well,” he said. “Max has changed and his level of curiosity really blossomed. The diversity here is wonderful.”

Parents Christine and Kyle Groff were elated that their daughter, Maelani was recognized for her success in dance. “She devotes 15 hours a week to dance,” said Christine Groff. “That she mastered academic standing is impressive. She works very hard.” Maelani was being congratulated by her sister Kylene who will be a Harvey junior next year. Maelani humbly admitted, “I had a lot going on this year, but I managed to pull through.”

“

As students said their goodbyes to school pals and cherished teachers they walked outside to the clear night sky illuminated with stars. Middle School Prize Night had once again instilled confidence and a love for learning in these eighth graders, proving that a tried and true tradition is invaluable for all Harvey students.�

Max Weigel with father, Mark and mother Dyllan

The Ansons; Zack with his mother, Jessica, father, Michael, and sister Caroline

The Harvey School 25

Middle School Address

I

By Barry W. Fenstermacher

am grateful for this last opportunity to speak to you at your Prize Night. We are both on our way to a new challenge—you are off to high school and I’m off to my front porch where I will sip Dr Pepper and enjoy my retirement.

I would gladly change places with you and do high school all over again—particularly if I could spend four more years at Harvey. And to those who will leave us after tonight, I wish you every good thing that life has to offer. I hope you will join me in coming back to campus to visit.

Tonight I want to share with you a secret or two that will help you become more successful in high school and beyond.

“

The first part of the secret is that curiosity is a quality that you must understand and use every day.”

26 Harvey Magazine Commencement 2016

There is an old expression that “Curiosity killed the cat.” Bad news for cat lovers and the cat, and not a favorite expression, I’m sure. What the expression doesn’t say is whether the cat benefited at all from being curious. Cats are generally very smart and learn a ton by being curious. So, too, can you. In all of your courses, ask questions. Read books and articles about what makes you curious. The first real step to all knowledge begins with questions created from our curiosity.

Just ask your parents how many questions you asked them when you were 4 or 5 years old. As we get older we are less likely to be curious in public because we are afraid to be embarrassed. Work hard to overcome that fear.

Once you understand how important the role of curiosity is to your own learning it’s time to master the second secret of success: develop passionate interests. Harvey’s educational program is set up to help you find out what you are good at and then help you build on that subject or skill. You should always spend some time on getting better at your weaker skills, but it is the time you put in your strengths that will really matter.

Our extra-curricular program exists mostly for the purpose of finding out what you are really good at. A Harvey education opens to you chances to try new things from our speech and poetry contests, to singing, dancing, acting, debating, model building, robotics, all different kinds of sports and clubs that teach investment strategies and, of course, community service where you learn that perhaps your most important obligation as a citizen and a human being is to help others.

Presenting the

New Art Awards

I would also add a word about the importance of hobbies. All different kinds of hobbies help you discover your interests, and create a passion for on-going learning and simple fun. When I was your age I collected stamps, baseball cards, had hamsters, turtles, dogs—I even shot off model rockets that had capsules I made to launch and recover some of my turtles! Don’t worry, all of my turtle astronauts landed safely.

So, as you start high school, stay as curious as you can—it will help to create interests that will become strengths for you.

As you become better and better at your strengths you will not ever be afraid of your future. You can face any number of

challenges confident that you know through your curiosity how to solve problems. Curiosity plus your personal strengths leads to passionate, life-long study.

You have been a wonderful class. Make sure you thank your parents for providing Harvey to you and thank your teachers and coaches for opening your eyes and for answering your curious questions.

All the best I wish for each of you.

Thank You! Thank you to all the 8th grade families who contributed to the class gift. Your generosity will go toward the purchase of new Chromebooks and to the construction of a new outdoor classroom space. And a big thank you for the leadership of the class co-chairs, (pictured here with Dr. Byrne) Jerri-Lynn Galgano, Mark Weigel and Dyllan McGee!

The Harvey School 27

Middle School Prizes

Aspinwall Athletic Cup was given

by Mr. Lloyd Aspinwall ’25, a member of the Board of Trustees, whose two sons attended Harvey: Ryan Horowitz and Zoe Anastas

Michael Lopes Poetry Contest and the Matthew Preston ’65 Recitation Prize was given to the winner of the Michael A. Lopes Annual Poetry Contest: Sophia Rae Epstein

Wells Speech Award given by Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Wells in 1973: Mia Cornell

Class of 1981 Award for exemplary sportsmanship on the athletic field: Aidan Cammisa and Lily Drude

Jack Hornor Prize endowed by Jack’s father, John W. Hornor, Esq., in honor of his son Jack Hornor ’29: Jacob Sklar

Alvah Innes Memorial English Prize named for Alvah Innes ’32 after he lost his fight with a severe infection: Pierson Husted

Dr. and Mrs. Philip G. Cole Award in honor of their son Philip G. Cole ’34, to the student who has made the greatest all-around improvement: Lucas Cohen

Harvey Art Prize: Samantha Verdeschi

Faculty Music Prize: Rion-Mark McLaren

Faculty History Prize: Julian Camargo

Leverett T. Smith Memorial Award is named after our former Headmaster Leverett T. Smith, given in recognition for initiative and perseverance in the pursuit of some special interest (dance) during the school year: Maelani Groff

28 Harvey Magazine Commencement 2016

Faculty Drama Prize: Maxwell Weigel and Emma Spada

Hickrill Science Prize, endowed in 1953 by Mrs. Robert Halsband and Frank Alan Weil ’44: Zachary Anson

The Alumni Honor Cup for the greatest contributions to the life and work of the School: Ryan Horowitz

Michael Stirling Duncan Memorial Cup in memory of Michael ’50 for the student with the greatest interest and enthusiasm for literature and Baoth Wiborg Memorial Prize in honor of Baoth Wiborg ’34, is presented each year for excellence in Latin: Daniel Galgano

Decemviri

The top 10 Middle School scholars for the past three trimesters, according to weighted grade averages.

The Almirall Scholarship Cup given in 1922 by the late Juan A. Almirall, Esq. for the student having the highest scholastic standing for the year.

1. Alexandra Wierdsma

2. Lucas Cohen

3. Daniel Galgano

4. Lauren Zide

5. Kayla Johnson

6. Maelani Groff

7. Victoria Cartularo

8. Zachary Anson

9. Pierson Husted

10. Benjamin Goodman

29

SPORTS

roundup

SPRING 2016 SEASON

« Most Valuable Player | t Most Improved Player | l Sportsmanship Award | n Coaches Award It was quite a memorable spring sports season as the boys varsity tennis team (13–4) won its fifth consecutive Housatonic Valley Athletic League (HVAL) championship. There were some mid-season doubts that this year’s team would be able to retain the title, but the Cavaliers went on an end-of-season run of winning five straight games, including a 6–3 victory in the championship match against the number-one seed Watkinson School. Perhaps playing on their new home courts at the John G. Davis ’50 Tennis Center inspired the boys, and also the girls (9–5), who made a bit of history of their own in advancing to the HVAL semifinals for the first time in the program’s four-year history.

The girls varsity lacrosse team (7–7) could not extend its hold on the HVAL title from 2015 as the second-seeded Lady Cavaliers lost their semifinal match to number-three seed Watkinson, 9–6. The boys lacrosse team (6–9) struggled for consistency throughout the season but saved their best for last in an upset victory in the quarterfinals before losing to South Kent in the semifinals. The varsity baseball team, playing on a new field this year, improved upon its record from the year before but could not advance beyond the quarterfinals, losing to Forman in a semifinal game that saw the Lions rally late to win. The girls softball team had a breakout year, finishing with a 7–4 final record and looking forward to playing on a new field on the upper campus next year.

The boys and girls rugby teams, though not in the mix for a league championship tournament this year, had their share of highlights as each team welcomed many new players who gained invaluable experience this season.

At season’s end, the following athletes earned recognition from the league and from their respective coaches:

Spring Sports Awards Boys Varsity Tennis (13–4) HVAL All League: Alec Roslin, HVAL All League Honorable Mention: Tyler Levy, Noah Kagan,«Alec Roslin, nZach Goligoski, Tyler Levy, tTerry Yan, lJared Ellis, John G. Davis ’50 Tennis Award: Alec Roslin Girls Varsity Tennis (9–5) HVAL All League: Sara Steinberg, HVAL All League Honorable Mention: Brooke Dodderidge, Nicole Warshaw, «Sara Steinberg, tEmily Sirota, nSage Myers, John G. Davis ’50 Tennis Award: Sara Steinberg

30 Harvey Magazine Commencement 2016

Coed JV Tennis (4–1) tDensley Blake, Olivia Durkin, nNoah Bailey, Outstanding Leadership: Isabel Bandon Boys Varsity Lacrosse (6–9) HVAL All League: Sam Bocklet, Javen Stepp-Davis, HVAL All League Honorable Mention: Max Kesicki, Division 3 All-Star Game Selections: Samuel Bocklet, Maxwell Kesicki, Theodore Little, Connor Phillips, «(Offense) Javen SteppDavis, «(Defense) Teddy Little, nSam Bocklet, tEric Maus, lConnor Phillips, Ironman: Zach Anson

All-Star: Sophia Scarsella, Sadie Albert, «Sadie Albert, tKeegan Glucksman, Unsung Hero: Sophia Scarsella, nKelly McMorrow, Players’ Player Award: Tessa Knorr Varsity Softball (7–4) WNEPSGSBA All-Star: Lara Dimick, tLauren Suna, lLia Barning, Rising Star: Lara Dimick, nSelena Cummings, Golden Glove: Julia Slater, Silver Slugger: Taylor Williams, «Jasmine Brouwer

STUDENT

athletes

FOR THE SPRING TERM

Boys JV Lacrosse «(Defense) Ethan Cohen, «(Offense) Treshawn Felder, tJulian Camargo, nSebastian Wallach Girl Varsity Lacrosse (7–7) HVAL All League: Sadie Albert, Sophia Scarsella, HVAL All League Honorable Mention: Melissa Shaw-Patino, NEPSWLA All-Star: Sophia Scarsella, Sadie Albert, WNEPSWLA

SARA STEINBERG AND JARROD WANER

The Harvey School 31

Varsity Baseball (7–9) HVAL All League Honorable Mention: Andrew Scherl, «Pierce Steinberg, Silver Slugger: Ryan Alpert, CY Young: Jake Reber, Mr. Versatile: Alex Ogg, ROY: Ryan Goodliffe, nAndrew Scherl, tShawn Mallon JV Baseball (2–5) «Alex Kaplan, nAidan Roberts, Gold Glove: Jared Peraglia Boys Rugby A (4–3) Alumni: Joseph O’Connell, Discipline: Jordan Washington, Bravery: Daniel Pope, Mark Dokaj, Jazz: Oliver Davies Boys Rugby B (5–2–1) Girls Rugby (0–6) «(Forward) Safia Gecaj, «(Back) Amaya Henry, t(Forward) Olivia Reinkraut, t(Back) Katie Ketner, Rookie of the Year: Christina Savas

Middle School MS Baseball Navy (6–1) tMost Improved: Max Edelman, Gold Glove: Dominic D’Onofrio, nCoaches Award: Jake Hellinger MS Baseball Maroon (1–6–1) tMost Improved: Aidan Weiss, Gold Glove: Aidan Cammisa, nCoaches Award: Ryan Horowitz

32 Harvey Magazine Commencement 2016

Centennial Fundraising

With your meaningful support, together we can honor Harvey’s vibrant past, support the school of today and secure its bright future. The goal is to double the overall number of alumni contributors and to raise $1.5 million to celebrate Harvey’s centennial. The centennial campaign runs from July 1, 2014, through June 30, 2017, and gifts can be allocated to support one of three extraordinary opportunities: Barry Fenstermacher Centennial Fund In honor of our headmaster’s 30 years of service and his personal commitment to diversity, these endowment gifts will be used to support Harvey’s financial aid program and provide opportunities for more students to attend who would not otherwise be able to afford a Harvey education.

Celebrate the Future Fund Unrestricted endowment gifts to the Celebrate the Future Fund have great impact to the school, as accrued interest will benefit that which the administration deems most important. These are the “gifts that keep on giving” and will help to secure Harvey’s future for the next 100 years.

Centennial Annual Fund The Annual Fund supports the operating budget, which consists largely of faculty and staff salaries. Gifts to the Centennial Annual Fund will allow us to keep compensation packages competitive and provide invaluable professional development opportunities.

To donate, go to the Harvey website and click on “Supporting Harvey,” then “Donate Now,” and select the particular project or fund you wish to support. Or call Laura Prichard at 914-232-3161, x145.

Harvey students and faculty benefit directly from your generosity. Many thanks for your support.

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FALL OPEN HOUSE! SAT., OCT. 22 AT 9 A.M. The Harvey School 33

260 Jay Street • Katonah, NY 10536

Congratulations Class of 2016 Charles Albert Harry Albert Lily Alexander Ryan Alpert Brian Benjamin Bridget Bojic Jasmine Brouwer Emma Brown Rohan Cassells Sarah Chintz Ariel Chiverton Eliot Choe Selena Cummings Samantha Danziger

Lamar Dell Julia DeNigris Michael DePass Dylan D’Onofrio Zaire Elleby Jared Finkel Jovell Forsythe Julia Frisch Benjamin Gatta William Gaynor Zachary Goligoski Ava Gurman Jackson Hammerstein Ben He

Hannah Herrera Andrew Homola Mitchell Kabakow Tessa Knorr Tyler Levy Seth Lyons Lily MacDonald Shawn Mallon Joshua Markowitz Mary Martinez Jaeden McKenzie Joseph O’Connell Peter Pappalardo Ashley Peart

Adam Penino Aila Prieto Danni Qu Theodore Rattner Nicholas Reber Alec Roslin Andrew Scherl Melissa Shaw-Patino Sara Shiffman Emily Sirota Julia Slater Claudia Smith Thomas Smith, Jr. David Solano

Javen Stepp-Davis Lauren Suna Jack Taylor GemmaTebbutt Rebecca Tuteur Emily Walsh Jordan Washington Jane Wiesenberg Taylor Williams Terry Yan JudyYe Caroline Zide