Kent Place Magazine - Fall 2025

Commemorative shovels broke ground for the new Leadership Center. The gold one was first used for the Upper School groundbreaking in 1912, then made a return appearance for the Middle School addition in 1961, the Field House in 1983, the Primary School building in 1992, and the dedication of the Athletic Fields in 1999.

“This new building, dedicated to our Athletics, Wellness, and Performing Arts programs, will help support your growth as leaders by providing you a space that matches your talent, resilience, and brilliance.”

—JENNIFER GALAMBOS,

HEAD OF SCHOOL, IN HER REMARKS TO STUDENTS AT THE MAY 30 GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR THE LEADERSHIP CENTER FOR ATHLETICS, WELLNESS, AND PERFORMING ARTS

Head of School Jennifer Galambos (at podium) and Board Chair Anne Grissinger P ’25, Director of Communications

Rachel Naggar P ’25, Mia Naggar ’25, and Upper School

Director Evelyn Hanna during Commencement

Marking the Moment

Every issue of this magazine begins with a letter from Jennifer Galambos, our Head of School. But this one is a little different. As we turn the page into a new school year, I’ve been invited to write this letter — not just as the Director of Communications and the architect of each edition of Kent Place magazine, but also as a parent whose daughter graduated from Kent Place this past spring.

My job is to tell the stories of this remarkable community: stories of mission in action, of girls becoming confident leaders, of students challenging themselves and lifting one another up. I’ve had the privilege of witnessing and telling these stories for 22 years. For seven of them, though, the stories became more personal.

Watching my daughter grow into her voice, take bold risks, and develop a deep sense of purpose brought Kent Place’s mission to life in a way no headline ever could. Being both a storyteller and a KPS parent has made me better at both. It revealed the depth behind the moments I’ve so often captured — those small, quiet instants of growth, courage, and connection that define our school.

This issue is filled with moments that celebrate who we are and where we’re going. As you read, I hope you see what I’ve seen: a school that shapes not just students, but also families — and a community that leaves a lasting impact.

Warmly,

Rachel Naggar P ’25 Director of Communications Editor, Kent Place

Kent Place

EDITOR

Rachel Naggar P ’25

Director of Communications

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Paige Coviello

Associate Director of Communications

ALUMNAE EDITOR

Aimee Bousquet Singer ’88 P ’25

Advancement Communications Manager

CONTRIBUTORS

Vicky Browne

Anna Conti

Andrea Dawson, Writer

Julie Gentile

Beth Gottung

Erin Peterson, Writer

Lainey Segear

Julia Soffer

Edel Thomas

Doris Troy, Copy Editor

Rachel Williams, Writer

CREATIVE DIRECTION & DESIGN

2communiqué

COVER ARTIST

Drue Wagner

PHOTOGRAPHY

Highpoint Pictures

Peter Chollick

Sofia Negron

Rebecca Nowalski

Mark Wyville

PRINTING

Kirkwood

Kent Place, the official magazine of Kent Place School, is published twice a year by the Communications Office, in partnership with the Advancement Office, for alumnae, parents, students, faculty, staff, and friends of the school.

Kent Place School

42 Norwood Avenue Summit, NJ 07901

(908) 273-0900 kentplace.org

We welcome your input: communications@kentplace.org

“The Cha Cha Slide.” We danced to it in the Senior Lounge almost daily.

—MATTIE (DE ST. PAER) AZURMENDI ’01

“Masters in This Hall,” the processional hymn from STAR when Mr. Haynes was the choirmaster.

—CRISTIN O’HARA ’88

“Minuit Chrétien” (“O Holy Night”), by Adolphe Adam, which we sang in French in STAR every year, and that began with the most coveted solo.

—RONNIE (GRAUMAN) BISHOP ’90

“Forever Young,” by Alphaville, the 1987 class song.

—JESSICA (PUKASH) SCHWARTZ ’87

Our senior class song, written by Judy Small ’66, which we sang at Step Sing.

—BETSY (BUSCH) CROSBY ’66 P ’93

“Iris,” by the Goo Goo Dolls. Treblemakers sang it, and it was my first solo.

—COLLINS HILTON ’13

Joni Mitchell’s “Circle Game” brings me back to Step Sing. It was the perfect song for moving on and getting older.

—BETH (JENNINGS) ROSENHEIM ’87

Green Day’s “Good Riddance,” with the lyric “I hope you had the time of your life.” As I drove to graduation with my friends, we cried in our white dresses.

—MARIA (FEKETE) BRUGG ’98 P ’28 ’30

“Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” by Tears for Fears, brings me back to my wonderful KPS years and to Varsity Lacrosse.

—TORI (BROWN) VAN KEER ’87

“Time After Time,” by Cindy Lauper. Cindy’s team took over the Morristown and Summit train stations for this video.

—AUDREY (PUKASH) BILSBORROW ’90

“Jerusalem,” which I hadn’t heard until we sang it at a Kent Place graduation.

—TANSY (HOWARD) BLUMER ’61

“Masters in This Hall,” a carol that was always sung at STAR. Whenever I hear it, I picture myself in the KP gym, candle in hand.

—MARJORIE (LANGE) SPORTES ’65

“When I’m 64,” by the Beatles. Leslie Machinist played it on her guitar for Step Sing. At the time, I couldn’t imagine being that old . . . and now I’ve been to my 50th reunion!

—LAURA (GANT) LILIENFIELD ’75

ALUMNAE, IS THERE A SONG THAT BRINGS YOU BACK? PLEASE LET US KNOW AND WE’LL CREATE A PLAYLIST. Email communications@kentplace.org

COMMONS ROOM

BUILDING CONNECTIONS

Living History in Italy

In the spring, Upper School students and faculty embarked on a trip to Italy through Kent Place’s Global Learning Program. The theme was “Who Owns the Past?: Roman History, Women, and the Ethics of Preservation.”

From making fresh pasta after touring ancient Greek Doric temples in Paestum to climbing Mount Vesuvius and decoding Latin inscriptions in Pompeii, students immersed themselves in the rich layers of Italian culture. Underground aqueducts, bustling piazzas, and legendary sites such as the Pantheon and the Colosseum brought their studies to life.

Highlights included meeting filmmaker Margherita Giusti, gazing up at Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel painting, and reflecting on ancient legacies at the Roman Forum. A visit to the Capitoline Museum provided a last look at Rome’s enduring symbols, among them the bronze she-wolf and the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius.

“I was captivated by the architectural feats — massive aqueducts that transported water across vast distances, colosseums engineered for roaring crowds, and roads meticulously designed to connect an empire,” says Elijah Hall ’25. “Witnessing these marvels firsthand deepened my appreciation for the lasting impact of Roman innovation on modern civilization.”

NEWS AND VIEWS FROM KENT PLACE

Italy global trip participants at the ruins of Paestum: Tanseem Arampulikan ’25, Emma Cardoso ’27, Tessa Chow ’27, Abigail Colaco ’27, Caroline Gilbert ’27, Elijah Hall ’25, Gracen Hill ’27, Phoebe Kanellakos ’25, Maya Lalani ’25, Ava Lewis ’26, Ana Monteiro ’27, Mia Naggar ’25, and Mia Ramos ’26; chaperones: Holly Doyle P ’31 ’33, Julie Gentile, and Antonia Young

BRAVE

& BRILLIANT

Sophie Ewart ’26

In her sophomore year, Sophie Ewart ’26 played the sweet-natured, do-good writer Nigel Bottom — a foil to Shakespeare’s preening and bluster — in Kent Place’s fall production, Something Rotten! She was perfectly cast, says her advisor, Middle and Upper School choral teacher Neil Ginsberg.

“Sophie is Nigel in real life,” he says. “She is dedicated to her learning and goes at everything with joyful energy and a generosity of spirit. Even field trips, which teenagers can get cynical about, not Sophie. She does everything with heart.”

Sophie agrees: “I’m a very positive person,” she says with a smile. “I like creating joy.”

A talented singer who has been performing since elementary school, Sophie continued pursuing the arts when she arrived, as a freshman, at Kent Place. She’s a member of the Chamber Singers, serves as co-president of Chorale and Treblemakers, and takes voice lessons outside of school.

But performance is merely one arena of interest for Sophie, and one of several in which she has noticed her confidence grow. For example, she’s devoted to the study of French, striving for fluency, she says, “so I can communicate with and reach more people.” Being able to chat in French with her dad, a Montreal native, on car rides to school is also pretty neat.

In her sophomore year, she traveled with Kent Place to Paris, Nantes, and Saint-Malo. “Her sense of awe during our trip was palpable,” says World Languages teacher Katharine MacCornack — like when gazing at the Eiffel Tower from the 59th floor of Tour Montparnasse their final evening, she lovingly waved it goodbye.

Sophie also marvels at her newfound love of a once onerous subject — math. “Thanks to Dr. Durbal, Ms. Majumder, and Ms. July, I now love it,” she says. “They believed in me so much.”

“I just love learning,” she says, a sentiment reinforced by the “Oohs!” that pepper her descriptions of the various classes and activities she participates in.

She enjoys serving as layout editor of Ballast, the school’s newspaper; and is a member of Girls Learning and Making a Difference (GLAM’d), DEIB Outreach, and Girls Exploring Medical Sciences (GEMS). An avid ice hockey player since Grade 3, she competes for Kent Place as co-captain and helped the team advance to the top division of the New Jersey Interscholastic Ice Hockey League.

“Kent Place provides opportunities for students to be involved in a multitude of things,” Sophie says. “I love that I don’t have to decide among Chamber Singers, the fall musical, and ice hockey — I can do all three. That feels really special.”

Sophie plans to pursue her many passions in college. In the meantime, she’s soaking in her senior year. “I’m proud of all that I’ve learned — not just academics, but also social skills, perseverance, exposure to new things. I’ve been able to dive deep into so many of my interests.” She pauses to reflect: “I feel like I’ve become more ‘me.’”

BIG DREAMS, TINY HOUSES. The signature fifth-grade Tiny House Project was back in full swing with 34 enthusiastic faculty and staff clients. Students took on the role of architects — designing with empathy, exchanging ideas

through meetings and emails, and presenting their final models at a spring reception. New this year were audio tours of each tiny house in either Spanish or French, accessible by QR code! POWERFUL VOICES IN SPORTS. Students were

energized and inspired as they welcomed Jess Sims and Kirsten Ferguson, from Peloton, for our National Girls and Women in Sports Day assembly. Through powerful stories and honest reflections, the visitors described their journeys and encouraged students to chase their dreams with confidence and discipline. GLOBAL CHAMPS! Congratulations to 11th-graders Ainslie Lu, Ayushi Wadhwa, Jahnavi Ponnolu, Kara Asuncion Hoang, and Tessa Chow

MORNING MEETING [continued on p. 8]

GREETINGS FROM YOUR STEM SISTER.

The sisterhood begins with an exchange of cards and letters between the seventh-graders and their first-grade STEM sisters (pictured). Excitement builds as they prepare to meet in person for a hands-free cup-stacking challenge — quickly learning that collaboration and communication are keys to success.

HACKATHON COLLABORATION. At the end-of-year Hackathon, Primary students showcase coding projects while AP Computer Science students join as mentors, explaining their work and inspiring the younger coders. The event celebrates creativity, collaboration, and connection across divisions.

UPPER SCHOOL MENTORSHIP. The STEM Sisterhood’s “Read with a STEMist” pairs Upper School students with Pre-K and Kindergartners to celebrate National Engineers Week, fostering cross-divisional bonds through storytime in the Primary School library.

BUILDING AND BONDING

STEM SISTERHOOD:

POWERED BY CURIOSITY

The joy of discovery doesn’t stop at the lab bench or coding keyboard; it’s shared across grades through our unique STEM Sisterhood program. This beloved tradition pairs older and younger students to explore, experiment, and problem-solve together, turning curiosity into connection. Students bond over their mutual love of STEM — and lift each other up in the process.

FUN WITH PLAY-DOUGH. Second- and eighth-graders team up for a chemical engineering activity, testing play-dough recipes and creating colorful formulas. They exchange insights from Computer Science and Engineering (CS&E) class and collaborate to mix, mold, and shape their final creations.

Stories Retold: History 10 Visits Holocaust Remembrance Center

Last spring, tenth-grade history students visited the Holocaust Remembrance Center at Temple Sinai of Summit. A memorial that holds a repository of objects and collections, the center serves as l’dor v’dor — a link between generations — so the reality of what happened and the lessons to be learned are never forgotten.

“The timing was perfect,” says Upper School history teacher Trish Carleton, “as the visit coincided with International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The students were very moved, and were able to connect a lot of what we’d just studied to the stories they heard.”

Makena Singer ’25, co-president of the Jewish Cultural Society, was in Ms. Carleton’s History 10 class when she pitched the idea of visiting the Holocaust Remembrance Center. Makena and Ms. Carleton worked

with Julie Gentile, Assistant Head of School, and Rashied McCreary, Upper School Academic Dean, to organize a “pilot” visit in fall 2023, before expanding the experience to the entire class.

“My generation will probably be the last to hear firsthand accounts from Holocaust survivors,” says Makena. “This visit emphasizes the importance of retelling the stories to remember the past.”

After the visit, Makena and co-president Louisa Gordon ’25 led a debriefing session with the tenth-graders. Students completed an activity similar to the Butterfly Project, a global initiative focused on remembrance through art and memorial-making, to honor the voices of the children who perished in the Holocaust. The butterflies were then on display throughout the Upper School.

“Stepping outside our comfort zone. This is how we all learn and grow. Let that serve as a reminder for the years to come to be open to new ideas, new opportunities, new friends, and, most importantly, new challenges.”

—SOPHIA LU ’32, IN HER CONVOCATION SPEECH

for winning the Global Finalist award (high school category) in the MIT Entrepreneurship Club Competition 2025! The team also took home Champion titles for both the United States and the North America region. LEADERS IN ACTION. An annual

learning experience, our eighthgraders spent two days touring the National Portrait Gallery and Washington memorials, exploring the Capitol, and meeting inspiring professionals. Among the highlights were reconnecting with a special alumnae panel and a Library of

Congress tour led by former faculty member Ralph Pantozzi P ’20 ’24. WINTER FUN, DRAGON STYLE. Family Fun Day, a beloved tradition, made a seasonal shift from fall to winter and was a huge success! With bounce houses, glitter tattoos, bracelet making, a DJ, the SCREAM

truck, food, a photo booth, and more, the day brought joy and strengthened our community. STEM SPOTLIGHT. Students across all divisions took part in National Engineers Week with activities that highlighted problem-solving and real-world [continued on p. 10]

Makena Singer ’25 at the Holocaust Remembrance Center at Temple Sinai of Summit

Empowering Future Leaders: TerminalsBloomberg Enhance Ethical Leadership and Global Understanding

What if students saw the elements that make up our planet in real time? What if they had access to live news updates that connected their learning to real-world events and the ethical issues that surround them? And what if financial literacy courses that are often steeped in theory now offered real-time data that showed students how commodities are priced and valued?

Bloomberg Terminals, new technology at Kent Place, makes this possible. Twelve terminals in a high-tech space in the Center for Innovation offer professional documents, a range of news sources, and cutting-edge data often used by finance professionals and coveted by researchers worldwide. Eleven

teachers spent the spring learning how to apply the terminals to their lesson plans.

Faculty members in the Bloomberg Ambassador Program are from a variety of subject areas: Spanish, music, math, history, English, macroeconomics, health and wellness, and ethics. Each discipline has found ways to utilize the technology. In Spanish classes, for example, students can use the terminals to read news, academic research, and even finance reports in Spanish, enabling them to broaden their understanding of the language. And in science courses, students can see data about the materials they’re studying.

“I’m incredibly enthusiastic about how this technology can enhance our lessons,”

says Alicia Rodriguez, Economic and Finance Coordinator and Middle School math teacher. “Specifically, I see applications and connections with the Ethics Institute. Our students can make better, more informed decisions when they have an appreciation of all the data available.”

Holly Moller, Middle School science teacher, originally had plans to incorporate Bloomberg technology into the TREP$ program, a project-based learning experience that teaches sixth-graders how to start their own businesses. But she was surprised to see that Bloomberg could also enrich the science courses she teaches.

“We talk about the Big Bang theory, the structure of the Earth, and the elements it’s made of,” she says. “The MAPS feature on Bloomberg lets students see where periodic elements are being mined, and students can then research them in the everyday products we use. The Bloomberg Terminals are going to make education so much more real for the kids.”

Ms. Rodriguez and a group of other members of the faculty first learned about the Bloomberg Terminals while attending the Bloomberg Symposium in New York City. As they interacted with peers from a range of schools, they quickly noticed how few all-girls schools were represented.

“It struck us right away,” says Ms. Rodriguez. “This wasn’t just a chance to introduce something new. It was an opportunity to give our students access to tools that could deepen their learning and broaden their understanding of global markets and data.”

In keeping with the mission to empower girls to be confident, intellectual, and ethical leaders who advance the world, the team returned inspired and immediately wrote a proposal to Head of School Jennifer Galambos.

“That was last summer,” Ms. Rodriguez recalls. “A month later, we heard that we’d received an anonymous donation to open the Kent Place Bloomberg Lab. I thought it was incredible that someone read our proposal and said, ‘Yes — this is how I want to help advance the mission.’”

Stay tuned to the winter issue of Kent Place to learn how students are enriching their studies.

Teachers Lisa Cohen and Alicia Rodriguez in the new Bloomberg Lab

Fifth-Graders Decode AI

Fifth-grade Computer Science and Engineering (CS&E) classrooms transformed into innovation labs as students explored the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology-driven innovation. Alejandro Martinez P ’32 ’34, Dragon STEM Committee member and CEO of Propelling Tech, led an animated session for the fifth-graders, spotlighting AI and its real-world applications.

To demystify complex concepts, students used LEGO bricks to visualize how data are collected and processed, and even examined an AI-themed artwork from MoMA: Anatomy of an AI System. “I used to think AI was just fake photos, but there’s so much more to

it,” said one fifth-grader during the workshop.

Through hands-on learning, creative tools, and open discussion, students saw AI not as a threat, but as a tool for good. As one student said, “I thought AI would take over — but now I can see that it’s here to help.”

The Dragon STEM Committee, which was formed during the 2024–2025 academic year, has already made an impact on the school community. The committee is led by Sunitha Yara P ’33, in collaboration with Maura Crowe, KPS STEM Coordinator, and Sue Tracy P ’29, Chair of the Computer Science and Engineering (CS&E) Department.

applications of engineering. Events included K–12 STEM Sisterhood sessions, a panel with women engineers, and “Read with a STEMist” in the Primary School library.

INNOVATION IN ACTION. The 2025 Kent Place Hackathon brought together students in Grades

8–12 for a day of hands-on STEM exploration, with Arduino building and an expert AI panel. A highlight was the debut of our Wikithon, where students edited Wikipedia to amplify underrepresented voices, combining tech skills with real-world impact.

BUILDING ETHICAL AWARENESS AT HOME. The Ethics Institute offers workshops on topics from AI in education to the college process and parenting in the digital age. Through conversations with experts, faculty, and alumnae, parents examine current issues and

build community around thoughtful, values-based decision-making. GUEST ARTISTS, LASTING IMPACT. This spring, the Dance Department hosted a series of master classes led by professional dancers trained in West African dance, belly dancing, hip hop,

Dragon STEM Committee

member Alejandro Martinez P ’32 ’34 takes a selfie after leading a session on AI in the Primary School.

FIVE THINGS ABOUT . . .

THE GIRLS’ LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

Happy anniversary, GLI! This summer, the Kent Place Girls’ Leadership Institute celebrated its 30th anniversary — a milestone that marks three decades of empowering young women to lead with confidence, compassion, and purpose. The Institute has grown from a visionary idea into a nationally recognized program that equips girls with the tools to become thoughtful leaders in their schools, communities, and beyond. Through experiential learning, mentorship, and a focus on ethical leadership, GLI continues to evolve while remaining rooted in its mission to advance the next generation of changemakers.

5

LASTING IMPACT. GLI graduates consistently credit the Institute with helping them find their voice, advocate for others, and lead with integrity. Many students design and implement their own initiatives at home, often addressing real-world issues such as mental health awareness and sustainability. They also pursue leadership roles in college, careers, and community service — a testament to the program’s enduring influence.

1

A TRAILBLAZING START. Kent Place was among the first independent schools in the country to create a dedicated leadership program for girls. GLI’s founding, spearheaded by Christine Clemens and Elizabeth Woodall P ’08 ’18 ’23, reflected a bold commitment to shifting how leadership is taught, placing girls at the center of the conversation and designing experiences specifically for their growth.

4

COMMUNITY AND MENTORSHIP. One of the most powerful aspects of GLI is the network it builds. Students connect with mentors, alumnae, and outside leaders who offer guidance and support. And with more than 500 GLI alumnae, these relationships extend beyond the summer, forming a lasting connection of inspiration and mutual growth.

the foundation of its curriculum and ensure common threads and language throughout all levels of its programming, GLI features six pillars: Communication, Social and Emotional Intelligence, Taking Action, Ethical DecisionMaking, Collaborating, and Cultural Competence. A recently developed definition — “inspiring others and activating potential in the world” — was designed so that everyone can see herself in it. 2SUMMER

SUMMER ADVENTURES IN JAPAN. On their June Global Learning trip to Japan, 15 students in Grades 8–12 and four chaperones explored the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and its tucked-away shrines (top), then experienced the architecture of traditional wooden tea houses in the Gion District.

Fiona Gambuzza ’25 presented her paper — “Tumor Suppressor Genes, Acquired Resistance, and Gene Induction: An Investigation of the Potential of the TetON System for Melanoma Research” — at Kent Place’s annual Academic Symposium.

In the Lab with Fiona Gambuzza ’25

The summer before her junior year, Fiona Gambuzza ’25 boldly emailed five professors at Montclair State University. Eager to get involved in science research, she hoped one would allow her into their lab.

To her delight, Carlos Molina, a professor of molecular biology, wrote back.

After spending a year observing his lab’s work, which examines tumor-suppression activity in zebrafish cells, as a senior Fiona was ready to embark on her own Student-Designed Research project.

Under the guidance of Dr. Molina’s graduate assistant, Melissa Spigelman, as well as Luis Largo, Chair of Kent Place’s Science Department, Fiona’s yearlong independent research centered on three genes, one of which is MC1R, responsible for pigmentation.

In a complex experiment, she injected zebrafish embryos with a plasmid — a self-replicating DNA molecule — that successfully induced expression of MC1R.

The implications for research into melanoma, a type of skin cancer, are exciting, she says. “This technique could be repeated and used to restore the ability of tumor-suppressor genes in a cancer patient to stop the disease.

“My mom had breast cancer,” she says, “so I’ve always wanted to understand it better. Being able to do this research and learn more about it was a memorable experience — I now understand cancer on a whole new level.”

contemporary, and precision jazz — even a Radio City Rockette! Students had the opportunity to explore diverse styles and learn from dance experts. THRILLS AND THEORIES. The much-anticipated annual physics trip to Six Flags Great Adventure was a huge

success and expanded to include the senior class and juniors in physics and AP Physics, blending roller coasters with science and a whole lot of fun. FINANCE

IN FOCUS. Eight KPS students participated in an externship at Jennison Associates, thanks to

Debra Netschert P ’30. During their visit to the New York City–based investment firm, students explored the trading floor, learned about buy- and sell-side trading, and heard insights from top healthcare investment analysts. HANDS-ON HELP. Middle Schoolers brought

smiles to GRACE (Giving and Receiving Assistance for Our Community’s Essentials) at the Summit Community Center by distributing bracelet-making kits along with food deliveries, spreading creativity and kindness in the community!

Ethically Online with REBOOT Jr.

Is using artificial intelligence (AI) in class cheating? Is your online self the same as your in-person self? Does AI harm your brain? These are questions REBOOT Jr. asks on a daily basis.

Modeled after the Upper School’s REBOOT (Rethinking Ethical Behavior Online for Oneself, Together), REBOOT Jr. explores the benefits and harms of technology and social media in middle schools.

Members of the group produce informational videos for students and schools, role-playing how to behave safely online. Students also utilize illustrations on an interactive whiteboard to show the ways to facilitate ethical conversations.

“It’s empowering to educate my community about the acceptable and safe uses of technology, while also learning about how to stay safe and ethical online myself,” says Eva Obalde ’29.

REBOOT Jr. presented at the International Coalition for Girls Schools (ICGS), in New York City; hosted an AI in Education summit, with four schools from New York and New Jersey in attendance; and did a presentation to Kent Place parents about how they ethically use Snapchat and Instagram.

Says Ananya Mittal ’29, “Participating in the ICGS presentation encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and take positive risks to educate the community about technology in modern society.”

“These students are becoming the next generation of ethical decisionmakers and changemakers.”

—ALICIA REGNAULT, REBOOT EDUCATOR

The 2024–2025 REBOOT Jr. team in discussion with Alicia Regnault, EdTech and Support Specialist and REBOOT Educator

Allison Ameo ’26

When asked to describe what she envisions as her dream job in adulthood, Allison Ameo’s response neatly sums up not just her educational philosophy, but also her outlook on life:

“Monday, I’m a veterinarian but no animals die. Tuesday, I’m a lawyer. Wednesday, a history teacher. Thursday, maybe a marine biologist; an animator on Friday. There are so many possibilities — I made a list! The point is, every day I’d become something new, helping people and having fun.”

Preternatural curiosity and a zest for learning — a polymath, as her dad calls her — are Allison’s hallmark traits. She possesses something more ethereal, too, as her advisor and Upper School Latin teacher Antonia Young said.

Her freshman year — her first year at Kent Place — Dr. Young remembered Allison exuberantly asking her classmates in Advisory if they were following news of the Orion spacecraft. A year or so later, spotting Allison at work in the hallway, Dr. Young was met

with the following explanation: “I’m just coding for fun!” More recently, Allison was seen rescuing ants, which were trespassing in a classroom, from certain demise.

“Allison just glows,” said Dr. Young. “She goes through the world finding joy in all parts of life, whether academics or extracurriculars. She’s academically ambitious but also a lovely, humble individual who has an incredible sense of humanity and community about her.”

Not surprisingly, she viewed Club Fair her freshman year as a delightful juggernaut of indecision: “How can I pick?” she remembers thinking. She settled on the Mock Trial Club; it quickly became a second home. As a star witness, she says, “I learned that I could do something I never thought I could do.”

Allison is also co-president of Green Key, a member of the Computer Science Club, and plays flute in the Orchestra (last year she picked up piccolo because, as she puts it, “Why not?”). Similarly, her freshman year,

with little or no experience in any of them, she joined the field hockey, fencing, and flag football teams — the “F” sports, she affectionately calls them — and has become a devoted member of all three.

Outside of school, indulging a longtime interest, she volunteers with the New Jersey Astronomical Association, taking visitors around the Paul Robinson Observatory and explaining the intricacies of its giant, 26-inch-lens telescope. She also serves as an election poll worker. Recently, thanks to an affinity for all kinds of coding — from Morse to computer — she picked up American Sign Language, just for fun.

For Allison, every activity, every class — even those, like AP Calculus, that pose a bit of a struggle — are invigorating and meaningful.

“Sometimes we get caught up in this idea that you need to be the best at something for college or whatever, but I think even if you’re not the best, you should do things for the love of it,” she says. “I will carry that belief in my heart everywhere I go.”

THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX (AND LOVING IT!)

The Middle School’s Thinking Outside the Box club is the legacy of a former sixth-grade class, but its creative spirit is alive and thriving. Led by Penelope Conroy ’30 and Sadie Sfarra ’30, the club is all about stretching students’ brains in unexpected ways.

Each meeting has two parts: a “starter” puzzle posted on the door before it begins (for those who want an early brain teaser) and a main activity, where all members participate in a game or challenge.

One fan-favorite activity is Qwiq Wit, based on the popular game Quiplash. Students respond to silly prompts, and the group votes on the funniest answer. “I really enjoy it,” says Sadie, “because we all get to bond and everyone is hilarious!”

At its core, Thinking Outside the Box is about learning to think creatively, supporting one another’s ideas, and seeing challenges as opportunities.

“To me,” says Sadie, “thinking outside the box means to stretch your brain, but also to have fun. We love solving puzzles and answering riddles to challenge everyone’s mindsets.”

PASSING THE TORCH — AND THE KEY

Every spring, during the Green Key ThankYou Luncheon, KPS celebrates a cherished tradition: the symbolic passing of the Green Key. Outgoing senior leaders ceremonially hand off the oversized green key to the next generation of Green Key leaders, marking the continued spirit of service and school pride. Pictured here with the iconic key are former leaders Maya Lalani ’25, Aila Kennedy ’25, and Colette Gentile ’25, who are joined by this year’s senior leaders, Olivia Peters ’26, Jessica Choy ’26, and Allison Ameo ’26 — each ready to inspire the next chapter of student ambassadorship.

Club member

Lia Bagheri ’30

Club co-leader

Penelope Conroy ’30

Finding the Balance

The moment a student-athlete arrives at practice or a game, she brings more than her cleats or stick or water bottle — she brings her whole world. She’s balancing chemistry labs and English essays, club practices and leadership roles, arts performances and college visits. She’s balancing friendships and family commitments. She’s being pulled in a million different directions. And yet, day after day, she shows up. Because, after all, that’s what Dragons do.

Our mission is to help her thrive. And to show up for her, just as much as she shows up for her team. That means recognizing that being a student-athlete is only one part of who she is. It’s a part she loves, and one that challenges her in powerful ways. But it’s also a part that requires support — carefully structured, intentionally designed, and grounded in empathy.

Support looks like flexibility when a student-athlete is managing a game an hour away and an AP exam the next day. It looks like rescheduling a game so players are not competing back to back. It looks like adjusting practice time on a weekend. It looks like coaches who communicate in every season, not just “in-season.” It looks like check-ins with players. It looks like an open-door policy. It’s about teaching our players to be solution oriented and working alongside them as they problem-solve.

It’s also about knowing when to ask “How are you really doing?” and meaning it.

We see our Dragon athletes as whole people — students first,

teammates second. Our coaches understand that balancing performance and well-being go hand in hand. And our school community rallies around them, to cheer at games, but also to lift them through busy weeks, overlapping commitments, and big decisions.

Many of our athletes go on to play in college, at every level. With the right preparation and the essential support from coaches and teammates, student-athletes are thriving. They’ve learned that success isn’t always measured in goals or personal records — it’s seen in growth, in character, and in the strength of the relationships they’ve built along the way.

This is what it means to support the whole athlete. This is what it means to show up for our Dragons.

“Kent Place instilled in me a strong work ethic both on and off the field,” says Charlotte Cote ’24, who plays lacrosse at Williams College. “I can manage my time effectively, stay disciplined, and perform under pressure.”

“The emphasis on teamwork in both academic and athletic settings has taught me invaluable lessons in collaboration and mutual support,” says Sophia Miller ’23, who plays field hockey at Duke University, “all of which are crucial for navigating the collegiate environment.”

We’re proud of every win and every championship. But we’re even more proud when one of our student-athletes says she feels prepared for her next practice, her next class, her next chapter. Because we know she’s ready for whatever comes next.

Varsity Softball Coaches Alex Luna (assistant), Jacklyn Torres (head), and Melissa Semidey (assistant) address the team.

BY THE NUMBERS

FROM ICE TO TURF

Our Dragons had historic 2024–2025 winter and spring seasons. Here are some highlights, milestones, and notable moments.

1 GOLDEN SABRE SQUAD

Fencing took Gold at the District 5 Championship. Riley Crooks ’27 finished her season 18-1.

1

HISTORIC ICE HOCKEY TITLE

For the first time in KPS history, Ice Hockey won the Cohen Division — and made it to the Cohen Cup final for the third year in a row.

3rd AT NATIONALS

Squash

4

third

MEET OF CHAMPIONS QUALIFICATIONS

Swimming qualified in four events for the Meet of Champions. Ayah Bedri ’28 surpassed her personal record and placed first in the 100 breaststroke.

1 1

PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONOR

The NFL Jets featured Kent Place in their Gatorade Girls Flag Series at the Jets Training Center. Avery Delaney ’27 earned Player of the Week.

COUNTY GOLF CROWN

KPS dominated the Union County Tournament and brought home the championship title.

2

LACROSSE POWERHOUSE MOMENTS

Lacrosse won the Stars and Stripes White Division and competed in the Prep Tournament final.

1-2-3

PODIUM SWEEP

1 HURDLES CHAMP

Emma Shannon ’27 blazed to first place in the 400m hurdles at the Conference Meet.

1

MIDDLE SCHOOL TITLE

Middle School Volleyball served up a big win, claiming the MSAC Tournament championship.

Amirah Ali ’27

Naomi Ravenell ’26

Priyana Manglani ’27

Avery Delaney ’27

Grace Williams ’25

Olivia Hand ’25, Ananya Mehta ’27, and Isla Naik ’26 finished first, second, and third in the 3200m at the Union County Conference Track Meet.

claimed

overall in its division.

Strong Like a Dragon: Mind, Body & Team Spirit

What does it mean to be Strong Like a Dragon? At Kent Place, it’s more than speed, power, and endurance: Mental wellness and team culture are just as essential as physical strength. It means showing up for yourself and your team — in every way. That balance helps build more connected, resilient teams, and drives the success of KPS athletics. We asked some of our teams to reflect on how they stay Strong Like a Dragon

On the Softball team, Head Coach Jacklyn Torres sends weekly “shoutouts” that highlight players’ achievements on and off the field. Before each game, the team kicks things off with a “question of the day,” a fun ritual that helps calm nerves and strengthen bonds.

Golf integrates “mental training” into its routine, with yoga sessions and stretching-only practices breaking up long days on the course and helping players refocus.

Flag Football keeps motivation high with a thoughtful tradition: Head Coach Darren Ransom ends every team message with an inspiring quote, offering athletes a steady reminder to stay grounded and driven.

Off the field, Field Hockey builds its tight-knit culture with pasta nights, check-ins, and teamwide mental wellness days. Postgame reflections — during which players assess how they’re doing physically and emotionally — help guide subsequent practices.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2025 COLLEGE-BOUND ATHLETES

• Sophie Capone, tennis, Haverford College

• Nicola Murungi, field hockey, Wellesley College

• Morgan Reis, field hockey, Haverford College

• Aurielle Wolf, field hockey, Babson College

• Scarlette Liftin, field hockey, Amherst College

• Helen Wu, fencing, Yale University

• Addison Ismael, rowing, Villanova University

• Abby Werbel, volleyball, Occidental College

Basketball blends competition with intentional connection, from blindfolded affirmations to captain-led activities and from trust exercises to a postgame tradition called Snaps, where players celebrate one another’s strengths.

SPRING SPIRIT DAY GIVES BACK. The Dragon community came out for Spring Spirit Day, which this year benefited Kids’ Quest to Cure ALS. Attendees enjoyed concessions and tricky-tray items before grabbing green and gold pom poms to cheer on Varsity Lacrosse and Flag Football. Ambassadors Clara Wetzel ’30 and Ellie Wetzel ’32 distributed ribbons to the teams and spoke about the mission of finding a cure for ALS. “We’re thankful for the support of our classmates, friends, and teachers,” they say. “It brings us joy to raise awareness for this disease within our school community.”

Rachel Dwek ’27

Gabby Lewis ’30, Aadya Kumar ’30, and Saachi Chadha ’30 enjoying Spring Spirit Day

TRIPLE PLAY: MOLLY BROZOWSKI’S DRAGON ERA

Molly, who came to Kent Place in the ninth grade, plays Field Hockey, Ice Hockey, and Lacrosse; was captain of Varsity Ice Hockey and Lacrosse in 2024–2025; and is set to captain Varsity Field Hockey, Hockey, and Lacrosse. In her most recent Ice Hockey season, Molly scored 41 goals — surpassing the previous record of 38.

How do you balance being a three-sport athlete?

Kent Place has a supportive and flexible environment, one that enables me to balance academics with athletics. And I’ve learned the importance of time management.

What have you learned from being captain?

Being a team captain has taught me the importance of leading by example. Many of the underclasswomen look up to captains; therefore, I have to be thoughtful about my actions and put in constant effort.

Do you have a favorite KPS sports memory?

Winning the Cohen Cup with my Varsity Ice Hockey team.

Who inspires you?

My parents (mom is Class of 1995!) are my biggest inspiration. They always find a way to support me, whether it’s showing up at games or just sending a pregame text. My parents have taught me the value of hard work and the importance of being competitive.

In the Middle with Mark Semioli

Mark Semioli, who teaches history, may be described by his students as serious, one to tell “dad jokes,” and a storyteller seeking connection. A pro soccer player–turned–Middle School teacher and sixth-grade advisor — and all-around Middle School enthusiast — he uses project-based and student-centered learning to spark as much wonder as possible. “I like being a facilitator,” he says, “a guide on the side, rather than a lecturer from the front of the room.”

Mr. Semioli currently teaches History 6: The Ancient World. “My sixth-graders are enthusiastically curious,” he says. “They resonate with debate-style projects. When I teach Hammurabi’s Code, they debate (quite passionately) whether the codes have ethical values.”

Ever since 2010, when Mr. Semioli joined the Kent Place community, he has been a fixture on campus: He served as K–12 History Department Chair, sat on the Board of Trustees, is Assistant Middle School Soccer Coach, co-leads the Middle School Social Committee, advises Middle School Student Government, is a member of the Kent Place Employee Relations Committee, is part of the Global Learning Taskforce, was part of the KPS Steering Committee for Accreditation, and has traveled with students on many global trips — some as the lead organizer and some as a chaperone.

“I like being involved,” he says. “The Kent Place community, especially my Middle School students, families, and colleagues, is my family away from home.”

“The school’s mission and sense of social responsibility resonate with my values and professional journey both as a former naval aviator and as an educator, and I look forward to empowering our girls to, indeed, advance the world.”

—DEBBIE FERMO, ON BEGINNING HER NEW ROLE AS DIRECTOR OF THE UPPER SCHOOL

A FOND FAREWELL

To Amanda Berry (Middle School English teacher) and Sally Snyder (Grade 5 teacher): As you head into retirement, we thank you for all you’ve accomplished for our community. We’ll miss you, and look forward to welcoming you back whenever you visit!

Amanda Berry, Middle School English Teacher (22 years)

When Amanda Berry came to Kent Place, in 2003, she brought with her a love of language and stories, as well as a strong sense of community.

As the eighth-grade English teacher, Dr. Berry spent her days conferencing with students to help them find their voices as writers, supporting her advisees by giving them a space to be themselves, and encouraging colleagues with a kind word and a listening ear. Never afraid to laugh at herself, she always dressed up for Spirit Week and enthusiastically participated in dance performances with the Middle School faculty’s Dancing Dragons.

Dr. Berry made a lasting impact as Middle School Community Service Coordinator. Under her guidance, community service student leaders coordinated annual donation drives, bake sales, and days spent volunteering outside of the classroom. She also led several servicerelated trips, demonstrating the importance of in-person connections and bringing moments of joy to those who needed it most.

—Amanda Freiler, Middle School English teacher

Sally Snyder, Grade 5 Teacher (20

years)

Sally Snyder began her career at Kent Place teaching third-graders, then transitioned to fifth grade, bringing with her a love of math and an intuitive teaching style. During her tenure, Mrs. Snyder served as an advisor to Eco Team, coordinated community service drives, and facilitated SEED, AWARE, and Kaleidoscopes meetings, and in recent years has been a leader of the Tiny House Project in her math classes.

Whether dancing through the halls, singing impromptu rhyming songs on any topic, or offering astute insights and thoughtful advice to her colleagues, Mrs. Snyder radiated the spirit of the Primary School. Her warmth and dedication to all things KPS have left a lasting mark; year after year, students from all divisions sought her out to share memories and their latest achievements, often just wanting to reminisce about the golden days of being in her class.

Her presence made the Primary School a more vibrant, inclusive, and nurturing place. Mrs. Snyder lifted up the people around her, and had a gift for making everyone — adults and students alike — feel seen, valued, and important.

—Susan Mascioli, Grade

5 teacher

Amanda Berry

Sally Snyder

Raising the Curtain on the Upper School Theater Program

While we eagerly await the day the curtain rises in the new Leadership Center, the Upper School theater program is far from standing still. In fact, there are more opportunities than ever for students to take the stage — and shine.

This fall, students will perform Alice by Heart, a dreamlike, emotionally rich musical inspired by Alice in Wonderland. In winter, they’ll return for the classic Our Town, continuing a tradition of full-scale productions. But what’s most exciting is what’s filling the space between those shows: more performances, more risk-taking, and more voices being heard.

“Students don’t have to wait months to perform anymore,” says Upper School theater teacher Keri Lesnik P ’27. “We’ve created a rhythm that gives them meaningful chances to act, direct, and collaborate throughout the year.”

The Upper School’s Performance Company now presents two original showcases annually — one in the fall and one in the spring — featuring a mix of short scenes, monologues, and one-act plays. These showcases are actor-driven and designed to build students’ confidence and encourage their creativity on stage.

Meanwhile, Acting Seminar students conclude their semester with a public performance, applying the voice, movement, character, and text work they’ve undertaken throughout the course. And thanks to a two-year rotating curriculum, students who return to the program can explore these areas in greater depth with personalized projects and advanced scene study.

“We’ve added a directing unit to Performance Company this year,” Mrs. Lesnik says. “That means students will not only act but also take the lead in shaping scenes, making creative decisions, and understanding the work from a director’s perspective.”

Outside the classroom, students are expanding their experience through visits from guest artists, field trips to professional theater productions, and annual participation in the Speech & Theatre Association of New Jersey (STANJ) Theater Festival. This year, students will present work they’ll develop during a focused monologue unit and connect with theater students across New Jersey in a series of hands-on workshops. Last year’s sessions included stage combat and stage management.

Looking ahead, the adventure gets even bigger. In 2026, students will travel to Scotland to perform in the high school division of the world-renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Both Acting Seminar and Performance Company are designed to stretch students as artists. From method acting to directing, these programs provide the kind of skill-building and immersive experiences that enable students to dig deep and go far.

As the school prepares for the opening of its new building, the theater program is already evolving in that spirit: more collaborative, more dynamic, and more inclusive than ever.

“Our students aren’t just waiting for the new stage,” says Mrs. Lesnik. “They’re stepping into the spotlight right now, and owning it.”

Acting Seminar students during their dress rehearsal of their end-of-year performance, Small Enchantments

Gan

Dancing with Purpose in the Primary School

In the Primary School, every dance class begins with a ritual: “Hello Brain, Hello Body, Hello Everyone,” followed by a grounding breath and a review of the four guiding principles of the dance program: Look Inside, Speak Through Movement,

CHAMBER SINGERS IN THE CITY

Our Chamber Singers took their voices to the iconic Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City. Beneath soaring ceilings, students experienced the cathedral’s breathtaking acoustics — an unforgettable moment of dramatic architecture and glorious music including works by Monteverdi, Fauré, and contemporary composers, Marques L. A. Garrett, Don Macdonald, and Elaine Hagenberg.

Work Together, and Take Care. These simple yet powerful ideas shape every step our young students take in Hauser Hall.

“Look Inside” invites them to explore their feelings and imaginations through movement, nurturing self-awareness and

creativity. “There are no wrong answers in dance,” Primary School dance teacher Whitney Jacobs reminds the students, encouraging risk-taking and originality.

Through “Speak Through Movement,” students learn that movement can say what words sometimes can’t. The girls choreograph stories with their bodies, discovering that dance is a language of emotion and meaning. “Show me, don’t tell me” is a frequent and freeing invitation.

“Work Together” fosters collaboration and respect, as students co-create, problem-solve, and support one another.

With “Take Care,” they build a culture of kindness — treating themselves, their peers, and their space with compassion.

And joyful memories abound: Second-graders perform dances from around the world; Kindergartners celebrate “Green and Gold” with vibrant movement; and third-graders explore Alvin Ailey’s Revelations. Each class celebrates individuality and progress, with technique layered gradually and expression always honored.

As Ms. Jacobs looks ahead to 2025–2026, she says she’s excited to expand the program and to launch Dance Lab, an after-school performance group for fourth- and fifth-graders. “My goal,” she says, “is to spread the J.O.D. — the joy of dance — and make Primary School dance a signature part of the KPS experience.”

Christine

’34, Leela Khurana ’34, and Bahar Basu-Kayal ’34 express their creative movements.

Chamber Singers from the Classes of 2025 and 2026

SPOTLIGHT ON STAGE: SENIORS REFLECT ON THEIR SHARED PASSION FOR PERFORMANCE

For Hannah Kelley ’26 and Lorelei Gustafson-Johnson ’26, the stage has been a second home since they were toddlers — they sometimes even stand in the spotlight together. With more than a decade of friendship and countless productions between them, at Kent Place the two have grown into confident, expressive performers through theater, singing, and a connection to the roles they play.

What first drew you to the performing arts?

Hannah: It’s hard to pinpoint one moment — I’ve always loved singing, dancing, and telling stories. I’ve been involved in performing arts since I was three. In fact, Lorelei and I have been doing musicals together since then.

Lorelei: My first production was Stone Soup at age four, and I was hooked. Seeing Hamilton on Broadway in fifth grade made me realize I wanted to captivate audiences the way that cast captivated me. At Kent Place, I’ve been in almost ten productions and expanded into Chorale and Chamber Singers, which extended my love of music beyond theater.

How do you prepare for a role or performance?

Hannah: I try to become my character by asking questions about her motivations and relationships. That helps me make authentic choices on stage and connect emotionally with the story I’m telling.

Lorelei: I start with physical and vocal warm-ups, but the real preparation happens when I visualize my character’s world. I like to sit in focused silence before an emotional scene and use a mirror to embody a character’s posture or traits. I also study the script closely to justify her actions and understand her mindset.

What’s it like being on stage as compared to rehearsals?

Hannah: The audience changes everything. Their energy feeds mine, and I feel more emotionally connected. But it can also be overwhelming, so I find a quiet moment backstage before curtain to ground myself, breathe, and refocus.

Lorelei: It used to feel like an adrenaline rush — my heart would race with nerves and excitement. But now, as a senior, I feel more at peace. In Little Women, I really enjoyed the moment on stage and felt connected with the audience’s reactions. That sense of calm and joy has grown with every performance.

Hannah Kelley ’26 (seated) and Lorelei GustafsonJohnson ’26

Take a Bow!

Our most recent performances showcased the talent, confidence, and creativity of our students. Whether through theater, choral concerts, or instrumental ensembles, each division brought energy and artistry to the spotlight in unforgettable ways.

Evening of Dance

Evening of Dance

Primary School Spring Concert

Upper School Orchestra Showcase

Middle School Broadway Showcase

Grade 4 Musical: Giants in the Sky

Middle School Musical: Once Upon a Mattress

Upper School Choral Showcase

Upper School Play: Little Women

From These

Roots

The Class of 2025 stands tall, grounded in the knowledge they’ve gained and friendships they’ve cultivated during their time at Kent Place. Like trees whose roots run deep, they are ready to reach outward and upward — branching out with confidence, curiosity, and a strong sense of self. Though their paths will take them in many directions, their sisterhood will always connect them to the school that helped them grow.

You’re not the same girls who first walked onto campus. Braver. Kinder. More confident. More open. You understand that strength comes from standing together. So as you prepare to leave Kent Place, remember what you built here. Remember the power that comes from locking eyes. Remember the warmth of friendship. Remember what it feels like to know you’re seen. Stay curious. Stay open. And above all, stay connected — to one another and to the world around you.”

—JENNIFER GALAMBOS, HEAD OF SCHOOL

Daisy Chain led by Presidentelect Naomi Ravenell ’26

Grace Williams, Megan LlewellynJones, and Sonia Gulati

Class of 2025, it’s been an honor to grow alongside you. And though our branches will forever reach out in different directions, don’t you ever forget that we’ll always have our roots here, at Kent Place.”

—JULISSA

BELTRÁN, SENIOR CLASS CO-SPEAKER AND RECIPIENT OF THE 2025 CITIZENSHIP CUP

Senior Class student speakers Dvita Bhattacharya and Julissa Beltrán

Anabel Wheatley, Mia Naggar, Phoebe Kanellakos, Maya Lalani, Tanseem Arampulikan, Scarlette Liftin, and Sophia DiSarno

Piper Mayes

As we head off into new, unfamiliar environments this fall, let’s not hold back our potential just because we’re afraid to fail. We know each of you will leave your mark on your new homes just like you’ve left your mark on Kent Place. Be brave, bold, and brilliant — and remember, we’re all just a phone call away.”

—DVITA BHATTACHARYA, SENIOR CLASS CO-SPEAKER

Lifers: Eden Ekong-Reid, Zoe Evans, Liv Minton (seated), Sophie Capone, Aarah Ali (seated), Julia Carey, Sofia Wanosky, Alexandria Grinis, Charlotte Grushkin, and Piper Mayes

Miranda Santiago

Zoe Reeder, Emily Martin, and Addison Ismael

Over the past four years, your lives meaningfully converged at Kent Place. There is immense value in what you have experienced individually, but an even greater premium on what you shared and created collectively. The memory of all of you will linger and echo in the classrooms, in the halls, and across campus for all time to come.”

—RASHIED MCCREARY P ’29 ’34 ’36, UPPER

SCHOOL ACADEMIC DEAN AND FACULTY SPEAKER

With Gratitude to Anne Grissinger P ’25

In addition to celebrating our graduates, we recognize and thank Kent Place Board of Trustees President Anne Grissinger P ’25, who concludes more than seven years of distinguished service on the Board, the past four as Chair.

“For a head of school, the relationship with the Board Chair is everything,” says Dr. Galambos. “Anne has been a true partner: bold, thoughtful, and unwavering in her commitment to Kent Place. She has a deep passion for the power of an all-girls education — a passion matched by her insight and strong leadership.”

Anne joined the Board in 2018 and quickly emerged as a leader. Before serving as President, she was Chair of the Advancement Committee and Cochair of the DEIB Task Force.

Anne was instrumental in the development of the Strategic Plan — Empower Girls. Advance the World. — and her impact will be felt for generations because of her tireless work to bring the new Leadership Center for Athletics, Wellness, and Performing Arts to life.

During her tenure as President, Anne has helped to elevate the Board’s work by modeling a forward-looking, mission-driven approach. We are profoundly grateful for her vision, integrity, and extraordinary dedication to Kent Place School.

Through election by the Board, Katie Machir ’95 P ’28 will now serve as Kent Place’s President of the Board. Learn more about Katie and her historic role on page 38.

Anne Grissinger P ’25 with her daughter Evelyn at Commencement

Upper School Academic Dean and faculty speaker Rashied McCreary P ’29 ’34 ’36

The new Leadership Center will support the skills and community connections propelling the next generation of Kent Place students to excel.

Our students have long excelled in the classroom, but they also receive a rich, well-rounded education beyond those walls — from captaining teams to performing under stage lights — that prepares them to lead and flourish in any environment.

Thanks to the Leadership Center for Athletics, Wellness, and Performing Arts, which broke ground in June and is slated for completion in early 2027, Kent Place will soon have a transformational new facility that matches the strength of its programming in these key areas. The center, located near the school’s entrance, has a range of new spaces and amenities; it will replace the theater and dance studio and include a refreshed field house, wellness and fitness studios, and an additional gym.

The building is designed to be a place where leadership is more than part of the name: It’s lived daily, through activities ranging from wellness to team sports to performances. “It’s a space that will bring us together as a community, enable us to celebrate one another, and provide a stage for us to showcase our talents,” says Head of School Jennifer Galambos. “It will help our students, and our community, grow.”

Turn the page to get the insider’s tour.

BY ERIN PETERSON | ILLUSTRATIONS BY DRUE WAGNER

12 Reasons to Be Excited About the New Leadership Center

The Leadership Center will offer a new way for Kent Place students to move, create, connect, and lead, and will elevate their experience in a remarkable number of ways. Here’s what we mean.

An additional competition-ready gym will make it possible for two games to be played on campus simultaneously — and give more opportunities for Dragons to support Dragons.

The new teaching kitchen triples the number of burner spaces for cooking from four to 12. Paired with a unit on healthy, mindful Ayurvedic nutrition, students will be able to practice making healthy, balanced meals that will help them at home, at college, and beyond.

This facility will provide muchneeded athletic, physical education, and performing arts spaces, but it will also be a community hub where students can connect, collaborate, and build together.

The state-of-the-art theater can accommodate the entire Upper School student body and faculty, providing a community space and an elevated performance space.

A dedicated fitness center will contain TRX equipment, rowers, and Tonal systems. The sophisticated equipment offers form guidance and even personalized coaching.

Excited yet? Flip to see what we’re talking about!

“When visiting teams walk into the Leadership Center, it will be a home-team advantage,” says Athletics Director Vicky Browne. “The center is both functional and a showpiece, so teams are sure to be impressed.”

The new dance studio will have a sprung floor — a flexible subfloor beneath an overlay that offers a cushioned, responsive, and significantly safer surface for dancing.

A dedicated scene shop will give students space to design, build, and paint sets, bringing their creative visions to life. Just steps away, new dressing rooms will give performers a professional backstage experience as they step into the spotlight.

A new locker room will provide a comfortable, modern space for the athletes in Kent Place’s 16 varsity sports — and those participating in physical education and recreational activities.

You don’t have to be a student to love it. “This space is a bridge between generations,” says Trustee Doug Sieg P ’24 ’29 ’31 ’31. “It tells every girl who walks through its doors: ‘You belong here, and you’re part of something great.’”

It’s a facility whose time has come: “We don’t need to worry about building new programs — they’re already built,” says Michelle Stevenson, Director of Health and Wellness. “That means we’ll have a seamless transition. We’re ready for it.”

Even the process of developing the building, says Dr. Galambos, “has strengthened the community. It has already helped all of the Kent Place community — including the Board, alumnae, current parents, and past parents — come together.”

How a Bold Idea Bold Idea Took Shape ook Shape

To uncover the inspiration, strategy, and shared commitment that shaped the Leadership Center from concept to reality, we spoke with six members of the Kent Place community who played a pivotal role in bringing this dream project to life.

On the moment: why the time was right

Jennifer Galambos: We’d been thinking for years about the building that’s now coming to fruition. The school had considered modest additions to facilities, but ultimately, those additions were not going to meet our current or future needs. Therefore, we made the decision to embark on the largest fundraising campaign in the school’s history.

Rashied McCreary: We’ve ushered a lot of spaces into a new era in the past ten years. Among them is the Center for Innovation, which supports our STEAM subjects, the Ethics Institute, and engineering laboratories. We’ve also been refreshing our Middle and Upper Schools with new furniture, colors, and spaces. So the other elements that were ready to be transformed were our performing arts and athletics spaces.

Jennifer Galambos: It’s important for our girls to know how much they matter, and facilities are one way we show that. We needed a building that would enable us to deliver on our promise of top-notch athletics, wellness, and performing arts programming.

On the vision: building leaders, holistically

Julie Gentile: When we were thinking about the idea of a Leadership Center, we believed that the elements we wanted to include were all part of creating a strong girl who would advance the world. Research supports this idea. As one example, we know that 80 percent of female CEOs of Fortune 500 companies were student-athletes.

Doug Sieg: Kent Place has always been about building bold and brave young women. I can think of no better way to support that mission than through a space that celebrates the whole person — mind, body, and spirit. This facility was designed not just to support those ideals but also to reflect them. It’s more than a building — it’s an expression of what Kent Place stands for: courage, character, and community.

Rashied McCreary: We talk about leadership all the time, and in this building, leadership will be actualized. It will be applied in areas that are important to students, such as athletics, singing, performing, and dancing.

“We wanted it to be a welcoming space for everybody who attends Kent Place. Everyone should be able to find her own niche here.”

—CHRISTINE GILFILLAN ’84 P ’19, TWO-TIME FORMER TRUSTEE, ALUMNA, AND MEMBER OF THE HEAD’S COUNCIL

“This project was the definition of thoughtfulness and collaboration in action.”

—DOUG

SIEG P ’24 ’29 ’31 ’31, CURRENT MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

“It’s important for our girls to know how much they matter, and facilities are one way we show that.”

—JENNIFER GALAMBOS, HEAD OF SCHOOL

“When we were thinking about the idea of a Leadership Center, we believed that the elements we wanted to include were all part of creating a strong girl who would advance the world.”

—JULIE GENTILE, ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL

“We talk about leadership all the time, and in this building, leadership will be actualized.”

—RASHIED

On community: creating spaces to bring people together

Buff Blanchard: One of the big mandates was to have a place where everyone could be together. That was important for the theater, which had to be big enough to hold the entire Upper School. But we also wanted spaces for the different organizations and groups, for athletic teams and spectators, and for other large gatherings. There were a lot of discussions about the many ways they could strengthen community.

Christine Gilfillan: We also didn’t want it to be a place that was just for athletes or just for someone in the performing arts. We wanted it to be a welcoming space for everybody who attends Kent Place. Everyone should be able to find her own niche here.

Julie Gentile: These are all spaces that are designed to build up and elevate the sisterhood of excellence that is a Kent Place tradition. So while Kent Place’s mission is to empower girls to be confident leaders, we do that, in part, by prioritizing a powerful sisterhood. We believe that when one rises, we all rise.

On getting it done: purposeful, collaborative work

Buff Blanchard: This is one of the biggest projects Kent Place has undertaken, and the site — landlocked and on a hill — is challenging. There was a lot of pressure to get it right. But Kent Place is good about identifying what it needs and setting priorities.

Doug Sieg: This project was the definition of thoughtfulness and collaboration in action. The process was intentional, from design to fundraising, with every detail carefully considered to ensure that the facility would reflect the values and ambitions of the school. None of this would have happened without Dr. Galambos’s clarity of vision and ability to inspire. She was the driving force who brought the idea to life through leadership and community-wide engagement.

Buff Blanchard: Kent Place has had a professional process in everything it’s done. I’ve gone through this before, and Kent Place has done all the right things.

“One of the big mandates was to have a place where everyone could be together.”

—BUFF

BLANCHARD P ’12 ’13, CHAIRMAN AT THE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY WM. BLANCHARD, THE LEADERSHIP CENTER’S “OWNER’S REPRESENTATIVE”

Hopes for the future

Christine Gilfillan: I hope that when students walk into the building, they feel excited and that they belong there. I hope they want to be part of all of it. And I want alumnae to know that this building is going to be here to meet the needs of the next generation of students and beyond.

Doug Sieg: I also hope they feel a sense of respect and connection to the more than 130 years of extraordinary history that came before them — and an equally strong sense of excitement for what comes next. I hope they feel inspired to lead, to compete, to collaborate, and to carry the Kent Place spirit with pride.

MCCREARY P ’29 ’34 ’36, UPPER SCHOOL ACADEMIC

DEAN

Christine Gilfillan: We made sure everybody could be at the table: We surveyed everyone in the community, and they could express themselves and weigh in on what the building was going to look like. We wanted people to be involved.

Jennifer Galambos: I hope the entire Kent Place community will come together to fully fund the building by its opening.

Thanks for the Memories

Kent Place is thrilled about the opportunities the new Leadership Center will make possible — and we also recognize that the current performing arts facilities, which will be replaced, hold a meaningful place in the hearts of the many alumnae who discovered their passions there.

“It was fundamental to my development as a performer and a person.”

Erika Amato ’87 is an award-winning actor and vocalist whose credits span national tours, Off-Broadway productions, and TV appearances on such shows as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Quantum Leap.

I remember when all our performances were held in what was called “The Small Gym” — what later became the dance studio.

As a sophomore, I was lucky enough to be in the first play produced in the brand-new Hyde and Watson Theater, in the role of the Mother Superior in Agnes of God

That theater holds many indelible memories for me: not only did I get to play Eva in Evita my senior year, but after graduation, I gained invaluable professional experience by working at the Equity theater Mr. Pridham produced in the space during the summer. My first professional acting credit was on that stage: playing Cynthia in To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday when I was 17.

Ten years later, when my band Velvet Chain was on tour, we actually played a full rock concert for the entire student body on that very same stage.

It’s hard to say goodbye to a space that was so fundamental to my development as both a performer and a person, but I’m excited for the future generations of KPS students who will get the chance to work in a beautiful, state-of-the-art performance space. My wish for every student who steps on that stage or works behind the scenes is that they’re inspired even half as much as I was by my time performing at KPS. The experience will serve them well throughout their lives, whether or not they have any intention of pursuing the arts. Here’s to the new Leadership Center!

“Stepping onto the stage was the best feeling.”

Ashley Marlow ’02 is a counselor at La Jolla Country Day School, in La Jolla, Calif.

The drama program, under the direction of Mr. Pridham, was my favorite thing about KPS.

Stepping onto the stage, knowing that friends from KPS and family members were in the audience cheering us on, was the best feeling.

Participating in the drama program helped to build my confidence, as well as to learn how to accept constructive criticism. In my career as a school counselor, I often recommend that students find a creative outlet, whether it’s through music, drama, dance, or visual art.

I hope future generations enjoy performing on stage as much as I did.

What’s your favorite memory or performance in the theater?

Let us know at communications@ kentplace.org.

“ Theater was their high school.”

Keri Lesnik P ’27 is the Upper School theater teacher.

Theater can be a significant part of a student’s Kent Place experience. You might spend a few hours a week in English class but spend 10 hours a week in theater after school — and even more on weekends. Students are running over during their free periods, they’re hanging curtains, they’re fixing props with hot glue.

If they come in as freshmen, they’re barely 14, and they grow up there. They might start in the background in an ensemble, and by the time they finish their senior year, they’re practically running the show. It’s incredibly special to be the teacher who gets to watch that whole experience.

I can still picture my seniors last year, lying on the floor holding hands, crying at their final rehearsal.

To them, theater was their high school.

MORE ABOUT KATIE MACHIR

Where you can frequently find her on campus: At her daughter’s soccer, lacrosse, and ice hockey games.

What takes her down memory lane: The annual STAR choral concert. “That performance brings me back into the feeling of being a student again.”

Her KPS involvement over the years: Member of the Board of Trustees, School Life Committee, Kent Place Alumnae Board, Governance Committee, Advancement Committee, and the capital campaign.

An Alumna’s Return Home — and into KPS History

A lifelong champion of connection, athletics, and the power of a Kent Place education, Katie (Herbst) Machir ’95 P ’28 steps into her new role as Board President ready to strengthen the community and secure its future for generations.

BY RACHEL WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPH BY REBECCA NOWALSKI

FOR KATIE (HERBST) MACHIR ’95 P ’28, supporting Kent Place’s continued growth has defined much of her life’s work. And on July 1, she made school history when she became only the third alumna to serve as President of the Board of Trustees.

“It’s my greatest honor, and I don’t take it lightly,” Katie says. “I know firsthand what Kent Place is capable of giving women. I know how valuable and distinctive this education is, and I want to make sure it’s thriving for generations to come.”

Katie is a “trifecta,” says Head of School Jennifer Galambos, an alumna who has undergone the Kent Place experience, a parent who sees that same education stretching her daughter, and a Trustee who understands the Board’s role in ensuring the long-term success of the school.

Over the years and through numerous volunteer roles, Katie has met the entire KPS community — she has worked with families, students, faculty and staff, alumnae, and donors. She was also instrumental in the creation of the Athletic Hall of Fame: Alumnae can nominate their peers, a team, and a coach for recognition. “It was an opportunity,” she says, to involve alumnae in their alma mater.

Cochair of the leadership phase of the capital campaign to raise funds for the new Leadership Center for Athletics, Wellness, and Performing Arts, she talked with potential donors about the impact this facility will have on the Kent Place experience. As an alumna, she was able to tap into the fond memories she has of playing lacrosse and

soccer at KPS to help them understand the value of investing in such a facility.

“I loved athletics. That was my outlet; it’s where I found a lot of strength and community,” she says. “My lacrosse coach and my soccer coach contributed significantly to my growth. They taught me that your performance off the field is just as important as it is on the field.”

One of Katie’s goals is to increase the school’s endowment. She will continue to utilize her experiences as an alumna and an advocate for KPS to engage with potential supporters and donors.

“As an alum,” she says, “that’s very close to my heart. I’d love during my time as President of the Board that we grow, because the endowment sustains in perpetuity.”

Prior to first joining the Board of Trustees in 2006, Katie worked in the undergraduate admission office at the University of Pennsylvania. While helping to recruit students from northern New Jersey high schools, she would visit Kent Place and could see the difference.

“I saw in real time how our education was being put to work in students, their voices, and how they carried themselves,” she says. “It was another validation for me, seeing KPS through a different lens, and I felt that insider knowledge was something I could immediately impart as a member of the Board.”

As a Trustee, Katie supported the development of the new mission statement, adopted in 2022, and has been involved in various facility upgrades, among them the Center for Innovation.

Says Lynn (Daeschler) Magrane ’70 P ’00 ’02 — the second alumna to be Board President, serving from 2000 to 2006: “To have an alumna Board Chair offers a whole other perspective. I also think she and Jennifer will make great partners. They have amazing strengths, and together they’ll take KPS to new heights.”

Katie says she’s grateful that her daughter, Taylor, who is in tenth grade, is enjoying the Kent Place experience just as her mom did: “It’s really meaningful to me that we can see similarities between her time on campus and mine — her ability to raise her hand right away and not think twice about it, for example. And how organized she is, how she’s learning to ask for help.

“I was truly myself when I was a student at Kent Place,” she continues, “and I’m also seeing that with her — the comfort and the vulnerability.”

Katie says that when she was a student, she learned to advocate for herself and the causes she believes in, as well as to read, think critically, and analyze. These intangible skills — what she calls “the special sauce” of KPS — are what she intends to protect and support.

“My education is the greatest gift my parents gave me,” she said. (Her father, Richard Herbst, served on the Board in the 1990s, and is an Emeritus Trustee.) “It really was more than an education for me. Beyond my family, Kent Place is the single biggest influence on my life.”

KEEPING PACE KEEPING PACE

CONNECTING THE KENT PLACE FAMILY

Dear Alumnae,

As Kent Place’s new Chief Advancement Officer, I’m excited to write my first letter to our alumnae. In my short time at the school, I’ve already had a great introduction to the close friendships and strong connections that make this community so special. I came to Kent Place after a long career in education and nonprofit management. I began as the head field hockey coach at Montclair State before joining the college’s advancement team, in 2014, as a director of development. Since then, I served as the director of development for the KIPP public charter school network, and most recently spent three years as the executive director of Montclair Film. Although I’ve loved every one of my roles, it’s special indeed being on a campus surrounded by brave and brilliant girls.

Since joining the school, in late February, I enjoyed a Green & Gold on the Road trip to several cities, shadowed a Middle School history teacher, attended my first Alumnae Weekend and Parent Social, and celebrated

philanthropy for our sixth-annual Founders Day. And just before Commencement was the Legacy Luncheon, at which we honored alumnae and other friends of the school who made the decision to include Kent Place in their estate plans or had made gifts to the Kent Place Fund for at least 20 years. In fact, many in attendance had done both. These generous gifts help Kent Place thrive and ensure a bright future for our students, current and future.

At various events, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting alumnae from the Classes of 1955 to 2024, whose careers range from architecture to international media and from entertainment to environmental sustainability. I even met one of the first-ever female Ironman participants! I’ve also heard stories of decades-long friendships, athletic victories, mischievous pranks, and the many traditions that make Kent Place so special. No matter the path taken after graduation, each alumna expressed her gratitude for the KPS experience and the lasting bonds that ensued.

I joined Kent Place at an exciting moment: The ground has been broken on the Leadership Center for Athletics, Wellness, and Performing Arts, and I’ll be leading the fundraising efforts to ensure that we’re ready for the grand opening!

As we begin the 2025–2026 academic year, I’m excited to expand my connections with Kent Place students, families, and alumnae. I hope to see many of you on campus for events and reunions.

Warm regards,

Beth Gottung Chief Advancement Officer

Nancy Twinem ’61, Beth Gottung, and Nancy (Gorman) Dougherty ’82 P ’12 at this year’s Legacy Luncheon, which recognizes the longstanding commitment and support of Kent Place as members of the Oak Leaf and Heritage Societies

Three European Cities, One Sisterhood

For many alumnae, the bonds forged during their Kent Place years remain strong, even as they pursue different paths in college. But for a group of young women from the same graduating class, those connections recently spanned continents, leading to an unexpected and memorable reunion thousands of miles from home.

Though they attend different universities across the United States, six alumnae from the Class of 2022 found themselves reunited in Europe while studying abroad. Claire Bugliari and Isabel Smith (both at Boston College), Ella Gehrmann (Wake Forest), and Katie Powers (Tulane) all ended up in Copenhagen, discovering the city together while immersing themselves in new cultures and academic experiences. Meanwhile, Abby Samson (University of Richmond) explored Milan and Arden Meyer (Tufts) studied in Florence.

“We knew we’d all be abroad, but none of us planned to be in the same place,” said Claire. “It just kind of happened — and made the whole experience even more special.”

Although their programs took them to different cities and countries, the group made time to reconnect throughout the semester. One memorable reunion took place at Oktoberfest in Munich, where the friends got together to celebrate and reminisce about their time at Kent Place.

“It reminded us how strong our Kent Place bond really is,” said Claire, “even across continents.”

GENERATIONS UNITED IN CELEBRATION

May 31 marked a proud and memorable day for four Kent Place alumnae who watched their daughters graduate from the same school they once attended. For these women, it was not only a celebration of academic achievement; it was also a full-circle moment that honored tradition, legacy, and the roots they share with the Kent Place community and now their daughters.

NETWORKING EVENT GOES BICOASTAL

On June 5, the Kent Place Alumnae Association expanded its networking event, holding gatherings simultaneously in New York City and Los Angeles. Alumnae from a wide range of industries — among them law, finance, marketing, and television — came together to connect, exchange insights, and build new professional relationships. In New York, the event was held at The Penn Club; in Los Angeles, alumnae met at the offices of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, hosted by Meena Patel ’88. Alumnae on both coasts left the evening energized and inspired by the strength and reach of the Kent Place network.

2022 classmates reunite in Munich

1. Joan (Thompson) Wilson ’93 P ’25 and Auburn ’25; 2. Cecelia Boehm ’96 P ’25 and Jia ’25; 3. Aimee (Bousquet) Singer ’88 P ’25 and Makena ’25; 4. Stephanie (Sayia) Walsh ’95 P ’25 and Piper ’25, with her aunts Hilary Sayia ’04 and Whitney (Sayia) Reid ’93

Vivienne Germain ’20, Karla Perdomo Nuñez ’22, and Eliza Zweig ’08 at the NYC networking event

Judy signs copies of her third book, K-Quick: Korean Food in 30 Minutes or Less

A GLIMPSE INTO THE LIFE OF JUDY JOO ’93

Chef, author, restaurateur, and television personality Judy Joo ’93 returned to Kent Place to give insights into her multifaceted career, identity, and culture in honor of AAPI Month. Her visit came at a particularly busy time, hot on the heels of the publication of K-Quick: Korean Food in 30 Minutes or Less, wrapping up the season premiere as a judge on the new Food Network series House of Knives, and running Seoul Bird, her restaurant in London, Las Vegas, Edinburgh, and New York. Here’s how this culinary force masterfully balances her many roles.

Let’s just say . . . it’s been a whirlwind! With the launch of K-Quick, the past couple of weeks were packed with media mayhem, long-haul flights, delectable meals, and just enough sparkle to keep it all feeling fabulous. Here’s a little peek into my occasionally chaotic world.

APRIL 28

I make my way to Heathrow, toggling between time zones and to-do lists. I’ve long considered myself a NyLon — part New Yorker, part Londoner, all hustle. With seven restaurants across three countries, there’s always something simmering. A quick bite of delicately cured trout and a swig of kombucha and I’m off, transatlantic again, powered by fermented tea and ambition.

APRIL 29

4 a.m. alarm (silver lining: jet lag was finally working in my favor). It takes a full two hours to get me camera-ready — thank goodness for the transformative powers of contour and caffeine. After some magic from my glam squad, I step onto the set of The Today Show, flanked by 20 other chefs. I’ve been part of the Today family for more than 15 years now, even joining them in Korea for the PyeongChang Olympics in 2018.

APRIL 30

Start the day with Pilates, my attempt to undo the damage from last night’s delicious indulgence. Then it’s off to a meeting with my publishers, as my next manuscript is due in September. We cover everything from art direction to textual tone: equal parts creative brainstorm and deadline bootcamp.

Next, I zip over to Citi Field to check on our Seoul Bird concession. The team casually mentions that we’re the most popular unit in the Market Halls — cue happy dance (internal but spirited). On the way home, I make a quick pizzeria detour to see my chef friends and taste their latest collab slices. Full of pizza and champagne, I finally roll into bed — dreams topped with mozzarella and deadlines.

MAY 1

Mega-early start with calls to London (time zones don’t care about beauty sleep). Then I dive into a power breakfast with a sharp-suited private equity firm. After that, I’m off to Kent Place to speak at the Upper School assembly. To my amazement, the students pay attention for the full hour — far more focused than I was at their age. A few lovely girls even hang back to chat afterward, which melts my heart. Their curiosity, kindness, and confidence give me all the feels.

MAY 2

It’s business attire today as I head uptown to Columbia University for a board meeting (my inner nerd is alive and thriving). Afterward, I’m off to Madison Square Garden to check on our Seoul Bird unit. The band Rema is mid-soundcheck, filling the arena with pulsing Nigerian beats while I do a full tasting. I give the team a high five and dash off to dinner with my special someone — apron off, heels on.

MAY 3

Game day: Yankees vs. Rays! I’m giddy as I get the full behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium — dugout selfies, a little grass-touching moment, and a peekaboo at some players in the locker room. Bonus: I bump into my House of Knives costar Chef Marcus Samuelsson.

Judy has been a longtime regular guest on the Today Show

Judy with Kent Place students after her assembly talk

MAY 7

Caught up with lifelong friend Susanne (Santola) Mulligan ’93 P ’27 ’29 (also a KPS lifer) over sushi at Nobu Midtown. She brings her copy of K-Quick for me to sign: She’s in the acknowledgments, of course, part of my OG girl crew. We gossip, laugh, and crush some yellowtail jalapeño like it’s our job.

MAY 8

Another crack-of-dawn glam session — this time for Good Morning America. I whip up some Korean barbecue and more. Then it’s a mad dash to the airport and into international mode.

MAY 9

Land in London and straight into Seoul Bird board meetings — expansion strategy, financing, ops, the works. Later, I curate menus, contemplate my next pop-up (Maldives, the White Lotus Villa in Bangkok, or St. Barths . . . or all three?), negotiate a potential frozen food collab, and more. Evening plans? I fully embrace JOMO: the Joy of Missing Out. Slip into my jammies and duvet-dive. Bliss!

MAY 10

Another early start in the glam chair for Sunday Brunch, one of the UK’s most beloved morning shows. I cook up a signature dish live, then head back to my neighborhood to wander through the farmers’ market — my happy place.

MAY 13

A big one — my K-Quick book launch at the Samsung KX showroom! Somehow, 150 fabulous humans show up. Samsung has my face on practically every screen in the building, which is equal parts cool and cringe. We keep spirits high with champs and soju and serve up a full spread: Korean fried chicken bites, ramen cups, japchae, and tteokbokki. It was one of those electric nights: great energy, and guests leaving with full bellies, Seoulful smiles, and a killer goodie bag packed with K-beauty products and K-treats.

MAY 14

8 a.m. tennis lesson with my pro — he puts me through my paces, and I’m decked out in my super-chic Tory Burch Sport set (love my sponsors!). After all, there’s a direct correlation between how cute your outfit is and how well you play.

I work from home today, in my comfiest sweats, then pull it together for the Mission Impossible world premiere. I stroll down the red carpet, endure a few camera flashes, gawk at Tom Cruise, watch the movie, and mingle at the after-parties.

MAY 15

I have a speaking engagement at AllBright with an all-female powerhouse panel. After fielding a few thoughtful questions, I hop into a cab, just in time to make it to a meeting with my Young Presidents’ Organization crew. We’re a group of entrepreneurs who keep it real — part brainstorm brigade, part therapy circle. I walk away, as always, a little wiser and a lot more inspired.

MAY 21

A special day at Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium, where I’m cooking up a storm for the VIP season ticket holders for the Europa League Final. The Spurs clinch the win (let’s just say the kimchi worked its magic). Earlier, I was thrilled to give Sonny, the team captain, a couple of my cookbooks. Total fan-girl moment!

Fast-forward to today. I’m back in New York prepping for another Today Show appearance, a segment on Good Day New York, and a book signing. Being an entrepreneur means late nights, early flights, and a lot of grit. But I’m incredibly grateful to be doing what I love, at a level I once only dreamed of.

And now: back to it. The hustle doesn’t wait. @judyjoochef

Judy speaks at the Albright “Female Trailblazers in Hospitality” conference.

Judy on the red carpet at the Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning premiere

Judy at her K-Quick book launch at the Samsung KX Showroom

Brett Ashley McKenzie ’00

Brett is a communications strategist and former journalist. She’s the cofounder of MotiVerse, a communications firm serving leaders and innovators across the insurance industry. She lives in Evanston, Illinois, with her husband and their children, Sophie (13) and Nathan (9).

In a 20-year career that ranged from sports journalism, to presidential campaigns, to the insurance industry, I’ve found two truths that have held steady:

1. Words are the ultimate superpower.

2. A good stor y can make or break any brand.

Here are the stories that have shaped my career.

ORIGIN STORY: From the time I could read, I was obsessed with epic narratives — Star Wars, X-Men comic books, and later X-Files and The West Wing. I didn’t just watch or read them; I was immersed.

Kent Place gave me my first real push on a journey to becoming a reporter/storyteller.

A Middle School writing assignment from Ms. Woodall is the moment I began to believe in myself. Encouragement from some outstanding teachers helped me realize how I could build a life around words.

JOURNALISM IN AN UNDERDOG ARENA: At the University of Maryland–Baltimore County, I quickly moved up the ladder at the school newspaper, becoming sports editor and reimagining how we covered athletes, teams, and coaches. Our school didn’t have a football team, so we were constantly underestimated in the press, even as a D1 sports school. But I had the privilege of covering title-winning teams and Olympic athletes, and received my first journalism award. The Baltimore Sun and Inside Lacrosse Magazine published my work, and I began to envision a career in journalism. I didn’t realize I’d spend the rest of my career on the other side of the phone.

THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL AND PR: The day after I graduated, in May 2004, I was hired as a media booker by the John Kerry presidential campaign at its Washington, D.C., headquarters. My role was to convince

reporters at television and radio stations in battleground states to book interviews with campaign surrogates. At the Democratic National Convention, in Boston, I booked a series of interviews for a then little-known Senate candidate from Illinois — Barack Obama — and had the privilege of producing interviews for Madeleine Albright and Hillary Clinton, among others. I loved even the challenging parts; pitching people in overwhelmed newsrooms on our campaign story and getting the right message to the right audience under pressure became my specialty.

I continued to work for the DNC — even taking a sabbatical during maternity leave with my then 6-week-old daughter, whom I brought to the 2012 Democratic Convention in Charlotte — so I could run the media room.

I never knew I’d find my ultimate calling as a storyteller in insurance.

BRINGING STORYTELLING TO INSURANCE:

In 2009, I pivoted to the insurance industry. It may seem like a surprising shift — insurance doesn’t strike people as exciting or particularly creative, but I found a need I could fill. Insurance runs on trust, and trust is built through story. At Zurich, I worked alongside more than 600 risk engineers to help communicate complex topics, from wildfires to hurricanes.

Fifteen years later, I launched my own insurance communications firm, which recently merged into a new venture supporting dozens of insurance brands and leaders. And true to my nerdy roots, I hired a comic book designer to handle the graphic design for a very “un-insurance” feel. We have 30+ clients, and it’s exhilarating.

THE THROUGHLINE: Words matter. Not just in novels or speeches, but in everyday life as well — in how you advocate for yourself, inspire others, or navigate the unknown. Whether you’re writing headlines, briefing future presidents, or explaining risk in a hurricane zone, your ability to tell a clear, true, and powerful story will always set you apart.

1940

Kent Place heard from Tom Robbins that his mother, Margaret (MacIlvaine) Robbins, passed away on May 18, 2025, at the age of 103. He sent her obituary and said, “We left out the stories, so here is one.

“In 1944, while serving in the WAVES and in uniform, my mother was riding the subway in downtown Manhattan, and Eleanor Roosevelt was on the train, sitting by herself. My mom witnessed a young boy come up behind her and take a white hair off the shoulder of her overcoat and sneak back into his seat. My mother said that even though she was a ‘Republican,’ she was our First Lady, and since she was in uniform, it was her duty to look after the First Lady. My mom asked if she could sit next to Eleanor Roosevelt. She welcomed the company and proceeded to chat with my mom for the remainder of the ride. Unfortunately, my mom shares that they were near the very end of Manhattan, and the train made several turns, and the screeching of

In Memoriam

Margaret (MacIlvaine) Robbins ’40 May 18, 2025

Eugenia (Howe) Bourne ’52 January 29, 2025

Susan (Bohmer) Tyson ’54 March 15, 2025

Josephine (Volkening) White ’54 April 28, 2025

Molly (Harding) Nye ’57 December 1, 2024

Diane (Hodges) Coyne ’58 December 31, 2024

Susan (Murray) Johnson ’59 April 13, 2025

Eileen (Winters) Mann ’59 March 28, 2025

Cynthia (Ames) Haselton ’73 December 25, 2024

Stephanie (Barnes) Carlson ’82 April 14, 2025

the wheels drowned out what Mrs. Roosevelt was saying. My mom, then 23, dared not interrupt Mrs. Roosevelt to say that she missed hearing those words. At the next stop, Mrs. Roosevelt got up and exited the car, thanking my mom for her company and sharing an excellent conversation.

“This is the story as told to me many years later. My mom attended Kent Place as the only daughter with two brothers. The next generation, my wife and I, living in the Philadelphia area, have prioritized our three daughters in girls school education at Agnes Irwin. I’m a financial advisor, and our daughters’ all-girls education is the best investment I have or will make.”

1942

Emily (Churchill) Wood emily_wood46@hotmail.com

1950

Liz (Dun) Colten lizcolten@aol.com

Penny (Burley) Thomas mbtedt@gmail.com

1951

Mary-Carey (Bachmann) Churchill mcchurchill@gmail.com

Well, we do have six of us who can still communicate, so brava for us, but very sad to have lost too many of us.

Alvene (Farrell) Carpenter lost her husband, Larry, in winter. “He was a good companion and I miss him so much,” she says, “but I have great support from our four children — three boys and one girl.” Alvene is still part time in Nantucket, where they have had a home for many years, and lives in Convent Station. “I feel well and walk quite a bit, so that’s lucky, isn’t it,” she says, laughing. Well, it certainly is.

Becky (Kincaid) Mathewson writes, “Hi. Doing well here in California. Very busy with church work, with two services a week. My family keeps me alert with frequent visits, and keeping up with my Chinese-cooking friends is delicious. The RV is being retired after 30 years, so Alaska travels are over. I now have a kitten, who’s running the house. My very best to all.” Becky and I go back to kindergarten in the Hobart Avenue School in Short Hills, and we both remember bicycling over to each other’s houses, a good distance.

MJ (Cabrera) Shaw, in Stowe, VT, is looking forward to a summer of golf after a very snowy winter. I miss her visits to Florida, but we had several good chats this winter. Sometimes her cell phone didn’t work in the house, so she stood in the freezing cold in the driveway to talk. Always the trooper! MJ was an expert skier, married into a ski-racing family, and with husband Gale (deceased) produced more ski racers. She ran Mt. Mansfield Ski School for years, says Stowe has changed so much, and that it’s now a big second-home destination both winter and summer. MJ has nine grandchildren and five greats with, of course, more on the way. She recalls singing alto solo, “Lo How a Rose e’er Blooming,” in the chorus; she doesn’t sing now but has taken up painting again.

Alvene put me in touch with Pat (Clarke) Seeger, who lives in Vista, CA, with five children, 10 grands, and three greats, all living not too far away. Pat went to Smith College, married, and gradually moved west, first to Arizona, then California. Over the years, she reports, she kept up with Connie Schaenen and Joanie (Marshall) Caldwell until they passed, as well as Alvene. “I feel great,” she said, “however, I’m recovering from a broken hip after I stepped backward on the cat’s tail in the kitchen.” How many stories have we heard similar to that one? My mother broke her hip stepping back from the sink into our beagle. The moral? Stay away from the kitchen sink!

Dulcy (Lee) Green GP ’04 ’07 is doing well in Mendham, NJ. She went to Chatham Hall, in Virginia, for her senior year, but still has fond memories of Kent Place. Who could forget her as Monsieur Beaucaire? Two of her granddaughters graduated from Kent Place, sisters Jessie Conway ’07 and Dulcy Conway ’04

My life in West Palm Beach is still fun and active, for which I’m grateful every day. Lots of swimming, croquet, volunteer work, writing newsletters for my condo and the National Croquet Club and also a memoir for the family. Anyone else doing that? Writing about my years at Kent Place made me laugh and reminded me how well we were prepared for college, and also how much fun we had. A little too much, some would say.

As I write this, in May, I’m headed for my 70th reunion at Mount Holyoke via Manhattan, then in June going to Northern California and Hawaii to visit friends. Have to keep moving while I can, but it won’t be without the daily aches and pains. I wish you all the contentment that comes in the late years with family, and the wisdom to enjoy life that others can emulate.

1952

Kent Place received the sad news that Eugenia “Genie” (Howe) Bourne passed away peacefully on January 29, 2025. Our condolences to Genie’s family and friends.

1954

Marianna (Ruprecht) Mitchell mariannarmitchell@gmail.com

Susan (Bohmer) Tyson’s daughter wrote to tell me her mother passed away peacefully on March 15, 2025. Kimberley said she had lived at KPS and had wonderful memories of her time there. My classmates and I are so sorry for her loss.

Josephine (Volkening) White’s son wrote to Kent Place to let us know that Jo passed away April 28, 2025. We’re so sorry to hear this and extend our condolences to her family and friends.

1958

We were sad to learn that Diane (Hodges) Coyne passed away at her home in Newtown Square, PA, on December 31, 2024. Our condolences to her sister, Doris (Hodges) Heiser ’61, and the rest of her family and friends.

1959

Elizabeth (Budd) Bugliari bugliarie@gmail.com

Kent Place received the sad news that Eileen (Winters) Mann passed away peacefully on March 28, 2025, in Naples, FL. Our condolences to Eileen’s family and friends.

Bundy (Harding) Boit: Our classmate Susan (Murray) Johnson passed away in mid-April 2025 in Damariscotta, ME. She’d been in a skilled nursing facility there for some time. I stopped to see her about two weeks before her passing and we had a good chat, although she indicated she was very ill. Sue and I (because I didn’t talk till I was 3) went to nursery school and Kindergarten

together at Kent Place and then I went to public school and she went all the way through KPS. I came back to Kent Place in seventh grade. She taught quilting for many years in Damariscotta and was beloved by many. My sister Molly (Harding) Nye ’57 died December 1, 2024, and on May 6, 2025, her husband, Joe Nye (author of Soft Power), passed away. They leave a big hole in our family.

1961

Anne (Harding) Woodworth: My husband, Fred, and I still live in D.C. but go to our cabin in the mountains of western North Carolina as often as possible. Hurricane Helene and the fires coming toward our forest from South Carolina spared us, and we’re thankful. My sister Molly Nye ’57 died on December 1 and her husband, Joe, died very unexpectedly on May 6. We are at that age, yes, but to lose them both in a mere five months — well, it’s been a sad time. My ninth book of poetry, Merely Players, is out there in the big wide

IN REMEMBRANCE

With sadness, we report that Janet Harris Foord, former faculty member, passed away on April 29, 2025. Janet delighted in calling herself “feisty” in her lust for life, while wryly observing that some may have occasionally used “other” words to describe her. She was renowned and well loved as a teacher of biology, genetics, and math at Kent Place for more than 16 years, serving as head of the Science Department 1966–1968 and 1969–1977. She capped her career by developing a grant-funded wellness program in The Oranges.

We regret to inform you that Richards Holmes “Dick” Burhoe Jr. P ’77 ’78 passed away on January 1, 2025. Dick served as the Head of the Primary School and Head of the Upper School in the 1960s and ’70s. Throughout his career as a teacher, administrator, and psychologist, Dick worked to level the playing field for all. With his quick wit and strong sense of fairness, he dedicated his life to serving others. Our condolences to his two daughters, Leslie A. Burhoe ’77 and Laurie Burhoe ’78, the rest of his family, and his friends.

world. I give readings here and there, which are a lot of fun. If anyone is in Asheville, NC, on October 5, I’ll be reading at Malaprop’s Bookstore.

1962

Barbara (Blank) Danser: I’m involved in the visual arts scene in the Monadnock region of New Hampshire; I share a fused-glass studio with my husband, Hal, focusing on designing contemporary glass necklaces. I also enjoy painting landscapes and have been teaching a group of local artists for more than 10 years. I sculpt in bronze and fabricate in steel and am a member of a writers group.

1963

Louise (Hall) Grauer louise.a.grauer@gmail.com

Dana (Brough) Boyce P ’88: Daughter

Sara Boyce ’88 and her husband, Chip Webster, planned a trip to Barcelona last November and asked us to go along. Sara has stayed in touch over the years with Cristina (Vanrell) Barbat ’88, who was the foreign exchange student that year, and she lived with us for the final semester. Cristina was awesome! She hasn’t changed, with her energy, warmth, and enthusiasm. Her family has lived in Barcelona for several generations. She’s a gynecologist, and her husband, Alfonso Torrego, is also a doctor. Cristina and Alfonso took off most of the week to shepherd us around Barcelona. We went to historic cathedrals, Gaudí structures, museums, and down back alleys for meals and shopping. And then we were driven around the countryside. The four of them even went dancing one night — after a 9:30 p.m. dinner and the music started at 1:00 a.m.!

Needless to say, David and I went back to our hotel for a light dinner and bed. How fortunate we were to have such wonderful tour guides!

1964

Gail (Giblin) Flynn gailgiblin29@gmail.com

1965

Dr. Janet B. W. Williams jbwwny@gmail.com

Jane (Kolarsey) Kusterer: Another great year, with travels to Nova Scotia, Edenton, NC, and the Georgia mountains. Still facilitating a cold-reads play group as well as a vibrant senior group for my church community; I don’t let this stenosis and neuropathy get me

down. My grandson KJ steals my heart on a daily basis!

Deborah Johnston: I don’t know if anyone else hasn’t posted because life seems to have no noteworthy moments, but after Janet’s prompt, I thought how much I love reading what others have to say. My husband died four years ago after many years of decline; I’m fortunate to have family, friends, and neighbors, as well as an active community at dog school, where I go three times a week to run agility with my dogs. Another woman (79) and I laugh that we’ll be 80-year-olds running these courses. I hope others will post so we can keep in touch.

Candace Cushing: I enjoy being a grandmother, an independent college counselor, and a member of the Stamford Garden Club; catching up with friends; and counting many blessings.

1966

Linda “Lindy” (Burns) Jones finallylbj@gmail.com

Betsy (Busch) Crosby: My husband, John, and I feel fortunate to enjoy winters in Vero Beach, FL, but also relish summers in Rhode Island, much closer to family. John, diagnosed with MS in 1988, has been wheelchair-bound since September ’24, but his spirits are amazing and his limited mobility isn’t daunting us.

Pamela (Bradley) Egloff: I decided there’s no time like the present to become an ex-pat. Remo and I sold the Coconut Grove condo and the car and donated the furniture to charities. I’m now living full time in Switzerland, and life is beautiful! Hope you and yours are also well.

Nicki (Dugan) Doggett: I became a great-grandmother on April 28!

Judy Small: In November 2024, I went to Senegal to visit my son-inlaw’s family for the first time; they welcomed me with all the warmth and hospitality for which Senegal is famous. And in February 2025, my husband, Bob, and I spent 10 days in Madrid for events honoring the Abraham Lincoln Brigade, in which Bob’s father fought as a volunteer at the age of 18 during the Spanish Civil War. Our two children, along with Bob’s brother and nephew, joined us for a moving reminder, at this point in U.S. history, of the courage and perseverance shown by people from all over the world in the struggle against fascism.

1968

Barbara Wiss barbarawiss@gmail.com

We live by the sea, in big cities often near beautiful parks, in the suburbs, and in the countryside. We’re shaping our surroundings to facilitate being elders by simplifying our lives, creating gardens, and beginning new activities. We relocate to be near family, to eliminate or lose stairs, to have elevators, and to escape the snow and cold. Family, friends, four-legged companions, and community are important to us. And at times we still travel the world. We’re the Class of 1968 and are turning 75 this year. Happy birthday to all. We have so many stories to tell, each unique and each interesting.

Addie (Bernheim) Firtel’s energy defies turning 75. She’s been busy quilting, gardening, and taking care of her family. Addie says, “I’ve thrown my all into the rescue of senior dogs.” There’s a crisis in the shelters and rescues and horror stories abound. Bobbie and Addie have cherished every senior dog they’ve brought home to their existing pack.

For 25 years, Margie Shoemaker has been bringing her expertise in animal-assisted therapy to the elderly living in long-term care facilities. At one time, Margie’s nonprofit included 26 animals and a full-time animal caretaker. Today Margie works with eight guinea pigs and two bunnies. She describes her therapy work as “the most profound ‘job’ in this world” and says she believes “dogs make our lives whole.” I couldn’t agree more.

On Tuesdays, Margie and Myshka, her very energetic Border Collie, participate in agility classes together. Margie also defies being 75.

Anne (Hawley) Morgan says she likes staying busy. A farm, making and selling wild rice soup mixes, helping her son raise produce for the local farmers’ markets, and two granddaughters qualify for very, very busy indeed. One granddaughter graduated from high school in May; the older one is newly engaged. Congratulations, Anne!

Marie (Orr) Perlet is on a three-week road trip to the United Kingdom. Plenty of time to perfect driving on the left! Marie’s adventure includes Canterbury, Cambridge, Hadrian’s Wall, and the North Sea coast. A stop in Edinburgh enabled her to touch base with us. The road trip continued to Liverpool, the

THEN & NOW: THE KENT PLACE GALLERY

The Kent Place Gallery has long been a cornerstone of artistic expression on campus. Formerly located off the Hyde and Watson Theater lobby, in 2017 the Gallery moved to the Center for Innovation, where it continues to thrive as a dynamic space for both professional and student exhibitions. A 2007 Studio Art show (left) reflects its roots in the Arts Complex, while a recent (and very popular!) Kindergarten exhibit (right) highlights the breadth of creativity it now showcases. Taking full advantage of Kent Place’s proximity to New York City, the

Gallery regularly features solo shows by contemporary artists, who often engage with students through talks, classroom visits, and informal conversations. As both a professional venue and a celebration of student voices, the Kent Place Gallery is a vibrant reflection of the school’s evolving artistic spirit.

What was your favorite exhibit in the Gallery? We’d love to hear about it; please email communications@kentplace.org.

Lake District, Wales, Bath, and Stonehenge. When at home, Marie enjoys visits from her two sons and their families. She mentions a Disney cruise, visits to the parks, and a trip to the Brevard Zoo as some of the activities on her schedule.

Also on the move is Kathy (Van Cleve) Kuhns, who now lives in South Carolina, where she celebrated Christmas 2024 in a rental house with family, a dog, and a $10 Christmas tree. In early 2025, Kathy and John moved to their new home. What an amazing beginning to 2025 —and a big change from Greenwich. Cathy (Stickney) Steck is also moving. She’s losing several flights of stairs, which is always a blessing as we age, and keeping her micro neighborhood intact by literally moving around the block. Daughter Emily loves living in London, and her movie is almost ready to be launched on the film-festival circuit. Son Will’s world centers on baby Scarlett. Cathy and Scarlett have been swimsuit shopping, as Scarlett (7 months) will be taking swimming lessons. Cathy departs for Paris next week. Bon voyage, mon amie Jackie (Baird) Fiala is celebrating her 75th birthday in France with

her son, Brad, and his gal and her parents. With the help of Duolingo and her Lyon family (with whom Jackie is staying), she hopes to be fluent for the September visit. Mostly, Jackie has been taking care of her two granddaughters, now ages 3 and 7. Still, she manages to play golf several times a week.

Nizy Brennan (Nizy, Nizette, Denise) is another classmate who is shaping her surroundings to be closer to her children; hers are in California. Nizy says she’s trying to downsize. Trying is the operative word, as her downsizing is a “fits-and-starts” process. The goal is to rent her small home for part of the year so she can be closer to artist daughter ZZ, in Los Angeles, and her son, Rock, in San Diego, where he swims, skis, and works as a paralegal in securities and finance. Nizy is taking a break from the Sculpture Studio at Glen Echo, which she founded in 1980 and where she teaches stone carving, to visit cousins in Pointe aux Barques, Michigan, on Lake Huron.

Cricket (Zoephel) Lockhart and Jim have happily lived in Greenwich for 25 years and love being close to the families of their son and their daugh-

ter. With five grandchildren and two dogs, Cricket and Jim are occupied with babysitting and dogsitting, as well as going to sports and school events. Both Cricket and Jim are still involved with the Bruce Museum and Cricket is still active in the United Way and her garden club. Summertime will again find the Lockhart clan in Nantucket.

Martha (O’Neil) Lindeman says she has little of interest to say. Yet as her narrative unfolds, it includes new interests, travel, a new baby, and the relocation of her daughter’s family. It begins, “I have found my 70s to be such an interesting time of life. I loved my 50s and 60s. Careers just sailed along and then ended on good notes, the kids flew out of the nest, finished college on time, started working, and settled into happy lives. And then 70, and things started to change.” Martha continues, “My seemingly inexhaustible supply of energy can no longer be counted on to power me through the day and into the night.” To address this new set of circumstances, Martha now plays pickleball, began birdwatching, and is going to Costa Rica to increase her avian knowledge. Not wanting to completely abandon the

old lifestyle, Martha still hikes. She also reports that daughter Sarah and family are moving back to Park City from Singapore and that she’s smitten with son Eric’s new baby girl.

I’m so lucky to have Gail Shearer as a neighbor. Gail was a founder of the Bethesda Metro Area Village (BMAV), which is part of the aging-in-place movement, and I’m so happy to be a member. It’s unusual to know exactly where I was 50 years ago. On June 7, Gail married Chris Palmer in Madison, NJ. Fast-forward, and the pair are in Boise, Boulder, or Bethesda, spending time with the families of their three daughters. Every summer, Gail and Chris gather the entire Shearer-Palmer family for time together.

I was able to catch up with Katina Mills. We chatted, reminisced, shared bits and pieces of our lives, and laughed and laughed. Katina is living in Connecticut and is anticipating a summertime play day with Kathy, Kathy’s dog Stormy, and me. Sounds like a fun time.

Laura (Griffith) McDermott wrote, “Rick and I were blessed with the arrival of our first granddaughter on February 11. Edna (Edie) Eveny

On the panel: Amy (Todd) Klug ’98 P ’29, general counsel and secretary, Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.; Allison (Fitzpatrick) Weir ’91, partner, Davis+Gilbert LLP; Beth Oliva ’97, partner, Fox Rothschild LLP; Courtney Cannon ’06, senior counsel, Legal Affairs, NBCUniversal Entertainment; and Jachele Vélez ’07, deputy general counsel, WNBA.

ALUMNAE LAWYERS INSPIRE NEXT GENERATION

Upper School students had the invaluable opportunity to meet alumnae who have forged successful careers in law. Deysi Rodriguez-Valdiviezo ’25 and Jacquelyn Reig ’26 moderated an intimate panel discussion, posing questions that offered students a unique perspective on various legal fields, such as corporate, entertainment, sports, media, and regulatory law. Allison (Fitzpatrick) Weir ’91, a specialist in the digital media space, said her interest in law was sparked during a history class with Mrs. Jacobus at Kent Place. When asked for advice for aspiring young lawyers, Beth Oliva ’97, a corporate lawyer, encouraged students to “take advantage of ‘Kent Place for Life.’ Find the connections who are doing what you think you want to do and pick their brain. And don’t be afraid of left-hand turns during your professional journey.”

McDermott is a little red-headed, blue-eyed angel. I was there for the birth in San Francisco. We’ve had a lot of Edie time, as she came to visit us in Vero Beach for three weeks. It’s been a long time since we’ve had a baby in the family. Our youngest grandson turned 21 last fall!”

I, Barbie Wiss, had envisioned a year of adventure, awe walks, family vacations, and time with friends. Instead, I’m wearing a knee brace, decluttering, learning about the seven pillars of Lifestyle Medicine, and reimagining life now that I’m 75. I’m preparing for new beginnings and am happily focused on family, friends, fun, flowers, and dogs. Lots of Wabi-Sabi, Kaizen, and Shinrin-Yoku helps keep me on track. Dog-sitting stints in Bethesda in June and in Colorado in September never fail to make me happy.

1969

Gay (Garth) Legg gaylegg@gmail.com

I’m awaiting my seventh grandchild — first baby for my youngest daugh-

ter, Perrin, and her husband, Sam, who have moved from New York City to Westport, CT. If anyone is up that way, I’ll be going there often and would love to get together. My husband, Chris, and I are also often on the road to babysit in the Carlisle/ Concord area and Marblehead, MA, for our other kids. Happy to see anyone who travels to Cape Cod as well. I’m still really involved in my GCA Garden Club in Baltimore and working on several great civic projects, as well as doing a lot of floral design, including another entry in the Philadelphia Flower Show. I work on a lot of art projects and I’m still running — now at a dog-trot pace — but I’m sure that staying in motion is important. Love to all!

Lucy Weiger: All is good in Sonoma. I live in a lovely town where there is quite a lot to do: the Sonoma International Film Festival, the Sonoma Authors Festival, Valley of the Moon chamber music, and Tuesday night farmers’ markets, to name a few. In the fall, my husband and I are going on a trip to Tunisia and Turkey.

We stay quite active and are in a bocce league, play pickleball, and I swim at least four times a week. I went to a KPS lunch in Napa and met two lovely women, Jennifer (Goldberg) Goldman ’89 and Abbie Moore-Reiter ’83, and really enjoyed the lunch and getting to know local KP alumnae.

1970

Harty (Platt) du Pont hartleydupont@aol.com

Lisa Schmucki

lisaschmucki@gmail.com

Harty (Platt) du Pont: Our 55th reunion confirmed what we already knew: that we’ll all be lifelong friends and sisters because of our experiences at Kent Place. We met as teenagers, at a very vulnerable time in our lives, but we’re dedicated to staying closely aligned through all we endure. The brave, glorious, and adventurous Class of 1970. Life really isn’t short in the end; it’s long. I cherish knowing that I’ll always share our camaraderie. Looking around at all the attendees, about 20 strong, I couldn’t help but think that I know each person well, because I know their heart.

Lisa Schmucki: It was wonderful to celebrate our 55th reunion, with 18 classmates returning for the weekend. It was an honor to receive the Barbara Wight Biddison ’30 Distinguished Alumna Award, and I’m so proud of all Kent Place is doing to support girls and young women, especially how students are addressing important issues such as bioethics and AI with the Ethics Institute. Our class is a sisterhood that gets stronger the older we get!

Christina (Mennen) Andrea: My life is blessed. Good friends, family, and health. I never heard about which teacher we remembered the best. Mine was and still is Miss Moulding.

1971

Jamie Gifford-Modick jamie.giffordmodick@gmail.com

Jeanne (Pettit) Ferris: I’m writing this at the beginning of May. So far this year I’ve participated in 32 protest events, and tomorrow I’ll be heading back to the Lincoln Memorial for another one (such a shame there’s no metro stop close to it). Veronica (my daughter) and Matt (my son-in-law) helped me celebrate my recent birthday with garden events. The beautiful azaleas (and other plants) at Hillwood, the estate of Marjorie Merriweather

Post, in D.C., and the gorgeous landscape and art (outdoors and in) at Glenstone, in Potomac, MD, brought me some calm in this stressful time. I highly recommend both places!

1973

Kent Place learned that Cynthia (Ames) Haselton passed away unexpectedly on December 25, 2024, at her home in Colchester, VT. Our condolences to Cyndi’s family and friends.

Ann Mounce: 2024 was not the best of years; I lost my husband, Charles Franklin, on December 20. We did get to travel in ’23 but ’24 was spent at a lot of doctors’ offices and hospitalizations for Chuck. Our last trip was to Arkansas in October to visit his mother. This year, I’m still working, telemarketing for the arts, and I still live in Georgia, but I “work” in Los Angeles. I did take a cruise in March with friends, and am planning a trip to Huntsville, AL, in July, one to the Cape in September, and a short cruise to the Bahamas in December with a dear friend. I’m currently the fur mother to eight indoor cats and four strays. A Mouse surrounded by cats! I miss everyone from KP.

1974

Cathy Slichter cathy.slichter@gmail.com

1975

Patti Neale-Schulz pattischulz1919@gmail.com

I was so excited to reconnect with all who attended our “Cheers to 50 Years” reunion in April. So much laughter, reminiscing, and heartfelt moments flowed through our two days together. And we can sure still dance! Loved seeing all the updates to the campus, meeting our fourthgrade pen pals, and our student tour guides. It was a whirlwind, wonderful weekend.

Cathy (Ambrose) Smith: So much fun at our 50th! Had to shorten the weekend as we were headed to the baptism of our granddaughter, Eleanor G. Watson.

1978

Patricia (Friedman) Marcus balibliss@yahoo.com

1979

Peg (Houghton) Kennedy maggie9194@gmail.com

Lauren (Manshel) Miller: After working in commercial banking, I became an elementary school math teacher. I retired three years ago after 25 years and am very happy. My son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter, Ivy, live in Denver, so we’re racking up the frequent-flyer miles. There’s a baby boy due at the end of June, and we couldn’t be happier.

Julia (Clancy) Sands: Happily retired. Back in Chatham after living in New York City for 30 years. Planning a wedding for our daughter.

Jill (Lawrence) Fish: My husband and I are both retired. We split our time between our home in Orange County, CA, and our place in Playas del Coco, Costa Rica. We travel to England several times a year to visit our daughter. Our son and daughterin-law live in San Diego.

1981

Kathryn (McDaniel) Nenning kathryn@nenning.com

1982

Karen Britton: I wrote to many of our classmates that Stephanie (Barnes) Carlson passed away on April 14. Stephanie and I met on the first day

of first grade and remained very close friends: 50+ years! She was like a sister to me and a second daughter to my mom. Many of our classmates shared such great memories of her and the times together. I miss her so much. I hope to see many of our class soon to reminisce and catch up.

1983

Phyllis (Wood) Breese phwb@yahoo.com

Thank you to Phyllis (Wood) Breese, who has volunteered to take over as Class Secretary for a time. She’ll get in touch before the next issue.

1984

Jennifer Thomas meezertee@gmail.com

1986

Susan Gibson nibbles.inc@gmail.com

Miriam (Kaffke) Mulry: My husband and I relocated to Truckee, CA — nestled in the Lake Tahoe Basin — about two and a half years ago. We enjoy an active lifestyle, taking full advantage of the area’s skiing and hiking. I recently wrapped up my ski season, but my husband, Tucker, plans

Green & Gold on the Road

It’s always a joy to catch up with our incredible alumnae community around the globe! We’re grateful to everyone who joined us at our winter 2025 events — you helped make them so very special. To see what’s coming up next, check out our website or social media pages. Interested in hosting an alumnae gathering? Please contact Lainey Segear, Senior Director of Community Engagement, at segearl@kentplace.org or (908) 273-0900, ext. 335.

1. Naples, Florida: Hosted by Anne (Broughton) Duvall ’81

2. Vero Beach, Florida: Hosted by Dhuanne (Schmitz) Tansill ’60

3. Palo Alto, California: Hosted by Lori (Arthur) Stroud ’75

4. San Francisco: Hosted by Nicole Elliott ’95

5. Los Angeles: Hosted by Meena Patel ’88

Not pictured:

Delray Beach, Florida: Hosted by Cookie (Kaplon) Feinberg ’56

Miami: Hosted by Lindsay (Landmesser) Kissel ’00

to keep skiing right up until the slopes close, on Memorial Day. I’m an active volunteer with the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe. I support the veterinary team with spay/neuter procedures and other medical operations, train new volunteers, and ensure that the shelter dogs get their daily walks and socialization.

Amy (Wanggaard) Hausmann: In November, Kristen (Potter) Farnham joined us for a celebration hosted by Governor Janet Mills at the historic Blaine House to welcome me to my new role as executive director of the Maine Arts Commission. It’s wonderful to be in Maine with my parents and near a KPS sister! My husband, Matt, and our Great Dane, Mookie, travel back and forth between Maine and our home in the Hudson Valley. I love my job, and I’m proud to serve the people of Maine. It feels like my 35 years working in the arts have led to this critical moment, collaborating with colleagues to champion, protect, and advocate for the creative sector. If you’re up north, please reach out!

Kristen (Potter) Farnham: I was delighted to attend a reception at the Blaine House in honor of classmate

Marriages

Lizzy Miggins ’11 to Barrett King November 9, 2024

Births

Alison (O’Brien) Fleck ’06 a daughter, Chloe Fleck June 2024

Torrie (Williams) Nelson ’09 a son, Luke Nelson February 23, 2025

Julia Steck ’09 a daughter, Sierra Steck April 26, 2025

Hannah (Benn) Davis ’11 a son, Henry Whittingham Davis April 16, 2025

Cheers to the Years: A Weekend to Remember

On April 25–26, Kent Place was alive with laughter, stories, and rekindled connections as more than 100 alumnae from the Classes of 1964 to 2020 returned to campus for Alumnae Weekend. The women celebrated milestone reunions, reminisced with old friends, honored award winners, revisited cherished memories, and reflected on the experiences that shaped their years at Kent Place. The following photos capture the joy, camaraderie, and history that made the weekend so special.

1. The Alumnae Association recognized four outstanding graduates for their achievements. Pictured with Head of School Jennifer Galambos (left) and Alumnae Board President Beth Oliva ’97 (right) are Ayirini Fonseca-Sabune ’00, Alumna Community Service Award; Lisa Schmucki ’70, Barbara Wight Biddison ’30 Distinguished Alumna Award; Julianna Muir ’00, Alumnae Professional Achievement Award; and Madison Mastrangelo ’15, Young Alumna Award.

2. A big group from the Class of 1975 returned to campus to celebrate a significant milestone: On Friday evening, they were welcomed into the Wisdom Circle, a special distinction bestowed on alumnae on the occasion of their 50th reunion. Head of School Jennifer Galambos hosted a dinner, and alumnae who had already received this honor accompanied them.

3. The Class of 1975 joined fourth-graders for a Pen Pal tea and discussion of Kent Place then and now.

4. Alumnae reconnected with classmates at the Saturday-morning brunch. Dr. Galambos provided an update on the happenings at

Kent Place, and the Alumnae Association celebrated its award recipients.

5. The DEIB Alum Council hosted a conversation, facilitated by Chief Community Life and WellBeing Officer Walidah Justice and Director of Health and Wellness Michelle Stevenson, on civic engagement and how to participate in the issues and opportunities in our local communities and beyond.

6. Student Green Key guides took alumnae on tours around campus, showing them classrooms, the science labs, the library, and music rooms.

7. The skies cleared just in time for the Saturdayevening cocktails, followed by dinner and dancing outdoors!

8. Lots of hugs!

9. Physics class with Mr. Largo

10. Hi from campus!

11. Members of the Class of 1970 return for their 55th reunion.

12. 2020 classmates celebrating their first KPS reunion

13. A great showing from the Class of 2000

14. Fun in the photobooth 15. 2015 classmates enjoying the evening

12.

14. 15.

13.

Amy (Wanggaard) Hausmann, the new executive director of the Maine Arts Commission.

1987

Ginny (Boyer) Losito glosito@me.com

Erika Amato: I continue to work as a professional actor/singer and had the great pleasure of performing in an incredibly fun juke box musical called The Bikinis in Florida earlier this year. Due to treatment for a health issue, I’ll be unable to do any live theater until the fall, so I’m extra grateful to have been able to play this goofy, light-hearted role before my temporary banishment from the stage.

A QUARTER CENTURY OF IMPACT

Congratulations to Whitney (Bell) Corbett ’93, recipient of the Weatherspoon Award, the most prestigious honor given by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler Business School to faculty and staff members who have made unique or significant contributions to the school. As the assistant director of operations for the Master of Accounting program, Whitney has been with the business school for 25 years and was recognized for overseeing student engagement for its Master of Accounting, from orientation to graduation, in both its residential and online programs. She was also recognized for her work in helping to start the new Master of Science in Management program by building out the experience for incoming students.

1988

Melissa (McCarthy) Madden melissamccarthy@me.com

Cristin O’Hara: Enjoying life on the farm in Vermont with my husband, Michael Sullivan, four cats, seven chickens, three ducks, and three horses. I’m in my 31st year at Bank of America. Still in touch with many KPS friends, including Phoebe, Dede, and Malachi.

1989

Vanessa E. King squamlake@gmail.com

1990

Maren (Eisenstat) Vitali mevitali@comcast.net

This past spring, I had the pleasure of seeing several classmates for our 35th reunion. Although the faces have aged slightly, the voices, memories, smiles, and laughter remain the same. I’m so fortunate to have gone to school with these wonderful girls and now know these amazing women. I hope that in the coming months and years, we’ll still find reasons to gather and reminisce about the past, share our present, and look forward to a future together. Hoping to see even more of you at our 40th. It’ll be here before you know it!

This fall, Greg and I will be empty nesters. Aidan will be attending veterinary school at St. George’s University and Kelan will be following in his brother’s footsteps at Gettysburg College. I’ve been busy teaching and speaking at state conferences about changes and challenges in the library curriculum. I’ll be back at the Shenandoah University Literature Conference this summer and then I hope to hit the road, continuing to spread the word of maker challenges and going beyond the book in libraries.

Liz (Keyser) Whitehouse: Still living in northeastern Pennsylvania, raising my kind, independent twins, working multiple jobs, and envisioning how life will unfold in two years, when they start college. I’ll have a preview this fall when they go to Colombia for five months with AFS to study abroad while living with a host family. I’m excited to discover myself anew and embark on the next chapter with a curious, open mind turned toward the limitless possibilities for a meaningful, fun future. Anyone have tips?

Audrey (Pukash) Bilsborrow: Jet is going to Colorado College. Helluva senior year of tennis: Player of the Year, all-conference, all-state, 100 wins club, and kickass grades. Sasha is a Triple Crown Winner for three varsity sports and will be a field hockey and basketball co-captain. Excited to see what colleges interest her. Middle schooler Parlan: volleyball, basketball, soccer. Athlete of the week, basketball MVP, leading team in shots, assists, blocks, steals, rebounds. Repeat first place in State Free Throw Competition and honor roll every semester.

Lots of fun small-world moments too. Victoria (Kove) Marshall and I will have sons at the same college. Whitney (Bell) Corbett and I have sons graduating from Durham Academy. Christina (Lapp) Holladay ’88 and I will have kiddos at the same middle school and at the same high school, with the older girls playing field hockey together. Aside from my sweet mama, I text most with the Kullman sisters, Chantal, Sabine ’97, and Tara ’97 Dragon love!

1991

Andrea (Carson) Tanner acarsontanner@gmail.com

I’m working at the University of North Carolina Office of Undergraduate Admissions, reading applications from out of state. I continue to serve as a substitute teacher in the local public schools (especially for kindergarten and first grade), and have leadership roles in the parent community for the school district as well as at my church. My twin sons graduated from high school, Colin attending Sewanee, in Tennessee, and Alex at UNC, and my youngest kiddo is now in ninth grade. Looking forward to seeing everyone at our 35th reunion in the spring!

Brinda Kantha: I recently joined Atlantic Medical Group in Warren as one of its interventional spine physicians and am really enjoying my work there. Although I’m looking forward to spring, I’ll miss all the amazing skiing we did this winter, especially during our lovely trip to Switzerland.

Katina Houvouras: I’m currently studying at FIT for a Color Specialist Certificate for Art, Design, and Fashion-Related Products. It’s been fascinating to learn about color theory, history, psychology, trends, and how color influences so many different industries. Once certified, I’ll be looking for new opportunities

in design/marketing/technology where I can put my photography and color skills to work.

1993

Courtney (Mead) Nagle courtney.a.mead@gmail.com

Hello, Class of 1993! Thanks to everyone who shared their updates. It’s always so nice to hear from everyone. Things are going well for me back in Massachusetts. After a long hunt, in a very competitive market, we finally bought a house in Marlborough and moved in just in time for summer. I’m also almost one year into my job doing internal communications at Bose.

Gabrielle (Costanzo) Long: It’s been a great year, with a trip to London with one of my college friends for our mutual birthdays. Wishing all of our classmates my best!

Amy (Rosoff) Sampson: I’m ending my second year as an English teacher and writing center director at Pingree School in Hamilton, MA. My husband, son, and I are readjusting to life in New England after 20 years in Baltimore. It’s been a unique pleasure to reminisce about Kent Place with my department head, Jessica Angell ’92

1994

Christina (Dughi) Tonzola ctonzola@gmail.com

1996

Rachel Platt racheldplatt@gmail.com

Amy (Zucker) Kohen amykohen@gmail.com

1997

Kate (Mattern) McGee katematternmcgee@gmail.com

Amanda Muir: I’m living in Philadelphia with my two sons (Chace and Teddy), working as a gastroenterologist at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. I have a laboratory that studies eosinophilic esophagitis.

Tara (Kullman) Millman: It was a crazy start to 2025. I got laid off and miss working with Audrey, and I’m looking for my next work adventure. Sebastian is about to graduate from middle school and Travis will be in seventh grade. I’ve become a full-on theater mom with Travis and even Sebastian a bit. Chantal ’90 and I danced in a Mardi Gras parade this year, and Marty and I were just at Jazz Fest with Sabine

GATSBY, GREAT TEACHERS, AND A LIFELONG LOVE OF BOOKS:

KATE GIBSON ’94 AND “THE BOOK CASE”

“The Book Case,” a weekly podcast hosted by Kate Gibson ’94 and her father, Charlie Gibson P ’90 ’94, provides a way to step outside your literary comfort zone. It’s your ticket to explore new genres and discover captivating stories, much like wandering the aisles of your favorite independent bookstore. Each week, “The Book Case” delves into the literary world, featuring interviews with best-selling authors, influential tastemakers, and passionate independent bookstore owners.

A recent episode held particular significance for Kate. On March 6, 2025, she and Charlie discussed The Great Gatsby. “I had a few favorite teachers at KPS,” Kate said, “but Jane Cole made me love books. She’s responsible for a good portion of what I do now. And my junior year of AP English when she taught Gatsby, it changed my life, implanting her critical reading voice in my head forever, and I’m so grateful.”

You can find the March 6 episode of “The Book Case,” titled The Great Gatsby Is Still Great, along with the full series on a wide array of platforms, among them ABC Audio, Audacy, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, TuneIn, RSS, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

and Chantal. It’s such a fun town.

Chantal and I stopped to see Keara in her beautiful new home in Florida while we drove from Florida to New Orleans. I see KP girls in Summit all the time, but I would love to see more of our class. Reach out anytime. Xoxo

Annie Levy: After more than 15 years in academia, eight of them teaching and directing away from New York City at the University of Alabama and Emerson College, I’m happily back in Brooklyn. I’ve launched ROI Campus Coaching, a venture helping college students thrive and make the most of their investment in higher ed. This year brought a return to performing, new directing projects, developing a film set in Greece, and prepping to direct Machinal at West Rep Stage in Connecticut this fall. It’s good to be home.

1998

KC (Anthony) Artemenko kcartemenko@gmail.com

1999

Iris Blasi iris.blasi@gmail.com

Cynthia Keenan cindy.keenan@gmail.com

2000

Christine Ryan ceryan@gmail.com

2001

Kimberly (Frye) Alula kfrye05@gmail.com

Sara Pickett-Tucker saralizpickett@gmail.com

2002

Erin Sauchelli e.sauchelli@gmail.com

2003

Gina Ferraioli ginaferraioli@gmail.com

Alex (Raymond) Schulman: I live in Scotch Plains and still teach special education at one of the middle schools in town, currently in my 14th year. My boys, Evan and Ryan, are 8 and 5. In the summer, I work at the JCC’s Camp Yachad, providing supported employment to teens and young adults with higher needs. My boys go to the camp, so I get to see them every day. I’m still very close with Amy Fellenbaum ’04. I love living close to where I grew up, and sometimes see familiar faces out and about.

2004

Laura Kleinbaum lkkleinbaum@gmail.com

2005

Cara Manket cara.manket@gmail.com

2006

Lydia Deutsch lydia.deutsch@gmail.com

Alison (O’Brien) Fleck: We had a baby girl, Chloe, in June 2024.

Laura Scarano: My debut feature film, Riley, is now streaming on Apple TV and Prime. Check it out! Thank you to my classmates for support along the way.

2007

Nida Abdulla nida.11.abdulla@gmail.com

Caitlin Black cblack@fandm.edu

Sara Santos sarajosantos@gmail.com

2008

Allison Oberlander oberlander.allison@gmail.com

2009

Courtney (Alpaugh) Simmons courtney.simmons513@gmail.com

Allison Goldberg afg813@gmail.com

Courtney (Alpaugh) Simmons: My family and I recently moved back to New Jersey after 10 years in Washington, DC, and I’ve loved reconnecting with fellow local KPS alums. I’ve also rejoined the Kent Place community as the school Registrar and have enjoyed being back in the hustle and bustle of campus!

Torrie (Williams) Nelson: We moved from New York City to Westfield last summer. My husband, Greg, and I welcomed our third

CLASS NOTES DETAILS

child, a boy named Luke, in February. Luke joins big sister Lilly (3) and big brother Theo (almost 2).

Sophia (Gouraige) McGill: My husband, Connell, and I are thrilled to be expecting our first child (a girl) on July 9! We couldn’t be more excited to begin this new chapter.

Julia Steck: My daughter, Sierra, was born on April 26 in the Sacred Valley of Peru.

2010

Carly Uhlman carly.uhlman@gmail.com

2011

Lizzy Miggins lizzymiggins@gmail.com

Malina Welman malinawelman@gmail.com

Lizzy (Miggins) King: I married Barrett King on November 9, 2024, at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. We were thrilled to have so many Lady Dragons from the Class of 2011 in attendance.

Hannah (Benn) Davis: We welcomed our second child, Henry, in April. Jack is loving life as a big brother!

2012

Victoria Criscione victoriaacriscione@gmail.com

2013

Samantha Narciso: Jennifer Patello ’05 is my mentor at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, where she’s a mid-level manager and I’m a senior specialist. We recently raised almost $100,000 at our New York Donor Reception and are continuing to fundraise together in the Northeast.

2018

Chloe Gonyea: I graduated from New York University with a master’s degree in occupational therapy.

• Notes will be collected via Google Form. You will receive a link to this form from your Class Secretary or, if your class doesn’t have a secretary, directly from the school.

• Digital photos should be a high-resolution JPEG image (1M or larger) with a caption. We request that photos include alumnae (with the exception of newborn photos).

• Editorial staff will edit, format, and select all content based on space constraints and will work to incorporate as many notes and photos as possible.

MOMENTS

1. Barbara (Blank) Danser ’62 and husband Hal

2. Keith James (KJ) Kusterer, grandson of Jane (Kolarsey) Kusterer ’65

3. Nicki (Dugan) Doggett ’66 and her great-grandson, Essex Southworth

4. Laura (Griffith) ’68 and Rick McDermott with granddaughter Edie at her christening

5. Kathy (Van Cleve) Kuhns ’68 celebrating with two-thirds of the Kuhns family in South Carolina

6. Addie (Bernheim) Firtel ’68 with her family

7. Cricket (Zoephel) Lockhart ’68 and family

8. (3 photos) Class of 1970 enjoying their 55th reunion!

9. Class of 1975 50th Reunion: (front, l–r) Pam Callander, Lesley Norman, Susie (Mulligan) Pribor, Trish Todd, Cathy (Walbridge) Allen, Claire Davis, Natalie Ross, and Alice (Ferrigni) Rooke; (back, l–r) Leslie Machinist, Joan Albaugh, Karen Hladik, Cathy (Ambrose) Smith, Tricia (Paterson) Graham, Laura (Gant) Lilienfield, Carolyn (Rumery) Betz, Leigh (Costikyan) Wood, Betsy Krementz, Patti Neale-Schulz, Gail (Hadden) Zarick, and Amy (Troxell) Powell

10. Cathy (Ambrose) Smith ’75 and family at her granddaughter’s baptism

11. Eleanor G. Watson, granddaughter of Cathy (Ambrose) Smith ’75

12. Lauren (Manshel) Miller ’79 and her husband, Mike, celebrating 36 years together

13. Jill (Lawrence) Fish ’79 and John with their daughter, son, and daughterin-law

14. 1986 classmates Kristen (Potter) Farnham and Amy (Wanggaard) Hausmann (right) at a reception in honor of Amy, the new executive director of the Maine Arts Commission

15. Kathy (Tuttle) ’79 and David Shepperly P ’11 at son Spencer’s New Year’s Eve 2024 wedding to Natalie Shepperly (center), with Paige (Shepperly) P ’11 and Jake Nieslanik

16. Miriam (Kaffke) Mulry ’86 and husband Tucker

12. 15.

17. Erika Amato ’87 (left) as “Jodi” and Tonya Staples as “Barbara” in The Bikinis at Winter Park Playhouse

18. Dana (Brough) ’63 and David Boyce P ’88, along with daughter Sara Boyce ’88 and her husband, Chip, visited with Cristina (Vanrell) Barbat ’88 and her husband, Alfonso, in Barcelona.

19. Sasha and Jet, children of Audrey (Pukash) Bilsborrow ’90, step away from their dates for a preprom photo.

20. Orson, Theodora, and Liz (Keyser) Whitehouse ’90 in Vermont to visit old friends and rack up permit driving hours

21. Jessica Angell ’92 and Amy Rosoff Sampson ’93, colleagues in the English Department at Pingree School in Hamilton, MA

22. Alex (Raymond) Schulman ’03 and family at the zoo in spring 2025

23. Chloe, daughter of Alison (O’Brien) Fleck

24. Torrie (Williams) Nelson ’09 with husband Greg, daughter Lilly, and sons Theo and Luke

25. 2009 classmates Alexandra (Alpaugh) Rapson, Courtney (Alpaugh) Simmons, Maggie (Black) Mauro, Logan Shanney, Kate (Sheridan) Call, and Lindsey Robertson celebrating Logan’s bridal shower

26. Courtney (Alpaugh) Simmons ’09 (left) with daughter Jane (2½), who loves her music class with Laurie Smith ’91 (right)

27. Baby Sierra, daughter of Julia Steck ’09

28. Henry Davis, son of Hannah (Benn) Davis, born on April 16, 2025

29. Lady Dragons at the wedding of Lizzy Miggins ’11 to Barrett King: Hannah (Benn) Davis, Neeley Lawrence, Eliza Hull, Lizzy, Barrett, Alex N’Diaye, Lili Hutchison, and Malina Welman

30. Samantha Narciso ’13 (right) and Jennifer Patello ’05 at their New York event for the Multiple Sclerosis Society

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23. 24.

COURTNEY (ALPAUGH) SIMMONS ’09 AND GIANA EARRUSSO ’18

Two alumnae have returned to their alma mater to help shape the future of the institution that once shaped them.

What’s your role at KPS?

Courtney: As Registrar, I maintain and operationalize KPS community data using our MyKPS platform. I manage daily attendance, scheduling, and grading processes and enable school-wide initiatives through reporting tools and data insights.

Giana: I’m a Middle School health and wellness teacher and part-time athletic trainer. As a trainer, I provide preventive and rehabilitative care to athletes, dancers, and other students. This includes assessing injuries, developing rehab programs, and educating students on injury prevention and health. As a health and wellness teacher, I guide Middle Schoolers through critical developmental years, leading discussions on nutrition, body positivity, and conflict resolution to equip them with the knowledge and skills for informed health decisions.

What inspired you to return to KPS?

Courtney: My college interest in sociology and early career in data analysis cultivated a passion for people data. This role at KPS completed the puzzle: doing what I love for people in a place I love.

Giana: The Director of Athletics’ vision for athlete development and ethical principles aligned with my own. It was important to me to join an institution dedicated to developing well-rounded student-athletes, and KPS was the ideal place to contribute my skills.

What’s it like working where you were once a student?

Courtney: The spaces look very different, but the campus still has that electric feeling I remember so well; the energy and excitement for learning are still palpable and infectious.

Giana: I can now address faculty by their first names, which sometimes still feels wrong! But being at KPS brings a sense of familiarity and comfort, especially with the lively atmosphere and busy hallways filled with laughter and positive energy.

What unique perspective do you bring to your role?

Giana: I find significance in the opportunity to serve as a role model for students who share my racial and cultural background. Having students who look like me seek guidance and support is a powerful reminder of the importance of representation in education.

What’s a favorite KPS memory?

Courtney: It’s very hard to pick just one, but the extracurriculars that supplemented my classroom learning hold a special place in my heart.

“I believe in Kent Place’s mission to educate, uplift, and empower young women. I’m grateful for my KPS sisters and our community, my passion for learning, and my confidence in leadership. Passing it forward for KPS girls present and future!”

-Vivienne Germain ’20

Make your gift online at kentplace.org/give-today or contact Anna Fisher, Director of Annual Giving, at (908) 273-0900, ext. 227, or fishera@kentplace.org.

Kent Place School

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KENTPLACE.ORG

Please forward any address changes to the Kent Place School Advancement Office updateinfo@kentplace.org

GOODBYE, OLD FRIEND.

HELLO, NEW POSSIBILITIES.

As the Kent Place community looks ahead to the new Leadership Center for Athletics, Wellness, and Performing Arts, Assistant Head of School Julie Gentile encouraged the Class of 2029 to reflect as they sat in the theater as a class one last time during their eighth-grade celebration. She spoke of the joyful history held within it — and how the values it instilled would continue in the new facility.

“Imagine all the people who have sat in these seats, all the feet that have walked, run, danced across this stage, all the voices that have been raised, all the girls who have learned to confidently take up their space, and all the love that has flowed over the footlights among teachers, students, actors, and audiences,” she said. “In the months ahead, many of you will be the young women who walk, run, dance, raise voices, and create sisterhood in the new Leadership Center for Athletics, Wellness, and Performing Arts.”

Read more about the new building on page 34.