SCHool Magazine Spring 2026

school

the magazine of springside chestnut hill academy

THE NEXT INNING: A FUTURE FOR CORNING PEARSON ’30 FIELD | PAGE 24

SCH CELEBRATES ITS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES | PAGE 16

DAVE SIMS ’71 TALKS BALL | PAGE 28

SENIOR PROJECTS

CHANGE LIVES | PAGE 30

Stephen L. Druggan, Ed.D. Head of School

Board of Trustees 2025–2026

Annabelle Canning

Vanessa Z. Chan

Brooke DiMarco

William C. Donato Jr.

William M. Doran

Honorary Trustee

William F. Dunbar

Steve Druggan, Head of School

Holly Flanagan

Brendan K. Flatow '94

William H. Freeman ’91

Sarah E. Fuld

Alexander C. Goldsmith

Anuj Goswami

Thomas Shaw Greenwood III ’01

David Hayne

Richard A. Hayne

Honorary Trustee

Maria Sordoni Hudacek ’02

Youngmoo Kim

Timothy W. Levin

Patrick S. G. Lindsay

Board of Trustees Chair

Peter S. Longstreth ’62

Honorary Trustee

Deborah E. Maine H’16

Nicole Manns Mayo

Edward J. McDevitt III '93

Ellin Dixon Miller '75

Essex D. Mitchell

Janie B. Parker

Honorary Trustee

Edward C. Rorer ’61

Honorary Trustee

Elizabeth M. Salata ’02

Mary Shaifer '87

Kevin S. Shmelzer

Nadine Badger Stevenson ’90

John Talbot '90

Andrew C. Topping

Thomas Watkins Jr. '78

Mims Maynard Zabriskie

MESSAGE FROM

THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Over my nearly quarter-century working in international schools around the world, I was often asked to compare an American-style education with a British curriculum. Inevitably—whether during a formal Q&A or in conversation—the discussion would turn to the role of the arts and athletics in American schools, contrasted with the more singular academic focus of the British system, from Key Stages through GCSEs and A Levels.

I always welcomed this question, because it opened the door to a more important one: Are organizations more often held back by gaps in knowledge, or by the challenge of getting people to work effectively together? And just as importantly, is creativity an essential skill for the future?

Across countries, industries, and educational backgrounds, the answer was remarkably consistent. Building teams that perform beyond the sum of their parts is far more difficult than transferring knowledge, and creativity is indispensable in today’s post-internet, AI-driven world.

In this issue of SCHool magazine, we highlight two of the most storied spaces on SCH’s campus—and across the Inter-Ac: The Rec and Pearson Field. These are places where athletes and performers have honed their craft, and where generations of students have learned to collaborate, persevere, and strive for something greater than themselves. Whether on the field or on the stage, they discover that success comes through hard work, practice, and attention to detail.

These experiences are a defining strength of an American education—and one that schools around the world increasingly seek to emulate. As the saying goes, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Athletics and the performing arts are not extras; they are essential ingredients.

It is especially fitting, in an issue celebrating our 2025 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees, that we also highlight the remarkable achievements of our current teams. From our spirited volleyball team’s first-ever Inter-Ac championship to the unforgettable run of the 2025 Blue Devils football team—yes, including that two-point conversion we’ll be talking about for decades—these moments remind us what makes this community so special.

I am confident that the stories in this edition will stir pride, rekindle memories, and perhaps even spark a bit of envy for the opportunities our students enjoy today on this historic and forward-looking campus.

I hope to see you back on campus soon.

Stephen L. Druggan, Ed.D. Head of School

Cover: View of the Chestnut Hill Academy baseball field in 1924.

SCHOOL

Stephen L. Druggan, Ed.D. Head of School

Communications Office

Laura Richards Director of Communications Editor, SCHool magazine

Laura Cortes ’06 Visual Identity and Creative Services Associate

Elizabeth Winter Digital Content and Social Media Strategist

Development Office

Kristin Norton P’20, P’22 Director of Development

Melissa B. Brown ’87, P’16, P’20, P’21 Director of Alumni Relations

Kimberly Blodgett Associate Director of The SCH Fund

Maggie Mutch Associate Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving

Natalie Coney P'32 Director of The SCH Fund

Diana Cosgrove Director of Parent Engagement

Carolyn Greenleaf Development Coordinator

Paul Hines H’03, P’06 Special Projects

Jenny James McHugh ’84, P’15, P’19 Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving

Bethany Meyer P'20, P’22, P'25, P'26 Advancement Services Manager

James Talbot II H’81, P’86, P’90, GP’26, GP’28, GP’30 Senior Gift Officer

Design Services

CAMPUSNEWS

DR. LISA DAMOUR VISITS SCH, SHARES INSIGHTS ON TEEN WELLNESS

Thanks to the McCausland Foundation, SCH welcomed clinical psychologist and New York Times bestselling author Dr. Lisa Damour for a series of insightful presentations this fall.

“There’s nothing quite like seeing Lisa in person,” said Head of School Steve Druggan at the parent presentation. “She really distills down the essence of the challenge of parenting and teaching in today’s world.”

Dr. Damour, known for her books such as Untangled and The Emotional Lives of Teenagers, focused on coping. She discussed normalizing the experience of discomfort, stress, and anxiety, emphasizing that a mentally healthy teen has the adaptive coping skills (think: playlists, cuddles with the dog, skincare routines!) to manage these normal feelings.

“Every way we slice the data, we get one result in terms of what matters in the health and well-being of kids, and it’s the quality of their relationships with the adults in their lives,” she told families, noting that “holding space” for children when they want to talk about their feelings is crucial.

In additional talks, Damour spoke to students about the concept of productive struggle and how school is “supposed to be challenging, because this is a place where growth and learning happen.” She also talked to Middle School students about her experience as a consultant on Inside Out 2

This visit, which also included faculty and smaller group sessions, reinforced SCH's commitment to its Culture of Wellness initiative, integrating research-backed approaches to support the emotional and psychological well-being of the entire community.

STUDENTS CONNECT WITH GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURS

The Sands Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (CEL) relaunched its Founders and Leaders Speaker Series this fall, offering students firsthand insights from industry titans. Ed Glassman ’03, CEL’s executive director, noted that these sessions help students "recognize their own potential to shape change and lead with purpose."

The fall series featured four distinguished speakers:

• Michael Segal (Skylight): The Philadelphia native and founder of the popular digital frame company framed entrepreneurship as the art of harnessing internal "magic" to drive persistence.

• Jared Simon (Hotel Tonight) P’37: The co-founder shared 10 practical lessons on "finding opportunity in a crowded market," emphasizing disciplined execution and the importance of self-confidence.

• Dave Hayne (URBN/Nuuly) P’31, P’33: The URBN CTO and SCH Trustee discussed "intrapreneurship," explaining how he launched the rental brand Nuuly by maintaining startup agility within a large corporate structure.

• Autumn Bayles (Aramark) P’31, P’31: The senior VP pulled back the curtain on global supply chains, teaching students that leadership is about people first and building resilient systems through trust.

From pitching ventures to discussing corporate responsibility, students left these sessions inspired to build their own "ecosystems" of innovation.

Dr. Lisa Damour, clinical psychologist speaks to Middle and Upper School students and SCH families.

Dave Hayne (URBN/Nuuly) P’31, P’33 (right) speaks to CEL students in November 2025.

MATHLETES CALCULATE SUCCESS AT FALL FINALE

The SCH math team concluded an impressive fall season by hosting the Philadelphia Fall Math League’s Math Olympiad in the Vare Field House on campus. The event welcomed 16 regional schools for a day of high-stakes individual and team challenges.

Coached by Derrick Keister and John Silbaugh, the squad of 12 Upper Schoolers and 10 Middle Schoolers prepared through weekly lunch-hour competitions. Their hard work paid off; the team entered the finale with the second-highest cumulative score in the league.

The tournament began with a thrilling buzzer-beater victory over Masterman, where SCH secured a perfect 6/6 score in a one-second tie-breaker. Finishing with a 2-2 record for the day, SCH earned 8th place overall, outperforming several top regional rivals, including Friends’ Central, Penn Charter, and Agnes Irwin.

CARDIOLOGY DAY: A HEARTTO-HEART PARTNERSHIP

SCH and Community Partnership School (CPS) expanded their collaboration for the 3rd annual Cardiology Day in November. Through the Wit & Wisdom curriculum, 4th graders explored the heart’s anatomy both literally and figuratively, culminating in an immersive day of echocardiograms and heart dissections.

The event was powered by a team of parent-physician volunteers, led by Dr. Payman Zamani P'32, P'35, who pretaught foundational material at CPS to ensure all students could participate fully. “If we could get even one student to think about the body, the heart, medicine, or science differently and as something that they could be interested in, then the day would be a success,” says Zamani.

The unit bridges science and the arts, including a trip to view Eakins’ The Gross Clinic. This partnership, supported by the Next-Step Scholarship, continues to strengthen the bond between our schools, inspiring future medical leaders through hands-on discovery.

CLASS OF 2026: EARLY SUCCESS IN COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

SCH celebrated the early achievements of the Class of 2026 this winter. As of January 2026, 41 percent of the senior class—55 students in total—enrolled in their top-choice institutions via Early Decision or Early Action. Overall, 90 percent of the class had received at least one collegiate acceptance when the new year began.

"It is truly inspiring to see so many of our seniors identify their 'best-fit' institutions so early in the process," says Brian Walter, director of College Counseling.

Our seniors will be heading to 43 different institutions, ranging from Ivy League universities and top-tier research hubs to prestigious liberal arts colleges and HBCUs. Destinations include Princeton, Howard, Cornell, Columbia, the University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins, Brown, Georgetown, and Penn State, among many others. While many classmates will finalize their decisions this April, SCH congratulates these early achievers.

The SCH math team hosts the Philadelphia Fall Math League's Math Olympiad.

Dr. Payman Zamani P'32, P'35 teaches SCH and CPS students during the 3rd annual Cardiology Day at SCH.

CAMPUSNEWS

THE POWER OF CHOICE: THE ‘WIN’ PROGRAM IN MIDDLE SCHOOL

This year, the Middle School schedule has found a new rhythm thanks to WIN (“What I Need”), a flexible block dedicated to student-driven enrichment and support. Designed to foster independence, WIN allows students to tailor their school day to their specific passions and needs.

“WIN provides our students with meaningful choice and targeted support,” says Assistant Head of Middle School Catherine Baney. Whether it’s practicing a cello solo,

Middle Schoolers take part in the knitting and crochet WIN.

exploring Greek mythology, or receiving homework help, the program encourages students to lead more balanced lives while discovering new interests.

The impact of WIN extends far beyond the four walls of the classroom through unique partnerships and communitybuilding initiatives:

External Challenges: Students are applying their skills in the real world through the Barnes Foundation “Art of Math” Challenge, Rube Goldberg engineering competitions, and Junior Model UN conferences.

Campus Connections: From editing The Torch newspaper and tending to hydroponic gardens to serving as mentors for Lower Schoolers, students are finding new ways to contribute to the SCH community.

Service & Advocacy: The program hosted its first Service WIN Day, featuring activities ranging from making bird feeders to supporting CHOP. WIN even rewards student initiative—after one student’s persistent advocacy, the Middle School welcomed therapy dogs to campus. By prioritizing student voice and flexible learning, the WIN program is ensuring that every Middle Schooler finds exactly what they need to thrive.

SIX SENIORS HONORED BY NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

SCH is proud to celebrate six seniors who were recognized for their exceptional academic performance on the PSAT/NMSQT.

Lewa White, who is headed to Princeton this fall, was named a National Merit Semifinalist, placing her among the top one percent of high school seniors in the country. This spring, she was named a National Merit Finalist.

Additionally, five students received Letters of Commendation for placing among the top scorers nationwide: Alec Gupte, Aaron Jia, Eloise Levin, Judah Meyer, and Lauren Wilson. These Commended Students are eligible for special scholarships sponsored by corporate partners.

Founded in 1955, the National Merit Scholarship Program remains one of the highest honors for high school academic achievement.

From left: Alec Gupte, Judah Meyer, Aaron Jia, Lauren Wilson, Lewa White, and Eloise Levin.

STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY TIES THROUGH ECHOES OF OUR FUTURE

SCH hosted Echoes of Our Future: 250 Years of Black Artistic Legacy in Philadelphia, an exhibition at the Barbara Crawford Gallery that reframed the city’s historical arc through the lens of Black artistic excellence. Running from January 15 through March 12, the showcase coincided with the 250th anniversary of American democracy, offering a poignant reflection on cultural stewardship and radical imagination.

The exhibition, made possible through a generous loan from the Petrucci Family Foundation Collection of African American Art and curated by Claudia Volpe, highlighted how Philadelphia’s artistic lineage thrives in classrooms, sidewalks, living rooms, churches, and community centers. Many of the featured artists were not only creatives but mentors, educators, and activists rooted in Philadelphia’s neighborhoods.

The collection featured works by artists who were born in Philadelphia, as well as those who arrived to teach, study, or organize, shaping the city’s cultural landscape. More than a retrospective, the exhibition launched a living educational project. During SCH’s MLK Jr. Morning of Service, the campus hosted artist talks led by the director of the Petrucci Family Foundation and a food drive benefiting the Germantown Avenue Crisis Ministry.

The curriculum also extended to many classrooms across all divisions; Middle School English students studied the works of Dox Thrash, while history classes integrated the exhibition’s themes into their studies. Students also engaged in hands-on artist residencies with renowned Philadelphia creators:

• Tim McFarlane: Students developed personal visual "marks" that were merged into a collaborative piece for the school’s Permanent Art Collection. This initiative was funded by the Springside Class of 1957.

• Eustace Mamba: Inspired by Mamba’s work, students created mixed-media responses exploring food access and community resilience, also destined for the Permanent Art Collection.

“This initiative empowered SCH students, faculty, families, and the wider community to engage deeply with the city’s past while actively contributing their own voices to its future artistic legacy,” said Megan Monaghan, director of the Arts at SCH.

Above: Artists visit during the opening reception. Below: Barbara Crawford Gallery's spring exhibition Echoes of Our Future: 250 Years of Black Artistic Legacy in Philadelphia.

CAMPUSNEWS

BIOLOGY STUDENTS TRACK WISSAHICKON CREEK HEALTH

THREE GO ‘OVER THE EDGE’ FOR OUTWARD BOUND

Three fearless SCHers—Emma Hannigan ’27, Teddy Giannone ’27, and Development Office staffer Maggie Mutch—rappelled 315 feet down a 30-story skyscraper at Commerce Square this fall. The event, “Building Adventure,” is the largest annual fundraiser for the Philadelphia Outward Bound School (POBS), supporting outdoor education for over 7,000 local students.

Upper School Head Matt Norcini emceed the event in his role as POBS Board Chair, cheering on the trio as they descended. All three participants are Outward Bound alumni, embodying the resilience taught during SCH’s 9th-grade expedition.

Reflecting on the 315-foot drop, Hannigan shared, “Even if something seems hard or scary, you can push yourself through it and surprise yourself. We are all capable of way more than we think.”

For over 15 years, Upper School biology students have waded into the Wissahickon Creek to conduct vital environmental monitoring. This fall, students tested abiotic and biotic indicators, measuring dissolved oxygen, pH, and nitrates while studying aquatic macroinvertebrates and streambank conditions.

The findings, shared with the Friends of the Wissahickon, reveal a complex picture: While nitrate levels remain elevated due to runoff, a diverse macroinvertebrate population suggests the creek is in fair to good condition. Looking forward, the class plans to publish their findings via a Citizen Science app to reach a broader network.

As biology teacher Ann Zalasky put it after testing the waters with her students, “The Wissahickon is healthy enough for fish and frogs—but if you take a swim, you might want to take a shower!”

Upper School biology students test water from Wissahickon Creek.

Staff and students rappel for the Philadelphia Outward Bound School.

INNOVATION GRANT PROGRAM ENTERS SECOND YEAR, SUPPORTS HIGH-ALTITUDE BALLOONING AND OTHER PROJECTS

The SCH Innovation Grant program, funded by Eric Johnson ’77, has entered its second year of fostering "intentionally embedded innovation." This year’s microgrants, ranging from $250 to $2,500, support diverse projects from Pre-K through Grade 12.

"The success of the program’s first year laid a phenomenal foundation, and—this year—our faculty and staff are building

on their previous ideas and expanding their thinking in new and exciting ways,” says Glassman ’03, executive director of CEL.

Projects include 1st-grade tactile reading tools, movementbased learning with BalletX, and a K-12 global literacy initiative. In the Upper School, students are tackling highaltitude astrophysics engineering.

SKY-HIGH SCIENCE: DEVIL DRAGON BALLOON TEAM REACHES NEW HEIGHTS

It has been a landmark season for the Devil Dragon Balloon Team, a joint high-altitude research collaboration between SCH and Drexel University.

SCH’s Innovation Grant program, funded by Eric Johnson ’77, has helped to support the team’s efforts.

“Funding from the innovation grant allows us to keep our science and engineering programs on the cutting edge of technology,” says teacher Dr. Alissa Sperling. “Our balloon program supports student experiments and engineering design, and we're doing projects that most kids wouldn't dream of until upper-level college courses. It's amazing to see technology developed here in the science and engineering labs at SCH has a national reach.”

This fall, the team executed a massive coordinated effort for the High-altitude Engineering Research in Astrophysics (HERA) project. Led by student Claire Lynch ’27 and mentors Alissa Sperling and Peter Randall ’69, the team launched five balloons in just 19 hours. The mission tested studentdesigned "METEOR" flight computers and "Cosmic Watch" detectors to study cosmic rays across different latitudes.

The team also showcased their findings at Philadelphia’s “Start Talking Science” event. As the only high school represented among top-tier universities, SCH students practiced the vital art of science communication.

The Devil Dragon Balloon team launches its latest research, thanks in part to an innovation grant.

In an even rarer feat, this winter, the team was selected for NASA’s High-Altitude Student Platform (HASP)—one of only eight "large" payload spots nationwide. Honors students Jude Hackford '27 and Ariana Chan-van der Helm '27 are designing a simulation of cosmic-ray production to fly on a giant NASA zero-pressure balloon.

“This opportunity is exciting, as it allows research that is usually done at universities to be carried out at the high school level,” says Hackford. The project will culminate in a fall 2026 launch from Wallops Island, VA, marking a significant milestone in the school’s history.

CAMPUSNEWS

A RECIPE FOR DEEP UNDERSTANDING

Upper School Service Council students make sandwiches to deliver to a local organization.

Over 47 million people in the United States are currently struggling to feed themselves and their families—a sobering fact that drove student action at SCH this holiday season. While traditional drives, like the longstanding and successful Turkey and Food Drive, remain a vital part of the campus's efforts, students are engaging in deeper conversations about long-term solutions both in and out of the classroom and across divisions.

After a Fulbright in Senegal helped her study the subject more deeply, CEL teacher Julie Knutson designed and is teaching a new Food Entrepreneurship class in Middle School this year. In her class, 6th graders run through a simulated activity that helps them understand what it takes to allocate resources to survive on minimum wage. And they’re not just learning about a living wage, they’re getting the full picture: history, food production, food waste, hunger, and public policy.

They are also developing an understanding of how food and community are deeply intertwined. Knutson likes to quote the Spanish-American chef and founder of the nonprofit organization World Central Kitchen, José Andrés: "Food is a form of communication, it’s a way of showing love.”

“I firmly believe that advocacy and policy are key pieces of the puzzle, and we need to teach students how to interact with public officials and policymakers in the civic sphere to exert pressure on issues that matter to them.”

Community Commitment and Volunteerism

The SCH community—encompassing faculty, staff, students, and families—demonstrates a strong commitment to service across various organizations and initiatives, reflecting a deep engagement with the local and broader community. SCH students are taking the lead in creating change. For instance, Community Plate founders (and SCH seniors) Judah Meyer, Leo Cohen, and Damian Melzer-Surkan not only collect and donate surplus cafeteria food to local organizations but also shared their progress on a hydroponic gardening initiative with Philadelphia's sustainability leaders and K-12 students from peer schools. This event fostered a community of green changemakers and helped students understand local policy.

“I firmly believe that advocacy and policy are key pieces of the puzzle, and we need to teach students how to interact with public officials and policymakers in the civic sphere to exert pressure on issues that matter to them,” says Knutson, who worked closely with the students and accompanied them to the event.

The Upper School Service Council made and delivered fresh sandwiches to the Germantown Avenue Crisis Ministry (GACM) this fall, underscoring the importance of providing fresh food to our community partners.

"Fresh food is important for food banks and shelters because it allows for variation in options for people to eat," says Upper School Service Council adviser Joyce Zeka. "It gives them something that is not canned or overly processed. Some people do not have the resources to prepare their meals; therefore, it allows them to have a healthier food option and something they feel they can control."

Middle Schoolers in Knutson’s class also harvested food from the hydroponic garden and cooked a meal to deliver to the organization in recognition of Food Education in Action Week. They heard from the organization’s volunteer coordinator, which inspired a current 6th grader to commit to doing his Mitzvah project with the organization.

An SCH alumnus raised $6,000 for Face to Face with a community dinner when he was a student.

“Whether it was the people I connected with, the skills I learned, or the failures I made, (this dinner) is the most valuable thing I’ve ever done,” said Cole Benner ’24 at the time.

This service commitment is modeled by faculty and staff.

Sarah McDowell, Upper School history chair, dedicates time outside of school to Face to Face Germantown, which provides hot meals, legal, health, and social services to those in need.

“It’s an amazing place, and a great volunteer opportunity,” says McDowell, who urges others to serve. “You can volunteer in the kitchen, to serve meals, and in other ways.”

Additionally, Middle School art teachers Judy Callas and Mana Khandvala ’85 partner with the Woodmere Art Museum and Manna—a healthy food home delivery organization—to deliver student artwork as gifts along with a holiday meal to individuals homebound with chronic illness.

Teaching

and Practicing Empathy

Last year, the Capstone project led by juniors Scarlet DiDonato and Ziya Deveaux worked with students in ACE to create food-centered art, which they then incorporated into tote bags to be sold for the benefit of Sunday Love

“When we teach Lower School students about food insecurity, our goal is to build empathy and understanding.”

Project. This is just one of several CEL student ventures that have connected SCH to the broader community through food. In fact, one student was so moved by his work in his Food Entrepreneurship class that he decided to start a food truck business.

Bringing the issue directly to the youngest students, teacher Ellen Ward ’88 organizes the annual Thanksgiving Turkey and Food Drive for the Lower School alongside teacher Laura McManus, offering both aid to the food-insecure through SCH’s partner organizations, GACM (Lower School boys) and St. Vincent’s (Lower School girls), and a tangible lesson in giving.

“When we teach Lower School students about food insecurity, our goal is to build empathy and understanding,” says Ward. “By framing the topic in age-appropriate ways, children begin to see that families experience challenges for many different reasons—and that needing help is a normal part of being human. Books like Maddi’s Fridge and Saturday at the Food Pantry help our students connect to the idea of food insecurity through relatable characters and reallife situations. These stories open the door for meaningful conversations about kindness, community support, and the importance of looking out for one another.”

Our families give throughout the year through various drives organized by SCHers. This past summer, St. Vincent's was able to purchase a new refrigerator through the money raised from SCH’s Race Against Hunger.

Ongoing Engagement

The collective generosity of the SCH community directly addresses immediate needs, reflecting the holistic approach the school takes in both service and education. Knutson circles back to topics often in her class, ensuring that students see the big picture through activities like a virtual visit to The Hunger Museum. She also ensures they understand it’s not a problem that can be solved in a trimester.

“The kids recognize—you don’t close a unit—complex problems deserve to be revisited,” says Knutson. “They’re doing that work.”

CAMPUSNEWS

BEFORE THE MOBILES: THE ARCHITECTURAL GEM IN SCH’S HENRY LIBRARY HIGHLIGHTS THE 'MIDDLE' CALDER'S LEGACY

This past fall, Philadelphia celebrated the opening of Calder Gardens, featuring the innovative mobiles of Alexander "Sandy" Calder, and SCH took a closer look at the local work of his father, Alexander Stirling Calder (1870–1945), who designed the fireplace surround in what is now SCH’s Henry Library.

The sculpted surround at the Henry Library was designed by Alexander Stirling Calder.

Alexander Stirling Calder, a prolific sculptor whose major Philadelphia works include the Swann Memorial Fountain at Logan Circle and the Shakespeare Memorial across from the Free Library, was a bridge between the grand tradition of his father, Alexander Milne Calder, who sculpted the statue of William Penn on City Hall, and the modernist vision of his son, “Sandy.”

The sculpted surround at the Henry Library, designed in 1907, stands as a testament to the middle Calder's skill in architectural sculpture, a genre he mastered through

significant commissions across the country, including work on the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in 1915. The opening of Calder Gardens has renewed interest in the entire Calder family's legacy. Art enthusiasts are now encouraged to take a "Calder pilgrimage" down the Parkway, where they can see all three generations of the family's art in a single sweep, from the William Penn atop City Hall, the Swann Memorial Fountain in Logan Square, and the new Calder Gardens dedicated to Alexander Calder's mobiles and stabiles. The Henry Library fireplace surround offers our SCH community a more intimate example of the Calder family's pervasive influence across Philadelphia.

“I am continually awestruck when I stand before Calder’s fireplace in the Henry Library,” says Megan Monaghan, director of Arts at SCH, “recognizing that the artistic legacy that helped shape Philadelphia’s skyline is also at the heart of our SCH community. The Calder family’s work spans generations, grounded in imagination, craftsmanship, and bold vision—the same values we nurture in our students every day. The message above the hearth, ‘Kyndle yr Aune ffyre,’ resonates deeply: a call for every student to ignite their own creative flame.”

SCH Athletics made history this season. Both the volleyball team and the football team brought home coveted Inter-Ac championships, securing a monumental dual victory for the school.

This fall, the volleyball team kicked off the championship excitement by securing a share of the Inter-Ac title on October 21 with a victory over Baldwin, 3-0. The team’s consistent excellence earned them the league crown for the first time in program history, finishing the regular season

with an impressive 10-2 record. The Blue Devils then continued their run into the postseason as the number one seed in the PAISAA tournament, winning games vs Cristo Rey and Perkiomen before battling a tough Notre Dame squad in the finals and coming up just short of the state title.

The football team secured its piece of the Inter-Ac title in a dramatic overtime victory, 21-20, against rivals Malvern Prep on Saturday, November 8. This is the second-ever Inter-Ac title for SCH football.

Going into their final game of the season with a 5-4 overall record and a 3-1

THRILLER league standing, the team knew a win on their home field was essential for a share of the championship.

The game delivered all the excitement expected of a titledeciding rivalry, as the team battled through regulation and ultimately emerged victorious in a nail-biting overtime finish against the Friars.

VOLLEYBALL: INTER-AC CO-CHAMPIONS

FOOTBALL WINS OVERTIME

HISTORY ON LANDRETH

Following a historic season, Coach Rick Knox ’92 looks back on the grit of his players, the significance of the program milestones, and what it meant to secure the Inter-Ac trophy for the SCH community.

As I have had a few weeks now to reflect on our championship football season, I was moved to share a few of my thoughts with our community.

Reflecting on Saturday, November 8, some of my favorite memories—beyond the action on the field—are of the many alumni I met during the post-game celebration. Connecting with former players, alumni, students, and families cemented for me how powerful a moment it was to beat Malvern Prep in overtime, 21-20, to win the Inter-Ac championship.

As a history teacher, I naturally look to the past to understand the significance of this day. Interacademic League football began in 1887 with Chestnut Hill Academy (CHA) joining the league in 1923, but a

combination of the Great Depression and World War II meant that the team's membership in the league was short-lived. CHA did not rejoin the league until 1962, while Malvern Prep had its inaugural season in 1950. Nonetheless, the '60s were one of the most successful decades for CHA football as the team earned three winning records in league play during those years. Interestingly, the last time CHA beat Malvern Prep was in 1968 when Chestnut Hill Academy posted a 1-4 league record and Malvern Prep 0-5.

The teams went in drastically different directions after that: CHA withdrew from Inter-Ac play in 1972 due to low numbers and did not rejoin until 2006. By contrast, Malvern Prep became a league juggernaut and statewide power, winning 24 Inter-Ac titles from 1969

to 2005. This included 7 straight undefeated league seasons—a 28-0 run from 1974 to 1980. Talk about a dynasty!

During the 2005 school year, much deliberation went into the decision for CHA to rejoin the Inter-Ac for the 2006 season. The team went 7-3 overall and 2-3 in Inter-Ac play that year, validating the move. The Blue Devils then went on to have their best 5-year run in the school's Inter-Ac history, posting an 18-6 record and earning their first league title in 2009. The caveat to that success, however, was that CHA never beat Malvern Prep; in 2009, the Blue Devils shared the title with Malvern at 4-1. Fast forward to 2025—the 20th season since CHA (now SCH Academy!) returned to the league—and we still had not beaten Malvern Prep.

As many former players, parents, and alumni know, there were several games in which the Blue Devils lost to Malvern when victory seemed so excruciatingly close. In fact, in 2006, Malvern Prep drove the length of the field in the waning moments of the game and ran a 2-point conversion to steal the victory. Then, as recently as 2 years ago in 2023, the Blue Devils looked to return the favor, driving deep into Malvern territory late in the 4th quarter, hoping to score the winning touchdown. Unfortunately, a turnover dashed those hopes. After 20 years, it seemed we might never beat Malvern again. However, there we were, on November 8 in the 4th quarter, winning 13-6 over Malvern, ranked 3rd in the state at the time. Would today be the day?

1887 1939 1962

Inter-Ac League football begins

Because of the Great Depression and WWII, CHA withdraws from the league

1923 1950 Chestnut Hill Academy (CHA) joins the Inter-Ac League

Malvern Prep has its inaugural season

CHA rejoins the league, has a strong decade, beating Malvern Prep in 1968

But just like many other heartbreakers, Malvern tied the game up 13-13 and started driving again for the win. Today would be a different story. A big sack on 3rd down forced Malvern to punt, but after a penalty, our drive started at about our own 10-yard line. Maybe today wouldn't be the day? And that is where what seemed to be a fate-driven script kicked in. The Blue Devils methodically drove down the field and called a timeout with 2 seconds left for a straight 35-yard field goal. At that moment, the rest of the game went into slow motion. The anticipation was palpable, with the biggest crowd I can remember ever seeing at Landreth Field and Maguire Stadium. We lined up, the snap was good, and the hold and kick went off like clockwork. Would this be the moment? No, the kick was blocked, and we went into overtime. To be honest, at that moment, I could not help but remember all the other heartbreaking moments we had against Malvern over the past 20 seasons. That was only

intensified when Malvern scored on its first play of overtime and went up 20-13. The rest of the game was surreal and a moment in school history that will live forever. On our first play, our quarterback ran untouched into the end zone. At that moment, it was crystal clear what we had to do. Go for 2 and win the game. We called a timeout to make sure everyone was on the same page with the play. We called 12 personnel, Jacks X to B, papi curve man X flat. To most people, that may sound like a foreign language, but to the 2025 Blue Devils, that phrase will always be synonymous with the 2025 Inter-Ac Championship. The play called for a fake to the running back and a pass to our wide receiver, who had motioned into the backfield before the snap. It worked like a charm, and that is when pandemonium broke loose. As our players ran to the end zone to celebrate, SCH students, parents, alumni, and fans also rushed to join the celebration. After we gathered everyone to shake hands with

Malvern, I took a moment to walk away from the action to soak it all in. My quiet reflective moment did not last long as the iconic moment of the coach getting the Gatorade ice shower ensued. What followed that was a grand celebration. This was more than just a regular championship celebration. This had so many more layers to it. Nearly 60 years of history suggested that one of the smallest schools in the Inter-Ac could not overcome the league's largest and most dominant program. November 8 would prove to be different.

During that celebration, one of my fondest memories was a picture taken in front of the scoreboard with my entire coaching staff. This is a group of men who sacrifice time away from their families and professions; they pour their hearts and souls into our players, program, and school. The group also includes 4 CHA alumni: Andrew Ciukurescu ’06, Mike Lonergan ’08, Alex Logue ’07, and Mike Hayes ’13. The collective effort of the coaching staff required to win the 2025 Inter-Ac championship

2005 2025

CHA rejoins the league for the season

CHA withdraws from the league due to low numbers

1972 2009

CHA earns league title but still has not beaten Malvern Prep

was monumental, and this picture stands as a lasting symbol of that shared work. The other memories that keep coming back to me are the elation of our players who made history. As I told them after the game, they did not just win this game and championship for themselves; they won it for every other CHA/SCH player who had aspired to the same goal but fell short. Many of these alumni were in attendance on November 8, and those unable to attend passed along their sentiments. Their messages flooded my phone and email for days.

The 2025 Blue Devils players not only learned firsthand what can happen when you set a lofty goal and work tirelessly toward it, but they also realized that goal for so many in our school community. I will carry that with me forever, and I am eternally grateful to those players and assistant coaches for allowing me to experience what I have preached for 21 years as the head football coach of this great institution.

CHA beats Malvern Prep to win Inter-Ac Championship

Read about studentathlete college commitments and other sports’ seasons here:

DEVELOPMENTNEWS

COMPLETING THE CAMPUS MASTER PLAN: THE FINAL PHASE

SCH is entering the home stretch of its visionary Campus Master Plan. This final phase, Campaign for the Commons, funded the construction of the new fitness center, the expanded student dining and social area, and will include the renovation of the Commons lower level (locker rooms and athletic training center) and the Campus Quad. This $8 million investment in the heart of SCH's campus—unites historic preservation with 21st-century student life. Thank you to Commons campaign co-chairs Jess Hayne P’26, P’28, P’29, P’31, P’33 and Edward J. McDevitt III ’93, P’24, P’26, for their tireless commitment to reaching the goal.

THE WISSAHICKON INN: RESTORING A LANDMARK

A significant grant from The William B. Dietrich Foundation allows SCH to reclaim the architectural integrity of the south-facing entrance of the Wissahickon Inn.

Architectural Restoration: Reversing decades of inconsistent alterations to restore the original Hewittdesigned aesthetic.

Enhanced Access: Creating a safer, more defined primary entry from Willow Grove Avenue that reflects the excellence of the SCH experience.

A Unified Campus: Connecting the historic Inn directly to the new Commons Quad, creating a seamless flow between SCH’s past and future.

The Reimagined Quad:

A vibrant outdoor “Main Street” featuring:

• An outdoor amphitheater for performances and classes.

• Shaded social spaces and natural landscaping with specimen trees.

• A pedestrian-first gateway that removes automobile traffic for increased safety and a calmer campus feel.

RESTORE THE REC: HERITAGE & ECOLOGY

The Restore The Rec project has been fully funded, and a recent $650,000 grant from the William Penn Foundation is helping fuel the transformation of the area around the 1884 livery into a hub for stormwater stewardship and community partnership.

Environmental Stewardship: With additional support from the Philadelphia Water Department, this project mitigates runoff into the Wissahickon watershed through two rain gardens and erosion-control measures. These systems serve as a “living laboratory” for students to study ecology in real time.

Friday, May 8 | 4:30 PM

The Chestnut Hill Academy Rec in 1914

Rendering by WRT Architects

Construction of Rec, January 2026

SCH Celebrates 2025 Inductees

SCH held its 2025 Chestnut Hill Academy and Springside School Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony during the fall Homecoming Weekend. Held only every three years, the induction is a distinct privilege where SCH celebrates and honors the remarkable athletes, coaches, and teams who have made a lasting impact at the school, in college, and beyond.

On Friday evening, October 17, 2025, more than 200 alumni, family, and friends gathered at the Philadelphia Cricket Club to honor the inductees. Brendan Flatow ’94 and Rosalie Hunter ’82, the CHA and Springside Athletic Hall of Fame chairs, welcomed the distinguished inductees.

The Springside School and Chestnut Hill Academy Athletic Halls of Fame were established to recognize and honor exceptional athletes and their athletic performances, accomplishments, and contributions with a lasting tribute.

Scan to see more photos from the ceremony

Rainford Phil Thomas ’09Jason White ’99 SOCCER

TRACK & FIELD

AT CHA

Rainford Phil Thomas ’09 was a standout multisport athlete in football, indoor track, and outdoor track, and the CHA 2009 Patterson Cup winner. In track, he was a four-year letterman and the third leading point scorer in program history, earning All-League honors in the high, long, and triple jumps. He won the league high jump three times, set a school record of 6’10” that still stands, and ran on record-setting 4x100 and 4x200 relay teams. He also served as team captain in 2009 and was recognized as the top jumper in Southeast Pennsylvania.

BEYOND

At the University of Rhode Island, Thomas continued his success, helping his team capture NEICAA Indoor and Outdoor Championships as well as three consecutive NCAA conference titles (2011–2013). A four-time Atlantic 10 high jump champion with a personal best of 7’1”, he also earned an invitation to try out for the Jamaican National Track and Field Team.

Phil evolved on fields and courts: a wiry defensive end who racked up sacks as fast as he could run 100 meters.”

–Penn Steel '08

AT CHA

Jason White ’99 was a standout athlete in both track and soccer. He earned gold and silver medals and was named First Team AllInter-Ac. White represented the U.S. on multiple Youth National Teams, including U18 (1998), U20 (1999–2000), and U23 (2002). He was selected to the U.S. Soccer Association (USYSA) Region 1 ODP Team (1998–2000), including earning the best goalkeeper award at an international tournament in Paris in 1998. He was also a key contributor for FC Delco, helping the U17 and U19 teams win USYSA National Championships in 1997 and 1999, winning the Golden Glove award in each year.

BEYOND

At Princeton, White rewrote the school’s goalkeeping record book, setting career and single-season shutout records while serving as the starting goalkeeper all four years and team captain. He was a two-time Ivy League Champion, a two-time First Team All-Ivy selection (1999, 2001), a multiple-time NSCAA Regional All-American, and named Soccer America Freshman All-American in 1999. His consistent excellence and leadership made him one of the most decorated goalkeepers in Princeton history.

It’s wasn't every day that a student-athlete of this caliber—both a top scholar and a national-level soccer player—came our way.

–Coach Jim Talbot H'81

Coach Paul Hines H’03

VARSITY TRACK & FIELD COACH BASEBALL TEAM

Paul Hines H’03 has had an outstanding four-decade career at CHA/SCH, coaching cross country, indoor track, outdoor track, including winter indoor seasons, and teaching. Under his leadership, his athletes earned six high school All-American honors, and his teams captured multiple Inter-Ac Championships in 1994, 1999, and 2001. He played a pivotal role in organizing the Inter-Ac Championship and has been recognized with the Association Award from the Track & Field Coaches Association of Greater Philadelphia for his contributions to the advancement of the sport.

In addition to Coach Hines’ coaching achievements, he has personally completed 51 marathons and was inducted into the City All-Star Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2017, cementing a legacy of excellence both on and off the track.

He has taught his students through the lens of honesty, courage, loyalty, integrity and sportsmanship.”

–Rex Leininger ’20

1989 Varsity

The 1989 baseball team captured the Inter-Ac Championship, the first since 1973 and the first outright title since 1929, under the leadership of Butch McNally, head coach at the time. Over the 1978–1986 seasons, the program recorded 14 league wins, followed by 18 league wins from 1987–1989, culminating in a 16–4 overall record and an 8–2 league mark in 1989, earning an 8th-place ranking in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Standout players included First Team All-Inter-Ac selections Chris Simons, Chris Harris, and Brendan Kilfeather; Second Team honorees Greg Martin and

Chip Swain; and Honorable Mentions Chris Brassell, Logan Bullitt, and Alex Hall. Chris Simons was named the 1989 Inter-Ac MVP, and eight players represented the team in the Carpenter Cup: Simons, Harris, Kilfeather, Martin, Swain, Bullitt, Hall, and Burke.

The team included: Chris Brassell ’89, Logan Bullitt ’90,

Paul Burke ‘91, Chris Dimond ’90, Chris Dobson ’89, Tim Fles ’91, Bill Freeman ’91, Howdie Goodwin ’90, Frank Graf ’89, Alex Hall ’89, Chris Harris ’89, Brian Hom ’89, Josh Jennings ’90, Brendan Kilfeather ’90, Greg Martin ’89, Sean McSweeny ’89, Brian O’Donnell ’89, Chris Simons ’89, and Chip Swain ’89.

We didn’t just win games—we built excitement. Fans came out to watch CHA baseball again. We played hard, we played for each other, and we made the game fun.”

–Chris Harris ’89

TRACK TEAM

The 2001 boys track team achieved a remarkable 8–0 record, capturing the most recent boys track InterAc Championship under the leadership of coaches Paul Hines, Dan Brewer, and Hugh Derby. The team scored 76½ points, the second-highest total by any CHA/SCH team in championship history, winning by a 28½-point margin. Their dominance was fueled by outstanding performances across a wide range of events, with six All-Inter-Ac selections: Pete Harris, Dan Gargan, Tris Carver, Scott Costin, Sean Plunkett, and Ian Barber.

The team included: Justin Aiken ’01, Ian Barber ‘01, Isaiah Barrow ’03, James

Baumberger ’02, Ross Brindle ’01, Alex Burkat ’04, Tris Carver ’01, Will Clattenburg ’01, James Crumlish ’04, Anthony Comis ’04, Scott Costin ’03, Kyle Ferguson ’01, Dan Gargan ’01, Pete Harris ’02, Bryan Hozack ’02, Nick Levine ’02, Thomas Lewin ’03, Evan Lodge ’04, Andrew McLean ’04, Mike O’Donnell ’01, Dave O’Hara ’03, Nick

O’Neill ’03, JD Perry ’04, Sean Plunkett ’04, Bryan Quigley ’04, LJ Reed ’01, Chester Roebuck ’03, Philip Rhym ’04, Simon Rogers ’03, Jarrett Smith ’04, Joe Watkins ‘03, Patrick Wigfall ’04, Eli Wolfe ’03, David Wolfgang ’02, John Wylie ’03, Nasir Yard ’04, Paul Hines H’03, Dan Brewer H’10, and Hugh Derby.

Dominant in every dual meet and commanding at the championship, the 2001 team represented the very best of CHA track and field: a blend of speed, strength, and teamwork.”

–Coach Paul Hines H’03

The Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony takes place every three years; however, nominations are welcome anytime and can be emailed to alumni@sch.org. The next induction will take place in fall 2028.

Nicole Volgraf Chalfant ’11 FIELD HOCKEY

AT SPRINGSIDE

Nicole Volgraf Chalfant ’11 is a two-time team captain in field hockey and lacrosse and recorded 38 goals and 33 assists for Springside. She earned team MVP honors as a junior, was an All-League Honorable Mention pick in 2009, and in her senior year, she picked up first team AllLeague honors and earned her team’s Coaches Award. She was a three-time letter winner in field hockey, while also earning letters in lacrosse.

BEYOND

Chalfant was a four-year letter winner at Indiana University and tallied 16 goals during her career. She finished her career ranked 13th among IU career goals leaders and served as a team captain in her junior and senior years. In 2016, she won the NCAA “Woman of the Year” award and was the recipient of the Big Ten’s most prestigious award, the Big Ten Medal of Honor. She also received the All-Big Ten Sportsmanship Award, Academic All-Big Ten, and Big Ten Distinguished Scholar honors.

Courtney Caputo Comeau’ 10 LACROSSE

AT SPRINGSIDE

BEYOND

The qualities that truly made her special were her work ethic in all moments, the integrity she carried as a sportswoman, and the heart she showed on the field for the sport, the school and her teammates.”

–Coach Susie Macciocca

Courtney Caputo Comeau ’10 was a standout threesport athlete at Springside in soccer, basketball, and lacrosse, earning as many as 10 varsity letters and All-League honors each year from freshman through senior year. A four-year starter and twoyear captain in soccer and lacrosse, she also served as co-captain in basketball for two years. She twice earned team MVP honors in both soccer and lacrosse, scored 100 career goals with 76 assists in lacrosse, and competed in the 2008 Under Armour All-Star Game as well as the 2009 U.S. National Tournament. In her senior year, she received Springside’s Aimee Willard Award and the TriAthlete Award.

Comeau went on to play Division I lacrosse at Georgetown University, where she was a multi-year letter winner and NCAA Tournament participant, earning First Team AllConference recognition as a junior and senior. In her senior year, she scored three goals off her own draw control, unassisted, in 60 seconds.

“She not only showcased her extraordinary talents on the court and field but also led her teams with a genuine competitive spirit and unwavering determination.”

–Coach Liz Brode Harris '91

Mandy Longstreth Gardiner’ 93 LACROSSE

AT SPRINGSIDE

Mandy Longstreth Gardiner ’93 was a three-sport standout, earning 12 varsity letters in field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse, serving as captain in all three, and earning MVP honors in both basketball and lacrosse.

BEYOND

Continuing her career at William & Mary, Gardiner earned eight varsity letters

as a four-year member of both the field hockey and lacrosse teams. A two-time lacrosse All-American, she was named to the Third Team in 1996 and the Second Team in 1997, serving as team captain her senior year and finishing her career ranked 20th on the program’s all-time assists list. She was also named a Lacrosse First Team AllAmerican in 1997.

“Mandy was a determined and passionate player, providing a true spark of motivation to those around her. She was a fierce competitor who balanced her drive with an easygoing approach.”

–Coach Betty Ann Fish HA’02

Coach Stephanie Mill HA’13 VARSITY SOFTBALL COACH

Stephanie Mill HA’13 has been the stalwart leader of the Springside/SCH softball program for over 25 years, building a powerhouse on the diamond. Her tenure is marked by remarkable success, including an impressive 200+ career wins. Under her guidance, the team has secured four Inter-Ac championships (2010, 2017, 2018, 2022) and three PAISAA championships (2018, 2022, 2024). Notably, the teams of 2018 and 2022 achieved the rare distinction of winning both the Inter-Ac and PAISAA titles in the same season. Stephanie has fostered a culture of consistent excellence, leading the program to winning seasons for more than a decade.

She has mentored countless athletes, working with players of all skill levels—from dedicated travel players to firsttimers—seamlessly creating cohesive and enjoyable teams. Mill also serves as an integral member of the Carpenter Cup coaching staff year after year.

“It’s impossible to think about Springside (now SCH) softball without immediately picturing Coach Mill at the helm.”

–Alexis Giovinazzo Leopold ’12

In 1998, the crew program earned its first invitation to the USRA Youth Championships, the national championships for scholastic rowing. Competing in the 2000-meter races, the Springside women overcame last-minute roster changes. This experience laid the foundation for the program’s rapid rise and growing success.

Amanda Gifford Cobb ’99, Julia Paradiso Doll ’00, Clara Elias ’00, and Jennie Udell ’00 paved the way

1998 2010 CREW SOFTBALL TEAM

The 2010 Springside softball team made history by becoming the program’s first-ever Inter-Ac Softball Champions, permanently establishing Springside softball as a force in the league. The squad finished the season with an impressive 17-5 overall record and a dominant 10-2 mark in the Inter-Ac. This success was driven by stellar individual talent, including First Team All Inter-Ac selections pitcher Natalie Klotz, shortstop Alexis Giovinazzo Leopold, and Michelle Cybularz Cvijanovich. Several players from this championship

for the girls’ program to be recognized not only as a varsity sport but also as a strong sculling program regionally and nationwide.

The 1999 season showcased the crew’s remarkable competitiveness and depth. Narrowly losing five races to Lower Merion by a combined 2.5 seconds, the team carried that momentum through the Philadelphia City Championships and Stotesbury Cup Regatta. At the SRAA Scholastic Championships, the JV boat earned silver, while the Varsity Quad battled fiercely against top crews from

the U.S. and Canada. In a dramatic finish, Springside captured first place by just 0.6 seconds, becoming national champions in only their third season—a testament to the team’s strength, determination, and character.

“This group of girls paved the way for the girls program to be recognized not only as a varsity sport but a strong sculling program region and nation-wide.”

–Coach Bruce LaLonde

roster went on to play at the collegiate level.

The team included: Kelsea Brewer ’13, Michelle Cybularz Cvijanovich ’13, Asha Deane

Dugger ’11, Resnya Hughes ’12, Alex Ingber ’12, Shelby Jackson ‘13, Dominique Jones-Emery ’11, Natalie Klotz ’10, Emma Korein ’11, Torri LaSmith ’12, Alexis Giovinazzo Leopold ’12, Aly Markey ’12, Gianna Pownall Neff ’13, and Chloe Ingber Rall ’12.

“Their commanding performance and the collegiate success of many of its members cemented the 2010 team’s importance as the group that fundamentally transformed the Springside softball program.”

–Coach Steph Mill HA’13

THE Diamond OF THE HILL

PHILADELPHIA’S OLDEST HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL FIELD

In the early 1900s, names like Daniel Boone and West Philadelphia High haunted the dirt at Jefferson and Pollock fields. But those grounds eventually gave way to the gaps of history.

According to SCH’s in-house historian, Paul Hines, only one patch of grass in Philadelphia has remained a constant stage for high school ball: Corning Pearson ’30 Field. At SCH Academy, and previously Chestnut Hill Academy (CHA), the game hasn’t just been played for over a century—it’s never stopped.

A TRANSFORMATION OF TURF

The transition from horse show to home plate began in 1898. CHA had just settled into the Wissahickon Inn, but with no dedicated field, CHA’s first athletic director, Ed Durfee, had to get creative. He set his sights on the Inn’s West Field—a space better known for hooves than homers.

According to A History of Chestnut Hill Academy by Clark Groome ’60, the transformation was a “rapid”

evolution. The same ground that served as the ring for the Philadelphia Horse Show (later the Devon Horse Show) was suddenly graded for play and encircled by a track. It was an unconventional start, with stables sitting right along the basepaths, but it worked. Since that 1898 pivot, the field has served as the bedrock of CHA varsity baseball, becoming the city’s most enduring diamond.

The West Field, CHA, 1911

THE FIRST PITCH

The Quarter Century Review of CHA 1895 to 1920 notes that the school “organized athletics at the beginning of the 20th century.” In 1900, said Hines, a regular baseball team with a captain, manager/coach, and the team played scheduled games.

Though the original scorebooks have been lost to time, the roster of that inaugural 1900 squad remains:

Captain: D. T. Carter Coach: E. C. Durfee

Starting Lineup: E. Sheppard (C), D. T. Carter (P), C. Sheppard (1B), R. O. Sheridan (2B), J.M. Stewart (SS), J. L. Patterson (3B), E. W. Clark, 3rd (LF), E. Myers (CF), and A. H. Scott (RF)

By 1903, the baseball program even had an early version of an indoor facility. The old carriage house and stables were renovated into a recreation building (aka The Rec), allowing the team to play indoor baseball when weather prevented outdoor play.

A CENTURY OF EXCELLENCE

The field has witnessed eras of dominance and periods of silence. The 1920 team went undefeated, though it lacked a championship trophy because the school did not belong to a league. That changed in 1926 when the school joined the Inter-Ac League, sparking a golden era with championships in 1926, 1928, 1929, 1930, 1933, and 1936.

Former SCH softball player and 2014 Little League World Series pitcher

Mo’ne Davis ‘19 was recently drafted in the inaugural Women’s Pro Baseball League. Davis, who also played JV baseball for SCH in 9th grade, was the 10th draft pick, chosen by Los Angeles. This is a historic moment for women’s professional baseball and our alumna who has been an advocate for girls competing at elite levels in maledominated sports. “It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to be a professional athlete,” said Davis during the draft.

Our softball program has been a dominant force on the field over the past decade. From clutch hits to shutout innings, the stats speak for themselves. Here is a look at the hardware our athletes have brought home:

4 PAISAA State Championships

3 Inter-Ac League Titles

MO’NE DAVIS ’19, DRAFTED

The Rec, 1909The Rec, 2025

The diamond went quiet in the fall of 1942, as the school closed its Upper School due to a drop in enrollment and a lack of teachers, who were in the Second World War. However, the community used the field continuously, the program was restored in 1956, and the winning tradition followed, with league titles spanning from 1966 to the most recent victory in 2023.

THE LEGACY OF CORNING PEARSON '30 PEARSON FIELD

In 2011, Corning Pearson '30 Field was named after a CHA ball player who went on to play for Princeton and whose son, Corning Pearson '59, was a four-sport titan at CHA. The elder Pearson was responsible for revamping the field

CHRIS ALLEYNE ’17

Draft: 2022, Los Angeles Dodgers, Round: 19 College: Maryland

SCOTT BANDURA ’20

Draft: 2023, San Francisco Giants, Round: 7 College: Princeton

JARED SPRAGUE-LOTT ’20

Draft: 2024, Oakland Athletics, Round: 9 Colleges: University of Richmond and Arkansas

PLANNED PEARSON FIELD UPGRADES

• Improved field drainage

• Systematic in-season field maintenance

• Regular deep aeration and overseeding

• Infield dirt replacement

• Trackman technology

• New pitching machines

in the 90s and told the Chestnut Hill Local, "I only wish I could play again."

But the Pearsons weren't the only legends to leave their cleats in the soil. This field has long served as a launching pad for the big leagues. Major League players such as Tito Nanni ’78, Dave Miller ’92, Steel Russell ’09, and World Series champion Mike Koplove ’95 all trained on the CHA field. While other Philadelphia diamonds from the 1800s were paved over or forgotten, this patch of Chestnut Hill has stood the test of time.

WHAT’S NEXT

While you can still stand behind the dugout for thrilling games at Pearson Field, a century of play has taken its toll. On December 4, the SCH baseball family gathered in

Scott Bandura '20 talks to coach Joe Ishikawa at the 'For the Love of the Game' fundraiser at Citizens Bank Park this past fall.

Corning Pearson '30 in 1992 when he helped fund renovations.

the Hall of Fame Club at Citizens Bank Park for the “For the Love of the Game” fundraiser, a special celebration honoring the legacy of parent and coach Mike Brown ’00, who is battling ALS, and establishing a fund in his name to repair Pearson Field. Thanks to supporters near and far, and a committee chaired by Brendan Flatow ‘94 and Kim Whetzel H’17, nearly $200,000 was raised for the upgrades and the establishment of the Michael C. Brown ‘00 Endowed Fund for Baseball.

Attendees heard from several members of the community who care deeply about CHA and SCH baseball, including Yankees commentator Dave Sims ‘71; former player and current LaSalle coach Dave Miller ‘92; head coach Joe

Ishikawa, who spoke about ohana—meaning family—as the core of his team culture; this year’s captains, Frankie Decembrino ‘26 and Joey Markey ‘26; Head of School Steve Druggan, and Phillies GM and SCH parent Sam Fuld. Honoree Mike Brown ‘00 reminded the community to love with intention and give back in a video produced by Brendan Flatow ‘25.

“Everyone has a million plans,” said Brown, “when you have a medical problem, you now have one plan. I’m so limited in the days I have; I have zero days to waste. My approach is that we all have zero days to waste, because no one is guaranteed tomorrow.

Special thanks to Paul Hines H'03 and Clark Groome '60 for their research.

DONATE TO THE CAUSE

While we have made remarkable progress raising funds for the field upgrades, we’re not done yet. If you would like to make a gift toward the Michael C. Brown ‘00 Endowed Fund for Baseball or the Pearson Field improvements, please scan the QR code.

Coach Mike Brown '00 (left) talks to SCH baseball players.

TALKS BALL Dave Dave Sims Sims

A versatile standout at Chestnut Hill Academy, Dave Sims was the first Black studentathlete to play three varsity sports (football, basketball, and baseball), earning multiple honors, including two Outstanding Baseball Player awards. This foundation paved the way for a legendary broadcasting career; a two-time Emmy winner, Sims has called games for the NFL, NCAA Final Four, and MLB. After an amazing 18-season run with the Seattle Mariners, he moved to the booth for the New York Yankees, serving as its primary play-by-play announcer. Catch him on the radio!

You’ve been with the Yankees for over a year now. Tell us a little about that transition.

This was my first year with the Yankees, after 18 seasons in Seattle. And you know, the mystique, the aura, the legacy, the history of the Yankees, it’s certainly not lost on me by any stretch of imagination. I don’t revel in it, but it’s just a different mindset and a different vibe when you tell people, “I’m with the Yankees.”

How do you break into that tradition?

I gotta tell you, baseball’s still baseball, just different uniforms, and it’s the same game that I’ve done for the last 18 years, a game that I’ve played here. So just call the game, you know, do your homework, be ready, and have fun.

Former play-by-play announcer John Sterling is a legend with the Yankees and has a voice known by so many New Yorkers. What’s your style when calling?

I do it totally differently from John, having played and been around it for so long. John, by his own admission, calls it an act. And, you know, that’s entertainment. I think I entertain by telling little anecdotes and describing what happens for radio. The fans can’t see what’s

going on, so you have to accurately describe what’s going on. I knew that growing up here in Philly, listening to the guys here back when I was a kid.

Marty Glickman, who was a great New York sportscaster and my sports rabbi, I was under his tutelage for a couple of years. It really reinforced everything I knew and took it to another level. TV’s different. You’re doing captions, and you have more time to be glib and whatnot. On radio, you don’t have time. My producer engineer in Seattle became a good friend. He said, “Don’t miss a pitch on radio. You cannot miss a pitch. You can’t go, ‘Oh, it’s 1-0, oh, it’s 3 and 2, 2-1,’” you can’t do that.”

Do you have a favorite moment or play you’ve called? I think most people have seen the viral video* when you were on the Mariners. Was that a favorite?

Cal Raleigh got us into the playoffs in 2022, and 2021, the year before, Mitch Haniger got a big base hit, 9th inning, 2-run single, giving us the lead against the Angels. We went on to win that game, and then the next day, we lost and didn’t make the playoffs. The Cal Raleigh one got us into the playoffs, hitting a home run to beat Oakland, 2-1. The reason there’s video on that is that we hadn’t been to the playoffs since 2001.

We got a new guy from Long Island, who had been with the Mets, who was in charge of social media, and he says, “Let’s document this. You know, it’s a big moment for people in the Pacific Northwest.”

You grew up in Philly, worked in Seattle for 18 years, and now you work for the Yankees and live in New York. So, big question: Are you a Mariners, Yankees, or Phillies fan?

Yankees all the way. Once the Yankees got eliminated, I was rooting for the Mariners. I was as disappointed as you guys were when the Phillies lost. The Yankees come to Philly, I think it’s late. It’s the start of a long road trip, three games here, then we go to Chicago for a week to play the White Sox and the Cubs. Believe me, I’ll be rooting for the Yankees.

It’s funny, a lot of guys were asking me, you know, when the Phillies came to New York, a lot of my classmates, who I stay in touch with, say, “Do you have mixed emotions?” I said, “No, I want the Yankees!” Now, if you’re talking Eagles, I used to have a hard time with that when I was doing NFL on national radio. A friend of mine would say, “You do a little bit extra when the Eagles do something.” Sometimes it’s hard to stay down the middle.

You’re in town for “For the Love of the Game,” SCH’s baseball event honoring Coach Mike Brown and raising money for our baseball field. Why do you return, and why is this school important to you?

Well, it’s part of my life. The one that I did miss is when they put me in the Hall of Fame in 2006, and I had a game I couldn’t miss. It was probably football. My oldest son and my wife came down and accepted on my behalf. And now it’s 19 years later, and I think I should’ve been there.

I got great memories here. I mean, this was pretty audacious on my parents’ part. I think I was the first Black student-athlete here at the school, 1967, that’s now, how many years ago is that? That’s 58 years ago. I don’t think about it much, but I did do that. Somebody had to be the first.

Experience the magic of Dave Sims' viral Mariners call.

FROM CHESTNUT HILL TO THE WORLD: THE ENDURING POWER OF THE SENIOR INTERNSHIP

What begins as a month-long internship in May often evolves into a career, a calling, or—as one alumnus found—a lifelong partnership.

Each May, when exams are over, SCH Academy seniors leave the Wissahickon Inn to gain work experience, a new perspective, and, sometimes, a dose of grit. From building boats at the Dorchester Shipyard to conducting research at the Philadelphia Art Museum, thousands over the years have set out after their final English essay or calculus exam to become interns for one month, driven only by their interests. Thanks in large part to alumni, parents, and community members who serve as sponsors or mentors, students develop new skills and, more importantly, begin to understand the world of work and the possibilities ahead.

Susan Clark ’69 “I remember being really intense about getting us out of the private school world and into the blood and tears of the rest of society.”

The Collective

"I think we proposed it," Lindsey Lang ’69 recalls how important it felt, the weight of the world on their shoulders, to contribute to society in the late ’60s during the Civil Rights Movement and the height of the Vietnam War. Woodstock would go on in mere months. "It was an era when school seemed irrelevant to the world we were about to enter as graduates of high school."

While the faculty provided the structure, it was the students’ own desire for

relevance that sparked the program’s start at Springside, which ebbed and flowed over the years there and at neighboring Chestnut Hill Academy (CHA), whose students also experienced “senior work projects” in 1969.

"It was a rite of passage," said Peggy Klein Mandell ’69 and Ellen Reath ’69, who were some of the first Springside School alumnae to embark on the senior experience. "The world of work and social justice were part of our collective conscience,

and we were futurefocused. Aware that we were about to transition beyond the cocoon of school and our Chestnut Hill neighborhood, we were chomping at the bit to 'try on' professions and believe that in some small way we could make a real-world contribution in some workplace or organization."

Though senior internships and projects didn’t necessarily become official or annual until later, members of the Springside Class of 1969 agree that

the interest and movement began during their high school years. The world was drawing them toward something greater, they said. They didn't just want work experience; they needed it.

"I remember being really intense about getting us out of the private school world and into the blood and tears of the rest of society," said Susan Clark ’69.

Paving the Way

That intensity sparked a legacy. What began as a push for social relevance

Free to Explore FROM THE SPRINGSIDE CLASS OF 1969 YEARBOOK

In a changing world we found our education static and asleep. We realized our need for further contact and involvement with our community of Philadelphia. After many questions and answers and revised ideas, we worked out a plan for a three-week work and exploration period for the senior class, which, with more revisions and many more details worked out, went into effect for the first time this year. For three weeks, we were free to explore the world of law offices, hospitals, city planning, and newspapers, before graduating into it forever.

in 1969 eventually became a cornerstone of the SCH curriculum, inspiring generations of students to explore professions before they head to college.

The women helped pave the way for students such as Anne Eisenhower Turnbull ’05, who interned with WHYY and went on to work closely in media, and Alexia Lindsay ’19, who interned in the Neurology Intensive Care Unit at Abington Hospital and is now a neuro ICU nurse in Washington, D.C.

"This senior project was instrumental in solidifying my decision to pursue a career in nursing," said Lindsay. "I gained early exposure to clinical neurology that I later applied throughout my nursing education. Beyond informing my academic path, this experience significantly influenced my post-graduate career decision. It has been especially meaningful to start my professional nursing journey in the same specialty that first confirmed my interest in medicine and nursing—a true full-circle experience for which I am deeply grateful."

watching my daughter, Lydia, present her project in 2003," she said. "It was a rite of passage."

Experiential Learning at its Best

The success of these projects isn't accidental; it is rooted in the school’s core philosophy of experiential learning. By moving the classroom into the clinic, the shipyard, or the studio, SCH “bridges the gap between the theoretical and the professional. It allows students to test-drive their curiosities, turning ‘what if’ into ‘what’s next,’” said Head of Upper School Matt Norcini.

This "extension of the classroom" unlocks specific, tangible skills. As the most recent few classes demonstrated in their final project reports, the lessons learned on-site are often as much about character and perspective as about career.

“Welding at Dorchester Shipyard taught me how to stay focused and take pride in my work,” said Xavier Artis during his senior year in 2025. “It’s intense, but seeing something you helped build come together—that’s a powerful feeling.”

For Peggy Klein Mandell ’69, the impact came full circle as she watched the next generation take the leap. "I loved

Some students went beyond the confines of Philadelphia, including CHA alumnus Zachary Franklin ’03, who commuted every weekday to Brooklyn to intern at Elemental

Magazine, a now-defunct hip-hop/rap monthly publication. "With a then readership of more than 75,000, I followed every aspect of putting together a full issue of the magazine, including sitting in on interviews, photo sessions, advertising calls, pagination, and publication," he said. "I went on to major in journalism at the University of Southern California. The experience of working at a magazine was foundational in introducing me to journalism before studying in college, and subsequently working in news reporting in China after graduating from USC."

For many, the senior project wasn't just a month-long detour—it was the first chapter of a lifelong career. Richard Bauder ’73 is a living testament to how a few weeks in May can define a decade of work.

"My 1973 senior project at Sound Service of Flourtown was what started me on my path to my current occupation," said Bauder. "I wound up buying that first company from its owners in 1984 and ran it until 1990, along with starting Bauder Audio Systems in 1980."

Early exposure led to long-term clarity for many, including Matt Weiss ’94, now deputy physician-inchief and director of the surgical oncology program at Northwell Cancer Institute. His project

offered a multi-dimensional look at a future in medicine. As a senior, he followed five medical specialists each day: a radiologist, an orthopedic surgeon, a neurosurgeon, a primary care internist, and a cardiologist.

"The senior project had a profound impact on my desire to become a physician," said Weiss, whose mentors guided him later when he was deciding on a pre-medical program. "I saw that these doctors' jobs, at their core, were helping people... It also started me thinking about whether my medical career would involve doing procedures or noninterventional specialties."

From Rube Goldberg to Real Life

Though decades have passed since the first

seniors left the “cocoon” of Chestnut Hill, the spirit of those early adopters lives on through a singular, enduring goal: shaping citizens who leave a positive mark on the world. For some, that mark is professional; for others, it is deeply personal. Take Stewart Greenleaf '96, who spent his senior spring assisting with educational programs at The Franklin Institute.

“My senior project at The Franklin Institute had absolutely no impact on my career as an attorney,” said Greenleaf. “However, I did meet a pretty girl next to the Rube Goldberg machine. Thirty years later, we are married and about to watch our two SCH Upper Schoolers embark on their own senior projects.”

The experience, it seems, has come full circle.

CLASS OF 2025 INTERNSHIP HIGHLIGHTS

Arts & Media: Rain Dance Studio, Philadelphia Art Museum, URBN, Stateside Brands

Law & Public Service: Philly District Attorney’s Office, State Representative’s Office, Hatboro Police Department

Healthcare & Science: Jefferson Torresdale Hospital, eClose Institute, Academy of Natural Sciences

Finance & Real Estate: UBS, PayPal, Tri-State Commercial Real Estate, Compass

Maritime & Trade: Dorchester Shipyard, Empire Timber Framing, Criniti Construction, Seaport Museum

Community & NonProfit: YMCA, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Holocaust Awareness Museum

Lida Goloveyko ’25, intern at Independence Seaport Museum

CLASS NOTES

1952

Lin Knight, a 1956 Yale graduate, served as a Navy air intelligence officer in the Pacific from 1956 to 1959. After attending the Episcopal Theological School in Cambridge, he was ordained as a priest and served parishes across Idaho, California, Hawaii, Wyoming, and Oregon. Now living in Sausalito with his wife, Anne, Lin remains a regular at San Francisco’s Swan’s Oyster Depot. Knight reports, “My first parish job was at an Episcopal church right around the corner from Swan’s, and I started going there 60 years ago!”

1958

Eleanor Elliot Mulder and her husband are excited to be great-grandparents. They are enjoying watching their four grandsons flourish in their endeavors, whether it’s graduating from high school, college, or enjoying married life. Mulder says, “We are very proud of the families of our son and daughter.”

1960

Sue Ellery Chapelle enjoyed her reunion in May with her daughter, Jenny Greene, and classmates Caren Ericksen Wilcox and Carol Hays Dunn She writes, “I plan to move to a retirement community

in Baltimore, where I have lived since I graduated from college, except for one year in Washington. Heading to Antigua for a week of spring vacation and warm ocean and tropical flowers. Our class has been in touch by email for a number of years now. Love being able to stay in touch!”

R1961

Guy Fritts and his wife had the pleasure of visiting his classmate for three days in Nice, France. Fritts said, “It is truly wonderful to spend time in France with my classmate Francois Midorge. He was our exchange student, and we have been buds for over 64 years!”

Stephen Decatur Haines is a Roman Catholic priest at the Cathedral in the Diocese of Marbel, South Mindanao, on loan from the Diocese of Southwark in London.

Following a 28-year career in international banking, he was ordained in 2012 and served at Southwark Cathedral for a decade while maintaining a mission in the Philippines. In recognition of his dedication to education and mentoring, he was granted Philippine citizenship by an Act of Congress.

1963

Gay Engels Simpson moved back to Philadelphia last year from Buffalo, NY, and is happily living at Cathedral Village, playing duplicate bridge and trying to keep up with her granddaughter.

1967

Chris Caveny spent the 1970s at the University of Montana in Missoula, where he first discovered his passion for volleyball while entering the construction trades as a carpenter. After moving to the beach town of Carlsbad, CA, he became a fixture of Carlsbad High Athletics. Dubbed the "VIP Super Fan" with his own courtside chair, he is a dedicated supporter of both the boys' and girls' volleyball programs. Today, Caveny is a semi-retired high-end finish carpenter.

1968

Tim Greenwood and his wife, Sandy, celebrated his birthday over Thanksgiving in Nevis, joined by their entire family, including their three children, their spouses, and seven grandchildren.

1969

Peggy Klein Mandell, a certified yoga Instructor (burnalong.com), launched her debut memoir, And Always One More Time, in 2024. She has traveled the

world on her book tour, writing, “Improbably, after the death of my life-long soulmate, Herb Mandell, I married John Crothers Pollock III in June 2023, to whom I dedicated my memoir, because he loved me back to life. Giving birth to my book has been a labor of love. Labor, nonetheless, as all things worth doing are. The true highlight of my life in these golden years has been reconnecting with so many of the beautiful souls who comprised Springside's iconic Class of 1969.”

Steve Pearson recently enjoyed reconnecting with old friends at the annual Holiday Alumni Luncheon. Professionally, he is expanding his voice-over business and preparing to cut a new narration demo with his coach. He says, “It doesn't get much better than that! I’m looking forward to 2026 as a year of renewal, continuing to expand my business, catching up with more alums, and—of course—spending more time with my granddaughter, Lacey. I send best wishes to all my fellow alumni.”

1970

Andrew Simon traveled with his children to Copenhagen this past summer, and he spent a day biking with former foreign exchange student Peter Von Scholten.

Karen Liebert Pulini recently retired after a 45-year career in healthcare, including 39 years as a nursing home administrator. Now a fulltime resident of Holgate on Long Beach Island, she stays active with her church in Beach Haven and enjoys life near her family. Her younger son, Andrew, recently married at the Brant Beach Yacht Club, and she enjoys frequent visits with her older son, Chris, his wife, Jen, and granddaughter, Kate, who live just three streets away.

1974

Chip Lee and his brother, David Lee ’78, nephew, Alex Lee, and Philip Pearson ’86 met up over the holiday season at the padel courts at the Cricket Club.

1978

Bill Corson and his wife of nearly 40 years, Lauran Fulton Corson, retired to Woodstock, VT, in 2019 following his successful career as an insurance carrier representative and broker. During their years in New Jersey, Corson remained active in the arts,

in memoriam

AUGUST 1, 2025 - FEBRUARY 15, 2026

We wish to express our sincere condolences to all family and friends of the deceased.

ALUMNI 1941

Camilla “Cimmie” Thompson Williams 1943

Margaret Schoble Oschwald 1947

Annette “Ticker” Griffitts Congdon 1957

John Kremer III 1960

Sally Frick Cockayne

directing church music and co-founding the Light Opera of New Jersey theater company in 1995. An avid outdoorsman, he recently celebrated a major milestone in 2024 by completing his climb of the 100 highest mountains in New England.

David Lee, James Wistar ‘78, Zandy Nalle ‘79, and John Fleming ‘73 traveled to Argentina in November, where they met up with former exchange student Renato Rabbi-Baldi ’78, hosted during those years

1961

Anne Lewis Pepling 1963

Pam Pilling Olson 1966

Alice W. Ballard 1969

Stewart Mittnacht, Jr. 1976

Thomas Jones 1988

David A. Harrison 1989

Tara McGowan Canally

by James Wistar ‘78 and Jamie Maguire ’78. RabbiBaldi’s is proud of his time at CHA; he proudly displays his diploma and a varsity crew award at work, where he is a federal appellate judge in the Salta region. He is also a tenured law professor at the University of Buenos Aires and owns a small vineyard in Tolombon.

1984

Charlie Hutchinson, Roger Hall ‘82, and Pem Hutchinson ‘79 cheered for their “home team” in Los

2003

Taylor Brackin

Anna Lowry 2016

Ryan Torie

FORMER FACULTY AND STAFF

William Haines H’02 (Maintenance Department)

FORMER TRUSTEES

Kenneth Croney

Angeles at the Eagles vs. Chargers game in December.

1987

Siblings Will James and Jenny James McHugh ’84, along with cousin Sophie Schindler Glovier ’84, gathered in Peru, Vermont, to celebrate McHugh’s 60th birthday at Will’s new home.

1991

Classmates headed to Harpers Ferry, WV, for their annual “Mike Hike” in memory of classmate Mike Masland.

Bottom row, from left:

Becky Swain Sanderson, Leila Abdollahian Worthy, Ian Pilling, Jen Pilling, Kimberly Freeman; top row, from left: Scott Greenberg, Mike Welsh, Peter Bartle, Quartie Bartle, Bill Freeman, Sam MacBride, Laynie Greenberg; not pictured: Tina Smith, Malcolm Dyson, and Garth Harries, who joined in spirit on hikes around the country.

2003

Zachary Franklin competed in the Lisbon Marathon in October 2025. He finished the 42-kilometer race with a time of 3:44.

Fraser Greenwood and his wife, Allison, welcomed their daughter, Charlie Vonnegut Greenwood, into the world in January. She is named for her grandfather, Charles Hainline, and shares her grandmother's maiden name, Vonnegut.

2005

Maura Cheeks opened a bookstore in Brooklyn, New York, called Liz’s Book Bar, named after her grandmother.

Julia Rorer won a Sports Emmy for her rowing statistician work with NBC Sports during the broadcasting of the 2024 Summer Paris Olympics. She was also chosen as one of eight representatives from around the country to be part of the scholastic leadership group with USRowing. This role gives Rorer a seat at the table to help advocate and support Scholastic Rowing in the U.S.

2007

Anthony Cafagna and his wife, Emily, welcomed their son, Nico Cafagna, in August.

Roland Woehr H’07 is enjoying retired life, but he still runs into many CHA alumni and their families at one of his favorite breakfast spots. Woehr is pictured with Sandra and Paul Allen (parents of Graham Allen ’14), and Laura and Steve Salisbury (parents of Scott Salisbury ’14).

2008

Merrill Brady Krusen and her husband, Tolly Krusen, welcomed Brady Taliaferro Krusen on January 25.

2010

Abigail Gendler Laffey welcomed Dakota Jane Laffey on October 2. She joins her brother Sebastian (2.5 years old).

2011

Isadora Johnson is a sales executive at Cinetic Media. She represented two Academy Award-winning documentaries and attended the Oscars for the first time.

Quint Frazier and his wife, Emily, welcomed Lucille “Lucy” Marie Frazier in April.

2012

Sydney Fitzpatrick Rudnicki and her husband welcomed Perry Genevieve Rudnicki on August 8.

Libbie Maine Delacato and Carl H. Delacato III welcomed their first child, Carter Elizabeth Delacato, on September 25.

Bianca Reist Steadman and her husband Ben welcomed

Sloane Whitaker Steadman on October 22.

Janie Grace Robertson O’Neill and her husband, Craig, welcomed Emerson “Emmie” Blake O’Neill on September 5.

2013

Peter Ferraro and his wife, Morgan, welcomed Parker Elizabeth Ferraro on December 13.

2015

Desmond Johnson started law school at UC Berkeley.

2018

Tess Gallagher recently joined the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University as a paleontologist, where she leads educational programs and assists visitors with fossil identification. In December 2025, she published a study in Royal Society Open Science derived from her master’s thesis—identifying the first-ever melanin-based color patterns in the scales of a long-necked dinosaur (Diplodocus). This landmark research earned widespread media coverage from outlets like New Scientist and IFLScience and was recognized as one of

Smithsonian Magazine’s Top 10 Dinosaur Discoveries of 2025.

Drake Morewood recently joined Amca, an aerospace manufacturing company.

2019

Jahli Hendricks is an area scout for the Chicago Cubs.

2021

Harry Kelly has launched a new podcast called "@GenZ Defined."

Lenny Lorenz is a paraprofessional in the Colorado College Geology Department. She graduated from college in December 2025.

2022

Alexa Rhodes worked at Super Bowl LX, serving as an

On Location Ambassador. She did everything from escorting VIP clients across the gameday campus to assisting guests on-site and supporting post-game logistics.

KEEP IN TOUCH

Wedding bells? New baby? Career change?

Share your news and notify us of any address changes at alumni@sch.org.

JOIN THE SCH ALUMNI NETWORK LINKEDIN GROUP

FOLLOW THE SCH LINKEDIN PAGE

Desmond Johnson ’15 and Mahlet Yared were married on June 28 at Brandywine Manor House in Chester County. Groomsmen were, from left: Peter Ojo, Jackson Bistrong ’15, Jay Regam ’15, Oliver Maloney, Brian Hamilton ’15, Rheon Trim ’15, and Henry Vogt ’15.

David Lubell graduated from Ithaca College in December, summa cum laude, with a degree in digital video media. MARRIAGES

Ben Rubin ’14 and Sophie Madorsky were married on September 13 at the Highlands Mansion and Gardens in Philadelphia. On Friday evening, the family hosted their welcome event on the porch at the Wissahickon Inn. Rubin said, “Everyone had an amazing time, and the porch was absolutely stunning. All the locals were thrilled to be back, and the outof-towners couldn't believe it: ‘You went to SCHOOL here?’”

Joe Schurr ’09 and Alex Ingber ’12 were married on September 13 at Hotel Anna & Bell in Philadelphia.

Chase Haegley ’15 and Cara Stapleton ’16 were married on June 21 at The Curtis Hall Arboretum in Wyncote.

Alec Horter ’13 and Miya

September

and

Dominique Jones-Emery ‘11 and William Emery IV were married on November 15 in Cap Cana, Dominican Republic.

Swofford were married on

5 in Tuscany, Italy.

Griffin Horter ’11

Britt Willis were married on October 25 at The Flagler Museum in Palm Beach, FL

Frank Jackson ’14 and Cacie Rosario were married on June 22 at the MAAS Building in Philadelphia.

Billy Harris ‘16 and Laura Dominguez were married on November 7 at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, Philadelphia.

Emery Schaffer ‘14 and Samir Diab were married on October 19 at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Centre in Philadelphia.

Weatherly Saunders ’14 and Kevin McGeary Jr. were married on September 13 in Falmouth, MA.

Melanie Graves '17 and Denver Jackson were married on October 11 in Savannah, GA.

Lower School held its first joint boys and girls Literature Study, reading the book Kid Olympians: Winter and taking part in activities from curling to Italian pasta making!