Paw Prints Spring/Summer 2017

Paw Prints

SUMMeR

2017

lake forest country day school

Reading, Writing, and Reminiscing inside this issue:

Inspiring Passionate Readers #TeachGolden Meet the LFCDS Elephant

summer 2017

102 HEADline here

Our Mission

Inspired teaching, academic rigor, attention to individual needs, a commitment to responsible citizenship—these principles infuse every aspect of life at Lake Forest Country Day School and define our dedication to producing students of strong character with a passion for learning.

insiDE Lake Forest Country Day School Paw PRintS 2| 4| 6| 8| 10 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 31 | 32 | 35 | 36 | 38 | 40 |

Message from the Head of School long Story Short Under the oak How we live the Mission a Passion for Reading, a Passion for learning Patty crofts Marcia Mann Parts of Speech alumni Spotlight Reunion weekend auction Planned Giving class notes in Memoriam Graduation 2017 yvonne banks caring teacher award bondy Hodgkins award the Hodgkins family annual fund

Lake Forest Country Day School

1 Head of School Bob Whelan President, board of trustees Ahmed Farag 2016-17 board of trustees nicholas Alexos Joseph Andrea kimberly Beans Christen Bishop Jeffrey Brincat sameer Chhabria ’88 Bill Collins Pedro DeJesus Ahmed Farag kate Fitzgerald ’87 William giambrone lauren gorter rebecca graf Jamee kane ’90 David keller Zareena khan ’89 ted kovas Adam kriger Jane s. O’neil* marianne silver mavi thakkar Bob Whelan Managing editor lisa gilcrest design Peapod Design, new Canaan, Ct Photography tim Coffey

20 MakinG a PoSitive diffeRence in tHe woRld

contributors Judith Arnstein kim Bell Amyanne Cope lisa Horstmann John kinzer marcia mann sarah thomas *the entire lake Forest Country Day school community is deeply saddened by the loss of Jane O’neil, who passed away on march 16, 2017. she will be remembered for her warmth, grace, generosity, boundless energy, and her innumerable contributions to lFCDs throughout the years.

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summer 2017

HEAD OF SCHOOL

A Message from Head of School “ How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” – a.a. milne

The Lake Forest Country Day School eighth-grade graduation ceremony this year was held on a beautiful day in the courtyard by the Greenhouse. As is our tradition, a faculty member met each graduate at the podium to read a carefully crafted bookplate. It is difficult to encapsulate the remarkable growth, potential, and promise of a student in so few words, but each of those bookplates demonstrated the power and emotion of the written word. It was an inspiring testament to how clearly the faculty know and love each student. Invariably, after reading each bookplate, a hug was exchanged between teacher and student, serving as a visible and poignant reminder of the relationships that are at the heart of the LFCDS Experience.

Many alumni have an enduring connection with Tom Crofts, an LFCDS teacher for more than three decades.

The class of 2017 shares that special connection as they awarded Tom the James L. Marks Award. He recently drew my attention to “Bob Dylan’s Dream,” a Dylan song that he felt was particularly fitting for the class of 2017. The lyrics certainly seem relevant: “I dreamed a dream that made me sad, concerning myself and the first few friends I had/With half-damp eyes I stared to the room, where my friends and I’d spent many an afternoon/ Where we together weathered many a storm/laughing and singing ‘till the early hours of the morn/With hungry hearts through the heat and cold, we never much thought we could get very old.”

I thought of this reference again several nights later when sixteen members of the Classes of 1956 and 1957 (along with alumni from neighboring classes) joined my wife and me at our home for dinner. They had spent the day touring the School and revisiting Lake Forest and Lake Bluff as they commemorated their 60th reunion. As

we walked through the School, they shared stories and laughter, personal triumphs, and disasters. They were connected once again, at a very different time in their lives, but in a wonderful new way.

This issue of Paw Prints highlights developing passionate, engaged readers, the importance of written and oral expression, and the long-standing relationships our alumni maintain with the School. Our daughter was a member of this year’s graduating class, and at about 10:00 p.m. on the night of graduation, I was parked in a long line of cars with parents waiting to pick up our kids from an all-class party. As I waited, I watched two newly minted LFCDS graduates walking toward the car in front of me, both in tears. My first reaction was one of mild panic.

As my hand was on the door handle, I saw my daughter approach, also in tears. She got in the car and shared that the preceding half hour was comprised almost entirely of hugs, tears, and goodbyes, as the finality of the moment set in for our graduates. What would be a new beginning also represented the end of an important chapter in their lives, and the impact of that realization was profound.

To paraphrase A.A. Milne, how lucky they were to have something that made saying goodbye so hard.

Here’s hoping you feel a connection to the thoughts and stories in the pages that follow. Have a wonderful summer.

Best regards,

Bob Whelan

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summer 2017

short story winners

Long Story Short One of the best things about a good story is its ability to keep you up at night. The tales woven by the winners of the 2017 LFCDS Short Story Contest won’t disappoint! From rabbits and sharks to the end of the earth and poisonous mushrooms, our Grade 8 students have crafted narratives that will stay with the reader long after the lights go out.

winter months had dragged on all the way to March, and no snow remained, only cold rain and mud that seemed to find its way over the tops of her boots and into Charlotte’s socks.

For more than twenty years, LFCDS English students have studied the art of the short story. They develop and present a plot line, draft their story, submit their work for feedback, make revisions, and ultimately present the finished piece. It is a monthslong process marked by taking risks, thinking critically, and persevering. This year’s stories were so strong, there was a tie for first place. Excerpts of each of the winning short stories follows.

To read each story in its entirety, please go to www.lfcds.org/shortstory.

“Unfortunately, yes,” Charlotte sighed, pausing to recognize Jessica, her regular barista.

Dead or Alive

The children stared at the rabbit curiously. It was summertime. Its soft square nose twitched once, then twice, as its round glassy eyes perused the surrounding grass.

Oh how the children were entranced by the little creature!

They marveled at the insides of its velvety ears, its bushy tail, and how the rabbit sat oblivious to their wonder in the damp grass littered with tiny droplets. The children would pass by the clearing on their way to school early in the morning, and lean on the fence, yawning, faces rested on their hands, elbows jutting outwards as they silently watched the rabbit continue on with its daily activities.

They all found the rabbit quite irresistible; its calm yet lively demeanor just made them love it even more. But there happened to be one girl who loved the rabbit, in her opinion, the most.

by Daisy Connery

First Place

The day started off like all the others of the past few dreary months following Charlotte’s release from the institution: Charlotte rolling out of bed to the blaring of her alarm clock, fumbling around in her closet for a few minutes until she had on something that resembled a formal business outfit, and trudging out the door to the nearest Starbucks. Charlotte wished she could observe something about change being in the air, but all that lingered was a thick fog and the smell of cigarette smoke coming from some alley or another. The bleak

“Good morning, Charlotte!” The cheerful barista chirped as Charlotte walked into the small café. “Another job interview today?”

“Don’t worry, you’ll find a job one of these days.”

Charlotte fought back the urge to snap back with some retort. Instead, she managed a brusque smile and waited patiently for her coffee, frowning as she checked her phone. She was waiting for a text from her little sister, Chloe, whom she hadn’t heard from yet this morning.

Down the Rabbit Hole

By Naomi Aluvila

First Place

5 Each and every morning she would arrive at the clearing before the other children, and she would watch the rabbit.

She would climb over the wooden fence, the soles of her shoes leaving faint imprints in the soft wood as a content smile made an appearance on her lips. There she waited, crouched by the fence, her eyes following the small animal as it played and hopped with the breeze. Some days it would approach her, its nose twitching in excited curiosity bouncing on the springs of its feet. The girl always thought the rabbit liked her best. No, she knew it liked her best.

Why else would it only come close to her, only play around the grass where she was sitting, only turn its soft, buttery gaze to her face? Of course it loved her as much as she loved it!

The Last One Standing

by Chloe Whelan

Second Place February 7th, 3034 5:36 pm Devastation walked the earth as a daunting shadow. Earth, consisted of rubble and gasses swirling and churning in heavily toxic air. Everyone was gone. Except for Eliza Banks. She was wrinkled, tired, and, the last living person on earth. The vessel had taken the last shipment of Americans to Mars, the new “Earth” of the universe. In just a few days, the earth would be consumed by fire and eventually explode, and she was well aware of that. She looked up at the evening sky from her decimated porch and gazed at the dark orange and blood red colors swirling around the sky. The only perk of the world’s horrendous pollution was the consistently beautiful sunsets. She was trying to savor every moment of her last days on earth, closer to coming to an end every hour of every day. She watched the sunset fade and sizzle into the black of the night and walked into her house to have dinner. She made herself a peanut butter sandwich and drank some fizzy orange soda. She had only a couple of sips left in the bottle and planned to ration them throughout the week. She ate her sandwich and sipped her soda feeling as if she was in a coma of contentment. She was strangely happy. Not feeling a slight bit of anxiety.

The world seemed to be at peace, and she was the only one on it.

Cordyceps

by Max Collins

Third Place “Every sixty-three years,” the man heard the Shaman saying, “the fungus returns to infect one person, to start the spread of the deadly disease. The gods send down a demon in the form of a fungus to our realm to ensure humanity doesn’t become powerful enough to challenge them.” The man chuckled. After tending to the rice fields for months, it was time for the harvest, and to celebrate the man visited the shaman to hear of his stories.

The man wasn’t very religious, but the stories were one of the few options for entertainment. The man thanked the Shaman for sharing his tale and left the small, bamboo shack. It was a cool, cloudless night, and a full moon lit the ground bellow. Through the moonlight, he could see trees dotting the landscape of rice farms. It was rumored the same fields had been farmed since the first dynasty. It was a bit of a walk home, but he enjoyed the fresh air.

Grade 8 Self Portraits

The artwork featured in this story is from the Grade 8 monochromatic self-portrait project which was a multi-step creative process introduced last year by LFCDS art teacher Mark DeBernardi. The students first used the Innovation Lab to create studio photographic portraits. Each student had the opportunity to be the photographer, stylist, and model.

They next imported their portraits into Photoshop to create a high-contrast, black-and-white photograph to be used as source material. The final stage was the production of a value-scale painting using a single color and adding tints (additions of white) and shades (addition of black) to produce their monochromatic self-portraits.

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summEr 2017

litErAry MagaZine

unDEr tHE oak Writing has deep roots at lake Forest Country Day school. it is intertwined throughout all of the strands of curriculum encouraging reflection, analysis, and connection to the surrounding world. it is a crucial skill that facilitates our students’ communication with and understanding of people of other cultures, ideologies, and experiences. this passion for writing, inherent at lFCDs, was the genesis of the rebirth of the school’s literary magazine the Oak. “Four years ago, my honors sixth-grade English class was studying the myth of Persephone when we heard on the news that hundreds of girls from Nigeria had been kidnapped by Boko Haram. One of the students made the connection in class and offered the idea that the myth of Persephone could be thought of as a kidnapping story,” said Upper School English teacher Kim Bell. “The students started writing poems that blended the myth with what had happened to those school girls. What they produced was stunning, and so we decided we needed to make a book.”

The book was called Stolen Seeds, and the students invited parents to a reception and poetry reading at School. The endeavor was such a success that Mrs. Bell promised her young writers they would expand on this idea and create literary magazine.

In Grade 7, these same students created an anthology of poems about Boo Radley, the mysterious character from To Kill a Mockingbird, that explored different perspectives and tried to see all sides of complex situations. Again, the work was extraordinarily creative and inspiring, and Mrs. Bell knew her colleagues were seeing the same level of writing and insight in their classrooms.

“When those sixth graders became eighth graders, we kept our promise to each other, formed a Lit Squad, and put out a call for submissions,” said Mrs. Bell. “We named it The Oak.” On their choice of title, the introduction in the 2016 inaugural issue says it best:

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Outside our school, in the middle of our playground stands a glorious old oak tree. It has become a symbol of the strength of our school and the education students receive at LFCDS. We think it is also a powerful symbol of creativity and imagination, which is why we decided to name our literary magazine after this tree. Our mighty oak was just a tiny acorn, just as the poems, short stories, micro-fictions and pieces of artwork in our collection were once just small sparks of inspiration.

The Lit Squad, fourteen-members strong, met during lunch to comb through and select submissions, agree on a theme and title for the magazine, and design cover art for the publication. Said Mrs. Bell, “Enthusiasm for being part of this creation has been incredibly strong, and I continue to be impressed with how thoughtfully the staff members read, discuss, and choose submissions.”

For Calvin Osborne, Grade 8, one of the objectives of joining the Lit Squad was to learn about the process of reading submissions, editing the content, and ultimately putting the magazine together. It was also important that his peers’ work reach a broader audience. “I wanted to be part

of the LFCDS Literary Magazine to help showcase some of the amazing pieces created by our students. I knew it would be fun working together to create an amazing collection of literature and art,” he said. “What I have most enjoyed is reading and discussing the work with my peers.”

Emily Hawkins, also Grade 8, agrees that although the magazine was only a few short months in production, each member of the team learned quite a lot. “We learned that everyone has a different way to express herself or himself,” she said. “The poems submitted ranged from subjects about pets to the tragedies of the Holocaust. Every student’s writing had something that made it unique.”

Every year the magazine will have a theme centered on the work within. Each Upper School family receives a hard copy of the magazine; last year’s issue was The Oak: Seasons of Insight, and this year’s is The Oak: The Wishing Tree. Both issues are also available electronically on the LFCDS website.

To read The Oak, please visit www.lfcds.org/news

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summEr 2017

rEsPOnsiBlE CitiZenShiP

HOW WE livE tHe MiSSion Hello, I’m Squall!

As the story goes, lFCDs invited Dr. iain Douglas-Hamilton to the 2016 David genger scientist in residence Day, and the school got an elephant. Dr. Hamilton-Douglas is the founder of save the Elephants (stE) and one of the world’s foremost experts on African elephants. A gifted story teller, Dr. Douglas-Hamilton gave an interview-style talk moderated by then grade 8 student

grace Fitzgerald. He confided that he knew at age ten he wanted to work with animals, and that passion grew into an unwavering commitment to ending the ivory trade and helping elephants to thrive. As Dr. DouglasHamilton announced that lFCDs would have its very own elephant to track, jaws dropped and cheers erupted. the applause thundered like a herd of elephants.

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the Scientist-in-residence Day is an annual event established in memory of Dave genger, former Chair of the Science Department and head of upper School at LfCDS.

This exceptional program allows students to engage directly with and learn from some of the world’s premiere scientists. In 2017, LFCDS welcomed Jim and Jamie Dutcher, founders of Living with Wolves, who for more than twenty years have focused their lives on the study and documentation of wolf behavior. Other past Scientists-in-Residence have included Dr. George Archibald, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the International Crazne Foundation; the Field Museum’s Dr. Lance Grande, Head of Collections and Research, Dr. Peter Mackovicky, Head of Geology, Dr. Philipp Heck, curator in charge of the meteorite and physical geology collections, Akiko Shinya, chief preparatory of fossil vertebrates, Jim Holstein, Collections Manager of Physical Geology, and LFCDS alumni parent Terry Boudreaux (Chris Boudreaux ’07, and Evan Boudreaux ’11) a private meteorite collector with a long history of sharing his finds with the Field Museum.

Fast forward one year, and Save the Elephant’s Gemma Francis, Director of Fundraising, returned to LFCDS for the worldwide launch of their elephant tracking app, which will assist faculty and students in tracking our elephant. LFCDS is the first school in the world to receive this technology from the organization. Ms. Francis introduced the students to Squall, the LFCDS elephant, who is 12 years old, just like many of our middle school students. When Ms. Francis asked if anyone could define the word squall, Grade 3 student Jahstone Martin’s hand shot up in the air, “A squall is a sudden gust of heavy winds!” Ms. Francis went on to say Squall was named for her mother, Monsoon, a strong and brave elephant who is also an intrepid traveler.

said Head of School Bob Whelan. “This program is innovative and experiential learning of the highest order.

Students have the benefit of working with cutting-edge technology to problem solve and to monitor the efforts to secure the future of this magnificent species in a rapidly changing world.”

Developed using Google technology, the elephant tracking app allows students to see updates on the elephant’s movements at hourly intervals and watch as she maneuvers the landscape in search of food, water, a mate, and safety.

“This information is critical to learning about elephant behavior in a developing Africa and as we say, finding out ‘how elephants vote with their feet,’” said Ms. Francis.

“Not only is it feeding vital information to be analyzed by our researchers and scientists, but the collars act as an early warning system.” If researchers see that the collar has stopped moving over a period of 6-plus hours, then an alarm will sound and, depending on the landscape and situation, a search team of rangers, STE’s monitoring team, anti-poaching patrols, sniffer dogs, and/or aerial surveillance will be deployed.

Alumni parent Stephanie Fisher (Olivia Fisher ’15) was instrumental in forging the partnership between Save the Elephants and LFCDS. A long-time supporter of STE, Mrs. Fisher and her family and the Kovas Family (Reed Kovas ’17) donated the funds to purchase a tracking collar for the LFCDS elephant. Mrs. Fisher has made the journey to Kenya several times and has gotten to know Dr. Douglas-Hamilton and his work with STE. “This is a great opportunity for the School,” she said. “They can use a computer to track an elephant in Africa while students are here in the U.S. This has never been done before.”

“Our collaboration with Save the Elephants embodies the mission of LFCDS in a number of different ways,”

“Last year after our program, it was such a treat to wander LFCDS, the most impressive school we have ever seen, and speak with the young students,” said Ms. Francis.

“We loved their inquisitiveness and how they were transfixed listening to Iain’s words and stories. We embraced how open their hearts and minds were to the conservation of wildlife and Africa’s Elephants.”

With the launch of the elephant tracking app, LFCDS faculty and students will check in regularly on the life and migrations of Squall through specially designated iPads with the ability to project onto the 80-square-foot screen in the Innovation Lab. Look for updates on our website in the coming months. Don’t forget, an elephant wouldn’t.

summer 2017

10 Academic Rigor

A Passion for Reading, A Passion for Learning As visitors peer into the sun-soaked classrooms with their orderly cubbies and colorful walls, there is a peaceful calm. Students, some cozied up on a couch, others sprawled across the floor, and a couple are perched with their teacher, all have their noses buried in books.

One student, Miles, turns to his classmate, Larkin, and asks, “Where exactly do you think the Titanic sank?”

Larkin shrugs, and says “Let’s look at the map and see if we can find it.” Seconds later they are contemplating the map on the wall of Grade 1 teacher Nancy Clifford’s classroom, joined by three other classmates. They are all reading The Titanic: Lost and Found by Judy Donnelly.

This is the essence of the reading program LFCDS adopted this year in senior kindergarten through Grade 4 – The Lucy Calkins Reading Workshop. The goal is to help students become not just readers, but thinkers, and by extension,

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students develop a love of reading—the kind of reading that makes you feel as if you’ve awakened in a wondrous new world. The foundation of the program is intentional, thoughtful, immersive reading done as a class, in book clubs, in small groups, one-on-one, and individually.

What differentiates the Calkins Reading Workshop approach at LFCDS is the School’s commitment to the individual needs of each student and to instilling in them a passion for reading. The faculty, who are themselves committed life-long learners, have been fully immersed in extensive professional development workshops specifically targeted at helping their students reach their full potential through Reading Workshop.

There is consensus among the Lower School teachers that the more you read, the more you want to read. They have watched this idea unfold in their classrooms throughout the year. “As soon as my kids sense that snack time is over,

“ The goal is to help students become not just readers, but thinkers, and by extension, students develop a love of reading-the kind of reading that makes you feel as if you’ve awakened in a wondrous new world.” and reading is about to begin, they literally race to their book boxes to get started reading,” said Mrs. Clifford. “It’s a magical time, and it’s wonderful to see students diving into books.”

Here’s how it works. Beginning in the earliest grades, Reading Workshop ensures that the children will hear the same terminology across grade levels and ensures that the teachers have a comprehensive scope and sequence

summer 2017

12 Academic Rigor to the reading program throughout the Lower School.

Glenda Barnwell, also a Grade 1 teacher, noted, “Reading Workshop is a program that stresses rereading at every level in order to encourage students to predict and then change those predictions as new information is learned. My students are engaged and excited every day.”

In Grade 2, for example, rather than reading a story and then writing out answers to comprehension questions, lessons include teaching a common text that the students and their teacher read aloud together then allowing each child to practice that same skill independently with a book of their choice. “Over the course of the year, we build upon the skill of writing their thoughts about what they are reading—as they are reading—on sticky notes,” said Kelly Brockway, a second-grade teacher. “This is a more intentional version of writing responses. It is not as overwhelming for children, yet provides extensive insight into their individual comprehension. They can then use their own sticky notes to drive the discussions we have as either a small group or a whole class to close each lesson.”

The Calkins approach encourages students to take their thinking beyond the words on the page. Gone are the days of a child saying “I read 65 pages last night,” only to forget what transpired during those many pages. “Students are sinking their brains into how words are used, why certain words are used, and how the author intends for the reader to gain from a particular turn of phrase,” said Katie Bowler, language arts teacher for Grades 3 and 4.

This intentional reading reaps benefits far beyond increased reading levels and vocabulary words. Children are able to delve into deeper thinking about the meaning of a character’s actions. It helps students develop a theory of why the character behaves the way he or she does. “Research shows us that children learn more about language through reading than anything else,” said Grade 3 teacher Cindy Edwards. “What we are seeing is that this deeper thinking allows our students to become more sophisticated readers who in turn are finding their own voices in their writing. They emerge as storytellers with a more profound ability to investigate and write about the world around them.”

While whole classes and smaller groups read the same texts, students are also reading books they choose themselves that span a wide variety of genres. This level of autonomy helps each student gain confidence as a reader

“ This intentional reading reaps benefits far beyond increased reading levels and vocabulary words.” by securing existing skills while nurturing developing skills. Furthermore, through the new Reading Workshop approach, time to read is built into the day, so ultimately children are reading a greater number of books each school year on a greater range of topics.

In Paul Hedlund’s Grade 4 classroom, he notes that not only are children reading more frequently, but for longer durations. “This allows for richer and more complex discussions,” said Mr. Hedlund. “You see students who were perhaps more quiet at the beginning of the year get comfortable asking questions and sharing their opinions because they do so all year long.”

13 Reading has measurable results that extend beyond spelling and literature to math and the acquisition and processing of crucial information.

In a 2013 study conducted by the Institute of Education, researchers found that children who read for pleasure excel significantly in school over their peers. In addition, the study found that reading was more important to a students’ cognitive development than is their parents’ level of education.

From the students’ perspective, Reading Workshop has been an unquestionable success. “I like reading so much better, this year, because I can choose my own books,” said Jack Keller, Grade 4. “I also like keeping a reading log because it makes me proud to see how much reading I have accomplished.”

Katherine Terlato, also Grade 4, agrees, “We have book clubs, both as a grade and with smaller groups in class, and it is so much fun to talk about what you are reading with your friends!”

While most stories close with “The End,” it is clear that for LFCDS students, Reading Workshop is just the beginning.

Lucy Calkins is the Founding Director of the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project, a New York City-based organization that has influenced literacy instruction globally.

The Robinson Professor of Children’s Literacy at Teachers’ College, Columbia University, Ms. Calkins co-directs the Literacy Specialist Program, which awards masters and doctoral degrees. She has authored several books and says that her greatest accomplishment has been “to develop a learning community of teacher educators, whose brilliance and dedication shines through.”

Further, in a technological age where attention spans have become shorter and shorter, Oxford-based neuroscientist Baroness Susan Greenfield notes that reading helps to lengthen attention spans in children and improves their ability to think clearly. “Stories have a beginning, a middle and an end – a structure that encourages our brains to think in sequence, to link cause, effect and significance,” she said. “It is essential to learn this skill as a small child, while the brain has more plasticity.”

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14 our faculty

Patty Crofts The Science of Inspired Teaching Patty Crofts has long been known as the person to go to if you want something done.

During her thirty-one years at LFCDS, she has taught science, math, English and STEM to Upper School students. Described as kind, approachable, and nurturing, science is her primary teaching passion, and it comes alive with her energetic creativity.

Said Andy Sperling, Head of Upper School, “Patty is a master teacher who creates a safe environment for her students by balancing age-appropriate rigor with opportunities for inquiry and project-based learning.”

This year, Mrs. Crofts will retire from LFCDS, and we asked her to reflect on her time at here. She notes, “It has been thirty-one years of small moments that have enriched my life here at LFCDS. The flash of triumphant understanding from students who have struggled, the hilarity of shared classroom stories between colleagues in the hallway, even the feeling of growing older and a little bit wiser when former students return to me as parents of the children that I now teach! I met my talented, seriousfunny, wonderful-particular husband here (Tom Crofts, Chair of the Social Studies Department and Upper School social studies teacher). I grew up in these hallways as did my own children, and I am grateful and humbled to have been a part of this special place.”

Paw Prints: Why did you become a teacher?

Patty Crofts: I became a teacher because I wanted to help children transition into adulthood equipped with the tools they will need to be responsible, gentle, inspired adults who will, in turn, share their abilities and their empathy with the next generation. I wanted to spread kindness.

PP: What brought you to LFCDS? PC: I jumped at the opportunity to teach at LFCDS. It wasn’t until after being hired, back in the 1980s, that I realized what a special place I had leaped to.

PP: What has surprised you the most about your job or about LFCDS over the years?

PC: Looking back at the way the content that we teach has shifted, I am incredulous. Now we are preparing children for positions in the work force that do not exist yet. It used to be enough to teach content and skills. Now it is more important than ever that our graduates know how to reason, how to communicate, how to synthesize ideas, and how to let their imaginations wander fearlessly.

PP: What is your favorite memory of LFCDS? PC: It has to be sharing a wall with Tom in what is now the 1st STEP hallway! Our students had us pegged for a couple even before we did!

PP: What is your favorite lesson you’ve taught?

PC: I would have to say it’s the biofeedback unit because it is one way to help the kids become more self-aware and more empowered in stressful situations. Life moves very quickly for our children. Biofeedback offers them a tool that otherwise might not be available to them.

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PP: What is your favorite LFCDS tradition?

PC: My favorite tradition is the Martin Luther King, Jr. Assembly because it brings us together as people. It reminds us of the power of peaceful resistance and the invincibility of the human spirit.

PP: What is your favorite LFCDS lunch?

PC: The salad bar is my go-to choice, and I especially like the tomato-basil soup. Oh, and the brownies!

PP: What one book do you feel everyone should read in his or her lifetime?

PC: Jane Eyre - I think that Jane Eyre remains my favorite because it is a study of opposites and of the resolution of injustice. Through much trial and struggle, each pendulum finds its rhythm. The characters are perplexing and complex. I like books that stay with me, and Jane Eyre is an old friend.

PP: What has changed the most since you’ve been here?

PC: The pace, or my stride, or both! Computers have revolutionized many aspects of teaching and learning at LFCDS. Emphasis is no longer on helping children accumulate factual information. The children have vast amounts of data at their fingertips. Our challenge now is to prepare our students to use that sea of information wisely and ethically PP: What will you miss the most?

PC: I’ll miss my eager little fifth graders and my dedicated, funny, inspiring colleagues. Not having daily contact with both will require quite an adjustment.

PP: Who will take over as animal whisperer?

PC: Well, my animals have all lived out their lives at this point. But you’re right, I have had years where the guinea pigs, rabbits, snakes, bearded dragons, and gerbils out-numbered the children. Animals help children learn compassion. They learn that having a pet is a life-long commitment and that animals deserve to be loved even, and especially, when they are no longer shiny and new.

I hope all who have pets continue as animal whisperers.

PP: What’s next for you?

PC: I have always wanted to write a murder mystery, fully experience the fall colors in upper Michigan for more than a weekend, sink my toes in the Gulf in February, and listen to the wind and the surf. I’ll visit our children, take long walks, and wait for Tom to join me!

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Memories from Alumni: “ Patty’s endless optimism has been a hallmark of her time at LFCDS. Her smile filled the classroom and spilled out into the hallways. Students felt the positive energy, and it made a difference in each of our lives.

She held high standards but triumphantly used more than academic rigor to teach. I remember that we sat down at our desks to write a mid-term or final. Before we set in to the thick packet in front of us, Patty curiously emphasized how important it was that we all read the instructions from start to finish. I recall that the instructions were not complicated but lengthy, so most of us let angst get the better of us and ignored her advice. An hour or so later, I noticed that select students had quietly set pencils down and left the classroom. I was one of the two or three remaining in the classroom that at long last set eyes on an instruction in a section at the end which read, “You all receive A’s; set your pencil down and leave quietly.” Patty said nothing, just looked at me with her gentle smile that spoke volumes.

Twenty-five years later, my daughters experienced the same positive learning methods. Patty’s gifted teaching is what makes LFCDS such a special place for us. Thank you, Patty!”

- Current Parent and Alumnus Robert Boardman ’84 “ Mrs. Crofts instilled not just a love for science but a love for learning. She constantly had projects that made you excited to come to school and learn every day!”

- Christina Carfagno ’10 “ I’m very lucky to say that Mrs. Crofts was my teacher way back when (around 1994). Mrs. Crofts had the rare ability to be an effective teacher and at the same time maintain a warm classroom atmosphere. When I think of LFCDS, I think of Mrs. Crofts’ welcoming smile.”

- Abby (Field) Gerry ’95 “ I know Mrs. Crofts better not as a teacher, but as a parent of my classmate. There is a lot to be said about her gentle nature and her patience. I will be the first to tell you science was not my strong suit, but she was always willing to help me grasp the concepts when I did not understand quite as quickly as one would hope. Still, my favorite memory with her is going trick-or-treating with her family one year. The Crofts have always been a very kind family.”

- Gina Carfagno ’07 “ Mrs. Crofts was always very invested, thoughtful and kind. She was very engaging and energetic, which really appealed to me. I will always remember her from my younger days at LFCDS very fondly!”

- Aneri (Dalia) Bhansali ’99

summer 2017

16 our faculty

Marcia Mann Grammatically Correct

in them and provides regular opportunity for practice, repetition, and mastery. The insights and feedback she gives kids is invaluable, and they go on to high school with an overflowing grammar toolkit.”

No one knows grammar like LFCDS English teacher and Chair of the English Department Marcia Mann. No one. Long the arbiter of all things grammatical at the School, Mrs. Mann has helped countless students navigate the often choppy waters of English grammar.

After starting her career as a teacher, Mrs. Mann spent ten years as a textbook editor, but the call of the classroom was strong, and when an English teacher at LFCDS decided not to return for the second semester, the rest, as they say, is history.

Mrs. Mann will retire from full-time teaching this June after twenty-two years at LFCDS. We are fortunate that she will continue to teach two days per six-day cycle next year. Her involvement at LFCDS has stretched far outside the classroom. She has been on the Grade 8 Washington D.C. trip three times, Outdoor Education trips three times, the Grade 6 Springfield trip thirteen times, and she co-supervised both the yearbook and the literary magazine for five-plus years.

“Marcia is an extraordinary educator,” said Head of Upper School Andy Sperling. “She continually raises the bar for kids and they meet her standards because she believes

“When I first started teaching here twenty-two years ago this past January, I often started the day with a few quiet, contemplative moments in the Greenhouse,” said Mrs. Mann. “On one of those mornings, with the sun streaming in the glass panels, I was graced with the realization that there was nowhere else I wanted to be or anything else I wanted to be doing. I am aware of what a gift that is, and I am happy and grateful to say that those feelings have never changed. What the future holds is to be determined, but the special friendships formed as part of the LFCDS community will definitely be part of that future.”

Paw Prints caught up with her in between the Short Story Contest and the Robbie Bermingham Speaking Contest – both of which she has led for many years – and the writing of Grade 8 graduation bookplates, one of her favorite LFCDS traditions.

Paw Prints: Why did you become a teacher?

Marcia Mann: I was very fortunate to discover at a pretty early stage in my life that what made each experience I encountered or each kernel of knowledge richer was sharing that experience or knowledge with others.

PP: What has surprised you the most about your job or about LFCDS over the years?

MM: That there can be such an extraordinary group of colleagues whom I so respect and who make every day such a genuine pleasure. I’ve worked a number of places and they weren’t like this.

PP: What is your favorite lesson you’ve taught?

MM: That’s so hard—I love helping students learn how to combine ideas smoothly—so that often involves lessons about clauses and verbals, but I also deeply enjoy delving into good novels for both the appreciation of the writer’s craft and the life lessons to be gleaned.

Alumni Reflections “ I had Mrs. Mann for sixth- and seventh-grade English, if I remember correctly. She had a reputation for being an exacting, strict teacher, and I believe I received my only detention from her in my time at LFCDS. However, that would not be the complete picture of Mrs. Mann.

I remember struggling with grammar in her classes, as being a boy a little over a decade old, I had never thought much of grammar and sentence structure explicitly before. However, Mrs. Mann believed in me, and offered to have one-on-one lessons with me outside of class so I could improve my writing and knowledge of grammar.

Mrs. Mann also made reading fun, often providing wry commentary on some of the assigned books we all found a bit boring or far-fetched. I also enjoyed learning vocabulary in Mrs. Mann’s class, as she allowed us (read: tolerated me) coming up with goofy example sentences.

As I spent more time with Mrs. Mann, I appreciated how much effort and care she put into her students’ learning.

I am proud to say that in my time at LFCDS, we eventually became good friends, and I still benefit from her lessons today.”

- Leo Rudberg ’08 “ Mrs. Mann is still to this day one of the best teachers I have ever had. Her tough-love attitude and no nonsense approach in the classroom fostered an incredibly productive learning environment. She opened my eyes to the world of literature and I still talk about some of the books and short stories that we read today (To Kill a Mockingbird, The Most Dangerous Game, and Fahrenheit 451 to name a few). Mrs. Mann did more to improve my grammar than any other teacher I have ever had. To this day whenever I make a grammatical error, I always think, “Ah what would Mrs. Mann think!” She inspired my love of English and her teachings laid the foundation for all my future coursework. I had the pleasure of having Mrs. Mann for three years at LFCDS. She is truly a fantastic woman.

I know this is neither a quote nor a short story but she was such an important part of my LFCDS career.”

- Wil Dixon ’10

PP: What is your favorite LFCDS lunch?

MM: When they do chicken drumsticks and mashed potatoes, and I have to pretend I’m not counting Weight Watcher’s points.

PP: What one book do you feel everyone should read in his or her lifetime?

MM: To Kill a Mockingbird—and not just because my roots are in the South. It is beautifully written and captures such important concepts about growing up, about what constitutes courage, and about understanding the difficult path to racial equity in the South.

summer 2017

STEM + 17

“ Mrs. Mann is by far the best English teacher I have ever had in middle school, high school, and college combined.

She held high standards for her students, demonstrated the importance of the English language, and took great interest in her students’ learning.”

- Chandler Huggins ’10 “ I attribute my passion for writing and literature to Mrs. Mann. She taught her students the value of critical and deep thinking. It was because of her strong emphasis on grammar that every piece of grammar I learned in high school was review. Her dedication to her students was unparalleled to that of any teacher.”

- Rachel Cantor ’12 “ Mrs. Mann was my favorite English teacher. She helped me find my love for writing and storytelling. I remember the time when she helped me learn all of the vocabulary words in our lesson. She really helped me in striving with English – especially with hard books, like Shakespeare!

In freshmen class, we had to read The Odyssey, and Mrs. Mann really helped me with these types of stories.”

- Johanna Hielscher ’16

“ The first time I met Mrs. Mann, she was tutoring me to prepare me as a new student at LFCDS. She told me that she often turned students into a frog. I knew quickly that she really did! Mrs. Mann turned them into Fantastic Readers, Orators, and Grammar students, every single one of them.

Additionally, I want her to know that even when she was mad at me, I knew she would be one of my all-time favorite teachers! To Mrs. Mann I say, “Thank you for giving me skills and a love for English, poetry in particular, that I will have forever. When I hear people talk about that special teacher that really made their mark on them, I know you are one of those for me.”

- William Kasten ’16 “ Mrs. Mann always had a witty sense of humor that she shared with her students. When it was time to go to English class with Mrs. Mann, it was the best part of your day!”

- Christina Carfagno ’10

PP: What is your favorite memory of LFCDS? MM: It’s not possible to have ONE favorite, but I do think fondly of the day my department colleagues helped me celebrate my twenty years here. I thought I kept a pretty slim/tight personal profile, but in laughter almost to the point of tears, I learned that they knew a great deal more about me than I realized.

PP: What will you miss the most and to whom will you pass the grammar baton?

MM: Since I’m not completely leaving, I won’t have to face missing things. If it’s possible to support the “baton” in a two-day-a-cycle capacity—maybe it doesn’t have to be completely passed just yet.

summer 2017

18 speaking contest

Parts of Speech If you ask any student who has graduated from LFCDS in the past 50 years to name some of the most invaluable experiences during their time here, the Robbie Bermingham Speaking Contest would be among the top responses. Part of the strong public speaking strand embedded in the LFCDS curriculum beginning in the Early Childhood Center, the Speaking Contest is the culmination of years of practice and mastery. Named in honor of a former student, Robbie Bermingham, the contest reflects the poise, enthusiasm and heartfelt delivery of Robbie’s speech in 1975.

Every Upper School student participates in the Speaking Contest, and to prepare for the event, each student chooses and researches a topic of his or her own interest, writes and revises his or her speech, and practices the speech in front of several audiences. One of the most amazing things about this process is how it draws out a focused intensity and passion from each of the students.

After weeks of hard work, each student presents the finished version of his or her speech in front of their English teachers and peers. These competitive trials determine the finalists who will ultimately give their speeches during the official Robbie Bermingham Speaking Contest. It is an endeavor that crosses curricular lines and involves a cadre of committed teachers: from School Librarian Marcia Banzuly to English teachers Jessica Zaleski, Ben Haight, Ami Polonsky, Kim Bell, and Marcia Mann to Drama Teacher Nicky Pitman. Great care is taken to ensure each speech and each student is well prepared.

“Whether our students’ careers find them in a boardroom, in an operating suite, or on the stage, their ability to confidently convey an idea to a group in a way that will inform and inspire is an essential transferrable skill,” said Bob Whelan, Head of School. “Child development expert Dr. Ned Hallowell, who gave an insightful talk at the School in the fall of 2015, reminds us that the brain excels at what the brain knows. The more opportunities our students have to speak on topics about which they are passionate, the more familiar and fluid the process becomes.”

19 that writing reflects a thought process; as their speeches evolve, their understanding of their topic and ability to communicate it succinctly evolves.”

In addition to learning the intricacies of research and finding sources, the process also teaches students how to use proper eye contact, develop persuasive gestures, speak with poised cadence, and balance the use of notecards with memorization. “To help the fifth-grade students develop a vision for their final product, we watch a number of finalists from past years,” said Grade 5 teacher Jessica Zaleski. “This helps students to see the flow and style of this type of writing and speaking. It also gives them a model for excellence to work from for their presentation.”

“ After weeks of hard work, each student presents the finished version of his or her speech in front of their English teachers and peers.”

The 2017 Speaking Contest winner, Simone Sawyer, Grade 7, is a great example of how opportunities to speak in front of groups at school build those skills over the years—she has been at LFCDS since preschool. “Winning the Speaking Contest this year was the best feeling! With revision after revision, the process was a little stressful, but the end result was amazing,” said Simone. “I was nervous I would mess up.

But that moment – the moment hearing my name called was the best feeling I have ever had in my entire life.”

Simone’s English teacher Kim Bell notes, “This year, Simone, in particular, worked and reworked her essay until the words on the page did justice to what was in her heart and what she had learned from her research. To watch her work was to realize this was no ordinary assignment in her mind anymore.”

This statement holds true for nearly all of our students, according to the English department faculty. Through the experience of researching, writing, and speaking, they both discover and define the topics that are most meaningful to each of them. “The students in my sixth-grade classes went through, on average, ten revisions on their speeches before they even began to practice presenting them,” said LFCDS English teacher and published author Ami Polonsky. “One of my goals as a teacher is for my students to understand

Mrs. Zaleski notes that part of the beauty of the contest is that anyone can win. “Joyce Caldwell ’12, a student in my first LFCDS class in 2009, was the first fifth grader to ever win the speech contest in 2009. I think she truly opened the door for kids to believe that they could win it all.” Chloe Whelan ’17 and Kevin Taylor ’19 also won as Grade 5 students.

“The earnest nature and willingness to take risks make this an ideal age for kids to start to take on this project,” said Mrs. Zaleski. “Every year I am impressed with what my kids can do!”

The Contest even reaches into the alumni community as past winners are often asked back to judge the competition. This year the judges were: Derek Bagley ’02; Mrs. Banzuly; retired writer, editor, and English teacher Charles Pratt; and Theresa Sparlin, humanities teacher from Chiaravalle Montessori in Evanston, IL. Congratulations to each of the 2017 Robbie Bermingham Speaking Contest finalists. To hear each speech, please go to www.lfcds.org/speakingcontest.

summer 2017

20 inspired teaching

Making a Positive Difference in the World Ask any of Scott Baeseman’s students – past or present – how he ends each class, and every single person will respond, “Go out and make a positive difference in the world.” So it should come as no surprise that on Friday, March 17, amidst an Atrium overflowing with elated students, faculty, staff, and parents, officials from the Golden Apple Foundation surprised Mr. Baeseman by announcing him as the first Golden Apple Award winner of 2017.

Established in 1986, this prestigious award is given out annually and recognizes outstanding teachers for their contributions to building a stronger, better educated society.

Winners are awarded a semester sabbatical at Northwestern University and a $5,000 cash award. More importantly, recipients become Fellows of the Golden Apple Academy of Educators, providing them a stronger voice and a larger stage from which to make a difference in education.

Music teacher, Choral Director, and Chair of the Fine Arts Department, Mr. Baeseman has shown a dedication to students and colleagues that goes far beyond teaching pitch, rhythm, and the history of music and composers from around the world. “I want my students to know who they are as people and to have the confidence, not only to perform in front of an audience, but to live their lives to their full potential,” said Mr. Baeseman. “I strive to help

them to develop empathy for others in the world around them and to care about making a difference in another person’s life. Every day, I try to model exactly what I am asking them to do.”

This was the third time Mr. Baeseman was recognized as a Golden Apple finalist, and his first win. The process was intense, and required the more than 600 nominees to delve into their training and work experience, why they teach, how they teach, and how they have grown and evolved as educators. In addition to the many essays each applicant writes, there were essays written on their behalf by colleagues, mentors, and students. Once selected as a finalist, each educator undergoes a rigorous final round of review, which includes classroom observations and inperson interviews with colleagues, supervisors, students, and parents.

“Scott is known for the excellence of his curriculum and his choral program, and for the high standard he sets for his students,” said LFCDS Head of School Bob Whelan.

“He believes the art of teaching is an opportunity to create an environment that is essential to understanding how compassion and empathy may be used to bridge gaps between people. He knows his students as people, and is committed to coaching every student to achieve greatness.”

“I want our students to perceive how understanding diversity will not only open up their minds to new ways of thinking, it will also enrich their friendships, travel experiences, educational journeys, career options, and overall quality of life,” said Mr. Baeseman. “Music is a natural way to introduce a variety of cultures and types of people. Through careful discussion and analysis of music from different cultures, the students quickly learn that our job together is to unpack the meaning and recognize the music’s validity for a group of people.”

Hear what some of Mr. Baeseman’s alumni students had to say: “ I knew LFCDS has had a number of finalists but I did not realize that they have the most in the state—Wahoo! This does not surprise me at all! You join an elite group as a Golden Apple winner!”

- Sam Richards, Alumni Parent “ You have always been the Golden Apple in our eyes, both as a teacher and as a friend. Our children, JoJo, Tony, and Elise often recall moments in your classroom and during advisory sessions. The instruction, memories, and mentoring you provided to our kids will be with them forever! We are forever grateful. Not to mention we are grateful for the support and friendship you provided to me through our years at LFCDS. You, my friend, are the teacher that makes a difference in a child’s life!”

- Debbie Terlato, Alumni Parent “ We are so very happy for this so well deserved recognition!

Without a doubt you are a true treasure and epitome of the teaching excellence for which LFCDS strives!”

- Cecilia and John Buerkle, Alumni Parents “ Any natural singing ability I had was discovered, encouraged, developed, and finessed by Mr. Baeseman.

It was sometimes hard to get up early four days a week, but it was so worth it. I went on to sing in high school, and singing continues to be a big, important part of my life and enjoyment.”

- Miranda Luce ’08 “ I graduated in 2009, and I can easily say that Scott Baeseman was one of the most incredible teachers I’ve had throughout my years in school. He really built students’ confidence and was often the reason why I woke up so early to come to campus. He taught me more than how to harmonize; he helped me learn how to be confident in front of a group of people, even when I may not know the words. He pushed me to the limits of my comfort zone when he encouraged me to take on a character piece in the seventh grade. He found the extrovert in me and helped me find out who I was in the process. I am not surprised that he won such a huge honor. It’s almost a decade later, and I’m still remembering the lessons he taught me.”

- Victoria Etherton ’09

A professional composer, his classroom atmosphere models respect, trust, and supportive interaction. He is a leader in the School community, serving as the Chair of the Diversity Committee, and publishing a diversity newsletter each month that goes out to all School faculty and staff.

“Teaching has always been my calling, and I feel fortunate to be able to share my passion for music with my students

21

“ Mr. Baeseman brought joy into the classroom through music and introduced students to different cultures and forms of expression throughout the world. He showed great interest in his students’ learning and personal development. In addition to offering private voice lessons at his house on the weekends, he also spent many after school hours in his classroom with students, encouraging them to go above and beyond by learning music on their own and by practicing for voice competitions.”

- Chandler Huggins ’10

“ Mr. Baeseman has had one of the biggest influences on my life. He’s most definitely the reason that I am where I am currently. If he hadn’t picked my voice out in first- or second-grade music class, I probably would not currently be pursuing a degree in vocal performance. He laid the groundwork of strong vocal technique and love of music, which has helped me succeed in my chosen field of study.

He really cares for his students and brings out the potential in each one even if they do not believe they have it.”

- Jessie Rosso ’10 “ I was so overcome with pure joy because during my time at LFCDS, Mr. B had been nominated twice, but had not won the award. Even being a finalist so many times is a monumental testament to his colossal teaching prowess, but to win, that is the best. He deserved and earned winning the Golden Apple award. I would call attention to Mr. Baeseman’s unrivaled care for the nourishment of student identity. From a very young age, Mr. B knew that I had a pretty big personality and some growing to do. I would say that his mere presence and willingness to be fully aware of his students makes him an amazing instructor. He truly has a gift for human interaction, not to mention his musical talents!”

- Stanton Cope ’11 “ I remember the time I first entered Mr. Baeseman’s classroom to learn singing. He was always so nice and kind to me. Sometimes he and I would talk German during class, and no one could understand us. I am so grateful that Mr. Baeseman helped me with my singing, and now I am still in a choir. I will never forget the speech that he made for me during the graduation ceremony. He really helped me with many things!”

- Johanna Hielscher ’16

every day,” said Mr. Baeseman. “I am humbled and honored to be recognized in this way. I feel as though I should be sharing this award with my extraordinary colleagues whose support makes everything possible.

Being a part of the Golden Apple family allows access to extraordinary professional development that will ensure our students at LFCDS receive the very best tools for their music education.”

summer 2017

22 alumni spotlight

Bailey Lawrence ’13 Bailey Lawrence loves a good story. Her devotion to storytelling began onstage at LFCDS, and evolved into a passion for filmmaking at Lake Forest High School. “Growing up I always wanted to be an actress,” said Lawrence.

“Part of that was because of the great impact (former LFCDS drama teacher) Mrs. (Manon) Spadaro had on me. I had so much fun at LFCDS performing, and making friends.

LFCDS helped me gain confidence in myself, and it’s where I discovered my passion for acting, which led me to discover filmmaking.”

Lawrence, who will attend the University of California’s School of Cinematic Arts in the fall, has won numerous awards for her critically acclaimed commercials and films.

Her film, The Wall, written and produced over five class periods in one week, won first place in the Midwest Media Educator Association’s (MMEA) 7 Day Challenge; her commercial for MLG Chicago, a restaurant in Lake Forest, won first place at the National Academy of Television Arts (NATAS) student production awards for Best Commercial; her TEDx LFHS presentation won first place at the NATAS student production awards for Public Affairs and Community Service; and she recently won two scholarships – the MMEA Film Festival Lucas Palmero Scholarship, and the NATAS Paul Lisnek Scholarship – and these are just for the 2016-17 school year.

Paw Prints caught up with Lawrence, in between accepting awards and studying for finals, to ask her a few questions.

Paw Prints: What is your favorite LFCDS memory?

Bailey Lawrence: My favorite memory from LFCDS would be preforming in the annual Shakespeare play, A Comedy of Errors.

PP: Who were your most memorable teachers at LFCDS? BL: I had a lot of really great teachers at LFCDS, and that was one of my favorite things about the School. A few of them that I will always remember would be Mr. Baesemen, Mrs. Spadaro, Mr. Arthur, Mr. Bullard, Mrs. Edwards, Mrs. Beutell, and also a lot of the staff.

PP: What is the best advice you received?

BL: The best advice I’ve received would be from Jeremy Ohringer, at the Chicago Youth Shakespeare Company and that is, “Do what you love. Not what you think you should do or what you think is all you can do. Do what you love, work incredibly hard, and let the rest follow behind. Because a life centered around happiness cannot finally be disappointing.” And so far, I’ve embodied that, and my life, has definitely not been disappointing.

PP: If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

BL: I’d love to live in California. That has been my dream place since I was little, and I’m so happy and thankful I get to live there for the next four years at the USC. PP: What is your favorite song?

BL: I have a lot, but one of them would be “House of Gold” by Twenty-One Pilots.

PP: What is your favorite piece of technology?

BL: Virtual Reality, it’s so cool.

PP: What inspires you?

BL: The people I surround myself every day - teachers, friends, family, the movies I watch, the books I read, my past, all of that inspires me and the work I create.

PP: What advice would you give current LFCDS students?

BL: I know middle school can be hard and seem slow, but before you know it, you’ve graduated eighth grade. Then one day, high school, so take advantage of the amazing opportunities LFCDS has to offer and try a bunch of different activities. This is your time.

The following are a few of Bailey’s award-winning films: The Wall: https://vimeo.com/208247931 Dennis Severs’ House: https://vimeo.com/156922866 MLG Chicago: https://vimeo.com/205628468 Hello: https://vimeo.com/156922449

summer 2017

class reunion 23

Bell School & Lake Forest Day School Reunion Classes of 1956 & 1957

On Friday, June 9, and Saturday, June 10, fifteen alumni from the Bell School and Lake Forest Day School came together for a reunion weekend in Lake Forest. Of the alumni gathered, thirteen belonged to the Classes of 1956 and 1957 with Winston McKellar ’65 and Gordon Wilson ’48 rounding out the group—some of whom traveled from as far as Texas, California, and Seattle.

Reunion weekend kicked off with cocktails and dinner at the Onwentsia Club on Friday. The following morning, the group came to LFCDS to have breakfast, watch a demonstration in the Innovation Lab, tour the School with Head of School Bob Whelan, and eat lunch while on a guided LFCDS bus tour of Lake Forest. The tour included a visit to the Winter Club, which once served as the athletic outlet for Bell School students. While there, the classmates enjoyed identifying friends on the picture wall of past sports teams. The reunion concluded with cocktails and dinner at the Whelan’s house, where alumni shared their favorite memories of their time at the Bell School or Lake Forest Day School.

Back Row (L to R): Don McKellar ’56, Tony Mason ’56, Winston McKellar ’65, George Covington ’56, Alexandra Covington. First Row (L to R): Gordon Wilson ’48, Dinand Walk ’57, Bob Spiel ’57, Gail Spiel, Ann Sylvester ’57, April Donald Wilson ’56, Leilani Rogers Phillips ’56, Sara Jessopp Thorne-Thomsen ’56, Deforest Davis ’57, Gary Van Ness ’56, Bill Brown ’56, Amy Conger ’56, Solange Brown

summEr 2017

24 lFCDs auCtiOn

bon voyaGe: tHE WOrlD AWAits An Adventure to Remember!

On saturday, march 4, 2017, lake Forest Country Day school hosted the 35th Annual lFCDs Auction, Bon voyage: the World Awaits. Auction Co-Chairs kate Fitzgerald and kate kelliher welcomed aboard more than three-hundred-fifty parents, alumni, faculty, and staff members for the journey. the evening of dinner, dancing, and fundraising was vibrant with camaraderie and spectacular support for lFCDs. the entire lFCDs community extends its gratitude to mrs. Fitzgerald, mrs. kelliher, and their extraordinary team of volunteers for helping the “flight of fancy” reach its destination with flying colors. Additional thanks to the parents, grandparents, and friends of the school who helped to make the 2017 Auction a complete success.

Back row: Peter Hunter ’01, Maria Hempen, Anna Harrison, Scott Baeseman, D.R. Smith. Front row: Sarah Hunter, Jen Baurer, Bucky Hempen

Back Row: Lynn Arensman, Peg Vignocchi, Lisa Schilling, Alison Aldrich Front row: John Vignocchi, John Varones, John Schilling, Chrissy Schilling

Phil and Kate Kelliher, Bob Whelan, Ahmed Farag, Kate and J.T. Fitzgerald

Katie Hutton, Nanette Jenkins

summer 2017

planned giving 25 Planned Giving:

THE APPLETON MASON SOCIETY Lake Forest Country Day School has prepared and inspired generations of students to live lives of character and purpose. Now in its 128th year, Lake Forest Country Day School continues to provide an extraordinary educational experience in a community of devoted students, faculty, and alumni.

Thanks in large part to the prudent foresight and generosity of prior generations, LFCDS is able to continue its tradition of excellence. The Appleton Mason Society celebrates those who have included LFCDS in their future plans. By leaving your own legacy and making the School

an integral part of your estate plans today, you will have a direct and enduring impact on the School and its students in the future.

Build a lasting legacy with a planned gift to LFCDS today by becoming a member of the Appleton Mason Society. The commitments of Society members constitute one of Lake Forest Country Day School’s most valuable assets.

For more information

please contact Sarah Thomas, Director of Development and Alumni Relations at sarah.thomas@lfcds.org or (847) 234-2350

summEr 2017

26 ClAss nOteS Peter R. carney ’45

Peter Carney went on from LFCDS to Canterbury School in New Milford, CT and then attended Princeton University, where he majored in geology. Upon graduation, Peter spent two years as an artillery officer in the U.S. Army. Upon discharge, he returned to Chicago where he worked briefly for an investment banking firm. He then took over Superior Graphite, a family company with mining operations in Mexico and a processing plant in Chicago.

Peter developed a high-temperature (6,000 degrees) process to convert petroleum coke to synthetic graphite. Peter and his team installed the patented process at their plants in Kentucky and Sweden, where they are still operating successfully. The high purity, consistent product is used as an additive in iron and steel production, brake linings, batteries, oil well drilling, and other industrial applications.

“Necessity fosters creativity,” says Peter.

Mary kelley ’60

Mary Kelley has been married to James E. Swift for thirty-five years and has three grown daughters. Mary is expecting her first grandchild, a boy, in July. Jim is an ESL teacher, and Mary works as a clinical psychologist. Mary mentions she does a lot of traveling, reading, gardening, and craft work. Both she and Jim are taking a course in Arabic and have lived in Cincinnati since 1982.

Peter d. van ness ’63

Peter Van Ness has been living in Santa Fe, NM for the past forty-four years. He and his wife of thirty years, Mary, do not have children, but they do have plenty of horses and dogs. Peter has been working as a realtor selling properties in and around Santa Fe for the past eighteen years. Peter says, “Life is good!”

edward friedlander ’65 Ed Friedlander was chairman of pathology for twenty years at the largest medical school in the Midwest. Ed reports that he left the school in good hands and is finishing his second year as senior pathologist in southern Mississippi, where the need for physicians is great. Ed mentions, “During my years at LFCDS, I showed academic ability, and the school designed special experiences for me. I’ll always be grateful.”

william t. bartholomay ’66

Bill Bartholomay resides in Kenilworth, IL with Cathy, his wife of just over two years, and her two boys, Joey (16) and Charley (14). Bill’s two daughters, Emma (15) and Lacey (15), attend St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School in Alexandria, VA. Bill and Cathy are completing a major residential rehab in Kenilworth, and they hope to move in by early summer. Bill was elected to the Kenilworth Park Board in 2017 and co-owns a place in Wyoming with his sister, Sally (Bartholomay) Downey ’75, and Blake Swift, where he enjoys family, friends, and activities. The Wyoming lot is next to another family property originally purchased by his parents, Phelps H. Swift ’39 and Sara T. Swift, over fifty years ago and the combined lots allow for great get-togethers. Bill balances his time pursuing personal interests and travelling.

lucy S. bukowski ’66

Lucy (Swope) Bukowski lives in Jupiter, FL with her husband and a couple of greyhounds. Lucy retired from her career in museum finance and administration and now spends most of her time riding her horse, Aladdin. Lucy mentions that anyone in the area is welcome to come by for a visit.

catherine M. Rogerson ’72

Cathy (Munson) Rogerson says, “Hello fellow classmates.

It has been a long time since my LFCDS days. Hope you are well and enjoying life. I still live in Duxbury, MA and have been married for thirty-six years. I have four kiddos.

One is married. I am not yet a grandmother. I spend my time writing as well as volunteering and have my own coaching practice. Life is good for the most part. It has been great connecting with fellow classmates on Facebook so come join in the fun. Take care.”

27 elizabeth e. Smyth ’77

Lisa Smyth lives in Lake Forest and Los Angeles and works in the music industry. She mentions she ran into Laura (Priebe) Luker ’77, Jane Woloson ’77, Debbie Donnelley ’77, and Susan (Hodgkins) Wick ’77 at the memorial service for Marion (MacKenzie) Christoph’s ’77 father, longtime LFCDS friend David O. MacKenzie. Elizabeth says, “Excited for our reunion this fall!”

nicholas b. Morris ’81

Nick Morris recently returned from a trip to Louisville, KY where Steve Vignocchi ’86 and his wife graciously hosted Nick. Nick mentions they had a great time catching up and reminiscing about their time at LFCDS, specifically citing the summer production of “Oliver Twist” that both he and Steve had roles in at Gorton Community Center with Mrs. Mount directing. Nick reports, “I also got to meet (the Vignocchi’s) spirited dog, Rocket, and was treated to the best BBQ I’ve had in years!”

karen S. connell ’85

Karen (Butler) Connell and her husband, Tuey, have two children, Cedar and Posey, attending LFCDS. Karen is an artist and the creative director of Carmel Creative in Evanston, IL.

deirdre H. erulkar ’88

Dede (Carroll) Erulkar and Dr. Jonathan Erulkar recently moved to a new home in Lake Forest. Their sons, Sam and Benjamin, are in fifth and fourth grade, respectively, at LFCDS. While Dede is at home full-time currently, she recently co-authored a manuscript in which she analyzed data from the study that she conducted at Yale.

The manuscript is currently in press and scheduled to be published in the Journal of Child and Adolescence Psychopharmacology.

aneri d. bhansali ’99

Aneri (Dalia) Bhansali is living in Lincoln Park (Chicago) these days with her husband and their two-year-old son.

Aneri owns a private physical therapy practice, Leaps and Bounds Therapy, which specializes in the pediatric population. Aneri says, “I hope everyone is doing well!”

Megan b. olson ’02

Megan (Murley) Olson and Ben Olson recently gave birth to a baby girl, Clara Burchfield Olson.

elizabeth M. Schabinger ’05

Elizabeth (Atkins) Schabinger graduated from George Mason University in May 2016, with a degree in special education. Elizabeth recently married Justin Schabinger on October 22, 2016, in Williamsburg, VA. Elizabeth and Justin were college sweethearts at The College of William & Mary. Elizabeth passed her certification exam in November, and is now a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Analyst who provides behavior therapy for children with autism.

Gina M. carfagno ’07

Gina Carfagno is currently attending Dominican University as a graduate student in the School of Information Science, where she is working to become a school librarian. Gina currently works with children ages 8-11 at a public library. Gina anticipates graduating next year with a master’s degree in library science.

She mentions that the Carfagno family is doing well. Gina has enjoyed recent family trips to Las Vegas, London, and Italy.

olivia campbell ’08

Olivia Campbell graduated from University of San Diego and works as an associate at Frank, Rimerman + Co., LLP in San Francisco. She graduated with honors in Spanish and accountancy.

summEr 2017

28 ClAss nOteS victoria M. danner ’08

Tori Danner studied mechanical engineering at University of Colorado Boulder. Upon graduation, she received the Distinction in Design Award, the Excellence in Research Award, and the Active Learning Award. Tori lives in Denver with her dog, Trex, and skis every week. She works as an engineering consultant at TZA.

caroline M. Henry ’08

Caroline Henry attended Boston College where she captained the D1 varsity rowing team and graduated from the Carroll School of Management with a double major in finance and marketing. She currently works as a registered representative for Baystate Financial. Caroline shares, “The passion the teachers had with their respective subjects at LFCDS helped create a desire to learn and created a fun atmosphere in the classroom. The small class size also helped the students connect more with each other and built confidence in sharing their ideas and opinions. I believe these are some of the aspects of LFCDS that have helped prepare me for the real world.”

olivia H. Merlin ’08

Olivia Merlin attended Miami University and is currently a production coordinator at agencyEA. She lives in Chicago.

leo J. Rudberg ’08

Leo Rudberg graduated from the University of WisconsinMadison with degrees in both mathematics and computer science, as well as an Honors in the Liberal Arts degree.

He is living in NYC and enjoying life in the big city. Leo is a software engineer at Google (NYC), on a rotation program. Currently, he is on an internal tool team in Google Maps and will be moving to a programming language tool team. Leo shares, “LFCDS helped to give me the insight on the importance of being a good, honest person and a hard worker. Learning to have fun with (traditionally dry) math and grammar helped me a bit, too! I also learned that I really liked languages.”

beatrice c. Smith ’08

Beatrice Smith attended Pennsylvania State University where she majored in PGA Golf Management. She is currently the golf shop manager at The Jupiter Island Club in Hobe Sound, FL and an assistant golf pro at Gulph Mills Golf Club in King of Prussia, PA. At Gulph Mills, she works closely with the golf committee and she runs the women’s golf program, coordinating all women’s golf events. She also teaches clinics and weekly lessons.

ingrid n. watts ’08

Ingrid Watts graduated with degrees in both economics and music from the University of Chicago. She still plays the violin and is a member of the Lyric Young Professionals at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. She works as an analyst at Epsilon Economics LLC. Ingrid shares, “LFCDS instilled in me the creativity, confidence, and sense of vision that has been a fundamental part of my growth to this day.”

killian G. Macdonald ’09

Killian MacDonald mentions she has had a great experience at American University where she will earn degrees in public communication and in religious studies.

Recently, Killian won the Pierson Prize for Best Essay in Religious Studies at AU for her research paper entitled “Love Jihad or Just Plain Love? Inter-religious Marriage in the Islamic Tradition.” Killian recently won Outstanding Presentation in Business, Strategy, and Communications at the American University Honors Capstone Conference for her research entitled “Young Adult Literature for Social Change: Islamophobia in America.” Killian just accepted a post-graduate job with APCO Worldwide, an international strategic communications firm based in Washington, D.C.

29 chandler Huggins ’10

Chandler Huggins is in her junior year at Bucknell University studying mechanical engineering. This year, she served as president for the Bucknell chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

She helped start a teacher talk series where mechanical engineering professors have the opportunity to present their research, interests, and hobbies to students over lunch. Her team traveled to several Maker Faire events and helped to integrate several new maker spaces onto Bucknell’s campus. Her team also started a STEM outreach program called Bucknell Maker Day to teach local middle school and high school students about roller coasters, Arduinos, and robotics. Still drawn to the arts, Chandler works part time during the school year as a front-of-house manager and backstage technician at The Weis Center for the Performing Arts. As a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, Chandler does a lot of fundraising for the sorority’s national philanthropy Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) which helps abused and neglected children. Chandler will spend this summer as a project-engineering intern at First Quality Products Inc.

Holly H. Meers ’10

Holly Meers is finishing her third year at the University of Michigan, where she is pursuing a dual degree in art and design, and industrial operations engineering.

This past semester, she studied abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark, where she focused on furniture design and urban planning. Holly mentions, “I was lucky enough to have had my brother, Walker ’08, join me at the end of the trip after his recent graduation from Michigan State University. Special shout out to my nephews (Grant, North, and Hale Rice) who are currently students at LFCDS! Go Panthers!”

Jessie J. Rosso ’10

Jessie Rosso attends Boston University. She recently completed her junior recital and has been accepted to the following summer programs: Berlin Opera Academy, Lyric Opera Studio Weimar, and Music Academy International, among others. Jessie will be working at College Light Opera Company on Cape Cod this summer as an accompanist which includes being a rehearsal pianist for

nine shows in eleven weeks. She is also contemplating graduate school, music directing shows at BU, and preparing for her senior recital next year.

Rachel woods ’10

Rachel Woods is currently a junior at the University of Southern California where she is studying public relations.

John R. dwyer ’11

John Dwyer attends the University of Southern California and majors in computer science and business administration. John is on track to graduate after one additional year with a master’s degree in mathematical finance. This summer, John will be working in Chicago as a trading intern for Tradelink.

lucinda G. lytle ’11

Lucy Lytle led the Boston College Eagles field hockey team in scoring this past season with twelve goals, the team’s highest total since 2010. The Eagles competed in the 2016 NCAA Tournament first round and were the number three seed in the ACC Championship.

Rachel cantor ’12

Rachel Cantor is enjoying her freshman year at Northwestern University. Rachel is an account executive for Northwestern University’s student-run marketing group, Form & Function Marketing. Additionally, Rachel was on the Media & Marketing Committee for Northwestern University’s Dance Marathon, one of the largest student-run philanthropies in the nation. Rachel participated in NUDM and danced for thirty hours to raise more than $1 million for Gigi’s Playhouse. Rachel also made the Dean’s List both fall and winter quarters.

Halima S. ling ’13

Halima Ling reports that she loved her time at LFCDS and has been working hard at Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart, where she is an honors student. Next year, Halima will attend Dickinson College in Pennsylvania and will likely study psychology and neuroscience.

Johanna S. e. Hielscher ’16

Johanna Hielscher mentions that with school winding down, she has just completed driver’s education and is beginning to drive, which she admits is “scary.” She also reports she is doing well in academics at Woodlands Academy.

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30 class notes

Class of 2013

College Destinations Luis-Felipe Alban Obaid H. Ansari Trevor K. Britton Travis B. Bryant Emily Cullitan Christopher N. Dennis Patrick M. Dwyer Andrew Ellis Erisa Farimani Thomas G. Farrell David Feld Alice E. Feldman Alexander B. Gamache John P. A. Gilcrest Julia Goeks Mariah Goeks Miguel A. Gomez Tyler J. Grumhaus Riley J. Harwood Oliver P. Hodgkins

Emory University University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Lake County Berklee College of Music Northeastern University Colorado State University University of Southern California Southern Methodist University University of Illinois Pennsylvania State University Skidmore College Salt Lake Community College Georgetown University Miami University Ripon College Northern Michigan University Carthage College Grinnell College Purdue University College of Charleston

Hampden S. Keil Bailey Lawrence Halima S. Ling Christian O. McCauley Kevin F. Meehan Contessa E. Mills Connor J. Pan Morgan C. Peirce Anne E. Polito Nithin M. Reddy Aleeya J. Sawyer Eleanor Sherman Bria S. Slobodnik Matthew Spadaro Timothy H. Sperling William Suter Romayne E. Thompson Duncan M. Trerotola Max H. J. Wetzel Cynthia M. White

University of Illinois University of Southern California Dickinson College Miami University University of Pennsylvania University of Pennsylvania Northwestern University Smith College University of Iowa University of Illinois Howard University Michigan State University College of Charleston University of Oregon Miami University University of Notre Dame Duke University Duke University Miami University St. Lawrence University

summer 2017

in memoriam 31 David O. MacKenzie

Alumni parent, David MacKenzie, of Lake Forest passed away peacefully surrounded by his children in his home on Captiva Island, FL on March 11. Born in 1931, he attended Halsey School and Gorton School of Lake Forest. He finished high school at Lake Forest Academy, an alma mater that became very dear to him as he later taught, coached, and worked in their business office. He was known as “Mr. LFA” and was a generous donor for the MacKenzie Ice Arena. He and Deborah (d. 2012) married in 1960. In his early career, David worked in sales for the Quaker Oats Company. He then became a teacher, as well as soccer and hockey coach at Lake Forest Academy and later worked as a business administrator at the Academy and also at Lake Forest Country Day School.

He is survived by Douglas MacKenzie ’75 of Harvard IL, Marion (Roger) Christoph ’77 of Lake Forest, IL, Carolyn (Harley) Stimmel ’78 of Hempstead, TX, and David W. (Casey) MacKenzie ’83 of Longmont, CO.

Peter H. Merlin

Grandparent and former trustee, Peter H. Merlin, of Fort Collins, CO, died on April 3, 2017, at the age of 88. Peter and his first wife, Elizabeth Allen Swift, have four children together: Peter (Jennifer) Merlin, Diane (Jay) Homan, Barbara Neal, and Philip (Susan) Merlin ’79. Peter was also father to Terry Parker and Diana Allgaier; grandfather of twelve, including Emma ’12 and Olivia ’08. Peter served as Chairman of the law firm Gardner Carton and Douglas’ Management Committee from 1980 to 1989. After that, Peter formed and chaired the firm’s international department until his retirement from the partnership in 2000. In 1963, Peter became a founding director of the German-American Chamber of Commerce in Chicago and served as its President and then as its Chairman for more than three decades.

Jane S. O’Neil

Grandparent, alumni parent, and former trustee, Jane Stephens O’Neil, wife of Thomas C. O’Neil, passed away March 16, 2017, in Lake Forest with her family by her side. Jane graduated from Roosevelt High School, attended the University of Iowa, and continued her education at the University of Poitiers in Tours, France. While studying abroad, Jane developed a passion for cooking, entertaining, design, architecture, and especially gardens; all of which became lifelong pursuits that she undertook with enthusiasm and success to the delight of her family and friends. After marrying in 1967, Tom’s business career took the family from Des Moines to Wilmette, IL; Short Hills, NJ; Winter Park, FL; and then finally to Lake Forest, IL, where they have lived for thirty-nine years. She served as a Life Director of the Chicago Botanic Garden, where she helped produce the Antiques and Garden Fair for twelve years; and on the Board of Trustees of Lake Forest Country Day School, where she served several terms. Jane is survived by her husband of forty-nine years, Tom; her children P.J. ’84 (Jana), Charlie ’87 (Katie), Riley ’88, and Tommy ’91 (Molly); her brother, Tom Stephens; and many nieces and nephews. “GoGo” was the beloved grandmother of Georgia ’15, Patrick ’24, Will, Andrew, Huston, Helen, and her namesake, four-month-old Jane O’Neil.

Margaret M. Swift

Grandparent and alumni parent, Margaret Muckerman Swift, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2017, in Lake Forest. Married for sixty-three years, her husband, Hampden Mepham Swift, preceded her in death on May 26, 2014. Together they raised thirteen children and were devoted grandparents of twenty-three children, including Kathleen ’21, Caroline ’19, Jack, and Hampden ’13.

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32 graduation 2017

The LFCDS Graduation Ceremony is a beautiful reflection on the time students have spent at the School. It is a time to celebrate the bonds students have formed both with their teachers and with each other while looking ahead to life’s next adventure.

and Cameron Wacker, and closing words by Head of Upper School Andy Sperling all reinforced the strong sense of community that surrounded the Class of 2017. Board Chair Dr. Ahmed Farag and Bondy Hodgkins presented the annual Bondy Hodgkins Award to Bill Collins, Yvonne Steinwold, and Jeff and Marianne Silver for their outstanding service to the School community.

Thursday, June 8, was a picture-perfect day for the graduation ceremony which took place in the LFCDS courtyard. Opening remarks from Head of School Bob Whelan, the traditional reading of bookplates for each graduating student, speeches by graduates Calvin Osborne

From everyone at LFCDS, we wish the Class of 2017 the best of luck as they continue to prosper as young adults of strong character who will make a positive impact in the communities where they study, live, and work in the years to come.

33

Lake Forest Country Day School Award Recipients The Mary E. Ballard Community Service Award

Katherine Elise Schilling

The Allen C. Bell Scholarship Award

Calvin Scott Osborne

The Alexander C. Bell Drama Prize

Calvin Scott Osborne Cameron Maria Wacker

The Timothy F. Briggs Sportsmanship Award

Naomi Aluvila Owen David Bauder Gardner Hamilton-Pézon Brown Lila Taylor Fitzgerald

The Athletic Director Prize

Constantine Vasilios Alexos Lily Elizabeth Steinwold

The Davies Music Prize

Margaret Rachel Ar’Ree Baeseman-Smith Cameron Maria Wacker

The Faculty Merit Award

Calvin Scott Osborne Cameron Maria Wacker

The Kevin D. Gorter Award

Margaret Rachel Ar’Ree Baeseman-Smith

The Fred J. Hahn Mathematics Award

Daisy Jane Connery Calvin Scott Osborne

The Henry Art Prize

Maxwell David Collins William Juan Collins Cameron Maria Wacker

Stuart Family Scholarships

Brooks Jon Osborne Abigail Alexandra Shanley-Roberts

Grade 8 Short Story Contest

Naomi Aluvila Daisy Jane Connery

Robbie Bermingham Speaking Contest Simone Sawyer

summer 2017

34 graduation 2017

Class of 2017 High School Destinations Constantine Alexos Naomi Aluvila Margaret Baeseman-Smith Annie Bartholomew Owen Bauder William Blodgett Rachel Boardman Gardner Brown Jack Canty Max Collins Will Collins Daisy Connery Gino Farrell Lila Fitzgerald Blair Flavin Morgane Garrick Taylor Gilbert Emily Hawkins Harry Hodgkins Gabbie Jakubowski Maria Johnson Reed Kovas Luke Larsen AJ Lee Jackson Levin

Lake Forest Academy Loyola Academy Highland Park High School Woodlands Academy Lake Forest High School Pomfret Academy Berkshire School Brooks School Loyola Academy Lake Forest Academy Lake Forest Academy Lake Forest High School Lake Forest High School Berkshire School Lake Forest High School Lake Forest Academy Berkshire School Lake Forest Academy Lake Forest High School Lake Forest High School Lake Forest Academy Lake Forest Academy Lake Forest High School Lake Forest Academy Lake Forest Academy

Lillianne Martini Carrasco Tatum McBreen Nickie Mesrobian Aidan Murphy Brendan Murphy Matthew Nocella Brooks Osborne Calvin Osborne Shelby Pruett Jake Putzel Betsy Regan Ellen Roloson Daniel Sancha Katie Schilling Abbe Shanley-Roberts Pamela Shattock Johnny Silver Asher Sklarov Mia Springer Lily Steinwold Maddie Sturgeon Sophia Varones Cameron Wacker Jack Walsh Chloe Whelan

Lake Forest High School Westminster School Lake Forest Academy Grayslake North High School Grayslake North High School Lake Forest Academy Lake Forest Academy Lake Forest Academy Lake Forest High School Lake Forest Academy Loyola Academy Lake Forest High School Waukegan High School Lake Forest Academy Lake Forest Academy Woodlands Academy Lake Forest Academy Lake Forest High School Lake Forest High School Deerfield Academy Stevenson High School Highland Park High School Phillips Academy Andover Lake Forest High School Choate Rosemary Hall

summer 2017

yvonne banks 35

Yvonne Banks Caring Teacher Award The Yvonne Banks Caring Teacher Award celebrates two teachers annually “who have demonstrated exceptional creativity using their abilities to help and nurture children.”

Yvonne Banks was a beloved teacher and a parent at LFCDS. The family of Yvonne Banks originally created the award in 1992 to honor the compassion and support her children received from their teachers at our school during Yvonne’s illness.

Each year, parents and students nominate teachers to be considered for this award. Participation in the nomination process has always been a wonderful way to express appreciation for all the extra help and compassion our teachers give to their students. This year’s winners were well deserving of this honor.

2017 Winners Nancy Clifford

Grade 1 teacher

Kelly Brockway

Grade 2 teacher

Yvonne Banks Caring Teacher Award Recipients from the past five years include: 2016

Paul Hedlund and Paul Moellering

2015

Jen Baurer and Jennifer Lydigsen

2014 Scott Baeseman and Abby Reed 2013 Kirsten Anderson and Glenda Barnwell 2012 Mark Arthur and Shira Schwartz

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36 bondy hodgkins

Bondy Hodgkins Award Congratulations to this year’s winners, Bill Collins, Marianne and Jeff Silver, and Yvonne Steinwold.

The Bondy Hodgkins Award for Distinguished Volunteer Service is annually given to a parent or parents who have demonstrated outstanding volunteer service to the School.

sense of parent involvement is a hallmark of LFCDS, and the time and energy our parents dedicate to the School is an attribute that we will take great pride in celebrating each year at Graduation.

Established in 1985, this award recognizes Mrs. Hodgkins’ remarkable commitment to volunteer service as a parent at LFCDS, including thirteen years on the Board of Trustees, the last four of which she served as President. A strong

This year we were happy to give this award to Mr. Collins, Mr. and Mrs. Silver, and Mrs. Steinwold for their selfless dedication to the Lake Forest Country Day School community.

37 Bill Collins has been a parent at LFCDS since 2007, and his creative talents have played a vital role in telling the LFCDS story. Through videography, photography, and design, Mr. Collins’ work has been essential to the School’s marketing, productions, invitations, videos, and events. He served on the Board of Trustees for six years, and has always been one of the most patient, kind, generous, and creative volunteers, dedicating tens of thousands of hours to the school.

Award recipients Marianne and Jeff Silver have been strong pillars of vision, leadership, and support at LFCDS for seventeen years. In addition to their singular and joint roles as room parent, Auction committee members, Annual Fund class agents, and Auction co-chair, what distinguishes Mr. and Mrs. Silver is the breadth of their involvement and leadership. Both have served on the

Board of Trustees for a combined twelve years. During this time, their talents and strategic vision have been critical to committee work on finance, master planning, technology, building and grounds, development, and governance.

A hands-on volunteer who is always willing to pitch in, Yvonne Steinwold has supported the School since 2004, continuously creating a spirited and inclusive atmosphere. She has exhibited extraordinary leadership and dedication as a room parent, Auction volunteer, Annual Giving Fund agent, Auction Co-Chair, member of the Board of Trustees, and Parent Association President, (twice!).

It is with immense gratitude that all of us at LFCDS congratulate our 2017 Bondy Hodgkins Award winners!

Past Winners of the Bondy Hodgkins Award 2016 Krista Hanson and Diane Potts

2000

2015

1999 Sharon Weiss

Rebecca Graf and Wendy Weil

Jane Eberly

2014 David Grumhaus ’81 and Susan Krivoshik

1998 Consie Pierrepont

2013 Kristen Mills and Patrice Wetzel

1997

2012 Anne Reyes

1996 Connie Nagle

2011 Susan & Kenny Bozorgi and

Joan & Kevin Shannahan

1995

2010 Coni Carfagno and Sarah & Chuck Lamphere

1993 Wendy Melvin and Hope Ehrman

2009 Nancy Clemens, Katie Hale and

Lynn Taylor 2008 Ellory Peck and Betsy Rosenfield 2007 Debbie Terlato 2006 Lisa Zenni and Sonya Wolsey-Paige 2005

Lauren Gorter and Molly South

2004

Mary Ballard

2003

Lisa Ireland

2002

Mimi & Bob Murley

2001 Carole Sandner

Jill Caldcleugh and Prue Beidler Jamee Field and Anne Lerner

1994 Susan Pitt 1992 Anthony & Maureen Culicchia and

Lyn Andress 1991 Catherine Denckla, Kathleen McAllister

and Carolyn Tocks 1990 Emily Battle and Jane O’Neil 1988 Darcy Donald 1987 Dianne Fitzsimons 1986

Lucia Prochnow

1985

Bondy Hodgkins

summer 2017

38 alumni family spotlight

The Hodgkins Family The Hodgkins-Warner family has had five generations of students graduate from the Alcott School, the Bell School, and Lake Forest Country Day School across the span of a century. Marion Hall Warner started the family tradition in 1895 when she graduated from the original one-room schoolhouse on Sheridan Road known as the Alcott School. Marion’s great, great grandson, Harry Hodgkins ’17, became the most recent family graduate on June 8, 2017. During the ceremony, Harry’s grandmother, Bondy Hodgkins—LFCDS alumni parent, dedicated volunteer, LFCDS Board Chair from 1979-1981, and wife of Thomas D. Hodgkins ’49— handed out the famous service award named in her honor. The HodgkinsWarner family legacy has traveled hand-in-hand with the unfolding history of Lake Forest Country Day School.

“ I think some of my favorite memories at the Bell School, class of ’49, include the hours during World War II we spent making little woven squares for blankets for the troops, in either Mrs. Nash’s or Miss Burkes class, maybe both. And the reunions with my class at both the 30th and 40th years were wonderful.

And Lex Bell’s reaction to my coming to school on a Whizzer motor bike in the Spring of 1949, at age 14, was classic; he was not pleased!

As for the meaning of the School to our family, I think the joy represented by seeing the youngest of our nine grandsons graduating last Thursday would be hard to top.”

– Tom Hodgkins ’49

“ My favorite memory was definitely giving the speech to the whole school and all the veterans on Veterans Day. It’s cool knowing my dad, grandfather, all my brothers, and even other relatives before us have been through the same School!”

– Harry Hodgkins ’17

39 “ My favorite part of LFCDS would be its heritage. It’s been a huge part of our kids’ lives as well as my own. I am still close to many of my schoolmates and even in touch with a few teachers! The same forging of lifelong relationships is true for my dad. My grandmother often spoke highly of her memories of and her time attending the School. This continuity through generations is marvelous.

For Debbie and me, the School embodies the old adage ‘it takes a village.’

Our kids and our family grew up at LFCDS. Through the joys and turbulence of raising kids and making our way through life, the school became an extended family that shared in our experiences. So many great life experiences and lessons. So many great friends. We learned from our success and failures together.”

– Tom Hodgkins ’82

Five Generations: The Hodgkins-Warner Family Legacy THE ALCOTT SCHOOL (1888-1934) Marion Hall Warner (1895) — Ezra Joseph Warner Marion Warner Hodgkins (1917) — William Press Hodgkins THE BELL SCHOOL (1934 – 1958) Thomas D. Hodgkins ’49 — Bondy Hodgkins

Winne Hodgkins — Robert C. Hodgkins — Val Hodgkins (Remarried)

Virginia L. Robert C.

Hodgkins ’71 Hodgkins ’75

Eleanor T. Hodgkins ’77

Hilary Samantha A. Hodgkins ’82 Hodgkins ’83

LFCDS (1958 – present)

Marion (Mimi) Susan Katherine E. Thomas S. — Debbie

Hodgkins Ryan ’75 Hodgkins Wick ’77 Hodgkins ’79 Hodgkins ’82 Hodgkins

August R. Hodgkins ’11

Oliver George Hodgkins ’13 Hodgkins ’15

Harry Hodgkins ’17

summer 2017

40 annual fund

whAT IS the ANNUAL GIVING fund?

Annual Giving is the cornerstone of all fundraising activities at the School. LFCDS relies on gifts to the Fund to maintain its excellence year after year. The Fund refers to tax-deductible gifts collected during the fiscal year, beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30. Specifically, contributions to the Fund allow LFCDS to do the following: Retain and hire talented faculty members Ensure a low student-to-teacher ratio • Provide cutting-edge technology in the classroom • Maintain state-of-the-art infrastructure • Fund professional development opportunities for faculty and staff • Support the School’s athletics and Fine Arts programs • •

whY give?

Gifts to the Annual Giving Fund are of vital importance to our School as they help secure the margin of excellence that makes the LFCDS experience so extraordinary. Since tuition only covers eighty percent of the cost of educating our students, donations to the Fund bridge the gap between revenue and operating costs. Ultimately, the students and faculty are the primary beneficiaries of gifts to the Annual Fund. Participation with a gift of any size allows LFCDS to attract the support from foundations and corporations and has a direct and immediate impact on our people and programs.

How Do I Give?

For more information on giving, please contact John Kinzer at john.kinzer@lfcds.org or (847) 615-6233. Gifts can be made online at www.lfcds.org, via the envelope included in this magazine, or check mailed directly to Lake Forest Country Day School to the attention of the Annual Fund.

summer 2017

STEM + 41

Core Values: Excellence Partnership Responsibility Participation Diversity

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save the date thursday, august 24

wednesday, october 4

tuesday, September 26

friday, october 13 & Saturday, october 14

school Opens

special speaker series, 10:00 a.m.

Dr. marc Brackett, Director of the yale Center for Emotional intelligence

thursday, September 28

Boarding school Fair, 6:30 p.m.

Homecoming & reunion Weekend

thursday, october 19

Admission Open House, 9:00 a.m.

new Parent Dinner

Chip Off the Old Block: Current LFCDS students are pictured with their alumni parents.

thursday, october 26

special speaker series, 10:00 a.m.

Dr. lisa Damour, New York Times best-selling author of Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions Into Adulthood

tuesday, november 14

Admission Open House, 9:00 a.m.