Blue & White

BLUE&WHITE THE MARVELWOOD SCHOOL MAGAZINE m SPRING 2011

Lori Pelech ’99 Taking the scenic route from Marvelwood to a PhD in Environmental Conservation

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OFFICERS: JAMES R. SAMARTINI, Chair MARY BAINBRIDGE P’09, Vice Chair TED BOHNEN ’64, Vice Chair A Marvelwood tree swallow. Photo by Forrest Poulin ’11.

PETER GROSSMAN, Secretary ANTHONY O’MALLEY P’11, Treasurer MEMBERS: MARK BODEN ’84 THEODORE BOHNEN ’64 SARAH D’AGOSTINO CHRISTENSEN ’83 MARK ESPOSITO P’11 MICHELE GORMAN BRIAN K. MAIER P’12 DONALD “JAY” MCALLISTER P’14 ROBERT F. OBER, JR. THOMAS H. C. PATTERSON P’04, P’11 JAMES T. SWANSON ’93 DAVID YARNELL P’11 EX OFFICIO: SCOTT POTTBECKER, Headmaster TRACY LOWRY P’14, PA Chair EMERITUS: ALFRED C. BROOKS WILLIAM J. EDWARDS ’63 ROBERT O. SWANSON P’93

The Marvelwood School does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, ethnic origin or handicap in the administration of its educational policies, personnel matters, admissions, scholarship and loan programs, athletic or any other programs.

BLUE&WHITE

Spring 2011

IN THIS ISSUE

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Headmaster’s Letter Scott E. Pottbecker prepares to leave Skiff Mountain

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We Remember Mrs. Cornelia Bodkin

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Graduation for the Class of 2011 Awards, Recognition and Photographs – Marvelwood’s 53rd Commencement

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Celebrating Marvelwood’s Mission Arthur F. Goodearl readies himself to lead Marvelwood School beginning July 1

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What Does it Mean to Be a Marvelwoodian?

Blythe Everett pays tribute to Scott E. Pottbecker

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Featured Alumna Commencement speaker Lori Pelech talks about her path from Marvelwood in 1999 to a PhD in Environmental Conservation from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with stops at Skidmore College, King’s College, London and AmeriCorps. Plus, details and photos from her recent field work in Arizona and Utah

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Marvelwood Pterodactyls Winter and Spring Athletic Awards and Highlights

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Destination Panama - Year Six! Thirteen students, one alumnus, one faculty member and four parents travel to Panama with Science Department Chair Laurie Doss on her sixth trip for science research and community service

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Around Campus The Parent Association gears up for a very busy 2011-2012 school year under new leadership Orchards for Earth Day

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From the Development Office The Year in Review Marvelwood Fund Update Summit, Sterling, Lake and Star Dormitories have a new look

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Alumni Community Letter from an Alumnus Reunion Weekend! A big turnout – lots of photos Marvelwood Families - Three new graduates join an alum in their family TRIVIA Class Notes On the Cover: Lori Pelech ’99 researching red brome, an invasive plant, in the Arizona and Utah deserts. Photo by Lori Pelech Blue&White is published by the Development Office.

Trisha Barry, Director of Communications, Editor/Designer - trisha.barry@marvelwood.org Glenn Schwitter, Director of Development - glenn.schwitter@marvelwood.org Rachel Steier White ’95, Associate Director of Alumni Relations & Special Events - rachel.white@marvelwood.org Shannon van Haaften, Development Assistant - shannon.vanhaaften@marvelwood.org Proofreader: Blythe Everett Contributors: Glenn Schwitter, Blythe Everett, Laurie Doss, Tracy Lowry P’14 Photography: Randy O’Rouke, Wendy Carlson, Laurie Doss, Ian Johnson, Trisha Barry, Glenn Schwitter, Rachel Steier White ’95, John Lowry P’14

Headmaster’sLetter

Marvelwood’s fifth headmaster, Scott E. Pottbecker, sits front and center with the largest graduating class (62). The Class of 2011 included 16 four-year and 30 three-year seniors. Missing from the photo: Andrew Aldrich, Connor Bachmann, Nixa Blevins, Hyung Woo Cho, Kassandra Grigg, Kaylee Henderson, Petros Klisiaris, Jun Jie Huang, Kerry Manolagas, Henry Patterson, William Watrous, Zhijie Xu, and Yu Yang Wu.

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hen my family moved to our Marvelwood home on the Skiff Mountain campus, we were six: Amy and me, and our children Kayla, Colin, Taylor and Sage.

Kayla was fifteen then. Now, two of our children will be away at college – Kayla just finished her junior year at Springfield College where she is studying to be a physician assistant, and Colin will study architecture at Roger Williams University this fall.

Growth and change are inevitable in any relationship, whether it is within an immediate family or a school community.

academic program to include more AP and Honors level classes, as well as additional classes in the fine and performing arts and the completion of the Anne Davidson Scott Athletic Center, were key components to helping the school achieve record enrollment and student retention the last several years. As a result, the school is in a much stronger financial position, and the Annual Fund has more than doubled in recent years, which has allowed the school to address deferred maintenance issues and continue to expand the academic program.

For me, it is hard to believe that six years have come and gone.

I can still vividly remember driving to Marvelwood for my first interview in the snow and driving down the mountain hoping that I would get a call for a second interview. Several interviews later, I was hired as Marvelwood’s fifth Headmaster. With the support of a fantastic administrative team (Blythe Everett, John Kennedy, Bing Bingham, Ed Banach and Misty Jordan) and a seasoned faculty, we never looked back.

Growth and change are inevitable in any rela-

Like those who came before me, Mr. Bodkin, Mr. Tacy, Mr. Johnson and Mrs. Scott, the goal of any Head of School is to leave a school in a better place than when you arrived.

Building on the successes of the previous four Heads of School, the last six years have been a time of positive growth in enrollment, academics and facilities. The expansion of the school’s

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tionship, whether it is within an immediate family or a school community.

Looking back at my last six years, it would be wrong of me not to honor two significant Marvelwood people who deserve special mention, and who supported the school from the start. Cornelia Bodkin, wife of founding Headmaster Robert Bodin, passed away on April 22 of this year. She was a faithful friend of the school, and always wanted to be updated on everything that had to do with Marvelwood. I am glad I was able to visit and get to know Mrs. Bodkin at her home on Martha’s Vineyard.

Nancy Wood, Mr. Bodkin’s sister, passed away on January 24, 2009. Mrs. Wood was generous to the school; in 2009, she

Photo, top left: Stephen ’59 and Mary Smith, Chairman of the Board Alfred C. Brooks, Robert Swanson P’93 and his wife Cynthia Shevlin, and Scott E. Pottbecker at the June 2006 groundbreaking for the new athletic center.

Photo, center: The 2008 Commencement was held, for the first time, in the Anne Davidson Scott Athletic Center.

Photo, right: Bodkin Scholars Asa Sapse ’10, Michele Howard ’10, Seung Kun “Tom” Lee ’10 and Antoinette Johnson ’09 visited their benefactor in 2008.

Scott’s tenure at the School has been marked by his passion for Marvelwood and his dedication to

Building on the successes of the previous four Heads of School, the last six years have been a time of positive growth in enrollment, academics and facilities.

its improvement. He has guided us successfully through a time of growth both in enrollment and,

established the Robert and Cornelia Bodkin Memorial Scholarship, which provides full financial assistance for one year to a student meeting specific academic and leadership criteria. Mrs. Wood was on campus for the school’s 50th anniversary, and for the dedication of the Anne D. Scott Athletic Center. The inaugural Bodkin Scholars, Antoinette Johnson ’09, Seung Kun Lee ’10, Michelle Howard ’10 and Asa Sapse ’10, joined me on a visit with Mrs. Wood in Boston in November 2008. This year now marks the fourth that I have had the honor of designating a Marvelwood junior as a “Bodkin Scholar.” I am sincerely grateful to Mrs. Wood for this gift of a lasting Marvelwood tradition, and to Mr. and Mrs. Bodkin for their vision.

My family and I will miss Marvelwood and life on the mountain, but I leave knowing the school is in good hands, prepared to continue Mr. Bodkin’s vision well into the 21st century. Thank you all, and peace be with you.

more importantly, in the breadth of the curriculum. We are pleased with the progress the School has made the past six years under his leadership, and we wish Scott and his family continued success in their future endeavors.

James R. Samartini, Chair Board of Trustees

Scott E. Pottbecker BLUE&WHITE MAGAZINE – SPRING 2011

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WeRemember CORNELIA ElizabethWATSON BODKIN 1920-2011

light, spirited humor inspired Marvelwood students to attain academic excellence and adult grace.

In 1981, the Bodkins retired from Marvelwood School to live in Harthaven on Martha’s Vineyard. Both Bodkins were active members of the Island community and attended St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. Cornelia volunteered at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, was a member of the Garden Club, and continued her intellectual pursuits by joining the Want-to-Know Club, a literary group founded in the 1800s.

Mr. and Mrs. Bodkin, circa 1957

Mrs. Bodkin passed away on Friday, April 22.

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he Bodkins founded Marvelwood School in 1956 with Mr. and Mrs. Ian Hanna and remained strong supporters of the school throughout their lives. During the twenty-five years Mr. Bodkin led the school, Mrs. Bodkin served as a faculty member, drama coach, dorm mother, head librarian, fundraiser, and according to Mrs. Anita Brean (administrative assistant to the Headmaster), “Mr. Bodkin’s right arm.” Mrs. Bodkin’s obituary follows:

Cornelia and Bob also traveled during their retirement, and they were very fond of the QE2. While on a voyage, they particularly enjoyed meeting up with friends each day in the Crystal Lounge at five o’clock, where all shared their day’s adventures and joked about misadventures.

In 2003, Robert Bodkin died, aware that Cornelia was at his side.

Eight years later, Mrs. Bodkin passed away, surrounded by loving friends. On that day, her six surviving nieces and nephews believe, Cornelia and Robert Bodkin met again in a celestial Crystal Lounge at five o’clock. Imagine their delighted laughter and joy in being reunited. ■ Thank you to Mrs. Bodkin’s family for the preceding remembrance, which appeared in the Vineyard Gazette. Mrs. Bodkin’s obituary also appeared in the New York Times and the Boston Globe.

Born Cornelia Elizabeth Watson in 1920, Mrs. Bodkin spent her childhood and youth in Maplewood, New Jersey. Her immediate family — parents Ripley and Hattie Watson, brothers William Perry Watson and Ripley Watson II, and sister Harriet Watson Relyea — are now deceased.

Cornelia Bodkin graduated from Randolph-Macon in 1943 with a major in drama and literature. Her studies focused on Jane Austen, and she remained a lifelong admirer of the author’s wit and precise prose. After World War II, she moved to Bermuda to join her newly-married sister Harriet and her husband, Carl Relyea, in Warwick Parish. Cornelia returned to the States in 1947 and married the brother of her best friend, Nancy Bodkin, who later became Mrs. Andrew Wood (deceased). Bob and Cornelia’s romance was sparked and sustained by a shared love of literature and delight in making each other laugh.

Mr. and Mrs. Bodkin began their life together while pursuing careers in education. Both taught at Salisbury School in Salisbury, CT. In 1956, they co-founded, with Mr. and Mrs. Ian Hanna, Marvelwood School in Cornwall. Mrs. Bodkin taught English, directed school drama productions, and brilliantly performed as the headmaster’s wife. Her high standards and 3

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1962 yearbook photo with the following dedication:

We the Class of 1962 feel that it is appropriate that we should dedicate this 1962 yearbook to Mr. and Mrs. Bodkin, not only for all the commonplace reasons that are stated in every yearbook that was ever dedicated, but also for something much more. This something is the indescribable feeling that each of us has in different ways for both of you. This statement is only a reflection of those feelings. We only hope that you can begin to understand our poor expression of “thank you."

Cornelia was a great influence on Bob, and she got along so well with the students. She was very important to the success of the school.

My best years were spent at Marvelwood with the Bodkins.

Christopher Smith GP’91 former, long-time Marvelwood faculty member and administrator

I first met Mrs. Bodkin at Salisbury Summer School between the 7th and 8th grade, so I have had a somewhat unique relationship with the these wonderful people, the Bodkins – first as a student, then later as an adult and up until their passing, my family and I enjoyed a long and rewarding friendship with the couple.

When I think of Mrs. Bodkin, I see a very polite, pleasant and gracious lady, “a lady” in the true sense, always the picture of proper etiquette and manners, yet with a certain touch of mystery, and she was clearly very much in love with Mr. Bodkin. She was a delightfully interesting person to converse with over lunch, a favorite way the Bodkins liked to entertain. My wife Karen and I deeply enjoyed and cherished many long Hemingway-style lunches (without the wine) we shared with the Bodkins on the The Bodkins at a ground breaking for the Monroe classroom/lab building, built in 1964 on the Marvelwood campus in Cornwall (with starting funds from Mac Monroe’s corporation, father of Jay ’63, grandfather of Susan ’88). Although needed and welcomed, the Monroe building put an abrupt end to Mr. Christopher Smith’s homemade hockey rink, in which, on cold nights, Mr. Smith and students made an ice rink using a garden hose!

Vineyard, at the Airport Diner or the country club. But most memorable was her special keen sense of humor that went hand in hand

The end of an era, surely. Most of my life as it unfolded I actually believe

with her mischievous little-girl laugh. I am a

I owe to Marvelwood School and the Bodkins, who hired me as a

blessed man to have had these loving people

refugee from law school in the late summer of 1967. Little did I real-

come into my life and remain as my dear friends

ize that the school had only been in existence for eleven years! I some-

throughout my life. I will miss our time together.

times think Marvelwood was the LAST “regular” boarding school

I will miss not being able to call up Mrs. Bodkin

founded in New England.

to laugh together over some memory.

Jay Stroud Headmaster, Tabor Academy former Marvelwood faculty member

Joseph Antell ’62 More memories on page 29…

BLUE&WHITE MAGAZINE – SPRING 2011

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COMMENCEMENT2011 62SENIORS become ALUMNI

Chia-Ming Liu

Heidi Nicolson

Scott Pottbecker and his advisee Hojin Kim Chris Borkowski, Toby Albert-Faluyi, Blaise Marti, Adam Ehrman Shapiro

Pablo Arias Nunez, Anthony Troy, Josiah Bates, Mamadou Diallo and Lucas O’Malley 5

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Jung Hae Yoo and Alejandro Sanchez Torres

The Class of 2011

The Walker sisters, Kristina and Krystel Blaise Marti and Jieyu Ni

Scott and Amy Pottbecker with their youngest daughter, Sage Former Head of School Ann “Toby” Scott (right) and commencement speaker Lori Pelech ’99 Anthony Santora The Wu sisters, Yu Yang and Hong Yang

BLUE&WHITE MAGAZINE – SPRING 2011

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T h e M A RV E LW O O D S c h o o l 2 0 1 1

Highest Awards

Yu-Tung “Claire” Cheng received Marvelwood’s highest honor, the Wittenberg Cup.

Ziang “Jim” Zhang was the recipient of the Bodkin Loyalty Cup.

THE WITTENBERG CUP - YU-TUNG “CLAIRE” CHENG Marvelwood’s most esteemed prize is the Wittenberg Cup, named after Lester Wittenberg, Jr., a teacher at South Kent School and Salisbury Summer School, and an influential friend and supporter of the Bodkins in Marvelwood’s early years. The Wittenberg Cup is given to a graduating senior who, in the opinion of the faculty, has achieved the most in all areas of Marvelwood life – academics, athletics, dormitory life, and extracurricular activities – and who has evidenced personal qualities and virtues that represent those ideals of character that we want our graduates to strive to attain.

Elizabeth Hackney was awarded the Johnson Cup.

THE BODKIN LOYALTY CUP - ZIANG “JIM” ZHANG The second of our highest awards was originally called the LOYALTY CUP, but was renamed in 1981 to honor Bob and Cornelia Bodkin, the founding Headmaster and his wife. The Bodkin Cup is awarded to a graduate who has been unusually loyal to the school, who has been overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic, who has participated actively and constructively in school affairs, and whose good citizenship, courage, determination and love for our school reflect the qualities of character which were always identified with the Bodkins and espoused by them.

THE JOHNSON CUP - ELIZABETH HACKNEY The Johnson Cup was instituted in honor and memory of the former Headmaster’s father and mother, firm believers that human beings can really transform their lives if they choose to do so. This cup, therefore, is awarded as tangible affirmation that not only is change possible, but that it has taken place, positively and dramatically, in the life of the recipient. Accordingly, the Henry and Ruby Johnson Cup is awarded to a senior who, in the course of his or her years at Marvelwood, has achieved the most significant personal victory, or made the most substantial progress in terms of personal growth in all areas of life at the school.

THE ROBERT & CORNELIA BODKIN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP - BRYAN MOYA ’12 Anne “Nancy” Wood, sister of founding Headmaster Robert Bodkin, established the Nancy and Andrew Wood Charitable Foundation in 2007.

The Robert and Cornelia Bodkin Memorial Scholarship provides full financial assistance for one year to a student who has met specific academic and leadership criteria.

Bryan Moya ’12 received the Robert and Cornelia Bodkin Memorial Scholarship for his leadership and academic qualities. Bryan is the incoming president of the student body.

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The student is designated as a “Bodkin Scholar.”

Speeches, photos, college choices and a list of all award winners are on our website, www.marvelwood.org

Ellen Bibeau

The processional led by the Piper, Headmaster Scott Pottbecker, Assistant Head of School Blythe Everett, Chair of the Board of Trustees James Samartini, commencement speaker Lori Pelech ’99, faculty and staff and the seniors. Underclassmen lined the walk from the Schoolhouse to the Anne Davidson Scott Athletic Center.

Nixa Blevins

L-r: Andrew Aldrich, Toby Albert-Falyui, Michael Esposito

Elizabeth Hackney (left), Kerry Manolagas

Ah Hyun Moon and William Bingham, Director of College Counseling

Po-Kai Chang

Student body president Josiah Bates rang the Piper Bell.

Luis San Miguel BLUE&WHITE MAGAZINE – SPRING 2011

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CELEBRATING theMISSION

A message from ARTHUR F. GOODEARL Mr. Goodearl will become Marvelwood’s sixth Head of School on July 1

T

here are few challenges in education more worthy and exciting than helping a school like Marvelwood advance – a school whose impact enriches and transforms the lives of many of its students. I am proud to have this opportunity and eagerly anticipate engaging the entire Marvelwood community in a dialogue aimed at celebrating the mission of this special place and enlisting the energies of students, parents, alumni and friends in support of realizing new dreams.

Like Scott Pottbecker, I aim to hold aloft the torch of inspiration and hope first lit

by Robert Bodkin.

Marvelwood has enjoyed distinguished leadership during its extended half-century of existence. I hope to confirm and enhance the refinements to program and campus, which Scott Pottbecker has accomplished. Like him, I aim to hold aloft the torch of inspiration and hope first lit by Robert Bodkin.

From our first moments in boarding school many years ago, my wife Mary and I have relished and felt energized by the pace of daily life. Our children grew to maturity in the dormitories, made lasting friendships in the classrooms, recital halls and fields, and today find their memories of adolescence warmly affirming. And so it is, we suspect, for many, both then and now. What better way is there to grow in maturity and wisdom than in the company of twenty-first century neighbors, who know you and embrace you for who you are, who affirm you when you need it most, and who share in celebrating your successes out of genuine empathy?

I anticipate a busy summer at school. There is much to learn and much to prepare.

The future lies open before us. Please let us hear from you. ■

Art and Mary Goodearl joined Scott Pottbecker at the Parent Association meeting held on campus in March.

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ATributetoScottPOTTBECKER

When you try to sum up Marvelwood or your Marvelwood experience, what do you say? I imagine that, like has often happened with me, many of us reach for a quick summation statement: ‘Marvelwood is this great little school in this tiny town in northwestern Connecticut, where there is this great faculty and these cool people from all over the world, and it’s kind of a special place because it’s not like other schools…’ and then you trail off and shift your tack, and start peppering your explanation with snippets of stories or attempts to describe your friends or favorite teachers, or the valley, or the sunsets, or your late-night antics, or the cool field trips, or your advisor….and then you realize you’re probably losing your audience and you’d better try to really hit the nail on the head, so you take a deep breath and think hard, and then say something like ‘You can’t really understand unless you went there,’ or ‘I had an awesome time there,’ or sometimes even ‘That school changed my life.’

Speech given by Blythe Everett, Assistant Head of School, at the Reunion Dinner on April 30.

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hose of us who love Marvelwood

do so because the school means so much more to us than a place where we went to school, or a place where we work, or a place where we met our dearest friends, or a place where we raised our children. Have you ever really tried to put your finger on exactly what it was about the school that kept you coming back eagerly for each school year, or why you keep donating to the annual fund, or why you’ve worked here for over twenty years, or just what it is that stirs those deep emotions about the school in you? Admit it…you’ve got those deep emotions, and I can conjure them up with secret words… like Cheney… Coltsfoot…

Karnolt… Ronshaugen… Augie… Toby Scott… the pizza hut…the father of Marvelwood Hockey, Chris Smith… Doss… Ken Keskinen… Twixt Road, Desmond, Chez and Marshall, the Piper Bell, the ghost of Trustees, Brean, Wojan’s mus musculus, the big blue bus, Corwin, Bobbi and Dryden…and of course, the holiest word of all: pterodactyl. To us, the word Mohawk means more than a Native American tribe or ill-advised haircut. The surname Calhoun does not conjure up thoughts of a pre-Civil War politician from South Carolina, but of a kind and generous couple from Cornwall, Connecticut. To us, Thurber is not an author but a building, and the Ho Chi Minh trail is most definitely NOT a supply route from the Vietnam war.

We Marvelwoodians hold on tenaciously to the ideals and the promise inherent in the school’s mission, the aim of its founders Mr. Bodkin and Mr. Hanna. Over the many years, despite the move from Cornwall, despite the departure or loss of beloved figures in the school’s history, we’ve remained connected to each other and to the school because of this ‘thing’, this Marvelwood ‘thing.’ WE get it, and we feel kind of sorry that other people don’t.

When Scott Pottbecker became our headmaster, let’s face it…some of us were nervous. Not because he didn’t have a killer background in school administration. Not because he wasn’t energetic or visionary enough. Not because he didn’t have those big blue eyes, or a fabulous family…No… It was because we were worried he just wouldn’t GET it. Could an outsider, from our most hated rival, no less, really understand that Marvelwood Mystique? Where would he lead us?

Could he possibly embrace and support the school, and its students, its alumni, and its faculty, in the manner to which we had become accustomed?

Well, it turns out that the answer is NO. Let me clarify that. Of course Scott supported us, but not necessarily in the manner to which we had become accustomed.

Scott embraced every shred of the Marvelwood mission, but during his tenure here, he pushed and struggled and usually succeeded in challenging us to reexamine it and reaffirm it and find new ways to explore its meaning. Every single one of his efforts was related to pushing the school forward, to make it a bigger name on the private school map, to increase our pride in who we were and what we stood for. And the results? At a time of recession, the largest enrollment in history. This year, the biggest senior class and freshman class ever in the life of the school. A student retention rate of over 90%. And let’s not even mention the other stuff: the refurbishments, the technology, the expanded curriculum…and now the largest-ever alumni gathering. You’re back, and we old guard teachers are still here, because, in the end, nothing at the heart of the school has really changed. A change of scenery, new technology, fresh faces and new ideas…all of these are welcome in any institution that is rock solid in its purpose and that enjoys the love and dedication of its constituents. Scott took what we had and he made it better. Not fundamentally different, but fundamentally better. Scott became what we hoped he’d become: a Marvelwoodian. Welcome to our family, Scott, and thanks for everything.” ■ Sam Bainbridge ’09, Alexandra Applegate ’08, Chad Rivard ’09 and Dr. John Kennedy also honored Scott Pottbecker with a speech at the Reunion.

BLUE&WHITE MAGAZINE – SPRING 2011

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LoriPELECH’99

When Lori was in the eighth grade, she was having a hard time learning.

An administrator at the private day school she attended assessed Lori’s aptitude scores and told her parents that college was probably not going to be in Lori’s future.

Janet and Joseph Pelech had heard about Marvelwood School and decided to enroll their daughter in the Marvelwood Summer Program in 1995. Lori prospered and went on to become a four-year student, graduating in 1999. She received her B.A. in History from Skidmore College in 2003, and earned her M.A. in Geography (with distinction) from King’s College, University of London. Lori served for two years as an AmeriCorps volunteer for New York State Parks.

Today, Lori is a candidate for a PhD in Environmental Conservation from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. As part of her field study research, Lori recently headed southwest. On these pages, Lori shares bits of her past and present story.

Marvelwood changed Lori's life for the better, in so many ways.

The teachers at Marvelwood are the most dedicated, caring and talented teachers that anyone could hope for. There is no adequate way to thank them and the rest of Marvelwood's staff for what they have done for our daughter. Knowing that she will be returning to commencement ceremonies as speaker this year, 12 years after her own graduation, fills our hearts with joy.

Janet Pelech P’99

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Above: Closeup of Sahara mustard with its hearty seed pods. Left: Inspecting last year’s stock of Sahara mustard. All photos are by Lori Pelech.

Taking the Scenic Route

By Lori Pelech ’99

I

t is impossible to mistake the bright lights of Las Vegas flying westbound across the U.S. at night. After long stretches of complete darkness, the city magically appears on the landscape and continues as far as the eye can see. But I am not casino-bound; I am here to explore the places without bright lights—the surrounding deserts, and study their invasive inhabitants.

As part of a federally-funded collaborative research project, I am in Arizona to learn more about the abundance of invasive, fire-prone and fire-successional plant species, which threaten the arid deserts of the southwest. These grasses and mustards utilize the water supply in the wet season, then become tinder for fires in the dry season. Once a wildfire occurs, the seeds of many invasive plants, unlike the seeds of many native plants, are able to survive and remain in the top of the seed bank, allowing for future reproduction and dominance over the landscape. The cycle snowballs with each new wildfire and closes the usual gaps between desert shrubs as seas of invasive grasses spread their seeds farther each time. The ramifications are severe for desert and rangeland dwellers, threatening the homes of animals and humans alike. My trip here is part of an initial phase of a multi-part project.

Using existing sources and our own GPS data collection, we are acquiring information on the locations and quantities of invasive plants.

We will use the combined data to determine what types of climate these plants thrive in and extract the information into a climate model for predictions on where the species could go next. Finally, we will provide land managers with a decision-support tool to assist them in determining how to use their land while minimizing the threat of invasive species.

My path into research science has not been an intuitive one; after all, I got my undergraduate degree in history, not in environmental science. I was able to follow my interests because I saw them as part of a larger journey of exploration. Having the courage to make detours, in order to satisfy my intellectual curiosity, is an approach I first learned while I was a student at Marvelwood.

“

When I think about Lori, I am immediately reminded that she had all of the qualities of character that made her one of our favorite students and a quintessential Marvelwood success story. She was an inquisitive, determined student for whom academics didn’t always come easy, but she never balked at a challenge and pushed herself to excel in difficult classes.

She was a talented athlete but never let it go to her head. She provided a sympathetic ear for peers and was a great role model for younger students coming in, and she never took advantage of a friendship or of someone in need. She was happily responsible and reliable, and always grateful for the opportunities she had to be a leader on campus. Possibly most importantly, Lori knew how to balance work and play; now, she's combined them in her choice of career! It's been gratifying -but not surprising -- to see all she's achieving in her life. She absolutely deserves all of her success.

”

Blythe Everett Assistant Head of School

continued on next page

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Photo details, left-right: the invasive weed red brome grows with another intruder, Sahara mustard; a red brome dried stalk; Grand Canyon view; Arizona sign.

When I was in the fifth grade, I was diagnosed with attention deficit disorder and language processing disorder (similar to dyslexia). I had to get outside tutoring so that I could keep up with classes. Mind you, it wasn’t for lack of interest that I struggled; on the contrary, I loved learning and it was extremely frustrating that everything took me longer to get through than it did my peers. By the time I reached the eighth grade, I was completely discouraged. My parents met with an administrator at the private day school I attended to discuss my dismal situation and were told that it was unrealistic to expect that I was college material. Thankfully, my parents disagreed, and quickly determined that this was not the right school for me!

Someone recommended the Marvelwood School Summer Program as a place for me to be immersed in an environment of similar learners, i.e. students who did not thrive in a traditional classroom environment. I didn’t want to go, but I have to say that the experience, the summer of 1995, helped change the course of my life. The teachers at Marvelwood encouraged me to do my personal best and to stop comparing myself with others. They recognized my efforts as much as my achievements and by the end of the summer, I was in love with Marvelwood! I spent the next four years there and was transformed from a student who dreaded new challenges (because of fear of failure) into a student who chose honorslevel classes to test my own limits. I looked forward to all the opportunities offered so that I could work to out-do myself.

I had never played soccer before, yet at Marvelwood, I found myself signing up for the team, and was a starting player by the end of my first season. I ran for student government and was elected class president. I took Mike Augusta’s journalism class and began writing for the school paper. I discovered a passion for science in my first biology course with Laurie Doss. Laurie didn’t focus on strict memorization; she was interested in teaching students to apply the scientific process. I was able to remember concepts because of the hands-on experience. For three years, I went on Laurie’s annual Cape Cod adventure and a side trip to a handicap-accessible trail became the catalyst for an accessible trail I later designed as an AmeriCorps-Student Conservation Association volunteer.

The sense of pride and enjoyment that came with my achievements and the positive interactions with faculty at Marvelwood rendered me more willing to try new things and to maintain a more positive outlook on my own abilities. This does not mean I didn’t struggle; it simply means that I was unwilling to give up. As Laurie Doss used to constantly remind us, ‘Pioneers never say die.’ continued on next page

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“

Every teacher would like to have classes filled with Lori Pelechs. After my lifetime in education it’s hard to recall every student, but Lori is one I remember easily for all the right reasons. She might even be in Toby Scott’s top-ten pantheon. Lori was a four-year student at Marvelwood, so we got to know her well in every mood and season. I remember her guts and determination in the soccer goal, her commitment to the Student Council and her constantly upbeat presence on campus. Most of all, I remember Lori’s eager, smiling face. When she smiled, which was often, her cheeks dimpled and her eyes lit up. Behind the cheerful face there was always a can-do, will-do attitude. It’s no surprise to me that she is in a PhD program for Environmental Conservation. Not only does she have the drive and wherewithal for such an endeavor, but she was well taught at Marvelwood by the Science Department Chair, Laurie Doss.

”

Anne “Toby” Scott former Head of School

After graduating from Marvelwood, I struggled to define myself more narrowly. Marvelwood had provided me the chance to do a little of everything, but that was not really feasible in college.

In some ways, college was a return to my childhood days of watching other students have more fun than me because they completed the work faster. In kindergarten, I remember, I was regularly held back from recess because I could not focus and my work was never finished. I was disappointed in myself and embarrassed to be the only one inside while the other kids played. My motivation and self-esteem plummeted. Choosing history as my major in college resulted in many Friday nights watching my friends go out while I sat in my room writing papers. That triggered a familiar sinking feeling but, unlike the six-year-old version of myself, I was ultimately in control of who I was and what I wanted. I was not willing to give up and I knew from my years at Marvelwood that the harder I worked for something, the better I would feel achieving my goals.

Despite swearing off more school just before graduation from Skidmore, it only took a few months before I found myself applying to graduate school! My work experience with an environmental non-profit organization helped me decide that I wanted to study the environment in some way. King’s College at the University of London had a geography program and it gave me the opportunity to study abroad and be part of an international student body (like at Marvelwood). At King’s, I studied an interdisciplinary subject that drew upon some of my favorite classes at Marvelwood.

After earning my master’s degree, I spent two years as an AmeriCorps-Student Conservation Association volunteer with the Hudson Valley Conservation Corps - first as a naturalist at a state park and then as a GIS/GPS technician for the New York

State Parks Planning Bureau. My time with the Corps allowed me to collaborate with like-minded environmentalists. I taught school groups, attended educational workshops, led canoe trips and designed an accessible trail. I also made trail maps for state parks across New York state by hiking trails using a GPS unit to collect the trail data and then using GIS to make the maps. It was an exhilarating experience! Afterward, I took a position as an environmental planner and GIS analyst for a consulting firm, but found myself growing restless with a desire to return to an environment that revolved around learning and teaching. I longed to teach science and contribute to environmental research; I applied for doctoral programs. The Environmental Conservation Department at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst has an outstanding program with a diverse collection of research projects, and my GIS background proved ideal for gaining a research assistantship.

Taking the ‘scenic route’ has benefited me in a number of ways.

My writing and analysis skills were sharpened by majoring in history; my master’s degree in geography provided me with a solid understanding of the social and economic ramifications of the environmental challenges I am studying today. I am fortunate to have been able to follow a path that has allowed me to explore my interests as they evolved, the same way I once did at Marvelwood. I smile when I look back upon my fourteen-yearold self arriving at the Marvelwood Summer Program with little self-confidence and great uncertainty. I learned, and carry with me, the secret I was about to discover: you do not need to know where you are headed, you don’t have to be the best. You simply need to follow your passions and do your best; the rest will follow. ■

“

What I will always remember about Lori is her determination and incredible sense of wonder about the natural world. Her inquisitiveness, enthusiasm and educational success is what helps drive me to continue teaching. The road to success was not always easy for Lori and I am so excited that she has chosen to pursue a career (PhD) in environmental conservation. Lori has found incredible strength and confidence as a student and it reminds me of something Rachel Carson once said: ‘Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature -- the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.’ Lori has found, in nature, both balance and her mission in life! Soon it will be the student teaching the teacher....as well it should be in the evolution of life.

Saguaro cacti can take upward to one hundred years to achieve this height. They provide critical habitat to desert life and can be destroyed by wildfires -- yet another reason for concern about fire-prone invasive plants.

Laurie Doss Science Department Chair

”

BLUE&WHITE MAGAZINE – SPRING 2011

14

WINTERATHLETICS

Wrestling MVP Ben O’Connell

Varsity Basketball Co-Captain Mamadou “Woody” Diallo

Ski Team MVP Alex Pandeli

JV Basketball MVP Zhiwei “Mike” Chen

Thirds Basketball MVP Pan “Thomas” Wang 15

MARVELWOOD SCHOOL

Girls Basketball MVP Heidi Nicolson

2010-2011WINTERAthleticAWARDS Varsity Basketball MVP Toby Albert-Faluyi blocks a shot.

BOYS’ VARSITY BASKETBALL - Coaches: Ed Banach, Tom Baker MVP: Toby Albert-Faluyi ’11 MIP: Javante Sheffield ’13 Coaches Award: Mamadou “Woody” Diallo ’11 Co-Captains: Toby Albert-Faluyi, Mamadou “Woody” Diallo, Josiah Bates ’11 All-HVAL: Toby Albert-Faluyi, Mamadou “Woody” Diallo, Josiah Bates, Jacob Berg ’13 All-New England: Toby Albert-Faluyi, Mamadou “Woody” Diallo BOYS’ JV BASKETBALL - Coach: Brian Hastings MVP: Zhiwei “Mike” Chen ’12 MIP: Dillon DiGaetano ’12 Coaches Award: Chance Davis ’13, Serrano Gibson ’13 BOYS’ THIRDS BASKETBALL - Coach: Valentin Dumitrascu MVP: Pan “Thomas” Wang ’13 MIP: Dan Fisch ’12 Coaches Award: Hongbo “William” Ruan ’13 Captain: Ned McAllister ’14 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL - Coaches: Dana Mason and Elizabeth Radday MVP: Heidi Nicolson ’11 MIP: Kristina Walker ’11 Coaches Award: Yu-Tung “Claire” Cheng ’11 Defensive Player Award: Krystel Walker ’11 Co-Captains: Heidi Nicolson, Yu-Tung “Claire” Cheng, Kristina Walker, Krystel Walker All-HVAL: Heidi Nicolson WRESTLING - Coaches: Zach Maizel and Mick Barens MVP: Ben O’Connell ’11 MIP: Keith Moya ’14 Coaches Award: Jin Woo Yeam ’11, Andrew Aldrich ’11, Meng-Han “Jacky” Liu ’11 Co-Captains: Jin Woo Yeam, Andrew Aldrich, Ben O'Connell ALPINE SKI TEAM - Coaches: John Russell and Erin Timm MVP: Alex Pandeli ’11 MIP: Campbell Quinn ’14 Coaches Award: Alexis Lull ’13 Captain: Paul Sarris ’11

The Winter Athletic Program was highly successful. Below are some highlights of our great season. Congratulations to all the players and coaches!

- Glenn Sanchez, Athletic Director WRESTLING: • Team won the Hudson Valley Athletic League Championship • Freshman Keith Moya placed 3rd in New England in the JV Tournament BOYS’ VARSITY BASKETBALL: • Team won the League Valley Division Championship • Team ranked #7 in the New England Class C Tournament • Senior Toby Albert-Faluyi broke the season scoring and rebounding records • Senior Mamadou “Woody” Diallo broke the season shot blocking record GIRLS’ VARSITY BASKETBALL: • Senior Heidi Nicolson broke the season and career three-point shooting records

All photos (except ski photo) by Randy O’Rouke can be purchased at www.bigplayphotos.com/ BLUE&WHITE MAGAZINE – SPRING 2011

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SPRINGATHLETICS 2010-2011SPRINGAthleticAWARDS BOYS’ LACROSSE - Coaches: Glenn Sanchez and Jeremy Tretiak MVP: Anthony Santora ’11 MIP: Jae Hwan Shin ’14 Coaches Award: Mike Janecek ‘13 All-HVAL: Anthony Santora, Chris Borkowski ’11 All-HVAL Honorable Mention: Blaise Marti ’11, Hyung Woo Cho ’11, Bryan Moya ’12 Division III All-Star Game: Anthony Santora, Mamadou Diallo ’11, Alex Pandeli ’11 O’Neil Cup: Jin Woo Yeam ’11 Captains: Anthony Santora, Chris Borkowski, Jin Woo Yeam

Boys’ Tennis Coach Bingham

BASEBALL - Coaches: Mike Cuff and Mike Everett MVP: Adam Ehrman-Shapiro ’11 MIP: Anthony Troy ’11 Coaches Award: Paul Sarris ’11 All-HVAL: Adam Ehrman-Shapiro, Paul Sarris, Jacob Berg ’13 Captains: Adam Ehrman-Shapiro, Paul Sarris, Jacob Berg SOFTBALL - Coaches: Amanda DeMaria and Erin Timm MVP: Yu-Tung Cheng ’11 MIP: Qing Peng ’13 Coaches Award: Melissa Hartlipp ’14, Nele Loecher ’13 All-HVAL: Yu-Tung Cheng, Hojin Kim ’11, Jessica Staats ’12 Captains: Yu-Tung Cheng, Elizabeth Hackney ’11, Hojin Kim BOYS’ TENNIS - Coach: Bing Bingham MVP: Chia-Meng Liu ’11 MIP: Yujie Guo ’11 Coaches Award: Meng Lu ’13, Seung Chan Oh ’12 All-HVAL: Chia-Meng Liu, Meng Lu, Yujie Guo Spirit Cup: Chia-Meng Liu Captains: Chia-Meng Liu, Meng Lu, Orson Fry ’13

Baseball players Adam Erhman-Shapiro and Meng-Han “Jacky” Liu

GIRLS’ TENNIS - Coach: Ed Banach MVP: Heidi Nicolson ’11 MIP: Kristina Walker ’11 Coaches Award: Jiaqian Jiang ’13 All-HVAL: Heidi Nicolson, Jiaqian Jiang Captain: Heidi Nicolson ULTIMATE FRISBEE - Coach: Tim Baker MVP: Lucas O’Malley ’11 MIP: Zhiwei Chen ’12 Coaches Award: Chance Davis ’13, Dillon DiGaetano ’12 All-HVAL: Lucas O'Malley, Forrest Poulin ’11, Zhiwei Chen, Chance Davis Captains: Lucas O’Malley, Forrest Poulin, Raymond Tinglin ’12 WHITEWATER CANOEING - Coach: Craig Ough MVP: Connor Bachmann ’11 All photos by Randy O’Rouke can be purchased at www.bigplayphotos.com/

Nele Loecher (left) and Yu-Tung “Claire” Cheng

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MARVELWOOD SCHOOL

Baseball MVP Adam Erhman-Shapiro ’11

Girls’ Tennis MVP Heidi Nicolson ’11

Marvelwood Lacrosse - Anthony Santora ’11 MVP

Boys’ Tennis MVP Chia-Ming “Justin” Liu ’11

Tennis players Ellen Bibeau ’11 and Katatrina Mesarovic ’14

Ultimate Frisbee MVP Lucas O’Malley ’11

BLUE&WHITE MAGAZINE – SPRING 2011

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PANAMA2011

S

cience Department Chair Laurie Doss wants people to interact with their environment without destroying it. Each year Laurie, along with scientists and volunteers of CREA, Panama (Conservation through Research, Education and Action), helps train Marvelwood students (and residents of rural communities in Panama) to protect their environment. Laurie’s main objective is to work in the Cocobolo Nature Preserve; the Reserve includes over 1100 acres of primary and secondary lowland rainforest, and harbors endangered wildlife.

For ten days, Laurie and her group of eager volunteers, which this year was made up of thirteen students, four of their parents, one alumnus and two faculty members, banded over 130 birds of sixtyone different species. They also discovered and photographed an endangered Harlequin frog and captured images of wildlife with a Reconyx camera trap.

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MARVELWOOD SCHOOL

Each year, Laurie and her students spend a day of community service in La Zahina, a village bordering the Cocobolo Nature Reserve. This year, the group painted a mural illustrating biodiversity and sustainability. The drawing for the mural was done by faculty members Lilly Rand and Sunny Kneissl.

In the rural village of La Zahina, a one-room schoolhouse can only accommodate children up to the sixth grade; Laurie and students fundraise so that Marvelwood School is able to sponsor two girls, Isbeth and Anaryles (above), to attend school in a nearby village.

Panama 2011 Marvelwood participants: Seniors: Connor Bachmann, Michael Esposito, Haolin “Katie” Guo, Kerry Manolagas, Jieyu “Nicole” Ni, Lucas O’Malley, Henry Patterson. Juniors: Joseph Goldin, Forrest Poulin, Zachary Raden, Raymond Tinglin, An “Diane” Wang. Sophomore: Thomas Samuels. Alumnus: Sean Graesser ’09. Parents: Mark Esposito (also Trustee), Gregg Bachmann, Tony O’Malley (Trustee), Donna Randles. Faculty: Sunny Kneissl and Laurie Doss.

Panama photographers: Ariadne Prior-Grosch (CREA), Emilio Espino (CREA), Laurie Doss and students

BLUE&WHITE MAGAZINE – SPRING 2011

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AROUNDCAMPUS ParentASSOCIATIONexcitementNEWLEADERSHIP PA General Meeting Dates for 2011-2012 begin at 3:00 p.m. in the Bodkin Library, and are scheduled on days students are returning to campus after breaks.

September 11th (PA Reception) • January 4th • February 6th • March 28th Please mark your calendar for PA-sponsored "Race to Nowhere" on November 28th!

O

n behalf of the Marvelwood Parent Association, I extend a warm welcome to students and their families. I look forward to connecting with all families. We welcome your energy, ideas, talents and contributions.

My name is Tracy Lowry, and I am the mother of rising tenth-grader Spencer Lowry. Being active in the school has given me the opportunity to develop connections with many of our school’s amazing teachers, administrators, students, and other parents. I love the commitment to individuality that Marvelwood fosters and I feel honored to be able to partner with the school in creating the best possible environment for our children.

I know that many of you parents are busy with the demands of everyday life, but just a small contribution of time and energy can significantly benefit the PA’s efforts. We are working to foster a vibrant and nurturing environment, to support the teachers and staff, and to sponsor and support enriching activities for our children.

Parents’ involvement also helps the development activities of the school and generates money for specific teacher requests, extracurricular activities and special events. There are so many ways that parents can contribute and, in doing so, become advocates for our children. Each parent brings a different set of talents and experiences that can benefit the PA and ultimately our children. Whether you have career skills, artistic or musical ability, special interests and hobbies, or simply ideas, by sharing these resources with the PA, we create a unique offering to the Marvelwood community that is a reflection of who we are. PA-sponsored events are included in the 2011-2012 school calendar. Opportunities to volunteer exist whether you are near or far.

One of our goals for the upcoming year will be to build upon the themes of collaboration, communication and continuity. Collaboration involves the strengthening of partnerships between parents, students, faculty and the administration. Communication means ensuring that all members of our community are informed and up-to-date on all important information and events. Continuity involves implementing systems to ensure that the hard work going into creating a structure for the Parent Association is formalized, documented, and sustainable for generations to enjoy.

Another goal is a rededication to the importance of kindness, respect and good manners. We want to support our faculty in holding our children accountable to high standards and following our Honor Code.

I look forward to an action-packed school year. Your input and involvement are always appreciated. The contact information for the Executive Committee of the Parent Association is listed on the opposite page. Please feel free to contact us with any questions, ideas or observations.

Tracy Lowry, President Marvelwood Parent Association tracyanne4@gmail.com or 201-981-7878

Left-right: Kim Bourne, Tracy Lowry, Jay McAllister, Ellen McAllister and Cynthia Laurencin

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MARVELWOOD SCHOOL

Tracy Lowry held her first Parent Association meeting, as Chair, on March 27 in the Bodkin Library. All current parents were invited, and many were able to attend.

Headmaster Scott Pottbecker and incoming Head of School Art Goodearl were guests.

Parent Association Executive Committee Tracy Lowry P'14, President Tracyanne4@gmail.com 201-981-7878 Jay McAllister P’14, Vice President Jay.mca55@gmail.com 703-821-3477 703-606-7568 Dave Fisch GP’12

Karen Quinn-Panzer P’12

Kim Bourne P’12, Communications Secretary kbourne@playfairplanning.com 347-436-2700 Recording Secretary OPEN

Planting Trees for Marvelwood!

Sean Cassidy P’13, Treasurer Scassidy03@comcast.net 617-312-2639 Cynthia Laurencin P’13, Development Liaison claurencin@embarqmail.com 434-465-0491 Michelle Scruton P’14, Cultural Enrichment michelescruton@optonline.net 203-947-6267 Elaine Pase P’13, Events Chair jed51@aol.com 631-514-1155 Distance Parents Liaison OPEN Parents interested in filling OPEN positions for the PA Executive Committee should contact Tracy Lowry.

Earth Day 2011 Students, faculty and staff planted trees – fifty pine, eighteen apple and four pear. The concept behind this work was to honor Earth Day by helping to bring more green into the world. The planners also wanted to create an orchard of trees for all to enjoy in the coming years. Dr. Walter Kane, esteemed science teacher, donated the fruit trees. As their Senior Gift to the school, Josiah Bates ’11 announced at graduation that the senior class raised the money to donate the fifty pine trees to the project. The fruit orchards can be found in a field just northeast of the library. The pine trees were planted in the field across from Lucy’s Pond. ■

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DEVELOPMENT UPDATENEWS Report

A Letter to the Marvelwood Community

By Glenn P. Schwitter, Sr.

S

ince my arrival in July 2010, it has been a sincere pleasure working with alumni, parents and friends of the school. As important, it has been wonderful working with a great staff and many dedicated professional colleagues here in Kent. All of our work has one goal: to benefit the students. They receive a great education at Marvelwood. I admire and appreciate our faculty, who make the magic happen each and every day.

The Development office is made up of a fine staff of hard working, dedicated professionals doing many behind the scenes tasks and jobs that help the development office and school function. The Development Team includes:

Glenn Schwitter, Trisha Barry, Rachel Steier White ’95 and Shannon van Haaften

100% 90% 80%

Trisha Barry, Director of Communications 860.927.0047 x1030 trisha.barry@marvelwood.org Rachel White ’95, Associate Director of Alumni Relations & Events 860.927 0047 x1008 rachel.white@marvelwood.org Shannon van Haaften, Development Assistant 860.927.0047 x1007 shannon.vanhaaften@marvelwood.org

Please contact us with any questions, comments and concerns. We are here to lend a hand. Responsiveness is a hallmark of a strong Development office, so let us know when you need assistance.

MARVELWOOD FUND

Giving Update as of May 31, 2011

70%

Marvelwood Fund: The annual fund is at $237,350, with 352 donors on board.

60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%

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MARVELWOOD SCHOOL

Overall Giving: Total contributions equal $543,705 from all sources.

Major Gifts / Dormitories Project: To aid in the beautification and renovation of the dormitories, a generous family, who wishes to remain anonymous, has made a gift of $200,000 to Marvelwood. The family’s hope is that their support will inspire others to give to the school. This has already begun, with almost $20,000 in additional funds pledged to the project so far. As you undoubtedly noticed or heard, work began on the dorms over spring break, with painting, new furniture installation and some carpet replacement taking place. More substantial work will occur this summer. If you are interested in additional information or wish to make a gift to this project, please contact me at 860.927.0047 x1016 or via e-mail at glenn.schwitter@marvelwood.org.

Parent Association: A great deal of current and future support for Marvelwood is being put in place by an incredible “team” of volunteers, led by Tracy Lowry P’14, the new Chair of the Parent Association. The PA held their first meeting on March 27th at the school. Over thirty people were in attendance, including Headmaster Scott Pottbecker and newly-appointed Head of School Art Goodearl. After a period of inactivity, the reemergence of a working association is great news. In addition to attracting many volunteers, the PA has plans to bring back the auction, support teachers and students in various ways, hold events, bring new and exciting initiatives to the school, help with the Marvelwood Fund, and much more. Many thanks go out to Tracy Lowry and all the parents who have and will make the PA a big success.

Alumni: Alumni weekend took place April 29 – May 1. We had a strong turnout for this spring event, and on-line registrations and word-of-mouth interest were at their highest levels in recent memory. Rachel White ’95 (alumni relations) and her team of volunteers and their respective outreach, energy and networking are largely responsible for the success of this significant alumni activity.

In other alumni news, young alumni received a letter from Sam Bainbridge ’09. Please take a look at Sam’s letter on the next page. It warrants attention as it is a wonderfully expressive message from a young alumnus who “gets it.” Sam relays a story about the importance of giving and the impact all giving has on the school today and will have for generations to come. Thank you, Sam, for sharing your thoughts. Thank you all, in advance, for answering his call!

Alumni participation is one critical key to our longterm fundraising success. That is why we set a goal of having 175 alumni contribute to the Marvelwood Fund this year. We are making progress, and are currently at 121 gifts to the fund…a record number! This is a team effort and everyone is working to bring in many participatory gifts. We also have a new, “old” face on the team, Glenn Sanchez, who has graciously offered to help reach out to his alumni contacts in his spare time. It is a start, and we need to inspire our graduates to be in the habit of giving to Marvelwood, just like at other great schools. To this end, we are also working with the class of 2011 to ensure that each member of the class gives something to the 2010-11 Marvelwood Fund as well as pledges a small participatory gift to Marvelwood over their upcoming four years in college As always, thank you for your support and many kindnesses to Marvelwood. Please let me know if there is anything we can do to assist you in getting the word out about our school.

Lake Dormitory Common Room area

Marvelwood Receives Major Gift!

THE SCHOOL RECENTLY RECEIVED A GIFT OF $200,000 from a generous Marvelwood family to use for beautifying and renovating the dormitories. Plans include replacing windows, rebuilding front entries, re-insulating attics to be energy efficient, repainting exterior trim and landscaping. The school is now engaged in a process to plan the work to maximize and efficiently use the contributed funds. Led by the Board of Trustees, the school is also in the beginning stages of planning and executing a capital campaign. As dormitory work is in the campaign plans, the $200,000 is an excellent start towards these initiatives. ■

Sterling Dormitory Girls’ Common Room

Sincerely yours,

During March break, the dormitory common rooms were refreshed and repainted – a great start to the upcoming Marvelwood Dormitory project!

Glenn P. Schwitter, Sr. Director of Development

BLUE&WHITE MAGAZINE – SPRING 2011

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LETTER fromanALUMNUS&REUNION WEEKEND Dear Marvelwood Alumni,

I

want to tell you a powerful story that my cousin shared with me. He attended Harvard University and on the first day of school, the President of the University spoke to the incoming freshman class. He told them to look around at the buildings, the athletic facilities, the classrooms, and to remember that all of this was made possible because of donations made by people who had come to Harvard long before they did. The President then told them that they needed to honor those people, who worked hard to make Harvard great. He told my cousin, and the whole freshman class, that they owed the school a lifetime of the same generosity for those who would come after them. That was 1955. My cousin graduated in 1959, and for the next 50 years, he never missed a single year of supporting his college. When I asked him why, he told me it was his duty and that he was grateful for what Harvard had given him.

Samuel Bainbridge ’09

Just like every new student, I didn’t know if this school was right for me.

But, I felt such a relief when we broke through the shadows of the mountains and reached the top of that long, steep road. The campus was surrounded by trees and I saw the pond. My first impression of the school was a good one, but I was still nervous.

You might be wondering why I told you this story. Obviously, Marvelwood is not Harvard, but the message is the same – a school, no matter how big or small, needs and thrives on financial support from their alumni. I am one of those alumni, and I feel very grateful for the education I received at Marvelwood. I will never forget my first look at Marvelwood in May of 2006. Just like every new student, I didn’t know if this school was right for me. But, I felt such a relief when we broke through the shadows of the mountains and reached the top of that long, steep road. The campus was surrounded by trees and I saw the pond. My first impression of the school was a good one, but I was still nervous. Then we met Katherine Almquist, Director of Admission, and she made me feel comfortable and welcome.

As we walked around the school, my parents and I thought it was an incredible place for a surprisingly small number of students, only about 150. We walked through the School house and over to the newlyrenovated dining hall. It was bright, wide open, and seemed to be a really happy place. I was feeling a lot less nervous. We continued on to the dorms. The rooms were big, and there was a great view of the pond. The furniture had seen better days, though. The gym was old as well, but I was told the school was going to build a new gym and I was happy to hear that.

The gym was completed in October 2007; it cost $5,000,000. I used that gym almost every day for one and a half years, and I am thankful that other families donated the money to build it. Now it’s our turn.

In the next couple of years Marvelwood will need to spend money to maintain the campus and buildings, provide scholarships to students who need assistance, and they would like to build a new performing arts center and housing for the faculty. That is why I am writing this letter today.

We need to be thankful, and remember that Marvelwood gave us a great start to our adult lives. Just imagine, if every alumnus/a gave $365 dollars a year (only one dollar per day), we could raise $657,000 each year. There is not one of us who can’t afford one dollar a day!

So I ask you all to absorb the story I told you. I hope you will feel the pride for Marvelwood that I feel, and the duty to support our school. Marvelwood will always be our school no matter where we live, no matter how old we are. Please join me today in making a donation, and by doing so, keeping our memories alive forever.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Samuel Bainbridge, Class of 2009

Sam was happy to be back on campus for the Reunion.

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MARVELWOOD SCHOOL

Art Blakey ’96, James Nicholson ’96 and Rachel Steier White ’95, Associate Director of Alumni Relations

Eddie Thompson ’97 and former Head of School Ann “Toby” Scott

Allison Larrick-Bevell ’91

Save the Date!

APRIL 28, 2012 IS OUR REUNION! Contact Rachel White ’95 for details: rachel.white@marvelwood.org / 860. 927.0047 x1008 Donna Carey ’81, Amy and Scott Pottbecker

David Block and Marissa Terrana Block ’96

Tetsuro Tamura ’94 and his wife Wakako came from Tokyo, Japan! Tetsuro, Mike Augusta and Michael Moderow ’96 BLUE&WHITE MAGAZINE – SPRING 2011

26

Francine Gonzalez and Patrick Duffy ’80

From the class of 1991: Allison Larrick-Bevell, Kathy Brundage, Tara Maxfield and Wendy Adams

James ’96, Winter and Dawn Nicholson

REUNION 2011 WAS A BIG SUCCESS, a wonderful time for all in attendance, and brought back many generations of Marvelwood alumni.

People came from all over the USA and the world (Tetsuro Tamura ’94 traveled from Tokyo, Japan) to celebrate Marvelwood, build relationships and friendships, and reminisce about high school experiences. In total, fifty-three alumni made it back for reunion weekend, not to mention many faculty, staff and alumni guests. The Class of 1996 had the highest number of attendees! The weekend also offered a great opportunity to say goodbye to Headmaster Scott Pottbecker. Alumni and teachers shared touching tributes to Scott, who has so positively impacted the lives of Marvelwood students over the past six years.

Rachel Steier White ’95, Sarah Stackhouse Wayland ’96 and Rachel Leito ’97 Atticus Miller ’ 95, Mary Petit Mozingo ’95 and Michael Mozingo

27

MARVELWOOD SCHOOL

Save the Date!

HOMECOMING SATURDAY September 24, 2011 Contact Rachel White ’95 for details: rachel.white@marvelwood.org 860. 927.0047 x1008

1971 classmates David Woods and George Bard Betsy Harbur ’79

Peter Sommerfield ’90, Damon Colquhoun ’91, Dr. John Kennedy and Keisha Baptiste’ 91

Dylan Stroup ’06

Alanna Roazzi and Andrew Gombert ’97 George Bard ’71, David Woods ’71 and standing, Ted Bohnen ’64

BLUE&WHITE MAGAZINE – SPRING 2011

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MARVELWOOD MEMORIES

Cornelia Bodkin continued from page 4

I was deeply sadden to hear about the passing of Mrs. Bodkin. When I was asked, along with a few

ounding a school entails agonies of zero-funds, making

other alumni, to speak at the memorial service for

do, inventing procedures, pleasing the pleasant and un-

Bob Bodkin in 2003, I had a special moment to chat

pleasant, and most important, perhaps, holding to un-

with Mrs. Bodkin about the school's progress and her

compromising intellectual standards. In all of this, Cornelia

memories of the first class year (1957-1958). It was a

Elizabeth Bodkin has played a major part.

very special time for all of us; I remember how the

Through thick and thin, concerned, caring, making all the

Bodkins went out of their way to treat the first

difference. That was Cornelia Bodkin.

Marvelwood class like family. Mrs. Bodkin was a very

F

– The Blue and White newsletter, March 1981 The Bodkins completed their tenure at Marvelwood School in June 1982 after twenty-five years of leading the school.

important asset to Marvelwood, especially in those early days when success was paramount to the school's future. A very engaging person, Mrs. Bodkin supported students in extra curricular activities, such as the school play and the school dance. She tutored those students who got behind.

Special thanks are due to Mrs. Bodkin, who managed

With fondest memories,

to see that everything went off as planned. Without

Ken Ingraham '58

her interest and encouragement, the school plays could not have been such a great success.

The Marvelwood Drama Society from the 1968 Prism

Marvelwood School Dramatics Club - 1964

29

MARVELWOOD SCHOOL

MARVELWOOD MEMORIES

Ton Patterson ’04 and his brother Henry ’11

Edward Grigg ’92 and his daughter Kassandra’11

Petros Klisiaris ’11 and his sister Alexandra ’09

TRIVIA

Last issue’s TRIVIA photos, above, had two winners! No one identified the 2007 photo. Marisa Terrana Block ’96 identified the photo on the left: 1995, from the play, “The Drive In.” Allison Nasery, Jason Ridgely, Priscilla Carson-Lindberg, Pete Becker, Gus Kellogg, Atticus Miller, Mary Pettit, David Karowsky, Sarah Stackhouse, Rachel Steier, Kyle Hill, Melissa Farrell, Marisa Terrana.

rifles. One must remember that 1970 was a strange period of American History. I remember a time when Bob Kay was followed home from a local watering hole by some townies. Before things were settled, students were awakened by a number of shotgun blasts fired from the window of the Kays’ apartment!”

Jack Whitton ’71 was first to identify the middle photo: “Phillips Gang, l-r: Richard Sullivan, Jim McGinn, Mark Murphy, Jeff Barber and Richard Whitney. They were the residents of Phillips Dorm (to the left of the Town Hall), headed by Bob and Laura Kay. Bob was a great sportsman from the South. He formed the Outdoors Club during his time at Marvelwood. The club did some bird hunting, which explains the

No winners for the photo on the right of the 2007 girls’ soccer team - standing, l-r: assistant coach Jamie Dwan, Bimala Carl-Jones, Alyx Applegate, Debbie Shufro, Jenn Rublin, Lena Crane, Courtney Haedke, Rebecca Pascarelli, Coach Ed Banach. Front row, l-r: Marissa Kleinberg, Antoinette Johnson, Mirabelle Thevenin.

TRIVIA! Describe the meaning of five or more of the names, words and phrases below (taken from Blythe Everett’s speech on page 10) to win a Marvelwood t-shirt. Winner will be chosen from all correct answers. The person with the most correct answers has the best chance of winning Send your answers to trisha.barry@marvelwood.org 1. Cheney 2. Coltsfoot

3. Ronshaugen

4. The pizza hut

8. Wojan’s mus musculus 9. The big blue bus

10. Corwin

5. Twixt Road 11. Mohawk

6. Desmond

12. Calhoun

7. The ghost of Trustees

13. Thurber

14. Ho Chi Minh

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ClassNOTES

1958 Kenneth Ingraham included a note with his gift to the annual fund: “I will turn seventytwo this July 15th – should be the oldest graduation alum.” Ken is one of four who made up Marvelwood’s first graduating class.

He sent his best to Scott Pottbecker and said that he was pleased with the contribution Scott has made to the school. See photo.

1966 Ken Ingraham ’58 (right) and Scott Pottbecker in 2008. Ken was a guest speaker at Marvelwood’s 50th Commencement.

Kirk Walters ’71 (center) and his wife Yvonne Caputo talking to David Woods ’71 at the Reunion Dinner in April.

Henry Fleishman and his wife of thirtyseven years, Gini, are relocating from Eden to Charlotte, NC so that they can be nearer their two daughters, Leonie and Margaret, and their grandchildren. Henry is leaving his medical practice in Eden after thirty-two years, but will continue practicing with Surgical Specialists of Charlotte (www.ssclt.com). The Fleishmans have three children. Their oldest daughter, Leonie, is married to Dr. Jay Appel, a plastic surgeon, and they have two children, Hadley is four-years-old and her brother Reed is three. The Fleishmans’ middle child, Margaret, is a Physician Assistant in the Urology Dept. at Carolinas Medical Center.

Their youngest child, Nathan, is married to Larissa and is a medical student at East Carolina University in Greenville, NC.

1970 Les Ryon visited Tom Sabin ’71 this spring in Barcelona, Spain and was treated to an insiders’ view of the city. Les and Tom have stayed in touch, but had not seen each other for thirty-six years! See photo on opposite page.

1971 Tom Sabin visited the Admission Office with his son Jake this winter as they toured New England prep schools. They chose Marvelwood!

Tom is the co-founder and commercial director of MonkeyFilms in Barcelona, Spain where he has lived since finishing college and meeting his wife. Visit Tom's website to read about his journey into filmmaking. See photo. www.tomsabin.com.

Tom Sabin ’71 brought his son Jake to tour his alma mater. Jake will enter the Marvelwood Class of 2014 this fall.

Kent campus. Kirk is principal of the Walters Group, LLC, a management consulting company in Pennsylvania. He was recently recognized with a Sally Lee Community Service Award from the United Way. See photo.

1976 Jake Dzubak is a frequent and dedicated visitor to Marvelwood’s campus, coming to many of the athletic home games. He and his wife Donna were at the reunion, and Jake couldn’t resist buying a Marvelwood alumni t-shirt. Team spirit! See photo opposite page.

1980 William H. Meyer has been married for nineteen years this summer. He lives in Mid Wales, U.K. and works for the county council in the catering and cleaning department.

Bill has recently been thinking of Marvelwood and the old Wilderness Ways. He says “Hello” to his classmates and friends.

1982 Mark Walhimer is managing partner of Mark Walhimer Exhibition Design, a museum planning and exhibition project management firm of interactive educational environments for science centers, children’s museums and natural history museums. Mark is currently working on a traveling exhibition, “Alcatraz: Life on the Rock,” which showcases the island’s history and infamous inmates. The exhibition will open at Ellis Island October 2011. Mark’s company was hired to design the new 14,000 sq. ft. Trans Studio Science Center in Bandung, Indonesia. See more of Mark’s work on his website: www.walhimer.com

Kirk Walters attended the Reunion Dinner with his wife Yvonne Caputo. During the day, Kirk visited campus with classmate Jay Jones ’72. Both were very pleased by the Mark Walhimer ’82

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MARVELWOOD SCHOOL

Cyrus Krohn was a Marvelwood Summer School student in 1985. Now he is a director at Microsoft.

See note under 1985. Cyrus offered some advice to students who hope to enter the publishing, e-marketing industry:

“Focus on reading and writing.

Learn how to study.”

Cyrus Krohn attended Marvelwood’s summer school in 1985. In a recent phone conversation with Rachel Steier White ’95, Cyrus let on that he was “a problem student.” He said, “Marvelwood really helped me see that my studies were important.” During his summer at Marvelwood, Cyrus developed a strong work ethic, and also realized that he had to work a little harder than others to accomplish his goals. Cyrus described his Marvelwood experience as “brief and impactful,” and he offered this advice for current students interested in entering the publishing, e-marketing industry, “Focus on reading and writing. Learn how to study.”

Cyrus is director of local, online programming for MSN (Microsoft). He is responsible for creating media experiences for the iPhone, iPad, and other mobile devices, making local community information easy to access. Current projects include glo.com (lifestyle), fitbie.com (interactive fitness), and delish.com (food and entertaining). Previously, Cyrus was director of the Republican National Committee e-Campaign. Cyrus’s real passion lies in streamlining technology affiliated with politics and government. See photo.

1988 Jeffrey Jones lives in West Townsend, MA with his wife Linda (eighteen years married) and their two children, Mikayla and Jakob.

1989 Jill Freifeld is the owner of Happy Hound Pet Care (www.happyhoundpetcare.com) in Silver Spring, MD. Her company offers dog walking, petsitting and training in the Metro DC area. In 2009, Jill graduated, with honors, from Animal Behavior College dog training program, and she is now a mentor-trainer for current students. Jill uses modern, positive reinforcement-based training techniques to build positive associations–creating opportunities for success. HHPC offers private and group training sessions. Jill says that most

of her clients are “nipping, sock-stealing, sometimes dog-aggressive dogs,” but she has had other experiences such as helping a street dog rescued from the streets of Saudi Arabia cope with apartment living, and rehabilitating a dog sentenced to euthanasia because of aggression. Jill says she “works like a dog and can’t imagine doing anything else.” See photo.

1991 Keisha Baptiste was named interim principal at Lourdes Academy High School in Brooklyn, New York.

1993 Ira Finn wrote that he would not be able to come to the reunion this year because of his duties as Chairman of the Board of Directors for a non-profit organization in Washington DC. He promised to make his way to Marvelwood one day soon!

Melissa Showers works for TLH Communications, Inc as a public relations consultant and event planner. Melissa attended the Marvelwood Alumni gathering at “The Park.”

Toni L. Sandys/twp

1985

Tom Sabin ’71 and Les Ryon ’70

Jill Freifeld ’89 walking her Great Dane clients, Lulu and Scooby.

1994 Cristina Zandomenego is married with two boys, ages four and six. She lives in Ponte Vedra Beach, and exhibits her jewelry at the Riverside Arts Market every month. Her jewelry is hand crafted and is one-of-a-kind. You can see more of Cristina’s jewelry at www.facebook/zandomenegocollection.

Jake Dzubak ’76 with his wife Donna and Shannon van Haaften

1995 Atticus Miller works at North Shore Day School and North Shore Day Camp. He is passionate about the school’s mission to build the foundation for young children’s educational futures. The school serves children from toddler to kindergarten ages. Atticus is involved in programs that encourage young children to think creatively and independently. He will head the expansion for the day camp this summer.

Jewelry by Christina Zandomenego ’94

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ClassNOTES

Laurent Fauque ’96 and Stephanie going to get married!

Art Blakey ’96 on campus at the Reunion; Jennifer Burbano at the Reunion Dinner with her yearbook.

1996 Art Blakey was at the reunion. He was recently promoted to Operations Examiner at Port Authority Trans-Hudson Corp. Art lives in Ft. Greene, Brooklyn. See photo.

Jennifer Burbano is moving back to New York City in May to begin work on her M.A. while working for an art gallery. She is very excited! Jen is also in a relationship and feels great that things are so positive. See photo.

Elyce Garceau teaches eighth-grade special ed classes in the Bronx; she coaches basketball and softball, and is working on getting her second master’s degree in school and community counseling.

1997 Robert P. Ainsworth is living outside of Philadelphia with his wife of four years and their one-year-old daughter.

Laurent Fauque and Stephanie Robert-Fauque were married on April 1. They are expecting a baby boy in July! Laurent owns a water treatment and pumping company based in Casablanca, Morocco. You can visit his website and ‘practice your French at the same time’ at www.hydrocentrale.com

2000 Amy (Baker) Carver works, full-time, as an administrative assistant at Honda and besides that, stays busy with her twins. Plus, she still

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MARVELWOOD SCHOOL

Angela Eastwick ’02 “JuJu Tours: Jamaica Unleashed, Jamaica Uncovered!”

plays softball! She loves being a ‘mommy.’ Amy wishes all a wonderful alumni weekend and is sad that she can’t make it to the reunion.

2001 Beata Grzeczkowicz graduated from Villanova University this May with her Master’s of Science in Counseling and Human Relations, concentration secondary school counseling. Overall GPA, 3.7.

Pugkaporn (Garb) Savettamal is a co-pilot for Air Wisconsin, a US Airways Express carrier. He lives in southern Virginia and recently saw his classmate Alex McAdam, who lives nearby and is an officer in the Navy.

Garb says ‘hello’ to everyone at Marvelwood.

He has a son, almost two-years-old, named Jormsook (Guy). See photo opposite page.

Natalia Rozenholc was recently married to Wayne Kaiser. She wrote, “It was a fantastic night, and I loved having some of my Marvelwood friends with us to celebrate. We were married December 18th in New York City. Wayne and I have been together for going on eight years. We live in Manhattan with our three dogs, and own a green construction company. We recently completed one of Manhattan's first LEED gold certified art galleries. A few years ago we bought a country house in Woodstock, NY and I am trying to organize a mini-reunion for a weekend there this summer. I was so sorry to miss the reunion this year, but look forward to catching up with everyone next year.”

See photo opposite page.

2002 Angela Eastwick owns JuJu Tours, an American-owned tour company based out of Negril, Jamaica, devoted to uncovering Jamaica's best-kept secrets. JuJu Tours brings guests to Jamaica's hidden charms and treasures - the unspoiled caves, the rarely visited falls, the off-the-beaten track roadside jerk stands - allowing visitors to feel as though they’ve seen and experienced the “real” Jamaica. JuJu Tours is the only tour operator in Jamaica that offers nightlife tours to sultry night clubs, live reggae bands on the beach, and the local revelries. JuJu invites guests to safely experience Jamaica’s party scene by providing round-trip transportation and tour guides. “JuJu Tours: Jamaica Unleashed, Jamaica Uncovered!” See photo. www.jujutours.com/ Eric Stuart is stationed with the Coast Guard outside of Boston. He plays hockey in a men’s league with Ryan Lesko ’04. Eric and Ryan were members of Marvelwood’s last ice hockey team in 2002.

2003 David Karasick lives in Tokyo and works for a media technology publishing company. He also teaches classes on using the iPad. Dave translates American technology into Japanese. ‘People who speak a Roman-based language natively have to study four times harder/longer to learn Japanese than they would to learn, say, Spanish or German.’ Dave pointed out that it’s

Pugkaporn Savettamal ’01 and his son Jormsook, also known as “Garb” and “Guy.”

2005 Hyun Bum “Henry” Lee made a decision to leave his studies at the University of Wisconsin to take the Korean SAT and apply to schools in Korea for Oriental Medicine. He was in the top three percent of applicants who were accepted into Dongguk University, a competitive six-year program.

Henry hopes to study western medicine when he finishes. although his true passion, like his father’s, is Oriental Medicine. OM is a medical system that has been used for thousands of years to prevent, diagnose and treat disease; it includes acupuncture, diet, herbal therapy, meditation, physical exercise and Tui Na massage. ‘OM can treat a number of illnesses which western medicine has not yet found a solution for. The fact that OM works has been proven, and western scientists and doctors are now studying how OM works in the human body. As OM becomes more more widely accepted and used, it will benefit all of humanity,’ said Henry. He recently began the semester and, in his words, ‘is super excited to study and learn’ about the practice of Oriental Medicine.

2006 Amanda Sceusa purchased a home in North Carolina with her fiance Gregory Walter. Amanda works as a laboratory analyst for Hospira, a generic pharmaceutical company. She and Gregory are getting married October 16th. Amanda misses everyone at Marvelwood very much.

2008 Alexandra Applegate is a student at the University of Cincinnati, working toward a degree in health, exercise and fitness, with a minor in nutrition. Alyx completed her ISSA (International Sports Science Assoc.) personal training certifica-

tion; she is a trainer at Urban Active Fitness. She will also complete her training in medical reimbursement and receive specialist certification this May and would like to split her time working as a trainer and a reimbursement specialist while finishing her degree. Alyx is involved with her church’s outreach ministries and was also a member of Marvelwood’s 2011 Reunion Committee. Alyx said she still spends Monday nights as she did while living in Sterling Dorm, watching “Gossip Girl.”

Mirabelle Thevenin is finishing up her junior year at Hobart and William Smith Colleges and is excited for her senior honors project, “Miranda Rights in Theory and Practice,” in which she will interview defendants and law enforcement officials about the interrogation process. Mimi was selected from her school’s pre-law program to visit Cornell University and have dinner with the dean of admission and faculty members of the law school. She is a philosophy major, double minoring in both law and society, and writing and rhetoric, and plans to attend law school after graduation. Mimi is a resident assistant (three years), an America Reads tutor, and a member of the Learn to Lead program. She is also involved in Community Council and works for Student Activities at Hobart Smith. See photo.

2009 Jae Eun “Jane” Lee wrote to tell of her adventures abroad at Sotheby’s Institute of Art, where she is studying Art Business. Jane is in her second year at Brown University, majoring in economics and visual arts, and she took the opportunity this semester to study in London.

Her course includes many class trips to galleries and museums, including the Tate Modern Museum. Jane is learning so much from her surroundings and classmates because it is a graduate program; her peers include older students who have their own galleries, parents of high school students, well-known collectors, and/or MA graduates! Jane also sells and curates art at the gallery for the Affordable Art Fair,

Rachel Steier White ’95 and Alyx Applegate ’08 greeted Reunion guests on campus.

Photo: http://www.hws.edu/

just as hard for students from Korea, Japan and China to learn English! He credits Earlham College’s Japanese Studies Program and the fact that he started learning Japanese at Marvelwood for his ability to learn the language.

Natalia Rozenholc ’01 gathered Marvelwood friends for a photo at her wedding. L-R: Michelle Aselta '01, former Marvelwood faculty Henry and Barbara Woodward, Natalia, her husband Wayne Kaiser, Nicole Goudreau, and Terence Green '01. Matt Gluck '01 also attended.

Mirabelle Thevenin ‘08 is headed to the D.A.’s office.

Jae Eun (Jane) Lee ’09 and I-Tsen (Samantha) Liu ’09 met up in London.

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ClassNOTES

where the work has to cost less than £4000 (about $6000). It is one of the few galleries to specialize in Korean artists and since the art is affordable, people buy things because they love it, not for the investment. Jane was on campus for graduation and sends her best to everyone! See photo previous page.

Michael Montemarano is a sophomore majoring in Chemical Biology at St. Joseph’s University in Pennsylvania.

2010 Seung Kun “Tom” Lee is studying Political Economy of Industrial Societies and Business at University of California, Berkeley. Ronald Lewis is at St. John’s University majoring in Legal Studies and Criminal Law. Tom and Ronald visited campus this winter to personally make their donations to the annual fund. They presented their checks to the Headmaster, then walked out to the field to check out the new score boards, a gift to Marvelwood from the Class of 2010. See photo.

Mike Augusta went to see the father of Marvelwood Hockey, Chris Smith, in Torrington this past winter. Mr. Smith is doing well in his 88th year. He is regularly visited by his grandson, Dave Dennehy ’91 and two great-grand children. Mr. Smith was with Marvelwood from the start as a teacher, coach, business manager and keeper of the school store.

Seung Kun (Tom) Lee and Ronald Lewis (Class of 2010) came by to make a donation, in person, to the Marvelwood Fund. They are shown above with Mr. Pottbecker in front of the scoreboard that was their senior class gift to the school.

Karin (Overfield) Klein ’02 was on campus for a spring visit with her husband Michael and their daughter.

Director of Development Glenn Schwitter visited a current parent in Florida, as well as alumni. Shown above is Faiza Davrainville P’12 and Hans Joerg Birrer.

Below, l-r: Jennifer M. Burbano ’96, Amy E. Carver ’00 and Henry F. Margenau ’70. Glenn Schwitter also visited Mark Aspinwall ’67.

Bimala Carl-Jones ’10 (left) and Briana Canavan ’10 were on campus to wish the graduating class good luck.

Send YOUR class notes to: trisha.barry@marvelwood.org or to: rachel.white@marvelwood.org 35

MARVELWOOD SCHOOL

NYC Alumni Gathering, l-r: Keisha Howard ’92; Damon Colquhoun ’91; Eddie Thompson ’97; Michelle Canty ’94; Melissa Showers ’93; Kelly Hunt Amaral ’95

Keisha Howard ’92 and Nadine Guerrera '92 at the NYC event.

1964 Bruce Loomis sent in this class note and photos just as the magazine was going to the printer: I recently had the opportunity to get together with classmate and good friend Steve Perrins ’64 after not seeing him for many years. We’d been in touch by e-mail, but Steve lives in Colorado and I live in Connecticut and we had not been able to get to the same place at the same time.

Steve came east to attend the graduation of his son, Sandy, from medical school at the University of Vermont in Burlington and his plans included visiting family in New England and eastern Canada. Fortunately, he was able to set aside some time for us to get together and visit.

I met Steve in Chester, Vermont, and we went to Alice’s Restaurant for lunch, where we were joined by Steve’s wife, Susan. We had a nice lunch and leisurely visit before going across the street to the Hugging Bear Inn to take some pictures, after which we went back to a relative’s house.

We talked about old times and what we had each been up to. Steve is an avid skier and still competes successfully in the “over 60” class. (At Marvelwood he was captain of the ski team.)

Classmates and friends Bruce Loomis (left) and Steve Perrins met again after not seeing each other for many years.

Although he hadn’t been to the Marvelwood campus in Kent, Steve was familiar with the facilities – his daughter, Brooke, attended Kent School when the girls’ campus was located where Marvelwood School is today. He remembered well the dorms and the buildings.

We both agreed it would be fun to get back to Marvelwood for our 50th reunion in 2014 and said we would try to gather other members from our class to do the same.

After a great, but too short, visit I had to leave to drive back to Connecticut. It was really super to see Steve again. The last time we saw each other was when Steve was teaching at the old Marvelwood campus.

-Bruce Loomis ’64

An ALUMNI WEEKEND note: I was moved and so pleased to see the campus. Jay Jones ’72 and I stepped out of the car and remarked how similar the “feel” of the place was to Cornwall. I am delighted with the changes and the new programs, cur-

Cecile (Watters) Tebo ’78 and her son Chris visited Marvelwood in May. Chris is considering his school choices for next year.

riculum and environment at Marvelwood.

Kirk Walters ’71

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Marvelwood The

SCHOOL

476 Skiff Mountain Road PO Box 3001 Kent, CT 06757-3001

When the chicks hatch, as soon as their feathers are dry, they can walk!

Within minutes, the tiny, hopping birds imprint on their parents and become difficult to see. They eat a lot and grow fast, and the show is over until next spring.

Photos: Laurie Doss

E

very year, Science Department Chair Laurie Doss makes sure to place a barrier around the Killdeer nest. These birds make their nest on our field, right next to where the girls play softball, and where the giant lawnmower passes through! We try not to bother the Killdeer family too much, but a highlight of a spring day involves walking out to the nest to watch the parents protect their eggs.

When an intruder gets too close, the adults start calling loudly, bobbing, and running away. Killdeer are well known for their broken-wing display, an attempt to lure predators away from the nest by pretending to be hurt.

An adult Killdeer at her nest (four eggs underneath her left wing)

The babies, hatched and hatching