DINING HALL TRANSFORMATION: Major renovation this summer
SENIOR CIRCLE: Reflections from members of the Class of 2025
As we step into a new season at Morristown Beard School, I find myself reflecting deeply on the enduring power of community—and, in particular, the legacy of family that lives so vividly within our School’s story.
One of the most cherished hallmarks of independent school life is the thread of continuity woven across generations. It’s something we see often at MBS: a parent cheering on their child from the sidelines of the field they used to play on, siblings greeting familiar faculty members who once taught their older brothers or sisters, and alumni returning not just to visit—but to reinvest, to reimagine, and to re-root their families in a place that shaped them.
Family legacy is more than tradition. It is a testament to the trust and value our community places in the education and experiences we offer. It speaks to the depth of connection alumni feel to this School—not simply as a place of learning, but as a formative home. These legacies strengthen our identity and help guide our vision for the future.
This year, we are celebrating those connections in meaningful ways. From multigenerational family features in our publications to special
events honoring legacy families, we are committed to recognizing and uplifting the vital role our alumni play in shaping our present and future. Whether you are part of a long line of MBS graduates or forging a new path for future generations, your story is an integral part of our shared history.
Perhaps you will join us for Homecoming in September and have the opportunity to see and experience everything Morristown Beard has to offer. We are deeply grateful to our alumni for the pride, love, and loyalty you carry—and for the many ways you continue to enrich our community.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Liz Morrison
Chief Advancement Officer
Betsy B. Patterson P ’14, ’16
Executive Assistant to the Chief Advancement Officer
Linda Riedell
Director of Marketing & Communications
Crimson Managing Editor
Brynn Campbell
Design Manager
Crimson Graphic Designer
Sharon Cain
Digital Marketing Manager
Brad Hickey
Media Manager
Tiffany Zuber
Director of Alumni Engagement & Annual Giving
Stacy Albanese
Director of Philanthropy & Engagement
Megan Casey Advancement Services Manager
Melissa Hickey
Assistant Director of Annual Giving
Bridget Monaghan ’19
Research Analyst
Maggie Ranger ’10
Director of Special Events & Parents Association Liaison
Kerianne Skobo-Trought
Contributing Writers
Stacy Albanese, Scott Greene, Brad Hickey, Kate Sheleg Muttick ’97, Carol Selman ’64
Photography
Brynn Campbell, Vincent Carchietta (MCV Photography), Peter Chollick Photography, Audrey Eapen Photos , Scott Greene, Shawn Henry, Brad Hickey, Highpoint Pictures, Jopofoto, Darren McCollester/Getty Images News, Tiffany Zuber
Media Contact
Brynn Campbell
Director of Marketing & Communications
973-532-7580 • bcampbell@mbs.net
Ravi Chopra ’97, Co-President
Carisa V. Strauss P ’20, ’22, ’24, Co-President
Michael Morais P ’22, ’24, ’26, Vice President
Darnell T. Parker ’00, Vice President
Lee Kellogg Sadrian ’89, P ’26, ’28, Vice President
R. Cartwright Wallace ’93, P ’28, Treasurer
Pamela Nelson Davidson ’90, Secretary
Liz Morrison, Head of School
Mary Ellen Campbell P ’72, ’78 (Honorary)
Alexandra Carter P ’29
Lissa Jean Ferrell P ’22
Peter Fiverson P ’25, ’28
Shanae M. Green P ’27
David V. H. Hedley ’64, P ’87, ’90, ’97 (Honorary)
David A. McManus P ’21
Alexander D. Ranger ’13
Michael W. Ranger P ’10, ’13 (Honorary)
Bruce Sanford P ’16, ’20
Marlynn Scully P ’87, ’92, GP ’20, ’22 (Honorary)
Laurence H. Sherman P ’20, ’22, ’26
Margaret M. Smith P ’13, ’18, ’20
Eric Soos P ’25, ’25
Scott J. Tannen ’95, P ’22, ’25, ’25
Liz Morrison - Head of School
Darren Burns P ’19, ’22 - Chief Innovation Officer
Alonda Casselle P ’27, ’30 - Head of Middle School
Klarissa Karosen P ’26, ’28 - Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Philicia Levinson P ’19 - Director of Human Resources
Ryan Liese P ’31 - Head of Upper School
Boni Luna - Dean of Faculty
Robert L. Mitchell II P ’15, ’20, ’23Director of Enrollment Management
Betsy B. Patterson P ’14, ’16Chief Advancement Officer
Chance Van Sciver - Chief Financial & Operating Officer
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On April 10, MBS officially welcomed 15 seniors into The Cum Laude Society for outstanding scholastic achievement. The Cum Laude Society, modeled on Phi Beta Kappa, was founded in 1906 at the Tome School in Port Deposit, Maryland, to promote learning and scholarship in secondary schools. The Beard School received its Cum Laude Society charter in 1950, The Morristown School in 1958, and Morristown Beard School in 1976.
Each chapter elects to membership those members of the senior and junior classes who have demonstrated academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and good character.
This year’s inductees (back row from left): Andrew DeKuyper ’25, Robert Magnotta ’25, Sydney Urbach ’25, Sloane Fiverson ’25, Clara Paynter ’25, Rebecca Stulberger ’25, Liz Morrison, Thomas Byrne ’25, Justin Kothavale ’25 (front row from left): Arden Upadya ’25, Kevin Chen ’25, Indiya Weinmann ’25, Emma Teitelbaum ’25, Kassy Patino ’25, Charlotte Sussman ’25, Sarah Freeman ’25
Head of School Liz Morrison and Director of Technology Caitlin Skobo-Trought had the honor of attending the prestigious Apple Distinguished Schools Leadership Academy conference at Full Sail University. This exclusive conference, hosted by Apple, serves as a vibrant hub for visionary leaders in education. The Academy brings together educational leaders, school administrators, and educators who are part of the Apple Distinguished Schools program. These events focus on sharing best practices, showcasing innovative uses of Apple technologies in education, and fostering leadership within the Apple education community. Attendees explored groundbreaking ways to leverage Apple technologies to transform learning environments while engaging with a global network of forward-thinking educators. The experience not only highlighted Morristown Beard’s place at the forefront of educational innovation but also provided invaluable insights to shape the future of teaching and leadership.
Liz Morrison noted the “global nature”of the conference. “There were attendees from Singapore, Vietnam, South Africa and countries throughout Europe. I had this moment in the conference where I realized we’re all connected through these devices. It made me energized to think about the way in which kids all over the world can actually work together on shared problems and problem solving.”
“Leaving the Apple Distinguished School Academy without feeling inspired would be nearly impossible,” says Caitlin Skobo-Trought. “The three days were filled with remarkable and motivating stories from
schools worldwide, showcasing how they are transforming learning through innovative use of Apple products. I returned to MBS filled with excitement, newfound enthusiasm, and fresh knowledge, eager to brainstorm and implement ideas for the years ahead.”
Morristown Beard School stands among an elite group of only 889 schools worldwide, spanning 37 countries, to earn the coveted Apple Distinguished School designation.
Congratulations to the following seniors who have committed to continue their athletic journey at the collegiate level:
Ava Dipasquale ’25 — Trinity College (Field Hockey)
Julie Jasaitis ’25 — Colby College (Ice Hockey)
Isla Johnston ’25 — Middlebury College (Swimming)
Will L’Estrange ’25 — Hamilton College (Swimming)
Rebecca Lenner ’25 — Elon University (Lacrosse)
Ben Luther ’25 — Oberlin College (Soccer)
Maya Patankar ’25 — Smith College (Softball)
Gabe Prusan ’25 — The College of New Jersey (Track & Field)
Sophia Vera ’25 — Eastern University (Basketball)
Chase Zaikov ’25 — Oberlin College (Baseball)
On January 30, Head of School
Liz Morrison honored MBS faculty and staff members in the Ad Astra Society—those with 25 or more years of service to the School— at a special reception at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park.
Darren Burns P ’19, ’22, Chief Innovation Officer
Andrea Deventer P ’08, Performing Arts Teacher
Jeanine Erickson, Art & Design Teacher
Paul Fisher P ’12, ’16, Computational & Information
Sciences Teacher
Washington Galvez, Buildings and Grounds
Tim Hannigan P ’30, History Teacher
Laurie Hartman, Art & Design Teacher
Kathy Hemmer, Receptionist
Vaughan Leigh, World Languages Teacher
Dana McGuire, Accounting Manager
Cathy Meller P ’11, ’18, Accounts Payable Manager
John Sheppard P ’17, Wellness Teacher
US Navy veteran Kevin Casselle P ’27, ’30, spoke at All-School Meeting about his military service as part of the School’s observance of Veterans Day. Mr. Casselle discussed his love of aviation, his training in flight school, and how the Tuskegee Airmen helped inspire his journey.
Seeing Eye Dogs in training visited MBS— the perfect way to kick of the 2nd quarter.
Despite the chilly November weather, students ventured to Fairview Lake YMCA for the first annual Middle School community building retreat. The day centered around providing opportunities for students to strengthen connections, build leadership skills, and foster a stronger sense of belonging.
Our Middle School students brought the house down in Founders Hall with an electrifying tap showcase. From toe-tapping rhythms to show-stopping moves, they had the audience cheering every step of the way.
Middle School students laced up their skates and hit the ice for the annual Skating Party! It was a morning full of fun and great memories.
The chilly weather couldn’t stop the warmth of holiday spirit on campus as members of the Parents Association helped transform the School into a winter wonderland.
The Parent/Guardian Fiction Book Club gathered in early February in the MBS Anderson Library for an engaging discussion on North Woods by Daniel Mason.
Kudos to the incredible cast and crew of Morristown Beard’s Into the Woods! Their exceptional talent and unwavering dedication brought this iconic fairy tale to life with brilliance and heart.
The MBS lobby of Founders Hall transformed into a vibrant and intimate Coffee House, where students came together for a night of creative expression. Organized and hosted by Jay Spencer ’25, the event provided a welcoming space for performers to take the stage as their authentic selves. The lineup featured stand-up comedy, poetry, magic tricks, guitar playing, and singing, and was a celebration of the artistic spirit of the MBS community.
Directed by Alex Wise
Directed by Dr. John Girvin
Staged
Directed by Carolyn Baldacchini
A standing ovation for the cast and crew of The Matchmaker! Your talent and dedication lit up the stage—bravo!
Casino Night, hosted by the Parents Association at the Crystal Plaza in Livingston, was a jackpot of fun and excitement! Guests were immersed in the thrill of casino games, enjoyed amazing food, and competed for incredible prizes in both live and online auctions.
The energy in the room was electric as friends and neighbors came together to celebrate community, connection, and a night full of luck and laughter. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who rolled the dice and helped make this event a winning success!
Alex grew up in Huntington, New York, later moving to Washington, DC to attend Georgetown University and then spending a year in Taipei, Taiwan as a Fulbright Research Scholar (and acting in a few Taiwanese television commercials on the side). Upon moving back to New York, Alex pursued her law degree at Columbia Law School, where she met her husband, Greg Lembrich, and began working as a litigator at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP. After five years of litigation practice, Alex returned to Columbia to pursue full-time law teaching.
Alex is now the Everett B. Birch Innovative Teaching Clinical Professor of Law at Columbia Law School, where she directs the Mediation Clinic and has spent nearly twenty years helping thousands of people resolve their differences out of court. In 2020, Alex’s first book, Ask for More: 10 Questions to Negotiate Anything, was published
by Simon & Schuster and became a Wall Street Journal Bestseller.
When she is not in the classroom at Columbia, Alex trains diplomats at the United Nations and corporations around the world how to negotiate in a way that strengthens relationships. She also loves teaching teenagers how to apply mediation skills to their everyday conversations so that they can strengthen their ability to have dialogue across differences.
In her spare time, Alex can often be found cheering on her daughter, Caroline Carter Lembrich ’29, at swim meets around the country. She also enjoys hiking, scouting new restaurants, using Duolingo to brush up on her rusty Chinese, and spending way too much time playing New York Times word games.
MBS is pleased to welcome Megan Casey as Director of Philanthropy and Engagement. Megan brings with her a 20-year career in higher education, with an expertise in development and alumni relations. She has held leadership roles at The College of New Jersey, Rutgers University, and most recently at Lehigh University, where she spent a decade advancing institutional priorities.
In her previous role as Assistant Vice President for College Development and Corporate and Foundation Relations, Megan built strong partnerships with academic leaders to translate visionary goals into philanthropic opportunities. Her work has helped transform student and faculty
experiences through impactful donor engagement, program support, and research advancement.
A native of Pennsylvania, Megan earned her B.A. in both Business Administration and Communication Arts from Catawba College in North Carolina. She now resides in Hunterdon County, where life outside the office is filled with family, travel, and cheering on her two sons from the baseball sidelines.
We are thrilled to have Megan’s energy and expertise guiding our philanthropic efforts, and we look forward to the meaningful connections she will build across the MBS community.
Last October, Morristown Beard hosted the 2024 NJAIS Accreditation visit, during which the School underwent an impartial and rigorous review process. A Visiting Team, comprised of peers from other independent schools, viewed Morristown Beard through the lens of it’s mission statement, the NJAIS Standards for Accreditation, and the School’s Self-Study Report. In addition to sitting in classes and attending activities, the team spoke with students, faculty, families, members of the Board of Trustees, and alumni. Not only have they recommended the School for re-accreditation, but they have also noted that MBS is in a position of strength.
Chair of the Visiting Committee, Dr. John Griffth (Head of The Ranney School) commented, “This is truly a joyful place. Your students at MBS are very happy. The culture of the school nurtures and inspires them. You have exemplary academics. But you also focus on character development. Your environment is diverse, inclusive, and child-centered. The focus on DEIB, in particular, seems a sincere commitment, and you have worked diligently and thoughtfully to make those values central to the School.”
It is the School’s belief that learning in community is joyful and that the pursuit of knowledge leads to growth and discovery. Although a comment about “happy” students may appear offhanded, it is central to the MBS philosophy. Likewise, building community awareness of diverse perspectives while also being intentionally inclusive leads to stronger academic achievement. When students feel known and nurtured, they can better contribute to all facets of community life.
for growth for students of varying backgrounds. But you provide admirable support and attention for students.”
It is the combination of intellectually curious students, expert faculty mentors, and cutting edge physical spaces that make the MBS experience so special. Dr. Griffith went on to observe, “Parents and students themselves cite the close relationships with their teachers as one of the signal strengths of Morristown Beard…faculty agree that [their] job is to unlock the potential of each student: the parents know it, and most importantly, each student knows it, too. You are admirable educators and nurturing adults in the lives of children, and you have our deep respect.”
“You are on a tremendous upward path, one step at a time, and one that will make Morristown Beard an even greater school. The path you have carved out will only make you stronger.”
The committee also remarked, “The mission uses phrases like ‘individual pathways’ and ‘personal responsibility.’ From the initial tour of the campus through meetings with parents and other groups, this emphasis on individuality is clear. Parents with multiple children at MBS, including those who are both alumni parents and current parents, cited how the School truly supports students’ strengths and areas for growth. The deep care of the faculty for students in the academic realm and their availability for one-on-one or group help is only one example. Academically, your program increases in challenge and complexity across the divisions and provides opportunities
As we envision and secure the future of this remarkable School, we are certainly in a position of strength. As we continue to innovate and explore, the team noticed, “You are on a tremendous upward path, one step at a time, and one that will make Morristown Beard an even greater school. The path you have carved out will only make you stronger.”
Thank you for being on this journey with us. It is an honor to both know and nurture students who are pursuing the many possibilities offered at MBS. While this Decennial Report affirms the important work we do every day, it also lays the foundation for future school improvement and strategic planning.
Where to even start? As I reflected on my time here at Morristown Beard, I found it difficult to isolate a single element that shaped my journey—there were just too many. That’s when I realized that perhaps the best description that encapsulates these feelings is abundance; abundance in caring and dedicated teachers, in resources, and in supportive peers.
From my first class in seventh grade, I could tell that the teachers at MBS were different. Not only was the system itself unlike what I was used to—with the presence of times such as collaborative periods throughout the day—but the teachers themselves had an inviting demeanor and mindset as well. I often found myself describing classroom experiences to friends from other schools, who were always surprised by the level of connection and support I received. Throughout my time here, I’ve always been able to find, and felt comfortable seeking, any help I needed, knowing that I would be met with enthusiasm.
Beyond guidance, I believe pursuing independent ideas to be vital for growth, and nowhere have opportunities been more available than here. From building drones for my club and carbon fiber structures for my independent study to testing brake pad materials under the Interdiciplinary Concentrations Program (ICP) and recording classical guitar pieces independently, the wealth of resources at MBS always provided me with the tools needed to explore my interests to the fullest. Crucially, through the hum of the 3D printers or the melodies of the recording studio were faculty who were more than willing to advise, even on independent pursuits.
Finally, the journey would not have been the same without my friends beside me. There’s a unique comfort in knowing you are not navigating the challenges alone, knowing that others share both the triumphs and inevitable stresses, and I'm incredibly grateful for the friendships forged. I particularly appreciated the encouragement and motivation stemming from mutual support, especially during times when individual spirits might have wavered.
Looking back, it’s clear that the abundance of positive influences at Morristown Beard has been the defining characteristic of my time here. I feel fortunate to have been immersed in such a supportive environment and have undoubtedly gained connections and experiences that will stay with me long after graduation.
Some kids measure high school in semesters or report cards. I measured mine by drop-off spots. From the backseat of my parents’ car to the driver’s seat of my own, each year at MBS came with a new arrival routine—and a new version of me. And somehow, the patch of grass known as Senior Circle became the unofficial landmark of it all. What started as a place to nervously hop out of the car became a symbol of growth, independence, and everything in between.
Back in middle school, my parents would drive past Beard Hall every morning. I’d crane my neck to catch a glimpse of the Upper School, that mysterious building where the “big kids” went. Senior Circle was just a patch of grass we passed without thinking. I never imagined how much meaning it would come to hold.
Freshman year, I was finally one of them—dropped off at Senior Circle, nerves buzzing, and backpack slung over one shoulder. My parents would wish me luck as I stepped out, always greeted by Mrs. Morrison’s warm smile. Inside, I jumped headfirst into new experiences—joining the newspaper, Model UN, and Mock Trial. I didn’t know exactly who I was yet, but I was eager to find out.
Sophomore year, I had my permit. I drove to school—with a parent in the passenger seat and a growing sense of independence beside me. I took on more responsibility in the clubs I had joined, becoming a section editor of The Crimson Sun and stepping into small leadership roles.
By junior year, I was parked at the Westin or getting dropped off by the bus, juggling AP classes and running club
meetings. I was staying late to prep for conferences, write articles, and support teammates. I’d gotten better at handling stress—because I believed in what I was doing.
Now, senior year, I pass by Senior Circle each morning—not to be dropped off, but to drive into the senior lot. I lead the very clubs I once nervously joined. I’m no longer figuring out where I belong—I’ve built that place myself.
That little patch of grass has seen it all. It’s where I began, and now it’s what I pass by with quiet pride. My time at MBS wasn’t just about what I did—it was about who I became. And somehow, Senior Circle was always there, reminding me just how far I’ve come.
As I reflect on my high school experience, I’ve come to realize that the most remarkable aspect of my MBS journey has been the friends and teachers with whom I’ve built relationships along the way. I remember being a terrified freshman during my first few weeks of school and immediately finding comfort in the office of my teachers where we would workshop my English essays, talk about music and culture, or just hang out. This connection made me feel at home in a scary new place and I couldn’t be more grateful for their support. My freshman year advisor, Mr. Lovelock, taught me about the independent study program, which led me to meet my mentor, Ms. Salge, who completely altered the course of my MBS journey for the better. Working with her made me realize that I could actually write my first novel, and she’s been there for me every step of the journey—from drafting to publishing and everything in between.
I’ve also been able to find an incredible community of friends at MBS who have made my high school experience both fun and fulfilling. All of my best friends have been incredibly supportive—whether it came to my novel writing, the college application process, or simply passing a test. Without them, I would not have had the necessary support to balance my extracurricular commitments or go after my many lofty dreams. Thus, I thank MBS for bringing us together.
In conclusion, MBS has provided me with a plethora of opportunities for growth. Here, I have failed, succeeded, and tried again—many times over—whether through clubs, courses, or co-curricular opportunities. It is these experiences that have made me the resilient person I have become today, and for that, I am eternally grateful. As I venture off to the University of Pennsylvania for college next fall, I will take with me not only the valuable lessons I’ve learned at MBS but invaluable memories and bonds I’ve forged with my teachers and friends.
MBS is a special place because of its community
As I was going into my freshman year of high school at MBS, I didn't know what to expect. Like many of my up-and-coming classmates, I was worried about making new friends, work, and any big assignments I would have to do. MBS was there to welcome me with open arms and invite me not just into the community they have built, but also to be a part of something special that they have.
The teachers at MBS have made me a better student who completes assignments on time and can write essays, and also a better person who will persevere during hard times and simply not give up. The teachers I have had have made me into the person I am today. The teachers at MBS love teaching and want every student to not only be ready for the next unit test, but also for the next chapter in their lives. When I met with teachers during collab period, such as Ms. Wahle or Mr. McCormick, I asked questions about the material; I learned how to apply class information, not memorize it, and forget about it after a test.
As someone who plays a sport in every season, I have also learned what it means to be part of a team. A team is not just a group of people who work together to accomplish a goal, but as my basketball coach, Marquis Webb, says, “A team is a big family who always supports one another”. MBS is like a big family that always stands by and uplifts each other.
As I leave and head off to college, I am grateful for all of the people I have met at MBS, and if I had the chance to go back in time and change something, I wouldn't even try to rewrite it. The MBS community is accepting, and somewhere I know I will always be allowed back after graduation.
Opportunity and Possibility – these are the words that have defined my time at MBS. As a lifer, having been at MBS since sixth grade, I have had the special honor of gaining so much experience and knowledge from the staff, educators, and friends that I have met along the way. Their unwavering support and willingness to help have been a key element in not just my academic journey, but also my development as an individual.
One of the best examples of this is the unique language department. Pursuing my curiosity of the French language, MBS teachers from middle school built a strong foundation which made it possible to study through all the levels of French, reaching AP French by my junior year. At the same time, I was also able to study Spanish in the Heritage Spanish class. This unique class offered me the opportunity to not only connect with my own culture and language, but also with my peers who were also of Hispanic heritage, giving us an immersive experience at school.
Beyond academics, I have been most fortunate to be part of clubs such as the STEM Club, GLOW Club, and Future Physicians Club. The MBS Chorus has given me so many treasured memories and the Girls Swim Team–something I never saw myself joining–became an unforgettable experience at MBS. And even beyond the school, MBS has offered amazing opportunities and opened the doors to the world. Having just recently participated in the Hawaii Culture and Geology trip, I have formed unbreakable bonds with my peers and gained a deeper appreciation for learning beyond the classroom. Without MBS, I would have not been able to become the person I am today. MBS has nurtured me, shaped me, and enhanced my passions. As I get ready to leave, I feel confident I can take on what lies ahead. Thank you MBS, for the opportunities and possibilities you have given me.
As I reflect on the past four years, a variety of experiences come back to me, from the Writers’ Retreat to class field trips to incredible labs in my science classes. However, what stands out most of all is my time in Founders Hall. From performing in Moliere’s The Miser in my freshman year to taking my final bow in Into the Woods this past March, my path through the MBS Performing Arts department has been more meaningful than I ever could have imagined. It is not only about the thrill of performing (although the flash of stage lights and the swell of music from the orchestra will always have a special place in my memory), but also the confidence I have gained.
Before my time onstage, I was a timid kid who generally preferred to fly under the radar, but performance has taught me that stepping into the light is a lot more frightening in my head than it is in reality. That realization could not possibly have come about without the Performing Arts faculty. Thanks to the endless support of Mr. Ruttman especially, I know I am leaving the department as a much stronger actor, and a much better person, than I entered it. I’d also be remiss not to mention the bonds I’ve formed with the other students in the cast and crew—not only my fellow seniors, but students from across all grades – during the eight shows I’ve been a part of. While I’m excited to enter a new stage in my life, it’s not easy to leave the friends I’ve made in Founders, and I know I’ll be back to watch them shine onstage in the years to come.
For me, MBS is the place where I am able to explore my passions without restrictions. This has helped me to become who I am today. When first visiting, what stood out to me the most was the flexibility and open mindedness of the School. MBS gave me the chance to express my academic interests while participating in extracurriculars that I love, like sports or theater. The School glows with opportunity and encouragement and that’s exactly what I received. I was able to try out multiple sports like cross country, track, and swimming and have those amazing team experiences and achievements. However, not only was I able to participate and excel in sports, but also in theater. I was able to be a part of the performing arts family, take on lead roles and improve my singing and acting. Even while doing all of this, I was still able to take rigorous courses and further my learning to the best of my ability. Unlike other schools, I didn’t have to limit myself to just being one thing. At MBS, I can be many things, which is key to how I grew as a person over the course of my high school career. Venturing from my differing passions, from sports to theater to school, has helped me navigate my time, make new friends, learn important lessons and apply them to other parts of my life. I thank MBS for teaching me that there is nothing I can’t do and following my passions is one of the best things I can do for myself.
Founders Hall was filled with cheers as Head of School Liz Morrison delivered an exciting announcement during the final All-School Meeting for the Class of 2025: the MBS Dining Hall will undergo a complete transformation beginning this summer.
Originally opened in 1989, the Dining Hall was once a state-of-the-art facility. But at the time, the School served only about half the number of students it does today. With a growing and evolving community, the need for a modern, multifunctional space has become clear. As a result, Phase 1 of a two-phase renovation will commence in June with an anticipated completion in the fall.
More than just a place for lunch, the Dining Hall plays a vital role in campus life. It’s where students gather for class meetings, where faculty meet with each other, and where friendships flourish over shared meals. It’s one of the rare places on campus that every member of the community regularly uses.
The renovation, designed by Voith & MacTavish Architects LLP, will focus on enhancing the sense of connection and versatility that defines this space. Whether it’s students catching up over homework, faculty from different departments sharing coffee, or teams fueling up before a
Designed to enhance both functionality of the Dining Hall and the overall student dining experience, the renovation will deliver muchneeded upgrades to the existing kitchen, including expanded storage capacity, state-of-the-art equipment, and the introduction of a brandnew dining retail market. The servery will undergo a complete redesign and reconfiguration, allowing for greater variety in food offerings and significantly improving circulation to better accommodate student flow.
Modern finishes, contemporary furniture, enhanced lighting, and new audiovisual systems will transform the space into a vibrant, welcoming environment. Phase 2, planned for the summer of 2026, will welcome an addition to the dining room, a larger kitchen footprint, and a fully renovated dishwashing station. These upgrades will ensure that the dining facilities can meet the needs of the MBS community for years to come.
This exciting transformation has been made possible by the generous support of MBS alumni, families, and friends. For more information on how you may support this project, please contact Chief Advancement Officer Betsy Patterson P ’14, ’16 at bpatterson@mbs.net.
EXPANDED SALAD BAR AND BEVERAGE STATION PHASE 1 will include:
• Redesigned kitchen
• Updated and expanded serveries
• Refreshed dining space
• Modern finishes
• Contemporary furniture
• Enhanced lighting
• New audiovisual systems
“Crimson Cafe”: A brand-new retail market will be added where beverages and snacks will be available for purchase all day.
Please note the renderings are for illustration purposes and do not incorporate all of the specifics of the final design.
$ 1 Million Double Your Donation Challenge!
In addition to what has been raised from a small group of donors to date, we are proud to announce that a generous family foundation will match your donation, dollar for dollar, up to $500,000. Help us double this donation for a total of $1,000,000! For more information please contact Betsy Patterson, Chief Advancement Officer, at bpatterson@mbs.net.
By BRYNN CAMPBELL and STACY ALBANESE
Ryan Carr ’95, P ’28 and daughter
Caitlin Carr ’28
Danielle Carr Kahm ’92, P ’26, ’26 and sons Jake Kahm ’26 and Nathan Kahm ’26
For many families, education is a stepping stone. But for some, it becomes a lasting legacy. At Morristown Beard School (MBS), that legacy runs deep—etched in the bricks of Beard Hall, echoed in the cheers on Burke, and passed down in stories that span decades. We spoke with several alumni families whose love for MBS has not only endured but blossomed across generations.
For some, those memories come full circle when they return, not just as visitors, but as parents. At our School, a legacy isn’t merely a lineage— it’s a living, breathing bridge between past and future.
For Cartwright Wallace ’93, P ’28, the choice to return to MBS was not just sentimental—it was foundational. “Morristown Beard was instrumental to the man I’ve become,” he says. “I was excited to pass on such a fantastic educational experience to my children.”
Ryan Carr ’95, P ’28 echoes this sentiment, emphasizing how the School’s values resonate across time. “We were drawn to the School’s strong sense of community and its commitment to academic and personal growth. Morristown Beard isn’t just about education—it’s about continuing a shared journey that ties our family together.”
For KC Hnat Joubran ’84, P ’24, the reason was simple. “I wanted my child to have a similar high school experience as I did.” And for Scott Tannen ’95, P ’22, ’25, ’25, it all began with camp. “My girls loved being on campus during MBS Day Camp,” recalls Tannen. “When my oldest asked to apply, it was a fullcircle moment. Now all three of my girls have attended, and it’s been an incredible seven-year run.”
There’s something uniquely powerful about watching your children thrive in the same spaces where you once did. For Wallace, it’s a way to connect more deeply with his son. “It brings me closer to him, knowing the space so intimately.”
Tannen agrees, “Campus has changed a lot since 1995, but the heart of the School—the culture—is exactly the same. Teachers still invest deeply in students, and everyone finds their own way to thrive.”
Danielle Carr Kahm ’92, P ’26, ’26 remembers, “When we took the tour with our kids it was so surreal to walk through the same front door that I walked through on my MBS visit.”
Some traditions transcend generations. For Carr, it’s cheering on Crimson athletics together. Joubran notes that the School’s distinctive camaraderie has endured.
“The vibe is still the same— it prepares you for college and builds lifelong bonds.”
Scott Tannen ’95, P ’22, ’25, ’25 and daughters Sophie Tannen ’22
Brooke Tannen ’25
Hailey Tannen ’25
While the culture remains intact, the school itself has transformed. “My younger son was so impressed by the campus that he said he wanted to go to college there,” Wallace laughs.
Carr remembers a smaller school with chalkboards and fewer resources. “The School has evolved significantly since I was a student. Classrooms were simpler—chalkboards instead of smartboards—and extracurriculars were less specialized. Now, the facilities are state-of-the-art, and the range of programs, from the Center For Innovation and Design to the arts, is incredible. The School has embraced technology in ways that reflect the modern world, which I see in how my daughter engages with her education.”
From left:
Caitlin ’28 and Ryan Carr ’95, P ’28; Cartwright Wallace ’93, P ’28 his mother Hannah Baiter Wallace ’61, P ’93, GP ’28, and Greyson Wallace ’28
R. Cartwright Wallace ’93, P ’28 and mother and son
Hannah Baiter Wallace ’61, P ’93, GP ’28
Greyson Wallace ’28
Despite all the upgrades, certain qualities at MBS endure. “Individual pathways to success—MBS has never been boilerplate,” says Wallace.
For Tannen, it’s the culture. “Even back in the ’90s, I had teachers who were invested in helping me become the best version of myself. That hasn’t changed. The School still focuses on the whole student.”
Like father, like daughters. All three of the Tannen girls played soccer just like their dad. “Seeing them wear the Crimson jersey on the same field I did—though thankfully now it’s turf!—was unforgettable. Watching them win State Championships [soccer and track & field] was the icing on the cake.”
When alumni watch their children shout “Go Crimson,” it’s more than school spirit— it’s a bridge between generations. “It’s not their School or my School— it’s our School,” says Tannen
Now on the Board of Trustees, Tannen feels a sense of stewardship. “I’m proud of the MBS I graduated from and the one my girls attended—but I know our brightest days are still ahead.”
Legacy isn’t just for students. Teachers like Laurie Hartman and Eddie Franz left an imprint on multiple generations.
“Ms. Hartman taught all three of my daughters,” says Tannen “She even started the Blood Drive in memory of my soccer teammate, which my girls have been part of—it’s deeply meaningful.”
“Ms. Hartman was my softball coach,” Kahm reminisces. “She taught art to Nathan ’26 and both Jake ’26 and Nathan were part of the Blood Drive.”
Joubran fondly remembers, “Laurie Hartman and Eddie Franz were favorites in my time and continued to inspire the next generation.”
From left: Nathan ’26, Danielle ’92, P ’26, ’26, Jake ’26, and Todd Kahm P ’26, ’26
At Morristown Beard School, legacy isn’t just a word—it’s a lived experience.
MBS friendships are built to endure. Wallace has been in the same fantasy football league with fellow alumni for 25 years. “All from classes ’92 to ’96.”
Joubran maintains strong ties with her best friends from MBS. “Juliette, my daughter, already cherishes the friendships she made.”
Tannen recently reconnected at a lacrosse game with a classmate he had not seen in 30 years. “It’s amazing to see our daughters play together while we reconnect over shared history.”
Joubran recalls her beloved chemistry teacher, Dr. Swackhamer, “He’d give us lollipops if we corrected him. When he passed away, I wrote my college essay about him.”
For Juliette Joubran ’24, it was the school plays and volleyball. “My daughter said she wouldn’t have had those experiences in public school.”
Caitlin Carr’s ’28 favorite part? “The people,” she says simply—an answer that resonates across generations.
And Tannen? “My best memories might be unfolding right now. Seeing my girls thrive at MBS has been more special than I could’ve dreamed.”
The final reflections come with a touch of nostalgia and a hopeful glance forward. Kahm emphasizes the idea of legacy as a shared joy and lasting involvement. “When I think about legacy, I think the best thing we can give our children is happy memories. Even after my brother and I graduated, my father [Harry Carr] continued to be part of clubs and drive the bus for athletic teams.”
“I’m so proud,” Tannen says. “As my youngest daughters approach graduation, it’s bittersweet. This chapter is closing, but who knows—maybe one day, their children will walk these halls too.”
P ’22, ’25, ’25,
’25, Sophie ’22, Hailey, ’25, and Scott Tannen ’95, P ’22, ’25, ’25; Juliette ’24 and KC Hnat Joubran ’84, P ’24
A place where the past meets the present and builds a path for the future.
On Friday, May 2, the MBS community gathered behind the Simon Athletic Center for a celebratory “ribbon cutting” to officially mark the opening of the newly renovated Athletic Training Room. What started in the fall as an idea to support beloved MBS Trainer Daisuke “Dice” Sato with a few pieces of new equipment by some thoughtful and generous parents evolved into a much more extensive renovation, thanks to a substantial donation.
Instead of replacing a few items in the existing Training Room, a complete renovation and expansion of the existing room took place over the winter, doubling the size of the space and allowing for the purchase of all new equipment. The $120,000 renovation includes taping tables, a stretching
table, a whirlpool, flooring, lighting and paint, as well as an ice machine and refrigerator.
In her remarks, Head of School Liz Morrison shared, “We saw the Weight Room renovated, the Library reimagined, and now the Training Room. All of these projects are the result of people caring about MBS, caring about you, and being committed to supporting projects that enhance the spaces you use.”
“When I was hired in 1995 as only the second athletic trainer in Morristown Beard School history, the athletic training room was a small but essential space—one that I was proud to help shape and grow. To now see that space expanded and upgraded, with a full-time professional like Dice at the helm, is not only exciting— it’s deeply meaningful.
Dice represents the very best of what athletic training should be. He is selfless, steady, and always puts students first. His quiet dedication, expert care, and calming presence have become the heartbeat of our athletic program. He is there for every team, every athlete, and every moment—whether it's celebrating a return to play or supporting a student through recovery.
For our staff, Dice is more than a colleague—he’s a teammate and a trusted resource. His work often happens behind the scenes, but the impact is felt in every game played, every injury treated, and every student supported.
As someone who’s seen the evolution of this role at MBS, I can say with certainty: we couldn’t ask for a better person to lead this vital part of our athletic program. Thank you, Dice, for the care you give, the example you set, and the heart you bring to Crimson athletics every single day.”
JOANNE DZAMA, Director of Upper School Athletics
SARA CHUANG
Science Department — 3 years at MBS
Favorite part of teaching at MBS: The students and working at a school that focuses on personal best. I can build connections helping them become who they want to be rather than what they are expected to be.
Favorite food in the Dining Hall: Chicken parm
Fun Fact: I have been to over 100 concerts!
Best overall show: Coldplay Best musician: John Mayer Most fun: Paramore
Hobbies: Rock climbing
Best piece of advice ever received: Don’t give up who you are now for who you want to become.
Mathematics Department2 years at MBS
Why did you first get into teaching? I realized quickly that I could not sit in a little cubicle and I loved school. Ever since I was in kindergarten, I would have all of the kids in the neighborhood come over and play school during the summertime. I kind of knew I was going to be a teacher one day.
Favorite part of teaching at MBS: The community. The fact that we celebrate everyone. We celebrate students who are doing positive things on campus. We celebrate faculty who are doing amazing work here.
JIM RUTTMAN
Performing Arts Department - 18 years at MBS
Why did you first get into teaching? I was a professional dancer for 26 years, but I got injured a lot and got older and stopped getting work. So, I needed something else to do. I had been choreographing the musicals at Princeton Day School. At the time, the director was asked to come to MBS and he brought me along and the rest is history!
Favorite food in the Dining Hall: Probably pulled pork and mac and cheese. I like the comfort foods.
Fun Fact: My father actually won the Indianapolis 500 in 1952.
Hobbies: I like to knit. I like anything creative. I build the sets. I love working with my hands. I love creative problem solving. I love taking raw materials and making something out of it.
Middle School Director of Student Life & Science
Department - 9 years at MBS
Favorite part of teaching at MBS: Being with the kids. I just love the community of students, that students are ready to come to class, learn, have fun with you and while doing that respect what your boundaries are and what your classroom style is. It gives me a lot of joy.
Fun Fact: I grew up in India. I came to this country when I was 30 years old.
Best piece of advice ever received: If you really want to go for something and you think you’re not ready yet, there is no harm. Just ask and you never know what the answer is going to be. You never get if you don’t ask.
Art & Design Department Chair - 3 years at MBS
Why did you first get into teaching? I always knew I wanted to do something with art, but I also really enjoyed math. I was really inspired by two different teachers in my high school experience. I always joked that if I didn’t become an art teacher, I would become a math teacher.
Favorite part of teaching at MBS: The freedom to create classes and courses really with no limitations. There are so many opportunities for both the students and the educators.
Favorite food in the Dining Hall: I love olives, specifically pitless olives. There are always olives in my salad or sometimes, just a bowl of olives!
English Department - 1 year at MBS
Why did you first get into teaching? I have had some really inspiring teachers in my life. They made me into a better student, yes, but made me into a better person. And I, maybe, wanted to be that for some other young people down the road.
Favorite food in the Dining Hall: The buffalo chicken salad.
Fun Fact: I actually speak a little Irish Gaelic!
Best piece of advice ever received: It was from one of the high school teachers that inspired me. “It’s not where you start. It’s where you end.”
Fun Fact: I paint custom shoes. I started doing it ten years ago for all of my Disney trips.
Hobbies: I do a lot of musical theater. I direct and choreograph for a youth theater in Summit, NJ
Best piece of advice ever received: Jump into your fears or don’t be afraid to take risks.
LINNEA HASEGAWA
Director of the Center for Academic Writing3 years at MBS
Why did you first get into teaching? I think I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher. My mother was an English teacher; I always loved English. I had really great teachers growing up.
Favorite part of teaching at MBS: The students - for sure.
Fun Fact: I’ve been working on a book for many years now. It’s the story of my mother’s search for her birth mother.
Hobbies: I’m a photographer. I love to be outdoors. I’ve biked all my life. I raced BMX when I was a kid. I love mountain biking, road biking, hiking, running, anything outdoorsy, anything creative.
MICHAEL MCGRANN P ’26
Associate Director of Curriculum, World Languages Department (Latin) - 13 years at MBS
Favorite part of teaching at MBS: I wasn’t just handed a curriculum. We’ve identified skills and benchmarks for our students. We create different pathways for the students and there is a lot of freedom on how we get the students there. That creates a ton of energy around thinking about teaching and learning and makes it a really exciting place to work.
BRIAN MAHER
History - 4 years at MBS
Why did you first get into teaching? I am a lawyer by trade and practiced law in New Jersey for almost nine years. Even when practicing law I was coaching tennis at the collegiate level. It almost seemed like education was the “one that got away” until I was lucky enough to get this opportunity at MBS.
Favorite part of teaching at MBS: The community! It’s just a really warm and inviting place to spend your time. Plus, I never find that any two days are the same.
Random Fact: I moved around a lot growing up. My parents moved 13 times in 30 years due to their careers. From 8 - 12, I lived in Rome, Italy. My sister was born in Chile, and I was born in Canada. I speak Italian and Spanish proficiently.
Favorite food in the Dining Hall: The brussels sprouts never fail to impress.
Fun Fact: I took hang gliding lessons when I was younger. It was both thrilling and terrifying.
Best piece of advice ever received: Everything is changing, so no matter what the situation is, it’s going to change at some point. It lets me focus on the moment and have some appreciation for the moment.
Visual Arts Department - 8 years at MBS
Favorite food in the Dining Hall: It’s kind of complicated! You get a bacon grilled cheese. You cut up a chicken breast and put that on the sandwich and add more cheddar on it and then chipotle mayo. Then you add another bacon grilled cheese and you put it in the panini press and then you dip it in ranch dressing.
Fun Fact: Jaimie Bass, Laura Champion, (both faculty) and I went to college and did theater together. I have actually been friends with Jaimie since kindergarten.
Hobbies: I do a lot of community theater. I act, direct and do set design.
Best piece of advice ever received: You can only control your own actions.
Congratulations to Rocio Romero and Caitlin SkoboTrought, who have been selected to receive the 2025 Kellogg Awards. The award, established by Peter R. Kellogg P ’89, GP ’26, ’28 in memory of his mother, Elizabeth Kellogg, is given annually to members of the MBS faculty or staff based on their years of service to the School.
Rocio has been a member of the MBS community since 2004 and currently serves as the Upper School Academic Dean and Director of Academic Scheduling & Analytics. Caitlin, who joined MBS in 2005, is the Director of Technology and Community Health & Safety Coordinator.
For the 12th time, MBS has launched a five-foot, unmanned sailboat into the open ocean as part of the thrilling Educational Passages program. This year’s vessel, named Swansonator 3000, set sail from the Gulf Stream off the coast of North Carolina, ready for an epic voyage guided by the forces of nature. Middle School geography teacher Lisa Swanson P ’21 embarked on a journey to North Carolina to personally oversee the launch, witnessing the Swansonator 3000 set sail on its grand adventure.
Equipped with a GPS that beams its location to a satellite, the Swansonator 3000 will send real-time updates to MBS students, who can track its journey right from their iPads. The boat is also equipped with a sensor pack to collect air and ocean temperature data. This isn’t just any boat—it carries a special cargo. Nestled inside its hull are carefully chosen artifacts of local culture: a baseball, essays about life in New Jersey, sand and shells found in Sandy Hook from the Middle School fall class trip, an American flag, a complete set of 50-state quarters, and issues of Crimson magazine. These items will serve as time capsules for whoever finds the boat on its unknown adventure.
MBS has a storied history with Educational Passages. The very first MBS boat, Crimson Tide, set sail in December 2012 and made an astonishing journey across the Atlantic, where it was discovered by a fisherman in Guernsey, an island in the English Channel. It was later re-launched and eventually washed ashore in France. Over the years, MBS boats have traveled to Spain, Portugal, the remote Shetland Islands, and even the rugged Orkney Islands of Northern Scotland.
Founded by a Maine sailor with a passion for ocean science, the Educational Passages program gives students a hands-on way to learn about global winds and ocean currents. According to Ms. Swanson, the program is more than just an oceanography lesson, it’s a gateway to subjects as diverse as physics, world languages, and environmental science. With Swansonator 3000 now adrift on the high seas, the students of MBS eagerly watch and wait—where in the world will it end up next?
MBS students recently revealed a stunning stained glass masterpiece, a heartfelt creation designed for Head of School Liz Morrison. Now proudly displayed in her office window, the vibrant artwork is a testament to the creativity and dedication of students Benjamin Bodack ’27, Paige Flaherty ’26, Kendall Hersch ’27, Major Karp ’27, Gabe Nussbaum ’25, and Maya Weinmann ’28. From concept to completion, the group worked seamlessly to transform an ambitious idea into an extraordinary work of art. The intricate process involved custom cut and ground glass, with each student contributing through drawing, foiling, and assembling the final design.
The project began in late October, sparked by Ms. Morrison’s conversation with Art and Design teacher Jeanine Erickson. What started as a simple idea quickly grew into a full-scale creative endeavor. Fueled by enthusiasm, the students embraced the challenge, putting their skills and imaginations to the test. With their dedication and teamwork, the result was nothing short of spectacular.
“This project was a true success in every sense of the word,” Ms. Erickson shared. “These students came to the table with creative ideas, cooperative attitudes, and an excellent work ethic. I couldn’t be more proud of what they have accomplished.
When the final piece was unveiled, Ms. Morrison was blown away. The stained glass wasn’t just a beautiful work of art—it was a powerful symbol of the students’ collaboration and ingenuity. “I wanted the piece to reflect their own creativity, and I didn’t want to script it,” Ms. Morrison explained. “The final product is their design, and it is stunning. I loved their collaboration, and it will hang in my office as a daily reminder of how creative, talented, and collaborative our students are.”
This dazzling creation now serves as more than just a decorative element; it’s a celebration of the vibrant spirit and artistic excellence that thrives at MBS, forever etched in glass by the hands of its talented students.
Students in Vicki Coates’ nutrition class and Scott McCormick’s chemistry class took part in an exciting hands-on lab. The experiment aimed to uncover the caloric energy stored in three popular snack foods: Triscuits, almonds, and PopCorners. Carefully lighting the snacks on fire, students captured and measured the energy released by the burning foods. By calculating the heat transfer and energy burned, they determined the calorie content of each snack and compared their experimental findings to the nutritional information listed on the packaging.
Brad Turner’s P ’26, Period 2 Oceanography class made waves with their final presentations, taking over the Science on a Sphere® to showcase fascinating data sets!
From migration patterns of sea turtles to the profound impact of human activity on marine ecosystems, students dove deep into critical topics. With state-of-the-art technology at their fingertips, they brought data to life in stunning detail, turning complex global issues into an unforgettable, interactive experience.
Students in Dr. Chuang’s Environmental Science class dove into the critical issue of environmental justice in New York City. In a dynamic poster session, each group unveiled eye-opening data and insights on pollution exposure, climate challenges, safe housing, and hazardous materials across the city’s boroughs. They also spotlighted powerful activism efforts that are raising awareness and driving real change in affected communities.
Students in Dr. Hasegawa’s Language of Leadership class got an extraordinary opportunity before Winter Break: a live Zoom session with Jay Heinrichs, the celebrated author of Thank You for Arguing: What Aristotle, Lincoln, and Homer Simpson Can Teach Us About the Art of Persuasion.
Heinrichs answered students’ questions about rhetoric and leadership, and offered tailored advice on the students’ final speeches providing a masterclass in persuasion from one of the field’s modern luminaries.
His book, a cornerstone of the course, has captivated readers
In Dr. Lalic’s Building French class, students have been diving into the drama of the French Revolution and the destruction of medieval landmarks during the upheavals of 1789 and 1830. Along the way, they uncovered the elegance of Gothic architecture—especially the intricate rose windows that define the style.
Taking a creative, project-based approach, students crafted their own rose window models from paper. A huge thanks goes to Art and Design teacher Matt Martino, who led a special workshop and shared his artistic expertise. The finished windows now brighten the classroom, turning it into a gallery where history, art, and imagination meet.
In another session, students didn’t just study grammar—they time-traveled. With Le Prisonnier dans la Bastille, a digital breakout game, mastering French became a high-stakes mission. Instead of rote memorization, the passé composé and imparfait were tools for solving historical mysteries.
From untangling the scandal of Marie Antoinette’s diamond necklace to decoding tense-based clues, students put their language skills to the test. The reward? Freeing their imprisoned hero and unmasking the true villain. Challenging? Yes. But unforgettable? Absolutely.
worldwide. Published in 14 languages and four editions, it boasts over 500,000 copies in print. As Heinrichs’ website proudly notes, it even cracked Harvard University’s list of top ten assigned readings.
Joanne Goldberg’s P ’17 Ethics, Leadership & Justice cohort within the Interdiciplinary Concentration Program (ICP) took on an ambitious challenge: evaluating Morristown Beard’s sustainability practices and crafting bold, actionable improvements to position it as a leader in environmental responsibility. With keen analysis and creative problem-solving, the students delivered compelling proposals before a distinguished panel of judges from the MBS senior leadership team, including Darren Burns P ’19, ’22, Paul Fisher P ’12, ’16, Philicia Levinson P ’19, Ryan Liese P ’31, and Betsy Patterson P ’14, ’16. Their presentations not only showcased their dedication and preparedness but also sparked exciting possibilities for the School's sustainable future. Students explored five critical areas of environmental impact, identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement:
Food Services – Reducing food waste, improving sourcing, and making dining more eco-friendly
Buildings & Grounds – Enhancing energy efficiency, integrating green infrastructure, and optimizing maintenance practices
Community Engagement – Fostering environmental awareness and encouraging collective action
Carbon Footprint – Assessing and mitigating emissions to reduce the School’s overall impact
Waste Management – Strengthening recycling, composting, and waste reduction strategies
Ryan Tamburrino’s Advanced Topics: Group Theory class came together to craft a stunning mosaic of the MBS athletic logo using 100 Rubik’s cubes. The project highlights not only their problemsolving skills but also their collaborative spirit.
This unique blend of mathematics and art is a perfect reflection of the innovation happening at MBS every day!
❶ Kathryn Kao’s 7th Grade Social Studies classes didn’t just study history, they rewrote it! Students immersed themselves in a Constitutional Convention experience that brought 1787 to life. With guidance from Rose Costanzo in the Center for Quantitative Reasoning, they analyzed real data from their assigned states, transforming raw numbers into striking visuals that highlighted key economic and social factors. Over two class periods, students then embodied historical figures, passionately debating policies that could have altered the course of American history. This studentled convention was more than a lesson - it was a powerful hands-on experience, allowing students to step into the role of history-makers and reimagine the founding of a nation.
❷ Ken Schmidt’s 7th grade Science class transformed into a team of young innovators, designing and testing model wind turbine blades. After measuring their energy output, students fine-tuned their designs, pushing the limits of efficiency and discovering the power of innovation firsthand!
❸ Betsy Patterson’s P ’14, ’16, 6th grade Financial Wizardry class took center stage as they presented their imaginative Shark Tank pitches to a panel of MBS Sharks: Alonda Casselle P ’27, ’30, Philicia Levinson P ’19, Nikki Liese P ’31, and Tahj Valentine ’18. The ideas ranged from practical to revolutionary: anti-fog glasses for those frustrating foggy moments, selffolding shirts to eliminate messy drawers, self-tying sneakers for ultimate convenience, and a cutting-edge hair styling product designed to transform morning routines. Each pitch was packed with creativity and ingenuity, impressing the Sharks and sparking thought-provoking questions and feedback. Most importantly, each group received an offer from a Shark!
❹ Nikki Liese’s P ’31 7th grade English Workshop class recently transformed into a team of budding authors and content creators. First, the middle school students unleashed their creativity by crafting gripping realistic fiction stories, but the magic didn’t stop there! These middle school storytellers stepped into the digital marketing spotlight to produce their very own BookToks in the MBS film studio located in the Center for Innovation & Design (CID). From dramatic teasers to heartfelt reviews, these future bestsellers garnered great experience through this learning process!
❺ Anastasia Lewis’s Middle School Photography class took a journey through time, unlocking the secrets of vintage film cameras. Students got hands-on experience with a Holga Pinhole Camera, a Kodak Twin Reflex Lens, and a classic SLR Camera, discovering the magic behind each one. From the thrill of composing a shot to the excitement of developing film, the young photographers were captivated by the art of analog photography. The experience was a huge hit, sparking creativity and a newfound appreciation for the history of photography.
❻ To start their historical fiction unit, the 7th grade went on a field trip to Liberty Hall Museum and Gardens in Union, NJ. In groups, students rotated through activities focused on life in Colonial America, the causes of the American Revolution, and the architecture of the historic mansion. They analyzed primary source documents and explored artifacts, learned about some little-known figures of the Revolution, played games from the colonial era, and designed their own wing of the mansion.
Hawaii 2025
MBS students traded textbooks for tropical adventures on an unforgettable spring break trip to Hawaii! Seventeen Upper School students and three faculty chaperones dove into an action-packed itinerary — trekking through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, hiking to the rare green sand beach, riding the waves in Kona, snorkeling alongside graceful manta rays, and so much more! At Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, they trekked through otherworldly lava fields, ventured into hidden lava tubes, and gave back to the environment by removing invasive Himalayan Ginger from the park. A stop at a sustainable farm offered insight into Hawaii’s rich agricultural traditions, while encounters with the island’s unique wildlife, including green sea turtles, monk seals, and the rare nene goose, which brought them face-to-face with the wonders of nature. A trip to Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation introduced them to the art of coffee-making, and before heading home, the group flew to Honolulu for a powerful visit to Pearl Harbor, where they toured the Arizona Memorial with a park ranger.
Charleston, South Carolina
For 10 MBS students and two chaperones, Spring Break meant hammers, hard hats, and hands-on work in Charleston, South Carolina. Continuing a beloved MBS tradition spanning over 25 years, the group volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. Their efforts were nothing short of impressive. Over the course of the week, they constructed a 48foot deck, wrapped a house in preparation for siding, installed siding on a shed, and even built and placed earthquake reinforcements to strengthen the home’s structure. But their time in Charleston wasn’t all about construction. The group also explored the city’s rich history and coastal beauty—wandering through the iconic City Market, taking an informal tour of The College of Charleston, and gazing across the downtown harbor at Fort Sumter, a site steeped in Civil War history. They also enjoyed some well-earned time by the water, swimming at Kiawah Island and soaking in the laid-back atmosphere of Folly Beach.
A group of MBS Middle School students embarked on a once-ina-lifetime trip to Ireland, fueled by a special three-year connection with Barryroe National School. This remarkable bond began when MBS mini-boat, Crimson Current, was discovered by Irish fisherman Billy McCarthy in a small cove near Barryroe, setting the stage for an adventure filled with culture, friendship, and discovery.
Upon arriving in Barryroe, MBS students spent two fun-filled days with their Irish counterparts. The first day was a whirlwind of cultural exchange, meeting their pen pals, sharing lunch, and engaging in a lively sports swap. While the Barryroe students introduced them to the fast-paced games of rugby and Gaelic football, MBS students showcased the art of lacrosse. The cultural immersion continued with an Irish dance lesson, where students got a taste of the rhythmic steps that define traditional Irish dance. A visit to a Barryroe student’s family
Scottsdale, Arizona
The Crimson Girls Golf team hit the greens in sunny Scottsdale, AZ to gear up for an exciting season! They trained at the renowned John Jacobs’ Golf School, where each player received personalized coaching to fine-tune their skills. Practicing at the stunning Legend Trail Golf Club, the team soaked up the sun, sharpened their swings, and locked in for another season.
Beyond their time at Barryroe, the trip was packed with awe-inspiring sights and hands-on experiences:
• Touring Dublin and discovering the rich stories of the Irish Immigration Museum
• Stepping back in time at the historic Rock of Cashel
• Baking (and devouring!) scones during a traditional Irish cooking lesson
• Marveling at a sheepdog demonstration, watching the dogs expertly herd sheep
• Feeding baby lambs, an adorable and unforgettable moment
• Hiking through The Burren, a stunning and unique limestone landscape
• Standing atop the Cliffs of Moher, soaking in breathtaking ocean views
• Enjoying a night of bowling in Galway, filled with laughter and friendly competition
• Shopping for souvenirs in Galway, bringing home a piece of Ireland
farm provided a hands-on experience with farm life. Students marveled at newborn calves and explored the charming Milo log parlor.
One of the most memorable moments was the visit to Barry’s Cove, the very place where Crimson Current had washed ashore. Fisherman Billy McCarthy captivated the students with stories of his discovery of the boat and gave them a firsthand look at life as a fisherman, even showcasing his fresh catch of the day. The day wrapped up with an exciting visit to the Lifeboat Brigade Station, where students explored a real rescue vessel and even participated in an interview.
The impact of the trip didn’t end at the airport. MBS students brought back more than just memories, they purchased two Gaelic footballs for recess, hoping to start a Gaelic football club at MBS.
This adventure was a powerful cultural exchange, a celebration of friendship, and an experience that will stay with our students for years to come.
On Monday, January 20, Twin Oaks Ice Rink transformed into the ultimate arena for community spirit as students and staff hit the ice for an unforgettable evening of teamwork, sportsmanship, and generosity. The G.L.A.S.S. (Girls Leading Athletics Sportsmanship and Service) Club hosted a co-ed hockey game that raised more than $6,500 for the Devils Youth Foundation! The event was organized in conjunction with the Crimson Community Day of Service in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Leading the charge were Hannah Mortazavi ’26, and Reid Snyder ’26, co-presidents of the G.L.A.S.S. Club and members of the Crimson Girls Hockey team. With support from Head of School Liz Morrison, who serves as the club’s moderator, the duo spearheaded the effort with passion and purpose.
Just before spring break, MBS transformed an ordinary school day into an extraordinary Day of Service. The Day of Service was in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but was rescheduled due to snow. There were multiple stations set up to benefit organizations such as Bridges, Letters of Love, Friendship Circle, a clothing donation drive for Patrick’s Patriots, and more! Since the rescheduled Day of Service was now held during the school day every student was able to participate. The spirit of service and unity filled the MBS, making it a truly inspiring day!
Food
MBS once again embraced the holiday spirit with a successful Thanksgiving Food Drive, raising over $1,000 for turkeys and meals distributed by The Salvation Army.
MBS students made more than 200 lunch bags to help feed those in need through Bridges Outreach. After packing the food, they went on a “Bridges run” to handdeliver the lunches to local food and housing-insecure individuals.
The School showed off its holiday spirit, as the toy drive was a tremendous success!
The MBS community collected a truckload of toys for the Morris County Sheriff’s Office. The toys were delivered to various local churches, welfare organizations, and hospitals during the holiday season.
Thanks to everyone who donated, the Fall and Spring Blood Drives collected 145 units of blood.
The boys basketball team assembled basketballthemed activity kits for children in hospitals.
The MBS Middle School community crafted heartfelt notes and colorful cards filled with uplifting messages. These thoughtful creations were delivered to children in hospitals, bringing them moments of joy and hope!
The senior class spent time giving back by helping to landscape the beautiful Frelinghuysen Arboretum. From raking leaves to mulching and tending to the grounds, the students were glad to have contributed to this local gem.
The girls hockey team purchased and wrapped wishlist items for children in the Project Safe program run by Cornerstone Family Program/Neighborhood House.
Morris Museum (Morristown, NJ)
Students from Matt Martino’s ICP Arts and Innovation class, put their classroom learning into practice during a visit to the Morris Museum. After a guest lecture from Dr. Lalic on evaluating and understanding art, students explored the museum’s exhibits—observing, taking notes, and comparing a variety of artistic mediums first hand.
Dr. Chuang and Dr. Markolovic’s chemistry students visited Columbia University to explore cutting-edge innovations, from protein and bacterial engineering to climate-focused aerosol research and the science behind nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).
Metropolitan Museum of Art (NYC)
MBS students in Ricky Kamil’s P ’15 History of the Middle East class and Sam Goodman’s Writing for Stage and Screen class visited The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The field trip was designed to help students delve deeper into topics covered in class. From ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces, students were able to bring history and art to life!
Bloomberg Class Trip (NYC)
Ricky Kamil’s P ’15 Advanced Seminar Economics class and members of the BFI (Business, Finance and Investment) Club traveled to New York City for a tour of the NYSE New York Stock Exchange and visit Bloomberg’s Headquarters. The trip to the NYSE was graciously hosted by Alan Kirshenbaum P ’25, Chief Financial Officer at Blue Owl Capital Inc. Students were introduced to the rich history and pivotal role of the Exchange in both the stock market and the broader economy.
The trip to Bloomberg was kindly hosted by Tom Murray, Enterprise Relationship Manager, Angela Kenney, Bloomberg Account Manager, and MBS alumnus Nick Rella ’15, who works as an Enterprise Relationship Manager at Bloomberg. Nick Rella ’15 is also featured in Powerfully Prepared on page 50.
Congratulations to Meera Iyer ’25 for being named a State Finalist at the New Jersey Poetry Out Loud Regional Competition held at the Mayo Performing Arts Center!
Oliver Herman ’27, a dedicated member of the MBS IntraSpectrum Club, made an impact by hosting a community event to promote autism awareness. The event featured engaging discussions and meaningful connections. Oliver was also named as an “Honored Volunteer”.
MBS Model UN/Model Congress Team recently participated in the Yale Model Congress competition. Students dove into the intricacies of the congressional legislative process and engaged in spirited debates on key issues. They were responsible for drafting and presenting their own bills, collaborating with peers from diverse schools and backgrounds, and developing essential skills in public speaking and critical thinking.
Morristown Beard School sent a record-breaking seven debate teams to a highly competitive tournament at Ridge High School. The topic dealt with foreign policy, and the students proudly represented MBS showcasing their skills, teamwork, and dedication.
The Science Olympiad team competed in the Regional Competition at UCNJ, marking the school’s first-ever participation in this national event. Led by head coach Sakhi Patel and head captains Sophia Greller ’26 and Sara Tang ’27, the 15 dedicated students spent countless hours preparing for 15 challenging events, including Air Trajectory, Astronomy, Disease Detectives, Wind Power, and Optics. Upper School Science teacher, Brad Turner P ’26, also provided valuable assistance to the team on competition day.
MBS faculty gathered for a dynamic lunchtime learning session that blended cutting-edge tech with transformative teaching. During the engaging AI Lunch and Learn, teachers shared takeaways from the recent AI Student Summit, diving into thought-provoking conversations about the ethics and impact of artificial intelligence. The spark didn’t stop there—students, inspired by the summit, launched an AI committee to explore and lead future-forward ideas. In another session, faculty explored strategies from Building Thinking Classrooms by Peter Liljedahl, focusing on shifting away from passive learning toward deeper, student-centered problemsolving across all disciplines.
The MBS REBOOT club (Rethinking Ethical Behavior for Oneself Online Together) attended the REBOOT Summit at Kent Place School for an exciting exploration of the world of AI. There was a dynamic group case study debate and a hands-on action plan session aimed at expanding REBOOT’s presence at MBS. Collaborating with students from Kent Place, Oak Knoll, and Delbarton, MBS REBOOT club members delved into the exciting possibilities and potential risks of AI, examining its influence on adolescents today and its evolving role in shaping society’s future.
MBS students excelled at the NJSIAA Individual Fencing Championship. Jacob Wong ’28 placed 8th in the state for Foil, Caleb Wong ’27 10th for Saber, and Tomás Kennedy Valenzuela ’28 finished in the top 30 for Saber. Tomás also competed in the Montclair High School Frosh-Soph Invitational, placing 3rd among 32 freshmen in the Saber event!
The STEM Club, led by Brad Turner P ’26 of the Science Department, had a flavorful experience making fresh pesto. This Fall, the club planted basil seeds in the Environmental Systems Lab’s aquaponics system. Since then the basil flourished, reaching an impressive height of over 12 inches! Students harvested some of their thriving basil plants, and with guidance from Laurie Hartman and her nut-free recipe using sunflower seeds, created delicious pesto to enjoy!
Landon Shen ’29, 8th grade violist, won the NJ All State Orchestra audition. Landon ranked 5th place and will represent Morristown Beard School at the concert.
The Girls Volleyball program continued to draw strong participation this season, facing stiff competition that challenged the team throughout. Despite a tough schedule, the players showed up with heart and hustle every match. A season highlight came from the JV squad, who notched a standout win that signals exciting growth for the program.
Boys Soccer had a breakthrough season, fielding both varsity and JV squads. The varsity team went 8-10, posting one of the program’s best win percentages in recent years. Highlights included a home state playoff game and a quarterfinal run in the state tournament. The team also advanced to the prelim rounds of both the Prep and Morris County tournaments. JV players showed grit and promise against a tough divisional slate.
Field Hockey fielded strong varsity and JV teams this fall, with the varsity squad finishing 10-10. Goalie Mia Rubin ’26 hit a milestone with 100 saves, and the team reached the quarterfinals in both the Morris County and Prep tournaments. Their season concluded in dramatic fashion with an overtime loss to MKA in the state playoffs.
Girls Soccer had a competitive season, finishing 8-8-1 at the varsity level while facing tough divisional, county, and state opponents. Jess Byrne ’25 led the way with 20 goals and 7 assists, reaching two major milestones: her 50th career goal and 100 career points. The team made a splash in the state tournament with a thrilling overtime win over Morris Catholic and competed in the Morris County prelims.
The Football program enjoyed an exciting season on both the varsity and JV level. Varsity finished 4-5, highlighted by big wins over Capital Prep, Newark Academy, Ferris, and a thrilling Homecoming victory over Pingry under the lights. The team hosted a home playoff game and made it to the semifinals of the Bowl tournament. JV wrapped up a strong 4-1-1 season, taking on both league and independent opponents.
Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference Scholar AthletesLuke Glassman ’25 & Rebecca Stulberger ’25
NJSIAA (Prep) Scholar AthletesLiam Atkins ’25, Evangeline Lisk ’25
Morris County Secondary Schools Athletic Directors Association Scholar Athlete, MBS DelegatesSam Cherins ’25, Brooke Tannen ’25
NJSIAA 32nd Annual Scholar Athlete Awards, MBS Nominee - Indiya Weinmann ’25
2024 Greater Morris National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete Award - Sam Cherins ’25
Girls Tennis had a standout season, finishing 9-7 overall and 8-2 in divisional play, earning 2nd place in the NJAC Liberty Division. Doubles duo Lily Horowitz ’26 and Sydney Kaplan ’28 went a perfect 10-0 in the division and received First Team honors. The team advanced deep into all postseason competitions and earned a top-15 finish in their Non-Public group. JV also impressed with a 9-4 record and an undefeated 8-0 divisional run.
Cross Country had a record-setting year with 32 runners, including 14 freshmen. The girls team made history, fielding a full lineup for the first time in over 20 years and finishing 4-1 in the division—just shy of a Conference title. Captains Indiya Weinmann ’25 and Hannah Grella ’26 led with standout runs. On the boys side, Nick Troiano ’25 set a new school record (16:23) and took top honors at both the Prep Championship and NJSIAA Non-Public B race. Strong performances from Patrick Birnbaum ’25 and Logan Turner ’26 added to an inspiring season.
Maya LeVasseur ’26 and Sam Cherins ’25, received the Fall Sportsmanship Award. Student-athletes Kelsey Limbert ’26 and Robert Magnotta ’25 received the Winter Sportsmanship Award.
Ski Racing made major strides this season, fielding boys and girls varsity and JV teams for the first time. The girls finished 5th in the regular season and 7th at States; the boys placed 11th, narrowly missing a State berth. Catalina Fonseca ’28 and Ellie Sadrian ’26 both qualified for the Race of Champions, with Catalina earning 1st Team All-State and Ellie securing 3rd Team honors. Catalina also represented the School at Eastern Regionals.
Boys Basketball had a dominant season, capturing both the NJAC Independence Conference and NJISAA Prep B titles with a 21-5 overall record. MJ Jarrell ’27 earned First Team honors across County, Conference, and Prep. George Gabe Ventura ’26 followed with dual First Team nods, while Kevin Sokolowski ’25 and Nick Anderson ’26 also earned All-Conference and All-Prep recognition.
Head Coach Marquis Webb was named both NJAC and Independence Division Coach of the Year.
Girls Hockey turned in an impressive 10-5-2 season, finishing 2nd in the Librera Division and staying ranked in the State’s top four. Their playoff run ended in a 4-3 overtime battle in the State Semifinals. Julie Jasaitis ’25 surpassed 100 career points, while Reid Snyder ’26 was named Division MVP. Goalie Hannah Mortazavi ’26 made program history with 1,000+ career saves.
NJAC Independence Division Prep B
Beard School WINTER 2025
R. Karriem ’25
Prep: 55mH, 55m
State: 55mH
Prep: 4x400m
G. Prusan ’25
Prep: Shot Put N. Troiano ’25
Prep: 1600m
State: 800m
J. Covey ’28, C. Frei ’27, Q. Gin ’28, H. Grella ’26
State: 4x400m
J. Covey ’28, Q. Gin ’28, R. Karriem ’25, R. Schmid ’27
Boys Hockey enjoyed a historic 19-3-1 season, the program’s best winning percentage in 50 years. They captured the Mennen Cup with a 5-2 win over Chatham and reached the Non-Public quarterfinals. Standouts included Evan Jones ’25 (First Team All Non-Public), Mason Hriczov ’27 (Third Team All-State), and John Gonnella ’26, who won the NJ Devils Goalie of the Month. Coach Scott Greene was honored as Mennen Conference Coach of the Year.
R. Karriem ’25
Prep: 55mH, 55m
State: 55mH
Indoor Track & Field had a banner year, with the girls placing 3rd at both Prep and State Group Championships and the boys finishing 4th and 8th respectively. Multiple school records were shattered by standout athletes including Raidah Karriem ’25 (55m, 200m), Riley Schmid ’27 (800m, 1000m), Julia Covey ’28 (500m), Patrick Birnbaum ’25 (500m), and Nick Troiano ’25 (600m, 800m, 1000m, 1600m, 3200m). School records were also set in the boys 4x200m, 4x400m, Sprint Medley, Shot Put Relay; girls 4x400m, Sprint Medley, High Jump Relay. The Girls 4x400m relay team won States and ranked fastest in Morris County, while the Boys Sprint Medley Relay qualified for Nationals—a first in School history.
The Girls Basketball team battled through a tough schedule, competing in County, Prep, and State tournaments. They advanced to the Prep quarterfinals and made first-round appearances in both the County and State tournaments. Sophia Vera ’25 was named First Team All-Conference and Second Team All-Prep. She was joined by Taylor O’Neill ’26 (Second Team All-Conference) and Avery Neuer ’25 (First Team All-Prep).
Tristen Miscia ’23 soared to victory at the 2025 U SPORTS Track & Field Championships, winning gold in the men’s heptathlon with 5,270 points! Now competing for the University of Windsor Lancers, Miscia set personal bests in all seven events and broke the school record.
U SPORTS, Canada’s NCAA equivalent, showcased Miscia’s all-around talent in the indoor heptathlon—a true test of speed, strength, and endurance.
The Boys Swim team wrapped up their NJAC Liberty division schedule with a 2–1 record (2–6 overall), led by the L’Estrange brothers — Will ’25 and Nick ’28. At the NJ Prep Championships, the team placed fourth overall. Will won the 100m butterfly, breaking his own school record and qualifying for the Meet of Champions. Nick also made waves, finishing ninth in the 100m backstroke.
The Girls Swim team delivered a phenomenal season, going undefeated in divisional meets (5–0) and posting a dominant 10–1 overall record. Along the way, they broke five school records, including two that had stood for over 35 years. The girls claimed third place at both the Morris County and NJ Prep Championships, and were crowned division champions while also earning the divisional sportsmanship award. The team was anchored by senior leaders Isla Johnston ’25 and Indiya Weinmann ’25, along with standouts Maya Weinmann ’28, Catie Clark ’27, and a talented roster of underclassmen.
The alumni in this issue demonstrate that our graduates are exceedingly well-prepared for college, careers, and beyond. Passionate and hardworking, these alumni are making meaningful contributions, and we are proud to be a part of their journey.
By Kate Sheleg Muttick ’97
For Nick Rella ’15, Morristown Beard School was more than just a place to learn—it was where he found his voice, his values, and the confidence to lead. Whether rallying classmates as head of the “Crimson Crazies” or leading on the football field as team captain, Nick’s deep connection to the MBS community has left a lasting mark, one that continues to guide him in his career at Bloomberg as an Enterprise Sales Manager.
Nick’s MBS journey began when his parents chose the School for its academic rigor and student-centered focus. But it was the closeknit community, small class sizes, and deep relationships with faculty that truly defined his experience.
Nick says, “I was surrounded by people who believed in me, challenged me, and gave me room to grow”.
He credits several key figures at MBS for helping shape the leader he is today. History teacher Eddie Franz, for example, didn’t take it easy on Nick just because of their player-coach bond. In fact, Constitutional Law became one of his most challenging—and formative— courses. “Mr. Franz taught me that if you have an opinion, you better be ready to defend it,” Nick says. It was one of many early lessons in leadership, critical thinking, and accountability.
In Mr. Caldwell’s Rhetoric of Leadership class, Nick developed the power of persuasive communication—skills he now uses daily when advising C-suite executives. His time in Peer Group ignited a passion for mentorship, while Economics teacher Mr. Kamil’s support extended beyond academics and continues to this day through Nick’s involvement with the school as an alumnus. “The guidance I got from MBS wasn’t confined to the classroom. It shaped how I approach people, challenges, and opportunities.”
Outside of class, Nick immersed himself in all aspects of student life— captain of the football and lacrosse teams, an editor for The Crimson Sun, Blood Drive captain, and most memorably, head of the Crimson Crazies. “That student section wasn’t just about cheering—it was about unity, about creating something bigger than ourselves. It’s still the most fun leadership role I’ve ever had,” he says, smiling. That sense of camaraderie and energy
became a blueprint for how he builds and leads teams today.
After graduating from MBS, Nick continued his leadership journey at Gettysburg College, where he majored in Business Management, played four years of football, and served as team captain. The lessons in grit, time management, and perseverance that he first learned at MBS were put to the test through early morning workouts, demanding coursework, and a packed schedule.
“MBS gave me the tools to balance it all—and the mindset that if you show up prepared and give your best, everything else falls into place.”
Even when post-college plans didn’t go exactly as expected—an internship offer fell through the day before graduation—Nick relied on the resilience instilled at MBS. After a flurry of interviews, he landed a spot at Bloomberg, despite not fitting the traditional mold. “It reminded me of Peer Group or Rhetoric of Leadership—you don’t always have to be the loudest person in the room, but you do need to be the most prepared and the most genuine.”
Today, Nick leads Bloomberg’s Corporate Solutions Group in Texas and New England, managing enterprise relationships with Fortune 500 companies. His days are fast-paced and high-stakes, filled with client strategy, market analysis, and travel. But even in this high-powered world, the lessons from MBS still ring true. “Time management, decisiveness, and authenticity—those are things I first learned in high school. They’re just as relevant now.”
His ability to connect authentically with others is one of the defining traits of his leadership style. “People want to work with people they trust. MBS taught me how to build that trust—by listening, being present, and leading with integrity.”
Nick’s journey may have taken him across industries and state lines, but the values and relationships forged at MBS continue to be a guiding force. “This School didn’t just prepare me for college or a career—it prepared me for life. And that’s something I’ll always be grateful for.”
For one Morristown Beard School alumna, the journey from middle school student to founder and CEO of a fashion-forward, sustainable brand began with a strong family legacy and a strong sense of community.
“When we moved to Morris County, my older brothers found Morristown Beard and had a great experience,” she recalls. “I followed them there in 6th grade and became a lifer.”
Her time at MBS proved to be deeply formative—both academically and personally. One of the most influential figures in her journey was Dr. Cisco in the Center for Teaching and Learning. “She was so supportive and helped me through my entire journey. No matter the class or project, she was patient and kind.”
Athletics also played a major role. As a two-sport athlete all throughout her MBS career, she found herself thriving both on the field and in leadership roles. “Ms. Alderman was my field hockey coach and Ms. Lacosta was my lacrosse coach. As the captain of both teams, I developed an athlete mindset that really shaped me—it taught me discipline, teamwork, and leadership. I continued to play at Dickinson College.”
Beyond the classroom and athletic fields, Chelsea explored her creative passions.
“I loved art and photography, and found a great outlet in the Mariah magazine. That interest in visuals translated to my later work in social media and even influenced my decision to study art history in college.”
When she graduated from MBS, she didn’t have a concrete career path in mind. “I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to be, but I was always drawn to fashion and art. I’d catch myself sketching or browsing fashion during class. I also volunteered a lot, both through MBS and outside of School, and giving back continues to be an important part of my personal life and the values we practice at PARKE.”
in 2022 with a focus on repurposed, recycled denim. Since its founding, PARKE has expanded to include t-shirts, sweatshirts, and in-house designed denim pieces. The company operates direct-to-consumer with pop-up shops in NYC fueling its rapid growth.
“I also work as a content creator,” she says. “Both roles have evolved quickly and organically.”
Based in Miami, her days are full and carefully structured—a habit likely born from her years as an athlete. “I start my day with coffee with my fiancé, then a workout. That routine helps me stay grounded and mentally prepare for the day. After that, I meet with my assistant around 9:30 a.m. to go over the day and the week. Meetings start shortly after and run until about 6:30 p.m., some in-person, others virtual. My team is split between Miami and NYC, and we have a warehouse and logistics team in New Jersey. I feel incredibly lucky to employ a team of 15.”
Despite the demands of running a company and managing a personal brand, she makes time for what matters. “Whether it’s grabbing lunch with friends, playing padel, or dinner with my fiancé, those moments keep me balanced. The days are busy, but I’m doing what I love.”
Looking back, she credits MBS with instilling values that continue to shape her career.
“There was a real sense of community. One of my best friends from MBS is going to be my maid of honor this fall. That School laid the foundation for so much of who I am.”
Today, Chelsea is the founder and CEO of PARKE, a brand she launched
For current students eyeing a similar path, she offers this advice: “Social media has made it easier to see what’s possible. If you have a passion or goal, stick with it and go all in. I started by working at a small fashion startup, then in wholesale and buying. Each job taught me something. Now, I’m learning every day. It’s hard work, and not every day is perfect, but it’s worth it. I’m not just running a business—it’s part of my life, and I love what we’re building.”
Your gift to The MB Fund supports every aspect of our School—our compassionate and engaged community, the academic excellence of our programs, and our truly exceptional faculty who are at the core of what takes place on campus every day.
You can see the incredible impact of your support in our vibrant and innovative academic, arts, and athletic programs; robust financial aid program; and our campus facilities, technology, and environment—all of which enhance the student experience.
Morristown Beard School would not be able to provide the same level of excellence without the contributions made each year by our generous community, for whom we could not be more grateful.
On February 27, MBS welcomed back John Kean III ’04, now a Public Defender in Union County, to speak with the 10th grade Ethics, Leadership, and Justice Interdisciplinary Concentrations Program (ICP) cohort. John shared powerful insights into the challenges of being a public defender, offering real-world examples of the ethical dilemmas he navigates daily in the justice system. His firsthand experiences gave students a glimpse into the complexities of law, justice, and advocacy.
A huge shout-out to Maya Bhide ’23, Becca Borofsky ’23, Andre Chabra ’23, and Matthew Wang ’23 for making a special visit back to MBS! These alumni are making their mark across the country. Maya is at NYU, Becca at Emory University, Andre at Tufts University, and Matthew at Washington University. Though alumni may be scattered far and wide, their MBS roots run deep, and we always love welcoming them back to campus!
On January 29, MBS proudly hosted its inaugural Legacy Breakfast, a heartwarming celebration of tradition, family, and shared experiences. This special event honored MBS alumni who now have children following in their footsteps, continuing the legacy of excellence at the School. With a perfect blend of past and present, the morning was a beautiful tribute to the deeprooted connections that make the MBS community so special.
To read more about legacy families at MBS, see story on page 20.
Adam Shur ’24, a student of NJIT’s Architecture School, made a special visit to Matt Martino’s Architectural Design Studio class. During his engaging session, Adam showcased an impressive portfolio of his first-semester projects, offering students a glimpse into the creative challenges and triumphs of college-level architecture. After his presentation, Adam assisted students in their skyscraper design project, providing hands-on guidance during their mapping exercise.
We love when alumni stop by for a visit. Even if you’re casually dropping in, we’d love to say hello and give you a warm welcome. Be sure to let Stacy Albanese, Director of Alumni Engagement, know that you're coming by! Email her at salbanese@mbs.net.
We caught up with Brette four years after her Powerfully Prepared piece was published.
Q: When you graduated high school, what did you think you wanted to be “when you grew up”?
A: Upon graduation, I thought I would work in finance or marketing. At the time, it seemed that my skills, extroverted personality, and interests were most aligned with these careers. I was not aware of the private security/intelligence industry at that time. My parents and the MBS community were really supportive, so I was also able to think about problems I wished to work on or skills I hoped to apply in my adult career. I had the benefit of also being open to other types of work. This eventually led me to looking at fast paced and research heavy jobs, including my first role and introduction to the security industry. I believe having a supportive network that allowed me to think this way eventually led me to my current role.
Q: What is your professional goal?
A: My first goal is to stay in the private sector intelligence realm. I think the industry is growing and diversifying, making it an interesting time to work in this field. I hope to stay on an industry leading team that creates new processes and routines to mitigate the ever-evolving threats posed at us. I also hope to continue my growth as an industry leader with a focus on bringing in a new generation for intelligence professionals.
Q: Can you describe a day in the life in your current career?
A: There is no ordinary day in the security industry, and this is one of the reasons I enjoy my work so much! While intelligence is primarily proactive, in that you assess potential risks and organize structures to mitigate them, there remains a reactive element to the job
which keeps me challenged and engaged. I love the opportunity to work on complex risk assessments ranging from location-based matters to nuanced investigative work.
Q: Is there something from MBS that you have used in your professional life (a skill, a lesson, an approach to collaborating, etc.)?
A: I directly associate my collaborative problem-solving approach to my time at MBS! While at MBS, we did a ton of group projects that aimed to cultivate strong collaboration skills. I often seek to include others, work transparently with peers, and brainstorm with coworkers to find efficient and impactful solutions, something I feel comes from the small group orientation of MBS classes! Secondly, I am very comfortable speaking in front of a group, a skill I attribute to MBS for giving me the opportunity to speak at Morning Meetings and present in classes.
Q: What advice do you have for today’s students who are considering work in your field?
A: I would tell students today to enjoy their time learning! This is not just their coursework, but about themselves and the world around them as they (as individuals and a collective) and the world will change drastically by the time they enter the workforce. The opportunity to focus on learning and personal growth should not be taken for granted. That said, rather than focus on an endpoint, look at what inspires or challenges you. As for those interested intelligence work or private sector security, I would say start connecting with people in the industry now to get their unbiased views on it. What is shown in the media about intelligence work is often skewed, which may be detrimental to someone trying to understand the industry.
The MBS Alumni Board welcomed two new members this fiscal year, and we are excited to have them join us!
Jeannette Yudes
Colflesh ’97 comes from a career in banking with Bankers Trust, Deutsche Bank and JPMorgan. She has worked in Private Equity and Private Wealth Management in London, Manhattan and San Francisco. Also fascinated by case studies in business school, and startup histories, the dream of building a company has always been strong. The opportunity came alive when her mother (now company artist) drew designs for family wedding invitations and was approached by the printer, desiring to purchase her work or hire her as a designer. Growing up her mom instilled old school manners and a long time love of paper—the path was obvious! Thus a new, mother daughter team, Peyton & Clark, an all made by hand in America and earth friendly stationery and design company was born! Jeannette is a graduate of Lehigh University with degrees in Economics and Finance as well as Economic Studies at University College London (UCL).
Greg Bottitta ’02 credits the lessons he learned in the classroom, on the field, and in between classes sitting with unique mentors like Mr. Ryan, Coach Eagan or Mr. Franz. As a member of the Alumni Board at Morristown Beard, he is committed and motivated to help our prestigious School provide these lessons to the next generation.
Today, Greg lives in Madison, NJ, with his wife Ashley, daughter Zoe (4), and son Sawyer (1). He spent 15 years living in Hoboken, but in 2021 moved closer to family and friends. Greg looks forward to being involved with the School through the Alumni Board. Greg currently serves as Head of Business Development for all electronic FICC (Fixed Income, Currencies, and Commodities) at GTS Securities.
Interested in becoming an alumni volunteer? Scan the QR code to fill out an interest form!
In early March, Stacy Albanese, Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, traveled to the east coast of Florida to visit with a number of alumni. It was great to see Crimson pride on display in Vero Beach, Jupiter, and Boca Raton!
Later in the Spring, alumni came out to happy hours in Morristown, Hoboken, West Orange, and New York City. Be sure to save the date for our annual gathering at the Bay Head Yacht Club on Thursday, July 24, 2025, and continue to be on the lookout for MBS in your neighborhood!
If you are one of the hundreds who participated in our Day of Giving—THANK YOU!
The day was filled with energy from the entire community, including Mo Bear! Morristown Beard truly is a place of possibilities, and that is all possible thanks to the generosity of our current families, alumni, faculty/staff, and friends.
Over 500 donors
Over $190,000 raised 25+ advocates
40% increase in alumni participation
We’re excited to announce our new giving societies–the Loyalty Society and Young Alumni Circle. To learn more about how to join, visit our website, www.mbs.net/support-mbs and be sure to make your gift to be counted this year.
The Morristown Beard School Loyalty Society honors donors with five or more years of consecutive giving to The MB Fund. Special recognition of our most loyal donors will take place throughout the fiscal year.
Over Winter Break, the Twin Oaks Ice Rink buzzed with excitement as former Morristown Beard girls and boys ice hockey players laced up their skates for the annual alumni games! Participating alumni spanned more than 10 years — with players from the Class of 2013 to 2024.
The 1891 Founders Society was established to honor generous alumni, parents, and friends who have created trusts, bequests, or other planned gifts to benefit Morristown Beard School. Every individual who supports MBS with a planned gift is eligible to become a member of the 1891 Founders Society. The Society celebrates your support in many ways, including recognition in school publications, campus events, and other special activities.
The Young Alumni Circle recognizes donors from the most recent 10 years who make a gift to The MB Fund within the fiscal year. By joining this circle, alumni receive special acknowledgments throughout the year and special recognition at Homecoming and Reunion.
Dear Fellow Alumni,
As the 2025 school year comes to an end, so does my term as President of the Alumni Board. It has been an amazing experience full of transitions and new beginnings. As alumni, we have had many events, such as Homecoming and Reunion, which have reinforced our dedication to MBS. It has also been one year since my daughter graduated from MBS. As her connections to the school continue to thrive, I am optimistic that recent and future alumni will have the same experience.
The connections I have made with my classmates from the Class of 1984 resulted in a fabulous 40th reunion this past fall! I encourage all alumni to get involved and forge those connections—reach out to your classmates, become a class agent, and see how you can work with the School to bring your fellow alumni together.
I would like to thank Head of School Liz Morrison for all of her support of the alumni of Morristown Beard School. I plan to remain involved and look forward to seeing many of you back on campus in September for another great Homecoming and Reunion weekend. Go Crimson!
Warmly,
KC Joubran ’84, P ’24 President, MBS Alumni Board
Need volunteer or event information?
Please email alumni@mbs.net
CLASS NOTE TODAY FOR THE FALL 2025 CRIMSON !
Keep the MBS community updated on your latest personal, professional, and civic achievements.
Please email alumni@mbs.net or scan the QR code by August 30, 2025 to be included in the next issue of Crimson
MBS 9th graders Michael Blancuzzi ’28, Connor Sullivan ’28, and Will Turben ’28 teamed up with alumnus Dick Seabury ’54 to tackle a major basement clean-out at the Montville Museum. Despite frigid temperatures, these volunteers stepped up, earning community service hours while making a difference.
1958
Gus Hancock writes, “Our class overlapped with three iconic Headmasters - Wilkie and Grant, and Coach Burke. Mr. Wilkie and Coach Burke came to Morristown School in 1942, so their concepts and traditions of a boys’ school were truly of the 1920-30 era. Their era included WWII. When our class started in 1953, we had 97 students. Boarding tuition was about $1,200 per year, day students half that. I am still in close touch with Bill Birch, Doug Mocket, Lowell Jaeger and Ken Phillips. We had a well attended 60th reunion in 2018. We are mostly very physically and mentally active and in good shape, and active in our communities. Three are in CCRC type retirement communities, mine the Admiral at the Lake, looking out over Lake Michigan, in Chicago. I no longer sail or row, but have a personal trainer 4 days per week.”
1962
Jeanie Hayes, aka Dr. Jean Hayes, MFT, continues to provide individual, couples, and family therapy in Marin County (Bay Area), California. She also conducts animal
assisted therapy on her small farm with two new young llamas and two older ones, including horses, goats, a mini donkey, an 18 lb rabbit, and pet chickens. She adds, “It’s such an opportunity to do counseling with all of these special critters!” and encourages her classmates to come visit!
Bill Phillips writes, “For the past three years I have been the Director of Player Evaluation for Syracuse University Football. This is a new position I created with the moderators of syracusefan.com where all twenty sports at Syracuse, my alma mater, have forums to post discussions and opinions about each sport by alumni and others interested in Syracuse sports. I receive information about every recruit offered by the football staff of the football team nationally from the moderators. The appointment requires me to find all the information I can about the recruit by watching him play football on a film supplied by a national recruiting service at his school, recording height, weight, position, 40 - yard dash time, his picture, what the player has accomplished in football during the years before being offered, and any honors the recruit has received: All -State, where he is ranked in his state and nationally. The job keeps me busy almost all year. Since Syracuse has a new, very successful head football coach from Camden, New Jersey, had a 10-3 record including a bowl win and received in his first year as head coach of the Syracuse
University football team, the Paul “Bear” Bryant Newcomer Coach of the Year Award and the Steve Spurrier First-Year Coach Award. Along with my degree as a graphic and Industrial Designer I am happily quite busy.”
An update from Justine Braatz Ashton: “What a wild ride it has been since the wildfire of 2017! My husband of 50 years passed away in 2018. I found, thanks to a DNA test, my biological father, a decorated Purple Heart Seabee WWII hero, along with numerous living relatives including two brothers. More recent research back to the 1500s proves I belong to the Cherokee tribe who lived and still live in what became the state of Virginia. A trip east is in the works, but if any classmates are visiting Northern California, feel free to reach out.
Barbara Cornish Fountain writes, “I am currently involved in volunteering to teach ESL. I have taught adults from China, Japan, Brazil, Turkey, the Philippines and Yemen. I like learning about their homeland and their culture. I also volunteer to be the moderator for the Great Decisions foreign policy discussion group which is sponsored by the Foreign Policy Association. I enjoy getting the information which helps me to understand how the United States interacts with other countries.”
Tom Pagano was inducted into the Ocean Township High School Hall of Fame in March 2024. He served as a teacher, football coach, assistant principal, principal, and Superintendent of Schools during his 38 years there. He was involved in three building referendums and mentoring many other administrators while serving as Chief School Administrator. He and Gloria are enjoying retirement.
Mary Lydecker Moyer writes, “I live in Harrisburg, PA. I have been married 52 years, and have 3 children, 5 grandchildren, and a spoiled Jack Russell. I’ve held several jobs, the last being 10 years as an elementary school teacher and then a community volunteer. Now I have the best job - retirement! My husband and I are avid travelers and have traveled to every continent except Antarctica. I am often asked which trip was best and since they are all so different it’s hard, but favorites include Chile, Thailand, Tibet, and New Zealand. We took our grandson and his friend to France, and our two granddaughters to Italy, which were wonderful and special times. I am an enthusiastic, but average, competitive bridge player, though I did finally make it to Life Master. I love to read, especially history (my BA and MA) and historical fiction, in which I try to find mistakes and anachronisms. I would enjoy hearing about classmates! If you would like to contact me feel free to reach out.”
Caroline Kennedy shares an update: “I have been busy recently visiting family. I traveled to Florida to visit the daughter and granddaughters of my late sister, Triska Kennedy Kretschmar ’65, and to Roanoke, VA to visit my sister Dr. Matilda “Cille” Kennedy ’62 . Cille has relocated to be near her son and grandson. Otherwise, I keep active and happy here in New Jersey.”
Chris Jolls writes, “Living in Bluffton SC, right outside of Hilton Head for the past 6 years. Love it here! Playing guitar with a number of different people.”
After 47 years apart, Amy Chaiken Wolffe, Fred Schector, and John Lewis finally reunited for a memorable dinner in Los Angeles, California! Laughter, stories, and decades-old memories filled the evening as they reminisced about their MBS days. John even brought along his 1977 Salmagundi yearbook, sparking waves of nostalgia and long-forgotten moments. Though the years have passed, the bond they forged at MBS remains as strong as ever!
Warren Bobrow shares that his company, Klaus the Gnome, Inc., has partnered with Veterans Choice Creations in New York State. The company entered into a manufacturing and distribution agreement to sell specialty use craft libations around New York State starting March 7, 2025. Bobrow has written six books and contributed to magazines including Forbes Magazine, and credits Morristown Beard for “teaching me to be tenacious, determined and passionate”.
Members of the Morristown Beard Class of 1984 reunited for an unforgettable evening at Grasshopper off the Green in Morristown, NJ. The night was filled with contagious laughter and a nostalgic trip down memory lane, leaving everyone with full hearts and lasting smiles!
Beth Eisgrau-Heller writes, “Color me nostalgic, my kiddo just started high school so no better time for an update. It will surprise no one that I’ve lived in NYC for 30 years, in Brooklyn for the past 15. My husband, Rob (Director of IT Infrastructure, Daily Racing Form), our son Sam and I moved from Brooklyn Heights to downtown Brooklyn a year ago. Professionally I’m a freelance photographer (d/b/a Beth Heller Photo) and specialize in documentary/editorial, event,
music, and portraiture. I shoot regularly for The Brooklyn Daily Eagle and private clients. Recently I’ve pivoted toward the competitive field of Unit Stills, set photography for film, TV & theater. The pandemic and Writer’s Guild and SAG/AFTRA strikes greatly impacted the industry. So I'm actively seeking to networkhopefully with MBS alumni who work in the entertainment business. My goal is to qualify for IATSE Local 600 union membership. Music still looms large in my life though these days I’m known more for attending concerts (recently-Sting, Bikini Kill, Johnny Marr, Jane's Addiction) and being the ringer at karaoke and a superfan of Seattle-based radio station, KEXP. Last summer, Rob and I visited San Francisco and had a lovely meet up with Gretel Oakes Merrill in Chinatown. Dr. Kathleen Costello-Sullivan remains my nearest and dearest friend.”
Monya Taylor Davis is excited to announce that she was recently promoted to Regional Training Manager for the East Region after working in sales at Quest Diagnostics for 2 ½ years as a Physician Account Manager.
Quest Diagnostics is the world's leading provider of diagnostic information services, annually serving 1 in 3 adult Americans and half of the physicians and hospitals in the US.
Morristown BeardSchool
Jackie Driscoll Schiavone, founder of My Someday Project, a fashion and lifestyle blog, was recently featured in CNN, Real Simple and the Wall Street Journal for her fashion commentary. Jackie wants to encourage students to embrace all of the turns in your career path, having started her career in public relations and segued into marketing primarily event management. After having children, she decided to pursue her life long passion for fashion as a virtual stylist. She has combined all of these skills to launch her career in social media, and recently created a post referencing her time at Morristown Beard and how many of the styles popular in the 90’s and the classics we wear today! She credits Morristown Beard with having nurtured her interest in the arts and gave her the confidence to take a risk later in life.
Morristown BeardSchool
Joshua McCaleb and wife Kelly are US Foreign Service officers currently posted to North Macedonia with their children Camila (8) and Kuno (6). Josh also races for Team USA Triathlon and competed in the Age Group Sprint Triathlon World Championship in Spain in October 2024.
Jeffrey Prystowsky started a new job this past fall at an entertainment law firm in New York City, Loeb & Loeb, to practice music copyright law.
Members of the Class of 2002 went on their tenth annual ski trip! Pictured here: Gregory Bottitta, Tucker Crooks, Todd McConnell, Paul Nonni, Dan Pellenberg, Ross Selby, and John Beninato, who attended Middle School at MBS.
Jen Conway Backshall, Jackie Wigder Calvo, Christine Raia Quinn, Molly Pribor Denes, and Lee Grant Bogaert got together at Rails Steakhouse in Montville, NJ to celebrate the next chapter. Nellie Raia Quinn was born in February 2025.
Alex Fetchko writes, “Hello friends! I’ve been living in NYC since graduating from Boston University in 2015 and have been fortunate enough to build a career in the arts. Like in high school, I’ve continued working in theatrical lighting, designing and assisting on productions, on and off Broadway, at Carnegie Hall, in Brooklyn burlesque (shout out Company XIV!), and at regional theaters across the country. I owe a huge debt to my time tinkering in Wilkie Hall and Founders Hall at MBS— lighting plays, musicals, concerts, morning meetings, CMWs, and more. The strong roots I built at MBS have allowed me to grow a sustainable career in the arts, and I’m grateful every day for that foundation.”
Jillian Raia ’12 married Nicholas Kothman in Jefferson, NH!
MBS Alumni Pictured (from left to right)Joseph Pennacchio ’06, Taylor Silvestri ’12, Sam Cocuzza ’12, Jillian Raia Kothman ’12, Christine Raia Quinn ’06 (Maid of Honor and sister of the bride), and Gina Finelli ’13.
Rebecca Saltzman ’11 married Erick Miller on July 13, 2024, in Milford, PA. Her classmates Ruth Frankel, Karly Weinreb, Emily Collier Porter, and Ethan Riback joined in the festivities. Although Rebecca met Erick in Brooklyn, they bonded over their New Jersey upbringings. Especially the funny coincidence that Erick attended the German School held on the MBS campus on the weekends! They live in Brooklyn and she has been teaching 6th grade Humanities for six years.
Hannah Fuller ’16 and Max Borchert ’16 married on October 12, 2024. Chief Innovation Officer Darren Burns P ’19, ’22 and MBS alumni from 2016 were present at the wedding!
You’re invited! Join fellow MBS alumni and friends for the annual
Alumni & Friends
Cocktail Party
Thursday, July 24, 2025
6:30 - 8:30 PM
Formal invitation to follow! For questions contact Stacy Albanese, Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, at salbanese@mbs.net. MBS Heads to Bay Head!
111 Metcalfe Street Bay Head, NJ 08742
Athenian beanie all her life. Barbara held many class and School elected offices, including President of the Beard School Association—the highest office in the School. She exemplified the values of Miss Beard’s: honor, service, giving, civic involvement and love of learning. Barbara was the first member of her family to be born in a hospital, a small private institution in Maplewood, New Jersey. (The building now houses the Ethical Culture Society of Essex County.) The youngest of three, Barbara was close to her two older siblings and cousins in South Orange, her hometown until she relocated to Virginia at age 96 to live with her daughter Jane’s family. As she prepared to move, The Village of South Orange held a ceremony in her honor detailing her many contributions and proclaiming her a “LIFELONG VILLAGER.”
Barbara grew up on Hillside Place in South Orange, enjoying visits to the South Mountain Reservation, playing tennis and field hockey at Meadowland Park/Cameron Field, and swimming in the village’s pool. Summers
meant holiday stays in Nova Scotia. Barbara would name her first dog Digby for a historic town there. She would always have a beloved canine. After Miss Beard’s, Barbara graduated from Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School and worked at the Bank of New York, Columbia High School in Maplewood, and Chubb & Son, Inc. In 1948 she married Lawrence “Larry” Van Doren, who had grown up blocks away from her. It would be long and happy marriage sharing love of family, travel, the arts, and community. In 1953 they moved into their decades-long home on Glenside Road, South Orange. The couple had three children, Fred (Frederick), Duran, and Jane, 10 grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. Larry died in 2009. Their children, daughtersin-law Lauren and Sandra, son-in-law David, the grandchildren, great grandchildren and many close nieces, nephews, cousins and friends survive her. In South Orange, Barbara, Larry and family dog were at the center of an active neighborhood of seasonal and spontaneous celebrations. Barbara was a fixture at lectures at the Montclair Art Museum and area musical performances. She was committed to being politically informed, civic involvement, and volunteering. She beautified public spaces as part of the Garden Club of the Oranges, was a board member of The Orange Orphan Society, and part of Junior League outreach. In South Orange, she supported Jespy House and Girls for Girls Period. The Episcopal Church of St. Andrew and Holy Communion was a vital part of her life. She was a past treasurer, member of the Alter Guild, and held other posts at the church. An avid reader, Barbara helped to establish the St. Andrew Book Club. At Beard, she loved studying Roman and Greek history. After she and Larry visited Rome, Barbara shared the experience with the local Traveler’s Club that she helped establish. At home, she always had either music playing—often Metropolitan Opera simulcasts—or was tuned into news analyses. Those of us fortunate to have known Barbara cherish her memory and her caring friendship.
Barbara Dyckman Wells ’46, January 1, 2025, age 96. Known as “Bobbie” both to her Miss Beard’s schoolmates and throughout her long life, Barbara loved her many years at Miss
Beard’s and the lifelong friends she made there. She was among the many in her family—boys and girls—who attended Miss Beard’s. Her grandmother Louise Dyckman was central to the School’s founding in 1891. Mrs. Dyckman lived in a large Victorian house on Berkeley Avenue in Orange, New Jersey. She wished a private kindergarten to be established for her and her friends’ young children in their affluent neighborhood 13 miles west of New York City. Meanwhile, in the city, Miss Lucie C. Beard trained in kindergarten education. The unexpected death of Miss Beard’s father affected the family’s future. Mrs. Dyckman’s younger sister and Miss Beard were classmates, and Beard learned of the need for a school in Orange. After exploring the potential, Miss Beard, with help from her mother and two sisters, established Miss Beard’s School on Clarendon Place. Soon a grade was added each year as the first students advanced. Boys were allowed in the kindergarten and first grade. In 1899, Miss Beard’s School moved across from the Dyckman home on Berkeley Avenue, in Orange, and enjoyed many decades there before the 1972 merger with the Morristown School. On her paternal side, Bobbie’s father Heroy Maxwell and his sister Mary attended Miss Beard’s. Heroy Maxwell Dyckman, who died in 1971, was on the Board of Miss Beard’s School, celebrating the School’s half centennial in 1941. Aunt Mary Dyckman, a groundbreaking social worker and labor rights reformer was in the class of 1905, among the School’s first graduates. Aunt Mary crusaded for the doomed “Radium Girls” in Orange’s watch factories, child and women’s labor protection, migrant
worker conditions and much more including being a founder and president (1944-1956) of the Consumers League of New Jersey. Mary Dyckman also taught history at Miss Beard’s from 1917 to 1926. On her maternal side, Bobbie’s mother Barbara Boston Dyckman (1912) and her Boston-family aunt also graduated from Miss Beard’s. Other Beard’s graduates were Bobbie’s late sister Frances Louise Dyckman Nation ’37, late first cousin Suzanne Boston Thorne, ’47 and late cousin by marriage Suzanne Getty Dyckman ’45. Bobbie was born in Summit, New Jersey and grew up in Short Hills. As with many classmates living
family returned to the United States for 12 years, living in New Canaan, Connecticut. There, son Matthew was born. Doug’s career
with Nestlé next took the Wells family to New Zealand, South Africa, and Chicago. Family and friends were constants in Bobbie’s life as were singing, reading and nature. Having discovered her love of singing in Beard’s Glee Club, Bobbie sang in choral groups at Vassar College, and upon retiring to Chatham, Cape Cod Massachusetts, sang in over 100 concerts as a 40-year member of Chatham Chorale. She sang in the Holy Redeemer Church Choir from 1988 to 2022, was a Friends Board Member of the local Monomoy Theater, singing in productions of The Sound of Music and The Music Man. In Chatham, Bobbie worked with the Rocking Unicorn Nursery School and at Yellow Umbrella Books, bringing together her love of children and books. She also was a founding and longtime member of the on-going Chatham Book Group and a keen observer of the flora and fauna of her beloved Cape Cod. Her four children, daughters-in-law, and six grandchildren survive her.
Richard H. Palmer ’47, May 13, 2024, age 94. Richard enjoyed a long, active life touching many in the communities where he lived. Born in Burlington, Vermont, he played football at The Morristown School and basketball at East Carolina University where he earned a degree in business administration. Richard would bring
three sons graduated from MBS. Linda, his wife of 61 years, sons Robert H. Palmer ’69, Roger M. Palmer and Richard Henry Palmer, Jr. ’75, and one daughter Rochelle Palmer Duda survive him as well as his son-in-law, two daughters-in-law, nine grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. His daughter Patti Lea Hargadon and grandson Kyle Hargadon predeceased him. For over 40 years, Rich owned and operated three successive iterations
of his Rich’s Hobbytown. The first store was in Boonton, New Jersey followed by a much larger store in Pine Brook near Route 46 in Parsippany, New Jersey which boasted the “Tri O Rama” field for trying out remote toys. The store made national news, including an interview with Walter Cronkite, the legendary broadcaster at CBS News. Some years ago, NJ.com ran a retrospective article, quoting one enthusiast who explained the shop’s celebrity. The unnamed enthusiast wrote, “Amazing Figure Modeler Magazine notes that Palmer’s business was the nation’s largest-volume hobby shop at the time, attracting enough attention in the industry that the Aurora Plastic Corporation hired him to organize a ‘Monster Customizing Contest’….This was the coolest place on earth when you were a kid in the 70s and it started me out at an early age loving toys, model kits and making custom stuff.” Richard sold this property after the construction of Route 80 in the area. His third Hobbytown in Montville was a vital part of the community. In addition to his store, Richard established an on-going business, R & R Promotions, with corporate and private clients nationwide. Richard was the spirited heart of his large family and active in many sports. He excelled on the links and tennis court and, having relocated to Winter Haven, Florida after shuttering Rich’s Hobbytown. He was inducted into the Winter Haven Softball Hall of Fame for his skill on the mound. He took up sailing and lifeguarding
January 4, 2025, age 93. Beth—Buffy to her friends–was born and grew up in Newark, New Jersey. She entered Miss Beard’s in 1934 and boarded there her senior year after the School had become The Beard School. She sang in Glee Club and Chapel Choir, acted in the Player’s Club and was a member of International Relations Club. Buffy would be a loyal member of Beard ’49, a class noteworthy for the longevity of many members and their active participation in reunions and
alumna events deep into the 2000s. After her 15 years at Beard, Beth graduated from Hood College in 1953. She married William Hunter Powell Jr. in 1957. The couple brought up their three children Virginia Powell Lodge, Lizanne Powell Shaver and William Hunter Powell III (Scoot) in Trenton, New Jersey, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Alton, Illinois, Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, and Roanoke, Virginia. Her husband and son predeceased her. Beth is survived by her daughters, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. A lifelong learner, she loved the arts, tennis, bridge, animals, and politics. Active in the Junior League, she volunteered for the Taubman Museum of Art and Christ Church soup kitchen, all in Roanoke, Virginia. Her family and friends deeply remember her love for learning, humor and care for family and friends.
Gayle Chamberlin Hoyt ’50, March 8, 2025, age 93. Gayle was committed to family, church, community and the environment. Born in Irvington, New Jersey she grew up in Millburn and would be a longtime Short Hills resident. Later in life she lived in Chatham and was in a retirement community in New Providence, New Jersey at the end of her life. Gayle attended Millburn High School before becoming a student at Beard. She later graduated from Finch College in New York City where she stood out in French and music. Music had led her as a preteen to Christ Episcopal Church in Short Hills. A 12-yearold member of the Presbyterian Church choir in Millburn, she volunteered to sing at Christ Church. Drawn to the liturgy, Gayle found there her lifelong spiritual home. She would be a 25-year member of the Altar Guild and the vestry, teach Sunday School, and head numerous missions and groups including liaison to St. Mark’s Food Shelf. In 2008 the Episcopal Diocese of Newark presented the David Paul Hegg II Award to her for significant service to the church and community. Gayle loved and fought for the natural world. From childhood, she enjoyed
watching pods of porpoises off the New Jersey shore and catching the “bennies” (sun’s beneficial rays) during summers in Bayhead and Mantoloking with her family. If the bluefish were running, she and her father raced to surf cast from the shore. Later she would share similar summers with her two sons Scott and Ames and two daughters Susan and Sarah. Her four children, son-in-law Chuck Steidel, and six grandchildren survive her. Gayle took to heart the Beard value of service and giving. In addition to her many roles at her church, Gayle was a pioneering environmentalist and conservationist. She was among the founders of C.L.E.A.N.— Citizens League for Environmental Action Now—which in 1971 established one of the nation’s first recycling programs. She was also a highly active member of the New Jersey Foundation for Conservation. Late in life her son Ames would take her for drives in the Great Swamp. Gayle was also a volunteer for Planned Parenthood, New Eyes for the Needy and for nine years was the ambulance driver for the Millburn Volunteer Emergency Squad. She worked to elect Ken Gibson as Newark, New Jersey’s first Black mayor and volunteered at New Eyes for Needy in Short Hills. Gayle valued her memberships in The Garden Club of Short Hills, the Short Hills Club and the Junior League of the Oranges and Short Hills. She loved her late dog Gretti, reading the New York Times, opera, symphonies, the theater, and eating Wise potato chips amidst raucous laughter with her family.
Joseph “Joe” Samuel Nye ’54 May 6, 2025, age 88. His passing was met with outpourings of admiration and gratitude throughout academia and government. Joe had lived in East Africa, Latin American and Europe. He traveled to over 60 countries as Deputy Under Secretary of State for Security Assistance, Science, and Technology during the Carter Administration, as Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs
under Bill Clinton, and as an advisor to governments worldwide.
Dr. Nye was recognized by leaders—often from both sides of the aisle—as among the preeminent foreign policy thinker of our times. Nye argued that American democracy, rule of law, individual rights and humanitarianism—its “soft power,” a term he coined, was as vital as the “hard power” of military and economic might.
Joe was also the Harvard Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus and Dean of Harvard Kennedy School of Government (HKS) from 1995-2004, mentoring generations of policymakers, academics, and analysts. He brought both a larger Republican and female presence to HKS, establishing the Women and Public Policy Program. In addition, Joe spearheaded transnational policy organizations including the Aspen Strategy Group.
Dr. Nye wrote 14 books, many seminal, including Bound to Lead (1990), The Paradox of American Power (1993), Soft Power (2004) and The Future of Power (2010). He also was past Chair of the National Intelligence Council and the U.S. representative to the UN Advisory Committee on Disarmament Matters (19891993). His memoir A Life in the American
Century (2024) is an acclaimed best-seller in International Relations, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.
Joe always remembered his formative years at The Morristown School, both returning to campus and sending class notes to Crimson magazine. Speaking at School in 2011, Joe said, “I got an enormous amount out of my education at The Morristown School. Morristown was a great experience – the small class sizes, the quality of the teaching, and opportunities for leadership.” Joe was awarded the third MBS Distinguished Alumni Award in 1996 and was featured in Crimson magazine’s history of student government issue a few years later.
Born in South Orange Village, New Jersey, Joe moved as a young boy with his parents and three siblings to New Vernon, New Jersey. There, he grew up and became a leader and top student at The Morristown School. After graduation, Joe majored in Political Science at Princeton University writing for The Princetonian. He graduated Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa and was tapped as a Rhodes Scholar, studying at Oxford’s Exeter College. He returned to the United States for his 1964 doctorate from Harvard University and immediately joined the faculty.
of leaders will continue to shape the future of international relations for decades to come. MBS is proud to have counted him among its own—and will always remember him as a scholar, statesman, and steadfast friend.
Janet Gail Blackwell Bent, ’55, September 16, 2024, age 87. Janet grew up in Short Hills, New Jersey and enjoyed her five years at Beard. There
Joe was devoted to his family. He met his wife Mary (Molly) while at The Morristown School. The couple married in 1961. Molly, an artist, gallerist and arts advocate, died on December 1, 2024. Joe and Molly long lived in an historic home on the Lexington, Massachusetts Green before relocating to a nearby retirement community. They enjoyed their 900-acre tree farm in North Sandwich, New Hampshire. Joe relished gardening, hiking and making his own maple syrup. He embraced fly fishing, squash, and skiing. Sons John, Benjamin, and Daniel, their wives, and nine grandchildren survive him.
Frequently interviewed about current American foreign policy, Joe held faith in the enduring beacon of American freedoms, saying last year, “I still have a faint ray of guarded optimism. It’s getting a little fainter, but it’s not extinguished.”
Joe was a great man, a good man–generous, kind, and beloved. MBS honors Joe S. Nye, Jr. He embodied the values and goals of the School he loved.
Joe Nye’s life was a testament to the power of ideas, service, and principled leadership. His intellectual legacy, personal humility, and dedication to mentoring the next generation
Clio. Growing up, the Blackwells spent summers at Point O’Woods, Fire Island, New York. She would spend summers there every year of her long life and become the unofficial community historian. After Beard, Janet graduated from Connecticut College in 1959 and married John P. Bent in June 1960. She briefly taught before her marriage. After marriage, she volunteered at New Eyes for the Needy, The Junior League of the Oranges and Short Hills, and Garden Club, all in Short Hills, Janet’s and John’s home for many years. They would later live in Essex,
Connecticut and Hillsboro Beach, Florida. Janet loved tennis, gardening, films, theater, games, crossword puzzles and bridge. Mostly she loved books, engaging her grand and great grandchildren with picture books, and serving as the Point O’Woods librarian for many years. John died in 2016. She is survived by her three sons John, David and Stephen, their wives, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren, as well as her brother Terry, sister Marty Blackwell Meserole ’64 and their spouses and families. At Janet’s October 2024 Memorial Service, a favorite Beard hymn “Our God, Our Help in Ages Past” and the Meredith Wilson song “Till There Was You” were played.
William Charles Seabrook III ’57, September 25, 2024, age 84. Born on Staten Island, William—always known as Bill--graduated from the Staten Island Day School before his family moved to Mountain Lakes, New Jersey. After two years at the local high school, he was a day student at The Morristown School. Bill next studied at Syracuse University where he joined the Kappa Sigma fraternity and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1961. Bill traveled extensively his entire life. As a young person, he made several transatlantic crossings with his family. The elder Mr. Seabrook was a publicity director for the Holland American Line. After graduating from Syracuse, Bill traveled throughout Europe before joining the military. He was a Military Police Officer in Metz, France from 1962-1964 and also toured with his own jazz duo. An enthusiastic jazz fan, he played jazz piano for family, friends, and nursing home residents. Bill’s 40-year New York City-based advertising career began in 1964 where he first worked at Ogilvy, then Macy’s, Bloomingdales, and Avon Products. At Avon, he was the longtime creative director. Bill commuted to the city from his and wife Harley’s homes in Westport and then Fairfield, Connecticut. Married for 56 years, the couple had a son and a daughter. Harley, daughter Alexis, son William Seabrook IV, daughter-in-law Kathy Lui Seabrook, two
grandchildren and his sister Wendy Seabrook D’Amico survive him. Bill and Harley enjoyed 12 retirement years in Wilmington, North Carolina, returning to Connecticut in 2017 to be near family. Bill had a strong sense of humor and loved life, family, friends. Harley writes that “Bill loved his time at Morristown and always spoke of the School with great fondness.”
Olga Leigh Bates Olshan ’60, March 18, 2025, age 83. Olga was always known as Leigh. Born in Russia, she arrived in Maplewood, New Jersey at age 13. She began two fulfilling years at Beard from 1958 to her graduation in 1960. There, Leigh formed lifelong friends. In 2020 she would be part of a virtual 60th Reunion. Cosmopolitan in her outlook, Leigh was a member of International Relations Club, served on Honor Council and was Carnival Queen. She is remembered for her grace dancing. President of Dance Club her senior year, Leigh was always deeply interested in the arts. Leigh married Robert (Bob) Olshan after graduation. They were devoted to one another since their early teenage year until her passing. Leigh loved family life with Bob, their four daughters and later with their grandchildren. The couple made their life in Virginia and loved time on their boat. Leigh and Bob often traveled to Massachusetts during the summer where she would visit with her classmate and fellow artist Pamela Russell ’60, effortlessly picking up the conversations they had started over 65 years ago. Pam writes she will be greatly missed.
hockey and lacrosse teams and is well remembered for her performances with Dance Club. She was president of Dance Club her senior year. After Beard, Judy graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. Little more is known, but a daughter writes that she was a successful woman rich in her family history, which she enjoyed sharing with her children and grandchildren.
Judith Ruth Singer ’61, January 2025. At Beard, Judy was an outstanding student always on Honor Roll and inducted into the Cum Laude Honorary Society. She had a deep interest in literature and international affairs, belonging both to Literary and International Relations clubs and attending the National Conference on Christian and Jews. She was a member of Athletic Club, playing on both
Donald J Giles, Jr, ’63 December 11, 2024, age 80. Donald grew up in Short Hills, New Jersey and was a boarding student at The Morristown School. He graduated from the University of Vermont, then joined Arco Industrial and later Interstate Container. He enjoyed a gratifying second career in education, teaching United States History and Geography at Adams Middle School in Guilford, Connecticut. Donald played football at both Morristown and Vermont and had an additional career in coaching, first with The Lions, a Pop Warner team in Milford, Connecticut. (Pop Warner is a nationwide football conference for youth, ages 5 to 16.) He took great joy in the 25 years he coached football at Daniel Hand High School in Madison, Connecticut, which became his longtime hometown. At The Morristown School, his “golden toe” was noteworthy at kickoffs. He also played baseball and hockey. An amateur weather watcher and an avid reader, Donald loved following professional sports as well as his playing and coaching. His wife, Andrea, three daughters—Karen Giles (Fernando Latorre), Kathryn Jones (David) and Kelly Pieper (Francisco Manuel) and five grandchildren survive him.
Dr. Alan Hogate Cooper P ’99, ’03, May 1, 2025, age 77. Dr. Cooper was a teacher, archivist, author, editor, coach, and proud parent of Alan Ryan Cooper ’99 and (Deborah) Jane Cooper ’03. Born in Lakewood, New Jersey, he and life partner Kathy N. Halsey were longtime residents of Long Valley, New Jersey before relocating to Heath Village, Hackettstown, New Jersey in 2020. Their beloved summer home was on Birch Island, Thousand Islands, New York. Kathy, Alan, Jane, their spouses Karla Cooper and Jesse White, five grandchildren, and former wife Deborah Ryan Dunsmore survive him.
Alan received his Bachelor of Arts from Susquehanna University in 1969, two Masters of Arts, SUNY Binghamton (1971) and Bryn Mawr (1973), and a Doctorate in Education from West Virginia State University in 1982. Alan was devoted to the place of Latin and the classics in modern education. He taught English, Latin and archeology at The Linsly School in Wheeling, West Virginia from 1973 to 1978 and then at West Virginia University before coming to MBS in 1983.
Alan inspired hundreds of students in his classes in ancient history, Latin, anthropology, social psychology, 20th century world history and political theory. He expanded the Latin programs that had been taught at The Beard and The Morristown Schools, earning commendations from the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS). He became the NJAIS representative for Latin, an editor of the NJAIS Faculty Forum, and served on the professional development committee.
Flexible to MBS’s changing needs, after 1990 Alan forewent his Latin courses in favor of bringing his classical training to ancient history. “I taught through our reading Herodotus, [the 5th Century BCE Greek historian], not the usual textbook review of ancient worlds,” Alan said in a 2020 interview. “We supplemented our reading with participation in archeological excavations I was conducting for the Somerset County Park Commission, a hands-on experience rare for high school students,” he continued.
In addition to his MBS position, Alan was archeologist and director of public archeology programs for the Commission’s Environmental Education Center from 1984 to 2009.
Alan was also a Fulbright Scholar in India and wrote articles on local history and archeology. In 2016, The MBS Athletic Hall of Fame honored Alan’s coaching the 1996 Boys Soccer Team to a Prep B Championship. He chaired both the MBS Faculty Evaluation Committee and the Social Darwinism Study Group, served on the Drug and Alcohol Awareness, Athletic Procedures, and Football Committees, and advised the Social Committee.
Alan became the first MBS archivist after retiring from teaching in 2016. He thoughtfully curated a collection of Beard, Morristown, and MBS records, photographs, and memorabilia. At reunions and alumni events, Alan presided over his scrupulously annotated binders, answering alumni questions and recording additional
information for his vital contributions to the history of the Schools. He was editor-in-chief of 125 Septembers, the online publication celebrating the 125th anniversary of the 1891 founding of The Beard and Morristown Schools. Orchestrating original documents, period photographs and interviews, Alan created the book’s The Morristown School segment.
Alan volunteered until the end of his life. He was on the Mine Hill Township Board of Education and worked extensively with area environmental groups. After retirement, Alan published the results of the Lord Stirling Manor and Lenape Meadow archeological excavations and continued his interest in history and archeology. He enjoyed classic rock. When not punctuating his thoughts with a Latin phrase, Alan might quote from Die Hard or Alien and other favorite films.
MBS loved Alan and Alan loved MBS, saying “Students leaving MBS know that their abilities
have been enhanced. They graduate open to further exploration and personal growth.” Alan shaped lives and was a friend and cheerleader to many. We all feel his loss.
David Leslie Reiley P ’94, ’98 age 79. Dave loved The Morristown School and MBS from boyhood until his passing. “MBS was a thread through all the stages of his life,” wrote his older daughter Maureen Reiley ’94. He loved the community—the students, parents, teachers. He was invested in the success of the School,” Maureen continued.
Growing up, Dave’s father was in charge of the grounds at The Morristown School and young Dave lived with his family on campus. Their home stood on the site of the current MBS Dining Hall. Then, the School had both day students and a boarding department. Many of the staff lived on campus as well. He formed valued friendships with his contemporaries on campus, including for many years past Headmaster Tom Grant’s son, Tom Grant Jr. ’69. Dave attended public school in Morristown, graduating from Morristown High School.
After high school Dave applied his innovative business mind and strong work ethic to the auto parts industry. Many in the MBS community remember his NAPA Auto Parts in Madison, New Jersey which Dave founded and ran for over twenty years. Dave and his wife Patricia Vaughn Reiley were married for 54 years. In later years they divided their time between Palm Beach Gardens, Florida and Flemington, New Jersey. The couple sent their daughters Maureen Reiley Reed ’94 and Colleen Reiley DiGiambattista ’98 to MBS. Dave was devoted to family, taking great joy and interest in the lives of his five grandchildren, Jack, Charlie, Emma, Charlie, and Morgan. His wife, daughters, sonsin-law Clark Reed and Matt DiGiambattista, and grandchildren survive him.
Dave gave back generously to the community. For Dave, community always meant both where he lived and MBS. He was the past President of the Madison Chamber of Commerce, worked diligently for Habitat for Humanity and—telling for MBS—coached local youth ice hockey.
as a club sport in 2000-01. The first official varsity year was 2001-02. Dave and I co-coached the team from the start (2000-01) through 2004. 2003-04 was Dave’s last year behind the bench,” Bruce continued. We began presenting the Reiley Award annually in 2004-05. It was awarded to the girls ice hockey player who exhibited a combination of sportsmanship and perseverance.”
Sportsmanship and perseverance were the hallmarks of Dave’s life. When no longer on the ice, he talked with the players individually off the ice. He always emphasized the positive. When he retired from coaching, he came out for as many games as he could make, cheering the girls on. “He loved and supported his MBS Girls,” Coach Driver wrote.
President of The Crimson Club in the 1990s, Dave kept up ties with past and current MBS staff. MBS has many loyal and inspirational alumni and former staff. Coach Reiley is among the deeply valued and beloved of them. “Morristown Beard was part of his fabric and a place that he respected and was proud to be associated with. In return he was respected and formed many lifelong friendships and relationships,” his daughter Colleen wrote. MBS extends their great gratitude to Coach Reiley and condolences to his family.
Kindly send information on alumni passings to Director of Alumni Engagement Stacy Albanese at salbanese@mbs.net. Carol Selman ’64 researches and writes In Memoriam.
SEPTEMBER 26-27, 2025
your calendars! The event is open to all alumni, with special recognition of reunion years (ending in 5 or 0).
