Morristown Beard School Magazine
Beard School Magazine
MBS Named an Apple Distinguished School
During September’s Homecoming celebrations, I chatted with so many alumni who were blown away by the incredible facilities available to today’s students. Some shared memories of Wilkie’s modest black box theater, quite a contrast to the cutting edge performing arts facilities offered in Founders Hall. Likewise, some remembered occasionally leaky Science classrooms perched below the Dining Hall, incomparable to the labs available in our Math & Science Center. As I heard their stories, I reflected on the vision, ambition, and courage that school leaders had decades ago to see possibilities in this school that didn’t exist. Likewise, I’ve been thinking about my responsibility as a school leader to be both a caretaker and architect for what will be possible in the decades to come. When the class of 2025 returns for their class reunion, I want them to feel equally struck that Morristown Beard continues to be a place of possibilities. Though the School is certainly thriving, we are not an end point. We are on a continuum with more innovation ahead.
We tout Morristown Beard as a “place of possibilities” and our academic program is responsive to the world our students live in at specific moments in time. The mark of a school with deep traditional roots is one that has a program and facilities that are dynamic. When alumni return to campus, they often remark that though the physical space has changed, their feelings remain the same.
As we open the doors on an incredible Anderson Library renovation this fall and think about the other places on campus that will evolve, I find that the gifts that make these improvements possible are really a manifestation of love for the School. Philanthropy happens because alumni and their families appreciate that they were known and nurtured at Morristown Beard. They were deeply cared about during their time here and in turn, they are making a difference for generations of students they’ll never know. That kind of gift is more powerful than a transactional donation. Our alumni and their families can identify the difference this place made to them and pay it forward.
As I think about what’s next for the School, I’m proud of the incredible community we have created and energized by the possibility of all the things still to come.
Warmly,
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
Research Analyst
Maggie Ranger ’10
Advancement Services Manager
Melissa Hickey
Director of Special Events & Parents Association Liaison
Kerianne Skobo-Trought
Contributing Writers
Scott Greene, Kate Sheleg Muttick ’97, Carol Selman ’64
Photography
Brynn Campbell, Vincent Carchietta (MCV Photography),
Aristede Economopoulos, Brad Hickey, Highpoint Pictures, Jopofoto, Milan Stanic Photography, Peter Chollick Photography, Steve Patchett P ’24, ’26, 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)
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 - Interim Chief Financial & Operating Officer
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Head of Middle School Alonda Casselle presented Head of School Values Awards to 6th and 7th Grade students at a special ceremony in Founders Hall. Congratulations to Alex Mazur ’30, Haeden Norden ’29, Keira O’Neill ’29, Leilah Romeus ’30, and Rahul Vaidyanathan ’29.
Congratulations to 7th Grader Kai Mittler ’29, who won the Middle School Spelling Bee. Kai was one of 10 finalists in the competition, and he correctly spelled the word “hunky-dory” to take the title.
Congratulations to the 17 Upper School students who were welcomed into the French, Latin, and Spanish Honor Societies by the World Language Department.
The goals of these organizations are to stimulate interest in the continued study of French, Spanish, and Latin, to reward higher standards of scholarship, and to perpetuate enthusiasm for the cultures.
Eleven Morristown Beard School students were inducted into Mu Alpha Theta, an international high school mathematics honor society with more than 2,500 chapters across the United States and abroad.
MBS students and faculty chaperones traveled to Cornwall House in Hardwick, NJ, to devote two entire days to the art of writing at the annual MBS Writers’ Retreat.
As well as working on individual projects that included novel-writing, poetry, personal writing, and screenplays, students and teachers participated in a variety of writing exercises designed to inspire young writers.
An extra element was introduced to the retreat this year: nature journaling. Under the guidance of Brad Turner, Science faculty, students learned about and then practiced the art of observing, recording, and contemplating the nature around them. All present also found time for a hike, lots of good conversation, and plenty of tea and hot chocolate.
The 2023-2024 Middle School musical was a creepy and kooky production of The Addams Family that brought the beloved and quirky characters to life in an unforgettable way. The funny and heartwarming musical was staged in Founders Hall.
The Morristown Beard School community was delighted to welcome grandparents and special friends of MBS students to campus in May. The event provided an opportunity for grandparents and special friends to become familiar with their student’s life at Morristown Beard School, meet their friends, tour the campus, and enjoy student performances as part of a special assembly.
In April, Morristown Beard School officially welcomed seniors into The Cum Laude Society for outstanding scholastic achievement.
Congratulations to this year’s inductees:
Erica Adu ’24, Samantha Brown ’24, Mackenzie Dougherty ’24, Finn Fleming ’24, Ethan Kothavale ’24, Ethan Levy ’24, Ryland McDonald ’24, Alice McNamara ’24, Ethan Roitman ’24, Marlee Ryan ’24, and Kevin Tone ’24
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.
This year’s 8th Grade ceremony took place in Founders Hall on Tuesday, June 4 and included 64 students who advanced from Middle School to Upper School.
On Saturday, June 8, the Morristown Beard School Class of 2024 joined the ranks of MBS alumni. This class of 111 seniors are attending the following colleges and universities:
American University
Auburn University
Babson College
Bard College
Boston College
Boston University
Bucknell University
Butler University
Coastal Carolina University
College of Charleston
College of the Holy Cross
Connecticut College
Cornell University
Duke University
Elon University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Emerson College
Emory University
Fairfield University
Florida State University
Fordham University
George Washington University
Georgetown University
Gettysburg College
Hamilton College
Hampton University
High Point University
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Ithaca College
Johnson & Wales University
Lafayette College
Lehigh University
Long Island University
Marist College
Miami University
Morehouse College
New Jersey Institute of Technology
North Carolina A&T State University
Northeastern University
Pennsylvania State University
Providence College
Purdue University
Rice University
Sacred Heart University
Seton Hall University
Skidmore College
Southern Methodist University
Spelman College
Syracuse University
Temple University
Texas Christian University
The New School
Trinity College
United States Naval Academy
University of Arizona
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Delaware
University of Exeter
University of Florida
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
University of Miami
University of Mississippi
University of Pennsylvania
University of Richmond
University of South Carolina
University of Tampa
Villanova University
Virginia Tech
Prior to classes starting, sophomores, juniors, and seniors gathered for Community Day. With activities framed around this year’s theme (and part of our mission) Independence of Mind, students worked as a grade and in advisories in various community-building activities. They also had opportunities to hear important information about the year ahead. There was a session on mindfulness that incorporated a walk in the arboretum, and students participated in a service project drafting letters to alumni inviting them back to campus. The day culminated in a school meeting in the gym where each advisory presented their own “This I Believe” statement. Freshmen also built community together at an off campus retreat.
On September 11, Morristown Beard 11th grade students spent the day at Camp Bernie in Warren County. This trip was thoughtfully planned and organized by the junior class SGA. The field trip helped students further their connections and develop strategies to support each other as they embark on their penultimate year at MBS!
Morristown Beard School celebrated the start of the 2024-2025 academic year with a Convocation Ceremony in Founders Hall on September 4. Members of the MBS senior leadership team greeted students in the car loop before Head of School Liz Morrison officially welcomed the students and faculty at this year’s Convocation ceremony. Ms. Morrison spoke about the opportunity the students have to carve their own path. “We want you to be brave and bold. If you desire a community that is fun, inclusive, and respectful—then go out and create it.” She also underscored the School’s theme of the academic year—Independence of Mind.
The Convocation began with inspiring remarks from Student Government Association (SGA) President Julie Jasaitis ’25. Computational and Information Sciences Chair Paul Fisher P ’12, ’16, spoke about the opportunities change brings forth. Associate Director of College Counseling Sarah Jahries ’81, expanded on her journey back to MBS, and her appreciation for how the teachers truly care for their students. Nicki Fiverson ’28, encouraged students, and expressed the importance of supporting one another. Middle School SGA President Rahul Vaidyanathan ’29, talked about the emotions that surround the beginning of every school year. The ceremony also featured some of the School’s talented student performers. Jack Song ’26 gave a beautiful saxophone performance, and Cameron Weil ’26 wowed the audience with her rendition of “One Perfect Moment”. The recessional was performed by our talented MBS Upper School Jazz and Percussion Ensembles.
A little rain couldn’t stop alumni from celebrating their milestone reunions during Homecoming and Reunion 2024! Alumni from the 1960s through 2019 came back to reconnect and reminisce. Graduates were able to view five different varsity MBS games and matches on campus along with six Senior Day celebrations, concluding with a big win vs. Pingry under the lights!
Crimson Pride was on full display for the weekend!
During halftime, the Cross Country Team and others took part in the 32nd Annual Kirby Mile. First place went to Nick Troiano ’25 with a time of 4:38. The Kirby Mile is held in memory of alumnus and former Trustee Allan P. Kirby, Jr. ’49, P ’75, GP ’01, who passed away in 2020.
Kevin Chen ’25 was named a semifinalist in the annual National Merit Scholarship Program. As a semifinalist, Kevin is among 16,000 students nationwide who represent less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors. He will have the opportunity to continue in the competition as a finalist in the spring.
Morristown Beard School undergoes a New Jersey Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS) reaccreditation every ten years. NJAIS Accreditation Agency serves as an independent body that assures MBS is meeting the standards of high-quality educational experience for students. In order to get reaccredited, the School must undergo a comprehensive self-evaluation culminating in a Self-Study Report. The report requires the School to examine current practices, not only to assure compliance with the NJAIS Standards for Accreditation but also to look at all aspects of the School life in relation to its mission.
The NJAIS Visiting Team joined us on campus from October 2023, 2024. While here, they visited classes and met with groups of individuals, including students, parents, teachers, and administrators. While the preliminary feedback was incredibly positive, we look forward to receiving the full report in early 2025.
Charlotte Sussman ’25, Nicholas Troiano ’25, and Arden Upadya ’25 are among 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation who are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they don’t continue in the competition for a scholarship award, they are recognized for their academic promise.
The “MBS Goes Kayaking” club enjoyed time kayaking together at the Essex Environmental Center.
Earlier this year, members of the Parents Association Leadership met at Frelinghuysen Arboretum for orientation. The group was joined by our Head of School Liz Morrison, Chief Advancement Officer Betsy Patterson, as well as members of the Senior Leadership Team and the Advancement Office to plan for the upcoming year.
Parents/Guardians often meet up for class specific “Coffee and Conversation” at the Swiss Chalet in Morristown.
The Parent/Guardian Welcome Reception held in September gave new parents the opportunity to mix and mingle with other parents and chat with Head of School Liz Morrison and other members of the senior leadership team.
Parents and Guardians gathered on the Class of 2020 Quad to grab a cup of coffee and chat with friends, old and new, at the Parent/Guardian Welcome Coffee. Though the weather was chilly, the smiles and laughter warmed everyone quickly.
The Parents Association hosted the first Parent/Guardian Fiction Book Club of the school year. Klarissa Karosen, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, led a discussion on Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera.
The PA Hiking Club met at South Mountain Reservation (far left) for a hike in early October. The hiking club also visited Round Valley Reservoir (left) at the start of the school year.
MBS would like to thank the MBS Parents Association for the gift of eight Adirondack chairs in memory of Neal Ramasamy ’23 that are on the Class of 2020 Quad. We hope that all those who sit in these chairs can enjoy the company of each other and the joy of the outdoors as Neal did!
On October 18, the community celebrated the wonderful traditions and cultures that make up our MBS family at Culture Fest. The afternoon featured performances by our talented MBS students, cultural displays from our MBS families, as well as music and dance. Culture Fest has become an annual tradition at Morristown Beard. The program begins in Founders Hall with an opportunity for the entire student body to watch their classmates and professionals perform. After they head to the Class of 2020 Quad to meet with families and friends who have set up booths representing different cultures. Food, drink, music, and dance were enjoyed by all!
ALEXANDER D. RANGER ’13
MBS welcomes Alex Ranger ’13 to the Board of Trustees. Alex is currently the Executive Director of Barge Capital, focusing on alternative investments in small market companies. He also serves as Executive Director of The Ranger Family Foundation and is the Vice Chair of the Board for the Corporation for New Jersey Local Media. Before moving back to New Jersey, Alex worked on Capitol Hill and on a gubernatorial campaign.
Not only is Alex a graduate of Morristown Beard, he is a lifer! He joined the community as a 6th grade student. During his tenure he played hockey and lacrosse and also volunteered as a Peer Leader, Blood Drive captain, and was a member of the SGA. After graduation, Alex attended St. Lawrence University where he majored in History & Business with a minor in Arabic Studies. He is proud to say that his academic focus in college was sparked by his classes with Mr. Kamil while at MBS.
Alex, who currently resides in Morristown, enjoys playing hockey, golf, reading, volunteering and spending time on the St. Lawrence River.
MARGARET M. SMITH P ’13, ’18, ’20
Margaret grew up on the East Coast, with time spent in upstate New York, Westchester and eventually Baltimore, after a few years in London. She attended George Washington University where she earned both BBA and MBA degrees and then joined Andersen Consulting, now Accenture, after a career start at Marsh & McLennan. 35 years later she is still with Accenture and globally manages their real estate, workplace, payroll, time tracking, travel, immigration, events, business resiliency, procurement, business operations and, now crucially the sustainability agenda.
Margaret met her husband Nigel at a training course in her first year at Accenture and quickly moved back to London, married and had four sons and many dogs. After 17 years in the UK and then a year in Istanbul—New Jersey and Morristown Beard became home! Nicholas is an MBS alumnus, class of 2013 and graduate of Franklin & Marshall. Ryan is a Pennington graduate, who then attended UVM and went on to earn an MBA from Loyola. Matthew is an MBS alumnus, class of 2018 and graduate of Middlebury, and Scott is an MBS alumnus, class of 2020 who is currently studying Psychology at St. Joseph’s University.
Margaret’s passions are reading, learning and supporting Accenture’s diversity agenda—building accessibility centers throughout the world and now focused on neurodiversity and mental health.
The following are the newest members of the MBS community along with their answers to the question: Which MBS value resonates the most with you?
STACY ALBANESE — Director of Alumni
Engagement and Annual Giving
BA, Communication Studies, Montclair State University
MA, Public and Organizational Relations, Montclair State University
Previously, Stacy was the Director of Alumni Communication and Digital Engagement at Seton Hall University.
“The MBS value that resonates the most with me is Humor & Humility. I think that when you do important work, as we do here, you must embrace the moments of chaos and the moments when the universe humbles you. We can take the work seriously without taking ourselves too seriously, and I think that is a unique and welcomed characteristic of Morristown Beard School!”
—
World Languages Faculty
BA, Fine Arts, University of Cuenca, Ecuador
Previously, Jobita taught Spanish at Morris Catholic High School.
“The MBS core value that resonates with me the most is Personal Responsibility because it is tool that as educators we can give to our students not just to be successful academically but also in every aspect of their lives. Our human tendency is to blame somebody else about our problems. It is better to recognize our responsibilities in every step on the way and see that we are the owners of our decisions and assume the consequences.”
BRYNN CAMPBELL —
Director of Marketing & Communications
BA, Communication and Public Relations, Boston College
MA, Exercise Science and Physical Education, Montclair State University
Brynn was the Director of Marketing and Enrollment Management at DePaul Catholic High School.
“Tenacity—the perfect blend of determination, persistence,
HUMILITYHUMORAND
AWARENESS OF DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES
and grit. In order to be successful in their craft, I believe that all students, student-athletes, teachers, administrators, and coaches must embody a bit of this quality. I was once told that running is a lot like doing your homework: when you’re doing it, all you want to do is stop. However, in order to perform better in the race or on the test, you must keep going even when you want to give up. When I am working on projects no matter the size, I often think back on this advice. A little tenacity can go a long way.”
DANIELLE COIRO — Mathematics Faculty
BS, Business Management, Cornell University
MEd, English and Language Arts Education, Rutgers University
Danielle is no stranger to the MBS community, having coached field hockey, basketball, and softball at our school since 2016.
“The core value Humor & Humility resonates with me because if you are having fun and not afraid to make mistakes then it creates a great atmosphere to learn.”
BS, Business Management, Cornell University
MEd, English and Language Arts Education, Rutgers University
Kim has taught English at Gill St. Bernard’s since 2016, prior to which she taught at schools in Las Vegas and Alexandria, Virginia.
“It’s hard to pinpoint which MBS value resonates with me the most, but personally, I strongly connect with Humor & Humility. As a perfectionist, I often need to remind myself that it’s okay not to be perfect. Embracing humor allows me to laugh at my mistakes, while humility helps me accept my limitations and failures. This doesn’t mean we should resign ourselves to these limitations, but rather approach them with kindness, learn from them, and sometimes even turn them into strengths. In teaching, however, Independence of Mind stands out as the most important value. Encouraging students to think for themselves fosters critical thinking, creativity, and confidence. It equips them to challenge assumptions, explore diverse perspectives, and make informed decisions—skills that are crucial not only in the classroom but throughout life.”
BRENDAN FLANAGAN — English Faculty
BA, International Studies, Literature, and Creative Writing, Ramapo College of New Jersey
MA, English and Irish Literature and Culture, Boston College
Previously, Brendan taught English at Gill St. Bernard’s and Lacordaire Academy, where he was also Director of Technology.
“In a world where things are increasingly made easier at the cost of being meaningful, I believe Tenacity is a quality that can really make a student stand out. The ability to remain undaunted, to not give up—in the words of one of my favorite poets, Ada Limon—‘to the strange idea of continuous living despite the mess of us, the hurt, the empty’ is becoming more and more of a unique trait, and I look forward to helping my MBS students on their journey to a life lived with conviction.”
SARAH JAHRIES ’81 — Associate Director of College Counseling
BA, Exercise Science and Physical Education, McDaniel College, Maryland
Previously Sarah worked at United Nations International School in New York where she was Associate Director of College Counseling.
“Humor and Humility! When one thinks of the college process, humor and humility might not be the values that come to mind. In my work as a college counselor, I try to center these values as I work with students to deepen their self-awareness, envision exciting possibilities, and approach each stage of this reflective— and sometimes tedious—process with gratitude and a hearty dose of joy. Embracing humor and humility can alleviate stress and foster authenticity, allowing students to navigate their paths with a positive outlook and a true sense of self. I encourage my students to celebrate their quirks and let their personalities shine through because it’s perfectly okay to be imperfect.”
MANITTA
Wellness Faculty, Head Coach Boys Lacrosse
BA, Business Management, Nyack College
Steve joins us from Big State Sports where he worked as creator, producer, and on-air personality & Head Lacrosse Coach at Sussex County Community College in Newton.
“INDEPENDENCE OF MIND...I’ve been welcomed by confident, self-determined leaders who are not affected by the “norm” here at MBS. I am looking forward to working with these athletes on the field. I feel like this Crimson athletic department is on the verge
of something special that can match it’s already stellar academic reputation.”
BA, English and Teacher’s Education, Middlebury College
Previously Allyson taught at The Millbrook School, Peck School, and Gill St. Bernard’s.
“The MBS value that I connect with most profoundly is Engagement. In teaching English to middle school students, I aim to cultivate a classroom environment where students feel respected, known, and safe to express their ideas openly. I believe this depth of engagement is crucial for encouraging students to fully connect with the material and confidently take creative risks with their writing and ideas. When students are actively engaged, they not only retain concepts more effectively but also feel empowered and motivated to participate. Observing their enthusiasm in dynamic classroom discussions inspires me, as I hope to spark a lifelong passion for literature, writing, and meaningful communication.”
BA, Biology, second concentration: Urban Education, Rutgers
MEd, Educational Technology, New Jersey City University
Sakhi joins us from Central High School in Newark, where she has taught Biology, Earth Science, and Environmental Science.
“As a science teacher, Humor & Humility resonate with me deeply. In the classroom, humor is a powerful tool to engage students, break down barriers, and make challenging content more accessible. It creates a safe space where students feel comfortable making mistakes and asking questions. Humility, on the other hand, reminds me that teaching is a two-way street—I’m constantly learning from my students and adapting to their needs. These values foster trust, resilience, and a positive learning environment where every student feels valued and I hope to embrace this while teaching at MBS! Humor also helps build relationships, making even complex scientific concepts feel approachable. Humility keeps me grounded not only as an educator but also as an individual ensuring I remain flexible and open to growth. Together, humor and humility create a dynamic that encourages curiosity and learning, both for me and my students.”
BS, MS, Chemistry, The University of Iowa
Emily joins our Upper School Science Department from North Arlington High School, where she has taught Physics.
“The value that pops out for me is Tenacity.
This word has so many implications: keep trying, don’t give up, don’t be discouraged. In a nut shell, one common phrase comes to mind: “It’s all good.” I can easily relate Tenacity to many instances in my own life. I remember being super upset when I didn’t get into my first choice of graduate school. Well, it turned out for the best because at the grad school I did end up attending, I made life-long friendships besides having an amazing learning experience. Don’t get me started when it comes to applying for jobs! I learned to not get discouraged about rejections, to instead value those chances and interviews as learning experiences. Having tenacity makes it possible for our hopes and dreams to come true.”
BA, Art History (with a minor in Jazz Vocals and English), Tulane University
MA, Secondary Social Studies, Teachers’ College, Columbia University
Rachael joins us from Bayonne Public School, where she has been teaching history since 2021.
“The core value of Humor & Humility resonates with me because I believe that in order to learn and grow, we have to take our mistakes in stride and remember that life doesn’t need to be a serious affair all the time. Life is not a graded assessment and we need to graciously fall into failure and have the humility to pick ourselves up again and continue trying. Humor helps us connect as human beings and when we can laugh and joke about our own shortcomings, it reminds us that frustration, defeat, and failure are all part of the journey. As the great Miley Cyrus once said, ‘ain’t about how fast I get there, ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side, it’s the climb’.”
BA, English, Fordham University
MSEd, St. John’s University
Mary previously worked as an economist for Merrill Lynch, WPG Management, and the New Jersey Development Authority, and as adjunct professor at Morris County College and the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
“As an English teacher, the core value that resonates the most with me is an Awareness of Diverse Perspectives. When a student is exposed to diverse perspectives, that exposure develops understanding and respect for differences. In other words, it develops empathy. In a diverse and globalized world, considering multiple perspectives prepares students to engage in real-world challenges. There is no better place for this to occur than in the English classroom. By reading and discussing diverse texts that represent a variety of cultural, social, and historical backgrounds, teachers encourage students to engage with broader human experiences. Ultimately, the ability for students to see themselves in a text and make connections is a way to social and academic engagement and success.”
BS, Masters of Arts in Teaching, Cornell University
Ken is from Maryland where he has been teaching Middle School science in Montgomery County Public Schools since 2002.
“The MBS Value of Independence of Mind resonates the most with me as a middle school science educator because it promotes curiosity. What if or why is that? The field of science is constantly expanding our knowledge base in any area of interest, from putting humans on the moon, to GPS, to vaccines, to forecasting weather, to increasing crop yields, to discovering ecosystems at the bottom of the ocean that don’t need the sun to survive, to finding wobbling stars caused by orbiting planets, to unraveling how DNA creates us, to questions we have yet to ask. We develop answers through asking questions, predicting, experimenting and analyzing the data to create explanations of the world around us.”
BA, Chemistry (with minors in Psychology and Mathematics), Johns Hopkins University
MEd, Secondary Education, Chemistry, and MA, Educational Leadership and Administration, The George Washington University
Shakeh joins us from teaching math at multiple schools including Dwight-Englewood.
“I appreciate the sentiment behind Awareness of Diverse Perspectives because it reminds us that there is always more to learn and we must always be open to what others may have to offer. Even personally, our perspective may change from one day to the next simply because we considered a different mindset. Mistakes are opportunities for growth, conflict is an opportunity for deeper conversation and understanding, loss is an opportunity for rebuilding. Also, it makes the
world so much more interesting when everyone brings their own piece of the puzzle to a table where everyone is invited, included, and welcomed.”
BS, Economics, Wharton School at The University of Pennsylvania Chance was previously the Chief Financial Officer at Douane Academy in Burlington.
“While each of Morristown Beard’s values resonates in a different way, the core value that resonates the most is Humor & Humility. Such a simple but profound value, Humor & Humility acknowledges that at our core, we are fallible creatures. Yet, fallible as we are, we learn best from our mistakes. Embracing that truth and finding the humor in the occasional misstep are the key to learning and getting better at what we want to do. As we reach for the stars, we will most certainly fall down. But each time we fall, we take a moment to laugh, we learn from the mistakes we made, and we try again. Step by step, we get closer to our goal.”
BA, French, Columbia University
MA, French literature, Arizona State University
Kate joins us from Tuxedo Park School, where she has been chair of World Languages and teacher of Middle and Upper School French.
“The value that resonates with me most at MBS is Awareness of Diverse Perspectives, which is essential in language learning. Mastering a language isn’t just about grammar and vocabulary; it’s about grasping the various cultures, histories, and worldviews that influence the language. Having lived and studied in France and Canada, I experienced firsthand the importance of considering diverse perspectives through another language. In my French classes, I incorporate authentic materials from Francophone countries, offering a variety of experiences, and students cultivate empathy, critical thinking, and open-mindedness by engaging with these diverse perspectives. The awareness of diverse perspectives enhances their language skills and equips them to live as thoughtful, global citizens in a multicultural society.”
BA, Classical Composition and Music Technology, Belmont University, Nashville
MA, Music for TV and Film, Bristol University, UK
Alex joins us from Pioneer Academy in Wayne.
“Effective teaching is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s also about connecting with students and creating a positive learning environment. As a music teacher, it’s important to remember that Humor & Humility can be powerful tools in the presentation. A little bit of laughter can go a long way in helping students feel comfortable, engaged, and open to learning. And by showing humility, I can build trust and demonstrate that I’m not just an all-knowing authority figure, but a fellow learner who is on this journey with my students. When I’m able to laugh at myself and admit when I don’t have all the answers, it can make me more relatable and approachable.”
Jaimie Bass, a Art & Design teacher, has been named the Art & Design Department Chair. Vicki Coates is the new Wellness Department Chair. Tim Hannigan P ’30, a member of the History Department, is now Associate Upper School Academic Dean. Linnea Hasegawa, formerly an English teacher, has taken on the role of Director of the Center for Academic Writing. Lori Kretten P ’28, Psychology teacher and Learning Specialist in the CTL added Grade Dean for Class of 2026 to her list of duties this year. Kaitlyn Meehan, formerly the Assistant Librarian, is now Librarian. Kate Sheleg Muttick ’97, who was previously Director of the Center for Academic Writing, is now the English Department Chair. In addition to the Director of Academic Scheduling and Analytics, Rocio Romero is now, also, the Upper School Academic Dean. Erinn Salge has added the role of Director of Student Activities to her Director of the Library duties. Barbara Smith, who has been the Upper School Counselor, took the position of Director of Counseling earlier this year.
There have also been a number of title changes in the Advancement Office: Sharon Cain, Design Manager; Brad Hickey, Digital Marketing Manager; Betsy Patterson P ’14, ’16, Chief Advancement Officer; Maggie Ranger ’10, Research Analyst.
The MBS Science Department is delighted to warmly welcome Janet Berthel back to our community. As well as previously teaching at MBS for eight years, Janet has more than 25 years experience teaching at the college level, including at Drew University, Mount Holyoke College, and The College of Saint Elizabeth. Janet holds a BS from Allegheny College and a PhD from Dartmouth College. Welcome back to MBS, Janet!
“Independence of Mind is the MBS value that resonates with me most. In science, my discipline, we are continuously focused on thinking about the data we collect and drawing our own conclusions based on that information. We are then driven to formulate further hypotheses, collect further data and draw further conclusions. In fact, many of the greatest advancements in science, and elsewhere, have stemmed from those individuals willing to think differently and beyond entrenched ideas. Embracing the habit of always asking questions, gathering information and critically analyzing it for themselves is a lifelong skill I hope to develop in each of my students.”
By BRYNN CAMPBELL Director of Marketing & Communications
“Seeing how far we’ve come with our technology initiatives over the past two decades, and now being recognized as an Apple Distinguished School, feels like a culmination of years of dedication and hard work.”
— Caitlin Skobo-Trought Director of Technology
Step foot on campus and you may feel as though you’ve walked on to the set of an Apple commercial. Products are perfectly placed to greet the eye as it scans the halls. In order to check in at reception, you must use an iPad. You can view the latest MBS news via Apple TVs stationed throughout each building. Walk through the Student Center to see kids working on MacBooks and iPhones (simultaneously!) while wearing AirPods. A few steps away in the Center for Innovation and Design (CID), a class is working on a CGI (computer generated imagery) project with Mr. Fisher, on iMacs. Down the hall, Mr. Burns is mirroring an app from the Apple Vision Pro to a television equipped with an AppleTV for a group to view. Across campus in Wilkie, Ms. Whelan is teaching Graphic Design to Middle School students using the app Procreate on iPads and Ms. Zuber is taking videos around campus that she will later edit using her MacBook. And let’s not forget to mention that Science On a Sphere® is controlled by, you guessed it, an iPad! Needless to say, MBS is powered by Apple.
Schools all over the world are using iPads and Macs to transform learning. As teachers incorporate technology into their lessons, they empower students to lead, learn, and thrive, to discover new opportunities, and to make their world a better place. Morristown Beard has been an Apple School for nearly 20 years and was among the first in the country to adopt a 1:1 iPad program.
This is just one of the many reasons why MBS has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for the 2024–2027 program term. “This recognition is a testament to our forward-thinking approach and our dedication to integrating technology into education,” said Caitlin Skobo-Trought, Director of Technology.
Morristown Beard is one of only 889 schools from 37 different countries to earn this distinction. Apple Distinguished Schools are centers of leadership and educational excellence, with a clear vision for how technology-rich environments support learning goals. In Apple Distinguished Schools, forward-thinking leaders and their communities work to inspire, imagine, and impact teaching and learning, and they have documented results of academic accomplishments.
This milestone is especially meaningful for Ms. Skobo-Trought as she enters her 20th year at MBS. “Seeing how far we’ve come with our technology initiatives over the past two decades, and now being recognized as an Apple Distinguished School, feels like a culmination of years of dedication and hard work. It’s a proud moment not just for our school, but for me personally, as I reflect on the journey we’ve taken to reach this point. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait to see where we go next.”
“When we first purchased iPads, we field tested them by placing them directly in the hands of some of our students without detailed instructions or an agenda, but with an invitation to explore, experiment, and engage with the technology on their own,” said Ms. Skobo-Trought. “Again with the Apple Vision Pro, the first thing we did upon receiving this new device was to hand it over to our students. We watched as they began to excitedly explore its capabilities. We have begun to see the potential of the Vision Pro in transforming and evolving educational experiences just as the iPad did.”
“At Morristown Beard School, we as educators know and have seen how important and beneficial it is to students to provide these tools with the freedom to explore," she continued. “Put the products in their hands and let them go have fun.”
The journey to earning this distinction was not without twists and turns. Some may say the story began in the early 2000s when the Technology Department began loaning out carts of iBooks to departments around campus. Others may say the introduction of the iPad was the catalyst. But, for Ms. SkoboTrought, the journey with Apple began with a 2nd generation iPod touch and an iBook. “I can still remember opening the new iBook in my high school bedroom,” Ms. Skobo-Trought recalls with a half smile. “I begged for it.” Later, in 2007, she switched phone providers to AT&T just so that she could get her hands on the first iPhone. She worked behind the Apple Genius Bar during her college years, and has been a self-proclaimed “Champion of Apple” for as long as she can remember.
“Our adoption of the iPad was from a place of anticipation, not reaction. We had been waiting for this type of device since the early 2000s. Given how close the original iPad was to what we envisioned in 2004 it seemed reasonable to expect the evolution of it would roughly match our expectations.”
— Paul Fisher P ’12, ’16 Chair, Computational and Information Sciences
At Morristown Beard School, we embrace our motto, “Powerfully Prepared for Learning and for Life,” by integrating state-of-the-art technology into every facet of our educational experience. Our tech-enhanced learning environment not only fosters personal responsibility and an awareness of diverse perspectives but also cultivates engagement, tenacity, and independence of mind. Through interactive, collaborative projects, students harness technology to explore innovative solutions, embodying humor and humility along their journey. This approach ensures that every student is not just academically accomplished but also morally responsible, fully embodying the school’s values and mission to thrive in a dynamic world.
However, Ms. Skobo-Trought is also quick to say that there was a period of time she was not confident that it was in the best interest of the School to remain committed to the iPad. She credits Paul Fisher P ’12, ’16, former Director of Technology and current Chair of the Computational and Information Sciences Department as the person who encouraged the technology team to stay the course. “There were a few years where I told Paul that I was questioning whether or not the iPad was still a good fit for MBS, but he kept pushing back. And then, everything changed when the Apple Pencil was released.”
With the introduction of the Apple Pencil students and teachers were able to interact with their technology in a different way. Every student at MBS has an iPad. The faculty and staff have an iPad as well as a MacBook Air. The Upper School students have the option of bringing a MacBook to campus, too. During Covid-19 the faculty and students really began to use the iPads as digital whiteboards, which became a possibility with the Apple Pencil.
It was around that time in 2020, that Ms. Skobo-Trought also took on a leadership position within the Technology Department. “That was a time,” she said as she took a deep breath, almost as if she was putting herself back into the world of social distancing for just a moment. However, as a school that had already prided itself on its integration of technology into the classroom, the MBS community was able to minimize the dreaded phrase “loss of learning” that has been repeated so many times.
Though Morristown Beard did it well, it was not their ability to keep the students connected and on pace in 2020 and 2021 that earned them the title of Apple Distinguished School. When Ms. Skobo-Trought took the reins of the Technology Department, one of her first phone calls was to Apple. She wanted to reconnect with the “Apple Team” that supported MBS. It was a tour of the Center for Innovation and Design during a campus visit that left the greatest impression on the group.
The Center For Innovation and Design (CID) is a place for collaboration, for creativity, and for the
Morristown Beard School is at the forefront of integrating technology into education, empowering both students and staff to explore new possibilities and innovative solutions. Through a blend of agency, collaboration, creativity, and a rich cultural tapestry, we harness technology to expand learning horizons and foster a dynamic educational environment. The Middle School mural collaboration allows Middle School students to not only design but also participate in the creation of a mural with a local artist. By taking ownership of both the concept and the execution, students are directly involved in the artistic process, enhancing their creativity, teamwork skills, and sense of community. Through such projects, Morristown Beard School demonstrates a commitment to using technology as a catalyst for real-world learning and cultural engagement.
discovery of new capacities within students and faculty alike. Hop on the CID webpage and you’ll be greeted with a tour of the center via a student flown drone. You can click to see the audio recording studio in action. Equipping students and faculty with cutting-edge technology and dedicated studio spaces, the CID invites all members of the community to immerse themselves in the design process: defining a problem, iterating prototypes, collaborating and critiquing, and refining a product. Whether working in digital media, audio, film, cardboard, wood, or metal, students in the CID learn what it means to follow a process, to embrace the insights gained through experimentation and failure, and to see design problems, and possibilities, wherever they go in the world.
Though the Apple Team was blown away by the CID, all they could do was recommend that Morristown Beard School apply. The months-long application process to become an Apple Distinguished School was a collaborative effort between Ms. Skobo-Trought, Technology Coordinator Deanna Whelan, English Department Chair Kate Sheleg Muttick ’97, and Media Manager Tiffany Zuber. The team had to identify the ways that MBS uses technology to INSPIRE (lead, learn and thrive in our dynamic world), IMAGINE (empower learners to discover new possibilities and solutions), and IMPACT (commit to leaving the world better than you found it). All of this work culminated with the submission of a video application. In late July, nearly three months after the completion of this project, the team was notified of their selection.
“I was incredibly excited and proud, both of the school and of the team, for all of the hard work that went into our submission,” recalls Ms. Skobo-Trought. “I immediately texted the [application] group with a screenshot of the acceptance letter, filled with lots of emojis and exclamation marks to share the exciting news!”
Being named an Apple Distinguished School brings great visibility to MBS. People who have not been aware of the state-of-the-art technology housed at the School may now take a moment to see the School through a different lens. Watch the application video; visit campus; or experience this technology first hand at an Open House or Admissions night. Ms. Skobo-Trought also looks forward to hosting site visits, allowing other schools to see what MBS offers, hopefully inspiring them to try new things. “It’s gratifying that all the hard work from our teachers and students is being recognized. Being part of such an exclusive group of schools worldwide is both humbling and has forced me to take a step back and fully appreciate the amazing things we’re doing at MBS.”
The Apple distinction does have an expiration date. In less than three years, the group will need to decide if they will go through the application process again. Ms. Skobo-Trought predicts the group is up to the challenge. “I hope we’ll continue empowering students to discover their passions through the opportunities they have here, while also providing them with access to the latest and most cutting-edge technology. The student reactions to the Apple Vision Pro were amazing, and I want MBS to keep providing those kinds of moments and experiences for our students.”
Morristown Beard is one of only 889 schools from 37 different countries to earn this distinction.
To watch the application video:
Commit to leaving the world better than you found it.
Morristown Beard School actively cultivates a positive impact on both our local community and the wider world by emphasizing research, accessibility, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. By hosting an annual Culture Fest, we celebrate and embrace the diverse backgrounds and perspectives within our community. Our on-site art gallery showcases the creativity of students, teachers, and alumni, highlighting the importance of artistic expression. Our commitment to service is evident through extensive community service initiatives, offering students opportunities to engage in meaningful work both locally and abroad. These efforts underscore our belief in developing well-rounded, globally-minded citizens.
By KATE SHELEG MUTTICK ’97
On November 5, students and faculty eagerly gathered on Senior Circle for the official ribbon cutting that marked the reopening of the Anderson Library.
This beloved and well-used space has been transformed by an incredible renovation made possible by a very generous gift of $1 million from an alumna of The Beard School—Mrs. Elizabeth Agate Jamieson, class of 1948.
Moments after Head of School Liz Morrison and Library Renovation Committee members Kimi Freeman ’25 and Indiya Weinmann ’25 officially cut the red ribbon, a stream of students excitedly entered, pausing to take in the beautiful furniture, lighting, glass classroom and study spaces. All together, the space is warm and welcoming, a worthy reflection of its importance to the community.
Though she calls California home, Elizabeth “Libby” Jamieson has fond memories of life on the East Coast, including the lifelong friendships forged at The Beard School. Over the last year, Mrs. Jamieson and her daughter, Ellen, have been integral in working with the School’s design team to blend their vision with the community’s needs.
Mrs. Jamieson’s warm recollections are represented in a memory box that features a Beard School blazer, her diploma, and photos from the 1940s. With its beautiful fabrics and silhouettes, the decor of the library honors the past while also transforming the experience of today’s student body.
From the relocated entrance and inviting lounge area to the glass classroom and individual study rooms, every inch of the 3,500 square foot space has been thoughtfully and carefully designed, with Mrs. Jamieson’s attention to detail at every turn.
Head of School Liz Morrison commented, “Like everything we do at Morristown Beard, this project has been intentional and student-centered. Our team of librarians, teachers, students, and staff researched and visited libraries and met with our team of designers so that the final renovation would reflect Mrs. Jamieson’s wishes but also the perspective and needs of our students. This project was a reminder that when you design something with students and faculty at the table, it helps ensure that our values are woven into the very fabric of the space.”
Moments after the library officially opened, it was a hub of activity. A 9th grade Humanities History class settled into the “glassroom” to learn about
research methods for an upcoming writing assignment. A 12th grade Constitutional Law class gathered in the lounge area—a collection of comfortable sofas and armchairs—to assess early election data. Across the space, the study rooms filled with small groups from a psychology class. Finally, a few teachers took their places at the raised tables against the windows, taking in the sweeping views as they finalized their grades and comments for the quarter.
Director of the Anderson Library Ms. Salge observed the happy buzz of students and faculty at work and commented, “The library has always been brought to life by the energy and creativity of our students. They bring their MBS magic to this space. Yet now, as I see them at work in this thoughtfully and beautifully designed space, it finally reflects what they’ve been doing and producing all along.”
Whether curling up in a chair to read, participating in one of 200+ annual research and information literacy workshops, attending a Wellness Wednesday, or launching one of the innumerable study sessions and social gatherings, students have made Anderson Library one of the most used and loved spaces on this campus. The physical appearance now reflects and honors the important work that occurs there every day.
Carisa Strauss P ’20, ’22, ’24, co-president of the Board of Trustees and proud parent of three MBS alumni, remarked, “Since the time my children first joined the Morristown Beard community, I have watched the campus evolve. As we look around today, we need to recognize that we have these remarkable facilities because of the generosity of others who saw the importance of creating a truly great school through their philanthropic support, regardless of whether they (or their children) were able to use them themselves. Much like Mrs. Jamieson, who is celebrating her enduring love of her school through her incredible philanthropic support, it is important for all of us to secure the future of Morristown Beard for the generations to come. The great opportunities afforded to Morristown Beard graduates and their families also come with a responsibility—to care for the School and community in ways big and small.”
At the unveiling of the Anderson Library, students shared a sense of pride and inspiration in seeing what had been created for them. It was a tangible reminder that Morristown Beard is a place of possibilities, and that there is power in being part of a community. As Chief Advancement Officer Betsy Patterson P ’14, ’16 commented, “This project is a testament to the enduring spirit of giving back. Mrs. Jamieson graduated from The Beard School nearly 80 years ago, and has carried fond memories of
her classmates, her teachers, and her school experiences throughout her long life. When our generous alumni make opportunities available, whether physical spaces, or scholarships, or by funding an event, it is one of the most profound demonstrations of love for our School. We are extraordinarily grateful to Mrs. Jamieson, and her daughter Ellen, for making this transformation possible.”
We extend our sincere appreciation to the team of students, faculty, and staff, including Mr. Darren Lovelock, Mr. Mark Clar and his team, Mrs. Linda Riedell and the Office of Advancement, talented designers Bridget Soyka-Smith and Julianne Daly, and all who worked tirelessly and carefully to curate a renovation that would reflect the community’s values and vision. The library will continue to be a hub for learning and socialization for many years to come.
Sophomore Sustainability ICP students discussed and determined their ecological footprint, calculated their carbon footprint commuting to school for an entire year, and measured the carbon sequestered by one of the trees on campus. Senior environmental science classes also calculated their carbon footprint in kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions as a result of commuting to school for an entire school year. They identified tree species and measured tree height and circumference. From that information they used allometric equations to calculate the mass of carbon dioxide sequestered by the trees on Senior Circle from photosynthesis during their lifespan.
After eight intense days of testimony and argument, the constitutional law class completed a riveting mock trial on the Todd Willingham case, exploring the complexities of fire science, witness credibility, and ethical considerations. Students brought their roles to life with dedicated performances, from attorneys making powerful opening statements and conducting strategic cross-examinations to witnesses embodying experts, investigators, and key characters in the case. Day by day, the prosecution argued the fire was deliberate, bolstered by expert witnesses who asserted that arson was the only possible cause. Meanwhile, the defense countered with arguments about flawed science and the character of Willingham, introducing witnesses who challenged the validity of the fire investigation and underscored that Willingham's love for his children made him incapable of such a crime.
The trial’s final day brought fervent closing arguments, with both sides advocating for their interpretations of “beyond reasonable doubt”. The court ultimately sided with the defense, concluding that reasonable doubt existed regarding the cause of the fire, making conviction unjust. This decision highlighted the class’s engagement with profound legal principles and underscored the challenges of upholding fairness in cases with severe consequences. Students will now reflect on the trial’s outcome and the implications of capital punishment in cases of unresolved doubt.
8th graders visited Meadowlands Environmental Center in Lyndhurst where they learned about renewable energy sources at the center, specifically solar and wind energy. Students were educated on the pros and cons of using wind turbines and solar panels to conserve energy and learned about sustainable sources of energy like solar and wind. They conducted several experiments to understand how these sources of energy can be harnessed, and they were charged with building the most efficient wind turbine. Students also learned about the best architectural designs for buildings to get the most reliable source of solar energy throughout the year.
Morristown Beard School prides itself on its Senior Project program. During the last three weeks of their senior year, the class embarks on a variety of internships, service opportunities and passion projects. The Senior Project program embodies the MBS motto of being powerfully prepared for learning and life. MBS students have transformational experiences, whether it's interning in the medical field and watching procedures in real time, student teaching with the history department here at the School, or conducting a project that combines a passion for both art and science by completing an in-depth nature journal of various New Jersey nature sites.
Every year MBS students are able to take the valuable lessons they've learned in our classrooms, sports fields, and other spaces and apply them to either a field of study they're interested in pursuing further, or something they've always wished they had time for.
Seniors from the Class of 2024 completed their Senior Projects far and wide, both working in the "real world" and serving our MBS community. Some members worked behind the scenes in Broadway productions, others observed the medical field, and one person even took off on a passion project researching (and visiting!) all the Morristowns of the United States and digging into the local history that either mirrored or in no way resembled our own! This year there were also a number of projects where students gave back to MBS. Two students completed education observation/student teaching internships, and what they witnessed in the Morristown Beard classroom solidified their commitment to pursuing a career in education. Two other students painted the Intersection—a collaborative space on the lower level of Grant Hall—and created
Since its inception in 2007, the MBS Independent Study Program has encouraged students to expand their intellectual curiosity and explore an intellectual area in depth, under the guidance of a selected faculty member with a special expertise or interest in the field. Through an array of Independent Study projects each semester, MBS students demonstrate active learning, creativity, intellectual curiosity, and an ability to work on one’s own.
Screenwriting
Gigi Graziano ’27 transformed an original short story that she wrote in Spanish, La Niña y el Bosque Mágico, into a screenplay. She then created a movie trailer to advertise the story. Gigi wrote the story as a seventh grade student in her previous Spanish immersion school, and converted it into a picture book that she read to children at her town library.
Statistics
Sam Cherins ’25 presented research on who, statistically, are the greatest baseball players of all time. He gave the audience an overview of sabermetrics—a detailed statistical analysis of baseball data for the purposes of evaluating player performance. He then compared several baseball legends by position using statistics such as home runs, runs batted in, batting average, slugging percentage, on-base percentage, and more.
Filmmaking
In May, Henry Scott ’25 premiered his short film, Soul Cleanse, and answered questions about his creative process, the inspiration behind the film, and the challenges he faced along the way. The film featured classmates Daniel Raimer ’26, Indiya Weinmann ’25, Adin Kasmin ’24, Henry D’Andrea ’24, Cameron Weil ’26, and Jack Bailey ’24 in starring roles.
Wellness
Gianna Azevedo ’25 and Jess Byrne ’25 presented the findings of their Independent Study in Wellness, which focused on “Athlete Vitality.” The presentation explored the intricate relationship between nutrition, supplements, and athletic performance, with a focus on the MBS community and our student-athletes. They discussed nutrition, hydration, vitamins, and supplements to better understand what allows student-athletes to perform at their best both in the classroom and on the field.
The lobby of Founders Hall was buzzing as 11 MBS Middle School students showcased their independent projects as part of a Science Fair.
At this special event the students eagerly explained and demonstrated their projects which included:
• The Ecological Benefits of Sphagnum Moss
• A Comparison of Windmill Propellers
• A Visualization of How Convection Currents Work
• How Polluted Water Affects Plant Growth
From June 19-25, a group of 21 Morristown Beard students and four faculty chaperones had an opportunity to travel to Iceland. The students learned about sustainability and clean energy in an environment that is on the cutting edge of carbon recapture technologies. It was a memorable and educational experience for all!
MBS Oceanography class traveled to Sandy Hook, part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, where they gained first-hand experience with some of the concepts they have been studying in class. The students learned about beach erosion and replenishment, dune plant succession, local wildlife, and the history of the area.
From June 21 to July 1, a group of 14 Morristown Beard students and three faculty chaperones traveled to Panama to volunteer with the non-profit Give and Surf. MBS has been partnering with Give and Surf since 2015, and the organization was founded by MBS alumnus Neil Christiansen ’02. Their mission is to provide sustainable empowerment to communities of Bocas del Toro, Panama through education, self-determined community development, and positive respect of culture and traditions.
World Languages Chair Jenifer Laviola P ’26, was presented with the 2024 John Fay Faculty Travel Grant from Head of School Liz Morrison. Established by the Board of Trustees in honor of John F. Fay P ’11, ’14, ’20, for his dedicated service and leadership, the grant is awarded to faculty members who demonstrate excellence in and out of the classroom, inspire and motivate their colleagues, and consistently contribute to the positive ethos and working environment of the School. The award aims to support the professional and personal growth of MBS faculty by funding inspirational and invigorating travel opportunities. This summer, Jen traveled to Spain and Portugal. She engaged in a cultural immersion program in Cádiz, Spain, visited Gaudi’s famous monuments in Barcelona, and drove the cost of Portugal all the way to Sagres, the southwestern most point of Europe.
MBS students gathered in the Dining Hall, where they made more than 200 lunch bags to help feed those in need through Bridges Outreach. After packing the food, the students were able to participate in the “Bridges Run” to hand-deliver the lunches along with hygiene kits and hot soup to local food and housing-insecure individuals.
Blood Drive Volunteers Honored at Yankees Game
To thank MBS for hosting two highly successful blood drives last year, NY/NJ Blood Services donated a block of tickets for student volunteers to attend a NY Yankees game on June 5. MBS was recognized as a winner in the “Mid-Sized School” category after its two drives collected nearly 200 units of blood.
Members of the MBS community participated in the PanCAN Purplestride 5K at the Arbors in Parsippany to raise awareness and funds for Pancreatic Cancer research. The School’s involvement was organized by Juliette Joubran ’24.
At a special awards ceremony on Friday, May 3, Morristown Beard School recognized more than 80 Upper School students who have exhibited an exceptional dedication to community service.
The spirit of volunteerism has become synonymous with Morristown Beard School and its mission. To assist students on their journey towards becoming productive and responsible citizens, the School requires community service of all students in grades 9-12.
In April, four members of the MBS community—Chief Innovation Officer Darren Burns P ’19, ’22, Director of Technology Caitlin SkoboTrought, Technology Coordinator Deanna Whelan, and Johannes Wabnitz Moch ’25—shared Morristown Beard School’s experience with the Apple Vision Pro at the New Jersey Educational Computing Cooperative (NJECC) Meeting at Montclair State University. The meeting, which focused on “Innovation to Inspire — Innovative Tech Tools,” was attended by Apple executives as well as educators throughout New Jersey.
Members of the softball team took the field alongside athletes from the Morris Patriots, a Special Olympics softball team, for an evening of fun and fundraising. The event raised nearly $2,000 with all proceeds from the game and concession sales benefitting the Special Olympics.
Vikrant Hajarnavis ’24 Lobbies for Epinephrine Auto-Injectors on Airplanes
Vikrant Hajarnavis ’24 started an initiative to mandate Epinephrine auto-injectors on airplanes. “Not only have I had to deal with food allergies in many places abroad, but my mother and sister have had firsthand experience with allergic reactions while traveling.”
Comfort Project 360 Club
Members of the MBS Comfort Project 360 Club helped lead the “A Reason to Walk” event at South Mountain Reservation last Spring which raised more than $41,000 to support patient comfort and wellbeing at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center’s Cancer Centers.
Interfaith Food Pantry MBS 6th Grade visited the Interfaith Food Pantry (IFP) in Morris Plains where they donated 289 pounds of snacks as part of the “Stack the Shelves with Snacks” initiative. Thanks to the generosity of our Middle School families, MBS donated nearly 1,000 pounds of food to the IFP during the 2023-2024 school year.
Last Spring, Kimi and Sarah Freeman ’25 both won gold medals in the NAACP ACT-SO New Jersey state competition.
Kimi won first place for her short story titled “Hallways are Hell”. Sarah won a gold medal for her research paper, “Brutality and Loyalty: Chariot Racing in the Roman Republic and the Rise of the Roman Empire.” Sarah also won a gold medal for her ballet solo, “Arrival of the Birds”, and a silver medal for her contemporary dance solo, “Smells Like Teen Spirit”.
Over the summer MBS faculty members Brad Turner (Upper School Science) and Rose Costanzo (Upper School Mathematics, Director of the Center for Quantitative Reasoning) participated in the Educators Conference at The Island School in the Bahamas. The annual conference explores best practices in experiential education. Brad first attended in 2019 and was asked to help lead the conference this summer. He led experiential learning sessions that discussed incorporating a “Sense of Place and Nature Journaling” into a curriculum.
For Rose, “this experience was more than a professional development, it was a transformational experience.”
Kimi and Sarah represented New Jersey at a competition in Las Vegas.
The softball team won the NJAC Independence Conference Title for the second straight year. The team finished the season with an overall record of 12-6 and a conference record of 8-0. Milestones include Avery Neuer ’26 surpassing 275 strikeouts and Jessie Sperling ’24 reaching 100 career hits.
The boys lacrosse team had highlight wins last season, defeating Oratory Prep, Hanover Park, Lenape Valley, and upsetting Princeton Day School, 10-9, in the first round of the NJSIAA Non-Public B State Tournament. The Crimson ultimately fell to eventual Non-Public B State Champion, Gill St. Bernard’s, in the quarterfinal round.
Brendan Tartaglione ’24 committed to Connecticut College to continue his lacrosse career. He hit the 100-career goal and 150-career point milestones, and finished his career with 103 goals and 54 assists for 157 points.
The Crimson girls golf team, NJAC Southern Division Conference Champions, finished the season with an overall record of 11-2 and a 9-1 conference record. They were second at the Morris County Tournament, losing in a threeway tie breaker for first place. At counties, Quinn Jeffrey ’26 finished 7th overall, Sam Yagoda ’24 finished 9th overall, and Molly Baker ’25 finished 10th overall. The team qualified for the North State Sectional for the second year in a row, placing 12th overall out of 46 teams. They ended their season by placing 4th out of 25 teams at the NJAC Conference Championships. Sloane Fiverson ’25 finished 6th overall individually.
The baseball team had highlight wins last season, defeating Boonton, Dover, Parsippany, and an exciting Senior Day win against Hanover Park. The Crimson lost in the quarterfinal round of the NJSIAA North Jersey Non-Public B State Tournament to Gill St. Bernard’s.
Varsity boys tennis finished the regular season with a record of 11-3. They were champions of the NJAC Liberty Division; they have been co-champions or won outright the division the past five seasons. The team finished in the top 10 at the Morris County Tournament. As the 10th seed in Non-Public North State Tournament they lost to Don Bosco Prep in the first round of the state tournament.
NJSIAA PREP B Tennis
Semi-Finalist - 2nd Doubles
Team of Adam Shur ’24 and Yash Shah ’24
The track & field team had a very successful season. New school records have been established in the girls 200m and 400m (Chloe Higgins ’24 breaking her own school records), girls triple jump (Sierra Mark ’25), and the boys 200m (Spencer Anderson ’24). In relays, girls teams set school records in the 4x100m, shuttle hurdles, 3x400m hurdles, and triple jump, while the boys established new marks in the sprint medley relay and 2-person discus relay. A major highlight for the season was the highly competitive County Championship meet. At the Morris County Championships, a number of athletes earned medals (Chloe Higgins ’24, 2nd in both 200m, and 400m; Raidah Karriem ’25, 2nd in 100mH, 4th in 100m, 6th in 200m, and Sierra Mark, 4th in long jump). As a team, the girls team captured three championship titles, all unprecedented in school history, as they won the County Relays title, the NJAC Conference Championship, and the Prep Championship.
The girls lacrosse team had highlight wins last season, defeating Villa Walsh, Morris Hills, Cedar Grove, Parsippany Hills, and an exciting 11-10 overtime win against Governor Livingston. The Crimson lost in the semifinal round of the Prep Tournament to Princeton Day School and advanced to the quarterfinal round of the NJSIAA Non-Public B State Tournament after defeating St. Elizabeth in the first round.
Boys golf had a great tournament season. They finished the season earning 2nd place in the Prep B Tournament, with Tommy Cotter ’24 placing 5th overall individually. The team earned 1st place in the NonPublic B North State Sectional Tournament with Tommy Cotter ’24 placing 2nd overall individually and Drew Levy ’26 3rd overall. They were 2nd in Non-Public B with Alex Levy ’26 finishing 2nd overall. The team finished 8th in the Morris County Tournament with Tommy Cotter ’24 finishing 4th individually. They placed 16th at the Tournament of Champions with Alex Levy ’26 finishing in the top 20 overall. In their final tournament of the year, they finished 9th at the NJAC Conference meet. Tommy Cotter ’24 is one of only three players to have played in four Tournament of Champions.
Morristown Beard ice hockey player Hudson Salvador ’27 was selected by the Edmonton Oil Kings (3rd Round, 67th Pick) in the 2024 Western Hockey League (WHL) Prospects Draft. Hudson was one of only eight U.S.-born players to be selected in this year’s WHL draft.
At the Spring Sports Season Celebration, MBS presented sportsmanship and scholar-athlete awards, and also saluted more than 100 underclass student-athletes who have participated in three sports each year (fall, winter, and spring) during their Upper School career. Director of Upper School Athletics Joanne Dzama recognized ’23-’24 scholar-athlete award winners:
Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Scholar-Athlete Awards
Sam Bodack ’24 & Colleen Ewing ’24
Prep Conference Scholar-Athlete Awards
Kailin Kane ’24 & Kevin Tone ’24
Morris County Scholar-Athletes
Ian Patchett ’24 & Abbie Van Cleef ’24
NJSIAA Scholar-Athlete Award
Jessica Sperling ’24
Congratulations to the members of the Class of 2024 who are continuing their athletics at the collegiate level:
Spencer Anderson ’24 — Long Island University (Track & Field)
Chloe Higgins ’24 — Providence College (Track & Field)
Kailin Kane ’24 — Johnson & Wales University (Ice Hockey)
Marcello Laracca ’24 — Sacred Heart University (Football)
Ellen Manke ’24 — Gettysburg College (Volleyball)
Keira Redmond ’24 – Bard College (Lacrosse)
Brendan Tartaglione ’24 — Connecticut College (Lacrosse)
For the ninth year in a row, the Morristown Beard School varsity baseball team has been selected to receive the Team Academic Excellence Award from the American Baseball Coaches Association.
This year’s award was presented to only two schools in New Jersey— Morristown Beard School and New Providence High School. To be eligible, high school teams had to be current ABCA members with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale during the 2023-2024 academic year.
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 Carol Selman ’64
Greg Bottitta ’02 has a family motto the harder you work, the luckier you get. His parents, Lynda Bottitta, a retired teacher, and Joseph Bottitta, an attorney, did the hard work to send their two children to MBS.
His older sister Michelle ’99, MBS Valedictorian, was academically gifted, Greg preferred athletics. He would play varsity in three sports and became an All-State linebacker on the football team. Both flourished at MBS.
Teachers, coaches and his advisor widened Greg’s vision. “The School taught me it was cool to work hard at academics, to get good grades and to be part of something bigger. I had friends with different interests, but we were all part of a community.” MBS fostered the determination, work ethic, spirit of service, openness to diverse cultures, and teamwork central to Greg’s professional success, full family life and friendships.
With his Gettysburg College Business and Spanish diploma in hand, Greg was hired as an account manager at FX Solutions. By age 24, he was a Vice President in charge of the Institutional sales team. When industry regulations and outlooks changed, Greg changed. “I needed to become more wellrounded,” Greg said. He pivoted from trading and brokerage to technology and expanded his knowledge of technology.
Greg moved to managing foreign exchange products at First Derivatives. Soon he was working with senior management to acquire strategic companies worldwide. From a Northern Ireland headquarters, Greg commuted to Dublin, Belfast, London, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. When supervisors needed someone to leave for Japan, Greg quickly responded, “I’m in”.
Greg moved to Effex Capital overseeing sales, operations and external vendor relationships. Revenue tripled. Attracting industry attention, Greg joined HC Technologies, eventually acquired by GTS Securities. Greg was promoted to his current position as Head of Business Development, Electronic Fixed Income Trading.
There is a direct throughline from the teamwork encouraged at MBS to the teamwork Greg develops in his corporate world. “Our football coach Jim Eagan didn’t get in your face and yell,” Greg explained. “He taught us, supported the team, jumped up and down when someone made a good play.
When we lost to St. Mary’s in the State semifinals, Coach Eagan’s comment to the paper was, ‘I guess they ate more granola than we did.’”
“Greg Ryan was a coach for our varsity baseball team, an enthusiastic English teacher, and my valued advisor,” Greg said. “He knew me, and truly wanted the best for me. Eddie Franz would stop and engage with everyone. When you have an Eddie yelling ‘Hey Bottitta,’ you feel part of a community.”
“Now, as I manage a global team, if something goes wrong, we as a team take a step back, look first at ourselves to understand what we could have done differently, pivot, and then implement this updated process to deliver success. Every outside communication is ‘We’, not ‘I.’ Clients and partners know they have the backing of a team.”
Greg now sometimes works from the home he shares with his wife, Ashley, and their two young children in Madison, New Jersey. “I’ve been on the phone to four different continents today,” Greg said during a mid-afternoon interview. “And my mom is here playing with the kids. I am extremely fortunate.”
Greg is giving back to the School that fostered him, too. This October, he became a new member of the MBS Alumni Association Board. “MBS played an important role for me at a key stage of my life. I want to help ensure a new generation feels the same in 25 years, appreciating the mentors and the opportunities at MBS. I want them to always have determination, even if it is not easy.”
And, the granola? “We all still eat the granola just as Coach Eagan told us to,” Greg said.
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.
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.
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.
Art expert Jane St. Lifer ’74 has authenticated paintings by Jean Renoir and Camille Pissarro. She helped the FBI recover a George Luks painting and worked closely with artist Will Barnett on the catalogue raisonné of his print art. When she gave an early 2000s MBS Lehman Lecture, she brought with her a Joan Miro original and its fraudulent copy for comparison.
At St. Lifer Fine Art, Inc., Jane has appraised both individual works and major collections for rock stars, marquee film names, headlining sports figures and corporate moguls. But she won’t divulge names. “Famous people appreciate discretion,” Jane said.
Jane’s impregnable discretion along with her encyclopedic knowledge, research acumen, expert eye and empathic ear has translated to a highly respected 40+ year career at regional galleries. This includes her own 1980s Summit, New Jersey St. Lifer Art Exchange and positions at prestigious New York City establishments.
Celebrating her recent 50th reunion year, Jane reflected on how her six years at The Beard School and post-merger MBS were crucial grounding for her on-going international career. “All the teachers and staff had time to listen, to have conversations in and outside of class. I had friends from many backgrounds,” Jane said. “I gained the experiences to speak with individuals from most any culture.”
Jane excelled both academically and in four varsity sports. In the era before and just after the 1972 Title IX mandates, her playing girls sports fostered confidence. “Miss Daniels did more than teach how to cradle a lacrosse stick. She gave valuable encouragement,” Jane said.
“History teacher Rose Koch lived through dangerous unrest when she was in the Peace Corps in East Africa. She told us to be fearless, to do what we believed in,” Jane said. “She set an example for us as young girls in a rapidly changing cultural landscape, and she taught us how to believe and fight for ourselves.”
Jane remembered her art teacher and the Schools’ librarian. “Miss Kilgore encouraged and nourished my love of art, Mrs. Swackhamer for books,” Jane said. “Both developed my confidence to work in the arts.”
When Jane completed her undergraduate degree in art history at Syracuse University and a later master’s degree, doors for women were opening—
some. Gaining full entry was hard. “I needed a course in typing to get my first gallery job,” Jane said.
In 1990s New York, art dealer and fellow enthusiast Steve Kennedy courted Jane with museum excursions. “Art museums were our passion; art the glue in our marriage,” Jane said. Marrying in 2001, Steve encouraged Jane to formalize her aptitude and earlier studies in appraising. She earned her Certificate in Appraisal Studies from George Washington University in 2002. A formidable pair, Steve concentrated on sales, Jane in appraisals. When Steve died suddenly in 2015, Jane drew on her courage. She merged Steve’s and her thousands of art books and exhibit catalogues into a research library now housed in her studio at Mana Contemporary, a destination Jersey City arts campus. She maintains the New York City office. “The studio is 500 square feet. There are 25-foot ceilings,” Jane said. An assistant retrieves books from the top shelves.
Jane pays forward the life lessons she learned at the Schools by mentoring— and paying fairly—these ladder-climbing assistants and interns. “I have always hired college students,” Jane said. “I am proud and happy that many became more successful than I.”
Currently, Jane has been working with art coordinators to bring art into New York and New Jersey community colleges, including locally the County College of Morris. Jane contacts potential institutional donors and does the appraisals. “Now, the colleges’ students take inspiration from fine art hanging in common areas,” Jane said. Jane’s Beard and MBS teachers would be both proud and happy.
Rebecca Tone ’19, a JD/MSFS candidate at Georgetown University concentrating in International Law and Global Politics & Security, returned to campus on Friday, April 19, to deliver the Cum Laude Address at a special All-School Meeting. In her address, Rebecca reflected on the lessons she learned in the five years since graduating from MBS—the myth of the perfect college experience, the importance of charting your own path to success, and the power of personal connection.
Pentagon Memorial designer and MBS alumna Julie Beckman ’91, spoke with the MBS 8th Grade Class via Zoom on May 28. The 8th Graders reached out to Ms. Beckman after visiting the Pentagon Memorial as part of their trip to Washington, DC. The students were able to ask Ms. Beckman questions about the design process, her inspiration, and the different elements of the memorial.
MBS graduate Julia Papas ’17, returned to campus on April 23, to speak with students about “Figuring It Out”— being true to yourself, switching direction when necessary, and finding your passion. Julia’s visit was sponsored by the Career Connections club, which brings MBS students together with high-achieving professionals from a variety of fields each month.
Associate Director of College Counseling Sarah Jahries ’81, gave remarks during the School’s Convocation ceremony on September 4. As part of her address, she expanded on her journey back to MBS, and her appreciation for how the teachers truly care for their students.
We are excited to share with you our new searchable alumni directory! You can search for friends and fellow classmates by name, class year, city, state, college, and even occupation. If you have not received information on how to login, scan the QR code below to get started!
This Fall, we introduced our new monthly alumni newsletter, Crimson Connect, where we share updates about the School, event reminders, benefits for alumni, ways to support, and much more. Not receiving our emails? Be sure to update your information!
We welcomed nearly 200 enthusiastic alumni and guests to campus on Saturday, September 28. With special recognition of our milestone years ending in 4s and 9s and Athletic Hall of Fame alumni, the energy was unmatched. The day kicked off with campus tours, an indoor “tailgate”, and a special dedication of those alumni we’ve lost. A little rain was not stopping our alumni and families from celebrating six Senior Days, taking in five varsity games and matches, and showing their Crimson Pride. The rainy evening was capped off with a big football win against Pingry under the lights.
Mike Koslov ’13 returned to Morristown Beard to host a screening of his film, Month to Month, during Homecoming and Reunion 2024. Mike is the co-writer/co-director/lead actor. He was joined by his co-director, Derrick Owens, friends and family, faculty, and fellow alumni.
During Community Day, Morristown Beard School students participated in a service project where they wrote gratitude letters to alumni who were celebrating milestone reunion years. Students gave an update on MBS today, wrote about their experiences, asked questions, and invited the alumni back to Homecoming and Reunion Weekend. Nearly 300 hand-written letters were sent to alumni all over the country!
Keep the MBS community updated on your latest personal, professional, and civic achievements.
Please email alumni@mbs.net or scan the QR code by March 1, 2025, to be included in the next issue of Crimson
From passion to podium—for a few, their Olympic journey took them through the campus of Morristown Beard. This summer, as the world was enveloped in the spirit of the Paris Olympics, we were able to showcase some members of our community who saw The Games from a different perspective.
Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Arthur “Dan” Ayrault Jr. ’52 won four letters in tennis, three in track, and two each in football, basketball, and baseball while at The Morristown School. He was also a member of the yearbook club, glee club, and news club. After graduating high school, Dan captained the rowing club at Stanford University. He won the Gold Medal in rowing at the Melbourne Olympics in 1956 and the Rome Olympics in 1960. Dan was inducted into the Morristown Beard School Athletic Hall of Fame in 1986 just four years before his passing.
MBS Director of Admission and Financial Aid Sarah Ellerton once tried out for the Great Britain Water Polo Olympic Team. Sarah had an illustrious water polo career, which culminated with her being named a 2024 inductee into the Macalester College Athletic Hall of Fame. She starred for the Macalester water polo team and still holds the program’s all-time record for goals in a career with 295. As a senior in 2010, Sarah topped her own school record with 96 goals, along with 111 steals.
Girls Ice Hockey Head Coach Bruce Driver P ’04, ’10, and 1995 Stanley Cup Winner, was also an Olympic athlete! In 1984, Bruce Driver represented Team Canada at the Olympics in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia. Canada made it all the way to the medal round, but lost the Bronze Medal game to Sweden 2-0. Bruce Driver has a distinguished coaching career at MBS. Last season he won his 350th game as Crimson head coach, and leads the state in wins among girls ice hockey coaches. He was inducted into the Morristown Beard School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014.
rd School
Alumni Board members work to promote a mutually-beneficial and rewarding relationship between Morristown Beard School and its alumni and are looked upon for their engagement, dedication, and leadership. Alumni Board members make meaningful contributions of their time, talents, and wisdom to the School and its students. They connect the traditions of the past with the vibrant future of our students.
Alumni Board members meet three times throughout the school year. Term limits are three years with possible extension.
2024-2025 Alumni Board Members
KC Hnat Joubran ’84, P ’24 President
Brian Kilduff ’05 Vice President
Jordan (Deombeleg) Anthony ’06
Greg Bottitta ’02
Christina (Toth) Breen ’95
Stephen Chiarello ’99
Laura Geron ’08
Ryan Green ’17
Todd McConnell ’02
Rosalie Small ’84
Interested in serving on the Alumni Board?
Please contact
Stacy Albanese at salbanese@mbs.net or 973-532-7588.
Need volunteer or event information?
Please visit mbs.net/alumni-association
Dear Fellow Alumni,
Again, I begin my letter recounting an incredible Homecoming and Reunion Weekend full of celebration… and rain. Despite the weather, alumni from a variety of years came together, some traveling from the west coast or the south through the remnants of Hurricane Helene.
For those of you who were unable to join us or who have not seen the School recently, I will do my best to paint a picture of the day, but encourage you to read more about it in this issue. We gathered, because of the inclement weather, in the Math & Science Center, a 25,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility that opened in 2017. We memorialized those alumni who we have lost in recent years, including Neal Ramasamy ’23. Alumni took tours of campus, had the chance to see a film created by a fellow alumnus (it was the perfect day for a movie!), and then cheered on Crimson football as they beat Pingry under the lights. Speaking of movies, the game literally felt like watching a scene from a movie!
I hope you continue to feel connected to MBS. One way to connect is through the online searchable directory, or joining our LinkedIn group. But one thing is for sure, there is nothing like seeing friends and former classmates in person!
From hosting an event or spreading the word about upcoming activities and initiatives, there are so many ways to connect and get involved. The Alumni Board and Office of Advancement are ready and willing to help! Feel free to reach out to Stacy Albanese, Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, at salbanese@mbs.net.
Warmly,
KC Joubran ’84, P ’24 President, MBS Alumni Board
Marie Beltram McIlvennan writes: “This will probably be my last write-up as I approach the ripe old age of 99. I was a day student for most of my high school years at The Beard School, first coming from Newark and then West Orange. I became a dorm student in my senior year as my mother passed away. After graduation, I went on to Barnard College, class of 1947. I was a dorm student and majored in chemistry. My first job was one year at Jersey City Medical Center in the special chemistry lab. Then I married a returning Navy veteran at Columbia Law School. We were married in Washington, D.C., as he took a job as an FBI agent. Our first office was Kansas City,
MO, for three months, Seattle for one year, then Los Angeles. After nine years, he left the bureau and took a job in Denver, CO, handling labor contracts. We settled in Pasadena, CA, and I had three sons and a daughter. I went back to school at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and got certified to teach high school French. I taught for 25 years in Jefferson County, Colorado. At 99 now I keep busy in my house of 63 years, with friends, visits from my sons, and church activities. My husband passed away three years ago at the age of 99.”
Don Lum moved to Parker, Colorado, to be close to family and friends.
Alumnae from the Class of 1959 are looking to gather to celebrate their 65th Reunion from The Beard School. Led by class agents Evelyn “Ev” Prather and Gail Harty, the group hopes to bring together alumnae to hear updates about Morristown Beard School, reminisce about their time together, and connect with one another.
After graduating from Morristown Beard School and the University of Pennsylvania, Thomas McEwan spent two years in
Senegal as a Peace Corps Volunteer. He wrote a book about his experiences in Africa called Out in Africa Senegal 1966-1968
Ann Godfrey Vargas and her husband have recently relocated from Florida to an independent living apartment, The Village at Duxbury, in Duxbury, MA, to be close to one of their three daughters.
Barbara Hardenbrook reports: “Life is good here in Maine. I recently adopted a shelter dog from Texas. She loves kayaking, but not sure how she will take to the snow and ice. So no extended trips this year, just a quick visit to Dominica where I lived for a short while.”
Marty Blackwell Meserole and husband Corky have moved from Westchester County, New York to the Cascade Mountain region in Oregon. Marty writes: “We made the move to Bend, Oregon in January and are quite happy. Our older son, Joe, and his wife suggested we come here. After a granddaughter’s graduation from the University of Oregon, we scoped out a few places and selected Touchmark. Last November, we had a call that there was a place for us. We got rid of half of our stuff in 5 weeks and moved across the country. Exhausting! Having family near is the whole reason for the
move. Granddaughter, Steijha, is staying with her Dad, Eddie, also close to us in Oregon, right now. Bend is beautiful. The rivers and mountains are glorious, and the people are very welcoming. We spent most of the summer back at Point O’Woods [Fire Island, New York] where I discovered I forgot how to cook. Getting dinners served to us is really a luxury! Daughter Leisle and family traveled east to visit us on Fire Island this past summer.”
Holly Berdan Sweetow writes: “My grandson (23!) has been involved with robotics and is doing some graduate work at Cal Fullerton. He is waiting to hear from the Navy for an engineering job…He’s one of 3 candidates, and that’s pretty exciting. My oldest granddaughter graduated from Whitman College in Washington. She took off this summer to backpack through Europe—by herself! She’s braver than I am! My grandson in Phoenix is now attending University of Arizona and surviving the heat. Two other granddaughters that live near us in Coronado are still in school. The youngest is 13.” Holly may have passed travel honors to her backpacking granddaughter, but she and husband Alan continue to explore new places. Here’s Holly again: “We had two really nice cruises in the past six months, South America in November and the West Coast of France in June. We did the D-day tours during the 80th anniversary and learned so much,” (pictured above with Alan in France).
Sandy Paine Stewart and husband Bill have been racking up road warrior miles for decades. They have compelling incentives. Here’s Sandy: “Bill and I spend a great deal of our time following the activities of our 12 grandchildren, 7 girls, ranging in age from 6-19 and five boys, from 6-20. Our oldest grandson is a junior at the University of Virginia, and our oldest granddaughter is a sophomore at Columbia. She absolutely loves living in NYC! Her middle sister just started Brown. Only one of our kids stayed in Cleveland near us. We have a son in Bethesda, MD, and another in Dallas. Daughter Susie is in Atlanta.” More about the Stewart’s younger grandchildren next time. September and early October had Bill and Sandy behind the wheel for a visit with Bill’s sister at her Hudson River Valley home and then farther east to an early autumn vacation on Cape Cod. And, yes, our Beard era golf champion and Bill still play.
Caroline “Lindy” Orchard Smallwood and husband Bob did a late summer “test drive” from their beachfront vacation home in Bay Head, New Jersey to visit family in South Carolina. Having confirmed that they still enjoy road trips, Lindy has their TripTik ready for a fall drive to Mt. Rushmore and then Yellowstone National Park. The Smallwood’s spend about 3 months a year in Bay Head. A son tends the pet goats at their Pittstown, New Jersey home when Lin and Bob are at the shore. Earlier this
summer family and friends gathered to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.
Sharon “Sherry” Grady and husband Mike Marks followed their three daughters and families to Oregon when they retired as research scientists at the University of Colorado. This summer with Mike away playing Senior League softball, Sherry flew out to Missoula, Montana and enjoyed a few-day reunion with Nancy Quad Cochran and husband Todd. The three all hit the hiking trails surrounding Nancy and Todd’s northern Montana get-away cabin. Sherry, left, and Nancy are pictured pre-hike below. Past Crimson Class Notes have celebrated exhibits featuring Sherry’s landscape-themed fabric wall art. A family visit to Salem, Oregon gives more reason to celebrate. “…It’s also State Fair time,” Sherry wrote in September. “My daughter, Gwen, and I decided to enter crafts into the state fair—my daughter Melissa lives within walking distance of the fairgrounds in Salem. I entered a small (21" x 21") quilt into the juvenile and crib category, and I won a second prize ribbon. Gwen won two first prizes for a knitted hat and eco-dyed skein of yarn. We all went to the fair yesterday—the kids enjoyed the animals and rides, and we all
enjoyed the llama obstacle course judging. Lots of fun things.” Sherry’s winning quilt, Watch Lion III, shown here, is a round-the-clock guardian lion—note the starry border. Sherry first created the motif to reassure a grandson having bad dreams about crocodiles after having closely observed the crocs at a local zoo. Is there another family scientist in the future?
Fredi Pearlmutter’s move from Warren about 7 years ago to Princeton, New Jersey, after her husband Paul Cohen’s passing has proven to be a well-researched and wise decision. Fredi’s first sublet was a dog-friendly condominium to test the waters. Now, she has purchased the home! Fredi continues to contribute her long experience as an environmental attorney to the Princeton Planning Board as the mayoral appointee representing the Princeton Environmental Commission. She takes advantage of Princeton University’s community outreach by auditing university classes, currently enjoying a course in “American Television.”
Past class agent Ginny Kenney Howard and her husband Richard have traded their Lebanon, New Jersey home, horses, and acreage for a smaller house in Fellowship Village, Basking Ridge, New Jersey. Ginny is active on numerous committees there and both Ginny and Rick are taking full advantage of the arts, educational, and recreational activities at the community. “I am so busy, and with our meals served here, I no longer cook”, Ginny said. Meeting at age 13, Ginny and Rick recently celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary. Congratulations Howards!
A sad update. Ginny Kenney Howard’s husband Richard P. Howard died October 22, age 80. The entire class remembers him since our Beard days. We remember him with great fondness both then and through the years at reunion dinners Ginny and he graciously hosted. He was an optimistic, generous, kind, supporting presence in our lives and the lives of everyone who knew him. So many feelings go out to Ginny.
Julie Glover continues to be deeply engaged in community outreach from her and husband
Robert Kenny’s beloved home on Whidbey Island in Washington’s Puget Sound. Julie co-produced and was one of the three vocalists in “Walking Each Other Home,” a community fundraising concert that sold out its November 2-4, 2023 run.
The whole concert is on YouTube under that name.
Julie also has launched her own YouTube Channel, Julie Glover World Music. Take a listen!
Sherry Smith Mailliez writes, “Life after Beard was nothing like I expected. I was living my childhood dream having not just one horse, but 20 purebred Arabians. I showed them to championships all over the US and Canada. We had foals by the dozen.” Sherry’s two eldest children died in infancy. Her life changed with the premature birth of son Brian. A fighter, like his Mom, he came home after weeks in intensive care. Sherry soon knew something was wrong. Here’s Sherry again: “Brian was finally diagnosed with cerebral palsy and the fight began. My next 20 years were spent with therapists and battling with schools to get him the education he deserved. He is in a wheelchair, but he graduated from high school and now lives in his own apartment with two roommates and 24-hour care. He goes to a day program and does volunteer work with the elderly. He is such a lovely, caring individual. I am very proud of him and all that he has accomplished. In my ‘spare time’ I started the first female-owned and operated web design company in Charlotte, North Carolina…I could make my own hours and take care of Brian,” Sherry writes. Sherry retired and moved to Greensboro, North Carolina where the right residential situation for Brian was found.
Carol Selman writes: “As for me, jazz musicians never stop performing which means husband/jazz guitarist Bob DeVos and I will always live near New York City. That’s fine. We love the visual arts, too. I have an ARTS BEAT column in The Four
Oranges, a monthly online publication becoming not-for-profit. If you grew up in or near the Oranges and Maplewood, read the in depth art and community-based articles. I also write a Now Streaming column in a print-only bimonthly. Each issue I discuss three loosely related films, aiming for a classic film, a later 20th Century film and a contemporary one. Fans of Michael Powell & Emerich Pressburger and overlooked cinematic gems are welcome. What else? Many Beard classmates may have stopped cooking—not Sherry Smith and I. Our homemade soups are notable…. Hoping to hear from more classmates.”
1966
Christine Cope Pence writes: “This spring, I visited the Attwater’s Prairie Chicken habitat in south Texas, continuing my study of the plight of grouse in the mid and western part of the US Prairie. An article is forthcoming in the Annual Report of the North American Grouse Partnership. This summer, I switched photographic gears and spent time experiencing cultural aspects of Singapore, central Java, and Bali. In Singapore, I had an opportunity to spend time with the Kebun Baru Birdsinging Club to understand the ancient tradition of training wild birds to sing. It was a different experience from photographing these birds in the wild.”
1971
Bruce Ortwine writes, “After 33 years as General Counsel, Americas for a major Japanese financial institution, and more recently as its Advisor, Global Legal and Compliance, I decided to pursue new ventures
and left my employment as of July 1, 2023. I continue as an External Advisor to the global organization, a Director of its U.S. bank subsidiary, which is headquartered in Hoboken, and as an Adjunct Law Professor at Rutgers University School of Law, where I teach a course on Corporate Finance for Attorneys. My wife, Pamela (who I met as a student at Rutgers in 1979 and who has retired as Executive Director of the Greater Metropolitan NY Chapter of the Epilepsy Foundation of the U.S.), and I primarily divide our time between our homes in Greenwich Village, Manhattan and Wayne County in Northeast Pennsylvania. We also have homes in Miami Beach and Mayfair, London. I remain a licensed attorney in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.”
David Weisbrod recently had a second individual poem published as he completes his first full volume of poetry.
Mr. Crimson Bear retired from his role as unofficial mascot of Morristown Beard School. He plans to spend his time wandering through the Arboretum, stealing picnic baskets, and hibernating for the winter.
Jeffrey Schaub and his partner Lynn Fox recently visited campus for a tour and were amazed at the extensive programs and facilities the school offers, especially arts and media and “Science
On a Sphere® ”. Jeffrey is an award winning broadcaster for KCBS ALL NEWS RADIO and KPIX-5 (CBS) television in San Francisco. Jeffrey is a shared recipient of two Peabody awards, the broadcast industry’s single highest honor. He has also received six Emmy awards for his work. Jeffrey credits his success in great part to the education and support he received at Morristown Beard School under the leadership of Headmaster Phil Anderson. Jeffrey lives in Tiburon, California. He has two sons. Taylor, 25, is a TV sports reporter/ anchor in Los Angeles. Christopher, 28, is a successful Marin County realtor.
Alumni of the Class of 1984 celebrated their 40th reunion with a gathering in New York City the night before Homecoming.
Pictured below: Pat Burke, Rich Dean, Andy Rochat, KC Hnat Joubran, Ligia Noye-Capasso, Suzanne Roper Andresen, Bruce Bromberg, Adam Diglio, David Lucas, Rob Schaffer, Suzanne Allgair, Charlie Hutchinson, Anne Dodsworth, Dawn Bridy, Eric Monsen, Winslow Mooney Barlow, Chris McClanahan, Dave Meade, and Sabina Howell Carr.
Members of the class of 1987 gathered at the NYC home of Sandi Appet in late September. Those in attendance were Louise van der Does, Liz McAlpin, Kate Carlson-Furer, RA Lee, David Hedley, Helen Broder Fuller, Gerard Steir, Caroline Elias Turben, Lisa Himmelwright Kein, Jen Seabury Sowa, Sandi Appet, and Rob Warnock.
Jennifer Seabury Sowa and Caroline Elias Turben were in Aspen/Basalt visiting a college friend and met up with local Eric Aanonsen in Basalt for cocktails. Looking forward to the next reunion!
Dr. Julie Guempel Rosania and her husband, Jay, reside in Florham Park. Julie and Jay have two children, Jacqueline (2) and Luca (1) and a Bernedoodle named Barkley. Julie has her Doctorate in Physical Therapy and is currently an assistant field hockey coach at MBS. She and her husband also own a private
Physical Therapy Practice in Verona, NJ called Rosania Osteopractic Physiotherapy, LLC.
Nicole Blumenkehl Ligon has been recommended by the U.S. Department of State to serve on the Fulbright Specialist Roster. Ligon’s tenure on the roster will last three years, ending on August 16, 2027. Fulbright Specialists are designated as experts in specific fields, in her case law.
Maggie Ranger Manasia and her husband, Michael, welcomed their first child Michael “Hudson” Manasia on May 4, 2024.
Allison Reiling was recruited for tennis at College of the Holy Cross where she played for 4 years at the top of the lineup and never missed a match. She has very fond memories of playing on the MBS tennis team with Coach Brett Michel and Mr. Carr. Allison was on the Patriot League
Thursday, July 24, 2025
Metcalfe Street • Bay Head, NJ
Honor Roll for 4 years at Holy Cross and graduated in 2019 with a B.A. in Physics and Computer Science minor. One special experience during her junior year was a month-long study in India. After graduating from Holy Cross, Allison worked at Infosys as a Software Engineer Consultant for Goldman Sachs. This past May, she earned her Master’s in Applied Physics from Columbia University and she is currently working as a Data Scientist at Gartner.
Dan Levine ’19, Molly Michel ’20, Kim Adams ’20, and Margot Armstrong ’20 graduated from Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA, on May 19, 2024.
Mary Louise Sinon Sayer ’39, March 7, 2024, age 103. Mary Lou had an active childhood and young womanhood in Maplewood, New Jersey. At the then Miss Beard’s School in Orange, she played varsity and North Jersey field hockey, varsity basketball and rode with an area equestrian troop. She would remain active all of her long life. After her Beard graduation, Mary Lou received a Bachelor of Art in Psychology from Skidmore College, married Carl G. Sayer and brought up their two daughters, Suzanne and Shirley. Her daughters and their families survive her, including four grandchildren and one great grandchild. Carl, an MIT graduate, was a construction project engineer. His work took the family nation and worldwide. They lived in Taiwan, Puerto Rico, Germany and Antwerp, Belgium, Mary’s favorite. When their daughters were grown, the couple settled in Concord, New Hampshire. There, they had a 113 acre “gentleman’s farm” where Mary Lou cultivated pick-your-own blueberries as well as making pounds of blueberry jams and jellies. Carl died in 1995 after 49 years of marriage. Mary Lou was active in the University of New Hampshire’s Osher Lifelong Learning Program where she was an early adapter of computer studies and traveled to Arizona to study healing vortexes. With her elder daughter, Suzanne Sayers, she witnessed the perihelion of Halley’s Comet from Machu Picchu, Peru and enjoyed drinking Pisco Sours at the hotel. At 80 she traveled to Antarctica and hoped to see the penguins once again. Mary Lou was an advocate for women’s autonomy and rights. A guardian of the environment, she was featured in a national magazine when she insisted on drying her laundry outdoors at the condominium complex where she lived later in life. Mary Lou loved the mental challenge and camaraderie of playing bridge. She played twice a week until her death. She instructed her family to scatter her ashes at sea so that she could continue to travel.
Sheila MacDonald Bailey ’49, April 15, 2022, age 90. Born in Montclair, New Jersey, Sheila grew up there and in nearby Maplewood. After her years at The Beard School, she graduated from Western College for Women in Oxford, Ohio. The college is now part of Miami University. Sheila had three children with her first husband Howard Finney III, a lieutenant in the US Marine Corp. She relocated to Memphis, Tennessee in 1963 with her second husband. There she actively volunteered with the Pink Palace Museum and Planetarium, the Junior
League, Memphis Opera and the Memphis Zoo. Sheila followed her love of art. She earned a MFA from the Memphis College of Art in 1992 and enjoyed numerous area gallery exhibits including at the college’s Rust Hall Alumni Gallery. Sheila married Joseph D. Bailey in 1975. He predeceased her in 2013. Daughter Linda Finney William writes that her mother “loved her time at Beard and spoke fondly of the friends she made there.” Linda, her son Howard Finney IV and daughterin-law Jacqui Acevedo, son Paul, two stepsons, four grandchildren, and five great grandchildren survive her, as does her sister Glenna MacDonald Ackerman ’55 and Glenna’s husband and family.
Dorothy Moore Brown Cable ’49, July 11, 2024, age 89. Dorothy, known as Dot or Dottie during her two years at The Beard School, was a boarding student from Trenton, New Jersey. At Beard she was class president her junior year and president of the Boarding School her senior year. She sang in glee club and played hockey and lacrosse for the Spartans, one of the two School intramural teams. (The other was the Athenians.) She and her late husband were living in Wayne, Pennsylvania when she last contacted the School in the 1990s.
Anne Overman Bunn ’54, Former Trustee, July 17, 2024, age 88. Born in Orange, New Jersey, Anne always looked back fondly on her years at Beard. “My Beard years were happy ones for me”, Anne wrote in her 2004 50th Reunion Yearbook. “I made many life-long friends, not only in our class.” She received an AS Degree from Bennett College and became a secretary in the advertising industry in New York City. Her husband Freeman Bunn, who predeceased Anne by two months, was an executive vice president in advertising until his retirement 1987. The couple were married for 65 years and had three sons: Howard; Andrew, wife Sallie; Christopher, wife Lisa; and one daughter Pennell, husband Joseph. Her children and their spouses survive her as do 13 grandchildren including Andrew (Drew) Bunn ’22. She is also survived by her first cousin and Beard classmate, The Reverend Margaret Francis Overman Mercer ’54. Anne’s late brother Neill Pennell (known as Penn) Overman was Morristown ’56. Anne often declared herself “A Beard girl through and through.” She was active in her class reunions, a valued MBS Trustee from 1974 to 1979, and enjoyed seeing one of her grandsons graduate. Always “Annsie” to her many friends, Anne and Freeman brought up their family in Short Hills, New Jersey where
they lived until relocating to Vero Beach, Florida in the early 2000s. Both Anne and her husband were competitive bridge players. Anne tried to avoid playing with Freeman, a Diamond Life Master. She laughed that being his bridge partner would be “too tense.” In New Jersey, she was a longtime member of The Short Hills Club, serving on The Admission Committee for years, and of Christ Church where she was on the Altar Guild. Also in Short Hills, Anne was on the board of News Eyes for the Needy and active in the Short Hills Garden Club, and the Junior League of the Oranges and Short Hills. In Vero Beach, she and Freeman belonged to the Johns Island Club, the Community Church of Vero Beach, and the Oak Harbor Club. For the past 28 years, Anne’s great joy was bringing her many grandchildren together for a weekend at Skytop Lodge in the Pennsylvania Pocono Mountains. Anne was also a dog lover.
Jacob (Jack) van Lutsenburg Maas ’57, April 30, 2024. Jacob’s life was shaped by his family experiences during and after World War II. Known as Jack and the youngest of six children of a Dutch expatriate family, he grew up in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey. His father worked for the Holland America Line. With his parents and siblings, a young Jack would make frequent summer crossings to see relatives in Holland and to tour Europe. He grew up knowing the suffering of the Dutch and other nationalities from the war. His family both donated to support Greek war orphans and invited many to stay with them in New Jersey for extended periods. Jack’s childhood experiences led him to a lifelong study of history and concern for orphans. These experiences were also the basis of his life’s work providing educational opportunities for underserved youth worldwide. After Morristown School, Jack graduated in 1961 from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. He married Robin Hill, his wife of 62 years, and earned a Master’s in Teaching from Oberlin College in Ohio and a PhD in Sociology and Comparative Education from Columbia University Teachers College in New York City. Jack did his doctoral research and taught at a teacher training college in Mityana, Uganda where he and Robin and their new family lived for six years. Two of the couple’s three children were born there. Robin, their two sons and daughter, and seven grandchildren survive him. After returning to the United States, Jack was the first sociologist of education hired by the World Bank in Washington, D.C.
He worked there for 27 years. He developed innovative projects for the International Finance Corporation with a special interest in furthering the financing of scholarships, stipends, vouchers and student loans, especially for children from low-income families. His post-retirement years were as innovative and productive as his years for the World Bank Group. He worked with the notfor-profit Coordinating Council for International Universities. The charity’s mission was helping to establish American Universities abroad. Jack was key to the creation of the American University of Afghanistan (AUAF) in Kabul, a groundbreaking institution granting college degrees for both men and for the young Afghan women long excluded from higher education. Devoted to his family, the family has established a memorial fund in Jack’s honor to help fund on-line scholarships for Afghan women at AUAF. Jack and Robin lived in Arlington, Virginia, outside of Washington, D.C.
Page Poinier Sanders ’61, June 20, 2024, age 80. Born in Washington, D.C., Page grew up with her parents and four siblings in Short Hills, New Jersey. She attended Beard from 7th to 9th grade before she decamped for boarding school at Miss Porter’s in Farmington, Connecticut for her secondary education. She and her classmates agreed, “once a Beard girl, always a Beard girl,” and she kept in close touch with all her Beard friends. She received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Wheelock College, Boston, Massachusetts in 1965 and taught first grade for three years in the San Jose California school district. She soon met and married Ferrell Sanders and the couple brought up their two sons in Palo Alto, California. Her son Reid died in 2002 during an attempt to break the record for the longest vertical ski descent on Mt. St. Elias, 18,002 feet. Her husband, son Mark, his wife Eileen, her younger son’s widow Kelli and three grandchildren as well extended family survive her. In her late 30s, Page turned to her love of garden design. She earned a degree in ornamental horticulture from Foothill College in Los Altos Hills, California and established her own, sought-after residential garden design business. Her husband at a business lunch was asked if he was married to Page. She had designed gardens for four of the men at the table! She also donated her design skill to the All-Souls Memoriam Garden at her Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church in Palo Alto. She enjoyed long walks, hiking, alpine skiing, travel, and bird watching and cooking for her many friends and family
members. Christmas was spent skiing near her and Ferrell’s Lake Tahoe, California home and the 4th of July during their month-long summers stays on coastal Weekapaug, Rhode Island.
Larry B. Pletcher ’64, May 12, 2021, age 74. At Morristown School, Larry played on both the football and baseball teams and sat on Student Council. Larry’s interest in sports and government continued as an undergraduate at Princeton University. A member of Charter Club, Larry majored in Politics, played on the baseball team, and was captain of the fencing team. Larry earned a law degree from U.C.L.A and had a legal career, first in real estate and then as trial lawyer. An environmental activist, in the 1980s, Larry made a life change. With his wife Carol and daughter Jennifer, he moved to acreage in Warner, New Hampshire. The rest of his life was dedicated to transforming the land into an organic vegetable farm which he dubbed, “The Vegetable Ranch.” Larry was a fixture at the local Saturday morning farmer’s market, offering vegetable advice along with his produce to neighbors and customers. Carol, Jennifer and two grandchildren survive Larry. In addition to jointly running the “ranch,” Carol and Larry shared a love of classical music and frequently attended Boston Symphony performances. Larry hiked 48 of New Hampshire’s 4,000-foot mountains, writing a popular guide to the ascents.
Richard E. Tonks ’69, December 22, 2023, age 73. Richard was born in Chicago, Illinois and grew up in Montclair, New Jersey, but his heart was always in Chebeague Island, Maine where he spent childhood summers, married, and loved sailing most of his adult life. After Morristown School, Rick graduated from Harvard College, relocated for a time with his wife Cis to Savannah, Georgia, earned a Master’s in Accounting from Northeastern University in Boston, and became a CPA at Peat Marwick. After his daughter Jennifer was born, Rick moved into the private sector to have more time with family. The family moved permanently to Cumberland, Maine where Rick was the controller for East Coast Construction Management. Immediately after retiring in 2015, Rick and Cis spent six weeks touring national parks before returning to Maine and enjoying their two grandchildren Ford and Maely and two grand-dogs. Cis, Jenn, son-in law Tim Webber and Rick’s grandchildren survive him as do his three siblings, two step-sisters, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was
close with them all. Rick loved being on the Maine waters, rain or shine, cruising or racing. He avidly followed Boston and Ivy League teams and Greely Rangers Boys Basketball.
Celeste Marie Kopecko Anderson, Former Headmaster’s Wife, October 10, 2024, age 101. Celeste is well remembered by a generation and more of MBS students, faculty, staff and alumni for her caring warmth and roles as revered former Headmaster Philip Anderson’s wife and helpmate. “My clearest memory of Celeste focuses on the holiday gatherings,” said former Learning Center Director Carol McGough. “She always purchased a number of generous gifts which were raffled at the party.” The couple came to MBS from Montclair Academy—now part of Montclair Kimberley Academy (MKA)—in 1974. Phil’s stewardship for the next 18 years were central to the health, development and mission of MBS, especially during the challenging post-merger years of the 1970s. Wedded to her husband’s vision, Celeste was a presence on campus. The Anderson’s lived in what was then the Headmaster’s Cottage, now Alumni House. Many faculty members and their families lived in other stand-alone campus housing or top floor apartments above academic buildings. The Anderson’s MBS years were, then, a time of strong day-in, day-out, week and weekend community. Celeste met Mr. Anderson at Ironwood High School in Ironwood, Michigan. High School sweethearts, the couple married in 1947 after Celeste had completed further education at the Chicago School of Design. They enjoyed 68 years of marriage. Celeste brought her designer’s eye to her love of gardening. She was president of the Montclair Garden Club and would take the same leadership role at the Morristown Garden Club. She believed in service, especially as an active member of Meals on Wheels. She was a devoted parent to her and Phil’s three children and as the many years passed to grandchildren and great grandchildren. Headmaster Anderson died in 2016. Son Philip Scott predeceased her, as did son-in-law Richard Crane. Her daughter Cheryl Wiederhorn and husband Mark, son Dennis and his wife Patrice, six grandchildren and ten great grandchildren survive her. Celeste enjoyed a many decades friendship with Sandy Newton, Phil’s valued administrative assistant. Sandy had followed Phil to MBS from MKA and after Phil’s retirement worked with three subsequent headmasters.
We caught up with Morristown Beard’s newest addition, Mo Bear, and challenged him to give us rapid-fire responses to 11 questions.
What’s your favorite place on campus?
I like to hang out in the Student Center, but I also LOVE the new library. Oh, have you seen Science On a Sphere®? That’s really cool, too.
What makes you smile the most? BEATING PINGRY AT HOMECOMING… on Senior Day…. and watching the seniors RING THE BELL!
What’s one thing people don’t know about you?
That’s funny! I often feel like no one knows the real me! But, I’m actually a pretty good dancer. Have you ever seen me do the Mo Bear shuffle?
How do you start your day?
A breakfast sandwich from the Dining Hall.
What’s your favorite color? CRIMSON!
What’s your favorite event that you’ve attended so far? I really liked Homecoming/Reunion and the senior celebrations.
What are two things you cannot live without?
The Crimson Crazies and SNACKS! Lots. Of. Snacks.
On a scale of 1-10, how excited are you to be our new mascot? 1-10? I’m always feeling 1891!!!
Coffee or Tea?
Neither. I love the frozen yogurt here.
What’s one thing you are looking forward to this year?
I really love walking around campus during the school day. It’s so fun to watch everyone in action. Early in the morning, Mrs. Morrison is welcoming the students by Wilkie. I like to surprise students when they are not expecting to see me on the Class of 2020 Quad. But, I really want to visit the Tech Booth in Founders… I wonder if they will let me press some of those buttons!
What’s some MBS advice Mr. Crimson Bear gave you before he retired?
Don’t forget, only seniors can step on Senior Circle and… “Seniors, first!” when leaving from All-School Meeting.
Dear MBS Community,
I write this letter with the utmost gratitude and appreciation for the support that you have given me during my time as the Morristown Beard mascot. We danced. We cheered. We strolled through campus. But, most importantly, we had fun!
However, there comes a time in a bear’s life when he must start a new chapter. For me, that chapter is called: RETIREMENT! Don’t worry, I’m not going far. You can find me in my chair at Alumni House, working alongside the Advancement Team, and ready to jump in and help whenever they need me. Who knows, maybe you will see me at your next alumni gathering!
I’d like to take this opportunity to officially welcome Mo Bear, the new MBS Mascot. Mo joins us with endless enthusiasm and a passion for honey. He’s already been seen attempting to kick field goals on Burke Field, dancing through the Class of 2020 Quad, and wandering the campus during Open House. Mo is ready to call MBS home, and I am happy to share it with him.
I hope to see you around soon!
GO CRIMSON,
