Crimson Magazine, Spring 2014

2011 2014

WINTER Spring

The Morristown-Beard School Magazine

: y c n e t e p BS M m t o a s C e i l r a a nd b u o o l B G scending Tran

A Look Inside...

• 6th Grade Sailboat Found off the Coast of France • Synchronized Skaters Earn Silver Medal in Sweden • Making Waves in Panama • FaceTime Gives Students a Glimpse of Arab Culture

Crimson SPRING 2014

Board of Trustees Mike Ranger, President Thompson D. Grant, Jr. ’69, Vice President Siobhan A. Teare ’77, Vice President

Contents

1

Remarks from the Headmaster

2

MBS News Briefs

7

Seniors Win App Design Award

Patrick Burke ’84

8

Exchange Student from Down Under

Mary-Ellen Campbell (Honorary)

9

Where Are They Now?

John F. Fay

10

Passport to the World

Wilfredo Fernandez

12

Far From Home

David Gately

13

A Virtual Vis-à-Vis

14

Globe Trekkers

Gail Kurz ’86

16

Pen Pals in the Digital Age

Michael Magner

18

Alumni Giving Challenge

19

6th Grade Sailboat Found off the Coast of France

Roger Schwarz ’66

20

Global Insights

Katie Simon ’85

22

Making Waves in Panama

24

On a High Note

25

A Community of Learners

26

Hitting the Benchmarks

28

Digging with Doc

30

Powerful Resources

32

An Eye on Nature

33

MBS Synchronized Skaters Earn Silver Medal

News & Information Manager

34

Crimson Corner

Steve Patchett

36

Alumni Spotlight

Photography

41

Cupola Society

David Kramer ’69

42

Soccer Alumni Honor Coach Chavonelle

44

Alumni Class Notes

Designer

50

Nomination Forms

Jaimi Talarico

51

Morristown-Beard Fund

52

Totton Save the Date

53

Alumni Weekend 2014

John Egan, Treasurer Paolo Cucchi, Secretary

David Ferry

David V.H. Hedley ’64 (Honorary) Allan P. Kirby, Jr. ’49 (Honorary)

Joe Robillard Debi Roth

Judy Taggart Monya Taylor ’88

Director of Institutional Advancement Betsy Patterson

Director of Development Joseph Locandro

Steve Patchett

Features Writer Carol Selman ’64

Printer AJ Images

REMARKS FROM THE HEADMASTER

Dear Friends of MBS, Last year, students in our Middle School, with the help of MBS parent and Trustee Joe Robillard and teacher Lisa Swanson, launched a small vessel from Charleston, South Carolina. The boat, named Crimson Tide, was armed with a GPS device and our contact information. While one of the purposes was to study the winds and tides, a significant aspect of the project hinged on the hope that whoever found the vessel would contact us.

This February, 450 days after the boat was launched, we received a facebook message from one Paris Broe-Bougourd, a young Guernsey fisherman, who sails near the English Channel. Paris was very pleased to tell us: Hi all, I seem to have found one of your small boats The Crimson Tide.

I picked her up 3 miles S/E of St. Peter's Port Guernsey on 16/02/2014 about 10.30 am GMT. I plan to repair all the damage Fit a new mast and sail Quick paint and re-sail her by the 23/02/2014 to complete her voyage around the world.

I hope you find all of the above helpful Thank you, and what a find.

Imagine our excitement! Our small but feisty five-foot vessel, whose loss at sea we more than once had to contemplate, had made it all the way across the Atlantic safely (though not without a few dings). More than that, she had been found by a true seaman who understood what she meant, and pledged to repair her and send her on her way. It’s safe to say that the MBS students who were part of this project will long remember what has been to them an almost magical experience. And they have, I suspect, a very good opinion of fishermen from the Channel Islands as well!

This is just one example of what our students are doing to gain global competency. For this type of learning, students do not always have to cross physical borders. Though going to a foreign country has its obvious advantages, it is not always logistically or fiscally possible or even necessary. This issue of Crimson celebrates our initiatives in global competency.

I use the phrase global competency because understanding the world around us requires more than just knowledge, and it requires more than just skill. It requires knowledge, skill and inclination. If we can help our students to experience genuine global connections, it will incline them to learn more and perhaps then to act on issues of global significance. For ultimately, we want our students to move beyond caring and into the realm of doing.

Thanks to the Crimson Tide project, our Middle School students are now making connections with the people of Guernsey. In other projects, students have been using Skype and FaceTime to reach out to virtual pen pals in France and Dubai. Our theater group visited London; a community service group went to Thailand; a group of upperclassmen studied art and architecture in Italy. This summer, we will sponsor a service trip to the South Pacific, and our field hockey team will tour – and compete – in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. Another way for us to engage in dialogues across cultures is to invite people from other cultures to our School, and each year Global Studies brings an exchange student to campus. Additionally, a number of our very own MBS teachers were born in a myriad of countries around the world, and this allows global teaching to be woven into the very fabric of school life.

Global competency is teaching students a way to live; it is moving students away from solely a contemplative bias and towards the realm of engaging and doing. The question for all schools is this: Are the students at your school maintaining conversations and dialogues with people across boundaries, with people beyond their sphere? I am pleased to say that at MBS, the answer is a resounding, “yes!”

And as long as we are talking about transcending boundaries, I must offer hearty congratulations to our boys’ hockey team who recently crossed a historical border when, with the unwavering support of past and present parents, the indefatigable work of coaches Randy Velischek and Jason Zuck and unparalleled commitment of the boys themselves, they took home the State Championship trophy for the first time ever!

I couldn’t be more proud of and happy for the fantastic young people of MBS, the source of so much vitality, strength and joy of our community.

With best wishes from campus,

Peter J. Caldwell Headmaster 1

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News Briefs The crew included: Carina Steficek ’15 (Production Stage Manager and Electrics Crew), Jessica Babb ’16 and Meghan Nelligan ’16 (Assistant Stage Managers), Dylan Iuzzolino ’15 (Light Board Operator and Electrics Crew), Jack Collins ’16 (Sound Board Operator and Electrics Crew), Eric Fernandez ’14 (Electrics Crew), Christopher Monaco ’14 (Electrics Crew), Steven Karbachinskiy ’16 (Electrics Crew), Lena Rajan ’14 (Backstage Crew), Carolyn Chambers ’14 (Backstage Crew), Riya Patel ’17 (Backstage Crew), Samantha Salazar ’17 (Backstage Crew), and Jillian Griffith ’14 (House Manager).

MBS Stages Powerful Drama Radium Girls MBS Upper School students presented a gripping, true story from the pages of New Jersey history as the play Radium Girls took the Founders Hall stage from November 13th through the 16th.

The play is set in 1926, when watches with radium dials were all the rage — that is, until the factory girls who painted them began to fall ill with a mysterious disease. Based on actual events, Radium Girls traces the efforts of a group of young factory workers as they fight for their day in court against the U.S. Radium Corporation, located in Orange, New Jersey.

Called a "powerful" and "engrossing" drama, D. W. Gregory's script offered an unflinching, but compassionate, look at worker’s rights, corporate greed, and individual responsibility.

Congratulations to the many talented students involved in this fall’s production!

The cast included: Pooja Aggarwal ’14 (Grace Fryer), Carlye Cording ’16 (Diane Roeder), Eric Fernandez ’14 (Tom Kreider/Dr. Joseph Knef), Ryan Fisher ’16 (C.B. “Charlie” Lee/Frederick Flinn), Molly Glick ’16 (Madame Curie), Erin Hargrave-Kerns ’14 (Kathryn Schaub), Emily Hromin ’16 (Irene Rudolph), Tatiana James ’16 (Dial Painter/Venecine Seller), Steven Karbachinskiy ’16 (Dr. Von Sochocky/Harrison Martland), Natalie Kirby ’17 (Mrs. Michaels/Clerk), Christopher Monaco ’14 (Raymond Berry/Cecil Drinker/Cowboy), Sydney Morris ’17 (June Youngwood), Arielle Moss ’16 (Dial Painter/Harriet Roeder), J.D. Parker ’15 (Arthur Roeder), Annabel Pruitt ’16 (Nancy Jane Harlan), Bailey Rechler ’16 (Mrs. Fryer), Amina Rehman ’16 (Alma MacNeil), Alexa Rojek ’15 (Katherine Wiley), Will Segal ’16 (Edward Markley/William Bailey), Charlotte Seltzer ’17 (Dial Painter/Elderly Widow), Amanda Sit ’16 (Dial Painter/Judge/ Photographer), and Hailey Winterbottom ’16 (Cora Middleton).

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Boys’ Ice Hockey Captures State Championship For the first time ever, the MBS boy’s ice hockey team captured a share of the State Championship after the Crimson skated to a 4-4 tie in an epic battle with Christian Brothers Academy at The Prudential Center in Newark on March 9th.

Michael Meisenbacher ’14, Coleman Schultz ’15, Thomas Rago ’15, and Luke Moser ’14 gave MBS a three goal lead after the first period, but Christian Brothers Academy fought back to tie the score at four. Morristown-Beard goalie Danny Porth ’16 had an outstanding game for the Crimson, stopping 35 shots.

With the tie, Morristown-Beard finished its historic season with a spectacular 20-5-3 record.

To reach the finals, MBS defeated Delbarton, 4-2, in the semifinal round of the State Tournament. The triumph was Morristown-Beard’s first win over its Morris County rival since February 10, 1994.

In Deventer’s piece, more than 20 dancers performed to “Babethandaza,” an African lullaby that was sung live by NAVE (North American Vocal Ensemble) Voices, a choral group consisting of singers from around the country.

In February, the MBS boys’ ice hockey team captured the Mennen Cup following a 4-0 victory over Chatham. The Mennen Cup was Morristown-Beard’s first since 2011 and its ninth overall.

The dancers’ costumes were created by MBS parent Mariah Clark, whose daughter Janine ’14 has been in the dance program for many years. “A couple of years ago, we did a Dance Around the World theme for our spring dance concert, and Mariah made the skirts. They were really lovely and colorful, so we decided to use them,” said Deventer.

Look for more coverage of Crimson ice hockey – and a complete wrap-up of the winter sports season – in the next issue of Crimson Magazine.

Deventer, who launched the MBS Dance Program 16 years ago, also teaches Modern/Contemporary dance at the West Side Dance Center in Randolph. As a dancer, teacher, and choreographer, she has performed with several dance companies including Philadanco, Danny Sloan Dance Company, Paradigm Dance, Boston Repertory, and the Choreographers Collective.

Deventer Choreographs Piece at Carnegie Hall How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Just ask Andrea Deventer, Director of the MBS Dance Program.

Deventer was commissioned by the West Side Dance Center to choreograph a dance performance as part of “World Voices in Motion,” the 2014 Performing Arts Educators Invitational at Carnegie Hall in January.

“It was really flattering to have this opportunity. It was nerve-racking and exciting at the same time,” said Deventer.

“I’ve choreographed pieces at smaller venues in New York, but nothing of this caliber.”

Bobbi Brown Speaks about Confidence, Strength, and Inner Beauty This winter, Bobbi Brown, Founder and CCO of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, visited campus to speak to MBS students about confidence, strength, and inner beauty.

The event was sponsored by the GLOW (Girls Leadership, Outreach and Worth) Project, a student organization that hosts a monthly speaker series, on-campus social events, and random acts of kindness.

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In addition to creating cover looks for magazines and makeup for fashion shows, Brown is the Contributing Beauty & Lifestyle Editor of Health magazine and the Beauty & Lifestyle Editor of Elvis Duran and The Morning Show, a nationally-syndicated morning radio show. A highlyrespected lifestyle expert, Brown resonates with diverse audiences and has appeared on high profile shows including Oprah, The Martha Stewart Show, and Dr. Oz. She is also the author of eight beauty books, including Bobbi Brown Beauty, Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual, and Bobbi Brown Beauty Rules.

good. “It’s all about being strong in your body,” she said.

Brown concluded by telling the students to find their passions and to set their goals high. “There are no boundaries,” she said.

In her presentation, Brown traced her career path and spoke about the importance of finding one's passion. After briefly attending the University of Wisconsin and the University of Arizona, she decided she was ready to drop out of school.

When her mother asked her if she could do anything she wanted, Brown replied, “I would love to go to Marshall Field’s and learn about makeup.” She began doing makeup for her family and friends, and later graduated from Emerson College with a degree in theatrical makeup.

Along the way, Brown worked as a waitress while pursuing makeup work on the side. “If you ever get the opportunity, be a waitress,” she said. “It teaches you the importance of smiling and being nice to everyone.”

She said persistence was a key to her success. “I started going around to every modeling agency I could find, offering to make up models for free.”

A few years later, Brown had her first Vogue cover, and was doing makeup for celebrities such as Jerry Hall, Brooke Shields, and Meryl Streep. Even in an era of highlycontoured, brightly-painted faces, she said that she always preferred subtler effects.

She said the idea of Bobbi Brown Essentials – which emphasizes a natural look – was born after “a light went off in my head.” “I had this idea of creating a lipstick that would look like the color of real lips,” she said.

By 1991, she had a line of 10 natural lipsticks that she introduced at Bergdorf Goodman. “We thought we’d sell 100 in the first month, and we ended up selling 100 in the first day,” said Brown.

Brown said that she believes beauty comes in all ages, colors, shapes, and sizes. “For me, the secret to beauty is being the best that you can be, and feeling comfortable in your own skin,” she said.

She told the students that magazines set an impossible standard of beauty, and that they should realize that almost every photograph is re-touched. She added that exercise (especially strength training) eating right, and drinking enough water are the building blocks to looking and feeling 4

Fall Fashion Show Hits the Runway!

A record-setting crowd at the annual MBS Fall Fashion Show enjoyed taking a stroll down “Madison Avenue” at the Birchwood Manor in Whippany. The entire MBS Community is grateful to chairs Cacky Enman, Heather Kapsimalis, and Pam Randazzo, as well as many other parent volunteers, faculty, staff, and friends whose hard work and generosity made the day a success.

More than 80 MBS seniors appeared on the runway, highlighting fashions by Bloomingdale's of Bridgewater, Brooks Brothers of Bridgewater, and Cozy Formalwear of Morristown.

Senior boys who walked the runway included: Mark Aboyoun, Brandon Babb, Trevor Baptiste, Jackson Becker, Jacob Beeber, Christopher Bernardon, Hassiem Bey, Christian Capocci, James Carroll, Scott Chanzit, Robert Chiperfield, Clayton Connell, Maximilian Cuomo, Peter Daly, Valentino Della Pello, Patrick Fay, Eric Fernandez, Kyle Heffernan, Robert Kirby, Benjamin Leigh, Brandon Levine, Michael Meisenbacher, Noah Miller, Christopher Monaco, Lucas Moser, Travis Nardin, Benjamin O'Connell, Jack Patterson, Daniel Rakow, Zackary Sauertig, Joshua Schappel, Tyler Schicke, Brian Schmitt, Spencer Shepperly, Jared Silver, Adam Stuart, Daniel Tetzlaff, Senith Thiruchelvam, Emilio Trentini, Kyle Vanderhoof, and Benjamin Verchick.

Senior girls who participated included: Breanna Acitelli, Pooja Aggarwal, Bryair Alston, Jordyn Block, Kathryn Bregna, Carolyn Chambers, Janine Clark, Patricia Del Colle, Kristen DePoalo, Ashleigh DeSimone, Michelle Diamantis, Danielle DiRaddo, Bridget Finnegan, Kaitlyn Fitzgerald, Delaney Flinn, Devon Flinn, Jillian Griffith, Chelsey Howarth, Alicia Kukreja, Jessica Ling, Ashley Magner, Morgan Moog, Caroline Moss, Emily Nickson, Samantha Pamnani, Nalini

Rajan, Micaela Reilly, Dana Riback, Jaqueline Roth, Maria Sapozhnikova, Erin Saunders, Mikhaela Schultz, Yasmine Shafaie, Kathryn Sidlowski, Kirsten Stainer, Zoe Steinberg, Julia Sweeney, Kaitlyn Tatulli, Jessica Wright, and Ashley Young.

Guests enjoyed getting a jump on their holiday shopping, winning fabulous raffle prizes and baskets of goodies, and catching up with old friends. The Fall Fashion Show is one of the Parents’ Association’s major fundraisers. Proceeds from the event will be used to benefit the students and programs of Morristown-Beard School.

Faculty Artists Showcased in “Visual Journeys” The artistic talents of Morristown-Beard teachers Cyndy Hamilton and Juan Tejeda were highlighted this winter in “Visual Journeys,” an art exhibit in Founders Hall.

The exhibit featured nature photography and paintings by Visual Arts teacher Cyndy Hamilton as well as faculty/staff caricatures by World Languages teacher Juan Tejeda.

Seniors Recognized in National Merit Program Morristown-Beard School is pleased to announce that seniors Tyler Schicke ’14 and Kieran Sweeney ’14 have been named as Commended Students in the 2014 National Merit Scholarship Program.

About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise.

Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the competition by taking the 2012 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

“The faculty and staff at MBS come from a broad range of backgrounds and have acquired a wealth of experience, separate from, but always feeding back into, their formal classroom roles,” said Dean of Faculty John Mascaro.

“We are happy to showcase some of their amazing talents wherever possible, as in this showing of the artistic work of Juan Tejeda and Cyndy Hamilton.”

Cyndy Hamilton’s works included campus shots as well as a series of photos called “Storm Chasing” that she took in Wildwood Crest.

Juan Tejeda’s works included caricatures of MBS faculty and staff members, including Dr. Alan Cooper, Larch Fidler, Greg Williams ’05, and an assortment of Middle School teachers.

Tyler Schicke is a member of the varsity football team, and also serves as a Blood Drive captain, and manager for the baseball team. He hopes to pursue a degree in computer science in college.

Kieran Sweeney is a member of the MBS cross country and track & field teams, and also participates in the Business, Finance & Investment (BFI) Club, and the Robotics Club.

He would like to pursue a degree in mechanical or electrical engineering in college.

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The Community FoodBank distributes 40 million pounds of food a year to more than 1,000 non-profit programs, as well as more than 400 programs served by its Partner Distribution Organizations.

This is the first time that the MBS Middle School has visited the FoodBank, although the Upper School has a long history of volunteering there, including MBS alumnus Dan Collins '13, who led two food drives at MBS for the FoodBank.

8th Grade Helps Fight Hunger This fall, the 8th Grade volunteered their time and energy at Community FoodBank of NJ in Hillside. All 53 students in the grade, six faculty members, and an MBS alumna showed up ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work.

"Volunteering at the FoodBank is perfect for us because it is a hands-on experience, it is immediate to our community, and it accepts volunteers as young as 12,” said Boni Luna, Head of the Middle School. “We hope to build a strong relationship with them in the years ahead. This first experience was a great success."

The work was fun, and everyone was up for the challenge. It started with students and teachers donning plastic gloves and then lining up side-by-side along a 60-foot stainless steel table.

The volunteers listened patiently as Omar, the FoodBank's Volunteer Coordinator, reviewed the safety rules and working guidelines.

"There was a lot of information coming at us very fast," said Rob Mead, the Student Activities Coordinator who helped arrange the visit. "Although the task seemed very simple — to take pallets of donated items and to sort them into about 25 common groups — there was a steep learning curve. But the kids picked it up really quickly; we were productive within minutes. Omar was very pleased with our work."

Not all of the MBS volunteers had the same job assigned to them. In addition to food-sorters, there were boxmakers, garbagehandlers, and carton-stackers.

"The level of specialization was amazing," added teacher Chris Teasdale.

"Maybe next time we go, we can figure out how to spread these jobs around so everyone gets to try something different."

The students themselves had the same idea. In the follow-up discussion that the 8th Grade team conducted after the visit, students came up with several ideas about how to make future visits more productive. One student suggested, "We should do this every Monday, then we'll really get good at it!"

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Faculty Lead Fall In-Service Day Morristown-Beard’s talented faculty led a very successful In-Service Program this fall, focusing on “Assessment and Higher Order Thinking.”

The goal of this In-Service Day was to increase the faculty’s understanding of the creation and use of a variety of assessments through a series of workshops designed and presented by members of the MBS faculty and staff.

Planned primarily by Head of the Middle School Boni Luna, English Teacher Larch Fidler, and Director of the Center for Academic Writing Kate Sheleg ’97, this “home-grown” InService Day consisted of a series of workshops led by faculty in the morning, and an “Unconference” in the afternoon.

The Unconference is a flexible, participant-driven conference session that favors group discussion, debate, and interaction over formal presentations. Any attendee could lead a session, and shape a conference to fit his or her needs and interests.

Morning workshops were held on a variety of topics, including “The Paperless Classroom,” “Understanding the Role of Feedback in Assessment,” “Creating Art from a Plastic Ocean,” and “Shakespeare’s Sonnet 116: An Assessment of Creative Contradictions.”

MBS Seniors Win App Design Award from Google

By Steve Patchett

This winter, MBS seniors Graham Dyer ’14 and Nalini “Lena” Rajan ’14 were among an elite group of students invited to compete in an intensive 24-hour software coding and app-building competition at Brown University, dubbed Hack@Brown.

Out of the 300 participants, Dyer and Rajan were among just four high school students competing side-by-side with students from Brown University, M.I.T., University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University, Yale University, and other colleges.

T he compet it ion began w it h a brainstorming session in which students pitched ideas and formed teams. The MBS seniors teamed with two students from Amherst College to create “GasMoney,” an app that calculates how much money a shared roadtrip will cost each person in

the car – factoring in the price of gas, the driving distance, and the fuel economy of the car.

After a full day of work – and only three or four hours of sleep – Dyer, Rajan and their partners were selected as finalists for their design of GasMoney. Ultimately, they were awarded the “Best Use of Maps” prize, sponsored by Google.

“It was a wonderful experience…I’m really glad we did it,” said Dyer, who admitted that the final presentation before a panel of judges from Brown University and some of the nation’s top tech companies was “very intimidating. It was the most nervous I’ve ever been.”

Rajan, who will study computer science at New York University in the fall, said the event provided a valuable learning and networking opportunity, and provided

a great venue to share ideas with other students. “We got to talk with students from many different colleges as well as representatives from Google, DropBox, and Square,” she said.

Now that the competition is over, Dyer and Rajan are on to the next step: producing the app for the marketplace.

They are still collaborating with their colleagues at Amherst College, ironing out a few wrinkles before launch.

“Hopefully, GasMoney should be available in the App Store soon,” said Dyer, who teamed with Rajan last year to create the popular “MBS Now” app, which provides the Morristown-Beard School Community with daily Campus information.

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Will Hunt ’15: MBS Exchange Student from Down Under

By Steve Patchett

Although he is more than 9,500 miles from his family in Brisbane, Australia, exchange student Will Hunt ’15 is feeling at home at Morristown-Beard School this year.

Will arrived in the United States this summer and has been hosted for equal parts of the year by MBS senior Peter Daly ’14 and his family, as well as Erin Hargrave-Kerns ’14 and her family.

Will is enrolled as a junior at MBS, and is enjoying making friends, attending classes, and participating in a host of other activities at the School. He played defense for the JV boys’ soccer team, and he is active in a variety of clubs and activities including Ski Club, Rugby Club, and Film Club. During spring break, Will participated in the MBS Habitat for Humanity trip to Florida.

He also enjoys music – particularly jazz – and has performed in Coffee House and CMW shows in addition to playing saxophone in the MBS Jazz Ensemble.

He says the transition to life in the U.S. has been pretty smooth so far. “The School has made it really easy. Everyone here has been very supportive,” he said.

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Will takes a wide array of courses at MBS, and he says that going to school in the United States is different from the educational experience in Australia. “Classes are a lot more in-depth here.

In Australia, they’re more homogeneous,” he said, noting that the pace of the day is also different.

“You don’t have as much free time here,” he said. “The schedule is more relaxed in Australia, but it can get boring. Here, they really keep you busy – and I like that.”

Outside of class, Will enjoys traveling. He has visited Boston and also has been to New York City a couple of times. He says he is eager to see more of the United States. “I’d like to explore New York City more, and I’d also like to go out west to see the scenery there,” he said.

Will’s visit is being coordinated by MBS Global Studies Coordinator Aline de la Torre through ASSIST, a nonprofit organization that provides opportunities for outstanding international students to attend the finest American independent secondary schools on one-year scholarships.

Exchange Students Nancy Zhu & Diego Serrano: Where Are They Now?

By Steve Patchett

Nancy Zhu (China) and Diego Serrano (Spain) weren’t just exchange students at MorristownBeard School – they quickly became part of the MBS family. They performed onstage, competed for the Crimson on the playing fields, brought fresh perspectives to the classroom, joked with fellow students outside of class, and made lifelong friends wherever they went.

So, what did they learn from their time at Morristown-Beard School, and what are they doing now?

Nancy Zhu, who spent the 2011-12 academic year at MBS, is now a freshman at Duke University, where she plans to major in psychology or history. “If I stayed in China, I wouldn’t have had a chance to study psychology in high school. At MBS, I studied psychology and history with Dr. Alan Cooper and that really got me interested,” she said.

Nancy is also participating in an array of activities: singing with the a cappella group “Out Of The Blue,” writing for the campus newspaper, and appearing in the fall musical, The Drowsy Chaperone. “It’s a great school. There’s a ton of work, but I’m able to balance a lot of activities,” said Nancy.

Nancy still keeps in close contact with the Hargrave-Kerns family, who hosted her at MBS. “I e-mail Maura and Erin during the semester, and I stayed with them during Winter Break,” said Nancy, who also stopped

by Morristown-Beard School for a day in December.

As she embarks on the spring semester at Duke, Nancy said she would like to get more involved in community service work – another value that was instilled in her at Morristown-Beard. She said her year abroad truly changed her life and helped shape her goals and outlook on life.

“Participating in the ASSIST program was the best decision I’ve ever made,” she says. “Going to Morristown-Beard School helped me make connections, get used to the culture in the U.S., and transition to college.

Most importantly, it helped me feel at home.”

Diego Serrano, who attended Morristown-Beard School in 2012-13, is back in Spain with a new perspective on learning, and a new outlook on life.

“Living abroad opens your eyes,” he said. “My perspective of the outside world continues to evolve…Now, I don’t see myself living in the same place for the rest of my life.

Instead, I want to discover new cultures and travel around.”

Diego said his academic experience at Morristown-Beard was particularly rewarding.

“At MBS, I took some of the most interesting courses I’ve ever taken,” he said. “History of the Middle East and AP Economics were probably my favorite ones. I give a lot of credit to all my great teachers, especially Mr. Kamil, Mr. Richards, Mr. Burns, Dr. Jones, Ms. Weinberger, Ms. Picker, Mr. McGrann, and Ms. Wade. I’m also thankful to Ms. Ameri and Sra. de la Torre, who helped and advised me throughout the year.”

Diego still keeps in touch with his host family, the Crispos, as well as his many friends at MBS. “They made my experience at MBS amazing,” said Diego. “This winter, I was able to visit the Crispos, and I spent some great time with my friends. I believe some of the relationships I’ve established at MBS will be lifelong.”

As for the future, Diego says he plans to keep traveling and keep learning. “For now, I have to focus on my studies as I plan to study in the U.S.,” he said. “I recently took the SATs and those went well. I don’t really know what I would like to become, but I know how I would like to live. I want to do something I really enjoy and try to be the best at it.”

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- Diego

Global Programs at MBS

In 2010, MBS adopted a five-year strategic plan that included developing a school culture and curriculum that was best suited to a globally-oriented and diverse population. The plan called for forging new academic programs, including exchange programs, and hosting students from other countries.

Since then, M BS has establ ished relationships with multiple organizations, including ASSIST, a non-profit organization that provides opportunities for outstanding international students to attend a school in the United States for a year. We have also partnered with SYA (School Year Abroad) – a company that allows students to attend an educational program outside of the United States – as well as EF Educational Tours, Putney, Explorica, LITA, Harvard Sports Tours, and Rustic Pathways.

As Global Studies Coordinator, I am thrilled to see that students have an opportunity to learn in a hands-on and interactive way. They can see the world from a different light. Many students return from their adventure with a different worldview, and a new perspective on their own country.

I would love to see every student at MBS travel abroad and have an experience they will never forget. The world is becoming more interconnected than ever before, and to be a part of that is invaluable.

Aline de la Torre Global Studies Coordinator

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Passport to the World

By Steve Patchett

Throughout the year, MBS offers a variety of cultural and curricular trips abroad, often incorporating community service opportunities into the excursion. In recent years, Morristown-Beard has sponsored trips to Greece, Turkey, Spain, Peru, Costa Rica, and Japan. Most recently, MBS held its second “Theater Trip” to London during spring break, and visited Thailand and Italy last summer.

An Italian Adventure

MBS Travels to Thailand

A group of 14 MBS students and faculty toured Italy Last summer, a group of 17 MBS students and last summer, where they explored everything from its rich faculty members spent two weeks doing service work in history and classical art to its breathtaking architecture Udon Thani, Thailand, which is in the northeast section and delicious food. of the country.

The group traveled from the ancient streets of Siena The group’s main construction project was building and Assisi to the bustling city of Rome. Along the way, an outhouse for a family who lived in a small shack they also visited Florence, Pompeii, and Vatican City. with no running water. “The students worked hard in MBS senior Pooja Aggarwal ’14 said she really enjoyed unbelievably hot, humid, and often rainy weather to get learning about the history of the country. “Besides the it finished before we left,” said MBS teacher Andrea amazing food in Italy, my favorite part was seeing Pompeii Deventer. “We worked on this in the mornings when it and learning about its rich history, which was absolutely was cooler. Our afternoon projects consisted of teaching fascinating,” she said.

English to 2nd and 3rd graders at a local school.”

The students were able to visit many well-known sites The MBS students also spent an afternoon teaching including the Roman Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the swim lessons to these same school children and another Ponte Vecchio. They also toured many of the most famous day teaching English at an adult school. They also visited art museums in the Western world, including the Uffizi, a girls’ orphanage where they led art projects and taught the Palatine Museum, and the Galleria dell’Accademia – sports and dance lessons. home of Michelangelo’s David.

Other projects included planting rice in the rice fields, “My favorite part was probably being able to see such cooking, packaging and delivering meals to the families amazing artwork with my own eyes,” said senior Ashley in the village, and starting a community garden of herbs Young ’14. “When it comes to the Sistine Chapel or The and vegetables for the villagers to use.

School of Athens, photographs just don't do the pieces Some of the group’s other adventures included justice – seeing them in person was really incredible.” visiting several temples where they were blessed by a monk, Young added that the trip also offered a valuable way watching an initiation of three monks, and shopping at to bond with her classmates and teachers outside of class. local markets.

“I feel so lucky that I was able to go on the Italy trip MBS students also had the opportunity to spend a this past summer. We all had so much fun and really grew day in Laos, which was only an hour’s drive away. They so close because of it. The fact that we could still have spent the day exploring the city of Vientiane, where they fun while stuck in an airport for more than 14 hours really visited several temples, including the Luang Stupa, a large, shows just how much we enjoyed being together,” she said. ornate Buddhist temple believed to be built in the 3rd The students who participated in the trip were: Pooja century. They also visited the Victoria Bridge (which Aggarwal ’14, Priya Aggarwal ’16, Kristen DePoalo ’14, looks just like a smaller version of the Arc de Triomphe Ashleigh DeSimone ’14, Kyle Heffernan ’14, Christopher in Paris), the famous Statue Garden, and had dinner Monaco ’14, Emily Nickson ’14, Ryan O’Donnell ’15, overlooking the Mekong River.

Alexa Rojek ’15, Carina Steficek ’15, and Ashley Young The students who participated in the trip were: ’14. Faculty chaperones for the trip were Noreen Cassidy, Christian Capocci ’14, Marie McGann ’15, Jack Patterson Laurie Hartman, and Mike Kelly. ’14, Dani Sclafani ’15, Bridget Finnegan ’14, Kelsey Downey

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’15, Will Laud ’15, Hassiem Bey ’14, Christina D'Alessandro ’15, Maddie Morris ’15, Kelly Dolan '14, Rachel Leung ’16, Liza MacCowatt ’15, Hannah Guenther ’15, and Vinetta Maddali ’15. Faculty chaperones for the trip were Andrea Deventer, Cori Eggert, and Darren Lovelock.

Curtain Time in London England’s theater tradition is among the richest in the world, and it shines brightest in London.

For the second time in three years, MBS students embarked on a Theater Trip to London over spring break, led by MBS Performing Arts Department Chair Susan Speidel.

The students took in traditional sights such as Big Ben, Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Leicester Square, and Covent Garden.

They also attended theater performances of The Book of Mormon, War Horse, and Emil and the Detectives, and took a backstage tour of the National Theatre overlooking the Thames River. They discovered what goes into staging a major production, and participated in set design workshops.

On their final day in England, they toured Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, and delved into the inner workings of the playhouse and the history of Shakespeare’s theater company with a member of the Globe staff.

Students participating in the trip included: Pooja Aggarwal ’14, Priya Aggarwal ’16, Carlye Cording ’16, Kristen DePoalo ’14, Eric Fernandez ’14, Tess Fleming ’15, Molly Glick ’16, Erin Hargrave-Kerns ’14, Emily Hromin ’16, Tatiana James ’16, Steven Karbachinskiy ’16, Olivia Land ’17, Christopher Monaco ’14, Meghan Nelligan ’16, Annabel Pruitt ’16, Bailey Rechler ’16, Alexa Rojek ’15, Brian Schmitt ’14, Charlotte Seltzer ’17, Julia Sweeney ’14, and Ben Verchick ’14. The chaperones were Susan Speidel, Nik Marmo, and Bruce Van Hoven.

Upcoming Excursions: South Pacific Service Trip This June, MBS students and faculty will be traveling to the South Pacific to spend two weeks working in Fiji. The first four days will be on Yasawa Island, which is one of the outer Fijian islands. There, the MBS group will participate in various types of marine conservation including, coral clean up, coral gardening and reef mapping.

The group will then visit the main Island of Nadi and spend the remaining days of the trip in an eco-lodge that sits between two indigenous villages of Indian and Fijian families.

Some of the community service initiatives in which the group will participate are: • Teaching English and basic computer skills to 2nd and 3rd graders • Leading activities for local youth through games, dance classes, and sports • Preparing healthy meals for needy Fijian families, and learning to cook the local cuisine • Building projects in the local villages

Field Hockey Trip to Europe This summer, MBS is planning a field hockey trip to the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany from August 9th – 17th.

The trip will begin with a guided tour of Brussels before the team heads to its hotel in Valkenburg, Holland.

Throughout the week, they will train with Coach Kate Alderman as well as Dutch coaches, and will play three exhibition games against local opponents.

There will also be plenty of time to sightsee, as their itinerary includes a canal cruise in Amsterdam, a Rhine River cruise, a tour of Aachen, Germany, an adventure day in the Valkenburg Caves, and a visit to Cologne, Germany to see one of the largest cathedrals in Europe.

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Di Yang ’15: Far from Home

By Carol Selman ’6 4

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By Carol Selman ’64

Di Yang ’15, a new junior at MBS, is a very long way from where she grew up – about 6,740 miles, to be precise. Di’s grandmother, father and extended family are in Dandong, China, a port city very close to the North Korean border. Right now, her mother is with her in the U.S., but will be returning to China in about a month.

Di is no stranger to international tensions. “During the North Korean nuclear weapon issue, many people – including me – were so scared. Sometimes, the cell phone signal around the beach was influenced by North Korea, too,” Di said.

Her temporary home is more peaceful. These days, she is staying with an uncle and aunt and their family in Livingston while studying at MBS on an international student passport.

Di contrasts the towns: “Dandong is a small city in China, but it is really busy, which is different from here,” she said. “In my view, Morristown and Livingston are quiet and peaceful towns, good for people to live, even though the distance between my Livingston home and shopping is a little far.”

Di is adjusting well to American culture and cuisine. “At MBS, of course, I enjoy American food,” Di said. “In Livingston, my aunt and my mother cook Chinese food; in Dandong, my dad is the best cook.”

She also enjoys doing some of her own cooking. “My recent favorite food is duck teriyaki; I cook the duck in the oven, with sweet sauce. If I don’t use sauce, I mix black pepper and salt to make a specific seasoning,” Di said.

Di knows her English isn’t perfect, but she has been steadily improving throughout the school year. “I am about 75 percent fluent,” she said in her soft voice. English fluency is among her

goals: “I plan to go to college in the United States and study psychology, economics and art,” she said.

Di loves to read. “I like detective stories — Chinese, Japanese, and American, especially Agatha Christie,” she said. “Murder on the Orient Express and Japanese author Higashino Keigo are favorites. I also like 1984 and Minority Report,” she continued.

Her favorite courses at MBS have been in art: “I just started printmaking with Ms. Washington,” Di said. “I took drawing in the fall.”

At her Chinese middle school, Di studied art as well as many other subjects after school. “In China, every student takes after school classes. I studied painting, drawing, piano, science, biology, English, and math,” she said. In her Chinese high school, she arrived each day before 7 a.m., and classes continued until 10 p.m. The extra school classes shifted to the weekend: “I dropped piano and biology,” Di said.

MBS is not Di’s first American secondary school. Last year, she studied at a private school in Fresno, California. “I could not get used to the heat and bright sun,” she said. “Here it is very cold, like at home.”

She says she enjoys the structure of the American school day. “School hours are shorter and classes are less strict. Here we can use calculators in math; that is not allowed in China,” she said.

Although she misses her many young cousins in China, Di says she is fortunate to have family members here in the U.S. “I have a six year-old cousin here,” she said. “Growing up in America, she is funny and quite outgoing.”

Titilope Ogunsola ’15: A Virtual Vis-à-Vis

by Sara Greenberg

It’s five p.m., and Titi is seated in a handsome 19th-century townhouse, having just finished her last course of the day: math.

A few classmates linger, peering behind the screen as it illuminates to reveal Titi’s countenance, a periwinkle scarf tied around her neck and a violet sunset swelling behind the classroom’s balcony, beyond the rooftops. “Comme vous voulez (As you wish),” she replies when I ask her whether she’d like to do our Skype interview in English or in French. Don't worry — we've provided the transcription in English below.

SG: It looks like you’ve already made a lot of friends during your first semester in Rennes.

TO: I told myself when I got to France that I would do

everything I could to “branch out.” I don’t only mean that academically. Outside of school, I only hang out with French people—it helps my French a lot. I insisted on joining an all-French volleyball team. The girls are great athletes and we have a lot of fun together. I sing gospel on Sundays. The songs are in English, but the community is French: it’s neat to hear their French accents while they sing! I also spent New Year’s Eve with my French friends: 18 native speakers—and moi! My French friends and I also go to the movies together.

The other day, I got through an entire [French] film and realized that I understood it with little effort. That was an accomplishment.

SG: What important lessons have your crosscultural friendships taught you?

TO: I now have French friends and school friends from

all over the U.S. You have to respect different ways of life—even embrace them—without changing who you are at the core. I’m still the same Titi. Despite our different life experiences, my friends and I share a lot in common. I take the same approach at school here. My professors used to be taken aback by my overt friendliness. They didn’t know what to make of it—it’s not very “French” to be so open. But adapting to cultures goes both ways. Now my professors are used to me: they take time to sit down with me and talk about my day.

SG: In what ways did MBS prepare you to adapt to a new culture?

TO: MBS always urges you to make connections beyond

the classroom. We’re not just “taught” at MBS—we learn

through seeing, experiencing. Our Humanities Program does a really great job with this. When students at MBS learn about history, the events aren’t presented in a vacuum.

They’re contextualized, and learned with other events.

Having studied the French Revolution in this way at MBS really helped me deepen my grasp of European history while studying in France. MBS also made me less afraid to try new things. Talking about this reminds me of the strong sense of community we have back home. A place like MBS is hard to come by. I do miss seeing Mr. Caldwell in front of Senior Circle greeting us first thing in the morning.

SG: Your experience has piqued significant interest among your peers. What advice would you give to other MBS students who wish to apply for your program?

TO: My mantra is: “Life begins at the end of your comfort

zone.” So I’d encourage anyone who wants to do this to do it. But you have to want it. It is going to be exciting, fun, challenging, different, new, and change many of your perspectives. I’ve had a fantastic experience, but it wasn’t free of challenges. I’ve also worked harder than ever before: five [of seven] of my classes are in French. I am also taking an SAT prep course in my free time. It’s hard work, but ultimately rewarding: the goal is to learn the language and immerse yourself into the culture.

About Titi...

Titi is studying with SYA (Student Year Abroad) in Rennes, France. She returns to MBS as a senior next fall. For more information about her program, visit www.sya.org.

About the Author...

Sara Greenberg manages the School website at MBS and also teaches Upper School French.

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Globe Trekkers: Students Give Back While Exploring the World

By Steve Patchett

While summer is often a time to kick back and relax, several Morristown-Beard students used their time away from school to see the world… while helping others along the way.

Jake Beeber ’14: Rwanda

It was an unforgettable summer for MBS senior Jake Beeber ’14, who traveled to Rwanda with other high school students from around the country to work in an orphanage for disabled children.

Beeber said the trip opened his eyes and dispelled a lot of his preconceived notions.

“Before leaving, I assumed that I’d be staying at a rustic village, living in mud huts. But upon arrival at our hotel in the capital, I was surprised at how modernized the country actually was,” he said.

After staying in Kigali for a few days, Beeber and the other students traveled to a town called Nyamata, where they stayed for the next two and a half weeks.

“Again, the small town was much more modern than I had expected,” he said. “At the local high school, we got to meet and interact with students our age. Even though their English was not perfect, it was easy for us Americans to converse with the local kids and find out that we all had a lot in common. The kids were extremely friendly and taught us a lot about their culture.”

After doing community service during the day, Beeber enjoyed meeting up with local high school students to play soccer or basketball in the evening.

“At the orphanage in Nyamata, we played with the kids and helped with cooking and their physical rehabilitation,” said Beeber. “Some of the kids were more disabled than others. The disabilities that the children face include autism, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy. Although the work could be challenging at times, knowing that we were making a huge difference in these kids lives and seeing them laugh and smile would always make our day.”

“Even in the short time we were working at the orphanage, a lot of the kids made huge steps forward in their physical therapy,” he said. “Overall, this trip was a great experience and I learned a lot about a culture that was very different from our own.”

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Erin Hargrave-Kerns ’14: Fiji

Last summer’s trip to Fiji was an adventure of a lifetime for Erin Hargrave-Kerns ’14, who traveled to Momi Bay for two and a half weeks through Rustic Pathways.

Hargrave-Kerns helped upgrade school facilities in the Northwestern Nadroga School District, including tiling toilet blocks to improve sanitation, and painting murals in newlyestablished kindergartens to create a more stimulating learning environment.

She also helped teach computer lessons, and engaged in arts and crafts as well as sports activities with students. In addition, she helped cook and provide meals for Hart House, which serves low-income families in Fiji.

“I loved working in Fiji. It never felt like work; it always felt like a day of fun,” she said. “I have never experienced anything like it. My only wish is to go back again, but I fear that nothing could compare with that experience. It was such an inspiring trip!”

Fiona Bryla ’19: Burundi

MBS seventh grader Fiona Bryla ’19 had a life-changing experience last summer – traveling to Burundi, Africa where she engaged in service work with her family.

The trip was arranged through Sister Connection, a nonprofit organization dedicated to healing Burundian war widows and orphans, restoring their dignity, and offering hope for their futures.

“While we were there, we were able to meet the family we adopted through Sister Connection last year,” said Fiona. “We were able to provide for them, and make sure their needs were met. For example, we helped them build a house, gave them food and clean water, and helped provide for the education they need.”

During the trip, Fiona said that she got to experience day-to-day life in Burundi, and she learned about the culture, language, and people. She said a highlight of the trip was going to a local church, where Burundians sang to them.

Before leaving for Burundi, Fiona raised money to help the family they adopted. She said she saw the impact of that fundraising first-hand.

“When we met our family, we learned that the youngest brother, Levin, had malaria, and the family had no money to treat it,” said Fiona. “With the money I raised, we were able to save his life. It was a great feeling to know we made such a big difference.”

She said it was difficult to see so many people in need of help, but it made her thankful for all the blessings in her life. “People were without shoes, clean water, or food, and were suffering from diseases with no treatment,” said Fiona. “It really made me think about how fortunate we are here in America, and how we have so many amazing opportunities.”

Fiona says she and her family plan to adopt 11 more families in Burundi, and she hopes to return to Africa this summer.

Gary Iuliano ’16: Guatemala

Gary Iuliano ’16 spent two weeks in Guatemala City this summer helping children who work in a garbage dump, salvaging anything they can.

Iuliano and his mother took the service trip through Beyond the Walls, a nonprofit organization that serves the 11,000 people – more than half of whom are children – who live and work in the Guatemala City garbage dump. The people who live there are derogatorily called "scavengers" by the locals, as they sustain themselves by picking through the garbage in hopes of finding food to eat, materials to help build their homes, and bits of refuse that they can sell for pennies.

During his time there, Iuliano helped build three homes for families living in the garbage dump. Although he had very little experience with construction, Iuliano quickly found himself picking up a hammer and tackling an array of projects.

“It was inspiring, hard work. The foundation was already built, and we basically did everything else,” he said. “I was pretty inexperienced, but we had contractors from Guatemala helping us and showing us what to do.”

When he wasn’t building homes, Iuliano helped run soccer clinics for the children there. He said the people there were very friendly and appreciative. “At first, they were skeptical because they don’t see foreigners very often, but they quickly developed friendships with us, and really took us in,” he said.

He added that although the residents of the garbage dump are very poor, they also have a tremendous amount of pride. “I think a lot of us would look at these people – and the conditions that they live in – and consider them less fortunate, but to them, it’s home and it’s the best place on earth.”

Iuliano plans to travel to Italy this summer with members of his soccer team, but he says he’ll return to Guatemala City the following summer.

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Pen Pals in the Digital Age

By Steve Patchett

In today’s technology-driven world, the quaint notion of pen pals may be a thing of the past. With a range of digital tools at their disposal – including Skype, FaceTime, blogs, and Facebook – today’s students are sharing experiences, stories, and information faster and more creatively than ever before. Questions for students in foreign countries can be answered immediately, and information shared in real time. The possibilities, it seems, are limited only by one’s own imagination.

FaceTime Gives Students a Glimpse of Arab Culture Upper School History Teacher Ricky Kamil's Arabic Language Mrs. Arnold earned her place next to some of the most powerful and Culture class recently used FaceTime to chat with Lauren and richest individuals in Dubai and the Middle East."

Arnold, an American health care executive who works for the "Mrs. Arnold's comments about the importance of respect government of Dubai and is related to one of the students in and humility in Arab culture made me realize that if you are too the course. controlling and do not respect other people and their culture, Mrs. Arnold showed views of Dubai's skyline, shopping especially in the Middle East, you will not succeed." center, highway system, and new building projects from her "I learned how important respect is in their culture, and how apartment high up in the Burj Khalifa tower, which is the tallest this one facet can determine whether or not you are successful." building in the world. Everyone was fascinated to hear about Mrs. "It was very interesting for me to learn about the differences Arnold's impressions of Dubai, other Gulf Community Council between our cultures and how the women act and dress in Dubai."

(GCC) states, and her experiences elsewhere in the Middle East "Going to the Middle East and learning more Arabic is and North Africa. definitely on my bucket list."

The students were especially keen to learn about Arab The students are also planning a follow-up conference call culture and, of course, the luxury dining and shopping venues. with one of Mrs. Arnold's friends from Saudi Arabia so they can Their comments included: hone their Arabic language skills.

"The thing I found most interesting and admirable was how 16

The French Connection This year, Audrey Onsdorff’s French 2 and French 2 Honors students have been learning more about the language, culture, and everyday life in France by communicating directly with students there.

According to Onsdorff, the idea for the exchange project arose when she was taking a walk in her neighborhood.

“A student from France was walking her dog, and we began talking,” she said. “I gave her my contact information, and she passed it along to her teacher there. We decided that it would be a great idea to open up a line of communication between our classes.”

Early last fall, Morristown-Beard students began the project by making a video for students at Lycée Raynouard in the town of Brignoles, just northeast of Marseilles. “We wanted to give them a sense of what life is like here, so the students made a video about ‘A Day in the Life of MBS,’” Onsdorff explained. “Our students gave them a virtual tour of campus, and also showed them the classes and activities that take place here each day.”

The students from France also created a “Day in the Life” video for their Morristown-Beard friends, and have also sent

photos and letters about their interests, their favorite foods, and a tour of their hometown.

Later in the semester, to coincide with their unit on food, the MBS students created Keynote presentations about Thanksgiving.

The students focused on Thanksgiving traditions ranging from the meal itself to the annual football games – they even discussed Black Friday.

The students have also been corresponding through a special Facebook page, and they are looking forward to Skyping with each other in the spring.

Currently, the Lycée Raynouard students are doing a unit on reality TV, and the MBS students are planning to send them videos in which they discuss their favorite reality TV shows.

“The students have been really excited about the project, and have been particularly interested in seeing the differences between their school and Morristown-Beard,” said Onsdorff. “The project has really taken their learning outside of the classroom.”

Ultimately, she hopes that the cyber exchanges will lead to a physical exchange – and that the students will be able to meet in person in the near future.

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To inspire MBS graduates to give back to this special school, a thoughtful, generous member of the Alumni Community has anonymously pledged $49,000 to match alumni gifts made through June 2014 to the Morristown-Beard Fund. That's a remarkable way to help MBS increase alumni participation and dollars in the Fund!

Please join this alumni leader and make your gift today by using the enclosed envelope or by visiting www.mbs.net/annualfund/.

Whether you're enjoying a reunion year (all classes ending in 4s and 9s) or you're somewhere in between, celebrate your alumni pride with a gift today!

Thank you for your kind support!

Morr isto w

nd d Fu n - B e ar

Every dollar donated to the Morristown-Beard Fund supports the improvement of the student experience. Please accept our grateful thanks if you have made a gift this year. For more information about the MB Fund, please contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at (973) 532-7517.

6th Grade Sailboat Found Off the Coast of France

By Steve Patchett

After nearly 450 days at sea, Crimson Tide – last year’s 6th Grade sailboat – has been recovered by a fisherman in Guernsey, an island in the English Channel off the French Coast of Normandy.

MBS parent and Trustee Joe Robillard helped the MorristownBeard 6th Grade Class launch a five-foot unmanned sailboat as part of the Educational Passages program on December 1st, 2012, off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina.

After more than 3,000 miles at sea, the boat was recovered on February 16th, 2014 by Paris Broe-Bougourd, who was fishing in the English Channel when he came across the small vessel covered in gooseneck barnacles. Crimson Tide had lost its sail as well as the lid to a circular compartment on the deck, which can accommodate messages and photos. The compartment was empty, and all of the contents were lost at sea.

The boat was equipped with a GPS device that transmits to a satellite, and during the past year and a half, MorristownBeard students have been tracking the boat’s position daily.

Middle School teacher Lisa Swanson says the project has been an exciting way to learn about a range of subjects including oceanography, weather, geography, map reading and navigation, the use of sensors, and when the boat reaches a foreign shore – learning about the boat’s destination and the language spoken there.

MBS Middle Schoolers are already starting to learn about the Channel Islands – the Baliwick of Guernsey and the Baliwick of Jersey.

“The kids are really excited,” said Swanson. “This morning, we used Google Earth to look at the island and its topography – the rocky coast, the cliffs, and how developed the island is.

Tonight, the students will be studying everything from the island’s economy to its government.”

Swanson said that this semester the 6th graders have been exploring the key question: “How does where you live affect how you live?” Her hope is that her students will gain new insights by connecting with children from Guernsey.

“I would like to be able to connect with school children there and get them interested in Skyping with us,” said Swanson.

“Hopefully, through that connection, we will begin to see how living on an island in the English Channel affects how they live.”

The small boat’s oceanic journey was the idea of sailor Dick Baldwin, an avid sailor who set up the Educational Passages initiative. To date, Educational Passages has launched nearly 20 boats – each with its own unique story. Some boats have sailed through hurricanes and have been retrieved as far away as Portugal, Granada, and Nova Scotia. Another boat went ashore in a tribal village in Panama.

Baldwin says he hopes that Crimson Tide’s journey isn’t over yet. He has offered to send a new mast and sail to Guernsey and says that the GPS transmitter should probably be charged.

“If we can get her re-launched well southeast of England – off in the Azores or Canary Islands – it should sail on to the Caribbean and then back to America,” he said.

This year’s 6th Grade Class launched its own sailboat – Crimson Cruiser – on November 6th, 2013.

200 years www.guernseypress.com 60p

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THURSDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2014

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Lynda La Plante’s new Tennison

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SPORT: Page 46

GFA’s link with Madrid superstars

SPORT: Page 48

Condor strike called off Atlantic crossing

...but union says dispute is still live with more action to come A TWO-WEEK mutiny by Condor’s French crew might have come to an end yesterday, but their union warned that the dispute was not yet over.

Laure Tallonneau, from the maritime union, the International Transport Workers’ Federation, said the crew was still missing out on basic employment rights – despite Condor now offering the staff private medical insurance.

‘The crew have agreed to stop in order to let the people in Jersey and Guernsey go ashore to France and they hope to negotiate following this,’ she said.

She said there were no further strikes planned, but there could be more industrial action if Condor did not comply with the crew’s other demands.

Condor CEO James Fulford spent eight days aboard the vessel negotiating with the 10 striking crew.

He said that while not all the demands had been met, the crew understood the importance of sailings restarting and discussions continuing without industrial action.

by Juliet Pouteaux jpouteaux@guernseypress.com

‘It was realised that people do not make good decisions with a gun to their head,’ he said.

No final decision has been made yet about whether the Bahamas-registered vessel will change to sail under the French flag – one of the workers’ main requests.

The vessel has been tied up in St Malo since 6 February, but today it will sail to Guernsey and Jersey.

Mr Fulford said all staff had the same contractual conditions, but countries offered different benefits, meaning the French crew had missed out.

To make up for the loss, Condor has now offered private insurance, which will give staff help with accident and medical cover.

No pay rise was given except the usual companywide increase, which is reviewed every spring.

Ms Tallonneau said the crew still wanted Condor to sail under the French flag and have French employment contracts – and warned of further strikes if

Free travel...

Free tickets will be on offer today as the ferry service resumes.

Condor said the revised service would depart St Malo at 10am and call at Jersey at 10.30am. An extra stop in Guernsey has been added, with the vessel arriving at noon and leaving for Jersey at 5pm.

All stages of these journeys will be free as a gesture of goodwill to disrupted passengers.

However, anyone wanting to travel to St Malo will have to pay the normal ticket price. this did not happen.

Mr Fulford said the vessel was registered in the Bahamas because there was no Guernsey registration for a vessel of this size.

He said the re-registration issue would be investigated thoroughly.

‘We need to look at it, but we will not do it if it is not in the interests of the company,’ he said.

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INSIDE TODAY Paris Broe-Bougourd with a 5ft model boat launched by students at an American school in New Jersey which he and friend Luke Bentley found off Herm after it had completed a transatlantic voyage.

Story Page 2 (Picture by Adrian Miller, 1370733)

PRIVATE GAIN: Parts of L’Ancresse golf course are in private ownership and they will benefit if the fee charged to the golf clubs increases.

Page 3

REPAIRS START: Work has begun on repairing the Castle breakwater, which was damaged in the storms at the start of the month.

Page 4

COLD CURE: Anyone afflicted with seasonal coughs and sneezes could try a proven new cure – practising Kundalini yoga.

Pages 24 & 25

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Julia Pettengill Sibley ’03: Global Insights

By Steve Patchett

Although she is not yet 30 years old, Julia Pettengill Sibley ’03 is a respected authority on international politics, Russian history, genocide studies, and global health policy. As a political analyst, she has appeared on BBC News and Al Jazeera, discussing Russian democracy and the implications of Vladimir Putin’s re-election. She is an award-winning journalist, having published essays on human rights, the Russian opposition movement, and genocide prevention. After living in the United Kingdom for the past eight years, she and her husband Nate Sibley recently moved to Doha, Qatar, where she serves as Project Manager at the Qatar Foundation.

Q: How did your interest in politics and foreign definitely helped to give me a passion for reasoned argument, and helped me to understand how important it is to expose yourself to policy develop?

My interest in politics began at a young age, and extended to an interest in foreign policy between high school and university. I was 16 when 9/11 happened, and I think that was an initial wake-up call to the very complex issues shaping the world. I’ve also always loved studying history, so I think that extended naturally to an interest in how historical events shape the world we live in today.

Q: Which teachers, classes, or activities influenced you at Morristown-Beard School?

My English and history classes were definitely the most influential, and cemented my love of the humanities. Dr. Mascaro was my English teacher and advisor for The Crimson Sun, which I edited in my junior and senior years, and inspired me to become a writer of some kind. I loved my history classes with Mr. Farman, Constitutional Law with Mr. Franz, and Russian History with Mr. Daur. The opportunity to connect with teachers in small classes who loved their subjects was one of the best aspects of going to Morristown-Beard, and it really helped me to develop my critical thinking.

Q: I recall seeing a Crimson article about you squaring off with Dr. Mascaro at a public debate on the War in Iraq. Do you think events like that helped prepare you for your current career?

I think you can’t underestimate the importance of having a teacher who will both encourage and challenge you, especially when you’re a teenager and think you know everything! The fact that we were encouraged to engage in those types of discussions with our teachers 20

different perspectives.

Q: What led you to the University of St. Andrews?

What was your experience like there?

I decided to transfer from George Washington University, and took a semester off to stay in London for a few months, as I had always wanted to live in the UK and was thinking of applying to a British university. I visited St. Andrews and loved it — it’s a beautiful town with so much history, and has a great academic reputation. I had a very nice experience there, apart from the cold. It’s a picturesque place to spend your undergraduate years, and I had great professors, made wonderful friends and met my husband there.

Q: Tell me a little bit about your thesis and your work in the field of genocide studies…

I was always very compelled by historical cases of mass murder — how it was rationalized, and the political conditions and concepts which produce mass atrocities. I was particularly interested in the Holocaust, and found a new archive of testimonies by Holocaust survivors living in London. I explored the way in which their recorded experiences represented their personal histories, and the way this shaped the overall historicity of Holocaust studies.

While completing my dissertation, I also worked on a monograph analyzing the way in which genocide prevention strategies can be built into policy responses to scenarios in which the threat of mass atrocities increases.

Q: At what point did you begin working for Lord Q: As an expert in Russian politics, you’ve appeared Ara Darzi? What sort of work did you do? on BBC News and Al Jazeera. What’s it like to I began working for Lord Darzi prior to my final year at St. Andrews, participate on those programs? Do you enjoy it? initially as an assistant. When I graduated and my monograph on genocide studies was published, he was kind enough to offer me a position collecting and writing up material on his time as a health minister in the United Kingdom. That was a great learning experience, as it gave me the opportunity to interview former ministers of state and other UK politicians, and to learn a lot about British politics.

Q: What was it like presenting in the House of Commons?

I’ve presented a couple of reports to small audiences in the committee rooms of the House of Commons, which was a great honor and tremendously scary the first time around! After I became used to public speaking it wasn’t such a daunting experience, but it continues to be very thrilling.

Q: What intrigues you about Russian Studies and the Russian opposition movement?

I’ve always had an interest in Russian history, particularly the Soviet period, which I studied in both high school and more extensively at university, while also developing and interest in human rights issues. I was particularly inspired by the dissident tradition in Russia and in the former Eastern bloc, and was interested in the ways in which political freedom in Russia was regressing under Vladimir Putin, and the challenges faced by people opposing corruption and standing up for political freedom. I am in awe of the opposition activists I’ve had the chance to meet working in that area — their willingness to sacrifice everything to make their country a better place is just incredible.

The first time I was on TV was pretty terrifying, but luckily adrenaline focuses me and once I knew that I could do it the rest was surprisingly easy. It is rather exhilarating so I do rather enjoy it!

Q: What does your current position as Project Manager at Qatar Foundation entail?

I am part of the team in Doha responsible for putting together the World Innovation Summit for Health, which held its inaugural summit this past December, and brought together over 1,000 delegates relevant to health policy from around the world. Our keynote speakers included Aung San Suu Kyi (Chairperson of the National League for Democracy in Burma), who is a personal heroine of mine. It was absolutely amazing to meet her!

Q: What country would you like to visit next?

India, Israel, and Jordan are at the top of my list.

Q: What are your goals for the future?

I would really like to move back to the States at some point. I’ve been living abroad for eight years, which has been a great experience, but I miss the U.S. I would love to eventually direct a project focused on political or human rights.

This past summer, I had the pleasure of taking my husband to see Morristown-Beard when we were visiting the States. I was so pleased to see some of my previous teachers, and to see all of the amazing improvements in the campus. It made me very grateful for my years there and the opportunities that came from being a student there.

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Neil Christensen ’02: Making Waves in Panama

By Carol Selman ’64

Epiphanies happen. Ask Neil Christensen ’02, the founder and president of Give and Surf, a non-profit educational and community development organization that is changing lives in Panama. Neil’s innovative philanthropy is making waves of a different kind in a part of Panama best known to tourists for surfing, beaches, and the “Bob Marley vibe” of Isla Colon.

Q: What can you tell us about your educational and professional life after MBS? After MBS, I graduated in 2006 from James Madison University with a major in marketing. I was involved in various humanitarian projects through JMU’s Student Ambassadors program. Then I spent a year learning the world of orthopedic surgery and medical devices. I learned on the job. I had no medical education or experience in operating rooms. The learning curve was incredibly intimidating yet mind expanding. Next, I landed a great medical device job in San Diego, California selling trauma products for Johnson & Johnson. I was traveling hospital to hospital in a truck full of medical instruments and implants.

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I was very successful, but I knew from day one that I was not going to hang my hat up without doing something that was a true representation of myself. I saved money towards my dream.

Q: After a few years in sales, you decided to combine your love of surfing with making a difference in the lives of others. What was your plan?

For years I threw around ideas, but I had no plans. I figured I’d travel the world — providing smiles to others through volunteering while scoring waves was the way to go.

Q: How did your epiphany happen?

I quit my job. I started to do my research and did not find any organization that fell in line with what I wanted to do. Truthfully, I never thought of starting a non-profit without help until the light bulb went on: I decided to do it myself. I traveled to Panama and started working towards this goal.

Q: What happened next?

Q: What can you tell us about I stayed with my friends Margaret and your interest in surfing?

Henry who run La Loma Jungle Lodge I started surfing as a kid at Deauville Beach on the Jersey shore. I have surfed in Hawaii — where I once lived — and used to take regular surfing trips to Mexico, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama, Spain, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and South Africa. While living in San Diego, friends and I purchased an RV (dubbed the “Warrior”) and we traveled the California coast, searching for waves and adventure.

in the Bahia Honda community of Bocas del Toro, an island in an archipelago on the Caribbean side of Panama; it’s near the Costa Rican border. I learned about the indigenous people, their lack of education, and their truly limiting environment.

Q: How would you describe the community where you now work?

You find thatched homes over the water in the mangrove-covered islands. All

transportation is done on the water in either motorboats or dugout canoes called cayucos. You find locals hand-lining for fish, children paddling an hour to school, and a constant stillness in the air. The inhabitants live off the land without electricity, running or clean water, bathrooms, or education.

The area is often plagued by months of rain and very tough living conditions.

These communities exist for miles upon miles throughout the archipelago – nearly 2,000 square miles with a population of 150,000 individuals, the majority being the indigenous Ngobe-Bugle people, with whom we work.

Q: How have student groups from the United States helped?

Last June, we finished up a monster of a project: a new school for Bahia Roja. It was fundraised by a group of high school students who volunteered with us. It took a month to complete. These awesome kids and our family of supporters raised over $10,000 to provide a proper school – prior to that, the children were taught in a collapsed school building. This upgrade is a huge enhancement to the education here.

Q: What is your current focus?

I have been going full speed ahead in

Q: Where and how did you start? Panama for the last two years, and it We first targeted a community of 200 people living around a horseshoe-shaped bay on Bastimentos Island. There was no sense of community and little communication among the families, which made everything we hoped to achieve very difficult. Little by little, we brought this community together.

We started with the children. The first education program was a true challenge of strength and perseverance. We set out to start a preschool and kindergarten for the 3 to 5-year-old children. This meant driving a boat to every house, rain or shine, and picking up the little ones. It can take an hour. It is something we now do every day for the preschool, after-school program, and summer school.

Q: How would you describe Give and Surf today?

Give and Surf provides substantive, handson, real-world assistance and programs to the indigenous Ngobe people of Bocas del Toro. Our current programs include a daily preschool, a summer school, after school program, an adult English program, a baseball team, music program, and many community development and construction projects. We offer enriching volunteer and internship opportunities to give back to others and give back to yourself.

has provided me the most fulfilling and challenging experience I ever imagined.

For the last two months, I have taken a page out of the How to Make This Non-Profit Work and Last book. This means hiring awesome teachers, coming back to the States and approaching the non-profit as a business: team, goals, fundraising, partnership development. I am stepping into a new, necessary role where I can make sure our work in Panama will continue for years to come.

Q: How might the MBS Community become involved?

I would love to work with MBS teachers on ways to develop our curriculum and develop a relationship between MBS and our school in Panama. If any individual wishes to join us for their Senior Project or volunteer with us either domestically or in Panama, we welcome you with open arms.

Also, as MBS students head to college, we would love to have them join us as interns. The MBS network of alumni and supporters can become directly involved by contacting me at neil@giveandsurf.org.

Every person reading this article can help support the organization in many ways by reaching out to me.

Q: One last thing, can you say Q: Can you give one example of a few words about the surfing a community project? opportunities?

Most of the Ngobe communities get their drinking water from dirty streams. Yet, Bocas del Toro is blessed to receive consistent rainfall. As volunteers, we install water catchment systems. This simple installation provides large communities and schools with a source of sustainable, clean drinking water, essential to disease prevention. We have installed many tanks in the area, and there is a great need for more in the future.

An option for volunteers is riding waves both big and small. We wish to share our passion for surfing when you come to the islands. We offer our volunteers the opportunity to learn to surf or to surf world-class waves during their free time.

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On a High Note: Student-Vocalist Jack Lindberg '15

By Steve Patchett

It was an extremely busy fall for MBS junior Jack Lindberg ’15, a talented singer who earned several honors and performed in concerts throughout the state.

He began the month of November by winning first place in his age group at the New Jersey NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) Doris Lenz Festival of Singing at The College of New Jersey.

The following weekend, Lindberg sang with the New Jersey All-State Chorus at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. After that, he performed in the NJMEA (New Jersey Music Educator’s Association) AllState Opera Festival at Paramus High School, followed by a concert with the New Jersey All-State Chorus at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark.

Lindberg was joined in the All-State Chorus by his classmate, Tyler Smith ’15.

Morristown-Beard was also represented at this year’s Opera Festival by MBS Choral Director Bruce Van Hoven, who directed one of the choruses.

Lindberg also sang with another elite vocal ensemble this fall, the Collegium Musicum at Montclair State University. The Collegium Musicum performs music from the Middle Ages through the 18th century.

The group is directed by Jeffrey Gall, who is not only Lindberg’s voice teacher, but was also Mr. Van Hoven’s voice teacher during his graduate work there.

“It’s a busy schedule, and it doesn’t really stop,” laughed Lindberg. “It’s my sport.”

Lindberg says his love of music came from an early age, and he credits his father with instilling that passion. “My dad did

a lot of community theater when he was in college. He passed away when I was 4, so this is my way of carrying on that tradition,” he said.

Lindberg began taking voice lessons when he was 10 years old. He currently studies voice with Jeffrey Gall at Montclair State University as well as with Adrienne McKeown in Millburn, and he devotes about 12 hours a week to his craft.

“I like singing because it’s very intellectual and engaging. It looks really easy, but it’s really hard,” he said. “You learn a lot about yourself – especially because there’s nothing between you and the audience.”

Lindberg was involved in musical theater throughout his middle school years, but wasn’t happy about his development as a baritone. He later transitioned to countertenor, which means that although his natural range is that of a baritone, he has a very well-developed falsetto, and he sings in the alto range. Because a countertenor voice naturally lends itself to Baroque opera, Lindberg began exploring that style of music.

During the past t wo summers, Lindberg participated in the New York Summer Music Festival as well as the Boston University Tanglewood Institute, – two of the most prestigious programs for talented young musicians. Last year, he sang with the Drew University Chorale, a by-audition group, and was the only high school student in the ensemble, which was mainly comprised of music majors and minors from Drew University.

In January, Jack competed in Classical Singer’s vocal competition for high school students at New York University. In February, he attended a one-week master class and workshop at The Metropolitan Opera.

At MBS, he sings in the Chorus and serves as co-president of the Crimsingers, Morristown-Beard’s a capella group. He also collaborated with Headmaster Peter Caldwell as part of the MBS chamber music concert.

"Jack is an incredibly talented young man who also works very hard to improve his singing," said Mr. Van Hoven. "He's a wonderful soloist, but he's also a great member of the Chorus and Crimsingers.

He brings out the best in those around him."

Ultimately, Lindberg would like to take his singing as far as he can go. As he searches for the right college, he is looking into vocal performance programs, but he would also like to double-major in liberal arts.

“I really want to sing opera as a career, but I know realistically that’s very difficult,” he said. “I’d be living from hotel rooms in foreign countries… with a lot of time practicing and not a whole lot of time spent performing.”

And while he has some impressive accomplishments on his resume, he says his focus will always be on the next concert or project. “I try not to rest on my laurels,” he said. “There’s always something more I can accomplish.”

After-School Program: A Community of Learners • What if... a teacher who is a successful jewelry designer showed me how to make silver earrings?

• What if... a teacher who takes art classes in her free time showed me how to sculpt and draw the human face?

• What if... a teacher who spent years working as a graphic designer showed me how to make cool infographics?

• What if... a teacher who is an avowed foodie showed me how to cook interesting and fun dishes?

This is the premise behind the Middle School's AfterSchool Program.

The After-School Program was formally launched this past September, and it has met with overwhelming success. Whether one counts the percentage of children who have participated in one or more of the activities (97 percent), or counts the number of times each student has participated (an average of 7.5 times per student), the result is the same: the program has succeeded in drawing a lot of attention and participation.

"We launched the After-School Program with an 'if you build it, they will come' attitude," said Rob Mead, the Middle School Director of Student Life. "We had a group of teachers who shared a common vision for what the School could be beyond the classroom, and we knew that we had a lot of students who were looking for a greater sense of community. We had to find a way to bring the two together."

The roots of the After-School Program stretch back to the early years of the Ski & Snowboard Club, the Matheny Group, and the Rock-Climbing Club. Now there are literally dozens of offerings, from ropes to robotics. Some of the clubs are offcampus, but most make good use of campus facilities. "We are trying to stretch the amenities of the School — the classrooms, the buses, proximity to the Arboretum — as much as possible," said Boni Luna, the Middle School Head. "The School has a beautiful physical plant, and a lot of it sits idle at the end of the regular school day. We really want to get the best use out of our facilities. The Middle School building is no longer a ghost town after 3:30 p.m. — we have a lot going on after hours.”

Launching the After-School Program has been hard work, but it has been worth it. All of the Middle School teachers participate on some level — either as club organizers or as club promoters.

"I have had amazing success approaching the teachers and asking them to participate," said Mead. "There is deep-rooted appeal to being able to connect with young minds through something that you are passionate about. It touches the core of why someone would want to become a teacher in the first place. Yes, we love the subjects that we are teaching, but we also love the fields that we choose to offer in the After-School Program."

Some of the teachers have young children at home, and they naturally run into childcare issues at the end of the day. But that has not stopped them from offering new clubs during the lunch recess. "The three grade-level math teachers are all young mothers," added Mead. "They could not commit to an after-school club, so they came up with Math Tuesdays during lunch recess. They now get 10 to 15 kids coming in during lunch recess to work on math problems for fun. This is part of the community-building momentum that is new this year."

"The After-School Program is moving us in the right direction," concluded Luna. "We are trying to build community and to offer added value to our families. We are looking forward to a day when prospective families will pick Morristown-Beard because it is more than just a school — it is a home of sorts. And on a larger scale, we have seen the pendulum swing in the direction of technology in recent years. The After-School Program is an attempt to bring us back together on a more human level. It represents the best combination of adults and children working on our shared interests."

The spring clubs for the After-School Program include: Trail Blazers; Sustainability Sleuths; Cool Infographics; Picasso, Dali, Miro; y el Arte Español; Cookies & Ice Cream; Creative Freedom; Crimson PINS; Monster Golf; MoBoGoCarts; and Splashplex.

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Hitting the Benchmarks:

by Sara Greenberg

National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) Affirms Positive School Culture Student Interactions with Faculty Members

Enriching Educational Experiences

Active and Collaborative Learning Level of Academic Challenge

Supportive Campus Environment

Spring marks a momentous time of year for seniors here at Morristown-Beard School. In the final months of their highschool career, our 12th graders partake in some of the School’s longest traditions—like striding along the pristine lawn of Senior Circle—and benefit from their long-awaited senior privileges, like bounding out of Morning Meeting (“Seniors first!”) ahead of the younger grades. By May, campus is abloom, and nostalgia is budding: seniors feel reluctant to separate from the Community, yet ready and well prepared for the college experience.

In recent years, Morristown-Beard seniors have engaged in a new rite of passage, one that allows them to formally reflect on their career here—and to leave something meaningful behind. This May marks the fourth springtime that MBS seniors give back to their soon-to-be alma mater in the form of feedback in the yearly NSSE (pronounced “Nessie”) survey. The yearly national survey leans on five benchmarks—Level of Academic Challenge, Active and Collaborative Learning, Student-Faculty Interaction, Enriching Educational Experiences, and Supportive Campus Environment—as indicators of engagement that help capture the experience of an MBS student.

The survey prompts students to answer questions about the time and effort our they into educationally-purposeful activities (like homework, projects, assessments, and other pedagogical exercises), as well as how MBS uses its resources (like the curriculum, technology, bricks and mortar) to cultivate learning. As MBS was the first high school in America ever to administer this test to high-schoolers (the

national survey is typically reserved for undergraduates), we’re ahead of the curve compared to other independent schools in collecting a meaningful set of data that allows us to answer questions like: “How well do our classes challenge our students?” “Do we provide our students with opportunities to integrate and apply knowledge?” and “Do we cultivate positive working and social relations among different groups on campus?” Furthermore, the NSSE survey correlates student engagement (as measured by the five Benchmarks) with “deep” approaches to learning—a cornerstone of our Curricular Philosophy here MBS—which privilege the ability to intuit and inflect meaning over rote memorization skills, and which emphasize the art of reflection, of applying knowledge, and of integrating previous material (go to www.mbs.net/curricularphilosophy to read more about our pedagogical approach at MBS).

After three years, useful, actionable data have emerged. Not only do the survey’s results affirm a positive school culture at MBS and an outstanding learning environment—they demonstrate that the level of student engagement among MBS seniors often surpasses the national level of college freshmen. Moreover, this feedback (thanks, seniors!) about our School’s teaching and learning environment allows us to craft informed and intentional responses that are being played out in the classroom—and beyond. In this issue of Crimson, you will find examples of how we’re hitting the NSSE Benchmarks (below and right, descriptions in red)—and how they guide us toward fostering deeper student engagement and deeper learning.

Level of Academic Challenge

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Challenging intellectual and creative work is central to student learning and collegiate quality. Colleges and universities promote high levels of student achievement by setting high expectations for student performance.

“Powerful Resources” (p. 30-31) highlights the Center for Academic Writing, our college-model writing center. In line

with our Curricular Philosophy, the Center views writing as a “means of thinking and developing thoughts, not just a way to record pre-existing ideas.” As one of the hallmarks of the most sophisticated writing program in the area, the Center cultivates skillful writers and masterful thinkers by using writing to deepen understanding. A strong emphasis on writing is placed across the curriculum,

which allows students to write in a variety of registers and to think more critically and creatively. The Center for Academic Writing equips our students with the tools they need for intellectual and creative success and challenges them to create high-quality work in all disciplines.

Student Interactions with Faculty Members Students learn firsthand how experts think about and solve practical problems by interacting with faculty members inside and outside the classroom. As a result, their teachers become role models, mentors, and guides for continuous, lifelong learning.

“After-School Program: A Community of Learners” (p. 25) focuses on Middle School teachers cultivating strong relationships with

students by sharing their real-world passions— from problem solving in math to robotics and hands-on graphic design. Studentteacher mentorship, practical learning, and community building is booming at MBS— even beyond the traditional school day—due in part to this highly-engaging program: 97% of Middle Schoolers have participated in one or more of the activities. In addition,

“MBS Seniors Win App Design Award from Google” (p. 7) recognizes Graham Dyer ’14 and Lena Rajan ’14 for the prestigious honor they received at Hack@Brown. For several years, these students have cultivated their passion for software engineering with tech guru Ms. Napholz, who has both taught and mentored them as iOS programmers.

Active and Collaborative Learning Students learn more when they are intensively involved in their education and are asked to think about and apply what they are learning in different settings.

Collaborating with others in solving problems or mastering difficult material prepares students to deal with the messy, unscripted problems they will encounter daily, both during and after college.

Crimson Tide’s discovery by a fisherman in Guernsey (“6th Grade Sailboat Found

Off the Coast of France,” p. 19) not only fueled excitement on campus and in the Channel Islands—it has sparked active and collaborative study of topics ranging from oceanography to navigation and map-reading to history and language in our Middle School.

This cross-disciplinary learning approach is crafted in the image of our Advanced Seminar and Humanities programs, whose integrated curricular approach encourages students to discover significant connections

among diverse cultures.

Says Middle School teacher Lisa Swanson: “[We] used Google Earth to look at the island and its topography—the rocky coast, the cliffs, and how developed the island is . . . [The] students will be studying everything from the island’s economy to its government.” The students will also interact frequently with Channel Islanders throughout the School year.

Enriching Educational Experiences Complementary learning opportunities inside and outside the classroom augment the academic program. Experiencing diversity teaches students valuable things about themselves and other cultures. Used appropriately, technology facilitates learning and promotes collaboration between peers and instructors. Internships, community service, and senior capstone courses provide

students with opportunities to synthesize, integrate, and apply their knowledge. Such experiences make learning more meaningful and, ultimately, more useful because what students know becomes a part of who they are.

“Pen Pals in the Digital Age” (p.1617) explores how technology has virtually broken down the classroom walls, allowing students to connect in real-time with students

and professionals all over the globe. In French class, for example, students use the language as a vehicle to discuss and explore critical thought—via Skype—with native Francophone students of history and political science. Students benefit not only from shared classroom experiences, but from a variety of authentic, real-world, inspiring encounters with great minds all over the globe.

Supportive Campus Environment Students perform better and are more satisfied at colleges that are committed to their success and cultivate positive working and social relations among different groups on campus.

Our Values here at MBS underscore the importance of empathy, humility, awareness of diverse perspectives, and connectedness (go to www.mbs.net/ourvalues to learn more).

This fall, MBS eighth graders volunteered

at the Community FoodBank of NJ (“8th Grade Helps Fight Hunger, p. 6), working together to help distribute food to hungry families in need, followed by a team-building debriefing session among all eighth graders.

Their experience is part of an initiative to promote a culture of kindness and empathy in our Community to take a stand against discrimination, “meanness,” and bullying (read more in Hillary Potter’s “Counselor’s

Corner” in the Winter 2014 issue of Middle Message at www.mbs.net/middlemessage).

The strong sense of camaraderie students cultivate here at MBS can also be measured by the overwhelming support they provide to our greater community and world at large (“South Pacific Service Trip”, p. 11; “Globe Trekkers: Students Give Back While Exploring the World, p. 14-15).

For more information about NSSE, go to http://nsse.iub.edu/ or read Dan Sullivan’s article, “Student Engagement and Student Learning at Morristown-Beard School” in the Spring 2012 issue of Crimson at www.mbs.net/crimsonmag/.

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By Alan “Doc” Cooper

The 1933 Ice Hockey Trip to Europe 1933 was not a happy time for America or for The Morristown School. America, the formerly open hand reaching out as the beacon of liberty, was closing into a fist of isolation and restriction, feelings exacerbated by the Great Depression. At The Morristown School, Headmaster George Tilghman ’15 faced a hardly favorable future with declining enrollments amid the pervasive financial uncertainty. Such times call for extraordinary vision, whether arranging for financing to continue the School or showing the strength of character that the School will carry on its mission despite these and other obstacles.

Such were the considerations and factors which resulted in the trip taken by the ice hockey team, with Headmaster Tilghman as coach, over the Christmas break in 1933.

The trip was, in hindsight, quite predictable when one reflects on Mr. Tilghman’s background and beliefs. He was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, the son of a mining engineer working there, and attended the Sillig School in Switzerland before finally returning to the States and entering Morristown School, from which he graduated in 1915.

His college career at Harvard was interrupted by WW I, and although he enlisted, he never saw action before the War ended. Returning to Morristown School, he taught chemistry before becoming Headmaster in 1926, and remained so until he resigned in 1939 (as he wrote, “rather 28

exhausted with the financial problems”) to enter the Navy. While at Morristown, he understood that young people would benefit from the lessons to be learned beyond those presented in the classroom. This fit perfectly with the early versions of Morning Meeting, at which faculty and students would discuss world affairs. For these reasons, then, if the world couldn’t come to America as it had, then America, or at least one school from it, could go to the world.

In 1933, he arranged for his team to travel to Europe, with games scheduled in France, England, and Switzerland. At that time, such a trip was quite rare, so much so that a congratulatory telegram from President Franklin Roosevelt was received, reading in part:

“The President sends (the team) his best wishes for their success in this new field of competition, and wishes them to know of his conviction that they will live up to the best traditions of American sportsmen.”

Mr. Tilghman believed that this was the first such trip made by a scholastic hockey team.

The team traveled on the Berengaria, leaving from New York on

Artwork by: Juan Tejeda December 15. Playing eight games in seven days against club teams, Morristown compiled a 3-5 record, with Mr. Tilghman and other adults on the trip often participating. They arrived home on the Aquitania on January 9, 1934.

Upon returning, the team received a letter from Gustavus Kirby, past-president and treasurer of the American Olympic Association: “It is from contests and contacts of this kind that come better understanding of sport for sport’s sake, of peaceful international relations, and happy world friendships. All too frequently it is said that trips away from home are unwise, in that they necessarily invoke a period of cessation from scholastic work and academic activities, but the answer is obvious: Education should not be confined to book learning. Knowledge is not to be found merely in the classroom.”

The benefits of a global perspective in education are by now evident, but one can only be amazed by the sheer audacity of undertaking such a trip 80 years ago. Mr. Tilghman was ahead of his time, and lived the ideals of internationalism as shown by his joining the Committee to Defend America. This was a pro-intervention organization that was founded in 1940 and disbanded after Pearl Harbor. Mr. Tilghman realized that war was imminent, and despite being married with children, he believed his duty lay in offering his

service to the country. He sought and received a commission in the Navy, and became the commander of the Carrier Aircraft Service Unit. He died in an accident on Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands on January 3, 1944. His legacy, as he wrote early in the war, reflected the vision he had brought to the School:

“My hope for the future when the Axis is licked is an intelligent American and worldwide policy which will deter future global wars and if when it is over I have the chance to do so, to work in some way to this end. I hope for a country which in time of peace as well as in war is led by citizens who put their country first – and that is a lot to hope for.”

Let us reflect on Mr. Tilghman’s hopes and, when attending an MBS ice hockey game, remember the rich history of that sport and all that it has meant to the School.

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Illustration by Juan Tejeda

Powerful Resources: The Center for Teaching and Learning and The Center for Academic Writing As research on learning challenges passive, one-size-fitsall educational models, Morristown-Beard School is working diligently to provide and support forward-thinking academic resources for its students. Two leading campus resources offering such support are the Center for Teaching and Learning and the Center for Academic Writing.

“At the Center for Teaching and Learning, we inspire and teach students to celebrate learning as a dynamic and life-long adventure,” said Jenna Sumner, Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning in South Wing. “Our goal is to assist students on their way towards independence, self-reliance, and academic success.”

Meanwhile, in Grant Hall, a few buildings away, writing specialist and English teacher Kate Sheleg ’97 discusses the Center for Academic Writing that she was charged to create four years ago:

By Carol Selman ’64

“It is rare to find either a robust writing center or a program that supports writing across all disciplines at the secondary level; most are found in higher education,” Sheleg, the Center’s Director, said. "Our classroom teachers are increasingly using writing as a mode of transformational, active thinking and learning,” Sheleg continued. “That’s where the Center for Academic Writing comes in - to supplement classroom instruction.”

Often, the two Centers work together. “Kate and I aren’t territorial,” Sumner emphasized. “There is reciprocity between our Centers.”

Indeed, collaboration between students and specialists, teachers and specialists, staff and peer counselors, and peer tutors and students represents the hallmark of both the Center for Teaching and Learning and the Center for Academic Writing.

The Center for Academic Writing Located near the Anderson Library, the Center for Academic Writing plays a vital role at MBS. It is part classroom, part resource center with reference books, an Apple TV, iPad charging stations and desktop computers. It’s also a cozy corner where a student can pull up a wing chair and talk through a challenge. “We strive to create a safe environment for any student,” said Sheleg, who is also an experienced writer for the public sector. “Students from every grade and every level of writing mastery visit.”

Modeled on post secondary school facilities, the Center works hand-in-hand with the growing Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) program. Currently, about 15 teachers participate.

Director Sheleg explained: “When we write—whether about literature, chemistry, history or music—we reach a deeper understanding of the subject and ourselves. In WAC, the final product is important, but we also focus on writing as central to the learning process,” Sheleg said. “As teachers appreciate the strong effect of writing on student thinking, they 30

are rebuilding course content,” Sheleg said.

The Center for Academic Writing supplements classroom instruction and offers assistance not only from Sheleg, but also from rigorously-trained peer tutors.

Collaboration extends to other MBS departments, too. This fall, Sheleg read almost every college essay that MBS students wrote. This past spring, she and Director of College Counseling Noreen Cassidy took the next step and created a series of college writing workshops.

“We held three sessions on planning and writing the college essay, with about 20 students per workshop,” Sheleg said.

“Dozens of students then brought their drafts here for individual consultations.

Students know this is a safe environment.”

“I think the Writing Center is a great tool. Ms. Sheleg offers great advice and gives me more confidence in my writing,” said MBS junior Ben Schreiber.

Latin teacher Michael McGrann describes his Center for Academic Writing experience: “I have taken my Latin 4 class to The Center for Academic Writing for planning

workshops followed by a peer review workshop. Kate engaged the students with their writing; she used effective devices to encourage reflection and feedback,” McGrann said. “Each student shares what they're working on with the class. As the students put their thoughts into words, I can see them honing the final product.

As they hear their classmates’ comments, they develop more ideas.”

“My WAC assignments give students an understanding of the broader implications of their Latin studies,” McGrann continued, “and their work shows me how thoughtful they can be.”

History Department Chair Tim Hannigan is another enthusiast. “Most of my students go to the Center,” Hannigan said. “They see it as taking their writing to the next step. I am particularly taken with the changes in thinking among the peer group tutors,” he continued. “I see them developing a more intentional approach in their writing and thinking.”

Students offer similar testimonials: Olivia Tedesco ’12, currently at Georgetown University, was an MBS honor student, Student Government officer, peer tutor and three-letter varsity athlete. She started working with Mrs. Pepper in 10th grade, when Olivia was recommended for Advanced Placement History.

Olivia Tedesco “The AP reading requirements were demanding,” Olivia said. “Mrs. Pepper employed instructional approaches to the reading that are now life skills. She was devoted to helping me reach my potential through an individualized approach.” “ I st a r ted goi ng to t he Center midway through my sophomore year,” said current senior Zoe Steinberg ’14, who has been accepted t o c o m p e t i t i v e Zoe Steinberg colleges. “It’s a good atmosphere to get work done and there is instant feedback on a paper or help with comprehension. Everyone is very supportive.

I worked with Ms. Sumner on my college essays; I knew she would be honest.”

The Center for Teaching and Learning The Center for Teaching and Learning has two classrooms, a common area, and smaller offices for individual or small group work. There are textbooks, study skill guides, iMac computer workstations, and multi-media learning tools and technologies.

Director Sumner and Learning Specialists Kate Pepper and Dr. Linda Sisco offer strategies for optimal learning. Sumner, whose degrees are in clinical psychology and counseling, explains: “We have a strong grasp of the challenges getting in the way of learning - stress is often at the core of many issues.”

All three women teach strategies for reading, writing, studying, problemsolving, test-taking, and organization.

Again, these are not remedial enterprises: think innovation, interaction, universality.

“Most students need academic support

to know themselves as learners,” Sumner said. “We match the level of support with the level of need after consulting with and learning about the student.”

Other programs include guided homework sessions for Middle School students after their day’s classes, peer tutoring, and teacher rotation.

Sumner is especially proud of teacher rotation, which makes faculty available to students throughout the day. “The administration encourages faculty to participate,” she explained. “Teachers schedule their study halls to meet here, and many volunteer here when not teaching class,” she said. “Mark Jones and Brian Crowe from the English Department as well as Liam FitzSimons and Natalie Marone in the Mathematics Department have been particularly helpful.”

Teacher Natalie Marone talks about her own participation: “I commit to being there every Period 2; any student who needs extra help knows that I am there,” Ms. Marone said. “Anyone is welcome to drop by; students do take advantage.

Sometimes it’s my own students, but usually it’s students I don’t teach - many who just need a push in the right direction.”

“Students needing more help are formally scheduled. It’s great that subject teachers team with the consultants. There is important dialogue between the specialists and me,” Marone continued. “Many students work there both because of the warm environment and because there will always be someone to help them.”

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Ashleigh Scully ’20: An Eye on Nature

By Steve Patchett

Although she is just in 6th grade, Ashleigh Scully’s skill, creativity, and achievements as a nature photographer extend far beyond her years.

The 12 year-old has earned a number of national awards for her work, including: • • • • •

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National Geographic Kids Best of 2013 ("Sunrise Stampede") National Geographic Kids Best of May 2013 ("Sleeping Fox Kit") Nature’s Best Photography Contest: Semifinalist, Youth Divison 2013 Great Swamp NWR Nature Photography Contest: Best 17 and Under 2013 GSWA Primrose Farm Nature Photography Contest: 13 and Under winner

At a recent Middle School Morning Meeting, Ashleigh presented some of her favorite photographs and explained how she became interested in nature photography.

“I started taking pictures when I was 8 year old. My grandparents bought me an Olympus camera and I took a trip to Alaska,” she said.

While she takes many of her photos in her own backyard and throughout New Jersey (Island Beach State Park and the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge are favorite spots), she has also traveled extensively. She has taken wildlife pictures in Florida, and has most recently been to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

Throughout her travels, she has taken pictures of everything from river otters and bald eagles to mountain goats, foxes, and owls.

“I really enjoy taking pictures of foxes and owls,” she said. “My goal for this year is to get a picture of a mountain lion.”

MBS Synchronized Skaters Earn Silver Medal in Sweden

By Steve Patchett

It was a very successful winter for MBS students Irene Petrocelli ’15, Jacqueline Roth ’14, and Jaymi Zimmerman ’16 who skate as part of the Synchroettes, a Junior-level synchronized ice skating team based in West Orange. For the second year in a row, the team was selected by U.S. Figure Skating to represent the United States in international competitions by competing as part of Team USA. In January, the team traveled to Gothenburg, Sweden, where they competed for the prestigious Leon Lurje Trophy, and earned the Silver Medal. The team won the Bronze Medal in Sweden last year.

"Synchronized skating is not an Olympic sport, so having the opportunity to represent our country at an international event is probably the greatest honor and achievement for a synchronized ice skater,” said Petrocelli. “Bringing home a Silver Medal from Sweden was probably one of the greatest moments of our lives."

In February, the Synchroettes captured their second consecutive Gold Medal at the 2014 Eastern Synchronized Skating Championships in Hershey, PA. They defeated teams from Delaware, Washington D.C., and New Jersey, and advanced to the National Championships in Colorado Springs.

“Eastern Sectional Championships is the competition we look forward to all year,” said Petrocelli. “Bringing home the gold for the second year was truly an amazing accomplishment for our team!"

The Synchroettes were also part of local Super Bowl festivities. They kicked off Super Bowl week with an exhibition performance at the Secaucus Winter Blast. The team performed its short program, and also volunteered at the public skating session afterwards.

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Crimson Corner

Varsity Sports Round-Up Fall 2013 Field Hockey The varsity field hockey team enjoyed tremendous success this year, finishing with a 16-5 record. The Crimson played into the championship game of the Prep Tournament and competed through the semifinal round of the State Tournament before dropping a 2-1 overtime heartbreaker to MontclairKimberley Academy. Four of the team’s five losses were to Top-20 teams. The team was led by Carolyn Chambers ’14, who was named 1st team NJAC Independence Division, 1st team Prep B, 1st team Morris County, All-North Jersey Non-Public 2nd team, and 1st team All Daily Record. Junior Chelsea Kramer ’15 also earned a host of awards, including 1st team NJAC Independence Division, Honorable Mention Prep B, 1st team Morris County, All-North Jersey NonPublic 2nd team, and 1st team All Daily Record. Other All-Conference honorees included Devin Blanchard ’16, Gabby Hyman ’15, Delaney Flinn ’14, Sam Chanzit ’16, and Jessica Wright ’14. Despite an injury, Bridget Finegan ’14 earned the Crimson Award for her spirit and determination.

Head Coach Kate Alderman was nominated for Daily Record Coach of the Year after taking the team from 8-12-2 to 16-5 in her second season.

Boys’ Soccer With a young squad this year, the boys’ varsity soccer team finished with a solid 6-9-2 record. The Crimson had a great run at the end of the season, qualifying for State Tournament play before losing to topseeded powerhouse Hawthorne-Christian Academy. A highlight of the season was a three-game span in which MBS defeated Hanover Park, Marist, and Whippany Park by a combined score of 18-0. The team was led by senior captain Pat Fay ’14, a 1st Team All-Prep B selection who also earned 34

the Crimson Award for being a great leader and role model to the other players during his four years as a starter. Senior Brandon Levine ’14 and junior Sam Curtis ’15 were both named 2nd Team All-Prep B selections, while John McDonald ’15 and Danny Rakow ’14 also brought leadership and experience to the team. The future looks bright for the Crimson as freshmen Mason Toye ’17, Joey Velazquez ’17, Sam Nadler ’17, and Charles Ewig ’17 all earned starting roles on the squad.

Girls’ Soccer The girls’ varsity soccer team finished with an 11-10 record and captured the Prep B title this year, with a great victory over Princeton Day School, 2-0. They competed to the semifinal round of the Non-Public B State Tournament, losing a tough contest in double overtime, and were named the School’s “Team of the Month” for November. “The team showed tremendous sportsmanship, fortitude, and athleticism,” said Athletic Director Joanne Dzama. Senior Kathryn Bregna ’14 earned the team’s Crimson Award for her sportsmanship and impact on the field. She was also named 2nd team Prep B, Honorable Mention All County, and 1st team NJAC Liberty Division. Other team leaders included: Kristy Cotter ’15 (1st team Prep B, All County Selection, 2nd team NJAC Liberty Division), Cami Califiore ’16 (1st team Prep B, 1st team NJAC Liberty Division), Dani Kabat ’16 (2nd team Prep B, Honorable Mention All County, Honorable Mention NJAC Liberty Division), and Gianna Bustamante ’15 (2nd team Prep B, All County Selection, 2nd team NJAC Liberty Division). Sam Siragusa ’15 earned Honorable Mention NJAC Liberty Division, while Lizzie Hunt ’15 and Meg Damstrom ’16 were both named Honorable Mention Prep B.

Football It was another successful season for the Morristown-Beard varsity football team, as the Crimson finished the year with a 6-3 record and a trip to the State Playoffs. Morristown-Beard jumped out to a fast 5-0 start to the season, defeating Montclair-Kimberley, Marist, Bergen Tech, Riverdale Country Day, and Sussex Tech by a combined score of 161 to 43 during that span. They routed Newark Academy, 5113, in the final game of the regular season before dropping a 12-7 heartbreaker to Mater Dei in the first round of the State Playoffs.

Morristown-Beard was led by captains Travis Nardin ’14 and Tyler Schicke ’14, who picked up the team’s Crimson Award for his commitment and work ethic. Schicke also earned the School’s Fall Sportsmanship Award. Offensively, quarterback Colin Waters ’15 led the way, as did running backs Matt McFadden ’15, Nick Rella ’15, Alex Borowiec ’16, and Hassiem Bey ’14. The Star-Ledger named Dean Grogg ’15 Second Team (Defense) All Morris County.

Girls’ Tennis The girls’ varsity tennis team finished with a 6-9 record and was ranked 7th in the County out of 21 teams. The Crimson qualified for the State Tournament this year, and also had big wins against Delbarton, Madison, and Blair. First singles player A l l ison Rei l ing ’15 advanced to the quarterfinal round of the Morris County Tournament, qualified for States, and finished as a semifinalist in the Prep Tournament.

Reiling, who was the third singles player last year, finished with a 13-2 match record and earned 1st team NJAC Liberty Division honors as well as the team’s Crimson Award.

Several other players on the team also earned post-season honors. Jordyn Block ’14,

Yasmine Shafaie ’14, Olivia Schreiber ’15, and Ashley Young ’14 each earned 2nd team NJAC Liberty Division honors. Senior Devon Flinn ’14 was named Honorable Mention NJAC Liberty Division.

Cross Country The MBS cross country team had tremendous showings in championship races this season. In the final race of her high school career, senior Micaela Reilly ’14 set a personal record at the NJSIAA Meet of Champions at Holmdel Park – breaking her personal record for that course by more than 30 seconds.

She had a spectacular season, medaling at the County Championships, placing third at the State Prep Championships, placing first in the Conference Championships, and finishing sixth in the State Championships before earning a long-awaited trip to the Meet of Champions. She was named 1st team NJAC Liberty Division while teammate Jenny Bagger ’17 earned Honorable Mention. The boys’ team, led by 1st team NJAC Liberty Division runner Kyle Larsson, placed sixth as a team with a season-best average of 19:10 in the Prep Championships. Will Laud ’15, Ben Verchick ’14, and Ray Namar ’16 also picked up post-season awards for MBS.

Volleyball The girls’ varsity volleyball team showed excellent growth and skill development as they picked up five wins this season. The Crimson also increased the total points scored as a team by 45 percent. Maddie Braunstein ’15 earned the team’s Crimson Award and was praised by Athletic Director Joanne Dzama for her high energy level, her constant effort, and for being “the backbone

of the team.” This year’s squad was a lso led by Sara Seuffert ’16 (2nd team NJAC Independence Division), Hannah Guenther ’15 (2nd team NJAC Independence Division), Dani Sclafani ’15 (Honorable Mention NJAC Independence Division), and Patricia Del Colle ’14 (Honorable Mention NJAC Independence Division). With a solid core of players returning, the team hopes to continue its growth and improvement.

Patrick Fay '14

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Caroline Orchard Smallwood ’64: Answering Her Call

By Carol Selman ’64

Q: Did you always have a strong faith?

Yes, and a love of church music. I remember having to memorize the songs for choir at Beard. We had to write them out to prove that we really knew the words. I sing in the church choir where I am the pastor, and enjoy it immensely.

Q: Things moved quickly after you began seminary.

What can you tell us?

I was appointed pastor at a small church nearby. I knew little about the job, but learned quickly. My husband and youngest child also became engaged in this ministry. In 2004, I was given a full-time appointment at Sergeantsville United Methodist Church. We were also given a parsonage even though our home is only eight miles away.

Q: How would you describe the 10 years since your appointment?

It’s been a joy to be a part of a very loving and wonderful congregation. I am connected to families during the most imporLin Smallwood ’64 - Lindy Orchard to her Beard School tant times of their lives – the births, deaths, and the trials in friends - received her call to the ministry in the 1990s. She had a between. When you see an extended family in the emergency fulfilling professional and personal life: After receiving a Bachelor room or in the ICU you are privileged to share an intimacy of Arts in English from Ohio Wesleyan (at Beard, Lindy edited unlike any other job. Their family becomes your family. I am the literary magazine), doing graduate work at Glasgow University, blessed to experience this. and earning a Masters in Special Education from Rutgers, Lin enjoyed a long career as both a teacher and assistant supervisor Q: Lin, your Facebook friends know you both of education in diverse youth correctional facilities in New Jersey. shaved your head this past September and held a Her husband Robert shared her commitments; he retired in 2005 “Come to Church in your Pajamas Day.” Why? as a program coordinator at Trenton Psychiatric Institute. “Bob Our congregation lost an 8 year-old little girl member to acute is my true soul-mate and help-mate, and he is also a great cook, lymphoblastic leukemia; her mother and grandmother inauguand professional Santa Claus,” Lin said. (Bob has a luxuriant rated a fund drive in affiliation with St. Baldricks, which supwhite beard year round.) ports research in childhood cancers. Many of us shaved our Together they had three children, two granddaughters, and heads to help with fundraising. Church members have helped they loved their Hunterdon County home. These days there are raise $28,000 so far. Kids with cancer are often sick at home, three more young granddaughters and extra pride in the family. in their pajamas. We asked people to wear pajamas to church “Tracy (29) works for the Department of Justice in Washington to represent our solidarity with those children; we served the D.C., Aaron (37) works for Heron Glen Golf Course, and Scott parishioners breakfast and received donations.

(39) is Managing Editor of The Chronicle of Higher Education,” Lin said recently.

Q: It sounds like you have truly found your calling!

But there was a dark cloud: “Towards the end of my career This chapter of my life has been very fulfilling and joyful. I in corrections education, I realized I was an alcoholic and that do volunteer work with Anderson House, a halfway house for I needed to stop drinking.” women with drinking problems. I work with new candidates Lin read the Bible all the way through: “That was something to the ministry in New Jersey. It is soon time to move to a I always wanted to do,” Lin said. She took part in a Disciple Bible slower paced chapter, something which does not include beClass at her church, Quakertown Methodist. Then her call came. ing the sole pastor of a church. But whatever I do, I am sure it She enrolled at the New Brunswick Theological Seminary. will involve singing and service of some sort.

My mother always said, “To whom much is given, much is expected.”

I have tried to give back for my many, many blessings.

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Judge Siobhan Teare ’77 Speaks to MBS Girls

By Steve Patchett

Superior Court Judge and MorristownBeard graduate Siobhan Teare ’77 returned to campus this fall to speak with MBS girls about success, and the advice she would give to her 14 year-old self.

The event was sponsored by the GLOW (Girls Leadership, Outreach, and Worth) Project.

Siobhan Teare is a Superior Court Judge for the State of New Jersey, now sitting in the Family Division of the Essex County Vicinage. She is a past director of Legal Management for the UMDNJ, served as Chief Assistant Prosecutor of Administration for the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, has practiced law privately and was Corporation Counsel for the Cities of East Orange and Plainfield.

Her legacy of civic responsibility and leadership began during her time at Morristown-Beard School. A 1977 graduate, she was active in the Student

Government Association throughout her years at MBS. She also led several athletic teams and served as a captain of both the basketball and field hockey teams during her senior year.

“Through participation in sports and clubs, I learned to set my expectations high,” Judge Teare told the students. “With mental focus, anything is possible.”

Ju d g e Te a r e e m p h a s i z e d t h e importance of preparation and working hard, enjoying the journey, being grateful, and never being afraid to ask for help. She also spoke about developing confidence and belief in oneself – a lesson that hit home during her time at MBS. “One year, I was running for student government and I lost by one vote…and I realized that the vote was mine,” she said.

“I told my father, and he said, ‘If you don’t have enough confidence to vote for yourself, why should anyone else vote for you?’”

Judge Teare reminded the students that even if things don’t go as planned, you can always turn lemons into lemonade. “Some of the best things that ever happened to me started with mistakes,” she said. “If you learn from them, mistakes can turn into wonderful things.”

In a Q&A session with the students, Judge Teare discussed her career path, and she also spoke about the many changes to the MBS campus since her days as a student here.

“The campus has really expanded.

When I was in high school, the little gym was the only gym. Now you’ve got an entire athletic center, turf fields, and a wonderful new middle school and performing arts center,” she said. “What hasn’t changed is the spirit of the school. This is a very special place.”

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Maxime Menne ’12: An American in Paris

By Carol Selman ’64

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Maxime Menne’s first-semester college dorm room was a tiny, top-floor studio apartment six flights up a spiral staircase. Her window overlooked the gilded dome of the baroque Hôtel des Invalides; her meal plan alternated between cooking for herself or dinner with friends at local cafés.

Last year, as an MBS senior, Maxime dutifully applied to American colleges. She also quietly applied to the American University of Paris (“I didn’t tell my parents or my college counselor,” she admits), and spent fall of freshman year living and studying in Paris’s chic 7th arrondissement, a stone’s throw from the Eiffel Tower.

“Students come from all over the world to study in my program. It’s quite exhilarating. I hope to be an elementary school teacher, and I’d like to teach in America or Europe.” Europe exerts a strong pull; with a fellow, European-born MBS friend, she has already traveled extensively in Germany and spent time in Rome.

Maybe Maxime’s decision to study abroad in Europe had a certain inevitability. She grew up in Fort Lee, NJ to a New Jerseyborn father and a Croatian-born mother: “Croatian was my first language.” Maxime said. “I’ve spent every summer in Croatia with my grandparents. I love Europe.” (Dad was OK with Maxime’s post-MBS plans; Mom needed convincing.)

Paris presented Maxime with a dizzying array of subjects for her passion: photography. Artistic inspiration greeted her everywhere she wandered — along Paris’s wide boulevards, below its mansard roofs and greyish sky, and down its tranquil cobblestone backstreets.

“Usually my photographs don’t have people in them. I don’t like controlled pictures; I like what I happen upon. A city like Paris provides the perfect backdrop.”

“I l ike black and white,” Max ime said, “ You have the importance of grey scale, you see more texture and details.”

Maxime uses digital photography, too: “In Paris, it was too heavy to be always carrying the Photo by Maxime Menne ’12 film camera and I’d never know when I would see something I wanted to photograph,” she said.

“As an MBS sophomore, I applied for Ms. Hartman’s Photography I class,” she said. “It’s such a popular elective; usually only juniors and seniors are accepted.” Maxime got in, further studied with Ms. Hartman during her junior and senior years (AP Studio Art with a concentration in photography), acquired enviable dark room skills, and won a prize at the Pingry School competition in addition to winning the Edmund M. Kramer Fine Arts Award twice. “I’m still very close to Ms. Hartman,” Maxime said.

“I shoot in film; I use a Minolta Maxxum 3xi — it was my mom’s in the 90s. “With digital, you take 50 shots in a row. With film, you really have to look and think before you take maybe just one shot. And I always develop all my own photographs.”

Perhaps Maxime likes the permanence of freezing an image on film, as her life changes rapidly: “I loved being in Paris,” she explained during Winter Break, “but I’ll be studying at Loyola University this spring.” Expect new subject matter for Maxime’s lens.

Biting Back against Lyme John Donnally ’08 cycles for a cure

By Steve Patchett

Last fall, MBS alumnus John Donnally ’08, a 24 year-old Lyme sufferer and cyclist, set out on a courageous journey, riding 4,000 miles on the Bite Back for a Cure’s cross-country bike tour. Bite Back for a Cure is the Tick-Borne Disease Alliance (TBDA)’s national campaign to raise awareness for Lyme and tick-borne diseases.

It was a personal journey for Donnally, who first began suffering from Lyme-related symptoms in the fifth grade, but did not gain an official diagnosis until 2003.

Throughout his time at MBS, Donnally was healthy and only experienced mild lingering symptoms. As captain of his lacrosse team, he was named first team AllConference and first team All-County. He continued his talents at Colgate University, but during this time, he also began to experience new and intensified symptoms.

In 2011, Donnally tested positive for Lyme once again and started treatment immediately.

In May 2012, Donnally graduated from Colgate University with a degree in English Literature and began working as a sales consultant in New York City.

While working, he felt a strong desire to

take action against Lyme and do something that would play a lasting role in his life.

This desire inspired him to join the TickBorne Disease Alliance and launch Bite Back for a Cure.

He started the ride on September 29th, 2013 at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and rode through December 1st when he triumphantly finished in Central Park.

“Going into the ride, I didn’t know what type of reach the campaign would achieve,” said Donnally. “But we were able to connect with the community in a way that I don’t think has been done before. The ride was a catalyst for serious conversation. It gave patients hope, and it concluded with a Senate staff briefing in Washington, D.C. that I hope produces meaningful results for the Lyme disease population.”

Through the tour, Donnally raised nearly $100,000 for Lyme research. He said that the tour was an eye-opening and often difficult experience.

“Most of the things I did during the ride I felt prepared for – the cycling, media interviews, and public speaking – but I don't

think I realized just how much human suffering I would see,” said Donnally. “It was one thing to talk about the pain that's been caused by these diseases, but to see the suffering in the flesh and blood was just heartbreaking, really.”

At the same time, Donnally said that meeting with the patients and sharing their stories was one of the most rewarding things he’s ever done. “In the stories of immense suffering are lives of extraordinary bravery and hope. I stayed inspired by these stories of private heroism,” he said. “I met a woman in Oberlin, Kansas – Kem Bryant – who was bed-ridden with Lyme disease.

She is an incredible woman and talked about how the disease has strengthened her family.”

Although Donnally’s tour officially ended in December, he said his advocacy work for the Tick-Borne Disease Alliance has just begun.

“I will continue to do advocacy work, focusing on storytelling and community outreach,” he said. “I’m figuring out what that looks like exactly, but I think I’ll be working full-time for TBDA.” 39

Todd Davidson ’89: Snowboarding Pioneer

By Steve Patchett

It shouldn’t be surprising that Morristown-Beard graduate Todd Davidson ’89 watched this winter’s Olympic snowboarding coverage religiously. Davidson was a snowboarding pioneer when the sport first began gaining popularity in the late 1980s.

When he was still a student at MBS, Davidson competed regularly at the international level, and enjoyed tremendous success in the U.S. Open for snowboarding – the pinnacle event for the sport at the time – finishing third in slalom. He also competed in the first U.S. Nationals at Snow Valley in California in 1990, and roomed with Terry Kidwell – a true legend in the sport, while training in Europe.

Davidson’s interest in the sport began in Vermont, where his family had a vacation home. In 1985, he received a Burton Performer for Christmas. “It was a piece of turned-up plywood with no edges and deep fins. Not the ideal piece of equipment for the icy Vermont conditions,” Davidson recalled. “While my brother opted to stick with skiing, I proceeded to abuse myself daily until I finally got the hang of snowboarding.”

Burton became Davidson’s first sponsor when he was just a 15 year-old freshman at MBS. He later added Smith Optics and Riachle before switching to Rossignol as his main sponsor.

“During that time, I participated in field marketing activities and supported product development as a field tester,” he explained.

“During my Senior Project at MBS in 1989, I worked at Burton’s original facility in Manchester, VT as the international sales 40

analyst. We counted sales by country in the single digits!”

While he was competing and training internationally, Davidson managed to maintain a “fairly regular” school schedule and keep his grades up. He was active in a number of activities, serving as Student Government Association (SGA) President, playing varsity football, and throwing discus on the track & field team.

As Davidson watched this year’s Winter Olympic games, he marveled at how snowboarding has grown and evolved. “While I was competing, halfpipe, slopestyle, and boardercross were all emerging factions of snowboarding. They’re amazing to watch.

Ten years ago, no one would have even considered attempting the tricks that are now commonplace. That said, I grew up racing; I’m excited to see the return of racing with dual slalom and GS (giant slalom) – my favorite events,” he said.

Today, Davidson lives in Colorado where he works in marketing and advertising. He is currently the marketing director and coowner of a national solar developer, Clean Energy Collective.

He is also a busy father of two teenagers, who share their father’s passion for snowboarding. “They’re amazing snowboarders; it’s in their blood, and we get out as often as we can,” said Davidson.

“Fortunately, we live about an hour from several of the nation’s top resorts including Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, and Vail.

We’ve had a phenomenal snow season and look forward to many more days before the season is over!”

M BS Mrs. Anne Bunn ’54 should have been included in the “Partners” section ($1,000 - $2,499) and in the Class of 1954 list.

Dr. Nancy Brunner-Grande and Mr. Rolf Brunner-Grande should have been listed in the “Scholars” section ($2,500 - $4,999) rather than in the “Partners” section.

The following members of the MBS faculty and staff should have been listed in the "Faculty and Staff" section: Paul Fisher Cathy Fleming Joanne Goldberg Ricky Kamil Heather McClanahan Cathy Meller Katie Pepper Sara Tassinari Juan Tejeda Jennafer Warner

Please accept our special gratitude for your gifts!

la S o et y ci

Corrections to the 2012-2013 Annual Report of Donors

po u C

Est. 2014

Virginia Ranger

Parent of Alex ’13 & Maggie ’10

&

Susan Kennedy Parent of Patrick ’13

Invite Parents of MBS Alumni from all classes to attend the inaugural meeting of the

MBS Cupola Society Thursday, May 8, 2014 Wilkie Technology Center Morristown-Beard School

10:00 a.m. Coffee & Campus Tours 10:30 a.m. Conversation with Headmaster Peter J. Caldwell The Cupola Society’s mission is to provide social opportunities for Parents of Alumni from all classes. Stay connected to each other and to the Morristown-Beard School Community!

Kindly respond by May 6th to the Office of Institutional Advancement at 973-539-3032 ext. 517 Your Experience.

Your Friends.

Your Support.

Your MBS, Always.

MBS Soccer Alumni Honor Coach Pete Chavonelle

By Steve Patchett

Nearly 20 alumni soccer players from 1968 to 1978 returned to campus last fall to celebrate legendary coach Pete Chavonelle and Morristown-Beard soccer.

Alumni came from as far away as California, Georgia, and New Hampshire to reunite with their former teammates and to pay tribute to their beloved mentor and coach. They also enjoyed playing a good-spirited game on the newly-renovated Fessenden Field and meeting some of the MBS boys’ soccer student-athletes.

Just like the good old days, the alumni played their hearts out for Coach Chavonelle; they battled to a 2-2 tie in regulation. After the game, the celebration continued with a special reception in the Headmaster’s Office, where Coach Chavonelle was presented with a signed ball and soccer jersey.

Alumni who returned for the reunion and game included: Charles Bensley ’76, Lawrence Benson ’78, James Brennan ’77, David Cary ’71, Steve Cary, Bill Fisher ’69, Dan Gonnella ’72, Doug Kramer ’71, JJ Larkin ’70, Bill Leece ’70, Bob Mayer ’70, Tim McWilliams ’70, Ron Pinto ’75, Andy Rooke ’75, Craig Slaff ’78, Peter Vacca ’75, and Finn Wentworth ’76.

“Coach Chavonelle put Morristown Prep soccer on the map,” said one graduate. “We were a school of less than 140 boys, divided up among three fall sports, competing at the highest level against powerhouse schools such as Chatham and Morristown. He made us earn their respect.”

“He drove us hard, but was fair. You knew deep down that he loved us,” said another alumnus. “Everyone wanted to work hard for him!”

During his time at Morristown Prep and Morristown-Beard School from 1968 to 1976, Chavonelle taught history and English, served as Chair of the English Department, and coached boys’ soccer and ice hockey. Coach Chavonelle led the boys’ soccer team to State Championships in 1968 and 1974. His success as a coach led to his induction into the Morristown-Beard Athletic Hall of Fame not once, not twice, but three times: as an individual, and twice as coach of the 1968 and 1974 soccer teams.

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Dear Pete r, To say t October 9, 2013 never bee hat the soccer reu n at a loss nion was remarkab for words le is an u , but word nderstate s fail me From the ment! A o n this occa time I ar s a forme sion. former st r r English iv e d at udent-ath teacher, I letes – in LaGuardia, it wa humblin have s some inst just one in g and hea ances, fo rt warmin credible e been bless r g t vent a fter he first tim . I wish e ed with: fo ano ver e coach: to r help shap mer students/athle y teacher and coa since their gradua ther. To be reun ited with c h ha d t h e the ma ll tion from tes sharin and unde eo eable mate g M rst ria l we ha the impact one ha pportunit y to exp orristown – was the mem and the long-stan d on ve be erience w orie din h at I and ambit s with me forever. g effect that we m en handed to wor their lives. This is k with. It why we te have io ight have I is rare to ach and ha d . I w my forme n and am not at all was blessed with b as honore ag r st surprised d and hu e able to fully hear to see the reat number of sc to me, I a udent/athletes w mb holar/ath ill ring in finished p m extrem letes with led and will carr y m ro ely proud and that incredible and feel t y ears forever. If I ducts. The words I did ma k hat my ye a c had even e a differe ars of tea one iota o nd heartfelt expre haracter nce. ching an ss f io t h ns from e im p d coachin I want to thank yo g were in act that they attrib under yo u d u for your eed a n a c ur st complish te connect w ewardship. I can great hospitality a ment n d ith them se kind wo e your p . In spite could easi of your B assion and comm rds. It is obvious to ly follow itm o w m if I were 2 success at 0-30-4 0? doin connection ( ent to the studen e that MBS is in g M BS . ts, and ob reat hand lol) you a years you re s nger! It w se as a pleasu the type of headm r ved your ability Please a ls to a r e st m e r e a e nd leader ting you, o expre As the sn and I wis ows blow ss my gratitude to h you exc that I off Katah eptiona l Greg Wil memorie d li s of the e xceptiona in and she sends h ams ’05 and the st l weekend er wintr y a . winds ou ff for arranging su Warm pe r ch a won w ay, I will rsona l Re derful ev be contin gards, ent. ua lly war med by t he Pete Cha vonelle

alumni class notes 1944

Carmen Pietry Nelson is still living in her great old house in Allenhurst with two cats and a new dog. “The old Corgi passed away in the spring – so sad. A new greatgrandchild in August – number five! We had my granddaughter’s wedding in my house in September. Life goes on!”

1951

Babette Nichols Cameron had a reunion with Barbara Butler Mitchell

recently. Babette is living happily on the coast of Maine.

The Class of 1951 enjoyed a mini-reunion on the west coast this past summer. Elise Wackenfeld DePapp was delivering a speech at a national convention on hearing loss in Portland, Oregon, and put together a northwest tour for herself that included a visit with Betsy Reed Wilson in Bellingham, WA and a visit with NANCY LEE FARREL of Tacoma, WA. Betsy Wilson says, “Our Fourth of July “house party” in Bellingham was full of laughter, memories, and discussions of different political persuasions. One of Betsy’s college friends had to be an interpreter for Betsy’s speech limitations and Elise’s hard of hearing limitations. We all felt very blessed for this special, stimulating time together.”

1952

Jane Merselis Burpeau writes, “Thank

you for the recognition of our 60th Reunion.

For a graduating class of 35 women, having eight return is quite worthy of notice… especially now that we are down to 25 living members, and that’s about 30 percent returning.

Hooray for us! Hope we can keep it up!”

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Fran Ford Morse recently traveled with her family to visit her sister Alison Ford Caperon ’56 in Australia. The family also went on a cruise together from Barcelona to Rome. “Dave and I have three grandchildren graduating college this year from Cal Poly Pomona, Seattle University, and Cornell University.”

1954

1959

Linda Blanchard Chapman says, “It was great fun seeing so many 1959 Beard graduates at our 50th Skidmore Reunion.

Maybe it is time to think about gathering our 1959 Beard graduates for a social event sooner rather than later. We have put our beautiful Rupert house on the market. It is time to downsize. Come see us in beautiful southern Vermont!”

Daryl Farrington Walker says that, after teaching drama for more than 30 years to elementary and middle school students, “I found myself this past year inheriting the first certified organic farm in North Carolina from my beloved partner Bill Dow, who unexpectedly died just before Christmas 2012.

It’s been quite a year of learning…and now the farm is for sale. Sic transit gloria mundis!”

Hope Phillips Hazen writes, “A new granddaughter, Echo Wren Olcott, joined our family in September. Our grandchildren number four, and are our joy!

1955

Caroline von Hessert-Hodge says

Margaret Greene writes, “ Susie Meyers Barrett and I visited with Robin Reynolds Rockafellow this summer. I keep in touch with Kate Dwyer Corvaja and Mary Foster Orben,

1960

1961

she had a wonderful mini-reunion at the Island Inn on Sanibel, Florida in November.

1962

all from the Class of 1955.”

Don Lum retired from his marketing communications firm in June, and is looking forward to traveling and golf.

1958

Judy Blackmar Jahries reports that all is well on Martha’s Vineyard. “I’m still busy with tours, gardening, The Toy Box, and 11 grandchildren. Judy Seely Peabody visited in September. It was fun! I miss news from others in our class.”

Dr. Jean Hayes is a licensed marriage, family and child therapist maintaining a private practice in Novato, CA, specializing in counseling with individuals, couples, families, children, teenagers and groups. On “Dr. J’s Ranch of Minis,” she keeps about 20 animals including rabbits, llamas, horses, mini horses,

Reunion Classes of 1964: A Look Back

Morristown School wrestlers Douglas Buchanan ’64

and Sheldon Frank ’64 put on their game faces for the yearbook. Buchanan and Frank were both NJISAA champions in their weight categories, and were co-captains of the 1963-64 wrestling team.

Taking a tumble… members of the Beard School Class of 1964 go head-over-heels

in this photo taken during their kindergarten years.

Welsh ponies, and donkeys, and provides a real haven for therapy for young and old!

She also serves as Program Director of the Schools Project at the Community Institute for Psychotherapy. She supervises and trains interns who are compiling hours for their Marriage & Family license by counseling students in Marin County schools.

Loretta Porter James and family

welcomed a new grandchild, Marina Katherine Menacho, on November 11, 2013. She joins sister Adaline Blanca (2) and James Porter “JP” (4 ½). The family lives in Connecticut near their lucky grandparents!

A n n e H o ffm a n n M o o r e sends

greetings from Mendham, NJ. She says that her three children – Betsy, Molly, and Peter – all still live in Chicago. This past June, Anne’s daughter Betsy was married at St. Peter’s Church in Morristown, and Anne hosted a backyard reception at her home.

1963

kindly send updated contact information, including cell phone numbers for yourself or other classmates.”

1966

Elizabeth “Betsey” Carson is in

her 39th year at Dwight-Englewood School.

“I’m teaching history – not climbing on blackboards as Mrs. Faber did yet – and I’m coaching field hockey. It’s great to connect with some classmates on Facebook!”

1974

Bob Namar tells us that, when he is not driving his son Ray (’16) to and from MBS, he

runs his own content marketing and publicity firm, Namarketer, in Basking Ridge, NJ. Bob stays in touch with Gary Rae, Rich Hauserman, Tony Tartaglia, and Gary Stein, all from the Class of 1974.

1978

Lorelei Wobbe Valverde had an enjoyable time at the 50th Reunion on campus. “We’ve managed to connect with more Beard ’63 classmates on email and Facebook, which is great,” she says.

1964

Carol Selman reports that the Beard

Class of 1964 is happily making plans for their 50th Reunion. “Many class members will converge from points north, south, east, and west, and at least one from a foreign country! Two area classmates have even opened their guest bedrooms for those coming in from out of town. If you would like to join the Class of 1964’s online group, please contact me at cselman@mbs.net and

year career in human resources and was Director of Human Resources at MTV Networks before becoming a matchmaker with a radio advice show on Sirius XM called “The Dating Playbook.” She is the mother of three teenagers and lives in Manhattan.

She was re-married in 2010.

Several members of the Class of 1978, including Craig Slaff, John Lewis, and Larry Benson, were on campus in September to honor former soccer coach Pete Chavonelle and to reunite for a friendly alumni game on the newly-renovated Fessenden Field.

1980

Jennifer Heller Wold had a 20-

Florence Giannone Faul and

Superior Court Judge Siobhan Teare ’77

met up in Rome, Italy recently when Florence and her husband Michael attended the New Jersey State Bar Association mid-year meeting there. Michael is a partner with the law firm of Walder, Hayden, and Brogan.

1985

Robert Alkhas was named the head

baseball coach at Dallastown High School in Dallastown, PA. Over the past five years, Rob has been the head coach at the York County School of Technology, where he was named the 2012 Coach of the Year for YAIAA Division IV. Additionally, Rob has served as the head coach of the Dallastown American Legion Team (Post 605), and as the head coach for the Tri-County All-Star Showcase.

1986

Kim Brower Barton is still living in

upstate New York with her husband Chuck and three daughters – Elizabeth (14), Brittany (10), and Kaitlyn (7). “Life has taken on a new meaning of ‘busy!’” she says.

1999

Kerry Lade lives in Madison, NJ and works

as a case manager supervisor for individuals with chronic mental illness at Newbridge Services in Pompton Plains.

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School in the fall of 2013. He also serves as Freshman Boys’ Basketball Coach at MBS.

2002

Daniel Pellenberg and Jackie Grant Pellenberg were married at

Hamilton Farm Golf Club on June 22, 2013.

There were more than 20 MBS alumni in attendance, including Tom Grant, Jr. ’69 and Lee Grant ’06 as well as Greg Bottitta ’02, Emily Broeman Farnum ’02, Angie Fehon ’99, Brian Fehon ’02, Jim Fehon ’68, K atie Brown Fenstermaker ’02, Chris Greene ’69, Liz Hunter ’02, Jackie Kwasnik ’00, Gardner Lonsberry ’02, Todd McConnell ’02, Erin O’Donnell ’01, Zach Rieck ’02, Lindsay Eiler Roos ’02, Brian Roos ’02, Robin Newman Ross ’02, and Dave Starr ’02. Jackie and Dan are living in New York

City where she is a second grade teacher at The Browning School, and he is an account executive at Artnet.com.

2003

2006

Jennifer Conway started a new job at

AQR Capital Management in Greenwich, CT doing product development and onboarding.

Lillian Lee Grant

was recently engaged to Maxwell J. Bogaert. An August 2014 wedding is planned.

Jill Press works as an agent at Ford Artists, and she was recently featured in a Teen Vogue article about how she turned her high school internship at Ford into a career.

2009

Alex Gelbert is living in Canada after graduating from McGill Univeristy. He recently started a media PR company called Let It Be with his college classmate. Alex is deeply indebted to Corey Abate, his former English teacher at MBS, for helping him with his writing and communications skills.

Jennifer Silvershein was awarded Dean’s

List honors from Union College in Schenectady, NY for the 2012-2013 academic year.

Jenna Vogel and Michael Schipper were

2010

married on July 5, 2013 at Basking Ridge Country Club. Jenna is a psychiatric nurse at St. Clare’s and is presently pursuing her nurse practitioner license in the same field.

The couple resides in Morristown.

Anthony Boiardo recently earned NYU's Prix France-Amérique, awarded to a student who displays a particular commitment to furthering Franco-American relations.

2004

Kelly Carrion is in her senior year at

Alexander Paranicas is currently

pursuing an MBA in finance at SC Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University.

2005

Greg Williams was named Assistant

Director of Admission at Morristown-Beard 46

Boston University, and has interned at NBC Latino for the past two years.

Imani Coston was named to the Dean’s List at Delaware State University in Dover, Delaware. Imani is a social work major with a minor in criminal justice. She was also admitted to the 2013 Spring Line of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Delta Lambda Chapter.

Rebecca Cozza was cast in the lead role in

a senior thesis titled Fuddy Meers in November at Washington College. Rebecca is currently a senior sociology major with a minor in English.

She also works as the program assistant in the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

Emily Martuscello, a senior at The

Boston Conservatory majoring in Musical Theater, was cast as Belinda Blair in the fall Main Stage production of Noises Off. This past January, she was selected to be one of 38 people to be a part of Goodspeed Opera House’s Annual Festival of New Musicals.

She was cast as a lead in a staged reading of a new musical, Theory of Relativity, written by Neil Bartram and Brian Hill. This spring, she will be seen as Joanne in Stephen Sondheim’s Company at The Boston Conservatory.

2011

Mackenzie Keck , an Army National

Guard Private, has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Georgia.

2012

Tati Johnson is enjoying her sophomore

year at the University of Rhode Island. She is majoring in nursing, and plays forward for the university’s Division I women’s basketball team.

Elizabeth Pellicane is in her sophomore year at Denison University, where she competes as a member of the field hockey team.

The Alumni Board: Join and Make a Difference!

The Alumni Board maintains and cultivates relationships with alumni in various forums, while keeping them connected with MBS. It also represents the voices of their alumni constituents, while helping to build a strong lifetime commitment to MBS that will enable annual giving and capital campaigns to succeed.

Becoming an Alumni Board member offers personal and professional networking opportunities, at well as the chance to directly make an impact on the MBS Alumni experience.

Projects include alumni events and awards, alumni fundraising, and community outreach.

Interested in joining? Send an email to advancement@mbs.net today!

2013-2014 Alumni Board members include: Joseph Baker ’65, Greg Bendelius ’88, Penny Boorman ’51, Taz Brower ’47, Patrick Burke ’84, Jennifer Conway ’06, Thompson Grant ’69, Fred Greenberg ’55, Peter Hedley ’97, Jacquie Jonnard ’86, David Kramer ’69, Tyler Mulvihill ’05, Peggy Nelson ’59, Darnell Parker ’00, Loretta Porter James ’62, Caroline Turben ’87, and Jonathan Wort ’64.

Alumni Entrepreneur Mehrdad Shafaie ’08 Tells Students to Follow Their Heart Not every path in life is a straight line… and amazing things can happen when you follow your heart. Just ask Mehrdad Shafaie ’08, the founder and president of Icarus Software, who spoke to students at Morning Meeting on November 15th.

From an early age, Shafaie was determined to become a doctor. Then a funny thing happened – his path took several detours, and his real passion began to emerge.

In his senior year of high school, Shafaie thought Cornell University would be the first step to earning his white doctor’s coat.

When he was rejected by Cornell, he set out to prove them wrong, and enrolled at Boston University to study medicine.

After an interesting freshman year at college, he re-focused his academic efforts, and landed a summer job as a surgical technician at Overlook Hospital. By the end of his junior year, he was on the Dean’s List at Boston University, and began working at Harvard Medical School doing stem cell research. He was one step closer to medical school – and to proving Cornell wrong – but then life threw him another curveball.

He began listening to Bloomberg News when his boss told him he couldn’t listen to music in the lab. “Very quickly I found out that I was absolutely fascinated by business and economics,” he said. “I never felt such a strong urge to follow my curiosity, and to learn more about something.”

He en rol led i n ma na gement a nd economics programs at BU, and joined the Entrepreneurship Club. For Shafaie, his real epiphany came when he was taking a six-hour practice MCAT exam. “I thought to myself, ‘There is no way I can force myself to do something I don’t absolutely love.’ I packed up my bag and left in the middle of the exam,” he said.

The summer after his graduation, he and his business partners founded Icarus Software, which specializes in commercial real estate software solutions. Although he was following his passion, the first few months of the venture were choppy to say the least.

Shafaie persevered, however, and his software platform is now in development.

Shafaie told MBS students that they should summon the confidence to follow their heart, even when it leads them off the beaten path.

“Don’t be afraid to try new things, to meet new people, to experience everything the world has in store for you,” he said. “Try something new – even if it scares you. But most importantly – always be curious. Always have a craving for more knowledge.”

He also warned the students not to let others’ opinions and expectations drown out their own ambitions.

“Go out there, find your plan, and don’t let anyone or anything stop you!” he said.

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Girls’ Ice Hockey Alumnae and Current Players Face Off! There was plenty of fast-paced excitement as more than 25 current players and alumnae got together for the annual Girls’ Ice Hockey Alumnae Game on December 23rd.

Current and former coaches Bruce Driver, Audrey Onsdorff, John Mores, Megan Durkin, and Dave Reiley were also on hand for the fun event, which was held at Twin Oaks Ice Rink.

Players included: Allie Aiello ’13, Brette Brier ’13, Carolyn Chambers ’14, Katherine Chester ’13, Claire Chiperfield ’17, Kendall

Alumni Give Juniors a Glimpse of the College Experience Seven recent Morristown-Beard graduates returned to campus on January 8th to speak to the Junior Class about the college admission process and college life.

MBS alumni Kathryn Allison '10 (Ithaca College), Anna Balliet '11 (New York University), Mariah Beck '12 (Brandeis University), Alex Bruno '12 (Syracuse University), Matt Downey '13 (George Washington University), Kate Franz '13 (Rutgers University), and Aly Maser '13 (Penn State University) spoke candidly about their college experiences, and offered advice to the Class of 2015.

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Cornine ’15, Christina D’Alessandro ’15, Kelly Dolan ’14, Whitney Driver-Crimmins ’04, Tess Fleming ’15, Delaney Flinn ’14, Kirsti Harju ’06, Tory Harding ’05, Lavinia Kronberg ’09, Laura Loeser ’13, Allie Maffei ’09, Gina Maffei ’09, Meaghan McLaughlin ’03, Kathleen McNamara ’15, Laura Mead ’12, Maggie O’Connell ’16, Emma Polaski ’17, Maggie Ranger ’10, Ashley Sauder ’12, Mikhaela Schultz ’14, Samantha Vicari ’10, and Zoe Zisis ’11.

The graduates spoke about everything from the admission process to campus life and roommate issues. They offered perspectives on larger and smaller schools, getting involved in sports and activities, and managing the college workload.

“There’s a lot of work at college, but you also have a lot of free time to get it done,” said Matt Downey. “At Morristown-Beard, you can learn to use your free periods wisely, develop time management skills, and become more disciplined.”

“I definitely feel that I was more prepared for college than a lot of my friends – especially because of my writing skills. Morristown-Beard really prepared me well,” said Anna Balliet.

The graduates advised the juniors to take advantage of all the opportunities MBS offers, and to take a thoughtful approach to the admission process.

“When you’re touring a campus, it’s important to put yourself in the mindset that you’re actually a student there. Try to picture yourself attending that college, and ask yourself if it’s a good fit,” advised Mariah Beck.

“I only applied to my target schools; I never did any reach schools,” said Alex Bruno.

“I probably should have applied to one or two reach schools, because you never know what they’re looking for.”

“Listen to your parents as well as the members of the College Counseling Office,” said Aly Maser. “They’ve been there before, they know you, and they have your best interest in mind.”

In closing, Matt Downey gave the students a bit of universal advice: “Learn how to do laundry,” he said. “You don’t want to be that kid.”

In Memoriam Ann Van Dyke Palmer Bayliss ’42, November 20, 2013, age 89. A loyal alumna, Ann often described playing field hockey at Miss Beard’s School with great fervor. After graduating, she continued her education at Wells College. She was married for 55 years to William Bayliss, who predeceased her, and is survived by her three sons, George, Theodore, and Mark, and their families. While Ann lived most of her life in North Carolina, New Jersey was always close to her heart.

Joan Hadden Gedney ’42 , June 20, 2013, age 88. A longtime

resident of the East Village in NYC, Joan was an Abstract Expressionist painter and sculptor who exhibited as Joann Gedney with the (post World War Two) New York School of Abstract Expressionists.

Encouraged in art at Miss Beard’s, she made block prints for the Clio, the School yearbook. After Miss Beard’s, Joan studied art history along with her pre-med major at Wheaton College. For 41 years Joan was on staff at the Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, while painting and taking art classes at night. During the 1950s and 1960s she was a founding member of the March Gallery, one of the many Tenth Street cooperative galleries which were critical to the post World War Two New York art world. In later years, she worked in clay sculpture at Greenwich House Pottery and continued to draw from life models two or three times a week. An interview with Ms. Gedney about her art can be found in the Spring 2008 issue of Crimson Magazine. She is survived by her sisters Dr. Judith Gedney Tobin ’44 and Dr. Marion J. Gedney ’49.

Phoebe Stiles King ’49, December 2, 2013, age 81. Born on February 1, 1932 to Mary and Chic Stiles, she was the oldest of three children. A graduate of Miss Beard's School and Vassar College, she married her high school sweetheart, Robert C. King, who was her lifelong companion for 64 years. Prior to starting a family, she worked as an actuary assistant for the New York Life Insurance Company and as a supply clerk at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds.

Phoebe dedicated herself to her husband and children. Her time was spent cooking, homemaking, and supporting her children in all of their activities. She taught Sunday School at Christ Church in Short Hills, New Jersey, and was Secretary of the Junior League of the Oranges and Short Hills. Artistically creative, Phoebe was always working on knitting, crewel, and needlepoint projects, and specialized in handmade custom-designed pinprick lampshades. An avid tennis player and golfer, she was an active member of the Short Hills Club, Baltusrol Golf Club, and the Stuart Yacht and Country Club. Phoebe enjoyed a broad range of interests, including reading, the opera, European art and architecture, duplicate bridge and world travel. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Robert C. King; her two children, Robert C. King, Jr. of Short Hills, New Jersey and Victoria King Kerman of Cardington, Ohio; her five grandchildren, Nadia Kerman, Nicholas Kerman, Amanda King, Joshua King, and Meredith King; and her sister, Mary Jane Marvel of Watch Hill,

Rhode Island. Before her passing, Phoebe's stated desire was that any memorial donations be made to the Wounded Warriors Project.

Paul Albert Danco ’58, August 12, 2013, age 73. Paul graduated from the Peck School before entering Morristown Prep, after he earned a bachelor's in industrial engineering from Lafayette College.

He first worked at Chatham Electronics and then enjoyed a 30-year career at Pfizer, NJ. Paul and his wife Judith, who survives him, were married 41 years. They lived in Morristown and Mantoloking, NJ. Since 1991, they also lived seasonally in Bonita Springs, FL. Paul was active in organizing his class reunions from MBS, and took pride in his work for the Boy Scouts of America and United Way. Charles Brandon Hunt (Brandon) ’01, August 29, 2013, age 30. Brandon earned a BS, magna cum laude, from Temple University and a JD from the University of Tennessee College of Law where he was articles editor for the Tennessee Law Review, on the Frederick Douglass Civil Rights Moot Court Team, and received the TN Attorney General Award of Excellence in Trial Advocacy. After law school, Brandon clerked for Judge James A. Wynn, Jr. of the North Carolina Court of Appeals, Judge Patricia Timmons-Goodson of the North Carolina Supreme Court and again for Judge Wynn on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. In 2011, Brandon joined McGuire Woods LLP in Raleigh, focusing on product liability and consumer litigation. He was president of the Young Lawyers Division of the NC Association of Black Lawyers and volunteered for Big Brother Big Sister of America. He was also a sport enthusiast, playing basketball for the Lawyers League. At Berean Baptist Church in Raleigh, Brandon was part of the Men’s Fellowship. He is survived by his partner Cynthia Brown, his parents, sister, both grandmothers, and one grandfather, among other relatives.

Elizabeth Gill Bohlin, former faculty, December 5, 2013,

age 68. Ms. Bohlin graduated from Hiram College in 1967, later earning two master's degrees from Florida institutions. Elizabeth taught middle school social studies at the Beard School in Orange, NJ from 1967-1970. Ms. Bohlin had emigrated as a child from the United Kingdom, grew up in Teaneck, NJ and later became a U.S. citizen. Predeceased by her husband, she devoted her life to teaching and counseling the young. After Beard, she taught at The Fox Hollow School in Massachusetts, then relocated to Florida, first to Bertram School, and then spent 25 years at the Foundation Academy in Jacksonville. In addition, she was a Vista volunteer and active in the Methodist Church and the Girl Scouts. She loved reading, the beach, and was president of the North Florida Bicycle Club.

Charles "Larry" Piersol , former faculty, September 23, 2013, age 86. Larry spent his life teaching science, largely at Montclair Academy, then at MKA, but also at MBS in the late 1980s. He is remembered as mentor to younger teachers, advising: “Hold the bar high and help students as they struggle to get there." At the time of his death, he resided in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania.

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Distinguished Alumni Award Nomination Morristown-Beard School, like The Beard School and The Morristown School before it, teaches young people to serve the larger community. In 1995, Morristown-Beard created the Distinguished Alumni Award to recognize graduates of Beard, Morristown, and Morristown-Beard who have performed exceptional service to society. This service may be through their careers, their philanthropic work, and/or to their alma mater.

Any alumnus or alumna may be nominated; current members of the Board of Trustees and the Alumni Board are not eligible to receive this award.

Please nominate a Beard, Morristown, or Morristown-Beard graduate who you would like to see honored for their humanitarian contributions.

Nominee Information: Full Name

Class Year

E-Mail

Home Address

Phone Number

Please list a nominee’s accomplishments and reasons for nomination. Please include the nominee’s relevant past and present positions, activities, publications, memberships, awards, honors, and significant achievements. Please be specific and include relevant dates.

Nominator Information: Full Name

Class Year

E-Mail

Home Address

Phone Number

Alumni Hall of Fame Nomination

In 1986, the Alumni Association and the Crimson Club created the Hall of Fame Award to honor sportsmanship, team spirit, and athletic achievement while in school and after graduation. The award recognizes both individuals and teams who have made a mark in athletic competition while at The Beard School, The Morristown School, or Morristown-Beard School and/or later in their lives. Any member of the School’s community may make nominations.

However, candidates may not be considered for induction until five years after their graduating year.

Nominee Information: Full Name

Class Year

E-Mail

Home Address

Phone Number

Please list a nominee’s accomplishments and reasons for nomination. Please include the nominee’s relevant past and present achievements, activities, awards, and honors. Please be specific and include relevant dates.

Nominator Information: Full Name

Class Year

E-Mail

Home Address

Phone Number

Please return this form to the Office of Institutional Advancement, Morristown-Beard School, 70 Whippany Road, Morristown, NJ 07960

Morr isto w

Fund d r n -B ea

The Morristown-Beard Fund 2013 – 2014

Each year, MBS parents, alumni, grandparents, and friends join together to secure Morristown-Beard School’s bright future. The common bond we share is a commitment to a greater ideal – that we can help each generation of MBS students enjoy the most challenging and fulfilling student experience possible. A gift to the Morristown-Beard Fund represents your active participation in this effort, and your welcome inclusion in our valued community of benefactors.

Join our community today.

We welcome your call at (973) 532-7579, or your online gift at www.mbs.net/giving.

Thank you for your kind support of the Morristown-Beard Fund.

70 Whippany Road Morristown, NJ 07960 (973) 539-3032 www.mbs.net

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Caldwell, NJ Permit #1268

Change Service Requested

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Save the Date

Totton Golf/Tennis Classic and Crimson Night

Monday, May 19, 2014 Trump National Golf Club Bedminster, NJ

Please join us for one of the following events: - A day of golf and Crimson Night - A day of tennis and Crimson Night - Crimson Night Crimson Night includes: • Cocktail reception with:

passed hors d’oeuvres, cold and hot buffet, carving stations, and dessert;

• Presentation of Awards; and, • Live and Silent Auctions

Save the Date for

Alumni Weekend 2014

Reconnect with fellow alumni and see how much MBS has grown since your last visit.

Please join us!

May 16-17, 2014 for

Alumni Weekend Alumni and their families from all generations are welcome, with special recognition of reunion classes ending in 4s & 9s Check your mailbox this spring for your formal invite and a list of activities!