Derby Magazine: Summer 2016

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SPRING // SUMMER 2016

Farewell,

Polly After 37 years, Derby says goodbye to the iconic Polly Rizzotto.


Then & Now Derby Academy is a co-educational, Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8 school that nurtures the development of the child by providing opportunities for the maximum intellectual, emotional and physical growth of each student. That mission is as important now as it was three centuries ago. (Or three decades; the photo on the left is from 1984.)


CONTENTS features 22

Last Chapel 2016 Students and faculty gathered one last time to recognize the achievements of the eighth grade.

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Derby Day This year Derby celebrated its 225th Derby Day. Reverend Ken Read-Brown of Old Ship Church delivered the Derby Day Lecture.

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Derby's Constant Gardener For 37 years she transformed Derby's students, its classrooms, and its gardens—our beloved Polly Rizzotto has retired, but her legacy continues to grow.

departments 4

From the Head of School Mr. Perry thanks the Derby community for a year of growth and the school's bright future.

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Campus News This spring at Derby was busy with theater productions, science experiments, field trips and special guests.

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Class Notes As the class of 2016 heads to secondary school, see what our other alumni are up to, from college and career news to birth and wedding announcements.


HEAD OF SCHOOL

Joseph J. Perry, Jr. COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Marcus Miller DIGITAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Connor Gleason PHOTOGRAPHERS

Connor Gleason Marcus Miller PRINTER

Fowler Printing & Graphics

Please send letters to the editor, class notes, obituaries, and changes of address to: DERBY ACADEMY

56 Burditt Avenue Hingham, MA 02043 781-749-0746 advancement@derbyacademy.org Cover: Polly Rizzotto in the Sadlon Garden (photo: Connor Gleason) Look for our Annual Report this fall, and our next magazine in 2017.

derby network Follow Derby Academy on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram!

I’D LIKE TO BEGIN BY SAYING

it comes with determination, personal

THANK YOU TO THE ENTIRE

achievement, and confidence. The

COMMUNITY FOR YOUR

Derby experience that we all know

SUPPORT DURING MY FIRST YEAR AT DERBY ACADEMY. I have interacted with so many of you already and look forward to getting to know you all better. This first year passed so quickly, yet I feel like I’ve been here for years. You have all made me, my wife, Karen, and our children feel so welcome wherever we go. The Derby community and entire Derby family is large, connected by experience and history, and I look forward to seeing Derby continue to grow and move forward. This year I witnessed so many students accomplish so much. This publication captures just a glimpse of all that happened at 56 Burditt Avenue this year. The snapshots will show smiling faces, inspiring activities, and successful students. You will not see all that developed in the classrooms, all that took place on the sports fields, all that occurred on the stage, and definitely

/ derbyacademy

not all that happened in the minds

allows students to grow in a secure and safe environment where academic and social-emotional risk taking are expected, encouraged, and supported. For 232 years Derby Academy has built the foundation for growth, and our students have reaped the benefits of this foundation in the past and today. The magic of a Derby foundation is timeless, ageless, communal, and personal. I am so happy to have found Derby for myself and for my family and I am looking forward to many more years to come. I invite you all to come to campus as often as possible, rekindle and reconnect with the community at events this year, and reach out through our many channels of communication. We would love to see you and hear from you—share with us how Derby’s foundation has provided you and your family with opportunities to grow. I hope to see you soon.

and hearts of our students. Growth— this is the theme I began with at First

@derbyacademy

Chapel and (as you will read in these pages) the theme I ended with at Last

@derby.academy

Chapel—is not always accompanied by a photo or a trophy, or even a smile, but

Joseph J. Perry, Jr. P’17,’19,’26 Head of School


PRESIDENT

Maureen D. Pace VICE PRESIDENT

Mark K. Jones TREASURER

Hugh M. Kelly SECRETARY

Christie O’Connor TRUSTEES

Susan H. Blair Mark G. Clayton Robert R. Fawcett, Jr. Kathleen Garvey Caroline Curtis Hayes ’99 Jean Jones Edward C. Maher Metri R. Metri Maria Martignetti Murphy Jennifer Lowe Newell ’90 Jay K. Sadlon Leigh Schwartz Katherine A. Sherbrooke EX-OFFICIO

Joseph J. Perry, Jr. Head of School Lori W. Cashman President, Parents Association TRUSTEES EMERITI

Jane Cheever Carr ’50 Harry W. Healey, Jr. Patricia B. Leggat Elizabeth M. Loring Bruce H. Minevitz


U

nder a clear blue sky, students met on the

for a variety of track and field events like the hurdles,

playing fields for a day of fun and friendly

obstacle courses, the long jump, and tug of war. It was

competition during Derby’s Field Day on

a day of cheers and fun in the sun, and in the end

May 20. One of the highlights of the year

the Darks reigned supreme for the boys, and the girls

for our Middle and Upper Schoolers, it’s a tradition

finished with an astounding tie between the Toppers

that dates back to the 1950s, bringing students together

and the Derbies. / /

Spirit Captains Each year, Derby spirit teams elect an eighth grade captain and assistant captain. This year's captains were:

Lights

Captain: Taalib Dibinga-Robinson (left) Assistant Captain: Isaac Sadhwani (right)

Darks

Captain: Owen Forman (left) Assistant Captain: Jared Arevian (right)

Derbies

Captain: Emma Bradley (left) Assistant Captain: Lexi Dewire (right)

④ Toppers

Captain: Kate Rowe (right) Assistant Captain: Brony Jensen (left) 6

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NEWS Middle School Pride Lions, hyenas, gazelles, and giraffes took over Derby Academy as Grade 6 performed “The Lion King JR.” in November. From the excellent singing, acting, and dancing to the exceptional costumes, students brought the Broadway experience to Larson Hall. / /

Let There Be Light Derby students brought holiday traditions from around the world to our very own Larson Hall during the winter season’s holiday concerts “Peace of the Season,” “Holiday Traditions,” and “Let There Be Light.” / /

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A Symbol of Equality In April, at the end of the Grade 8 Global Citizenship Project, Derby students and faculty gathered for a ceremony in recognition of gender equality. Students answered the prompt, “When I’m 80, I want women to ,” and hung their responses outside in the shape of the number 65—representing the 65 million girls around the world who are not enrolled in school. Students then gathered on Talbot Field in the shape of the gender equality symbol, uniting our community in recognition of gender equality. / /

D.A.R.E. Graduates

Math + Night = Fun

Members of the administration and the Hingham Police

Derby Academy brought mathematics into the spotlight

Department recognized graduates of Derby's 11th annual

during its inaugural Middle and Upper School Family

Grade 6 D.A.R.E. program on April 13. The event marked

Math Night on April 12. The evening featured fun

the culmination of the two-week course that teaches

games and hands-on math activities that showcased

strategies for drug and alcohol abuse prevention and

practical uses and real-world applications that tested and

positive decision-making skills. / /

reinforced concepts being taught in class. / / SPRING // SUMMER 2016

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A Front-Row Seat Derby Academy opened its classrooms to current parents and trustees during the Derby Classroom Experience and Visiting Day on April 6. The school welcomed parents from all grade levels as they visited classrooms to experience a day in the life at Derby, interacting with students and participating in teachers’ lessons. / /

Engineering the Future The Future City Competition in March was a culmination for Grade 6 students who spent five months building cities that could exist at least 100 years in the future. Students used software that teaches city planning and design, wrote research essays, created 3D scale models, and made formal presentations to the Boston Society of Civil Engineers. In the overall competition, team L.E.T.S. Go Green (pictured) swept first place and ranked fourth in the New England Region for Best Virtual City and Best 3D Model. / /

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DERBY ACADEMY MAGAZINE


ARTS NIGHT T

he creative arts at Derby Academy flourished

Recitals in Larson Hall followed, featuring outstanding

during an evening of artwork, music,

performances by Middle and Upper School bands,

and dance at Arts Night on May 26, and a

ensembles, and dance classes. The evening also

morning full of delightful performances

included a documentary by the film production

at Arts Morning on May 27. Lewis Dining Hall and

class about the creation of the Art Department’s

the Brown Art Gallery were brimming with a variety

mosaic project. The next morning, parents browsed

of art exhibits featuring ceramics, paintings, and

exhibits and artwork, and were treated to musical

drawings, as well as shop and sewing projects created

performances, dancing, and poetry by students in

by students in the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools.

Grade 1 through Grade 3. / /

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GRAND FRIENDS Derby Academy welcomed distinguished family and friends of students at Grandparents and Grandfriends Day on April 15. Guests of students in the Primary and Lower Schools joined in reading stories, exploring the classroom, and learning about students’ lessons. Guests of Middle and Upper School students attended classes and presentations, and met with faculty members throughout the morning. / /

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International Night Grade 5 students and their families were treated to a night of world cultures and global perspectives during International Night on April 28. The event marked the culmination of the students’ yearlong study of the traditions, histories, and cultures of countries around the world. Classrooms were transformed into news stations as students played the roles of reporters and anchors broadcasting from all corners of the planet. Each student reported on a country's religion, education, government, language, and heritage, all while focusing on similarities and differences with American culture. Reports addressed current affairs and environmental issues troubling their countries, and offered pragmatic solutions based on research. / /

Lit Letters Earn Honors In February, 37 Derby sixth graders advanced to the second round of judging at the Massachusetts level of the Letters About Literature Competition, and 15 of those students advanced to the semifinal round. Anna Cressman (pictured) was recognized as one of this year’s 14 honors writers, a select group of Commonwealth students celebrated at the State House on March 15. / /

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Negotiation 101 Grade 8 students participated in a daylong International Conflict Workshop on April 21. The course focused on teaching global literacy and conflict-resolution skills as students played the roles of villagers negotiating for resources in the aftermath of the Rwandan Genocide. Carl Hobert, founder of Axis of Hope, an organization dedicated to improving the practice of international and domestic conflict analysis, management and prevention through the education of youth, facilitated the workshop, which was part of the Grade 8 “Becoming a Global Citizen” course. At the conclusion of the workshop, students prepared a signed letter of proposed resolutions that was sent to several government officials, including Secretary of State John Kerry and President Obama. / /

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Kindergarments

Global Nomads

As part of an “All Dressed Up.” IPC unit, Suniti

On April 11, students in Grade 8 Skyped with our partner

Nimbkar P’12,’20 and Ellora Rich ’12 visited

school from Bhit Shah, Pakistan, discussing leaders who

kindergarteners to demonstrate how to wear a sari,

inspire them, global events, and their findings from

traditionally worn by women in South Asia. / /

their yearlong Global Citizenship Project. / /

DERBY ACADEMY


OUTSIDE VOICES In a rare outdoor performance, students in the Upper School Shakespeare Theater class put on “Macbeth” in the Lower School quad on June 2. / /

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TALENT SHOW With so many acts, the Talent Show turned into a double feature on May 7. Larson Hall was packed for both shows, as students from Pre-K to Grade 6 danced, sang, acted, and performed for friends, family, and classmates. / /

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DERBY ACADEMY MAGAZINE


Pirate Partnership Pre-K students assisted Grade 8 students in a joint project in physics and pirates. Students were tasked with constructing marshmallow launchers that would mimic cannons used by pirates, which were being taught in the Primary School’s unit. While the eighth graders focused on the physics of the launchers, the team names, decorations, and cheers came from the Pre-K. / /

An Olympic Visit

Young at Heart

On May 26, former Olympic athlete Scott Allan

Our first graders visited residents of the Allerton

GP’21,’22 spoke with students about sailing on the U.S.

House Assisted Living Community on April 28 to sing

team in the 1972 Olympics. He brought the torch he

songs and recite poetry they learned in class. / /

carried as part of the relay team prior to the opening ceremony of the 1996 Olympics. / / SPRING // SUMMER 2016

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Long Way Down Grade 4 students crossed their fingers and held their breath as they released their egg drop projects off the New North Church in Hingham on June 1. Their designs (hopefully) protected their eggs from the long drop. / /

Derby Unplugged Derby’s first Coffee House on April 29 was a huge success, showcasing all the talent of our Upper School students with musical performances, poetry readings, standup comedy, and dancing. / /

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On Stage, After School The After School Drama Workshop students wowed the audience with their final performance of “How the First Letter Was Written� on May 19. / /

Tide Pool Fun

Go Fly a Kite!

Our kindergarteners dove into the tide pool and

The sky was filled with cloth and colors on June 6 as

met some cute critters with the New England

fifth graders flew the kites they made in sewing class,

Aquarium on May 10. / /

part of their yearlong study of international countries and cultures. / /

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“FIDDLER” A show so good students knew it by one name. Derby's Upper School took its production of “Fiddler on the Roof” to the Larson Hall stage on March 9 and 10. / /

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Building Bridges During their unit on bridges, fifth grade students visited the Fore River Bridge in Quincy, then built their own pasta bridges for a weight-bearing competition. / /

� Back on Course This year a pair of new clubs was made available to students: rowing and golf. Both made for an exciting spring at Derby, on the harbor and the links. / /

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Last

Chapel Following a year of extraordinary growth at Derby Academy, students and faculty gathered to celebrate at Last Chapel. In his opening remarks, Head of School Joe Perry shared reflections on his first year, while Phoebe Kahn delivered the Eighth Grade Address, and graduating students were honored with departmental prizes.


I

began this year’s First Chapel by talking

the branches you spread this year, and how your

to all of you about a seed, a plant, and a

own hard work allowed you to blossom and grow. For

tree; and asking you all to grow this year,

some, this meant improvement on a math test, or

develop in some area, and try something

flawlessly playing a piece in your ensemble. For others,

new. This program today is designed to

acheivement came catching a ball under pressure,

appreciate and acknowledge eighth grade

creating a well-written story, or finally finishing that

individuals who have grown and developed

art project you cared so much about (can anyone say

in specific subjects and areas this year. We

Mosaic?).

will celebrate these successes in a minute. Before we do, I want to reiterate a few things to all of you: growth,

These are all experiences that add to your foundation

branching out, personal achievement.

and fertilize your roots. Every success and even every failure helps prepare you for your future and helps you

Everyone in this room should be acknowledged for

strive toward your goals. Keep this year’s experiences—

these accomplishments. Some of you who have achieved

keep these moments, these memories­­—with you, and

great personal growth may not have been acknowledged

expand on them in the future.

with honors, and may not receive a physical award this year for your achievements. However, I hope that you all

I want you all to remember what this year has brought

realize your own personal accomplishments. I hope you

you, and how you might build upon everything you

realized and reaped different rewards during the year.

learned in and out of the classroom.

You need to know that your teachers do notice your

For those of you receiving honors this morning, I

efforts; your parents are proud of your progress, and

congratulate you for going beyond, for excelling, for

you all should be happy with your growth and personal

impressing, for working hard. Take these moments

success stories. For some, a handshake or pat on the

from this year with you to your next chapter, where you

back is as shiny and as meaningful as a trophy.

will dig into the new soil of high school, where I know you will all continue to bloom.

These words are not meant to diminish the achievements of anyone receiving accolades this

I commend and congratulate you all on a wonderful

morning, but are meant to remind each and every

and successful year, and I feel honored to have shared it

one of you about your own personal achievements,

with you. / / by JOE PERRY


LAST CHAPEL AWARDS ELVIRA BUTTERWORTH PRIZE FOR HISTORY Ella Benjamin ’16 SUSAN FEINS ’85 PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE Julia Temple ’16 FRANCIS RANIERI MATHEMATICS AWARD Emma Bradley ’16 WHEELWRIGHT FAMILY PRIZE IN ENGLISH Shane Ryan ’16 MICHAEL J. CONNELLY LATIN PRIZE Caden Stone ’16 MARTIGNETTI PRIZE IN MODERN LANGUAGES Isaac Sadhwani ’16 COYLE-DRISCOLL ART PRIZE Kate Rowe ’16 ZILDJIAN MUSIC AWARD Logan Clancy ’16 E. BROOKS ROBBINS COACHES AWARD Dale Harris EDWARD R. FOLEY CITIZENSHIP PRIZE Ellie Mraz ’17 SPIRIT TEAM RECOGNITION Emma Bradley, Kate Rowe, Owen Forman ’16


Although it sometimes may not feel like it, we can trust that our Derby experiences, and the people around us, have prepared us for what’s coming next.


F

ate. It’s amazing how four seemingly

worst. It’s hard to say goodbye to the people who have

harmless letters can lead to so much

been with us no matter what happens. But we also have

apprehension. Are all of our fates

to remember that we are leaving with the big and small

really predetermined, meaning we

impacts we’ve made on each other. The memories we

have little influence over our paths,

have made together have shaped who we are today. They

or do we each hold the power to

have become a part of us that we will hold onto forever.

control our own unique future?

Although it sometimes may not feel like it, we can trust

Frankly, it’s very confusing.

that our Derby experiences, and the people around us, have prepared us for what’s coming next. Through

When I was told that after seven years of living in

the Derby community, we have a sense of security, a

London my family was moving to the United States, I

definition of who we are, and an idea of which direction

definitely did not feel in control.

we will go. A great part of life will always be a mystery, and yes, fate may sometimes choose our paths, but we

It’s hard to remember some of the details of living in

decide how we want to walk them.

London, but I do remember the sadness that went

along with all of the goodbyes. There were too many to

Winston Churchill once said, “We are still masters of

count. They ranged from the nice waiter at my favorite

our fate. We are still captains of our souls.” I believe Mr.

restaurant, to many people in my life who I thought

Churchill was saying that we can greatly control how

were irreplaceable. When I was driving away in the

we respond to what comes our way—making it a good

taxi from that chapter of my life, I realized my deepest emotion wasn’t sadness, but fear.

Tomorrow we will be leaving the

It reminded me of being scared of the dark as a child.

familiarity of our day-to-day lives at

The dark is where the monsters hide, after all. You want to be ready for them, but there is no way to see

Derby Academy. And with that, we are

them coming. No way to predict their movements or

leaving behind a family.

prepare for what comes next. But maybe that’s the point. Maybe instead of running for a night light, we should embrace the darkness. After all, the dark is also where people dream. It’s true that the unknown

or bad thing. Knowing that we can count on ourselves

is the source of our deepest worries, but it’s also the

and those around us will help us face anything life

home of our most cherished hopes.

throws our way—even if it is a monster under the bed. How we receive what life gives us and what we create

This uncertainty can feel overwhelming, which makes

for ourselves truly does make us “captains of our

people believe that the unexpected is something bad.

souls” and our happiness.

Something to be feared. But as I left London, I began

to realize: this change could be an opportunity to

I wish for you, my fellow classmates, a sense of adventure,

meet new people, people who would later turn into

trust, flexibility, and the bravery necessary to carry out

the great friends that I have in this room today.

your hopes and dreams, with tons of friendships and support all around you. From where I stand, I see a group

My fellow eighth graders, tomorrow we will be leaving

of uniquely gifted individuals who are full of potential

the familiarity of our day-to-day lives at Derby Academy.

and ready to tackle the darkness. I’m certain that we

And with that, we are leaving behind a family. We are

will all hit bumps in the road, but once we get to our

leaving the teachers who have believed in us, and we are

destinations we’ll know it was worth the ride. So grab the

leaving all of the amazing people that we have known

wheel with both hands, my friends, because fate is not in

for so long. These are the people who we could always

control. We are! / / by PHOEBE KAHN ’16

count on to see us through life’s ups and downs. They’ve stood with us at our best and helped us through our SPRING // SUMMER 2016

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Derby Academy Celebrates its 225th Commencement Exercises


AS FAMILIES FILLED THE MCKELVEY GYM, the Class of 2016 stood waiting on 1784 Field, gathered in rows to take photos before the day began to blur with the momentum of concerts and ceremonies, awards and receptions. Derby Day has always gone by fast. This year, the school’s 225th Derby Day, was no exception. The day’s festivities began with Derby’s traditional all-school choral concert, and this year the weather outside was as big a star as the talent on stage— keeping a usually muggy McKelvey Gym (and, later in the day, New North Church) pleasantly cool. Between musical acts, the Derby Day concert paid special tribute to beloved outgoing Head of Primary and Lower School Polly Rizzotto, whose family history and professional career at Derby has influenced countless students, faculty, and community members. A combined chorus of Primary and Lower School singers performed the Shaker song “Simple Gifts” in her honor. Board of Trustees President Maureen Pace then took the podium. “I want to thank each and every one of you in this room,” she said. “It is because of what each of you do every day that Derby is such a special and unique community.” Pace took a moment to reflect on a successful academic year, and to thank the Perry family for their support and leadership during their first year at Derby. Following the concert, students, faculty, trustees, and proud parents accompanied the Class of 2016 along Fearing Road to New North Church, a longstanding Derby Academy tradition. Leading the way were Emma Bradley and Ella Benjamin, the two academically top-ranked graduates.


“I FEEL SO HONORED TO BE PART OF THIS COMMUNITY,” said Head of School Joe Perry, offering opening remarks to guests and congratulating graduates on a successful and memorable year. “And I feel even luckier that my first year at Derby was with you, the Class of 2016. Your role-model behavior has set the stage and demonstrated an expectation for all those who follow you.” Book Awards were then presented by Associate Head of School and Head of Middle and Upper School John Houghton. These books are given to Upper School students who have achieved a grade of A- or better in every major subject for the year. Following Book Awards was the presentation of Derby Academy’s two highest awards, the Madam Sarah Derby Pin and the Academy Pin. These awards are presented to a girl and boy from the eighth grade who embody the values of the Derby community through demonstrated effort, interest, and positive contributions in academics, arts, athletics, and extracurricular activities. Through an endowment established in 2009 by John Harper ’48, these pins are given in memory of his father, Wallace Harper. This year, Caitlin Waugh received the Madam Sarah Derby Pin and Ramez Metri received the Academy Pin. Acting Head of Girls Sports and Physical Education faculty member Lauren Brooks was awarded the Thomas J. Waters Prize for excellence in teaching. / /

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POLLY AND I MET 43 YEARS AGO, WHEN WE WERE HIRED TO OPEN and run a daycare center

at the time, I said she was “an educator’s

Polly’s door has always been open. She

educator.” And, of course, she remains

has always had the time to listen. And

that today.

here, too, the child has always been central to her thinking. Curriculum

on the South Shore. Funding was scarce and so we scrounged. We made room

A few years later, Polly brought me

was important, best practices were

dividers out of Tri-Wall. We found

to Derby, and for 15 years we worked

important, but always, always, the

huge telephone spools and we made

together in Pre-Kindergarten.

child came first.

tables. We visited junkyards and found

Colleagues again, conversations about

truck tires to make swings. We begged

best practices and room arrangement

And now we come to this day—Derby

at paper supply warehouses and we

filled our days. To work with a person

Day. A favorite of hers. This day that we

brought bag after bag of beautiful junk

who is entirely on the same page is a joy.

celebrate her. This day that we honor her, and this day that we thank her.

back from the Children’s Museum. If you had Mrs. Rizzotto for During those days I got to know Polly. I

kindergarten, perhaps you don’t

Thank you for the small gestures and

saw her enthusiasm, her dedication, her

remember specifics, but I bet you

big ideas. Thank you for the fresh

creativity, her legendary organizational

remember a reassuring hand when

flowers on opening day. Thank you for

skills, but most importantly, I learned

you were afraid, or a celebratory cheer

the artfully crafted snacks. Thank you

about how she thought about and

when you accomplished something

for leading us with integrity. Thank you

related to children.

hard, or a welcoming face when

for helping us all be better learners.

starting something new. I am sure

Thank you for keeping it simple and

For Polly, it is always the child who

many parents have stories of that same

letting us all imagine the best.

comes first. The child is at the center of

welcoming face, that reassuring hand,

her planning. The child is what drives

that celebratory cheer when something

Derby will miss you. It will miss

her decisions. It was then, and remains

went well. After a number of years in

your handwritten thank-you notes.

so today. It is a simple idea, but one that

kindergarten, Polly was asked to be

It will miss your civility, your sense

has remarkable results.

Head of Lower School. Now she gave

of humor. It will miss your care and

the welcoming face and the celebratory

respect for children. Godspeed, my

cheer to teachers as well.

friend. Derby will not see the likes of

In 1979, Tom Waters brought Polly to Derby. In the reference I wrote for her

you again! / / by ELLIE DEVINE

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number

225 Reverend Ken Read-Brown of Hingham’s Old Ship Church delivers the 225th Derby Day Lecture.


Whatever your achievements— academic, athletic—you are every bit as significant and important as the person sitting next to you.

GOOD MORNING—AND A GREAT MORNING IT IS ON THIS BEAUTIFUL DAY. It’s

the vision for the school. All these

our house, and for hours at night—

years later, here we still are. It’s really

summer, winter, it didn’t matter—I

something. And, of course, in those

was up on the little deck with my

very good to be here in New North

early years the Derby Day Lectures

little telescope.

Church. You know, this church is here

were held in Old Ship, New North not

because of an argument that ensued

having been built at the time.

Seeing the moon, with its craters and mountains and plains; seeing the

at our parish in 1805. It was a serious argument. I’m glad I can be back here

Most importantly, it’s an honor to be

planets. Seeing Jupiter, and not just

after all these years.

here so I can offer congratulations

Jupiter, Jupiter with its four moons.

to you, the graduates this year. I was

And then Saturn. How many of you

And indeed, it seems like every 25

pleased to meet a number of you

have seen Saturn with its rings and

years I’m invited to offer the Derby

a couple of weeks ago and attend

Jupiter with its moons through a

Day Lecture. It was an honor in

some of your classes. Those I met

telescope? If you haven’t yet, you have

1991, on the occasion of the 200th

and observed in class, if you’re

got to get yourself a telescope, or at

anniversary of this lecture, and it’s

representative at all of your entire

least borrow one and take a look.

an honor yet again on this, the 225th

class, you are a fine group. A really

anniversary—thank you, Joe, and

fine group, and you’ve got a wonderful

To this day I can remember so clearly

everyone at Derby, for the invitation.

future ahead of you, not just in these

that first day I saw those moons and,

I guess if I’m around in 2041 I may see

next few years, but in your lifetime.

more spectacularly, Saturn’s rings.

some of you again for the 250th. I’ll

I’m so pleased to be here with you

And somehow knowing that these two

mark my calendar in case.

and your families, your friends,

planets were as far away as they are,

faculty and younger students—

and yet they were part of our solar

congratulations. It’s a great day.

system, all of us revolving around the

But another reason it’s an honor to

sun in this plane added to my sense of

be here has to do with what Joe has just shared: this connection [between

When I was about your age I was

Derby Academy and Old Ship Church]

given a telescope. It was not a great

awe and wonder.

that goes back so many years—225

big telescope; it was about as long

Ebenezer Gay and Sarah Derby had

years and more. The connection

as my arm, but it was big enough.

little idea, with all their vision and

between Sarah Derby and Ebenezer

Big enough to open my eyes to the

virtues, of the extent of the universe

Gay, our third minister, which

universe, wider than they had been.

as we’ve come to know it. Way beyond

resulted in Sarah Derby realizing

We had a little deck on the top of

the planets of our solar system, SPRING // SUMMER 2016

37


beyond our galaxy, we know that there

of judgement. Who’s to say, really,

though each of us is but one person

are billions upon billions of galaxies

whether someone is insignificant or

among billions of other human

like our own.

not, or how significant they are? Well

beings, nobody on the planet is more

here’s what I know for sure: every one

than one. And each one of us can

Now, you’ve probably heard some

of you is as significant as the person

choose, as you’ve heard this morning,

people say that looking at the night

sitting next to you.

one way or another, to contribute to

sky, particularly on a dark night

the health and wellbeing of the whole

where you see millions of stars away

Whatever your grades have been,

of humanity, indeed, the whole of life

from city lights, makes them feel small

whatever your achievements—

on Earth. Not all at once, of course; we

and insignificant. Maybe you’ve had

academic, athletic, and so on—you are

each do our part.

that feeling, too. On the other hand, I

every bit as significant and important

came across a cartoon recently; maybe

as the person sitting next to you, and

We face plenty of challenges in our

some of you have seen it, of a scientist

the person sitting next to you is every

nation and in the world. I know that

in a lab. And he’s looking not through

bit as significant and important as you

you know a great deal about these

a telescope, but a microscope, looking

are. Think of a tree full of thousands

challenges—I heard you discussing

no doubt, at very tiny, tiny things. And

of leaves. If leaves could talk, each

some of them in your classes.

to his lab partner, standing off to the

might understandably say, “I’m only

Challenges, from terrorism and other

side, he says, “Makes you feel big and

one leaf among thousands; it really

forms of violence, to discrimination

significant, doesn’t it?”

doesn’t matter whether I’m here or

of all kinds. Poverty and the income

not. I am insignificant.”

gap, hunger, various diseases, and

Well which is it? Are we small and

climate change and a variety of other

insignificant, or big and significant?

Of course the truth of the matter is,

environmental perils. It might be

Here’s what I think, I think those are

as you all know, however small in

easy enough to get depressed about

just words, small or big, significant

relation to the whole tree and the

all of this, and easy for any of us to

or insignificant—matters of size are

thousands of other leaves, that one

think that we can do very little to

always relative. Big Papi is bigger

leaf contributes in absolutely essential

make any real difference. Just like

than I am, but I’m bigger than my

ways, and just as much as the next

one leaf feeling insignificant on an

little 10-month-old grandson. Matters

leaf, to the health of the whole tree.

oak, but not realizing how essential

of significance are only matters

It’s undeniable. It’s just like us. For

that one leaf is, not just to the health

38

DERBY ACADEMY


of the oak, but to the entire forest.

That care goes from generation to

As you live these next years and

That means to our health as well.

generation. Everything we say or do,

throughout your life, you will not

That means to the health of the whole

the example we set.

always know how your words and

world. One leaf.

deeds—your caring—make, or will Whatever you all study in future

make, a difference in someone

So in the same way we don’t always

years, whatever work or career you

else’s life. Sometimes you may feel

know how our actions and our words

follow—the sciences or engineering,

discouraged. Almost everybody does

ripple out into the world, but they

teaching or business, social services,

in their lifetime. I certainly have.

do. They absolutely do, making a

healthcare, or arts—whatever you do,

Sometimes you may even feel small

huge difference in someone’s life,

yes, you’ll be able to contribute, in

and insignificant. Many people do,

sometimes many other lives, and we

some way or another, through that

and I have certainly known that

know it can be for good or ill, so we

work to the larger good of the world.

feeling. Be assured, 2016 graduates—and

ought to watch our words and watch

Everyone does, helping to meet one

everyone else, for that matter—that

our deeds. We’re not going to be

or another of those big challenges

what you say or do, whether in your

perfect, but everything we say or do

that we face. But every day, including

eventual work or in your daily life, does

makes a difference.

this one, with a thoughtful word or

matter every bit as much as the caring

deed or caring for another person,

words or deeds of anyone else.

I had a piano teacher when I was young, probably about your age. His name was Ray Koos, and he was a very good piano teacher. Maybe not quite a good enough piano teacher for me—I don’t play the piano much anymore. Mostly, as a few of you know, I play the banjo and guitar, so the music kept on, but not the piano. Mr. Koos was not only my piano teacher, he was a family friend and he was a friend to me. The fact that Mr. Koos cared about me as a person

Everyone is needed for the health and wellbeing of life on Earth. Every bit as much as the oak needs every leaf...And so I invite you to live, and care, today and

In spite of everything we see in the daily news, this is a beautiful world and an amazing universe. Get that telescope. Life in this world needs the whole team of human beings, everyone finding their part, which is glorious. Everyone is needed for the health and wellbeing of life on Earth.

every day, remembering this. Live

Every bit as much as the oak needs

this way as if you really know it, in

or the orchestra every violin; or the

your mind and in your heart.

ended up being a longer-lasting

every leaf, or the chorus every voice; uke ensemble every uke; or the lab every scientist—on it goes. I invite you to live, and care, today and every day,

gift than anything I learned about

we—all of us, like Mr. Koos, like

remembering this. Live this way as if

scales and arpeggios. My father was

my father, like Mrs. Rizzotto—can

you really know it, in your mind and

a surgeon—he saved lives, but that

help meet the critical challenge of

in your heart.

was not his effect on me—made a

what so often seems to be the most

difference because of walks around

perennial shortage in our world:

Perhaps I’ll see you again in 25 years,

the block that he invited me on when

that shortage of compassion and

if not sooner. Whether or not I do, I

I was having a problem or trouble

kindness and love and care.

know that this world is already, and will

about one thing or another. That’s how he influenced me.

be a better place, maybe much better, An MIT graduate (who was no doubt

because of you. Thank you all for being

very smart because he just graduated

you, and thank you for all that you do

Think of teachers you’ve had—think

from MIT) said at graduation just a

already, and will do, in this beautiful

of Polly Rizzotto. Think of Polly, and

little while ago, “People don’t care

world of ours. Thank you, and God bless

think of the care, from one person

about how much you know until

you all. / / by REV. KEN READ-BROWN

to another, that she’s exemplified. I

they know how much you care.”

knew Polly’s dad; I know of her family.

Mind and heart, again. SPRING // SUMMER 2016

39


MATRICU

CLASS OF 2016 Jared Arevian

St. Sebastian's School

Grace Babb Ella Benhamin

Beaver Country Day School Buckingham Browne & Nichols

Olivia Boardman

Dana Hall School

Thayer Academy

Peter Loiselle

Choate Rosemary Hall School

Natalie Maher

Noble and Greenough School

John McKenna

Thayer Academy Milton Academy

Emma Bradley

Milton Academy

Ramez Metri

Thomas Briggs

Thayer Academy

Griffin Mudge

Bradford Campbell

Thayer Academy

Avery O'Connor

Logan Clancy

Thayer Academy

Daniel O'Hare

Sadie Compson

Thayer Academy

Harrison Quillen

Noble and Greenough School

Caitlin Rowe

Cambridge School of Weston

Phelps Compton

Boston College High School

Grace Dewire

Hingham High School

Hunter Ruddick

Taalib Dibinga-Robinson

Cathedral High School

Shane Ryan

Casandra Douglass Owen Forman

Marshfield High School Hingham High School CATS Academy

Hingham High School Concord Academy

Falmouth Academy

Isaac Sadhwani

Thayer Academy

Boston College High School

Luke Sadhwani

Thayer Academy

Caroline Garvey

Buckingham Browne & Nichols

Peyton Semjen

Anna Garvey

Buckingham Browne & Nichols

Robert Sheridan

Lillian Garvey

Buckingham Browne & Nichols

Caden Stone

CATS Academy

Bronwyn Jensen

Noble and Greenough School

Julia Temple

Noble and Greenough School

Phoebe Kahn

40

Adam Lazowski

DERBY ACADEMY

Thayer Academy

Caitlin Waugh

Hingham High School Thayer Academy

Milton Academy


ULATION

CLASS OF 2012

Charlotte Allard Emily Barron

University of North Carolina Boston College

Dan Kylander Zach Lowe

Durham University Endicott College

Charlotte Bosworth Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Abbie McLean

Brendan Carroll

Loyola University Maryland

Grace McMeekin

Elon University

William Chave

College of the Holy Cross

Grace McNichols

University of North Carolina

Aly Clinton

Northeastern University

Graham McOsker

Becca Collins Bri Condon Jardel Costa Caroline Daley

University of Alabama Tulane University Northeastern University Middlebury College

J.D. Dietrich

St. Sebastian's School

Avery Devlin

University of Miami

Maddie Dewire

Amherst College

Maggie Di Pesa

Loyola University Maryland

Andie Minicus Reese Moehlenkamp Madeline Murphy Grace Nedeau Jack Noonan Regan O'Donnell Dak Ojuka Ellora Rich

Caley Drooff

Cornell University

Mike Durkin

Stonehill College

Andrew Scheerer

Brown University

Graham Schwandt

Kelsey Farden Cali Giuggio Kyle Heffernan Brian Humphreys Shauna Kennedy Amy Kirk Karlee Koswick

Pomona College Bryant University UMass Amherst Suffolk University Denison University

Sammy Rowell

Lanie Schwartz Eric Seewald Matthew Tracy

Fordham University

Hamilton College University of Virginia Sarah Lawrence College Harvard University Savannah School of Art & Design Providence College Gap Year Providence College Swarthmore College Bryant University The Hotchkiss School Hobart & William Smith University of Sydney Duke University Brandeis University

Cassie Warwick

Colgate University

Maura Woods

Boston University

Villanova University

SPRING // SUMMER 2016

41


42

DERBY ACADEMY


After 37 years at Derby, Polly Rizzotto has retired. Her legacy of caring classrooms, kind students, and flowering gardens will blossom for years to come.

SPRING // SUMMER 2016

43


school

picking cherry tomatoes and they’d

next step, and

is much

find a worm, or heaven forbid we

she does it with

like a

found a grub!”

encouragement

garden—

because she

both must

Polly’s tenure at Derby started in 1979

believes in

be cared

as a faculty member in the Primary

children.”

for and

School, but her family’s roots here

cultivated

run even deeper. Her grandfather

Polly’s teaching

in order

Dr. Charles Tilden Howard attended

and leadership

to sprout,

Derby as a student and later served as

styles are founded

grow, and produce. Year after year,

Chairman of the Board of Trustees,

in respect.

the young minds and hearts of Derby

guiding the school through the Great

Whether it’s

Academy have thrived thanks to the

Depression. Polly’s mother, Carol

welcoming the

love and respect of Polly Rizzotto,

Howard Robinson, along with several

children to the

who is retiring after more than four

aunts and uncles, also attended

school, working

decades of teaching. And gardening,

Derby through Grade 12. Polly’s

on the Diversity

of course.

mother returned to Derby to teach

Committee,

kindergarten and first grade, and

or supporting

Throughout the years, gardens

then later to head the Lower School

the Responsive

and flower beds at Derby have

for 13 years. Polly’s children, Daniel

Classroom—Derby’s

provided generations of students

and Amy, attended Derby from Pre-K

social curriculum

the opportunity to learn the science

through Grade 8.

that helps children

and art of caring for a garden. One of

develop a positive

Polly’s favorite memories is tending

“I have a sense of continuity when I’m

self-image and

the Lower School garden with her

here,” says Polly. “Not just in my work,

communicate with

students as they learned of her

but in the relationships I build. I feel

respect—the needs

passion for gardening.

as if it’s an ongoing experience my

of each child are

mother would have had.”

paramount to

“We’d be outside with the children

Polly. Judie Stolp,

and they would just drift into the

That ongoing experience is echoed

Head of the Lower

garden,” Polly remembers. “They’d be

when Polly joins students on tours

School from 1994 to 2002,

of historic downtown Hingham or

immediately saw that virtue permeate

walks in the Derby Day parade down

Polly’s interactions with the children.

Fearing Road, the same path her mother took years ago.

“I love the way Polly respected what people would do and what people

Four generations of Polly’s family

said,” says Stolp. “Her legacy is her

have intertwined with countless lives

ability to listen, to take what she

at Derby, but it was students who

had heard and use it in a respectful

first felt Polly’s impact at the school.

way, for children, for parents, and

Longtime friend Ellie Devine has

for her colleagues.”

been working with Polly for 45 years.

44

DERBY ACADEMY

“Above all,” says Devine, “she respects

Former Head of School Ed Foley

the child. She knows the way to guide

remembers Polly’s ability to teach

children from where they are to the

not only the standard lessons in


develop,” says Polly. “It’s so

school recognized Polly’s decades of

satisfying to still be able

service. To a standing ovation, the

to have a relationship and

school announced plans to construct

to feel like you know these

the Polly Rizzotto Greenhouse for

kids even though they’re 10

Teaching and Learning, the perfect

years older.” The multiple

combination of her passions.

levels of relationships have been hugely satisfying, she

Celebrating and enjoying the process

says. Rather than treating

of early childhood education, like

the children as simply five,

gardening, is essential for Polly.

six, or seven year-olds, Polly

There are setbacks, there are barriers,

thinks of her students as

but there are also successes. “If you

people in different stages in

think of a garden as only the product

their development. “It’s that

you’re going to get in the end, you’re

relationship piece,” she says. “I

going to have disappointments and

feel the respectful relationship

frustrations,” says Polly. “If you think

is more important than

of a garden as a process, and you

anything else.”

enjoy what you’re doing along the way, you get a result that’s terrific.”

In 2013, after years as a faculty member in pre-kindergarten and

Today, Derby Academy is in full

kindergarten, Polly transitioned

bloom. / / by CONNOR GLEASON

into an administrative role as the Head of the Primary and Lower School, leading a new generation of faculty members. And although Head of School Joseph Perry arrived at Derby just as Polly announced her retirement, it was clear to him that Polly’s influence on the community, academics

faculty, students, and the atmosphere

and arts at that age, but also how

of the school was profound.

to be good people and to be good to each other.

“Polly is one who cares not only about the faculty and the students,

“I used to love watching the kids

but really about culture. It’s a

throughout every year,” says Foley.

warm, welcoming environment and

“By the end of the year, they’d have so

that really stems from all of Polly’s

much more self-confidence than they

experience,” says Perry. “She’s all

ever had before thanks to Polly.”

about making sure students feel comfortable, making sure they are

For Polly, the joy in education is

developing appropriately and really

watching a child develop during

providing them the confidence and

his or her time at Derby. “You see

security to grow at their own pace.”

them bloom and their character

On the morning of Derby Day, the

SPRING // SUMMER 2016

45


M

Golf & Tennis Tournament ore than 150 guests gathered for

to connect with members of the Derby community

the Derby Academy Golf and Tennis

participating in golf and tennis: trustees, current and

Tournament at Black Rock Country Club

incoming parents, alumni, parents of alumni, current

in Hingham on May 31. It was a day full

and former grandparents, as well as current and

of friendly competition and wonderful opportunities

46

DERBY ACADEMY

former faculty and friends. / /


NEWS

SPRING // SUMMER 2016

47


Waters Reception Alumni from the Tom Waters era at Derby returned for a reception on May 5. Among the attendees were guests Ronnie Waters and former Heads of School Ed Foley and Debbie Callahan. / /

Celebrating our Leaders Derby Academy hosted its annual Leadership Reception at Tosca in Hingham on December 3. The event brought together 80 current and past parents, alumni, faculty, and friends to recognize and celebrate leadership donors for their generous and continued support of Derby. Trustee Hugh Kelly P’19 thanked the school’s donors for their amazing contributions, and spoke about the unparalleled educational experiences that the Annual Fund makes possible for Derby students. / /

48

DERBY ACADEMY MAGAZINE


E T H E DAT V E SA

AUCTION

a n d

r e c e p t i o n

at old derby academy

friday​, may 5, 2017

SPRING // SUMMER 2016

49


Sarah Pickering ’00 married Rob Gagliard on May 7, 2016, in Bretton Woods, NH.

NOTES

1940

1950

1960

art school for sculpture. My teacher was

great-granddaughter Aivree who is

Jordan Meads, presented us our fourth

Mr. Marzonine. He encouraged me to

five years old and has the smarts of an

grandchild, Joseph Alexander Meads on

be serious about my animal sculpture

eight-year-old according to her teachers.

July 16, 2015!

which was my specialty. I had several

Aivree lives in Laramie, Wyoming.

commissions after graduating. That is

I get to see her twice a year. We’re

why I am grateful to Derby Academy.”

pushing for Smith but maybe Stanford

1970

Claire Everett Low ’42 writes: “I got my start in art and went to post-graduate

Betsy Bohaker Wood ’56 writes: “I continue to be so proud of my beautiful

someday!” John Harper ’48 writes: “Have lived in London since 2004 with Audrey,

Sarah Hitchcock-De Gregori ’58 writes:

my wife of 58 years. Also living here in

“I’ve retired from Rutgers University.

London are our two daughters, each

Alessandro and I have moved to Lenox,

with two daughters of their own. Oldest

MA, where I will be writing a biography.

granddaughter is in her first year at

This past year has been a time of

Oxford, studying engineering. While

reconnecting with Derby friends, best

recently viewing the TV version of

of all.”

“John Adams,” when 1784 was flashed on the screen, I proudly thought of Derby.”

50

DERBY ACADEMY

Patricia Peacock Akstin ’65 writes: Our daughter and son-in-law, Amy and

Hope Swift ’71 writes: “Still managing Swift Yacht Charters (since 1987). Still married to Dudley Baker (since 1988). Daughter Bliss is 23. Still living in Sherborn. Still sail out of Padanaram, South Dartmouth.” Jonathan Woods ’78 is the newly installed President-General of the Society of the Cincinnati—a historic organization his family has been


involved with for years. Jon’s father

and museum at Anderson House in

in April’s edition of New Hampshire

received the Lafayette Eagle for

Washington, D.C.

Magazine. After graduating from Derby,

extraordinary service a few years

Liz went on to Hingham High School,

ago, and now he wears the original

Raymond Shaw ’79 writes: “After almost

graduated with honors in pre-med

Washington Diamond Eagle, which

29 years in the automotive field, I have

from Harvard University and then

French naval officers commissioned

begun a new career. I am working for

on to the University of Massachusetts

for George Washington in 1784 and

FedEx at Logan Airport. Airplanes

Medical School. She is board-certified in

became the badge of office of the

and airports have always been of great

Public Health and Preventive Medicine

Society’s president general. The Society

interest to me. I am part of a team that

and Family Medicine, and now serves

of the Cincinnati is the nation’s oldest

guides the aircraft in and out of the

as a nocturnist at the Elliot Hospital in

patriotic organization, founded in 1783

gates and downloads/uploads freight.

Manchester, NH. Liz and her husband,

by officers of the Continental Army and

I have been there three years now and

Pete, have three children and live in

their French counterparts who served

enjoy very much working outside with

Londonderry, NH.

together in the American Revolution.

the aircraft and with a great group of

Its mission is to promote knowledge

people. Hope everyone is well!”

Jodi Samuels ’87 writes: “I was

and appreciation of the achievement of

1980

promoted in August 2015 to Deputy

doctors in New Hampshire, voted

included a small-ship cruise with my

American independence and to foster fellowship among its members. Now a nonprofit educational organization devoted to the principles and ideals of its founders, the modern Society maintains its headquarters, library,

Liz Kilmartin Saich ’87 was recently named as one of the top hospitalist by her professional peers and listed

Director of Development & Training at the California Primary Care Association, and celebrated my fouryear anniversary at the end of January 2016. Travel adventures this year mom to the Scottish Isles & Norwegian SPRING // SUMMER 2016

51


Fjords with Smithsonian Journeys,

Orpheus and Eurydice, with the

Having played all four seasons on

and my spouse, Evan, and I took a

Opera Grand Rapids in Grand Rapids,

Harvard’s men’s lacrosse team, Will

tour of Costa Rica just after Christmas

Michigan. Please be sure to follow his

Walker ’07 had a banner year. He

in December.”

exciting work at www.zachfinkelstein.

was named the Ivy League Player of

com.

2000

the Week after setting a career-high

John Rounseville ’87 and wife Ann welcomed daughter Colette Lausier Rounseville on December 7, 2015. Colette joins sister Bree and brother Luke. Cara Marquis ’88 and husband Jim

in points—six goals and one assist—in a win over Princeton in April. The victory clinched a spot in the Ivy

Nina Stavris Davies ’01 and Charlie

League Tournament where Harvard

Davies celebrated the arrival of twin

was defeated by Yale in the first round.

boys, Rhys and Dakota, born on

Will finished his career with more

March 17, 2016.

than 100 points scored, and posted the

Mondani celebrated the arrival of

most goals scored by a Harvard student-

son Henry “Bo” Bosun Mondani, on

Matt Trevithick ’01 writes: “I’m

November 20, 2015.

1990

based in Turkey these days, working

May 20, 2016.

Amy Hollstein Wissman ’03 and

leave the program better than when we

Justin Wissman welcomed son

arrrived.” His younger brother Harry

Edward Dunn ’95 and Kim Chee:

Declan Robert Wissman, born on

’10, who also played along side him for

Gabriel Edward Dunn born on May

December 28, 2015.

two years at Thayer, joined him again

Tobey Horn ’93 and wife Delia

athlete that season.

on refugee issues with a company I

Tim Giarrusso ’08 finished his lacrosse

founded that runs needs assessments

career at Middlebury strong. In an

for the UN and NGOs, it’s all quite

interview with the Boston Globe, he

fascinating—if depressing—work.”

said, “We had an extremely strong

welcomed Elise Marie Horn, born on

group of seniors who worked hard to

7, 2016, joins three older sisters:

on the same team at Middlebury.

Cassandra (14), Alexandra (11) and

Dan Morrissey Martin ’06 left for

Rowan (6).

Zambia in February where he is a

Ann Marie Hanabury ’08 graduated

rural aquaculture volunteer for the

magna cum laude from Providence

Emmy Spenlinhauer ’96 and Jesse

Peace Corps. The province where he

College in May. She majored in

Wychules: Calvin H. Wychules born

is located has depleted farmland.

Finance and was inducted into the

on November 18, 2015.

He will be using his marine science

Beta Gamma Sigma National Business

degree from the University of Miami

Administration Honor Society.

Cory Cramer ’97 and Kate Fox: Willa

and his experience as an at-sea

Cramer born on March 30, 2016.

monitor with the New England

The Boston Globe recently released

fishing industry to build tilapia farms

its All-Scholastic list, which included

Zach Finkelstein ’98 (Tabor ’01, McGill

and give the people of Zambia an

Charlotte Allard ’12 (Notre Dame

’04) has quickly established himself

easy to manage, sustainable source of

Academy ’16); All-Scholastic Morgan

as a leading tenor soloist in North

protein.

Caron ’12 (Notre Dame Academy

America and abroad, from Seattle’s

’16); Eric Seewald ’12 (Duxbury High

Benaroya Hall to New York’s Lincoln

Melissa Bonn ’07 has moved to

School ’16); Amy Kirk ’12 (Hingham

Center to London’s Sadler’s Wells to

Baltimore, MD, after graduating in

High School ’16); Charlotte Bosworth

the National Art Center in Beijing,

May 2015 from Loyola University

’12 (Pembroke High School ’16); Mike

China. In early April, Zach played the

and is working in marketing at the

Durkin ’12 (Hingham High School ’16);

lead part of Orpheus in Christoph

Baltimore Sun.

and Maddie Dewire ’12 (Milton ’16).

Willibald Gluck’s baroque opera,

52

DERBY ACADEMY


Dave Potter ’65 with his mother Ruth Potter. Dave was in Hingham visiting his mother the same day lower school students sang for residents of the Allerton House.

It’s all smiles as the Oliver family was all together and spent their family vacation in Hawaii last December. (l-r) Ann Marie Oliver, Will Oliver ’06, Rob Oliver ’05, Lauren Oliver ’13, Ryan Oliver ’03, James Oliver, Scott Oliver.

Class of 2012 alumni gathered at the McOskers' in Nauset Beach—even the rain couldn’t keep them off the beach. (l-r): Will Chave, Zach Lowe, Avery Devlin, Graham Schwandt, Graham McOsker, Dak Ojuka, and Brendan Carroll.

Doyle Calhoun ’08 (Tabor ’12), a May graduate of Boston College, was awarded a J. William Fulbright grant. Doyle was a linguistics and French major at Boston College and will continue his work on a digitized language database of Niger-Congo languages at the University of Leuven in Belgium. The Fulbright program, established in 1946, is an international exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Government.

SPRING // SUMMER 2016

53


Last December, some Derby alums gathered for a festive photo. (l-r): Mike Fallon ’96, Michelle Buckley ’94, Kate Fallon ’94, Kate Scott Green ’94, Jon Winslow ’94, Rob Forker ’94.

Early this spring, Derby classmates Harry Giarrusso ’10 (Thayer ’14, Middlebury ’18) and Shawn Daly ’10 (Marshfield High School ’14, Bowdoin ’18) were re-united at a lacrosse game.

Members of the St. Paul's School’s FIRST Robotics team made history with its first-ever victory at the New England District ­University of New Hampshire Event in March. Team captain

SEND us your NOTES

Karlee Koswick ’12 led fellow Vidsters in the engineering challenge of wits and skills against other schools from across New England. The St. Paul's team then moved on to the New England

We want to know what's going on in your life, from college and career news, to birth and wedding announcments!

District Championship in Hartford, CT, in April.

Send your notes and photos to us at alums@derbyacademy.org.


BIRTHS

Bea Ghita Murphy ’97 and Brian Murphy celebrated the arrival of Madelyn Nicole Murphy, born on April 8, 2016.

Justin Coleman ’99 and Rachel Coleman welcomed Arthur Francis Coleman on March 30, 2016.

and Pat Hayes welcomed Samuel Rowe Hayes on March 17, 2016. (pictured: Sam and big brother Charlie).

Caroline Curtis Hayes ’99

Gardner Loring ’99 and Martha Loring welcomed Rose Leland Loring on December 21, 2015.

Kara Gaughen Smith ’99 and Damien Smith welcomed Conor Gregory Smith on February 4, 2016.

Emily Zildjian Hill ’97 and Lawrence Hill welcomed Lillian (Lily) Zildjian Hill born on January 4, 2016.

Birth annoucements that were received without accompanying photos are listed under “Class Notes.”

SPRING // SUMMER 2016

55


WEDD ①

Lee Sargent ’93 and Toviah

Amanda Brophy ’03 and Josh

Andrew Mayer ’99 to Veronica

Tivoli, NY.

Gonya on June 4, 2016, in Scituate, MA.

Mendiola on February 6, 2016, in Miami Beach. They met at Wharton while earning their

③ ④

Narva on May 21, 2016, in

MBAs and were engaged in Siasconset on Nantucket in 2014. They live and work in New York City.

Emily Lamb ’04 and Franco

Lauren Cahill ’00 to Will Davis

Mattera on January 9, 2016, in Boston.

on October 24, 2015, in San Francisco, CA. (l-r) Mark Cahill, Will Davis, Lauren Cahill Davis, Jane Cahill, Dave Cahill ’04.

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DERBY ACADEMY


DINGS Michelle Ricketts ’99 to Gregg

Woodworth on October 23, 2015, in Buzzards Bay, MA. Lucas (age 9),

Michelle, Gregg, Andrew (age 13). Faculty Member Michele Fedele to Jeff Dodge on June 4, 2016, in Dennis, MA. Hans “Toffer” Noering ’03 to Andrea Martorello on June 18, 2016, in Cohasset, MA. Longtime Derby friend

⑦ ⑧

Ned MacPherson ’03 was best man. Photo: Charlie Juliet Joe Comras ’05 to Audrey Mcgonicle on May 14, 2016, in Washington, DC.

Peter Lamb ’04 and Erin Coffey on June 18, 2016, in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Kate Lenehan ’99 to Greg Perez on December 15, 2015.


MEMORIAM Derby Academy wishes to express its sincere condolences to the family and friends of the following:

William Guild ’42

Samuel Sylvester ’51

December 13, 2015

August 9, 2015 Sam grew up in Norwell, and after

Bill was born in Boston and grew up and lived most of

Derby, graduated from St. Paul’s

his life in Hingham. After Derby, he graduated from

School and then Middlebury

Phillips Exeter Academy and then Harvard University.

College. Subsequently, Sam became

He was a good student and athlete and played varsity

an accomplished insurance agent

soccer and lacrosse at both institutions. In addition,

and financial advisor —he founded

he was captain of his wrestling team at Exeter and was

Sylvester Associates, a retirement

awarded the Yale Cup as the outstanding athlete of the

and insurance planning firm,

class of 1942.

with his sons in 1994. Sam was an athlete, coach, adventurer and

Bill served in the Navy during WWII as an ensign

great friend. After college he drove

aboard a Landing Ship Tank in the Pacific Theater. He

a motorcycle across the country and later rode his bicycle

married Barbara Connolly in 1950 and together they

from Seattle to Atlantic City for the benefit of the American

raised three children (two of them attended Derby:

Lung Association. Sam loved being on the water, sailing

William Guild ’66 and Peter Guild ’69). With the

and racing along the east coast and to Bermuda, Portugal,

enthusiastic help of his wife, Bill imparted his love of

and the Caribbean. He was an avid skier and traveled the

the outdoors, athletics, and the importance of learning

world with family and friends, leaving his mark along the

to his children.

way with his charm, wit and generosity. Sam is survived by his wife of 53 years; his four sons and daughters-in-law; his nine grandchildren; his brothers, Jim ’55 and John ’59; and many Sylvester cousins and wonderful friends.

58

DERBY ACADEMY


Martin “Marty” Lynch May 23, 2016 Marty passed away this spring after battling cancer. While he enjoyed a distinguished career at many professional Boston theatres, his greatest passion was teaching students of all ages. While his time at Derby was short, his impact was profound. He taught lighting and sound design in the Larson Hall control booth, and worked closely with the sixth grade during the “Lion King JR.” Marty is survived by his wife, Ann, children James and Sam, and mother, Dorothy. John Sadler P’99,’02,’06 January 17, 2016 Father to Jennifer ’99, Elizabeth ’02, and Christopher ’06. John served on the Board of Trustees from 1999 to 2006.

John Sargent ’90

In thanks for his generosity, two areas in the Roy Campus

February 3, 2016 John passed away unexpectedly at the age of 41. He was the beloved son of Frances Sargent of Charlottesville, VA, and David Sargent of Hingham; and loving brother to Lee ’93 and Tyler Sargent ’93, John was raised in Hingham and graduated from Thayer Academy. Alice Louise (MacArthur) Scholtes April 28, 2016 Alice was the beloved mother to Christopher ’74 and Peter ’75. She taught art at Derby for 25 years, and until her death, was the school’s oldest living faculty member.

Center are named for the Sadler family—the Sadler Conference Room and the Sadler Fitness Center. John Riley P’91,’98, ’04,’06 April 8, 2016 John was the father of Marie Riley Woollacott ’91, Jason Riley ’98, Benjamin Riley ’04, and Nathan Riley ’06. He was president of F. Riley Construction, which has generously donated its services to Derby over the years. Charles “Chip” Flaherty P’11,’13 April 9, 2016 Father to Charles ’11 and Audrey ’13, Chip was a great friend and loyal supporter of the school, serving on Derby’s Annual Fund Committee in 2005. He is survived by his children and his wife, Rebecca.

Louise was a wonderful woman who will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.

SPRING // SUMMER 2016

59


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