York School Break 2011

the magazine for yorkies | York school

global conversations

break2011

York york.org 1

break2011 global conversations

York parent and astronaut Dr. Jim Newman provided “Reflections on Human Spaceflight” at York’s Fall 2010 “Think Forward Forum.”

Story on page 15 Photos courtesy of NASA

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the magazine for Yorkies 2011 break is published by the

York Advancement Office.

Chuck Harmon, Head of School chuck@york.org

Kristine Edmunds Director of Advancement kedmunds@york.org

Kevin Brookhouser Advancement Associate for Communications kbrookhouser@york.org

SHIRLEY COLY Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Fund scoly@york.org

Michelle Manos Director of Communications Editor and Designer, break mmanos@york.org

Jennifer Miller Advancement Services Coordinator jmiller@york.org

Erinn Scott Donor Relations Coordinator escott@york.org

Special thanks to Stephanie Regevig and Catha Smith.

Thanks to all who have contributed to break.

We enjoy hearing from you.

Please send your comments, letters, and news to alumni@york.org.

Visit us at york.org

York 9501 York Road Monterey, CA 93940 831.372.7338 break2011

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CHUCK HARMON, YORK HEAD OF SCHOOL

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I am happy to report that all is well on the sunny York hilltop and beyond. As the cover photo suggests and the stories within these pages illustrate, York students, graduates, and teachers are continuing York’s great tradition of excellence not only here on campus; they are doing so all over the world.

York’s mascot is the Peregrine Falcon, and since “peregrine” means wanderer, it’s not surprising that York Falcons are traveling the world.

They are researching and reaching out, studying and stretching, exploring the frontiers of knowledge, and probing the depths of human experience. “Diverse, creative, independent thinkers” indeed!

In this magazine you will read about photographers and entrepreneurs, astronauts and teachers, travelers in Turkey, China, India, Japan, and all over Europe. They are building on their York experience and applying the lessons they learned here to the global garden. Among those lessons are that crosspollination can stimulate growth and that respecting diversity is part of a healthy culture. The unique culture of this great school welcomes diversity, inspires passion, and encourages both personal and professional growth.

Each year recent alumni return to campus for an all-school gathering; this wonderful event is featured in this issue of Break. As the article describes, we all benefit from the stories told about college and about life. The message from the far frontier is clear—students go forward from York not only academically wellprepared, but ready to embark on great adventures, grounded in remarkable relationships with teachers who inspire a confidence and awareness that translate into a willingness to engage with the world without fear.

The world for which we are preparing students is changing rapidly, but we remain committed to important shared values. As alumni, parents, grandparents, and friends of York, you are a vital part of our community. We hope you will visit campus sometime soon to see for yourself how high and fast and far York Falcons fly.

4 Chuck Harmon 4 From the Hill 6 York in the World 10 York Alumni Overseas 14 Think Forward Forum 16 Bravo Seniors

19 Class of 2011 College Admittances 20 Onward to Cal and Stanford 22 Senior Wingspan 24 Alumni Giving Back: 2011 Auction Gala

25 Campus Renovations 26 Alumni College Panel 27 Washington, DC Alumni Mixer 27 Alumni Reunions 30 The Three R’s of Dr. Pucci

35 Welcome, John Daniel 36 Trustee Transitions 38 Remembering Peggy Bates 39 In Memoriam

York

In May

York seniors Matthew Ryan ‘11, Ryan Batterman ‘11, and Julian Brown ‘11 placed first, second, and third respectively in Calculus BC, earning York the first place team award at the Monterey County Mathletics Competition at the Naval Postgraduate School. • Three Yorkies received gold medals in the National Spanish Exam.

• Erika Kreeger ’11 was awarded a $5,000 eQuality Scholarship for her service to the LGBTQ community. She is one of only 15 students in California to earn this distinction. • Once again, York students distinguished themselves for their academic excellence in the National Latin Exam. This year York attained a higher level with even more students winning acclamation, as well as two perfect exams by Chris Calciano ’14 and Roland Centeno ’13. • Evan Coleman ‘14 was featured on KION/Fox Early Morning in April about his eWaste community service project. • Julian Brown ‘11 and Perry Choi ‘11 were named as candidates in the 2011 Presidential Scholars Program. They were the only students selected from Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties. • Thirty Yorkies went to the United Kingdom

from thehill YORK

during spring break for a tour of London

olds. He recently finished in the top 10

runner at York in

and Edinburgh. • Alison Harley ‘15

for the Northern California Sectional

decades. • Jordan

was the York School 2011 Spelling Bee

Championships in the 16 and under

Adams ‘12 won

champion.• Marina Nogueira ‘11 was

division. • Teo Lamiot ‘11, Hussein

First Prize at the

a national winner of the National Center

Elbakri ‘11, and Perry Choi ‘11 were

Paderewski Piano

for Women in Technology (NCWIT)

awarded Golden Gavels at the Junior

Competition.

Award for Aspirations

State of America Northern

• Representing the York School Table

in Computing. Kendall

California State Convention,

Tennis Club, Josh Kim ‘11 and Rasheed

Ronzano ‘13 received

“Energizing America,” held in

Alhadi ‘11 earned first place and 2nd

a Local/Regional Award

November in Santa Clara. • Perry

place, respectively, in the Teen category at

from NCWIT. • Fifteen

Choi ‘11 received the award

2010 Summer Cypress Table Tennis Open.

Yorkies participated in the

for Outstanding Philanthropic

• The York Boys

Junior State of America’s

Youth for 2010 at the 19th

Cross Country Team

Winter Congress 2011

Annual National Philanthropy

finished among

in Sacramento

Day Celebration for the Central Coast

the top ten in the

in February. •

last fall. This marks the third year in a

State. They also won

Mollie Mustoe ’13

row and the fifth time in seven years

the CCS Division V

collected, folded,

that a York student has won this award,

Championship Title

and distributed

more than any other local school. • The

for the second year

almost 1,000

York School Track Team had its finest

in a row. Both the Boys and Girls teams

blankets and towels

performance

won the Mission Trail Athletic League

to local shelters and

in the past 20

(MTAL) Championship Titles. On an

veterinary clinics in Monterey and San

years. Almost

individual level, James Palanuik ’11 took

Benito counties, with the help of her

all of the York

first place in CCS Division V for a second

fellow Yorkies and students from San

track and field

year in a row. Jeff Pawling ‘11, Graham

Benancio Middle School. • Erica

athletes who ran

Hogg ‘11, Will Shearer ‘12 and Josh

Klein ‘15, tenor saxophone, was

at the Mission

Kim ‘11 finished in the top seven. The

accepted into the Monterey Jazz

Trail Athletic League Championships

Varsity Boys almost swept

Festival (MJF) Middle School Honor

set personal records. Nine of them

the top five MTAL titles,

Band; Sam Griffin-Ortiz ‘14 is the

qualified for the Central Coast Section

taking the 1st, 3rd, 4th,

alternate guitar player

Semi-Finals. Drake Wilson ’11

and 5th spots. The Varsity

for the MJF High School

was once again the MTAL’s fastest

Girls crowded the list with

Honor Band. • Josh

man, winning the 100 and 200

Carly Armstrong ’11 and

Pompan ‘14 continues

meter dashes for the second year

Gabby Micheletti ’12

to be ranked in the

in a row. Will Shearer ‘12 ran a

taking the 1st and 4th spots in the MTAL.

top 50 tennis players

winning 1:59.16 in the 800 meter

• Visit york.org/blog for more York

nationally for 14-year-

run, the first sub two-minute

news, stories, and events! y o r k . o r g break2011

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inthe world YORK

It’s a small, small world—and it’s getting smaller, and flatter, all the time. As the distances between people and nations shrink, the importance of being prepared to navigate a global future grows. At York, that means taking a world view: building on our tradition of multi-cultural awareness, academic exploration, and service to others to find ways to connect with and relate to people around the globe.

In the next few pages, you’ll read about the many ways that members of the York community—faculty, students, and alumni—are living, working, and studying in countries near and far (mostly far!), sharing their interests and talents at the world table and helping to prepare the next generation of global citizens.

by KEVIN BROOKHOUSER • In April of 2005 New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman declared to the world that it was flat.

professor in Shanghai while traveling in China. When I told him that I was a humanities teacher in California, he invited me for coffee. When I asked him what he thought my students needed to know to stay competitive in this globalized world, I was surprised to hear him say, “Keep teaching poetry.”

In his book The World is Flat Friedman asserts that the massive investment in broadband technology His point wasn’t that an explosion in American poetry would rise up against during the dot-com boom had leveled the economic the manufacturing might of the Chinese. He simply believed that students who playing field for people around the world so that an anonymous accountant in Bangalore could compete Kevin brookhouser at the Googleplex in Mountain View, with one in Carmel for filing my taxes. This applied where he earned his Google Trainer Certification to a wide variety of professions from radiologists to software engineers.

The message from Friedman to young Americans planning to enter the job market was clear­—that hyper-globalization is going to bring about some serious competition. In the past, the B student in California had an advantage over the A student in Shanghai. Now that advantage has narrowed, if not closed.

Since reading his book, I have been focused on figuring out how educators can help students prepare for this new flat world. In 2009, I met a 6

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One of the many classrooms brookhouser visited while in the Middle East.

These students are learning English and Arabic. knew how to understand and create poetry could solve problems in innovative ways.

I looked back at Friedman’s book and didn’t see poetic studies as the solution to the Flat World, but he does suggest that students focus on careers that cannot be automated by machines. While IBM’s Watson may be able to beat Ken Jennings at Jeopardy!, I suspect it takes the mind of a poet to help write Watson’s remarkable languagedecoding software.

While the English teacher in me was encouraged to hear that poetry still matters, I doubted that it was the only solution my students needed to thrive in this rapidly changing world. So when I was given the opportunity to further my professional

development through a sabbatical, I decided I needed to travel some more and answer more questions about this flat world.

I applied to and was accepted into a teacher development program that invited educators from around the world to experience the culture of a high-tech company that wanted to share what they have learned about where they thought our world was headed. It was hosted by a company named Google. You may have heard of it.

Fifty teachers met on the Google campus in London on Buckingham Palace Road for the Google Teacher Academy. Before we were escorted up to the conference room, we were required to sign a non-disclosure agreement. At some point during the sessions

we might be given confidential information, and by signing the agreement, we were contractually obliged to keep that information secret. I’d love to pretend that I hold some secret Google knowledge that the world is dying to hear, but I don’t. While I was excited to learn of a few new things Google had planned, they’ve all since been publicly announced.

(PLCs), are gaining traction, and many regard them as an essential tool to combat the isolation teachers can often experience in their classrooms.

One other fascinating element I learned from being on the Google campus was how much autonomy they give their employees. All Google engineers are allowed to pursue a “20% Time Project.” A full fifth of their time on the clock can be spent working on any project of their choosing. Google’s After I returned to California, I began to realize that massively popular the main benefit of the experience wasn’t actually email service, Gmail, the information I learned. It was the community is just one product of I joined. My classmates included teachers from the 20% program.

Arizona, Wales, Cairo, and Indonesia, and they are a Google understands pretty wired bunch. We’ve been in constant contact that radical autonomy online since. We also joined the hundreds of other breeds motivation and Google Certified Teachers in an online community, innovation, and I believe and to this day we’re constantly exchanging ideas we can learn from and providing teaching tips and solutions. These Google by offering our types of communities of like-minded professionals, students more autonomy often labeled Professional Learning Communities The Academy itself consisted of session after session of inspiring speakers­­—educators, engineers, and product managers­—talking about how so much innovation on the web can lead to greater access to knowledge and opportunity for students and teachers to collaborate outside of the classroom.

By the end of the sessions, my brain had reached over-capacity, and I was eager to share what I had learned with other teachers and students. There was so much great stuff out there to learn, and so many innovative ways to learn it.

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in what they learn and how they learn it.

between industrialized and developing nations.

There was a great deal Through the connections of representation among I made in my PLC leaders from Gulf states network, I was invited to who recognize that attend “The Education their oil-rich economies Project,” sponsored need to strengthen

by Prince Salman bin their human resources Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, through education Crown Prince of Bahrain before their natural and Chairman of the resources run dry.

Economic Development Board. Of course, while I spent a couple of I’m writing this, the days visiting students, Prince’s government teachers, and principals is under a great deal in the United Arab of pressure from Emirates, hoping to the protests that are bring back to York sweeping through the some understanding of Middle East, fueled by how we’re preparing the new communication our students for this tools provided by the globalized society.

Internet, but that’s a whole different story.

There are many differences between The conference brought York and the boys’ and educators from around girls’ schools I visited the world to discuss in Al Ahn. My meeting solutions to problems with the principal of the such as the academic girls’ school represents achievement gap the first time I had a

conversation with a woman wearing a niqab (a traditional veil that covers the face). I expected that thin black fabric to serve as a barrier to communication, but as we talked what became clear was that we were teachers living in the same world, looking for the best for our students.

know. Round characters are the ones who are fully developed. Fully human.

When we think about people of a different I brought home with me a stuffed camel that grunts culture we often when you press his hump, some dinars that I’ve yet think about their flat to convert into dollars, and a much more complex representations. I believe and softened opinion on Middle Eastern culture. that technology allows us to connect with My sabbatical is over, and I am thrilled to be back at people around the world York, a place that feels very much like home to me. in ways never before However, my connections with all of the different possible and to get to people I met on my travels remain intact. Through know them in a way email, Facebook, and twitter, I have maintained that is deeply human. connection with this global learning community, Technology may make the and I look forward to connecting my students with globalized marketplace that community. economically flat, but I have learned that it can For English teachers, the terms ‘flat’ and ‘round’ also make people on the have multiple meanings. When we talk about other side of the world characters in literature we often label them on a less anonymous, less spectrum between flat and round. Flat characters flat; more human, more are those who are round.” simply characterized to comfortably fit our Under Kevin’s guidance, expectations­—the evil York sophomores met villain wearing a black with a U.S. diplomat hat and waxy moustache, stationed in Doha, Qatar the damsel in... well, you in May via Skype.

SHAUN CHUNG ‘11 A native of Hong Kong, Shaun embarked on a global adventure in the summer of 2010 that took him to the Baowuting Elementary School in Guangfeng County, Shangrao, Jiangxi province, China. “This area of China is much poorer than Shanghai or any of the coastal cities that benefitted greatly from international trade over the years. As such, the schools are not funded well; the students are generally underprivileged and come from low income families.”

Shaun was sponsored by a company that facilitates the learning of English with a Multimedia Print Reader (MPR) that scans a special code on paper and plays the corresponding audio file, thus enabling Chinese students to learn English with proper pronunciation. Shaun is quite clear that even such clever tools as the MPR cannot replace human teachers, 8

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Shaun Chung’s class: the Baowuting Elementary School in Guangfeng County, Shangrao, Jiangxi province, China

Istanbul spice market • photo by Abby Drivdahl but together the job can be accomplished.

“I am determined that when I become better at Mandarin (Shaun’s first language is Japanese), I will return to the same elementary school for a longer time to teach.The students and teachers I met during my stay were all very welcoming, and I look forward to seeing them again.” Shaun will attend Connecticut College in the fall.

“My trip to Istanbul in the spring opened my eyes and my curiosity to an entirely new world.

I’ve always been fascinated by the Middle East, historically, culturally, and currently, and having the opportunity to visit one of those countries was incredible.

“I worked my experiences into my classes. For example, we spent two days on the successes and failures of the Ottoman Empire, and I’ve shared stories of Suleiman the Magnifient and Roxelana, coupled with pictures of their tombs and my own experiences with the food they ate.

“One of my primary interests in world history is the misconceptions that have arisen about certain cultural aspects; I’ve taken several classes centered on myths, legends, and stereotypes, and I was ABBY DRIVDAHL thrilled to debunk some of the more common Turkish misunderstandings. My students discussed York history teacher some of their preconceived notions about harems, Abby Drivdahl spent hamams, and hookahs, and then we discussed seven days in Istanbul what they are really like—and how the Western last fall and didn’t interpretation is often far from the truth. I could waste a minute. She attended the symposium never have had the chance to do so otherwise.

“Byzantine and Ottoman “I attended a surprisingly solemn whirling dervish Civilizations in World ceremony, which I later re-enacted with my History,” sponsored by Istanbul Sehir University students. I haggled for spices in the Spice Market and scarves in the Grand Bazaar—in Japanese, and the World History no less, since Japanese tourists are so common Association. The that all the merchants have learned to speak the meeting explored the historical significance of language with ease.”

Byzantine and Ottoman civilizations, 330-1922.

view from Wallace Monument, STIrling, Scotland • photo by Carrie holt ‘11 CARRIE HOLT ’11 Carrie attended the Scottish Studies Summer Programme at the University of St. Andrews in the summer of 2010.

“For four amazing weeks, I spent half of my time in lectures with poets and professors, and the other half exploring both on my own and in prearranged excursions around the country.”

They also toured archaeological sites in Fife, and saw such sights as the Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument, and the site of the battle of Bannockburn. Evenings were spent reading and doing homework.

“This is not to suggest that it was all work and no play. One of my favorite memories is of a night that we all came together for a ceilidh, an event akin to a square dance. Three hours of whirling each other around the dance floor to the sound of the caller and the live musicians.”

Exhausting, yes—but great fun. Carrie will

There were forty students from around the world on the expedition. Their mornings were spent in a small lecture hall a fifteen-minute walk from their dorms. They attend Oberlin College in had lectures on Scotland the fall. in the Dark Ages and Scottish literature.

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alumni overseas YORK

Perhaps proof-positive—and then some—of York’s global reach is an address book of its alums. Former York students live all over the world and are engaged in a wonderfully rich variety of enterprises.

They may be conducting research, teaching, selling, volunteering, or some combination of the above. But what they all have in common is that they are still learning, and the thrill of their lives is clear in their individual stories. Some of their accounts are daunting. Would you want to spend much of your time underwater? How would you feel about being in Japan at the time of the tsunami and nuclear crisis?

Imagine being a pioneer in biotech sales throughout Europe.

These are some of the fascinating, personal, and unique stories that York alums are sharing in this issue of Break.

A

Delhi, India

ARTHUR DUDNEY ’01

Aviva Goldman-Lacey ’75, from the york yearbook

A

Sydney, Australia

Aviva GoldmanLacey ’75

Doctor, Lawyer, Investment

at York, other languages—in my case Latin, Greek,

Aviva Goldman-Lacey is an

Banker...how about

and German—were, and I learned how to think

excellent example of the

about language because of my teachers.”

reach of York School. She lives

Philologist? That’s what Arthur Dudney has chosen as a profession. Don’t go

half-way around the world, in

running for a dictionary: it means that he

Although his research in India is primarily in Persian,

Sydney, Australia. If you want to

studies the cultural history of language.

he feels considerable gratitude “to Mr. Sturch

have live contact with her from

Arthur is studying in Delhi, India on a

and other teachers for inspiring me years ago to

Monterey, you’ll need to add 17

Fulbright research grant, working toward

see language study as more than just a means to

hours to California time.

a doctorate. What got him interested

an end.” Halfway around the world, living and

in philology? “I occasionally think, as

working in a country and culture far from York

Aviva and her husband own

I’m sitting here in India, that all of my

School, Arthur is bringing people together through

and operate a gift shop that

research here really started at York. Even

his understanding of different languages.

supplies Australian-made

though Persian and Hindi weren’t offered

handcrafts and goods. “We

Arthur Dudney ‘01 on a Fulbright research grant in Lodi Gardens, Delhi, india

are able to support and mentor young and old in producing quality goods and to train both young and mature retail staff to

I occasionally think, as I’m sitting here in India, that all of my research here really started at York.

Arthur Dudney ‘01

function and thrive in this and subsequent employment. We are fortunate to serve the local and international community, and we interact with people from all over the world on a personal level.”

Aviva has lived abroad for more than half her life —32 years.

Binzee Gonzalvo ’91 with his Intercultural Communications class at Japan Hotel School in 2010 What does she miss from the States?

he says, “I am reminded of Japan’s group-

Binzee has been acknowledged by the

“Besides family—Grape Nuts, Red’s

oriented culture and tendencies to avoid

Lance Armstrong Foundation as one of

Donuts, and graham crackers.”

uncertainty and seek harmony.” He adds,

250 LIVESTRONG leaders worldwide. He

“I continue to be amazed and amused

was recently asked by the Foundation

As she looks back at what York did to

when a group of students­—even business

to be the first LIVESTRONG leader to be

help prepare her for her life today, her

people in their 50s—ends up deciding

featured in their newsletter.

view is similar to many alums: “I had the

something by rock-paper-scissors.”

opportunity to work closely with students

“If not for York,” Binzee says, “I would

from a wide variety of backgrounds in an

Tokyo is special. “I love its beautiful blend

most likely not be in Japan. York opened

environment of academic openness and

of tradition and modernity; temples and

my eyes to a wider world. While all my

equality that fit into my life and ethos.

shrines can be seen alongside skyscrapers.

friends at other high schools in Salinas

It was an extension of my own family’s

I love its convenience, with its clean and

were looking at local schools in California,

beliefs.”

reliable public transportation system. I

a University of Pennsylvania recruiter who

have close access to just about anything.

visited York encouraged me to attend the

What was special about her education at

I am only a five-minute walk from my

Wharton School of Business. Wharton’s

York? “The individual attention I received

doctor, my son’s nursery school, two

focus is on globalization, and I decided

from dedicated and intelligent educators

supermarkets, the post office, a bunch of

to study Japanese. My international life

prepared me for life.”

delicious restaurants, and at least seven

started there.

convenience stores.”

B

“Of course, York’s strong academic Tokyo, Japan

In January 2008, at the age of 35, Binzee’s

program helped me to succeed at the

BINZEE GONZALVO ’91

life was flipped upside down when he

University of Pennsylvania, with cum

York School’s cosmopolitan

was diagnosed with blood cancer that

laude honors. But looking back, the small,

character is quite evident

required immediate treatment, consisting

close-knit York community—a family

in Binzee Gonzalvo. He has traveled to

of chemotherapy and the “wonder

atmosphere in which we help one another

more than 25 countries around the world.

drug” monoclonal antibody Rituxa. After

and our surrounding community—had an

Today he lives in Tokyo with his Japanese

six months, his cancer was in complete

even greater impact on me.

wife, whom he married in Nairobi, and

remission, increasing his chances of

their four-year-old son.

prolonged disease-free survival. “My task now,” Binzee says, “is to manage my new

Binzee teaches inter-cultural communications

‘normal’ lifestyle and future treatments, if

to Japanese students, a position in which

necessary, to live 20+ years. My wife and son are all the motivation I need.”

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y o r k . o r g 11

college work in the upper division classes.

continued

Aside from the technical preparation, “Even 20 years after graduation I felt

sitting next to that map in the German

that same support from former teachers

classroom must also have mentally

and schoolmates, as well as from new

prepared me for my future life in Europe.”

administrators, when they learned that I had been diagnosed with cancer.”

J

Of the tragic earthquake to the north, he said, “I honestly thought our apartment would collapse. Fortunately, there was no

Paris, France

Jordan Moore ’01 Jordan works in Paris for Fluidigm, a South

real damage to our place, and because

San Francisco-based biotech firm. The

I was home at the time of the quake, I

company has just gone public, and Jordan

could pick up our son from his nursery

is on a rocket. He learned French at York

school. Trains were out of service for the

from Mr. Pucci.

rest of that day, so my wife, like many other Japanese, spent the night at the office. A few days later when traces of radioactivity were detected in Tokyo, my son and I spent a week with the in-laws

Kimo Logan ‘84 (left) and Albion Butters ‘84 on a recent trip to Russia

in Toyohashi, 150 miles away from the

the Hungarian Constitution. The new one

Fukushima nuclear plants just to be on the

comes into force New Year’s Day 2012.

safe side.”

Most of his work involves economics and finance. He benefits from experience in

If there is one note that makes clear how

the field of macro-economics, applying

Binzee feels about what York contributed

his knowledge to the workings of the

to his life, it was this closing thought. “My

bond market, investment funds, and

family and I plan to return to California

other economic topics. His comments on

for our son’s high school years, so maybe

the role of York in his life today are most

another Gonzalvo will attend York.”

telling.

“I went from being a bright, curly-

K

Sopron, Hungary

haired, freckled outsider in 9th grade to

Kendall ‘KIMO’ Logan ’84

being a bright-eyed, long-haired, freak

Kimo is a professional

This did not seem to phase any of my

hippie outsider in the span of about year.

translator living in Hungary, where he has

teachers, though, who took it all in stride.

been for most of the past two decades.

Obviously, in retrospect, they’d seen it all

He is multi-lingual, but his primary work

before. They nurtured me where I showed

has been translating Hungarian and

promise, and gently prodded me along in

German to English. He likes Eastern

subjects in which I showed little aptitude.

Europe. “The people of Hungary are wonderful, and the food is delicious,

“York certainly formed the basis for my

albeit not always healthy by California

later work, insofar as I took German,

standards. The living costs in Hungary are

French, and Latin there. My German

generally lower, too.”

teacher, Frau Vasvary, patiently endured me from German 2 to German 5 AP,

Kimo’s work has taken on historic

laying a strong foundation for my

proportions, literally. One of the most

university studies. I essentially started my

important jobs he did was a translation of

JORDAN MOORE ‘01 picking Chardonnay grapes in Burgundy for the harvest “What was so strong about the program at York was that you were forced to speak it, which meant that you started thinking in the language.” He took some French classes at UC Davis, but people were “speaking English half the time and I didn’t get anything out of it. You don’t get confident with the language that way.” He learned French so thoroughly at York, he’s not had any problem getting around in France.

His work involves selling genetic research tools, particularly “chips that enable people to perform their research easier

Julia Stewart ’00 and colleague conduct a Reef Check Survey near the Thai island of Koh Tao. and more sensitively.” His company serves

judged on what we were doing. It gave us

Unfortunately, these vital coral reefs are

a wide range of customers from seed

confidence.”

being destroyed through over-fishing. One popular fishing method is using dynamite,

producers to university researchers to the Jordan reports two important

which not only kills all of the fish in the

developments in his life interests since

area­—regardless of their usability—but

It’s a global business. “My territory is

moving to Europe. One is that he has

also damages the reefs which have taken

anywhere I can get to more easily than

discovered an interest in beers. He says he

hundreds of years and longer to build.

my American or Asian colleagues.” That

might even open a brewery one day.

National Institutes of Health.

Julia also has been witness to considerable

includes all of Europe and the Middle East. He’s been as far east as Moscow and

And the other is that he met his girlfriend,

destruction of the reefs through

is setting up a new client in South Africa.

who is from Burgundy. After commuting

bleaching, a result of global warming.

But most of his business is in Western

back and forth between Paris and Lyon,

Her travels began this year in Thailand,

Europe, because that’s where the money

she has moved to Paris.

where she received

is for research. One of the most important

her Advanced

factors in his success has been to quickly

Open Water

understand the cultural differences that exist in every market. According to Jordan, it’s not something that can be taught; it needs to be picked up intuitively

J

Southeast Asia

Certification and

JULIA STEWART ’00

Reef Check EcoDiver

Julia Stewart takes seriously

training. She has since

the idea that we are the

taken a Marine Management course,

stewards of the Earth, on the land and,

and participated in an eco-internship,

particularly, from her perspective, in the

performing daily dives to retrieve data on

York has been critically important for

oceans. She went to Southeast Asia in

the coral nurseries and health of the reefs.

Jordan. He particularly appreciated that

January 2011 on a five-month volunteer

She moved on to Indonesia’s Bali and

“Open-mindedness was promoted. It

expedition focused on coral reef

Komodo Island (home of the infamous

gave me the opportunity to stick with

restoration projects. She notes, “Tropical

dragons) to work on coral nurseries and

what I wanted to do. You could be in

coral reefs are the lungs of the earth and

BioRock, an electrified artificial reef that

the orchestra and still be on the soccer

provide an indispensable habitat for fish

facilitates coral growth and enhances the

team. We weren’t held back. We weren’t

and invertebrates that constitute 25% of

growth of aquatic organisms.

by meeting people.

all marine life.”

break2011

y o r k . o r g 13

y

THINK F O RWA R D FORUM SERIES York’s “Think Forward

think forwardforum YORK

Y

You may think a picture is worth a thousand words, but if you look up the

Forum” series began

quote in Bartlett’s, you will discover

in the Fall of 2008

that the original expression was that

in conjunction with the school’s Fiftieth Anniversary. Now conducted twice each year—once in the fall, and once in the spring—the Forum series features both a presentation to students and a free public event.

Speakers have included Rafe Mazzeo ’78, Chair

“a picture is worth ten thousand words.” Another way to discover this

Through a Black and White Lens • The Documentary Photojournalism of Ian MartiN ’90 April 15, 2011

truth is to look at the photographs of Ian Martin ’90.

some distance between himself and his subjects.

A former staff photographer for

He noted that York was

The Virginian-Pilot, Virginia’s largest

good for him in that regard,

newspaper, he’s also shot for

because he was allowed to

Newsweek, The New Yorker, and

be himself, to explore who

Rolling Stone, among others. He’s

he was, and to discover who he wanted to be. “People at York

been internationally recognized for

were always eager to accept you for who you were,” he said.

his work, and in 2008 he received

When he returned to York this spring, he observed that York

a Getty Images Grant for Editorial

continues to promote individuality, a quality he values highly.

Photography to shoot his highly acclaimed black and white project,

He talks with and gets to know his subjects, allowing them

“Hidden Minority: South Africa’s

to get comfortable with him, so that later he can pick up the

White Poor.”

camera and photograph them doing naturally what they would be doing, without their being overly self-conscious.

of the Mathematics Department at Stanford, Ben Jealous ’90, President and CEO

of the NAACP, and National Geographic Emerging Explorer and Marine Biologist Tierney Thys.

Asked how it is that he got into photography, Ian said he was always

“The camera creates separation between my subjects and me,

pretty much of a shy, even awkward

but it also provides a chance to be with people.”

person, and the camera would often act as something of a shield, putting

continued

Border fence in Pima County, Arizona

©

Ian Martin

At the Forum, students were captivated and asked questions about composition, why he chose black-and-white as a medium, building subjects’ trust, and the emotions involved in photographing difficult scenes.

I

If you looked

astronaut Jim Newman works on the International Space Station in 1998, marking the shuttle fleet’s first space station assembly mission.

at Jim Newman’s

bio, you’d be mightily impressed. The resume cites his credentials with NASA as an astronaut, a veteran of four space flights with more than 43 days and 17 million miles in space. He

Reflections on Human Spaceflight • YORK PARENT, Astronaut DR. Jim Newman OCTOBER 28, 2010

that long to find the right selection committee.”

that, because intelligent

He added an important lesson: “Just because

species don’t cause their

you don’t get what you want the first time you

own demise. You’d be in

try something doesn’t mean there’s something

line for the Darwin Award

wrong with you. Perserverance pays off. If you

if you did yourself in.”

have a dream, perservere.”

“We are a very fortunate When asked what it meant to have done

species, and it’s going to

something so few people have done, his response

turn out that we need to

the International Space

was, “I still work on that question. The meaning

pay attention to that and

Station and worked

changes over time. On the one hand I recognize

take care of our Earth and

on the Hubble Space

I was very lucky to be living the dream. The

take care of ourselves.”

Telescope. Dr. Newman

meaning is rooted in the belief in our future as a

is now a Professor of

civilized species, hopefully some day to be worthy

Asked if he thought space

Space Systems at the

of the name ‘intelligent.’ The jury is still out on

exploration should be put

helped to assemble

Naval Postgraduate

on the shelf so that we

School.

might focus on cleaning his fascinating stories

You might expect him to

of space exploration,

be a geeky kind of guy,

and amused yet

but if you heard him

inspired by his witty

speak, you would be

narrative of having

floored. And that’s what

been interviewed four

happened last October

times over a six-year

when he spoke at York.

period to become an

Students, faculty, and

astronaut. “For me,”

staff were riveted by

he offered, “it took

photos courtesy of NASA

Just because you don’t get what you want the first time you try something doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you.

Perserverance pays off. If you have a dream, perservere.

up the planet Earth, Newman said he was sympathetic with that view, but no. He shares colleague John Young’s notion that single-planet species don’t survive. A daunting thought, to say the least.

Dr. Jim Newman break2011

y o r k . o r g 15

balance w perspe pioneer s breakth and rest environ bravo seniors YO R K

With our world desperately in need of quality leadership in so many areas, York School is sending 54 new graduates into the world to help balance social perspectives, pioneer scientific breakthroughs, and restore the environment.

Some Yorkies are en route to fixing the economy and bringing integrity to our political system. The members of the Class of 2011 are taking their next steps toward a role in history. Although space does not allow, we wish we could share all of their stories. To give you an idea of their strengths and scope, some of our graduating seniors are profiled below.

Mikayla Bactad ’11 Pomona College

the Safe Teens Empowerment

in academics. He was also on the

Project (STEPS), where she

varsity cross-country, basketball,

Mikayla Bactad has certainly

helped them to revamp their

and tennis teams. It wasn’t

gotten a good start in her

student education program.

surprising that Ryan sat on the

time at York, especially if she

She was also accepted into the

Executive Student Council as the

follows her plan to become

All-State Honor Choir.

Technology Officer, responsible

an international translator and

for all student-related technology

interpreter. What a perfect

Ryan Batterman ’11

issues. During the Mathletics

career choice to satisfy her

Competition in May 2010, Ryan

desire to travel and make use

California Institute of Technology

of her extraordinary skills as

It used to be that people

Math Analysis Test: he is only the

a linguist. Mikayla not only

who buried their noses in

second student in 42 years to

speaks but performs on stage

math or science books were

earn a perfect score on the exam.

and sings in a panoply of

considered nerds. But not in

languages including Mandarin,

today’s technology-rampant

Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.

age. And it is people like Ryan

An avid learner, her only regret

Batterman who are showing

Julian Brown ’11 Massachusetts Institute of Technology

about her years at York was

just how important “brainiacs”

A clue to Julian Brown’s brilliance

that she didn’t have the time

are to our shrinking world. A

is that he was accepted to two

to take all of the courses she

self-taught computer scientist,

of the finest universities on both

would have liked. There has

Ryan is known throughout the

coasts - Stanford and MIT. This

been more than academia

state and across the country

hardly comes as a surprise, since

during these vitally-formative

for his razor-sharp mind and

as a 16-year-old he worked

years. Mikayla has worked with

commitment to problem-

with graduate-level students

the Salinas Sun Street Center’s

solving. Last summer, Ryan

on the Science and Engineering

drug and alcohol prevention

was one of only 220 students

Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)

program for the past two years.

chosen nationally to intern in

at China Lake. Last summer

And she was a member of

the Science and Engineering

he worked in San Diego at the

Apprenticeship Program;

U.S. Space and Naval Warfare

he worked at the Monterey

Systems Command (SPAWAR)

Naval Research Laboratory. He

center, where a director said he

excelled at York, and not just

would hire him without a college

top to bottom

Mikayla Bactad ‘11 Ryan Batterman ‘11 Julian Brown ‘11

earned a perfect score on the

degree. Julian is not only a math

e social ectives, scientific hroughs, tore the nment. and science intellect, he is a

Philanthropic Youth for 2010

bright light in the performance

at the 19th Annual National

Kyra Grantz ’11 University of Chicago

arts. He earned kudos for his

Philanthropy Day celebration

Kyra Grantz is an outstanding

acting in community theater

for the Central Coast last fall.

example of the intellect and

productions, including The Full

His fellow students elected

character of the people who

Monty, and in the York musical

him as Student Representative

go to York. She has been a

The Apple Tree. He was also a

to the York Board of Trustees,

prime leader-worker in social

huge hit as an elderly Chinese

and the Board of Trustees

awareness issues including the

restaurant patron in a skit

named him Student of the Year

Promoting African Awareness

conducted entirely in Mandarin.

for 2010. Perry is a National

and Knowledge (PAAK) Club,

Julian is a National Merit

Merit Scholar Finalist, Coca-

the “Not for Sale” Club, which

Scholar Finalist.

Cola Scholar, Elks Scholar,

increases visibility of the tragedy

Presidential Scholar Finalist,

of human slave trafficking,

and Valedictorian of the York

and the Q&A Club, supporting

Graduating Class of 2011.

greater understanding of

Perry Choi ’11 Harvard University

William Congreve observed that “Music has charms to

LGBTQ individuals. All of this compassion and purpose is

soothe the savage breast.

Hussein Elbakri ’11 Columbia University

To soften rocks, or bend a

Hussein Elbakri was only six

brilliance in math and science.

knotted oak.” Few people

when his family, political

Her impressive academic

know that better than Perry

refugees from the Sudan, made

record has pushed the limits

Choi. This amazing music man

their way via Yemen to Egypt

at York, and she has worked

is a joy to hear and watch,

and finally to the United States.

on major scientific programs,

immersed in the magic of

He couldn’t speak English when

focusing on global climate

creating beautiful sounds. A

he entered primary school.

change and living oceans. She

first-rate clarinetist, Perry has

Among his credentials are that

has worked at the Monterey

won national recognition – he’s

he was Vice-President of the

Bay Aquarium, and has also

played at Carnegie Hall – and

Student Body, President of JSA,

engaged in study with scientists

earned scholarships to pursue

Co-founder of the Model UN

from the Naval Postgraduate

his musical aspirations. Not

at York School, and a National

School. Kyra won first place

only is he a talented virtuoso,

Achievement Scholar. Hussein

in the senior division at the

but he has dedicated himself

always took the maximum

California State Science Fair,

to bringing music to others.

number of classes during

and the right to participate

He was selected as a Jack Kent

the regular school year, and

in the Intel International

Cooke Young Artist of 2011.

added Constitutional Law and

Science and Engineering Fair

He also founded and manages

International Relations through

(Intel ISEF) competition in

a nonprofit organization,

Junior State of America during

Los Angeles, where she was

Keeping Music Alive, which

his last two summers. He’s on

awarded an Army Certificate

provides local students with

his way to Columbia University,

of Achievement and a

instruments and weekly after-

school instruction.He arranged

just a couple of bus rides from the Certificate of Excellence from United Nations. What a perfect the American Meteorological

to have instruments donated,

venue for Hussein, who thinks

Society for her project “The

raised money for the program,

that he wants to become a

Effects of Ocean Temperature

organized benefit concerts, and

judge in the UN/International

on Aerosol Particle Absorption.”

has taught students himself.

Criminal Court.

Her path now leads to the

For his efforts, Perry received

matched with an intellectual

Windy City.

the award for Outstanding

top to bottom

perry choi ‘11 hussein elbakri ‘11 kyra grantz ‘11 continued

continued

Graham Hogg ’11 Rice University The people at Rice University are going to have to work hard to keep up with Graham Hogg, who is on track to be a major player in the burgeoning field of Third World health care.

That might seem like a grandiose goal for someone still in his second decade, but he’s already plied that path in many ways. For instance, he trekked into Zambia where he worked at a medical facility treating lepers and other critically ill patients. This past fall, he volunteered at Salud Para La Gente, which provides health care for migrant workers in Santa Cruz County, while maintaining a stellar academic record at York and earning plaudits as a varsity athlete in cross country, basketball, and lacrosse.

Beyond the traditional sports, he has led sixty-mile wilderness journeys into the Sierra. No doubt the skills he has already honed will be put to good use in his professional career, bringing medical care to those in remote corners of our world.

Marina Nogueira ’11 Princeton University Some students do well at academics, others at sports, and still others thrive in extracurricular activities. Then there are those who, like Marina Nogueira, excel in all three. Marina has been a

top-tier student, specializing in math and science. She was also the captain of the York Swim Team her junior and senior years. For her academic efforts and sports achievements, Marina won the 2010 York Cup Award. If that weren’t enough, when she wasn’t in a classroom or swimming pool, she was volunteering at both the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula.

Marina has worked at the Naval Postgraduate School, where she studied robot programming and worked in the Modeling of Virtual Environments and Simulation Institute with Professor William Becker.

She was recently recognized by the National Center for Women in Technology for her computer programming work, and was one of only twenty young women in the United States to receive the National Aspirations in Computing Award. Marina was named a National Hispanic Scholar. She was accepted to the Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program, where she will work at the Neuroscience Institute for eight weeks this summer.

James Palaniuk ’11 Lenoir-Rhyne University James Palaniuk is running off to The Tarheel State, and he will no doubt be doing a lot

clockwise from top left

Graham hogg ‘11 james palaniuk ‘11 sarah tucker ‘11 Marina nogueira ‘11

more running when he gets there. He has a track & field/ cross country and academic scholarship to Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina. James is a two-time CCS Cross Country Division V Individual Champion who helped lead York to two CCS Division V team Championships in 2009 and 2010, qualifying the team for the CIF California State Championships. This year’s team finished 10th in the State. James has been a top 20 finisher in the CIF Cal State Meet the last two cross country seasons.

For this young man, it was about more than running. It was about pushing himself, climbing mountains without trails, scaling rocks, and testing new limits to his endurance. James also led a Boy Scout Troop and helped other scouts to complete a number of Eagle projects. He also is a first-rate student, particularly strong in U.S. History, Environmental Science, and English Literature. Running and academics converged when he received a scholarship from the “Wednesday Night Laundry Runners,” the loosely-organized club that runs through the Del Monte Forest in Pebble Beach.

James may be en route to becoming a therapist or psychiatrist after college.

Sarah Tucker ’11 Seattle University Sarah Tucker’s academic success at York is mirrored by her extraordinary range of volunteer activities. She and fellow student Kyra Grantz ‘11 founded “Not for Sale” at York. Based on a book of the same name, their club raised community awareness of the global scandal of the trafficking and sale of human beings. She also dug, literally, into local agricultural fields, harvesting leftover produce for distribution to homeless shelters and food kitchens. Two

Members of the York School Class of 2011 have been admitted to 133 colleges and universities. 39% of the class has been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship program. In addition to financial aid, the 54 graduates earned more than $2 million in merit awards.

summers ago she worked with children at a church on the South Side of Chicago.

Last summer she worked in San Francisco at a shelter for LGBTQ transients. Sarah is one of eight students in the Western U.S. selected to be a prestigious Sullivan Leadership Scholar, and has received a full tuition, room and board scholarship based on her strong interest and leadership in social justice and her ability to communicate. Seattle University is her next platform for making a better and safer world.

American University Arizona State University The University of Arizona Bard College Beloit College Boston College Boston University Bowdoin College Brandeis University UC Berkeley UC Davis UC Irvine UCLA UC Merced UC Riverside UC San Diego UC Santa Barbara UC Santa Cruz California College of the Arts Calilfornia Institute of Technology Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo CSU, Chico CSU, Fresno CSU, Monterey Bay CSU, Sacramento Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University The Catholic University of America College of Charleston University of Chicago Colby College University of Colorado at Boulder Colorado College Colorado School of Mines Columbia University Connecticut College Cornell University Cuesta College Davidson College Drake University Drexel University Duke University Eckerd College Emory University Florida Institute of Technology Fordham University

George Fox University The George Washington University Georgetown University Georgia Institute of Technology Gettysburg College Goucher College Harvard University Harvey Mudd College University of Hawaii at Manoa Hawaii Pacific University The College of Idaho University of Idaho Indiana University at Bloomington Johns Hopkins University Kalamazoo College Kenyon College Kettering University Lawrence University Lenoir-Rhyne University Lewis & Clark College The Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts Loyola Marymount University Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of Massachusetts, Amherst McDaniel College Merrimack College University of Miami University of Michigan Monterey Peninsula College New York University Northeastern University Northwestern University Oberlin College Occidental College Ohio Wesleyan University University of Oregon University of the Pacific Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science Pitzer College Pomona College University of Portland Princeton University University of Puget Sound

Purchase College, SUNY Purdue University Reed College Regis University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rice University Rider University Rochester Institute of Technology University of Rochester Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Saint Louis University San Francisco State University San Jose State University Santa Clara University Santa Monica City College Sarah Lawrence College Savannah College of Art and Design Scripps College Seattle University Sierra Nevada College Smith College Sonoma State University University of Southern California Southern Oregon University Southwestern University St. Olaf College Stanford University Stonehill College Stony Brook University, SUNY Swarthmore College Texas Christian University The University of Texas, Austin Trinity College Tufts University Vassar College Villanova University Virginia Polytechnic Institute Washington State University Westminster Choir College Whittier College Willamette University The College of Wooster Worcester Polytechnic Institute Yale University break2011

y o r k . o r g 19

The California rivalry between Stanford and Berkeley doesn’t go back as far as that between Harvard and Yale in New England, but it celebrates a similar competitive legacy.

Except at sporting matches when the onward to

and

stanford

gloves come off. Two Yorkies are joining the Cardinal. Four are becoming Cal Bears.

Not that we’re keeping score!

Josh Kim ’11

organizations supporting minorities. At Stanford she expects

It’s improper to use the term ‘typical’ when referring to any York

to continue the focus on oceanic research that she had at York

student, especially when it comes to excelling in many different

and at the Monterey Bay Aquarium by working at Stanford’s

areas. But, well, Josh Kim does. An exceptional student whose

renowned research facility, the Hopkins Marine Station in Pacific

interest in mathematics and science impresses his teachers, Josh

Grove. She also intends to hone her communications skills in

also designs sculptures and plays musical instruments, including

Stanford’s Creative Writing program, because she wants to be an

clarinet, saxophone, and piano. He runs cross country, competes

effective spokeswoman for her many causes. Erika is a National

in track and field, and plays competition-level table tennis. (He

Merit Commended Scholar.

founded the York Table Tennis Club and arranged for a highend table to be donated to the school.) Josh worked at the

Teo Lamiot ’11

Naval Postgraduate School in Applied Mathematics on tasks

If ever there were a statesman in the making, Teo Lamiot is he.

most people can barely even pronounce, such as developing

Teo is not only interested in world affairs, but he has shown

a contour plot generation algorithm to aid in visualization of

an incredible understanding of different cultures and how to

the unstructured data from mathematical equations. Josh is a

integrate them at levels necessary to produce a more peaceful

National Merit Commended Scholar.

world. Last summer he went to Istanbul on the National Security Language Initiative for Youth program, with a State Department

Erika Kreeger ’11

scholarship that had him living with a Turkish family for nearly

From age four when she began helping out at the St. Vincent

two months. Part of his education was through a series of

de Paul Food Cupboard, Erika Kreeger has been a champion

interviews he conducted, designed to assess Turkish public

of the rights of those who needed extra help. At York she has

opinion on major domestic and international issues. He was

been a leader and advocate for the LGBTQ community and other

awarded “Best High School Delegate” at the World Affairs Council Congress on Challenges to American Power in March

20

york.org

break2011

2011. In addition to first-rate performance in the classroom in

Josh Kim ’11

Erika Kreeger ’11 Minju Lim ’11

Teo Lamiot ’11 Ben Sugar ’11

AUGUST Zhan ’11

government and in economics, Teo has involved himself in top-

Ben Sugar ’11

tier discussions of world and national affairs. Plus he got some

Ben Sugar raises the performance bar by example. For instance,

important experience in on-the-ground political campaigning,

he overcame early learning difficulties through his determined

working on the Carmel mayor’s race in 2009. Teo received

discipline and focus, earning a place on the Honor Roll in each of

the Kylan Alexander Huffman Award for Excellence in the

his four years at York. He was also a stand-out in athletics, as a

Humanities from York, a National Merit Letter of Commendation,

leader in basketball and a varsity player in soccer and tennis. He

the World Affairs Council Scholarship, and the Comcast Leaders

also has a black belt in martial arts. His primary academic interest

and Achievers Scholarship. He was York’s Student Body President

is science. He plans to follow his father and grandfather into

in 2010-11.

medicine, focusing on molecular biology. When he relaxes, it is with poetry and a guitar.

Minju Lim ’11 South Korean-born Minju Lim set the York campus on its ear

AUGUST Zhan ’11

with her stunning ability to play the violin. She impressed many

Di “August” Zhan came to York in his senior year, just one year

others, too, winning the Carmel Bach Festival’s Young Artist

after leaving the People’s Repubilc of China. A young man of

Competition four times, as well as various regional and state

many talents, his performance in academics has been exemplary.

honors. She has also been recognized for her work co-authoring

He earned a Certificate of Distinction from the American

three foreign language books on English and Korean idioms

Mathematics Competition (AMC), and he scored fives on his AP

and conversational expressions that are used in Korea and in

Calculus BC, Statistics, and Microeconomics exams. He excelled

universities across the United States. Deeply interested in math

outside the classroom as well. He often plays the piano, to the

and science, Minju interned at the Naval Postgraduate School

great delight of all those within earshot (his favorites are Chopin

with former astronaut Dr. James Newman, head of the Space

and Lang Lang.) A remarkably well-rounded Yorkie, August is

Systems Academic Group, working to create a CubeSat Launcher

also a fine basketball player.

from scratch. Minju is a National Merit Commended Scholar.

t

The 2011 York graduating class is dispatching itself in all directions, and soon we will be seeing headlines about major accomplishments from alums at all compass points—in Texas, North Carolina, upstate New York, and California.

W

Landon Calannio ‘11 • Santa Clara University • One of the likely designers of our future, Landon Calannio is into green architecture, industry, and business. He established the website ecotechplanet.com to widen his reach in the eco-business world, and got vital hands-on experience working with the Big Sur Land Trust, learning the critical issues of non-profits, and showing them ways to employ new methods that will make them more efficient. He also helped to establish a recycling program at a local middle school. At York he mixed his academic pursuits with a strong showing on the soccer field and tennis court, along with playing the saxophone. He has received an academic scholarship to the Dean’s Leadership Program in the School of Business at Santa Clara University.

Iris Klotz ‘11 • Southwestern University • The daughter of two Mensa parents and a junior member herself, Iris Klotz is a sharp-minded, quick-tongued linguist who has traveled to both Europe and Asia, and sampled many of its possibilities. Among her outside activities while at York were three years volunteering at the Carmel Authors and Ideas Festival, where she met such international leading lights as Gail Tsukiyama, Reza Aslan, Sandra Day O’Connor, and Condoleezza Rice. She won a gold medal at the Sacramento Synchronized Swimming Championships in 2010. Her immediate future looks like pre-law with an additional emphasis on languages, an area in which she excels. In fact, she tested in French 3 at Southwestern University after only one year of French at York.

n

n

Drake Wilson ‘11 • Rochester Institute of Technology • Track star, Eagle Scout, and engineering whiz Drake Wilson probably will wind up designing and building new cars that are even more eco-friendly than today’s models, using electric power and hydrogen cells. In addition to his academic studies, Drake has gained an understanding of motor vehicles through volunteering with a local Rotary Club at the R & M auction, which was held on two nights as part of the world-renown Concours d’Elegance. He also picked up significant learning experience and credentials while studying at the Naval Postgraduate School. If he chooses to focus on a different mode of transportation, he may veer into the aerospace industry and design the next generation of spacecraft. The league sprinting champ, Drake was named Monterey Herald Athlete of the week in 2010 after winning Coastal Athletic League titles in the 100 and 200 meters (he won in both events in 2011, as well). He also won the Mission Trail Athletic League titles in both events two years in a row.

seniorwingspan YO R K

Rasheed Alhadi ’11 • Duke University • Rasheed Alhadi may one day be called Dr. Alhadi. He earned all A’s in math and science courses at York, and has set his sights on a career in biomedical engineering, biotechnology, and/or medicine.

In the Physics Department at the Naval Postgraduate School, Rasheed worked with remote sensing programs used to produce enhanced satellite images for forty countries and fifteen states so they could be used by other researchers through Google Earth. But he doesn’t just have his eyes on a computer screen: as a junior at York, he attended Claremont McKenna’s Step-Up to Leadership program. His versatility suggests that he will continue to play soccer (as team captain and center back/full back, he led his teammates to win the 2011 Salinas Californian All-Star Classic soccer game) as well as the double bass as he journeys on from York through college.

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y o r k . o r g 23

Anna Dudney ‘05 surrounded by York Parents Melanie Allen, Deborah Rich, and Shirley Coly

n

alumni givingback YORK

Nearly 200 alumni, parents, trustees, friends, and students attended the 2011 York Auction Gala at the Beach and Tennis Club in Pebble Beach on Saturday, March 5, 2011, for an evening of friendship, celebration, and support of York’s mission and programs.

Approximately $200,000 was raised for York.

Many York alumni participated in the 2011 York Auction Gala. Among the items donated for auction by alumni were personal organizing sessions, wine, custom jewelry, artwork, Golden State Warriors basketball tickets, golf at one of the most sought-after courses in California, a week-long stay in Big Sur, and a trip to Los Angeles with alumni-guided tours of entertainment venues.

Michael Anderson ‘03 and Ashleigh (REIBERT) Anderson ‘04 We thank all alumni who attended, sponsored, donated items, and contributed to the success of the auction:

Ashleigh (Reibert) Anderson ‘04 Michael Anderson ‘03 Eric Axelsen ‘82 Jason Burnett ‘94 Brendan Duda ‘03 Anna Dudney ‘05 Sara Engesser ‘01 Daniel Fenton ‘76 Tracey Shore Gannon ‘86 Marianne Gawain-Davis ‘76 Marie (Bryant) Glavin ‘72 Emily MacDonald ‘98 Camilla (Mateo) Mann ‘91 Celia (Perez) Martinez ‘77 Benjamin Morgan ‘90 Sarah Orr ‘97 Ellie Paolini ‘10 Edwin K.S. Ryu ‘69 Miken Wong ‘88

a portion of the AUCTION PROCEEDS PURCHASED A NEW VAN AND campus PICNIC TABLES AND BENCHES

c

CAMPUS RENOVATIONS

on assignments.

Three important areas of the York campus

the iMacs to make

received restorative attention this year.

graphs and other visual

Ninth graders used

aids for their science fair projects, while

The gym was updated and upgraded

students in World

during two weeks over winter break.

History, English V, AP

York Athletic Director Steve Peters said of

Psychology, and other

the red wall cushions that were installed

humanities classes

around the gym’s perimeter, “Safety was our first motivator, followed by appearance. “He added, “Students think it looks cool!”

On the second floor of the library, the new Library

iMac Lab enables students to rise from mere basics and web browsing

have been appreciating the opportunity to work collaboratively on these faster machines.

Sean Raymond, Academic Dean and English Instructor, added, “The Library iMac Lab has been a boon for my classes: the user interface is conducive for creative tasks, such as working with Prezi.” Prezi, the webbased presentation application and storytelling tool that uses a single canvas instead of traditional slides,

to digital image editing, video production, and other projects that require more powerful machines. Camilo Willis, York’s Director of Technology, reports that the transition was fairly quick and seamless. He said, “Overall, students can be more productive in more ways.”

Teachers are taking great advantage of the new lab, regularly bringing entire classes to the Library iMac Lab to conduct research, take tests, and work

allows text, images, videos, and other presentation objects to be placed on the infinite canvas and grouped together in frames.

With leaks plugged and debris removed from a storage area in Day Hall, Gallery 9501 opened in April in conjunction with Fine Arts Weekend. This contemporary space was created so that students may showcase their individual creative abilities. Proceeds from the 2011 Auction Gala helped fund this project.

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alumni comingback YO R K

y

Alumni College Panel Tells All York alumni have a penchant for sharing

stories and giving each other advice. So each year, when we invite recent alums back to campus during the first week of January, we know they’ll share some particularly relevant insights into their transition to college, the working world, or graduate school. This year, we expanded the offerings to three forums: on January 4, an all-school gathering in the Chapel was followed by a pizza lunch panel in the Student Center for 11th and 12th graders, and on January 5, an alumni panel spoke to a parent audience at the monthly York Parents (YP) meeting.

A key message that they shared is that the benefit of York’s high quality academic preparation helped not only in the classroom, but also made it easier to deal with the complex social adjustments inherent in the transition to college life.

“The biggest adjustment is having so much freedom, so much extra time,” said Michael Weissman ’08.

Phil Giammanco ’09 had a unique transition: “The Naval Academy is nothing like York.

You might think York is a bubble, and it is, but it’s a good bubble.” He was pushed mentally and physically, but now comments that “it’s good to be headed to a career with job security.”

The alumni pointed out that coming from a small school is an advantage because they learned how to build relationships with

thanks to our alumni presenters Bashir Alhadi ‘09, Cornell University Oliver Banham ‘09, Culinary Institute of America/MPC Vikrant Bhatnagar ‘10, Case Western Reserve University

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graduated from a challenging aerospace engineering program at UC San Diego and has worked every summer for the past five years at the Naval Postgraduate there, while he applies to graduate

Phillip Giammanco ‘09, US Naval Academy

school, is giving him coveted real world experience.

Ellie Paolini ‘10, Scripps College Arthur Richardson ‘09, Tulane University

26

on campus as “the Rocket Man”—

Melanie Corrigan ‘09, Vassar College

have to remind myself about it, to get to

on the class list,” remarked Morgan Paull ’08.

Bobby Wright ’06—known by many

School. His full-time employment

Morgan Paull ‘08, Harvard University

office hours, to be more than just a name

recommendations and internships.”

Matthew Claudel ‘09, Yale University

teachers at York. “It’s so important, and I know your professors, to find them during

“Close ties to professors can lead to

Lucia Smith ‘09, Tufts University

At York, students learn to be risk takers, to try new things. In college, our alums talked about the benefits of trying a new sport, writing for the school

Michael Weissman ‘08, Brown University

newspaper, joining a club, or travelling

Bobby Wright ‘06, UC San Diego

abroad. Their advice: Keep expanding

Amanda Zeligs ‘09, Vassar College

your comfort zone; you’ll make

Alumni Mixer in Washington, DC

t

This winter, York alumni living in the Washington, DC area gathered at the Goethe Institut for an evening of reconnecting with classmates and meeting new friends. In attendance were alumni from the 80s, 90s, and 00s, a trustee, faculty, and staff. Heartfelt thanks to Sarah Yabroff ‘03 for securing the venue and to Alexia (Huffman) D’Arco ‘01 and Sarah for reaching out to alumni!

a

Alumni HOLIDAY PARTY Alumni and faculty attended the Alumni Holiday Party Saturday, December 18, 2010 with chats over cocoa and an evening at Easy Street Billiards in Monterey.

mistakes, but you’ll figure it out. And if you need to make a mid-course correction because you changed your mind about your major (or, as one panelist confessed, you didn’t listen to the college counselor’s

Lily Jacobson ‘03, Mr. Sturch, and Paul Saint-Amour ‘87

advice!), there are lots of options.

This year’s expansion of the alumni panel to include all grade levels during the school-wide forum led to many dinner table conversations among younger students and their families. One parent commented: “The light went on for my son; it’s not just how he will choose a college, but how he thinks about what he wants to study.”

Ellie Paolini ‘10 and Bobby Wright ‘06

Aaron Walls ‘10, Vik Bhatnagar ‘10, Will Campodonico-Burnett ’10, Isaac Nikssarian ‘10, and Ellie Paolini ‘10 break2011

y o r k . o r g 27

l

alumnireunions YORK

Last August, an allalumni summer reunion was held at York. Alums came to campus on Friday to attend classes and to enjoy a reception with faculty. Saturday was the day to gather all alumni together with their families to enjoy a barbecue, visit with classmates and faculty, and take a campus tour.

The Class of ’00 held a reception on campus that afternoon to watch the video taken during their senior retreat at the Land of the Medicine Buddha and met again that evening at a local hotspot. On Saturday evening, individual class reunion parties were held throughout the Monterey

Peninsula. The Class of ’05 enjoyed a beach party and barbecue at Carmel Beach, a tradition they enjoyed while students.

The Class of ’90 met at York in November and had a fabulous turnout for their first reunion in 20 years, enjoying perfect weather for a picnic in the Commons, a slide show of old school photos, music from their era, and a class party for grown-ups that evening.

The next all-alumni summer reunion will be held in the summer of 2014 to celebrate York’s 55 years. In the meantime, if you would like to organize your individual class reunion, please contact the Advancement Office.

The Class of ’90 came back to York last fall to celebrate their twenty-year reunion.

Tom Hull, Laura Finley ‘00, Danielle Ticoulat-Bowers ’00, and Kelly Harold ‘00 28

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Harry Chiu ’08, York college counselor Michele Radcliffe, and Steven Mikhail ’08

alumni, family, friends, faculty, and staff at the All-Alumni Summer Reunion in August 2010

Carlos Jimenez-alegre ’08 and Robert Pucci at the faculty reception

members of The Class of ’85 – Bill Matsui ‘85, Christine Lee ‘85, Deanna Sommars ‘85, and Susie (Matsuno) Wenstrup ‘85

Class of 2000 celebrated its 10 year reunion at Mundaka Restaurant in Carmel. left: Gabe Cisneros ’00, Michael Shah ’00, and his wife Pari Shah. right: Katie Witmer ’00, Leta Merrill ’00, Krista Hirasuna ’00, and Laura Finley ’00 break2011

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f

For York alumni who were at the school during the past quartercentury, Robert Pucci’s name would be one of those most likely to come up in the category of ‘favorite teacher.’ Dr. Pucci has taught languages for more than 40 years – the last 24 at York – including instruction at the college level in French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and Latin before coming to York.

the three R’s of Dr. Pucci People may have different memories of Robert Pucci. But the lives of many

in English and go into a translation

students – now grown – have been changed because they sat in his classroom,

mode to put them into French – but

for a year, or three, or five. They have taken what they have learned and made

to write only what they were able to

a life here or abroad, personally and professionally.

say, which was what they were able

responsiblity

to think through in the foreign tongue

First let’s dispatch the sneakers issue. The fact that he wears Converse sneakers

they were learning. “The ones who are

of many different colors—sometimes even different colors at the same time—is

smart,” he says, “will understand their

not necessarily a matter of style. In truth, his feet are not of a usual size and

limitations and build incrementally.”

shape, and Converse sneakers are the most comfortable shoes he can put on his feet. Only very expensive high-fashion shoes can otherwise meet his needs,

Another value that Pucci brought to

and he can get many pairs for Converse sneakers for the same price as a single

his teaching was that he demanded

pair of Ferragamos. No contest.

‘Responsibility’ from his students.

ruth

Yes, he would help them, and provide Pucci teaches language purposefully, as any of his former students will confirm.

even more attention to those who

The two favorite terms he uses about his methodology are ‘Ruthless’ and

required it, but he insisted that the

‘Relentless.’ He doesn’t just want a student to know, for instance, that this

students give themselves to the

word in English means that word in French, or to be able to ask for directions to

process.

Le Tour Eiffel.

He wants more than their mind: he wants their soul involved in the knowing, the understanding, the embracing. It is why, in addition to employing the

relentless

“French in Action” approach, he practiced virtual immersion for York School students, assigning each of them a name. And not just a name, but an alias, so that they would learn to think in the language.

When it came time for his students to take an exam, he further instructed

them to write not what they wanted to say – because they take their thoughts 30

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“Hard work is necessary for

and well-liked, he questioned that premise; at least the

look at cooking in the public

everything. You have native

words. He said he thought he was Respected. Maybe the

eye, perhaps doing culinary

ability, but you have to build

fourth R. And he told a story that could well epitomize

demonstrations on YouTube.

on it with hard work.” He

how he is viewed by the York community. He was invited

recalled one student who

to a private dinner at the home of people involved with the

Is it not akin to what he’s

didn’t have the innate ability

school; they were saying ‘thank you’ to him for his many

been doing for four decades?

to learn a language, but who

years of teaching. And what did they serve? They cooked

Teaching the palate to make

worked hard at it, applying

dishes from Pucci’s own recipes that had been published

sounds like “ooh” and “aah”

his skills in mathematics

many years ago in books by Time Life.

that can be understood in

hless

along with a sense of music

any language. He will also do

to enhance his ability to

“I’m not touchy-feely,” he said. “I’m very strict, and I have

absorb the language in

high standards.” He added that most of his students, often

a new way. Said Pucci,

after the fact, were glad to have been held to those higher

“I’ll keep myself off the

“Language is math and

standards, though at the time they may have viewed them as

street,” Pucci said, with his

music together.”

torture. “I’d like to think that most of them would give me

characteristic dry wit.

charity work in the Bay Area.

high marks for what I was able to teach them.”

continued

When asked about his reputation for being popular

Pucci moved to San Francisco at the end of the school year.

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y o r k . o r g 31

I

I make a gift to York each year to honor

the wonderful experience I had while I was there and to help make it possible for others to go to York, too.

This year, however, there is an extra special reason for me to give: to honor Dr. Robert Pucci.

I’m sure that, like me, you look back on your York experience and remember all the teachers who prepared us for success in our college years and beyond. Dr. Pucci was just that kind of teacher. He taught us that anything is possible–even learning a foreign language. I can confidently say that I wouldn’t be who I am today without the instruction that I received at York, especially in Dr. Pucci’s class.

And from the many conversations I’ve had with my classmates on the subject, I know

The York Community declared May 13 ‘Pucci Day!’ Popped collars and colorful Converse were seen throughout campus. Dr. Pucci was presented with personalized York Converse, a scrapbook, and well wishes.

that we all share the feeling.

Most of us couldn’t be there for “Pucci Day”

best wishes from the York community.

in May, so let’s celebrate his retirement by showing our support for York. Join me in honoring Dr. Pucci by making a gift of whatever amount you can afford. It will support the dedicated students, stellar faculty, and wonderful campus that we all remember fondly.

It’s the least we can do to celebrate the school, and especially teachers like Dr. Pucci, who gave us so much.

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Anna Dudney ’05

Dr. Pucci and Chuck Harmon at the “crystal apple” presentation

“The world is a better place because you are a teacher.”

-Dan Green, KSBW Anchor Dr. Robert Pucci received the “KSBW Crystal Apple Award“ on April 28, 2011, in a surprise presentation made to him during his French I class by KSBW Anchor Dan Green.

Dr. Pucci joins two other York recipients of the Crystal Apple Award: Nicholas Sturch (2006) and Dr. Pam Durkee (2009).

In his nomination form, Head of School Chuck Harmon said: “Dr. Pucci is absolutely committed to his students’ success; he has a passion for his subject that inspires them, and his knowledge is equaled only by his dedication.”

alumnirememberpucci YO R K

t

The Senior Roast was just

classroom. Congratulations

movies in French, or silly

about my decision to pursue

one more reason to love the

on your retirement!

fake broadcasts in Latin. All

a Master’s degree in French

community and faculty at

Camilla (Mateo) Mann ‘91 of this served to open us up

literature through New York

York; it illustrated how the

to the possibility of being

University, and I was able

teachers grew to know their

What I cherish most about

ridiculous, and through this

to complete this degree

students not just as students,

class with Monsieur Pucci

we gained self-confidence to

while living in Paris. I would

but as individuals. Mr. Pucci

wasn’t the occasional

learn freely. I credit Mr. Pucci

never have taken French in

roasted me. I don’t recall all

raunchy jokes, the amazing

with kindling my desire for

college, nor had the courage

that he said, but I will never

food he would bring in

language, and I will always

to study abroad in Paris, an

forget the gift he selected

for Mardi Gras, or even

look back fondly on his class.

experience I would not trade

and the lesson I took from

his impressive collection

Merci beaucoup, Monsieur!

for the world, had I not taken

it. He gave me a thesaurus,

of coloured Converse and

Oliver Banham ’09

French with Mr. Pucci in the

asking if I knew the root of

sweaters, but rather the

the word. I did. Treasure.

atmosphere of the class.

I did not expect to continue

language is contagious; his

I have carried his valuable

Having had Mr. Pucci for

studying French in college,

talent for teaching language

lesson with me since that

both Latin I and French I, I got

but I missed French at York so

is unparalleled. I am currently

day: “If you’re tempted to

to see twice how he made

much that I somehow ended

in law school, and I often

say something that might

a daunting and difficult

up in a French literature

think of his teaching style

be misinterpreted, look for

subject easy, memorable,

class which led to my double

while sitting in class, as I

a different word!” I treasure

and sometimes even fun.

major in French literature

the lessons I learned in your

We would watch children’s

and philosophy. This brought

8th grade. His passion for the

continued

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y o r k . o r g 33

believe his class was good

for what he taught me about

decided to take full advantage literature at college. The

preparation for the Socratic

dedication and perseverance.

of this, so I promptly learned

language lessons he taught

method I now experience

Bon voyage, et sois sage!

how to deliver snappy (and

me were invaluable, but I

every day. I consider Mr.

Arye Lipman ‘04

quite possibly less than polite)

think that the tough love he

comebacks in French, even if

showed me ultimately taught

Pucci to be one of the great intellectual influences in my

In my freshman year I

my knowledge of grammar

me a lot more.

life, and I cannot express

was going to prom with

and vocabulary was still a bit

Madeleine Crow ’10

the extent of my gratitude

Eoghan Stafford, who had

patchy. Instead of reproaching

and happiness that I had the

recently broken up with

me for any flippant remarks,

I went to France for the first

distinct honor of being his

Maggie Finnegan, and Mr.

Mr. Pucci would just correct

time in my life at the age of

student.

Pucci feigned horror as he

any grammar mistakes I had

29, and I used my French

Sarah Tobias ’00

suggested in French that

made and offer suggestions

for the first time outside of

I was the other woman. I

on choice vocabulary. I now

school. I was amazed at how

Immensely intelligent,

will never forget him saying

use the French I learned

much I had retained. I reveled

passionate, and a bit mad—

“Mais, il est le petit ami de

with Mr. Pucci while living

in the ability to be able to

Dr. Pucci was one of my

Papillon (that was Maggie’s

and traveling in Europe, and

communicate with random

most revered and feared

French name)! Tu es l’autre

also when I studied French

people. And a couple of

teachers at York, but, in the

femme! Tu es une petite

same way that an athlete

gold-digger!” And then,

grows to love a coach who

for the rest of the semester,

never stops pushing, I came

everyone in my French class

to genuinely appreciate his

called me “la petite gold-

style of teaching. It was

digger.”

in my post-York academic

Rachel Dart ‘03

Kelsey Capron ‘08, robert Pucci, and Gwen Capron ‘04 at 2004 York Commencement

career that I truly realized his effectiveness: UCLA French

I took French for five

Department chairs stood

years, and Mr. Pucci was

agape as I insisted, that,

the one constant through

yes indeed, I had learned

my continuously evolving,

French in total immersion

extremely formative high

throughout high school,

school years. He made me

and as others stumbled

laugh and cry, frustrated

over seemingly simple oral

and amused me, pushed

arguments, the subjonctif

me harder than I wanted

passé and imperatif fluttered

to be pushed, and believed

effortlessly off my tongue.

in my abilities more than

To this day, my francophonic

I did. He was one of the

past helps me in both work

most charismatic teachers,

and leisure, and I thank Dr.

let alone people, I have ever

Pucci not only for what he

known. I remember his telling

taught me about French, but

us early on that we could say whatever we wanted to him as long as it was in French. I

Philip Pearce, Yuncia Huang, June (Aoki) Trachsel, and robert Pucci, c. 1989

(left) robert Pucci relaxes at his retirement celebration. (right) Rena Haussermann ’11, robert. Pucci, and Ryan Batterman ’11 at the 2011 Awards Ceremony

years later, when I started speaking to French clients while in a sales position, I was amazed at how much deeper the relationships with the clients were, since I was communicating in their native language. It is because of Mr. Pucci and the French in Action program that I had such a good French accent, often mistaken for someone who had spent time in France, as well as a strong foundation in vocabulary, grammar, composition, and oral and aural comprehension.

Miley Nakamura ’95 Dr. Pucci is one of the few true Titans and a consummate professional. He is a paragon of intelligence, sophistication, and humanity. Looking back into the mists of my adolescence, it is ever more clear to me that Mr. Pucci cared about each of us deeply. He treated us with a fondness, with a respect, and with a gentle honesty that one rarely encounters. Thank you, Mr. Pucci. I wish you the absolute best.

Josh Genauer ’00

y

welcome johndaniel

York enthusiastically welcomes John Daniel to the faculty as French teacher. Mr. Daniel’s appreciation for the Pucci legacy and enthusiasm for cultural awareness as well as his rigorous and engaging program of study will surely sustain York’s mission.

John Daniel arrived in Monterey County in January of 1995, an eager Army specialist whose task was to learn Arabic for the next two years. John’s polyglot proclivity had awakened during a time in high school where, bitten by the language-learning bug, he studied French, Spanish, and Russian in

his senior year. He would go on to earn a B.A. in French from Mary Washington University in his home state of Virginia.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army after college, and he counts his military adventures among his most exciting and rewarding life experiences.

He taught drama, Spanish, and English as a second language at Seaside High School in 2001. In 2002 he joined the faculty of the Stevenson School, where he taught for nine years. John completed an immersion M.A. program in French at the University of California, Santa Barbara and regularly led student groups on excursions to France with the Berkeley-based educational tour company ECI. Language learning and cultural awareness happen best in a motivated, supportive environment—an environment like York School. Here John will dedicate himself to developing 21st century polyglots. break2011

y o r k . o r g 35

trusteetransitions YORK

s STEPHEN SCHULTE,Chair York Board of Trustees 2006-2011

Stephen Schulte has served on the York Board of Trustees since 2004. He has been the Chair of the Committee on Trustees, the Chair of the Development Committee, Co-Chair of the Campaign Committee, and, for the past five years, Board Chair.

Stephen and his wife Patsy have supported a wide range of projects at York.

As members of the Constance Bishop Society, they have supported three students through their academic careers at York. Stephen’s tremendous intellect and experience as a trustee have been a great asset to York in the areas of governance, fundraising, board development, and strategic planning.

Stephen will remain on the Board of Trustees as he hands the gavel to the 2011-2012 chair, Randy Charles, who has served on the York Board of Trustees since 2008. Randy is Professor Emeritus at the Department of Mathematics, San Jose State University, and the author of more than 100 mathematics textbooks for grades K-college.

RANDall CHARLES, Chair 2011-2012 York Board of Trustees

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a

As guardian of York’s mission, the Board of Trustees focuses on longterm planning to ensure York’s continuing success.

Trustees are volunteers who offer York sound judgment, professional expertise, and practical skills. The Board sets broad institutional policies that further and support York’s mission. In addition, Board members actively promote the school in the broader community.

2011-2012 YORK BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Dan Fenton ’76

Mary Adams, Treasurer

Steve John

Jayanti Addleman

Randy Pura

Susan Aqeel

Perry Choi ’11

Brenda Aronowitz Peggy Downes Baskin Jason Burnett ´94 Randy Charles, Chair Agnes Chien

Dan Fenton ’76 Steve John

Marianne Gawain-Davis ‘76 Morgan Gilman Mary Gray-Reeves Lyman Hamilton Chuck Harmon, York Head of School

Jim Kasson Haley Lane ‘12,

The York Board of Trustees includes alumni, faculty, and student representatives, as well as parents of current students and graduates.

Although they had no previous connection to York, some trustees were attracted to the school by its record of achievement, its welcoming culture, and EDitsRYU ’69 commitment to serving creative, independent thinkers from diverse backgrounds. Each trustee believes in the value of a York School education for individual students, their families, and our communities.

We thank the following Board members whose terms ended in June 2011 for their service to York:

Student Representative

STEVE JOHN

Steve John served as a York Trustee from 2005–2011.

President of Ocean Chevrolet Honda in Capitola from 1985 to 2010, he is on the Board of Directors of First Tee of Monterey County and a founding board member of

Doug Lee Tom Murray, Faculty Representative

Fane Opperman Jane Paulsen, Vice Chair Cory Ray Gary Ray

Santa Cruz County Bank.

Michele Rench Edwin K.S. Ryu ‘69 William Sharpe

Dan Fenton ’76 Although Dan Fenton is leaving the Board and his position as Vice Chair, he has agreed to continue as Chair of the Advisory Committee on Diversity. “I believe very strongly in our commitment to a diverse student body made up of innovative thinkers. This inspires me every day to do what I can to be helpful.”

RANDY PURA

Doug Smith, Secretary Jim Tunney, Emeritus Steve Webster, Emeritus Carol Wilhelm

Perry choi ’11

RANDY PURA is the parent of three York alums— Cyrus ‘07, Katrina ‘09, and Nolan ‘09. He is managing partner at Ventana Vineyards, which has generously supported many York events.

PERRY CHOI ‘11 was the Student Representative to the Board of Trustees in 2010-11.

He is featured on page 17 in this issue of Break.

peggybates RE M E M BERING

m

Margaret Pardee Bates, dear friend, valued trustee, and loyal supporter of York School, passed away on September 14, 2010. Peggy was a tireless advocate of education at the national, state, and local levels. She was widely recognized as a leader in the community for philanthropy in general and for education in particular. Peggy celebrated her 92nd birthday in July of 2010 and lived on the Monterey Peninsula for more than 50 years. She was actively involved in founding, leading, and supporting local organizations during that entire 50-year period. In 2009 Peggy received the Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year Award at the annual National Philanthropy Day for the Central Coast Celebration.

Peggy served as a York Trustee for more than 20 years, including service as Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees, Co-Chair of York’s first major capital campaign, and member of the Board’s Planning, Development, and Executive Committees.

Peggy’s thorough understanding and appreciation of education at all levels was a tremendous asset to York. As a stalwart member of the Planning Committee, Peggy helped guide York with a great sense of what is important and a tremendous vision of where we should be headed. Her ability to think 10 and 20 years into the future ensured that York and its students are prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. In addition to her valuable expertise, thoughtful leadership, innovative vision, and extraordinary generosity, Peggy was also great fun and a delightful person with whom to work.

Peggy’s favorite quote, from alfred, Lord Tennyson co-chaired the campaign, which raised a total of $6 million.

Long-term benefits to York include a new science building, new athletic fields, new entrance and parking areas, and renovated faculty offices and classrooms.

Peggy generously supported various projects at York, including financial aid, endowment, capital construction, the arts, challenge grants, and unrestricted annual fund. She was also a founding member of York’s Legacy Society.

A beautiful celebration of Peggy’s life was held at York School on September 26, 2010.

Peggy remembered York in her estate plan, and her family asked that donations in her memory be made to York. The outpouring of love and respect for Peggy has been phenomenal. Donations from Peggy’s estate and from donors who have made gifts in her memory have allowed York to establish the Margaret Pardee Bates Financial Aid Endowment. The value of the endowed fund is currently more than $125,000.

We are grateful that Peggy’s legacy lives on at York, and that countless deserving students will have educational opportunities not otherwise available to them thanks to the fund established in her name.

Peggy Bates at her 90th Birthday Party

When York was considering its first major capital campaign in the late ‘90s, the school turned to Peggy for guidance and leadership. She encouraged the Board of Trustees to undertake this important task. Peggy

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FROM DAVID BATES Mother devoted much of her life to education.

In this she was an amateur in the largest and grandest sense of that word. She loved education. She loved the concept, education’s power to motivate, improve, open new vistas, provide opportunity. And she loved the process, harnessing resources to turn the concept into reality.

Mother was initially attracted to York because of the concept of the school, a school based on providing opportunity through access and excellence. She stayed with York because of the successful execution of that concept by the trustees, staff, faculty, and students.

York, in her mind, lived up to itself.

My brothers and I would suggest to you that in the beginning, Mother was good for York. But over time

IN ME MORIAM Flora R. Acosta, Grandparent of Rene Acosta ‘00 Jose Ajoux ‘74 Margaret P. Bates, Trustee† Byron Beach, Grandparent of Teo Lamiot ‘11 Mary L. Bowen, Grandparent of Krista Hirasuna ‘00 Jae Choon Brinsmead, Grandparent of Gwen Brinsmead ‘13 Donald E. Campbell, Past Trustee Jeannine B. Dyer, Parent of Peter Dyer ‘66 and John Dyer ‘77; Aunt of Nicholas Sturch; Past Trustee Richard H. Fast, Grandparent of Sammy Obaid ‘84, Dina Obaid ‘87, and Fatma Obaid ‘95 Koichi Gatanaga, Parent of June (Gatanaga) Uemura ‘82, Robert Gatanaga ‘85, and Kay (Gatanaga) Furutani ‘90 Anne H. Hammond, Past Trustee† Homer M. Hayward, Past Trustee Jane Holmes, Parent of James Holmes ‘67 and Robert Holmes ‘69; Former Faculty John Inman, Parent of Janet (Inman) Sutton ‘84 Kenneth B. Lee, Parent of Elbert Lee ‘73 and Thomas Lee ‘74 Timothy W. Madden ‘71 Doroteo Magdayao, Grandparent of Brandon Thompson ‘13 Hallie R. McGonigal ‘87 Marina Medvedeva, Grandparent of Matthew Ganeles ‘15 Noriko Ogawa, Mother of Aya Ogawa ‘92

PEGGY BATES ON THE YORK CAMPUS

the bargain became more equal, and York was good for Mother.

You gave her a vehicle to apply her skills and experience. You made her an Emeritus Trustee and welcomed her onto the executive committee. Stephen Schulte drove her to trustee meetings. Chuck Harmon called her with reports on meetings she was unable to attend when her health failed.

York School earned her respect and her gratitude, and it earned her love. It has earned ours.

This is truly a happy partnership made stronger by all of you who demonstrated through your memorial gifts that you share her feelings for this wonderful institution.

Louis Oneal, Co-Trustee, the Hugh Stuart Center Charitable Trust Richard Ronzano, Grandparent of Kendall Ronzano ’13 Richard L. Shimpfky, Past Trustee Frederic de Sibert, Grandparent of Charlotte de Sibert ‘06 Ruth O’Brien Smith, Grandparent of Lucia Smith ‘09 and Elina Smith ‘12 Elizabeth D. Swanson, Grandparent of Lewis Swanson ‘00 and William Swanson ‘02 Fumi Tanimura, Grandparent of Selina Tanimura ‘10 Tien Tao, Grandparent of Lydia Tao ‘13 John Y. Tsuchiya ‘96 Keishiro Uchida, Grandparent of Kristina Uchida ‘12 †

Legacy Society

We make every effort to acknowledge the passing of loved ones. If we have inadvertently missed someone, please notify the Advancement Office.

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2011-2012 Academic Year August 10 • First Day of School September 1 • Back to School Night October 15 • Fall Fair October 21 • Grandparents and Special Friends Day November 10-13 • Fall Play November 12 • ALL ABOUT YORK March 1-4 • Spring Play March 31 • YORK AUCTION GALA May 26 • Commencement

Part of our philosophy is teaching, living, and building green. This publication was produced in an environmentally friendly direct-to-plate process using recycled paper and vegetable-based ink. When you are done with this publication, please share it with someone else or recycle it.

York School is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges as well as the California Association of Independent Schools. York is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools and the National Association of Episcopal Schools. York School admits students of any race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities available to students at the school, and the school does not discriminate on the basis of these factors in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, financial aid and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

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