Commencement BEACON 13

commencement2013 the

|BEACON

a publication of miami country day school

Class of 2013

12 Year Club Alexa Halvorssen, Sarita Sasson, Ivana Vlahovic

13 Year Club

Amy Bernard, Talal Bazzi, Tatiana Cirisano, Victor Cohen, Daniel Mendez, Daria Tuberman-Solon, Avery Watson

14 Year Club David Butter, Mitchell Mosheim, Thomas Rodrigues, Shadi Tabbara

12 Year Club

13 Year Club

14 Year Club 2

contents Commencement 2013

Celebrating 75 Years

4-5

A Message from Dr. Davies

Endowed Chairs and YOS Day Awards

6

Spring 2013 – Inside and Outside of The Classroom

22

News from the PA 23

Valedictorian Remarks by Isabel Docal 7-10

Phil and Ann Thropic

24-25

Glen Turf, Upper School Director

Annual Giving 2012-2013

26-29

11

Class of 2013 – Where Are They Now? 12-15

Ask an Alum

Silver Knight Awards

Alumnus Wins Second National Title

31-32

Alumni News

33-37

Class Notes

37-38

16

Student Awards

17-20

In the Gallery...

21

30

New Traditions and 75 Year Dates

39

Editor’s note:

Miami Country Day School is a college

The Beacon Magazine was designed for members of the Miami Country Day School Family – including students, faculty, parents, grandparents and alumni – in an effort to share stories and celebrate.

preparatory learning community committed to educating the whole

child. Through the core values of

This magazine is published by the Development/ Alumni Office. If you have any comments or suggestions, please address them to:

honor, respect, wisdom and compassion, we prepare students to be lifelong

The Beacon Magazine

Miami Country Day School, Development Office 601 NE 107 Street Miami, FL 33161 or call (305) 779-7210.

E-mail: adrabia@miamicountryday.org

learners. We inspire our children to develop their intellectual, physical,

Head of School Dr. John Davies

aesthetic, social, emotional and spiritual

potentials by valuing every student every day.

Director of Development Sheryl Piper Assistant Director of Dev. & Alumni Director Nora Pardave Beacon Editor/Director of Communications Abra Adrabi Development Associate Kimberly Arredondo Director of Annual Giving Tabitha Charles ’85 Alumni Advisors John C. “Jack” DuBois Fredi Rosenfeld

On the cover: Graduation Day for the Class of 2013 May 19, 2013

3

Photograph by Scholastic Experience Imaging

A message from the Head of School

by Dr. John Davies

The 2013 Commencement issue of the Beacon is the perfect opportunity to highlight Miami Country Day School’s observance of its 75th Anniversary.

Commencement means the start or beginning of something. In this case, we have commenced celebrating our Diamond Jubilee. A celebration like this is exciting on a number of levels. Consider that Miami Country Day is one of the oldest independent schools in Florida. In this respect 75 years is a long time and much has happened since founders L.B. Sommers and C.W. “Doc” Abele opened the Miami Country Day and Resident School for Boys in 1938 with nine students. The 75th Anniversary is a wonderful opportunity to honor our founders and share their story and the legacy that these visionary leaders created. Country Day is very fortunate that Bill Ellis, one of Country Day’s earliest teachers, penned The Hibiscus Hedge in 1981. Ellis, who faithfully served the school in so many capacities during his long tenure at Country Day, documented nearly four decades of Country Day history as he shared his reminiscences of the many and varied personalities who worked with L.B. and Doc. We will forever be in Bill Ellis’ debt for recording history that would otherwise have been lost over time. Jack DuBois, who joined the faculty in 1954 and continues to this day as an Alumni Advisor for the Development Office, published Volume II of The Hibiscus Hedge in 1998 for the decades of the 80s and 90s in honor of the school’s 60th Anniversary. Today, Fredi Rosenfeld is writing the third installment of The Hibiscus Hedge to bring our story up to date as Country Day approaches three quarters of a century.

be a birthday party without a cake. Alumnus Luis F. Malkun ’92 and his wife Maria of Mayu’s Cakes created a special birthday cake in the shape of the school bell.

A substantial part of Country Day’s rich heritage rests with its alumni. One of my personal goals for this year is to bring as many alumni back to campus as we possibly can. To that end we’ve planned some special events to welcome our alums back. Homecoming weekend, October 17–19, will include the Spartan Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony recognizing outstanding alumni athletes and coaches. The Toast of Friendship will include a celebration of teachers who have been here for over 25 years. We hope alumni from every class will return to reconnect with their teachers and share their special memories. In February we will host a very special exhibit. Country Day alums have distinguished themselves in so many fields including photography. Several award-winning professional alumni photographers will share their work with us in an exhibit in the Gallery at Country Day.

Our anniversary year kicked off with a special birthday party on August 17. The celebration included a special exhibit of historical memorabilia in the Gallery at Country Day. Part of this exhibit included a timeline created especially for the 75th celebration that tells the Country Day story. The timeline has been in process for the last two years.

We also rededicated the original school bell, which recently underwent a major restoration and now has a permanent place of honor on the campus. It wouldn’t

Service to school and community is part of the fabric of the Country Day community. We will have many service opportunities during this jubilee year including two all-school service projects. The first on October 19 is the Walk for Cancer, which is a1935 is of land 12 acres In 1938, fall, d. In the “Doc” purchase and C. W. L.B. SommersMiami Country for Abele open School Day & Resident students, two nine .

Boys with buildings and five teachers,

4

194

Photo Standoff

Somm 1940: L.B. is $ Ellis; salary an with room has 35 School ages 6-15.

eC Clarabell first cook. st L.B. and shop build

Steering Committee Members: Vanessa Abramowitz Debi Beasley Abha Beohar John Camp ’73 Allison Feldman Claudia Figueredo ’90 Rochelle Finvarb Holly Giovannetti Nancy Green ’93 Candace Grosman Roxy Gross Holly Hansen Elspeth Hotchkiss Kevin J. King ’95 Alexandra Lopez Caryn Lubetsky Niki Markofsky ’87 Melissa Netkin Vanessa Patz Ivette Perez Michelle Sage Jennifer Sazant Lance Tinkler ’01 Elizabeth Vainder

These are just a few of the events we will have to recognize this important milestone in our school’s history. Please take the time to read through the wonderful booklet the Steering Committee has put together with information on all of the events planned for the 75th. Find a full listing online on our website www.miamicountryday.org/75years. The year will conclude with the Diamond Jubilee celebration on April 5, 2014.

With the commencement of the 75th Anniversary upon us, I want to thank Tamara Feola for serving as the coordinator of this yearlong celebration and for all of the members of the 75th Anniversary Steering Committee and the Development Office for their tireless efforts. Because they have done such an extraordinary job, we have a 75th birthday worthy of celebrating for an entire year.

Archivists: John C. “Jack” DuBois Helen Rees Fredi Rosenfeld

Let the celebration begin!

John Davies, Ed.D. Head of School 305-779-7201 daviesj@miamicountryday.org

2000 named John Davies School. of 6th Head

1980

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– 8th Graders is created for the magazineent Beacon The school’s as the masthead e to complim the Beacon a lighthous part of the word sketches becomes Edwards which later Charlie masthead the Beacon to teach school seal. a Navy veteran, Ken Harris, Day hires studies.

Country Ken grade social marries 5th & 6th and later joins faculty School for 39 Years.

Schwan Shirley taught Lower Shirley Harris.

for the first silence and observe bell rings 1960: Studentsmealtime. A of turns around 20 minutes cartoon and Leonard of seconds the Lank the serving tion. marking conversa for social allowing

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opens with 40 day 1955: School 60 resident, ately approxim faculty. , and 15 ; $630 day. students $1,485 boarding Tuition: of the great the son Mike Ruggles, composer, Carl 8th 7th & 20th Century to teach . is hired and literature Ruggles, studies grade social Associate named Ken Harris ter.

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first 1950: The Gertrude women, Mary Peters and the Rink, join faculty.

Alma Mater to school.

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go undefeat 1970: Spartans sports: football, major all three soccer, baseball.

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senior the first Day becomes Country of 1981 , The Class from Miami Fredi Rosenfeld graduate class to Sponsor, First Class School. ing. is named.

Homecom s its first Day celebrate d and Country on is organize of Associati III, Class Alumni The first John Gerken

under the r 29, 1977 Rose, J. Calvin ian 1975: Decembe p of Reverend Shores Presbyter leadershi of Miami d from L.B. senior pastorschool is purchase is the 0. The school a Church, for $1,250,00 rofit and Sommers not-for-p ted as a incorpora is created. trustees board of of Trustees: Initial Board J. Franco, President Michael Vice President Edwin Cole, Secretary Day, Robert Treasurer Benson, William Jones, Trustee Onalee

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40

tudents ding.

75 th Anniversary Coordinator: Tamara Feola

part of our Homecoming festivities. “The Walk,” as it is affectionately referred to, actually came out of a strategic plan nearly 20 years ago. The idea was to create a community service project that would include the entire school. Thus, “The Walk” was born and has become a school tradition. A wonderful example of volunteerism and service, our Parents’ Association Family BBQ, which follows the walk, is just one of many examples of our parents serving our school. On February 8, 2014, we will have another opportunity to give back with the Miami Community Day of Service where over 1200 student and parent volunteers will be involved in service projects on campus and throughout Dade County.

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Building.

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Dedicatio Hall of Fame Sandon Stolle Athletic ’92, l Spartan Effie Silva The Inaugura C. “Jack” DuBois, place.

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(YOS Day) Friendshi of Service Toast of First Years first Alumni hosts the MCDS In 2004,

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founded Change for Social of 2005: Theater performance first with the Season”. d.

“The Wrestling is dedicate Complex Athletic ed at Koch Family chairs announc teaching tics First endowed Mathema n: Chair in graduatio Science.

S. Chaplin Chair in The Arlene R. Chaplin Harvey and The

2005

Years of Service Recognized in 2013

2013 Endowed Teaching Chairs Miami Country Day School is fortunate to be a learning community that celebrates our teachers and their commitment to grow professionally. Six years ago at graduation, we announced our first established Endowed Teaching Chairs made possible through the generosity of the Chaplin and Jove Families. Thank you to Dr. Harvey Chaplin and his family for being leaders of this important effort for our school.

25 Years

Rowena Gerber Yvonne Moyer Bryan Parizo

20 Years

Susan Glick Judy Mistor Murray Woodburn

15 Years

Jennifer Sennett

10 years

The Arlene S. Chaplin Chair in Mathematics Brenda Holsing

The Harvey R. Chaplin Chair in Science Dr. Jesse Bernstein

The L.B. Sommers and C.W. “Doc” Abele Chair for Excellence in Teaching Jill Robert

2013 Edwin B. Cole Award for Teacher of the Year The Edwin B. Cole Exemplary Teacher Award was established in 1989 to acknowledge and honor Ed Cole’s service as the Board President for 12 years. Every year at graduation, the administration recognizes a faculty member whose service and presence in the school community reflect those qualities and characteristics Ed Cole modeled so well—dedication to Country Day, excellence in leadership, and going beyond the expected criteria of one’s job. This year ’s Teacher of the Vanessa Cabrera, Year, Vanessa Cabrera, demonstrates 2013 Teacher of the Year her dedication to her students, both in the classroom and throughout the Middle School. On her own initiative she started the first Middle School Honor Society, named the “Spanish Honor and Friendship Society,” which recently earned national chapter of the year. Through the honor society, she and her students have taken on the cause of migrant farm workers. She has shared the work of the Friendship Society at national conferences and was the recipient of the Marge Ryan Humanitarian Award at MCDS. She serves as the 8th grade team leader, and in this role, she developed an 8th grade graduation ceremony called, “Reflections.” She and her team also created an extraordinary four-day trip through the South, retracing the civil rights movement. In the classroom and beyond, Vanessa Cabrera is an excellent leader and devoted teacher.

Photography by Scholastic Experience Imaging

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Tabitha Charles Candee Comstock John DeMartin Juliette Fulton Elizabeth Long

Jose Oronoz Terri Pasqualin Meribeth Shank Jane Tiffin April Vogel

5 years Amy Biscombe Melisa Brown Michelle Cordero Chris D’Angelo Kim Jordan Gabriela Lara Anne Barrow Karen Cleland Jessicca Elliott Mark Fifer Christie Gales Aaron Gillego Spencer Karnes Claudia Londono

Kristina Long Marcelo Metzelar Russell Mofsky Mary Novas Ingrid Palmisano

1 Year

Marbella Longsworth Monique Moyer Beverly Muzii Millie Sanchez Adriana Sandoval Elizabeth Whittington Terri Sabbag

Harriett Teplicki Service Award Leonardo “Leo” Milanes This award gratefully acknowledges a staff member for the countless hours, behind the scenes contributions, and outstanding performance devoted to the smooth, continuous operation of Miami Country Day School.

Valedictorian Address to the Class of 2013

By Isabel Docal, attending Harvard University

“ Good afternoon faculty that public speaking is the number one fear. Death is

number two, followed by disease, heartbreak, spiders, and Ms. Sardina’s AP English Language class. How ridiculous is fear? People are more afraid of being momentarily embarrassed than being in actual pain.

I’ve been thinking a lot about fear recently – about how silly most of our fears are, yet how much they impact our lives. I’ve been pushing myself to try new things, to be bold, to stretch. I can track back to dozens of instances that I might have missed out on an experience or opportunity because I was too afraid to step off course and take risks.

members, families, friends, distinguished guests, and of course, the best class in Miami Country Day’s history, the Class of 2013.

I am extremely humbled and grateful to be standing in front of such a talented senior class to talk about my experiences and share my thoughts about this important moment in all of our lives. When I officially received the news that I would be valedictorian, the first thought that popped into my head was “Oh no!

Now I have to figure out what to say in this speech.”

But before I even thought of tackling this arduous task, I began to worry about having to actually deliver it in front of this audience. While asking some friends what I could do to get past my fear of public speaking, I was inevitably told that it wouldn’t be that bad.

It was fear that actually brought me to the United States. I had been going to the same small private school in Puerto Rico for nine years, and I truly couldn’t have asked for a better childhood. But in middle school, things started to change when class rankings became available for everybody to see.

With a complete focus on academics, my school was an incubator for cutthroat competition, and sadly, students went to all extremes to push me off the list in attempt of getting their names in that top spot.

The 80 graduates are attending 49 Colleges and Universities.

As I stand up here I’m kind of nervous.

They told me that it was going to be like singing in the shower, it’s no problem. Now that the day has come, let me be the first one to tell you, that is not true at all. I mean, unless your shower is the size of this auditorium and is packed with hundreds of people. And if that’s the case, then you’ve got bigger problems than just giving a speech.

With fear that I would not be able to get past this bullying, came also the realization that I didn’t deserve this treatment and that I needed a more diverse and welcoming student body. My parents presented me with an opportunity to move to Miami, and here I’ve been since 8th grade.

As cliché as this may sound, it feels like just yesterday that I came into my 8th grade advisory, late because I could not figure out all of the different school bells.

While excited, I was also apprehensive I would not fit in socially. I quickly met my first friend, Alexa, and I knew that if I continued to be receptive and held a positive attitude, things would fall right into place.

They did, and soon enough I was interacting with everyone and blending into the community as if I had been here for years. Academically, I encountered dedicated teachers and students who were excited about learning for the sake of learning. They helped me alleviate some of the stress I imposed upon myself because of my perfectionist tendencies. In addition, I discovered peers who were not afraid to step out of their comfort zone to become leaders, athletes,

And then they tell you, go ahead and imagine everyone in their underwear; it’ll make you feel better. So I’m standing up here, pretending that my shower is the size of this auditorium, there are hundreds of people in it, and now everyone’s in their underwear. It’s not working at all.

Realizing that all of this nonsense wouldn’t help, I consulted with my wise, trustworthy companion – Google. Instead of getting answers, I was led to an article by the Wall Street Journal that stated that public speaking is the number one fear in America.

How ironic is it that the award for, let’s face it, a lot of work is public speaking? And isn’t that ridiculous, 7

Photography by Scholastic Experience Imaging

musicians, actors, and ultimately my best friends.

Miami Country Day, with all its opportunities inside and outside the classroom, soon became my safe haven, a home away from home.

With the addition of new students to our class, new classrooms to explore, and new teachers to meet, high school brought back some of the fears of when I first moved, but also new ones. Worrying that grades started counting for college, my fears became less social and primarily academic. Self-doubt set in, and with it, my old nemesis stress returned.

Stress is something I continue to struggle with today, but I have certainly gotten better managing it over the years. I remember Mr. Konen served as my mentor in ninth grade so I could make it to senior year without cracking – something he wasn’t so sure could happen. Can’t say every day was a smooth ride, but I can surely say that it was possible with all the help I received from teachers, and with all the lessons I learned outside of the classroom with my peers. As high school progressed, I joined clubs and became more involved with school activities.

Who would have thought I would be dancing in our homecoming skit this year? Participating in all of the wacky Country Day events, like the holiday singa-long, has helped me take the pressure off myself, and has helped me acknowledge that it is okay to not get straight A’s.

Suzy Batlle, Founder and Owner of Azucar Ice Cream Company, addressed the class of 2013 at graduation. She has worn many hats as former mortician, mortgage banker, wife, mom, divorcee, painter, cancer survivor, and finally ice cream maker. Batlle didn’t always know a lot about ice cream, but after deciding she wanted to make a life change, she learned the craft of making ice cream from her Cuban grandmother, who had instilled in her a life-long love of ice cream. Over the course of the address, she shared the following life lessons with Miami Country Day graduates of the Class of 2013.

1. “Look to your left, look to your right, and look around because the people that you’re sitting next to today will be the closest and most trusted friends that you’ll have in your life.”

By the end of high school, I came to realize that it is worth it to go that extra mile, it’s worth it to have a few sleepless nights, but it’s also worth it to find the right balance and go to that Taylor Swift concert when you know you have a million other things to do. Lester Brown once said: “Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears.” The first step to getting past your fears is identifying what they are and how they have served as barriers to your development and your dreams.

Once you know what your fears are—heights, public speaking, or both, such is the case for me—you will be able to surpass the obstacles you face to focus on accomplishing your dreams. I was given the opportunity to do just that during a trip to Costa Rica for minimester. Knowing that one of the activities was zip lining gave me butterflies days before the trip. But once there, how could I not jump off the platform and swing above the forest’s canopy? I was not about to let fear dictate my life. And so I did it and had the experience of a lifetime.

2. “You don’t always have to know how to do something.” Batlle decided to open an ice cream shop without knowing how to make ice cream!

“Even if you’re gripped with fear, do it anyway.”

3. “An old dog can learn new tricks.”

4. “You can do business with your family, but make sure your brother lives in Dallas and your mother is 82 years old. Otherwise, they’ll drive you crazy.”

5. “Life will throw you curveballs all the time. If life went smoothly, then I would say you haven’t really lived it. The ride is in the challenge so always get up one more time than you’ve been knocked down.”

6. “When life throws you lemons, just go eat ice cream.”

Photography by Scholastic Experience Imaging

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Gradually, I’ve come to recognize fear as a source of motivation—a motivation to improve your own self, and a motivation to be spontaneous and take risks. One doesn’t learn or become more courageous and brave just by taking risks. True courage comes from accepting and embracing the outcomes of your

risks, and possibly repeating these risks or moving on to new challenges. It was daring for David Butter to dress up as made-up diva Sabrina, but it was embracing that embarrassment and continuing on to star in other music videos that brings out the courage in our class president. Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear. Having fun with your friends and being spontaneous is one of the most rewarding things in life, even if embarrassment is part of the deal.

I’ve learned to value those embarrassingly unique moments in life because they will make good stories in the future. A few weeks ago, a Hummer limo painted in zebra print took the group I was with to prom. Even though this garish vehicle drew stares from onlookers, it became a source of camaraderie as we took pictures in front of it and yelled “Zebras assemble” at the end before we left. It is safe to say, now I don’t let fear, humiliation, stress, or the occasional bad hair day stop me.

35 in State 44 Out of State 1 International

Class of 2013 Salutatorian Aaron Jones, attending Stanford University and planning to study bioengineering or environmental engineering

Neither do my classmates. I can say with certainty that I’ve witnessed our class mature, try new things, and be open to new friendships. We’ve all learned to not take ourselves so seriously and to laugh about it when things don’t go as planned. We’ve been successful in uncovering our fearless selves.

The lyrics of one of Lil Wayne’s songs allude to this transformation: “I’m probably in the sky, flying with the fishes, or maybe in the ocean swimming with the pigeons. The sky is the limit and if you look up high, you’ll see that I’m gonna be in it.”

All of us graduating today are fish, fish trying to fly.

Until today, high school was the pond in which we

Photography by Scholastic Experience Imaging 9

2/3 of the Class of

were all swimming. We’ve learned to not be fearful when facing a new environment and new struggles.

We’ve also learned that the occasional stumble back into the water is okay as long as we never give up trying to fly.

2013 qualified for a Florida Academic or Medallion Scholarship with Florida Bright Futures.

Now, we’re all about to embark on a new chapter in our lives. And we’re all about to experience and face the fears of a college student to complete our leap out of the water. But as I’ve experienced, we have to keep in mind that fear can lead to good things. Because we have achieved success and overcome challenges, we are a class destined for greatness.

Our class has set the bar high for upcoming classes, winning two homecomings and two big cookies this year for having the highest percentage of students on the Director ’s and Headmaster ’s List. We’ve become worthy leaders of the school and even though the underclassmen may deny it, they are envious of our class video, senior glasses, bags, sweatbands, socks, and the lanyards and crewneck sweatshirts that they, now, too have emulated. Our class has amazing school spirit, and this is one of the things we will truly miss.

We will also miss having to shake off the pebbles of turf from the field. We will miss getting in trouble with the librarians and we will miss Mr. Oronoz reminding us to be attentive and respectful in all of the assemblies. For those in Mr. Hutsko’s advisory, we will miss the birthday game that made all the other advisories jealous. We will all miss Dr. Bernstein’s puns, Mrs. Dorn’s stories, Dr. Conea’s shoesies, Mr. Brennan releasing the kraken, Mr. McGee’s Z’s and H’s, Mr. Turf ’s and Ms. Vargas’ dance moves, Coach Metz’s sound effects, Mr. Bronish teaching us for the day we’re stranded on a deserted island, Mme Shultz reminding us to turn in our senior project forms, Mr. Penengo telling us to “Clap it up, kids,” and convincing Ms. Borchers that you completely forgot there was an assignment due on Aplia the night before.

On a more serious note, we never thought this day would come. We’ve prayed for its quick delivery and crossed days off our calendars. But now that it’s here, I’m sorry it is because it means leaving friends who have inspired me, teachers who have been my mentors, so many people who have shaped my life and my fellow students’ lives, impermeably and forever.

Thanks to Ms. Allen, Mrs. Sardina, and Mr. Pineda for staying up late at night helping us with our college applications. Thanks to all of the teachers for giving us the tools and resources to become flying fish and defy the laws of science. And thanks for caring about us and nurturing us in your pond for the past four years.

But most of all, thank you to all of the parents who have simultaneously put up with our complaining while pushing us out of the water.

To all of the Class of 2013, this won’t be the end of our success and our friendship. Given our growth and development throughout high school, I’m sure we will continue to soar and escalate infinitely above the water.

So congratulations class of 2013, and I hope to continue seeing you all thrive in the sky.”

10

Photography by Scholastic Experience Imaging

Glen Turf, Upper School Director, Addresses the Class of 2013

I

exemplifies who they are.” No need to list their accomplishments, no need to rehash what we’ve heard all weekend. That one scene encapsulated everything this class is, was, and I suspect will be long after we award the final diploma. Sometimes “special” cannot be defined or explained in a speech. It just is. Do you want to see special?

Just look at these 80 faces here. I loved working with you as your Class Sponsor in your freshman year, and I felt pride watching you over the next three. Now, as we all prepare to let you go, I have that feeling that I’m sure most of your parents will have in a couple of months when you leave for college. So, just as you will do with them, come back. Come back and visit us. I won’t do your laundry, but I will sit and listen to all your stories about your new life. I want to hear—we want to hear—because inside us all you’ve left a little bit of pink and blue. We all bleed your colors, and on this special day, we feel proud to do so. Thank you for being the great Class of 2013. ■

’ve thought about this presentation for the better part of the past year. Only one other time in my career have I felt like a graduating class was so special, and that was when I sponsored a grade all four years before my time as Upper School Director. But how could I possibly sum up all the good things you have done or all the pride we feel for you? You’ve heard all weekend about how your class possesses an uncanny closeness, how your leadership surpasses those who have come before you, and about how your ability to think outside the box helps to define the Class of 2013. Your class is all about superlatives—“the best” this and “the most” that. As I mentioned in my video to you yesterday, you were the first class that I decided to sponsor during the freshman year so that I would, in my role as Upper School Director, have the opportunity to know more about you than just your name. I wanted a relationship so that I was not known as just the man who sat in the office or appeared at assemblies. I feel like I achieved that, and I hope you do as well. But, again, how could I sum up everything you’ve done without merely repeating all the accolades that have been bestowed upon you all weekend?

There is no need, for my speech wrote itself last Wednesday afternoon at the Miami Shores Presbyterian Church.

As the speakers and performers rehearsed for Baccalaureate, I sat in the last pew and watched two distinct and different groups work with one another to make the product better.

Advice was offered and graciously accepted, people filled in for one another, and a sense of warmth and caring was emitted over every single pew to reach me in the far back. At that moment, I thought to myself, “This is it. This 11

Photography by Scholastic Experience Imaging

Victor Cohen

Boston University Florida State University *University of Florida University of Miami University of Wisconsin, Madison

Gabriel Cordero

*Barry University Palm Beach Atlantic University

*College or University attending

Adrien Amador

Barry University Flagler College *Florida International University Lynn University University of North Florida Rollins College Stetson University

Nicholas Bank

Indiana University at Bloomington *University of Miami Pace University, New York City

Ethan Baratz University of Florida University of Miami New York University *Vassar College

Talal Bazzi

University of Central Florida Florida International University *University of Miami Purdue University

Philip Benedek

Florida Gulf Coast University Florida International University *University of North Florida

Amy Bernard

Florida State University University of Florida *New College of Florida

Chelsea Blake

University of San Francisco *School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Breanna Blot

*Fairmont State University St. Thomas University Tuskegee University

Maurizio Boano

University of Florida Georgia Institute of Technology *Massachusetts Institute of Technology Washington University in St. Louis

Mackenzie Bolton

Carnegie Mellon University University of Florida *Georgia Institute of Technology Tulane University University of Virginia

David Butter

American University Boston University *Florida State University University of Maryland, College Park University of Miami

Daniela Cal y Mayor Undecided

Tatiana Cirisano

University of California at Los Angeles University of California at Santa Barbara Emory University *George Washington University University of Maryland, College Park

Carol Civre

Erika Cortes

University of Massachusetts, Boston Pace University, New York City *Suffolk University

Giovanni Cragnotti

*Johns Hopkins University

Dante Davis

*University of North Florida

Giulia Dias Roncoletta

Florida International University Florida State University Indiana University at Bloomington *University of Miami Syracuse University

Isabel Docal

Boston College Duke University Georgetown University *Harvard University University of Miami Northwestern University University of Pennsylvania Vanderbilt University University of Virginia Yale University

Sam Edelstein Florida State University *University of Florida

Adam Eismont

University of Colorado at Boulder University of MA, Amherst *University of Miami Purdue University

*New York University 12

Photography by Scholastic Experience Imaging

Emily Estefan

*Berklee College of Music

College Park *Tulane University

Rubi Ferras

Fernando Holz

Piero Filpi

Eli Iaslovits

Facundo Garcia Flores

Aaron Jones

Maryland Institute College of Art *Parsons The New School for Design Pratt Institute Savannah College of Art and Design School of the Art Institute of Chicago

*The Catholic University of America

Florida State University *New York University

Devra Gelman *Boston University University of Florida

Joshua Guerra

Florida State University University of Florida *University of Southern California Vassar College

William Haefner

Florida Atlantic University *Florida Gulf Coast University University of West Florida

Alexa Halvorssen *New York University

Brian Hernandez

University of Colorado at Boulder Elon University Florida State University University of Maryland,

Florida International University Florida State University Indiana University at Bloomington *University of Miami

*Babson College Florida State University

University of Florida Harvard University *Stanford University

Aaron Karlton

Florida International University Indiana University at Bloomington *University of Maryland, College Park University of Miami

Rafael Kassin

*Babson College

Diana Katz

Eugene Lang College Florida International University *Nova Southeastern University

Joanna Kay

*Eckerd College Florida Southern College Lynn University Ringling College of Art and Design Rollins College University of Tampa

Maria Kosiyanenko

Fordham University Hofstra University Pace University, New York City *University of San Francisco

Leonard Kronfle

Eckerd College Fairfield University Flagler College Florida International University University of Hartford Hofstra University Iona College Loyola University New Orleans Lynn University Manhattan College Manhattanville College Marymount Manhattan College *Stetson University Wagner College

Grant Kushner *University of Chicago

Matthew Kydd *Barry University Lynn University

Jenna Lilly

*Colgate University Florida State University University of Florida

Eleonora Longhi

Florida International University *George Washington University University of San Francisco

Alexander Macaisa

*Florida International University Nova Southeastern University

13

Photography by Scholastic Experience Imaging

Eduardo Macedo

Barry University *Florida International University

Joel Meler

Florida International University University of Maryland, College Park *University of Miami Michigan State University University of Michigan Pennsylvania State University, University Park University of Wisconsin, Madison

Daniel Mendez

*Boston College University of Florida George Washington University University of Miami New York University University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Tulane University

Gillian Milberg

*Baruch College of the CUNY University of Central Florida City University of New York Florida State University Hunter College of the CUNY Lehman College of the CUNY University of Miami

Danielle Tepper and Family

Aaron and Fred Karlton, Trustee with Howard Premer, Trustee

Savannah College of Art and Design SUNY Stony Brook University SUNY Binghamton University SUNY College at Geneseo

Connor Quinton

Mitchell Mosheim

*Barry University

*Colgate University Elon University Tulane University Villanova University

Chloe Palinsky

American University of Paris *Baruch College of the CUNY California State University, Los Angeles California State University, Northridge Florida Atlantic University Florida International University

*Tallahassee Community College

Gregory Revitz Jared Robins

University of Florida University of Maryland, College Park *University of Michigan

Thomas Rodrigues

Florida International University *University of North Florida

Jenny Roude Aoun

*Texas Christian University

Harry Papu

Jessika Roude Aoun

Anne Perry

Zachary Sardinia

*Bentley University

Boston University Florida State University *University of Florida

Ashley Puente

Goucher College *Mills College Richmond The American International College in London Washington College

David Butter and Family

Devra Gelman and Family 14

*Southern Methodist University

*University of Central Florida Florida International University University of North Florida University of South Florida, Tampa

Sarita Sasson

American University of Paris *Babson College Florida International University

John Davies, Head of School, Avery Watson, Jeff Watson, and Howard Premer

Jenna Lilly and Family Photography by Scholastic Experience Imaging

Tatiana Seikaly

*George Washington University

Douglas Singer

Boston University *George Washington University Johns Hopkins University University of Miami Tulane University

Federico Slezynger

Bard College *Emerson College Florida International University University of Miami New College of Florida

Hannah Snitcovski

*Boston University Florida International University Florida State University

Prosper Surujon

*Florida International University Indiana University at Bloomington

Onika Swaby

University of North Florida Northwood University, Florida *St. Thomas University

Laura Szerer

*University of Pennsylvania

Shadi Tabbara

*Florida Atlantic University Florida Gulf Coast University Florida International University Stetson University

Danielle Tepper

Florida State University *University of Florida University of Maryland, College Park University of Miami University of Wisconsin, Madison

Daria TubermanSolon

American University of Paris Eugene Lang College Florida International University Lynn University Parsons The New School for Design *School of Visual Arts

Augusto Vaccaro Boston College *Florida State University University of Florida University of Miami New York University

Michael Viamonte

*University of Miami Tulane University

Ivana Vlahovic

*Carnegie Mellon University Georgia Institute of Technology

Grant Kushner and Family

Avery Watson

*Florida State University University of North Florida University of South Florida, Tampa

Rashad Woodside, Jr. Barry University *Florida Atlantic University Florida Gulf Coast University Florida International University Lynn University University of West Florida

The Boano and Lowenstein Families

Zachary Zelcer *Barry University

Jacob Ziluck

University of Arizona University of Colorado at Boulder Florida International University *Indiana University at Bloomington Pennsylvania State University, Erie Campus

15

Jared ’13 and Josh Robins ’12

Photography by Scholastic Experience Imaging

Silver Knights of 2013 The Miami Herald Silver Knight Awards Program is a highly regarded student award program. The purpose of this awards program is to recognize outstanding students who have not only maintained good grades but have also generously applied their abilities and talents to contribute noteworthy service to their schools and communities.

Each nominee is evaluated on their use of skills and talents for the betterment of the community; creativity in problem solving; and the quality, consistency, and measurable impact of service.

Nominees are expected to be school leaders and possess strong character. They are evaluated on their use of good judgment and their perseverance in overcoming obstacles. Academic achievements, honors, awards, and advanced study in the nominee’s category are also important.

Upper School English teacher, Mrs. Carolyn Dorn, is Country Day’s Silver Knight Coordinator. She assists the nominees with the application process, qualifications, and other requirements associated with the award.

During the 2012–2013 school year, three MCDS students were nominees for Silver Knight awards: David Butter in Athletics, Devra Gelman in Social Science, and Alexa Halvorssen in Drama. David and Alexa received Honorable Mentions for their categories. Congratulations to our nominees!

In Country Day’s history, there have been seven MCDS Silver Knight winners and 19 MCDS Honorable Mentions. The Silver Knight Awards program was instituted at The Miami Herald in 1959 by John S. Knight, past publisher of The Miami Herald, founder and editor emeritus of Knight-Ridder Newspapers and 1968 Pulitzer Prize winner. The program is open to high school seniors in public, private, and parochial schools. Over 65 high schools in Miami-Dade County participate.

2013 Award Winners

Joshua Rivas ’13 received the Greater Miami Shores Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Student Award. He, along with other recipients, was honored at the Miami Shores Chamber of Commerce breakfast in May 2013.

The Community Learning Partnership Awards honored outstanding environmental leadership. Avery Watson ’13 was recognized for her work, along with Mila Boano ’15, who will take over in a leadership role with the CLP, representing MCDS. Aaron Jones ’13 was selected as the winner of a National Achievement Scholarship. Aaron’s scores on the PSAT exam qualified him to become one of 800 Achievement Scholar Designees.

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Top to bottom: Silver Knights with Silver Knight Coordinator Carolyn Dorn; David Butter; Devra Gelman; and Alexa Halvorssen

Upper Scho o l

ACADEMIC AWARDS

valedictorian Isabel Docal Salutatorian Aaron Jones CORNELL BOOK AWARD Teddy Pornprinya HARVARD BOOK AWARD Gionna Macropulos

HELEN DONNELL EXCELLENCE IN ART AWARD Carol Civre Rubi Ferras EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM Sidney Thomas

PRINCETON BOOK AWARD Amanda Gavcovich

FRANCOISE B. KNAPP EXCELLENCE IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES AWARD Jodi Bauson

BROWN BOOK AWARD Emil Martayan

EXCELLENCE IN DRAMA Amy Bernard

SMITH BOOK AWARD Kianna Matisonn

SANDI LEWIS DRAMA SCHOLARSHIP Alessandra Settineri

BRYN MAWR BOOK AWARD Madison Gallup WELLESLEY BOOK AWARD Mharlove Andre FLORIDA INERNATIOAL UNIVERSITY BOOK AWARD Marina Tabbara UNIVERSIT Y OF chicago book award Alec Koss GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY BOOK AWARD Michael Fente UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH BOOK AWARD Emil Martayan WILLIAMS BOOK AWARD Andrea Herskowich MT. HOLYOKE BOOK AWARD Winona Paez ROCHESTER BAUSCH AND LOMB SCIENCE AWARD Gionna Macropulos ROCHESTER SUSAN B. ANTHONY/ FREDerick DOUGLASS HUMANITARIAN AWARD Emil Martayan RENSSELAER MEDAL FOR SCIENCE AND MATH Emil Martayan

NATIONAL FRENCH EXAM AWARDS Adrien Amador-Touret Aminah Austin Daniela Cal y Mayor Isabel Docal Sacha Frank Joshua Hug Camille Kassin Daniel Kassin Alexandra Piussan Sebastian Piussan Eva Serditova Rafaele Simosa Nelson Touboul Robert Woolfson

THESPIAN AWARDS Federico Slezynger Marnie Weiss DRAMA TECHNICAL AWARD Madison Gallup KEN HARRIS SCHOLARSHIP Brandon Parizo

excellence in english Sam Edelstein

Grade 9 – Joshua Hug

excellence in foreign language Isabel Docal

ROTARY AWARD FOR ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENT Mackenzie Bolton Rafael Kassin

Grade 12 – Ethan Baratz, Mackenzie Bolton, Isabel Docal national achievement scholarship progam award Aaron Jones HIGHEST AVERAGE Grade 9 – Joshua Hug Grade 10 – Shalini Chandar Grade 11 – Emil Martayan PRESIDENTIAL academic EXCELLENCE Ethan Baratz Maurizio Boano Mackenzie Bolton Tatiana Cirisano Isabel Docal Facundo Garcia Flores Devra Gelman Josh Guerra Aaron Jones Grant Kushner Jenna Lilly Mitchell Mosheim Jared Robins Douglas Sincer Laura Szerer

JOHN WICKER EXCELLENCE IN MUSIc Emily Estefan ORCHESTRA DIRECTOR’S AWARD Marina Tabbara

RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN AWARD Daria Tuberman Solon

HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA AWARDS Madelyn Hertz Ivana Vlahovic

art/photography award Ashley Puente

CHORUS AWARD Joshua Hug

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Signing Day Ivana Vlahovic – Carnegie Mellon University (Volleyball)

HEADMASTER’S LIST FOR THREE QUARTERS

Grade 11 – Emil Martayan

KIWANIS AWARD FOR ACADEMIC IMPROVEMENT Gina Fleites

national council of english teachers award Madison Gallup

Breanna Blot – Fairmont State University (Volleyball)

Grade 10 – Shalini Chandar, David Gonzalez, Jaclyn Lash, Sidney Thomas

SPORTSMANSHIP Jenna Lilly Grant Kushner

knight foundation writing awards Blake Colongo Sydney Jones Guglielmo Mazza Alessandra Settineri

NATIONAL SPANISH EXAM AWARDS Marco Cartolano Elizabeth Finny Madelyn Hertz Lorenzo Lionello Camille Martayan Alexandra Piussan

EXCELLENCE IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION Marsha Edwards Demitri Spiliotis

OUTSTANDING ATHLETES Breanna Blot Ricardo Gonzalez

Agusto Vaccaro Ivana Vlahovic

Onika Swaby – St. Thomas University (Basketball) Giovanni Cragnotti – Johns Hopkins University (Water Polo)

john w. owens, ii, excellence in history award Michael Viamonte excellence in science Aaron Jones hassan tabatabaie excellence in math Ivana Vlahovic alumni award Piero Filpi trustee award for general excellence Mitchell Mosheim

Mi ddl e Scho o l

ACADEMIC AWARDS AWARDS

MANNY BLANCO AWARD Gabrielle Fiszman

ISSF STAR AWARD Riley Deitado

HEADMASTER’S LIST – 3 QUARTERS

EXCELLENCE IN THE AREA OF TECHNOLOGY Nathan Lerner

TOMMY PIERCE CITIZENSHIP AWARD Luna Garcia Pereyra

EXCELLENCE IN THE AREA OF ART Olivia Bronzi

GERTRUDE PETERS AWARD Amelia Gregorio

6th grade David Bloch William Borchers Jeremy Cross Gabrielle Fiszman Anastasiia Korolevskaia Theo Levacher Ryan Luby Corso Luciano Isabella Pedraza Felipe Rangel Elizabeth Stone Madeline Sukhdeo

EXCELLENCE IN THE AREA OF DRAMA Christian Claramonte EXCELLENCE IN THE AREA OF ENGLISH Sonia Bucan EXCELLENCE IN THE AREA OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES French – Luna Garcia Pereyra Spanish – Veronica Ortiz EXCELLENCE IN THE AREA OF HISTORY Gabriel Rodan EXCELLENCE IN THE AREA OF MATHEMATICS Zachary Goldberg EXCELLENCE IN THE AREA OF MUSIC Melissa Benedek EXCELLENCE IN THE AREA OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION Boy – Tyler Luby Girl – Channise Lewis EXCELLENCE IN THE AREA OF SCIENCE Beckie Witherington Environmental Science Award (6th Grade) – Felipe Rangel Ben Frazier Award (7th Grade) – Laura Ramirez Sam Johnston Award (8th Grade) – Jonathan Abramowitz HELEN REES AWARD Jeremy Cross ROBERT G. AND RUTH WILLIAMS FINE ARTS SCHOLARSHIP AWARD – Art Violeta de la Guardia KEN HARRIS SCHOLARSHIP AWARD Yakira Matisonn DUKE TIP STATE FINALISTS Daniel Cross Ryan Finvarb Yakira Matisonn Adam Perry Lila Rosendorf Rachel Thomas

L.B. SOMMERS AWARD Jonathan Abramowitz kiwanis award for academic improvement Ashraf Marwan PRESIDENTIAL ACADEMIC SCHOLARS Joshua Abeckjerr Jonathan Abramowitz Arianna Arguetty David Bensabat Sasha Bhardwaj Nadine Bloch Nikita Bogorad Giulia Bronzi Olivia Bronzi Sonia Bucan Anna Cowett Alex Cohen Riley Deitado Aaron Dilworth Mia Ferrari-Mathis Rebecca Fulford Zach Goldberg Amelia Gregorio Jesse Grosman Wendi Halpryn Photini Kamvyselli Jonah Kane Camila Kassin Blake Kushner Nathan Lerner Jordan Lips Sofia Lopez de Mesa Tyler Luby Mattias Marine Sierra Mathis Breno Medina Mallory Meyer Megan Mosheim Veronica Ortiz Mia Paez Constantine Peraticos Luna Garcia Pereyra Gabriel Rodan Karl Smith Sofia Zamboli Ian Zigel

7th grade Daniel Cross Daniel Dana Sarah Diaz Ryan Finvarb Yakira Matisonn Evan Meiselman Graham Mogollon Gabriela Nayor Lila Rosendorf Sydney Sazant Eva Sher Rachel Thomas

8th grade Arianna Arguetty Olivia Bronzi Sonia Bucan Anna Cowett Luna Garcia Pereyra Amelia Gregorio Ian Zigel OVERALL ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARD 6th Grade: Isabella Pedraza, Madeline Sukhdeo 7th Grade: Yakira Matisonn 8th Grade: Amelia Gregorio

HEADMASTER’S AWARD FOR UNSELFISH SERVICE 6th Grade – Alicia Kelly 7th Grade – Sarah Diaz 8th Grade – Anna Cowett

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Lower School Awards The Weslie Grosz Kindness Award is presented to: Davis Lubetsky Haydn Sage Weslie GROsz Kindness Award is in honor of Mrs. Grosz, a kindergarten teacher and parent at Miami Country Day School who always modeled genuine caring for her students, colleagues, and school.

The Award is given to one third and one fourth grade student who are models of kindness and compassion to students and teachers in and out of the classroom. This person demonstrates thoughtfulness in the way they act every day, and is recognized by their teachers and peers to be a very considerate person.

The Nathan Hurst Love of Learning Award is presented to: Timmy Houser Maya Kreger The Nathan Hurst Love of Learning Award is in honor of Mr. Hurst, computer teacher, Chorus Accompanist, COEP leader, and alumnus of Miami Country Day School who always modeled genuine love of learning about many things including space, computers, music, science, and art. The Award is given to one third and one fourth grade student who are models of intellectual curiosity. This person demonstrates inquisitiveness in a variety of subject areas and is recognized by their teachers and peers to be a student who genuinely enjoys discovering and learning new things.

Spri ng Spo r t s

AWARDS VARSITY BASEBALL

COACHES AWARD Blaise Pronesti

BOYS VARSITY WATER POLO

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER AWARD John Sayfie

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD Giovanni Cragnotti

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AWARD Sean Fuller

COACHES AWARD Grant Kushner

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD Carlos Ortega

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER AWARD Lorenzo Lionello

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AWARD Austin Pollak

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD Sebastian Piussan

SPARTAN AWARD Talal Bazzi

MIDDLE SCHOOL BASEBALL

UP AND COMER AWARD Noah Reines

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD Jordan Sale

BOYS VARSITY TENNIS

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD Michael Fente COACHES AWARD Thomas Rodrigues CY YOUNG AWARD Juztin Gross SILVER SLUGGER AWARD Carter Weiss

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD Shaun Berman

COACHES AWARD Jesse Grosman

COACHES AWARD Rafael Kassin

SPARTAN AWARD Griffin Sennett Conor Goodman

SPARTAN AWARD Alexander Macaisa

VARSITY SOFTBALL

GIRLS VARSITY TENNIS

GIRLS VARSITY WATER POLO OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Nicole Halpryn MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD Mackenzie Bolton COACHES AWARD Sidney Thomas

BOYS MIDDLE SCHOOL WATER POLO

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD Avery Watson

SPARTAN AWARD Megan Tate

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD Jonathan Abramowitz

SPARTAN AWARD Taylor Sennett

COACHES AWARD Calypso Peraticos

COACHES AWARD Juan Martin Caro

COACHES AWARD Jaclyn Lash

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AWARD Sasha Bass

DIAMOND AWARD Jenna Lilly

BOYS MIDDLE SCHOOL TENNIS

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER AWARD Alec Rosen

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER AWARD Elizabeth Finny

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD Milan Bass Alexander Cohan

VARSITY LACROSSE MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD Jared Robins COACHES AWARD Michael Viamonte HIGHEST POINTS VARSITY LACROSSE 2013 Brian Hernandez Jordan Karp

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD Amelia Gregorio

GIRLS MIDDLE SCHOOL TENNIS

COACHES AWARD Sofia Zamboli

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD Jade Iadarola

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER AWARD Luna Garcia Pereyra

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER AWARD Mina Segall

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD Costi Peraticos 19

GIRLS MIDDLE SCHOOL WATER POLO

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER AWARD Evan Meiselman

COACHES AWARD Skylar Carter

MIDDLE SCHOOL LACROSSE

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD Christian Claramonte

plaques for nomination SPORTS SOCIETY 2012-2013 Outstanding Middle School Female Athlete Amelia Gregorio SPORTS SOCIETY 2012-2013 Outstanding Upper School Female Athlete Jenna Lilly MIAMI HERALD SCHOLARATHLETE OF THE YEAR 2012-2013 Nominee Avery Watson MIAMI HERALD SCHOLARATHLETE OF THE YEAR 2012-2013 Nominee Maurizio Boano FHSAA ACADEMIC ALL-STATE 2012-2013 Finalist Grant Kushner FHSAA ACADEMIC ALL-STATE 2012-2013 Nominee Mackenzie Bolton FIAAA SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD 2012-2013 Nominee Breanna Blot FIAAA SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD 2012-2013 Nominee Brian Hernandez FIAAA SCHOLAR-ATHLETE NOMINEE 2012-2013 Nominee Mitchell Mosheim FIAAA SCHOLAR-ATHLETE NOMINEE 2012-2013 Nominee Jenna Lilly WENDY’S HIGH SCHOOL HEISMAN NOMINEE 2012-2013 Nominee Grant Kushner WENDY’S HIGH SCHOOL HEISMAN NOMINEE 2012-2013 Nominee Jenna Lilly

SPECIAL AWARDS FOUR YEAR PLAQUE Thomas Rodrigues – Baseball Taylor Sennett – Softball Jenny Roude – Softball David Butter – Lacrosse Prosper Surujon – Lacrosse Jared Robins – Lacrosse

Michael Viamonte – Lacross Brian Hernandez – Lacrosse Philip Benedek – Lacrosse Alec Koss – Tennis Mackenzie Bolton – Water Polo Giovanni Cragnotti – Water Polo

Philip Benedek Maurizio Boano David Butter Brian Hernandez Aaron Karlton Jared Robins Prosper Surujon Michael Viamonte

FIVE YEAR MEDAL Elizabeth Finny – Softball Amanda Gavcovich – Softball Shaun Berman – Tennis Victor Cohen – Water Polo

WATER POLO Talal Bazzi Victor Cohen Giovanni Cragnotti William Haefner Grant Kushner Harry Papu Mackenzie Bolton Ivana Vlahovic

six year pen set Avery Watson – Softball SEVEN YEAR CLOCK Grant Kushner – Water Polo

plaques major awards

TENNIS Rafael Kassin Alexander Macaisa

ATHLETES OF THE YEAR

SOFTBALL Jenna Lilly Jenny Roude Jessika Roude Avery Watson

MIDDLE SCHOOL Jordan Sale Calypso Peraticos Channise Lewis UPPER SCHOOL Breanna Blot Ricardo Gonzalez SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD MIDDLE SCHOOL Amelia Gregorio Christian Claramonte UPPER SCHOOL Jenna Lilly Grant Kushner ROTARY AWARD MIDDLE SCHOOL Yakira Matisonn Jonathan Abramowitz UPPER SCHOOL Mackenzie Bolton Rafael Kassin SANDRA LEE KENNA AWARD Danielle Minott Giovanni Cragnotti SPARTAN AWARD Onika Swaby Avery Watson Rashad Woodside SENIOR AWARDS BASEBALL Gabriel Cordero Dante Davis Gregory Revitz Thomas Rodrigues LACROSSE Nicholas Bank 20

S pr in g S po r ts

AWARDS

In t h e G alle r y. . .

This school year, Miami Country Day School hosted four successful art exhibits on campus. We were excited to welcome artists Shawn Clark, Peter Tunney, and Michael Scoggins for their respective exhibits as well as to showcase the work of our very own faculty in “The Art of Teaching.”

clockwise from top left: “Uh-kyoo-myuh-ley-shuhn” by Shawn Clark; “BIG TIME” by Micahel Scoggins; “Dictionary Daze” by Peter Tunney; Peter Tunney with Dr. John Davies, Head of School; “Uh-kyoo-myuh-ley-shuhn” by Shawn Clark; and “BIG TIME” by Michael Scoggins

S ave the d ate!

Chapungu September 2013

Stylin’ through the Years

is a traveling exhibit of stone sculptures, carved by three generations of Zimbabwean sculptors of the Shona tribe. The sculptures address social and environmental issues, creatures of legend, family, and customs. The opening reception is: Tuesday, September 24, 2013 at 6:30 p.m.

October 2013

Alumni Photography Exhibit February 2014 21

This exhibit will showcase MCDS T-shirts from the last three decades in the Gallery.

The exhibit is curated by Fredlyn Rosenfeld.

Enjoy the work of MCDS alumni at this photography exhibit on February 20, 2014.

Spaghetti Spectacular

In May, the 4th grade classes participated in the annual “Spaghetti Spectacular.”

Students tested their inventions at TiramesU, an Italian restaurant on Lincoln Road. Students completed a “brainstorm sheet” and created a special utensil to eat spaghetti. Students could not use an ordinary fork, unless they combined it with other materials.

“My utensil was called The Super Spaghetti eater.”

– Madelyn McDonald ’21

“We had to make another invention to eat spaghetti in a wacky way” – Chuck Sukhdeo ’21

Paper chains Lower School students were given the following challenge: With a teammate and a 12”x18” piece of construction paper, create the longest paper chain you can.

Students considered their strategy before accomplishing this task.

In the end there were chains ranging in length from four to 17 feet! Renata and Ross’ chain was the longest! Their strategy was to cut very thin strips out of their paper so that they would have more pieces to connect together.

Civic Engagement In conjunction with the Florida Farm Worker Association, the Middle School Spanish Honor and Friendship Society served in a year-long project, in which they raise awareness and support for the migrant worker communities 22

of Florida. Under the guidance of their teacher, Vanessa Cabrera, students have participated in this project at MCDS for five years. To kick off their year of civic service, students participated in a workshop that introduced them to advocacy in their communities. Throughout the year, students collected toys, clothing, school supplies, and personal hygiene items for migrant worker communities. In March the club members travelled to Immokalee to clean oranges, work at a homeless shelter, and serve in a soup kitchen. They also hosted a children’s party, in which students gave out donated toys and played games with the kids.

news

PA End of the Year Lunch – May 9, 2013 at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach

from the

PA...

Marilyn Thomas, Parents’ Association President

Jessica Rodriguez, Monica Nishi, and Marilyn Thomas

I want to take this opportunity to thank you for making the 2012–2013 school year a wonderful one! Your ongoing support of the Parents’ Association was evidenced by the attendance at our Booster cook-outs, our Holiday Bazaar, and our on-going uniform sales. We had lots and lots of fun and all of our hard work and dedication certainly paid off!

The 2012-2013 Parents’ Association allocations are as follows:

Event Co-Chairs Perri Pollak and Claudia Brod

Community Gardens: $5,000 (Final payment of our $15,000 pledge) • Theatre for Social Change: In memory of Pam Locker – $1,500 • Booster donations to Athletics: $10,000 • Picnic Tables for Lower School PK-3/ Kinder-lunch area: $6,000 Center for the Arts (2012–13): $50,000.00 (First installment of the $750,000.00 pledge) to be paid off by 2023–2024

Marilyn Thomas and Allison Feldman, President’s Volunteer of the Year Award

See you for the many special events celebrating our 75th Anniversary.

ate!

D e h t e v a S aar z a B y a d i l Ho 013 2 , 2 1 r e b Novem

Sol Saad was awarded The Headmaster ’s Award for Unselfish Service

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Dr. Mark & Greta Walker were presented with the William J. Creeden Humanitarian Award

How Much Can You Afford to Give?

It’s hard to know how much you can afford to give until you know how much capital you will need for your own future living expenses. Consider the case of Phil and Ann Thropic. Phil and Ann wanted to increase their annual giving to a charity near and dear to their hearts. However, they didn’t want to overextend themselves and end up jeopardizing their own financial security. Before deciding, they had to understand how much they needed to keep and how much they could afford to give away.

who plans to spend $100,000 a year has a stunning $16.7 million of surplus capital. Even if he or she planned to spend $500,000 a year, the surplus capital would still be substantial – more than $2 million.

Once your core and surplus capital amounts have been determined, you will feel more comfortable committing to a substantial gift, knowing that you can afford it. For Phil and Ann, we determined that they could indeed afford to increase their giving this year, and we clearly defined how much additional “cushion” they would have after the gift. This gave them confidence that they could move forward with the gift without compromising their retirement goals.

Our proprietary core/surplus analysis (Display 1) is a sophisticated methodology for helping donors like Phil and Ann distinguish between their core capital – the amount they will need to maintain their lifestyle plus a personal reserve – and their surplus capital – the amount that they can safely transfer to family members, donate to charity, or use for other purposes. The size of core capital depends on their spending needs and time horizon, as well as on the composition of the investment portfolio supporting their spending. In our process, we stresstested the risk and return possibilities for Phil and Ann’s core assets, a wide range of potential life expectancies, and their assumptions about spending needs. Knowing what you need for yourself can give you a strong sense of how much you can afford to contribute without jeopardizing your future lifestyle needs.

In considering a gift, you’ll want to see it fully incorporated into your financial plan. If you feel your core capital will be secure, you will be able to take action with much greater confidence. You’ll then have the pleasure of seeing your gift put to work in the philanthropic cause you have chosen.

Note on Bernstein Wealth Forecasting SystemSM: Projections are based on a Monte Carlo model that simulates 10,000 plausible paths of return for each asset class and inflation, producing a probability distribution of outcomes. However, the model goes beyond randomization by integrating the paths of return with an investor ’s unique circumstances; taking the prevailing market conditions into consideration; and basing the forecasts on the building blocks of asset returns, such as inflation, yield spreads, stock earnings, and price multiples.

The analysis incorporates the linkages that exist among the returns of the various asset classes and factors in a reasonable degree of randomness and unpredictability. ■

Display 2 illustrates the core capital requirement for Phil and Ann if they hold a balanced portfolio of stocks and bonds. Over a 30-year horizon, they plan on spending $100,000 a year, after tax, adjusted annually for inflation. As the middle and top lines show, if the investment markets turn out to be “typical” or “great” an initial portfolio of $3.3 million is estimated to be far larger than necessary.

Bernstein Global Wealth Management is a unit of AllianceBernstein L.P. To learn more about Bernstein Nonprofit Advisory Services and its research, visit www.alliancebernstein.com/nonprofits.

Like most of you, Phil and Ann wanted to be sure they would have sufficient core capital even in the most hostile market conditions. The bottom line in Display 2 indicates that even in the worst 10% of future environments, approximately $400,000 would remain in the portfolio after 30 years of uninterrupted inflation-adjusted spending. In fact, the initial portfolio was successfully sized to support spending in 95% of the 10,000 scenarios we forecasted.

Bernstein does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. In considering this material, you should d i s c u s s y o u r i n d i v i d u a l c i rc u m s t a n c e s w i t h professionals in those areas before making any decisions. AllianceBernstein® and the AB logo are registered trademarks and service marks used by permission of the owner, AllianceBernstein L.P.

Your spending level dramatically impacts the size of your core capital requirement. As Display 3 shows, someone with $20 million in liquid assets

© 2013 AllianceBernstein L.P., 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10105 24

Bernstein Framework: Evaluating What You Need Reveals What You Can Give Display 1 evaluating what you need reveals what you can give Lifestyle Spending

Core Capital

Personal Reserve

Often calculated at 90%–95% level of confidence

Amount to ensure spending needs are met

How much do you spend?

What is your age?

What is your risk tolerance?

Surplus Capital

Extra Spending

How much?

Amount for expanded opportunities

To whom?

Your “gifting capacity”

Children

How quickly?

How allocated?

Grandchildren

What strategies?

Charity

Bernstein.com

Display 2 core capital sized for poor markets and long life Core Capital Sized for Poor Markets and Long Life

Display 3 surplus capital can be a proxy for gifting capacity 17

Surplus Capital Can Be a Proxy for Gifting Capacity

Core Capital: Sized to Be Sustainable in Hostile Markets Core Capital: Sized to Be Sustainable in Hostile Markets $100,000 Spending, 60/40 Portfolio, Inf lation-Adjusted

Surplus Capital: What Is Not Needed for Core Spending $20 Million Portfolio, Age 65

$100,000 Spending, 60/40 Portfolio, Inflation-Adjusted*

Surplus Capital: What Is Not Needed for Core Spending

$ Millions

8.0

$20 Million Portfolio, Age 65

“Great” (Top 10%)

6.0 4.0

“Typical” (Middle 50%)

3.3

2.0 0.0

“Poor” (Bottom 10%) 65

70

75

80

6.8

$2.3 $16.7

2.5 0.4

85

90

$3.3

95

$100K

Age

*Annual (after-tax) budgets are grown with inf lation; 60% globally diversified equities / 40% intermediate duration municipal bonds

*Annual (after-tax) budgets are grown with inflation; 60% globally diversified equities / 40% intermediate duration municipal bonds Bernstein.com

Surplus

$11.3 $17.7 $8.7 $250K

Core*

$500K

Spending

*The required size of the core portfolio assumes that spending needs will be met with a 95% level of confidence.

Based on Bernstein estimates of the range of returns for the applicable capital markets over the periods analyzed. Data do not represent past performance and are not a promise of actual future results or a range of future results. See Notes on Wealth Forecasting System at the end of this presentation for further details.

*The required size of the core portfolio assumes that spending needs will be met with a 95% level of confidence. Based on Bernstein estimates of the range of returns for the applicable capital markets over the periods analyzed. Data do not represent past performance and are not a promise of actual future results or a range of future results. See Notes on Wealth Forecasting System at the end of this presentation for further details.

18

Bernstein.com

T hank you to alumnu s I van Mendoz a ’94 and AllianceBerstein for writing this article!

Please direct all questions to the Director of Leadership Gifts at MCDS, Bruce “Buzzy” Tabatchnick, at 305779-2129 or tabatchnickb@miamicountr yday.org.

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19

Annual Giving 2012-2013 The Annual Giving Campaign scores big thanks to you!

Miami Country Day School is thankful to everyone who supported this year ’s Annual Giving campaign. We came together as a school community and raised $821,000! That’s right, we did it! Our leadership chairs, Class Captains, and Advisory Captains raised the bar and brought in an extra $221,000 above our goal!

The Annual Giving campaign was led by Debi and Bob Beasley, Overall Annual Giving Chairs; Debbie and Scott Robins, Upper School Chairs; Julie and Tom Pronesti, Middle School Chairs; Caryn and Cary Lubetsky, Lower School Co-Chairs, Claudia and Steven Brod, Lower School Co-Chairs; Larry and Laura Colin, New Parent Chairs; Carmen and Pablo Vivas, International Chairs; and Jerry and Judy Tilis, Grandparent Chairs.

We are grateful for their volunteer leadership and commitment to our best ever Annual Giving campaign. A special heartfelt thank you to our Annual Giving team for their dedication and commitment for making this year a stellar success. Our Grade Captains and Advisory Captains gave of their time and energy throughout the year, making personal phone calls, sending emails, and having one-on-one conversations with fellow members of our community to raise the money that has a direct impact on our students and school community.

Thank you to our donors for making a difference for every student, every day and for and making this the BEST EVER Annual Giving campaign! Thank you to all of the following Annual Giving volunteers for their time and energy.

Annual Giving Chairs

Alumni Chair Brian McCarthy '95

Lower School Co-Chairs Cary and Caryn Lubetsky Steven and Claudia Brod

Development Chair Sean Clancy

Bob and Debi Beasley

Middle School Chairs Thomas and Julie Pronesti Upper School Chairs Scott and Debbie Robins New Parent Chairs Larry and Laura Colin International Chairs Pablo and Carmen Vivas International Grade Captains Patricio and Adriana Wills Alejandro Espinal Edward and Irene Mandel Antonio and Marta Arbulu Ivette Perez Achilles Koytaniannis

Brian Nunez and Jennifer Gimeno Cary and Caryn Lubetsky Second Grade Evan and Tiffany Berger Robert and Melissa Netkin Brett and Tracy Borrow Darren Enkin and Corrine Bloom Enkin

Grandparent Chairs Jerry and Judy Tilis LOWER SCHOOL Pre-K 3 David and Irena Bozdogan

Third Grade Cary and Caryn Lubetsky Steven and Claudia Brod Samuel and Claudia Grossman Steven and Elizabeth Vainder James and Alex Bergman

Jr. Kindergarten Kevin '95 and Tricia King Cary and Caryn Lubetsky Steven and Claudia Brod Sr. Kindergarten Jerome and Tabitha Charles ’85 Jeff and Gigi Jeffries Eduardo and Gabriela Marquez

Fourth Grade Adam and Wendy Russakoff Peter and Kelly Gold Dwight and Lele ’81 Tracy Craig ’93 and Nancy Green ’93 Randy and Stacey Gumenick

First Grade Craig ’93 and Nancy Green ’93 Patricio and Adriana Wills 26

Fifth Grade Jack and Karleen Halliwell Adam and Wendy Russakoff Simone Mayer and Mayda Perez Alejandro Espinal MIDDLE SCHOOL Sixth Grade Mike and Marilyn Thomas Larry and Vanessa Abramowitz Drew and Karen Dillworth Richard and Lynn Freeman Andrew and Michelle Burger Matthew and Julia Kayton Sam Luby and Katherina Weibel

Seventh Grade Dave and Wendy Smith Robert and Rochelle Finvarb Richard and Ivonn Goihmann Thomas and Julie Pronesti Jay and Joni Meiselmann Carnie and Moi Matisonn Eighth Grade Larry and Vanessa Abramowitz Dave and Wendy Smith Jerome and Tabitha Charles ’85 Michael and Katy Smith ’75 Piero and Lissette Filpi Jim and Shellie Fulford

Twelfth Grade Olaf and Miryam Halvorssen Scott and Debbie Robins Steve and Alice Bernard Evan and Tiffany Berger Randall and Kimberle Tepper Alan and Ruth Zelcer

Philippe Giraud and Valerie Rivera-Giraud Anthony and Jeanny Lei Larry and Nicole Groll Tim and Virgina Brown Kevin Space and Beth Berryman

UPPER SCHOOL Ninth Grade Larry and Laura Colin Alan and Ruth Zelcer Richard and Ivonn Goihmann Ali and Batoul Bazzi Jarret and Roxy Gross Armand and Danielle Touboul John and Staci Kanter Howard and Alison Cohen

Eleventh Grade Bob and Debi Beasley Wayne and Leslie Pathman Pablo and Carmen Vivas Alex and Marta Leiter Evan and Lisa Seif Daniel and Karen Stauber Alfredo Fernadez and Amy Pantin

Tenth Grade Mark and Greta Walker Sol and Julie Saad Ivette Perez Ernesto and Monica Cohan

Annual Giving ’s Appreciation Volunteer Luncheon Miami Country Day honored the incredible volunteers who came to phonathons, emailed fellow families, and followed up with conversations with parents thus making an impact on this year ’s Annual Giving campaign. Our volunteers enjoyed a delicious lunch prepared for them by Chef Steven Haas at City Hall Restaurant.

Flowers were given to our Annual Giving chairs as a small token of appreciation for their leadership.

Each Divisional Chair picked a member of their team to recognize as an outstanding Annual Giving volunteer.

Congratulations to Melissa Netkin, Outstanding Lower Grade Captain, Moi Matisonn, Outstanding Middle School Advisory Captain, and Larry and Laura Colin for Outstanding Upper School Advisory Captains and New Parent Chairs on their awards.

Debbie Robins, Larry Colin, and Laura Colin

Missy Netkin and Caryn Lubetsky

Carmen Vivas and Dr. John Davies

Denise Wilson and Karleen Haliwell

Miami Country Day is grateful for its Annual Giving team of stellar volunteers!

Moi Matisonn and Julie Pronesti

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Judy Tilis and Tabitha Charles

An Evening Under the Stars Palm Society 2012-2013 Caviar, hand-rolled sushi, and generous donors were just a few of the wonderful things at the Palm Society donor recognition event. Our Palm Society members enjoyed a cool night at the home of Claudia and Steven Brod, Lower School Annual Giving Co-chairs. Many of our Palm Society members enjoyed mingling and talking with fellow parents and trustees.

Celebrating Success at Soyka’s!

Dr. Davies spoke during the evening and thanked the 131 members of the Palm Society. The Palm Society recognized donors whose Annual Giving contributions are the highest order with gifts of $2,500 or more.

Altogether, the Palm Society members have raised $497,525! These members’ contributions represent over 60% of the overall Annual Giving Campaign. Thank you to the Brod Family for hosting and underwriting this extraordinary and wonderful event, and thank you to our donors for truly making a difference at Country Day.

Gerald Moore ’68 and Victoria Moore ’74

Allison Feldman, Lara Liebowitz, and Jara Eisen

Brenton Raymond ’06 and Kevin King ’95 Top: Tony Tripodo, Larry Stanfill, and James Moore ’65; Middle: Jerry and Judy Tilis, Gary Butts, Julie Pronesti, and Evelyn Teamkin; Bottom: Tiffany Berger, Glen & Anne Roberts, and Sam Quintero Our hosts, Steven and Claudia Brod with Dr. John Davies, Head of School

Gary and Peggy Butts and Chris Bellows

Carol and Larry Stanfill and Cynthia Peroe

Evan Berger, Michelle and Jim Sage, and Dr. John Davies, Head of School 28

Thank you to Graziano Sbroggio and his team at Soyka’s for organizing a wonderful event to celebrate the Annual Giving campaign. Parents, trustees, alumni, and grandparents all enjoyed their time together.

Dr. Davies spoke about the importance of philanthropic giving and how our school has embarked on a strong Culture of Philanthropy.

Thank you to all of our Family of Givers for making this the most successful Annual Giving campaign!

Annual Giving 2012-2013 A Tradition Has Started!

Our new families were invited to the home of Carmen and Pablo Vivas for a wonderful evening of mingling, chatting, and coming together to celebrate their first year at Miami Country Day School.

Dr. John Davies with our hosts, Pablo and Carmen Vivas

The evening was underwritten by Larry and Laura Colin, Annual Giving’s New Parent Chairs. Larry envisioned an evening where our new families could come together to celebrate and share stories about their children and their first year at Country Day. It was an evening filled with new friendships, paella, and the vision of our school shared by Dr. Davies.

Richard and Lynn Freeman with our underwriters, Larry and Laura Colin

Thank you to all of our new parents who supported their children’s school and celebrated a joyous year together.

Sheryl Piper, Director of Development, with Bo Anderson and Nikki Huyer

Steven ’92 and Elizabeth Resnick with Paul and Marie-France Bloch

Marc and Mihoko Kremer, Tarmo and Mamie Joeveer, Alexis Cooper, and Alejandro Espinal

Carlos Silva, Alain and Sylvia Levi, and Karina and Sylvio Landell

100% for Faculty and Staff (again!)

We are very grateful to our faculty and staff who do outstanding things for our students and our school community every day. All divisions – Lower School, Middle School, Upper School – and all of the staff reached 100% participation for the second year in a row! As a way to show our appreciation, the Development Office had an Appreciation Party to say thank you for supporting Annual Giving and for the amazing contributions faculty and staff give to the school every day.

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Our fabulous faculty and staff!

Ask Alum an

Five-Minute Interview with Zach Berger, Class of 2011 What are your favorite things about Harvard University?

My favorite thing about Harvard is the rugby team. I didn’t expect to play a sport in college, but I tried rugby out because playing football was my favorite thing to do in high school. At my first practice, I fell in love with the sport and the group of guys we have on the team. As a club team, we are not allowed to recruit, which means we all had to get into Harvard on our own and come out for rugby. That gives us a group of dynamic, highly motivated student-athletes who are involved in many other activities on campus. At the same time, we represent the highest level of rugby at Harvard and practice accordingly. Very few schools have varsity teams, so it is not uncommon for us to play some of those teams. The Ivy League is actually one of the best rugby conferences in the country, and we take much pride in being the oldest rugby club in all of North America. As recently as three years ago we made the National Final Four.

Do you consider Harvard University to be a good match for you?

Harvard is the perfect fit for me because it allows me to pursue my areas of interest while maintaining both a balanced curriculum and life outside of classes. I study a lot of economics and finance, but the General Education program lets me take many English, history, and psychology courses as well.

I never really had a favorite subject, so I definitely appreciate the opportunity to study a variety of subjects. More importantly, I don’t have to spend seven nights a week in the library – that’s not what Harvard’s about. Harvard’s about furthering your passion and learning from other students’ passions through extracurricular activities. In addition to rugby, I manage a stock portfolio in an investment group and spend time at a social club I am a member of. These three activities have formed the basis of my friendships and bring me in contact with amazing, new people that I learn from every day. That really is what I’m about – I love to learn, I love to play sports, I love to have fun – and I’m able to do it all at Harvard.

What are you studying?

My concentration is in Economics and I have been fortunate enough to learn from prominent figures such as N. Greg Mankiw, Edward Glaeser, Jeffrey Miron, and Christopher Foote. What I really like about the subject is that it incorporates math, history, and critical thinking, and it has given me a deeper understanding of politics and monetary and fiscal policy that I read about in the news every day. In addition, I am also considering getting a secondary field in either History or English.

What has been your favorite class or outside project during your first two years at Harvard?

My favorite class so far was my Economics Tutorial in Mergers and Acquisitions & Leveraged Buyouts that I took this spring. The class was a great introduction to applied corporate finance and did a great job preparing me for an internship in Finance this summer.

Have you been back on the MCDS campus since you graduated? Do you keep in touch with any of your former teachers?

I still come back to MCDS almost every day I’m home to use the gym. I always make sure to stop by all of my teachers’ classrooms and catch up.

Do you think you were prepared for your college courses and college life in general?

I think I was as prepared as I possibly could have been thanks to my time management skills.

What are your summer plans?

I will be interning at a hedge fund in New York City called SAC Capital Advisors in a global consumers portfolio group. I am going to build financial models and research companies around the world for my portfolio manager.

When you think of MCDS, what are some words or phrases that describe the school?

Close-knit, whole child, football, and baseball.

30

MCDS Alumnus Jimmy Stobs ’87 Wins Second National Championship

by Nora Pardave, Assistant Director of Development & Alumni Director

Jimmy Stobs ’87 began playing golf at age 12 and has been around the sport as a player or coach ever since. A fter attending Mi ami Countr y Day School for eight years, he played collegiate golf at Georgia Southern University and Florida Atlantic University.

Jimmy then played for ten years on several professional tours, winning 25 mini- tour events, including the 1998 Florida Open.

Jimmy became the Head Coach at Barr y in 2002 and has enjoyed national success at the helm of the Men’s Golf Program. He won his first national championship in 2007 and was named GC AA Nat ional Coach o f the Year.

T h i s w a s t h e f i r s t n at i o n a l championship for the Men’s Golf Program at Barr y. Jimmy then led the team to four straight NCAA national finals, and under Jimmy ’s leadership the team won its second national championship in 2013.

Jimmy came to Countr y Day in 4 th grade and was a member of the Spar tan golf team for five years, earning MVP honors his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons. He was also named to the Miami Herald First Team All-Dade squad in those seasons and never averaged worse than 37.6 on nine holes. Jimmy was named to our Spartan Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010 and holds a special place on the Wall of Fame in the Calvin J. Rose Gym. Jimmy has continued to stay connected to Countr y Day as the Coach for the Golf Club for Lower School students and the Annual Summer Golf Camp.

We a re p ro u d to re c o g n i z e Jimmy for his leadership of an outstanding Men’s Golf program t h at de mon s t rate s c l a s s a nd spor tsmanship on and off the field. Jimmy shared with us a personal look into the life of a collegiate coach and his memories at Countr y Day. During your 12 years at Barry University, you have won two National C hampionships , in 2007 and in 2013. W hat have these experiences meant to you as a coach?

After winning the first c h a m p i o n s h i p , t h e re w a s a perception that “anyone” can win one. Winning two is validation that the program is one of the best in the nation. It is ver y gratifying for me as a coach to witness fine young men accomplish an incredible feat after putting in a lot of hard work and sacrifice.

What do you enjoy most about being a Head Coach?

I enjoy the relationships that I develop with the players through winning and losing. Once they leave school, we are friends for life.

What sports did you participate in at Country Day? Football and golf.

Is there a specific class, school pro j e c t , athletic event , or favorite memor y at Countr y Day that has inf luenced you to this day?

My favorite class was whatever was last per iod. My favor ite s cho ol pro j e c t s were sing ing “ Yesterday ” by The Beatles in Mr. Camp’s 8th grade English class (he gave me a B- out of sympathy), and dressing up like Muhammad Ali for Ms. Allen’s histor y class.

Barr y University Men’s Golf Team, 2013 National Champions. Photo by Michael Covone, Barr y University

How does coaching compare to your experiences playing colle g i ate and professional golf ?

There is more pressure coaching because I can’t hit a shot. I am helpless. T hat is why it is so impor tant that I prepare each player mentally and physically for each tournament.

31

Photo by Joel Auerbach, Barr y University

Photo by Joel Auerbach, Barr y University

As a Head Coach, how do you teach your student athletes to demonstrate good character and make good choices?

I tr y and recruit prospects with strong character. My players know that I work hard, and I expect the same from them. I have a sign on my office door that reads “Gentlemen Only.”

We win with class and we lose with class. As the leader, I set examples by displaying good sportsmanship. I realize that young guys sometimes make bad decisions. When they do, we sit down and discuss the situation, learn from it, and then move on. I remind them that they don’t want to do anything in college that will come back to haunt them later in life.

As a two-time National Championship Head Coach, a Professional Golfer, and an MCDS Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee, you have been a competitor for many years.

What has been one of your challenges you have faced and how did you overcome this? Also, what is one of our proudest moments?

The toughest challenges are overcoming obstacles that I have no control over. Ever yone has to be on board with the targeted objective or we can’t get to the chosen goal. My proudest moment, is winning the two National Championships. Winning is ver y difficult at all levels. To do it twice in a six-year span is an awesome feeling.

You continue to remain connected in many ways at Country Day, from being the Golf Pro in our Annual Golf & Tennis Tournament to being the Coach for the Lower School Golf Club and Summer Golf Camp. Share why you stay connected.

MCDS is my school and was a huge part of my life. I like coming back and sharing whatever golf talent I might have with young kids and even the “big kids.” ■

32

Alumni Baseball Alumni, current baseball players, and coaches played a nine-inning game on Saturday, May 18.

This tradition takes place the Saturday morning of Graduation Weekend every year.

Thank you to all of the alumni who came out to play!

Clockwise from top left: David Fine ’08, Nick Kreps ’07, Michael Sale ’09, Sam Halpern ’09, Scot Drucker ’00, Roy Altman ’00, Jake Weiss ’12, Michael Fine ’10, Brandon Kochen ’07, Brandon Colongo ’12, Matt Rosen ’12, Alex Brody ’12, Mark Fifer ’05, Lawrence Lamondin ’08, Paul Barrios, Chuck Sennett, Richard Lamondin ’06, Charles Sano ’97, BJ Teltsher ’93, Bryor Weiss ’12, Griffin Sennett ’17, Andrew Holtz ’12

Annual Fund

33

Alumni Happy Hour

Alex Dombrowsky ’92, Alex Avayu ’97, and Tripp Jones ’88

Brian Cohen ’90, Sue Trone, John King ’90, and Claudia Figueredo ’90

Networking with people you trust?

Developing business relationships with Spartan alumni?

That’s what alumni gathered to do at The Hoxton in Brickell on May 10. Alumni from classes of 1961–2007 enjoyed appetizers and cocktails, networked with alumni, visited with Ms. Rosenfeld and heard an update about the 75th Anniversary from Dr. Davies. Join us on September 20th for Alumni Happy Hour! If you do not receive the alumni eNewsletter with these event announcements, please email Nora at pardaven@miamicountryday.org.

Jenna Kochen ’05 and Courtney Premer ’06

Brian Cohen ’90 and Fabio Nieto ’94

Steven Tromberg ’07, Richard Lamondin ’06, Andrew Greenberg ’04, Jed Fluxman ’07, and Brandon Kochen ’07

Dr. John Davies, Brian Cohen ’90, Ms. Fredi Rosenfeld, Alex Avayu ’97, and Ivan Mendoza ’94

Holly Towle ’99, Tracy Towle Humphrey ’96, and Brian Khanamirian ’06

Sean Penny ’92, Claudia Figueredo ’90, Luis Malkun ’92, Karen Maerovitz ’96, and Maria Malkun

Alex Avayu ’97, Karen Maerovitz ’96, Ivan Mendoza ’94, Claudia Figueredo ’90, and Brenton Raymond ’06

Sheryl Piper, Bruce Matheson ’61 and Denise Kouieck 34

30 Year Reunion

Doug Turkel ’82, Fredi Rosenfeld and Brent Holman ’82

Michael Bernstein ’82, Michael Vasquez ’82, and Buddy Hurwit ’82 Our generous hosts, Sandi and Brent Holman ’82

Gigi Turkel, Sarah McKinnon ’82, Charlie Eldredge ’82, Doug Turkel ’82, Lona Rae Sasser ’82

Class of 1982

Class of 1982 30 Year Reunion Michael Bernstein ’82, Carolyn Dorn, Martha Stobs, Paul Frechette ’82

Robert Wolfson ’82, Susan Stanfill-Carlson ’82, Lee Cooper ’82, and Nadine Suissa-Charsley ’82

Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy Hanson ’82, Dorinda Bagwell and Kurt Bagwell ’82

The Class of 1982 gathered at Brent ’82 and Sandi Holman’s home in November to celebrate their 30 year reunion. After 30 years, the class shared laughs and memories and remembered their time at Country Day like it was yesterday. Time flies by after students leave Country Day, but the friendships and memories remain forever.

We look forward to seeing all of our alumni at the 75th Anniversary Homecoming Weekend 2013 ~ October 17, 18, & 19!

Michael Vasquez ’82, Brent Holman ’82, and Susan Stanfill-Carlson ’82 Gigi Turkel, Lydia Manners ’82, Kirk Hipa & Sarah McKinnon ’82

35

Alumni Feature MCDS Water Polo Teammates Continue Bond in College

Ashley Hatcher ’11

lived as the university cut the Women’s Water Polo Team along with seven other Division I Varsity Sports.

Princeton has truly been a perfect fit for me. In my first two seasons, I got to be a part of something special, giving Princeton’s Women’s Water Polo Program its second and third Eastern Championship titles, and its first berth to the NCAA tournament. Last year we were simply excited to make the tournament and came out 6th. This year we set our sights a little higher and consequently ended 5th at the NCAA tournament. We hope to repeat our Eastern championship win, and to finish top four in the tournament next year.

Playing at Princeton has allowed me to really improve my all-around game, especially my defense.

However, I have plenty more to work on this off season! Already counting down until next season.

Last summer I made the decision to continue playing the sport I love, and I transferred to the University of Hawaii at Manoa. The Hawaii Water Polo team that entered the 2013 season was a crazy group of girls from all over the world including Spain, Australia, Canada, and Holland. Playing for Hawaii is an amazing but difficult experience as we make numerous trips out to California each spring for five to six days at a time, missing weeks of school and flying for countless hours. But, when you put on the Hawaii “H,” you are not only representing the university, you are also playing for the state as a whole and all the people that affiliate with it. We finished the regular season first in the Big West and came away with the conference championship where we defeated 6th ranked UC Irvine for the second time this year in overtime.

This gave us an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament in Boston where we would be seeded 4th out of the 8 teams.

Zoe Respondek ’11 and I are the type of friends who may not see each other for half a year, yet when we finally do, we pick up right where we left off! I’d say a majority of the water polo world mistook us for twin sisters, and we act like such to this day. I was really excited that Zoe’s team made the tournament not only because of the accomplishment made by her team, but because I knew it meant I would get to see her that weekend!

O nly four g irls from Flor ida competed at NC A A’s this year making it even more impressive to have such a small school such as MCDS represented by two players at this prestigious tournament.

Our almost 6,000 mile trip across half of the Pacific Ocean, the US Mainland, and six time zones did not go as planned when our flight was canceled to San Francisco leaving us with a nine and a half hour flight to New York. To top it all off when we finally arrived in Boston all our bags were lost with one landing somewhere in Australia. Our first game was against UCSD, and it went according to plan when we handled them for the second time this year. The semifinal game was against top ranked USC and it turned out that their depth would be too strong for

Zoe Respondek ’11 After graduating from Miami Country Day School, I decided to continue my education and my water polo career at the University of Maryland at College Park. My time at UMD was wonderful and rewarding as we finished 2nd in the CWPA conference just missing out on going to the NCAA tournament by one goal. The amazing times turned out to be short36

Class Notes us. This left us in the 3rd place game against a quick UCLA team that had gotten the best of us in our first meeting earlier in the year. Although we could not beat the Bruins, the overall experience of playing in NCAA’s is something that I will always consider to be the most amazing part of my water polo journey thus far.

1983

Heidi Greenfield Gray ’83 lives in Smyrna, Georgia with her husband Alan, and son, Leo. She teaches history at The Lovett School in Atlanta.

two highly competitive

and driven athletes Ashley Hatcher ’11 and I have been friends ever since she started at MCDS in the 7th grade. We swam and played water polo together for six years and spent almost all of our free time at each other ’s side throughout high school. We are two highly competitive and driven athletes, which made it quite a simple choice to continue on playing at the collegiate level regardless of the notion that Floridians can’t match up to California players. Only four girls from Florida competed at NCAA’s this year making it even more impressive to have such a small school such as MCDS represented by two players at this prestigious tournament. ■

1988

Claudia Figueredo ’90, Tripp Jones ’88, Linda Bruno ’88, and Nora Zampieri ’88 enjoyed a night out in Mary Brickell Village in the fall.

1990

Donald McCorquodale ’95 recently moved to Salt Lake City with his wife Pallas and three boys, Iver, Raef, and Odin, to start a Neurology Residency at the University of Utah. This May, Donald graduated from the University of Miami MD/PhD program, where he completed his research in neuroscience.

1995

Scot Drucker ’00 In the 2014 MLB draft, Scot, along with Paragon Sports International helped advise four players who were all selected within the top 100 picks (three rounds of 40). Scot helped negotiate the contracts and the players have signed professional contracts.

2000 37

Class Notes Alexa Jacobs ’00 pursued her love of fashion and design all the way to an abroad program in London and Florence with FSU followed by a design degree from the prestigious School of Visual Arts in NY. Led by a passion of traveling the globe and helping people in need, Alexa joined the acclaimed non-profit organization, Operation Smile, a club she was part of while at MCDS. During her time with Operation Smile, Alexa traveled to impoverished places around the world including: India, Cambodia, Bolivia, and the Philippines, to help children in need. She always found time to discover the heartbeat of the communities’ cultural style. Alexa hand selected artifacts, jewelry, and art, in every destination along the way, which lead to the essential idea that women will no longer have to search for exotic, unique and hand-crafted pieces from around the world – she will do that for them!

Merchant S o c i e t y ’s mission is to assemble a highly curated collection of accessories that represent quality workmanship and unique, offbeat style – the kind of products that people will stop you in the street to ask where in the world did you get them. The goal is to bring customers exotic, quality products from far-flung places that they wouldn’t otherwise have access to (or know about). Merchant Society takes pride in giving back to the communities where we work by creating jobs for the local artisans and donating a percentage of our profits to worthy causes that benefit the people living in those places. www. themerchantsociety.com

Liff, on May 18, 2013. Ruby weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces, 19 inches long. Marjorie and Bradley are over the moon (and definitely a little over tired) with their beautiful baby girl! Ruby is doing great!

2002

Lauren Helman Foley ’02 and Daniel Foley were married in New York City on May 11, 2013!

2004

Tiffany Sheldon ’04 achieved her long-time dream of becoming a veterinarian on May 13, 2013 after graduating from the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine.

Veterinary school consists of a rigorous 2.5 years of academic lecturing followed by 1.5 years of clinical rotations in the veterinary teaching hospital. Tiffany graduated with the Dean’s

Honor List of Scholastic Achievement, Merck Veterinary Manual Award, and Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges for Graduate Students. Tiffany has a special interest in treating exotic pets but will be strengthening her skills and building on her foundation of small animal medicine first as a veterinarian at Hollywood Animal Hospital, a Medicine and Surgery Internship in a referral, emergency, and clinical practice in Hollywood, FL. She is extremely happy to be back in South Florida after being gone for nearly nine years and looks forward to treating your pets! ■

2000

Marjorie Klein Liff ’00 and Bradley Liff welcomed a baby girl, Ruby Blake

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New Traditions Class of 2013 Creates New Traditions

Thank you to the Class of 2013 for creating a legacy at Country Day. You have set the standard very high, and we are excited to see future classes take your lead to continue moving the school forward.

The Class of 2013 created an inspiring legacy during their time at Country Day, starting new traditions that will be carried on by fellow classes.

Class of 2013

• First class to choose their class colors – blue and pink. School spirit was roaring with this class!

• First class to purchase a class flag that was displayed around campus.

• First class to have a Senior Convocation.

They started the year off together as a class and finished the year with a bond of pride, passion, and friendship.

• First class with a class sweatshirt, class socks, and class headbands.

• First class with a Facebook page.

• First 9 th Grade class to be sponsored by Upper School Director, Glen Turf.

• The class revived the tradition of a class time capsule!

• First class to donate individual gifts to Annual Giving. Over 50% of the class participated!

We are…SENIORS!

Alumni Fall Event Highlights ~ Be Part of History!

Fall Networking Happy Hour Friday, September 20 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. db Bistro 255 Biscayne Blvd Way, Miami, FL 33131

The class raised over $845 for this year ’s Annual Giving campaign. At the 75 Days Until Graduation breakfast, David Butter ’13, Class President, and Danny Penengo, Class Sponsor, spoke about giving back to Country Day by donating to Annual Giving. David shared the importance of supporting Annual Giving as seniors and continuing to give back in future years as alumni. David led the way by donating $20.13 and over half of his classmates followed by donating $20.13 each.

75 th Anniversary Alumni Homecoming Weekend Thursday, October 17 • Homecoming Football Game vs.

Ransom Friday,

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October 18 – Spartan Alumni Night Hall of Fame Toast to Friendship Cocktail Party Celebration of our teachers of 25 years or more

Saturday, October 19

• Spartan Family Day & BBQ

• Tours of campus

• Visits with Jack DuBois

• Evening reunions for Classes of 1981,

1982, 1983, 1984, 1993 & 2003 39

Miami Country Day School 601 N.E. 107 Street Miami, Florida 33161

SAVE THE DATE

CELEBRATING 75 YEARS October 17 Homecoming Varsity Football October 18

Spartan Alumni Night • Spartan Athletic Hall of Fame • Alumni Toast to Friendship • Celebration of Our Teachers October 19 Walk the Walk and Locks of Love

Spartan Family Day & BBQ Alumni Reunions Stylin’ through the Years November 12 18th Annual Holiday Shopping Bazaar November 27 Grandparents’ Day December 11 Holiday All School Sing Along December 12 Yule Log Ceremony February 8 Miami Community Day of Service February 20 Alumni Photography Art Exhibit April 5 Diamond Jubilee May 2014 Closing Ceremony May 18 Graduation

www.miamicountryday.org/75years

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