NA Lumen Spring 2025

Photo by James Worrell

Photo by Michael Branscom

LUMEN SPRING 2025

Donald M. Austin Head of School

Lou Scerra Chief Strategy Officer

EDITORS

Dr. Renée Walker

Director of Communications and Marketing

Julie Kayzerman

Associate Director of Communications and Marketing

ASSISTANT EDITORS

David Beckman

Evan Nisenson ’99

Lou Scerra

Barbara Sine

DESIGNER

Symmetre Design Group

COVER IMAGE

Yasmeen Anderson

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Executive Committee

Samuel W. Croll III ’68

Chairman

Lawrence G. Cetrulo ’67

Secretary

Donald M. Austin

John H. Bess ’69

Patricia Budziak

Lauren Hedvat ’01

Robert Marcus

Trustees

Rohit Bawa ’93

Katy Burns

Debra Caplan

David Castelblanco

Elizabeth Christou Woodall

David Crall

Dr. Ajay Dhankhar

Robert Fink

Millwood Hobbs, Jr. Basel Kayyali

Robert Kunzweiler

Rebecca Moll-Freed ’94

Alexander Opper

Marc Schwartz

Wendy Short Bartie

Rasheea S. Williams Hall ’95

Dr. Kalenah Witcher ’87

Louis V. Aronson II ’41

William Bloom

Paul Busse ’38*

Robert Del Tufo ’51*

William D. Green ’69

David Hardin ’73

William D. Hardin ’44*

Nancy Baird Harwood ’75

Kim Hirsh ’80

Jeff Kaplan

K. Kelly Marx ’51

FROM DONALD M. AUSTIN, HEAD OF SCHOOL

A Farewell To NA

Joe McGrath ’81

David McGraw ’77

John L. McGraw ’49

Jon Olesky ’74

Ellen Polaner

Robert S. Puder ’38*

Gary Rose

Julianne Rose

Bob Silver

Jane Wilf Emeriti

William T. Wachenfeld ’44*

*Deceased

Newark Academy

Office of Communications and Marketing

91 South Orange Avenue, Livingston, NJ 07039

Telephone: (973) 992-7000

Email: communications@newarka.edu www.newarka.edu LUMEN

At the time in which I am writing this letter, it is spring of 2025, my last at Newark Academy and a time for me to savor my final days here. I am enjoying, as always, the energy and excitement that students bring to campus every day. That spirit came through in many ways this past winter, from the all-school musical and record-breaking races by our swim team, to fun events like Chocolate Day and the inaugural Masked Singer during Morning Meeting. Now with the return of the redwinged blackbirds and spring, we are enjoying the longer days and more time spent on campus.

This issue highlights exciting work in the STEM field, both inside and outside of the classroom. Ms. Tavares’s Solar Suitcase project has given our sixth graders hands-on experience with renewable energy sources. The sixth graders will be excited to learn we are planning to install solar panels later this year on

areas of the Elizabeth B. McGraw Arts Center roof, as we continue to make our campus more sustainable. In more STEM-related happenings, the student-led Artificial Intelligence Summit that we hosted this past January also demonstrates how NA students are doing cuttingedge research in this burgeoning area.

As I prepare to step away from Newark Academy, several teachers and employees who have all served the school for multiple decades are also leaving. Be sure to read the tributes to Annette Brennan, Elaine Brodie, Dan Erlandson and Carol Spooner, each of whom has shared generously of their gifts and talents.

Can You Find the Red-Winged Blackbird?

For many years, the annual return of the red-winged blackbird to the Newark Academy campus was announced by former Assistant Head for Academic Affairs, Dean of Faculty and Archivist Blackwood “Blackie” Parlin during Morning Meeting, heralding the arrival of spring. While Blackie retired in 2017, this beloved tradition continues and remains one of many unique traditions held by generations of NA students.

In the retrospective section of this issue, some of the most visible accomplishments of the past years are highlighted. These touch on a broad range of areas, from Immersion and June Term to the expansion and improvement of the campus. Growth in enrollment, financial aid, diversity and endowment have all been deliberate and significant steps that have strengthened the school. However, our success relies on the hard work and expertise of many people — faculty and staff, alumni, trustees and parents — all of whom share a deep commitment to making Newark Academy the best school it can be.

Finally, I am going to offer an answer to a nearly impossible question I am asked from time to time: What do I like most about my job as Head of School? My answer: All-School Morning Meeting.

Anyone who has ever attended one of those meetings can see this firsthand, which I did in the fall of 2006. I was struck by the relaxed atmosphere that combined seriousness and laughter, a gathering that was student-focused and largely student-led. Morning Meeting at Newark Academy is the place where we define and develop community by sharing what matters to us, listening and learning, discovering new and unexpected talent, and upholding our values. It is never entirely predictable, but it will always be a vibrant and true embodiment of our unique school culture.

In each issue of LUMEN, there is a hidden red-winged blackbird (see left) located somewhere in the pages of the magazine. Can you find it?

Once you spot it, email us at communications@ newarka.edu by June 30, 2025, with its location to be entered for a chance to win NA SWAG!

Did you find it in the Fall 2024 issue? It was located on page 25.

Head of School Donald M. Austin in 2012.

Illustration by Tess Kesler ’22.

Donald M. Au stin

has profoundly shaped the Newark Academy experience as Head of School for nearly two decades, leaving a legacy of visionary leadership, academic innovation and an unwavering dedication to students’ excellence.

Over his 18-year tenure, Don spearheaded four strategic plans that have positioned the school for continued success. His passion for global education led to the establishment of the Immersion Experience requirement, enriching students’ perspectives through meaningful cultural engagement. Under Don’s leadership,

Newark Academy became a more diverse and inclusive institution, financial aid increased by 198% and the endowment grew to over $50 million.

Don’s impact extends beyond the school’s strategic advancements. He and his wife, Karolyn “Kiki” Ide, have been integral members of the NA community, and their three children, Charles ’15, George ’15 and Benjamin ’12, are proud NA alumni.

As we reflect on Don’s remarkable tenure, this timeline highlights the milestones that define his enduring impact on Newark Academy.

The Austin family: Charlie ’15, Ben ’12, Kiki Ide, Don Austin and George ’15.

“Iknow that what we have at Livingston today is the work of many hands and that there are certain immutable characteristics at Newark Academy that resonate even with the oldest alums. But I have no doubt that Newark Academy is what it is today, because Don is who he is.”

– Sam Croll III ’68 Chair of the NA Board of Trustees

“I’ve had the privilege of working with Don since 2008. And from the start, it was clear that he’s a leader who truly cares. We may be total opposites in many ways, but I’ve always admired his fairness, his approachability and his unwavering dedication to Newark Academy. He listens, he leads with integrity and he is fully invested in every aspect of the school. Whether it’s sports, arts or academics, Don is there supporting every corner of the community. Above all, Don is a true gentleman, a devoted family man and someone that I’ve had the honor of calling a friend and a boss for the past 18 years.”

– Annette Brennan Executive Assistant to the Head of School

TIMELINE OF MILESTONES

JUNE 2008 – The Global Speaker Series is established, bringing leading experts from around the world to address the NA community.

JUNE 2008 – Middle School Capstone Experiences are introduced, allowing MS students to complete each academic year with a unique travel adventure for each grade, promoting teamwork and intellectual risk-taking.

JUNE 2008 – The first of three Faculty Travel Initiatives, sponsored by the Newark Academy Parents Association (NAPA), gives 11 faculty members the opportunity to travel to Israel and the West Bank as professional development. Subsequent trips take place in 2011 to Cuba and in 2015 to India.

Head of School Don Austin and Chair of the Board of Trustees Sam Croll III ’68 prepare to celebrate the Class of 2022 during Commencement.

Don with NA faculty members on the Cuba Faculty Trip in 2011.

OCTOBER 2008 – The Immersion Experience requirement is introduced for all Upper School students to undertake at least one significant off-campus trip.

(See more on page 22)

MAY 2010 – Rise & Flourish: The Campaign for Newark Academy kicks off, becoming the largest fundraising effort in the Academy’s long history, raising $41,522,562 by its conclusion.

“By all standards, Don has been a most successful steward of the Newark Academy legacy. There have been many leadership highlights in his 18 years, but equally important have been his steady hand and admirable composure in the face of challenging times. This constancy of purpose has assured us all that the school is always moving in the right direction. My Newark Academy career was rewarding for many reasons, but one of the most important is that I’ve been given his insightful and generous support in navigating the last two decades of my job as an administrator and teacher. Fair winds in the fabulous journeys ahead, Don.”

– Von Rollenhagen

Former NA Dean of Faculty and English Teacher

“Iremember Don’s first phone call with the Head of School Search Committee. He was living in France leading School Year Abroad at the time. We spoke about broadening students’ exposure to other cultures and languages. We got off the phone and I thought, “That was very interesting. I’d love to continue that conversation.”

I feel that way every time we speak! I had no idea that conversation would lead to an 18-yearlong historic leadership role at a critical time in NA’s history. I am grateful that phone call led Don to us and he accepted our offer. His thoughtfulness, his balanced judgment, his ability to listen and truly hear other perspectives and his integrity have been invaluable leadership attributes at one of the most challenging times for independent school heads. Don, we thank you, we will miss you and we wish you well in this next chapter. We are so grateful for all you have given us.”

– Nancy Baird Harwood ’75

Trustee Emeritus

“Iwant to thank Don for his visionary leadership in establishing the Immersion Program. Don’s belief in the power of linguistic and cultural exchanges, servicelearning programs, and wilderness adventures has shaped a generation of global citizens. His dedication has enabled faculty to share their passion and expertise with over 1,500 students who have completed the Immersion program since 2009, leaving a lasting impact on their lives and perspectives. Gracias Don! Te extrañaremos mucho!”

– María Teresa McNeilly-Anta ’93 NA Director of Immersion Experiences

Don embraced his first Halloween at NA, dressing up as “The Don” from The Godfather. Meanwhile, Don’s son, Ben ’12, dressed up as … his father, Don Austin!

“Lisa, you’re a rather reductive thinker.” Among many other talents, my former boss and Head of School Don Austin has a masterful command of the understatement.

When he spoke those words to me, with a twinkle in his eye and the shadow of a grin, he wasn’t being critical, he was simply noting the contrast between our respective styles for problemsolving, communicating and leading.

During our many daily — and sometimes hourly — interactions, Don offered me subtle observations, well considered counterpoints, and thought-provoking questions that helped me to expand my thinking and to evolve from a fundraising and public relations professional working in education to an educator who raised funds and helped steward Newark Academy’s image and reputation.

From the beginning of our work together, Don’s extraordinarily “even keel” grounded me. Steady, reliable leadership is one of a small number of things that distinguish excellent schools from merely good ones.

I came to learn that Don’s steadiness in times of difficulty is his default approach. If Don Austin has a secret sauce, it is that his ego is not his raison d’etre. In the 12 years I worked for Don, there was never an issue or situation where I had to factor in his ego as part of my recommendation. Not once.

Most students won’t have an appreciation for Don’s life’s work until they are older. They may proudly tell their friends from college and beyond that they went to a “great school,” but give

little thought to all the adults that made it so. For 18 years, Don has been the strong, steady current propelling NA and its students forward. He was also, by far, the best boss I ever had.

Thank you for all you taught me. Thank you for the many laughs, a few good cries, and for putting up with one “rather reductive thinker.”

– Lisa Grider

Former NA Assistant Head of School for External Affairs

DONALD M. AUSTIN

2025 SEEDS Honoree

For being a dedicated advocate for educational excellence and serving as a SEEDS Trustee from 2015 – 2021.

Rise & Flourish Campaign Chairman Jeff Kaplan, former NA Assistant Head of School for External Affairs Lisa Grider, Head of School Don Austin and former NA Board of Trustees Chair David McGraw ’77.

JUNE 2010 – June Term is introduced for Upper School students to spend the final two weeks of the year engaging in experiential learning and grappling with challenging ideas.

FEBRUARY 2012 – Three hundred members of the NA community come together for an online “jam” to engage in honest conversations and generate ideas that guide the school’s next strategic plan.

SEPTEMBER 2012 – The Newark Scholars Program is established to provide full scholarships for up to six students each year who live or attend school in Newark.

“So much of the successful strategic direction enjoyed by our community is the result of Don’s values and influence. He has traditional roots and modern ideas. In short, Don joined a thriving, well-run school and made it better. Our leadership in educational programs and reputation for excellence has grown under his leadership. In all the metrics that define success — from financial health and academic relevancy, to financial aid and modern facilities, to empowered faculty and record enrollment — in every category, Don’s influence and good instincts are visible.

Perhaps the most important testament to Don’s leadership is how he leaves Newark Academy. To borrow a phrase from a prior capital campaign, Newark Academy will continue to rise and flourish because of Don Austin’s leadership of our beloved school.”

– Jon Olesky ’74 Trustee Emeritus

“Beyond specific accomplishments, I see Don’s legacy deriving from timeless qualities of character: a commitment to being fair, open, rational, reliable — earnestly aiming to serve the best interests of students, faculty, the institution and the larger community. Don has led with good will and a serious sense of responsibility. Perhaps particularly now, we can see the value of such classic foundations of leadership.”

– Laura Dillon

Former NA Trustee

SEPTEMBER 2012 – The LEED Gold Certified Catherine and Frank Petrello Upper School Academic Center opens, encompassing 18,500 square feet of new construction and 2,500 square feet of renovated space.

SEPTEMBER 2012 – Kacur Field is renovated with a soccer field featuring artificial turf, new lighting, a new scoreboard and spectator seating.

SEPTEMBER 2013 – A revitalized Coursen Field is unveiled, featuring a turf field, concession stand, new lighting, spectator seating, and new facilities for track and field events.

SEPTEMBER 2014 – The Community Service program is reimagined to focus on three primary goals for students: to build a lifelong passion for service, to use service as a mechanism for self-awareness, and to integrate service as a learning opportunity.

“Don has been a great supporter of Newark Academy Athletics and my coaching journey. He believed in me as an assistant football coach and gave me the opportunity to be head coach, a role I held for six years. This challenge made me a stronger coach in all sports, including my 26 years with the varsity swim program. His support has created opportunities for coaches and athletes, helping us grow and succeed. I am grateful for his trust and the impact he has had on Newark Academy Athletics.”

– Billy Blomn

Varsity Swim Head Coach and Health Faculty

The LEED Gold Certified Catherine and Frank Petrello Upper School Academic Center.

“Mr. Austin’s leadership is unmatched at The Academy. Whether it is facing the adversity of the COVID-19 pandemic or celebrating the victories of our sports teams, it is not rare to see Mr. Austin supporting the NA community. His leadership is shown through his constant care and attention to how the student body can not just succeed but thrive. His service is not confined to leading big events like the 250th anniversary but instead can be seen in his everyday actions. To Mr. Austin: thank you for supporting us for the past 18 years and for everything you continue to do for our school.”

–

Nikhil Chatterjee ’26

NA Junior

SEPTEMBER 2014 – The STEM Experiences Program is established to provide opportunities for students to engage in the world of science through field research, on-campus clubs and competitive teams, off-campus internships, and universitybased summer programs.

OCTOBER 2017 – The David Teiger ’47 Gallery for Studio Arts debuts as a modern home for NA student art and for the work of highly acclaimed artists from around the world.

“What I appreciate most about Don is his ability to lead a group of type A administrators. We are not the easiest crowd to manage. And when Don showed up here, instead of directing, he spent a lot of time listening. And I always value his contemplative, thoughtful approach to moving the school forward. A lot of the things that have happened here — whether it’s the facilities or the programmatic changes or changes to student body composition — have been thoughtfully orchestrated based on a lot of different voices, and I’ll always appreciate Don’s willingness to listen to those voices before moving the school in a certain direction.”

– Tom Ashburn

NA Middle School Principal, Incoming Head of School

SEPTEMBER 2017 – The Wilf Middle School wing opens, housing two floors of state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, offices and common spaces for faculty and students.

JULY 2019 – The Cetrulo Family Fencing Center receives several physical and technological renovations — including new, specialized flooring and five strips for electronic scoring — making it one of the finest fencing centers in the country.

Don Austin and Tom Ashburn

Don helps break ground on the construction of the Wilf Middle School in April 2016.

“Don has been a great friend of mine and a great leader at Newark Academy for 18 years and it’s been an honor and a privilege to work with him. I received a masters in education before law school, but it pales in comparison to the education I received from him about what leadership is all about and what it takes to run a school as great as Newark Academy. Don is humble, resolute and consistent. He has an emotional intelligence that is off the charts and a rational mindset that’s been a steady hand on the tiller at Newark Academy for every minute he’s been there. I want to thank Don for his service, and to thank him and Kiki for their friendship over the years, and I wish him all the best.”

– Larry Cetrulo ’67 Secretary of the NA Board of Trustees

“For many, the enduring image of Don’s tenure might be him behind the podium at Morning Meeting or on the sidelines of an athletic contest wearing red and black. But I will always remember him standing behind the Wilf Middle School with ruddy cheeks and a knit cap on the coldest day of the New Jersey winter.

On that frigid afternoon just before the start of the spring semester, the fire road that runs behind the school had been cleared of snow and transformed into a makeshift drive-thru to collect saliva samples for COVID-19 testing. Wearing multiple layers and a frost-tinged smile, Don greeted every car that arrived on campus that afternoon. Flanked by our nurses and the Return-to-School team, he chatted with students, parents, and employees before reaching into car windows to grab vials that would help ensure our return to school was as safe as possible. Despite the temperature that day, it was actually a moment of warmth — a chance to exchange a kind word and reconnect with those we hadn’t seen.

That afternoon strikes me as an apt metaphor for Don’s 18 years of leadership: listening carefully to every community member he encounters, prioritizing relationships, and keeping what’s best for students in the back of his mind. On a day that encapsulated the most uncertain and fearful of winters, Don was a figure of equanimity and poise once again helping to lead the school forward — one saliva sample at a time.”

– Lou Scerra Chief Strategy Officer

Newark Academy safely continues traditions such as pep rallies while many schools remain online during the pandemic.

MARCH 2020 – NA confronts the pandemic’s disruptions to the in-person teaching-and-learning experience. Through creative problem-solving, resilience and a strong focus on supporting students’ mental health, the school community forges ahead with minimal effects to the academic experience.

JULY 2020 – A virtual Equity and Inclusion Summit outlines 12 key recommendations and 60 strategies for enhancing equity and inclusion at Newark Academy.

“Don and I both started our career here at Newark Academy 18 years ago. He’s been incredibly supportive of what we do in the arts and supportive of me since year one. I had his son, George ’15, in my jazz group in the very beginning when we made it to our first Essentially Ellington, so he really knows the ins and outs of our program and I don’t think we’d be able to do the things that we’ve been able to do here without Don Austin at Newark Academy. He’s left his mark on the school and we’re all very proud of him and wish him a happy retirement.”

– Julius Tolentino NA Director of Bands

favorite part about being Head of School is when the entire community comes together during

“Congratulations Don, on an outstanding career. Your steady leadership of Newark Academy has made the school one of the best in the country. I am grateful for your friendship over the many years and wish you the best in all your future endeavors.

– Sid Rowell

“S

ince Don’s tenure, our school has undergone a remarkable transformation, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment where teachers feel empowered to innovate and truly connect with their students. Under his leadership and vision, all the indicators and measurements of excellence for a school are green and the school has grown in terms of space, numbers, diversity, quality of education and staff. ”

– Moussa Fall

NA Language Faculty

Head of School at Gill St. Bernard’s School

Don’s

All-School Morning Meetings.

JULY 2020 – Coraci Performance Hall, a 700-seat facility, is completely rebuilt to accommodate the increased size of the NA student body, becoming the new home for arts performances and Morning Meetings.

2023 – 2024 – Newark Academy celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding in 1774.

ABOVE: Don enjoys Newark Academy’s 250th anniversary celebration.

LEFT: Don prepares to enjoy a delicious feast at the annual NAPA International Dinner Potluck.

Movie Magic!

Don answered the call to star in a fun Newark Academy video on multiple occasions — which sometimes even required him to dress up as his high school self!

“D

on is a great listener and a collaborative person. He takes everyone’s opinions very seriously. Whether it’s academics, arts, athletics, finances or facilities, Don sees the big picture and how all of those aspects are interrelated. Don has been a very good partner over the last 18 years and it’s been my pleasure to work with him. I wish him good health and good luck.”

– Sam Goldfischer Director of Business and Finance

“As a long serving member of the Board of Trustees, I have had the pleasure of working with Don, possibly since his first day at Newark Academy. I have seen Don grow with this role so that he makes the challenging job of Head of School look easy. Juggling the needs and demands of a large and diverse community, Don acts after careful consideration, treats everyone with respect, and does what he believes is fair and just. His unflappable governance in difficult times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, helped Newark Academy thrive. Rather than just survive, NA became a leader in providing a successful pandemic response. His clear vision and steady leadership have helped Newark Academy achieve the enviable position it holds today.

Perhaps Don’s most important legacy is not only the physical expansion of the school, our firm financial footing, and the inspiring students, administrators, faculty and staff who have joined the community during Don’s tenure, but that, to me, Don embodies NA’s mission statement. He is an engaged Head of School who is instilled with a passion for learning that he endeavors to instill in others. Don holds himself to the standard of excellence we, as a school, hope for and from all our members. He has been a role model for all of us in his honesty, integrity and generosity of spirit. I thank him for all he has done and wish him and his family joy and adventure.

– Pat Budziak

NA Trustee

2025 – Donald M. Austin concludes his 18th year as Head of School, having overseen a significant growth in NA’s enrollment, financial aid, diversity among the student body and endowment during his tenure.

Head of School Don Austin, Director of Business and Finance Sam Goldfischer and Director of Human Resources

Sarah Guelich at the 2024 National Business Officers Association conference.

Don views the historic total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.

Photo by Da Ping Luo

Commemorative Crossword

In honor of our departing Head of School, Don Austin, an avid cruciverbalist

ANSWERS: Scan the QR code to check your answers!

Crossword by Aimee Lucido

Intro duc ing the

Don a ld M. Au st i n Endowed Sc holarsh ip Fu nd

Earlier this year, the Donald M. Austin Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by the Board of Trustees in celebration of Don’s 18-year legacy and enduring impact on the Newark Academy community.

The Donald M. Austin Endowed Scholarship Fund will further Don’s vision for greater access to Newark Academy by providing need-based financial assistance to deserving students. With support from the Board, Don has been committed to offering talented young people from all socioeconomic backgrounds the opportunity to thrive at Newark Academy.

“When it was announced that a scholarship fund was being established in Don’s honor, contributing to it was a no-brainer for my wife Joan and me,” says John Bess ’69, Chair of the Advancement Committee of the Board of Trustees. “We’ve gotten to know Don over the years through my tenure on NA’s Board of Trustees. He’s an incredible guy, who has had such a lasting impact at NA. It’s been an honor to work with

him and support his leadership at the school. And given the fact that enabling financial aid is a cornerstone of Joan’s and my charitable giving, this was a perfect opportunity to align our commitment to financial aid — an essential need at NA — while ensuring Don’s impact will endure for years to come.”

For more information or to support the Donald M. Austin Endowed Scholarship Fund, contact:

Dr. Rose McSween Chief Advancement Officer

Newark Academy 91 South Orange Avenue Livingston, NJ 07039 rmcsween@newarka.edu

Newark Academy Names MAT THEW DANDOL A as its Next Middle School Principal

Head of School Donald M. Austin appointed Matthew “Matt” Dandola as the next Middle School Principal at Newark Academy. He will assume this role in July 2025, succeeding Tom Ashburn, who will become Newark Academy’s 50th Head of School.

Matt will bring a deep commitment to nurturing young learners and a proven ability to recognize, cultivate and celebrate the best in Middle School students. His student-centered philosophy aligns seamlessly with Newark Academy’s mission to instill in students a passion for learning, standard of excellence and generosity of spirit.

“I am honored to join the Newark Academy community and serve as the

next Middle School Principal,” Matt says. “In my meetings with students, parents and faculty, throughout my visit to campus, it was abundantly clear that Newark Academy lives its values and commitments as a welcoming, inclusive and joyful learning environment. I look forward to partnering with faculty and families as we continue cultivating the vibrance and enthusiasm for learning that permeates the Middle School experience for students at Newark Academy.”

Currently serving as the Head of Middle School at Rocky Hill Country Day School in Rhode Island, Matt has implemented a vision for a kind and joyful, learner-centered culture of belonging at Rocky Hill in which students, faculty and families embrace challenge as a pathway to academic and social-emotional skill development. With his collaborative leadership, he and his team have guided the school’s transition to competencybased assessment, and Matt has coached and supported faculty implementation of this change.

Prior to joining Rocky Hill in 2023, Matt held a variety of roles over a 17-year period at Greenwich Country Day School in Connecticut and at Collegiate School in New York City. Before embarking on his career in education, Matt served in the U.S. Military as a Civil Affairs Team Leader in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom and as Company Commander in the U.S. Army Reserve. Matt earned his undergraduate degree in K-8 education from St. John’s University and his master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Pennsylvania.

I look forward to partnering with faculty and families as we continue cultivating the vibrance and enthusiasm for learning that permeates the Middle School experience for students at Newark Academy.”

– Matthew Dandola, Incoming Middle School Principal

Shining a Light on NA’S NEW BRANDING

By Dr. Renée Walker, Director of Communications and Marketing

In Fall 2023, a group of Newark Academy administrators came together to revisit and refine the school’s institutional identity. After several sessions of brainstorming, community input, and a partnership with an outside consultant, we’re excited to launch dynamic new branding that underscores what makes NA truly exceptional.

tics of an NA education, which are beautifully expressed through our students’ voices and experiences.

The refreshed institutional identity comes to life through authentic messaging, a bold new logo, a richer color palette featuring the “classic NA red,” and most notably, a redesigned website that captures the NA experience. The enhancements on the website communicate and highlight the unique characteris-

The new website project couldn’t have been accomplished without a cross-functional team of contributors from around the school. Led by the Office of Communications and Marketing in partnership with the Offices of Technology and Media Services, Admission and Financial Aid, Institutional Advancement, and the Athletics Department, the website redesign team ensured that every element of the new site reflects the heart and soul of NA. Explore the new NA website at www.newarka.edu.

www.newarka.edu

REFLECTING ON 15 YEARS OF Immersion Experiences

By María Teresa McNeilly-Anta ’93, Director of Immersion Experiences

InFebruary 2009, I embraced a new role as NA’s first Director of Immersion Experiences. My charge, part of NA’s 2007 – 2012 Strategic Plan to foster global citizenship, was to bring this unprecedented and visionary program to life.

In my inaugural year, I pioneered NA’s first Immersion Experience, the Madrid, Pontevedra and Vigo program to Spain, which became the foundation for all future faculty-led immersions. Since then, we have designed a myriad of diverse immersion opportunities and established transformative programs that provide our

students with authentic 360-degree experiences, both in other cultures and in the wilderness. Immersion Experiences currently offered include those in Spain, France, China, Guatemala, the American Southwest, the Warwick Furnace Lavender Farm, and in the wilderness of Colorado and Wyoming.

Working with the students to build houses in the Antiguan countryside was incredibly rewarding. It was inspiring to see them grow their independence and develop their Spanish skills throughout the trip. Participating in Immersion as an alumni chaperone was an amazing reminder of what makes NA so special — how the relationships you build with both teachers and friends last long after graduation.”

– Alexander Atlas ’23, Guatemala Alumni Leader

The program not only improved my Spanish exponentially but helped me grow and learn more about the world around me. I still reflect on the amazing cultural activities, people and conversations I experienced, and how they made me see more beauty in life.”

– Stephanie Do ’19, Spain

NA’s Immersion Experiences go beyond mere travel. They foster cultural or environmental exploration, enabling students to develop a deep appreciation and under-

standing of diverse cultures, peoples and perspectives. The Board of Trustees’ decision in 2008 to make the Immersion Experience a requirement for all graduates set NA apart as what is believed to be the first secondary school in the U.S. to integrate such a significant off-campus experience for all students into its curriculum.

The establishment and success of the Immersion Program owe much to the leadership of Head of School Don Austin, whose support and dedication were instrumental in bringing the program to fruition. His guidance and commitment,

along with the passion of the faculty leaders, helped to create a program that has significantly enriched the NA educational experience.

By June 2025, over 1,500 NA students will have successfully completed an Immersion Experience — a remarkable milestone. I am proud to celebrate 15 years of the Immersion Experiences and thank the entire NA community for overwhelmingly embracing the program. Simply put, Immersion is part of NA’s DNA.

I had never been camping before, and after 10 days of backpacking, rock climbing and canoeing, I came away with not only new knowledge and the sense of having accomplished something difficult, but also with a greater appreciation for nature and my peers, and a greater understanding of myself.” — Olivia Mudrick ’20, White Mountains, NH

NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL HOUSE SYSTEM

Unites Students Across Grade Levels

An epic limbo face-off.

A hilarious round of extreme musical chairs.

A dramatic bout of super dodgeball.

A competition among talented pumpkin painters.

All of these activities and more have become staples of the Newark Academy Middle School experience, thanks to the implementation of a new House System this year.

The new Middle School House System intermixes students from each grade level into four different teams, desig-

nated as “Houses” and named after beloved former NA faculty and staff, which compete in a variety of activities. No longer siloed by year, sixth, seventh and eighth graders now have opportunities to bond, collaborate and compete as unified teams, and the program has fostered unexpected friendships and a stronger sense of belonging within the greater NA community.

“As educators, we know how important it is for all students to feel a sense of belonging in our school community,” says Middle School Principal Tom Ashburn. “This system helps accom-

plish that goal. It has been incredible to see how students form meaningful relationships, develop leadership skills and support one another across different grades.”

In addition to mixing grades, each House is organized by advisory groups. So students in the same advisory group are also in the same House, giving them yet another opportunity to bond through shared experiences.

House Coordinators Julianne Curro and Larry Maley create House activities that include physical challenges, artistic endeavors and brain games, such as trivia — so there is something for everyone. Students may choose to participate in some or all of the activities to gain points for their House. Students who do not personally compete are still very much invested as they watch from

I really like the House System. It’s a way for the whole Middle School to have fun together, and it builds community. I think it really improves school spirit and also allows for us to interact and root for some people you wouldn’t expect them to. It really brings together the community.”

Jaxon Lai ’31 stuns the crowd during limbo with a winning performance for House Parlin.

– Eric Ikuno ’29

by James Worrell

Middle School students enjoy the pumpkin painting House activity.

the crowd, hoping to gain extra points for their Houses by cheering on the competitors. Houses have a chance to be the winners of the fall semester, the spring semester or the entire year, and winners enjoy special prizes.

“I think it’s definitely increased school spirit in the Middle School,” says Julianne. “Our kids are getting really

into it — whether they’re participating in the competition or not — they get extremely excited watching. During musical chairs, once the final student won it for House Parlin, the entire House came running off the bleachers to cheer together. It was such a joyful moment.”

There was a Kahoot activity and we all sat together and talked and I got [seventh and eighth grade students’] perspectives about different things, and if I had any questions I could ask them. If I didn’t know how to open my locker or anything, now I always know there is someone there who can help me.”

Houses Named for NA Legends

House Ball

Named after: Joe Ball, Middle School Principal, Director of Community Service and Humanities Teacher from 1980 – 2016

House Gomez

Named after: Luis Gomez, Spanish Teacher from 1992 – 2018

The four Houses are named for former beloved Newark Academy Middle School faculty members.

House Johnson

Named after:

Christine Johnson, Middle School Office Manager from 1997 – 2021; and Scott Johnson, Mathematics Teacher from 1983 – 2021

House Parlin

Named after:

Blackie Parlin, Assistant Head for Academic Affairs, Dean of Faculty and Archivist from 1959 –2017; and Joan Parlin, Middle School Principal and Director of Admission from 1982 – 2001

– Mahek “MJ” Jariwala ’31

Photo

Annette Brennan is retiring from Newark Academy after 20 years of service to the school. She first came to NA as part of the Business Office in 2005 and later took on the role of Executive Assistant to the Head of School. She has worked with Don Austin throughout his tenure as Head of School, assisting in various ways behindthe-scenes. She made an indelible mark on the Class of 2014, who dedicated the Polymnian yearbook to her, naming her as a “mother to the senior class.” Her warm, caring and spunky personality will be sorely missed at NA!

THE END OF AN ERA:

“Annette Brennan has been an extraordinary support to me and to Newark Academy over her two decades of service. Her excellent organizational skills, loyalty, discretion, and ability to anticipate things has made her an indispensable partner to me during my years as Head of School. Annette connects well with students, faculty, parents and board members and has formed strong bonds with many people over the years. In ways that are not always visible, Annette has made me more effective in my role and has made Newark Academy a better school. Thank you, Annette, for all you have done for me and for Newark Academy!”

— Don Austin, Head of School

ANNET TE BRENNAN | 20

YEARS

“It has been a real privilege to have Annette Brennan as a colleague in the last 20 years of my Newark Academy career. Annette’s innate understanding of how school communities operate has always been combined with a clarity of purpose that underscores the integrity of the work she has done. Truly appreciated by board members and students, faculty, administrators and staff, Annette’s care for the individual lives of the people in her professional sphere makes her a reliable and honest ally in support of the work we have all done to make Newark Academy the best it can be.” — Von Rollenhagen, Former NA Dean of Faculty and English Teacher

“It is hard to imagine my time at NA without Ms. Brennan as a part of it. She is kind, warm, funny, and always made me feel so special throughout my seven years at the school. During both my challenging and most exciting times, I remember always knowing I could turn to her as someone who truly cared. I am so grateful for the time I got to spend with her and send her so much love upon her retirement.”

— Gabby Giachin

’14

“In 2005, I hired Annette Brennan as Assistant to the Director of Business and Finance. Annette has always been a people person and, when the Executive Assistant to the Head of School position opened up, I wholeheartedly endorsed her for the position. More than an assistant, or a colleague, Annette became a friend and valuable employee to the Academy, bringing her organizational and people skills to the very demanding responsibilities of the Head of School’s Office. Annette –you done good! THANK YOU.” — Sam Goldfischer, Director of Business and Finance

ABOVE: Humanities Faculty Jim Coe, Executive Assistant to the Head of School Annette Brennan and her son, Science Faculty P.J. Brennan.

LEFT: Annette and her husband, Pat, at NA’s 250th Anniversary Celebration.

“Throughout our six years at NA, visits to Ms. Brennan’s office provided encouragement, inspiration and a comforting smile. She was an incredible role model for us and many others, and her impact on the NA community has been immeasurable; what a privilege it is to have had someone as kind and caring as Ms. Brennan to help us all along the way.”

— Lauren and Abby Whelan ’14

FTHE END OF AN ERA: EL AINE BRODIE | 30 YEARS

or 30 years, Arts Teacher Elaine Brodie has been a beloved pillar of the Newark Academy Arts Department. Among her numerous contributions to growing the arts at NA, Elaine founded the annual Community Art Exhibit, a now 20-year tradition; played a pivotal role in the designing of the David Teiger ’47 Gallery for Studio Arts and renovation of the Coraci Performance Hall; coordinated the Artist-in-Residency Program and created the highly-popular “Art of Raku Firing” June Term course. Under Elaine’s 10-year tenure as Arts Chair, NA grew its digital media program to include film as well as photography and added a Technical Theater Director and second choral position. She is also a proud alumni parent of Matthew ’06 and Samuel ’09. As Elaine now heads into retirement, it is clear that her impact on the Arts Department will be felt for years to come.

“It has been my pleasure to count Elaine Brodie as both a friend and colleague since having met her in 1986. During our three years of teaching together at Newark Academy, it became obvious that she was a skilled and motivating instructor able to guide students along their art making journeys. She was warm, helpful and an inspiration to all who interacted with her. It was an honor to teach alongside her and we continue as friends till this day.”

— Paul Aspell, Former NA Arts Faculty

“EB and I arrived with the Class of 1982, along with our dear friend Norman Schafler. Throughout her storied career, Elaine has been a tireless worker, a visionary and an exemplar as an employee and a dear friend. Her leadership and involvement throughout the NA community has touched so many lives. If you needed help or a sympathetic ear, Elaine was right there. It was a privilege working with her. Ms. Jacoby and I maintain a close relationship with Elaine and her family. We know she will fill her retirement years with family, passion, grace, joy and art.” — Scott Jacoby, Former NA Director of Theatre Arts

“Mrs. Brodie’s first year teaching at Newark Academy was also my first year as a student. In 1982, when she was still Ms. McKenney and I was the new kid in eighth grade, the art wing consisted of two adjoining rooms crammed with supplies and teeming with possibilities. Those rooms were an oasis and, for the next five years, were my home at NA. And at the center was Mrs. Brodie — dynamic and creative, always encouraging, and endlessly enthusiastic. My memories of the art room, and of Mrs. Brodie, are among the fondest of my time at NA. I am honored to call her teacher, mentor and friend.”

Jonathan Timen ’87

“When I began teaching at Newark Academy last year, Elaine welcomed me with open arms as my mentor. Her wealth of knowledge, warmth, approachability and wonderful sense of humor made the transition not only manageable, but also genuinely enjoyable. Now as Department Chair, I’ve continued to benefit from her mentorship, with Elaine sharing her expertise and coaching me to grow into the best leader I can be. While I am saddened that she won’t be just down the hall next year, I am profoundly grateful that our paths crossed, even for this brief time. Elaine should take immense pride in all she has accomplished during her time at NA — the lives she has touched, the students she has inspired and the colleagues she has supported. I wish her endless joy as she embarks on the exciting next chapter of her retirement journey.” — Elise Pacicco, NA Arts Department Chair and Dance Director

“Elaine Brodie’s career as an educator and mentor profoundly shaped my life, beginning when I joined Newark Academy in sixth grade as the daughter of thenHeadmaster Dr. Allan E. Strand. Her art room became a sanctuary of joy, safety, creative risk-taking and nurturing guidance that formed and steadied me throughout my adolescence. Assisting her with Newark Academy’s first art show revealed how determined work ethic, meticulous planning, creative problem-solving and astute resourcefulness could achieve excellence — qualities she instilled in me as foundational blocks of my life and career. Our lifelong friendship, spanning decades to this day, reflects her ability to forge lasting bonds by seeing and celebrating people’s potential and steadfastly nurturing its growth. She embodies compassionate action, exemplified when two dogs in my home clashed fiercely: Elaine adopted King Solomon, resolving the conflict while preserving peace in my heart. Elaine walks her talk. Her blend of warmth, humor and high standards has left an indelible mark on countless lives — mine, a spirited white poodle’s, and everyone touched by her joyful, loving human excellence.” — Dr. Elizabeth Strand ’88

“Elaine is a true community-builder. One of the best examples of this is the annual Community Art Show, a tradition she has thoughtfully curated each year that brings together hundreds of artworks from students, alumni, parents and faculty under a shared theme. Her 10-year tenure as Arts Department Chair was a masterclass in leadership. She championed the growth of the department by advocating for key positions like a Technical Theater Director, inspired faculty to bring structure and excellence into their classrooms, spearheaded the development of the film and photography programs and was a major contributor to the design of the Teiger Gallery for Studio Arts. She also oversaw the transformative renovation of the Coraci Performance Hall — all while ensuring the arts remained central to the NA community. Through her passionate advocacy and gift for storytelling, Elaine elevated the department, making the achievements of both students and faculty shine. Newark Academy is better because of Elaine and I am forever grateful for the many roles she has played in my life.”

— Viraj Lal, Former NA Arts Department Chair and Choral Director

School Counselor

THE END OF AN ERA: CAROL SPOONER | 33 YEARS

After 33 years of service to Newark Academy, Carol Spooner is retiring from her role as Upper School Counselor and Health Teacher. Carol has always put students first — offering quiet support, deep empathy and tireless advocacy — while intentionally staying out of the spotlight so the students could shine. Her influence at NA has reached far beyond counseling. During her tenure, Carol designed and led the Upper School advisor and peer leader programs, served as Health Department Chair and created the program’s curriculum, helped shape various school policies, served on multiple task forces and search committees and provided training to faculty and staff. She also coached varsity volleyball and lacrosse as well as Middle School field hockey, tennis and basketball for a combined 61 unbroken seasons at NA. Carol has been the quiet glue holding so many parts of Newark Academy together, and her calming presence, wisdom and heart will be deeply missed.

“It has been my honor and pleasure to know Carol for the past 20 years. As the School Counselor, she consistently demonstrated best practices in all she did. What many may not realize is how deeply she contributed behind the scenes — fostering harmony among colleagues and serving as a compassionate sounding board for so many. Carol is kind, supportive and steadfast — a trusted confidante, a loyal friend and an exemplary professional. Her presence has made a lasting impact on both staff and students alike. Her retirement marks the end of an era, and she will be deeply missed by all.”

— Stacey Clark, Learning Specialist

“Carol Spooner’s legacy at NA is all around us. She created our current advisory program, our peer-mentoring and peer-leadership programs and much of our Health and Physical Education curriculum. She tirelessly showed up and supported all areas of the students’ experience from coaching sports, chaperoning Capstone overnights and co-leading service and Immersion trips. Not everyone knows this, but one of the delights of Carol’s leadership as School Counselor includes the witty poetry and creative way she began and ended each school year for the advisors. Carol is, in many ways, irreplaceable as she is famous for her incredible recall of institutional knowledge matched with her steady leadership, sharp wit and attention to detail. Carol has served Newark Academy with integrity and strength. It is an honor — an honor for all of us — to have worked with her.”

— Kirsti Morin, Middle

School Counselor

Upper

Carol Spooner (third from left) with long-time colleagues: Director of College Counseling Kerry Winiarski, Sixth Grade Science Teacher Deb Tavares and Upper School English Teacher Alex Mahoney.

“Carol and I have worked together for decades and I can’t imagine a day in the life of Newark Academy without her. She is an unsung cornerstone of NA life, deflecting recognition and always shining any light away from herself and onto the achievements of students and faculty. Carol has created hundreds of advisor groups, consulted with faculty about many students, met with hundreds of individual students, talked with parents and families, shepherded 33 groups of peer leaders, taught hundreds of health and wilderness education classes, launched orientations and special programs multiple times a year, and every day coached volleyball and sometimes lacrosse. Carol would light up when describing a stellar performance or a noteworthy win, but she especially loved when students are funny and having fun. Her quiet, sometimes backstage, approach makes her part of the fabric of the school in a way that is so integral. She has worked to empower so many adults in every corner of the building so that they can continue her life’s work, while she can finally hike whenever she wants and read all the books she chooses.”

— Pegeen Galvin, Director of Upper School Student Life

“Carol Spooner was one of the very first people I met when I joined NA back in the mid-1990s. She was also fairly new at the time, but you’d never know it — she welcomed me with open arms, sage advice and a sense of humor that made everything feel just a little easier.

Over the past 30 years, our work has crossed in all kinds of ways, and through it all, Carol has been my go-to for calm, thoughtful perspective and unshakable professionalism. She brings fresh ideas, creative insights and a practical wisdom that grounds every conversation.

Carol has worn many hats — teacher, coach, peer leader advisor, counselor, mentor — and she’s worn them all with grace and heart. Her office is right next to mine, so she’s also the first person I say hello to every morning. And while I’m excited for what’s next for her, I dread the first day of school next fall when I will, for the first time, be at NA without Carol. ”

— Kerry Winiarski, Director of College Counseling

leads the 2010 – 11 girls’ varsity volleyball team to a Super Essex Conference Independent Division Championship.

“It’s hard to put into words the impact Carol Spooner has had on me. From the moment I started here, she’s been the heart of my experience — brilliant, resourceful and endlessly compassionate. Whether supporting me as a colleague, mentor or friend, she has always led with integrity, strength and vision. Her dedication to student wellness and passion for health have shaped the way I teach and how I show up for students every day. Her example sets a standard I strive to meet as a leader and as a teacher. I’m especially grateful for her mentorship and the way she built the Health Department into what it is today — her countless contributions are a legacy that continue to guide me and will continue to shape our school for years to come.”

— Diana Fernandes, Health and Physical Education Chair

Carol with the 2023 – 24 Peer Leaders during the annual retreat.

Carol

THE END OF AN ERA: DAN ERL ANDSON | 41 YEARS

Dan Erlandson has been impacting the lives of Newark Academy students since 1984. His passion for educating and lending a helping hand is evident in the various hats he’s worn throughout his 41-year career at NA, which include IB Environmental Science and Chemistry Teacher, Department Chair, Coach, Faculty Advisor, Community Service Advisor, Graduation Coordinator, NA Summer Program Assistant Director and master academic schedule designer! To put it simply, Dan has been the “go-to guy” for just about anything and everything at Newark Academy and his presence will be deeply missed by all as he embarks on a well-earned retirement.

I had the privilege of being a student in Dan Erlandson’s chemistry class in the early 2000’s. Dan mastered a teaching formula that combined passion, diligence and heart. My repeated struggles to grasp concepts like covalent and ionic bonds, despite countless hours of extra help, tested his equilibrium I’m sure. Yet, he always saw the best in his students, especially when they couldn’t see it in themselves. Now, as a teacher, I strive to embody the same qualities Dan exemplified throughout his career. His ability to inspire, encourage and uplift has yielded lasting imprints on countless lives. He has been a catalyst for positive energy and joy in our community, and his absence will be deeply felt.

— Danny Petrillo ’06, NA Humanities Faculty

“We are really going to miss Dan Erlandson. In my new role as Director of Sustainability, I’m in touch with alums now working in sustainability jobs, and they all speak about IB Enviro with Mr. Erlandson setting them on that path. Dan is not a bragger, just quietly professional in everything he does, but the students notice that he lives by the ideals he teaches. He’s led Senior Mountain Day for countless years, and he still flies up that mountain! My favorite Dan moments were rooming together on the India faculty trip, even getting a very close shave together. Can you picture that now?” — Neil Stourton, NA’s Director of Sustainability

“I have never known a time at Newark Academy without Dan Erlandson. Our careers have overlapped by more than 30 years. During that time, we have grown up, become parents and watched our children become parents. We’ve been Department Chairs and worked together to run the Summer Program for more than a decade. I have probably spent more time with Dan than any other person in the building, lucky me. Dan is a master teacher, ultimate team player and the epitome of a problem solver. Whether troubleshooting a technology glitch, ensuring that all goes well at graduation, or innovating and inspiring in the classroom, his time at NA has been marked by a deep well of patience, humility and generosity. Though I will miss our lunches in the courtyard, I’m thrilled for my friend. Congratulations, Dan.”

— Nancy Celente, NA’s Director of Summer Programs, Science Faculty

“For 40 years, Dan Erlandson has been ‘the go-to guy’ for many of us. Have a problem that needs fixing? Ask Dan. Always willing to lend a helping hand, offer sound advice or work with students until they finally master stoichiometry (!), Dan never gives up. He truly is a team player! The fine qualities he brings to the table — loyalty, integrity and patience — will be missed by all. It has truly been an honor to have worked side-by-side with this remarkable individual. As the next chapter begins, best of luck to you and your family, Dan.”

—

Amy Hone, Former NA Science Faculty

“I first got to know Dan on the faculty trip to India a decade ago. As we trekked the Himalayas together, his serious demeanor and scientific observations stood out to me. Fast forward to 2021: We began working alongside one another in NA’s Summer Program. I quickly came to admire his sharp mind and unwavering dedication to his work. Our debates over best practices are always a highlight, and though he usually wins, that rare victory of mine is always sweet. Working with Dan, I’ve been lucky to experience his fun, joking side, which has given me a deeper sense of who he is as a person. Dan is an inspiring teacher, a fantastic colleague, and, most importantly, a true example of living life to the fullest. I’ll truly miss our daily banter each summer.”

— Rob Rezvani, NA’s Assistant Director of Summer Programs

Dan enjoying a rest during the Senior Mountain Day hike up Breakneck Ridge.

From Performing Globally to Guiding Behind the Curtains Q& A with New Arts Department Chair Elise Pacicco

Upon arriving at NA in 2023, Dance Teacher Elise Pacicco immediately got to work, transforming and breathing new life into the dance program. This year, she has taken her vast experience, supportive personality and zest for the arts to a higher level as the new NA Arts Department Chair.

We sat down with Elise — who holds a Master of Fine Arts in dance performance, choreography and teaching from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts — to learn more about her time spent touring and teaching as a professional dancer and how she is approaching her new post at the helm of the NA Arts program.

Q: Let’s go back in time a little. Tell me about your professional dance career.

Elise: Okay, so I’ve been dancing professionally in the New York and New Jersey area for a long time. My professional career began when I joined the Carolyn Dorfman Dance company, based in New Jersey. I danced with Carolyn’s company for many years. She has a significant presence in the New Jersey dance scene, and through her company I not only performed but also taught a lot.

Interestingly, Carolyn’s daughter, Rebecca Gallick-Mitchell ’08, attended Newark Academy, which I later found out after deciding to come here, which is a fun connection!

Q: Small world! You mentioned that you had the opportunity to teach while performing with Carolyn’s dance company. In what ways?

Elise: While performing with Carolyn Dorfman Dance, I was heavily involved in teaching residencies at schools, from elementary to college level. We also worked with the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) and taught summer youth programs.

Later, when I joined MOMIX, I taught master classes whenever we visited universities or towns for performances. So even though it might seem like I’ve only started teaching recently, I’ve actually been teaching throughout my entire career.

Q: That’s awesome. I know you toured with MOMIX, a worldrenowned contemporary dance company for a long time. What are some of the places you performed?

Elise: I’ve toured in 26 states, from Maine to Florida on the East Coast and across the Midwest to California, including at famous venues like The Joyce Theater in New York City and the Winspear Opera House in Dallas.

Internationally, I’ve toured in Paris, the Netherlands (performing in 15 cities), Italy (including Milan, Naples, Venice and other smaller cities), Israel, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. In South America, I’ve performed in Brazil, Chile and Uruguay. Touring was an incredible experience — exhausting but deeply rewarding.

Elise dances on tour with MOMIX.

Photo by Whitney Browne

Q: That sounds like such an incredible time in your life. What made you decide to pivot to teaching in a school?

Elise: After about a decade of performing, touring became tough on my body and mind. I also met my fiancé and wanted to settle down in the New York/New Jersey area. I was very familiar with the area because I came here for grad school at NYU. I’m originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, though!

When I was ready to stop touring, I knew I wanted to teach, so when I came across the Newark Academy job posting, it felt like the perfect opportunity.

Q: Well we’re very happy to have you at NA. What has it been like shifting from performing to teaching?

Elise: While performing is exhilarating — there’s nothing like working hard in the studio and then stepping on stage to share that work

with an audience — teaching, on the other hand, allows me to step into the role of a director and mentor. At Newark Academy, I get to train students, give them feedback and guide their growth. It’s rewarding to see their hard work come to life in performances.

Q: I’m sure! This year, you took on more than just teaching and became the new Arts Department Chair. How are you approaching this role?

Elise: Being Department Chair is humbling because every colleague of mine is so exceptional! I look at the talent in the department around me and I just feel very lucky that not only am I a part of the department, but I also get to help lead it. As the new Chair, right now my approach is to just trust in my amazing faculty to do their thing, to find ways to highlight them, and to be the support that lets them shine because they are such experts and so good at their craft.

Q: I love that. Finally, is there anything that has surprised you about Newark Academy so far?

Elise: In my past experiences, I’ve seen schools be very strong either academically or artistically. Newark Academy is very much strong at both, which has been a pleasant surprise! I’m continuously amazed at how much the arts are valued here. Not only do we excel at the arts, but it’s front and center of daily life at NA, specifically through frequent performances during Morning Meetings.

Another thing that has surprised me is that so many of our students take an art class beyond the requirements and choose to pursue arts at the International Baccalaureate level. Also, there are just so many students who are multitalented across various arts disciplines, and even across both arts and athletics. I think that really speaks to Newark Academy educating the student as a whole, from all perspectives.

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Elise (far right) with NA Arts students at the conclusion of the Winter Dance Concert dress rehearsal.

Photo

Donna Fisk

Blend of Passions: Fine Art and Fencing

Olivia Dai ’26 won the 2025 USA Fencing National Poster Design Challenge in the human-made design category. Olivia — who also fences for Newark Academy — created a watercolor poster titled, “Fencing Is for All,” depicting a fencer offering their weapon to the viewer to symbolize the universal nature of fencing regardless of race, ability and ethnicity.

“I try to balance my passions at NA between being both an artist and a fencer by trying to integrate multiple passions in my work,” Olivia says. “The poster reflects that effort, combining my passion for art with my goal to make fencing more inclusive. Although it is very difficult to give all of my passions equal focus, I try my best to combine them and create works that benefit others.”

Olivia’s poster will now be on display at future USA Fencing national and North American Cup tournaments.

ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE STARTS HERE

Celebrating Five Years of the Middle School Athletic Conference

By Nina Shirey, Sports Information Director

In her former role as varsity volleyball Head Coach at Newark Academy, Bella Galvez saw firsthand how difficult the transition from middle school to varsity sports could be. Without postseason play, NA Middle School athletes lacked experience in high-stakes competition; they had never faced the pressure of a “one and done” tournament or the thrill of playing for something bigger. To bridge this gap, Bella, also NA’s Middle School Athletic Director, laid the framework during the winter of 2020 for a Middle School Athletic Conference (MSAC), which includes a postseason tournament. Aligned with NA’s commitment to

athletic excellence, the MSAC develops middle school athletes for varsity-level play and prepares them for high-stakes postseason tournaments.

Now, five years since its inception, it’s clear that the formation of the MSAC has transformed middle school athletics by providing a structured, competitive environment for student-athletes at NA and other local independent schools of similar size and philosophy. Participating schools

include Far Brook School, Far Hills Country Day School, Kent Place School, Morristown Beard School, Montclair Kimberley Academy, Gill St. Bernard’s School, The Peck School, The Pingry School, Oratory Preparatory School and Rutgers Preparatory School.

“Our student-athletes look forward to the tournament, which was a main goal of creating it,” says Bella. “Even Upper School athletes who were in Middle

Even Upper School athletes who were in Middle School prior to the Conference’s creation come back and say that they wish they had the MSAC.”

The Middle School Girl’s tennis team celebrates winning the MSAC Championship.

– Bella Galvez, Middle School Athletic Director

School prior to the conference’s creation come back and say that they wish they had the MSAC.” To further build excitement, NA’s MSAC championshipwinning teams are celebrated with a special Morning Meeting presentation, championship shirts, and banners that will be displayed in William G. Wrightson Gymnasium starting this summer.

Hanna Gugala ’29, a Middle School fencer, shared her most memorable moment from winning the MSAC championship over Pingry. “It came down to the last bout and it was so fun to feel the suspense of the finals and to celebrate with my teammates,” says Hanna. “My cousins also fenced for NA, so I am proud to continue the family legacy.”

With the Middle School boys’ soccer team, James “JJ” Messina ’29 was able to experience that victorious feeling when his team also defeated Pingry in the MSAC championship during the Fall 2024 season.“After losing to [Pingry] in the regular season, our team rallied together,” says JJ. “We knew we had to win it for our eighth-grade teammates. My dad (James Messina ’94) went to NA, and I have an older brother

NA has won 15 team and six individual championships since the inception of the MSAC.

(Giacomo ’25) here too, so it felt good to represent the place I go and the people I care about.”

As the MSAC celebrates its five-year anniversary, Bella attributes the conference’s success to all of the member schools’ shared dedication to upholding the core values.“Each school has bought into winning with class and grace, having sportsmanship and playing for the ‘spirit of the league.’”

Other schools have attempted to establish similar initiatives, but have struggled to gain traction. At NA, Bella has worked hard to keep the conference thriving and is proud of its impact and success. Now she has her eyes set on growth and expansion. Recently, a few schools have put in requests to be accepted into the MSAC, and with approval from the other conference members, they will be. “I can see the

Matthew Granet ’31 plays in a Middle School boys’ soccer game.

creation of divisions down the line, which would allow for the participation of many different skill levels, increasing its engagement and competitiveness.”

As the MSAC continues to grow and evolve, its first five years stand as a testament to NA’s commitment to providing meaningful and memorable athletic experiences. The conference not only prepares student-athletes for future athletic success in the Upper School, but also fosters a sense of pride and community for the Middle School athletes who participate.

2024 – 2025 Minutemen Athletics

FALL / WINTER CHAMPIONSHIPS

Prep B Champions

Boys’ Swimming

Girls’ Swimming

SEC American Champions

Girls’ Tennis

Girls’ Swimming

Essex County Champions

Girls’ Tennis

Connor Polen ’26

(Cross County individual)

Girls’ Swimming

SEC Independence Champions Wrestling

Visit www.newarka.edu/athletics to stay updated on all

Middle School Athletic Conference Champions

Boys’ Soccer

Girls’ Basketball

Girls’ Tennis

Fencing (co-ed)

Luc Bolivar ’29

(Wrestling individual)

by Michael Branscom

Photo

DAVE PASQUALE

Returns to NA as New Athletic Director

David “Dave” Pasquale will be returning to Newark Academy as the next Athletic Director, effective July 1, 2025. Dave, who previously taught English and coached baseball and basketball at Newark Academy for 12 years, is eager to return and lead NA’s pursuit of even greater heights of athletic excellence.

Dave currently serves as Dean of Student Life and Head Baseball Coach at Gill St. Bernard’s School. He previously worked as the school’s Athletic Director for 10 years, during which the athletic program was awarded the prestigious NJSIAA ShopRite Cup, designating it as the top Non-Public B program in the state. He holds a

bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame.

“I am incredibly excited to return to Newark Academy,” Dave says. “My years there as a young teacher and coach were transformative, and I am humbled by the opportunity to lead the NA Athletic Department.”

SHARING SOL AR:

Middle School Students Build Solar Suitcases to Provide Power to Schools in Kenya

By Sherrie Negrea

A set of solar generators built by a team of Newark Academy Middle School students is bringing light to schools and community centers in northern Kenya, allowing hundreds of children to study at night for the first time.

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The Middle School Solar Suitcase team assembled four solar generators that were sent to the Samburu region of Kenya, where adults must travel six miles to charge their mobile devices.

Photo

Felipe Ledezma

The Middle Schoolers spent two weeks assembling four solar suitcases that can each provide enough light to power a school of 1,500 students. The suitcases were sent to the Samburu region of Kenya, a rural area where adults must travel six miles to charge their mobile devices.

“It was really interesting to get to build the suitcases and be part of this,” says Ashleen Callahan ’30, who was a cocaptain on the project. “But the biggest reason that I decided to sign up was because of the difference it makes in people’s lives. Providing energy for people is huge.”

The project was launched after NA alumna Marjorie Lopus Jameson ’77 learned about the solar suitcases at a lecture she attended in Bay Head, New Jersey. The suitcases are developed by a nonprofit called We Share Solar, which produces kits for schools to make the generators and send them to villages around the world.

“I thought how cool it would be to bring this project to Newark Academy and have the students make a sustainable solar suitcase,” says Marjorie, who donated the funding for the project. “They would get hands-on experience with everything that goes into assembling a solar generator, while making an impact on a global scale.”

Sixth Grade Science Teacher Debra “Deb” Tavares agreed to lead the project and recruit students for the NA Solar Team. After a dozen students were selected for the team, they

met for one hour after school for eight days during the Middle School intramural period.

Beyond learning about the mechanics of solar energy, the students also explored the impact of climate change and the global distribution of energy. “They learned to appreciate how fortunate they are, how to not take things for granted, and how to make a difference in the world whenever and wherever they are,” Deb says.

We Share Solar will send the suitcases built by the students at NA to the

They learned to appreciate how fortunate they are, how to not take things for granted, and how to make a difference in the world whenever and wherever they are.”

– Deb Tavares, Sixth Grade Science Teacher

Samburu region in Kenya because of the need to bring electricity to its schools and community centers. “They have all these kids who want to learn, and they can only meet during the daylight hours because as the seasons go by, it’s dark by 4 p.m.” says Gigi Goldman, Co-Founder and Strategic Advisor of We Share Solar.

Now that the suitcases have been completed, Deb hopes that the NA Solar Team members will be able to communicate with the students in Kenya who benefit from their project. That connection with the students is something Russell Montgomery ’30, co-captain of NA’s Solar Suitcase team, is also looking forward to.

“I want to know how they’re using it and how the work that we did impacts them,” he says, “so we know that we are really making a difference.”

Ashleen Callahan ’30 and Russell Montgomery ’30 co-captained the Solar Suitcase Team.

Photo by Felipe Ledezma

Newark Academy Students Lead First-Ever Student ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SUMMIT

Wanting to play a more active role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence (AI), Newark Academy students came together to launch the school’s first Student AI Summit on Saturday, January 11, on NA’s campus. The event brought together students with interests in AI from other local independent schools for a day filled with presentations and breakout sessions led entirely by students.

The summit, spearheaded by Director of Digital Learning and Literacy Stephanie Hammond, was attended by over 50 students from Newark Academy, DwightEnglewood School, Kent Place School, Morristown Beard School and The Pingry School.

Nine NA students were among those who delivered individual presentations. Cate Estilo ’26 and Sophia Ha ’26 paired up to present “Ethics of AI,” discussing the tough ethical challenges that have arisen with the use of AI. Cate and Sophia referenced their knowledge and experience from taking part in the Inspirit AI Scholars program, taught by Stanford University and MIT alumni and graduate students.

“It is important to foster conversations about AI among students, not just as users of the technology but as the future creators and decision-makers,” says Cate, Vice President of NA’s newly formed Student AI Committee. “I also believe events like this can spark curiosity and collaboration, encouraging students to think critically about the role AI will play in their lives and careers.”

Matthew Herbert ’25 demonstrated an AI model he developed to analyze and diagnose radiological reports from Lenox Hill Hospital

— a creation born from his independent study at NA with Science Department Chair Caitlin Ciampaglio, his faculty mentor.

“I am deeply excited about how the current AI-tech revolution is lowering barriers to innovation in healthcare,” Matthew says. “Tools and knowledge once reserved for large institutions are now accessible to small, driven teams capable of making profound impacts. Summits like this equip students with the skills and vision to leverage AI to tackle real-world problems and drive equitable solutions in a rapidly evolving world.”

Newark Academy alumna Durga Srivatsan ’18 attended the event to provide insights about how her work at Deloitte uses AI. Students also watched a video from fellow alum David You ’19, who discussed how his team at Google is building innovative AI search features within Gmail, Drive, Calendar and Chat.

NA Student Presenters

Jacob Brodsky ’26 on “Human or Not: The Ethics of AI Communication”

Cate Estilo ’26 and Sophia Ha ’26 on “Ethics of AI”

Matthew Herbert ’25 on “LLMs in Healthcare: Automating Radiological Image Labeling”

Abby Hsu ’25 on “The Healing Algorithm: How AI Is Redefining Healthcare”

Sachin Mitra ’27 on “Training AI’s in Reinforcement Learning”

Evan Oliver ’25, President of the Student AI Committee, on “Computer Vision + My Experience at Princeton AI4ALL”

Sathvik Subramanian ’27 on “AI and Creativity: Compose a Song in 10 Minutes”

Ayanna Varma ’25 on “How AI Augments Human Decision Making”

Photo by Donna Fisk

NA students run the school’s first Student AI Summit.

Cate Estilo ’26 and Sophia Ha ’26 present “Ethics of AI.”

Stephanie hopes the Student AI Summit will become an annual tradition hosted by different New Jersey independent schools.

“Despite their demanding academic coursework, athletic commitments and personal responsibilities, Newark Academy students embraced these AI projects with enthusiasm, driven by intellectual curiosity and a passion for learning,” she says. “The opportunity to partner with these innovative thinkers has been a true privilege.”

Photo by Donna Fisk

The

Techshare Project

Matthew Herbert ’25 and Abby Hsu ’25 also lead The TechShare Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting access to technology and STEM education. TechShare was initially founded by Newark Academy alumna Molly Cantillon ’21 — who was recently named to Forbes 30 Under 30 (see page 52). Through TechShare, Matt and Abby, alongside NA peers Carly Dub ’25, Connor Polen ’26 and Michael Wyche ’25, mentor students in underserved local communities, teach coding camps and organize global initiatives such as technology donation drives to Ukraine. Last year, TechShare won a $1,500 grant in the MentorU Community Transformation Challenge for its significant local impact.

Published! Student Research Featured in

STEM Journals

Siyona Bordia ’25: Journal of Emerging Investigators

Siyona’s research on how social determinants of health — such as race, median income, insurance and education level — impact maternal mortality in the United States was published in the Journal of Emerging Investigators. While volunteering at a local hospital, Siyona was bothered by the disparities in health outcomes due to race and financial status, and she realized that more research was needed to understand the impact of various social factors on maternal health outcomes. She quickly got to work alongside Newark Academy Science Faculty member Nancy Celente and Doctors Yashica Shah and Gwenyth Lee.

READ Scan the QR code to read Siyona’s paper

Sarah Wang ’25: Journal of Student Research

Sarah’s research paper, “A Metanalysis of Parkinson’s Disease,” was published in the Journal of Student Research. Her research, which was inspired by her grandfather’s Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis, uses various studies to analyze factors that may influence the onset of Parkinson’s and individual variations in the rate of cognitive and psychomotor decline.

READ Scan the QR code to read Sarah’s paper

Sophia Hou ’28 Earns 2nd Place Engineering Award in Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge

Newark Academy freshman Sophia Hou ’28 received the second place Engineering Award in the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (JIC), the nation’s premier middle school science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) competition.

Sophia’s second-place nod for her eighth-grade Newark Academy science fair project, “The Effect of Methylcobalamin on Vigna radiata Germination Under Heat Stress,” makes her one of the top 30 finalists in the entire program, out of nearly 2,000 applicants from 48 states, American Samoa, Guam,

Sustainability Advocate

Newark Academy junior Vidya Bindal ’26 had the opportunity to attend a Ban Ki-moon Foundation event, where she met Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and current Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed.

“It was truly so inspirational and cool to get to listen to both of them speak on their actions in the UN, as well as their hopes for the future,” Vidya says. “I was also able to share with them my journey in sustainability and felt encouraged by their words of advice.”

Vidya attended this special event through the Ban Ki-moon Foundation’s Sustainable Development Goals Youth Advocates Program, which she became involved

Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. Winners were selected by a panel of distinguished scientists, engineers and educators.

“I am honored to be a JIC finalist!” Sophia says. “I’m so grateful I had an opportunity to share my research and become friends with other amazing innovators from around the nation.”

Sophia’s project has roots in her personal life: she used to grow mung bean (Vigna radiata) sprouts with her grandmother. In her project, she tested whether methylcobalamin, an activated form of B12, could help the plants respond to stress.

Sophia’s accomplishment garnered her $3,125 in prize money as well as an additional $1,000 grant for Newark Academy to support STEM programming.

with as a result of her impactful work as an Eco Ambassador for Columbia University's Center for Sustainable Development since 2019.

Sophia Hou ’28

Meet the 2024 – 25

Innovation in Teaching and Learning Fellows

By William Corprew ’20

Newark Academy’s Innovation in Teaching and Learning Fellowship Program empowers faculty to enhance their instructional practices, essential skills, course content and classroom communities. The program supports faculty fellows who propose, develop and implement projects seeking to transform the NA student experience in significant and meaningful ways. Fellows receive financial support and additional resources to help enhance their instructional practice.

Read on to see how the 2024 – 25 recipients of the fellowship grant have transformed their classrooms this school year.

Mike Thayer Upper School Mathematics

Mike has used his fellowship to enhance the student experience in the standard-level calculus course by placing a renewed emphasis on collaboration and divergent thinking. He has implemented Active Calculus, an online textbook that encourages students to actively engage with concepts through problem-solving, exploration and discussion, rather than passively absorbing information. Active Calculus provides students with a variety of resources that cater to different educational needs and with opportunities to receive immediate feedback on homework answers.

“I’d like a wider range of students to feel that they can be successful in learning calculus concepts,” Mike says. “I am hopeful that the students have had a better experience with the course than they might otherwise have had.”

Andrea Lankin and Sky Monroe

Upper School English

Sally Toffey Fellows

Andrea and Sky are the first grant recipients to be selected as Toffey Fellows, named after the late Sally Toffey, one of the first female leaders on NA’s Board of Trustees and parent of alumni Debora ’83 and James ’80, who made a gift to support innovative teaching approaches that

develop critical and creative thinking skills. Through the fellowship, Andrea and Sky have researched and developed materials for teaching media criticism, persuasive writing, public speaking and rhetorical argumentation. These materials, which they have implemented in the new IB Language and Literature curriculum, help students develop the critical and creative thinking skills necessary to understand and engage with multiple perspectives around complex issues, in order to analyze and evaluate non-literary works such as ad campaigns, documentaries and musicals.

“Currently, much of our English curriculum privileges literary analysis without teaching students how to apply those skills to the other kinds of writing they need to know how to do,” says Sky. “Our research and design will not only focus on cultivating stronger writing skills in the English classroom, but across all academic disciplines.”

Erik Jacobsen and Julie Miao Upper School Mathematics

Erik and Julie are using the grant to enhance Precalculus Honors courses by developing digital question sets. They are focusing on ensuring that formative assignments are more closely aligned with corresponding summative assessments to better benefit students.

By replacing the traditional textbook with digital materials, Erik and Julie have been able to tailor content to the needs of the course and their students, creating a more flexible and engaging learning experience that keeps up with the rapidly developing field of mathematics.

“Over the years, the math topics for this course along with the emphasis given to each topic have changed,” says Erik. “We are confident that teachers for the next few decades will be able to use these materials for their own students. This will ensure that students have access to high-quality, up-to-date and engaging math content. The extensive amount of work needed to create these materials wouldn’t have been possible without the grant.”

Newark Academy’s Professional Development Day Equips Faculty with Tools for Impactful Teaching

On January 29, 2025, Newark Academy’s faculty and staff engaged in a dynamic professional development day, designed to help navigate difficult conversations with students about antisemitism and to enhance instructional practices through the use of artificial intelligence.

The morning session featured an inspiring keynote by Dara Horn, an award-winning author, essayist and professor of literature. Horn provided a powerful exploration of Jewish civilization and the history and enduring impact of antisemitism. She then led interactive exercises to equip NA educators with practical tools to foster greater understanding in the classroom.

The afternoon shifted focus to the best practices for integrating AI in the classroom while safeguarding sensitive information. In experiential workshops, faculty and staff explored how to use AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude and Perplexity to enhance lesson planning, streamline workflows and enrich students’ learning experiences.

After the full day of engaging lessons, NA’s faculty and staff were empowered with fresh perspectives and innovative strategies to support students.

“The best professional development is relevant, personal and applicable to our work with students — today was all three of those,” says Nancy Celente, NA’s Director of Professional Development and Director of Summer Programs.

“Special thanks to our guest speaker Dara Horn and our in-house AI Committee members for their time and expertise. We look forward to continuing these important conversations.”

NA’s professional development program empowers faculty and staff with the tools, strategies and support needed to create transformative learning experiences for students. By aligning PD initiatives with NA’s mission and by leveraging key

resources, such as the school’s instructional coaching program, NA is making a strategic investment in the continuous growth and excellence of its educators.

This commitment not only elevates teaching and learning, but also strengthens the foundation for the future success of NA students.

LEVELED UP!

Congratulations to the following NA faculty members who completed their graduate degrees this year:

Julianne Curro, M.Ed. in educational leadership from William Paterson University

Dan Reed, M.A. in literature from Middlebury College’s Bread Loaf School of English

Ian Vallone, M.A. in physics education from Teachers College, Columbia University

Photo by Donna Fisk

Author Dara Horn leads a professional development session on antisemitism.

Brian Stephenson Receives NBOA Professional Achievement Award

Newark Academy Director of Operations Brian Stephenson is a recipient of the 2024 Professional Achievement Award from the National Business Officers Association (NBOA).

The award honors business and operations staff at independent schools who have made significant and lasting contributions to their schools’ operations or financial health. Brian is one of only 10 recipients of the 2024 award worldwide, all of whom distinguish themselves every day by making exceptional contributions to their schools and to the independent school community.

“Brian leads by example and asks nothing of his staff that he would not do himself,” says NA Director of Business and Finance Sam Goldfischer.

“His attention to detail is exceptional, and his grasp and understanding of the scope of each job reflect the pride he takes in all he does. We are so fortunate to have him heading up our Operations Department.”

Brian has been at Newark Academy for 24 years and has served as the Director of Operations since 2005. During his tenure at NA, Brian has been a key contributor to the creation of a campus Master Plan and the execution of over a dozen major construction projects, including the Gold Standard LEED Certified Catherine and Frank Petrello Upper School Academic Center, the Wilf Middle School, the Coraci Performance Hall and a myriad of other campus improvements.

“I am deeply honored to receive the NBOA Professional Achievement Award,” says Brian. “This recognition is not just about me but a reflection of the incredible team I am privileged to work with. Their dedication, collaboration and shared commitment to excellence make everything we accomplish possible. Thank you to NBOA for this recognition and for creating a community that values our collective efforts.”

Profe Romay Earns Award for Book Translation

Newark Academy Spanish Teacher Alexis Romay’s El canto de los elefantes, a Spanish translation of Margarita Engle’s Singing with Elephants, won the North American Academy of Spanish Language’s Premio Campoy-Ada award.

Head of School Don Austin, Director of Operations Brian Stephenson and Director of Business and Finance Sam Goldfischer.

Annette Tomaino’s Legacy Empowers Students Today

By Noelle Shirey, Assistant Director of Advancement –Marketing & Communications

For decades, Annette Tomaino was more than a teacher and administrator at Newark Academy. She was “the heart of the school,” according to Director of Upper School Student Life Pegeen Galvin. Prior to her passing in 2018, Annette left a lasting impact on generations of students — especially the young women in NA’s first co-ed graduating class — and many of her former students still bring up special memories they shared with her. She unquestionably shaped the school’s culture of dedication, leadership and community.

That same spirit was embodied by Ivy Bethea ’19, the first recipient of the Annette Tomaino Scholarship, who balanced excellence in academics, athletics and a wide range of extracurricular pursuits at NA. Now earning her master’s degree in genetic counseling at Columbia

University, Ivy carries forward NA’s values of connection and service, as she embarks on a career at the intersection of science and human care.

A Tradition of Support and Excellence

Looking back at her time at NA, Ivy recalls a defining moment, when she scored her 1,000 th point in basketball. “It wasn’t just about the milestone,” she says. “It was about the support system that had been there for me every step of the way.” That same spirit of encouragement and connection extended beyond the court, as she poured her energy into clubs, academics and service projects. Much like Annette, Ivy embodied the tradition of mentorship and community-building as a Peer Leader and a member of the Honor Council, ensuring every endeavor reflected her commitments to excellence and care for others. This dedication to lifting others up reflects a continuation of a legacy long upheld at NA thanks to community members like Annette. “For Annette, Newark Academy

was a family, she had kept in touch with many of her students over the years and some eventually became colleagues,” says her husband Bruno, who previously served as NA’s Athletic Director. “She would tell her students that ‘the future was yours, what are you going to make of it?’” Their two sons, Chris ’79 and Greg ’80 are both proud NA alums.

Carrying NA’s Lessons Forward

Ivy is now completing research on the role of artificial intelligence in diagnosing genetic conditions. As she prepares to begin her career, she sees the parallels between her work and the lessons she learned at NA. “I remember moments when teachers and mentors encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and look at challenges in new ways. Those experiences helped me realize the potential I didn’t even know I had — not just in academics or extracurriculars, but in how I approached life.”

Ivy Bethea ’19

Annette Tomaino

Ivy holds a spot in NA girls’ basketball record books as a 1,000 point scorer.

Her passion for connection and service has remained central. She fondly recalls volunteering with Apostles’ House and organizing the annual Holiday Party for families in need. “Those experiences weren’t just about giving back, but they were also about understanding people’s unique stories,” she says. Today, Ivy applies the same philosophy while working with patients in Washington Heights, ensuring they feel heard and understood.

The Heart Lives On

Ivy’s impact at NA embodies many of the qualities that defined Annette’s legacy. She hopes to give back by mentoring students and staying engaged with the NA community, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence — an exciting connection between her current work and NA’s innovative initiatives.

Looking ahead, Ivy is eager to pass her board exams and begin practicing as a prenatal genetic counselor. “Helping people navigate complex, deeply personal decisions is what drives me,” she says. And while she’s focused on her career, she’s also embracing life beyond academics. She recently set a goal to explore 50 new restaurants in New York City. “Growth and exploration aren’t just about work — they are about enjoying the journey, too.”

Annette Tomaino worked at Newark Academy from 1970 – 1988 in various roles including as French teacher, Director of Admission and Director of Guidance. “Mrs. Tomaino was incredibly helpful — not just as my student advisor, but in choosing classes, helping with college applications and even setting up programs like the Tutoring Club,” says Evan Zucker ’83, a lead donor to the Annette Tomaino Scholarship Fund.

Just as Annette shaped generations of students, Ivy carries that legacy forward, ensuring that the heart of NA beats strong for years to come.

There have been since the fund’s inception in 2014 3 TOMAINO SCHOLARS $6 70,5 6 3 THE FUND CURRENTLY HOLDS

Remembering Annette Tomaino

Third Annual Women’s Summit: A Day of Inspiration and Empowerment

The Third Annual Newark Academy Women’s Summit brought together an inspiring group of alumnae, parents, students and faculty for a day of thought-provoking discussions on wellness and personal growth.

The panel discussion, “Redefining Women’s Wellness,” featured distinguished alumnae Dr. Betsy Greenleaf ’90, Lauren Jacobs-Lazer ’98 P’30, Dr. Kathleen Mangunay Pergament ’95 and Sophie Rosenberg ’16, moderated by Trustee Wendy Short Bartie P’26. Attendees also explored the impact of nutrition with Nitasha Mehta ’01, Senior Director, Referral and Partnership Marketing at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and participated in a

hands-on wellness workshop led by Rima Shah ’98 P’27, Co-owner and Brand Director, Ethos Aesthetics + Wellness.

This year’s keynote speaker, Monique de Maio, shared insights from her book The 7 Secrets to Creating a Life You Love: A Practical Guide for Women in Leadership, encouraging attendees to take ownership of their time, careers and aspirations.

Through engaging conversations and meaningful connections, the Women’s Summit continues to provide a platform for NA community members to learn from one another, share experiences and inspire future generations.

A. Jocelyn Willoughby ’16; Susan Olesky P’03, ’05, ’08, ’10; and Eva Olesky Ostrowsky ’05

B. Anu Mahadev P’25; Vicki Barghout P ’26, ’28; Katie Stamp P ’28, ’31; and Nidhi Thakur P ’26

C. Nitasha Mehta ’01

D. Rima Shah ’98 P’27

E. Trustee Wendy Short Bartie P’26

F. Dr. Kathleen Mangunay Pergament ’95, Lauren Jacobs Lazer ’98 P’30, Sophie Rosenberg ’16 and Dr. Betsy Greenleaf ’90

by

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B.

C.

E.

F.

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Photos

Da Ping Luo

CHAMPIONS HAVE BEEN CROWNED!

This March, the NA community took to the court for the first Minutemen Madness Tournament, competing to see which class could rally the most support for the Newark Academy Fund. Every gift — no matter the size — helped teams advance through four rounds of competition, with the final matchups taking place on April 7, the day of the NCAA Men’s Basketball championship game. After weeks of incredible participation, the results are in!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2024 MINUTEMEN MADNESS CHAMPIONS

Current Parent Champion: 2030

Reunion Class Champion: 1995

ALUMNI DECADE CHAMPIONS:

1960s: 1968

1970s: 1973

1980s: 1981

1990s: 1993

2000s: 2003

2010s: 2012

The tournament may be over, but the impact continues. Every dollar raised through the Newark Academy Fund provides essential support for students and faculty, funding scholarships, academic programs and daily life at NA.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s challenge — your generosity helps strengthen Newark Academy every day. If you haven’t made your gift yet, it’s not too late.

SCAN THE QR CODE TO GIVE NOW

Two NA Alums Make the List

Newark Academy alumni Danny Cole ’18 and Molly Cantillon ’21 were named to the Forbes

30 Under 30 North America 2025 list. Danny earned the honor in the Art & Style category for creating Creature World, while Molly, one of the youngest honorees, was recognized on the Artificial Intelligence list for founding Nox. Read the Forbes write-ups about Danny and Molly below.

ART & STYLE

Danny Cole, Creature World

Danny Cole is the visual artist behind Creature World, a multi-hyphenate art project launched in 2018 that brings an animated universe to life.

Creature World’s linchpin mascot (a humanoid figure called The Creature) has shown up at New York Fashion Week, Art Basel and the main stage of Coachella. Cole’s colorful creations have inspired a cult following and his digital artwork has sold to more than 100,000 collectors.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Molly Cantillon, NOX

Molly Cantillon, who studied computer science and math at Stanford, created Nox, an AI-powered mobile personal assistant that books reservations, sorts through emails and responds to messages. The service is currently in public waitlist and has been backed with $1.5 million by OpenAI. Previously, Cantillon worked at AI startups LangChain and Replicate.

From The Minuteman Newspaper to Writing for Change

COURTNEY COOPERMAN ’16 FIGHTS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING

credited her work with keeping them informed and engaged.

After college, Courtney’s commitment to housing justice extended beyond academia and journalism. Living in Washington, D.C., she became an advocate for affordable housing in her neighborhood, using her writing to mobilize support for a project providing shelter to unhoused individuals. An op-ed she published in a local publication contributed to great advocacy that ultimately helped push the project forward, providing stable housing for dozens of people in need.

By Evan Nisenson ’99, Director of Alumni Relations and Giving

Courtney Cooperman’s ’16 passion for housing justice and civic engagement was shaped during her years at Newark Academy. As a co-editor of The Minuteman, she and her peers successfully revived a limited print run of the school’s newspaper. This accomplishment was a highlight of her high school years and a realization that she could use writing as a tool for engagement and advocacy.

Beyond The Minuteman office, Courtney’s experiences in NA classrooms and extracurricular activities helped forge her future path. “Three years of Spanish class with Profe Romay strengthened my love of literature (especially the writer Jorge Luis Borges!) and inspired me to study abroad in Santiago, Chile,” Courtney says. “His classes not only taught me new language skills, but also gave me a new lens through which to read and appreciate literature.”

As a further inspiration, Dr. DiBianca’s IB Philosophy class introduced her to

political theory and questions about justice that would define her academic and professional trajectory. But it was her time serving on the Community Service Council under Ms. Fischer’s guidance that truly set Courtney on the path toward housing advocacy. While organizing a Solidarity Sleepout to raise awareness and funds for Covenant House, she gained a deeper understanding of the root causes of homelessness and the power of systemic solutions.

These formative experiences carried into her college years, when Courtney enrolled in a Stanford University honors program called Ethics in Society, focusing her thesis on the intersection of homelessness and political participation. As a student journalist, she used her writing to encourage civic action, pairing opinion pieces with calls for her peers to contact legislators. While she wasn’t always certain of the impact, she was heartened by feedback from other students who

Courtney recently completed an M.A. in public policy from The George Washington University and went on to work for the National Low Income Housing Coalition, leading the Our Homes, Our Votes campaign, which aims to increase voter turnout among low-income renters and to elevate housing as a key election issue. She created resources for housing advocates, tracked ballot measures related to affordable housing, and educated communities on how to leverage their voices for policy change. Her 2024 report, Housing and Homelessness on the Ballot, highlighted the widespread voter support for affordable housing initiatives, demonstrating that housing transcends partisan divides. Today, Courtney works as Senior Manager of Community Engagement for the Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern California.

For young alumni interested in housing justice, Courtney’s advice is clear: recognize your own stake in the issue. She encourages young people to get involved, find local advocacy groups, and use their voices to push for meaningful change.

JOIN US AT AN UPCOMING

Scan the QR code for the full calendar

2025 ALUMNI AWARD WINNERS

The following alumni and faculty were recognized with awards during the Alumni Awards Ceremony on Saturday, May 3, 2025 :

Arthur Klebanoff ’65, Alumni Achievement Award

Whitney Baldwin ’75, Fulton H. MacArthur Award

Trevor Weston ’85, Artistic Achievement Award

Eva Olesky Ostrowsky ’05, Athletic Hall of Fame

Von Rollenhagen, Distinguished Faculty Award

Want to nominate a classmate for an Alumni Award?

Scan the QR code!

1961

In the NA tradition, Dr. George Gamba is still learning and growing at 81. Having attained black belt status in Okinawa karate last year, he is now training for second-degree status and is also studying Spanish, French and Italian on the Duolingo app. He would love to hear news from 50’s and 60’s graduates.

1969

The Hon. Judge Leo M. Gordon was chosen to serve as President of the Federal Judges Association (FJA), the national volunteer association of all Article III federal trial and appellate judges. Leo, who sits on the U.S. Court of International

HONORING WAYNE SCHIELE

Trade and by designation on the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, is a member of the FJA Board of Directors and serves on its Executive Committee. As President-Elect, he will chair the Association’s Strategic Planning Committee, having previously co-chaired FJA’s Pay & Benefits and Education Committees. In addition, Leo and Matt Mandel ’90 were Mock Trial alumni coaches for this year’s NA team, which won the Essex County Championship.

1970

Paul Doros has been appointed Senior Tiffany Consultant for Sotheby’s auction house.

1972

Bruce York retired recently as the Chief Negotiator and Senior Advisor for the Air Line Pilots Association,

On January 18, 2025, Newark Academy hosted the first annual Wayne Schiele Duals wrestling quad, inviting alumni back to campus to honor the late NA wrestling coach. Following the quad match, alumni and the Schiele family gathered to share memories and watch as NA’s wrestling Head Coach Bobby Loneker unveiled a memorial plaque outside the wrestling room.

A. Pat Gerish ’14, Steve Bonsall ’16, Joe Gerish ’11 and Stephen Bonsall P ’16

B. Jodi (Schiele) Arden ’99, Stacy (Schiele) Geiger ’96, Joey Schiele and Pam Schiele

International, after having served as that union’s Director of Representation for many years and, for 10 years, as the National Executive Director of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (now merged with the Screen Actors Guild and known as SAG-AFTRA). He lives in Princeton, NJ.

1975

Bill York is happily retired and living in the Princeton

area, where he enjoys fishing, kayaking and volunteering at an alpaca farm.

1976

Francey Burke shared that Burke Subaru was recognized by Subaru of America, Inc. as the number one Subaru dealership in the entire USA for Special Events, Community Endeavors and Subaru Love Promise Stories.

1982

Julie (Bick) Weed is living in Seattle, writing for The New York Times travel and business sections, and volunteering with low-income kids who need help writing college admissions essays. She gets back east when she can and loves to reconnect with former NA classmates including Carolyn Durand, Steve Isko, Doug Polaner, Dana (Schultz) Ruderman and Jennifer Key. “It always feels like no time has passed and we could be sitting in Doug Polaner’s basement listening to Neil Young Albums!” she says.

1986

Daniel Case was able to resume traveling overseas once a year for the Wikimedia Foundation’s annual Wikimania conference. In 2023 it was held in Singapore and this past year

(Continued on page 56)

CROSSING PATHS

Classes of 1963 and 2017

John Deermount ’63 and his wife Cyndi have been long-time supporters of The Florida Orchestra. Last year, they decided to sponsor a musician, and after reviewing a dozen candidates, decided on contrabassoonist Matthew Melillo ’17. Only after choosing Matt did John and Cyndi find out that he was a graduate of NA!

in Katowice, Poland. Daniel was particularly taken with the latter country, staying around afterwards to see five of its World Heritage Sites: Auschwitz, the Historic Silver Mine in Tarnowskie Góry, Kraków's historic Renaissance Old Town, the Wieliczka Salt Mine south of Kraków, and Warsaw’s Old Town.

1987

Loren Selig is proud to announce she has been reelected to the New Hampshire House of Representatives for another two-year term. If any NA friends or family are in Concord, NH, Loren is happy to arrange a tour of the historic State House.

Eric Walker has been working with students at Lawrence High School’s Early College program, in which students gain college credits by splitting their time between their regular classes and classes at Northern Essex Community College. He is also currently the chairperson of the Lawrence Redevelopment Authority and is assisting the city on its ambitious redevelopment plan, which has received multiple proposals for the city’s beautiful riverfront areas.

1990

Jason Berlin led a national voter registration organization called Field Team 6 and is so proud of the work they have done. He notes that everything good that he is and does is fueled by the life-changing, Dead Poets Society-level inspiration he got at NA from Mr. Borlo, Mr. Orsini, Mrs. Garrick, Mr. Ball, Ms. O’Connell, Dr. Garrick, Mr. Rollenhagen, Ms. Brodie, Mr. Aspell, Mr. Chin, Mr. Kim, Mme. Burg, Mr. Abbey, Mr. Blaskopf and others!

Matt Mandel and the Hon. Leo Gordon ’69 were Mock Trial alumni coaches for this year’s NA team, which won the Essex County Championship.

1995

James Worth recently finished a personal goal of reading all of Shakespeare’s plays, including re-reading those he read while at NA. With this accomplishment, he has now completed a journey that began in Mr. Abbey’s eighth-grade English class, and he credits NA for fostering his love of reading.

2000

Taffi Ayodele, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Emerging Manager Strategy for the Bureau of Asset Management in New York City’s comptroller office, was named one of the 2024 Influential Women in Institutional Investing by Pensions & Investments. (See page 58)

2005

Dan Urban hosted the firstever NA alumni paddle event at The Short Hills Club. Alumni at all levels joined in on the fun!

2006

Ben Cohen won the 2024 Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing Best Range of Work – Large Division award for his “Science of Success” column in The Wall Street Journal.

Asher Grodman was nominated by the Critics Choice Awards for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for the role of Trevor Lefkowitz in Ghosts.

1. Associate Director of College Counseling Kerri Speck (second from right) reunited with NA alums (from left to right) Mehmet Acikel ’24, Rahul Arora ’23, Lola Cantillon ’23, Shreyas Hariharan ’24 and Vincent Luo ’24 during a visit to Rice University, which they all currently attend.

2. NA alumni Pat Ciccone ’62, Jimmy Ozol ’62, Steve Lozowick ’63, Van Stevens ’65, Whitney Russell ’62, Scott Russell ’65 and Bud D’Avella ’62 during their summer get-together.

MEET ME IN SCOTLAND!

Director of College Counseling Kerry Winiarski met up with several Newark Academy alumni in Scotland this past February while visiting the universities they currently attend.

A. Kerry and Claire Waskow ’23 at the University of St. Andrews.

B. Kerry and Elena Koestel ’23 meet up for coffee at the University of St. Andrews.

C. Eleni Morin ’23 takes Kerry on a tour of the University of Glasgow.

D. Kerry enjoys dinner with Jean-Luc Marchand ’24 and Charlie Hynes ’22 at the University of St. Andrews.

2010

Ben Olesky married Suzanne Lemberg on September 27, 2025, at the New York Athletic Club. He is the final Olesky to tie the knot! All of his siblings and father attended NA, and there were a few other alumni in attendance at the wedding. (See photo on page 59)

2012

Sean Mulligan married Jacqueline “Jax” Stewart on September 13, 2024, at

Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home in Manchester, VT.

(See photo on page 60)

2013

Ned Harwood married Merritt Miller in September 2024. (See photo on page 59)

2020

Margery Leit, who studied theater at Muhlenberg College, returned to NA as a guest teacher this past January

during the 24-Hour Play Festival. She guided the acting students through the development of themes and ideas in their quest to write, rehearse and perform a play in just 24 hours.

2023

Abhi Varadarajan, who currently attends Carnegie Mellon University, was named a finalist in the NFL’s 2025 Big Data Bowl.

Class of 1944

William F. Haynes –December 31, 2024

Class of 1947

Howard G. Wachenfeld –January 26, 2025

Former trustee

Class of 1949

Girard F. Smith – November 19, 2024

Class of 1950

Mark Leibo – September 7, 2024

Class of 1952

Frank Ray – November 12, 2024

Class of 1953

Charles N. Fischer – October 25, 2024

Class of 1959

Barry D. Goldman –November 29, 2024

Class of 1967

Carl E. Andersen – September 19, 2024

Keith D. Patterson – March 19, 2024

Class of 1971

James D. Eager – November 18, 2024

Class of 1978

Marek V. Biernacki-Poray –December 5, 2024

Leonard W. Ostergaard –February 4, 2025

Class of 1984

Mark S. Goodkin – March 2025

Class of 1988

Edward Han – December 4, 2024

Class of 1993

David C. Enslee – March 17, 2025

Ruth Steck, P ’74, P ’76 –February 9, 2025

Former Trustee

ALUMNI AUTHOR: LESLIE ABNER ’90

Renovation

Leslie Abner ’90 is the author of the novel Renovation, published in 2024 by Atmosphere Press. Renovation tells the story of Skylar, a talented interior designer with big dreams, who leaves her toxic job for a fresh start in the competitive NYC design scene.

ALUMNI AUTHOR: JOSHUA CHAROW ’16

Loft Law: The Last of New York City’s Original Artist Lofts

Joshua Charow’s ’16 book

Loft Law: The Last of New York City’s Original Artist Lofts was published in April 2024 by Damiani Books. After getting a map of every NYC building protected by the Loft Law, which granted protection and rent stabilization to thousands of artists who had been living illegally in commercial and manufacturing zoned lofts, Joshua set out to tell the story of these artists through his photography. The result is a book that beautifully captures these rare remaining colorful spaces across the city. Joshua is also a cinematographer who created the mini documentary on Treb Heining, the man who coordinates all of the hand-thrown confetti on New Year’s Eve in Times Square.

3. The Marx family — Callie ’11, Peter ’76, and Amanda ’08 and her son Theo — stopped by NA to say hi and take a tour!

4. Carissa Szlosek ’12 reunited with Gebereal Baitey ’15 after he finished assistant coaching a Tulane University men’s basketball game at the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, FL.

5. Durga Srivatsan ’18 spoke to NA students about her experience using artificial intelligence (AI) at Deloitte, where she works, during the first Student AI Summit at NA on Saturday, January 11.

6. Taffi Ayodele ’00 was named one of the 2024 Influential Women in Institutional Investing by Pensions & Investments.

8. Loren Selig ’87 at a recent New Hampshire campaign event with New Jersey Senator Cory Booker.

9. Ben Olesky ’10 married Suzanne Lemberg on September 27, 2025.

10. Lynn Olesky Leyden ’08 and Ian Leyden ’03 welcomed their third baby, Arthur, in July 2024.

11. NA Model Congress students reunited with Nicholas Sikellis ’24 (fifth from the left) during a competition at Harvard University, which he currently attends.

12. Michael Frankel ’54 recently flipped through his Class of 1954 yearbook and reminisced about his time at NA’s First Street Campus in Newark with fond memories of his sixth-grade teacher Catherine Lynham.

13. Ned Harwood ’13 married Merritt Miller in September 2024. In attendance were classmates (left to right) Ethan Andrzejewski ’13, Nick Williams ’13, Ned Harwood ’13, Nick Lawler ’13 and Greg Ruda ’13.

14. Peter Behrle ’69 proudly represented NA while on vacation in Patagonia.

15. Andy Mulvihill ’81 spoke to NA students about his book, Action Park, and even judged some original ride designs from NA students in February.

7. Edward Levitt ’55 and his wife Linda in front of Linda’s piece at the annual NA Community Art Show.

16. Sean Mulligan ’12 married Jacqueline “Jax” Stewart on September 13, 2024, at Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home in Manchester, VT. Several NA alumni and community members joined the celebration. From left to right: Nicholas Rinaldi ’12, Steven Catena ’12, Former Assistant Head of School for External Affairs Lisa Grider, Sean Mulligan ’12 and Zaire Williams ’12.

17. NA Head of School Don Austin visited with several young alumni while in Washington, D.C. From left to right: Larisa Basile ’24, Olivia Palker ’24, Don Austin, Marina Chernin ’23, Lauren Freed ’22, Jayan Shah ’24 and Isabela McNeilly-Anta ’23.

18. Humanities faculty members Jim Coe and Sarah Fischer and Mathematics faculty member Charles Grossen met up with several NA alumni in Boston while chaperoning an NA Model Congress trip. From left to right: Lori Hashasian ’21, Ayush Ghose ’21, Charles Grossen, Kiara Quigley ’21, Jim Coe, Michelle Wong ’21, Cordelia Burn ’21, Tiffany Agkpo ’21, Elan Lakes ’21, Claire Ou ’21 and Sarah Fischer.

19. Lauren Kaplan Weinerman ’09 and Evan Nisenson ’99, NA’s Director of Alumni Relations and Giving, caught up over lunch.

ALUMNI DELI DISCUSSIONS

Deli Discussions is a new initiative from the Alumni Board of Governors that brings alumni back to speak with current students about their time at NA and their career journeys. Deli sandwiches are served and so are opportunities for students to learn about new careers and to network with accomplished alumni. The first two events featured Dr. Smita Ramanadham ’98, Plastic Surgeon; Sydney Feinberg ’14, Media Manager at Republic Records; and Phoebe Feinberg Dishner ’12, Associate Talent Manager at Vogue.

NA Names Scholarship Fund in Honor of Blackie and Joan Parlin

When Blackie and Joan Parlin first met in 1957 at the Silver Bay YMCA in New York, neither could have imagined the profound impact they would both have on the lives of others. Their connection was immediate, and they quickly realized they wanted to live their future together.

In 1958, they married and moved to Providence, RI, where both attended Brown University. That summer, Blackie sent a letter to Newark Academy Headmaster Robert M. Butler, inquiring about a teaching position. This letter would set in motion a remarkable chapter in their lives — including Blackie dedicating over 50 years to the school as a beloved teacher, administrator and archivist.

In 1982, Joan joined Blackie at NA in a variety of roles including Director of Admission, English faculty member and Middle School Principal. For the Parlins, Newark Academy was more than just a workplace — it was a labor of love. They inspired students to question the status quo and instilled in them a deep sense of compassion. Today, the Parlins’ rich legacy at NA remains evident each time they visit campus — most recently for the 250th anniversary celebration in 2024 — and are greeted with a line of alumni and former colleagues eager to give them hugs and catch up.

“The Parlins were much more to me than teachers,” says Trustee Rasheea Williams Hall ’95. “They provided me with a safe space at their homes in Livingston and Lake George. They taught me the importance of being well-informed and believed in me so fiercely that I had no choice but to fly. I could never thank them enough.”

In recognition of their remarkable commitment to the NA community and its students, the Blackie and Joan Parlin Endowed Scholarship Fund has been established to provide financial assistance for future NA students.

The outpouring of early support for the Blackie and Joan Parlin Endowed Scholarship Fund is a testament to the profound impact the Parlins have had as educators.

“We couldn’t be more proud to be a part of this scholarship fund that will help future generations access the education of a lifetime,” says Blackie.

To learn more about supporting the Blackie and Joan Parlin Endowed Scholarship Fund, contact Barbara Sine at (973) 992-7000 ext. 362 or bsine@newarka.edu.

Newark Academy

91 South Orange Avenue

Livingston, NJ 07039

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Parents of alumni: If this publication is addressed to your child and he or she no longer maintains a permanent residence at your home, please notify Newark Academy at alumni@newarka.edu.

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