NA LUMEN_Winter_2025_Issuu

LUMEN

A FAMILIAR FACE

Tom A shburn Bec ome s Ne w ark Academy ’s 50 th He ad of School

This issue of LUMEN is also available online. To view the interactive experience, visit: www.newarka.edu/lumen

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The newly formed Newark Academy Poms Team performs at Homecoming.

Photo

Vinny Carchietta

Liz Maccie ’ 93 at the premiere of Nonnas, which she wrote.

Tom Ashburn Head of School

Lou Scerra

Assistant Head of School for Strategy and Operations

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

Donna Fisk

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Executive Committee

Samuel W. Croll III ’68

Chairman

Lawrence G. Cetrulo ’67

Secretary

Tom Ashburn

John H. Bess ’69

Patricia Budziak

David Crall

Lauren Hedvat ’01

Alexander Opper

Elizabeth Christou Woodall

Trustees

Rohit Bawa ’93

Debra Caplan

David Castelblanco

Robert Fink

Millwood Hobbs, Jr.

Basel Kayyali

Robert Kunzweiler

Rebecca Moll-Freed ’94

Marc Schwartz

Wendy Short Bartie

Casey Wanderer

Rasheea S. Williams Hall ’95

Dr. Kalenah Witcher ’87

Lilly Zhu

Emeriti

Louis V. Aronson II ’41

Donald M. Austin

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

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

William T. Wachenfeld ’44*

Jane Wilf

*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

Marketing.

FROM TOM ASHBURN, HEAD OF SCHOOL

Honoring Tradition and Embracing a Joy ful Future

On July 1, I stepped into the role of Head of School with deep gratitude and genuine excitement for what’s ahead. A few weeks later, at Convocation, I stood with our students, families, faculty, alums and staff to launch our 252nd year together. Those moments reminded me of the strength and spirit that define Newark Academy. Convocation was filled with joy and the unmistakable feeling of connection that comes when an entire community gathers with a shared purpose, a purpose that unites us all. I spoke about the importance of trusting one another and seeing each day as an opportunity to lift each other up. That spirit — joyful, human and hopeful — set the

tone for the year and for my leadership. It also reminded me that the Academy’s future will be shaped not just by programs and facilities, but by the people who make this place come alive every day.

At the same Convocation, we recognized 275 combined years of service from our employees celebrating milestone years — the backbone of this school. These are the teachers, coaches and staff who show up day after day with patience, skill and a deep commitment to the young people they serve. Their dedication doesn’t just keep the school running; it breathes life into our classrooms, stages, fields and offices. Honoring them was a chance to remind ourselves that Newark Academy is sustained not only by vision and tradition, but also by the daily work of extraordinary people who make this community thrive.

This fall, we also celebrated the Parlin family (see page 35), whose six decades of service shaped generations of students and teachers. Alums and colleagues returned to honor Blackie and Joan Parlin, visible reminders that the Academy’s story is written by people who give their whole hearts to this place. We stand on their shoulders and carry their spirit forward. The Parlins gave more than time and talent — they gave love, humor and an unwavering belief in what young people can achieve. Their legacy calls us to be generous in spirit and bold in imagination, qualities that continue to define our community today. For our current students, their footprint is a powerful reminder of what it means to be truly seen, known and cared for at Newark Academy.

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 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.

Our future is bright. We are making significant investments in teaching and learning, ensuring that every student is known and every student knows they matter. We are strengthening student well-being and connection, creating spaces where young people can take risks, find joy and grow in confidence. We are renewing our commitment to athletics and the arts, knowing that both shape character and build community as powerfully as any classroom. And most importantly, we are leaning into the joy and community that make Newark Academy such a special place. I’m thankful for all who walk alongside us, and I invite each of you — parents, alums and friends — to be part of this journey. Your involvement is crucial, and together, we will keep this school unmistakably human and uncompromisingly excellent for years to come.

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 January 5, 2026, with its location to be entered for a chance to win NA SWAG!

Did you find it in the Spring 2025 issue? It was located on the inside back cover.

Illustration by Tess Kesler ’22.

A FAMILIAR FACE, A BOLD FUTURE: Welcoming He ad of School Tom Ashburn

W hen Newark Academy began the nationwide search in 2024 for its next Head of School, the community set out to find a leader with vision, heart and a deep understanding of what makes NA special. They didn’t have to look far.

Tom Ashburn, a beloved figure at Newark Academy for more than two decades, officially stepped into the role on July 1, 2025, becoming the school’s 50th Head of School. With 17 years of experience as NA’s Middle School Principal and seven years experience as an English teacher in the Upper School, Tom is no stranger to the relationships and rhythms that define daily life at Newark Academy. But his impact runs much deeper than this.

During his time at NA, Tom has helped shape the Middle School’s culture into one of joy, mutual respect and shared growth. He has championed student-centered learning, spearheaded the development of Capstone Experiences and also played a key role in the design and launch of the Wilf

Middle School building. Tom also helped grow Newark Academy’s Summer Program into a thriving and sustainable offering that draws more than 1,700 students each year, and he served on the Return-to-School Task Force during the pandemic, ensuring continuity of learning through uncertain times. Tom Ashburn was the right person to build on the incredible legacy of Former Head of School Donald M. Austin and carry Newark Academy into its next era.

A native of New Hampshire, Tom holds a B.A. in English from Marist College and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Saint Elizabeth, where he focused on servant leadership. He and his wife, Stacy, have three children: Matthew, Caitlin and Brady.

The Installation of Tom Ashburn as Newark Academy’s 50th Head of School

On September 3, 2025, Chair of the Board of Trustees Samuel W. Croll III ’68 officially installed Tom Ashburn as Newark Academy’s 50th Head of School during the annual Convocation exercises, which formally kicked off NA’s 252nd school year.

“As I’ve stepped into this role, two themes have risen to the top for me: community and trust,” said Tom. “Community has always been NA’s strength. It’s seen in how we celebrate each other’s victories, gather as a community and honor the traditions that make Newark Academy feel like home. Trust is what allows us to grow together, to make bold choices and to know that we have one another’s backs. When those two things come together, Newark Academy becomes more than just a place of learning — it becomes a place where each of us knows we matter.”

Community has always been NA’s strength. It’s seen in how we celebrate each other’s victories, gather as a community and honor the traditions that make Newark Academy feel like home.”

– Tom Ashburn, Head of School

by Donna Fisk

Photos

Leading with Intention: Five Priorities for the Road Ahead

AS TOM ASHBURN BEGINS HIS TENURE as Head of School, he has outlined five key priorities that will guide his leadership and shape Newark Academy’s path forward. These priorities aren’t just personal convictions. They reflect the vision of Newark Academy’s 2023 – 2027 strategic plan, Putting People First, which was launched by the Board of Trustees on the eve of the school’s 250th anniversary.

Tom’s five focus areas align with the plan’s goals: supporting faculty and staff, prioritizing an excellent student experience, fostering authentic community engagement, and ensuring long-term sustainability. We asked him to share those priorities in his own words. ›››

by Felipe Ledezma

Photo

Championing a healthy, joyful and purpose-driven student experience

1Student s at the Center

Students matter at this school. When they come here, they should feel it’s essential to be part of this community — and it’s on every adult to support them. Just as important, our students need to know that Newark Academy isn’t only about preparing for the future — what they do here matters now.”

by

Photo

James Worrell

People First

Supporting, developing and retaining top educators and staff

2

Newark Academy has always been about great people and great relationships. For me, just like our strategic plan says, putting people first is what I’ve always done when I was in the Middle School, it’s what I did when I was an Upper School teacher, and it’s what I’m going to do as Head of School. People are what matter the most and giving them every opportunity for growth and success is paramount for me.”

by Michael

Photo

Branscom

Strengthening alumni engagement and lifelong connection

3 A Thriving Network

One of my top priorities is building Newark Academy’s extended community and bringing our alumni back to campus. Our students have so much to learn from them and our alumni really embody the generosity of spirit that is core to NA’s mission statement. Alumni are eager to give back — and it’s important we create meaningful opportunities for them to do so.”

by Da Ping Luo

Photo

4Par tners in Grow th

Deepening parent-school partnerships with trust and transparency

There’s nothing more sacred than the trust parents place in giving their child’s education to Newark Academy. Parents are a child’s first and best teachers, so I want to partner with parents so they can understand why as professionals we’re making certain curricular choices or have certain policies and help them to support their child’s growth. One of the things that I’ve learned from my own parenting is that there are some things that professionals can do better than parents. That’s why I’m prioritizing finding ways to engage parents, because we all share the same goal: giving every NA student the best opportunities to grow and make the world a better place.”

by Donna Fisk

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Growing the endowment to ensure access and sustainability

5Future -Focused

Newark Academy needs greater resources to retain top-notch teachers for our students and continue to be the leading independent school that exceptional people want to work at. Growing our endowment is key — not only to support today’s students, but also those 30 or 50 years from now. A larger endowment would allow us to continue investing in our facilities — many classrooms, the dining hall and library are decades old. Continuing to renovate and expand our facilities will ensure the best spaces for learning and teaching in the years ahead.”

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Photo

Michael Branscom

Photo by James Worrell

Photo by Donna Fisk

A WEEK IN THE LIFE

of Newark Academy’s New Middle School Principal

Photos by Felipe Ledezma

This fall marked the beginning of Matt Dandola’s tenure as Newark Academy’s Middle School Principal. The following photos offer a glimpse into a few moments from his week, highlighting how his studentcentered philosophy shapes daily life in the Middle School.

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Share a laugh with Security Guard Andre Ramsey

Meet with members of the Middle School Leadership Team

Lead a mindful moment of deep breathing during Morning Meeting

Sing with the cast of the Middle School Musical

Teach 6th Grade Health

WEDNESDAY

Catch up on emails

THURSDAY

Cheer on students during House trivia

FRIDAY

Observe 8th Grade English Class Chaperone Field Trip Day

Support Middle School girls’ soccer

I love watching curiosity and discovery come alive in class as students and teachers engage in dialogue, discourse and exploration. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this incredible community that continuously cultivates an unparalleled atmosphere of joyful learning and generosity of spirit.” – Matt Dandola, Middle School Principal

Newark Academy Elects Marc Schwartz as Next Board Chair

Newark Academy has elected Marc Schwartz, P ’25, ’27, ’30, as its next Chair of the Board of Trustees, effective July 1, 2026. Marc will succeed Samuel W. Croll III ’68, who is stepping down after serving Newark Academy’s Board of Trustees since 2012, including five years as Board Chair.

“I am honored to be selected as the next Chair of the Board of Trustees during such an exciting time at Newark Academy,” says Marc. “Sam has been an incredible leader during his time on the Board and commenced the development of the campus master plan and a new strategic plan. I look forward to working closely with other Trustees and the administration on these and other important priorities in the years to come.”

Marc currently serves on various committees, including Strategic Planning, Trusteeship and Finance. He also previously served as Chair of the Board at the Far Brook School. Marc is a Principal on the investment team at Taconic Capital Advisors, L.P., a multistrategy hedge fund, where he focuses on North American credit, distressed investments and litigation finance. Marc holds a B.A. in international relations from the University of Pennsylvania and a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law.

“The faculty and staff of Newark Academy enable it to be a leader among independent schools and a truly special place for our students to learn and grow each day,” says Marc.

Marc and his wife, Robyn, have three children who attend NA: Nathan ’25, Juliet ’27 and Elizabeth ’30.

Meet Our New Trustees

Casey Wanderer — NAPA President

Casey currently serves as the President of the Newark Academy Parents Association (NAPA). She has been an active parent volunteer at Newark Academy since her oldest son enrolled in 2020. She previously held the positions of NAPA Vice President (2024 – 2025) and Head Middle School Parent Liaison (2023 – 2024). Additionally, she served as a Parent Liaison (2020 –2023) and as an Admission Parent Ambassador (2020 – 2025).

Casey graduated with a B.S. in hospitality from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration. She spent 10 years in the hospitality industry as a Director of Catering for Restaurant Associates and as a meeting planner for McKinsey & Co. Casey is also a member of the Board of Trustees at Temple B’Nai Jeshurun and previously served on the PTO Board at Deerfield Elementary School.

Casey and her husband, Spencer, have three children who attend NA: Ryan ’27, Zac ’29 and Jordan ’32.

Lilly Zhu — Current Parent

Lilly joined Newark Academy’s Board of Trustees in 2025. As a former investment banker at Morgan Stanley in New York City and as a consultant in Boston, Lilly participated in various equity and debt capital raising, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate strategic transactions in the clean energy sector. Lilly also worked closely with the firms’ human resources teams to recruit, train and mentor M.B.A. and college students.

Lilly holds an M.B.A. from MIT’s Sloan School of Management, an M.A. in economics from the University of Washington, and a B.A. in finance from Tsinghua University in China. Lilly and her husband, Dr. An Yan, are the parents of two current NA students, Nathan ’27 and Daniel ’30

Still Leading the Way: NA’s Enduring Commitment to IB Excellence

By Jeff Vinikoor

During her years teaching IB Biology at Newark Academy, Nancy Celente watched the same pattern unfold: students’ first encounters with the Internal Assessment, a months-long independent research assignment, often brought waves of self-doubt. As their work progressed, however, something remarkable happened.

Students who had chosen personally relevant research topics — swimmers studying lung capacity in chlorinated pools, others investigating traditional herbal remedies passed down by their grandparents — persevered and grew to become confident independent researchers. “They became invested in their projects,” recalls Nancy, now Assistant Head of School for Teaching and Learning.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme’s skills-focused, student-centered approach is precisely the reason that led Newark Academy to choose to become the first school in New Jersey to offer the IB Diploma more than 30 years ago. It remains the only private school in the state to do so. Today, more than half of each class pursues the full Diploma Programme and almost all students enroll in at least one IB course.

“IB does all of the things that make education valuable and real to students,” explains Nancy. “It gives them experiences; it connects with their life beyond the classroom.” This philosophy aligns seamlessly with Newark Academy’s educational approach throughout all grade levels. Beginning in Middle School, students learn to think critically rather than simply absorb information. They develop research skills, learn to ask meaningful questions, and practice connecting ideas across disciplines.

Richard Stilliard, NA’s IB Coordinator, sees the program’s growing appeal in its design. “The IB is very student-centered,

very learner-centered,” he notes. The program’s inclusive approach means students can access its benefits whether they pursue the full diploma or take individual courses. “More and more students want to be involved in the IB,” Richard observes, reflecting on the program’s expanding popularity.

The experiences of current students reveal how IB principles translate into practice. Vedh Vinayak ’26, who spent much of his childhood in the UK and was drawn to Newark Academy partly because of its global focus, exemplifies how personal background can fuel academic investigation. His 4,000-word Extended Essay on Brexit allowed him to combine economics with data science while examining issues that directly connected to his own inter-

national experiences. Meanwhile, for her Creativity, Activity, Service project — another component of the program — Olivia Goransson ’26 chose to raise funds for soccer equipment in South Africa while supporting AIDS awareness efforts, naturally weaving her passions for soccer and public policy into meaningful global service.

What Nancy observed in her biology students — the spark that comes from pursuing questions that genuinely matter — remains at the heart of Newark Academy’s IB program. In a world that demands both deep knowledge and creative problem-solving, Newark Academy’s pioneering commitment to IB education remains as relevant as ever.

The IB Diploma Programme prepares graduates not just for college, but to contribute meaningfully to society.

Photo by Michael Branscom

NA HOMECOMING 2025

The Newark Academy community came together on Saturday, October 18 for a joyful homecoming celebration that was highlighted by six Minutemen team wins. The day — filled with fun, family activities and school pride — capped off an unforgettable Spirit Week and brand new Senior Bonfire tradition on campus.

WATCH! Scan the QR code to watch the Senior Bonfire

by Donna Fisk

Photos

Sophie Hu ’26 Inspires Newark Students to Discover the Joy of Writing

By Sydney Fullilove ’20

When Sophie Hu ’26 began tutoring elementary school students in Newark on a Newark Academy community service trip, she noticed that some students were reluctant to read.

This observation led her to research childhood literacy rates, which she learned have been declining nationally. “As someone who always loved reading and writing,” Sophie says, “I wanted to foster a similar appreciation for books and written language in younger students and children.”

Sophie’s desire to instill a love of writing and reading led her to apply to lead a creative writing workshop through the “I Have A Dream” Foundation’s summer school program at the Thirteenth Avenue School in Newark. “I wanted to give students — especially ones who might not have been exposed to creative writing as a form of artistic expression and outlet — an opportunity to play around with stories and poems and find an unexpected passion,” explains Sophie. Through this program, Sophie spent her Mondays and Wednesdays this past summer teaching poetry, personal narratives and fairy tale writing to elementary school students as a part of their English and reading classes.

In preparation for her workshop, Sophie spoke with a member of the Newark Board of Education to find out what students needed most and what would get them excited about writing. Then she turned to her NA creative writing teacher, Dati Mamukelashvili, for inspiration. With the advice she received, Sophie created a new curriculum, incorporating lessons, activities, prompts and games inspired by her work in both Dati’s class and her sixth-grade English class with NA English faculty Ed Pursell ’02

According to Sophie, the workshop had a profound impact on her students, who greatly enjoyed writing poetry and participating in collaborative activities. “They became more confident in sharing their writing as the workshop went on, and by the end, most of the students were coming up to read their work out loud,” she says. To maintain the students’ momentum, Sophie is collaborating with the “I Have a Dream” Foundation to integrate creative writing into the curriculum that students will utilize throughout the school year.

I wanted to give students — especially ones who might not have been exposed to creative writing as a form of artistic expression and outlet — an opportunity to play around with stories and poems and find an unexpected passion.”

Sophie Hu ’26 developed a creative writing curriculum for students in Newark.

– Sophie Hu ’26

LUMEN

Sophie Hu ’26 shares her creative writing curriculum with English faculty Dati Mamukelashvili.

From Page to Stage: Freshmen Actors Perform Original Play Written by NA English Teacher

By Julie Kayzerman, Associate Director of Communications and Marketing

When Newark Academy’s freshman Introductory Acting Skills class took the stage last spring, they broke away from the standard repertoire of published plays. Instead, the students debuted an original work, The Bear Declares, written specifically for them by Upper School English faculty Jim Knable, who is a professionally produced and published playwright.

This collaboration was born after Jim attended a performance of Director of Theater Arts Rachel Shapiro Cooper’s freshman acting class during the fall of the 2024 –25 school year. Inspired by the students’ chemistry on stage, Jim threw himself into a passion project of drafting a play for them. Jim dedicated time to observing Rachel’s acting class and interviewing each student to understand their individual talents and passions, so he could write their parts.

Once a first draft was ready, the 13 students conducted a read-through during class, in which they were able to actively workshop the play — asking questions, exploring character development, and providing feedback to Jim, with Rachel as director on hand. “It was totally new for almost all of them to work on a new play

like this,” Jim says. “We tried to run it like professional actors would with a new play and give them that experience.”

The project culminated in a one-hour performance of The Bear Declares, which follows the interweaving lives of teenagers as they struggle with their parents’ mistakes, their own confusing relationships, and various real and imaginary crises that threaten to make life more interesting.

“Having Jim write characters specifically for our students and get their feedback on the writing tied in so nicely with what Newark Academy is all about — amplifying student voice and having students identify what resonates for them authentically,” says Rachel. “At the same time,

Not only did we grow as actors, but we also grew closer as a class through the process.”

there was a balance between teaching them to be actors who facilitate the concepts and ideologies of another character … It was cool for them to learn how to straddle those two sometimes competing ideologies and to have respect for the process.”

For Hileena Gelaye ’28, having a voice in shaping her own character was especially

(Continued on page 22)

Jim Knable

– Gabriel O’Brien ’28

meaningful. “Working through the play, dialogue, and breaking down each character to fully embody our roles was one of the most memorable experiences during my freshman year,” she says. “I was challenged to assume the role of Nadine, a strict older sister. That is a type of character I am unfamiliar with, and it pushed me to work outside of my comfort zone.”

These same students, now sophomores, all returned to pursue theater in Rachel’s Intermediate Acting Skills class this year, in which they dive into a curriculum centered on playwriting. Their experience with The Bear Declares gave them an early taste of that creative process — a head start that will shape their work as they collaborate to create and perform their own original plays by the end of the school year

HERE @ NA

Upcoming Arts Events

Winter Band Concert

January 15, 2026 – 7 p.m.

Coraci Performance Hall

Winter Orchestra/ Chamber Music Concert

January 16, 2026 – 7 p.m.

Coraci Performance Hall

Community Art Exhibit Opening Reception

January 23, 2026 – 3 p.m.

The David Teiger ’47 Gallery for Studio Arts

24-Hour Playwriting Festival

January 23, 2026 – 7 p.m.

Lautenberg “Black Box” Theater

Upper School Musical: Legally Blonde

March 5 – 7, 2026 – 7 p.m.

Coraci Performance Hall

Spring Choral Concert

April 9, 2026 – 7 p.m.

Coraci Performance Hall

Evening of Jazz

April 10, 2026 – 7 p.m.

Coraci Performance Hall

Spring Chamber Music Concert

April 13, 2026 – 7 p.m.

Coraci Performance Hall

Spring Band and Orchestra Concert

April 17, 2026 – 7 p.m.

Coraci Performance Hall

Upper School

Evening of Theater

April 24, 2026 – 7 p.m.

Coraci Performance Hall

Middle School

Evening of the Arts

April 30, 2026 – 5 p.m.

Newark Academy Campus

Upper School Cabaret

May 2, 2026 – 6:30 p.m.

Coraci Performance Hall

Middle School Play: The Outsiders

May 14, 2026 – 7 p.m.

Lautenberg “Black Box” Theater

Spring Dance Concert

May 20, 2026 – 7 p.m.

Coraci Performance Hall

Introductory Acting students workshop a play that Newark Academy English faculty Jim Knable wrote specifically for them.

Photo by Felipe Ledezma

Full Circle: Dave Pasquale Returns to Lead NA Athletics

By Nina Shirey, Sports Information Director

This fall, Newark Academy welcomed back Dave Pasquale as its new Director of Athletics. For Dave, this role marks not a new beginning but a return to a place that helped shape his early career.

Dave began his initial tenure at NA in 1993 as an English teacher and coach. Over the subsequent 12 years, he led the NA varsity baseball and boys’ basketball programs to great success. In 2005, Dave accepted the position of Director of Athletics at Gill St. Bernard’s School, where he then became Dean of Student Life in 2015 before returning to NA.

Head of School Tom Ashburn is thrilled to have Dave back on campus. “Bringing Dave back is a clear statement: we’re raising the bar in athletics while staying true to our values and our mission,” Tom says. “Studentathletes are at the center of every decision he makes — from coaching hires to program structure and support.

He knows this community, he builds programs that develop character and competitiveness, and he’s relentless about coaching excellence. Expect a program that competes hard without losing its soul.”

Dave is happy to reconnect with a school that still feels like home. “NA took a chance on me as a young coach and allowed me to help develop two programs over 12 years,” he says. “The opportunity to help move all of our athletic programs forward is incredibly exciting.”

Although progress takes time, Dave has immediate priorities for his first year: get to know the student-athletes, provide support and guidance for coaches, establish a cohesive vision for all programs, promote team and individual successes, and enhance the overall spirit around athletics.

With those priorities top of mind, Dave is thankful to have many strengths already in place to help push NA towards greater heights of athletic excellence. “Our athletic facilities are among the best of any school in the state. That’s clear from the moment

(Continued on page 24)

Student-athletes are at the center of every decision he makes — from coaching hires to program structure and support. He knows this community, he builds programs that develop character and competitiveness, and he’s relentless about coaching excellence. Expect a program that competes hard without losing its soul.”

– Tom Ashburn, Head of School

The strategic goals of the school include prioritizing athletic excellence, but academic and athletic success are not mutually exclusive. We can point to several examples of high schools and colleges that are firmly committed to both.”

– Dave Pasquale, Director

of Athletics

anyone visits campus,” he notes. “When you dig a bit more deeply, you see a cultural commitment to excellence in every facet of the school. Our faculty provide a premier academic program, and we can do the same in athletics.”

Looking ahead, Dave hopes to position NA as a destination for student-athletes and coaches who are serious about excelling on and off the

field. “The strategic goals of the school include prioritizing athletic excellence, but academic and athletic success are not mutually exclusive. We can point to several examples of high schools and colleges that are firmly committed to both.” With a deep understanding of NA’s values and a vision for the future, Dave is ready to lead the Minutemen into a new era of athletic excellence.

From the Archives: A Look Back with Coach Pasquale

Some of Dave Pasquale’s proudest coaching moments from his first stint at NA came during the 2003 – 04 school year. Both the varsity boys’ basketball and varsity baseball teams won Prep and Conference championships and set school records for wins in a single season. The baseball team captured the first sectional title in program history, while the basketball team nearly upset national powerhouse St. Patrick’s in a thrilling sectional semifinal played in a packed Simon Family Field House.

Beyond the accolades, what stands out most to Dave is the culture his players helped create. “The commitment and camaraderie of our athletes made me very proud,” he says. “They were a pleasure to coach and genuinely enjoyed being together every day.”

Dave Pasquale Fast Facts

Newark Academy Coaching Highlights (1993 – 2005):

n Varsity Baseball Head Coach (1996 – 2005): 177–101 record. Conference champions (2003, 2004), state sectional champions (2004), prep champions (2000, 2004)

n Varsity Boys’ Basketball Head Coach (1993 – 2005): 148–144 record. Conference champions (2002, 2004), prep champions (2004)

Gill St. Bernard’s (GSB) Leadership Highlights:

n Oversaw transition from Patriot to Skyland Conference

n Expanded athletic offerings to include fencing, ice hockey, lacrosse and swimming

n Led GSB to its first ShopRite Cup as top Non-Public B athletic program in NJ (2012)

GSB Coaching Highlights (2012 – 2025):

n Varsity Baseball Head Coach: 194 –151 record. Eight championship titles, five-time Coach of the Year honoree, with over 20 players moving on to compete at the collegiate level

n Inducted into the New Jersey State Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2014)

The Battle of Livingston!

Photos by Vinny Carchietta

The Newark Academy boys’ soccer team defeated cross-town rival Livingston High School, 1-0, during a special matchup at Sports Illustrated Stadium — home of the New York Red Bulls — on September 29, 2025. Nico Rodriguez ’28 scored the winning goal for the Minutemen. The “Battle of Livingston” was part of the High School Rivalry Series hosted by the Red Bulls in which fans were able to purchase two-for-one tickets that also granted admission to the Red Bulls match on September 27, 2025.

Poms Team!

New to NA this year is the Poms Team, a student-led club that performs a mix between cheerleading and street-style dance to upbeat music during Minutemen Athletics events to enhance school spirit. The Poms Team is supervised by Dance Director Elise Pacicco and health faculty Megan Ferentinos.

2025 CHAMPIONSHIPS

Winter 2025

Girls’ Swimming

Essex County Tournament

SEC American

Prep B

Boys’ Swimming

Prep B

Wrestling

SEC Independence

Middle School Fencing

Middle School

Athletic Conference (MSAC)

Middle School

Girls’ Basketball

MSAC

Middle School Wrestling

Luc Bolivar ’29 –

MSAC Champion

Spring 2025

Boys’ Tennis

Essex County Tournament

NA Invitational

SEC American

NJSIAA Non-Public

State Sectional

NJSIAA Non-Public State Final

Boys’ Lacrosse

SEC Colonial

NJILL Klank Division

Boys’ Golf

Essex County Tournament

SEC American

Middle School

Boys’ & Girls’ Track

MSAC

Fall 2025

Girls’ Tennis

Essex County Tournament

NA Invitational

SEC American

Boys’ Cross Country

Bill Blaskopf Invitational

Connor Polen ’26 –

Essex County Champion

Connor Polen ’26 –Prep B Champion

Robotics Revival: NA Students Kickstart Competitive Robotics Program

By Julie Kayzerman, Associate Director of Communications and Marketing

Joe Murphy ’27 and Teo Levin ’27 stood nervously outside the door of Upper School Principal Dr. Cathy Atwell’s office.

Freshmen at the time, the pair had just finished presenting to the administration a comprehensive pitch for starting a competitive robotics team at Newark Academy for the first time since 2018. For months, Joe and Teo had worked up a detailed budget detailing the quantity and cost of necessary materials and had developed an outline for launching the program, which included anticipated growth and changes to the yearly budget.

Now the administration was deliberating. Thankfully, Joe and Teo didn’t have to wait long. The administration was impressed by Joe and Teo’s detailed plan and eagerly supported the students’ work to create a competitive robotics program in NA’s Upper School. The plan was greenlighted and, with the guidance of STEM Coordinator Charles Grossen, the program officially launched as a part-time course taught by Ian Vallone this year.

“They showcased the best of NA — a generosity of spirit coupled with intellectual engagement.”

Code, Construct, Compete

“Teo and Joe were clearly so passionate about bringing VEX to the Upper School, and also very well prepared when coming to make their case for why the program is right for NA,” says Cathy.

Students who have been selected to enroll in this year-long, half-time robotics elective — based on a placement test, teacher recommendation and technical interview — will also be part of the NA competitive robotics team. The team competes against high school students from across the globe in VEX V5 competitions each semester.

“A competitive robotics team helps develop community, character and problem-solving skills among the individuals competing,” Joe says. “I would even go as far to say that it helps the school work toward its mission of ‘contributing to the world engaged individuals instilled with a passion for learning.’”

The course is designed to help students in Grades 9 – 12 develop essential programming, engineering and problem-solving skills through hands-on projects and teambased challenges. Students learn to apply computational thinking, algorithm design and mechanical engineering principles while collaborating with teammates to build a robot that can successfully compete in the VEX V5 competitions. Students will compete in their first official competitions this January.

“Not all students are artistically or athletically focused, and a robotics team caters to many who are interested in competing in a realm that intersects with their passions,” Teo says.

Teo Levin ’27 and Joe Murphy ’27

Photos by Felipe Ledezma

ELLA BAKER

Upper School Science Fellow

FACULTY

B.S. in neuroscience, Trinity College

Newark Academy Welcomes New Faculty & Staff!

FUN FACT: Ella is a Gill St. Bernard’s alum and played against Newark Academy’s varsity tennis team all four years of high school.

MATTHEW “MATT” BALABAN

Upper School Mathematics Faculty

B.S. in neuroscience, Muhlenberg College

B.A. in music, Muhlenberg College

M.Ed. in secondary education, The College of New Jersey

M.S. in mathematics, West Texas A&M University

In addition to being a math teacher, Matt is a musician. This past summer he performed in operas and served as a church organist in Bangkok, Thailand.

ABIGAIL “ABBY” BLAINE

Upper School English Faculty

B.A. in psychology, University of Delaware

B.S. in human services, University of Delaware

M.A. in teaching of English, Teachers College, Columbia University

FUN FACT: Abby loves to travel and has a bucket list goal of going to all 50 states. She checked off her 36th state, Hawaii, over the summer.

CHRISTIAN BRADLEY

Director of Technical Theater

B.A. in theatre arts, Drew University

FUN FACT: Christian has been a resident of five different states: New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Florida and Arizona.

ED BRAUN

Upper School Science Faculty

B.S. in chemistry, University of Pittsburgh

M.S. in education, Duquesne University

M.Ed. in educational administration, Rutgers University

FUN FACT: Ed loves baking and cooking. He grows his own tomatoes, blueberries and pumpkins and cans his own tomato sauce.

MONICA BURGOS

Middle School Spanish Faculty

B.A. in Spanish education, Montclair State University

M.Ed in curriculum and learning: teaching writing grades P-12, William Paterson University

FUN FACT: Monica loves dogs. Her 3-year-old mini-labradoodle, Luna, is one step away from becoming a certified therapy dog!

GARRETT FACCONE

Assistant Band Director

B.S. in music education K-12 and trumpet performance from Slippery Rock University

M.M. in trumpet performance from Towson University

Garrett is currently playing trumpet as a substitute musician on Broadway in New York City with Chicago The Musical and Alicia Keys’s new musical, Hell’s Kitchen.

LAUREN MENJIVAR

Substitute Coordinator and Teaching Associate

B.A. in psychology at Williams College

FUN FACT: Lauren was an audience member on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and made a brief appearance at the end of an episode, standing right next to Jimmy Fallon himself.

FACULTY

OWEN SEAVER

Middle School Arts Faculty and Choral Accompanist

B.A. in vocal music education from Rowan University

LAUREN PINSON

FUN FACT: When not playing music, Owen loves to road trip across the country exploring all the different national parks!

3D Arts/Ceramics

BFA in ceramics with K-12 teaching certification from Temple University

MFA in ceramics from Southern Illinois University Carbondale

STAFF

JOE BATISTA

When not teaching or working in her studio, Lauren can be found covered in flour, baking sourdough and other types of bread.

Auxiliary Services and Transportation Coordinator

A.A. from Berkeley College of Business

KAREN ULRIC

FUN FACT: In his spare time, Joe enjoys watching soccer and is a lifelong Benfica fan.

School Library Media and Research Specialist

B.A. in English from Columbia University

M.S. in library and information science from Pratt Institute

FUN FACT: Karen is a huge fan of Halloween (but not horror movies). Her extensive Halloween display outside her home draws almost a thousand trickor-treaters a year and has been featured in local news and online lists of NJ Halloween attractions.

ALEXA WALLERSTEIN

Upper School Counselor

B.A. in psychology from Lehigh University

M.A. in mental health counseling from Yeshiva University

FUN FACT: Alexa draws moody abstract cats and collects brightly colored vases. Both are slowly taking over her apartment.

Landon Allen is now the Assistant Director of Upper School Student Life.

Erica Berger is now the Associate Director of Advancement and Parent Liaison. In her new role, she will coordinate schoolwide parent engagement and education efforts.

Troy Burki is now the Director of Institutional Research and Strategy and Assistant Director of Admission Data. In his new role, Troy will empower Newark Academy to make better decisions through strategic thinking and data-driven analysis by overseeing data collection, analysis and governance for the Office of Admission and the broader institution.

Megan Ferentinos is now the Chair of the Upper School Class Deans.

Tessa Ferentinos is now the Middle School Office Manager.

Sarah Fischer is now the Director of Community Engagement, a title that more accurately captures the holistic and institutional nature of her role.

Sydney Fullilove is now the Admission and Marketing Coordinator. In that role, Sydney will help coordinate marketing and communications efforts to prospective students and families, manage the school’s social media platforms, and play an active role in the other parts of the admissions process.

ROLE CHANGES

Charles Grossen is the interim Math Department Chair.

Claudia Hernández is now the Admission Associate – Visitation Coordinator and Arts Liaison. In her role as Arts Liaison, she will act as a resource for prospective studentartists, coordinating connections between candidates and Arts faculty and supporting various other elements of the Admission process for those interested in the Arts.

Harcourt Lucius is now the Admission Associate – Outreach Coordinator and Athletics Liaison. In his role as Athletics Liaison, Harcourt will guide scholar-athletes through the admission process and connect them with coaches and teams.

Dana Pomykala is now the Assistant to the Head of School.

Rob Rezvani is now the Director of Summer Programs.

Allyson Richardson is now the Associate Director of Financial Aid and Enrollment. In her new role, Allyson will lead the day-to-day financial aid operations and the Financial Aid Committee, co-lead Admission Committee, and manage re-enrollment efforts.

Jennifer Rusek is now the Associate Director of Advancement Services.

Barbara Sine is now the Director of Planned Giving and Donor Relations. In this role she will lead Newark Academy’s planned giving program, with a primary focus on cultivating and securing legacy commitments to grow membership in the 1774 Society. Additionally, Barbara will oversee advancement services and stewardship operations to ensure a seamless donor experience and lasting engagement.

Alexis Sommers is now the Director of Enrollment Management and Institutional Strategy. In this role she oversees the day-to-day operations of Admission and Financial Aid and leads several key strategic priorities for the school, including schoolwide marketing and other change management projects.

Kerri Speck is now the Senior Associate Director of College Counseling.

Carol Spooner is now a part-time Research Associate. In this role, Carol will conduct special research projects that leverage her experience and expertise.

Julius Tolentino is now the Arts Department Chair.

Faculty and Staff Milestone Awards

At Convocation, the following faculty and staff were recognized for longevity milestones:

A. 5 YEARS: Katherine Ascencio, Mirna Holguin, Allyson Richardson, Oliver Hagen, Megan Ferentinos, Troy Burki, Barbara O’Connor, Kristen Johnson

B. 10 YEARS: Barbara Sine, Evan Nisenson ’99

C. 15 YEARS: Carlos Trujillo, Drew Kesler, David Beckman, Tara DelRusso

D. 20 YEARS: Scott Robinson, Debra Ronan, Sal Quintos, Liz Bona, Andrei Ionescu (not pictured)

E. 25 YEARS: Jay Torson, Brian Stephenson

F. 35 YEARS: Alexandra Mahoney

A.

C.

E.

F.

B.

D.

Nancy Celente Named Assistant Head of School for Teaching and Learning

Nancy Celente is now the Assistant Head of School for Teaching and Learning, overseeing key aspects of the academic program, including curriculum development; faculty recruitment, support, and evaluation; professional development; and the alignment between teaching practices and the school’s educational philosophy.

Nancy has served Newark Academy for 33 years in various different roles including science teacher, department chair, STEM Coordinator, Director of Professional Development and most recently, Director of Summer Programs.

“At the core of every successful school is the relationship between faculty and students. It fuels the learning environment and sustains the culture of curiosity, engagement and growth,” says Nancy. “Throughout my career I have worked to nurture this energy by empowering faculty and fostering meaningful connections between teachers and students. I am eager to continue this work, supporting and mentoring faculty and department chairs on their professional journey.”

Lou Scerra Named Assistant Head of School for Strategy and Operations

Lou Scerra is now Newark Academy’s Assistant Head of School for Strategy and Operations. In his new role, Lou designs and oversees the execution of NA’s school-wide strategy, continues to serve as Board liaison, and co-leads the implementation of the Strategic Plan. His role will also broadly ensure that Newark Academy operates at its highest potential in alignment with its mission, goals, and strategic priorities.

During his 17 years at Newark Academy, Lou has held a wide variety of roles. He started his career in the classroom, teaching English and Theory of Knowledge, later serving as Chair of the English Department and Chair of the Professional Development Committee. Outside the classroom, Lou previously served as head coach of the nationally-ranked varsity boys’ and girls’ tennis teams. Under his leadership, Lou led the programs to a combined two Tournament of Champions, six State, six Sectional, five County and five Conference titles. He finished his head coaching career with a 166 – 21 record. Lou has also served in a number of other roles, including faculty advisor to the school’s a cappella group, advisor and Director of Institutional Research and Strategy.

Troy Burki Earns CIRIS Award for Institutional Research

Last spring, Newark Academy Director of Institutional Research and Assistant Director of Admission Data Troy Burki was named the recipient of the Center for Institutional Research in Independent Schools (CIRIS) Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Institutional Research Community.

The award recognized Troy’s contribution during the summer of 2024 to the CIRIS Fellows Lab cohort — a small group of data analysts all working to support employee recruitment, retention and development. Throughout the 2024 – 25 school year, Troy also volunteered to facilitate a CIRIS Professional Learning Group. In this role, Troy helped teach more than 400 people from schools all over the country how to use Google Looker Studio, a dashboarding platform for building interactive data visualizations to display survey results or statistical analyses.

“Troy’s talent is unparalleled, but more than that he is a consummate professional and collaborative colleague who inspires and supports others and makes all those around him better,” says Alexis Sommers, NA Director of Enrollment Management and Institutional Strategy.

Summer Reading: NA Faculty Edition

Before students cracked open their textbooks, NA faculty cracked open these reads during the summer to prepare for the 2025 – 2026 school year:

A. Just Teaching: Feedback, Engagement, and Well-Being for Each Student

B. 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People: A Groundbreaking Approach to Leading the Next Generation — And Making Your Own Life Easier

C. The Emotional Lives of Teenagers

D. Brave New Words: How AI Will Revolutionize Education (and Why That's a Good Thing)

E. I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times

F. Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well

Newark Academy Leadership Presents at National Enrollment Management Conference

Newark Academy Director of Enrollment Management and Institutional Strategy Alexis Sommers and Assistant Head of School for Strategy and Operations Lou Scerra presented on the national stage at the Enrollment Management Association (EMA) Annual Conference in Austin on Thursday, September 18. The EMA annual conference brings together hundreds of enrollment professionals to learn about best practices and new trends as well as network with colleagues and peers from across the country.

This year’s conference theme, Embracing Change, inspired Alexis and Lou to share their experiences and insights from partnering together on strategic initiatives around stewardship, tuition remission, and institutional identity. Their presentation, “How Change Management Can Modernize Your Approach to Enrollment Management,” shared tools and best practices for how to plan for and implement change within independent schools.

HONORING THE PARLINS

Newark Academy welcomed back beloved, long-time faculty members Blackie and Joan Parlin for two special receptions with former colleagues and alumni in celebration of their remarkable legacy.

Together the Parlins shaped NA across six decades, weaving relationships, trust and mattering into this school.”

–

Tom Ashburn, Head of School

by

Photos

Donna Fisk

LESSONS THAT LAST: Alumni Inspired to Teach by NA Mentors

For several Newark Academy alumni, their decision to pursue teaching was rooted in the examples set by NA faculty and staff who inspired them. We caught up with Kwame Ivery ’89, Lori Hashasian ’21, Ryan Howard ’97 and Wendi Kane-Millard ’01, who all currently teach, to find out more about who their NA role models were, what inspiration led them to teach, and what their current goals are as teachers:

Kwame Ivery ’89

School: Newark Academy

Subject areas: English, Creative Writing

NA Role Models: Joe Ball, Pegeen Galvin (“who is now my colleague!”), John Garrick, Richard Hudepohl, Blackie Parlin

Goal as a Teacher: “I hope to leave my students with three takeaways. First, the power of ‘why.’ I always strive to impart to my students the importance of analyzing and dissecting what’s in front of them. Second, the mirror approach:

YEARS TEACHING: 1 3

NA INSPIRATION

I loved all of my teachers! My time at NA planted the seed of wanting to learn not just for a grade but for the joy of learning and discovery.”

I always try to get my students to see themselves in the books and topics we study; the more relatable a lesson is, the more engaging it becomes. And third, ambition: I want my students to climb as high as they can and not always

stop just because there’s a ‘finish line.’ My motto is: the sky is not the limit but the lobby — merely the first stop on their way to even higher places.”

Lori Hashasian ’21

School: New Canaan Country School

Subject areas: 2nd Grade Apprentice

YEARS TEACHING: FIRST YEAR !

NA INSPIRATION

NA Role Models: Cathy Pursell, Rob Rezvani, Alexis Romay, Abby Taylor

Goal as a Teacher: “For my students to experience joyful learning and come to think of school as a place where they can continue to explore many different parts of themselves and discover new interests.”

Ryan

Howard ’97

School: Conestoga High School

Subject areas: Contemporary U.S. History, U.S. Government and Politics, African American Studies, Criminal Justice

During my time at NA, I learned first-hand that strong relationships with my teachers benefited my learning. I felt comfortable coming to my teachers when I needed extra support because I knew that they wanted me to succeed. My teachers worked hard to make learning personally meaningful and engaging. The classes exposed me to creative pedagogical styles and taught me that different strategies work well for different students. Seeing how a caring classroom environment could have such a positive impact inspired me to pursue teaching myself.”

YEARS TEACHING:

1 9

(Continued on page 38)

NA Role Models: Josephine Allocca, Joe Borlo, Pat Gist, Jim Gussis, Al Orsini, Dave Pasquale, Beth Rosen, Wayne Schiele, Lisa Swanson

Goal as a Teacher: “When my students leave my classroom, it is my hope that they would have learned more than just the subject matter. I pray that they will have learned the same lessons about themselves that I learned from the great teachers I had at NA. I want them to feel empowered to speak truth to power. I want them to believe that their voice, opinions and perspectives matter. I want them to leave my classroom ready to take on the world and feel confident in their ability to do so no matter what the future may bring.”

Wendi Kane-Millard ’01

School: New Providence School District

Subject areas: Language Arts, Social Studies, Financial Literacy, Marketing

NA Role Models: Hampton Abney, Joe Borlo, Mario Costa, Richard DiBianca, Penney Riegelman, Norm “Doc” Schafler

Goal as a Teacher: “To make sure my students feel that they are seen and heard. This is more important than any content or skill I can teach them. I hope they leave

NA INSPIRATION

When I was experiencing my ‘quarter life career crisis’ in the early 2000s, I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do with the rest of my professional life. When I thought about the people that had the biggest impact in making me the person that I had become, with the exception of my parents, no one had played a bigger role than my teachers and coaches. I decided that I wanted to be the same type of role model for kids and decided to pursue a career in education.”

YEARS TEACHING:

1 5

NA INSPIRATION

All of my NA teachers were brilliant and knowledgeable, but it was evident how much they truly cared about their students. They always managed to challenge us, while providing individualized support. I like to think that the sense of humor and focus on emotional growth in my own classroom is a product of the NA environment that shaped me as a student.”

my classroom more mature, knowledgeable, dedicated and prepared for the world. But I also want them to have experienced a year where they realized it is OK

to fail, discovered that a sense of humor is absolutely necessary, and felt both accepted and appreciated.”

$729,795

TOTAL AMOUNT RAISED

2 74

ALUMNI DONORS ACROSS 65 CLASSES

Our 13th annual Day of Giving took place on October 29, 2025

606

TOTAL # OF DONORS

1 30 TOTAL # OF VOLUNTEERS

100 FIRST TIME DONORS

302 CURRENT PARENT DONORS

The annual Day of Giving campaign supports the Newark Academy Fund. Did you know you can choose the area that most interests you when making your gift?

Newark Academy’s Endowment Climbs to New Heights

By Sherrie Negrea

Within days of starting his term as Newark Academy’s Head of School on July 1, Tom Ashburn set an ambitious goal: growing the school’s endowment to $10 0 million.

“A stronger endowment means we can say ‘yes’ — to exceptional teachers, deserving students, and transformative programs — ensuring that our values and impact endure for generations,” he says.

Newark Academy’s endowment consists of a pool of donated funds, prudently and permanently invested for the long term. A percentage of the income generated by our endowment may be utilized, pursuant to planning by our Board of Trustees.

Newark Academy’s goal of increasing its endowment comes on the heels of

significant growth in the fund over the past five years. Since 2020, the endowment has climbed from $35 million to $60 million, a 71 percent increase.

The fund’s steady growth is the result of generous donations and careful oversight of the endowment by the school’s Board of Trustees.

“The endowment is invested in both stocks and bonds and both have contributed to our growth, but the stock market has contributed the most,” says Board Finance Chair David Crall P’23, ’25, ’27.

The Endowment’s Impact

Newark Academy’s endowment supports various aspects of the school, including the creation of financial aid scholarships. This year, for example, Newark Academy’s endowment is helping to support six students who are receiving full scholarships through the Newark Scholars program.

Honoring NA’s roots in its founding city of Newark, the Newark Scholars Fund was initially created in 2011, reached $1 million in 2014, and is now valued at $3.7 million thanks to the generosity of many community members.

In addition to the Newark Scholars, 14 students this year are also receiving scholarships supported by Newark Academy’s endowment, many of which are named after the donors who established them or in memory of beloved teachers and administrators. One of the most important uses of the endowment is to keep a Newark Academy education accessible and affordable to all families.

Newark Academy’s endowment also supports faculty and staff professional

$ 60,000,000

development. Each year, the Academy offers grants between $5,000 and $10,000 to faculty and staff for research projects that enrich the classroom experience.

“Newark Academy values its employees and is deeply committed to supporting both their personal and professional growth at every stage of their careers,” says Nancy Celente, Assistant Head of School for Teaching and Learning.

During her 30-year tenure, Nancy received support from NA to earn a graduate degree and finance professional development opportunities. “Coupled with best-inclass healthcare and retirement benefits, these investments reflect the school’s genuine care for its faculty, staff and administrators,” she says.

The Endowment’s Future

Increasing the endowment to $100 million will ensure that programs such as scholarships and faculty development continue in the future. Investing in scholarships and faculty development as well as safeguarding the long-term financial health of the school also align with NA’s strategic plan, Putting People First, which is guiding the school’s priorities through 2027.

“The endowment creates the bedrock for the long-term health of the school,” says Director of Business and Finance Sam Goldfischer. “And it’ll help the institution during the harder times, when managed wisely.”

Students Get Hands-On Experience Managing an Endowment

When Gabriel Gerber ’26, Luke Betlow ’26 and Lukas Kaplan ’26 heard the news about President Trump’s tariffs last spring, they asked a question most students probably weren’t thinking about: What impact would this policy have on Newark Academy’s endowment?

The three seniors, who are co-presidents of the Student Endowment Committee, began researching how to protect the endowment from market fluctuations that could result from the tariffs. In May, they made a proposal to the Committee to divest $16,000 from an actively managed fund and transfer it to a passively managed fund.

SEC members review the fund’s performance during a quarterly meeting.

“Humans tend to make knee-jerk reactions,” Gabriel says. “It got us thinking that maybe with a passively managed fund, there would be no knee-jerk reactions to any swings in the market or to any big decisions or announcements that are made.”

The Student Endowment Committee, which unanimously approved the proposal, manages a $432,000 fund that is part of NA’s endowment. With a $100,000 gift from Dr. Bruce I. and Ilene P. Jacobs P ’98, ’01, ’08, GP ’30, the student-managed endowment fund was launched in 1999 to “provide an experience managing real money for long-term growth in stocks and bonds,” says Bruce. In his words, “income from the gift could be used to fund activities related to economics and investments. There’s no better teacher than experience.”

The fund has grown steadily because of the students’ thoughtful research on proposals they bring to the Committee, says Sam Goldfischer, NA’s Director of Business and Finance, who also serves as the club advisor to the Committee.

“There are no rash decisions being made,” he says. “And we typically try not to make more than one or two changes a year because it is a much more long-term kind of endowment.”

To learn more about how you can contribute to Newark Academy’s endowment, please reach out to Chief Advancement Officer Dr. Rose McSween at rmcsween@newarka.edu.

Students serving on the Committee have taken trips to Wall Street, attend talks by guest speakers and present reports on the fund to NA’s Board of Trustees.

“It’s really a rare extracurricular opportunity where students are being trusted not only with a sum of money, but money that impacts the school,” Luke says. “I think it’s a testament to Newark Academy, the relationship that faculty / staff and students have, and the trust that is an integral part of the community.”

Carrying a Legacy of Service

Alex Mederos ’13, the First Robert J. Hendrickson Scholar

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

When Alex Mederos ’13 learned he would be the inaugural recipient of the Robert J. Hendrickson Scholarship, he had no idea how deeply the experience, and the man behind it, would shape his life.

Named for legendary Newark Academy coach and teacher Bob Hendrickson, the endowed scholarship is awarded to a scholar-athlete who demonstrates leadership, character and commitment to the NA community. For Alex, the support came with a personal connection that would quietly influence his path for years to come.

“Bob Hendrickson not only checked in with me throughout my time at NA,” Alex recalls, “but also attended my graduation and wrote me a handwritten letter when I started college, wishing me luck. At the time, I don’t think I fully understood how impactful it was, but reflecting on it, I see that Coach Hendrickson’s support not

only exemplifies the spirit of the NA community but has also guided me to project his legacy of service to others throughout my life.”

From NA to the international stage, Alex has done exactly that by building a career rooted in purpose and global impact.

A Life of Service

Alex studied government at Franklin & Marshall College, and a semester abroad in Germany during the 2015 migrant crisis deepened his interest in international relations. That experience, paired with formative NA classes taught by Amy Schottland, Manny Morelli and Rich DiBianca, fueled his desire to understand and engage with the world.

His curiosity about other cultures began even earlier, during an NA summer exchange program in Spain. Living above a bakery in Pontevedra not only sparked his love of travel (and sourdough) but also helped prepare him for future experiences working abroad.

After college, Alex joined the Peace Corps and spent two years in Botswana supporting HIV/AIDS initiatives and youth programming across five villages. “Our work was often small in scale,” he says, “but the impact was real.”

He later earned a master’s in international development from Georgetown University

and joined Chemonics International, managing the implementation of a largescale humanitarian aid and food security project across Africa as part of the Famine Early Warning Systems Network program.

In 2025, Alex took on a short-term assignment in Ukraine, helping launch a $150 million stabilization program amid missile threats and war conditions. “I learned a lot about Ukraine and was amazed by the resilience of its people,” he says.

Throughout these high-stakes roles, the focused, disciplined and collaborative mindset Alex developed as a two-sport student-athlete at NA (football and baseball) remained constant. “The intensity our coaches and classmates brought to sports mirrored how we approached academics. That mindset has stayed with me,” he says.

Now based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Alex works for the Commonwealth’s Department of Community and Economic Development, helping drive foreign investment and support Governor Josh Shapiro’s new economic strategy. He’s also continuing his French studies and plans to coach Little League this fall.

Living the Legacy

Though his path has taken him from classrooms to conflict zones, Alex remains grounded in the values instilled in him at NA.

“NA inspired my curiosity and motivation to be part of building a system where we are doing the right thing for people we

Alex developed a disciplined and collaborative mindset while playing two sports at NA.

Alex Mederos ’13

don’t know and will never meet while also protecting American economic, political and security interests abroad,” says Alex.

It’s not hard to see the parallel between Alex and the man whose name is on the scholarship that helped launch his journey. Like Coach Hendrickson, Alex is humble, compassionate and committed to showing up, not just for grades or games, but for the people and communities that need him most.

It’s a legacy that would make Bob Hendrickson proud.

If you wish to make a gift to the Robert J. Hendrickson Scholarship Fund, please reach out to Dr. Rose McSween, Chief Advancement Officer at rmcsween@newarka.edu.

Robert J. Hendrickson Scholarship Fund

The Robert J. Hendrickson Scholarship Fund is named for a beloved coach and teacher at Newark Academy for many years. The Robert J. Hendrickson Scholarships are made possible by those whose lives were influenced by Bob Hendrickson, who served Newark Academy as a teacher, coach, advisor, Dean of Students and Athletic Director from 1957 to 1979.

There have been since the fund’s inception in 2006

4 SCHOLARS $497, 2 30 THE FUND CURRENTLY HOLDS

A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS:

Liz Maccie’s ’93 Journey from Newark Academy to Netflix

person to say, “I think you really have something to say.” She kept encouraging me to write, and I would write short stories that weren’t assignments because she wanted me to explore that side.

Interview by Evan Nisenson ’99, Director of Alumni Relations and Giving

EN : Let’s talk about your first novel, Lessons I Never Learned at Meadowbrook Academy. Can you tell us about your experience writing the book?

The book is loosely based on a day at Newark Academy. I used to joke with my two best friends that we’d go to KB Toys at the Livingston Mall, buy a raft, load it with provisions, and raft across the reservoir after school. So we concocted this plan, not really thinking that this would be a federal offense, and we actually bought the raft, stayed late, and missed our buses. We got to the gate, but just before we could carry out our plan, a police officer showed up.

Watching the Netflix movie Nonnas is like experiencing a homemade lasagna piping hot out of the oven. It is a love letter to food, to family and to community. Liz Maccie ’93 wrote the screenplay, based on a true story, and her husband, Steven Chbosky, directed the film. I had an opportunity to sit down with Liz and talk with her about her time at Newark Academy and her career journey as a writer.

EN : Let’s begin by talking about your Newark Academy experience. How did it shape you as a person, writer and thinker?

LM: I like to say that Newark Academy not only changed my life but saved it. I was a pretty lost kid, and my parents sent me there to help me figure things out. I fought the idea tooth and nail, but once I got there, the support, love, and the way in which I was educated completely shifted things. Looking back now, I was a different kind of thinker. I struggled with school because I thought differently, but suddenly, I had teachers who weren’t putting me down or telling me I was stupid.

Instead, they’d say, “You’re just thinking about things differently, let’s approach it from this angle.” That opened up a whole world for me.

EN : At what point did you realize that you wanted to be a writer professionally?

LM: I didn’t really realize — in sort of an ignorant, innocent way — that I could get paid to write and that it could be a job. But I wanted to be a writer since Newark Academy. When Ms. Mahoney was my English teacher, I wrote a short story for her, and she wanted to submit it to Prisms, the student literary magazine. I was like, “What?” She was the first

The book came from that “what if” idea — what if we had done it? I love this idea that life can change in a day, especially for young people, whose feelings are so big. The book honors that space and shows how friends and moments can shape a life.

EN : Let’s talk about Nonnas, which is such a feel-good film. What inspired you to bring this story to the screen?

LM: It’s based on the true story of Joe Scaravella I read about in The New York Times like a decade ago. I actually called my best friend who works in reality television and said, “You have to call this guy to do a show.” He called Joe, but he’d just signed his life rights to a production company.

Cut to two years later, I’m at a general meeting at a company called Madison Wells Media and they were telling me the movie ideas on their slate. The very last idea they had was a true story about this guy that hired grandmothers to cook in his restaurant, and I said, “That’s the

Liz Maccie ’93 on the red carpet during the premier of Nonnas, a Netflix film she wrote.

article! That’s it!” I pitched for it and got the job. Even though it’s not my personal story, it felt like my story. I grew up in Jersey and I’m Italian-American and I had lost my mom, so that understanding of that kind of grief and how we try to heal our grief — it all felt like a perfect storm at the right time and the right place.

EN : Wow. I love that, Liz. Did you do much research for the screenplay?

LM: Not as much as you’d think. They wanted me to fictionalize most of it while keeping the core truth. Once I got hired, I was like, “Okay, so when do I go to Staten Island? When do I sit down with Joe? When do I meet the nonnas?” And they were like, “Never. Literally what we want you to do is understand the spine, which is that his mother died and he opened this restaurant and hired these grandmothers to be the chefs. That’s the only thing that has to stay in place. Everything else we want you to create.” So all those nonnas in the film are actually based on women in my life, combinations of aunts and cousins, and it wasn’t until after I wrote the script that I actually met all of the real people.

Vince Vaughn, Susan Sarandon, Lorraine Bracco, Brenda Vaccaro, Joe Manganiello, Stephen Chbosky and Liz Maccie ’93 at the premiere of Nonnas.

final product, which may or may not be close to what they had envisioned.

That’s exactly correct. And this one, because it was so personal to me, I became really involved. They actually made me a co-producer on it for all of the extra work I did producing-wise because of Steve’s involvement.

EN: What’s next for you?

EN: What was it like working with your husband, Steven Chbosky, who directed the film?

LM: It was amazing. Initially, there was a different director attached, and Steve had read my drafts and said, “If this director falls out, you’ve got to put my name in the ring.” Well, the director fell out for whatever reason, and Steve was in and it became a family making a film about family. It added a lovely layer to the project.

EN: That’s really special because I’ve spoken with other writers who have said they don’t have much of a say after it’s written. It’s taken, carried off, and then they see the

LM: I’m adapting a young adult novel, A Thousand Boy Kisses, for Netflix, with Steve directing. I’m also adapting a book called The Match, the true story of Althea Gibson, the first Black female tennis player in the 1950s, and Angela Buxton, a Jewish female tennis player, who each experienced racism and antisemitism but wound up teaming together and winning Wimbledon, which changed tennis forever. It’s being produced by the Williams sisters and gives light to such an important story that many don’t know about.

EN: Can’t wait to see both of those films. All right, time for our lightning round of questions I’m calling Quick Bites. Here we go…

Favorite pasta shape?

LM: Oh, cavatelli.

EN: First dish you learned to make?

LM: Lasagna!

EN: Go-to comfort food?

LM: Also lasagna!

EN: Food you refuse to eat?

LM: Spicy spicy foods.

EN: Sweet or savory?

LM: Savory.

EN: Olive oil or butter?

LM: Olive oil.

EN: Dream dinner guest?

LM: Althea Gibson and Angela Buxton.

EN: Well Liz, thank you so much for chatting with me. I hope our readers will watch Nonnas if they haven’t already, and I look forward to your upcoming projects.

LM: Evan, having this connection to NA means everything to me. I owe everything to the school — everything. Thank you for asking me to be a part of this. It means so much to me. Want to hear the full interview? Scan the QR code to listen on

Building Community Beyond NA

ALUMNI BOARD OF GOVERNORS LAUNCHES NEW INITIATIVES

This past year, the Newark Academy Alumni Board of Governors (BOG) brought renewed energy and momentum to its work, launching several new initiatives designed to create meaningful opportunities for alumni to connect with current students.

“We have an amazing and dedicated group of alumni volunteers currently serving on the BOG,” says BOG President Rebecca Moll Freed ’94. “Although we did not all attend NA at the same time, when we get together it is abundantly clear that we all love NA and recognize the impact an NA education has had on our lives. I am confident that I can speak for the entire

Board of Governors when I say it is a tremendous privilege to give back to the NA community by serving on the BOG.”

To further its mission of strengthening alumni engagement, the BOG — currently composed of 25 alumni representing class years from 1962 to 2014 — has reintroduced a leadership structure with two vice presidents and has revamped committees designed to better serve the NA community. Looking ahead, the BOG is committed to expanding dialogue with alumni, developing innovative programs, and recruiting volunteers who share in its vision of connection and service.

DELI DISCUSSIONS SPEAKER SERIES

This lunchtime event brings alumni to campus to speak with students about their careers and answer questions about their time at NA and beyond, while enjoying deli sandwiches together. These sessions aim to inspire and guide students as they explore potential career paths and make them aware of the supportive alumni network that exists.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL LUNCHEON

During winter break, the BOG hosts this luncheon for young alumni in college to return to campus and reconnect with each other and their former teachers.

JUNIOR BOARD

Composed of those currently and recently in college, this group allows the Board of Governors to remain connected to young alumni. Representatives from this group attend BOG meetings throughout the year and report back with ideas and feedback. This initiative was designed to foster leadership and ensure that the perspectives of younger alumni are heard.

ALUMNI ALL-ACCESS EVENTS

These events give NA alumni a behind-the-scenes look at the workplaces and projects of other alumni — from a private tour of NYC’s largest rooftop green space to a backstage tour at Good Morning America and beyond. Interested alumni will want to make sure to register early, as spots are limited for these unique events.

MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

This program, piloted last year, aims to connect seasoned NA alumni mentors with college-aged alumni. Mentors are based near the universities they support, allowing them to provide both guidance and local connection. Currently, two alumni mentors, Bud D’Avella ’62 and Joe Scarlett ’62, are working with recent NA graduates at Vanderbilt University and Muhlenberg College, with plans underway to expand the program to additional campuses.

GET INVOLVED!

Interested in being a Deli Discussion speaker, becoming an alumni mentor or finding a way to get back involved with the NA community?

Reach out to Director of Alumni Relations and Giving Evan Nisenson ’99 at enisenson@newarka.edu.

1952

Richard Altman graduated from Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA, in 1956. After that, he taught 8th-grade American history for 30 years in Lancaster County. He enjoyed taking students to Colonial Williamsburg, VA, each fall and to Old Sturbridge Village, MA, every spring. He also coached soccer and swimming. He has visited all 50 states and is now a healthy 91-year-old.

1962

Joe Scarlett and Bud D’Avella have taken on mentorship roles, advising NA alumni studying at Muhlenberg College and Vanderbilt University as part of a pilot program between the Newark Academy College Counseling Office and Office of Alumni Relations.

Henry Lesher’s career culminated in a startup called The Competitive Edge Coach, dedicated to helping men and women find new and challenging career roles. He owes a great deal to his classmate Bud D’Avella, who invited him to join other classmates for a gathering at his home. Henry sends a special thanks to NA, which changed his life — and, as a result, the lives of many others.

1966

Michael Wagner sends greetings from Yokota High School in Japan. He and his wife, Patti, teach the children of America’s heroes at Yokota Air Base, which has been very fulfilling and fun. If anyone from the NA community visits Tokyo, please let them know!

1967

Jonathan Goldman was a recent guest on NA Voices, Newark Academy’s podcast, where he spoke about his time at NA and his journey in the field of sound healing.

ALUMNI AUTHOR: ROGER FLAX ’61 Forget That! 22 Lessons You Must Unlearn to Succeed

1969

Robert Dalrymple produced the TV show Driven by Speed: Keanu Reeves VS Cody Jones, which premiered in April on FS1. Driven by Speed provides an insider behindthe-scenes look at Keanu Reeves and Dude Perfect’s Cody Jones’ quest to compete professionally in the high-stakes 2024 Toyota GR Cup at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

1972

Kent Leonhardt is in his third four-year term as the West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture, an elected position. He also serves as President of the Southern United States Trade Association to promote agricultural trade.

1975

1976

Francey Kanengiser Burke organized the 2025 Burke Motor Group Car, Truck & Cycle Show in Cape May Court House, NJ, which had a record turnout and raised $37,000 for the Cape May Coast Guard.

1978

To celebrate Far Out Gallery’s 10th Anniversary, owner Anne Herbst hosted an open-invitation show with artwork from the community on display in her San Francisco gallery.

1985

Steve Weiss and Felicia Newman Asch ’87 are happy to share the news of their engagement, which took place in March 2025. They reside in Morristown, NJ, and plan to marry in 2026.

In April 2025, Roger Flax ’61 published his latest book, Forget That! 22 Lessons You Must Unlearn to Succeed. In this book, Roger details fatal flaws in 22 common principles learned throughout life and gives actionable tools to counteract them.

Dennis Doros and his wife, Amy Heller, premiered their restoration of the 1929 film Queen Kelly with a live orchestral score as the pre-opening event at this year’s Venice Film Festival.

Adam Prince was proud to see the nationwide release of Lilly, a feature film he cowrote, starring Oscar nominee Patricia Clarkson as fair-pay activist Lilly Ledbetter. The story highlights the issue of gender-based pay disparity in the workplace.

and shared her experience working for the Home Office in London.

3. NA alumnus and Assistant U.S. Attorney George Brandley ’03 invited NA Mock Trial team members Sophia Mu ’27 and Christina Silva ’26 to observe one of his criminal arraignment hearings. After the hearing, George introduced the team members to U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa.

4. Award-winning illusionist Brad Ross ’99 reunites with former NA Arts faculty members Julie Madison and Scott Jacoby following his show at the Walter Knott Theater in Buena Park, CA. Brad was delighted to see these two familiar faces in the audience, both of whom helped nurture his childhood dreams of one day being on stage.

1989

Kanileah Anderson was recently re-elected to serve on the Newark Board of Education. (See photo on page 55.) Previously appointed by the Board to fill a vacancy in January 2024, Kanileah was inspired in a very short time to run for election and was the top vote-getter in April 2024 and April 2025! Kanileah is the chairwoman of the Instruction and Program Committee. Still working with the state’s Division of Child Protection and Permanency, Kanileah is currently managing operations at the child abuse hotline. On May 8, Kanileah was awarded the New Jersey School Board Association’s (NJSBA) New Board Member certificate for completing the requirement in her first year of service. Kanileah will serve as the NJSBA delegate for the Newark Board of Education for the next year.

Classes of 1983 and 1985

Dr. Maria Rice Bellamy ’85 participated in a Civil Rights Pilgrimage sponsored by the Episcopal Church Diocese of Newark. Her group was invited to have breakfast at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Selma, AL. There she met Anne Catharine Strand Reeves ’83 (pictured above) and Dr. Anne Strand (pictured below), daughter and wife of former Newark Academy Head of School Dr. Allan E. Strand. Among her fellow pilgrims was Jackie Collier-Thomas, mother of Amir Thomas ’01, one of her former students.

1993

Suzanne Paragano Kane’s daughter Aria ’32 started 6th grade at NA this year after touring the country as Young Anna with Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical and starring as Sarah in Sarah Silverman’s musical The Bedwetter. See photo on page 55.

1995

Chris Jenkins was promoted to Vice President of Marketing for the Buffalo Bills. In September, he started his 22nd season with the franchise. He resides in Buffalo with his wife Lauren, son Jackson (9) and daughters Ella Mae (6) and Ruby (3). See photo on page 55.

2001

Nitin Goyal is an immigration attorney who works at Ayunda, a nonprofit in Washington, D.C. She primarily works with unaccompanied immigrant children and survivors of human trafficking.

1. Julie Phipps Hafler ’18 married Brandon Hafler in Miami Beach on February 2, 2025, with NA guests from the Classes of 2017 and 2018 in attendance.

2. Alice Fernandes ’16 stopped in for a visit with faculty members Rich DiBianca and Neil Stourton

2002

Jessica Melillo is Founder and Executive Director of Somerset Hills Art Collective (SHAC), where she works to advance arts and culture across the greater Somerset Hills community. SHAC’s principal gallery is housed in the Far Hills Center in Far Hills, NJ. See photo on page 53.

Rachel Fendell Satinsky, a shareholder at Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, has been honored with the Edward D. Ohlbaum Volunteer Award from the Pennsylvania Innocence Project. Rachel was selected as the 2025 recipient due to her outstanding leadership and work in securing the release of two wrongfully convicted individuals after decades of incarceration.

2003

Evan Sills became a Partner at Kirkland & Ellis in the International Trade and National Security practice.

2005

Jason Chan lives in Pittsburgh, PA, with his wife Aira, son AJ, stepson Yohan, and another baby boy on the way. Jason and Aira recently celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary. Jason graduated with an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University in 2024. He works as an engineering manager at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory and is also serving a two-year term on the Board of Directors of the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers. Outside of work, Jason is Creative Director for the Filipino American Association of Pittsburgh Dance Troupe, which performs traditional Philippine folk dances in Pittsburgh and around the country.

W e F ondly R emember

BELOVED FACULTY AND STAFF

Robert C. Chase – January 7, 2025

Robert Chase worked as Newark Academy’s Business Manager from 1980 until 1990. “I had enormous respect for Bob Chase,” says Blackie Parlin, former Assistant Head for Academic Affairs, Dean of Faculty and Archivist. “He’s one of those people whose integrity you could completely trust. Sound judgement, kind, friendly person. He was a wonderful colleague to have.”

Anthony Marano, Former Operations Department Member – May 8, 2025

Class of 1948

Leonard S. Polaner –August 1, 2025

Class of 1960

Newton B. Schott –November 19, 2024

Class of 1965

Raymond W. Pasquin –April 29, 2025

Class of 1968

Stephan G. Kravitz –June 16, 2025

Anthony Marano, long time member of Newark Academy’s Operations Department from 1995 to 2006, and beloved husband of Business Office Manager Sandy Marano, passed away in May 2025. “Anthony’s loss is felt so deeply by the Newark Academy Family,” says Director of Operations Brian Stephenson. “His influence on me and my career is immeasurable. His attention to detail, his meticulous care of all things large and small, his immediate and warm response to any request for help became the standard for all of us in Operations. He was a family man, a professional and a truly natural caretaker.”

Ray Cruitt, Former Teacher and Administrator – July 14, 2025

Ray Cruitt had an 18-year career as a humanities teacher at Newark Academy, from 1966 to 1984. During that time, he also served as department chair for 10 years before becoming NA’s Director of Development from 1979 to 1984. According to the 2008 Newark Academy Outreach magazine, Ray was fondly remembered for his imaginative elective course, “Cities in Civilization,” which drew from his own experiences traveling the world in the Army. “Ray Cruitt was a truly first-class teacher who taught an excellent history class,” says Scott Newman ’73. “He treated every student with respect and fostered an environment where learning thrived. I have only positive memories of Ray as both a teacher and a person.”

NA ALUMNI

Dan Urban was named to Forbes’ 2025 lists of Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State and Best-inState Wealth Advisors.

2013

Brian Yuran’s short film, Steady, was awarded Best Indie Short by the 2025 Independent Shorts Awards.

2017

Jordan Rhodeman accepted a full-time research position at Columbia University Medical Center in the Division of Pulmonology.

2021

Ashley Scheichet received the Babcock Prize in Philosophy and Pedagogy at Hamilton College, where she graduated last May.

NA CONVOCATION SPEAKER

Courtney Cooperman ’16

Alumna Courtney Cooperman ’16 returned to Newark Academy to deliver the keynote address during the annual Convocation exercises that officially kicked off NA’s 252nd school year.

Courtney spoke passionately about how her time at NA inspired her to pursue a career in housing advocacy. She even delighted the audience by weaving in one of her signature rhymes — a beloved tradition from her frequent Morning Meeting announcements as a student.

“Even during the most stressful times, Newark Academy created space for me to be lighthearted — to pursue my academics and extracurricular obligations seriously, without taking myself too seriously,” Courtney told the Convocation audience. “Newark Academy helped me find a balance between rigorous achievement, joyful play and purposeful contributions to the broader community.”

new Head of School Tom

David Mazzuca ’03, a strategic leader in U.S. and global disaster management, guest-taught Benson Hawk’s IB Global Politics class. He invited former United States Agency for International Development Administrator Andrew Natsios to answer student questions via Zoom.

8. Jason Granet ’96 spent the day in lower Manhattan with Newark Academy’s sixth-grade class. They walked around with BNY’s Brett Moyer and saw several sights: Charging Bull, NYSE, Federal Hall, and most notably the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and its museum.

5. Larry Cetrulo ’67 joined Anthony Petrello ’72 to watch the Houston Astros play the New York Yankees at Daikin Park.

6. Bud D’Avella ’62 visits with

Ashburn

7.

COMMUNITY SERVICE IN THE ARTS AWARD

Richard K. Levitz ’74 received the Cleveland Orchestra’s 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service in the Arts Award. Reflecting the spirit and teachings of Dr. King, the award recognizes those whose work has had a positive impact on music and the arts within the northeast Ohio community. Richard also received special recognition by the City of Cleveland and the Ohio Senate for this award.

Richard acknowledges and shares this award with Newark Academy, a place that profoundly influenced his journey by instilling strong human values beyond just basic education. As a teenager arriving from Colombia, South America, with limited knowledge of English but immense enthusiasm for learning, he found himself embraced by both faculty and fellow students. In his two years at NA, the school became both his family and his community. He treasures the memories and recognizes that Newark Academy, along with its incredible teachers, played a significant role in shaping his academic, professional, and community volunteer life. He wants to pay special homage to T.C. “Charlie” Abbey, who not only taught him invaluable speaking and writing skills but also, as his academic advisor, had great faith in his success and provided unwavering encouragement. Likewise, he wishes to honor Hampton P. Abney for his inspiring energy, humor and dedication to the Drama Club, as well as David DeLong, whose guidance as an art teacher fostered creativity and encouraged bold free artistic expression.

9. Andrew Morrison ’11 spoke with NA students about his work as a film producer and his most recent Golden-Globe-winning film, The Brutalist

10. Jessica Melillo ’02, Founder and Director of Somerset Hills Art Collective (SHAC), and her father, Mark Melillo ’74, with NA Director of Alumni Relations and Giving Evan Nisenson ’99 at a gallery reception for SHAC’s exhibit featuring wildlife photography by eight artists.

11. Director of Alumni Relations and Giving Evan Nisenson ’99 joined Joanna Saltz ’93 to celebrate the release of her book, Delish The How-To Cookbook for Young Foodies: 75 Skills and Recipes That’ll Make You a Great Cook for Life

12. Reg Kramer ’70 and his wife, Marjorie, stopped by NA over the summer for a tour and enjoyed finding his yearbook photo on the wall.

Classes of 1993 and 1994

Shilpa Mankikar ’94, Co-Chair of Alliance of Women Directors East Coast, attended the premiere of Netflix’s Nonnas and was delighted to run into the movie’s writer, fellow NA alumna Liz Maccie ’93, on the red carpet. Read Liz’s interview about Nonnas on page 44.

TWO ALUMNAE NAMED TO NATIONAL DEFENSE FELLOWSHIP COHORT

Tess Kesler ’22 and Marina Chernin ’23

Newark Academy alumnae Tess Kesler ’22 and Marina Chernin ’23 were two of just 20 advanced undergraduate and graduate students across the country to be named to the National Defense Fellowship cohort by the Alexander Hamilton Society and the Ronald Reagan Institute. As part of this program, Tess and Marina convened with their peer fellows in Washington, D.C., this past September for a four-day, rigorous Peace Through Strength Boot Camp to learn from the nation’s foremost defense policy thought leaders and military leaders. In December they will also attend the Reagan National Defense Forum, the nation’s premier gathering of defense professionals.

50-YEAR REUNION OF SOCCER STATE CHAMPS!

Members from the 1975 Newark Academy varsity boys’ soccer team got together in Long Beach Island, New Jersey to celebrate 50 years since the team won the Prep A State Championship against Pingry. From L to R: Michael Davis ’77, Peter Mulvihill ’77, Adelino Vazquez ’77, Mark Schlossman ’76, Bill Bradford ’76 and Peter Szuch ’77

13. From left to right: Seema Sangani ’95, Jenna Schwerdt ’98, Pinakin Jethwa ’98, Chris Errico ’03, Roshan Shah ’98 and Jackie Dorsky Pinchuk ’05 spoke to current students at the Alumni and Student Career Luncheon.

14. Dennis Doros ’75 and his wife, Amy Heller, seated with directors Francis Ford Coppola and Alexander Payne at this year’s Venice Film Festival, where Dennis and Amy’s restoration of the 1929 film, Queen Kelly, premiered with a live orchestral score.

15. Adam Prince ’87 with Patricia Clarkson, the star of Best of Fest film, Lilly, which he co-wrote, at the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

16. Chris Jenkins ’95, Vice President of Marketing for the Buffalo Bills, with his family in Buffalo, NY.

17. Steve Medwin’s ’72 grandson spots his grandfather’s yearbook photo on the wall at NA while participating in the Mott Leeney Baseball Camp over the summer. Steve never would have imagined that someday he’d see a photo of his grandson pointing at his yearbook photo!

18. Newark Academy Trustee Dr. Kalenah Witcher ’87 looks on as her sister, Kanileah Anderson ’89 is re-elected to serve on the Newark Board of Education.

Suzanne Paragano Kane’s ’93 daughter, Aria ’32, started in sixth grade at Newark Academy this fall.

20. Jason Chan ’05 with his family in Pittsburgh, PA.

21. NA Senior Associate Director of College Counseling Kerri Speck reunited with Lavarra “L.J.” Hines ’24 during a visit to the College of the Holy Cross, which he currently attends.

22. Several NA alumni came out to watch and support NA’s jazz band, Chameleon, at the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition and Festival at Jazz at Lincoln Center in May. From left to right: Cosimo Fabrizio ’18, Vikram Bala ’20, Luca Moretti ’20, Ben Schwartz ’24, Shivan Kundra ’23, Paul Brown ’17 and Shaan Pandiri ’17

19.

CENTER STAGE “I DO!”

Jennifer Mandelbaum ’11 married Andrew Nitkin on June 8, 2025. It was the first wedding ever held on the stage of the David H. Koch Theater in Lincoln Center. From left to right: Marc Goldberg '12, Andrew Nitkin, Jennifer Mandelbaum Nitkin '11 and Sydney Hershman '11

MUHLENBERG ALUMNI

Senior Associate Director of College Counseling Kerri Speck with NA alumni Noah Chirnomas ’22, Angela Lagonigro ’23, Tiana Evans ’24 and Bryce Rhodeman ’23 during a visit to Muhlenberg College were they go to school.

ENJOYING RETIREMENT

Al Del Negro ’61 and his wife Patrisha are enjoying retirement in Annapolis.

PLANNED GIVING:

The D’Avella Family Promise

For Bernard “Bud” D’Avella Jr. ’62, Newark Academy is more than a place where he learned Latin, solved math problems and played sports. It has been the foundation of a life shaped by opportunity, purpose and the kind of values that stay forever.

That’s why Bud and his wife, Elaine, have made Newark Academy part of their estate plans: not as a transaction, but as a promise — a promise that the life-changing opportunities he received will be there for generations of students yet to walk through NA’s doors.

“For the grandson of immigrants to attend Princeton and go on to a successful legal career, Newark Academy was the launchpad,” Bud recalls. “Everything about life began to make sense because of the lessons I learned there.”

The D’Avella family’s story is deeply woven into the Academy’s history. Bud arrived at NA in fourth grade in 1953. He was supported by parents who believed in the school so strongly that they made sacrifices to make his enrollment possible. “Paying the tuition wasn’t easy for my parents, but they knew it was the right path,” Bud says.

The family’s commitment to the school was multifaceted. His mother, Aida, twice served as President of the Mothers’ Association, and his brother, John ’65, famously scored the first basket in the William G. Wrightson Memorial Gymnasium.

Today, that legacy continues. Bud’s granddaughter Liliana ’30, chose NA after hearing her grandfather’s stories, including those of dedicated teachers like Blackie Parlin, Catherine Lynham and James Manning, who were “always approachable and whose lessons were as much about life as they were about academics.”

Bud and Elaine’s decision to make a planned gift is rooted in gratitude. “When I think of what Newark Academy did for me and now is doing for my granddaughter, it feels only right to give back.”

Through their gift, Bud and Elaine are planting seeds for the future, ensuring that Newark Academy will remain a place where young people can discover who they are, unlock their potential and carry those lessons into the world.

For Bud, the real legacy isn’t just in what he’s accomplished, but in making sure the next generation has the same opportunity to dream, achieve and lead.

To learn more about supporting Newark Academy through a planned gift, contact Barbara Sine, Director of Planned Giving and Donor Relations, at bsine@newarka.edu.

Elaine and Bud D’Avella with granddaughter Liliana ’30

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