Bulletin Fall 2024

Creativity + Ingenuity

in the AI-Emergent Era

Academic Adventures

New Canaan Country School Bulletin 2024

Head of School:

Aaron Cooper

Editor:

Kent Findlay ’80

Design: Good Design, LLC gooddesignusa.com

Printer:

J.S. McCarthy Printers jsmccarthy.com

Photography:

Andrea Carson

Kent Findlay ’80

Rinku Ghadiyalii

Meaghan Mallin

Julie Porter Chi Chi Ubiña Torrance York

Address Changes: communications@countryschool.net

On the cover:

Middle School science students

William Tocks and Piper Owen examine their homemade slides of stomata, observing how plants take in CO₂ as part of their photosynthesis study.

(Photo credit: Chi Chi Ubiña)

Our Mission

We create an active, joyful learning environment where children are challenged to think deeply, question confidently, and act generously, so that they may lead lives of impact and purpose.

Our Values Community:

We seek, respect, and celebrate diversity and ignite a sense of belonging so everyone thrives.

Courage:

We take risks, make mistakes, assume responsibility, and champion those around us.

Curiosity:

We explore, investigate, and discover — inspiring a life devoted to endless learning.

Kindness:

We foster a culture of compassion through our daily words and actions.

Board of Trustees

President: F. Tucker Golden ’90

Vice President: Arman C. Gokgol-Kline

Treasurer: Lauren W. Greig

Secretary: Heidi Locke Simon

Head of School: Aaron C. Cooper

Members-at-Large:

Tara J. Coniglio

Douglas A. Ryder

Jawanda P. Staber

Members:

Arlety Bowman

Christopher L. Brigham ’78

Ryan Marie Brooks

Daniel J. DiBiasio ’92

Alex Figueroa

Michael M. Godina

Taylor B. Gould ’06

Jamel Keels

Sarah Young Kilcullen ’98

Jennifer L. Kline

Matthew F. LeBaron

Lacey Ramsey

John V. Ricotta

Elizabeth Schmitt

Rebecca C. Thornton ’92

Sarah W. Vrabac

Darby E. Webber

Parents’ Association

Executive Council

Co-President: Sarah Vrabac

Co-President and VP Parent

Education: Andrew Greig

Treasurer: Will Owen

Secretary: Deborah Majmudar

VP Community Fundraising: Nicole Harder

VP Community Service: Nancy Israelov

VP Inclusion: Lisa Pannone

VP Community Engagement: Rand Niederhoffer

Alumni Council

President: Taylor Gould ’06 Vice President: Katie Bisbee ’91

Caryn Antonini ’87

Richard Colligan ’01

Pajton Dauer ’97

Michael DiBiasio ’90

Madeleine Ker ’10

Taryn Jones Laeben ’95

Westy Charlson LeConey ’93

Suzanne Gibbons Owen ’94

Elena Kavanagh Phillips ’91

Andres Soto ’10

Allie Jordan Stinchcomb ’98

Sanny Burnham Warner ’88

Emeritus: Steven Bloom ’03

Carl Brodnax ’76

Hugh Halsell ’59

Paula Kennedy Harrigan ’81

Carl Rohde ’66

Stephanie Bowling Zeigler ’81

Ex Officio:

Aaron C. Cooper, Head of School

Holly Donaldson Casella ’04, Director of Advancement

Lexi Cimmino, Director of Alumni Affairs & Advancement Events

Sarah Young Kilcullen ’98, Former Alumni Council President

Brooke Cavanaugh Reed ’01, Advancement & Alumni

Associate

JOYFUL MEMORIES are made at Country School

Lower School Arts Assembly

Each year, our first and second graders take part in the beloved Country School tradition known as the Arts Assembly, where students choreograph and perform original dances for an audience of friends, family and peers. This student-led, one-hour performance is a culmination of weeks of collaboration and creativity, where children work together to bring their ideas to life on stage. Guided by our Music & Movement Teacher and supported by grade-level teachers, this experience is quintessentially Country School — focused on the process, driven by student voices and centered on joy. The result?

A performance delivered with confidence, pride and a shared sense of accomplishment. It’s a creative rite of passage that reflects the values we hold dear: independence, collaboration and self-expression. See more of our Academic Adventures on page 28.

from the HEAD OF SCHOOL

Dear Country School Community:

I’m often asked what I love most about Country School.

There are many answers, but above all, it’s our unwavering focus on childhood. Our commitment to providing the best for our children — with no exceptions — has guided NCCS for over 100 years.

Our philosophy on child development is central to this mission. We believe children learn best through experiences: they need to be outside, to wonder, to make mistakes, to play and to engage deeply with new ideas. The more children discover and connect with concepts themselves, the more they’ll retain and enjoy learning. Thoughtful experiences like these create lasting impact.

In today’s world, however, societal pressures are accelerating childhood, often at the expense of depth. We believe there’s a better way. We’re doubling down on what makes NCCS exceptional — our curriculum, our people, our facilities and our practices — to preserve a meaningful childhood. In this issue, Director of Studies Reshan Richards explores how to nurture creativity and ingenuity in the AI-emergent era — a theme that resonates across our programs and mission.

You’ll also read about the importance of the ninth-grade year, a unique time when our students grow as leaders, develop self-awareness and experience academic rigor within the familiar, supportive community that has been their foundation.

We believe that by staying for ninth grade, students have the chance to “be a leader earlier and stay a child longer,” which is an invaluable part of their growth.

Finally, our alumni outcomes showcase the strength of an NCCS education, from secondary school placements to the inspiring paths our graduates are pursuing in the world.

Throughout these pages I hope you will see how alive our commitment to childhood is and the impact it has.

Enjoy our 2024 Bulletin.

Warmly,

Aaron Cooper, Head of School

Read “Letters from Aaron” a weekly column online at www.countryschool.net/lettersfromaaron

“ We believe children learn best through experiences: they need to be outside, to wonder, to make mistakes, to play and to engage deeply with new ideas.”

Creativity + Making the Case for Human

in the AI-Emergent Era Ingenuity

By Dr. Reshan Richards, Director of Studies at New Canaan Country School and Stephen J. Valentine, Associate Head of School at Montclair Kimberley Academy

“Intelligence is not something which exists, but something one does. It is active, interpersonal and generative, and it manifests when we think and act.”

—James Bridle

Example 1

A restaurant in New York City decides to serve a complimentary glass of champagne to someone dining alone. The gesture becomes part of their signature service.

Example 2

To lower the amount of damage that happens during the delivery process, leadership at an e-bike company decides to include an image of a flat-screen TV on their bike boxes. The move works — spectacularly. People, intentionally or unintentionally, believe that a flat-panel TV needs to be handled with more care than a bike. Or perhaps the delivery company bosses have a mandate to reduce the amount of damage claims from high-priced electronics in their shipping care.

Example 3

A New England school considers how to use a newly developed piece of property, walkable from but not close to their main campus. At one point, a problem becomes clear: the most amazing physical space, educational experience, or educator can be present at the new site, but people won’t use the site if it is not convenient (or delightful) to actually go there. A member of the planning group suggests that they design a hayride experience to transport students and their teachers to and from the new site.

What do these three examples have in common?

In their quiet ways, they celebrate a kind of lo-fi human ingenuity. While the AI wars are raging, it is important to make the case for a form of intelligence that lends a little grace, joy, delight, or ease to the world.

Human ingenuity is not born of rigorous data collection and analysis. It is not manufactured because it happened many times before or received the most votes or clicks. It is not the economical choice (though it need not be a costly choice, either). It is an action born of a blend of “I notice” and “I care” and “let’s try.” Think of it as inquiry’s output, sparked by belonging.

Advances in generative artificial intelligence (most recently ChatGPT) have certainly raised the alarm among teachers and school leaders. “Is this the death of homework!?” “Of the analytical essay!?” “Of our jobs!?”

While it is still too early to say anything definitive regarding the above, ChatGPT and other generative AI products lead to natural, even healthy, inquiry about learning and creativity. A stiff challenge or constraint can, at the very least, help us to get clear first about our beliefs and next about our options.

Facts are facts. ChatGPT acquired a massive user base out of the gate. It reached one million users faster than many tech products that have become cultural mainstays.

When a typical entrepreneur saw ChatGPT for the first time, they were likely to ask, how can I build something with that? They might have arrived at this question (and the options that it generated) because they believed that experimentation can lead to products or services that might generate profit or at least further learning.

When a typical teacher saw ChatGPT for the first time, they may have been more likely to first think about the ways that students might use it to cheat on assignments. Or, slightly more positively, they might have vocalized that such a product would cost them time; they would now need to change their prompts or assessments. Like the entrepreneurs described above, these teachers reacted to ChatGPT based on their beliefs — about the purpose of assignments, about the types of prompts we should be offering in schools, about the uses of assessments, about students themselves.

ChatGPT is certainly an interesting tool. How we react to it can indicate beliefs about learning and the creativity that drives

the best versions of it. Are our beliefs leading to the options we would hope to see for our students, our staff, and ourselves?

When trying to lead and shape the learning of others, few moves are more powerful than noticing where the learners stand in their learning process while caring enough about their learning (i.e., caring enough about them) to help them to take some kind of meaningful next step.

Such work requires constant human ingenuity on the part of a teacher. Everyone’s problem with the problem in front of them is usually a little bit different, requiring a unique nudge. Every unique nudge is an outgrowth of lo-fi human ingenuity. And of course, the truest human ingenuity on the part of a teacher is to ensure that the students themselves leave each semester (or year) having internalized the problem-solving process so as to no longer need the teacher. There are many different ways to define the desired ends of education; we hope all students will become the type of people who scan both their environments, in search of ways to improve them for others, and their own minds, in order to apply their intelligence in what Bridle defines as active, interpersonal, and generative ways.

It is difficult to talk about ingenuity, and the type of intelligence it unleashes on the world, without at least glancing at Generative AI. A commitment to human ingenuity may help us, ultimately, to absorb or reject Generative AI — appropriately. Human ingenuity, after all, is a commitment to the ongoing construction of a robust toolbox rather than the singleminded application of a single tool. A good problem solver sometimes reaches for a pencil, sometimes reaches for a wrench, sometimes reaches for an analogy, sometimes reaches for a calculator. Advancing on a problem step by step, angle by angle, keystroke by keystroke, tinker by tinker, produces a solution that could only have come from an engaged individual. A proliferation of such solutions makes environments habitable, hospitable, and even joyful. That is how we build communities, with and for each other, in an ongoing way.

For the problem solver, advancing on a problem by jumping over the opportunity to pour themself into the solution — by skipping the steps, angles, keystrokes, and tinkering — by definition leads to a solution that includes less of the

problem solver. This changes the solution; it also changes the problem solver.

Writing and other forms of creating are about output. But more importantly, they are about the process of the writer or creator finding increasingly precise ways to express exactly what they believe, exactly how they see and feel and exist in the world, exactly who they are, in that moment, becoming. It is worth noting the most profound way in which Generative AI is not like a good teacher: it is a product of massive human ingenuity that diminishes the human ingenuity of those who use it without the appropriate amount of reflection, thought, discipline, and discretion.

While schools are figuring out whether to ban ChatGPT or how it will fit into their anti-plagiarism policies, it’s important to remember: nothing about good human learning should change in the face of increasingly advanced AI.

Learning at one level is about generating correct answers. When teachers believe that this level of learning is important, they will likely assign tasks that ask students to ignore easily accessible technology (calculators, Google) or to memorize facts and figures. Their assessments, meanwhile, will ask students to pick an answer from a list or to be very precise in response to a static situation. Students may not need to show their work; they may or may not get credit for showing their work if they do.

To be clear, “helping students arrive at the correct answer” should not be characterized as deep learning or an appropriate aspirational peak for any teacher or school. Learning at a deep level is subtly and essentially different — it’s a matter of developing a significant understanding of the way(s) of reaching a correct or workable solution. If teachers believe that this deeper level of learning is important, they will prepare students to face — and relish facing — novel situations. Their assessments, meanwhile, will ask students to pull from their past experiences and knowledge to make some step forward (for themselves, for others, etc.).

In the face of rapidly improving and accessible generative AI, shallow learning and teachers who seek to inspire shallow learning might ultimately be considered easily replaceable. Deeper learning and teachers who seek to inspire deeper learning, on the other hand, will continue to be essential. In fact, the need for great human teachers (and parental figures) will likely become even more apparent because of another deep learning need to which generative AI points: discerning between probabilistic reality (i.e., AI-generated nature) and actual nature.

Many AI systems that use their initial, pre-launch training and their actual, in-the-world training continue to make data-driven guesses at what a correct/acceptable output might be. And these are not even guesses but rather IF/THEN/ELSE statements happening at a speed, density, and scale which has not necessarily been commercially experienced before.

Humans, in our way, do something similar when tapping into prior knowledge, experiences, and connections in order to provide a response, idea, or action. In terms of that task — tapping into prior knowledge, experiences, and connections — we are not nearly as effective as even a decent generative AI model; our search can never be as sequential or complete; but we do have one advantage, at least currently. In the moment before suggesting its answer, generative AI is not (yet, at least) seeking the kind of feedback for which humans are hardwired: that is, feedback from others, from environments, from context, from body language, from culture.

Perhaps an AI tool might ask for a rating of its response as part of its workflow in order to help improve its training, but that human-in-the-moment feedback is not part of the AI’s initial response. Such a rating, its best version of “reading the room,” will only inform future interactions (which is not a bad thing but surely a limitation).

To guide a student toward durable and deep learning, the best teachers access some of what a generative AI can access — prior knowledge, experiences, and connections — and most of what a sensitive, thoughtful human can access — understanding where students are, demonstrating expertise with a personal message, leading people to fill in particular gaps, etcetera.

Speed, density, and scale will, no doubt, continue to advance in ways that push the limits of what human development can keep up with. That might be okay, too, as long as the advances are being used to help humans do what they do best — being creative, exhibiting emotional and interpersonal intelligence, and finding fulfillment in contributing to something larger than themselves but not at the expense of the wellness of themselves or others.

Dr. Reshan Richards and Stephen J. Valentine co-author a monthly online publication, Making the Case, providing insights for school heads, board chairs, and the teams they lead: (makingthecase.substack.com).

“To guide a student toward durable and deep learning,

the best teachers access some of what a generative AI can access — prior knowledge, experiences, and connections — and most of what a sensitive, thoughtful human can access.”

NEW CANAAN COUNTRY SCHOOL ninth Grade at

“A year of leadership, confidence and discovery ... At New Canaan Country School, the ninth-grade year is much more than just another step in your child’s academic journey. It is a transformative year, offering students unparalleled opportunities to grow as leaders, develop self-awareness and embark on high school coursework with personalized attention. By staying for 9th grade, students will experience academic rigor, leadership roles and community connection in an environment they already know and love.”

—Kirsten Rosolen,

Head of Middle and Upper School

a year that sets

STUDENTS APART

For many families, the question of what comes next after 8th grade can feel uncertain. But staying at NCCS for ninth grade offers students a unique combination of first-year high school coursework and final-year Middle School experiences in a familiar environment that allows them to flourish while facing new challenges, providing the perfect balance between academic rigor and personal growth.

Our daughters have gained the knowledge and confidence to tackle any obstacles in their future.” —Silvia Olivia & Oswaldo Llamas parents of Itzel ’23 and Jennifer ’18

“I have been so impressed with the emphasis on character development and public speaking at NCCS. Public speaking, especially, is a life skill that is often taken for granted. Thanks to the teachers at NCCS, Matt is ready to take on his next presentation with pride and confidence.” Jennifer Bentley ’91 parent of Matt Rivera ’22

a smooth transition INTO HIGH SCHOOL COURSEWORK

At NCCS, ninth-grade students begin their high school academic journey in an environment where they are truly known. With small class sizes, students receive personalized attention from teachers who understand their learning styles and can tailor instruction to support deep thinking and collaborative engagement.

Some of the key academic benefits include:

• Honors-Level Classes: Challenging coursework that prepares students for high school while providing the individualized attention needed to succeed.

• Accelerated Learning: Students have the flexibility to move through the curriculum at a pace that works best for them, ensuring they are both inspired and challenged every step of the way.

• Self-Advocacy: Ninth graders are encouraged to take ownership of their education, understanding themselves as learners, and advocating for their needs. They learn to resource their teachers, seek help when needed, and become proactive in their academic journey.

By remaining at NCCS, your child will enter high school with a solid foundation of academic knowledge, critical thinking skills and self-awareness that sets them apart.

We are so proud of Brendan’s progress, but Country School’s lasting impact is the quality of his character — molded over time by special people pushing him in the right way when needed, caring for him and supporting him on so many levels.”

—Jessica Holscott & Jeff Buda, parents of Brendan ’22, Kaitlyn ’24 and Colin ’28

a year

OF GROWTH + SELF-DISCOVERY

The ninth-grade year at NCCS provides one more year of childhood, free from the complexities of larger high school environments. It gives students the time they need to mature, reflect and better understand who they are as learners and individuals.

The benefits include:

• Additional Year of Childhood: In a world where students are often rushed through their education, ninth grade at NCCS offers one last year of childhood, allowing students to enjoy their time as “big kids” without the pressures and complexities of a larger high school setting.

• Community and Connection: With one more year in a familiar environment, students deepen their relationships with peers, teachers and the school community, strengthening their sense of belonging and responsibility.

• Culminating Experiences: Ninth grade is filled with memorable moments that mark the end of their Country School journey. From the This I Believe speeches — where students reflect on their core beliefs — to the Outdoor Action Trip, a three-day adventure that fosters resilience and camaraderie, these experiences leave a lasting impact on their personal development.

Examples of arts electives available to 9th graders include:

• 3D Animation

• 3D Printing

• Architecture

• Boat Building

• Cartooning

• Ceramics

• Choral Ensemble

• Collage

• Digital Photography

• Dramatic Arts

• Drawing

• Garage Band

• Graphic Novels

• Guitar/Ukulele

• Jewelry

• Mandalas

• Mixed Media

• Muraling

• Painting

• Printmaking

• Scratch Programming

• Short Film

• Theatre Tech

• Woodworking Sports available to 9th graders include:

FALL

• Cross-Country

• Field Hockey

• Flag Football

• Soccer

• Volleyball

WINTER

• Basketball

• Fitness

• Ice Hockey

• Pickleball

• Squash

• Yoga

SPRING

• Baseball

• Cross-Country

• Lacrosse

• Softball

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES abound

One of the hallmarks of the ninth-grade year at NCCS is the extensive variety of leadership opportunities. This year, students step into roles that help them develop confidence, responsibility and collaborative skills. Whether through athletics, the arts, or student government, every ninth grader has a chance to shine.

Key leadership roles include:

• Admission Ambassadors: Guiding prospective families and sharing their experiences at NCCS.

• Board DEI Subcommittee Student Representatives: Collaborating with the Board of Trustees to provide student perspectives on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, helping to shape policies that foster a more inclusive community at NCCS.

• Editors of Lily Pad (Upper School Literary Magazine): Showcasing creativity through editorial leadership.

• Kindness Ambassadors: Promoting inclusivity and empathy among their peers.

• Marketing Liaisons: Representing the school in various events and activities.

• Sports Team Captains: Leading peers on the field and fostering teamwork.

• Student Government Representatives: Making decisions that affect the student body and developing leadership skills.

• Yearbook Editors: Overseeing the creation of a publication that captures the spirit of the year.

These roles are more than just titles — they are essential experiences that build self-confidence and allow students to contribute meaningfully to our school community.

Expanded Horizons Through Immersive Learning

Ninth graders also participate in the Expanded Studies Program, engaging in immersive learning experiences that take them outside the classroom. They might study marine biology in Florida or explore the Civil Rights Movement in the American South. These trips allow students to apply what they’ve learned in realworld settings, fostering curiosity and a global perspective.

the best OF BOTH WORLDS

The ninth-grade year at Country School offers the best of both worlds: a rigorous academic experience combined with unparalleled personal growth opportunities. It marks the first year of high school coursework, yet remains the final year in an environment where your child is known, valued and empowered to thrive.

Our ninth graders develop into thoughtful and confident leaders, unafraid to advocate for what matters. They cultivate a spirit of curiosity and creativity, constantly seeking to learn and solve complex problems. While their academic achievements are impressive, they equally excel in their interpersonal relationships, balancing intellectual curiosity with genuine empathy and strong social skills.

Our unique ninth grade experience ensures your child enters their next chapter both academically prepared and ready to make meaningful contributions to their next school community.

Ellie’s experience at NCCS has built her confidence as a person and a learner. She has developed relationships with classmates and teachers, which have allowed her to understand who she is, develop and share her strong voice and become an effective leader and teammate. The stepping stones she built at NCCS have paved the way for her to flourish on the next step of her journey.”

—Tara & Rob Levinson, parents of Ellie ’23

“You

have done hard things...

...and because of that, you are capable of doing great things. I am proud of you and grateful to you. Your teachers and I congratulate you on all you have grown and accomplished in your years here at NCCS. You have made this school better through your talents, drive, support of one another and enthusiastic pursuit of excellence. We wish you the best of luck and hope you will come back and share your experiences with us regularly. We are so proud of you and will miss you dearly.

Congratulations and good luck!”

At Closing Exercises on June 7, Head of School Aaron Cooper reminded the members of the Class of 2024 of the obstacles they had surmounted and encouraged them to continue to take on great challenges in the future.

The members of the New Canaan Country School Class of 2024 include (from left to right): Aditya DebNath, Dasha Bank, Jack Engle, Lilly Peake, Marcus Ortiz, Opal Thompson, James Bilden, Lily Arneill, James Moody, Cullen Smith, Will Gallagher, Sam Herdeg, Michaela Springer, James DiBiasio, Maddie Harder, James Knowles, Grace O’Donnell, Teddy Regan, Samantha Flores, Bowen Fry, Katharine Tocks, Hunter Harper, Ceci Calia, Max Calia, Harper Macon, Mateo Mendoza-Silva, Catalina Villari and Arthur Lilley

“NCCS has empowered all of us to grow both as individuals and as a collective group. NCCS has offered us an academic environment in which we can encourage each other to excel and work hard to

achieve our goals.”

—James Moody

“Every

person in our ninth-grade class is like a different song on our own music album — all arranged in different keys, with varying notes, harmonies, speeds, lyrics and messages. Although we are different, collectively we have accomplished great things. We drive each other and cheer each other on… there is an overarching theme and harmony that has brought us together as a group.”— Opal Thompson

1. James Moody presented the Class Reflection.

2. Opal Thompson delivered the Salutation.

3. In accordance with tradition, following the closing exercises, the school’s entire faculty and staff formed a line to congratulate the graduates individually.

4. James DiBiasio and Cullen Smith, recipients of the 2024 Paul Johansen and Robert Gamble Awards.

Class

2024 Secondary School Destinations

Country School Beyond

“The secondary school counseling process is a natural extension of Country School’s mission and educational program.”

— Alison Marcell, Director of Secondary School Counseling

Country School graduates often have their pick of top schools when it comes to secondary education.

It is Director of Secondary School

Counseling Alison Marcell’s job to make sure that they have fully explored their options before making that final decision. Because of their combination of exceptional academic preparation, strong sense of community and leadership skills, NCCS graduates attend some of the best independent day, boarding and public schools in the country.

92% of the Class of 2024 graduates who applied to independent secondary schools were admitted to their first choice school.

The Classes of 2024/2025 combined applied to

12 day schools

33 boarding schools

4 public high schools

See their destinations on page 21

“ NCCS is a community where students are seen, known, and valued by their teachers,

and our approach to secondary school counseling reflects this focus on supporting each individual student’s hopes and goals for their next school. We partner closely with families, inviting them to reflect on how the secondary school experience will best foster their student’s continued growth and fulfillment. We have built strong relationships with our receiving schools, who know that Country School students are curious and kind community leaders who will fully engage in the opportunities — within and beyond the classroom — that will prepare them for a lifetime.”

—Alison Marcell, Director of Secondary School Counseling (pictured with Brenda Siegel, Asst. Dir. of Secondary School Counseling)

45+

Independent day & boarding school admission representatives were welcomed to our campus May 8 to meet prospective families and students. Special thanks to our panelists who shared insights about the transition to secondary school and answered questions at a presentation held in the auditorium.

Secondary Schools 2020–2024

Our graduates are sought after by some of the best day and boarding schools in the country and have excellent public school options as well. Over the past five years, Country School students have matriculated to the following:

Boarding Schools

Westminster School (15)

Berkshire School (14)

The Hotchkiss School (11)

The Taft School (10)

Miss Porter’s School (7)

Kent School (6)

Millbrook School (6)

St. George’s School (6)

Choate Rosemary Hall (5)

Phillips Academy Andover (5)

Deerfield Academy (4)

The Loomis Chaffee School (4)

Pomfret School (4)

Canterbury School (3)

The Hill School (3)

St. Paul’s School (3)

Emma Willard School (2)

Northfield Mt. Hermon (2)

Avon Old Farms (1)

Blair Academy (1)

Brooks School (1)

Cardigan Mountain School (1)

Forman School (1)

Georgetown Preparatory School (1)

IMG Academy, Florida (1)

The Lawrenceville School (1)

The Putney School (1)

Salisbury School (1)

Sigtunaskolan Humanistiska Läroverket, Sweden (1)

St. Mark’s School (1)

Suffield Academy (1)

Tabor Academy (1)

Independent Day Schools

St. Luke’s School (37)

Greens Farms Academy (23)

Greenwich Academy (22)

Greenwich Country Day School (21)

Rye Country Day School (12)

Brunswick School (9)

Hopkins School (6)

King School (6)

Fairfield College Preparatory School (3)

Sacred Heart Greenwich (formerly CSH) (3)

Calhoun School (NYC) (1)

Durham Academy (NC) (1)

Ensworth School (TN) (1)

Laurelton Hall, Milford CT (1)

Loyola School, NYC (1)

The Masters School (1)

Ohana Institute, Florida (1)

St. Stephens Episcopal School (Austin, TX) (1)

Sun Valley Community School (ID) (1)

Wooster School (1)

Public Schools

New Canaan High School (24)

Darien High School (7)

Brien McMahon High School (5)

Stamford High School (4)

Shelton High School (2)

Brien McMahon High School—

Marine Science Academy (1)

Fairfield Ludlow High School (1)

Staples High School (1)

Westhill High School (1)

What Secondary Schools are Saying About Country School Students

Allison Letourneau, Director of Admission, Berkshire School

“Students from Country School are distinct in the way they intentionally and authentically approach the secondary school application process; they are prepared, passionate and approach each step of the process with a palpable sense of purpose. In addition to being exemplary members of our community, the students who matriculate to Berkshire come to us ready and eager to embrace the academic and co-curricular opportunities and challenges that await them here.”

Kate Collins, Director of Enrollment & Financial Aid, Greenwich Academy

“Applicants from New Canaan Country School present as poised, thoughtful and engaged students in Greenwich Academy’s admission process. They have a strong sense of self and purpose that impresses us every step of the way. They are ready for the rigors of our Upper School and immerse themselves fully into the community. Importantly, they aren’t afraid to try new things and discover their passions in Greenwich Academy’s Upper School. The transition — both academically and socially — tends to be seamless!”

Ryan Mulhern, Dean of Enrollment Management, St. George’s School

“I’ve always been impressed with the students from NCCS. They are comfortable speaking with adults, which gives them an advantage when interviewing. Here at St. George’s, your students have been making positive impressions on our community, as students, leaders, athletes, and artists. The transition appears to be seamless, and we’re constantly amazed by your students’ willingness to stretch themselves and take on all that our school has to offer. We appreciate our long-standing partnership with NCCS.”

Miles Bailey, Dean of Admissions, Westminster School

“It is always exciting when we see New Canaan Country School candidates on the interview schedule. We know we can look forward to a fun and engaging interview. The students are well-prepared and comfortable speaking with other students and adults.

Their breadth of experience and comfort with public speaking make them so easy to talk to. Additionally, with all of the experience they get through exposure to schools during the admissions process, they are well-informed and ask great questions.

In terms of academic preparation, we can count on our students from NCCS to dive right into the curriculum, engage in our small and dynamic classrooms and again ask great questions. We can always count on students from NCCS coming in as strong writers with good organizational skills, and they frequently have a leg up on their peers in terms of their ability to self-advocate.

NCCS students have been engaging in the full life of their school at home, and that makes them great candidates to dive right into our community and take advantage of all of the opportunities presented at boarding schools. Country School students are active on the fields, in the theater, in the classrooms, and they make great dorm citizens and tour guides. They are used to the small community where kindness, character and engagement all matter, and they bring that with them to our school.”

Dana Anselmi, Dean of Admissions & Financial Aid, St. Paul’s School

“New Canaan Country School students come to us ready to learn and lead. Particularly in a school where 100% of students board, we rely on students who are kind and lift others up, and we know these values are central to the NCCS educational experience. Students who have enrolled here from NCCS also have excellent written and verbal communication skills. This ultimately contributes to the dynamic classroom environment that is defined by engaged discussion and critical thinking.”

Vanessa Sylvester, Director of Enrollment & Financial Aid, Greens Farms Academy

“At GFA, we find that our NCCS alumni, by way of the wonderful connections they have experienced in their years at NCCS, have a deep appreciation for relationships and an innate level of comfort as they find their place within the GFA community. They stand out as active participants in Harkness table discussions within the classroom, on the stage in theater productions, captaining our sports teams and representing the school with pride as student ambassadors. NCCS alumni are stand-out members of the GFA community!”

Adventures Academic

Community Connections in Kindergarten

Adventures Academic

As part of their study of the Country School community, Kindergarten students interviewed its members to learn more about who they were, what their roles were, what tools they used and how they made a difference. Pictured: Students interviewed Head of School Aaron Cooper and learned that an important tool he used was his pair of sneakers that helped him travel all around campus to make sure everyone was safe, learning and having fun!

Thanksgiving Traditions

The All-School Thanksgiving Assembly featured many beloved traditions, including the ninth grade student government leaders dressing as turkeys; singing by Kindergarten, the second grade, the Middle School chorus and the Faculty Staff chorus; and an all-school singalong, jokes of the season and a land acknowledgment presented by the fourth grade; and words of reflection and gratitude from Head of School Aaron Cooper.

Softball Triumph

Congratulations to Upper School girls softball on an undefeated season. They bested Eagle Hill (4–0) to clinch the 2024 season 8–0.

Field Day Fun

Lower School Field Day was a fun-filled culmination of the physical education curriculum for first through fourth grades. Thank you to our amazing PE Team, which included Keri Kern, Jay Thornhill, Cherie Corchard, Kendall Cornine, Byron Reding, Steve Willson and our Athletic Trainer Tara Vandenbosch, for a phenomenal year of growth, skill-building and unique activities!

Adventures in Team Building

Part community-building, part confidence-making, the annual eighth and ninth grade trips were 100% adventure. Kudos to the grade-level teachers and advisors who also went on the trips, getting to know each student as a whole child.

Middle School Shares

Fifth and sixth grade students showcased their considerable talents in group and individual performances at “Middle School Shares,” an hour-long production created to promote courage-practicing and risk-taking in a supportive community.

Puppy Love

Bodie Kern felt the love as fourth graders visited the Athletics & Wellness Center for Physical Education. On any given day, there could be around 35 faculty and staff dogs joining us on campus, making our school community feel just a bit more like home.

Students Ace World Language National Exams

Students in grades seven through nine participated in the 2024 National World Language exams in March and April, yielding sixty-four medals of honor as well as state and national distinctions of merit. Of particular note, Spanish students Abigail Reilly, Eva Juarez-Lace and Hunter Harper each received first-place recognition nationally as a result of their perfect scores. Opal Thompson, Charlotte Parker and Max Tangen received gold medals on the national French exam, and JC Bowman and Sloane LeBaron received gold medals on the National Latin Exam.

Adventures Academic

Finding Their Voice

Students in all grades practiced becoming confident public speakers. Pictured: Fourth grade assembly announcers.

Art in Nature

Seventh grade art students took advantage of the beautiful day and scenery. Fun fact: In the early 1900s, Hardon Pond (next to the ice rink) was used to make ice, which was harvested in huge blocks and hauled up the hill to campus on horse-drawn sleds and stored in the red ice house still located by the Thacher Building.

Go Blue! Unmatched Team Spirit on Blue White Day

Blue showed incredible enthusiasm and energy while cheering on their teammates during Blue White Day. Despite their valiant efforts, White ultimately clinched the victory for 2024. The event was a fantastic display of school spirit, teamwork and friendly competition, leaving everyone excited for next year’s rematch!

Apple Press Success

Sixth grade students were the first ones in the cider house this year. Working together in small teams slicing, mashing and pressing, they produced a gallon of authentic cider. Thanks to the Fonner family for the apples from their orchard! Our cider house rules!

Putting the Ahhhh in A Cappella

We were delighted to welcome the Dartmouth Aires, an inspiring and hilariously entertaining a cappella singing group, to perform for our Middle School students. Each year, Director of Arts Andrew Tyson invites different musical performers to campus to introduce students to various genres of musicianship. Additional guests included Project Trio, a chamber music ensemble based in Brooklyn consisting of Greg Pattillo (flute), Eric Stephenson (cello), and Peter Seymour (double bass), as well as a brass ensemble, Amo Brass.

Volleyball Victory

Congratulations to Middle School volleyball on the win against Bi-Cultural Day School and the culmination of a perfect 7–0 season! The team of fifth and sixth grade student-athletes was coached by Cherie Corchard, Abby Cali and Kim Culver.

Understanding Emotions

Over the course of the year, Kindergarten students learned about different emotions, categorized these emotions on a Mood Meter, and were introduced to resources to help navigate uncomfortable feelings to move back to comfortable feelings. Pictured: School Psychologist Kelly Siegrist.

Arts in action

Tech Theatre Takeover

Eighth and ninth grade theatre tech students are learning about the role of light and sound in the production of performing arts. Here, they focused on light design, with Associate Performing Arts Teacher Brian Muller demonstrating the effects of different colored gels and how to alter them for maximum impact. He also introduced them to the lighting board in the rear of the auditorium. This class is one of many art electives offered this Fall (nicely timed in advance of our Spring musical).

Chalk Mural Masterpiece

All 550 of our students worked collaboratively to create an enormous chalk mural using the Grace House driveway circle as a canvas. Thank you to our Art Department, who inspired and organized this remarkable festival of chalk for us. It was an overwhelming display of color, joy, unity and creativity.

From Classroom to Control Room

Eighth and ninth grade students taking the Recording Studio spring arts elective visited Factory Underground Studios in Norwalk where they toured the studios, learned some new recording and mixing techniques, and experienced using a professional sound booth.

A Flurry of Fun: Frozen Cast Melts the Audience

Upper School drama students (grades seven through nine) performed Frozen the Musical for appreciative audiences. The cast included Opal Thompson, Henry Irwin, Lily Arneill, Ella Agulay, Katharine Tocks, Sloane LeBaron, Olivia Back, Elsa Ward, Marcus Ortiz, Dasha Bank, Ava Dell’Aquila, Cecilia Thompson, Roman Massey, Grayson Richards, Michaela Springer and Asher Daniel.

Art Inspired by Literature

Seventh grade visual arts students worked with charcoal to create these images, honoring Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel, Frankenstein, which was later turned into a play and then a horror film. These and other culminating art projects were among the many works exhibited at Stevens Night, a celebration of Upper School arts at Country School on November 11, 2023.

C O U N T R

Y S C H O O L 2 0 2 4 –2 0 2 5

Community Celebrating Our

Together, we create an active, joyful learning environment where children are challenged to think deeply, question confidently, and act generously so that they may lead lives of impact and purpose.

Creating a Culture of Community

In countless ways large and small, our Parents’ Association helps us to sustain a welcoming and inclusive school community.

PA EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 2024–2025

Sarah Vrabac, Co-President

Andrew Greig, Co-President and VP Parent Education

Will Owen, Treasurer

Deborah Majmudar, Secretary

Nicole Harder, VP Community Fundraising

Nancy Israelov, VP Community Service

Lisa Pannone, VP Inclusion

Rand Niederhoffer, VP Community Engagement

PA COMMITTEES & EVENTS

• Admissions Ambassadors

• Annual Fund

• Class Representative Program

• Community Service

• Cougar 5K, Fun Run & Fall Fest

• Faculty & Staff Appreciation

• Festival of Books

• Frogtown Fair

• Greenery

• Host Family Program

• Kyle A. Markes Day of Service

• Logo — NCCS Spiritwear

• Parent Education Programs

• Tech Resource Group

• Upper School Celebrations

• Volunteer Opportunities

• Working Women’s Network

Parent Education Author Insights

We were thrilled to welcome noted author and educational consultant, Phyllis Fagell to campus to share with parents strategies to help teens reframe setbacks and gain confidence. The 1-hour presentation was filled with advice for helping children manage disappointment, self-regulate emotions, take healthy risks, and recover from setbacks. To learn more, we recommend that you pick up copies of the author’s two books: Middle School Super Powers: Raising Resilient Teens in Turbulent Times and Middle School Matters

Separately, Ms. Fagell also met with our 5th and 6th grade students where she shared age-appropriate tactical solutions and answered questions. Thank you to co-presenters New Canaan Cares and Elm Street Books for their ongoing partnership in providing high-quality advice and resources to our community of parents and educators.

Thank You to Our Amazing Parents’ Association! They say it takes a village, and we are so glad you are in ours.

Eclipse 2024: A day of laughter, learning, and skyward gazing — proof that when our community comes together, we truly shine (even when the sun doesn’t)! On April 8, our school community came together to witness the spectacular solar eclipse. Parents, faculty and students gathered on campus with excitement and anticipation to experience this celestial event. Equipped with protective glasses and telescopes, everyone enjoyed the rare opportunity to observe the moon passing in front of the sun. The event was not only a breathtaking visual experience but also an educational one, with teachers explaining the science behind eclipses and students sharing their newfound knowledge.

Family Movie Night: Early Childhood & Lower School families and faculty gathered in the Athletics & Wellness Center for a special screening of Moana, popcorn and friendship.

Wrapping Up the Year with Picnic Cheer: Early Childhood and Lower School families gathered for picnic food and friendship on the Thacher Lawn following their students’ last day of school.

Grandparents’ & Special Friends’

We were delighted to have over 700 grandparents and special friends join us on campus May 3 to experience a day-in-the-life of a Country School student.

The event kicked off with words of welcome from our Head of School in the Susan Haigh Carver ’51 Cafeteria.

Helen Bonsal celebrated her eleventh and final NCCS Grandparents’ Day with granddaughter Edie Goodyear.

Ken and Noah Michaud

Charlie and Sally Kilcullen

Lois and Rose Mallin

Kyle A. Markes

Day of Service

The Country School & Horizons community gathered for the 10th annual Kyle A. Markes Earth Day of Service April 20. Hosted by the school’s Parents’ Association, the event is named in honor of an NCCS student who passed away in 2013 and is remembered for his commitment to community service. Special thanks to Co-Chairs Taryn Jones Laeben ’95 and Christina Montani and to the many, many volunteers who helped make this event so successful.

“The purpose of ‘KAM Day of Service,’ as we have affectionately taken to calling it, is to connect the students to the needs of the larger community in a meaningful way. While there has been much education around our core values taught in classrooms, on athletic fields, and in art studios leading up to this event,

there is something very special about witnessing so many in our community roll up their sleeves and work together in the spirit of making a difference.”

—Head of School Aaron Cooper

More than 900 members of our school and Horizons community joined together for the 77th annual Frogtown Fair! Ninth graders led a variety of midway games designed to entertain the young-at-heart, and everyone enjoyed an afternoon of food, fun and friendship. Thank you to Frogtown Fair co-chairs

Gwen Golden and Sarah Irwin, vice-chairs

Natalia Milla Encisco and Stephanie van Sice and the many, many volunteers who helped make the day such a success!

Alumni, former & current faculty, school families and friends celebrated our NCCS community over the weekend of May 17 & 18. Hosted by the NCCS Board of Trustees, Alumni Council and Parents’ Association, and executed by the Advancement Team, Friday evening’s festivities included a memorial service in honor of former Upper School teacher, Al Perry, reunion dinners, an alumni art show, drinks, dinner and dancing.

painting her bus in between shifts, to the delight of all who gather to watch.

1. Sarah Irwin, Kara Cooper, Jen Kline, Tracy Kelley, Tara Coniglio, Monica Aronson, Gwen Golden, Daniela Snow were among the many volunteers to organize and execute the successful event.

2. Weed West Bus Driver and fine artist, Nina Daryanani, lent a series of oil paintings to the Alumni Art Show for display. Nina is well known around campus for

3. John Beattie ’63, son of former art teacher Millie Harmon Beattie, contributed a collection of his mother’s ceramics to the art show.

4. School parents Mike Suozzi and Ian Lear-Nickum and All Night Thing Band rocked us well into the night.

Al Perry Memorial Tribute

Former faculty, staff, students, family and friends gathered on May 17 on the baseball field to share stories and remember Al Perry, beloved former teacher, who passed away earlier this year. See In Memoriam page 81.

Al, affectionately known as “Mr. P,” began his teaching career at Country School in 1982 and taught in the Upper School for 21 years before retiring in 2003. Colleagues described him as “being held in the highest regard for his skill as a teacher, his pure love of the profession, and his human decency and kindness.”

In 2022, Mr. Perry established the Albert Perry Scholarship Fund to provide financial aid for deserving students and families who would not otherwise be able to afford an NCCS education. Mr. Perry’s dedication to making learning fun is at the heart of the NCCS mission, and thanks to this fund, his impact will continue to be felt by future generations of Country School students. We hope you will consider joining us in supporting this meaningful effort in partnership with and in honor of Mr. P!

Albert Perry Scholarship Fund.

Building Brighter Futures Since 1964

Hosted at New Canaan Country School

New Canaan Country School and Horizons Honored

New Canaan Country School’s Head of School, Aaron Cooper, was presented the Andrew Clarkson Award by Horizons National CEO Lorna Smith at the annual Horizons National conference held in Asheville, NC, Feb. 27. Established in 2016, the accolade is given to honor an individual or institution for their longevity of commitment, embodiment of the Horizons mission, and work that has been leveraged across the entire Network. It was presented to Mr. Cooper, who was joined by former Horizons Executive Director Nancy von Euler, in that New Canaan Country School (NCCS) founded the first of what would become over 71 Horizons program sites in 20 states, and celebrates its sixtieth anniversary this year.

In accepting the award, Mr. Cooper acknowledged those original pioneers, noting their commitment to providing opportunities for under-resourced students through the utilization of the New Canaan, CT school facilities and other available resources, a legacy which lives on today.

“We stand on the shoulders of giants. Sixty years ago, some NCCS teachers had a dream that Head of School

George Stevens enthusiastically embraced — to develop a program, starting in the summer, that provided academic enrichment and swimming lessons to students from underserved or less well represented populations in the neighboring area. Part of the dream was to help NCCS become a more diverse school and part was to expand the vantage point, or dare I say, the Horizons of the students it served. This was in 1964, early days for the Civil Rights movement and before even the National Association of Independent Schools itself named a diverse learning environment as a tenet of best practice. With Lyn McNaught at the helm and the unwavering support of the NCCS community, Horizons flourished, and then with Lyn’s vision, Horizons National soon followed. And now I have the pleasure of looking out at all of you here, furthering this original purpose and these principles.”

“This honor is well deserved by the people who had the vision, passion, support, and talent to bring Horizons to life sixty years ago and to help it spread as it has,” Mr. Cooper continued.

Left to right: Michael McNaught, former NCCS teacher, division head and husband of the late Lyn McNaught, Horizons Executive Director and Horizons National Founder; Head of School, Aaron Cooper; Horizons Academic Director, StacyAnn Brown; former Horizons Executive Director, Nancy von Euler; and Horizons National CEO, Lorna Smith.

Horizons Celebrates the Success of the Class of 2024

21 members of the Horizons Class of 2024 were honored at a graduation and alumni induction ceremony held on campus June 1. Bankwell sponsored the event for the fifth consecutive year. Each member of the Class of 2024 shared a favorite memory and lesson they will take with them as they set off on the next phase of their journey. Board Chair Tiffany Van Elslander was joined by Bankwell Assistant Treasurer Loan Specialist, Toure Surgeon, a Horizons alumnus from the Class of 2006 to present the certificates and honor cords to this year’s class.

1. Horizons High School Class of 2024

2. Kadeem Roberts, Assistant Majority Leader House CT General Assembly was the alumni speaker who shared his personal journey and motivated the class to chase their dreams.

3. Nehemie Moïse, former Horizons Interim Executive Director, was joined by Board Member, Eve. St. Surin, to present the Leah Kimmet College Aid Award, which honors former Horizons Executive Director, Leah Kimmet. The award recognizes a graduating Horizons high school senior for their outstanding kindness, enthusiasm, and dedication to others. The award was received by Kevin Yanes Valdez, a graduate of Norwalk High School who attends the University of Connecticut and majors in electrical engineering.

4. Jackie Roberson, Horizons Senior Program Dean of Students and Culture presented the Jackie Roberson Valedictorian Award,

in recognition of the student with the highest cumulative GPA throughout their high school years and is known for their integrity and participation. This year’s recipient is Alexandra Paz, a graduate of Brien McMahon High School, who attends Sacred Heart University and majors in biology.

5. Nancy von Euler, former Horizons Executive Director, presented the Serenbetz Family Foundation College Scholarships to two students: Matthew Mino, a graduate of Norwalk High School, who attends the University of Connecticut and majors in accounting and finance; and Jaimie Alva, a graduate of Sacred Heart of Greenwich, who attends Lehigh University and majors in psychology.

A broad cross-section of supporters gathered to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Horizons at NCCS in the Athletics & Wellness Center, on April 27. The evening’s theme was “Horizons Greatest Hits,” which celebrated the success of the program over the last six decades and raised funds to support the organization’s mission to provide year-round academic and enrichment programming for underresourced Norwalk and Stamford students. Thanks to the energy, enthusiasm and incredible generosity, Horizons at NCCS is getting its next 60 years off to an amazing start!

1. Matthew Young ’03, Sarah Young Kilcullen ’98, Anne Young, Brianne Young

2. The late Annie Cohen and Douglass Sutton

3. Candy and Spike Willcocks

4. Jed Stevens ’78, Emma Stevens ’13 and Jake Kirby

5. Kusha Mohammadi and Sara Krusekopf

6. Leatrice and Jesse Embley

7. Horizons Benefit Committee

8. Alex Leach, Rebecca Thornton ’92 and Brian Van Elslander

9. Neth Wiedemann and Mallory Wiedemann

10. Jane Stoddard Williams ’72 and Brian Williams sponsored a table of friends.

11. Jonathan Martinez and Gabriela Pozo

12. Sarah O’Herron Casey ’80, Phoebe ’15, Elizabeth ’15, Hannah ’13 and Alec Casey

13. DJ Danielle Nelson, also known as DJ OhDee

14. Committee chairs Sarah Young Kilcullen ’98, Susan Barr and Marisa DiBiasio

15. Jed Stevens ’78 and Link Stevens ’74

16. Walter Markes and Jackqueline Mclean-Markes

17. Alex Ewing, Kylie Walker and Adam Walker

Faculty & Staff News

and staff

Visual Arts Teacher Liz Ferran traveled to Mexico and engaged in a series of tours focusing on architecture and the works of artists studied with our students from July 28–August 10. “I have been teaching units about the celebration of El Dia de Los Muertos to LS students for many years and wanted to see (and document) artists’ work in preparation for the event. I also teach in-depth units about modern architecture, both local (The Glass House) and international (Zaha Hadid), and wanted to learn more about Mexican Modernist architects to further connect the dots of commonality (and differences) between diverse cultures for my students.”

Middle School Science Teacher

Lindsay Frey attended the National Science Teachers Association Annual Conference in New Orleans from November 6–9. “NSTA conferences offer a wealth of information on best practices in science teaching. I wanted to pick up more hands-on science ideas and learn about citizen science projects.”

Upper School Math Teacher and Math Program Coordinator Sara Krusekopf participated in PROMYS, an intensive 6-week experience of mathematical problem solving in Boston from June 30–August 9. “Through this program, I had the opportunity to be behind the desk instead of in front of it. I was excited about the opportunity to experience learning through a student’s perspective. As I engaged with new and challenging math concepts, I developed empathy for what my students experience each day in their classes. I anticipated learning new strategies for supporting students throughout the learning process. Ultimately, this experience equipped me with skills to enhance my students’ abilities as problem solvers and mathematicians. I wanted to find more student-centered ways to promote critical thinking and problem-solving in my math classes. I think this program allowed me to experience firsthand a great model of what this could look like.”

HAVE NEWS TO SHARE?

To provide faculty and staff news and updates, please contact communications@countryschool.net

▲ Lower School faculty

are known for their celebratory style at morning bus and carline drop off.

Grade 3 Teacher Julie Porter went on safari in Nairobi, Kenya, through GAdventures from August 16–24. “Third grade’s social studies curriculum teaches key components of geography and culture, anchored in the memorable culminating ‘continent project.’ Students investigate landmarks, landforms, animals, and natural resources of North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. They build 3D topographical maps and create ‘tourism’ videos explaining their lengthy research projects. Visiting and immersing oneself in the culture of a place profoundly impacts the understanding and teaching of culture, geography, and their relationship. When students, particularly those in 3rd grade, think about Africa, they often miss the diversity of large cities and villages, the mountains and wetlands, the lakes and savannas, and the wide array of animals and natural resources. By participating in this trip, I truly got closer to the wildlife and off the beaten path to really experience the region’s unique wildlife, landscapes, and cultures, and I brought this back to my students.”

Assistant Head of Early Childhood and Lower School for Teaching and Learning School Cindy Thom attended the National Conference on School Leadership in Nashville from July 13–18. “This conference benefited my work supporting teachers in their classrooms and navigating communication with families around students’ learning profiles.”

Faculty professional development opportunities, including graduate coursework, are made possible by financial resources from the Special Professional Development Fund and the Ninth Grade Endowment Fund.

Faculty Chairs Awarded to Three Educators

These Faculty Chairs recognize exemplary teaching as defined by engaging and inspiring students, creating a curriculum to reach all learners, and demonstrating a commitment to ongoing professional development. The awards were made possible by the generosity of three Country School families and the recipients were nominated by their peers.

2024 Faculty Chair Awards

Williams Family Chair: Mollie Kirkland

Laverack Family Chair: Marshall Johnson ’04

Holmes Family Chair: Cindy Vitti

Milestone Anniversaries

10 years:

* Marshall Johnson ’04

* Martha McAndrews

* Christie Lundquist

* Marc Keneally

* Michael McGovern

* Claire DeLaurentis

40 years:

* Mark Macrides

“Mark Macrides is our Director of Community Engagement, but really a title cannot possibly encapsulate all that he does for NCCS. If his job description were truly representative of all he touches here, it would be several pages long. Mark is quite simply one of the most unique and amazing people I have ever had the good fortune to work with. He is incredibly dedicated to this school and loves it deeply.”

—Aaron Cooper, Head of School

Always a favorite day of the year, on October 11, 2024 we welcomed back to campus former faculty and staff, including: Front row, from left to right: Raphe Elkind, Michael McNaught, Dana Mallozzi, Nancy Ziac, Ethel Goldberg (wife of Jules Spotts), and Twee Haffner. Back row, from left to right: Jerry Whitlock, Chris Garrison, Eric Garrison, Jean O’Dell, Jules Spotts, Emily Kelting, John Ziac, Betsy Hulme and Renee Bornstein. Apologies to anyone inadvertently omitted!

Bravo to Kathy Kravec and Lindy Bourque, who performed with the Norwalk Community Chorale, conducted by our very own Brian Muller in their 62nd Annual Christmas Concert on December 2. Pictured above with NCCS friends and colleagues Andrew Tyson, Brian Muller, Lindy Bourque, Jennifer Thiemann, Kathy Kravec and Pat Oakes.

Farewell to Our Dear Colleagues

The following was adapted from a yearbook tribute originally created by Carin Walden.

After 22 years of dedicated service, we bid farewell to Lisa Ingraham, who retired from her career as a Beginners teacher in the Early Childhood division. Lisa’s approach was always practical and thoughtful. She created an environment where children were encouraged to explore the natural world, using all their senses to understand the seasons, weather, and various life forms. Her classroom was always a place of discovery, where each small detail was designed to spark curiosity. Lisa’s commitment to her students was evident in every interaction. She made sure every child felt valued and loved, allowing them to grow at their own pace. Her thoughtful gestures, such as the letters she sent over spring break, helped maintain a sense of community among her students. For the parents, Lisa was a steadfast partner. She celebrated each child’s growth, sharing not just the big milestones but also the small, everyday moments that made up their journey. Her insights and support were invaluable to many families over the years. Among her colleagues, Lisa was known for her generosity and kindness. Whether it was a plate of brownies, a birthday card, or a sprig of flowers from her garden, she always found ways to brighten someone’s

day. Her actions showed a deep care for everyone in the building. Lisa first joined our community as a parent in 1989 and became a full-time faculty member in 2002. Her gentle and patient nature made a lasting impact. She knew the importance of listening to children, allowing their voices and ideas to flourish. Her ability to adapt while staying true to her core beliefs was an inspiration to us all. Lisa, your impact on students, the Beginners Program, and your colleagues was profound. We were grateful for your dedication, kindness, and unwavering commitment to early childhood education.

The following was adapted from a yearbook tribute originally created by Ginny Pracilio.

Renee Bornstein, our Communication Support Manager, after 10 years at NCCS, moved to Florida to be closer to her family, especially her grandchildren. Renee also worked in the Advancement Office and was instrumental in the Centennial Weekend, in Grandparents’ & Special Friends’ Day, in NCCS and Horizons Benefits, and as a liaison to the Parents’ Association. All those emails you got from NCCS, including the Sunday newsletter, This Week, were edited and sent by Renee, and she even wrote a few! As a colleague said, “rarely has there been someone who could flow between the NCCS constituencies as seamlessly as Renee. Renee was always willing to help and this reached well beyond her job responsibilities. We hope that she left us knowing that New Canaan Country School was a better place because she was here, and we were all so lucky to have had Renee cross our paths.” Renee, we wish you and Hank happiness and good health as you enjoy your retirement surrounded by family, not to mention those swaying palm trees and beautiful southern sunsets! Good luck and thank you!

Dr. Jackie Britt-Friedman joined NCCS in 2020 and played a pivotal role in shaping our school’s psychological approach amidst the upheaval of COVID. During her four-year tenure, her expertise enhanced our community support initiatives, boosting social, emotional, and academic success. Jackie accepted a position as Assistant Professor in the Child Study Center at Yale School of Medicine, working as a clinician in the Child Study Center’s new practice in Westport.

Kim Clemenza kept the trains running on time for 11 years as the Administrative Assistant for the Upper School. Her dedication and hard work were the backbone of our administrative operations. Kim’s efficiency, warmth, and organizational skills significantly contributed to the smooth functioning of our school. Kim moved to Florida.

JoAnn Corsillo, our Controller for the past three years, supported the day-to-day functioning of our school’s financial department with dedication and commitment. She was a valued member of the team that upgraded the school’s employee benefit providers and oversaw the annual audit and financial reporting. JoAnn moved to Florida.

Chantal Detlefs captivated students with her enthusiasm for inquiry and discovery and enriched our curriculum with hands-on, experiential learning, covering a broad range of subjects from the natural world to advanced biology. She departed NCCS after 17 years as Lower School Science Teacher and Chair of the Science Department to move to South Carolina.

Ryan Smith joined NCCS in 2019. During his tenure as the Senior Director of Advancement, he led his team through the financially uncertain times of COVID to meet critical fundraising goals, significantly contributing to the completion of the $25 million capital campaign for the Susan Haigh Carver ’51 Dining Hall and Commons and the Athletics and Wellness Center. Ryan accepted a position as Director of Advancement at the Brooklyn Friends School.

Nancy von Euler’s leadership over the past seven years as Executive Director of Horizons was characterized by her unwavering commitment to advancing the non-profit program’s mission. She departed NCCS to assume the role of President and CEO of the Norwalk Community College Foundation.

Thank you also to:

* Lindsay Fontana, who served in two leave replacement roles this year: Grade 6 Social Studies and Upper School Learning Resources.

* Melissa Hanford who served this year as a Grade 1 maternity leave replacement.

* Meghan Zuckerman who served this year as a Lower School Science Assistant.

Apprentice Departures

It was also time to say farewell to several members of our Apprentice Teacher Training and Associate Teacher Program. Many started their careers in education with us, and we were delighted with their progress, placements, and next steps. We thank them all for their impactful work and wish them well on their professional journeys.

* Kelly Cattano is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Special Education at Vanderbilt University.

* Sam Charwat is at Rogers Park Middle School (Danbury), teaching Grade 6 science.

* Kim Culver is at Waterside School, teaching Grade 5 Math and Social Studies.

* Raymond Diaz is participating in the Independent School Teaching Residency Program at Gilman School (Baltimore) as a middle school math fellow while earning a Master’s degree at the University of Pennsylvania.

* Camden Fort is at Fay School (Boston), teaching Grade 5 English.

* Alexa Leon is at Brunswick School, teaching Grade 6 & 7 Spanish, in addition to pursuing a Master’s Degree in Foreign Language Education at Manhattanville College.

* Katherine Medina is at Waterside School, teaching Grade 1.

* Madison Paradis is at Congressional School (Falls Church, VA), teaching Grade 4 ELA and Social Studies.

* Jaelyn Stultz has moved with her fiancé to Germany where she plans to teach English.

* Courtney Wandelt is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Equity and Justice in Education from Southern Connecticut State University.

* Avery York ’15 is at St. Anne’s Episcopal School (Denver), working as an Assistant Kindergarten Teacher.

Welcome to Our New Colleagues & Congratulations on New Roles!

Jeanne Cervini Administrative Assistant in the Upper School. Jeanne brings experience from her previous roles as a Health Office Assistant and Medical Records Specialist. She holds a B.S. in Marketing from Providence College.

Lexi Cimmino Director of Alumni Affairs & Advancement Events. Lexi was the Director of Events and Alumni Relations at King School for the past three years. Prior to that she was the Director of Campus Events and Visit Programs at the University of Bridgeport. Lexi holds a Master of Arts in Public Relations and a B.S. in Education from the University of Miami.

Sandy Dauk Beginners Assistant Teacher. Sandy came to us with over 25 years of early childhood teaching experience at area schools including the Adam J. Lewis Academy, First Congregational, Nursery School and King School. Previously she had served as the Director at the Barat Center for Early Childhood Education at the Convent of the Sacred Heart (Greenwich). She holds a B.S. in Sociology from St. Lawrence University and an M.P.S. in Elementary and Special Education from Manhattanville University. Sandy is married to John Dauk ’87.

Lily Infante MS/US Psychologist. In her most recent role at the International School of Brooklyn as a Middle School Counselor, Lily provided short-term counseling (crisis intervention, solution-focused, cognitive behavioral therapy, DBT-Informed) to Students in Grades 6–8. Earlier in her tenure there, she served as a High School Placement Director at ISB counseling over 200 students to placements in public, independent, parochial, and boarding schools throughout New York City and the surrounding area. She holds a B.S. in Human and Organizational Development with a Minor in Child Development from Vanderbilt University

and an M.A. & Ed.M., Counseling Psychology from Columbia University, Teachers College. Previously, she attended The Hotchkiss School.

Katherine Kaneko Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Katherine came to us from The Windward School, where for the past eleven years she played a pivotal role in fostering an inclusive environment. She also served as the team leader for the 8th and 9th grades and taught students from Grades 6 to 9. As a fellow with the NYSAIS Justice, Equity, Diversity Institute, Katherine conducted research focused on strategies to attract, support, and retain a diverse faculty. She holds a B.A. in History from Dartmouth College and a Master’s in Childhood Development from Manhattanville College.

Janine Tesbir Controller. In her most recent role as Director of Finance & Operations at the Housatonic Valley Waldorf School, she was responsible for the school’s accounting office function, including budgeting, preparation of financial statements, internal controls, the financial statement audit, and the non-for-profit tax return. A Certified Public Accountant, Janine’s responsibilities included insurance and risk management, human resources, including benefits and payroll; and bookkeeping, which included all bank reconciliations, accounts payable, and accounts receivable. Additionally, for the past two years, she acted as the Co-Director of the school, responsible for overall management of the school’s operations, implementing Board policies, and reporting to the Board of Trustees in all key areas. She holds a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Connecticut and is completing an M.S. in Accounting from the University of Southern New Hampshire University.

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Leanne Tormey will serve as the next Executive Director of Horizons at New Canaan Country School, effective December 2.

Leanne was previously Chief Administrative Officer at the Connecticut Institute for Communities, Inc., a non-profit focused on improving the lives of others through education, healthcare, community, and housing services. She has devoted most of her professional career to working with children and families, having successfully led public and charter schools for over 20 years, and having served in positions of nonprofit leadership for close to a decade. Career highlights include being a lifelong educator — a teacher, director of curriculum, principal, and Superintendent of Schools in Stonington, CT — before moving into the nonprofit space to implement programming, spearhead advocacy, and steward strategic systems thinking with the central mission of service to others. Leanne has first-hand experience with strategic planning, and has managed outstanding relationships with colleagues, board members, corporate leaders and event sponsors, and

Also taking on new responsibilities:

* Lindsey Brown is on a 1-year leave from her position as Grade 1 Lead Teacher.

* Holly Donaldson Casella ’04 is the Director of Advancement.

* Claire DeLaurentis is a Beginners 3/4 Lead Teacher.

* Kent Findlay ’80 is the Director of Marketing & Communications.

* Alison Marcell is the Director of Secondary School Counseling (no longer Co-Director).

* Lauren Romeo is the Assistant Head of Upper School (no longer Co-Director of Secondary School Counseling).

* Maya Rideout is a 1-year leave replacement Grade 1 Lead Teacher.

* Colin Thom is the Lower School Science Teacher.

has a track record of successful fundraising for all of the organizations she has worked with.

Leanne earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from The George Washington University, a Master of Science in Multicultural Education and a Master of Science in School District Administration from Iona University, and her EdD in Educational Leadership from the University of Connecticut.

Thank You to the Search Committee:

* Aaron Cooper, NCCS Head of School, Search Committee Co-Chair

* Leigh Kennedy, Horizons at NCCS Board Chair, Search Committee Co-Chair

* Jennifer Barnard, Horizons at NCCS Board of Governors Co-Chair, Past Board Chair

* Arlety Bowman, NCCS Board Trustee, Horizons Committee Chair

* Roberto Nieves, Horizons at NCCS Board Member, Senior Program Director, Alum

* Eve St. Surin, Horizons at NCCS Board Member, Alum

* Tiffany Van Elslander, Horizons at NCCS Board Member, Past Board Chair

We welcome

the following

to the Board of Trustees:

* Christopher L. Brigham ’78

* Ryan Marie Brooks

* Daniel J. DiBiasio ’92

* Taylor B. Gould ’06

* Jamel A. Keels

* Lacey B. Ramsey

* Sarah W. Vrabac

Welcome to the Apprentice Teacher Training Program:

* Julia Bassett

* Julianna Haensly

* Alexandra “Elle” Hurley

* Avery Kimball

* Courtney Lynn

* Lauren Menjivar

* Bella Nunn

* Isabella Singh

* Oliver Soglin

* Ben Sosnow ’15

Multi-generational members of the Knowles family

Class Notes

Please submit your news and updates to Director of Alumni Affairs Lexi Cimmino lcimmino@countryschool.net or on our website. You can also submit notes via mail using the enclosed return envelope. Share your own news, or tip us off to milestones, news and achievements of classmates, children or others in our community!

1953

1 Alpha Bette is Jennifer Robbins Manocherian’s first novel. She infused much of her personal and professional life experience into writing it, having been a family therapist, divorce mediator, Broadway and Off-Broadway producer, musical book writer, screenwriter and producer, and screenwriting teacher. She co-wrote and produced the films Family Blues and Boundary Waters (in production) and wrote the book of two musicals streaming online: Marry Harry, a full-length musical, and Cockroaches & Cologne, a short musical. She is a proud board member of New York Stage and Film, The Peace Studio, and 18 by Vote. On Apr. 27, Jennifer had a book signing for Alpha Bette at Elm Street Books. She is married with five children and many grandchildren — a great source of material!

Guy Robinson writes, “We (my wife Elizabeth Stribling and I) are going to three Olympic events at the end of July: equestrian (Versailles), l’epee (Grand Palais), and tennis (Roland-Garros). The opening day’s parade of competitors will be waterborne down the Seine directly under our windows on the Ile de la Cité! ... Amazingly enough, we were given a personal tour of the Georgia Historical Society in Savannah by its equally engaging, esteemed, and publicly recognized public history expert,

historian W. Todd Groce. We are very active and very, very lucky. Keep moving.”

1959

Liz Davidson Kidder writes, “I now live in Florida, having moved about 17 times. My husband passed away twelve years ago. He was a professor (ten years in Wichita, KS, which was a bit of a culture shock but actually

wonderful), turned journalist, and non-profit founder of the Institute for Global Ethics. Because I got married a week after graduation from Barnard College and then had our first of two daughters ten months later, I was not used to living alone. Finding my way in that regard has been thought-provoking, to say the least. We lived in many places and traveled globally because of Rush’s career, so I really feel like the world is my home, and I try to explore as many interesting places as I can. I only have two remaining states to get to know a bit — Alaska and, weirdly, Alabama! All in all, my life has been involved with nonprofits and church work. My heart purrs over the arts, so I tend to be a bit urban. That said, I am about to become a snowbird, returning part-time to a small place in Camden, ME, on my daughter’s property. One daughter lives close to me and is in law enforcement, working often with Federal Marshals. One daughter lives in Maine and is in overseas education for college students. Both have stepsons, so I am getting familiar with young boys having raised girls.”

Tom Wilcox writes, “After NCCS, I went to Choate and then the University of Vermont for a minute before enlisting and doing my active duty in the Navy. After the Navy, I transferred to New York University (Washington Square College of Arts and Sciences), from which I

1 Alpha Bette by Jennifer Robbins Manocherian ’53

graduated in 1970. I then had a 24-year career in commercial banking (Hartford National Bank/Connecticut National Bank/Shawmut National Bank — all the same bank with different names) working in Hartford and Boston with a commute from Essex. It was there that Annie (married in 1969) and I raised our two sons (now married and both living in Portland, OR). After banking, I became the Executive Director of the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath for eleven years, where we lived in Woolwich, right across the Kennebec River. On weekends and summer evenings, we explored the waterways of Mid-Coast Maine in our little outboard-powered lobster boat. My final work assignment was as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the New England Historic Genealogical Society in Boston, and Annie and I moved to Dedham, where I became a rail commuter for the first time in my working life. Upon retirement in 2013, we returned home to Essex, where we’ve now lived for the last eleven years. In that first year, I piloted our little Cape Dory 28 motorboat down the Intracoastal Waterway to southwestern Florida and brought it back the following spring. I’m active volunteering at the Connecticut River Museum (former board chair and still trustee and treasurer) and the Essex Yacht Club (race committee co-chair). All in all, a good life so far. Happily, for the last 65 years, I’ve remained friends and more or less in touch with Hugh Halsell, Steve O’Brien, and Tom Goodyear. I remember all of you with fondness, and I really did enjoy our 50th. I will miss you for this one and won’t even dare to predict when we might gather again as alums. But I wish you all well.”

1960

2 Lyn Bremer Chivvis shared that classmates Bob Kniffin and Rick Ackerly attended the annual get-together held this year at Peggy Hubby Heck’s house on Lake Doolittle in Norfolk. “Three of the four of us have been teachers involved in various schools for decades, and Rick Ackerly has also served as Head of multiple private schools across the country. His book, The Genius in Every Child, is a classic. I only taught for a short time, but it’s a tribute to the educators who taught us in the 1950s. (I’m still practicing massage therapy).”

1965 Redhawk Publications writes, “It is a pleasure to announce that New Canaan Country School Alumni & Cary, NC, poet Ralph Earle has published a new poetry collection, Everything You Love Is New. Poet Janis Harrington provides generous advance praise: ‘In poems

that dazzle with surprising metaphors, precise language, and close observations of nature, Earle relates his journey as son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and seeker of the Absolute.’”

1971

The Class of 1971 celebrated their 50th reunion over Alumni Weekend in May. In attendance were classmates Robin Reid, Ruthie Rohde Roos, Priscilla “Noogie” Schaefer Page, Ann Blumberg Graham, Bob Baldridge, David Fearey. Back row L to R: Stuart Knechtle, Linda Lowry, Sarah Finnie, Matt Horgan, Bill Berkeley, Robert Crary, Hanna McCrum Henderson, Holly Blatman Rothkopf, Peggy Isham, Jamie McDowell, Dan Stoddard, Julian Gregory. See page 64 for pictures from Reunion.

1974

The Class of 1974 celebrated their 50th reunion over Alumni Weekend in May. In attendance were Connan O’Brien Ashforth, Liz Barratt-Brown, Sandra McDowell Davis, Libby Pierpont Engstrom, Gina Federico, Kitty Ford-Daly, Laura Laughlin Johnson, Gigi Brush Priebe, Link Stevens. See page 64 for pictures from Reunion.

3 Norm Woolworth is a retired corporate executive, and The Lafitte Affair is his first novel. A graduate of Tulane University, Norm maintains an abiding fascination with the City of New Orleans, which he visits as frequently as he is able. He could imagine no other place to set his novel and its planned sequels. Like his protagonist, Bruneau Abellard, Norm appreciates nothing so much as a great meal, paired with a well-chosen wine, shared with close friends. Unlike Bruneau, Norm enjoys hiking, active vacations and exploring the natural world. A journalist before embarking on a three-decade career in Corporate America, Norm holds a M.A. in English Literature from the University of Virginia. He is the father of three grown children and resides in Charlottesville, VA with his wife Lori and their blue-blooded mongrel, NOLA.

1977

Andrea Kahn Fisher writes, “For the past 40 years, I have lived in New York City with my husband, where we raised our three kids. Our eldest daughter is starting a new job in

CALLING ALUMNI AUTHORS

We are restocking our bookshelves. If you have published a book, please send a copy to Director of Alumni Affairs Lexi Cimmino.

2 Lyn Bremer Chivvis ’60, Peggy Hubby Heck ’60, Bob Kniffin ’60, Rick Ackerly ’60

3 Norm Woolworth ’74

1. Class of 1971 50th Reunion Front row: Robin Reid, Ruthie Rohde Roos, Priscilla “Noogie” Schaefer, Ann Blumberg Graham, Bob Baldridge, David Fearey. Back row: Stuart Knechtle, Linda Lowry, Sarah Finnie, Matt Horgan, Bill Berkeley, Robert Crary, Hanna McCrum Henderson, Holly Blatman Rothkopf, Peggy Isham, Jamie McDowell, Dan Stoddard, Julian Gregory.

2. Members of the Class of 1984 enjoy their 40th reunion dinner

3. Class of 1984 Ken Freelund, David Kotz, Sean Owolo, Chris Perry, Erin O’Neill Argueta

4. Members of the Class of 1974 reminisce during the 50th reunion dinner

5. Class of 1974 50th reunion: Sandra McDowell Davis, Liz Barratt-Brown, Libby Pierpont Engstrom, Kitty Ford-Daly, Link Stevens, Laura Laughlin Johnson, Gigi Brush Priebe, Gina Federico, Connan O’Brien Ashforth

6. Classes gather for the reunion celebration

7. Kristin Bergfeld ’59 and Karen Strasser Holzman ’59

8. Liz Barratt-Brown and Connan O’Brien Ashforth ’74

9. Class of 1984 Front Row L to R: Amy Benusis, Astrid Kleinbeck Peters , Erin O’Neill Argueta, David Kotz, Chris Nolan, Chris Kahler Middle Row L to R: Kelly Patterson Calhoun, Laura Fricke Main, Marty Epps, Lynne Davis Adeyemi, Keiley Gaston Fuller, Julie Fiske Hogan, Dierdre Shula Back Row L to R: Greg Castell, Jordy Handley, Chris Perry, John van der Keift, Steve Woolworth, Sean Owolo, Anne Weidlich, Ken Freelund

admissions at MIT and getting married next year. Our son is at Google in New York City, and our youngest daughter will be a senior at Tufts. I left the practice of law in 2014 and went into legal recruiting. In 2020, I formed my own company, AKF Legal Search, and I love having my own business! Any lawyers out there, feel free to contact me. I am looking forward to the 50th reunion in a few years and seeing some former classmates!”

1980

Tory Falconer Crane reports that she is now working in the Lower School at Greens Farms Academy. Leigh Guyer shared that Sallie Bryan stopped by his place in Portland for dinner before returning home to the Bay Area. Andra Bowman Ehrenkranz joined the Brookings Institution’s Council on Universal Education in January. Samiha Khayatt is living in Houston, where she has spent over 20 years working as a business analyst, project manager, and technical writer. Classmates and friends were saddened by the death of Chris “Klam Daddy” Kellams on June 7, following complications related to Multiple Sclerosis. See In Memoriam page 80.

Bill Shutkin shared that he lives in Boulder, CO, with his partner Jenna Buffaloe and her daughter Serafina. He is the principal of Shutkin Sustainable Living, an urban development practice that, since 2017, has

helped build over 600 units of mixed-income, mixed-use, infill multi-family housing aimed at addressing our affordable housing and climate challenges. Bill is also Interim Faculty Director and Teaching Professor in the Masters of the Environment Program (MENV) at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he leads the Urban Resilience and Sustainability specialization. Lisa Pike Sheehy ’83 was MENV’s commencement speaker in 2022 at Bill’s invitation. He is Co-Host of The Sustainable City podcast and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Climate Resilience and Climate Justice with MIT Press. His daughter Olivia, 26, lives in California, and his son Shepard, 22, is in Maine. Bill’s father, Dr. Peter Shutkin, a three-time NCCS parent and former Horizons board member, is 89 and active in Westport, where he volunteers at the local bookstore. He retired from the New Canaan Medical Group in 2015 after almost 50 years in practice.

1984

The Class of 1984 celebrated their 40th Reunion over Alumni Weekend in May! In attendance were classmates Lynne Davis Adeyemi, Tishie Anderson, Erin O’Neill Argueta, Amy Benusis, Kelly Patterson Calhoun, Greg Castell, Marty Epps, Ken Freelund, Keiley Gaston Fuller, Jordy Handley, Julie Fiske Hogan, Chris Kahler, David Kotz, Laura Fricke Main, Chris Nolan, Sean Owolo, Chris Perry,

Astrid Kleinbeck Peters, John van der Kieft, Anne Weidlich, and Steve Woolworth. See page 64 for pictures from Reunion.

1989

Devon Chivvis, Executive Producer and Writer at World Life Productions (WLP), is a visual storyteller who steers the creative direction of WLP’s narrative and non-fiction projects. She is an award-winning filmmaker who crafts the look and feel of every production and leads the team both in the field and in the studio. Her curiosity about different cultures and the natural world influences her artistry no matter where a production may take her. Devon is a Fellow and Board Member of The Explorers Club, where she collaborates with some of the most accomplished explorers around the world and mentors those who are up and coming. Devon received her M.F.A. in Film and Television Production from the University of Southern California Graduate School of Cinematic Arts and her B.A. in International Relations and Languages from Johns Hopkins University. Devon’s narrative short film, Dance With Me, has received international acclaim and distribution, winning the prestigious CINE Golden Eagle Award. In 2010, she was named a “top ten up-and-coming director” by the Los Angeles County Museum of Arts.

1995

4 Jason Mleczko, his wife, and two children have relocated to the area. He is teaching science at Greens Farms Academy, and we enjoy seeing him back on the ice at the Winter Club.

1996

5 Lauren Oakes and her family are thrilled to announce the arrival of their baby girl, Arden Hawley Craven, born on Jan. 25, 2024. In addition to the exciting news of their family’s latest

addition, Lauren’s second book, Treekeepers: The Race for a Forested Future, was released last November. Congratulations, Lauren!

1998

Matthew Heineman’s latest documentary, American Symphony, offers a deeply personal look at the life of musician Jon Batiste as he composes a symphony during his wife Suleika Jaouad’s battle with cancer. The film has garnered significant recognition, being shortlisted for three Oscar categories, including Best Documentary Feature. It also received a nomination for Best Documentary by the Producers Guild of America. In 2023, Matthew was honored with the Hamptons Doc Fest Pennebaker Career Achievement Award, underscoring his continued excellence in documentary filmmaking.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Sarah Young Kilcullen for her service as Alumni Council President from 2021 to 2024. Sarah’s impact will be felt for years to come, and we’re thrilled she will remain on our Board of Trustees for an additional three-year term ending in 2027. Sarah’s three children, Charlie ’28, Lily ’30, and Teddy ’32, attend NCCS. Sarah hands the reins to Taylor Gould ’06. Thank you, Sarah! For more on Taylor, see the Class of 2006.

1999

6 Mary Birnbaum directed RIGOLETTO at The Chicago Lyric Opera in September, 2024, and is the current General and Artistic Director of Opera Saratoga. If any NCCS alums are in the Saratoga Springs/Lake George area between May 20–June 29, 2024, please join her for a performance! More details at www.operasaratoga.org.

2000

7 Luke and Lauren Cotter Marker welcomed their third son, Ford Cotter Marker, on Apr. 23, 2024.

6

7 Ford Cotter Marker, son of Lauren Cotter Marker ’00

RIGOLETTO at The Chicago Lyric Opera in September, 2024, directed by Mary Birnbaum ’99

4 Jason Mleczko ’95 and children at the Winter Club

5 (right) Lauren Oakes ’96 with her two children Arden and Calder (left) Treekeepers: The Race for a Forested Future by Lauren Oakes ’96

Alumni Award Winner

Nicholas Britell ’96 Honored for His Musical Genius in Film and Television

The New Canaan Country School Alumni Award is presented each year to honor an alumna or alumnus who has had the courage and confidence to make a positive contribution to the world. This year, that distinction goes to Nicholas Britell ’96, a composer whose innovative scores have shaped some of the most critically acclaimed films and television shows of the past decade.

Following his time at Country School, Nicholas attended Hopkins School and went on to further his education at The Juilliard School’s Pre-College Division, where he studied piano and composition. He graduated with honors and Phi Beta Kappa from Harvard University, where he also explored his passion for blending classical music with modern genres like hip-hop.

Nicholas has gained international recognition for his scores in films such as Moonlight (2016), If Beale Street Could Talk (2018), and Don’t Look Up (2021). He earned Academy

2001

8 Darren and Kimmy Lewis Gluck welcomed their second child, Gabrielle Paige Gluck, on Jan. 16, 2024.

Emily Mendez-Penate Sturgess is an interior designer located on Chicago’s North Shore. Emily is currently working on projects across the U.S., including in New York, California, and Florida. Her work has been featured in Veranda, Architectural Digest, and Sheridan Road magazine, and she is an Ad Pro 2024 Featured Designer

9 Cricket Whitton Hammerschlag was named CEO of Spanx in Feb. 2024. SPANX, LLC, is a globally renowned lifestyle brand and leader in shapewear. Cricket most recently served as SPANX’s President and Chief Growth Officer, leading all revenue and growth efforts globally, and has been the driving force behind the brand’s significant digital transformation since joining the company in 2017. Prior to Spanx, she drove digital growth at retail brands including Wayfair and Design Within Reach. Following Country School, Cricket attended Deerfield and Yale.

Award nominations for all three, and his work on the HBO series Succession won him an Emmy Award in 2019 for Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music. His ability to combine emotion and complexity in his compositions has established him as one of the most sought-after composers in Hollywood today.

In addition to his film work, Nicholas’s music career extends into production and songwriting, collaborating with a diverse range of artists and projects. His multifaceted approach to composing reflects his deep understanding of musical theory and his passion for storytelling through sound.

Nicholas lives in New York City with his wife, the cellist Caitlin Sullivan.

The Alumni Award recognizes Nicholas’s artistic achievements and his powerful contribution to the world of film and television music, continuing to inspire audiences worldwide.

8 Gabrielle Paige Gluck, daughter of Kimmy Lewis Gluck ’01

9 Cricket Whitton Hammerschlag ’01 named CEO of SPANX

NCCS

GETTING MARRIED?

Let the Alumni Office know so we can send you an NCCS banner for photography! Contact Director of Alumni Affairs Lexi Cimmino at lcimmino@countryschool.net (203) 801-5633

2003

Hayley and Steve Bloom welcomed a daughter, Fern, who joins her older brother, Albie. Steve continues his work as Owner/ Director of Camp Playland in New Canaan, a popular day camp that serves 750 children from Pre-K through Grade 8 each summer.

10 Allison Williams was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role for her work in Fellow Travelers. News media outlets reported that she stole the spotlight that evening in a daring black gown and featured her as one of the highlights of the event.

2004

11 John and Morgan O’Neil Shaddock welcomed a son, Hayes Pierce, on Apr. 1, 2024.

2006

We are excited to announce that Taylor Gould will serve as our next Alumni Council President and, as a result, join Country School’s Board

of Trustees. Taylor has served as the Vice President of the Alumni Council for the last three years. He is General Manager at The Trade Desk, which he joined following his graduation from Connecticut College. He and his wife, Amy, got married last summer and recently moved to Connecticut. Taylor has three siblings who also attended NCCS: Alex Gould ’07, Charlotte Gould ’10 and Cameron Gould ’13. Please help us in welcoming Taylor to this new role!

2010

12 13 Charlotte Maguire was married to Andrew Nelms on March 9, 2024 in Chittenden, VT surrounded by family and friends.

10 Allison Williams ’03 at the 2024 Golden Globes

11 Hayes Pierce Shaddock, son of Morgan O’Neil Shaddock ’04

12 Charlotte Maguire ’10

13 From left to right, David Maguire ’09 with fiancée Jacinda King, Kesal Patel with wife Caitlin Maguire Patel ’04, Thomas Maguire, Charlotte Maguire ’10, Diana Maguire, Julia Maguire Henderson ’05 with husband Lucas Henderson and daughters Sylvie and Violet, James Maguire ’12.

14 Members of the Classes of 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 living in or near NYC joined us for a 10th reunion get-together.

2011–2014

14 The Classes of 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 gathered in New York City in April to celebrate their 10th reunions. In attendance were Ferris Armstrong ’12, Cecilia Arntzen ’13, David Ball ’14, Henry Carr ’12, Olivia Consoli ’12, Thomas Dale ’14, Henry Elkind ’14, Peter Elkind ’11, Elizabeth Foster ’12, Will Ford ’12, Jason Gold ’14, Cameron Gould ’13, Elizabeth Growney ’12, Claire Hall-Tipping ’13, Will Landis ’12, Jack Lane ’12, Juju Lane ’14, John Leasure ’12, Luke Leasure ’14, Brooke Lowe ’13, James Maguire ’12, Blair Marine ’14, Crosbie Marine ’12, Henry Marshall ’12, Maggie McManus ’14, Alison Norton ’14, Caroline Rintoul ’14, Nick Rohn ’12, Jamie Schlim ’12, Henry Seth ’13, Phoebe Slaughter ’14, Daniel Tepler ’14, Isabel Tibbetts ’12, Lily von Stade ’14, Will Wappler ’14 and C.J. York ’12.

2013

Virginia Mahoney is currently serving as the Assistant Director of Health and Wellness at Boston College’s Center for Student Wellness. She completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) with a concentration in Clinical Social Work focusing on Children, Youth, and Families at Boston College School of Social Work in 2021.

15 Emma Zachary successfully completed the NCCS Apprentice Teacher Training Program and, in 2023, took on the role of second-grade teacher at the Rippowam Cisqua School.

2015

Michael Grise served as Team Captain for the Lehigh University Men’s Hockey team, amassing over 100 career points and leading the team to the 2024 ECHA (Eastern Collegiate Hockey Association) Championship.

Scout O’Donnell, diagnosed with hydrocephalus in 2018, is dedicated to ensuring patients receive holistic treatment for related mental health issues. Scout credits her ability to speak publicly to her experience at New Canaan Country School.

Ben Sosnow joined Country School’s Apprentice Teacher Training Program for the 2024–2025 academic year.

16 Avery York has completed her two-year tenure in the NCCS Apprentice Teacher Training Program and is now serving as a Kindergarten Assistant Teacher at St. Anne’s Episcopal School in Denver.

15 Emma Zachary ’13

16 Avery York ’15

Alumni Spotlight

From Tragedy to Triumph: Class of 2015 Ali Truwit’s Remarkable Journey to the USA Paralympics Team

Ali Truwit, a passionate swimmer since childhood, always felt a profound connection with the water while growing up in Darien. Following her graduation from Country School, she attended St. Luke’s and then became a standout athlete on Yale’s Division I swim team. However, in May 2023, during a celebratory trip to Turks and Caicos with her friend and former teammate Sophie Pilkinton, Ali experienced a terrifying shark attack while snorkeling. The incident left her with severe injuries, including the loss of her foot and part of her leg. Despite the traumatic experience, Ali’s swimming instincts and training helped her and Sophie make it back to the safety of their boat. Sophie’s quick application of a tourniquet saved Ali’s life, and she was airlifted to a Miami hospital after a challenging five-hour wait for the medevac.

Following two life-saving operations and a transfer to New York, doctors amputated Ali’s leg below the knee to ensure better mobility with a prosthetic. This surgery took place on her 23rd birthday, marking a poignant turning point in her life.

Determined not to let the attack define her, Ali faced her fears head-on. She knew she had to return to the water, despite the emotional and psychological hurdles. The sound of water initially triggered flashbacks, but her love for swimming prevailed. Inspired by Paralympic athletes, Ali began to see a new path for herself in para swimming. With support from Jessica Long and many other Paralympians, Ali began training as a para swimmer. The transition was challenging; she had to relearn techniques and adapt to her new physical reality. The process was painful and emotional, but Ali’s determination never wavered. Focusing on her abilities rather than her limitations, Ali embraced the para swimming community and

found strength in their support. Her story of resilience and perseverance quickly became an inspiration to many.

Just three months after the attack, Ali competed in her first para swimming meet at the Fred Lamback Georgia ParaSwimming Open. Her remarkable progress continued, and in December, she participated in the U.S. Para swimming nationals, where she earned a silver medal. Ali set her sights on making the USA Paralympics Team, knowing the journey would be demanding. The trials, scheduled for a little over a year after the attack, represented a significant milestone. Ali’s dream was not only to compete but also to raise awareness and support for the Paralympic program, giving back to the community that had helped her through her recovery.

In addition to her athletic achievements, Ali founded Strongerthanyouthink.org this past May. The foundation has been a critical part of her healing journey, allowing her to support and raise awareness for three causes close to her heart: water safety, para sports, and funding for prosthetics for those in need.

Ali’s unwavering spirit and dedication paid off. In June, she secured a spot on the USA Paralympics Team, turning a devastating shark attack into a story of triumph and hope. She qualified in three events, earning two silver medals for Team USA and breaking two American records in the 400-meter freestyle and the 100-meter backstroke — achieving times competitive with those that led to her recruitment at Yale.

Family members present to cheer her on through her journey of recovery and triumphant victories included parents Jody and Mitch Truwit ’84 and siblings Jack ’16 and Teddy ’18.

ARE YOU GETTING OUR EMAILS?

If not, please send your preferred email address to Director of Alumni Affairs Lexi Cimmino at lcimmino@ countryschool.net (203) 801-5633

After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in economics, Grant Wang launched a successful career as a professional poker player, competing in major tournaments such as the “World Poker Tour” and the “World Series of Poker.”

2016

17 Will Byrne had an impressive academic and athletic career in men’s lacrosse, earning numerous accolades while attending Bowdoin College. In 2024, he was named the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) Men’s Lacrosse Player of the Year, following his 1st Team All-NESCAC selection in 2023, and his recognition as Rookie of the Year and 2nd Team All-NESCAC in 2022. Over his career, Will has been a prolific scorer, amassing 276 career points, which includes 154 goals and 122 assists. His outstanding performance in 2024 led the NESCAC in points (92) and assists (51), and he also scored 41 goals. Additionally, Will has been honored as the USILA Division III Attackman of the Year, a USILA 1st Team All-American, and an IMLCA 1st Team All-American. He has also set a Bowdoin single-season record for points and assists. Will’s academic achievements include being named a USILA Scholar All-American. Will is currently attending the University of Michigan’s graduate school and has committed to play for their DI lacrosse team in the spring.

Christina Halloran graduated from Williams College, where she served as captain of the varsity ice hockey team and was awarded the Kate Hogan Award for her contributions to the Department of Physical Education, Athletics, and Recreation. She was also recognized as an All-American Scholar Athlete by the American Hockey Coaches Association. Additionally, Christina received the Class of 1925 Scholar Athlete Award and was named to the IWLCA Division III Academic Honor Roll for maintaining a high GPA while participating in varsity lacrosse.

2017

18 Finley Bean graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Finance, Investment & Banking and is currently working as a Sales and Trading Analyst at Cowen Inc.

19 Griffin Dewey graduated from the University of Virginia where she studied Aerospace Engineering and was a key contributor to the varsity squash team. She is currently participating in the Rotational Engineering Leadership Development Program at Raytheon.

20 Brynn McClymont graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in biopsychology, cognition, and neuroscience–pre-medical studies. During her time at Michigan, she was recognized as a James B. Angell Scholar and received the William J. Branstrom Freshman Prize, awarded to freshmen who rank in the top five percent of their class.

21 Jeffrey Pendo played a lead role as “Death” in the Pomona College Department of Theater’s production of Everybody, which ran from Feb. 29 to Mar. 3. Jeffrey, a senior at Pomona, showcased his talent in this modern adaptation of a 15th-century morality play, earning praise for his compelling performance. The play, directed by Fran de Leon, featured a unique lottery system where actors drew their roles live on stage, adding an element of unpredictability to each performance. Jeffrey’s portrayal of Death, described as God’s glamorous yet burdened assistant, stood out for its depth and engaging presence on stage.

17 Lloyd, Alex ’18, Lynne and Will ’16 Byrne

19 Griffin Dewey ’17

20 Brynn McClymont ’17

21 Jeffrey Pendo ’17 in leading role (“Death”) in Everybody

18 Bella ’14, Finley ’17 and Anna Bean ’15

22 William Staniar graduated from Georgetown University.

23 Catherine Ziac graduated from the University of Vermont on May 19, surrounded by family, many of whom have connections to NCCS, either as alumni or faculty — or both.

2018

Williams College announced that Lily Codd was named to the IWLCA Division III Academic Honor Roll and played a crucial role in helping the Williams College Ephs secure their 20th NESCAC Women’s Swimming & Diving Championship by contributing to their success in both individual events and relays. Lily achieved a personal best in the 200 freestyle with a time of 1:54.91, winning the 200 backstroke in 2:07.05, and in the 200 IM with a time of 2:09.39. Lily also set a NESCAC meet record in the 1000 freestyle with a time of 9:58.69, marking the first sub-10-minute performance in the event’s history at the championship. She was named the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) Women’s Swimming and Diving Performer of the Week on Jan. 24.

24 James Kontulis was a key player on the Princeton University varsity squash team, contributing to their victory in the 2024 Ivy League Championship. As a History major, James also gained professional experience over the summer through an internship at Braemont Capital in New York City.

25 Jeffrey Ricciardelli was a key member of the University of Notre Dame’s 2024 NCAA DI men’s lacrosse team, contributing to their second consecutive national title by defeating Maryland 15–5. As a studentathlete at Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business, Jeffrey also gained professional experience this past summer as a Summer Analyst for CBRE on the Investment Banking team in New York City.

Teddy Truwit, a student-athlete at Duke University, has been a key contributor to the success of the men’s tennis team. Looking ahead, he has accepted an offer to work at Goldman Sachs as a 2025 Investment Banking Summer Analyst within their TMT group.

2019

Peter Miller, a sports journalism student at Indiana University-Bloomington, was honored with the prestigious 2024 Pi Lambda Educational Foundation Scholarship. This award recognizes students for their outstanding academic achievements, community involvement, and dedication to fraternity engagement. Peter received this accolade in recognition of his exceptional contributions to both the university and the broader community.

22 William Staniar ’17

23 Donna Ives, Emily, Josh ’86, Catherine ’17, Christopher ’15, Nancy and John Ziac.

24 James Kontulis ’18 2024 Ivy squash champion

25 Jeffrey ’18 and Thomas Ricciardelli ’19 2024 NCAA lacrosse champions

Thomas Ricciardelli, a student-athlete at the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business, was a member of Notre Dame’s 2024 NCAA DI men’s lacrosse team that secured their second consecutive national title by defeating Maryland with an impressive score of 15–5. Thomas has accepted an offer to join Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. as a 2025 Summer Analyst for the Investment Banking team in New York City.

Anna Sheridan, a student at the University of Miami’s College of Engineering, majoring in Innovation, Technology, and Design, was named one of two Admission Tour Captains and has been actively involved in campus life. Anna is a member of the President’s 100, a selective group of student ambassadors, and Delta Phi Epsilon. Anna has accepted an offer to join UBS in Global Banking as a Summer Analyst in 2025.

2020

26 Jackson Alpaugh graduated from the Westminster School, where he was named to the Western NE All-League Team (lacrosse) and received the All-Founders Award (best exemplifies the League ideals of sportsmanship, hard work, and character in the spirit of competition and fair play at the varsity level). He currently attends Gettysburg College.

As a member of the University of Virginia’s lacrosse team, Will Erdmann was honored with All-ACC Academic honors (GPA of 3.0 or higher while participating in a varsity-level sport throughout the 2024 academic year) and was named to the U.S. U20 training roster.

Thatcher Findlay won the 2023–2024 President’s Challenge at Clarkson University’s Reh School of Business, an annual design thinking competition that drew over 650 participants. His innovative prototype earned him a cash prize and first pick in the 2024–2025 housing lottery. Additionally, Thatcher received high academic honors and had his business pitch selected for full funding during the school’s annual Shark Tank simulation.

27 Swarthmore College announced that Ava Gizzie was named the Centennial Conference Rookie of the Year following an impressive first season with the women’s soccer team. Ava started in all 18 games for the Garnet, scoring in six straight matches and totaling 25 points on 10 goals and five assists, ranking second in the conference for both goals and points. Ava was named to the United Soccer Coaches All-Region First Team, the All-Centennial First Team, and was recognized

Upcoming Events

May 16–17, 2025 Highlights include Alumni Award, Alumni Art Show, , Milestone Reunion Dinners, & Frogtown Fair

TELL US WHAT WE’VE MISSED!

Information was gathered through a variety of sources, including from secondary schools, media outlets and responses to alumni surveys. Please reach out to Director of Alumni Affairs Lexi Cimmino at lcimmino@countryschool.net or (203) 801-5633 to share additional news.

26 Jackson Alpaugh ’20

27 Ava Gizzie ’20

(List as of June 24, 2024)

College Destinations

CLASS OF 2021

Brooke Anfindsen.............................................................. Miami University

John Bajaj The Loomis Chaffee School ’25

Ben Balsley Greenwich Country Day School ’25

Porter Barnett Unknown

Ben Bilden...........................................Greenwich Country Day School ’25

Will Boggess St. George’s School ’25

Decatur Boland Unknown

Tess Boosin Tulane University

Belle Brawn ................................................................ University of Virginia

Elizabeth Briggs Unknown

Walker Bright Holderness School ’25

Beckett Burley Franklin and Marshall College

Miller Burr .................................................................... Berkshire School ’25

Ben Byrne New Hampton School ’25

Conrado Calderini Berkshire School ’25

Frances Chandor .......................................................College of Charleston

Katey Charnin Connecticut College

Mackie Coffield Emory University

Maya Coniglio Providence College

Julia Cooper ........................................................ The Hotchkiss School ’25

Tanvi DebNath Kent School ’25

Kate Edwards St. Luke’s School ’25

Campbell Essex King School ’25

Andrew Ferretti ..................................................... University of Richmond

Maria Flores Rye Country Day School ’25

Luke Frame Wake Forest University

Elsa Franks University of California Berkeley

Bailey Gendason .............................................................US Naval Academy

Isobel Goldberg Miss Porter’s School ’25

Lorny Goodyear Westminster School ’25

Holdt Gore University of Virginia

Fiona Gosk ............................................................. Miss Porter’s School ’25

Griffin Green Brunswick School ’25

Sloane Griffiths University of Virginia

Hunter Griggs Kent School ’25

Jamie Grubb ................................................................ St. Mark’s School ’25

Elizabeth Hackett Colgate University

Alina Harned Kent School ’25

Ella Harvey Trinity College

Madelynn Hasbrouck ...................................... University of New England

Trip Hurley Westminster School ’25

Audrey Ives University of Virginia

Oliver Jellinek New York University

William Jennings ............................................................................ Unknown

Cece Johnson The Loomis Chaffee School ’25

Riley Johnson University of Tampa

Sam Jones ...................................................................... Gettysburg College

Wilder Judelson Trinity Prep ’25

Lila Juneja University of Saint Andrews

Elliott Lancaster University of Texas

Will Mackey.................................................................... University of Miami

Anna Majewski Pomfret School ’25

Paige McLeod .................................................................................. Unknown

Peter Metcalf Unknown

Alice Nash Syracuse University

Henry Naylor Westminster School ’25

Annie Nichols ..................................................Queen’s University, Canada

Annabelle Novak College of the Holy Cross

Cyrus Pearson Boston College

Maisy Ricciardelli Boston College

Casey Richbourg ............................................................. Furman University

Antonio Romeo College of the Holy Cross

Jack Rosenberg Berklee College of Music

Charlie Ruvinsky Berkshire School ’25

Ella Sanders ....................................................... Texas Christian University

Ethan Schubert Bryant University

Julia Sliwinska Unknown

Ned Smith ...................................................................... Bucknell University

Sophia Sotirhos Deerfield Academy ’25

Jeren Staber Dickinson College

Malcolm Stewart Colgate University

Harper Teles ...................................................................The Taft School ’25

Kathryn Thompson Tulane University

Lola Triay Dickinson College

Robert Walker Bucknell University

Jane Walsh .............................................................. Georgetown University

Wave Walters Hopkins School ’25

Henry Warner Westminster School ’25

Bradley Werneburg Bucknell University

Ethan Yoo ............................................................................ Amherst College

Rheda Young Universidad Europea (Dentistry)

CLASS OF 2020

Jackson Alpaugh Gettysburg College

Orchid Coffin Elon University

Carsen Critchell Lynn University

Matthew Edwards ............................................................ Tulane University

Jasper Engle Loyola Marymount University

Charlie Gaynor Villanova University

Calvin Jacob Loyola Marymount University

Christian Jacob ...........................................Loyola Marymount University

Beau Johnson

TJ Moody

University of Richmond

University of Michigan

Darla Moody University of Michigan

Huett Nelson ........................................................................ Babson College

Ashley Rodgers Occidental College

Tyler Rosolen

University of Rhode Island

Mac Ryan Middlebury College

Cece Salvatore ....................................................... University of Richmond

Luke Sosnow

University of Connecticut

Alexander Sotirhos Georgetown University

Cassie Warren...........................................Southern Methodist University

Rett Zeigler...................................................................... Colgate University

as the Centennial Conference Offensive Player of the Week on Sept. 26, 2023. Her former coach at Choate, where she played high school soccer, remarked on her incredible work ethic and predicted even more accolades in her future. “I am beyond proud of what Ava has accomplished with her first year in college. Ava was one of the hardestworking student-athletes I have had in my 14 years at Choate, and I know there are more accolades to come for her.”

St. Luke’s School shared that Huett Nelson was recognized with a Certificat d’Honneur in the National French Contest and was elected to the Honor Council for the 2021–2022 academic year. He currently attends Babson University.

Mimi Sue Novak was recognized for her academic and athletic achievements at Bucknell University, where she is majoring in marketing innovation at the Freeman School of Management. As a member of the university’s Division I women’s lacrosse team, Mimi Sue was named a 2023–2024 Patriot League StudentAthlete and was named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll (grade point average of 3.2 or higher during the semester their league championship is held). Additionally, she made the Bucknell Dean’s List, which requires a GPA of 3.50 or better.

Luke Sosnow graduated from Millbrook School, where he was named the Most Valuable Player for the boys’ varsity tennis team and earned All-NEPSAC (New England Preparatory School Athletic Council) honors. Luke currently attends the University of Connecticut.

MUSIC OF COUNTRY SCHOOL

Be sure to check out our NCCS Spotify playlist for new music being released by members of our alumni and school community. To have your music added, please contact Director of Alumni Affairs Lexi Cimmino at lcimmino@countryschool.net.

28 Alex Sotirhos graduated from the Deerfield School, where he was the captain of the lacrosse team. He currently attends Georgetown University.

29 The Hotchkiss School News shares that Rett Zeigler graduated with a distinguished record of athletic and leadership achievements including The Centennial Award (enthusiasm, vitality, and unselfish generosity), The George A. Goss Jr. Football Award (spirit, effort, and attitude), The C. Nelson Corey II Lacrosse Award (enthusiasm, determination, and respect of teammates and coaches), and The James T. Bryan ’11 Athletic Award (greatest contribution to the school’s athletic program). He also served as captain of the football team. Rett currently attends Colgate University.

2021

Currently a senior at Greenwich Country Day School, Ben Bilden committed to furthering his academic and athletic career at Dartmouth College as a member of the Class of 2029. A high honors student and soccer player, Ben plays striker for Beachside 2006 MLS Next in Connecticut.

30 Mackie Coffield graduated from Greenwich Academy, where she served as the President of the Dance Corp. She currently attends Emory University.

31 Elsa Franks graduated from Choate Rosemary Hall, where she served as a dorm prefect, student president of the chamber choir, and a member of the a cappella group. She was also a varsity athlete in both dance and field hockey. Elsa served as a peer science tutor and was actively involved in musical productions, often taking lead roles. She was recognized as a Presidential Scholar Candidate and a National Merit Scholar Finalist. Additionally, Elsa was inducted into the Cum Laude Society. Elsa is currently attending the University of California, Berkeley.

28 Alex Sotirhos ’20

29 Grey ’14, Rett ’20 and Bo Zeigler ’17 celebrate at Rett’s Hotchkiss graduation

30 Mackie Coffield ’21

31 Elsa Franks ’21

CALLING ALUMNI ARTISTS

To be included in an upcoming Alumni Art Show, please contact Director of Alumni Affairs

Lexi Cimmino at lcimmino@ countryschool.net.

Bailey Gendason ’21

32 Bailey Gendason was given an appointment to the US Naval Academy and started in June, 2024. He made the sprint football team, which is a D1 Varsity sport.

Miss Porter’s School reported that Fiona Gosk, a current senior, earned the Fall 2023 Miss Porter’s Athlete Award (field hockey) and academic honors last year. She plans to attend Colby College in the fall.

33 Oliver Jellinek graduated from the Millbrook School, where he played Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare. Previously, he played Gomez Addams in The Addams Family Musical, Karen Smith in Mean Girls: The Musical, and Skye Rymand in Mamma Mia! Oliver currently attends New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.

34 Elliot Lancaster was named First Team All-FCIAC (Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference) for his exceptional performance on the lacrosse field and received

individual recognition for his contributions to the Darien High School team’s success, helping lead them to significant victories during his tenure. His achievements have been highlighted in various local sports news outlets, emphasizing his skills and dedication to the sport. Elliot currently attends the University of Texas.

35 Will Mackey graduated from Greenwich Country Day School where he played on varsity hockey and football teams and was the recipient of the 2023 Football Tiger Pride Award (student athlete who gives their heart and soul to the team, is willing to learn, overcomes adversity and displays growth).

32

33 Oliver Jellinek ’21 as Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream

34 Elliot Lancaster ’21

35 Will Mackey ’21

Cyrus Pearson ’21 at St. Luke’s graduation with Huett Nelson ’20

Young Alumni Reunions

We love it when our youngest alumni return to campus to catch up with friends and former faculty.

36 At a gathering over Memorial Day Weekend 2024, former Kindergarten Teacher Twee Haffner, Annie Nichols, Cyrus Pearson and Leila Pearson ’18 reconnected. Also at the gathering were parents of alumni, Shiva Sarram and Susanna Nichols

37 Maisy Ricciardelli graduated from The Taft School, where she served as the captain of the varsity field hockey team, leading them to an undefeated season and a NEPSAC Class A Championship victory in 2023. Her performance on the field earned her the title of NEPSAC Player of the Year and a spot on the All-NEPSAC team. Additionally, Maisy was also a key player on the varsity lacrosse team and was recognized as a distinguished student, academically. She currently attends Boston College.

Jack Rosenberg, known professionally as Jack Bailey World, signed with his first recording label. His father, Day Rosenberg, reports that, “This represents many years of hard work writing, producing, and composing. We couldn’t be more proud to share this major milestone with the school.” Recent singles include More Than Friends and Ay Papi Jack graduated from Greenwich Country Day School and currently attends the Berklee College of Music.

Ned Smith graduated from New Canaan High School, where he was a member of the National Honors Society, an Academic All-American from USA for Water Polo, and Varsity Captain of the Water Polo team. Ned currently attends Bucknell University.

38 Jeren Staber graduated from The Masters School, where he was elected class president and played varsity baseball, track and soccer. He is currently studying political science at Dickinson College.

The Taft School reports that Jane Walsh was inducted into the Cum Laude Society and played on the squash team that won Division III of the National Championships during the 2022–2023 season. She also competed in the New England Tournament and the U.S. National Championships. Jane currently attends Georgetown University.

Ethan Yoo graduated from the Brunswick School, where he was inducted into the Cum Laude Society, named a Commended Student in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program, and received the school’s 2024 French Award. He currently attends Amherst College.

2022

Vy Cullen was named the Most Valuable Player for the 2024 tennis season by Greens Farms Academy.

At Greenwich Academy, Caroline DiBiasio ran for All-School VP/President of the Honor Board and won. Congratulations, Caroline!

2023

Julia Coniglio is a staff writer for St. Luke’s School’s student newspaper, The Sentinel. This past summer, she worked at She La La in New Canaan, at New Canaan Mounted Troop as a camp counselor, and volunteered at a weeklong camp for Ukrainian refugees at St. Luke’s. In addition, she volunteered at the Horizons Adult Swim, providing childcare in the evenings.

2024

Mabel Cullen, a student at Greens Farms Academy, was honored with a 2024 Scholastic Writing Award for her piece titled The Mind and the Heart: A Dialogue.

Sydni Francis was recognized as the Most Improved Player of 2024 by the Greens Farms Academy softball team.

Aubry Grant was awarded the Aracy Belcher Prize at Hopkins School, an honor given to a ninth grader who demonstrates a strong passion for the complexities and challenges of biology.

Liany Otero, a student at The Hotchkiss School, was honored with the Coaches Award in basketball for her significant contributions throughout the season.

36 Leila Pearson ’18, Annie Nichols ’21, Twee Haffner and Cyrus Pearson ’21 at a gathering over Memorial Day Weekend 2024.

38 Jeren Staber ’21

37 Jennifer, Maisy ’21 and Michael Ricciardelli at Taft Graduation Weekend 2024.

In Memoriam

We offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the following members of our extended school community. You may submit a notice on the website or contact the Alumni Office at alumni@countryschool.net directly.

Alumni

Talia Young Robinson ’46

Natalia “Talia” Young Robinson of Lookout Mountain, GA, died on Jan. 2, 2024, at the age of 92. She was born Sept. 14, 1931, in The Hague, Netherlands, to George and Dorothy Young. At the age of 6, Talia and her family moved to New Canaan. Following Country School, she attended Miss Hall’s School and graduated from Smith College in 1954 with a degree in Sociology. Talia married E. Montgomery “Monk” Robinson in 1955 and settled on Lookout Mountain. She is survived by her four children, ten grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Fairyland School or a local hospice in her honor.

Dorcas Eason MacClintock ’47

Dorcas MacClintock of Hamden died at home on Aug. 3, 2023, at the age of 91. She was the daughter of Helen K. and James T. Eason of Wilton. Dorcas was a naturalist, writer, and sculptor, known for her book “A Natural History of Giraffes,” and her bronze sculptures exhibited throughout the country. Following Country School, she attended Smith College, graduating in 1954, and earned a Master of Arts in Zoology from the University of Wyoming in 1957. Dorcas was a curatorial affiliate with Yale’s Peabody Museum of Natural History and a signature member of the Society of Animal Artists.

Walter Crump III ’48

Walter Gray Crump III of Belvedere, CA, and Shandaken, NY, passed away on Jan. 7, 2024. Walter was born in New York City to Dr. Walter G. Crump Jr. and Claire Conroy Crump. Following Country School, he attended the Harvey School, Canterbury School, and Middlebury College, graduating in 1955. Walter served in the US Army and was a passionate sailor and successful businessman. He is survived by his daughter Sarah Collins, son Walter IV, and three grandchildren, Claire Collins ’15, Owen Collins ’18 and Freya Collins ’15. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

James Hammons ’49

Dr. James Hammons, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry, passed away on Aug. 29, 2023, at the age of 89. James grew up in Darien and attended Country School and Phillips Andover Academy. He earned a B.A. in chemistry and music from Amherst College in 1956 and completed an M.A. and Ph.D. in chemistry at Johns Hopkins University. He joined Swarthmore College’s faculty in 1964 and had a distinguished career in physical organic chemistry. James is predeceased by his wife, Lis, and is survived by his children, Laura and Jamie Hammons.

Robert Shields Jr ’53

Robert McCormick Shields Jr. of Manhattan, NY, passed away peacefully on Feb. 22, 2024, in Palm Beach, FL. Born in 1938 in Darien, he attended Country School and Choate Rosemary Hall. Robert graduated from Dartmouth College in 1960 with a degree in geology and completed a PhD in Geochemistry at MIT. He established Piedmont Mining Company, one of the first successful gold mining companies on the East Coast. Robert is predeceased by his wife, Margaret, and is survived by his daughters, Jennifer and Ginger, and two grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

Sally Storm Lockee ’55

Sarah “Sally” Storm Lockee passed away peacefully on Nov. 9, 2023, at the age of 83. Born in New York City in 1940, Sarah graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. She was an entrepreneur, opening a fresh pasta shop in Chestnut Hill, PA, and a devoted family woman. Sarah and her husband, Garett E. Lockee, established a museum in Grand Junction, TN, dedicated to bird dogs. Sarah is survived by her children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren. Donations can be made in her memory to the First Baptist Church Grand Junction or local hospice or animal shelter.

William Benjamin Barker ’62

June 2, 1947–June 3, 2023

William Benjamin “Ben” Barker, PhD, age 76, passed away on Saturday, June 3, 2023, in San Antonio, Texas. He was born on June 2, 1947, in Stamford, Connecticut, to Robert Rankin Barker and Elizabeth VanDyke Shelly Barker.

A distinguished scholar and innovator, Ben graduated cum laude from Harvard College in 1969 before earning his Master of Arts in 1974 and Doctor of Philosophy in 1975, also from Harvard. A recipient of the Bausch & Lomb Science Award and a National Merit Scholar in 1965, he was also recognized as a Harvard National Scholar that same year.

Ben was a pioneer in computer science and telecommunications. As a senior computer scientist at Bolt, Beranek & Newman Inc. (BBN) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, he played a pivotal role in the development of ARPANET, the predecessor to the modern Internet, and in 1969 sent the first long-distance message over the network. Rising through the ranks, he was appointed Senior Vice President of BBN, where his inventions dramatically sped the switching networks which now form the backbone of the Internet. Before leaving BBN to sail with his family for a year, he oversaw the provision of Internet access to 23 of the 50 states.

He also held patents for error-checking schemes and computer multiprocessor technologies.

Beyond his professional achievements, Ben was deeply committed to education and philanthropy. He served as Director of the JMR Barker Foundation in New York City from 1975 onward and was a member of Harvard University’s Visiting Committee for the Office of Information Technology (1985–1991). An avid sailor and amateur pilot, he loved to travel and explore the world.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Laura Barrera Barker; his children, William S. Barker, Margaret S.B. Moore, Juan Carlos Barrera Barker, and Rogelio Barrera Barker; and his grandchildren, William Michael Barker, Charles Robert Barker, and Orion Iris Moore. He is also survived by his siblings, James Barker ’58, Ann S. Barker ’60, and Margaret Barker Clark ’66.

Ben’s legacy as a visionary in technology and his devotion to his family will be remembered by all who knew him. His contributions have left a lasting impact on the world of computing and beyond.

Gregory Richards ’62

Gregory Prestwich Richards of Ridgefield passed away peacefully on Dec. 27, 2023, at the age of 76. Greg grew up in Darien and graduated cum laude in economics from Harvard University. He had a pioneering career in the financial industry, working with Intel, Texas Instruments, and other leading technology companies. Greg is survived by his sister-in-law, nieces, and grandniece. Greg’s legacy of passion, curiosity, and genuine connection is etched in the hearts of those who knew him.

Christopher Kellams ’80

Christopher Evan Kellams passed away on June 8 of complications from a nearly 30-year battle with multiple sclerosis. He was 59. He spent the last ten years of his life in a care center in Littleton, Co.

Following Country School, Chris attended The Salisbury School, where he excelled in football, lacrosse, basketball and wrestling. He attended Lewis and Clark College in Portland, OR, for two years, where he played center on the football team and earned state-wide recognition as a defenseman in club lacrosse. Some years later he received a BA degree from Colorado State University.

In 2002, he married his longtime partner, Lana Cook, with whom he had two children, a daughter, Ashley, and a son, Evan. Already limited by MS, Chris was a stay-at- home dad, raising his two children from infancy. The couple divorced in 2014, the year Chris entered the Life Care Center in Littleton.

Chris faced his years of disability with great courage, grace and good humor. Close friends said they never heard him complain about having MS. Although confined to a motorized wheelchair, Chris was an active presence in his children’s lives, attending their sporting events, taking them to concerts, games, and meals.

Our Condolences

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Barbara Johansen, beloved mother, and nationally recognized oncology social worker, on September 29.

Barbara was the devoted mother of Paul Johansen ’80, in whose memory the Johansen Award is named. The award is presented annually to a ninth-grade student who exemplifies the character attributes central to New Canaan Country School: kindness, patience, community, resilience, empathy and joy. Paul passed away while an eighth grader at the school, and his legacy lives on through this special recognition.

Barbara was an active member of the New Canaan community and various organizations. Following Paul’s passing, Barbara founded C.O.P.E. (Change of Pace Experiences), a 501(c)(3) organization providing programs for parents of children with cancer. This initiative later merged with Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, where Barbara’s parents’ program continues to serve families.

A woman of deep faith and gentle spirit, Barbara is remembered for her compassion, strength, and love for her family and community. She is survived by her daughter, Kathleen Johansen-Stagg.

They traveled in the “KlamVan,” a specially outfitted vehicle that accommodated his wheelchair and was driven by a companion. (Klams was a nickname given Chris during his NCCS years.) The van was acquired through a fund-raising project to which many of his NCCS classmates contributed. In addition to his children, Chris is survived by his sister Kathleen, his father, Daniel Kellams, and his step-mother, Elaine Kellams, of Sun City, Ariz.

Daniel Varian Jones II ’88

Daniel “Danny” Varian Jones II passed away on Jan. 28, following a courageous battle with ALS. A devoted husband, father, brother, and friend, Danny was known for his love ofthe outdoors, athletics, and deep connections with family and community.

Following his time at New Canaan Country School, Danny attended Loomis Chaffee and Lafayette College. An accomplished athlete, he cherished his time playing hockey and lacrosse, experiences that shaped his character and formed lifelong friendships. Later in life, Danny became a dedicated coach, mentoring youth hockey and lacrosse players in Woodstock, VT, where he instilled values of grit, respect, and teamwork.

Danny’s greatest joy came from his family, and he is survived by his wife, Ann Afragola Jones, and their children, Isabel Grace, Daniel Varian III (Trey), and Charles Madison. He is also survived

by his parents, Daniel and Susan Jones, and his sisters, Katie Cavanagh and Maggie Jones.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Woodstock Youth Hockey or the Woodstock Lacrosse Booster Club.

Aren Craft ’15

Aren Charles Craft, born on Jan. 2, 2000, in Norwalk, passed away on Feb. 8, 2024. Aren attended Country School and Pomfret, where he was vice president of his graduating class. He graduated from Bentley University with a degree in Marketing and a minor in psychology. Aren was a beloved son, brother, grandson, and friend, known for his bright smile and outgoing personality. He is survived by his parents, Autier and Jerry Craft, his brother Jaylen ’13, his grandparents, and many friends. The school is working with several of Aren’s classmates to honor him here on campus, please stay tuned for more information.

Faculty & Staff

Loretta Gilson

Loretta M. Gilson passed away on Feb. 18, 2024, with her family by her side. Born in the Bronx, New York, Loretta married the love of her life, the late John R. (Bob) Gilson, in 1953, and together they raised five children. Loretta earned her Master’s degree in Education and was a beloved Lower School Teacher from 1983 to 1997 and faculty representative to the NCCS Board from 1996 to 1997.

Following her retirement from teaching, Loretta and Bob moved to North Carolina, where they enjoyed extensive world travel, played various sports, shared a passion for learning, volunteered in the local community, and maintained an active social life with friends. Loretta will be remembered for her love of family, steadfast faith, positive attitude, and the life of gratitude she led.

She will be lovingly remembered by her five children and their spouses/partners, 13 grandchildren and their spouses/partners, 15 great-grandchildren, and many extended family members and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to your favorite charity in Loretta’s memory.

Kiki Sweigart

Jean Marie “Kiki” Sweigart, 73, of Sullivan Island, SC, passed away on August 27, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Kiki graduated from Regina High School in 1969, the University of Cincinnati in 1973, and Teachers College Columbia University in 1990. She was a devoted wife, mother, athlete, coach, and teacher. Kiki was an accomplished marathon runner, competing in numerous races worldwide. She was particularly proud to have worn the USA jersey in the 1981 Tokyo

Albert L. Perry III

Albert L. Perry III died peacefully in his home on Oct. 31 at the age of 82. Born in New York, NY, to Albert L. Perry and Virginia E. Gregory, he was raised in Wilton, where he attended local schools. Albert is survived by his brother Gregory of Weston, his sister Ginger of Boulder, CO, and his cousin Julian Gregory of Aspen, CO, as well as four nieces and grandnieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Stephen, who died in combat in VietNam in May 1969.

Albert graduated from the Hotchkiss School and Princeton University, where he majored in English and was a member of Cap and Gown Club. More recently, he authored Johnny Poe at Princeton, a novel about a football legend at the end of the 19th century. For over 20 years, he taught Upper School English and history. Al found his greatest satisfaction in educating young people, many of whom carry lifelong memories of his classes. He was guided in his teaching by Maya Angelou, who said, “People may not remember everything that you did, or all that you said, but people will always remember how you made them feel.”

Al continued his love of baseball throughout his life, maintaining an encyclopedic recall of trivia about the game along with a collection of memorabilia. Tennis and paddle tennis were his go-to sports. After his retirement in 2003, Al traveled the world and continued this fascination until his illness stopped his wandering. He also volunteered as a driver for Staying Put in New Canaan, on the Princeton Alumni Schools Committee, and as a member of the School for Ethical Education.

Al was able to contribute to various charities, including the Stephen Tucker Perry Fund at Westminster School, the Summer Theater of New Canaan, and the Horizons Program. The charity most dear to his heart is the Albert Perry Scholarship Fund at New Canaan Country School. If you are so inclined, please consider making a donation to this fund. Al will be missed by family, friends, and former students.

International Women’s Open Marathon, where she placed 3rd. That same year, she won the women’s division of the Charleston Bridge Run. In the early 1980s, Kiki was ranked among the top 10 marathon runners in the world and top 5 in the USA. Her love for dogs was well-known, and she was seldom without one by her side.

Kiki dedicated 50 years of her life to teaching year-round, always eager to learn and apply new skills and techniques for the benefit of her students, classes, and programs. During her tenure at New Canaan Country School (1975–1994), Kiki was a beloved Lower School lead teacher and coach and faculty representative to the NCCS Board.

A passionate advocate for the Horizons Program, Kiki was actively involved in various capacities beginning in the summer of 1974 at NCCS. She later founded Horizons programs at schools in Washington, DC, and Charleston, SC, where she also served as director.

Kiki is survived by her husband, Ray Sweigart, and her son, Christopher Sweigart (Rebecca).

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.mcalister-smith.com/obituaries/jean-sweigart.

Reinhold Wappler

Reinhold Danforth Wappler of New Canaan passed away peacefully on Mar. 12, 2024, in Darien, surrounded by his family.

Born in New York City, Reinhold graduated from St. Marks Academy in 1949 and studied engineering at Harvard University and later Columbia University, graduating in 1954. After serving briefly in the Army, he began his career at his family’s medical instrument manufacturing company, American Cystoscope Makers Incorporated (ACMI), at their factory in Pelham and later Stamford. During Reinhold’s tenure as president, ACMI made significant advances in the development of endoscopic instruments.

After the successful sale of ACMI to American Hospital Supply in 1980, Reinhold began his second career as Middle School Math Teacher from 1982 until 2006. An early adopter of using computers in education, Reinhold set up a pioneering lab at Country School where students could explore mathematics using the newest technology of the day. His teaching style was inventive, forward-thinking, and experimental, yet still anchored to classic foundations. He urged generations of students to go beyond rote processing and think conceptually about math, as well as to internalize that risk-taking is what begets learning and success. Reinhold loved to incorporate real-world examples in his class, filling his classroom with gadgets and contraptions meant to unlock the secrets of mathematics. He imparted his students with a deep curiosity and reverence for the machinations of our world, a curiosity that spread to all who knew him, especially his children and grandchildren.

Reinhold spent nearly every summer of his life in Maine, a place he loved deeply. He played and taught his favorite

card game, cribbage, to countless friends and family over the decades. Reinhold’s calm manner, thoughtful expression, lightheartedness, and genuine delight in comedy were treasured by all who knew him.

He is survived by his eldest son, Peter, from his first marriage to Audrey Sheldon, with whom he also had Sheldon, and his two daughters, Sarah ’86 and Amy ’89, from his marriage to Jane Wappler. He is also survived by his daughters-in-law, Barbara Chadwick and Karen Wappler, and his six grandchildren, Sam ’07, Ivy’ 11, Will ’14, Ella, Rory, and Hazel. Reinhold is predeceased by his wife, Jane Wappler (née Howard), and his son, Sheldon Wappler.

Ellicott “Tot” Wright

Beloved former teacher and Head of Lower School, Tot Wright passed away peacefully at his home in Jamestown, RI, on Nov. 5, at the age of 96, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. His warmth, humor, and passion for education left an indelible mark on students, colleagues, and all who knew him.

Tot grew up in Glenside, PA. He attended Princeton University, where he earned a degree in music, followed by Harvard University, where he received a Master’s in Education. Tot’s teaching career began at The Green Acres School in Maryland before he joined Country School in 1954, where he taught in the lower school until departing for a year-long Fulbright Exchange teaching position in England in 1964. Tot returned to Country School with his wife, Julie and their children, and resumed his teaching career at NCCS, initially rejoining the second grade and eventually becoming Head of Lower School, where he introduced the innovative concept of open and multi-age classrooms. Not long after, Tot and Julie separated amicably.

From 1974 to 1978, Tot continued his educational journey at the Gordon School in East Providence, RI, as Assistant Head of the Lower School and Associate Head of School. In 1983, Tot married Mary Schachtel, an accomplished educator in her own right. Soon after, he held positions at The Bancroft School as Head of Lower School in Worcester, MA, as well as at St. Michael’s School in Newport, RI, and The Pennfield School in Portsmouth, RI.

Tot is survived by his wife, Mary; first wife, Julie Wright MacNary; his daughter, Missy (Wright) Engelhard ’70; and his son, Tim Wright ’71. He is predeceased by his oldest son, Dr. Peter H. Wright.

In addition to his time at New Canaan Country School, Tot had a lifelong love for music, sailing, and teaching. His family remembers his sharp wit and unwavering kindness. A celebration of Tot’s life will be announced at a later date.

Ms. Frizzle Would Be Proud

(The following was submitted by her children, Dan ’71, Debbie ’73, Amy ’74, and Jimmy ’78)

Alice Ballin, NCCS Science Teacher 1972–1991

Ms. Frizzle, the protagonist in the Magic School Bus books, often said, “Take chances, make mistakes, and get messy!” Alice Ballin wholeheartedly endorsed that philosophy in her teaching.

Alice started at NCCS as a volunteer. The greenhouse in the middle school building at that time was empty, but to Alice, it looked like an opportunity. In short order, Alice took the initiative to ensure the greenhouse was full of plants, science activities, and children. Soon after, NCCS hired her as a lower-school science teacher in 1972.

Like Ms. Frizzle, Alice Ballin was not an ordinary science teacher. Her classroom was noisy, chaotic, and, yes, messy. Alice strongly believed in making science education fun and interactive. Her students learned by doing, making discoveries through their explorations. At recess time, students flocked to her classroom — where all were welcome — to create, explore, and learn through experimentation at stations set up throughout her classroom. Inside the classroom as well as outdoors in the woods, students were consistently engaged in active learning. In the woods, they observed nature and got dirty while exploring the trails behind the school.

As children of a science teacher, we often experienced our mother’s commitment to her job as annoying, somewhat smelly, and all-consuming. On weekends in the winter, we were enlisted to help empty all the maple syrup tap buckets on the trees along the school entrance road. As our mother drove up the road with the back door open, we would dump the full buckets into a larger waste barrel in the back of the car. We would drop the full load off at the sugar house next to the school to have the supply ready for processing Monday morning when the students came back. In the spring, our weekends involved going to the Stamford Museum to fill the car with bags of manure for the school garden. On occasion, we found (and smelled!) cow heads, goat legs, and other animal parts boiling in a pot in our kitchen, all for her students to explore in her classroom. In the fall, we drove with her to New Jersey to get monarch caterpillar eggs. Once the caterpillars started to grow, Alice would frequently stop on the side of the road wherever we were going to pick milkweed for them to munch on. We also had to care for the monarchs on the weekends. We traveled to the school and filled every

caterpillar cage (one per student) with the milkweed. Whenever we traveled, we were on the lookout for fossils.

For Amy, who also became a science teacher, our mother served as a mentor. They talked almost every day about new ideas and how to constantly challenge and engage students. She would always say, “Let them have fun.” One summer, Amy worked at Horizons Summer Program, and Amy’s students worked in the garden Alice’s students had started. In the fall, Alice’s students took it over again. The students wrote letters back and forth to each other. She gave her teaching supplies to Amy, including all the erasers with carefully hand-carved tracks that she used for track stories when she retired.

Alice earned her master’s in teaching from Bank Street College, one of the more progressive teacher education programs. She mostly learned on her own how to teach science by being a voracious reader of science books. At night, after a day of teaching, she would read the works of the greatest science minds, including Isaac Asimov, E.O. Wilson, Carl Sagan, Stephen Hawking, Stephen Jay Gould, and Richard Dawkins.

She said she knew it was time to retire when she could no longer keep her balance walking on the logs in the woods with her students. She did not have a Magic School Bus to take her students throughout the world, but Alice dedicated her career to making science fun and engaging for countless students during her long tenure at NCCS. She retired in 1991.

Alice passed away in 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She is predeceased by husband, Bert.

A LOOK BACK Reflecting on Roots While Cultivating Growth

Recently, I visited a small vegetable garden planted by Beginners before they departed in June. Observing this simple but meaningful activity reminded me of the deep roots of gardening and farming embedded in the history of the intersection of Frogtown and Ponus.

From the earliest Native Americans who inhabited this place to our own school community, the practices of planting seeds, cultivating growth, and harvesting rewards have been everpresent in this corner of the world. Over the years, farming and gardening thrived here, with the early settlers from Europe, the Davenport and Thurton families, and the Cottage Girls of Grace House in the Fields. The histories of all these cultures of growth are alive today in our own mission and values.

The priceless Thurton collection of Native American artifacts tells stories of the tribes that made their home here, sowing and reaping on these very fields, and hunting and gathering along Ponus Ridge as they traveled seasonally between these lush hills and Long Island Sound. In fact, that wonderful collection, studied annually by fourth-grade students, was found by a farmer who plowed these lands in the early 1900s, renting field space from Grace Church. Samuel Thurton’s prized dahlias, tomatoes, and other vegetables were driven in the family truck each week to the markets in Springdale. His original farm tools, gifted to the school by his daughter, Emma, are still in working condition and provide a wonderful experiential way for students to connect the discovery of the Native American artifacts to the occupation of farming on Ponus Ridge.

The Davenports, descendants of the earliest Stamford settlers, farmed for a living. They owned most of our seventy-five acres and built the ice house, still standing next to the Thacher

By Mark Macrides, NCCS Archivist

Building, and the large red barn, removed in 2018. Evidence of these structures inspires a history walk with Kindergarteners to learn about life before modern refrigeration and how ice was transported from Hardon Pond to the little red ice house to keep the crops fresh. Fifth graders studying New England stone walls discover the foundation of a silo in the grass between the pool and the Thacher playground, where they learn about the New Canaan farming culture and how animal feed was stored. Further along on their tour, they discuss glaciers, frost heave, and the hardship the now nostalgic and sentimental stones in our coveted walls presented for the settlers from Europe, as they struggled to ready their fields for spring planting.

Indeed, our campus is blessed with acres of relatively untouched natural and manmade relics, alive with memories of cultures long gone but far from forgotten. As we christened a renovated Wellness Garden within the foundation walls of the Sweet Briar Cottage, home to the Cottage Girls who tended the Grace House vegetable gardens on the very spot our ninth graders now cross the stage at Closing Exercises, we are reminded of the power of growth. Growth, in the physical sense, is called to mind by the many hands-on opportunities to study and learn from other cultures and communities that lived here. This concept of growth becomes a metaphor, as well, for the planting of ideas, the cultivating of minds, and the harvesting of futures that we are all committed to, each and every day, as the current tenants of this fertile place.

Pictured: (left) Cottage Girls tended the Grace House vegetable gardens circa 1906. (right) Beginners students harvest vegetables from their classroom’s garden.

A Community of Support

We create an active, joyful learning environment where children are challenged to think deeply, question confidently and act generously so that they may lead lives of impact and purpose.

Every family has something to give.

Parent participation offers myriad opportunities for connection and provides valuable support to school programs while modeling for our children the school’s ideals of lifelong learning and giving back. There is truly a role for everyone in this warm and vibrant community where each contribution is valued and appreciated.

What Do Annual Fund Dollars Support?

Annual Fund gifts help to make the NCCS experience possible for our students by supporting our dedicated teachers, our engaging curriculum, tuition assistance, educational technology and equipment, arts and athletics at all grade levels, sustainability initiatives and facility maintenance.

Thank you for making Country School a philanthropic priority and helping ensure that NCCS’s future remains bright.

to make a gift today! www.countryschool.net/give

Service Requested

ADDRESS CHANGES

Please help us reduce our mailing costs and our carbon footprint by sending address changes to communications@countryschool.net.