Meet Our New Faculty and Staff

Kimberly Balicki Mental Health Counselor

Jennifer Bamann Director of Marketing

Lisa Caywood Administrative Assistant to the College Office

Victoria Chatfield Middle School English

Ashley Dell Administrative Assistant to the Middle School

Emma Eddy Middle School English

Austin Farber Director of Advancement

Evan Gallagher Director of Advancement Services

Nicoletta Grundtisch Middle School Learning Support Specialist

Ira Hancock

Upper School Learning Support Specialist

Kelly Jorgensen

Director of College Counseling

Noel Lampazzi Middle School Science

Ramón Nicosia Upper School History & Assistant Dean of Students

Joshua Tanner Upper School Spanish

Peter Wickman Dean of Enrollment Management

facebook.com/NicholsSchool

Spring Spirit Day success! What a way to end the first week back from Spring Break, and kick-off to all the end-of-the-year celebrations.

@NicholsSchool: Giving back to the Buffalo community is a year-round commitment at Nichols. This morning a group of students (including pictured Elise Glahe ’23) volunteered and helped prepare meals at St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy.

@NicholsSchool: Thank you to the Nichols community for supporting our first ever Middle School Street Hockey Tournament! From faculty help organizing the event, to the parent volunteers, and the clean-up team at the end of the event, it was a prime example of Nichols HEART.

Follow us:

@NicholsSchool – Follow us to stay in touch

@NicholsVikings – Sports scores and more

Livestream Nichols Athletics – www.nicholsschool.org/athletics/ athletics-livestreams

All Alumni are encouraged to follow the Nichols School Alumni Network on LinkedIn.

@NicholsSchool: Seniors Paul Walier ’22, Malachi Nuchereno ’22, Connor Coscia ’22, and Makhi Horton ’22 recreated this photo from their first day at Nichols four years ago. #firstday #lastday #makingmemories

Inspiring Upstanders

Nichols Chosen as an Anne Frank Center Pilot Program

In the Fall of 2021, Nichols School welcomed to Western New York, the Anne Frank Center for

Mutual Respect at the University of South Carolina. They were on campus to perform a dramatic

presentation drawn entirely from the text of Anne Frank’s “The Diary of a Young Girl” (1947)

and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” (1963). After the performance

of “Letters from Anne and Martin,” students, faculty, and staff engaged in a question-and-answer

session with the actors.

Buffalo native Parish Bradley portrayed Dr. King, and Olivia Konteatis played the role of Anne Frank in this performance workshop for Nichols Middle School and Upper School students. Students, faculty, and staff engaged in a question-and-answer session with the actors after the performance.

Amara Foots ’25 leads a group of families and students through the exhibits this past winter as part of the pilot program with the Anne Frank Center.

“Letters from Anne and Martin” balances the real-life experiences of both legendary figures with their hopes and plans for a peaceful and unified world. Both born in 1929, Frank and King lived on different continents, suffered fates in different decades, yet experienced life in the same shadow of hatred and prejudice. The performance shows how injustices still exist and provides constructive ideas on how to confront intolerance and discrimination today.

To continue the work that started in the fall, Nichols became one of four schools in the area selected to take part in a pilot program led by the Anne Frank Center. A group of Nichols students were trained as peer guides to present a traveling exhibition called “Let Me Be Myself,” which documents the life and times of Anne Frank. After their training, the student guides led tours of the exhibit on campus to students, faculty and staff members. They also gave a presentation of the exhibit at Kleinhans Music Hall.

The exhibit documents the life and times of Anne Frank and addresses current issues of identity, exclusion and discrimination. Peer guides presented about the importance of being an “upstander” and celebrating the experiences that make us unique and valued in our community.

“Proudly, the Nichols community is growing more diverse. Our families represent myriad beliefs, backgrounds, cultures and identities,” said Dr. Ramone Alexander, Director of Inclusivity and Community Building at Nichols School. “Nichols was honored to be chosen to participate in the ‘Let Me Be Myself’ program. This is another way we can tie cultures together and show our students that while two experiences can seem on the surface very different, there are ties that bind them together,” he added. n

Celebrating the Class of 2022

On June 3, members of the Class of 2022 walked in a processional to the Quad in front of Albright Hall. Dressed in the Nichols green robes and laurel wreaths, they joined family, friends, faculty, staff, and members of the Board of Trustees for the 130th Commencement Ceremony of Nichols School.

Head of School Chris Burner commended the 117 graduates, a class who spent half of their Upper School years contending with the pandemic, for their grit, grace, and accomplishments during their years at 1250 Amherst Street.

“At this moment, it is also a time to look forward. You will depart Nichols prepared to continue your growth and education, and I must emphasize that this does not represent an end to your learning,” said Burner. “In fact, if we have truly succeeded in your education, we have created the skills, curiosity, and drive for continued learning. Learning does not occur just at Nichols School or whatever college you will attend but instead involves a life-long commitment to constant learning and growth.”

Senior Lucas Suero, who was selected as class speaker said, “As our time as Nichols students is coming to an end, I want to leave you all with one last thought. Time is an unstoppable force that you can either embrace or waste. Life is truly a journey, not a destination, and I ask you all, Class of 2022, to no longer tell yourself ‘tomorrow,’ or ‘next week,’ or even ‘next year,’ but to use your time to embrace self-reliance and to “trust thyself” to pursue what is currently unimaginable.”

Congratulations to the members of the Class of 2022, a class known for their accomplishments in the classroom, on the field, on the stage, and for their sense of community and camaraderie.

2022 Upper School Major Awards

Senior Awards (VI Form)

Castiglia Family Award for Community Service

Salvatore Deni ’22 The Castiglia Family Award for Community Service was established in memory of Joseph “Jerry” Castiglia for his life dedicated to charity and community service both locally and nationally. This award will be granted each year to a graduating senior male student who has devoted significant time and energy to community service and charitable organizations.

Edmund Petrie Cottle, Jr. Award

Gretchen Gwitt ’22 Awarded to that member of the graduating class whose scholarship, achievement, leadership and influence based on character has been of greatest value to the school.

Faculty Prize

Yamato Takabe ’22 Awarded to that member of the graduating class who has contributed most to the school in activities other than athletics.

Head of School Award

Emily Allen ’22, Lyla Allen ’22, Austin Bares ’22, Benjamin CorderoLivingston ’22, Mirann Gacioch ’22, Laliya Kashindi ’22, Jasmine Jewett McPherson ’22, Faith Walh ’22 Presented to the student or students who have made outstanding contributions to the school and its life during the year.

Joseph L. Hudson, Jr. ’49 Award

Elizabeth Simmons ’22 Awarded to a senior who embodies citizenship and virtue throughout his or her years at Nichols School, and emerged as an exemplary individual who has contributed to the Nichols community through his or her willingness to live with honor and without pretense or judgment. It is hoped that this award will not be given to a student who will also receive several other awards.

McCarthy Prize

Elaina Combs ’22, Gabriel Maddox ’22 Awarded to a student who has shown outstanding growth during his or her career at Nichols.

Bonnie Lerner Posmantur Award

Emmy Franz ’22 The Bonnie Lerner Posmantur Award recognizes, through community service, a sincere commitment to helping others as exemplified by the efforts of Bonnie in her short life. Although not necessarily an annual award, this recognition is made to honor worthy young women and encourage other students at Nichols to actively engage in community service.

Williams Cup

Gabriela Gallen-Kallela-Siren ’22 According to the inscription on the cup, is presented to the student with highest scholastic standing in the graduating class who has won a varsity letter at Nichols and exemplified the spirit of Nichols athletics.

Junior Awards (V Form)

Dudley M. Irwin, III ’45 Award

Rick Walker ’23 Presented to an outstanding member of the junior class who displays excellence in scholarship and high character, combined with achievement in other fields.

G. Robert Strauss, Jr. ’79 Memorial Scholarship Award

Lauren Geyer ’23 The G. Robert Strauss, Jr. ’79 Memorial Scholarship Award. Bob Strauss was a member of the graduating class of 1979. To honor his memory, this award is given to a rising senior who espouses the qualities most noteworthy in Bob – commitment to community service, academic growth and athletic participation.

Harvard Prize Book

Catherine West ’23 Presented to an outstanding member of the junior class who displays excellence in scholarship and high character, combined with achievement in other fields.

Nottingham Award

Leyla Akil ’23, Elise Glahe ’23 Presented to a junior girl who, by virtue of character and leadership, has assumed prominence in her class.

Williams College Book Award

Owen Block ’23, Long-Hao Li ’23 Presented to a junior who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and intellectual leadership, and has made a significant contribution to the extracurricular life of the school.

Sophomore Awards (IV Form)

Moscov Family Award

Sianna Le ’24 The Moscov Family Award was established by former Sophomore Dean Steve Moscov. The award is presented to sophomore students who have shown significant personal growth in one or a combination of the areas of character, leadership, athletics, and academics.

Yale Award

Eleanor Bare ’24 Presented to that member of the sophomore class who, by scholarship performance, by participation in school activities, and by character, has assumed a position of prominence in the class.

Freshman Award (III Form)

Christopher Wadsworth Award

Evelyn Walcott ’25 Presented to that member of the freshman class who, by scholastic performance, by participation in school activities and by character, has assumed a position of prominence in the class.

Class of 2022 Cum Laude Society

Emily Allen ’22 Lyla Allen ’22 Zaineb Ahmed ’22 Leif Anthony ’22 Luke Blandino ’22 John Callahan ’22 Colton Christian ’22 Grace Coppola ’22 Salvatore Deni ’22 Patrick Duggan ’22 Tommy Enstice ’22 Gabriela Gallen-Siren ’22 Charlotte Greene ’22 Gretchen Gwitt ’22 Carlie Porter ’22 Rohit Rachala ’22 Benjamin Robare ’22 Rose Saperston ’22 Ellie Simmons ’22 Lucas Suero ’22 Yamato Takabe ’22 Ayanna Varma ’22 Faith Walh ’22 Sierra Warren ’22

1 2

4

6 7

1. Class speaker

Lucas Suero ’22. 2. Jasmine McPherson ’22 with her grandfather Dean

Jewett P’92, ’99. 3. Head of School, Chris

Burner and Chair, Board of Trustees, Kate Roach ’83 present diploma to

James Coburn ’22. 4. Yihan Luo ’22 5. Gabriela Gallen-

Kallela-Siren ’22 and her family celebrate at

Commencement. 6. From left to right

Alicia Green ’22,

Laliya Kashindi ’22 and

Tremiya Giddens ’22. 7. Grace Coppola ’22. 8. A record number six sets of twins graduated in the

Class of 2022. From left to right: Addison & Lawton

Zacher; Ava & Alexa Plata;

Lyla & Emily Allen; Laura & Emmy Franz; Andrew & Alexandra Fors, and

Madeline & Margaret Bace. 9. Families and friends of the Class of 2022 enjoy

Commencement in the

Quad.

2022 Middle School Awards

The Bruce Anderson Award

Andrew Bennett ’26 This award is given by his eighth grade classmates of 1973 in memory of Bruce Anderson. It is awarded to an eighth grade boy who not only displays athletic excellence and a fine sense of sportsmanship but also contributes to the general welfare of his classmates through strength of character and leadership.

The Cornelia L. Dopkins Award

Von Dudek ’26, Matthew Mammen ’27, Rebekah Combs ’27, Rainer Aubrecht ’28, Dylan Suchak ’29 Named in honor of an extraordinary teacher, scholar, and Head of the Nichols Middle School on two different occasions, this award is given to fifth-eighth grade students who have been nominated by their peers because they have demonstrated a genuine concern for others and for Nichols School. The recipient is a person who sees what needs to be done and does it with enthusiasm and without expectation of reward, a quality Mrs. Dopkins displayed throughout her lengthy career at Nichols.

The Henry D. Waters Award

Levi Mayer ’28 This award was established to honor Henry D. Waters, who dedicated his life to his second career as a dean, advisor, English teacher supreme, Hall of Fame coach and athlete, and friend of middle school students for twenty-five years. It is awarded to fifth or sixth grade students who display the qualities Henry Waters valued most: a willingness to participate in all activities to the best of their ability; fair-mindedness; good sportsmanship; honesty; empathy; citizenship; and a positive sense of humor.

The Pliny H. Hayes III Award

Ellen Fox ’27 This award was established to honor Pliny H. Hayes, III, former Head of the Nichols Middle School; a brilliant leader, counselor, classical scholar, and world traveler, Pliny was devoted to Nichols, its students, and its faculty. It is given to that seventh grade student whose commitment to and pursuit of excellence in all endeavors challenges others; whose enjoyment and pleasure in new experiences and learning stimulates others, and whose character and personal integrity inspires others.

The Charles I. Kleiser Award

Ella Yusick ’26 This award was established in 1960 by the faculty to honor the memory of Charles I. Kleiser, a Nichols Junior School teacher for more than thirty years whose devotion to his craft and his students remains legendary. It is awarded to an eighth grade student who has demonstrated qualities of positive leadership, sound character, and concern for others.

George J. Kloepfer ’68 II Faculty Award

Ari Carter ’26, Megha Pendyala ’26, Maia Porter ’26, Maya Takabe ’26 This award is named in honor of George Kloepfer, who devoted his entire professional career of 48 years to the Nichols Middle School. As a wise, no-nonsense advisor, teacher, and coach, he provided a model of ethics, responsibility, and accountability for his students and co-workers, earning their respect, admiration, and love. The George J. Kloepfer II ’68 Award is presented to eighth grade students who exhibit the qualities Mr. K exemplified: positive leadership, sound character, true concern for others, and a helping nature.

The Elizabeth R. Stone Award

Gwyneth Sheline ’26 This award honors Beth Stone, who, in her 40-year career in the Nichols Physical Education and Athletic Departments, challenged both Upper and Middle School students to surpass their perceived limitations and develop a love of sports and wellness. It is given to an eighthgrade girl who not only has displayed athletic excellence and a fine sense of sportsmanship, but also, through strength of character and leadership, has contributed to the ge neral welfare of her classmates.

The Robert A. Gillespie-Vincent E. Walsh Award

Austin Xiao ’26 The Robert A. Gillespie-Vincent E. Walsh Academic Award was established by Allan J. Lerner, class of 1947, to honor two outstanding Nichols teachers. It is awarded to the eighth grade student(s) who has achieved the highest academic standing during his or her eighth grade year.