Acorn - Spring 2021

North Shore Country Day

· Spring 2021

in this issue

a c o r n · Spring 2021

features 4 Skills-Based Learning 8 Back Together Again 10 An Interview With Alexis Contreas ’00

depa r t men t s 2

SPRING 2021 The Acorn is published by the Marketing and Communications Department of North Shore Country Day for alumni, parents, grandparents and friends. Its goal is to connect our school community, celebrate recent accomplishments and capture the essence of life and learning at North Shore.

North Shore Country Day 310 Green Bay Road Winnetka, Illinois 60093 847.446.0674

Tom Flemma Head of School Tura Cottingham Director of Marketing & Communications, Co-Editor tcottingham@ nscds.org

HEAD’S LETTER

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ACADEMICS

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ACCOMPLISHMENTS

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EVENTS

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H O M E C O M I N G S AV E T H E D AT E

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FA C U LT Y

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LIVE AND SERVE

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VISUAL ARTS

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PERFORMING ARTS

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AT H L E T I C S

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P H O T O S F R O M O U R PA S T

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ALUMNI CONNECTIONS

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CLASS NOTES

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IN MEMORIAM

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ALUMNI REFLECTION

Molly Ingram McDowell ’80 Director of Development mmcdowell@ nscds.org Tracie Frederick

Senior Associate Director of Development tfrederick@ nscds.org

Christine Wachter Communications Associate, Co-Editor cwachter@nscds.org

Nancy Green Whiteman ’71 Director of Alumni Relations nwhiteman@ nscds.org

Jay Young

Photographers

Communications Associate jyoung@nscds.org

Jay Young Tura Cottingham Christine Wachter

Maeve Devereux ’21 Communications Intern

Margaret Ringia Hart Design, margaretringiahart.com Graphic Arts Studio Printing, www.gasink.net

On the front cover Philip Acuff ’34 practices making patterns with unifix cubes. The ability to recognize and create patterns teaches children to make predictions based on observations— an important skill in math.

Opposite page Artwork by Junnah Quraishi ’23 On the back cover Lower School Reading Specialist Janet Rogers with a student.

If you know more, contact Director of Alumni Relations Nancy Green Whiteman ’71 at 847.881.8848, or nwhiteman@nscds.org

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h e a d’s l e t t e r

TOGETHER WE CAN ACHIEVE REMARKABLE THINGS We've found reservoirs of strength previously untapped, teaching and learning in ways—and places—we never thought possible.

We have so much to be proud of.

We’ve started a new mode of communication this spring: a short video series called “A Word from Tom,” where I ref lect on one word that seems to embody a moment at school, or a core value of North Shore.

We could do the same with my last two letters in the Acorn, both describing school during the pandemic. One would probably be called “Community,” describing how Raiders near and far rallied to support our students and our school when we shut down last spring; the other, showcasing how we were able to open last fall—and stay open all year—I would title “Adaptation.”

This letter, I hope the last of a COVID19 triptych, I would call “Pride,” because through the exhausted haze of June, I can’t contain the pride I feel when I look back at what we’ve been able to accomplish this year. We’ve managed to keep our students safe, learning and connected.

It has been exhausting, exhilarating, satisfying and tedious—sometimes all at once. And the result has been remarkable: our students have been in class together for almost the entire school year; our amazing faculty and staff have made it happen and our parents have worked to navigate it all with us.

It didn’t happen without stress and growth and change. We have learned a tremendous amount about air filters and 1 Middle school advisory 2 Lower school science 3 Halloween 4 Lower school car line parade 5 Upper school French class 6 Middle school bottle rockets 7 Upper school lunch 8 Upper school technical theater class

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leverage all that we have learned to think PCR tests, Padlet and Zoom. We have of the next normal at North Shore? What learned typical academic topics like verb will we keep from this year of disruption conjugations and photosynthesis, ABCs and forced experimentation? What should and 123s. We have learned that athletics we jettison? What about the “old way of and arts are even more important than we realized to feel connected and human. doing things” needs to change or evolve?

These are the questions that will drive the We’ve learned how to communicate work of the summer. Once again, we will with our eyes and serve others from a have to make some educated guesses social distance. about where we will be as a school and Above all, we’ve learned about ourcommunity this fall, but we know it will selves and each other, that together we not just be school as usual. can achieve remarkable things. We have We yearn for a “normal” school year all developed new skills in the classroom even as we recognize more clearly that and at home. We’ve found reservoirs of “normal” wasn’t always perfect or equitable strength previously untapped, teaching or innovative. We will take a breath this and learning in ways—and places—we never thought possible. There is SO much summer and then continue our planning for the next, post-pandemic year. That is to be proud of. the rhythm for those of us who work in And yet while so much has changed, schools. The new year always brings antica great deal endures. Kids are kids, even ipation and opportunity. I have a pretty during a pandemic, and they really need strong feeling, though, no matter where the chance to be kids. Teachers may shift the next years take each of us, we will look their methods or modes of delivery, but back on this surreal, disjointed, powerful they still do their best work with relationyear with the sense of a job well done. We ships of trust and care at the foundation. will look back with pride.

As we do, we must look to grow, not revert. Rather than thinking about going —Tom Flemma, Head of School back to normal, we need to ask how we

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Skills-Based Learning

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In and out of the classroom, our faculty craft learning experiences that ensure students are ready to actively engage the world and embody the school’s mission through their lives.

In the digital age, when content knowledge is ubiquitous and instantly available in our pockets, what does it mean to be “educated?” Is content knowledge still the yardstick we should use, or does the modern world demand more? We believe it is the latter.

When a student graduates from North Shore Country Day, they’re expected to be proficient in certain subject areas whether they attended for just a few years or all 14. But in order to be successful in college and beyond, our students must be able to apply their knowledge to novel situations.

In and out of the classroom, our faculty craft learning experiences that ensure students are ready to actively engage the world and embody the school’s mission through their lives. Our integrated JK-12 curriculum intentionally develops the skills, dispositions and mindsets that complement content knowledge; promotes interdisciplinary and experiential learning; and demands engagement with multicultural and global issues. Our emphasis on the whole child ensures that critical and creative thinkers not only have the intellect but the compassion, communication skills and social awareness to engage constructively with the world around them.

“By focusing on these critical skills that lead to a student becoming a strong, ethical global citizen, it’s preparing them beyond a specific discipline or content area so they can navigate the world in a way that will not only serve them but serve others,” explained Assistant Head of School Mary Samuels Fielder.

The school’s focus on skills-based learning began in earnest about six years ago. During the summer of 2015, faculty and staff read Loving Learning: How Progressive Education Can Save America’s Schools by Tom Little and Katherine Ellison, which yielded a schoolwide recommitment to progressive educational practice. The following summer, faculty and staff, along with the Board of Trustees, read Future Wise: Educating Our Children for a Changing World by David Perkins, which led to conversations about “future worthy” learning, especially the skills and mindsets students will need to be successful five, 10 or 15 years down the road. Each academic department brainstormed lists of “essential skills” they believe will best help NSCD students thrive once they graduate. Departments compared lists and made note of overlapping skills, as well as unique ones.

The school’s 2017-2022 Strategic Plan accelerated the conversations. One of its central recommendations was the construction of an ‘interconnected, innovative educational experience” with skill development at the core. “While there are some constants, what the world will demand of the future leaders we educate today shifts with daunting regularity. That reality requires us to approach our work deliberately, intelligently, collaboratively and boldly,” it reads.

Administrators initially grouped the faculty’s list of skills into eight different categories. And in recent months, those categories were refined by a working group consisting of Mary Fielder, Head of School Tom Flemma, Director of the Live + Serve Laboratory and Upper School English and Social Studies Teacher Drea Gallaga, Director of Admission Jason Giffen, Director of College Counseling and Institutional Research Kristen Kaczynski, Assistant Athletic Director and Physical Education Teacher Rebekah Kauffman, Middle School Humanities and Science Teacher David Kubacki, Lower School Learning Specialist Tobye Ostrow, Middle School Mathematics Teacher Graham Rosby, Director of

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feature Counseling and Upper School Counselor Terri Webb, and former Assistant Head of School and Academic Dean Chris Boyle.

This winter, the working group presented a further refined framework to faculty and staff at the annual February in-service day. That framework puts “Live and Serve” at the center, and the exhortation for NSCD students to lead and contribute as ethical global citizens.

To do so, they must be able to think critically and f lexibly, approach challenges with creativity and confidence, engage with others equitably and ethically, care genuinely for self and others, and communicate effectively in multiple ways.

The concepts are not new, of course, and a lot of what we do at NSCD already fosters these skills, Mary explained.

“We’re being more mindful of what outcomes we want and doing more intentional backwards design in terms of the

kinds of assessments, projects and content areas that will help us develop these skills in students,” she said. “But it’s really important to have the terms and concepts in the forefront of our minds so kids are also understanding, this is the skill you’re developing right now.

You’re not just learning about economics or calculus, you’re learning how to think more f lexibly and that’s going to serve you really well.

“It’s powerful to be able to name the skills you’ve developed, that you’re proficient in or that you’re working toward mastery in,” Mary explained.

“We often do that in primary grades because it’s a part of report cards and checklists, but it hasn’t transferred to the upper grades as easily.”

NSCD is a member of the Mastery Transcript Consortium, a growing network of public and private schools advocating for assessments that are

A student’s ability to articulate and demonstrate the skills they have, either in an internship, a service project or a course, is often what distinguishes them from other students.

based on the mastery of certain skills and knowledge. And while NSCD has no plans to move away from traditional transcripts and letter grades in the near future, this idea of focusing on proficiency in a particular set of essential skills will help students to better understand their strengths, abilities and opportunities for growth.

“Being able to say to a student, you are communicating effectively in this way, but you need to work a little bit harder in this area—that’s the kind of gift we can give them by assessing them in the context of skills, not just letter grades and content acquisition,” Mary said.

A student’s ability to articulate and demonstrate the skills they have, either in an internship, a service project or a course, is often what distinguishes them from other students, Mary explained. It’s important to note, however, that these skills are not just something that come in handy when a student is preparing for college or entering the workforce, they’re being fostered at every grade level and help build the learning community we so love here at school.

“The ultimate goal at North Shore is to help kids figure out who they are and be their best selves,” Mary explained. “In life there will be challenges around every corner, and these essential skills will prepare our students to deal with whatever life brings. That adaptability may be the most crucial skill of all in the modern world.”

Bringing the “essential skills” to life North Shore Country Day prides itself on developing the whole child, and in doing so emphasizes broad participation not only in academics but in the arts, athletics and service. “We use the different portions of our program to develop these skills,” explained Kristen Kaczynski, Director of College Counseling and Institutional Research. “So it’s not just about classroom learning, it’s about all elements of the program.”

The school’s “Live and Serve” motto is the central pillar of the essential skills North Shore Country Day hopes to instill in students. Whether they are junior kindergartners or graduating seniors, NSCD students should be able to lead and contribute as ethical global citizens. While the skills may be manifested differently in early childhood—practicing little acts of kindness or donating to a mitten drive— our youngest learners are working on developing the same skills as 12th graders designing their senior service projects.

There are countless ways students hone these essential skills during their time at NSCD. Here are just a few:

THINK CRITICALLY AND FLEXIBLY

From creating “what we know/want to know” charts in junior and senior kindergarten, to engaging in a Shark Tank-style contest in 6th grade science class to pitch their designs for a cup system using everyday materials that could rival the thermal effectiveness of the top cups on the market, NSCD students are constantly pushed to think critically and f lexibly.

missing?” Or, when they engage in civil discourse to examine the lingering impact of systems like redlining or policies like the GI bill that advantaged and disadvantaged Americans along racial lines.

CARE GENUINELY FOR SELF AND OTHERS

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, students have had extra practice finding creative ways to do things this year. From Model United Nations, to Science Olympiad, to Zoom chorus, to athletics, students have had to learn new ways to engage with peers and instructors. And despite the challenges, they’ve found ways to shine (see stories on pages 14, 34 and 36).

North Shore’s buddy program is a perfect example of this—particularly the relationship between JK and SK students and their senior buddies. It forces older students to get out of their comfort zones and think about the needs of a tiny human as they walk them through the Halloween parade and practice the Hokey Pokey. And younger students get a glimpse of what their future self may look like. They learn how to take care of their bodies and sit still during Morning Ex, and practice being supportive when they cheer their buddy on at a musical performance or athletic competition.

ENGAGE WITH OTHERS

COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY

APPROACH CHALLENGES WITH CREATIVITY AND CONFIDENCE

EQUITABLY AND ETHICALLY

IN MULTIPLE WAYS

In the lower grades, this could look like underrepresented students’ racial identity being affirmed through read-alouds of diverse books, or negotiating a play plan at recess. Middle school and upper school students can also practice this skill when they are examining literature and asking critical questions such as, “Whose story is

From learning how to write letters and numbers, to sharing during a lower school gathering, to advocating for themselves during a middle school conference, to writing and directing a script for the Take 10! festival, NSCD students have so many opportunities to practice their communication skills. And alumni often remark that those skills set them up for success later in life (see story page 49).

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BACK TOGETHER AGAIN A number of changes had to be made on campus before all grades could return for full days. The school installed a new state-of-the-art ventilation system in the middle school building with HEPA filtration as well as bi-polar ionization technology which kills viruses—including COVID-19. This opened up a number of spaces for teaching and learning that had been vacant during the fall and winter, and brought the HVAC system for the entire campus up to the same high standard.

After a successful fall of hybrid learning where students spent half-days on campus each day, North Shore Country Day lower schoolers happily returned to full-day, in-person learning at the end of January.

Middle and upper school students followed suit after spring break in April.

“Our goal all year has been for all of our students JK-12 to have the academic and social benefit of learning on campus all day,” wrote Head of School Tom Flemma in an email to parents when he announced the change. “Thanks to the many lessons we have learned so far this year, the completion of the middle school HVAC project, the growing number of faculty and staff who are vaccinated, and the arrival of spring, it is now within reach.”

The entire JK-12 faculty worked in teams with administration over the summer to build a schedule that could transition from fully remote learning to hybrid learning to full-day in-person learning with modest programmatic changes.

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Ultimately, administrators decided to begin the year with the hybrid model.

As the winter holidays approached and COVID-19 cases in the surrounding community rose, NSCD chose to implement an adaptive pause, temporarily transitioning to fully remote learning for the three weeks before winter break and the two weeks after. The entire school made another temporary shift to fully remote learning after spring break, but otherwise, students and faculty have been able to learn together, in person, for the majority of the school year.

“The one thing we could predict was that everything this year would be unpredictable,” explained Head of Lower School Tim Sheehan. “So we knew we had to build a f lexible schedule that could adapt in real time to the challenges. We’ve had to adjust it here and there as we’ve gone back and forth, but we haven’t had to do a massive schedule overhaul, and that’s good for the faculty, and it’s also really good for the students.”

Transitions can be difficult though, and when the shift back to full days was announced, some upper school students expressed concern.

“When the news came out that the schedule was changing, it felt pretty abrupt,” explained Kate McKown ’21.

Almost immediately, she sent out a quick survey to the student body to see if she was the only one feeling nervous, and she received close to 130 responses in less than 24 hours. In addition to general fears about contracting COVID-19 by being in school for longer periods of time, she said students were also worried about transportation logistics, lack of sleep and mental health issues exacerbated by the earlier start time and change in routine, among other things.

Administrators quickly responded and held an open meeting with upper school students to answer their questions. In the days that followed, additional emails to parents and students provided more

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specific information about schedules and procedures, alleviating some concerns.

“Everything we do here is in the best interest of students,” explained Upper School Dean of Students Brian Frederick, who is also the head of the mathematics department and an upper school math teacher. “It felt somewhat sudden, but over time they recognized this is how they did school before and they knew how to do this. In fact, they were really good at doing this.”

Kate feels less uneasy now everyone has settled into the new routine. And increasing vaccine availability for younger people helps, too. “I know we’re incredibly lucky to be back here full time,” she said.

“There are so many kids who don’t have this opportunity.”

A number of changes had to be made on campus before all grades could return for full days. The school installed a new state-of-the-art ventilation system in the

middle school building with HEPA filtration as well as bi-polar ionization technology which kills viruses—including COVID-19. This opened up a number of spaces for teaching and learning that had been vacant during the fall and winter, and brought the HVAC system for the entire campus up to the same high standard.

The arrival of spring and warmer temperatures also created new opportunities for expanded learning spaces. A number of heavy-duty tents were installed around campus, and the athletic bleachers were rearranged and moved to the upper school quad to create outdoor classrooms and lunch spaces. When weather allows, middle and upper school students eat lunch outdoors, socially distanced and in assigned spaces.

NSCD has employed a number of mitigation strategies since the start of the school year to keep students, faculty and staff as safe as possible, including strict

mask requirements—both indoor and outdoor—social distancing and enhanced cleaning. The school also began a weekly saliva surveillance testing program in January—mandatory for all students, faculty and staff who are on campus and not fully vaccinated. This program, along with daily wellness screenings, provided an added layer of safety as students transitioned to full-day learning.

“What’s really made this possible is how phenomenal our students have been with adhering to our safety strategies,” Brian said. “We’ve been able to jump in and do school the way we’ve always done school.”

Tom said he is confident the fall will bring even more normalcy, and is looking forward to NSCD being in person all day, every day next school year. “We are incredibly proud of this accomplishment and the hard work by our faculty, staff, students and parents that made this milestone possible.”

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A LEARNING JOURNEY BEGINS AT NORTH SHORE A LE X I S CONTREA S ’ 00

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eople are not cookie-cutter learners.

At North Shore Country Day, we were fortunate to have certain teachers who gave us so many different ways to look at things. They knew each person learns differently and provided a variety of methods to engage us: discussions, taking field trips, and even building an underground railroad under our desks,” recalls Alexis Contreas ’00.

“Today, the different skills I learned being engaged in the classroom, debating, wondering, and getting excited about life and knowledge, I use to connect with my clients and trainers. Helping people and feeling confident comes largely from my NSCD experience.”

As a manager at Konnect Pilates, an integrated Pilates studio in Mission Viejo, California, Alexis supervises a team of Pilates trainers, manages the class schedule, and teaches Pilates, yoga and barre classes. In addition, Alexis provides private sessions for clients who not only want to focus on everyday fitness and health, but also customizes sessions for all levels and types of bodies: athletes, dancers and those with serious health issues including amputees. “It’s constantly a learning process. It’s perfect for me,” she says.

“While we have a structure for working with clients, we’re allowed the freedom to explore the best way to take care of people by creating individual programs that meet their needs.”

Playing outdoors and being active began at an early age for Alexis and has always been a huge part of her life. As a child, she and her mother loved to go swimming, and she and her father would often go outside to play catch, basketball and kick a soccer ball around. She also loved playing on the jungle gym at recess.

Alexis first attended North Shore in 2nd and 3rd grade. When her mother was a teenager, she babysat for a family whose mother had attended North Shore and she knew it would be a school where she’d like to send her child. But Alexis also had a

“Today, the different skills I learned being engaged in the classroom, debating, wondering, and getting excited about life and knowledge, I use to connect with my clients and trainers. Helping people and feeling confident comes largely from my NSCD experience.”

great aunt who was a nun, so she switched to St. Anne’s, a Catholic school, for 4th and 5th grade for religious education.

“But I really missed North Shore and my classmates,” she says. “St. Anne’s just wasn’t the best fit for me.” She then came back for 6th grade and stayed through high school.

“I needed to be in an environment that fostered learning and exploring. My early memories of going to school at NSCD are SSR—silent sustained reading. Being able to go into our classroom library and read what I wanted to read was important to me. I needed structure but also needed the ability to build my own path while being guided at the same time. I felt comfortable, protected and encouraged to explore my interests.”

Hands-on learning resonated with Alexis, and she loved science and the arts.

Being required to play a sport at North Shore in 6th grade, she decided to try field hockey and loved it. “I was passionate about it and played all through upper school. I also planned to play field hockey in college, but after a season-ending injury, I never came back to it. I know I wouldn’t have had these opportunities at a public school.”

Alexis also remembers that she and her friends felt empowered to stand up for what they believed in. For example, middle school soccer was not offered as an option for girls, so she and her classmates joined with other girls in middle and upper school to petition for this change, helping soccer become part of the girls athletic program. They also advocated for changes in the physical education department.

“Our class was definitely unique,” she explains. “We strongly objected when PE became separated for girls and boys. We only had 10 girls in our grade and we felt it was unnecessary, not to mention being put in what was unofficially called the ‘girls gym.’ Eventually, our PE classes were combined again.”

Throughout the years, there were many NSCD teachers who made a difference in Alexis’ life, supporting her and encouraging her to continue exploring.

Among those she remembers fondly are Lower School Science Teacher Shirley Cullen “who was amazing and made a lasting impression. Her classroom was filled with tanks and microscopes, and we were allowed to investigate and use these exciting pieces of equipment.”

In middle school, Social Studies Teacher Sue Gundlach was a passionate teacher who “didn’t shy away from reality with subjects like WWII and the concentration camps.” Also, Art Teacher Jackie Melissas “allowed us to learn about many different forms of art in a non-competitive environment.” In upper school, French Teacher Lynsey Wollin-Casey (who is now also the Assistant Head of Upper School) was one of her favorites. “She has a unique way of teaching and understanding so many personalities. I felt supported, was comfortable talking to her and knew I was heard.” Upper school Math Teacher Shirley Smith Johnston also made her mark on Alexis. “She saw that I learned differently and required an alternative approach and even tutored me.”

There were others in upper school who inf luenced her greatly. Social Studies Teacher Frank Dachille “was a steadfast mentor to our class” and Music Teacher Michael Querio “always pushed us to reach our individual potential and be part of something bigger. They were passionate about teaching, were dedicated and devoted and wanted us to succeed. That was so empowering. You knew they were willing to help you.”

After graduation, Alexis felt an expectation to go right off to college. “Some of us didn’t realize that perhaps taking a year off before college would have helped us understand what we wanted for our future.

It wasn’t until a former teacher had mentioned that to me, that I began to understand my future wasn’t going to be about the expectations of others.”

At The Ohio State University, papers were easy but class was strange because it wasn’t interactive, she says. “I didn’t feel like I was learning what I needed to learn.

I wasn’t happy. Going away from home was not the issue. Being in an environment where your knowledge wasn’t being cultivated—lectured at instead of spoken to—was the problem. What was so important for my learning process was having small group conversations that helped formulate my ideas and opinions.”

She returned home after the end of her freshman year and enrolled at Oakton Community College, while also working for the head of the English department there, allowing her to take the time to figure out her path and passion.

“During my time at Oakton, I gravitated to teachers who had interactive classes.

This gave me a sense of comfort knowing I was in a similar learning environment which allowed me to continue to foster my communication skills. This skill has been invaluable in my career.”

In 2004, Alexis and her mother joined Life Time in Skokie and started taking Latin fusion classes. Shortly thereafter she began substituting which led to her taking over that class. Teaching fitness helped her realize that she always needed to be active, which was something she missed doing.

“After teaching for four years at Life Time, I became the Assistant Group Fitness Manager and my boss there introduced me to Pilates. That ultimately led me to where I am today,” Alexis says. “My life evolves, not always in the way I expect.

I’ve never set goals because I don’t know where it will go, much like my learning journey. I know it would not have been the same at a public school. The opportunities I had at NSCD were the key to exploring who I was to become.”

Alexis is an alumni class representative and led a successful reunion last fall.

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ac a demics

Tonika Johnson

Resheeda Graham Washington

2nd grade protest against climate change

Franke Fund 2020-2021: Exploring Protests This year’s Franke Fund program was a celebration of upstanders and activists.

Fifth Grade Teacher Libby Ester and Middle and Upper School Academic Technology Integrator Kenyatta Forbes curated learning experiences for JK-12 students to explore the value and necessity of protests to bring about change.

Libby was inspired last summer when she attended the Race and Equity Summit hosted by the Evanston YWCA. Libby collaborated with lower school teachers and the division’s Kaleidoscope diversity program team. The group brainstormed and helped map out the curriculum for each grade.

“We wanted to introduce students to the concept of protest movements from Ghandi to Black Lives Matter (BLM),” Libby explained. “Teachers developed ageappropriate topics from junior kindergarten through 5th grade, then launched a research phase of historical protests preparing students to brainstorm ideas and how to organize their own protests.

Each grade studied protests in their own developmentally appropriate way. For junior kindergarten, that translated to studying identity and learning about self.

That ultimately led them to hold a protest about littering.

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Senior kindergarteners focused on their identities, observing the diverse colors of their skin and how their differences make them beautiful and unique. They read Colors of Us by Karen Katz and Skin Again by bell hooks. The children used descriptive words to describe their skin color. Then they read The Skin You Live In

by Michael Tyler, which focuses on the story of who we are underneath our skin.

Each child shared their unique story and created a self-portrait that ref lected their identities. They read Speak Up by Miranda Paul and Say Something by Peter Reynolds, and discussed the different ways we can use our voices to bring change when we see injustice.

Each cohort of 2nd graders organized a protest and circulated a petition—one in favor of a class reward system and one against climate change. They then marched through the lower, middle and upper schools to raise awareness for these issues. Students gathered signatures of students and faculty from all three divisions and delivered the first petition to Head of School Tom Flemma and Head of Lower School Tim Sheehan. After careful consideration of their thoughtful argument, the teachers and administrators decided to allow the reward system. The

other petition on climate change was sent to a handful of world leaders on behalf of the students.

In 3rd through 5th grade, students had the opportunity to Zoom with Tonika Johnson, a visual artist/photographer and creator of the Folded Map Project. Tonika, from the Englewood neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side, talked about how she became an artist, and it was eye-opening for students to hear from someone creating protest art right at their doorstep.

The lower school’s portion of the Franke Fund program culminated with an art exhibit in the John Almquist Gallery, curated by Lower School Art Teacher Emily Culbert. “Her ability to teach students about protests through art was so powerful,” Libby said. “The protests really resonated with the students. A lot of them are really concerned about the environment and some started writing petitions.

Every student had a voice and they felt like they could actually make a difference.”

In the middle and upper schools, the Franke Fund curriculum was designed to open up dialogues about systemic and institutional racism. “Students were immersed in activities during Black History month that encouraged a deeper understanding of race, social justice, and our common history,” Kenyatta explained.

Artwork by 4th graders

Artwork by Madelyn Howard ’30

The middle school curriculum featured three distinct assignments. First, students collaborated in separate classes to create a timeline of protest movements from Gandhi to BLM. Next, each student used StoryCorps to interview a grandparent or another person who was 15 years of age or older during the civil rights movement in the 1960s. StoryCorps is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to record, preserve and share the stories of Americans from all backgrounds and beliefs. The outcomes were two- to three-minute podcasts or videos. Finally, the entire middle school collaborated to create a website to serve as an archive housing their interviews, research, timelines, podcasts and videos.

The upper school’s project was titled The whole world is still watching and bridged the gap between youth experiencing the protests of the BLM movement and youth who experienced the protests of the civil rights movement in the 1960s.

“My goal was to connect students to the core of their emotions, experiences and hopes for the future through a community-focused, intergenerational lens,” Kenyatta explained. “The whole world is still watching was designed to dismantle divisions across generations, races and socioeconomic backgrounds to become a

Artwork by Sadie Millner ’30

unique opportunity to create bridges. It opened up a dialogue to question/explore how we are all impacted by systematic and institutional racism through the understanding of protest movements over time.

It's not enough to believe or say that Black Lives Matter; we have to dedicate ourselves to bringing about a society that recognizes that fact.”

Intergenerational participants, including NSCD faculty, students and alumni, as well as people from local nonprofits, were paired with students for open and honest conversations about the span of time from 1960 to 2020. In total, five intergenerational pairs were recorded.

Kenyatta adds that “this project complimented the schools equity, diversity and inclusion goals, in addition to providing unique learning opportunities to support dialogue and activities to combat Anti-Blackness.”

Franke Fund Morning Ex programs were held virtually in February—for middle and upper school students only due to the more mature conversations.

On February 3, the middle school program featured guest speaker Tonika Johnson and her Folded Map Project. She shared insights on geographic segregation and the impacts on generational wealth

Artwork by junior kindergartners

and communities, how to revitalize a community without gentrification, and how one person can be the catalyst for change.

The upper school program featured Reesheda Graham Washington, executive director of Communities First Association, a national faith-based nonprofit committed to asset-based community development.. She is licensed in the Evangelical Covenant Church and is a former teacher and administrator for Chicago Public Schools. Reesheda held an open dialogue about activism, navigating political differences, structure of white privilege and civic responsibility.

The second Morning Ex on February 17 featured a screening of The whole world is still watching and included discussions with students with their advisors.

The Franke Family Fund was established in 2008 by Barbara, Richard, Katherine ’77 and Jane Franke ’80 to support programs that enhance students’ experiences during the academic year. It encourages faculty to develop creative and unique ideas that are schoolwide in scope, broad in interpretation and application, and significantly and positively impact the school community.

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accomplishmen t s

Model United Nations: Dani Savin ’23

Get Up Champion: Amelia Millner ’27

Science Olympiad: Ping Pong Parachute

Model UN Tournament of Champions Dani Savin ’23 received an honorable mention for her representation of Vietnam in a simulation of a United Nations Security Council meeting at the Best Delegate Model UN Tournament of Champions held May 22-23. Danielle, who was one of only 160 high school students from across the United States and Canada to qualify for the tournament, debated the situation in North Korea. This year-end conference showcases the best of the best, and every delegate participating must have received an award at a qualifying conference to enter.

“This is a huge honor,” said Model UN Program Coordinator Dana Specht, who also teaches middle and upper school social studies. “She has talent and works hard; earning an award at this competition is the cherry on top of an amazing year!

She set a goal, stayed focused and made it happen.”

Dani is one of about 40 NSCD students who participated in Model UN this year.

Like most everything else, the 2020-21 Model UN season looked a little different because of COVID-19 restrictions. Instead of traveling with their teammates to conferences in places like New York;

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“Our students are really good at rolling Washington, DC; and Berkeley, CA, delewith the punches and being f lexible and gates this year participated from their that’s a big part of what Model UN is all homes via Zoom.

“For some students, the virtual platform about—staying on their toes and compromising,” Dana said. “But I’m really hoping hasn’t been particularly enjoyable,” Dana things are a little more back to normal explained. “But for others—especially those who may have struggled with public next year because the reality is that all of it speaking—it’s been a really exciting shift is just a little more fun in person.” that’s given them a little more confidence.”

In a typical year, Model UN conferU.S. Figure Skating ences frequently span several days, but Get Up Champion most of the online events this year were limited to one day. The format for many of Amelia Millner ’27 was named a U.S. the conferences was also restructured to Figure Skating Get Up Champion—an make more sense in a virtual environment. award that recognizes skaters who overNSCD students participated in five confer- come adversity and inspire others to do so. ences: St. Ignatius Model UN, the Best The Get Up campaign was launched in Delegate Training Conference, the Best 2017 to help skaters and non-skaters alike Delegate Midwest Championship, to recognize the grit, passion and perseGlenbrook South Model UN and the Best verance needed to get up in the rink and in Delegate Tournament of Champions. life every day. The campaign is a celebraAlthough recruiting for Model UN was tion of the strength, resilience and determore difficult this year, the upper school’s mination it takes to be a figure skater. hybrid schedule during the first part of “The North Shore Country Day community the school year actually made it easier to has played a critical role in teaching her arrange meetings and offer training. how to be such a strong, hardworking, Instead of meeting after school to practice, resilient kid,” said Susan Millner, Amelia’s Dana created a module training system mother. “She is feeling super proud of this through PowerSchool Learning, with vid- accomplishment and we are so proud of all eos and tutorials students could access at her hard work and perseverance.” their own pace.

Science Olympiad: Elastic Launch Glider

Science Olympiad: Moustrap

Science Olympiad: Max Flemma ’26, Becky Winkler ’25, Daisy Stone ’25 and Liam Gallaga ’25

Science Olympiad The North Shore Country Day Science Olympiad team finished in 5th place overall at the regional final in March, qualifying them for the Illinois State Finals on April 10. This is the 24th consecutive year that the NSCD team has qualified for the state tournament.

Like many other activities, Science Olympiad went virtual this year, using a specially designed learning management system called Scilympiad, which allowed students to collaborate with each other from their own homes while being monitored by event supervisors. Many of the events also had to be modified. For example, instead of actually doing labs, the experiments were done for the students who then had to analyze the results.

The build events also had to be reimagined. Instead of demonstrating their projects in front of the judges, students had to submit pictures of their creations from all angles with a meter stick for reference, as well as a continuous video of its performance. Because of the increased opportunity to manipulate the results, the build events this year became trial events and did not count toward the team’s final score.

However, participants were still able to earn medals.

Science Olympiad Head Coach Lee Block, who also teaches middle school science and mathematics, said at first he

wasn’t sure whether Science Olympiad would even be able to happen this year, and acknowledged that many schools in the area opted out. But even without the typical fanfare of the tournaments, the inperson practices, and the team parties and dinners, he said students were able to have an enjoyable experience.

“They were cautiously optimistic about how it would all work,” he explained. “But once they got into the groove, they understood they could make it work. It took a little longer to gel as a team, but by the time winter break rolled around, they were feeling much more comfortable.”

There are 23 events in the regional tournament. Medals were given to the top four in the varsity division and top three in the junior varsity division.

• In first place: Max Flemma ’26 and Daisy Stone ’25 (Elastic Launch Glider, varsity); Paige Highlander ’26 (Mission Possible, varsity); Becky Winkler ’25 and Jack Shreve ’25 (Mousetrap Vehicle, varsity); Matthew Shelley ’26 (Food Science, JV); Nikash Bawa ’27 (Heredity, JV); and Matthew Shelley ’26 and Pratyay Rao ’27 (Ping Pong Parachute, JV).

• In second place: Thomas Carlino ’26 (Boomilever, varsity); Liam Gallaga ’25 (Dynamic Planet, varsity); Daisy Stone ’25 and Caroline Wolfe ’26 (Heredity, varsity); Sam Rosen ’26 (Ornithology,

varsity); Amelia Slobodsky ’27 and Ellie Jarmel ’26 (Anatomy, JV); Lucrezia Bradley ’27 and Tarik Awada ’26 (Machines, JV); Emmett Cotter ’27 and Pratyay Rao ’27 (Mission Possible, JV); and Amelia Slobodsky ’27 and Elliot Anderson ’27 (Reach for the Stars, JV).

• In third place: Becky Winkler ’25 and Vivi Halbower ’25 (Write It, Do It, varsity); Elliot Anderson ’27 and Ellie Jarmel ’26 (Crime Busters, JV); and Tarik Awada ’26 and Zenia Babool ’26 (Experimental Design, JV).

• In fourth place: Daisy Stone ’25 and Sophie Jaffe ’26 (Crime Busters, varsity); Caroline Wolfe ’26, Paige Highlander ’26 and Marina Bullock-Puzon ’26 (Experimental Design, varsity); Liam Gallaga ’25 and Marina Bullock-Puzon ’26 (Food Science and Meteorology, varsity).

Several students also placed in the state tournament, where the team finished 20th overall.

• In second place: Jack Shreve ’25, Becky Winkler ’25, Josephine O’Brien ’27 and Matthew Shelley ’26 (Mousetrap).

• In third place: Matthew Shelley ’26 (Ping Pong Parachute); and Max Flemma ’26 and Daisy Stone ’25 (Elastic Launch Glider).

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events

John Roberts ’49, yearbook photo

Class of 1949 Homecoming Parade in 1999

John Roberts ’49 Receives Foster Hannaford Recognition Annual Giving efforts, most impressively for their 50th in 1999 when they established the endowed Class of 1949 Scholarship Fund and for their 70th in 2019 during the school’s Centennial, achieving their lofty goal of raising $100,000 for Annual Giving in honor of the school’s 100th year.

John is a gracious host, often gathering small and large groups of alumni and friends, all with a strong common bond in In Recognition their relationship with the school. John John Roberts ’49 is among the finest has known every head of school, beginRaider ambassadors in our school communing with Perry Dunalp Smith. So, in nity. He and his late wife Ann Whitfield John’s true gentlemanly style, he wanted Roberts ’53, wore the purple and white to be the first alum to welcome Tom proudly as students, and now John continFlemma as Head of School when he ues to lead as an active, proud alumnus. arrived during the summer of 2016. At a He has served as a long-standing class repspecial welcome lunch, the 49ers introresentative for the Class of 1949, promotduced themselves to Tom, showing their ing, supporting and sharing his Raider spirit and offering full support for enthusiasm for the school. John leads the his leadership. way with the “great” Class of 1949, fondly John cares so very deeply about North known as “The 49ers,” keeping his fellow Shore, his relationships with his classclassmates engaged with each other and mates and keeping connected to the curthe school and serving as a huge cheerrent NSCD community. He takes great leader for school initiatives and fundraispride in his school, recognizing not only ing efforts. He partnered over the years the impact it had on him, but also the with fellow class leaders Mary Pick Hines opportunities and learning it offers for and Alice “Ittie” Pirie Wirtz to plan memtoday’s students. He shares his pride and orable reunions and set forth class gift spirit freely with alumni and friends of challenges. John has hosted local and the school. His steadfast commitment to regional gatherings in Florida for alumni North Shore and its strong future is apparand friends, helping to keep connections ent at so many levels—from always staying strong across the decades. current on the school, communicating John exemplifies our school motto with classmates and fellow alumni, pursu“Live and Serve” through his devotion to ing meaningful fundraising initiatives his classmates and to the school commuand promoting constant Raider enthusinity. He has led significant reunion and asm. He serves as an example for us all.

On the evening of October 22 via Zoom, North Shore Country Day honored the newest Hannaford Recognition recipient— John Roberts ’49. Following welcoming remarks and ref lections from Board Chair Jeff Foreman ’80 and Head of School Tom Flemma about John’s deep love for the school and his involvement over the years, Tom then read the inscription on the recognition plaque.

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In John’s Words

This recognition means a lot to me, because North Shore Country Day School means a lot to me! I came to North Shore in the 7th grade in the fall of 1943 after three years at the old Horace Mann School which was located where the Winnetka post office now stands, and after three years at the then new Crow Island School on Willow Road. I did not feel out of place because there were several others entering North Shore at that time. But I was in awe of the seniors in the Class of 1944! Of course, it was still WWII, and we were saving toothpaste tubes and other metal for the war effort. But one vivid memory I have from the 7th grade was watching Perry Dunlap Smith walk across the playing fields from his house with his cape, not coat, his cape f lowing in the wind.

Seventh and 8th grades were challenging years. Cleveland Thomas taught English and Nat French taught current events, which of course were the ending of WWII. I believe Virginia Ingram and Elsie Harridge taught math and an interesting sidenote was that Virginia Ingram was the Illinois Womens Amateur Golf Champion and Elsie Harridge’s father was Commissioner of the American Baseball League. By the time we entered the upper school the motto, “Live and Serve” was ingrained in my brain! I took it to heart and joined the school newspaper, The Purple & White, writing about athletic events. I was also co-editor of the yearbook, The Mirror, served on the student council and was chairman in my senior year. In those days, everyone had to sing in the choir, but

Varsity Boys Basketball Team, 1948-49: John Roberts ’49 (back row, second from left, No. 41)

70th Reunion in 2019: Midge Chace Powell ’49, Tom Flemma, John Roberts ’49, Jim Stenson ’49, Jay Bach and Joan Hauser Gately ’49

when Ramsey Duff tested my voice, he said, I could be on the stage crew. So, no Gilbert & Sullivan operettas for me. But I did have a major role in the senior play.

Then there was athletics where I played football at 149 pounds for Doc Anderson and played basketball for E.O. Harrit and Mac McCarty. I was also on the tennis team. We also had great teachers in the upper school. Once again, Cleveland Thomas and Nat French, and then there was Will Talley for physics and Ida C. Weed for biology (now there’s a great name for a biology teacher). Madame Valvo taught us French and Esther Pesa taught us Latin and Virginia Deane taught us history. And of course, the aforementioned Ramsey Duff taught us music appreciation. When we referred to him it was “huff and puff with Ramsey Duff,” sadly we were present when he had his heart attack and died the night of the dress rehearsal of the Gilbert & Sullivan operetta in our junior year. This was an event still vivid in my mind. One of our other teachers was Perry Dunlap Smith himself. He taught

Mary Pick Hines ’49, Joan Hauser Gately ’49, John Roberts ’49, Alice Pirie Wirtz ’49 and Midge Chace Powell ’49 in 2016

the boys sex education, but in several of his classes he talked about football and the importance of the punting game.

After graduation in June of ’49 I went to Princeton to study mechanical engineering. My four years there were memorable, but as I think back, my formative years were at North Shore where I learned values and became a young adult. While these values were fine tuned at Princeton they were learned at North Shore. After Princeton, it was Harvard Business School, three years in the Navy Civil Engineer Corps and then back to the family steel distribution business.

As an alumnus I did serve a couple of terms on the Alumni Council and then I turned my efforts to the Class of 1949 activities, mainly reunions and fundraising. On the reunion subject, we are the only class to have a uniform! For our 50th reunion there was a parade leading the football team onto the field and the Class of 1949 led it in their uniforms. They were khaki pants/skirts and purple and white golf shirts with a special logo indicating

we were the “49ers.”

As to fundraising efforts, with the wonderful help of Alice “Ittie” Pirie Wirtz and Mary Pick Hines, our class was always a leader, but when our 70th reunion came along I thought we should try to raise $70,000 dollars. This is because an anonymous classmate had offered to match gifts from other classmates up to $35,000.

Another anonymous classmate made a significant gift and we easily exceeded the $70,000 goal. So, I decided to set a new goal of $100,000 in honor of the school’s 100th anniversary and yes, we made it. To my knowledge we are the only class to give $100,000 to Annual Giving. So, as I accept this honor tonight, I do so not for myself but for the great, great Class of 1949!

The recognition is named in honor of Foster Hannaford, who served as a member of the Board of Trustees for 48 years and as a Trustee of the School Foundation for 35 years. It was initiated in 1985 and is conferred annually upon a person or persons who demonstrate distinguished service to North Shore Country Day.

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events editor of all written material generated by the Executive Office.

After her government service, Karen returned to her firm to represent select clients. In 2017, she formed KESK Consulting, LLC, a firm that specializes in diversity. The firm provides diversity auditing services; and monitors and evaluates minority, female and disadvantaged participation in government contracts.

The firm also provides training for nonprofits, government entities and corporate clients, counseling and advising private clients with diversity concerns in exigent situations and produces continuing legal education courses in diversity.

Karen’s has devoted the majority of her volunteer time to supporting educational institutions. She served on at least one Karen Spencer Kelly ’76 alumni committee for Harvard each year since her graduation in 1980, culminating in her being elected the first female Karen Spencer Kelly ’76 Receives Stanton Recognition African-American President of the worldwide Harvard Alumni Association in 2001.

Karen Spencer Kelly ’76 received the 39th improves my life: a friendship, some She has received the Radcliffe annual Francis R. Stanton ’27 Recognition, knowledge, a new skill…the list goes on.”

Distinguished Service Award and served Karen spent the entire day before the given annually at Homecoming to alumni as a Radcliffe College Trustee. Karen is a presentation meeting with students, facwhose life work exemplifies the school’s former member of the Board of Directors ulty and staff over Zoom, including stumotto, “Live and Serve.” of Chestnut Hill College and served as a dents in 2nd grade, 8th grade English, and As she accepted the honor, Karen mentor for female students at Harvard and two upper school social studies classes: ref lected on that motto, explaining that Radcliffe Colleges, Chestnut Hill College while it’s a simple idea, it’s not necessarily African-American Studies and Advanced and Villanova University School of Law. easy. “We all live, but serving is a learned Placement U.S. Government and Politics.

The list of her volunteer commitments On Saturday, Director of Alumni behavior,” she said. “And thanks to my 13 is extensive serving in leadership and funyears at North Shore, I learned a lot about Relations Nancy Green Whiteman ’71 draising roles for the boards for her alma presented Karen with the official citation. serving.” maters.

While a working mother, she coIn addition to giving her tangible Citation Excerpts chaired the Parent Community at The opportunities to serve, NSCD also proAfter graduation from North Shore William Penn Charter School and served vided examples of what service looked Country Day in 1976, Karen attended on the Executive Committee at her chillike in action—including Francis Stanton Harvard-Radcliffe College and continued dren’s school.

Additionally, Karen has himself. “My favorite memory is of him on to receive her J.D. from Villanova served on the boards of the Philadelphia walking from the tennis courts to the University School of Law. She has had a Arts in Education Partnership, Advisory upper school after coaching. He looked very accomplished and well recognized Board of Prevent Child Abuse focused but relaxed with his sweater over career as a lawyer and dedicated volunteer. Pennsylvania, the Advisory Board of the his shoulders—a fixture in the school, Karen formed her own firm in 1993, where Lorraine Beitler Collection at the whether in athletics or in the boardroom. she specialized in civil litigation, at both University of Pennsylvania and Eastern It was that kind of presence that was the trial and appellate levels, for approxiPennsylvania Chapter of the Arthritis inspiring; that willingness to devote his mately 20 years. She then developed a Foundation. Currently, she is a Member time and talent to others in such a major municipal finance practice, serving as of the Board of Directors of BCKSEET but modest way.”

Co-Bond Counsel, Underwriters’ Counsel Productions, a 501(c)3 nonprofit theater Karen explained how she carried what and Co-Special Disclosure Counsel in company; Clerk of the Advisory she learned at NSCD with her, both to colbond issuances involving the City of Committee of the William Penn Charter lege and beyond. Serving and community Philadelphia and its agencies. In 2009, School College Prep Program; and a involvement became a central part of her she was appointed Chief Counsel by the Mentor for the Women of Fels Program personal and professional life. And over Pennsylvania Treasurer. Karen served at the University of Pennsylvania. the years, a “serendipitous by-product” as head attorney and counselor for the Her impressive career, deep commitof that service is the personal benefit she Treasury Department, advising the treament to her community and her dedication receives. “My primary goal is to do somesurer, chief of staff and senior staff on and advocacy in her work with diversity, thing positive for my community—locally, legal matters. In addition, she served as equity and inclusion exemplifies the nationally or globally—but inevitably I Senior Advisor to the Treasurer on policy School motto of “Live and Serve.” wind up with a tangible positive result that and administrative issues, as well as final 18

Little Raiders field hockey clinic

Chalk the Walk

Soccer scrimmage

Lower and middle school fun run

Homecoming—a Virtual Success Because of state guidelines limiting the size of public gatherings, North Shore Country Day’s Homecoming celebration looked a bit different this year. But the school did its best to keep the Raider spirit alive! Alumni had a full schedule of reunions and other events via Zoom, and current students enjoyed a few smallerscale events on campus.

While it couldn’t replace coming back to campus in person, alumni, parents of alumni and former faculty found opportunities to connect through an engaging and interactive virtual experience. A livestreamed North Shore Today program hosted by Head of School Tom Flemma featured a state-of-the-school update, a student panel moderated by Assistant Head of Upper School and Upper School French Teacher Lynsey Wollin-Casey and the 2020

Francis R. Stanton ’27 Recognition presented to Karen Spencer Kelly ’76 (see story on opposite page). Alumni and friends could also enjoy a virtual campus tour, featuring alumni Jim Golden ’70, Ashleigh Cross St. Peters ’05, Lisa Doi ’09, and current faculty members Julia Macholl and Drea Gallaga.

In the days leading up to Homecoming weekend, students celebrated with an abbreviated spirit week featuring comfy sweats and purple and white dress-up days, a lower school cheer break led by senior athletes, a Kahoot contest and more.

Lower schoolers also “chalked the walk” between the lower school building and the playing fields, and the entire campus was decked out in the usual purple and white decorations, in addition to big posters honoring senior athletes.

On Saturday, lower and middle school students in grades 2-8 were invited to join the upper school cross country team in a fun run around campus (1 mile for lower schoolers and 1.5 miles for middle schoolers). The upper school field hockey team also welcomed lower schoolers to participate in the Little Raiders field hockey clinic—a highlight of Homecoming each year. The morning closed out with a boys soccer scrimmage, where the purple and white teams faced off for their first game of the season.

The school plans to celebrate Homecoming together in person this fall, October 1-2. At that time, all 2020 reunion classes ending in ’0s and ’5s will be invited back to campus to celebrate official in-person reunions.

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events

Ravi Batista

Jenn Curtis

Cynthia Clumeck Muchnick

David Epstein

Romney Garrett

Nancy Koehn

Robert Kolker

Ron Lieber

Sharon Lieberman

Heather McGhee

Tobye Ostrow

Molly Pope

Robert Putnam

Angie Thomas

Sherry Turkle

Debbie Youderian

The Parent Education Committee of the Parents’ Association has been busy this year, despite limits on in-person gatherings.

Instead of hosting myriad on-campus events, they’ve brought a number of compelling speakers straight into families’ living rooms.

Alliance for Early Childhood The Alliance for Early Childhood offered a three-part series of informational webinars on Pandemic Parenting: Tools and Tips with Molly Pope, I/ECMHC. The first installment, entitled “Empowering Parents: Embedding Patience Into Discipline” focused on striking the bal-

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ance between firm and kind when disciplining young children, and walking away feeling confident. Molly addressed the hurdles that trip parents up around discipline, and offered ways to approach it differently. She also provided specific language to use to communicate love while still being in charge.

The second installment, entitled “Stop Yelling! Holding Boundaries at Home to Stay Balanced” provided strategies for parents to keep the peace at home without losing their cool and helped them rediscover the loving parent within through new selfawareness and tools to support families.

The third installment focused on “Recognizing Anxiety and Depression in Young Children.” No one likes to think of

young children as being anxious or depressed and yet, children experience a wide range of emotions. The pandemic has shifted experiences and supports that families are typically able to access. This leaves children and families vulnerable.

Young children won’t come out and say, “I’m struggling, can you help?” Instead, they act out in challenging ways. In this session, Molly pointed out the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety in young children, and talked about how parents’ own feelings can get stirred up by this topic. She talked about healthy vs. unhealthy struggles, and how to support children so they can grow in their own resilience.

Being a Good Digital Citizen Parents of middle school students were invited to engage in a series of discussions around what it means to be a good digital citizen and how parents can best support their children in this endeavor. The series kicked off November 18 with experts from the Family Service Center. The second event, held in January, continued that conversation. Then in April, professionals from Skylight Counseling Center offered a “teen’s eye” perspective on various gaming platforms, and the related chat service Discord, and fielded questions from the NSCD community.

purpose, setting goals and instilling the • Glory: Magical Visions of Black Beauty idea that school is a job. The authors have with Kahran and Regis Bethencourt, decades of college counseling experience November 30. and are well respected experts in this field. • Unacceptable: Privilege, Deceit, and the Making of the College Admissions

Navigating Hybrid Learning

NSCD Learning Specialists Sharon Lieberman and Tobye Ostrow, and Lower School Counselor Debbie Youderian held a Zoom discussion with lower school parents on September 25 to provide tips on supporting children with hybrid learning.

The presentation included strategies for helping students get organized and stay focused, and talked about how much Mindfulness for Parents parents should (or should not) be helping their children with the remote portion of and Caregivers the hybrid school day. They also addressed What exactly is mindfulness? What are the supporting children emotionally and probenefits of relaxing your body and mind? vided techniques for managing stress.

Do you have to strike a difficult yoga pose in order to achieve a state of Zen? Or can you do it in your car during school pick-up, FAN Events on your living room couch or in line at the In a typical year, NSCD hosts a handful coffee shop? of events on campus in collaboration with NSCD 5th grade parent Ravi Batista led the Family Action Network (FAN), a local an all-school parent session on mindfulnonprofit that curates an accessible and ness for parents and caregivers over Zoom dynamic speaker series during each acaon February 17. The session focused on demic year. The events create common helping parents and caregivers prioritize ground and provide the latest insights on self-care and build skills to keep balance education, psychology, social change, in their lives. Attendees learned simple relationships and well-being. This year, yet effective tips and tricks to calm them- the speaker series was offered via Zoom. selves and their families down. Ravi Highlights included: discussed multiple ways to practice mind- • Riding the Crisis Roller Coaster: fulness, including breathing exercises, Positioning Yourself Emotionally Amidst guided imagery, self-compassion, supportVolatility with Nancy Koehn of Harvard ive touch and more. She also explained Business School, September 17. how parents could guide children of all (Over the summer, Nancy gave ages with mindfulness. another FAN presentation entitled

The Parent Compass Co-authors of The Parent Compass Cynthia Clumeck Muchnick and Jenn Curtis led a middle and upper school parent session on navigating your tween’s and teen’s wellness and academic journey in today’s competitive world. Cindy and Jenn have been on a national tour supporting their recent book, and they took time to Zoom with the NSCD community on March 3. During the presentation, they shared practical tips for navigating the tween and teen years while keeping the parent-child relationship intact, including communicating well with your child, fostering grit and resilience, and embracing growth potential.

They emphasized praising the journey, not the destination, and they offered guidance on helping students pursue interests and

Face Forward: Leading Courageously in Crisis, with NSCD’s own Head of School Tom Flemma.)

• When the World Feels Like a Scary Place: Essential Conversations for Anxious Parents and Worried Kids with Abigail

Gewirtz, October 8.

• Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World with David Epstein, October 21.

• Grown & Flown: How to Support Your Teen, Stay Close as a Family and Raise Independent Adults with Lisa Heffernan,

October 28.

• The Mutant Project: Inside the Global Race to Genetically Modify Humans

with author and professor Eben Kirksey, November 11.

• Wiser: The Scientific Roots of Wisdom, Compassion and What Makes Us Good

with geriatric neuropsychiatrist Dilip Jeste, November 19.

Scandal with Melissa Korn and

Jennifer Levitz, January 12.

• Group: How One Therapist and a Circle of Strangers Saved My Life with New York Times bestselling author Christie Tate, January 14.

• The Marriage of Words and Pictures with New York Times bestselling husband and wife children’s book collaborators Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney, January 19.

• Concrete Rose: A Conversation with Angie Thomas, the award-winning author of The Hate U Give, January 21.

• The Price You Pay For College: An Entirely New Road Map for the Biggest Financial Decision Your Family Will Ever Make with New York Times columnist Ron Lieber, January 26.

• Craft: An American History with craft historian and curator Glenn Adamson, January 27.

• Why We Can’t Sleep: Women’s New Midlife Crisis with journalist and New York Times bestselling author Ada Calhoun, February 1.

• Unsolaced: Along the Way to All That Is with award-winning writer, poet and essayist Gretel Ehrlich, February 4.

• Troubled: The Failed Promise of America’s Behavioral Treatment Programs with journalist Ken Rosen, February 8.

• The Upswing: How America Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again with Robert Putnam of Harvard

University and author Shaylyn Romney Garrett, February 10.

• The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together with Heather McGhee,

February 16.

• The Connected Parent: An Expert Guide to Parenting in a Digital World with John Palfrey, president of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, February 18.

• Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family with New York Times bestselling author Robert Kolker, March 10.

• The Empathy Diaries: An Evening with Sherry Turkle, March 24.

For the full list of speakers and video replays of many of the sessions, visit www.familyactionnetwork.net/past-events.

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events

Cathy Bell Bartholomay ’79 and Betty Fisher Wiggins ’93, co-chairs

Tom Flemma and Gary Metzner, auctioneer

Ash-har Quraishi, current parent and emcee

Virtual Benefit Raises More Than $350,000 for Scholarships North Shore Country Day held its first-ever virtual benefit on February 25, bringing in more than $350,000 for student scholarships and supplemental support—an ever increasing need for current and future NSCD students.

The 2021 Scholarship Benefit— Raider Strong featured a mix of live and pre-recorded activities, including an auction, paddle raise, raff le, testimonials from scholarship recipients and donors, and an original performance by members of the upper school Louder Than a Bomb slam poetry club. Current NSCD parent Ash-har Quraishi, an Emmy Awardwinning journalist, producer and filmmaker, was the evening’s emcee, sharing the stage with Head of School Tom Flemma and Auctioneer Gary Metzner.

“The outpouring of support is inspiring—not only the incredible generosity for scholarship, but to know that our Raider community endures and prevails, comes together and rises, even in the face of unprecedented challenges,” said 22

Co-Chairs Cathy Bell Bartholomay ’79 and Betty Fisher Wiggins ’93. “We are all in this together, and what great company to be in. Among the many takeaways that remain is this: Our event was Raider Strong because we are each Raider Strong.

And together, we will continue to be.”

After the success of NSCD’s inaugural Scholarship Dinner in 2018, the school made student scholarship a recurring focus for the annual benefit every few years—a theme that supports a major initiative from North Shore’s Strategic Plan and also amplifies the school’s historic commitment to student financial aid.

Scholarship support began when NSCD opened its doors in 1919 as one of the school’s “major principles.” Founding Headmaster Perry Dunlap Smith and the families who established the school believed that any student, regardless of their financial means, should have the opportunity to attend North Shore. They knew the benefits of such an approach would extend to all members of the school

community, not just the individual students and families who received financial assistance. North Shore Country Day would only reach its full potential and live up to its mission if its students represented a “cross section of the community.”

Renewing this commitment as NSCD forges ahead in its second century helps protect the school’s future and ensures continuing access to a North Shore Country Day education regardless of a family’s ability to pay. About 20% of current students receive financial aid.

Over the years, North Shore’s annual benefit has raised more than $7 million to fund areas not fully covered by the operating budget, such as curriculum and teaching fund grants, student scholarships and faculty enrichment grants. It has also helped fund major capital projects including the renovation of the lower school, construction of the Conant Science Center and renovation of the Auditorium and Arts Center.

Justin Hartley ’19

Mary Pat Cross, parent of alumni

Lola Adebiyi ’21 and Anita Rao ’21

Paula Castillo ’90

Ritu and Ashish Jain, current parents

Ashleigh Cross St. Peters ’05

Dana Brown Davenport ’96

Jack and Cori Chandler, parents of alumni

Manny Hodzic ’15

Bob Kopple ’61

SAVE THE DATE! Homecoming 2021 October 1-2 We look forward to seeing everyone on campus for a fun-filled weekend!

Families, alumni, parents of alumni, and current and former faculty are invited! There will be special events, programs, athletic competitions, food and more. Final schedule coming soon!

REUNION CLASSES THIS YEAR: 1945, 1950, 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015

1941, 1946, 1951, 1956, 1961, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016

HONORING ROCKY WIRTZ ’71 2021 Francis R. Stanton ’27 Recognition Recipient

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facult y Faculty Profile: Lauren Collins D I R E C T O R O F E Q U I T Y, I N C L U S I O N A N D C O M M U N I T Y E N G A G E M E N T

Q The role of identity plays a big part

in your work. What were some of your earliest influences around that idea?

A. It started with conversations in my

family growing up. Elements of my identity became very salient for me at a young age: my religious identity, my gender identity and my racial identity. My mom was very intentional about exposing us to spaces and opportunities to affirm who we were, having really direct conversations about what it means to be Christian, what it means to be black, what it means to be a girl. So as I moved through school spaces which were predominantly white from kindergarten through 12th grade, I was always trying to figure things out.

I didn’t have the language then that I have now, but my mom was cultivating a lens for me to see the world through systems— to pay attention to what’s going on around me, to the experiences of other people and how they differ.

commitment to equity, because I was in this unbelievably white space with students who would say things like, “You’re the first Black person I’ve ever met!” The fact that people could go from birth to death, and never interact with someone who doesn’t look like them was mind boggling for me at 19, so I got really involved on campus as a student diversity leader and served in social justice roles in student government and other organizations.

After college, I went into corporate sales. I was a first-generation college student, and I knew I needed to be financially independent, but there was always a nagging feeling that I needed to get into a space where my awareness and convictions could be a voice for people and communities. So, I went to graduate school, and after a whirlwind year at Harvard, a short stint in a nonprofit organization, giving birth to twins and one last run in corporate America, I realized I didn’t care how much money I was or was not making, I could not ever do that to myself again.

Since then, I have been in schools facilitating equity and inclusion work. Each role has built upon the last and I’ve been really fortunate to have great mentors and to have engaged in really exciting professional development opportunities.

Q. Describe what it’s like working at independent schools?

A. Different challenges come with differ-

ent school communities because the demographics are different, and the communities’ exposure, understanding, education and readiness to act are different.

Before coming to North Shore, I was at the University of Chicago Lab School and Near North Montessori in the city. Each school is very different and I’ve learned a lot. I appreciate when people tell me I’ve had an impact at these places and that I’ve inf luQ . Tell us about your career path and the steps that brought you to where you are now? enced things positively, but I am also cognizant of how much I’ve taken away from A. I count it a privilege and a blessing that these experiences. my career so closely aligns with things I’m personally passionate about. Advocacy has Q. What does it feel like to do work you are been central to every position I have held so passionate about? in my career. My experience as an underA. The ultimate goal is to do work that grad at Miami University in Ohio started you would do if you weren’t getting paid, my career, but I didn’t realize it at the time. which is how I feel. I would absolutely The four years I spent there solidified my be reading these articles and listening to these podcasts and having these

conversations if I wasn’t getting paid. On the other hand, because it is hard work— and heart work—there are times it can feel overwhelming and frustrating because you’re swimming upstream, challenging the status quo. I’m regularly asking people to question what we have accepted as “normal,” because historically and presently, that status quo has served some groups very well and intentionally put others at a protracted disadvantage. So, I’m constantly asking people, what do we need to be doing differently? How do we need to think about it differently? What do we need to create that’s different?

Q. What are three things people might be surprised to learn about you?

A. I can be a little bit of a food snob. When

people say things like, “I don’t like Thai food. I don’t eat sushi,” I do judge them.

That’s not fair and it’s not kind, but it’s true—and probably not something you would expect to hear from your equity practitioner. Second thing, when I have free time, I am perfectly content watching HGTV for hours. I can’t get enough.

When I relax, I need to completely zone out. And the third thing is that I feel things very deeply, and sometimes it even surprises me. Growing up, my mom cried at everything and it was the most annoying thing, but now I just get emotional more often than I would like. I present as professional and poised, but I also may be moved to tears.

Q. If you could invite any two guests to dinner, alive or dead, who would you pick?

A. So, these women are both alive. I would

love to have dinner with Angela Davis and Michelle Obama. I read Becoming by Michelle Obama and from watching any of her interviews, she seems so connected to reality, and she is so brilliant. I would love to be her apprentice or protegé. And Angela Davis—her story is amazing. Her cadence is so powerful and arrests your attention. She has such wisdom in her perspective, and her insight and experiences in organizing movements, on activism, on abolition—she’s amazing.

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facult y Professional Development During the February in-service day, the entire faculty participated in Canvas training, tailored specifically for each division.

NSCD will be moving from PowerSchool Learning, the current learning management system used mainly for middle and upper school, to the Canvas platform beginning in August 2021, and it will be utilized for all three divisions. The school also formed a Canvas task force to facilitate communication about this new platform within the community. Current members include Social Studies Department Head and Upper School Social Studies Teacher Kiernan Aiston; Middle and Upper School Academic Technology Integrator Kenyatta Forbes; Upper School Dean of Students, Mathematics Department Head and Upper School Mathematics Teacher Brian Frederick; World Language Department Head and Upper School Spanish Teacher Carmen Gomez-Fiegl; English Department Head and Upper School English Teacher David Grossman; Senior Kindergarten Teacher Jordan Holod; Physical Education Department Head and Teacher Kyle Jones; Performing Arts Department Head, and Upper and Middle School Theater Teacher Julia Macholl; 4th Grade Teacher Caitlin McLennan; Director of Library and Information Literacy Jenna Nemec-Loise; Lower School Academic Technology Integrator Jeff Shaw; Director of Educational Technology Lucy Gray; and Assistant Head of School Mary Fielder.

Development Associate—Events and Alumni Relations Kim Baker, Development Operations Coordinator Karen Cunningham, Campaign Assistant Troy Chirico, Senior Associate Director of Development Tracie Frederick, Director of Alumni Relations Nancy Green Whiteman ’71 and Development Associate—Annual Giving Maureen Wilde attended the CASE-NAIS Independent Schools Conference.

Upper School Mathematics Teacher Vinny Cousineau, Middle School Counselor Laura Cooper, Associate Director of Middle and Upper School Admission Mullery Doar and Middle School Learning Specialist Christine Ritchey participated in the White Privilege Conference, sponsored by the Privilege Institute.

Instrumental Music Director and Middle and Upper School Music Teacher Ann Goodrich, Middle School Mathematics 26

Teacher Graham Rosby and Middle and Upper School Social Studies Teacher Dana Specht are participating in The Charmm’d Foundation Leadership Academy.

Karen Cunnnigham and Tracie Frederick attended the 2020 Midwest “Meeting of the Minds” Annual Giving and Advancement Services Conference.

Director of Marketing and Communications Tura Cottingham and Communications Associate—Digital Specialist Jay Young attended the Finalsite University conference for website, marketing and communications professionals.

Lower School Art Teacher Emily Culbert attended the 2021 National Art Education Association Convention.

Middle and Upper School French Teacher Anne-Marie Dall’Agata participated in an online seminar entitled Enhancing French Language Instruction.

Upper School English and Social Studies Teacher and Director of the Live+Serve Lab Drea Gallaga attended the Service Learning Conference: Equity, Power, and Privilege, sponsored by the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Education.

She also participated in the Independent Schools Experiential Education Network (ISEEN) Virtual Winter Institute.

Associate Director of College Counseling and Upper School English Teacher Lizzy Giffen completed the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) Financial Aid Certification Webinar Series.

David Grossman attended a Chicago Shakespeare Theater workshop, entitled Revising Othello. He also participated in an conference sponsored by the Bard College Institute for Writing and Thinking, entitled Reading the Word and the World: Writing to Read for Today’s Classrooms.

Kyle Jones attended the weeklong United Soccer Coaches National Convention in January.

Director of Development Molly Ingram McDowell ’80 attended the INDEX Advancement Conference; INDEX Restorative Justice Seminar and the INDEX Building Anti-Racist Organizations conference.

Senior Kindergarten Teacher Carin Peacock participated in an online course entitled The Technology of Talking to Children So They Can Think.

Middle School English and Public Speaking Teacher Susan Schinleber completed 10 hours of Holocaust education

through Echoes & Ref lections. She also participated in a number of webinars: Spotlight on Contemporary Anti-Semitism, Building Insights to Navigate Anti-Semitism and Hate, and The Refugee Crisis: Connecting the Past with Today, sponsored

by Echoes & Relections; After the Election: What’s Next for US Democracy? and Standing Up Together, by Facing History and Ourselves; Addressing Hate: Understanding Contemporary Anti-Semitism and its Historical Roots, by the Ontario Teachers’ Federation; Combatting Online Youth radicalization, by Teaching Tolerance; and Media Literacy for Today’s World: Lessons Learned from Nazi Propaganda, by Share my Lesson.

School Nurse Jamie Valker has participated in a number of virtual training sessions and conference calls throughout the year including monthly sessions on COVID-19 in Pediatric Populations through the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine; biweekly COVID-19 school updates through the Illinois Department of Public Health; and weekly updates through the Cook County Department of Public Health. She also participated in a daylong Comer School Nurses Continuing Education Day and the IDPH School Health Days 2020 Virtual Conference.

Communications Associate—Print Specialist Christine Wachter attended a webinar entitled, Trends & Tools for Digital Engagement to Drive Results, sponsored by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS).

Maureen Wilde attended the Chicago Area Independent School Development (CAISD) Summer Camp.

Lower School Counselor Debbie Youderian participated in a number of webinars this year: Engaging Students in Elearning, sponsored by Amita Health; How to Distinguish ADHD Warning Signs from Typical Toddler and Preschool Behavior,

by ADDitude: Inside the ADHD Mind; Facing Anxiety and Uncertainty in the Classroom, by Rogers Behavioral Health; Better School Behavior: How to Design and Implement a Positive and Effective Behavior Plan, by ADDitude; Understanding ARFID: Diagnosis and Treatment in Children, Adolescents and Adults, by Amita Health; and Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Times of Chaotic Change, by the Eating Recovery Center.

live and serve

The NSCD Community Supports Annual Giving 2020-21 gifts of $100+ (or $25+ classes ’06 -’20).

Several special efforts helped get closer The positive response generated to the Annual Giving goal of raising gifts from $25-$5,000 and exceeded $1,406,750. Annual Giving provides funds the goal of raising $15,000 in for the daily needs of the school, including matched funds. extra efforts this year for professional • Spring: As a kick-off to our development, safety and remote-learning Connectathon, a group of alumni needs. Your gifts help teachers provide matched all donations, surpassing exceptional learning opportunities true the $4,000 goal. to our mission. You can still participate through June 30, 2021. Give Annually.

Impact Daily.

Reunion Annual Giving

• Many thanks to the classes ending in ’0s and ’5s for participating in a two-year commitment for Reunion Annual Giving. Reunion classes met virtually this year and plan to have in-person celebrations in the fall along with next year’s reunion classes.

#GivingTuesday

• Following Black Friday and Cyber Monday is #GivingTuesday—a global day of generosity. Raiders embodied our motto “Live and Serve” by giving back and raising $8,450 in honor of this movement.

Donors share what inspires them to give

If you’ve made a pledge or gift online, you may have noticed the prompt “What Inspires You To Give?” Below are some Virtual Connectathons reasons and we’d like to add yours to • Thank you to all the volunteers and the list! Email Development Associate – donors who participated in our first-ever Annual Giving Maureen Wilde at virtual Connectathon in November and mwilde@nscds.org with your our Alumni Connectathon in March. reason to give.

Volunteer outreach helped keep parents “Continued support of this great community.” and alumni connected by sharing updates about the school while garner- –Parent ing support for Annual Giving.

“Fond memories.” –Alum • Our spring Alumni Connectathon was a “Great education, life-long pals.” –Alum meaningful part of our first “Raiders Connect Week”—a special time for “Great teachers.” –Parent alumni, offering fun ways to connect with each other, share stories, photos “Love working at NSCD, and my son loves it and connect with the school through as well.” –Faculty social media.

“Support for Scholarships.” –Parent of Alumni • We are grateful to our donors who contributed nearly $150,000 from “The best school to work at.” –Former Faculty these Connectathon efforts!

“Wonderful experience and memories at North Shore.” –Alum It’s an Alumni Match!

There were two successful match efforts “To make the community a better one.” this year: –Parent • Fall: For new donors, or those who missed giving last fiscal year, two anon- “To give back to my school that gave me so much.” –Alum ymous alumni provided a match for For online gifts and pledges, please visit www.nscds.org/give.

Thank you to our dedicated Fall and/or Spring Virtual Connectathon volunteers: Annie Aggens ’88

Bill Hines ’73

Bill Ake ’88

Marcia McMillan Hines ’56

Kelsey Andersen ’06

Darla Hovden

Payton Anderson ’20

Elizabeth Ingram ’82

Carlos Angeles ’12

Craig Johnson ’70

Jay Bach Cathy Bell Bartholomay ’79

Stefani Jackson Deb Keyt Gaby Levi ’95 Danny Lowinger ’08

Ravi Batista

Ches Manly ’89

Phyllis Beattie ’72

Suzanne Folds McCullagh ’69

Heidi Schroeder Black

Susan Millner

Dan Bloedorn ’87

Kavita Narasimhan

David Brown ’84

Firouz Niazi ’17

Vanessa Colman

Ted Notz ’53

Jackie Cotter

Scott Olson ’79

Jim Davis ’64

Marika Pinetti

Kerry Day

John Roberts ’49

Kenzie Doornweerd

Sarah Geist Rosen ’86

Pascale Dunaway

Jeannie Lea Scully ’63

Bob Elisha ’77 Alison Fitzgerald Grace Flickinger ’12

Jennifer Shreve Steve Shultz Alex Silets ’87

Katie Florig

George Smith ’81

Jeff Foreman ’80

Karen Block Thomas ’09

Kim Frezados Nina Gallin Susan Gallun Tom Geraghty III ’62 Madelaine Kukanza Goldstein ’08 Lauri Reagan Harris ’87 Naomi Hattori ’02 Betsy Perkins Hill ’70 Sophie Hiland ’18

Katie Todd ’96 Julie Ugarte Ashleigh Palmer Weathers ’04 Betty Fisher Wiggins ’93 Larry Williams ’87 Andrew Wood ’90 Anne Hines Young ’77

o tseesr v e lc ilvaes sa n d

Kindness Week

Kindness Week: John Kennedy ’32

Hilda’s Place dinners: Samantha Ackley ’30

Kindness Week: Veera Surakanti ’32

Kindness Week: Emmy Wentzel ’31

Living and Serving—Even in the Midst of a Pandemic Despite the continuing challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, North Shore Country Day’s “Live and Serve” motto is still in the forefront, both in and out of the classroom. Although some longstanding service programs had to be modified this year, students and families found ways to continue the school’s relationships with several familiar community service partners, as well as a few new ones.

Throughout the month of November, NSCD students JK-12 participated in a Family Focus food drive. In the upper school, each grade competed to see who could collect the most non-perishable items to donate to the food pantry.

Ultimately, they surpassed the schoolwide goal of 1,000 items and collected a total of 1,121—more than two items per every student in the lower, middle and upper school.

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According to the Director of Live+ Serve Lab Drea Gallaga, who also teaches upper school English and social studies, the school was thrilled to partner with Family Focus, whose food pantry has seen a surge in demand since the start of the pandemic. Family Focus, which started as a one-room drop-in center for parents of young children in the mid 1970s, has since expanded to include seven direct service centers throughout Greater Chicago providing assistance to more than 17,000 individuals.

NSCD students and families had a number of other opportunities to put the school’s “Live and Serve” motto into action this fall and winter with longtime partners Northwestern Settlement House and Connections for the Homeless— with a few modifications.

For more than a quarter century, North Shore Country Day has partnered with Northwestern Settlement House in some capacity. In recent years, upper school advisories have adopted families, and provided holiday gifts and other household items to those in need. Because of logistical challenges with students being off campus for remote learning between Thanksgiving and winter break, advisories were unable to coordinate the project, so NSCD families stepped in and continued the tradition individually this holiday season. Though disappointing for students who look forward to gathering for the packing party each year, this change allowed the program to expand. Rather than sponsoring 13 families through advisories, the school community sponsored 43. “There were still so many opportunities to give back to others—even while we were at home,” Drea said.

Cradles for Crayons supply drive

Family Focus food drive

Family Focus food drive

Hilda’s Place dinner: Cooper Larsen ’27 and Jack Larsen ’26

Yoo-Kyung Kim’s 3rd grade class

Hilda’s Place, a transitional shelter run

by Connections for the Homeless, is also a longtime partner of the school. Now, rather than cooking the meals onsite, families prepare the meals at home or order from a local restaurant and drop them off. Students and families can also support the nonprofit by making brown bag breakfasts and lunches.

In the middle school, the student council sponsored a Cradles to Crayons supply drive in January, collecting hundreds of diapers as well as winter clothing for children. “We’re so happy that we, as a community, were able to help those in need, especially during the hard times we are facing,” explained Student Council President Mason Cotter ’25. “This drive was a huge success, and all of the

donations are helping children in struggling families receive supplies that they otherwise would not be able to afford. We are going to make many children very happy, and we think Cradles to Crayons’ mission ref lects our school’s ‘Live and Serve’ motto perfectly.”

Middle school student Lilly Gallin ’25 also organized a hat and mitten drive to benefit The Night Ministry, a Chicagobased nonprofit that assists people struggling with poverty or homelessness. In addition to collecting hats, gloves, mittens and other cold-weather gear, students raised almost $600 for the cause.

In the lower school, students engaged in a variety of service learning activities during “ Kindness Week,” Feb. 14-20.

Students in junior kindergarten through 5th grade made cards for family members, postal workers, grocery store workers,

cancer patients and others as they focused on four aspects of kindness: being kind to themselves, to their families, to people who are ill and to the world. They also painted rocks with messages of love and kindness they could then place by a tree in their neighborhood or give to a neighbor.

“We have to continue to spread generosity as much as we can,” Drea explained.

“The smallest gestures towards those affected by COVID-19—the elderly, the struggling, the immunocompromised or the isolated—can mean so much.

Kindness is so valuable right now.”

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live and serve “Mary represented the best of North Shore—a kind heart, a penetrating intellect, and above all, a boundless curiosity and desire to learn. As an alumna, parent and Trustee, she made us a better school and kinder community. She will be greatly missed.”

—tom flemma, Head of School

The Legacy of Mary Pick Hines ’49 The North Shore community lost Mary Pick Hines '49 in November, a devoted alumna, volunteer and life trustee. For more than 70 years she was incredibly generous with her time, talent and resources.

Mary was a strong leader, strategist and advocate with an unwavering commitment to the school. Her collaborative style, wit, wisdom and razor-sharp intellect were key assets to facilitate effective planning for North Shore. Many people's lives have been positively impacted by her, both here at NSCD and in the world at large.

She was a modest person who wanted the light of her efforts to shine brightly on the school she loved, and she epitomized our "Live and Serve" motto. She will be missed but always remembered for her lifetime of impact at North Shore (see full obituary on page 42 and read more about her service to the school at www.nscds.org/maryhines).

“Our mom embodied the school’s motto “Live and Serve.” She lived a rich life filled with family, dogs, devoted friends, books, birds, arts and culture, and served a variety of communities through her extensive volunteer work. North Shore was a constant in her life. While the school has been strengthened in so many ways because of her loyal and expert ministrations (that’s a Mary-ism), she found her efforts to be deeply nourishing. We are so proud of her meaningful legacy at North Shore and beyond.”

—william h. hines ’73, anne hines young ’77 and david hines ’81 “On November 21, 2014, (which happened to be Harold Hines’ birthday) we held a ‘Thank You, Mary’ dinner to recognize her for all she had done for the school. Many of her friends were there including classmates, former trustees and, most importantly, her three children. Board Chair Jim Lumberg and I said a few words when we all sat down to dinner, and we planned to have former Board Chair Susan Bondurant offer a toast and salute Mary as dessert was served. We hoped two or three people might follow Susan’s lead. Just before Susan was ready to make her toast, a member of the Class of ’49 stood and spoke.

Things took off, and for the next hour more than 15 people acknowledged Mary, singing her praises and thanking her for all she continued to do for the school, for all of us and for being Mary.”

—tom doar , Former Head of School

“Mary Hines was a leader among a class of leaders. Relatively quiet but always ready to express her opinion, she was dedicated and devoted to NSCD as a student and as an alumna. But most of all she was a dear friend.”

—john roberts ’49

Harold Hines Fellowship Mary leaves many legacies. In 1986, she established the Harold Hines Visiting Fellowship in memory of her husband Harold H. Hines Jr. Harold Hines provided exceptional leadership to North Shore as a trustee, having chaired numerous board committees, including the Long-Range Planning Committee and the 50th Anniversary Endowment Fund Campaign, as well as serving as Board Chair from 1971-1973.

The Fellowship has brought distinguished individuals to our campus who have exemplified the school motto, “Live and Serve.” There’s a special emphasis on the ethical consideration of societal issues, giving students the opportunity to define their responsibility to society.

Past Harold Hines Visiting Fellows include former president of Yale University and Commissioner of Major League Baseball, the late A. Bartlett Giamatti; primatologist and anthropologist Dr. Jane Goodall; Chinese dissident and human rights activist, the late Harry Wu; founder and president of Habitat for Humanity, the late Millard Fuller; awardwinning poet, essayist, fiction writer, activist and professor Marjorie Agosín; and, recently, Georgia Congressman and civil rights icon, the late John Lewis with Andrew Aydin, co-author of the award-winning graphic-novel series March.

Remembering Tom Pick ’48 Tom Pick ’48, the brother of Mary Pick Hines ’49, passed away on December 13.

Tom was another loyal and true Raider.

Tom shared many stories of his North Shore days. He gave highly complimentary tributes about faculty members and their significant impact as educators, as well as highlighted the special friendships he formed and greatly valued. His connection to North Shore was lifelong, loyal, engaged and involved, as has been his commitment in supporting the school.

Tom and his wife Sue enthusiastically participated and attended many events over the years, including Tom’s class reunions, special alumni trips, programs, receptions and Florida regional events.

Their presence and engagement made every occasion more enjoyable. On an alumni trip to Las Vegas led by Bill Hinchliff ’64, he won at the blackjack table and announced the next day that he intended to donate his winnings to Annual Giving, encouraging others to follow his lead.

Tom always ref lected on the past and what North Shore meant to him, but he was always interested in the present and wanted to know all about the academic and extracurricular programs. He also weighed the importance of the future for the school by making a bequest to NSCD, thus joining the legacy of Heritage Society members.

Tom’s legacy lives on in our memories and in his investment in our future students (see full obituary on page 42).

Mary Pick Hines ’49, Dick and Carol Hall

Midge Chace Powell ’49, Alice Pirie Wirtz ’49, Mary Pick Hines ’49, Joan Hauser Gately ’49

David Hines ’81, Mary Pick Hines ’49, Harold Hines, Anne Hines Young ’77 and Bill Hines ’73

Parker and Julie Hall, Mary Pick Hines ’49

Field hockey 1948: Mary Pick Hines ’49 (second row, second from left) Tom Pick ’48 and Mary Pick Hines ’49

Jim Lumberg, Susan Bondurant, Mary Pick Hines ’49, John Darrow ’65, Jim DeYoung and Cam Avery

The 1948-49 Girls Athletic Association: Mary Pick Hines ’49 (seated, fourth from left)

a c o r n · Spring 2021

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v isua l a rt

Colin Casey ’25

Austin Brindley ’29 Alan Plascencia ’23

Annie Loeb ’25

Bronwyn Wood ’28 Alicia Isasi ’23

Charlize Guillen ’22

Owen Keyt ’24 Emily Ver Eecke ’27

Alana Beard ’32

Ella Steinhandler ’32 Matilda Pinner ’26

Eleanor Millbratz ’32

perfor ming a rt s The Show Did Indeed Go On As the old saying goes, “The show must go on,” and despite the challenges brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, the performing arts department at North Shore Country Day has found ways to showcase the hard work and talent of middle and upper school students during this unusual year.

For the first time in more than a year, students took to the Auditorium stage March 11-13 for the spring musical production, Hindsight 2020: Looking Back to Our Past Selves and Looking Forward to Who We Strive to Be. The show featured solo, duet, trio and ensemble performances of a variety of songs from popular musicals including Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, Les Miserables, West Side Story and High School Musical— currently slated to be performed in full in the spring of 2022. In between musical numbers, students shared their reflections on this tumultuous year.

“It started as an idea and grew into a lovely story that captured the heartache, isolation, good times and weirdness of 2020 with hope for the future ‘normal,’” explained Julia Macholl, NSCD performing arts department head and upper and middle school theater teacher.

Due to restrictions on gatherings, a live audience was not allowed.

Instead, the school streamed all three performances so friends and family could watch from the comfort and safety of their own homes.

“This was definitely not the average spring musical,” Julia said.

“There was so much uncertainty, so we had to be prepared with at least three or four backup plans. When the upper school switched to remote learning temporarily in mid-February, students still rehearsed independently so they were ready to hit the ground running when we returned in person.”

Although on one hand the process felt more improvised than a typical musical, it was also meticulously choreographed and blocked in order to maintain a 6-foot distance in accordance with state guidelines. Students were also required to wear masks at all times— even while singing.

“One of the biggest challenges for me was helping students find ways to sing expressively and effectively while wearing a face mask,” explained Upper and Middle School Choral Director and Music Teacher Timothy Mah. “The closest equivalent I can think of is tying a tennis player’s wrists together with a large rubber band and then telling them to go and play an effective tennis match—it’s not easy to do! That said, our students rose to the occasion, using variations in volume, tone and color in their voices, along with expressiveness in their eyes, to bring to life some really beautiful and poignant songs from the musical theater repertoire.”

This was actually the third modified production of the school year. In the fall, the school held its first-ever outdoor performing arts festival with three sold-out performances Oct. 8-10.

“We were constantly checking the forecast,” Julia said. “We had a backup plan to move inside if the outdoor setup was not an option, but luckily the weather was amazing.”

Technical theater students built a stage in front of the school’s iconic Auditorium, and dressed it with bales of straw, pumpkins, mums and other fall decorations. They also designed and decorated haunted trees on the field, where limited seating was set up and spaced 6 feet apart to comply with state guidelines for gatherings.

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The festival featured selections from the upper school instrumental ensemble, soloists from the middle school chorus and a selection by the upper school chorus. The evening closed with the upper school fall play, The Hallmarks of Horror by Peter Bloedel.

“It was so energizing to see the students perform and it fulfilled a part of us that has been missing since the pandemic began,” Julia said.

Shortly after the performing arts festival concluded, the performing arts department started working on its annual winter production.

Instead of a traditional winter play, students worked together to write and perform two short films—A Central Park Adventure and A Big Day Out for Snail! Inspired by Sesame Street and Mister Rogers Neighborhood, the cast studied children’s puppetry theater and how to write plays for children. They then worked on how to act with the puppets and bring the characters to life. The entire production was pre-recorded before the school transitioned to remote learning between Thanksgiving and winter break and shown online during Morning Ex in December.

“This has been such a bizarre year,” Julia said. “But I feel very fulfilled. Luckily, I have a fantastic production team with Technical Director Manny Ortiz, Music Director Tim Mah and Choreographer Cameron Turner. We’ve been very fortunate to be able to put on these productions with the help of the entire school and administration.”

Instrumental Ensemble After performing live during the fall performing arts festival, the upper school instrumental ensemble spent the winter working on recording projects, both in full ensemble and chamber group settings.

These recordings were published on the Performing Arts Morning Ex website. During the spring semester, students have been working towards their final performance scheduled for mid-May, featuring traditional jazz standards, as well as some Motown tunes.

The middle school instrumental ensemble was completely remote until the switch to a full-day schedule after spring break. Because of that, students focused on developing their individual performance skills through various platforms. They also worked on composing their own solos and learning musical pieces of their choosing. They plan to close out the year recording two pieces that the group composed themselves. The students wrote pieces in small groups and Instrumental Music Director Ann Goodrich compiled their ideas into one cohesive composition.

Chorus Members of both the middle and upper school choruses, under the direction of Upper and Middle School Choral Director and Music Teacher Timothy Mah, have overcome numerous challenges this school year finding ways to sing safely and joyfully. During the winter, students compiled a video of solo and small-group numbers and shared it with residents at a number of local retirement communities.

Both ensembles submitted group numbers to the Winter Performing Arts Virtual Morning Ex—including an upper school collaboration with Lake Forest High School’s Bel Canto Singers. Each member of both choruses also submitted a video of a solo art song to a virtual solo and ensemble contest sponsored by the Northern Illinois Music Conference (NIMCON).

Fall Performing Arts Festival: Patrick Fitzgerald ’21, Quincy Howard ’24

Fall Performing Arts Festival: Upper School Chorus

Spring Musical: Lola Adebiyi ’21 Spring Musical: Lance Zhang ’22

Winter Play: Maya Belabbes ’24

Fall Play: Joseph Settimi ’23 and Anna Umpleby ’22

Spring Musical: Abby Kaplan ’21 (center) and company Upper School Chorus with Lake Forest High School’s Bel Canto Singers

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at hle t ics 2020-21 Upper School Athletic Season “It is amazing to think that the last time there was a worldwide pandemic like what we are experiencing now, North Shore Country Day had not yet opened,” said Athletic Director Patrick McHugh.

“The influenza pandemic broke out in February of 1918, and while it had tapered off by the time the school opened its doors, it actually extended into the first year of our school’s existence with cases appearing in the spring of 1920.”

But just as a global pandemic did not stop NSCD’s founders in 1919, it has not stopped Raider athletics during this most unusual school year. Offering sports safely and responsibly has been the athletic department’s No. 1 priority.

The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) classified each sport as either low risk (non-contact), medium risk (some contact) or high risk (a contact sport).

In the fall of 2020, the school was allowed to offer interscholastic competition in girls and boys golf, girls and boys cross country, and girls tennis. Upper school students not participating in those sports started the year with a High Performance Camp, then proceeded to what the IHSA referred to as contact days (practices) for soccer, field hockey, volleyball, basketball and baseball.

With COVID-19 case counts high in Illinois throughout November and December, the state did not allow high schools to start basketball until late January. Despite some community interruptions, the 2020-21 basketball season was one of the most successful in the school’s history. Even with a slim lineup, the girls team was competitive against much more powerful opponents. The boys team, with arguably one of the strongest groups of seniors in years, went undefeated. Despite the brevity of the season, they had wins over Latin School of Chicago, University of Chicago Laboratory Schools (U-High) and the first victory over Lake Forest Academy in at least 15 years.

Next came what the IHSA called the spring season—more appropriately known as the early spring season—which included boys soccer, field hockey and girls volleyball. The varsity boys

36

Boys basketball seniors

soccer team decided to forgo traveling over spring break to extend their season and increase the number of games that could be scheduled. The varsity soccer team played some of the best soccer in Raider sports history. Both field hockey and volleyball also competed well despite the abbreviated seasons.

In mid-April, the IHSA kicked off what it’s calling the spring/summer season. For the first time in Raider history, students will be competing into June—possibly all the way up to the week of Commencement or even beyond. This final season includes girls soccer, boys tennis, baseball, and boys and gIrls track and field.

Middle School Very few middle schools have been able to offer any sports at all during the coronavirus pandemic. However, while NSCD middle school students have not been able to compete inter-scholastically this year, they’ve had a variety of opportunities to participate in athletics. They have been almost entirely outside—even in some of the coldest weeks this winter.

In the fall, students had the opportunity to participate in baseball, cross country or tennis. Winter brought outdoor winter games, outdoor running club and weight training. Between the end of the winter season and spring break, the athletic department offered a two-week bonus program with basketball on the tennis courts, field hockey, flag football and running club. And in the spring, students could choose from four co-ed options: running club, baseball, soccer and a racket program.

“For most of us on the coaching staff, this has been the most challenging school year of our lives,” Patrick said. “However, I expect when we look back on this year, despite a sense of loss in so many ways, we will feel proud of the work we were able to do and the opportunities we were able to provide for our students and families. There has been a lot of research shared about how the loss of athletic participation in school districts around the country has negatively impacted kids. We at NSCD have been able to maintain athletic opportunities all year and have had many instances of impressive performance. I believe our founders would be also proud of our ability to maintain that tradition.”

Zinzi Steele ’21

Caroline Hagerty ’21

John Sprenger ’21

Leif Steele ’24

Natalie Duquette ’21

Jane Scullion ’21

Alma Fitzgerald ’22

Rachel Olatunji ’21

Middle school field hockey

Mason Meyers ’22

Middle school basketball

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Patrick Dunn ’26 and Max Flemma ’26

pho t os from our pa s t “A picture is worth a thousand words” and tells an important and interesting story. If you can identify any of these photos or tell us a story about them, please contact Director of Alumni Relations Nancy Green Whiteman ’71, 310 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, IL 60093, nwhiteman@nscds.org or call her at 847.881.8848.

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a c o r n · Spring 2021

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a lumni connec t ions 2020-2021 Children/Grandchildren of Alumni

FIRST ROW: Xander Athas ’34 (Chip Herndon ’72), Olivia Gent ’34 (Jennifer Gonzalez-Gent ’98), Levi Todd ’34 (Katie Todd ’96), Riley Todd ’34 (Katie Todd ’96), Georgia Wellstein ’34 (Georgia Elmes Welles ’48), Aidan Gent ’33 (Jennifer Gonzalez-Gent ’98), William Wellstein ’33 (Georgia Elmes Welles ’48), Walter Weathers ’32 (Ashleigh Palmer Weathers ’04) SECOND ROW: Greyson Gent ’31 (Jennifer Gonzalez-Gent ’98), Shahaan Ghazi ’31 (Rashid Ghazi ’85), Finley Todd ’31 (Katie Todd ’96), Payne Wood ’30 (Andrew Wood ’90), Margot Ake ’28 (Bill Ake ’88), Bronwyn Wood ’28 (Andrew Wood ’90), Benjamin Levi ’27 (Gaby Levi ’95), Camilla Sheftel ’27 (Gordon Hall ’40) THIRD ROW: Devin Todd ’27 (Katie Todd ’96), Dixie Oelerich ’26 (Cy ’89 and Molly Shotwell Oelerich ’87), Samuel Rosen ’26 (Sarah Geist Rosen ’86), Thomas Scott ’26 (Hilary Bishop Scott ’96), Razaan Ghazi ’25 (Rashid Ghazi ’85), Daisy Stone ’25 (Jennifer Stone ’82), Jonathan Wiggins ’25 (Betty Fisher Wiggins ’93) FOURTH ROW: Nick Heise ’24 (Michelle Atwater ’85), Gabriel Rosen ’24 (Sarah Geist Rosen ’86), Hadley Ake ’23 (Bill Ake ’88), Penrose Bigelow ’23 (Marcia McMillan Hines ’56), Buckley Oelerich ’23 (Cy ’89 and Molly Shotwell Oelerich ’87), Margie Blair ’22 (Bruce Blair ’69) FIFTH ROW: Jibraan Ghazi ’22 (Rashid Ghazi ’85), Dusty Karmin ’22 (Peter Karmin ’83), Anna Ristic ’22 (Lisa McClung ’87), Noah Beider ’21 (Danny Beider ’91), Charley Bell ’21 (Cathy Bell Bartholomay ’79)

40

Virtual Homecoming Reunions It was a different year to celebrate for our alumni reunion classes with all events held via Zoom. The feedback was positive, however, and alums were grateful to connect with those they might not have been able to see otherwise. The Class of 1970, celebrating their 50th reunion, held several Zoom gatherings throughout the weekend, and they were even able to connect with a classmate from Germany. The following former faculty also joined the 50th reunion: Jay Bach, Bill Kelly, David Newman and Sheldon Rosenbaum. In many ways, going virtual made this past Homecoming even more accessible for all.

Class of 1970 reunion with former faculty

Reunion classes (ending in “0” and “5”) are invited back this year so they may gather in person during Homecoming weekend October 1-2.

Raiders Rally ’Round Speaker Series New this year! North Shore hosted a virtual speaker series for alumni, parents of alumni and former faculty featuring faculty presenters with Head of School Tom Flemma. They offered in-depth, insightful and impressive presentations on North Shore today. The four speaker programs highlighted academics, performing arts, athletics and service. Faculty presenters included: • Kiernan Aiston, Social Studies Department Head and Upper School Social Studies Teacher • Annie Collins, Science Department Head and Lower School Science Teacher • Drea Gallaga, Director of the Live+Serve Laboratory, Upper School English and Social Studies Teacher • Carmen Gomez-Fiegl, World Language Department Head and Upper School Spanish Teacher • David Grossman, English Department Head and Upper School English Teacher • Rebekah Kauffman, Assistant Director of Athletics and Coach • Linda Kiracibasi, Lower School Music Teacher • Julia Macholl, Performing Arts Department Head and Upper and Middle School Theater Teacher • Tim Mah, Upper and Middle School Choral Director and Music Teacher • Patrick McHugh, Director of Athletics Visit www.nscds.org/alumnievents to watch the presentations.

Raiders Rally ’Round speaker series

Raiders Connect Week This year we announced a brand new alumni engagement effort called “Raiders Connect” that was met with great success! It was a special week for everyone, offering fun ways for alumni to connect with the school and each other, sharing stories and photos through social media. Each day featured a special theme: M O N D AY : “Then and Now” (post your yearbook photo along with a recent one) T U E S D AY : Memorable Moments in Athletics W E D N E S D AY : Connect & Give Back (share your reason for giving)

Raiders Connect

T H U R S D AY : Favorite Theater Memory F R I D AY : Raider spirit (Post your photo in purple and white)

Young Alumni December “Breakfast” with Lifers We welcomed our college-age alumni back to campus this year virtually to catch up, connect and hear from the lifers and more at the winter celebration. They were joined by current and former faculty.

Winter Celebration

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cl a ss notes

1940s Louise Konsberg Noll ’40 reports, “My

Sallie Welsh VanArsdale ’40 writes, “No worthwhile news due to COVID-19! We wear masks outside our apartment indoors and out. Have been vaccinated as well.”

grandchildren are scattered, one in North Dakota, two in Los Angeles, one in Austin, Dick Golden ’44 died on November 7, TX, one in South Carolina and, luckily, I 2020. North Shore has lost a treasured, dedicated and loyal alumnus and a dear still live in Maplewood, NJ.” friend of the school. He served as an North Shore’s steadfast and loyal alumna outstanding example in many NSCD roles.

Katrina Wolcott Kelley ’43 died on March As class representative he kept his class22, 2021. As her obituary recounts she mates well connected and informed and “was generous, bright, elegant, charming, also through wonderful leadership for adorable, a feminist and politically active. their reunions. He accomplished the same She loved parties and a good joke. She had level of connection with many alumni a lifelong love of travel and made trips to during and after the time he served on India, China, Europe, Peru, the Galapagos, the Alumni Board and through attending Cambodia and many more places around North Shore events, programs and in the the world. Among her many volunteer greater community. His magnanimous endeavors, she was involved in a women’s manner, infectious humor and ever-preseducational and empowerment organiza- ent enthusiasm made for immediate tion called Greenerfields. Literature was and meaningful engagement. He made a central focus of her life. She was a mem- a pointed effort of getting to know all of ber of the Winnetka Fortnightly writing North Shore’s Heads of School, offering group, and later in life, she majored in his support to each one and with characEnglish at Lake Forest College, earning teristic modesty provided his knowledge, a BA with honors in 1982.” As a North perspective and insight on alumni, the Shore alumna she served in countless school and its important mission. He ways, including the Alumni Board, and delighted in learning and was always was recognized for her commitment to interested to hear about North Shore; the the school as an honorary Alumni Board educational programs, new initiatives member. Katrina’s presence at school and opportunities for students. Dick was events, programs, meetings, classroom a champion of North Shore and emanated visits, alumni trips, connectathons and a warm, enthusiastic and caring persona drop-in visits to the Alumni Office were and unwavering dedication to the school. special, fun and demonstrated how fully He made us laugh and love him, and his invested she was to North Shore. Her fam- ongoing efforts for the school enhanced ily connection to the school spans many and grew alumni connections. We had to years with two sisters who attended, her share Dick with other community efforts husband, her children, nieces and nephew where he made a substantive impact. Dick which—all added together, she proudly was a Trustee of the Village of Winnetka, would state—represented over 100 years of President of Winnetka’s water and power her family’s ties to North Shore. Katrina utility, President of the Winnetka Park often ref lected on her time at North Shore District Board of Commissioners and was and the experiences the school provided to Co-Chair with his special wife Mim of encourage learning and personal develop- the Board of Governors of the Winnetka ment. One recollection she shared, “hav- Community House. Dick and Mim were ing to be on the Auditorium stage made made honorary life members of the girls brave in the same way that football Winnetka Community House and as a did for boys. Yes, brave and willing to couple were recognized by the Winnetka take chances. Good preparations for life.” Chamber of Commerce in 1987 as Man Katrina led a life of being brave and taking and Woman of the Year. He was also chances and the result is her life was one Commodore of the Winnetka Yacht Club that was full, diverse, inf luential and and later Commodore of Sheridan Shore impactful. North Shore was fortunate to Yacht Club. Dick received the 2010 have her continuous commitment and Arthur and Mary Van Deusen Trophy for presence in the school and alumni comOutstanding Contributions to Wilmette munity, which she demonstrated in many Harbor and Sheridan Shore Yacht Club ways—including being a member of the Sailing School. A licensed private pilot, school’s Heritage Society.

SCUBA diver and an experienced yachtsman, he was also a talented entrepreneur who owned and operated several 42

businesses in the Chicago area that were centered around material handling equipment. He had a strong moral compass that guided his life and set an example for those around him and lived the “Live and Serve” motto all his life. His children Jim Golden ’70, Nancy Golden Fahlstrom ’70 and Joanne Golden ’74 carry on his legacy as North Shore alumni.

Tom Pick ’48 died peacefully at home surrounded by family on December 13, 2020. Tom, an investor and philanthropist, was adored by all who knew him and very devoted to his family. His many friends treasured his business acumen, intelligence, honesty, loyalty, generosity and delightfully quirky sense of humor.

He was a gardener, a fisherman, a master barbecuer, a fine player of bridge and poker, a sailor and a stargazer.

After attending North Shore Country Day, he graduated from Amherst College in 1952, cum laude in organic chemistry.

After college, he served as a Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1955, working in military intelligence aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Oriskany as it patrolled the Pacific.

Back in Chicago, he worked as an investment manager with A. G. Becker and other firms, retiring in 1997 from Everen Securities. He gave generously to countless cultural, civic, scientific and environmental organizations both in Chicago and farther afield. At Amherst College, the Pick Readership in Environmental Studies honors him and his wife Sue; together they also created the 26-acre Pick Preserve for environmental research on Sanibel Island, FL. Other favorite causes included the Sanibel Music Festival, the Chicago Public Library Foundation and the Chicago Botanic Gardens. Tom had served as trustee of Michael Reese Hospital and board member of the Merit School of Music (see story on page 30).

Mary Pick Hines ’49 died peacefully at

home surrounded by family on November 25, 2020. Mary was a devoted family matriarch, a dedicated philanthropist and a spirited volunteer. She enjoyed a wide circle of friends who cherished her wit, intelligence, panoramic curiosity, love of books, and unique turns of phrase. She served in a broad array of capacities at North Shore Country Day as both an alumna and parent of alumni, culminating in her appointment to life trustee.

A proud alumna of Vassar College, Mary

Katrina Wolcott Kelley ’43

Dick Golden ’44

Tom Pick ’48

Mary Pick Hines ’49

served as chair of the Chicago Vassar Club and later became a trustee of the college.

Her passion for birding led her to the board of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

An art enthusiast, she sat on the 20th Century Committee at the Art Institute of Chicago. She was board chair of the Scholarship and Guidance Association and a member of the University of Chicago Women’s Board. Later in life, Mary relished her extensive travels and her participation in a rigorous western civilization book group. Mary was the beloved wife of the late Harold H. Hines, Jr.; the loving mother of William Hines ’73 (Sally), Anne Hines Young ’77 and David Hines ’81;

and the delighted grandmother of Elizabeth, Katherine (Chris) and Samuel Hines, Clyfford and Madleine Young, and Hugo ’20 and Oscar ’21 Hines. She was the dear sister of Thomas Pick ’48 (Sue) and engaged aunt to her nieces and nephews (see story on page 30).

1950s Judith Atwood Wright ’54 passed away peacefully on January 5, 2021. Judy attended North Shore Country Day from junior kindergarten through high school.

She inherited a love of sports from her mother, a successful professional golfer,

and her love of horses from her father, an avid polo player. Early on, she enjoyed athletics, showing horses and performing in plays. She continued singing and field hockey during her years at Vassar College, before returning to Chicago and working for JWT—living out her favorite saying, “bloom where you’re planted.” And bloom she did! In 1959, she married Kenneth Trude Wright, a fellow White Sox fan. Ken introduced Judy to the West, where she immediately fell in love with its beauty and traded her breeches for chaps. They made a home in Kenilworth, that beyond housing their four children, served as a

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cl a ss notes revolving door of friends, cousins and the occasional Bulls player. Judy was, first and foremost, a dedicated mother and an active member of the community. She volunteered her time with Girl Scouts, Hadley School for the Blind and Children’s Memorial to name a few. She also served as president of the Kenilworth Park District and Winnetka Hockey Board. She knew her way around an Apple computer long before her children, a foreshadowing of her adeptness with an iPhone and extensive use of emojis.

Though her roots were in Chicago, her heart will always be in Idaho. Anyone whoever talked to Judy quickly learned about her passion for horses and how important it is to be a good steward of the land and an even better neighbor. A true patriot, she once declined an incoming FaceTime so she could complete singing the national anthem before a Hawks’ game. Above all, Judy will be remembered for her kindness and warmth. She was a constant source of positivity and optimism for friends and family alike, a trait that will be sorely missed. We salute her as a wonderful Raider.

and includes reference to NSCD, since our grandfather was an early supporter of the school. Here is a portion of the program: History Matters: Walter Ansel Strong (1883-1931), grandson of Libertyville’s Ansel B. Cook, rose from a tragic Chicago childhood to become a leading newspaper publisher in Chicago, a position he used to defend democratic institutions and promote honest journalism. David Strong and Sarah Strong Norton will share the results of their research into their grandfather’s life, with particular attention to his upbringing and his accomplishments, including the unheralded role he played in putting Al Capone behind bars. A Libertyville-Mundelein Historical Society program.” Watch the full program on YouTube.

Jeff Gardner ’65 writes, “I am still professionally active here in New Orleans, building new and renovating historic homes.

Both our kids live here so we have lots of time with our three grandchildren.

Life is good.”

Bob Wilcox ’66 died February 18, 2021.

Bob and his four siblings grew up in Winnetka. He graduated from Harvard in 1970 and moved to the Bay Area, where he Thomas Taylor ’55 shares, “It was good spent a decade working as a car mechanic, to see old friends and staff at the living in a commune and playing the manHomecoming Zoom last fall. Looking dolin before earning a JD and MBA from forward to seeing my old classmates this the University of California, Berkeley. In fall. I was at North Shore from 2nd 1984, Bob moved back to Chicago and through 10th grades, and then worked joined Schiff Hardin as a transactional there on the maintenance staff summers attorney. He built a successful practice at of 1956-58, getting to see a very different the intersection of intellectual property side of things.” protection and market systems licensing.

Joyce Glasser ’55 has recently published In 1990, Bob married Barbara, a litigator a book titled You Matter, Heal Ourselves, at Schiff Hardin. Within the span of a few Heal Our Children, Heal the World. years, they had a son and a daughter, purchased Bob’s childhood home in Winnetka, and acquired a dog and a station wagon. Bob adored fatherhood and Elizabeth Ames ’61 writes, “I volunteer to devoted himself completely to family life. help asylum seekers and receive so much He took particular pleasure in puttering in return. I sing in a chorus, producing around the yard or patio, jogging at dawn concerts virtually now. The pops orchestra on the Green Bay Trail, and coaching his I have been playing in cannot meet but we kids’ Little League and AYSO teams. have theory classes and music appreciation Nothing gave Bob more joy than his 31 lectures via Zoom given by our conductor. years of marriage to Barbara. In addition Life is good!” to his wife, children and their partners, Matthew Hartzler and Nadine Lehner, Bob David Strong ’64 emailed that he and his is survived by his siblings Steven Wilcox cousin prepared an online slide presenta, (Kathleen) of Chandler, AZ; Katherine ’68 tion for the Libertyville-Mundelein Lambert (Ian) of Whitefish Bay, WI; David Historical Society. “The subject of the Wilcox (Melynda) of Alexandria, VA; and show is our grandfather, Walter A. Strong Brian Wilcox (Amy) of Brentwood, TN.

1960s

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1970s The Class of 1971 has lost a dear classmate and friend John Ayer ’71. John died on February 13, 2021. His kindness, caring and positive presence will be missed by a legion of fans. He was born with the love of and gift for music. From an early age, John pursued music. He graduated from the Hartt College of Music with a double major in organ and choral conducting, received two master’s degrees in organ and sacred music from Southern Methodist University, and pursued doctoral studies at the Eastman School of Music. In 1985, John married Diane Meredith Belcher, with whom he had three sons. John was the founding director of the Memphis Boychoir and the Memphis Chamber Choir. His recordings with his Memphis choirs and their frequent performances received international acclaim. His other positions include Interim OrganistChoirmaster at Princeton’s Trinity Church, Director of Musicand Organist at Readington Reformed Church in Readington and later at St. George’s Episcopal Church, Maplewood. In 2008, John remarried Jennifer Jernstedt Ayer and the family grew with the addition of Jennifer’s three children. John was known throughout the years as a charismatic and exuberant director, an inspiring and sensitive organist, and a caring mentor of both young and adult musicians. He had an infectious laugh that brought joy to those who knew him. John had a lifelong love for sailing, tennis, and spending time among family and friends in Wareham, MA. He is survived by his wife Jennifer, and their six children David Krol, James Ayer, John Ayer III, Roger Krol, Gwendolyn Krol, Christian Ayer, his brother Nathaniel Ayer and sister Katherine Ayer Mann ’73. His classmates and other alumni friends all have wonderful memories of John in his lead roles of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas and his powerful organ playing in the Auditorium. Quite simply, everybody in the Class of 1971 and the many others he crossed paths with in his life found a warmth, enthusiasm and immediate welcome and invitation for conversation, collaboration and connection.

1980s

wunderkind and internet activist Aaron Swartz ’04, and the visionary ‘Prophet

of Cyberspace’ and co-founder of the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), ’80 got together when Jeff was in John Perry Barlow. It was the headmaster California in November. They enjoyed of NSCD in 1996 that organized for John catching up together at El Coyote Mexican Perry Barlow to become a “Master in Restaurant.

Residence” when the school first installed the Internet. John Perry Barlow spoke to Elizabeth Ingram ’82 has “Just celebrated 20 years at Business Technology Partners the middle school class to promote the idea of the Internet as a place where anyone in Deerfield, IL. Looking forward to could share and receive knowledge. the NSCD Class of 1982 40th reunion Amongst the crowd of middle schoolers in 2022!” was the bright-eyed and inquisitive Aaron.

Helen Loennig ’86 shared that in January The chance meeting between the two she was the first pharmacist in Oregon proved to be a highly inf luential event in to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

Aaron’s life, starting a mentorship with John Perry Barlow that shaped Aaron’s forward-thinking principles. Aaron would go on to be one of the most beloved and memorialized digital activists of his generGaby Levi ’95 is “happy to have another member of the Levi family at North Shore. ation who sacrificed everything for the open-access movement. This relationship My son Benjamin started 6th grade! The teachers are amazing! Thank you NSCD!” highlights the care and attention that NSCD gives to their students. By introducing thought leaders to speak to the student body, students are given the tools and For the past several years, Meera Sinha ’02 learnings to help shape the world into a better place for future generations. Birgitta has been working at Wildf lower Schools, Jónsdóttir soldiers on, making sure to keep a network of socioeconomically and the legacies of Aaron Swartz and John racially diverse teacher-led Montessori Perry Barlow alive, showing that even a microschools. She leads Wildf lower’s poet from a mouse-sized nation in Iceland school support team, building tools to can challenge the world’s dominant govsupport teachers as they start and run their schools. Meera lives in Lakeview with ernments and corporations and play a disproportionate role in the global fight for her husband Nathan and their two boys. free speech.”

George Whiteman ’06 is working in Key For more information or to donate to West, FL, as a Travel Physical Therapist help Natalie finish this very important at AMN Healthcare. film, please email her directly at Natalie Haft ’08 emailed that she is “a pro- nataliehaft@gmail.com. ducer on The Mouse that Roared, a political thriller documentary by the Academy Award-nominated director, Judith Ehrlich (most known for Most Dangerous Man in Jake Bruce ’12 reports, “I lived in the America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Bay Area the last four years, working for Papers). The film follows ‘the most a youth sports company called Legarza. dangerous woman in cyberspace’ Birgitta I ran summer basketball camps which Jónsdóttir, one of the leading voices in were some of the biggest in the country an international movement of digital freeand taught PE at local schools during dom fighters struggling to institute laws the school year. I had great, like-minded protecting journalists and whistleblowers, coworkers and really loved it! I also worked to make government more transparent by part time at Stanford Athletics helping reducing secrecy, and to protect the priwith their gamedays/events. I’m back in vacy of individuals who connect online.

Chicago now living in Wicker Park and The film holds specials ties to NSCD as excited to start a master’s program in the meeting ground between two of sports administration at Northwestern.”

Birgitta’s brilliant pioneering accomplices who are no longer with us today: the Stephen Smith ’12 is included in this year’s Forbes 30 under 30. “Smith cofounded NOCD, a digital health startup Jeff Foreman ’80 and Michael Fitzgerald

1990s

2000s

focused on obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Smith, who has OCD, wants to make one of the most effective therapies—known as exposure and response prevention—more accessible. NOCD has a smartphone app that combines virtual visits with therapists combined with exercises for patients to reinforce what they’re learning in therapy.”

Julie Block ’13 “moved to Denver to take

a job as a producer for Mile High Mornings on 9News, Denver’s local NBC station. I hope all is well at NSCD!” Floris Hondmann ’13 works online for a company called Boer & Croon in Amsterdam, as junior consultant.

Sara Hondmann ’14 has one more year of health and medical psychology training at the University of Leiden.

Ava Suppelsa ’15 has signed a global

publishing deal with King Pen Music and Warner Chappell Music Nashville.

Mau Hondmann ’16 is working on his master’s degree in international criminal law at the University of Amsterdam aiming for a spot at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

2010s

Max Marshall ’19 was selected to show

his photography at LENS 2021, an international juried exhibition at an Evanston fine art gallery: perspectivegallery.org/lens-2021-1.

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cl a ss notes

Ryan Douglas Irwin

Shalin Rennicke

Avery Josephine Weathers

Abby Renaud ’19, Northwestern University field hockey, earned the Big Ten Sportsmanship award.

Memoriam

nina boal ’64

ruth hardy mortimer ’60

October 30, 2020 Daughter of the late Stewart ’25 and

Former Faculty

carter s. bacon ’42

Sister of Stewart Boal ’60 and

Paul Dionne shares, “Not retired yet.

Two more years. First grandchild is on its way. Milestone hit—qualified for Medicare. Thanks for the Acorn.”

March 25, 2020 Brother of the late

Ellis Boal ’62

William T. Bacon, Jr. ’41

elizabeth de lescaille curtis bates ’42

charles h. bloss

November 1, 2020

July 12, 2020 Husband of Irving Benoist Bloss ’64

nancy carstens strnad ’58

Nancy Emrich Freeman writes, “Jim and I are buying a new RV, hoping to travel as soon as late spring!”

Austin Gruber and his wife Meg are the proud parents of a baby girl Emma Rae born on April 22, 2021.

Jordan Kravitz and wife Cat welcomed their new daughter Winnie to their family in May 2020.

February 2020

john t. blunt ’54 July 19, 2020 Brother of the late Estelle Blunt King ’48 Cousin of Frances Blunt Steinwedell ’51, Carlene Blunt ’57 and the late Patricia Blunt Koldyke ’54

Susan Ballard Boal ’33

November 5, 2020 Sister of Mike Carstens ’51 and Jeff Carstens ’53

richard d. golden ’44 November 7, 2020 Father of Jim Golden ’70, Nancy Golden Fahlstrom ’70 and

victor m. bernhard

Joanne Golden ’74

July 21, 2020 Husband of Baskin Bernhard ’52

richard (dick) callahan

ryan douglas irwin

August 22, 2020

November 8, 2020 Grandfather of Tim Callahan ’04, Kit Callahan ’06 and Peter Callahan ’09

December 12, 2019 John and Alex Appelbaum Irwin ’11

holly williams madigan

james d. rosenthal ’76

September 20, 2020 Grandmother of Will Madigan ’17, Ward Madigan ’19 and Luke Madigan ’22

November 16, 2020

Births

shalin rennicke July 10, 2020 Meera Sinha ’02 and Nathan Rennicke

avery josephine weathers August 12, 2020 Walter and Ashleigh Palmer Weathers ’04

boden joseph mcdermott October 19, 2020 Gavin and Allison Morris McDermott ’06

charlotte carter st. peters

harry b. mahoney ’50

david w. clarke, jr.

September 28, 2020 Husband of Nancy Scribner Clarke ’64

rosario afable bismonte September 29, 2020 Grandmother of Trenton Bismonte ’18

mariann williams kelly

October 20, 2020 Mother-in-law of Bruce Jarchow ’66 December 31, 2020 Brandon and Ashleigh Cross St. Peters ’05 Grandmother of Bert Kelly-Jarchow ’07 46

mary pick hines ’49 November 25, 2020 Mother of Bill Hines ’73, Anne Hines Young ’77 and David Hines ’81 Grandmother of Hugo Hines ’20 and Oscar Hines ’21

Sister of the late Thomas Pick ’48

fred louis hacker November 28, 2020 Husband of Laura Schreiber Hacker ’84

Boden Joseph McDermott

Charlotte Carter St. Peters

alfred w. pitzner ’50

judith atwood wright ’54

kurt m. miller

November 30, 2020

January 5, 2021

sharon stafford cooper

james a. tilmon, sr.

March 30, 2021 Father of Nolen Miller ’13 and

December 6, 2020 Mother of Sharon “Budge” Cooper ’83

January 18, 2021 Father of Thera Tilmon ’80 and

Grace Miller ’17

john peet nutting ’58

John Tilmon ’80

April 7, 2021

jerry c. curren

patrick l. mcnelley April 10, 2021 Father of Steven McNelley ’98

Melinda Roenisch ’80

February 3, 2021 Grandfather of Austin Curren ’13 and Will Curren ’15

thomas pick ’48

john palfrey ayer, jr. ’71

December 13, 2020 Brother of the late Mary Pick Hines ’49 Uncle of Bill Hines ’73, Anne Hines Young ’77 and David Hines ’81 Great Uncle of Hugo Hines ’20 and

February 13, 2021 Brother of Katharine Ayer Mann ’73

April 11, 2021 Father of Seemin Ghazi ’83,

davis h. roenisch December 8, 2020 Father of Davis Roenisch, Jr. ’77, the late Clint Roenisch ’79 and

Oscar Hines ’21

richard e. saslow December 22, 2020 Father of Ron Saslow ’84, Scott Saslow ’88

Grandfather of Charles Saslow ’17,

robert b. wilcox, jr. ’66 February 18, 2021 Son of the late Robert B. Wilcox ’40 Brother of Steven Wilcox ’68 Nephew of the late Ann Wilcox Jones ’43 and Lee Wilcox Kneerim ’44

THE DEADLINE FOR THE SUMMER

March 16, 2021 Sister of Alyn Feuer ’79 and

molly leachman green January 2, 2021 Mother of Sally Green Handley ’68 and Nancy Green Whiteman ’71 Grandmother of Molly Whiteman Vreede ’03 and George Whiteman ’06 Mother-in-law of Donald Whiteman ’70

Shahaan Ghazi ’31 and Isa Ameen ’20

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and John Ross ’17

Barbara Haight Lutton ’67

Jibraan Ghazi ’22, Razaan Ghazi ’25,

February 21, 2021

polly feuer ’83

December 29, 2020 Father of the late

Rashid Ghazi ’85, Suhaib Ghazi ’90

and Usama Ghazi ’90 Grandfather of Haniya Ghazi ’18,

barbara spiegel linhart ’45

Joseph Saslow ’16, Madeline Ross ’15

lewis d. petry

abidullah ansari ghazi

A C O R N I S J U LY 1 5 , 2 0 2 1 .

Email nwhiteman @ nscds.org or call Nancy at 847.881.8848 .

Michael Feuer ’81

katrina wolcott kelley ’43 March 22, 2021 Former wife of the late Bob Johnson ’43 Mother of Chris Johnson ’66, Craig Johnson ’70 and Nick Johnson ’72 Sister of the late Nancy Wolcott Daughaday ’36 and Jean Wolcott Pugh ’38 Aunt of Wally Pugh ’63, Anne Pugh McManus ’66, Sarah Pugh ’69

and Jim Pugh ’73

a c o r n · Spring 2021

47

in memori a m

“ She loved North Shore and North Shore loved her.”

Remembering Sharon Cooper (1941-2020) Sharon Cooper was also our close friend, and that was truly on so many levels. The Halls and the Coopers traveled together to Italy twice in the company of Rich and Barbara Franke. Over 30 years since our departure from North Shore, we remained in touch often—whether to discuss Budge’s entry into international education, the death of her remarkable husband and the hole that his departure left in our lives, or just to chat! I remember the day when she took me aside to tell me that, as headmaster, I had a responsibility to wear a costume on Halloween. Being a person whom I could always count upon for the candid presentation of a problem and a solution for it, she presented me with a tie, covered in small pumpkins, which I have worn ever since. And on FORMER HEAD OF SCHOOL Halloween 2020, having hardly worn a DICK HALL tie in years since retirement, I donned Sharon Cooper was one of the treasures THE tie, took a selfie and sent it to her. It of the North Shore community. When we was followed with a telephone call and our arrived in 1979, she, her husband Dick last conversation, as always so memorable and her daughter Budge had taken their and significant—when we sought to solve respective places as critical and loyal memthe problems of the world. bers of NSCD. I have a vivid recollection Carol and I miss her enormously! Her of dinner at their fantastic house when loving spirit remains with us, however, as instead of dinner rolls, she served huge is undoubtedly true with her many fans. croissants. I knew immediately that I We are truly better people for her continwould like her. She later became a fabuued presence in our lives. lous president of the Parents’ Association, an equally wonderful assistant to Barbara T O M N A C H B A R ’ 8 5 Franke in the college counseling office For those of us who attended North Shore and then college counselor extraordinaire. in the days before email, we were sumGiven her remarkable writing style and moned to the college counseling office insights, I should have done a survey of by a note taped on the door of the senior college admission officers to document lounge. This was not a quickly scratchedhow much they must have looked forward out reminder. (“Tom Nachbar—remember to and enjoyed reading her amazing your college counseling appointment at descriptions of the talents and personali10:30 on Thursday!”) It was a story. It was ties of her students as they applied to a fairy tale about the student who, after an their institutions. adventure (one that touched upon something unique about the student), arrives at the college counseling office promptly at 48 We are saddened to share that parent of alumni and former North Shore Country Day College Counselor Sharon Cooper died on December 6, 2020. She was the mother of Budge Cooper ’83.

Sharon was very special to so many in the school community. Her impact on all the lives she touched was meaningful, significant, powerful, invitational and always fun. Her masterful vocabulary and humor were remarkable, witnessed through her gift of heightened oratory talents and in the written word. Alumni will always remember the support and expert advice she provided as she guided them through the college counseling process. She loved North Shore and North Shore loved her.

the appointed hour. It was typewritten with perfect margins and no sign of corrections. It was considerate and personal and thoughtful and embracing. But the message could not have been clearer: “Don’t be late. I know who you are and I know where to find you.” Sharon Cooper was a master practitioner of tough love.

She showed that love in her own way.

She spent the time getting to know us and to think, really think, about what kind of college fit each of us best. And when it was time for us to do our part, to think hard about our options and get our applications and essays in on time, she showed that love in a different way: by holding our feet to the fire. Sharon Cooper was committed to our college search process, and she insisted we be so, too.

I stayed close to the Coopers after high school, becoming a part of their family, and so I saw over time what was behind that commitment, which was a love not only of the students she advised but of the education she was guiding them toward.

After leaving North Shore and moving to Santa Fe, she continued building that connection to higher education, working at St. John’s college in admissions. On a Zoom call shortly after her death with members of her church in Santa Fe, they commented repeatedly on her scholarly approach to everything she did (along with her sense of humor and her ability to energize a room just by walking in).

It would be impossible to describe Sharon Cooper in a few words. She equally loved books and fast cars, Mozart and a really good sandwich. She saw magic and music in everyday life and laughed at it all.

But what I think defined her for North Shore was her love, her love of this community and of education.

a lumni r efl ec t ion gary meltz ’93

“ It was so important that the faculty at North Shore—staff, teachers and coaches—would not tolerate students sitting on the sidelines of their own education.

In my opinion, this is the concept that separates North Shore from other educational options.”

When I was asked to write about how I benefited from my time at North Shore— almost three decades ago, now—I was unsure how to respond. But, attendance at NSCD leaves a lasting impression and I’m grateful for the opportunity to tell you a few reasons I have such an appreciation for my time in Winnetka.

For most of my education, I went to public schools in Lincolnwood where I grew up. And from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade, I enjoyed and did well in school. Once I got to high school, though, I languished. My social network shrunk, and I just felt disconnected from the entire institution of high school.

Thankfully, my parents recognized that my education was declining and decided I should leave my public high school. I visited several schools just before my freshman term ended and quickly decided that North Shore seemed like the best place to begin anew my sophomore year.

From the moment I arrived at North Shore, I immediately felt that the faculty and staff were invested in me, and that I, as a student, was viewed as a valuable member of the community. I easily made friends, and enjoyed playing football on a team that went undefeated and made the playoffs. I know everyone on that team cherishes those memories. Like many of my teammates, if I had gone to a public high school, I probably would not have been on the varsity football team.

I think my time on the football team is a great metaphor to describe my time at North Shore: If I had attended a different school, I would not have benefited from so many great educational, social and

athletic experiences. It was so important that the faculty at North Shore—staff, teachers and coaches—would not tolerate students sitting on the sidelines of their own education. In my opinion, this is the concept that separates North Shore from other educational options.

I also believe that the curriculum at North Shore made me become a better writer—a skill that has served me invaluably throughout my life. When I arrived at college, my writing skills were significantly better than my peers and I had no doubt it was because of what I learned at NSCD. To this day, being a skilled writer makes a huge impact on my professional career in public relations and politics.

To sum things up, I have always believed that my time at North Shore was a critical juncture in my life, one that improved my long-term trajectory and helped make me a more successful adult.

At North Shore, I developed confidence in myself. I have never hesitated to give back to North Shore, because I know how much it gave to me.

I hope all of my classmates, coaches and teachers reading this are doing well.

Our time together was decades ago, but it still means a lot to me. Lastly, I still work in Washington, D.C, but I now live in New Orleans. If you are ever in either city, I hope you will drop me a line. Our shared experience connects us in a multitude of ways.

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