Issuu

INSIDE: THE CLASS OF 2026 TAKES ITS NEXT STEPS, ALUMS AROUND THE WORLD AND THE JOY OF READING

ACORN M

NORTH SHORE C O U N T R Y DAY SUMMER 2026 EDITION

DESIGNED TOGETHER.

BUILT TO GROW.

A look into the collaborative strategic planning process shaping NSCD’s future

B E T T E R TO G E T H E R At the Rising Raiders track meet on May 6, a group of third grade girls turned a race into a moment of friendship and support. As one student neared the finish line ahead of the pack, she looked back, stopped and waited for a classmate who had fallen behind. Soon, the two paused again for two more teammates, choosing to finish the race together. Hand in hand, all four crossed the finish line at the same time.

B R A I N P OW E R

During Science Olympiad practice, middle school students explored human anatomy with the help of a parent volunteer. Through collaborative, inquiry-based experiences like these, students deepen their understanding of science while preparing for competition.

CONTENTS 26

FINDING THE JOY IN READING Franke Fund brings stories to life through hands-on learning.

FROM MAC AND CHEESE TO MASTERY Sixth grade museum project builds research skills and confidence.

12 COMMENCEMENT 2026

ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN FOCUS Collaboration with photography class

A celebration of the Class of 2026 and

brings student ventures to life.

a look at what comes next. 32

WHERE IN THE WORLD? Three alums reflect on building lives and careers across the globe.

IN EVERY ISSUE 07

A Word From Tom

Raider Roundup

The ideas and collaboration guiding

A Heritage Story

NSCD’s next chapter.

Class Notes

In Memoriam

Alumni Reflection

Last Look

20 STRATEGIC PLAN

Cover Illustration by Avalon Felty ’26 In designing this cover, I was inspired by one of my favorite childhood book series: “Busytown” by

24 WHERE MATH MEETS THE GAME For Rashid Smith, lessons on the court and in the classroom go hand in hand.

Richard Scarry. As a kid, I loved to pour over the pages of his picture books, looking at every little detail on each page. I wanted this cover to feel alive and full in the same vein. Each scene represents the many experiences students have while at North Shore. It ends with the acorn students “falling” as a cute way of referencing graduation.

AC O R N S U M M E R 2 0 2 6

North Shore Country Day 310 Green Bay Road Winnetka, Illinois 60093 847.446.0674 communications@nscds.org Tom Flemma Head of School Gia Anayas Director of Marketing and Strategic Communications Christine Wachter Associate Director of Marketing and Strategic Communications; Acorn Editor Jonathan Gibby Digital Content Manager Tracie Frederick Director of Development Kenleigh Howard Archivist, Major Gifts and Development Assistant Ashleigh Palmer ’04 Development Associate— Major Gifts and Alumni Relations Photographers Jonathan Gibby Jack Larsen ’26 Jackson Peacock ’28 Ben Stone ’27 Writers Christine Wachter Kathy Routliffe Andrea Shemeley Design, ACreativeMindForHire.com Graphic Arts Studio Printing, gasink.net The Acorn is published twice yearly by the marketing and communications department of North Shore Country Day for alumni, families, faculty and friends. Its goal is to connect our school community, celebrate achievements and capture the essence of life and learning at NSCD.

ACORN | SUMMER 2026

SUMMER ’26

A WORD FROM TOM C O N N E C T I O N , C U R I O S IT Y A N D C O M M U N IT Y R E M A I N AT T H E H E A R T O F A N E XC E P T I O N A L E D U CAT I O N

I arrived at NSCD 10 years ago this summer, and one of my first major tasks was leading a strategic planning process. Quite an assignment for my first month!

Fortunately, the school had a long and impactful history of strategic planning,

so while I brought my own vision and priorities to the endeavor, we were able to build on a strong foundation already in place.

As we embarked on planning again this year, we benefited once more from that

tradition. The discipline and cadence of thoughtful, aspirational strategic planning

have positioned NSCD for continued strength and stability, allowing us the luxury

of dreaming big, innovating and building on what we already do exceptionally well. In some ways, the major elements of our new plan will sound familiar. (See

story, page 20.) As our design team of teachers, administrators, alumni, parents and trustees did its work, two things became very clear. First, the mission and

philosophy of NSCD continue to resonate powerfully with current families and

across generations. Second, community and humanity are not ancillary elements of NSCD culture that happen to exist alongside academic success; they are

drivers of it — and powerful differentiators in an age increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. What does that mean in practice? More opportunities for project-based learning,

where students actively engage in their education and regularly demonstrate their

knowledge and skills. An even stronger network of Raiders around the world who can enrich our classrooms, support student interests and serve as mentors and

advocates long after graduation. And continued investment in the recruitment, retention, development and support of an exceptional faculty — especially as schools across the country face growing teacher shortages.

Each summer, we highlight graduation and the remarkable college outcomes of

our senior class. Alongside those stories, you’ll find examples of the experiences, relationships and opportunities that make an NSCD education so powerful. Each is the result of an extraordinary teacher, a thoughtfully designed learning experience and a network of support that stretches across generations. These are the qualities

that have always made NSCD special, and I’m excited to share more about how our strategic plan will bring them to life in the years ahead.

SUMMER 2026 | ACORN 7

RAIDER

ROUNDUP Seasons of Service Congratulations to the following faculty and staff members for reaching significant milestones in their service to the school. Their years of dedication reflect the strength and continuity of the NSCD community.

Photo by Jack Larsen '26

Stories Everywhere A C O N V E R S AT I O N A B O U T B O O K S , E M PAT H Y A N D T H E P O W E R O F PAY I N G AT T E N T I O N

Award-winning author Matt de la Peña visited North Shore Country Day as part of the school’s yearlong Franke Fund theme, “The Joy of Reading,” encouraging students to see

stories everywhere. Speaking to audiences from junior kindergarten through 12th grade, the Newbery Medal-winning

author shared how writers “steal the way you move through the world,” challenging students to pay closer attention to the people, details and experiences that shape everyday life. While he was here, Matt joined Lexie Smith ’26 on an episode

of “The Raider Ramble” podcast, where he shared some of the books that shaped him, made him laugh and continue to inspire his work.

First book you ever loved: “The House on Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros

15 YEARS Annie Collins Brian Posner Jerry Rietveld Amy Shuldiner Chris Sirianni Sarah Walsh Maureen Wilde

A book you wish more people read: “Watercress” by Andrea Wang (a picture book about Chinese heritage)

10 YEARS Mullery Doar Tom Flemma Sharon Lieberman

A book every kid should try: “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio (for its lesson in empathy) A book you’ve reread more than once: “Suttree” by Cormac McCarthy (about 12 times, though not one he typically recommends)

A book that made you laugh out loud: “Bud, Not Buddy” by Christopher Paul Curtis A book you wish you had written: “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak

ACORN | SUMMER 2026

The Franke Family Fund was established in 2008 by Barbara, Richard, Katherine ’77 and Jane Franke ’80 to support programs that enhance the student experience 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.

Lessons in Courage JOEL DE LA FUENTE ’87 BRINGS M OV I N G S T O R Y O F J A PA N E S E A M E R I C A N R E S I S TA N C E TO CAMPUS

North Shore Country Day welcomed actor

Reflecting on his return, Joel said, “It’s

a performance of “Hold These Truths,” an acclaimed one-person play about civil

seems to really apply.”

Joel de la Fuente ’87 back to campus for classroom visits, conversation and

rights and constitutional courage.

Joel met with students across divisions, including AP U.S. Government, acting and entrepreneurship classes, sharing insights from his career and the themes that shape his work. During Morning Ex, he performed an excerpt

from the play, introducing the story of Gordon Hirabayashi, a University of Washington student who challenged

the U.S. government’s wartime order to forcibly remove and incarcerate people of Japanese ancestry.

M O R E TO

thrilling to be back at school,” and noted that NSCD’s “Live and Serve” ethos “still

T H E S TO RY Hear extended interviews and behind-

That evening, Joel and playwright Jeanne Sakata returned for a public program

the-scenes conversations with many of the guests featured in this issue on our

co-sponsored by the Family Action Network, featuring a staged reading and

podcast, “The Raider Ramble.”

conversation moderated by Lisa Doi ’09. Joel emphasized the power of individual action: “One person really can make

SCAN TO EXPLORE

a difference,” he said. “Integrity and principle do matter.”

EPISODES.

To read more about Joel’s visit, go to nscds.org/community.

BY T H E N U M B E R S From early morning departures and weekend tournaments

to state qualifications and national-level competition, Raider academic teams spent the year solving problems, debating global

issues, pitching business ideas and building deep expertise. Here’s a look at the DECA, Math, Model UN, and middle and upper school Science Olympiad seasons in numbers.

129

Students

Competitions, invitationals and conferences attended

State appearances (Model UN doesn’t have a state tournament)

IN GRADES

6-12 5

PARTICIPATED ACROSS

ACADEMIC TEAMS

177

Awards and medals earned

Traveled a combined total of more than 2,000 miles

100

Hours of preparation for some competitors

SUMMER 2026 | ACORN 9

R AIDER ROUNDUP

Upstander Awards Anna Colton ’26 and Elizabeth Shinn ’30 were honored with the Facing History & Ourselves Upstander Award, which recognizes students who go above and beyond to care for others and strengthen their communities. Both were selected for the ways

they lead with empathy, take initiative, and show up for others, whether through quiet acts of allyship or meaningful projects that make a difference. Their actions reflect the spirit of an upstander — building bridges, challenging injustice and putting values into action.

RAIDERS RAISE THE BAR IN HISTORIC SECTIONAL WIN North Shore Country Day’s girls varsity basketball team made history this season, capturing the program’s first-ever IHSA Class 1A Sectional Finals championship with a 47–33 win over Rochelle Zell. The title came just two days after the Raiders secured their first-ever girls basketball sectional victory, defeating Unity Christian 52–27 in the semifinals.

From Off-C to Office You may know them from student council campaigns, their restaurant reviews in The Diller Street Journal or their frequent lunch runs around the North Shore. Next year, Aiden Darnieder ’27 and Colin Wiercinski ’27 will add another title to the list: student body co-presidents. What was your first reaction when you found out you won? Colin: It felt really rewarding. I had run the previous two years and lost both times — just barely — so this felt like a chance to represent those students who might try for something but don’t get it the first time. Aiden: I was excited. Colin and I are best friends — we do everything together. And now we get to serve on the student council together as student body co-presidents. It’s awesome. Why do you make a good team? Aiden: We already know how to work together. We can disagree, argue things out and move on. Colin: We’re both very vocal and willing to speak up for people. I think we’ll bring a lot of fun and energy to the council, and we also know when to be serious. What’s one campaign idea you’re especially excited about? Aiden: Improving the school store merch. Better brands, more comfortable stuff, things people are actually excited to wear. Are you keeping your DSJ column “Off-C With Aiden D and Big C” going next year? Both: 100% yes. What’s your favorite off-campus lunch order? Aiden: U Dawg U in Northfield. Get a cheeseburger special — lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion, ketchup, mustard — and you have to salt your own fries right after they give it to you because if you don't, then it won't stick, and it’s not good. Colin: I do the two Chicago Dog special that comes with fries and a drink. Which local lunch spot best represents your leadership style? Aiden: Hometown Coffee & Juice. Crazy energy, but they get things done.

ACORN | SUMMER 2026

ACCELERATING TOWARD EXCELLENCE Inika Bassamboo ’28 is making waves in the

world of physics. After earning a remarkable 22 out of 25 on the AAPT F=ma exam, named after Newton’s Second Law of Motion, she advanced through a nationwide field of nearly 7,000 students to become one of just 19 members of the 2026 U.S. Physics Team. While she was not selected for the fivemember team competing at the European

Physics Olympiad, Inika will attend the U.S. Physics Team Training and Development

Camp this summer at the University of Maryland. She also helped North Shore earn a third-place regional finish in this year’s Physics Bowl.

LATITUDE FOR LEARNING Dhilan Suri ’33 put his geography knowledge

A NIGHT OF GENEROSITY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS The North Shore Country Day community gathered at Michigan Shores Club in February for the 2026 Benefit for Scholarships. Co-chaired by

current parents Rachel Cannon and Atour Sargon, the evening focused on generosity, connection and expanding access to a North Shore education. This year’s event raised nearly half a million dollars — making it one of the most successful benefits in the school’s 107-year history.

to the test on the national stage at the International Academic Competitions National Geography Bee in Orlando at the end of May. Dhilan advanced to the

quarterfinals in the fifth grade division, finishing 22nd out of 143 students, and

SUSAN MARSHALL ’76 MEMORIAL CONCERT

he’ll compete in the International Geography Championships in July.

Students experienced the world of opera up close during this year’s Susan Marshall ’76 Memorial Concert, featuring visiting artist Lauren Randolph. During her

earned a silver medal on the National Flags and Maps Exam. Next stop: Thailand, where

TEEING UP A TITLE Emma Guerra Pastrana ’32 placed first overall in her division in the Under Armour

Great Lakes Spring Tour, a six-tournament series held across the North Shore.

Competing in five events, Emma earned four first-place finishes and one third-place

finish to secure the title while also recording personal-best rounds of 36 and 38 during tour play.

Emma lowered her average score from 46 last fall to 41 this spring, qualifying for the Under Armour Summer Nationals at

Morning Ex performance, Lauren introduced students to Italian, French and German opera, sharing not only the artistry behind each aria but also the emotions, storytelling and history woven into the performance. The Susan Marshall ’76 Memorial Concert series was established in 1983 by Susan’s parents, Irl and Barbara Favill Marshall ’46, in memory of their daughter and her lifelong love of music.

PGA National Resort in West Palm Beach, Florida. She also qualified for the Under

Armour World Championship and received a special invitation to the Jordan Spieth UA Championship in Dallas this fall.

SUMMER 2026 | ACORN 11

2026 COMMENCEMENT

COME RAIN

OR SHINE T H E FO R EC A S T M AY H AV E C H A N G E D BY T H E M I N U T E , B U T T H E F U T U R E N E V E R L O O K E D B R I G H T E R FO R T H E C L A S S O F 2 0 2 6 . T H R O U G H E V E RY C H A L L E N G E A N D E V E RY T R I U M P H , T H E Y A R R I V E D AT T H I S M O M E N T TO G E T H E R , R E A DY FO R W H AT E V E R C O M E S N E X T. Photos by Jonathan Gibby and Jackson Peacock ’28

I don’t need to tell any of you that you’re entering a world that is increasingly unpredictable. You already know. But know this: You are prepared. You are prepared to live between the question and the answer long enough to make the world a better place. — Jack Kinder, Upper School English Teacher

ACORN | SUMMER 2026

Go out and make a difference in the world — a positive impact — and, as you do, fight for the real over the fake; for authenticity and impact over ‘influence.’ Our class can’t be summed up in one word, one assignment, one win, one club or one moment, so I don’t want you to consider yourself as one thing. Because you are not. We are all unique individuals, and that’s what makes us strong.

— Tom Flemma, Head of School

— Max Flemma ’26

SUMMER 2026 | ACORN 13

The Class of 2026 by the Numbers

This year’s grads are attending 40 different colleges and universities in 17 states, Switzerland and the United Kingdom

145

58:2

Colleges offered admission

STUDENTS TO COLLEGE COUNSELORS (Both work with every student)

TO THE CL ASS OF 2026

in 37 states, the District of Columbia and 2 countries (Switzerland

SCOTLAND SWITZERLAND

and the United Kingdom)

Undergraduate enrollment OF THE COLLEGES STUDENTS A R E AT T E N D I N G

83% private schools are headed to

17% public schools are headed to

30,000 and up

13.8%

20,000-29,999

6.9%

10,000-19,999

37.9%

5,000-9,999

17.2%

2,000-4,999

10.4%

reps visited

under 2,000

13.8%

2025-26

ACORN | SUMMER 2026

110

college admissions NSCD in

What they’re studying MATH & SCIENCE BUSINESS SOCIAL SCIENCE

ARTS & HUMANITIES ENGINEERING

...... 26%

...... 17%

....... 16%

...... 14% ...... 10% ...... 17%

UNDECIDED

1 C O L L EG E AT H L E T E , 2 S P O R T S Reese Meyers ’26 is heading to Haverford College this fall, where she’ll compete in both soccer and track and field. Reese is the first Raider since 2016 to commit to playing two sports at the collegiate level.

86%

of seniors participated in at least one sport in 2025-26

OVER

90%

of seniors took at least one AP or post-AP class during their upper school career, and altogether the Class of 2026 took a combined total of 235 AP classes over the past four years.

57%

of seniors participated in a musical or theater production in 2025-26

4,350

service hours completed by the senior class

9 IRON

RAIDERS* Margaret Fitzgerald Max Flemma Ellie Rose Horowitz Gerald Kalotis Reese Meyers Dixie Oelerich Thomas Scott Matthew Shelley Nathan Smith *The Jay Bach Iron Raiders Society recognizes students who participate in 12 full seasons of upper school athletics at any level.

58 G R A D UAT E S

10 Lifers Paul Atia Thomas Carlino Avalon Felty Annie Ford Jack Larsen Dixie Oelerich Thomas Scott Matthew Shelley Nathan Smith Kyndall Wilcher

SUMMER 2026 | ACORN 15

I’d never been in a lab before, so it was really cool to see how it actually works.

DEMING GANTZ PERFORMING ON STAGE AND IN THE LAB

AT CORNELL UNIVERSITY, DEMING PLANS TO PURSUE BOTH INTERESTS, DOUBLE MAJORING IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND PERFORMING ARTS

ACORN | SUMMER 2026

On stage this spring, Deming Gantz perfected the art of being mean.

she said. “Not just a program, but helping with real research.”

As Regina George in “Mean Girls,” she delivered cutting lines and icy stares with confidence. Offstage, she made a point of doing the opposite.

In the Pinkett Lab, which studies how molecules move in and out of cells, Deming immersed herself in the detailed, methodical work of research — preparing materials, pipetting protein samples and tracking crystal formation well by well.

“I’d go out of my way to talk to people, especially younger students,” Deming said. “If you had never met me before and all you see is me glaring at people onstage and yelling, you might think that’s what I’m really like. But it was not real — I promise. I am not mean.” That contrast — stepping fully into a role while staying grounded in who she is — reflects the kind of leader Deming has become at North Shore Country Day: selfaware, intentional and deeply considerate of others.

“I think it taught me a lot about leadership and kindness,” she said. “Being able to flip that switch, and then flip it back.” That same balance defines her experience beyond the stage. At a school where she values the close-knit community — “I know every single person in the high school,” she said — Deming has pushed herself both academically and independently. One of her earliest turning points came in sophomore year AP Physics. “It was the first advanced AP class I took,” she said. “It’s so different — fastpaced, the tests are hard, and you have to be really independent. Learning how to navigate that was a big moment.” That independence led her to seek out opportunities beyond the classroom. Interested in science, Deming began coldemailing professors in search of hands-on research experience. One message led to a summer in the lab of Heather Pinkett at Northwestern University. Deming didn’t know it at the time, but Heather’s daughter, Piper Held ’33, was also an NSCD student, and Heather is on the board of trustees. “I was just emailing a lot of professors because I wanted to actually be in a lab,”

“I’d never been in a lab before, so it was really cool to see how it actually works,” she said. The experience expanded her understanding of what a future in science might look like.

Maia Sackar

College / Major: University of Miami / Public Relations Activities: Yearbook, Lurie Children’s Hospital Bridges Executive Board, Youth Philanthropy Board, field hockey, Dunk Alzheimer’s, Jewish Affinity Group, Model United Nations

“Students at North Shore are very hardworking and driven. They push each other and help each other when needed. I’m so lucky to have been a part of such a welcoming community.”

“A lot of people think science just means becoming a doctor,” she said. “But there are so many different paths.”

Back on campus, Deming has explored those interests across disciplines. Through North Shore’s science sequence, she built a foundation in physics, chemistry and biology — an approach that helped her see how fields intersect. At the same time, theater remained a constant. A four-year participant in upper school productions, she credits her time on stage with shaping both her confidence and her approach to learning. “When you’re memorizing that many lines, you have to have a system,” she said. “I realized I use that same process when I study now.” She also points to teachers like Joan Ryder, who modeled the importance of balance. “She’s serious about the work, but also fun,” Deming said. “I think that’s really important.” At Cornell University, Deming plans to pursue both sides of her interests, double majoring in biological sciences and performing arts. “I love theater, and I want to keep doing it,” she said. “But academics are really important to me too. Being able to do both is exciting.”

Joshua Lemons

College / Major: University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign / Undecided Activities / Accolades: Basketball, church youth leadership, part-time employment, recipient of the Jim "Duke" Davis Memorial Award, given to a high school senior athlete who competes with heart.

“This school has given me everything I need to succeed and has done a great job preparing me for college and the world.”

Izzy Greenstein

College / Major: University of Colorado Boulder / Environmental Engineering Activities: Field hockey, soccer, basketball, SEED club, Students Against Gun Violence

“NSCD taught me the power of asking for help. Whether you're struggling, doing fine, confident in the work or just looking for some guidance, putting yourself out there and meeting with your teacher face-to-face can make all the difference.” SUMMER 2026 | ACORN 17

JACK LARSEN

A PHOTOGRAPHER FINDING HIS OWN ANGLE

For Jack Larsen, photography is about more than getting the shot. It is about capturing a feeling.

If everybody’s taking the same photo, it becomes less fun and less interesting. You have to find your own way to make it special.

ACORN | SUMMER 2026

“I like being able to tell a story with just one photo,” Jack said. “I think that’s pretty special.”

“You have to find your own way to make it special.” Sports photography quickly became a favorite. Capturing fast-moving action taught him to anticipate moments of emotion, triumph and reaction.

Jack, a lifer who joined NSCD midway through senior kindergarten, has spent the past several years documenting the community he grew up in — from games and pep rallies to performances and everyday moments around campus. As one of the school’s first Nathan Simon ’25 Photo Fellows, he worked closely with school photographer Jonathan Gibby while building a portfolio through AP Photography and photographing events across campus.

“You really have to look for the moment,” he said. “Usually at the end of games, when something exciting happens, that’s when you can really capture the emotion.”

“We meet once a cycle and look through my work and critique it,” Jack said. “A lot of it is about improving and finding your own angle.”

At Southern Methodist University, where he plans to major in journalism and minor in photography, Jack plans to continue exploring photojournalism, whether through sports, news or travel storytelling.

That idea — creating something distinct even when everyone is photographing the same moment — became one of the biggest lessons he took from both Nathan and Jonathan. “If everybody’s taking the same photo, it becomes less fun and less interesting,” he said.

Jack credits North Shore with giving him the confidence to take risks and try something new — advice he would now give his younger self. “I would’ve started sooner,” he said. “I would’ve taken even more risks.”

“I definitely want to continue with photojournalism,” he said. “I just don’t know exactly where it’ll take me yet.”

RAINA KHANNA

AN ANALYTICAL THINKIER MAKING REAL COMMUNITY IMPACT For Raina Khanna, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity started with building houses. It eventually led her to think bigger — about policy, data and the systems behind housing affordability. “At first, I was really excited to finish one house,” Raina said. “But

when it was done, I realized there could be so much more being done on a larger scale.” That realization sparked a deeper interest in affordable housing and urban policy, one that has shaped much of her work during her time at North Shore Country Day. Raina founded the school’s Habitat for Humanity Club as a sophomore, helping students learn about housing insecurity while encouraging volunteer involvement with the organization. Through her own work with Habitat, she has volunteered more than 200 hours, helping install flooring, insulation and staircases in homes across the area.

At first, I was really excited to finish one house, but when it was done, I realized there could be so much more being done on a larger scale.

“I think it’s a really good opportunity to get involved with different communities,” she said. Her interest in housing issues eventually expanded beyond volunteer work. After an internship with the North River Commission, a Chicago nonprofit focused on affordable housing, Raina spent last summer at DePaul University’s Institute for Housing Studies, researching housing policy and analyzing data related to vacant land use and affordability. “I realized that math and analytics could help create real policy

change,” she said. “Being able to give quantitative evidence can persuade people to make changes in the community.” That combination of analytical thinking and community impact is part of what draws Raina toward statistics, economics and urban studies — three of the subjects she plans to explore when she heads to Stanford University in the fall. “I’ve always liked math,” she said. “I wanted to find a way to use it to help communities and not just do math for the sake of math.” Alongside her work in housing advocacy, Raina also helped grow North Shore’s DECA program from just three members to more than 30 in a year. As an upperclassman mentor, she helped younger students prepare for competitions while learning how to teach and lead others along the way. She is equally proud of her leadership with the Lurie Children’s Club, where she served as social media director and special events director for a multi-school organization supporting Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. By helping rethink the group’s social media strategy and fundraising efforts, the organization increased annual fundraising from $100,000 to more than $250,000. “I think serving a community means actively trying to improve it,” she said. “Not just for yourself, but for everyone around you. Real change happens when people are willing to get involved and look for new ways to help.”

STR ATEGIC PL AN DESIGN TE AM Jessica Shinn Chair, Strategic Plan Committee Vice Chair, Board of Trustees Kristen Kaczynski Director of External Relations & Strategic Initiatives Director of College Counseling Tom Flemma Head of School Design Team: Lisa Doi ’09^ Seth Green Kirk Greer Stephanie Henry^ Heather Pinkett^ Catalina Rincón-Bisbey Atour Sargon Tim Sheehan Phillip Shinall^ Rashid Smith Cristina Torres Dan Waters ^Trustee

20 ACORN | SUMMER 2026

DESIGNED TOGETHER.

BUILT TO GROW. H OW A C O M M U N I T Y-W I D E S T R AT EG I C PL A N N I N G PR O C E S S I S H E L P I N G S H A PE T H E F U T U R E O F T E AC H I N G , L E A R N I N G A N D C O N N EC T I O N AT N S C D Illustration by Avalon Felty ’26

or more than a century, North Shore Country Day has asked a fundamental question: What does it mean to educate young people not simply for achievement, but for lives of purpose, curiosity and impact?

This year, through a monthslong strategic planning process involving students, families, faculty, staff, alumni and trustees, the school undertook that question again — examining both what defines the NSCD experience today and what opportunities lie ahead. The result is a new strategic plan centered on three priorities: impactful learning, lifelong community connection and investment in exceptional teaching. The process began in earnest at the start of the 2025–26 school year and included parent and faculty think tanks, interviews, research and a January Community Design Day that brought together more than 75 members of the NSCD community for a full day of collaborative brainstorming and visioning. A 12-member Strategic Plan Design Team, consisting of faculty, parents, trustees and alumni, and led by trustee and current parent Jessica Shinn, Director of External Relations & Strategic Initiatives Kristen Kaczynski and Head of School Tom Flemma, met six times over the course of the year, in addition to conducting interviews and additional research between meetings. The steering committee then utilized that work and research — including what came out of the Community Design Day — to craft the strategic direction. “The fact that we had so many people willing to spend the better part of a Saturday at school is a real testament to our community and how much we care about this place,” said board chair

Susanna Ver Eecke. “We believe in North Shore. We believe in its people. We believe in its values. And we believe in its students.” Susanna emphasized that community participation is central to the board’s responsibility as stewards of the school’s mission and long-term direction. Jessica echoed that message, noting that the Community Design Day built on months of listening, interviews and research conducted by the Strategic Plan Design Team. “Over the past year, this work has been thoughtful and steady,” Jessica said. “We’ve listened, gathered input and asked hard questions.” Throughout the process, participants were encouraged not only to reflect on the school’s strengths, but also to think expansively about what school could become. During the Community Design Day, facilitator Ryan Burke, an education strategist from the nonprofit Leadership and Design, challenged attendees to generate “wild ideas” and question long-held assumptions in order to surface new possibilities. The resulting strategic plan reflects both that spirit of imagination and a deep commitment to the values that have long defined North Shore Country Day. At the heart of the strategic plan is a reaffirmation of the school’s founding philosophy: that education should expand opportunity rather than limit it. The document describes NSCD as a place where students are given “time in the sun” — opportunities not only to observe, but also to participate, contribute and lead.

SUMMER 2026 | ACORN 21

In the end, the heart of the work remains the same: ensuring every student is known, challenged and prepared to make a positive impact on their world. — Tom Flemma, Head of School

ACORN | SUMMER 2026

2026 STR ATEG IC PL ANNING

PRIORITIES

PR I O R IT Y 2 R A ID ERS FO RE V ER: B U IL D IN G A CO M M U N IT Y AC RO S S B O RD ERS

PR I O R IT Y 1 I M PACTFU L LE A R N I N G & LE A R N I N G FO R I M PACT

PR I O R IT Y 3 N SC D AS A D E STI N ATI O N WO R K PL AC E

The first strategic priority, “Impactful Learning & Learning for Impact,” focuses on deepening experiential learning opportunities across all divisions while helping students build real-world readiness, critical skills, confidence and a sense of belonging.

innovation and long-term investment in faculty and staff. The goal is not only to attract and retain outstanding educators, but also to create the conditions that allow them to do their best work on behalf of students.

The plan calls for a more intentional progression of experiences from JK through 12th grade and emphasizes intellectual curiosity, leadership and purpose-driven learning. Central to the priority is the idea that learning should extend beyond classroom walls and help students see meaningful connections between academic study, personal growth and engagement with the wider world.

While the plan outlines broad priorities and initiatives, school leaders emphasize that many of the specific tactics and projects will continue to evolve over time. The plan is intended to provide “the compass direction,” while allowing flexibility as implementation unfolds.

The second priority, “Raiders Forever: Building a Community Across Borders,” aims to strengthen lifelong connections among students, alumni, families and friends of the school. The plan builds on NSCD’s already strong culture of connection by expanding opportunities for mentorship, lifelong learning and community engagement well beyond graduation. Rather than viewing a North Shore education as something that ends with a diploma, the priority emphasizes the school’s enduring community — one that continues to create relationships, opportunities and support across generations. The third priority, “NSCD as a Destination Workplace,” centers on supporting and sustaining exceptional teaching. Recognizing that teachers are one of the school’s defining strengths, the plan prioritizes professional growth, collaboration,

The strategic plan was approved by the board of trustees this spring, with implementation beginning during the 2026–27 school year. Over the coming months, school leaders and faculty will continue developing the specific programs, partnerships and structures that will bring the plan’s priorities to life. “North Shore has a long and proud tradition of thoughtful strategic planning and generations of Raiders have benefitted from this work,” Tom explained. “This plan, coming at a time of tremendous change in the world, centers the values and relationships that have always defined North Shore Country Day, while ensuring that the school and our students are exceptionally well prepared for an uncertain future. In the end, the heart of the work remains the same: ensuring every student is known, challenged and prepared to make a positive impact on their world.”

SUMMER 2026 | ACORN 23

WHERE MATH MEETS

THE GAME

FO R R A S H I D S M I T H , C OAC H I N G B A S K E T B A L L A N D T E AC H I N G M AT H E M AT I C S C O M E F R O M T H E S A M E P L AC E : BRE AKING COMPLE X I D E A S I N TO S O M E T H I N G P L AY E R S A N D S T U D E N T S C A N U N D E R S TA N D — A N D HELPING THEM SEE WHERE IT ALL LE ADS

24 ACORN | SUMMER 2026

Photo by Ben Stone '27

hort stories. Basketball coaching. Middle and upper school mathematics. As far as Rashid Smith is concerned, there is a through line connecting all three.

“I’m a reader of short stories. ‘Hope Dies Last’ or ‘Tuesdays with Morrie.’ Those are my types of reading. Math for me is like that. I know where things are going to end,” he said. “You see math whittle problems down into something concrete. You’re solving for something.” “It’s really a beautiful subject, especially when the pieces make sense.” Rashid, who has coached boys basketball at North Shore Country Day since 2011 and has taught middle and upper school mathematics at the school for the past two years, said he likes sharing mathematics with students, whether they grasp and love it as he does or are simply willing to be convinced of its usefulness.

He laughs now about his first impressions of Chicago-area weather: “I came to visit Chicago in June and thought, ‘It can’t be that nice. Let’s come back in August.’ It was beautiful both times … and the first couple winters here were mild.” Rashid remained at the basketball training program while working as an education aide at a local elementary school district. He also earned a master’s degree in teaching from National Louis University in 2008. In 2009, he started teaching in Chicago Public Schools. In the meantime, one of his RMG Hoops colleagues became the boys basketball coach at NSCD. When that friend returned to university-level coaching, Rashid — who had interviewed around the same time as his friend — was invited to take the job. At the time, North Shore had varsity and junior varsity boys basketball teams; today there’s also a freshman-sophomore boys team.

He speaks of teaching mathematics and coaching basketball almost in the same breath. Teachers and coaches need three things to be successful, he said: a work ethic first, then knowledge of the requisite techniques. And finally, “You also need passion and patience for seeing young people struggle and persevere.

While he considers every coaching year a success (“meeting our potential and peaking at the end of the season is the goal”), he’s especially proud of the teams that have won regional titles and made a Final Four appearance in past years. And although he doesn’t coach North Shore’s girls teams, he also touts their successes.

“It can be one of the most rewarding phenomena, akin to the endorphins one might get from altruistic acts.”

As he coached, Rashid saw how NSCD educates its students, and he liked what he saw. The willingness of teachers to wear multiple hats impressed him: “The person who’s delivering that social studies lesson is the same one who’s taking those kids to Science Olympiad, the same one who’s running the affinity group or this or that club, or taking these kids to volunteer … teachers do yeoman’s work as far as the load they carry and the amount of ability they have!”

Rashid’s path to North Shore’s gym and classrooms began long before he was familiar with the school and its traditions. He was born and grew up in Alexandria, a town in central Louisiana. Most of his extended family still lives in the South; his dad in Georgia, his mom and maternal relatives in Louisiana. His high school academics and athletic abilities attracted positive attention from several universities, giving him the flexibility to choose where he wanted to study. He chose Rice University in Houston. Rashid played basketball as a point guard all four years at Rice, while he majored in mathematics and psychology (and jokes that “mathematics is slightly more useful than psychology”). During his entire stay at Rice, he also tutored math, a predictor of his future. In 2005, his fifth year, he continued playing, but he also got a taste of what coaching entails: He broke down films of games in the thenfledgling WNBA (watching scoring and defensive patterns for teams and individual players), did some scouting and also coached a team in Houston’s local Amateur Athletic Union network. He might have become a graduate assistant coach at Rice or taken similar jobs at Louisiana universities. Instead, he followed two former Rice teammates to Chicago and RMG Hoops, the basketball training business they developed.

Students also want to succeed, he said, remembering one night when one of his teams got back to the school late from an out-of-town game. The bus pulled in at around 1 a.m., and he planned to call in to ask that the students be given leeway to come in late that school day. “But the kids woke up, and they got to class because they had to present on different topics that day, and they nailed it,” he said. “The same kids who are winning the regional title in basketball are also representing the school in Model UN, are the kids who are performing in the play. They’re the same kids who are winning the conference title in baseball and the state title in soccer. Those are the same faces.” When Rashid is not teaching or coaching, he spends time with his family: wife Shirlene Sanders and son Carter, 6. “Travel is our thing. It could be Wisconsin, it could be Hawaii. I’d like to go to Puerto Rico next,” he said. Although he enjoys music, including R&B classics and modern hip-hop, Rashid admits that sometimes he just likes to hear his tires on the road, or in the gym, “sneakers squeaking and the ball bouncing.”

SUMMER 2026 | ACORN 25

FINDING THE JOY

IN READING

LOW E R S C H O O L S T U D E N T S B R I N G B O O KS TO L I F E T H R O U G H H A N D S - O N AC T I V I T I E S , C R E AT I V E S TO RY T E L L I N G A N D A S H A R E D LOV E O F R E A D I N G

ACORN | SUMMER 2025

T H I S Y E A R , T H E J OY O F R E A D I N G I S TA K I N G S H A P E AC R O S S T H E L OW E R S C H O O L I N WAY S T H AT A R E B OT H P L AY F U L A N D P U R P O S E F U L . G U I D E D BY T H E F R A N K E F U N D T H E M E , S T U D E N T S A R E E X P E R I E N C I N G B O O KS N OT J U S T A S T E X T S , B U T A S O P P O R T U N I T I E S FO R C O N N EC T I O N A N D D I S C OV E RY.

hat spirit was reinforced during a recent visit from award-winning author Matt de la Peña, who spent the day on campus speaking with students from junior kindergarten through 12th grade. (See story, page 8.) With the youngest learners, he took a more intimate, conversational approach — sitting alongside students to talk about picture books, imagination and how stories begin. He invited them to think about reading as a way of noticing the world more closely, showing how small details can grow into meaningful stories.

After gathering in the cafeteria for breakfast, families rotated through a series of literacy stations designed to showcase the many ways children learn to read — from phonics and comprehension to storytelling and creative expression. The goal, as lower school reading specialist Sharon Lieberman shared in her opening remarks, is not only to teach children how to read, but also to help them develop a lifelong love of reading.

He also talked about his own path as a reader and writer, sharing how he first encountered stories through family rather than books, and how those early experiences shaped his work. The visit gave students a chance not only to hear from an author, but also to see themselves as storytellers in their own right.

Throughout the morning, that joy was easy to see as senior kindergartners and first graders proudly led their visitors from one activity station to another. Students wore handmade hats inspired by characters from “Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast,” acting out scenes through readers’ theater and showing off some of the skills they’ve been learning. Later in the afternoon, the excitement continued with a virtual visit from author Josh Funk, who shared insights into his writing process, the inspirations behind the “Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast” series and even giving them a sneak peek at an upcoming project.

That sense of connection carried into other lower school experiences earlier in the spring. A reimagined Mystery Reader community time activity brought students together across grade levels. Teachers signed up to host small-group read-aloud sessions, while students were thoughtfully placed into mixed-age groups. The only clue to what awaited them came in the form of colorful, anonymous posters lining the hallways — each hinting at a story, but not the reader or location. On the day of the event, students dispersed to their groups, where older and younger learners connected over a shared story. Some listened to picture books, others to chapter excerpts, often followed by a handson activity or discussion. The format built anticipation while reinforcing an essential idea: Reading is not just an individual skill, but a shared experience. That sense of connection continued during SK and first grade Reading Day, a reimagined version of the school’s longtime evening event. Now held in the morning, the program invited students and a special grown-up to campus for a breakfast filled with books, conversation and hands-on learning — an adjustment that better supports students’ energy and schedules while preserving the spirit of the tradition.

“Every child is on their own literacy journey,” Sharon said. “The best thing you can do is simply have fun reading with your child and engaging with the book.”

Taken together, these experiences reflect a shared philosophy: Reading is not just a skill to be mastered, but an experience to be enjoyed. Whether through a visiting author’s invitation to “notice the world” or through hands-on storytelling with classmates and families, lower school students are discovering that books can spark curiosity, creativity and connection. And in doing so, they are building something that lasts far beyond the classroom — a genuine, lasting joy in reading. 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.

SUMMER 2026 | ACORN 27

n a sixth grade classroom at North Shore Country Day, topics like macaroni and cheese, chocolate, fashion and even hockey legend Jeremy Roenick become the foundation for something much deeper: research, storytelling and self-discovery. Each year, students in Sarah Walsh’s humanities class take on the Museum Project, an interdisciplinary experience that begins with a simple premise — choose any topic — and evolves into a rigorous exploration of research, writing and creative expression.

FROM MAC AND CHEESE

TO MASTERY S I X T H G R A D E M U S EU M PR O J EC T B U I L D S RESE ARCH SKILLS AND CONFIDENCE

28 ACORN | SUMMER 2026

“They can pick anything,” Sarah said. “But it has to be something they can research.”

Building the Foundation Before students ever begin designing their exhibits, they start with the fundamentals: how to find, evaluate and use information. “We talk about what makes a good source. What is a reliable source? What is credible?” Sarah said. “That’s actually how we start off — evaluating sources and what is trustworthy. So it's building in media literacy, which is really important.” Working with Jared Branahl, the middle and upper school information and media literacy librarian, students learn to navigate databases, track sources and cite their work properly. Along the way, they practice paraphrasing, identifying main ideas and distinguishing between strong and weak information.

“A lot of the project is about how to do the research, how to cite research, how to paraphrase,” Sarah said. “How do you know if something is trustworthy and reliable?”

From Interest to Inquiry What begins as a personal interest often becomes something more complex. “I’m always impressed by how once they start doing their research, they find an avenue or a subtopic that they are particularly interested in,” Sarah said. “They become experts by the end.” That process isn’t always easy. Students are often challenged to rethink their approach, narrowing or expanding their focus as needed. This year, a student interested in chocolate ended up drilling down and exploring the history of hot chocolate as a beverage. Another student who initially planned to research the Chicago-style hot dog broadened their scope to compare regional variations across the country.

“That kind of meta-level thinking — ‘Is this going to work? Do I need to zoom in or zoom out?’ — that’s a really important skill,” Sarah said. “It’s a hard thing to do, especially for a big project, but this is a safe place for them to say, ‘I need to start over.’” Even projects that seem simple at first can quickly become more demanding. Two students chose to create museums about each other, thinking it would be easy, but they soon realized they still needed to conduct in-depth research, exploring family histories and cultural backgrounds. “I expected them to quit,” Sarah said. “But they didn’t. They were really creative and found ways of getting the information. I was actually really impressed.”

Telling a Story After completing their research, students shift their focus to storytelling. Each museum includes a curator’s statement and a carefully selected set of artifacts — images, maps and objects — that work together to communicate a central idea. “We talk about how you’re going to tell a story,” Sarah said. “What do you want your visitor to come away with?” That storytelling extends beyond writing. In the Live+Serve Laboratory, students spend a week

bringing their ideas to life, working with Live+Serve Lab Director Drea Gallaga and middle school digital media and design teacher Gerald Daye to design and build their exhibits. “It’s where the fun stuff starts,” Sarah said. “The kids have a vision, but they don’t always know how to make it happen, and Drea and Gerald help them with that.” The results are as varied as the students themselves: an Indian restaurant complete with a spice

cabinet of labeled ingredients, an interactive Rubik’s Cube challenge and even a special guest appearance from Jeremy Roenick, arranged through a family connection.

A Creative, Collaborative Process Unlike more traditional assignments, the Museum Project is intentionally open-ended — and a bit messy. “It’s noisy, there’s a lot of movement,” Sarah said. “But it’s because they’re collaborating and talking to each other and giving each other ideas.” That environment requires a shift in mindset. “It’s a process that I don’t have very much control over,” she explained. “As a teacher, it’s really hard sometimes to give up control of a classroom. But when you see what they come up with in the end, it’s so clear that giving up control is really important sometimes.” At its core, the project connects directly to the sixth grade humanities curriculum, which emphasizes identity development. “This is a chance for them to start figuring out who they are and what is important to them,” Sarah said. “It might sound silly to say macaroni and cheese is part of your identity, but if it’s something your family makes together, that matters.” Student choice plays a critical role in that process. “They get to be an expert in something that matters to them,” Sarah said. “They get to show off who they are.”

Sharing Their Work This year, students were so excited about their projects that they asked to share them beyond their own grade. The result was a middle schoolwide gallery walk, where older students stopped by to ask questions and explore each exhibit. “They’re proud of their work, and they want to show it off,” Sarah said. For many students, that moment of sharing is transformative. “When seventh and eighth graders are walking around asking them questions and they can say, ‘Yeah, I am an expert in that,’” Sarah said, “that builds confidence.” For Sarah, the most meaningful outcome isn’t just the finished product — it’s the sense of ownership students feel along the way. “They always say, ‘I think I’m done,’” Sarah said. “And I say, ‘Are you proud of it?’ And when they say ‘yes,’ that feels so good.” It’s a project students remember long after it’s over, not just for what they created, but for what they discovered about themselves. “I hope a parent would see how unique each project is,” Sarah said. “Every student does something so wildly different, but they’re still enthusiastic and engaged. This is a space where we encourage kids to explore their passions, to be creative and to figure out who they are.”

SUMMER 2026 | ACORN 29

Entrepreneurship in Focus C R O S S - D I S C I P L I N A RY C O L L A B O R AT I O N B R I N G S S T U D E N T V E N T U R E S TO L I F E T H R O U G H P H OTO G R A P H Y, B R A N D I N G A N D R E A L-WO R L D S TO RY T E L L I N G

What does it take to turn an idea into something real? In North Shore Country Day’s upper school entrepreneurship class, students spend the year answering that question — brainstorming solutions to real-world problems, researching audiences, building brands and learning how to adapt when ideas don’t go as planned. This spring, a new collaboration with digital photography added another layer to that process, asking students not only to define their vision but also to communicate it visually. The partnership paired students in Drea Gallaga’s entrepreneurship class with students in Jonathan Gibby’s digital photography class. Entrepreneurship students acted as clients, sharing their business ideas, goals and target audiences, while photography students developed creative briefs and executed photo shoots designed to capture each brand’s identity. “For my students, it’s about understanding what it’s like to hire somebody to do something for your business and being able to articulate your vision clearly enough that the photographer can 30 ACORN | SUMMER 2026

translate it into a visual image,” said Drea, director of the Live+Serve Laboratory and upper school humanities teacher. The entrepreneurship course begins with students learning the foundations of entrepreneurship — from design thinking and branding to interviewing, market research and business models — before developing projects of their own. “It really does focus on demonstrating your learning through real-world skills,” Drea said. “It’s very hands-on.” By second semester, students move into a more independent phase focused on launching their ideas and preparing a formal pitch presentation for the upper school. But Drea emphasizes that success in the class is not defined by whether a business succeeds or fails. “Success is about self-awareness and pivoting — understanding why your business is doing what it’s doing and making the moves you need to make,” she said. “While the class is externally focused on the business,

it’s really about understanding your own growth.” For Jonathan, the collaboration gave photography students an opportunity to apply technical and creative skills in a professional-style setting. “The idea was that students would spend the semester learning different photography techniques, and once they had those skills, I wanted to pair them with actual clients,” Jonathan said. Students met with their entrepreneurship partners, reviewed creative briefs and discussed the messaging each business hoped to communicate. “I wanted them to take all that information and come up with something creative that suited both their own artistic vision and what the client needed,” Jonathan said. The process mirrored the realities of creative collaboration. Some groups stayed in frequent contact while others worked more independently. “It really varied from group to group,”

Jonathan said. “Which again kind of mimics the real world.” The project also challenged photography students to think beyond technical execution.

and abroad, including Malaysia and Australia. “I’ve collected over a thousand now,” Nora said of the cards.

“I definitely weighted the concept more heavily,” Jonathan said. “I wanted to see how the images, words, ads and social media pieces all flowed together as a cohesive campaign instead of just focusing on one image.”

While Nora had already spent years organizing workshops and building partnerships with retirement communities and volunteer organizations, she said the entrepreneurship class pushed her to think more strategically about growth.

For Nora Pearson ’27, the collaboration became an opportunity to tell the story behind Roots and Grounds, the nonprofit organization she founded as a freshman.

“It really made me put in the work,” she said. “Ms. Gallaga has us set goals and present our accomplishments, and that really motivates me to get things done.”

Nora’s project focuses on addressing social isolation among seniors through free planting workshops and handwritten cards created by volunteers around the world.

Working with photography students helped Nora communicate her mission in a new way.

“There’s a lack of socialization that many seniors experience in retirement communities,” Nora said. “My organization addresses that through in-person planting workshops.” The organization also delivers cards created by volunteers from across the United States

“They really captured my organization,” she said. “I never would have been able to do that myself, and having professional photos is really valuable for my final presentation, social media and website.” Nora plans to continue developing Roots and Grounds next year through an independent study in social entrepreneurship. Among her

goals are pursuing nonprofit certification, expanding workshops into other states and strengthening international partnerships connected to the organization’s card-writing and storytelling initiatives. “I just want to keep on growing my organization so it can impact more people,” she said. For Jonathan, projects like this help students see creative work differently — not as something abstract, but as a collaborative process shaped by communication, strategy and audience. “I hope it gives students the ability to look at advertisements and other creative work from companies or organizations and demystify it a bit,” he said. “And that they can realize there are real people and teams behind those products and campaigns.” Drea sees similar value in giving students opportunities to apply their learning in authentic contexts. “There are no tests or quizzes,” she said. “But when you have to be accountable for your own progress and understand your own growth, that’s just as challenging. It’s very rigorous.”

Some of the photos produced by the digital photography class for clients in the entrepreneurship class. SUMMER 2026 | ACORN 31

WHERE IN THE WORLD? AC R O S S C O N T I N E N T S A N D C U LT U R E S , N S C D A LU M N I A R E D I S C OV E R I N G W H AT I T M E A N S TO L I V E A N D S E R V E

For some, the path after graduation unfolds close to home. For others, it stretches far beyond it — across time zones, languages and cultures. In recent years, a growing number of North Shore Country Day alumni have built lives and careers abroad, pursuing opportunities that challenge

ACORN | SUMMER 2026

them to adapt, connect and grow in unfamiliar environments. Their paths are rarely linear. They are shaped by chance encounters, unexpected turns and a willingness to step into the unknown. They’re connected by a shared mindset — rooted in curiosity, resilience and

a deepening understanding of what it means to be a citizen of the world. For Rachel York Halilov ’15, Vincent Luglio ’21 and Mary Sturgis ’12, living and working abroad has become more than a professional choice. It is a way of seeing, learning and engaging with the world — and with themselves.

TEACHING ACROSS CULTURES Since graduating from North Shore, Rachel has spent much of the past decade moving between countries, classrooms and cultures — building a life that reflects her belief in the power of global education. Today, she teaches world history to 12th grade students in Shanghai, at a school designed to prepare Chinese students for university study abroad. But her path there has been anything but straightforward. After North Shore, Rachel enrolled at Sciences Po in France, drawn to a

exposure to those histories. In Turkey, she encountered a different set of challenges — students who were more outspoken but less familiar with certain global events. Each setting requires her to rethink how she teaches, not just what she teaches. “You have to understand what background knowledge your students have — and what they don’t,” she said. “It’s about helping them make sense of the world they’re stepping into.”

program that allowed her to pursue her interests in politics, history and language simultaneously. She studied in Dijon, spent a year abroad in Moscow and later completed a master’s degree in history in Paris. Along the way, what began as an academic path toward research shifted unexpectedly.

That approach reflects her broader philosophy: that global education is not just about content, but about cultivating empathy and perspective.

“I started teaching almost by accident,” she said. “And I realized I loved it.”

Rachel credits her time at North Shore with laying the foundation for that mindset. Experiences like Interim Week, language study and close relationships with teachers helped normalize the idea of stepping beyond familiar boundaries.

That realization set her on a new trajectory — one that would take her from France to Turkey, where she taught high school history, and eventually to China, where she now lives with her husband. While her résumé spans continents, Rachel is quick to point out that daily life abroad is often more ordinary than people expect. “It sometimes sounds more glamorous than it actually is,” she said. “My day-to-day is pretty normal — I go to work, I teach, I come home. The difference is in the small things.” Those “small things” include navigating cultural expectations, adapting to different education systems and learning how students from diverse backgrounds understand the world. In China, for example, Rachel teaches topics like the Holocaust and religious conflict to students who may have little prior

“How can I help students survive and thrive in a different context,” she said, “rather than feel like a fish out of water?”

“I don’t think it felt like a huge leap when the opportunity came up,” she said. “It just felt like the right fit.” Years later, after living and working in France, Russia, Turkey and China, her understanding of global citizenship has evolved.

It sounds like a cliché, but people are more similar than we think. There’s no one right way to do things — and no one way to be a person.

“It sounds like a cliché, but people are more similar than we think,” she said. “There’s no one right way to do things — and no one way to be a person.” For Rachel, teaching abroad is ultimately about helping students arrive at that same realization — and equipping them with the awareness and adaptability to navigate a complex, interconnected world.

SUMMER 2026 | ACORN 33

CHASING THE GAME For Vincent, the path abroad began with a long-held belief — and a willingness to bet on himself. A standout soccer player at North Shore, where he helped lead the team to its first state Final Four appearance, Vincent continued his career at Colorado College. There, he experienced both early success and setbacks, navigating injuries and inconsistent playing time before finishing his senior year as the team’s leading scorer. During a study abroad semester in Athens, a chance connection opened the door to his first professional opportunity. Within months of graduating, he was playing in Greece.

The transition was far from easy. Living in a small port town near the Albanian border, Vincent faced language barriers, unstable team conditions and the isolation that comes with being far from home. Housing was uncertain. Communication was limited. The experience tested him both on and off the field. But it also reshaped him.

Now back in the United States for the offseason, Vincent is weighing his next move — part of a career that often unfolds with little notice and few guarantees.

“The most important thing I learned was how to be OK not being OK,” he said.

“Sometimes, you don’t know where you’re going until a few days before,” he said.

Through meditation, breathwork and a growing focus on mental discipline, Vincent developed tools to manage uncertainty and stay grounded — skills that became essential in a career defined by constant change.

Through it all, his perspective has broadened. Living abroad has exposed him to different cultures, playing styles and ways of life, reinforcing both the differences and commonalities that define the human experience.

That adaptability paid off when another opportunity arose. After a brief trial, he signed with a professional team in Gibraltar at the beginning of this year.

To him, being a “citizen of the world” means approaching those differences with curiosity and respect — an idea rooted in the concept of cultural relativism he studied in college. It also shows up in quieter ways. In Greece, Vincent made a point to support younger teammates who were often overlooked, offering encouragement despite language barriers. The impact was immediate. “It doesn’t cost anything to be kind,” he said. “But it can make a real difference.” As he looks ahead, Vincent knows the road will continue to be unpredictable. But his approach remains steady: trust the process, stay adaptable and believe in what’s possible. “The most important thing,” he said, “is believing in your ability to figure it out — no matter where you are.”

34 ACORN | SUMMER 2026

A WORLD OF SERVICE For Mary, the path to diplomacy actually started in upper school — she just didn’t realize it yet. “I would have told you I wanted to learn languages and live somewhere new every two to three years,” she said. “I just didn’t know the Foreign Service existed.” Today, that vision has taken shape in a career that has carried her across continents and into the center of global events. As a Foreign Service officer with the U.S. Department of State, Mary has served in Washington, D.C., Lomé, Togo and now Manila, Philippines, where she works as deputy spokesperson at the U.S. Embassy. Her role, like much of diplomacy, shifts with each assignment. In Togo, she served as a consular officer, facilitating visas and supporting American citizens in moments of crisis — work that could range from routine interviews to evacuations during political instability. Now in Manila, her focus is on public diplomacy: communicating U.S. policy and telling the story of American engagement in the region in ways that resonate locally. “You really do see how world events are playing out in front of you,” she said. “And how you are part of that.” While the work can sound abstract from the outside, Mary describes it as deeply personal. Whether helping an American family return home safely or contributing to long-term initiatives that impact communities abroad, the outcomes are often tangible — and lasting. “I really feel like the work that I do every day makes a difference,” she said. Her path to the Foreign Service began with a series of formative experiences rooted in language and cultural exchange. At NSCD, she developed a love of Spanish through close relationships with teachers and spent two summers in Latin America with Amigos de las Américas, an experience that left a lasting impression. After college, a

Fulbright fellowship in Argentina — where she taught, traveled and engaged directly with local communities — introduced her to diplomacy as a career. One moment in particular continues to shape her perspective. While speaking with students in Argentina, she encountered a woman who challenged her views about the United States. What began as a difficult conversation ended with something unexpected.

Mary credits North Shore with instilling the values that continue to guide her work — particularly its emphasis on service. “The end of all education should be in service to others,” she said, recalling a quote that stayed with her long after graduation. “That has been a guiding principle in every step of my career.”

“She told me, ‘You really changed what I thought it meant to be an American,’” Mary recalled.

As she looks ahead to future assignments — locations still unknown until her next posting — Mary embraces the uncertainty that comes with the role. Each move brings new challenges, but also new opportunities to learn, connect and grow.

That exchange clarified what would become a guiding purpose: to represent her country not just through policy, but through human connection.

“There’s so much in the surprise of it all,” she said. “Every day, you’re learning something new.”

In her current role, that responsibility is front and center. As a spokesperson, she may be one of the only direct voices from the United States that someone encounters.

For Mary, that sense of discovery — and the chance to serve others along the way — is what continues to define a life lived across borders.

“To humanize the American experience and represent my friends and family in a way that makes people think more deeply about who we are — that’s a huge responsibility,” she said. Living and working across cultures has also reshaped her understanding of difference and connection. While customs, languages and perspectives vary widely, she has found a common thread. “At the end of the day, people really just care about the people they love,” she said. “That’s universal.”

SUMMER 2026 | ACORN 35

Of course, it is a given that the academic program of a school needs to meet the challenge of preparation for the future endeavors of its students. But I learned very soon that North Shore was amazingly intentional in its core mission about the need of not only its students, but also its faculty, board of trustees and parents, to belong. I learned that it was clearly in my job description to understand that I would be spending the most important part of my time to protect the atmosphere of a community where everyone has a stake in

the success of everyone else. I learned that a sense of community is not automatic, and it also can be easily challenged if we do not pay attention. And at North Shore over my 10 years as head of school, I learned to cherish what makes that school so special.

A HERITAGE STORY Carrying Forward Shared Values By Richard P. Hall, Headmaster 1981-89 I made the decision a long time ago to include NSCD in my estate planning — largely because my experience there taught me so much about the importance of understanding the elements that make a school unique and whose mission is to affect the way students approach their future lives and endeavors.

36 ACORN | SUMMER 2026

Since then, I often have reflected on my additional 18 years of headships. Choices that my jobs have required me to make have so often been influenced by the lessons that I learned so long ago in the ’80s in Winnetka. And so … I reaffirm my choice to include NSCD in my estate planning, joining with so many others who also recognize in this way the shared values that they internalized through the North Shore experience. To learn more about planned giving, contact Director of Development Tracie Frederick at 847.881.8809 or tfrederick@nscds.org.

I would be spending the most important part of my time to protect the atmosphere of a community where everyone has a stake in the success of everyone else.

CLASS

NOTES 1930s This spring, we were delighted to welcome Bob Houghteling and his wife, Elizabeth, to campus for a special visit steeped in North Shore history. Bob’s father, the late James Houghteling ’37, was among the very first students to attend NSCD. During their visit, Bob shared stories of his father’s fond memories of NSCD, including his close friendship with former Head of School Perry Dunlap Smith’s son, Ham Smith ’37. It was a wonderful full-circle moment connecting the school’s earliest days to the vibrant community we know today.

Bob Houghteling and Perry Dunlap Smith

A LU M N I B OA R D DINNER The alumni board gathered at Happ Inn for its annual end-ofyear celebration dinner, where

they honored Marcia McMillan Hines ’56, who passed away in April. They welcomed new

members for 2026-27: Chris Avery ’87 and Claudette

Kankindi ’20. They also gave an official welcome to Vince

Fuentes ’00 and Lee Barker Savinar ’71, who both joined midyear.

1950s Rudy Ruggles ’56 continues to be actively engaged in scientific work and national security initiatives. Last fall, he was honored with the 2025 Ferguson Award from Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Honor Society, in recognition of his distinguished career. Founded over a century ago, Sigma Xi counts more than 200 Nobel Prize recipients among its members. Rudy shared that this was his first “grownup” award — making the recognition both meaningful and unexpected. Alumni Board member Marcia McMillan Hines ’56 passed away on April 5. Born in Chicago in 1938 and raised in Highland Park, Marcia graduated from North Shore Country Day and Smith College. She married Ed Hines ’53 in 1965, and together they built a beautiful life, raising three children and later celebrating 10 grandchildren. Marcia was known for her extraordinary dedication and work ethic. For more than 60 years, she generously supported the Woman’s Board at Rush University Medical Center, serving as board president from 1984 to 1986. Her commitment to service also extended to North Shore Country Day, her church and numerous other Chicago-area charities. In addition to her philanthropic work, Marcia was a gifted interior decorator with impeccable taste and style, and she made many lifelong friendships along the way. Always positive, energetic and wearing a warm smile, Marcia was an inspiration to many. Liz Washburn Borozan ’57 is proud to share that she is enjoying her life in Tucson and recently became a great-grandmother. She looks forward to hearing updates from her classmates.

Alice Marshall Vogler ’69 and Jill Witte Dillon ’69 1960s Alice Marshall Vogler ’69 joined Jill Witte Dillon ’69 in Panama for some

warm weather and great company at Jill’s home in Panama.

1970s Several alumni and friends attended Craig Johnson ’70 and Barbara Lee’s wedding on August 2. Pictured on page 44: Melanie and Bob Cody ’70, Barbara and Craig Johnson ’70, Jim Golden ’70 and Marie Reynolds. Not pictured: Chris Johnson ’66, Nick Johnson ’72 and Sarah Pugh ’69.

p Derrick Nedzel ’77 shared, “I’m still living in the Denver area and enjoying my time in retirement. I spend my spare time rock climbing, mountain biking and hiking. This picture is from a ‘Trad’ climb in Eldorado Canyon State Park in Colorado. The route is called Rewritten and climbs about 650 feet of mostly vertical rock. We climb focused on safety with ropes and protection from big falls. I just love the feeling of adventure!”

Trink Chambers ’59 shared, “Bill and I are enjoying life in Palm Desert, California.” SUMMER 2026 | ACORN 37

C L AS S N O T E S Karen Feinberg Ami ’79 completed her Ph.D. in creative practice from Liverpool College of Art. She said she can picture Doug MacDonald and John Almquist smiling from afar. Mrs. Josephine Peters Louis, mother of Tracy Louis Merrill ’78, Kim Louis Stewart ’75 and Jeff Louis III ’81, passed away on January 25. The Louis family founded NSCD’s John J. Louis Fund for International Studies, an endowment fund which supports programs like Model United Nations,

2026 Francis R. Stanton ’27 Recognition: Richard Appel ’81 WE ARE PROUD TO HONOR RICHARD APPEL ’81 WITH THIS Y E A R ’ S F R A N C I S R . S TA N T O N ’ 2 7 R E C O G N I T I O N F O R H I S C O U R AG E IN FOLLOWING HI S PURPOSE

travel abroad and international studies in the upper school curriculum. Through both her family’s generosity and the way she lived her life, Josephine embodied the spirit of community and global engagement valued at North Shore Country Day. Born on March 13, 1930, on an orange grove in Fort Pierce, Florida, “Mary Jo” was known from an early age for her confidence, fearlessness and determination. She and her husband, John, shared a passion for international travel, embarking on eight African safari adventures across the continent long before tourism was common there. Throughout her 95 years, Josephine approached life with enthusiasm, determination and grace, leaving a lasting legacy at North Shore Country Day and beyond.

A N D D E M O N S T R AT I N G T H E I M PAC T T H AT C A N C O M E F R O M E M B R AC I N G C R E AT I V I T Y A N D TA K I N G B O L D R I S K S .

Rich left a successful career in law to pursue his passion for writing and entertainment. Throughout his career, he has exemplified the curiosity, creativity and pursuit of excellence fostered at North Shore Country Day. As a writer and showrunner for hit television series including “The Simpsons” and “Family Guy,” Rich has entertained millions while demonstrating the power of storytelling to connect people across generations. We look forward to recognizing Rich for his outstanding contributions to the arts and entertainment industry and for the inspiration he continues to provide to the North Shore community and beyond. 38 ACORN | SUMMER 2026

1980s p Alums showed up to support fellow Raiders Liam Davis ’86 and Mark Bransfield ’86, whose band, Soft Opening, performed at SPACE in

Evanston on February 11. Attendees included: Bill and Cathy Kleiman Bartholomay ’79, Liz Miller Leonard ’80, Molly Ingram McDowell ’80, Ruhma and Rashid Gazi ’85, Chris Olson ’85, Steven Paige ’85, David Burnell ’86, Andrew Cuncannan ’86, John Diamond ’86, Paul DeWoskin ’86, Sarah Geist Rosen ’86, Rebecca Sabri ’86 and David Pascal ’87.

p Michael Fitzgerald ’80 visited Jay Server ’80 and his wife at their winter home in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Thanksgiving Day. Michael shared that it is always a pleasure to meet up with North Shore alumni. “My time at North Shore was short, yet the bonds I established almost 50 years ago endure to this day.” Jory Vinikour ’81 conducted a semistaged performance of Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s masterpiece, “David et Jonathas,” for Chicago’s Haymarket Opera Company at DePaul University’s Gannon Concert Hall on June 21. John Anton ’89 worked closely with upper school students involved in this year’s Dunk Alzheimer’s Basketball Bash, helping them design and produce the event’s official swag apparel. The annual Dunk Alzheimer’s event was founded by Jonathan Segal ’15 in honor of his grandmother, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. 1990s q Akiko Chizawa-Baron ’92 visited campus with her family and had a great time reconnecting with current faculty member Cindy Hooper.

SAV E T H E DAT E

A LU M N I CA R E E R DAY North Shore Country Day welcomed alumni back to campus for Alumni Career Day, an X-Day program designed to give upper school students an honest look at the many paths life after North Shore can take. The day began with a whole-group alumni panel featuring alums from a range of industries, including healthcare, engineering, marketing, design, the arts, sports management and the nonprofit sector. Moderated by Grace Flickinger Stupar ’12, the conversation emphasized curiosity, flexibility and learning through experience over linear career paths. Following the panel discussion, students transitioned into smaller breakout sessions with alums based on their ranked interests, allowing for more personal conversations

and targeted questions. The program concluded with a special reception for seniors, providing additional time for informal conversations and networking. For many students, the extended opportunity

to connect underscored the strength of the North Shore alumni network and the school’s commitment to its motto, “Live and Serve.” A special thank you to Rachel Cahan ’04, Xochitl Carmona ’09, Phoebe Casey ’20, Allie Charnas ’20, Jennifer Edidin ’94, Grace Flickinger Stupar ’12, Nico Gibson ’06, Gjyze Milla Hoxhaj ’06, Jonah LeviPaesky ’13, Lirije “Lily” Milla-Ceja ’10, Mark Laval Sanders III ’19, Todd Searle ’05 and Alex Vertrees ’07 for returning to campus and sharing their time, insight and experiences with our students.

SEPTEMBER 25 -26 Registration is now open! Special Welcome to Reunion Classes: 1946, 1951, 1956, 1961, 1966, 1971, 1975, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016 and 2021 Weekend Highlights FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 Alumni & Friends Cocktail Party Art Exhibit Opening SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 Raider Review Homecoming Lunch NEW THIS YEAR All Reunion Year Class Dinner Party on campus We look forward to seeing you for a great purple and white weekend. Go Raiders! Scan for more info or to register

LIVE AND S E RV E DAY On May 2, alumni families and friends gathered for Live and Serve Day, starting

the morning by collecting food and supply donations from alumni and community members. Volunteers then headed to the New Trier Food Pantry to help organize and support its ongoing work, putting North Shore’s “Live and Serve” motto into action. Special thanks to Luke Bakalar ’97, Cathy Kleiman Bartholomay ’79, Phyllis Beattie ’72,

Evelyn Gonzalez ’18 and Anne Hines Young ’77 for organizing. Participants

included Hallie Levy Barr ’80, Bill and Cathy Kleiman Bartholomay ’79, Phyllis Beattie ’72, Ross Blumenfeld ’03, Allison Kaplan Bosco ’03, Evelyn Gonzalez ’18, Tracie Frederick, Melissa Mesic Marshall ’97, Bill and Molly Ingram McDowell ’80, Ashleigh Palmer ’04, Melinda Roenisch ’80, David Sahlin ’77, Daniel Trejo, Maureen Wilde and Anne Hines Young ’77.

Questions? Contact Ashleigh Palmer ’04 at alumni@nscds.org

SUMMER 2026 | ACORN 39

Regional Gatherings ALUMNI AND FRIENDS CAME TOGETHER FOR THREE REGIONAL EVENTS THIS SPRING

In January, Jeni and John Elam ’07 hosted alumni at The Rainier Club in Seattle, Washington. Pictured (from left to right):

Art Wilde, Maureen Wilde, Jonathan Segal ’15, John Elam ’07, Ellen Kelly ’90, Peter Jefferson ’71, Ashleigh Palmer ’04, Tom Freisem ’76 and Betsy Bruemmer ’76.

C L AS S N O T E S 2000s q Bill Reitz ’07 and Kait Lavinder celebrated their marriage with family and friends in Boulder, Colorado, following their January 2022 wedding. From left: Charlie Greengoss ’07, John Elam ’07, Mike McGee ’07, David Reitz ’04, Bill Reitz ’07, Michael Kotler ’07, and former faculty member Frank Dachille.

Alex Moffat ’00 appeared in the OffBroadway musical “Bigfoot!” alongside actors Grey Henson, Crystal Lucas-Perry and Katerina McCrimmon. The production began previews at New York City Center Stage 1 in February 2026 and ran through April. 2010s Colan Biemer ’12 successfully defended his dissertation to earn his Ph.D. in computer science from Northeastern University in Boston.

Head of School Tom Flemma, host Kathryn Rieger, grandparent of Lilly Frezados ’31, and fellow alumni and friends gathered in Naples, Florida, in March. Attendees included: (from left to right) Kathryn Rieger, Greg Frezados, Ruby Sachdeva ’31, Vince Kelly, Lilly Frezados ’31, Cliff Gately ’75, Caroline Frezados, Charles Rieger, Kim Frezados, Diana Flemma, Rebecca Rubin, Jim Lumberg, Amit Sachdeva, Anne Kelly, Sarah Valliath, Tom Flemma and Estelle Miller Weedon ’60.

In May, alumni joined alumni board member and host Vince Fuentes ’00 for an evening of conversation and connection at Pryes Brewing Company in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Attendees included (from left to right): Vince Fuentes ’00, Frank Bacon ’55 and Arthur Handelman ’80. 40 ACORN | SUMMER 2026

Aleda Deuble ’12 was recently quoted in a New York Times article covering the close of Aspen’s final ski weekend. An elementary teacher at Aspen Country Day School and a dedicated skier, Aleda joined a large group on the slopes to celebrate the season’s last weekend festivities. q Julian Graef ’14 and Anita Graef ’13, award-winning classical violist and cellist, respectively, performed at the Levy Senior Center in Evanston. Former faculty members Barbara Castilla and Jackie Melissas attended the concert.

Josie Santi ’14, wellness leader and Winnetka native, was featured in the May 2026 edition of Sheridan Road magazine. Josie was spotlighted alongside several dynamic young North Shore women. Since 2017, she has helped shape the voice of “The Everygirl Podcast,” where she serves as senior wellness editor and podcast host. The digital lifestyle platform — known for its coverage of career, wellness, finance, travel and modern living — reaches more than 2.2 million readers each month. Ava Suppelsa ’15 has made a major impact in Nashville, co-writing songs that have amassed more than 250 million streams, including a double platinum hit that reached No. 1 in Canada. She also founded the nonprofit Hope on the Row, which has served over 25,000 meals to those in need — blending musical success with meaningful community impact. Sam Bottum ’16 defended his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from UNC-Chapel Hill and is now working at KLA in Silicon Valley as an applications development engineer.

p Emma Flannery ’17 produced the inaugural fundraiser for Huron Station Playhouse in Los Angeles, a new nonprofit theater founded by actor Alden Ehrenreich where she is currently the general manager. The event featured a staged reading of Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town” starring Robert Downey Jr. and Kaitlyn Dever. Coincidentally, one of the other performers from the fundraiser came to NSCD a few weeks later in January. Jeanne Sakata wrote the play “Hold These Truths,” which was performed on campus by Joel de la Fuente ’87. (See story, page 9.)

q Vivien Johnson ’24 and Gioia Beukenkamp ’25 met up with Kristen Kaczynski, director of college counseling, while she visited the University of California-Santa Cruz.

Tess Clare ’17 and Andie Mechanic p Tess Clare ’17 continues to perform around Los Angeles. During a recent alumni regional visit, NSCD staff watched her perform at The Viper Room in West Hollywood, California. 2020s q Several alums enjoyed time together at the University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign during Mom’s Weekend. Pictured: Billy Pappas ’20, Johnny Pappas ’23, Kate ’20 and Robbie Black ’23, Noah Youderian ’24 and Marissa Youderian ’22.

Kristen Kaczynski, Vivien Johnson ’24 and Gioia Beukenkamp ’25 Former Faculty Former faculty member Mary Roden shared that she loved her 20 years teaching at NSCD. She is proud of what it stands for, especially service and commitment to diversity. q Former faculty member Ceil Scanlan was visited by some current faculty this December during her shift as a guest barista at Will’s Place, a nonprofit cafe creating meaningful jobs for adults with disabilities. Ceil took time to “Live and Serve,” and fellow Raiders were happy to support her.

Rachel Olatunji ’21 shared that she is living in New York City and working for PWC in consulting. Friends from the Class of 2023, Walter Luglio, Johnny Pappas, Jack Ryan and Robbie Black, met up in Savannah, Georgia, for great company and a few rounds of golf. Michael Olatunji ’23 is a junior at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He started a semester abroad in London in January 2026.

UPCOMING R EG I O N A L S RAIDERS ARE ON THE ROAD, AND WE’RE COMING TO A CITY NEAR YOU! San Francisco, Phoenix, New York, Florida

Kathy McHugh and Ceil Scanlan Nancy Geyer Christopher, who taught upper school anthropology and psychology, and worked in the Business Office for a number of years, passed away on April 15. While Nancy will be remembered as a kind, dedicated, enthusiastic teacher, her true passion was learning. Throughout her life, any topic she encountered was apt to spur a fierce curiosity that drove her to seek out context, connections and ripple effects. The result of that curiosity was a body of work that included a memoir, three plays, countless articles, courses, reviews and books — including “The North Shore Country Day School: Seventy Years of a Community of Learning.”

Graduating Students of Color Luncheon Alumni, students, families and friends gathered in the Hall Library on May 14 for the sixth annual Graduating Students of Color Luncheon. Keynote speaker Lisa Doi ’09 shared powerful reflections on identity, history, and how our experiences shape who we are and the communities around us. Drawing from family stories, personal experiences, and the Japanese concept of “engi” — the idea that we are shaped by the world that came before us and, in turn, shape the world that comes after us — Lisa encouraged students to recognize the impact they have on the spaces they enter and the generations that will follow them. She reminded graduates that “every student after you will only know the North Shore that was shaped by you,” encouraging them to embrace their voices, honor their stories, and move forward with purpose. Alums Naomi Hattori ’02, Meera Sinha ’02, Ashleigh Palmer ’04, Evelyn Gonzalez ’18, Claudette Kankindi ’20 and Niabelle Comeau ’23 also joined, offering guidance, encouragement and support to the graduating students.

SUMMER 2026 | ACORN 41

C L AS S N O T E S

SEEING DIFFERENTLY

N O R T H S H O R E C O U N T RY DAY W E L C O M E D A LU M JA M E S R O B I N S O N ’15 B AC K TO C A M P U S A S T H E 2 0 2 6 H A R O L D H I N E S V I S I T I N G F E L L OW, M A R K I N G A F U L L- C I R C L E M O M E N T FO R T H E E M M Y AWA R D -W I N N I N G F I L M M A K E R , AU T H O R A N D D I S A B I L I T Y A DVO C AT E

42 ACORN | SUMMER 2026

C L AS S N O T E S A LU M JA M E S R O B I N S O N ’ 1 5 E N C O U R AG E S S T U D E N T S TO L E A N I N TO D I S C O M FO R T, C R E AT E C O N N EC T I O N S James spent the day engaging with students across divisions, beginning with a morning presentation for fourth through 12th graders and continuing with classroom conversations that invited students to think deeply about storytelling, empathy and what it means to truly connect with others. During the morning session, James shared his journey as a storyteller and reflected on how personal experience can become a powerful tool for change. A video producer for The New York Times and the author of the illustrated memoir “Whale Eyes,” he spoke about his work exploring disability, difference and representation in media.

Released to widespread critical acclaim, “Whale Eyes” has been recognized with two awards from the American Library Association: the Schneider Family Book Award and an Odyssey Honor Audiobook. The book was also named a finalist for the Libby Book Awards and the Audie Audiobook Awards and was selected as a best book of 2025 by New York Public Library, Chicago Public Library, NPR, Booklist and School Library Journal. Central to his talk was a concept he calls “out-trigue,” the discomfort people sometimes feel when encountering difference. Rather than avoiding that feeling, James encouraged students to lean into it, using curiosity and storytelling as pathways to understanding and connection. “What for you is a few seconds of discomfort,” he explained, “for someone else is just one in a lifetime of little moments that have made them feel like they're hundreds of meters below the surface, even though they're really just standing a few feet in front of you, waiting to connect.”

causes his eyes to alternate focus and turn outward, James shared clips from his short film “Whale Eyes,” published by The New York Times in 2021. The film invites viewers to experience the world through his perspective and challenges audiences to reconsider assumptions about disability. “I don’t have a problem with the way that I see,” James told students. “My only problem is with the way that I’m seen.” James also discussed his approach to storytelling — finding precise moments, flipping familiar narratives and using form creatively to deepen understanding. In “Whale Eyes,” that meant using video to replicate how his vision shifts. In his memoir, it meant designing pages that readers must twist, turn and work through to experience the frustration and perseverance that shaped his early relationship with reading. Throughout the presentation and the Q&A that followed, James emphasized the responsibility each person has to help others care — whether through art, advocacy or everyday interactions. He encouraged students to approach difference with patience, empathy and openness, reminding them that meaningful connections often exist just beyond moments of discomfort. “I only have one job, and that is to get people to care,” James said. “And I don’t believe it’s actually just my job. I believe it’s your job too.”

Established in 1986 in memory of longtime trustee and former parent Harold H. Hines Jr., the Harold Hines Visiting Fellowship brings distinguished

individuals to campus who exemplify North Shore’s

motto, “Live and Serve,” with an emphasis on ethical leadership and civic responsibility.

Drawing from his own experience living with strabismus, a visual disability that SUMMER 2026 | ACORN 43

C L AS S N O T E S

ENGAGEMENTS

births

Sam Dailey St. Peters November 19, 2025 Brandon and Ashleigh Cross St. Peters ’05

Matthew Michael Pompizzi January 22, 2026 Richard ’07 and Caroline McCarthy Pompizzi ’09

Ross Blumenfeld ’03 and Renie Stoller-Zak

Margot Eleanor Goldstein November 20, 2025 Adam and Madelaine Kukanza Goldstein ’08

Bradley Catherine Tank January 22, 2026 Erin Martin and Madeline Tank ’11

Rachel Mabie ’12 and Spencer Ferry

marriages

Craig Johnson ’70 to Barbara Lee August 2, 2025

44 ACORN | SUMMER 2026

Madeline Quinn Sirus December 6, 2025 Jonathon and Blair Francke Sirus ’12

Lily Doi March 6, 2026 Eric Langowski and Lisa Doi ’09

Stephen Johnson December 11, 2025 Dylan and Kenna Sullivan Johnson ’09

Blair Hinsdale Thomas May 8, 2026 Matt ’09 and Karen Block Thomas ’09

REMEMBERING FORMER FACULT Y

IN MEMORIAM Mary Sperling McAuliffe ’61 July 2, 2024 Sister of John Sperling ’66 Tom Moore ’64 December 20, 2024 Son of the late Philip Moore Jr. ’27 and the late Henny Boal Moore ’33 Brother of Ayrie Moore ’59, the late Philip Moore ’60, Lucy Moore Musawa ’62 and Lesley Moore ’65 Nephew of the late Ayres Boal Jr. ’25, the late Stew Boal ’25, the late Thomas Boal ’27 and the late Susie Boal ’33 Cousin of the late Franny Boal Corrington ’49, the late Lesley Boal Setzler ’54, Stewart Boal Jr. ’60, Ted Boal ’62, the late Nina Boal ’64, Winnie Boal ’69, Tom Boal Jr. ’71 and the late Phil Boal ’75 Walter Porter ’70 July 26, 2025 Jill Marie Wright September 24, 2025 Wife of Tom Wright ’80 Andy Johnson ’55 October 6, 2025 Mira Jedwabnik Van Doren October 13, 2025 Mother of Adam Van Doren ’80 Henk Newenhouse October 21, 2025 Father of Yan Newenhouse ’76, Astrid Newenhouse ’77 and Sonya Newenhouse ’84 Ronald Rosset ’58 November 1, 2025 Peter Eklund ’79 November 27, 2025 Scott Becker ’72 December 8, 2025 Son of the late Nancy Adams Becker ’49 Brother of Phyllis Becker ’70

Robert Todd Vieregg December 11, 2025 Parent of Dorian Vieregg Holloway ’78 and Bob Vieregg ’82 Irene Dettmers January 6, 2026 Step-mother of Jane Dettmers Bakey ’83 Jim Davis ’64 January 7, 2026 Brother of the late Robert Davis ’60 and the late Bill Davis ’65 Peter Kuh ’69 January 13, 2026 Brother of Audrey Kuh Straight ’65 Cousin of Cathy Askow Thompson ’69 Buzz Norton ’58 January 17, 2026 Husband of the late Betsy Loomis Norton ’59 Brother-in-law of the late Joe Loomis ’61 Father-in-law of Christine Griffin Norton ’87 Grandfather of Griffin Norton ’18, Colin Norton ’20 and Cece Norton ’24 Judy Kochs Shaw ’56 January 22, 2026 Sister of the late Herbert Kochs Jr. ’54 Josephine Peters Louis January 25, 2026 Mother of Tracy Louis Merrill ’78, Kim Louis Stewart ’75 and Jeff Louis III ’81 Linda Blumberg February 9, 2026 Mother of Tony Blumberg ’76 and Alan Blumberg ’83 Brian Hurst ’87 March 19, 2026 Brother of Matthew Hurst ’91

George E. Mitchell April 2, 2026 Former Faculty Marcia McMillan Hines ’56 April 5, 2026 Wife of the late Ed Hines ’53 Mother of Elizabeth Hines Bigelow ’86 Grandmother of Penrose Bigelow ’23 Nancy Geyer Christopher April 15, 2026 Former Faculty Mother of the late Jessica Geyer ’82, Peter Geyer ’89 and Katie Geyer Young ’84 Joyce Glasser ’55 April 17, 2026 Sister of the late Jim Glasser ’51 Conrad Plimpton April 19, 2026 Father of David Plimpton ’88, Sarah Plimpton Liebowitz ’89 and Steve Plimpton ’93 Louise Clarke Hough April 21, 2026 Grandmother of Vivien Hough ’17 and Will Hough ’20 Mother-in-Law of Betsy Schroeder Hough ’85

SUBMIT A CLASS NOTE We want to hear from you! Share your recent accomplishments and milestones — weddings, births, new jobs, retirements, alumni meetups and more. Submit a class note online at nscds. org/alumni-connect, or reach out to Ashleigh Palmer ’04 at alumni@nscds.org or 847.881.8848.

GEORGE E . MITCHELL SR . 1937-2026 Former longtime North Shore Country Day staff member George E. Mitchell Sr., passed away peacefully at home on April 2. George devoted more than 35 years to North Shore before retiring in 1995, serving in many roles over the decades — director of buildings and grounds, chef, loyal “customer” at the kindergarten beauty shop, helper and cherished friend. Our playground bears his name, and thousands of NSCD students remember him as a joyful and steadfast presence in their school days. His family shared that he had a deep love for NSCD, and the playground named in his honor held special meaning for both him and their entire family. It continues to serve as a lasting symbol of his connection to the school. They also expressed sincere gratitude for the kindness and recognition he received over the years from NSCD, noting how much it meant to him and how much it still means to them.

SUMMER 2026 | ACORN 45

ALUMNI REFLECTION Luke Bakalar ’97 AS A STUDENT AT NORTH SHORE FROM SECOND THROUGH 12TH GRADE, MY TEACHERS, FRIENDS, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCES VERY MUCH SHAPED WHO I AM TODAY. HAVING LIVED IN PHILADELPHIA, NEW YORK, MICHIGAN AND NOW CHICAGO, AND WITH CAREERS IN TELEVISION PROGRAMMING AND NOW REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT, THE COMMON THREAD BETWEEN GEOGRAPHIES AND PROFESSIONS HAS BEEN MY PURSUIT OF CREATIVE ENDEAVORS — A CURIOSITY THAT WAS SUPPORTED AND ENCOURAGED AT NSCD.

The more I reflect on my time at North Shore, the more I realize what a huge impact art teacher John Almquist, specifically, had on my life. During Interim Week, some friends and I elected to make a movie under his steady guidance. We spent a week shooting scenes and countless hours in the small editing room by the old Hall Library, piecing

together a story. It couldn’t have felt less like a classroom; the hours flew by. After Interim Week, I would occasionally use the editing room to splice together basketball highlights and add music. I remember sitting back and watching NBA dunks set to the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The sense of accomplishment I felt — born out of creation — was unrivaled. I suspect that feeling led me to a communications major in college and to a variety of entertainment and television jobs in New York City. And it was likely the lack of a creative outlet as I worked my way through those positions that inspired my return to graduate school. When I wasn’t in the editing room or the classroom, I often found myself in Mr. Almquist’s art studio drawing a fantastical three-dimensional city of my own creation. Each building was unique and time-consuming. Drawing the city worked my brain in a different way than math and English class, and the result was remarkably gratifying. I still have that drawing from nearly 30 years ago in my home. I had always been interested in architecture and design, and Mr. Almquist provided a space to explore and create free of judgment or criticism. Leaving graduate

46 ACORN | SUMMER 2026

school with concentrations in real estate and marketing — and a long-standing creative instinct nurtured by Mr. Almquist — ultimately led me to my current career in residential real estate development. In addition to fostering creativity, North Shore gave me opportunities I didn’t fully realize until years later. Small classes gave my ADHD brain the opportunity to focus, something I neither understood nor appreciated until I arrived in a large lecture hall in college and felt completely overwhelmed. Three seasons of athletics gave me the opportunity to push myself, gaining self-confidence along the way. Those experiences on the field and the court also taught me how to win and lose with grace, when to lead and when to follow, and that meaningful results come from hard work. Beyond the opportunities and support for creativity and exploration, North Shore and Mr. Almquist gave me the belief that a job and a passion don’t have to be mutually exclusive. I am deeply thankful for my time at NSCD and for learning that lesson at a relatively early age.

BURN BOOK E N E R GY

Ruby Waters ’28 causes a scene — in the best way possible — as Janis Sarkisian in the spring production of “Mean Girls.”

SUMMER 2026 | ACORN 47

LAST

LOOK

We don’t know what these students were supposed to be doing, but we’re pretty sure this wasn’t it. Help us decide how to caption this archive photo. Scan the QR code to vote for your favorite or write one of your own. Or if you have actual information about who or what is pictured here, contact archivist Kenleigh Howard at khoward@nscds.org or 847.881.8844. The camera was focused. The students were not. POV: You’re trying to take a photo, and your friend has other plans. An intimate portrait of teamwork, trust and questionable decision-making.